USA > Connecticut > New London County > History of New London county, Connecticut : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 85
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Toft, Luther, Ist Art .; enl. May 21, 1861.
Tomlinson, Benjamin L., 20th Regt. ; enl. Jan. 2, 1864; must. out Oct. 24, 1865.
Tomlinson, Richard, 26th Regt .; enl. Nov. 1, 1862; must. ont Ang. 17, 1863.
Toomey, Patrick, 2Ist Regt .; enl. Ang. 20, 1862; must. out June 16, 1865.
Toomey, Thomas, 2d Regt .; enl. May 7, 1861 ; Ist Art .; disch. for disa- bility, March 7, 1863.
Torbush, Joseph Il., corp., 26th Regt .; enl. Aug. 30, 1862; must out Aug. 17, 1863.
Torpy, Thomas, Ist Art. ; enl. Jan. 15, 1864 ; must. out Sept. 25, 1865.
Torrance, David, sergt., 18th Regt. ; enl. July 17, 1862 ; lieut .- col. 29th ; must. out Oct. 24, 1865.
Torrance, James, 3d Regt .; enl. May 11, 1861; sergt. 13th ; killed Port Hudson, May 24, 1863.
Tourtellotte, Marvin, 18th Regt. ; enl. July 25, 1862; dischi. for disability, Feb. 15, 1864.
Town, George S., 2d Regt .; enl. May 7, 1861 ; sergt. 18th ; must. out June 27, 1865.
Town, William II., 18th Regt. ; enl. Ang. 7, 1862; died March 28, 1864. Tracy, Benjamin F., qr.mr., 26th Regt .; enl. Sept. 1, 1862; must. out Aug. 17, 1863.
Tracy, Joseph A., 18th Regt. ; enl. Ang. 7, 1862; died of wounds, Ang. 7, 1864.
Tracy, Timothy W., lient., 26th Regt. ; enl. Ang. 26, 1862; must. out Aug. 17, 1863.
*Trainor, Charles, 9th Regt. ; enl. May 21, 1862.
Trainor, Felix, 26th Regt. ; enl. Ang. 28, 1862; must, ont Aug. 17, 1863. *Treadway, Russell, 12th Regt .; enl. Nov. 25, ISGI; must. out Ang. 12, 1865.
Treadway, John F., cav. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864; died at Andersonville, Aug. 3,1864.
Trenn, Charles K. T., corp., 18th Regt .; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; must. out May 30, 1865.
Trinnier, Richard, 3d Regt .; enl. May 11, ISGI ; 18th; must. out June 27, 1865.
Truman, Frank M., 18th Regt .; enl. Dec. IG, 1863.
Tubbs, Charles A., 14th Regt .; enl. June 9, 1862; must. out May 31, 1865.
Tubbs, William II., capt., 14th Regt .; enl. June 15, 18G2; res. Feb. 20, 1863.
Tucker, John, 2Gth Regt .; enl. Sept. 6, 1862.
Turner, Samuel, 2d Art .; enl. Jan. 29, 1864.
Tyler, Daniel, col., Ist Regt .; enl. April 23, 1861; B.G.V .; res. April, 1864.
Tyler, Edwin L., 2d lieut., Ist Art .; enl. March 29, 1862; res. Ang. 19, 1864.
Tyler, Moses, 14th Regt. ; en]. July 15, 1862; died at Andersonville, April 14, 1864.
Underhill, Joseph, 30th Regt .; enl. Jan. 4, 1864; disch. for disability, Feb. 9, 1865.
Upham, Benjamin M., 18th Regt .; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; V.R.C., Jan. 1, 1865.
Upham, George R., 18th Regt .; enl. July 18, 1862; must. out June 27, 1865.
Varney, Israel, 18th Regt .; enl. July 16, 1862; died at Florence, S. C., Feb. 10, 1865.
Vergason, Erastus, 10th Regt .; enl. Oct. 1, 18GI; killed at Roanoke Island, Feb. 8, 1862.
Vergason, Isaac D., 26th Regt .; enl. Aug. 30, 1862; must. out Aug. 17, 1863.
Vergason, James II., 3d Regt .; enl. May 11, 18G1; must. out Ang. 11, 1861.
Volkman, Ferdinand, 6th Regt .; enl. Sept. 6, ISG1; died at Beaufort, S. C., Oct. 21, 1862.
Wait, Marvin, lieut., 8th Regt .; enl. Oct. 5, 1861; killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862.
