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Full text of "History of Montville, Connecticut, formerly the North parish of New London from 1640 to 1896"

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HISTORY 



OF 



Montville, Connecticut 



FORMERLY 



THE NORTH PARISH OF NEW LONDON 



FROM 



1640 to 1800 



COMPILED AND ARRANGED BY 

HENRY A. BAKER 



HARTFORD, CONN, 
press of Zbc Case, Xocfcwooo & 36raiitarc Company 

1896 



Copyright, i 
By Henry a maker. 






CONTENTS 



i. 

n. 



in. 



IV 



VI. 

VII. 

VIII. 

IX. 
X. 



Introduction. ...... 

History of Uncas and Mohegan, 

Sassacus, ...... 

Rev. Samson Occum, . 
History of the North Parish of New London, 
List of Persons who served in the War of the Revolution, 
" Pensioners of the Revolution, . 
War of 1812, 
Genealogies of the Early Settlers, 
Rev. Abishai Alden, ..... 

Rev. Lorenzo Dow, ..... 

Industrial History of Montville, 

Manufacturing Industries, .... 

Ecclesiastical History, ..... 

Statistical Record, ..... 

Raymond Library, ..... 

St. John's Church, ..... 

Enlistments in the late Civil War, 

Post-Offices, ...... 

Physicians, ...... 



Page. 

1 

4 

66 

66 

70 

94 

98 

99 

100 

600 

603 

615 

621 

636 

680 

691 

693 

695 

701 

704 



Appendix : Joseph Chapman, 708: William Waldeii, 708; Elisha B. 
Baker, 710; David Gardner and John Gustin, 711; Joseph Willoughby, 
712; William Prince. 712: Richard Church, 713; Whiting & Noyes, 714; 
Nelson & Rogers, 716; Dudley Williams, 717; French Spoliation, 717; 
William Brown, 719. 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Henry A. Baker, 

Cyntha Hosoott House, . 

Samson Occum House, 

Nathan Comstock Housk, 

Alexander Baker House, 

( ) liver Baker House, 

Thos. Roger's House, Vincent's Mil 

Browning House, 

Turner House, .... 

Vallet House, .... 

Nathan Smtth House, 

Mrs. Caroline (Chester) Smith, 

Latimer's Mill, 

Ezekiel Fox House, 

Latimer House, Chesterfield, 

Waterfall at Latimer's Mill, 

Elisha Holmes House, 

Dolbeare House, Mohegan, . 

Nathaniel Bradford House, 

Joseph Bradford House, 

Town Farm House — Samuel Allen 

Elisha H. Palmer (Portrait), 

George Williams House, 

Old Elder Palmer House, 

Houghton Tavern, . 

Joseph Church House, . 

Mercy (Sands) Raymond House, 

John Raymond House, 

Daniel F. Raymond House, 

Lorenzo Dow House, 

Lorenzo Dow (Portrait), 

Palmer Brothers' Mill, 

Carmichael Robertson (Portrait). 

Rockland Mill, 



To 



L, COCHEGAN RoCK 



s Residence 1720 



Frontispiece. 
face page 59 
67 
143 
157 
165 
198 
228 
251 
261 
302 
304 
314 
315 
320 
324 
327 
342 
391 
394 
430 
441 
465 
485 
486 
505 
575 
582 
584 
604 
614 
" 435, 627 
628 
629 



VI 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Bank Pauer Mill 


. To face page 


631 


Chesterfield Churches, 




662 


Baptist Church 




663 


Mohegan Chapel, 




667 


Methodist Church, Oncabville, . 




67(5 


Raymond Library 




692 


St. John's Church, .... 




694 



PKEFACK. 



No one, except those who have had experience in this line 
of work, can have any proportionate idea of the amount of labor 
and patience required to prepare a work of this character, es- 
pecially in that part of it which contains the genealogies of a 
multitude of families, many of which are very obscure in the 
matter of dates, and the record of names. 

If a thorough investigation and research is to be made, 
with dates of births, marriages, deaths, and other events in 
detail, which is requisite for a full and complete record, many 
perplexing embarrassments are encountered, which give the 
compiler no little anxiety. 

In compiling this work much time has been spent in 
investigation and research. The records of this town and 
the adjoining towns have been thoroughly searched, and 
every information possible to be obtained from the oldest in- 
habitants sought. 

Much aid has been obtained from the history of New 
London, written by its gifted author, Miss Frances Manwar- 
ing Caulkins, by which many of the early settlers in the 
North Parish of New London, now Montville, have been 
ascertained, and their history determined. In the his- 
tory of the Mohegan tribe of Indians, a large part of the earli- 
est history of these Indians was obtained from the " History 
of the Indians of Connecticut, " by John W. DeForest, who 
had very studiously gathered the historic facts from various 
documents of both public and private record. In the compila- 
tion of the town's history, it has been my aim to gather from 
its records such points of local interest as would most interest 
the present inhabitants of the town, and to preserve the same 
to its future generations. 



Viii PREFACE. 

The illustrations contained in this work are a selection of 
the oldest and most historic residences now standing, and its 
portraits are those of the older residents, who have long since 
passed off the stage of activity. 

Much care has been taken to avoid as many errors as pos- 
sible in the compilation of the family genealogies, but, un- 
doubtedly, -line will l>c found. It is impossible to get ever\ 
date correct, there being so many discrepancies in the records 
of dates ami names. 

To the present generation of the sous and daughters of 
this historic town, this History of Montville, which their 
enterprise and that of their ancestors has done so much to 
honor, is respectfully dedicated by the author. 



CHAPTER- I. 

Two hundred and fifty years ago the territory now com- 
prising the town of Montville was a savage wilderness, entirely 
possessed by a race supposed to have been of Asiatic origin, 
and may have been, as some historic writers think, descend- 
ants from some of the ten lost tribes of Israel. 

Their religion was a system of paganism without idolatry, 
their government rude and founded solely upon custom, their 
character ferocious, but streaks of virtuous action were upon 
occasions manifested, their mode of life, roving and unsettled, 
dependent almost wholly for subsistence upon hunting and 
fishing. Their utmost ingenuity of art had no proper con- 
ception of the implements of husbandry. 

Much of the field work was doubtless performed with 
their hands, and the only implements the natives of the soil 
seem to have had were spades rudely constructed of wood or 
stone, or of a large shell fastened to a stick. With these rude 
implements they turned up the soil and dropped in their seed. 

There are a few still remaining that bear the tints of that 
savage and ferocious race that once roamed over this, territory 
of ours, but now how unlike them. They have outgrown 
their native barbarous condition and become refined by con- 
tact with civilization. Though their ancestors were rude in 
manner and ferocious and warlike in character, there are 
many passages in their history which are instructive, and some 
touching and pathetic. 

Had the aborigines of this land remained unmolested and 
unvisited by Europeans till the present day they would now 
have been as rude, as poor, as warlike, as disdainful of labor, 
and in every way as uncivilized as when the white man first 
explored the river Thames and sailed along its virgin shores. 
1 



2 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

This country would still have been covered with forests and 
unimproved fields, the streams unoccupied, except for nsh- 
inc and same. Tracks of wild beasts would be found where 
now extends the hard roadway, trodden by thousands of human 
feet. The ferocious bear would be seen coming out of the 
hollow tree, upon the site of which now crowds of youth 
are emerging from the hall of learning. This land which now 
rejoices and blossoms as the rose would still have been a 
wilderness and solitary. 

If one was to stand upon some of the highest ridges 
which overlook this town and take a survey of the landscape, 
listen to the rippling streams coursing and meandering through 
these valleys made subservient to man's interest in turning 
the wheel, the spindle, the loom, and the various kinds of 
machinery of modern invention, ;md then glance the eye over 
the hills and ulcus which meet it on every side, where now the 
hum of industry is heard and the voice of the white man and 
the civilized Indian awake their echoes, where farms and 
schools, industry and thrift, civilization and Christianity, home 
of comfort and social enjoyment, the merry laugh of the 
school girl and hoy returning from their studies, attest the 
presence of the more intelligence and civilized race, he would 
be. amazed and wonder at the change that has come over this 
region of the country in the last two centuries. 

These liill^ and these valleys were then the abode of the 
untutored Indian; these forests filled with wild beasts and 
wild animals of various kinds, some of them beasts of prey 
and others suitable for food for the hunter. Ilere were the 
wild cats, wolves, and foxes, whose furs rendered them an 
object of the chase. Here were various species of birds and 
fowl, both in the forest and open fields. 

A continuous forest, with but here and there an open space 
for planting grounds, overspread nearly the whole landscape, 
adorning these hills with its verdure, darkening these valleys 
with its thick foliage and bending gracefully over the margin 
of the silvery streams, where the mid birds amid their 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 3 

leafy bowers sung their carols only to the wild beasts and wild 
man. 

Paths led meandering through these forests, marked only 
by the footprints of the red man and the wild beast, leading 
sometimes along the margin of some rippling stream or on 
through some open plain and up the declivity of some woody 
hill, then down through the rocky glen; not paths of iron such 
as those over which the iron horse now flies, nor were they 
the graded road for the swift horse and polished carriage, 
but paths along which the wild beasts and the wild man alike 
traveled in single file. 

Here nature was in its rudest dress, hill and glen, forest 
tree and cragged rock, the murmuring stream and mirrowed 
lake, every attempt at improvement by the untutored 
occupants had only marred their native beauty. The homes, 
the rude cabin here built, the paths here opened, the soil 
here disturbed, all attempts at change made, only begun and 
ended in forest homes and blinded paths. 

The utmost of all that Indian art and industry could do 
scarcely detracted any of nature's gracefulness. Nor had 
the waters of the beautiful Thames yet felt the keel of civ- 
ilized commerce or had borne upon its bosom the paper shell of 
Harvard and Yale. The rude bark or dugout canoe had been 
the only means of transport over the bosom of this " great 
river." 

Nor had the sharp crack of the hunter's rifle, nor the 
booming of modern artillery ever yet disturbed these solitudes, 
though instead the twang of the stringed bow and the whizzing 
flint-headed arrow had often brought to the ground the eagle 
or the fish-hawk as they stood perched upon the tall, mast-like 
forest tree on the " mountain ", or cut short the fleet-footed 
deer in his race over the open field, or the prowling wolf in 
his search for prey. 



CHAPTEE II. 

It is claimed by historians that the Pequots and Mohegans 
were apparently of the same race with the Mohicans or Mohi- 
canders who Lived on the hanks of the Hudson. Not long 
previous to 1600, it is supposed that these tribes resided among 
their relations, and the probability is that they voluntarily 
separated from the parenl t ribe on account of the want of room 
tosupporl 30 large a population of hunters. Migrating towards 
the east, they perhaps moved along the middle or southern 
part of Massachusetts until they crossed the Connecticut 
river and then took a southern course and came upon the sea 
shore. All the traditions of the Indians agree in the assertion 
that they migrated from the north a short time previous to 
the arrival of the English in this pari of the country. 

Upon the arrival of the Pequots or Mohegans in tins part 
of the country, they found themselves in possession of a large 
extent of country and just adapted to their needs, a large tract 
of hunting ground and abundance of shell, sea, and river fish. 
but at the same time surrounded by hostile tribes, who pro- 
tested against the invasion. The Pequots, being possessed of a 
bold and venturous spirit, were not easily intimidated by their 
enemies. They carried terror and trembling among the ad- 
jacent tribes with whom they were often in deadly conflict. 
The names of some of the early sachems of the Pequot tribe 
have been preserved in a genealogy of the Uncas family as 
it was made out by Uncas himself in 1679. The first whose 
name is mentioned was Tamaquashad, who probably lived 
about the time when the Pequots first established themselves 
in what is now Connecticut. The next in succession was Muck- 
qunt-do-was, who lived in a place called Awcumbucks, situated 
in the heart of the Pequot country. He had two children, 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 5 

Woipequand, who became sachem after his father's death, 
and a daughter called after her mother, Meek-un-ump, who was 
married to Ovveneco the father of Uncas. Woipequand mar- 
ried a daughter of Wekousn, chief sachem of the Narragan- 
setts, and when he died, was succeeded by his son Wopigwooit. 
Wopigwooit had a son Sassacus, the most famous of the 
Pequot sachems. About ten years previous to the war of 
the Pequots with the English, which was about lG^G, Uncas, 
the son of Oweneco, married a daughter of Sassacus, thus 
connecting himself more closely with the royal line. This 
double connection of Uncas with the royal blood of his tribe 
afterwards contributed to the downfall of his native tribe and 
resulting in the raising of Uncas himself to independent power. 
It is a recorded fact that Uncas became one of the most re- 
markable characters in the history of the Indian tribes of 
Connecticut. It seems probable that on the death of Wopig- 
wooit, Uncas laid claim to the sachemship, claiming his title on 
his own descent and also that of his wife. At all events, some 
difficulty arose, and Uncas was in open hostility with the 
chieftain, his father-in-law, Sassacus. The great body of the 
Pequot natives remained faithful to their chief and the re- 
bellious sagamore was by them expelled from the country. 
Uncas fled to the Xarragansetts, but after remaining with that 
tribe awhile, he sent a humble message to the Pequot chief, 
begging permission to return to his native tribe. His request 
was granted only on condition of his submission and future 
good conduct. Uncas of course promised to accede to their 
requirements and was therefore received back. Again he 
was accused of treachery, found guilty, and again had to fly for 
security. On a further promise of loyalty he was again par- 
doned and allowed to return. Once more for the same cause 
he was banished. In all these attempts to secede and es- 
tablish an independent tribe, he had failed, but as soon as the 
English had commenced their settlement on the Connecti- 
cut river, Uncas and his band were joined by a number of 
Connecticut river Indians, probably from about Windsor and 



g HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Hartford, and found himself at the head of some seventy war- 
riors. AVith this band he probably returned to the Pequot 
territory, lying on the west bank of the Thames river, now 
included in the boundaries of Montville and the north part 
of Waterford, and assumed the title of Mohegoneah. On this 
territory was the ancient burying place of the Pequot sachems. 
With this hold and treacherous act on the part of Uncas, Sassa- 
cus was greatly exasperated, and it is not to be supposed that 
Sassacus, the descendant and representative of that race of 
heroes whose graves were thus polluted by the foot of one 
who had made himself an alien and rebel to his tribe, would 
long remain quiet. The Pequots having failed to make a 
satisfactory treaty with the English who had restored the 
Connecticul river [ndians to their rightful territory and had 
sided with and sheltered Uncas, was too much for the proud 
Sassacus and hi- advisors to endure, so he resolved to extirpate 
the English by mean- the most diabolical and inhuman that 
Indian sagacity could contrive. We shall now see of how 
much use Uncas made himself to the English settlers and how 
deeply he revenged his pasl misfortunes upon his countrymen. 
Smarting with di-appointment and mortified pride, and with 
a desire for vengeance, this seceder from the Pequots now 
comes to Bartford at the head of his -mall band of followers, 
to offer his aid to the colonists. Very soon after, an offensive 
war was commenced against the Pequots. The necessary sup- 
plies were voted by the Massachusetts and Plymouth colonists, 
and John Mason, who had been lately stationed at Saybrook, 
was fixed upon as commander-in-chief of the force-. 

On the 20th of May, 1637, Mason at the head of ninetv 
Englishmen and seventy Indians under Uncas embarked at 
Hartford on board a pink, a pennace, and a shallop, and began 
to drop down the river. The water was low, the vessels often 
got aground, and at their own request the Indian allies were 
set on shore to proceed to Saybrook by land. On their way 
through the forest they fell in with thirty or forty of the enemy 
and killed seven of them with no loss to themselves, except one 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 7 

man wounded. The two parties arrived at Saybrook, when 
the English were delighted by hearing of the exploits of Uncas, 
which they looked upon as a sure pledge of his fidelity. 

Lieutenant Lion Gardner, who was the commander of 
the fort at Saybrook, was, however, suspicious of him, and 
said to Mason, " How dare you trust the Mokegans who have 
but a year come from the enemy ? " " We are forced to 
trust him," replied the captain, " for we want them to guide 
us." Gardner was still unsatisfied, and calling Uncas to him 
he said, " You say you will help Captain Mason, but I will 
first see it, therefore send twenty men to Bass river, for there 
went last night six Indians there in a canoe. Fetch them dead 
or alive, and you shall go with Mason, else you shall not." 
Uncas did as he was required, his warriors found the enemy, 
killed four of them and took another prisoner. This Indian 
prisoner it appears had been a bold and cunning savage, and 
now in his extremity he showed neither fear nor sorrow, but 
dared his captors to do their worst. The Mohegans requested 
permission to torture him and the English made no attempt to 
save a man who had often assisted in the torture of their own 
countrymen. Their mode of execution was of a most torturing 
character. One of the captive's legs was tied to a post, a rope 
was fastened to the other and twenty warriors pulled him 
asunder. 

The Pequots, under their chief Sassacus, had become bold 
and hostile to the settlers. Much depredation had been com- 
mitted by members of the tribe, cattle had been taken, crops 
destroyed, and even children had been taken captives. A war 
was determined upon and waged against them with a determina- 
tion on the part of the English settlers either to subdue them 
or exterminate them. A severe struggle followed, which 
close was hastened by the capture of their forts on Pequot Hill 
in Groton, and the destruction of the same by setting it on fire, 
by which means many of the Pequot warriors, their women 
and children, perished. Their chief, Sassacus, was soon forced 
to flee for safety and took refuge in the country of the Mohawks, 



g HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

but lie did not, however, avoid his fate. The Mohawks, 
moved, it was reported, by a bribe from the Narragansetts, per- 
haps also by a desire of gratifying the English, fell upon him by 
surprise and killed him, and the scalps of Sassacus, one of his 
brothers, and five others were sent to Connecticut to convince 
the English of the certain death of their brave enemy. This 
greal and dearly decisive victory was on the night of the 26th 
of May, 1637. In this severe conflict, Uncas took an impor- 
tant part, as did also the Narragansetts. The day before the 
encounter, as they were nearing the enemy's forts, many of 
the Narragansetts who had joined the expedition began to ex- 
hibit the fear in which they held the Pequots, and turned 
back toward their homes, and others appeared to be in such 
fear that ( laptain Mason, who Led the expedition, called Uncas 
to him and asked him what he thought the Indians would do. 
The brave sachem replied, " The Narragansetts will all leave 
you, but as for myself, I will never leave you." For which 
expression and I'm' some other speeches made previously by 
Uncas, said .Mason in his account of the war, " I shall never 
forgel him; indeed, he was a great friend, and did us good 
service." 

Their last unavailing struggle was in a large swamp in the 
present town of Fairfield, whither the main body of the Pequots 
had taken refuge. This body of men, women, and children, 
numbering several hundred souls, headed by Sassacus, fled 
their own country and traveled slowly westward along the 
southern boundary of Connecticut, crossed the Connecticut 
river, and were overtaken by the English forces in Fairfield 
swamp. At the close of the swamp fight, it was calculated that 
seven hundred Pequots had been killed or captured, among 
whom were thirteen sagamores of their nation, the others of 
which it was reported there were thirteen probably perished 
with their chieftain by the hands of the Mohawks. Broken 
and dispirited, the Pequots now became an easy prey to their 
enemies, and the Mohegans and Narragansetts continually 
brought their heads or hands into the English settlement. 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 9 

While the persecution of the scattered Pequots dragged on, 
Uncas, in July, 1638, with a number of his warriors made a 
visit to Boston, and was admitted before the council of the 
colony. As a present to the governor he laid down twenty 
fathoms of wampum. He was told that the governor would 
not accept it until he had made certain explanations, and gave 
satisfaction concerning the Pequots whom he had received 
among his own tribe and now harbored them. Uncas was 
somewhat perplexed. He was aware of the rock upon which 
Sassacus had been wrecked, and was determined not to bring 
down upon himself the indignation of the English, and at the 
same time he did not wish to part with any of his followers. 
He at once denied that he had any Pequot with him or had 
harbored any of the defeated tribe, and most positively af- 
firmed that all the company then present with him were true 
Mohegans. As the Pequots and Mohegans were until lately 
all of the same people it was very difficult, if not impossible 
when mingled together, for the colonists to distinguish them. 
The strong protestation of Uncas and his evident willingness 
to conciliate with the colonists softened the displeasure of 
the council and his present was therefore accepted. This gave 
him courage. Placing his hand on his heart, and addressing the 
governor, said, " This heart is not mine, it is yours. I have 
no men; they are all yours. Whatever you command of me 
I will do it. I will never believe any Indian's word against 
the English. If any Indian shall kill an Englishman I will 
put him to death, even if he be dear to me." 

The spirit exhibited in this address to the governor was 
faithfully carried out by Uncas as long as he lived. Devoted 
to his own interest, he found that he advanced that interest by 
manifesting great devotion to the colonists. His faithfulness 
to them was not because in his heart he loved them, but be- 
cause of the gains he expected to receive by appearing to be 
their special friends. It is said that Uncas in person was a 
man of large frame and great physical strength. His courage 
was never doubted, for it was too often displayed. He ap- 



10 HISTORY OF MOXTVILLE. 

peared to set little value upon the glory of conquest in war, 
compared with the advantages it brought him in the matter 
of booty and new subjects, and a wider range of fields. J I is 
nature, judging from his continuous acts, was selfish, jealous, 
and tyrannical, his ambition was grasping, but often con- 
cealed by the appearance of magnanimity. The overthrow 
of the Pequots relieved the English colonists from a very 
troublesome barrier to the peaceful prosecution of their settle- 
ments in Connecticut. After their defeat many new emi- 
grants came over from England, and the white settlers began 
to flow into the newly-opened field in considerable numbers. 
This whole land was now open for peaceable settlement. The 
Indian set little value on the land, but much upon the imple- 
ments and ornaments which the white man could offer them. 
They willingly exchanged the one for the other, and probably 
thought that they were the greatest gainers by the transaction. 
A tripartite treaty, dated October 1, 1638, was entered 
into by John Ilavnes, Roger Ludlow, and Edward Hopkins 
for the English of Connecticut, by Miantinomoh on behalf 
of the sachems of the Xarragansetts, and Uncas on the part 
of himself and the sagamores under him. There was to be 
perpetual peace between the parties, all former provocations 
and animosities were to be buried forever. The first trans- 
actions of importance between Uncas and Connecticut after 
the treaty, was an agreement drawn up and signed on the 28th 
day of September, 1640. The nature of this agreement was 
vague, and many years afterwards was made the ground of 
a long and expensive law suit between the Mohegans and the 
colony. After the overthrow of the Pequots, and Uncas had 
quietly settled upon his newly-achieved possessions along the 
westward bank of the " Great River," afterwards the Thames, 
he, by that crafty and ambitious nature which was sure to be 
developed when the advantage seemed to favor, laid claim to 
the sovereignty of the country lately held by the Pequots, on 
the ground of his connection with the royal family of the tribe. 
He however yielded to the English that tract along the sea- 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 11 

coast which they had seized, but the remainder he claimed as 
justly belonging to him. He thereby came into possession of 
all the northern part of what is now Xew London county, 
together with the southern portion of the counties of Wind- 
ham and Tolland. At this time many of the conquered tribe 
had attached themselves to Uncas and had become his subjects. 
Fragments of other tribes too collected around him, and in- 
creased the numbers and strength of the Mohegans. Another 
source of influence was conferred upon Uncas in consideration 
of his late service in the Pequot war. His faithfulness during 
that war was repaid by the colonists with their favor, when it 
could be conferred with justice, and sometimes perhaps only 
with injustice. As Uncas had made a claim to all that tract 
of land lying on both sides of the Thames river, and extending 
several miles north, so he also claimed the right to dispose of 
the same in whatever manner he should deem best for his 
interest, and thereupon the agreement of the date of Septem- 
ber 28, 1640, was entered into, between himself and the 
colony of Connecticut. That agreement was as follows: " Sep- 
tember 28th, 1640. This Writing Witnesseth: That I, 
Uncas, alias Poquaiom, Sachem of the Mohegans, have given 
and freely granted unto the governor and magistrates of the 
English upon the Connecticut river, all the land that doth 
belong, or ought of right to belong, to me by whatever name 
soever it be called, whether Mohegan, Yomtoke, Aquapank- 
suks, Porkstannocks, Wippawocks, Massapeake or any other, 
which they may hereafter dispose of as their own, either by 
settling plantations of the English there or otherwise as shall 
seem good to them, reserving only for my own use that ground 
which at present is planted and in that kind improved by us; 
and I do hereby promise and engage myself not to suffer, so far 
as I have power, any English or any other to set down or 
plant within any of those limits which before this grant did 
belong to me, without the consent or approbation of the said 
magistrates or governor at Connecticut aforesaid. And this 
I do upon mature consideration and good advice, freely and 



12 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

without any constraint. In Witness Whereof, I hereunto put 
my hand. 

The mark of Poquaiom, alias Uncas. 
In presence of Thomas Stanton. 

The mark of Poxen, alias Foxon. 

"The said English did also freely give to the said Uncas 
five and a half yards Trucking Cloth, with stockings and other 
things, as a gratuity." 

The colonial authorities and all who were interested in 
the success of the government, claimed that it was a clear 
deed of purchase and sale. The Indians, however, declared 
that it was a mere right of pre-emption, by which Uncas pro- 
hibited himself from selling liis land to any but the colony 
or the settlers of Connecticut, without the approbation of the 
authorities. Thus from the two interpretations arose the 
great controversy which followed and continued many years. 
Uncas soon became a formidable rival with the Narragansetts, 
whose hatred toward Uncas now increased. This hatred and 
jealousy on the part of the other tribes led them to form a 
conspiracy to overthrow and destroy Uncas. lie, on the other 
hand, strove to defend himself and to injure the enemies by 
spreading unfavorable reports of their feelings and designs 
with regard to the English. " Miantinomoh," says the Mo- 
hegans, " wants to make himself sachem of all the Indians in 
X ( w England. Miantinomoh is trying to bring all the Indians 
into a conspiracy against the white settlers." 

These reports caused a suspicion on the part of the mag- 
istrates of the colony, and in November, 1640, they sum- 
moned the Narragansett chief to'Boston. He at once obeyed, 
thus producing a strong impression in his favor. When 
questioned, he was deliberate in his answers, and showed much 
cunning in his observations. He offered to prove that Uncas 
and the Mohegans alone had raised the reports against him, 
and asked that bis accusers might be brought face to face 
before him, and demanded that if unable to prove their 
charges they should be put to death. His demeanor and the 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 13 

apparent justness of his remarks silenced the complainants, and 
the magistrates acquitted him of all suspicion of conspiracy, 
and he was set free and returned to his home in peace. This 
affair doubtless tended to increase his hatred of ITncas, and not 
long after an incident occurred which was said to be an effect 
of that revived hatred. One evening, as Uncas was passing 
from one wigwam to another in Mohegan, an arrow, discharged 
by some unseen marksman, pierced his arm. On reaching the 
cabin to which he was going, the wound was dressed, but being 
slight was soon healed. The perpetrator of this attempted as- 
sassination was never known, but suspicion rested on a young 
Pequot who was known to have a large quantity of wam- 
pum. He was questioned in relation to the wampum he had 
in his possession, but would give no reasonable explanation of 
how he came by so much, which increased suspicion against 
him. Observing that he was suspected of committing the 
act, he stole away out of the Mohegan territory and fled over 
to the ISTarragansett country, and took refuge with Mianti- 
nomoh. Uncas took the matter before the magistrates of 
Massachusetts, charging Miantinomoh with being the instiga- 
tor of the cowardly attack on him, and Miantinomoh once more 
felt himself compelled to go to Boston. He took along with 
him the Pequot, who was examined by the magistrates in the 
presence of the chief. He told a most extraordinary story, 
how he had been staying in Uncas' fort and how Uncas had 
engaged him to tell the English that he had been hired by 
Miantinomoh to kill Uncas, and how at the time Uncas said 
that an arrow pierced his arm, he took the flint of his gun 
and cut his arm on two sides so as to make it appear as if an 
arrow had pierced it. This story seemed improbable to the 
magistrates, and was very unsatisfactory to the colonists, who 
had long distrusted the "JSTarragansetts and favored the Mo- 
hegans. This improbable tale served to bring Miantinomoh 
under strong suspicion. It seemed that the sachem had used 
the young Pequot as a tool for throwing off the guilt of a 
conspiracy from his own shoulders, and laying it on the in- 



14 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

tender! victim of that conspiracy. The magistrates expressed 
themselves convinced tli.it the young Pequot was guilty, and 
declared that he ought to he given over to Uncas to be dealt 
with as his crime demanded. 

The Narragansett sachem objected, claiming that the young 
man was under his protection, but finally promised that if he 
might only carry him back to his own country he would then 
surrender him to Uncas. His earnest pleadings were listened 
to, and he was allowed to go with the criminal, but on the 
way to the sachem's home, he had him murdered by his own 
men. This act with good reason deepened the suspicion 
already excited against him, as it was immediately con- 
cluded that he had put his accomplice to death to prevent 
his own guiH from being thoroughly exposed. He was doubt- 
less unwilling to gratify a hated rival by surrendering the 
man to him for vengeance, and he may have feared that 
Uncas might make use of him by torture or intimidation 
foT the purpose of bringing still more dangerous accusations 
against himself and his tribe. Sequassen, the sachem of the 
Connecticut river tribes, now began to play his part against 
the Mohegans and their sachem. Some of his men had 
killed a leading Mohegan, and others waylaid TTncas him- 
self as he was sailing down the Connecticut in a canoe, and 
shot arrows at him. Uncas at once complained of their at- 
tempts at his life and those of his men to the magistrates 
at Hartford, and the governor, having summoned the two 
sachems before him, attempted a reconciliation between 
them. Uncas said that the man who had been murdered 
was one of considerable importance in the tribe, and that 
he must have six of Sequassen's men to put to death in 
retaliation for the one of so much consequence in his tribe. 
The governor labored hard to reduce this extravagant de- 
mand as it did not accord with the English idea of justice, 
and after great persuasions, Uncas was prevailed upon to 
accept a single individual and the acknowledged murderer. 
But the murderer being also a man of importance, and he 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 15 

was moreover a relative and a great favorite of Miantinomoh, 
Sequassen consequently would not consent to his surrender, 
and said that lie would defend him by force, and probably 
relied upon Miantinomoh for aid. The governor, finding 
that it was impossible to effect a reconciliation between the 
two sachems, dismissed them, and gave Uncas liberty to 
revenge his own wrongs. He did so. Entering Seqnassen's 
territory he made war upon him, killing several of his war- 
riors and wounding others. He also burned their wigwams 
and carried away a quantity of booty. 

This successful act of Uncas kindled anew the old hatred 
of Miantinomoh, who again began to plan for revenge. Ac- 
cording to the treaty of 1638, he first submitted his com- 
plaints to the magistrates before taking up arms. He sent 
a message to Governor Haynes of Connecticut complaining 
that Tineas had injured his friend and relative Sequassen, 
and his allies. The governor replied that the English had 
no hand in the affair, and did not mean to uphold Uncas 
in any unjustifiable conduct. He also sent a notice to Gov- 
ernor Winthrop of Massachusetts, complaining of the injury 
Uncas had done him, and asked in particular whether the 
people of Massachusetts would be offended with him in case 
he should make war upon Uncas. Governor Winthrop's 
reply was still more satisfactory than that of Governor Haynes, 
for he informed him that if Uncas had done him or his friends 
any wrong and refused to give satisfaction the English would 
leave him to choose his own course in retaliation, and so left 
the matter as on a previous occasion, to be settled between the 
sachems. Miantinomoh immediately therefore begun prepara- 
tions for avenging his own and his kinsman's quarrel with 
more than usual energy. He collected a large band of war- 
riors and advanced rapidly and unexpectedly into the country 
of the Mohegans. The Mohegan sentinels on the hills of 
Norwich suddenly beheld the Narragansetts emerge from 
the woods and cross the Shetucket river at a place a short 
distance above its junction with the Quinebaug. The run- 



16 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

tiers immediately dashed off, some to carry the startling in- 
telligence to their chief, some to collect their scattered war- 
riors. Very soon the Mohegan warriors came pouring into 
their fort on ;ill sides. (This fort is supposed to have been 
the one situated Oil an eminence a short distance west of 
the presenl Mohegan station and in full view of the sur- 
rounding hills about Norwich. TJncas may have been at 
this fort or at his cabin which stood on another eminence 
about a mile south of the fort and in sight of it. The site 
of this fori is easily discovered by the hollow circle around 
it (dearly seen nt the present time.) The warriors were soon 
able to advance toward the enemy. CTncas a1 the head of his 
band of noble men. moved forward toward the enemy until 
be came to a spot situated in the present township of Norwich 
and now known as the Kast Great Plain. 

Here he halted his men on a rising spot of ground and 
explained to them a strategem by which he hoped to make 
ii]) for his inferiority in numbers. It is probable that the 
Itfohegans numbered aboul three hundred warriors, and 
that of their enemy twice thai number. The Xarra- 
gansetts, having already crossed the fords of the Yan- 
tic, soon appeared descending the declivity opposite to 
the Mohegans. TJncas now sent forward a messenger 

to ask an interview with Miantinomoh. It was granted, 
and the two sachems shortly met each other in a 
narrow space between the contending armies. The Narra- 
gansetts were waiting unsuspiciously the result of the con- 
ference: the Mohegans were watching anxiously for the pre- 
concerted signal from their sachem. Uncas addressed Mian- 
tinomoh on the folly of mutally wasting the lives of the 
brave warriors in a contest which could as well be decided by 
themselves alone. " Let us fight it out," said Uncas; if you 
kill me my men shall be yours, and if I kill you, your men 
shall be mine." Miantinomoh is said to have been a tall and 
strong man, and it is not likely that lie was so deficient in 
courage as to reject the proposition of Uncas through fear. 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 17 

But he was certain of his superiority in numbers and was 
therefore resolved not to throw away what seemed to be a 
certainty for an uncertainty. " My men came to fight," 
said he, " and they shall fight." Uncas had probably expected 
such an answer and now the time had come for his stratagem. ' 
He threw himself suddenly upon the ground. His men, rec- 
ognizing the signal, and drawing their ready-bent bows, they 
poured a shower of arrows among the astonished Narragan- 
setts. Uncas sprang up, and his warriors, pealing forth the 
yell of battle, and brandishing their tomahawks, rushed for- 
ward with their chief upon the paralyzed enemy. The Nar- 
ragansetts, panic struck at this bold and sudden assault, made 
hardly an attempt at resistance, and speedily took to flight. 
The Mohegans pursued them with impetuous fury, drove them 
through the shallows of the Yantic, and continued the chase 
into the forests beyond. All over that hilly country the 
pursuers and pursued might have been seen leaping over rocks 
and dashing through tangled thickets like wolves in chase of 
timid deer. 

Miantinomoh tied with his followers, but his flight was 
probably impeded by an English corselet which he wore 
around him as a protection in battle. Two of the Mohegan 
captains followed him closely and could easily have taken or 
killed him with their own hands, but this honor they were 
willing to reserve for their chief. The first of these men who 
reached the flying chieftain was a sagamore named Tantaqui- 
gion, whose descendants were for a long time afterward held 
in high esteem among the Mohegans. (But one person at 
this writing lives that bears the name.) Uncas finally came 
up and seized Miantinomoh by the shoulder. The fated 
chieftain, as soon as he felt the hand of his enemy upon him 
ceased his flight and sat down upon the ground, but not a 
word escaped his closed lips, made so by the raging anger 
within. Thirty or more of his warriors had been slain in 
their flight and many more wounded; the remainder sought 
their own safety, and left their chief to the mercy of his cap- 
2 



lg HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 

tors. Some of Miantinomoh's warriors were brought up and 
slain before his eyes, but he was silent, showing neither weak- 
ness or fear. " Why do you not speak ? " said Uncas. " If 
you had taken me, I should have besought you for my life." 
Miantinomoh was carried in triumph to the Mohegan 
fort, his life was spared and he was even treated with some 
degree of kindness and respect. It is said that during the 
captivity of Miantinomoh his people -cut him several packages 
bf wampum which he gave away, some to Uncas, some to 
Uncas' wife, and some of his counselors. These presents 
were made, as the Mohegans said, partly by way of thanks 
for his kindly treatment while in their hands and partly to 
persuade Uncas to deliver him over to the English and refer 
his fate to their decision. The Narragansetts, however, as- 
serted that the wampum was given as a ransom, and subse- 
quently made it a strong ground of accusation against the 
Mohegan sachem. The capture of Miantinomoh excited a 
deep interest among the English of Rhode [sland. One of 
them is said to have written Uncas a letter commanding 
him to set Miantinomoh at liberty, and threatening him with 
the English power if he refused. 

Uncas was by no means willing to set his captive free, 
but he did not dare now, on his own authority, to put 
him to death. In this dilemma he concluded to refer the case 
to his old friends, the English of Connecticut. He therefore 
took his captive to Hartford and surrendered him to the cus- 
tody of the magistrates, and begged them to show him his 
duty. The magistrates replied that there was no open war 
between their government and the Narragansetts ; he had 
better wait until the meeting of the commissioners of the 
United Colonies, as they did not wish to interfere in such 
matters. Accordingly the matter was laid before the com- 
missioners at their next meeting at Boston, which took place 
the following September. The question was there debated, 
whether it would be just and lawful to have the captive chief 
put to death. The commissioners hesitated in their judgment, 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 19 

and at first decided that while it would not be safe to liberate 
the captive, there was still no sufficient cause to put him to 
death. In this uncertainty it was determined to refer the 
case to the clergy, a general convocation of whom was held in 
Boston, as many as fifty being assembled from all parts of 
New England. From this number five only were selected to 
consider and give their opinion on this important question. 
These were called in, and the case laid before them. After 
due consideration they gave it as their opinion that Mianti- 
nomoh ought to die. 

The commissioners being thereby relieved of the grave 
responsibility of the decision by the verdict of the clergy, de- 
clared that the sachem was worthy of death, and that Uncas 
might reasonably hill him, since his own life would be in 
constant danger as long as such a false and bloodthirsty enemy 
lived. The commissioners decided that Uncas and some 
of his best men should be summoned to Hartford; that the 
captive chief should there be surrendered into his hand, and 
by him put to death without the limits of the English set- 
tlement, and that some of the colonists should witness the 
execution for the more full satisfaction of the commissioners. 
It was agreed that if I T ncas refused to kill the prisoner he 
was not to be surrendered to him, but if he should carry the 
sentence into effect, he was to be taken under the English 
protection, and it was to be the special duty of Connecticut 
to defend Tineas against all enemies whom he might thus 
create. 

This decision was to be kept secret until it was known that 
the commissioners had reached their homes. As soon as 
it was ascertained that the commissioners were in safety, 
Uncas was ordered to Plartford with a sufficient number of 
his warriors. He went, attended by his brother Wawequa, 
and a select band. The decision of the commissioners was 
made known to Uncas, which decision was doubtless after 
his own heart. He offered not the least objection to carrying it 
into execution. The prisoner was delivered into his hands, 



20 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

and two Englishmen were designated to go with him and wit- 
ness the execution. They left Hartford and traveled on 
through the forests by the paths often traveled by the Mo- 
hegans until they came to the spot where Miantinomoh was 
captured, and where he sat down upon the ground with 
silent contempt. Wawequa, the brother of tineas, was walk- 
ing close behind the captive chief, who was still uncertain 
what his fate would be. Uncas gave the signal, and Wawe- 
qua silently raising his tomahawk, sank it with a heavy 
blow into the head of the unsuspecting prisoner. It is said 
that Uncas, then and there, cut a piece of flesh from the shoul- 
der of his now dead enemy and ate it, saying, " Tt is the sweetest 
meat I ever ate; it makes my heart strong." 

Such was the tragical end of Miantinomoh, the chief of 
the Narragansetts. Ee was buried on the site, both of his 
defeat and his death, and the spot afterwards received from 
the English settlers the name which it still retains, " Sachem's 
Plain," and is situated in the present township of Norwich 
near the Shetuckel river, a little south of its junction with 
the Quinebaug. On the 4th day of July, 1841, was erected, 
principally through the efforts of William C. Gilman, Esq., 
a monumental stone to the memory of the Xarragansett chief. 
It is a block of granite, eight feet high and about five feet 
square at its base, and bears this inscription, "Miantinomoh, 
1643." After the loss of their sachem the Narragansetts by 
no means remained quiet, but were continually harassing the 
Rlohegans. Within a month after the death of Miantinomoh, 
Pessicus, a brother of the sachem, sent presents to Boston with 
messages that he wished peace with the English, but at the 
same time had determined upon making war with Uncas. His 
presents were rejected, and he was told that the English would 
stand by Uncas whenever he should be attacked. The re- 
jection of the presents, and the assurance that Uncas should 
be protected produced little effect for the hatred and burning 
desire for vengeance that was concealed in the bosoms of 
the Narragansetts, and could not be easily overcome either by 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 21 

threats or persuasion. Hostilities were at once commenced, 
and the warriors of the Narragansetts in squads again invaded 
the territories of Uncas. 

In the spring of 1645, about two years after the defeat of 
Miantinomoh, a large force of his warriors poured into the 
country of the Mohegans under the command of Pessicus. 
They destroyed every wigwam and plantation in their pro- 
gress, drove the Mohegans before them, and forced Uncas 
to take refuge in one of his forts called the " Shantock Fort." 
A short distance east of this fort, partly down the hill, is a 
living spring of water which was of easy access by the be- 
sieged. AVhen once in this fort, the Mohegans could easily 
defend themselves against a foe no more skilled in warfare 
and as poorly armed as themselves. The jSTarragansetts had 
no expectation of driving the Mohegans from their stronghold 
by any force they could bring against them, so they attempted 
to annoy them by seizing their canoes that lay along the banks 
of the river, and spread themselves over the surrounding 
country, hoping to reduce the besieged by cutting off their 
supplies. Uncas, however, succeeded in sending news of 
his condition to the English fort at Saybrook. A Mohegan 
creeping cautiously out by night made his way undiscovered 
along the river and over the country to the mouth of the 
Connecticut river, and crossing over, communicated to the 
English the perilous condition of Uncas and his men. Say- 
brook Eort was at this time commanded by John Mason, who, 
from a grateful remembrance of services rendered by Uncas 
in the Pequot war, was quite willing to assist him in his present 
extremity. On the information obtained, Mason allowed 
one of his garrison, a young man named Thomas Leffmgwell, 
to undertake the enterprise of taking a supply of food to 
Uncas. It is presumed that Leffingwell was assisted on his 
expedition by two other men named Thomas Tracy and 
Thomas Miner. The canoe in which they embarked was ca- 
pable of bearing twenty hundredweight of provisions. They 
succeeded in bringing it around to the mouth of the Pequot 



22 HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 

or Thames river, and, taking advantage of a dark night, cau- 
tiously paddled up the river to Shantock Point, and, running 
up a small cove; into which the Shantock brook empties, 
landed their cargo without being discovered by the besiegers. 
The starving Mohegans shouted their delight when they saw 
the beef, corn, and peas which had been sent to them, and at 
once gave notice to their enemy of their relief, by elevating 
a large piece of meat on a pole. When daylight came the 
ISTarragansetts saw that they had been provisioned, and seeing 
one or more Englishmen among the Mohegans, they gave up 
the siege in despair and returned to their own territory. And 
again Uncas was left free for a time. The Narragansetts 
would often afterwards repeat their invasions into the Mohe- 
gan territory. The old hatred towards Uncas would not allow 
them to live long without attempting revenge. During the 
year 1G57 the Mohegans were again obliged to defend them- 
selves against the attacks of the Narragansetts, assisted by 
the "X chanties. On one occasion Pessicus, the Xarragansett 
chief, with a large force invaded the Mohegan country, and 
(.nee more held Uncas besieged in his fortress. A small body 
of English was sent by the colony of Connecticut to relieve 
him. Its \ci\ appearance caused the ISTarragansetts to re- 
treat, and the Mohegans, rushing out of their fort, pursued 
them and changed their retreat into a rout. The invaders fled 
in a tumult towards their own country, and were furiously 
pursued by the Mohegans, who overtook them, killing many 
while struggling through the thickets of brush or floundering 
across the streams. It is said that some old Mohegans used 
to relate incidents of this battle a long time afterwards, how 
they found a poor Xarragansett among the brushes which 
bordered the river, and so crazed with fear that he imagined 
himself in the water-and was actually trying to swim. Tradi- 
tion says that one body of the pursued was driven out of the 
direct course to the fords of the Yantic river, and came upon 
the stream where it flowed between high banks with a deep 
and rapid current; many of them plunged in recklessly into 



HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 23 

the abyss and were either slaughtered or drowned, their 
mangled bodies floating down into the calm waters below. 
This incident probably gave the foundation for the tradition- 
ary legend connected with the Falls of the Yantic. In 1666, 
Uncas became involved in a quarrel with the sachem of the 
Podunks, a tribe located in the vicinity of Hartford. The 
Mohegans had encroached upon the territories of the Po- 
dunks, probably by hunting over them. One, or both par- 
ties, however, soon appealed to the government of Connecti- 
cut, and the General Court appointed a committee to examine 
into and settle the difficulties. A boundary line was surveyed 
and marked out, and both parties expressed themselves sat- 
isfied, and so their quarrel was brought to a peaceful con- 
clusion. In confirmation of the friendship which was formed 
between the two sachems, Uncas and Arramament, the lat- 
ter, sachem of the Podunks, gave his daughter, Sow-gon-osk 
in marriage to Attawanhood, the third son of Uncas. After- 
wards, in May, 1672, the Podunk chief made over to his 
daughter and her husband all the lands which he owned in 
Podunk or elsewhere, then and forever. This territory was 
to descend to the children of the daughter by Attawanhood, 
and in case there was no such, to the children whom she 
might have by any other person, and in case there were none 
such as these, then to whatever persons were declared to be 
the nearest heirs of Sow-gon-osk by the English law. Since 
about 1668 no special record is found of quarrels or war 
between the different tribes of Connecticut as had previously 
existed. The English settlers were at this time rapidly oc- 
cupying the Indian lands, either by purchase or encroach- 
ment. Many grants had already been made. New London 
had become considerably populated, and a deed had been 
signed by Uncas and his sons Owaneco and Attawanhood, 
conveying to the town of and inhabitants of Norwich a tract 
of land nine miles square. 

The Indians at this early period gave the white settlers 
not a little annoyance by loitering around their settlements. 



24 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

They would often frighten the women and children by enter- 
ing the houses without liberty and through their excessive 
eagerness to handle fire-arms, some lamentable accidents were 
caused. They were not always strictly honest either, being 
quite apt to take whatever excited their longing, and more 
disposed to run into debt than to pay what they already owed. 
If a person trusted an Indian to any considerable amount he 
was pretty sure to lose both the debt and his customer. To 
put a stop to such annoyance, penal laws were enacted both 
by the Colonial Courts and by the town authorities. For 
handling dangerous weapons, an Indian was to pay a fine of 
half a fathom of wampum. If he wounded anyone by his 
carelessness or ignorance he was to defray the expense of 
curing the patient. If the injured person died, life was 
to be exacted for life. Indians who came prowling around 
the settlements by night might be summoned by the watch- 
man to surrender, and if they refused to obey might be shol 
<h»wn without hesitation. Nothing operated with more in- 
jurious effect upon the Indians than intoxicating liquors, 
and they drank them greedily whenever they could get them, 
and the tribes soon began to exhibit proofs of their delete- 
rious effects. One law after another was passed forbidding 
any person to furnish an Indian with such liquors under pen- 
alty. In l<»r>l this penalty was five pounds for every pint 
thus sold, and 'forty shillings for the least quantity. These 
laws were what are now called prohibitory enactments, and 
were, in the judgment of the law-makers of those times, need- 
ful for the good of the Indians and the safety of the white 
settlers. Notwithstanding these prohibitory laws the evil 
still went on, increasing, liquors growing more abundant and 
could be obtained at less expense; the white settlers being 
too willing to furnish the liquors for the gain the sale brought 
them. The Indians were forbidden to hire land of the white 
settlers, because by this means they mingled with them and 
corrupted the youth, and there was good reason for this cau- 
tion, for the moral example of the native was beyond question 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 25 

very corrupting. At this date the Indians found themselves 
in danger of losing some of their lands through the encroach- 
ments of settlers, and they began to look with anger and 
dismay upon the steady progress of the foreigners in spreading 
over and occupying the country. And the last great struggle 
of the native tribes of New England against the race of 
foreigners was that of King Philip. This war, called ever 
since " King Philip's War," broke out in June, 1675, just 
about a century before the struggle of this country for inde- 
pendence. In this war, ITncas and his son Owaneco took an 
active part, and was probably the last struggle of this nature 
that Uncas was engaged in. 

In August, 1676, King Philip fell, and after this event 
the contest in the southern part of New England soon ceased. 
During a period of more than twenty years before his death, 
Uncas had been selling and granting land with a lavishness 
that showed that he had a full share of that improvidence 
usually exhibited by the natives of the soil. Many of the 
deeds given were signed by Uncas alone, and others by Owan- 
eco, while some were signed by both, and others by the addi- 
tion of his other sons. In these deeds various reasons are as- 
signed for parting with their lands. Sometimes it is, " Out 
of love and affection for the grantee;" sometimes, "In con- 
sideration of continued kindness shown to me and my chil- 
dren," and sometimes for " favors received when in peril." 
These grants often conflicted with each other, and were 
the source of serious quarrel and litigations between the set- 
tlers and each other. Uncas died about 1683 or 1684, the 
precise time, as well as the circumstances of his death being 
unknown. He was probably about eighty years old at his 
death. His domicile was situated on a commanding site about 
three-fourths of a mile southeast from the Mohegan Chapel, 
or what is now called " Uncas Hill." The land on which 
his house stood is now owned by Captain Jerome W. Williams, 
having been conveyed in 1858 to 1ST. B. Bradford, Esq., by the 
overseer of the tribe, Dr. S. C. Maynard, by a decree of the 



26 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Superior Court upon the petition of the members of the tribe 
then holding the fee of the land. The petitioners claiming 
ownership were William Wallace Uncas and his sister Eliza 
Uncas. The land possessed or claimed by the Mohegans at 
the death of Uncas consisted mainly of three tracts. The 
first was where the tribe mostly resided, and lay on the west 
bank of the Pequot or Thames river, between Norwich and 
New London, and measured more than four miles in breadth, 
resting at its easterly extremity on the river and extended 
westerly more than eight miles. Another tract lay along 
the northern boundary of Lyme, being about two miles in 
breadth and about nine miles in length, extending to the 
Connecticut river. A third, called the hunting grounds, lay 
between Norwich and the towns of Lebanon, Lyme, and Had- 
dam, a part of which constitutes the town of Colchester. 
Owaneco, the sou of I Qcas, succeeded his lather as chief of 
the tribe. Of his three brothers, Attawanhood, alias Joshua, 
was already dead. Of the other two, John, who was the eld- 
est, probably died before Owaneco, while Ben outlived them 
both, and ultimately succeeded to the sachemship. Owaneco 
continued to convey land to the English settlers, which after- 
wards became the source of much controversy. On succeed- 
ing to the sachemship, Owaneco seemed to have had a desire 
to secure his tribe in the perpetual possession of their lands. 
It is YiT\- probable that Daniel and Samuel Mason urged him 
to this course. They, like their father, John Mason, were 
high in favor with the Mohegans, and advised them in im- 
portant matters. A paper dated March 16, 1684, was drawn 
up, probably by the direction of the Masons, and signed by 
Owaneco with his mark. The following is a copy from the 
Norwich records: " Know all men whom it doth or may 
concern, that I, Owaneco, Sachem of Mohegan, have, and 
by these presents pass over all my right of that tract of land 
between New London town bounds and Trading Cove Brook 
unto the Mohegan Indians for their use to plant; that neither 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 27 

I nor my son nor any under him shall at any time make 
sale of any part thereof; and that tract of land shall be and 
remain forever for the use of the Mohegan Indians; and 
myself and mine to occupy and improve for our mutual ad- 
vantage forever. As Witness my seal and mark. 

Owaneco's Mark." 
Soon after the execution of the paper, " fearing " as he 
said, " that he might be induced to drink too freely, and to 
make injudicious sales of his lands," Owaneco trusted his 
lands to Samuel and Daniel Mason, as his father had done 
in 1(359 to John Mason. From this time Samuel and Dan- 
iel Mason were recognized as their guardians by the Mohe- 
gans, they often, however, acting in conjunction with Rev. 
James Fitch, who was their spiritual adviser. On the 24th 
of May, 1685, the General Court granted to the town of 
Lyme a tract of land lying north of that township, nine miles 
in length by two in breadth. This had been claimed by 
the Mohegans, and for a long time asserted that for this 
large tract they had never received any compensation what- 
ever. In 1699, Owaneco gave a deed to Nathaniel Foot, who 
acted as agent to a company from Hartford who were the 
purchasers of a large tract of land called the Mohegan hunting- 
grounds. This tract afterwards constituted the township of 
Colchester. It is said the only consideration for this tract 
of land being some live or six shillings; this conveyance 
was by some thought to have been effected by means no ways 
honest, Owaneco being in liquor at the time. However this 
may have been, it was very probable that this deed was ob- 
tained in order to establish the original proprietors of that 
tract of land in their rights. It was only about a year pre- 
vious that the General Court had granted a petition of the 
inhabitants living in Hartford, giving them liberty for a 
plantation in that locality. " At a General Court, holden 
at Hartford, October the 13th, 1698. This Court, upon 
the petition of divers of the inhabitants in the counties of 
Hartford, Grant Libertye for a plantation at or near the place 



28 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

called Jeremiah's farm upon the Rode to New London, and 
•Capt. Daniel Wetherell, Gapt. John Hamlin, Mr. Will Pitkin, 
Capt. Samuel ffosdick, they or the Majr part of them are by 
this Court appointed to be a Committee to lay out a town 
Ship there beginning at the North bound of twentie mile 
River and So to Extend Southward to a River Called deep 
River; And to Extend Eastward from the bounds of Ilad- 
dam Seven miles." 

This transaction gave rise to a quarrel between the Mo- 
hegans and the settlers of Colchester, each inflicting petty 
insults and injuries upon the other. Daniel Mason took part 
with the Indians, winch so exasperated the townsmen that 
on one occasion, when be was riding through Colchester, 
some of them threatened to shoot his horse under him. 
About the same time another quarrel took place between the 
Mohegans and the town of New London, the town having 
passed a vote, taking under their jurisdiction all land lying 
between their northern limits and the southern limits of 
Norwich. 

The northern boundary line of New London, as de- 
termined by a committee appointed by the General Court. 
in June, 1654, was " to a brook called by the Indians 
Cochicknoke, where the footpath to Mohegan goeth over 
the creek or cove," and was the stream of water now 
called Oxoboxo, the southern line of Norwich being at 
Trading Cove and the brook flowing into it. The Mo- 
hegans were alarmed at this action taken by the citizens of New 
London, fearing that by this act the whole of their entailed 
lands would be taken away from them. They therefore 
complained to the General Court, which ordered an investi- 
gation, and had the chiefs of the tribes summoned to sup- 
port their own cause. Owaneco, his brother Ben, and his 
son Mamohet, made answer to the summons in a letter, written 
by their friend Daniel Mason. They complained of various 
encroachments made upon them, and among others were 
the two large farms laid out by order of the General Court 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 29 

in October, 1698, for John Winthrop and Gurdon Salton- 
stall upon their entailed lands. The selectmen of New Lon- 
don, however, quieted the difficulty between the Indians and 
the inhabitants of the town, by making a declaration, that 
in extending the limits of their township over the Mohegan 
territory, they had no intention of infringing upon the rights 
of the Indian, but considered they held the same claim to 
their lands as before. But the dissatisfaction of the Indians 
still continued respecting the territory which they had lost 
in Colchester. They acknowledged that the land had been 
purchased, but that the purchase had been illegal, and the 
terms unfair and unequivalent: illegal because made with- 
out the consent of Mason their overseer, unfair because Owan- 
eco was intoxicated at the time, and because the price paid 
bore no proportion to the actual value of the land. Nicholas 
Hallum, a strong friend of the Mohegans, drew up a petition 
enumerating all their wrongs, and presented it to Queen 
Anne. A commission was appointed, consisting of twelve 
persons, for hearing and deciding upon the case. This com- 
mission was issued July 29. 1704, by which they were em- 
powered to restore to the Mohegans their land if it should ap- 
pear that it had been unjustly taken from them. The court 
was to be held at Stonington. The commissioners met ac- 
cording to appointment, and the governor and company of 
Connecticut, with all persons holding lands claimed by them, 
were summoned to appear. The government of the colony 
protested against the action of the commissioners, found- 
ing their assertion upon the ground that the crown had no 
right to issue such commission, it being contrary to a statute 
of Charles I, and to the charter of Connecticut. The result 
was that no defense appeared to support their case, and Owan- 
eco and his friends, Mason and Hallum, had the testimony 
and all the proceedings their own way. The commission 
went over the circumstances by which in a space of twenty- 
two years the Mohegans had been deprived of their land, 
measuring, as they said, more than forty square miles, with 



30 HISTORY OF MONTYILLE. 

but a small compensation in most instances, and in some none 
at all. They referred to an enactment of the colony by 
which Mason was acknowledged as trustee of the Indian lands, 
and cited those grants which had been made, some by Owan- 
eco, and some by the General Court without the concurrence 
of Mason. The decision of the case was at length rendered, 
ordering that the colony should replace the Indians in pos- 
session of all the lands which they hold at the death of Uncas. 
Owaneco and P>on Uncas thanked the commissioners for their 
decision and expressed their entire satisfaction with it, and 
urged strongly that their acknowledgment might be sent to 
the Queen for her kind regards for the Mohegans. Samuel 
Mason, who had acted as their overseer, was now deceased, and 
Owaneco requested the commission to appoint John Mason 
of Stonington, nephew of the former overseer, to the place. 
John Mason was accordingly appointed overseer of Owaneco 
and his people, with authority to manage all their affairs. 
The commission then adjourned. The colony appealed from 
the decision of the commission appointed by the Queen, and 
on the 15th day of February, I'Ofi, the Queen granted a 
commission of review. John Mason, now the overseer of 
the Mohegans, being of a feeble state of health, was for sev- 
eral years confined to his house. The government of Con- 
necticut had little interest in prosecuting the affair, and thus 
the commission never convened. The General Assembly, 
however, appointed a committee to treat with Owaneco con- 
cerning the differences arising upon his claim to the lands in 
Colchester and in ISTew London, but his demands were such 
that it was considered more safe to leave the matter to some 
future time, and so the attempt was abandoned. 

In 1711, John Mason resigned his overseership to "Wil- 
liam Pitkin and five others. Grants of land were still made 
by Owaneco with Indian heedlessness, several of them too 
without the consent of the overseers and without any valuable 
consideration. His conduct in parting with so much territory 
in so reckless a manner excited some opposition among his 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 31 

own people. It is very probable if not all these last grants 
were obtained by him either while intoxicated, or by teas- 
ing him when sober. Two slants ma de by Owaneco about 
this time were for kindness shown him by John Plumb and 
Jonathan Hill in saving his life when in imminent danger 
of drowning. Being quite intoxicated one night, he fell out 
of a canoe and would have been drowned had not these per- 
sons, happening to be near, pulled him senseless out of the 
water, for which he afterwards gave them each one hundred 
acres of land, which transaction was afterwards confirmed 
by the General Court, and ordered to be surveyed and laid out 
" about a mile or two west northerly of the ancient Indian 
fence, provided Owaneco hath good right to said land, and 
it is not prejudicial to any former grant," Another grant was 
made to Jonathan Rogers, a cripple son of Samuel Rogers, 
" in Consideration of his lameness." This land was " bounded 
on other land of Samuel Rogers and on Hartford path and 
brook that cometh out of the pond called Obsopogsuit," now 
Gardner's Lake. Ben Uncas and fifty-four other Mohegans, 
in May, 1714, signed a paper and had it recorded in ISTew 
London affirming that Owaneco had wrongfully sold a large 
part of their lands, and declaring that they consigned what 
was left to Gurdon Saltonstall, Capt. John Mason, Joseph 
Stanton, Col. William Whiting, and John Elliot. 

Owaneco died in 1715 at the probable age of seventy or 
seventy-five years. He had three sons, Josiah, Mamohet or 
Mahomet, and Cesar. Josiah and Mamohet died before their 
father, and Mamohet, the son of Mamohet, being but a child, 
Cesar, on the death of his father, assumed the sachemship. 
Disputes between the tribe and the colony continued to dis- 
turb the reign of Cesar, and an appeal was made to the Gen- 
eral Assembly, which in 1718 appointed a commission " to 
view the state of the Indians living at Mohegan and of the 
land they lived upon, that they might the better understand 
their situation, and provide measures for civilizing them 
and acquainting them with the truth of the gospel. The com- 



32 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

missioners appointed were James Wads worth, John Hooker, 
and Captain John Hall. They were empowered to hear and 
settle the complaints of the Indians and to remove all persons 
from the lands who held them by no legal right. The num- 
ber of the Indians as returned to the Assembly at this time 
was upwards of two hundred. At the May session of the 
General Assembly in 1720, the commissioners made 1 their 
report, which was substantially in favor of the white claim- 
ants. Nearly every claim of the settlers was allowed, the 
hunting grounds to Colchester was confirmed, the nine-mile 
tract to Lyme and three-quarters of the sequestered lands 
to the several persons who had obtained titles to them. The 
decision was ratified by the government of Connecticut, and 
thus ended the proceedings resulting from the complaint 
which Hallum had made to the Queen seventeen years before. 
As to the religious condition of the Mohegans, very little 
was done at this period to instruct them in the Christian faith. 
It is presumed that but few of them had become converts to 
the Christian faith; the remainder were still heathen, believ- 
ing not perhaps in all their ancient deities, but at least in some 
of them, and asserting that while the English were bound 
to worship the English God, the Indians were equally bound 
to worship and serve the Indian gods. About this time com- 
plaint was made to the government by the Indians, asserting 
that several of the settlers had encroached upon their lands. 
The governor summoned the chiefs to appear before him at 
New London and state their complaints. Cesar, Sachem, 
Ben Uncas and several of the council appeared before the 
governor, Ghirdon Saltonstall, June 18, 1720, when he asked 
them who the persons were that had intruded upon their 
lands. They replied that they were Stephen Maples, Jona- 
than Hill, Ralph Eargo, Joshua Baker, Alexander Baker, and 
John Nobles, and also that a saw-mill * had been built upon 
their land by Peter Mason, and was then in the hands of 



*This saw-mill stood -where the Fox Mills, as they -were afterward 
called, stood. 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLrE. 33 

Samuel Allyn, by which means their timber was destroyed. 
The governor then informed them that the persons complained 
of should be sent for and required to give an account of their 
pretention to their claims, which should be a preliminary step 
to bring the matter before the General Court. Cesar and 
his council were to have notice to be present and be heard in 
what they had to say relative to their complaints. The per- 
sons complained of were accordingly notified to appear before 
the governor's council on the Monday after the opening of 
the General Court, in September, 1720, which day fell on 
the third day of October of that year. All parties being 
present, the Indians were requested to state their particular 
complaints. Whereupon Ben Uncas declared " that the 
land which Jonathan Hill held as coining from his father, 
did not rightfully belong to him, and that Hill had offered 
him and Cesar four pounds apiece to be quiet and not com- 
plain against him," to which assertion Jonathan Hill replied, 
" he had offered it only for peace sake," upon which the Indian 
said, " the land was not theirs to dispose of, but was to de- 
scend to their children." Mr. Hill declined to give any ac- 
count of the right he had to the land " because on a former 
occasion he had given his reasons to the committee appointed 
by the General Court to settle all disputed claims." Stephen 
Maples also refused to make any statement relative to his 
claim to title before the council, as he said, because he had 
previously shown his right to his land before the committee. 

Ralph Fargo declared the same, Jonathan and Alexander 
Baker also alleged that they had shown their titles to the 
committee, and the committee made no objection to them. 
John Nobles gave the same reasons for not showing his title 
as the others had. Upon the consideration of the complaints 
made by the Indians, and the answers by the claimants, the 
matter was, by the council, referred to the General Assembly, 
which body appointed James Wadsworth, John Hooker, and 
Captain John Hall, or any two of them, to be a committee 
to effect, if possible, a final settlement of the controversy per- 
3 



34 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

taming to the land question in the North Parish of New 
London. Messrs. Wadsworth and Hall accordingly met at 
the house of Joseph Bradford, Esq., who resided in the North 
Parish of New London, on February 22, 1720-1. examined the 
matter laid before them, and decided in the favor of nearly 
every white claimant ! They allowed nearly all the English 
claims which were presented to them, and almost every claim- 
ant was quieted in his possession. The deed of trust was con- 
firmed, and the possession of the sequestered land which re- 
mained, being from four to five thousand acres, settled upon 
the Mobegans so long as a single man of tlicm should remain 
in existence, and the reversion settled upon the town. All 
the court grants were ratified, the purchase of John Lev- 
ingston, Robert Denison, Samuel "Rogers, and James Harris 
made in 1710, and in general all Indian engagements made 
previous to that date. This decision was ratified by the Gen- 
eral Assembly, and thus ended the long existing controver- 
sies. 

Cesar, the son of Owaneeo, died in 1723, after having for 
eigbl years assumed the sacbemsbip of the Mohegans. The 
rightful heir to the crown now, as before, was Mamohet, the 
grandson of Owaneeo by his eldest son Mamohet. IJeing 
still a youth, or at the most a very young man, advantage was 
taken of him on that account to deprive him of the sachem- 
ship. Ben Uncas, youngest brother of Owaneeo, an illegiti- 
mate son of Uncas the first, (it was a matter of report among 
both Indians and whites that Ben's mother was the daughter 
of Eoxen), must now have been an old man, yet not old 
enough it appears to prevent his claim for royalty and power. 
Tpon the death of Cesar, Ben Uncas became a competitor 
with Mamohet for the sachemship, and even threatened, as 
so reported, the life of his opponent. A council of the tribe 
was called and the claims of the two rivals were discussed, 
and disputed for several days, and at last decided in favor 
of Ben. The Assembly sustained the choice, and Mason 
also supported him. Major Ben Uncas, as he was commonly 



HISTORY OF MONTVILDE. 35 

called, was therefore crowned sachem of Mohegan, and his 
installation conducted under the supervision of the govern- 
ment. The governor appointed two or three persons, having 
an understanding of the manner and language of the Indians, 
to be present and to signify the concurrence of the govern- 
ment and to keep order among the Indians during the occa- 
sion. The controversy respecting the Mohegan lands, which 
were supposed to have been forever settled in 1721, very soon 
revived. John Mason had never been satisfied with the de- 
cision then made. He had been to too great expense in the 
matter of pursuing the claims of the Indians before the courts. 
He stated that the charges of the Queen's Commission, held 
at Stonington in 1705, was 573 lbs. 12s. 8d., part of which 
he had already paid, and for the remainder he had made 
himself responsible. Mason, as guardian of the Indians, had 
stood responsible for their proportion of the charges of the 
commission, supposing that the lands which had been con- 
veyed in Colchester and Lyme would be either returned to 
the Indians or an equivalent paid for it, which would enable 
them to pay him the amount he had advanced for them, but 
all his hopes being crushed by the decision of the committee 
in 1721, Mason seems to have resolved to appeal for justice 
to the General Court, and in 1722 applied for copies of the 
proceedings relative to the lands of the Mohegans, and in 
October of the following year presented a memorial of his 
grievances, and a petition for redress, with the request that 
he might again have the care of the Mohegans and their 
lands, with permission to live among them, and to cultivate 
such lands as they were willing to allot him. The court 
took no notice of his memorial at first, but afterwards granted 
his request to live among them. He was authorized to take 
charge of the affairs of the Indians, and was requested to 
set up a school among them to make them acquainted with 
the nature of the Christian religion. This favor was prob- 
ably out of respect to the ancestors of Captain Mason, and to 
the confidence which the Mohegans reposed in him, Ben 



36 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Uncas, his council and tribe, then chose Captain Mason their 
overseer ami confirmed the office to him and to Ins heirs for- 
ever, granting him permission to live a mono; them, and a 
tract of land for his own use. Captain Mason accordingly 
moved from Stonington to Mohegan, improved the land al- 
lotted him, and for several years acted as the teacher of the 
Mohegans, the General Court at times granting him small 
sums as a compensation for his services, lie still complained, 
however, of the injustice of being obliged to pay all the costs 
of a court which the colony had refused to accept, and being 
unwilling, and probably now unable to extort so large a sum 
from the tribe, he made another effort to obtain it from the 
colony. Tn May, 1725, a second memorial was presented, ask- 
ing that either the decision of the Queen's Commission be ful- 
filled, or some other method taken to liquidate the expenses 
thereby incurred, as well as the losses he had sustained by 
waiting twenty years. On the presentation of this memorial a 
committee was appointed which made its report in May of the 
following year. Objection was made to his charges, and 
the committee also brought up against him the resignation of 
the trusteeship of the Mohegan lands made in 1710, and the 
one thousand pounds which were paid by the colony to those 
persons who claimed lands of him, but were rejected by the 
committee. This report was accepted by the General Court, 
and the petition dismissed. 

In the spring or summer of 1726, Major Ben Uncas, sa- 
chem of the Mohegans, died, and was succeeded by bis son, 
also named Ben Tineas. Some opposition, however, was 
made to him by part of the tribe, but he was publicly in- 
stalled into the office after the Mohegan fashion, and his 
election was ratified by the General Court. In the meantime, 
Mason, still unsatisfied with the previous acts of the colony, 
was endeavoring to form a party among the Indians who 
would support him in the effort to obtain what he considered 
his rights. Ben Uncas the second, now sachem, remained as 
firm to the colony as had his father, and also a few others of 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 37 

the tribe. But Mason had succeeded in gaining over the 
greater part of them to his side, and the sachem, finding his 
authority disturbed, became strongly opposed to Mason, and 
as anxious to destroy his influence as the colony could desire. 
He had twice petitioned that other overseers be appointed for 
the tribe, and accordingly the General Court, in 1726, passed 
a resolution confirming Ben Uncas as sachem, and appointed 
John Hall and James "Wadsworth as his guardians. Mason, 
though deprived of the overseership, still continued to live on 
the Mohegan lands, believing still that he had been wronged 
by the colonial government, and still claiming to be the right- 
ful overseer of the tribe, he resolved to carry his case before 
the Crown. Finding the sachem bitterly opposed to him, 
he came out in support of the claims of Mamohet to the sa- 
chemship, and succeeded in getting a large part of the tribe to 
adhere to him. In 1730, three guardians, James Wadsworth, 
Stephen Whittlesey, and Samuel Lynde were appointed with 
authority to lease the Indian lands to white settlers to im- 
prove, the rents to be received by Ben Uncas in right of his 
dignity as sachem. Two years afterwards the guardians 
were authorized to prosecute those tenants who refused to 
quit the lands when their leases expired. It had been pre- 
viously enacted that persons holding lands on the tract se- 
questered to the Mohegans by John Mason in 1671, should 
not be allowed to plead even fifteen years' possession for their 
claim, but should still hold them merely as tenants o| the 
Indians, unless they could prove title and to have been fairly 
purchased. 

Captain John Mason in 1735, with his son Samuel Mason 
and Mamohet, sailed for England with a determination of 
presenting a memorial of his grievances concerning the land 
in question to the King, George the second. The King re- 
ceived his memorial, and referred it to the Lords. They re- 
ported that an order of review of the case had been given in 
1706, and proposed that another should now be granted, the 
expense of which, out of consideration for the poverty of 



38 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

the tribe, should be paid by the Crown. Before the com- 
mission was made out, John Mason died in England. A few- 
weeks after the death of Mason, Mamohet was laid in the 
grave on old England's soil. The Mohegans, on hearing of 
the death of Mamohet, set up in his place John Uncas, a 
cousin of Ben, and son of that John who was the next older 
brother to Owaneco. A few months previous to the death 
of Mamohet, the Mohegans, while holding one of their dances, 
had a vote taken, whether Mamohet or Ben Uncas was their 
true sachem, which was unanimously in favor of Mamohet. 
John and Samuel Mason, after the death of their father, laid 
claim to the guardianship of the Indians by virtue of a public 
document making over the office to their father and his de- 
scendants in perpetuity. At this time, very few of the 
the tribe adhered to Ben Uncas, the sachem. Out of about 
a hundred men, the number then composing the tribe, only 
about a dozen remained firm to their sachem. These two 
panics drew up and signed petitions in favor of their re- 
spective choice. The adherents of Ben complained that Cap- 
tain John Mason, lately deceased, had opposed the right of 
Ben to the sachemship, and encouraged the Mohegans to set up 
;i rival against him. Captain John Mason, having been per- 
mitted to occupy and improve some of the tribe land, out of 
respect to his ancestors, and in consideration of his setting up 
a school among them, it was now asserted that Mason, being- 
dead, the land on which he had lived ought to return into the 
possession of the tribe. The General Court, upon hearing 
their petitions, directed the three guardians, James Wads- 
worth, Stephen Whittlesey, and Samuel Lynde, to go to Mo- 
Ik -gan, and if possible settle the quarrel of the Indians. They 
were also instructed to see that their rights were protected 
and preserved to them, their fields fenced, and their corn 
protected from the cattle of the neighboring farmers. In 
June, 1737, a commission of review upon the unsettled af- 
fairs of the Mohegans was made up in England, appointing as 
commissioners the governor and assistants of Rhode Island, 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 39 

and the lieutenant-governor and members of New York. 
This created a considerable commotion in the colony of Con- 
necticut, especially among those settlers in the town of New 
London, Colchester, and the north of Lyme. The govern- 
ment of Connecticut began immediately its preparations to 
meet the approaching storm. An important point on which 
the fate of the trial might turn was the question as to who 
was the rightful sachem of the Mohegans. If Ben TJncas 
could retain the position and authority of that office, he might 
perhaps render the proceedings of the proposed commission 
void by refusing to acknowledge Samuel Mason as the agent 
of the tribe, and by declaring that the Mohegans had no 
cause of complaint against the colony. The majority of the 
Indians were indeed bitterly opposed to Ben Uncas, but a 
favorable opportunity was now offered to induce them to ac- 
knowledge his title to the office. A report had been circulated 
about that the eastern Indians were about to attack them, 
and the Mohegans thereupon applied to the government for 
protection against the threatening tribes. The governor re- 
plied that he would protect none but their lawful sachem, 
Ben Uncas, and those Indians who submitted to his authority. 
A paper, acknowledging Ben as the true and lawful sachem 
of the Mohegans, was drawn up and presented for the signa- 
tures of those who, on this condition, would accept the pro- 
tection of the government. Fifty-eight Indians signed the 
paper. Another scheme was at this time projected in order 
to strengthen the claims of Ben. He was to send for his son, 
then an indentured apprentice to Samuel Russel of Sherburne, 
Massachusetts, and have him married to Ann, the daughter 
of their former sachem, Cesar. His master refused to give 
him up without being compensated for that part of his ap- 
prenticeship which was still unexpired. Thereupon forty 
pounds were paid for this object, and ten pounds more for the 
expense of the messenger. The young man Ben was brought 
home to Mohegan and married to Ann, as had been proposed. 
Precaution was also taken in obtaining a deed from the Mo- 



40 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

hegans acknowledging that the colony had always behaved 
towards them with justice, disclaiming the complaint which 
had lately been made to the King, and releasing all persons 
concerned from the consequences of the decision rendered at 
the Queen's court in 17<».">. Such, however, was the influence 
of the Masons that only eighteen of the tribe, including the 
sachem, could be induced to sign the deed. A large number 
of the others met the next day and formally protested against 
what had been dune, disclaiming Ben Uncas as their sachem, 
and denied thai he had any righl to release their demands. 
The Mason party had retained as counsel for the Mohegans 
William Shirley and William Bolan. The meeting of the com 
tnissioners court being now near at hand, John Richards, one 
of the guardians of the Indians, who had been appointed to 
fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Stephen Whittle- 
sey, was ordered to provide Ben Uncas with proper clothing to 
appear before the commissioners. On the fourth day of 
June, 1738, the commission convened at Norwich. The com- 
missioners were nine in number, Phillip Cortlandt and Daniel 
Eorsmanden of NTew York, and the governor and six as- 
sistants of the colony of Rhode Island. Phillip Cortlandt 
was chosen president, and the commission entered upon its 
business. All persons interested were summoned to appear 
before the commission. 

When the chief sachem was called, Ben Uncas, in his 
dignity, arose and replied that he was the chief sachem of the 
Mohegans. Immediately following him was John Uncas, 
who also asserted that he was chief sachem. The commis- 
sion decided to settle this point before proceeding further, 
and nine persons, residing in the vicinity of the Mohegans, 
well acquainted among the tribe, were summoned and ex- 
amined as to which, in their opinion, was the rightful claim- 
ant to the title. They each testified that John was descended 
from the second son of old Uncas, and that Ben was descended 
from a younger son, who was supposed to have been illegi- 
timate, that in consequence of the mixture of white blood 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 41 

in Ben, John Uncas was the true and lawful sachem of the 
Mohegans. Upon hearing this testimony, the Rhode Island 
commissioners, who appeared to have favor for the colony, ex- 
pressed themselves as still unsatisfied, and the attorneys for 
the Mohegans, seconded by Mason, at once proposed that the 
Indians who were present he brought forward and heard in 
the matter. This proposition being put to the vote, a majority 
of the commissioners decided against it. This was on the 
tenth day of June, 1738. On the following day the examination 
of testimony was continued, and Thomas Stanton, Captain 
John Morgan, and Jonathan Barker, then a missionary among 
the Mohegan Indians, each testified in favor of John Uncas. 
The council for the Mohegans again moved that the testi- 
mony of the Indians might be taken, first for Ben Uncas, 
afterwards for John Uncas. A part of the commissioners 
refused to take their testimony, the others dissented from 
the refusal. On the thirteenth of June a majority of the 
commissioners decided that Ben Uncas was the rightful sachem 
of the Mohegans, and thus ended this extraordinary hearing. 
The costs of this hearing had been considerable to the colony 
of Connecticut, and some of the items preserved in the records 
are not unworthy of notice. James Harris, a large land- 
holder and speculator, then living on land in the vicinity, pur- 
chased of Owaneco, sent in two bills for expense incurved 
in keeping up a party among the tribe who were favorable to 
the colony. The first item consisted of 81bs. 5s. lOd. for 
clothes and other articles furnished to Joshua and Samuel Un- 
cas, Simon Choychoy, and Zachery Johnson. A second item 
was for expenses incurred while remaining personally among 
the Mohegans, and endeavoring to keep them in good humor. 
Another item was lOlbs. 13s. 7d. for feasting the Indians at 
their meeting for the revocation, alluding to the council con- 
vened, when the release was assented to by the party who 
favored Ben Uncas as sachem. The entire bills of Mr. Harris 
amounted to some more than one hundred and ninety pounds, 
but the General Court finally allowed him one hundred pounds. 



42 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Difficulties, however, soon after arose between Ben Uncas and 
some of the people of Norwich, and he complained to the 
General Court that encroachments were being' made on the 
Mohegan lands, which had so lately been reserved to them. 
The guardians, Wadsworth, Lynde, and Richards, were there- 
fore commissioned to ascertain the bounds of the Mohegan 
lands, and assist their sachem in maintaining them against 
intruders. After the close of the court in 1738j John and 
Samuel Mason were commissioned by their party among the 
Mohegans to present an appeal to the Crown. The memorial 
was drawn up, signed, and sent over to England. The claim 
of John Uncas to the sachemship was again revived. His 
friends claimed for him, as being the oldest surviving branch 
of the royal family, and this was supported by a majority of 
the tribe. Ben CJncas only representing the youngest branch 
of the royal family, and that branch as generally believed to be 
illegitimate. Descent among the Indians was held to be in- 
fluenced by the mother and not l>y the father. The mother of 
Ben, not being a woman of the royal blood, consequently John 
Uncas was the rightful sachem by descent. The memorial 
sent over to England was by the Lords Justices considered, 
and the former decision of the commissioners was set aside, 
and a new commission granted (January, 1741), empowering 
the governor and council of New York and the governor and 
council of New Jersey to try the cause. 

On the 9th day of July, 1743, the commissioners held 
their first meeting at Norwich, then a small town. The town 
was filled to overflowing with strangers, representing the sev- 
eral parties in interest. The whole tribe of the Mohegans 
was quartered on the inhabitants of the town, and the two 
rival sachems exerted themselves each to maintain their re- 
spective claims to the sachemship. John Uncas and his fol- 
lowers were entertained by their friends, the Lathrops and 
Leffingwells, and other principal inhabitants of Norwich. 
Ben Uncas was supported mostly at the expense of the colony, 
and was honored with the notice of the chief offices of the 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 43 

government. Four parties, John Uncas, Ben TJncas, the 
colony of Connecticut, and the holders of disputed lands ap- 
peared in court, each being represented by its own attorney. 
The case was fully presented and argued by the several at- 
torneys. The trial dragged on for several days, and an im- 
mense amount of evidence on every point having any relation 
to or bearing on the case in question, was brought and ex- 
amined. The counsel for the colony had claimed that the 
Mohegans were not originally a distinct and independent peo- 
ple, but only an offshoot of the Pequots, which had been res- 
cued from servitude and rendered numerous and powerful by 
the friendship of the English. Thus they had properly no 
territory of their own, and what rights to land they could 
claim were passed away by Uncas' deed in 1640. Another 
deed had been obtained in 1659 by Mason, not as trustee of 
the Indians, but as an agent of the colony of Connecticut, of 
which he was then deputy governor. Within a year after, he 
had made over all the lands thus obtained to the colony, so 
that his subsequent reservation of a considerable portion of 
them to the Mohegans was illegal and consequently void. The 
lands in dispute had thus twice been bought in the mass, and 
had afterwards been purchased in tracts by individuals, and 
remuneration received l>y the Indians. The Indians them- 
selves were entirely satisfied, and only made trouble because 
they were incited to do so by selfish and intriguing men. 
Finally they desired that the authority of the commissions 
could extend further than to such lands as the sachem had in 
their sales reserved to themselves. The counsel on the part 
of the claimants denied that the Mohegans had ever sold their 
lands in a mass to the colony, they had only trusted it to their 
faithful friends from the greediness and cunning of many of 
the English. And when Mason had grown old, and was about 
to die, he had returned the greater part of it to the tribe, and 
the sachem had, after his decease, transferred it to the care of 
his children. In the Mason family it had always continued, 
and in that family, by the will of the Mohegans, it still re- 



44 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

mained. The complainants also denied that Ben Uncas was 
the true sachem, and acknowledged no one for that office but 
John Uncas. The counsel for Ben Uncas requested a hearing 
on behalf of his client, which was granted, upon which he pro- 
cured a paper signed by Ben Uncas as sachem of Mohegan, 
and by ten of his people. Jt was a release to the government 
and people of Connecticui from the present trial, acknowledg- 
ing that all the material assertions in their defense were true, 
and declaring thai they held legal and honorable possession 
of the territory now in litigation. The holders of the disputed 
lands appeared by counsel before the commission, denying 
i hat they were complained against by those who had a right 
to complain, and asked to be dismissed. The counsel for 
the complainants replied that the tenants held lands once 
belonging to the Mohegan", that the "Mohognns had charged 
them with obtaining those lands unfairly, and it was 
their business to repel that charge, and the proofs which 
were alleged in its support, by substantial facts. The 
tenant- then denied the power of the Crown to institute 
a commission such as was now sitting for the trial 
of their case, but the commissioners overruled the de- 
nial. Tin- tenants finally made a declaration that they 
held their titles to the lands now occupied by them 
by fair Indian grants, obtained for money, goods, and valuable 
considerations, paid to the native owners. On the seventeenth 
day after the opening of the commissioners' court, all the evi- 
dence had been finished, and the pleas of the counsels for the 
several parties interested heard. In reviewing the evidence, 
the commission went over the whole history of land trans- 
actions between the ^\Iohegans and the colony of Connecticut; 
allowed the truth of all, or nearly all that had been urged 
by the advocates of the latter; expressed their belief that the 
Indians would not have retained a foot of land had it not 
been for the interference of the government; mentioned that 
the Mohegans now had secured to them a tract of four or five 
thousand acres, and pronounced a decision in favor of the col- 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 45 

ony, two out of the five, Morris and Horsmanden, dissenting 
from the decision as rendered. The court then adjourned to 
the fifth of November, 1743, at which time the judgment of 
the majority should, be read, and final decision pronounced. 
On the appointed day the commissioners again met, and the 
judgment by Colden, Eodman, and Cortlandt was read, closing 
with the following decision: 

The decree of Governor Dudley and his colleagues, de- 
livered September 3, 1705, is wholly revoked, except as to 
that part of the sequestered lands, which has been laid out by 
the colony of Connecticut for the Mohegan Indians, and which 
is now reserved to them as long as they exist. Bollan, coun- 
sel on the part of John Cncas and his friends, then presented 
an appeal from the decision of the court to that of the King's 
privy council. The appeal was sent, and the cause was tried, 
and finally settled in England. The last mention of these 
disputed claims may be found in Hartford, dated July 8, 
1766, when it was to be presented to the Lords' Commission 
in the following February. The final decision, when it took 
place, was given in favor of the colony. 

It has been already mentioned that John Mason, about 
1723, by the request of the Mohegans, moved from Stoning- 
toii and settled on their land, and for. several years acted as 
school teacher among them. A schoolhouse, twenty-two feet 
lono- and sixteen feet wide, was by the General Assembly 
ordered to be built for the benefit of the Mohegan Indians, 
and to be paid for out of the colonial treasury. In 1727 all 
persons having Indian children in their families were com- 
manded to teach them the common English branches, and to 
instruct them in the Christian faith. During the fall of 
1733, a minister named Jonathan Barber was sent among 
the Mohegans by the agents of a missionary society estab- 
lished in England, with a view to evangelize and spread the 
gospel among the Indians of North America. How long 
Mr. Barber remained among them, or what success attended 
his labors is uncertain. The indulgence by the Indians in 



46 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

the use of intoxicating liquors was found to be a great hinder- 
anee in the attempt to Christianize them, and the evil at 
this time was so extensive that some of the Indians themselves 
began to be alarmed. Severe laws had been enacted regu- 
lating the sale of intoxicating liquors to the several tribes of 
Indians in the colony of Connecticut, but they were broken 
with impunity, and rum was brought among them by the 
gallon, and cider by the barred, in defiance of law. The In- 
dians were as anxious to a;oi it as the whites were to furnish 
it, and it was difficult to induce an Indian to inform against 
(hose who enabled them to procure their favorite beverages. 
At the session of the Ceneral Assembly held in October, 1733, 
a law was passed particularly for the benefit of the Mobe- 
gans, and was upon the petition of Ben Fncas. I will give 
the exact words as they are found in the colonial records: 

" An Act for the more effectual Preventing the Selling 
Strong Drink to the Mohegan Indians: Whereas, Ben Fn- 
cas, Sachem of said Indians has complained to ibis Assembly 
that, notwithstanding the law^ now in force to prevent selling 
strong drink to the Indians, there is now continually much 
strong drink sold to the Mohegans, by means whereof their 
estates are impoverished, their manners debauched, and them- 
selves rendered more untractable to receive the ( Jhristian faith, 
for remedy whereof, 

" Be it enacted by the governor, council and representa- 
tives in General Court Assembled, and by the authority of 
the same, and it is hereby enacted and declared, That all 
Cyder, Rhum, and other strong drink that shall hereafter (till 
tins Assembly order otherwise) be found with any of the said 
Indians, without the allowance of Messrs. Adonijah Fitch, and 
Abraham Avery, living in said Mohegan, shall be forfeited to 
our Sovereign Lord the King, the produce of it to be im- 
proved for the good of the Mohegan Indians. 

" And the said Adonijah Fitch and Abraham Avery, and 
each of them are hereby appointed and impowered to make 
search after such strong drink, and to seize and secure the 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 47 

same, and to libel against it as forfeit for any assistant or 
Justice of the Peace, when the forfeiture is not above forty 
shillings, otherwise before the County Court in the County 
of New London, and the said Adonijah Fitch and Abraham 
Avery are hereby chosen and appointed Grand Jurors for 
the County of New London till this Assembly shall order 
otherwise, who shall be sworn accordingly, and they are di- 
rected especially to make diligent search after, and due pre- 
sentment of all breaches of the laws made to prevent the sell- 
ing strong drink to the Indians. 

" And it is further enacted, That when any strong drink 
shall be seized as aforesaid in the custody of any of the said 
Indians, if such Indian or Indians shall inform of whom he 
bought such drink, and give evidence thereof, so as such ven- 
der, besides the penalties already by law established for such 
offense, shall forfeit to such Indian twice the value of the 
drink seized as aforesaid, and the authority before whom such 
vender is convicted shall give sentence accordingly. This 
Act to continue in force till the first day of May in the year 
1735." 

As early as 1736, Ben TTncas made a declaration that he 
had embraced the Christian religion. When this event was 
known to the Assembly, the members of that body expressed 
themselves much gratified, and resolved to encourage the chief 
in so good a course. They therefore passed a resolution de- 
siring the governor " to present him at the public expense with 
a hat and coat in the English style, and his wife Anna with a 
gown." 

During the year 1741 there was great religious interest 
throughout New England. It was at this time that White- 
field visited many of the towns in New England, and preached 
with distinguished success. The Eev. Eliphalet Adams of 
New London, with Kev. David Jewett of the North Parish, 
had for some years been laboring among the Mohegans. After 
Mr. Jewett was settled over his parish in 1739, many of the 
Indians attended upon his ministry, and from fifteen to 



48 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

twenty joined the church, among whom was Widow Bete 
Occnm and Anna Uncas, wife of the sachem, Lucy Coche- 
gan, Sarah Occum, Samuel Ashpo, and Widow Hannah Coop- 
er. Ben Uncas died about 1749. His will, dated May 8, 
1745, was probably drawn up by some of the white settlers, 
but some of the ideas contained therein seem to be those of 
his own, and for the benefit of the reader I give an extract 
from its opening passage: 

"In the name of God, Amen. 1, Benjamin 1 ncas, Sa- 
chem of the Moliegan tribe of Indian-, sensible that T am born 
to die. and also knowing that the time when, is uncertain, do 
now in my health and strength, for which T desire to praise 
God, make and ordain this my last Will and Testament. I 
give and recommend my soul into the hands of God who made 
it, trusting in Christ for the free and full pardon of all my 
sins, and for obtaining eternal life. My body I commit to 
the earth to be buried in devout Christian burial, at and in 
the sepuleher of my ancestors in the common Indian Kings 
burying ground in the town of Norwich, and T believe that 
through the mighty power of God my body shall be raised at 
the last day, and soul and body be re-united and live together, 
never more to be separated." 

He appointed his only son, Benjamin, as his successor. 
In the division of his personal property, he gave his wife, his 
son, and his five daughters, each one-seventh part. He ex- 
pressed the desire that all his children might be brought up 
and educated in the Christian religion, which he affirmed to 
be his own choice, and in which he declared that he hoped to 
live and die. Rev. Eliphalet Adams is styled in one of the 
petitions of Ben Uncas and his people " their venerable and 
faithful pastor." He died in 1753, aged 77 years. The year 
before his death he, in conjunction with Rev. David Jewett, 
petitioned the Assembly to make an appropriation for the 
repairs of the Indian schoolhouse, then much dilapidated from 
exposure. The petition was granted, and the schoolhouse 
repaired and enlarged for the accommodation of the teacher 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 49 

and his family. Kobert McClelland, a man sent to them by 
the missionary society in England, became teacher of the 
Mohegans. He continued to exercise his office as a teacher 
for several years. He was a member of Mr. Jewett's church. 

Two years after this appropriation a law book was pre- 
sented to the Mohegans by the Assembly, and Mr. McClel- 
land was directed to read and explain to them the contents of 
the book at least twice each year. About this time there 
were many orphans in the tribe, owing to the late war be- 
tween the colony and- the French and Indians of Canada, 
the Indians having volunteered to assist the English in driv- 
ing back the French and Indians. Many had lost their lives 
in the encounter. Much suffering on account of poverty 
prevailed, and it was with great difficulty that the children 
could be induced to attend school. 

McClelland found no small difficulty in getting the mem- 
bers of his school together. Sometimes he would go out into 
the fields in search for them, and sometimes he went to the 
cabins of the parents to persuade them to do what they could 
in getting their children regularly to school. Finding these 
endeavors unavailing, he commenced giving each of the poorer 
scholars a piece of bread every day for dinner. This plan 
had a good effect. His means would not, however, allow him 
to continue that practice from his own resources alone, so he 
petitioned the Assembly for assistance, which was successful, 
and as long as he continued to feed the mind of the Indian 
child he fed his body. Among the Indian boys at the time 
when Ben Uncas the second was crowned sachem was one, 
who, in after years, became famous, not only among his own 
tribe, but throughout both Xew and Old England. His 
name was Samson Occum. He was born at Mohegan in 1723. 
At the age of seventeen years he became anxious about his 
soul's welfare, and at times was greatly alarmed at his own 
lost condition. For six months he was burdened with his 
sins, and could get no relief. At last light broke in upon his 
soul, and he entered into the path of the just. From the time 



50 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

light broke upon him, and the dreaded doom of darkness had 
vanished, the desire uppermost in his mind was to become a 
teacher of the " good news " to his brethren. 

Occum was early placed in the family of Rev. Mr. Whee- 
lock of Lebanon, where he received his first education, being 
at that time quite young. Two others of the Mohegan boys 
were also at different times under the tutorship of Mr. Wliee- 
lock: Joseph Johnsou. who also became an eminent preacher 
of the gospel, and Isaiah Tineas, son of the sachem, who, 
when in youth, was in feeble health and of a dull intellect. 
Isaiah died about 1770, and with him expired the male line 
of the Ben TJncas family. After Oecum's conversion, his 
education re-commenced in Rev. Mr. Wheelock'a family, 
and here he remained three years, when he removed for about 
one year to the home of Rev. Mr. Pomeroy, a clergyman of 
Hebron. It was the intent of the friends of young Occum 
that he should complete his education at college, but his health 
failed him under confinement, his eyes became affected from 
close study, and ho was obliged for a time to give up his 
-Indies. In 1748, Occum taught school for a while in New 
London. After this time he was a preacher on Long Island, 
when on the 29th of August, 1759, he was ordained by the 
Suffolk Presbytery. His preaching on Long Island was to 
the tribe of Indians located there. Occum was ever after- 
wards regarded as a regular member of the ecclesiastical so- 
ciety. Tn 1700 he visited England, and preached with good 
acceptance in London and other principal cities of Great Brit- 
ain to crowded audiences. In May, 1769, died Ben Uncas, 
the last sachem of the tribe of Mohegans, being the sixth 
crowned sachem of the tribe, and the third Ben Uncas in the 
direct line of Uncas the first. The new- of his death reaching 
the Assembly then in session, a committee was immediately 
appointed to go to Mohegan and consult with the Indians 
about the best method of choosing a successor, and of pre- 
venting any quarrel that might arise as to the lands. Three 
of the committee appointed, William Hillhouse, Gurdon Sal- 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 51 

tonstall, and Pyan Adams, arrived in time to attend the funeral 
of the deceased sachem. The funeral sermon was preached 
by the Kev. David Jewett, the pastor of the church at North 
Parish, and a sincere friend of the Mohegans. The remains 
of the sachem were buried in one of the burial grounds at 
Mohegan, but were subsequently exhumed, and re-buried in 
the royal cemetery of the tribe at Norwich. The committee, 
on arriving at Mohegan, found all the former quarrels of 
the Mohegans revived and broken out with redoubled violence 
upon the question of the sachemship. Occum, who, since 
his return from England had been preaching part of the time 
to his countrymen, was in favor of John Uncas and so was 
John Cooper, Jo Wyacks, and most of the leading men of 
the tribe. John Uncas' party had publicly recognized his 
title to the sachemship on the same day that Ben Uncas died, 
and the committee were obliged to confess that besides the 
family of Ben Uncas, not more than four or five .Mohegans 
could be induced to acknowledge any person as sachem whom 
the assembly would approve. Another committee had been 
appointed soon after the first, and had been furnished with 
explicit directions. They were to acquaint Isaiah Uncas with 
all the particulars regarding what the colony had done for 
the first Uncas and grand sachem, the state of the suit now 
pending in England, and with the release in favor of the colony, 
which had been executed by the first Ben Uncas and his 
people, and then they were to recommend the appointing of 
Isaiah Uncas as sachem. But the committee could effect noth- 
ing, either as to the sachemship or the division of their lands. 
Those who favored John Uncas refused to say anything ex- 
cept that they wanted no help or advice from the colony, and 
that they did not choose to appoint a sachem or divide their 
lands until they had heard how the case had gone in England. 
All the efforts and propositions of the committee were useless, 
and they were finally obliged to give up their errand and 
return to Hartford to report their ill success. Soon after this 
the great suit before the King's Bench was at last made, and 



52 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

was again in favor of the colony. Occum, on hearing of the 
termination of the suit, in writing to a friend says: "The 
grand controversy which has subsisted between the colony of 
Connecticut and the Mohegan Indian- above seventy years 
is finally decided in favor of the colony. T am afraid the 
poor Indians will never stand a good chance with the English 
in their land controversies, because they are very poor; they 
have no money. Money is almighty nowadays, and the In- 
dians have no learning, no wit. no cunning. The English 
have all." 

The following is the eopv of a paper found on file in the 
State Library, and to which is attached the names of more 
than forty of the Indians who were on the stage of action at 
the death of Ben Tineas the second, in 171'.'. 

"Mohegan. Time 10th, 1740. 
" We, the Indians commonly called Mmoyanhegunneh- 
vog, having had several meetings to consult about sachem, 
for we see that we can't lie a free and Distinct People by 
our solve- unless we have a head, and now we have Nominated 
Benjamin (Jncas to be our sachem; i. e., if he will ( !onsent to 
all the Articles which his Father Left in his Last Will or Tes- 
tament Concerning the matter, and tins is all that we Can Say 
at this Time Seeing we cant do much of our Selves. And 
now having again had further Consideration and having Ex- 
amined Benjamin Uncas and heard his Consent and Com- 
pliance to all the Articles above mentioned. And he proposes 
Also, by Divine help and assistance to conform him Self to 
them all. And so now upon these very Terms and Considera- 
tions and not other We do Choose Benjamin Uncas to be our 
Sachem, and we do also promise to be Loving, faithful, 
and Obedient Subjects to Benj. Eneas as our Sachem So long- 
as he shall maintain and walk agreeable to the Articles of his 
father's Last Will or Testament Concerning Sachemship. 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 



53 



In Testimony Whereof We do Set to our hands, 



Zachery Johnson 
John Dantdequejan 
Ephraim Johnson 
Samson Occum 
Joseph Johnson 
John George 
Samuel Pie 
Moses Mazzean 
James Robpin 
David Occom 
John Robpin 
Jacob Hoscott 
Jacob Hoscott, Jr. 
Jabez James 
Simon Choychoy 
Noah Choychoy 
Chals. Choychoy 
Henry Quamquanquid 
Caleb Cauchegan 
John Cheswonkeh 
Thomas George 



John Fetch 
Joshua Occom 
Jacob George 
Samuel Ashpo 
John Johnson 
Abel Aushkonuntt 
Joshua George 
Daniel Cooper 
Pege Jowon 
Robert Ashpo 
Samuel Cooper 
Solomon Cooper 
Joseph Ashpo 
Jonathan Occom 
Eliphalet Jowon 
Joseph Jowon 
Thomas Occom 
Joshua Joguire 
John Nanezcoom 
George Meieyetummie 



Sworn to at New London May 10, 1750, 

Before DANIEL COIT, 

Justice of the Peace. 

After the report of the committee appointed in the interest 
of Isaiah Uncas, a bill was passed by the Assembly, appropriat- 
ing thirty pounds for presents to Isaiah and his attendants. 
This was in consideration of the " ancient friendship between 
the Mohegans and the colony." The money was expended 
partly in presents to Isaiah and some of his adherents, partly 
paying their expenses while on a visit to Hartford, and partly in 
purchasing various articles from the widow and family of the 
late sachem. Isaiah Uncas died during the year 1770, and 
with him expired the male line of the Ben Uncas family. No 
person has ever been sachem since the death of the last Ben 



54 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Uncas. The strongest claimant to the crown was Isaiah; be- 
sides him was his rival, John Uncas, but neither these persons 
nor any others ever became sachems. 

About this time William Hubbard had succeeded Robert 
McClelland as school teacher among the Mohegans, with a 
salary from the missionary society of twenty-four pounds a 
year. The schoolhor.se, and the dwelling attached to it, both 
being in need of repairs, he had expended aboui five pounds 
from his own resources to make them comfortable. Tins sum, 
after several petitions to the Assembly, was by its order paid 
hack to Hubbard, and also a grant was made to him of six 
pounds yearly in addition to his previous salary. It is no1 
certainly known how long this man was employed as a teacher 
of the Mohegan children, but it is supposed until about 1771 
or 1775. In the latter part of 1771, a Mohegan named Moses 
Paul was tried, condemned, and sentenced to death for the 
murder of one Moses < Hart while in a fit of intoxication. A 
large assembly of English and Indians collected to witness 
hi- execution, and by request of the condemned, Samson Oc- 
cum preached a funeral sermon before the poor miserable man 
was launched into eternity. He took for his text the words, 
" For the wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal 
life through Jesus Christ our Lord." The following is an 
extract from the sermon preached from the above text, 
and when the condemned man was before him, and probably 
sitting upon his coffin . 

"'My poor kindred, you see the woeful consequences of 
sin by seeing this, our poor, miserable countryman now before 
us, who is to die for his sins and great wickedness. And it 
was the sin of drunkenness that has brought this destruction 
and untimely death upon him. There is a dreadful woe de- 
nounced from the Almighty against drunkards, and it is this 
sin, this abominable, this beastly sin of drunkenness that has 
stripped us of every desirable comfort in this life; by this sin 
we have no name or credit in the world among polite na- 
tions; for this sin we are despised in the world, and it is all 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 55 

right and just, for we despise ourselves more, and if we don't 
regard ourselves who will regard us ? By this sin we can't 
have comfortable houses, nor anything comfortable in our 
houses, neither food or raiment, nor decent utensils. We are 
obliged to put up any sort, of shelter, just to screen us from the 
severity of the weather, and we go about with very mean, 
ragged and dirty clothes, almost naked. We are half starved, 
and most of the time obliged to pick up anything to eat. And 
our poor children are suffering every day for want of food, 
and we have nothing to give them ; and in the cold weather they 
are shivering and crying, being pinched with cold. All this 
is for the love of strong drink. And this is not all the misery 
and evil we bring on ourselves in this world; but when we 
are intoxicated with strong drink, we drown our rational 
powers by which we are distinguished from the brute creation. 
We unman ourselves and bring ourselves, not only on a level 
with the beasts of the field, but seven degrees beneath them; 
yea, we bring ourselves level with the devils. I don't know but 
we make ourselves worse than the devils, for I never heard 
of a drunkard devil. They have been cheated," he proceeds 
to say, " by means of drunkenness, they have been drowned 
and frozen through drunkenness, yet, for all this, drunken- 
ness is not a matter of shame among them; the young men will 
get drunk as soon as they will eat when they are hungry; and 
while no sight is more shocking, none is more common than 
that of a drunken woman." The preacher made a long and 
earnest address to the doomed prisoner, pointing out the fright- 
ful nature of his crime, explaining the divine mode of salva- 
tion, and urging him with pathos and energy to accept it. He 
closed his discourse with the following general exhortation: 
" And now let me exhort you all to break off your drunkenness 
by a gospel repentance, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ 
and you shall be saved. Take warning by this doleful subject 
before us, and by all the dreadful judgments that has befallen 
poor drunkards. Oh, let us all reform our lives and live as 
becomes dying creatures in time to come. Let us be persuaded 



56 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

tliat we are accountable creatures to God, and must be called 
to an account in a few days. You that have been careless all 
yonr days, now awake to righteousness and be concerned for 
your poor and never-dying souls. Fight against all sins, and 
especially against the sin that easily besets you, and behave in 
time to come as becomes rational creatures, and above all things 
believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall have eternal 
life, and when you conic to die your souls will be received into 
heaven, there to be with the Lord Jesus in eternal happiness 
with all the saints in glory, which God in his infinite mercy 
granted through Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen." 

At this time efforts were being made by one or more of 
t he Mohegans to induce the members of the tribe to leave their 
present homes and accept the hospitality of the Mohawks, who 
had offered them a settlement on the unoccupied lands of the 
Six Nations. Occum sympathized with the movement, and 
did much to encourage it, but the principal agent in the under- 
taking was Joseph Johnson, whose education, as before stated, 
was received at the Rev. Mr. Wheelock's school, and who was 
afterwards sent as a schoolmaster to the Six Nations. In his 
efforts to induce his countrymen to move to other lands, sev- 
eral journeys had been made, and, having exhausted all his 
means, he applied for assistance to the governor and Assembly 
of Connecticut. By his earnest and affecting appeal, he ob- 
tained the sum of six pounds from the colony, and Governor 
Trumbull gave him a certificate of his good character, and the 
meritorious nature of his enterprise, to assist him in other 
places. In December, 1774, he presented his cause on an 
evening at the old Presbyterian church in New York, when 
a collection was taken up to aid him in his enterprise. He 
had formed a determination, if God should prosper him in his 
undertaking, to make his influence felt in the establishment 
of peace between the western tribes and his majesty's sub- 
jects, and to instruct them in the Christian religion. How 
many of his countrymen he induced to remove with him is 
unknown. A few. however, are knowm to have left their na- 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 57 

tive land and to have taken up their abode among the New 
York Indians. He became a missionary among the Indians 
of the State of New York, and was living with them at the 
Six Nations at the opening of the revolutionary war. Wash- 
ington, while at Cambridge, during the siege of Boston, wrote 
him a letter, dated the 20th of February, 1776, in which he 
said, " Tell the Indians that we do not want them to take up the 
hatchet for us unless they choose it, we only desire that they 
will not fight against us. We want that the chain of friend- 
ship should always remain bright between our friends, the 
Six Nations, and us. We recommend you to them, and hope 
by spreading the truths of the gospel among them it will always 
keep the chain bright." 

Disagreements still continued among the Mohegans, part- 
ly concerning their government, and partly about their lands. 
Zachery Johnson, Simon Choychoy and a few other old coun- 
cilors were determined upon taking the government of the 
tribe into their own hands. On the other hand, those Indians 
who adhered to the Mason family stubbornly refused to obey 
them. Another cause of difference also presented itself. A 
number of the Indians began to pay some attention to the 
cultivation of their lands, and to keep small stocks of sheep 
and cattle. These persons soon usurped a large part of the 
cleared lands, and as a matter of course those more idle and 
improvident became dissatisfied and made complaints about 
not receiving their proportion of the lands. Several 
tracts of the Mohegan lands had been leased to white 
farmers, and the overseers were puzzled as to how they 
should divide the rents. All these things served to 
create differences among the Mohegans, and the whole 
community was in a state of turmoil and confusion. 
The Assembly was often petitioned by the several parties to 
aid them in adjusting these difficulties. Committees were 
sent from time to time to assist them in removing the dif- 
ferences, and to promote peace and harmony among them. 
A code of directions were formed for the regulation of these 



58 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

affairs. The overseers were instructed and empowered to 
prosecute trespasses upon the Indian lands, to summon the 
parties, give judgment and award damages. If any Indian 
wanted land for himself he was to apply to the overseer, who 
might set off for him a suitable tract to be improved for his 
personal benefit. 

In August, 1782, a list of all the Indians belonging to the 
tribe of Mohegans was made out, and sent to the Assembly for 
the purpose of making a division of the tribe lands. The fol- 
lowing was copied from the original paper on file in the oilier 
of the State Librarian at Hartford. 

" List of the Mohegan Indians, Aug. 5, 1782, viz : 

Mercy Uncas, widow of ye late sachem 

Esther Uncas, daughter to Abimileck, 87 years old 

Zachcry Johnson, Old Councillor 

Martha Obed, his wife. No children 

Lucy Dantaquechin, wife of Peter Trocomas, cast off 

Eliphalet, about 6 years old 



V Children of said Mercy by Noah 



. Children of said Lucv 
Cynthia, about 4 do \ 

Sarah Chawchoy, widow of Simon 

Amey, about 30 ] 

Elizabeth, about 20 ,- Children of said Sarah 

Simon, about 25 ) 

Mercy Uncas, widow of Noah. Son of twin John 

John, about 17 

Noah, about 14 

Amy, about 7 

Esther, about 3 

Hannah Uncas, widow of twin John, grandmother to ye 
above children 

Sarah Mahomet, widow of him that died in England 

Betty Uncas, widow of (Mason) John deceased 

Anna Uncas, widow of Ben, son of (Mason) John, said Ben 
killed at New London, Sept. '81 

Anna, about 18 mos. old, child of said widow Anna 

Saml Uncas, son of said (Mason) John 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 59 

Elizabeth, his wife 

Joshua, about 8 years ^ 

Eunice, about 9 do [ ... , „ , , . t 

. . „ -, > Children of said Saml and wile 
George, about 6 do 

Polly, about 10 mos. J 

John Dantaquegin 

Lucy, his wife 

Jerusha, about 20 ^ 

avi , a i Q ni j dreno f sa id John and Lucy 

Bartholomew, about 12 j 

Parthenia, about 7 J 

Esther Dantaquegin, mother of said John 

Betty George, widow of Pompey 

John George, son of said Betty in ye army 

Lucy, about 11 ^ 

Molly, about 10 I Children of said Betty 

Pompey, about 4 J 

Moses Mazzeen 

Sarah, about 20 ^ 

Hannah, about 19 I „. .. , . . , ,, 

„ . . ' , , w o ■ i.i / Children of said Moses 

Ezekiel, about 18, in the army 

Thomas, about 9 > 

Sarah Occom, widow, mother of Sampson 

Sampson Occom, minister 

Mary, his wife 

Benoni, about 19 ^ 

Theodosia, about 13 I _,_ .. _ . _ „ 

c, ! -r, , , , i o > Children of Sampson Occom 

Saml Fowler, about 12 [ r 

Andrew Gifford, about 8 J 

Jonathan Occom, brother of Sampson 

Eunice Occom, widow of Joshua, disceased 

Eunice, her daughter, about 17 

( Sons of Jos. Johnson deceased 
Wm, Johnson, about 8 j by Anna his wife, daughter of 
Jos. Johnson, about 6 ] Sampson Occom, cast off for in- 

^ continency since a widow 
Jacob Hoscott 



Children of Samuel Cooper and wife 



60 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Ann, his wife 

Saml, about 15 ^ 

Isaiah, about 9 I . 

T i i , c > Children of said Jacob and Ann 

Jacob, about 5 

Josiah, about 1 J 

Saml Johnson, in ye armv )„,.„, „ ITT .„ T , 

„ .. ., J J ^Children «»f Will Johnson 

Patience Johnson ) 

Betty George, widow 

Rachel Bobin, widow 

Ann Bobin, alias Occom 

Aaron Occom, son of said Ann 

Abigail Cooper, widow of Daniel 

Samuel Cooper 

Betty, his wife 

Mary, about 23 

Joshua, about 18 

Elisha, about 16 

Jonah, about 11 

Lucy, about 8 

Lucretia, about 5 

John Cooper 

Esther, his wife 

Jacob Cooper ) 

T i n f Sons of said John 

John Cooper ) 

Hannah, wife of ye last said John 

David Cooper, child of ye last John, about 12 Mos. old 

Solomon Cooper 

Mary, his wife 

Sally, about 11 ) 

Hannah, about 7 >- Children of. said Solomon 

Abram, about 5 ) 

Hannah Cooper, old widow 

Betty Pequin, widow 

Lucy Wei] not. old widow 

Lucy Cooper, widow of Sam Jr. 

Amy, about 4, child of said Lucy 

Hannah Shantop, old widow 



HISTORY OW MONTYILLE. 61 

Hannah, her daughter 
Jos. Shantop 
Hannah, his wife 
Martha, about 16 ^ 
Joseph, about 13 
Joshua, about 11 j 

Henry, about 8 J> Children of said Joseph and Hannah 
Moses, about 6 
Lucy, about 3 
Dan, about 2 mos. 

Rebecca Tanner, widow, lost her 5 sons in ye army 
Sarah Ephraim, widow- 
Henry Quaquaquid 
Lucy, his wife 

Samuel Ashpo, lost his 3 sons in ye army 
Hannah, his wife 

Joshua Ashpo, son of Samuel Jr. deceased about 9 
John Ashpo, son of Samuel 
Ann, his wife 
Moses, son of said John and Ann, about 2 

t/h a i - Children of John, deceased 
Dolly Ashpo ) 

Robert Ashpo 

Betty, his wife 

Hannah, about 13 ) _, ., . . . , _ . n ^ 

T , , , -, -, - Children ot said Robert and Betty 

Joel, about 11 ) J 

Joseph Ashpo 

Jenny, his wife 

Lucy | 

Mercy >■ Children of said Joseph and Jenny 

Andrew ) 

Betty Silas, widow 

Lydia Joquibe, old widow 

Mary Jowon, old widow 

Eliphalet Jowon 

Esther, his wife 



62 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Jonas, about 18 ^ 

Eliphalct, about 12 I .„.,,, , ^ ,. 

T . , , > Children of Ehphalet and Esther 

Jacob, about 8 | * 

Hezekiah, about 4 J 

Hannah Nannapoon, old widow 

The foregoing list made with the greatest percision we 

could obtain, By 

Joseph Spencer I 

August, 1782. William Williams - Committee " 

Nath'l Wales ) 

In 178-°) the overseers were empowered to divide all the 
unrented Lands among the differenl families, and to forbid 

any stranger from settling upon the reservation without their 
consent. An order was also given thai the old councilor, 
Zachery Johnson, and his wife, should be supplied as long 
as they lived with necessaries and comforts out of the avails 
of the lands. It was not until 1700 that the lands were 
by order of the legislature of the Stale of Connecticut sur- 
veyed and divided to each family, at which time a map was 
made, and each member of the tribe had his or her tract located 
and set off to them by " metes and Bounds." After the 
division of the land, many of the Indians were too indolent to 
make much use of their farms, and very little of the land was 
cultivated, except by the white tenants, until within the past 
twenty-five or thirty years. Old Zachery, the Regent of the 
Mohegans, as he was sometimes called, died about 1787, and 
by some was said to be one hundred years old, and by others 
only about eighty years. It is probable he did not know his 
own age. 

During the revolution many of the Mohegans enlisted in 
the army of the Colonies, and seventeen or eighteen of them 
died in the service or were killed in battle, leaving several 
widows, some with young children. In May, 1789, some 
of the Mohegans presented to the legislature a remarkable 
memorial which should be preserved as a relic of history, and 
serves to show the condition of the tribe at the time of the in- 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 63 

corporation of this town of Montville, so far as those who drew 
the paper were able to understand it. It is styled " A Memo- 
rial of the Mohegans by the hands of their brothers, Henry 
Quaquaquid and Robert Ashpo." 

" "We beg leave to lay our concerns and burdens at your 
excellencies feet. The times are exceedingly altered, yea, the 
times are upside down, or rather we have changed the good 
times chiefly by the help of the white people. For in times 
past our forefathers lived in peace, love, and great plenty. 
When they wanted meat, they would just run into the bush a 
little way, with their weapons, and would soon return, bring- 
ing home good venison, raccoon, bear, and fowl. If they 
chose to have fish, they would go to the river, or along the 
seashore, and they would presently fill their canoes with 
a variety of fish, both scaled and shell fish. And they had 
abundance of nuts, wild fruits, ground nuts, and ground beans, 
and they planted but little corn and beans. They had no 
contention about their lands for they lay in common, and they 
had but one large dish, and could all eat together in peace and 
love. 

"■ But, alas ! It is not so now; all our hunting and fowl- 
ing and fishing is entirely gone, and we have begun to work 
our lands, keep horses and cattle and hogs, and we build houses 
and fence in lots. And now we plainly see that one dish and 
one fire will not do any longer for us. Some few there are 
that are stronger than others, and they will keep off the poor, 
weak, the halt and blind, and will take the dish to themselves. 
Yea, they will rather call the white people and the nmlattoes to 
eat out of our dish, and poor widows and orphans must be 
pushed aside, and there we must sit, crying and starving, and 
die. And so we are now come to our good brethren of the 
Assembly, with hearts full of sorrow and grief, for immediate 
help. And therefore our most humble and earnest request is, 
that our dish of suckutash may be equally divided amongst 
us, that every one may have his own little dish by himself, 



64 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

that he may eat quietly, and do with his dish as he pleases, 
tli at every one may have his own fire." 

A committee appointed to consider this enrions and orig- 
inal memorial reported that the condition of affairs in Mohe- 
gan were in such order as to render further interference at 
that time unnecessary. Tn 1700, the time of the division of 
the Mohegan land, the trine held about twenty-seven hundred 
acres of land, and numbered about one hundred and forty mem- 
bers. The only religious instructor among them at this time 
was one of their own members. John Cooper. TTe was con- 
sidered by them to be the richest man of the Mohegans, being 
the possessor of two cows and a yoke of oxen. Two bearing 
the name of Fneas, John and Noah, were still living about 
1S00. A son of John, named Ben Fneas, was living about 
"18.°>r>: he lived at one time with Charles Hill. Tn the first 
part of the nineteenth century the members of the tribe would 
occasionally meet in council and discuss their affairs. After 
about 1800 little worthy of record took place for more than 
a quarter of a century. Small sales of land were occasionally 
authorized by the General Assembly, the whites being the 
purchasers of all such sales. Their territory continued slowlv 
to contract until about 1800, when their land was re-surveyed 
and distributed among the several members of the tribe, agree- 
able to an act of the General Assembly passed at its May ses- 
sion of that year. The governor, William A. Buckingham, 
appointed Samuel TTebard, T. TT. 0. Kingsbury, and Henry 
P. Haven, commissioners to make the survey and re-distribu- 
tion. The Fort Hill farm, so called, was still held as tribe 
property, and was subsequently sold by the direction of the 
commissioners at public sale to Theodore Baymond of Nor- 
wich, and the avails distributed among the living members of 
the tribe. At the time of the re-distribution of their land in 
1860, only forty persons belonged to the tribe that were living 
to whom distribution was made, several of whom have since 
died, and their heirs now hold their possessions. Esther 
Cooper, who was a descendant in the fourth or fifth genera- 



HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 65 

tion from the first TTneas, died on the 30th day of December, 
1852, aged 79 years. Martha TJncas, who was also a descend- 
ant, died on the 8th day of October, 1859, aged 95 years. 
Most of the persons now living who are members of the tribe 
are of mixed blood, but claim the title to the land through 
their mothers and allowed to share in the distribution. The 
old Samson Occum house lias been taken down, and nothing 
remains of it, but up to about 1880 it was occupied and owned 
by the descendants of the preacher, Jerome B. and Sally Bo- 
hemia. The religious interest of the tribe had become wholly 
neglected when about the year 1827 Miss Sarah L. Hunting- 
ton of Norwich, afterwards the wife of Rev. Eli Smith of the 
American Syrian Mission, became deeply interested in the 
moral and intellectual condition of this then forlorn remnant 
of such an historic race. She put forth her hands to raise 
them from their depth of ignorance and degradation. This 
interest was shared by other females of similar spirit, Miss 
Sarah Breed of Norwich, afterwards the wife of President 
Allen of Bowdoin College, and Mis^ Elizabeth Raymond of 
Montville. From the untiring efforts of these Christian wo- 
men, the Mohegans were lifted up and started again with 
greater success on the road leading to a higher state of morality 
and intelligence. A daily school was established in the farm- 
house on the Fort Hill farm, which Miss Huntington and Miss 
Raymond taught by alternate weeks, both remaining at Mo- 
hegan on the Sabbath, and assisted each other in conducting 
the religious exercises of the day. These daily instructions 
continued until a chapel was secured, a religious teacher en- 
gaged, and a schoolhouse built. The Indians themselves 
manifested much enthusiasm in the means employed for the 
improvement of their condition. 

The practical results of the labors of these Christian wo- 
men here in the formation of a church and an ecclesiastical 
society, the erection of a church edifice, schoolhouse, and par- 
sonage, are subjects which will be further considered in another 
chapter of this history. 



66 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

SASSACUS. 

" Shall no memorial in the land 
Remain of Sassacus? Like sand 
Beat by the sea, shall every trace 
Of the Great Spirit of his race 
Be swept away? 

" Once on yon mount* the Pequot stood 
And gazed o'er all the world of wood, 
Eyed the blue sound, and scanned the hays, 
Distinct in evening's mellow rays; 
Like a green map lay all below, 
With glittering veins where rivers flow, 
The distance stretched in haze away, 
As from his mount by Mystic bay, 
Whence, as the calumet went round, 
His eyes could measure all the sound; 
Or, in the boundless ocean, find 
Delight for his untutored mind. 
Eastward he turns his glistening eye, 
There where his throne, his people lie, 
Lie prostrate — subjects, children, power, 
All, all extinguished in an hour. 

" The heart-wrung savage turned aside, 
But no tear stained a Pequot's pride; 
The dark hand spread upon his breast, 
Only the wampum grasped and pressed. 
He turned — he stopped — took one last view, 
And then, like Regulus, withdrew. 
These mountains, rivers, woods, and plain, 
Ne'er saw the Pequot King again; 
Far in the region of the West 
The Mohawk sent him to his rest. 

(JAMES ABRAHAM) 'Hillhouse.'" 

The Rev. Sampson Occum of the Mohegan nation was 
born a pagan. In 1741, when about 18, he became a Chris- 
tian, and soon after applied to the Rev. Mr. Wheelock, who 
willingly received him as a pupil at the Indian Charity School 
in Lebanon, where he remained about three years. 

He afterwards studied theology, was licensed by the As- 
sociation of Windham County, and in 1759 was ordained by 
the Suffolk Presbytery at Long Island, and placed over the 
Indians at Montauk. 

* Groton Heights. 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 67 

In 1761 he left Long Island, and went as a missionary to 
the Oneidas, laboring there about five years with considerable 
success. He then left the mission for a season, and with Rev. 
Nathaniel Whitaker, pastor of the Second Church in Norwich, 
made a voyage to England, to solicit funds for the Indian 
school. They were highly recommended by many of the 
most respectable persons in America, and were cordially re- 
ceived. Mr. Occum, being the first Indian minister who had 
been welcomed to England, attracted great attention in the 
principal cities of England and Scotland, and preached with 
great acceptance to numerous audiences of different denomi- 
nations. 

The enterprise met with great favor from the Rev. Mr. 
Whitfield, who had visited the school at Lebanon. He showed 
great kindness to Mr. Occum, invited him to his pulpit, and in- 
troduced him to a distinguished individual, whom he styled 
" the Daniel of the age, the truly noble Lord Dartmouth." 

At the solicitation of the Earl of Dartmouth, the King 
made a donation of about $1,000, and in a short time there was 
collected in England and Scotland about $50,000 for the 
support and enlargement of the Indian school. 

The success of the mission was in a great measure attrib- 
uted to Mr. Occum. The funds thus collected were em- 
ployed in founding Dartmouth College, called after the name 
of the Earl of Dartmouth. 

Several Indians, educated as teachers, were sent from this 
school to the Oneidas, among whom we find the names of David 
Fowler, a Montauk; Joseph "Woolley and Hezekiah Calvin, 
Delawares; Moses Peters, Johannas Abraham, primus, and 
Abraham, 2d, Mohawks; and Jacob Fowler a Montauk. 
Brandt was also a pupil. 

On his return from Europe, Mr. Occum resumed his mis- 
sionary labors, and with a portion of the Mohegans under his 
care he removed from the vicinity of Mohegan to the Oneida 
country, where he settled at a place called Brothertown, and 
where he died in July, 1792, aged about 69 years. 



68 BISTORT OF MONTVILLE. 

The father of Samson Occum was a Mohegan, and his 
mother was a Groton [ndian. Tier name was Sarah, and 
who is said to have been a descendant of Uncas, which may 
have been true. She was probably of the Samson family, 
which led her to so name her son. Samson Occum, at the age 
of 18 years, married Mary Fowler, whose parents belonged 
to the Montauk tribe on Long [sland. David and Jacob 
Fowler were her brothers; the former was born in 1735 and 
the latter was probably younger. Joseph Johnson, another 
yonng Mohegan, who married Occum's daughter. Cabitha, 
was also a religions teacher, and with the others previously 
named, became the projectors of the removal to Brothertown 
and thereby carried the gospel and civilization to the Oneida 
Indians of New York. 

During the Revolutionary War, Occum, the Fowlers, and 
Joseph Johnson were the Indian heroes of New England. 
The firsl emigration of the Mohegans to the lands given by 
the Oneidas for a settlemenl was in 1784, although some 
few families had gone there earlier. The emigrants who 
started for the Oneida country on May s , L784, included 
twenty families, and among them were Jacob Fowler and 
Occum's son-in-law, Anthony rani. Occum himself con- 
ceived the plan to remove to New York and establish in the 
Oneida country a town governed after the Connecticut model, 
the townsmen wholly Indians, given to agriculture, who would 
be a moans of Christianizing and civilizing the savages about 
them. Arrangements were made by which the Oneidas were 
to give them lands ten miles square. On the 8th of' July, 
1774, Samson Occum and David Fowler received the laud-, 
settled the boundaries, and took a deed of gift. The Revolu- 
tionary War began about this time, and prevented an im- 
mediate carrying out of their plan, and it was not until about 
ten years after that the general move was made. 

David Fowler built the first house in the township. On 
the 7th day of November, 1785, Occum's company met at 
the house of David Fowler to organize a government. The 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 69 

town was named Brothertown. Jacob Fowler was chosen 
clerk. Roger Wanby, David Fowler, Elijah Wampy, John 
Fuhy, and Abraham Simon were chosen trustees for a year, 
a new board to be chosen annually. This was the beginning 
of a township formed by the members of the Mohegan tribe 
and other tribes from Connecticut and Long Island, which con- 
tinued for many years. The white settlers, however, began 
encroachments upon their lands, treaties formed by which 
certain portions of their lands were given up, until at last the 
whole was absorbed by the whites, and the Indians removed 
to a place in Wisconsin, which they called Brothertown, after 
the name of the town where the first settlement was made, in 
the State of New York, and where some of the Mohegan de- 
scendants still reside. 



CHAPTER III. 

The town of Montville is situated on the west side of the 
Thames river, about half way between the cities of New Lon- 
don and Norwich. Its present area is about forty square 
miles, and contains twenty-five thousand acres. It was for- 
merly a part of the township of New London, and called the 
North Parish of New London. Its early history is indis- 
solubly connected with that of New London and Norwich, 
and other towns adjoining. Within the boundaries of this 
town was the central seat of the famous tribe of Indians called 
the Mohegans, whose history has been closely identified with 
that of the State of Connecticut. Uncas, the Grand Sachem 
of the tribe, being a friend to the English, received at their 
hands protection from his enemies, and often when in extreme 
peril from the hostile advancements made upon him by other 
tribes, the English rendered him timely assistance. Uncas 
was always generous to those who befriended him and his 
warriors, and easily persuaded to confer liberal gifts of his 
lands as a remuneration for friendship. 

This tract of land now constituting the town of Mont- 
ville was, at the earliest notice of its history, in the possession 
of the Pequots, of which tribe the Mohegans were a frag- 
ment, and occupied by them as their planting and hunting 
grounds. A remnant of the Mohegans still continue to pos- 
sess and improve a portion of the land sequestered to them by 
the early English settlers, not, however, as wards under the 
guardianship of the state, but as actual owners of the soil with 
the privilege of citizens of the state and of the United States. 
Their advance in civilization and morals had been identical 
with that of the growth and prosperity of the town ; the Indian 
having exchanged his lands for civilization and Christianity. 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 71 

It is not strange that a place possessed of such natural advan- 
tages, when once known to the English, should have been 
highly prized by them, or that when obtained from the native 
owners it should be quickly settled, or, since its settlement, 
it should have grown and prospered so extensively. It has 
never known any serious decline, either in numbers or prop- 
erty, and though at times laboring under disadvantages from 
various sources, it has generally been upon the advance. The 
spirit of enterprise, it is true, has shifted from one part of 
the town to another, and from one source of industry to 
another, but it has never left its precincts or ceased to ad- 
vance. Many individuals whose names are inscribed upon 
the rolls of fame and honor have emanated from this com- 
munity. The records, both of church and state, contain many 
an honored name whose possessor had his or her origin on this 
soil. The names of Hillhouse, Raymond, Chester, Otis, and 
many others, are such as the historian has delighted to honor. 
In the year 1646, John Winthrop, Jr., and some others from 
Boston, Massachusetts, commenced to lay out and settle a 
plantation in the Pequot country, which was afterwards called 
New London. Winthrop, before laying out the plantation, 
called all the neighboring Indians together in order to ascer- 
tain the legitimate bounds occupied by the Pequot tribe, that 
no encroachment might be made on the rights of the Mohe- 
gans. Uncas at that time made no claim to any land east 
of the Thames (Pequot) river, nor on the west side any farther 
south than Cochiknack (now Oxoboxo) or Saw Mill Brook and 
the cove into which it flowed. This brook (now Oxoboxo) 
was therefore established as the northern boundary of the 
New London plantation by an agreement with Uncas, sachem 
of the Mohegans. The early history of this part of New 
London, called the North Parish of New London, runs through 
a maze of perplexity and confusion. Many of the finest tracts 
in the district which had been early obtained of the natives, 
or by grants of the town for speculation or settlement, passed 
from one possessor to another with great rapidity. A com- 



7:> HISTORY OF MONTVII/LE. 

bination of influences served to facilitate the speedy transfer 
of claims. The first grants of Lands within the Mohegan 
reservation was made by Uncas in 1658 to Richard Hough- 
ton and -Tanics Rogers, and consisted of valuable farms on 
the river at places called Massapeag and Pamechaug. The 
former place was situated on the north of a cove, now called 
" LToughtons'," and the latter was situated a1 a place farther 
up the river, called the " Point," near Massapeag station. 

The then < xisting laws of the colony prohibited individuals 
from contracting with the Indians for land, yet many, from 
the spirit of avarice or from the desire to obtain places for 
permanent settlements on particularly cleared and culti- 
vated land, sought by various means to get possession of the 
lands. The resull was that many Indian grants were made, 
some were gifts of friendship or in requital of favors bestowed, 

i- were obtained by fair and honest trade, while others 
wen- openly fraudulent or from administering to the vicious 
thirsts of the Indian, degrading him below his native barbar- 
ism. The first actual settler on the Indian lands was Sam- 
uel Rogers, the oldest son of James, then Living at IsTew Lon- 
don. Samuel Rogers is supposed to have moved here in 1670. 
He had for several years been on intimate terms with Uncas, 
who had anxiously solicited him to settle in his neighborhood. 
Uncas gave him a valuable tract of land on the north side of 
Saw Mill (Oxoboxo) Brook, a portion of which land is now 
in possession of his descendants, promising Rogers in case of 
any emergency he would hasten with all his warriors to his 
assistance. On this tract Rogers built his house of hewn 
logs, surrounded it with a strong wall, and mounted a big 
gun in front. 

Uncas would often visit Rogers in his retired abode in the 
midst of the wilderness, it being about four miles from the 
Indian settlement on the banks of the Thames. There they 
would together smoke the pipe and " take a social glass." 
Here Samuel Rogers reared a family of six children, three 
sons and three daughters, being the first white children born 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 73 

within the present bounds of Montville. On one occasion, 
when prepared for the experiment, tradition says, Rogers 
fired the signal of alarm, which was two reports in succession, 
which had been agreed upon with his tawny friend in case 
either should be disturbed by an enemy, and in half an hour's 
time, grim bands of warriors were seen on the hill overlook-, 
ing the " Block house," who soon came rushing down with the 
sachem at their head to the rescue of their white friend. 

Rogers had prepared a feast for their entertainment, hav- 
ing killed a beef and roasted it for the occasion. It is prob- 
able that they relished the trick nearly as much as the banquet; 
they seeming always delighted with contrivance and strate- 
gem. Samuel Rogers' house stood about three-quarters of 
a mile south of the Congregational meeting-house, on a plain 
of land now owned by Albert A. Rogers. A short distance 
east of where the house stood is the burying ground of the 
Rogers families and near relations; nearly one hundred graves 
cover the spot. Samuel Rogers afterwards became a large 
landholder in the reservation. He had grants of land, not 
only from Uncas, but from his sons, Owaneco and Josiah, in 
recompense for services rendered to them and their tribes. 
Gifts of land were also bestowed on his son Jonathan and his 
daughter Sarah, wife of James Harris, who also settled here. 
A deed, of date 1698, from Owaneco to Jonathan Rogers, 
cripple son of Samuel, conveying to him a tract of land in con- 
sideration of his lameness, and the continued kindness of his 
parents shown to Owaneco and his children. The land was 
" bounded on other land of Samuel Rogers, and on the Hart- 
ford path, and the brook that cometh out of the pond called 
Obsopogsant." Another tract of land was also about this 
time bestowed upon Jonathan, lying southeast of the pond 
called the " little pond." 

In 1608, Samuel Rogers gave a tract of land to his " loving 
daughter, Mary Gilbert, wife of Samuel Gilbert of Hartford," 
consisting of " two parcels west or southwest of certain plant- 
ing fields usually called or known by the name of Moheag, in 



74 HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 

the township of Xew London, and northerly of my dwelling 
house, containing one hundred and fifty acres, bounded by 
the four corners of trees marked M. G., the northerly side 
being one hundred and seventy-two rods, the southerly side 
one hundred and seventy-two rods, the westerly side one 
hundred and fifty rods, and the easterly side one hundred and 
ten rods. Also one other piece containing ten acres, and lying 
westward of my dwelling, and about southwest from a cer- 
tain house which Samuel Gilbert built upon the aforesaid 
tract of land, and is distant about sixty or eighty poles, it 
being meadow and swamp land." 

The General Court, sitting at Hartford in October, 1698, 
granted to their honored Governor, Fitz John "Wmthrop, and 
the Rev. Gurdon Saltonstall, who had preached the election 
sermon, conjointly a tract four hundred acres of land, " to be 
taken up where it may not prejudice any former grant to any 
township or particular person." This land was surveyed and 
laid out by John Prentis, Surveyor, on the 20th day of Feb- 
ruary, 1698-9. It was bounded and described as follows: 
" The north bound is a line running from a pine tree by the 
side of a pond, above Samuel Rogers' farm, commonly called 
Twenty-mile Pond (Gardner's Lake), standing on the east 
side of said pond due east two hundred and forty rods to a 
great white oak marked 1ST. E., which oak is on the top of a 
long fair plain hill, and in fair sight of a hollow where there is a 
small swamp on the east of it; from thence in a line which 
runs due south to a young chestnut tree on the east side of 
the little pond (Oxoboxo), which tree stands within a rod of 
said pond, under a clift of rocks, and is marked for a south- 
east comer; and from thence in a line which runs due west 
two hundred and forty rods to a large fair spreading white 
oak upon the brow of a hill, with a plain on the top of it, which 
oak (Governor's Tree) is within ten rods of a fresh meadow 
with high rocks, three or four in the middle of it, and bear- 
ing from the said tree about IT. 1ST. W., which tree is marked 
for the south corner; and from thence in a line running north 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 75 

by the west side of a small island in the aforesaid great pond, 
and on the north to the aforementioned pine tree on the east 
side of the said great pond, marked for the northwest corner, 
containing four hundred acres, more or less." 

The grant was the cause of a long and bitter controversy. 
The Masons, guardians of the Mohegans, raised an outcry 
against it, the neighboring colonies caught it up, and the rever- 
beration was loud in England when the throne was led to 
believe that great wrong had been done the Indians by giving 
away their lands. It was, however, settled and the proprie- 
tors held the possession. After the death of Winthrop and 
Saltonstall, the land was distributed among their respective 
heirs. John Prentis and John Hough were a committee ap- 
pointed by the General Court in 1703 to survey and lay out a 
tract of land consisting of eighty acres to the heirs of John 
Plumb. Their report was as follows: "Beginning at a 
great white oak tree on a hill, which tree is the Governor's 
and Mr. Saltonstall's northeast corner, marked W. S. P., run- 
ning south one hundred and sixty rods by marked trees to a 
white oak tree near a long valley, which tree is the southwest 
corner; thence east by marked trees eighty rods to a black oak 
tree by a ledge of rocks on the side of a hill marked on four 
sides and P. R., which is the southeast corner; thence north 
one hundred and sixty rods to a small walnut tree in a ridge 
of rocks by a gutter, marked on four sides and P. R. ; thence 
west to the first bound lying east of the great pond, about 
three-quarters of a mile and bounded west with the Gover- 
nor's and Mr. Saltonstall's land, east with Samuel Rogers' land 
and north and south with the common land." 

About the same time a county grant was made to Caleb 
"Watson of Hartford of two hundred acres. This grant was 
surveyed and laid out by John Prentis, John Hough, and John 
Plumb, Jr., and was described as follows: " Beginning at the 
south side of the little pond (Oxoboxo) running west about 
forty rods to Captain Wetherall's corner, then south one hun- 
dred and twenty rods to a rock which is Atwell's corner, then 



76 msrouv OF MONTVILLE. 

east southerly two hundred and forty rods to a chestnut tree 
marked on four .-ides, standing by the road between Norwich 
and Lyme; then northeasl to a brook that comes oul of the 
Little pond aforesaid, and then on to the said pond and the 
first bound. Bounded south by Richard Manwarring, west 
by Capt. YVetherall, south by Swell's land and William 
Dodge's land, and easl with the brook that comes out of the 
little pond." 

In May, L703, thai part of New London which was after- 
wards called tlic North Parish, was added to the township of 
New London by a granl of the General Court. This tract of 
land was described in the application for the grant as " being 
a small tract of hind Lying on the west side of the ( '• reat River 
(Thames) in the town of New London, and Lying between the 
north bounds of the town and the northeast hounds of the 
town of Lyme, and by a Straight line from the northeast corner 
of Lyme hounds to the southwesl corner of Norwich south 
hounds, as the bounds of Norwich run down to the Great 
River." This granl provided " that any proprietors of lands, 
whether English or Indians, within the tract so added, who 
held legal titles to the same, shonld have their lands reserved 
and saved to the respective possessors. 

Joshua Raymond, who married Elizabeth Smith, daughter 
of Nehemiab Smith, was probably the second person who be- 
came an actual settler on the reservation. He was one of the 
committee that laid out the road between Norwich and JSTew 
London, leading through the Mohegan fields, and for this 
service received a small tract of land on the route, to which 
other lands were added by purchase from time to time. On 
this land he built a house which stood for many years. Mr. 
Raymond's farm was situated near the head of Houghton's 
Cove. The house stood on a commanding site on the west 
side of the road leading from Xew London to Norwich, and 
was in the possession of the family one hundred and seventy- 
five years. It was purchased of George Raymond, of the fifth 
generation, in 1841, by Captain William Fitch, who took 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 77 

down the ancient house, and erected a new one on the same 
commanding site. Many of the descendants of Joshua Ray- 
mond, the probable second actual settler in this town, have been 
among its most active and influential citizens, holding impor- 
tant trusts in both church and state. Among the earliest 
grantees under the Indian deeds were Charles Hill, Samuel 
Chester, George Tongue, and Daniel Fitch. Charles Hill's 
tract of several hundred acres was conveyed to him by TJncas 
in 1678, in exchange for "Betty," an Indian woman, taken 
captive in Philip's war and given to Captain James Avery, 
who sold her to Charles Hill. A short time previous to the 
death of Joshua Raymond, he had bargained a tract of land 
to Oliver Manwaring, his brother-in-law. A deed, which 
the widow had executed conveying the land after her hus- 
band's death, was questioned as to its validity, and in October, 
1704, Manwaring petitioned the General Court to grant lib- 
erty to, and empower Elizabeth Dennis (Raymond), the relict 
of Joshua Raymond, to execute a deed of conveyance to all 
the lands agreed upon by her former husband, Joshua Ray- 
mond, in his lifetime. The petition was granted, and a deed 
executed, conveying the land bargained to Oliver Manwar- 
ing. 

Samuel Chester owned a large tract of land in the north- 
west part of the town, a portion of which is now in the town of 
Salem. This tract, containing several thousand acres, was 
conveyed to him by Ilncas, June 13, 1683. From him the 
name " Chesterfield " is supposed to be derived. 

Richard Poole also owned land along the ridge north of 
Saw Mill Brook (Oxoboxo) and from his name is supposed to 
be derived that of Pools or " Poles Hill." This tract was 
afterwards inherited by the Baker and Wickwire families. 

In the year 1705, while the Queen's Court of Commission- 
ers was convened at Stonington, Captain John Prentis testi- 
fied before that court that he had surveyed and returned about 
three thousand acres between the town of New London, as 
the line formerly run, and the town of Norwich to nineteen 



78 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

different persons. It was also stated that the following per- 
sons had actually settled on the Indian fields, viz.: Samuel 
Rogers, Sr., Samuel Rogers, Jr., Benjamin Atwell, Israel 
Dodge, George Le Fevre, Samuel Gilbert, James Harris, 
Thomas Jones, Sr., Thomas Jones, Jr., William Mynard, and 
George Tongue. Others who had lands laid out to them were 
Governor Winthrop, the Rev. Gurdon Saltonstall, Daniel 
Wetherall, John Plumb, Caleb Watson, George Denison, 
( lharles and Jonathan Hill. January 11, 1709-10, Owan- 
eco, then sachem of the Mohegans, signed a deed conveying 
five hundred acres of land to Robert Denison of Stonington 
for the consideration of twenty pounds, part in silver money 
and the remainder in goods at money price. The land com- 
monly known by the name of the Indians or sequestered lands 
lying between the ancient lines of the towns of New Lon- 
don and Norwich, on the west side of the Pequot (Thames) 
river, and being a part of the North Parish of New London, 
was in the year 1710 by consent of Owaneco and his council 
divided into two parts. The eastern part, bordering on the 
river, was put in trust for the Indians by a deed of feoffment 
in favor of the Hon. Gurdon Saltonstall, Captain John Mason, 
Major John Livingston, Captain Samuel Fitch, and Captain 
John Stanton, which tract was forever settled upon the Mo- 
hogan tribe of Indians, " so long as there shall be any Mohe- 
gan found or known of alive in the world;" excepting, how- 
ever, out of the tract described " some small parcels in the pos- 
session of former purchasers," which parcels were confirmed 
to them. The western part, which was divided from the 
eastern by a line running north and south, these " famously 
known " was conveyed by a general deed, signed by Owaneco, 
Ben Uncas, Cesar, and several councilors and chiefsmen of 
the tribe to Major John Livingston, Lieutenant Robert Deni- 
son, Samuel Rogers, Jr., and James Harris; excepting, how- 
ever, out of the tract thereby conveyed all former grants by 
the General Court and by the Indians to persons then in pos- 
session of them. The price paid by the grantees for this large 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 79 

tract of several thousand acres was only fifty pounds. The 
division of the land was to be in the proportion of two-fifths to 
Livingston and one-fifth to each of the others. Livingston 
afterwards purchased the share of Rogers, which made him 
the holder of three-fifths. 

" These proceedings," says Miss Caulkins, " gave great 
uneasiness to the inhabitants of New London, who regarded 
the Indian land granted to them by the act of addition to the 
township in May, 1703, and expressly guaranteed by their 
patent. A town meeting was held July 17, 1710, and a com- 
mittee appointed to prosecute Colonel Livingston and his 
associates before the General Court for a breach of law. This 
was the beginning of a struggle for possession which con- 
tinued many years. The North Parish was in an unsettled 
and disorderly state; no man felt secure of his title." 

It was not until about the year 1721, that the land mat- 
ters became tranquil in the North Parish. The General 
Court refused to confirm the acts of the town, and conse- 
quently all acts of the town and grants made by the same 
were void. In October, 1720, the General Assembly ap- 
pointed James "Wadsworth, John Hooker, and John Hall a 
committee to settle the difficulties relating to land titles, and 
also to provide for the settlement of a gospel minister in the 
North Parish. Messrs. Wadsworth and Hall accordingly 
met at the house of Joseph Bradford, who then lived on the 
farm now owned by John Randolph Rogers' heirs, and there 
held a Commissioners Court, with power to hear and decide all 
disputes respecting claims to land in the Mohegan territory. 
This court proved to be one of pacification ; almost every claim- 
ant was quieted in his possession, the deed of trust was con- 
firmed, and the reversion of the sequestered land, when the 
tribe should become extinct, settled upon New London. All 
the General Court grants were ratified, the farms of Win- 
throp and Saltonstall, six hundred acres to the New London 
schools, two hundred acres to Caleb Watson, the purchase of 
Livingston and his associates; excepting, however, five hun- 



80 BISTORY OF MONTVIDLE. 

dred acres, to be taken out and secured to the use of the min- 
istry, and in general all Indian contracts previous to 1710. 
1 11 May. L721, the committee reported their doings to the ( ren- 
eral Assembly, and was by it confirmed. 

The tract reserved for the ministry in the North Parish 
was left undetermined by the committee. The inhabitants 
could not by any means hitherto used be led to agree where 
the meeting house should be built, and it was desirable to lay 
out a farm for the minister as near to the meeting-house as 
practicable. This matter of locating the spol for the erection 
of the meeting-house was therefore left unsettled, and at the 
request of the inhabitants, referred to the General Assembly. 

That trad of land purchased of Owaneco in 1710 by Col- 
onel John Livingston, Major Roberl Denison, Samuel Rogers, 
Jr., and James Barris was in L713 surveyed by John Plumb 
and laid ou1 in divisions, and subdivided into lots. These 
divisions and the lots were as follows, viz.: " The firsl divis- 
ion lots, which lies on the north side of Stony Brook, are 
bounded southerly on said brook, northerly on Norwich south 
line, easterly on land belonging to John Plumb, and on land 
said to belong to the estate of Ralph Parker, deceased, and 
by Trading Cove Brook, and westerly by the land secured to 
the Mohegan [ndians by feofees in trusl and extending wesl 
by land of Governor WTnthrop's estate and Governor Salton- 
stall." The whole tract of the firsl division contained about 
twenty-nine hundred acres, and was subdivided into five lots 
of from five hundred to six hundred acres each. "The first 
lot begins by the uorth side of Stony Brook at a tree marked 
at the westerly end of land belonging to John Plumb, and 
from thence runs west by north up the brook, two hundred 
and twenty-eight rods, to a black oak tree marked on four 
sides, thus — standing by the side of Stony Brook; thence 
north by marked trees to the Norwich line, which line is 
about east with said Plumb land, and runs to the said north 
and south lines secured by feofees in trust. The second lot 
begins at the aforesaid black oak tree, thence to and up the said 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 81 

Stony Brook, west by north two hundred and thirty rods to 
a large ash tree by said brook, marked on four sides and on the 
east side thus =, thence north by marked trees to Norwich 
south line; bounded west by the third lot and east by the first 
lot. The third lot begins at the aforesaid ash tree and thence 
running northerly by the aforesaid Stony Brook two hundred 
and six rods to a large, gray oak tree, marked on four sides, 
and on the east side thus EE, thence north by marked trees to 
Norwich south line; bounded west by the fourth lot and east 
by the second lot. The fourth lot begins at the aforesaid 
gray oak tree by the brook, thence running west by north with 
the aforesaid Stony Brook, one hundred and ninety-seven rods 
to a white oak tree, standing by said Stony Brook, marked on 
four sides thus , thence north by marked trees to Norwich 

south line ; bounded east by the third lot, and west by the fifth 
lot, and in the center running over the tract of land which 
John Plumb purchased of Owaneco. The fifth lot and last 
runs from the aforesaid white oak tree westerly across the 
swamp ninety-six rods to a walnut tree standing on the south 
side of the swamp, marked, which tree is the northwest corner 
of land belonging to James Harris, Jr., thence north running 
to Norwich line, running between land belonging to John 
AYinthrop, Esq., deceased, and Gurdon Saltonstall, Esq., on 
the west side near to Norwich line, running a portion of the 
way by land of John Plumb. This fifth lot includes all the 
land that lies west of the north line and to Norwich line, it 
being a tract that runs toward the great pond and belongs to 
this lot and contains about one hundred acres, which lies in 
the second division, on the south side of the aforesaid Stony 
Brook, and is in the fifth lot of said second division. The 
second division lots, which abutt northerly on said Stony Brook 
and running from said brook southwest, abutting on a line 
that runs in a swamp and brook from land of Joshua Baker, 
Jr., by land of Daniel Rogers northwest with the brook, so far 
as the brook runs northwest; thence northwest leaving the 



82 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

brook, until it comes to land laid out to several persons. This 
division is divided into lots of about three-quarters of a mile 
in length, as follows : The first lot begins at the southeasterly 
side of land belonging to Jonathan Hill at a tree marked on 
four sides, standing on the line of the west side of the Mohe- 
gan land secured by feofees in trust; thence running south on 
the said linos to a swamp a little north of the house of Joshua 
Baker, Jr., at a maple tree, marked, which is the east side of 
this lot ami abutts on the aforesaid land of Jonathan TTill. The 
width of this lot adjoining Mr. TTill's land is one hundred rods, 
and is somewhat shorter than the rest of the lots by reason 
of said Hill's land running in upon it. At the northwest 
corner of this lot is a marked tree by said Hill's land, and 
this line runs by marks nearly southwest to the brook or 
swamp; the southeast is bounded by the brook to the afore- 
said swamp, which brook runs nearly northwest ami southeast. 
This lot is in an angular shape. The second lot adjoins the 
first l<>t on the northwest side and is one hundred rods in width, 
from the northwest corner of the said first lot to the northwest 
corner of the second lot, at an oak tree marked on four sides, 
and from said oak tree running southwest to the brook over the 
hill; thence southeast with the brook to the said first lot, 
bounded north with Jonathan Hill's land. The third lot ad- 
joins the south side of Stony Brook, for the reason that it lies 
west of Jonathan Hill's land and is somewhat longer than the 
first two lots, except the east side abutts partly on Jonathan 
Hill's land. The northwest corner is at a white oak tree by the 
aforesaid Stony Brook marked thus zEE, being in width by said 
brook eighty-five rods; thence southwest over the hill, and 
abutts southerly on a triangular piece of land that adjoins on 
land of Major John Merritt, which triangular piece is not yet 
divided. The fourth lot begins at the aforesaid white oak 

tree marked , and runs by the brook nearly one hundred 

and sixteen rods to a chestnut tree by the brook marked , 

thence running southwest over the hill to the aforesaid line 
one hundred and ten rods, running northwest and southeast 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 83 

adjoining said triangular piece. The fifth lot begins at the 
aforesaid chestnut tree, thence running westerly by the brook, 
one hundred and forty-four rods to a large black oak tree by 
the side of a swamp at the brook marked, and on the east side, 
\/, thence running up a hill southwest to other land laid out. 
This last lot adjoins easterly on the fifth lot of the first division 
and runs westerly with land of Phillip Malsworth, about two 
hundred and forty rods, abutting northerly on Stony Brook 
and southerly on other lands formerly laid out. This lot 
belongs to Samuel Rogers, Jr., and is to be included with the 
fifth lot of the first division." 

JOHN PLUMB, Surveyor. 
New London, June 12, 1713. 

Mr. John Vibber was one of the early settlers in North 
Parish and owned large tracts of land in various localities in 
the parish. He was one of the many land speculators that 
in those early times made it their special business to trade in 
land. On the 17th day of January, 1716-17, John Vibber 
conveyed by deed a small tract of land containing fifty acres 
to Colonel John Livingston, the same having been conveyed 
to John Vibber by Samuel Comstock in 1713. This land 
was situated on the Saw Mill Brook Cove " commencing at 
Cold Spring, thence by and adjoining the road from Norwich 
to New London until it comes to a white oak stump upon a 
knoll by the said road ; thence a west line to the common land ; 
thence beginning at the first bound, viz.: the north bound 
and from the said road to run due west to common land, 
together with the right of dower of his wife, Johanna Vib- 
ber." The 27th day of February, 1740-1, George Hill and 
John Vibber exchanged farms, George Hill conveying the 
farm on which he then lived to John Vibber in the following 
manner: To all People to whom these presents shall come, 
Greeting: Know ye that I, George Hill, of the Town of 
New London, in New London County and State of Connecti- 
cut, for the consideration of four hundred pounds, and also 



84 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

a certain tract of land with the appurtenances thereof which I 
have received of and from my father-in-law, Air. John Vibber, 
of said New London, do hereby give, grant, bargain, sell and 
convey unto the said John Vibber, all that my farm or tract 
of land where I now dwell, with the buildings and fences 
thereon, containing one hundred and sixty (100) acres. 
Beginning at the southwest corner of Abraham Avery's farm 
on Fort Hill in Mohegan at the brook, and thence west to a 
rock and stone on it, being the ancient bounds of said farm, 
and thence northerly about two hundred rods to a forked red 
oak, marked ( '. EL, the ancient northwesl corner of said farm. 
and thence easl to the northwesl corner of land that was set 
out by my sister, Jane Avery, and thence east with the afore- 
said land and land \ sold to my brother-in-law, Abraham 
Averv, to the first hound, the same being bounded by marked 
trees and the brook." 

[Seal. | (iPOEGE HILL. 

" To all People to whom these presents shall come, Greet- 
ing: Know ye that I, John Vibber, of the Town of New 
London, in the ( iounty of New London and State of Connecti- 
cut, for the consideration of one hundred and sixty (160) acres 
of land received of and from George Hill, and which is hereby 
acknowledged, do hereby give, grant, bargain, sell and con- 
vey to the said George Hill a certain tract of land in North 
Parish of New London, where I now dwell, containing by es- 
timation one hundred and seven acres, be the same more or 
less, with the house, barn, orchards, fences and appurtenances 
belonging to the same, bounded as follows: Beginning at 
the northerly comer at a stake and stone, which is the corner 
bounds of my son, John Vibber Jr.'s land, and joining unto 
the land of Peter Wickwire, and from thence easterly on said 
Wickwire's land, two hundred and thirty-eight rods to a wal- 
nut staddle and stones at Ebenezer Williams' fence; thence 
southerly on said Williams' land about twenty-four rods to a 
crooked white oak tree in Jason Allen's line and fence ; thence 



HISTORY OP MONTVILLB. 85 

westerly two hundred and forty rods to the southerly corner 
of John Vibber, Jr.'s land at the fence; thence on land of 
said John Vibber, Jr. to the first bound. Also the easterly 
half I have on the hill called " Poles Hill," containing twenty- 
eight acres; the other half belonging to my son John Vibber, 
Jr." 

[Seal.] JOHN VIBBER 

Mrs. Mercy Raymond, on the 24th day of June, 1725, 
executed a deed of gift to her son, Joshua Raymond, to all 
the land she held in her own right, situated on Block Island, 
lying at a place commonly called the great pasture in the neck, 
and commonly called the " Corn Neck," on the east end of 
said island, and is on the west side of the path that leads to 
Sawco, and all her other land on said island howsoever 
bounded or reputed to be bounded, excepting only about five 
acres of land, called the Quaker lot, and her right at a place 
called Charlestown on said island. 

In the year 1710, James Harris and Sarah, his wife, con- 
veyed by deed to John Merritt and Mercy Raymond, a tract 
of land a little west of the Mohegan fields, beginning west 
twelve rods from the southerly corner of the Gilbert land 
which Samuel Rogers gave to his daughter, Mary Gilbert, 
at a walnut tree; thence northwest three hundred and forty- 
four rods to a tree near the side of a hill on the west side of 
the head of a swamp; thence northeasterly one hundred and 
four rods; thence southeast three hundred and forty rods; 
thence southwest to the point of beginning. (This last line 
being on the westerly side of the Gilbert farm, now owned by 
David A. Johnson, Jr.) Also one other piece of land con- 
taining one hundred acres on Saw Mill Brook, westerly of the 
house of Samuel Rogers, lying between said house and the 
Widow Miner's. 

In the year 1710, Samuel Gilbert and his wife Mary Gil- 
bert and Nathaniel Gilbert, their son, conveyed by deed to 
John Merritt and Mercy Raymond the farm on which they 



86 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

lived, and which was conveyed to Mary Gilbert by her father, 
Samuel Rogers, situated northwest of Samuel Rogers' dwell- 
ing-house. 

The same year Owaneeo conveyed to Robert Denison, 
Samuel Rogers, James Harris, and John Livingston, a large 
tract of land described as south from the northwest corner 
tree to white ruck in the great river (Thames), bounded 
on the cast by the footpath or highway as it now runs from 
New London to Norwich. 

In the year 1711, James Harris conveyed his interest in the 
land conveyed by Owaneeo to himself and others in 1710, to 
Mercy Raymond of Fisher's Island and Major John Morrill 
of New London. 

The following is the singular deed from Major John Mir 
ritt to James Harris, given in the year 172G: " Know all men 
by these presents, that I, John Merritt, of New London, in 
New London County, for and in consideration of five thou- 
sand pounds money to me in hand paid, or secured to be paid, 
by James Harris of Colchester in Hartford County, the re- 
ceipt whereof I do acknowledge, etc., I have therefore given 
and granted, and do by these presents give, grant, sell, con- 
vey and confirm to the said James Harris, his heirs and assigns 
forever, all my lands, tenements and hereditaments within 
the towns of New London and Norwich in the County of New 
London aforesaid; as also all my lands, tenement- and heredi- 
taments in the town of Colchester aforesaid; all such lands, 
tenements, etc., being in partnership or joint tenancy, together 
and undivided betwixt me and Mrs. Mercy Raymond of New 
London, in the county of New London aforesaid, in such 
sort as that to me and to my heirs and assigns forever belongs. 

" To have and to hold the one-half of all the lands, tene- 
ments and hereditaments hereinbefore named and described, 
viz: One farm at Massapeag in the town of New London 
aforesaid, containing by estimation four hundred acres, more 
or less, with all the buildings and appurtenances as the said 
farm is butted and bounded in a deed of sale thereof from 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 87 

Lieutenant Colonel John Livingston, late of New London, 
deceased, to me and the aforesaid Mercy Kaymond in joint 
tenancy as aforesaid, which deed is entered at large in the 
town records of New London aforesaid. 

" Also the Great Farm on which I and the said Mercy Kay- 
mond now dwell, excepting two acres thereof on which stands 
the meeting-house, containing by estimation about eighteen 
hundred acres, more or less, with all the parts, members, priv- 
ileges, braidings of all sorts, with all other the appurtenances 
thereof, which farm lyeth on both sides of a highway which 
runs through it from the westerly to the easterly end of it, 
and from thence passes down to the cove by Samson Haugh- 
ton's dwelling house, which farm I and the said Mercy Ray- 
mond bought and purchased together in joint tenancy of 
sundry persons at divers times by sundry deeds of sale, well 
executed, and now all upon record in New London aforesaid, 
by which deeds the estate abuttments and quantity of said 
farm may fully appear, which purchases were made of Samuel 
Gilbert, Robert Denison, Samuel Young, Joseph Bradford, 
Sarah Knight, the heirs of Governor Saltonstall, James Har- 
ris, Jonathan Rogers and Jonathan Williams as by their deeds 
aforesaid appears. As also one farm lying near the line be- 
twixt Colchester and Norwich, and which of the two towns 
it is is a question now depending in the law to be determined. 
Such farm I and the said Mercy Raymond bought in joint 
tenancy of Peter Mason and Samuel Mason, the exact bounds 
and quantity of it will fully appear by their deeds thereof 
well executed and now on record at New London aforesaid, 
with all other my lands aforesaid. Including all Indian pur- 
chases, court grants, with all other my rights, claims and 
interest of, in and unto any lands within all or any of the three 
towns aforesaid. I say to him, the said James Harris, his 
heirs and assigns. 

