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 85

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 85

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ancis rome siding t. I Cal., Sept. 25, 1885. They had : Williams, born Oct. 14, 1862, now in Utica, N. Y .; Jennie Leonie, born 1865, who married George Rodman reve, of San Francisco, where they re- le will. their three children, Rebecca Rodman orn JI/ 6, 1894), Elizabeth Watson (born June . 1890 and Agnes Arden (born March 4, 1899) ; d Lyd Maria and Edwin W., who both died in ancy. .3) Edwin, born Aug. 22, 1842, resided Cinc:hi ati where he died Nov. 2, 1866, unmar- d. (2 Lydia W., born Feb. 22, 1845, married chard [. Starbuck, one of the leading druggists Troy N. Y., where they reside. To this union re bo ancy 0 1S oy. N arch I rried Char rchan

two children, Edwin B., who died in nd Richard M., born March 27, 1875, gaged in the book-binding business in 6. Lydia W. (Woodworth) Williams died 1845. On Feb. 18, 1861, Capt. Williams rs. Sarah (Stranahan) Hubbard, widow Hubbard of Hebron, Conn., who was a for several years at Colchester, Conn., 1 daul ter of James, Jr., and Hannah Brown linor tranahan, the latter a granddaughter of ( meral Joseph Spencer of Revolutionary jor he, wl e portrait hangs on the wall of the State

bitol Hartford. Mrs. Williams' home was in

st Ha am, this State.

Capt. ingui on he

Villiams was a tall, well-built man, of a ed and commanding presence. In dispo- "as genial and placid. As an officer he card 1, kind and courteous, yet he always ntain the strictest discipline. His career as a tain v/; without serious loss of any kind. He 'd in fat capacity on many of the steamers of North line; but the one best known to the lic wa. perhaps the "Commonwealth," of which was it owner and first master. In this con- ion following article from the Traveler be of iterest.

TE NEW STEAMER COMMONWEALTH.

ng of the passengers on board of the steamer

tam nmony Ith," on her trip on the evening of the 19th of Ap 1855, from New York to Norwich, Joshua itt, E( r of the Independent, was called to the chair, Jeorge . Putnam, Esq., of the firm of Putnam & Co., , and G. Horton of the New York Day Book, were aries.

in Sec very eresting statement was then given by Mr. H. 'resident of the Norwich and New London mpany, explaining the building and construc- orton nboat of the Commonwealth," which was listened to with atten 1. fter th conclusion of the statement of Mr. Norton, on C. F. Briggs a committee of three was ap- e chair to retire and draft resolutions ex- e opinion of this meeting in relation to the hich they were passengers. Mr. W. J. Rose rk Daily News, Mr. Morse of the New York Mr. C. F. Briggs were appointed such com- committee soon after reported the following ich were unanimously adopted : n of ed by ive of er on · New ver. a T1 itions, :SOLVE it add

That we view with great pleasure this mag- on to the facilities which distinguish travel 1 States, and that we tender our thanks to Eas

the proprietors of the "Commonwealth" for the elegant and commodious steamer now placed on the Norwich and Boston line, assured that such magnificence and enterprise will reap a rich reward.

RESOLVED, That this boat reflects the greatest credit upon Mr. Alexander Hawkins, the architect, and all employed in its construction, and is worthy of the fame and experience of its tried and favorite commander, Capt. Williams.

RESOLVED, That in the elegance that so distinguishes this splendid steamer, we recognize charming influences and perfect taste of our fair countrywomen, of whose supremacy the "Commonwealth" is in every respect a happy and be- fitting emblem.

After the adoption of the above resolutions, Mr. G. P. Putnam offered the following additional one, which was also unanimously adopted :

RESOLVED, That we have especial satisfaction in the evi- dence that in the construction of this "Commonwealth," extraordinary care has been taken to ensure the greatest strength and safety-these considerations being, in our view, much more important than even the brilliant attrac- tion of elegance and comfort, which are so worthy of our admiration in this splendid vessel.

