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 98

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 98

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

towr ohn vich,

Newton has always been a resident of lid received his education in that town. augh chool for a short time, when a young Sir the age of ten years, Mr. Newton has ed ware he now lives on the Newton farm. is act life he was at different times engaged ricul al pursuits, but for some years past he ived red.

HARES FOX FERGUSON, who has at- 1 no

tle fame through the excellent small s anchunches he has built, is a native of the of G on, New London county, and was born hou

in which he still resides, April 5, 1859. illia

build

le car

P. Ferguson, his father, was born in York City in 1821. He learned the trade of in his native city, and when a young to New London, where he followed his for oton, me. About fifty years ago he located here he is still found actively engaged it buling. He is an expert judge of good , and his advice is often sought by ; well as other builders. He married lla Sil nd t .A.,

nansl users h, daughter of Samuel Smith, of Gro- became the parents of four children : n in 1847 ; William C., of Groton, born 0 ; Jal:s A., born in 1853, and now connected Benja Il hay

n's Dry Goods Store in New London, g his residence in Groton ; and Charles

Ferguson spent his early days at Gro- · his literary training in the schools is hche. He early became an apprentice to at bu ing trade under his father, and by the led his majority he was one of the

most capable of the younger generation of boat builders in New London county. He has made a careful study of his work, and is fully acquainted with all the modern improvements. Through his father and himself the name Ferguson has become synonymous for excellency of workmanship, and the small yachts and launches they build find a ready market. During the summer Charles F. is kept busy attending the boats which he rents to tourists, and also in personally conducting parties.

Mr. Ferguson has been twice married. He was married (first) in Groton to Miss Carrie Daboll Bailey, daughter of Ralph Bailey, who bore him one daughter, Amelia Bailey. At Center Groton he married (second) Miss Albertina Burrows Haley, daughter of John B. Haley, and this union has been blessed with one daughter, Amy Powell. The family is highly respected, and regarded as belonging to the substantial people of the town.

DAN D. HOME, the efficient first selectman of Montville, and one of the enterprising and progres- sive farmers of that town, was born April 23, 1861, in Montville, and has passed all his life there.

William Humes, his grandfather, was born in Scotland, and came to America in 1840. By calling he was an engineer, and for a time was engaged at his trade in the Rockland paper mill, at Montville, later becoming engineer in the Hubbard paper mill, at Greeneville, town of Norwich. He died in Greeneville in August, 1882, aged eighty-two years. Mr. Humes married Betsey McNeal, of Scotland, who died in 1845, in Hartford, Conn., and eight children were born to this union, viz .: (I) John was a papermaker, and died in Philadelphia, Pa., where he had charge of a paper mill. He married Jane Beebe, and they had one son, Bentley, who is living in Philadelphia. (2) Alexander engaged in farm- ing in Michigan, where he died. He married and left several children. (3) Daniel D. became a noted spiritualist and lecturer. He married a Russian princess, the daughter of a Russian general, and died in Switzerland, leaving one son, who is now in the Russian army. In searching the' records of his family, preparatory to his marriage into the royal family of Russia, he learned that two brothers in the family had some differences, and one became so indignant at the other that he changed his name to Humes, Home being the original name. This brother was the ancestor of Dan D. Home, whose name introduces this sketch, and who has used the original spelling since he learned of it. (4) Wil- liam H., father of Dan D., is mentioned below. (5) Adam died at sea when seventeen years of age, while on a whaling voyage with Capt. Buddington, in Greenland. (6) Collin, who is engaged in the life insurance business in New Jersey, married Lillian Edgcomb, of New London. (7) Christine and (8) Betsey were twins. The former is married and liv- ing in Pennsylvania. Betsey died when twelve years . old.