" To have and to hold to his and their only proper use and 
benefit the one-half of all and singular the lands, tenements, 
and hereditaments above mentioned as they are abutted and 



gg HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

hounded, extended, limited, and described by the deeds on 
record above referred to. Moreover, T give and grant for the 
consideration aforesaid to the' said -Tames Harris, his heirs and 
assigns forever, my negro man, called (Ysnr, my negro hoy, 
called Joe, alias Joseph, my negro woman, called Rose, my 
negro man, Samson, my negro man, called Bnssoc, my negro 
man called Sharper, my negro woman called Sylvia and her 
child called , my negro hoy called Ilarrie, my negro 

hoy called Peleg, my negro hoy called Andrew. Moreover, 
I give and grant to the said James Harris and his heirs forever, 
for the consideration aforesaid, all my stock of neat cattle, 
with all my stock of horse kind, of goats, oi sheep, and of 
swine, and of all and singular the whole of the above-men- 
said Mercy liaymond, some of which are on the farms afore- 
said, and the others feeding at large in the wilderness. The 
one-half of the whole of every sort and kind being mine, with 
the half of all the hay and corn in stack or mows mi any of 
the said farms, and 1, the said John Merritl, for myself, my 
heirs, executors and administrators to and with the said dames 
Earris, do covenant, promise and grant that at the time and 
until the full executing of these presents, I am the lawful 
owner of the one-half of all the lands, tenements, and heredi- 
taments above mentioned and described, and of the one-hall ol 
all the stock of cattle, sheep, swine, horses, and goats above 
mentioned, and of all the negroes above named, and that there- 
fore from and after the date hereof it may and shall he lawful 
for the said dames Harris, his heirs, executors, and administra- 
tors to take seizin and possession by force and virtue of these 
presents of the aforesaid one-half of all the above-mentioned 
lands, tenements, and hereditaments, and also of the one-half of 
all the above-mentioned stock of cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and 
swine, and of all and singular the whole of the above-men- 
tioned goods, and the lands, to have, hold, possess, and enjoy 
to his or their own proper use and behoof forever, as his and 
their own proper estate forever, and to no other use. 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 89 

" And further, I, the said John Merritt, for me, my heirs, 
executors, and administrators to and with the said James 
Harris, his heirs and assigns, do hereby covenant, promise, 
and grant in manner following, that is to say: That the 
above granted and bargained premises unto the aforesaid 
James Harris, his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns. 
T, my heirs, executors, and administrators will forever war- 
rant, justify, and defend against the lawful claims and de- 
mands of all manner of person whatsoever. 

In testimony and confirmation whereof, I have hereunto 
these presents set my hand and affixed my seal this twentieth 
day of our Lord and King of Great Britain, A. I). 1726." 

[Seal.] JOHN MERRITT. 

Executed in the presence of 
Peter Pratt, 
Pelatiah Bliss. 

Colchester, the 22d day of August, A. D., 172G, then and 
there personally appeared Major John Merritt, the subscriber 
of the above and foregoing deed of sale, and acknowledged 
the said deed to be his free and voluntary act and deed before 
me. MICAIELL TAINTER, 

Recorded Aug. 24, 1726. Justice of the Peace. 

Edw. Hallem, Recorder. 

Benjamin Baker conveyed his interest in the common land 
Eebruary 24, 1742-3, to John Bolles, being four-tenths parts of 
land allowed to Joshua Baker, the elder, deceased, by the pro- 
prietors of New London. 

" Know all men by these presents, that we, John Mer- 
ritt, Robert Denison, Joseph Bradford, and Mercy Raymond, 
all of New London, in the County of New London, and Colony 
of Connecticut, for and in consideration of twenty shillings, 
received of Mary Atwell * of said Town and County and Col- 
ony, widow, to our full satisfaction and consent, have granted, 
remised, released and quit-claimed, and by these presents, we, 
John Merritt, Robert Denison, Joseph Bradford, and Mercy 



90 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Raymond, do for ourselves, our heirs, executors, administra- 
tors, fully and freely grant, remise, release, and forever quit- 
claim and confirm unto the said Mary Atwell, her heirs and 
assigns forever, all our right, title, and interest in a small slip 
of land lying and being in said New London, in the North 
Parish therein, and is on the east side of the farm that belonged 
to Benjamin Atwell, late of New London, deceased, being 
about one acre, more or less, lying within the said farm and in 
her full possession and seizin with the profits, privileges, and 
appurtenances to the same belonging. To nave and to hold the 
said released premises unto the said Mary Atwell and to her 
heirs and assigns, to their own proper use and behoof forever. 
In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and 
seals, dated this L9th day of March. 1725-6." 

JOIIX MERRITT, [Seal.] 
ROBERT DENISON, [Seal.] 
JOSEPH IIUADFORD, [Seal. | 
MARY RAYMOND. [Seal.] 
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of 
John Plumbe, 
Joshua AVeeks. 

The following is a copy of the original deed of gifl by 
Joshua Raymond to his son John Raymond, which deed is 
now extant: 

" To all ( 'hristian People to whom these presents shall 
come: I, Joshua Raymond, of New London, in ye County 
of New London, and ( lolony of ( Jonnecticut, in New England, 
send Greeting: 

Know ye that I, the said Joshua Raymond, for and in con- 
sideration of that parental love and affection that I have and 
do bear to my well-beloved son, John Raymond, of said New 
London, have given and granted, and by these presents do 
freely, clearly, and absolutely give and grant to ye said John 
Raymond, his heirs and assigns forever, a certain farm or 
tract of land in ye North Parish of New London aforesaid, 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 91 

called Mohegan farm, situate at ye head of a certain cove, 
commonly called and known by the name of Baker's Cove. 
Butted and bounded as follows: Beginning where Stony 
Brook, so-called falls into ye salt water and so up that brook 
bounding upon the brook until it comes to the uppermost of 
Mr. Ebenezer Williams's land. Including a small tract of land 
I purchased of ye Widow Mary Baker, deceased, by estima- 
tion, eighteen acres, as also a little piece of meadow about one 
acre, adjoining on the easterly side of it, bounded partly on the 
brook and partly on Ebenezer Williams's, as by his deed to 
me of ye same upon record may more fully appear, reference 
thereunto being had. The said eighteen acres is bounded 
southerly upon Ebenezer Williams's land, and westerly upon 
a small strip of land I sold to him by way of exchange, and 
from thence northerly upon Samson Haughton's land till 
it comes to the brook, then easterly upon ye farm which I now 
give to him by deed, called as before Mohegan Earm, and so 
along said brook northerly continuing ye same course to where 
formerly a large black oak tree stood, close on the bank of 
said brook, which is ye corner bound; then running easterly 
across ye hill, bounding northerly on ye Mohegan fields upon 
ye track of an old fence which formerly inclosed ye farm, 
till it comes to a small brook or run of water, and so southerly 
upon ye brook, excluding the two acres sequestered formerly 
by Messrs. Wadsworth and Hall to ye use of the then Indian 
Sachem named Cesar, and so along said brook until it comes 
into ye cove before mentioned, and along ye head of the cove 
southerly till it comes to ye first-mentioned bound. The 
whole being by estimation three hundred acres, be the same 
more or less, with two mansion houses, a grist mill and a 
barn thereon standing. 

To have and to hold all ye above given and granted prem- 
ises with all and singular the appurtenances thereof unto my 
said son, John Kaymond, his heirs, executors, administrators, 
and assigns from henceforth as his and their proper estate for- 
ever, absolutely without any manner of condition." 



92 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

" In Witness Whereof, T, the said Joshua "Raymond, have 
hereunto set my hand and seal the first day of March, Anno 
Domino, one thousand seven hundred and forty-nine — fifty. 
In the twenty-third year of the reign of our sovereign King 
George the Second." 

[Seal.] JOSHUA RAYMOND. 

Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of 

Timothy Green, 

Daniel Coit. 

In 1703, Owaneco gave a deed to John "Plumb of one 
hundred acres in consideration of his kindness in saving- him 
from drowning. Also at the same date a deed " to my loving 
friend Jonathan Hill, who did personally, with much hazzard 
to himself, save my life when I was in imminent danger of 
drowning." 

In 1705, Samuel Rogers sold a trad of land to John Liv- 
ingston, which ho received from Incas in 1<>58 at a place 
called " Pomechog." lie also conveyed to his son, Samuel 
Rogers, Jr., a tract north of Massapeag neck. 

In 170(i, Samuel Fox conveyed to John Smith, " his wife's 
son,'' a tract of land on Saw Mill Brook. Also the same year 
Samuel Fox gave to his son Samuel a deed of a tract of land 
"lying west of Saw Mill Brook, with a dwelling house stand- 
ing thereon." 

January 11, 17<»'.t, Owaneco conveyed to Robert Denison 
of Stonington four hundred acres of land lying on the south- 
erly side of a little pond called " Opsoboxuk " and one hundred 
acres adjoining land of Oliver Mauwaring. A portion of 
the land then owned by Mauwaring is still in the possession of 
his descendants, bearing the name. In 1710, Owaneco con- 
veyed by deed to Robert Denison, Samuel Rogers, James Har- 
ris, and John Livingston, a large tract of land lying " west 
of the foot-path or highway as it now runs from .New London 
to Norwich," and running " south from the northwest corner 
tree to White Rock in the Great River." 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 93 

The same year Jonathan Rogers conveyed by deed to Sam- 
uel Avery of Mohegan " a tract of land containing twenty 
acres with a house and orchard thereon, situate on the north 
side of Saw Mill Brook, and where the old saw mill stood, 
hounded south with the brook, east with a small brook that 
runs into Saw Mill Brook, and north with a ledge of rocks 
that runs from the small brook like a half moon until it 
comes to the Saw Mill Brook." The Rockland Paper Mill 
now stands on same tract. 

About the same date Samuel Gilbert and his wife, and 
^Nathaniel, his son, gave a deed to John Merritt and Mercy 
Raymond of that tract of land which was conveyed to Mrs. 
Gilbert by her father, Samuel Rogers, in 1698, and described 
as " lying northwest of Samuel Rogers' dwelling house, and 
east of the farm where Mercy Raymond now lives." Mercy 
Raymond then had built the house which is still standing on 
the hill west of the Congregational Church, and now occupied 
by S. Denison Bradford's heirs, and known as the " Old Ray- 
mond Place." 

May It, 1717, John Merritt and Mercy Raymond con- 
veyed to Joshua Lambe and John Lewis four hundred acres 
" bounded west on land of Samson Haughton and the cove 
called Baker's Cove, south and east by the Great River, and 
north by land of John Livingston," it being the same tract 
they purchased of Livingston in April of the same year, and 
contained a dwelling-house thereon. 



LIST OF PERSONS WHO WERE RESIDENTS IN 
THE \<)KTH PARISH OF NEW LONDON 
AND ENGAGED IN THE WAR OF THE 
REVOLUTION. 

Avery, Amos, private, seven days' service at Lexington, Mass., 

1775. 
Avery, Abraham, corporal, 3 Co., 7 Regt., Col. Chas. Webb, 

20 July to 18 Dec, 1775. 
Ashbo, Robert, private, killed 16 Sept., 1776, in retreat from 

New York. 
Ashbo, Samuel, private, 3 Co., 3 Regt., Col. Putnam, from 

May 10 to June 17, L775. 
Ashbo, John, private, 3 Co., 3 Regt., Col. Putnam, from 

May 16 to Dec. 16, 177:.. 
Atwell, Benjamin, private, in Arnold detachment in Quebec 

Expedition, 1775. 
Atwell, Thomas, private, 5 Co., 6 Regt., Col. Parsons, Quebec, 

10 May to 10 Dec, 1775. 
Babcock, Eliliu, private, on board ship " Trumbull " from 

Jan. 3 to July 1, 1776. 
Baker, Asa, corporal, Col. Seth Warner's Regt., from Dec. 

20, '79, to 1781. 
Baker, Asa, Jr., private, Capt. Waterman's Co., 20 Regt,, on 

duty at Now London, 1770. 
Baker, Lemuel, private, Capt. Walker's Co. at Fort Schuyler, 

April 16 to Sept. 15, 1776. 
Bohema, Cesar, private, Capt, Child's Co. not found after 

first muster. 
Bradford, Nath'L, private, Capt. LTungerford's Co. at New 

London and Groton, Nov. 10 to Jan. 0, '81. 
Button, Joseph, private, Capt. Hungerford's Co., at New 

London and Groton, Nov. 4 to Jan. 2, '81. 
Bishop, Nicholas, Capt., eight days' service at Lexington, 

Mass., April, 1775. 
Chapman, Alpheus, sergt., eight days' service at Lexington, 

Mass., April, 1775. 



PERSONS RESIDENT AND IN THE REVOLUTION. 95 

Case, Clark, private, pensioner in 1840. 

Chappell, Caleb, private, Capt. Calkins's Co., Col. Latimer's 

Regt. at Saratoga, 1777. 
Church, Peleg, private, Capt. Calkins's Co., Col. Latimer's 

Regt. at Saratoga, 1777. 
Church, Fairbanks, private, 3 Co., 7 Regt,, Col. Webb, from 

July 10 to Dec. 18, 1775. 
Church, Jonathan, private, Col. Erastus Wolcott's Regt, at 

New London, Feb. 28, 1777. 
Church, John, private, Col. Erastus Wolcott's Regt, at New 

London, Feb. 28, 1777. 
Comstock, Elisha, private, Col. Erastus Wolcott's Regt. at 

New London, Feb. 28, 1777. 
Comstock, Oliver, corp., pensioner in the roll of 1818. 
Comstock, Samuel, brev. major, pensioner in the roll of 1818. 
Comstock, James, private, 3 Co., 7 Regt., Col. Webb's Regt., 

from July 11 to Dec. 18, 1775. 
Congdon, John,' corp., 1 Co., 6 Regt., Col. Parsons's Regt., 

from May 6 to Dec. 10, 1775. 
Chappell, Joshua, private, 5 Co., 6 Regt., Col. Parsons's Regt., 

from May 6 to Dec. 17, 1775. 
Chappell, John,' private, 3 Co., 7 Regt,, Col. Webb's Regt., 

from July 10 to 18 Dec, 1775. 
Comstock, Gideon, corp., William Belcher's Co., from Jan. 

20, '77, to 20 Jan., '80. 
Darrow, Christopher, Jr., lieut,, 8 days' service at Lexington, 

April, 1775. 
Darrow, Christopher, major, re-enlisted 1777; in service from 

May, 1775, to Aug. 27, 1780. 
Fargo, Aaron, private, 3 Co., 3 Regt., Col. Putnam's Regt., 

from May 8, '75, to Dec. 14, '75. 
Fox, Elisha, captain, 8 days' service at Lexington, April, 1775. 
Far^o, Joshua, private, 6 days' service at Lexington, April 

1775. 
Gardner, David, corp., Capt. Jedediah Hyde's Co., 3 years' 

service, Oct. 15, '77, to Dec. 31, '79. 
Gardner. Stephen, private. Capt. N. Waterman's Co., at New 

London July 9, 1770. 
Gardner, William, private, Capt. N. Waterman's Co., at New 

London July 9, 1779. 



96 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Gardner, Isaac, private, Capt. X. Waterman's Co., at New 

London July 9, 1779. 
Gardner, Jonathan, private, Capt. X. Waterman's Co., at Xew 

London duly 9, 1779. 
Holmes, John, private, 3 Co., 7 Eegt., Col. ('has. Webb, from 

July 17, '75, to Dec. 18, '75. 
Holmes, Elisha, private, 3 Co., 5 Regt., Col. Parsons, from 

May 14, '75, to Dec. 17, '75. 
Hillhouse, John, sergt, 8 days' service at Lexington, April, 

1775. 
Hillhouse, James, capt, 2d Co. Governor's Foot Guards, 

July 5, 1779. 
Hillhouse, James, licut, recruiting officer for Continental 

Army in '79-'80. 
Hillhouse, William, major, 2d Regt. Light Horse, 1770. 
I lill, Samuel, private, 8 davs' service at Lexington, April, 

1775. 
Jewett, David H., surgeon, 4th battalion, Wadsworth Bri- 
gade, Sept. 27, 76, to \\,v. 17, '76. 
Latimer, John, capt., 10 days' service at Lexington, April, 

1775. 
Latimer, Daniel. Bergt., 10 davs 1 service at Lexington, April, 

177:.. 
Latimer, Robert, fifer, 3 Co., 7 Regt., Col. Chas. Webb, 

from July 6, '75, to Dec. 4, '75. 
Latimer, Robert, Jr., fifer, 3 Co., 7 Regt., Col. Chas. Webb, 

from duly 6, "75. to Dec. 10. '75. 
Lyon, Amariah, private, 5 Co., 3 Regt., Col. Israel Putnam, 

from May 0, '75, to. Dec. 10, '7:.. 
Latimer, George, ensign, ."> Co., Regt., Col. Parsons, from 

May 1,'75, to Dee. 17, '75. 
Minard, Stephen, private, 5 Co., Regt., Col. Parsons, May 

8, '75. to Dec. 17, '75. 
Minard. Christopher, private, 5 Co., Pesrt., Col. Parsons, 

Al"ay 8. '75. to Dee. 17, '75. 
Miplos. Joshua, private, 5 Co., 6 "Regt., Col. Parsons, May 

12, '75, to Dec. 17, '75. 
Mosier, Xaaman, private, under Capt. Darrow, Dee. 18, '76, 

3 years. 
Mosier, Stephen, private, under Capt. Darrow, Dec. 18, '76, 

3 vea^. 



PERSONS RESIDENT AND IN THE REVOLUTION. 97 

McFall, David, private, 3 Co., 7 Kegt., Col. Chas. Webb, 

around New York. 
Prince, William, sergt., 8 days' service at Lexington, April, 

1775. 
Raymond, Joshua, corporal, 3 Co., 7 Regt., Col. Chas. Webb, 

July 20, '75, to Dee, 18, '75. 
Raymond, Joshua, Jr., private, 8 days' service at Lexington, 

April, 1775. 
Raymond, Daniel, private, 7 days' service at Lexington, April, 

1775. 
Raymond, John, Jr., lieut., 8 days' service at Lexington, April, 

1775. 
Raymond, John, Jr., lieut., 5 Co., 6 Regt., Col. Parsons, May 

1, '75, to Dec. 17, '75. 
Raymond, William, sergt,, 5 Co., 6 Regt,, Col. Parsons, May 

6, '75, to Dec. 17, '75. 
Raymond, William, clerk, 8 days' service at Lexington, April, 

1775. 
Scheasuch, Reuben, private, 3 Co., 7 Regt,, Col. Chas. Webb, 

Aug. 1, '75, to Dec, 18, '75. 
Scheasuch, Thomas, private, 3 Co., 7 Regt,, Col. Chas. Webb, 

July 26, '75, to Dec. 18, '75. 
Turner, Isaac, lieut,, 2 Regt,, under Col. Chas. Webb at New 

London. 
Turner, Mathew, private, Capt, George Markham's Co. at 

New London, Sept, 11, 1781. 
Whalev, David, private, 5 Co., G Regt., Col. Parsons, from 

' May 9, '75, to Dec. 17, '75. 
Weeks, Ebenezer, private, S days' service at Lexington, April, 

1775. 



98 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 



LIST OF SOLDIERS WHO WERE IK THE WAR 
OF THE REVOLUTION, AND PENSIONERS 
UNDER THE ACT OF 1818, RESIDENTS 
OF MONTVILLE. 



Atwell, Oliver 
Atwell, Samuel 
Allen, George 
Chapel, Guy 
Chappell, John 
( lomstock, John 
( Jomstock, James 
( Jomstock, Jason 
Chapiqan, Jesse 
Chapman, Daniel 
( lhapman, Joseph 



( Ihurch, Fairbanks 
1 >arrow, Ebenezer 
Fox, K/.okiel 
Gardner, Csaac 
Holmes, Elisha 
Hammond, Csaac 
Latimer, ( reorge 
Raymond, Lemuel 
Smith, Ebenezer 2d. 
Thompson, John 2d. 
Whaley, Jonathan 



LIST OF PENSIONERS AS RETURNED BY 
SUS OF 1810 FROM MONTVILLE. 



CEN- 



Josepli Church 
James Comstock 
John Smith 
Samuel Atwell 
David Dart 
Daniel Ames 
Ann Chapel, 
wid. of Daniel 



Eleazer Tracy 
Thomas Rogers 
John Uncas 
Guy Chapel 
Ehsha Holmes 
Ann Bishop, wid. of 
Lucy Chapel, 
wid. of Jedediah. 



PERSONS RESIDENT AND IN THE WAR OF 1812. 99 



LIST OF PERSOXS WHO SERVED IN THE WAR 
OE 1812, RESIDENTS OF MOXTVILLE. 



Baker, Erastus 
Baker, Lemuel 
Baker, Joshua 
Beckwith, Clement 
Beckwith, David 
Bolles, Alfred 
Cliamplin, Samuel 
Chapman, Joseph 
Church, Daniel 
Church, Erastus 
Church, Fairbanks 
Church, Isaac 
Church, Prentis 
Church, Samuel 
Comstock, Alexander 
Comstock, Asa, Jr. 
Comstock, Asa, 2d 
Comstock, Caleb 
Comstock, Daniel 
Comstock, David 
Comstock, Jared 
Comstock, Jared, Jr. 
Comstock, John 
Comstock, John R. 
Comstock, Oliver 
Comstock, Oliver W. 
Comstock, Robert 
Comstock, William 
Congdon, David 
Congdon, John 
Congdon, Sanford 
D arrow, Daniel 
Darrow, John 
Dart, Moses 
Dolbeare, John 
Dolbeare, Lemuel 
Dolbeare, Guv 
Fitch, Erastus 
Fitch, James 
Fitch, "Mason 
Fitch, John 
Fox, Elisha 

White, 



Fox, Henry 
Gardner, David H. 
Gardner, Erastus 
Gardner, Roderick 
Gates, John 
Hillhouse, jSTathaniel 
Hillhouse, William 
Holmes, Bartlett 
Haughton, William 
Latimer, George G. 
Latimer, Ezekiel C. 
Latimer, John L. 
Lyon, Ephraim 
Maples, Asa 
Maples, Benjamin 
Maples, William 
Maynard, George 
Maynard, Oliver 
Maynard, Roswell 
Palmer, Reuben, Jr. 
Ray, Daniel 
Raymond, Josiah. 
Raymond, Orlando 
Raymond, Sherwood 
Rogers, Azel F. 
Rogers, Elisha 
Rogers, Elisha H. 
Rogers, Jeremiah 
Rogers, Joshua 
Rose, Peleg 
Ross, Jesse 
Shoals, Jabez 
Smith, Lyman 
Smith, Marvin 
Story, Samuel 
Swan, Coddington 
Thompson, Elias 
Thompson, George 
Thompson, Isaac 
Thompson, Jabez B. 
Whaley, John G. 
Whalev, Levi 
Elihu 



CHAPTER IV. 



There is a deep significance and a profound philosophy 
in that Divine economy enjoined upon the ancient Israelites — 
that chosen people — to preserve their ancient pedigrees, and 
to hold in sacred veneration the memory of their forefathers. 
Not only every family, hut every tribe of Israel was re- 
quired to preserve sacredly its lineage arid pedigree. They 
were all alike and everywhere the children of Abraham, not 
rnerelv in name, bu1 verily his seed, and the links and liga- 
ments of this relation were kept sacred and bright in every 
household and in every tribe. And so it was. that when the 
child, Jesus, was born of this race, though of a humble and 
obscure family, Matthew was able at once to give his paternal 
pedigree as the son of Joseph back through forty-two genera- 
tions to Abraham. And the more learned and scholarly 
physician, Luke, could give the record of his maternal pedi- 
gree as the son of Mary away hack through seventy-six genera- 
tions to Adam. 

. If it was an honor to a Roman to he able to boast a 
pedigree back to the founders of that hrillinnt empire; if it 
ennobled and inspired the ancient Greek, if he could make 
the same proud boast; if ii be to-day regarded as a high badge 
of renown to an English subject if he can show a lineage back 
to the days of William the Conqueror and his faithful follow- 
ers; if this descent from the founders of Europe has always 
and everywhere been held in the highest renown, how much 
more is it now counted as honor to be ranked among those/ 
who have descended from the Puritan stock, who were the first 
founders of this new but already great and illustrious re- 
public. 



GENEALOGICAL. 



99f 



It is profitable to turn aside occasionally from the ordi- 
nary routine of duties to contemplate the virtues of those who 
have lived before us. ~No people can become permanently 
great and prosperous unless they revere the memory of a virtu- 
ous ancestry. This feeling underlies the sentiment of patriot- 
ism and inspires the self-devotion of the Christian hero. 

If the Roman of the empire was not ashamed to acknowl- 
edge his descent from the robber band who founded the 
eternal city of Rome, surely we may well rejoice that our 
blood is derived from a religious, heroic, God-fearing ancestry, 
who, amid privations and perils, sowed the precious seed, 
upborne by a faith which even in the darkest hours of trial 
and adversity did not forsake them. 

By reflecting upon the piety and undaunted courage of 
our fathers who laid the foundations o£ the civil and religious 
institutions, this day enjoyed by us, we shall not only ap- 
preciate more fully the greatness of this work, but be the 
better fitted to carry it bravely onward toward the final 
achievement. 

Two hundred years ago! Who of us can realize the 
change, or depict the life of those adventurous men here in 
the very heart of a wilderness, shut in on every side by the 
gloom of the primeval forest and environed by countless 
perils? Hoards of savage men living in this vicinity, roam- 
ing over their fields, and at some unguarded moment t'-e war- 
whoop may ring the death knell of unprotected wives an 1 
children, while from the surrounding shades and t" i ;kcts 
the savage beasts are ready to pounce upon their her Is nnd 
trample down their crops. Life was a constant struggle with 
hardships and dangers. To one gazing off from the apex of 
Raymond Hill, where our fathers first erected a temple of 
worship and established their altars of sacrifice, the outline 
of woody hills and intervening valleys are the same to-day, 
but no roads so easy to travel, or the lands so smooth and 
fenced, or the dwellings so comfortable and commodious as 
now. 



PAKISH FAMILIES. 

NATHANIEL PAEISH, born about 1715, son of Sam- 
uel Parish of Norwich, and probably grandson of John of 
Stonington, who died in 1715, married 26 July, 1739, Kesiah 
Armstrong of Norwich. He settled at Norwich. Samuel 
Parish, his father, was accidentally injured by the falling of a 
bridge, on which he, with others, were working, after the 
freshet of February, 1727. Nathaniel Parish died 26 March 
1767. His wife Kesiah died 25 February, 1781. 

Children. 

2. Andrew, b. 14 Dec, 1740. 

3. Elizabeth, b. 25 Oct., 1743; died 17 Aug., 1744. 

4. Elizabeth, b. 14 Oct., 1745; m. Elisha Corning. 

5. Nathaniel, b. 21 Oct., 1748; m. 1st, Lucy — : ; 2d, 

( llarisaa Wbodworth. 

6. Elijah, b. 16 Feb., 1750; m. Marion Baker. 

ELIZABETH (4), b. 14 Oct., 1745, daughter of Nathan- 
iel Parish and Kesiah Armstrong; m. Elisha Corning of Nor- 
wich, 27 Dec, 1770, and had children: 1st, Josiah, b. 20 Feb., 
1772; 2d, Susanna, b. 27 July, 1775; 3d, Andrew, b. 26 Feb., 
1778; 4th, Elisha, b. 25 Jan., 1781. 

ELIJAH (6), b. 16 Feb., 1750, son of Nathaniel Parish 
and Kesiah Armstrong, ni. Marion Baker, daughter of Gideon 
Baker. Settled at Norwich. 

Children. 

7. Elijah, b. about 1775; m. Eunice Sanford. 

8. Nathaniel, b. 19 April, 1777; m. 1st, Sarah Kogers; 2d, 

Lucy Jewett Raymond. 

9. Kesiah, b. ; m. Asa Smith. 



PARISH FAMILIES. 101 

10. Ebenezer, b. 

11. Nancy, b. m. Joseph Powers. 

ELIJAH (7), b. about 1775, son of Elijah Parish and 
Marion Baker; m. about 1796 Eunice Sanford. 

Children. 

12. Harriet, b. 26 Dec, 1797; m. Samuel TV. Palmer. 

13. Nancy, b. 24 Jan., 1799; died 7 Aug., 1866; unm. 

NATHANIEL (8), b. 19 April, 1777, son of Elijah Par- 
ish and Marion Baker, m. (1st) Sarah Rogers, b. 30 Sept., 1778, 
daughter of Jehial Rogers and Amy Vibbert. She died 24 
Aug., 1827. He then married 25 Feb., 1829, Lucy Jewett 
Raymond, b. 18 Feb., 1787, dan. of Colonel Mulford 
Raymond and Eleanor Bradford. He settled in Mont- 
ville; was a farmer and merchant. The present chapel 
of the Congregational Church stands on the site of Na- 
thaniel P arish's old store. Held various town offices. 
He represented the town of Montville in the legislature in 
1838; was town treasurer from 1825 to 1847; was treasurer 
of the First Ecclesiastical Society many years; a member of 
the church, and died at the advanced age of 91 years, 3d June, 
1868, much respected. His second wife, Lucy Jewett, died 
20 Oct., 1848. She was an amiable woman, and a devoted 
Christian. They had three children who died in infancy. 
One died 10 Dec, 1830, the other two, twins, died 8 Jan., 1833. 

Raymond Nathaniel, b. 31 March, 1834; m. first, Elnora 
Emerson, by whom he had one dan., Lucy Jewett, b. 3 Nov., 
1871. He married for second wife Susan C. Huntington, 
b. about 1838, and died 31 Jan., 1896. 



DAK ROW FAMILIES. 

SERGEANT GEORGE DARROW, aa lie is styled, 
makes bis first appearance in New London between the rears 
I <>7r> Mini 1 »'> s ". ami marries Mary, relicl of George Sharswood, 
whose death occurred previous to L678, Leaving four chil- 
dren to be cared for by the mother and step-father, Sergeant 
(loorae Darrow. One of these children, Marv, born in 1 072, 
married Jonathan Hill, great-grandfather of Deacon Charles 
Hill of Montville. 

Many of the descendants of the firsl George Harrow have 
been noted ministers of the gospel in the Baptist denomination. 
Nearly every generation has furnished one or more of the 
name who have adorned the profession. 

The baptism, bill qo1 the birth of the children of Sergeant 
George and Mary (Sharswood) Darrow are recorded. Mary, 
the wife, died in L698. He then married, 10 Aug., 1702, 
Elizabeth Marshall of Hartford. He died in 1704. 

( Ihildren. 

2. Christopher, hap. 1 Dec, 1678; m. Elizabeth Packer. 

:;. George, hap. 17 Oct., L680; m. 

I. Nicholas, hap. 20 May, L683; m. Millicenl Beeby. 

5. Jane, bap. 17 April, L692. 

6. Richard, bap. 6 Aug., 1704. 

II. CHRISTOPHER (2), bap. 1 Dee., 1678, son of Ser- 
geanl George Darrow and Mary Sharswood; in. Elizabeth 
Packer. He settled at Waterford, probably on the farm oc- 
cupied by his father, called the "Old Darrow Farm." 

Upon the gravestone erected to the memory of his wife, 
on the Old Darrow Farm in Waterford, is the following in- 



DARROW FAMILIES. 103 

scription: "In memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Darrow, wife of 
Christopher Darrow, who died in February, 1758, aged 78 
vears. She was mother to eight children, forty-three grand- 
children, and thirty great-grandchildren. Has had 100 " 
(" descendants "). 

This stone, with the above inscription, was probably erected 
several years after her death by some one of her grandchildren, 
and the number of the children there mentioned may have 
been taken from the will of her husband, in which only 
eight children are mentioned, three having died previous to 
the date of the will. The will was admitted to probate in 
1757. 

Children. 

7. Christopher, b. 22 Oct., 1702; m. Elizabeth Christo- 

phers. 

8. Ebenezer, b. 12 Aug., 1704; m. Abia Rogers. 

9. John, b. 11 Aug., 1706. 

10. Lydia, b. 3 Aug., 1708. 

11. George, b. 7 March, 1712. 

12. Samuel, bap. 31 Jan., 1714. 

13. William, bap. 10 July, 1715. 

14. Lemuel, 1). 9 April, 1717; m. Preserved Randall, 19 

Sept., 1751; had son Ichabod, b. 11 Aug., 1752. 

15. Elizabeth, b. 27 June, 1719; m. Daniel Lester, 25 Sept., 

1739. 

16. Jedediah, b. 10 Aug., 1721. 

17. Ichabod, b. 2 June, 1723; died in 1740. 

II. NICHOLAS (4), bap. 20 May, 1683, son of Sergeant 
George Darrow and Mary Sharswood; m. Millicent Beeby, 
dau. of Thomas and Millicent Beeby. He probably also settled 
at Waterford, or New London. No record of his family has 
been discovered. It is, however, known that he had children. 

m. Mary Griffin. 



18. 


Nicholas, b. 


19. 


Sarah, b. 


20. 


Mary, b. 


21. 


Daniel, b. 


22. 


Nathaniel, b. 



10-4 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

TIT. CHRISTOPHER (7), b. 22 Oct., 1702, son of 
Christopher Darrow and Elizabeth Packer; m. Elizabeth 
Christophers. He probably settled first at Waterford, and 
afterwards may have moved into the North Parish of New 
London, where his son, Christopher, appears to have settled. 
In a document dated 30 April, 1765, Christopher Darrow, Jr., 
gives a lease of hind in North Parish "to his father, Chris- 
topher Darrow during his natural life," and says, " Said piece 
of land is the same that was sel out and described in a deed to 
Abel Shoals, and Anna, his wife, set out of their father's, John 
Miiiard's estate." 

July 31, 17 s o. Christopher Harrow, Jr., conveyed by deed 
to Jonathan Darrow a tract of laud containing 36 acres, sit- 
uated in North Parish, and say-, " It being a tract of land my 
father gave me by Aral of gift." The records do not show 
how many children Christopher Darrow, Sr., had, and the 
only names recovered are Christopher and Jonathan. 

IV. CHRISTOPHER DARROW, JR., married Sarah 
Gorton, whose parents may have resided at Great Neck, as 

she had land set out to ber there, which she, with her hus- 
band, conveyed to David Rogers in 1 T T ->. He was a major in 
the Army of the Revolution, and a brave soldier in both the 
French and Revolutionary wars. His residence in the North 
Parish was a short distance vest of the Harry Vincent Mill 
Pond. His farm was afterwards owned by Atwell Chapel, 
and later by Joshua Baker. 

lie had a son Christopher, and probably had other sons 
and daughters, hut their record has not been recovered. 

III. EBENEZER (8), b. L2 Aug., 1704, son of Christo- 
pher Darrow and Elizabeth Packer: m. 17 April, 1727, Abia 
Rogers, b. 28 March, 1700; dan. of James Rogers and Sarah 
Stevens. He settled at Waterford, where he was a farmer. 
He died 10 Oct., 1756. She died 11 March, 1778. 



DARROW FAMILIES. 105 

Children. 

23. Zadoc, b. 25 Dec, 1728; m. 1st, Hannah Lester; 2d, Hes- 

ter Lee; 3d, Widow Elizabeth Pember. 

24. Sarah, b. 6 Nov., 1730. 

25. Abia, b. 27 Aug., 1732. 

26. Elizabeth, b. 20 Oct., 1734. 

III. NICHOLAS (18), , son of Nicholas 
Darrow and Millicent Beeby; m. 9 March, 1731, Mary Griffin. 

Children. 

27. Sarah, b. 4 June, 1734. 

28. Peter, b. 6 April, 173G. 

29. Mary, b. 10 Aug., 1738. 

30. Rebecca, b. 6 April, 1740. 

3 1 . James, b. 2 1 Jan .,1742. 

32. Millicent, b. 14 June, 1744. 

33. Nicholas, b. 16 July, 1750; m. Sally Rogers. 

34. Elizabeth, b. 7 June, 1752. 

IV. ZADOC (23), b. 25 Dec, 1728, son of Ebenezer 
Darrow and Abia Rogers; m. 1st, Hannah Lester; 2d, Hester 
Lee, dau. of Rev. Joseph Lee of Lyme, and 3d, Widow Eliza- 
beth Pember. He was married to his second wife 1 April, 
1755, who was the mother of all his children. He was a Bap- 
tist minister of considerable note; was elder of the Baptist 
church in Waterford for fifty years. He died 16 Feb., 1827. 

Children. 

35. Lemuel, b. 1 Feb., 1756; m. Rebecca . 

36. Hannah, b. 24 Aug., 1758. 

37. Ebenezer, b. 19 June, 1761. 

38. Mary, b. 18 Sept., 1764. 

39. Zadoc, b. 11 June, 1768. 

40. Abia, b. 28 May, 1770. 

41. Joseph, b. 18 Oct., 1773; m. Hannah Bishop. 

42. Hester, b. 15 Sept., 1779. 



106 HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 

IV. NICHOLAS (33), b. 16 July, 1750, son of Nicholas 
Darrow and Mary Griffin; in. 12 Nov., 1775, Sally Rogers, 
1). 4 Sept., 1753, dan. of John Rogers and Ann Tinker. He 
settled in Waterford; was drowned in the Connecticut river, 
near MMdletown. He was on hoard a skid', in which he was 
crossing the river, and fell overboard, and was drowned be- 
fore assistance could be rendered, Sunday, April 1, 1792. 

Children. 

43. Catherine, b. 8 Oct., L776; m. Harris. 

44. Mary, h. 1 1 Feb., 1778u 

15. John, b. L6 April, L779; m. Hannah Chappell. 

46. Joseph, 1). 7 Oct., 1782. 

47. Sarah, h. 17 Dec., L784; m. Ephraim Lyon. 

48. Rebecca, b. 17 Oct., 1786. 

49. Nicholas, b. 15 Oct., L789. 

50. Daniel, b. 10 Aug., 1792; m. Lydia Stebbens. 

V. LEMUEL (35), b. 1 Feb., 17:»t', ; son of Elder Zadoc 
Harrow and Hester Lee; m. 1»', Nov., 1775, Rebecca - — , 
born 29 duly, 175;.. He died 2 1 May, L803. SI,.' died 25 
Feb., 1802. 

Children. 

51. Jason, b. 9 Oct., 177<i; m. Patience Caulkins. 

52. Francis, b. 24 June, 177'.': m. Roxey Smith. 

53. Rebecca, b. 6 May, 1782. 

54. Hester, h. 27 Oct., 1784. 

55. Polly, b. 5 June, 17*7. 

56. Lemuel, b. 26 Oct., 1789. 

57. Zadoe, b. 27 May, 1702. 

Y. JOSEPH (41), b. 18 Oct., 1773; son of Elder Zadoc 
Darrow and Hester Lee; m. Hannah Bishop, b. 27 Feb., 177s, 
dan. of Xieholas Bishop and Mercy Gilbert. He settled at 
AVestford. He died 2 Jan., 1854. She died 15 April, 1858. 



DARROW FAMILIES. 107 

Children. 

58. Nancy B., b. 17 Dec, 1799; m. Isaiah Peckham. 

59. Hannah, b. 6 March, 1802; m. Samuel Griswold. 

GO. Josiah, b. 28 Oct., 1804; m. 1st, Gorton; 2d, 

Peabody. He died 25 June, 1840. 

61. Edmund, b. 7 Feb., 1807; m. 1st, Grace Rogers; 2d, 

Elizabeth Potter; 3d, Ellen K. Walden. 

V. JOHN (45), b. 16 April, 1779; son of Nicholas Dar- 

row and Sally Kogers; m. 21 Oct., 1802, Hannah Chappell, 

b. 4 Oct., 1778, dan. of Samuel Chappell and Tacy Lester. 

He first settled in Waterford, following- the fishing business, 

and removed to Montville in 1812 ; was in a fish market in New 

York city until 1816; then became a farmer. He was a man 

highly esteemed, of strict, integrity, and successful in business. 

He died at Montville, 16 Feb., 1878. She died 12 June, 

1859. 

Children. 

62. Harriet Newell, b. 8 May, 1806; died 21 Dec, 1858. 

63. Albert Gallatin, b. 25 June, 1808; m. Almira Turner, 

13 Jan., 1828. 

64. Hannah, b. 4 Oct., 1810 ; m. George D. Jerome, 14 Nov., 

1836. 

65. John, b. 1 Aug., 1812; m. Mary Elizabeth Pember, 25 

Oct., 1835. 

66. Giles, b. 4 Feb., 1814; m. Nancy Wells, 2 March, 1841. 

67. Jane Theresa, b. 12 Nov., 1816; m. Rev. Curtis Keeney, 

14 Feb., 1848. 

68. Mary Ann, b. 6 Nov., 1818; m. Asahel Pember, 18 Oct., 

1852. 

69. Henry, b. 25 Sept., 1820; died 16 June, 1830. 

70. Adeline, b. 27 Aug., 1822; m. Asa Wightman, 14 Feb., 

1843. 

V. DANIEL (50), b. 10 Aug., 1790; son of Nicholas 
Darrow and Sally Rogers; m. 31 Dec, 1817, Lydia Stebbins, 
b. 16 Sept., 1794, dau. of Edward Stebbins and Anna Bishop. 
He settled in Montville, was a farmer on the Old Colchester 



108 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

road; his farm and dwelling was located a short distance east 
from the Old Palmer Church. He died G May, 1868. She 
died 4 Dec, 1852. 

Children. 

71. Sarah Ann, h. 12 Oct., 1818; died in infancy. 

72. George Rogers, b. 29 Sept., 1820; m. 1st, Charlotte 

Brooks Harris; 2d, Julia Theresa Turner. 

73. Turner Stebbins, b. 2-1 Sept., 1822; m. Mary W. 

Whaley. 

74. Lydia Ann, b. 10 Nov., 1827; m. Henry A. Latham. 

VL FRANCIS (52), b. 24 June, 1779; sou of Lemuel 

Harrow and Rebecca — ; in. aliout 1800 Roxey Smith. 

He was a Baptist minister, settled at Waterford; afterwards 
was located in the West, and, his health failing, returned Kast 
and died at Montville. 

Children. 

"5. Ormondj 1>. dune, 1 S <>1; in. Sarah Loomis. 

76. Allen, b. 23 July, L803. 

77. Roxey, b. L5 Aug., L805; m. Nathan Wildman. Ee 

died at Danbury, Conn., Feb., L859. She died in 
188<), leaving one dan., Mary, b. 11 May, L826; m. 
Jacob Gardner. 

VI. EDMUND (61), b. 7 Feb., L807; son of Joseph 
Darrow and Hannah Bishop; in. 1 March, L831, 1st, Grace 
Rogers, 1>. 25 Dec., L810, dan. of Elder Lester Rogers. She 
died 26 April, L850. lie then married, 3 March, L851, Eliza- 
beth, dan. of Deacon George Potter of Genesee, X. Y., 1>. <> 
Aug., 1823. She died 15 Nov., 1872. He married for his 
third wife, 25 Dec. L877, Ellen R. Walden, b. 19 Sept., 
1834, dau. of Rev. Hiram Walden and Rebecca Bird. She 
was living at Waterford in 1896. 

Elder Edmund Darrow was a Baptist minister; was pastor 
of the Seventh Day Baptist Church of Waterford thirty-eight 
years. He died at Waterford, 6 Oct., 1888. 



DARROW FAMILIES. 109 

Children by Grace. 

78. Edmund R, b. 30 March, 1833; m. Maria Edwards, and 

died about 1861, leaving one son, E. E. Darrow. 

79. Josephine, b. about 1838; died 5 Nov., 1841. 

80. F. Newton, b. 10 Oct., 1812; m. Louisa Beebe 3 Jan., 

1864. They had 1st, Eva, b. 5 Aug., 1870; died 7 
Aug., 1871 ; 2d, Earl W. 3 b. 15 Oct., 1873. 

Children by Elizabeth. 

81. Mary Emerson, b. 1 Sept., 1852; m. Adrian A. Almy. 

82. George Potter, b. 4 Feb., 1859; m. Jennie Johnson. 

83. Oourtland Kogers, b. 31 Dec, 1868; unm. Is a civil 

engineer at Waterbury, Conn. 

VI. JASON" (51), b. 9 Oct., 1776, son of Lemuel Dar- 
row and Kebecca ; m. 14 Feb., 1802, Patience Caul- 
kins, b. 9 Sept., 1780. He died 2 Feb., 1814. His widow 
then married Daniel II. CaulMns, 24 May, 1815, and had son, 
John Smith, b. 8 June, 1816; Elizabeth, b. 8 July, 1818. The 
Widow Patience (Darrow) CaulMns died 14 Aug., 1850. 

84. Edwin Jason, b. 17 Sept., 1800; m. 28 June, 1854, Lucy 

Pease Gay of East Granby, Conn., b. 26 June, 1821, 
and had Fanny, b. 21 Feb., 1856; Alfred Lyman, b. 9 
July, 1858; m. 4 Oct., 1894, Ada E. Leland. 

VI. ALBERT G. (63), b. 25 June, 1808; son of John 
Darrow and Hannah Chappell; m. 13 Jan., 1828, Almira Tur- 
ner, dan. of Giles Turner and Eunice Comstock. He settled 
at Montville, a farmer, and manufactured linseed and cotton 
seed oil. He owned the oil null that formerly stood on the 
site of the present Pequot mills. A man of good business 
qualifications, held important town offices, was selectman and 
judge of the Probate Court for the District of Montville, rep- 
resented the town in the State Legislature in the years 1843 
and 1858. He died much respected and lamented, 27 Jan., 
1861. 



HO HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

85. Henry A., b. 25 Nov., 1828; died at sea, 26 April, 1850. 

86. Horace S., b. 30 Jan., 1831 ; m. Mary McDonald 20 Oct., 

is :> 6. 

87. Juliet. R., 1). 25 Oct., 1832 ; m. Henry Williams. 

88. Caroline R., b. 26 Oct., 1834; m. William F. Thacher. 

89. Emma L, b. 7 April, 1837; died in 1873. 

00. Edward E., 1). 7 June, L839; in. Fanny Walls. 

91. Hellen A., b. 15 Nov., L842; m. Edward Prest, and died 

12 May, 1874. 

Y 1 1. OSMOND < 75), b. June, 1801 ; son of Francis Dar- 

row and Roxey Smith; m. Sarah I mis; b. 20 May, 1810, 

dan. of Joel Loomis and Ellis Chapel. Had a son 

92. John Loomis, b. 6 Oct, 1826; m. Elizabeth II. Gray, 

28 Sept., L848; had dan., Estelle, b. 23 July, 1849, 
and Carrie Ellen, b. 2 dime, 1857. 

93. Sarah Ellen, b. L830; m. William K. Fox. 

TURNER STFUniXS (73), b. 24 Sept., 1822; son of 
Daniel barrow and Lydia Stebbins; m. 16 Dec, 1847, Mary 
W. Whaley, b. 7 Sept., L826, dan. of William Whaley and 
Philena Eaughton. Ee settled ;it Montville, a farmer, lived 

on the old homestead and died 11 April, 1889. 

Children. 

94. Addie, b. 11 June, 1849. 

95. Mai-v Eaughton, b. 1 April, 1859. 

96. Ruth Ann, b. 16 Oct., 1861. 

97. Daniel W., b. 8 July, 1862. 

98. Claraetta, b. 1 July, 1869. 



BOLLES FAMILIES. 

The first of the name of Bolles who came from England 
to America was Joseph, the precise period and place of 
whose arrival has not been ascertained. In the year 1640 
he is found to have been engaged in trade at Winter Har- 
bor, near the mouth of the Saco River, in the province of 
Maine. Mr. Joseph Bolles afterwards removed to Wells, 
Maine, where he held the office of town clerk from 1654 to 
1664, during which period his dwelling-house and the first 
volume of the town records were burned by the Indians. 

This Joseph Bolles was born in February, 1608, and died 
at Wells, Maine, in 1678. His will bears date 18th Sept., 
of same year, and was admitted to probate in Nov., 1678. His 
whole family survived him, and his wife was living in 1684. 
It is conjectured that his wife, Mary, was a daughter of Mor- 
gan Howell, who, in his will, bequeathed to Mary Bolles and 
her children all his estate, both real and personal, and ap- 
pointed her executrix of his will, dated 17th Nov., 1666. 
She was born in March, 1624. 

Children. 

2. Mary, b. 7 Aug., 1641; m. Col. Charles Frost of Kit- 

tery, Me., and had a large family. She died 11 Nov., 
1704. 

3. Thomas, b. 1 Dec, 1644; m. 1st, Zipporah Wheeler; 

2d, Rebecca Waller. 

4. Samuel, b. 12 March, 1646. 

5. Hannah, b. 25 Nov., 1649; m. Beebe. 

6. Elizabeth, b. 15 Jan., 1652; m. Locke. 

7. Joseph, b. 15 March, 1654; m. Mary . 

8. Sarah, b. 20 Jan., 1657; m. Chadbourne. 

9. Mercy, b. 11 Aug., 1661; died unmarried. 



112 HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 

II. THOMAS (3), b. 1 I >ec, 1644, son of Joseph Bolles 
and Mary Howell; m. 1st, Zipporah Wheeler of Groton, Conn., 
1 July, 1669. After her death, 6 June, 1678, he manned 
Rebecca Waller, dan. of Mathew Waller of New London, who 
died without issue 10 Feb., 1711. lie then married Ilope- 
still Chappell, widow of Nathaniel, and died without issue. 
Thomas Bolles was induced by Gov. John Winthrop to re- 
move from Wells, Maine, to New London, soon after he 
reached manhood. He first settled in the town plot, but in 
1668 he bought a house and sonic land on what was then 
called " Foxen's Hill," afterwards known as " Holies' Hill," 
and situate on the Norwich road about one mile from the city 
of New London. A portion of his land was purchased by 
him of Owaneco. lie died at New London 26 May, 1727. 

Children. 

10. Mary, b. about L673. 

11. Joseph, b. about 1 675. 

12. John, 1). Aug., 1677, in. 1st, Sarah Edgecomb; 2d, 

Elizabeth Wood. 

On the evening of June 6, 1678, while Thomas Bolles, 
the father, was absenl from home, Mary and Joseph, with 
their mother, Zipporah, were murdered by a boy named 
John Stoddard. The wife and the two eldest children were 
found dead, weltering in their own blood, with the infant, 
not a year old, wailing, but unhurt, by the side of its mother. 
The perpetrator of this bloody Acal was a vagrant youth, of 
uncontrolled passion, who had demanded of the wife shelter 
and lodging in the house, but was refused. Some angry words 
ensued, and the diabolical boy, seizing the axe that lay at 
the wood pile, rushed in and took awful vengeance on his 
victims. He soon afterwards confessed the crime, was car- 
ried to Hartford, tried by the Court of Assistants, condemned 
and was executed at Hartford, 9 Oct., 1678. 



BOLLES FAMILIES. 113 

III. JOHN (12), b. Aug., 1677, son of Thomas Bolles 
and Zipporah Wheeler; m. 1st, Sarah Edgecomb, dau. of John 
Edgecomb of New London, 3 July, 1099. After her death 
he married, 2d, Elizabeth Wood of Groton. He was a Roger- 
ine Baptist. Settled at New London, where he died. 

( Jhildren by Sarah. 
13. Joseph, b. 1 March, 1701; m. Martha 



14. John, b. 22 Oct., 1702; m. 1st, Lydia Starr; 2d, Widow 

Maria Delamore. 

15. Thomas, b. 12 July, 1701; m. 1st, Mary Rogers; 2d, 

Anna Smith. 
1(>. Samuel, b. 22 April, 1707; died in 1735 unmarried. 

17. Ebenezer, b. 12 July, 1708; m. Mary Rogers. 

18. Patience, b. 26 Nov., 1709; in. Thomas Turner. 

19. Zipporah, b. 6 Oct., 1711; m. Whipple. 

20. Isaiah, b. 11 Oct., 171:-); m. Lydia Powers. 

21. Enoch, b. 20 Oct., 1715; m. 1st, Hannah Moore; 2d, 

Widow Lucy (Thompson) Wheeler. 

22. Joshua, b. 5 Aug., 1717; m. Joanna Williams. 

Children by Elizabeth. 

23. Mary, b. 11 April, 1737. 
21. Christian, b. 5 March, 1738. 

25. Elizabeth, b. 5 March, 1712; m. John Rogers. 

26. Samuel, b. 10 May, 1711; m. 1st, Margaret Moore; 2d, 

Lois (Wickwire) Hamilton. 

IV. JOSEPH (13), b. 1st March, 1701, son of John 
Bolles and Sarah Edgecomb, married Martha. He was a 
Rogerine Baptist or Quaker, and, like his father, suffered 
persecution and rejoiced in them as suffering for conscience's 
sake. He was once whipped at Norwich in 1725 by order 
of Justice Backns for violating the Sabbath by going to a 
Baptist religious meeting. He died at New London in July, 
1785. 



114 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

( Ihildren. 

27. Joseph, 1>. ; m. Deborah Rogers. 

28. Thankful, 1». ; m. John I i< >llcs, her cousin. 
2'.). Sarah, 1». 3 Dec., 1 T - J « * ; m. John Henderson. 

30. Martha, b. 31 Dec., 1738. 

31. Zipporah, b. 9 May, 1741. 

IV. JOHN (14), I-. 22 Oct., 17<>2, son of Join. Bolles 
and Sarah Edgecomb; in. 1st, Lydia Starr, who was the mother 
of all his children. After her death lie married Mariam 
Delamore, a widow, who died without issue. He died at 
Xew London in 1777. 

( Ihildren. 

.'12. John, b. 8 duly. L728; in. Thankful Bolles, his cousin. 

33. Samuel. I>. 29 Dec., L730; m. ; had one son, 

Stephen, 1>. 17<'>:i; m. Susan Dtitton. Settled 

at I lartford and had eleven children. 

34. Patience, l>. 9 dan., L734; m. Stephen (day. 

TV. THOMAS (15), b. L2July, L704, son of John Bolles 
and Sarah Edgecomb; m. 1st, Mary Rogers, dan. of Daniel 
Rogers and Grace Williams, 25 May, L728. She was the 
mother of all his idiildren. He married 2d, Anna Smith, 
dan. of James Smith, who died without issue. He married 
for his third wife, [sabel Whiting. He was a farmer, car- 
penter, and ( per. He settled at Waterford and died in 

L795. 

Children. 

•'IT). Sarah, 1>. 4 Feb., L729; m. John Jones, and had two 
children. 1st, Judith, 1>. <*> May, 1764; m. Elijah 
Newton; 2d, Mary, b. 15 Dec, 1765; m. Rev. Ralph 
Hurlburt. 

36. Thomas, 1>. 10 Aug., 1730; m. 1st, Grace Jeffery, by 

whom he had eight children; 2d, Mary Ballard, by 
whom he had four idiildren. He removed to western 
New York, where lie died in March, 1814. 

37. Joanna, b. 7 Feb., 1733; m. John Mason. 



BOLLES FAMILIES. 115 

38. Stephen, b. 16 Sept., 1734; died young. 

39. Daniel, b. 4 May, 1736; m. Lucretia Fargo. 

40. Lucy, b. 1 Oct., 1737; m. Thomas Turner. 

41. Amos, 1). 15 May, 1739; in. 1st, Abigail Smith; 2d, Ann 

Gardner. 

42. Zebediah, b. 11 June, 1743; m. Margaret Green. 

IV. EBENEZER (17), b. 12 July, 1708, son of John 
Bolles and Sarah Edgecomb; m. Mary Rogers, dan. of John 
Rogers and Elizabeth Dodger, 20 Nov., 1744. 

Child. 

!:;. Mary, 1>. 7 Oct., 174;"); m. Joseph Hurlburt, and had 
one dan. Mary, born 

IV. ISAIAH (20), b. 11 Oct., 1713, son of John Bolles 
and Sarah Edgecomb; in. Lydia Powers in 1735. She died 
at Saybrook 10 Sept., 1774. He died there 28 Jan., 1780. 
They had four daughters and one son. 

44. Joseph, b. 24 March, 1730; m. Lydia KirMand. 

IV. ENOCH (21), 1). 20 Oct., 1715, son of John Bolles 
and Sarah Edgecomb; m. 1st, Hannah Moore, 2 Nov., 1738. 
She died 18 March, 1765. He then married Lucy (Thomp- 
son) Wheeler. He was a farmer, a saddler, and harness- 
maker. He lived on Bolles' Hill in Waterford. 

Children by Hannah. 

45. Enoch, b. 19 July, 1739; m. Robinson. 

46. Jonathan, b. 27 Oct., 1740; died young. 

47. David, b. 14 Jan., 1743; m. Susanna Moore, his cousin. 

48. Jonathan, 1>. 

49. Asa, 1). 

50. Jesse, b. 

51. John, b. 

52. Isaiah, 1>. 

53. Nathan, b. 

54. Richard, b. 



116 HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 

( Ihildren by Lucy. 

55. Hannah, b. l'i Fel>., 17<'»'.t; m. Jeremiah Rogers. 

56. Lucy, 1). ; in. James J. Bifg, a native of 

Norway. He was a Methodist preacher. He died 
in 1852. She died in L863. 

57. Naoma, b. 

58. Susan, 1>. 

IV. JOSHUA (22), b. 5 Aug., 1 7 1 T, son of John 

Holies and Sarah Edgecomb; in. Joanna Williams, dan. of 
Thomas Williams, 30 Jan., 17>'5 ( .». He was a fanner, and 
lived on Holies' Hill iii Wnterford. lie died IS Sept., L800. 

She died 28 Oct., 1777, aged 55 years. They had fifteen 
children. 

59. Mary, the LOth child, b. L 9 July, L758; m. Guy Wheeler. 

60. Hezekiah, the 11th child, b. L5 Dec, L759; m. Anna 

Rogers. 

[V. SAMUEL (26), horn H> May, 1744, son of John 
Holies and Elizabeth Wood; m. Lst, Margaret Moore, 18 
Dec, 1 T * > « • . She died 30 4 line, L820, and was the mother 
of thirteen children. lie married second. Widow Lois ( Wick- 
wire) Hamilton in L827, when he was 83 years old. He was 
;i farmer, and lived in a house built by himself, at the age of 
1 ( .» veins, on a wild and rocky land, known as " Gallows Lane" 
in the town of Waterford. Be died L0 Aug., L842. 

( 'hildren. 

61. John, b. 17 Aug., 17<>7; m. Betsey Avery of Groton. 

62. Rebecca, 1>. L6 March, 17<'»'.>; m. John Holies, her cousin. 

63. Martin, b. 2] Nov., 1770; died 11 April, L793, num. 

64. Elizabeth, b. 5 Sept., 1772; died young. 

65. Margaret, b. 27 March, 1774; m.' Capt. Bailey Hatha- 

way. 

66. Elizabeth, b. 27 Feb., 1776; m. Ezra Smith. 

67. Calvin, b. 18 Dec, 1777; m. 1st, Kebecea Darrow; 2d, 

Hester Darrow; 3d, Sarah Turner. 



BOLLES families. 117 

68. Susanna, b. 14 Dec, 1779; m. Dea. Caleb Lyon, Feb., 

1821. Had one dan., Margaret, b. ; m. Arnold 

Eudd, and had two children, who died young. 

69. Giles, b. 27 Nov., 1781; died young. 

70. Francis, b. 12 Aug., 1783; m. Alice Chapel. 

71. Samuel, b. 18 June, 1785; died young. 

72. Mary, b. 22 March, 1788; m. Lemuel Darrow. 

73. Lyman, b. 12 April, 1793; died young. 

V. JOSEPH (27), b. ; eldest son of Joseph 

Bolles and Martha ; m. Deborah Rogers, dan. of 

Samuel Rogers and Hannah Gardner. He was a Rogerine 
Quaker and lived at Quaker Hill, in the town of Waterford. 
He had ten children. 

74. Joseph, one of his children, m. Eunice Strickland, dau. 

of Samuel Strickland, 8 Nov., 1777. They had six 
children, all daughters. Eunice, his eldest dan., was 
murdered 21 July, 1786, when only six years and 
six months old. The murdered child w T as found lying 
under a wall in a Lit near the road at the top of the 
hill leading from ' k Bolles' Cove " towards New Lon- 
don. Heavy stones were lying on the dead body of 
the girl, having been thrown down upon her body. 
Suspicion was soon after directed to an Indian girl 
named Hannah Occuish, a Peqnot less than thirteen 
years of age, wdio was living with Widow Rogers, who 
occupied the old house still standing near the cove. 
On being questioned the suspected girl confessed the 
crime. It was a cruel and malicious murder, growing 
out of a dispute about some patch-work that the little 
child had, and which the Indian girl wanted, which the 
child would not give up. The jealous young savage, 
nursing her envy, and watching for an opportunity of 
revenge, after a few days had elapsed, came upon the 
child as she was on her way to school alone, and after 
coaxing and alluring her into the woods near the road, 
fell upon her, and beat her to death, and dragging 
the dead body to the place where it was found, rolled 
stones from the wall upon it that it might appear that 
she had accidentally fallen over the wall and the stones 



118 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

had fallen upon her and killed her. The murderer 
was tried, convicted, and sentenced to be hung, which 
was done. The gallows were erected on a hill in the 
rear of the old meeting-house in New London. 

75. Sarah, b. about 1782; m. Erastus Chapel. 

76. Joseph, 1). about 17 s '.>; m. Betsey Cobb, and had nine 

children. Sarah, their eighth child, married Stephen 
( i reen. 

77. Ebenezer, b. aboui ; m. Polly Cooley (!il- 

bert, dau. of John Gilbert. lie was a mariner and 
settled in Moiitville, where he died in 1846. He 
had eight children. Jeremiah, their fourth child, 
married Perez Pratt. Knieline, their fifth child, 
married 1st, Robert Smith; 2d, "Robert Fox. 

Y. JOHN (32), b. 8 July, 1728, son of John Bolles 
and Lydia Starr; m. Thankful Holies, his cousin, 30 Oct., 
17.")."i. He had two sons and three daughters. lie died 28 
Aug., L802. 

78. John, b. 24 Aug., 17">»>, never married. Ho served 

during the war of the Revolution on board a privateer, 

was taken prisoner, and died l(i July, 1787, in a prison 
ship. 
7'.'. Henry Delamore, 1». 3 April, 17i'»<); m. Eunice Raymond, 
dan', of John Raymond, and died 28 Oct., L805. Had 

one child only, John Raymond, who married Julian 
Ibwlitt of Groton. 

V. DANIEL (39), b. 1 May, 1736, son of Thomas Bolles 
and .Mary Rogers; ni. Lucretia Fargo, dan. of Robert Fargo. 
He settled in Waterford, where he died in 1818. 

Children. 

80. Stephen, b. ; m. 1st, Rebecca Lampher of Ston- 

ington, and had six children: 1st, Rebecca, b. 8 
Dec, 1787; m. David Street of Norwalk, 10 Aug., 
1810, and settled in Montville, where he died in 1832. 
She died 6 July, 1880. They had nine children: 2d, 
Stephen; 3d, Nathaniel; 4th, Lucretia; 5th, Daniel; 
6th, Martin. 



BOLLES FAMILIES. 119 

81. Martin, b. 1772; m. Amy Dart and had 

three children: 1st, Lncretia, b. 30 Jan., 1801; 2d, 
Joshua, b. 10 Aug., 1802; 3d, Robert, b. 22 Aug., 
1804. He died 1 Dec., 1805. 

V. AMOS (41), b. 15 May, 1739, son of Thomas Bolles 
and Mary Kogers; m. 1st, Abigail Smith about 1763, by whom 
he had three children. She died . He married 

for his second wife, Anna Gardner, b. 7 Sept., 1748, dan. of 
David Gardner, by whom he had six children. 

Children by Abigail. 



82. 


Robinson, b. 




83. 


Amy, b. 




84. 


Amos, b. 16 Oct., 1769; m. Elizabeth Mills. 
Children by Anna. 




85. 


Abel, b. 




80. 


Daniel, b. 




87. 


Abigail, b. 14 Aug., 1777; m. Bliss Baker 6 Jan.. 


1799. 


88. 


Anna, b. 




89. 


Sarah, b. 




90. 


Elizabeth, b. 





V. JOSEPH (44), b. 24 March, 1736, son of Isaiah 
Bolles and Lydia Powers; m. Lydia Kirkland 2 Dec, 1760. 
He settled in Xew London. They had eight children. 

91. Isaiah, b. 30 Oct., 1763, second child, m. Phebe 

Daniels of Waterford and had fourteen children. 

92. Lydia, b. 1792; m. Edmund Richards. 

93. Abigail, b. 1793, m. 1st, Jacob S. Wright; 2d, 

Frederick Rogers, and died at Montville. 

94. Mary, b. 

95. Fanny, b. 

96. Joseph, b. 15 Sept., 1798; m. Sarah (Gray) Story. 

97. Gilbert, b. 

98. Hannah, b. 

99. Eliza, b. 



120 HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 

; m. Fanny C. Baker. 



too. 


Reuben P., b. 


101. 


Henry D., b. 


102. 


William K., b. 


L03. 


Margaret, b. 


104. 


Elijah, b. 


105. 


Joshua, b. 



V. DAVID (46), b. 14 Jan., 1743, son of Enoch Bolles 
and Hannah Moore; in. Susanna M<><>r<\ dan. of Jonathan 
Moore, 1<> dan.. 1 7 < » ."► . He was a farmer, tanner, and cur- 
rier, but later in life became a Baptist minister. He was 
among the first preachers in the Baptist Church at Hartford, 
of which his brother John was so long its deacon. He died 
at Enfield, 14 Feb., 1807. She died 2d Nov., 1807. 

Children. 

106. David, b. 26 Sept., L765; m. Elizabeth Daw. 

1()7. Mathew, b. 21 April, 1769; m. Anna Hubbard. 

L08. Ebenezer, b. 28 March, 1 7 T li ; died young. 

L09. Charles, b. 19 Feb., 1775; died in 1790. 

1 10. Augustus, l». 28 Dee., 1 7 7 < '► ; m. 1st, Fanny Trowbridge, 
•2~ Nov., L798, by whom be had seven children. She 
died 9 April, is 11. He then married Esther (Baker) 
Wheeler, widow of Nathaniel Wheeler of Montville, 
27 Feb., 1842. She died at Montville . He 

was a Baptist minister, and died at Colchester. 

V. HEZEKIAH (60), b. 15 Dee., 1759, son of Joshua 

Bolles and Joanna Williams; m. Anna Rogers, dan. of John 
Rogers and Delight Green. He settled first in Great Bar- 
rington, Mass., as a farmer, and afterwards removed to Gris- 
wold, Conn. He died 12 May, 1828. She died 10 Nov., 
1840. 

Children. 

111. Eliza, b. 25 Nov., 1791; died at New London in 1846 

unmarried. 

112. Delight R., b. 13 Sept., 1796; m. Ebenezer Williams. 

113. William, b. 7 Aug., 1800; m. Cornelia C. Palmer. 



BOLLES FAMILIES. 121 

114. Joanna, b. 25 Jan., 1805; m. Ebenezer Williams, 2d 

wife. 

115. Joshua, b. 21 Jan., 1808; m. Augusta Wheeler. 

116. John K., b. 13 Aug., 1810; m. Mary Hempstead; died 

1895. 

V. CALVIN (67), b. 18 Dec, 1777, son of Samuel 
Bolles and Margaret Moore; m. 1st, Rebecca Darrow, 24 Oct., 
1700, dan. of Lemuel Darrow, son of Zadoc. She died 11 
June, 1811. He then married Hester Darrow, a sister of his 
former wife, 5 Dec, 1811. She died 12 Nov., 1818. He 
then married Sarah Turner, dan. of Mathew Turner, 1 July, 
1810. She died Feb., 1864. He was a fanner, tanner, 
and currier. He was a justice of the peace in Montville for 
many years, a man of sound judgment and business qualifi- 
cations. He died at Montville. 

Children by Rebecca. 

117. Rebecca, b. 14 May, 1803; m. Samuel B. Palmer. 

118. Margaret, 1>. 27 Nov., 1805; m. Daniel F. Beebe. 
110. Francis W., b. 24 July, 1808; m. Nancy C. Morgan 

of East Haddam, 9 Nov., 1831. She died 30 Nov., 
L854. He then married Anna M. Morgan, sister of 
his former wife, 1 July, 1855. 

Children by Hester. 

120. Harriet, b. 1 July, 1814; m. Albert G. Scholfield. 

121. John Calvin, b. 18 Sept., 1816; m. Eunice Budding- 

ton. He is a physician; has practiced in Montville for 
many years. Is now living (1806). 

V. ZEBEDIAH (42), b. 11 June, 1743, son of Thomas 
Bolles and Mary Rogers; m. Margaret Green, dau. of Ben- 
jamin Green, in 1803. Lie died 20 June, 1817. She died 

20 Aug., 1813. 

Children. 

122. Diana, b. 10 May, 1806; m. Daniel Williams, 20 May, 

1825. He was a cabinet maker. They had a daugh- 
ter, Susan E., who married Dr. Rufus W. Mathewson 



122 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

of Durham, Conn. They had six children. Earl, 
Eufus, Mary, Amelia, Randolph, and Susan. Both 
Dr. Rufus Mathewson and his son, Dr. Earl Mathew- 
son, were practicing physicians in Montville at dif- 
ferent dates. 

123. Margaret, b. 1813; m. Ralph Hurlbnrt of Gales 

Ferry, lie was a farmer, and they had five children; 
Ralph W., Mary A., Tabitha E'., George W., and 
Henry W. 

VT. JOHN" RAYMOND (79), b. 27 Sept., 1787, son of 
Eenry Delamore Bollea and Eunice Raymond; in. Julian 
Ilcwlitt of Groton. He was a mariner and whaling master. 
Settled ;it Waterford. lie died suddenly. She died in 1855. 

( 'hildren. 

124. John, 1). 11 Sept., 1820; m. Nancy Chapman and had 

six children, John, Isabella, Alice, Elizabeth, Wal- 
ter, and < 'harles. 

125. Julian, b. 3 April, 1Sl>l>; m. Lyman Richards. 

L26. Henry D., 1». 8 March, 1824; m. Almira Latimer 16 
May, is 17. Hud t\v«» sons, Henry and Franklin. He 
was a mariner, now living (1896) near Comstock's 
Wharf. 

127. Stephen, b. 9 Nov., 1825; m. Hannah M. Avery, 31 

Aug., 1856. He was a whaling master. Now living 
in 1896. 

128. Francis, b. 2 June, 1827; m. Austin Benham of Water- 

ford. Had six children. 

VI. AMOS (84), h. 16 Oct., 1769, son of Amos Bolles 
and Abigail Smith; m. Elizabeth Mills. He was knocked 
overboard by the boom of a vessel and drowned. 

Children. 

129. Alfred, b. 3 June, 1795; m. Julian Stoddard, 8 July, 

1821. He was a farmer and carpenter. He died 
10 Jan., 1895. He had 1st, Ellen S., b. 9 Aug., 1824; 
m. William M. Ackley, 23 Oct., 1854, and had one 



DARROW FAMILIES. 123 

son, Edward, b. 15 June, 1856; 2d, Emeline F., b. 
19 Oct., 1826; m. Erasmus Darwin Rogers, 11 May, 
1848; 3d, Amos, b. 25 June, 1829; 4th, Nelson, b. 
2 May, 1839. 

130. Orlando, b. ; m. Ellen Fitch, 18 Jan., 1835, 

dan. of Adonijah Fitch and Anna Fox. They had 
son William, b. m. Sturtevant. He 

was a lawyer and literary writer; was for a time editor 
of the Norwich Bulletin. His wife obtained a di- 
vorce from him in the Superior Court, held at Nor- 
wich at its September term, in 1881. 

131. Emily, b. ; m. Capt, Calvin Stoddard. 

VII. JOSEPH (96), b. 15 Sept., 1798, son of Isaiah 
Bolles and Phebe Daniels; m. Widow Sarah (Gray) Story, 
3 June, 1830. He settled at Montville, and lived near Com- 
stock's Wharf. He died 

Children. 

132. Jane E., b. 28 Sept., 1831; m. 

133. Frances L., b. 10 March, 1833; m. Julia Holdridge. 

134. Jared, b. 26 May, 1835; m. Clarrissa Comstock. 

135. Reuben C, b. 30 July, 1837; m. 

136. Almira A., b. 26 Dec, 1839. 

137. Mary C, b. 25 June, 1842; died 25 June, 1844. 

VIII. JARED (134), b. 26 May, 1835, son of Joseph 
Bolles and Sarah (Gray) Story; m. 16 Dec., 1860, Clarrissa 
Comstock, dan. of William Comstock and Mary E. Hewitt. 
He settled at Montville, was dock master at Comstock's Wharf, 
and mail carrier from Montville Station to Gales Ferry. Both 
living in 1896. 

Children. 

138. Reuben G, b. 1 Jan., 1863; m. Berthia King. 

139. Lucian, b. 21 Jan., 1866; living at Norwich in 1896. 

140. Charlotte I., b. 18 Jan., 1870. 

141. Gertrude A., b. 27 March, 1878. 



CONGDON FAMILIES. 

Benjamin Congdon appears to have first settled in Rhode 
[sland, where, on the 20th day of September, L671, he bought 
of William Brenton, Benedict Arnold, and others, 230 acres 
of hind in Narragansett, but did not occupy it for several 
years after. Be was made a freeman in 1677, being born 
about L650. I) is not ascertained who his parents were, or 
whether he was horn in this country. In L679 lie received a 
deed of 200 acres of land in NTarragansett, being part of 7,630 
acres laid out by Samuel Wilber to Jirch Bull and 24 others. 
On the 20th day of Oct, L683, he sold to John Sheldon the 
230 acres be purchased of William Brenton and Benedict 
Arnold, for £7. In the deed he styled himself, "late of 
Portsmouth, planter." 

His signature was made to deeds, etc., by mark Z, while 
his son Benjamin signed by mark ( ). His will was executed 
July 2, L715, and proved in the Probate Court Dec. 10, 1718. 
Mis executors were his wife, Elizabeth, and son, John. To 
sons William, John, Benjamin, and James, 5s. each, they hav- 
ing had their portions. To daughter Elizabeth Wells and 
Susanna Northrop three cows each, and to granddaughter 
Elizabeth Wells, a cow at decease of his wife. To his wife, 
the household goods at her disposal, and the farm, orchard, and 
housing for life. To son John, two cows and a heifer. Ben- 
jamin Congdon married Elizabeth Albro, dau. of John Albro 
and Dorothy . He died Jan. 19, 1718. She died 

Nov. 15, 1720. Both were buried in the Congdon burial 
ground at Congdon Hill, near Wiekford, R. I. His chil- 
dren were: 

2. William, b. ; m. 1st, Mary ; 2d, Mar- 

garet , and had children, 1st, Joseph; 2d, 



CONGDON FAMILIES. 125 

William, b. 25 Jan., 169S; 3d, Margaret; 4th, Eliza- 
beth; 5th, Abigail; m. Reynolds; he died in 
1761. 

3. Benjamin, b. ; in. 1 Dec., 1701, Frances Staf- 

ford, dan. of Joseph and Sarah (Holden) Stafford, and 
had children, 1st, Benjamin, b. 20 Oct., 1702; 2d, 
Francis, b. 6 Dec, 1703; 3d, Joseph, b. 15 Feb., 1705; 
1th, John, b. 23 Sept., 1706; 5th, Sarah, b. 26 Jnne, 
1708; 6th, William, b. 6 Nov., 1711; 7th, James, b. 
13 May, 1713; 8th, Elizabeth, b. 8 April, 1715; 9th, 
Mary, b. 10 March, 1718; 10th, Susanna, b. 7 Feb., 
1720; 11th, Strikely, b. 11th Dec, 1722. 

4. John, b. ; m. Mary Smith, dan. of Jeremiah 

and Mary (Gereardy) Smith. 

5. James, b. 19 April, 1686; in. 1st, Margaret Eldred; 2d, 

Dorcas Westcott, 15 Nov., 1739; 3d, Widow Mary 
Dorcas Taylor, widow of Joseph Taylor. ( liildren 
by first wife were 1st, James; 2d, Penelope; 3d, Ben- 
jamin; 4th, Samuel; 5th, William; 6th, John; 7th, 
Elizabeth; 8th, Martha; 9th, Margaret, b. in 1725. 
Children by second wife are 10th, Ephraim; 11th, 
Dorcas; 12th, Joseph. By third wife, 13th, Robert; 
14th, Susanna; 15th, Phebe. He died 27 Sept., 1757. 

6. Elizabeth, b. ; m.' John Wells and had children, 

1st, John; 2d, Benjamin; 3d, Mercy; 4th, Elizabeth; 
5th, daughter; 6th, Susanna. She died in 1732. He 
died same year. 

7. Susanna, b. ; m. David NorthiMip, and had 

children, 1st, David; 2d, Stephen; 3d, Benjamin; 4th, 
Robert. 

II. JOHN (4), b. , son of Benjamin Congdon 

and Elizabeth Albro; m. Mary Smith, dan. of Jeremiah and 
Mary (Gereardy) Smith. He was at Kings Town, R. I., 17 
May, 1710, where he and others bought 2,000 acres of the 
vacant land in Narragansett. He was connected with his 
mother as executors of his father's will, and settled the estate. 
It is presumed that he left Rhode Island after his father's 
death, and with his family removed into Connecticut. His 
children were all born in Rhode Island. 



126 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

8. Jeremiah, b. aboul 1700; m. Ann Chapel of New Lon- 

don. 

9. Mary, 1). about 170.°,; m. 

10. John, 1). about 17o:>; m. Mehitabel Gardner. 

11. James, 1). ; m. 

III. JEREMIAH (8), b. aboul L700, son of John (1) 
and Man- Smith; m. 16 Dec, 1725, Ann Chapel, dan. of John 
Chapel and Sarah Lewis. Mr. Congdon appears to have set- 
tled in the \<»rth Parish of New London as early as 17i >( .». 
His farm lay along the southerly side of Oxoboxo Brook, a 
little west of [Jncasville, a portion of which is now owned by 
the Pequot Company. His will was approved Aug. 29, 177*. 
about which time be probably died. It does not appear from 
any record found where either he or his wife died, or whore 

they were buried. 

Children. 

12. John, 1). ; in. Ann Miriek. 

13. Sii-;iiiii.i. b. ; m. dames Rogers, 12 March, 

1751. 

14. Mary, b. 

15. Martha, b. ; m. Joseph Rogers, 23 Jan., L754. 

16. Elizabeth, b. : m. Peleg Church. 

TIT. JOHN (10), b. about 1705, son of John (4) and 

Mary Smith; m. 17:;:., Mehitabel Gardner, b. 22 .May, 

1715, dan. of Stephen Gardner and Amy Sherman. 

Children. 

17. Jeremiah, b. 27 Ana., 1736. 

18. Eunice, b. 14 April, 1738; m. 

19. Timothy, b. 15 April, 1739. 

20. Elisha, b. 5 Aug., 1740. 

21. Mehitabel, b. 3d Nov., 1742. 

IV. JOHN (12), 1). , son of Jeremiah (8) and 
Ann Chapel; m. Ann Miriek, b. about 1733, dau. of 



CONGDON FAMILIES. 127 

Elisha Mirick and Grace Rogers. He received from his 
father by will the homestead at Montville, where he was a 
farmer, and where he died about 

Children. 

22. John, b. ; in. 

23. David, b. 25 Aug., 1756.; m. 1st, Abigail Baker, 24 

March, 1780; 2d, Mary Bishop, 29 Jan., 1784. 

24. Peggy, b. 1757; died 26 Nov., 1815. 

25. Eunice, b. 1759; m. Andrew Maples. 

V. DAVID (2:3), b. 25 Aug., 1756, son of John (12) 
and Ann Mirick; m. 1st, Abigail Baker, b. 25 April, 1760, 
dan. of Joshua Baker and Abigail Bliss. She had one son, 
and died Feb. 11, 1781. He afterwards married Mary 
Bishop, b. . He was a fanner, and lived on the home- 

stead left to him by his father. He built the house that is 
now standing on the old homestead in 1802. He was deacon 
of the Baptist Church, called the Palmer Church, until it 
became extinct, and the present Union Baptist Church in 
Palmertown was organized. His last wife died April 24, 
1813. He died Feb. 19, 1850, aged 93 years. 

Child by Abigail. 

26. Jeremiah, b. 23 Feb., 1781, died 11 Sept., 1784. 

Children by Mary. 

27. John, b. 21 Dec, 1784; m. Louisa Bishop. 

28. Abigail, b. 9 Feb., 1787. 

29. David, b. 22 May, 1789; m. Alma Comstock. 

30. Stephen, b. 5 Feb., 1792; m. Abby Ann Rogers. 

31. Anna, b. 15 May, 1794. 

32. Elisha, b. 5 Feb., 1797; m. Ella Forsyth. She died 

6 May, 1825. He died in New York ' . Had 

one son, John, who died 20 Jan., 1856. 

33. Hannah, b. 11 March, 1800; m. 

34. Nicholas Bishop, b. 30 Nov., 1802; m. Mary P. Hill. 

35. Joshua, b. 3 Sept., 1805; m. Harriet Bedent. After 

his death, 18 Dec, 1840, she married Joseph Moxley. 



j 28 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

VI. JOHN (27), b. 21 Dec, L784, son of David (23) 
and Mary Bishop; m. Louisa Bishop, dau. of Jona- 

than Bishop • He lived on Fisher's [sland about 

1825, afterwards removed to New London, where he died. 

( 'liildrcn. 

36. Joseph, 1>. ; m. 1st, widow Pool; 2d, 

widow 

37 . Mary, b. ; died unmarried. 

38. David, I). ; in. 

VI. DAVID (i".'), b. 22 May, L789, s I' David (23) 

and Mary Bishop; m. Alma Comstock, dau, of Nathan Com- 
ptock and Mary Rogers. He lived at Montville and died 
there • His widow afterwards married William 

Walden. 

( Ihildren by Lsl husband. 

39. Xatlian, 1). 

tO. Jeremiah, b. . Losl at sea. 

41. Gilbert I.., b. ; m. Caroline < lummings. 

VI. NICHOLAS B. (34), b. ::<> Nov., L802,sonof David 

and Mary Bishop; m. 20 Sept., L827, Mary Park Hill, dan. 

of Charles Hill and Syl.el Fox. He was a farmer and occu 

pied the homestead farm, which had been in the name for 

four generations. He died L9 Dec., L843. She died L8 

Dee., L870. 

Children. 

42. Samuel Hill, b. 2<> dime, 1828; m. Sarah Ann Daniels. 

43. Henry Nicholas, l>. 20 Dee., L829; died in infancy. 

44. Mary Ann, b. 21 Aug., 1831; died in infancy. 

L5. Joel Nicholas, b. 27 April, 1833; m. 1st, Salina Man- 
waring; 2d, Mary Northrop. 

1C. Abby Lamb, b. 22 Feb., 1834; m. 1-t. John Fowler, 
anil l.ad one son, Frank, 1». 21 Dec, 1856; 2d, John 
Smith. 

47. John Bishop, 1). 2.3 Dec, 1836; m. Fanny White. 

48. Louisa Bishop, h. 8 March, 1839; m. 1st, FJislia Mitch- 

ell; 2d, Jarecl S. "Rogers. 

40. Hannah Fuller, b. 20 Jan., 1<S40; died in infancy. 
50. Ellen, b. 26 July, 1843; m. Nicholas Church. 



FARGO FAMILIES. 

Moses Fargo first appears at New London about l»'» s <>, 
and afterwards at Norwich in 1690. In 1694 he obtained a 
grant of land " on the hill above the rock where his house 
stands." lie was one of the proprietors of the town of Nor- 
wich who came later, and were added to those of the original. 
He afterwards, about 1722, appears among the inhabitants 
of the North Parish of New London, now Montville, where 
he settled with his family of nine children. His descendants 
have been quite numerous, and several are still residents of 
the town. The name of his wife was Sarah . Two 

of his sons, Thomas and Aaron, were baptized by Rev. James 
Hillhouse and joined the church. He died in 172G. 

Children. 

2. Sarah, b. 19 June, 1680. 

:). Mary, b. 6 June, 1081. 

1. Ann, b. 2 March, 1684. 

5. Patience, b. '-• May, 1688; m. Stephen Maples. 

6. Moses, b. April, 1691. 

7. Ralph, b. 18 Aug., 1693. 
s. Robert, b. 30 Sept., 1696. 
9. Thomas, b. 9 Nov., 1699. 

10. Aaron, b. Dec, 1702. 

ROBERT (8), son of Moses Fargo and Sarah, m. 
Settled in Montville near the site of the " Old Palmer 
Church." 

Children. 

11. Robert, b. about 1725; m. Prudence Stanton. 

12. Joshua, b. ; m. Mary Bliss, dan. of Pelatiah 

Bliss. 



130 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

i:;. Moses, b. ; m. Mary Turner. 

1 t. Daniel, b. ; m. Hannah Bishop, dan. of Elea- 

zer Bishop. 

15. Jason, 1). ; in. Lucy 

16. Lucretia, 1>. about L736; m. Daniel Bolles. 

17. Mary, 1). ; m. David Dart. 

ROBERT (ID. son of Roberl Fargo and , m. 1 

July, L756, Prudence Stanton, dan. of Thomas Stanton of 
Groton, Conn. He was called Elder, and was a Baptisl 
preacher in the old Morse ( !hurch, afterwards ••idled the Elder 
Palmer Church, lie. lied L0 April, L794. She died 19 July, 
1818, aged 81 years. 

Children. 

is. Sarah, b. 25 April, 1151. 

19. Amy, b. L3 Sept., IT;,-. 

20. .Moses, h. about 17<'><>; removed to Sandisfield, Mass. 

21. Mary, b. aboul L762; m. Mathew Turner. 

22. Stanton, 1>. about 1764; m. Fanny Comstock. 

23. Robert, b. ; m. Prudence Whipple. 

24. Xcliemiiili, 1). ; m. Mary Chapman, dan. of 

Alpheus ( lhapman. 

MOSES ( L3), son of Roberl Fargo and ; m. 

1 I Feb., L762, Mary Turner, dan. of Thomas Turner. 

Children. 

25. Jabez, b. 27 June, L763. 

26. Samuel, b. 6 Nov., 1765. 

27. Mom... b. 16 Sept., 1767. 

28. Thomas, b. 19 May. 1769; m. Ann Mercy Comstock. 

STAXTOX (22), son of Robert Fargo and Prudence 
Stanton, m. , Fanny Oomstock, dan. of Elisha Corn- 

stock. He was a farmer, and occupied the old Fargo home- 
stead in Montville. His wife fell into the fire and was severely 
burned, causing her death. 



FARGO FAMILIES. 131 

Children. 

29. Elijah, b. 30 Nov., 1787; m. Nancy Brown; had a son 

Martin, whose dan., Mary, m. John It. Comstock. 

30. Prudence, 1>. ; m. Prentis Church. 

31. Elisha, 1). ; never married. 

32. Stanton, b. ; m. Prudence Day. 

33. Kobert, b. about 1795; died unmarried at Almshouse 

in 1835. 

34. Lucretia, b. ;. m. John Brown. 

35. Almira, b. ; m. Simeon Church. 

36. Polly, b. ; m. Charles Brown. 

37. Amy, b. about 1800; m. Benjamin Lester. 

38. Nancy, b. ; m. Levi Humphrey. 

ROBERT (23), son of Robert Fargo and Prudence Stan- 
ton; m. Prudence Whipple, dan. of Titus Whipple. 
He settled in Lyme, in that part of the town afterwards set 
off to Salem, where he died. 

Children. 

39. Sarah, b. about 1796; ra. William Buck. 

40. Robert, 1). 12 Feb., 1700; m. Almira Turner. 

41. Moses, b. about 1800. 

Moses Fargo, who married Hannah Lampher in 176:'>, 
and w T hose children's births arc recorded in Xew London, can- 
not be connected with cither of the foregoing families, but it 
is supposed that he was the son of either Joshua (12), or Dan- 
iel (14). 

Children. 

42. Daniel, b. March, 1764. 

43. Mathew, b. 3 Nov., 1765. 

44. Mary, b. 16 Aug., 1767. 

45. Nancy, b. June, 1760. 

46. Hannah, b. 1 April, 1771. 

47. Moses, b. 13 Jan., 1773. 

48. Elizabeth, b. 10 Aug., 1774. 
40. Lydia, b. 12 Nov., 1776. 

50. Elizabeth, b. 1 Jan., 1781. 

51. Esther, b. 1 July, 1783. 



COMSTOCK KAMI LIES. 

\Villi;un Comstock, the ancestor of the Comstock families 
in IVEontville, Miss Caulkins says, "came from Eartford in 
L649, and lived to old age in his house upon Post Bill," New 
London. His wife Elizabeth was aged fifty-five in L663. He 
is supposed in bave come to this country between the years 
L6.30 and L63Y, and firsl settled near Boston and afterwards 
removed to Hartford. His property in New London was in- 
herited by bis son Daniel and grandson William, son of John. 
Miss Caulkins thinks it probable thai Daniel and John were 
the only children of William Coin-lock. Sr. 

From sources which appear reliable, it would appear 
that William Comstock and Elizabeth, his wife, had six chil- 
dren when he removed to Hartford, and all horn previous to 

his immigration into this country, viz.: John, Elizabeth, Dan 
Lei, Samuel, ( Ihristopher, and ( rideon. John settled in Lyme, 
Samuel in Providence, Daniel and Gideon in New London, 
and Christopher in Norwalk. Thai Samuel settled in Provi- 
dence is quite certain, for the records -how that about 1646, 
or a little subsequenl to thai time, Daniel Comstock claimed 
twenty-five acres of kind in Providence, \l. [. Tt is said 
that he was only aboul 16 years old at the time, and went to 
New London with a friend and settled there. At this time 
Samuel was in trouble at Hartford, and was released from his 
bond to keep the peace in L649. On March 1, 1654, Samuel 
Comstock appears upon the records at Providence as the pur- 
chaser of a house and lot, and in 1655 he appears to have had 
some difficulty, and the person who had given bonds for him 
was allowed to settle the ease. This Samuel Comstock mar- 
tied Ann of Providence in 1650. He had a. 
son, Samuel, horn 1654, and great-grandson Gid- 
eon, b. 4 Nov., 1709. 



COMSTOCK FAMILIES. 133 

Noah D. Comstock, a descendant of Samuel of the seventh 
generation, was a resident of Arcadia, Wis., in 1877. 

John Comstock m. Abigail and has had numerous 

descendants. 

Gideon Comstock had children baptized in Few London 
9 April, 1671, viz.: Daniel, Mary, Sarah, Hope, Zipporah, 
Elizabeth, Bethia, and Hannah. On the 6 Nov., 1671, was 
baptized Patience; Bethia m. Daniel Stebbins. 

Children of William Comstock. 

2. John, b. ; m. Abigail 

3. Elizabeth, b. ; m. 

4. Daniel, b. 1630; m. 

5. Samuel, b. ; m. Ann 

6. Christopher, b. ; m. 

7. Gideon, b. ; m. 

II. JOHN (2), b. , son of William Comstock and 

Elizabeth ; m. Abigail . He settled in 

Lyme, Conn., where he died 

Children. 

8. Abigail, b. 12 April, 1662; m. Moses Huntley 18 Jan., 

1680. 

9. Elizabeth, 1). 9 June, 1665. 

10. William, b. 9 July, 1669; m. Neomy 10 Sept., 

1695. 

11. Christian, b. 11 Dec, 1671. 

12. Hannah, b. 22 Jan., 1673. 

13. John, b. 30 Sept., 1676. 

14. Samuel, b. 6 July, 1678. 

II. DANIEL (4), b. about 1630, son of William Com- 
stock and Elizabeth ; m. Paltiah, dan. or step-daughter 
of John Elderkin. He settled in New London, and purchased 
in 1664 a farm on Saw Mill Brook (Oxoboxo) in the vicinity 
of the present village of ITncasville, a portion of which has 



134 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

continued in the Comstock families down to the present time. 
The Comstock Cemetery is located on a portion of this land. 
Soon after he settled on his purchase a bounty was offered on 
the inhabitants of New London of twenty shillings per head 
for wolves killed. These perilous animals infested the 
swamps and woods in the north and west part of the town, 
and were verv troublesome to the new settlers. Mr. Com- 
stock, on one occasion killed one of these animals, and received 
the bounty offered. He died in L683. It is not known from 
the records how many children he bad. On the church 
records of Xew London there are but two entries of the bap- 
tism of his children; these are 

L5. Kinsley, bap. 2 Nov., L673; m. 

Hi. Samuel, hap. 1677; m. 1st, Sarah Douglas; 2d, 

Martha Jones. 

II. GIDEON (7), 1). son of William Comstock 

and Elizabeth ; m. . His children are here 

recorded in the order of their baptism. 

( Ihildren. 

17. Daniel, bap. in Xew London, 9 April, 1(>71; m. Eliza- 
beth Prentice. 

L8. Mary, bap. in New London, 9 April, K171. 

L9. Sarah, bap. in Xew London. It April, 1671. 

20. Hope, hap. in Xew London, 9 April, L671. 

21. Zipporah, hap. in Xew London. 9 April, L671. 

22. Elizabeth, bap. in Xew London, '.» April, L671. 

23. Berthia, bap. in Xew London, !) April, 1671; m. Daniel 

Stebbins. 

24. Hannah, hap. in Xew London, !) April, 1671; m. John 

Forsyth. 

25. Patience, hap. 6 Nov., 1671. 

TIL KINSLEY (15), hap. 2 Nov., 1673, son of Daniel 
Comstock 'and Paltiah ; m. . It is not ascer- 

tained how many children he had. The only record found 
is the baptism of Kinsley Comstock and his sister Mary, and 



COMSTOCK FAMILIES. 135 

are supposed to be his children. They united with the church 
on the same day, and that one of his children was baptized 
May 3, 1719. 

Children. 

26. Kinslev. b. ; m. Rachel Crocker. 

27. Mary, b. 

28. Daniel, b. 1715; m. Mary Chapel. 

III. SAMUEL (16), bap. in 1677, son of Daniel Corn- 
stock and Paltiah ; m. 1st, Sarah Douglas. She died 
about 1704. lie afterwards married Martha Jones. He set- 
tled in the Xorth Parish of New London, now Montville. He 
was a farmer. He died May, 1757, aged 84 years. She died 
12 Dec, 1756, aged 85 years. Both were interred in the 
old society Inirving-ground on Raymond Hill. 

Children by Sarah. 

28. Samuel, b. about 1700, m. 

29. Christopher, b. 

Children by Martha. 

30. Nathaniel, b. 7 June, 1706; m. Margaret Fox. 

31. Gideon, b. Jan., 1708: m. Hannah Allen. 

32. Zebediah, b. June, 1710; m. Berthia Prentis. 

33. Caleb, b. about 1713; m. Martha Brown. 

34. Martha, b. ; m. Joseph Atwell, 1728. 

35. Jonathan, b. about 1720. 

III. DAXIEL (17), bap. 9 April, 1671, son of Gideon 
Comstock and . He married, 23 May, 1700, Eliza- 

beth Prentis. He settled in the Xorth Parish of Xew Lon- 
don, now Montville, in the vicinity of Uncasville. Many of 
his descendants have, since his death, lived and owned land 
in this vicinity. He died about 1746. His will was ad- 
mitted to probate in Xew London, 28 May, 1746. 

Children. 

36. Peter, b. 4 March, 1702; m. Martha Avery. 

37. Daniel, b. 22 Sept., 1703; m. Elizabeth Avery, 30 

Dec, 1731. 



13G HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

38. John, 1). 12 Sept., 1705; m. Mary Lee. 

39. Thomas, b. 25 March, 1710. 

40. James, b. L6 June, 1 7 1 if ; m. Hannah Allen, 17 April, 

1 7:38. 

41. Jonathan, b. 28 -Inly, 171 1; died about 1756. 

42. Elizabeth, b. 2 Aug., 1717; m. Ebenezer Waterman. 

IV. KINSLEY (26), b. , son of Kinsley Com 

stork and ; m. I s Sept., 1717, Rachel Crocker. He 

probably settled in the North Parish, as a number of his chil- 
dren were baptized there, and their names appear on the 

church records. 

Children. 

43. Rachel, bap. 2 Oct., L720; m. John Brown. 

44. Joseph, bap. LO Feb., 17^:': m. Althea Bliss. 
1.'). Elizabeth m. Stephen Baker. 
1:5a. Jemima, b. aboul L723; m. Richard Chapel. 

IV. DANIEL (28), b. aboul 171V son of Kinsley Corn- 
stock and ; m. 7 July, 17-">»>, .Mary Chapel, dan. of 
Joseph Chapel. Ele settled at Montville. He was a farmer, 
and died at Montville. 

Children. 

46. Elisha, b. 30 May, I7:)7; m. Ann Fox. 

17. Mary, 1». 27 April, 1710. 

t8. Ebenezer, b. L2 July, 1712; died in 1702. 

in. Desire, b. 24 NTov., 1744. 

50. Jemima, b. 8 April, 1749; m. 

51. Daniel, b. If Dec, 1750; m. Susan Newberry. 

IV. NATHANIEL (30), b. 7 June, 1706, son of Sam- 
uel Comstock and .Martha Jones; m. 8 Feh., 1728, Margaret 
Fox, dan. of Samuel Fox and Margaret Brintnel. TTe was a 
farmer and settled at Montville. He was chosen an Elder 
in the Congregational Church in 4750. He died 24 Oct., 
1791. She died 31 Dee., 1798, aged 90 years. Both were 
interred in the cemetery on Raymond Hill. 



COMSTOCK FAMILIES. 137 

Children. 

52. Amy, b. 15 July, 1729; m. Justin Ransom. 

53. Sarah, b. 17 Aug., 1731; m. Jonathan Smith. 

54. Martha, b. 29 Jan., 1734; died 14 March, 1743. 

55. Margaret, b. 15 Feb., 173G; m. Prentice. 

56. Bridget, b. 20 June, 1738; m. Samuel Bradford. 

57. Nathaniel, 1). 5 July, 1740; m. 1st, Sarah Bradford; 

2d, Ann Stark. 

58. Mathew, b. 27 Feb., 1742; died 3 March, 1772. 

59. Samuel, b. 11 Feb., 1746; died in 1777. 
00. Eliphalet, b. 23 Jan., 1748. 

61. Eleanor, b. 2 July, 1750; died 27 May, 1769. 

62. Martha, b. 3 Nov., L753; died in Sept., 1829, nnm. 

63. Jared, b. 13 March, 1755; m. Eaehel Chester. 

IV. GIDEON (31), b. Jan., 1708, son of Samuel 

Comstock and Martha Jones; m. Hannah Allen, dau. of Sam- 
uel Allen and Lvdia Hastings. He was a farmer and settled 
at Montville. 

Children. 

64. Lancaster, 1). about 1724; m. Mary Smith, 2 May, 1754. 

65. Gideon, b. about 1727; m. Delama Turner. 

66. Jeremiah, bap. 29 Jan., 1729. 

67. Rufus, b. about 1732. 

68. Kingsland, 1). about 1734. Settled at Great Barring- 

ton, Mass. 
68a. Lvdia, bap. 23 Oct., 1739. 

69. Ezekiel, b. 14 Dec, 1747. Settled in Nova Scotia. 

IV. ZEBEDIAH (32), b. June, 1710, sou of Samuel 
Comstock and Martha Jones; m. 11 July, 1743, Berthia Pren- 
tice. 

Children. 

70. Berthia, b. 10 June, 1744; m. 

71. Marv, b. 23 March, 1745; m. James Rogers. 

72. Martha, b. 8 Jan., 1748. 

73. Zebediah, b. 15 Dec, 1751; m. Parthenia Alexander. 

IV. CALEB (33), b. about 1713, son of Samuel Com- 
stock and Martha Jones; m. 2 Jan., 1767, Martha Brown. 



138 HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 

Child. 

74. Dyer, b. 20 Nov., 1707; m. Betsey Brooks, 19 Feb., 

1792. 

IV. PETEE (36), b. 1 March, L702, son of Daniel 
Comstock and Elizabeth Prentis; in. Martha Avery, dan. of 
Samuel Avery and Elizabeth Ransford. He was a seaman, 

and lived in Montville. lie died at sea in L742. She after- 
wards married Peletiah Pliss. 

Children. 

75. Elizabeth, b. ; m. Jonathan Chapel, 25 March, 

1742. 

76. Jeremiah, bap. •"> April, 1724. 

77. Martha, hap. 6 April, L729. 

78. Peter, 1». 11 .Inly, L731; in. 1st, Elizabeth Fitch; 2d, 

Esther Mirick. 

79. I )aiMil, 1). : in. Mary Bishop. 

80. Thomas, 1>. : m. Sarah Comstock. 

81. Ransford, b. <'> March, 17-'!7: m. Catherine Vibber. 

IV. JOHN" (38), b. \2 Sept., 17<).">, sen of Daniel Com- 
stock and Elizabeth Prentice; in. Marv Lee. I le was a farmer 
and settled in Montville. 

ChiTdren. 

82. Nathan, b. 11 Aug., 1730; m. Mary Green. 

83. John, b. 21 June, 1734; m. Eunice Stoddard. 
81. Lucy, 1). 30 Dec, L737; in. Samuel Morgan. 
85. Marv, b. 28 April, 1713; m. James Avery. 
80. Asa,' b. 27 A no'., 1745; m. 

87. Joshua, b. 1!» April, 1752; died March, 1703. 

I V. J A MES (40), b. 1 June, 1712, son of Daniel Com- 
stock and Elizabeth Prentice; m. 23 March, 1737, Hannah 
Allen, dan. of Samuel Allen. He settled at Montville and 
lived near the cove at Uncasville. He was killed at the storm- 
ing of the Fort Griswold by the English, Sept., 1781. A 
monument was erected to his memory by his grandson, Robert 
Comstock, in the Comstock Cemetery. 



COMSTOCK FAMILIES. 139 

Children. 

88. John, b. 2 May, 1739; m. Margaret Vibber. 

89. William, b. 2 Nov., 1741; m. Lucy Davis. 

90. Sarah, b. 7 Nov., 1743; m. 1st, Thomas Comstock; 2d. 

Edward Long; 3d, James Cowden; 4th, Burgess 
Hall. 

91. James, b. 19 Sept., 1745; died young. 

92. Simeon, b. ; m. . Settled in Groton. 
it:'.. Elizabeth, bap. 5 Jan., 4748; m. Nathaniel Adams, Jr., 

1770. 

94. James, b. 7 March, 1750; m. Amy Church. 

V. JOSEPH (44), bap. 10 Feb., 1723, son of Kinsley 

Comstock and Althca Bliss, dan. of Peletiah Bliss and Sarah 

Harris. 

Child. 

95. Joseph, b. 4 June, 1749. 

V. ELISHA (46), b. 30 May, 1737, son of Daniel Corn- 
stock and Mary Chapel, m. Anna Fox, dan. of Samuel Fox 
and Abigail Harris. He was a farmer, and owned a tract of 
land near Uncasville, a portion of which is now owned and 
occupied by Ezra F. Dart. 

Children. 

96. Mary, b. ; m. Phineas Atwood. 

97. Amy, b. ; m. Edwards. 

98. Fanny, b. ; m. Stanton Fargo. 
98a. Ami Mercy, b. ; m. Thomas Fargo. 
!»!). Henrietta, Y 8 Feb., 1783; m. Vincent. 

100. Ebenezer, b. 15 Jan., 1780; m. 1st, Desire Comstock; 

2d, Hannah 

101. Peregreen, b. ; m. . He was drowned at 

Scotch Cap by the capsizing of a boat. 

V. DANIEL (51), b. 14 Dec, 1750, son of Daniel Com- 
stock and Mary Chapel; m. Susan Newberry. He settled in 
Montville, and lived on the place now owned and occupied by 
Traev Church. 



140 HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

102. Desire, b. about 1780; m. Moses Tracy. 

103. Anna, b. 27 Jan., L782; m. James Scholfield. 

104. Susan. 1). 20 Dec., 1783; m. Jolm Layard. 

105. Elisha, 1). 28 Nov., 1785; m. Polly Beckwith. 

V. NATHANIEL (57), 1.. 5 -Inly, 1740, son of Xathau- 
iel Comstock and Margaret Fox; m. Sarah, dan. of John Brad- 
Eord and Esther Sherwood, lie was a farmer, and lived on 
the homestead of his father on Raymond Hill, now owned by 
John Manwaring's heirs. She died 17 March, L768, leav- 
ing two children. He afterwards married Anna Stark, May, 
1778. She died :; Dee., L829. lie died 23 Dec, 1829. 

( 'hildren by Sarah. 

10G. Sarah, b. about. 1700; m. Samuel Ilillhouse. 

107. Perez, b. s May, 17(11; m. Abbv Raymond, 1 Nov., 

1787. 

( 'hildren by Anna. 

108. Peggy, b. 26 March, 1771). 

L09. Anna. b. 28 Jan., 1781; m. Justin Ransom. 

1 10. Charlotte, b. 10 dune, 1783; m. Daniel F. Raymond. 

1 1 1. Sophia, b. 2'.i Aug., 1785; died 3 April, 1851; num. 

112. Mary, b. 1'.' Feb., 1787; m. Oliver Raymond. 

113. Nathaniel, 1>. 14 Nov., 1790; m. Almira Fox. He 

died at Colchester, 24 April, 185G, without issue. 

V. JARED (63), b. 13 March, 1755, son of Nathaniel 
Comstock and Margaret Fox; m. Rachel Chester, dan. of 
Joseph Chester and Elizabeth Otis. ITe was a fanner, and 
owned at one time a farm on the old Colchester road. He 
afterwards lived on the farm now owned by James H. Baker. 
He united with the church at Montville, 17 Aug., 1788, and 
was chosen deacon in 1800. He died at Montville, 24 May, 
1829. She died 1 Feb., 1842. 



COMSTUCK FAMILIES. 141 

Children. 

114. Betsey, b. 18 Jan., 1782; m. Daniel Prentice. 

115. Eleanor, b. 13 Aug., 1784; m. Lamson Fox. 

116. Rachel, b. 2(3 Dec, 1786; m. Kellogg. 

117. Sally, b. 9 Dec, 1787; m. Eliphalet C. Parker, 3 Feb., 

1808. 

118. Amy, bap. 12 April, 1780; died 17 April, 1819. 

119. Samuel, bap. 3 Oct., 1790; m. Elizabeth Turner. 

120. Jared, b. 21 Feb., 1792. 

121. Joseph Chester, b. April, 1794. 

122. David, b. 23 Aug., 1796; m. 1st, Theodocia Wells; 2d, 

Almira (Fitch) Baker. 

123. Isaac, bap. 8 June, 1806; m. Harriet. Baker. 

V. LANCASTER (64), b. about 1724, son of Gideon 

Comstock and Hannah Allen; m. 2 May, 1754, Mary Smith, 

dan. of Jethro Smith. 

Children. 

124. Peregreen, b. 11 Nov., ; m. 

125. Anna, b. '•> July, 1759; m. Isaac Turner. 

125a. Desire, b. 16 Nov., 1763; m. Ebenezer Comstock. 
125b. Thomas,!). 13 March, 1766. 

V. ZEBEDIAH (73), b. 15 Dec, 1751, son of Zebe- 
diah Comstock and Berthia Prentice; m. Parthenia Alex- 
ander. He was a farmer, and was a near neighbor to Jared 
Comstock. He died at Montville. 

Children. 

126. Perthia, b. about 1773; m. Lemuel Baker. 

127. Mary, b. 15 Jan., 1780; m. Ezra Turner. 

128. Nancy, b. 26 Sept., 1781; m. Zachens Whe v eler. 

129. Patty, b. 30 May, 1783; m. Joshua Bishop. 

130. Zebediah, b. 9 June, 1784; m. Delight Swaddle. 

131. Caleb, b. 14 Feb., 1786; m. Lucy Dart. 

132. Alexander, b. 25 Nov., 1789; m. Charlotte (Vallet) 

Chapel. 

V. PETER (78), b. 11 July, 1731, son of Peter Com- 
stock and Martha Avery; m. Sept., 1756, Elizabeth Fitch, dau. 



142 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

of Adonijah Fitch. He settled a1 Montvilleand was a farmer. 
He was Captain in Col. Latimer's regiment in the Continental 
Army and was stationed ;tt Fort Trumbull when Arnold 
entered and burned New London. His wife died about 1772. 
He afterwards married, 12 May, 1771. Sarah Mirick, dan. 
of Elijah Mirick. He die, 1 at Montville, 3 April. LS03. She 
died !) Aug., 1 .^ 2 « » , aged 84 years. 

Children by Elizabeth. 

133. .Martha, b. 28 July, 1757; m. Samuel Hill. 

134. Betsey, b. '■'> July, 1759; m. Henry Corning-. 

135. Peter, b. 1 I May, 1761. 

136. Coo,-,., I.. 2 July, 1 T * *» : i ; m. Mercy Allen, dan. of 

Stephen. 

137. Sarah, b. 20 Sept.. 1765. 

138. Ann, 1.. r. April, 17i>7: in. Andrew Wood. 

139. Emblem, 1». 25 July, 17<;'.>; m. Joseph Rice. 

140. Fitch, 1). 3 April, 1771; died 8 Nov., 1810. 

Children by Sarah. 

111. Elizabeth, b. 8 Sept., 177.".; m. Jesse Comstock. 

142. Sarah, b. iM Feb., 1777; m. Calvin Bolles. 

143. Grace, b. 1 Aug., 177s; in. Guy Turner. 

1 1 1. Peter, b. 5 Dec., 177H: m. Sarah Warren. 

145. Jonathan, 1>. 8 June, 1781; in. Nancy Ann Turner. 

1 16. Elisha Mirick, b. _' 1 Feb., 1783; m. 

1 17. Jeremiah, b. 19 Sept.. 1784; died 29 Nov., 1819, nmn. 

14S. Esther, b. 9 March, 1786; died 29 March, 17S6. 

140. Amy. b. 4 Feb., 1787; m. William Vallet. 

150. Esther, b. 3 Sept., 1789; m. Esaac Turner. 

V. ICVXSFOKD (81), b. 6 March, 17:17, son of Peter 
Comstock and Martha Avery; in. 13 Dee., 1761, Catherine 
Vibber, dan. of John Vibber and Amy Copp. She died about 
1770. He afterwards married, 2 May, 1782, A.zubba Davis. 

( Ihildren by ( latherine. 

151. Amy. b. 28 -Inly, 17<'.l>; m. Oliver Comstock. 

152. Charlotte, b. 8 April, 1765. 



COMSTOCK FAMILIES. 143 

153. Obedience, b. 26 June, 1767. 

154. Jesse, b. 30 Aug., 1769; m. 1st, Delight Comstock; 

2d, Elizabeth Comstock. 

Children by Azubba. 

155. Hansford, b. 25 April, 1782. He removed to the state 

of New York and had children, Charles, Jesse, 
Ransford, and Guy. 

156. Nancy, b. 9 June, 1784; m. David H. Gardner. 

V. NATHAN (82), 1). 11 Aug., 1730, son of John 
Comstock and Mary Lee; m. Mary Green, b. 28 

Jan., 1732, dan. of Benjamin Green and Almy Chapel. He 
was a fanner, and owned a tract of land on the river Thames 
and extending from the river to the old New London and 
Norwich turnpike near Uncasville. 

Children. 

157. Nathan, 1>. 1753; m. Mary Rogers. 

158. Delight, 1>. 29 Sept., 17»'>T; m. Jesse Comstock. 
I.V.). Asa, 1). 12 Aug., 1770; m. Mary Avery. 

V. JOHN (83), b. 24 June, 1734, son of John Com- 
stock and Mary Lee; m. Eunice Stoddard. He was 
a lieutenant in the Colonial Army and was killed at the or- 
chard fight on Long Island. 

Children. 

160. Oliver, b. 1756; m. Amy Comstock. 

161. Eunice, b. ; m. James Smith. 

162. Hannah, b. ; m. Abner Beckwith. 

163. Elkanah, b. 1772, m. Sarah Green, dan. of 

Benjamin Green, b. 2 Sept., 1777. He died at 
Montville 13 May, 1834. 

164. Joshua,!). ; m. Holmes. Had Caleb 

(married Grace Chapman), Mary, Belinda (mar- 
ried Jesse Chapman), Sarah, Samuel, Joshua, John, 
Anna, William, Ebenezer. 



144 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

V. WILLIAM (89), b. 2 Nov., IT 11, son of James 
Comstock and Hannah Allen; in. 12 Feb., 1761, Lucy Davis, 
dau. of Benjamin I )avis. 

( Ihildren. 

L65. Robert William, b. 16 July, 1762. 
L66. Euldah, b. LO ISTov., L765. 
107. Solomon, b. 2 Oct., L767. 

Y. JAMES (94), b. 7 March. L750, son of James Com 
stock and Hannah Allen; m. 2 Aug., 177:!, Amy Church, b. 
1 April, L754, dan. of Jonathan Church. He lived on the 
homestead formerly owned by bis father, near the cove at 
[Tneasville, He died L2 Oct., L842. She died LO Sept., 
is 17. Both were buried in the Comstock Cemetery. 

( Ihildren. 

L68. James, b. 7 May, 1774; m. Fanny Rogers. 

L69. Amy, b. 28 Oct., 1770; m. David Smith. 

170. Fairbanks, b. 1 Jan., L779. Lost at sea 21 Oct., L813. 

171. John Rusland, 1». -'5 March, 17^2: m. Sarah Whalev. 

172. Hannah, b. ■'! Aug., 1784; m. Samuel Power-. 
17:5. Robert, b. -'M Oct., L786; died L5 Nov., L856, num. 
174. Amos, b. II Aug., 1791; m. 1st, Margary Hamden; 

2d, Nancy Lester. 
17:.. Sarah. !>. 28 Aug., L793; died 28 Oct., 1844, num. 

176. Prentis, b. 5 Sept., L795; m. Melinda M. Banning. 

177. Harriet, b. 1^ Oct., 1797; died 10 April, L885, unm. 

VI. EBEKEZEE ( loo), b. 15 Jan., 1780, son of Elisha 
Comstock and Anna Fox; m. 1st, Desire Comstock, dan. of 
Lancaster (64); 2d, Hannah Timpson. He first settled at 
Montville, near the present village of [Tneasville. Tie was a 
farmer. 1 Ii- father conveyed to him the farm of 1 10 acres in 
1807, on which he lived. 

Children by Desire. 

1 78. Lucretia, 1>. 

170. Catherine, b. ; m. Joseph Powers. 



COMSTOCK FAMILIES. 145 

180. Fitchie, b. about 1796; m. Erastus Church. 

1S1. Fancy, b. ; m. Amos Strickland. 

L82. Desire, b. ; m. Zebediali Maynard. 

Children by Hannah. 

183. Mary, b. ; m. 

L84. Mark, b. ; m. Sophia Chapman. 

185. Ebenezer, b. 

186. Lydia, b. 

187. Eclecta, b. ; m. Reuben Patterson. 

188. Anna, b. L826. 

189. Elisha, b. 

190. Artilessa, b. ; m. Davis L. .Mead. 

VI. PEREZ (107), b. 8 May, 1764, son of Nathaniel 
Comstock and Sarah Bradford; m. 1 Nov., 1787, Abby Ray- 
mond, b. K) Nov.. 1770, dan. of Christopher Raymond and 
Eleanor Fitch. He was a farmer and settled 

Children. 

191. Sarah, b. 6 Oct., 1789; m. Joseph P. Jones. 

192. Christopher Raymond, b. 6 Dec., 1791; m. 1st, Har- 

riet Fuller; 2d, Lois Colton. He had one son, 

William, and several daughters. 
L93. Bradford, b. 20 April, 1794; died unmarried. 
I'M. Abby, b. 10 Nov., 1797; m. Leonard Bidwell, 25 May, 

L819. She died 18 July, 1880. 

195. Mary, b. 16 Feb., 1801; m. Thomas A. Jones, 24 Aug., 

1851. She died July, 1880. 

L95a. Nancy, b. 4 July, 1802; m. Ozias Roberts, 2*'. March, 
1823. Died' 17 Jan., 1859. 

196. Ellen, b. 6 Oct., 1810. 

196a. Sophia, b. 15 July, 1800; m. Robert Nourse. 

197. Martha, b. 15 March, 1805; m. Levi Wells, 22 Jan., 

1830. 

197a. James Fitch, b. 10 Nov., 1808; m. Elizabeth Stock- 
bridge. 

197b. Elizabeth, b. 8 Feb., 1814; m. Daniel Goodwin Spen- 
cer, 29 Jan., 1842. 

10 



146 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

VI. SAMUEL (119), Lap. 3 Oct., 1790, son of Jared 
Comstock ami Rachel Chester; m. Elizabeth Turner, dan. of 
Csaac Turner and Anna Comstock. He first settled at Mont- 
ville, a fanner. He was chosen deacon of the First Congre- 
gational Church in L831. In L835 he removed to La Roy, 
in the state of New York. He was then engaged in the mer- 
cantile business. lie was zealous in the Christian work, and 
gave largely to the church in thai place for the support <d" 
the gospel. He died at La Roy much respected, 1*'» Nov., 
L870. She died 5 Feb., L871. 

Children. 

L98. Asilid Otis, I.. 6 Aug., L813; m. Fanny 15. Wheeler. 

L99. Elizabeth, I). 2 dan.. Is 17: died , unmarried. 

200. Amy, b. I July, L819; died L835. 

201. Samuel Francis, b. 29 March, L825; m. Mary Maria 

Turner. 

VI. DAVID (122), 1>. 23 An-.. L797, son of dared 
Comstock and Rachel Chester; m. 11 June, l!S22, Theodocia 
Wells. He settled al Montville, was a fanner, and for sev- 
eral years previous to bis death owned and lived <>n the " Jew*- 
ett Farm." She died 3 Feb., L838. He then m. Almira 
I Fitch) Baker, widow of Joshua Baker, Jr., and dau. of Ru- 
Eus Fitch. He was much respected as a citizen and a Chris- 
tian, and beld several town offices. He died 21 Oct., 18G5. 
She died 6 Nov., L873. 

( Ihildren by Theodocia. 

202. .Mary Wells, b. 7 Oct., L823; died young. 

203. Jared Otis, b. 28 Feb., L828; died 20 Oct., L832. 

204. Sarah, b. 13 An-., 1835; m. Ezra T. Comstock. 

( Ihildren by Almira. 

205. David Chester, b. 15 Dec., 1839; m. 1st, Fanny Ray- 

mond; 2d, Letetia Landphere. 

206. Smith, b. 29 March, 1843. 

207. Fannv, 1>. 8 March, 1845; m. James M. Raymond. 

208. Jared, b. 11 July, 1847. 



OOMSTOCK FAMILIES. 147 

VI. CALEB (131), b. 14 Feb., 1786, son of Zebediah 
Comstock and Parthenia Alexander; m. Lucy Dart, dau. of 
David Dart. He was a carpenter and bouse builder. Settled 
in Waterford in 1821, and continued his residence there until 
his death, May 2, 1841, aged 55 years. 

Children. 

209. Emily, b. 20 Dec, 1810; m. John Miner Allen. 

210. Orlando, b. 19 Oct., 1812; m. 

211. Cordelia, b. 1 April, 1815; m. Alexander II. Geer. 

212. John P., b. 5 Dec, 1817; m. Elizabeth Dart. 

213. Frank B., b. 23 Oct., 1820; m. Hannah Cooley. 

214. Ezra T., b. 18 Oct., 1822; m. 1st, Sarah E. Comstock; 

2d, 

215. Stephen, b. 7 Feb., 1825; m. Elizabeth Hemstead. 

216. George, b. 5 Dec, 1827; died 26 Sept., 1835. 

217. Allen M., b. 15 Sept., 1830. Lost at sea July, 

1850. 

218. Lucy J., b. 25 July, 1834; died 20 Aug., 1836. 

VI. ZEBEDIAH (130), b. 1 June, 1784, son of Zebe- 
diah Comstock and Parthenia Alexander; m. Delight Swaddle, 
b. 2 Jan., 1788, dau. of William Swaddle and Jemima Chapel. 
He settled in Montville, was a farmer, and died March, 1862. 
She died 16 Nov., 1875. 

Children. 

219. Sarah Ann., b. 14 Aug., 1814; m. Joshua Chapel. 

220. Ariadny, b. 19 Feb., 1825; died young. 

221. Ulysses M., b. 17 March, 1828; m. Maria Chappell. 

VI. ALEXANDER (132), b. 25 Nov., 1789, son of 

Zebediah Comstock and Parthenia Alexander; m. 5 Nov., 

1816, Charlotte (Vallet) Chapel. He settled in Montville, 

was a farmer. He died 7 Oct., 1862. She died 22 Aug., 

1873, aged about 90. 

Children. 

222. Alexander, b. 27 May, 1818; m. Mary R. Walker, 

16 Feb., 1840. 

223. Aveline, b. ; m. John Carlton. 



148 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

VI. PETEK (144), b. 5 Dec, 1779, son of Peter Corn- 
stock and Sarah Mirick, !». about L742, dan. of Elisha Mirick; 
in. Sarah Warren, dau. of Eon. .Moses Warren of Lyme. He 
was a merchant, settled in Lyme, and was a prominent man in 
ihat town. Was Judge of Probate, and held other offices 
of trust. Ho represented the town in both branches of the 
legislature of this state. He died i".» Oct., L862. 

Children. 

224. Mary Ann, b. 24 Dec., L809; m. Amos L. Strickland. 

225. Moses Warren, b. ; m. Sarah Griswold. 

226. Peter A., I>. ; m. .Maria Turner. 
226a. Eliza, l». ; m. James Loomis. 
226b. Hannah, l». ; m. David P. Otis. 
226c. Lois, l». ; m. Leander Beckwifch. 

226d. William II. II.. b. l'<> March, L819; m. Eliza A. Smith. 
226e. John J., b. ; m. Emeline Morse. 

226f. Sarah, b. : died young. 

VI. JONATHAN i 1 1:5), b. 8 dime, L781, son of Peter 
Comstock and Sarah Mirick; m. Nancy A., dan. of Isaac Tur- 
ner and Ann Comstock. He settled in Waterford, and was 

a fanner. 

( Jhildren. 



b. I March, 1811. 



VI. JESSE (154), 1.. 30 Aug., L769, son of Ransford 
Comstock and Catherine Vibber; m. 1st. Delighl Comstock, 
dan. of Nathan, 25 June, L791. She died 4 Dec., 1795. He 
then married 27 June, 1T'.» ( .». Elizabeth Comstock, dan. of 
Peter. He settled in Montville, where he died, 10 Jan., 
is 10. She died 26 Jan., 1856. 



•2-21. 


Emeline, b. 


228. 


Maro, b. 


229. 


Nancy, 1>. 


230. 


Isaac Turn* 


231. 


Mary Vx., b. 


232. 


Ellen, b. 


i':;:;. 


Martha, b. 



COMSTOCK FAMILIES. 149 

Children by Delight. 

234. Diodama, b. 26 March, 1792. 

235. Polly, b. 6 Feb., 1794. 

Children by Elizabeth. 

230. Jesse, b. 10 May, 1803; m. 1st, Frances Newberry; 
2d, Jerusha (Smith) Chapel. 

237. Eliza, b. 4 May, 1805; in. Nathan Comstock. 

238. (diaries, b. 17 March, 1809; in. 1st, Lydia Lester; 2d, 

Mary Lester. 

VI. NATHAN (157), b. 1753, son of Nathan ( lorn- 
stock and Mary Green; in. 14 Feb., 1782, Mary, dan. of John 
Rogers and Delight Green. He settled in Montville. He 
was taken prisoner by the English in the War of the Revolu- 
tion, and carried to England, where he was kept in confine- 
ment seven years. He finally escaped by stratagem and 
reached his home at Montville. He died l!» April, 1834. 
She died 1 July, 1841. 

Children. 

239. Elizabeth, b. 14 Aug., 1783; m. John Scholfield. 

240. Mary, b. 15 March, 1785; m. Reuben Palmer, Jr. 

241. John Rogers, b. 30 Oct., 1786; died 3 June, 1820, 

unmarried. 

242. Delight, b. 29 July, 1788; m. 

243. Nathan, b. 27 May, 1790; m. Eliza Comstock. 

244. Alma, b. 13 Oct.,' 1792; in. 1st, David Congdon; 2d, 

William Walden. 

245. Asa, b. 6 Jan., 1795; m. Sarah W. Strickland. 

246. Fanny, b. 9 Jan., 1797; m. Daniel Stoddard. 

247. David, b. 19 Nov., 1800; died 5 Jan., 1882, unm. 

YI. ASA (159), b. 12 Aug., 1770, son of Nathan Corn- 
stock and Mary Green; m. 28 Feb., 1801, Mary Avery, b. 
19 Dec, 1779. He was born in Montville, and lived near 
the river Thames, a short distance above Comstock's Wharf. 
She died 30 April, 1842. He survived her, and died 2 Nov., 
1848. 



150 HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 

Children. 

248. William A., b. 13 Aug., 1803; m. Mary E. Hewitt. 

249. Keuben, b. 13 March, 1805; died 28 May, 1837. 

VI. OLIVER (1G0), b. about 1756, son of John Coin- 
stock and Eunice Stoddard; m. about L785, Amy, dan. of 
Ransford Comstock. Ee was a sea captain, and followed the 
occupation of seaman. He lived at Montvillc, and owned the 
farm formerly occupied by his father. He was a deacon of 
the Palmer Baptist Church. Ee died 25 June, 1820. She 
died 8 Jan., L839, aged 76 years. 

Children. 

250. John, b. 3 1 Jan., L785; m. 1st, Sylva Avery; 2d, Nancy 

Newberry; 3d, Dart. 

251. Eunice, l>. 22 X«>v., 1786; m. Giles Turner. 

252. Oliver, b. ; m. Mary Stebbins, 9 Nov., 1815. 

253. Amy, b. ; m. George G. Latimer, 17 Feb., 

L825. 

254. Eannah, b. ; m. Bishop Stebbins, L9 Nov., L827. 

255. Clarrissa, b. 30 Sept.. 17s:!; m. Joseph Ad-ate. 

256. Lois, b. about L799; died 22 April, 1874, unmarried. 

257. Esther, b. about L790; m. Isaac Turner. 

VI. JAMES (168), 1). 7 May, 1774, son of James Com- 
stock and Amy Church; m. Fanny, dau. of Joseph Rogers and 
Martha Congdon. Ee was a farmer and fisherman, and lived 
on the homestead near Eaughton's Cove. He died 20 June, 
L827. She died 22 Dee., 1832, aged 64 years. 

Children. 

258. Nancy, b. 1 1 Oct., 1799; died 11 Jan., 1840, unm. 

259. Fanny, b. 1"3 May, 1801; died Nov., 1888. 

260. Almira, b. 4 Aug., 1805; died 11 Oct., 1865; unm. 

261. James Nelson, b. 4 Aug., 1808; m. Mary Ann Bud- 

dington. Had a son, James Andrew, b. 8 Aug., 
1843; m. Mary D. Smith. He died by a pistol 
shot from his own hand, 1 July, 1895. 



COMSTOCK FAMILIES. 151 

VI. JOHN RUSLAND (171), b. 3 March, 1782, son 
of James Comstock and Amy Church; m. 25 Dec, 1812, 
Sarah C. Whaley, b. 23 Oct., 1791, dau. of Jonathan Whaley 
and Mercy Chester. He was a sea captain, and sailed a coast- 
ing vessel. He lived in Montville on the farm formerly 
owned by his wife's father. He died 26 July, 1851. She 
died 13 Feb., 1873. 

Children. 

262. Mary S., b. 2 Feb., 1814; killed by a lightning stroke, 

25 May, 1823. 

263. Caroline C, b. 23 May, 1816; living in 1896. 

264. William II. IT., b. 17 March, 1819; died 31 May, 1837. 

265. Sarah, b. 1 Feb., 1822; m. John F. Parkhnrst. 

266. John Rusland, b. 26 Jan., 1824; m. Mary Fargo, 8 

Nov., 1846. He died Dec. 11, 1891. 

VI. AMOS (174), b. 14 Aug., 1791, son of James Com- 
stock and Amy Church; m. 1st, Margary Hamden; 2d, Nancy 
Lester. He died 9 July, 1837. After Ins death his surviv- 
ing wife married William S. Cardwell of Montville. 

Children by Margarv. 

267. Henry, b. 

268. Harriet, b. 

269. Fairbanks, b. 

Child by Nancy. 

270. John Lester, b. 5 Jan., 1827; m. Ann M. Hewitt. She 

died in May, 1871. He then married Fanny E. 
Palmer, dan. of Marvin Palmer and Hannah Kings- 
ley. 

VI. PRENTIS (176), b. 5 Sept., 1795, son of James 
Comstock and Amy Church; m. Melinda M. Banning, and 
settled in Lyme. He was a farmer, and was living at Lyme in 
1884. He had nine children, viz.: Alexander, Mary, Albert, 
Ellen, Warren, Angoline, Harriet, William, and TJgenia. 



152 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

VII. DAVID CHESTER (205),b. 15 Dec, 1839, son of 
David Comstock and Almira ( Fitch) linker; m. 27 Dec, 1863, 
Frances A. Raymond, dau. of Richard Raymond and Julia 
Ann Gardner. I IV was a farmer, and was living- on the farm 
which was formerly owned by his father a1 Montville in 1884. 
After the death of bis wife. Nov. 2, L874, he married for a 
second wife Letetia Landphere of Colchester. 

Children by Frances. 

l'TI. Minnie R., I>. 1 June, L865; m. Edmund II. Rogers. 

272. Edwin, b. 21 A.ug., 1868; in. Lena Williams. 

273. Julia, b. 2 1 dan., L872. 

274. Francis Chester, b. 31 July, L 874; died 20 Feb., 1889. 

VII. JESSE (236), b. L0 May, L803, son of Jesse Com- 
stock and Elizabeth Comstock; m. 25 Feb., L838, Frances A. 
Newberry, I). 29 Dec, L822, dan. of Nathaniel Newberry of 
Gales Ferry. He settled al Montville and was engaged in 
seafaring business for many years. \V;is captain of several 
small sloops running between Norwich and New York. His 
wife died I't; March, L858. lie afterwards married Jerusha 
(Smith) Chapel, widow of James Chapel, 21 March, I860, 
lie died 8 March, L880. She died 9 March, L880. Both 
buried same day in Comstock Cemetery. 



( Ihildren by Frances. 



■'7:, 



Jesse, 1.. 1 1 Dec, 1841; died 18 Dec, L842. 

276. Fanny X., b. 2 1 Oct., 1843. 

277. Betsey M., b. 20 July, 1846. 

278. Nathaniel X.. b. 28 March, 1848. 

279. Jesse R., b. 15 Feb., 1850. 

280. Fitch I... 1.. 17 July, 1852. 

281. Sarah A., h. 12 Feb., 1856; died 1 March, 1861. 



BAKER FAMILIES. 

Alexander Baker, the common ancestor of a numerous 
progeny, was born in Loudon, England, about 1607. lie 
sailed from London in the ship Elizabeth and Ann, in 1635, 
at the age of twenty-eight years, with his wife, Elizabeth, aged 
2-'! years, and two children, Elizabeth aged 2 years, and Chris- 
tian, aged one year. They landed at or near Boston. It ap- 
pears that for a short time he lived at Gloucester, Mass., and 
afterwards settled in Boston, where he became a permanent 
resident. His occupation was a ropemaker. Before their 
departure from London, he obtained a certificate from a min- 
ister of the established church of England, as to his standing 
in the church, and before two justices of the peace took the 
oath of allegiance. 

After their arrival on these Xew England shores they had 
born to them nine children. Alexander, b. 15 Jan., 1636; 
Samuel, b. 16 June, 1638; John, b. 20 June, 1640; Joshua, 
b. 30 April, 1612; Hannah, b. 29 Sept., 1641. These last 
named were bap. 5 Oct., 1615, their father and mother having 
been admitted members of the church at Boston the preceding 
day. 

After this time they had William, b. 15 May, 1647; Ben- 
jamin, b. 16 March, 1635; Josiah, b. 26 Feb., 1655 (the last 
died in infancy); and Josiah again, b. 26 Feb., 1658. 

II. JOSHUA, the fourth son, b. 30 April, 1642, was 
the ancestor of the Baker families in Montville. He removed 
from Boston and* settled at Xew London, Conn., about 1670. 
He received shares in the town plot and became a large land- 
holder. About the year 1700 he received a deed from Owan- 
eco, the Chief of the Mohegans, for a large tract of land in 



154 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Mohegan, on which his sons afterwards settled. A portion 
of the same tract some of his descendants still occupy. This 
tract of land was located in the vicinity of the famous " Coche- 
gan Rock." He married, L3 Sept., L674, Hannah Tongue 
Mintern, relicl of Tristram Mintern of New London. She 
was a daughter of George Tongue, b. 20 July, L654. A sister 
of hers married Gov. John Fitz Winthrop. He died ;it Xew 
London, 27 Dec, 1717, aged 75 years. 

Children. 

2. Elizabeth, b. 9 May, L676; m. Richard Atwell. 

3. Joshua, b. 5 Jan.. L677; m. Mariam Hurlburt. 

4. Alexander, b. L6 Dec. L679; m. Mary Pemberton. 

5. John, 1). 24 Dec, L681; m. Phebe Douglass. 
<;. Hannah, 1>. L8 Jan., L683; died unmarried. 

7. Sarah, b. twin to Hannah; m. Andrew Davis. 

8. Benjamin, b. ; in. 

9. Mercy, b. ; m. James Greenfield. 

10. Patience, It. ; m. Rouse. 

TTT. JOSHUA (3), b. 5 Jan., 1677, son of Joshua Baker 
and Hannah (Tongue) Mintorn; in. 27 March, 170.">, Marion 
Hurlburt, Jan. of Stephen. He settled in the North Parish 
of Xew London, where he was a fanner and carpenter. He 
died in L740. His will was admitted to probate at New Lon- 
don, 8 duly, 1740. His widow married John Vibber, 8 May, 
1754. He was an active member of the society, and his wife 
a member of the church. In his will, dated 25 May, 1740, 
he names each of his ten children, and gives a portion to each. 
The will reads as follows: " In the name of God, Amen. 
The 25th day of May, in the year of our Lord God, 1740, I, 
Joshua Baker of Xew London, in the County of New London, 
and Colony of Connecticut, carpenter, being very sick and 
weak in body, but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be 
given unto God. 

" Therefore, calling to mind the mortality of my body, 
and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do 



BAKER FAMILIES. 155 

make and ordain this my last will and testament; that is to say, 
principally and first of all, I give and recommend my soul into 
the hands of God that gave it, and for my body, I recommend it 
to the earth to be buried in a Christianlike manner, at the di- 
rection of my executors, nothing doubting, but at the general 
resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty 
power of God, and as touching such worldly estate wherewith 
it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, 

" I give, bequeath, and dispose of the same in manner 
and form following: 

" Item: I give and bequeath unto my well-beloved son, 
Joshua, all that my tract he now lives upon, and is bounded 
as follows: Beginning at James Greenfield's southerly cor- 
ner and running westerly to a great heap of stones about 
twenty rods northerly of my dwelling-house, and from thence 
running to Mr. Mirick's bound, being a little white oak stad- 
dle standing upon a little island in the swamp; from thence to 
a crotch of the brook, and from thence to Joseph Bradford's 
land, and down said brook to Greenfield's land, to the first- 
mentioned bound, with the fencing and buildings thereon, 
and all the privileges thereof, which is his full share, and 
double portion, of my estate. 

" Item: I give my well-beloved son, Gideon, all that 
my tract of land in the North Parish aforesaid which he now 
lives upon, and is bounded as follows: Beginning at Peter 
Wickwire's south corner of a certain piece of land which he 
bought of his brother Christopher, and so running a west 
line until it comes to Samson Haughton's northwest corner, 
from thence the same corner about twenty rods to a heap of 
stones, and from thence by said Wickwire's land about thirty 
rods, and from thence a northeast line to a black oak stump 
standing by a brook, and from thence to the above-named 
Wickwire's land to the first boundary, being about twenty- 
five acres, with the buildings thereon, and all the privileges 
and appurtenances thereof. 



156 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

" Item: I give to my beloved son, James, all my hind, 
fencing and buildings not above disposed of to him and his 
heirs forever, and I do hereby order him to pay ont of what I 
give him, sixty pounds money U> Samuel, his brother; sixty 
pounds money to Stephen, his brother; sixty pounds money 
to Asa, his brother; and sixty pounds money to his brother 
John. To said Samuel and Stephen to be paid at my decease, 
and Asa and John to be paid at lawful age. 

" I give to my beloved daughter, Elizabeth, thirty pounds 
money, besides what she hath already had. I do hereby order 
my executor hereafter named, to make my daughter Sarah 
equal with her two sisters in what they have already had, and 
then to give her thirty pounds in money. 

"I also give to my beloved wife my riding horse and 
four cows, and I do hereby order my son, dames, to keep the 
four cows and horse well, and to take proper care of them 
during his mother's widowhood for her own use and benefit, 
and also she is to have the use and improvement of my house- 
hold stuff, and one room in my house that I give and be- 
queath to my son, dames, whom I likewise constitute, make, 
and ordain my only and sole executor of this, my last will 
and testament, and I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and 
disannul all and every other former testament, will, legacy, 
requests and executors by me made before this time named, 
willed and bequeathed, ratifying and confirming this and no 
other to be my last will and testament." 

" In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and 
seal the day and the year above written or mentioned." 

Witness JOSHUA BAIvEK [Seal.] 

Joshua Raymond, 
Peter Wickwire, 
Joseph Bradford, Jr. 

His inventory as exhibited in court was as follows: 



110 


11 


03 


18 


00 


00 


30 


00 


00 


40 
r- 


00 


00 


d 

59 


00 


00 


771 


00 


00 




24 


00 




3 


16 



BAKER FAMILIES. 157 



Household stuff, farming and carpenter 

tools, 
One horse, 
One yoke of oxen, 
Four cows, 
Two yearlings, three calves, one two-year 

old, one colt, thirty-five sheep, and 

five swine, 
Land and dwelling houses, 
Three acres of wheat standing, 
Hides and skins, 

£1029 19s. 7d. 
( Jhildren. 

11. Joshua, b. 3 May, 1706; m. Phebe Wickwire. 

12. Samuel, b. 24 Aug., 1707; m. Jerasha Davis. 

13. Elizabeth, b. 24 April, 170!); m. James Swaddle. 

14. Gideon, b. 27 Nov., 1711; m. 1st, Rogers; 

2d, Thankful (Bliss) Tuttle. 

15. Lydia, b. 12 June, 1712; died 24 Nov., 1712. 

16. James, b. 17 March, 1714; m. Dorothy Williams. 

17. Anna, b. 28 May, 1716; m. Noah Hammond. 

18. Stephen, b. 17 March, 1719; m. Elizabeth Comstock. 

19. Sarah, 1). 14 May, 1721; m. John Maples. 

20. John, b. 1723; m. Rachel Scovil. 

21. Asa, b. 1726; m. Elizabeth Abel. 

TTI. ALEXANDER (4), b. 16 Dec, 1679, son of Joshua 
Laker and Hannah (Tongue) Miiitern; m. Mary Pemberton, 
dan. of Joseph Pemberton. He settled in the North Parish, 
on land inherited from his father, located on the west side of 
Haughton's Cove. He died 15 Jan., 1724. 

Children. 

22. Hannah, b. 24 Jan., 1707; m. Daniel Brown. 

23. Mary, b. 30 April, 1710; m. Gilbert Lilly. 

24. Elizabeth, b. 4 March, 1713. 

25. Pemberton, b. 24 March, 1716; m. Hepzabeth Rogers. 

26. Joseph, b. 12 Sept., 1721; died in 1743. 



158 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

27. Lydia, b. 24 July, 1723. 

28. Sarah, b. ; died 17 June, L738. 

IV. JOSHUA (11), b. 3 May, 1700, son of Joshua 
Baker and Marian Eurlburt; in. Phebe Wick wire, dan. of 
John Wickwire and Mary Tongue. He settled in the North 
Parish, and occupied the farm bequeathed to him by his 
father, which farm at a later date was occupied by Daniel 
Baker. Ee held town offices, was grand juror in 1711, was 
active in society affairs, being among the firsl contributors 
to the society fund, now extant, lie died aboul 1770. 

Children. 

29. Joshua, b. L3 Aug., L730; m. Abigail Bliss. 

30. Zebulon, b. aboul 17:;:'.: m. 

31. Phebe, b. aboul L736; m. Jeremiah Wickwire. 

32. Delight, 1>. aboul 17 1<»; m. Ezekiel Chapel. 

33. Jared, 1>. about 1715: m. Phebe Harris. 

34. Betsey, b. 13 July, 1747: m. Samuel Leffingwell. 

IV. SAMUEL (12), 1.. 24 Aug., 1707, son of Joshua 
Baker and Marian Eurlburt; m. 8 Dec, 1733, Jerusha, dau. 
of Andrew Davis and Sarah Baker of Groton. He settled in 

Groton, now Ledyard, where he was a farmer. lie died in 

March, L793. 

Children. 

35. Andrew, !». L8 Sept., L738"; died young. 

30. Amy, b. 9 -Ian., 1 73'.>- 1<»; m. Geer. 

37. Lydia, b. 13 July. 1712; m. Roach, and had 

children, Wealthy, Thomas, Susanna. 

38. Daniel, 1). 26 Feb., 1745-0. 

39. Elizabeth, 1». 5 May, 1748; m. Cook. 

40. Samuel, b. 27 July, L750; m. 

41. Sarah, h. 10 Feb., L753-4; m. Jabez Shoals. 

42. Andrew, b. 22 March, 1750; killed at Fort Griswold, 

Sept., 1781. 

43. Eunice, b. 14 Jan., 1758; m. Thomas. 

IV. GIDEOX (14), b. 27 Nov., 1711, son of Joshua 
Baker and Marian Hurlburt; m. 1st, Lois Rogers, supposed 



BAKER FAMILIES. 159 

<lan. of Daniel Rogers; 2d, Thankful (Bliss) Tuttle, relict of 
Daniel Tuttle and dan. of Peletiah Bliss. She had one son 
by her first husband, Peletiah, who married Betsey Swaddle, 
~Nov., 1783. Gideon Baker was a farmer, and lived on the 
farm bequeathed to him by his father, and later occupied by 
his grandson, Samuel F. Baker. A few years before his 
death, 29 Jan., 1791, he conveyed by deed of gift all his real 
estate to his son, Elisha, reserving a life lease of the same. He 
died 19 Dec, 1805. His last wife died of small pox, and 
was buried on the farm where they lived. 

Children by first wife. 
41. Gideon, b. 

15. Abigail, b. about 1741; died unmarried 11 Oct., 1822. 
46. Lois, b. about 1751; m. Edward White. 
17. Marian, b. about 1757; m. Elijah Parish. 
48. Samuel, b. 

Children by second wife. 

1 ( .». Alpheus, b. 7 Oct., 17G3; died unmarried. 

50. Sabra, b. Jan., 1765; m. 1st, Joseph Chapman; 2d, 

Nathan Latimer. 

51. Lebbeus, b. 20 May, 1767; m. Mary Chapel. 

52. Lemuel, b. April, 1769; m. 1st, Bethia Comstock; 2d, 

Betsey Patten. 

53. Elisha, b. 8 Jan., 1771; m. Bathsheba Adams. 
51. Bliss, b. 22 July, 1773; m. Abagail Bolles. 

IV. JAMES (16), b. 17 March, 1714, son of Joshua 
Baker and Marian Hurlburt; m. about 1745, Dorothy Wil- 
liams, dan. of Ebenezer Williams and . He was a 
farmer, and lived on the farm bequeathed to him by his father, 
and later occupied by Lemuel Baker. The old house stood 
a few rods northwest from the present one. He sold a portion 
of the farm to his son, Josiah, in 1771, located at the southeast 
corner of his farm, on which he built a house, which was 
later occupied by Samuel W. Palmer. His will was dated 
IS :N T ov., 1788, and admitted to probate 10 Aug., 1795. He 



1(J0 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

\v;is an active business man, and held importanl offices in the 
town. She united with the climvli under the pastorate of 
Rev. David Jewett, and died 1 Oct.. L801, aged 75 years. He 
died 19 May, 1795. 

( Ihildren. 

55. Josiah, b. L3 An.-.. L746; m. Abigail Leffingwell. 

56. William, b. aboul 1 7 I s , ai id removed to Pittsfield, Mass. 

57. Lois. b. aboul L751; m. Jonathan Gilbert. 

58. Joseph, b. aboul L753, and removed to Charlton, X. Y. 

59. Lydia, b. aboul L756; m. Nathan Barber. 
.60. Eunice, b. aboul L758; m. Lebbeus Haughton. 

I\*. STEPHEN (18), b. 17 March, 1719, son of Joshua 
Baker and Marian Hurlburt; in. L3 Now. 17 1.~>, Elizabeth 
Comstock, dan. of Kingsland Comstock and . It docs 

qo1 appear where he settled and there i- no record that shows 
where he died. 

( Ihildren. 

61. Lucy, b. L3 Oct., 1746. 

i;i'. Stephen Burlburt, b. 29 Oct., L748; m. Priscilla 

He had two children, Gurdon, l». L800; Joshua, b. 

L802. He died ill service in tlie war of L812. 

• ;:;. David, b. 9 Oct.. L750. 
64. Al.ell. b. I". Jan.. 17:.:;. 
1;:,. Siblell, b. 1 ( .» Jan.. L759. 

IV. JOHN (I'm. b. L722, son of Joshua Baker 

and Marian 1 1 ml I hi it ; m. II March, 17.")!, Rachel Scovil, 
dan. of Arthur Scovil of Colchester. He probably settled in 
Colchester, as the birth of hi- children are found recorded 
there, and some of hi- descendants are still living there. 

Children. 

<;<;. John, 1). 11 April, 17:>:>. 

67. He-ire. 1.. 2:> Sept., L756. 

68. Anna. b. 2:; April, 1758. 

69. Hurlburt, 1.. 23 Dee., 1759. 

70. Rachel, b. 10 ^ T ov., 1701. 



-. 



BAKER FAMILIES. 161 

71. Elisha, b. 14 Oct., 1763. 

72. Khoda, b. 11 April, 1766. 

73. Elias, b. 14 April, 1768. 

IV. ASA (21), b. 1726, son of Joshua Baker and 

Marian Hurlburt; m. 28 Jan., 1752, Elizabeth Abel, b. 27 
Jan., 1730, second dan. of Samuel Abel and Lydia Gifford. 
She was great-granddaughter of Margaret Post. He settled 
in Norwich, where she died, 27 Dec, 1808. He died there 
30 April, 1816, aged 90 years. 

Children. 

74. Alice, b. 15 April, 1753; m. 17 May, 1774, Andrew 

Smith, and had six children: 1st, Obediah, b. 20 
Sept., 1775; 2d, Lucinda, b. 17 June, 1777; 3d, 
Lucy, b. 30 Aug., 1779; 4th, Lovice, b. 9 Jan., 
1782; 5th, Fanny, b. 25 May, 1784; 6th, Ozias, b. 
17 May, 1786. 

75. Elizabeth, b. 18 Feb., 1755; died 24 Oct., 1838, at 

Bozrah. 

76. Lydia, b. 10 Jan., 1758. 

77. Asa, b. 27 June, 1760; m. Comfort Kinney of Preston. 

78. Griswold, b. 20 Dec, 1762. 

79. Daniel Gilbert, b. 1 Aug., 1774; m. Lydia Calkins of 

Bozrah. 

V. JOSHUA (29), b. 13 Aug., 1730, son of Joshua 
Baker and Phebe Wickwire; m. Abigail Bliss, dan. of Pele- 
tiah Bliss and Sarah Harris. He settled in Montville, was 
a farmer, and lived on a farm lying about three-fourths of a 
mile south of the present Congregational Church. He died 
of small pox, 17 March, 1777, and was buried on his farm. 
She died 23 Aug., 1812. 

Children. 

80. Mary, b. 14 Xov., 1757; m. Thomas Rogers. 

81. Abigail, b. 25 April, 1760; m. David Congdon. 

82. Elizabeth, b. 21 April, 1763; m. 1st, Josiah Raymond; 

2d, Robert Manwaring. 

11 



162 HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 

83. Parthenea, b. 21 June, 1765; m. Frederick Rogers. 

84. Joshua, b. 13 Feb., 1767; m. Elizabeth Chapel. 

85. Sarah, b. 24 Feb., 1769; m. Azel Rogers. 

86. Ann Maria, b. 29 March, 1772; died num., 18 May, 

1846. 

87. Caleb, b. 17 May, 1773; died num., 1848. 

88. Oliver, b. 29 Dec., 1776; m. Amy Otis. 

V. -TARED (33), b. 1745, son of Joshua Baker 

and Phebe Wickwire; m. about 1769, Phebe Harris, dan. of 
Ephraim Harris and . He was a farmer, and oc- 

cupied the farm where his father lived, and later occupied by 
his son Daniel. He died 1822, aged 77 years. She 

died 1807, aged 60 years. 

Children. 

89. Daniel, b. 7 Nov., 1770; m. Sarah Raymond. 

90. Jared, b. 3 Jan., 177 1: m. Abigail Wither. 

V. LEBBEUS (51), b. 20 May, 1767, son of Gideon 
Baker and Thankful ( Bliss) Tnttle; m. 28 March, 1793, Mary 
Chapel, dau. of Peter Chapel and Esther Douglass. He was 
a blacksmith and a farmer, lie had a saw-mill, located on 
Alwive Brook, near where he lived, lie died 7 Nov., 1844. 
She died 5 April, 1837, aged 64 years. 

Children. 

91. Lemuel, b. 23 Dec, 1793. 

92. Charles, b. 23 Jan., 1795; died young. 

93. Lydia, b. 5 July, 1796; m. John Bush. 

94. Esther, b. 1 Nov., 171)7; m. 1st, Nathaniel Wheeler; 

2d, Rev. Augustus Bolles. >* 

95. Mary, b. 10 Sept., 1799; m. Lester Richards. 

96. Elijah P., b. 19 Feb., 1801; m. Lydia Watrous. 

97. Mercy, b. 9 Jan., 1803; m. George H. Steward. 

98. John D., b. 24 March, 1805; died unmarried. 

99. Celinda, b. 4 April, 1807; m. Lyman Ames. 

100. Emeline, b. 1 Aug., 1809; m. Ehsha Baker. 

101. Peter C, b. 13 May, 1811; m. Maria Ames. 



BAKER FAMILIES. 163 

102. Eliza D., b. 5 April, 1815; m. Anson Ames, 1st wife. 

103. Julia, b. 7 Sept., 1817; m. Anson Ames, 2d wife. 

104. Ellen M., b. 29 Sept., 1819; m. 1st, diaries Whit- 

well; 2d, Erastus Chadwick. 

V. LEMUEL (52), b. April, 1769, son of Gideon Baker 
and Thankful (Bliss) Tuttle; m. 1st, Bethia Comstock, 18 
July, 1798, dau. of Zebediah Comstock and Bethia Prentice. 
He was a farmer and house carpenter, lived on the farm for- 
merly occupied by James Baker. His first wife died 24 Dec, 
1804. He then married, Sept., 1805, Betsey Patten, dau. of 
John Patten. She died 18 March, 1840, aged 67 years. He 
died 19 Sept., 1856. 

Children by first wife. 

105. Gideon, b. 27 Aug., 1800; died young. 

106. Zebediah, b. 6 May, 1802; m. Mary Kimball. 

107. Lemuel, b. 23 April, 1804; removed to Indiana, from 

there to the South, and never more heard from. 

Children by second wife. 

108. Hiram Patten, b. 15 Feb., 1807; m. 1st, Lucy Palmer; 

2d, Nancy B. Baker. 

109. Eliza S., b. 26 Nov., 1808; m. 1st, David Holmes; 2d, 

Joshua R. Bradford, 
lit). John Gardner, b. 8 Oct., 1813; m. Emily C. Turner. 

V. ELISHA (53), b. 8 Jan., 1771, son of Gideon Baker 

and Thankful (Bliss) Tuttle; m. 16 Feb., 1800, Bathsheba 

Adams, b. 2 March, 1777, dau. of James W. Adams of Groton. 

He was a fanner, and lived on the farm conveyed to him by 

his father. He died 27 Sept., 1850. She died 22 Feb., 

1851. 

Children. 

111. John Adams, b. 17 Nov., 1800; died 2 Aug., 1839; 

unmarried. 

112. Elisha Bliss, b. 11 Dec, 1803; m. Charlotte Fox Hill. 

113. Nancy Bill, b. 4 Aug., 1805; m. Hiram P. Baker, 31 

March, 1844. 



164 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 



114. Samuel Franklin, b. 19 Jan., 1811; m. Mary Ann 

Clark; no issue. He died 17 March, 1844. She 
died 9 Oct., 1894. 

115. James Harvey, b. 19 Sept., 1816; m. Eliza Wheeler; 

had one dan., Eliza Jane, b. 
L16. Jane G., b. 16 Sept., 1818; m. John Stanton. 

117. Lyman, b. 16 Sept., 1820; m. 1st, Ann Rogers, dau. 

of Joshua; 2d, Rosanna Brown, dau. of John; 3d, 
Mary Latnrop. He settled in New London, car- 
penter; was alderman of the city at the time of his 
death in 1880. 

V. BLISS (54), b. about 1773, son of Gideon Baker 
and Thankful ( Bliss) Tuttle; m. 6 Jan., 1799, Abigail Bolles, 
dau. of Amos Bolles and Anna Gardner. He was a farmer 
and lived on the farm on which is located the famous Coche- 
u-an Rock. He died June, 1847. She died Feb., 1827. 

Children. 

118. Samuel, 1». 4 Nov., 1799; m. Rhoda Powers. 
11!). Eunice, V). 8 July, 1801; died unmarried, 
li'lt. Ames, b. 13 Oct.', 1S(>:J; m. Mary Rush. 

121. Elisha, b. 12 Nov., 1805; m. Emeline Baker. 

1 22. Gideon, 1 .. Sept., 1807 ; m. Harriet Loomis. 

V. JOSIAII (55), b. 13 Aug., 1746, son of James 
Baker and Dorothy Williams; in. 15 Nov., 1770, Abigail 
Lemngwell, dau. of Samuel Leflingwell and Betsey Baker 
(34). He was a farmer, and lived at Chesterfield. She 
died 15 April, L810. lie then married Mary Dart, lie died 
at New London. 

Children. 

123. James, b. 3 Oct., 1771; m. 

124. Lois, b. 15 Jan., 1775; m. David Turner. 

125. Mary, b. 13 July, 1781; m. James Turner. 

126. Charlotte, b. 10 Nov., 1783; m. Isaac Whipple. 

127. Abigail, b. 26 July, 1789; m. James Reed. 

128. Betsey, b. 6 Oct., 1793; died young. 

129. Josiah L., b. 20 Oct., 1794; m. Delia Edmonds. 



BAKER FAMILIES. 165 

VI. JOSHUA (84), b. 13 Feb., 1767, son of Joshua 

Baker and Abigail Bliss; m. 17 Feb., 1792, Elizabeth Chapel, 

b. 1772, dan. of Atwell Chapel and Johanna Hill. He 

was a farmer, and occupied the farm formerly belonging to his 

father-in-law. He died 10 July, 1856. She died 18 Oct., 

1849. 

Children. 

130. Joshua, b. 17 Feb., 1703; m. Almira Fitch. 

131. Erastus, b. 17 June, 1704; m. Anna O. Baker. 

132. Abby, b. 22 April, 1707; died unmarried 21 March, 

1874. 

133. Eliza, b. 31 Jan., 1803; died unmarried 5 Oct., 1873. 

134. Mercy Ann, b. 7 June, 1805; m. Samuel Selden Har- 

ris. She died 20 May, 1880. He died 5 Aug., 
1882. No issue. 

VI. OLIVEK (88), b. 20 Dec, 1776, son of Joshua 
Baker and Abigail Bliss; m. 23 Oct., 1802, Amy Otis, dan. 
of Nathaniel Otis and Amy Gardner. He was a carpenter 
and farmer. He built the house in which he lived in 1803, 
on land he purchased of Elizabeth Hillhouse, widow of John 
G. Hillhouse, it being a portion of the Samuel Gilbert farm, 
which was conveyed to Gilbert's wife by her father, Samuel 
Rogers. He worked on the Uncasville factory at the time of 
its erection, and purchased a considerable of the timber. He 
died 13 Dec, 1844. She died 23 May, 1873. 

Children. 

135. Anna Otis, b. IS March, 1803; m. Erastus Baker. 

136. Abishai Alden, b. 20 Feb., 1804; m. Mary G. Keeney. 

137. Marinette, b. 18 April, 1805; died 11 May, 1810. 

138. Oliver Gardner, b. 17 Sept., 1807; m. Emeline Lewis. 
130. Edwin Bliss, b. 10 Aug., 1811; m. Eliza Thomas. 
140. Henrv Augustus, b. 20 Oct., 1823; m. Hannah Fox 

Schomeld. 

VI. DANIEL (80), b. 7 Nov., 1770, son of Jared Baker 
and Phebe Harris; m. 27 June, 1707, Sarah Raymond, dau. 



166 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

of John Raymond and Elizabeth Griswold. lie was a fanner, 
and lived on the farm formerly occupied by his father and 
afterwards by his daughter, Mary Ann, who married Joseph 
Chappell. He died 23 Aug., 1851. She died 20 April, 

1855. 

Children. 

141. George Griswold, b. 19 Dec, 1798; in. Mary Ann 

Crane. 

142. Mary Ann, b. 24 April, 1800; m. Joseph Chappell. 
14)5. Sarah Raymond, b. L2 March, 1802; m. Ira Vincent. 

144. Giles Turner, b. 4 Jan., 1804; m. Settled in Ohio. 

145. Martha Scholfield, b. 18 Oct., 180G; m. Samuel Vin- 

cent. 

146. Hannah L, b. 2 Jan., 1808; died unmarried, 31 Aug., 

1845. 

147. Daniel Albert, b. 6 Sept., 1810; m. . Settled 

in Ohio. 

148. William Henry, b. 23 Sept., 1816; m. Maria L. Brom- 

ley. 

VI. JARKI) (90), b. Jan. 3, 1774, son of Jared Baker 
and Phebe Harris; m. Abigail Wither, dan. of Amasa Wither. 
He was a farmer, and settled at Pomfret, Conn., where he 
died 28 Oct., 1852. She died May, 1853, aged 83 years. 

Children. 

149. Lyman, b. 11 May, 1794; died 23 April, 1814, at Mid- 

dle town, Conn. 

150. Phebe, b. 4 March, 1797; m. Samuel White of Pom- 

fret 

151. Abigail, b. 22 Feb., 1799; m. Ebenezer Barret 

152. Marion, b. 19 Aug., 1801; m. 1st, Sarah Adgate; 2d, 

Rebecca Brownell. 

153. Cyrus, b. 29 May, 1804; m. Ruth X. French, b. 9 Jan., 

1816; had one dau., Harriet, b. 4 Oct., 1841; m. 
George M. Hayden. 