On motion of Rev. Dr. Beecher of New York Recorder and Register, it was resolved that the proceedings of this meeting be sent to the newspaper press for publication.

The meeting then adjourned.

JOSHUA LEAVITT, Chairman.

G. P. PUTNAM, R. G. HORTON, Secretaries. 1

Capt. Williams was presented with many tokens of the regard and esteem of his friends, among the most interesting, being a four foot solid gold and silver model of the "Commonwealth," and a solid silver trumpet. Describing the latter the following is taken from the Boston Journal :

INTERESTING PRESENTATION. NEW YORK, Jan. 22nd, 1856.

To the Editor of the Boston Journal :

The friends of Capt. J. W. Williams, of the steamer "Commonwealth," took him by surprise on board his noble steamer, a few evenings since, by presenting to him a costly and elegant trumpet. The presentation took place in the saloon of the steamer.

It came from the warm hearts and kind regards of his friends, and as a testimonial of the esteem in which he was held by the donors. Capt. Williams has not his superior as a navigator in Long Island Sound. He is able and cap- able as a sailor, gentlemanly and courteous as a man, and worthy of his position as commander of the noblest vessel whose keel touches salt water. The trumpet is of solid silver, the mouthpiece and bell are lined with gold. The inscription is as follows: "Presented to Capt. Jerome W. Williams, by a few of his friends, as a testimonial of their regard and friendship. New York, January 10, 1856." And upon the opposite side is a correct cut of his elegant steamer "Commonwealth." Upon the bell are the arms of the United States, the arms of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Neptune with his trident, a steamship, and a clipper ship leaving port.

Capt. Williams received the gift with marked emotion, and in response to the speech of presentation, said : "Gen- tlemen : This unexpected pleasure almost overwhelms me. I return to all my friends who have thus honored me, my warmest acknowledgments. I fcel that this gift is not merited by me-I accept it as a token of the regard and friendship of my friends-I shall always cherish it with the fondest recollections ; and I assure you that while I have the honor to command the "Commonwealth," it shall be

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

my highest aim to merit a continuance of your confidence, and esteem."

The meeting broke up amid the good wishes and warm congratulations of all on board.

BURLEIGH.

In early life Capt. Williams was affiliated with the I. O. O. F. lodge in Norwich ; but the lodge dis- banded. He was a member of the Broadway Con- gregational Church in Norwich, and was active in the building of the Union Chapel at Massapeag, for which purpose he presented a site and otherwise contributed liberally. In politics he was always a stanch and stalwart Republican.

During his active life he made his home in Nor- wich, but when he retired, he went to live in Mont- ville and purchased a farm on which stood the house where his father, during a serious case of smallpox had been tenderly nursed back to health. His farm contained some three hundred acres, and was known as the "Wells farm." There the Captain was suc- cessfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death.

In 1874, Capt. Williams and his wife made the journey overland to the Pacific Coast. The trip was planned in order to accompany his daughter, Mrs. Watson and her two children to San Fran- cisco, where she was going to join her husband, who had recently established a business there. Capt. and Mrs. Williams spent the winter visiting many of the points of interest on the Coast. On his return, he took up his residence on his farm where, sur- rounded by the scenes of his youth, he enjoyed for many years a well earned repose, after a most active and stirring life. Here, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, with a mind unimpaired, and with the steadfast faith of the Christian, and sup- ported by the devotion and tender care of his wife, he passed peacefully to rest. His remains were in- terred in his plot in Norwich.

CHARLES J. ABELL, present town clerk and one of the leading citizens of Lebanon, comes of an old and honored family, the first of whom came to the town about 1702. Our subject is a lineal de- scendant of (I) Caleb Abell, of Norwich, who mar- ried Margaret Post, born in 1653, of Saybrook, daughter of John Post, who was born at Hartford in 1637. The maiden name of the mother of Mar- garet Post was Hester Hyde, and she was born in England, daughter of William Hyde, who was also born in England and died at Norwich in 1681. Caleb had three sons, Caleb, Samuel and John.

