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 91

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 91

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Thomas E. LeCount was born in New York City, and he died very suddenly in the same city, Jan. 31, 1897. His early education was acquired there, although he later attended a private boarding school at Norwalk, Conn. Immediately upon the completion of his education, he entered upon

is en ab Wa ho e anc

396

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his business career, going into the stationery business. In order to become thoroughly familiar with the business, he spent nine years in the employ of Edward Kimpton, of New York, the then famous stationer. In 1875 he went to San Francisco as his father's representative in the large stationery estab- ishment of LeCount Brothers. After his father's death, he became a partner in the business, remaining until 1879, the firm name continuing the same. In that year he gave up his interests in the business, and returned to his father's homestead in Water- ford. After living retired from active business for some time, he finally purchased a general merchan- dise store in Niantic, just across the river from his home. This store he successfully conducted for several years, when he retired again, and so con- tinued until his exceedingly sudden demise.

Mr. LeCount was a consistent member of the Baptist Church of Niantic, of which he served sev- eral years as trustee. In disposition Mr. LeCount was very genial and pleasant, and in consequence made hosts of friends. He was a very domestic man, and very sympathetic in his nature. Temper- ate in all things he loved his home and family, and his death deprived them of a very devoted husband and indulgent and affectionate father.

Mr. LeCount was married July 12, 1873, to Georgiana Peck, daughter of William James and Maria Elizabeth (Sherman) Peck, of Stratford, Conn., and a descendant of several of New Eng- land's early settled families. Mrs. Maria E. (Sher- man) Peck, who is still living, is the daughter of John Sherman, a member of the same family as General William T. Sherman, and his distinguished brother, the late John Sherman, of Ohio. Mrs. Peck is also a descendant of Roger Williams, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. To Mr. and Mrs. LeCount were born children as follows: Editha Alianore is married to Charles Tebbutt, of New York City, where they reside; they have two children: Doris LeCount and Majorie Editha. Grace and William James died in infancy. George Elliot graduated from the United States naval training ship "St. Mary's" in 1904, upon which he had been bugler, and he expects to take up electrical engineering as a profession.

The late Mr. LeCount was a man of unusual ability, and morality of living. Purity and upright- ness of life were unquestioned evidence of the ele- vation of his character, and the sincerity of his moral and religious beliefs. He was of a charitable and benevolent nature, and always gave liberally to such causes. Everyone had confidence in his in- tegrity, his private virtues, and his enterprise. He was wise, strong and persevering. After a useful and prosperous life, the latter portion of it was spent in his beautiful home, where his father before him had enjoyed his last days, and where his widow makes her home, surrounded with the comforts and luxuries which true refinement provide.

HORACE A. BRIGGS, a respected citi of Norwich, now advanced in years and with a ford of splendid achievement behind him, was bif in Plainfield, Windham Co., Conn., Jan. 6, 182

So far as known the first of the family to come to America was William Briggs, a native of Er and. In early life he went to the Barbadoes, anduter came to the United States, locating first in I con, then for a time in Rehoboth and Scituate, and ally settling in Taunton, Mass., in 1690. He ha Įour children : Isaac, Elizabeth, Noah and William

(II) Noah Briggs was born in Taun 1709. In 1733, he married Miss Elizabe Trumbull, and he died in Voluntown, Conn His children were: Elkanah, Zepheniah, Eli: fethi, Freelove, Sarah, Susannah, Peris, William, ohn, James and Isaac.

(III) William Briggs, born in 1746, da in Voluntown, Jan. 22, 1840. He served in theger- olution and won the rank of lieutenant. Hi vife was Miss Elizabeth Gallup, of Voluntown, by som he had : Daniel, Noah, Benjamin, Samuel, faac, Hannah and John.