154. Jared, b. 7 Sept., 1813; died unmarried. 

VI. PETER C. (101), b. 13 May, 1811, son of Lebbeus 
Baker and Mary Chapel, m. 2 Xov., 1834, Maria Ames, b. 2 



BAKER FAMILIES. 167 

Nov., 1805, dau. of Jonathan Ames. He was a blacksmith 
and farmer. He settled first in Montville, and then removed 
to Waterford, where he died. 

Children. 

155. Abby E., b. 23 Aug., 1835; m. Conrtland C. Daniels. 

156. Jonathan A., b. 9 May, 1838; m. 1st, Maria Lee; 2d, 

Esther Chapel. 

157. Amelia, b. 11 Feb., 1840. 

158. Sarah D., b. 21 Nov., 1816; m. 1st, Alfred - -; 

2d, Robert E. Dart. 

VI. ZEBEDIAH (116), b. 6 May, 1802, son of Lemuel 
Baker and Berthia Comstock; m. 11 May, 1823, Mary Kim- 
ball. 

Children. 

159. Mary, b. about 1824; died young. 

160. Charlotte, b. about 1827; m. John Dickerson; had 

Emma, b. 1848; George, b. 1863. 

VI. HIRAM PATTEN (108), b. 15 Feb., 1807, son of 
Lemuel Baker and Betsey Patten; m. 10 Oct., 1831, Lucy 
Palmer, dau. of Samuel Palmer and Thankful Clark. He 
was a farmer, and taught district schools in the winter terms 
in his native town and adjoining towns. He held many town 
offices, was energetic in all matters of business. He was 
greatly respected by his fellow citizens for his integrity and 
business qualifications. At the time gold was first discovered 
in California in 1848, he was among the many who went 
from the East to seek their fortunes. He was a member of 
the Congregational Church at Montville Center, and a faith- 
ful attendant on divine worship. He lived on the farm later 
occupied by James Harvey Baker. She died 26 Feb., 1843. 
He then m. 24 March, 1844, his cousin, Nancy B. Baker. 
He died 25 Nov., 1871. She died 12 July, 1883. 

Children. 

161. Anoson Gleason, b. 27 Aug., 1832; m. 1st, 28 Aug., 

1853, Clarrissa S. Rogers, and had Hiram A., b. 1 



Igg HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 

June, 1857, and Lucy E., b. 4 Juno, 1859; 2d, Emily 
( !. Whipple, 30 Sept., 1865. 

162. Albert Nelson, b. 26 July, 1834; died young. 

163. Ellen Maria, b. 2 April, 1837; m. Stephen C. Parker 

and had James A., b. 15 Sept., 1869, and Julian 
B., b. 9 March, 1876. 

VI. JOHN GARDNER (110), b. 8 Oct., 1813, son of 
Lemuel Baker and Betsey Patten; m. 27 Jan., 1839, Emily C. 
Turner, dau. of Isaac Turner and Esther Comstock. He was 
a farmer and house carpenter. He settled in Montville, and 
occupied the farm on which his father lived. He built a new 
dwelling on the farm. Remaining there a few years, he sold 
and removed to Norwich. He afterwards returned to Mont- 
ville, and built a house near Comstock's Wharf, where he 
resided until his death, 7 June, 1888. She -lied there 10 

Xov., 1894. 

Children. 

164. Emma Theresa, b. 11 Nov., i839; died 11 Feb., 1857. 
L65. Eliza Bradford, 1>. 11 April, 1851; died 25 Jan., 1856. 
L66. John Turner, b. 25 April, 1857; m. Effie Coggshall. 

VI. ELISIIA BLISS (112), b. 11 Dec, 1803, son of 
Elisha Baker and Bathsheba Adams; m. 1 May, 1832, Char- 
lotte Fox Hill, dau. of Dea. Charles Hill and Sybel Fox. 
lie was captain of a Now York pilot boat, and lived in Brook- 
lyn, X. Y., where he died of small pox, contracted on board 
of a ship which he was piloting into the harbor, 8 March, 
1856. She was living on the old homestead of her father at 
Montville in 1896. 

Children. 

167. Abby, b. 28 Nov., 1833; died 3 Jan., 1859, unm. 

168. Annie, b. 1 Sept., 1835; died 28 Oct., 1873; unm. 

169. Fannie A., b. 26 Sept., 1836; m. Joseph H. Richards 

of Brooklyn, N. Y., 22 April, 1857, and had four 
sons and one daughter, Joseph Addison, Paul, Her- 
bert Taft, Theodore Tilton, Grace. 



BAKER FAMILIES. 169 

170. Charles, b. 9 Oct., 1838; m. 11 Nov., 1863, Louisa 

Kingsley, daughter of Charles Kingsley. He died 
at New York, 20 Dec., 1880, leaving two children, 
Alary Louisa, and Florence. 

VI. ELISHA (121), b. 12 Nov., 1805, son of Bliss Ba- 
ker and Abigail Bolles; m. 1 March, 1832, Emeline Baker, 
dan. of Lebbeus Baker and Mary Chapel. He was a farmer, 
and occupied the old homestead until the death of his son 
Charles, then removed to Palmertown. He died 5 Jan., 
1880. She died 26 Feb., 1878. 

Children. 

171. Louisa Annette, b. 14 Jan., 1833; died 5 Oct., 1860. 

172. Sabra Emeline, b. 26 May, 1834; m. Oscar Comstock. 

173. Sarah Elizabeth, b. 3 Oct., 1835. 

174. Daniel Webster, b. 28 March, 1837; died 28 April, 

1854. 

175. Charles Edwin, b. 17 June, 1838; m. Susan A. Henry. 

176. Henry Harrison, b. 17 Dec, 1840. 

177. Harriet Lucretia, b. 15 June, 1843; m. Joseph Pierce. 

178. David Holmes, b. 5 Sept., 1844. 

179. Augustus Emerson, b. 3 Nov., 1847. 

180. Mary Abbie, b. 26 Aug., 1849. 

181. Frank Eugene, b. 3 June, 1851. 

VII. ERASTUS (131), b. June, 1794, son of Joshua 
Baker and Elizabeth Chapel; m. 26 Nov., 1827, Anna Otis 
Baker, dan. of Oliver Baker and Amy Otis. He was a farmer 
and first occupied a farm adjoining his father's. He afterwards 
bought the farm owned by his uncle, Caleb Baker, near the 
Congregational church, where he died, 19 June, 1855. She 
lived with her son, Joshua Dwight, until the sale of the farm 
in 1883. She then built a new house on the opposite side 
of the highway and lived with her daughter Marinett. She 
died there 23 Aug., 1886. 



170 HISTORY OF MOXTVILLE. 

Children. 

182. Joshua Dwight, b. 23 Jan., 1830; m. Florence Otis. 

183. Marinett, b. 25 Sept., 1831; m. Otis Kelsey, and had 

one son, I >wight, b. 2 Aug., 1869. She died Sept., 

1888. 

VII. ABISHAI ALDEN (136), b. 20 Feb., 1801, son 
of Oliver Baker and Amy Otis; m. 24 May. L829, Mary G. 
Keeney, dan. of William Keeney and .Mary Oorton of Col- 
chester. He was a farmer and school teacher. Settled first 
at Montville. He removed to Colchester and engaged in the 
book business. He went to Lexington, Ky., where lie died 
31 Dec, 1838. She died at Colchester, 30 dan., 1881. 

Children. 

184. William Edwin, b. at Montville 21 Oct., 1830; m. 

Mary A. Smith, IT Dec, 1857, dan. of Thomas H. 
Smith of ( lolchester. He settled in Hartford, where 
he is engaged in the tire insurance business, and 
has two children, Gertrude KUen, b. 2S dam, I860, 
and George William, b. 13 April, 1868. 

185. Abishai Alden. b. at Montville 26 July, L835; m. Mar- 

garel Worthington of Colchester. He was early 
engaged with bis brother William in the sale of 
county maps. He settled at Colchester, and was 
for several years teacher in Bacon Academy. He 
is a deacon in the Congregational church, much re- 
spected and esteemed by bis fellow townsmen. He 
has two children', Arthur and Libia-. Arthur 
married A. Luilla Kimball of Nashua. X. II., 7 
Feb., 1884; had Charles Alfred, b. 16 April, 1893, 
and Kimball Alden, b. 19 April, 1895. Lillius m. 
Edward T. Bunyan of Delaware, Ohio, 1 March, 
1803; had Margaret Frances, b. 16 March, 1894, 
and William Worthington, b. 19 April, 1896. 

YIT. EDWIN BLISS (139), b. 10 Aug., 1811, son of 
Oliver Baker and Amy Otis; m. 18 Sept., 1839, Eliza J. 
Thomas, dau. of Charles Thomas and Frances Nevins of Nor- 
wich. He entered the mercantile business as clerk for Henry 
A. Richards at Uncasville when twelve years of age, remain- 



BAKER FAMILIES. 171 

ing about two years. He then entered school at Bacon Acad- 
emy, Colchester, was there about two years, and then en- 
gaged as a clerk for Backus & Norton, in the wholesale grocery 
business at Norwich, Conn., where he remained until the fall 
of 1834, when he went to Natchez, Miss. At first he was 
general clerk, but afterwards went into the wholesale business 
of plantation supplies. He continued in the business until 
a few years before his death. His wife died at Natchez, 18 
April, 1891. He died there 14 Dec, 1893. 

Children. 

186. Edwin Backus, b. at Natchez 22 June, 1840; m. Mary 

Cardino and had three children. He was a soldier 
in the Confederate army, and died a few years after 
the close of the war. 

187. Thomas Otis, b. at Natchez 14 March, 1844; living in 

1896. 

188. Stephen Duncan, b. at Natchez 25 Aug., 1855; living 

in 1896. 

189. Charles Oliver, b. at Natchez 23 Dec, 1856; died 

young. 

VII. HENRY AUGUSTUS (140), b. 29 Oct., 1823, 
son of Oliver Baker and Amy Otis; m. 18 May, 1846, Han- 
nah Fox Scholfield, dan. of Joseph Scholfield and Mercy New- 
berry. Settled in Montville, first on the homestead, was a 
farmer, remained there until the death of his mother in 1873, 
when he removed to a place near Scholfield's Mills. He held 
the office of probate judge from 1860 to 1862, was re-elected 
in 1867, and held the office until January 1, 1889. He also 
held the office of town clerk of Montville twenty -five years. 
His wife died 18 May, 1892. 

Children. 

190. Oliver Augustus, b. 5 July, 1847; died 2 Dec, 1853. 

191. Charles Lester, b. 5 March, 1850; died 23 Sept., 1854. 

192. John Eranklin, b. 31 March, 1855; died 5 June, 1855. 

193. William Henry, b. 19 Oct., 1856. 

194. Anna Alma, b. 1 Oct., 1866; m. George H. Bradford; 

has one dau., Jessie Arlean, b. 



172 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Dr. GEOKGE GEISWOLD (141), b. 10 Doc, 1798, 
-on of Daniel Baker and Sarah Raymond; m. Mary Ann 
Crane. ITo was a physician. A graduate of Bowdoin Col- 
lege, Maine, in the class of 1822. Settled first in Xorwalk, 
Ohio, where he practiced medicine, a physician of consider- 
able note II«- received an appointment as minister to Italy 
under the administration of President Lincoln, and accepta- 
bly filled the office during that administration. 

Dr. Baker returned t<> his native State about 1870, and 
settled in Norwich, where he purchased a house on Laurel Hill, 
where he lived until his death, April 20, 1877. His wife 
survived him. and died at Salisbury, Conn., April 30, 1880, 
aged 72 years and months, at which time she was visiting 
with friends. During her life, her acts of benevolence, which 
were always generous, were so quietly accomplished that often 
only the recipient of her kindly gift- knew of them, or the 
spirit that prompted them. 

They had hut one child, a daughter, Sarah, b. about 1829. 
She was a beautiful girl, and no pains were -pared in the be- 
stowing of a liberal education upon her. She was the idol 
of hei' parents, and her early death was a severe affliction to 
both her parents. She died Id Aug., 1849, at the age of 
about 20 years. 

The following lines were written by her mother, while 
crossing the ocean from Xew York to Europe on the fourth 
anniversary of her death, Aug. 16, 1853: 

" Sad are the inem'ries of that day 
When thou, so young, so bright and gay. 
So full of hope, was torn away. 

My daughter. 

" So dire and sudden was the stroke 
My heart almost In anguish broke, 

Thus quickly severed from my only hope. 
My daughter. 



BAKER FAMILIES. 173 

" Long hours I gazed upon thy face, 
So cairn and still in death's embrace. 
Nor could a ray of comfort trace. 
My daughter. 

•' That form and face and forehead fair, 
Those folded hands and glossy hair, 

Were all the same — hut thou not there, 
My daughter. 

" My head was bowed in speechless gloom 
To see thee thus in beauty's bloom 
Laid low, and mantled for the tomb, 
My daughter. 

" Thy dying words, so full of love, 
Did not one hope of solace prove, 
Nor could I lift my heart above, 

Dear daughter. 

"The one dread thought that thou wast dead. 
Did more than banish all thou said 
To soothe me on thy dying bed, 

Dear daughter. 

" I tried, but all in vain, to pray. 
For faith and hope both fled away 
And left me, on thy dying day. 

Dear daughter. 

" A stricken, torn, and withered leaf, 
I sat alone in tearless grief, 

Nor scarcely sought or wished relief. 
Dear daughter. 

" Then sleep o'ercame my racking brain 

And aching heart, and in my dream 

I held thee in my arms again, 

Dear daughter. 

" And listened to thy loving voice 
That always made my heart rejoice ; 
Now it spoke of the better choice, 
My daughter. 

' ' Good bye. for I am dying now. 
Another kiss upon thy brow. 

Good bye, thou lov'st me. I know. 
Dear mother. 



174 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

" ' It comforts me, as here I lie 
Upon this bed, so near to die, 
To think of all our love and joy. 

Dear mother. 

" ' Thou'lt think of me when I'm jione, 
And grieve thai I no more return 
To share the joys of our loved home, 
My mother. 

'•'Hut there's a better homo than this — 

A home of joy, where all is bliss — 

A home of love, where .lesns is, 

Dear mother. 

"'I know I'm vile, am all depraved : 

But then I have his pardon craved. 
1 do believe I shall be saved. 

Dear mother. 

" ' 1 cannot say I lonj. r to die. 

Nor leave you all without a sijrh, 
'Tis hard to say the last good bye, 
Dear mother. 

" ' But God has spoken, his will be done. 
I shall not see another sun. 
My days have now their circle run, 
My mother. 

" ' Let not your heart in sorrow break, 
That God doth now your darling take, 
I'm- you must live for father's sake. 

Dear mother. 

" ' And dow one kiss for father dear, 
Oh, how I wish that he were here ! 
Tell him from me to meet me there, 
My mother. 

" ' Just turn my face toward the door ; 
He yet may come before 'tis o'er, 
And we three meet on earth once more, 
My mother. 

" ' I seem to think that he is nigh, 
I long to see him 'fore I die, 
And kiss him once, and say good bye, 
Dear father. 



BAKER FAMILIES. 175 

I'm dying now — 'tis well — good bye. 
I soon shall be beyond the sky. 
And you will meet me there on high, 
My mother. 

Still live in hope and humble prayer, 
Be father's welfare now thy care ; 
And tell him, sure, to meet me there, 
Dear mother.' 

Those precious words were not a dream. 
No passing thought, or fancy's gleam, 
But from thy filial lips they came, 

My daughter. 

Within the inner heart of mine 
I'll treasure long those words of thine, 
That spoke such love and peace divine. 
Dear daughter. 

In faith and hope and humble prayer, 
Thy last request shall be my care, 
And still I'll trust we'll meet thee there. 
Our daughter." 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 

JAMES ROGERS the first came to America in the ship 
"Increase," from London, in England, in 1635, at the age 
of twenty years. Ho is first known at Stratford, Xew Ha- 
ven county, where lie married Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel 
Rowland, 'nicy afterwards removed to Milford, where his 
wife united with the Rev. Mr. Prnddeirs church, in 1045, and 
lie in 1652. Their children were baptized at Milford. Mr. 
Rogers had dealings in Xew London in 1G5G, and, liking it as 
a place of business, fixed himself permanently as an inhabit- 
ant of the plantation there, previous to 1660. Here he soon 
achieved property and influence, and was much engaged, both 
in the civil and ecclesiastical affairs of the place, lie was six 
times elected 7-epresentative to the general court. 

Governor Winthrop had encouraged his settling in New 
London, and accommodated him with a portion of his owe 
house lot next the mill, which was afterwards leased to him. 
On this lot Mr. Rogers built a dwel ling-house of stone. He 
was a baker, and carried on the business on a large scale, 
often furnishing biscuit for seamen and the colonial troops, 
and between the years 1661 and 1670 had a greater interest 
in the trade of that post than any other person in the place. 

His landed possessions became very extensive, consisting 
of several hundred acres on the Great Neck, a tract of land 
at Mohegan at the place called Pamechog, now called Massa- 
peag, several house lots in town, and twenty-four hundred 
acres on the east side of the river, which was held in partner- 
ship with Colonel Pyncheon of Springfield. 

James Rogers, the ancestor of a great throng of descend- 
ants, was an upright and circumspect man. At his first set- 
tlement in New London, both himself and his wife united 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 177 

with Mr. Bradstreet's church. They, however, after a few 
years, became dissenters in some sort from the established Con- 
gregational church and joined the Sabbatarians, and were 
afterwards called Quakers. 

There is no account of any dealings with him and his 
wife on account of their secession from the church. Of his 
latter years, little is known. Mr. Rogers was born about 
1615, and is supposed to be the son of Rev. John Rogers of 
Dedham, in England, who died in 1636, and his descendants 
hold to a tradition that he was the grandson of the Rev. John 
Rogers of London, who was burned at the stake in Smithneld 
in 1555, during the reign of " bloody " Queen Mary. Recent 
genealogical researches have, however, thrown much doubt as 
to this lineal connection of this stock of Rogers with that of the 
martyr. 

James Rogers died at New London in February, 1687-8, 
when the government of Sir Edmund Andros was paramount 
in New England. His will was therefore proved in Boston. 
The first settlement of the estate was entirely harmonious. 
The children, in accordance with his earnest request, made 
an amicable division of the estate, which was sanctioned by 
the general court, May 12, 1692. 



Child 



ren. 



2. Samuel, b. at Stratford 12 Dec, 1640; m. 17 Nov., 

1661, Mary Stanton, dan. of Thomas Stanton. 

3. Joseph, b. at Stratford 11 May, 1616; m. about 1671, 

Sarah . 

1. John, b. at Stratford 1 Dec, 1618; m. 17 Oct., 1670, 
Elizabeth Griswold, dan. of Mathew Griswold. 

5. Bathsheba, b. at Stratford 30 Dec, 1650; m. 1 March 

1669-70, 1st, Richard Smith; 2d, Samuel Eox. 

6. James, b. at Milford 15 Feb., 1652; m. 5 Nov., 1671, 

Mary Jordan, dan. of Jeffrey Jordan. 

7. Jonathan, b. probably at Milford 31 Dec, 1655; m. 

Naomi Burdick, dan. of Elder Burdick of New- 
port, R. I. 

12 



178 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

8. Elizabeth, b. probably at New London 15 April, 1658; 

m. Samuel Beeby. 

II. SAMUEL (2), b. 12 Dec, 1640, eldest son of James 
Rogers and Elizabeth Rowland; married 17 Oct., 1604, Mary, 
daughter of Thomas Stanton and Ann Lord, daughter of 
Thomas Lord of Hartford. The parents of these two parties 
entered into a formal contract, each pledging £200 as a mar- 
riage portion to the couple. James Rogers, the father of 
Samuel, in fulfillment of his part of the contract, conveyed 
to his son his stone house and bakery at the head of Winthrop's 
Cove, where the couple commenced housekeeping. They 
lived here only a few years, ami removed to the outlands of 
the town in the vicinity of the Mohegan tribe of Indians, 
and became the first English settlers within the present limits 
of the town of Montville. He was twice married, as appears 
by his last will, executed Dec. 8, 1712, in which he gives " his 
beloved wife Johanna all she need-." He died 1 Dec, 1713, 
and was buried in the Old Rogers Burying Ground on the 
farm where he then lived, and which was afterwards owned 
by Oliver Baker. 

Children. 

9. Daniel, b. probably at New London about L665; m. in 

1702, Grace, dan. of Thomas Williams. 

10. Mary,!), at New London April. L667; m. 2 Oct., 1684, 

Samuel Gilbert. 

11. Samuel, b. at Xew London Dec., L669; m. 16 Jan., 

1694, Abigail, dan. of John Plumb. 

12. Elizabeth, b. at Xew London 8 May, 1673; m. Asa Har- 

ris. 

13. Sarah, b. at Xew London 9 Aug., 1676; in. 10 May, 

1710, James Harris. 

14. Jonathan, b. at Xew London 1680; m. 1708, Elizabeth, 

dau. of Joseph Pemberton. 

II. JOSEPH (3), b. 14 May, 1646, second son of James 
Rogers and Elizabeth Rowland; married about 1671 Sarah 
. He first lived on a town plot in Xew London and 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 179 

afterwards removed to the farm given him by bis father at 
Great Neck. He is supposed to have died about 1697. 

Children. 

15. James, b. at New London about 1672; m. 27 March, 

1699, Sarah Stevens of Killing-worth, Conn. 

16. Samuel, b. at New London about 1673. Settled at 

Branford. 

17. John, b. at New London 20 March, 1675; m. Deborah 

Brighton. 

18. Jonathan, b. at New London ; m. Alice . 

19. Rowland, b. at New London about 1680; m. Mary 

20. Eliza, b. at New London; m. Chapman. 

21. Sarah, b. at New London; m. Williams. 

22. Bathsheba, b. at New London; m. 29 April, 1725, Ga- 

brel Harris. 

II. JOHN (1), b. 1 Dec, 1618, third son of James 
Rogers and Elizabeth Rowland; m. 17 Oct., 1670, Eliza- 
beth, daughter of Mathew Griswold. The rite of marriage 
was performed by the father of the bride, and accompanied 
with the formality of a written contract and dowry, the hus- 
band settling his farm at upper Mamacock upon the wife in 
case of his death or separation from her during life. This 
farm was situated about two miles north of New London, on 
the Thames river. In May, 1675, after having two children 
born to them, she applied to the General Court for a divorce, 
grounding her petition not only upon the heterodoxy of her 
husband (that of being a Quaker), but upon certain alleged 
immoralities. The court, after the delay of nearly a year and 
a half, granted her petition, but in less than two years she 
was married again. This marriage was to Peter Pratt, 5 
Aug., 1679. She had by him one son, Peter. Her second 
husband, Peter Pratt, died 21 March, 1688, and shortly after- 
wards she married a third husband, Mathew Beckwith, 2d, 
by whom she had one daughter, Grisell. Elizabeth Gris- 
wold, the wife of three husbands, died in 1727. 



180 HISTORY OF MONTVILL.E. 

Mr. Rogers was greatly incensed at the decision of the 
court in granting a divorce to his wife. He lived a single 
life about twenty-five years, and then married himself to 
Mary Ransford. She is reported to have been a servant, 
whom he had bought, and probably of the class of persons 
then called Redemptionists. Mr. Rogers would not be united 
in the marriage rite by any minister or magistrate, and pro- 
posed to ln's intended thai both go in to the county court room 
while the court was in session, and there publicly declare 
their marriage intentions, which proposal was agreed to by 
the intended. He, leading the bride by the hand, entered 
into the presence of the assembled court, and there requested 
the whole assembly to take notice that he took the woman 
he held by the hand to be his lawful wife, the bride also as- 
senting. This connection was, however, an unhappy one, 
violent quarrels afterwards arising between the reputed wife 
and the youngest son of Mr. Rogers. To preserve peace 
and quiet, the law in several instances was invoked. The 
elder Rogers himself was compelled to apply to the court 
for assistance in quelling their domestic broils. 

In 170.'!, upon the presentation of the grand jury, the 
court summoned the reputed wife of John Etogers, Sr., be- 
fore them, declaring her marriage invalid, and sentenced her 
to pay a fine of forty shillings or receive ten -tripes, and pro- 
hibited her return to her reputed husband under still heavier 
penalties. Upon receiving the sentence she came around to 
the side of the court, acknowledged her marriage illegal, cast 
off the protection and authority of Rogers and refused to re- 
gard him as her husband. Soon after this she escaped from 
the confinement in which she had been placed by order of 
the court and fled to Block Island, leaving her two children by 
Rogers with him. She was afterwards married to Robert 
Jones of Block Island. 

In 1714, John Rogers was again married to Widow Sarah 
Cole of Oyster Bay, L. L, the ceremony being performed in 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 181 

the State of Eliode Island. With this connection there was 
no trouble. He died of small pox 17 Oct., 1721, and was 
buried upon the bank of the Thames Kiver within the bounds 
of his Mam acock farm, where he had set aside a place for a 
family sepuldher. 

Children by first wife. 

23. Elizabeth, b. in New London 8 Nov., 1671 ; m. Stephen 

Prentice. 

24. John, b. at New London 20 March, 1674; m. Bath- 

sheba, dau. of Richard Smith. 

Children by second marriage. 

25. Gershon, b. at New London 24 Feb., 1699 ; died at sea. 

26. Mary, b. at New London 6 March, 1702; m. John 

Hobbs. She died 5 Oct., 1781, leaving two chil- 
dren, James, b. 3 Oct., 1721; Jonathan, b. Aug., 
1723. 

LT. JAMES (6), b. 15 Feb., 1652, fourth son of James 
Rogers -and Elizabeth Rowland; married 5 Nov., 1674, Mary, 
daughter of JefTery Jordan. According to tradition, Mr. 
Rogers was in command of a vessel in which a number of 
persons called Redemptionists were brought over from Eng- 
land ; among that number was a family by the name of Jordan. 
On their arrival he became the purchaser of the eldest daugh- 
ter, Mary, and made her his wife. In after years he was often 
heard to say " it was the richest cargo he ever shipped, and 
the best bargain he ever made." He became a dissenter as 
well as his father and all his brothers, except Samuel, from the 
established church. The origin of their dissent is supposed to 
be through an intercourse which began in the way of trade 
with the Seventh-day Baptists of Rhode Island. James 
Rogers, Jr., was the first to embrace the Sabbatarian princi- 
ples. He was baptized and united with that sect in 1674. 

He died Nov. 8, 1713. 

Children. 

27. James, b. at New London 2 Feb., 1675; m. Elizabeth 

Harris. 



182 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

28. Mary, b. at X. L. about 1676; m. Prentis. 

29. Elizabeth, b. at X. L. about 1680; died young. 

30. Sarah, b. at X. L. 23 Nov., Hisi'; m . Jonathan Eaynes. 

31. Samuel, b. at X. I,. 3 March, 1685. 

32. Jonathan, b. at X. L. 13 April, 1687. 

33. Richard, b. a! X. L. 1689; m. in 1710 Mary Raymond. 

34. William, b. at X. L. 10 May, 1693; m. Elizabeth, 

dan. of Samuel Earris, b. 7 May, 1690. 

II. JONATHAN (7), 1.. ::i Doe., 1655, fifth son of 
James Rogers and Elizabeth Rowland; m. Naomi, daughter 
of Elder Burdict of Newport, R. I. Elder Burdick was ;i 
Seventh-day Baptisl minister. Mr. Rogers was drowned 
at Gull Island in 1697, aged 42 years. 

( Ihildren. 

35. Ruth, b. li'>7 s ; in. her cousin, William Beebe. 

36. Elizabeth, b. 1681; m. James Smith, son of Richard 

Smith and I !athsheba Rogers I 5 ). 
:;7. Naomi, b. 1686; m. 7 Feb., 1707, Benjamin Fox, and 
had children, Benjamin, Stephen, Daniel, Hannah, 
Margaret, Naomi, and Tacy. 

38. Content, b. 1688; m. Jonathan Maxson of Westerly. 

39. Jonathan, b. 1690; m. Judith - — . 

40. Rachel, b. 1692; m. Samuel Fox, 2d. 

11. Catherine, b. 1694; m. William Brookfield. 

III. DANIEL (9), b. about 1655, oldest son of Sam- 
uel Rogers and Mary Stanton; m. in 1702, Grace, daughter 
of Thomas Williams. He was a fanner, and inherited a 
large tract of land in North Parish of New London, now 
Montville, from his father. He from time to time purchased 
other lands in the vicinity. Several deed- of land to him 
are now in the possession of his descendants, dating from 1727, 
and running down to 1705. Also deeds from him to his 
sons. One of the latter is dated January 24, 1753, to his 
son Thomas. One dated April 16, 1771, in which " for the 
c< msideration of love, good will, and fatherly affection, I have 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 183 

and do bear unto my well beloved sons Alplieus Rogers and 
Thomas Rogers " lie conveys to them certain tracts of land 
near where he then lived and included the homestead. The 
house in which he lived at the time of his death stood on the 
south side of the highway leading from the Congregational 
meeting-house in Montville to Ilaughton's Cove, a short 
distance south of the present residence of A. A. Parker, Esq. 
He died about 1771, aged one hundred and five years. Tra- 
dition says " that his appearance in the last years of his life 
was that of a venerable old man, his long gray hair covering 
his shoulders, and when seen in the field without a hat upon 
his head, which was his usual custom, he had the appearance 
of an old prophet." 

Children. 

42. Grace, b. at North Parish about 1703; m. 14 Nov., 

1728, Elisha Myrick. 

43. Mary, b. at North Parish about 1705; m. 25 May, 

1728, Thomas Bolles. 

44. Daniel, b. at North Parish about 1708; m. 26 July, 

1738, Sarah Williams, probably a cousin. 

45. Alphens, b. at North Parish about ; m. 31 Jan., 

1745, Delight, dan. of James Harris (4). 

46. Thomas, b. at North Parish; m. 7 April, 1751, Sarah, 

dan. of Adonijah Pitch. 

III. SAMUEL (11), b. Dec, 1669, second son of Sam- 
uel Rogers and Mary Stanton; m. 16 Jan., 1694, Abigail, dau. 
of John Plumb. He was a fanner, and lived in the west 
part of North Parish, in the present town of Salem. 

Children. 

47. Anna, b. at N. L. 24 April, 1698; m. Samuel Gilbert. 

48. Abigail, bap. at N. L. 8 Dec, 1700. 

49. Samuel, bap. at N. L. 10 May, 1702; m. 1730 Lucy 

Denison. 

50. Mary, b. at N. L. 17 Dec, 1704; m. Asa Harris of 

Preston, Conn. 

51. Thomas, bap. at N. L. 3 May, 1707. 



184 HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 

52. Jonathan, b. at X. L. 

53. Daniel, b. at K L. 

54. George, bap. at K L. 28 May, 171 0. 

55. Mercy, Lap. at K L. 13 July, 171 1. 

ITT. JONATHAN (14), b. about 1680, youngest son 

of Samuel Rogers ami Mary Stanton; in. in L708, Elizabeth, 
daughter of Joseph Pemberton. He was a fanner, and owned 
the farm on which he lived, located near the village of Un- 
casville, in M« mt \i lie 

Children. 

56. Dorothy, b. at New London 8 Sept., 1709. 

57. Elizabeth, b. at X. L LO Sept., 1711. 

58. James, b. at X. L. 20 Jan., 1713; m. Susanna Cong- 

don. 

59. Joseph, 1). at N. L. 11 Aug., L716; m. Martha Cong- 

don. 

60. Mary, 1». at N. L. 18 July, 1718; unmarried in 1760. 

61. Hepsibah, b. ; m. Pemberton Baker. 
i'>2. Lvdia, h. ; m. Caleb Morgan. 

63. Juba, b. 

64. Sarah, b. ; m. Chaniplin. 

III. JAMES (15), b. about 1672, eldest son of Joseph 
Roger- and Sarah ; married 27 March, 1699, Sarah 

Steven- of Killing-worth, Conn. ITc died 21 July, 1721. 
She died 4 Jan., LT52. 

Children. 

65. Sarah, b. at X. L. 12 May. 1700; m. Mathew Smith. 

66. Anna, b. at X. L. 27 Nov., 1 To 1 ; m . Jonathan Weeks. 

67. Mary, b. ; m. Joseph Leach. 

68. Abia, b. 28 March, 1708; m. Ebenezer Darrow. 

69. Hannah, b. 3 Aug., 1710; m. K/.ekiel Beebe. 

70. Zariah, b. 11 Sept., 1712; m. Samuel Powers. 

71. Priscilla, b. 8 Feb., 1715; m. Jonathan Leach. 

72. James, b. 6 July, 1717; m. Mehitable Newberry. 

III. JOHN (17), b. 20 March, 1675, third son of Jo- 
seph Rogers and Sarah ; married 1 Feb., 1718, De- 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 185 

borah Brighton. lie received from his father's estate, thir- 
ty-four acres of land, a house and orchard near New London. 
He died in 1739. 

Children. 

73. Joseph, b. 16 Sept., 1720. 

74. John, b. 6 Aug., 1722; m. Ann Tinker. 

75. Deborah, b. 1725; m. 6 Dec, 1716, Moses Stark. 

76. Catherine, b. 1728. 

77. Rowland, b. 23 April, 1732; m. . Moved 

to Nova Scotia. He was a Tory. 

78. Lucy, b. 1737; died young. 

III. ROWLAND (19), b. about 1680, fifth son of Jo- 
seph Rogers and Sarah ; married about 1708, Mary 

. He was a farmer, and settled in Lyme on a farm 

given him by his father. He died in 1712. 

Children. 

79. Eziber, b. 

80. Joshua, b. 10 Sept., 1711; m. Experience . 

III. JOHN (24), b. 20 March, 1694, eldest son of John 
Rogers and Elizabeth Griswold, m. 2 Jan., 1700, Bathsheba, 
daughter of Richard Smith, a cousin. She died 28 Jan., 
1722. He afterwards married Elizabeth Dodge. He died 
18 June, 1753. 

Children. 

81. John, b. at N. L. 11 Nov., 1700; died of small pox 

1721. 

82. James, b. at N. L.. 7 Dec, 1701; m. Grace Harris. 

83. Samuel, b. at N. L. 1 June, 1703; died young. 

84. Samuel, b. at N. L. 8 Oct., 1704; died young. 

85. Elizabeth, b. at N. L. 14 June, 1706. 

86. Ichabod, b. at N. L. 20 Oct., 1709; m. Mary Savol. 

87. Jonathan, b. 21 June, 1711. 

88. Samuel, b. 17 April, 1713; m. Hannah Gardner. 

89. Jemima, b. 23 Nov., 1714; m. Cooley. 

90. Deborah, b. 6 Dec, 1716. 



186 HISTORY OF MONTVILIiE. 

Children by second wife. 

91. John, I). 11 April, 1724; in. Delight Green. 

92. .Mary, 1>. 8 June, L725; m. Ebenezer Bolles. 

93. Sarah, 1>. IT duly. lTi'T; died yonng. 

94. Alexander, b. L3 dune, 1728; m. 1 >t , Grace lingers; 

i'd. Rachel Larrabee. 
!>:>. Sarah, b. 4 Nov., L730; m. Gilbert. 

96. Nathaniel, b. 2 May, L732; died 1*02. 

97. Elizabeth, 1.. 22 May, IT:: I; died L804. 

98. Jonathan, b. 9 March, 1 :•"><'>. 

( .''.>. Daniel, b. 7 Sept., L739; died unmarried ni Groton in 
177-'!. lie l<4't by will to his four brothers and to 
two sisters all his property, amounting to £221, 
L5s. 1.1. 

III. JAMES (27), I., 2 Feb., L675, eldest son of James 
Rogers and Mary Jordan; married Elizabeth, daughter of 
Barris. He lived on "Town Bill," near New 
London and owned a windmill. He removed from New 
London to Norwalk in L726, where he died in the year 1733. 
His wife (2d, probably) survived him, and died there in 1739, 
aged lU years. 

Children. 

100. Edward, b. at X. L 1 1 May, 1702. 

101. James, 1,. a1 X. L 20 Aug., L704; m. Mary Harris. 
L02. Jedediah, b. at New London about 1709. 

103. [Jriah, b. aboul L710. 

L04. Mary. b. aboul L712; m. Jonathan Chester. 

105. Xehomhdi, li. about 1717. 

106. Stephen, b. about 1720. 

107. Moses, b. about 1724. 

108. Aaron, b. about 1726. 

III. WILLIAM (34), 1). 10 May, 1003, youngest son of 
James Roger- and Mary Jordan; m. 28 Aug., 1713, Eliza- 
beth, daughter of James Harris and Sarah Denison. He 
died 1741. She afterwards married John Tinker. 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 187 

Children. 

109. Jordan, b. about 1715; died 1751. 

110. Jeremiah, b. about 1717; m. Patience . Set- 

tled at Middletown, R. I., where they had children 
born, and where he died in 1761. One daughter, 
Elizabeth, m. Deacon William Tilley of Newport, 
R. I. 

111. Peter, b. about 1710; m. Lucy (Tinker) Harris, widow 

of Daniel. 

112. Elizabeth, b. about 1721. 

113. William, b. about 1723. 

111. Nathaniel, b. about 1725; m. Theoda Miner. 

115. Lydia, b. about 1729; m. John Dodge. 

116. Ebenezer, b. about 1733; m. Naomi (Fox) Beebe. 

117. Timothy, b. about 1735; m. Eunice Hammond. 

118. Josiah, b. ; m. Lucretia Harris. 

119. Sarah, b. ; m. Ransom. 

III. JONATHAN (39), born about 1690, only son of 

Jonathan Rogers and Naomi Burdiek; married Judith . 

He settled in Rhode Island. He died in 1781, aged 91 years. 
She died 26 June, 1805. 

Children. 

120. Judith, b. 30 Nov., 1712; m. Thomas Potter. 

121. Jonathan, b. 24 Nov., 1711; m. 26 Oct., 1737, Han- 

nah Hiscox of Westerly. 

122. Peace, b. 30 Aug., 1716. . 

123. Nathan, b. ; m. 1st, Martha Davis; 2d, Han- 

nah Crandall. 
121. David, b. 8 March, 1719; m. three times; 1st, Grace, 
dan. of Daniel lister. 

125. Ruth, b. ; m. Samuel Maxon. 

126. Bethia, b. April, 1725; m. Elder John Davis. 

127. Tacy, b. ; m. Elder John Maxon. 

128. Hannah, b. 25 Dec, 1727; m. Elisha Stillman. 

129. Mary, b. 26 May, 1731. 

IY. DANIEL (11), b. about 1708, eldest son of Daniel 
Rogers and Grace Williams; married 26 July, 1738, Sarah, 



Igg HISTORY OF MONTVILLB, 

daughter of Ebenezer Williams. He settled in New Salem 
Society, now ill the town of Salem. 

Children. 

130. Gurdon, b. ; m. 

L31. Ebenezer, b. 3 June, 174 t; in. Elizabeth dates. 

IV. AXPHEUS i t5), 1>. about - -; second son of 
Daniel Rogers and Grace Williams; married 31 Jan., 1745, 
Delight, daughter of James Harris. lie was a farmer, and 
settled in New Salem Society, on land inherited from his 
father. He died L2 Feb., 177'.». She died Hi March, 1783. 

( Ihildren. 

132. Sarah, b. 27 Oct., 1745; m. Seth W. Holmes. She 

died 17 Sept., 177V 

133. Jehial, b. 3 dam, 1717; m. Amy Vibber. 

L34. Alpheus, b. L2 Oct., LY50; m. Ee was a physician. 

L35. Grace, b. 28 dan.. L754; die.l 8 dune, 1773, num. 

136. Asa, b. 11 Feb., L756; m. Hannah Harris. 

137. James, b. 7 July, 1759; m. lie was a deacon in the 

Baptist church in Colchester. 

IV. THOMAS (46), b. about - -; third son of Dan- 
iel Rogers and (J race Williams; m. 7 April, L751, Sarah, 
daughter of Adonijah Fitch, lie was a farmer, and settled 
in Montville on the farm given to him by his father. lie 
died 1801. 

Children. 

138. Betsey, b. at North Parish 25 dime, 1751; m. Perez 

Brad fon 1. 

139. Partbenia, b. at X. P. 8 Nov., 1752; m. Benjamin 

Bradford. 

140. Adonijah, b. at K P. 18 Nov., 1754; m. Anna Nobles. 

141. Thomas, b. at K P. 10 April, 1757; m. Mary Baker. 
1 12. Sarah, twin to Thomas, in. Peletiah Tuttle. 

143. Andrew, b. at K P. 24 July, 1759; m. Elizabeth 
Rogers. 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 189 

144. Azel, b. at 1ST. P. 27 July, 1765; m. Sarah Baker. 

145. Frederick, b. at K P. 1768; m. 1st, Parthenia Baker; 

2d, Desire Yibber; 3d, Abigail (Bolles) Wright. 

IY. SAMUEL (49), 1). 10 May, 1702, son of Samuel 
Rogers and Abigail Plumb; married in 1730, Lucy Denison, 
born 1 702, daughter of Robert Denison. He settled in Forth 
Parish, New Salem Society. The homestead was a few rods 
west of the " Bland Tavern." He was a fanner, and con- 
cerned in the town affairs. 

Children. 

146. Daniel, b. ; m. Hannah Latimer. 

147. Prudence, b. 9 Dec, 1734; m. Daniel Harris. 

148. dames, b. 8 Feb., 1739; m. Zilpha Hyde 

149. Mary, b. ; m. John Bradford. 

150. Elizabeth, b. ; died unmarried. 

151. Applin, b. ; died unmarried. 

152. Jabez, b. ; m. Sarah Gorton, and settled 

in Vermont. He had a son who married a daughter 
of Governor Chittenden of Vermont. 

IV. JAMES (58), b. 20 Jan., 1713, eldest son of Jona- 
than Rogers and Elizabeth Pemberton; married 12 March, 
1751, Susanna Congdon, daughter of Jeremiah Congdon. He 
settled in North Parish, near the present village of Uncas- 
ville. He was a farmer. He died in 1783. 

Children. 

153. Jeremiah, b. 3 Sept., 1752; m. Xancy Forsyth. 

154. Ann, b. 10 Sept., 1754. 

155. Lydia, b. 23 May, 1756. 

156. Elizabeth, b. 27 March, 1760; m. Andrew Rogers. 

157. Eunice, b. 24 April, 1762. 

158. James, b. 8 Aug., 1764; m. Elizabeth Howard. 

159. Jonathan, b. 2 April, 1767; m. Huldah Church. 

IV. JOSEPH (59), b. 14 Aug., 1716, son of Jonathan 
Rogers and Elizabeth Pemberton; married 23 Jan., 1754, 



190 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

» 

Martha Congdon, daughter of Jeremiah Congdon. He lived 
a1 North Parish, near the village of Uncasville. 

Children. 

160. Amy, 1.. 1!) Jan., 1755. 

L61. Elizabeth, b. 23 March, 1756. 

L62. Martha, 1>. L6 Feb., 1758. 

163. Joseph, b. 1<» Aug., 1761; m. Esther Ohuroh. 

164. David, 1». 22 .Inn., 17»'>.v, m. Lucinda Gardner. 
L65. Fanny, b. 17<>S; in. James Comstock. 

IV. JAMES (72), b. 6 -Inly, 1717, only son of James 
Rogers and Sarah — ; married in L746, Mehitable New- 
berry, daughter of John Newberry. She died 8 Dec, 1787. 
He died in L790. 

Children. 

L66. Mehitabel, 1>. 16 .lime. 17 17; m. John Tinker. 

K')7. Sarah, b. '.» Aug., 1718; m. James Moore. 

L68. Elizabeth, b. 1 2 Nov., 17l!»; m. Powers. 

L69. James, I,. 6 Oct., 1751; m. Sarah Fish. 

170. Solomon, b. 9 June, 175 1; m. Lucretia Packer. 

171. Hannah, b. 11 July, 1756; m. Mcrriman. 

172. Stevens, b. 11 March. 1758; m. Abigail Powers. 

173. Mary, b. 21 June, 1700; m. Paul Beebe. 
17 1. Csaac, b. 30 June, 1762; m. Mary Griffin. 

IV. JOIIX (74), b. 6 Aug., 1722, second son of John 
Powers and Deborah Brighton; married 17 Nov., L748, Ann 
Tinker. She died 11 Nov., 1835. He died 9 Oct., 1836. 

Children. 

175. Ann, b. 21 July, 1749; died 1 June, 1755. 

176. Hannah, 1>. 7 Aug., 1751; m. Peter Rogers, Jr. 

177. Sarah, b. 1 Sept., 1753; m. Nicholas Darrow. 

178. Catherine, b. 27 Nov., 1755; m. Nathaniel Harris. 
170. Ann, b. 11 Aug., 1757; m. Amos Keeney. 

180. John, 1). 2 Dec, 1759; died young. 

181. Israel, b. 4 Sept., 1761; in. Zeriah Miner. 

182. Lucy, b. 4 Oct., 1763. 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 191 

IV. JOSHUA (80), b. 10 Sept., 1711, son of Rowland 
Rogers and Mary ; married Experience . 

He was a minister, and a member of tlie Baptist church 
at Great Neck. He settled in Lyme. His wife died about 
1752. He married, second, Lydia Miner. He committed 
suicide by hanging himself, about 1756. 

Children. 

183. Eunice, b. 29 Dec, 1733. 

184. Isaiah, b. 29 Jan., 1739; m. 1st, - -; 2d, Betsey 

Sill; 3d, Elizabeth Beekwith. 

185. Elias-, b. 5 Nov., 1742. 

186. Joshua, b. 5 March, 1746. 

187. Mary, b. 30 March, 1748. 

188. Lois', b. 31 Jan., 1752. 

Children by second wife. 

189. Jemima, b. 14 March, 1754. 

190. Rowland, b. 9 Nov., 1756; in. Elizabeth Champlin. 

IV. JAMES (82), 1.. 7 Dec, 1701, second son of John 
Rogers and Bathsheba Smith; m. 8 Dec, 1725, Grace, daugh- 
ter of Lieutenant Joseph Harris. He was a cooper, and died 
29 March, 1754. 

( 'hildren. 

191. Grace, !>. 24 June, 1730; m. Peter Rogers. 

192. John, b. 9 May, 1733; died num.. 24 Oct., 1753. 

193. Bathsheba, b. 14 May, 1734; m. Henry Deshon. 

194. Esther, b. 7 Oct., 1736; died 20 March, 1764. 

195. Elizabeth, b. 15 Nov., 1738; died young. 

196. James, b. 14 April, 1740; m. Mary Comstoek. 

T.» 7. Elizabeth, b. 9 June, 1742; m. Deacon Robert Man- 
waring. 

198. Jonathan, b. 26 March, 1745. 

199. Mary, b. 30 July, 1747. 

IV ICHABOD (86), b. 20 Oct., 1709, fifth son of 
John Rogers and Bathsheba Smith; married 23 Eeb., 1744, 
Mary, daughter of John Savol. He died 30 May, 1771. 



|92 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

200. John, b. 13 Dec, 1744; died young. 

201. William, b. 5 Aug., 1746. 

202. John, b. 1 July, 1748; m. Larrabee. 

203. Mehitabel, b. 23 July, 1751; died young. 

204. Edward, b. 28 Oct., 1752. 

205. Savol, 1). 18 Oct., 1754. 

206. Mehitabel, b. July, 1756; m. Caleb Coats. 

207. Jason, b. l' s Nov., 1757; m. Fanny Allen. 

208. Sarah, b. 20 An-., 1759; m. James Carroll. 

209. Bailey, b. 20 June, 1761. 

210. Abigail, b. 8 March, 1763; m. Nathaniel Smith. 

IV. SAMUEL (88), b. 17 April, 1713, seventh son of 
John Kogers and Bathsheba Smith, married about 1733, Han- 
nah Gardner. 

Children. 

241. John, 1). 21 -Inly, 1734; m. Elizabeth Bolles. 

212. Deborah, b. 21 March, 1 T : i « '» ; m. Joseph Bolles. 

213. Samuel, b. Hi April, 1738. 

21 1. Hannah, b. s April, 171<>; m. John Harris. 

215. Isaiah, b. 7 May. 1711. host at sea. 

216. Jonathan, b. 12 May, 4745; died unmarried. 

217. Bathsheba, 1>. 20 March, 4748; m. Daniel Burns, and 

had one son, Daniel, who married Fanny Roam's. 

218. Sarah, b. ; m. Swan. 

IV. JOHN (91), b. 14 April, 1724, eighth son of John 
Rogers and Elizabeth Dodge; married -1 4am, 1755, De- 
light Green, daughter of Benjamin Green. Ee settled in 
Xew London, now Waterford, where he died 14 Feb., 47 ( .»!>. 
She died 2 Nov., 4845. 

Children. 

240. Mary, b. 25 Jan., 1750; m. Nathan Comstock. 

220. Alm'v. b. 7 Sept., 1757: m. Elijah Bolles. 

224. Elizabeth, b. 2 Sept., 4759; died in 4836, unm. 

222. John, b. 44 Oct., 4764. 

223. Delight, b. 16 March, 1764. 

224. Anna, b. 43 June, 4767; m. Hezekiah Bolles. 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 193 

225. Benjamin, b. IT May, 1760; removed to Vermont. 

226. Sarah, b. 18 May, 1772; m. Jonathan Rogers. 

227. Alexander, b. 26 March, 1775. He was drowned. 

IV. ALEXANDER (94), b. 13 June, 1728, ninth son 
of John Rogers by second wife, Elizabeth Dodge; married 1st, 

Grace, daughter of . She died without issue. He 

afterwards married Rachel Larrabee. 

Children. 

228. Alexander, b. 20 July, 1770; m. Nancy Green. 
220. Desire, twin to Alexander; m. John Watrous. 

230. Sarah, b. 1784; m. Zephaniah Watrous. 

231. Rachel, b. 1786; m. Timothy Watrous. 

232. Nancy, b. 1788; m. Henry Watrous. 

233. Daniel, b. 1700; m. Sarah Newberry. 

IV. JAMES (101), b. 20 Aug., 1704, second sen of 
James Rogers and Elizabeth Harris; m. Mary, daughter of 
Peter Harris. 

Children. 

234. Lemuel, b. 10 Dec, 1723; m. Love Richards. 

235. Peter, b. 3 Oct., 1725; m. Grace Rogers. 

236. Ichabod, b. 1728; m. Ruth Shipley, 21 April, 1751. 

237. Mary, b. 

238. Edward, b. 

230. Uriah, b. 1732; m. Mary Howell. They had one 
son, Dr. Howell Rogers, who settled in Colchester. 

240. Jeremiah, b. 1736. 

241. James, b. 1738; m. Mary . 

242. Elizabeth, b. 1741; m. ■ 

IV. PETER (111), b. 1710, third son of William Rog- 
ers and Elizabeth Harris; married 21 Feb., 1744, Widow Lucy 
Harris, daughter of Tinker and widow of Daniel 

Harris. He died 10 Dec, 1703. 

13 



194 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

243. Daniel, b. 20 Feb., 1745; died young. 

244. William, b. 3 Aug., 1747; m. 1st, Grace Eogers; 2d, 

Elizabeth Tinker. 

245. Lucy, b. July, 1751; m. Dr. Simeon AVolcott. 

246. Jordan, b. 12 Dec, 1754; died young. 

2 17. Harris, b. 12 Jan., 1756; m. Fanny Backwood. Lost 
;it sea. 

248. Peter, b. 15 May, LY59; m. Hannah Tinkers. He was 

lost at sea -it the same time of bis brother. 

IV. NATHANIEL (114), b. 1725, fifth son of William 
Rogers and Elizabeth Harris; married L3 Sept., 1747, Theoda, 
daughter of Jesse Miner and granddaughter of Joseph Miner. 

Children. 

249. Elizabeth, b. 12 April, 1748. 
l':»(). Jeremiah, b. 1 March, 1750. 

251. Lydia, b. 8 Aug., 1751. 

252. Theoda, b. 1 1 March, 1753. 
253 Nathaniel, b. 11 Nov., 1754. 

254. Hannah, b. L5 July, L756. 

255. Lucinda, b. 1<; April, 1761. 

256. Susanna, b. 20 May, 1703. 

IV. EBENEZEE I L16), b. 17:13. sixth son of William 
Rogers and Elizabeth Harris; married 18 Oct., 1754, Widow 
Naomi Beebe, daughter of Samuel Fox, bom 21 April, 1731. 
He died in 1796. She died 28 March, 1813. 

Children. 

257. Amos, b. 22 Nov., L755; m. Sarah Phillips of Lyme. 

258. Ebenezer, 1>. 5 Sept., 1758; m. widow Thankful Avery. 

lie committed suicide by hanging himself. 

259. Lucretia, b. 11 June, 1760; m. William Stewart. 

260. Daniel, b..22 July, 1708; m. Rebecca Crocker. 

IV. TIMOTHY (117). b. 1735, seventh son of William 
Rogers and Elizabeth Harris; married Eunice, daughter of 
Noah Hammond and Anna Baker. 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 195 

Children. 

261. Daniel, b. 

262. Nancy, b. 1763; m. John Harris. 

263. Betsey, b. 4 Feb., 1766; m. Deacon Henry Harris. 

264. Josiah, b. ; m. twice. 

265. Drnsilla, b. ; m. 1st, Nathan Steward; 2d, 

Ebenezer Maynard. 

266. Charlotta, b. ; m. 1st, Andrews; 2d, 

Beach. 

IV. JONATHAN (121), b. 24 Nov., 1714, eldest son 

of Jonathan Rogers and Jndith ; married 26 Oct., 

1737, Hannah, daughter of Thomas Wilcox of Westerly, R. 
I. She died 7 Oct., 1750. He afterwards married 17 Nov., 
1751, Sarah, daughter of Nathaniel Newberry. 

Children. 

267. Amy, b. 31 Oct., 1738; m. Jonathan Wells. 

268. Lydia, b. 14 Nov., 1740; died in 1832, imm. 

269. Hannah, b. 13 April, 1743; m. - - Beebe. 

270. Clark, b. 15 Jan., 1745; m. Esther Rogers. 

271. Ephraim, b. 16 May, 1747; m. Tacy Maxson. 

272. Aress, b. Aug., 1749; m. Daniel Peckham. 

Child by second wife. 

273. Sarah, b. Dec, 1752; m. Ezra Harris. 

IV. NATHAN (123), b. - -; second son of Jona- 
than Rogers and Judith ; married 1st, Martha Davis. 

She died 1756. He afterwards married, 1 Sept., 1757, Han- 
nah Crandall of Hopkinton, R. I. 

Children. 

274. Nathan, b. 1 Nov., 1741; died unm. 

275. Amos, b. 16 June, 1743; m.' Settled in Greenfield, 

N. Y. 

276. Cary, b. 9 May, 1745; m. Settled in New York. 

277. Elizabeth, b. 3 June, 1747; m. Landphere. 

278. Jeremiah, b. 2 July, 1749; m. probably Fanny Hoxie 

of Newport, R/L, 5 May, 1783. Settled in New 
York. 



igg HISTORY OF MONTV1LLE. 

279. Martha, b. 9 Feb., 1751; m. Greenman. 

280. Davis, b. 1 Sept., 1754; in. Hannah -. 

Children by second wife. 

281. Judith, b. 3 Sept., 1758; m. Timothy Lester. 

282. Jonathan, b. 10 Nov., 1760; in. Milly Green. 

283. Phineas, b. 5 March, 1764; m. Rebecca Beebe. 

284. Jesse, b. 10 Jan., 1767. Settled in the State of X. Y. 

285. Ethan, b. 5 Dec., 1768; m. Sally Truman. 

286. Nancy, b. ; m. Theodore Blivin. 

IV. DAVID (124), b. 8 March, 1719, third son of 

Jonathan Rogers and Judith ; married in 174:!, 1st, 

Grace Lester, daughter of David Lester, by whom he had 
ten children, born at Waterford; 2d, Judith Green; 3d, Su- 
sanna Truman, lie died IT Oct., 1803, aged 84 years. 

Children. 

287. E/ekiel, b. 7 Dec, 1744; died in L780 of prison fever. 

288. Esther, b. :'.<> Inly, L746; m. Clark Rogers. 

289. Ruth, 1.. 28 An-.. L748; m. Phineas Crandiall. 

290. David, b. I"- <><-t.. 1T."»<»: died a young man. 

291. Thomas, b. 20 Doc.. L752; m. Desire Downs. 

292. Zebulon, b. ■'! July, 1T:»T; m. Sally Green. 

293. Grace, b. 25 March, 17<'»<>; m. Benjamin Green. 

294. Lester, b. 11 Dec., 1762; tn. Polly Tuthill. 

295. Paul, b. 27 Aug., 1766; m. Polly Barton. 

296. Silas, b. twin to Pan]; died young. 

V. EBEKEZER (131), b. 3 June, 1744, son of Daniel 
Rogers and Sarah Williams; m. 24 Xov., 1744, Elizabeth 
Gates, b. 17 Jan., 1756. Settled in New Salem Society, now 
Salem, Conn. 

Children. 

297. Lydia, b. 15 June, 1776. 

298. Betsey, b. 7 Jan., 1778. 

299. Daniel, b. 23 'Nor., 1787. 

300. Ebenezer, b. 27 Dec., 1792. 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 197 

V. JEHIAL (133), b. 3 Jan., 1747, eldest son of Al- 
pheus Rogers and Delight Harris; m. Amy Vibber, b. about 
1750, daughter of Nathaniel Yibber and Desire Brown. He 
was a farmer, and settled in Montville. He lived on the 
farm now owned by A. A. Parker. He was a deacon of the 
Baptist church, of which Elder Reuben Palmer was pas- 
tor. He died at Montville, 4 Dec, 1815. She died 11 Aug., 
1827. 

Children. 

301. Grace, b. 11 Sept., 1776; died 13 March, 1797. 

302. Sarah, b. 30 Sept., 1778; m. Nathaniel Parish. 

303. Desire, b. 5 Jan., 1781; m. Jesse Jerome, 16 Dec, 

1804. 

304. Alpheus, b. 10 July, 1784; m. Deborah Walker. 

305. Amv, b. 1 Aug., 1786; m. Azel Gardner. 

306. Delight, b. 17 May, 1789; died 25 Aug., 1827, unm. 

307. John B., b. 27 March, 1793; m. 1st, Nancy Maples; 

2d, Elizabeth Scholfield. 

308. Anna G, b. 26 Dec, 1794; m. Erastus Gardner. 

V. ASA (136), b. 14 Feb., 1756, son of Alpheus Rogers 
and Delight Harris; married Hannah Harris, daughter of 
Ephraim Harris. Settled in New Salem Society. He was 
a farmer. About the year 1801 he removed to Hartford. 
Some of their descendants are still residing in Hartford. 
Among them were the Kogers Brothers of Hartford, jewelers, 
who were among the pioneers in electro and galvanic plating, 
and who are so widely known as manufacturers of all kinds 
of plated ware. Asa Rogers died at Hartford. The order 
or dates of births of his children have not been ascertained. 
Their names were: 

Children. 
308a. Asa, b. 
308b. Simeon, b. 
308c William, b. 13 May, 1801; m. Nancy Wilson, 7 Dec, 

1831. 
308d. George, b. 
308e. Julia/ b. 



198 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

308f. Sarah, b. 
308g. Esther, b. 
308h. Harriet, b. 

V. ADONTJAH (140), b. 18 Nov., 1754, eldest son of 
Thomas Rogers and Sarah Fitch; married Anna Nobles, 
daughter of James Nobles and Anna Vibber, widow of Wil- 
liam Vibber. He settled at Montville. 

Children. 

309. Charles Lee, b. 4 Nov., 1777; in. Abbv Adams of 

Groton. 

310. Nehemiah, b. 19 Sept., 1781. 

311. Peletkh, b. L5 July, L783. 

312. Andrew, 1>. 5 Aug." 1785. 

313. Sarah, b. 27 Oct., L787. 

314. Betsey, b. 13 Jan., 17'."'. 

315. Adonijah, b. 7 Oct., 1702; m. and settled at Nobles- 

town, N. Y. 

316. Ann Clarissa, b. 25 Feb., 1795. 

V. THOMAS (111), b. 10 April. L757, second son of 
Thomas Rogers and Sarah Fitch; married 7 Nov., 1784, Mary 
Baker, daughter of Joshua Baker and Abigail Bliss. He 
settled at Montville, and built the house in which he lived in 
1789. The land on which the house stood was purchased of 
the Indians in 17 s ". He was a fanner and a seaman. He 
was captaiu of a whaling vessel. The farm on which he lived 
until his death is now owned by a grandson. She died 19 
Jan., 1831. He died 2 June, 1842. 

Children. 

317. Elisha Hinman, b. 5 July, 1785; m. Mary Whipple. 

318. Jared Starr, b. 7 Jan., 1787; died 1 Sept., 1816, unm. 
3 1!). Henry Truman, b. 24 April, 1789; m. Clarissa Cook. 

320. John Baptist, b. 24 June, 1794; died young. 

321. Thomas Perkins, b. 15 Jan., 1797; m. Alary Fish. 

322. Mary Ann, b. 10 April, 1799; died 27 Dec, 1866; 

unmarried. 

323. Eliza Bliss, b. 25 July, 1802; m. George B^ymond, Jr. 









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ROGERS FAMILIES. 199 

V. ANDREW (143), b. 24 July, 1759, son of Thomas 
Rogers and Sarah Fitch, married 13 Nov., 1788, Elizabeth 
Rogers, daughter of James Rogers and Susanna Congdon. 
He settled at Montville, where he died 23 Aug., 1792. She 
died 6 April, 1793. 

Children. 

324. Lebbeus, b. 2 Aug., 1789; m. 

325. Samuel, b. 3 July, 1790; m. Anna Butler, 15 Jan., 

1817. 

326. Andrew, b. 15 Jan., 1792; m. 

V. AZEL (144), b. 27 July, 1765, son of Thomas Rog- 
ers and Sarah Fitch; married 31 Jan., 1790, Sarah Baker, 
daughter of Joshua Baker and Abigail Bliss. He settled at 
Montville. He was a farmer and blacksmith. The farm on 
which he lived and died was the homestead of his father, and 
is now owned and occupied by his grandson, S. C. Parker, 
and is situated about one mile east of the Congregational 
church. He held the office of town clerk and selectman for 
several years. He died 17 Aug., and she died 19 Aug, 1841. 
Both were buried in the family burying lot on the farm. 

Children. 

327. Joshua, b. 26 July, 1790; m. Maria Church. 

328. Azel Fitch, b. 18 Dec, 1791; m. Eleanor Fox. 

329. Abby Baker, b. 7 July, 1794; m. Stephen Congdon, 

son of Deacon David Congdon and Mary Bishop, 
25 Dec, 1814. They settled first at Waterford. 
He was a farmer. After having accumulated con- 
siderable property, they removed to Montville, and 
resided on the old Rogers homestead. She died 
4 June, 1869. He died 6 Nov., 1871. 

330. Sarah Ann, b. 22 Nov., 1803; m. 26 Jan., 1825, James 

Parker, son of James Parker and Zerviah Pettingill. 
He was a fanner and cooper, and they settled at 
Montville, Upon the death of her father he bought 
the homestead, and died there 1 Jan., 1859. They 
had one son, Stephen Congdon Parker, b. 9 March, 
1839. 



200 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

331. Caleb Baker, b. 25 June, 1806; m. 1st, Harriet Webb; 

2d, . 

332. Frederick W. EL, b. 13 June, 1813; m. Abby Ann 

Gardner. 

V. FREDERICK (145), b. 1768, son of Thomas Rogers 
and Sarah Fitch; m. 1 May, 1790, Parthenia Baker, daugh- 
ter of Joshua Baker and Abigail Bliss. He was a fanner, 
and built the house afterwards owned by the first ecclesiasti- 
cal society, and for many years occupied as a parsonage He 
lived there from L804, ;it which time it was built, to his re- 
moval to the " Point.** 80 called, on the Thames River, and 
now called Riassapeag. Ili> firsl wife died July, L796. He 
afterwards married, 30 July, 1797, Desire Vibber, horn L3 
Sept., 1772, daughter of Nathaniel Vibber. She died with- 
out issue, 6 Jan., L842. He then married, 20 Sept., 1816, 
Abigail ( Bolles) Wright, who survived him, and died Ln 1870. 
He died 27 An-., L850. 

( 'liildren. 

333. Benjamin, b. 1 Feb., 1791; m. Phebe Champlin. 

334. Thomas, b. 2 dune, L793; m. Elizabeth Tuttle. 

335. Parthenia, b. Dec, 1795; m. Samuel Champlin. 

V. .) A M ES (148), b. 8 Feb., 1739, son of Samuel Rog- 
ers and Lucy Denison; in. 1762, Zilpha Hyde, daughter of 
Eleazer \\\>\i- and Sarah Hewitt. He settled in Norwich 
( Wauwecus Hill). He was a farmer, a large muscular frame; 
a Baptist by profession. 

Children. 

336. Eleazer, b. 25 Dec., 1763; m. Lucy Edgerton. 

337. James, b. 18 Oct., 1765; m. 1st, Zerviah Ingraham; 

2d, Sarah Coit. 

338. Lucy, b. 15 June, 1768; died 8 April, 1803; unm. 

339. Sarah, b. 25 April, 1770; m. Phineas Lemngwell. 

340. Denison, b. 20 April, 1772; m. Nancy Pendleton. 

341. Eliab, b. 27 May, 1774; m. Mary Hyde. 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 201 

342. Hannah, b. 9 Sept., 1776; m. Jabez Bushnell. 
313. Lydia, b. 21 Feb., 1778; m. Jabez Leffingwell. 

Y. JEREMIAH (153), b. 3 .Sept., 1752, son of James 

Rogers and Susanna Congdon; married 21 July, 1777, Nancy 

Forsyth. He was a physician, and settled in Montville. His 

residence was on the old New London road in Palmertown, 

and was afterwards the residence of the late Albert G. Dar- 

row. 

Children. 

344. Horatio, b. 13 Nov., 1777; m. Saxton. 

345. Susanna, b. 19 March, 1779; m. Samuel Thompson. 

346. Nancy, b. 26 Feb., 1781; m. William Adams. 

347. Charles, b. 13 March, 1782; died young. 

348. Sophia, b. 4 Feb., 1784; m. Clark Case. 

349. Hypocrates, b. 1787; died in 1806. 

Y. JAMES (158), b. 8 Aug., 1764, son of James Rogers 
and Susanna Congdon; married Elizabeth Howard, daughter 
of Elder Nathan Howard by his second wife. He settled at 
Montville. The old house in which he lived is still standing 
(1884), a few rods from the highway between Pequot village 
and TJncasville. He died 20 July, 1835. She died 28 Feb., 
1838, aged 77 years. 

Children. 

350. Nathan, b. 5 July, 1786; m. Elizabeth Brown. 

351. Jeremiah, b. about 1787; m. Polly Brown. 

352. James, b. 28 Dec, 1789; died young. 

353. Betsey, b. 9 Aug., 1790; m. 1st, William Callahan; 

2d, Rev. David N. Bentley of Norwich. 

354. Nancy, b. about 1793; m. Erastus Chapel. 

355. Richard, b. 21 Oct., 1795; m. Charlotte . 

356. David, b. ; settled West. 

357. Hiram, b. ; settled West. 

358. Abby, b. ; m. Samuel Latimer. 

359. Hannah, b. ; m. James McClelland. 

Y. JONATHAN (159), b. 2 April, 1767, son of James 
Rogers and Susanna Congdon; m. Huldah Church, 



OQ2 HISTORY OF Mo.XTVILLE. 

Children. 

360. Jonathan, 1>. ; m. Colver. 

361. [saac, b. about L797; m. Anna Bailey. 

362. Lyman, b. 11 Oct., L799; m. 1st, Almira Turner; 2d, 

widow of David Turner; 3d, Nancy Perkins. 

363. Fanny, 1». ; in. Steward Towers. 

364. Octavia, b. ; died unmarried. 

365. Mary, 1>. ; m. Joseph Allyn. 

.'!(!(;. [Jrsula, b. ; m. Simeon Chapman. 

V. JOSEPH (163), b. L0 Aug., L761, son of Joseph 
Rogers and Martini Congdon; married L5 Feb., L785, Esther 
Church. He was a farmer, and settled in Montville, where he 
died, 27 March, L831. 

( children. 

367. Sophia, b. 20 March, L786; m. Sanford Congdon. 

368. Sally, b. 5 dune, L788; m. Peregrene WTieeler. 

369. John, b. L6 Dec, L792; m. 

370. Joseph, b. L3 March, L794; m. 

371. (diaries, b. 3 1 March, L796; m. 

372. Patty, b. 20 May, L798; m. — Y Lg. 

373. David, b. 1 1 April, 1 sol. 

374. Eliza, b. 9 Dec, L802; m. 

375. Amy, b. about 1804; m. Sanford Congdon, 2d wife. 

376. Bypocrates, b. aboul 1806; died unm. 

377. Esther, 1). aboul 1808; died unm. 

V. STEVEN'S ( L72), b. 11 March, L758, son of James 
Rogers and Mehitabel dewberry; married LI April, 1786, Ab- 
igail Powers, b. 1 Dee., L759. Ee died 25 July, 1811. She 
afterwards married second husband, Byrne of Windham, and 
died 9 Dee., L856. 

( hildren. 

378. Sally, 1>. 6 March, 1787; m. Amos Rogers. 

379. Stevens, b. 13 Feb., 1789; m. Mary Rogers. 

380. Lydia, b. 2 Jan., 1791; m. John Byrne. 

381. . Abigail, b. 24 Sept., 1703; m. Gilbert Rogers. 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 203 

V. ISAAC (174), b. 30 June, 1762, son of James Rog- 
ers and Mehitabel Newberry; m. 13 April, 1786, Mary 
Griffin. 

Children. 

382. Doctor James, b. 10 June, 1787; m. Eliza Latimer. 

383. David, b. 7 Oct., 1789; died young. 

384. Fanny, b. 22 Nov., 1791; died young. 

385. Isaac, b. 3 Nov., 1793; m. — - — Tinker. He was 

a Mormon, and died at Salt Lake City. 

V. ISAIAH (184), b. 29 Jan., 1 739, son of Joshua Rog- 
ers and Experience ; m. 1st, ; 2d, Betsey Sill, 

who was the mother of six children; 3d, Elizabeth Beckwith. 

Children. 

386. Polly, b. 17 Oct., 1767; died unm. 

387. Betsey, b. 16 Oct., 1769; died unm. 

388. Mathew, b. 14 Sept., 1771; m. Sarah Weeks. 

389. Esther, b. 10 Sept., 1773; died unm. 

390. Richard, b. 24 Oct., 1775; m. Louisa Miner. 

391. Clarissa, b. Sept., 177«.». 

Child by Third Wife. 

392. Isaiah, b. Sept., 1781; m. Eunice Way. 

V. JAMES (196), b. 14 April, 1740, son of James Rog- 
ers and Grace Harris; married 22 July, 1764, Mary Coin- 
stock, daughter of Zebediah and Bertha Prentice. He died 
24 Feb., 1821. She died 30 July, 1821. 

Children. 

393. James, b. 30 Oct., 1765. 

394. Jonathan, b. 18 Oct., 1767; m. Sarah Rogers. 

395. Zebediah, b. 15 Dec, 1769; m. Catherine Richards. 

396. John, b. 16 Oct., 1771. 

397. Mary, b. 20 Jan., 1774; died 1 Jan., 1790. 

398. Martha, b. 7 April, 1776; died 2 Feb., 1799. 

399. Fanny, b. 20 March, 1778; died 22 Aug., 1781. 

400. Grace, b. 9 April, 1780; died 26 Aug., 1781. 

401. Fanny, b. 24 Aug., 1782. 



204 HISTORY OF MOXTVILLE. 

402. Grace, twin to Fanny; died 1785. 

L03. Stevens, b. 25 Oct., L784; died 28 Nov., 1808. 

L04. Harris, 1>. 1 Mav, 1 T S T : in. Joanna Strickland. 

405. Charles, b. 20 June, 1789; died 11 Jan., 1821. 

V. JOHN (202), 1>. 1 duly, L748, son of [chabod Rogers 
and Mary Savol; m. — Larrabee. 

Children. 

406. Esther, 1). 8 M;iv. 1777: m. Samuel Chappell. 
1-07. Mary, b. 1 Aug., 1 T T t » ; m. Silas Richards. 
108. John, b. 2:; March, L782; died unm. 

409. Giles, b. :» -Inn.'. L784. 

Mil. Betsey, b. 8 July, L786; m. Jonathan Wiggins. 

411. Savol, 1». 27 Feb., 17s!'. 

412. Thomas, b. 1''. March, L792. 
H3. Echabod, b. 30 Sept., 1795. 

V. JASON (207), b. 28 Nov., L757, son of Ichabod 
Rogers and Mary Savol; married 29 May, L783, Fanny Allen. 

( 'liildren. 

!l 1. David Allen, b. 2 1 Feb., L784. 

415. Jason, 1>. 1 dune. L786; m. Davis. Was left 

on the Island of Trinidad. 

416. Fanny, 1». 10 March, 17 s ^; died young. 

417. Grace, b. 25 March, L790; died young. 
lis. Ann. b. 7 Feb., L792; died young. 

419. Jonathan, b. 29 Dee., 1704.' 

420. Mary, b. 20 Aug., 1706. 

421. Esther, b. 30 May, 1798. 

422. Benjamin, b. 24 Aug., 1800. 

1:23. Erastus, b. 6 Nov., 1802; killed in the Florida war. 

424. Caroline, b. 4 May, 1805. 

425. Fanny, b. 22 Sept., 1808. 

V. JOHN (211), b. 21 July, 1734, son of Samuel Rog- 
ers and Hannah Gardner; married Elizabeth Bolles, daugh- 
ter of John Bolles and Elizabeth "Wood. 



428. 


Jeremiah, 


b, 


4-29. 


Fanny, b. 




430. 


Betsev, b. 




431. 


Eunice, b. 




432. 


David b. 





ROGERS FAMILIES. 205 

Children. 

426. John, b. 

427. Gurdon, b. 

They were drowned together in the Thames River, 
near the Benhani place, a short distance above 
New London. 

; m. Hannah Bolles. 
; m. Joshua Wheeler. 
; m. John Wheeler. 
; m. Ebenezer Wheeler. 
1774; m. Polly (Story) Wheeler. 

V. ALEXANDER (228), b. 20 July, 1779, son of 
Alexander Rogers and Rachel Larrabee; married Nancy 
Green, b. 5 March, 1783, daughter of Benjamin Green. 
He settled at Waterford, and died 1 I June, 1832. She died 
10 Sept., 1809. 

Children. 

433. Alexander, b. 22 Feb., 1809; in. Eliza Stebbens, 15 

March, 183:,. 

434. Nancy, b. 2 May, 1812; died 28 Feb., 1855, unm. 

435. Henry, b. 8 April, 1813; m. thrice; died 18 Aug., 

1848. 

436. John, b. 26 Oct., 1815; died 23 Nov., 1849. 

437. Benjamin G., b. 13 Jan., 1818; m. Mary Green. 
138. William, b. 21 April, 1820; m. Hannah Comstock. 

439. Elias P., b. 1 May, 1822; m. Lucy Smith. 

440. Christopher, b. 2 Nov., 1825; m. Sarah Smith. 

441. Fanny G., b. 28 Feb., 1827; m. Hazzard R. Gates. 

442. Mary, b. 3 March, 1830; died 5 Oct., 1831. 

V. DANIEL (233), b. 1790, son of Alexander Rogers 
and Rachel Larrabee; married 2 Sept., 1813, Sally Newberry, 

daughter of Davis Newberry. Lie died . She died 

16 Dec, 1861. 

Children. 

443. Sarah, b. 18 Jan., 1815; m. Hubbard Holdridge. 

444. Rachel, b. 17 Nov., 1817; m. Charles Wheeler. 



206 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

445. Lydia, b. 10 June, 1818; m. Raymond Lamb. 

1 16. Catherine, b. 4 Sept., 1810; died young. 

447. Amos W., b. 18 May, 1821; died 27 March, 1847. 

448. Isaac b. 20 May, 1823; m. - - Whipple. 

44!). Williams, 1>. 15 Feb., 1825; m. 1st, Martha Sanders; 
2d, Mary Landphere. 

150. Martha, b. twin to Williams; m. Jonathan Hill. 

151. Clarissa, b. 22 Nov., 1829; m. Anson G. Baker. 

152. Ephraim, b. 2 dune, 1831; m. Phebe Ames. 

V. LEMUEL (234), b. 10 Dec., 172:;, sen of James 
Rogers and Mary Elarris; married 6 Oct., 1715, Love Rich- 
ards, daughter of ( iaptain ( Jeorge Richards. He died 9 Dee., 
1754. She afterwards married Nathaniel Ooit. 

< 'hildren. 

453. George, b. 1 1 Aug., 1746; m. Desire Springer, 7 Oct., 

1770. 

454. Theodore, b. 9 Dec., 1747. 

455. David, b. 23 Feb., 1748. 

456. Nathaniel, b. 6 April, 1750. 

Y. PETEE £235), b. 3 Oct., 1725, son of James Rogers 
and Mary Harris; married 5 Nov., 1749, Grace, daughter 
of James I vomers and Grace Harris. He owned a fulling; 
mill in Lyme, in 1704. 

( Jhildren. 

457. Peter, b. 23 June, 1754; m. — — Green. 

458. Deborah, b. ; m. Sears. 

459. Esther, b. ; m. George Atwell. 

460. Grace, b. 31 March, 1761; m. Peter Strickland in 

1781, by whom she had four children, two of whom 
died young. Sarah, b. ; m. Asa Corn- 

stock, and Peter R. married Laura White. Peter 
Strickland, Sr., died 16 April, 1825. She after- 
wards married Captain Guy Wheeler of Waterford. 
and died 21 Aug., 1844. * 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 207 

V. UKIAH (239), b. about 1732, son of James Rogers 
and Mary Harris; married Mary Howell of South Hampton, 
Long Island. 

Children. 

461. Howell, b. ; m. He was a physician, and 

settled at Colchester. 

462. Mary, b. about 1766; m. Chapman. 

463. Cyntha, b. about 1773; m. Jesse Breed. 
Hit. John, b. 

465. William, b. about 1781; in. Abby Byrnes. 

466. Henry, b. ; died young. 

V. WILLIAM (244), b. 3 Aug., 1747, son of Peter 
Rogers and Lucy (linker) Harris; married 1st, Grace Rog- 
ers, daughter of Samuel Rogers; 2d, Elizabeth Tinker, 20 
Nov., 1774. She survived her husband, and afterwards 
married John Owen. His children were all by his second 
wife. 

( Children. 

467. Jordan, b. 2 July, 177.~>. 

468. William, b. 11 April, 177s. 
460. Lucretia, b. 5 April, L782. 

470. Elizabeth, b. 27 March, 1784. 

471. Henry, b. 6 Aug., 1786; m. He was a printer in Bos- 

ton. 

V. PETER (218), b. 15 May, 175'.), sou of Peter Rog- 
ers and Lucy (Tinker) Harris; m. Sept., 1773, Hannah Rogers, 
daughter of John Rogers and Ann Tinker. 

Children. 

172. Daniel, b. 24 May, 1774; m. Elizabeth Rogers. 

473. Lucy, b. 1 Aug., 1776; m. John Avery. 

474. Anna, b. 23 April, 1779. 

475. Peter, b. 15 Dec, 1784; m. Charlotte Owen. 
-176. Hannah, b. 18 June, 1786; died young. 
477. Nancy, b. ; m. David Johnson. 



208 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

V. AMOS (257), b. 2-2 Nov., 1755, son of Ebenezer 
Rogers and Naomi ( Fox) Beebe; m. Sarah Phillips. She died 
10 June, 1802. He afterwards married a second wife, but 
her name is not, found on record. He was drowned 21 Sept., 
L820. 

( 'hildren. 

478. Moses, b. 17m>; ni. Adelia Smith. 

179. Amos, b. :; March', L783; m. Sally Rogers (378). 

iso. Sally, 1>. L785; tn. Thomas Awrv. 

I si. Gilbert, b. ::<» March, 17s7; m. Abigail Rogers (381). 

482. Daniel, b. L789; m. Widow Mathews. 

t83. Mary, b. 3 Feb., L795; m. Stevens Rogers (379). 

t84. Ebenezer, b. 1 Sept, L800; m. Gallup. 

V. DANIEL (260), b. -1-1 July, 1708, son of Ebenezer 
Rogers and Naorni (Fox) Beebe; married 28 Jan., 1700, Re- 
becca Crocker, b. 7 Nov., l7o!>, daughter of Jonathan Crock- 
er, lie died 6 April. L834. She died 11 Oct., L734. 

('hildren. 

1^5. Rebecca, b. 1 Xov., 1790; m. Giles Harris. 

486. Daniel, b. 5 Sept., 1795; tn. Sally Harris. 

487. Lyman, b. 11 March, 1798; m. Mary Pember. 

V. Till NT. AS (283), 1,. r, March, 1764, son of Nathan 
Rogers and Hannah Crandall; m. Rebecca Beebe. The birth 
of his children are all recorded in Montville, where he re- 
sided. 

Children. 

488. Rebecca, b. 4 Dee., 17-1. 
480. Naomi, b. 2s April, 1786. 
400. Ruth, 1). twin to Naomi. 

491. Crandall, b. 17 Feb., 1789. 

492. Henry, b. 19 Sept., 1792. 

493. Lemuel D., b. 16 Oct., 1794. 

494. Phineas, b. 2 Xov., 1796. 

495. Merev, b. 30 Sept., 1798. 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 209 

496. Hannah, b. 20 May, 1801. 

497. Lucy, b. 24 Dec, 1804. 

498. Elias, b. 2 Oct., 1806. 

V. ETHAN (285), b. 5 Dec, 1768, son of Nathan Rog- 
ers and Hannah Oandall; m. 25 Dec, 1794, Sally Truman 
of Southold, Long Island. They afterwards settled in Mont- 
ville. 

Children. 

499. Ethan, b. in Southold, L. I., 11 April, 1796. 

500. Clark Truman, b. in New London 23 Jan., 1798. 

501. Susanna, b. in Montville 3 Sept., 1801. 

502. Jesse, b. in Montville 23 June, 1803. 

V. ZEBULON (292), b. 3 July, 1757, son of David 
Rogers and Grace Lester; m. 9 Jan., 1783, Sally Green, 
daughter of Judith Green, his father's second wife. He set- 
tled in Waterford, where he died 19 March, 1829. 

Children. 

503. Esther, b. 12 April, 1784; m. Oliver Maxson. 

504. David, b. 27 Jan., 1786; m. Mary Potter. 

505. Betsey, b. 24 July, 1788; m. George Potter. 

506. Zebulon, b. 25 Aug., ; m. Lydia Brooks. 

V. LESTER (294), b. 11 Dec, 1762, son of David Rog- 
ers and Grace Lester; m. 22 Jan., 1795, Polly Tuthill of Long 
Island. 

Children. 

506a. Joseph, b. 25 Sept., 1796; died young. 
506b. Benjamin, twin to Joseph; m. Susan Truman. 
506c Lester Tuthill, b. 24 Sept., 1797; m. Susan Crandall. 
506d. Joseph Sanford, b. 17 Oct., 1799; m. Betsey Coon. 
506e. Thomas, b. 8 April, 1802; m. Maria Coit. 
506f. David, b. 11 July, 1804; m. Sally Maxson. 
506g. Nathaniel, twin to David, died, aged 16 years. 
506h. Henry H., b. 21 Jan., 1806; m. Nancy Peckham. 
506i. Mary Ann, b. 23 Nov., 1808; m. David P. Rogers. 
14 



210 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

506j. Grace, b. 25 Dec, 1810; m. Edmund Harrow. 
506k. Susan, b. 25 ISTov., 1812; died aged 32 years, num. 
5061. Cyntha T., b. 25 Sept., 1815; m. Alexander Rogers. 

V. PAUL (205), 1). 27 Aug., 1766, son of David Rog- 
ers and Grace Lester; married Polly Barton. 

Children. 

506m.Paul, b. 1 .May, 1790; m. Celinda Comstock. 
506n. Silas, !». 15 Sept., 1788; m. Nancy Stillman. 

VI. ALPHEUS (304), b. 10 duly, 1784, son of Jehial 
Rogers and Amy Vibber; married Deborah Walker. He 
settled in Salem, Conn. He was a carpenter and fanner. He 
died — — . She afterwards removed to Montville, where 
she died, s March, 1862. They had bu1 one child. 

Child. 

."»<»7. Sarah, l». at Salem; married James M. Stewart, a 
printer. They were living in Montville in 1856. 
but sunn after removed West. 

VI. dOII.X B. (307), b. 27 March, 1793, son of Jehial 
Rogers and Amy Vibber; married 15 dam, 1818, Nancy, 
daughter of Andrew Maples. II<- was a farmer, and settled 
at Montville on the old homestead, where he lived until about 
1817, when lie removed to bis new farm, which was pur- 
chased of Daniel V. Raymond's heir- in 1837, located near 
Scholfield's factory. His wife died * dam, lsiu. He after- 
wards, 24 March, 1852, married Elizabeth J. Scholfield, 
daughter of James Seliolfield and Anna Comstock. He held 
the office of town treasurer, and was a selectman of the town 
for several years. lie was elected representative to the Gen- 
eral Assembly of this State for one year. He died 9 Oct., 
1870. 

Children. 

508. William James, b. 31 Dec, 1818; died in 1877, unm. 

509. Elisha Maples, b. 13 May, 1824; m. Amy Gardner. 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 211 

Child by Second Wife. 

510. Anne E., b. 26 Jan., 1865. 

VI. WILLIAM (308c), b. 13 May, 1801, son of Asa Rog- 
ers and Hannah Harris; married Partlienia Tyler, who died 
3 Jan., 1831; then married 7 Dec, 1831, Nancy Wilson. He 
resided in Hartford during his whole life. He was engaged 
in the jewelry business from 1825 until 1817, at which date 
he, with his brothers, Simeon 'and Asa, entered into the man- 
ufacture of silver-plated ware. He was business manager. 
The high standard, hue workmanship, and sterling honesty of 
their goods established for them a reputation which has be- 
come world-wide, and will probably outlive any of the de- 
scendants now living. He died at Hartford, 17 Feb., 1873. 

Children. 

511. Frances E., b. 20 Nov., 1827; died 28 Nov., 1S30. 

By Second Wife. 

512. Ellen Frances, b. 9 Jan., 1837. 

513. William Henry, b. 15 Nov., 1832. 

514. Lucy Welden, b. 17 March, 1839. 

515. Mary Elizabeth, b. 20 Feb., 1811. 

516. Sarah Agnes, b. 2 March, 1811. 

517. Georgianna Coles, b. 11 May, 1817. 

518. Janelsabelle, b. 10 April, 1849. 

519. Frank Wilben, b. 11 Dec, 1751. 

VI. HENRY TRUMAN (319), b. 24 April, 1789, son 
of Thomas Rogers and Mary Baker; m. 24 March, 1816, Clar- 
rissa, daughter of Rev. Rozel Cook. He was a carpenter 
and farmer. In early life he learned the clock-making busi- 
ness. He lived the last half of his life on the farm formerly 
owned by his wife's father, where he died 30 March, 1871. 
She died 30 Aug., 1875, aged 80 years. 



212 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

520. Harriet Maria, b. 17 June, 1818; died 12 May, 1825. 

521. Sarah Ann, b. 28 Feb., 1820; m. Egbert Morgan. 

522. Edward Truman, b. 5 June, 1824; died 1 Sept., 1830. 

523. Jared Starr, b. May, 182G; m. Charlotte F. Allen. 

524. Albert Augustus, b. 30 Aug., 1830; m. Francis A. 

McNiel. 

VI. THOMAS PERKINS (321), b. 15 Jan., 1797, son 
of Thomas Rogers and Mary Baker; married Mary Fish. lie 
was a farmer, but in his early years followed the sea. lie was 
chosen deacon of the Congregational ehurch in Montville in 
1838, and held the office with much honor and faithfulness 
until his death, 12 Aug., 1873. She died 9 Nov., 1863. 

( 'hildren. 

r.iT). Chester, b. ; died young. 

526. Phebe D., 1). 10 March, 1826; m. Ebenezer Tracy. 

527. Elisha, b. 20 Sept., 1828; m. 1st, Mary J. SchoMeld; 

I'd, Martha Perry. 

528. Samuel, b. ; died young. 

529. Colton, b. 5 Sept., 1832; died about 1850 in Califor- 

nia. 

530. Mary E., b. ; m. George W. Rogers. 

VI. JOSHUA (327), b. 26 July, 1790, son of Azel Rog- 
ers and Sarah Baker: married 22 Jan., 1821, Maria Church, 
born 1798, daughter of Peleg Church and Mary Leach. He 
was a carpenter and farmer. He died at Montville, 22 Dec, 
1867. She died 30 Nov., 1871. 



Child 



ren. 



531. Abby Ann, b. about 1822; m. Lyman Baker. 

532. Sarah Baker, b. 9 March, 1824, now living, 1896, unm. 

533. Eliza Jane, b. about 1825; died young. 

534. Mary Jane, b. ; m. Harrison B. Aldrich, who 

was drowned from the steamer City of New London, 
which took fire on the Thames River, and was 
burned to the water's edge on the morning of the 
22d of November, 1871. 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 213 

VI. AZEL FITCH (328), b. 18 Dec, 1791, son of Azel 
Rogers and Sarah Baker; m. 18 Oct., 1821, Eleanor, daugh- 
ter of Daniel Fox and Lucy Angel. He was a fanner and 
blacksmith. He lived on the farm formerly owned by Joseph 
Bradford and afterwards by Perez Bradford. He was a prom- 
inent man in the town, and held many town offices. He died 

21 Jan., 1869. 

Children. 

535. Caroline Worthington, b. 4 May, 1823; died young. 

536. Azel Fitch, b. 25 July, 1826; died young. 

537. Emma Louisa, b. 21 July, 1829; m. Captain Christo- 

pher Pendleton. 

538. John Randolph, b. 15 Sept., 1832; m. Kate Moore. 

539. Sophia Jane, b. 4 Sept., 1834; m. Aaron H. Niles. 

540. Lucv Fox, b. 6 June, 1837; m. Benjamin F. Tracy. 

541. Harriet M., b. 13 June, 1839; m. 1st, Richard J. Rog- 

ers; 2d, Andrew J. Gardner. 

542. Ellen Fitch, b. 22 March, 1845; m. Smith Browning. 

VI. CALEB BAKER (331), b. 25 June, 1806, son of 
Azel Rogers and Sarah Baker; married 1st, 10 May, 1830, 
Harriet S. Webb, b. 5 Aug., 1813, at Brooklyn, Conn., daugh- 
ter of George Webb and Sarah Brewster, a lineal descendant 
of William Brewster, who came over in the Mayflower. He 
settled at Norwich in 1820. He was a carpenter and house- 
builder, at which business he continued until 1848, when he 
began the manufacture of wood-working machinery, and con- 
tinued in the same until his death. She died 20 June, 1847. 
He afterwards married, 2 May, 1848, Iduella T. R. Gardner. 
She died 2 April, 1849, without issue. He again married, 
8 Jan., 1851, Eleanor H. Krebs, who survived him, and died 
in 1876. He lost his life by the burning of the steamer 
City of New London in the Thames River, on which he was 
returning home from New York, on the morning of Novem- 
ber 22, 1871. The flames of the burning vessel drove the 
passengers into the water, and he, with sixteen others, was 
drowned. His body was recovered by his youngest son after 



214 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

a search of three clays. His remains were interred in his 
family lot in Yantic Cemetery at Norwich. He was a mem- 
ber of the Congregational church in Norwich, and was a man 
of great benevolence, and sustained a bright Christian char- 
acter. 

Children. 

543. Harriet Maria, b. 2 March, 1833; died young. 

544. George Webb, b. 10 June, 1837; m. Mary E. Rogers. 

545. Harriet E., b. 30 Aug., 1839; died young. 

546. Edward Payson, l>. 2 dan., 1842; in. Caroline Berry. 

547. Bradford Eaile, b. 20 June, 1847; m. Josephine Tyler. 

He died by his own hand at Chicago in Oct., 1895. 

VI. FREDERICK WILLIAM EAUGHTON (332), 
b. 13 June, 1813, son of Az.d Rogers and Sarah Baker; mar- 
ried 11 May, L835, Abby Ann Gardner, b. 7 March, 1815, 
daughter of John Gardner of Bozrah. lie first settled at 
Norwich, and waa a carpenter and house-builder. About the 
year 1857, be, with Ids family, removed to Winona, Minn. 
lb- afterwards wenfto Chicago, where he was for several years 

engaged in mercantile business, and where she died in . 

He was living at Chicago in 1890. 

Children. 

548. Jane Eaughton, b. Oct., 1837; died 21 June, 1841. 
5 L9. Abby Jane. b. 18 June, 1841; m. James Zeary Werrt. 

550. Alary Eaughton, b. 15 Sept., 1848; m. William S. 

Crosby. 

VI. BENJAMIN (333), b. 1 Feb., 1791, son of Freder« 

irk Rogers and Parthenia Baker; married 16 Feb., 1815, 

Phebe Champlin, born 21 Nov., 1795, daughter of Samuel 

Champlin of Rhode Island. He was a seaman, and resided 

at Massapeag. She died 6 May, 1839. He died 31 Oct., 

1842. 

Children. 

551. Darwin Erasmus, b. 16 Nov., 1817; m. Emeline 

Bolles. 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 215 

552. Mary Ellen, b. 10 March, 1821; m. Elisha P. Church. 

553. Susan Decatur, b. 2 Oct., 1823; m. Charles Water- 

man. 

554. Benjamin Nelson, b. 8 Feb., 1826; m. 1st, Sarah 

Hartshorn; 2d, Alvina Oarna; 3d, Widow Mary 
Church. 

555. Frederick, b. 24 Feb., 1820; died 17 Nov., 1830. 

556. Harriet, b. 1 June, 1831; m. Robert Larkin. 

557. Frances Jane, b. 28 April, 1835; m. Emery Dunbar. 

VI. THOMAS (334), b. 2 June, 1793, son of Frederick 
Rogers and Parthenia Baker; married 27 Sept., 1818, Eliza- 
beth Turtle, b. 26 May, 1794, at Montville, daughter of Pele- 
tiah Turtle and Betsey Swaddle. He lived at Massapeag, 
and was a seaman and fanner. She died 13 Jan., 1864. He 
died 2 April, 1876. 

Children. 

558. Eliza, b. 12 July, 1819; m. Sherwood Fitch. 

559. George A., b. 13 June, 1821; m. Susan M. Maples. 

560. James H., b. 14 Aug., 1823; m. Harriet M. Smith. 

561. Jared S., b. 26 March, 1826; in. Jane M. Beekwith. 

562. Sarah F., b. 13 June, 1828; m. 1st, Edwin Church; 

2d, French. 

563. Mary Ann, b. 23 Dec, 1830; num.; living in 1884. 

564. John Weslev, b. 2 March, 1832; died young. 

565. Charles E., b. 30 July, 1834; m. Huldah Church. 

566. Caroline M., b. 23 May, 1836; m. William B. Walden. 
5(i7. William Henry, b. 12 April, 1840; m. Adelaide Ray- 
mond. 

VI. NATHAN (350), b. 5 July, 1786, son of James 
Rogers and Elizabeth Howard; married Elizabeth, daughter 
of Christopher Brown. The dates of birth of his children are 
not found anywhere recorded. 

Children. 

568. Nathan, b. . Lost overboard at sea and 

drowned. 

569. Orlando, b. 



•216 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 



570. 


James, b. 




571. 


John, b. 




572. 


( 'liristopher, b. 




573. 


Peter, b. 




574. 


Andrew, b. 




575. 


Elizabeth, b. 




570. 


( I race, b. 




577. 


Charlotte, 1>. 




578. 


Martha, b. 


; m. Henry P. Strickland 


579. 


Mary, b. 


; m. Peter Strickland. 



YI. LYMAN (362), b. 14 Oct.. L799, son of Jonathan 
Rogers 'and B/uldah Church; married 1st, about 1823, Almira 
Turner, daughter <>\ David Turner, by whom he had seven 
children; 2d, the widow of David Turner, Jr., by whom he 
had one daughter; 3d, Nancy C. Perkins, widow of Charles 
L. Perkins of Groton, 22 Feb., 1846, by whom he had five 
children. lie 3ettled in Montville and was a fanner, and 
died in 1893. 

Children by First Wife. 

580. Frances lluldah, 1>. ; m. John Perkins. 

581. Elisha L., b. ; m. Martha 



582. George L., b. ; m. Mary Walden. 

583. Eliza Ann, b. ; died unm. 

584. Emily, b. 29 Aug., 1830; m. Aaron F. Kogers. 

585. Hiram, b. 11 Dec, 1832; m. Salome Hurlhurt. 

586. Amos, b. 19 Xov., 1833; m. Catherine Higgens. 

Child by Second Wife. 

587. Almira, b. 15 Jan., 1841; m. 

Children by Third Wife. 

588. Charles Perkins, b. 10 Jan., 1847; died young. 

589. Oliver Edmund, b. 21 April, 1848; m. Frances Ann 

Potter. 

590. Addison L., b. 2 Jan., 1850. 

591. Alice A., b. 22 Oct., 1851; m. John W. Potter. 

592. Francis R, b. 14 Oct., 1854; m. Mary McFarland. 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 217 

VI. MATHEW (388), b. 14 Sept., 1771, son of Isaiah 
Rogers and Betsey Sill; married Sarah Weeks. 

Children. 

593. Polly, b. 24 Oct., 1800; m. Mathew Gee of Lyme. 

594. Esther, b. 2 Oct., 1804; m. Lyman Steward. 

595. Sally, b. 9 March, 1807; m. Davis Herden. 

596. Caroline, b. 18 July, 1809; m. Charles Brockway. 

597. Isaiah, b. 4 Oct., 1811. 

598. Betsey, b. 3 Jan., 1814; m. Daniel A. Baldwin. 

599. Hannah, b. 3 May, 1816; m. William Crocker. 

600. Harriet, b. 27 Sept., 1818; m. William Morgan. 

VI. JEREMIAH (428), b. , son of John 

Rogers and Elizabeth Bolles; married 11 Dec, 1791, Hannah 
Bolles, daughter of Enoch Bolles. 

Children. 

601. Mary, b. 3 Aug., 1792; died nnm. 

602. Rebecca, b. 19 Dec, 1793; m. Andrews. 
602a. Gurdon, b. 16 May, 1795; m. Miner. 

603. Rnssel, b. 7 May/ 1797; m. Hannah Wilcox. 

604. Aaron, b. 27 Feb., 1799; m. Betsey Edwards. 

605. Enoch, b. about 1800; m. 

606. Hannah, b. 9 Nov., 1802; m. James Miner. 

607. Jeremiah, b. about 1804. 

608. Charles, b. ; m. 1st, Hannah Hamilton; 

2d, . 

609. Albert, b. ; m. . Settled at Nat- 

chez, Miss. 

610. Sarah, b. ; m. Joseph Dickson. 

VI. DANIEL (486), b. 5 Sept., 1795, son of Daniel 
Rogers and Rebecca Crocker; married 26 Dec, 1819, Sarah, 
b. 3 April, 1806, daughter of Deacon Henry Hams. He 
died at New London, 6 Eeb., 1862, in the 67 year of his age. 
He had collected together, and noted in a book kept by him 
for the purpose, the names of many of the Rogers families, 



218 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

from which the writer obtained many of the families con- 
tained in this record of the Eogers genealogy. 

Children. 

611. Betsey, b. 29 Sept., 1821; died 17 Oct., 1831. 

612. Marvin II., b. 1 Oct., L825; died 30 July, L856, unm. 

613. Trial! F., b. 14 July, 1828; m. M. W. Millbank. 
014. Ellen P., b. 1 1 N"qv., 1830; m. Elias Peek. 

615. Martin Cooler, b. 17 March, 1833; m. - — . Died 

31 Oct., 1881. 

616. Sarah E., b. 28 May, L836; m. W. T. Strickland. 

VI. LYMAN ( 1:87), b. 11 March, 179,8, son of Daniel 
Rogers and Rebecca Crocker; married 20 Dec., 1820, Mary 
S.Pember,b. L8 March, 1804. She died 31 Oct., 1855. He 
afterwards married, 24 Nov., l s .">''», Maria Havens. 

Children. 

617. Anson S., b. 21 Nov., 1822; m. Lncretia Beebe. 

618. Marcy Ann, b. 31 Oct., 1824; died young. 

619. Hamilton, b. Feb., 1827; died young. 

620. Abl.y Ann, b. 26 Dec, 1830; m. Frank Baker. 

621. Maro, b. 26 April, 1833; died young. 

VI. DAVID (504), b. 27 Jan., 1786, bod of Zebulon 
Eogers and Sally Green; married 7 Jan., 1808, Mary Pot- 
ter, daughter of George Potter of Rhode Island. He settled 
in Waterford, was a practical fanner, and lived upon the old 
Rogers farm, which had been in the family for several gen- 
erations. He held several important town offices. He and 
his wife were members of the Seventh-day Baptist church. 
and were among- its strongest supporters, giving the ground 
where the building occupied by that society now stands, and 
he serving as one of its deacons for many years. He was a 
man possessed of many excellent qualities of head and heart, 
of the strictest integrity. He lived respected and died re- 
gretted. 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 219 

Children. 

622. David Potter, b. 21 Oct., 1808; m. Mary Ann Kogers. 

623. Charles, b. 22 Jan., 1811; died young. 

624. Sally, b. 12 Aug., 1813; m. William Maxson. 

625. Daniel, b. 25 May, 1815; m. Mary Ann Titsworth. 

626. Mary, b. 28 March, 1818; m. Peleg Berry. 

627. Charlotte, b. 20 Jan., 1820; m. Thomas S. Greenman. 

628. George, b. 14 Aug., 1821; died young. 

629. Ann Maria, b. 21 July, 1823, m. Benedict Rogers. 

630. Lydia, b. 7 April, 1823; m. 1st, Paul Stillman; 2d, 

Enoch Davis; 3d, Eliphalet Lyon. 

VII. ALBERT AUGUSTUS (524), b. 30 Aug., 1830, 
son of Henry Truman Rogers and Clarrissa Cook; married 
10 June, 1853, Frances A. McNiel, b. 25 March, 1828, daugh- 
ter of Henry MeNiel and Clarrissa Corning. He was a car- 
penter and fanner, and was living on the old Cook home- 
stead in Montville in 1884. 

Children. 

631. Wallace E., b. 16 Nov., 1853. 

632. Harriet, b. ; died in infancy. 

633. Emeline, b. 29 April, 1859; died in 1862. 

634. Edmund H., b. 5 April, 1862; m. Minnie Comsfcock. 

635. Arthur, b. 24 Sept., 1864; m. Jane Avery. 

636. Emma, b. 2 March, 1870; m. Isaac Lamb of Groton. 

VII. ELISHA (527), b. 20 Sept., 1828, son of Thomas 
Perkins Rogers and Mary Fish; married 1st, Mary J. Schol- 
field, 19 March, 1854, daughter of Joseph Scholfield and 
Mercy Newberry. He was a carpenter and farmer, and liv- 
ing on the old homestead in 1884. She died 21 May, 1869. 
He afterwards married Martha Perry, 5 Nov., 1870, daugh- 
ter of George Perry of Putnam, Conn. 

Children. 

637. Edwin, b. 27 Julv, 1855; died 4 May, 1860. 

638. Alice E., b. 26 Dec, 1857. 



220 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

639. Horace, b. 3 Feb., 1863. 

640. Stella, b. 20 March, 1866; died 5 May, 1876. 

VII. JOHX RANDOLPH (538), b. 15 Sept., 1832, 
sod of Azel Fitch Rogers and Eleanor Fox; married 3 March, 
L862, Kate Moore, b. 10 Sept., 1839, daughter of James 
Moore and Eliza .1. Worthy of Waterford. He was a farmer 

and seaman. lie has made several voyages in a whaling ves- 
sel, was elected representative to the General Assembly in 

1 >M», and has served as first select man in his native town. He 
died at Montville 24 An-., 1887. She (lied 26 Nov., 1894. 

Children. 

641. Azel Fitch, b. 17 Dee., 1865; m. Jerome. 

642. John Randolph, b. 11 April, L870. 

VII. DARWIN ERASMUS (551), b. 10 Nov., 1817, 
son of Benjamin Rogers and Phebe ( lhamplin; married, 1847, 
Emeline, daughter of Alfred Holies and Julia Stoddard. He 
was a seaman, and made several voyages in the whaling busi- 
ness as captain. He was living at Gales Ferry in Ledyard in 

L884. 

Children. 

643. Delphine, b. June, 1854. 

C>44. Frank Bolles, b. ; died young. 

645. Alfred, b. March, 1866. 

VII. BENJAMIN NELSON (554), b. 8 Feb., 1826, 
son of Benjamin Rogers and Phebe Champlin; married 1st, 
Sarah Hartshorn. She died 20 Sept., 1868. He afterwards 
married his second wife, Alvira Carna. She died at sea while 
on a voyage with her husband to China. He then married 
third wife, Mary | Ames) Church, the widow of Norman B. 
Church. He was living at Uncasville in 1884. 

Children. 

646. Charles Nelson, b. 8 Feb., 1852; m. Eva Champlin, 

daughter of Captain Frederick W. Champlin. 



ROGERS FAMILIES. 221 

647. William, b. 20 Sept., 1864; died at sea while on a voy- 

age with his father to China. 

VII. GEORGE A. (559), b. 13 June, 1821, son of 
Thomas Rogers and Elizabeth Tuttle; married 19 Nov., 1816, 
Susan Malissa, daughter of John 0. Maples and Susan Smith. 
He was a seaman, and died at Massapeag, in Montville. 

Children. 

648. Georgianna Frances, b. 8 Nov., 1847; m. Peter Jeffrey. 

649. Erank Alton, b. 14 April, 1854; m. 

VII. JAMES HENRY (560), b. 14 Aug., 1823, son of 
Thomas Rogers and Elizabeth Tuttle; married Harriet Matilda 
Smith of New London. He resided at Massapeag, was a sea 
captain, acting master and executive officer on seven United 
States vessels of war, and while in the service he contracted 
a disease of which he died 1(5 March, 1865. 

Children. 

650. Hattie Elizabeth, b. 13 March, 1850; m. Fitch B. 

Collins. 

651. William Edwin, b. 18 April, 1852; died 1 Dec, 1864. 

VII. CHARLES E. (565), b. 30 July, 1834, son of 
Thomas Rogers and Elizabeth Tuttle; married 17 May, 1855, 
Hnldah M. Church, b. 16 Sept., 1836, daughter of Seth 
Church and Lucy A. Lester. He settled at Montville, and 
was engaged in the mercantile business. She died . 

Children. 

652. Minnie Mabel, b. 25 May, 1860. 

653. Elsie Ellsworth, b. 12 Aug., 1862. 
0:>4. Norman Lester, b. 20 Mav, lsc>7. 

655. Charles Edwin, b. 14 Nov., 1868. 

656. Frederick Hosmer, b. 2 Julv, 1871. 



222 HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 

VII. WILLIAM HEKRY (567), b. 12 April, 1840, 
son of Thomas Rogers and Elizabeth Tnttle; married 8 Nov., 
18G3, Adelaide, daughter of William Raymond. He was an 
engineer on a steamboat, and lived at Massapeag. She died 

Child. 
657. Lena, b. 20 Aug., 18G4; m. 



BROWNING FAMILIES. 

The first appearance of the name in Rhode Island was in 
1045, when Nathaniel Browning bought of John Rooine a 
dwelling-house and two lots of eight acres in Warwick for £3 
in wampum. In 1052, Sarah, the wife of Nathaniel Brown- 
ing, received a deed of gift from her father of a small parcel 
of land adjoining James Weedens, and eight acres later. She 
had a further gift of twenty acres from her father, William 
Freeborn. Nathaniel Browning was admitted freeman at 
Portsmouth, R. I., in 1055. He married Sarah Freeborn, 
born in 1032, daughter of William and Mary ( ) Free- 

born. She died April 23, KiT<». 

Children. 

2. William, b. ; m. 1st, Rebecca Wilber; 2d, 

Sarah . 

3. Jane, b. ; m. James Sweet, son of John 

and Elizabeth ( ) Sweet, and had eight chil- 

dren, Daniel, William, Nathaniel, Mary, Sara/h, 
Elizabeth, Renewal, Susanna. 

II. WILLIAM (2), b. , son of Nathaniel 

Browning and Sarah Freeborn. He married 1st, Rebecca 
Wilber, daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Porter) Wilber. 
He was admitted freeman in 1084, and on March 19, 1805, 
he exchanged certain lands with Thomas Manchester, Jr. He 
sold to Robert Fish, Feb. 25, 1088, twenty acres for £70, 
being land given by deed of his grandfather, William Free- 
born. His wife, Rebecca, and Uncle, Gideon Freeborn, 
signed also. He died in 1730. His last wife died the same 
year. Will dated Jan. 12, 1730. Proved Feb. 8, 1730. His 
inventory amounted to £1,199 10s. 7d., viz.: 01 oz. silver, 24 



224 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

lbs. 8s. Wearing apparel, cane, gloves, and belt, 1 ( .> lbs. 2s. 
Bond, 61 lbs. 17s. 5d. Riding horse, negro woman, 80 lbs. 
Pair of oxen, 57 sheep, cows, 5 horse kind, 7 swine. 

Children. 
4. Samuel, b. 9 Feb., 1688; m. Mercy 



5. Eannah, b. 16 July, 1691; m. William Knowles, and 
had two children, Rebecca and Hannah. 

6. William, b. 29 Sept., L693; m. 1st, Mary Freelovc; 

2d, Mary Wilkinson. 

7. Sarah, b. April, L694; m. Eleazer Kelly, 6 Oct., L721. 

8. John, 1). 1 March, 1696; m. Ann Eazzard, 21 April, 

1721. 

III. SAMUEL (4), b. 9 Feb., 1088, son of William 
Browningand Rebecca Will >er; married Mercy . 

In September, 171 s , he and his wife IVtercy, for L,600 lbs. 
sold to Ins father three tracts of land, measuring LOO, 250, 
and 500 acres, respectively. April 19, 1751, Samuel Brown- 
ing, Jr., for L50 lbs. mortgaged to the Colony ten acres of 
land. The date of his death is not ascertained, and only one 
child is named on record, lie probably had others. 

Children. 

9. Samuel, b. ; m. Phebe Gardner, Oct. 26, 

1722. 

III. WILLIAM (6), b. 29 Sept., L693, son of William 

Browning and Rebecca Wilher or Sarah . Probably 

the latter; married 1st, Mary Freelove, horn in 1700, daugh- 
ter of Morris and Elizabeth (Wilher) Freelove, Dec 7, 1721; 
married 2d, Mary Wilkinson, daughter of William and Dinah 
( ) Wilkinson, Aug. 5, 1728. He died Feb. 11, 177:!. 

Will proved March 8, 1773. Inventory, 1,271) lbs. 15s. 
2 3-4d., viz.: Wearing apparel, 15 lbs. 12s. 9d. Old gun, 
keg of wine, cask, 508 lbs. 4s. 4 3-41. 89 shoe)), swine, sorrel 
horse, 14 cows, 2 pair oxen, 2 pair steers, heifer, 8 young cat- 



BROWNING FAMILIES. 225 

tie, old mare, colt, negro, Bristol, £30, Abrnin, £30, boy Cae- 
sar, £37, fanning and carpentering tools, etc. 

Child by First Wife. 

10. William, b. Nov. 28, 1724; m. Elizabeth Trip. 

Children by Second Wife. 

11. Wilkinson, b. 14 July, 1731; m. Susanna Ilazzard. 

12. John, b. 26 July, 1733; m. Ann Browning. 

13. Mary, b. 10 June, 1735; m. Thomas Browning. 

14. Dinah, b. 10 Sept., 1736; m. Champlin. 

15. Joseph, b. ; m. Mary Champlin in 1761. 

16. Ruth, b. ; m. 

17. Tabitha, b. ; m. Gardiner. 

IS. Anne, b. ; m. Henry Knowles April 28, 

1791. 

III. JOHN (8), b. -1 March, 1696, son of William 
Browning and Sarah ; married Ann Ilazzard, daugh- 
ter of Jeremiah and Sarah (Smith) Ilazzard, April 21, 1721. « 
He died 1777. She died 1770. His will proved April 1-1, 
1777. Inventory, £106, 6s. Id., viz.: Wearing apparel, 
£7, 10s. Loom, Bible, etc. 

Children. 

19. Thomas, b. ; m. Mary Browning. 

20. Jeremiah, b. ; m. 

21. Hannah, b. ; m. Jedediah Frink, Sept. 7, 

1748. 

22. Sarah, b. ; m. Stanton. 

23. John, b. 15 Nov., 1742; m. 1st, Sarah Davis; 2d, Eu- 

nice Williams; 3d, Elizabeth Ross. 

24. Ephraim, b. March, 1746; m. Susanna Davis. 

25. Martha, b. ; m. Powers. 

26. Ann, b. ; m. John Browning. 

27. Mary, b. ; m. Champlin. 

28. Eunice, b. ; m. Clark. 

15 



226 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

IV. WILLIAM (10), b. 2S Nov., 1724, son of William 
Browning and Mary Freelove; married Elizabeth Trip. 

Children. 

29. William, b. ; m. Sally Stanton. 

30. Christopher, b. ; m. 

31. Stephen, b. ; m. Bridget Babcock, March 16, 

ITsii. 

32. Rebecca, b. ; m. Thomas Segar; Feb. 17, 1785. 

33. Amy, b. ; m. Gideon Iloxie, Jr., Oct. 20, 

1774. 

IV. JOIIX (12), 1). 26 July, son of William Browning 
and Mary Wilkinson; married Ann Browning, daughter of 
John Browning and Ann Eazzard, 31 Jan., 1754. 

Children. 

34. William, b. 1 Dec., 1755; m. Sarah Cole, 13 Dec., 

1787. 

35. Anna, b. 6 May, 1757; m. Samuel Sheffield, 3 Dec., 

1778. 

36. Ruth, b. 9 Feb., 1759. 

37. J<»lm, I.. 1 Jan., 1761. 

38. Ephraim, b. 16 Jan., 1763. 

IV. JOHN (23), b. L5 Nov., 1742, son of John Brown- 
ing and Ann Ilazzard; married 1st, Mary Davis; 2d, Eunice 
Williams; and 3d, Elizabeth Ross. By the last wife there 
was no issue. He died 24 Feb., 1832. 

Children by Mary. 

39. Jedediah, b. 

40. John, b. 

Children by Eunice. 

41. George, b. ; died young. 

42. Mary, b. 

43. Eunice, b. 

44. Averv, b. 8 Feb., 1786; in. Mary Arnold, 17 July, 

1808. 



BROWNING FAMILIES. 227 

45. Anna, b. 

46. Jesse, b. 

47. George W., b. 

IV. EPHRAIM (24), b. March, 1746, son of John 
Browning and Ann Hazard; married Susanna Davis, born 
about 1750. He was born in South Kingston, R. I. He set- 
tled at Waterford, Conn., where his children were born, and 
where he died March 4, 1826, aged 80 years. She died at 
Waterford, Aug. 14, 1832, aged 82 years. 

Children. 

48. Nancy, b. 1780; m. Isaac Williams. 

49. Rouse B., b. 25 Aug., 1787; m. Ruth Morey. 

50. Welcome, b. ; m. Nancy Hull. 

51. Hazzard, b. 25 Nov., 1769; m. 1st, Hannah Lewis; 2d, 

Edna Thompson. 

52. Mary, b. about 1773; died unm. 4 July, 1851. 

53. Amy, b. ; m. Guy Wheeler. 

54. Wealthea, b. ; died unm. 

V. WILLIAM (29), b. , son of William Brown- 
ing and Elizabeth Trip; married Sally Stanton and had nine 

children. 

Children. 

55. William Trip, b. ; m. Martha Card. 

56. Sally, b. ; died young. 

57. Elizabeth, b. ; died young. 

58. Amy, b. 

59. Samuel S., b. ; m. Catherine Mowry. 

60. Abril, b. 

61. Hazzard, b. 

62. Sally, b. 

63. Elizabeth, b. 

V. AVERY (44), b. 8 Feb., 1786, son of John Browning 
and Eunice Williams; married Mary Arnold, b. 8 June, 1796. 
He was born in Exeter, R. I. He afterwards removed to 
Griswold, Conn., where he was a farmer and much in public 



228 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

affairs. He died at Norwich, 9 May, 18G5. She died 22 

June, 1879. 

Children. 

04. Arnold, b. ; died . 

65. Hiram, 1). 

00. Beriah II., 1>. 13 Sept., 1819; m. Sarah E. Campbell 

L842. 
07. Eunice AY., b. 

V. ROUSE B. (49), b. 20 Aug., 17*7, son of Ephraim 
Browning and Susanna Davis; married Ruth Morey, daugh- 
ter of Roberl Morey, b. 8 March, L797. He was a farmer, 
and occupied the farm in Waterford, where his father lived. 
He died 4 March, 1852. 



Child 



IV! 1. 



08. Sarah F., b. 27 April, is 17; m. Xatlian S. Brown, 
9 Sept., 1835. 

69. Hannah, b. 26 Feb., L819; m. Charles 15. Aver, 24 

Oct., L838. 

70. Elizabeth L., b. 19 April, 1821; m. Stephen W. Cole. 

71. Oliver I)., b. 23 Feb., L823; died 4 April, L824. 

72. Erne-line, b. 3 March, 1825; m. Guy Douglass, 24 Dec, 

18 1 1. 
7:!. Leonard, b. 25 March, 1*27; died 25 July, 1827. 

74. Lucy, b. 1 1 May, L829; in. Orlando Brown. 

75. Delia, 1). 15 Sept., 1831; m. 1st, Nathaniel Dustin; 2d, 

Elias Browning. 
70. William Henry, b. 19 Oct., 1836; m. 

HAZZAED (51), b. 25 Nov., 1709, son of Ephraim 
Browning and Susanna Davis; married 1st, Hannah Lewis, 
b. 10 Feb., 1709, daughter of — — , 22 Nov., 1791; 2d, 
EJdna Thompson, b. 25 Aug., 1779, daughter of Nathaniel 
and Delight Fox; m. 10 May, 1812. lie was a fanner, and 
resided at Montville. lie was a justice of the peace, and 
held other town offices. He died at Montville Aug., 1842. 
His first wife died 22 Nov., 1810. His last wife died 29 Jan., 
1871. 




flfr' : - 








BROWNING FAMILIES. 229 

Children b}' Hannah. 

77. Lueretia, b. 25 Aug., 1792; died 23 Dec, 1868, mini. 

78. Amy, b. 15 April, 1791; in. Jacob Looniis, 19 Nov., 

1817. 

79. Esther, 1). 7 Mav, 1797; m. Thomas Forsyth, 2d wife, 

30 March, 1828. 

80. Elizabeth, b. 31 May, 1799; m. Thomas Forsyth, 1st 

wife, 6 Nov., 1824. 

81. Jared B., b. 27 July, 1801; m. Amy Bishop, 2 Feb., 

1826. 

82. Davis, b. 31 March, 1803; m. Mary E. Balman, 28 

Aug., 1828. 

83. Ephraim, b. 19 Mav, 1805; m. Maria Brown, 21 Oct., 

1831. 

84. Daniel Lewis, b. 11 Sept., 1808; m. Fanny C. Lewis, 

17 Jan., 1833. 

85. Welcome TL, b. 25 Aug., 1810; m. Betsey Moore, 3 

Sept., 1837. 

Children by Edna. 

86. Christopher, b. 5 Feb., 1813; m. Eliza Bromley, 17 

March, 1836. 

87. Dr. Isaac, b. 19 June, 1814; m. Martha B. Howe, 8 

Jan., 1840. 

88. Elias, b. 6 Sept., 1816; m. Amy P. Smith, March, 

1840; 2d, Delia (Browning) Dustin. 

89. John, b. 11 April, 1822; m. Jane E. Howe, 5 Oct., 

1845. 

DOCTOK ISAAC (87), b. 19 Jan., 1815, son of Haz- 
zard Browning and Edna Thompson; married 8 Jan., 1840, 
Patty B. Howe, b. 18 Feb., 1813, daughter of Silas Howe and 
Zilpha Bruce. He settled at Montville, a farmer, black- 
smith, and carriage-maker. He lived near the factory of 
Harry Vincent. He died 3 April, 1885. She died . 

Children. 

90. Hazzard, b. 1 April, 1841; died 11 Sept., 1865. 

91. Martha M., b. 9 Nov., 1842; m. Martin V. B. Brain- 

ard. 



2g() HISTORY OF MONTVlLLE. 

92. Silas Howe, b. 24 Jan., 1845; m. Anna Parks. 

93. "Washington Irving, b. 18 Dec, 1848; m. 

Douglass. 

94. Fanny Lewis, b. 19 Aug., 1850; m. William J. Bald- 

win. 

95. Willis I., b. 20 April, 1852; m. Emma Daniels. 

96. Tantlia, b. 8 May, 1850; m. Charles L. Turner. 

ELIAS (88), b. 6 Sept., 1816, son of Hazzard Browning 
and Edna Thompson; married 25 March, 1840, Amy Smith, 
1). 10 May, 1820, daughter of Abel Smith and Lydia Palmer. 
He was a farmer in the early part of his life, and afterwards 
was employed in the Rockland Paper Mill. His wife died 
22 April, 1864, leaving four children, lie afterwards mar- 
ried Delia (Browning) Dustin, 11 July, 1866. Tie died sud- 
denly of heart failure, while at work in the Rockland Mill, 
18 Nov., 1871. 

Children. 

97. Ira, b. 30 Sept., 1843; m. Louisa Hewitt, 5 June, 1872. 

98. Smith, b. L8 April. Is IT: m. Ellen F. Rogers, 11 Aug., 

1808. 

99. Amy Ellis, b. 20 Dec., 1850; m. Lewis Browning, 2 

April, 1874. 
100. Olin F., b. 20 July, 1857; m. 



VIBBER FAMILIES. 

John Vibber first appears as an inhabitant of New Lon- 
don North Parish in 1711. He, with his wife, were on the 
list of members who organized the first church in the parish in 
1722. Previous to their settlement in the North Parish, they 
appear in Groton, where he was an inhabitant. 

In Feb., 1741, John Vibber exchanged farms with George 
Hill. The farm then owned by Mr. Vibber was the same 
afterwards owned by George Hill, and which descended to 
his son Jonathan and grandson Charles, and on which the 
latter lived at his death. 

The farm then owned by George Hill and which was ex- 
changed with Mr. Vibber was the same afterwards owned by 
his grandson Nathaniel, lying on the Norwich road, and has 
since been called the " Vibber Place," John Vibber the first 
was born 25 Oct., 1689, and married 10 July, 1711, Jonathan 
Williams, born about 1685, daughter of . . . 

He was a farmer and a landholder of considerable note 
in his day. He was active in the affairs of the church, and 
held offices of honor and trust both in the church and town. 
His wife, Johanna, died 9 Jan., 1754. He then married, 8 
May, 1754, Mariam Baker, widow of Joshua Baker. 

Children. 

2. Johanna, b. 31 Oct., 1712; m. 1st, George Hill; 2d, 

Jason Allen. 

3. John, b. 6 Jan., 1713; m. Amy Copp. 

4. Marcy, b. 9 Jan., 1715; m. Abraham Harden. 

5. William, b. 15 Nov., 1717; m. Ann Leffingwell. 

6. Nathaniel, b. 6 Feb., 1720; m. Desire Brown. 

7. Thomas, b. 9 Nov., 1722; died when 17 years old. 
S. Sarah, b. 24 Dec, 1724; died at the age of 2 years. 



232 HISTORY OF MOXTVILLE. 

9. Margaret, b. 20 Nov., 1720; m. John Comstock. 

10. Anna, b. 6 Dec, 1729; m. John Champlin. 

II. JOHN (3), b. 6 Jan., 1713, son of John Vibber and 
Johanna Williams; m. 28 April, 1737, Amy Copp, b. 24 
Sept., 1707, daughter of Deacon Jonathan Copp and Cath- 
erine Lay. Both were members of the church. Be was a 
farmer and lived on the farm afterwards occupied by William 
Bradford. He was also lieutenant of the training band in 
North Parish, lie died in 1779. 

Children. 

11. Catherine, b. 11 Nov., 17:5s; m. K a nsford Comstock. 
1:.'. J..hn, b. 8 Juuc, 17 10. 

13. Ann, b. 8 June, 1742. 

1 1. Joanna, b. 28 Mav, 171 1. 

15. Obedience, b. May, 1748; died 28 Jan., 1752. 

TT. NATHANIEL (6), b. Feb., L720, son of John 
Vibber and Joanna Williams; m. Desire Brown, lie was a 
member of the church and society in the Xorth Parish, was 
active in the affairs of the church, captain of the training band, 
and was a farmer, living on the farm formerly occupied by his 
father, lie died in 1781. Estate distributed 9 Oct., 1781. 

Children. 

10. Aliphal, b. about 1746; died num. 

17. Nathaniel, b. aboul 1748; m. Mehitabel Fox. 

18. Amy, b. about 17;">0; m. Jehial Powers. 
10. Fanny, b. about 1751. 

20. William, b. 10 Aug., 1753; m. 1st, Lois ; 2d, 

Elizabeth Lyon. 

III. NATHANIEL (17), b. about 174S, son of Nathan- 
iel Vibber and Desire Brown; married Mehitabel Fox, daugh- 
ter of Ezekiel Fox and Mehitabel Lamson. He was a farmer, 
and occupied the farm ou which his father lived. 



VIBBER FAMILIES. 233 

Children. 

21. Desire, b. 13 Sept., 1772; m. Frederick Rogers. 

22. Betsey, b. 31 Aug., 1774; m. Samuel Atwell; died 8 

April, 1859. 

23. Louisa, b. 16 Sept., 1780; died 31 Sept., 1865, unm. 

24. Nathaniel, b. 13 Jan., 1783; died unm. 

25. Mehitabel, b. 15 June, 1785; died num. 

26. A son, b. 24 July, 1788; died in infancy. 

III. WILLIAM (20), b. 10 Aug., 1753, son of Nathan- 
iel Vibber and Desire Brown; m. 1st, Lois ; 2d, Eliza- 
beth Lyon, 20 July, 1812, daughter of John Lyon and Eliza- 
beth Moore. He was a farmer, and lived on the west side 
of the Colchester road, half a mile distant. He died 17 June, 
1831. She died 5 April, 1852. 

Children by Lois. 

27. Lois, b. 2 July, 1779. 

28. Fanny, b. 5 June, 1785. 

29. Amos S., b. 5 Jan., 1787. 

30. Russell, b. 26 Nov., 1788. 

Children by Elizabeth. 

31. Salmon C, b. 28 March, 1815 ; m. 1st, Amy D. Wheeler; 

2d, Abby Champlin. 

32. Eunice C, b. 2 Sept., 1817. 

SALMON C. (31), b. 28 March, 1815, son of William 
Vibber and Elizabeth Lyon; married 17 March, 1844, Amy 
D. Wheeler, b. , daughter of . 

He then married, 11 Oct., 1856, Abby Champlin, daugh- 
ter of John Champlin. He was a farmer 'and a large land- 
holder, living on the farm lying on the old Colchester road, 
bought of Peter R. Strickland, and formerly the residence of 
Elisha Fox. His first wife died 6 Aug., 1855. He died 3 
Dec, 1885. His second wife survived him, and died 14 
March, 1892. 



234 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

33. Elisha W., b. 15 Jan., 1845; m. Mary E. Champlin. 

34. Horace C, b. 8 March, 184G; m. Marv Ann Fitch. 

35. William, b. 23 Sept., 1849; m. Julia H. Holt. 

36. Emma E., b. 24 Feb., 1854; m. John Woodmansee, 



GREE?s T FAMILIES. 

The Green families of Montville and Waterford were de- 
scendants from John Green of Warwick, Rhode Island. 
This John Green was born about 1507 at Bawridge Hall, Gill- 
ingham, Dorset Comity, England, son of Richard Green. He 
was a surgeon in Salisbury, where he made his first marriage. 
He had seven children baptized at St. Thomas Church in Salis- 
bury. He married 1st, 4 Xov., 1619, Joan Tattersall, who 
was the mother of all his children. She died, and he then 
married widow Alice Daniels, and for a third wife he married 
Phillis , who died 10 March, 1688. He died in 1658. 

John Green, with his wife, Joan, sailed from Southamp- 
ton, England, 6 April, 1635, in ship " James," and arrived 
at Boston 3 June, 1635, and was afterwards of Salem for a 
short period. In August, 1637, he appeal's at Providence. 
He was one of the twelve persons to whom Roger "Williams 
on the 8th day of October, 1638, deeded land, which was pur- 
chased of Canonicus and Miantonomi, chiefs of the Narragan- 
sett Indians, and was one of the twelve original members of 
the first Baptist Church in Rhode Island. 

Children. 

2. John, b. 1620; m. Ann Almy. 

3. Peter, b. 1622; m. Mary Gorton. 

4. Richard, b. 1623; died young. 

5. James, b. 1626; m. 1st, Deliverance Potter; 2d, Eliza- 

beth Anthony. 

6. Thomas, b. 1628; m. Elizabeth Barton. 

7. Joan, b. 1630; m. Hade. 

8. Mary, b. 1633; m. James Sweet. 

JOHN (2), b. about 1620, son of John Green and Joan 
Tattersall; married Ann Almy, born 1627, daughter of Wil- 



23G HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

liam Almy. Ho held various offices in the town of Warwick, 
R. I. lie was commissioner from \i\^-2 to 1663, recorder 
three years, genera] solicitor in L655, attorney-general from 
1G57 to 1000, assistant and deputy of the colony, and also 
deputy governor from 1090 to 1700. In 1000, Jan. .'30, lie, 
with others, sent a letter of congratulation to William and 
Mary on their accession to the crown of England. Decem- 
ber 22, L686, he was notified by Governor Andros of his ap- 
pointment as a member of his council. On June 27, 1691, 
he was voted 10s. by the assembly for his encouragement, for 
drawing up an address to their Majesties. He died 27 Nov., 
1708. She died 17 May, 1709. 

( Jhildren. 

9. Deborah, b. 10 Aug-., 1649. 

It). John, b. 6 Nov., L651. 

11. William, b. 1 March, 1053. 

L2. Peter, b. 7 Feb., L655. 

l::. Job, b. 24 Aug., L656. 

14. Philip, 1). 7 Oct., L658. 

15. Richard, b. 8 Feb., 1660. 
10. Anne, 1>. 19 March, 1663 
17. Catherine, b. 15 Aug., 1005. 
IS. Audrey, b. 27 Dee.,' 1007. 

19. Samuel, b. 30 Jan., 1071. 

SAMUEL (19), b. no Jan., 1671, son of John Green and 
Ann Almy; married and had a son 

20. Benjamin, b. , and m. about 17>°A Almy 

Angel, b. , daughter of James Angel and 

. She died aboul 1 740, and he married for 

his second wife Margaret Strickland, daughter of 
Peter Striekland. 

Children by Almy. 

21. Mary, b. 28 Jan.. 1732; m. Nathan Comstoek. 

22. Christopher, b. 7 Sept., 1733; m. Mercy Stoddard. 



GREEN FAMILIES. 237 

23. Delight, b. 30 July, 1735; m. John Rogers. 

24. Stephen, b. 19 Feb., 1737. 

25. Al my, b. 

Children by Margaret. 

20. Benjamin, b. 7 April, 1752; m. Abigail Dodge. 

27. Samuel, b. ; died num. 

28. Margaret, b. ; m. Henry Osborn. 

29. Anne, b. ; m. Peter Rogers. 

CHRISTOPHER (22), b. 7 Sept., 1733, son of Benja- 
jamin Green and Almy Angel; married March, 1700, Mercy 
Stoddard, b. 10 March, 1710, daughter of Robert Stoddard 
and Bathsheba Rogers. He settled at Waterford (Quaker 
Hill) a fanner. He died 17 Oct., 1820. She died 23 Feb., 
1830, aged 90. 

Children. 

30. Wealthy, b. 1 April, 1701; m. 1st, Robinson Johnson; 

2d, Nathan Newberry. 

31. Jonathan, b. 30 Aug., 1703; died at sea at the age of 

IS. 

32. Lucy, b. Feb., 17GG; m. Eli Widger. 

33. Mary, b. 20 Feb., 1708; m. Henry Dayton. 

34. Almy, b. 10 July, 1770; m. Jonathan Lester. 

35. William, b. 7 June, 1772; m. Abigail . 

30. Marcy, b. 14 Nov., 1774; m. Russel Harding. 

37. Christopher, b. 3 March, 1777; m. 1st, Sally Palmer; 

2d, Frances (Green) Culpepper. 

38. Eunice, b. 10 June, 1779; m. 1st, Rathbun; 

2d, Harding; 3d, — - Perkins. 

39. Stephen, b. 10 Oct., 1781; died young. 

BENJAMIN (20), b. 7 April, 1752, son of Benjamin 
Green and Margaret Strickland; married 11 Jan., 1770, Abi- 
gail Dodge, b. 18 Aug., 1759. He settled in Waterford (Qua- 
ker Hill) a farmer. He died 14 Aug., 1839. She died 9 
Sept., 1834. 

Children. 

40. Sarah, b. 2 Sept., 1777; m. Elkanah Comstock. 

41. Margaret, b. 27 July, 1779; m. Zebediah Bolles. 



2;38 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

42. Nancy, b. 5 March, 1783; m. Alexander Rogers. 

43. Samuel, b. 30 Dec, 1784; m. Betsey Holmes. 

44. Stephen, b. 1 Feb., 1794; m. Sarah Bolles. 

45. Frances, b. 9 Sept., 179G; in. 1st, Malcolm Culpepper; 

2d, Christopher Green. 

WILLIAM (35), 1). 7 June, 1772, son of Christopher 

Green and Mercy Stoddard; m. Abigail . He settled 

in the State of New York. 







Children, 


46. 


William, b. 1799. 




47. 


Jonathan, b. 




48. 


Stephen, b. 




49. 


Rodney, b. 




50. 


Ray, b. 




51. 


Leander, b. 




52. 


Christopher, b. 





CHRISTOPHER (37), b. 3 March, 1777, son of Christo- 
pher Green and Mercy Stoddard; married 1st, Sally Palmer, 
b. 1G Oct., L783, daughter of Elder Reuben Palmer. She 
died 21 April, 1S23, and he afterwards married Frances 
(Green) Culpepper, his cousin. He settled in Waterford, on 

the homestead <>f his father. He died . Frances 

(Green) Culpepper had a daughter by her first husband, Mal- 
colm Culpepper. France.- Green, b. 29 Jan., 1815; married 
Thomas H. Finley of AVaterford. Both were living in 1896. 

SAMUEL (43), b. 30 Dec., 1784, son of Benjamin Green 
and Abigail Dodge; married Betsey Holmes, b. about 1787, 
daughter of Dr. Seth W. Holmes and Mary Bradford. He 
settled in Montville, living near Bartlett's Wharf; his land 
adjoined on the Thames River. He died 17 Jan., 1860. She 
died 28 April, 1827. 

Children. 

53. William Henry, b. 8 July, IS 12; died num. 

54. John, b. 21 Aug., 1813; died unm. 

55. Samuel, b. 11 Nov., 1815; m. Mary Ann Crandall. 



GREEN FAMILIES. 239 

56. Mary Holmes, b. 20 Jan., 1817 ; m. Benjamin G. Kogers. 

57. Isaac, b. 4 Feb., 1819; died at 19. 

58. Abby Ann, b. 19 March, 1820; m. John P. Hempstead. 

59. Harriet, b. 4 May, 1821; died unm. 

GO. Lovina L., b. 7 Aug., 1822; m. Nicholas C. Stobbens. 

61. Orrin, b. 20 Feb., 1827; died at sea at 17. 

STEPHEN (14), b. 1 Feb., 1794, son of Benjamin Green 
and Abigail Dodge; married Sarah Bolles, daughter of Joseph 
Bolles and Betsey Cobb. He settled in Waterford a farmer. 

Children. 

62. Eliza, b. ; m. 1st, Banning; 2d, Wil- 

liam Thompson. 

63. Joseph, b. about 1823; m. — ■ Brown. 

64. William, b. 1828; died unm. 

65. Caroline, b. ; m. Stiles Crandall. 

66. George, b. ; m. ; went South. 



CHESTER FAMILIES. 

In 1663 Captain Samuel Chester, " commander and own- 
er and factor in the West Indian trade," arrived in Boston, and 
located at New London, at the same time carrying on some 
business in Boston for a few years. lie was skilled in survey- 
ing as well as in navigation, which was of great service to liim 
in laying out lands in tire new settlements. Trusty, faith- 
ful, just, loyal, yet persistent in the righl of colonies. Be 
was esteemed as a judicious and worthy man. Being a sea 
captain in early life, he had visited foreign ports, trading 
among the people of foreign (dimes with good success. He 
had a large landed estate, partly on the cast side of the river, 
now Croton, covering the ground where Fort Grriswold ami 
Groton Monument now stand; also large tracts to the north 
and south of Groton Point, now called Eastern Point, on 
which his son-, Abraham, John, and Jonathan, settled and 
reared large families. 

Captain Samuel Chester also held a large tract of land in 
the North Pariah of New London, now Monttville, on which 
his grandson Joseph settled. Jonathan Chester, son of Cap- 
tain Samuel, who married Mary Rogers, 2 Jan., 1723-4, sold 
the land where Fort Grriswold stands to the government of the 
United States in 1777. A deed to Captain Samuel Chester 
was signed by Uncas, 13 June, 1683, of a grant of several 
thousand acres in Colchester. The name of Captain Samuel 

Chester's . wife was Hannah . His children, whose 

names have been' recovered, were 1st, John, b. about 1000; 
another child was baptized at New London, 20 May, 1602; 
3d, Hannah, bap. 25 March, 1604; 4th, Jonathan, bap. 21 
March, 1G07. John Chester married 1st, Nov., 1716, Marcy 
Starr, and had son, Joseph, b. 6 March, 1730, who married 



CHESTER FAMILIES. 241 

first, Rachel Hillhouse, 4 April, 1753, daughter of Rev. James 
Hillhouse and Mary Fitch, had a daughter, Mary, b. IT Jan., 
1754, and died 11 June, 1765. Rachel, his wife, died 8 
April, 1754. He afterwards married Elizabeth Otis, 21 
April, 1757, daughter of Deacon Joseph Otis and Elizabeth 
Little. He settled in the North Parish of New London, now 
Montville, where he was a fanner and large landholder. His 
residence was on what is now called Raymond Hill. His land 
joined Christopher Manwaring's on the west, and John G. 
Hillhouse's on the east, and run from Stony Brook on the 
north to Oxoboxo Pond on the south. In 1775 he sold two 
hundred acres of land to Nathaniel Comstock, adjoining the 
land of John G. Hillhouse. 

A great legal controversy grew out of a claim for land 
between the Hillhouse heirs and the Chester heirs, in rela- 
tion to the land which was claimed by the ' Cliesters as rela- 
tives of the deceased child of Joseph Chester. This contro- 
versy continued many years in the courts, and was at last de- 
cided in favor of the Chesters. 

Deacon Joseph Chester was chosen an elder in the church 
10 April, 1778. He died 4 Aug., 1803. She died 2 Nov., 
1798. 

Children. 

2. Joseph, b. 27 Jan., 1758; m. Elizabeth Lee. 

3. Rachel, b. 12 June, 1759; m. Jared Comstock. 

4. Elizabeth, b. 23 May, 1761; m. Ezekiel Fox. 

5. Levi, b. 13 Feb., 1763; m. ; died 2 June, 1812. 

6. Mercy, b. 5 Oct., 1764; m. 1st, Jonathan Whaley; 2d, 

Elisha Lord. 

7. Otis, b. 24 Aug., 1766. 

8. David, b. 23 April, 1768; m. Prudy Fox. 

9. Mary, b. 27 Feb., 1770; m. Asahel Otis. 

10. Mabel, b. 11 Nov., 1771; m. James Sterling, 8 Dec, 

1795. 

11. Caroline, b. 27 Aug., 1773; m. John Smith, 1 Oct., 

1795. 

12. John, b. 7 Oct., 1775; died 3 Oct., 1796, unm. 

16 



242 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

13. Olive, 1). 12 March, 1777; m. William Haughton, 23 

Nov., L796. 

14. Lucinda, b. 3 Feb., 1770; died 10 Feb., 1801, imm. 

15. Dorothy, b. 7 Feb., 1781; m. Dr. Epbraim Fellowes. 

16. Anna. b. 21 July, 1783; died 26 Oct., 1803. 

17. Sally, b. 12 Jan., 1785; m. Elisba Forsyth, 24 Feb., 

1811. 

II. JOSEP] I (2), 1). 27 Jan., 1758, son of Joseph Ches- 
ter and Elizabeth Otis; married 22 Sept., 1785, Elizabeth Lee, 
b. 25 May, L757, daughter of Benjamin Lee and Mary Ely 
of Lyme. He was a farmer, and lived on a farm now located 
in Salem, then MEontville. He was killed while excavating 
for a well near bis house, by the falling of a rock under 
which he was digging, 2 April, 1701. She died C Jan., 1843. 

Children. 

is. Lemuel, b. about 1780; in. Jerueha ('lark. 

19. Joseph, 1». 31 -Ian.. 17SS; ni. IVndee Tracy. 

20. Erastus, b. about 1700; m. Lydia Williams. 

II. DAVID (8), k. 23 April. L768, son of Joseph (tes- 
ter and Elizabeth Otis; married 8 Nov., 1797, Prudy Fox. 

Children. 

21. Eliza, b. 1 April, 1700; m. Peters of Col. 

22. John Fox. b. 8 Sept, 1801. 
2.'!. Sophia Maria, b. 8 July, 1803. 
24. Charles, b. 

III. LEMUEL (18), b. about 1786, son of Joseph Ches- 
ter and Elizabeth Lee; in. Jerusha Clark. 

Children. 

_':». Francis, b. ; m. Dr. Raymond. 

26. Hubbard, b. ; m. : died 18 Aug., 1846. 

I' 7. Joanna, b. ; m. George Miller. 

28. Jennet t. b. ; m. Rollo. 

29. Ellen, b. ; m. Durey. 

30. Gertrude, b. ; m. "Woodhull. 



CHESTER FAMILIES. 243 

III. JOSEPH (19), b. 31 Jan., 1788, son of Joseph 
Chester and Elizabeth Lee; married 10 Sept., 1811, Prudee 
Tracy, b. 20 Feb., 1789, at Franklin, daughter of Eleazer 
Tracy and Prndee Kogers of Norwich. He was a merchant 
in Norwich. He died at Norwich 30 Jan., 1832. She after- 
wards removed in 1835, with most of her children, to Rome, 
Ohio, where she married Rev. John Hall. She died 6 Oct., 
1853, at Norwich, while there on a visit with her friends, and 
was buried by the side of her first husband. 

Children. 

31. Albert Tracy, b. 16 June, 1812; m. Elizabeth Stanley. 

32. Harriet Newell, b. 27 Sept., 1814; died 23 April, 1815. 

33. Charles Huntington, b. 14 Oct., 1816; m. Julia A. 

Thomas. 

34. Harriet Lee, b. 31 Jan., 1819; died 1 April, 1820. 

:::>. Joseph Lemuel, b. 30 April, 1821; m. Catherine H. 
Hubbard. 

36. Sarah Elizabeth, b. 21 Nov., 1823; m. Benjamin S. 

Stone. 

37. Leonard Hendee, b. 1 Oct., 1825; m. Lucy C. Thurs- 

ton. 

38. Anson Gleason, b. 25 July, 1827; m. Mary T. Stains. 

III. ERASTUS (20), b. about 1790, son of Joseph 
Chester and Elizabeth Lee; married 29 March, 1812, Lydia 
Williams. They removed to Ashtabula County, Ohio, 25 
May, 1827, where he died in March, 1877. 

Children. 

39. Elizabeth, b. 8 Jan., 1813; m. Elijah Crosby. 

40. Joseph, b. 13 Oct., 1815; m. Hannah McMaster. 

41. Laura Maria, b. 23 March, 1817; m. William Lock- 

wood. 

42. Mary Jane, b. 6 Aug., 1819; m. Rev. Alexander Den- 

ney. 

43. Hezekiah Griswold, b. 27 April, 1821; m. Laura Wilcox. 

44. Erastus, b. 2 March, 1823; m. Mary Metcalf. 

45. Albert, b. 1 April, 1825; m. Ann Maria Lee. 



MAX WARING FAMILIES. 

Oliver Manwaring, the iir.-t American ancestor of the 
name, was born in England about L633. Ee eame to N"ew 
London aboul L664 and boughl a house Lo1 of eleven acres, a 
portion of which containing the house plot and garden it is 
said has never been alienated by the family, but was in 1800 
.-till in the possession of a descendant in the direct male line, 
lie married Hannah Raymond, daughter of Richard Ray- 
mond. She connected herself with the chnrdi in New Lon- 
don in 1671, at which time she had four of the children bap- 
tized. 

Previous to the death of Joshua Raymond, Mr. Manwar- 
ing had bargained with Mr. Raymond for a tract of land in 
the North Parish of New London. Mi-. Raymond dying be- 
fore the deed of conveyance was executed, it was not until 
after 17<>1 that ;i title to the same was obtained. The widow 
of Mi-. Raymond petitioned the General Court for authority 
to convey the land, which petition was granted, and convey- 
ance nnide. She died is Dec., 1717. lie died 3 Nov., 1723. 

( liildren. 

2. Hannah, b. 

:;. Elizabeth, b. 

4. Prudence, b. 

5. Love, b. 

6. Richard, bap. 13 July, 1073; m. Eleanor Jennings. 

7. Judith, bap. April, 1676. 

8. Oliver, bap. Feb., 1678; m. Hannah Hough. 
0. Bathsheba, bap. 9 May, 1680. 

10. Anna, bap. 18 June, 1682. 

11. Mary, b. 



MANWARING FAMILIES. 245 

II. RICHARD (6), bap. 13 July, 1(373, son of Oliver 
Manwaring and Hannah Raymond; married 25 May, 1710, 
Eleanor Jennings, daughter of Richard Jennings and Eliza- 
beth Reynolds, who emigrated from Barbadoes and settled 
at New London. He is said to have built the second grist 
mill erected in the town of New London, which was located 
at " the falls of Jordan Brook, where it falls into the cove," 
about the year 1712. He had a son (12) Christopher, b. 1 
Sept., 1722, who married 31 Jan., 1745, Deborah Denison, 
b. 9 Dec, 1721, eldest daughter of Major Robert Denison 
and Deborah Griswold. He settled at New London, where 
he died in 1801. She died 22 March, 1816. 

Children. 

13. Robert, b. 16 Dec, 1745; m. 1st, Elizabeth Rogers; 2d, 

Elizabeth (Baker) Raymond, widow of Josiah; 3d, 
Susanna (Hubbard) Bushnell. 

14. Deborah, b. 3 Sept., 1747; died at an advanced age, unni. 

15. Hannah, b. 3 Oct., 1749; died at an advanced age, mini. 

16. Eleanor, b. 12 Sept., 1751; died young. 

17. Anna, b. 11 Sept., 1753; died young. 

18. Elizabeth, b. 26 Sept.. 1754; m. Nathaniel Hempstead. 

19. Asa, b. 28 Nov., 1756; died 20 March, 1779, unni. 

20. Rogers, b. 27 Aug., 1758; m. widow Ruth Crocker, 6 

July, 1797. 

21. Sybil, b. 14 June, 1760; died young. 

22. Sarah, b. 1 April, 1762; m. Andrew Huntington; 2d 

wife. 

23. John, b. 21 March, 1765; m. Eleanor Raymond. 

24. Lois, b. 16 Aug., 1767; m. Andrew Huntington, 1st 

wife. They settled at Montville, where she died, 
leaving children. 

II. OLIVER (8), bap. 2 Feb., 1678, second son of Oliver 
Manwaring and Hannah Raymond; married 15 March, 1705, 
Hannah Hough, b. at New London 30 June, 1688, daughter 
of Captain John Hough and Sarah Post. 



246 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

( Ihildren. 

25. Richard, b. LO Jan., 1707. 

26. — , b. 17 Sept., 1708; m. Rebecca Gager, daughter 
of Samuel Gager and Rebecca (Lay) Raymond, 
widow of David Raymond. 

27. Oliver, b. 24 Jan., 1711; m. Mary Smith, daughter of 

Nehemiah Smith of Lyme. 

28. Samuel, b. 25 Aug., 1713. 

29. Hannah, b. 27 Feb., 1716; m. Jedediah Caulkins. 

30. Sarah, b. 9 Aug., LY18; m. Simeon Gager. 

31. John, b. 28 June, 1721 ; m. Elizabeth — . 

32. Anna. b. 20 Nov., 1723; m. Thomas Marshall. 

33. Elizabeth, b. 11 July, 1727. 

34. Jabez, b. 12 Jan., 1730; m. Mercy Miner. 

IV. ROBERT (13), b. L6 Dec., 17 1.1, son of Christo- 
pher Manwaring and Deborah Denison; married 8 Oct., 1772, 
Elizabeth Rogers, daughter of James Rogers and Grace Har- 
ris. She died about L790. lie then married Elizabeth 
(Baker) Raymond, daughter of Joshua Baker and Abigail 
Bliss, and widow of Joedah Raymond. She died at Norwich, 
13 Feb., L802. Ee afterwards married Susannah (Hubbard) 
Bushnell, daughter of Russel Hubbard. He died at Norwich, 
29 March, L807. She died at Windham, 19 April, 1814. 

Children by Elizabeth Rogers. 

35. Christopher, b. 13 Dec., 1774; in. Sarah Bradley. 

36. Frances, b. 6 Nov., LY76; m. Joshua Caulkins in 1792, 

son of Jonathan Caulkins and Lydia Smith. He 
died at New London in 1795, while on a trading- 
voyage to San Domingo. They had three children, 
1st, Parmelia, b. 19 April, 1793; she died at New 
London, 16 June, 1883; 2d, Frances Manwaring, b. 
26 April, 1795. She was a literary writer and poet- 
ess, and the distinguished author of the History of 
New London, and of Norwich. She died at New 
London. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. 
Frances (Manwaring) Caulkins married 18 Sept., 
1807, Philemon Havens, and had four other chil- 



MANWARING FAMILIES. 247 

dren: 1st, Robert; Maiiwaring, b. 28 June, 1808, at 
Norwich; married 20 April, 1810, Adeline Clark of 
Vermont; 2d, Philemon, b. 21 July, 1810; died at 
Norwich, 6 July, 1816; 3d, Henry P., b. 11 Feb., 
1815, at Norwich; m. 23 Feb., 1810, Elizabeth 
Douglass, b. 14 July, 1817, daughter of Robert 
Douglass of Waterford. He was a merchant at 
New London, where he was several years engaged 
in the whaling business. He was mayor of the city, 
and superintendent of the Second Congregational 
Sunday-school, and for many years before his death 
had a Sunday-school at Jordan, in which he took a 
great interest. He died much respected and greatly 
lamented in 1876; 4th, Elizabeth, b. 14 Feb., 1819; 
died 30 April, 1842. 

Children. 

37. Elizabeth, b. 22 June, 1778; m. William Raymond. 

38. Eleanor, b. 22 Dec, 1780; died young. 

39. Lucretia, b. 28 Oct., 1783; m. Henry Nevins, 10 June, 

1805. 

40. Phebe, b. 18 March, 1786; died young. 

Child by Elizabeth. 

41. Caleb Baker, b. 21 Jan., 1802; m. Lydia Wickwire in 

1827; settled in western New York; had one child. 

IV. ROGER (20), b. 27 Aug., 1758, son of Christopher 
Manwaring and Deborah Denison; married 6 July, 1797, Wid- 
ow Ruth Crocker. He first settled at Montville, a farmer. 
He afterwards removed to Waterford, where he died in March, 
1836. She died 17 Jan., 1854. 

Children. 

42. Elisha, b. 21 May, 1798; he was a lunatic, and died unm. 

43. Silas, b. 10 Feb/, 1800; m. 

44. Asa, b. 11 April, 1802; m. a Widow Crocker. 

45. Ezra, b. 22 April, 1804, at Montville. 

46. Mary, b. at Montville. 



248 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

IV. JOKN (23), b. 21 March, 1765, son of Christo- 
pher Manwaring and Deborah Denison; married 21 March, 
J 790, Eleanor Raymond, daughter of John Raymond and 
Elizabeth Griswold. lie was a fanner in Montville. He 
was killed by a fall in 1811. She died at Greenfield, Iowa, in 
Aug., 1820. 

Children. 

47. Robert, b. 27 Oct., 1791; m. Martha Haskins. 

48. Hannah Lynde, b. 29 May, 17913; m. Gurdon Water- 

man. 

49. John, b. 23 Sept., 1795; m. Eliza Church. 

50. Julia, b. 23 April, 17!»7; m. 1st, James Jones; 2d, Dr. 

Gideon S. Bailey. 

51. Eleain.r, b. 11 April, 1790; m. 1st, Peck; 2d, 

( 'harles Patrick. 

52. Harriet, b. 24 March, 1802: m. Pussel Griffen. 

53. Hynes, b. 25 April, 1804. He was a soldier in the U. 

S. Army, and died in 1829. 

V. JOHN (49), b. 23 Sept., 1795, son of John Man- 
waringand Eleanor Raymond; m. 21 Feb., 1825, Eliza Church, 
b. 2 April, 1800, daughter of Peleg Church and Alary Leach. 
He was a large landholder in Montville. His lands lay along 
the north and west sides of Oxoboxo pond. lie was also a cat- 
tle drover, and dealt iii the purchase and sale of cattle, horses, 
and mules, often shipping them to foreign ports. He died 
:< April, 1846, at Connellsville, Pa., while on a trip to purchase 
eattle. His wife died in .Montville, 10 Jan., 1890. 

Children. 

54. Eliza, b. 28 Feb., 1826; m. 22 Dec, 1850, John R. Stan- 

ton, son of Rowland Stanton of Norwich. He was 
a cattle and horse trader, and resided at East Great 
Plain in Norwich. They had two children. 

55. James H., b. 19 Sept., 1827. He has never married; 

has lived on the old homestead since the death of his 
father. He keeps a large stock of cattle and horses 
on the farm, and does a large business in trading 
stock. He was living in 1896. 



MANWARING FAMILIES. 249 

56. Eleanor, b. 20 Dec, ; m. her cousin, Robert Man- 

waring. 

57. John, b. 25 March, 1833; m. Mercy Raymond, 27 May, 

1863, daughter of Richard Raymond and Julia 
Ann Gardner. He settled in Norwich, where he 
is a thrifty farmer. His children were: 

1. Infant son, b. 9 March, 1864; died 10 March, 

1864. 

2. John, b. 16 Oct., 1865. Keeps a sale stable at 

Norwich, Conn., 1896. 

3. Estelle, b. 6 Sept., 1868; m. 11 Nov., 1890, 

Dwio-ht Tvelsey; had son, b. 28 Jan., 1893. 
She died 10 April, 1894. 

4. Infant son, b. 22 Feb., 1871 ; died 27 Feb., 1871. 

5. Ier Jay, b. 29 Dec, 1872. Received decree 

of M.D. at "Woman's Medical College, Phil., 
Pa., 8 May, 1895. 

IV. ELIZABETH (18), b. 26 Sept., 1754, daughter of 
Christopher Man waring and Deborah Denison, married 26 
Aug., 1777, Nathaniel Hempstead of New London, b. 7 Feb., 
1753. They had two sons and three daughters, 1st, Nathan- 
iel, b. 2 Sept., 1780; 2d, Christopher, b. 17 April, 1787; 3d, 
Elizabeth, b. 7 Nov., 1778; 4th, Anna, b. 2 May, 1784, and 
Hannah, b. 13 April, 1792. 

V. CHRISTOPHER (35), b. 13 Dec, 1774, son of 
Robert Man waring and Elizabeth Rogers; m. 1st, Sarah Brad- 
ley, 5 Nov., 1797, daughter of Joshua Bradley. She died 
30 Oct., 1805. He then married for his second wife Mary 
Wolcott, daughter of Dr. Simon Wolcott and Lucy Rogers, 
21 Jan., 1807. She died 4 Dec, 1832. 

Children by Elizabeth. 

58. Sally, b. 25 Oct., 1798; died 2 Nov., 1798. 

59. Christopher C, b. 14 Dec, 1799; m. Catherine J. Hins- 

dale. 



250 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

60. Lucretia, 1>. 16 Oct., 1803; m. Nathan Colver. 

61. Infant son, b. 5 Sept., 1805; died the next day. 

( Ihildren by Mary. 

02. Simon, b. 30 Sept., L809; m. Sarah Banta, 2 Nov., 1837, 

and had 1st, Mary Ellen, b. 7 Sept., 1838; m. George 
Allison; 2d, Sarah Frances, b. 19 March, 1841; died 
8 Sept., 1847; 3d, Hester Julia, b. 16 June, 1843; 
in. William (i. Allison; 4th, Caroline, b. 12 Dec., 
1845; in. Louis De Santler; 5th, Martha Pitkin, b. 
18 Aug., 1849; m. Augustus Foster. 

03. Robert Alexander, b. 2 Alio-., 1811; m. 15 May, 1845, 

Ellen Barber, dau. of Hon. Noyes Barber and Mary 
Elizabeth (Chester) Smith. lie was a physician in 
New London. Dr. Manwaring was the leading 
physician in .W\\ London, and a successful practi- 
tioner. He died at Nev? London, 1 Sept., L890. 
He left one son, Wolcotl Barber, b. 30 May, 1847, 
who was living at \e\v London in 189G, mini. 



TURNER FAMILIES. 

Thomas Turner, born about 1700 at Scituate, Mass., was 
probably the son of Nathan Turner, grandson of Thomas and 
great-grandson of Humphrey Turner. Humphrey Turner, 
with his wife Lydia and some children, emigrated from Eng- 
land (tradition says from Essex) and landed at Plymouth in 
1628. In 1633 he became one of the first settlers of Scituate, 
Mass. He had six sons and two daughters, their names not 
having been recovered. Thomas Turner settled at New Lon- 
don about 1720, and married, 23 Nov., 1727, Patience Bolles, 
daughter of John Bolles and Sarah Edgecombe, by whom he 
had nine children. She died about 1760. He afterwards 
married, 8 Dec, 1770, Mary Waterhouse, widow of John 
Waterhouse. He died in 1792, aged 92 years. 

Children. 

2. John, b. 29 July, 1728; m. Bathsheba Whipple. 

3. Sarah, b. 15 Nov., 1729; m. Whipple. 

4. Delama, b. 19 Oct., 1731; m. Gideon Comstock. 

5. Mathew, b. 12 Oct., 1733; m. 1st, Mary Eargo; 2d, 

Elizabeth Smith. 

6. Patience, b. 1735; m. Nathaniel Ohappell. 

7. Mercy, b. 27 April, 1740; m. Moses Fargo. 

8. Samuel, b. 6 March, 1741; m. Whipple. 

9. Zipporah, b. 1 Nov., 1743; m. Norman Lester. 
10. Delight, b. 4 Feb., 1757; m. Nathaniel Hubbard. 

II. JOHN (2), b. 29 July, 1728, son of Thomas Turner 
and Patience Bolles; m. 1 Nov., 1750, Bathsheba Whipple, b. 
6 June, 1731, daughter of Zecheriah Whipple. 



252 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

11. John, b. 16 Xnv., 1751; m. Mary Newson. He was 

losl at sea. 