(II) Caleb Abell, son of Caleb, born in 1677, married Feb. 20, 1705, Abigail Sluman, born in March, 1680, daughter of Thomas Sluman and Sarah Bliss. They had four children: Daniel, Caleb, Abigail and Mary.

(III) Daniel Abell, son of Caleb (2), married in 1729 Sarah Crane, and had nine children, viz. : Daniel married Lucy Bill ; Eliaphalet married Lydia Williams; Jonathan married Lydia Bliss; Mary

married J. Clark; Betsy married Joseph W Bissel, and their son, Clark Bissel, was governor necticut ; Sarah ; Elijah ; Simon ; Elizabeth. Con-

Hall- Bet- Lucy (IV) Elijah Abell, son of Daniel, marri| nah West, and their children were as follow sey married William C. Hills; Elijah marri Webster ; Julia never married; Daniel man fd Je- mima Burnham; Silas married Rhoda Wellr.

(V) Silas Abell, son of Elijah, was bor in the first frame house erected in Exeter Society { Leb- anon, and there he lived and died. By trade : was a cooper, and followed that occupation al: being engaged in farming in a small way. His deh oc- curred Sept. 3, 1825, when he was forty-thi years of age, and he was buried at Exeter. He hurried Rhoda Webster, a lineal descendant from John Webster, the fifth Colonial governor of Con ticut. She died Dec. 21, 1873, at the age of ei fy-six years. Their children were James Madison born Nov. 15, 1810, is mentioned below; Willia @ born April 4, 1812, married Harriet Spencer, wan me- chanic early in life, later was engaged a vagon making and repairing. Rhoda C., born .p. 17, 1815, married Ezekiel Haynes, who engaged farm- ing in Lebanon, where he died. Betsey I, born Nov. 18, 1817, married Francis F. Young, afarmer and miller, and died in Killingly, Conn. Ția A., born Nov. 29, 1818, married Oliver A. Bill in New Haven, where he was engaged in a hal and 1 died wood business. Silas P. born Aug. 10, 18 mar- ried Sophronia Robinson, resided in Exeter, there, where he had been a farmer and a p: finent 1 died man in town affairs, holding numerous off , and in 1860 and 1880 representing Lebanon in Leg- islature (a more extended sketch of him elsewhere). ppears

(VI) James Madison Abell, son of Sis and father of Charles J. Abell, of Lebanon, wasborn in Exeter Society, and had but limited advantage fior se- curing an education, living at home and assing his father until his marriage, after which he Is em- ployed as a farm laborer, continuing for five pars at one place. Later he located at Abington in . town of Pomfret, Windham county, and resided re for many years on a rented farm. Later he ret ned to Lebanon, and for several years rented far . He then purchased a farm of his father-in-1 , who retired from active life, and with his wife lijd with his daughter, Mrs. Abell until they died. e farn was located about two miles west from banon Green. Mr. Abell made some improvemes, and there resided until after the death of his ve, and he then made his home with our subject, i re dy ing March 9, 1896, after an illness of a few weeks

In early life James M. Abell was a L. nocrat but changed his views before he reached mille life He held a few of the minor offices in the ten, an in 1864 he represented the town in the Leslatur at New Haven. Mr. Abell was a memb of th old militia, and a member of the Congr ationa Church, in which he always took an active art.

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

On En. I, 1837, Mr. Abell was married to Sarah born in Lebanon, Oct. 15, 1808, and died 1881, daughter of James and Sarah

ngdd ay Tham

n) Congdon, who came to Lebanon from iode and. To Mr. and Mrs. Abell were born: ) Thi nas C., born Dec. 12, 1837, married in ne, If 3, Caroline Peckham, and has three chil- ›bert J., born April 25, 1867, married Mary

en : athv arles 10ma: d aft e tra Sarah L. born April 3, 1870, married Hunt; and Clarence born Feb. 4, 1875. :. Abell served in Co. C., 18th Conn. V. I., his discharge from the service he learned of carpenter and was later engaged in n 1873 he went to Linneus, Mo., where he r a time, and still later lived at Blue Rap-