(IV) Isaac Briggs, born in Voluntown ir (776, was a prominent citizen of that place. His de oc- curred in Plainfield, Dec. 9, 1820, when he wa only forty-four years old. He married Miss (thia Gallup, of Voluntown, who died Sept. 12,. 857, aged seventy-three. Their four children ere: Asher ; William; Nathaniel, who died who five years old, Dec. 4, 1820; and Horace A.

(V) Horace A. Briggs was only a few : inths old when his father died. He was broughtep in Plainfield, educated in the common school land while still very young learned the trade of a fack- smith, which he followed for a number of y |'s in Windham and Middlesex counties, Conn., d in Massachusetts. In 1849, after having wor 1 in Edwin Wesson's gunshop in Hartford for abo two years, he went to Norwich, where he was in : race Smith's gunshop, then to Worcester for two ears of similar work, and in 1853 back again to Norich. He spent one year there making whale gr for Tracy & Brand, three years in Norwich an New Haven, working for Smith & Wesson, whowere succeeded by the Winchester Repeating Arm: Com- pany. His next position was with the Mailittan Company, where he had charge of the concer until he started in business for himself. In 1859 1: be- came connected with the Bacon Manufa ring Company at the Falls, and was thus engag 1 till 1868, when he sold out.

The Bacon Manufacturing Company w: suc- ceeded by the Hopkins & Allen Manufa iring Company, formed largely through the effi's of Col. Charles A. Converse and included besid that gentleman, Charles H. Allen, Charles W. Hykins, Samuel S. Hopkins and Horace A. Briggs, ile a little later H. H. Hopkins joined the firm Mr. Briggs was elected president of the new co bany,

, in K.

Horace A Briggs

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

continued in that position for over thirty Starting with a capital stock of only $5,000, 1 prospered from the start, and during the years alone paid dividends of over $76,000. In It. the company was reorganized as the Hop- kins Brig Allen Arms Company, at which time Mr. withdrew from active control of the concern, altho h he still remains on the board of directors. s always a hardworking and active man, spen g a part of every day at his bench, and when there ccomplishing more than any man in his em- ploy. quar [n 1900 the capital stock had increased to a of a million, the company had just put in muclew and valuable machinery and heavy orders werepouring in, when Feb. 9th, fire broke out in the pit and the factory was entirely destroyed in spite the heroic efforts of the fire department. Briggs has been twice married. His first as Miss Susan M. Stanton, of Voluntown, d April 9, 1869. She was the mother of four :, namely : Charles E .; Miss Maria S .; Lill- wife who child ian V who married Charles B. Cross, of Norwich, two children, Robert and Lillian ; Alwin D., s married in Boston, in 1881, to Miss Alice on, and has one daughter, Alice. His sec- fe was Miss Esther Green, of Mansfield, und they have had four children, as follows : C., wife of Leonard P. Church, and the of Natalie and Kenneth ; Edward, who mar- ss Martha T. Babcock, of Westerly, R. I .: Jr., who died at the age of two years; and iving at home. Mrs. Briggs is a woman of

and 1 who Thon ond Conn Hatti mothd ried Hora Nellie cultu

and refinement and a devoted wife and mothe

Briggs is a Democrat in his views, of the Id Jeffersonian type; always keenly alive to es and responsibilities as a citizen, he has active part in local affairs and has served mber of the city council, was alderman in and was nominated for the Legislature, ars previous, but failed of election. A hard who has forged his way steadily by indus- perseverance, to wealth and ease, he has in all this been actuated and guided by the dictates of honty and a mindfulness of the dues of others, and h

career is one which may well be taken as an

CHARLES E. BRIGGS, the oldest son of 1., was born at Voluntown, Aug. 23, 1853, educated in the public school of Norwich. While till in his teens, he entered the Hopkins- ops and has been at work there for more han 1 Jemo tons. vich, 1878, . c 1. & ty years. Like his father, he is a strong t, and much interested in political ques- n 1902 he was elected selectman of Nor- d is now filling that office. On Dec. II, r. Briggs was married to Miss L. Louise wwan, [ Norwich, and has two children, Harvey editor of the Norwich Bulletin, and Hor- igaged in clerical capacity for the N. Y., N. Railway Co., at Norwich. Mr. Briggs is a

man of fine intellectual attainments, is well-read in history, and has made extensive researches along geological lines, and has one of the largest private collections of minerals in the State. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and like the others of his father's family, attends the Congregational Church. Of a genial disposition, he makes many friends and is held in high esteem by them and by his fellow. citizens in general.