12. Elizabeth, 1.. L6 June, L753. 

13. James, 1». 5 Jan., 1757. 

14. Thomas, 1». 11 Jinx-. L759. 

II. MATHEW ( 5), b. 12 Oct., 1733, son of Thomas Tur- 
ner and Patience Bolles; married Mary Fargo. She was a 

sister of Deacon Robert Fargo of Montville. She died . 

He afterwards married, 14 Feb., 1760, Elizabeth Smith, dau. 
<>f Jonathan Smith. He was a fanner, and settled in the 
North Parish of New London in the vicinity of the old Bap- 
tist church. 

Child by Mary. 

15. Isaac, b. 2 April, 175 1; m. Anna Comstock. 

Children by Elizabeth. 

16. Alary, b. 22 Nov., 17<'.0; m. Joshua Douglass. 

17. Peregreen, b. 2 Nov., L762; m. Abigail Forsyth, 
is. Elizabeth, b. 2 An-.. 1705; m. William Tinker. 
1!». Jonathan, b. 20 May, L768; m. Lois Gilbert. 

20. John, 1). lit Jan., 1771; m. Sabra Tinker. 

21. Mathew, b. L6 June, 177:!; m. Abigail Chapel. 

22. David, b. 10 April, 1770; m. Lois Baker. 

23. Sarah. 1». 4 Aug., 177!': m. Calvin Bolles. 

24. James, b. 13 July, 1781; m. Mary Baker. 

ITT. ISAAC (15), b. 2 April, 1754, son of Mather 
Turner and Mary Fargo; married in 1776, Anna Comstock, 
daughter of Lancaster Comstock and Mary Smith. He 
was a farmer, and was a prominent man in town affairs, and 
held important town offices. He died 13 Nov., 1829. She 
died 30 June, 1831. 

Children. 

25. Guy, b. 7 June, 177$; m. Grace Comstock. 

26. Alary, b. 7 April, 1781; m. Samuel Eathbone. 



TURNER FAMILIES. 258 

27. Giles, b. 30 Oct., 1783; m. Eunice Comstock. 

28. Isaac, b. 5 April, ITS 6; m. Esther Comstock. 

29. Nancy, b. 11 Sept., 1788; m. Jonathan Comstock. 

30. Jared, b. 1 April, 1790: m. Nancy Stebbins. 

31. Elizabeth, b. 22 Oct., 1793; m. Samuel Comstock. 

32. Mercy Maria, b. 29 Jan., 1795; m. Gideon Palmer. 

III. JONATHAN (19), b. 20 May, 1708, son of 
Mathew Turner and Elizabeth Smith; m. Lois Gilbert, dau. 
of Jonathan Gilbert. 

Children. 

33. Gilbert, b. 

34. Nancy, b. 

35. Louisa, b. 

III. MATHEW (21), b. 10 June, 1773, son of Ma- 
thew Turner and Elizabeth Smith; m. 19 July, 1795, Abi- 
gail Chapel, daughter of Ezekiel Chapel and Sarah Gard- 
ner. He was a fanner, and owned a large farm in the town 
of Salem in Chesterfield Society. He died there 1 June, 
1866, aged 93 years. She died 17 March, 1858, aged 81 
years. 

Children. 

39. Harriet, b. 8 Feb., 1800; m. Israel Newton. 

40. Hubbard, b. 1 Sept., 1802; died 3 Nov., 1837. 

41. Amy Chapel, b. 24 Oct., 1804; died in childhood. 

42. Sophrona, b. 1 Sept., 1800; died in childhood. 

43. Lyman, b. 24 Sept., 1809; m. Martha Lewis. 

44. John, b. 10 Oct., 1816; died 1 Jan., 1843. 

III. DAVID (22), b. 10 April, 1776, son of Mathew 
Turner and Elizabeth Smith; m. 26 Nov., 1797, Lois Ba- 
ker, daughter of Josiah Baker and Abigail Leffingwell. He 
settled at Colchester, was a prominent and successful busi- 
ness man and much respected. He died 16 Aug.,. 1820, at 
New London. She died at Montville, 12 Aug., 1853. 



254 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

45. Elizabeth, b. 5 Feb., 1799; m. 1 March, 1842, Rev. 

John Williams Salter, b. 28 Jan., 1798, son of 
Genera] John Salter of Mansfield. He was a 
graduate of Yale College, class of 1818. He was 
a Congregational minister, and acting pastor of 
the Firsl Congregational church in Montville from 
Is IT to April 1, 1858. He removed to Manches- 
ter, his native place, iii 1860, and died there 6 
July, 1809. She died . 

46. Josiah Baker, b. 10 April. 1801; m. 15 July, L822, 

Julia Hubbard Isham of Xew Louden, and had 
three children, Lucretia Hubbard, Elizabeth, Sa- 
rah Rose. He died at St. Louis, 16 Oct., 1840. 
17. David Smith, b. 27 July, 1804; m. 23 Dee., 1828, 
Mary Ann Lord of Xew York City, and had five 
children, David Lord, Harriet Lord, Louisa Eliza- 
beth, and two died in infancy. 

48. Francis Gardner, b. 20 May, 1807; died at Colches- 

ter, 12 Nov., 1837, num. 

49. Jonathan Trumbull, b. 17 June, 1809; m. 15 Xov., 

1833, Adelaide Richards of Xew London, and had 
eighl children, John, who died in infancy, John, 
Francis Gardner, Charles Prentis, Leonard Ride 
ards, Elizabeth Huntington, Harriet. Adelaide, 
Marvin Wait. 

III. JAMES (l'I), b. 13 July, 1781, son of Mathew 
Turner and Elizabeth Smith: m. 14 July, 1805, Mary Ba- 
ker, daughter of Josiah Baker and Abigail Leffingwell. Il<' 
was a farmer, and lived in Chesterfield Society. She died 
11 July, 1855, and he died 14 May, 1859. 

Children. 

50. Mary Emily, b. 10 Jan., 1807; m. John M. Latimer. 

51. Abby Ann', b. 29 Aug., L808; m. Mulfond C. Ray- 

mond. 

52. Almira, b. 5 Sept., 1810; m. 20 Jan., 1831, Robert 

Fargo, b. 12 Feb., 1799. They had one daugh- 



TURNER FAMILIES. 255 

ter, Mary, b. 15 June, 1833. She married Or- 
lando !N\ Raymond. 

53. James Henry, b. 22 Oct., 1812; m. Jane Clark. 

54. Laura Ransom, b. 9 Feb., 1815; m. William Whaley. 

55. Ma the w, b. 27 April, 1817; m. Amanda Jackson. 

56. Peregrine, b. 10 Aug - ., 1810; m. Romelia Potter. 

57. David, b. 30 Sept., 1821; m. 

58. Emeline Smith, b. 5 May, 1825; m. Jared Turner. 

IV. GUY (25), b. 7 June, 1778, son of Isaac Turner 
and Anna Comstock; m. 8 Dec., 1799, Grace Comstock, 
daughter of Peter Comstock and Sarah Mirick. He was 
a merchant, and settled in New London. He died 18 March, 
1833. She died 27 April, 1852, aged 74 years. 

Children. 

59. Anna, b. 7 April, 1800; m. Wanton A. Weaver. 

60. Sarah, b. 8 April, 1802; died 20 Dec, 1817. 

01. Peter Comstock, b. 15 June, 1804; m. 1st, Mary Ma- 
son; 2d, 

62. Isaac, b. 12 Oct., 1806; lost at sea 5 Dec, 1831, in 

the Schooner Alabama on her passage to Mobile. 

63. Emily, b. 4 June, 1808; died 25 Jan., 1818. 

64. Elisha, b. in Jan., 1811; died 9 Jan., 1818. 

65. Guy, b. in Aug., 1812; died 12 June, 1815. 

66. Maria Louisa, b. 15 July, 1815; m. William P. Ben- 

jamin. 

67. Elizabeth, b. 1817; died young. 

68. Charles, b. 1 Dec, 1819; died 4 Oct., 1832. 

IV. GILES (27), b. 30 Oct., 1783, son of Isaac Tur- 
ner and Anna Comstock; m. in ls<>7, Eunice Comstock, 
daughter of Oliver Comstock and Amy Comstock. He was 
a farmer, and owned a well-cultivated farm in Montville. 
He was a man of integrity, a member of the Baptist church, 
and held important offices of trast in his native town. She 
died 16 March, 1862. He died at Montville, 10 Feb., 1864. 



256 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

69. Alniira, b. 30 July, 1808; m. Albert G. Darrow. 

70. -lane M., b. 26 Dec., 1811; ra. Christopher C. Loomis. 

71. Samuel K.. b. 28 Sept., 1813; m. Hannah Butler. 

72. Catherine C., b. 25 Sept., 1816; died 20 Aug., 1835, 

mini. 

73. Lucy Ann, b. 6 March, 1810. 

74. Giles F., b. 6 Feb., L823; died 21 Aug., L846, unm. 

75. Horace b. 28 May, L824; died 30 Nov., 1827. 

76. Julia Theresa, b. L9 May, L826; m. Rev. George R. 

I )arrow. 

77. William 0., b. 30 May, 1828; m. Sarah E. Latimer. 

IV. ISAAC (28), b. 5 April, 17m;, son of Isaac Turner 
and Anna Comstock; m. Esther Comstock, daughter of Oli- 
ver Comstock and Amy Comstock. He was a farmer and 
merchant. He was a large landholder and land speculator, 
living ,-it Montville, his native town. He died suddenly, 
8 April, 1832. She died 22 Feb., 1856. 

Children. 

78. Timothy Whitman, b. 16 Feb., 1809; m. Tabathy 

Buddington. 

79. Mary Caroline, b. in April, 1811; m. 1st, Benjamin 

Jerome; 2d, John P. Wheeler. 

80. James Laurence, b. in Aug., 1813; m. Sarah A. 

Palmer. 

81. Henry, b. 1 Feb., 1816; m. Asenith Nichols. 

82. Emily, b. 8 May, 1818; m. John G. Baker. 

83. Sarah, b. in Jan., 1821; died 2 March, 1857, unm. 

84. John, b. ."> June, 1823; in. Maria Theresa Palmer. 

85. Isaac, b. 1826; m. Lucy doer. 

86. Guy, b. in Feb., 1829; m. Eleanor Green. 

IV. JAEED (30), b. 1 April, 1790, son of Isaac Tur- 
ner and Anna Comstock; m. Nancy Stebbins, daughter of 
Edward Stebbins and Ann Bishop. He was a fanner and 
merchant, and settled in Fast Lyme. She died 6 Sept., 1851. 
He died 18 Jan., 1861. 



TURNER FAMILIES. 257 

Children. 

87. Nancy Maria, b. 20 Oct., 1814; m. Peter H. Corn- 

stock. 

88. Harriet, b. 24 May, 1817; m. John D. Otis. 

89. Henrv E., b. 1 Sept., 1819; m. Mariette S. Fitch. 

90. Albert G., b. 18 Sept., 1821; died young. 

91. .Tared, b. 6 Dec, 1823; m. Emeline S. Turner. 

92. Mary Aim, b. 8 Jan., 1829; died 18 March, 1832. 

IV. LYMAX (43), b. 24 Sept., 1809, son of Mathew 
Turner and Abigail Chapel; married in Sept., 1842, Martha 
Lewis. She died Nov., 1861. He died 21 Feb., 1864. 

Children. 

93. John, b. 

94. Mary, b. 

95. Elizabeth, b. 

96. Bell, b. 

IV. JAMES HENRY (53), b. 22 Oct., 1812, son of 
James Turner and Mary Baker; m. Jane Clark, and had 
children. 

Children. 

97. James, b. 

98. John C, b. 

99. Lucy, b. 

IV. MATHEW (55), b. 27 April, 1817, son of James 
Turner and Mary Baker; m. 14 Sept., 1848, Amanda Jack- 
son. 

Children. 

100. Mary E., b. 2G July, 1849. 

101. Jared R, b. 23 Oct., 1850. 

102. Janette, b. 2 Feb., 1853; died 2 Aug., 1868. 

103. James M., b. 7 Oct., 1855. 

104. Xellie, b. 23 Aug., 1862; died 16 April, 1863. 

17 



258 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

V. PETER COMSTOCK (61), b. 15 June, 1804, son 
of Guy Turner and Grace Comstock; married 1 ( .» Nov., 
L826, Mary Mason. She died 23 June, 1834. He after- 
wards married, 15 Oct., 1835, Mary Ann Mason. He set- 
tled at New London, and was cashier in the Whaling Bank 
a number of years, and afterwards in the First National Bank. 
Ee died in 1883. 

Children by Mary. 

105. Peter C, b. 10 Dec, 1S27; died young. 

106. Mary M., b. 29 April, 1829; m. Samuel L. Comstock, 

1853. 

107. Peter C, b. 28 July, 1831. 

108. Charles, b. 20 April, 1834. 

Children by Mary Ann. 

109. Frederick M., b. 12 July, 1837. 

110. Fran.is M., b. 6 Dee., 1839; died in 1843. 

111. Grace, b. 23 Feb., 1842; m. Frank II. Ames. 

112. Luther G., b. 8 June, 1845. 

113. Elisha, b. 

114. Alice S., b. 15 Dee., 1849. 

V. SAMUEL R. (71), b. 28 Sept., 1813, son of Giles 
Turner and Eunice Comstock; m. 16 May, 1837, Hannah 

Butler. 

Children. 

115. Partha, b. 9 Feb., 1838. 

116. George B., b. 13 Nov., 1840. 

117. Frederick S., b. 28 Sept., 1842. 

118. Charles II., b. 6 Jan., 1845. 

119. Edward H., b. 27 Aug., 1849. 

V. WILLIAM C. (77), b. 30 May, 1828, son of Giles 
Turner and Eunice Comstock; m. 10 March, 1856, Sarah 
H. Latimer, dau. of Joseph H. Latimer and Theresa Tinker. 
He first Settled at Montville, where he was a farmer. He 
afterwards removed to New York, where he engaged in the 
hose business, and where both were living in 1896. 



TURNER FAMILIES. 259 

Children. 

120. Minnie M., b. 27 Aug., 1859. 

121. George Edwin, b. 1 Feb.,. 1860. 

V. TIMOTHY WHITMAN (78), b. 16 Feb., 1809, 
son of Isaac Turner and Esther Comstock; m. 11 Oct., 1842, 
Tabathy Buddington. He was a merchant, first at Uncas- 
ville, and afterwards a merchant and postmaster at Groton 
Bank. He died at Groton in 1880. Had one daughter, 

122. Mary, b. 19 July, 1843. 

JAMES L. (80), b. Aug., 1813, son of Isaac Turner and 
Esther Comstock; m. 27 Dec., 1835, Sarah Ann Palmer, 
daughter of Gideon Palmer and Mercy M. Turner. 







Children, 


123. 


Sarah Ann, b. 




124. 


James Lawrence, 


b. 


125. 


Emma Bile, b. 




126. 


Mary, b. 




127. 


William, b. 




128. 


Julius T., b. 




129. 


Wendell E., b. 





HENHY (81), b. 1 Feb., 1816, son of Isaac Turner and 
Esther Oomstock; m. 25 May, 1846, Aseneth Nichols. She 
died at Norwich, 24 April, 1854. He was a merchant at 
Norwich. He died at South Norwalk, 7 Sept., 1876. 

Children. 

130. Henry R., b. 31 March, 1847. 

131. Charles N., b. 20 March, 1849. 

JOHN (84), b. 5 June, 1823, son of Isaac Turner and 
Esther Comstock; m. Maria Theresa Palmer, daughter of 
Gideon Palmer and Mercy M. Turner. He was a silk cord 
manufacturer at Norwich, where he died. 



260 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

132. Theresa, b. 6 Dec, 1851; died 12 July, L$54. 

L33. John Euntington, b. 15 Oct., 1856; died 2 Nov., 

1875. 

134. Frank Comstock, b. 29 Oct., 1858. 

L35. Maria Cornelia, b. 17 May, 1861. 

L36. Lillian, b. 7 Aug., L863; died L8 July. L864. 

L37. Isaac Emerson, b. 7 An-.. L865. 

ISAAC (85), b. 1826, son of Isaac Turner and Esther 
Comstock; m. 3] May. L853, Lucy Almira Geer, daughter 
of Eolibul W. Geer. Ee firsl settled at Montville, a mer- 
chant; was engaged in the grocery business at Palmertown, 
a member of the firm of Palmer, Turner & Co. Ee after- 
wards removed to Norwich, and engaged in the silk-cord 
manufacturing; was living in I s '. 1 ";. 

( 'hildren. 

L38. [saac Worthmgton, b. L9 Aug., L854. 
L39. Ilattic Esther, b. L2 June. L856; died 23 March, 
1868. 

140. George Green, b. 9 Nov., 1857; died 4 Oct., L868. 

141. Annie Louisa, b. 28 May, 1869. 

142. Edward Guy, b. 15 July, 1870. 

GUY (86), b. Feb., L829, son of [saac Turner and Esther 
Comstock; in. 22 April, L857, Eleaner Green. Ee died 26 
April, 1874, leaving one daughter, 

143. Ada G. L., 1). 25 July. 1859. 



VALLET FAMILIES. 

There is a maze about the early history of this family, 
owing to a deficiency of record to substantiate that which is 
traditional, and there are also incidents that appear a little 
romantic, causing much perplexity to the historian. How- 
ever, if the traditions of this family history, together with 
the few incidental facts of record, are to be taken as sub- 
stantially true, the case is apparently clear. 

It is an established fact that about the middle of the 
eighteenth century there were three persons 'bearing the. 
name of Jeremiah Vallet. The eldest one is supposed to 
have come from Rhode Island and to have settled in the 
North Parish of Xew London, and tradition says that the two 
others were his sons. " 

Jeremiah Vallet the first, was probably bora about 1713. 
The place of his birth and parentage are unknown. He was 
a mariner and sea captain, and went on long voyages, but to 
what ports he sailed for, or from what ports he sailed from, 
is also not ascertained. That he made such voyages, the in- 
cidents in his history fully show. Tradition says that he 
was married to Mary Hammond, daughter of Isaac Ham- 
mond, a resident of the North Parish of New London, about 
1739. By this marriage a son was bora, whom they named 
Jeremiah, bom about 1740. As the story goes. Captain 
Jeremiah Yallet soon after his marriage went on a sea voy- 
age, expecting to return within a year. The time of his ex- 
pected return came, but no news from the captain was 
ever received. Several years passed, and the wife heard 
nothing from her husband, and gave up all expectations of 
ever seeing the captain again, and concluded that he was 
dead. During the time of his absence she managed to sup- 



0(52 HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 

port herself and son by taking- boarders. Among her board- 
ers was a man by the name of Thomas Adams, a shipwright. 
The wife, supposing her husband to be dead, pnt on the em- 
blem of mourning. Alter a proper time, this Thomas Adams 
proposed marriage, to which she consented. This marriage 
took place aboul the year 17! 1. Their first child, Miary, 
was born 21 Sept., 1745. 

Soon after the birth <>f this child, and while the happy 
couple were in the full enjoyment of their married life, one 
dav Captain Vallel walked into his former home, and was 
much surprised upon finding that his wife had married an- 
other man. The two husbands, however, had a quiet talk- 
over the matter. Mr. Adams was quite unwilling to give 
up his supposed lawful wife, and she though.1 it cruel that 
her first husband should insist upon her abandoning her sec- 
ond husband, a- -he -aid, " I have mourned for you for years 
as being dead." " Well," said Captain Vallet, "your claims 
are both reasonable, and 1 will consent to the separation on 
two conditions: First, the boy which is my son shall be given 
up to me, and second, both of yon must leave this place, and 
seek a home in other parts." To this the second husband 
and wife consented, and at once removed to East Windsor, 
Conn., where they settled, and there were born to them three 
sons and five daughters. The eldest daughter, Mary, was 
married on 1 May, 17<'>o. to Thomas Allen, son of Azeriah, 
bom in Enfield, Conn., 14 May, 1746. Jonathan Allen, 
son of Ebenezer, born in Enfield, Conn., 22 June, 1755; mar- 
ried Sarah Adam-, another daughter of Thomas Adams and 
Mary (Hammond) Vallet. She was born at East Windsor, 
16 April, 1753. All were respectable persons, and their de- 
scendants have been men and women of good standing and 
moral qualities. 

Captain Vallet again married, settled in Montville, a 
fanner. The land records show that in March, 1748, Jere- 
miah Vallet purchased land of Ezra Dodge, for which he paid 
205 lbs. 13s. He afterwards bought other lands in the vi- 



VALLET FAMILIES. 263 

einity of his first purchase. On tins land he lived until his 
death in 1795. His inventory bears date Dec. 1st, 1793, com- 
prising 180 acres of land, valued at £540, and personal prop- 
erty at £161. 

Captain Jeremiah Vallet was a cripple for several years 
before his death, caused by a fall from his horse, as he was 
riding across the lots from his home to his neighbors, Benja- 
min Atwell. It being very icy, the horse slipped and fell 
upon his rider, breaking one of his legs. It is said that Jere- 
miah Yallet, Jr., would occasionally visit his mother and 
half brothers and sisters, and were always friendly with each 
other. After the death of Captain Vallet, Luther Allen, 
son of Moses Allen and Mary Adams, made a visit to his 
uncle, Jeremiah Vallet, at Montville. The following is a 
copy of a part of a letter written by Luther to his parents, 
while on a visit to his uncle in 1800. 

Montville, Thursday, 20 Feb., 1800. 

Dear Parents and Loving Friends: 

With the tender feelings of a dutiful child to a kind 
parent, and a heart that is welling with love towards my Be- 
nevolent Benefactors, I indite these lines to inform you that 
your son (L) is in good health and this day in Montville, and 
accompanied with our Real Friends (Mr. Vallet and Family). 
We are all in good health, and earnestly desire these to reach 
you enjoying so great a Blessing. I Received the Receipt 
of your favor on Thursday last, at half past eight in the even- 
ing. I was then at Newport, Rhode Island. I came eight 
miles that night, and took the Stage next morning at half 
past four in the morning, and arrived at ISTew London Ferry 
at 6 p. m. the same day, and this day have arrived at my 
uncle's house, where I sat down with no little pleasure to in- 
form you of my safe arrival. The Family inform me that 
they had word from you by the last post, and that you were 
all well, and had a pleasant journey without Exceptions, 



264 HISTORY OF MOXTVILLE. 

which I rejoice to hear. I should have been glad to have 
seen yon here, But since it is so that we have missed each 
other, I have nothing to say or cast the Least Reflection. 

LUTHER ALLEN". 

There was another Jeremiah Vallet who was a resident 
of this town. Ee was a blacksmith, and resided near to Un- 
casville, and called Jeremiah Vallet, 3d, and who it is re- 
ported was also a son of Captain Jeremiah Vallet, and whose 
mother was one Mary Rogers, and was some older than Jere- 
miah Vallet, ']v.. whose mother was Mary (Hammond) Val- 
let, The Probate Records of New London show that one 
Jeremiah Vallet on March 11, 1754, being at that time "up- 
wards of fourteen years of age, son of Mary Rogers, ehose 
Pemberton Baker-for his guardian." This young man grew 
to manhood, married, and had a family of children, lie had 
a daughter, Charlotte, born ahoul L789, and married Alex- 
ander Comstock. Another daughter died in L824, unmar- 
ried. His other children were James, Joshua, Pruda, and 
Elizabeth. The la-t uamed died 21 April, L814, aged 34 
years. One of hi- -on-, it i< -aid, was killed while in the act 
of entering a -tore in New London in the night time for the 
purpose of theft. It is supposed that his father was with 
him, and assisted in getting through a window, hut before 
he had gained an entrance was fired upon by some person 
concealed in the building, and killed. His father, taking 
the body, dragged it to the river, where he fastened it to a 
boat and towed it up the river to a landing* place near where 
lie lived, and buried it on his own land. It was afterwards 
ascertained that his son was dead, and the authorities of the 
town caused the body to be exhumed, which upon examina- 
tion was found to contain a bullet hole, which had been 
stuffed full of cotton, probably to stop the flow of blood. The 
boy's father, being questioned about his death, said that "he 
died very suddenly of a disease of a malignant nature, and 
he had buried him without letting anyone know anything 



VALLET FAMILIES. 265 

about it." The case was for some reason dropped, and noth- 
ing further done about it. 

Some time after this affair, Mr. Vallet was caught enter- 
ing the grist mill, which stood at the head of Haughton's 
Cove, then ran by Jason Comstock, and taking grain. A 
complaint was made out, and he was arrested and tried be- 
fore the Superior Court at ISTew London at the September 
term in 1808, convicted and sentenced " to be imprisoned in 
Newgate to be kept to hard labor for the space of two years, 
and to pay costs of prosecution, taxed and allowed to be 
$35.59." Mr. Vallet died in the prison before his term of 
sentence had expired. 

Jeremiah Vallet, Jr., born about 1740, son of Captain 

Jeremiah Vallet and Mary Hammond; married 1st, 

Holmes, and had three or four children. She died at the 
birth of twins; 2d, Mary Ann Thompson, 'daughter of Jabez 
Thompson. 

He was a fanner, lived on the old homestead at Mont- 
ville, and died there about 1821. His will was admitted for 
probate 5 Oct., 1821. Inventory presented and approved 
31 Oct., 1821, and amounted to $3,150.71. Harry Vin- 
cent and Burrel Thompson were the appraisers. There is a 
tradition of the family that on the return of Captain Vallet 
from one of his sea voyages, he brought home 3,000 Spanish 
milled dollars and other silver coin. It is very probable that 
with this money he bought the land which was added to his 
original purchase. Mary Ann, the wife,' survived her hus- 
band and died 18 March, 1835, aged 81 years. 

Children by Mary Ann. 

William, b. 11 June, 1784; m. Amy Comstock. 
Mary, b. 1 April, 1786; m. Abel B'issel about 1820. 
John, b. 15 June, 1789; m. Mary Dolbeare. 
Nancy, b. twin to John, died 1 Jan., 1843, unm. 
Jeremiah, b. Oct., 1795; m. Hannah Chapel. 



266 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

William Vallet, b. 11 Jnne, 1784, son of Jeremiah and 
Mary Ann (Thompson) Vallet; married about 1812, Amy 
Comstock, daughter of Peter Comstock and Sarah Mirick. 
He was a farmer, and settled at Batavia, 1ST. T., where he 
died in 1853. He had children, William, Joseph, John, 
Mary, Harriet, and Electa. 

Jeremiah Vallet, b. Oct., 1795, son of Jeremiah and 
Mary Ann (Thompson) Vallet; married 23 Jan., 1843, Han- 
nah Chapel, daughter of Daniel Chapel and Nancy Rich- 
ards. He was a farmer, and lived on the homestead of his 
father and grandfather, and died there, 12 July, 1853. She 
died 11 Feb., 1883, at Oncasville. 

Children. 

Mary, b. 25 Dee., 1843; died 8 July, 1876, mini. 
John, b. L8 March, L848; m. 

Jeremiah, 1). 20 Dec., 1852. 



SCHOLFIELD FAMILY. 

On the 24th day of March, 1793, John Scholfield, with 
his family, consisting of his wife Hannah and six children, 
and his brother Arthur, sons of Arthur Scholfield, who lived 
at Standish Foot in Saddleworth, Yorkshire, England, sailed 
from Liverpool for the United States. They arrived in Bos- 
ton in May following, and took np their residence in Charles- 
town, Mass., near Bunker Hill, at which place they remained 
until August following, making preparation and constructing 
machinery for the manufacture of woolen cloth. 

Having been introduced to Mr. Jedediah Morse, author 
of " Morse's Geography and Gazetteer," as woolen manufac- 
turers and well skilled in the most improved mode of manu- 
facture in England, they were by him introduced to some 
persons of wealth in ISTewburvport, who availed themselves 
of the opportunity offered, and immediately put up a factory 
at Byfield, in the vicinity of jSTewburvport, under the super- 
vision of John and Arthur Scholfield. At this factory, the 
Scholfield brothers constructed and put in operation the first 
wool-carding machine that was successfully operated in this 
country. This machine was first operated by hand. When 
all the machinery necessary for making woolen cloth was 
completed, it was put to practical use, and John Scholfield 
was employed as agent. The business was prosperous, and 
the owners were well satisfied with their investment, and 
looked forward with a good prospect of success. Other per- 
sons had, previous to this time, attempted to operate woolen 
machinery, but had failed, owing to the imperfect construc- 
tion of the machinery. Mr. John and Arthur Scholfield 
have the honor of being the pioneers in woolen manufacture 
in the United States. 



2gg HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

After remaining at Byfield about five years, John and 
Arthur, having made their business a success, and become ac- 
quainted with the surrounding country by excursions into 
Rhode Island and Connecticut, to purchase wool and to in- 
troduce their cloth, concluded to remove to si. mo other place. 
Mr. John Scholfield on one of his excursions into Connecti- 
cut became acquainted with a valuable water privilege in 
Moutville, near the outlet of the Oxoboxo stream. This 
privilege he leased of the owner for the term of fourteen 
vears. The bwo brother-, John and Arthur Scholfield, sold 
out their interest in Massachusetts in 1798, and removed to 
Moutville. where they started a factory for carding rolls 
and manufacturing cloth. The business was successfully 
carried on with a yearly increase until the termination of 
their Lease in L812. 

Arthur Scholfield lefl Moutville in 1802 or L803 and set- 
tled in Pittsfield, Mass., where in 1804 he produced the first 
piece of broadcloth made in this country. John Scholfield 
afterwards purchased a privilege at Stonington, and another 
at Moutville. To the latter place he removed in 1814. Here 

he remained until his death, the 28 day of Feb., 1820, aged 62 
years. Ilis wife survived him, and died at Waterford, the 
29th day of March, 18 15, aged 82 vears. 

Arthur Scholfield, Sr., was a spectacle maker in England, 
where he died about 1810, aged 80 years. Tie had seven 
sons, viz.: Arthur, John, Joseph, James, Benjamin, Abraham 
and Isaac, tsaac, the youngest sou of Arthur Scholfield, 
came to this country several years after the oldest brothers 
and settled at Boston, Mass., where he was engaged as a sue- 
cessful merchant. His children were Arthur, Isaac, Joseph, 
( Charles, Adeline, Anna, and Ellen. 

John Scholfield, b. about 1758, second son of Arthur Schol- 
field ; married about 1781, Hannah Fox, bora in England 
about 1703. 



SCHOLFIELD FAMILIES. 269 

Children. 

2. John, b. in England 20 Nov., 1782; m. Betsey Coin- 

stock. 

3. James, b. in England 23 Sept., 1784; in. Anna Corn- 

stock. 

4. Mary, b. in England 1 Feb., 1787; m. Thomas Hink- 

ley. 

5. Joseph, b. in England 23 March, 1789; m. Mercy New- 

berry. 

6. Thomas, b. in England 21 March, 1791; m. Cyntha 

Ross. 

7. Martha, b. in England 27 Jan., 1793; m. Harry Yin- 

cent, b. May 12, 1792, 

8. Benjamin, b. at Byfield 26 Jan., 1796; m. Caroline Hed- 

den. She died Jan. 28, 1878. He died Aug. 19, 
1878. 

9. Hannah, b. at Byfield 26 Jan., 1798; m. Elias Strick- 

land. 

10. Isaac, b. at Stonington, 21 March, 1800; m. Christana 

Richards. 

11. Nathan, b. at Montville, 1802: m. 

JOHN (2), b. 20 November, 1782, son of John Scholfield 
and Hannah Fox; married Betsey Comstock, b. 14 Aug., 
1783, daughter of Nathan Comstock and Mary Rogers. He 
was a woolen manufacturer, and first settled at Colchester, 
where he started a factory for carding rolls. He next went 
1 o Jewett City, where he remained a few years and returned to 
Montville. He afterwards removed to Michigan, where he 
died. 

Children. 

12. John, b. 14 Nov., 1804, at Montville; m. 1st, Hannah 

Byrant; 2d, Widow Almira Wingate. 

13. Nathan, b. 14 April, 1806, at Montville; m. Betsey 

Tain tor Hill. 

14. Albert, b. 15 Dec., 1807, at Montville; m. 1st, Harriet 

N. Bolles; 2d, Harriet Chipman. 

15. George, b. about 1814; died at Montville 24 Feb., 1836. 

16. Eliza, b. about ; m. Brooks, and settled 

in California. 



270 



HISTORY OF MOXTVILLE. 



17. Joseph, 1). about 

17a. William, b. about ; m. 

JAMES (3), b. 23 Sept., 1784, second son of John Schol- 
field and Hannah Fox; married Anna Comstock, b. 27 Jan., 
1782, daughter of Daniel Comstock and Susan Newberry. 
He was a manufacturer, and firsl settled in Canterbury, Conn. 
He afterwards removed to Waterford, and then to Montville, 
where he died at an advanced age, Dec. 3, 1882, aged 98 
years, 2 months, and 10 days. She died at Montville 1 1 June, 
1858. 

Children. 

18. Mary, b. 11 Feb., 1807; died unm. 

19. James, b. 22 June, 1808; died at Montville 26 Nov., 

1888. 

20. Susan, b. 21 Jan., 1811; died at Montville 17 Jan., 1890. 

21. Joseph, b. 8 April, 1812; died num. 

22. Hannah, b. 24 An-, L813; died young. 

23. Samuel, b. L0 Nov., 1815; died young. 

24. Phineas, b. 17 Oct., 1817; m. 1st, Frances Maples; 2d, 

Happy K. ( lhapman. 

25. Harriet, b. 17 Oct., L819; m. Bates. 

26. Elizabeth, b. 1G Jan., 1822; m. John B. Rogers; 2d 

wife. 

MARY (4), b. 4 Feb., 1787, daughter of John Scholfield 
and Hannah Fox; m. Thomas Hinkley of Stouington, Conn. 
He was a fanner, and resided at Stouington, where he <lied 

. She died at Stonington 23 May, 1882, aged 95 

years, 3 months, 19 days. 

Children. 

27. Mary Ann, b. 9 Oct., 1811; m. Jesse Beebe. 

28. Thomas S., b. 22 Dec., 1813; m. 

29. John S., b. 30 June, 1816; m. Angeline Jackson. 

30. Charles Henry, b. 22 May, 1818; m. Jane Knight. 

31. Hannah Maria, b. 21 Oct., 1820; m. 1st, Courtland P. 

Chesebro; 2d, Albert Cook. 



SCHOLFIELD FAMILIES. 271 

32. Pbala Malinda, b. 23 Dec, 1822; m. Captain James 

Dickens. 

33. William R., b. 8 May, 1826; m. 

34. Joseph H., b. 29 July, 1830; died young. 

JOSEPH (5), b. 23 March, 1789, third son of John SohoL 
field and Hannah Fox; married Mercy Newberry, b. 20 April, 
1790, daughter of Nathan Newberry and Welthen (Green) 
Johnson. He was a manufacturer; settled first at Stoning- 
ton, where he carried on the woolen business until 1831, when 
he removed to Montville, and started the manufacture of sati- 
net. He sold out the business to his sons, Oharles and Ar- 
thur, about 1840. He afterwards bought a small farm near 
the old factory at Montville, on which he lived until the 
death of his wife, 27 July, 1863. Her death was caused by 
a fall from a wagon, which broke her hip, and she died of 
lockjaw. He died at Uncasville 12 March, 1869. 

Children. 

35. Joseph Arthur, b. 25 Nov., 1815; m. Eunice Yibber. 

36. Oharles Fox, b. 6 June, 1817; m. Phebe E. Winchester. 

37. Edwin A., b. 8 March, 1819; m. 1st, Mary Andros; 2d, 

Celestina Morse. 

38. John Fox, b. 7 Nov., 1820; m. Minerva Smith. 

39. Benjamin F., b. 19 June, 1822; m. Mary J. Winches- 

ter. 

40. Hannah F., b. 28 Dec, 1823; m. Henry A. Baker. 

41. Almy Lester, b. 19 Feb., 1827; m. Thomas Lindsay. 

42. Mary Jane, b. 29 Nov., 1S29; m. Elisha Rogers. 

43. Anson Smith, b. 11 Dec, 1831; m. Anna Eames. 

II. THOMAS (6), b- 21 March, 1791, fourth son of 
John Scholfield and Hannah Fox; married Cyntha Ross, Aug., 
1816. He was a woolen manufacturer. He made the first 
piece of satinet manufactured by power loom in this State. 
He first settled at Waterford, Conn., in 1814, where he owned 
a small factory, which he afterwards so]^. He built a house 
near the Baptist Church at Quaker Hill, where he lived until 



272 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

about I860, when he removed to Montville, where he lived 
until about 1882, when he removed to North Lyme, where he 
lived until his death, 13 Jan., 1892, aged 100 years, 9 mouths, 
and 23 days. His wife died at Waterford 12 March, 1806, 
aged 75 years. 

Children. 

44. Cyntha Ann, b. Aug., 1817; m. James Bingham. 

45. Caroline M., 1». 1S22; died it Oct., 1825. 

It;. Martha Vincent, b. 29 Nov., 1829; m. P. M. Collins, 
and died 20 March, L850. 

47. William Eenry, b. 1837; died 30 March, L850. 

II. BENJAMIN (8), b. 26 Jan., 17 ( .»<;, son of John Schol- 
field and Eannah Fox; m. 24 Jan., L832, Caroline 0. Eedden, 
b. at Stonington 9 Dec., L796. He was firsl engaged in wool- 
en manufacturing at Montville, with his brother-in-law, I Carry 
Vincent, a1 the old Soholfield factory. He afterwards went 
to New Jersey and started a jenny, l>ut remained there only 
a few months. He was very skillful in the construction of 
musical instruments, and played the cymbal with great exact- 
ness. He died 23 July, 1 S T'.>. She died at Niantic, Conn., 
14 Nov., 1865. 

Child. 

48. Ira, b. 15 Sept., 1837; m. Angelina W. Collins, 7 Oct., 

L864. They had one daughter, Carrie, b. 13 Sept., 
1806. 

II. HANNAH. (9), b. 26 Jan., 1798, daughter of John 
Scholfield and Hannah Fox; married Elias Strickland, b. 31 
Oct., 1797. lie was a farmer and settled at Waterford. She 
died there L0 Aug., 1871. He died 12 Feb., 1881. 

Children. 

49. Thomas Strickland, b. 23 Sept., 1823; died . 

50. Hannah Frances Strickland, b. 9 Jan., 1832; m. 14 

Oct., 1856^ George Comstock, b. 25 Sept., 1836, 
son of Richard. 



SCHOLFIELD FAMILIES. 273 

III. JOHN (12), b. 14 Nov., 1804, at Montville, son of 
John Scholfield and Betsey Comstock; married 1st, Hannah 
Bryant; 2d, Widow Almira Wingate. His first wife, to 
whom he was married 22 Sept., 1828, died 30 Aug., 1855. 
He was living at Greeneville in 1896. 

Children by First Wife. 

51. Oliver, b. 18 Oct., 1829; m. Mary Walden, 10 Oct., 

1852. 

52. Elizabeth, b. 26 July, 1831; m. John Kingsley in 1851. 

53. John, b. 14 March, 1833; m. Widow Emma Young in 

1859. 

54. Joseph, b. 21 June, 1835. 

55. Andrew, b. 27 May, 1837; m. Lovina Sterry, April, 

1858. 

56. Ira, b. 27 Oct., 1838; m. Catherine Olmsby, 5 Oct., 

1856. 

57. Julia, b. 25 April, 1840; m. Edward Goodspeed, 4 July, 

1858. 

58. Charles O., b. 17 Jan., 1842. 

59. Isabella, b. 30 Dec. 1 843; m. Elliot Goodwin in 1864. 

60. Susan Sophia, b. 6 Nov., 1846; m. Charles Baldwin in 

1866. 

Children by Second Wife. 

61. Harriet L., b. 2 March, 1858. 

62. Frank, b. 2 June, 1860 

63. Eannie, twin to Frank. 

III. NATHAN (13), b. 14 April, 1806, son of John 
Scholfield and Betsey Comstock; married 5 Sept., 1830, Betsey 
Hill, daughter of Charles Hill and Sybel Fox. He was in the 
early part of his life engaged in woolen manufacturing at 
Montville. He removed to Greeneville, Conn., where he built 
a house in which he lived until his death, 5 March, 1858. He 
was a machinist and civil engineer. He was the inventor of a 
regulator called " Scholfield's Regulator," which was in gen- 
eral use in cotton and woolen mills for many years. He was 
also the inventor of many other pieces of machinery. About 
18 



274 HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 

the year 1850 he wont to ( Jalifornia, and was surveyor of land 
in Oregon, where he bought land in the early settlement of 
that State. His wife was living at Montville in 1896. 

Children. 

64. Socrates, b. 12 June, 1831; m. Abby M. Smith. 

65. Marin, b. 28 Aug., 1833; died 20 Oct., 1865. 

66. Frances, b. L2 March, L837; died L2 July, 1851. 

67. Le Grand, b. 2 1 March, 1S42; m. 1st, Anna II. Holmes, 

by whom he had three children. Ho married 2d, 
Emma Bradley. 

III. ALB EKT (14), b. L5 Dec, 1807, son of John Schol- 
field and Betsey Comstock; married 1st, Harriet K Bolles, 29 
Dec., 1836, daughter of Calvin Bolles and Hester Darrow. 
After the death of his wife, he married for his second, Har- 
riet Chipman. He firsl settled at Montville, and afterwards 
at Providence, R. I., where he established a Commercial Acad- 
emy and continued successfully until he became nearly blind, 
when lie turned it over to his son-in-law, Alba Abbott. He 
was living at Providence in 1896. 

( 'liiMren. 

68. Hester, b. 27 Feb., 1838; m. Alba Abbott. 

69. Mary, b. 21 May, 1841. 

70. Harriet, b. 1844; died in 1847. 

III. JOSEPH AKTHUB (35), b. 25 Nov., 1815, son of 
Joseph Scholfield and Mercy Newberry; m. 27 Sept., 1835, 
Eunice C. Vibber, daughter of William Vibber and Elizabeth 
Lyon. He was a woolen manufacturer, and first settled in 
Montville. He, with his brother Charles, manufactured sati- 
net at the old Scholfield factory. He removed to Westerly, 
R. I., about 1850, where he was engaged in the woolen manu- 
factory. He died at Westerly, 23 April, 1855. His widow 
afterwards married Alvin Burdick of Westerly. He died 
there . She was living there in 1896. 



79 



SCHOLFIELD FAMILIES. 275 

Children. 

1. William, b. 11 Oct., 1837. He was drowned in the 
Pawcatuck River, 4 Feb., 1852. 
Elizabeth, b. 7 Nov., 1840; in. Charles L. Mann, 22 
Feb., 1866. Had one son, Arthur, b. 18 Nov., 
1866. He was drowned in Palmer Bros, pond in 



73. Joseph A., b. 8 July, 1843; m. Sarah F. Gardner, 2 

Feb., 1866. Had one daughter, Ellen, b. 8 Dee., 
1867. 

74. Lucy Ann, b. 12 June, 1847; m. George C. Gardner, 20 

Jan., 1866. 

75. William, b. 17 Julv, 1850; m. Eliza J. Milner. 

76. Eunice Ellen, b. 12 Hay, 1854; died 5 Aug., 1854. 

III. EDWIN A. (37), b. 8 March, 1819, son of Joseph 
Scholfield and Mercy Newberry; m. 1st, Mary Andros, 26 
Jan., 1843. She died 10 May, 1867. He then married, 22 
April, 1868, Celestina L. Morse, daughter of Rev. Charles 
Morse. He was early in life engaged in the woolen manufac- 
tory. He afterwards was in the cotton business in Lowell, 
Mass., and finally settled in Westerly, where he was a photog- 
rapher for many years. Was living at Westerly in 1896. 

Children. 

77. Everett A., b. 8 Dec. ; m. Leonora E. Ashly. 

78. Edwin Delanoy, b. 25 April, 1847; m. Kate DeVoll. 

79. Addison A., b. 5 Sept., 1853; m. Arlene Bugbee. 
SO. Alice C, b. 22 June, 1870. 

III. JOHN FOX (38), b. 7 Nov., 1820, son of Joseph 
Scholfield and Mercy Newberry; m. Minerva Smith. He 
was trained in the woolen manufacturing business, and worked 
with his father at Montville until about 1841, when he went 
to Lowell, Mass., where he was engaged in the cotton manu- 
factory. Afterwards he was superintendent at the Uncas- 
ville mill. He settled at Montville, where he was living in 
1896. They had one daughter: 



276 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

81. Estelle, b. ; died 

III. BEISTJAM I X Y\l AXKLIN (39), b. 19 June, 1822, 
son of Joseph Scholfield and Mercy Newberry; married 2G 
Dec., 1852, .Mary Jane Winchester, dangbter of Samuel Win- 
clhester and Mary Parker of Lowell, Mass. He was trained in 
the woolen manufactory, and worked with bis father at Mont- 
ville in tbe " old mill." Was afterwards a machinist. Went 
to California in 1849, where he remained about two years. 
Since 1865 he has been engaged in the manufacture of satinet 
at the " old mill." 

( 'hildren. 

82. Frank C, b. 9 Oct., 1861. 

83. Jessie M., b. 19 April, 1867. 

III. A.\S()\ SMITH (43), b. 11 Dec, L831, son of 
Joseph Scholfield and Mow Newberry; married Anna K. 
Eames. Ee went to Calif ornia in 1849, wbere be bas since re- 
mained. They had ome daughter: 

84. Annie, b. May, 18G2; m. Irving F. Moulton. 

III. ALMY LESTEE (41), dangbter of Joseph Scbol- 
field and Mercy Newberry; married 26 Oct., 1863, Thomas 
Lindsay. He was a paper manufacturer. Settled first at 
M out ville, where he was manager of the Rockland Paper Mill 
until 1866. He afterwards removed to Brookville, Indiana, 
where he died, 21 Jan., L895. They bad one son: 

85. Josepb, b. dune L865; m. 1st, Hattie Moor; 2d, Lillie 

Kyser. He died 14 Jan., 1896, at Brookville, Ind. 

III. IIAXXAII MARIA I1IXKLEY (31), b. 21 Oct., 
1820, daughter of Thomas Hinkley and Mary Scholfield (4); 
married 19 Jan., 1840, Courtland P. Ohesebro of Stonington. 
He died 22 Feb., 1847. She then married, 27 Sept., 1866, 
Albert. Cook of Stonington. 



SCHOLPIELD FAMILIES. 277 

Children. 

86. Oourtland, b. 10 Oct., 1844; died 22 Feb., 1847. 

87. Horace, b. 28 April, 1846; m. Ida Brightman, and had 

one daughter, Ida F., b. 19 Aug., 1875. 

88. Eliza, b. 13 April, 1848; m. Charles S. Cook, and had 

one daughter, Mary H. 

89. Thomas C, b. 1 Dec., 1849. 

90. Joseph W., b. 17 Jan., 1852. 

III. PHALA MALINDA HIKKLEY (32), b. 23 Dec, 
1822, daughter of Thomas Hinkley and Mary Scholfield (4); 
married 25 Jan., 1860, Captain James Dickens of Westerly, 
R. I. He was engaged in the seafaring business in the early 
part of his life. He lived at Westerly, where he died. 

Children. 

91. Hannah May, b. 2 June, 1861. 

92. Martha Ann, b. 27 Aug., 1862. 

93. Hannah Frances, b. 20 Oct., 1863. 



ATWELL FAMILIES. 

Benjamin At well first appears as an inhabitant of New 
London about the year 1GG3. He was constable of the town 
in 1675. No mention is made as to the time of his removal 
to New London, or to the place from which he came. He 
owned a house at New London, which he sold to Lieutenant 
John Stedman, previous to 1672. He died in 1683. 

Children. 



2. Benjamin, b. about 166S; m. Mary . 

3. Thomas, b. about 1670; m. 
3a. Mary, b. about K'.Tl'. 

3b. William, b. about 1674. 

4. John, b. about 19 May, 1675, and was at Saybrook in 

1712. 

5. Joseph, b. 1678; m. and died without issue. 

6. Richard, b. 1679; m. Elizabeth Baker. 

7. Samuel, b. 23 April, 1681; m. 1st, Mary ; 2d, 

Ruth Coz. 

II. BENJAMIN (2), b. about 1668; m. Mary . 



He settled in the North Parish of New London as early as 
1705. He, with his wife Mary, united with the church at 
New London, 20 June, 1711. He died previous to March, 
1724, at which time his wife Mary was a widow, as appears 
by a deed of about one acre of land released to her by John 
Merritt, Joseph Bradford, Robert Denison, and Marcy Ray- 
mond. He died in 1723. 

Children. 

8. Mary, b. 11 Oct., 1703; m. Jason Allen. 

9. Benjamin, b. 24 July, 1707; probably died young. 

10. Joseph, b. 26 June, 1710; m. Martha Comstock, 27 
March, 1734. 



ATWELL FAMILIES. 279 

II. RICHARD (6), b. 1679, son of Benjamin Atwell 
(1); m. 11 March, 1702, Elizabeth Baker, b. 9 May, 1676, 
daughter of Joshua Baker and Hannah (Tongue) Mintern. 
He settled in the North Parish of New London near to Oxo- 
boxo Pond. He owned the farm which his heirs afterwards 
gold to Asahel Otis. His first wife died about 1709, and he 
afterwards married Joanna . He died 15 Oct., 1727. 

Children by Elizabeth. 

11. Richard, bap. April, 1702; died young. 

12. Benjamin, bap. 14 July, 1706; died 3 May, 1708. 

13. Elizabeth, bap. 24 April, 1709; m. William Chapel, 23 

June, 1726. 

14. Richard, b. 19 Oct., 1709; m. Nabby or Abigail . 

Children by Joanna. 

15. Joanna, b. 10 Aug., 1716; m. Samuel Bill, 27 Nov., 

1740. 

16. John, b. 19 Jan., 1718. 

17. Benjamin, b. 18 Oct., 1719; m. Mercy Fox, 15 Aug., 

*1751. 

18. Patience, b. 26 April, 1721. 

19. Samuel, b. 8 June, 1723; m. 

II. SAMUEL (7), b. 23 April, 1682, son of Benjamin 

Atwell (1); m. 1st, Mary ; 2d, Ruth Coz, 19 June, 

1726. 

Children by Mary. 

20. Sarah, b. ; m. Philip Goff. 

21. Hannah, b ; m. Ezekiel Chapel. 

22. Thankful, b. ; m. Ebenezer Williams. 

23. Ann, b. 

24. Jerusha, b ; m. Nathaniel Goff. 

Children by Ruth. 

25. Ruth, bap. 16 July, 1727. 

26. Benjamin, bap. 8 Nov., 1730. 



280 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

III. JOSEPH (10), b. 26 June, 1710, son of Benjamin 
At.\vell(2); m. 27 March., 17:14. Martha Comstock, bora about 
1715, daughter of Samuel Comstock and Martha Jones. After 
his death she married George Minard. 

Children. 

27. Benjamin, b. about 1735; m. Mary Ann Loo, daughter 

of Benjamin Lee of Lyme 

28. Joseph, b. about 1740; m. Lucretia At well. 

III. RICHAKD (14), b. 19 Oct., 1709, son of Richard 

Atwell (G); married Abigail . lie settled on the 

farm formerly owned and occupied l>v his father. After his 
death the farm was sold to Asahel Otis by the heirs. His wife 

died . His will was probated 9 Nov., 1807, about 

which time he died. 

Children. 

29. Richard, b. 

30. William, b. 

31. Phebe, b. ; m. Griswold. 

32. Lucy, b. 

33. Nancy, b. 

34. Abigail, b. 

35. Cyntha, b. 

IV. JOSEPH (28), b. about 1740, son of Joseph Atwell 
(10); m. 8 Eeb., 1769, Lucretia, his second cousin, b. 19 Nov., 
1749, daughter of Samuel Atwell and Mary . He set- 
tled in Montville on Dolbeare Hill. Was a fanner. He died 
about 1800. His wife survived him, and died 26 Oct., 1851, 
aged 102 years nearly. The day after she had completed her 
century of years, a party of neighbors and friends made her a 
donation visit, carrying with them provisions for several days' 
supply, and spreading a bountiful table, at which she sat with 
her guests, and partook of a thanksgiving 'dinner. In the 
center of the table was placed a pie, designed to be as much be- 
yond the common size as she was older than the common age 



ATWELL FAMILIES. 281 

of her sex. The aged mother enjoyed the feast like one that 
had renewed their youth, declaring with animation that 
though she had lived a hundred years, and had seen a vast 
number of things, she had never before seen so large a mince 
pie, nor so many kind friends together. The aged pilgrim 
had always led a quiet country life, living in a plain and frugal 
manner, and devoting her days and years to simple household 
duties. She was esteemed by her neighbors for her kindness, 
and thankful spirit for kind returns, possessing a Christian 
hope of immortal life. 

At this time a stranger would have estimated her age as 
about eighty-five. Her motions were quick, her replies to 
questions prompt and intelligent, her memory retentive, and 
showed large observation of incidents and narratives. Being 
questioned by one of her visitors in regard to the French war, 
which terminated in 1763, she spoke of it as a thing of but 
yesterday. She had a vivid recollection of the coming home 
of her friends and neighbors from campaigns in the war, and 
particularly of the return of her uncle, Benjamin Atwell, 
who had been absent a long time, " soldering agin the Trench 
in Canada." For the last fifty years of her life, she and her 
daughter, ISTancy Thompson, had lived together in the old 
house, where she first went to housekeeping, and where she 
died. 

Children. 

36. Charles, b. about 1770. 

37. Nancy, b. ; died unm. 

III. SAMUEL (19), b. 8 June, 1723; married Mary, 
(probably) Leach. He settled at Montville, and for many 
years lived on a farm in Mohegan, which he had leased. He 
died previous to 1776. 

Children. 

38. Lucretia, b. 19 Nov., 1749; m. Joseph Atwell (28). 

39. Mima, b. ; died unm. 

40. Mary, b. ; died unm. 



282 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

41. Susan, b. 

42. Jason, b. ; m. Williams. 

4::. Samuel, 1>. May, 17:>:>; m. Betsey Vibber. 

44. Jehu, 1). . Moved to the State of New York. 

45. Delight, b. 1771. Had one son, Thomas Jeffer- 

son, who died num. 

IV. BKW1AMIX (27), b. 1735, son of Joseph Atwell 
(10); in. Mary Ann, daughter of Benjamin Lee of Lyme. 
He lived <>n the farm afterwards sold to Dr. Ephraim Fellows. 
He died 12 May, 1806. His will was probated It', May, 1806. 

Children. 

40. Lucinda, b. ; m. Latimer. 

47. George, b. ; m. . Was a Free Will 

Iiaptisl minister. 

48. Joseph, b. 29 Feb., 1768; m. Ruth P. Sterling. 
40. Hannah, b. ; m. Tenant. 

IV. SAMUEL (43), b. May, 1755, son of Samuel At- 
well (10); m. Betsey Vibber, b. 31 Aug., 1774, daughter of 
Nathaniel Vibber. He was a farmer, and lived on an Indian 
farm at Mohegan. He died 26 Nov., 1850. She died 8 
April, 1859. 

Children. 

50. Samuel Hazzard, b. 7 Jan., 1814; m. Harriet Church, 

and had one daughter, Henrietta, b. 18 April, 1846. 

V. JOSEPH (48), b. 29 Feb., 1768, son of Benjamin 
Atwell and Mary Ann Lee; married 1702, Ruth P. Sterling, 
b. Oct., 1773. He removed from Montville to Hebron, Conn., 
about 1800; thence to Chenango County, 1ST. Y., in 1800; set- 
tled at Pharsalia, N. Y., where he died 26 March, 1843. She 
died there July, 1861. 

Children. 

51. Lydia, b. 1703 at Montville; died in 1705. 

52. Eliza, b. 1705 at Montville; m. Henry Coggshall, 1814. 



ATWELL FAMILIES. 283 

53. James, b. 1797, at Montville; in. Fanny Frink, 1816. 

54. Joseph, b. 1799, at Montville; died in 1800. 

55. Mary Ann, b. 1802, at Hebron, Conn.; m. Elias Widger; 

died in 1887. 

56. Daniel Lee, b. 1804, at Hebron, Conn; m. Mehitabel 

June; died in 1878. 

57. Benjamin, b. 1806, at Hebron, Conn.; m. Ruth Sage; 

died in 1893. 

58. William Ross, b. 1811, at Pharsalia, K Y. ; died in 1836. 

59. Onesimus M., b. 1813, at Pharsalia, K Y.; m. Hannah 

Coakley, 1838; living in 1896 at Hobokcn, K J. 

60. Caroline Ruth, b. 1816, at Pharsalia, K Y.; m. William 

Sage; died in 1866. 

VI. JAMES (53), the Itinerant, b. Jan. 11, 1797, Mont- 
ville, Conu.; died Feb. 7, 1860, Theresa, 1ST. Y. Moved to 
Pharsalia, N. Y., with his father's family, 1809. In early 
years was a farmer. Became an itinerant Methodist minister, 
1826, upon the Chenango circuit. Superannuated 1857. 
Agent for the Jefferson Co. (N.Y.) Bible Society, 1859. Died 
at home of his son, Joseph. Buried at Chittenango, ~N. Y. ; 
married Fanny Frink, Sept. 8, 1816, of Stonington, Conn. (b. 
1796; died 1861, at Chittenango, K Y.). 

Children. 

61. George Benjamin, farmer, b. 1817, Pharsalia, 1ST. Y. ; 

died 1890, Lowville, N. Y. See xv. 

62. Francis Fellows, business man, b. 1818, Pharsalia, 1ST. 

Y. ; died 1888, Knoxville, Tenn. ; buried at Chitte- 
nango, !N~. Y. ; imm. ; Cazenovia Sem., 1838; Manlius 
Acad.; A. B. Hamilton Coll., 1845; teacher several 
years and business man many years in Knoxville, 
Tenn.; influential Presbyterian; Union man. When 
Knoxville fell into the hands of the Confederates, 
he escaped North through the mountains, traveling 
by night on foot. He lived many years at home 
of Hon. Perez Dickinson. See Knoxville papers of 
Mav 29-30, 1888. 

63. Hannah Maria, b. 1820, Pharsalia, K Y.; died 1848, 

Danby, K Y.; Cazenovia Seminary, 1837; m. 
Charles Hill, 1844; one child. 



284 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

64. Joseph, business man, 1>. L822, Pharsalia, jST. Y. ; died 

1892, Watertown, X. V. 

65. Fanny Eliza, b. L827, Guilford, X. Y.; died 1896, 

Chittenango, X. Y.: Cazenovia Sem., L855; fcaughl 
in Chittenango, Vernon, and < Jlarkville, X. Y. Her 
house became the home center for this family. Last 
family reunion was held there in July, L886, when 
the four brothers were presenl with this sister. 
" She was a person of queenly dignity, yet modest 
and self -forgetful;" m. Ambrose E. Gorton, 1855. 
Child, Fannie Eva, b. June 8, 1858 (Mrs. T. B. A. 
Taylor of Middletown, X. V.), who lias two chil- 
dren, Gorton Taylor, b. 1884; and Alien Atwell 
Taylor, b. 1892; graduate of Cazenovia Seminary. 

66. James Sterling, merchant, b. L831, Pharsalia, X. Y.; 

died L888, Syracuse, X. Y. 

\'l. DAX'IFL FFF (56), b. Apr. 7, 1804, Hebron, 
Conn.; died April, L878, California; third son of Joseph, the 
blacksmith-farmer; m. Rlehitabel June, Oct., L825. 

Children. 

G7. Alexander B., b. ; physician. 

68. Allen Jeffrey, b. L836, Pharsalia, K Y.; died 1890, 

Visalia, Cal. 

VI. BFXJAMIX (57>, b. May 12, 1806, at Hebron, 
( oini.; died Mar. 26, 1893, at Waupun, Wis.; m. Ruby Sage, 
June, 1829. 

Child. 

69. Orville M., b. June 14, 1830, at X T ew Berlin, XT. Y.; 

m. 1st, Julia A. Boiden, 1851; 2d, Ada Mather, 

1888; no children. 

VI. ONESIMUS M. (59), b. June 10, 1813, Pharsa- 
lia, XT. Y. ; at present living with his adopted son, Dr. David R. 
Atwell, at Hoboken, XT. J.; married Hannah Coakley, 1838, 
daughter of John Coakley, a soldier of the Revolution. 



ATWELL FAMILIES. 285 

Children. 

70. Louise, died at 5 years. 

71. Oscar M., b. ; died Jan. 4, 1863; enlisted in 

1861; wounded in Battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 
13, 1862; died in Leucon hospital. 

VII. GEORGE BENJAMIN" (61), fanner, oldest son 
of James the Itinerant; b. July 4, 1817, Pharsalia, N. Y. ; 
died Sept. 7, 1890, at Martinsburg, N. Y.; m. Mary Ann Perk, 
Nov., 1838, daughter of Rev. Luther Peck. 

Children. 

72. George Wesley, b. Feb., 1840; died July 31, 1862, at 

Manassas Junction; enlisted Nov., 1861, in 8th N. 
Y. Cavalry, Co. H. ; died of fever in army hospital. 

73. Wilber, b. 1842; died Aug. 3, 1844. 

74. Sophia Jane, b. Sept., 1845; resides at Martinsburg, 

N. Y. 

75. William James, b. June 11, 1847; farmer, at Martins- 

burg, N. Y.; m. Nettie Brown, Nov. 20, 1889; one 
child, Florence C, b. Feb. 6, 1891. 

76. Francis Emory, b. 1852; farmer, Martinsburg, N. Y. ; 

m. Ella F. Taylor, Dec. 21, 1873; one child, Yercy 
Genevive, b. Apr. 26, 1886. 

77. Anna Maria, b. 1853; m. William O. LaVauchard; no 

children. 

VII. JOSEPH (64), business man; third son of James 
the Itinerant; b. Nov. 12, 1822, Pharsalia, N. Y.; died Dec 
5, 1892, Watertown, N. Y. ; educated at Manlius Academy 
merchant in Jefferson Co., N. Y., 1848; Supervisor, 1860 
state commissioner of Public Accounts, Albany, N. Y., 1862 
insurance man, 1866-1879; deputy collector U. S. customs, 
1879-1887; active official member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church for many years; married Mary Beach of Barker, N. 
Y., Apr. 14, 1853, daughter of Charles Brewster Beach; she 
was at Cazenovia Seminary, 1852; she now resides at Chau- 
mont, N. Y. 



286 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

78. Charles Beach, b. Apr. 11, 1855, Theresa, N. Y. 

79. Joseph, 1). June 7, 1858, Theresa, N. Y. 

80. William Groo, b. May 9, 1863, Theresa, N. Y. 

YTT. JAMES STEELING (66), merchant; youngest 
son of James, the Itinerant; b. July 22, .1831, Pharsalia, XT. 
Y.; died Apr. 24, 1888, Syracuse, X. Y.: merchant 15 years 
in Chittenango, X. Y., and 16 years in Syracuse, N. Y.; mar- 
ried Sophia L < >sborn, L856. 

Children. 

81. James, b. Jan. 1, 1857, Chittenango, N. Y. 

82. John, b. Oct. 8, L862, Chittenango, N. Y. 

83. Jeannette, b. Aug. 4, 1870, Chittenango, N. Y. ; resides 

with her mother a1 Syracuse, X. Y. 

ALEXANDER B. (67), physician; b. ; married 

Mary Bailej : resides a1 Yisalia, ( Jal. 

Children. 

8 l. Henrietta, b. : deceased; m. John T. Brown. 

85. Mary, b. ; died ; m. Theodore Stone. 

86. Emma, b. : m. W. L. Smith. 

87. William, b. 

88. ( !lara, b. ; deceased. 

ALLEN JEFFREY (68), lawyer; b. Apr. 16, 1836, 
Pharsalia. X. Y.; died Nov. 21, 1890, at Visalia, Cal.; grad. 
Lawrence Vii i v.. Wis.; district attorney, 1872; state assembly- 
niaii, 1S82; married Mary M. Van Epps, Apr. 9, 1861. 

Children. 

89. Mary, b. Jan. 10, 1862; m. F. M. Creighton, Feb. 25, 

1883 

90. Martha, b. Sept. 1, 1863; died Oct. 18, 1864. 

91. Arthur James, b. Nov. 30, 1865. 



ATWELL FAMILIES. 287 

92. Helen M., b. Dec, 5, 1867; m. Guv Gilmer, Apr. 3, 

1887. 

93. Washington Irving, 1). June 27, 1872. 

94. Charles Clarence," b. May 18, 1875. 

95. Allen Lee, b. ISTov. 2, 1877. 

96. Paul Francis, b. Nov. 28, 1879. 

97. Ethel Pauline, b. Sept, 1, 1881. 

98. Lizzette B., b. May 9, 1884. 

VIII. CHARLES BEACH (78), teacher; b. Apr. 11, 
1855, Theresa, K Y.; class of 1875, Watertown (N. Y.) high 
school; Ph.B. Syracuse University, 1879; Ph.M., 1881; 
taught in Lowville (N. Y.) Academy, 1879-80, and in Evans- 
ton, 111., since 1880; appointed professor in Northwestern 
University, June, 1891; married Mary Josephine Kellogg of 
Watertown, K Y., Dec. 27, 1883, daughter of Henry H. 
Kellogg. 

Children. 

99. Henry Kellogg, b. Oct. 22, 1884, Watertown, 1ST. Y. 

100. Francis Charles, b. Mar. 26, 1887, Evanston, 111. 

101. Ruth Sarah, b. Jan. 24, 1889, Evanston, 111. 

102. William Joseph, b. Oct, 13, 1892, Evanston, 111. 

VIII. JOSEPH (79), lawyer; b. June 7, 1858, Theresa, 
N". Y. ; resides at Watertown, K Y. ; class of 1877, Watertown 
high school; admitted to the bar, 1881; city attorney, 1885-6; 
elected supervisor, 1887; chairman of the board of supervisors 
of Jefferson Co., X. Y., 1893 — ; m. Lillian Doxtater Bond 
of Adams, X. Y., June 7, 1888. 

Children. 

103. Rosalind Bond, b. June 8, 1889, Adams, j\ t . Y. 

104. Gladys Stevens, b. Mar. 19, 1896, Watertown, K Y. 

VIII. WILLIAM GROO (80), minister; b. May 9, 
1S63, Theresa, N. Y.; resides at Chaumont, X. Y.; class of 
1882 Watertown (N.Y.) high school; A.B. 1886, Syracuse 
University; A.M., 1888; B.D. from Garrett Biblical Institute, 



288 HISTORY OF MONTVTLLE. 

Evanston, 111., 1894: taught in Maine "Wesleyan Seminary 
and Female College, Kent's Hill, Me., 1886-7, and in Cazeno- 
vi;i (X. Y.) Seminary, 1887-1891; joined the northern XT. Y. 
conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, 1803; pastor 
at Spragueville, X. Y., summer L892; Bethany Chapel, Water- 
town, X. V., winter L892-3; Altinor, N. Y., summer 1893; 
Ctiaumont, X. Y., 1894 — : married Mary Evelyn Peek, of 
Cortland, N. Y., An- 31, 1893, daughter of Andrew Peck. 

Child. 
L05. Florence, b. Nov. 26, L895, Chaumont, K Y. 

VIII. JOHN (82), insurance man; second son of dames 
.S. Atwell; b. Oct. s . L862; educated at Syracuse University; 
married Mary S. Farrar of Denver, Col., Jan. 11, 1891; resides 
at Syracuse, IX. Y. 

Children. 

106. James Farrar, b. Jan. 21, 1892. 

107. Harold Leu,,, b. Apr. 8, L893. 
L08. John Spring, b. Apr. is. L896. 

The Revolution records of Connecticul men show: 

Thomas Atwcll was a member of the Sixth Regiment, Con- 
necticut Volunteers, Fifth Company, under Col. Parsons; en- 
listed May 6, 177:.: discharged Dec. 10, 1775. Thomas At- 
wcll was a member of the Fourth Regiment, recruited mainly 
from Windham and Xew London comities, Conn. This com- 
pany was at the battle of Germantown, and wintered at Valley 
Forge, lie enlisted Apr. 20, 1778, for eight months, and was 
discharged Nov. I s . 1 77*. Thomas Atwell was a member of 
the Eighth Regiment from Connecticut: enlisted Sept. 10, 
L780, and discharged Dec. 12, 1780. These were probably 
one and the same man. and doubtless a descendant of Benja- 
min Atwell, the constable, of ISTew London. Miss Caulkins 
says that Thomas Atwell, second son of Benjamin, the con- 
stable, left descendants. The Thomas named above may have 
been one of them. 



AUSTIN" FAMILIES. 

Robert Austin was undoubtedly the founder of the fam- 
ily in Rhode Island, but very little can be found of him on 
the records, and he must have died previous to 1687. His 
name appears in a list of 65 persons, residents of Newport, 
Portsmouth, and Kingstown (of date Sept. 15, 1661), who 
were to have lots at the new settlement of Misquamicut (West- 
erly). Lot No. 12 fell to Robert Austin. He then lived at 
Kingstown, probably. 

Children. 

2. Jeremiah, b. about 1665; m. Elizabeth . 

3. Edward, b. ; m. 

4. Joseph, b. ; m..Mary . 

5. John, b. ; m. Mary . 



II. JEREMIAH (2), b. about 1665, son of Robert Aus- 
tin; married Elizabeth . In 1687, Sept. 6, he was 

taxed at Kingstown Is. under the levy of Sir Edmund An- 
dros, Governor of the Colonies. His will was proved March 
6, 1751, and appoints his wife, Elizabeth, executrix. He calls 
himself " weak in body, and well stricken in years." 

Children. 

6. Robert, b. about 1690; m. Hannah . 

7. Parke, b. ; m. Margaret Sunderland, 25 Oct., 

1725. 

8. Jeremiah, b. ; m. Sarah . 

9. David, b. ; m. Dinah . 

10. Stephen, b. ; m. Mary Eish. 

11. Mercv, b. ; m. Benoni Austin. 

12. Daniel, b. ; m. Ann Baker, 9 April, 1732. 

13. Ezekiel, b. ; m. Champlin. 

19 



090 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

III. ROBERT (6), b. about 1690, son of Jeremiah Aus- 
tin and Elizabeth — — ; married Hannah . He re- 
moved from Kingstown to Westerly previous to 1716. Sept. 
29, 1721, he bought of William and Ellen Davel three acres, 
more or less, at Westerly. He paid £15 for this parcel of 
land, and the deed calls him il Cordwainer." Jan. 16, 1745, 
be bought of George Ninigret, " < ihief Sachem of the Narra- 
gansett Indians," one hundred and thirty acres in Charles- 
town for £270. Be appears to have lived for twenty-three 
years on his three-acre piece at Westerly, pursuing his occupa- 
tion as shoemaker, and then purchased the larger tract. He 
died in 1752. She died before that date. 

Children. 

14. Robert, b. : m. 

15. Jeremiah,!), about 17:'><>; in. Margaret Congdon. 

III. EZEKIEL (13), b. , son of Jeremiah Aus- 
tin and Elizabeth - — ; m. — Champlin. He was 
a resident of North Kingstown, K. I. No record of his death 
can be found, and very little is known of him. 

( hildren. 

16. Jeremiah, b. about 1749. 

17. Ezekiel, b. 

18. Stephen, b. ; m. Deborah Johnson. 

19. William, b. 

20. Elizabeth, b. 

21. Joanna, b. 

IV. STEPHEN ( is), b. , son of Ezekiel Aus- 
tin and Champlin; married 7 Feb., 177r>, Deborah 

Johnson. He was a resident of Westerly, R. I. 

Children. 

22. Stephen Champlin, b. 6 June, 1776; m. Delia Hall. 

23. Lucy A., b. 8 Dee., 177S; died young. 



AUSTIN FAMILIES. 291 

24. Ezekiel, b. 30 Dec, 1781. 

25. Amy, b. 25 Jan., 1785. 

26. Pardon, b. 20 Aug., 1788. 

27. Thomas, b. 15 April, 1790. 

28. Susanna, b. 28 Dec, 1792. 

V. STEPHEN" CHAMPLIN (22), b. 6 June, 1776, son 
of Stephen Austin and Deborah Johnson; married Delia Hall, 
b. 17 May, 1777. They were residents of Westerly, R. I. 
He died 5 Sept., 1849. She died 17 July, 1848. 

Children. 

29. Thomas, b. ; m. 

30. Sally, b. 

31. Deborah, b. 

32. Stephen, b. 

33. Ezekiel, b. 23 Dec, 1808; m. Susan Douglass. 

34. William, b. ; died at Montville. 

VT. EZEKIEL (33), b. 23 Dec, 1808, son of Stephen 
Austin and Delia Hall; married 11 March, 1836, Susan Dong- 
lass, born at Waterford 16 July, 1813, daughter of Elisha A. 
Douglass and Margaret Dart. She was a sister to Oliver W. 
Douglass, who for many years held the office of Justice of the 
Peace in the town of Montville, and a member of the Board 
of Health. 

Deacon Austin was a stone cutter, and lived for a time near 
Rope Ferry, in Waterford, and worked in the granite quarry. 
In 1844 he purchased a farm in the southern part of the town, 
which he afterwards sold, and bought the " Parthenia Thomp- 
son " farm, near Oxoboxo pond, where he lived until his 
death. He was deacon of the Union Baptist church, a devoted 
and exemplary Christian. He died respected and beloved, 
21 May, 1894. She died 24 March, 1895. 

Children. 

35. Emily D., b. 20 March, 1837; m. Henry E. Dart. 

36. Elisha C, b. 21 Aug., 1838; m. Susan Brown. 



292 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

37. John M., b. 27 Jan., 1842; m. Jane Brand. 

38. Jane E., b. 24 Feb., 1844; m. John Kudd. 

39. Lucy Ann, b. 17 Feb., 1849; died 4 Sept., 1851. 

40. Frederick T., b. 29 June, 1851; died 10 Oct., 1855. 

41. Frank E., b. 1 May, 1856; m. Susan Swan. 

42. Anna Lizzie, b. 28 March, 1859; m. Frederick W. 

Hooper. 



SMITH FAMILIES. 

The Smith families in this country are very numerous, and 
have had their origin from many different American ancestors. 

This name is the most frequent of any in New England, 
and, perhaps, in the United States. It had furnished two 
hundred and fourteen graduates at the different colleges in 
New England and New Jersey in 1825, one-fourth of whom 
have been clergymen. 

There have been five different families who were settlers 
in this town previous to 1800, bearing the name of Smith, 
whose lineage is traced to as many different ancestors, whose 
settlements date back to the earliest settlers in this country. 

To trace the lineage of these families back through the 
mass of names, many of which are the same, is a very difficult 
and perplexing task to a genealogist, and he often has to 
abandon the search in disgust. 

A few of the names who have been residents in Montville 
can, however, be traced to the first American ancestor; the 
others can only be connected with a few remote generations. 

Ebenezer Smith appears to have located in Montville about 
the middle of the eighteenth century, at a place called Pome- 
chauge, now called Massapeag. He was son of James Smith 
of Groton. In 1741 James Smith of Groton conveys, by deed 
of gift, one hundred acres of land to his son, Ebenezer, 
" on the brook that comes out of Lakes Pond." This farm 
was located in the western part of New London, on the road 
that leads from New London to Colchester, and now in the 
town of Waterford. This farm was afterwards conveyed by 
Samuel and Ebenezer Smith to Philip Cavarly of Colchester 
in 1750. (See land records of New London.) 

On March 17, 1749-50, Samuel Holmes of New London 



294 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

conveyed to Ebenezer Smith of Xcw London a tract of land 
at Pomechaug, containing aboul fifty acres, bounded, "East 
by the river (Thames). Adjoining land of Peregreen Gard- 
ner on the West, and near to a spring that conies out from 
under a ledge adjoining Samuel Avery's fence." The 
same year, Feb. L5th, Thomas Bill conveyed to Ebenezer 
Smith twenty-five acre-, adjoining his former purchase, being 
land, as Thomas Bill -ays, "he purchased of Stephen Gard- 
ner." 

Ebenezer Smith was a shoemaker. He was twice married. 
The name of bis liist wife cannot be ascertained. His second 
wife was Lucy Hatch. lie was married to his first wife pre- 
vious to his removal to Massapeag. 

There is 110 record of cither his death or thai of his wives. 

He probably died previous to l s <><). An old account book, 
in which be. made charges for work done and other business 
transactions, ia now in the possession of a great-grandson, 
Marvin Mmon Smith. In this old account book is the fol- 
lowing entry : 

"William Prince Dr. to Ebenezer Smith. January 12, 
1771. To making 2 pr. Shoes, £0.5s Od; To making Shoes, 
6d; To making 3 pr. Shoe., 7- 6d; To 3 pr. heels, 6d." 

Ebenezer Smith had a la-other, Samuel, who lived on the 
east side of the river Thames, now Ledyard, who was a tanner 
and currier, and who furnished the leather \)<o>\ by Ebenezer 
in making and repairing shoes. In the old account book are 
credits from time to time for leather furnished by Samuel 
Smith. 

Children by First Wife. 

2. Benjamin, 1>. 174<i; m. 1st, Susan Lewis; 2d, Nancy 

Morris. 

3. Ebenezer, b. L6 Mch., 1748; m. Margaret Wheeler. 

4. Anna, b. 13 Dec, 174!); m. Ephraim Wheeler. 

5. Sarah, 1). 17 Feb., 1751. 

6. Elizabeth, 1). 21 Feb., 1754; died unmarried. 

7. Perygreen, b. 23 June, 1756. 



SMITH FAMILIES. 295 

8. John, b. 27 April, 1760; in. Lydia Ames. 

9. James, b. 26 April, 1762; m. Weeks. 

10. Eunice, b. 8 July, 1764; m. Oliver Williams. 

Children by Lucy. 

11. Daniel, b. 20 Aug., 1769; m. 1st, - - Wait; 2d, 

Abby Hempstead. 

12. Stephen, b. 9 April, 1772; m. Lucy Allyn. 

13. Naomi, b. 2 Sept., 1774. 

14. Susanna, b. 18 Feb., 1777. 

15. Lucy, b. 24 Nov., 1780. 

BENJAMIN (2), 1). about 1746, son of Ebenezer Smith 

and ; married 1st, Susan Lewis, 2d, Nancy Morris, b. 

about 1 770. He was a farmer, settled first in Groton, opposite 

Montville, and may afterwards have returned to Montville. 

He died 20 March, 1836. His children were all by his first 

wife. 

( liildren. 

16. Benjamin, b. about 1775; m. Rebecca Morris. 

17. Asa, b. : m. Kesiah Parish. 

18. Sally, b. ; m. Prentice Adams. 

19. Susan, b. ; m. Andrew Bill. 

20. Polly, b. ; m. John Williams. 

21. Lizzie, b. ; m. Henry McNeil. 

EHEXEZEPl (3), b. 16 March, 1748, son of Ebenezer 
Smith and ; in., about 1770, Margaret Wheeler. He 

lived at Massapeag, a farmer. He died 16 May, 1827. She 
died 9 Dec, 1822, aged 79 years. 

Children. 

22. Ebenezer, b. about 1770; m. Hannah Adams. 

23. Seth, b. about 1772; m. Mercy Wheeler. 

24. Ransford, b. about 1773; died a young man. 

25. Mercy, b. about 1775; died 21 Jan., 1839, urnn. 

26. Margaret, b. about 1777; died 18 July, 1848, unm. 

27. Ptoxanna, b. about 1780; m. John Tuttle. 

28. Miranda, b. about 1787; died 30 Jan., 1856. 



296 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

JOHN (8), b. 27 April, 1760, son of Ebenezer Smith and 
; married about 1783, Lydia Ames, born about 
1763. lie lived at Massapeag. A farmer. He died 2 Feb., 
1852, age 92 years. She died 25 Oct., 1854, age 91 years. 

Children. 

29. .Marvin, 1). 18 Nov., 1784; m. 1st, Anna Newton; 2d, 

Sybel Morgan. 

30. John, I). ; m. Nancy Bolles. 

31. Alvin (i.. !.. L8 June, 1800;' m. Nancy Ames. 

32. Lyman, 1>. 22 March, 1S03; m. Emeline Fanning. 

33. Nancy, b. ; m. Micajah Davis. 

34. Betsey, b. : m. Nathan Palmer Coats. 

DANIEL (11), b. 29 Aug., 1767, son of Ebenezer Smith 
and Lucy Hatch; m. 1st, - — Wait; 2d, Abby Hempstead, 
20 Nov., 1777, dau. of Ebenezer Hempstead. He lived first 
at Massapeag, on the farm he bought of Nathaniel Bradford 
in 1803, containing 86 acres, covering the ground now owned 
by the Kittemaug Association. A f tor his death, 9 Oct., 1818, 
his half-brother, Marvin, purchased this farm and erected a 
new house. He died of lockjaw. She died 25 June, 1867. 

Children by First Wife. 

35. Wait, 1). ; m. Susan Chapman. 

36. Mary, b. ; m. Abel Kichards. 

Chil< Iron by Abby. 

37. Hiram, b. about 1807; m. Mary E. Chapel; she died 27 

Feb., 1854. He died 1 April, 1890. 

38. Peter, b. about 1812; m. Jerusha A. Koot. He died 16 

Sept., 1879. She died 27 Sept., 1889. 

39. Albert, b. ; m. 

40. Jerusha, b. ; m. 1st, James Chapel; 2d, Jesse 

Comstock. 

41. Amy, b. about 1811; m. Samuel Latimer. 

42. Caroline, b. ; m. Austin Fuller. 



SMITH FAMILIES. 297 

STEPHEN (12), b. 9 April, 1772, son of Ebenezer Smith 
and Lucy Hatch; m. Lucy Allyn 25 May, 1803, born 16 May, 
1778, dau. of Thomas Allyn and Bathsheba Stoddard. She 
died at Montville 16 April, 1817. He died 19 June, 1864, 
age 92 years. * 

Children. 

43. Allyn, b. 20 April, 1805 ; removed to the State of N. Y. 

44. Sanford, b. 28 Jan., 1807; m. Sarah Tare. 

45. Cyntha, b. 16 Feb., 1809; living at Uncasville in 1896, 

unmarried. 

46. Cephas, b. 25 July, 1810; died 29 Oct., 1819. 

47. Thomas K, b. 26 June, 1812; died 29 Aug., 1830. 

48. Sophia, b. 24 April, 1814; m. George May. 
49-. Eobert, b. 28 Feb., 1816; died 31 Dec, 1837. 

50. Lucy Maria, b. 5 June, 1818 ; m. George White. 

BENJAMIN (16), b. about 1775, son of Benjamin Smith 
and Susan Lewis; m. Kebecca Morris, b. 1774. He was a 
farmer. Settled in Montville, lived near the old Kogers Saw- 
Hill on Stony Brook. His farm was afterwards occupied by 
his son-in-law, Charles L. Whaley. He died 18 Feb., 1857. 
She died 19 Dec, 1863, age 89 years. 

Children. 

51. Susan, b. 22 Aug., 1801; m. John C. Maples. 

52. Almira, b. about 1806. 

53. Emma, b. about 1813; m. Charles L. Whaley. 

ASA (17), b. , son of Benjamin Smith and Susan 

Lewis; married about 1796, Kesiah Parish, dau. of Elijah 
Parish and Marian Baker. 

Children. 

54. Nancy, b. 3 July, 1797. 

55. Elijah, b. 26 May, 1801. 

56. William, b. 9 April, 1804. 

57. Asa, b. 4 Sept., 1806; m. Marinda Smith. 



298 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

EBEN EZEK (22), b. about 1770, son of Ebenezer Smith 
and Margarel Wheeler; married 10 Oct., 1793, Ilaimali 
Adams. 

Children. 

58. Lorinda, b.*17 Jan., 1794. 

59. Amy, 1). :; 1 Jan., 1802; m. Stephen Maples, 1st wife. 

60. Ransford, b. 29 Nov., 1804. 

61. Roxanna, b. 1 S06. 

62. Phebe, b. aboul 1808; m. Stephen Maples, 2d wife. 

SETH (23), b. about 1772, sou of Ebenezer Smith and 
Margarel Wheeler; married Mercy Wheeler, dan. of Jeremiah 
Wheeler. 

Children. 

63. Seth, 1». : m. Nancy Ross. 

64. Miranda, I.. 1<> Oct., L807; m. Asa Smith. 

65. Jane, I'. : m. Sherwood Fitch, 1st wife. 
Q6. Abby, b. ; m. Daniel Ayers. 

G7. Anrelia, 1>. ; died unmarried. 

08. Alfred, b. : died unmarried. 

M \\l\'\ X ( 29), 1). IS Nov., 1 784, son of John Smith and 
Lvdia Ames: married, in 1812, Anna Newton, born in 1784. 
She died 24 Dec., 1843. II.' then married, in 1845, Sybel 
Morgan, horn in 1796. .Mr. Smith was born at Massapeag, 
where he has always lived. His whole life was spent along 
the river. * In his younger day- he was a -hip carpenter, some- 
times employed at the yard in New London, at other times at 
Norwich, and various points along the river. His late resi- 
dence was on the west bank of the Thames River, directly op- 
posite Allyn's Point. The Kittemaug Association Club House 
is located on land conveyed to the Association by Mr. Smith. 
It is a beautiful spot; a grove of rare beauty surrounds their 
commodious edifice, the grounds sloping towards the river, 
and extends to its hanks. On this spot of land and near to 
the river, in a clump of rocks on the bank which rises several 
feet above the water, is the " Chair of Tineas," so often men- 



SMITH FAMILIES. 299 

tioned by the press, and in which Uncas is said to have secreted 
himself when pursued by his enemies. This chair, as it is 
called, was formed by a natural recess in the rocks extending 
from near the water's edge several feet back into the ledge, 
and open towards the river. 

Mr. Smith lived a very quiet life, and was greatly respected 
by all. He was honest and conscientious in all his dealings, 
a good Methodist, and a large contributor towards the support 
of the ministry of the Methodist Church at Uncasville, of 
which he was a devoted member. lie died 31 March, 1887, 
at the advanced age of 102 years, 4 months, and 13 days. His 
second wife survived him, and died in 1895, aged 98 years, 
5 months, and 14 days. 

Children. 

69. Betsey Diantha, b. 29 Aug., 1815; m. David Corning. 

70. Marvin Almon, b. 13 Oct., 1817; m. 1st, Lydia H. 

Chapman, dau. of Charles Chapman of New Lon- 
don, April, L863, and had one dau., Lydia Henrietta, 
b. ~> March, 1864. His wife died soon after the 
birth of the child, and he married for his second 
wife, Frances Almira Smith, b. 30 Aug., 1831, dau. 
of Joseph Smith and Eliza Fanning, and had Wal- 
lace Almon, b. 24 Nov., 1868, and Marvin Elliott, 
b. 26 Dec, 1872. 

71. Lydia Ursula, b. 8 July, 1820. 

72. Frances Manette, b. 31 July, 1823. 

ALVIN G. (31), b. 18 June, 1800, son of John Smith and 
Lydia Ames; married 29 Oct., 1826, Nancy Ames, dau. of 
Jonathan Ames and Betsey Douglass. He was a farmer and 
resided at Massapeag. He held the office of justice of the 
peace for many years. A man of sound judgment, and was 
considered well qualified to try cases and give advice in mat- 
ters in dispute. He died 16 Dec, 1891. She died 9 May, 
1891. 



300 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

73. Eunice E., b. 18 Dec., 1828; m. Charles Brown. 

74. John, b. 23 Jan., 1832; died 9 June, 1839. 

75. Laura L., b. 27 Jan., 1836; m. Elisha Maples. 

76. Sarah S., b. 24 Oct., 1841 ; m. Jedediah K. Gay, 2d. 

77. John C, b. 23 May, 1845 ; m. Laura Chapel. 

LYMAN" (32), b. 22 March, 1803, son of John Smith and 
Lydia Ames; married, in 1828, Emeline Fanning, dau. of 
Henry Fanning and Lovina Standish. He was a farmer. His 
farm adjoined that of his brother, Alvin G., at Massapeag. 
He lived a quid and peaceable life and died 27 May, 1890. 
She died 5 Sept., 1861. 

Children. 

78. Henry Austin, 1). 27 June, L834; m. Harriet Mitchell. 

79. Julia E., b. 5 March, 1840; m. John T. O'Brien. 

ASA (57), b. I Sept., 1806, son of Asa Smith and Desire 
Parish; married MEarinda Smith,!). 10 Oct., 1807, dau. of Seth 
Smith and Mercy Wheeler. He died at Montvillc 10 Oct., 
1851. 

Children. 

80. William P., b. 1 Dec, 1835. 

81. Seth Chester, b. 16 Jan., 1837; m. 1st, A I mini Maple; 

2d, Ann Eliza Church. 

82. Harriet, b. 26 elan., 1839; m. A/el Fitch Ohamplin. 

83. Edwin, b. 10 Oct., 1841; living in 1896, unm. 

84. Delea, l>. ; died , num. 



OTHER SMITH FAMILIES. 

Joseph Smith came from Groton to Montville about 1764, 
and purchased land on Saw-mill Brook, in .the vicinity of 
Palmertown, now so called, on which he erected a dwelling 
house and a fulling mill. Mr. Smith was born in Groton, 
Conn., 25 Dec, 1735, son of Johnathan, or Jonathan, Smith 
(2), and grandson of Johnathan (1). He served in the French 
and Indian Wars. Was at the battle of Ticonderoga, 6 July, 
1758. He returned to his home in Stonington 30 Sept., 1758, 
as appears by a letter written by himself to some friend, giv- 
ing a report of his travels during his absence from home, which 
report is in the possession of his great-grandson, Welcome A. 
Smith of Norwich, Conn. 

JOSEPH SMITH, m. 25 March, 1762, Zerviah Breed, 
b. 23 Oct., 1741, dau. of Allen and Ann Breed of Stonington, 
Conn. He died at Montville 1 Nov., 1816, age 80 years, 10 
months, 7 days. She died 9 June, 1823, age 81 years, 7 
months, 26 days. 

Children. 

2. Zerviah, b. 17 Nov., 1763, at Stonington; m. Benajah 

Davis. 

3. Joseph, b. 6 July, 1766, at New London, now Montville. 

4. Amy, b. 12 Mch., 1769; m. Stephen Bishop. 

5. Betsey, b. 16 Oct., 1771; m. Gersham Palmer. 

6. Ezra, b. 6 Mch., 1775. 

7. Hannah, b. 9 Feb., 1778; m. Stephen Roy. 

8. George Washington, b. 5. Aug., 1780. 

9. Abel, b. 1 April, 1785; m. Lydia Palmer. 

ABEL (9), b. 1 April, 1785, son of Joseph Smith and 
Zerviah Breed; m. at Preston, 6 April, 1808, Lydia Palmer, 
b. 5 April, 1789, dau. of Gershom Palmer and Zerviah Pal- 



302 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

inn'. lie settle*] at Montville, a farmer and cotton manufact- 
urer. He occupied the place which formerly belonged to liis 
father, and on which the Rockland Paper Mill is now located. 
He died 30 Dec. 1843. She died 6 Aug., 1864. 

( 'hildren. 

Hi. Allen Breed, b. 6 .May, IM 1; m. 

1 I. Benjamin Alvah, I.. L7 Nov., 1812; m. - - Wheeler. 

L2. Mary, b. 27 Aug.. L817; m. Jerome Palmer. 

13. Amy. I.. L0 May, L820; m. Elias Browning. 

1 I. John Wightman, b. 20 Dec, L821; in. 

i:». Jacob Benton, b. 1:5 May, L823; died !> Feb., 1840, 
from lockjaw. 

NATHAN SMITH became an inhabitant of the North 
Parish of New London about 1759, at which time he bought a 
tract of land of Noah Hammond, and is the same land after- 
wards occupied by his son, John Smith, later by John Fellotwes. 
The mansion house that Nathan Smith is supposed to have 
buill is -till standing, and in excellent repair, having been 
much improved by the I Ton. Francis Fellowee of Hartford, 
and occupied by him as a summer residence. A I'ter his death 
the dwelling-house and garden was sold to John ('. DoHbe&re. 

Nathan Smith was married previous to his removal to 
Montville. lie is supposed to have come from Lyme, born 
about 1 723, and i- supposed to have descended from the Lyme 
families of Smiths. He, with his wife, Elizabeth, united with 
the church in the latter part of low. I >avid Jewetfs pastorale, 
lie had been a member of Rev. Air. (Iris wold's church. He 
was a tanner and currier, and, after his death, the business was 
carried on by his son, John Smith. His wife, Elizabeth, died 
29 June, L77 6, aged 47 years. He then married for his second 

wife Anna - . She died 24 May, 1807, in the 83d year 

of her age. He died 7 January, 1809, in the 86th year of his 
age. 

It is said that he had fourteen children, three sons and 
eleven daughters; their names have not all been recovered. 



OTHER SMITH FAMILIES. 303 

1st, Elizabeth, m. Dr. Caulkins; 2d, Esther, m. Jesse Beck- 
witli; they were the grandparents of Elias H. Beck with of 
Norwich; 3d, Nathan; 4th, Nancy; 5th, Belinda; 6th, John; 
7th, Mary; 8th, Benjamin; 9th, Caroline, who is said to have 
been the youngest child. 

There is a little romance attached to the history of Caro- 
line, the youngest child of Nathan Smith, which may be inter- 
esting to some who may not have heard of it, if here related. 

Mr. Nathan Smith, like many other Puritans of his time, 
had a large family,' and " ruled well his own house." Among 
his employes in the tannery business was a man by the name 
of Whipple, who had a son, Lemuel, a bright, intelligent youth, 
about the age of Caroline, " Square " Smith's youngest daugh- 
ter. She was an attractive girl of twenty years at this time. 
Young Lemuel Whipple soon became attached to Caroline, 
who reciprocated his affections, and the mutual love culmi- 
nated in their desire to become one. But when marriage was 
proposed the father of ( Jaroline was very strongly opposed to it. 

The young man conceived a project, and left for the state 
of Maine, where he was soon engaged in a profitable business. 
About a year after the departure of young Whipple, on a 
beautiful morning in the month of June, Caroline was missing 
from her accustomed place, and the fact became clear that 
she had eloped with her lover. On this June night, while the 
balmy air was perfumed with the odor of roses and pinks, 
this persistent young lady, responding to a signal that she 
knew well, threw her personal belongings from the window 
of her bedchamber, and softly tiptoed down the stairs and out 
into the yard, where she met her lover, who had provided him- 
self with the best horse he could find to aid them in their flight. 
There was no time spent in good-byes to parents or home. The 
pair, mounted upon the saddle and pillion, sped their way till 
daylight, when they stopped at a village to be married. 

Mr. Whipple had carefully considered the distance be- 
tween Montville and Bangor, and had noted the roads that lay 
between points, in order to select the most direct route to their 



304 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

new home in the " Pine Tree State," so that the 200 miles were 
covered within forty-eight hours. 

The little sensation, however, died away at the old home- 
stead after awhile. The Squire and his family became recon- 
ciled. 'Flic sisters afterwards went to Bangor to see Mrs. 
iVTiipple, l>ut her mother never saw her face again. 

Mr. Whipple was very successful in his business, and, at his 
death, left his widow the snug little snm of $250,000. She 
lived t<> the greal age of 108 years, and at the age of 105 years 
wrote ;i Letter to ;i relative in a hand perfectly clear and plain. 
This letter, it is said, is now in the possession of Mr. E. H. 
1 leckwith of Norwich. 

JOHN SMITH, b. about 1766, son of Nathan Smith and 

Elizabeth ; married 7 Oct., 1795, Caroline Chester, 

b. 27 Aug., 1773, dan. of Deacon Joseph ( 'hester and Elizabeth 
(Mis. He settled in Montville and lived on the old Smith 
homestead. He \\;is ,i man id' considerable notoriety; was a 
justice of the peace and held other town offices; was an active 
member of the church and ecclesiastical society. His wife 
was a devoted Christian woman and kind neighbor. They 
both died without children of their own. He died 26 Feb., 
1836. She died 20 Sept., 1856. 

DAVID SMITH was also another whose ancestors an 1 not 
certainly known, and who became an inhabitant of the North 
Parish of New London, and settled in the part of Montville that 
was set off to the town of Waterford. He was born about 1735 ; 

married 1st, Beebe; 2d, Powers. He died 

22 June, 1808. 

Children. 

2. Elizabeth, b. ; m. Sharp. 

3. Joshua, b. 28 March, 1762; m. 1st, Esther Powers; 2d, 

Mima Chapel. 

4. Mary, b. about 1786; m. Ezra Keeney. 

JOSHUA (3), b. 28 March, 1762, son of David Smith 
and ; married 10 ]STov., 1784, Esther, dau. of Joshua 





MRS. JOHN SMITH. 
Formerly CAROLINE CHESTER. 



OTHER SMITH FAMILIES. 305 

Powers of Black Point, She died 2 Dee., 1796, aged 17 years. 
He 'afterwards married 19 May, 1799, Mima Chapel, dan. of 
Ezekiel Chapel and Sarah Gardner. He died 25 Jan., 1852. 
She died 22 April, I860. 

Children by Esther. 

5. David, b. 20 Oct., 1785; m. Amy Comstock. 

6. Jonathan, b. 1 Oct., 1787; m. Clara Chapel. 

7. Esther, b. 22 Dec, 1791; died 11 Oct., 1793. 

Children by Mima. 

8. Clarissa, b. 20 April, 1800; died 26 Aug., 1814. 

9. Reuben Palmer, b. 29 Dec, 1801 ; m. Caroline Chapman. 

10. Sarah Gardner, b. 2 Nov., 1801; m. Jesse Jerome, 2d 

wife. 

11. Ezekiel Chapel, b. 8 July, 1809; m. Delia Chapman. 

JET1IRO SMITH, b. about 1711; married 17 May, 1710, 
Ann Williams, dau. of Thomas Williams and Sarah Babcock. 
He was an inhabitant of Montville. He had a dau., Mary, 
who married Lancaster Comstock. Jethro was the son of 
Joseph Smith and Patience Mowry of Smithfield, R. I., grand- 
son of Edward Smith and Anphillis Angel of Providence, R. I., 

great-grandson of Christopher Smith and Alice -. He first 

appears at Providence, R. I., in 1650, Sept. 2d, when he was 
taxed 3s. Id., and died at Providence, June, 1676. 



20 



LEFFINGWELL FAMILIES. 

Thomas Lefrmgwell the first, of Saybrook, was a native of 
Croxhall, England, and one of the earliest planters of Say- 
brook. He was personally engaged in the IVqnot War, a 
friend to CTncas, and gave him great assistance at the time the 
Mbhegians were besieged by the Narragansetts in the spring 
of 1645. Lieutenant Thomas Lefnngwell was one of the pro- 
prietors of Norwich. He was active in the affairs of the 
town and state. He died at Norwich about the year 171<». 
Mary, his wife, died there Feb. 6, 1711. His descendants 
were numerous, and the name lias been quite common in the 
vicinity of the firsl settlement of their first American ances- 
tor. 

Children. 

2. Rachel, b. 17 March, 1648. 

3. Thomas, b. 27 Aug., 1640; m. Mary Bushnell. 

4. Jonathan, b. 6 "Dec, 1650. 

5. Joseph, b. 24 Dec, 1652. 

6. Mary, b. 10 Dec, 1654; m. Joseph Bushnell, 28 Nov., 

1 673. 

7. Nathaniel, b. 11 Dec, 1656; m. Mary Smith. 

8. Samuel, b. about 1660; m. Ann Dickerson. 

TT. THOMAS (3), b. 27 Aug., 1640, son of Thomas Lef- 

fingwell and Mary ; married Sept., 1672, Mary, b. Jan., 

1654, sister of Richard Bushnell, the first of Norwich. He 
died 5 March, 1724. She died 2 Dec, 1745. 

Children. 

0. Thomas, b. 11 March, 1674; m. Lvdia Tracv. 

10. Elizabeth, b. Nov., 1676; m. John Tracv. 

11. Ann, b. 25 Jan., 1680; m. Dr. Caleb Bushnell. 

12. Mary, b. 11 March, 1682; m. Simeon Tracy. 



LEFFINGWELL FAMILIES. 307 

13. Zurviah, b. 17 Oct., 1686; m. Benajah Bushnell. 

14. John, b. 2 Feb., 1688; m. 1st, Sarah Abel; 2d, Mary 

Hart. 

15. Abigail, b. 14 Sept., 1691; m. Daniel Tracy, only son 

of Daniel Tracy and Abigail Adgate. 

16. Benajah, b. 9 Aug., 1693; m. Joanna Christophers. 

17. Hezekiah, b. 18 Nov., 1695; died 24 April, 1696. 

IT. NATHANIEL (7), b. 11 Dec, 1656, son of Thomas 
Leffingwell and Mary - -; m. 8 Jan., 1682, Mary Smith, 

daughter of . They may have had more children, but 

only one appears on the records, Samuel, b. June, 1692. 

II. SAMUEL (8), b. about 1660, son of Thomas Leffing- 
well and Mary ; m. 16 Nov., 1687, Ann Dickerson, 

daughter of — — . He died at Norwich, Dec, 1091. She 
died there 22 Feb., 1690-1. They appear to have had but 
one child. 

18. Samuel, b. 4 Feb., 1690-1; m. Hannah Gifford. 

III. JOHN (14), b. 2 Feb., 1688, son of Thomas Lef- 
fingwell and Mary Bushnell; married 1st, Sarah Abel; 2d, 
Mary Hart. He settled at Norwich. He was styled Cap- 
tain John. His death or that of either of his wives does not 
appear. Only one child by his first wife is recorded. 

Child by Sarah. 

19. Elizabeth, b. 12 Dec, 1713; m. Ezra Hyde, 30 March, 

1730. 

Children by Mary. 

20. Mathew, b. 28 March, 1739; m. Charity Bushnell. 

21. Phineas, b. 9 April, 1742; m. Elizabeth Hyde. 

22. John, b. ; m. Hannah Edgerton. 

III. BENAJAH (16), b. 9 Aug., 1693, son of Thomas 
Leffingwell and Mary Bushnell; married Joanna Christophers, 
born at New London 19 March, 1707, daughter of Judge Rich- 



308 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

ard Christophers and Grace Turner. They had eight sons 
and five daughters. 

23. Elisha the 7th son, b. 4 Nov., 1743; m. Alice Tracy. 

III. SAMUEL (18), b. 4 Feb., 1690-1, son of Samuel 
Leffingwell and Ann Dickerson; married 2 March, 1714-15, 
Hannah Gifford. He -ruled in Norwich. She died there 
7 Oct., 1742. 

Children. 

24. Caleb, b. L3 May, 1716; m. Mary — ; . 

25. Samuel, b. 28 Mnv, 1718; m. Hannah Buck. 

26. Hannah, b. 1 1 Feb., 1719-20. 

27. Ann, I.. 28 J<une, 1722; m. 1st, William Vibber; 2d, 

dames Noble. 

28. Andrew, b. 12 Dec, 1724; m. Marcy Nobles. 

29. Mary, b. 8 Oct., 1726; m. John Nobles. 

30. Elizabeth, b. 9 dune, 1729; m. Samuel Copp. 

31. Jonathan, b. 22 May, 1731. 

32. Abigail, b. 29 May, 1734. 

33. Sarah, b. 28 Aug., 1736. 

IV. M ATIIKW (20), b. 28 March, 1739, son of Captain 
John Leffingwell and Mary Hart; married Charity Bushnell, 
second daughter of Uiehard. They had a large family of 
children. 

34. Jabez, the 6th sen, b. 5 May, 1778; m. Lydia Rogers. 
34a. Phineas, the 1th son, b. 19 Nov., 1770; in. Arunah 

Waterman. 

IV. PHINEAS (21), b. 9 April, 1742, son of Captain 
John Leffingwell and Mary Hart; married 19 Nov., 1774, 
Elizabeth Hyde, daughter of Jabez Hyde. She died 21 April, 
1796. He died 25 Sept., 1797. 

Children. 

35. Phineas, b. 28 Aug., 1775. 

36. Simeon, b. 13 March, 1778 ; died 14 March, 1803, unm. 



LEFPINGWELL FAMILIES. 309 

37. Charles, b. 6 March, 1780; removed to Rome, N. Y. 

38. John, b. 21 July; m. Ladd. 

39. Ambrose, b. 25 Nov., 1786; died unm. 

40. Henry, b. 30 Dec, 1788; m. 1st, - Gager; 2d, 

Babcock. 

41. Elizabeth, twin to Charles; m. 1st, Albert Ladd; 2d, 

Robert Hyde. 

IV. ELTSHA (23), b. 4 Nov., 1743, son of Benajah Lef- 
fingwell and Joanna Christophers; married 15 Jan., 1766, 
Alice Tracy, b. 11 Oct., 1745, daughter of Dr. Elisha Tracy. 
He settled at Norwich. 

Children. 

42. Dyer, b. 6 April, 1767; died 5 Oct., 1770. 

43. Lucy Huntington, b. 4 Sept., 1768; m. Deacon Simeon 

Abel. 

44. Dyer, b. 5 Oct., 1770; m. Hannah Waterman. 

45. Sarah, b. 27 Nov., 1772; m. Roswell Culver. 

46. Alice, b. 8 Aug., 1775; m. Henry Tracy. 

47. Elisha, b. 28 Feb., 1778; m. Francis Thomas. 

48. Nancy, b. 15 Feb., 1781; m. Nehemiah Huntington. 

49. Martin, b. Oct., 1785; m. Mary Thomas. 

IV. SAMUEL (25), b. 28 May, 1718, son of Samuel 
'Leffingwell and Ann Dickerson; married 7 Sept., 1743, Han- 
nah Buck. After her death, 29 March, 1761, he married 10 
Dec, 1762, Sarah Russel. She died 22 Oct., 1763. He 
died . 



Children by Hannah. 

50. Benjamin, b. 2 Feb., 1743-4; m. Lettis Camp. 

51. Samuel, b. 28 June, 1747; m. Betsey Baker. 

52. Abigail, b. 2 April, 1752; m. Josiah Baker. 

IV. ANDREW (28), b. 12 Dec, 1724, son of Samuel 
Leffingwell and Ann Dickerson; married Marcy Nobles, b. 
5 April, 1726, (laughter of Stephen Nobles and Marcy Wil- 
liams. He died in Bozrah, 27 Sept., 1803. She died 5 Oct., 

1808. 



310 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

53. Gurdon, b. 1768, in. Polly Avery. 

54. Elisha, b. ; m. Betsey Barney. 

55. Andrew, b. ; died a young man. 

56. Rhoda, b. ; in. Charles Bill. 

57. Annis, b. ; died, aged 80 years, iinm. 

58. Eunice, b. ; m. Ransford Avery. 

59. Marry, b. ; m. Stephen Post. 

JABEZ (34), b. 5 May, 1778, son of Mathew Leffingwell 
and Charity Bushnell; married 20 April, L803, Lydia Rogers, 
b. 15 Feb., 1779, youngesl daughter of James Rogers and 
Zilpha Hyde. 

( liildren. 

GO. Lucy Rogers, b. 24 March, 1804; m. - . Re- 
moved to Ohio. 

61. John Hyde, b. 18 Jan., 180G; m. . Eemoved 

to Ohio. 

62. George E., b. L2 March, 1808; died 7 July, 1809. 

63. Lydia, b. 4 Jan., 1810. 

64. Frances Abby, b. 17 Nov., 1811 ; m. Joseph Bates ( !ar- 

ter. 

65. George Henry, b. 30 Dee., 1813. 

V. BENJAMIN (50), b. 2 Feb., 1743-4, son of Samuel 
Leffingwell and Hannah Buck; married Lettis Camp, b. July, 
1 7 1 2, daughter of — — . He was an inhabitant of Bozrah, 
where he was a farmer, and died 2 Feb., 1826. She died 29 
Oct., 1803. 

Children. 

66. W-eal-thea, b. 6 Aug., 1766; m. Allen Watrous. 

67. Hussel, b. 28 Feb., 1768; m. Sarah Gardner. 

• I s . James, b. April, 1770; m. Maples. 

69. John, b. 22 March, 1774; m. Eunice Ford. 

70. Louise, b. June, 1776; m. David Maples. 

71. Joseph, b. June, 1778; m. Sally Ford. 

72. Mary, b. Jan., 1780; m. Caleb Reed. She died 30 

Sept., 1825. 



LEFFINGWELL FAMILIES. 3H 

V. SAMUEL (51), b. 28 June, 1747, son of Samuel Lef- 
fingwell and Hannah Buck; married Betsey Baker, b. 13 July, 
1747, daughter of Joshua Baker and Phebe Wickwire. He 
was a resident of Bozrah, but lived near the Montville town 
line. He was a farmer, and died 25 March, 1823. She 
died 5 April, 1816. 

Children. 

73. Samuel, b. ; m. Lydia Herrington. 

74. Christopher, b. 29 Dec, 1771; m. Jemima Woodworth. 

75. Phebe, b. 27 Jan., 1774; m. Jonathan Chapman. 

76. Hannah, b. ; m. Nehemiah Randall. 

77. Lodice, b. ; m. Oliver Landphere. 

78. Ann, b. ; m. Stephen Maples. 

79. Abigail,. b. ; m. Joseph Ford. 

80. Betsey, b. 1779; m. David Maples. 

V. GURDON (53), b. 1768, son of Andrew Leffingwell 
and Marcy Nobles; married Polly Avery, daughter of . 
He was a resident of Montville, a farmer, and died 16 Jan., 
1844. She died 17 Dec, 1869. 

Children. 

81. Elisha, b. 6 Feb., 1796; m. Betsey Beebe. 

82. Marvin, b. 20 July, 1798; m. 1st, Abby Ann Chapman; 

2d, Sarah Whaley. 

83. Gardner, b. 10 Jan., 1801; died unm. 

84. Mary, b. 4 April, 1803; m. 

85. Amanda, b. 4 Nov., 1805; m. Alfred Rogers. 

86. Andrew, b. 9 July, 1808; m. Sally Sabin. 

87. George, b. March, 1811; died 28 Nov., 1881, unm. 

88. Fitch, b. 1813; died June, 1827. 

89. Ira, b. 1816; died 4 Aug., 1872, unm. 

90. Harriet, b. 25 Aug., 1819; m. Joseph Kelso. 

VI. JOHN (69), b. 22 March, 1774, son of Benjamin 
Lefflngwell and Lettis Camp; married Eunice Ford, b. May, 
1782, daughter of Joseph Ford and Rebecca Bradford. He 
was a resident of Montville, a farmer, and died 19 Oct., 1856. 
She died 10 Jan., 1873. 



312 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

91. Eunice F., b. 13 Sept., 1807; died 8 Sept., 1882, unm. 

92. John B., 1). 1 Sept., L809; m. Martha Palmer. 

CHRISTOPHER (74), b. 29 Dec., 1771, son of Samuel 
Leffingwell and Betsey Baker; married Jemima Wood worth, 

daughter of Joshua Woodworth and Lucy . This 

Joshua Woodworth was born 11 Oct., 1743, and died 3 Nov., 
1813. Lucy, his wife, b. 12 Aug., 1747: died 8 July, 1822, 
parents of Joshua Elliol Woodworth, who lived at Mohegan, 
and grandparents of Joshua E. Woodworth, Jr., who died al 
Norwich. 

Children. 

93. Christopher, b. 26 Xov., L802; m. Amelia Gardner. 

He died 1 April. L873. She died 18 Dec., L868. 

94. Joshua B., b. 3 duly, L804; m. Mary W Lworth. 

95. Eunice Fitch, b. 5 July, 1808; m. Robert Palmer. 

VI. MAIIYIX (82), b. 20 July, 1798, son of G union 
Leffingwell and Polly Avery; married 1st, Abby Ann Chap- 
man, (laughter of Jonathan Chapman, Jr., and Phebe . 

He was a resident of .Montville, lived at the fool of "Nobles 
Hill." She died 17 March, 1838. He then married Sarah 
Whal.y, daughter of Levi Whaley. He died 31 March, 1856. 

Children by Abby Ann. 

96. Erastus AL, b. 31 July, 1825; m. Abby Beebe. 

97. Eliza Jane, b. Aug., 1831; m. Lewis Rogers. 

98. Daniel ( !., b. 20 dune, 183G; m. Rebecca Curtis. 

Children by Sarah. 

99. Chauncey, b. ; m. Martin. 

100. Maria, b. ; m. James Beebe. 

VII. JOHN B. (92), b. 4 Sept., 1809, son of John Lef~ 
fingwell and Eunice Eord; married 23 Dec., 1833, Martha 
Palmer, sister of Deacon Robert Palmer. He was an inhabi- 



LEFFINGWELL FAMILIES. 313 

tant of Montville, a fanner of thrift, and a thorough business 
man, being quite often chosen assessor of the town rates, and 
also held the office of selectman. He died 11 April, 1884. 
She was living in 1896. 

Children. 

101. John Henry, b. 1 Oct., 1835; m. Harriet Rogers. 

102. Mary Jane, b. 22 Sept., 1838 ; m. 1st, Alexander Cutler; 

2d, Anson Gardner. 

103. Joseph L., b. 9 Nov., 1841; m. Julia M. Switz. 

104. Orren B., b. 29 June, 1849; m. Helen M. Gadbois. 

VIII. JOSEPH (103), b. 9 Nov., 1841, son of John B. 
Leffingwell and Martha Palmer; married 26 Nov., 1872, Julia 
M. Switz. He was a fanner; settled near the old homestead. 
He died 8 Feb., 18S8. She was living in 1896. 

Children. 

105. John L., b. 16 Sept., 1873. 

106. George W. , b. 5 March ,187:.. 



LA TIM VM FAMILIES. 

Captain Robert Latimer, Jr., b. 5 Feb., 1664, was the 
son of Robert Latimer, Sr., the first of New London, who mar- 
ried Airs. Ann .loins, the widow of Mathew Jones, and daugh- 
ter of George Griggs, Esq., of Boston. Their only daughter, 
Elizabeth, married .Jonathan Prentis. 

Captain Uobcrt Latimer, Jr., married Llizabeth , 

and had five sons and one daughter. He was rich in landed 
estate. Beside- the homestead in New London and town lots, 
he owned a considerable tract of swamp and cedar land in the 
vicinity of New London, and an unmeasured quantity of 
wild land in the northwest part of New London, which was 
afterwards occupied by his descendants. lie also owned that 
trad of land in Chesterfield on which his descendants after- 
wards lived, and on which some of the name still live. 

He was elected to many offices of trust, was chosen a deputy 
in 1T(>5, which office he held several years in succession. In 
171 V lie was a member of the Governor's Council, and again 
chosen in 1720, and held the position until his death. lie 
died at New London on the 29th day of November, 1728, aged 
6 I years. 

Children. 

; m. Elizabeth . 



2. 


John, b. 


3. 


Robert, b. 


4. 


Jonathan, 


5. 


Samuel, b 


6. 


Peter, b. 


6a. 


Ann, b. 



; m. Mary Huntley, 17 June, 1731. 
about 1698; m.' Borodil Denison. 
; m. Elizabeth Hallum. 
; m. Hannah Picket. 



III. JONATHAN (4), b. about 1698, son of Captain 

Robert Latimer and Hannah ; married 6 April, 1721, 

Borodil Denison, b. 17 May, 1701, daughter of George Deni- 



LATIMER FAMILIES. 315 

son, Esq., who graduated at Harvard in 1693 and entered the 
profession of lawyer. Captain Jonathan Latimer settled at 
jSIew London, and, like his father, was a wealthy landholder. 
Lie owned a large tract in Chesterfield, which he inherited 
from his father, and he also possessed a tract of land on the 
west side of Mantic River, now in the town of East Lyme. 
The site of a dwelling-house, formerly occupied by one of his 
sons was in 1882 still visible, on the west side of the Mantic 
River, about a mile below the bridge at the head of the river, 
and nearly opposite Sandy Point. The spring from which 
water was taken to supply the house is still known as " Lati- 
mer Spring." 

A long ledge of almost perpendicular rocks, lying along 
the west bank of the river, has since been called " Latimer's 
Rocks." Lie also owned land at the place now called Black 
Point in Lyme. The beautiful white sand beach on the west 
side of Black Point is still called " Latimer's Beach." 

Children. 

T. Anne, b. about 1723; m. Charles Buckley,* 3 Oct., 
1741. 

8. Jonathan, b. 27 March, 1724; m. Lucretia Griswold. 

9. Elizabeth, b. 16 Sept., 1726; m. Joseph Denison. 

10. Mary, b. 16 April, 1729; m. Joseph Deshon. 

11. Amos, b. 5 Dec, 1730. 

12. Robert, b. 26 Feb., 1732. 

13. Henry, b. 28 Eeb., 1737. 

14. Daniel, b. 16 Aug., 1739. 

15. John, b. 21 Dec, 1741; died in infancy. 

16. Borodil, bap. 19 Feb., 1744; m. Nathaniel Coit. 

III. SAMUEL (5), b. , son of Captain Robert 

Latimer and Hannah ; married 11 July, 1723, Eliza- 
beth Hallum, daughter of Nicholas by his second wife, Eliza- 
beth Meades, who maiden name was Gulliver. Elizabeth 



* Governor Morgan G. Bulkeley is a descendant of this Charles Buckley 
and Ann Latimer. 



316 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

(Hallum) Latimer was born in London, England, 22 Feb., 
1701-2. They settled at New London, where he died 1 April, 
1774. She died 1 Sept., 1777. 

Children. 

17. Samuel, bap. 4 Jan., 1727; died at the age of 8 years. 

18. Elizabeth, b. 28 Aug., 1728; m. Nicholas Hal lam, 

probably a cousin. 

19. Nathan, b. 15 March, 1730; m. Jane Lee. 

20. Samuel, b. 11 Feb., 1733; m. Elizabeth Prentis. 

21. Amos, b. 28 Jan., 1737. 

22. Aim, b. 28 Aug., 1739. She was living in 1802. Sold 

land to Goddard Marfcenas in Chesterfield. 
i':;. M;nv. b. 5 X«>v., 1742. 

24. Lucy, b. is Feb., 1745; died 10 Mav. 1751. 

25. Richard, b. 27 March, 1749; m. Sarah Holt. 

ITT. PETER (6), b. , son of ( Japtain Robert Latimer 
and Elizabeth ; married 28 April, 1732, Hannah 

Picket, daughter of John Picket, of New London. He was 
a sea captain, and was lost at sea in 1790. 

Children. 

26. Peter, b. 12 Sept., 1733. 

27. 1 1 an nali, b. 29 Aug., 1735; m. Jones. 

28. Lncretia, bap. 24 April, 1738; m. Captain Nathaniel 

Saltonstall. 

29. John, bap. 10 Jan., 1742. 

30. Picket, bap. 19 May, 1745; m. Eunice Douglass. 

IY. JONATHAN (8), b. 27 May, 1724, son of Captain 
Jonathan Latimer and Borodil Denison; married Lncretia 

Grriswold, b. 20 March, 1731, daughter of . He lived 

at New London in Chesterfield Society, on land which he in- 
herited from his father. He was colonel of the Third Regi- 
ment of militia in Connecticut at the time of Arnold's raid on 
New London in 1781, and at the time was censured for not 
taking a more active part in bringing forward the forces under 



LATIMER FAMILIES. 317 

his command to meet the enemy. Colonel Latimer served in 
several campaigns against the French upon the northern fron- 
tier, and during the war for independence was much of the 
time in the field of service. The original of the following 
order issued by him is still extant, in the possession of the 
writer. Its orthography would seem to indicate that men in 
those days were more accustomed to the use of the sword than 
the pen. 

" To Oapt. John Hempstead, agreeable to orders Received 
from Gen 1 Tylar. you are ordered to Colect the Recruits 
for the continental Army within your Comp,y and Deliver 
them to the Continental officers at the house of John Raymond 
in the North Parish of New London on the first Monday of 
May next. Which officers will be there to muster and Receive 
them, and if any one of them Shall be mustered out you are 
to see that another is immediately Detached to Supply his 
Place. every Recruit must go Prepared to march to army im- 
mediately after they are mustered. 

Given at New London, April ye 26, 1782. 

Jon"a Latimer Col 

N. B. No Deserter from the British service Negro or 
Boys can be accepted nor any man whose age or infirmity will 
Disenable them from an active Campain. J. L." 

On the back of this order is this endorsement: 

" May 6th, 1782. You are hereby Ordered to tak the 
Body of Henry Hams and Deliver him to the house, of John 
Bammon of N. L. this Day. Mak No Delay. John Hemp- 
stead Capt. To Corporal Joshua Bradley. In Pursuant to 
the Above Order I mad Search After the Within Warned 
Persons and found Nary One of them. Joshua Bradley, Cor- 
poral." 

Colonel Latimer with seven of his sons removed from 
Montville to Tennessee about 1790. They moved in emi- 
grant wagons drawn by oxen, taking with them articles and 



318 HISTORY OF MUNTVILLB. 

provisions for use on the way. Colonel Latimer himself never 
lived bo reach his contemplated destination, but died on the 
journey, and was buried at the place where lie died. The 
sons settled in the country, and were the ancestors of numer- 
ous descendants now living in the western states. It was 
said thai six of Oolonel Latimer's sens and himself measured 
forty-two feet. The Latimers have ever been noted for their 
heighl and stalwart muscular frame. 

Children. 

31. Hannah, b. L9 Sept., 17 17; m. Daniel Rogers. They 

settled early in Tennessee, and reared a family of 
children who -cit led there. 

32. George, b. 29 July, 17 lit; m . Rachel Smith, 10 Oct., 

177:;. 

33. Borodil, b. 13 Dec, 1750; died young. 

34. Jonathan, b. 12 April. L753; m. Elizabeth Chapel. 

35. Borodil, b. 12 April, 1755. 

36. Wetherel, b. 18 March, 1757; m. Abigail Fitch. 

37. Charles, b. 30 Time, 1750. Settled in Tennessee. 

38. Robert, b. 2 A T ov., 1700. Settled in Tennessee, and 

was hilled by the Indians. 
30. Nicholas, b. 8 .Tunc, 1703; probably died young. 
40. Griswold, b. 8 Sept., 1764. Settled in Tennessee. 
11. Joseph, h. 8 June. 1700. Settled in Tennessee. 

42. Nathaniel, b. 25 Feb., 1768. Settled in Tennessee. 

43. Daniel, b. 4 May, 1771. 

TV. NATHAN (1.9), b. 15 March, 1730, son of Samuel 
Latimer and Elizabeth TTallam; married May, 1753, Jane 
T,ee, daughter of Colonel Stephen Lee of Lyme. He settled 
in Chesterfield, and was living there in 1802, where he sold 
land to his son, Nathan, Jr. Several of the family moved to 
Pennsylvania and Ohio. 

Children. 

44. Ann, b. 10 July, 1700; m. Zebulon Chapman. 

45. Elizabeth, b. 17 Dec, 1764; m. Dodge. 

40. Hallum, b. 3 Sept., 1754; m. Mercy Dodge. 



LATIMER FAMILIES. 319 

47. Jane, b. 13 April, 1763; m. 13 Nov., 1789, Samuel 

Miner, and had daughter Elizabeth, b. 21 May, 1791, 
and son Nathaniel, b. 11 Sept., 1792, and Jane, Eu- 
nice, Henry, Samuel, and Mary Ann. 

48. Nathan, b. 24 July, 1756; m. 1st, Ann Dodge; 2d, 

Widow Sabra (Baker) Chapman. 

49. Lucy, b. 3 Dec, 1758; m. - — Dodge. She had 

son Mark, who lived in Salem, and other children. 

50. Samuel, b. 16 June, 1767; m. Elizabeth Chapel. 

51. Edward, b. 10 July, 1771 ; m. Elizabeth Latimer, daugh- 

ter of Richard. 

52. Stephen, b. 18 Jan., 1761; m. . Moved to 

Susquehanna. 

53. Lydia, b. 5 July, 1778; m. 1st, Strickland; 2d, 

Beckwith. 

IV. SAMUEL (20), b. 11 Feb., 1733, son of Samuel 
Latimer and Elizabeth TTallnm; married 1 Jan., 1761, Eliza- 
beth Prentis. She died, and he again married, 9 Nov., 1793, 
Lydia Green. He died 7 Nov., 1808. 

Children. 

54. Samuel, b. 25 Dec, 1761; died young. 

55. John, b. 7 Nov., 1764; died young. 

56. John, b. 25 Nov., 1765. 

57. George Griggs, b. 4 Dec, 1768. 

58. Samuel, b. 8 June, 1770 ; was drowned when 8 years old. 

TV. RICHARD (25), b. 27 March, 1749, son of Samuel 
Latimer and Elizabeth Hallum; m. 20 Oct., 1778, Sarah Holt, 
b. 27 Dec, 1749, daughter of William Holt of New London. 
He died 7 Jan., 1824. She died 20 May, 1833. 

Children. 

59. Elizabeth, b. 3 June, 1774; m. Edward Latimer. 

60. Samuel, b. 11 July, 1775; died 7 Jan., 1802. 

61. Sarah, b. 4 July, 1780; died 20 March, 1802. 

IV. PICKET (30), b. 19 May, 1745, son of Peter Lati- 
mer and Hannah ; married about 1780, Eunice Doug- 



320 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

lass, a sister of Captain Douglass of Waterford, and aunt to 
Albert G. Douglass of Waterford, who lives on the old home- 
stead. Mr. Latimer lived in New London until the burning 
of the town in 1781. lie then built a house in Waterford 
(Cohanzic), soon after. This house is located three miles from 
New London, on the old Colchester road. 

Children. 

62. Eunice, b. 9 July, 1792; m. Lebbeus Gardiner. 

63. Picket, b. 20 Jan., 1796; died in Norwalk, Ohio. 

64. Eannah P., !..■ L2 March, L794; m. Ephraim These- 

brough. 

65. Eliza, b. 14 Feb., 179S; m. "Dr. James Rogers. 

66. Peter, 1.. 30 March, 1800; moved to New York. 

67. Lucretia, 1>. 9 July, 1802; m. 

68. John Mulford, b. ; moved to Ohio. 

69. Courtland Lewis, b. ; settled at Columbus, 

Ohio. 

V. GEORGE (32), 1>. 29 July, L749, son of Colonel 
Jonathan Latimer and Lucretia Griswold; married 10 Oct., 
L773, Rachel Smith, lie was ;1 farmer, and settled al Chester 

field. Ee died 8 Oct., 1837. 

Children. 

70. Lydia, b. 2 June, 1775; m. James Baker. 

71. Rachel, b. 2 July, 1777; m. James Chadwick. 

72. Lucretia, b. 1779; in. James Chapel. 

73. Martha, b. 30 Jan., 1781; m. Christopher Latimer. 
71, Borodil, b. 31 Aug., 1786; m. 1st, Ralph Yeoinans; 

2d, Lee. 

75. Sarah, b. 31 Aug., 1789; died young. 

76. George Griswold, b. 5 June, 1791; m. Lydia Tinker. 

77. Nicholas, b. 4 May, 1798; m. Joanna Tinker, 12 Nov., 

1825. Had one son, George, b. 7 March, 1828, and 

m. Cone. Was living in 1896 on the old 

homestead, a farmer, and owner of the " Old Lati- 
mer Mills," in Chesterfield. 



LATIMER FAMILIES. 321 

V. JONATHAN (34), b. 12 April, 1753, son of Colonel 
Jonathan Latimer and Lncretia Griswold; m. 3 Aug., 1775, 
Elizabeth Chapel, daughter of Jonathan Chapel. He with 
his family removed to Tennessee, and settled at Summer City, 
where he died at an advanced age. His three sons all mar- 
ried and settled at the West, and reared large families. His 
sons were Jonathan, Jacob, and Lyons. 

V. WETHEREL (36), b. 18 March, 1757, son of Col- 
onel Jonathan Latimer and Lncretia Griswold; m. Abigail 
Fitch, daughter of Daniel Fitch and Sarah Sherwood. He 
removed with his father to Tennessee, and afterwards settled 
at Pope City in Arkansas. His wife died, and he contracted 
a second marriage, by whom he had several children. 

Children by Abigail. 

78. Daniel, b. 30 Dec, 1783; m. and died in 1857. 

79. James, b. 15 Oct., 1785 ; m. and lived at Summer City. 

Children by Second Wife. 

80. Jane, b. ; m. Robert Wilson. 

81. Charles, b. 

82. . Sylvanis, b. 

83. John, b. 

84. Thomas, b. 

85. Robert, b. 

86. Malinda, b. 

V. CHARLES (37), b. 30 June, 1759, son of Colonel 
Jonathan Latimer and Lncretia C-riswold; moved to Tennes- 
see, where he married and had children, Seldon, Nicholas, Pol- 
ly, Edward, Oliver, Harriet: He settled at Summer City, 
Tenn., and died there at an advanced age. 

V. ROBERT (38), b. 2 Nov., 1760, son of Colonel Jona- 
than Latimer and Lncretia Criswold; removed with his father 
to Tennessee and married. He was killed by the Indians, and 
left two children, William and Nathaniel. 
21 



322 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

V. JOSEPH (41), 1). 8 Juno, 1766, son of Colonel Jona- 
than Latimer and Lucretia Griswold; married Ann Dobbins. 
He settled in Knox County, Illinois, where he died, leaving 
eight children, Betsey, Jonathan, Alexander, Sally, George, 
John, Susan, and David. 

V. NATHANIEL (42), b. 25 Feb., 1768, son of Colonel 
Jonathan Latimer and Lucretia Griswold; removed with his 
lather to Tennessee, where he married and had Erastus, Benja- 
min, and Robert, who married and had one son, Robert At- 
well. lie was Living in California in 1882, and was a Meth- 
odist minister. 

V. HALLAM (46), b. about 1756, son of Nathan Lati- 
mer and Jane Lee; m. IT Sept., 1778, Mercy Dodge About 
the year 1824 they removed from Chesterfield to Marietta, 
Ohio, where he died. "Before removing from Chesterfield, 
he gave a life lease of the homestead farm, which his father 
had previously conveyed to him, to his father Nathan, and 
mother Jane. 

Children. 

87. David, b. 7 May, 1779; died 28 Dec, 1800. 

88. Mercv, b. 3 Dec., L781; died 27 Aug., 1782. 

89. Peter, b. 1 Au»'., 1783; died 1 1 Mav, 1784. 

90. Nicholas Eallum, b. 17 Oct., 1785; died 22 Oct., 1786. 

91. Lucy, b. 16 Aug., 1787. 

92. Frances, b. 6 March, 1700. 

03. Nathan Lee Lord. b. Feb., 1703. 

04. Daniel Dodge, b. 22 June, 1705. 

05. Mary Ann, b. 13 Jan., 1700. 

V. NATHAN (48), b. 24 July, 1756, son of Nathan 
Latimer and Jane Lee: married Ann Dodge, sister to Hal- 
lam's wife. He settled in Montville, Chesterfield Society, 
and lived on the farm formerly occupied by his father, sit- 
uated nepr the old meeting-house, erected in 1824. The land 
on which the meeting-house was erected was given to the so- 



LATIMER FAMILIES. 323 

ciety by him. She died 10 June, 1798, in the 37th year of 
her age. lie then married Sabra (Baker) Chapman. He 
died previous to 1830, his last wife surviving him. 

Children. 

96. Jonathan, b. about 1781; m. Ann Watrous, 29 Sept., 
1804. 



97. 


Nathan G., b. 


; m. 


98. 


ISTancv, b. 
York. 


. Settled in Huron County, ISTew 


99. 


Lynds, b. 


. Settled in Ohio. 


100. 


Robert, b. 


; died in New York. 


101. 


Sophia Jane, b. 


; died about 1817. 


102. 


Oliver D., b. 
ty, ISTew York. 


. Settled in Chenango Conn- 



Y. SAMTTEL (50), b. 8 Jan., 1770, son of Nathan Lat- 
imer and Jane T^ee; married about 1794, Elizabeth Chapel, 
daughter of Ezekiel Chapel and Delight Baker. He settled 
in Montville (Chesterfield), where he died about 1807. She 
died in 1856. 

Children. 

103. John L., b. about 1795; m. Mary Chapman. 

104. Ezekiel C, b. about 1797; m. Harriet Chapman. 

105. Samuel, b. 8 July, 1802; m. Abby Rogers; 2d, Amy 

Smith. 

106. liodiea, b. ; m. Andrew Maynard. 

107. Almira, b. 

Y. EDWARD (51), b. about 1771, son of Nathan Lat- 
imer and Jane Lee; married Elizabeth Latimer, daughter of 
Richard Latimer. He settled in New Tendon. He died 16 
March, 1836. She died 25 Jan., 1849. They had one son. 

108. Joseph H., b. 10 May, 1798; m. Theresa Tinker, b. 

about 1808, daughter of . Their children 

were: 



394 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

109. Edward II., b. 25 Oct., 1840. He died at Camp Chese- 

brough, Baltimore, Md., 14 Feb., 1864. 

110. Joseph S., b. 26 March, 1844; m. Arabella Palmer. 

111. Sarah A.. 1). 21 Feb., 1829; m. William C. Turner. 
1 12. Richard R, b. 25 May, 1831; m. Emma Brown. 

YT. ( i E< )RGE ORTSWOLT) (76), b. 5 June, 1791, son 
of George Latimer and Rachel Smith; married Nov., 1816, 
Lvdia Tinker. lie was a farmer in Chesterfield Society, Mont- 
ville, and owned with Ins In-other Nicholas the saw and grist 
mill, called l> Latimer's Mills." Tie represented the town of 
Montville in the legislature of this state in 1850, and held 
important town offices. He died at Chesterfield. 

Children. 

113. Elizabeth, b. 27 Sept., 1817. 

111. James Monroe, b. 28 Sept., 1819; m. 

115. William T., h. 23 March, 1822; m. 

116. Lvdia, h. 8 Aug.; 1826. 

117. Jan<>. b. 29 Aug., 1831. 

YT. NICHOLAS (77), b. 1 May, 1798, son of George 
Latimer and "Rachel Smith; married 12 Nov., 1821, Joanna 

Tinker, daughter of , and sister to George Griswold's 

wife. ITe was a fanner in Chesterfield Society, Montville. 
He represented the town of Montville in the legislature of 
this state in 1847, and held many offices of the town. He 
died at Chesterfield 7 Oct., 1865, leaving one son. 

118. George, b. 7 March, 1828; m. Aurelia Cone, daughter 

of Erastus Cone and Lucy B. Beebe. He was living 
on the old homestead at Chesterfield in 1896. The 
house now occupied by George Latimer was built 
by his great-grandfather, Colonel Jonathan Latimer, 
about 1745. 



LATIMER FAMILIES. 325 

VI. JONATHAN (96), b. about 1781, son of Nathan 
Latimer and Ann Dodge ; married Anna Watrous of Lyme, 
29 Sept., 1804. He settled at Chesterfield, a fanner, and 
died 2 Aug., 1838. She died 11 Sept., 1841, age 60 years; 
both buried in Chesterfield. 

Children. 

119. Lucy Ann, b. about 1805; in. Williams. 

120. Alexander H., b. about 1807; m. Sophrona A. Chap- 

man. 

121. Benjamin F., b. about 1809; died 14 May, 1844. 

122. Hallam, b. ; died in Lyme. 

123. Jane, b. ; m. Edward De Wolf. 

124. Mary, b. : died about 1867. 

125. Lafavette, b. ; was living in Michigan in 

1888. 

126. Jonathan, b. about 1819; died 25 Feb., 1826. 

127. Thomas, b. about 1822; died 11 Aug., 1845. 

VII. ALEXANDER H. (120), b. about 1807, son of 
Jonathan Latimer and Anna Watrous; married Sophrona A. 
Chapman, 22 March, 1829, daughter of Gideon Chapman 
and Sarah Cook; a farmer; first settled at Chesterfield, and 
in 1837 removed to Michigan. Both were dead before 1890. 

Children. 

Robert F., b. 12 Sept., 1830; m. and had a son, Robert, 
who murdered both his father and mother at Detroit, Mich. 

128. Mulford M., b. 6 Oct., 1832. 

129. Daniel S., b. 17 Aug., 1834. 

130. David A., b. 10 Dec, 1836; died 1 Oct., 1837. 

131. Sarah A., b. 16 Nov., 1838. 

132. Joannah F., b. 9 March, 1841. 

133. Charlotte A., b. 9 Aug., 1843. 

134. George F., b. 29 July, 1846. 

135. John H., b. 14 Aug., 1849. 

136. Marietta J., b. 5 April, 1853. 



32(J HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 

JOSEPH STRICKLAND (108), b. 2G March, 1844, son 
of Joseph H. Latimer and Theresa Tinker; married Arabelle 
Palmer, 1 Jan., 1872, daughter of Elisha H. Palmer and 
Ellis Loomis. He settle*] in Palmertown. Served in the 
war of the Eebellion. The past twenty years has been book- 
keeper in the employ of Palmer Brothers; both were living 
in 1896. 

Children. 

L37. Hugh, b. 15 Oct., 1872. 

L38. Frederick P., b. 12 Nov., 1ST:.. 

139. Richard W., b. 13 June, 1879. 

140. Robert Lee, b. 24 Oct., 1883. 

141. Alice E., b. 9 June, 1SS7: died 17 Dec, 1889. 

142. Gladys Estelle, b. 1 fi Nov., 1 891. 



HOLMES FAMILIES. 

The families of the name of Holmes were early settlers 
in Montville and Colchester, and were among the best citizens 
of the towns. Their intermarriage with other families of 
prominence show them to have been persons of high standing 
in the community. It is, however, a very difficult task to com- 
pile a genealogy of the families bearing the name, so as to 
make the lines of the various families connect with each other, 
owing to incomplete records and lack of dates of births and 
marriages. 

The Holmes families of Montville and Colchester appear 
to be very closely connected with those of Plymouth, Mass., 
and they probably emigrated from the Plymouth Colony to 
Connecticut. Lieut. John Holmes appears in Colchester and 
was voted an inhabitant there 22 Dec, 1718. Chosen Sur- 
veyor 27 Dec, 1720, and again in 1722. Selectman in 1723 
and 1721. 

James Harris conveyed by deed to Lieut. John Holmes, 
Sergeant Thomas Jones, and Peletiah Bliss in trust, a certain 
tract or parcel of land containing, by estimation, two acres, 
dated 10 ISTov., 1726, " for the uses hereafter mentioned, and 
for no other, to hold for the use of the aforesaid Parish (called 
New Salem) for the building of a Presbyterian Meeting House, 
and for a burying place, and for a training field. The afore- 
said meeting house to be built for the inhabitants therein to 
worship God in the Presbyterian faith." The meeting-house 
was built on the parcel of land conveyed by James Harris and 
for many years used for place of worship. The Presbyterian 
order, after a time, was given up and a Baptist element formed 
a church in that neighborhood, which afterwards came in pos- 
session of the meeting-house, and held their meetings there. 



328 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

This house, however, was abandoned, and a new house of 
worship erected <>n a spot about one-fourth of a mile east from 
the old church, and now occupied by the Baptisl denomination, 
and called the First Baptist Church of Salem. 

Lieut. John Holmes married first, Elizabeth Grates, and 
second, Ann Rockwell, 3 Dec, 1729. By his first wife, 
Elizabeth, he had a (laughter, ElizaJbeth, born about 1692, 
married L2 Dec, 1717, Dea. Samuel Loomis, Jr., and died 
27 May, 17G0. She left heir estalte to her brother, John 
Holmes, to the heirs of her deceased In-other, George Holmes, 
to In -r sister Dorothy, wife of ( 'lenient Daniels, to sister Mary, 
wife of John Way, to sister Sarah, wife of Thomas Gustin, 
and to her niece, Ann, daughter of her sister Ann, who mar- 
ried Rev. Joseph Lovett. Hi- firsl wife, Elizabeth, mother 
of all his children, died 1 1 Dee., 1720. 

John Holmes, Jr., married Mary Harris, bora 1 Nov., 
L 702, daughter of James Harris and Sarah Rogers. Thomas 
Holmes, another of the name who was an inhabitant of the 
North Parish of New London, is said to have been born in 
London, England, and came to New England in 1663, mar- 
ried Lucretia Dudley, daughter of Thomas Dudley of New 
York. Had a son John, horn 11 March, 1686, who settled 
in Haddam, Conn. Thomas, the father, died at Iladdam, 12 
Dee., 1724, aged probably ahont \K> years. John of Iladdam 
was probably his only child. 

A deed from Thomas Dill of New London to Samuel 
Holmes, dated L5 Feb., L749, conveys land at a place called 
Pomechaug (in the North Parish of New London, now Mont- 
ville), " beginning seven rods west from a spring that comes 
out from under a ledge adjoining Samuel Avery's fence, on 
said Avery's land twenty-seven rods, with the right of a cart 
way to and from the river to usual landing place, thence to 
Peregreen Gardner's land to Norwich road." This same land 
was conveyed by Samuel Holmes to Ebenezer Smith in March, 
1749-50. On the 27th day of August, 1750, Samson Haugh- 
ton conveyed to Samuel Holmes " land near Poles Hill running 



HOLMES FAMILIES. 329 

to Saw-mill Brook and adjoining land of John Vibber," con- 
taining 25 acres. 

This last-named piece of land was conveyed by Samuel 
Holmes, 6 April, 1754, to Luke Perkins. 

This Samuel Holmes was a resident of the North Parish 
and died about 1774, aged fifty-two years. His will, dated 
August 4, 1774, names his wife as executor, but does not give 
her name. He says there are eleven children, and only names 
one, his daughter Prudence, " who is incapacitated to help 
herself." He was the owner of twelve acres of land with a 
dwelling thereon, which was located on the North side of Saw- 
mill Brook (Oxoboxo), a few rods below the Vincent Woolen 
Mill. The land was afterward included in the Alpheus Chap- 
man farm, and late owned by John McAlpine. After his 
death his wife is supposed to have removed to Salem and lived 
with her son, Samuel, until her death, Sept. 20, 1820. 

In the old Salem burying-ground there are several by the 
name of Holmes whose gravestones appear there. Upon one 
stone in the group of the Holmeses is the name " Lucretia, wife 
of Samuel Holmes, Died Sept. 20, 1820, aged 93 years," 
which shows that she was born about 1727, and would corre- 
spond with the age of the Samuel Holmes who purchased land 
in North Parish in 1749. Assuming that the Lucretia Holmes, 
born about 1727, was the wife of Samuel Holmes, we have a 
basis upon which to proceed in the lineage of the Holmes fami- 
lies. 

This Samuel Holmes was probably the son of Elisha 
Holmes and Sarah Bartlett, daughter of Joseph Bartlett of 
Plymouth, Mass., born about 1722, and married Lucretia 



Children. 

2. Jabez, b. about 1748; m. Lydia Harris. 

3. Elisha, b. about 1756; m. Sarah Harris. 

4. Samuel, b. about 1763; m. Lucy 

5. Nathan, b. about ; m. 



330 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

J A BEZ ( 2), 1). about 1748, son of Samuel Holmes and Lu- 
cretia - — ; married Lydia Harris, born about 1754, daugh- 
ter of Ephraim I [arris. 

lie settled in Chesterfield Society, a fanner. lie died 
22 April, is U. She died 1 Jan., 1826. 

Children. 

(5. Ephraim, b. ; died young. 

7. Bartlett, l>. s Oct., L789; m. Mary Stanton Kimball. 

8. Charles, b. ; m. Hannah Latimer. 
!t. Nathan, 1>. ; m. Lydia Bushnell. 

LO. Jonathan Gilbert, b. 27 Sept., IT'.'T: m. Eliza Ann Cobb. 

11. Harris, b. aboul 17!'!': died 27 Sept., L822. 

12. Lovina, b. ; in. Zadoc Wickwire. 
L3. Iliinnah, 1>. ; m. Jason Chapman. 

ELISHA (3), b. 27 Oct., L756, supposed son of Samuel 

Holmes and Lucretia ; married Sarah Harris, born 7 

March, L762, daughter of Ephraim Harris and . 

He settled iii Chesterfield Society, a farmer. He died 2 1 
I tec, L845. She died 9 April, 1839. 

Children. 

1 1. Sarahy b. 15 Dec, 1784; m. Robert Bishop. 

15. Charlotte, b. ; m. Philo Holcomb. 

16. Pauline, b. ; m. Noah Wood. 

17. Lucretia, b. ; m. Brown. 

18. Lois, b. ; m. .Jonathan Forsyth. 

19. Mary, b. ; died young. 

20. Samuel, b. ; died , unm. 

21. Elisha Harlow, b. 29 Oct., 1799; m. Lydia Allen. 

22. Griswold, b. 29 Oct., 1801; m. 1st, Mary Ann Forsyth ; 

2d, Widow Josephine Ilinman. 

23. Ellis or Alice, b. ; died , unm. 

(APT. BAKTLETT (7), b. 8 Oct., 1789, son of Jabez 
Holmes and Lydia Harris; married 1 Jan., 1809, Mercy S. 
Kimball, born 11 Oct., 1788, daughter of Nathan Kimball, 
born 10 Dec., 1767; and Alice Harris, daughter of Eph- 
raim Harris. 



HOLMES FAMILIES. 331 

Children. 

24. Harta Parmelia, b. 9 Nov., 1809. 

25. Alice Lucinda, b. 11 Nov., 1811. 

26. Robert Stanton, b. 27 May, 1813. 

27. Henry Jabez, b. 20 May, 1815. 

28. Mary Ann, b. 8 Dec, 1817. 

29. Harris Stanton, b. 10 Sept., 1820. 

30. George Nelson, b. 2 Feb., 1823; m. Amanda Raymond 

Palmer. 

3 1 . Margaret Kimball, b. 2 2 July, 1825. 

32. Maria Stanton, b. 30 Jan., 1828. 

33. Sarah White, b. 27 Jan., 1831; m. James B. Palmer. 

34. Joseph Bradford, b. 9 Jan., 1836. 

GRISWOLD (22), b. 29 Oct., 1801, son of Elisha Holmes 
and Sarah Harris; married 20 May, 1834, Mary Ann Forsyth, 
born 9 May, 1813, and died 7 July, 1848. He then married, 2 
March, 1854, Josephine II. Hinman. He settled in Chester- 
field, a farmer. He died in New London, Oct., 1886. 

Children by Mary Ann. 

35. Ellen Forsyth, b. 18 May, 1835. 

36. John Griswold, b. 8 July, 1837; died young. 

37. George Griswold, b. 8 July, 1839. 

38. Mary Ellen, b. 2 Nov., 1841. 

39. Sarah Elizabeth, b. 29 July, 1845. 

Children by Josephine. 

40. Charles Burdett, b. 1 Feb., 1856. 

41. Frank Hoyt, b. 27 May, 1858. 

42. Albert Isham, b. 5 Aug., 1860. 

43. Kate Bell, b. 24 Nov., 1864. 

GEORGE NELSON (30), b. 2 Feb., 1823, son of Bartlett 
Holmes and Mercy Stanton Kimball; married 27 Nov., 1848, 
Amanda Raymond Palmer, daughter of Asher Palmer. She 
died and lie married for his second wife, Althea T. Green, 
daughter of Edwin Green and Mary Geer. 



332 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

44. Althea Bartlett, b. L5 March, 1849; m. Eellen Maria 

Murdock. 

45. Mary Louisa, !». I May. L850;m. Roberl I!. Sherman. 

46. Libbia Amelia, b. 1 Dec, L852. 

47. George -lames, b. 27 Feb., 1854. 

48. Eddie Cogswell, b. L6 Feb., 1857. 

!'.». Sarah Amanda, l>. 1<5 Mav, ls."iS; m. James Howard. 

50. William Palmer, b. L9 May, L865; m. Rose C. Ford. 

DR. SFTII WVMOXD EOLMES, b. about 1738, was 

another of the name who was an inhabitant of the North 
Parish of New London, lie married 1st, Sarah Rogers, born 
27 Oct., 17 1"', daughter of Alpheus Rogers and Grace Wil- 
liams, lie was a physician and farmer, lived at one time 
near his father-in-law, who then owned the farm now occupied 
by Augustus A. Parker. He afterwards moved to a place 
near what is now called Bartlett's Cove, and died at the house 
of his daughter, Betsey, wife of Samuel Green, now owned by 
Benjamin G. Rogers, whose wife was a granddaughter of Dr. 
Holmes. lli> firsj wife died 17 Sept., 1778. He then mar- 
ried Mary Bradford, daughter of John Bradford and Esther 
Sherwood. She died in March, 1837. Dr. Holmes served 
in the war of the Revolution; was captain of a company in the 
colonial regiment, commanded by Col. Samuel Chapman. 

Children by Sarah. 

51. James, b. ; m. Browning. 

52. Salina Matilda, 1). ; m. Jacob Loomis. 

Children by Mary. 

53. John B., b. 23 June, 1780; m. 

54. Henry, b. ; died at sea, aged 23 years. 

55. Sally. 1>. ; m. Jeremiah Sheffield. 

56. Betsey, b. ; m. Samuel Green. 



DOLBEARE FAMILIES. 

John Dolbeare emigrated from Wales to America with his 
wife, whose name is not recovered, and settled at Boston, Mass., 
about the year 1720. His occupation was that of a brass 
founder. The coat of arms of the Dolbeare family, says 
tradition, exhibits the family once to have been the fourth 
family in the Kingdom of Great Britain. 

It is reported that he had twenty-four children : twenty-two 
sons and two daughters. Lorenzo Dow says, " George Dol- 
beare the youngest was the twenty-fourth child." John Dol- 
beare purchased a tract of land of James Harris, situated be- 
tween Gardner's Lake and Oxoboxo pond, and included the 
latter. This tract contained about one thousand acres, and 
perhaps more. After the death of Mr. Dolbeare, which oc- 
curred in Boston in 1725, all the real estate possessed by him 
in the North Parish of New London appears to have come 
into the possession of his son, George Dolbeare, who occu- 
pied and improved the land during his life. After his death 
it was distributed among his children. 

A pitcher, which a few years ago was in the possession of 
Mr. Samuel Allen of New Hartford, is said to have been a 
gift from John Dolbeare of Boston, who was probably a 
brother to George, and the eldest son. The following in- 
scription was engraved upon the side of the pitcher: " The 
gift of Mr. John Dolbeare of Boston, to the Church of Christ 
in New Salem, Conn., New England, October 1, 1737." 

No records have been discovered that clearly indicate the 
number of children that Mr. John Dolbeare had, nor has any 
names of his children, except John and George, been recovered. 
He died at Boston, June 17, 1725. 



334 HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 

IT. GEORGE DOLBEARE, b. aibout 1715, probably 
the youngest son of John Dolbeare, the emigrant; m., aboul 

1 T lo, Mary Sherwood, b. about 1710. There were two large 
portraits of George Dolbeare and his wife, Mary, exhibited 
at the late Groton Centennial, Sept. 6, 1881, which belonged 
In Mi<s Lockwood of ISTcw London, ;i descendant. Mr. Dol- 
beare was a large landholder, and owned four saw-mills. He 
died 27 March, 1772, aged 57 years. She died 1 Jan., 1790, 
aged 80 years. 

Children. 

3. Mary, 1). 19 Aug., 1740; m. William Avery. 

4. Abigail, b. 31 July, 17 t3; m. Elisha Hinman. 

5. John, b. 10 Sc]>t., 1745; m. Sarah Raymond. 

6. Samuel, b. 12 March, 1748; m. Hannah Mumford. 

7. Hannah, b. 20 Dec, 1751: m. Guy Richards. 

8. George Benjamin, b. 15 Jan., 1753: in. Margaret Fox. 

TIL JOHN (5), b. 29 Sept., 1745, son of George Dol- 
beare and Mary Sherwood; married 22 Dec, 17G9, Sarah, 
daughter of Christopher Raymond and Eleanor Fitch. lie 
settled in Montville on the farm bequeathed to him by his 
father, lying on the old Colchester road. This farm con- 
tained several hundred acres, which at his death was distribu- 
ted among his children. He died 9 April, 1806. She died 
9 June, 1828. 

Children. 

9. Sarah, b. 21 Jan., 1770; m. Adonijah F. Bradford. 

10. James, b. 14 Nov., 1771; died young. 

11. George, b. 1 Feb., 1774; m. Sarah Bradford. 

12. Christopher, b. 10 June, 1776; m. Rosetta Conk. 

13. Elisha, b. 23 June, 1778; m. Mary Fox. 

14. Benjamin, b. 18 Dec, 1780; died unm. 

15. Hannah, b. 16 April, 1783; m. William Bradford. 

16. Eleanor, b. 10 July, 1785; m. Washington Fox. 

17. John, b. 14 Sept., 1788; m. Eunice Morgan. 

18. Daniel, b. 14 Alio;.. 1790; died young. 

1 9. Mary, b. 25 Dec,' 1791 ; m. John Vallet. 



DOLBEARE FAMILIES. 335 

20. Lemuel R., b. 13 "Feb., 1793; m. Eleanor Raymond. 

21. Abigail, b. 5 Feb., 1796; died 25 Jan., 1885." 

III. SAMUEL (6), b. 12 March, 1748, son of George 
Dolbeare and Mary Sherwood; married 29 Nov., 1770, Han- 
nah Muniford, b. 26 Feb., 1717. He settled in New Salem 
Society, now Salem. He was a farmer, and a prominent cit- 
izen in the town. He died about 1832. 

Children. 

22. Mnmford, b. 27 Oct., 1771; m. Rhoda Mason. 

23. Abby, b. 1 April, 1774; m. Samuel Bradford. 

24. Samuel, b. 19 Sept., 1780; m. Nabby Fox. 

III. GEORGE BENJAMIN (8), b. 25 Dec, 1753, son 
of George Dolbeare and Mary Sherwood; married Margaret, 
daughter of Ezekiel Fox and Mehitabcl Lamson. He was a 
fanner, and settled at Montville on the farm inherited from 
his father, located at the head of Oxoboxo Pond, and was 
afterwards known as the " Lorenzo Dow Place." 

Children. 

25. Lucy, b. 8 Jan., 1786; m. Rev. Lorenzo Dow. 

26. Benjamin, b. 28 Oct., 1789. 

27. Guy, b. 24 Nov., 1790; m. Abby Hazzard. 

28. Marian, b. 20 Dec, 1796; m. Bishop Miner. 

29. George, b. 22 March, 1799; m. 

MARY (3), eldest daughter of George Dolbeare and Mary 
Sherwood; married Captain William Avery of Groton. They 
had a daughter, Hannah, b. 20 Feb., 1772; married 11 Dec, 
1791, Benjamin Butler, eldest son of Dr. Benjamin Butler of 
Norwich. They settled at New London, where he was a ship- 
ping merchant. They afterwards removed to New York, 
where he was a broker for many years. They afterwards re- 
moved to his farm at Oxford, N. Y., where she died 5 Aug., 
1829. He died 1 June, 1839. They had children, 1st, Ben- 



336 HISTORY OF MONTVIIiLE. 

jamin, b. 4 March, 1800; died unmarried; 2d, Julian Hyde, 
bora 1794; 3d, Mary Dolbeare, b. 8 Jan., 1797; married 28 

Nov., 1817, Nicholas Deveraux. 

ABIGAIL (4), b. 31 July, 1743, daughter of George Dol- 
beare and Mary Sherwood; married March, 1777, Captain 
Elisha Hinman of New London. TTe was the youngest of 
three brothers who came from "Woodbury, Conn., about 1760, 
and established themselves in New London. He was a vet- 
eran of the sea before the commencement of the Revolution, 
and tools nu early part in the contest. He commanded the 
Cabot, a continental brig, in the squadron of Commodore Hop- 
kins, and afterwards succeeded Paul Jones in the ship Alfred, 
which he was unfortunately obliged to surrender to the Ar- 
iadne and Ceres on a return voyage from France, March 9, 
1778. Being carried a prisoner to England, after a short con- 
finement, he found friends who aided his escape to France, 
from whence he relumed home. In 1779 he went out in the 
privateer sloop, Hancock, owned by Thomas Mumford, who 
was probably his brother-in-law. Tn this enterprise he was 
quite successful, and on June 1, 1780, he took command of 
the armed ship Deane. After several years' service in armed 
vessels, Captain Hinman cast aside, the apparel of war, and 
entered into the mercantile line. He died in New London in 
1807, aged 73 years. 

7TANNAH (7), b. 20 Nov., 1751, daughter of George 
Dolbeare and Mary Sherwood; married 17 June, 1773, Guy 

Richards, Jr., son of Guy Ttichards and Elizabeth . 

They settled in New London, where he was a merchant. They 
had twelve children: 1st, George, b. 1 June, 1774; 2d, Abigail, 
b. 15 Dec, 1775; 3d, Charles, b. 12 May, 1777; he died young; 
4th, Peter, b. 11 July (?), 1778; 5th, Nathaniel, b. 26 Feb., 
1780; nth, Sophia, b. 6 Oct., 1781; 7th, Harriet, b. 20 Jan., 
1783; 8th. Charles, b. 3 Jan., 1784; 9th, Sally, b. 25 May, 
1786; 10th, Guy, b. 8 Jan., 1788; 11th, Fanny, b. 28 May, 
1791 ; 12th, Eliza, b. 9 April, 1795. 



DOLBBARE FAMILIES. 337 

IV. GEORGE (11), 1). 1 Feb., 1771, son of John Dol- 
beare and Sarah Raymond: married 16 Feb., 1797, Sarah 
Bradford, daughter of Samuel Bradford and Bridget Coin- 
stock. He was a farmer, and settled in Montville. He lived 
for several years on the " Fort Hill Farm," at Mohegan. In 
the year 1850 he purchased the vt Andrew Maples Farm," and 
died there 11 Dec., 1852. She died there 22 April, 1866, 
aged 92 years. 

Children. 

30. William B., b. 28 Xov., I7l) ( .'; m. 1st, Fancy Raymond; 

2d, Abby Wood worth. 

31. George F., b" 23 Feb., 1802; m. 1st, Abby Church'; 2d, 

Hannah (Church) Mathews. 

32. Sarah, b. 9 Dee., 1804; died young'. 

33. Sarah R., b. 6 Nov., 1 807; was living in 1896, unm. 

34. Margaret, b. 7 dune, 1810; m. Stephen Bradley. 
85. Ellen, b. 29 June, 1813; m. David R. Dolbeare. 

36. Cornelia F., b. 23 Feb., 1818; m. Edwin Lathrop. 

IV. CHRISTOPHER (12), b. 10 June, 1776, son of 

John Dolbeare and Sarah Raymond; married 17 Nov., 1803, 
Rosetta Cook, b. 7 April, 1787, daughter of Rev. Rozel Cook. 
He was a fanner, and settled in Montville. He occupied the 
farm lying west of his brother Lemuel's, which was a part of 
his father's estate. He died 7 May, 1840. She died 2 Jan., 
1866. 

Children. 

37. Lucy Tuttle, b. 22 Sept., 1804; m. Elisha Martin in 

1829. 

38. Rozel Cook, b. 10 June, 1807; removed West. 

39. Eleanor Fox, b. 24 May, 1812 ; m. 1st, Griswold ; 

2d, Rev. Rozel Palmer. 
K). Mary Abby, b. 17 July, 1816; m. 
41. Harriet Elizabeth, b. 25 Aug., 1821; m. - Ber- 

nett. 

IV. ELTSTTA (13), b. 23 June, 1778, son of John Dol- 
beare and Sarah Raymond; married 19 Sept., 1802, Mary, 
22 



338 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

daughter of Samuel Fox and Anna Hill. Ee was a fanner, 
and settled at Montville. He lived on the farm lying wesl 
of the town farm, on the road to Chesterfield. He was a mem- 
ber of the Congregational church. He with his wife united 
with the church 24 Feb., 1811. He died 24 June, L842. She 
died 3 May, L863, aged s<» years. 

