History of New London county, Connecticut : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 114

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1317


USA > Connecticut > New London County > History of New London county, Connecticut : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 114


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Capt. William was born in Mystic Bridge (Ston- ington), Conn., April 20, 1805. He was educated at the common schools of Mystic Bridge, supple- mented by two terms' attendance at the private school of Sheffield & Kirby, at Stonington Borough. He commenced active life by teaching school two years in his native town, and then for three years held a position as clerk in the store of Gilbert Denison, at the head of Mystic River. His health, from his sedentary life, was not good, and when twenty-three years old he went to sea in a fishing-smack to im- prove it. In three years' time he had regained his original strength, and then, with eleven others, formed a joint-stock company, bought the sloop "Mont- gomery," altered her to a schooner, and went on a sealing-voyage to the west coast of Patagonia. She sailed from Mystie, Aug. 18, 1831, and was the first vessel that sailed from Mystic in this business. Mr. Clift sailed as a common sailor, yet he appears to have had the whole management of affairs. The en- terprise and voyage was successful, and Mr. Clift im- mediately started on another voyage, this time as "master" in schooner "Mary Jane." This was also a successful voyage, paying the owners a dividend of one hundred and twenty-five per cent. net profits in twenty months. These two voyages were very labo- rious, replete with hardships and vicissitudes, and


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Capt. Clift endured great physical discomfort and dangers, being on one rock seventy-three days and nights, and on another forty-six days and nights. On his first voyage in the " Mary Jane" Capt. Clift was selected by the Foreign Missionary Society to convey two missionaries, Revs. Armes and Cowan, to Terra del Fuego. Knowing their lives to be not worth any- thing in the hands of the people of that land, as they were cannibals, Capt. Clift prevailed on them to change their destination and conveyed them to Pata- gonia. The unprecedented success of these voyages gave Capt. Clift great reputation as an able navigator, and he was invited to take command of exploring ex- peditions untrammeled by orders, and could have ac- cepted very high marine positions. But his sagacity and carefulness caused him to decline all these bril- liant offers, and, knowing that his was a commercial mind, he bought the schooner "Hudson," and con- tinued as master during the remainder of his nineteen years of seafaring life, the first five years of which were spent " before the mast." He never sailed for wages, but always for a share. His business capacity, shrewdness, and ability were rewarded by very hand- some financial results. When he retired from the sea he owned a part of a number of vessels, and be- came their New York agent, spending the most of his time in that city for fifteen years, taking care of the vessels and managing their business. At the same time he was extensively engaged with Nathan G. Fish and others in ship-building at Mystic, and him- self purchased all the material demanded in New York. In 1865 he retired from active business. Every vessel that he ever had anything to do with was suc- cessful, never failing to declare a dividend. He was a man of careful system, and for many years no policy of insurance was carried on his vessels, and not a dol- lar was lost. One of his peremptory rules on ship- board was that no one, sailor, officer, or passenger, should swear, play cards, or drink liquor.


Capt. Clift was chosen director in "Mystic River Bank," Aug. 1, 1854, and has been in the board since. He was elected its president Aug. 24, 1870, and held the office until June 7, 1881, when he resigned it on account of his failing health. When the Groton Savings-Bank was organized, July 3, 1854, he was elected vice-president ; elected its president, Sept. 6, 1870, and held that position until July 27, 1875, when he declined a re-election, but accepted that of vice- president, which office he still holds. He was presi- dent of the Elm Grove Cemetery Association from April 16, 1866, to April 11, 1881.


He never held any political office, although doing much as a private citizen to help his party, which in early life was Whig, and since 1856 Republican. In religious matters he has been very active for the last ten or twelve years, using his money very lib- erally and freely in building up not only the Union Baptist Church, of which he has been for years an es- teemed member, but all good enterprises. He is


always giving, and lavishly, to charitable societies, educational projects, and all good objects, and is par- ticularly generous to the poor.


Capt. Clift married, June 18, 1833, Bridget, daugh- ter of Sands Fish, of Groton. They had two children, Mary H. (Mrs. Edward Y. Foote) and Hannalı F., both of whom are living. Their mother died Sept. 17, 1845. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Daniel Burrows, of Middletown, Sept. 16, 1846. She dicd Jan. 10, 1865.


In the fullness of years, honored by the confidence and love of the better part of the community, Capt. Clift can have the satisfaction of knowing that he has worthily and honorably passed a useful and laborious career, and that his memory will be forever a sweet remembrance in the hearts of a large circle of friends.