FRANK W. BROWNING, of Norwich, secre- tary and treasurer of the Uncas Paper Company, is a representative of the well known Browning family that for nearly two centuries has stood for all that makes a community law abiding, progressive and prosperous.

Nathaniel Browning emigrated from England about 1640, and located at Portsmouth, R. I. He married Sarah Freeborn, born in 1632, daughter of William and Mary Freeborn, and their children were William and Jane. On Oct. 23, 1645, he pur- chased a dwelling house and land in Warwick, and was a farmer in 1665. Later he removed to Kings- ton, R. I. His wife died in 1670.

William Browning was of Portsmouth and South Kingston, R. I. He was a freeman in 1684, and he died in 1730. His first wife was Rebecca Wilbur, daughter of Samuel and Hannah ( Porter) Wilbur. The Christian name of his second wife was Sarah. His children were: Samuel, born Feb. IO, 1688; Hannah, born July 16, 1691; William, born Sept. 29, 1693; Sarah, born in April, 1695; and John, born March 4, 1696-97.

Gardiner Browning, son of Samuel, was born May 1, 1761. On March 27, 1784, he wedded Izitt Cole, born March 21, 1763, daughter of John Cole. They were of North Kingston, R. I., at the time of their marriage, and their children, births of record in North Kingston, were: Samuel, born 12, 1785; Mary, born Oct. 4, 1787; Gardiner, born March 5, 1791 ; Gardiner (2), born April 12, 1792; Hannah, born March 28, 1795; William, born May 12, 1798; Sarah C., born Nov. 22, 1800; Izitt Cole, born Aug. 13, 1804; and Abby A. C., born Dec. 22, 1807. The father of this family died July 23, 1817, and the mother passed away June 18, 1843.

Samuel Browning, son of Gardiner, was born 12, 1785, and he was married to Eliza Pren- tice. The ancestor of the Stonington Prentice family was Samuel Prentice, who located in Stonington about 1709. He was a son of Thomas Prentice and a grandson of Capt. Thomas Prentice, a native of England, and first of record in New England in January, 1650, in Cambridge, Mass. To Samuel and Eliza (Prentice) Browning was born a son, Charles D.

Charles D. Browning, son of Samuel, was born Feb. 4, 1835. in the town of North Stonington, and died at Norwich Feb. 12, 1899. At the age of four- teen years young Browning came to Norwich, and began a mercantile career as a clerk in the store of

M stanci his d taken as a 1883- some work try ar

= Morac

and vear: the first

398

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Samuel Prentice, a merchant on Central avenue, in the village of Greeneville. In 1857 he purchased of his employer a half-interest in the business, and with the exception of one year he was engaged in business as a clerk and proprietor in the one establishment, and at the same location through a period of fifty years. For four years follow- ing the formation of his partnership with Mr. Prentice, the style of the firm was Prentice & Co. In 1861 Mr. Browning purchased his partner's interest in the business, and at the same time the building in which it was carried on; this he enlarged and improved very much. Eight years later, in 1869, Thomas A. Perkins became associated in the business with Mr. Browning, and the firm name became C. D. Browning & Co. For years branch stores were carried on at Hall- ville and Lyme, under the same management, but in later years the one at Lyme was discontinued. The business has been one of general merchandise, the stock carried consisting of dry goods, carpets, boots and shoes, and groceries. Through the busi- ness sagacity, good judgment and careful manage- ment of Mr. Browning a good business was estab- lished and maintained, and he prospered, as well as those who were associated with him.