Children. 

42. Elisha II., b. 1 I July, L803; died young. 

i:;. Griswold II.. b. L.8 March, L805; married and settled 
in ( reorgia. 

11. Mary Ann. b. 26 July, L807; died unm. 

l.y David R., b. LO dune. L808; m. 1st, Elizabeth Ray- 
mond; 2d, Ellen F. Dolbeare. 

!■;. Martha P., b. 1 Jan., 1810. 

17. X;mcv Fox, 1). 27 May, 1818; died : > , May, L859, num. 

Is. Fanny Fox, b. 1 Dec, 1822; died L6 An-.. 1848, n 

IV. doil.X (IT), b. 1! Sept., L788, son of John Dol- 
beareand Sarah Raymond; married 3 Feb., L816, Eunice Mor- 
gan, b. L2 Oct., L795, daughter of Joseph Morgan and Eunice 
Pet-kin- of Groton. He was a farmer, and settled in Salem. 
She died there 2 June, 1855. 

Children. 

I'.i. Lemuel R., 1). 18 Dec, L817; died at New London, 8 
March, 1835, supposed to have been murdered. 

50. John Sherwood, b. 18 July, 1819; m. Maria Phillips in 

L855. 

51. Joseph M., h. is April, 1822; m. Eunice E. Goodwin 

in 1852. 

52. Sarah P.. b. 18 Oct., 1826; m. Gurdon F. Allen in 1852. 

IV. LEMUEL RAYMOND (20), 1>. 13 Feb., 1703, son 
of John Dolbeare and Sarah Raymond; married ft Dee., 1818, 
Eleanor, daughter of Mulford Raymond and Eleanor Brad- 
ford. He was a fanner, and settled on the homestead of his 
father. lie was a thrifty farmer, and successful in that line 



dolbeare families. 339 

of business. Both were members of the Congregational 
Church at Montville Center. She died 29 Jan., 1851. He 
died 14 May, 1859. 

Children. 

53. Harriet R., b. 19 Nov., 1819; m. Augustus A. Parker. 

54. Ellen B., b. 5 Oct., 1821; died 20 June, 1875, num. 

55. Jane, b. 18 Oct., 1823; m. Nathan C. Chapel, 3 Sept., 

1850, and had one son, Raymond D., b. 13 .May, 
1852. 

56. Louisa M., b. 3 Xov., 1825; m. James W. Hillhouse. 

IV. MUMFORD (22), b. 27 Oct., 1771, son of Samuel 
Dolbeare and Hannah Mumford; married Jan., 1800, Rhoda 
Mason, daughter of Jeremiah Mason of Lebanon. He was a 
farmer. His children were born in Montville. He removed 
to Lebanon about 1830, and died there 8 Sept., 1835. She 
died 31 Jan., 1840. 

Children. 

:»7. Sophia E., b. 9 Oct., 1803; m. Jeremiah Hutchins, 27 
Mav, 1857. 

58. Edwin Mumford, b. 25 Jan., 1806. 

59. William A., b. 16 l\ T ov., 1808; died 27 Xov., 1852. 

60. Jeremiah F., b. 4 March, 1811; in. Eliza Ann Pearce, 

28 March, 1833. 

61. Samuel P., b. twin to Jeremiah; m. Sophrona S. Gurley, 

7 April, 1838. 

62. Rhoda M., b. 11 June, 1821; m. Edward L. Strong, 15 

Feb., 1871. 

IV. SAMUEL (24), b. about 1780, son of Samuel Dol- 
beare and Hannah Mumford; married Abigail Fox, daughter 
of Jesse Fox. He was a farmer, and settled in Lebanon, where 
he died 13 July, 1850. She died in April, 1869. He had 
one son. 

63. Francis Henry, b. 22 May, 1808; m. Lenora A. Chap- 

man, 29 Aug., 1836. He went to California about 
1848, and never returned, and is supposed to have 
died there. 



340 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

IV. GUY (27), b. iM Nov., L790, son of George Dol- 
beare and Margaret Fox; married 18 Feb., 1816, Abby llaz- 
zard. He was a farmer, and settled al Montville, and occupied 
the farm next wesl of the " Lorenzo Dow Place." He died 
IT June, L823. 

( Ihildren. 

64. Hannah, b. 20 Dec, L816; m. John Blanchard. 

65. Susan M.. b. 30 Oct., L818; died 

66. James G., b. L9 March, L820; m. Lst, - Burrows; 

2d, — Burrows. 

67. Abby Sabina, 1). 1 April, 1822; m. L. L. Button. 

V. WILLIAM B. (30), b. 28 March, L799, son of George 
Dolbeare and Sarah Bradford; married 1st, Nancy Raymond, 
daughter of George Raymond and Martha Smith; 2d, Abby 
S. Woodworth, 1 April, L835, daughter of Joshua E. Wood- 
worth. He was a farmer, and lived on the " Fori Hill Farm," 
in Mohegan. He was a member of the Mohegan Congrega- 
tional Church, ami was chosen deacon. He was respected as 
a ( !hristian, and honored as a citizen. He died . 

Children by Xancv. 

68. Raymond, b. July, L822; m. Lydia Bushnell. 
<>;>. Frederick, b. L825; m. Minnie Lewis. 

Children by Abby S. 

70. Xancv G., 1). 15 Jan., 1836; m. Alburtis Peekham. 

71. Edward B., b. 25 Feb., L838; died young. 

72. Maria M., b. 25 June, 1840; m. Eleazer Fargo. 

73. Joshua E., b. 23 Sept.. 1842; m. Fannie Champlin. 

74. George B., b. 4 April, 1845; m. Mary J. Smith. 

75. Harlem P., b. T Nov., 1848; living in 1896, num. 

76. Areanna. 1>. 15 Fed.., 1851 : died 26 Aug., 1878, num. 

Y. GEORGE FELLOWS (31), b. 23 Feb., 1802, son 
of George Dolbeare and Sarah Raymond; m. lst, Abby 
Church, 6 March, 1825, daughter of Peleg Church and Mary 



DOLBEARB FAMILIES. 341 

Leach; 3d, Hannah A. (Church) Mathews, 2G July, 1846, 
widow of Alpheus Mathews. He was a farmer, and located 
in Mohegan. He died 29 Oct., 18S7. She was living in 
1896. 

Children by Abby. 

77. John, b. 3 Jan., 1828; m. Annie Guile. 

78. Mary, b. about 1826; m. Thomas B. Wbodworth. 

Children by Hannah. 

79. Anson G., b. 1 March, 1847; died 13 Dec, 1871. Lost 

from the schooner Era off Montauk Point. 

80. Anna, b. 

81. George, b. 

82. Irene E., b. 13 June, 1848. 

83. Charles, b. about L854; died 11 Feb., 1869. 

st. Edwin L., b. 30 June, 1852; drowned 10 Jan., 1888. 

85. Henry II., b. 

V. DAVID (45), b. 10 June, 1808, son of Elisha Dol- 
beare and Mary Eox; m. 1st, 6 Dec, L829, Elizabeth G. Ray- 
mond, daughter of George Raymond and Martha Smith. She 
died without issue 21 Dec, 1836. He then married 2d, 11 
Sept., 1838, Ellen Dolbeare, daughter of George Dolbeare 
and Sarah Bradford. He settled in Montyille, and was a far- 
mer. She died at Montville 9 May, 1889. lie was living 
there in 1896. 

Children. 

86. Thomas W., b. 1 Oct., 1842; m. Eliza Champlin. 

87. James S., b. 21 Dec, 1840; died 21 Oct., 1854. 

88. Henry C, b. 23 Jan., 1844; m. Alice Whaley. 

89. Horatio B., b. 9 May, 1846; m. - — Chapel. 

90. Sarah Ellen, b. 31 Dec, 1848; died 21 Jan., 1851. 

91. Mary Elizabeth, twin to Sarah Ellen, died 25 June, 

1880, unm. 

92. John, b. 1 Dec, 1853; m. Sarah A. Whaley. 

V. EDWIX MFMEORD (58), b. 25 Jan., 1806, son of 
Mumford Dolbeare and Rboda Mason; was born in Montville. 



342 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

After completing his education, lie went into business as a 
merchant in New York. His health becoming much im- 
paired, he was obliged to give up the business, and went to 
Lebanon about 1850, where he was engaged in tanning, lie 
was a member of the Congregational Church in Lebanon, a 
man of integrity and upright character. He was honored by 
his fellow citizens by electing him to important offices. lie 
represented the town in the State Legislature in 1860, and the 
Ninth Senatorial District in the Senate in L863. A justice 
of the peace, selectman, and for four years judge of the Pro- 
bate Court. He died at Lebanon ■!'■) March, 1S05, leaving no 
children. 



RUDD FAMILIES. 

Jonathan and Nathaniel Rudd were brothers, and probably 
were sons of the Jonathan Rudd who was married by John 
Winthrop, Esq., at Bride Brook, in the winter of 1646-7. 
This marriage is graphically related by Miss Fanny Caulkins 
in the History of New London. 

Jonathan Rudd settled east of the Shetucket River in what 
is now the town of Preston, and Nathaniel at the West Farms, 
in what is now called the town of Franklin. He was one of the 
organizers of the first church in Franklin. 

Nathaniel married 16 April, 1685, Mary, daughter of John 
Post. She died in November, 1705. He then married 21 
Jan., 1706, Abigail Hartshorn. He died in April, 1727, 
leaving an estate valued at £689. 

Children by Mary. 

2. Jonathan, b. 22 May, 1693; m. Joanna Gregory. 

3. Mary, b. 3 Feb., 1 695; m. Ebenezer Wood. 

4. Lydia, b. 22 dan., 1(; ( .)!>; died young. 

Children by Abigail. 

5. Nathaniel, b. 6 April, 1707. 

6. Joseph, b. 31 Oct., 1708. 

7. Daniel, b. 12 March, 1710; m. 1st, ; 2d, Mary 

Metcalf. 

8. Sarah, b. 23 Jan., 1712. 

9. Abigail, b. 6 Aug., 1713. 

10. Lydia, b. 12 April, 1715. 

11. Anna, b. 7 Feb., 1717. 

12. Susanna, b. 15 May, 1719. 

13. Gideon, b. 2 Feb., 1722. 

14. Patience, b. 6 Nov., 1723. 

JONATHAN (2), b. 22 May, 1693, son of Nathaniel 
Rudd and Mary Post; married 27 Oct., 1720, Joanna Gregory, 



344 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

born aboul 1692. He settled at Norwich, where he died 29 
Aug., 1772. She died 12 Oct., 1774. 

Children. 

15. Samuel, b. 11 Sept.. 1722; m. Laura Fitch. 

Hi. Rebecca, b. 14 -Inn., 17l'7; m. Aimer Smith. 

17. Joanna, b. 23 Dec, 17J'.»; in. Joseph Peek. 

L8. Caroline, b. 13 March, L732; died !> April, L732. 

L9. Jonathan, b. 1-'! Sept., 17-*!-'i; m. Tabitha Ormsly. 

DANIEL (7). b. L2 March, 1710, sod of Nathaniel Rudd 
and Abigail Hartshorn; married for hi- second wife, 1 July, 
L745, Mary Metcalf, daughter of Rev. Joseph Metcalf of 
Falmouth, .Maine. She had previously been Living with rela- 
tives in Lebanon, < lonn., to which place she came from her far- 
nil' home, according to traditions, in a three-days journey, 
riding <>n a pillion behind < 'apt. James Fitch. 

Daniel, Jr., b. 10 dan.; married Abigail Allen, b. about 
1757, daughter of Joseph Allen and Priscilla Bill of Montville. 
She died 29 Feb., 1857, wanting only a few months of being 

1(1(1 year- of age. 

( 'hildren. 

20. Lucy, b. aboul L784; m. 1st, ('apt. Henry Caldwell of 

the I'. S. .Marine-, and 2d, Major-General Burbeck, 
an officer of the Revolutionary War, and that of 
L812. General Bnrbeck died at New London, 2 
Oct., L848. Shedied 

21. George, b. 8 Oct., 1786; m. Mary Arnold 

22. Thomas, b. ; m. Philura Abel. 

23. ( 'hai'lotte, 1). ; in. Jonathan Reed. 

24. Daniel, b. : m. Widow Catherine (Hough) 

I nderwood. 

SAMUEL (15), 1). 11 Sept., 1722, son of Jonathan Rudd 
and Joanna Gregory; married 25 Dec, 1750, Laura Fitch, b. 
2 May, 1732, daughter of Jabez Fiteli and Ann Knowlton. 



RUDD FAMILIES. 345 

lie was a fanner and inn-keeper at Norwich. She died 20 
Jan., 1781. lie then married Ann Bingham. lie died 22 
Sept., 1795, at Franklin. 

Children. 

25. Laura, b. 11 Sept., 1751; died 1 Jan., 1754. 

26. Prosper, 1). 22 Nov., 1753; m. Eliza Lord. 

27. Jonathan, b. 20 May, 1756; m. Mary Huntington. 

JONATHAN (19), b. 13 Sept., 1733, son of Jonathan 
Rudd and Joanna Gregory; married 9 Dee., 1762, Tabitha 
Orcnsly, b. 27 Feb., 1713. He settled at Norwich, where 
he died 17 March, 1777, with small-pox. She died 19 Sept., 
L827, at Franklin. 

Children. 

28. Jedediah, b. 28 Aug., 17*;:;; died 20 Feb., 1761. 

29. Nancy, b. 3 July, 1765; m. Eliza Huntington. 

30. Rebecca, b. 10 Aug., 1767; m. Othniel Gager. 

31. Lydia, b. , 1769; m. Oliver Tracy. 

32. Samuel, b. ,1771; m. Cornelia Ann Treat. 

GEORGE (21), b. 8 Oct, 1786, son of Daniel Rudd and 
Abigail Allen; married 30 June, 1811, Mary Arnold, born 
13 Oct., 171):], daughter of - — . He settled at Mont- 

ville, a farmer; lived on the old Colchester road. Both were 
members of the Congregational Church at Montville Center. 
He died 12 March, 1866. She died 14 March, 1883. 

( 'hildren. 

33. Matilda, b. 21 Jan., 1811; m. Caleb Whipple. 

34. Henry, b. 7 July, 1814; m. Sarah Brown. 

35. George, b. 26 Feb., 1817; m. Ann Chappell. 

3.6. Daniel, b. 23 Oct., 1820; died 13 March, 1888; unm. 

37. Arnold, b. 8 Feb., 1823; m. 1st, Margaret Lyon; 2d, 

Louisa Congdon Beckwith. 

38. Mariah, b. 1 July, 1827; died 13 Oct., 1828. 
3!). John, 1). 26 Nov., 1821); m. Eliza Jane Austin. 
10. Albert, b. 5 July, 1810; m. Eleanor Davenport. 



FELLOWES FAMILIES. 

William Fellowes came to this country from England be- 
fore 1(541, and settled at Ipswich, Mass., and became an inhabi- 
tant of that town. It does Dot appear from which portion of 

England he came, nor the exact time of his arrival here. 

Be was married before he left England, but the name of his 
wife is not known, nor when <»r where they were married. The 
names of his children are found in the last will. 

Children. 

2. Kphraim, b. in England. 

3. Samuel, b. in England. 

4. Joseph, 1). in England. 

5. Isaac, b. in England; m. Joanna Brown. 

6. Mary, l>. in England. 

7. Elizabeth, b. in New England. 

8. Abigail, b. in New England. 

9. Sarah, b. in New England. 

II. ISAAC(5),b. , son of William Fellowes and 
; married Joanna Brown, 2!> Jan., 1(572. 



Children. 

10. Isaac, b. 24 Nov., L673. 

11. Samuel, b. 8 Feb., 1(57(5. 

12. Ephraim, b. 3 Sept., 1(57!); m. Hannah Warner. 

13. Jonathan, b. 18 Sept., 1682. 

14. Jeremiah, b. 19 Nov., 1689. 

III. EPHRAIM (12), b. 3d' Sept., 1679, son of Isaac 
Fellowes and Joanna Brown; married Hannah "Warner, L8 
May, 1703. He settled first in Massachusetts, and afterwards 
removed to Stonington, Conn. His first Children were born in 



X 



FELLOWES FAMILIES. 347 

Massachusetts, but only Ephraim is recorded; all the others 
were born in Stonington. 

Children. 

15. Ephraim, b. in Mass. in 1705; m. Prudence Plumb. 

16. Sarah, b. 3 Jan., 1711. 

17. Nathan, b. June, 171-1. 

18. Nathaniel, b. , 1716. 

19. Isaac, b. 19 Feb., 1719; m. Mary Wantham. 

20. John, b. 8 Oct., 1722; died 22 April, 1723. 

21. Jeremiah, b. 1 April, 1724. 

22. Mary, b. 16 Aug., 1726; died 16 Sept., 1726. 

IV. EPHEAIM (15), b. , 1705, son of Ephraim 

Fellowes and Hannah Warner; married Prudence Plumb, 13 
May, 1731. He settled in Stonington, Conn., where all his 
children were born. 

Children. 

23. Hannah, b. 28 Dec, 1731. 

24. Ephraim, b. 2 Oct., 1733 ; m. Khoda Smith. 

25. George, b. 15 Aug., 1735; died 15 Dec, 1736. 

26. Samuel, b. 4 Oct., 1737. 

27. Warner, b. 13 Oct., 1739; died 3 Nov., 1739. 

28. John, b. 7 Nov., 1710. 

29. Prudence, b. 2 Nov., 1742. 

30. Sarah, b. 28 Sept., 1744. 

31. Joseph, b. 7 Oct., 1746. 

IV. ISAAC (19), b. 19 Feb., 1719, son of Ephraim Fel- 
lowes and Hannah Warner; married Mary Wantham 13 Sept., 
1712. 

Children. 

32. Mary, b. , 1743. 

33. Isaac, b. , 1745. 

34. William, b. , 1747. 

35. Bryington, b. , 1749. 

36. Thomas, b. ,1753. 

37. Joseph, b. , 1754. 



348 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 



38. 


Elizabeth, b. 


, L756 


39. 


Lucretia, 1>. 


, 1761. 


40. 


Hannah, b. 


, 1763. 


41. 


Sarah, 1>. 


, 1767. 



V. KIM IK AIM (24), b. 2 Oct., L733, son of Ephraim 
Fellowes and Prudence Plumb; married Rhoda Smith 24 
April, L766. He settled in North Stonington. 

Children. 

42. Ephraim, b. 27 Jan., L767;m. Dorothy Chester. 

i:;. Jeremiah, b. 24 Feb., L769; m. 

44. Rhoda, b. 3 Jan., 1771; died L2 June, L782. 

45. Asa, I). L5 March, 177::. 

46. Martha, b. 2 Feb., 177.">: m. Henry Robinson. 
17. Prudence, b. 17 Oct., 1777; tn. Nathan Miner. 

VI. KPIIUA1M i 1:2), b. 27 Jan., L767, son of Ephraim 
Fellowesand Rhoda Smith ; married Dorothy Chester 1 April, 
L 802, daughter of Deacon Joseph Chester and Elizabeth Otis. 
He was born al Milltown, in Xortli Stonin^ton, ami removed 
to Montville aboul L801. At the time of his coming to MLont- 
ville he was still unmarried, and for a time boarded with the 
family of Benjamin Atwell. He had studied medicine and 
located here as a young physician. He commenced the prac- 
tice of medicine as soon as be came here and became a rioted 
physician. At the time of his death he was one of the oldesl 
physicians in the county of New London, and up to a short 
time before bis death was remarkably active, both in mind and 
body. He was a man of extensive information, and possessed 
a very clear, strong mind. He was honored by being elected 
to fill important town offices, and in L830 was a representative 
from the town in the State legislature. He died at Montville 
Is July, 1851. She died at Montville 24 March, 1854. 

Children. 

48. Francis, b. 20 Nov., 1803; m. Mary ( Jolton. 

49. John, b. 12 Doc, 1S05; m. Maria Noble. 



FBLLOWES FAMILIES. 34 ( J 

50. Mary Ann, b. 18 March, 180S; m. Rev. Spencer F. 

Beard, 2d wife. 

51. Adeline, b. 7 Oct., 1810; m. Rev. Hiram Smith. 

52. Caroline, 1). twin to Adeline; died Oct., 1813. 

53. Rhoda S., b. 11 May, 1812; died 17 May, 1891, nnm. 
51. Caroline, b. 7 Aug., 1815; m. Abishai A. Parker. 

55. Jane, 1). April, is IS; died <; July, 1820. 

56. Jane, b. 6 July, 1820; m. John A. Crowe. 

57. Frances Gertrude, b. 15 Sept., 1826; died 17 Sept., 

1877, unm. 

VII. FRANCIS (48), b. 20 Nov., 1803, son of Dr. 
Ephraim Fellowes and Dorothy Chester; married in ISTov., 
1827, Alary Colton, daughter of Capt. Gad. Colton. She 
died at Hartford 29 March, 1861. He was an able lawyer in 
the city of Hartford during most of his life. He removed 
from Amherst, Mass., where he first settled, to Hartford, and 
commenced the practice of law about six years after lie mar- 
ried. His practice was very extensive and his advice was 
sought for in some most difficult and important cases. He 
was a deep thinker and well understood points of law. In the 
last years of his life he spent much of his time on his farm in 
Montville, which was fitted up at considerable expense, mak- 
ing him and his family a fine summer residence. He mar- 
ried for his second wife Catherine Ann Humphreys, widow 
of John Humphreys, and daughter of Henry Glasgow of Ya. 
He died at Hartford 25 April, 1888. She died at Hartford 
Feb., 1895. 

Children. 

58. Mary Elizabeth, 1). 23 Aug., L828; living in 1896, unm. 

59. Francis, b. S May, 1830; m. Annie T. Clark. 
59a. Genevere, b. 1 July, 1832; rri. Abraham Baldwin. 

60. (liarles E., b. 17 June, 1831; m. Emily C. Baldwin 20 

June, 1861, and had 1st, Caroline "W., b. 18 April, 
1862, in Orange, K J.; m. 30 June, 1890, Rev. 
Frank I. Paradise of Andover, Mass., now Dean of 
Christ Church in Xew Orleans; 2d, Edward Colton, 
b. 22 Feb., 1861; m. Ethel A. Wilcox. He is now 
pastor of First Cong. Church, Derby, Conn. 



350 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Rev. Charming Colton, D.I)., son of Gad. Colton and Ann 
Colton was brother-in-law of Francis Fellowes. He, with his 
brother-in-law, had charge at one time of Mount Pleasant 
Academy, near Amherst. 

VII. JOHN (49), b. 12 Dec, 1805, son of Dr. Ephraim 
Fellowes and Dorothy Chester; married 17 June, ls:js, Maria 
Noble, I*. L2 Aug., L 8 14, daughter of Roger Noble and Lucy 
Fitch. He settled at Montville, was a farmer. Bought the 
John Smith farm, mi which he built a new dwelling-house 
about 1 840. I If was a member of the ( Jongregational ( Jhurch 
at Montville Center, and was chosen its deacon in L848. He 
was treasurer of the town, and held other offices of trust in 
his native town. lie died much respected 22 April, 1 >> 7 ' * . 
She died 21 Jan.. L892. 

Children. 

61. John Smith, b. L5July, L839;died L0 May, L852. 

62. Adeline Maria, 1.. l'!> Jan., L841; living in L896, num. 
(i:;. Marion, b. 13 Ana., L843; m. Augustus D. Herrick. 

04. Rhoda Helen, b. 11 July, 1845; m. ('has. C. Tiffany. 

65. William Henry, b. 23 Dec, L849; died 3 Oct., 1851. 

66. Fanny, I.. L 3 June, 1857; died 26 July, L857. 

(i7. John Chester, b. 5 April, L859; m. Emma Davis. 



CHAMPLIN FAMILIES. 

The first of the name appears in Rhode Island in 16:38. In 
that year Jeffery Champlin and others were admitted inhabi- 
tants of the island of Aquidneek, having submitted themselves 
to the government that is or shall be established. 

September 7, 1610, Jeffery Champlin was admitted free- 
man. The same year he was granted ten acres of land in 
Newport In 1661 he appears at Westerly, being admitted 
freeman in that town. He afterwards held the office of mod- 
erator of town meetings, surveyor of highways, and a member 
of the town council. lie died in 1695. Where he came 
from, who he married, and the date of his birth, are facts 
which the records do not show. 

Children. 

2. Jeffery, b. 1652; m. 

3. William, b. 1654; m. Mary Babcock. 

4. Christopher, b. 1656; m. 2d, Elizabeth Davol. 

II. JEFFERY (2), b. 1652, son of Jeffery Champlin and 
— ; in. - — . He bought 600 acres of land of Anthony 



Low in Kings Town, R. I., in 1685. He and three others were 
appointed by the Assembly to proportion a tax in Kings Town, 
Sept. 16, 1690. He was an assistant in the Assembly from 
1696 to 1715. He died in 1715. 

Children. 

5. Jeffery, b. : m. 1st, Susanna Eldred; 2d, 
Hannah Hazzard; 3d, Susanna . 

II. WILLIAM (3), b. 1654, son of Jeffery Champlin 
and ; married Mary Babcock, daughter of James and 



352 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Sarab Babcock. lie was admitted freeman at Westerly in 
16S1. Town meeting was held at his house the same year. 
Was juryman in 1 68 1 ; member of the town council in 1684-5. 
In H'i s 7 he ami another were chosen to present a petition to 
Sir Edmund Andros for a town charter. Was deputy from 
L690 bo 1712. Jan. 30, 1698, he bought Land between Quo- 
nacontaug and Pawcatuck River for £35 of Thomas Stanton, 
Joseph Stanton, Samuel Stanton, and Robert Stanton, who 
were four brothers, Joseph living at Quonacontaug, and the 
others at Stonington. Oct. 25, L699, be and five others were 
given power to agree about boundaries between Connecticul 
and Rhode I -land. He died Dec. L, 1715. She died in 1 74". 

( Jhildren. 

6. Williani,b. ; m. Mary Clarke, Jan. L8, 1700. 

7. Mary. b. ; in. John Babcock. 

B. Ann, b. ; m. Samuel Clarke, .Ian. L9, 1699. 

II. CHRISTOPHEE I I i. b. L656, son of Jeffery Cham- 
plin. He was twice married. Elis second wife was Eliza- 
beth Davol, widow of William Davol. He was a member of 
the town council in 1693. constable in 1698, and deputy from 
1706 to 1 707. He died April 2, 1732, at Westerly. R. I. His 
la-t wife died in ! ~1\1. \\\> inventory amounted to £189, 
is. 10d., and consisted of a farm of 150 acres, cattle, houses, 
pewter, old negro woman, etc. 

( 'liildren. 

!>. Christopher, b. 26 Sept., 1684; m. Elizabeth Denison. 

K). Jeffery, b. : m. Sarath - — . 

1 1. William, b. : m. Joanna . 

12. Joseph, 1).. ; m. Sarah Brown. 

13. John, b. ; m. Elizabeth . 

TTT. JEFFEEY (.5), b. . son of Jeffery Champlin 

and ; married 1st. Susanna Eldred, daughter of Thomas 

and Susanna (Cole) Eldred; 2d, Hannah Hazzard, daughter 



OHAMPLIN FAMILIES. 353 
of Robert and Mary (Brownell) Hazzard; 3d, Susanna . 



He died in 1718. His inventory, amounting' to 1,457 lbs. 7s. 
Id., consisting of wearing apparel, 35 lbs., riding horse, five 
beds, two wanning pans, four fleck beds, pair worsted combs, 
three woolen wheels, linen wheel, two guns, ten silver spoons 
7 lbs. 16s., pair of silver clasps, and other old silver 15s, piece 
of gold 1 lb. Is, silver money 5s. 5d., six horses, four mares, 
colt, bull, forty-two cows, six working cattle, sixteen steers, 
nine heifers, twenty-one two-year-old, twenty-nine yearlings, 
twenty-three horse kind, young and old, 312 sheep, eighteen 
swine, negro 50 lbs., negro woman 40 lbs. His will proved 
March 10, 1713. 

Children. 

14. Emblem, b. 30 Jan., 1702. 

15. Jeffery, b. 2 Feb., 1703. 2d wife. 
L6. Thomas, b. 3 Sept., 1708. 

17. Stephen, b. 10 Feb., 1710. 

18. William, b. 3 March, 1713. 3d wife. 
10. Hannah, b. 11 June. 1714. 

20. John, b. 12 Feb., 1717. 

III. WILLIAM (0), b. , son of William Cham- 

plin and Mary (Babcoek) Champlin; married 18 Jan., 1700, 
Mary Clarke, b. 27 Dec, 1680, daughter of Joseph and Bethia 
(Hubbard) Clarke. He died in 1747 at Westerly, R. I. She 
died in 1760. Will proved 29 Dec, 1747. Inventory 821 
lbs. 4s. 9d., viz. : Wearing apparel 27 lbs. 17s., silver tankard 
36 lbs., pewter 10 lbs. 16s., wanning pan, woolen wheel, linen 
wheel, mare 25 lbs., negro girl Dinah 150 lbs., pair of oxen, 
six cows, eight yearlings, four calves, Indian girl twelve years 
old, if she belongs to the estate, 40 lbs., etc. 

Children. 

21. William, b. 31 May, 1702; m. Sarah Thompson. 

22. Jeffery, b. 6 March, 1704; m. Mary Maxon. 

23. Joseph, b. 

24. Joshua, b. 

23 



354 history of montville. 

25. James, b. 

26. Susanna, b. 

TIL CHKISTOPHEE (9), b. 1684, son of Christopher 
Champlin and - — ; m. 5 Dec, 17<>r>, Elizabeth Denison, 
1). 11 Sept., 1689, daughter of George and Mercy (Gorham) 
Denison. Settled a1 Westerly, U.I. 

( Jhildren. 

27. Christopher, b. -30 Nov., 1707. 

28. Joseph, b. -4 An-, L709. 

29. Elijah, b. 20 July, 1711. 

30. Ann, b. 29 March, 171 I; m. - - Gardner. 

31. George, b. L5 Feb., 1710. 

32. Elizabeth, 1). 10 Jan., 1710: m. - Belcher. 
32a. Thankful, 1». 27 March, 1721. 

33. Lydia, b. 10 Xov., 172:;. 

34. Elijah, b. 23 May, 1726. 
?,:>. Jabez, b. 31 Ann-., 172S. 

36. Oliver, b. 12 May, 1730. 

37. Mary,b. 20 June, 1731. 

TIT. WILLIAM (11), 1». . s«m of Christopher 

Champlin and — ; married Joanna . laved nf 

Westerly and New London. 

( Jhildren. 

38. William, h. , 1718. 

39. John, b. 

40. Samuel, 1>. , 1724; m. Hannah Gardner, dan. of 

I Irnrv Gardner. 

IV. SAMUEL (40), b. about 1724, son of William and 
Joanna: married about 1746, Hannah Gardner, 1>. about 1729, 
daughter of Henry Gardner of South Kingston. lie died 
March 9, 1808. She died , 1806, aged 77 years, 6 mos. 



CHAMPLIN FAMILIES. 355 

Children. 

41. Hannah, b. Dec, 1747; m. William Ohamplin, son of 

Oliver. 

42. Martha, 1). 27 Jan., 1750. 

43. Mary, b. 16 Aug., 1754. 

44. Henry, b. 18 Jan., 1756. 

45. Samuel, b. 18 Sept., 1758; in. Jan. 12, 1780, Freelove 

Koss, dan. of Isaac Ross of Westerly, R. I. 

46. Oliver, b. 17 March, 1761 ; m. Thankful Gavit. 

47. Abigail, b. 23 Jan., 1764, m. - - Slatterly. 

48. Hannah, b. 10 June, 1767. 

V. SAMU EL (45), b. 1 8 Sept., 1758, son of Samuel and 
Hannah Gardner; married Jan. 12. 1780, Freelove Ross, 1>. 
May 26, 1750, daughter of Isaac Ross of Westerly, R. I. 

Children. 

49. .Mary (Polly), b. 12 May, 1781; died num., 17 Dec, 

1858. 

50. Martha (Patty), b. 20 May, 1783; died young. 

51. Isaac b. 5 Jan., L786; m. Mary Hurlburt of New Lon- 

don. 

52. Samuel, b. 14 Sept., 1788; m. 1st, Parthenia Rogers, 

and 2d, Hannah Arnold. 

53. Amy, b. 9 March, 1 701 ; m. Job Taylor. 

54. Phebe, b. 21 Xov., 1704; m. Benjamin Rogers. 

55. Martha, b. 10 Nov., 1800; m. Jonathan W. Sisson. 

V. OLIVER (46), b. 17 March, 1761, son of Samuel 

Champlin and Hannah Gardner; married Thankful 

Gavit. He settled in Montville, was a farmer. He died 13 
April, 1830. She died 17 Oct., 1841. 

( 'hildren. 

56. John, b. 10 Aug., 1781; m. Sally Williams. 

57. Abby, 1». ,1783; died :> Dec, 1816, num. 

VI. SAMUEL (52), b. 14 Sept., 1788, son of Samuel 
Champlin and Freelove Ross; married 1st, Parthenia Rogers, 



356 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

29 Dec, L816, daughter of Frederick Rogers and Parthenia 
Baker. He settled in Montville and lived the most of his mar- 
ried life at Massapeag. He was a mariner. His first wife 
died about 20 -Ian., ls:',7. He then married Hannah Arnold 
of Rhode [sland. lie died at Montville 17 Dee., 1857. 

( !hildreu by Parthenia. 

58. Frederick W., b. 28 Sept., is 17; m. Elizabeth Richards. 

59. Martin. Ann Mercy, 1.. , 1820; m. 1st, Peleg Wil- 

liams; 2d, Joseph Reynolds; -'Id, Theodore ( Irandall. 

no. Augusta Parthenia, b. 24 May, L823; m, Richard 
Church. 

01. Joseph Ed-win, 1». , 1825; m. Lst, Almira Harts- 

horn : I'd. ( latherine Xewell. 

62. Samuel, 1.. 20 May, L828; m. Martha Elizabeth Maxon. 

• ;:;. Alonzo, b. , L830; m. Sarah Masters. 

64. Caleb Baker, b. Dec., L832; m. Josephine Loomer; died 

17 Jan., L879. 

65. A/.cl Fitch, b. , 1835; m. Harriet Smith. 

( 'hildren by Hannah. 

66. Matilda A., b. ; m. Charles Fletcher. 
66a. Josephine E., b. 

VI. JOHN (56), 1>. 1»> Aug., 1781, son of Oliver Champ- 

lin and Thankful Gavit; married Sally Williams, daughter of 

-, 11 Feb., L802. He was a farmer and lived 



near the head of Oxoboxo Pond. He died :-".» !><'<•., 1841. 
She died 1 1 Dec. L819, aged 68 years. 

Children. 

67. John J., h. 21 March, 1803; m. 

68. Oliver, b. 2 Feb., 1805; m. 

tilt. Clarissa, 1>. 17 Felt., 1807; m. Lyman Miner. 

70. Al.liy. 1.. 7 March, 1809; m. Salmen ( !. Vil.her. 

71. [saac S., 1>. 17 Dec. 1810; m. Sophrona Gardner. 

72. William, b. 18 Dec. 1812; m. 

70. Mary Ann, b. 7 Sept., 1814; num. 



CHAMPLIN FAMILIES. 357 

74. Thomas A., 1». 18 July, 1816; died young. 

7.V Thomas W., b. Sept., 1817; m. Linda Wickwire. 

VII. ISAAC S. (71), b. 17 Dec, 1810, son of John 
Champlin and Sally Williams; married Nov. 25, 1833, So- 
phrona Gardner, daughter of Gilbert Gardner and Selina 
Holms, daughter of George Holms of Salem, Conn. He was 
a farmer, lived on the old Colchester road, near Oxoboxo. 
He died Sept., 1890. She died 2 Feb., 1887. 

Children. 

76. Alfred, b. -27 March., 1834; m. Harriet Harper. 

77. William, b. 2 Jan., 1835; m. 

7s. Sarah, b. 16 Jan., 1837; m. Albert De Wolf. 

79. Eenry W., 1>. 11 Feb., L840; m. Isabella McAlpine. 

SO. Mary, b. 25 Oct., 1842; m. Elisha W. Yibber. 

81. Amy, b. 3 April, 1845; m. Thomas W. Day. 

82. John, b. S April, 1S47; m. Emma Bishop. 

83. Nelson (!., b. 3 May, 1850; died 27 July, 1873. 

V. ROWLAND, b. 8 Jan., 1 742, son of William Champ- 
lin (-21) and Sarah Thompson; married 1st, Hannah Stetson; 
2d, Anna Babcock, b. Nov., 1752; married 10 May, 1777. 
His first wife died in 1776. He died 4 Nov., 1812. 

Children by Hannah. 

84. Isaac. 

85. Hampton. 

86. Fanny. 

87. Desire. 
SS. Paul. 

89. Rowland. 

Children by Anna. 

00. Hannah, b. 20 Oct., 1778; died young. 

01. Nathan, b. 7 Sept., 1780; m. 

02. Jeffery, b. 27 Aug., 178.2; died 14 March, 1813. 
93. Nancy, b. 13 Aug., 1785. 

04. Hannah, b. 25 July, 1787; died 13 June, 1S10. 



358 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

95. Henry, !». 24 April, 1789. 

96. Jonathan, b. 29 Sept., 1792; died young. 

97. Betsey, b. 20 April, 1798; died young. 

VI. XATIIAX (91), 1). 7 Sept., 1780, son of Rowland 
Chain]. lin and Ann Babcock; married 1 July, 1804, Lydia 

W Iward, b. 7 May, 1786. She died 26 April, 1850. He 

afterwards married for his second wife Louisa Demming. He 
was a ship carpenter. Settled in Norwich, Conn., where he 
died at the advanced age «»t' aboul 90 years. 

( Ihildren. 

lis. Betsey <;<,.,d, b. 1 NTov., 1805; died :) Feb., 1810. 

99. Susanna Caroline, b. 19 .Inly, 1807; in. David Butts. 

mo. Lydia Ann, b. 15 May, 1809; m. Philip Ellis. 

Hil. Peter W Iward, b. 21 Mch., 1811;died 11 Oct., 1836. 

102. Walter Kin,-, b. i".» Mch., 1813; m. Mary Hunter. 

lit:;. Elias Corning, 1>. <i June, 1815; died 9 dune, 1837. 

in I. ( Hiver Wolcott, b. 20 dune, 1817; in. Sarah A. Butter- 
field. 

105. Happy Kinne, b. 30 Jan., 1819. 

L06. Charlotte W.. b. 23 Aug., 1821; died young. 

107. Joseph Walter, b. L2 Aug., 1823; m. Louisa Drury. 

His. Francis [ngersoll, b. 27 Feb., 1826; m. Sarah ( !. Robin- 
son. 

109. Edward L. b. 6 June, 1829. 

VII. FREDEKICK (58), b. 28 Sept., 1817, son of 
Samuel Champlin and Parthenia Rogers; married 27 duly, 
1842, Elizabeth A. Richards, b. 24 April, 1823, daughter of 
Edmund Richards and Lydia Bolles. lie was a mariner and 
master of several vessels. Capt. Champlin was a very careful 
and trusty seaman, being accustomed to the sailor's life from 
Ins youth, was a remarkably good pilot and managed his craft 
with great skill. lie was a kind husband and father, and died 
at his own home on " The Point " (Massapeag) much respected 
by all his circle of friends, 24 Feb., 1876. She was living at 
the old homestead in 1896. 



CHAMPLIN FAMILIES. 359 

Children. 

110. William Henry, b. 14 Oct., 1843; m. Grace M. Bolles. 

111. Eliza Jane, 1). 25 Dec., 1845; m. Thomas W. Dolbeare. 

112. Francis Isabelle, b. 2 March, 1850; m. Joshua E. Wood- 

worth. 

113. Eva Parthenia, b. 28 July, 1853; m. Charles N. Rogers. 

114. Frederick Robert, b. 24* Feb., 1800; m. Aurora Kent. 

115. Charles E., b. 11 Feb., 1863. 



WICKWTRE FAMILIES. 

John Wiekwire was an early settler on lands in the North 
Parish of New London, now ftiontville. lie tirst appears on 
the list of the inhabitants in New London in 1676, and was 
"iio of the signers of the patent of Xew London, which was 
sanctioned by the governor and company, 14 Oct., L704. lie 
married ti Nov., L676, Mary Tonge, l>. IT Sept., L656, daugh- 
ter of George Tonge. Her sister Elizabeth married Fit/ John 
Winthrop. Another sister married Joshua Laker. Three 
daughters of (ieorge Tonge appear to have been legatees of 
Richard Pool and inherited a large tract of land covering what 
is now called Pools or Poles Hill, and extending north through 
a valley now called " Qua.ro " to Stony Brook. This land 
was inherited by the Wickwire and Baker families. Madam 
Winthrop, relict of Governor Winthrop, at her death left 
legacies to "sister Wickwire's children." Ee died aboul 
1712. 

Children. 

2. George, b. 4 Oct., 1G77. 

3. Christopher, b. 8 Jan., 1679-8Q; m. . Had 

Children, [chaibod, Solon, Nathan, Elizabeth, Amy, 
Mary, -lane. Zebediah. 

4. John, b. 2 Dec, 1685; m. Abigail Haughton, and had 

John, b. 15 May, L708; Mary, b. 7 July, L710, and 
Zariah, b. 13 Dee., 1713. 

5. Elizabeth, b. 23 March, L688-9. 

6. Jonathan, b. 19 Feb., 1691-2; m. . Had son, 

Alpheus, bap. 2 Sept., 1722, and daughter Cather- 
ine. 

7. Peter, b. 2 March, 1604-5; m. Patience Chapel. 

8. Ann, b. 25 Sept., 1670: m. James Brown and had son 

James, b. 7 Sept., 1715. 
0. Phebe, b. about 1700; m. Joshua Baker. 



WICKWIRB FAMILIES. 361 

II. PETER (7), b. 2 March, 1694-5, son of John Wick- 
wire and Mary Tonge; married, about 1720, Patience Chapel, 
daughter of John Chapel and Sarah Lewis. He lived on the 
farm now owned by James H. Baker and adjoined to the farm 
of Cideon Baker. Peter Wickwire and his wife united with 
the church under the pastorate of Rev. James Hillhouse, 21 
Nov., 1722. He died 21 Aug., 1714. 

Children. 

10. Peter, b. 11 March, 1721; m. Rhoda Scofield. 

11. Sarah, b. 22 Jan., 1725-6; died young. 

12. George, b. 7 Oct., 1727; m. Elizabeth Colver. 

13. James, b. 8 July, 1729; died young. 

14. Eunice, b. 2 Oct., 1730; died young. 

15. Amy, b. 23 June, 1732; m. 

16. Joseph, b. 22 June, 1734; m. Story. 

17. Jeremiah, b. 10 April, 1736; m. Phebe Baker. 

18. Samuel, b. 8 Mav, 1738. 

19. John, b. 5 May, 1740. 

20. Ezekiel, b. 9 Nov., 1741. 

TIL JEREMIAH (17), b. 10 April, 1736, son of Peter 
Wickwire and Patience Chapel; m. 13 Dec, 1764, Phebe Ba- 
ker, daughter of Joshua Baker and Phebe Wickwire. He 
was a farmer, and lived in Chesterfield. He died 31 July, 
1807. She died 5 Feb., 1 836, at the age of one hundred years. 

Children. 

21. Jeremiah, b. 24 July, 1766; m. Lydia Chapel. 

22. Willard, b. 4 Dec., 1768; m. 1st,' Hannah Chapel; 2d, 

Theoda Chapel. 

23. Zadoc, b. 20 Jan., 1772; m. Lovina Holmes. 

IV. JEREMIAH (21), b. 24 July, 1766, son of Jere- 
miah Wickwire and Phebe Baker; married 13 April, 1797, 
Lydia Chapel, daughter of Peter Chapel and Esther Doug- 
lass. He was a farmer. He does not appear to have lived in 
the town after about 1810, and probably removed to the State 



362 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

of New York or to Nova Scotia, where many of the people of 
this town settled. 

Children. 

24. Polly, b. 26 June, 1798. 

25. X an'ey, b. 11 Oct., 1799. 
2G. George, b. 22 April, 1802. 

IV. WILLA11D (22), b. 1 Dee., L768, son of Jeremiah 
Wiekwire and Phebe I laker; married Lst, Hannah Chapel, 
daughter of Ezekiel Chapel and Sarah Gardner. She died 
1 I June, 1809. He then married for his second wife Theoda 
Chapel, daughter of Jedediali < 'hapel. He was a fanner, and 
lived on " Chapel Bill." He died 7 Nov., L848. She died 
5 I )e<-., 1865. 

Children by Hannah. 

27. Phebe, b. 25 Sept., 1790; m. Joseph L. Chapman. 

28. Sally, 1». 9 Nov., L798; m. William Sharp. 

29. Mercy, b. L0 April, 1801; m. Nathan Dart. 

30. Gardner, b. 20 April, 1803; m. Abby Minard. 

31. Peter, b. IS Jan., 1S05; :n. Sally Mi'nard. 

32. Amy, b. 25 Nov., L807; m. Charles Payne. 

Children by Theoda. 

33. Hannah, b. 9 March, 1812; m. Henry .1. Fanning. 
3 I. Linda, b. 25 Aug., 1818; m. Thomas W. ( 'ha.inplin. 

35. Willard. b. 27 March, 1821; m. lst, Laura L dales; 2d, 



IV. ZADOC (23), b. 20 Jan., 1772, son of Jeremiah 
Wiekwire and Phebe Baker; married, about 1800, Lovina 
Holmes, daughter of Jabez Holmes. He was a farmer living 
in Chesterfield. He removed to the State of New York about 

1820, where he was a thrifty farmer, and died . Ee 

had children, Harriet, Burr, and Lydia, who married Caleb 
Manwaring, and John. 

V. GARDNER (30), b. 20 April, 1803, son of Willard 
Wiekwire and Hannah Chapel; married 28 March, 1828, 



WICKWIRE FAMILIES. 363 

Abby Minard, daughter of George Minard. lie was a farmer 

on Chapel Hill. He sold his farm in Montville in , and 

removed to Colchester. His wife died at Colchester, 8 July, 
1876. He died at New London, at the residence of his son, 
Giles, 18 Jan., 1881. 

Children. 

36. Abby, b. 10 Feb., 1830; m. 1st, Joseph A. Bucking- 

ham; 2d, Wheelock in 1848. 

37. Lydia Ann, b. 27 Feb., 1831; m. John T. Balch, 1 Jan., 

1855. 
3S. Giles G., b. 10 Jan., 1833; m. Mary Jane Crouch in 
1858. 

39. Maria A., b. 10 Feb., 183S; died unm. 

40. Allen G., b. 8 April, 1843; m. Adia E. Locke. 

41. Mary L., b. 16 Oct., 1840 ; m. Daniel W. Bliven in 1872. 

V. PETER (31), b. 18 Jan., 1805, son of Willard Wick- 
wire and Hannah Chapel; married Sally Minard, daughter of 
George Minard. He was a fanner, and lived in ( Ihesterfield. 
He kept a country store at the corners. He represented the 
town of Montville in the state legislature in 1848. He held 
tin 1 office of selectman, and other town offices. He was a Jack- 
son Democrat, and was an active politician. She died at 
Montville, 13 Dec, 1872. He died 24 Dec, 1873. 

Children. 

41a. Harriet, b. ; m. Gideon F. Raymond. 

42. Ellen, b. 1834; m. William Whaley. 

43. George, b. 1835; died young. 

44. Charles W., b. 1837; died 12 Nov., 1863, unm. 

CHRISTOPHER (3), b. 8 Jan., 1679-80, son of John 

Wickwire and Mary Tonge; married . He removed 

from Montville to Nova Scotia about 1760, with his family 
of eight children, and settled at a place called Ifcrton. He 
had a son, Zebediah, who married 18 March, 1779, Temper- 
ance Clark of Horton. His children w T ere, 1st, Daniel, b. 26 



3()4 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Jan., 1870; 2d, David, b. 19 Sept., 1781; 3d, Thomas, twin bo 
David, married Jerasha Eeid, 21 Feb., 1810, and died 5 -Ian., 
1871; 1th, Grreenleaf, b. 29 Jan., 1785; 5th, James, 1». 7 
March, 1790; married Abigail Miner, 26 Oct., 1811; 7th, 
Elizabeth, b. 21 July, 1801. 

Amos AVickwire, b. 17 ISTov., 1757; was probably grand- 
son of Peter Wickwire and Patience Chapel, and married Es- 
ther Atwell. Settled at Cornwallis in Nova Scotia. 

PETER (10), b. 11 March, 1721, son of Peter Wickwire 
and Patience Chapel; married Rhoda Schofield, and was a 
grantee in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia. He died there -2 Feb., 
L803. She died i".i Sept., L812. Their children were, 1st, 
Rachel, b. 26 April, L748; m. William Carlisle; 2d, Peter, b. 
1 Sept., 1751; 3d, Asa, b. 15 Aug., L753; 1th, Amy, b. 5 Sept., 
175(i; married Oliver Fox; 5th, Betsey, born on Sunday, 7 
June. 1 T * "► < > , in the harbor of Horton before landing. She 
married Daniel Huntley of Horton, '.» Aug., L780, and had 
sons, Daniel and Peter; 6th, Rhoda, b. 18 June, 17»'>2; married 
IIenrv Moulton; 7th, Silas, b. 18 July, L766; married Pru- 
dence Cannady; 8th, Prudence, 1). 16 Xov., 17o'.>; m. James 
Martin. 



FOX FAMILIES. 

It has not been certainly determined who the first Ameri- 
can ancestor of the Fox families was. It is probable that 
more than one of the name came over to this country from Eng- 
land previous to the year 1640. It is often said by the de- 
scendants of English ancestors, " three brothers came over 
from England and settled in this country." It is quite prob- 
able that the Fox families, like many others in this country, 
are the descendants from more than one emigrant ancestor 
who have settled here. The name of a John Fox appears on the 
list of passengers for Virginia in 1039, aged 33 years. Also 
a Jonathan and Richard in 1635, the former 35 years of age, 
and the latter 15 years of age. It is not ascertained where 
either of the above emigrants first settled. 

The first of the name found located was Thomas Fox, who 
appears in Concord, Mass., a member of the church there in 
1640, a freeman in 1644. He married 1st, Rebecca French, 
who died 11 March, 1647. He married 2d, Hannah Brooks, 
13 Oct., 1647. He died in 1658. This Thomas Fox is sup- 
posed to have been the father of Samuel Fox, who appears at 
Xew London about 1675, and was the ancestor of the Fox 
families who have lived in Montville. Thomas Fox of Con- 
cord had a son, Eliphalet, who is said to have been his eldest 
son, and was a minor in 1657. He died at Concord, 15 Aug., 
1711. Another Thomas Fox of Concord, who may have been 
a grandson of the former, was bora in 1706. He was a 
" housewright," and died in 1759, aged 53 years. 

Rev. Jabez Fox, bora in 1646, was probably a son of the 
eldest Thomas Fox of Concord. He settled at Woburn, Mass., 
where he was the first minister in 1679. He died there of 
small-pox 28 Feb., 1702. His wife was Judith Reyner. He 



36f> HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

had sons, Thomas, Jabez, and John, and daughter, Judith. 
The history of Watertown, Mass., has it recorded that Eliza- 
beth, daughter of Thomas Fox, married 3 Oct., L665, John 
Ball for his second wife. A Thomas Fox of Watertown mar- 
ried, in L683, Elizabeth Ohadwick, and was a representative 
from that town the same year. 

The history of New London, by Miss Caulkins, saysj 
"Samuel Fox, horn aboul L650, and John Fox, born about 
L652, were brothers and sons of Thomas Fox of Concord, 
Mass." " They firsl appear in NTew London," says Miss Caul- 
kins, "aboul L675. Samuel married 30 March, L675-6, Mary, 
daughter of Andrew Fester, horn 26 Dec., 1(547. She died, 
and he then married second, Joanna - — . She died from 
loss of blood in L689. lie afterwards contracted a third and 
fourth marriage. His third wife was Bathsheba (Rogers) 
Smith, widow of Richard Smith and daughter of James Rogers 
and Elizabeth Rowland. By her firsl husband she had. sons 
James and John, and daughters, Elizabeth and Bathsheba. 
Elizabeth married William Camp. Bathsheba married her 
con-in, John Rogers 2d. James, the eldest son, was baptized 
1l' April, 1674, married Elizabeth, daughter of Jonathan 
Rogers, and is the ancestor of a numerous family. John 
Smith, the youngesl son, settled in the North Parish of New 
London, now Montville, and was grandfather to John Smith, 
Esq., who married Caroline Chester. Both died at Mont- 
ville, leaving no children. 

The fourth wife of Samuel Fox was Esther . She 

was living when her husband died. In his will, dated the 
same year of his death, he gives " to his son Samuel, the elder, 
his lands in North Parish, with the mills known as Fox mills, 
and all his wearing apparel." lie aives to his son Samuel, 
the younger, all his farming tools, and all lands at Great Neck, 
in New London, by paying legacies to others. He gives to 
his son-in-law, James Smith, £4<>, to his daughter-in-law, 
Elizabeth Cam]., £10, to his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth 
Piatt, £10. lie gave to his wife, Esther, a living out of 



FOX FAMILIES. 367 

tbie whole, and appointed Timothy Green and his son 
Samuel, the eldest, executors of his will. He died 4 Sept., 
1727. 

Children by Mary. 

2. Elizabeth, bap. 3 June, 1677. 

3. Samuel, b. 24 April, 1681; m. Margaret Brintnal. 

4. Abigail, b. ; m. Charles Hill. 

5. Hannah, b. 

Children by Joanna. 

6. Isaac, b. ; m. 1st, Hannah Stark; 2d, Elizabeth 



7. Benjamin, b. about 1685; m. Naomi Rogers. 

Child by Bathsheba. 

8. Samuel, b. about 1691 ; m. Rachel Rogers. 

JOHN, born about 1652, son of Thomas Fox of Concord, 
Mass., married 2 June, 1678, Sarah Larrabee, daughter of 
Greenfield Larrabee. They had a son, John, born 1 June, 
L680, who married Elizabeth. She died 12 Dec., 1711, with- 
out issue. They had other sons and daughters, but all died 
without issue, except Benjamin. In a deed of 1718 he calls 
Benjamin " my only child which it hath pleased God to con- 
tinue iu the land of the living." John Fox married 2d, Han- 
nah, relict of Thomas Stedman. His third wife was Mary, 
daughter of David Lester, 2d. She was fifty years younger 
than himself, and was a granddaughter of his sister, Hannah 
Fox, of Concord, who married Daniel Lester, Sr. His last 
will, dated 1729-30, gives all his real and personal estate to 
his wife, Mary Fox. 

II. SAMUEL (3), b. 24 April, 1 081, son of Samuel Fox 
and Mary Lester; m. Margaret Brintnal, b. in 1080. He 
lived on the homestead farm bequeathed to him by his father. 
The old house, and the first built by Samuel Fox, Sr., stood 
a few rods west of the present house in Montville, and was 
destroyed by fire about 1700. The present house was erected 



368 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

soon after and is now occupied and owned by descendants in 
the paternal line of the fifth generation. Margaret Fox, the 
wife of Samuel Fox, was received into the church by Rev. 
James Ilillhouse. 4 July, 17l':>. She died :.>! Sept., L752, 
aged 72 years. He died L2 Feb., L 754, aged 72 years. Both 
were buried in the old Fox burying-ground on the homestead 
farm. An old and very large chestnut tree is still standing 
by the side of the road not far from the burying-ground thai 
was standing when they were living. 

( 'hildren. 

!». Samuel, l». about 1707; m. Abigail Harris. 

1<>. Margaret, b. 21 April, 170!); m. Nathaniel Comstock. 

11. Elizabeth, l>. aboul 1711 ; m. [saac Avery. 

1 2. I [annah, b. : m. 

13. Benjamin, b. 29 Aug., 17K>: m. Abigail (Fox) Brock- 

way. 
11. Kzekiel. b. about 1721; m. Mehitabel Lamson. 

II. ISAAC (6), b. , son of Samuel Fox and 

Joanna— ; married 1st, Hannah Stark, and 2d, Elizabeth 

— . lie gave land by deed on which to erect a meeting- 
house at Great Neck, and was afterwards known as the First 
Baptist Church of New London (Pepper Box). His will, 
dated 5 July, 1731, mentions his sons, I suae, Samuel. Ebenezer, 
Thomas, and daughter, Abigail. A codicil, annexed to Ins 
will, dated L734-5, gave to bis sons, Samuel, Ebenezer, and 
Thomas* "the money that is to he paid by Daniel Denison, 
Ul'OO, the last payment for my house ami land in the following 
manner: Ebenezer and Thomas, £20 each above their share 
in it, to wit: £10 each out of the first £100. £10 each out 
of the second £100, as it becomes due. The residue I give 
equally to my four -on-.'" 

"I give my daughter, Abigail Davis, the two-thirds part 
of my household goods. To my wife, Elizabeth, one-third, 
to have the first choice, also so much more of my movable 
estate, exclusive of the £^00, the produce of my lands, as to 



FOX FAMILIES. 369 

make up one-third part of the whole movables, and £10 over, 
as is provided in my will, exclusive the £200 to depend on for- 
ever." His will was witnessed by Joshua Hempstead, Daniel 
Denison, and Xoah Lester. A claim in his will reads thus: 
" After my sons come to the enjoyment of my estate and con- 
clude to sell, my house and land shall be sold to a Baptist 
principles man, if he will give as much as anyone else." The 
original will was witnessed by three of the members of the 
Baptist church (Pepper Box), viz.: Joseph Gilbert, Deacon, 
Stephen Gorton, Elder, Elizabeth Tober. 

( 'hildren. 

15. Isaac, b. ; m. Mary Reynolds, 1 July, 1732. 

L6. Samuel, 1). ; m. - Stcbbins, 27 April, 1724. 

17. Ebenezer, b. 

18. Thomas, b. 

1!). Abigail,!). ; m. Davis. 

19a. Jedediah, b. 16 March, 1712; m. 

II. SAMUEL (8), b. about 1691, son of Samuel Fox 
and Bathsheba (Rogers) Smith; married Rachael Rogers, dan. 
of ('apt. Jonathan Rogers and Naomi Burdiek. He died in 
1745. She died in 1754. 

Children. 

20. Jonathan, b. 5 Oct., 1715; in., had no issue. 

21. Hannah, b. 4 May, 1717; m. Daniel Lester, 2d wife, 

17 April, 1745. 

22. Samuel, b. 29 June, 171!»; in. Prudence Turner. 

23. dames, b. 21 July, 1722; m., had no issue. 

24. Rachel, b. 24 May, 1724; m., had two children who 

were foolish. 

25. Bathsheba, b. 11 April. 1727; died young. 

2<i. Naomi, b. 31 April, 1731; m. 1st, - - Beebe; 2d, 

Ebenezer Rogers. 
27. Bathsheba, b. 31 Aug.. 17-'<.'3; m. Isaac Rogers. 



24 



370 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

III. SAMUEL (9), 1>. about 1707, son of Samuel Foe 
and Margarel Brintnal; married L2 Nov., 1729, Abigail Har- 
ris, daughter of James Harris and Sarah Rogers. He in- 
herited that portion of his father's estate which lay to the 
south ami east of the homestead farm in Montville, includ- 
ing the mills called " Fox Mills." His mansion house stood 
mi the old < Jolchester road on the site of the present house, late 
the residence of Salmon ( !. Vibber, deceased. She was re- 
ceived into the church by Rev. David Jewett. He died about 
17 86. 

( Jhildren. 

28. Margaret, b. 20 Oct., 1730; m. Samuel Thompson. 

29. Sarah, b. 16 April, 1732; m. David S. Denison. 

30. Abigail, b. 7 Nov., 17:;.'!; died young. 

31. Amy, b. L9 March, 17:; I 5. 

32. Delight, b. L8 Oct., 1739; m. Nathaniel Thompson. 

33. Anna, b. 30 Oct., 1740; m. Elisha Comstock. 

34. Elisha, !>. 15 Oct., 17 1:3; m. Anna Fitch. 
:;:.. Zoviah, l>. 12 Nov., L745; died young. 

:{<;. Rachel, b. 4 July, 1717. 
:57. Alpheus, b. 18 dune, 17 1'.'. 

38. Abigail, 1>. :-'"> March, 1 7 r> 4 : m. Elijah Harris. 

III. I J F.N.I AM IX ( 13), b. 29 Ana., 1715, son of Samuel 
Fox and Margaret Brintnal; married Abigail (Fox) Brockway, 
daughter of Rachel Fox. They settled in the state of New 
York. 

Children. 

39. William, b. ; removed to the state of Xew York. 

40. Cornelius, b. ; m. Lucy Gray. 

41. Nathan, b. ; m. Polly Chapel. 

li>. Samuel, b. , 1762; m. Esther Lester, 30 Nov., 

L788, dim. of Thomas Lester. Had children, Jere- 
miah, I.. 26 Feb., 1700; Sally, b. 6 Dec, 1791. 

i:;. Dila, 0. ; m. Raymond Griswold. 

44. Abigail, 1». : m. Jeremiah Brockway. 

45. Lucy, 1). ; m., had dan. who m. Harris Keene. 



FOX FAMILIES. 371 

III. EZEKIEL (14), b. about 1721, son of Samuel Fox 
and Margaret Brintnal; married Mehitabel Lamson of Boston. 
He inherited the old homestead mansion and a large portion 
of the land connected with it, being- that portion of the farm 
that lay to the north and west. He was a member of Rev. Mr. 
Jewett's church at the time the old meeting-house stood on the 
site of the Raymond Hill Cemetery. He was chosen an elder 
in 1778. He was active in the affairs of the church and 
society, and held important offices in the town. In a deed, 
dated 20 April, 17S7, he conveyed to his son, Samuel, " for 
the consideration of the love and parental affection I have to 
my son all that part of my farm beginning at the corner by the 
Xew London and ( Vdchester road, where the road from that 
turns to my house, thence northerly to the old orchard, thence 
by the fence to the woods, thence easterly in a straight line 
to a highway leading from my house to my mills, thence by 
said highway till it comes to my brother, Samuel, deceased, 
land, Thence by said Samuel's land to the first-mentioned high- 
way, and thence to the first point of beginning." She died 
20 Jan., 1770, aged 56 years. He died 20 March, 1800. 

Children. 

40. Mehitabel, b. , 1740; m. jSTathaniel Vibber. 

47. Samuel, b. , 1748; m. Anna Hill. 

48. Brintnal, b. , 1750; m. Mary Hill. 

49. Margaret, b. , 1753; m. George B. Dolbeare. 

50. Charlotte, b. , 1754; m. Jonathan Hill. 

51. Ezekiel, b. , 1758; m. Elizabeth Chester, dan. of 

Joseph Chester and Elizabeth Otis. They had a 
son, Ezekiel, b. 18 June, 1781; m. 20 June, 1803, 
Lydia Lord. He died 25 June, 1782, aged 24 years. 
She afterwards married 12 July, 1787, Thomas 
Adgate. 

III. SAMUEL (22), b. 20 June, 1719, son of Samuel 
Fox and Rachel Rogers; married Prudence Turner. He died 
at Salem, Conn., 13 Dec, 1809. She died there 29 Jan., 



372 HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 

L808. Both were buried in the Dolbeare burying-ground at 
Salem. Their remains were, in L884, brought to Montville 
and laid in the old Fox burying-groimd, near Oakdale. Ee 
had a son. John, who bad children, John, Jesse, Elijah, and 
Ezekiel. Jesse, b. about 1754; married Ruth — — , and 
settled in Colchester. Elijah, b. aboul 1764; married Lst, 
Polly Parks of Plainfield; 2d, Betsey Taintor of Colchester, 
and died 5 Nov.. L805. Elijah V>>\ had by his first wife a 
daughter, Lucy, who married Caleb Palmer; daughter, Sybel, 
b. L789; ma fried ( diaries Hill of Montville; also sons. Samuel 
and ( )tis. I Ce had by second wife son. ( 'harlcs. John settled 
in Boston and Ezekiel settled in New London, where he kept 
a house of entertainment. He married - — , and 

had a daughter, Rachel Wright, who married [ncrease Wilson 
of Xew London. 

!V. ELISHA (34), b. 15 Oct., 1743, son of Samuel Fox 
and Abigail Elarris; married Anna, daughter of Daniel Fitch 
and Sarah Underwood, lie lived at the old homestead for- 
merly occupied by his father. He died L9 April, 1800. She 
died 21 Aug., L836. 

( Jhildren. 

52. Parmelia, b. about L764; m. Jonathan Avery. 

53. Daniel, b. L9 July, L766; m. Lucy Angel. 

54. Eleanor, b. . L768; m. Elisha Forsyth. 

55. Abigail, b. . L773; m. dames Fitch. 

56. Surah, b. , 1777; died 8 dune, L832, unm. 

57. Mercy, b. L5 dan.. 1783; m. Thomas Bradford. 

58. Anna, b. 20 dam. 1786; m. Adonijah Fitch. 

59. Rachel, b. 15 Feb., 1788; m. Nicholas Bishop. 

IV. SAMUEL (47), b. about 1748, son of Ezekiel Fox 
and Mehitahel Lamson; married Anna Hill, daughter of 
George Hill and Joanna Vibber. He lived on the farm given 
to him by his father, located on the old Colchester road, near 
the present town farm. After his death the farm was sold 
to George Allen, and afterwards owned by George Fox, son 



FOX FAMILIES. £73 

of Brintnal. lie died 19 Aug., 1807, aged 59 years. She 

died 2 Jan., 1805, aged 53 years. 

Children. 

60. ( Jharles, b. 1 7 March, 1775 ; died 25 March, 1855. He 

was a cripple. 

61. Washington, b. 27 Oct., 1780; m. 31 Jan., 1808, Elea- 

nor Dolbeare. They removed to Goshen, where lie 
was a farmer, and died 2 Aug., 1 S 7 < ) . She died 3 
Sept., 1875; no issue. 

62. Mary, 1). 13 Dec, 1782; m. Klislia Dolbeare. 
03. Lyman, b. 14 March, 17s!>; m. Laura Bradford. 
64. Peggy, b. 1 Oct., 1792; m. — - Wilber. 

('•5. Joseph, b. 12 .May, 1786; m. Xorah Buckingham. 
(i<). Xancy, 1). 19 June, 17>>5; m. Rufus Rogers. 
07. Martha, b. , 1777; died 25 Nov., 1796. 

IV. BRIXTXAL (48), 1». about 1750, son of Ezekiel 
Fox and Mehitabel Lamson; married Mary Hill, 

daughter of George Hill and Joanna Vibber. He lived on 
the old homestead formerly oerupied by his father and grand- 
father at Montville. lie was a farmer. He died 2 Dec, 
1831. She died 10 Nov., 1837. 

Children. 

68. Mehitabel, b. about 1771; died 21 Sept., 1856. 

69. Guy, b. 1775; m. Eunice Pettis, 25 March, 180-1, 

and had Sophia; m. John E. Todd; Marietta, Har- 
riet, and Sarah. He settled in the state of Xew 
York. 

70. Lamson, b. 2 Feb., 1781; m. Eleanor Comstock. 

71. George, b. 6 X T ov., 1783; m. Aurelia Cook. 

72. Sally, b. 13 Sept., 1784. 

7:5. Henry, b. 14 Nov., 1780; m. 

74. Robert, b. 20 March, 1789 ; m. Emeline (Bolles) Smith. 

75. Betsey, b. 13 July, 1790; died 19 July, 1855, num. 

IV. DANIEL (53), b. 19 July, 1766, son of Elisha Fox 
and Anna Fitch; married 30 Dec, 1792, Lucy Angel, daugh- 



374 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

ter of James Angel. He lived on the farm occupied by his 
father and grandfather. lie was a farmer. He died !) May, 
Im'ii, ai Montville. She, with her sons and daughter. Amy, 
removed to Mississippi about 1830, where they all married 
and settled. She died Is Sept., L843, at Vicksburg, Miss. 

( ihildren. 

7<'>. dames Angel, 1». L9 March, 1794; m. 
77. John Brown, 1». 26 May, 17!>7; m. Sophia A. Gilbert. 
7 s . Amv Brown, b. 26 Dec, 179:9; ra. Judge Edward Ran- 
dolph. 
7'.t. Eleanor, l>. Hi Feb., l s «>i>; m. Axel Fitch Rogers. 

80. Samuel Sherwood, 1». 25 April, L805; m. Elizabeth 

Brown. 

81. Elisha, b. 17 April, L810; m. Lucy Moore. 

IV. LYMAN (63), 1). 14 March, L789, son of Samuel 
Fox and Anna Hill; m. 28 Jan., L813, Laura Bradford, daugh- 
ter of James Fitch Bradford and Mary Merwin. He settled 
in Cornwal] Hollow, Conn., where he died 18 June, L867. 
II,. had a son. John Bradford, 1». in L819, and probably other 
children. This son was living ai Thomaston, Conn., in L884. 
Other children wore, Charlotte, James, Nancy, Mary, and 
Henry. 

V. LAMSOX (69), b. 2 Feb., L781, son of Brintnal Fox 
and Mary Hill; m. about 1800, Eleanor Comstock, daugh- 
ter of Jared Comstock and Rachel Chester, lie settled at 
Colchester and was a successful farmer. His inventory, at 
his death, amounted to near fifteen thousand dollars. He died 

at Colchester. 

( ihildren. 

82. Ezekiel, b. 1 >ec, 1801. 

83. Almira, b. 4 July, 1805; m. Nathaniel Comstock. 

84. Enoch, b. Aug., 1807; died Sept., 1878. 

85. Ursula, b. 9 June, 1809. 

86. Henry, b. ~> Aug., 1813; m. Elizabeth Beckwith. 

87. Caroline, b. 



FOX FAMILIES. 375 

88. Harriet Newell, b. 

89. John, b. 

90. Ellen, b. 

V. GEORGE (70), b. 6 Nov., 1783, son of Brintnal Fox 
and Mary Hill; m. 10 June, 1825, Anrelia Cook, daughter of 
Rev. Rozel Cook. He settled in Montville and occupied the 
farm formerly owned by Samuel Fox, and afterwards by 
George Allen. He sold his farm in 1853 and removed to 
Waterford, where he died 17 June, 1857. She died there 21 
April, 1869. He had an only daughter, Sarah C, b. 26 June, 
1826; married John F. Brown, who removed from Waterford 
and settled in Montville on Raymond Hill, where he died. 

V. ROBERT (75), b. 20 .March, 1789, son of Brintnal 
Fox and Alary Hill; married 9 dune, 1839, Emeline (Bolles) 
Smith, daughter of Ebenezer Bolles and Polly Cooley Gilbert. 
He was a farmer and occupied the old homestead near what 
is now Oakdale. He died 21 Dec, 1865. She died 14 Jan., 
1880, aged 58 years. 

Children. 

91. Albert X., b. 12 .March, 1840. 

92. Joel II., b. 17 Sept., 1842; m. Addie Woodmansee. 

93. Levi W., b. , 1845; died 24 April, 1866. 

VI. HENRY (86), b. 5 Aug., 1813, son of Lamson Fox 
and Eleanor Comstock, daughter of Jared Comstock and 
Rachel Chester; m. 9 Jan., 1848, Elizabeth Beckwith, daugh- 
ter of Elisha Beckwith and Sabra Beebe. He settled in Salem, 
Conn. AVas a farmer. He died there 26 Nov., 1884. His 
wife was living at Salem in 1896. 

Children. 

94. Ellen E., b. 30 Dec, 1848. 

95. Millard Henry, b. 20 Dec, 1850; died 15 Oct., 1851. 

96. John Milton, b. 9 Sept., 1853; m. Nettie Fuller. 

97. Henry Beckwith, b. 19 Aug., 1860; m. Fannie Rix. 



876 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

VI. JOEL II. CUM, b. 17 Sept., 1843, son of Robert Fox 
and Emeline (Bolles) Smith; married 10 June, 18(58, Axldie 
Woodmansee, daughter of Solomon Woodmansee. He was 
living in L896 on the old Fox homestead in Montville, a 
farmer. I lis wife died in .March, 1895. 

< 'hildren. 

98. Franklin Henry, b. 30 April, L869; died _ ; <> April, 

1872. 

99. Bell Bolles, b. 9 Sept., L870; m. Orrin Keables. 

LOO. Jennie Eveline, b. 20 Mch., L872; m. Timothy O'Leary. 
K)l. Alberl John. b. 28 July, 1874. 



FITCH FAMILIES. 

Rev. James Fitch, the ancestor of the Montville families 
of the name, was born at Booking, in the county of Essex, Eng- 
land, in 1622. He was only sixteen years of age when he 
came to America, being one of a band of thirteen young men, 
all intending to enter the ministry. He was placed, after 
his arrival in this country, under the instruction of Messrs. 
Hooker and Stone at Hartford, where he remained seven 
years. 

He married first Abigail Whitfield, daughter of Rev. 
Henry Whitfield, minister at Guilford, Conn., in October, 
1648. She died 9 Sept., 1659. He afterwards married Pris- 
cilla Mason, daughter of Major John Mason, Oct., 1664. 

In the year 1646 a church was formed at Saybrook over 
which Mr. Eiteh was ordained pastor. In 1660, after the 
death of his first wife, Mr. Fitch, with a part of his church, re- 
moved to Norwich. He learned the language of the Indians, 
and often went among the tribe endeavoring to enlighten their 
darkened minds and win them from their vices and degrada- 
tion in which he found them. The Mohegan sachems, not- 
withstanding their obstinacy to the Christian religion, were 
warmly attached to Mr. Fitch and his family. Large tracts 
of land were conveyed to them, either in trust or as absolute 
grants. A tract of land five miles in length and one in breadth, 
located in what is now the town of Lebanon, was conveyed by 
Owaneco to Mr. Fitch. On this tract some of his children 
settled, and among them he died in 1702, being about eighty 
years of age. 

The following inscription is found on the gravestone erec- 
ted to the memory of the Rev. James Fitch in the old burying- 
ground at Lebanon: 



378 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

" In this grave arc deposited the remains of that truly rev- 
erend man, Mr. James Fitch. He was born at Booking, in 
the County of Essex, England, the 24th day of Dec, in the 
year of our Lord L622. Who, after he had been most ex- 
cellently taug'hl the Learned languages, came to New Eng- 
land at the age of sixteen years, and then spent seven years 
under the instruction of those very famous men. Mr. I looker 
and Mr. Stone. Afterwards he discharged the pastoral office 
fourteen years at Say brook, thence removed with the major 
part of hi- church to Norwich, where he spent the other years 
of his life in the work of the gospel. In his old age, indeed, 
he was obliged to cease from his public labors by reason of 
bodily indisposition, and at length retired to his children at 
Lebanon, where, after spending nearly half a year, he slept 
in dons in the year 1702, on the L8th day of November, in 
the 80th year of his age." 

Children by Abigail. 

2. James b. 2 Aug., 1649; m. 1st, Elizabeth Mason; 2d, 

Alice ( Bradford) Adams. 

3. Abigail, 1>. Ami., 1650; m. Captain John Mason. 

4. Elizabeth, b. Jan., 1652; m. Rev. Edward Taylor. 

5. Hannah, b. Sept., 1653; m. Thomas Meek- (or Mix). 
0. Samuel, b. April, 1655; in. (wile*- name unknown.) 

lie died in 1725, leaving children. 

7. Dorothy, b. April, 1C58; m. Nathaniel Bissel. 

Children by Priscilla. 

8. Daniel, b. 16 Aug., 1605; m. Mary Sherwood. 

9. John, b. Jan., 1667; m. Elizabeth Waterman. 

10. Jeremiah, b. Sept., 167<>; in. Ruth Clifford. 

11. Jabez, b. April, 1672; m. Elizabeth Appleton. 

12. Ann. b. April, 1675; m. Major William Bradford. 

13. Nathaniel, b. 1679; m. 1st, Ann Abel; 2d, Mindwell 

Tisdale. 

14. Joseph, b. Nov., 1681; m. 1st, Sarah Mason; 2d, Ann 

Whiting. 

15. Eleazer, b. 14 May, 1683; m. Martha Brown. 



FITCH FAMILIES. 379 

II. JAMES (2), b. 2 Aug., 1649, eldest son of Rev. 
James Fitch and Abigail Whitfield ; m. 1st, Elizabeth Mason, 
youngest daughter of Major Mason and sister to his father's 
second wife in 1676. She died 8 Oct., 1684. He then mar- 
ried second wife, Alice (Bradford) Adams, daughter of Ma- 
jor William Bradford of Plymouth and widow of Rev. Wil- 
liam Adams of Dedham, 8 May, 1687. Major James Fitch 
was a prominent and influential man in his day. He was a 
noted friend and patron of the Indians, and after the death 
of Major John Mason possessed more sway over the sa- 
chems than any other individual, not excepting their other 
distinguished advocate, Captain Samuel Mason. He was noted 
as a land surveyor, land register, land speculator, and a land 
holder to an immense extent. By legislative grants, by pur- 
chase from other grantors, and intimate connection with the 
Indian sachems, he accumulated a vast number of acres. In 
1684 he obtained from Owaneco the native right and title to 
a broad tract of unsettled land in the vicinity of the present 
town of Brooklyn, Conn. Out of this tract the town of Pom- 
fret was purchased of Captain Fitch for thirty pounds, and 
consisted of 15,100 acres. The conveyance was made 5 May, 
L686. In 1687 Owaneco conveyed to him parcels of land in 
the towns of Plainfield and Canterbury of such extent as to 
be measured by miles. Besides this, he had tracts in various 
localities in the towns about Norwich. Major Fitch settled at 
Norwich, but lived in Preston, Plainfield, and Canterbury. He 
was the founder of Canterbury, having purchased the land, 
made the first clearings, laid out farms and house lots, and 
built himself the first barn and the first framed house within 
its limits. Major Fitch was a brave soldier and an expe- 
rienced partizan in Indian warfare. He was active also in 
political affairs. He was an early patron of Yale College, 
gave the glass and nails for the college edifice, and endowed 
it with 637 acres of land in the town of Killingly. His histo- 
rian, Miss Caulkins, says " Tradition and record give intima- 
tions of one defect in his character. He could not always re- 



;^80 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

sist the temptation to convivial excess, but appears to have had 
the Christian grace to acknowledge the fault when committed 
and to repent of it." He was evidently a man of good abili- 
ties, excellent business capacity, great activity, energy, and 
industry, and was counted among the foremost men of the 
colony in his day. lie died at Canterbury, LO Nov., 1727, 
aged 80 years. 

Children !>y Elizabeth. 

L6. James, b. Jan., 1(>7>: died in infancy. 

17. James, b. dune, L679; died young. 

18. Jedediah, b. 17 April, L681; m. Elizabeth- — . 

19. Samuel, 1.. L2 July, L683; m. Mary . 

20. Elizabeth, b. 1684. 

Children by Alice. 

21. Abigail, b. 22 Feb., 1688; m. Colonel Dyer. 

22. Ebenezer, b. 10 Jan., 1690. 

23. Daniel, b. 1'Vb., L693; m. Ann Cook. 

24. John, b. L695. 

25. Bridget, b. L697. 

2G. Jerusha, b. L699; m. Daniel Bissel. 

27. William, b. 1701. 

28. Jabez, b. 1703. 

II. SAM DEL (6), b. April, 1655, second son of Rev. 
dames Fitch and Abigail Whitfield. It is not ascertained 
whom he married, but it is known he had children. lie lived 
in East Norwich, in what was called Long Society in the town 
of Preston. There is no record of his family to be found in 
the Norwich records, and no will or distribution of his estate. 
"Nearly all the information," says a biographer, "obtained 
of him is from land records, such as deeds of gift to his chil- 
dren and other conveyances where the relationship is men- 
tioned." Some of his descendants settled in Lebanon, and lie 
was the ancestor of the Bozrah Fitch families, descendants 
of the late Colonel Asa Fitch of that town. Samuel Fitch was 
also the ancestor of Hon. G. N. Fitch, ex-Senator of Indiana, 



FITCH FAMILIES. 381 

and other prominent men. He died in 1725. His children, 
whose names have been recovered from deeds and other doc- 
uments, were: 

29. llezekiah, b. 

30. Jabez, b. 

31. Benjamin, b. ; m. Amy - — ; died in 1763. 

32. Peletiah, b. ; m. Elizabeth . 

33. Samuel, b. (probably). 

II. DANIEL (8), b. 10 Aug., 1665, eldest son of Rev. 
dames Fitch by his second wife, Priscilla Mason; married 
March, 1698, Mary Sherwood, daughter of Mathew Sherwood 
of Fairfield, Conn. He settled in the North Parish of New 
London, now Moritville, near the Norwich line. It appears 
that he lived at one time in Preston, as a partial record of his 
family is found in that town. He was an active soldier in 
the Indian ware of his day. His inventory shows that he 
owned three farms in North Parish, one at Trading Cove, on 
which he lived, one at Dry Brook, and one lying on both 
sides of the path leading to Hartford, through Montville and 
Colchester. The homestead farm at Trading Cove was a town 
grant to his father, and a portion of it still occupied by his de- 
scendants. He died 3 Jnne, 1711. His wife survived him, 
and married Joseph Bradford. 

Children. 

33a. Adonijah, b. April, 1700; m. 1st, Sarah Fitch, his cou- 
sin; 2d, Ann (Hyde) Gray. 
33b. James, b. 18 Oct., 1703; m. Ann Denison. 
33c. Lemuel, b. Jan., 1704: m. Mary Bigelow. 
33d. Mary, b. Sept., 1707; m. Rev. James Hillhouse. 
33e. Daniel, b. 1709; m. Sarah Sherwood. 

II. JOHN (9), b. Jan., 1667, second son of Rev. James 
Fitch by his second wife, Priscilla Mason; m. 10 July, 1695, 
Elizabeth Waterman, eldest daughter of Thomas Waterman 
and Marian Tracy. He settled at Windham, and was a large 



3,^2 HISTORY OF MONTVILL.B. 

landholder. On the 13th day of May, 1696, his father gave 

him a deed of one thousand acres of land at Windham ( Jenter. 
Be was chosen town .dork of Windham 4 Dec, 1704, and was 
re-elected every year thereafter during his life. lie also held 
the office of judge of probate for a short time, and was captain 
of a company of militia, lie died 24 May, 174o. She died 
25 June. L751. 

( 'hildren. 

34. Elizabeth, 1>. 1 dune, 1696; m. Nathaniel Webb. 

:;:». Mariam, b. IT Oct., L699; m. Eezekiah Repley. 

:u\. Priscilla, 1>. 5 Feb., 17<>:2; m. Solomon Paine. 

37. John, 1.. 18 March, 17<>:,. 

II. JEREMIAH (10), 1.. Sept., KiTO, third son of Rev. 
James Fitch by his second wife, Priscilla Mason; m. Ruth 
Gifford, probably daughter of Stephen Gifford and Hannah 
Gallup of Norwich, lie settled at Lebanon, where he had 
lands granted him soon after bis marriage. He remained in 
Lebanon until 1703, and perhaps Longer, lie removed, and 
settled on lands now included in the town of Coventry. He 
was the ancestor of bhe Coventry, Columbia, Andover, ami 
Bolton Fitch families. He died at Coventry 22 May, L736. 
His wife survived him, and was living in 1756. 

Children. 

:;s. Jeremiah, b. I s April, 1690; m. 1st, Mercy Porter, 
Jan. 6, 1730; 2d, Martha Gifford, June 4, 1744. 

:;'.>. Hannah, b. I s Jan., 1 7< k > ; m. Humphrey Davenport. 

40. Aimer, b. 8 July, 1703; m. 1st, Ruth Rose, Feb. 17, 
1736; I'd. Widow Lee. 

II. Gideon, b. : m. Sarah Caulkins. 

42. Elisha. b. ; m. Priscilla Patten. May 27, 1736. 

43. James, b. ; m. Phel.e Meeough, Oct. 6, 1738. 

44. Joseph, 1). 

45. Ruth, 1». : m. Daniel Whitmore. 

46. Stephen, b. 1712: m. Eleanor Strong. 



FITCH FAMILIES. 383 

IT. JABEZ (11), b. April, 1GT2, fourth son of Rev. 
James Fitch by his second wife, Priscilla Mason; married 10 
June, 1704, Elizabeth Appleton, daughter of Hon. John Ap- 
pleton of Ipswich. He graduated at Harvard College in 1694, 
and was a Congregational clergyman. After his father was 
disabled from preaching by a paralytic attack in 1604, he was 
invited to occupy his father's pulpit with a view to settlement, 
He preached there about a year, but declined the call to set- 
tle. He was elected Tutor and Fellow of Harvard College, 
and in 1703 was ordained at Ipswich as colleague of the Rev. 
John Rogers, but removed afterwards to Portsmouth, iST. H., 
where he was installed about 1720. He died at Portsmouth, 
22 Nov., 1746. She died there 18 Oct., 1765, aged 84 years. 
His children were Mary, Ann, John, Harvard, and James. 

II. JOSEPH (14), b. Nov., 1681, sixth son of Rev. 
James Fitch by his second wife, Priscilla Mason; m. 1st, Sarah 
Mason, youngest, daughter of Major Samuel Mason by his 
first wife. She died previous to 1721. He afterwards mar- 
ried, 29 Dec, 1721, Ann Whiting, eldest daughter of Rev. 
Samuel Whiting, first minister of Windham. He first set- 
tled in Stonington, where his children by his first wife were 
born, and afterwards removed to Lebanon. He died 9 May, 
1741. She died at Windham, 18 Sept., 1778. 

Children by Sarah. 

47. Judith, b. 

48. Sarah, b. 24 Jan., 1704; m. Adonijah Fitch, her cou- 

sin. 

49. Mason, b. 11 Sept., 1708; died March 10, 1734. Grad- 

uate of Yale. 
50.. Joseph, b. 14 Feb., 1711; m. Zerviah Hyde. 

Children by Ann. 

51. Samuel, b. 16 Jan., 1724; m. Elizabeth Lloyd. 

52. Eleazer, b. 30 Aug., 1726. 

53. Azel, b. 7 Nov., 1728; died about 1769, num. 



384 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 



54. Echabod, b. IT May, 17:34. 

55. Ann, b. 12 July, 1737. 

56. Thomas, b. 11 June, 1739; died 24 Jan., 1747. 

II. XATII AJSTIEI (13), b. about L679, lil'th son of Rev. 
James Pitch by his second wife, Priscilla Mason; married 1st, 
Aim AJbel, K> Dec., 1701, daughter of Joshua Al>el of Nor- 
wich. She died 3 July, L728. Ee then married, 2d, Mind- 
well Tisdale of Lebanon, 17 Sept., L730. He settled a1 Leb- 
anon, and was among the early settlers of thai town. He died 
I May, L750. 

( Ihildren by Ann. 

57. Joshua, b. L3 Feb., L704. 

58. Nathan, b. 29 March, L705. 

59. Nahemiah, b. LO Feb., L707. 

60. James, b. L5 Oct., L709. 

61. John, b. 7 Jan., L712. 

62. Nathaniel, b. 3 Feb., 1717; in. Whiting. 

63. Mehitabel, b. twin to Nathaniel. 

64. Elizabeth, b. 26 Mav, L718; m. - - Bissell. 

65. Rachel, b. Oct., 1720; died Mav 28, L726. 

66. AM. 1). 22 Xov., 1722. 

67. Caleb, b. 17 June, L725. 

( Ihildren by M indwell. 

68. Jabez, b. 1 Oct., L730; died L4 Xov.. L736. 

69. Ezekiel, b. 11 March, L732. 

70. [saac, b. 10 Mav. 1734. 

III. ADOXI.IAII (29), b. April, 1700, son of Daniel 
Fitch and Mary Sherwood; married 1st, Sarah Fitch, daugh- 
ter of his unidi'. Joseph Fitch and Sarah Mason. She died 
5 Jan., 1741. Tie afterwards married, 22 April, 1744, Ann 
(Hyde) Gray, daughter of Samuel Hyde and Elizabeth Caul 
kins, and widow of Simoon Gray of Lebanon. She died with- 
out issue. 



FITCH FAMILIES. 385 

Children. 

71. Mary, b. 24 April, 1727; m. Prince Alden. 

72. Sarah, b. 2 March, 1720; in. Thomas Rogers. 

73. Ann, b. 20 May, 1731; m. Samuel Hyde. 

74. Squire Joseph, b. 12 Aug., 1733; m. Sarah Gardner. 

75. Elizabeth, b. 17 Aug., 1735; m. Peter Comstock. 

76. John Mason, b. 10 Dec, 1737; died 1 Jan., 1741. 

III. JAMES (30), b. 18 Oct., 1703, son of Daniel Pitch 
and Mary Sherwood; married 12 Feb., 1728, Ann Denison, 
daughter of Robert Denison and Johanna Stanton, lie set- 
tled at Lebanon, where he died 10 Feb., 1780. She died 20 

Aug., 1702. 

Children. 



77. Ann, b. 2 Feb., 1720; m. - - Stark. 

78. Elizabeth, b. 27 June, 1731; married Colonel Jeremiah 

.Mason. They had a son, Jeremiah, who was an emi- 
nent lawyer, and United States Senator from New 
Hampshire. He spent his last years in Boston. 

III. DANIEL (33), b. about 1700, son of Daniel Fitch 
and Mary Sherwood; married Nov. 16, 1732, Sarah Sherwood, 
(laughter of Samuel Sherwood. He inherited a portion of the 
homestead at Trading Cove, on which he lived until his death. 
He was chosen an elder in the church at Montville in 1750. 
He died 12 May, 1755, leaving property to the value of from 
$40,000 to $50,000, which was bequeathed by will to his chil- 
dren. His wife survived him, and died at the age of 00 



years. 



Children. 



70. Eleanor, b. 4 Feb., 1734; m. Dr. Christopher Raymond. 

80. Abiah, twin to Eleanor; m. Jonathan Gardner. 

81. Rachel, b. 2 Dec, 1735; m. Joseph Peck. 

82. Daniel, b. Oct., 1737; died in July, 1738. 

83. Mary, b. Jan., 1740; died in Aug., 1741. 

84. Sarah, b. -June, 1742; m. Stephen Beebe. 



25 



»36 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

85. Mary, b. July, 1744; m. John Bradford. 

86. Anna, b. 4 June, 1746; m. Elisha Fox. 

87. Samuel Sherwood, b. 2 Feb., 1740; died April, 1809, 

u nm. 

88. James, b. 2 Aug., 1752; died young. 

89. Abigail, b. 22 Dee., 1754; m. Wetherel Latimer. 

IV. SQUIRE JOSEPH (74), b. 12 Aug., 1733, son of 
Adonijah Fitch and Sarah Fitch; m. Sarah Gardner, grand- 
daughter of Stephen Gardner and Amy Sherman, and prob- 
able daughter of Stephen Gardner, Jr. He was a large Land- 
holder, and inherited a large estate from his father, in Mont- 
ville. lb- was the owner of slaves, and in 17 ( .»4 emancipated 
a negro -lave named Phillis, aged 27 years. In 1803 he gave 
by deed of gift to his son, James, the farm on which he after- 
wards lived. In 1805 he gave by deed to 'his sons, James, 
Adonijah, and William, all his real property, they agreeing to 
maintain their father during his natural life. She died L3 
Nov., 1794, aged 56 years. He died 22 June, 1810, aged 77 
years. 

Children. 

90. Andrew, 1». 1 March, 1759; m. Mary Leffingwell. 

91. Sarah, b. 4 April, 1764; m. John II. Adgate. 

92. Anna, b. 29 May, 1766; m. James F. Mason, son of 

Jeremiah. 
'•••'5. Joseph, b. about 1763; died in 1778, aged 15 years. 

94. James, b. about 1768; m. Abigail Fox. 

95. Adonijah, b. about 1772; m. Anna Fox. 

96. William, b. about 1779; m. Nash. He died 

at Medina, Ohio, 23 Aug., 1863. 

97. Betsey, b. ; m. Fitch Comstock. 

V. JAMES (94), b. about 1768, son of Squire Joseph 
Fitch and Sarah Gardner; manned 14 May, 1797, Abigail 
Fox, daughter of Elisha Fox and Anna Fitch. He was a far- 
mer and sea captain. He sailed on several voyages, and died 
at sea on board of the ship Superior, 23 March, 1820, aged 
52 years. She died 2 Nov., 1852. 



FITCH FAMILIES. 387 

Children. 

98. John Gardner, b. 20 June, 1708; m. 1st, Angeline 

Fitch; 2d, Maria Fitch. 

99. Anna, b. 7 May, 1800; died 2S May, 1828, unm. 

100. Joseph, b. 13 July, 1802; m. Lydia P. Barns. 

101. Samuel, b. 27 July, 1801; m. Caroline White. 

102. Sarah Adgate, b. 6 June, 1807; m. Joshua E. Wood- 

worth, 23 Nov., 1831. They had one daughter, 
Anna E., who committed suicide by hanging in 
187S. 

103. James Mason, b. Jan., 1809; m. Sarah A. Meech. 

104. Rachel, b. 22 Mar, 1811; m. Xathaniel B. Bradford. 

105. Elisha, b. 22 June, 1813; died 15 Oct., 1839, unm. 

106. William, b. 14 Aug., 1815; m. Lucy A. Fitch. 

V. ADONIJAH (95), b. about 1772, son of Squire 
Joseph Fitch and Sarah Gardner; married 8 Sept., 1805, Anna 
Fox, daughter of Elisha Fox and Anna Fitch. He was a 
fanner, settled at Montville, and owned a portion of the 
homestead at Trading Cove. He died 13 Jan., 1838. She 
died 21 Dec, 1864, aged 78 years. 

Children. 

107. Daniel, b. about 1807; m. Harriet Thompson. 

108. Sherwood, b. about 1809; m. 1st, Jane Smith; 2d, Eliza 

Rogers. 

109. Ellen, b. ; m. Orlando Bolles. 

110. Harriet, b. ; m. Captain Christopher Pendle- 

ton. 

111. Maria, b. April, 1817; m. Hyde Gardner. 

112. Lucv A., b. 6 March, 1S19;' m. William Fitch. 

113. Adonijah E., b. 16 March, 1822; m. Sarah Bushnell. 

114. Caroline R., b. about 1839; m. Captain Christopher 

Chapel. 

VI. JOH^F. GARDXER (98), b. 20 June, 1798, son 
of James Fitch and Abigail Fox; married 24 Feb., 1833, An- 
geline Fitch, daughter of Rufus Fitch. (This Rufus Fitch 
was a descendant of Rev. James Fitch through Samuel (2), 



388 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Benjamin (3), Benajah (4), being a great-grandson.) He 

was a fanner, and owned and lived on the farm occupied by 
his father. He was for many years overseer of the Mohegan 
tribe of Indians, and also held important town offices. She 
died 8 March, 1849, aged 38 years. He afterwards married, 
1853, Maria Fitch, daughter of John Fitch, lie died 17 Feb., 
1875. She was living in 1896. 



Child 



ren. 



115. John Mason, b. Nov., 183.",: died L8 -Inly, 1N77, unni. 

111;. Joseph, 1). Oct., L836; m. Eliza Gr. Stanton. 

117. Edwin, b. 8 Sept., 1839; m. Julia ('has.'. 

L18. Sarah, b. 4 March, L846; m. James C. Lanpher. 

VI. WILLIAM (106), b. 14 Aug., 1815, son of Cap- 
tain James Fitch and Abigail Fox; married 7 April, L845, 
Lucy Angel Fitch, daughter of Adonijah Fitch and Anna Fox. 

He was a farmer and sea captain, lie made several whaling 

voyages, and was a successful whaleman. Both were living 
at Montville in 1896. 

Children. 

111). James W., b. 7 Jan., 1846; m. Maggie Newell. 
119a. Frank, b. 30 Dec, 1849; died 17 April, 1853. 
110b. Lucy Anna, b. 13 Feb., 1855; died 15 July, 1856. 

BENJAMIN (29), b. about 1690, son of Samuel Fitch 
and - — ; married 18 Nov., 1713, Hannah Read. lie 

died art Norwich 10 Oct., 1727. 

Children. 

L20. Mary, b. 26 Sept., 1714. 

121. John, b. 13 Jan., 1716; died 12 April, 1737. 

122. Abiah, b. 2S Dec, 1717. 

123. Benjamin, b. 22 Aug., 1719. 

124. Benajah. b. 30 July, 1721; m. Sarah Palmer. 

125. Ebenezer, b. 1 Feb., 1724-5. 



FITCH FAMILIES. 389 

BENAJAH (124), b. 30 July, 1721; married 6 Oct., 1747, 
Sarah Palmer. Settled in Preston. 

Children. 

126. Elijah, b. 14 Dec, 1749. 

127. Nathaniel, b. 14 Dec, 1753. 

128. Susannah, b. 4 June, 1757. 

129. Thomas, b. 4 Feb., 1761; m. 1st, Freelove Smith; 2d, 

Mary Allen, daughter of Stephen . 

129a. Kufus, b. 10 Feb., 1765; m. Zipporah Smith. 

THOMAS (129), b. 4 Feb., 1761, son of Benajah Fitch 
and Sarah Palmer; married 1st, Freelove Smith, 10 March, 
1782, daughter of Paul and Mary Smith of Lyme. She died 
21 Jan., 1783; 2d, Mary Allen, daughter of Stephen Allen. 
He died 2 Sept., 1855. 

Children by First Wife. 

130. William,- b. 18 Jan., 1783; m. Nancy Latimer; died 

22 June, 1856. 

Children by Second Wife. 

131. Nancy, b. 12 Aug., 1785; m. Clement Bishop; died 

12 March, 1868. 

132. Freelove, b. 12 Nov., 1787; m. Thomas Strickland; 

died 17 March, 1871. 

133. John, b. 1 Jan., 1789; m. Elizabeth Tinker; died 21 

June, 1872. 

134. James, b. 10 Nov., 1790; m. Nancy Strickland; died 

9 Jan., 1871. 

135. Mercy, b. 24 Sept., 1795; m. and moved west. 

136. Thomas, b. 24 May, 1797; died July 5, 1812, from 

an accident caused by horse racing. 

PFFUS (129a), b. 10 Feb., 1765, son of Benajah Fitch 
and Sarah Palmer; married Zipporah Smith, b. 12 Dec, 1791. 
He died 19 Oct., 1816. She died 7 June, 1821. 

Children. 

137. Mary, b. 21 Oct., 1792; m. Noah Gates; died 15 Nov., 

1842. 



3<)(j HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

138. Emma C, b. 8 April, 1794; m. David Bidwell. 

139. Eliza, b. 17 May, 1797; m. William Hillliouse. 

140. Erastus G., b. 8 April, 1799; m. Ann Davis. 

141. Edwin, b. 23 May, 1801; m. 1st, Lucy B. Meech; died 

11 Oct., 1848; 2d, Harriet Lee. 

142. Almira, b. 13 Aug., 1805; m. 1st, Joshua Baker; 2d, 

David Comstock. 

143. Susan B., b. 6 July, 1808; m. John D. Bradford. 

144. Angeline, b. 5 Oct., 1810; m. John G. Fitch. 

145. Andrew G., b. 7 March, 1813; m. Cyntha G. Bottum. 

ASA ( ), 1>. . Probably grandson of Samuel 
Fitch (6); married Susannah, daughter of . 

Children. 

1 L6. Nehemiah, b. ; m. Mary Abby. 

147. Lois, b. ; m. Captain George Lee. 

IIS. Asa, b. . Was never married. 

1 in. Susan, b. ; m. Randall. 

150. Stephen, b. ; m. Mkry Rogers. 

L51. Fanny, b. ; m. Sherwood Raymond. 

L52. Douglass, b. ; m. - — Trence. 

153. William, b. ; m. Mary Williams. 

154. Clarissa, b. about 1800; m. John Houghton. 

JOHN ( L33), b. 1 J mi., 1789, son of Thomas Fitch and 
Mary Allen: married Elizabeth Tinker, b. 24 Aug., 1793, 
daughter of Barris Tinker and Elizabeth Deshon. She died 
22 Feb., 1834. He married for his second wife Fanny Tread- 
way, b. 2 Nov., 1790; died 9 Jan., 18G2. He died 21 June, 

1872. 

Children by Elizabeth. 

155. Thomas, b. 29 Jan., 1813; in. Ann Smith. 

156. Maria, b. 9 Sept., 1816; m. John G. Fitch. 

157. Elizabeth, b. 24 Feb., 1819; m. Francis W. Fitch. 

158. Harris T., b. 24 Sept., 1821; m. Almira Brown. 

159. John, b. 29 Feb., 1826; died young. 

160. Mary, b. 7 Aug., 1828; m. Captain David Walker. 

161. George, b. 4 Aug., 1831; m. Fanny Keeney. 



BRADFOKD FAMILIES. 

Governor William Bradford of Plymouth, who came over 
in the Mayflower, was the eldest son of William Bradford, 
commander-in-chief of the Plymouth forces in King Philip's 
War, and deputy governor of the colony, and married Alice 
Hanson, probably daughter of John Hanson of Austerfield, 
England, and grandson of William Bradford, who lived at 
Austerfield, in or about 1575, whose record of burial is noted 
as happening on the 10th of Jan., 1595-6. 

William, the Pilgrim, baptized March, 1589, was the 
ancestor of the American Bradfords, and married 1st, Dorothy 
May, of whose parentage nothing has been discovered; 2d, 
Alice, widow of Constant Southworth, 11 Aug., 1623, be- 
lieved to have been a daughter of " Mr. Carpenter." She 
died 26 March, 1670. 

Children by Dorothy. 

2. John, probably born before the emigration; was of 

Duxberry in 1645, and in 1652 he was a deputy to 
the general court, and lieutenant. He married 
Martha, daughter of Thomas and Martha Bourne, 
of Marshfield, Mass. In 1653 he removed to Nor- 
wich, Conn., where he died in 1678. 

Children by Alice. 

3. William, b. 17 June, 1621; m. 1st, Alice Richards; 

2d, Widow Wiswall; 3d, Mrs. Mary (Wood) 
Holmes. 

4. Mercy, b. before 1627; m. Benjamin Vermages. 

5. Joseph, b. 1630; m. Jael Hobert of Hingham, daugh- 

ter of Rev. Peter Hobert, the first minister of Hing- 
ham. 



392 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

II. WILLIAM (3), b. IT June, 1624, son of William 
Bradford and Alice Scuthworth; married 1st, Alice Rich- 
ards, daughter of Thomas Richards of Weymouth. She died 
12 Dec, 1671, aged 4 1 years. He married 2d, a Widow Wis- 
wall; 3d, Mrs. Mary, widow of Rev. John Holmes, and daugh- 
ter of John Wood of Plymouth. She died 6 Jan., 1714-5. 
His biographer says, "He was next to Miles Standish a chief 
military man of the colony. In Philip's War, he was com- 
mander-in-chief of the Plymouth forces, and often exposed 
himself to all its perils. At the Xarra^ansett Fort tight, ho. 
received a musket ball in his flesh, which he carried the re- 
mainder of his life. In that desperate mid-winter encounter, 
when both parties foughl for their very existence, nearly a 
thousand Indians fell a sacrifice, and ahout one hundred and 
fifty of the Kni>lish were killed or wounded.''' In the war 
with the Indians he held the rank of major, and was assistant 
treasurer and deputy governor of Plymouth from L682 to 
1686, and from 168!> to L691, and in the latter year he was 
one of the council of Massachusetts. His residence was in 
what is now Kingston, It. I., on the north side of Jones' River. 
He died 20 Feb., L703-4. 

Children by Alice. 

6. John, b. 20 Feb., 1651-2; m. Mercy Warren. 

7. William, b. 11 March, 1654; m. Rebecca Bartlett. 

8. Thomas, b. ; m. 

!). Samuel, 1>. 1668; m. Hannah Rogers. 

10. Alice, 1). ; m. 1st, Rev. William Adams; 

2d, Major Janus Fitch. 

11. Hannah, b. ; m. Josihua Ripley, 1682. 

12. Mercy, b. ; m. Samuel Steel. 

13. Melatiah, b. ; m. John Steel. 

14. Mary, b. ; m. William Hunt. 

15. Sarah, b. ; m. Ivenelm Baker. 

Children by Widow Wiswall. 

16. ■ Joseph, b. about 1674; m. Anna Fitch. 

17. Israel, b. ; m. Sarah Bartlett. 



BRADFORD FAMILIES. 393 

18. Ephraim, b. ; m. Elizabeth Bartlett. 

19. David, b. ; m. Elizabeth. Finney. 

20. Hezekiah, b. ; m. Mary Chandler. 

II. JOSEPH (5), b. about 1630, son of Governor Wil- 
liam Bradford and Alice South worth; married Jael, daugh- 
ter of Rev. Peter Hobert, the first minister of Hingham, 25 
May, 1664. She died in 1730, aged 88 years. He resided 
in Kingston (then Plymouth), on Jones' River, half a mile 
from its mouth, at a place called Flat House Dock, and died 
there 20 July, 1715. 

Children. 

21. Elisha, b. ; m. 1st, Hannah Cole; 2d, Bath- 

sheba Brocke. 

22. Joseph, b. 18 April, 1665. 

III. JOHN (6), b. 20 Feb., 1653, son of William Brad- 
ford and Alice Richards; married 5 Feb., 1674-5, Mercy, 
daughter of Joseph Warren of Plymouth. His residence was 
in Kingston (then Plymouth), a few rods from the landing. 
He was a major, and a deputy to the general court from 1689 
to 1691. He was the first representative to the General Court 
of Massachusetts from Plymouth. He died 8 Dec, 1736, 
aged nearly 84 years. She died in March, 1747, aged 94 
years. They lived together sixty-two years. 

Children. 

23. John, b. 25 Dec, 1675; m. Rebecca Bartlett. 

24. Alice, b. 28 Jan., 1677; m. 1st, Edward Mitchell; 2d, 

Joshua Hersey. 

25. Abigail, b. 10 Dec, 1679; died 4 March, 1697, unm. 

26. Mercy, b. 20 Dec, 1681; m. 1st, Jonathan Freeman; 

2d, Isaac Cushman, Jr. 

27. Samuel, b. 23 Dec, 1683; m. Sarah Gray. 

28. Priscilla, b. 10 March, 1686; m. Seth Chipman. 

29. William, b. 15 April, 1688; m. Hannah Foster. 



394 HISTORY OP MONTVILLB. 

III. WILLIAM (7), b. 11 March, 1655, son of William 

Bradford and Alice Richards; married Rebecca Bartlett of 

Duxberry, 1679. He resided at Kingston, and died there in 

1687. 

Children. 

30. Alice, b. 1680; m. William Barns. 

31. William, b. ; m. Elizabeth Finney. 

32. Sarah, b. ; m. Jonathan Barns. 

III. SAMUEL (9), 1). 1668, son of William Bradford 
and Alice Richards; married July, L689, Hannah, daughter 
of John Rogers of Duxberry. Bewascalled Lieutenant Sam- 
uel Bradford, and lived about a third of a mile northwest from 
the month of Island Creek. His name appears on the rec- 
ords of Duxberry as early as 1700. lie died there 11 April, 
1714, aged 46 years. 

Children. 

33. Hannah, b. 14 Feb., 1689-90; m. Nathaniel Gilbert. 

34. Gerahom, b. 21 Dec, 1691; m. Priscilla Wiswall. 

35. Perez, b. 28 Dec., 1694; m. Abigail Belch. 

36. Elizabeth, b. 15 Dec, 1696; m. William Whitney of 

Hartford. 

37. Jerusha, b. 10 March, 1699; in. Rev. Ebenezer Gay. 

38. W, It liea. b. 15 May, 1702; m. Lane. 

39. Gamaliel, b. in May, 1704; m. Abigail Bartlett. 

III. JOSEPH (16), b. about 1(174, son of William 
Bradford and the Widow Wiswall; married 5 Oct., 1698, 
Anna, daughter of Rev. James Fitch and Priscilla Mason. 
She died at Lebanon, 17 Oct., 1715. He afterwards married 
Mary (Sherwood) Fitch, widow of Captain Daniel Fitch. He 
removed from Lebanon to the Xorth Parish of Xew London 
about 1717, where he was very active in the business affairs 
of the parish. He resided on the farm now owned and oc- 
cupied by J. Randolph Rogers, and formerly called the Perez 
Bradford Farm. He was chosen elder in the church in 1724, 
and died 16 Jan., 1747, aged 73 years. She died 16 Sept., 
1752. 



BRADFORD FAMILIES. 395 

Children by Anna. 

40. Anna, b. 26 July, 1699. 

41. Joseph, b. 9 April, 1702; m. Henrietta Swift. 

42. Priscilla, twin to Joseph; m. Samuel Hyde. 

43. Althea, b. 6 April, 1704; died young. 

44. Irena, twin to Althea; died young. 

45. Sarah, b. 21 Sept., 1706; m. Benjamin Willis. 

46. Hannah, b. 24 May, 1709. 

47. Elizabeth, b. 21 Oct., 1712; m. (possibly Charles Whit- 

ing). 

48. Althea, b. 19 Sept., 1715; m. David Hyde. 

49. Irena, twin to Althea; m. Jonathan James, 18 March, 

1736. 

Child by Mary. 

50. John, b. 20 May, 1717; m. Esther Sherwood. 

III. ISEAEL (17), b. , son of William Brad- 

ford and the Widow Wiswall; married Sarah Bartlett. He 
resided in Kingston, Mass. 

Children. 

51. Ruth, b. 11 Dec., 1702; died young. 

52. Bathsheba, b. 8 Nov., 1703; m. Thomas Adams. 

53. Benjamin, b. 17 Oct., 1705; m. 1st, Zeresh Stetson; 

2d, Mary Clitman. 

54. Abner, b. 25 Dec, 1707; m. Susanna Porter. 

55. Joshua, b. 23 June, 1710; m. Hannah Bradford. 

56. Ichabod, b. 22 Sept., 1713; m. Marv Johnson. 

57. Elisha, b. 26 March, 1718. 

III. EPHRAIM (18), b. , son of William Brad- 

ford and the Widow Wiswall; married 13 Eeb., 1710, Eliza- 
beth Bartlett. He resided in Kingston, Mass. 

Children. 

58. Deborah, b. 21 June, 1712; died 10 Jan., 1732. 

59. Anna, b. 25 July, 1715. 

60. Elizabeth, b. 3 Nov., 1717. 



396 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

61. Ephraim, b. 1 Jan., 1719. 

62. Abigail, b. 28 Feb., 1720. 

63. Susanna, 1). 3 May, 1721. 

64. Elijah, I). 23 Jan., 1723. 

IV. JOSEPB (47), 1). 1710, son of Joseph Bradford and 
Anna Fitch; married 1730, Henrietta Swift. lie resided in 
North Parish (now Montville). 

Children. 

65. Elizabeth, b. 17 Jan., 17:11; m. Richard Mays. 

66. Anna, b. 23 July, 1732. 

67. William, b. 13 April, 1734; m. Sarah Rich. 

68. Honora Swift, b. 21 Aug., 1736; m. Charles Whiting, 

1750. 
68a. Robert, b. 21 July, 1739. 
68b. Ilannali. b. 10 March, 1740-1. 
68c. Joseph, b. 10 Jan., 1744-5. 

IV. JOHN (51), b. 20 May, 1717, son of Joseph Brad- 
ford and Mary (Sherwood) Fitch; married 15 Dee., 17:16, Es- 
ther (Sherwood. He was a farmer, and resided in North Par- 
ish (n<«w Montville). He died 10 March, 1787, aged 76 

years. 

Children. 

69. Samuel, b. 4 Jan., 1738; m. Bridget Comstock. 

70. John, b. 7 Dec, 1739; m. Mary Fitch. 

71. Joseph, 1). 17 June, 1742; m. Eunice Maples. 

72. Sarah, b. 27 July, 1744; in. Nathaniel Comstock. 

73. Perez, b. 11 Oct., 1746; in. Betsey Rogers. 

74. Benjamin, b. 8 Oct., 1748; m. Parthenia Rogers. 

75. Eleanor, b. ; died young. 

76. Rebecca, b. in Jan., 1754; m. Benjamin Ford. 

77. Mary, b. 17 Jan., 1756. 

V. SAMUEL (69), b. 4 Jan., 1738, son of John Brad- 
ford and Esther Sherwood; married Bridget Comstock, daugh- 
ter of Nathaniel Comstock and Margaret Fox. He was a far- 
mer, and resided in North Parish (now Montville). He died 
29 July, 1807. She died 15 July, 1830. 



BRADFORD FAMILIES. 397 

Children. 

78. Bridget, b. about 1760; m. Epliraim Wells, 13 Feb., 

1814. 

79. Eleanor, b. about 1762; m. Mulford Raymond. 

80. Samuel, b. about 1764; m. Abby Dolbeare. 

81. Nathaniel, b. 13 Oct., 1766; m. Lucy Raymond. 

82. Peggy, b. about 1769; m. Daniel Prentis, 5 Dec., 1806. 

83. William, b. 30 Jan., 1772; m. 1st, Parthenia Bradford; 

2d, Hannah Dolbeare. 

84. Sarah, b. about 1774; m. George Dolbeare. 

85. Esther, b. about 1782; m. Reynolds Johnson. 

V. JOILN T (70), b. 7 Dec, 1739, son of John Bradford 
and Esther Sherwood; married, aibout 1764, Mary, daughter 
of Daniel Fitch and Sarah Sherwood. He was a fanner, and 
resided first in Xorth Parish, and about the year 1782 re- 
moved and settled in Cornwall, Litchfield County, Conn. He 
died there about 1819, aged 80 years. She died 15 Nov., 
1780, aged 35 years, and was buried in the Raymond Hill 
( Ymetery, Montville. 

Children. 

86. James Fitch, b. 1 May, 1767; married Mary Merwin, 

14 Dec, 1790. 

87. Rachel, b. ; m. Shubael Lowrey. 

88. Mary, b. ; m. Daniel Sterling. 

89. Abigail, b. 18 July, 1773; m. David Smith, 13 Oct., 

1799. 

90. Rebecca, b. ; m. Herman Harrison. 

91. Eleanor, b. ; m. Joseph Harrison. 

V. JOSEPH (71), b. 17 June, 1742, son of John Brad- 
ford and Esther Sherwood; married Eunice Maples, b. about 
1750, daughter of Stephen Maples and Eunice Way. He re- 
sided in Montville, where both joined the church, 3 Oct., 1790. 
He was a farmer, and died 21 March, 181 5. She died 22 Oct., 
1821, aged 71 years. 



398 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 







Children. 


92. 


Joseph, b. 




93. 


Stephen, b. 


; m. 


94. 


William, b. 


; died 5 Sept., 1800. 


95. 


Sherwood, b. 


; died 16 Nov., 1805 


96. 


Patience, b. 




97. 


John, b. 




98. 


Eunice, b. 




99. 


Benjamin, b. 




TOO. 


Sarah, b. 
1816. 


; in. Nathaniel Ilillln 



V. PEREZ (7:;). b. 11 Oct., L746, bod of John Brad- 
ford and Esther Sherwood^ married 22 Feb., 177<), Betsey, 
daughter of Thomas Rogers and Sarah Fitch, lie resided 
in Montville, and was a farmer and tanner. Tie died 8 May, 
L817. She was instantly killed by a stroke of lightning, 
while attending divine service in the old meeting-house, on 
the 25th day of May, 182:5, at the age of 72 years. 



Children. 

101. Adonijah Fitch, b. 9 Aug;., 1771; m. Sarah Dolbeare. 

102. Parthenia, b. 13 Aug., 177:5; m. William Bradford. 

V. BENJAMIN (74), b. 8 Oct., 1748, son of John 
Bradford and Esther Sherwood; married Parthenia, daugh- 
ter of Thomas Rogers and Sarah Fitch. He settled in the 
north part of North Parish, in Salem Society, where he owned 
a farm. The date of his death or that of his wife has not 
been ascertained. 

Child. 

L02a. Tlmmas, b. 1(5 Nov., 1770; m. Mercy Fox. 

VI. SAMUEL (80), b. about 1704, son of Samuel Brad- 
ford and Bridget Comstock; married 2 May, 1705, Abby Dol- 
beare, b. 1 April, 1774, daughter of Samuel Dolbeare 
and Hannah Mumford. He settled at Montville, and 



BRADFORD FAMILIES. 399 

was a fanner. He owned and occupied the farm called the 
" Bradford Place," situated near Massapeag Station, and now 
in the possession of Captain Jerome W. Williams. He died 
28 July, 1828. She died 4 Dec, 1841. 

Children. 

103. Abby, b. about 1795; died 7 June, 1868, unm. 

104. Hannah, b. about 1799; died 14 Nov., 1869, unm. 

105. Samuel S., b. 11 April, 1804; m. Abby Branch, 22 Feb.. 

1830. 

106. George D., b. about 1807; m. Caroline C. Adgate, 

1830. 

107. Julia Ann, b. about 1809; died 30 July, 1837, unm. 

VI. NATHANIEL (81), b. 13 Oct., 1766, son of Sam- 
uel Bradford and Bridget Comstoek; married 31 Jan., 1790, 
Lucy, daughter of Joshua Raymond and Lucy Jewett. He 
settled at Montville, was a fanner, and owned a fann near 
Uncasville. He was a thorough Methodist, and contributed 
largely toward the support of the ministry. She died 18 Aug., 
1831, aged 66 years. He died suddenly, 16 Sept., 1832, aged 
65 years. Their funeral sermons were both preached by the 
Rev. Ralph Hurlburt of Groton. 

Children. 

108. Nathaniel Burr, b. 9 Dec, 1795; married 1835, Rachel 

Fitch, daughter of James Fitch and Abigail Fox. 
He was a fanner and owned several hundred acres 
of land. He lived at the " Haughton Place " from 
the date of his purchase in 1836 until his death. 
His inventory amounted to $49,648.98. In his last 
will, after bequeathing to his wife the sum of five 
thousand dollars in money and household effects, 
and twenty-five hundred dollars to his niece and 
nephew, the balance was given to the A. B. of C. 
for F. M. He died 11 Oct., 1870. His widow was 
living at Montville in 1896. 

109. Joshua Raymond, b. 9 Jan., 1801 ; m. Nov., 1848, Eliza 

(Baker) Holmes, daughter of Lemuel Baker. She 



400 HISTORY UF MONTVILLE. 

died 10 Nov., 1861. He was an invalid for sev- 
eral years before his death. He died 3 Jan., 1874. 

110. Ursula, b. 21 Oct., 1790; died 13 kug., 1877, mini. 

111. Harriet, b. 16 April, 1793; m. Fob., 1837, Dr. Jede- 

diali R. Gay. lie was an eclectic physician, and 
was very successful in liis practice, and greatly es- 
teemed as a citizen. lie died at Montville in 1884. 
She died 2 Jan., 1ST."), without issue. 

112. Sarah, b. 2 Nov., 1798; m. 11 Nov., 1828, Barthol- 

omew C. Baxter, b. 8 March, 1800, al New Lon- 
don, < ''>nn. lie was a druggist at Xew London until 
1855, when he. with his family removed to Bethle- 
hem, Pa.: both are dead. Thev had two children, 
Sophia Nichols, b. 6 Sept., 1829. She received 
the bulk <»f the property ;it his death. She was liv- 
ing at Xew York in 1S9C>; and Richard, l>. I MGarch, 
1831. He nurried in California, 2S April, 1858, 
Emma G. Dutch, b. 15 Jan.. 1835, at Xew York. 
Thev had two children, Richard Bradford, b. 28 
Jan., 1859, and George James, b. 11 June, 1861. 

VI. WILLIAM (83), b. 30 Jan., 1772, son of Samuel 
Bradford and Bridget Comstock; m. 24 Jan., 1796, Lartihe- 
ni:i daughter of Perez Bradford and Betsey Rogers. Was a 
farmer, and lived at Montville. She died 20 T)e •., 1796. 
He afterwards married, 30 Jan., 1803, Hannah, daughter of 
John Dolbeare and Sarah Raymond. He died 11 Jan., In Hi. 
She died 3 Oct.. im;t. 

Child by Plarthenia. 

113. Parthenia, b. 4 Dec., L796; m. Henry Church. They 

had one daughter, Betsey, who married ( 'harles 
Waterman of Norwich. Their daughter, Kate 
Waterman, married (diaries II. Cobb of Norwich, 

who died suddenly, June, 1878, and suspicion of 
poison by his wife was thought to he the cause of 
his death. His stomach and liver were analyzed, 
and found to contain arsenic of sufficient quantity 
to produce death. She was arraigned, and tried 
in the Superior Court for the murder of her hus- 



BRADFORD FAMILIES. 401 

band. She was foamd guilty, and sentenced to con- 
finement in the State Prison during her life. 

Children by Hannah. 

114. Jennett, b. 10 Dec, 1803; died 16 Oct., 1827, mini. 

115. John Dolbeare, b. 7 May, 1806; m. Susan Fitch. 

116. William B., b. 1 Feb., 1808; living in 1896, limn. 

117. Samuel P., b. 23 April, 1810; died 2 Dec., 1861, mini. 

118. Benjamin Franklin, b. 1818; m. Nancy Pratt. 

VI. ADOXIJAH FITCH (100), b. 9 Aug., 1771, son 
of Perez Bradford and Betsey Hegel's; married 27 April, 1794, 
Sarah Dolbeare, daughter of John Dolbeare and Sarah Ray- 
mond. He was a farmer, and settled in Montville. He rep- 
resented the town in the state legislature in 1800. 

Children. 

119. Perez Fitch, b. 23 Feb., 1795; died unm. 

120. John Dolbeare, b. 28 Aug., 1797; m. twice; died in 

Vineland, N. J. 

121. Sarah Sherwood, b. 8 Nov., 1799; m. Captain Gurdon 

Allyn of Led yard. 

122. Betsey Rogers, b. 7 July, 1802; m. 7 Aug., 1836, 

George Andrews of Boston, b. 31 May, 1805; died 
29 May, 1877. She died 1844. Had daughter, 
Mary Leonard, b. at Boston 27 Sept., 1837; m. 24 
Jan., 1857, Frank Robinson. 

VI. THOMAS (102), b. 16 Nov., 1776, son of Benja- 
min Bradford and Parthenia Rogers; married 23 April, 1806, 
Mercy, daughter of Elisha Fox and Anna Fitch. He was a 
farmer, and settled first in New Salem Society, in North Par- 
ish (now Salem, Conn.). 

Children. 

123. Parthenia R., b. 13 Jan., 1807; m. George Barker of 

Hebron. They had one son, George M., b. 4 March, 
1845. 



26 



402 HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 

124. Rachel, 1). 3 April, 1808; m. Elisha Bolles. 

125. Anna F., b. 22 Nov., 1800; m. Aaron Bogue in L835. 

126. Elisha B., b. 22 Sept., 1811; in. Thankful T. Fanner, 

30 May, 1838. He was a methodist minister and 
at one time was located at Uncasville. lie after- 
wards removed to Massachusetts, and was living at 
Hyde Park in 1884. He had three children, Wil- 
liam Fish, b. 27 March, L839; died October 1. L839; 
Anetta Faunce, b. 29 Oct., 1841; m. (diaries A. 
House; Ella Albertine, b. 20 March, L846; m. Wa- 
terman Jl. Burnham of Norwich, I Dee., 1883. He 

died ill 1895. 

127. Mary E., b. 18 June, L815;m. Alphonse Rene. 

VT. JAMES FITCH (86), b. 1 May, L767, son of .loin. 
Bradford and Mary Fitch; married l 1 Dec., L790, Mary Mer- 
win. daughter of of Goshen, Conn. 

Ee was apprenticed at the age of fourteen to a tenner and 
shoemaker in Montville, and served seven years, when be re- 
moved to ( lornwall, ( Jonn., where his children were born, and 
where he died in Dec., L837. She died 20 Dec., 1828. 

Children. 

129. Laura, b. 22 Dec., 1792; m. Lyman Fox, 28 Jan., 18 1 3. 

130. Mary, b. 25 Sept., 1794; m. Sherwood Williams, 14 

Dec., 1813. 
L31. Merwin, b. 10 June, 1797; died in infancy. 
132. Emeline, b. 23 Aug., 1798; m. William Marsh, M.D. 
L33. John, b. 8 July, 1801; m. Lucretia Harrison, 28 Sept., 

1829. 
L34. Fowler, twin of John, m. Charlotte Belden, 31 May, 

L831. 

135. Charlotte, b. 5 Sept., 1803; m. Edwin Rugg, 29 May, 

1832. 

136. James Fitch, b. 2 Sept., 1805; m. Catherine C'atlin, 

22 Dee., 1830. 

137. Eleanor, b. 28 March, 1809; m. John E. Harrison. 

138. Vri, b. 13 Feb., 1811; m. Charlotte Hubbard. 

139. Sarah M., b. 14 April, 1813; m. Edwin Rugg, 28 Nov., 

1837. 



BRADFORD FAMILIES. 403 

140. Benjamin, b. 25 Feb., 1815; m. Eebecca Jackson; died 
24 Dec., 1866. 

VII. SAMUEL SHERWOOD (105), b. 11 April, 1804, 
son of Samuel Bradford and Abby Dolbea.re; married 22 Feb., 
1830, Abby Branch, daughter of Moses Branch of Preston. 
He was a farmer 'and carpenter, and settled at Moutville. He 

died 6 Jan., 1891. 

Children. 

128. Samuel Denison, b. 5 Jan., 1832; m. Adelia Hyde, 
daughter of Harlem Hyde of Norwich; they had 
four children, May, b. 16 Aug., 1863; George, b. 6 
May, 1868; Julia Ann, and Jennie Abby; the last 
two were twins, and born 29 March, 1874. 



OTIS FAMILIES. 

John Otis was bora in Glastonbury, Somerset, England, 
ir 1581. lie was the son of Richard Otis of Glastonbury, 
County of Somerset, England, who, in his will, dated 17 of 
November, KJi 1, mentions sons, Stephen, John, and Thomas, 
and two daughters, leaving a wife. He came t<> \'ew England 
and settled at Bingham, Mass.. and drew house Lots in the firsl 
division of lands in that town in 1 <;:'>:>, and is the ancestor of the 
families by the name of Otis that firsl Bettled in New London 
and Colchester, Conn, lie was a substantia] yeoman, and 
probably Left his country on account of the persecutions of 
the Puritan-, accompanied by his pastor, Rev. Peter Eobert, 
a staunch non-conforming clergyman. 

It has nnt been ascertained with certainty when lie landed 
mi the New England shores, or in whose company he came 
The first that is known his name appears among the twenty- 
nine associates of Rev. Peter Hobert, who drew house lots on 
the L8th of September, L 63 5, at Elingham. He took the free- 
man's oath 3d of March, 1635-6. His place of residence at 
Bingham was at Otis Hill, still so called. Air. Otis was mar- 
ried to his first wife, Margaret, in England, and she died at 
Elingham June, L653. lie then removed to Weymouth and 
married a second wife, who survived him, hut her name does 
not appear. I Insert's journal records the death of Mr. Otis 
" at Wainionth. May 31, 1657," aged 76 years. His will is 
dated at Weymouth the day previous to his death and was 
proved 28th of July in the same year. 

( /hildren. 

2. John, 1). in England, 14 Jan., 1622; m. Mary Jacobs. 

3. Margaret, b. in England, ; m. Thomas Burton. 



OTIS FAMILIES. 405 

4. Hannan, b. in England, ; m. Thomas Gill. 

5. Ann, b. in England. 
(3. Alice, 1). 

II. JOHN" (2), b. 14 January, 1622, son of John Otis 

and Margaret ; married in 1652-3, Mary, daughter 

of Nicholas Jacobs, who came over in 1633. He accompanied 
his parents in their emigration to New England, and settled 
at Hingham. In 1661 he removed to Scitnate, where he re- 
ceived a grant of land; in 1678 he went to Barnstable. He 
left there his son, John, returned and died at Scitnate, 16th of 
January, 1683. His monument is in the old burying-gronnd 
in " meeting-house lane," one mile south of the harbor. 

Children. 

7. Mary, bap. in 1653; m. Col. John Gorham, 1604, and 

had 5 sons and 4 daughters. 

8. Elizabeth, b. ; m. 1st, Thomas Allen, 1688; 

2d, David Loring, 1699. 

9. John, b. , 1657; m. Mercy Bacon, 1683. 

10. Hannah, b. , 1660. 

11. Stephen, b. , 1661; m. Hannah Ensign, 1685. 

12. James, b. , 1663; he joined the Canada expedition 

under Sir William Phipps; was at the taking of Port 
Eoyal, and was killed in the attack on Quebec 

13. Joseph, b. , 1665; m. Dorothy Thomas. 

14. Job, b. 20 March, 1667; m. Mary Little. 

III. JOHN (9), b. in 1657, son of John Otis and Mary 
Jacobs; m. 18 July, 1683, Mary Bacon. He settled at Barn- 
stable, and his talents soon made him one of the most respect- 
able and trustworthy men in the country. He was employed 
in a variety of trusts, which he discharged with fidelity and 
skill. For twenty years he was representative to the general 
court; above eighteen years commander of the militia of the 
comity; for thirteen years chief justice of the court of com- 
mon pleas, and first judge of probate. In 1706 he was chosen 
one of the Majesty's council, and set at the honorable board 



40(3 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

twenty-one years, rill death gave him a discharge from every 
labor and laid his earthly honors in the dust. He died 23d of 
September, L727, aged 70 years. 

Children. 

L5. Mary, 1». 10 Dec, 1685; m. Little. 

16. John, 1). 14 Jan., 1687; m. Grace Hayman. 

17 Nathaniel, b. 28 May, 1690; m. Abigail Russell. 

is. Mercy, b. L5 Oct., 1693. 

1!). Solomon, !>. 13 Oct., 1696; m. Jane Turner. 

20. James, b. 14 June, L702; in. Mary Allyne. 

111. JOSEPH (13), b. 1665, son of John Otis and Mary 
Jacobs; married 20th of November, 1688, Dorothy, daughter 
of Nathaniel Thomas of Marshiiekl. Her ancestors succes- 
sively owned and resided on the estate, afterwards the home 
of lion. Daniel AYebster. He held many offices of responsi- 
bility and trust in his native place ( Scil nate). He held the 
oilice of judge of the court of common pleas for Plymouth 
eonnty from L703 to 1711. In 1710 lie was elected, under 
the governor's orders, representative to the general court, and 
again in 171 3. lie held also offices in the town. Judge Otis 
is spoken of by his contemporaries " as a gentleman of great 
integrity, a judicious and useful citizen." It was said of him 
-non after his death, "He was a Christian upon principle, a 
public, spiritual, and useful man, distinguished by talents of 
the solid, judicial, and useful, rather than of the brilliant and 
showy kind. He was large in stature, his countenance solemn 
and serene, frank and open in his manners, of ready wit and 
s.mnd understanding. As a private individual, he had the 
union of simple dignity and benevolent courtesy which mark 
the gentleman." 

He removed to New London, North Parish (now Mont- 
ville), in 1721, his sons, and probably some of his daughters, 
having removed here in advance of their parents. In 1714 
he purchased land of Capt. Samuel Gilbert, being a farm of 



OTIS FAMILIES. 407 

230 acres, lying in the eastern part of Colchester, now Salem, 
for £770. This land he afterwards conveyed by deed of gift 
to his son, Nathaniel. He also purchased a tract of 650 acres 
of James Harris, lying in the North Parish of New London, 
" adjoining the pond called Obplintksok," now Gardner's 
Lake. This land was first purchased by Thomas Stanton of 
Stonington of Oneco, 11th of November, 1698, and by him 
conveyed to Lieut. James Harris. After his removal to the 
North Parish he was much in public employment; moderator 
of town meetings and on parish and church committees almost 
yearly. He died at North Parish 11th of June, 1754, greatly 
lamented. She died 18th of February, 1755. 

Children. 

21. Nathaniel, b. at Scituate 30 Jan., 1689-90; m. Hannah 

Thacher. 

22. James, b. at Scituate 21 Jan., 1692-3; m. Sarah Tudor. 

23. Deborah, b. 24 April, 1694; m. David Copp. 

24. Mary, b. 20 March, 1695-6; m. John Thompson. 

25. Dorothy, b. 24 April, 1698; m. 1st, Patrick McCTellan; 

2d, Cary Latham; 3d, John Bissel. 

26. Elizabeth.'b. 2 Sept., 1700; m. Luke Lincoln. 

27. Ann, b. 21 Sept., 1702; m. Robert McClelland. 

28. Bethia, b. 20 Nov., 1703; m. 1st, Rev. Mr. Billings; 

2d, Rev. Mr. Moreley. 

29. Delight, b. 19 Dec, 1706; m. Jabez Lathrop. 

30. Hannah, b. 10 Dec, 1709; died in 1725. 

31. Joseph, b. 1 Oct., 1712; m. Elizabeth Little. 

32. Rachel, b. 1 Dec, 1713; m. Jonathan Harris. 

IY. JAMES (20), b. 14 June, 1702, son of John Otis 
and Mary Bacon; married Mary Allen, b. in 1702, at Ply- 
month. She was connected with the founders of the old 
colony, who came over in the Mayflower. Judge Otis was 
a lawyer, colonel, and judge. He was distinguished for his 
knowledge of law, and rose to be a man of great distinction 
and influence, of superior genius and native energy of mind, 
to which he was more indebted than a regular education for 



408 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

the acquirements he possessed. lie was elected a member of 
the Provincial Legislature in 1758, made speaker of the House 
in 1760, and continued in that office two years. In 1763 he 
was appointed judge of probate. His name has been fre- 
quently mentioned in terms of highest esteem as a compeer 
with Adams, Quincy, and Hancock. He settled at Barn- 
stable, and died there the 9th of November, 1778. 

( Ihildren. 

.'!•'!. .lames, 1>. ."> Feb., 1721-5; m. Ruth Cunningham. 

34. Joseph, b. March, L725-6; m. 1st, Rebecca Sturgis; 

2d, Maria Walter. I Ie was for many years a clerk 
• •I' the court of fon i mi iii pleas, a mem her of t lie legis- 
lature, and brigadier-general. President Washing- 
ton appointed him collector of customs for the dis- 
trict of Barnstable, which office he held for many 
years. He had by both wives fifteen children. He 
died 21 September, L810. 

35. Mercy, b. 11 Sept., L728;*m; Gen. dames Warren of 

Plymouth, a lineal descendant of Richard Warren, 
who came over in the Mayflower. 

36. Mary, b. 9 Sept., L730; m. John Gray. 

37. Hannah, b. 33 July, L732. 

38. Nathaniel, b. 9 July, L734; probably died young. 

39. Abigail, b. 30 June, 1738; died young. 

40. Elizabeth, b. f Sept., 1739. 

41. Samuel Allvn. b. 24 Nov., L740; m. 1st, Elizabeth 

Gray; 2d, Mary < rray. 

42. Sarah, b. 11 April, 1712; died in infancy. 

43. Nathaniel, b. 9 April, L743; died 30 April, 1763. 

IV. NATHANIEL (21), b. 30 January, 1689-90, son 
of Joseph Otis and Dorothy Thomas; married Hannah, daugh- 
ter of Col. John Th ache r of Yarmouth. He removed to 
Colchester about 1716, and settled on land which Ins father 
purchased of Capt. Samuel Gilbert. On this land he erected 
a dwelling-house, which is still standing, and which has been 
the residence of four successive generations. He held numer- 
ous offices in the town of Colchester, and died there the 15th 



OTIS FAMILIES. 409 

of April, 1771, aged 81 years. She died the 6th of May, 1780, 
aged 90 years. 

Children. 

44. Lydia, b. 20 Jan., 1716-17'; m. 1st, Abner Kellogg; 

2d, Capt. Amos Thomas. 

45. Hannah, b. 20 Feb., 1717-18; m. Benajah McCall. 

46. Dorothy, b. 16 April, 1721; m. 1st, Asahel Bigelow; 

2d, Isaac Day; 3d, Joseph Langrill. 

47. Desire, b. 20 May, 1723; m. Dea. Ichabod Bartlett. 

48. Nathaniel, b. 20 Aug., 1725, at Colchester; and died 

24 Jan., 1740-1. He was pursuing his studies pre- 
paratory to a collegiate course with Rev. David 
Jewett of Montville, when, one day, he ruptured a 
blood vessel, cutting' wood in strife with another 
young man. His death soon followed, and his re- 
mains were taken to Colchester and interred in the 
• old burying-ground at that place. 

49. Delight, b. ; died young. 

50. John, b. 1 April, 1728; m. Prudence Taintor. 

51. Mercy, b. 3 July, 1734; m. Nathaniel Bartlett, 

IV. JAMES (22), 1). 21 Jan., 1692, son of Joseph Otis 
and Dorothy Thomas; married Sarah Tudor of Xew York. 
He died at Saybrook, 1754. She died at Colchester, 15 Feb., 
LY88, aged 91 years. 

Children. 

52. James, b. , 1714. He was accidentally killed at 

a military parade at Xew London, at the age of 21 
years. He had just been elected captain of the 
company, and in the careless discharge of fire-arms 
used on such occasions, he received a musket-charge 
in his head, killing him instantly. 

53. John, b. , 1732; m. Lucy Darrow. 

54. Elizabeth, b. ; m. Jonathan Bigelow. 

55. Stephen, b. 30 Sept., 1738; m., in 1762, Lucy Chandler 

of Duxberry. She was born in 1738, and died 4 
March, 1837, at the great age of 98 years, 8 months, 
and 2 days. They lived at Colchester, where they 
had eleven children born. He was in the old French 
war under General Putnam, was stationed at Fort 



410 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Stanwix, and was al the taking of Montreal. He 
was also a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and 
saw the burning of New London. He died at Hali- 
fax. Vt., aged 93 years. 

IV. JOSEPH (31), b. 1 Oct., L712, son of Joseph Otis 
and Dorothy Thomas; married Elizabeth, daughter of David 
Little of Scituate, and sister of Rev. Mr. Little, a former 
minister of Colchester. He settled in North Parish (now 
Montville); was a tanner. He lived on the farm afterwards 
owned by Nathaniel Comstock, on Raymond Hill. He united 
with the church under the pastorate of Rev. dames Hillhouse, 
Oct. 1, 1732, and was chosen an elder of the church in -lam, 
L749-50. lie was afterwards chosen a deacon. He died in 
L793. 

( Ihildren. 

50. Joseph, b. 11 An-., 17:;!); m. 1st, Lucy Haughton; 2d, 
Widow Carew of Norwich; 3d, Abigail Hurlburt. 

57. Elizabeth, 1». 11 Oct., 174<>; m. Joseph Chester. 

58. Nathaniel, b. 26 March, 1742; m. Amy Gardner. 
.v.i. David, 1). :; June, L743; m. Mary Day. 

60. Mabel, 1>. -'51 Am;., L745; m. Jesse Woodworth. 

01. Marcy, 1>. 5 dune, 1747; m. Perrin Ross. 

62. Dorothy, b. , L749; died young. 

63. James, b. 26 June, 1751; m. Sarah Holmes. 

(54. Jonathan, b. 1 March, L753. He entered the service 
during the Revolutionary war, and was slain in the 
memorable massacre of Wyoming, '-'> July, 1778. 
He was ensign in the Plymouth company, com- 
manded by ('apt. Asaph Whittlesey. 

65. Dorothy, b. 24 Feb., L755. 

66. Olive, b. 14 Jan., 1757. 

07. Barnabas, b. , 175!); removed to Ohio. 

68. Shubael, b. 6 Dec., 1760. He entered the service dur- 

ing the Revolutionarv war, and was killed at Rhode 
Island. 

69. William, b. , 1762; m. and settled in the state of 

New York. 



OTIS FAMILIES. 411 

V. JAMES (33), b. 5 Feb., 1721-5, son of James Otis 
and Mary Allyn; married 1755, Ruth Cunningham. The 
life of James Otis, " The Patriot," has been given to the 
world in a variety of forms. Before the year 1770 no Ameri- 
can, Dr. Franklin, only, excepted, who was so much known 
throughout the colonies and England as James Otis. For 
ten years, in the struggle for liberty, he was looked upon as 
the safeguard and ornament of the cause, and the splendor 
of his intellect threw into the shade all the great contemporary 
lights. The cause of American Independence was for a long- 
time identified abroad with the name of Otis. In the year 
1761 he distinguished himself by pleading against the " Writs 
of Assistance." He was a member of the " Stamp Act Con- 
gress,"' held in Xew York in 1765. 

Besides his legal and political knowledge, he was a com- 
plete master of classical literature. Such was the strong 
hatred towards him by the Royalists, that one day he was 
attacked by one of that party, cruelly beaten, his head cut 
open, and, when found, was bleeding and faint, a spectacle of 
ruin, and was but the wreck of what he once had been. His 
wounds, though not fatal, had destroyed his reason, and the 
great man was no longer feared by the enemies of liberty. He 
lived several years after this brutal attack, but a melancholy 
monument to his friends. The manner of his death was a 
singular coincidence with a wish he had often expressed to his 
sister, Mrs. Warren. 

" My dear sister: I hope when God Almighty, in right- 
eous providence, shall take me out of time into eternity, that 
it will be by a flash of lightning." 

This was a singular wish, and what is still more singular, 
that wish was granted. On the 23d day of May, 1783, as he 
was standing at the door of a house in Andover, Mass., he was 
instantly killed by a stroke of lightning. Mr. Adams, then 
minister to France, after hearing of the death of the patriot, 
wrote : 



412 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

kk It is with very afflicting sentiments I learned the death 
of Mr. Otis, my worthy master. Extraordinary in death, as 
in life, he has left a character that will never die while the 
memory of the American Revolution remains; whose founda- 
tion he laid with an energy, and with those masterly abilities 
which no other man possessed." 

His historian, Tudor, says: " The future historian of the 
United States, in considering the foundation of American inde- 
pendence, will find thai one of the corner-stones must he in- 
scribed with the name of James Otis. Shi' died L5 Nov., 
ITS!), aged 60 years. 

< 'hildren. 

70. -lames, 1). , IT.")."). He entered at the beginning 

of the Revolutionary War as a volunteer midship- 
mam and died, it is snid, on board the "Jersey 
Prison Ship/' in 1 777. 

71. Elizabeth, 1>. ; m. ('apt. Brown, an 

officer in the English army. She left the country 
with her husband during the war. She was living 
a widow in England in L821. Her alliance with 
the British officer deeply offended her father, and 
in his will he left her bul live shillings. 

72. Mary, b. ; m. Benjamin Lincoln, the eldest son 

of Genera] Lincoln of Revolutionary notoriety. She 
possessed fine talents and an agreeable character, 
and died at Cambridge in 1 s <»»'>, leaving two sons, 
Benjamin and James Otis. 

V. JOHN (50), b. 1 April, L728, son of Nathaniel Otis 
and Hannah Thacher: married 20 Dei-., 17.M>, Prudence, 
daughter of Michael Taintor and Eunice Foot of Colchester, 
b. 1) Dec, 1729. He was a farmer and land surveyor. lie 
resided in Coleliester and held numerous offices in the town. 
He died 24 Oct., 1804. She died 7 June, 1823. 

Children. 

73. Hannah, b. 24 Feb., 17:»l-2; m. Martin Kellogg. 

74. Nathaniel, b. 19 Jan., 1753-4; m. Mary Foot. 



OTIS FAMILIES. 413 

75. Sarah, b. 24 May, 1755; m. Isaac Foot. 

70. Ann, b. 15 March, 1757; m. Daniel Wattles. 

77. John Th.ach.er, b. 31 Oct., 1758; m. Louisa Pomeroy. 

78. Charles, b. 29 Oct., 1700; m. Elizabeth (Gould) Sweet- 

land. 
70. Prudence, b. 23 Nov., 1702; m. Ambrose Dutton. 
SO. Mercy, b. 17 Sept., 1704; m. 1st, Daniel Cone; 2d, 

Amos Skeel, M.D. 

81. James, b. 6 June, 1707; m. Dorothy Foot. 

82. Eunice, b. 28 Xov., 1770; m. Daniel Gardner. 
.83. David, b. 20 Aug., 1773: m. Anna Fowler. 

84. Amos, b. 18 April, 1770; m. Huntley. 

V. JOSEPH (50), b. 11 Aug., 1730, son of Joseph Otis 
and Elizabeth Little; married 1st, Lucy Haughton, 4 Feb., 

17 til, daughter of Sampson Haughton; 2, Widow 

Carew; and 3d, Abigail Hurlburt. His last wife survived 
him. He died at Westfield, Conn., in 1823. 

Children by Lucy. 

85. Joseph, 1). , 1768; m. Nancy Huntington. 

86. James, b. , 1770; died in 1791. 

87. Oliver, b. , 1773. 

88. Shubael, b. , 1770; m. 1st, Abigail Thomas. 
80. A daughter, m. Benjamin Snow of Norwich. 

V. XATIIAXIEL (58), b. 20 .March, 1742, son of 
Joseph Otis and Elizabeth Little; married, about 1704, Amy, 
daughter of David Gardner and Jemima Gustin. He settled 
at Montville in Xew Salem Society (now in the town of Salem), 
his farm lying on the west side of Gardner Lake. He was a 
member of the Congregational church in Montville, an ex- 
emplary, devoted Christian man, commanding well his house- 
hold, both by example and precept. He was very strict in his 
attendance upon divine worship, living, as he did, several miles 
from the meeting-house; he was always found at his post in the 
church, whether it rained or the sun shone, unless prevented 
by sickness. He was chosen deacon in 1770, and continued 
in the office until his death. Deacon Otis died with his son, 



414 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

David G. Otis, at Waterford, 7 March, 1832, aged 92 years. 
She received a stroke of lightning about the year L795, the 
lightning striking the dwelling where they lived, which pros- 
trated her, she remaining unconscious for a time, and never 
fully recovered from the shock, but lived about twenty years, 
and died •'!<> Aug., L815, aged 71 years. 

Children. 

90. Nathaniel, b. 25 Feb., L765; m. Martha Gates. 

91. Ames, 1). 27 Aug., 17<»<»; vvas drowned in Gardner 

Lake 27 May, 1786. 

92. Asahel, b. 1 May, L768; m. Mary Chester. 

93. Elcy, b. 3 July, 177"; died in L795, nnin. 

94. Mabel, b. 28 April, L772; m. 1st, Isaiah Rogers; 2d, 

( larpenter. 

95. [saac, b. 18 April, J 774; drowned with his brother, 

Am os. 

96. David G., b. 1 May, L776; in. Nancy Perry. 

97. Shubael, b. 2 May. L778; died 25 Ana.. L840, unm. 

98. Amy, b. 25 June, L782; m. Oliver Baker. 

99. Joseph, b. 1 May, L784; died young. 

LOO. Elizabeth, b. 26 May, 17>7; m. John Williams. 
101. Anna. 1>. 23 April, L789; m. Samuel Harris. 

VI. NATHANIEL (74), b. in Jan., L753-4, son of John 

Otis and Prudence Taintor; m. 5 Nov., 1778, Mary, daughter 
of Israel Fool and Elizabeth Kimberly, l>. 3 April, 1752. He 

resided at Hartford tw ■ three years, and then removed to 

New London. His name appears on the records as "Sur- 
veyor of land for New London county." lie was stationed at 
Horse Neck during a part of the Revolutionary war. He died 
in the peace of the Christian at Xew London, is March, L834, 
aged 81 year-. She died there 14 Nov., L837, aged 85 years. 

( Jhildren. 

L02. Mary, b. 25 Aug., 1779. 
in:;. Israel, b. 28 June, 1781. 

104. Asa, 1>. 16 Feb., 1786. lie was never married. At 
the age of eighteen he entered upon the mercantile 



OTIS FAMILIES. 415 

career as a clerk in a New York wholesale house. 
Some years later, in Connecticut with his cousin, 
Joseph Otis, the founder of the Otis Library in 
Norwich, he established a wholesale auction and 
commission business in New York and Richmond, 
Va. The firm name was Joseph tfc Asa Otis. Ill- 
ness compelled Joseph to retire from the firm. 
Subsequently the firm became Otis, Dunlop Mor- 
com & Co. About the year 1835 Asa also retired 
from the firm and returned to New London, where 
lie resided until his death. Mr. Otis did not en- 
gage in active business after his removal to New 
London, but permitted his ample fortune, which he 
had accumulated in business, to remain in stock and 
bond investment, from which his income is said 
to have been $00,000 per annum. He was con- 
nected with the First Church of Christ (Episcopal) 
in New London, and gave largely to the building 
fund. It was his custom to make an annual gift of 
$1,000 to the A. B. C. F. M. In his last will he 
gave the most of his property to that society, amount- 
ing to over one million of dollars. His death 
was as the burning out of a candle; he passed 
away calmlv, in the full possession of his faculties, 
in the 94th year of his age. He was, at the 
time of his death, the oldest, citizen of New Lon- 
don, as well as the wealthiest. The shining charac- 
teristic of this nonagenarian's life was his probity, 
liis uncompromising integrity. This probity of 
personal character was the foundation and security 
of his great fortune. He began and continued 
honest. He never swerved or deviated to the frac- 
tion of a dollar. His truth and worth were ap- 
preciated by the commercial world, and that ap- 
preciation was constantly tributary to his increasing 
affluence. He was a man of sterling good sense, 
excellent judgment, of simple and quiet Christian 
enjoyment. His life had the snotlessness of marble 
and the simplicitv of granite. He died 

VI. JOHN THAOHER (77), b. 31 Aug., 1758, son of 
John Otis and Prudence Taintor; married 9 Sept., 1782, 



416 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Louisa Pomeroy. Ee resided in Colchester and was a patriot 
of the Revolution. On the news of the battle of Lexington, 
then less than eighteen years of age, lie sought the first oppor- 
tunity l-« show his patriotism, and started with a small hand 
and joined the American army at Cambridge. He was at 
< 'oiicord among those, who, on the night of the 4th of March, 
helped to take possession of Dorchester Heights. lie was in 
one or two engagements at the battle of Stillwater, and at the 
surrender of Burgoyne. lie bore honorable testimony to the 
courage of Putnam at Cambridge, that he was brave and true 
to hi- country. His life was active, his character energetic, 
and he was systematically devoted to the great end of existence 
and the duties of life As an officer in the church he was 

\i'\-y useful. He died at Colchester, L8 Sept., 1842. She 
died 3 I >ec, I s-'!7. aged 77 year-. 

( hildren. 

llC. Sarah, b. 9 May, 17s I. 

106. John Thacher, b. 4 Ann-., 17s<'>. 

L07. Louise, b. 27 dune, 1 788. 

IDs. Charles Pomeroy, b. 22 April. 1790. He graduated 
at Yale < 'ollege in L829, and was principal of Bacon 
Academy ten years. He died 7 dam, 1837. 

L09. Eunice, b. 29 March. 1794; died 30 hoc, 1814. 

110. Dolly, b. 13 Aug., 1798. 

111. [srael Taintor, b. •"» duly, 1&05. lie graduated at 

Williams College in 1828, and at Andover in 1S34. 
He was a minister and settled at Rye, X. II. 

VI. DAVID (83), b. 20 August, 1773, son of John Otis 

and Prudence Taintor; married 25 Nov.. 1802, Anna Fowler, 

b. 28. I ,,,.,., 1783, daughter of Capt. Amos Fowler of Lebanon. 

He lived a life of piety and died in faith and hope on the loth 

of May, 1847. 

Children. 

112. Alfred, b. 1 March, 1804; m. Sophia Jane Worthing- 

ton. 

113. ( darissa Fowler, 1). 17 Aug., 1805; m. Otis Skeel. 



OTIS FAMILIES. 417 

1 1 4. Rhoda Emeline, b. 27 July, 1 807 ; m. Ambrose Dutton. 

115. Orrin Fowler, b. 8 May, 1810. 

116. Benjamin F., b. 20 Nov., 1811; m. Frances Jane Clark. 

117. Harriet Newell, b. 22 March, 1814. 
lis. Horatio Nelson, b. 24 July, 1816. 
119. Sarah Rebecca, b. 21 July, 1823. 

YI. JOSEPH (85). b. July, 1708, son of Joseph Otis 
and Lucy Haughton, daughter of Sampson Haughton and 
Nancy Huntington of Norwich. Mr. Otis was a native of 
Norwich, born at Yantic, near the site of Williams Woolen 
Mill. At a very early age he went into the mercantile busi- 
ness at the " Landing," and as soon as he reached maturity 
entered into trade on his own account, He was successful in 
business at Charleston, S. 0., New York, Norwich, and again 
in New York, where the greater part of his mercantile career 
was spent, He was connected with the Duane Street Presby- 
terian church, where he officiated as elder. He was the founder 
of "Otis Library" in Norwich. Its first cost was about 
$10,500, and in his will lie left $0,500 more, to be funded for 
the future use of the library. He died at Norwich. She 
died there 27 Aug., 1844. No children. 

YI. ASAHEL (92), b. 1 May, 1768, son of Nathaniel 
Otis and Amy Gardner; married 15 Jan., 1792, Mary, daugh- 
ter of Joseph Chester and Elizabeth Otis. He settled at Mont- 
ville, a farmer, and lived on the farm which he afterwards 
gave to his daughter, Mary Dorchester, since called the " Dor- 
chester Place." He died 12 Jan., 1837. She died 4 Jan., 

1834. 

Children. 

120. Joseph, b. 24 Sept., 1792; m. Nancy Billings. 

121. Charles, b. 4 Oct., 1795. 

122. Levi, b. 5 Sept., 1798; m. Nancy Bishop, 1823. 

123. Marvan, b. 22 Dec, 1800; m. Rev. Daniel Dorchester. 

124. Asahel Jackson, b. 4 April, 1803 ; m. Mary Ann Allen. 

YI. DAYID GARDNER (96), b. 1 May, 1776, son of 

27 



418 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Nathaniel Otis and Amy Gardner; married Nancy Perry, 1>. 
L5 Aug., 177!). lie first resided a1 Waterford, near" Prospect 
Hill," and afterwards removed to Salem, a farmer. His last 
years were spent at East Lyme. Tie was of firm integrity, 
kind and generous to the poor. He was greatly respected by 
his fellow citizens. He died at East Lyme, o<> Dec, L861. 
She died L6 May, L866. 

Children. 

L25. Kiev Ann, l». 12 An-., 17!»«.); m. Giles Miner in 1 S 10. 

L26. Ruth Perry, b. L9 May, L801 ; died 26 Oct., 1877, mini. 

L27. Anstrus G., b. 1~> Nov., 1803; in. Alfred Loomis, L825. 

128. Amy Baker, b. 17 June, 1805; died 19 Feb., 188:5, num. 

L29. Frances Eliza, b. 23 Feb., L807; died 20 Aug., 1876, 
num. 

L30. David Perry, b. 28 Feb., L809; m. 1st. Hannah Corn- 
stock; 2d, Julia Ann Florence, lie died 30 Dec, 
I mm>. She died -I Feb., L892. 

L31. John Darius, b. 25 March, L815; m. Harriet X. Tur- 
ner. He died at Hartford 28 July, 1891. 



STEBBINS FAMILY. 

John Stebbins appears to have been among the first settlers 
of New London. lie is mentioned as one of the advance 
party who were engaged in laving out and fencing lots as 
early as 1 645. That year it is said that he mowed the meadows 
at upper Mamacock. 

" John Stnbens and Robert Hempsteed are chosen to view 
the fences for this year (1647)-" 

" 22 Feb., 1648 (49), The inhabitants of Pequit plantation 
have chosen by a joynt consent Mr. John Winthrop, Robert 
Hempsteed, Carie Latham, John Stnbens, and Thomas Miner 
for this ycare following to act in all towne affaires as well in 
the disposing of lands as in other prudentiall occasions for the 
towne." 

His house-lot lay northwest of John Winthrop's, on the 
upper part of what are now Williams street and Main street. 

" At a town meeting at Namearke, the 25th of Feb., 1649 
(50), John Stubbins is chosen Constable for the towne Nam- 
earke." 

In 1652 a small island ' - at the mouth of Mistick," con- 
taining near twenty acres of marsh, was granted to Robert 
Hempsteed and John Stebbins. At a town meeting held Nov. 
29, 1669, John Stebbins, William Hough, Clement Miner, 
and Isaac Willey were chosen to lay out the " Kings highway 
between New London and the head of the Niantick river." 

In one deposition on record at New London his age is said 
to be sixty in 1661, and in another seventy in 1675. Where 
the mistake lies cannot be decided. It is probable that he was 
the John Stebbins who had a son born at Watertown in 1640. 
His wife, Margaret, died January 1, 1678-9. Three chil- 
dren are mentioned, John, Daniel, and the wife of Thomas 



420 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Marshall of Hartford. John Stebbins, 2d, was married 
about 1663, to Deborah, supposed to have been the daughter 
of ]\Iilos Moore. Ee died in 1707. Daniel Stebbins mar- 
ried Bethia, daughter of Gideon Comstock. They had a son, 
Christopher, horn 7 July, 1694, and married 22 Dec., 1720, 
Abigail Allen, born about 1706, daughter of Samuel Allen 
and Lydia Eastings. 

( Ihildren. 

2. Lydia, b. * Jan., 172:5; m. Amariah Lyon. 

.'!. Jabez, I). 17 May, 1728; m. Sarah Turner. 

4. Abigail, b. L9 Aug., L730. 

5. Bethia, b. 22 Dee., 17:::.. 

6. Christopher, b. 13 Sept., 1739. 

7. Ann. I.. 1 March, 1712. 

Abigail, the wife of Christopher Stebbins, died 22 duly, 
17")4. Ee afterwards married 1 De<\, 17.V1, Lydia, daughter 
of John Stebbins. Eis daughters, Lydia and Abigail, were 
members of the church in North Parish, and joined there 
during the pastorate of Rev. David Jewett. 

JABEZ (3), son of Christopher Stebbins and Abigail 
Allen; married J!> May, 1748, Sarah, daughter of Thomas 
Turner and Patience Bolles. lie was a farmer and settled in 
North Parish of New London. His farm was located on the 
old ( lolchester road, which led from New London to ( Jolchester. 

Children. 

8. Joanna, b. 29 Nov., 174!); in. William Maples. 

9. Lydia, b. 14 Feb., 1750; m. Joseph Adams of Groton. 

10. Edward, b. 16 Nov., 1751; in. Ann Bishop. 

11. Patience, b. 27 Jan., 1754; m. Joseph Chapel. 

12. A biuail, b. 6 Feb., 1758; m. John Mc Knight. 

13. Sarah, b. 2 April, 1704; m. Adams, had son, 

( Ihristopher. 

14. Christopher, b. 8 Feb., 1766. Removed to Augusta, 

Oneida Co., New York. 

15. Jabez, b. 22 May, 1767. Removed to Augusta, Oneida 

Co., New York. 



STEBBINS FAMILIES. 421 

EDWARD (10), son of Jabez Stebbins and Sarah Turner; 
married 13 Jan., 1774, Ann Bishop, b. ; daughter of 

Eleazer Bishop and Ann . He was a farmer and lived 

on the old homestead at Montville. He died 6 April, 1832. 
She died 16 July, 1833. 

Children. 

16. Hannah, b. 20 July, 1775; m. Comstoek Chapel. 

17. Eleazer, b. 4 Nov., 1777. 

18. Turner, b. 6 Feb., 1780; m. 1st, Desire Dart, died 28 

March, 1817; 2d, Rebecca Darrow. 