arles eceiv

428

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

WILLIAM H. HOME, who for over thirty years has been millwright for the Rockland paper mill, in Montville, was born May 26, 1836, in Edinburgh, Scotland, and came to America when ten years old. He attended school in the Quaker Hill District, in Waterford, Conn., leaving school at the age of six- teen, after which he was engaged at farm work for four years, being employed by Deacon George Jerome, Henry Benham and Gurdon Miller, all of Waterford. Then for a season he went on the coasting vessel "Allen," under Capt. James Car- bury, of New London. His next employment was in a rubber mill at Colchester, Conn., where he learned the carpenter's trade under Standish & Whitman, with whom he remained three years. He then went to Norwich, where he worked for Wil- loughby & Crowell, contractors, for two years, and during the year following he was with Myers & Bailey, contractors, of Norwich. His next employer was William G. Johnson, who conducted a dye mill at Montville, Mr. Home having charge of the cut- ting department for twelve years, after which for a year he was millwright in the Pequot woolen mill, at Montville, for Harry P. Norton. He then helped to build the Rockland paper mill, in Mont- ville, and in March, 1872, became millwright of the establishment, a position in which he has served most efficiently ever since. He is well and favor- ably known in Montville, and is highly respected by all who come in contact with him. He has never taken any part in public life, although he is a stanch member of the Republican party. His religious membership is with the First Congregational Church of Montville Center, and he has served on the Society's committee. Fraternally he affiliates with Oxoboxo Lodge, No. 116, F. & A. M., of Montville.

Mr. Home was married, Nov. 18, 1855, to Su- san Jeanette Bradford, who was born July 13, 1830, daughter of John D. Bradford, and they have had; two children, Charles Andrew and Dan Dunglass. The former, born July II, 1858, in Montville, is assistant engineer on the "Sprigg Carroll," the gov- ernment supply boat, and makes his home in New London. He married Nellie Watts, of Montville.

Dan Dunglass Home was born in Montville, and received his schooling in the district schools and Worcester Academy, which he attended for one year. Leaving school at the age of sixteen years he commenced work on the home farm, continuing thus until March, 1897, when he took possession of his present place, the John Randolph Rogers farm, comprising 220 acres. This land is in an excellent state of cultivation, and Mr. Home carries on gen- eral farming extensively and profitably. There is no more up-to-date agriculturist in his section than Mr. Home, and he has proven his ability in the public service as well as in the management of his private affairs. For nine years he was a tax collector, was constable for several years, and in October, 1902, was elected first selectman, being re-elected in 1903

and 1904. In political faith he is a strong pub- lican.

On Nov. 16, 1884, Mr. Home was ma ed to Miss Ada Idelia Woodmansee, daughter chuk- mon Woodmansee and Delia Chapel, of Ea me and later of Salem. Five children have bles . this union : Lillian Idelia, born Feb. 8, 1888, d. Dec. 17, 1902; Estelle Kelsey was born May 2: Sy1 ; April Mr fagre- fown, John Bradford, Jan. 2, 1895; Susan Fitcl 18, 1899; Jeanette Adelia, Sept. 22, 190| Home and his family attend the Montville gational Church. Fraternally he is well being a member of Uncas Lodge, No. 17, MD. U. W., of Montville ; of Thames Lodge, No. 2tI. (). O. F., of Montville, in which he has held 1 the offices, being past grand ; and of America incil. No. 84, O. U. A. M., of Montville, in which te has held all the offices and is past councilor.

DAVID H. GEER, a representative cilen of Waterford, New London county, and a ve fan of the Civil war, with a remarkable record, w. born June 20, 1844, in Waterford, and is a de: Fondant of one of New London county's oldest and not dis- tinguished families.

(I) George Geer, the first of that :ne in America, appeared of record in New London Conn., Feb. 7, 1658, the date of his marriage tilsarah, daughter of Robert Allyn. He was borrabont 1621, in England, and according to tradition was a son of Jonathan Geer, of Devonshire, who di. leav- ing George and his younger brother, orphans at a tender age. An uncle put ther [.board tomas, a ship which was to sail for America, ar which Ist re- George Conn .. 1682