Walden, Oliver, 8th Regt .; enl. Sept. 21, 18GI; d'sch. for disability, March 18, 1862.
Wulden, Winthrop, 8th Regt .; enl. Sept. 21, 18G1 ; must. out Dec 12, 1865.
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Walden, William Henry, 2d Regt .; enl. May 7, 1861; must. ont Aug. 7, 1861.
*Walker, Charles II , 8th Regt .; enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; must. out Dec. 12, 1865.
Wallace, William, 18thi Regt .; enl. Ang. 14, 1862.
Ward, David, 7th Regt. ; enl. Nov. 25, 1864; must. out July 20, 1865.
Ward, George W., 18th Regt .; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; died at Andersonville, Feb. 6, 1865.
Ward, John E., lieut., 3d Regt .; enl. May 11, 1861 ; col. 8th; must. out March 13, 1865.
Ward, James, 18th Regt .; en]. July 16, 1862; must. out June 27, 1865. Warden, Alexander, 2d Regt .; enl. May 7, 1861 ; must. out Aug. 7, 1861. Warren, George, 21st Regt .; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; must. out June 16, 1865. Warren, Henry, cav. ; enl. Jan. 23, 1864.
Warren, Walter P., 2d Regt .; enl. May 7, 1861 ; must. out Aug. 7, 1861. Washington, George, 30th Regt .; enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out Nov. 7, 1865.
Watson, Jonathan, 11th Regt .; enl. Oct. 25, 1861; disch. for disability May 5, 1862.
Watson, Myron, 11th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 25, 1861 ; disch. for disability, May 7,1862.
Webb, Charles, 26th Regt .; enl. Aug. 29, 1862; must. out Aug. 17, 1863. Webb, William II., corp., 18th Regt .; enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; must. out June 27, 1865.
Welch, George HI., cav .; enl. Oct. 26, 1861; disch. for disability, Oct. 9, 1862.
Welch, John, cav .; enl. Jan. 19, 1864.
Welch, Thomas, 2d Art .; enl. Jan. 20, 1864; must. out Ang. 18, 1865.
Welden, Patrick, 9th Regt .; enl. Oct. 20, 1861 ; died Aug. 14, 1802.
Weller, Jolin, 18th Regt .; enl. Ang. 6, 1862; must. out June 27, 1865.
Wells, John W., 12th Regt .; enl. Dec. 7, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Aug. 11,1862.
Wenlick, Frank, 2d Regt. ; enl. May 7, 1861 ; must. out Aug. 7, 1861. *West, George W., sergt., 12th Regt .; enl. Nov. 20, 1861.
Wetherel, Benjamin S., 18th Regt .; enl. Jan. 3, 1805 ; must. out June 27, 1865.
Whaley, George G., 18th Regt .; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must. out June 27, 1865.
Wheatley, Charles, 7th Regt. ; enl. May 7, 1861 ; must. out Aug. 7, 1861. *Wheelock, William H., 7th Regt .; en]. Sept. 5, 1861; must. out July 20, 1865.
Whipple, Jolin A., cav .; enl. Jan. 4, 1864; must. out Ang. 2, 1865.
White, Edwin, 18th Regt .; enl. Ang. 4, 1862; must. out June 27, 1865.
White, Frank, Gth Regt .; enl. Sept. 6, 1861; killed at Fort Wagner, July 18, 1863.
White, Isaac, 30th Regt .; enl. Jan. 6, 1864; must. out Nov. 7, 1865.
White, Mortimer, 20th Regt .; en]. Sept. 1, 1864.
White, William, cav .; enl. Jan. 30, 1864.
Whiteley, Henry A., 8th Regt .; enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Aug. 2, 1862.
Whiting, Andrew F., 18th Regt .; enl. July 23, 1862; disch. Feb. 18, 1864. Whitmore, Horace W., 2d Regt .; enl. May 7, 1861; 26th ; must. out Ang. 17, 1863.
Whitney, Jolın, Ist Art. ; enl. Jan. 13, 1864; must. ont Sept. 25, 1865.
Whittlesey, George W., 3d Regt .; enl. May 11, 1861; adjt. 13th; res. Oct. 0, 1863.
Wight, Edgar S., 26th Regt .; enl. Aug. 30, 1862 ; must. ont Ang. 17, 1863. Wilber, Daniel, 18th Regt .; enl. July 23, 1862; accidentally shot, Jan. 5, 1863.
Wilber, John A., 18th Regt .; enl. Aug. 17, 1862; disch. for disability, May 8, 1865.