Hon. Nathan G. Fish .- The Fish family can claim a very early Saxon existence. The original name, traced in the rolls of German nobility, is Fisch, and runs back to a remote era. At a time not definitely ascertained a branch of the family removed to Eng- land, and from this English line three brothers, it ap- pears, emigrated to Massachusetts in the early colo- nization of the country. Their names were Nathaniel, John, and Jonathan. They first settled in Lynn, but in 1637 they went to Sandwich, Cape Cod. Here, it is said, Nathaniel located permanently. Jonathan finally joined the settlers of Newtown, L. I. John, with his wife and at least three children, came to Groton, Conn. At least a John Fish, wife and chil- dren, were living here in 1665, among the first settlers. He is the first-known ancestor of the Fish family of Groton. His children were John, Jonathan, and Samuel. This Samuel (born 1656 or '57, died Feb. 27, 1733) had numerous children, among them Na- than1 (born 1699, died July 13, 1732). His name ap- pears in New London records in 1704, the year prior to incorporation of town of Groton. On organization of Groton he became second townsman, and was re- elected many years. He was captain in the French and Indian war. By his first wife, Abigail Havens, he had one son, Nathan2 (born Sept. 11, 1727, died Oct. 22, 1822). By a second marriage he had other children. He was a member of the Presbyterian (now First Congregational) Church of Groton. Rev. F. Denison says, "I infer that Abigail, the first wife, was inclined to the faith of the Friends, as her mother, Mercy Havens, on Shelter Island, was a decided dis- ciple of that school, and a most estimable woman." Nathan2 married twice,-first, Catharine Niles; sec- ond, Catharine Helme. He had four children by the first wife and ten by his second. He was but five days old at the death of his mother, and not five years old when his father died. His grandmother, Mercy Ha- vens, took him home to Shelter Island and kept him seven years, when he was placed in the famous school of " Master Niles," in Groton. He inherited a hand- some estate. He was a quiet man, fond of home and social life, but disinclined to public life and political


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HISTORY OF NEW LONDON COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.


preferment. He was tinctured with the principles of the Friends, yet often invited clergymen to hold meet- ings in his house, and joined the First Baptist Society of Groton, July 25, 1755. He lived to be ninety-five, and wore the old-fashioned dress of the last century,- short clothes, long vest, knee and shoe-buckles, flow- ing hair, and broad-brimmed hat. Sands Fish, son of Nathan and Catharine (Helme) Fish, was born in Groton, July 1, 1761, and died Ang. 20, 1838. He married Bridget, daughter of Deacon Benadam and Bridget (Palmer) Gallup, June 17, 1789. They had eight children, of whom Nathan G. was seventh. In- heriting a portion of the paternal acres, industrious and frugal, Deacon Sands acquired as a farmer suffi- cient property for his not extravagant needs and the just demands of charity; he was therewith content. Caring nothing for public or political preferment, he moved chiefly, and always wisely, in religious circles. A member of the First Baptist Church of Groton from 1787, he for many years was deacon, discharging the duties of the office with fidelity until his death, at the ripe old age of seventy-six years, and was honored with the esteem of the whole community.


Nathan Gallup Fish was born in Groton, Conn., Sept. 7, 1804, received an extremely good common- school education, supplemented by some time in at- tendance at Plainfield Academy. His early life was passed until eighteen on the Fish homestead, and after teaching school some time on Long Island he went to sea, and for about twenty years led a scafaring life, the most of the time being master, and made numerous voyages to Southern ports, West Indies, Mexico, and South America. He was very successful, and on re- tiring from the sea was owner in a number of vessels, and became their agent in New York. In company with Capt. William Clift, B. F. Hoxie, and W. E. Maxson, he started a ship-yard at "Old Field," Mystic River, and carried on an extensive business. About 1860, Messrs. Hoxie and Clift retired, and Mr. Fish and Mr. Maxson carried on the yard, building a large fleet of ships, steamers, etc., among them the ironclad steamer "Galena" and gunboat "Vicks- burg."


HIe was of positive nature and a leader in the community. Every position he held he filled with dignity, ability, and fidelity, and was immensely popular. He was a Whig and Republican. Repre- sented Groton in the State Legislature in 1849, '50, '57, served as State senator three consecutive terms, 1851-53, was elected judge of probate in 1854, and was railroad commissioner of Connecticut. The Gro- ton Bank was incorporated in 1854, and Mr. Fish was chosen president. At the organization of the Mystic River Bank, in 1851, he was chosen second director, and from Aug. 7, 1860, until his death was its presi- dent. The bank became the Mystic River National Bank, Dec. 5, 1864.