ming sided , Kail where he is now living retired. (2) James ., bon Aug. 30, 1839, married Jan. 16, 1867,

len B vn. For many years he was engaged as a Colchester, and in 1870 he went to Middle- 'e he has since resided, being a member of : Robison & Abell, contractors. (3) John lay 24, 1842, married Oct. 4, 1870, Eliza-

iner i wn w e firm . borı th C. Loomis, and resides in Meadville, Mo., here 1 is engaged in a hardware business. (4) harles is the youngest. Cha J. Abell was born Sept. 25, 1848, in Leb-

on, ar was brought up upon the farm, attending : dist t schools and Bacon Academy at Col- ester. Jntil his marriage he lived at home, and

er tha resided for twelve years on a rented farm, ich w located two miles west of Lebanon Green joinin that he farm of his father. At the expiration le, in 1884, he bought his present farm, n knon as the "Huntington place," which had n in t possession of that family since it was pur- used m the Indians. He has improved the m, w h contains eighty acres, and he now en- yes ingeneral farming and dairying.

On ril 4, 1872, Mr. Abell was married to Robinson, born April 1, 1849 in Lebanon, of Harlow and Elizabeth M. (Loomis) The children born of the union were as

cy W ighte binso1 ows : ploy the American Thread Company of New Villard J., born Jan. 16, 1873, was in the k un k, an born itic vard in 20, . 24, a Lc failing health compelled him to give up he died in Lebanon Sept. 25, 1903; Anna ine 13, 1874, a graduate of the Willi- rmal School, married, Aug. 25, 1897, inton Hall, and now resides in Union : town of Naugatuck; Sarah L., born 78, is at home; Frederick M. was born 31 ; Charles H. was born Oct. 18, 1883; is, born June 7, 1885, was a member he cl; of 1904, Willimantic Normal School ; 1 W. 11 is k in ed, a as born April 20, 1887. In politics Mr. Republican, and was appointed town )2, succeeding Walter G. Kingsley, de- when the unexpired term had expired as elled to the same office, which he has ably I eve nce, giving entire satisfaction to all con-

cerned. He has also served four years on the board of selectmen from 1880 to 1884, and during his term of office many improvements were inaugurated and carried out. The first two years he was second se- lectman, and the last two years he was first select- man. In addition to these honors, he has served as assessor for eleven years, and has been tax col- lector two years, which office he resigned to become town clerk. For some years he was a member of the board of relief, and during the year 1883 he rep- resented the town in the Legislature of Connecticut. Religiously he is a consistent and active member of the Congregational Church, has served as clerk of the church for several years and upon several very important society committees. For the past fifteen years he has been chairman of the Republican town committee.

ROBINSON. The Robinson family, of which Mrs. Abell is a member, is a very old and prominent one, and her father Harlow Robinson was born March 26, 1820, in Westford Society, town of Ashford, Conn. He was but a boy when his parents moved to Chaplin, and while there he resided in the home of Deacon Knight, and attended the district school. Later he removed with the family to Colchester, and still later to Lebanon, remaining at home and assisting in supporting the family until removal of the family was made to Columbia, when he remained upon the rented farm in Lebanon. There he resided for fourteen years, or until 1860, when he purchased the land which now comprises the farm owned by his son Arthur N. On it he erected all the build- ings, and engaged successfully in farming, spending there the remainder of his life, his death occurring April 1, 1900. In politics he was a Whig, and later upon the formation of that party, he became a Re- publican. During the exciting period prior to the war, he was a very ardent anti-slavery partisan, and accomplished much good through his efforts along these lines. For eight years he served on the board of selectmen, and always took an active part in all matters pertaining to the advancement of the mate- rial welfare of the community in which he resided. In his habits he was very domestic, and took great pleasure in his home and family, being a very loving and tender husband and conscientious and wise fa- ther. He believed, however, in being firm upon matters of principle, and always did what he thought his duty, no matter what it cost. He, his wife and several children were prominent members of the Congregational Church.