Wilber, Edward O., Ist Art. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864; must. out Sept. 25, 1865. Wilcox, Gordon, corp., 18th Regt .; enl. July 21, 1862; must. out June 27, 1865.
*Wilcox, Stephen E., 10th Regt .; enl. Oct. 9, 1861; must. out Ang. 25, 1865.
*Wilcox, Sylvanus J., 8th Regt .; enl. Oct. 5, 1861; must. out Dec. 12, 1865.
Wilkins, Geo. W., Ist Art .; enl. Jan. 14, 1864 ; must. out Sept. 25, '65. Wilkinson, Jesse D., corp., 18th'Regt .; enl. July 12, 1862; capt. 43d U.S.C.T .; must. out Nov. 30, 1865.
Willard, Robert, 11th Regt .; enl. Jan. 13, 1864; disch. for disability, March 19, 1865.
Williams, Calvin, 26th Regt .; enl. Aug. 30, 1862; must. out Ang. 17, 1863.
*Williams, Charles M., 8th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; must. out Dec. 12, 1865.
Williams, Eri, 26th Regt .; en]. Aug. 30, 1862; must. out Aug. 17, 1863. Williams, George E., 21 Regt .; en]. May 7, 1861 ; must. out Ang. 7, 1861. Williams, George E., 3d Regt .; enl. May 11, 1861; must. out Aug. 11, 1861.
Williams, George S., 30th Regt .; enl. July 23, 1863; must. out Nov. 7, 1865.
Williams, I. V. B., qr .- mr., Ist Regt .; enl. April 22, 1861; qr .- mr. 6th Regt .; res. May 11, 1863.
Williams, James, cav. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864; must. out Aug. 2, 1865:
Williams, John, 2d Art. ; enl. Jan. 20, 1864; must. out Ang. 18, 1865. *Williams, John, Oth Regt .; enl. May 24, 1862.
Williams, John, 26th Regt .; enl. Aug. 30, 1862 ; must. out Aug. 17, 1863. Williams, John II., corp., 30th Regt. ; enl. Jan. 22, 1864 ; must. out Nov. 7,1865.
Williams, John W., 2d Art .; enl. Jan. 21, 1864.
Williams, Julius, 20th Regt .; en]. Ang. 30, 1862 ; must. out Ang. 17, '63. Williams, William. 2d Art. ; eul. Feb. 1, 1864 ; must. ont Ang. 18, 1865.
Williams, William E., Ist Art. ; enl. March 20, 1862; disch. for disa- bility, Dec. 18, 1862.
Wilson, De Laroo, 18th Regt .; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; qr .- mr. 30th Regt .; must. ont Nov. 7, 1865.
Wilson, George, 2d Art .; enl. Jan. 30, 1864.
Wilson, James, Stlı Regt .; enl. Sept. 1, 1863.
Wilson, James, 14th Regt .; enl. July 25, 1863; trans. to U.S.N.
*Wilson, James, 12th Regt .; enl. Jan. 21, 1862.
Wilson, James, corp., 30th Regt .; enl. Jan. 27, 1864 ; must. out June 27, 1865.
Winship, Joseph II., 18th Regt. ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; died at Anderson- ville, April 5, 1864.
Wiserth, George, cav .; enl. Jan. 22, 1864.
Wolf, Henry, 18th Regt .; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; must. ont June 27, 1865. Wood, Alfred, 18th Regt .; enl. July 23, 1862; must. out June 27, 1865. Wood, Asa F., 18th Regt .; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; must. out June 27, 1865. Wood, George, 2d Art .; enl. Jan. 29, 1864.
Wood, Henry, 13th Regt .; enl. Jan. 7, 1862; disch. for disability, July 29, 1802.
Wood, ITorace B., 2d Art. ; enl. Feb. 4, 1864 ; died at Richmond, Va., Dec. 27, 1864.
Wood, Jolin, 13th Regt .; enl. Jan. 7, 1862; disch. for disability, June 17, 1863.
Wood, John W., 11th Regt .; enl. Dec. 5, 1861; died of wounds received at Antietanı.
Woodward, William II., 26th Regt .; enl. Aug. 30, 1862; must. out Aug. 17, 1863. .
Wright, Franklin S., 18th Regt .; en]. Aug. 17, 1862; disch. for disability, Jan. 26, 1865.
Wright, Henry C., 26th Regt .; enl. Aug. 30, 1862; must. ont Ang. 17, 1863.