He was kind-hearted, generous, and social, and en- joyed the esteem of a very large range of acquaint-


ances. For nearly a quarter of a century he served faithfully and acceptably as deacon of the Baptist Church, and his life was always consistent with his professions. He favored all things tending to im- provement, education, and Christian progress, and gave them substantial aid. He was one of the founders of Mystic Academy, and president of the board during its continuance.


Mr. Fish married Emeline F., daughter of Dr. John O. Miner, of Centre Groton, Jan. 9, 1833. They had seven children,-Susan L., Ellen M. (de- ceased), Simcon G. (married Eliza Eldredge, and has two children), John O. (married Frances Eldredge, and has two children), Horace W. (married Anna Potter, and has two children), Phebe M. (married Robert P. Wilbur, and has two children), Roswell W. (married Isabel Park, and has one child). Mrs. Fish died in Groton, Jan. 9, 1871. Mr. Fish died Ang. 1, 1870.


Mr. Fish was known as an honest man, faithful to every trust in an age when political corruption, bribery, and "rings" for ill-gotten gain seemed to be more than usually prevalent, and never was his in- tegrity doubted, or his gentlemanly, Christian char- acter deemed aught than consistent. He leaves his children what is better than worldly goods,-the legacy, far more precious, of a good name and a long life of good deeds.


John Palmer, son of Deacon John Palmer, was born July 16, 1818 ; learned the trade of ship-building with his father; was all his life connected with the Noank ship-yard with his father, and in partner- ship with Robert, his brother. He was converted when but fourtech years of age, and joined the same year (1832) the Old Fort Hill Baptist Church, under the ministry of Elder Roswell Burrows, and during the remainder of his life was in act, word, and deed an active and unusually carnest Christian worker. He was a constituent member of the Noank Baptist Church. His heart was bound up in the prosperity of Zion. His church was his delight; her member- ship the excellent of the earth in his estimation. He married Julia, daughter of Peter and Dolly (Fish) Baker, Jan. 1, 1840. Of their seven children, three sons-John, Charles R., and William -- are now living. His death occurred, after an illness of seven years, Sept. 80, 1876.


As a husband he was affectionate, faithful, and thoughtful, endearing himself to his beloved wife by all those worthy qualities and little attentions which bespeak tenderness, appreciation, and interest. One of his marked traits of character was unselfishness.


Thoughtful of all around him, forgetful only of himself, it might truly be affirmed he lived not for himself but for others; generous to a fault, fond of his home, true to his friends, given to hospitality, he lives to-day in a thousand hearts.


As a father he was generous, indulgent, cheerful, and patient, and the three sons who survive him-


D AS PIRATE


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John Partner


Robert Palmer


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GROTON.


John, Charles, and William-can never refer to an impatient or unkind word from this best of carthly fathers ; but year by year, as the grass springs upward and the flowers bloom over his grave, they can repair to that hallowed spot and say, " Here lies our father, companion, and friend."


During an illness of seven years he found in an af- fectionate and loving wife the sympathy and assistance so indispensable to his comfort, and a full repayment of the wealth of affection he had lavished upon her, and it is doubtless due to her skill and watchfulness that he lingered so long among us.


As a brother he was both respected and loved by his brothers and sisters, and each in their degree sought to comfort him in his last days.


A life-long and unbroken attachment existed be- tween the deceased and his brother, Deacon Robert Palmer, of the most intimate and spiritual nature, dating from their earliest home associations. Theirs was a truly Christian home. With but six years' dif- ference in ages, reading from the same Bible, bending at the same altar, it is not strange that a love of more than ordinary cohesion should bind them together. Not much less, however, was the love given to him by all who knew him ; even the children were attracted by the sweetness and gentleness of his nature, and mourned his loss as much as those of maturer years.


The day of his funeral was like a Sabbath in its solemn stillness. Work seemed suspended, the flags on the shipping were displayed at half-mast, and the whole village, as if moved by one impulse, gathered in the house of God before the body rested there.


Robert Palmer, son of Deacon John and Abby (Fish) Palmer, was born at Noank, Conn., May 6, 1825, and is consequently fifty-six years of age.