19. Susanna, b. 28 June, 1782. 

20. Edward, b. 12 Jan., 1785; died 19 Sept., 1805, unm. 

21. Sarah, 1). 26 Jan., 1787; m. Robert Dart. 

22. Bishop, b. 2 April, 1789. 

23. Nancy, b. 20 Feb., 1792; m. Jared Turner. 

24. Lydia, b. 16 Sept., 1794; m. Daniel Darrow. 

25. Mary, b. 26 Nov., 1796; m. Oliver Comstoek. 

26. Selina, b. 3 Jan., 1799; m. Caleb Lyon. 



HILL FAMILIES. 

The earliesl account we have of the ancestor of the Hills, 
who firsl settled a1 New London, and afterwards a1 Mont- 
ville, is of date June 26, L665, when Oharles Hill and Ohris- 
topher Christophus formed a copartnership in trading, it 
being the first of which any record is found in New London. 
They purchased a warehouse that formerly belonged to John 
Tinker on " .Mill Cove," afterwards called Winthrop's Cove. 

Charles Hill, though styled of London, had previously 
been at the South, for in 1668 be assigned bo Robert Prowse, 
merchant, "all my right to a plantation in Maryland, with 
milch cows and small cattle, etc., which have been four years 
jointly owned and cultivated by us." 

Mr. Hill was a girdler by trade. TTe was chosen town 
recorder of New London, Feb. 25, L669-70, and held the office 
until his death. His handwriting was compact, but not dis- 
tinct. I [e was also clerk of the county courl at the time of bis 
decease. 

The name of ( diaries Hi]] appears among others from New 
London, presented to the General Assembly at Hartford, Oct. 
1 1, L669, for freemen and admitted. At the general court, 
held at Hartford, May 12, 1070, an order was passed to em- 
power the court at New London to examine the case relative 
to a Spaniard who was held by Mr. Hill as a servant, and if 
it should appear from evidence that the Spaniard was legally 
purchased by Mr. Hill, the court should empower some per- 
son to provide for his transportation to his native country, 
and a reasonable sum paid to Mr. Hill out of the public treas- 
ury for his time. How this case was disposed of, the records 
do not show. 

Charles Hill was a sou of George Hill of Barley, Derby- 



HILL FAMILIES. 423 

shire, England. This George Hill was probably the one who 
" came from England to Virginia, 20 June, 1635," the record 
says " from the town of Gravesend." He probably settled in 
Virginia or Maryland, and his son Charles coming from the 
South, as the record shows that he formerly resided on a 
plantation in Maryland, and indicates that the connection be- 
tween these persons was that of father and son. 

Charles Hill married first, Kuth (Brewster) Picket, 16 
July, 166S, widow of John Picket of New London, and daugh- 
ter of Jonathan Brewster, whose father, William Brewster, 
was one of the band of Pilgrims that arrived at Plymouth in 
the Mayflower, December, 1620. The son came over in the 
Fortune, which arrived 10 Nov., 1621. Mrs. Hill died with 
her infant child, 30 April, 1677. He afterwards married 
Rachel Mason, 12 June, 1678, daughter of Major John Ma- 
son, deputy governor of the colony. 

She and her infant child died in 1679. He died in Oct., 
1684. 

Children. 

2. Jane, b. 9 Dec, 1669. 

3. Charles, b. 16 Oct., 1671; m. Abigail Fox. 

4. Ruth, b. Oct., 1673; died young. 

5. Jonathan, b. Dec, 1674; m. Mary Sherwood. 

II. CHARLES (3), b. 16 Oct., 1671, son of Charles 
Hill and Ruth (Brewster) Picket; married Abigail Fox, daugh- 
ter of Samuel Fox and Mary Lester. 

Children. 

6. Hannah, b. 8 March, 1704. 

7. Abigail, b. 24 Feb., 1708. 

8. Charles, b. 23 Nov., 1710; m. -Jane Chapman, 8 April, 

1735, and had by her four children: 1st, Abigail, 
b. 4 Feb., 1737-8; 2d, Charles, b. 19 June, 1741; 
died Jan., 1742; 3d, Lucy, b. 9 Nov., 1742; 4th, 
Charles, b. 10 Sept., 1744. 



424 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

II. JONATHAN (5), b. Dec, 1674, son of Charles 
Hill and Ruth (Brewster) Picket; married Mary Sherwood, 
born aboul L672, daug liter of George Sherwood of New Lon- 
don. He settled in the North Parish of New London, now 
Montville, on hind granted to his father by Oneco, son of 
(Jncas, tihe famous chief of the Mohegans. Jonathan Hill 
also occupied lands in the North Parish, which were given bo 
him by Oneco in 1707, in consideration of kindness shown to 
him by Jonathan Hill, in saving the chiefs life, when he 
was in eminent danger of drowning. 'This gift consisted 
of two hundred acres " to be laid out by a surveyor about a 
mile or two west, northerly of the antient Indian fence." In 

17 Hi Governor Saltonstall made < Lplaini to the General 

Assembly of contempl by Jonathan Hill in the house of the 
governor, bul it does not appear that anything further was 
do,,,, in the matter, for in May, 1719, Mr. Hill was chosen 
a deputy for New London, and the governor objected to his 
being allowed to sit as flmcih deputy until he had given the As- 
sembly satisfaction, either of his innocence or repentance, 
but the Lower House resolved that the matter- alleged against 
Mr. Hill were not sufficient to exclude him Erom a seal as 
member of that body, which office lie held until 1722. Mr. 
Hill took much interest in both the church and society af- 
fairs, and matters of the state. He was among the firsl who 
joined the new rhnivh ;it North Parish, Nov. 11, 1722. He 
is reported as being an exhorter in religious meetings, and 
earnest in building up the church. In 1711 Jonathan Hill 
sold to Daniel Wetherel a lot in New London, which his father, 
Charles Hill, owned in his lifetime. He and his brother, 
(diaries Hill, sold their interest in land in New London, which 
was granted to their father, with others, by the town, and was 
undivided to Jonathan Starr and others in 1710. The dis- 
tribution of the estate of Jonathan Hill was received in the 
Probate Court of New London in 1727. It gave to 'his widow 
one-third of the estate, a double portion to his son, Chariot, 



HILL FAMILIES. . 425 

and to each of the other children, viz.: George, John, Jane, 
.Mary, and Ruth, the remainder in equal shares. Chariot, 
the eldest son, was appointed guardian to John, his youngest 
In-other, and he was also administrator on the estate of his 
mother, Mary Hill, in 1733. Jonathan Hill died about 1725. 
Mary, his wife, died in 1733. 

Children. 

9. Jane, bap. 8 March, 1703; m. Abraham Avery. 

10. Ruth, bap. 1 Feb., 1707; m. Jonathan Bushnell. 

11. Mary, bap. 23 April, 1710. 

12. Chariot, bap. 6 June, 1711; died about 1735, unm. 

13. George, bap. 5 April, 1713; m. Johanna Vibber. 

11. John, bap. 11 Sept., 1715; m. . Settled at Ston- 

ington, and died about 1753, leaving children. 

III. GEORGE (13), b. about 1713, son of Jonathan 
Hill and Mary Sherwood; married about 1738, Johanna Vib- 
ber, daughter of John Vibber and Johanna Williams, b. 31 
Oct., 1712. He settled on a farm formerly occupied by his 
father. He purchased, 11 Oct., 1736, of his brother, John, 
and sisters, Mary and Jane Avery, their interest in a certain 
farm, which belonged to their uncle, Charles Hill, and their 
father, Jonathan Hill, " situated at a place called Mohegan in 
the North Parish of New London, lying westward of a pine 
swamp, and bounded south on the land of the Mohegan In- 
dians, including all that part of said farm which was the es- 
tate of our Uncle Charles, deceased," and bounded west with 
that part of said farm set out to our sister Ruth, from her fa- 
ther's estate. George Hill, with his sisters, Maiy and Jane, 
conveyed to John Hill, their brother, a tract of land owned by 
their father at his decease, viz. : " On the westerly side of the 
highway that goes to the meeting-house, with the mansion 
house lately belonging to our honored father, Jonathan Hill." 
This mansion house stood on the [Norwich road, and recently 
known as the " Old Vibber House." It was recently taken 
down by the present owner of the farm, Samuel H. Atwell, 



426 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

who is a descendant of John Vibber, the father-in-law of 
George Hill. On the 27th day of February, 1740-1, in the 
fourteenth year of the reign of George tihe Second, King of 
Great Britain, George Hill, and his father-in-law, John Vib- 
ber, exchanged farms. George Hill died about the year 
1700, under peculiar circumstances. He was absent from his 
home a long time, and his whereabouts could not be ascer- 
tained by his friends, though they -ought diligently tor him 
among the family relations. Several months after he was 
missed, a body much decayed was found in the woods, whither 
he had wandered in aberration of his mind, after Leaving a 
friend's house in Lyme. The clothes, which were in a state 
of preservation, were identified as those lie had on when he 
left his friend's house to return home. His widow afterwards 
married Jason Allen, 22 May, 1766. 

Children. 

15. Chariot, b. 23 Sept., 1739. 
10. George, b. 27 Dec., 1710. 

Both these brothers were drowned in fox's pond, in 1752. 

17. Joanna, b. J 5 April, 1712; m. At well Chapel. 

18. William, b. 13 July, 1715; m. 1st, Ruth Forsyth; 2d, 

Eunice , who, in 1702, married Jonas Wick- 
wire. 

19. Jonathan, b. 27 Jan., 1747; m. Charlotte Fox. 

20. Mary, b. • '• April, 1750; m. Brintnal Fox. 

21. Samuel, b. 27 April, 1751; in. Martha Oomstock. 

22. Anna, b. 9 July, 1752; m. Samuel Fox. 

IV. WILLIAM (18), b. 13 July, 1745, son of George 
Hill and Johanna Vibber; married 1st, Ruth Forsyth; 2d, 

Eunice . He settled in the North Parish of New 

London, and erected a mill on the site where Palmer Brothers 
Bedquilt Mill now stands. In was the first fulling mill 
started on the stream. His home stood a little north of the 
mill, on the side of the hill near the present site of O. W. Doug- 
lass' residence. He did not live to occupy the mill long. In 



HILL FAMILIES. 427 

going from his dwelling to the mill, at a time when there was 
considerable ice on the ground, he slipped upon the ice, caus- 
ing his death a few weeks after the accident. He died about 
1772. By his second wife he had one child. 

23. Eunice, b. ; m. Congdon. 

IV. JONATHAN (19), b. 27 Jan., 1747, son of George 
Hill and Johanna Vibber; married about 1772, Charlotte. 
daughter of Ezekiel Fox and Mehitabel Lamson. He was a 
farmer, and lived on the farm formerly owned by John Vib- 
ber, and which was conveyed to his father in 1740-1. He 
built a new house on the land in 1787, which house after his 
death was occupied by his son Charles. He, with his wife, 
united with the church 18 Hay, 1794, and had seven children, 
baptized the following Sunday by Rev. Rozel Cook. He con- 
tributed generously toward the support of the gospel, and 
subscribed about seventy-five dollars to the society fund. He 
held offices of trust in the town, and was greatly respected by 
his fellow citizens, lie died at his residence in Montville, 
27 Jan., 1832, iaged 85 years. She died in March, 1836, 
aged 82 years. Both were buried in the Fox burying-ground. 

I 

Children. 

24. William, b. about 1773; m. Abigail Whaley. 

25. Peggy, b. about 1770; died 15 Dec, 1843, num. 

26. George, b. about 1778; m. Hannah Dunham. 

27. Charlotte, b. 30 Oct., 1780;' m. John Palmer. 

28. Mehitabel, b. 1 May, 1783; m. Jonathan Hadlcv. 

29. Charles, b. 26 June, 1786; m. Sybel Fox. 

30. Jonathan, b. 11 Feb., 1789; m. 1st, Julia Whaley, 1812; 

2d, Mary (Whipple) Rogers, 1821, widow of Elisha 
H. Rogers. 

31. Sarah, b. about 1791; died young. 

32. Nancy, b. 29 Nov., 1794; m. John H. Allen. 

IV. SAMUEL (21), b. 27 April, 1751, son of George 
Hill and Johanna Vibber; married Martha Comstock, b. 28 



428 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

July, 1757, daughter of Peter Comstock and Elizabeth Fitch. 
He removed from Montville to Charlemont, Mass., where 
he was a farmer, and had a family of six children. They 
both died there about the year 1819. 

Children. 

33. Elizabeth, b. ; m. John Fisher, and had eleven 

children. They removed to Michigan about L830, 
and were some of Xew England's besl citizens. 

34. Samuel, 1>. about lT'.M; m. Hannah Cutler. 
:;;>. George, b. : m. Olive Dickinson. 

•'!•'). Anna. b. aboul l7'.'-">: died April. L850, unm. 
•"»7. Washington, b. : died at Michigan, unm. 

38. Fitch, b. ; m. Eliza Jones. 

V. GEOKGE (26), b. aboul 1118, son of Jonathan Hill 
and Charlotte Eox; married Hannah Dunham, daughter of 
John Dunham of Norwich. Ee settled at Norwich, and was 

a lawyer of note in his time. lie died ;it Norwich. 

Children. 

39. Eenry, b. 
in. ( reorge, b. 

11. Charles, 1,. 

V. CHARLES (29), b. 26 June, 1786, son of Jonathan 

Hill and Charlotte Fox; married 27 Jan., 1809, Sybel Fox, 
daughter of Elijah Fox. b. 5 April, 1789. He was a farmer 
and cooper, and lived on the farm formerly occupied by his 
father. Hi' carried on the cooperage bu>in<-— al Xew Lon- 
don for a few years, but returned to MJonitville, and continued 
to reside there until his death, 4 March, 1873. Tie was a 
member of the Congregational church at Montville, and 
was chosen deacon 2 July, 1S24. He, with his wife, united 
witli the church 5 Oct., 1823. He was much respected as a 
Christian man, and both died strong in the Christian faith. 
She died 30 Nov., 1871, aged 82 years. 



HILL FAMILIES. 429 

Children. 

42. Polly Park, b. 30 Oct., 1809; m. Nicholas B. Congdon. 

43. Charlotte Fox, b. 13 July, 1811; m. Elisba B. Baker. 

44. Betsey Taintor, b. 23 Sept., 1813; m. Nathan Scholfield. 

45. George Washington, b. 22 Aug., 1818; m. Clara Gard- 

ner. 

VI. GEORGE WASHINGTON (45), b. 22 Aug., 
1818, son of Oharles Hill and Sybel Fox; married about 1844, 
Clara Gardner, b. 3 Sept., 1822, daughter of John Gardner 
and Yioleta Crocker. Settled at Montville, a farmer; first 
lived on the old homestead, and afterwards built a house on 
land formerly belonging to his grandfather, near Poles Hill. 
He cleared up the land, and cultivated it; set out a fine or- 
chard of fruit trees, and made a paradise in the " wilder- 
ness." He lived to enjoy the fruit of his toil many years, and 
died there 4 May, 1886. She died 19 Feb., 1893. 

( 'hildren. 

46. Sybel Fox, b. 12 Dec, 1844; m. Leander D. Chapel. 

47. Albert Augustus, b. 6 Feb., 1849; m. Susan Doyley. 

48. Eliza Melovna, b. 3 Dec, 1853; m. Edward Bingham. 

49. Charlotte Yioleta, b. 9 July, 1859. 



ALLEN FAMILIES. 

Samuel Allen firsl appears in the North Parish of Xcw 
London (now Montville) about the year L720. At this date 
he was a landholder, his farm lying on the road leading 
from Xcw London to Colchester and Hartford through the 
North Parish. This road was then the principal thorough- 
fare between those places. Mr. Allen then kepi a tavern for 
the accommodation of the traveling public. His dwelling 
stood on or near the site of the present town farm-house in 
Montville. In the easl room of Mr. Allen's dwelling was held 
religious services by Rev. -lames Hillhouse before the church 
edifice was built, and here his firsl sermons were preached, after 
his call to settle as their pastor. 

.Mr. Allen, with his family, came from Massachusetts a 
shorl time previous to the organization of the church at Xortli 
Parish. He had been twice married. By his first wife, 
whose name has not been recovered, lie had five sons. James, 
Daniel, David. Jonathan, and Samuel; these settled in Massa- 
chusetts His second wife was Lydia Hastings, born 30 Sept.. 
1671, daughter of John Seaborn Hastings and Lydia Champ- 
mv of Watertown, Mass. She was granddaughter of John 
Hastings, who firsl settled in Braintree, and admitted a free- 
man May Id, L643, and admitted to the church in Cambridge 
in February, 1 «'>.".<;. Mr. Allen was one of the seven who first 
organized the presenl Congregational church in Montville. 
In the church-book, kept by Rev. James Hillhouse, is the fol- 
lowing entry, viz.: " There were seven that belonged to the 
church at my enstallment (Oct. 3, 1722); Capt. (Thomas) 
Avery, Capt. (Kobert) Denison, Mr. Nathaniel Otis, Mr. Sam- 
uel Allen, Mr. John Vibber, Charles Campbell, and our 
1 >eacon Jonathan Copp." 



ALLEN FAMILIES. 431 

He died 12 Oct., 1745, age 80 years. She died 13 March, 
1752, age 79 years. 

Children by Lydia. 

2. Jason, b. about 1700; m. Alary Atwell, 2 April, 1723. 

3. Lydia, b. about 1703; m. John Lee of Lyme, 14 Mch., 

1723. 

4. Abigail, b. about 1706; m. Christopher Stebbins. 

5. Stephen, b. about 1709; died 6 March, 1725. 

6. Hannah, b. about 1712; m. 1st, Gideon Comstock; 2d, 

John Bishop. 

7. Alary, b. about 1715; m. Joseph Lee of Lyme. 

8. Elizabeth, b. about 1716 ; m. Jedediah Graves of Milling- 

ton. 

9. Eunice, b. about 1718; m. Joseph Brown. 

10. John, bap. 12 June, 1720; m. Keron Eox, 24 Feb., 1742 
-3. She was the daughter of Samuel Fox. They 
had one child, Lydia, b. 20 June, 1744, who mar- 
ried her cousin, Jason Allen, son of Jason and Mary 
Atwell. 

IT. JASON (2), b. about 1700, eldest son of Samuel 
Allen and Lydia Hastings; married 2 April, 1723, Mary At- 
well, only daughter of Joseph Atwell. He settled in North 
Parish and lived on the farm formerly occupied by his father. 
He was often elected to public offices, was selectman in the 
town in 1740, and held that office several years. He was 
chosen an elder in the church at North Parish, of which he 
was a member in 1749. She died 9 May, 1762. He after- 
wards married 22 May, 1766, widow Johannah Hill, daughter 
of John Vibber and relict of George Hill. He died 19 March, 
1785. 

Children by First Wife. 

11. Joseph, b. 27 Nov., 1724; m. Priscilla Bill. 

12. Alary, b. about 1727; died young. 

13. Stephen, b. in Aug., 1730; m. Ann Fargo. 

14. Jason, b. 4 Nov., 1740; m. Lydia Allen, his cousin. 



432 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

III. JOSEPH ( 1 L),b. 27 Nov., 1724, eldest son of Jason 
Allen and Mary Atwell; married , Priscilla Bill. Ho 

was a farmer and owned the farm occupied by the late Reuben 
Palmer. The old house stood near the present barn on the 
premises and was taken down many years ago. He died about 
L806. Hi- last will was probated in New London Sept., 180G, 
and was dated Oct., L805. In his will the following chil- 
dren wore named. 

Children. 

1 5. Roswell, b. ; m. 

Hi. Mary, 1>. : m. 

17. Abigail, 1». .17 17: m. Daniel Rudd. 

is. Sarah, b. : m. dam.- Wright, L2 Feb., L792. 

lii. Charlotte, 1». : m. John Brown, 4 Nov., 1788. 

20. Margary, 1>. ; m. Lebbeus Lamson. 

21. Wealthy, b. ; m. Elijah Brown. 

III. STEPHEN (13), b. in August, L730, second son 
of Jason Allen and Mary Atwell; married Ann Fargo. 



child 



ren. 



22. Mary, 1>. ; m. Thomas Fitch (2d wife). 

i':;. Stephen, 1.. ; m. Elizabeth Gilbert. 

24. Lucy, 1>. ; m. King Smith. 

25. Lydia, b. ; m. Stephen Miner. 

26. Mercy, 1>. ; m. George Comstock. 

III. JASON (11), 1». 4 Nov., 17KI, youngest son of 
Jason Allen and Mary Atwell; married 21 April, L763, Lydia, 
daughter of Jason Allen and Karon Fox. Hesettled at Mont- 
ville, was a farmer, and held offices in the town. lie died in 
May, 1817. She died •') Sept.. 1813. 

( Jhildren. 

27. Mary, b. 22 April, 17<»4: m. James Rogers. 

28. Samuel, b. 17 June, 1766; m. Mary Prentis. 

29. Betsey, b. 23 Oct., 1768; m. Anson Miller. 



ALLEN FAMILIES. 433 

30. George, b. 8 June, 1771; m. Sarah Yale. 

31. James, b. 4 June, 1774; m. Lucretia Holt. 

32. Eunice, b. 26 Nov., 1776; m. Isaac Thompson. 

33. Jason, b. 30 May, 1781; m. 1st, Nancy DeForest; 2d, 

Lydia White. 

34. John Hastings, b. 15 Jan., 1785; m. 1st, Achsa Thomp- 

son; 2d, Nancy Hill. 

IY. GEORGE (30), b. 8 June, 1771, son of Jason Allen 
and Lydia Allen, daughter of John Allen; married 8 April, 
1807, Sarah Yale. She lived with Judge Hillhouse. He 
settled at Montville and was a farmer. He afterwards re- 
moved to Verona, N. Y., where he died August, 1857. She 
died there in 1864. 

Children. 

35. Samuel, b. 7 Oct., 1 808 ; was living in 1886. 

36. Delia, b. 28 Feb., 1811 ; was living in 1886. 

37. George Hosmer, b. 20 June, 1S13; m. Orpha L. Cook. 

IV. JOHN HASTINGS (34), b. 15 Jan., 1785, son of 
Jason Allen and Lydia Allen; m. 1st, Achsa Thompson, 3 
July, 1814, daughter of Nathaniel Thompson and Delight 
Fox. He was a farmer. He married 2d, Nancy Hill, daugh- 
ter of Jonathan Hill and Charlotte Fox. He lived on the 
farm now owned by the town of Montville: He and his wife, 
Nancy, both belonged to the Congregational Church at Mont- 
ville Center. He died 25 Feb., 1866. His last wife died 
26 March, 1868. By his first wife he had two children. 

Children by First Wife. 

38. Eunice, b. 25 July, 1816; m. 25 Feb., 1844, James 

Ladd, and had one son, James Henry, b. in 1846. 

39. Jason, bap. in 1823; died unm. 

Children by Second Wife. 

40. John II., 1). 22 Feb., 1827; m. Cynthia Dart. 

41. Charlotte, b. in Aug., 1828; m. Jared S. Rogers. 

28 



434 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

42. Samuel, b. IT June, 1832; m. Harriet Lester. 

4:5. William, b. in April, 1834; in. Eliza Sillnian. 

IV. JASON (33), 1). 30 May, 1781, son of Jason Allen 
and Lydia Allen; in. 1st. Nancy DeForest. Settled first in 
Woodbridge, X. J., and afterwards removed to the state of 
Xew York. She died, and he married a second wife, !>nt lier 
name lias not been ascertained. He died in Lenox, Pa., 
about 1837. 

( 'hildren by Nancy. 

11. Catherine, b. aboul L811; m. Wright. 

45. Maria, b. 

t6. Elizabeth, b. about 1816; m. Kingsley. 

( hildren by Second Wife. 

17. Nancy DeForest, b. aboul 1831; m. Dr. Pelchin. 
Is. Susan, b. about 1834; living in 1886, num. 

V. JOHN EL, JK. (40), b. 22 Feb., 1827, son of John 

11. Allen and Nancy Hill: married 20 Nov., 1854, Cynthia 
Dart, b. 9 Oct., 1832, daughter of Ezra Dart and Eunice New- 
berry. He was a farmer. Settled in MLontville. Both 
were living in 1 896. 

( 'hildren. 

49. Jonathan Hill, b. 17 Nov., L857; m. .Minnie Newberry. 

50. Fitch Lewis, b. 5 Feb., 1859; m. Alary Williams. 

51. Alma Jane, b. 7 June, 1860; died in 1875. 

52. Warren Newberry, b. 17 Nov., 1862; m. Anna Allen. 

53. Anna Cyntha, b. 1 Feb., 1865; tn. Walter Miner. 

54. Walter Long, b. 10 July, 1868; m. Flora- — . 



PALMER FAMILIES. 

Walter Palmer, whose numerous descendants met at Ston- 
ington on the 10th day of August, 1881, for a family reunion, 
was of English origin, and arrived in New England in 1629. 
He was horn in England as early as 1585, and at the time of 
his settlement at Stonington was considerably advanced in 
years, at which place he erected a dwelling-house and removed 
there with his family during the year 1649. 

His first appearance was at Charlestown, Mass., where he 
built the first dwelling-house erected in that place. He was 
assigned two acres for a house lot, and subsequently had more 
liberal grants. His inclination tended to farming and stock 
raising, and soon found that his limited possessions there were 
entirely inadequate to his favorite business. 

In 1613 he removed to Plymouth ( lolony, and, with others, 
joined in the organization of the town of Rehoboth, where he 
was honored by his fellow townsmen with the first election 
of deputy, and was subsequently re-elected to that office, and 
repeatedly the office of selectman was conferred upon him. 
From Rehoboth he removed to Stonington and settled at a 
place called Wequetequock. 

Of his family it is known that he was married in England 
long before he came to this country, as his oldest daughter, 
( irace, came to New England with her father and family, and 
went with him to Charlestown and joined the church there 1 
June, 1632, and was married 23 April, 1631, to Thomas Miner, 
born in England in 1608, she being about the same age with 
her husband. 

The other children of Walter Palmer were, 1st, William, 
born in England, and came with his father to this country. 

2d, John, born in 1615, came with the family to this 



436 HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 

country, was admitted freeman of the Massachusetts Colony 
in 1639. Joined the church 23 Oct., 1640, and died 24 
Aug., L677; unm. 

3d, Jonas, came over with his father, lived at Charles- 
town until L637, when he married Elizabeth Griswill, and 
moved to Rehoboth, where be died without issue. 

4th, Elizabeth, also born in England, came with the family 
to New England, and married 1st, Thomas Sloan, and 2d, a 
Mr. Chapman. 

No records appear that show whether or no1 their mother 
came over with the family. If she did come with the others 
she must have died shortly after their arrival here, for in the 
old church record of Roxlmry, Mass., the following statistics 
appeal-: " Rebecca Short came in the year 1632, and mar- 
ried Walter Palmer, a godly man of Charlestown church, 
which they joined 1 June, 1633." 

Children by Rebecca. 

5. Hannah, bap. 15 June, 1634, came with her father to 

Stonington and married 1st, Thomas Hewitt, 26 
April. L659, by whom she had two children, Thomas 
and Benjamin. She married for her second hus- 
band, Roger Sterry, 27 Dec., L671, by whom she 
had two children. For ber third husband she mar- 
ried John Fish, 25 A.ug., 1681. 

6. Elihu, bap. 24 Jan., L636, came with his father to 

Stonington and died 5 Sept., L665, probably unm. 

7. Nehemiah, b. 23 Nov., L637, who also removed from 

Charlestown to Stonington with his father and mar- 
ried there, Hannah, daughter of Thomas Stanton 
and Dorothy Lord, 20 Nov., 1662. They had seven 
children. 

8. Moses, b. 6 April, 1 640 ; who also removed with his father 

to Stonington, and married Dorothy ; and 

had five children. 

9. Benjamin, b. 30 May, 1642; m. at Stonington, 10 Aug., 

L681, but who she was or where she came from the 
records do not show. The fact of the marriage 



PALMER FAMILIES. 437 

only appears from a diary of Thomas Miner. He 
died 10 April, 1716. 

10. Gershom, b. at Rehoboth, and came to Stonington with 

his parents, where he married, 1st, Ann, daughter 
of Capt. George Denison and Ann Borodell, 28 
Nov., 1667. They had ten children. He mar- 
ried for his second wife Elizabeth Mason, widow 
of Major Samuel Mason. He was a deacon of the 
first church at Stonington, and held various positions 
of trust in civil affairs. 

11. Rebecca, b. at Rehoboth about 1648; came with her 

parents to Stonington, where she married Elisha 
( Iheesebrough, son of William Cheesebrough and 
Anna Stevens, 20 April, 1665, and had one child, 
Elihu, b. 3 Dec, 1668. The father died 1 April, 
1670. She then married, 21 July, 1672, John 
Bnldery of New London, and had five children. 

Elder Reuben Palmer, 1). 12 June, 1759, son of Gershom 
Palmer and Dolly Brown of Preston, Conn., was of the 
seventh generation in a direct line from Walter Palmer, the 
first. He was the only son and fifth child among ten children. 
His sisters were, 1st, Prudence, who married, 1st, William 
Breed, and had one daughter, Sophia, who married James 
Wheeler of Montville. They were the parents to Henry 
Wheeler, Nathaniel Wheeler, and Charles Wheeler, who were 
residents of Montville. For second husband she married 
James Thompson. 2d, Dolly, married Nathan Randall. 3d, 
Zerviah, who married her cousin, Gersham Palmer, and had a 
<langhter, Lydia, b. about 1789, and married Abel Smith of 
Montville. 4th, Naomi, married Stephen Ray. 5th, Lois, 
married Abel Palmer; they had a son, William, who was a 
Baptist minister. 6th, Esther, married Jonathan Palmer. 
7th, Lucretia, married Elijah Palmer. 8th, Katura, married 

Jacob Burton and settled in Vermont. 9th, ; 

married Bndlong. 

VII. ELDER REUBEN PALMER married, 16 Nov., 
1780, Lucretia Tyler, daughter of Caleb Tyler and Hannah 



438 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Barnes of Preston. He was ordained a Baptist elder at North 
Stonington, and, while pastor of a church there, received a 
call to the old Baptist church in Montville. He was its active 
pastor from 3 May, 1788, to 25 Dec, 1798, at which date, a 
council having been called, he was publicly installed pastor 
of the church, in which (.Mice he continued until his death, 22 
April, 1822. She died 15 Aug., 1855, aged 91 years. 

( hildren. 

2. Hannah. 1>. -2~> Dec, 1781; m. Nehemiah Lamb of Gro- 

fcon iii March, 1798, and had fifteen children. 

3. Sally, b. Hi Oct., 1783; m. Christopher (ireen. 

4. Reuben, b. 26 Dec, 1784; m. Mary ( lomstock. 

5. Lucretia, b. -'"> April, 1786; ni. Samuel Fox. 
(i. Mary, b. 17 Dec, 17^7; m. Roswell Caulkins. 

7. Caleb, 1>. 24 June, 1790; m. 1st, Lucy Fox; 2d, Lucy 

.J. Olmstead; 3d, . 

8. Tyler, l». 1 March, 17'.»l'; m. Lydia Cook. 

9. Gideon, b. 23 Oct., 17:»:;: m. Mercy M. Turner. 

10. Joshua, 1). , nit:*; m. Hannah Caulkins. Had 

two children, John ami Elisha. He died '■'< < >ct., 
1819. She then married- - Huntley, and died 

in 1876. 

11. Samuel D.,b. 11 Feb., 1798; m. Rebecca Holies, 10 Dec, 

1823, daughter of ( lalvin Bolles. Ee died at Rome 
X. Y., Is June, 1878, while an operation was being 
performed in removing a cancer. She died 19 Oct., 
1876. lie had John. Joshua, Francis, Nelson, and 
Calvin. 

12. Gersham, b. 6 Aug., 1796; died young. 

13. Rhoda, b. 2 Oct., 1799: m. Elisha Eurlburt, June, 

1818, and had fourteen children. 

14. Peter P., b. 11 May, 1801; m. Naomi Darrow, 3 Sept., 

1821, and had' nine children. Settled in the state 
of New York. 

15. Achsa, b. 12 Mav, 1803; m. Samuel W. Palmer, 1st 

wife, 22 Sept, 1820, died 12 Oct., 1820. 

16. Louisa, b. 30 Dec, 1801; died 9 Aug., 1844, unm. 

17. Emma, b. 31 Dec, 1806; m. - — Warren. 

18. Thankful, b. 28 June, 1809 ; m. Wells Hart of Michigan. 



PALMER FAMILIES. 439 

VIII. REUBEN" (4), b. 26 Dec, 1784, son of Elder 
Eeuben Palmer and Lucretia Tyler; married 17 March, 1805, 
Mary Comstock, daughter of Nathan Comstock and Mary 
Green. He settled at Montville. He was an ordained Bap- 
tist minister, and for a time was acting pastor of the church 
over which his father presided before his death, and occasion- 
ally supplied other churches. He was very zealous in the 
Christian cause, and plainly presented the truth. He was 
not, however, a brilliant preacher, but gifted in prayer and 
exhortation. He followed the occupation of a farmer and 
owned the farm on which he lived at the time of his death, and 
which he purchased of Oliver Baker in 1837. He was also 
in possession of other tracts of land lying near the Fox Mills, 
which mills were at one time run by him. She died at Mont- 
ville 27 March, 1853. He died 29 July, 1869. He had but 

one daughter. ■ 

Child. 

19. Lucy Ann, b. 28 Oct., 1816 ; m. 10 March, 1841, Charles 
F. Landphere. He was a farmer and lived on the 
farm of his wife's father. She died 6 April, 1887. 
He died 6 June, 1891. They had ten children, viz. : 

Mary Palmer, b. 14 Jan., 1842; m. Williams 
Rogers. 

Francis Ann, b. 20 Feb., 1843. 

Achsah Palmer, b. 3 March, 1844. 

Charles Oliver, b. 13 June, 1845; m. 

Reuben Palmer, b. 3 Feb., 1847; died 20 Dec, 
1861. 

Alice E., b. 7 Nov., 1848; m. Allison. 

Charles Tyler, b. 19 Sept., 1850; m. Mary (Davis). 

Lucy Ann, b. 19 Feb., 1853. 

Newton G., b. 27 July, 1855. 

Eloise A., b. 26 March, 1861. 

VIII. GIDEON (9), b. 23 Oct., 1793, son of Elder 
Reuben Palmer and Lucretia Tyler; married 11 July, 1813, 
Mercy Maria Turner, daughter of Isaac Turner and Anna 
Comstock. He settled at Montville. In the early part of his 



440 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

business career he was engaged with his father in the various 
occupations and projects that his father was engaged in. At 
one time his father, although a minister of the gospel, was en- 
gaged in the distillery of spirituous liquors, but his son, Gideon, 
who, early in life, became impressed that intemperance was an 
evil, and the manufacture of ardent spirits a vile business, 
soon after arriving to manhood and began to manage business 
for himself, abandoned the distillery and substituted the oil 
business, in which he was engaged for several years. After 
his sou, Elisha, became engaged in business, the whole con- 
cern was turned over to him, who soon after entered upon the 
manufacture of cotton goods. Mr. < rideon Palmer was a man 
of considerable public spirit and favored enterprise in all 
matters of public interest. He was ever aiming at and plan- 
ning public improvements, was the projector of the mill privi- 
lege first occupied by Francis B. Loomis, and afterwards by 
R. G. Hooper A: Co., and also the water privilege afterwards 
occupied by C. M. Robertson on the stream next above his 
own. It was mainly due to his untiring energy that the high- 
way along the northerly side of the Oxoboxo stream from 
Rockland Paper Mill to CTncasville was built. He was a 
strong advocate of temperance and the abolition of slavery, 
and fought for both with much ardor and zeal until his death. 
He died 12 July, 1854. She died 17 Sept., 1870. 

Children. 

20. Elisha TL, b. 23 June, L814; m. Ellis Loomis. 

21. Gideon, b. 30 Oct., 1816; m. Eliza II. Johnson. 

22. Sarah Ann, b. 30 March, 1818; m. James L. Turner. 

23. Cornelia G, b. 14 Oct., 1819 ; m. William Bolles. 

2 t. William Henry, b. 14 Oct., 1821; m. Clarrissa Stanton. 

25. Mathew Turner, b. 26 Sept., 1823; died in 1828. 

26. Keuben Tyler, b. 24 Sept., L825; m. Statina Hill. 

27. Maria Theresa, b. 3 July, 1830; m. John Turner. 

28. Joseph Clay, b. 22 Jan., 1833; m. Louisa Brown. 

29. Isaac Emerson, b. 27 Feb., 1836; m. Matilda Townsend. 

30. Herbert F., b. 23 Oct., 1838 ; m. Anna Witter. 





//_/-, 



%^^ 



PALMER FAMILIES. 441 

ELISHA H. (20); b. 23 June, 1814, son of Gideon Palmer 
and Mercy M. Turner; married , Ellis Loomis, b. 26 Jan., 

L822, daughter of Joel Loomis and Ellis Chapel. He settled 
in Montville, was a manufacturer of cotton twine, rope, and 
bats. He was elected a representative to the state legisla- 
ture by the citizens of his native town in 1854, and again in 
18G4. In I860 he represented the ninth senatorial district 
in the Upper House, and was for several years the nominee 
for member of Congress on the Prohibition ticket in the third 
congressional district of the state. He was an enthusiastic 
advocate of the prohibition of the use, manufacture, and sale of 
alcoholic liquors, and devoted much of his time in the last 
thirty years of his life to public speaking in the cause of 
temperance. Was president of the Palmer Reunion Associa- 
tion, and enthusiastically engaged in gathering the names of 
those who were descendants from their first American ancestor, 
Walter Palmer. He died 17 Jan., 1895. She died 9 Jan., 
1893. 

Children. 

31. Elisha L., b. 14 Feb., 1840; m. Cornelia Rissan. 

32. Edward A., b. 28 May, 1843; m. Isabella Mitchell. 

33. Frederick C., b. 18 May, 1845; m. Estelle Dunmore. 

34. Mary Alice, b. 26 Dec'., 1847; m. William S. Mitchell. 

35. Arabella, b. 3 March, 1849; m. Joseph S. Latimer. 

36. Frank Loomis, 1>. 9 June, 1851; m. Louisa Townsend. 

37. George S., b. 20 March, 1855; m. Ida Amelia Cook. 

GIDEON (21), b. 30 Oct., 1816, son of Gideon Palmer 
and Mercy M. Turner; married , Eliza H. Johnson. He 

was a lawyer and settled at Middletown, Conn. 

Children. 

38. Theodore Johnson, b. 25 Dec, 1843. 

39. Arthur W., b. 28 Nov., 1845. 

40. Charlotte May, b. 25 Sept., 1847. 

41. Jessie, b. , 1853. 

42. Andy Johnson, b. 6 Dec, 1859. 



442 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

WILLIAM HENRY (24), b. L40ct, L821, son of Gideon 
Palmer and Mercy M. Turner; married , Clarrissa Stan- 

ton, It. , sister to Rev. R. I'. Stanton, for many years 

pastor of the Congregational church at Greeneville. He tirst 
settled at Montville, where be was engaged, with his brother, 
Elisha, in the cotton business. His wife died . Mr. 

rainier then removed to Middletown, Conn., where he was 
living in 1896. 

Children. 

l:;. William Henry, b. 1 Oct., L843; m. Adeline R. Wood. 

1 |. John G., b. 1 I Oct., L845; m. 

45. Clarrissa M., b. 28 Oct., L847; m. Byron II. Arnold. 

46. Mary Ann. b. 6 Dec, L849; m. Revelo Markham. 
17. Charles S., b. L9 Oct., L852; died L 9 June, L862. 

REUBEN TYLEK (26), b. 24 Sept., L 82 5, son of Gideon 
Palmer and Mercy M. Turner; m. , Statina Hill. He 

was a manufacturer. Settled firsl a1 Montville, afterwards 
removed to Groton, and then to New London, where he was 
engaged in the manufacture of bedquilts. He had five chil- 
dren horn at Montville, Ida, Emma, Reuben Tyler, Tyler 
Reuben (the last two being twins), and George. 



PARKER FAMILY. 

James Parker, born about 1617 in England. A copy of 
his will and a notice of his life are published in Butler's His- 
tory of Groton, Mass. He married, 1st, Elizabeth Long of 
Woburn, May 23, 1643. She was bom in 1623, and was the 
daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Long of Oharlestown, Mass. 
Robert Long embarked in the u Defiance " with his wife and 
ten children, and removed from Dunstable, Bedfordshire, Eng- 
land, July 7, 1635. 

He married, 2d, Eunice (Brooks) Carter, widow of Sam- 
uel Carter of Wobum, and daughter of John and Eunice 
(Moresall) Brooks of Woburn. She was bom Oct. 10, 1655; 
married, in 1672, Samuel Carter, son of Rev. Thomas Carter 
of Woburn, b. Aug. 8, 1610, by whom she had eight chil- 
dren. He died in 1693, and she married, 2d, James Par- 
ker. After his death in 1701, she married, 3d, John Kendall, 
and was living in 1706. 

Children by Elizabeth. 

2. Elizabeth, b. April 12, 1615; m. William Gray of Rox- 

bury. 

3. Hannah, b. Jan. 5, 1617; m. Nathaniel Blood, June 13, 

1670. 

4. John, b. Feb. 28, 1649. 

5. Joseph, b. 1651. 

6. James, b. ; m. Mary Parker. 

7. Josiah, b. 1655; m. Elizabeth Saxton of Groton. 

8. Samuel, b. ; m. Abigail Lakin. 

9. Joshua, b. March 13, 1658, at Chelmsford, Mass. 

10. Zaehariah, b. Jan. 14, 1659, at Chelmsford, Mass. 

11. Eleazer, b. Nov. 9, 1660, at Groton, Mass. 

12. Sarah, b. Dec 12, 1697, at Groton, Mass. 



444 HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 

IT. JAMES (6), b. , son of James Parker and 

Elizabeth Long; married Mary Parker, daughter of A.braham 
Parker of Chelmsford, Mass. She was born Nov. L5, L655. 
They won- both killed by the Indians in Groton, July 27, 
1694, and their children taken captives. 

11. JOSIA11 (7), b. at Groton, .Mass., in 1655, and re- 
mained there until 1783, and perhaps later. lie was an in- 
habitant of Wobiirn from L693 to L695; in Cambridge from 
L696 till his death, in 1731. He married Elizabeth Saxtou 
or Sexton. 

( Ihildren. 

13. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 31, 1679; in. SamueG Livermore, 

Nov. 15, 1699. 

14. John, b. April 13, 1681. 

L5. Sarah, b. May 1, 168:); in. April 30, L702, Stephen 

Coolridge; 2d, Nicholas Fessenden, Aim;. 8, 17<h;. 

16. Susanna, b. ; m. Feb. 28, 1712, Samuel Goo- 

kin, Jr. 

17. Joshua, bap. April 3, 1698; m. June 15, 1712, Mary, 

daughter <>f Nicholas Fessenden, Si-. 

18. William, bap. April 3, 1698; probably died young. 

lit. Ann. hap. April 3, 1698; m. July 3, 1718, William 
Warland. 

20. Mary, bap. Dee. 11, 1698; m. Jan. 22, 1718-19, Thomas 

Dana. 

21. Thomas, bap. Dee. 15, 1700. 

II. JOSHUA (9), b. March 13, 1658, son of James 
Parker and Elizabeth Long; married Sept. 22, 1690, Abigail 
(Shattuek) Morse, widow of Jonathan Morse and daughter of 
William and Susanna Morse of Watertown. She was horn 
in 1657; died in 1694. 

III. THOMAS (21), b. at Cambridge, Dee. 7, 1700, 
son of Josiah Parker and Elizabeth Sexton ; married 
Graduated at Harvard College in 1718. Settled as a minis- 
ter at Dracut, Mass., in 1721. Died at Draeut, March 18, 
1765. 



PARKER FAMILIES. 445 







Children, 


22. 


Thomas, b. 




23. 


John, b. 




24. 


William, b. 




25. 


Matthew, b. 




26. 


Jonathan, b. 


; m. D 



IV. JONATHAN (26), b. at Dracut, Mass., son of 

Thomas Parker and . Graduated at Harvard ITniver- 

sity. He was a physician of very considerable distinction, 
excelling particularly as a surgeon, and acquired an extensive 
practice in the town of Litchfield, 1ST. H., where he settled, 
and which extended into the adjacent towns, being often sent 
for from a distance as a consulting physician. Dr. Parker 
married Dolly Coffin, who was a woman of more than ordi- 
nary refinement, of much energy and decision of character, 
and a consistent and earnest Christian. Active and diligent 
herself, she inculcated the same principles in her children. 
She early imbued their minds with religions truth, knowing 
that a (-(inversion of their moral accountability would be 
their surest safeguard, and her own personal instructions 
would no longer be given. He died Sept., 1791, leaving a 
family of ten children. 

Children. 

27. 

28. Elizabeth, b. ISTov. 7, 1767; m. Rev. Abisha Alden. 

29. 

30. 

31. Eliphalet, b. about 1776; m. Sarah Comstock. 

32. 

33. 

34. Thomas, b. 

35. Jonathan P., b. 

36. Edward L., b. July 28, 1785; m. Mehitabel Kimball. 

V. ELIPHALET (31), b. about 1776, son of Jonathan 
Parker and Dolly Coffin; married Eeb. 2, 1808, Sarah Com- 



446 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

stock, daughter of Jared Comstoek and Rachel Ohester. He 
settled in Montville, was a farmer, a member, of the Congre- 
gational church, a devoted Christian, and leader of the church 
choir. He died March 1, 1835. She died Aug. 14, 1860. 

Children. 

37. Abisha Alden, b. Dec. 12, 1808; m. Caroline Fellows. 

38. Jared Chester, b. March 2, 1812; died young. 

39. Eliphalet, b. Aug. 2S> L814; m. Helen M. Risley. 
tO. Dolly Elizabeth, b. April 1, L817; m. Walter Eough, 

17 Jan., 1849. 

11. Earriet, b. Dec. 2, 1819; m. Simeon (dark, March 1, 

L855. 

12. Augustus Alden, b. Feb. 18, L822; m. Harriet R. Dol- 

beare. 

43. Samuel Chester, b. May 14, 1824; m. Fanny E. Her- 

rick. 

44. Frederick F., b. April 0, 1828; m. 1st, Lucy Ann Gard- 

ner: 2d, Mary (Green) Hazzard. 

45. Sarah, b. Nov. 17, 1 831 ; m. Jerome Pease, 3 July, 1 869. 

EDAVAED L. (36), b. July 28, 1785, son of Jonathan 
Parker and Dolly Coffin; m., in 1811, Mehitabel Kimball, 
daughter of Deacon Stephen Kimball of Hanover, X. II. 
Graduated al Dartmouth College in L807. Settled as pas- 
tor of the Presbyterian church in Londonderry, X. H., Sept. 
12. 1810. He died July 14, 1850. His wife remarried. 

Child. 

46. Edward Pinkerton, b. April, 1816. 

IV. BENJAMIN PAKKER, b. 26 March, 1723; mar- 
ried Elizabeth Blodget, b. 1 Oct., 1723. Settled at Chelms- 
ford, .Mass. She died 17 April, L787. He died 17 Feb., 
1801. This Benjamin Parker was probably a descendant 
from Joseph Parker, one of the original proprietors of Groton, 
Mass., who was brother to the James Parker, b. about 1617, 
first named in this genealogy. This Joseph Parker was a 



PARKER FAMILIES. 447 

large landowner in Groton, Chelmsford, and Dunstable, the 
ancestor of the most numerous branches of the family in that 
neighborhood. He died in the year 1690, leaving a large 
estate. 

Children. 

47. Reuben, b. 26 Nov., 1751. 

48. Benjamin, b. 26 Oct., 1754. 

49. Joseph, b. 21 Aug., 1757. 

50. Simeon, b. 25 Oct., 1759. 

51. Jeduthan, b. 18 Nov., 1762; m. Phebe Cary. 

52. Zebulon, b. 24 July, 1764. 

V. JEDUTHAN (51), b. 18 Nov., 1762, son of Benja- 
min Parker and Elizabeth Blodget; married 1 Jan., 1793, 
Phebe Cary, b. 15 Oct., 1764, daughter of Reuben and Olive 
Cary. A farmer; settled at Lowell, where he died 11 April, 
1838. She died 11 Dec, 184!). 

Children. 

53. Jeduthan, b. 7 Jan., 1794; died 6 April, 1795. 

54. Phebe, b. 29 Jan., 1796; m. Samuel Winchester, 28 

.May, 1822. She died in Hopkinton, N. H., 2 Nov., 
1823, and left one daughter, Phebe, b. 3 Sept., 1823; 
married Charles F. Scholfield of Montville. 

55. Jesse, b. 28 Aug., 1797; m. Eliza Adams of Boston, 

Oct., 1831. 'lie died in Lowell, 24 Dec, 1831. 

56. Mary, b. 2 July, 1799; m. Samuel Winchester for his 

second wife, 17 May, 1826, and had one daugh- 
ter, Mary Jane, b. 25 June, 1831 ; married Benjamin 
E. Scholfield of Montville. 

57. Sarah, b. 20 July, 1801; died 17 April, 1873, unm. 

58. Benjamin, b. 6 July, 1803 ; m. Eliza Wood, 9 Oct., 1 834. 

59. Eebecca, b. 18 Jan., 1806; died at Lowell, 4 Dec, 1831. 

60. Jepthah, b. 8 June, 1810; m. 1st, Luc:* Ja Woodman; 

2d, Louisa Merriam, 6 Jan., 1859. 



VINCENT FAMILY. 

William Vincenl was the son of Dr. William Vincent 
and Zeruah Rudd; born at Westerly, R. I.. 3 1 March, L764; 
married 11 June, L786, Joanna, daughter of Samuel Frink, 
b. 26 March, L769. He was deacon of the Baptist church in 
Westerly, a man of rare Christian attainments, honest and 
upright in all his dealings. 

She died 3 April. L846. He died L6 March, 1854. 

( Jhildren. 

2. William, b. 8 Dec, L787; m. 1st, Freelove Sheffield, 28 
Feb., L813, daughter of John Gardner and Susan 
(( olgrove) Pendleton, b. 20 Feb., 17o;>. and died 
L2 Oct., L853. He married for his second wife 
Mr-. Eleanor .1. Tracy, L5 March, L858, daughter 
of Robert and Mary Charles. He had three chil- 
dren by his first wife, and died 1 Feb., 1874. 

:;. Thomas, b. :! Dec, L789; died Oct.. L820, unm. 

4. Harry, b. L2 May, L792; m. Martha Scholfield, 25 Feb., 

L816, daughter of John Scholfield and Hannah Fox, 
b. 27 dam. L793, and died at Montville, 28 Jan., 
1878. He died there L9 Aug., 1878. 

5. John Randall, b. 26 duly, 1794; m. Sarah Sheffield, 20 

Sept.. 1846, daughter of Isaac and Mercy (Smith) 
York, b. 12 April, 1820. He died 27 Oct., 1864. 
She was living at Westerly in 1896. 

6. Asa, b. 4 Feb., 1707: m. 1st,' Nancy, 18 March, 1821, 

daughter of Tarns and Polly ( ) Frink, b. 1802. 
He married for second wife, Maria T\in£. 

7. Ira, b. 7 March, 1700; in. Sarah Raymond, 31 May, 

1825, daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Raymond) 
Baker, b. 12 March, 1802; died 10 Oct., 1885. 

8. Joanna, b. 31 Oct., 1800; m. Benjamin Barnes. 15 Nov., 

1841, son of Nathaniel and Nancy (Pendleton) 
Barnes, b. 8 July. 1796; died 24 June, 1873. 



VINCENT FAMILIES. 449 

9. Ezra, b. 11 Jan., 1803; m. Ann Maria Denison, 11 May, 
1841, daughter of Gilbert Denison; died 7 July, 
1850. 

10. Mary, b. 5 Jan., 1805; unmarried; died 1 Sept., 1877. 

11. Samuel, b. 19 June, 1807; m. Martha S. Baker, 24 Feb., 

1828, daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Raymond) 
Baker, b. 18 Oct., 1806; died 7 Aug., 1837. She 
died 10 Oct., 1885. 

12. Charles, b. 19 Feb., 1809; died Nov., 1811. 

13. Frank, b. 29 Feb., 1812; m. 1st, Harriet Barnes, 6 Aug., 

1845, daughter of Acors and Hannah (Dickens) 
Barnes, b. 1 April, 1824. She died 26 Sept., 1850; 
married 2d, Hellen M. Billiard, 1 Oct., 1853, daugh- 
ter of John and Hannah (Green) Barnes, b. 28 
Jan., 1822, and died 10 Nov., 1883. He died 6 
Sept., 1889. 

14. Albert, b. 8 Jan., 1814; died 4 May, 1872, unm. 

15. Benjamin, b. 16 Sept., 1815; died 9 Aug., 1895, unm. 



29 



LYON FAMILIES. 

Amariah Lyon, from the best information obtained, was 
the son of Thomas Lyon, who came from Roxbury, and settled 
in Dedham, Mass., about the year 1798. He is believed to 
have boon the son or grandson of William Lyon, the first of 
the name who came from England to America and settled at 
Roxbury, Mass., in the year 1635. 

Amariah. Lyon was educated a physician at Boston, and 
came to Montville (formerly the North Parish of New Lon- 
don) about the year 1740, a farmer and a person of consider- 
able notoriety, lie married Lydia, eldest daughter of 
Christopher Stebbins and Abigail Allen. He had ^ven sons, 
all of whom were in service in the Revolutionary War. 

Children. 

2. John, b. about 1747; m. Elizabeth Moore. 

3. Anson, b. ; in the war, never returned. 

4. Josiah, 1>. 

5. Amariah, b. : died prior to 1785. 

6. Thomas, 1). ; in the war of the Revolution, died. 

7. Christopher, b. ; in the war of the Revolution. 

8. Ephraim, b. ; in the war, never returned. 

9. Abigail, b. ; m. Peter Clayton. 

II. JOHN (2), b. about 1747, son of Amariah Lyon 
and Lydia Stebbins; married Elizabeth, daughter of Miles 
Moore and Grace Rogers. He was a fanner and settled at 
Montville, where he died 24 April, 1807. She died 20 Jan., 
1811, aged 66. 

Children. 

10. Caleb, b. 3 Dec, 1769; m. 1st, Lovice Thompson; 2d, 
Susan Bolles. 



LYON FAMILIES. 451 

11. Asa, b. 8 May, 1775; m. Adams; died Sept. 

1864. 

12. Elizabeth, b. 18 Sept., 1777; m. William Vibber, 2d 

Avife. 

13. Grace, b. about 1778; m. Jeremiah Ohapel. 

14. John, b. 3 March, 1784; m. Mary Chapel. 

15. Ephraim, b. 27 Sept., 1786; m. Sarah Darrow. 

III. DEACON CALEB (10), b. 3 Dec, 1769, son of 
John Lyon and Elizabeth Moore; married 1st, Lovice Thomp- 
son, 22 April, 1702, daughter of William Thompson and 
Lucretia . She died 2 Feb., 1819. He then mar- 
ried 1 Feb., 1821, Susan Bolles, b. 14 Dec,, 1779, daughter 
of Samuel Bolles and Margaret Moore. He settled at Mont- 
ville, a farmer, was deacon of the Palmer Baptist Church, 
an earnest exemplary Christian man, much respected by his 
neighbors and fellow citizens. He died 24 July, 1854, at 
Palmertown. She survived him and died 11 Sept., 1874, 
at the age of 95 nearly. 

Children by Lovice. 

16. William, b. 19 March, 1793; m. Hannah . 

17. Lucretia, b. 2 Dec., 1794; m. Lemuel Darrow, 28 March, 

1824. 

18. Hannah, b. 10 Dec, 1796; m. Caleb Sanford, 27 April, 

1824. 

19. Joshua, b. 19 July, 1798; died at the age of 15. 

20. Caleb, b. 17 Jan. 1 , 1801; m. Selina Stebbins. 

21. Darius, b. 8 April, 1803; m. Lucy Strickland. 

22. Martin, b. 25 July, 1808; died at the age of 3 years, 

5 months. 

23. Grace, b. 8 Aug., 1810; m. George H. Clark. 

Child by Susan. 

24. Margaret, b. 25 May, 1S22; m. 16 April, 1848, Arnold 

Kudd, and had Stephen, b. 3 Feb., 1849, died 16 
Aug., 1862; John, b. 6 Feb., 1852, died 12 July, 
1853. 



452 HISTURY OF MONTVILLE. 

III. JOHN (14), b. about 1784, son of John Lyon and 

Elizabeth Moore; married Mary, daughter of William Ohapel. 

He settled in Chesterfield Society, in the town of Salem. A 

farmer. He died 5 May, 1874. She died 13 Nov., 1865, 

aged 85. 

Children. 

25. Aaron, b. ; m. Harriet Watrous. 

26. Mary, b. ; m. Seth Hayes. 

27. Albert, b. ; m. Maria Scott. 

28. John, b. ; m. Ellen Rogers. 

20. Elizabeth, b. ; living in 1882 at New London, 
num. 

30. Robert, b. ; m. Mary Lewis. 

31. Nancy, b. ; m. Lewis Haynes. 

32. Fran..-, b. ; m. J. "D. T. Strickland. 

III. EPHRAIM (15), b. 27 Sept., 1786, son of John 
Lyon and Elizabeth Moore; married 1st, Sarah Harrow, b. 
17 Dec., 1784, daughter of Nicholas Parrow and Sally 
Rogers. After her death he married, 1 Dec, 1822, Mar- 
garet Strickland, daughter of Amos and Mary Morgan. He 
settled at Waterford, where he died 26 Oct., 1866. She died 

L9 Dec., 1865. 

( Ihildren by Sarah. 

33. Lorenzo, b. 24 Mch., 1801); m. Susan Street; died 8 

X.»v., 1893. 
3 1. Electa, b. 29 Oct., 1810; m. Giles Chapman. 

35. Elizabeth, b. 10 Jan., 1813; m. James Harris. 

36. Daniel D., b. 20 Sept., 1814; m. 1st, Rhoda Latham ; 

2d, Emeline Babeock. 

37. Eliphalet, b. 26 July, 1816; m. 1st, Rachel He Row; 

2d, Anna M. Rogers; 3d, Lydia Rogers, sister of 
Anna. 

38. Susan, b. 18 July, 1818; died 1 Sept., 1839; unm. 

39. Sarah, b. 24 April, 1820; m. T.eonard Harris. 

Children by Margaret. 

40. Lucy, b. 8 Nov., 1823; m. Benjamin "Davis. 

41. Epli'raim, b. 8 May, 1825; m. Mary Blake. 

42. Margaret, b. 8 Nov., 1826; m. Christopher Harris. 



LYON FAMILIES. 453 

IV. CALEB (20), b. 17 Jan., 1801, son of Caleb Lyon 
and Lovice Thompson; married, 5 Aug., 1820, Selina Steb- 
bins, b. 3 June, 1799, daughter of Edward Stebbins and Aim 
Bishop. He settled in Montville, a fanner, living first in 
the old homestead on the old Colchester road, and afterwards 
removed to Palmertown, where he died 13 July, 1882. She 
died 1 Dec., 1877. 

Children. 

43. Orlando, b. 21 Dee., 1823; m. 1st, Martha Wheeler; 

had son, Benjamin Orlando, b. 31 Dec., 1815; and 
daughter, Hannah G., b. 6 Aug., 1850; 2d, Mary 
(Chapel) Whipple; 3d, Kuth Cobb. 

44. Lovice, b. 27 March, 1826; died young. 
15. Ellen, b. 9 April, 1831; died young. 

46. Edward S., b. 2 July, 1828; died young. 

47. Orrin, b. 1 Nov., 1832; m. Sarah Ann Avery. Was 

killed in the late civil war. 

48. Ann, b. 15 March, 1836; m. Green Brown. 

49. Harriet, b. 23 Dec, 1838; m. 1st, George Avery; had 

son, Albert W. 

50. Erastus D., b. 25 April, 1841; now living at Palmer- 

town, 1896, unm. 

IY. DANIEL D. (36), b. 20 Sept., 1814, son of Ephraim 
Lyon and Sarah Darrow; married 1st, Rhoda T. Latham, 16 
Oct., 1844, b. 19 May, 1824, died 10 Sept., 1863. He then 
married for second wife, Emeline G. Babcock, 8 Jan., 1867, 
b. 17 Oct., 1838. He was a Baptist Minister, much respected 
and beloved. Elder Lyon, in the early part of his ministry, 
had the charge of several churches at different times; a man 
of sincere piety, an earnest preacher, tender hearted, show- 
ing always a strong sympathy for the afflicted, giving advice 
and administering comfort to the needy and unfortunate. 
He was a strong advocate of all moral reforms, an early 
advocate of the freedom of the slave, and by word and action 
helped on the cause to victory. He was earnest in the cause 
of prohibition, and by precept and example fought hard for 



454 HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 

temperance until death released him. He died at Mont- 
ville 14 Feb., 1895. 

Children by Rhoda. 

51. Daniel Latham, b. 2 Nov., 1845. 

52. Jonathan V., b. 28 June, 1847. 

53. Augustus E., b. 24 Dec., 1851. 

54. Rhoda Augusta, b. 19 Mch., 1854. 

55. Judson Swan, b. 7 Sept., 1857. 

56. Frederic Denison, b. 18 Aug., 1859. 

57. Elizabeth, b. 27 Aug., 1863. 

Children by Emeline. 

58. Charles Arthur, b. 17 July, ISC'*. 

59. Grace, b. 6 Jan., 1871. 

60. Bertha, b. 29 July, 1877. 



DAET FAMILIES. 

The first of the name was Richard Dart, who bought of 
William Welman a house and lot in New London 12 Sept., 
1664. He continued his residence at New London until 
his death, 24 Sept., 1724, at the age of eighty-nine years. 
The name of his wife was Bethiah. Anna Dart, who mar- 
ried, in 1659, Benjamin Brewster, son of Jonathan, was 
probably a sister to Richard. They lived at Brewsters Neck. 
The descendants of Richard Dart have been quite numerous, 
some of which are still worthy citizens of this town. 

Children. 

2. Daniel, b. 3 May, 1666; m. Elizabeth Douglass. 

3. Richard, b. 7 May, 1667. 

4. Roger, b. 27 Nov., 1670. 

5. Ebenezer, b. 18 Feb., 1672-3; m. Mary — — . 

6. Betliiah, b. ; m. Joseph Chapel. 

II. DANIEL (2), b. 3 May, 1666, son of Richard Dart 
and Bethiah ; mamed 4 Aug., 1686, Elizabeth Doug- 
lass, probably (laughter of William Douglass and Ann 
Mattle; Miss Caulkius says, " Elizabeth, wife of John Chand- 
ler." She was undoubtedly mistaken in the identity of the 
person. 

About the year 1716 Daniel Dart, with most of his family, 
removed to Bolton, in Hartford county. 



Children. 



7. Thomas, b. 1687. 

8. Elizabeth, b. 1689. 

9. Daniel, b. 1691. 
10. John, b. 1693. 



456 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

11. March, b. 1695. 

12. Ebenezer, b. 1098. 

13. Abiah, b. 1701. 

14. Lydia, b. 1703. 

15. Samuel, b. 1705. 

16. Jabez, b. 1709. 

17. Rachel, b. 1711. 

II. EBENEZER (5), b. 18 Fob., 1672-3, son of Richard 
Dart and Bethiah ; married, about 1706, Mary . 

Children. 

18. John, 1). 11 Oct., 1707. 

19. Bethia, b. 12 Dec, 1709. 

20. Mary, b. 19 Aug., 1711. 

IV. DAVID DART was an inhabitant of Montville, 
b. about lTi'ii), and is supposed to have been the son of John. 
There is a generation between the children of Ebenezer and 
that of David's that is not recovered. David Dart's father 
was most certainly a grandson of Ebenezer. Be married 
1st, Mary Fargo, b. about 1761, daughter of Elder Robert 
Fargo and Prudence Stanton. She died 12 Oct., 1798. He 
then married Mercy Ann Mynard. 

Children. 

21. Stanton, b. Jan., 1783; m. Widow Adams. 

22. Eunice, b. March, 1784; m. Daniel Chapel. 

23. Robert, b. March, 1786; m. Sally Stebins. 

24. Lucy, b. July, 1788; m. Caleb Comstock. 

25. David, b. Jan., 1791; died unm. 

26. Moses, b. 21 April, 1794; m. Mahalith Chapel. 

MOSES (26), b. 21 April, 1794, son of David Dart and 
Mary Fargo; married 25 March, 1819, Mahalith Chapel, 
daughter of Comstock Chapel and Hannah Stebbins. He 
was a farmer; lived on the old New London road leading 
from Chapel Hill to New London. She died 2 May, 1878. 
He died 30 Dec, 1879. 



DART FAMILIES. 457 

Children. 



27. Mary, b. 2 April, 1820; m. John Dart. 

28. Albert, b. 22 Feb., 1822; m. Mary 



29. Elizabeth, b. 28 May, 1824; m. John P. Comstock. 

30. Peter A., b. 5 June, 1827; m. Joseph Daniels. 

31. Lavina M., b. 9 April, 1830; m. William H. Rogers. 

32. Emily, b. 22 July, 1832; died 1874, unm. 

33. Hannah M., b. 18 Dee., 1834; m. Horace M. Newbury. 

34. Henry E., b. 5 May, 1837; m. Emily D. Austin. 

35. Robert C, b. 4 March, 1841; in. Sarah D. (Baker) 

Hersh. 



WILLIAMS FAMILIES. 

There appears to have been several families bearing the 
name of Williams among the early settlers of Xew London 
comity, each appearing to be independent and unconnected 
with the others. To compile a genealogy of these families 
is a difficult and perplexing task. There are, however, so 
many people at the present age who are trying bo find out 
their various ancestral lines for the purpose of forming a 
family tree or chart, or to ascertain whether any one of their 
ancestors were in the Revolutionary service, that they may 
thereby be enabled to join the " Sons of the Revolution," or 
" Daughters of the Revolution," that the genealogist is greatly 
helped by the information gained from these many sources 
of historical facts gleaned from every form of record to be 
found by these record searchers. 

"Thomas AVilliains," .Miss Caulkins says, "appears in 
the plantation about 1670. He lived west of the river at or 
near Mohegan, and died Sept. 24, 170."), about 61 years of 
age." The names of his ancestors she does not give, nor has 
any historian, since her writings, given any clue to his parent- 
age. His age at death compares very closely to that of 
Thomas, son of Robert of Roxbury, whose birth is given as 
about 10-1 4, but who, Farmer says in his "Genealogical 
History," died without issue. Fanner may have been mis- 
taken, and Thomas of Roxbury may have followed the tide 
of immigration into Connecticut and settled in the wilds of 
Mohegan, and reared a family unobserved by the early 
historian. 

That Thomas Williams was a cotemporary with Samuel 
Rogers is quite evident from the fact that Grace, a daughter 
of Thomas Williams, married Daniel, son of Samuel Rogers, 



WILLIAMS FAMILIES. 459 

while other members of his family married settlers on Mohe- 
gan lands. 

The wife of Thomas Williams was called Johanna ; 

her maiden name has not been recovered. He died about 
1705. His inventory was taken September 4th of same year. 
After his death his widow married Samuel Rogers, who died 
1 Dec, 1713, leaving her again a widow. 

Children. 

2. John, b. about 1072; removed to Stonington. 

3. Grace, b. about 1(377; m. Daniel Rogers. 

4. Thomas, b. about 1679; m. 1st, Sarah Rogers. 

5. Jonathan, b. about 1681. 

6. William, b. about 1684. 

7. Johanna, twin to William; m. John Vibber, 9 Aug., 

1711. 

8. Mercy, b. about 1685; m. John Noble, 29 April, 1713. 

9. Patience, b. about 1687; m. Thomas Grant, 17 12. 

10. Samuel, b. about 1689; m. Bathsheba Camp, 17 July, 

1713. 

11. Elizabeth, b. about 1691; m. Samuel Strickland. 

12. Ebenezer, b. about 1693; m. Hannah Bacon. 

II. THOMAS (4), b. about 1679, son of Thomas Wil- 
liams and Johanna ; married 1st, Sarah Rogers, 

daughter of Joseph Rogers and Sarah , 9 Aug., 1712. 

After living together they appear to have separated, and 
married for his second wife widow Sarah Babcock in 1717, 
who died in 1725. His first wife died in 1728. After 1730 
he sells a large amount of land at Great Neck, in several par- 
cels, one parcel of 200 acres for £600, all amounting to about 
£2,400. He then removes to the North Parish of New Lon- 
don, now Montville, where he died in 1763. He may have 
married a third wife. 

Child by First Wife. 

13. Ruth, b. about 1713; m. Joseph Huntley. 



4^0 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children by Second Wife. 

14. Anna, b. about 1718; m. Jeth.ro Smith. 

L5. Johanna, 1). about 1720; m. Josihu'a Bolles. 

16. Lucy, b. about 1722; m. Ebenezer Williams. 

17. Jonathan, b. ; m. Hannah Williams. 

EBEXEZER (12), b. about 1693, son of Thomas Wil- 
liams and Johanna ; married about 1717 Hannah 

Bacon. He settled on Mohegan land. His farm adjoined 
that of Samson Haughton on the west. He, with his wife, 
were admitted members of the church in North Parish by 
Rev. James llillhoii.-c 2 1 Nov., 1722. He was chosen an 
elder in the church in 1751. lie died about 1780. 

Children. 

18. Hannah, b. L6 May, 1718; m. .Jonathan Williams. 
L9. Sarah, b. 25 Jan., 1720; m. Daniel Rogers. 

20. Ebenezer, b. 9 Dec., 1721; m. Lucy Williams. 

21. Ezekiel, b. about 1723; died about one year old. 

22. Dorothy, b. 29 Oct., 1725; m. James Baker. 
2.3. William, b. 9 Sept., 1727; m. Anna Buckley. 

24. Mary, b. 5 June, 1729; m. 1st, Simeon IVlton; 2d, 

Enoch llaskin. 

25. .Johanna, b. 6 June, 1731; m. Andrew Winchester. 

26. Jabez, b. 6 Feb., 1733; an imbecile. 

27. Thomas, b. 6 Feb., 1735; m. Jenisha Abel of Norwich. 

28. Twin sons, died in infancy. 

29. Samuel, b. 5 July, 1738 ; m. — Bolles. 

30. Babe, still born. 

31. Abigail, b. Sept., 1740; m. Abraham Johnson. 

32. Joseph, b. Feb., 1746-7; died about one year old. 



ROBERT WILLIAMS of Roxbury came from Norwich 
in England about 1638, with his wife, Elizabeth Stratton, 
and is the ancestor of families bearing the name who have 
been residents of New London comity, and of the divines, civil- 
ians, and warriors of this name who have honored the country 
of their birth. His first wife died 28 July, 1674. He then 
married for his second wife Martha Strong, who died 22 Dec, 
1704. He died 1 Sept., 1693, aged about 100 years. 



WILLIAMS FAMILIES. 461 

Children. 

2. Samuel, b. about 1632; m. Theoda Parke. 

3. Isaac, b. 1 Sept., 1638; m. 1st, Martha Parke; 2d, Ju- 

dith Cooper. 

4. Stephen, b. about 1640; m. Sarah Wise. 

5. Thomas, b. about 1644; may have married Johanna 



SAMUEL (2), b. about 1632, son of Robert Williams 
and Elizabeth Stratton; m. Theoda Parke, daughter of Dea. 
William Parke. He was a deacon of Roxbury Church. He 
died 28 Sept., 1698. His widow married Stephen Peck, and 
died 26 Aug., 1718. 

Children. 

6. Elizabeth, b. 1 Feb., 1654; died in same year. 

7. Samuel, b. 15 April, 1655; m. 1st, Sarah May; 2d, 

"Widow Dorothy (Weld) Denison. 

8. Martha, b. 20 April, 1657; died Feb., 1660. 

9. Elizabeth, b. 11 Feb., 1659; m. Stephen Paine. 

10. Theoda, b. 27 July, 1662; died in 1678. 

11. John, b. 10 Dec, 1664; m. Eunice Mather. 

12. Ebenezer, b. 6 Dec, 1666; lived at Stonington and 

Preston. 

13. Deborah, b. 20 Nov., 1668; m. Joseph Warren. She 

was grandmother of Gen. Joseph Warren, who fell 
at Bunker Hill 17 June, 1775. 

14. Martha, b. 19 May, 1671; m. Jonathan Hunt. 

15. Abigail, b. 12 July, 1674; m. Experience Porter. 

16. Park. b. 11 Jan., 1676; m. Priscilla . 

ISAAC (3), b. 1 Sept., 1638, son of Robert Williams 
and Elizabeth Stratton; married 1st, Martha Parke; 2d, Ju- 
dith Cooper. He settled at Newton, Mass., a captain. 
Representative in 1692, 1695, and 1697. 

Children by Martha. 

17. Isaac, b. 11 Dec, 1661. 

18. Martha, b. 27 Dec, 1663. 



4p,2 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

19. William, b. 2 Feb., 16(35. 

20. John, b. 31 Aug., 1667; m. Martha Wheeler. 

21. Eleazer, b. 22 Oct., 1669. 

22. Thomas, b. 23 Oct., 1673. 

Children by Judith. 

23. Peter, b. 31 Aug., L680. 

24. Sarah, b. 2 Oct., L688. 

25. Ephraim, b. 2 1 Oct., L691. 

EBENEZEE (12), b. 6 Dec, L666, son of Samuel Wil- 
liams mid Theoda Parke; married 24 .Ian., L687, Mary 
Wlieeler, daughter of Isaac Wheeler of Stonington. Another 
daughter of [saac Wheeler married the same day John Wil- 
liams, son of Csaac. First wife died 3 June, L708. He mar- 
ried second, Sarah Hammond, L2 July, 1711, died 5 Sept., 
L751. Ebenezer "Williams died 13 Feb., L746-7. 

Children by Mary. 

26. Theoda, b. 29 Oct., L687; died young. 

27. . b. IT Sept., L691; died :; days old. 

28. Mary, b. 7 dan., L694. 

29. Samuel, b. 3 Feb., L696. 

30. Theoda, b. 3 dan., 1701. 

31. Selina, b. 18 Dec., L703. 

32. Elizabeth, b. 21 Oct., L705. 

33. Ebenezer, twin to Elizabeth. 

34. Martha, b. 3 April, 1708. 

Children by Sarah. 

35. Nathan, b. 24 July, 1715. 

36. Elisha, b. 12 Jan., 1718-19. 

STEPHEN (4), b. about 1640, sen of Robert Williams 
and Elizabeth Stratton; married Sarah Wise. He died 15 
Nov., 1702. Tlis widow then married Thomas Atwood 1 

June, 1714. 



WILLIAMS FAMILIES. 463 

Children. 

37. Sarah, b. 13 Aug., 1667. 

38. Mary, b. 20 Dec, 1669. 

39. Elizabeth, b. 1 Oct., 1672. 

40. Bethia, b. 26 April, 1676. 

41. Stephen, b. 27 Aug., 1678. 

42. Robert, b. ; died in infancy. 

43. Joseph, b. 24 Feb., 1681. 

44. John, b. 16 Jan., 1683. 

45. Henry, b. 9 April, 1686. 

46. Grace, b. 2 April, 1688. 

47. Colten, b. 9 Nov., 1690. 

48. Thomas, b. 27 July, 1694; died young. 

JOHN (20), b. 31 Aug., 1667, son of Isaac Williams and 
Martha Parke; married Martha Wheeler 24 Jan., 1687, 
daughter of Isaac "Wheeler. 

Children. 

49. Isaac, b. 10 April, 1689. 

50. John, b. 31 Oct., 1692; m. Desire Denison. 

51. Martha, b. 3 Aug., 1693. 

52. Deborah, b. 2 April, 1695. 

53. William, b. 29 March, 1697. 

54. Nathan, b. 11 Dec, 1698. 

55. Beneiah, b. 28 Aug., 1703. 

STEPHEN (41), b. 27 Aug., 1678, son of Stephen Wil- 
liams and Sarah Wise; married . 

Children. 

56. Stephen, b. March, 1701; m. Sarah Payne, 

57. Samuel, b. 1703. 

58. Susanna, b. 1706. 

59. Henry, b. 24 Jan., 1707-8; m. Mary Payne. 

JOHN (50), b. 31 Oct., 1692, son of John Williams and 
Martha Wheeler; married Desire Denison. He died Dec, 
1771. He was called " Col. John Williams." 



4,;4 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

60. William, b. about 170 . 

61. Thomas, b. 

62. John, b. 

63. Robert, b. 

64. George, b. about. 1724; m. Eunice Avery. 

65. Edward, b. 

66. Thankful, b. 

67. Mercy, b. 

68. Deborah, b. 

HENRY (59), b. 24 Jan., 1707-8, son of Stephen Wil- 
liams and Sarah Wise; miarried Mary Payme, and had a son. 
Benjamin, b. about 1740, who married and had sous. Smith, 
b. 17 Nov.. L766; Al.i.-l, b. 25 Oct., 1768; Ephraim, b. Oct., 

1770; Isaac b. about 1772; Oliver, 1). about 1774. 

GEORGE (64), b. about 1724, son of John Williams and 
Martha Wheeler; married Eunice Avery. A fanner; settled 
in Montville in the part set off to Waterford in 1801. He 
was a man of considerable notoriety in his day, a true patriot. 
He died 11 August, 1775, soon after the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence was signed. His wife survived him and died 24 
June, 1812. 

Children. 

69. George, b. about 1751; m. Nancy Hewitt. 

70. Solomon, b. 
7 1. Amos, b. 
72. Dudley, b. 

7::. Robert, b. about 1707; died 15 June, 1787. 

74. Ebenezer, b. about 1770. 

75. Jesse, b. about 1774; died 12 July, 1822. 

76. Prudence, b. 

77. Eunice, b. 

78. Bridget, b. 
70. Desire, b. 



WILLIAMS FAMILIES. 465 

GEORGE (69), b. about 1751, son of George Williams 
and Eunice Avery; married Nancy Hewitt, b. about 1759, 
daughter of Israel Hewitt and Tabatha Wheaton. He was 
a farmer and large land-holder; lived at the old homestead in 
Waterford, near the line between Montville and Waterford. 
His mansion honse stood on the west side of the old Norwich 
and New London turnpike, and is still standing, 1896. A 
picture of the house is to be found in this book. Esquire 
Williams was a man of considerable prominence. A justice 
of the peace, and held other important offices. It is held by 
a tradition in the families of his descendants that Gen. George 
Washington, at the time of his passing through Norwich and 
Mohegan on his trip from Boston to New York in the year 
1776, stopped at the blouse of Esquire Williams and rested for 
a few hours. A chair in which it is said the General sat at 
that time is now in the possession of the Hewitts, living near 
the old Williams homestead. 

Esquire Williams at one time owned the land now occu- 
pied by the Uncasville Manufacturing Company, and also 
the site where the Win. G. Johnson Dye Mill now stands. 
Esq. George Williams died 30 June, 1830. She died 28 
Aug., 1844. 

Children. 

80. Nancy, b. about 1780; m. Peris Hewitt, 

81. Cyntha, b. 26 Sept., 1782; m. Joseph S. Allyn. 

82. Eunice, b. about 1784; m. Palmer Hewitt. 

83. Thankful, b. about 1786; m. Moses Benjamin. They 

were the parents of the late William P. Benjamin, 
a merchant of New London. 

84. Fanny, b. about 1788; m. Robert Bowser. 

85. Charlotte, b. about 1790; m . Edward R. Warren. 

86. Diodama, b. about 1792; m. Jeremiah Coinstoek. 

87. Clarissa, b. about 1794; m. B. E. Champlin. 

88. George, b. 27 Aug., 1796; died in infancy. 

89. Elizabeth, b. about 1798; died young. 

30 



MAPLES FAMILIES. 

Stephen Maples was among the eairliesl settlers on lands 
in the North Parish of New London. Ee appears first at 
New London in L712, when be, with others, were selected as 
watchmen, called the "Military Watch." Ee, with others, 
were summoned before the court of commissioners to show 
the titles to the land they were occupying and improving, 
upon the complaint of the Indians to the general court in 1720. 

At the meeting of the commissioners, held at the house of 
Joseph Bradford on the 22d day of Feb., 1720-21, the land 
titles which had previously been in dispute were confirmed to 
the occupant.-. Stephen Maple- being one whose laud claim was 
sustained. lie resided in the north part of the Parish, near 
the Norwich line, and where many of hi- descendants after- 
wards lived. Hi- married, about 1718, Patience Fargo, 
daughter of Moses Fargo. He, with his wife, united with 
the church at North Pari-h on the 24th day of April, 1726. 
He died Aug. 26, 1755. 

Children. 

2. John, b. 15 Sept., 1719; in. Sarah Baker. 

3. Stephen, b. 1 Oct., 1721; m. Eunice Way. lie died 

Sept., IT.")*), aged 29 years. 

4. Sarah, b. 22 April, 172 1 : died 11 Sept., 1755, unm. 

5. William, b. 15 June, 1727; m. Prudence Comstock. 

6. Mary, b. 2 Dec, 1720; died young. 

II. JOHN (2), b. 15 Sept., 1710, son of Stephen Maples 
and Patience Fargo; m. 12 May, 1743, Sarah, daughter of 
Joshua Baker and Marion Hurlburt. He was a farmer and 
lived on the homestead in the North Parish, now Montville. 
He joined the church during the pastorate of Bev. David 



MAPLES FAMILIES. 467 

Jewett. Ho died at Montville 2 July, 1798. She died 29 
July, 1797. 

Children. 

7. John, b. 5 June, 1711. 

8. Stephen, b. 3 Jan., 1719; m. 1st, Ann Leffingwell; 2d, 

Lydia Vergason. 

9. Susanna, b. 2 Jan., 1751; m. Reuben Ransom. 

10. Joshua, b. June, 1753; m. Harriet Dart. 

11. David, b. 3 Feb., 1755. 

12. Sarah, b. 19 Dec,, 1757; m. Joshua Monroe. 

13. Ann, b. 14 May, 1760. 

14. Josiah, b. 15 May, 1762. 

15. Andrew, b. 23 July, 1764; m. 1st, Eunice Congdon; 

2d, Elizabeth Clark. 

II. WILLIAM (5), b. 15 June, 1727, son of Stephen 
Maples and Patience Fargo; m. 1st, Prudence Comstock; 2d, 
Joanna Stebbins, b. 29 Nov., 1719, daughter of Jabez Steb- 
bins and Sarah Turner. He was a fanner; lived in the house 
on the north side of the Norwich road, near the house built by 
his son, Abel, now occupied by Dan. D. Home. He died 13 
April, 182 1. 

Children by Prudence. 

16. William, b. ; m. 

17. Prudence, b. ; m. Simeon S. Carew. 

18. Jonathan, b. ; m. Desire Chapman. 

19. Joseph, b. ; settled in Preston. 

20. Stephen, b. ; m. 1st, Amy Smith; 2d, Phebe 

Smith, sister of Amy. 

21. Betsey, b. about 1768; m. John Stanton. 

Children by Joanna. 

22. Lucretia, b. 29 April, 1781 ; m. Lebbeus Lathrop. 

23. Jabez S., b. 7 May, 1783. 

21. Abel, b. 30 Jan., 1785; m. Lovina . 

25. Mercy, b. 5 March, 1787; m. Ebenezer Lincoln. 

26. Eleanor, b. 5 Jan., 1789; m. William L. Moore, 5 Nov., 

1814. 



468 HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 

III. STEPHEN (8), b. 3 Jan., IT lit, S o„ of John 

Maples and Sarah Baker; m. Bathsheba . She died 

5 Feb., 1819, in her 72d year. After her death lie married 
for second wile Lydia Ve reason. lie died -5 May, L829. 
After his death she married Benjamin Babeoek. 

Children by Bathsheba. 

27. Stephen, b. about 177.'). 

28. .John, 1). about 1778. 

2!). David, b. 19 April, L781; m. Louisa LeffingwelL 

30. Olive, b. L3 May, L783; died s Sept.. L854, num. 

31. Benjamin, b. 3 May, L785; m. 

32. Asa! 1). 1 An-. L788; died 27 April. 1848. 

33. Sarah, b. ; m. Samuel S. Ford, 13 Jan., 1X22. 

Child by Lydia. 
.".4. Eliza J., b. ; m. — — Goff. 

TTI. JOSHUA (10), b. June, 17:»:*., sod of John Maples 

and Sarah Baker; married Harriet Dart of Norwich. He was 
a farmer and settled in Norwich, where he died. 

Children. 

35. Joshua, b. 6 March, L783; m. Elizabeth Rogers. 

36. Hannah, b. ; m. Isaac Huntington. 

III. ANDREW (15), b. 23 July, son of John .Maples 
and Sarah Baker; m. 1st, Kunice Congdon, daughter of John 
Congdon and Ann Mirick. She died 16 May, 1805. He 
then married, second wife, Elizabeth (dark of Lyme. Ee was 
a farmer. The house stood on the Norwich road, built by 
himself on land which formerly belonged to his father, and 
now occupied by Silas II. Browning. He died 23 Ana., 
1849. His last wife died 6 Feb., 1834. 

Children by Eunice. 

37a. Andrew C, b. about 1791; died 20 Jan., 1812, unm. 
38b. Elisha, b. about 1793. 



MAPLES FAMILIES. 469 

30c. Nancy, b. 24 April, 1796; m. John B. Rogers. 
40d. John C, b. 20 Jan., 1799; m. Susan Smith. 

Children by Elizabeth. 

lie. Charles, b. about 1801; m. Tabatha Lamb. 

t2f. Almira M., b. about 1806; m. - - Smith. 

13g. Eunice, b. about 1808; died 30 Sept., 1834. 

lib. Sarah B., b. about 1811; died 12 April, 1837. 

45i. Frances Maria, b. about 1817; m. Phineas F. Scho- 

field; died 24 June, 1885; leaving one daughter, 

Mary. 
H'.j. Caroline, b. about 1811; died 23 Sept., 1873, num. 
47k. Clark L., b. about 1820; died 

III. ABEL (24), b. 30 Jan., 1785, son of William 

Maples and Joanna Stebbins; m. Lovina . He was a 

farmer and settled in Montville, and lived in the house built 
on the homestead farm of his father, now occupied by Dan. 
D. Home. He died 18 June, 1832. She died 18 Aug., 1860. 

Children. 

37. Sophia, b. ; died at the age of 6 years. 

38. Henry R., b. about 1811; died at sea 14 June, 1836. 

39. James N., b. about 1813; died 17 May, 1842. 

40. Reuben P., b. about ; m. , living in 1S96. 

IV. DAYTD (29), b. 19 April, 1781, son of Stephen 
Maples and Ann Leffingwell; married Betsey Leffingwell, 
daughter of Samuel Leffingwell. He settled in Norwich, 
where he died 3 Sept., 1820. She died 10 July, 1858. 

Children. 

41. Lyman, b. about 1810; m. Lucinda Wells. 

42. Leonard, b. about 1812; m. Eliza Barns. 

43. Tyler, b. about 1815; m. Rhoda Sterling. 

IV. BENJAMIN (31), b. 3 May, 1785, son of Stephen 
Maples and Ann Leffingwell; m. Belinda Hamilton, He 



470 HISTORY UF MONTVILLE. 

settled in Norwich, where lie died 20 Aug., 1849. She died 
28 July, 1851. 

Children. 

44. Hiram, b. ; m. 

45. Lathrop. b. ; in. Eunice Allen. 

46. Burissa, b. about 1813; died 29 Sept., L833. 

47. Betsey, b. ; m. Nelson Vergason. 

48. Henry, b. ; m. Allen. 

IV. JOSHUA (34), b. 6 March, 1783, son of Joshua 
Maples and Harriet Dart; married !> Dec., 1 s 1 (), Klizabeth 
Rogers, daughter of Eleazer Rogers and Lucy Edgerton, b. 
.". May, 17> s . He settled in Bozrah. Was captain of mili- 
tia, member of the legislature, and held various town offices; 
a man of Bterling integrity and worth. She died at Bozrah 18 
Aug., 18-17. He died (here 

Children. 

49. Thomas, b. 1 April, 1812; died 31 Aug., L840, unm. 

50. Hannah, b. 22 Oct., 1813. 

51. Elisha. b. L3 Oct., L815; died 

52. Lucy, 1). L5 Oct., 1817; m. G-eorge Lathrop. 

53. Mary Fitch, b. 22 Aug., L820; m. George Woodworth. 

54. Charles, b. 2 Nov., 1822; m. Sarah Maria Post. 

55. Joshua, b. 7 March, 1826; m. Alice Abel Tracy. 

56. Eleazer, b. 25 Dec. L828; died 1 March, 1829. 

IV. JOHN C. i !0d), 1). 20 Jan.. 1799, son of Andrew 

Maples and Eunice Congdon; married Susan Smith, daugh- 
ter of Benjamin Smith and Susan Lewis. Tie was a farmer. 
lived at Massapeag, where he died 20 Aug., IS 84. 

Children. 

57. Susan M., b. 3 Jan., 1824; m. George A. Rogers. 

58. Elisha E., b. 14 July, 1827; m. Laura L. Smith. 

59. Almira, b. 30 July,' 1837; m. Seth C. Smith. 



NEWBURY FAMILIES. 

The name of Newbury first appears in Groton about 1700, 
since which time many persons bearing the name have ap- 
peared on the stage of action, and others of the female line who 
have intermarried and taken other names are very numerous 
in Groton and other towns adjacent. The first of the name 
whose family is found recorded in the Groton records was 
John Newbury, who married Elizabeth Stark about the year 
1704. 

Children. 

2. John, b. 16 Aug., 1710. 

3. Sarah, b. 3 June, 1712. 

4. Joseph, b. 4 March, 1713. 

5. Nathan, b. 3 March, 1716. 

6. Elizabeth, b. 4 Feb., 1718. 

7. James, b. 23 March, 1720. 

8. Trial, b. 25 Feb., 1722; m. Davis. 

9. Nathaniel, b. 10 March, 1724. 

10. Hannah, b. 25 March, 1726. 

IT. TRIAL (S), b. 25 Feb., 1722, son of John Newbury 

and Elizabeth Stark; married, about 1745, Davis, 

probably daughter of Andrew Davis of Groton. 

Children. 

11. Susanna, b. 7 Aug., 1746. 

12. Elkanah, b. 15 April, 1748. 

13. Elihu, b. 18 April, 1750. 

14. Triphena, b. 20 June, 1754. 

15. Eliphal, b. 21 July, 1756. 

16. Nathan, b. 29 Aug., 1759; m. Welthan (Green) John- 

son. 

17. Davis, b. 4 Oct., 1762; m. Lydia Williams, 



472 HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 

NAT II AX (16), b. 29 An.-. L759, son of Trial XYw- 

| lin . v ail( | _ Davis, supposed daughter of Andrew Davis 

of Groton; married, about 1787, Woltlian (.Green) Johnson, 
widow of Robinson Johnson, b. in England, and daughter of 
Christopher (ire. mi and Mercy Stoddard. He was a black- 
sniith; lived for a time in Groton, and afterwards in Mont- 
ville. He died ;l t Montville L9 Dec., L840. She died 11 
An-, 1814. 

( Jhildren. 

18. Nathaniel, b. 1<> May, L788; m. Fanny Hall. 

L9. Mercy, b. 20 April, L790; m. Joseph Schofield. 

20. Nathan, b. 6 March, L792; m. 

21. George Johnson, b. 30 Sept., 170 1. 

22. Elihu, b. IT An-, L796. 

23. Eunice, 1,. 2 Oct., 1798; m. Ezra Dart. 

24. Christopher, b. 29 Dec. L800; m. Desire Northrop. 

25. Stephen, b. 6 Oct., L804; .lied 25 I'd,.. L809. 
20. "Xewnian, 1». 3 Jan., 1808; m. Lueinda Holies. 

DAVIS ( 17), b. 1 Oct., L762, son of Trial Newbury and 
L Davis; married Lydia Williams, lie was a resident 



of Montville. Several children died here of a contagious 
disease. 

Children. 

27. Nancy, b. 9 Dec., 17-:.. 

28. Betsey, b. 12 Oct., 17-7. 

29. Elkhanah, I.. L3 Oct., 17-'.'. 

30. Sally, b. 23 April, 1792. 

31. Maria, 1>. 10 June, 1704. 

32. Fanny, b. 7 Aug., 1706. 

33. Sabra, b. 15 June, 1700. 

34. Eunice, b. 7 March, 1802. 

35. William, b. 13 May, 1804. 

30. Benjamin F., b. 20'Anjr., 1808. 

CHRISTOPHER GEEEN (24), b. 20 Dec., 1800, son 
of Xatlian Newbury and Welthan (Green) Johnson; married 
16 Feb., 1822, Desire Northrop, b. 4 May, 1802, of South 



NEWBURY FAMILIES. 473 

Kingston, E. I. He settled at Groton, Conn. He lived a 
few years on a farm near Chapel Hill, which lie sold and 
returned to Groton, where he died 13 June, 188G. She died 
there 28 July, 1893. 

Children. 

37. Sally, b. 24 Aug., 1825; m. Amasa Rockwell. 

38. Christopher G., b. 24 Feb., 1829; m. 1st, - - Pren- 

tice; 2d, . 

39. Horace M., b. 3 Sept., 1834; m. 1st, Hannah M. Dart, 

2d, . 

40. Byron, b. 31 Aug., 1842; m. Emeline Chapel. 



CHAPEL FAMILIES. 

William Chapel, the ancestor of the Chapels of Mont- 
ville, first appears an inhabitant of New London about 1653. 
In 1667 he was associated with William Peake in the pur- 
chase of various lots on the went side of the town plot, which 
thcv divided between them. A considerable portion of the 
land purchased by them and which lay on the southeastern 
slope of what is now called " Prospect Hill," was sold to Ann 
Latimer, widow of Robert Latimer. 

The Cedar Grove Cemetery, which was laid out in 1851, 
was a part of the Latimer purchase. Mr. Chapel's residence 
was on the Cohanzie road, on what is now called " Cavarly 

Farm." His wife's name was Christian . He died 

in 1689 or 1690. His widow afterwards married Edward 
Stallion in 1693, by whom she had two children. Tie was 
drowned by falling out of his canoe the 14th day of May, 
1703, near Groton shore. 

The descendants of William Chapel were numerous, many 
of which settled in the Xorth Parish of New London, now 
Montville, at a place now called " Chapel Hill." 

Children. 

2. Mary, b. 14 Feb., 1669; m. John Wood. 

3. John, b. 28 Feb., 1672; m. Sarah Lewis. 

4. William, b. Sept., 1677; probably died young. 

5. Christian, b. Feb., 1681; m. Samuel Fairbanks. 

6. William, b. 1682. 

7. Joseph, b. 1685; m. Berthia Dart. 

II. JOHN" (3), b. 28 Feb., 1672, son of William Chapel 
and Christian ; married 26 Aug., 1698, Sarah Lewis. 



CHAPEL FAMILIES. 475 

Children. 

8. Patience, b. about 1699, m. Peter Wickwire, 29 Feb., 

1720. 

9. Ann, b. about 1700, in. Jeremiah Congdon, 16 Dec., 

1725. 

10. John, b. about 1702; m. Hannah Edgecomb, 28 April, 

1726. 

11. Elizabeth, b. about 1705; m. 1st, Ezekiel Chapman, 23 

Nov., 1730; 2d, - — . 

12. Hannah, b. about 1708; m. Daniel Mason, 13 Dec, 

1734. 

13. Sarah, b. about 1710; m. Samuel Strickland, 25 Feb., 

1742. 

14. Richard, b. about 1719; m. Jemima Comstock, 24 Dec, 

1741. 

15. Ezekiel, b. about 1721: m. 1st, Hannah Atwell, 12 

Jan., 1742; 2d, Delight Baker. 

1 6. Amos, b. about 1722 ; m. Phebe Daniels, 20 Dec, 1748. 

IT. JOSEPH (7), b. about 1685, son of William Chapel 
and Christian ; married Berthia Dart. 

Children. 

17. Joseph, b. about 1709; m. 

18. Mary, b. ; m. Daniel Comstock. 

19. Jonathan, b. ; m. Elizabeth Comstock. 

19a. William, b. ; m. Berthia Dart, 14 April, 1732. 

III. JOHN (10), b. about 1702, son of John Chapel 
and Sarah Lewis; married 28 April, 1726, Hannah Edge- 
comb. 

Children. 

20. Sarah, b. 23 Oct., 1726. 

21. John, b. 28 Feb., 1728; died in Jamaica. 

22. Jonathan, b. 30 Aug., 1730; m. Eunice Leach. 

23. Joshua, b. 13 Dec.^1733. 

24. Hannah, b. 12 March, 1735. 

25. Ann, b. 13 Aug., 1738; m. Daniel Chapel. 

26. Joseph, b. 9 Nov., 1740; m. Patience Stebbins, daugh- 

ter of Jabez Stebbins. 



476 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

27. Isaac, b. 17 June, 1743; m. 

28. Jesse, b. 3 April, 1746. 

III. RICHARD (14), b. about 1719, sod of John Chapel 
and Sarah Lewis; married 24 Dec, 1741, Jemima Comstock, 
daughter of Kingsley Comstock and Rachel ('rocker. Ee 
joined the church at New London 5 July, L741. He died 
28 Jan., 1798. She died 29 July, 1809, aged 86 years. 

Children. 

29. MJartha, bap. 23 Oct., L743; m. William Congdon. 

30. William, bap. 26 Aug., 1711; m. Eunice Caulkins. 

31. Guy, b. about L746; m. Delighl Swaddle. 

32. Both in, bap. 1748; m. — - Harding. 

33. Jemima, b. ; m. William Swaddle. 

34. Betsey, b. ; m. Bishop. 

EH. EZEKIEL (15), b. aboul L721, son of John Chapel 
and Sarah Lewis; m. 13 Jan., 1741, Hannah Atwell, daugh- 
ter of Samuel Atwell and Mary , by whom he had four 

children. After her death he married, second, Delight linker. 
daughter of Joshua Baker. Tie died about 1800. 

Children by Hannah. 

35. Atwell, b. 18 May, 1741; m. Johanna Hill. 

36. Kzekiel, b. about 1744; m. Sarah Gardner. 

37. Japhet, b. about 1746; m. 

38. Samuel, b. about 1748; m. and had a son, Joshua B. 

Children by Delight, 

39. Betsey, b. ; m. Samuel Latimer. 

40. Theoda, b. ; m. Stephen Smith. 

41. Asa, b. ; m. Betsey Chapman. 

III. JOSEPH (17), b. 1709, son of Joseph (7); married 

Children. 

41a. Daniel, b. about ; m. Ann Chapel. 

42. William, bap. 22 March, 1730; m. Rebecca . 



CHAPEL FAMILIES. 477 

43. Mary, bap. 1 Dec, 1734. 

44. Berthia, bap. 1 Dec, 1734. 

45. Jedediali, b. about 1738; m. 1st, Rachel Carrol; 2d, 

Theoda Swaddle; 3d, Lucy Swaddle. 

III. JONATHAN (19), b. , son of Joseph 
Chapel and Berthia Dart; married 25 March, 1742, Eliza- 
beth Conistock, daughter of Peter Comstock and Martha 
Avery. He died in 1786. 

Children. 

42a. Peter, b. 26 Feb., 1743; m. Esther Douglass. 

43b. Joseph, b. 10 Dec, 1745. 

44c Prudence, b. 3 Dec, 1746; m. Thomas Strickland. 

45d. Ebenezer, b. 26 March, 1748; died young. 

46. Christian, b. 14 July, 1751; m. Leach. 

47. Elizabeth, b. 16 Nov., 1753; m. Jonathan Latimer. 

48. Jonathan, b. 29 Jan., 1756. 

49. Ebenezer, twin to Jonathan; died 3 June, 1756. 

50. Berthia, b. 10 Sept., 1758; m. Douglass. 

51. Martha, twin to Berthia; m. Hambleton. 

52. Abigail, b. 28 June, 1761; m. Smith. 

53. Sarah, b. 27 Sept., 1763; m. Peter Turner, 11 Nov., 

1787. 

54. Esther, b. 1765; died young. 

55. Comstock, b. 9 March, 1768; m. Hannah Stebbins. 

IV. JONATHAN (22), b. 30 Aug., 1730, son of John 
Chapel and Hannah Edgecomb; married Aug., 1750, Eunice 
Leach. 

Children. 

56. John, b. 9 Nov., 1750; died young. 

57. Grace, b. 28 Sept., 1753. 

58. Guy, 1). 23 Aug., 1755; died 18 June, 1782. 

59. Rhoda, b. 15 Jan., 1758. 

60. Lucy, b. 26 Jan., 1760. 

61. Temperance, b. 21 April, 1764. 

62. Richard, b. 25 Nov., 1766; m. Sarah Brown. 

63. Jesse, b. 5 Aug., 1768. 



478 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

64. John, b. 1 April, 1772. 

65. William, b. L3 Feb., 1775. 

IV. ISAAC (27), b. 17 June, 1743, son of John Chapel 
and Hannah Edgecomb; married , had son, 

Child. 

70. [saac, b. ; m. Elizabeth King, Nov., 1783. 

IV. GUI' (31), 1). about 1746, son of Richard Chapel 
and Jemima ( onistock; married, about 1780, Delight Swaddle, 
daughter of Samuel Swaddle and Delight Bliss, lie was a 
farmer and lived in Montville and Waterford. 

Children. 

71. Phally, b. 3 Dec., 1781; m. Daniel Hempstead. 

72. James, twin to Phally; m. Jemima Cole. 
7:!. Benjamin, b. 

74. Philena, b. s March, 1784 j m. Fitch Miner. 

75. Esther, b. L9 Feb., L786; m. George Church. 

76. Emeline, b. 

77. Betsey, b. ; m. Joseph Baker. 

78. Hannah, b. 

70. Elizabeth, b. ; in. Nathan Ohappell. 

80. Erastus, b. April. L792; m. Nancy Rogers. 

IV. ATWELL (35), b. 18 May, 1741, son of Ezekiel 
Chapel and Hannah Atwell; married 17 March, 1708, Jo- 
hannah Hill, daughter of Jonathan Hill and Charlotte Eox. 
His house stood at a place called Chapel Corners in Mont- 
ville, a short distance east from the Oxoboxo Pond. He was 
a farmer and had a saw-mill on the site of Harry Vincent's 
woolen mill. lie was justice of the peace and held other im- 
portant offices, and was much respected. He died 9 Jan., 
1811. She died 13 Aug., 1809. 

Children. 

81. George, b. 18 Dec., 1768. 

82. Chariot, b. 30 Oct., 1770; m. Sally Miner. 



CHAPEL FAMILIES. 479 

83. Elizabeth, b. 12 March, 1772; m. Joshua Baker. 

84. Daniel, b. 17 Dec., 1776; m. Eunice Richards. 

IV. EZEKIEL (36), b. about 1744, son of Ezekiel 
Chapel and Hannah Atwell; married, about 1770, Sarah 
Gardner, daughter of David Gardner and Jemima Gustin. 
He was a farmer and settled in Waterford. She died 4 July, 
1825, aged 75 years. He married, for second wife, widow 
Pennyman of New London, 13 Jan., 1827, when he was 82 
years of age. He died 3 Oct., 1832, aged 87 years. 

Children. 

85. Mima, b. about 1771; m. Joshua Smith of Waterford. 

86. Elis, b. about 1774; m. Joel Loomis. 

87. Hannah, b. about 1776; m. Willard Wickwire. 

88. Abby, b. about 1777; m. Mathew Turner. 

89. Sally, b. about 1779; m. Stephen Chapel. 

IV. DANIEL (41a), b. , son of Joseph Chapel 

U11 ,l ; married Ann Chapel, daughter of John 

Chapel and Hannah Edgecomb. 

Children. 

89a. Daniel, b. 14 Jan., 1783; m. Eunice Dart. Had a son, 
Edwin F., b. 25 June, 1816; m. Eliza Ohappell. 
He died 21 July, 1887. Daniel, the father, died 
13 Nov., 1880. 

IV. WILLIAM (42), baptized 22 March, 1730, son of 
Joseph Chapel and ; married Rebecca . 

Children. 

90. William, b. 21 Dec, 1754; m. Eunice Maples. 

91. Ransford, b. ; m. Mercy Williams. 

92. Ann, b. ; m. 

93. Lucy, b. ; m. Titus Beckwith. 

94. Hannah, b. ; m. Clement Beckwith. 

95. Nancy, b. ; m. Isaac Whipple. 

96. Mary, b ; m. John Lyon. 



480 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 



IV. PETER (42a), b. 20 Feb., 1743, son of Jonathan 
Chapel and Elizabeth Comstock; married Esther Douglass. 

Children. 

97. Mary, b. aboul 1773; in. Lebbeus Baker. 

98. Lydia, b. ; m. Jeremiah Wickwire, Jr. 

99. Peter, b. 

100. Esther, b. 

101. Berthia, b. ; m. Samnel Carol. 

102. Betsey, 1>. ; m. Benjamin Johnson. 
102a. Grace, b. : m. Nathan Holmes. 

JEDEDIAB I L5), b. about 1738, son of Joseph Chapel 
and Berthia Dart; married Let, Raclhel Oaroll; 2d, Theoda 
Swaddle, IT Jan., L765; 3d, Lucy Swaddle, b. 1 Jan., IT:;:'., 
daughter <»!' Samuel Swaddle and Delight Bliss. He died 
L8 Ano'., 1822, aged 8 1 years. She died 12 Aug., 1835, aged 
LOS year-. 7 months, 9 days. 

Children by Theoda. 

L03. James Carrol, b. 17 April, 1766. 

104. Jeremiah, b. about 1768; m. Grace Lyon. 

105. Thomas, b. about 1770. 

L06. Jedediah, b. about 1778; m. Hester Amos. 

107. Theoda, b. aboul 1780; m. Willard Wickwire. 

Children by Lucy. 

108. Lucy, b. about 1782; m. Jeremiah Miller. 

109. Samuel, b. about 1784; m. Nancy Ames. 

TV. COMSTOCK (55), b. 9 March, 1708, son of Jona- 
than Chapel and Elizabeth Comstock; married Hannah Steb- 
bens, daughter of Edward Stebbens and Ann Bishop. 

Children. 

110. Sarah, b. ; m. Abraham Adams. 

111. Joshua, b. ; m. Sarah Ann Comstock. 

112. Mehaleth, b. ; m. Moses Dart. 



CHAPEL FAMILIES. 481 

V. RICHARD (62), b. 25 Nov., 1766, sen of Jonathan 
Chapel and Eunice Leach; married 2.*') Oct., 1788, Sarah 
Brown. 

Children. 

113. Sally, b. 29 Sept., 1781). 

114. Lucretia, b. 2 May, 1791. 

115. Richard, b. 19 Jan., 1792. 

116. Harriet, b. 28 Sept., 1793. 

ISAAC (70), b. ; sod of Isaac Chapel and - 
; married Nov., 1783, Elizabeth Kino-. 



117 
118 
119 

120 
121 
122 
L23 
124 



Children. 

Abigail, b. 7 May, 1785. 
Jonathan, b. 22 Feb., 1787. 
Isaac, b. 19 March, 1789. 
George, b. 6 May, 1793. 
Henry, b. 6 Feb., 1796. 
Nancy, b. 15 May, 1798. 
Elizabeth, b. 18 Oct., 1800. 
Lydia, b. 10 May, 1804. 



V. ERASTUS (80), b. April, 1792, son of Guy Chapel 
and Delight Swaddle; married Nancy Rogers, daughter of 
dames Rogers and Elizabeth Howard. She died 11 July, 
1882, aged >'57 years. lie died at Montville at the residence 
of his daughter, Nancy, 24 June, 1882. 

Children. 

125. Elizabeth, It. ; died young. 

126. James, b. ; m. Jerusha Smith, and had a daugh- 

ter, Lizzie, who married John P. Turner. 

127. Henry, b. ; m. Susan Stoddard. 

128. Mary, b. ; m. Hiram Smith. 

129. Maria, b. ; m. Thomas Wheeler, son of 

Ebenezer, 

130. Hiram, b. ; m. Susan Maynard, 

31 



482 HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 

L31. Nancy, b. 4 July, L832; m. George W. Alexander. 

Had two sons, George I - '., I). L6 Jan., L859; Edwin 

C, 1). L3 Feb., L868. 
L32. Martha, twin to Xaney; died young. 

V. CHARLOT (82), b. 30 Oct., 177<>, son of Atwell 
Chapel and Johanna Hill; married Sally Miner. 

Children. 
L33. Caleb M., b. 11 Feb., L787 ; m. and settled in Michigan 

ill L832. He died 1 1 dime, 1873. 

i:;i, Japhet, b. 9 July, L794; m. Mary Lewis. 

V. DA1STTEL (84), b. 17 Dec, 1776, son of Atwell 
Chapel and Johanna Hill: married about L815, Nancy 
Richards, daughter of Nehemiah. He was a fanner, lived on 
the Lucretia Atwell place on Dolbeare Hill. He died :il 
March, L856. She died 2A Oct., L848. 

< Children. 

L35. George, b. aboul L818; m. Mercy Davenport. 

136. Hannali. b. 25 Dec, 1822; m. Jeremiah Vallet. 

V. W 1 1. Id AM (90), I*, l'1 Dee., L754, son of William 
Chape] and Rebecca ; married L9 dune, 1777, Eunice 

Maples, b. 29 Sept., L753, daughter of - — . He 

was a farmer and lived al Chapel Hill. 

Children. 

137. Rebecca, b. 18 Feb., L780; died num. 

138. Simeon, b. 8 Oct., 1782; m. 

139. Goddard Martenas, b. 31 dan., 1785; m. Rebecca Wil- 

liams. 

140. Betsey, b.16 Sept., 17^7: died num. 

141. Sally, b. 8 May, 1790; died num. 

142. Eunice, b. 29 July, L793; m. Thomas Jones. 

143. Jonathan, b. 8 July, 1796: m. Freelove Cobb. 



CHAPEL FAMILIES. 483 

V. HANSFORD (91), b. , son of William Chapel 

and Rebecca ; married Mercy Williams, daughter 

of Benjamin Williams. He was a farmer and lived at Chapel 
Hill. 

Children. 

144. Eliza, b. ; m. James Quinley. 

145. Ann, b. 6 March, 1804; m. in 1824, Benjamin Thomp- 

son, b. in 1784. Had children, Harriet, Sarah, 
Leonard, Fanny, and Susan. 

146. Rachel, b. 1806; m. George Holmes. 

147. Catherine, b. ; m. Raymond Austin. 

148. Lodice, b. ; died young. 

149. Mercy, b. ; died young. 

150. Lydia, b. ; m. Palmer Douglass. 

V. JEDEDIAH (100), b. about 1778, son of Jedediah 
Chapel and Theoda Swaddle; married Hester Ames, daugh- 
ter of Daniel Ames. He was a farmer and lived in Chester- 
field Society in Mantvilte. He died 14 Aug., 1846. She 
died 1 Sept., 1862, age 82. 

( Ihildren. 

151. Hubbard L., b. about 1810; m. Julia Ames. 

152. Daniel, b. about 1811; m. Mary Whipple. 

153. James II., b. ; m. Eunice Dunbar. 

154. Emeline, b. ; m. Leander Davis. 

155. Theoda, b. ; m. Jason Whipple. 

V. SAMUEL (109), b. about 1784, son of Jedediah 
Ohapel and Lucy Swaddle; married Niamey Ames. He was a 
fanner and lived in Chesterfield Society. He died 20 June, 
1850. She died 17 Feb., 1865, age 78. 

Children. 



156. 


Emily, b. 


; m. Henry Ohappell. 


157. 


Mary Ann, b. 


; m. Ezra M. Whaley. 


158. 


Lucy, b. 


; m. George Dart. 


159. 


jSTancy, b. 


; m. Levi Keeney. 


160. 


Alfred, b. 


; m. 



^ HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

VI. GEOKGE ( L35), b. in L818, s >f Daniel Chapel 

and Nancy Richards; m. L5 Oct., L849, Mercy Davenport, 
daughter of William and Eleanor Green. Ee was a fanner, 
mid lived on the farm occupied by bis father, lie died in 
L892. She died in L894. 

Children. 

L61. Harriet L., b. 30 Aim., L850; m. Giles Gurley. 

L62. William D., b. 9 March, L855; living in L896, num. 

Hi.",. Leland G., b. 6 Sept., L859; m. Ella Norbury. 

KM, Frank R., b. 1<» April, L862; m. Sadia Scott. 

VI. GODDARD MAKTKX AS i L39), b. 31 -lam, L785, 
son of William Chapel and Eunice Maple-: married Rebecca 
Williams, daughter of Daniel Williams and Caulkins. 

II«. died al Montville 7 dam, L863. She died iM Dec., ls:><>. 

Children. 

L65. Mary I-'.., I>. 11 Feb., L813; living in L896, num. 

166. Harriet, b. 28 An,-.. F S C>: m. Daniel Wilcox. 

167. Frank W., 1». aboul I s 17; m. Eunice Davis. Died 2 1 

dam, L856. 
His. Mariha. b. aboul L820; m. Elijah Fenton. 
L69. Robert, b. 24 dune, 1824; m. Mary Jane Chappell. 
17<>. Jeremiah, 1>. about 1826; in. 

VI. DANIEL (152), 1.. aboul 1811, son of Jedediah 
Chapel and Hester Ames; married Mary Whipple, daughter 
of Daniel Whipple. He was a farmer and lived in Chester- 
field Society. lie died 8 Dec is H. She died L2 March, 
L856, age :;7. 

Children. 

171. Leander D., b. 26 March, L842; m. Sybil Hill. 

172. Samuel, b. 
17-'5. Lydia, b. 
174. Atoses, 1). 



CHAPEL FAMILIES. 



485 



VI. HUBBARD L. (151), b. about 1810, son of Jede- 
diali Chapel and Hester Ames; married Julia Ames. He 
settled in Chesterfield Society, a farmer. He died 7 May, 
1878. 

Children. 

175. Hubbard, b. ; died nnm. 

176. George IT., b. ; m. 

177. Esther, b. ; m. Jonathan Baker. 

178. Emeline, b. ; m. Byron Newbury. 
170. James II., 1>. ; m. Sarah Sweet. 
180. Lucy, 1). ; in. George Banneld. 



i[.\r<;nTo\ families. 

Richard Haughton frrsl appears at New London in July, 
L651, having about thai time supposed to have conic from 
Salem, Mass., and Located ai New London. He was probably 
a son of Rev. Henry Haughton, who was an elder of the church 
in Salem, and died there in L629. Richard Haughton re- 
ceived a grant of land from Hncas, the Mohegan Sachem, 
August 19, 1058. This land was located at Massapeag, and 
lay on both sides of the cove, afterwards called " Haughtons 
Cove." A portion of this land was subsequently occupied 
by his descendants, on which Sampson Haughton built a 
mansion house, which became noted in after years as " Haugh- 
ton Tavern." 

Richard Haughton appeal'- to have been married previous 
to his removal to New London, and his three sons, Robert, 
Joseph, and John, were children by his first, unknown wife, 
born previous to 16 1". 

The wife that accompanied him to New London was [Cath- 
erine, formerly the wife of Nicholas Charlet, whom he had 
lately married, she having two daughters by her former 
husband. The children of Mr. Haughton by his last wife 
were Sampson, James, mid three daughters, Abigail, who 
married Thomas Leach; Catherine, married John Butler, 
and Mercy, married Samuel Bill; Benoni, married Alary Tru- 
man. Katherine, wife of Richard Haughton, died 9 August, 

K',70. He afterwards married Alice , who survived 

him, and became the wife of Daniel Crombe of Westerly. 
He died at Xew London in 1682. 

II. SAMPSOX HAUGHTON, son of Richard, was 
twice married, the name of his first wife has not been re- 
covered. He married, for his second wife, Sarah Pomberton, 



HAUGHTON FAMILIES. 487 

23 July, 1710. He settled in the North Parish of New Lon- 
don, now Montville, on land which he purchased of Godfrey 
Malbone of Newport, being a part of the grant to his father, 
the same having been previously sold by the heirs of Richard 
ITaughton. On this land he lived until his death, 26 Feb., 
1756. 

( liildren by First Wife. 

3. Abigail, b. , 1087; m. John Wickwire. 

4. Sampson, b. 20 May, 1602; m. Hannah Bailey. 

5. Ebenezer, b. 28 July, 1600. 

6. Christopher, b. 23 Feb., 1702-3. 

7. Mercy, b. 23 July, 1704. 

8. Jerusha, b. 4 Jan., 1706-7. 

0. Katherine, b. 10 .March, 1711. 

(liildren by Sarah. 

11. Sarah, b. 10 July, 1721. 

12. Lebeus, b. 11 March, 1724; m. 

SAMPSON (4), b. 20 May, 1692, son of Sampson llangli- 
fcon and mother unknown; married Hannah Bailey, lie was 

a resident of the North Parish of New London, a tanner. 
He died 24 Feb., 1761. 

( "liildren. 

13. James, b. 20 April, 1710; m. Deborah Bailey. 

14. John, b. 

15. Samuel, b. 

16. Elizabeth, b. ; m. William Fish. 

17. Lucy, b. ; m. Joseph Otis. 

18. Margaret, 1). ; m. Miller Fish. 
10. Mary, b. ; m. Jonathan Gardner. 

JAMES (13), 1). 20 April, 1710, son of Sampson Hangh- 
ton and Hannah Bailey; m. 4 Jan., 1748, Deborah Bailey, 
daughter of Obediah Bailey and Elizabeth Williams. He 
lived on the old Haughton homestead in Montville. His wife, 
Deborah, died 15 Aug., 1767. He then married 28 April, 



488 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

1768, Philena Whiting, daughter of Col. John. She died 12 

April, 1781. He t lien married, for his third wife, Ruth 
Adgate, widow of Thomas Adgate, an<l probably daughter of 
John Leffingwell and Mary Hart. 

( Ihildren by Deborah. 

20. Sarah, 1). 14 April, 1750. 

21. Lebeus, 1). 1 1 Aug., 1752. 

22. Jam.-. I). 9 April, L756. 

23. ( reorge, 1>. T June, 1 7.~> s . 

24. Elizabeth, 1.. 12 Tel.., L761. 

Children by Philena. 

25. William Whiting, b. 28 Jan., L769; died 28 Jan., 1771. 

26. Charles, b. 6 April. L770; died 26 Nov., L773. 

27. William Whiting, 1». 12 dan., 1774; m. Olive Chester. 

28. (diaries, 1>. L8 Aug., 177:.. 

2!i. Philena, 1>. 1'.' He-.. L776; m. William P. Whalev. 

WILLIAM W1IL14XC (27), b. 12 dan., 1774, son of 
dame- Haughton ami Philena Whiting; married 23 Nov., 
L796, Olive Chester, b. 12 March, 1777, daughter of Dea. 
Joseph Chester and Elizabeth Otis, lie settled at Montville, 
lived on the old Efaughton homestead. He kept a tavern 
and bouse of public entertainment. During the War of L812, 
while the war-ships were anchored in the Thames River, the 
officers of the -hip- would often visit the tavern, and indulged 
in various social recreations. Mr. Eaughton had a large 
chamber fitted up for dancing parties and social entertain- 
ments. Much of the public business of the town was trans- 
acted here. The train-band annually met at this place for 
drill. 

( Ihildren. 

30. John Whiting, b. 2ft Ana-., 1707; m. Clarissa Fitch. 

31. Richard, 1». 13 Oct., L799. 

32. Frederick William Augustus, b. 28 Jan., 1801. 



LESTER FAMILIES. 

Andrew Lester first appeare at Gloucester, Mass., where 
he was licensed to keep a house of entertainment by the county 
court 26 Feb., 1648-9. The births of four children are re- 
corded at Gloucester. He removed to New London in 1651, 
was constable and collector in 1668. 

His wife, Barbara, died 2 Feb., 1653-4, and is the first 
death of a woman on record at New London. His second 
wife was Joanna, probably daughter of Isaac Willey and 
widow of Robert Hemstead. She died previous to 1660 
without issue. Andrew Lester married, for his third wife, 

Anna . He died 7 June, 1669, and his widow married 

Isaac Willey. She died in 1692. 

Children by Barbara. 

2. Daniel, b. 15 April, 1642; m., moved to Bolton, Conn. 

3. Andrew, b. 26 Dec, 1644; m. Lydia Bailey. 

4. Mary, b. 26 Dec, 1647; m. Samuel Fox. 

5. Anna, 1). 21 March, 1651; m. Thomas Way. 

Children by Anna. 

6. Timothy, 1). 4 July, 1662. 

7. Joseph, b. 15 June, 1664. 

8. Benjamin, b. about 1666; m. Ann Stedman. 

II. BENJAMIN (8), b. about 1666, son of Andrew 

Lester and Anna ; married Ann Stedrman, daughter of 

Thomas Stedman and Hannah Isbell. He was an inhabitant 
of New London, where he died in 1737. She died 27 Jan., 
1711, " after living with her husband twenty-two years, and 
left nine sons and two (laughters." Only six children are 
found recorded in New London. 



490 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

9. Timothy, b. 22 June, L695; m. Abigail Willougbby. 

10. John, b. 3 Jan., 1096. 

11. Ann. b. 28 Dec, 1698. 

12. Benjamin, b. 15 Sept., 1700. 

13. Isaac, b. 17 May, 1702. 

14. Jonathan, b. 28 July. 1706. 

TI M< >TII Y (9), b. 22 June, L695, son of Benjamin Lester 
and Ann Stedman; married Abigail Willoughby, 31 An-.. 
17l«i. The name of three sons only are to be found as the 
children of Timothy Lester: L5, Timothy; L6, William, and 
Nehemiah. He died previous to L750. 

III. TIMOTHY, JR. (15), married L3 June, 1751, 
Mary Jones, daughter of Ephraim Jones of New London. 
She died L5 June, 1755. He married 2d, Zuviah Lester, 
daughter of Benjamin. 

Children by Mary. 

17. William, b. L6 April, L752. 

L8. Mary, b. 20 May, 17:.:.: died 24 Nov., 17.".:.. 

( ihildren by Zuviah. 

19. Levi, 1). 10 A.ug., 1757; m., name no1 recovered. 

20. Timothy, b. 7 An.-.. 1759. 

21. Zuviah, twin bo Timothy. 

22. Mary, b. 3 Sept., 1763. 

23. Hannah, b. 28 Dec., 1767; died 7 Nov., 1770. 

LEVI (19), 1). 10 An.-., 1757, son of Timothy Lester and 
Zuviah Lester; married 1st, - — . The nam.' of 

his first wife has not been recovered. lie married for Ins 
second wife Eunice Comstock, 8 May, 1825. She was pro- 
bably a widow. His first wife died in 1824 at the old Lester 
house, and buried in the old Fargo burying^ground; from this 
fact her maiden name may have been Fargo; Mr. Lester 



LESTER FAMILIES. 491 

was, in the early part of his life, engaged in the milling busi- 
ness. In 1785 he bought a gristmill of Thomas Bishop on 
" Roaring Brook," so called, which emptied into Alewive 
Brook. This gristmill was run by Mr. Lester for several 
years; he then sold out, and bought another gristmill at 
Unoasville. This he sold to Peter and Henry A. Richards in 
1823. He was lame, one leg being much shorter than the 
other, having been crushed and broken by a mill-stone falling 
upon him. He lived several years after the accident. He 
died 2 Feb., 1835. 

Children. 

24. Daniels, b. about 1784; m. Lucretia (Brown) Brown. 

25. Benjamin, b. about 178 G; m. Amy Fargo. 

26. Ezekiel, b. 

27. Lydia, b. ; m. Jesse Ross. 
•28. Fanny, b. ; died Sept., 1834. 

DANIELS (24), b. about 1784, son of Levi Lester and 
; married 30 March, 1806, Lucretia Brown, 



widow of Robert Brown, and daughter of John Brown and 

Amy . He was a carpenter, wheelwright, and 

machinist. At one time he carried on the machine busi- 
ness at Scholfield's mill. About the year 1835 he removed 
to Uncasville, built a house and shop. He died here 10 Aug., 
185G. He was a man of very large proportions, weighing 
over 250 pounds. 

Children. 

29. Lucretia, b. ; m. Elijah Fargo. 

30. Daniel, b. ; m. Hannah H. Beebe. 

31. Mary, b. ; m. Charles Comstock, 1st wife. 

32. Lydia, b. ; m. Charles Comstock, 2d wife 
■"».'!. John, b. ; m. Ursula Hamilton. 

34. Eliza, b. ; m. Gurdon W. Hamilton, 1st wife. 

35. Fanny, b. ; m. Dudley B. Williams, 1st wife. 

BENJAMIN" (25), b. about 1786, son of Levi Lester and 
; married in 1817, Amy Fargo, daughter of Stanton 



492 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Fargo and Fanny Oomstock. lie was a blacksmith; lived at 
the old homestead in Palmertown, formerly the " Elder Reu- 
ben Palmer House," and sold by Elder Palmer bo Levi Lester. 
After his death his widow removed to the state of New York, 
when- she died. 

Children. 

36. Levi, b. 31 Oct., 1818; m. Electa Church. 
.".7. Lyman, b. 

38. Louisa, b. 

39. Martha, b. 

40. Giles, b. 
11. Orrin, b. 
12. [saac, 1). 
1.1. la lues, b. 

I !. Benajah, b. 
1-5. Sarah, b. 
K'». Emily, b. 



BAILEY FAMILIES. 

Thomas Bailey, born about 1616, son of William Bailey 

and Mary ; came to New London in 1651; married 10 

Jan., 1655, Lydia, daughter of James Redfield. The same 
month a grant was made to him by the townsmen of New Lon- 
don, " with the advice and consent of Mr. Winthrop," of a 
lot lying north of Mr. Winthrop's land upon the cast side of 
the river, upon which he settled. 

William Bailey came from England in the brig " Pros- 
perous " to Virginia in 1620, aged 11 years. Mary, his wife, 
came in the " George " in 1621, aged 31 years, with her son, 
Thomas, aged 1 years. William Bailey was an owner of 
land in Virginia in 1626. Nicholas Bailey, a brother, ar- 
rived in the tfc Jonathan " in 1620, and Amy, his wife, in the 
" Marmaduke " in 1621. 

THOMAS BAILEY died in 1675 at New London, now 
Groton. His widow afterwards married, in 1676, William 
Thorne of Dorsetshire, England. 

Children. 

2. Mary, b. 11 Feb., 1656; m. Andrew Davis. 

:;. Thomas, 1). 5 March, 1659. 

1. John, b. April, 1661; m. Elizabeth . 

5. William, b. 17 April, 1664. 

6. James, b. 26 Sept., 1666. 

7. Joseph, b. about 1668. 

8. Lydia, b. about 1670; m. Andrew Lester, Jr. 

IT. JOHN (1), b. April, 1661, son of Thomas Bailey 

and Lydia Redneld ; m. Elizabeth . His will was dated 

1727; he probably died about that time. 



494 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

9. Elizabeth, b. 

10. Experience, b. 

11. Hannah, b. ; m. Sampson Eaughton. 

12. Dorothy, b. 

13. John, b. about 1 (*»i>0; m. Elizabeth Mather. 
11. James, b. 

15. Deborah, b. 

IB. Obediah, b. ; m. Elizabeth Williams. 

IT. Joseph, 1>. 

ITT. JOHN (13), b. aboul 1690, son of Jehu Bailey and 
Elizabeth - -; married Dec, 1713, Elizabeth Mather. 

( Jhildren. 

18. Elizabeth, b. about 1715. 

19. Priscilla, b. about 1717. 

20. John, I). 17 Oct., 1722; m. Anna - — . 

111. OBEDIAH (16), b. , son of John Bailey 

and Elizabeth ; married 10 July, 17 is, Elizabeth 

Williams. 

Children. 

21. Temperance, b. 20 July, 1711). 

22. Elizabeth, b. 27 Sept., 1722. 

23. Deborah, b. _' I Sept., 1724; m. James Eaughton. 

24. Obediah, b. 24 Sept., L728; m. Asubah Rogers. 

25. Experience, b. about 1734. 

26. Jesse, b. about 1736. 

27. Micah, b. aboui L739. 

28. Khoda, twin to Micah. 

TV. OBEDIAH (24), b. 24 Sept., 1728, son of Obediah 
Bailey and Elizabeth Williams; married Dee., 1747, Asu- 
bah Rogers, daughter of Jonathan Rogers and Elizabeth 
Pemberton. He died in 1780. She died at Whitetown, 

Xew York. 



BAILEY FAMILIES. 495 

Children. 

29. Jabez, b. 3 Sept., 1748. 

30. Obediah, b. 12 Aug., 1750; m. Esther Williams. 

31. Simeon, b. 17 Jan., 1754. 

32. Temperance, b. 18 Feb., 1756. 

33. Asubah, b. 1 Feb., 1758. 

34. Elizabeth,~b. 19 Sept., 1760. 

35. Dorothy, b. 1 March, 1763; died Jan., 1796, num. 

36. Micah, b. 19 June, 1765. 

37. Rhoda, b. 23 Jan., 1768. 

38. Vine, b. 15 Xov., 1771. 

V. OBEDIAH (30), b. 12 Aug., 1750, son of Obediah 
Bailey and Asubah Rogers; married 24 Nov., 1774, Esther 
Williams, b. 16 Jan.. L746. She died 10 Jan., 1833. He 
died 27 Aug., 1843. 

Children. 

39. Giles, b. 8 Sept., 1775; died 2 Sept., 1798, num. 

40. Amos, b. 26 Jan., 1777; in. Prudie Geer. 

41. Eliphalet, b. 3 Aug., 177^: .lied 7 March, 1782. 

42. Frederick, b. 29 Feb., 1780; m. 1st, Mary Withee; 2.1, 

Lucinda Morgan, 4 June, 1829. died 13 Sept., 1851. 

43. Esther, b. 13 May, 17S2; m. William Latham, died 17 

Nov., 1843. 

44. Sally, b. 21 Feb., 1784; m. Simeon Morgan, 25 Dec, 

1811, died 28 Jan., 1862. 

45. Lodowick, b. 14 Sept., 1785; m. Hannah Avery. 

46. Mary, b. 25 Mar. 1788; died 1881, uum. 

47. Tsaae, b. 23 Oct., 1790; m. Hannah Lester, died 5 July, 

1849. 

48. Eliphalet, b. 7 March, 1792. 

V. SIMEOX (31), b. 17 Jan., 1754, son of Obediah 
Bailey and Asubah Rogers; married 1 March, 1780, Esther 
Woodmansee, daughter of John, b. 4 May, 1759. Lie died 
at Norfolk, Va., 29 Oct., 1800. His widow then married 
Amos Allyn 10 Feb., 1805. She died 24 April, 1837. 



496 HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

4!). Simeon, b. 17 Sept., 17*1; m. Margaret Allyn. 

50. Robinson, b. 26 Sept.. L784; m. Lucy Johnson. 

51. Fanny, b. 31 Oct., 1701: m. William Chapman. 

YT. SIMEON (49), b. 17 Sept., L781, son of Simeon 
Bailey and Esther Woodmansee; married 7 Oct., L803, Mar- 
garet Allyn, daughter of Amos A II vn. He died 23 Sept., 
1846. She died L2 March, L864, age 80. 

Children. 

52. Simeon A., b. 23 Aug., l s <»7; m. Emeline Latham, 24 

April, L838. 

53. Francina, b. L9 Feb., L812; m. Russel Perkins, L3 Mch., 

L828. 

54. Pauline, b. 19 Aug., L814; m. Levi Perkins, is Apr., 

1837. 

VI. ROBINSON (50), b. 26 Sept., 17s I. a I' Simeon 

Bailey and Esther Woodmansee; married 6 March, 1806, 
Lucy Johnson, b. 13 Jan., 1 7 s ;,. daughter of < reorge A. John- 
son of Weltihea Green. Settled in Groton; ;i farmer, lie 
died 24 July, L853. She died is July, 1876. 

Children. 

55. Robinson Johnson, 1>. 10 Dec, 1807; died 30 April, 

1834. 

56. Lucy Ann, l>. 24 May, l s <>«.t; m. Dudley Brown. 

57. Rosetta Jane, 1». Hi Aug., 1811; m. Joseph P. Stone 

58. Eenry Egbert, 1». 2.~> -Inly, 1813; m. Hannah T. Stod- 

dard. 

59. George Anson, 1>. 26 Aug., 1815; in. Mary Ann Stod- 

dard. 

60. Eveline Belmont, b. 16 Apr., 1818; m. Dudley Brand. 

She was drowned at sea 25 Sept., 1847. 

61. Horatio kelson, b. 26 March, 1S20; died in San Fran- 

cisco, Cal. 

62. Almy Angel Lester, b. 4 Aug., 1822; m. George W. 

Pa me. 

63. Cyntha, b. 28 Jan., 1825; died 24 Dee., 1820. 



BAILEY FAMILIES. 497 

VII. SIMEON ALLYN (52), b. 23 Aug., 1807, son of 
Simeon Bailey and Margaret Allyn; married 24 April, 1838, 
Emeline Latham. She died . He then married 

Esther Alexander. 

Children by Emeline. 

64. Latham A., b. 23 Feb., 1839; died unm. 

65. Elizabeth C, b. 11 Mch., 1844. 

66. Simeon, b. 4 June, 1848. 

67. Mary Emeline, b. 11 Aug., 1852. 

Child by Esther. 

68. Jennie Maria, b. 26 Sept., 1880. 

VII. HEKRY EGBEKT (58), b. 25 July, 1813, son of 
Robinson Bailey and Lucy Johnson; married Hannah T. 
Stoddard, 28 Oct., 1838. She died 13 Dec,, 1887. They 
had only one child. 

69. William Johnson, b. 25 July, 1843; m. Belle Barton. 



32 



ADOATF FAMILIES. 

The name of Adgate is first found at Saybrook, where 
the following record, with a registry of lands and the name of 
Thomas A^dgate as being present at a town meeting in 1655 
are the chief evidences of his appearance there. It is not 
known where he came from or when he came, nor whether 
alone or with a wife and children. 

Thomas Adgate next appeals at Norwich among its first 
proprietors in L660. He was a deacon of Mr. Fitch's church, 
hut at what period chosen the records do not show. He ap- 
pear- to have been twice married. The death of the first w T ife 
and his marriage with the second are not recorded. His 
second wife was Mary, daughter of Matliew Marvin, and 
widow of Richard Buahnell. 

His will, dated May 22, L704, commences, "I, Thomas 
Adgate, being in the 8 1th year of my age." lie died July 21, 
1707. His wife, Mary, died March 29, 1713. 

Children hy Probable First Wife. 

2. Elizabeth, 1.. 1<> Oct., L651; m. Richard Bushnell, Jr. 

3. Hannah, b. <"> Oct., 1653; m. Samuel Lathrop. 

( hildren by Mary. 

1. Abigail, b. Aug., 1661; m. Daniel Tracy, 19 Sept., 
1682. 

5. Sarah, b. Jan., 1663-4; m. Christopher Huntington, 26 

May, 1681. 

6. Rebecca, b. June, 1666; m. Joseph Huntington, 28 

Nov., 1687. 

7. Thomas, b. Mch., 1669-70; m. Euth Brewster. 



ADGATE FAMILIES. 499 

II. THOMAS (T), b. March, 1669, son of Thomas Ad- 
gate and Mary (Marvin) Bushnell; married 15 June, 1692, 
Ruth Brewster, daughter of Benjamin Brewster and Anna 
Dart of Norwich. She died 22 Aug., 1731. He then mar- 
ried for second wife Elizabeth Starr, 20 Sept., 1749. 

Children by Ruth. 

8. Ruth, b. 27 March, 1693; m. Thomas Avery. 

9. Mary, b. 27 Aug., 1694. 

10. Rebecca, b. 10 March, 1696-7. 

11. Hannah, b. 10 Aug., 1699. 

12. Thomas, b. 9 Feb., 1702-3; m. Ruth Leffingwell. 

13. Mathew, b. 21 July, 1706; m. Hannah Hyde. 

14. Martha, b. 9 Oct., ^1710. 

15. Lucy, b. 13 Oct., 1714; died 9 Jan., 1717-18. 

III. THOMAS (12), b. 9 Feb., 1702-3, son of Thomas 
Adgate and Ruth Brewster; married Ruth Leffingwell, 25 
June, 1753. He died previous to 1782, and his widow mar- 
ried 6 June, 1782, James Haughton. 

Children. 

16. Thomas, b. 20 March, 1755. 

17. Philip, b. 30 Dec, 1757. 

18. John Hart, b. 30 Sept., 1759; m. Sarah Fitch. 

19. Anna, b. about 1762; died about 1800, unm. 

20. Asahel, b. 21 Sept., 1767; m. Sarah Avery. 

JOHN HART (18), b. 30 Sept., 1759, son of Thomas 
Adgate and Ruth Leffingwell; married 10 Oct., 1782, Sarah 
Fitch, daughter of Squire Joseph Fitch and Sarah Gardner. 
He settled at Montville near the Mohegan reservation, his 
land adjoining the " Fort Hill Farm " on the east, and that 
of Esquire Joseph Fitch on the south. He died 23 April, 
1809. 

Children. 

21. Sarah, b. 17 June, 1784. 

22. Belinda, b. 13 March, 1786. 



500 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 



23. Caroline, b. 11 April, 1788. 

24. John Hart, Jr., b. 1 Dec, 1790. 

25. Anna, b. 5 March, 1793. 

26. James Fitch, b. 29 June, IT'.':,. 

ASAHEL (20), b. 21 Sept., 1767, son of Thomas Ad- 
gate and Ruth Leffingwell; married Sarah Avery, b. 26 Sept., 
1769, daughter of Thomas Avery and Rutin. He settled at 
Montville, and died 5 Sept., 1851. She died 28 July, 1821. 

Children. 

27. Thomas Avery, b. 24 Jan., 1791; m. Lois Perkins 11 

March, 1835. He died 8 March, 1875. She was 
living at Gales Ferry in 1890. 

28. Mary Flart, b. 31 May, 1794; m. Jedediah Willet. 
29.. Anna, b. 22 Oct., 1796. 

30. Ruth I., b. 15 June, 1798. 

31. Sarah M.. twin t«» Ruth L.; m. Marvin Baker. 

32. Caroline I,., b. 25 June, 1810; m. George Bradford. 



WHALEY FAMILIES. 

Alexander Whaley and James Whaley were brothers and 

first appear in the North Parish of New London in the early 

part of the 18th century. Alexander was a blacksmith, 

owned a small farm located a little east of the Congregational 

church, and was conveyed by deed of gift to his son, Jonathan, 

in 1796. This place was afterwards occupied by Capt. John 

Russel Comstoek, who married a daughter of Jonathan 

Whaley. Alexander Whaley was married to Elizabeth Shaw 

in 1737. He was bom 25 Dec, 1713, and died 25 Dec, 

1799. 

Children. 

2. Margaret, b. 5 Feb., 1739; died 16 May, 1816. 

3. Mary, b. 174-4; m. - - Rollins, and died 20 Dec, 

1798. 

4. Alexander, b. ; moved to the state of New York. 

5. David, b. 4 April, 1749 ; m. Ann L. Leffingwell. 

6. Elizabeth, b. 23 May, 1751; m. Hezekiah Matteson. 

7. Samuel, b. 2 Jan., 1754; m. Olive Darrow. 

8. Jonathan, b. 26 March, 1759; m. Mercy Chester. 

9. Sarah, b. 30 Jan., 1763; m. Ebenezer Beebe. 

DAVID (5), b. 4 April, 1749, son of Alexander Whaley 
and Elizabeth Shaw; married Ann Lathrop Leffingwell, 
daughter of Caleb Leffingwell. He was a farmer and settled 
in Montville, Leffingwell Society, where he owned the farm 
afterwards occupied by Eliphalet Parker. He died 26 Aug., 
1831. He had son, Levi, b. 1788; married in 1810, Lorinda 
Gardner, b. 15 June, 1790, daughter of Lemuel Gardner and 
Jemima Lathrop, and had children, 1st, Levi Gardner, b. 
30 May, 1811; married Wealthea Davis; 2d, Charles Lathrop, 
b. 29 Jan., 1813; married Emma Smith; 3d, David Chauncey, 



502 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

b. 2S March, 1815; married Frances Gardner; 4th, Theodore 
Dwight, b. 4 Feb., 1817; married Jane Maynard; 5th, Mary 
Anna, b. 22 Aug., 1818; married Eenry Fanning; 6th, Jane 
Maria, b. 17 Dec., 181!' ; married Jacob Johns. 

II. SAMUEL (7), b. 2 Jan., 1754, son of Alexander 
Whaley and Elizabeth Shaw; married Olive Darrow, daugh- 
ter of Christopher Darrow and . His child- 
ren were ;ill born in Montville. Be was a fanner and lived 
on the farm afterwards occupied by Hazzard Browning, lo- 
cated on the old Colchester road, and was adjoined on the 
east by the farm of Dr. Ephraim Fellows, lie removed to 
die state i>\' New York, where he died in 1813. 

Children. 

10. Alexander, b. 1780. 

11. Jonathan, b. L783. 
L2. Martha, b. 1785. 
13. Joshua, b. L787. 

1 1. Samuel Palmer, b. 1789. 

15. Olive, b. 1791. 

Hi. Christopher, b. 1796. 

17. Betsey, b. 17'.'!). 

18. Justin, b. 1801. 

II. JONATHAN' (8), b. 26 March, 175!), sun of Alex- 
ander Whaley and Elizabeth Shaw; married 17 Oct., 1784. 
Mercy Chester, daughter of Joseph Chester and Elizabeth 
Otis. He was a blacksmith and lived on the place conveyed 
to him by his father. He died there 4 Sept., 1804. His wife 
then married Elisha Lord of Pomfret, Conn., and died 1 Sept.. 
1855. 

Children. 

19. Betsey, b. 10 April, 1785; died 13 May, 1787. 

20. William P.. b. 27 Nov., 1786; m. Philena Eaughton. 

21. John G., b. 3 Sept., 1789. 

22. Sarah C, b. 23 Oct., 1791 ; m.Capt. John R. Oomstock. 



WHALEY FAMILIES. 503 

23. Betsey, b. 10 March, 1794; died 21 June, 1796. 

24. Alfred, b. 15 April, 1797; m. Esther Palmer. He died 

Oct., 1837, and she then married — - Chester. 

III. WILLIAM P. (20), b. 27 NW., 1786, son of Jona- 
than Whaley and Mercy Chester; married 29 Sept., 1811, 
Philena Haughton, daughter of James Haughton and Philena 
Whiting, daughter of Col. John Whiting. He was a black- 
smith and settled in Montville. He died 22 Feb., 1851. 
She died 22 May, 1851. 

Children. 

25. Elizabeth Shaw, b. 4 Feb., 1813; in. Elijah Strong, 22 

Nov., 1843. She died 22 Nov., 1870. 

26. Joseph William, b. 19 April, 1815; m. Eliza Williams. 

27. James Wm. Haughton. b. 25 April, 1818; died in Cali- 

fornia, unm. 

28. Ellen Lord, b. 10 Feb., 1820; m. Alexander Elliott, 

29. Mary Philena, b. 7 Sept.. 1824; m. Turner Stebbons 

Harrow. 

JAMES WHALEY, the brother of Alexander, came to 

Xew London, Xorth Parish, probably about the same time 

as his brother. He married - - GofT, probably daughter 

of William Goff. 

Children. 

30. Alexander, b. 

31. Thomas, b. 

32. Jonathan, b. 

33. Humphrev, b. 

34. James, b. 26 Jan., 1775: m. Waitstill Moore. 

JAMES (34), b. 26 Jan.. 1 7 7 . » , son of James Whalcy and 
Goff; married Waitstill Moore of Lyme in 1799. He 



was a farmer and resided in Chesterfield, where he died. 

Children. 

35. Jonathan, b. 5 Feb., 1801; m. Mary Lester. 

36. Ezra Moore, b. 18 -Feb., 1808; m. 1st, Mary Ann De 

Wolf; 2d, Mary Ann Chapel. 



504 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

37. James, b. 12 June, 1811; m. Phebe Harding. 

38. Henry, b. 12 Sept., 1813; m. Mary Broekway. 

39. William, b. 30 Jan., 1815; m. Laura Turner, 18 March, 

1843. 

40. Harris, b. 20 Nov., 1816; m. Jane Burton, March, 1845. 

41. Waitstill Engals, 1). 25 April, 1821; m. William H. 

Wheeler, 18 Jan., 1840. She was living at New 
Haven with her son in 1896. 



CHURCH FAMILIES. 

The first of the name who appears to have become a settler 
in the North Parish of New London, now Montville, was 
Jonathan Church. Previous to his coming here he was a 
resident of Colchester. 

The first notice of him was his marriage to Abigail Pair- 
hanks, daughter of Samuel Fairbanks and Christian Chapel, 
24 Feb., 1724, by Rev. James Hillhouse. 

It appears that soon after this union Mr. Church purchased 
a farm in the vicinity of Pncasville, at a place afterwards 
called " Penny town." He must have been a man of some 
note and respectability, as some of his descendants became 
noted men in jurisprudence. It is said that the late Sanford 
Church, chief justice in the state of New York, was a de- 
scendant. 

Jonathan Church was probably a descendant from 
Richard, one of the first settlers of Duxbury, Mass., and father 
of the " great warrior against the Indians," Benjamin Church. 
Richard Church had another son, Joseph, b. in 1638, and died 
at Little Compton, R. I., 21 March, 1711. This Joseph was 
probably the great-grandfather of Jonathan. 

The wife of Jonathan Church was a woman of considerable 
ability and moral character. Her mother was a member of 
the Hillhouse church. 

It is not certainly known how many children they had, 
only Jonathan, Fairbanks, Joseph, and Peleg have been re- 
covered. The records concerning this family are sadly de- 
ficient. It is only from the land records, inscriptions on 
gravestones, and tradition that the information secured has 
been obtained, consequently many of the dates are approxi- 
mate. 



506 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

2. Jonathan, 1>. about 17i'<i; m. Mary Angell, 2d wife. 

3. Fairbanks, 1). about 17i' s . 

4. Joseph, 1). about 1730; m. 

5. Peleg*, b. about 1738; m. Elizabeth Conxion. 

IT. JONATHAN (2), b. about 1726, son of Jonathan 
Church and Abigail Fairbanks; married 13 Feb., 17(52, Mary 
Angell. He settled in Montville and lived on the homestead 
of his father. He died previous to l s <»o. His widow and 
her children sold out all their interesl in the farm to Levi 
Lester in 1*01, and removed to the state of New York. He 
appears to have been previously married and his daughter, 
Amy, sons Roswell and James, were children by a former 
wife. 

Children. 

6. Jonathan, b. ; m. 

7. James, b. 

8. David, b. 

9. Abel, b. 

10. Poswell, b. 

11. Joshua, b. 

12. William, 1). 

13. Amy, b. 1 April, 1754; m. James Comstock. 

14. Lydia, b. 

II. JOSEPH f4), b. about 1730, son of Jonathan 

Church and Abigail Fairbanks; married (the name of 

his wife is not to be found). [Te owned a picee of land in 
the vicinity of CTncasville, one acre of which, with a mansion 
house thereon, lie sold to Peleg Church 4 Jan., 1764. The 
old house is now owned by John B. Lathrop. He probably 
had other children than the two named. 

Children. 

15. Joseph, b. about 1755; m. Priseilla Monroe. 

16. Amos, b. about 1765; m. Lydia Htley. 



CHURCH FAMILIES. 507 

II. PELEG (5), b. about 1738, son of Jonathan Church 
and Abigail Fairbanks; married Elizabeth Congdon, daugh- 
ter of Jeremiah Congdon and Ann Chapel. He was a black- 
smith, and first started a shop on the land he bought of Joseph 
Church in 1764. He afterwards moved on to the Fort Hill 
Farm at Mohegan, where he is said to have lived thirty years. 
He owned in 1788, as is shown by the tax-list, thirty-five head 
of cattle, five horses, and one hundred and fifty sheep. He 
died previous to 1805. 

Children. 

17. Elizabeth, b. 

18. Peleg, b. about 1766; m. Mary Leach. 

19. Sanford, b. about 1768; m. Sarah Monroe. 

20. John, b. about 1770; m. Sarah Leach. 

III. JOSEPH (15), b. about 1755, son of Joseph 

Church and ; married Priscilla Monroe. He 

lived at Mohegan, near the farm occupied by Samuel Atwell. 
He died 3 Dec, 1842. She died 22 March, 1849, age 84. 

Children. 

21. Joseph, b. 28 Oct., 1781; m. Mary Comstock. He was 

drowned near Gales Ferry. Having crossed the 
river with Mr. Daniel Comstock to get a scythe, 
on returning fell overboard. 

22. Hezekiah, b. about 1783; m. Nancy Fitch, and had 

Abby, Joseph, Almira, Angeline, Albert, and Lucy, 
b. Aug., 1830, died young. 

23. Abby, b. about 1786; m. William Ray, 2d wife. 

24. Pardy, b. about 1789; died unm. 

25. Daniel, b. 17 Nov., 1791; m. Ann Hurlbut, and had 

daughter, Caroline, b. June, 1815; m. Henry F. 
Church, son of Erastus, had one son, Albert F., b. 
25 Dec, 1841; m. Abby Jane Havens, daughter of 
Charles Havens. 

26. Samuel, twin to Daniel; m. Dorcas Hazzard. 

27. Susan, twin to Daniel and Samuel, died from eating 

poisonous roots. 



508 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

III. AMOS (16), b. about 1765, son of Joseph Church 

and ; married Lydia Utley. He was a farmer, 

lived near the river below Comstock's Wharf. He died 24 
May, 1846, age 81. She died 7 June, 1851, age 83. 

Children. 

28. Pruanna, b. 11 Dec, 1788; in. Elisha Comstock. 

29. Prentice, b. 9 Jan., 1790; m. Prudence Fargo. 

30. Simeon, b. about L792; m. AJmira Fargo. 

31. George, b. about 1794; m. Hester ('Impel. 

32. Tracy, b. about 1797; m. Hannah (lark. 

33. Setu G., b. , 1803; m. Lucy Whiting Brown. 

III. PELEG, Jll. (18), b. about L766, son of Peleg 
Church and Elizabeth C'ongdon; married Mary Leach, daugh- 
ter of Jolm Leach and Mary — . A farmer, lived at 
Mohegan. The record of neither husband's nor wife's death 
can be found. 

( 'hiMren. 

34. Erastus, b. (5 April, L792; in. 1st, Nancy Ford; 2d, 

Fitcha (( bmstock) ( 'hurch. 

35. Peleg, b. about IT'.*-"): m. Jane Harrington, bad child- 

ren, Jeremiah, Austin, and Lydia; m. 1st, William 
Dodge; I'd, Alpheus Miosier. 

36. Henry, b. aboul L795; m. Parthena Bradford. 

37. Nancy, b. about 17'."; ; m. Ebenezer Story. 

38. Maria, 1>. about 1798; m. Joshua Rogers. 

39. James B., b. ; m. Julia O'Brien. 

40. Lydia, b. : in. Joseph Fuller, 1830. 

41. Eliza, 1). 2 April, 1800; m. John Manwaring. 

42. Harriet, b. ; m. Samuel II. At well. 

43. William L., b. ; m. Harriet Lucas. 

44. Abby, b. ; m. George F. Dolbeare. 

III. SAXFORD (19), b. about 1768, son of Peleg 
Church and Elizabeth Oongdon; married Sarah Monroe, 
sister to Priscilla, who married Joseph Church. It is said 
they were cousins to the president, James Monroe. He was a 
farmer, lived at Mohegan. 



CHURCH FAMILIES. 509 

Children. 

45. Jeremiah, b. ; died unm. 

46. Joshua C, b. ; m. Cooper. 

47. Kichard, b. 23 May, 1812; m. 1st, Parthena Augusta 

Champlin; 2d, Nancy Story. 

III. JOHN (20), b. about 1770, son of Peleg Church 
and Elizabeth Congdon; married Sarah Leach, sister to Peleg's 
wife. He was a farmer, lived at Mohegan. He died in 
1854. She died 16 Oct., 1870, aged 94. 

Children. 

48. John, b. ; died unm. 

49. Sarah, b. about ; died in 1894. 

50. Jane, b. about 1810; died 15 Feb., 1881, unm. 

51. George, b. ; m. Maria Fargo. 

52. Julia, b. ; died unm. 

SAMUEL (26), b. 17 Nov., 1791, son of Joseph Church 
and Priscilla Monroe; married Dorcas Hazzard. He was a 
farmer, lived . He died 18 Jan., 1856. 

Children. 

53. Eunice, b. ; m. John Strange. 

54. Amanda, b. ; m. Josephus Brown, 2d wife. 

55. Clarissa, b. 

56. Harriet, b. 

57. Joseph, b. 

58. Melissa, b. 

59. Henry, b. 

60. Bryon, b. 

61. Ann, b. 

IV. PKENTICE (29), b. 9 Jan., 1790, son of Amos 
Church and Lydia Utley; married Prudence Fargo, daughter 
of Stanton Fargo and Fanny Comstock. He was a farmer, 
lived in the vicinity of LTncasville. He died 12 Nov., 1849. 



510 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

62. Isaac, b. ; m. Mary Ann Perkins. 

63. Lydia, b. ; m. Archabal March. 

64. Elisha P., b. May, 1818; m. Mary Rogers, and bad 1st, 

Ellen, in. Lewis Perkins; 2d, Susan, m. Walter 
Armstrong; 3d, Adeline, m. Edwin Thomas; 4th, 
Kate, m. Austin Perkins; 5th, Georgeanna, in. 
Charles Fitch. 

65. Simeon, b. ; in. 1st, Jane Lamb; 2d, Eliza 

O'Brien. 

66. Pruanna, b. ; m. William Jerome. 

67. William, b. ; m. Hannah O'Brien. 

68. Adelade, b. ; died young. 

IV. GEORGE (31), b. aboul 1 794, son of Amos Church 

;u id Lydia Utley; married Hester Chapel, daughter of Guy 

Chapel and Delight Swaddle. He settled at Waterford 

(Quaker Hill). A fanner and fisherman. He died 27 March, 

1871. 

( liildren. 

69. John, b. April, 1816; m. Desire Chapman. 

70. James, b. Feb., 1817; unm. 

71. Mary Ann, b. April, 1818; m. Samuel Williams. 

72. Richard, b. Feb., 1820; m. Cordelia Chapel. 

73. Louisa, b. Nov., 1824. 

74. Elizabeth; b. twin to Louisa; m. John Jackson. 

75. Hannah, b. Feb., 1826; m. Emanuel Enos. 

76. Lucy, b. Oct., 1827; died young. 

77. Wm. Winthrop, b. June, 1828; m. Sophia Chapman. 

78. Benjamin, b. Feb., 1832. 

79. Emeline, b. Feb., 1836; m. James Beebe. 

IV. TRACY (32), b. about 1797, son of Amos Church 
and Lydia Utley; married Hannah Clark. He settled in 
Montville, near TTncasville, a fanner. 

Children. 

80. Henry, b. 

81. Amos, b. ; m. Mary Chappell. 



CHURCH FAMILIES. 511 

IV. SETH G. (33), b. about 1803, son of Amos Church 
and Lydia Filey; married, 6 Jan., 1823, Lucy Whiting 
Brown, daughter of Robert Brown and Lucretia Brown. 
This Lucretia Brown was a sister of John Brown, who mar- 
ried Lucretia Fargo. Mr. Church was a fanner, lived near 
Uncasville. He died 23 July, 1838. His widow then mar- 
ried Dudley B. Williams. She was living with her daugh- 
ter, Mrs. George W. Avery, in 1896. 

Children. 

82. Lyman, b. 20 March, 1S23; m. Mary Peckham. 

83. Norman Brown, b. 3 Aug., 1820; m. Mary Ames. 

84. Edwin W., b. 11 Nov., 1827; m. Sarah Rogers. 

85. Harriet A., b. 3 March, 1829; in. 1st, Gurdon H. Hom- 

iston, 2d wife; 2d, George W. Avery. 

86. Huldah M., b. 16 Sept., 1836; m. Charles E. Rogers. 

IV. ERASTUS (31), b. 6 April, 1792; son of Peleg 
Church and Mary Leaeh; married 1st, Nancy Ford, daughter 
of John Ford. He was a farmer, lived at Uncasville. After 
the death of his first wife he married Fitcha (Comstock) 
Church, b. about 1790, widow of George W. Church, and 
daughter of Ebenezer Comstock. She died 27 Dec, 1860. 
He died 9 June, 1880. 

Children by Nancy. 

87. Mary, b. 2 Nov., 1812; m. Carpenter. 

88. Henry F., b. 5 June, 1811; m. Caroline Church. 

89. Elisha R., b. 2 April, 1816; m. 1st, Augusta O'Brien; 

2d, Melissa Williams. 

90. Almira, b. 23 April, 1821; died 24 Sept., 1822. 

91. Emeline, b. 20 Sept., 1822; m. 1st, George Cranston; 

2d, White. 

92. Louisa, b. 16 Jan., 1824; m. Nathan C. Chappell. 

93. Nancy, b. 20 Dec, 1826; m. Thomas Nye. 



512 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children by Fitcha. 

94. Erastus, b. April, 1834; m. Ilellon Sawyer. 

95. Charles E., b. 14 Feb., 1837; m. Isabell U. Beebe. 

96. Nicholas W., b. 24 May, 1839; m. 1st, Ellen Cong- 

don; 2d, Juliet Maynard. Had children, 1st, Nel- 
son, 2d, Clarence, 3d, Julian, 4th, Fanny, 5th, 
Abby. 

Children of Fitcha by First Husband, George W. Church. 

97. Mary Ann, b. 21 Dec., 1815; m. Potter. 

98. James L., b. 1 Jan., 18-19; m. Austria Sweet. 

99. George \\\, b. 

100. Electa, b. 20 Aug., 1821; m. 1st, John Chapman; 2d, 

Levi Lester. 

101. Dudley, b. ; died young. 

IV. EAKKY (36), b. aboul 1 795, son of Peleg Church 
and Mary Leach; married, Jan., 1816, Parthena Bradford, 
daughter of William Bradford and Parthena Bradford. He 
was a farmer, lived at Mohegan. 

Children. 

102. Perez, b. ; m. Jane Parke. 

103. Frank, b. ; m. Sally O'Brien. 

104. Betsa, b. ; m. Eleazer Waterman. 

V. GORMAN BROWN (83), b. 3 Aug., 1826, son of 
Seth G. Church and Lucy W. Brown; married Mary Ames. 
He was a very active citizen of the town, holding important 
town offices. Was selectman, justice of the peace, a repre- 
sentative to the state legislature in 1859. He was president 
of the Rockland Paper Company, and manager of the busi- 
ness from 1868 to his death, Nov. 1, 1873. He kept a 
number of horse teams, and did the teaming for mills in 
Palmertown and TJncasville. He was an active business 
man, respected and honored by his townsmen. His widow, 
after his death, married Captain Benjamin Rogers. She 
was living in 1896, a second widow. 



CHURCH FAMILIES. 513 

Children. 

105. Alice, b. ; in. John B. Latlirop, 1st wife. 

106. Eva, b. ; m. Maurice Brown. 

107. Ida, b. ; m. Frank Ladd. 

108. Addie, b. ; m. John B. Lathrop, 3d wife. 

109. Grace, b. 



AIXYX FAMILIES. 