Wright, Sylvanus. 11th Regt .; en]. Oct. 25, 1861.
*Yale, Russell, 13th Regt .; enl. Dec. 22, 1861.
Yerrington, Henry P., 14th Regt. ; enl. June 9, 1862; died of wounds re- ceived at Antietam, Sept. 21, 1862.
Yerrington, Perry, 7th Regt .; enl. Sept. 5, 1861; hon. disch. Sept. 15, 1864.
York, James E., 18thı Regt. ; enl. July 30, 1862 ; must. out June 27, 1865. York, Nathan, 26th Regt .; enl. Aug. 30, 1862; must. out Aug. 17, 1863.
Young, Adam, corp., Gtli Regt .; enl. Sept. G, 1861; hen. disch. Sept. 5, 1864.
Young, Charles, 2d Regt .; enl. May 7, 1861 ; Ist Art. ; must. ont Sept. 25, 1865.
Young, David, lieut .- col., 2d Regt .; enl. May 7, 1861; must. out Aug. 7, 1861.
Young, Robert, 18th Regt .; enl. July 25, 1862; must. out June 27, 1865. Zamphiropolos, Michael, 13th Regt .; cul. Feb. 1, 1864 ; Vet. Res. Corps, April 23, 1865.
The names of "unassigned recruits" are not given in this " roll"; they were for the most part unworthy substitutes, who enlisted for the sake of the bounty, and, with few exceptions, never served in their regi- ments.
34S
HISTORY OF NEW LONDON COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
NORWICHI -- (Continued). BIOGRAPINICAL SKETCHES.
Gen. Jedediah Huntington .- Among the distin- guished names of those of the Revolutionary era which shed a lustre about New London County, that of Gen. Jedediah Huntington stands pre-eminent. Born of a noble stock, he united inherited excellence with a superior education, and was eminently quali- fied for the important positions, both in the field and council, to which he was subsequently elected.
He was born in Norwich, Aug. 4, 1743, where he was prepared for a collegiate course, and gradu- ated at Harvard College with distinguished honor in the class of 1763. The high social rank of his family is indicated by the order of his name on the college catalogue, it being the second in the list of his class, above that of John Quincy. The Master's degree was also conferred on him by Yale College in 1770. After leaving college he became associated with his father in commercial pursuits, and was en- gaged in this business when tlie Revolutionary cloud began to lower, and he soon became noted as a Son of Liberty and an active captain of the militia. The bursting of the storm found him ready, and just one week from the firing of the first shot at Lexington he reported at Cambridge with a regiment under his command, and was detailed to occupy Dorchester Heights. After the evacuation of Boston by the British he marched with his army to New York, and entertained the commander-in-chief on the way at Norwich.
During the year 1776 he was at New York, Kings- bridge, Northeastle, Sidmun's Bridge, and other posts. In April of that year he assisted in repulsing the British at Danbury, Conn., assailing the enemy's rear, and effecting a junction with his fellow-towns- man, Benedict Arnold.
In March, 1777, Roger Sherman writes thus, " Col. Huntington was recommended by Gen. Washington as a fit person for brigadier, but then Connecticut had more than hier share." May 12th of that year he was promoted to that rank, as Mr. Sherman states, "at Gen. Washington's request. "
In July he joined Gen. Putnam at Peekskill with all the Continental troops which he could collect, and in the following September was ordered to join the main army near Philadelphia, where he remained at head- quarters, at Worcester, Whippin, Whitemarsh, Gulph Hills, etc. In November, on receiving information of the enemy's movement upon Red Bank, he was detached with his brigade, among other troops, to its relief, but Cornwallis had anticipated them. Having shared the hardships of his companions in arms at Valley Forge through the winter of 1777-78, he, to- gether with Col. Wigglesworth, was in March ap- pointed by the commander-in-chief "to aid Gen.
McDougal in inquiring into the loss of Forts Mont- gomery and Clinton, in the State of New York, and into the conduct of the principal officers command- ing those posts." In May he was ordered with his brigade to the North River, and was stationed suc- sessively at Camp Reading, Highlands, Neilson's Point, Springfield, Shorthills, Potowa, Peekskill, West Point, etc. In July he was a member of the court- martial which tried Gen. Charles Lee for miscon- duct at the battle of Monmouth, and in September he sat upon the court of inquiry to whom was re- ferred the case of Maj. André. In December, 1780, his was the only Connecticut brigade that remained in the service. On the 10th of May, 1783, at a meet- ing of officers, he was appointed one of a committee of four to draft a plan of organization, which resulted in their reporting on the 13th the constitution of the famous "Society of Cincinnati." On the 24th of June, Washington writes that the army was " reduced to a competent garrison for West Point, Patterson, Huntington, and Greaton being the only brigadiers now left with it, besides the adjutant-general." At the close of the war he received the brevet rank of major-general. Gen. Huntington was also one of the founders of West Point Academy.