As the years passed and Mr. Browning gathered means he was not content with the one business, but gave his attention to other lines. In 1873 he founded the Yantic Paper Company, which for years, and until it was destroyed by fire, gave employment to a number of hands. This company was engaged in making manilla paper, and of it Mr. Browning was president. He held an interest in the Norwich Car- pet Lining Company, and for years was its presi- dent. He was also a director in the Uncas Paper Company, at Thamesville. For years he had been identified with the banking interests of Norwich, was a director of the First National Bank, and was one of the oldest directors of the Dime Savings Bank, being in the directory of the latter institution at the time of his death.

Mr. Browning ever took an interest in the welfare of Norwich, all measures looking to its advancement and progress finding in him a hearty supporter. In 1875, when the village of Greeneville was annexed to Norwich City, he was one of the first two coun- cilmen chosen to represent that district in the city government. Two years later, in 1877, he was elected an alderman, and was re-elected in 1879, in which position he was an efficient member of the board of water commissioners, and chair- man of the board of police commissioners. Mr. Browning was active in organizing the Nor- wich Board of Trade. Some two years before his death he was appointed on the arbitration committee, to decide the question of damages caused by the city condemning the Bethel prop- erty on Central Wharf. He was, at the last meet- ing of the Common Council prior to his death, appointed city assessor. Mr. Browning's religious

connection had been for many years with the ville Congregational Church, of which he active member and a deacon. On the deatlı Browning, the Evening Record said :

"The death of Mr. Browning is a loss community. He was successful in busin had the full confidence of all with whom transactions. He was ever ready to aid in · ad- fine vancement of the interests of Norwich. I personal characteristics were best reflected ju his home life. The deceased was one of those 1 f1 the community sought when a position of trust fas to be filled. It was always a pleasure to me Mr. Browning, and he had many friends."

On Jan. 3, 1859, Mr. Browning was ma ped to Miss Henrietta C., daughter of the late .rve and Lathrop, of Lebanon. She died Sept. 6, 18 he married (second) May 13, 1897, Miss H fietta Woodworth, daughter of Oliver and arth

(Dowd) Woodworth, of New London. ]{ fol- lowing children, all born to the first marria- sur- vived the father: Frank W., of Norwich, onn. : Charles L. ; Henry P. and Arthur P., of Ne York City:

Frank W. Browning was born at the old humil home in Greeneville May 2, 1862, and was elcated in the public schools, the Norwich Free Afdemy and Eastman's Business College (Poughkee fe, N. Y.), graduating from the last named in: ution in 1882. Returning to Norwich, he was } five years in the First National Bank. In 13 h: became superintendent and manager of the l'antic Paper Company, at the same time fill the offices of treasurer and manager of the farpet Lining Company. He continued to perfon the manifold duties appertaining to these positic until 1893, when was formed the Uncas Paper Copany and he became secretary and treasurer of ney organization. Although a young man whenhe as- sumed the heavy responsibilities of his in portant position, his natural executive ability any good training were brought to the front, and he 1 | been able not only to fill his arduous positions put to win and hold the respect and confidence of e 200 employes, with whom he is very popular.

Besides his connection with the Pape Com- pany, Mr. Browning is a director of the helsca Savings Bank at Norwich, and is direc and treasurer of the National Newsboard Comthy, of New York. Socially he belongs to the I rwich Club and the Arcanum Club. He has reac d the liated Chap- thirty-second degree in Masonry, being with St. James Lodge, F. & A. M .; Frankli ter ; Franklin Council ; Columbian Comm dery and Sphinx Temple of the Mystic Shrine. Republican in politics, but not active in pari work. Te is a and not at all desirous of official position.

In 1887, in Norwich, Mr. Browning w mar- ried to Miss Florence Perkins, daughter of r. W S. C. Perkins, a prominent 32d degree Man, af- filiated with St. James Lodge, F. & A. M Four

V/r this

399

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ren le blessed this union : Marjorie L., Carl Edwał J. and Henrietta. Mr. Browning and amily ttend the Park Congregational Church.