Robert Allyn, the ancestor of a large and noted family, 
was of Salem. Mass., in 1637; was there enrolled as a member 
of the church 15 May, 1642. It is no! certainly known when 
he emigrated to this country or in wliat pari of the old country 
he came from. 

He removed from Salem. Mass.. to New London in 1651, 
and obtained a granl of a large tract of land on the easl side 
of the Thames River, at a place still known as " Allyn's. 
Point." iii the town of Ledyard. At the time of bis settling 
here it was a part of New London, lie was one of the com- 
pany wh«. firsi purchased the town of Norwich, and resided 
for several years in the western part of the town plot. In 
h;>i be styles bimself of "New Norridge," and held the 
office of constable in 1 669. 

In a deed of Ids I he. however, uses this formula: "I, 
Robert Allyn of New London." In those early settlements 
if was sometimes difficuli to locate the possessions of land, 

the boundaries of the town- often changed, and g times one 

boundary would overlap another of an adjoining settlement, 
the same being the case of land purchases. Lines between 
towns had not been (dearly defined at first, and only became 
established as the population increased and necessity de- 
manded it. Robert Allyn at this late date had relinquished 
his home in Norwich to his son John, and had removed back 
to his farm on the river. He 4ied here in 168-3, aged about 
75 years. 

The heirs of his estate were his son John and four daugh- 
ters: Sarah, who married George Geer; Mary, who mar- 
ried Thomas Park: Hannah, who married Thomas Rose; and 
Deborah, who afterwards married John Gager, Jr. 



ALLYN FAMILIES. 515 

IT. JOHN ALIYN, son of Robert Allyn, b. about 1640; 
married 24 Dec, 1668, Elizabeth Gager, daughter of John 
Gager of " New Norridge." In 1691 he exchanged his home- 
stead and other privileges in Norwich with John Abel and 
Simeon Huntington for land west of the river, and trans- 
ferred his residence to the former residence of his father at 
Allvn's Point. This brought him within the bounds of New 
London, and his name appears in 1704 as one of the patentees 
of that town. He died in 1709, leaving an estate of £1,278, 
to be divided between his only son, Robert, and only daugh- 
ter, Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas Waterman. His inven- 
tory named three farms and a trading establishment on the 
Thames River. Among his household effects was a silver 
tankard, cup, and tumbler, a silver whistle, a gold ring, a 
wrought cushion, and a lignumvitae mortar and pestle. 

III. ROBERT, son of John Allyn and Elizabeth Gager, 
married 26 Jan., 1691, Deborah Avery. 

Children. 

2. Elizabeth, b. 25 June, 1692. 

3. John, b. 10 Jan., 1695. 

4. Robert, b. 25 June, 1697. 

5. James, b. 29 Feb., 1699; m. Althea Avery. 

6. Ebenezer, twin to James. 

7. Christopher, b. 12 April, 1702; died young. 

8. Samuel, b. 26 May, 1704. 

9. Christopher, b. 2i July, 1706. 

10. Lucy, b. 8 Oct., 1708. 

11. Natba, b. 9 July, 1715. 

IV. JAMES (5), b. 29 Feb., 1699, son of Robert Allyn 
and Deborah Avery; married Althea Avery, b. in 1704. 
They both died in 1776. 

Children. 

12. James, b. 27 July, 1739; m. Anna Stanton. 

13. Ephraim, b. 27 July, 1739; m. Temperance Morgan, 

15 Nov., 1770. She died 3 Oct., 1798. He then 



516 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

married 7 Dec., 1800, Rebecca (Morgan) Grallup. 

14. Lydia, b. ; m. (Jeer. 

15. Althea, b. aboul 1730; m. ('apt. Oliver Spicer. 
1G. Jerusha, 1). 

17. Elizabeth, b. 1742; m. Isaac Morgan. 

18. Sarah, b. 1742; in. Abel Spicer. 

19. David, b. . He was a soldier in the Revolution- 

ary War. 

JAMES (12), 1). 27 July. 1739, son of James Allyn and 
Althea Avery; married L5 Hit., L768, Anna Stanton, b. 

22 Jan., 1717. She died 11 April. 1M 1. 

( Jhildren. 

20. James, b. 22 Oct., 17<;p. 

21. Anna, b. 9 Nov., 1771. 

22. Joseph, 1). 22 -Ian., 1774. 
2-';. A It hca, I.. 6 Aug., 1776. 

24. Jabez, b. L2 Jan., 177'.'. 

25. Charles, b. 28 Sept.. L781; m. Lois Gallup. 

26. Martha, b. 17 April, 1784. 

27. Roswell, 1). 11 July, 1789. 

CHARLES (25), b. 28 Sept., 1781, son of James Allvn 
and Anna Stanton; married '.» Feb., 1814, Lois Grallup, 1>. 

17 April, 1791, daughter of of Groton. Ee 

was a fanner, came from (iroton and purchased the farm 
formerly owned by Burrel Thompson on Raymond Thill, 
Montville. lie purchased this farm about and 

moved on to it. He afterwards purchased the Christopher 
Raymond farm, adjoining his farm on the east, both farms 
containing about 300 acres. Mr. Allyn and his wife united 
with the Congregational Church 6 March, 1842. He was 
honored by his town-men by being elected to many public 
offices, a man of sound judgment and strict integrity. He 
died at Montville 13 May, 1868. She died suddenly on the 
28th day of April, 1860. 



ALLYN FAMILIES. 517 

Children. 

28. Louisa, b. 11 May, 1815; m. Judge Robert A. Williams 

of Salem, Conn. 

29. Robert, b. 24 Jan., 1817; m. . Settled 

in the state of Iowa and was a college professor. 
He died in Jan., 1894. 

30. Amanda, b. 26 March, 1819; m. Rev. 1ST. Clark Lewis. 

31. James, b. 22 Oct., 1822; m. 1st, Martha A. Williams; 

2d, Harriet V. Allyn, daughter Capt. Lyman Allyn. 

32. Calvin, b. 26 May, 1827; m. 1st, Gallup; 2d, 

Ann (Raymond) Ames. 

33. Harriet, b. 6 June, 1832; died 18 Nov., 1848, mm. 



AVERY'FAMILIKS. 

The first of the name was Christopher Avery, who first 
appears in Gloucester, Maes., between 1646 and 1654, and 
at New London in 1G65. In October, 1GG9, made freeman of 
the colony. He died at ]\Y\v London, but no date of his death 
is to be found. He must have been quite an old man, and 
born in the latter part of the sixteenth century. James, his 
son, in L685, gives a deed to his four sons of the house, or- 
chard, and land, " which," be says, " belonged to my de- 
ceased father, Christopher Avery." 

This James Avery is the only son thai can be traced. He 
married 10 Nov., 1643, Joanna Greenslade, the record of 
which marriage is found recorded in Gloucester, Mass. Three 
or more of his children were born in Gloucester, and the re- 
mainder probably a1 New London. At New London be took 
an active part in the affairs of the plantation. In 1G60 he 
was chosen selectman, and held the office twenty-three years. 
He was successively ensign, lieutenant, and captain of the only 
train-band in the town, and was in active service through 
Kino- Philip's War. He was twelve times deputy of the 
general court. Bis descendants have been very numerous, 
very many of them have been persons of distinction, filling 
position of honor in the church and state. It is not ascer- 
tained at what date he died, bu1 deeds of lands to his sons, 
including the homestead in February, 1693-4, may indicate 
his near approach to death. 

Children. 

2. Hannah, b. 12 Oct., 1644. 

3. James, b. 16 Dec, 1646. 

4. Mary, b. 19 Feb., 1648. 

5. Thomas, b. 6 May, 1651. 



AVERY FAMILIES. 519 

6. John, b. 10 Feb., 1653-4. 

7. Rebecca, b. 6 Oct., 1656. 

8. Jonathan, b. 5 Jan., 1658-9. 

9. Christopher, b. 30 April, 1661. 

10. Samuel, b. 14 Aug., 1664, m. Susanna Palmer 25 Oct., 

1686. Had a son, Jonathan, b. 18 Jan., 1688-9. 

11. Joanna, b. , 1669. 

THOMAS (5), b. 6 May, 1651, son of James Avery and 
Joanna Greenslade; married Hannah Miner, by whom he bad 
five children. After her death he married for second wife 
Hannah Raymond, b. 8 Aug., 1668, daughter of Joshua 
Raymond and Elizabeth Smith, by whom he had six children. 
He settled in the North Parish of Xcw London. His name 
appears the first on the list of the " first covenanters " in the 
organization of the church here in 1722. Oapt. Thomas 
Avery was a man of noble qualities, an active Christian, and 
a respected citizen; his end was peace. He died 5 Jan., 1737, 
aged 87. 

Children by Hannah Miner. 

12. Thomas, b. 20 April, 1679; m. Ann Shaply 12 July, 

1704. 

13. Samuel, b. 15 Nov., 1680; m. Elizabeth Ransford. 

14. Ephraim, bap. 18 Oct., 1685. 

15. Hannah, bap. 16 April, 1688; m. ■ — Minor. 

16. Jonathan, b. 9 Dec, 1691; m. 1st, Elizabeth Water- 

man; 2d, Widow Dorothy Copp. 

17. Abraham, bap. 6 March, 1691-2; m. Jane Hill. 

Children by Hannah Raymond. 

18. Joshua, bap. 25 Aug., 1695; m. Jerusha Rockwell. 

19. Elizabeth, b. ; in. Sylvester Baldwin 19 May, 

1724. 

20. Mary, b. ; m. Benjamin Baker. 

21. Isaac, b. ; m. Elizabeth Fox. 

22. Charles, b. ; died young. 

SAMUEL (13), b. 15 Nov., 1680, son of Oapt. Thomas 
Avery and Hannah Miner; married, 1704, Elizabeth Rans- 



520 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

ford. He was a farmer and settled nt Montville. Both 
were members of the church. He died 25 Feb., 1750. She 
died 9 Sept., 1761. 

Children. 

23. Ransford, b. about 1705; m. Elizabeth Rogers. 

24. Martha, b. about 1707; m. 1st, Capt. Peter Comstock; 

2d, Pelatiah Bliss. 

25. Elizabeth, b. about 1709; m. Daniel Comstock. 

26. Hannah, b. about 1711; m. Samuel Allen. 

27. Althea, b. about 1714; m. James Allen. 

28. Samuel, b. about L716; died young. 

29. Thomas, b. about 1719; died in an expedition of service. 

30. Ann, b. about L721; m. Jonathan Minor. 

31. John, b. about 1723; m. Prudence Manor. 

32. Mary, bap. 21 Aug., 1725; m. John Williams of Groton. 

33. Ephraim, bap. 25 June, 1727; m. Abigail Bill. 

ABKAHAM i 17). bap. 6 March, 1691-2, son of Capt. 
Thomas Avery and Hannah Minor; married 14 March, 1727, 
Jane Hill, bap. 8 March, 1703, daughter of Jonathan Hill 
and Mary Sherwood. He was a fanner, settled in Mont- 
ville on land given by Owaneco, the Sachem, to Jonathan 
Hill for the kindness shown to 1dm by saving him from drown- 
ing. This A verv farm was later owned by John H. Adgate, 
and is now known as the Adgate place. The original farm 
house in which Capt. Thomas Avery lived stands on the road 
from Montville Center to Norwich, a few rods east of the 
schoolhonse, now owned by Keeney H. Barnes. Abraham 
Avery and his wife were both members of the Hillhouse 
Church. His wife died 26 July, 1744, and on tin' 1st day of 
Oct., 1751, he married Sarah ( 'opp, daughter of Dea. Jona- 
than Copp. He died 23 June, 1761. 

( 'hildren by Jane. 

34. Jane, b. 3 Dec, 1727; m. James Chapel. 

35. Mary, b. 15 Sept., 1729; bap. when 10 days old and died 

when 3 weeks old. 



AVERY FAMILIES. 521 

36. Thomas, b. 16 Oct., 1730; bap. when 3 days old and 

married 1st, Sarah Mason; 2d, Ruth Haughton. 

37. Hannah, b. 30 Sept., 1732; bap. when 10 days old; m. 

Daniel Smith of Lyme. 

38. Ruth, b. 1 July, 1735; m. Abel Griswold of Norwich. 

39. Jonathan, b. 22 June, 1737; m. Smith of Lyme. 

40. William, b. 7 March, 1739. 

41. Nathan, b. 6 May, 1740; m. ■ Thomas of Leba- 

non. 

42. Abraham, b. 18 July, 1744; m. Rebecca Stevens. 

JONATHAN (16), b. 9 Dec, 1691, son of Capt. Thomas 
Avery and Hannah Miner; married 1st, Elizabeth Water- 
man, 16 April, 1724; 2d, Widow Dorothy (Denison) (Rogers) 
Copp. She was daughter of Oapt. Robert Denison, and mar- 
ried 1st, Ebenezer Rogers, and 2d, Dea. David Copp. He 
settled in Norwich. 

Children by Elizabeth. 

43. Elizabeth, b. 7 Jan., 1725. 

44. Hannah, b. 

45. Charles, b. 30 March, 1730. 

46. Elisha, b. 

Children by Dorothy. 

47. Ann, b. 10 July, 1753. 

48. Lucy, b. 16 July, 1755. 

49. David, b. 27 Dec, 1757. 

JOSHUA (18), bap. 25 Aug., 1695, son of Capt. Thomas 
Avery and Hannah Raymond; married Jerusha Rockwell 
17 Aug., 1722. 

Children. 

50. Lucy, b. 12 Sept., 1728. 

51. Joshua, b. 11 Dec, 1730. 

ABRAHAM (42), b. 18 July, 1744, son of Abraham 
Avery and Jane Hill; married, 1665, Rebecca Stevens, a 
granddaughter of Rev. Timothy Stevens of Glastonbury, 



522 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Conn. He settled in Glastonbury; was a tanner and saddler 
by trade. He died at Glastonbury 24 May, 1817. She died 
there 4 Sept., 1792. 

Children. 
'52. Nathan, b. 

53. Dolly, b. 

54. Ashbel, b. 

55. William, b. 

56. Annis, 1). 

57. Abraham, b. 22 June, L782; m. Elizabeth Bliss. 

58. Thomas, 1>. 

59. Rebecca, b. 

ABRAHAM (57), b. 22 June, L782, al Montville, son of 
Abraham Avery and Rebecca Steven-; married aln>nt 1809 
Elizabeth Bliss. Ee was a tanner and currier at Bean Kill, 
Norwich, and died al Wilbrafoam, Mass., s Oct., 1853. 

( Ihildren. 

60. Addison, b. 2 Feb., 1810. 

61. Benjamin, b. 16 June, L813. 

62. Simeon, b. 22 Aug., In 17. 

63. Elizabeth, b. L3 Oct., 1819. 

64. Julia, I.. L8 April, 1822; in. 1st, John Roper; 2d, George 

C. Rand. 

65. Abraham, b. 15 Nov.. 1824; m. 19 Nov., 1851, Mar- 

garel Cool? Camp, and had children, Anna, b. 29 
Oct., L856; William, b. 26 March, 1858; Kate, 
b. 22 Sept., 1861. Ee was connected with the 
firm of A. very & Rand of Boston, publishers. 

JAMES (3), b. L6 Dec., 1646, son of James Avery and 

Joanna Greenslade; married . He had a son 

James, and grandson, Jonathan, b. in 1682, and married 11 
April, 1703, Elizabeth Bill, and had Jonathan, b. 30 Deo., 
1703; Elizabeth, Mercy, Lucy, Abner, Sarah, Abel, Tem- 
perance, Freelove, and Experience. James A very of Groton 
married Mary Comstock, b. 28 April, 17 13, daughter of Capt. 
John Comstock and Mary Lee. 



BLISS FAMILIES. 

Thomas Bliss was among the early settlers in the colony 
of Connecticut. He was born in England and came to New 
England with his father in 1635. He was the son of Thomas 
Bliss and Margaret , born about 1580. His grand- 
father was Thomas of Belstone Parish, Devonshire, Eng- 
land. Thomas Bliss, 2d, had ton children, Ann, born ; 
married 29 April, 1642, Robert Chapman of Say brook, and 
died 29 Nov., 1685. Mary, born ; married 26 Nov., 
1 646, Joseph Parsons of Hartford. Thomas, born ; 

married 30 Oct., 1644, Elizabeth . Nathaniel, born 

; died 8 Nov., 1654. Laurence, born ; died 

1676. Samuel, horn , 1624; died 23 March, 1720. 

Sarah, born at Boston, 1635; married, , John Scott. 

Elizabeth, born at Boston, 1637; married, , Miles 

Morgan; Hannah, born at Hartford, 1639; died unmarried 
1662. John, born , 1640; died 10 April, 1702. 

Thomas, 3d, first appears at Saybrook among the earliest 
proprietors there. He, with others, removed to Norwich and 
settled there about 1660, and became a permanent inhabitant. 
He married 30 Oct., 1644, Elizabeth - — , and died 15 
April, 1688. 

Children. 

2. Elizabeth, b. at Saybrook 20 Nov., 1645; m. Edward 

Smith, 1663. 

3. Sarah, b. at Saybrook 26 Aug., 1647; m. Thomas , 

1668. 

4. Mary, b. at Saybrook 7 Eeb., 1649; m. David Caulkins, 

1672. 

5. Thomas, b. at Saybrook 3 March, 1652; died 29 Jan., 

1682, unm. 

6. Deliverence, b. at Saybrook 10 Aug., 1655; m. Daniel 

Perkins, 1682. 



524 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

7. Samuel, I*, at Saybrook 9 Dec, 1657; m. Ann Elderkin. 

8. Anne, b. at Norwich L5 Sept., 1660; in. Josiah Rock- 

well, less, 
it. Rebecca, 1>. :i1 Norwich IS March, 166.°,; m. Israel Lath- 
rop, 1686. 

II. SAMUEL (7), son of Thomas (1); married 8 Dec, 
1681, Anne Elderkin, b. Sept.. L660, daughter of John Elder- 
kin. He settled a1 Norwich, where he died. He purchased 
land of Owaneco in Lebanon in 17" I. 

Children. 

9a. Thomas, b. 6 Sept., 1682; m. Mary Loomis 27 May, 
1708. 

10. Samuel, b. 13 Nov., 1684; m. Sarah Parker 21 April, 

1715. 

11. Elizabeth, b. 28 Feb., 1687; m. Capt. Daniel White. 

12. John, b. 23 Oct., 1690. 

13. Peletiah, b. 17 Nov., L697; m. Widow Sarah (Harris) 

Brown. 

14. Thankful, b. 7 March, LY00; m. Joseph Willoughby 

6 April, 1719. 

III. THOMAS (9a), son of Samuel (7); married 27 

May, 1708, Mary Loomis, b. , daughter of 

. He was bitten by a rattlesnake and died in June, 

1719. 

Children. 

15. Thomas, b. 26 June, 1709. 

16. Samuel, b. 3 July, 1712. 

17. Elijah, b. 30 March, 1715. 

18. Elizabeth, b. 

III. SAMUEL (10), son of Samuel (7); married 21 

April, 1715, Sarah Parker, b. , daughter of 

. He died 20 Sept., 1763. She died 18 Oct., 1775. 

Children. 

19. John, b. 16 May, 1717. 

20. Desire, b. 26 May, 1719; m. George Dennis. 



BLISS FAMILIES. 525 

21. Thankful, b. 27 Jan., 1721; m. Benjamin Dennis. 

22. Freelove, b. 10 Nov., 1723; m. Nehemiah Corning. 

23. Mindwell, b. 22 April, 1726; m. David Rockwell. 

IV. PELETIAH (13), son of Samuel (7); m. 1st, about 
1730, Sarah (Harris) Brown, b. 27 Sept., 1697, widow of 
John Brown of Colchester, and daughter of Lieut, James 
Harris and Sarah Rogers. He married 2d, about 1743. 
Martha (Avery) Comstock, b. about 1705, widow of Capt. 
Peter Comstock, and daughter of Samuel Avery and Eliza- 
beth Ransford. He married for a 3d wife, Lucy Harris, who 
survived him. He died in 1763. Mr. Bliss lived in the 
North Parish of New London, and at the time of his death 
he lived on the farm afterwards sold by his heirs to Rev. Rozel 
Cook. The will of Mr. Bliss was received for probate in 
New London 8 Feb., 1763, and road as follows: "In the 
Name of God, Amen. This 21st day of December, 1762, I, 
Peletiah Bliss of Now London, North Parish, being of sound 
mind and memory do make and ordain this to be my last will 
and testament; That is to say: 1st, I will that all my debts 
and funeral charges be paid by my executor hereinafter 
named ; 

" 2d, Whereas an agreement between Mrs. Lucy Harris 
and myself touching our worldly estate made before marriage, 
dated Dec. 16th, 1756, It is my will that said agreement be 
carried out and fulfilled according to the intent thereof; 

" 3d, I give to my only son, Peletiah, my dwelling house, 
barn, and one hundred acres of land. The land to be set 
to his on the north part of my farm, to be laid out in equal 
breadth so as to include one hundred acres, south by land of 
Ezekiel Fox, westerly by land of John Baker, north by land 
of Esquire Raymond and Daniel Rogers, and east by the land 
of John Vibber. 

" 4th, I give to my daughters, Sarah Ransom, Elizabeth 
Jones, Ann Welch, Althea Comstock, Delight Swaddle, Mary 
Fargo, Thankful Baker, Abigail Baker, and Eliphal Scofield, 



526 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

all the remainder of my real estate after the payment of my 
debts. To my son Peletiah I give my gun and sword. 

Witnesses. 

John Baker (Signed) PELETIAH BLISS." 

David Jewett 

Rachel linker 

( ihildren, all by First Wife. 

24. Sarah, b. ; m. Joshua Ransom. 

25. Elizabeth, l>. ; m. Joshua dones,»1740. 

26. Ann, b. ; in. William Welch. 

27. Althea, b. ; in. Joseph Comstock, and had <>ne 

-"i!. Joseph, I). 1 June, 1 7 l!>. 

28. Delight, b. : in. Samuel Swaddle. 
20. Mary, b. ; m. Joshua Fargo. 

•'!<). Thankful, b. ; m. Gideon Baker. 

31. Abigail, 1>. : m. Joshua Baker. 

32. Peletiah, b. ; m. Elizabeth Harris. 

Y. PELETIAH (32), son of Peletiah (13); m. 
Elizabeth Harris, l>. aboul 17'!S daughter of Ephraim Harris. 
lie settled first in the North Parish of New London, and 
afterwards removed to Avon, K. Y., wliere he died. She 
died there in 1834. 

Children. 

33. Elizabeth, b. 8 May, 1700; m. Grurdoii Rogers. 

34. Hannah, b. 10 Jan., I 772: m. William Vibber. 
3. r >. Peletiah, b. 17 March, 1774; m. - - Gilbert. 

36. John, b. 8 Nov., 1780; m. Lucretia Bishop. 

PELETIAH (35), son' of Peletiah (32); m. , Gil- 

bert. They lived in Avon, Otsego County, N. Y. He mar- 
ried for second wife, Elizabeth Lathrop, born in 1760. 

Child by First Wife. 

37. Gilbert, b. , 1796. 



BLISS FAMILIES. 527 

Children by Second Wife. 

38. Eliza, b. , 1798. 

39. Hannah, b. ,1801. 

40. John, b. 20 Feb., 1804; m. Eosina Higgins. 

41. Seth L., b. 20 Feb., 1804; twin to John. 

42. E. Lathrop, b. , 1 806. 

43. Peletiah, b. , 1808. 

44. James, b. 28 Jan., 1812. 

JOHN" (36), son of Peletiah (32); married, 1802, Lu- 
cretia Bishop, b. 29 March, 1777. She died in Ohio, 1839. 

Children. 

45. Giles Bishop, b. 16 Dec, 1803. 

46. Robert Stanton, b. 1 Aug., 1805. 

47. Rnia Angeline, b. 29 April, 1815; m. Edwin Holden, 

1833. 



COPP KAMI I.IKS. 

Dea. Jonathan Copp was the firsl deacon chosen by the 
church in the North Parish of New London, nOw called Mont- 
ville Center Church, at its organization in L722. lie. with 
Capt. Thomas A.very, Capt. Roberl Denison, Mr. Samuel 
Allen, Mr. John fibber, and Mr. Nathaniel Otis, with their 
wives, were the firs! covenanters, forming the nucleus for 
the future church of North Parish, and over this little flock in 
the wilderness Rev. James Hillhouse was ordained its pastor 
:; Oct., L722. 

Some two or three years previous to the calling of Rev. 
James Eillhouse as pastor, this little band of < Ihristian work- 
ers bad met together on the Sabbath for divine worship with 
Deacon Copp as the probable leader. His farm lay in the 
northern pari of the Parish, near the Norwich line, in what 
is now called Keii indwell Society. 

T)ca. Jonathan Copp was born 23 Feb., 1665, son of 
David Copp and Obedience Topliff. He came from Boston, 
but the exacl date is qo1 certainly known, probably soon after 
1700. His children were all probably born before his re- 
moval here. lie was married to Catherine Lay 18 Aug., 
1690. He died I Nov., 1746. She died 24 May, 1761. 
Both were buried in the church cemetery in the rear of the 
Firsl ( Jhurch, on Raymond Hill. 

Children. 

2. Catherine, b. 7 July, 1692; m. Thomas Edgecomb. 

3. Jonathan, b. 12 June, 1694; m. 1st, Margaret Stanton; 

'2d, Widow Hubbert. 

4. Obedience, b. 17 Sept., 1696; m. Stephen Baldwin. 

5. Mary, b. 27 Get., 1098; m. John Mason, Jr. 

6. Sarah, b. 24 Sept., 1700; died 21 Dec., 1710. 

7. David, b. 3 Oct., 1702; m. Widow Dorothy Kogers. 



COPP FAMILIES. 529 

8. Samuel, b. 24 Jan., 1704-5; m. Elizabeth Leffingwell. 

9. Amy, b. 24 Sept., 1707; m. John Vibber. 

10. John, b. 29 Sept., 1709; m. Isabel Dixson. 

11. Sarah, b. 31 Dec, 1712; m. Abraham Avery, 2d wife. 

DAVID (7), b. 3 Oct., 1702, son of Jonathan Copp and 
Catherine Lay; m. Widow Dorothy (Denison) Rogers, daugh- 
ter of Capt. Robert Denison. He was also a deacon of the 
church, succeeding his father. He died May, 1751, and his 
widow afterwards married Jonathan Avery of Norwich. 

Children. 

12. Dorothy, b. 

13. Mercy,' b. 

14. Obedience, b. 

SAMUEL (8), b. 24 Jan., 1704-5, son of Jonathan Copp 
and Catherine Lay; married Elizabeth Leffingwell, daughter 

of Samuel . His children were all born here, but 

probably moved away before they grew up, as no mention of 
his death is made in the record. 

Children. 

15. Prudence, b. 5 April, 17l<>. 

16. Samuel, b. 22 Nov., 1747. 

17. Jonathan, b. 5 Nov., 1749. 

18. David, b. 10 Aug., 1752. 

19. Lois, b. 31 Dec, 1754. 

20. Catherine, b. 15 May, 1757. 

21. Abigail, b. 14 Nov.', 1759. 

JOHN (10), b. 29 Sept., 1709, son of Jonathan Copp 
and Catherine Lay; married 7 Nov., 1744, Isabel Dixson. 
His children were all born in Montville, but they all removed 
to Nova Scotia with their parents. 

Children. 

22. Catherine, b. 12 Aug., 1745. 

23. Isabel, b. 17 Nov., 1747, 

34 



^30 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

24. Anna, b. 6 July, 1749. 

25. Sarah, b. 20 May, 1751. 

26. John, b. 3 Jan., 1753. 

27. Timothy, b. 30 Dec, 1755. 

JONATHAN (3), b. 12 June, 1694, son of Jonathan 
Copp and Catherine hay; married 28 Dee., 1721, Margaret 
Stanton; 2d, Widow Ilubbert. 

Children. 

28. Dorothy, b. 25 Nov., 1722. 

29. Jonathan, I). 22 July, L725. 

30. Margaret, b. 29 Maw L727. 

31. Catherine, b. L 6 July, L730. 

32. Joseph, 1». is Nov.. L732. 



CROCKER FAMILIES. 

Thomas Crocker appears at New London in 16 GO, at 
which time he bought a house in New Street. He was born 
about 1633, and among those whose names appear in the 
Letters Patent granted by his Royal Majesty Charles the 
Second of England in 1663. His wife Rachel was daughter 
of George Chappell. He died 18 Jan., 1715-16, aged eighty- 
three years. 

Children. 

2. Mary, b. 7 March, 1668-9. 

3. Thomas, b. 1 Sept., 1670; m. Ann Beeby. 

4. John, b. ; m. . 

5. Samuel, b. 27 July, 1676. 

6. William, b. , 1680. 

7. Andrew, b. , 1683. 

II. SAMUEL (5), b. 27 July, 1676, son of Thomas 

Crocker and Rachel Chappell ; married . The 

name of his wife is not to be found on record. He early pur- 
chased twenty acres of land of Capt. Joseph Tracy on Little 
Lebanon Hill, afterwards called Crocker Hill, in Franklin, 
Conn. He was an active and influential member of the settle- 
ment. In 171<> he served on an important committee, and 
his name 'often appears upon the records of the society at later 
dates. In 1722 he served as selectman. He had children, 
Samuel, John, Jabez, and Hannah, baptized in 1709. 

II. JOHN (4), b. about 1672, son of Thomas Crocker 
and Rachel Chappell; married and had a son (8) John, b. about 
1706. He married 20 March, 1733-4, Jerusha Larrabee. 
He was a soldier of the French Wars, and was a resident of 
Montville, where he died 30 Nov., 1746. 



532 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

9. John, b. 20 Jan., 1734-5. 

10. Joseph, b. IS .March, 1735-6. 

11. Mary, b. 14 March, 1737-8. 

12. Mercy, b. 2 March, 1739-40. 

13. Phebe, b. 16 Feb., 1741-2. 

14. A lid iv w, b. 28 March, 1743-4. 

III. JOHN (9), b. 20 Jan., 1734-5, son of John Crocker 
an<l Jerusha Larrabee; married is Maw L758, Ann ('amp, 
daughter of William Camp. Ho was a member of the Mont- 
ville ('enter Congregational Church, and resided in the north 
part of the town. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary 
War. His wile died 7 Oct., 1T S 7. He afterwards mar- 
ried, 13 June, 180-2, Thankful Rob-bins. 

Children by Ann. 

L5. Joseph, b. 21 March, 1759; died 28 Oct., 177c. 

L6. Lydia, b. 27 Oct., 1 761 ; m. Samuel Bailey 6 May, L787. 

17. Malzor, b. 6 Aug., L763. 

18. John, 1». 11 Sept., L765. 

19. Elizabeth, b. 11 May, 1768. 

20. Mary, b. 30 May, 177<>. 

21. Ann;., 1». 20 July, 1772: m. Josiab Hills. 

22. Mercy, b. 20 March, 177:.. 

23. Sarah, b. 31 May, 1777. 

24. JoM.pl,. b. 8 April. L781. 

LYDTA (16), b. 27 Oct., 1761, daughter of John Crocker 
and Ann Camp: married 6 May, 1787, Samuel Bailey, and 

had children, 1st, Chine, b. 1789; 2d, Gordon, b. 1792; 3d, 
Lydia, b. 1795, died young; 4th, Lydia Agan, b. 1798; 5th, 

Abigail, b. 1801, m. Beaumont, and was living in 

1893. 



CHAPMAN FAMILIES. 

Joseph Chapman was an inhabitant of the North Parish 
of New London previous to 1755, at which time he exchanged 

25 acres of land with Rev. David Jewett, which he says, 
" being land that my father, Samuel Chapman, gave me." 
The land thus exchanged by Mr. Chapman lay along the north 
side of the Jewett Farm, now owned by D. Chester Corn-stock. 
He afterwards owned the farm on which the famous " Coche- 
geon Rock " is located, afterwards owned by Bliss Baker, 
and a part of which farm Mr. Chapman sold to Joshua Baker, 
Jr., in 1762. 

This Samuel Chapman was one of the patentees named 
in the list of signers to the patent of New London presented 
to the governor and approved Oct. 14, 1704. He was 
probably a grandson of William Chapman of 1657, who 
" bought the house and lot of Mr. Blinman, formerly be- 
longed to Capt. Denison." 

Among the minutes of county court cases in 1667 is the 
following item: " John Lewis and Sarah Chapman, presented 
for sitting together on the Lord's day under an apple tree in 
Goodman Chapman's orchard." 

Joseph Chapman is supposed to have been a brother of 
Jonathan Chapman, born in Nov., 1726, and who settled in 
Leffingwell Society near the Montville line, and has de- 
scendants still living in that society. 

Joseph Chapman, whose wife was Mary Perkins, had sons, 
1st, Joseph, b. 15 May, 1761, m. Sabra Baker, daughter of 
Gideon Baker. He was killed by the falling of a tree on 

26 May, 1799. After his death his widow married Nathan 
Latimer. His son, John Chapman, b. about 1798, died at 
the residence of his cousin, Joseph L. Chapman, 13 Oct., 1876, 



534 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

unmarried; 2d, Zebulon, 1>. aboul L765; 3d, Alpheus; 4th, 
Dyer; 5th, Gideon, married Sarah Cook. 

ZEBULON, second son of Joseph and Mary Chapman; 
married 12 March; 1795, Ann Latimer, daughter of Nathan 

Latimer and Jane Lee. Tie settled in Chesterfield Society, 
a fanner. lie died S June, 1802, in the :17th year of bis age. 

Children. 

6. Joseph Lee, 1). !> Dec, 1795; in. Phebe Wickwire. 

7. Marv. !.. i:> July, L798; m. John Latimer. 

8. Oliver Raymond, b. 6 May, L801; died 9 March, L802. 

JOSEPH LEE (6), b. 9 Dec., L79 5, son of Zebulon Chap- 
man and Ann Latimer; married r> Feb., L818, Phebe Wick- 
wire, daughter of Willard Wickwire and Hannah Chapel. 
He settled in Montville, Chesterfield Society, a farmer. A 
man of considerable ability, and active in town affairs. lie 
represented his native town in the state legislature in 1s:;t. 
A Jackson Democrat. lie was well informed in both politi- 
cal and civil affairs of the town and country. He died at 
Montville IT, Oct., 1876. She died IS. Ian., L879. 

Children. 

9. Oliver Wolcott, b. 21 Oct., 1818; m. — . 

He died in Jan., 1864. 

10. Sarah Gardner, b. 15 Sept., 1821; m. Alvin Gardner. 

11. Hannah, l>. 27 June, 1S2 1; m. Artcmas Gardner. 

12. Frank, 1>. 1827; died young. 

13. Leander, b. IS May, 1828; m. 1st, Landphere; 

2d, . 

14. Mary Jane, b. ; m. John Bogue. 

15. Charles Allen, b. 29 Oct., 1838; m. 1st, Mary R. Ed- 

wards; 2d, Laura S. Comstock. 

JONATHAN CHAPMAN, supposed son of Samuel 
Chapman, b. about 1726; married Mercy — , b. about 

1732. Her maiden name has not heen ascertained. He 



CHAPMAN FAMILIES. 535 

settled in Bozrah, Leffingwell Society, a farmer. He died 
9 May, 1802. She died 11 May, 1818. 

Children. 

2. Christopher, b. 20 Aug., 1756; m. Eunice Fitch. He 

died 13 Nov., 1834. She died 30 Nov., 1831. 

3. Lucy, b. 25 Aug-., 1750; died 14 Sept., 1837. 

4. Desire, b. about 1762; m. Maples. 

5. Prudence, b. about 1769; died 28 Dec, 1792, unm. 

6. Jonathan, b. 28 Sept., 1771; m. Phebe Leffingwell. 

JONATHAN (6), b. 28 Sept., 1771, son of Jonathan 
Chapman and Mercy - — ; married, 1798, Phebe Leffing- 
well, b. about 4774, daughter of Samuel Leffingwell and 
Betsey Baker; a fanner, lived at the old Chapman homestead 
in Leffingwell Society. She died 20 Nov., 1847. He died 
15 Oct., 1859. 

Children. 

7. Christopher, b. 16 Feb., 1799; m. 1st, Sabra Harring- 

ton; 2d, Clarissa Lampher. 

8. Abby, b. 8 Feb., 1806; m. Marvin Leffingwell. 

CHRISTOPHER (7), b. 16 Feb., 1799, son of Jonathan 
Chapman and Phebe Leffingwell; married 1st, Sabra Harring- 
ton. She died 12 Feb., 1821. He then married 3 Nov., 
1824, Clarissa Lampher. He settled on the old homestead 
in Bozrah, a fanner. He died 7 Sept., 1851. She died 2 
Oct., 1832, leaving two children, 1st, Sabra, b. 1 May, 1825, 
m. Isaac Winchester; 2d, Christopher Nelson, b. 7 Jan., 1827, 
m. Mary (Gardner) Maples, widow of George Maples, and 
daughter of Rhoderick Gardner. 

ALPHEUS CHAPMAN, son of Joseph Chapman and 

Mary . Was an inhabitant of Montville and lived 

on the farm afterwards occupied by Gilbert Allen, and sub- 
sequently by John McAlpine. He was one of the appraisers 
on the estate of Samuel Holmes, his nearest neighbor, Oct. 8, 



536 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

1774. He was bom about 1750, and was living in 1812. 

His wife's name was Martha , and was one of the 

witnesses to the last will of Samuel Holmes, August 4, 1774. 
lie had sons, Alpheus, who married Elizabeth Allen; Jesse 
married Hannah Holmes, daughter of Jabez, and his children 
were Jesse, Mary, married KTehemiah Fargo. James Bab- 
coclv, Alpheus Babcock, Thomas Baboock, and Mary Babcock, 
Henry Minard, Sophia Minard, Emiline Minard, and Ann 
Bird were heirs at law of the estate of Alpheus ( Jhapman. 



OAKDWELL FAMILIES. 

William Cardwell, whose name is first found on the 
records of New London, and who married 4 September, 
1747, Elizabeth Buret, has very little said about him. His 
marriage is the only evidence, together with the birth record 
of his children, of his being a resident of New London. It 
is not ascertained who his parents were or where he came from 
to New London, nor in what part of the town he lived. 

The young man mentioned by Mr. Hemstead as being 
killed by a stroke of lightning that descended upon the old 
Saltonstall meeting-house in New London on the Sabbath, 
while the people were at worship, August 31, 1735, shaking 
its very foundation, splitting timbers, rafters, and posts, scat- 
tering them in fragments on every side, and laying about 
forty persons prostrate and senseless upon the floor, may have 
been a brother of Elizabeth Burch. " It pleased God," says 
Hemstead, " to spare all our lives but Edward Burch, a young 
man newly for himself, who was struck fatally and died." 

Children. 

2. Samuel, b. 27 Aug., 1718; died in the 17th year of his 

age. 

3. William, b. 6 April, 1751; m. Sibbel Griswold. 

4. John, b. 5 May, 1752. 

5. Nathaniel, b. 10 May, 1755. 

6. Mary, b. 16 June, 1757. 

7. Sarah, b. 1 Aug., 1767. 

WILLIAM (3), b. 6 April, 1751, son of William Card- 
well and Elizabeth Burch; married 11 April, 1779, Sibbel 
Griswold. He probably resided in New London, as the births 
of his children are recorded there. 

Children. 

8. John, b. 23 April, 1780. 

9. Samuel, b. 6 March, 1782. 



538 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

10. Uriah, b. 10 Feb., 1785; m. - - Hough of Bozrah. 

11. ISTancy, b. 6 An-., 1786. 

12. Robert, b. 23 March, 1788; in. 1st, Lydia Dorsett; 2d, 

Rebecca ( Breed) Potter. 

13. Lydia, b. 23 Jan., L790; m. Russel Tread-way. 
1 l. Rebecca, b. 6 Tune, 1792; died unm. 

15. Vera Ann, b. 22 Aug., 170-1; m. G-urdon Abel. 

16. Sibbel or Sybel, b. 28 Tune, 1707; in. William Tew. 

17. William S., 1). 10 Oct.. 1802; in. 1st, Rebecca P>. Land- 

phere; 2d, Nancy (Lester) Comstock. 

WILLIAM S. (IT). 1.. 10 Oct., 1s<>2, son of William 
Cardwell an.! Sybel Griswold; married l~t. Rebecca B. Land- 
phere 25 Nov., L830, daughter of Oliver Landphere of Bozrah. 
She died 7 June, L837. lie married for his second wife 

Nancy (Lester) Comstock, widow of Amos C -lock, 24 

March, L839. Ho settled in Montville; a merchant. TTc 
commenced the grocery business in the old -tore of Giles 
Turners, afterwards owned by Erastus Baker, on the "old 
Colchester road." Air. Cardwell, about L832, removed to 
Montville Center, where he carried on the grocery business 
in the old red building that formerly stood nearly opposite 
the presenl church edifice. From this place he removed to 
Uncasville, and boughl a house and a few acre-; of land of 
Daniel Lester, on which he erected a store, which he occupied 
until his death, 25 Sept., 1865. He was succeeded by his son- 
in-law, John A. Coggeshall, who built a new house and 

re. lie was a successful merchant at CTncasville, and 
highly respected by his fellow townsmen. lie was a de- 
scendant of John ( loggeshall, one of the founders of Newport, 
R. I.. " from whom all American Coggeshalls are descended." 
He died 22 May, 1 892, and was succeeded by his son, William 
A. Coggeshall, now in active business at the old store. 

Children of William S. Cardwell. 

18. Mary, 1». 1 Sept., 1831; m. John A. Coggeshall. 

10. William Henry, b. 25 Aug., 18P,.°>; m. Lucy Morgan. 
20. Winslow G., b. 14 Aug., 1835; m. Sarah Holdridge. 



DENISOX FAMILIES. 

('apt, Robert Denison, the first of the name that settled 
in the North Parish of New London, now Montville, was 
son of John Denison and Pliebe Lay, and a grandson of Capt. 
George Denison, the first of Stonington. 

This Capt. George Denison was born in England in L618. 
He came to this country with his father and two brothers about 
1631, and settled at Roxbury, Mass. In 16-1-0 he married 
Bridget Thompson of Stonington, by whom he had two daugh- 
ters. Upon her death, in 1643, Capt. Denison returned to 
England and engaged in the civil war, which was then going 
on there. And the tradition in the family is that in an 
engagement in Ireland he was dangerously wounded, and in 
this situation was cast upon the hospitality of Mr. -John Brodil 
of Cork, a gentleman of wealth who had an only daughter, 
Anne Brodil, who became a ministering angel to him in his 
critical condition and great need. That, he recovered and 
persuaded her to marry him and to share his fortunes in this 
new world the sequel of events clearly prove. He had by 
her seven children, John, George, William, Anne, Margaret, 
Brodil, and Mary. The two daughters by his first wife were 

Sarah, born 20 .March, 1641; married Stanton; and 

Hannah, born 20 May, 16-13; married Saxton. 

Capt. George Denison was the first representative of Ston- 
ington in the General Assembly at Hartford. He died 23 
Oct., 1694, while attending the assembly at Hartford, at the 
age of 76. His widow died 26 Sept., 1712, aged 97. 

John Denison, their eldest son, born 1646, at Roxbury; 
married in 1667 Phebe Lay of Saybrook, daughter of Robert 
Lay. Their son, Robert, born 17 Oct., 1673, married Joanna 
Stanton, born 5 Jan., 1679. He is known to the records as 



540 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Capt. Robert Denison of the North Parish.. In January, 
1709, Owaneeo, the sachem of the Mohegans, conveyed by 
deed to Capt. Robert Denison, then of Stonington, a tract 
of 500 acres of land " on the southmost side of the little pond 
called ' Opsoboxuk ' and adjoining land of Oliver Manwar- 
ing in the North Parish of Now London." Ee moved on to 
this land within two or three years thereafter, and buill his 
house. This house is still standing, though it may have been 
several times remodeled since. This house was afterwards 
occupied by Erastus Gardner, and now by Mr. Theodore 
Lehman. Capt. Robert Denison died about L737. 

( hildren by Joanna. 

2. Robert, bap. 2 1 March, L697; m. Deborah Griswold. 

3. John, I*. 28 Nov., 1 mi's; hi. Patience Griswold. 

4. Johanna, b. ; m. Thomas Morehouse. 

5. Mary, b. ; died young. 

0. Nathaniel, b. ; died aboul 30 years old, num. 

7. Sarah, b. ; died about 1 1 years old. 

8. Andrew, b. ; died ill the West Indies at 23. 

9. Anna, b. : m. ( "apt. .lames Fitch. 

10. Thomas, b. : m. Elizabeth Bailey in 17<H). 

11. Lucy, b. ; m. Samuel Rogers. 

12. Elizabeth, b. : died young. 

13. George, b. : died in infancy. 

14. Abigail, b. ; m. Win. Wattles of Lebanon. His 

firsl wife died and he married for his second, Widow 
Dorothy Frink. Tier maiden name was Stanton. 

Children by Dorothy. 

15. George, b. ; m. Hannah Dodge. 

16. Dorothy, bap. 30 Dee., 1722; m. 1st, Ebenezer Rogers; 

2d, Dea. David Copp; 3d, Jonathan Avery. 

ROBERT (2), bap. 21 March, 1697, son of Capt. Robert 
Denison and Johanna Stanton; married 19 Oct., 1721, De- 
borah Griswold, b. at Lyme about 1097, daughter of Mathew 
Griswold and Phebe Hyde. He first settled at Montville, 



DENISON FAMILIES. 541 

and afterwards removed West. He is known to the records 
as Major Robert Denison, and died in June, 1766. His first 
wife died 24 Dec., 1731. He then married Prudence Sher- 
man. 

Children by Deborah. 

17. Deborah, b. Dec, 1722; m. Christopher Manwaring. 

18. Elizabeth, b. about 1723; died in infancy. 

19. Robert, b. about 172."); died when nine weeks old. 

20. Elizabeth, b. Sept., 1726; m. Nathan Smith of Groton. 

21. Andrew, b. 2 May, 1728; m. Mary Thompson. 

22. Mary, b. Jan., 1720: died 21 Dec.', 1743. 

23. Robert, b. ; died in infancy. 

Children by Prudence. 

24. David Sherman, b. 12 Aug., 1734; m. Sarah Fox. 

25. Marev, b. 5 Oct., 1736: died 15 Jan., 1743. 

26. Robert, b. 31 July, 1730; died 25 Dec, 1743. 

27. Prudence, b. 31 March, 1741; died 20 Dec, 1743. 

28. Samuel, b. 8 Feb., 1742-3. 
20. Sarah, b. 11 Nov., 1744. 

30. Phebo, bap. 1 March, 1746-7. 

The following is the copy of a letter sent by George Deni- 
son to Bridget Thompson in 1640: 

"It is an ordinance, my dear, divine 

Which God unto the sons of men makes shine 

Even marriage, is that whereof I speak 

And unto you my mind therein I beak 

In Paradise, of Adam, God did tell 

To be alone, for man, would not do well 

He in His wisdom thought it right 

To bring a woman into Adam's sight 

A helper that for him might be most mete 

And comfort him by her doing discreet 

I of that stock am sprung, I mean from him 

And also of that tree I am a limb 

A branch, though young, yet do I think it good 

That God's great vows by man be not withstood 

Alone I am, an helper I would find 

Which might give satisfaction to my mind 

The party that doth satisfy the same 



542 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Is Mistress Bridget Thompson by her name 
God having drawn my affections unto thee 
My heart's desire is thine may be to me 
Thus with my blottings though I trouble you 
Yet pass these by because I know not how 
Though they at this time should much better be 
For love it is the first have been to thee 
And I could wish that they much better were 
Therefore I pray accept them as they are 
So hoping my desire 1 shall obtain 
Your own true lover I, George Denison by name 
From my father's house in Roxbury 
To Miss Bridget Thompson, Stonington, 1640. 



GARDNER FAMILIES. 

Stephen Gardner was among the early settlers in New 
London County, and was probably a descendant of the Rhode 
Island families. He is first known as a purchaser of a large 
tract of land near the " Great Pond,'" afterwards called 
" Gardner's Lake," lying partly in Montville, partly in Boz- 
rah, and partly in Salem. On this land he settled and reared 
a large family of children. He married, about 1700, Amy 
Sherman, born 25 Oct., 1681, daughter of Benjamin Sher- 
man and Hannah Mowry of Kingston, R. I. Very little is 
recorded relating to the characteristics of 4he man, and little 
known of his history. Neither the date of his death or that 
of his wife is found to be recorded. 

Children. 

2. Amy, b. 13 June, 1701. 

3. Lydia, b. 10 October, 1702. 

4. Stephen, b. 24 February, 1704; m., 1722, Frances 

Congdon, daughter of Benjamin. 

5. Benjamin, b. 18 April, 1706. 

6. Peregrene, b. 24 Jan., 1707; m. Susanna Robinson. 

7. Daniel, b. 14 Dec, 170!); in. Bathshebe . 

8. Sarah, b. 25 Oct., 1711. 

9. Hannah, b. 2 May, 1713. 

10. Mehitabel, b. 22 May, 1715; m. John Congdon, Jr. 

11. Abigail, b. 9 July, 1717. 

12. David, b. 28 Jan., 1720; m. Jemima Gustin. 

13. Jonathan, b. 18 April, 1724; m. 1st, Mary Haughton; 

2d, Abia Fitch. 

II. STEPHEN (4), b. 24 Feb., 1704, son of Stephen 
Gardner and Amy Sherman; married, 1722, Frances Cong- 
don, daughter of Benjamin Congdon. He was born at Kings- 
ton, R. I. The house where his father lived stood probably 



544 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

in the then town of Colchester, which afterwards was set off 
and became a part of the town of Salem. He died in 1776. 

Children. 

14. Frances, b. 7 June, 1723; died 27 June, 1786, num. 

15. Amy, b. 17 Feb., 1725; m. Capt. Stephen Harding. 

16. Lydia, b. 20 March, 1727; in. Judge John Jenkins. 

17. Esther, 1). 26 Dec, 1729; m. - - Crocker, 
is. Sarah, b. L0 Feb., L731; m. Thomas Jenkins. 

19. Hannah, b. 7 Nov., 1733; m. Thomas Jones, 17.">3. 

20. Stephen, b. 27 March, 17-35; m. 1st, Frances Brown; 

I'd. widow of Johl] Abbott. 

21. Mary, b. 20 I ><•<•.. 1 7 -' i 7 : m. [srael Jones. 

22. Thomas, b. i Sept., 17 1<>. 

23. Mehitabel, b. 11 \<>v.. L745; m. James Angell. 

II. PEREGRENE (6), b. 21 Jan., L707, son of Stephen 
Gardner and Amy Sherman; married April, 1731, Susanna 

Uohinson, 1). 1711. 

Children. 

24. Stephen, b. 1 An»', 1734. 

25. Mary, b. 14 March, L736. 

26. John, b. 9 May, L737; m. Elizabeth Mumford, by 

whom he bad five children. lie was taken prisoner 
;it Wyoming in July, 177*. and loaded down with 
plunder, under which lie fell down exhausted, and 
was put to death by the squaws by fiery torture. 

27. Peregrene, b. L2 March, 1739. 

28. Ruth, b. 25 Oct., 1742. 
20. Robinson, b. 27 Nov., 1743. 

30. Hannah, b. 10 Dec, 1745. 

31. William, b. 13 Alio;.. 1747. 

IT. DANIEL (7), 1). 14 Dec, 1700, son of Stephen 
Gardner and Amy Sherman; married, about 1735, Bathsheba 
— . He settled in Bozrah, near Gardner's Lake, a farmer, 
He died 31 May, 1755. 



GARDNER FAMILIES. 545 

Children. 

' 32. Bathsheba, b. 20 Oct., 1736; m. John Way. 

33. Daniel, b. 9 Oct., 1738; m. Elizabeth . 

34. A son, b. 29 Jan., 1741-2. 

35. William, b. 20 March, 1743; m. Sarah Randall. 

36. Stephen, b. 25 April, 1745. 

37. Anna, b. 7 Sept., 1748. 

38. James, b. 19 Nov., 1750. 

40. Elizabeth, b. 2 July, 1755. 

II. DAVID (12), b. 28 Jan., 1720, son of Stephen 
Gardner and Amy Sherman; married 1 October, 1744, Je- 
mima Gnstin, daughter of Thomas Gustin. He was a farmer 
and settled in the vicinity of Gardner's Lake, and died there. 

Children. 

41. Amy, b. 16 March, 1745; m. Nathaniel Otis. 

42. Sarah, b. 13 Feb., 1751; m. Ezekiel Chapel. 

43. David, b. 20 April, 1753; m. 1st, Dennis Holmes; 2d, 

Lathrop; 3d, Olive Metcalf. 

44. Jemima, b. 26 Dec, 1755; m. George Holmes. 
15. Anstis, b. , 1758; m. John Way. 

46. Isaac, b. 30 Nov., 1761; m. 1st, Martha Rogers; 2d, 

Esther Palmer. 

II. JONATHAN (13), b. 18 April, 1724, son of 
Stephen Gardner and Amy Sherman; married, about 1752, 
Mary, daughter of Samson Hanghton. She died 29 Eeb., 
1760. He afterwards married, about 1762, Abia, twin 
daughter of Daniel Fitch and Sarah Sherwood. He was a 
farmer and lived at Bozrah, near Gardner's Lake. He died 
22 Aug., 1792. 

Children by Mary. 

47. Amy, b. about 1754; m. Jedidiah Lathrop. 

48. Jonathan, b. 2 Dec, 1758; m. Jernsha Hyde Stark. 

49. Mary, b. about 1756; m. Elihu Avery. 

50. Lucy, b. ,1760; m. George Bentley. 

35 



546 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children by Abia. 

51. Lemuel, b. 10 July, 1763; m. Jemima Lathrop. 

52. Sarah, b. , 1765; m. Russell Leffingwell. 

LYDIA (10), 1). 20 March, L727, daughter of Stephen 
Gardner and Amy or Aliny - — , 1 Feb., L751; married 
John Jenkins of Easl Greenwich, R. I., b. 6 Feb., 1728. lie 
was a school teacher, surveyor, and conveyancer. When, in 
17.").';, ;i company was formed to effect a settlement on the 
Susquehanna, under the grant of (diaries II, 20 April, L662, 
in confirmation of a previous grant made by (diaries I in 1631, 
John Jenkins became a leading and active member of that 
company. He led on the first forty thai effected n permanent 
settlement ;it Wyoming. lie endured his share of the priva- 
tions and sufferings incident to a new settlement, distant from 
friends and resources, surrounded and warred upon by Indians, 
Tories, British, and Pennamites, seeking to drive them from 
their new homos. He was the 6rs1 judge of the new colony, 
their scribe and defender. He died in November, L784. 
She died 22 Oct., lso 1. 

( Ihildren. 

John, b. 27 Nov., L751; m. Bethia Harris, daughter of Jona- 
than Harris and Rachel Otis. 
Stephen, b. 22 Feb., 17:..".. 
Benjamin, b. 18 duly, 1754. 
Aniw 1.. L2 dan.. 17."»7. 
Thomas, b. 19 Jan., 1761. 
William, b. 30 October, 1764. 
Wilkes, 1). 18 July, 1707. 

III. WILLIAM (35), b. 20 March, 17 1.:, son of David 

Gardner and Bathsheba ; married 21 June, 1764, 

Sarah Randall, b. 20 Oct.. 1740. lie was a fanner ami re- 
sided in the vicinity of Gardner's Lake. He died 12 Aug., 
1813. She died 25 Sept., 1840. 



GARDNER FAMILIES. 547 

Children. 

53. Rhoda, b. 22 May, 1765; m. Abel Gates. 

54. Sarah, b. 3 Dec., 1767; m. Gurdon Gardner. 

55. Ruth, b. 3 Nov., 1769; m. Smith. 

56. Anna, b. 16 Dee., 1771; died young. 

57. William, b. 16 Aug., 1774; m. Mary Randall. He 

was drowned in Gardner's Lake in 1842. 

58. Anna, b. 2 July, 1777; m. Gideon Miner. 

59. Lucy, b. 15 Nov., 1780; died young. 

60. Asenath, b. 18 Nov., 1782; m. Ichabod Stoddard. 

61. Gilbert, b. 21 March, 1785; m. Salina Holmes. 

62. Abel, b. 2 Sept., 1787; died num. 

63. Elias R., b. 25 July, 1790; died mini. 

64. Mary, b. 19 Oct.,' 1793; m. David Ferman. 

ASENATH (60), m. 3 June. L819, Ichabod Stoddard, b. 
13 Sept., 1767, son of Ichabod Stoddard and Tabbatha Bill- 
ings of ( Iroton. He died 21 Jan., 1851. She died 29 March, 
1870. 

Children. 

Sophia, b. 24 Ana., 1820; m. Ebenezer H. Payne. 
Tabitha, b. 22 Sept., 1822; m. William H. Chapman. 
Ichabod, b. 19 Jan., 1825; m. Nancy A. Hurlburt. 

III. DAVID (43), b. 20 April, 1753, son of David 
Gardner and Jemima Gustin; married, about 1772, Dennis 
Holmes. She died 14 Nov., 1801, aged 49 years. He after- 
wards married Mary Lathrop, by whom he had one son. After 
her death he married for his third wife Olive Metcalf, who 
survived him. He was a farmer, and resided near Gardner's 
Lake. He died 20 Jan., 1823. She died 8 Nov., 1827, 
aged 68 years. 

Children by Dennis. 

53a. Catherine, b. 17 May, 1773; m. Jabez Gardner, and 
had two children, Jabez and Elsa, who married J. E. 
Comstock. 

54b. Amasa, b. 1 Nov., 1776. 

55c. David H., b. 2 Aug., 1778; m. Nancy Comstock. 



548 HISTORY OF MONTVTLLE. 

56d. Axel, 1). 5 Aug., 1780; m. Amy Rogers. 

57e. Lucinda, b. 12 Nov.. L782; m. David Rogers. 

58f. John, 1). 1 Feb., 1786; removed to the state of New 

York. 
59g. Anstis, b. 24 June, 1787; m. 1st, John Gardner; 2d, 

John Gates. 
GOli. Erastus, b. L6 July, 1789; m. Lst, Anna Rogers; 2d, 

Eunice Hyde. 
61i. Artemus, b. 15 -fan., 1792; died in 1819. 

Children by Mary. 

62j. Solomon, b. 5 (3) Dec., L804; m. 1st, Mary Avery; 
2d, Earriel Gilford; 3d, Wilcox. 

III. ISAAC ( 1:6), 1>. 3<> NTov., 1761, son of David Gard- 
ner and Jemima Gustin; married 3 Jan., 1783, Martha 
Rogers, daughter of Joseph Rogers, by whom he had five 
children. She died 13 Feb., 1798, aged L0 years. He after- 
wards married, 23 Aug., L798, Esther Palmer, b. 2 May, 177:.. 
He was a farmer and resided in Bozrah. He died 30 May, 
1834. She died 2 April, L860. 

Children by Martha. 

65. Amy, 1». 18 Feb., 1785. 

6(3. Amos, 1). 1!» April, 17s7: m. Philomelia Ford. 

67. Nehemiah, b. :; Oct., L789. 

68. Harriet, b. 9 April, 1792; m. Benjamin B. Selden. 

69. Elizabeth, 1.. 26 May, 17'.':.; m. Benjamin B. Ford. 

Children by Esther. 

70. Earls P., b. 31 July, 1799; m. Frances \V. Pope, 1832. 

71. GershomR.,b. 1 Feb., 1801; m. Sarah S. Culver, 1822. 

72. Martha P., b. L5 Nov., 1802; m. Csaac I!. Avery, 1822. 

73. Deborah P., b. 7 Nov., 1 804 ; m. Jabez Gardner, 1825. 

74. Jennet, 1,. 26 Nov., L806; m. Orrin C. Ely, 1838. 

75. Edwin P., b. 13 April, 1800; m. lst, Eunice Post, 

1834; 2d, Emily Stark, 1848. 

76. William P., b. 27 Dec, 1812; m. Sarah F. Jones, 1836. 

77. Abel, b. 3 March, 1815; m. Harmony C. Bates, 1842. 

78. Rebecca, b. 15 July, 1817; m. Orrin C. Ely, 1839. 



GARDNER FAMILIES. 549 

III. JONATHAN (48), b. 2 Dec, 1758, son of Jona- 
than Gardner and Mary Haughton; m. 22 Jan., 1783, Jerusha 
Hyde Stark, b. 20 May, 1760, only daughter of Silas Stark 
and Jerusha Hyde. He settled at Bozrah, and in 1829 re- 
moved to Colchester. He died 6 May, 1847. She died 22 
March, 1847. It was said of her, " She was one of the ex- 
cellent of the earth." 

Children. 

79. Jerusha, b. 21 Nov., 1783; m. Col. Avery Morgan. 

80. Mary, b. 10 Jan., 1786; m. Charles Bingham. 

81. Roderick, b. 20 July, 1788; m. Emma Miner. 

III. LEMUEL (51), b. 10 July, 1763, son of Jonathan 
Gardner and Abia Fitch; married 28 Oct., 1789, Jemima, 
youngest daughter of Jedediah Lathrop and Jemima Burchard 
of Bozrah. He was a farmer and resided first at Bozrah. 
In the year 1800 he removed to Norwich, and in 1816 to 
Montville, where he died 10 July, 1839. She died 11 March, 
1850, aged 83 years. 

Children. 

82. Lorinda, b. 15 June, 1790; m., 1810, Levi Whaley, 

b. 1788, son of David Whaley and Anna L. Leffing- 
well. They settled at Montville and had eight 
children, viz. : 1st, Levi Gardner, b. 30 May, 1811 ; 
m., 1833, Weltha Davis, daughter of Stephen 
Davis of Norwich. They settled at Norwich Town, 
and were living in 1884. Their children were 
Weltha, b. 1836; George Gardner, b. 1838; Wil- 
liam Henry, b. 1839; and Frederick, b. 1844. 

2d, Charles Lathrop, b. 29 Jan., 1813; m. 18 March, 
1833, Emma Smith, daughter of Benjamin Smith. 
He was a farmer and was residing at Montville in 
1884. Thev have one daughter, an only child, 
Lorinda, b. 21 July, 1836; m. 30 April, 1854, J. 
Andrew Stevens, and had one son, Alton E., b. 10 
August, 1855. 

3d, David Chauncey, b. 28 March, 1815; m. 22 Sept., 
1839, Frances Gardner. He died 24 Sept., 1845, 
at sea. She died 24 Sept., 1855. They had two 



550 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

children, Sidney, b. 5 Jan., 1843; died 10 Sept., 
1813; and Charles Bentley, b. 31 May, 1845. 

4th, Theodore Dwight, b. 4 Feb., 1817; m. 27 Jan., 
1847, Jane, daughter of Francis Maynard of Monfc 
ville, and sister of Dr. Samuel E. Maynard. They 
had three children, Abby Jane, b. 15 Dec, 1848; 
Sarah Anne, b. 26 Oct., 1850; and Alice A., b. 
July, 1853; m. , Henry C. Dolbeare; died 

March 18, 1886. 

5th, Mary Anne, b. 22 Aug., 1818; in. 29 Oct., 1839, 
Henry Fanning of Griswold. They settled at 
Newton Upper Falls, Mass. They had three chil- 
dren, Eugene, b. 17 March, 1842; Henry H., b. 10 
June, 1851; and Francis, b. 13 April, 1854. 

6th, Jane Maria, b. 17 Dec, 1819; m. 14 July, 1839, 
Jacob Johns of Norwich. They had four children. 

7th, Sarah Anne, b. 14 Nov., 1821; m., in 1839, Mar- 
vin Leffingwell of Norwich. They had two chil- 
dren, Maria, b. 17 Aug., 1840; m. James Beebe; and 
Chauncey, b. 2 June, 1850; m. Frances Fanning. 

8th, Lorinda, b. 4 .March, 1824; died 1828. 

83. Almira, b. 27 May, 1792; died at Montville. 

84. Sidney, b. 17 April, 1795; m. 23 June, 1823, Maria 

Fanning, daughter of Thomas Fanning of Norwich. 
He was a farmer and died at Norwich 14 Sept., 
1840. They had four children. 

1st, Sidney Alfred, b. 19 March, 1824; died 22 June, 
1847, num. 

2d, Sarah Ann, b. 3 May, 1826; m. 23 May, 1849, 
Daniel Price, who died 7 Aug., 1853, in California. 

3d, Frederick Lester, b. 5 March, 1832; m. 

, was a merchant in Norwich, and living 

there in 1884. 

4th, Charles Henry, b. 3 Aug., 1837; m. Ellen Chap- 
pel. 
8 5 . John Fitch , b. 5 Nov. ,1808; m. 2 5 Feb. ,1829, Martha, 
daughter of John Crary of Boston. He was a 
farmer, settled at Montville, where he died. She 
died there. Thev had three children. 

1st, Henry, b. 10 Feb., 1832; m. Caroline (Beebe) 
Shaw. 

2d, Albert, b. 29 April, 1833; died 12 March, 1856. 



GARDNER FAMILIES. 551 

He was crushed by a tree falling on him, while in 
the act of chopping it clown. 
3d, .Mary Hellen, b. 23 March, 1838; m. Albert S. 
Beebe of Norwich. 

IV. DAVID H. (55c), b. 2 Aug., 1778, son of David 
Gardner and Dennis Holmes; m. Nancy Comstock, b. 9 June, 
1785, daughter of Ranisford Comstock and Azubba Davis. 
He was a farmer and settled at Bozrah. He died 14 April, 
1863. She died 26 Sept., 1866. 

Children. 

86. Eliza, b. , 1801; died 21 Nov., 1873. 

87. Hester, b. , 1806; died , unm. 

88. Leonard, b. , 1808; was living in 1884. 

89. Alvin, b. ; m. Chapman. 

90. Henry, b. ; m. Sarah Gardner. 

91. David, b. ; m. Caroline Ford. 

92. Lorinda, b. ; m. Russel Davenport. 

93. Mary Ann, b. ; died unm. 

94. Sophia, b. ; died unm. 

95. Susan, b. ; died unm. 

96. Almira, b. ; m. Andrew Miner. 

IV. AZEL (56d), b. 5 Aug., 1780, son of David Gard- 
ner and Dennis Holmes; m., , Amy, daughter of Dea- 
con Jehial Rogers ami Amy Vibber. He was a farmer and 
resided in Bozrah, where he died 14 Nov., 1868. She died 
21 Jan., 1866. 

Children. . 

97. Anna, b. 15 March, 1813; m. Thomas Leach. 

98. Cyrus, b. 25 June, 1815; ni. Lucy Swan. 

99. Darius, b. 31 March, 1818; m. Lucinda Butts. 

100. Francis E., b. 8 Dec, 1819; m. Elizabeth Avery. 

101. Amy, b. 14 May, 1823; m. Elisha M. Rogers. 

IV. ERASTUS (OOh), b. 16 July, 1789, son of David 
Gardner and Dennis Holmes; m. Anna C, daughter of Dea- 
con Jehial Rogers and Amy Vibber. She died 21 Feb., 1832. 



552 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

He afterwards married Eunice Hyde. He was a farmer and 
resided in Montville near Gardner's Lake. He died 20 July, 
1866. 

Children. 

102. Artemus b. 24 Oct., 1814; m. 22 Feb., 1842, Hannah 

Chapman, b. 27 June, 1824, daughter of Joseph L. 
Chapman and Phebe Wickwire. He was a farmer; 
resided at Montville. He died 22 Dec, 1881. She 
died 2 Feb., 1884. 

103. Sally R, b. 5 July, 1816; m. David Way. 

104. Julia Ann, b. 9 July, 1818; m. Richard Raymond. 

105. Charlotte, b. 4 Feb., 1821; m. Bowen. 

Child by Eunice. 

106. Erastus H., b. 4 Dec, 1833; m. . 



IV. RODERICK (81), b. 20 July, 1788, son of Jona- 
than Gardner and Jerusha Hyde Stark; m. Emma Miner. 
He was a farmer; resided at Bozrah. His residence was near 
the outlet of Gardner's Lake. He died 1 Jan., 1849. She 
died 6 March, 1866. 

Children. 

107a. Dyer Hyde, b. ; m. Maria Fitch. 

108b. Ulysses Seldon, b. ; m. Lucy E. Abel. 

109c Adolplms, b. ; m. Emeline Wentworth. 

llOd. Jackson, b. ; m. Fanny Randall. 

llle. Russel, b. ; m. 1st, Fanny Abel; 2d, Jane Abel. 

112f. Lucius L., b. ; m. Maria Etheridge. 

113. Mary, b. ; m. George Maples; 2d, Nelson Chap- 

man. 

114. Austin, b. ; m. Delight Baker. 

115. Anson, b. 19 May, 1827; m. Harriet Palmer. 

116. Albert A., b. 26 Aug., 1831; m. Emma J. Arnold. 

117. Emma E., b. 24 Aug., 1833; m. E. L. Lathrop. 
1 1S. Elisha, b. 13 July, 1836; m. Lizzie Packer. 

IV. AMOS (66), b. 19 April, 1787, son of Isaac Gard- 
ner and Philomelia Ford, daughter of Benjamin Ford and 
. He died 



GARDNER FAMILIES. 553 

Children. 

107. Emily F., b. 10 March, 1814; m. Joseph G. Ford. 

108. Emma L., b. 13 May, 1817; m. George L. Ford. 

109. Sherwood, b. 7 Feb., 1820; died 1 Sept., 1841. 

110. Mercy Ann, b. 21 May, 1824; died young. 

111. Sarah Ann, b. 30 Jan., 1826; m. Henry K. Gardner. 

112. Henry W., b. 11 Nov., 1833; died young. 

IV. GILBERT (61), b. 21 March, 1785, son of William 
Gardner and Bathsheba ; m., , Selina, daugh- 

ter of George Holmes and Jemima Gardner. 

Children. 

Levi, b. 15 Dec, 1808; m. Eveline Smith. 
Sophrona, b. 11 July, 1811; m. Isaac W. Champlain. 

William, b. 10 Sept., 1813; m. Anna . 

Sarah, b. 10 Sept., 1815; m. Burlingame. 



HILLHOUSE FAMILIES. 

Rev. James Hillhouse came to New England early in the 
last century. His father, John Hillhouse of Eree Hall, was 
the eldest son of Abraham Hillhouse, who resided at Arti- 
kelly. His uncle, James Hillhouse, was one of the commis- 
sioners to treat with Lord Mount joy in the memorable defense 
of Deny against the forces of James II, and was mayor of 
Londonderry in 1693. This Abraham Hillhouse was among 
the signers of an address to King William and Queen Mary 
on the occasion of the relief of the siege of Londonderry, 
dated 29 July, 1669. 

Rev. James Hillhouse was educated at the famous Uni- 
versity of Glasgow in Scotland, and afterwards read divinity 
at the same college under the care of Rev. Mr. Simson, then 
professor of divinity there. He was ordained by the Presby- 
tery of Londonderry in Ireland, and appears to have resided at 
or near the ancestral home till the death of his father in 1716. 
The estate descended to his older brother, Abraham. His 
mother died a few months afterwards, in January of the fol- 
lowing year. Not long after that date he came to seek a 
home on this side of the Atlantic. He is supposed to have 
come with the other Presbyterian emigrants from the north 
of Ireland, who, in 1719, established themselves in New 
Hampshire, where the towns of Derry and Londonderry, and 
the Londonderry Presbytery are the permanent memorials 
of that migration. At the close of the year 1720 he appears 
in Boston, committing to the press a sermon which he had 
written nearly four years before on the occasion of his 
mother's death, but which does not appear to have been 
preached. " This work, though entitled a sermon," says 
his historian, " was more properly a treatise in a volume of 



HILLHOUSE FAMILIES. 555 

more than one hundred and forty pages." Cotton Mather 
speaks of its author as " a valuable minister," and " a worthy 
hopeful young- minister lately arrived in America." 

At the Parish meeting of the North Parish of New Lon- 
don (now Montville) held on the 5th day of February, 1721-2, 
it was voted, " that Mr. Joseph Bradford be chosen a com- 
mittee to go to the governor, Mr. Saltonstall, and request 
him to write to Rev. James Hillhouse to ascertain if he could 
be obtained as pastor of the church." It is probable that the 
official acts on the part of Mr. Bradford were speedily per- 
formed, for on the third day of October, 1722, Mr. Hillhouse 
was installed pastor of the church in the North Parish of New 
London. This church was organized only a short time pre- 
vious to the call given to Mr. Hillhouse. A full account of 
his labors as their pastor may be found in the Parish history, 
contained in this work. 

KEY. JAMES HILLIIOrSE was born about 1687, and 
was married on the 18th day of January, 1726, to Mary, 
daughter of Daniel Fitch (one of his parishioners). She was 
granddaughter of the Rev. James Fitch, the first minister of 
Norwich. Mr. Hillhouse was pastor of the church about 
sixteen years, and the fruits of his labors still remain. He 
died young in the ministry, and his early death was probably 
hastened by the care and perplexity attending his troubles 
and lawsuits near the close of his ministry on earth. He 
died 15 Dec, 1710, aged 53 years. She died 25 Oct., 1768, 
aged 62 years. 

Children. 

2. John, b. 11 Dec, 1726; died 9 April, 1735. 

3. William, b. 17 Aug., 1728; m. Sarah Griswold. 
1. James Abraham, b. 12 May, 1730. 

5. Rachel, b. 22 Jan., 1735; m. Joseph Chester. 

II. JUDGE WILLIAM (3), b. 17 August, 1728, son 
of Rev. James Hillhouse and Mary Fitch; married 1 Nov., 
1750, Sarah Griswold, b. 2 Dec, 1728, daughter of John 



556 HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 

Griswold, and sister of the first Governor Griswold. He 
settled on the paternal estate at Montville, and continued to 
reside there until his death. He was greatly trusted and 
honored by his fellow citizens. He was one of the most 
prominent men in his native town, and a leading patriot in 
the Revolution. At the age of twenty-seven years he repre- 
sented his native town in the Legislature of His Majesty's 
Colony of Connecticut, and was by semi-annual elections con- 
tinued in that trust till, having become honorably known 
and esteemed throughout the state, he was chosen in 1785 an 
assistant in the Upper House. He was also for many years 
a judge of the county and probate courts. He was also a 
major in the Second Regiment of Cavalry raised by the state 
for service in the war of the Revolution. At the age of eighty, 
in the full possession of his powers, he declined a re-election 
to the council, and withdrew from public life. His journeys 
to Hartford and New Haven, and other places, were always 
performed on horseback. He was tall, spare, swarthy, with 
heavy overhanging eyebrows, quaint in speech and remarkable 
for simplicity of manners, combined with an impressive 
dignity. Mrs. Hillhouse died 10 March, 1777. He after- 
wards married 24 May, 1778, Delia Hosmer. He died 12 
Jan., 1816. 

Children by Sarah. 

6. John Griswold, b. 5 Aug., 1751; m. Elizabeth Mason. 

7. Mary, b. 10 April, 1753; m. 1st, William Prince; 2d, 

Rev. David Jewett, 2d wife. 

8. James, b. 20 Oct., 1751; m. 1st, Sarah Lloyd; 2d, Re- 

becca Woolsey. 

9. David, b. 11 May, 1756; m. Sarah Porter. 

10. William, b. 7 Sept., 1757. He graduated at Yale in 

1777. Was a lawyer, and died 23 Feb., 1833, 
unm. 

11. Rachel, b. 17 Aug., 1760; m. Daniel F. Raymond. 

12. Samuel, b. 17 Jan., 1762; m. Sarah Comstock. 

13. Oliver, b. 11 Nov., 1764; died 27 June, 1771. 

14. Thomas, b. 24 Sept., 1766; m. 1st, Harriet Hosmer; 

2d, Ann Ten Brock. 

15. Sarah, b. 12 May. 1773; died 14 Sept., 1778. 



HILLHOUSE FAMILIES. 557 

II. JAMES ABRAHAM (4), b. 12 May, 1730, son of 

Rev. James Hillhouse and Mary Fitch ; married . 

She was a lady of French descent, whose grandfather fled to 
this country at the revocation of Nantes. 'She survived her 
husband and died in 1822, at the age of 89 years. Mr. Hill- 
house was educated at Yale College, where he graduated in 
1749, and was appointed tutor one year afterwards. He 
entered the profession of law about 1756 at New Haven, and 
was soon distinguished at the bar by his forensic abilities as 
well as by his learning. In 1772 he was elected one of the 
twelve assistants, who, with the governor and Kent. -governor, 
were the council or senate. Three years afterwards, at the 
noon of life, being only forty-six years of age, he was re- 
moved by death, leaving a name long held in remembrance 
among his townsmen. His Christian life and conversation 
were truly exemplary; he was adorned with graces of meek- 
ness, charity, and humility. He died childless, and his man- 
sion in New Ha von. and growing possessions wore without 
a lineal heir. 

III. JOHN GRISWOLD (6), b. 5 Aug., 1751, son of 
Judge William Hillhouse and Sarah Griswold; married in 
1786, Elizabeth, daughter of Jeremiah Mason of Lebanon. 
He settled at Montville, where he was a farmer. At the 
time of his death he was living on the farm next east from 
the Congregational Church. He was several times elected 
representative in his native town, a justice of the peace, and 
was judge of the county court. He died suddenly 9 Oct., 
1806, while making preparations to start for Hartford as a 
member of the Legislature. She survived him and died in 
May, 1835. 

Children. 

16. Elizabeth, b. 22 Nov., 1787; died 13 Dec, 1807, unm. 

17. Sarah Griswold, b. 31 Jan., 1790; m. 4 Nov., 1813, 

Joseph H. Belemy of Bethlehem, Conn., where he 
died 1 Nov., 1848. They had four children, John 
Hillhouse, David Sherman, both of whom died in 
childhood; Charlotte, m. Rev. N. W. Monroe of 



558 HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 

Cambridge, Mass.; she died in Oct., 1757, leaving 
two children; and Elizabeth Mason, m. Rev. Aretus 
Loomis of Bethlehem. 

18. Harriet, b. 28 May, 1792; m. 24 May, 1814, David 

Bnel of Litchfield. He died 16 Aug., 1860, at 
Troy, N. Y. They had nine children, Samuel, 
who graduated at Williams College; David Hill- 
house, he was a Episcopal clergyman, and married 
a daughter of Right Rev. Bishop Atkinson of North 
Carolina; John Griswold, he was a lawyer at Troy, 
1ST. Y. ; Charlotte Elizabeth, m. Henry C. Loekwood 
of Rochester, N. Y., he was a merchant at Troy; 
Sarah Van Vechten; Clarence, he was a lawyer; 
Hampden, he was a merchant at Keokuk, Iowa; 
Olive Price, he graduated at Williams College. 

19. Mary Ann, b. 9 Oct., 1796; m. in April, 1823', Dr. 

Elias Williams. They had two children, Mary E., 
b. in Jan., 1825; m. William Fitch, youngest son 
of Col. Asa Fitch of Bozrah, and had one son, Wil- 
liam Asa. John G. Hillhouse, b. Aug., 1827; 
died young. 

20. John Griswold, b. 4 Nov., 1802; died 28 Oct., 1808. 

III. JAMES (8), b. 20 Oct., 1754, son of Judge William 
Hillhouse and Sarah Griswold ; m. 1st, Jan., 1779, Sarah Lloyd, 
daughter of James Lloyd of Boston. She died 9 Nov., 1779, 
at the age of twenty-six years. They had one child, Sarah 
Lucas, who died in infancy, three days before its mother. 
He then married 10 Oct., 1782, Rebecca Woolsey. He was 
adopted and educated by his uncle, James Abraham Hillhouse 
of New Haven. He graduated at Yale in 1773, and was a 
lawyer. He received the degree of Doctor of Laws there in 
1823. He was treasurer of the college fifty years, and the 
first commissioner of the school fund, from 1789 to 1791, was 
a member of Congress in 1791, and was afterwards sixteen 
years a member of the United States Senate. She died 30 
Dec, 1813. He died 29 Dec, 1832. 



HILLHOUSE FAMILIES. 559 

Children. 

21. James Abraham, b. 26 Sept., 1789; m. Caroline Law- 

rence. 

22. Augustus Lucas, b. 9 Dec, 1791; died in France, 1859, 

unm. 

23. Sarah Lloyd, b. 7 July, 1783; died 2G June, 1853, unm. 

24. Mary Lucas, b. 13 Sept-, 1785. 

25. Rebecca Wbolsey, b. 12 Jan., 1794; m. 26 Sept., 1816, 

Nathaniel Hewitt, D.D., a Presbyterian minister. 
He became pastor of the Second Society at Bridge- 
port, Conn., at which place she died 4 Jan., 1831. 
They had six children, Rebecca Hillhouse; James 
Hillhouse; Nathaniel Augustus, who was an Episco- 
pal clergyman, and afterwards became a Catholic 
priest; James Hillhouse; Sarah, twin to James II.; 
Henry Stewart, he was a physician, m. Catherine 
S. Hurd, daughter of Ferris Hurd of Bridgeport, 
After the death of his first wife Rev. Nathaniel 
Hewitt married 14 Nov., 1831, Susan Elliot, daugh- 
ter of Rev. Andrew Elliot, and had by her one child, 
Rebecca nillhousc. 

III. DAVID (9), b. 11 May, 1756, son of Judge Wil- 
liam Hillhouse and Sarah Griswold; married 7 Oct., 1781, 
Sarah Porter, daughter of Col. Elisha Porter of Hadley, 
Mass., granddaughter of Rev. David Jewett. They removed 
to Georgia. He was publisher of a newspaper at Columbia, 
South Carolina. She died 19 March, 1831. 

Children. 

26. David H., b. 

27. David Porter, b. 

28. Thomas, b. 

29. William E., b. 

30. Caroline, b. 

31. Sarah, b. ; m. Felix H. Gilbert of Georgia, and 

had one daughter, Sarah Hillhouse, b. in 1806, 
who married 29 April, 1823, Adam L. Alexander. 
They had twelve children. A son married the 
daughter of Hon. Robert Toombs of Georgia. 

32. Mary, b. 



560 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

III. SAMUEL (12), b. 17 Jan., 1762, son of Judge 
William Hillhonse and Sarah Griswold; married Sarah, 
daughter of Nathaniel Comstock and Sarah Bradford of Mont- 
ville. He settled first at Goshen, Conn., and returned to 
Montville previous to 1806. He was a farmer on a large 
scale. He was deacon of the church at Montville. He after- 
wards removed to Wethersfield, where he died 21 Dec, 1834. 
She died previously at Montville 30 June, 1824. 

Children. 

33. William, b. 31 May, 1788; m. 1st, Mary Goodell; 2d, 

Eliza Fitch. 

34. Nathaniel, b. ; m. Sarah Bradford. 

35. Delia, b. 16 Aug., 1784; m. John Beach. 

36. Samuel, b. ; died at Wethersfield, unm. 

37. Mary, b. in April, 1787; m. Joshua Raymond. 

38. Sarah, b. ; died unm. 

39. Rachel, b. ; died unm. 

III. THOMAS (14), b. 24 Sept., 1766, son of Judge 
William Hillhouse and Sarah Griswold; m. 1797, Harriet 
Hosmer, daughter of Hon. Titus Hosmer and Lydia Lord, 
and sister of Chief Justice Stephen T. Hosmer. He was a 
merchant and settled at Troy, N. Y., where she died 3 Oct., 
1811. He afterwards married in Oct., 1812, Anne Ten 
Brock, and settled at Waterville, 1ST. Y., where he was an 
extensive and wealthy farmer. He died 15 July, 1834. 

Child by Harriet. 

40. Harriet, b. 21 July, 1798; m. Cornelius Schuyler. 

Children by Anne. 

41. Sarah Anne, b. in July, 1813. 

42. Thomas, b. 10 March, 1816. 

43. John, b. 17 Dec, 1817. 

44. William, b. 22 Nov., 1820; m. Cornelia Hillhouse, his 

cousin. 



HILLHOUSE FAMILIES. 561 

IV. JAMES ABRAHAM (21), b. 26 Sept., 1789, son 
of Hon. James Hillhonse and Rebecca Woolsey; married 23 
"Nov., 1822, Caroline Lawrence. He graduated at Yale Col- 
lege in 1808. He was a poet and of high literary attainments. 

Children. 

45. Cornelia, b. ; m. William Hillliouse. 

46. Mary, b. 

47. Isapliene, b. 

48. Jamis, b. 

IV. WILLIAM (33), b. 31 May, 1788, at Goshen, 
Conn., son of Samuel Hillhonse and Sarah Comstock, mar- 
ried 13 June, 1822, Mary Goodell, b. in 1788. She died 
11 Oct., 1824, leaving no issue. He then married 19 April, 
1825, Eliza Fitch, b. 17 May, 1797, daughter of Rufus Fitch 
and Zippora Smith of Preston. He settled at Montville and 
was an extensive farmer. He resided several years on the 
Jewett farm. On 1 April, L855, he sold the Jewett farm 
and purchased the Sherwood Raymond farm on Raymond 
Hill. Mr. Hillhonse and his wife were members of the Con- 
gregational Church at Montville. He died 29 Oct., 1867. 
She died 22 Aug., 1883. 

Children. 

49. James W., b. 27 April, 1826; m. 17 March, 1852, 

Louisa M., daughter of Lemuel R. Dolbeare and 
Eleanor Raymond. He died from an injury re- 
ceived from being thrown from his wagon in Oct., 
1854. He left one son and one daughter, twins; 
the daughter died in infancy, and the son, James 
William, b. 21 June, 1854, graduated at Yale in 
1879. 

50. Sarah, b. ; died in childhood. 

51. David, b. 29 Dec, 1835; in. 20 March, 1860, Harriet 

E. Sweet, daughter of Dr. Stephen Sweet of Frank- 
lin. She died 22 ISTov., 1880, leaving three chil- 
dren, William, b. 8 May, 1863; John Samuel, b. 

36 



562 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

11 Aug., 1869; and Sarah E., b. 11 March, 1877. 
He was a farmer and resided on the farm left to 
him by his father. He has held important trust, 
offices in his native town and society. He died 
suddenly while at the house of S. Denison Brad- 
ford, on a neighboring' call, 30 Oct., 1885, of 
paralysis of the heart. 

IV. NATHANIEL (34), b. , son of Samuel 

Hillhouse and Sarah Comstock; married in Oct., 1816, Sarah 
Bradford, daughter of Joseph Bradford and Eunice Maples. 
He was a farmer and settled first at Montville. He removed 
about 1830 to Wethersfield, where he died 25 April, 1845. 

Children. 

52. Sarah Frances, b. 7 Aug., 1817; died 7 April, 1838, 

unm. 

53. William, b. 18 May, 1819; died 16 Oct., 1821. 

54. Joseph Sherwood, b. 15 March, 1821; m. 20 April, 

1852, Ruth Smith Piatt, who died 26 Nov., 1855, 
leaving two children, Samuel Sherwood, b. 1853, 
and died in 1854; Helen Frances, b. Jan., 1855, died 
April, 1855. He then married Sarah Isabel Foster 
11 March, 1858, and had a daughter, Sarah Brad- 
ford, b. 7 Jan., 1862; m. William Hillhouse, son of 
David. 

55. Samuel, b. 8 Sept., died 4 April, 1825. 



JEWITT FAMILIES. 

Eev. David Jewitt, the second pastor of the church in 
North Parish of New London, now Montville, was the son 

of Stephen Jewitt and Priscilla , being a twin brother 

of Daniel Jewitt, horn at Rowley, Mass., June 10, 171-1. He 
was a great-grandson of Maximilian Jewitt, who was admitted 
a freeman in Rowley, Mass., in May, 1610. This Maximilian 
Jewitt is supposed to have been the son of Edward Jewitt of 
Bradford, Yorkshire, England, and Mary Taylor, who died 
in 1616. Maximilian had a brother William, who came over 
at the same time and settled in Rowley. 

Maximilian married Sarah - — — , and had one son, Eze- 
kiel, born in 1613, and six daughters. Ezekiel married Faith 
Parrot, and had six sons and three daughters. His sons 
were Francis, b. 1665; Thomas, b. 1666; Ezekiel, b. 1669; 
Maximilian, b. 1672; Nathaniel, b. 1681; and Stephen, b. 
1683. 

Stephen, the youngest son, married July 12, 1708, Pris- 
cilla Jewitt. She had by him six children, and died Dec. 28, 
1722. He afterwards married Lydia Rogers Nov. 23, 1725, 
and had by her one child. His children were Phebe, b. 2 
Nov., 1709; Eliphalet, b. 22 Jan., 1711-12; David and Daniel, 
twins, b. 10 June, 1711; Solomon, b. 2 Sept., 1716; and Re- 
becca, b. Feb., 1818-19. By his second wife he had Pris- 
cilla, b. 30 June, 1727. 

REV. DAYID JEWITT, b. 10 June, 1711, son of 
Stephen Jewitt and Priscilla ; married Patience Phil- 

lips of Boston, Mass. He was a graduate at Harvard Uni- 
versity in 1736, and ordained pastor of the Second Church 
in New London, North Parish, now Montville, October 3, 



564 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

1739. His wife, Patience, died 14 Nov., 1773, aged 66 years. 
He then married Mary, widow of William Prince.* 

In 1738 Rev. David Jewitt received a call by the Second 
Church of New London, North Parish. Previous to his in- 
stallation over this church he had been employed as a mis- 
sionary to the Mohegans, and much in favor with Ben Uncas, 
the sachem, and the foremost members of the tribe. Through 
his influence many of the Indians joined the church. 

In 1756 Mr. Jewett was absent for several months as 
chaplain in the colonial army. This was a service to which he 
was afterwards often called. During both the French War, 
as well as in the Revolutionary War, many of the members 
of the Mbhegan tribe were engaged. 

Mr. Jewett was highly esteemed among his own people, 
and by his brother ministers of the county. He was a man of 
dignified deportment and very fervent in preaching. His 
animated manner and his energetic language made him very 
popular as a preacher. During his pastorate of about forty- 
five years, one hundred and thirty-six whites and twenty-one 
Indians received admission into the church. Between the 
years 1742 and 1759, from eighteen to twenty persons with- 
drew from the church and united with the " New Lights," 
as they were then called, who soon after emerged into the 
Baptist denomination. Isaac Hammond was one of the 
leaders in the movement, many others following him. 

Rev. David Jewett died at Montville in June, 1783, while 
still pastor of the church. His last wife survived him, re- 
maining on the farm with her son-in-law, Dr. David H. Jewett, 
until her third marriage in 1799. Mrs. Patience Jewett, 
though laboring under the disadvantage of having but one 
hand, could use the needle and spin linen, and perform all 
other, household duties as well as many women with two hands. 

During his last sickness Mr. Jewett made and executed a 
will, disposing of his worldly effects as follows: 

* After the death of Rev. Mr. Jewett, his last wife, Mary, married 17 
March, 1785, William Williams, and died 18 April, 1799, aged 77 years 
4 mos. 



JEWITT FAMILIES. 565 

" Will of Rev. David Jewett, made 15th February, 1783. 
In the name of God, Amen: I, David Jewett of New Lon- 
don, North Parish, in the County of New London, and state 
of Connecticut, clergyman, calling to mind the frailty of 
human nature and admonished by age, being now in the 69th 
year of my age and 44th year of my ministry, being weak in 
body but of sound and disposing mind and memory, thanks be 
to God, therefore do make and ordain this my last will and tes- 
tament as follows: 

" First of all I commit my immortal soul into the hands 
of God who gave it, bearing my humble testimony to the 
truth, power and preciousness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, 
of which (the most unworthy) I have been made a minister 
and hoping through the richness of God's grace and love in 
Christ to obtain pardon and acceptance with him to Everlast- 
ing Life. 

" My body T commit to the earth to be decently buried at 
the discretion of my Executor hereinafter named, believing 
in and hoping for the resurrection of the just. 

" The flock over which T have been made an overseer I 
affectionately commit to the care of Christ, the compassionate 
shepherd of the sheep. My family I also commit to him 
in whom the families of the earth are blessed, and for this 
bleeding oppressed Country I pray with my latest breath. 

" Now as touching my worldly estate of which I thankfully 
own God the giver and proprieter, I give and dispose of the 
same in manner following : 

" Imprimis. My Will is that my debts with funeral ex- 
penses be timely and fully paid. 

" Item. My Will is that the agreement I made with my 
present beloved wife, Mary, written and confirmed at the 
time of our marriage, be punctually fulfilled. 

" I give to my beloved wife whatever wearing apparel and 
bedclothes have been made in the family since we have lived 
together. Also my best gown and easy chair. Also my 
famous old mare which she sits so much by. Also one-half 



566 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

of the wool and one-half of the flax not worked up. Also a 
good milch cow. 

" I give to ray only son, David Hibbert Jewett, the whole 
of my farm where I now live, requiring him to faithfully ful- 
fill and execute this my Will, enjoining upon him to bring up 
to college his son, David Jewett, if God may please to smile 
upon the endeavors. Having previously given my son the 
Susquehanna purchase, T hereby renew the gift. Also all 
my personal estate, except what is otherwise disposed of. 

" As touching my negro woman servant named Violet, 
I give her the choice either to live with my son or other- 
wise with my granddaughter Sarah, the wife of Mr. David 
Hillhouse, and I give with my said negro woman her bed and 
bedding with all her wearing apparel and a cow for her sup- 
port. 

" I give to my grandson, David Jewett, all my library of 
books not otherwise disposed of. Having heretofore given by 
deed to my grandchildren Samuel Porter and Sarah, the wife 
of David Hillhouse, two grants of land in the state of Ver- 
mont, I give unto my grandson, David Jewett, one other grant 
of land in said state of Vermont for which I have the Gover- 
nor's receipt. 

" In addition I hereby give and bequeath unto my said 
grandchildren, Samuel Porter, Sarah Hillhouse, and David 
Jewett, the whole of what money I have in the Continental 
Loan Office, to be equally divided between them. 

" Item. I give to my son-in-law, Elisha Porter, Esq., of 
Hadley, Dr. Doddridge's Family Expositor, six volumes. I 
give to my people of this parish the works of the Reverend 
and dead Mr. Flavel, one volume folio to be for public benefit, 
leaving this as my parting advice that while they are destitute 
of a minister they forsake not the house of God. 

" Item. I give to the Church of my charge, ten pounds 
silver money to encourage a public stock for the poor and 
necessitous members of it, the yearly interest of it to be dis- 
tributed at the discretion of the deacons for the time being, or 



JEWITT FAMILIES. 567 

as the church shall see fit to order, the same to be paid to said 
Church or to their Treasurer or Committee by my Executor 
when he shall choose with lawful interest yearly from the time 
of my decease till paid, this I do hoping it may be followed 
by others according to their ability. 

" Item. I give to my successor or successors in the gospel 
ministry (if God may graciously please to send them) and 
so long as he may continue them, Doctor Owen upon the 
Spirit, a book very difficult to be got and very precious in its 
wealth, reserving for my posterity foreA^er the liberty of read- 
ing it. 

" Item. I give to my grandson, Charles Jewett, the colt 
which my mare now goes with, being kept till two years old. 

" I give to my granddaughter, Elizabeth Jewett, what- 
ever remains of my household furniture not herewith dis- 
posed of. 

" I give to my little granddaughter, Sarah Jewett, a cow 
to be put to use for her till she comes of age. 

" I give to my great-granddaughter, Sarah Hillhouse, a 
cow to be put to use for her till she comes of age. 

"I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my said 
son, David H. Jewett, the sole Executor of this my Will, con- 
fiding in his faithfulness to see the same duly executed. 
" Witnesses. 

Pelatiah Bliss. DAVID JEWETT. [Seal.] " 

Jno. Raymond, Jr. 
Jas. Morris. 

The above will was presented in court and probated June 
9, 1783. 

Inventory of his estate : 
Farm with 2 dwellings and outbuildings, £1,169 Os. Od. 
Personal, 678 12 1 

Whole amount, .... £1,817 12s. Id. 



568 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. | • 

Children. 

1st, Sarah, b. 25 Aug., 1741; m. 13 May, 1762, Col. 
Elisha Porter. They had a daughter, Sarah, b. 29 
April, 1763; m. David llillhouse, 7 Oct., 1781, 
and had six children. She died 5 April, 1775. 
The daughter died 19 March, 1831. 

2d, David Hibbard, b. 21 Aug., 1745; m. Patience 
Bulkley, daughter of Major Charles Bulkley and 
Ann Latimer. She was a granddaughter of Rev. 
John and Patience (Prentice) Bulkley, first minis- 
ter at Colchester, and great-granddaughter of Ger- 
sham and Sarah (Chauncey) Bulkley, second minis- 
ter of New London. She was a devoted Christian 
and a remarkable woman. Dr. David Jewett was 
a surgeon in the army of the Revolution. lie died 
at Montville 26 April, 1814. The next year after 
his death his widow removed to Wilkesbarre, Penn., 
where she died Feb., 1830. 

1. Patience, b. Sept., 1770; died at the age of 7 years, 4 m. 

2. David, b. 17 June, 1772; m. Eliza Lawrence, daughter 

of Hon. A. IT. Lawrence of New York city, in 1827. 
He was a lawyer and studied law with Gov. Griswold 
of Lyme, Conn. He went in early life to Spain 
with a relative The sea voyage made him infat- 
uated with the sea. After his return from Spain he 
studied navigation and received a commission of 
a vessel at the age of nineteen years. Afterwards 
he was captain of the ship " Trumbull," United 
States Navy, twenty years. He had under him as 
lieutenant his brother, Charles, with his brother 
George and cousin Jonathan Bulkley, midshipmen. 
Afterwards he served in Buenos Ayres and in Chili. 
On his return home was sent for by Don Pedro of 
Brazil, was there commander and on the establish- 
ment of the Brazilian Independence, with his own 
hand seized and raised the first flag of Brazilian 
Constitutional Independence. She died and was 
buried a few months afterwards. He died and was 
buried in Rio Janeiro in July, 1842. Said the Em- 
peror Don Pedro to a son of Capt. David Jewett, 
while he was on his visit to this country with the Em- 
press and their escort, " Admiral Jewett was one of 



JEWITT FAMILIES. 569 

our heroes." Some of his officers said " they looked 
upon him as the people of this country looked upon 
Lafayette." He left one son, A. D. L. Jewett, a 
minister in New York city. 

3. Anna, b. 1 June, 1774; died young. 

4. Charles Bulkley, b. Dec, 1775; died young. 

5. Charles, b. 9 June, 1777. He was a lieutenant in the 

United States Navy, and died 14 Feb., 1825, mini. 

6. Elizabeth, b. 9 Oct., 1780; m. Phineas Waller 31 March, 

1814. She died 21 Feb., 1859. He died June, 
L859. They had 1st, David Jewett, b. 16 Jan., 
1815; 2d, Charles Phillips, was judge; 3d, Hannah, 
m. Rev. Dr. Andrews; 4th, George Grant, a lawyer. 

7. Sarah, b. 8 Oct., 1782; died 15 May, 1857, unm. " 

8. George, b. 22 May, 1785. He was lieutenant in the 

United States Navy, died unm. 

9. Martha, b. 6 July, 1787. 

10. Nancy, twin to Martha; m. Judge Collins. Had one 

son, Rev. Charles Jewett Collins. 

11. Harriet, b. 16 Jan., 1791; died Nov., 1816, unm. 



LOOMIS FAMILIES. 

John Loomis, who married, 18 Dec, 1760, Rachel Harris, 
horn in Salem, Conn., 30 Sept., 1737, daughter of Jonathan 
Harris and Rachel Otis, daughter of Deacon Joseph Otis, 
was a son of Daniel, born 6 June, 1741, a descendant of 
Joseph Loomis of Windsor, Conn. He settled in Colches- 
ter, " Salem Parish," a farmer. He died 4 May, 1811, aged 
70. She died 23 June, 1827, aged 90. 

Children. 

2. Jacob, b. 19 June, 1761; m. Selina M. Holmes. 

3. John, 1). 17 April, 1763; m. Hannah Bnel, 13 Jnne, 

1790. 

4. Rachel, b. 15 May, 1765; m. Oliver Warner, Warren, 

K Y. 

5. Elizabeth, b. 15 March, 1767; m. John Tenant, Spring- 

field, K Y. 

6. Elsie, b. 19 Jan., 1769; m. Abel Newton, Cooperstown, 

N. Y. 

7. Harris, b. 9 Sept., 1770; m. Lubinda Fnrman, in 1793. 

8. Joel, b. 6 May, 1773; m. 1st, Hannah Angel; 2d, Ellis 

Chappell. 

9. Hubbel, b. 31 May, 1775; m. 1st, Jerusha Burt; 2d, 

Widow H. Pratt, 

10. Guy, b. 31 July, 1777; m. Abigail Derthick in 1799. 

11. Elias, b. 18 July, 1779; m. Nancy Comstock, 16 Sept., 

1802. 

12. Elijah, born twin to Elias; m. 1st, Mary Allen; 2d, 

Nancy Dodge. 

II. JACOB (2), b. 19 June, 1761, son of John Loomis 
and Rachel Harris; m. 7 Dec, 1785, Selina M. Holmes, born 

about , daughter of Dr. Seth Wyman Holmes and 

Sarah Rogers, daughter of Alpheus Rogers and Delight Har- 
ris. This Dr. Holmes was a physician, and lived in Mont- 



LOOMIS FAMILIES. 571 

villcj whore he was a successful practitioner of the profes- 
sion. He was engaged in the war of the Revolution, and 
held the title of captain. He was captain of a company in 
Colonel Samuel Chapman's regiment in 1778. Dr. Holmes 
died at Montville 12 Dec, 1821, aged 83. Jacob Loomis 
settled in Salem, a farmer. He died 12 Dec, 1838. She 
died 15 Oct., 1837. 

Children. 

13. Sarah R., b. 17 Nov., 1786; m. Dr. William Brown, 16 

April. L829. 

14. Salina Matilda, b. 27 Feb., 1788; m. Jonathan Sisson, 

4 Xov., 1810. 

15. Rachel, b. 17 July, 178!); m. Amasa Loveridge, 29 

March, 1815. 

16. Mary, b. 6 June, 1791; m. Caleb Loveridge, 18 Jan., 

1818. 

17. Elizabeth, b. 27 Jan., 1793; m. John dishing, 6 Nov., 

1820. 

18. Jacob, b. 1!) April, 1795; m. 1st, Amy Browning; 2d, 

Sarah M. Kimball. 
1!». Harriet, b. 29 Jan., 1797; m. Jesse Jerome, 24 Xov., 
1831. 

20. Lucretia R., b. 26 Aug., 1798; died 11 Xov., 1820. 

21. Philena, b. (i March,"l800; m. Caleb Miner, 4 Jan., 

1826. 

22. Louisa, b. 14 Xov., 1801; in. Daniel Pellet, Xov., 1830. 

23. Seth W., 1). 31 March, 1803; m. Lois G. Bishop, 2 Nov., 

182 <;. 

24. Hubbel, b. 27 Dec, 1804; m. Sophrona Strickland in 

1830. 

25. Almira T., b. 2 May, 1807; m. Daniel Brown, 8 Oct., 

1829. 

II. JOEL (8),"b. »') May, 1773, sou of John Loomis and 
Rachel Harris; m. 1st, Hannah Angel, granddaughter of 
William Angel and Almy Harding of Warwick, R. I. ; 2d, 
Ellis Chapel, daughter of Ezekiel Chapel and Sarah Gardner, 
daughter of David Gardner and Jemima Gustin. He set- 
tled in Lyme, a farmer, was Judge of Probate Court, and a 
member of the State Legislature in 1830. He died 1 March, 
1867. 



572 * HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

26. Hannah, b. 7 Sept., 1797; m. Daniel Chapel, 3 Oct., 

1814. 

27. James, b. 30 March, 1800; m. Eliza II. Comstock, 1 

Oct., 1826. 

28. Eliza A., b. 27 May, 1802; m. Martin Ames. 

29. Charlotte, b. 17 Jan., 1805; m. Marvin Fargo, 2 Oct., 

1828. 

30. Joel, b. 6 May, 1806; m. Emily Parker, 24 Feb., 1828. 

31. Almene, b. 27 Sept., 1807; m. Henry Clark, 19 Oct., 

1826. 

32. Sarah G., b. 20 May, 1810; m. Osmond Harrow, 27 

Oct., 1826. 

33. Francis B., b. 9 April, 1812; m. 1st, Elizabeth M. Ing- 

ham; 2d, Angenora Beekwith. 

34. Christopher C, b. 6 Feb., 1814; m. Jane M. Turner in 

1836. 

35. Emma A., b. 20 Sept., 1815; m. Orrin F. Smith, 2 

Nov., 1831. 

36. Ellis, b. 27 Dec, 1816; m. Elisha H. Palmer, 30 Nov., 

1837. 

37. Cordelia F., b. 13 Aug., 1819; m. Seth Smith, 1 April, 

1839. 



RAYMOND FAMILIES. 

Richard Raymond, the ancestor of the large family of 
Raymonds, who have been residents of Montville since its 
first settlement, and who have been among its most influen- 
tial and prominent citizens, makes his first appearance at 
Salem, .Mass., where he and his wife Judith were members of 
the church in 1634. He was made a freeman there the same 
year. Richard Raymond (the name as then recorded was 
written "Rayment") with his sons, appears to have left Sa- 
lem about 1650, and scattered themselves along the shore 
of Long Island Sound. He first settled at Norwalk, previ- 
ous to 1651, and afterwards removed to Saybrook, where he 
died in 1692. 

Children. 

2. John, b. , m. Mary Betts. They settled at 

Norwalk, where he died and left descendants. 

3. Bathsheba, bap. 11 July, 1637. 

4. Joshua, bap. 3 March, 1639; m. Elizabeth Smith. 

5. Lemuel, bap. 3 Jan., 1641. 

6. Hannah, bap. in Feb., 1643; m. Oliver Manwaring. 

7. Samuel, bap. 13 July, 1645; m. Mary Smith, daugh- 

ter of Nehemiah Smith and Ann Bourn. He set- 
tled at New London, where he died in 1705, leav- 
ing a considerable estate, but no children. 

8. Richard, bap. 2 Jan., 1648. 

9. Elizabeth, bap. 28 April, 1650. 

10. Daniel, bap/ 17 April, 1653; m. 1st, Elizabeth Harris; 
daughter of Gabrel Harris, and had two daughters, 
Elizabeth and Sarah. After her death he mar- 
ried Rebecca Lay, daughter of John Lay of Lyme, 
by whom he had sons, Richard and Samuel, and 
probably others. His second wife survived him 
and married Samuel Gager of Norwich. 



574 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

II. JOSHUA (4), bap. 3 March, 1639, son of Richard 
Raymond and Judith ; married 10 Dec, 1659, Eliza- 
beth Smith, daughter of Nchemiah Smith and Ann Bonrn. 
He was one of the first purchasers of land in the North Par- 
ish of New London. He settled at New London, and for a 
short time may have resided on his farm in Montville, where 
he built a mansion, which was afterwards owned and occu- 
pied by his son Joshua. Mr. Raymond was actively en- 
gaged in the Pequot War, and was, by the council, appointed 
commissary of the colonial troops. A short time before his 
death he was directed to fit out a vessel at New London for 
the Barbadoes, with provisions for the troops. He was one 
of the committee appointed to survey and lay out a road from 
New London to Norwich, through the Indian reservation, 
lying in the present town of Montville. This road was after- 
wards made a turnpike, and was the first incorporated in the 
United States. Mr. Raymond received for his services in 
laying out this road a grant of land in Mohegan, on which 
his mansion was built. He died 24 April, 1676. His death 
was supposed to have been caused by a wound which he re- 
ceived in the ■" Great Swamp fight," with the Narragansetts, 
19 Dec, 1675. His widow afterwards married, 26 Jan., 
1681, George Dennis of Long Island, and died 1 May, 1712, 
aged 71 years. 

Children. 

11. Joshua, b. 18 Sept., 1660; m. Mercy Sands. 

12. Elizabeth, b. 24 Mav, 1662; m. David Richards. 

13. Ann, b. 12 May, 1664. 

14. Hannah, b. 8 Aug., 1668; m. Thomas Avery. 

15. Mary, b. 12 March, 1671-2; m. John Chandler. 

16. Experience, b. 20 Jan., 1673-4; died 25 June, 1689. 

17. Mahitabel, b. 19 Dec, 1675; died young. 

III. JOSHUA (11), b. 18 Sept., 1660, son of Joshua 
Raymond and Elizabeth Smith; married 29 April, 1683, 
Mercy, daughter of James Sands of Block Island. His fam- 
ily resided at Block Island. Mr. Raymond, having his busi- 




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RAYMOND FAMILIES. 575 

ness in New London, was absent from his family much of the 
time. The care and management of the home affairs de- 
volved upon his wife, who was a woman of great energy and 
executive ability. He died at his residence on Block Island 
in 1704. Soon after his death she removed, with her .chil- 
dren, to the North Parish of New London (now Montville), 
where she, with Major John Merritt purchased a tract of 
land containing about fifteen hundred acres. She built a 
house on the hill, afterwards called "Kaymond Hill," in 
which she, with her son Joshua, lived. Mr. Raymond in his 
will appointed Captain John Sands and Major John Merritt 
of New York his executors. To his son Joshua he gave "the 
homestead at Block Island, one hundred sheep, twenty cat- 
tle, a team and cart;" also "his father's homestead farm in 
New London in the Mohegan fields." Mrs. Raymond and 
Major Merritt gave the land on which the first church in 
Montville was built. She and her son Joshua were liberal 
supporters of the church, which was there organized. She 
died at Lyme while on a. visit among her friends there, 3 May, 
1741, aged 78 years, and was buried near the stone church 
in that place. The births of their children are found re- 
corded in the town records of New Shoreham, Block Island. 

Children. 

IS. Sands, b. 16 Feb., 1681. 

19. Elizabeth, b. 18 Nov., 1687. 

20. Mary, b. 21 July, 1690; m. Jonathan Rogers. 

21. Caleb, b. 16 June, 1693. 

22. Ann, b. 'about 1695; m. William Whiting in 1724. 

23. Joshua, b. 20 Jan., 1697; m. Elizabeth Christophers. 

IV. SANDS (IS), b. 16 Feb., 1684, son of Joshua Ray- 
mond and Mercy Sands; married . He settled in the 

North Parish (now Montville), in the Mohegan territory, on 
a farm conveyed to him by his mother, consisting of two hun- 
dred acres of land. 



576 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Children. 

24. Samuel, b. 

25. Elizabeth, b. ; m. James Greenfield. 

IV. JOSHUA (23), b. about 1697, son of Joshua Ray- 
mond and Mercy Sands; married 31 Aug., 1719, Elizabeth 
Christophers, daughter of John Christophers and Elizabeth 
Mulford. He settled in Montville, and was active in the 
affairs of the town and church. He held offices of trust in 
both. He was chosen to represent the town in the General 
Assembly of the state, and served by re-election for several 
years. He was a justice of the peace from 1738 to 1743 for 
the county of New London. In 1738 he was commissioned 
lieutenant of the third company in New London. He with 
his wife united with the church in North Parish, 12 July, 
1724, and was chosen deacon in 1740. He held the office 
of deacon until his death. She died 12 May, 1730, aged 30 
years. He afterwards married Sarah Lynde of Saybrook, 23 
Nov., 1730, and died 12 Nov., 1763. She died 19 Oct., 
1771, aged 75 years. 

Children. 

26. Elizabeth, b. 24 April, 1720; m. Oliver Hazzard of 

South Kingston, R. I. 

27. Mercy, b. 24 Dec, 1721; m. Thomas Williams. 

28. Joshua, b. 22 Dec, 1723; m. Lucy Jewett. 

29. John, b. 18 Jan., 1725; m. Elizabeth Griswold. 

30. Edward, b. 15 Feb., 1727; m. Sarah Douglass. 

31. Christopher, b. 17 July, 1729; m. Eleanor Fitch. 

V. JOSHUA (28), b. 22 Dec, 1723, son of Joshua 
Raymond and Elizabeth Christophers, married 4 Oct., 1750, 
Lucy Jewett, eldest daughter of Captain Nathan Jewett and 
Deborah Lord of Lyme. He settled at Montville, and owned 
the farm on which he lived, and situate about one-half of a 
mile west of the present Congregational church. This farm 
was a portion of the one formerly owned by his grandmother, 
Mercy Raymond, and was inherited by his father. Mr. Ray- 
mond was, like his father, possessed of large business qualifi- 



RAYMOND FAMILIES. 577 

cations. He was active in the society and church affairs. He 
represented the town of New London in the General Assem- 
bly for several years. He was chosen deacon in 1763, and 
held the office until his death, 14 Sept., 1790. She died 
26 Feb., 1811, aged 81 years. 

Children. 

32. Mercy, b. 6 Aug., 1751; m. John Raymond. 

33. Joshua, b. about 1753; in. 1st, Mary Raymond; 2d, 

Elizabeth Prince. 

34. Nathan, b. about 1754. He was a sergeant in his uncle 

Captain Joseph Jewett's company, and was taken 
prisoner at the battle of Flatbush. He died 16 
Jan., 1777, of small pox, immediately after his re- 
turn home. 

35. Josiah, b. about 1757; in. Elizabeth Baker. 
:;<;. Mulfordj b. about 1760; m. Eleanor Bradford. 

37- Louisa, twin to Mulford; m. Nathaniel Lynde Ray- 
mond. 

38. Charlotte, b. about 1763; m. Benajah Gardner of 

Rhode Island. He was a large landholder and far- 
mer, and settled in Waterford. He had a large 
family, and died June, 1828. She died 23 May, 
1854. 

39. Lucy, b. 12 Nov., 1764: m. Nathaniel Bradford. 

40. Mary, b. about 1766; m. Lemuel Raymond. 

41. Jewett, b. about 1768; died 3 Oct., 1774. 

42. Oliver, b. 24 Jan., 1771; m. 1st, Hannah Raymond; 

2d, Mary Comstock. 

Y. JOHN (29), b. 18 Jan., 1725, son of Joshua Ray- 
mond and Elizabeth Christophers; married in 1747, Elizabeth 
Griswold, b. 16 July, 1728, daughter of the Rev. George 
Griswold of Lyme by his first wife, Hannah Lynde. He 
owned and occupied the old Raymond homestead near the 
head of Haughtoii's Cove. He was a military man; at one 
time he was lieutenant under Colonel Whiting in the Erench 
War. He was stationed at Fort Edward in November, 1756, 
from which place he wrote letters to his friends here at Mont- 
37 



578 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

ville on birch bark, wrapped in brown paper. She died 16 
Jan., 1779, of small pox. He died 7 May, 1789. 

Children. 

43. John, b. 7 Jan., 1748; m. Mercy Eaymond (32). 

44. William, b. 27 June, 1749. He was in the army 

taken prisoner, and whipped to death at Halifax. 
He was never married. 

45. Elizabeth, b. 7 April, 1751; m. Joshua West. 

46. Hannah, b. 28 Oct., 1752; died 10 Nov., 1834, mini. 

47. Mary, b. 17 Oct., 1754; m. Joshua Raymond (33). 

48. Nathaniel L., b. 18 Nov., 1756; m. Louisa Eaymond 

(37). 

49. Anna, b. 13 Dec, 1758; m. 1st, Captain Stephen Bill- 

ings; 2d, George Dennis. 

50. Eunice, b. 15 March, 1761; m. Henry D. Bolles. 

51. Eleanor, b. 9 Nov., 1765; m. John* Manwaring. 

52. George, b. 8 Dec, 1767; m. Martha Smith. 

53. Sarah, b. 4 March, 1772; m. Daniel Baker. 

V. EDWARD (30), b. 15 Feb., 1727, son of Joshua 
Raymond and Elizabeth Christophers; m. 14 Nov., 1758, 
Sarah Douglass. He was a farmer, and settled in Water- 
ford. He died 14 Sept., 1788. 

Children. 

54. Caleb, b. 21 Jan., 1759; m. . He was a town 

clerk in Waterford 29 years. 

55. Elizabeth, b. 25 Nov., 1761. 

56. Mehitabel, b. 18 March, 1763. 

57. Joshua, b. 2 Jan., 1766; died 13 Nov., 1789. 

58. Hannah, b. 13 June, 1774; m. Oliver Raymond (42). 

59. Sarah, b. 11 March, 1777. 

V. CHRISTOPHER (31), b. 17 July, 1729, son of 
Joshua Raymond and Elizabeth Christophers; married about 
1752, Eleanor Fitch, eldest daughter of Daniel Fitch and 
Sarah Sherwood. He settled in Montville, and owned the 
farm on which he lived, situate next west of the cemetery 
on Raymond Hill, afterwards owned by David Hillhouse. 



RAYMOND FAMILIES. 579 

He was a physician. He died 14 May, 1793. She died 17 
March, 1826. 

Children. 

CO. Sarah D., b. 20 Jan., 1753; m. John Dolbeare. 

61. Daniel Fitch, b. about 1755; m. 1st, Rachel Hill- 

house; 2d, Charlotte Comstock. 

62. Abigail North, b. about 1758; m. Perez Comstock. 

63. Christopher, b. about 1760; m. Nancy Mason. 

64. Lemuel, b. ; m. Mary Raymond (40). 

65. Eleanor, b. ; m. Levi Smith of Hartford. 

VI. JOSHUA (33), b. about 1753, son of Joshua Ray- 
mond and Lucy Jewett; married 1st, Mercy Raymond, third 
daughter of John Raymond (29) and Elizabeth Griswold. 
She died the first year of their marriage, without issue. He 
then married Elizabeth Prince, b. 12 March, 1760, daugh- 
ter of William Prince and Mary Holland. He settled at 
Montville and owned the farm on which he lived, situate 
near Massapeag. He was elected representative of the town 
in 1790, and also in 1797-98-99. He was treasurer of the 
town of Montville four years, and for several years held the 
office of justice of the peace. He died 5 April, 1806. His 
widow with her family removed first to Massachusetts, and 
afterwards settled in Colchester, Conn. At the time of her 
•death, 2 Jan., 1844, she was living with her son Joshua. 

Children. 

66. Jewett, b. 16 Jan., 1785; m. Rebecca Osbun of New 

York. He removed into the state of New York, 
where he died and left children. 

67. Mary, b. Nov., 1787; m. Jirah Williams, son of Enos 

Williams of Colchester. They first settled at Leb- 
anon and afterwards removed into the state of New 
York, where they died and left three children. 

68. Joshua Lord, b. 20 Jan., 1791; m. Stark- 

weather of Norwich, and settled at Colchester. 

69. Sophia, b. 19 Nov., 1792; died at Lyme in 1847, unm. 

70. Martha, b. about 1794; m. 11 Oct., 1816, Horace 

AM lite of Lyme. They first settled at Lyme, but 



580 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

afterwards removed to Maiuna, Ohio. They had 
one son, Horace Frederick, b. 17 March, 1821, who 
was a lawyer, and settled at Chicago. She died in 
Chicago in 1853. 

71. Lucretia, b. about 1797; m. Saxton. 

72. Eliza, b. about 1799; died in 1817 at Peru, Mass. 

73. Joseph Holland, b. about 1801; m. Unity Kirtland. 

74. Lucy, b. about 1803; m. Ira Geer of Peru, Mass. 

75. Ursula Bradford, b. in 1806. After her father's 

death she married Captain John Mather Chadwick 
of Lyme. She died at. Lyme in 1847, leaving one 
daughter. 

YI. JOSIAH (35), b. - -, 1757, son of Joshua 
Kaymond and Lucy Jewett; married 2 Sept., 1784, Elizabeth 
Baker, daughter of Joshua Baker and Abigail Bliss. He set- 
tled in Montville and owned the farm now occupied by Ray- 
mond 1ST. Parish, next west of the Congregational church. 
He was erecting the dwellingdiouse now standing on the farm 
at the time of his death, 21 July, 1795. His death was 
caused by a bruise received upon one of his feet. After his 
death his widow married Deacon Robert Man waring. She 
died 13 Eeb., 1802, at Norwich. 

Children. 

76. Joshua, b. 13 June, 1785; m. Mary Hillhouse. 

77. Orlando, b. 4 Nov., 1789; m. Elizabeth Nelson. He 

was a merchant, and removed to Iowa in 1820, 
where he was postmaster. He died there in 1829, 
leaving one daughter, Cora O., b. 8 Sept., 1827. 

78. Josiah, b. 23 Nov., 1791; m. Judith Ransom. 

VI. MULFORD (36), b. about 1760, son of Joshua 

Raymond and Lucy Jewett; m. , Eleanor Bradford, 

daughter of Samuel Bradford and Bridget Comstock. He 
was a farmer, and settled at Montville. The farm on which 
he lived until his death, and now owned by his heirs, was the 
adjoining one west of Nathaniel Parish's. He built the 
house now standing on the farm. He was a man of public 



RAYMOND FAMILIES. 581 

notoriety, and held many town offices. He died 3 June, 
1835. She died 15 Nov., 1837, aged 75 years. 

Children. 

79. Charlotte, b. 21 Nov., 1784; died 28 Sept., 1872, mini. 

80. Lucy Jewett, b. 18 Feb., 1787; m. Nathaniel Parish. 

81. Eleanor, b. 11 March, 1789; m. Lemuel E. Dolbeare. 

82. Sarah, b. 29 June, 1792; died 20 July, 1795. 

83. Harriet B., b. 13 June, 1795; died 6 Dec, 1828, unm. 

84. Sarah B., b. 4 Oct., 1797; died 10 Jan., 1887. 

85. Mulford C, b. 23 July, 1800; m. Abby A. Turner. 

VI. OLIVER (42), b. 24 Jan., 1771, son of Joshua 
Raymond and Lucy Jewett; married 3 Oct., 1793, Hannah, 
his cousin, daughter of Edward Raymond and Sarah Doug- 
lass. He settled at Montville, and owned the farm formerly 
occupied by his great-grandmother, Mercy (Sands) Raymond, 
and now occupied (1884) by S. Denison Bradford. She 

died 20 Aug., 1811. He afterwards married, 2 April, 1812, 
Mary Comstock, daughter of Nathaniel Comstock and Anna 
Stark, and removed to Lyme, where he died 29 July, 1862. 
She died 14 Feb.,. 1863, aged 78 years. 

Children by Hannah. 

86. Sarah D., b. 11 July, 1794; m. 22 Feb., 1829, Terrel 

Speed, b. 10 March, 1799, in South Carolina. He 
was a merchant and afterwards a planter, and set- 
tled in Georgia. They had three children, Eliza- 
beth, Ellen, and Oliver Raymond. 

87. Oliver, b. 16 June, 1796. He died at the age of 2 

years, from falling into a tub of water. 

88. Laura, b. about 1798; died young. 

89. Llannah, b. 14 Sept., 1800; died unmarried. 

90. Eineline, b. about 1802; died voung. 

91. Caleb, b. 31 May, 1804; m. about 1832, Julia L. Har- 

ron of Pensacola, Fla. He was a physician. He 
settled at Appalachicola in Florida, where she died 
in 1837, and he in 1838, leaving three children, 
Mary, Charles, and Henry Morgan. 



582 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

92. James Harvey, b. about 1806; died young. 

93. Joseph, b. about 1809; died young. 

94. Alva, b. 20 July, 1811; died young. 

Children by Mary. 

95. Mary Ann, b. 3 April, 1813; m. William Stark. 

96. James Lawrence, b. 19 Sept., 1815; died young. 

97. Jane Gray, b. 20 Dec., 1817; m. 25 May,' 1846, James 

Rogers Morgan, b. 6 Nov., 1797, son of Phillip 
Morgan and Elizabeth Tinker of New London. 
She had one son, James Raymond, b. 23 Sept., 
1847. 

98. Adeline Comstock, b. 1 Nov., 1820; m. in Dec, 1849, 

Junius Marvin, b. 20 Oct., 1820, son of Judge Wil- 
liam Marvin of Lyme. They settled at East Ran- 
dolph, Wis., where they had three children, Cor- 
nelia, James L., and Jane M. ; the last two were 
twins. 

99. Thaddeus K, b. 6 March, 1823; m. 23 Feb., 1856, 

Mary Alicia Ayers, b. 4 May, 1838, daughter of 
Levi Ayers of Smithville, New York. They set- 
tled at Lyme and had two children, Olive Ayers 
and Levi Quincy. 

100. Helen Louisa, b. 25 Aug., 1825; died 1 Nov., 1844, 

unmarried. 

101. James Lawrence, b. 11 April, 1829. 

102. Cornelia, b. 28 Feb., 1831; died 29 Feb., 1852, mini. 

VI. JOHN (43), b. 7 Jan., 1748, son of John Raymond 
and Elizabeth Griswold; married 26 May, 1774, his first cou- 
sin, Mercy Raymond, daughter of Joshua Raymond and 
Lucy Jewett. He was a farmer, and settled at Montville. 
His farm was located next east from the Congregational 
church, and was afterwards owned by John G. Hillhouse. 
He was chosen first town clerk of Montville, and held the of- 
fice sixteen years. He died at Montville 30 March, 1828. 
She died 30 June, 1833. 

Children. 

103. Jewett, b. 17 Feb., 1775; died young. 

104. William, b. 3 May, 1778; m. Elizabeth Man waring. 



RAYMOND FAMILIES. 583 

105. Nathan, b. 11 July, 1781; m. 3 April, 1802, Hannah 

Sistare, b. 26 July, 1781, at New London. He was 
sheriff of New London county, and died in May, 
1832, leaving three children, Fanny, Gabrel, and 
Edmund, who married Lucy Crocker, and had four 
daughters. 

106. Mary, b. 11 July, 1781, twin to Nathan. She died 

4 April, 1828, unmarried. 

VI. NATHANIEL (18), b. 18 Nov., 1756, son of John 
Raymond and Elizabeth Griswold; married 23 Dec, 1784, his 
cousin, Louisa, daughter of Joshua Raymond and Lucy Jew- 
ett. He was a farmer and land speculator, and settled first 
in Montville. His farm was located one mile west of Haugh- 
ton's Cove, on the road to the Congregational church. He 
sold his farm to William W. Haughton, and removed to Can- 
terbury, and afterwards to Lebanon, where he died 15 July, 
1829. She died 8 April, 1849. 

Children. 

107. John, b. 19 Sept., 1785; m. 22 April, 1833, Mercy, 

daughter of William Raymond and Elizabeth Man- 
waring. He was a ship carpenter. He died on 
his farm in Salem. 

108. Nathaniel L., b. 13 Aug., 1787; m. 18 Oct., 1814, 

Sarah Ann Martin, daughter of John Martin- and 
Nancy Wells of Seaford, Del. He settled as a 
merchant at Seaford. A short time after his mar- 
riage he was captured by tli£ British fleet in the 
Chesapeake Lay, and carried a prisoner to the West 
Indies. While a captive there he suffered great 
hardships. He was liberated after a year's captiv- 
ity. After his return home he became a ship mas- 
ter, and was engaged in the coasting trade. He 
died 15 July, 1822. She died 29 Jan., 1856, at 
Philadelphia. He had three children, Orlando, 
Lucy Jewett, and Mulford Sherwood. 

109. Eunice, b. 14 Feb., 1790; died 13 Feb., 1820, unm. 

110. Edward, b. 23 June, 1792; died 7 Sept., 1874, at 

Windham, Conn. 

111. Mercy, b. 14 Aug., 1794. 



584 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

112. Mulford, b. 29 Sept., 1796; died in 1821, mini. 

113. Oliver, b. 4 April, 1799; m. 21 Dec., 1828, Eunice B. 

Elliot of Franklin, N. Y. She died 27 Dec., 1859, 
in Michigan, and left seven children. 

114. Lemuel, b. 4 June, 1801; m. 

VI. GEOEGE (52), b. 8 Dec, 1767, son of John Ray- 
mond and Elizabeth Griswold; married 9 Oct., 1796, Martha, 
daughter of Deacon Gilbert Smith of Groton. He was a far- 
mer, and settled at Montville. He owned and occupied the 
old Raymond homestead near the head of Haughton's Cove. 
He died 24 Jan., 1852. She died 23 March, 1860. 

Children. 

115. Nancy, b. 28 Jan., 1798; m. William B. Dolbeare. 

116. George, b. 19 Jan., 1801; m. 1st, Eliza B. Rogers; 2d, 

Eliza Peabody; 3d, Hannah Waterman. 

117. Eunice, b. 16 Oct., 1803; m. William Raymond. 

118. Elizabeth Griswold, b. 23 Oct., 1809; m. David R. 

Dolbeare. 

VI. DANIEL FITCH (61), b. about 1755, son of 
Christopher Raymond and Eleanor Fitch; married 11 Oct., 
1779, 1st, Rachel Hillhouse, daughter of Judge William 
Hillhouse and Sarah Griswold. He was a farmer, and 
owner and occupied the farm near Schofield's Satinet Mill in 
Montville. This mill site was formerly a part of the Ray- 
mond farm. He sold it to John Schofield in 1814. Mr. Ray- 
mond and his wife united with the Congregational church at 
Montville, 1 Nov., 1801, and on the following Sabbath they 
had six children baptized by the Rev. Samuel Nott of Frank- 
lin. She died 2 Dec, 1811, aged 51 years. Upon her tomb- 
stone is this inscription, "The mother of thirteen children." 
He afterwards married, 18 Dec, 1812, Charlotte Comstock, 
daughter of Nathaniel Comstock and Anna Stark. He died 
17 Oct., 1828, aged 73. She died 17 Aug., 1849, aged 66 
years and 2 months. 



RAYMOND FAMILIES. 585 

Children by Rachel. 

118a. James, b. 4 July, 1780; died 16 Sept., 1790. 

118b. John, b. 11 March, 1782; died 25 Oct., 1781. 

118c. William, b. 8 July, 1784; died 28 Feb., 1794. 

119. Daniel Fitch, b. 12 Sept., 1786; m. 1st, Sarah Ames; 

2d, Delila Mattock. 

120. David Hillhon.se, b. 26 Jan., 1789; m. Marian Leon- 

ard, daughter of Timothy Leonard of Lansing- 
burgh, X. Y. He graduated at Yale College in 
1810, and was a lawyer. He died in 1820 at St. 
Francisville, La., and she died 18 Sept., 1818, at 
Canton, Ohio. 

121. J anics, b. 4 July, 1797; m. Caroline R. Thompson. 

He graduated at Yale College in 1818, and died in 
1858. He had five children, David, Sarah H., An- 
na E., Thompson, and Calvin Colton. 

1 22. Sarah Hillhouse, b. 21 Jan., 1791 ; died 10 April, 1818, 

unmarried, at Macon, jST. Y. 
122a. John Griswold, b. 31 July, 1792; died 29 April, 1798. 

123. Mary, b. 28 Feb., 1794; died 30 June, 1819, at Mont- 

ville, num. 

124. Abigail North, b. 19 April, 1796; m. 16 Feb., 1820, 

the Rev. Calvin Colton, D.D. She died at Bata- 
via, K Y., 1 Feb., 1826. He died in Georgia in 
1857, aged 65. 

Children by Charlotte. 

125. William Fitch, b. 17 Oct., 1813; m. 1st, Lavinia M. 

Seymour, 15 Dec, 1852; 2d, Elizabeth Lord. 

126. Charlotte, b. 24 Dec, 1817; died 27 Dec, 1835, at 

Fredericksburg, Md., num. 

127. Albert G, b. 29 Sept., 1819; m. Esther Bidwell Rob- 

erts, 10 April, 1849. He was a farmer, and re- 
sided with his mother and older brother, William, at 
Montville, until about 1837, when they removed 
to Berlin, Conn., where his mother died. He af- 
terwards settled in East Hartford, where he died 
26 June, 1880, aged 61 years. He was a faithful 
and consistent Christian member of the First Con- 
gregational church at East Hartford, and at his 
death left by will the sum of ten thousand dollars 
to endow a public library in Montville, his native 



586 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

town, and the sum of seventeen thousand to endow 
a public library in East Hartford, his adopted town; 
his wife having the use and income of the sums be- 
queathed during her natural life. It was said of 
him by the writer of his obituary, that "he was sin- 
gularly successful in all his undertakings. In 
business life he was governed by unswerving integ- 
rity. He dispensed charity with discrimination. 
He was in hearty sympathy with every benevolent 
cause." She died at East Hartford, 16 Sept., 
1883. 

VI. CHRISTOPHER (63), b. about 1760, son of Dr. 
Christopher Raymond and Eleanor Eitch; married Nancy 
Mason, daughter of Jeremiah Mason, and Elizabeth Fitch of 
Lebanon. He settled at Montville, and was a farmer. The 
farm on which he lived was afterwards owned by James Al- 
lyn. He united with the Congregational church in Mont- 
ville in 1814. He died 20 April, 1810. She died 28 April, 
1848, aged 85 years. 

Children. 

128. Sherwood, b. 28 Oct., 1786; m. Fanny Fitch, b. 1793, 
daughter of Asa Fitch of Bozrah. He was a farm- 
er and large landholder. He lived on the farm 
formerly owned by his grandfather and father. 
He was a man of ability and sound judgment in 
business, and was honored by his townsmen in be- 
ing elected to fill important offices in the town and 
state. He was elected representative from his na- 
tive town in the years 1823-27-29-31-35, and was 
elected a senator of the 9th Senatorial District in 
1846. He united with the church in Montville 
on the 6th day of March, 1842. He contributed 
largely towards the new church edifice, which was 
erected the year of his death. He was greatly hon- 
ored as a Christian and a citizen, and died respected 
by all his acquaintances, 31 Dec, 1846. His wife 
survived him, and died at Bozrah without issue, 30 
Nov., 1877, aged 84 years. She was a devoted 
Christian woman, and gave large sums to benevo- 



RAYMOND FAMILIES. 587 

lent societies. None knew her but loved and re- 
spected her. She was kind to the afflicted, and 
generous to the poor. 

129. Jeremiah, b. 16 Aug., 1791; m. Laura Browning. 

130. Elizabeth M., b. about 1795; died 1 July, 1864, unm. 

VI. LEMUEL (61), b. about — — , son of Christo- 
pher Raymond and Eleanor Fitch; married 24 Jan., 1786, 
Alary, daughter of Joshua Raymond (28) and Lucy Jewett. 
He first settled at Montville, and afterwards removed to 
Westfield, Mass., where his wife died in Dec, 1821. 

Children. 

131. Fitch, b. at Montville, and died in 1844, unm. 

132. Lemuel, b. at Montville; m. Ann Dowd of Madison, 

Conn. They had one daughter, Sarah, who mar- 
ried Timothy E. Green, and settled at Maiden, 111. 

133. Sarah, b. at Montville; m. Rev. Henry Ware, D.D., 7 

July, 1792, professor of sacred literature at Har- 
vard. 

134. Mary, b. at Montville. 

VII. JOSHUA (76), b. 13 June, 1785, son of Josiah 
Raymond and Elizabeth Baker; married 28 Sept., 1809, 
Mary Hillhouse, b. April, 1787, daughter of Deacon Samuel 
Hillhouse and Sarah Comstock. He was a farmer, and set- 
tled at West Hartford, where he died. 

Children. 

135. James II., b. 28 June, 1810; m. Charlotte Ann Hicks, 

1836. 

136. Elizabeth, b. 17 April, 1812; died 1836, unm. 

137. Josiah, b. 7 Jan., 1815; m. 

138. Samuel, b. in Jan., 1822; died in Jan., 1845, at the 

military academy at West Point. 

139. Orlando, b. , 1816; died at the age of 14 years. 

140. David, b. , 1826; m. Wells. 

141. Mercy, b. 20 March, 1828; died young. 



588 HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 

VII. JOSIAH (78), b. 23 Nov., 1791, son of Josiah 
Raymond and Elizabeth Baker; married 10 Feb., 1817, Ju- 
dith Ransom, born 11 Nov., 1795. He was a farmer, and 
settled in the town of Salem in 1880. 

Children. 

142. Elizabeth, b. 2 Dee,, 1817; m. John Douglass, 3 Dec., 

1838. 

143. William T., b. 11 June, 1827; m. 

144. Gideon F., b. 30 Oct., 1823; m. Harriet Wickwire, 9 

Oct., 1854. 

145. Orlando K, b. 20 Feb., 1831; m. Mary Fargo. 

VII. MULFOBD C. (85), b. 23 July, 1800, son of 
Mulford Raymond and Eleanor Bradford; married 16 Jan., 
1827, Abby Ann, daughter of James Turner and Mary 
Baker. He settled at Montville, was a farmer, and held im- 
portant offices of trust in the town. He was elected town 
clerk of the town in 1827, and was re-elected each year for 
twenty years. He was judge of Probate Court for the Dis- 
trict of Montville three years. He was elected representa- 
tive of the town in 1834. He died at Montville 25 July, 
1891. She died at Niantic at the residence of her son, James 
M., 17 June, 1894. 

Children. 

146. Harriet B., b. 27 Aug., 1829; died 2 Aug., 1832. 

147. Abby Turner, b. 28 Dec, 1832; died 13 Dec, 1833. 

148. Ellen Christopher, b. 6 May, 1835; m. Nicholas John- 

son; had daughter, Ellen, m. John Townsend. 

149. James Mulford, b. 4 Feb., 1840; m. Fannie C. Corn- 

stock. 

VII. WILLIAM (104), b. 3 May, 1778, son of John 
Raymond and Mercy Raymond; married 22 June, 1800, 
Elizabeth Manwaring, b. 22 June, 1778, daughter of Deacon 
Robert Manwaring and Elizabeth Rogers. He was a farm- 
er, and owned the farm formerly owned by the Rev. James 
Hillhouse. He was a man of large stature, and command- 



RAYMOND FAMILIES. 589 

ing appearance. He was much in public business, and held 
offices of trust in bis native town. He was cbosen represent- 
ative in 1828 and died 27 July, 1842. She died 7 May, 
1854. 

Children. 

150. Mercy, "b. 21 May, 1802; m. John Raymond, 22 April, 

1833. 

151. William, b. 21 April, 1806; m. Eunice Raymond. 

152. Richard, b. 24 May, 1811; m. Julia Ann Gardner. 

VII. GEORGE (116), b. 19 Jan., 1801, son of George 
Raymond and Martha Smith; married 5 April, 1821, Eliza B. 
Rogers, 1). 25 July, 1802, daughter of Thomas Rogers and 
Mary Baker. He was a farmer and first settled at Montville. 
lie united with the Congregational church in Montville 3 
July, 1831, and was chosen deacon in 1832. She died at 
Montville, 17 June, 1834. He afterwards married Eliza 
Peabody and removed to Preston. She died without issue. 
He then married Hannah Waterman, by whom he had one 
child, born after he was 70 years of age. He died at Pres- 
ton in 1880. 

Children. 

153. Theodore, b. 13 Oct., 1822; m. Sarah Clark. 

154. Martha Denison, b. 30 Sept., 1824; m. - - Rey- 

nolds. 

155. Mary Caroline, b. 18 July, 1827; m. Good- 

speed. 

156. Laura Augusta, b. 11 Aug., 1829; m. Hager- 

man. 

157. Eliza Rogers, b. 17 June, 1834; m. Oliver Geer. 

VIII. WILLIAM (151), b. 21 April, 1806, son of Wil- 
liam Raymond and Elizabeth Manwaring; married 5 July, 
1829, Eunice Raymond, daughter of George Raymond and 
Martha Smith. He settled at Montville, was a farmer. The 
farm owned by him, and on which he lived for a number 
of years previous to his death, was the west half of that on 
which his father lived. After his father's death, the home- 



590 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

stead was divided between William and his brother Richard. 
She died 5 Feb., 1880. He died 9 April, 1882. 

Children. 

158. Elizabeth XL, b. 29 July, 1831; m. Allison B. Ladd. 

159. Eunice Ann, b. 1 April, 1835; m. 1st, Charles F. 

Ames; 2d, Calvin Allyn. 

160. Adelaide L., b. 26 March, 1841; m. Henry W. Rogers. 

161. Lucy, b. - — , 1845; m. Enoch Bulkley. 

VIII. RICHARD (152), b. 24 May, 1811, son of Wil- 
liam Raymond and Elizabeth Manwaring; married about 
1836, Julia Ann Gardner, daughter of Erastus Gardner and 
Anna C. Rogers. He settled at Montville, was a farmer, and 
owned the east half of the farm which belonged to his father 
at his decease, and was the one owned and occupied by the 
Rev. James Hillhouse. He died 30 Nov., 1878. She was 
living on the homestead in 1884. 

Children. 

162. Robert, b. 10 Feb., 1837; m. Lydia Babcock. 

163. Frances Ann, b. 13 Dec, 1839; m. D. Chester Corn- 

stock. 

164. .Mercy E., b. 29 Nov., 1841; m. John Manwaring. 

165. Julia, b. 10 Julv, 1844; m. J. Ravmond Douglass. 

166. Flenry, b. 11 Dec, 1847. 

167. William, b. 10 Jan., 1850*; m. Editli Gates. 

168. Sherwood, b. 19 Aug., 1853; m. Betsey Gardner. 

169. Sarah, twin to Sherwood; died 28 March, 1855. 

170. John, b. 1 April, 1856; died 24 Sept., 1857. 

VIII. JAMES MTTLFORD (149), b. 4 Feb., 1840, son 

of Mulford C. Raymond and Abby Ann Turner; m. -, 

Fanny C. Comstock, daughter of David Comstock and Al- 
mira (Fitch) Baker. She died at Niantic 10 March, 1893. 
He has since remarried. 

Children. 

171. Ellen C, b. 19 Nov., 1865; died 27 Aug., 1884. 

172. Fanny, b. 5 May, 1868. 

173. Charles, b. 



KICHAEDS FAMILIES. 

KEHEMIAH KICHAEDS, b. 20 Nov., 1739, was 
probably a grandson of Lieut. John Kichards of New London, 
who married Love Mamvaring, daughter of Oliver, and died 
at New London 2 Nov., 1720, aged 54 years. This Nehe- 
miah Richards had a son, Nehemiah, b. 17 Sept., 1769; and 
married 5 Jan., 1791, Love Richards, b. 11 April, 1778, 
daughter of Jabez Richards. He settled in Montville; a 
farmer. She died 29 June, 1858. 

Children. 

1. Nehemiah, b. 16 Nov., 1794; died unm. 

2. Joshua, b. 5 March, 1796; m. Abby (Richards) Moore. 

3. Edmond, b. 21 Aug., 1798; m. Lydia Bolles. 

4. Lyman, b. 26 May, 1801; m. 

5. Christian, b. 21 May, 1805; m. Isaac Scholfield. 

6. Isaac, b. 26 April, 1809; m. Maria Thompson. 

7. Marvin, b. 31 March, 1812. 

8. George, b. 23 June, 1815. 

9. Josiah, b. 20 April, 1820. 



SWADDLE FAMILIES. 

William Swaddle was an inhabitant on the east side of the 
river, Groton, in 1689, where his cattle mark was recorded. 
He was impaneled on a jury of inquest May 31, 1703, to view 
the body of Edward Stallion, who was drowned by falling 
out of his canoe on the 14th day of the same month. The 
name of his wife is supposed to have been Esther. She had 
a son, William, baptized in New London 5 March, 1692, and 
daughters, Mary, baptized in 1695, and Hannah in 1697. 
Their daughter, Irena, was baptized 10 Sept., 1704. 

William Swaddle, Jr., was married 22 Jan., 1718, to Eliza- 
beth Crocker, and had James, b. 23 Dec, 1719; Samuel, b. 
26 Jan., 1722; and Elizabeth, b. 23 March, 1724. Their 
births are all found on Groton- records. 

SAMUEL, b. 26 Jan., 1722, son of William Swaddle 
and Elizabeth Crocker; married Delight Bliss, b. about 1729, 
daughter of Pelatiah Bliss and Sarah Harris. He settled 
in Montville and lived on the road that runs from Chapel Hill 
to New London. 

Children. 

2. Theoda, b. ; m. Jedediah Chapel, 1st wife. 

3. William, b. ; m. Jemina Chapel/ 

4. Delight, b. ; m. Guy Chapel. 

5. Lucy/ b. 8 March, 1753; hi. Jedediah Chapel, 2d wife. 

WILLIAM (3), b. , son of Samuel Swaddle and 

Delight Bliss; married Jemima Chapel, daughter of Richard 
Chapel and Jemima Comstock. He settled in Montville 
and lived on the farm now owned by Ulysses M. Comstock. 
He died in January, 1789. His death was caused by falling 
upon an auger that was fastened to his sled as he was riding 



SWADDLE FAMILIES. 593 

home from New London. His widow afterwards married 
Congdon, and died 8 Feb., 1851. 

Children. 

6. James, b. 3 Jan., 1783; died 28 May, 1860, unm. 

7. Sarah, b. 3 June, 1785; m. Silas Rogers. 

8. Delight, b. 2 Jan., 1788; m. Zebediah Comstock. Their 

son, TTlysses M., married Maria Chappell, daughter 
of Sterling Chappell, and had 1st, Happy M., b. 2 
March, 1852; 2d, Sarah Ann, b. 22 May, 1853 
3d, William S., b. 3 Dec, 1859; 4th, Tantha M. 
b. 10 Oct., 1855; 5th, Ulysses, b. 28 April, 1861 
6th, Anson W., b. 4 Jan.,' 1865; 7th, Lillian R, b 
19 Feb., 1867; 8th, Jemima V., b. 27 Aug., 1869 
9th, George W., b. 12 March, 1872; 10th, Maria B., 
b. 20 May, 1874. 



38 



THOMPSON FAMILIES. 

Isaac Thompson first appears as an inhabitant of the 
North Parish of New London about 17 , and came from 
Westerly, P. L, son of Isaac Thompson, who died at Westerly 
in 1738, and Mary Holmes, who died in 1751, daughter of 
Joshua Holmes and Abigail Chesebrough. From the Westerly 
records it appears that Joshua Holmes " sold to his son-in-law, 
Isaac Thompson, one hundred acres of land, with a dwelling 
thereon, situated at Westerly, P. I.," in 1604. This Isaac 
Thompson, Sr., was probably the son of Benjamin Thompson 
and wife Prudence, of Poxbury, in 1699 a physician. 

Isaac Thompson, Sr., and Mary Holmes had the following 
children, born at Westerly: 1st, Mary, b. 1 July, 1697; 2d, 
Isaac, b. 26 Sept., 1698; 3d, Samuel, b. 29 July, 1700; 4th, 
Abigail, b. 1 Jan., 1701; 5th, Sarah, b. 3 March, 1703; 6th, 
William, b. 10 April, 1704; 7th, Nathaniel, b. 31 Dec, 1705; 
8th, Anna, b. , 1806; 9th, Elias, b. 14 Nov., 1708; 10th, 

Mary, b. 18 March, 1710; 11th, Abigail, b. 14 Oct., 1711; 
12th, Susanna, b. 25 Nov., 1713; 13th, Joshua, b. 13 Aug., 
1714; 14th, Prudence, b. 11 March, 1716. 

Isaac Thompson, Jr., b. 26 Sept., 1698, son of Isaac 
Thompson and Mary Holmes, probably married in Rhode 
Island before removing to Connecticut. The name of his 
wife has not been recovered, but William and Samuel are 
supposed to have been his children. He settled on land 
located in the northwest part of North Parish, between Gard- 
ner Lake and Oxoboxo Pond; some of his descendants after- 
wards were located on the west side of the pond. His de- 
scendants in the first part of the nineteenth century were quite 
numerous, but very early in the century many of the families 
removed to other parts of the country, some moved to Nova 



THOMPSON FAMILIES. 595 

Scotia, and others removed to the western states, so that as 
late as 1850 only a few families of the name remained. The 
line of connection between the families is not as clear as 
is desired. The dates of births are very hard to find, and the 
land records show but a meaner evidence of facts relating to 
the family. 

Samuel Thompson, who is known to have been a resident 
here, was supposed to have been the son of Isaac, Jr. In the 
year 1755 he was chosen a collector of the " minister's rates." 
He had sons, William, Samuel, and Nathaniel, and daughter, 
Anna, married Jeremiah Vallet. William married Lucretia 

■ — , and had sons, Elias, b. 10 Jan., 1772, and Jabez, 

b. 21 Feb., 1775, and daughter, Lovice, b. 6 April, 1769, 
she being the eldest child, and married Dea. Caleb Lyon. 
William, the father, died in 1834. Samuel, another son of 
Isaac Thompson, Jr., married Margaret Fox, daughter of 
Samuel Fox and Abigail Harris, and had a son, Samuel, who 
married Susanna Rogers, daughter of Jeremiah Rogers and 
Susanna Congdon, they had children, Sarah Ann, bap. 8 
May, 1807; John, bap. 15 Oct., 1808; Margaret, bap. 9 Jan., 
1811; Lucretia, bap. 2 July, 1814; Lydia, bap. 18 Sept., 
1817; and Florimal Fox, bap. Sept., 1821. 

NATHANIEL, b. about 1735, son of Isaac Thompson, 
Jr.; married Delight Fox, sister to Samuel's wife. He died 
14 June, 1828, age 93 years. She died 4 Feb., 1815, age 
75 years. 

Children. 

1. Alpheus, b. ; m. 

2. Isaac, b. ; m. 7 March, 1799, Eunice Allen, and 

had George Stanton, b. 16 April, 1800, and Nath- 
aniel Allen, b. 17 June, 1804. 

3. Gardner, b. 

4. Burrel, b. ; m. Mary Bishop. 

5. Abby, b. ; m. Asa Manwaring. 

6. Parthena, b. 22 April, 1776; died 8 Aug., 1860, unm. 

7. Edna, b. 8 Aug., 1780; m. Hazzard Browning. 

8. Achsa, b. 21 Nov., 1781; m. John H. Allen. 



596 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

ELIAS THOMPSON, b. 10 Jan., 1772, son of William 

and Lucretia ; married Rosanna Harris, b. about 1767, 

daughter of Ephraim Harris and Lydia Beebe. 

Children. 

9. Elias, b. about 1804; m. Sarah Williams. 

10. Elisha, b. ; m. Jemima Gardner. 

11. James, b. ; m. — Whitman. 

12. John, b. ; m. Lord. 

13. William, b. 

14. Lucretia, b. ; m. Gardner. 

15. Mary, b. 

16. Annah, b. 

JABEZ THOMPSON, b. 21 Feb., 1775, son of William 
and Lucretia ; m. 1st, Eunice Harding: 2d, Sarah 



*■*-( ■> 



Morgan. He liven on the old Colchester road at the corner 
of the road leading from the old Colchester road to Oxoboxo. 

Children by Eunice. 



17. 


Abby, b. 




18. 


Eunice, b. 


; m. W. N. Clark. 
Children by Sarah. 


19. 


Nancy, b. 


; m. John Crocker. 


20. 


Maria, b. 


; m. Isaac Richards. 


21. 


Harriet, b. 


; m. Ebenezer W. Beebe. 


22. 


Sarah, b. 


; m. Amos Bill. 


23. 


William, b. 


; m. Eliza Green. 


24. 


Jabez, b. 


; died unm. 


25. 


Isaac, b. about 1809; m. Hannah Chappell. 


26. 


Guy, b. 


; m. Sarah Ann Mitchel. 



ELIAS THOMPSON, b. about 1804, son of Elias 
Thompson and Rosanna Harris; married 24 March, 1822, 
Sarah Williams. He lived on the farm afterwards owned by 
Isaac S. Champlin, about 1830. 



THOMPSON FAMILIES. 597 

Children. 

27. James H., b. 17 Dec, 1823; m. Fannie Bill. 

28. Elias, b. 6 June, 1825; m. Sarah Craig. 

29. David F., b. 13 March, 1828; m. Hannah Williams. 

30. Oremel W., b. 31 May, 1831; died 18 Sept., 1884. 

31. Calvin Dwight, b. 28 May, 1833; m. Maria Dart. 

32. Martin V. R, b. 24 Aug., 1835; m. Angeline Gardner. 

33. Mary L., b. 2 Dec, 1838; m. George D. Beach. 

34. George "W., b. 26 Sept., 1842; m. Elizabeth A. Wool- 

worth. 



TUTTLE FAMILIES. 

Daniel Tuttle appears to be an inhabitant of the North 
Parish, where he married 24 April, 1728, Sarah Comstock, 
daughter of Samuel Comstock and Sarah Douglass. He 
settled at Mohegan, living on one of the farms rented by the 
overseer of the Mohegan tribe of Indians. He with his wife 
united with the Congregational Church on Raymond Hill 
the 8th day of June, 1729. 

Children. 

2. Ann, bap. 8 June, 1729. 

3. Elizabeth, bap. 25 April, 1731. 

4. Daniel, b. about 1733; m. Thankful Bliss, b. about 

1733, daughter of Peletiah Bliss and Sarah Harris. 
They had a son (5) Peletiah, who married, 1st, 
Sarah Rogers, daughter of Thomas Rogers and 
Sarah Pitch. She died about six months after 
their marriage. He then married Nov., 1783, Bet- 
sey Swaddle, daughter of Samuel Swaddle. Daniel 
the father died soon after the birth of his son, 
Peletiah, and his widow then married Gideon 
Baker. 

PELETIAH (5), b. about 1757, son of Daniel Tuttle 
and Thankful Bliss; married. 1st, Sarah Rogers; 2d, Betsey 
Swaddle. He settled in Montville and lived at Mohegan. 

Children, all by Betsey. 

6. Joseph, b. 22 Oct., 1784; m. - - Hill. 

7. Daniel, b. 30 May, 1786. 

8. John, b. 18 May, 1788. 

9. Sarah, b. 1 Aug., 1791. 

10. Elizabeth, b. 26 May, 1794; m. Thomas Rogers. 



TUTTLE FAMILIES. 599 



11. Sanford, b. 16 Oct., 1795. 

12. Thankful, b. 11 Oct., 1797. 

13. Mary, b. 27 Feb., 1800. 

14. James, b. 9 Aug., 1802. 

15. Peletiah, b. 20 Oct., 1805. 

16. Charles, twin to Peletiah. 



ALDEN FAMILIES. 

Tlie Rev. Abisliai Alden, fifth pastor of the Congregational 
Church at Montville, was born at Stratford, Conn., the 28th 
of January, 1765, son of Joseph Alden and Susanna Packard, 
and a descendant of John Alden, born 1599, who came in the 
Mayflower in 1620, through Joseph (2) 1624, Joseph (3) 1667, 
Daniel (4) 1691, Joseph (5) 1718. He graduated at Dart- 
mouth College in 1787, and his first settlement in the ministry 
was at Millington, Conn., where he was ordained in 1791. He 
continued in the faithful performance of his duties as a min- 
ister of the gospel at that place eleven years, and was dismissed 
in 1802. 

He received a call from the church at Montville in May, 
1803, which call he accepted, and was installed its pastor the 
17th day of August following. There were present as the in- 
stalling council the Rev. Levi Hart, moderator; the Rev. Jo- 
seph Strong, the Rev. Moses C. Welch, the Rev. Jonathan 
Murdoch, the Rev. Henry Channing, scribe, and the Rev. 
Royal Tyler. 

The Rev. Abishai Alden was a faithful, devoted pastor, a 
man of sound judgment, devout and dignified in his demeanor, 
sound and orthodox as a theologian, and quite acceptable as a 
preacher. His sermons were always appropriate to the time 
and occasion, that called for special themes. He was general- 
ly loved and respected by his parishioners. 

Near the close of his ministry there were certain persons 
who thought a more popular minister ought to be obtained, a 
man younger, and of more animation when preaching, and bet- 
ter qualified to interest the young people of the parish. This 
feeling continued to grow stronger on the part of the younger 
members of the congregation, and shared by a few of the older 
ones, until the pastor was compelled to resign his position as 



ALDEN FAMILIES. 601 

pastor of the church, and was dismissed by council the 26 th 
day of April, 1826, after a pastorate of nearly twenty-three 
years. 

During his pastorate at Montville, he admitted into the 
church, on profession of their faith, one hundred and eighty- 
two persons, and baptized, by sprinkling, one hundred infants. 
He also joined in marriage ninety-four couple. After Mr. 
Alden was dismissed from the Congregational Church at Mont- 
ville, he preached at Grassy Hill, Lyme, twelve months, be- 
tween May, 1830, and May, 1831. He removed from Mont- 
ville to Dover, K II, about 1832, where he died, 11 Oct., 
1833. 

The Eev. Abishai Alden was married to Elizabeth Parker 
16 Aug., 1792. She was born 7 Nov., 1767, daughter of Dr. 
Jonathan Parker and Dolly Coffin of Litchfield, K H. She 
died at Dover, K H., 11 July, 1852. Mrs. Elizabeth (Par- 
ker) Alden was a descendant from James Parker, born in Eng- 
land about 1617, and who settled at Groton, Mass., through 
Josiah (2); Rev. Thomas (3); Dr. Jonathan (1). 

Children. 

1. Almira, b. at Millington, 6 July, 1793; m. Rev. David 

Root, and had children Elizabeth, Almira, Caroline, 
and David. She died 10 Aug., 1832. 

2. Dolly Coffin, b. at Millington 22 Feb., 1795 ; died young. 

3. Augustus, b. at Millington 26 Nov., 1796; m. 

Lampkin, daughter of Governor Lampkin of Geor- 
gia, and had Ann, Elizabeth, Morcella, Almira, 
Florence, Oscar, and Lampkin. He died 13 July, 
1870. 

4. Sophrona, b. at Millington 8 Sept., 1799 ; m. Wil- 

son, and had Edmond and Lucilla. She died 1 April, 
1836. 

5 . Elizabeth Parker, b. at Millington 1 April, 1 802 ; m. Oliver 

Blockley, and had Elizabeth and Henry. She died 
1 Feb., 1833. 

6. Edward Parker, b. at Montville 17 April, 1805. He died 

12 April, 1833, unmarried. 



602 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

7. William Hillhouse, b. at Montville 2 1 Nov. , 1 809 ; m. Har- 
riet B. Riley of Dover, N. H., and had 1st, Elizabeth 
Ann, b. 3 July, 1838; m. Dr. George M. Beard, son 
of Rev. Spencer F. Beard, a former pastor at Mont- 
ville. They had two children, Edith May, b. 7 Jan., 
1873, and Grace Alden, b. 27 Sept., 1874. Dr. 
Beard died at New York, 23 Jan., 1883. She died 
31 Jan., 1883. Edith May, their daughter, died 
2G July, 1873. 

2d, John Abishai, b. 10 April, 1840. 

3d, William Henry, b. 28 Oct., 1843; m. Helen 
Milledolor; no issue. 

4th, Mary Blockley, b. 13 Jan., 184G. 

5th, Edward Augustus, b. 4 Sept., 1848. 

6th, David Root, b. 20 Nov., 1851. 

7th, Harriet Riley, b. 29 March, 1856. 

8th, Oliver Blockley, b. 16 Aug., 1858. 
The following lines were written on the death of Rev. 
Abishai Alden soon after his decease, by J. Hill of Dover, N. 
H., and published in one of the newspapers of the city: 

"Thou art gone, good old saint, thou art gone to thy rest, 
From sorrow and care set free, 
When happy forever among the blest 

Thou art there to spend thine eternity. 

' Thou dwelt many years in this troublesome world, 
Where sorrow and conflicts arise, 
But now, to thy sight bright heavens unfold, 
Thy spirit has flown to the skies. 

' Death has knocked off the shackles that bound thy good soul 
To withering object below ; 
Thy spirit has flown to the heavenly goal, 
Where long it has fluttered to go. 

"Thou didst come to a stranger's land to die, 
Thou art welcome to the sod ; 
Thou art welcome among our dead to lie 
Till thou hearest the trump of God. 