On returning from the army he resumed business in his native town, and was successively chosen sheriff of the county, State treasurer, and delegate to the State convention which adopted the constitution of the United States.
In 1789 he was appointed by President Washing- ton collector of customs at New London, then the port of entry for Eastern Connecticut and Connecti- cut River, which office he retained under four ad- ministrations, and resigned shortly before his death.
At twenty-three years of age he made a public profession of religion, and was for many years an officer and pillar of the church of which he was a member. "His inunificence, for its profusion, its uni- formity, its long continuance, and for the discretion by which it was directed," was pronounced " with- out an example or a parallel in his native State."
Gen. Huntington was twice married. His first wife was a daughter of Governor Trumbull, and she died at Dedhain, Mass., while on her way to the camp to visit her husband. Two of her brothers, one of them the distinguished painter, were associated with her husband in the war, of which her father was one of the main supports. She died leaving a son. His second wife was Ann, daughter of Thomas Moore, and sister of Bishop Moore, of Virginia. She sur- vived her husband, and was the mother of seven children.
Gen. Huntington died in New London, Sept. 25, 1818, where his remains were interred, though sub- sequently transferred to the family tomb at Norwich.
William A. Buckingham was born May 28, 1804, in the town of Lebanon, Conn. He is a descendant of a family of Puritans, who left England and migrated
Led Huntington 1
Fis a . acture b. Col I'rumbull
[No) Buckingham
Ing by Geol Perne & NY
Williams
349
NORWICH.
to America in 1637. The memorials of the family are still preserved, from Thomas Buckingham, the pioneer, down to the present time, nearly two cen- turies and a half. Throughout the line they have been men remarkable for earnestness and piety, and his immediate ancestors were specially notable for kindness of heart, firmness of purpose, and nobility of character. Reared under the tutelage of such parents, and with the pure blood of a noble an- cestry coursing through his veins, it is not strange that Governor Buckingham developed a noble man- hood. He was educated at the public schools of the day, and during vacations he performed his part of the labor incident to a farmer's life. At the early age of eighteen he began life for himself. His first venture was as a teacher. He taught but one year, however, and then relinquished the calling for the to him more congenial vocation of merchant. He engaged first as clerk with a mercantile firm at Norwich, and made a study of his pursuit. At the age of twenty- three he deemed himself sufficiently well versed in trade to commence business for himself. He opened a store in Norwich, and met with success from the beginning. He soon added manufacturing to his mer- cantile pursuits, and the latter venture proving so profitable, he in 1848 abandoned merchandising alto- gether, and devoted his entire energies and means to the development of his manufacturing business. Pros- perity and success crowned his efforts, and as the knowledge of his character and abilities spread abroad the circle of his personal influence and popularity ex- panded, and he became noted for possessing in a re- markable degree that stern integrity and grandeur of character which had distinguished his ancestors.
Up to the year 1856 Governor Buckingham had given no particular attention to politics, had never courted or accepted office further than the mayoralty of Norwich. In principle, however, he had always been a Whig and opposed to the institution of slavery. The repeal of the." Missouri Compromise" roused his nature, however, and in the Presidential canvass of 1856 he came forth as an active, ardent, and intelli- gent Republican. His name was placed on the Re- publican electoral ticket, and greatly contributed to its success. Becoming thus extensively and favorably known to the people of his State, he in 1858 was nominated on the Republican ticket and elected Gov- ernor of Connecticut. For eight consecutive years he was re-elected to that exalted and honorable posi- tion. Those years cover the most eventful period of American history. From the fall of Fort Sumter it has been said of him that he " devoted himself, mind, body, and estate, to the Union cause." From the " Military and Civil History of Connecticut during the War of 1861-65" we quote the following :
"The Governor anticipated the enactment of laws, assumed responsibility, and pledged his private credit in purchase of supplies and munitions of war, etc. When the Legislature assembled it passed acts of 23
indemnity, and literally placed the whole resources of the State at his disposal." Never was a trust more faithfully executed. To a citizen of the State whose duties kept him at the front Governor Buckingham said, "You will see many battles and much suffer- ing : don't let any Connecticut man suffer for want of anything that can be done for him,-if it costs money, draw on me for it." His last term as Governor ex- pired in May, 1866. In May, 1868, he was elected Senator of the United States, and for a period of six years he remained a much-revered, able, efficient, and highly-respected member of that august body. When the session of 1874-75 began it was manifest that his active and useful career was drawing to a close. Though his mind still remained clear and strong, yet his bodily health was fast failing. His last days were peaceful and serene. A short time prior to his de- mise he sank into unconsciousness, and thus fell asleep. The representatives and dignitaries of the land gath- ered round his bier to take one last fond look at their compeer and associate. Many and sincere were the eulogies pronounced on Governor William A. Buck- ingham by men high in station, and deep and sorrow- ful were the heart-throbbings of all who had the good fortune to know him. In his early manhood he em- braced the Christian faith and united himself to the church of his ancestors.