On Jan. 1, 1846, Mr. Robinson was married in Lebanon, by the Rev. John Nichols, to Elizabeth Maria Loomis, born Feb. 4, 1826, in Lebanon, daughter of Ariel and Abijah (Williams) Loomis. She survives her husband, residing in Lebanon, hon- ored by all who knew her. An extended sketch of the Loomis family, one of the leading ones of Leb- anon, is given elsewhere. The children born to Harlow Robinson and wife were: Harriet Eliza-

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

beth, born Nov. 2, 1846, taught school for many years and now cares for her beloved mother. Lucy Williams, born April 1, 1849, is now Mrs. Charles J. Abell; Mary Eliza, born Nov. 12, 1852, is un- married; William Henry, born March 5, 1856, is a farmer in Lebanon, married Sarah Webster, and they have one child, Winnifred Josephine; Ellen Amelia, born Jan. 6, 1860, is the widow of Herbert Richardson, and she resides in Lebanon, her chil- dren being as follows, Alice May (deceased), Ethel Elizabeth, Inez, Herbert Harlow, James Leon and Harriet Bell; Frank Harlow, born Feb. 8, 1862, is unmarried and lives in Lebanon ; Louise, born Nov. I, 1865, was a school teacher for a number of years, and then married Earl Cooley, a farmer of East Ber- lin, Conn .; Angeline, born Jan. II, 1867, died in February, 1867; Arthur Nelson, born May II, 1868, married Mrs. Harriet (Gillette) Stark, and his chil- dren are, Edwin LeRoy and Arthur Leslie; Edwin Loomis, born March 2, 1870, attended the district schools, and was graduated from Norwich Free Academy, and in 1896 from Yale University, and is now a professor of Greek in Smith Academy in St. Louis, one of the most promising and learned young professors in the West. By his learning, erudition and complete mastery of the classics, Edwin Loomis Robinson has won for himself an enviable position among men of letters, and his future is a most prom- ising one ; he married Gertrude Leach, of Hinsdale, Massachusetts.

The Rev. John Robinson, of Leyden, was the originator of the Robinson family in America. His son Isaac had a son Peter, and Peter had a son Thomas, the great-great-great-grandfather of Mrs. Abell, the line continuing through his son Reuben, and his son Clifford, whose son William, was the father of Harlow, above mentioned.

RICHARD M. JEROME, in his lifetime one of the substantial men of New London, and a citi- zen who stood high in the esteem of his acquain- tances, descended from an old and honored family of that section.

The Jeromes were an old family in the Isle of Wight, but are now practically extinct there. They were originally French Huguenots, and fled from France at the decree of Nantes. Their coat of arms indicates that they were of high rank. Their wills are recorded as far back as 1503. Sergeant Timothy Jerome, born in 1688, in the Isle of Wight, came to America some time between 1694 and 1717, and be- came an inhabitant of Wallingford, Conn., where he died in 1750. His wife's name was Abigail, and his children were: Samuel, Timothy, William, Zerubbabel, Abigail, Elizabeth and Isabel. From this Timothy Jerome of Wallingford through the son, Samuel, came a branch of the Stockbridge, Mass., and Pompey, N. Y., family ; and from the Stockbridge family, descended through Samuel (above), Timothy (2) and Horace Jerome, came Hon. David Howell Jerome, Governor of the State

of Michigan, 1881-83; and from the same :quel of Stockbridge, on through Aaron, of Balste Land Pompey, N. Y., Isaac of Pompey, Palmy Fand Syracuse, N. Y., and Lawrence Jerome o New New York City, came William Travis Jerome, o York.

Hurd's "History of New London City" (1882) is the authority for John Jerome, wh game from England and was in New London, Cca. in the early days as the emigrant ancestor of theNew London family. This John Jerome married HEnal Turner, their banns being published July 10 737, and had three sons, Richard, Benjamin and Wiam.