arrived in Boston, Mass., in 1635. The liable record of them thereafter, is, that was one of the early settlers of New Londo in 1651, and Thomas in Enfield, Conn., le, set- lim b George Geer, immediately after his marri tled on a tract of fifty acres of land granter the town of New London. Later on, in $65, he d, om received from the town another grant of of 100 acres. He also owned a tract of la [ in the town of Preston (now Griswold), a part which he obtained by grant from the Indian achem. Owaneco, eldest son of Uncas, bearing dat f Dec II, 1691. He also held other lands. In 705 1 resided in what became the town of G on. (f which he was a selectman. His death oc red si 1726. His wife, Sarah, was baptized i Sal mr Mass., about 1640, sometime previous to he ather removal to New London, Conn., in 1651. a short time before the death of her husbar children were: Sarah, born Feb. 27, 1659:

ne die Thei nathan May 26, 1662; Joseph, Oct. 14, 1664 ; Han 11, Fel 27, 1666; Margaret, Feb., 1669; Mary, Mich 21 1671 ; Daniel, 1673: Robert, Jan. 2, 167 Jan. 6, 1679; Isaac, March 26, 1681 ; and

.Ann ·emia DOct. I. (II) Joseph Geer, son of George, borr 1664, married Jan. 7, 1692, Sarah Howardind h children were: Joseph, born Oct. 17, I6 (die

David H, Gas ,

429

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

lay I( [718) ; Keziah, Feb. 23, 1710; Sarah, Sept. 7,171 Benajah, May 31, 1714; Joseph (2), May 9, 17 ); Silas, March 26, 1722; Ezra, May 16, 724.

Jos 1 Geer removed to the town of Preston, onn., ame ather, t long after his brother Jonathan, and be- .nd holder, and, as appears on record, his jorge Geer, deeded to him a further tract f lancha the town of Preston, Feb. 23, 1706-07.

le ren ned on his farm until his death, which oc- urred ct as 1743. He was a man often called upon to biter in disputed cases, and also on com- itteeson behalf of the town.

(II lay zł Joseph Geer (2), son of Joseph, born 1719, married, Dec. 23, 1741, Martha Harris and their children were : Susanna, born Feb. 4, 1748 43; Joseph, Sept. 24, 1747; Silas, Feb. 7, 750; Gorge, Jan. I, 1752; Thomas, Feb. 29, 1755 ; [arthajuly 15, 1757 ; and Comfort, Feb. 18, 1761. he fir of the above dates of birth is of Preston cord, id the second of Stonington.

(IV George Geer, son of Joseph (2), born Jan. , 1752 married, and in 1801, was living in Ston- onn. His children were: Silas, Aaron, gton, izra, omas, George, Jefferson, Anna, Betsey, and Lura (twins).

hd Lu (V Silas Geer, son of George, and grand- David H. Geer, married Polly (or Mary) : Rhode Island. He came to North Ston- 1 1814, and there died in the spring of ther ( arkin, gton, $65. s children were : Maria, born in 1806, mar- ed a r. Maine; Joseph, born in 1808, married phia jewey; Sally, born in 1810, married George ewto1 orn i aleb

und (second) David Maine; Silas (2), 1812; Eliza, born in 1815, married ckwith; David L., born in 1820, was arriedthree times, and died in Rockland, Maine ; enry, born in 1826, married (first) Emily Maine d (stond) Mary Geer; he is living in North oning n. The father of this family was a sea ptain id also followed farming.

(VI ichmc

Silas Geer (2), born Nov. 12, 1812, in town, R. I., died Feb. 17, 1897, in Water- rd, C n. His parents removed to North Ston- ¿ton, Ann., when he was about two years old. He me to Waterford when nineteen years old, and ok up farming for two years, after which he le stonecutting trade, which he followed . He cut the stone ties used in the build- : first railroad which ran into the city of He served his apprenticeship with War- who was running the Millstone Point After cutting stone for forty years, most e at Millstone Point, he was engaged in or several years before his death. He was forward man, a hard worker, very tem- Prohibitionist, in fact, in political senti- s religious connection was with the First murch of Waterford.