His great-grandfather, Elihu Palmer1, was a native of New London County, and a resident of Ledyard in early life. He had children,-Elihn2, Prudence (who married Levi Spieer), and Lucy (who married Francis Clark, of Greenport, L. I.). He was a farmer, and much esteemed by his neighbors. Elihu2 fol- lowed the sea, married Anna, daughter of William and Sarah (Denison) Latham, and was lost at sea while quite young. They had one child, John. Mrs. Palmer married for her second husband Benjamin Ashby. They had children,-Moses, Benjamin, La- tham, William, and Nancy, all now living but Moses. Benjamin married Hannah Fish, who is now living it a very advanced age. Nancy married Aaron Main, of Ledyard.


John Palmer was born in Noank, town of Groton, Conn., June 11, 1787. He had common-school ad- antages for education, and engaged in fishing for everal years, but early learned the trade of boat and hip-building; commenced to work at it at Noank, nd pursued it until he retired, an old man. He narried Abby, daughter of John Fish, of Groton, Det. 19, 1809, and after her death Asenath Whittle- ey, March 22, 1859. His children were Prudence


(deceased), Abby (deceased), Elihu (deceased), Lucy (married, first, Capt. William A. Wilbur, of Noank, second, Capt. Jeremiah Wilbur, of Mystie), Abby (Mrs. James A. Latham, deceased), Mary (Mrs. T. J. Sawyer), Caroline (Mrs. P. Chipman, deceased), John (deceased), Lydia (Mrs. John D. Latham, deceased), Robert, William (deceased), and Roswell (deceased).


Mr. Palmer continued his business in a small way until about 1832, when he entered into partnership with James A. Latham. They enlarged and extended the business somewhat, sometimes employing help and sometimes not. Near 1836 they commenced building fishing-smacks. Their reputation for good work extended, and the business gradually but stead- ily increased. About 1845, Mr. Palmer retired from active labor, and Mr. Latham not long afterwards formed a co-partnership with his brother, John D., consequently Mr. Palmer's two sons, John and Robert, became successors to their father, who died July 16, 1859, aged seventy-two.


Mr. Palmer was a man of industry, perseverance, and activity in every direction, Whig and Republican in politics, and outspoken and pronounced for his prin- ciples. He was a consistent and faithful Christian, a deacon for over fifty years in the Baptist Church, and very active in all religious or church matters, holding many meetings in the absence of a pastor, and al- though of stern and unyielding manners where prin- ciple or integrity was at stake, was actuated by the broadest Christian charity. He was liberal almost to a fault in every case of distress or need coming to his notice. In connection with his deep piety, he had great Scriptural knowledge, was a wise and dis- creet counselor, a pillar in the church, to whom the Noank Baptist Church is more indebted than any other person for its existence and strength. His loving, Christian influence made itself felt not only in the early development of religion in his children, but through the entire community, doing good to many, and manifesting itself a power which yet shows a potent influence.


Robert Palmer had a common-school education. At an early age, say twelve years, he went on the water as a sailor during summer months, and con- tinned there until he was nineteen, when he went to Stonington, to work with Stiles West at boat-building. After remaining there two years, he worked for Charles P. Williams on a ship that he was building, but his father being in need of his services in his ship-yard at Noank, he soon went there and entered into active business, which he has ever since continned. On the withdrawal of Mr. Latham, John and Robert entered into partnership. In October, 1845, Robert married Harriet, daughter of Deacon Ebenezer and Grace (Gallup) Rogers. Their children are Robert (died in infancy), Harriet (died at three years), Jane (Mrs. Simeon W. Ashby), Harriet (Mrs. Harry Knapp, of New York), Robert, Jr. (married Libbie Murphy, of Noank), Jessie (died at five years). The brothers


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HISTORY OF NEW LONDON COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.