OHN GAGER BROMLEY, proprietor of the tiful Clm Hill Farm," and one of the prom- andactive Republicans of Lisbon, now hold- the cice of first selectman, comes of an old highl :steemed family in New London county.

larsto Bromley, his grandfather, was probably

in nington, but he came early to Lisbon, e he dson, ttled on the farm now occupied by his alvin D. Bromley. Here he spent the inder f his life, and he died July 18, 1854, eigh three years, his remains being interred e Amy cemetery at Lisbon. He was one of the know men of the town, and he took an active in pu c affairs, holding a number of town of- In p tical faith he was a stanch Jeffersonian ocrat.

Ie attended the Newent Congregational

March 28, 1802, Barstow Bromley was ch. ied t Nancy Yerrington, who died Jan. 18, fifty-nine years. Of their children is , age erved

e following record: (1) Joseph, born 3, married and resided first in Lisbon, 30, I

later 3

Montville, where he died May 2, 1880.

Almir born June 8, 1804, died Oct. 4, 1805.

Carol : M., born May 4, 1806, married Capt.

el Lo t, and resided in what is now Sprague. Jorn Aug. 8, 1808, was a school teacher,

Duane ost h life by drowning June 13, 1830. (5)

n Ba ow, born May 11, 1810, married Mary anchesided in Scotland, Conn. He was a cian, d was prominent in public affairs, hold- numer of offices, among them being that of Sen: r. (6) Sanford S., born March II,

was stonecutter and brickmason, in Lisbon, he d July 17, 1870. He was town clerk ·vente years, and also held the offices of se- an ar : Le school visitor, and was representative lature two years. He and his wife, ca Rhe, of Lisbon, had one son, George G., well Feb. 10wn citizen of Lisbon. (7) Elizabeth, 1814, married Christopher Browning, resided in what is now Sprague. (8)

ner, 2 el, bo April 20, 1816, was first a farmer, iter accessful merchant of New York. His wife v Lydia Bottum, and his second a lady ode 1 born nd, in which State he died. (9) Lucy ly 18, 1818, married John Gager, one largı

ount lied.

and most successful farmers of Wind- and resided in Scotland, Conn., where 0) Gurdon Chapman, born Aug. 23, was school teacher in early life, and died Fried

(II) Charles Jewett was born Dec. 22. 1 of the children of Barstow Bromley

lived mature years engaged at some period ir live n school teaching. arles wett Bromley, youngest of the eleven en of arstow Bromley, was born in the old in Li n, and received a common school edu-

cation. For a few years he taught school, devot- ing his spare time to work on a farm. Later, in connection with farming, he took up butchering, but after a few years gave his entire time to agri- cultural labors. After the death of his father he came into possession of the home farm, by buying out the interests of the other heirs, and in addition to general farming he paid considerable attention to the growing of fine fruits and berries, finding this line most profitable. Fortune smiled upon him, and at his death he left a goodly property to be di- vided among his descendants. His death occurred Oct. 28, 1895, and his remains rest in the Ames cemetery. In his political faith he followed the teachings of his father, and cast his ballot in sup- port of the men and measures of the Democratic party. Like all his family he believed it the duty of every citizen to do his part in the management of public affairs, and was never known to shirk any responsibility placed upon him, no matter how it interfered with his personal business or pleasure. He held a number of offices, being for years a mem- ber of the board of selectmen, part of the time serv- ing as chairman of the board. In 1880 he repre- sented his town in the State Legislature. For over thirty years he was a member of the school board. On Sept. 4, 1853, he was united in marriage with Sarah J. Thompson, of Lisbon, daughter of Edward