urned his of bany n Ga tarrie the rming straig rate, int. ptist Mr. th, da

eer married, Nov. 27, 1837, Lydia Beck- ¡hter of Caleb and Esther (Beebe) Beck-

with, of Waterford, and children as follows blessed this union : (I) Betsey E. was married July 2, 1853, to Nelson M. Pierce, of New London, where he died. He was a brickmason by trade. (2) Emma M. died aged nineteen years and six months. On April 18, 1858, she married Ephraim R. Brooks, of Waterford. (3) David H. is mentioned below. (4) Alva S., born Sept. 1, 1856, was married Aug. 27, 1876, to Mary Hempstead, of Groton. He is a stonecutter, and lives in Waterford.

David H. . Geer was born in Waterford, June 20, 1844, and received his schooling there, leav- ing school when seventeen years old. From the time he was old enough to assist with the farm work he had attended school in the winters and worked on the farm in the summers. He took his books from school the day he enlisted, Feb. 23, 1862, in Company I, 13th Conn. V. I., in New London, under H. L. Sleighter, for three years' service. His reg- iment was connected with the Department of the Gulf. In July, 1864, he was transferred to the De- partment of Virginia. Mr. Geer was wounded at the battle of Opequon Creek, in Virginia (which was fought under the command of General Sheri- dan), receiving a bullet wound under the left eye, the bullet coming out at the back of the neck. He was left on the battlefield for dead by the surgeon, who ordered the blanket which covered him to be placed on the body of a wounded soldier that lay near him. There Mr. Geer laid for twenty-four hours without any covering or attention, when it was dis- covered that he still possessed life. He was re- moved to the hospital at Winchester, his wounds were dressed, and six days later it was discovered that he had also received a bullet wound in the left shoulder, around which the flesh was decomposing and infested with vermin. After about two weeks he was removed to the hospital at Baltimore, Md., where he was kept about a week, and then he was taken to the hospital at Philadelphia, Pa., where he remained several months. After being discharged from the hospital at Philadelphia, when his term of service had expired, he returned to Waterford. He there engaged in farming, and for one year also followed the water on a tugboat. In 1868 he pur- chased his present farm in Waterford, a tract of twenty-five acres, where he has since lived, carry- ing on general farming. Although he has attended so successfully to business, Mr. Geer has never en- joyed good health since he was in the army. To many his recovery has seemed marvelous, consider- ing the extent of his wounds. The left side of his face is entirely paralyzed, and his hearing on that side totally destroyed, as a result of the injuries he received. He draws a pension, very moderate in comparison with the injuries received.

Mr. Geer was married, May 10, 1868, to Jane A. Peabody, daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Baker) Peabody, of Waterford, and they have had two chil- dren : (1) Frank Wells (who was named for Capt. Franks Wells, who was Mr. Geer's captain in the

430

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

army), is a farmer, and is living in Waterford. He married Jessie Wells Brooks, of Waterford, and they have two children, David Burtus and Frank Well's, Jr. (2) Cassie Lydia married Frederick Ellsworth Nichols, of Waterford, who is farm fore- man for P. H. Fitzgerald, the contractor. They have no children.

Mr. and Mrs. Geer are charitable and benevolent people, and well known workers in the congregation of the First Baptist Church of Waterford. Socially he unites with Relief Lodge No. 37,.A. O. U. W., of Waterford, in which he has served as guide, and with W. W. Perkins Post, No. 47, G. A. R., of New London. Mrs. Geer and daughter are members of the Woman's Relief Corps, of New London. In political faith Mr. Geer is a stanch Republican, and is also a strong advocate of temperance.