Through life, in all its varied relations, he was true to its teachings. Of all the great, grand, and noble men Connecticut has furnished to the world there is no one to whom she can point with more pride and which posterity will more delight to honor than Wil- liam A. Buckingham, the great war Governor.
Gen. William Williams was born in Stonington, Conn., March 12, 1788. He was the son of William Williams, a self-made man of great business enter- prise, and a citizen often honored by various offices of trust and responsibility. He inherited from his father to some extent that fondness for mercantile pursuits which distinguished him, and that perseverance and tenacity of purpose which contributed so largely to his success. He was educated at the district schools in Stonington and the Plainfield Academy, and at an early age commenced his business career as clerk in a store in his native town. He remained here, however, but a short time, when he went to New York and en- tered the commission-house of W. & S. Robinson, where he served a faithful clerkship of about three years, acquiring a practical knowledge of the duties of a shipping merchant's vocation.
In July, 1806, when eighteen years of age, he re- turned to Stonington, and soon after was dispatched as supercargo in one of his father's vessels bound for Labrador, and thence to Bordeaux. This was his first voyage, and consumed two years. Upon his re- turn he commenced on his own account in New Lon- don, but soon after removed to Norwich, and in company with his father turned his attention to manufactures. He engaged in manufacturing flour
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HISTORY OF NEW LONDON COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.
on a large scale, and afterwards in that of cotton, until the closing up of this kind of enterprise, in the years 1818 and 1819. He then returned to mercantile life, and from 1821 to 1827 made a number of snecess- ful commercial voyages to Europe and South Amer- ica. In 1828 he engaged in the whaling business with the late Capt. Acors Barns, under the firm-name of Williams & Barns, and remained interested in the whaling business until his death. This was an enter- prising and successful firm, and contributed largely to the reputation New London attained as a famous whaling port.
He was one of the corporators of the Merchants' Bank of Norwich in 1833, and was chosen its first president, and officiated in that capacity a quarter of a century, until he resigned at the age of seventy.
In his connection with the militia of the State he rose through the several grades up to the rank of major-general, a title which adhered to him to the last, and by which he was almost universally addressed. He manifested a landable interest in educational mat- ters, and was one of the public-spirited men who organized and endowed the Norwich Free Academy, which has proved one of the model high schools of New England. He united with the Congregational Church in 1820, and remained a consistent and prom- inent member of the church during life. His chari- ties were large and judicious. He was a corporate member of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and vice-president of the Bible, Seaman's Friend, and Home Missionary Societies. For nearly a quarter of a century he devoted a large portion of his time to the promotion of the cause of education in Eastern Connecticut, and during many seasons he visited annually nearly every school dis- triet within twenty miles of his home, distributing among them useful books and papers, and encourag- ing both teachers and pupils by his words of advice and the interest he evinced in their welfare.
He always manifested an especial interest in the moral and religious condition of the Mohegan In- dians, living on a government reservation a few miles from Norwich, and by his personal efforts and weekly visits their church was in a great measure sustained.
In May, 1862, Gen. Williams and his estimable wife celebrated their golden wedding, and in July, 1870, he celebrated the completion of fifty years' union with the church in which he had so long been a leading member and counselor, and for nearly twenty-five years a consistent and useful office-bearer. In his death, which occurred Oct. 28, 1870, Norwich lost one of its oldest and most respected citizens and bene- factors.
Harriet Peck Williams.1-The long married life of this venerable and beloved lady, extending over more than fifty-eight years, needs little record than that of the prosperity, the wide and useful influence,
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