D. and Lydia (Kingsley) Thompson. She died Jan. 14, 1884, aged forty-eight years, the mother of the following family: (1) Lizzie S., who now re- sides in Washington, R. I., married (first) Levi Branch, and (second) Warren Green. (2) Edward Barstow, of Norwich, married Isabelle Barrows. (3) Charles T. married Harriet West, and died in Norwich. (4) Arthur J., a commercial traveler, re- siding in Providence, R. I., married Harriet Bar- rows, and has six children. (5) John Gager is mentioned below. (6) Jennie M. was accidentally killed at the age of five years. (7) Harriet L. mar- ried Arba Browning, of Griswold. (8) Calvin Duane, born May 7, 1870, received an education in the district school and Moody's Select School for Boys at Mount Hermon, Mass. He resides on the old home farm, and is engaged in farming and teaching, having taught school in Lisbon continu- ously for the past sixteen years. His political af- filiation is with the Democratic party, and in 1893 he was elected tax collector, serving until 1897, when he was elected town clerk and treasurer, an office he yet holds. In 1902 he was the delegate from Lisbon to the Constitutional Convention, and in 1903 he was elected a representative to the State Legislature, where he served on the committee on Finance. In the latter election he overcame a good Republican plurality, and received the largest ma- jority ever given a candidate in the town. In spite of the busy life he has led, he has not neglected matters religious. He is a member of Newent Con- gregational Church, and has served as superintend- ent of the Sunday-school for a number of years, and

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GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is a member of the Society's Committee, and treas- urer of the Church and Society. On Dec. 20, 1893, Calvin D. Bromley was married, in Lisbon, to Dora B. Phillips, daughter of Thomas D. Phillips, of Lisbon, and has three children, Mildred Irene, Cal- vin D., Jr., and Theodore Phillips.

John Gager Bromley, the subject proper of this sketch, was born in Lisbon Sept. 16, 1862, and was educated thoroughly in farm labors. His literary training was received in the district school. He re- mained at home until his marriage, when he went to Providence, and there he clerked in his brother's grocery store. For two years he remained in Prov- idence, part of the time in the employ of his brother, and part of the time as a conductor on the street railway. Returning to his native place in 1895, he located on his present fine farm, which he after- ward purchased, and has been since successfully en- gaged in general farming. He is thoroughly familiar with his work, and keeps well posted on all the up-to-date methods. His land is all under cultiva- tion, and the neat appearance of the buildings, and the well tended fields, all attest the careful and methodical farmer. For a time he was engaged to some extent in dairying, but abandoned it, finding general farming most profitable. His farm of 175 acres was formerly the property of I. S. Geer. Mr. Bromley also owns the old Bromley homestead of 128 acres.

On Sept. II, 1893, in Providence, R. I., John G. Bromley was married to Susie Geer, who was born in Griswold, Conn., a daughter of Sidney B. and Eva (Wilcox) Geer, and a granddaughter of I. S. Geer, former owner of the "Elm Hill Farm." Un- like the majority of his family, Mr. Bromley is a Republican in politics, but like them he is keenly interested in public affairs and is well posted on the current affairs of the day. Soon after he be- came a voter he was elected assessor, and in 1891 was elected to the Legislature, where he served most acceptably on the committees on Temperance and on Sale of Lands. In 1893 he was re-elected, and during the session that followed he held the office of clerk of the committee on Constitutional Amendments. Shortly after his return to Lisbon from Providence he was elected tax collector, and held that office two years. A number of years ago he was elected to the board of selectmen for one term, and in 1901 he was chosen first selectman, an office he is now filling to the very great satisfaction of his constituents. He is also chairman of the Re- publican town committee, and wields much influ- ence in the councils of his chosen party. It is char- acteristic of Mr. Bromley that whatever he at- tempts, he bends his whole energies to its successful completion, and he labors conscientiously to do his whole duty. His judgment and foresight are clear, and his advice is fraught with wisdom and sound common sense. His integrity is unquestioned, and in every relation of life, public or private, his char- acter is above reproach.

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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 91

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