continued in business at the upper ship-yard till about 1855, when Robert, in company with his cousin, Daniel E. Clark, of East Marion, purchased the lower ship- yard. Mr. Clark, after two or three years, sold his interest to John and Robert, who continued work in both yards until the partnership was closed by the death of John, in 1876. In 1860 the brothers put a set of marine railways (then the largest between New York and Boston) into the upper yard, and busi- ness came in rapidly. During the war they had a very large amount of work to do, rebuilding, among others, two ships for Baltimore parties. In 1879, Robert purchased the interest of his deceased brother, and put in the gigantic steam marine railways now in use. These are probably the largest in the world. We give their dimensions : Length of ground-ways, 658 feet; timber of ground-ways, 12 by 18 inches ; length of cradle, 265 feet; depth of water (high water) with cradle lowered, 123 feet at bow; length of chain, 450 feet; diameter of chain, 23 inches; length of link, 17 inches; weight of chain, 27,280 pounds ; incline, one-half inch to the foot; number of iron rollers under the cradle, 475; diameter of rollers, 5 inches ; weight of rollers, 29,093 pounds. A 75-horse-power engine is used in the hauling. This is supplied with power by two return flue steam- boilers 18 feet long and 36 inches in diameter. The engine is geared to make one hundred revolutions per minute, which moves the cradle three feet. The ma- chinery was made by C. H. Delamater, New York. The construction and erection of machinery was super- intended by Erastus W. Smith, superintending engi- neer of the "Providence and Stonington Steamship Company." No marine-ways in New York or Boston can compare with these. The first vessel placed on them was the steamer "Narragansett," of the Ston- ington line, rebuilt in the winter of 1879-80, after her collision with the "Stonington." June, 1880, she was taken out and rebuilt again.


She was completed and launched the last day of August, 1880.


Since September, 1880, Robert Palmer, Jr., and Simeon W. Ashby have each owned a quarter-interest in the yard, and the firm is "Robert Palmer & Sons." Their yard is one of the most active business centres of New London County, employing now (August, 1881) about one hundred and twenty men. The largest vessel ever built in the State is now in process of construction here. It is the new " Rhode Island" steamer, which will take the place in the Providence and Stonington Steamship Company's line of the lost "Rhode Island." It is 345 feet long, 46 feet beam, 82 feet wide over guards, 153 feet deep in lowest place. Robert Palmer & Sons enjoy a high repu- tation as workmen, and have most of the ship-build- ing and repairing of the New Jersey Central. Rail- road. They also number among their large patrons the New York and New England Transfer Company, John H. Starin, and many other large companies.


Robert Palmer is a man of influence in his towr and church, and throughout a business acquaintance reaching along the whole Atlantic seaboard. Repub- lican in politics, he was sent to represent his town ir the State Legislatures of 1858 and 1869. He was an carly member of the Noank Baptist Church, and for thirty years has been a deacon. He has a kindly, affectionate nature, and cherishes. home and friends dearly. He has a winning personal magnetism which makes him many friends. To these he is loyal, and he enjoys to an unusual degree the marked confidence of the better portion of society and leading business men. He is generous in the highest degree, and even beyond his ability, in contributing to religious and charitable objects, and no case of deserving need or suffering ever appealed unsuccessfully to him. He is not only a prominent and leading business man, but, higher yet, a consistent Christian, whose active zeal has done much for the church and society of his locality.


Hon. Noyes Barber .- Noyes Barber was a de- scendant of Thomas Barber, who came to Boston in the ship "Christian" in the year 1635. Stiles' "His- tory of Windsor" says that Thomas Barber came to that town in the same year in company with Stiles, and was made a freeman in 1645; was a sergeant in the Pequot fight, and was mentioned by Capt. Mason in his "Brief History of the Pequot War." Thomas Barber had six children, the oldest of whom was John Barber, who afterwards removed to Springfield col- ony, Mass. His son Thomas had a son Jonathan, who at fourteen years of age entered Yale College, and in the year 1726 graduated from that institution and entered the gospel ministry. When Whitefield came to this country he and Rev. Jonathan Barber became fast friends, and as a consequence of their intimacy Mr. Barber accompanied Mr. Whitefield to Georgia, and had charge of his orphan asylum for seven years. At the expiration of that period of labor he came North, and was settled over the Congrega- tional Church at Oyster Pond, Long Island, for ten years, and in the autumn of 1758 was installed pastor of the church in Groton, Conn. Here he twice re- ceived visits from his friend, Mr. Whitefield, and from a platform projected from the upper windows of the minister's house-which is still standing at Centre Groton-multitudes listened to the eloquence of this wonderful man. One of his sons, John Barber, who lived and died on the spot where his father had lived, was the father of Noyes Barber, his mother being Elizabeth Denison, of Stonington, a lineal descendant of George Denison and Anne Boredil, and his grand- mother (the wife of Rev. Jonathan Barber) the daugh- ter of Thomas Noyes, a physician of Westerly, R. I., and granddaughter of Rev. James Noyes, the first minister of Stonington, Conn. Noyes Barber was born April 28, 1781, and at eleven years of age en- tered the store of William Eldridge, at the village of Groton, where he served as clerk until at the age of




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