JOHN LEFFINGWELL, for a number of years one of Voluntown's most respected merchants, belongs to one of the oldest families of New Lon- don county. He is a descendant of

(I) Lieut. Thomas Leffingwell, a native of Crox- hall, England, who was one of the earliest planters of Saybrook, and one of the original proprietors of Norwich. He was personally engaged in the Pe- quot war, was a warm friend of Chief Uncas, and gave him great assistance at the time the Mohegans were besieged by the Narragansetts, in the spring of 1645. Being of a roving nature, he made various trips through different parts of Connecticut, and on one of these excursions traveled along the land bor- dering Long Island Sound and the Thames river. Finally, at a spring which is still located near the present home of Daniel C. Leffingwell, in Leffing- well, town of Montville, he came upon Uncas and his tribe of Indians, who were camped near the spring. The chief and two of his warriors had cov- ered the surrounding country in search of a place to locate, selecting what has since been known as the Mohegan Reservation. Thomas Leffingwell was so pleased with their description of the land, and with the appearance of the same, that he de- cided to settle there. Two of the warriors returned to Saybrook with him to help him arrange his change of location and remove his belongings. During their absence of the Narragansetts from Rhode Island made an attack on the Mohegans, and being greatly outnumbered, the latter were compelled to seek shelter among the rocks and hills bordering the Thames river, where they were completely sur- rounded by the Narragansetts. Chief Uncas, realiz- ing his position, and knowing that unless provisions were obtained his supplies would be exhausted, and his men compelled to surrender, only to be massa- cred, a council of war was held, and it was decided that an attempt be made to reach Thomas Leffing- well, whom Uncas believed would assist him. One of the braves succeeded in evading the enemy and reached Mr. Leffingwell at Saybrook, informing him of the plight of Uncas, and his tribe. Mr. Lef-

fingwell and the three Indians lost no timeh con- structing a rough scow, which they filledwith all the provisions obtainable and brought throug Long Island Sound and up the Thames river. le Mo- hegans, partaking of the food, regained the length lost in their almost starved condition, ede an chief, Jut out attack on the Narragansetts, and after fasing them several miles captured Miantonomo, who was killed on the spot by Uncas, wh his heart. For his services Uncas gave homas Leffingwell land nine miles square, which tritory included what is now the town of Norwit The deed, however, was never recorded. He is also given several hundred acres of la deed of which was recorded, and w , the has since been known as Leffingwelltowi being a portion of Montville, Norwich Boz- a rah. There he built five different houses, one for each of his sons, all within hearing

stance of a horn. He was kind to the Indians andeloved by them. Mr. Leffingwell was always live in

public affairs, both of the town and Col . He died in Norwich about the year 1710, and : [ry, his wife, died there Feb. 6, 1711. Their de endants were numerous, and the name has been que com- mon in the vicinity where their first Ame an an-

's wife cestor settled. Thomas Leffingwell and had seven children: Rachel, Thomas, fiathan, Joseph, Mary, Nathaniel and Samuel.

(II) Sergt. Thomas Leffingwell was b

Aug. 27, 1649, probably at Saybrook.

(III) Capt. John Leffingwell, born Feb 1688, IZIO, 1690, Abel.

in Norwich, Conn., married (first), Dec. Sarah Abel, who was born in Februar daughter of Joshua and Bethiah (Gage She died May 9, 1730, and he married cond ), Nov. 17, 1730, Mary Hart, of Farmingto Conn. Capt. Leffingwell was made a freeman of tl Colon; in Norwich, in 1770. He became quite pro: fient in the town, acquiring, too, considerable of a estate. He died in Norwich Aug. 16, 1773. His hildren were : Elizabeth, Sarah, John, Mary, Abig: Lucy, Hart, Ruth, Matthew, Phineas, Eunice an Karo- line.

(IV) Phineas Leffingwell, born April 1742, in Norwich, married, Nov. 17, 1774,

zabetl Hyde, born July 9, 1746, daughter of Jab Hyde. of Norwich, Conn., and settled in that to1. He succeeded his father in the "Leffingwell Tarn" on the New London turnpike. Mr. Leffingw was a large muscular man, six feet, three inches i height. He died Sept. 23, 1797, in Norwich. His e died April 21, 1796. Their children were: hineas Simeon, Charles, Elizabeth, John, Ambi e and Henry.