Benjamin Jerome was born in 174 and married Dec. 22, 1773, Desire Brown, figh- ter of Benjamin Brown. Mr. Jerome settle on a farm in New London ; in advanced life pur-fased Big and Little Gull Islands, improved the and farmed the lands, still residing however in New London. In the cultivation of these islands was his custom, in the spring of the year, to trapport thither his yoke of oxen in a scow, towed by mall sail boat. He himself went to and from Newcon- don daily in a small row boat-a distance [hich at this day one thinks only of covering with power boats. When the season's work was over thexen would be brought back to the mainland in th fame way as they were taken over. Mr. Jerome .s of a social, genial nature, and lived to advanc life. Religiously he was of Universalist belief. H chil- dren were: Hannah, born July 22, 1774, dic July 12, 1845; Benjamin, Oct. 12, 1775, died . ft. 5, 1796; William, born Feb. 8, 1777, was lost [ sea in February, 1796; Richard, born Oct. 22 778, died May 26, 1869 ; Jesse, born Oct. II, 178 |died Dec. 5, 1867; Frances, born Jan. 25, 178 Feb. 25, 1817; John, born Aug. 31, 1783, die

diedl April 29, 1862; and Abigail, born April 7, 1785. early all the sons were sea-faring men, and two o hem, William and Benjamin, died on the Ist 1 of Corsica.

Jesse Jerome, son of Benjamin, born i what is now Groton, Conn., was twice married, fir Dec. 17, 1804, to Desire Rogers, born Jan. 5, 1 1, in Montville, daughter of Deacon Jehiel andAmy (Vibber) Rogers. Her father was a far r of that town, and a descendant of James Ros of New London, through Samuel, Daniel and z pheus Rogers. On Nov. 24, 1831, Mr. Jerome nfried, second, Harriet Loomis, who was born J . 29, 1797, daughter of Jacob and Salina tilda (Holmes) Loomis. Jacob Loomis was bor June 19, 1761, and his wife, Dec. 24, 1766. He vas a resident of Salem, Conn., and through Deaco (John, Deacon Samuel, Daniel and John, a descen nt of Joseph Loomis, of Braintree, who came from Eng- land to Boston in 1638, and on to Windsor, (unec- ticut.

Jesse Jerome was reared a farmer, and co finued through life in that vocation. In early lif with his brother, Richard, he settled on Plum Islal, but

Richard M. Jerome

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ter 1 ing rd. sider chased some 300 acres on the mainland, he South of Montville and north of Water- lived upon it for over fifty-two years, his being in Waterford. He, too, was of the niven list faith. Politically he was first a Whig, nd la ıdgm nd a pub llow eing nd fo ersall ears 3, 18di- ere : lay 3 Villiar usanr a Republican. He was a man of good : and ability, ready and quick of decision, n of a strong, forceful character. A leader affairs of the town, he was honored by his izens by elections to many public trusts, member of the school visiting committee, many years selectman, etc. He died uni- amented, Dec. 5, 1867, when eighty-seven age. His second wife, Harriet, died Feb. His children born to the first marriage nily J., born Sept. 28, 1805; Benjamin, 1807; Jesse Huntington, Dec. 29, 1808; N., Feb. 27, 1810; John R., Dec. 26, 1812; B., April 8, 1814 ; George T., Feb. 8, 1816; ichard March 1, 1818; Fanny, born April 5, 1819; Oct. II, 1820. His children by the second were: (I) Harriet E., born March 30, ried Nov. 14, 1858, Charles Prentice Alex- New London, and their children were: , born May 23, 1860; and Frank J., born 1870. (2) Augustus, born July 22, 1834,

lia A arriaş 833, 1 nder, harles ec. 14 ied O orn Fd nion ec. 13 as kill ik, V ov. 3.

17, 1904, in New London. (3) Elias L., 20, 1836, was killed while a soldier in the ny at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., 862. (4) Francis D., born Feb. 24, 1838, while a soldier in the Union army at Suf- April 19, 1863. (5) Miss Lucretia, born 339, resides on North Huntington street, th (6 Miss Hannah, born May 17, 1841.

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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 85

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