(V) John Leffingwell, born July 21, 84, ir Norwich, married in February, 1821, Em Ladd born Sept. 25, 1795, daughter of Whiting idd, o. Franklin, Conn., where she died June 11, 18). Mr Leffingwell settled in Franklin, Conn., farr 1g, but later removed to Norwich, and occupied und or

43I

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the effingwells had lived for six generations. lied 1874, in the ninetieth year of his age. childfi were: George Lewis, born April 3, maded Sarah F. Standish; Charles Hazen, Dech.8, 1826, married Catherine Dixon, and y Hy: was born Dec. 18, 1826.

VI) in rm e he enry Hyde Leffingwell, born Dec. 18, town of Franklin, grew to manhood on When a young man he came to Norwich, er afterward made his home, and com- ed tehing, in which line of work he continued is lif enly His death occurred in Norwich, quite oril I, 1875, and he was buried in Yan- emeter. On Feb. 20, 1847, Mr. Leffingwell ied H riet L. Root, a native of Hartford, who suddly in 1873, as the result of an accident. too, interred in Yantic cemetery. They were arentof four children : John, born Nov. 13, ; Chadie H., born Feb. 5, 1850, a resident of vich ; eorge, born March II, 1852, who lives rovidice, R. I .; and Harriet, born Jan. II, , who! ed young. The father was a Democrat

olitic acter, sentiment. He was a man of upright aking the Golden Rule the guide for ctionsund he was universally esteemed.

ohn vich arly a ston whor ged a He move

fingwell attended the public school of 1 the Broadway Grammar School. At he commenced as clerk in the store of Waterman, dealers in flour and grain, le spent several years, and he was later lerk in the grocery of E. M. Frazier & tinued there until 1874, in which year to Voluntown, where he clerked for Heilk for some time. He then started into ess ( his own account, in partnership with Gard er, and they conducted a general busi- undeine firm name of Leffingwell & Gardiner, on lasting six years. Since the disso- old firm Mr. Leffingwell has carried on siness alone, and he has become popu- mong ime it s associates, and is respected wherever nown. His fellow citizens have shown confio ice in his ability and integrity by choos- im t 1 as udito land

i of t cery

r, in 1 for

various positions of trust, he having sessor, member of the board of relief, for several years. During the second Iministration he was appointed post- which responsible position he was re- ve years. In politics he is a stanch crat. r. L : L. 1 in t chi his s

ngwell was married, in Norwich, to haley, who died in Voluntown and is Yantic cemetery. She was the mother Frank, who resides in Mystic, Conn. nd wife Mr. Leffingwell married Mrs. all, widow of Edmond Hall, a well n resent of Voluntown; there are no chil- of th union. Mr. and Mrs. Leffingwell are deved to one another, and they are every- res ted as most worthy people. Fratern- e hcl; membership in Shetucket Lodge, of

Norwich, Palmyra Encampment and Oneco Can- ton, I. O. O. F .; and in the A. O. U. W. lodge at Voluntown, in which he has passed all the chairs, being now master workman of that body.

THOMAS WINN CASEY, who has been prominently identified with the granite quarry and monumental industries of New London and vicinity, and is one of New London's representative citizens, was born Aug. 1, 1853, in County Cork, Ireland, a son of John Casey. His grandfather, also named John, was a farmer in that country, and married Catherine Miller. He had three children, Thomas, John and Mary.

John Casey, father of Thomas W., was born in Ireland, where his useful life was spent, and where he died at the age of seventy-five years. He was a contractor, and for many years successfully con- ducted the quarries in the towns of Carrigeen and Curriglass, where he made his home. In addition he also operated limekilns, using the limestone from his quarries in making lime. John Casey married Elizabeth Winn, who passed away at the age of sixty years. Her parents, John and Bridget (Mc- Carthy) Winn, were farming people, and she had two brothers and seven sisters. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Casey were as follows: Thomas, Catherine and Mary died in infancy. Bridget mar- ried Michael Geary, and they reside in New Lon- don, Conn. John, who lives in New York, is a gas- maker by trade. Thomas W. is mentioned below. James, who is living in New York, was for many years engaged in a plumbing business, but is now conducting an undertaking establishment.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 98

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