Then arise, noble saint, in triumph arise, 

And soar above the skies ; 
There thou shalt behold with unclouded eyes, 

And enjoy the well-earned prize." 



LOKENZO DOW. 

Lorenzo Dow was born in Coventry, in this state, 16 Octo- 
ber, 1777. His father, Ephraim Dow, was born in the same 
town, and was a descendant from English ancestors, of the 
fourth generation. "William, who was the father of Ephraim, 
came with his father and grandfather from Norfolk, England, 
and settled in America. William had four sons; one went to 
seek his fortune and was never heard from afterwards. One 
settled in Voluntown, Conn. Another settled in Plainfield, 
Conn., and Ephraim settled in Coventry. His wife was a 
daughter of Humphrey Clark of Ipswich, Mass. 

Ephraim Dow, the father of Lorenzo, married a daughter 
of James Parker, son of Joseph Parker, whose parents came 
from England, and was murdered by the Indians. Himself, 
with the other children, escaped from the Indians by hiding 
in the grass and brush, though in sight of the savage foes. 
One of the children was an infant, which the sister dropped 
from her arms in her fright, and Joseph, the elder brother, 
picked it up. The child being very quiet, they were all saved. 
Joseph Parker settled in Coventry, and built the first house 
erected in that town. He died there at the advanced age of 
ninety-four years. The Parkers of this line are said to have 
been descendants from Lord Parker of Macclesfield, England, 
who is supposed to have descended from one of the natural 
children of King Charles II, who is said to have descended 
from William the Conqueror. 

Lorenzo Dow was one of the most conspicuous characters 
in America at the beginning of the nineteenth century. He 
joined the Methodists when young. Having heard much said 
regarding that sect that did not impress him very favorably, 
and having the curiosity to see one himself, he, at a convenient 



604 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

opportunity, went to one of their meetings. He says, " I 
went to the door and looked in to see a Methodist, but, to my 
surprise, he appeared like other men." He finally became a 
Methodist himself and ultimately a traveling preacher. 

On making religious profession he says, " Having been 
sprinkled in my infancy, and not feeling altogether satisfied, 
T had the rite performed as a declaration to the world of my 
own voluntary dedication of myself to God and his service." 
He entered the ministry at the age of twenty-one and was first 
sent to Cambridge, Mass., where he remained one year. 
The next year he was stationed at Essex. The circuits em- 
braced all the countries north of Rensselaer to Canada line, 
but the field, wide as it was, did not suffice for his roaming 
propensities or his growing evangelistic ambition. He was 
dropped from the regular work on account of his eccentrici- 
ties, and for nearly forty years was wandering over the world. 
He traveled all over the United States and even crossed the 
ocean to Great Britain, visiting England, Ireland, and Scot- 
land. He was a ready writer, shrewd and often amusing. 
His dress and address were alike singular. He always wore 
a Quaker garb and had his beard and hair long, in a day when 
clean shaves and a close crop were in fashion, his beard falling 
over his breast, reaching nearly to his waist, and his hair falling 
over his shoulders. 

Starting out on one of his annual tours for some distant 
point he would sing and pray and preach from his wagon in 
the public square of every city and village he passed through 
and would leave a string of appointments to be filled on his 
return, weeks and months, and sometimes one year ahead. 
He never failed to be on hand at the appointed time. 

The first great object of his warfare, both with pen and 
tongue, was the fatalistic Calvinism, as he termed it, which 
was held to by many in New England a century and a half ago. 
The efforts of the advocate of the Calvinistic doctrine to re- 
concile freedom of will with predestination is described in the 
humorous lines : 



LORENZO DOW. 605 

" You can and you cant. 
You shall and you sliant, 
You will and you wont, 
You'll be damned if you do, 
You'll be damned if you don't." 

He acted independently of all ecclesiastical relations, 
making his own appointments and preaching when and where 
he chose. He usually preached in the open air, sometimes 
from his wagon and sometimes from the head of a barrel or 
box, and when closing would make an appointment to preach 
again in the same place some months ahead, and though, as 
was frequently the case, he had in the meantime been hundreds 
of miles away, yet, when the day and hour came, he was sure 
to be there. 

In Stevens' History of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
in the United States is found an interesting description of the 
first church built in Mississippi. The historian says: "It 
was built mainly by the efforts of Eandall Gibson, who had 
removed to the Mississippi territory, then in the hands of the 
Spaniards, about the close of the Revolutionary War." 

The church referred to in the above was in the town of 
Washington, in the northwestern portion of the grounds on 
which Jefferson College, the oldest college in the Southwest, 
stands. The lot on which this church stood was donated by 
Lorenzo Dow, and the deed to it, with the signature of the 
eccentric, but generous, evangelist of the Methodist Church, 
and his noble Christian wife, Peggy Dow, are now, so it 
was said in 1878, among the archives of the college. 

The convention which framed the constitution of Missis- 
sippi was held in this church, and the " Charter Oak " of 
Mississippi, under which was placed a field piece, from which 
was fired the first salute to the new-born state, stood about one 
hundred yards from the former site of the old church. In 
the year 1872-3 a severe storm prostrated the old church build- 
ing, but its location is still marked for a memorial both to the 
builders of the church and the donors of the lot. 

His courtship and marriage were perfectly characteristic, 



606 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

and are related in his journal as follows: "I was resolved 
when I began to travel that no created object should be the 
means of rivalling my God, and of course not to alter the situa- 
tion of my life, unless a way seemed to open in the way of 
Providence, whereby I might judge that my extensive useful- 
ness should be extended rather that contracted." His court- 
ship and marriage, as related by himself in his autobiography, 
was as follows: He says, " Smith Miller (this man was a 
brother-in-law to Peggy, he having married her older sister, 
and had adopted Peggy, her parents dying when she was quite 
young) of Western came to a big meeting in the woods and 
heard that crazy Dow was there, and after some time sought 
and found -me. He accompanied me to my appointments, 
consisting of about one hundred miles to travel. He kept 
what some would call a Methodist tavern, i. e., a house for the 
preachers. One of my appointments being near his house, 
he invited me to tarry all night, observing his daughter would 
be glad to see me. I asked if he had any children. He re- 
plied, a young woman I brought up I call my daughter. I 
stayed all night, but as it happened that not a word passed 
between her and me, though there were but three in the 
family. I went to my appointments, where we had a precious 
time, but whilst preaching I felt uncommon exercise (known 
only to myself and my God) to run through my mind which 
caused me to pause for some time. In going to my evening 
appointment I had to return by the house, he being still in 
company with me. I asked him if he would object if I should 
talk to his daughter concerning matrimony. He replied, I 
have nothing to say, only I have requested her, if she had any 
regard for me, not to marry so as to leave my house. 

'' When I got to the door, I abruptly asked his wife, who 
had been there and what they had been about in my absence. 
She told me, which made way for her to observe, that Peggy 
was resolved never to marry unless it were a preacher, and one 
who would continue traveling. This resolution being similar 
to my own, as she then stepped into the room, caused me to ask 



LORENZO DOW. 607 

if it were so. She answered in the affirmative, on the back of 
which I replied, ' Do you think yon could accept of such an 
object as me?' She made no answer, but retired from the 
room; this was the first time of my speaking to her. I took 

dinner; asked her one question more and went to my 

neighboring meetings, which occupied some days, but having 
a cloak making of oil cloth, it drew me back to it. I stayed all 
night, and in the morning when going away I observed to 
her and her sister, who brought her up as a mother, that I was 
going to warm countries where T had never spent a warm sea- 
son, and it was possible I should die as the warm climate de- 
stroys most of those who go from a cold country; ' but,' said I, 
( if I am preserved about a year and a half from now, I am in 
hopes of seeing this northern country again, and if during this 
time you live and remain single, and find no one that yon 
like better than you do me, and would be willing to give me 
up twelve months out of thirteen, or three years out of 
four to travel, and that in foreign lands, and never say do not 
go to your appointments, &c., for if you should stand in my 
way 1 should pray to God to remove you, which I believe he 
would answer, and if I find no one that I like better than I do 
you, perhaps something further may be said on the subject,' 
and finding her character to stand fair, I took my departure. 

" In my travels I went to the Natchez country, where I 
found religion low, and had hard times, but thought -this 
country one day would be the garden of America, and if the 
family would remove there it would prove an everlasting 
blessing (as its respects religion) to the inhabitants, consider- 
ing their infant state. 

" It lay on my mind for some weeks, when I wrote to them 
on the subject, though I had no outward reason to suppose 
they would go, considering the vast distance of near two 
thousand miles. But now I found she was still single and 
they all willing to comply with my request, which removed 
many scruples from my mind. Knowing that it was a cir- 
cumstance that turned up in the order of Providence instead 



608 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

of by my own seeking, so onr bargain was drawn to a close, 
but still I thought not to have the ceremony performed until I 
should return from Europe, but upon reflection, considering 
the circumstance would require a correspondence, my letters 
might be intercepted, and the subject known, prejudice arise, 
jealousy ensue, and much needless conversation and evil be 
the result, wherefore, to prevent the same, a preacher coming 
in, we were married that night; the only five were present, 
this being the third of September, 1804." 

Peggy, the wife of Lorenzo Dow, died at Hebron, Conn., 
January 6, 1820. She had been a true and valuable com- 
panion to him during his travels about the country on his 
preaching tours for sixteen years. On his first visit to Ireland 
(lie several times crossed the Atlantic) he says, "A loyal woman 
scolded me because I did not pray for the king. I replied 
that I came from a country where we had no king, and it 
was not natural for me, so she excused me and invited me 
to breakfast." 

In Belfast he was sent to prison for preaching in the streets, 
but was very soon liberated. He improved his opportunity, 
however, while in prison to address the prisoners. 

Being solicited to play cards while on a passage in a canal 
boat, he told them who solicited him that would play one 
game when they had done. After they had done playing he 
offered to buy the cards. The captain told him he did not sell 
cards, but that he would give them to him, which having 
done, Dow played his game by throwing them out of the 
windows into the canal. 

Speaking in relation to one who was prejudicial against 
him he remarked, " The best way that ever I found to kill 
an enemy, was to love him to death." In speaking of a visit 
to Stonington, Conn., he says, " Left Peggy, visited Hebron, 
Stonington (where George's ship " Mmrod " killed two 
horses, one hog and a goose) so on to Newport, R. I." 

There are many anecdotes related of Lorenzo Dow, some 
of which he relates himself in his journal, and others which 



LORENZO DOW. 609 

he does not mention. The following are some of the latter: 
He was applied to in a place where he was about to preach to 
endeavor to detect a thief who had stolen his neighbor's axe. 
Accordingly, he carried with him into the pulpit a stone as 
large as he could easily wield with one hand. During the 
service he remarked that there was an individual in the as- 
sembly who had stolen his neighbor's axe, and seizing the 
stone, and raising it for a heave, he declared that he was going 
to throw it at the thief's head, whereupon the guilty individ- 
ual dodged and thereby was detected. 

The story about his raising the devil had become quite 
familiar to persons well acquainted with this eccentric man in 
past generations. In one of his frontier tours in New York 
or Pennsylvania he came to a log house, the mistress of which 
entertained him hospitably in his character as a preacher, 
gave him his supper and a bed in a sleeping room adjoining 
the living room. After he retired a familiar friend of the 
woman came to visit her and the two chatted till midnight, 
when the mistress' husband came home intoxicated and angry 
to find the door fastened. For fear of his drunken wrath, 
the wife's companion got into a barrel and she covered him 
up with the tow of flax. Then she let in her husband, swear- 
ing loudly at being barred out. " Hush ! " says she, " You'll 
wake up the preacher sleeping in the spare room." Preacher? 
What preacher? " " Why, the celebrated Lorenzo Dow." 
" Dow? Why, I've heern of him, and blamed if I don't have 
him up," and in spite of the wife's remonstrances Dow had to 
dress and exhibit himself, saying to the master of the house, 
" Well, sir, Lorenzo Dow is before you, what will you have? " 
" Why, I'se heern tell as how you can raise the devil — now 
let's see you do it." Dow took the candle from the table, 
made a circuit of the room, saying " Hocus, pocus " several 
times in succession and touched the flame to the tow, when 
the fellow in the barrel rose up all afire, and, with a screech 
and a howl, ran blazing out of the door. The drunken hus- 
band was sobered in an instant from fright, and was com- 
39 



610 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

pletely cured of his drinking habits. He reformed and joined 
the church, and the secret was kept till after the death of the 
man. 

Another ludicrous incident is related that Lorenzo Dow 
is said to have been connected with when on one of his preach- 
ing tours through South Carolina. As the story goes, on 
reaching a large spruce tree he overtook a colored lad, who 
was blowing a tin horn and could send a blast with rise and 
swell and cadence which waked the echoes of the distant hills. 
Calling aside the lad, Dow said to him, " What's your name, 
sir? " " My name's Gabriel, sir," said the ebony-colored 
lad. " Well, Gabriel, have you ever been to Church Hill? " 
" Yes, Massa, I'se been dere many a time." " Do you re- 
member a big spruce pine tree on the hill? " " Oh, yes, 
Massa, I knows dat pine tree." " Do you know that Lorenzo 
Dow has an appointment to preach under that tree to-morrow ?" 
" Oh, yes, Massa, everybody knows dat." " Well, Gabriel, 
I'm Lorenzo Dow, and if you'll take your horn and go to- 
morrow morning and climb up into that tree and hide your- 
self among the branches before the people begin to gather, 
and wait there till I call your name and then blow such a blast 
with your horn as I heard you blow a minute ago, I'll give you 
a dollar; will you do it, Gabriel? " 

Gabriel, like Zacchaeus, was hid away in the tree-top in due 
time. An immense concourse of persons of all sizes and color 
assembled at the appointed hour, and Mr. Dow preached on 
the last judgment clay. By his power of description he 
wrought the multitude up to the opening of the resurrection 
scenes, and grand assize at the call of the trumpet blasts which 
are to wake the sleeping nations. " Then," said he, " suppose 
my dying friends, suppose that this should be the very hour? 
Suppose now, that you should hear, at this moment, the sound 
of Gabriel's trumpet?" Sure enough, at this moment the 
trumpet of Gabriel sounded, the women shrieked and many 
fainted, the men sprang up and stood aghast, some ran, others 
fell and cried for mercy, and all felt for a time that the judg- 



LORENZO DOW. 611 

ment was set and the books were opened. The preacher 
stood and watched the drifting storm till the fright had abated, 
and someone had discovered the ebony angel, who had caused 
the alarm, quietly perched on a limb of the old spruce, and 
wanted to get him down to whip him. Then the preacher 
resumed his theme, saying, " I forbid all persons from touching 
the boy up there. If a colored boy with a tin horn can 
frighten you almost out of your wits, what will you do when 
you hear the trumpet thunder of the archangel? How will 
you be able to stand in the great day of the wrath of God? " 

Peggy Dow, the first wife of Lorenzo Dow, died at He- 
bron, Conn., Jan. 6, 1820, aged 39 years. He afterwards 
married Lucy Dolbeare of Montville, the daughter of George 
B. Dolbeare. His last courtship and marriage was unique 
as was the first, and was characteristic of the man. Miss 
Dolbeare was a thorough Methodist, and, being a woman of 
great muscular strength and masculine in her speech, and, 
withal, gifted with a flow of language, she was a powerful 
ally in a Methodist meeting. At one of Mr. Dow's meetings 
Lucy was present and Mr. Dow was strongly attracted toward 
her. At the close of the meeting he shook hands with her; 
before parting he propounded the question. She was ready 
to meet the proposal, and both then and there entered into a 
contract which was very soon after sealed with the marriage 
vow. 

Soon after their marriage Mr. Dow settled at Montville, 
and was engaged in farming. He did not, however, abandon 
his itineracy, and continued at certain seasons of the year to 
make his tours through the country, fulfilling appointments 
made a year ahead. jSTearly every Sunday he would preach 
either in his own neighborhood or in adjoining towns. He 
run a saw-mill which stood on the farm which he occupied. 
This farm belonged to his wife, having been bequeathed to 
her by her father in his last will. He afterwards bought a 
saw and grist-mill of Henry Maynard, which was located at 
the outlet of Oxoboxo Pond, which he occupied until sold in 



612 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

1830, after the great lawsuit between Peter and Henry A. 
Richards and himself about holding back the water in his 
pond. 

During the time he lived on his farm in Montville, from 
about 1822 until his death, he did quite a business at farm- 
ing. He repaired the buildings and improved his land, and 
was considered quite a successful farmer. The shingles at 
that time put on his house have remained quite sound and 
were still intact in 1890. Often when going to market (Nor- 
wich being the city where he did most of his trading) he 
would yoke up his oxen and drive into town. It was not 
unusual to see him ride through the streets on the bottom 
of his ox-cart or wagon drawn by two and sometimes three 
yoke of cattle, driven by a negro teamster. 

Lorenzo Dow was a staunch Jackson-man, and when the 
president made his eastern tour in 1833 his route led him 
near to Mr. Dow's residence, the route being along the Essex 
turnpike through Montville and Salem. At the " Bland 
Tavern " Mr. Dow had a hickory pole erected with the flag of 
the nation flying at the top. As President Jackson came 
along with his suite, on his way from Hartford, by way of 
Essex, to Norwich, he stopped and had an interview with Mr. 
Dow and his wife, Lucy, the president introducing to them 
his suite, Yan Buren and Donaldson, his private secretary. 
The place of their meeting was then and long afterwards 
called Hickory Plain, in honor of the president. It is said 
that about two hundred of the neighboring citizens assembled 
on that occasion. 

Mr. Dow took considerable interest in the affairs of the 
town. At one time he was chosen, with others, to audit the 
accounts of the town. The records will show the remarks 
made by him, written on the margin of the pages by his own 
hand with his name attached. The following are specimens 
of the remarks: 

" N. B. It appears that those men at the bottom of the 
town business get our own orders and then charge interest, 



LORENZO DOW. 613 

though the books do not express it; either the books are not 
correct, or the men are innocent, who hold those orders; or 
else it is Montville way of doing business! L. DOW." 

" P. S. See No. 119, 1823, interest $40.14 on his ' note ' 
where we find no note mentioned, but Order 669-21 as above 
and yet the order for interest is $41.14 and for five days less 
than a year." 

" Montville wants a new book, better bound to transmit 
the records safe to posterity. L. DOW. Dec, 23, 1823." 

Lorenzo Dow was a remarkable and eccentric individual, 
who for nearly half a century, prompted by an inward impulse, 
devoted himself to a life of singular labor, self-denial, and 
sacrifice. One month he would be heard of laboring for the 
good of souls in his own peculiar way in the neighborhood of 
his home, the next, perhaps, braving the frosts and snow of 
a Canadian winter ; the next on his way to Ireland or England 
in the prosecution of some benevolent purpose, and six months 
or a year afterward he is encountering the dangers and hard- 
ships of a Georgia or Kentucky wilderness, or fleeing for his 
life from the tomahawk or the scalping knife of the Indian 
savage in the then untrodden wilds of the Mississippi valley. 
The suddenness and promptitude of his appearance in a town 
or village at the very hour and minute that he had appointed, 
perhaps some twelve months before, the boldness with which 
he would attack the ruling vices and denounce wickedness, 
either in high places or low, the general adaptation of his 
dry and caustic rebukes to the sin and follies prevalent in the 
place where he might be and which he seemed to know almost 
intuitively, together with the biting sarcasm and strong 
mother-wit that pervaded his addresses, all served to invest the 
approach to any place of the " crazy preacher," as he was fre- 
quently called, with an air of singular and romantic interest. 
And most extensively has the influence of the labors of this 
strange and eccentric man been experienced and felt; eternity 
can only reveal the good he may have accomplished. Scarcely 
a neighborhood from Canada to Georgia, or from the Atlantic 



114 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

to the Mississippi, that has not some tradition still to relate, 
or some tale to tell of the visit and the preaching of Lorenzo 
Dow, and there is scarcely an individual in all ISJew England 
that has not heard their fathers or mothers, or grandfathers 
and grandmothers, relate some one or more of the witty say- 
ings, or speak of the humorous doings of this singular man. 

He died at Alexandria, Va., the second day of February, 
1834, aged 56 years and 4 months. The last wife of Lorenzo 
Dow survived him and remained on the " Old Dow Home- 
stead " until her death. She used to receive quite an income 
from the sale of her husband's books, which contained a 
journal of his life, his travels, incidents, and witty sayings, 
during the first few years after his death. 

She died at Montville on the 26th day of October, 1863, 
aged 77 years, and was buried on her own farm in a burying- 
lot enclosed by an iron fence. 




LORENZO DOW. 



CHAPTER V. 



INDUSTRIAL HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Although this town, as a separate and independent in- 
corporate body, does not date back but a little more than one 
hundred years, yet its early history is intimately connected 
with that of New London, of which it was originally a part, 
and until it was incorporated a distinct township, in 1786, was 
called the " North Parish of New London." 

Its early settlement, which was very rapid the first half- 
century, was largely owing to its being an elevated and re- 
tired location, descriptive of its name, its many fertile, open 
fields and extensive timber, its beautiful lakes and rivulets, 
affording an abundance of water-power, easily controlled for 
saw and grist-mills, industries of great importance with the 
first settlers. Its advantages were further increased by its near 
access to the " Great River," afterwards called the Thames, 
then affording an abundance of fish. Containing, as it did, 
within its bounds the famous tribe of Mohegan Indians, so 
friendly and generous to the white man, its history has ever 
been such as to command universal attention. " New London 
County," says its gifted historian, Miss Caulkins, " is a locality 
no way inferior in interest to any part of the state. Its early 
history is full of life and vivid anecdotes. Here the white 
and red race flourished for a time side by side, while hard- 
ships, reverses, and adventures of various kinds marked its 
subsequent progress." 

This town, in its growth and advance in agricultural, 
manufacturing, and other industrial pursuits, may serve as 
a representative of other New England towns. That noble 
band of Puritans who left their own native country to found 
a home in a wild foreign land, and whose special object appears 



616 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

to Jiave been "to preserve the morals of their youth ; to prevent 
them through want of employment from leaving their parents 
and engaging in business unfriendly to religion ; to lay a foun- 
dation for propagating the gospel in the remote parts of the 
world; to form the model of a pure church, free from admix- 
ture of human additions." A set of men more conscientious 
in their doings, or simple in their manners, never founded 
any commonwealth. Speaking of them, Governor Stough- 
ton remarked, " God sifted a whole nation that he might send 
choice grain over into the wilderness." 

These same Puritans who landed at that dreary, disconso- 
late place, afterwards named Plymouth, after the town in 
England from which they last sailed, in the month of Decem- 
ber, 1620, and those of like faith and noble character who 
followed them during the fifteen or twenty years following, 
had many representatives among the early settlers in this town. 
The name of Bradford, Kogers, Fitch, Mason, Turner, Baker, 
Kaymond, Alden, and many others, all were early settlers 
here. These pioneers were the first to cultivate and improve 
these farms, build houses, fence their lands, lay out and build 
highways through their farms, and from house to house. The 
first to erect schoolhouses and to found a church. The school- 
houses served as well for meeting-places for religious worship 
on the Sabbath before any church edifice could be erected. 
It was nearly fifty years after the first English settler 
located in this present town before a house for the public 
worship of God was erected. 

Most of the early settlers here were members of some 
church before they came, some belonged to the church at 
]STew London, and some at Norwich, and it was never con- 
sidered a hardship to ride six or ten miles on horseback to 
attend religious services at those places on the Sabbath. 
These pioneers were a robust, hardy set of yeomen, capable 
of enduring hardships and privations, and were possessed 
of a nature willing to endure privations, and an ability to 
perform a great amount of manual labor. From early morn 
to the last rays of the evening twilight they were employed 



INDUSTRIAL. 617 

in some laborious work on their farms. The families in those 
days were usually quite large, often from four to six sons and 
nearly as many daughters, who, when arriving at the proper 
age and strength were called upon by their parents to assist 
them, the sons on the farm and the daughters about the house- 
work. The pleasure and enjoyment of the home circle in 
those days seem to have been far greater than that of modern 
experience, the labor of the hands gave life and buoyancy to 
the spirit. Some of the first inhabitants of this township 
were remote only three generations from their first American 
ancestors, and were possessed with much of the Puritan 
character. " They were men," as an able writer has truth- 
fully portrayed, " who habitually ascribed every event to the 
will of the Great Being, for whose power nothing was too 
vast, for whose inspection nothing was too minute. To know 
Him, to serve Him, to enjoy Him, was with them the great 
end of existence." 

Our forefathers were men well calculated and wonder- 
fully fitted to be pioneers, in subduing and improving the wild 
land, and laying a foundation for the building up of indus- 
tries, which to-day are of magnificent proportions. Much 
hard labor was required in clearing the land and erecting 
houses in which to live. Though their houses were nearly as 
rude as those of their uncivilized neighbors, yet they served as 
a home and were pervaded with a spirit of contentment and 
wholesome enjoyment. As progress was made in the im- 
provement of their homes and farms, as clearings were con- 
tinued to be made, the soil broken up and improved, better 
dwellings built, schoolhouses and houses of worship erected, 
new life began to dawn upon them, fields of knowledge were 
discovered, new industries were developed, social intercourse 
among neighbors became a greater source of pleasure and 
profit, Attendance upon religious worship was a means of 
building up character and developing a higher spiritual life. 

The Pilgrims were an agricultural people, and so were 
many of those who followed them to these shores. One 



gig HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

reason why the Pilgrims left their adopted country, Holland, 
was, according to Bancroft, because they " had been bred 
to agricultural pursuits," which they could not follow in that 
land. That they continued to follow their original pursuit 
as their chief one for many years after their arrival is familiar 
history. But their task was a severe one. Cleared fields 
were small and few; and their implements were rude and ill 
fitted to clear the dense woods and break up the stubborn soil. 
Some of their implements, no doubt, were obtained from the 
mother country. The only metal to be found here that could 
be formed into implements of husbandry was bog-iron 
ore, which was very brittle and often spoiled by a day's 
use. The magnitude of their task from lack of appropriate 
implements with which to perform their work is perhaps 
more difficult for those of the present age to realize than any 
other feature of our history, because agricultural implements 
have been brought to such a degree of perfection. The most 
important of farm implements is the plow, and is doubtless 
one of the oldest, for its origin must be coeval with the human 
race of antiquity, in the days of Elisha, who, when sum- 
moned by Elijah to follow him, was plowing with twelve 
yoke of oxen. The plow is probably an improvement upon 
the hoe, which may be claimed as still more ancient. At 
first it was made of the tough crotches of trees ; then the forked 
piece was trimmed and bound to the handle to prevent the 
two from splitting apart. The plow had an equally humble 
origin. Like hoes, one limb of a tree formed the beam and the 
other the share. When the colonists first began to upturn the 
soil the plow was a very simple and weak affair. It was 
wholly made of wood. It required a great deal of power to 
draw it. During all the centuries preceding the present 
but few improvements were made in the construction of the 
plow. Even at the beginning of this century this implement 
was wholly made of wood, except that a wrought-iron share 
or point was attached to the mould-board, and some bolts and 
nuts whereby the pieces were fastened together. Fastened to 



INDUSTRIAL. 619 

the end of the beam was an iron clevis. The wooden mould- 
board was sometimes plated with sheet iron or by strips made 
by hammering out old horeshoes. The standard rose nearly 
vertically, and to which was attached the beam. Two pins 
in the standard formed the handles. 

All the other implements of husbandry used by our fore- 
fathers were alike rude and clumsy, and it required great 
strength to manage them. For a century the colonists here, 
and throughout the country, remained in nearly a stationary 
state in respect to their leading pursuit. Their implements, 
few and imperfect, were rarely improved. The hoe, plow, 
spade, fork, and occasionally a harrow, scythes, and axes, com- 
prised nearly the whole inventory of farming tools. There was 
an obstinacy with which old ideas were cherished that served 
to quench the spirit of improvement in those times. The 
system of agriculture best adapted to the country and the 
method by which the best results could be obtained could only 
be learned by experiment. If a possessor of superior in- 
telligence arose, who ventured to try experiments, he was 
neither cheered nor encouraged, but on the other hand was 
laughed at for his folly. One who was familiar with the 
habits and customs of the people of those times has said that 
if such an one " did not plant just as many acres of corn as 
his fathers did, and that, too, in the old of the moon, if he did 
not sow just as much rye to the acre, use the same number of 
oxen to plow and to get in his crops in the same day; or if 
he did not hoe as many times as his father and his grandfather 
did, if, in fine, he did not wear the same kind of homespun 
dress and adopt the same religious views and prejudices, he was 
shunned in company by old and young, and looked upon as 
visionary." 

However prejudicial our ancestors may have been to any 
newly advanced idea in their method of work or of their reli- 
gious views, yet, in the log cabin or simple frame dwelling 
of that agricultural era were first cultivated the true, though 
austere religion, the domestic virtues, the sturdy habits of 



620 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

frugal industry, the daring spirit and the devoted love of 
liberty that have so advanced the prosperity and the renown of 
their remote posterity. 

Let us go hack to the first half of the eighteenth century, 
and in imagination, with the help of history, recall some 
of the sketches of the houses of that period as drawn from 
actual observation by the antiquary of those historic times. 
On a visit to one of these yeomen we pass along a " trail " 
indicated by marked trees, and first discover his horse and 
cattle-shed standing near an old Indian clearing, which may 
have been a planting-field of the chief of the tribe; and just 
a little way off stands the dwelling built of logs, with a 
thatched roof and a large chimney at one side built of stones 
cemented with clay. The small windows are covered with oil 
paper, and the massive door is thick enough to be bullet- 
proof. At one end of the house, at a distance of about ten 
feet, is a well, from which water is obtained by means of a 
crotched tree set in the ground, supporting a large " sweep " 
balanced in the middle, upon the small end of which is fastened 
a pole reaching down to near the ground. On the lower end 
hangs the " Old Oaken Bucket." Pulling the " latch string " 
we enter and find that the floors are made of rifted chestnut 
or straight-grained oak, roughly smoothed with the adze, 
while the immense hearth in front of the large fireplace 
occupying nearly one-half of the side of the house, is of large 
flat stones. There are no partition walls, but thick curtains 
made of homemade cloth, and are hung so that at night they 
divide off their straw beds, upon which they pile rugs, cover- 
lets, and flannel or linen sheets. A high-backed chair or two, 
a massive table, a large chest with carved front, and some 
Indian birch-bark boxes and splint baskets are ranged round 
the walls, while on a large dresser we notice wooden bowls 
and trenches, pewter plates and earthern plates, horn drinking- 
cups, and a " tinder box " with flint and steel. Hanging 
on the wall is the old " flint lock " ready for defense or to 
shoot down the wild beasts that may be prowling around their 
flocks. 



INDUSTRIAL. 621 

In one comer is the spinning-wheel and the loom, at which 
the housewife is busily engaged when the meals are disposed 
of and the dishes washed and set upon the shelf. High on 
the mantel shelf with a candle-stand on one side and the time- 
marking hour-glass on the other is the oft-read Bible, never 
kept for show. There were gatherings, besides those for 
religious worship, where neighbors met one another and had 
social " chats." Upon elections and " training " days people 
mingled together, also at " raisings," when flip and cider 
flowed plentifully. The " husking," too, was a social as 
well as an industrial gathering, followed by a rich repast upon 
pumpkin pie, which has, to the present day among the farmers, 
formed one of the most thoroughly enjoyed dishes. 

Of those " days of long ago " we have heard our mothers 
and grandmothers say they were full of real enjoyment, al- 
though there was a great deal of hard work, yet it seemed a 
pleasure. The young people were allowed to have evening 
parties, when the neighboring households gathered and spent 
the time in plays, games, and other social recreations, making 
life joyous and burdens light. 

MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. 

The first industry started up in this town, excepting the 
saw-mill, was that of making iron from bog-ore. These bogs 
were found all along the coast from Maine to Maryland. 
Water filtering through the neighboring hill brings down into 
the ponds and marshes large quantities of iron in solution 
and deposits the same at the bottom of the ponds or coves along 
with vegetable mould in soft spongy masses, which went by the 
name of bog-iron ore. The large furnaces of the present day 
could not be supplied with it, because it does not exist in 
sufficient quantity, but for the use of the early colonist it sup- 
plied nearly every want. The iron cast from it was brittle, 
but very soft when melted. Such iron is still used in some 
parts of our country for stove castings. 

In 1643 specimens of the bog-ores from ponds near Lynn, 



622 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Mass., were sent to England to be tested, and was found to be 
of so good a quality that a " Company of Undertakers for the 
Iron Works " was formed by John Winthrop, Jr., and others, 
and they began the regular manufacture of iron at Lynn. 
The work was very successful, the bog-iron being well adapted 
for casting cannon, shot, pots, and other hollow ware. 
About six years after John Winthrop, Jr., came to New Lon- 
don he obtained a grant of privilege from the Assembly to 
enable him to make iron here. His first attempt to establish 
the manufacture of iron was within the limits of this town, 
at a place still called the " Old Forge," at the outlet of the 
Oxoboxo stream, below " Johnson's Dye Works." Here he 
started a " bloomey," as it was then called, for the smelting of 
iron. The primitive bloomey was merely a hole in the 
ground, in which charcoal was burned by the aid of a bellows 
made from a goat-skin, iron ore being added to the fire in 
small quantities. The one here built was, however, an im- 
provement upon the primitive ones used in India from the 
most ancient times, and are still said to be employed by the 
natives in Asia and Africa. This consisted of a furnace and 
a forge. The furnace was made by means of stone laid in 
clay, formed in the shape of a large kettle, the inside being 
overlaid with plastered clay. A chimney was raised to a 
sufficient height to produce a strong draft. In this way the 
ore was brought to a condition for the forge to form the iron 
into the proper shape for use. These iron works appear to have 
been soon after abandoned and nothing more was done there 
for nearly one hundred years. 

The next mention of the iron works is in 1750, when the 
land on which the works formerly stood was deeded by Benja- 
min Alford to Benjamin McCall. The next mention of the 
works was on the 11th day of April, 1788, when Jeremiah 
Vallet, 2d, sold a piece of land to George Williams, containing 
ten acres, " with two-thirds of the spot where the late iron 
works were erected." The same year George Williams con- 
veyed the same premises to Pemberton Baker, who, on the 
10th day of January, 1792, conveyed it to Amariah Weston. 



INDUSTRIAL. 623 

The only mills in operation within the present boundaries 
of Montville at the date of its incorporation were four grist- 
mills, seven saw-mills, and one fulling-mill. The grist-mills 
were owned by Ezekiel Fox, Jonathan Maynard, George 
Latimer, and Levi Lester; the saw-mills by Ezekiel Fox, Atwell 
( 'hapel, Deshon, Wheat & Hallam, Mathew Leffingwell, 
George & Jonathan Latimer, George B. Dolbeare, and Joshua 
Raymond; the fulling-mill was owned and operated by Joseph 
Smith. 

The most important stream which runs through the town 
and on which are located most of the manufacturing estab- 
lishments, is called Oxoboxo. This stream takes its rise in 
the northwest corner of the town. Its general course is south- 
easterly, and empties into a cove, which makes out from the 
Thames River a few rods north from the present Montville 
station of the New London Northern railroad. This arm of 
the river runs up into the main land about one mile, originally 
called " Massapeag," afterwards called Baker's Cove, but 
now bears the name of Haughton's Cove. 

Near the outlet of the Oxoboxo, first called by the early 
settlers " Saw-mill Brook," located a few rods about the " old 
iron works," is the Dye Wood Works of the late William G. 
Johnson, now owned and operated by his son, Henry C John- 
son. Upon this site the first saw-mill erected on the stream 
stood. It was built under the direction of John Winthrop 
about 1653. After the purchase of these premises by 
Amariah Weston in 1792, he built a small shop near the site 
of the Winthrop saw-mill, but was never occupied by him, 
as he died soon after its completion. By his last will, Weston 
gave this property to his wife, Mary, who afterwards married 
Andrew Tracy. 

In 1798 John and Arthur Scholfield obtained a lease of 
the water privilege and buildings connected therewith from 
Mary Tracy for fourteen years. They there set up and put 
in operation the first woolen machinery for the manufacture 
of cloth by water power started in the state of Connecticut. 



g24 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Arthur Scholfield remained here with his brother, John, a 
few years, and then removed to Pittsfield, Mass., where, in 
1808, he manufactured a piece of broadcloth containing thir- 
teen yards, which was presented to James Madison, and from 
which his inaugural suit was made. After the expiration of 
Mr. Scholfield's lease, in 1812, he sold out to John R. Corn- 
stock, who continued the business until his death, in 1821, at 
which time his father, Nathan Comstock, and his brother, 
Nathan Comstock, Jr., came into possession of the mill- 
property. In 1823, Nathan Comstock, Sr., sold out his inter- 
est in the property to his son, Nathan Comstock, Jr., who soon 
after set up an oil-mill on the site of the old saw-mill, and 
carried on the oil business for several years. Nathan Com- 
stock, Jr., sold to William G. Johnson in 1834, who soon after 
erected buildings and started his dye works. In 1848 the 
business was enlarged by the erection of a large brick building 
to be used as an " extract." Mr. Johnson, being a man of 
remarkable business qualifications and bending his whole en- 
ergy to his business, was in a few years able to pronounce his 
undertaking a success. , 

In May, 1870, Mr. Johnson leased to his two sons, Edwin 
C. Johnson and Charles S. Johnson, the entire premises, to- 
gether with all the appurtenances thereto belonging, for the 
term of ten years, with the privilege of an addition of another 
ten years after the expiration of the first term, if desired. 
Messrs. Johnson & Co. continued in the business until about 
1890, when they gave it up, and it was afterwards continued by 
William G. Johnson himself until his death in 1892. After 
Mr. Johnson's death the dye-works property was sold to 
Henry C. Johnson, the present owner and proprietor. 

The second mill-privilege on the stream is now owned b;y 
the Uncasville Manufacturing Company, a joint-stock cor- 
poration, formed in 1848 with a capital of fifty thousand dol- 
lars ($50,000), which was increased in 1852 to seventy-five 
thousand dollars ($75,000). George R Lewis was its first 
president, and Charles A. Lewis its secretary. On the site 



INDUSTRIAL. 625 

of the present cotton-mill Levi Lester, in 1794, bnilt and put 
into operation a grist-mill. The land now owned by the 
Uncasville Manufacturing Company, and on which the village 
of Uncasville is located, was formerly owned by George Wil- 
liams. 

In the year 1823 Peter Richards and his son, Henry A. 
Richards, purchased of Levi Lester the grist-mill and the 
water privilege, and also a tract of land adjoining, of George 
"Williams, and erected the present mill, into which they put 
machinery for the manufacture of cotton cloth. Messrs. 
Richards soon after failed in business and the whole plant 
came into the possession of Charles A. and George R. Lewis 
in 1830. Since that time the business has been carried on 
successfully, and many improvements have been made by the 
company in the erection of new tenement houses and en- 
largement of the mill. Since the death of Charles A. and 
George R. Lews the company has been reorganized by the 
choice of new officers and an entire new plan of operation 
established. The village of Uncasville is very romantically 
located, and is within a half-mile from the railroad station 
near the Thames River. It has a commodious and beautiful 
church edifice, belonging to the Methodist denomination, a 
fine schoolhonse, a post-office, three grocery stores, a black- 
smith shop, livery stable, and a meat market. 

The Pequot Mills, so called, are the next in order as we 
pass up stream. Here are two mills, one built of stone and the 
other is a wooden building. Several tenement houses have 
been erected for the accommodation of the employes. On 
the site of the present woolen-mill building formerly stood 
an oil-mill, built by John Congdon and David Congdon 
about 1803. Previously a saw-mill was erected here, to 
which the first use of the water power was applied. These 
premises were conveyed by John Congdon to Giles Turner 
in 1822, and by Giles Turner conveyed to his son-in-law, 
Albert G. Darrow, in 1837. Mr. Darrow run the oil-mill 
until near the time he sold out to Norton Brothers and Hiram 
40 



626 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Crosby of Norwich, in 1860. Soon after this purchase the 
oil-mill building was enlarged and the stone mill bnilt, and 
both fitted up for the manufacture of woolen goods. A sub- 
stantial stone dam was built several feet higher than the 
original one, giving a fall of about forty-six feet. In 1877 
this property passed into the possession of Henry B. Norton 
and Lorenzo Blackstone of Norwich. A change was made 
in the mills. The woolen machinery was taken out and 
machinery for working cotton was substituted. The mills are 
now in successful operation under the management of Wil- 
liam Blackstone in the manufacture of print cloth and lawns, 
containing 238 looms, and 8,061 spindles, and employ about 
130 hands. 

The next mill-site on the stream above the Pequot Mills 
is the one now operated by the Montville Woolen. Company, 
composed of James Freeland and P. II. O'Keefe. This privi- 
lege was first purchased by Col. Frank B. Loomis of Gideon 
Palmer in 1816. Col. Loomis, the same year, built the stone 
mill now occupying the site, and immediately put in woolen 
machinery for the manufacture of woolen cloth. In 1851 
Col. Loomis sold out to Orrin P. Smith, who carried on this 
business until 1861, when it again came into the possession 
of Col. Loomis. In 1862 the property was purchased by the 
Thames Woolen Company, composed of Andrew M. Farm 
ham of East Hartford, William W. Billings and Isaac L. 
Hayden of Windham, and Richard G. Hooper of Glastonbury. 
The same year Hart Talcott of Glastonbury became connected 
with the firm, but sold out his interest the next year to the 
other members of the firm. On the 13th day of May, 1861, 
Andrew M. Farnham sold to Isaac L. Hayden, avIio also sold 
to Andrew J. Wood of Brooklyn, N. Y. W. W. Billings also 
sold out his interest to Isaac L. Hayden in Oct., 1861. The 
business was continued by this firm until August, 1875, when 
a joint-stock company was formed with a capital of sixty 
thousand dollars ($60,000), with Andrew J. Wood as presi- 
dent, Seymour J. Strong as treasurer, and R. G. Hooper as 
manager. 



INDUSTRIAL. 627 

In March, 1877, an assignment was made by the Thames 
Woolen Company to Freeman M. Brown of Hartford, in 
trust for the benefit of all its creditors. The bankrupt estate 
was settled in the Probate Court, and the property sold by the 
trustee at private sale to R. G. Hooper. Mr. Hooper in Jan- 
uary, 1878, entered into a limited copartnership with Aaron 
Shaw of Philadelphia, R. G. Hooper being general partner, 
and Aaron Shaw as special partner, under the firm name of 
R. G. Hooper & Co. This firm continued the manufacture 
of fine woolen goods until the death of R. G. Hooper, August 
16, 1888. Soon after, Mr. Shaw purchased the estate's in- 
terest, and continued the business in his own name until his 
death, when it came into possession of James Freeland. The 
broad loom has been introduced in the mill, new and im- 
proved machinery added, and the business now successfully 
carried on. Several new tenement houses have been erected, 
which show the prosperity of the concern. 

Palmer Brothers Bedquilt manufactory is the next indus- 
trial plant on the stream above that of the Thames Woolen 
company, and on the site of the old oil-mill built in 1798 by 
Elder Reuben Palmer. The first person occupying this water 
privilege was William Hill, about 1770, by erecting a fulling- 
mill. His business was to full and finish cloth as it came 
from the looms of the many house women, who in those days 
spun the yarn and wove it into cloth by hand. Thiswater priv- 
ilege was purchased by Elder Reuben Palmer of Jeremiah 
Rogers in 1707. A grist-mill was erected and put into opera- 
tion about the year 1814, near the oil-mill. The grist-mill 
was afterwards converted into a distillery, which was run by 
Elder Palmer and others, until it was sold to Gideon Palmer 
in 1820. The distillery was abandoned soon after, and only 
the oil business was carried on. In the year 1850, Elisha H. 
Palmer and others purchased the water privilege with the 
oil-mill, and commenced the manufacture of cotton rope, 
twine, and batts. using a part of the oil-mill for that purpose. 
As the cotton business increased, the oil business was given 



628 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

up, and the cotton manufacture continued until the present 
occupants came into possession of it about 1875. E. H. Pal- 
mer built, in 1866, the stone mill, which was enlarged by the 
present owners, whose business continued to increase from 
year to year until this new industry became established. 
New features in the manufacture by means of new patents 
and improvements in its machinery have from time to time 
developed, imtil it has become an industry of magnificent 
proportion. 

The sixth manufacturing establishment on the Oxoboxo 
stream is a paper mill now owned by the estate of Carmichael 
Robertson. This privilege was first utilized by the erection 
of a dam across the stream by Gideon Palmer about 1852, and 
the pond thus formed used as a reservoir. In 1859 the 
water privilege, together with such water rights of flowage 
as were possessed by Mr. Palmer at his decease, was sold by 
the executrix of his estate to the Montville Paper Company, 
a joint stock corporation, of which Oliver Woodworth was 
president. In the year 1865 the company sold out to John 
Robertson, Carmichael Robertson, and James Bingham. 
Carmichael Robertson purchased the interest of the others, 
who owned with him in 1866, and since that time, until his 
death, November 28, 1888. He was very successful in the 
paper business, and accumulated a handsome property. 
Since the death of Mr. Robertson the business has been suc- 
cessfully carried on in the name of the estate by his sons, 
Alexander C. Robertson, Tryon E. Robertson, and William 
R. Robertson. 

The next mill site above the Montville Paper Mill last 
mentioned, is the one where formerly stood the cotton, twine, 
and rope factory of Alfred Hurlburt. This privilege was 
purchased of several different owners, and cencentrated into 
one. The factory was first built by Mr. Hurlburt in 1866, 
and a prosperous little business was carried on here by Mr. 
Hurlburt until the loss of the buildings and machinery by 
fire in 1874. The next year it was rebuilt by him, and the 







Ct4^rL£> 



INDUSTRIAL. 629 

business more extensively carried on, until another fire, on 
the 21st day of December, 1894, destroyed the whole struc- 
ture again. Since this last tire Mr. Hurlburt has sold out the 
privilege to a bicycle company, who are erecting a building 
in which to manufacture an improved bicycle. 

The Rockland Paper Mill, now belonging to the estate 
of Carmichael Robertson, was at first built of wood in 1850 
by John W. Smith, who at the time was running a small cot- 
ton-batting factory on the same premises, which formerly 
belonged to his father, Mr. Abel Smith, deceased. Mr. 
Smith leased the mill and water privilege, while the build- 
ings were being constructed, to Enoch B. Culver, for a term 
of five, ten, or twenty years, at the option of the lessee, the 
term of the lease to commence at the completion of the build- 
ing. In 1851 a warrantee deed was executed by Mr. John 
W. Smith, conveying the whole premises to the lessee, E. B. 
Culver. On the 24th day of April, 1852, Enoch B. Culver 
made an assignment of all his property to Benjamin Durfee of 
Norwich, in trust for the benefit of his creditors. This prop- 
erty was, in November following, sold by the trustee to Bab- 
cock, Dubuison & Hall of New York city, and by whom 
the paper business was carried on until 1857, when it was 
again sold to the Rockland Company, of which David Smith 
of Norwich was the president. In 1868 the mill was totally 
destroyed by fire. Soon after the fire, the original stock- 
holders sold the stock to Norman B. Church, who transferred 
about one-half of the same to other parties, residing in New 
London and elsewhere. The mill was again rebuilt of stone 
and put into operation, with Mr. Church as manager, who was 
also president of the company. After the death of Mr. 
Church in 1873, the business having been unsuccessfully 
managed, it was found to be in failing circumstances. The 
other stockholders, not wishing to take any further risks in 
running the mill, made a voluntary assignment to Charles W. 
Butler, a lawyer of New London, in trust for the benefit of 
the company's creditors. On the 19th day of July, 1875, 



530 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

the trustee sold the equity of the concern to Carmichael Rob- 
ertson, who was one of its largest stockholders. At this 
paper-mill, book and news-paper Avas first made. After Mr. 
Robertson came into possession, a new paper machine, a 68- 
inch cylinder, was put in, and afterwards only manilla paper 
was manufactured here. During the present year, 1895, a 
new building has been erected, 30x100 feet, on the west side 
of the paper-mill, and about 30 feet distant therefrom, in 
which the manufacture of paper boxes, by the Rex Box Com- 
pany. 

ISTear the present site of the Rockland Paper Mill there 
formerly stood an old building, which is supposed to have 
been built by Joseph Smith, about the year 1780, and first 
used by him as a fulling-mill. This building was afterwards 
converted into a cotton-batting mill, and operated by Abel 
Smith, son of Joseph Smith, and father of John W. Smith. 
The "Fox Mills," so called, are of ancient origin, and at first 
contained a sawmill and a gristmill. This site is probably 
the second one to be occupied on the stream. Mr. Samuel 
Fox was its first owner. He obtained a grant of about 1,500 
acres of land in the vicinity, about the year 1700, and 
erected at this place on the stream a sawmill. The gristmill 
was probably built by his son, Ezekiel Fox, after his father's 
death, to whom the property was devised by the last will 
of his father, Samuel Fox. Ezekiel, by his last will, devised 
it to his grandson, Ezekiel Fox, who occupied it only a few 
years, and sold it to Isaac Turner in 1805. 

In the year 1811, Isaac Turner conveyed the same to 
Elder Reuben Palmer. In 1813, Elder Palmer leased to 
Jared S. Rogers the privilege to use the water power for a 
machine shop, and conveyed to him a small piece of land 
on which to erect a building. Mr. Rogers not being suc- 
cessful in the business, it was taken possession of by the les- 
sor. The Wooden Wheel Clock was for a short time man- 
ufactured in the building erected for a machine shop. The 
building erected by Mr. Rogers was afterwards used as a 




o ^ 



INDUSTRIAL. 631 

cotton factory, but was burned down about 1817. In 1837 
Henry Wheeler came into possession of the old factory site, 
and rebuilt another cotton factory. Mr. Wheeler and his 
sons, William H. and Edwin C. Wheeler, continued in the 
cotton business here until 1871, when the whole property, 
including the grist and sawmill, was purchased by the Rock- 
land company. It was afterwards sold with the other Rock- 
land company's property to Carmichael Robertson. Mr. 
Robertson removed the grist and sawmill, and in 1886 
erected a substantial and convenient paper-mill building, 
built of stone quarried from a ledge near by. 

Oakdale Mill was built of stone by James Bingham in 
L866, and occupied by him as a paper-mill until April, 1880, 
at which time it came into the possession of the Palmer 
Brothers, and used by them in the manufacture of bedquilts 
a 1 tout ten years, when it was leased to the Massasoit Company 
of Fall River, Mass. This company run it in the manufac- 
ture of cotton wick. This water privilege was first utilized 
by James Bingham, and was purchased by him of Charles 
F. Scholfield, and consisted of about two acres of land, to- 
gether with the right to build a dam on other land of Mr. 
Scholfield, and by means of a ditch conduct the water to the 
mill. The land upon which this mill stands was originally 
a part of the Samuel Fox land, and afterwards to his son Ezek- 
iel, and grandson, Brintnal Fox. 

The next water privilege above the Oakdale mill is owned 
by Charles F. Scholfield. The dam and mill was here 
erected by Mr. Scholfield in 1868, and for several years after 
used in the manufacture of cotton twine. In 1878 Mr. 
Scholfield put in woolen machinery, and has since continued 
the manufacture of flannels and kerseymeres, together with 
custom" roll carding and wool batts. 

Scholfield's celebrated satinet mill, located next above, 
is the oldest woolen establishment on the Oxoboxo stream. 
A clothiers' establishment was started here about the year 
1790, which took the place of a sawmill that was erected 



632 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

many years before by Joshua Raymond. Joseph Otis ap- 
pears to have been the first to engage in the clothiers' business 
of fulling and dressing home-made cloth at this place. Af- 
terwards, in 1808, Elijah Beemis carried on the same business 
at this site. In 1814, John Scholfield bought the property of 
Daniel F. Raymond, enlarged the old building, and put in 
machinery for manufacturing woolen cloth, and the woolen 
business has been carried on at this place by some one or more 
of the Scholfields to the present time. The old building is 
still used for the same purpose for which it was built one 
hundred years ago. At this mill Thomas Scholfield wove the 
first piece of satinet that was manufactured in this state. 
The present owner, B. F. Scholfield, continues to make 
"Scholfield's Satinet," 

The woolen factory lately owned and operated by Dea- 
con Harry Vincent, deceased, is the first that was put in opera- 
tion next below the Oxoboxo reservoir. A sawmill was first 
built here by At well Chapel, who owned the privilege about 
1795. In the year 1827, Joshua Baker, Sherwood Ray- 
mond, Caleb Baker, and Clark Bissel, erected here a build- 
ing, and started the oil business. It did not prove very profit- 
able, and was abandoned a few years afterwards. In 1829, 
the property was sold to Deacon Harry Vincent, who en- 
larged the old building, and put up machinery for carding 
rolls, spinning yarn, and making flannels and cassimeres. At 
the time Deacon Vincent started the woolen business at this 
place, he lived in a part of the mill. He continued in the 
same line of manufacture until his death, in 1878. By strict 
economy, close attention to his business, and honest dealing, 
he had accumulated a handsome amount of property at his 
death. So great was his trust in the Divine Providence that 
he was strenuously opposed to availing himself through the 
use of popular means, to escape the loss of property from fire 
or lightning, or any other destructive element, and was never 
known to have suffered any loss by either. Since Deacon 
Vincent's death, the property has been sold to R. N". Parish, 



INDUSTRIAL. 633 

who has erected a sawmill of the modern improved style. A 
considerable business in that line is now being done here. 

The reservoir at the head of the Oxoboxo stream is now 
called "Oxoboxo Pond," a name given to this body of water 
by Lorenzo Dow. The original Indian name for it was "Op- 
sobosket," or "Little Pond," as called by the early settlers. 
This reservoir now covers an area of about one hundred and 
sixty acres. The dam has been raised from time to time since 
the original was built. 

At the settlement of this town a dam was raised a few rods 
above the present structure, and a sawmill was set up, and 
afterwards a gristmill was started here by Jonathan Mynard. 
This mill site and a considerable portion of the surrounding 
land was conveyed by Owaneco, the chief of the Mohegans, 
December 11, 1698, to Thomas Stanton of Stonington. Mr. 
Stanton afterwards conveyed it to James Harris, a land spec- 
ulator, who sold it to Joseph Otis. Mr. Otis conveyed it to 
William Mynard, and Mr. Mynard left it by heirship to his 
son, Jonathan Mynard, who, by a deed of gift, conveyed it 
to his son, Jonathan Mynard, Jr., and he to his son, Henry 
Mynard, and Henry Mynard conveyed it to Lorenzo Dow in 
1825. The distance from this reservoir to the outlet of the 
Oxoboxo stream at the cove, into which it runs, is eighteen 
hundred and sixty rods, or five and four-fifths miles. The 
surface of the water in the reservoir when full is about three 
hundred and fifty feet elevation from tide water in the 
Thames Kiver, it being an average of about twenty feet fall 
to each mill privilege on the stream. During the year 1826, 
Lorenzo Dow raised the dam about four feet, "thinking," as 
he said, "it would be for the interest of the mill owners be- 
low." But Peter and Henry A. Richards, who were the 
owners of the mill at Uncasville, considered that the raising 
of the dam was an infringement upon their rights, they claim- 
ing that it was only intended to keep back the natural flow of 
the water. They therefore, in 1827, brought a suit against 
Mr. Dow for damage to their business. The case was tried 



634 HISTORY OF MONTVILLB. 

before the County Court in New London, and the case de- 
cided in favor of Mr. Dow. The plaintiffs then took an ap- 
peal to the Superior Court of New London County, and the 
case was tried before a jury, who, upon rendering a verdict, 
said, "In this case the jury find that the defendant is guilty 
in manner and form as the plaintiffs in their declaration have 
alleged, and therefore find for the plaintiffs to recover thirty 
dollars damages, and their costs." The cost amounted to 
sixty dollars and ninety-four cents. After Mr. Dow settled 
with the plaintiffs, he at once raised his gates at the dam, and 
let the water run out as fast as the opening would allow it, 
which caused a great freshet along the stream, and doing con- 
siderable damage. 

This privilege, with the reservoir, was, in November, 
1829, sold by Lorenzo Dow to Robert Bowser and Hezekiah 
( roddard of New London, who shortly afterwards conveyed it 
to Charles A. and George It. Lewis. The dam was again 
raised several feet, and a cotton-mill started at this place, 
which was kept in operation for several years in connection 
with their mill at Uncasville. Since that time the pond has 
been used for a reservoir only. 

One hundred years ago the assessed value of all the mill 
] roperty located on "Sawmill Brook," now called Oxoboxo, 
was only about two thousand dollars. The present assessed 
value is about four hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which 
is more than fifteen times greater than that of the whole town 
in 1820. There are other small streams in the town on which 
mills to a small extent are operated. In Chesterfield there, is 
a saw and a gristmill owned by George Latimer, which has 
been in the possession of the Latimer family more than one 
hundred and sixty years. A saw T and gristmill has been 
located near the head of Haughton's Cove, at the outlet of 
"Stony Brook," so called, for many years, and now owned by 
Charles S. Johnson. A grist and shingle mill is in opera- 
tion near the head of Stony Brook, owned by William H. Pal- 
mer. Several sawmills have at various periods existed on 



INDUSTRIAL. 635 

Stony Brook, but all have been abandoned except the two 
mentioned, one at the outlet, and the other at the head of 
the stream. 

Other industries have at different times been carried on 
in this town besides those already named, such as the dis- 
tilling of cider brandy. During the early part of the pres- 
ent century several were running, and a considerable trade in 
that line was carried on. The article was shipped to differ- 
ent parts of this country and sold, it being a source of con- 
siderable income. The Kew London, Willimantic & 
Springfield railroad was built along the west side of the river 
Thames, through this town, in 1848 and 1849. The first 
trip over the road, from New London to Willimantic, was 
made Thanksgiving day, ISTovember 15, 1849. 



CHAPTER VI. 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 

The inhabitants of that part of New London which was 
added to the township in 1703, and which afterwards was 
incorporated into the town of jVIontville, petitioned the General 
Assembly in 1714 that they b© allowed to become a distinct 
and separate parish, and to settle an orthodox minister of the 
Gospel among them. The petition was granted and the 
parish, freed from all parish duties to the town of New London, 
or to the society for the public worship of God there, as soon 
as they should procure and settle among them an orthodox 
minister of the Gospel. 

The people of the North Parish, not being able to agree 
upon the site upon which to erect a meeting-house, were 
several years without any settled ministry. In the year 1722, 
through the influence of Governor Saltonstall, the services 
of Rev. James Hillhouse, then at Boston, were secured. For 
the further encouragement of the society, which had been 
previously formal, the General Assembly granted them a 
freedom from county taxes for the space of four years, and 
five hundred acres of land for religious purposes, this land to 
be laid out from the general purchase by John Livingston, 
Robert Denison, Samuel Rogers, and James Harris, in 1710. 
Two hundred and fifty acres of the land was to be settled upon 
the minister for his support, and the remaining two hundred 
and fifty acres to be used for " other pious purposes." 

The first parish meeting was held January 22, 1721-2. 
George Richards was chosen clerk, and Robert Denison, 
Jonathan Hill, Jonathan Copp, Joseph Bradford, and Nathan- 
iel Otis parish committee. On the 5th day of February fol- 
lowing the first meeting it was voted " That Mr. Joseph Brad- 
ford be chosen a committee to go to the Governor and request 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 637 

him to write to Eev. James Hillliouse to ascertain when he 
will come, and if he needs any assistance in coming up, and 
that Mr. Jonathan Copp go down and company him up." 
Rev. James Hillhonse commenced his ministerial labors in 
the North Parish of New London in February, 1721-2. His 
first meetings were held in the west rooms of Mr. Samuel 
Allen's tavern. He was installed pastor of the church Octo- 
ber 3, 1722. The following record is found on the first page 
of the church records in the handwriting of Rev. James 
Hillhouse: 

" I received my call at Boston, dated February 5th, 
1721-2. I was installed by the Rev. Mr. Adams of New Lon- 
don, Mr. Buckley of Colchester, Mr. Woodbridge of Groton, 
in October the third day, 1722. Mr. Adams preached from 
Acts 16, 9." 

The church having been organized, consisted of seven 
members only at the installation of Mr. Hillhouse. They 
were Thomas Avery, Robert Denison, Jonathan Copp, Samuel 
Allen, John Vibber, Nathaniel Otis, and Charles Campbell. 
During the first year of Mr. Hillhouse's pastorate fifty-one 
persons united with the church, and one-hundred and twenty- 
three joined the church during his ministry of fifteen years. 
The society agreed to pay a salary of one hundred pounds, 
so long as he should continue their minister. April 30, 1722, 
the society passed a vote annexing the south part of Colchester 
and the north part of Lyme to the North Parish, and that a 
convenient site be agreed upon, as near the center of the 
parish as practicable on which to erect a meeting-house. June 
13, 1722, Serj. Jonathan Hill, Lieut. Samuel Comstock, 
George Richards, Samuel Fox, and Benjamin Otis, were 
chosen a committee to lay out the minister's land. It was not 
until February, 1722-3, that arrangements were made to 
build a meeting-house. The size agreed upon was 35 x 45 
feet, and 20 feet between joints. George Richards, John 
Vibber, and Jonathan Hill were chosen a committee to attend 
to the building of the house of worship. The site for the 



g38 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

house was to be on the land given by Major John Merrett and 
Mrs. Mercy Raymond. The committee made an agreement 
with Mr. John Hough of New London to build the house and 
become responsible individually for the expense of its erection; 
" the parish to become obligated to the committee to indem- 
nify them against all damage that might come upon them." 

At this date there were no public roads in the north and 
west parts of the parish, and, considering the necessity, a 
committee was appointed to lay out such highways as public 
interest seemed to require. Major John Merrett, Capt. 
Robert Denis on, Mr. Jonathan Hill, and others, were by the 
parish appointed such committee. The committee at once 
entered upon their duty and laid out the following roads: 
First highway " to begin where the road that comes from 
near Nathaniel Otis' house intersects the county road that, 
leads from New London to Colchester, thence to the east gate 
of John Merrett, near Nathaniel Rogers'; thence through 
the land of Daniel Rogers to a large white oak tree; thence to 
a bridge: thence to a heap of stones by a ledge; thence to the 
road that leads from New London to Norwich; thence to the 
cove known as Baker's Cove. Also from said Otis to Capt. 
Robert Denison's. Also another road from the place selected 
for the church, southeasterly to the "Widow Comstock's, and 
also a road from John Merrett's east gate northward by 
Charles Campbell's and John Maples' house to the house of 
David Steel; thence westerly of Jonathan Hill's house to near 
the house of Adonijah Fitch; thence to a Norwich line. Also 
a road from John Merrett's dwelling house northerly to 
Jonathan Copp's mill." All the proprietors of the land 
through which these roads were laid out were " to have the 
privilege of erecting gates and to be maintained by the 
owners." 

November 18, 1723, the following bill was presented at 
a parish-meeting covering the expense of building the meet- 
ing-house: 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 639 



£179 


9s. 


6d. 


i 








2 








2 


15 


3 


4 


14 


6 


195 


19 


3 



Paid out by the committee, 
To Jonathan Hill for services, 

" John Vibber, 

" Joseph Bradford, 

" Nathaniel Otis, . 



December 30, 1723, at a parish meeting, Nathaniel Otis 
was chosen clerk; Jonathan Hill, Deacon Jonathan Copp, and 
John Vibber, committee; Joshua Baker and Adonijah Fitch, 
collectors. 

October 5, 1724, it was voted " to build a school-house 
near the meeting-house, the same to be 19 feet long, 14 feet 
wide, and 7 feet posts." The house was completed before the 
close of the year and a teacher hired. Mr. Allen Mullan was 
the first teacher approved by the committee. The parish 
settled upon him a salary of 24 pounds a year and ten acres of 
land forever. December 31, 172S, liberty was granted to 
John Vibber, Peter Wickwire, Jason Allen, Joseph Atwell, 
Samuel Fox, Jr., and John Nobles, " to build a stable on the 
southeast corner of the meeting-house lot, for the accommo- 
dation of le use- when attending church." 

The General Assembly was petitioned in May, 1729, for 
liberty to straighten the south line of the parish " so that it 
should run by the south side of John Congdon's farm, a due 
east course to the river, and a west course to Lyme line." In 
June, 1730, a survey was made by Josiah Conant, county 
surveyor, and the south line of the parish established, by its 
approval by the parish. 

The following survey was found in the parish records: 
"I, the subscriber, being desired by Mr. James Otis and Mr. 
Joshua Raymond of the second society in New London, to ran 
a divided line between the first and second parishes in said 
New London, in pursuant bo an Act of the Honorable As- 
sembly holden at Hartford in May last, which was resolved 
as followe th : that for the future the dividing line shall begin 



640 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

on the south side of Mr. Condall's farm, and from thence an 
east and west line throughout shall divide between said 
parishes, and in pursuance hereof I took to my assistance Mr. 
William Miner and Mr. Joshua Weeks, who were chain-men 
under oath, and beginning at a white oak tree a little north- 
ward of Mrs. Mary Comstoek's house, which tree was shown 
me by Capt. Joshua Hempstead, Esq., and Capt. Thomas 
Prentis of New London, and others, to be the most southern- 
most part or corner of said Condall's farm, and from said tree 
we run east and made large monuments of stones every eighty 
rods until we came to the river (Thames), and found the 
whole distance from said tree to said river to be two hundred 
and sixty-three rods, where we made a large heap of stones 
on the bank by the river side, and returning back to said white 
oak tree we run and measured west, making large monuments 
of stones every eighty rods until we intersected the line be- 
tween said New London and Lyme, when we made a large 
heap of stones around a small white oak tree, which stands 
close by the side of a small river, on the westerly side of said 
river, and here we found the distance from the first-mentioned 
white oak tree to the intersection of said line to be five miles 
and three-quarters and nineteen rods, which in the whole, 
adding the two hundred and sixty-three rods to five miles and 
three-quarters and nineteen rods, together makes in the whole 
six miles two hundred and two rods. This survey was finished 
June 26, 1730, by me, 

JOSIAH CONANT, 
Surveyor for the County of Windham. 

At a parish meeting warned to be held January 26, 1735-6, 
none of the committee being present, it was adjourned to 
February 9 th, at which time the meeting was dissolved with- 
out taking action on the question for which they were called 
together. The question pending was " whether they would 
use means to recover fifty pounds allowed to Mr. Hillhouse 
by the auditors in their settlement with him for the time he 
was absent on a visit to Ireland shortly after his settlement 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 641 

as pastor." At a subsequent meeting, held March 29, 1736, 
it was voted " that we use such means as are necessary to re- 
cover from Mr. Hillhouse the sum of fifty pounds as allowed 
by the auditors of account, and to appoint an agent to lay 
the matter before the General Assembly to be held in May 
following." Joshua Raymond was appointed such commit- 
tee. The meeting was adjourned to the 19th day of April 
following, at which time it was voted " to hire the Rev. Wil- 
liam Adams to preach to them three months." Peter Wick- 
wire was appointed a committee to see Mr. Adams and to en- 
gage his services for the period voted. 

Mr. Adams was engaged to supply the pulpit until Novem- 
ber following. At the expiration of the time he was hired 
for three months more. About this time a committee of 
three was chosen to confer with Mr. Adams in regard to his 
settlement as pastor. Joseph Otis, Deacon Jonathan Copp, 
and James Harris were the committee. No arrangements 
having been made with Mr. Adams, whereby a settlement as 
their pastor could be accomplished, he, however, continued 
to preach to the church and society until some time in May, 
1738, when the Rev. David Jewett was hired to supply the 
pulpit for a period of six months, and was afterwards settled 
and ordained pastor of the church and society. 

At a parish meeting held January 13, 1736-7, and con- 
tinued, by adjournment, to the 13th day of February follow- 
ing, Joshua Raymond, James Harris, and Joseph Otis were 
chosen agents to manage the case depending between the Rev. 
James Hillhouse and the parish. The unhappy difficulties 
which had existed for several years between Rev. Mr. Hill- 
house and his parishioners continued to become more passion- 
ate, and both parties had to appeal first to the Ecclesiastical 
Council, and afterwards to the civil law. 

The following vote recorded on the parish records was 

probably passed at an adjourned meeting of the society held 

May 31, 1737: "Voted, that Joseph Otis, Esq., Lieut, 

James Harris, and Joshua Raymond, agents, fully empow- 

41 



642 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

ered to remonstrate the aggrieved state of the church of Christ 
in the North Parish in New London unto the Rev. Council of 
Elders, etc., to be convened at the North Parish in Stonington, 
June the second, Tuesday, and particularly to represent the 
conduct of the Rev. Mr. James Hillhouse, our former pastor, 
since the result of the Council convened among us, to hear, 
consider, and determine of certain articles exhibited in way 
of charge and complaint against him on the first day of July, 
1735, by which said Council it was resolved that the said 
Mr. Hillhouse in many instances hath been unfaithful to the 
great trust reposed in him, which Council adjourned to the 
23d day of July, 1735, and accordingly met at New London, 
North Parish, aforesaid, and entering into a further considera- 
tion of the premises relating to and in behalf of the parish 
to act and defend the same with the best advice they could 
obtain." 

The agents were empowered to engage such attorneys as, 
in their judgment, was thought best to assist them in the de- 
fense, and to remove the action by a review or appeal, if 
occasion should require it. At the same meeting ten persons 
were chosen from the principal freeholders residing in the 
parish, " to consider the propriety of requesting the Indians," 
belonging to the Mohegan tribe, " to unite with the English 
in public worship, at one place, and also to consider the pro- 
priety of building a new meeting-house where it would better 
accommodate both the Indians and English." The com- 
mittee chosen was to consist of five persons residing west of 
the meeting-house, and five residing east of the meeting-house, 
with power to confer and treat with those persons in Boston 
who had the supervision and power of disposing of the money 
given to Christianize the Indians and to lay the circumstances 
of the Indians in their connection with the parish before the 
Boston gentlemen to consider, and if, in the opinion of these 
gentlemen, it would be advisable that the Indians unite with 
the English in the public worship at one place. This com- 
mittee were to ascertain what proportion of the minister's 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 643 

salary the gentlemen would consent to pay out of the funds 
at their disposal for the Christianization of the Indians. This 
committee were also to arrange for a place of worship and 
designate the best site for the erection of a new meeting- 
house, and lay the matter before the parish for their ap- 
proval. Joseph Otis, Robert Denison, William Whiting, 
James Otis, and David Copp of this committee, residing on 
the west of the old meeting-house, and James Harris, Jason 
Allen, John Comstock, John Yibber, and Joshua Raymond 
on the east. Whether it was owing to some disagreement 
on the part of the committee, or whether the commissioners 
at Boston refused to allow the funds for the Indians to be used 
in the way proposed by the parish, or whether from some other 
cause, it is not shown what the difficulty was, but the matter 
of the uniting of the Indians with the English was deferred 
for several years, and was finally arranged after Mr. Jewett 
became pastor. 

At a meeting of the parish held March 7, 1736-7, James 
Harris, Peter Wickwire, and John Vibber were chosen a com- 
mittee to treat with Rev. Mr. Barber and the Mohegan Indians 
in the matter of having but one place of public worship for 
both the Indians and the English settlers, and to lay the 
matter before the Honorable Commissioners at Boston and 
elsewhere, having the disposal of the money for Christianiz- 
ing the Indians, for their concurrence. The following vote, 
recorded on the parish records, was probably passed at a 
church meeting held May 10, 1737, and adjourned to May 
31st: 

" Voted, that Joseph Otis, Lieut. James Harris, and 
Joshua Raymond, agents, fully empowered to remonstrate 
the aggrieved state of the church of Christ in the North 
Parish in ISTew London with the Rev. Council of Elders, etc., 
to be convened at the North Parish in Stonington, June the 
second, Tuesday, and particularly to represent the conduct 
of the Rev. Mr. James Hillhouse, our former pastor, since the 
result of the Council convened among us to hear, consider, 



644 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

and determine of certain articles exhibited in way of charge 
and complaint against him on the first day of July, 1735, by 
which said council it was resolved that the said Mr. Hillhouse 
in many instances hath been unfaithful to the great trust re- 
posed in him, which Council adjourned on the 23d day of 
July, 1735, and accordingly met at New London, North 
Parish, aforesaid, and entering into a further consideration 
of the premises relating to the former and later conduct of 
him, the said Mr. Hillhouse, did thereupon finally judge and 
determine it highly fit that the said Mr. Hillhouse should 
resign his pastoral office among the people of said parish, and 
thereupon ordered and directed that he resign said office ac- 
cordingly, and in consequence thereof advised us as speedily 
as might be to call some fit person to supply the aforesaid 
pastoral office, all of which fully appears by the result of the 
aforesaid Council. In compliance wherewith we have en- 
deavored to act in all things, and by the advice of the neighbor- 
ing ministers, have been very industrious to obtain another 
minister and the resettlement of ourselves. But, to our great 
surprise, the said Mr. Hillhouse, notwithstanding the justice 
and authority of the aforesaid result and his own submission 
thereto, hath yet ever since opposed himself to such of our en- 
deavors, challenges the office of pastor to us again and labors 
to discourage any ministers coming to preach to us, and 
charges them who come unto our help as being guilty of 
usurpation upon his office and care, and by his artful insinua- 
tions hath divided our people into parties and heads, a num- 
ber thereof unto whom he preaches in his private house every 
Sabbath day, and is resolute to persist therein, challenges 
salary since such result, and hath sued the society aforesaid 
therefor by an action now pending in the court. By which 
surprising conduct, and as we conceive great disorder to him, 
the said Mr. Hillhouse in contempt of the aforesaid result, 
our civil and religious interests and concerns much embroiled, 
perplexed, and destroyed, and a once well-organized church 
of Christ utterly destroyed and dissolved if some speedy 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 645 

remedy be not provided and applied. Wherein the honor 
of Christ and His holy religion is so much concerned that 
renders the premises a just cause of their attention, together 
with the peace of the society and the good of souls, and the 
vacation of the authority of the result aforesaid. All which 
matters at large we desire to empower and instruct Joseph 
Otis, Esq., James Harris, and Joshua Raymond, our aforesaid 
agents, to lay before the Council in their next convention at 
North Stonington as aforesaid, and pray their effectual de- 
termination thereupon. 

" Signed by Deacon Jonathan Copp, Moderator." 

The association which met at North Stonington on the 7th 
day of June, 1737,* upon the consideration of the existing 
difficulties between the North Parish church and their pastor, 
advised the people of the parish to apply to the Consociation 
of New London County, " and request them to repair to the 
society " in the North Parish of New London " on Tuesday 
the 28th instant, to hear, consider and resolve upon such 
matters as shall then be represented and exhibited in charge 
against the aforesaid Mr. Hillhouse." There are 1 no records 
that show whether the Consociation was convened as advised 
by the association, or whether they did not. The people were 
now divided into two parties, each claiming the house of 
worship and a right to the pulpit. Other ministers were em- 
ployed by the majority; the friends of Mr. Hillhouse appear 
to have been in the minority. Mr. Hillhouse continued to 
preach to a few of his parishioners in his own house. His 
admissions to the church were as late as May 1, 1737, and 
baptisms were made up to August, 1740. 

In the year 1735 Rev. James Hillhouse brought a peti- 
tion to the General Assembly in which he claimed " that his 
parishioners have failed and do neglect to fulfill their covenant 
with him as their minister and praying for relief." The 
General Assembly appointed auditors " to adjust the accounts 
between the said Mr. Hillhouse and his parishioners relating 
to his salary." The auditors, upon examination of the case, 



646 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

found tlio parish in arrears to Mr. Hillhouse in the sum of 
£587, 9s., 3d., and on report of the auditors the Assembly 
ordered the whole amount due from the parish to be forth- 
with collected. This order of the General Assembly caused 
considerable feeling on the part of the inhabitants of the North 
Parish, and a memorial was at once presented to stay the pro- 
ceedings. At the time the Rev. James Hillhouse was called 
to settle as pastor, no church edifice had been erected in the 
North Parish. It was a newly settled territory, and literally 
a wilderness. Their first meetings were held at the private 
dwelling house of Mr. Samuel Allen. During the time in 
which the meeting-house was being built, in 1723, Mr. Hill- 
house returned to his native country. He was absent about 
six months. On his return to his field of labors the house of 
worship had been so far completed as to be in a condition to 
receive its worshipers. The salary was to be raised by taxa- 
tion on the property of the inhabitants. Owing to this taxa- 
tion, and the expense incurred in the erection of the house 
of worship, the burden was much felt by many of the people. 
Some who were able to pay their rates neglected to meet the 
demands made upon them, while others of scanty means could 
not, from necessity, meet the requirements and demands of 
the church organization in the payment of the minister's 
salary, and as a consequence the salary was never fully paid 
up. The privations and discomforts incident to a pioneer 
life are not helpful to a true religious culture or church sup- 
port. The minister found his work often seriously hindered 
by the many trials incident to such a life. The physical wants 
of the people must be supplied, their homes were to be built, 
their land must be cleared and tilled, roads cut through the 
hitherto pathless woods, and all those conveniences which, 
in these days, one generation finds prepared for them by the 
preceding, these our fathers had to gather about their new 
homes by the most unwearied industry. The matters of the 
church here were kept along with tolerable success and 
harmony until about the year 1729, when the arrears on the 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 647 

minister's salary were fast accumulating, and Mr. Hillhouse 
was urging his people to pay up. About this time several 
withdrew their support from the church, feeling that the 
burden was greater than they could bear. Taxes were con- 
tinued to be laid, and the few who were desirous of sustaining 
the gospel in the parish and uniting the people in the work 
had to redouble their efforts to keep up religious service 
among them. Many of the property-holders refused to pay 
their rates as assessed to them, and it was difficult to obtain 
collectors who would act. Under these influences matters 
grew worse from year to year. 

It appears that there was a misunderstanding as to the 
time when the minister's salary should begin, some claiming 
that he should not receive any salary while absent on his visit 
to Ireland, and that his salary should' commence with his 
labors after his return to the parish. Mr. Hillhouse, however, 
claimed full salary from the date of his installation. This 
difference of opinion was a subject of much bitter discussion. 
In May, 1735, a committee was appointed by the society to 
confer with Mr. Hillhouse, and, if possible, effect a recon- 
ciliation of the difficulties. As soon as the committee was 
chosen, and before any action had been taken or decided upon 
by the committee, Mr. Hillhouse addressed them a letter, a 
copy of which appears from the society records, and is as 
follows : 

" Gentlemen : — You may assure yourselves it is no delight 
or pleasure to me to make you the trouble or give you occasion 
of meeting, but necessity to the supplying of which if you 
will assure me of one hundred pounds in a short time I will 
at present drop that affair. 

"JAMES HILLHOUSE." 

The committee laid the matter before the society, which, 
by a vote, instructed the committee to communicate to Mr. 
Hillhouse the following reply to his letter: 

" The parish complys with your request in procuring a 
hundred pounds in public bills of credit, provided that shall 



648 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

answer in full for one year's salary, and also to add the words 
' in full ' to your former receipts." 

In reply to the above communication, Mr. Hillhouse said 
in another letter: 

" Gentlemen : — In answer to yours, if so be that you will 
pay me the hundred pounds forthwith, or give me sufficient 
security that I may have it in a short time, I will upon your 
paying the hundred pounds give a sufficient receipt, and if 
there be any injustice in any of the receipts that I have 
already given I stand ready to right them. 

"JAMES HILLHOUSE." 

The proposition of Mr. Hillhouse, as expressed in his last 
letter to the society, was not accepted by them for the reason, 
as they say, "it being looked upon as ambiguous and pre- 
carious." Thus affairs stood until the death of Mr. Hill- 
house, which occurred December 15, 1740. No final settle- 
ment of the difficulties between Mr. Hillhouse and the society 
was ever consummated. 

Then difficulties, which naturally grew out of a misunder- 
standing as to the commencement of the salary, and an ina- 
bility on the part of the inhabitants of the parish to meet all 
the demands upon them consequent upon their beginning 
of a new settlement in a wilderness, and being attended with 
much care and perplexity on the part of Mr. Hillhouse, prob- 
ably hastened his death. So far as the writer has been able 
to gather facts from the records at his command, Rev. James 
Hillhouse was a man of good-natured abilities, of great sagac- 
ity, zealous for the truth, and contended strongly for his 
rights. The rumor, which is still extant, that these unhappy 
difficulties commenced in a controversy between Mr. Hill- 
house and his next neighbor, Capt. Denison, regarding cer- 
tain land bounds, appears to have no foundation in facts; no 
such charge was ever publicly preferred against him, and the 
writer has never found in any public or private documents 
that anything of a dishonest character was justly laid against 
him. 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 649 

It is not to be supposed that all the men upon whom this 
little church was dependent for its support were men of cul- 
ture and stability ; the very chances for speculation and excite- 
ment of the life itself would naturally draw into society the 
restless, the adventurous and unprincipled. In this newly- 
settling territory, where land was often bought up and held 
for speculation, there should be none who were impulsive, 
wayward, and insubordinate. It would be very strange if 
religion, which pledges peace and harmony, should not prove 
in such a mixed community a source of alienation and of 
earnest conflict. What more could be expected than that 
sharp diversions should arise, and that heated and obstinate 
maintenance of views and opinions would end in alienations 
and feuds? At a meeting of the General Assembly held at 
Hartford, May 13, 1736, a memorial was presented by Joshua 
Raymond, agent for the North Parish of New London, in 
which was shown that Joseph Backus, Simeon Lathrop, and 
John Huntington, auditors, appointed by the Assembly to 
settle the accounts between the parish and Mr. Hillhouse, 
had found the parish in arrears and that the parish had voted 
a rate of six pence on the pound to balance the balance of 
arrears still unpaid, but as no person in the parish could be 
prevailed upon to collect the tax, this petition was brought 
to the Assembly, asking that the sheriff of New London county 
be authorized to collect the tax in the parish, and pay the same 
over to the parish committee. The petition was granted and 
the execution, which had previously been granted in favor 
of Mr. Hillhouse against the parish, was ordered to be sus- 
pended for two months. This action of the General As- 
sembly caused the already existing bitter feelings on the part 
of Mr. Hillhouse's enemies to become still more bitter and 
malicious against him and his friends, and it was many years 
before harmony was restored in the parish. At a meeting of 
the North Parish held Oct, 2, 1738, a vote was passed author- 
izing John Lee of Lyme as their agent to defend the parish 
against Rev. Mr. Hillhouse before the General Assembly, 



650 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

to be held at New Haven during that month; and also that 
Mr. Lee, in behalf of the parish, present a memorial to the 
Assembly praying that body to grant them relief in their 
difficulties. Rev. James Hillhouse having been formally dis- 
missed from his connection with the society, had taken with 
him the settlement conferred upon him at the time of his 
becoming their pastor, of the land that was given by the As- 
sembly for ministerial purposes, and now they were without a 
pastor or any land to settle upon him when such could be 
obtained. They, therefore, desired the Assembly to give 
further assistance by granting other land for the settling of 
another minister. On the 3d day of October, 1739, Rev. 
David Jewett was ordained pastor of the church in the North 
Parish of New London, and by a grant of the General As- 
sembly, in 1742, fifty acres of land were given to him, it being 
what remained of the first grant made to the parish at the 
time of Mr. Hillhouse's settlement. 

The land settled upon Mr. Hillhouse and on which he 
erected a dwelling-house was occupied by him until his death, 
and then descended to his heirs, who held possession of it 
many years. It was finally sold by them and passed out of the 
name. It was subsequently purchased by William Raymond, 
Esq., and on his death it descended to his two sons, William 
and Richard, and divided as nearly as possible. Rev. David 
Jewett's farm was situated on a hill about one-half a mile 
from the main road, northeast of the present meeting-house, 
on which he built a house and lived there until his death in 
1783. 

In the year 1745 the subject in relation to the Indians 
uniting with the English in religious worship, and of bearing 
their proportion of the expense attending the ministry, was 
brought up. A committee was appointed by the society to 
meet the chief, Ben LTncas, and other prominent members 
of the Mohegan tribe of Indians, and ascertain the condi- 
tions on which a union could be obtained. At a parish meet- 
ing; held February 18, 1745-6, the following resolution was 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 651 

passed: " Considering that Ben Uncas, Chief Sachem of the 
Mohegan Indians, together with the most of said tribe, who 
are desirous of being instructed in Christian religion having 
manifested their willingness and desire of uniting with us 
in one church or assembly under Rev. David Jewett' s ministry, 
and further this parish having by their vote expressed their 
readiness so to unite, provided there could be a mutual agree- 
ment as to the terms." Mr. Jewett, for some time before his 
settlement as pastor over the church in North Parish, had 
been engaged as a missionary among the Mohegan Indians, 
and had become greatly endeared to them. It was this kindly 
feeling on the part of the Indians toward Mr. Jewett that they 
were so strongly desirous of becoming connected with the 
society and uniting with the church, many of whom did after- 
wards join the church and became regular attendants upon 
the public worship. The people of the parish undoubtedly 
had a motive in urging the Indians to unite with them. It 
would not only be a means to the Christianization of the 
Indians, but it would serve as a means toward the support of 
the church through the funds provided by the colony for the 
benefit of the Indians. In January, 1747-8, the matter was 
again brought up in regard to removing the meeting-house 
to some more convenient spot further east. The easterly and 
southerly part of the parish had become more thickly settled, 
and, for the better accommodation of the members of the tribe 
of Indians, it was deemed best to locate the meeting-house 
on a site so as to better accommodate the Indians and the 
people living in the east part of the parish. A committee 
was, therefore, chosen and agreed upon, consisting of persons 
who were residents of other parishes to determine upon the site 
for the erection of a new meeting-house. This committee 
consisted of Col. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., John Ledyard, 
and Esq. Luke Perkins. The committee thus chosen met at 
the house of John Bradford in the North Parish of New Lon- 
don, on the first Tuesday in March, 1747-8, to hear the re- 
quests of the various parties interested, and to examine the 



652 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

several sites proposed, and to locate and determine upon the 
spot which, in their judgment, would be the most convenient 
for all concerned. 

The committee, not agreeing upon a site at that time, 
another parish meeting was called and held on the first Mon- 
day in April of the same year. At which meeting it was voted 
not to remove the old meeting-house from where it then stood, 
but to repair it and let it stand where it was. The house was, 
therefore, repaired and remained on the original site until 
the year 1772, when a new site was then agreed upon, and a 
new house of worship erected. At a meeting of the inhabit- 
ants of the North Parish in New London, held the 23d day of 
December, 1771, a committee was chosen " to take into con- 
sideration the matter of building a new meeting-house; view 
the several places proposed and agree upon a site and report 
at an adjourned meeting." The committee was composed 
of twelve persons who were residents of the parish, and who 
were among the most prominent members of the society. At 
the adjourned meeting of the parish held on the 9th day of 
January, 1772, the report of the committee was submitted 
to the meeting and accepted. The report was as follows: 
'' We, the subscribers, being appointed a committee at your 
annual parish meeting to take into consideration the matters 
concerning building a meeting-house in this parish, view the 
several places that may be proposed and see if we could agree 
upon a place for that purpose and report, etc., Beg leave to 
report that pursuant to the appointment, we met together 
on the 26th day of December and viewed the several places 
proposed and considered the same with the attending circum- 
stances, and have agreed mutually that all the circumstances 
of the parish considered it will be for the peace and quiet of 
the parish to build a new meeting-house at the northeast 
corner of the meadow of Joshua Raymond, at a place known 



^ Committee. 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 653 

by the name of the ' White Oak Stick,' all of which is sub- 
mitted by your humble servants. 

Dated, New London, Dec. 26th, 1771. 

Adonijah Fitch, John Raymond, ^ 

James Fitch, Joseph Chester, 

Nathaniel Comstock, Ebenezer Weeks, 

Ezekiel Fox, Peter Comstock, 

Wm. Hillhouse, Joseph'Ford, 
Joshua Raymond, 

At the adjourned meeting, held January 9, 1772, it was 
voted " to apply to the County Court for an approval of the 
site fixed by the committee for building a new meeting- 
house." The Court subsequently approved of the site agreed 
upon by the committee, and a new house of worship was im- 
mediately erected. The site then selected, and on which the 
new meeting-house was built, is the same on which the present 
church edifice now stands. 

The house then built was about fifty feet on each side, 
fronting to the east, with porches or wings on the north and 
south side extended above the peak of the main building 
several feet, on the top of which was a spire with a vane at- 
tached. There were three doors for entering from the out- 
side, one in the center of the main building, and one in 
each porch, all on the easterly side. The stairs leading to 
the gallery were in the porches, the gallery extended on three 
sides of the building and was supported in front by posts. 
On the back side of the gallery next to the wall of the building 
were square box pews, which were elevated above the front 
seats from two to three feet. In front of the gallery were 
the " singers' seats," extending around the three sides, the 
breastwork forming the front of the seats and served as a re- 
ceptacle for the hymn and singing-books. The windows con- 
tained glass which was of the size of 7 x 9 inches, with twenty 
panes in each sash. On the main floor were twenty-eight 
box-pews, and in the gallery there were thirteen. Each pew 



654 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

was capable of seating from ten to twelve persons. The 
pulpit was located in the center of the west side, being elevated 
four or five feet above the floor, and in front of which was 
the deacons' seat. 

At this date the former system of taxation to raise the 
minister's salary had become unpopular. A new method for 
raising the salary was adopted, that of renting the pews. In 
the old meeting-house the pews were owned by those who had 
put them up, and held by them as real estate and descended 
by heirship. The new method was to sell the pews each year, 
the person buying a pew was required to give his note, payable 
on the first day of January of the following year with interest 
on the same after it became due until paid. The sale took 
place in the month of January in each year. This new meet- 
ing-house, which was erected in 1772, was not fully completed 
at that time; improvements were made from time to time as 
circumstances favored. At first no plastering was put upon 
the walls, timbers were not cased, and no stove put into it until 
after the year 1800. On the 25th day of May, 1823, while 
the congregation was engaged in worship on the Sabbath, 
the house was struck by lightning, the fluid entering by the 
spire on the north porch and following down the posts of the 
porch and running along the timbers of the house in all 
directions, shivering timbers and casements, scattering splint- 
ers and broken fragments of ceilings throughout the entire 
building. Two persons were instantly killed, Mrs. Betsey 
Bradford, wife of Perez Bradford, and a child of John R. 
Comstock. Many were shocked and a general consternation 
seized the awe-stricken assembly. 

The building being very much damaged, it was soon after 
repaired, the upper portion of the north porch was taken off 
and was finished up at the same height with the south porch. 
This house stood until the year 1847, when it was taken down 
and the present house of worship erected on the site, at a cost 
of $2,000. Sherwood Raymond, Esq., gave $500 toward 
the building of the house, and the balance was made up by 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 655 

subscriptions varying from $200 to $25. Its size is fifty feet 
in length and thirty-five feet in width, with twenty-feet posts. 
In the year 1860 the bell was placed in the belfry, it being 
obtained through the efforts of Rev. Hiram C. TIayan, then 
acting pastor of the church. 

Rev. David Jewett was ordained pastor of the church in 
the North Parish of New London on the 3d day of October, 
1739, it being the same day of the month and the same month, 
seventeen years before, that Rev. James Hillhouse was in- 
stalled. He died in June, 1783, aged sixty-six years, after 
a united and prosperous ministry of forty-five years. The 
admissions to the church during his ministry were 136 whites 
and 21 Indians belonging to the Mohegan tribe. Among 
those of the Indians who joined the church in full connection 
were Widow Anna X T ncas, wife of Benjamin Uncas the 
Sachem; Lucy Cochegan; Joshua Nonesuch and his wife, 
Hannah; Andrew Tantapah; Cyrus Junce and two sisters, 
Sarah and Lucy; Samuel Ashpo; Widow Hannah Cooper, 
wife of John Cooper, and others. 

In 1756 Mr. Jewett obtained leave of absence for several 
months to act as chaplain in the army, to which service he was 
afterwards very often called, not only during the French 
War, but in that of the Revolution. He was born in Rowley, 
Mass. 

Rev. Rozel Cook, the third pastor, who was previously 
settled in Watertown, Litchfield County, Conn., succeeded 
Mr. Jewett, and was ordained June 30, 1784. An ordination 
at that period called forth a great concourse of people, and 
was frequently followed by a dance and supper. Yet, it must 
not be supposed that the minister or any of the church man- 
agers took part in the " wind up " ; it was the congregation 
or young people's ball. Mr. Cook had settled upon him the 
sum of two hundred and sixty pounds, and a yearly salary of 
sixty pounds, and thirty cords of wood delivered at his home, 
so long as he should continue their gospel minister. After- 
wards the sum of forty pounds was added to his settlement, 



656 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

making in all the sum of three hundred pounds, with which 
money a farm was purchased of Peletiah Bliss, and the deed 
of the same was given to Mr. Cook. On this farm Mr. Cook 
settled and lived there until his death, April 18, 1798. At 
his death the farm was distributed among his children, and is 
still owned by one of his grandsons. Mr. Cook died in the 
fourteenth year of his ministry, and in the forty-second year 
of his age. Mr. Cook's letter of acceptance, when called by 
the church and society of the Worth Parish in New London, 
as found recorded on the society records, was as follows: 

" New London, May 21st, 1784. 
" Gentlemen: — I have taken into consideration the par- 
ticular situation of ye church and society of New London 
North Parish and also their union in and call to me to settle 
with them as their gospel minister and all circumstances rel- 
ative thereto. The present prospects of a happy union and 
of being in ye hands of Providence, an instrument (though 
but weak) to promote your peace and edification. I have on 
ye whole concluded so far to blot out all disagreeable circum- 
stances from my mind, as to give you my answer in ye afiirma- 
tive. At ye same time most earnestly praying Christ Jesus 
the Great Head of ye church and Governor of ye union to 
send his spirit and grace into our hearts to guide and direct 
us in ye way of our duty and to order all things relative to so 
great, weighty and solemn a transaction as our uniting to- 
gether as minister and people in such a manner as may do 
honor to His great name and most happily promote the best 

interests of His kingdom. 

" EOZEL COOK. 

" To the committee chosen by the church and society 

to wait on me with their votes and to receive my 

answer." 

The ministers who took part in Mr. Cook's ordination 
were Rev. Benjamin Throop of Norwich, Rev. Benjamin 
Trumbull of North Haven, Rev. Timothy Stone of Lebanon, 
and Rev. Levi Heart of Preston, with their delegates. 




CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (MONTVILLE CENTER). 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 657 

In the ecclesiastical history of New London "Miss Caulking 
relates the incident of Mr. Cook's preaching the last sermon 
in the old meeting-house on " Meeting House Hill " in New 
London, August 23, 1786. The occasion was that of the 
sudden death of Sally, daughter of Thaddeus Brooks, who 
was killed by lightning on the day previous. Mr. Cook's 
text was from Job 37, 11-14. In 1798 a fund was raised 
by subscriptions for the support of the minister, the taxation 
and sale of the pews having become odious and burdensome, 
was abandoned. The sum raised and funded at that time 
was 1,067 pounds. The subscription list comprised ninety 
names, which, probably, was the full number of families then 
belonging to the congregation. This became the nucleus to 
the present fund of the society. Many of those who sub- 
scribed at that time gave their notes to the treasurer of the 
society, and paid the interest annually, while others paid in 
the cash, which was loaned by the treasurer, he collecting 
the interest annually for the support of the ministry. In 
1800 an additional subscription was made, securing to the 
society its present fund, amounting to the sum of three thous- 
sand six hundred and seventy-two dollars ($3,672). 

Rev. Amos G. Thompson became the successor of Mr. 
Cook, and was installed Sept. 26, 1799. He had previously 
been connected with the Methodist denomination, and had 
been ordained elder by Bishop Asbury, at Leesburg, Va., 
in 1790. Withdrawing from that connection in 1798, he 
offered himself as a candidate for the Congregational minis- 
try, and was examined and approved by the association of 
Windham county, his ordination accepted as valid, and re- 
ceived to the fellowship and communion of the Congrega- 
tional churches. His ministry here was short. He died 
Oct. 23, 1801, in the thirty-eighth year of his age. 

Rev. Abishai Alden was the successor to Mr. Thompson, 

and was installed Aug. 17, 1803. Mr. Alden had previously 

supplied the pulpit for a time, and, in May, 1803, a call was 

extended him by the church and society to settle among them 

42 



658 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

as their gospel minister. A salary of three hundred dollars 
annually was voted him by the society. The following- letter 
was received by the committee appointed to communicate to 
him the wish of the society : 

" To the Congregational church and society in Montville. 

" Brethren and Friends : — In the course of Divine Provi- 
dence it ha" pleased the Great Head of the church so far to 
unite this church and society, as to give me a call to settle 
with them in the work of the gospel ministry. I have taken 
your call under consideration, consulted the advice of my 
brethren in the ministry and addressed the throne of grace 
for light and direction so far as duty is made plain to me. I 
think I see my way clear to settle with you in the work of the 
ministry. Therefore I give my answer in the affirmative and 
accept the proposals which you have made. Wishing that we 
may be built up in the faith and order of the gospel, asking 
your prayers that I might be found a faithful watchman, and 
that we being found in the faith may be so happy at last as 
to meet Christ Jesus, is the sincere prayer and wish of your 
affectionate friend and well wisher, 

ABISHAI ALDEK 

" Montville, June 6th, 1803." 

Mr. Alden was a faithful minister and efficient pastor 
for twenty-three years, having the love and confidence of his 
parishioners up to within a few years of his dismissal, when 
differences arose which resulted in the alienation of a part of 
his people, and a division among the members of the society. 
A few of the members of the church were strongly opposed 
to his remaining pastor of the church longer, but he had also 
many firm friends who continued true and faithful to him 
in his trials. A council was, however, called, and he was 
dismissed from his charge April 26, 1826. During his min- 
istry one hundred and eighty-two persons were received to 
the communion of the church, several of whom are still living. 
Ninety-one were added to the church between Oct. 5, 1823, 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 659 

and August 1, 1824. Mr. Alclen continued to reside in the 
parish until about 1830, when he removed to Dover, New 
Hampshire, where he died greatly inspected. 

At a society meeting held on the 18th day of June, 1825, 
the following resolution was passed: " Resolved, that where- 
as sundry persons belonging to the first Ecclesiastical Society 
in Montville, and members of the church in their individual 
capacity, have brought various accusations against the Rev. 
Abishai Alden, tending to impeach his moral and religious 
character, And whereas the said persons and Mr. Alden agree 
to have or submit these accusations to the arbitration and 
decision of a certain number of ministers with their delegates 
to convene in the capacity of an Ecclesiastical Council, And 
whereas said council after a thorough and lengthy hearing 
and consideration of the several charges preferred by said 
persons against Mr. Alden have judged and decided that said 
charges or accusations were not substantial, and that Mr. 
Alden was not guilty of the several charges brought against 
him. Thereupon, Resolved, that it is the opinion of this 
meeting that we concur in the decision of the aforesaid council 
and are satisfied by hearing the testimony adduced in support 
of those accusations, that Mr. Alden. was not guilty of im- 
proper or dishonorable conduct in the several transactions 
stated in those accusations which can or ought to impeach 
his character as a man or a minister of the gospel. 

" And. Whereas, said council did advise that if the dif- 
ficulties between Mr. Alden and the above mentioned persons 
could not be settled, that a dissolution of the connection be- 
tween Mr. Alden and the church and society should take place. 
Therefore further resolved, that it is the opinion of this meet- 
ing that said council after their acquittal of Mr. Alden, having 
not found him guilty of death or of bonds, ought not to have 
expressed or given advice in the case, especially when the 
controversy was between certain individuals in the society 
and Mr. Alden, and not between the church and society and 
Mr. Alden. And further resolved, that it is the opinion of 



660 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

the meeting that it will greatly adduce to the happiness and 
well heing of this Ecclesiastical Society in a civil and religious 
view that now when the council agreed upon by the parties 
have acquitted the defendant, that the plaintiff should sheath 
the sword and lay down the weapons of their warfare and 
unite with their fellow citizens in promoting the benefit and 
happiness of the society." 

Yery soon after Mr. Alden's dismissal Rev. James Noyes 
was engaged to supply the pulpit; at first for five Sabbaths, 
and afterwards the time was extended to three months. After 
the close of Mr. Noyes' engagement Mr. Alden was hired to 
supply the pulpit for six months at a salary of five dollars per 
week. Mr. Alden continued to preach for the society until 
the first of April, 1820, after that date Eev. Rodolphus Land- 
fear supplied, who soon after received a call by the church 
and society to become their pastor. On May 30, 1820, the 
society, by their vote, extended to the Rev. Rodolphus Land- 
fear a call to settle as their pastor. The call was accepted 
and Mr. Landfear was installed Aug. 21, 1820. His ministry 
was short, continuing less than three years. 

On the 10th day of May, 1832, he made a request of the 
church and society that they unite with him in calling a 
council for the purpose of dissolving the pastoral relation 
existing between him and the people. The church and society 
uniting, a council was convened on the 30th day of May, 1832, 
and Mr. Landfe-ar was dismissed and the pastoral relation 
dissolved. During his ministry forty persons were received 
into the church. His voice failing him was the reason of 
his resigning his charge, and the trouble became so serious 
as to prevent him from engaging thereafter in the public 
duties of the ministry. He was esteemed by all as a very 
exemplary, conscientious, and devoted Christian man. He 
was afterwards a city missionary in Hartford for a time, and 
also in Boston. Mr. Landfear was born in Manchester, Conn., 
Nov. 2, 1704. G-raduated at Yale College in 1821, and at 
the Andover Theological Seminary in 1821. He served as a 



ECCLESIASTICAL. ggl 

home missionary at Maryville and Ashville, New York, and 
was for a time an agent of the Connecticut Bible Society, 
previous to his coming to Montville. He died at Hartford 
May 28, 1880. 

After the dismissal of Mr. Landfear, Rev. Erastus Ripley 
was engaged and served as stated supply until June, 1838. 
Four persons only were received into communion with the 
church during his ministry. Some time during the first part 
of the year 1838 Rev. Spencer F. Beard received a unanimous 
call to become their pastor, and was installed July 5, 1838. 
During his ministry of eight years, forty-one persons were 
admitted into the church on profession, and twenty-one child- 
ren were baptized. A precious revival was enjoyed by the 
church in the early part of Mr. Beard's ministry here. He 
was dismissed by the association June 24, 1846, and was fol- 
lowed by Rev. John W. Salter, who became acting pastor in 
August, 1847. The same year the present church edifice 
was erected on the site of the old church building, and dedi- 
cated in November of the same year. During Mr. Salter's 
ministry here thirteen persons were received into the church, 
two on profession, the remaining ones by letter. Mr. Salter 
closed his labors with the church April 1, 1858. Mr. Salter 
was an enthusiastic advocate of temperance, and early in his 
ministry here urged the adoption of the temperance pledge 
by the church, which was readily accepted. All persons 
thereafter, during his stay with the people, propounded or 
examined for admission to the church were required, before 
admission, to sign the pledge. 

After the close of Mr. Salter's labors here the pulpit was 
supplied by Rev. Thomas L. Shipman, Rev. Frederick Graves, 
and Rev. Joseph Hurlburt, each occupying about six months. 
In Sept., 1859, Rev. Hiram C. Haydn, a young, enthusiastic 
man, a late graduate of Amherst College of the class of '57,- 
received their unanimous invitation to become acting pastor. 
The invitation was accepted and he at once entered upon his 
duties. The church had at that time become somewhat 



662 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

divided and thereby weakened. He entered heartily into the 
work of uniting and building up the church, which labors were 
blessed and the church was again in a prosperous condition. 
Through his efforts the church building was painted outside 
and inside, and a bell hung in the belfry. Mr. Haydn was 
a faithful and effective preacher, gaining the confidence and 
love of his hearers. He closed his labors here in April, 1861, 
much respected and loved by the people. 

Rev. Robert Bayard Snowden, another young man, fol- 
lowed Mr. Haydn, and commenced his labors as acting pastor 
in April, 1861. He continued his labors here two years, 
and left for another field of labor. He was succeeded by 
Rev. Walter R. Long, who faithfully served the church for 
two years more, and was succeeded by Rev. William E. Dickin- 
son, who labored with much earnestness for two years, closing 
his labors in October, 1867. During his ministry here a 
new parsonage was built, and he was the first minister to 

occupy it. 

CHESTERFIELD. 

The General Assembly, at its session at New Haven, Jan. 
5, 1769, upon the memorial of Jonathan Latimer, Jr., and 
others, inhabitants of New London and Lyme, constituted an 
ecclesiastical society within the bounds described in the me- 
morial to be called by the name of Chesterfield. The bound- 
aries of the society commenced " at a birch tree standing in 
a cluster of round high rocks on Rogers Mountain, so-called, 
in New London first society, then west twenty degrees and 
one-half south, six hundred and sixty rods to a heap of stones, 
then west ten degrees north five hundred and ten rods to a 
heap of stones on a hill of rocks, then west thirty-six degrees 
and one-half south two hundred rods, then west forty degrees 
south, one hundred and fifty rods to Thomas Beckwith's well 
a little southeast from his dwelling house; then west fifteen 
degrees and one-half north three hundred and fifty rods to a 
heap of stones, then west five degrees north three hundred rods 
to four mile river, then the same course two hundred and 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 663 

eight rods, then north, some degrees west six hundred and 
thirty rods to a black oak tree in the highway, one hundred 
and twenty rods north of Oapt. Matthew Doit's south west- 
corner, then north about eight degrees east twelve hundred 
rods to a heap of stones, four rods northwest from ye northwest 
corner of John Mumford, Jr. dwelling house, then east nine 
degrees north four hundred and forty rods, then east eight 
degrees south nine hundred and forty-five rods to New London 
town line, then south by said town line one hundred and 
twenty rods to a large heap of stones, the southwest corner of 
George Dolbeare's land an ancient bound of the town of ISTew 
London, then easterly in the ancient line of ISTew London that 
runs from the last mentioned heap of stones that runs to the 
white rock at Norwich river, being the south line of said Dol- 
beare's land, viz:, so far eastward in said line till it inter- 
sects a straight line drawn from a large white oak tree and 
stones about it standing near the head of a swamp in said 
Dolbeare's land, then south about thirty-seven degrees east 
to the first mentioned bound, excluding the families, estates 
and lands of Mr. Robert Douglass, Thomas Douglass and 
Seth Lee." 

At a society meeting held at John Moore's house in Lyme, 
in the society of Chesterfield, Feb. 2, 1769, Joseph Prentis 
was chosen moderator, John Douglass clerk, John Moore, 
Joseph May, and Jesse Beckwith, committee, Mr. James 
Beckwith was their first minister. He commenced his labors 
in October, 1768, and continued to serve as their minister 
until 1772, being hired from year to year at a salary of eighty 
pounds a year, and to receive in payment for his salary wheat 
at three shillings per bushel; corn and rye at three shillings 
per bushel, when merchantable; pork at three pence; and beef 
at two pence per pound. At a meeting of the society, held at 
the house of Joseph Way, Nov. 20, 1760, it was voted '« to 
find the center of the society," having at a previous meeting 
voted " to build a meeting house in the center of the society." 
The county was to be employed to find the center. It was not 



6(34 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

until July, 1772, that a site was agreed upon. Application 
had been made to the county court to establish a site. The 
site established by the county court was accepted by the society 
and a meeting-house erected on the hill south of Jonathan 
Latimer's house, and is where the present cemetery now 
stands. The first society meeting held in the new meeting- 
house was on the 17th day of August, 1773, at which time 
it was voted " to give Mr. Avery a call to preach two months 
on probation." On the 22d day of March, 1775, Mr. Avery 
was ordained as their minister. Rev. Mr. Jewett, Rev. Mr. 
Hart, Rev. Mr. Judson, Rev. Mr. Iveeney, and Rev. Mr. 
Johnson were selected by the society to be the ordaining coun- 
cil. It appears that before a year had elapsed Mr. Avery 
desired to be released from his engagement to settle as their 
minister, but the society refused to release him. Soon after, 
in May, 1770, the society again called a meeting to consider 
the matter, and agreed " to have a council of ministers for 
advice." The ministers selected were Rev. Mr. Jewett, Rev. 
Mr. Judson, Rev. Mr. Johnson, and Rev. Mr. Troop. The 
council met at Major Latimer's June 25, 1776. What the 
advice of the council was at this time does not appear, but at 
a subsequent meeting of the society it was voted " to release 
Mr. Avery from all contracts with them relative to his settling 
as their pastor." From this time the society seemed to lose 
all interest in church matters, and for two years previous to 
1780 the society were without officers. 

" In February, 1780, application was made to Abraham 
Chapman, a. justice of the peace in Lyme, for authority to 
warn a society meeting. Authority being given, a meeting 
was called soon after and officers chosen. Some of the old 
spirit for religious worship was again revived. Meetings 
in the church were regularly held on the Sabbath for several 
years. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to settle a 
minister, but probably owing to differences among the mem- 
bers of the church and society, and an accumulated debt upon 
the society, they could not agree to settle a minister. About 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 665 

this time several members of the church joined the Separatists, 
who held meetings in that vicinity. Meetings were, how- 
ever, kept up in the church, the pulpit being supplied by a 
succession of ministers until 1824. During the last years 
of the existence of this Congregational Church the services 
were principally conducted by the Baptist denomination. 

In the year 1824 the old meeting-house was taken down, 
and a new one erected on a site given by Nathan Latimer, 
situate about one-half a mile north of the spot where the first 
house was built. Another attempt was made to reorganize 
and revive the church and society. Kev. Nathaniel Miner 
received a call to settle as pastor. The call was accepted and 
Mr. Miner was ordained pastor in 1826. The members of 
the church at this time were few and widely scattered. At 
the end of about five years it was completely overshadowed 
by a Baptist church that rose and flourished by its side. This 
Baptist church, since its organization, has continued to prosper 
until the present time. It was organized in 1824 with thirty 
members, a house of worship was erected, and Elder Simeon 
Beckwith was their first minister. He was succeeded by 
Elder Oliver Wilson, who commenced his labors April 1, 
1825, and continued a faithful and respected pastor of the 
church until some time in 1832. Many, during his ministry, 
were baptized and united with the church. During the last 
years of his labors difficulties arose between him and his 
parishioners which resulted not only in his dismissal, but also 
in his exclusion from the church. Elder K E. Shailer was 
his successor, and an acceptable preacher for two years, when 
Elder Jonathan Miner succeeded him and continued his labors 
two years more. In 1847 Kev. Charles H. Gates was ordained 
pastor of the church, and continued his relations as such pastor 
till 1850, when he was dismissed. From 1850 to 1875 a suc- 
cession of ministers were employed from year to year. Dur- 
ing the year 1875 a number of its members withdrew and 
formed a Methodist church ; a house of worship was erected 
near the Baptist church edifice. At this date, 1884, two 



QQQ HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

societies are endeavoring to sustain the gospel in the old 
Chesterfield society, with but few members in each. Rev. 
George H. Lester was acting pastor of the Baptist church 
from 1875 to 1881. He was an earnest and faithful minister, 
greatly respected, not only in his own church, but by the 
neighboring parishes. 

A small society of Separatists were gathered in the south- 
east part of Worth Parish about the year 1747. They called 
themselves " New Lights." Many were attracted to them 
on account of the zeal manifested in their worship. These 
Separatists were first under the leadership of one Dyer Hyde, 
a New Light preacher. Mr. Hyde was successful in drawing 
away from the Congregational churches many members. In 
May, 1750, Joshua Morse, a resident of the North Parish, 
was ordained their elder. About this time they erected a 
meeting-house on the site where the old Palmer meeting- 
house afterwards stood. This society of Separatists, or Bap- 
tists, kept together about thirty years. Though they called 
themselves Baptists, they held to open communion. Elder 
Morse removed, in 1779, to Sandisfield, Mass., and the 
church, which he had so long kept together, soon became ex- 
tinct. From the remnant of the Morse church originated 
the Palmer Baptist church. A few years previous to the 
organization of the Palmer church a band had gathered, and 
Elder Christopher Palmer and Elder Abel Palmer of Col- 
chester held occasional services in the old Morse meeting- 
house. On the 22d day of February, 1788, a church was 
organized by Elder Christopher and Abel Palmer, by giving 
to those persons whose names had been signed to a covenant, 
the right hand of fellowship. Soon after the church was 
organized Elder Reuben Palmer was called to be their minis- 
ter. Mr. Palmer had been ordained to the ministry in Ston- 
ington, Conn., where he had resided until his removal to 
Montville in 1788. He was not installed their pastor until 
several years afterwards. In November, 1798, a council 
was called for the purpose of installing him. The council 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 667 

('..nvoned on the 25th day of December, 1798, and publicly 
installed him as pastor of the church. The sermon was 
preached by Elder Asa Wilcox. Elder Zadoc Darrow gave 
the charge to the pastor and Elder Wilcox the right hand of 
fellowship. Deacon Oliver Comstock offered the first prayer 
and Deacon Jehial Rogers the concluding prayer. 

Elder Reuben Palmer continued pastor of this church 
until his death, April 22, 1822. His ministry was continued 
with much success, several hundred being baptized under his 
ministry. 

During his connection with this church his son Reuben 
Palmer, Jr., was converted, and, after his father's death, was 
ordained to the work of the ministry, and conducted the 
affairs of the church, of which his father was so long connected, 
for a few years. The church soon began to decline, and was 
irregularly supplied until 1831, when it was dropped from the 
Baptist Association, and the body was considered extinct. It, 
however, struggled on "till the 6th day of January, 1812, 
when, by a vote of the few remaining members, the church 
organization was dissolved, and the body, now known as the 
Union Baptist Church, was formed. A new house of worship 
was built, and, on the 4th day of October, 1812, it was dedi- 
cated, the site for the new church being purchased of Calvin 
Bolles. This house was occupied by the Union Baptist 
( hurch of Montville until 1867, when it was abandoned and 
sold. A larger and more elaborate structure was erected on a 
more eligible site, it being their present place of worship. 

Elder Levi Meach was instrumental in the reorganization 
of the old Palmer Baptist < 'hnivh, and became its first pastor. 
A powerful revival was experienced in the winter of 1811-2. 
Many of the old church members were awakened and united 
in the work; quite a number of young people were converted, 
baptized, and united with the new church. Rev. X. T. Allen 
succeeded Elder Meach, and was ordained pastor Aug. 12, 
1846. He continued his pastoral relations with the church 
until 1848, when Elder Allen Darrow was engaged as their 



653 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

pastor. After Elder Darrow removed from the place the 
church had a succession of ministers until 1876, when Eev. 
C. II. Hickock was engaged as acting pastor. During his 
ministry the church built a parsonage, and after a ministry of 
about two years, Eev. Mr. Hickock resigned, and Kev. J. J. 
Bronson was engaged, and continued to serve the church about 
two years more. In the spring of 1880 Eev. Warren 1ST. 
Walden became acting pastor. Under his faithful and effi- 
cient labors the church has continued united, and has been 
greatly prospered. 

MOHEGAN CHURCH AND SOCIETY. 

From the period of the first settlement of the English 
in the Mohegan territory great interest has been manifested 
by the white people in the moral and intellectual condition of 
the natives of the soil. When first known by the English 
these native settlers were sunk in darkness, ignorance, and 
stupidity. 

Eev. James Fitch appears to have been the first to be 
touched with pity for their condition, and spared no pains 
to alleviate it, both as to their spiritual and temporal plight. 
From the time when the Colonial Assembly requested Eev. 
Mr. Fitch to teach Uncas and his family Christianity to the 
present time, philanthropists have been raised up who have 
made the Mohegan tribe their special care. And from the 
first, though but little impression could be made upon the 
native chief by his friend, Eev. Mr. Fitch, yet many of the 
common people have listened with attention, and many of 
the tribe have given evidence of conversion. Miss Sarah 
Huntington, whose memoirs have made her name widely 
known as a benefactor to her race, living at ]STorwich, and 
being within a few miles of the Mohegans, became, about 
the year 1827, strongly interested in the moral and physical 
condition of the tribe, and set herself to work to lift them 
from their depth of ignorance and degradation, into which 
they had fallen during the quarter of a century of past neglect. 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 669 

This interest was shared by another female of similar spirit. 
Miss Sarah Breed of the same place. By the summer of 1830 
two Christian ladies had established a Sabbath-school at 
Mohegan for the purpose of teaching the Indian children. 
They taught by turn, walking for that purpose from their 
homes in Norwich, a distance of four or five miles. The 
school was opened at. the Samson Occum house, then occupied 
by his relative. In a few months after the opening of the 
school Miss Breed resigned her post as teacher and was suc- 
ceeded by Miss Elizabeth Baymond of Montville. A daily 
school was about this time established at the farm house on 
Fort Hill farm. This school was taught by Miss Huntington 
and Miss Baymond by alternate weeks, both remaining at 
Mohegan on the Sabbath so as to assist each other in conduct- 
ing the religious exercises of the day. Eighteen or twenty 
scholars, three or four of them adults, usually attended the 
• lav school, and the females of the tribe, beside being instructed 
in reading, writing, and arithmetic, were taught millinery, 
dressmaking, and tailoring. These worthy ladies were not 
contented with these personal efforts at teaching, but exerted 
themselves to obtain such assistance as should secure to the 
natives steady and public religious services. In this they were 
assisted by Joseph Williams, Esq., of Norwich, and by other 
benevolent individuals of that city. A plan was set on foot 
to build a chapel for the Indians, and hire a missionary who 
should settle permanently among them. Subscription lists 
were circulated and several hundred dollars were collected. 
Efforts were also made to interest the American Board for 
Foreign Missions, the government of the state of Connecti- 
cut, and the general government at Washington in their behalf. 
Miss Huntington drew up a petition and laid it before the 
Legislature of Connecticut. She also wrote a letter to Jere- 
miah Evarts, corresponding secretary of the American Board. 
The petition to the Legislature of Connecticut contained a 
large number of signatures, but neither the petition nor the 
letter met a favorable reception, and no aid or appropriation 



670 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

was obtained. Failing in these directions, two applications 
by Mr. Williams and one by Miss Huntington were made to 
the Secretary of War, to whose department the superintend- 
ence of the Indian affairs then belonged. These urgent ap- 
peals were more successful, and from the " fund for promot- 
ing the civilization of the Indians," five hundred dollars were 
appropriated for the erection of buildings at Mohegan for 
school purposes, and an equal amount annually for the support 
of a teacher. The five hundred dollars appropriated for 
buildings was expended in building a house for the teacher; 
the expense in the erection of the chapel was defrayed by 
private subscriptions obtained principally in Norwich. 

The land on which the chapel was built was given by two 
Mohegan females, Cynthia Hascott and Lucy Tee Comwas. 
One hundred dollars annually was contributed by the Home 
Missionary Society, and this sum, with the appropriation by the 
general government, was sufficient to hire a capable teacher. 
In the spring or summer of 1831 the chapel was finished, and 
not long after the services of Rev. Anson Gleason were ob- 
tained, and he settled among them as pastor of the church 
gathered there of Indians and whites. The lot on which the 
chapel was erected was situated on the east side of the old 
turnpike road from Norwich to New London, and nearly op- 
posite the old Indian fort on Fort Hill. The lot is square, 
being eight rods in length on each side. The donors conveyed 
it by deed to the Mohegan tribe of Indians, and with the land 
the right of way to the aforesaid turnpike. The Indians 
expressed surprise that the whites should pay any attention 
to their wants after having so long neglected them, and were 
suspicious that their present conduct was prompted entirely 
by some selfish and pecuniary motive. 

At one time a number of evil-disposed persons among 
them succeeded in somewhat diminishing the little congrega- 
tion, gathered from Sabbath to Sabbath at the chapel, by 
circulating a report that the expenses of their religious meet- 
ings were defrayed out of the rents of their lands. But this 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 671 

notion was soon exploded and the confidence of the Indians 
restored. The older members of the congregation would 
often talk of "the good meetings and beautiful singing" 
which they had enjoyed many years before, referring, prob- 
ably to the time when, fifty years previous, Samson Occum 
and Joseph Johnson had preached here among their own 
people. Many of the children showed acute and eager minds. 
Several of the Indian youths exhibited good talents for sing- 
ing, and their clear and fine voices were turned to good ac- 
count. During the first two or three years of Mr. Grleason's 
missionary work among them much religious interest was 
manifest, and several conversions occurred. Down to the 
year 1845, sums from four hundred to five hundred dollar- 
were annually granted to the Mohegan church out of the 
civilization fund, established by the general government. It 
was at this time concluded either that a society numbering 
so large a proportion of whites should do more to support 
itself, or that four hundred dollars was too large an appro- 
priation for a community so small and so uninfluential as the 
Mohegans. It was, therefore, reduced to one hundred dol- 
lars. The effect of such action was such that Mr. Gleason, 
finding the means inadequate for his support, the white mem- 
bers contributing but a small amount in addition, was obliged 
to remove to another field of labor. During Mr. Gleason's 
labors among the Mohegans a temperance society was formed, 
and several, much given to dissipation, were reclaimed, and 
many others were induced to sign the pledge and forsake their 
cup, and some had even become members of the church and 
afterwards officers in the church and society. Sunday-school 
and the ordinary services on the Sabbath were regularly kept 
up; some of the native members of the church sustained a 
high Christian character and would have been ornaments to 
anv church. Several of the Indian youth having fine musical 
talents, with trained voices, became highly distinguished as 
singers in the church choir. Miss Maria Morgan proved a 
very efficient teacher under the superintendence of Mr. Glea- 



g72 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

son during a pprtion of his charge. Miss Susan Tracy was 
very frequently a visitor in Mr. Gleason's family, often render- 
ing valuable sendees in the Sunday-school. Rev. Anson 
Gleason was one of a family of eleven children of Moses and 
Tryphena Gleason, and was born at Manchester, Conn., May 
2, 1797. He spent his early youth on a farm of his grand- 
father, and attended the common school until his fifteenth 
year, when he went to learn the trade of carpenter of one 
Joseph Smith at Coventry, Conn. In the year 1819, while 
working at his trade at Hartford, he became interested in the 
subject of religion, and making a public profession of faith, 
joined the First Congregational Church in Hartford, Conn. 
On January 19, 1823, Mr. Gleason mounted a horse in Hart- 
ford for the journey to "the state of Mississippi as a mission- 
ary to the Indians on the Choctaw reservation in northern 
Mississippi. He reached his destination in April of the same 
year. He entered very heartily into the work of instructing 
the Indian children there. He won the confidence of the 
Indians by his singing, which was very effective. He soon 
learned their language and was able to sing with the natives. 
During the second year of his labors among the Choctaws 
he was granted a short furlough and returned to Connecticut, 
where he was united in marriage to Bethia W. Tracy, daugh- 
ter of Eleazar Tracy. In the summer of 1826 Mr. and Mrs. 
Gleason returned to the field of his former labors, reaching 
there in the following winter. After remaining among the 
Choctaws and Chickasaws about five years more, he was, by the 
American Board, transferred to the Mohegan Mission. He 
had eight children, of whom five are now living (1885), three 
.laughters and two sons. Andrew "W. Gleason is a well- 
known lawyer in New York, and Alfred W. Gleason is a resi- 
dent of Toledo, Ohio. Rev. Anson Gleason died at Brooklyn, 
New York, on the 14th day of ,1885, and his remains 

brought to Norwich and buried in the Yantic cemetery. 

After Mr. Gleason's removal from Mohegan the services 
of Rev. De Witt Clinton Sterry were obtained through the 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 673 

influence of Mrs. William P. Green of Norwich. His labors 
there were greatly appreciated by the people, but after about a 
year's labor among the people, his health failing, he was 
obliged to abandon the field. In 1851, during a vacancy in 
the pastorate, General "William Williams of Norwich, became 
responsible for the maintenance of the usual Sabbath services, 
either by his own efforts or by whatever clergyman he could 
induce to assist him. For seventeen years General Williams 
continued his faithful labors to sustain and build up the 
church. By his personal efforts and generous contributions 
he provided for all the religious services that were held 
through that period. The people of Mohegan will remember 
the faithful devotion of General Williams to their spiritual 
interests, and often speak of him with much affection and 
venerate him as their much cherished and true friend. Mr. 
Thomas Kinne, at different periods, freely gave his services, 
both in the pulpit and in the Sunday-school in conference 
with General Williams. 

Rev. William Palmer of Norwich, a Baptist clergyman, 
served the church about two years, often administering the 
sacrament of the Lord's Supper. He would sometimes make 
the pleasant remark that " he found the fellowship of the 
gospel too sweet, and loved all God's people too well, even 
to withhold an invitation from any of them when the Supper 
was set." Oliver Brown, a young Congregational minister, 
was also employed through General Williams, for the period 
of a year or more about 1854. In 1856 Rev. Hiram Haydn, 
then a young minister, and during his vacation in the semi- 
nary, was introduced by General Williams and supplied the 
pulpit. He was highly esteemed as a zealous and effective 
preacher. Rev. John W. Salter, after the close of his ser- 
vices as acting pastor of the First Congregational Church in 
Montville, in the summer of 1857, supplied the pulpit for 
six months. Rev. Robert McEwen of New London supplied 
for a short time, and also did Rev. Joseph Hurlburt of New 
London, laboring faithfully in all matters of moral reform. 
43 



g74 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Rev. M. Tilden, a Baptist, deserves mention as being one who 
labored there with acceptance. 

Rev. Mr. Saxton was employed some two years and was 
succeeded by Rev. Mr. Muzzy, who lived among them and 
whose labors were successful in uniting and building up the 
church. His labors closed in July, 1873. Soon after the 
close of his ministry the church building was repaired and 
improvements made both inside and outside at a cost of about 
two thousand dollars. After the repairs were completed 
the services of Rev. H. Tarbush, a resident of Norwich, were 
engaged. He was a local elder of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and continued the supply of the pulpit very accepta- 
bly until his death, about 1891. General William Williams, 
by his last will, bequeathed to Henry R. Bond, Esq., of New 
London, the sum of five hundred dollars in trust for the benefit 
of the Mohegan tribe of Indians, the income to be applied 
for the support of the gospel at Mohegan. Another gift was 
made by Miss Sarah L. Huntington in 1833, of one hundred 
and eighty-three dollars and twenty-four cents, which she 
deposited in the Norwich Savings Society in trust for the 
Mohegan Indians. This sum had remained on interest in the 
bank until January 1, 1871, when the principal had risen 
to nine hundred and eight dollars and eighty-six cents. The 
income of both of these gifts are now applied to the support 
of the gospel at Mohegan. For more than a quarter of a 
century the members of the Mohegan church and congregation 
have held annual festivals in an enclosure made in front of 
their chapel, fenced with white birch saplings to a height of 
about ten feet, with a roof over the whole surface, covered 
with the same material woven ingeniously together, forming 
an unique and romantic structure. In this " Wigwam," as 
it is called, they have on sale various Indian trinkets, such as 
baskets, wooden spoons, bows and arrows, and various other 
articles of their own make. Fancy articles are also sold at 
such times. Bedquilts, patchwork, and embroidered linen, 
done with their own hands, make up the show. Various 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 675 

styles of eatables are also furnished the patrons, including 
that famous Indian dish, " succotash " and " yokeage." The 
avails of this annual festival amount to about one hundred 
and fifty dollars, which is applied to the support of the minis- 
try and necessary expenses of the church. This festival is 
annually held in the month of September, and lasts from two 
to three days. It is patronized by some of the best citizens 
of Norwich, New London, and adjacent congregations. Citi- 
zenship was conferred upon the members of the Mohegan 
tribe of Indians by an act of the General Assembly at its May 
session in 1872, which gave them a title to their lands 
with all the privileges possessed .by the white citizen. The 
remnant of the once-famous tribe of Mohegan Indians, of 
whom Uncas was their great Sachem, have at last come to a 
period in their long history of nearly three hundred years, 
when they are no longer subjects of a sachem, or wards under 
an overseer, or guardianship of the state, but are the actual 
owners of the soil which they improve and upon which they 
build their houses. 

Their advance in civilization and morals has been identi- 
cal with that of the growth and prosperity of the town. 
Civilization and Christianity has gradually shorn the un- 
tutored savage of his native habits and customs, and washed his 
soul from the foul and dingy stains of crime and debauchery. 

The Methodists have three churches and societies within 
the boundary line of the township, one at the village of 
Uncasville, one at Gardnertown, and the other at Chesterfield, 
the one at Uncasville being the oldest; and the first fruits of 
Methodism in that vicinity was Miss Betsey Rogers, after- 
wards the wife of Rev. David IST. Bentley. She was the 
daughter of James Rogers, and became a believer in Jesus 
Christ through the earnest labors of Rev. Nathan Emory in 
1805 in this vicinity. It was not, however, until about the 
year 1817, that regular meetings were held in the vicinity 
of the present village of Uncasville. At that time the house 
of Mr. Charles McNeil was opened for occasional meetings. 



676 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Mr. McNeil, having become converted about that time, be- 
came a faithful and devoted Christian. He died at Uncas- 
ville on the 26th day of January, 1862, at the ripe age of 92 
years, having fought the fight and finished the race, received 
the crown of righteousness. In 1819 Rev. J. 1ST. Moffitt 
preached at Mohegan and Trading Cove for a season, at which 
time a great religious awakening was prevalent in that 
vicinity and its influence extended throughout the town. 
John Tuttle, then residing in Mohegan, his mother and seven 
brothers and sisters, were brought to Christ in this revival, 
besides many others. During the year 1820 and 1821 Rev. 
Lewis Bates baptized five or six persons in the cove near Un- 
casville, and several more at Massapeag. Lucy Smith and 
Thomas Rogers were among the members that united with 
the church during the two years. Mr. Bates probably formed 
the first class at Massapeag. In 1823 and 1824 there was a 
general work of grace along the west bank of the river Thames, 
extending from Uncasville to Trading Cove, and many united 
with the infant church. In 1825 the first class was formed 
at Uncasville. Elias Marble and Reuben Ransom were the 
preachers in the circuit during the last three years, and held 
stated meetings at Uncasville. In the year 1826 C. D. Rogers 
and Elias Marble were the appointed preachers. In 1827 
Amasa Taylor and N. C. Spaulding were the preachers, alter- 
nating between Uncasville, Gales Ferry, and Grardnertown. 
Some time in the year 1829 Mr. Amos Comstock invited Mr. 
Ransom to preach in his shop. This shop had been used for 
spinning and weaving by hand power. It was located on the 
west side of the turnpike road near the toll-gate, and after- 
wards became the property of Mr. Robert Comstock. It is 
now used as a dwelling. For several years after meetings 
were regularly held in this shop, which had been fitted up for 
the convenience of worship. 

It was about this time that the first Sunday-school was 
organized, and Asahel Otis was appointed its leader. Among 
the persons who joined the class that year was Peter S. Smith, 




METHODIST CHURCH, UXCASVILLE. 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 677 

who afterwards became a class-leader, an earnest, faithful, and 
devoted Christian; Harriet Cornstock, Elisha Baker, and 
Bathsheba Baker, his wife, and Clarissa McNeil. In 1833 
Nathaniel Bradford, an earnest Christian and thorough Metho- 
dist, died suddenly; his funeral sermon was preached by Rev. 
Ralph Hurlburt of Groton, who, a year or two before, had 
preached that of Mr. Bradford's wife. It is said of Mr. Brad- 
ford that " he kept a free hotel for Methodist preachers." 
The first watch-meeting ever held at I T ncasville was in 1834. 
Previous to the meeting of the conference in 1835, arrange- 
ments were made to build a meeting-house at ITncasville, 
and some time in the month of October of that year the house 
was dedicated. Rev. S. B. Hascall of New London preached 
the dedication sermon. The building cost about one thousand 
dollars. Three hundred dollars of this amount remained a 
debt upon the church for eighteen years. In the year 1837 
Rev. Walter Wilkie became the local preacher and resided at 
ITncasville; during the years 1838 and 1839 many were added 
to the church as the fruits of a general revival. In 1840 an 
ecclesiastical society was formed for the purpose of managing 
the financial affairs of the church. This society existed only 
abont four years. During the year 1843 there was another 
revival, and about thirty persons were added to the church. 
After this revival and during the pastorate of several minis- 
ters, nothing of special interest occurred until about 1858, 
when the church edifice was repainted, carpeted, and furnished 
with new lamps and a new stove at an expense of one hundred 
and seventy-two dollars and fifty cents. During the year 
1858 and 1859 there was another revival, Rev. Albert M. 
Allen being the stated preacher. In 1860 Rev. W. E. Shel- 
don was the stationed preacher here and continued only one 
rear. He was followed by Rev. Theophilus B. Gurney, who 
stayed two years and was followed by Rev. L. W. Blood in 
1863. During Mr. Blood's labors sixteen persons united with 
the church, and he was the first preacher whose term was ex- 
tended to three years. In 1866 Rev. H. W. Conant was the 



678 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

local preacher. The great event under his administration 
was the purchasing and paying for a new parsonage by the 
church, at a cost of thirty-three hundred dollars. 

During the three years from 1868 to 1871 Rev. Elisha B. 
Bradford was the stated preacher, and there was an increase 
in the membership of sixteen. Within this term the debt of 
three hundred dollars was paid and the church was freed from 
debt. Rev. Robert Clark was the preacher in charge from 
1871 to 1874, and during his administration the present new 
church edifice was erected and furnished at a cost of twelve 
thousand seven hundred and twelve dollars and eighty-five 
cents ($12,712.85). The funds were raised by voluntary 
subscriptions, and the house dedicated free from debt Feb. 
7, 1872. The old church was converted into horse-sheds 
for the accommodation of the church attendants. During 
the winter of 1872-3 there was a precious revival, and several 
new members were added to the list. From the year 1875 to 
the year 1878 Rev. Frederick A. Crafts was the stationed 
preacher. During his administration very few new members 
were added, and those in the last months of his labors, through 
the effectual labors of Mrs. Clark, the female evangelist. At 
the close of Mr. Crafts' ministry here the church was very 
much divided on account of a disagreement of the stewards 
as to the salary Mr. Crafts was to receive. Rev. Warren A. 
Luce was stationed here in 1878, and continued his labors 
three years with but slight advance. On the 5th day of 
February, 1879, the church lost one of its most active and 
influential members, in the death of Daniel L. Browning, Esq. 
He, with his wife, were long members of this church. He 
was trustee, steward, and Sunday-school teacher, and by his 
cheerfulness of spirit and kindness of heart he endeared him- 
self to all his brethren. He was not a strict sectarian, but 
contributed largely of his means to other denominations than 
his own. By his last will he left a legacy of four thousand 
dollars " to the trustees of the M. E. Church at Uncasville 
in trust, to be put at interest and remain as a fund, the 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 679 

interest to be paid annually and used for the support of the 
preacher of the gospel at Uncasville in all coming time." 
This legacy to the church will be a great help to them while 
the donor is resting in his grave awaiting the resurrection 
and final reward. The following is a list of the preachers 
stationed at Uncasville by the General Conference from the 
organization of the M. E. Church then, in 1835, to the present 
time: 

Ezra Withey, from 1835 to 1836; Ereeman Nutting and 
Walter Wilkie, from 1837 to 1838; Lozine Pierce and Henry 
Tarbush, from 1838 to 1839; Henry Tarbush and John 
Whittlesee, from 1839 to 1840; Erastus Benton, from 1840 
to 1842; Edmund A. Sheldon, from 1842 to 1843; Marvin 
Leffingwell, from 1843 to 1844; Lawton Cady, from 1844 
to 1845; Lyman Leffingwell, from 1845 to 1846; George 
H. Winchester, from 1846 to 1848; Lathrop P. Weaver, 
from 1848 to 1850; John Cooper, from 1850 to 1851; Abel 
Gardner, from 1851 to 1853; George W. Rogers, from 1853 
to 1854; Henry Mayo, from 1854 to 1856; Caleb B. Sanford, 
from 1856 to 1858; Albert A. Allen, from 1858 to 1860; 
William E. Shelden, from 1860 to 1861; Theophelus B. 
Gurney, from 1861 to 1863; L. W. Blood, from 1863 to 1866; 
Henry W. Conent, from 1866 to 1867; Albert F. Park, from 
1867 to 1868; Elisha B. Bradford, from 1868 to 1871; Robert 
Clark, from 1871 to 1874; Josiah T. Benton, from 1874 to 
1875; Frederick B. Crafts, from 1875 to 1878; Warren A. 
Luce, from 1878 to 1881; Charles S. Morse, from 1881 to 
1884; Chas. A. Stenhouse, from 1884 to 1887; John C. 
Go wan, from 1887 to 1889; Robert D. Dyson, from 1889 to 
1892; J. Tragaskis, from 1892 to 1894; Edward J. Ayer, 
from 1894 to 1896; W. F. Davis is the present Pastor, 1896. 



CHAPTER VII. 



STATISTICAL RECORD. 

The beginning of the settlement of a township is an im- 
portant and interesting epoch in the history of a country, and 
its gradual progress is marked by events, a record of which 
is well worthy of being preserved in an available form for all 
those who would pause for a moment in this life's busy and 
bustling journey, and reflect upon those who have gone be- 
fore them and occupied the places and assumed the respon- 
sibilities that are now incumbent on themselves in the highly 
favored places of this earthly abode. What these characters 
were, the influence they acquired and exercised over the 
minds of their contemporaries, the amount of knowledge and 
moral culture they possessed, and the degree of intelligence 
that guided and characterized them in all their pursuits and 
relations in life, what their motives were by which they were 
actuated in forming a new settlement, or in organizing new 
civil compacts, and the objects in the near and distant future, 
that determined their courses and inspired their hopes, the 
many trials they experienced, the dangers they cheerfully 
braved, the obstacles that presented themselves in various 
forms, the opposition they had to encounter, the hardships 
and privations they nobly endured, the energy, perseverance, 
and courage with which they at length overcame all untoward 
circumstances, and the full measure of success that ultimately 
crowned their universal efforts. Tin 1 voluntary associating 
together of a body of men of the highest respectability, and 
of the first families from different parts of the land, in the 
planting of a township, is a guaranty that something of great 
public benefit, something enduring and far reaching, some- 



STATISTICAL RECORDS. 681 

thing of high national importance and permanent utility is 
contemplated. 

There is something extremely narrow minded, unnatural, 
and ungrateful in us of the present generation, who feel no 
interest in the shining lives and noble acts of our ancestors, 
through whose agency, amid danger and vicissitudes, all of 
our present high and invaluable rights and privileges as cit- 
izens of a free republic were composed and established on 
the broad base of freedom. Our ancestors were instrumen- 
tal in laying broad, and deep, and firm foundations of our 
cherished institutions, and the whole enviable fabric, reli- 
gious, social, political, and educational, which we, their de- 
scendants, to-day possess and enjoy and under the benign in- 
fluence of which institutions many others scattered through 
other towns and states, who are descendants of our ances- 
tors, also enjoy and highly esteem. 

Shall the names, deeds, and memories of our forefathers, 
the noble and illustrious founders of this township, whose de- 
scendants we are, be forgotten, and suffered to be lost among 
the rubbish of the past. They were truly deserving of much 
at the hands of their descendants, for their lives were of as 
much importance as the lives of kings and presidents, their 
history is absorbed and marked with events of as much con- 
sequence, although it may not appear as significant, and the 
history of the township with which their history is identified 
is as interesting as the history of kingdoms and states. 

In such a history as is contemplated in the succeeding 
pages, it is fitly a matter to consider how largely are we in- 
debted to our worthy progenitors for the inheritance which 
has been passed down from generation to generation until 
to-day we hold it in full and free possession. 

This inheritance, rendered so attractive by the marks of 
< ultivation, our schoolhouses, meeting-houses, public libra- 
ries, and academies, all of these inestimable privileges, rich 
blessings, that so highly exalt us as "a people and community, 
are the results of the wisdom, courage, perseverance, and vir- 



682 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

tue of our fathers, who, in the dawn of learning and civiliza- 
tion in this new country, were the chosen agents for the es- 
tablishment and dissemination of those elements. 

The town of Montville was incorporated into and consti- 
tuted a distinct and separate town by an Act of the General 
Assembly, held at New Haven October 12, 1786. The first 
town meeting was hold in the meeting-house in the North 
Parish of New London on Monday, the 13th day of Novem- 
ber of the same year. 

Joshua Raymond, Esq., was chosen moderator of the 
meeting, and John Raymond, clerk. At which meeting 
Nathaniel Comstock, Asa Worthington, Stephen Billings, 
Joseph Davis, and Peter Comstock were chosen selectmen, 
and John G. Hillhouse, treasurer. 

Probably on account of some informality in the first meet- 
ing, a subsequent meeting was warned and held on the 19th 
day of December following. At which meeting Asa Worth- 
ington was chosen moderator, and John Raymond, Jr., clerk. 
James Haughton, Jason Allen, Jabez Rogers, Mathew Turner, 
and Joseph Bradford were chosen selectmen, and John G. 
Hillhouse, treasurer. 

A tax of two pence on a pound was laid on the grand list 
of the town for 1786, to defray the expenses of the town for 
the ensuing year. The collector was required to procure 
bonds to the acceptance of the selectmen. The selectmen 
were not to receive any compensation either for their time 
or expense. It appears to have been the custom for many 
years after the organization of the town for the town officers 
not to receive any pay for their services while in office 
and doing business for the town. Our forefathers seem to 
have been trained to consider their services as belonging to 
their country, not only in its defence, but in its growth and 
progress. The honor of the office was not the chief end to 
be obtained; they appear to have vied with others, not for 
fame, but for the accomplishment of the greatest good in the 
community in which they lived in advancing the public inter- 
est. 



STATISTICAL RECORDS. 



683 



A very great change since those times has come over the 
people in the matter of compensation for ministerial and judi- 
cial services. Both the honor attached to the office and the 
emoluments connected with the same are the chief objects to 
be obtained and contended for. At the present time no official 
act in the administration of the affairs of this town in gratui- 
tous ; every office within the gift of the citizens is compensated, 
no matter how large or how small its responsibility. 

The following list of persons were residents in the town 
of Montville at the time of its incorporation, Oct. 12, 1786, 
and were admitted to the privileges of freemen in the town 
at its meeting held Nov. 13th of the same year. 



Joshua Raymond, 
John Raymond, 
Nathan Smith, 
James Baker, 
John Crocker, 
Joseph Smith, 
Jonathan Maynard, 
Alpheus Chapman, 
Joseph Bradford, 
Nathaniel Otis, 
Witheral Latimer, 
Asa Manwaring, 
John Gardner, 
Alexander Whaley, 
John Potter, 
John Dolbeare, 
Atwell Chapel, 
Elisha Fox, 
Nathan Allyn, 
Samuel Dolbeare, 
Oliver Comstock, 
John G. Hillhouse, 
Charles Bill, 
Jonathan Whaley, 
Jonathan Austin, 
Joshua Raymond, Jr., 
Jason Allen, 
Samuel Pox, 



Thomas Rogers, Jr., 
Perez Comstock, 
John Maples, 
Jonathan Latimer, 
David H. Jewett, 
Christopher Raymond, 
Nathaniel Comstock, 
Joseph Chester, 
Benjamin Atwell, 2d, 
Thomas Rogers, 
Nathaniel Vibber, 
Joseph B. Austin, 
Clement Bishop, 
Joshua Fargo, 
Jabez Holmes, 
Joseph Chester, Jr., 
Christop'r Raymond, Jr 
Jonathan Hill, 
Jared Comstock, 
David Whaley, 
Jeremiah Wickwire, 
Ebenezer Smith, 
Samuel Bradford, 
Joseph Fitch, 
Perez Bradford, 
Thomas Avery, 
Griswold Latimer, 
Hon. Wm. Hillhouse, 



Gideon Baker, 
George B. Dolbeare, 
Ezekiel Fox, 
Henry Latimer, 
Ebenezer Rogers, 
Jabez Rogers, 
Erastus Worthington, 
Timothy Forsyth, 
George Denison, 
Joseph Bishop, 
Asa Worthington, 
Daniel Worthington, 
Elias Worthington, 
David Gardner, 
Moses Deshon, 
Joshua West, 
..George Latimer, 
Jonathan Latimer, Jr. 
John Forsyth, 
Peter Comstock, 
Ezekiel Chapel, 
Elisha Avery, 
Joseph Fish, 
John Way, 
John Colt, 
Lemuel Minard, 
Richard Chapel. 



684 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 



The following is a copy of the " Abstract " of the list of 
polls and estate as assessed in the town of Montville on the 
20th day of August, 1788. 



209 polls from 21 to 70 years of age at 18 lbs., 
56 polls from 16 to 21 years of age at 9 lbs., 

315 oxen and bulls from 4 years old and upwards, 

694 cows, steers, heifers and bulls, 3 years, 

240 horse kind, 3 years old and upwards, 
37 horse kind, 2 years old and upwards, 
25 horse kind, 1 year old and upwards, 

1,378| acres of plow land, 

3,647i acres upland, mowing and clean pasture, 

359 acres boggy meadow, mown, 
52 acres boggy meadow, not mown, 

290 acres other meadow, 

5,933 acres bush pasture, 

575 acres uninclosed land, 1st rate, 

3,435 acres uninclosed land, 2d rate, . 

4,195 acres uninclosed land, 3d rate, . 

22^ tens of vessels, 
29 silver watches, at 1 lb., 10 s., 
1 brass wheel clock at 3 lbs., s., . 
5 wood wheel clock at 1 lb., s., . 

156 oz. silver plate at 6 s, 8 d. per oz., at 6$, 
3 fire places, 1st rate at 15/, 
11 fire places, 2d rate at 11/3, 

166 fire places, 3d rate at 7/6, 

240 fire places, 4th rate at 3/9, 

Assessment on trades and business, . 

3573 sheep deducted at 11/2 per head, 



£ s. 


d. 


3,762 





504 9 





945 





1,388 





720 





74 





25 





689 5 





1,459 





89 15 





5 4 





108 15 





593 7 





57 10 





171 15 





104 17 


6 


16 17 





43 10 





3 





5 





3 2 


4 


2 5 





6 3 


9 


62 5 





45 





148 






11,355 12 1 
714 12 

10,641 1 



John Raymond was assessed on 18 oz. of silver. 

Joshua Raymond was assessed on 60 oz. of silver. 

Christopher Raymond was assessed on 40 oz. of silver. 

William Hillhouse was assessed on 38 oz. of silver. 

Peleg Church owned the greatest number of cattle, being 35 head and six 

horses. 
Jonathan Gilbert owned the second greatest number of cattle. 
Samuel S. Fitch was assessed on the greatest number of fire places. 
Ezekiel Fox was the only person assessed on fire places at the first rate, he 

having three. 
Nathan Otis owned the only brass wheel clock. 



STATISTICAL RECORDS. 



685 



Joseph Chester was assessed for 535 acres of land. 



John Dolbeare, 


473 


Elijah Ransom, 


450 


George Dolbeare, 


400 


Mathew Turner, 


360 


John G. Hillhouse, " 


350 



Jonathan Gilbert owned the greatest number of sheep, being 300. 

Peleg Church owned 150 sheep and Joseph Chester owned 100 sheep. 

John G. Hillhouse was assessed on the greatest amount of property, being 
£128. 

Joshua Raymond was assessed for £116 

Joseph Fitch " 113 

Joseph Chester " 113 

John Dolbeare ' ' 109 

In 1790 the amount of property assessed was, . . $40,453.00 

" 1800 " " "... 45,911.81 

<« 1810* " " "... 43,153.00 

" 1820+ " " "... 23,596.00 

" 1830 " " "... 515,559 75 

« 1840 " " "... 564,961.00 

» 1850 " " " • • 777.326.00 

" i860 " " "... 1,057,623.00 

" 1870 " " " . ■ . 1,226,760.00 

<< 1880 " " " • 1,068,645.00 

" 1890 " " " . 1,057,880.00 

Between the years 1820 and 1830 the manufacturing 
interest in the town began to be developed and increased the 
grand list nearly $500,000. A few persons began to invest 
in bank stock, and money at interest had increased a consider- 
able in 1830; after that date up to 1850 the increase was very 
great. 

The first bank stock assessed to any individual in the town 
was to Samuel Hillhouse, the following being the amounts 
of bank stock, amount invested in manufacturing and money 
at interest from 1830 to the present time, as showing the 
increase and decrease, taken from the grand list of the town 
every tenth year: 

* Waterford was incorporated a town in 1801, taking a portion of the southeast part 
of Montville. 

t Salem was incorporated a town in 1819, a portion being taken from the west part of 
Montville. 



686 



HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 





Bank Stock. 


Manufacturing. 


Money at Interest 


In 1830 


$600 


$42,700 


$6,700 


" 1840 


7,875 


60,500 


30,205 


" 1850 


25,867 


70,467 


77,461 


" 1860 


64,728 


195,525 


66,330 


" 1870 


151,197 


256,550 


64,262 


" 1880 


103,566 


297,800 


18,495 


" 1884 


38,435 


294,100 


18,789 


" 1895 


37,980 


288,425 


5,847 



A summary of the town treasurer's account from the year 
1800 to 1890, inclusive: 





Amount 


Amount 




Amount 


Amount 


Date. 


Received. 


Paid Out. 


Date. 


Received. 


Paid Out. 


1800 


$605.10 


$617.75 


1876 


$20,853.69 


$15,531.75 


1810 


837.93 


837.93 


< i Town 
bonds 


, 30,496.00 


32. 30,496.00 


1820 


1,515.82 


1,429.38 


1877 


15,708.52 


18,301.25 


1830 


1,192.96 


1,232.25 


1878 


21,101.61 


19,650.32 


1840 


1,620.50 


1,696.90 


1879 


19,537.11 


18,605.76 


1850 


1,727.08 


1,697.78 


1880 


19,995.75 


23,158.69 


1860 


3,773.43 


3,801.03 


1881 


18,033.03 


20,287.30 


1861 


3,020.80 


3,014.04 


1882 


25,000.98 


24,039.04 


1862 


4,937.92 


4,939.50 


1883 


22,408.32 


20,255.62 


1863 


10,173.19 


9,817.26 


1884 


42,355.91 


40,914.99 


1864 


10,827.69 


10,670.65 


1885 


17,717.51 


18,435.55 


1865 


14,680.40 


17,628.87 


1886 


21,654.11 


20,576.07 


1866 


14,765.37 


15,606.50 


1887 


24,811.04 


25,230.49 


1867 


12,822.46 


12,818.65 


1888 


20,231.30 


24,584.35 


1868 


12,251.23 


12,782.76 


1889 


23,924.10 


24,006.09 


1869 


17,735.45 


17,489.55 


1890 


26,307.91 


26,443.53 


1870 


17,007.57 


17,007.78 


1891 


21,469.21 


21,749.29 


1871 


18,105.34 


18,027.10 


1892 


22,936.99 


22,100.65 


1872 


19,177.97 


19,181.66 


1893 


22,367.75 


22,521.09 


1873 


20,867.22 


20,546.87 


1894 


22,521.09 


19,603.09 


1874 


30,660.87 


30,449.29 


1895 


25,959.61 


25,337.78 


1875 


19,051.23 


16,880.46 









* Dated Jan. 1, 1876, to run thirty years. Amount, $30,000, held by the New London 
Savings Bank, on interest at 6 per cent., payable semi-annually. 



STATISTICAL RECORDS. 



687 



Amount of 


the 


indebtedness of the town 


computed an- 


nually to September 


the first, since the year 18 


70: 






Amount of 


Tax 


Amt. Taxes 




Amount of 


Tax 


Amt. Taxes 


Date. 


Indebtedness. 


Rate. 


on Rate Bill. 


Date. 


Indebtedness. 


Rate. 


on Rate Bill. 


1871 


$13,239.76 


13 


$16,855.47 


1884 


$52,777.97 


14 


$14,986.50 


1872 


14,711.39 


10 


12,591.94 


1885 


53,949.87 


16 


16,554.11 


1873 


18,782.76 


12 


11,804.42 


1886 


52,303.91 


16 


16,290.33 


1874 


24,142.16 


10 


14,929.59 


1887 


52,113.59 


16 


15,849.60 


1875 


29,240.18 


13 


15,144.59 


1888 


57,846.08 


16 


17,621.11 


1876 


33,410.46 


12 


13,572.80 


1889 


55,154.72 


16 


17,368.28 


1877 


37,614.39 


12 


12,973.35 


1890 


52,378.42 


16 


16,926.09 


1878 


40,187.92 


12 


13,469.89 


1891 


49,815.53 


16 


17,114.78 


1879 


45,142.79 


12 


13,321.40 


1892 


46,183.07 


16 


16,313.73 


1880 


45,445.36 


12 


13,650.50 


1893 


44,331.54 


16 


16,434.81 


1881 


46,733.23 


15 


16,582.34 


1894 


41,006.75 


16 


16,322.14 


1882 


46,707.48 


10 


11,512.24 


1895 


40,275.68 


16 


15,275.31 


1883 


51,897.31 


14 


15,506.93 











The following list of persons have been elected to repre- 
sent the town in the Legislature of this state from 1787 to 
1896: 



1787 to 1790, 

1790 to 1791, 

1791 to 1792, 

1792 to 1793, 

1793 to 1794, 

1794 to 1795, 

1795 to 1796, 

1796 to 1797, 

1797 to 1800, 

1800 to 1801, 

1801 to 1802, 

1802 to 1803, 

1803 to 1804, 

1804 to 1807, 
1807 to 1813, 
1813 to 1815, 
1815 to 1817, 

1817 to 1818, 

1818 to 1819, 

1819 to 1820, 
1830 to 1821, 

1821 to 1822, 

1822 to 1823, 

1823 to 1826, 
1826 to 1827, 



John G. Hillhouse. 
Joshua Raymond. 
Joseph Chester. 
John G. Hillhouse. 
Joseph Chester. 
Erastus Worthington. 
Mathew Turner. 
John G. Hillhouse. 
Joshua Raymond. 
Adonijah F. Bradford. 
John G. Hillhouse. 
Nathaniel Comstock. 
Daniel Worthington. 
John G. Hillhouse. 
William W.Haughton. 
David Turner. 
William W.Haughton. 
David Turner. 
Oliver Comstock. 
Mumford Dolbeare. 
Stephen G. Thacker. 
Nathaniel Bradford. 
Asahel Otis. 
Sherwood Raymond. 
Thomas Fitch. 



1827 to 1828, 

1828 to 1829, 

1829 to 1830, 

1830 to 1831, 

1831 to 1833, 

1833 to 1834, 

1834 to 1835, 

1835 to 1836, 

1836 to 1837, 

1837 to 1838, 

1838 to 1839, 

1839 to 1840, 

1840 to 1841, 

1841 to 1842, 

1842 to 1843, 

1843 to 1844, 

1844 to 1845, 

1845 to 1846, 

1846 to 1847, 

1847 to 1848, 

1848 to 1849, 

1849 to 1850, 

1850 to 1851, 

1851 to 1852, 

1852 to 1853, 



Sherwood Raymond. 
William Raymond. 
Sherwood Raymond. 
Ephraim Fellows. 
Sherwood Raymond. 
Azel F. Rogers. 
Mulford C. Raymond. 
Sherwood Raymond. 
Azel F. Rogers. 
Joseph L. Chapman. 
Nathaniel Parish. 
Robert Comstock. 
William Thacker. 
Edmund Smith. 
Thomas P Rogers. 
Albert G. Darrow. 
Henry C. Beardslee. 
John B. Rogers. 
Robert Comstock. 
Nicholas Latimer. 
Peter Wickwire. 
Ethan G. Crandall. 
George G. Latimer. 
Daniel L. Browning. 
Nathaniel B. Bradford. 



688 



HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 



1853 to 1854, Thomas P. Rogers. 

1854 to 1855, Elisha H. Palmer. 

1855 to 1856, Hiram P. Baker. 

1856 to 1857, Ethan G. Crandall. 

1857 to 1858, Thomas B. Williams. 

1858 to 1859, Albert G. Darrow. 

1859 to 1860, Norman B. Church. 

1860 to 1861, Calvin Allyn. 

1861 to 1862, Ralph P. Caulkins. 

1862 to 1863, Water'n R. Burnham. 

1863 to 1864, Thomas W. Champlin- 

1864 to 1865, Elisha H. Palmer. 

1865 to 1866, Willet R. Wood. 

1866 to 1867, Raymond R. Parish. 

1867 to 1868, Aaron F. Rogers. 

1868 to 1869, William Fitch. 

1869 to 1870, Willet R. Wood. 

1870 to 1871, James Allyn. 

1871 to 1872, Augustus A. Parker. 



1872 to 1873, Elisha M. Rogers. 

1873 to 1874, Anson G. Baker. 

1874 to 1875, John L. Comstock. 

1875 to 1876, Alex. C. Robertson. 

1876 to 1877, John M. Crumb. 

1877 to 1878, James H. Manwaring. 

1878 to 1879, Eben R. Eaton. 

1879 to 1880, Henry W. Strickland. 

1880 to 1881, John A. Coggshall. 

1881 to 1882, Carmichael Robertson. 

1882 to 1883, Raymond N. Parish. 

1883 to 1884, J. Randolph Rogers. 

1884 to 1885, Charles W. Comstock. 

1885 to 1886, Edwin C. Johnson. 

1886 to 1888, J. Randolph Rogers. 
1888 to 1890, Alex. C. Robertson. 
1890 to 1892, Charles A. Chapman. 
1892 to 1894, John F. Freeland. 
1894 to 1896, George N. Wood. 



The following persons, residents of this town, who have 
been elected senator for the Ninth Senatorial (now the 
Eleventh) District, since the year 1838: 

1838, Sherwood Raymond. 1866, Elisha H. Palmer. 

1846, Sherwood Raymond. 1874, Richard G. Hooper. 

1856, William Thacker. 1888. Raymond N. Parish. 



Town clerks elected to the office since the incorporation 
of the town in 1786: 



1786 to 1802, 


John Raymond, 


16 years 


1802 to 1803, 


David H. Jewett, 


1 " 


1803 to 1808, 


Adonijah F. Bradford, 


5 " 


1808 to 1817, 


Azel Rogers, 


9 " 


1817 to 1823, 


Giles Turner, 


6 " 


1823 to 1826, 


Joshua Baker, Jr. , 


3 " 


1826 to 1827, 


Joseph L. Chapman, 


1 " 


1827 to 1834, 


Mulford C. Raymond, 


7 " 


1834 to 1835, 


Azel F. Rogers, 


1 " 


1835 to 1848, 


Mulford C. Raymond, 


13 " 


1848 to 1854, 


Joseph Brumley, 


6 " 


1854 to 1855, 


John A. Coggshall, 


1 " 


1855 to 1857, 


Elisha H. Palmer, 


2 " 


1857 to 1862, 


Raymond N. Parish, 


5 " 


1862 to 1864, 


Elisha H. Palmer, 


2 " 


1864 to 1889, 


Henry A. Baker, 


25 " 



STATISTICAL RECORDS. 689 



1889 to 1893, 


Earl Mathewson, 


4 years. 


1893 to 1894, 


William B. Tooker, 


1 " 


1894 to 1896, 


Everett W. Coggeshall, 
TOWN TREASURERS. 


2 " 


1786 to 1790, 


David H. Jewett, 


4 years. 


1790 to 1791, 


Joshua Raymond, 


1 '* 


1791 to 1792, 


Isaac Turner, 


1 " 


1792 to 1793, 


Joshua Raymond, 


1 " 


1793 to 1794, 


Adonijah F. Bradford, 


1 " 


1794 to 1796, 


Thomas Hillhouse, 


2 " 


1796 to 1797, 


John Raymond, 


1 " • 


1797 to 1799, 


Joshua Raymond, 


2 " 


1799 to 1800, 


John G. Hillhouse, 


1 " 


1800 to 1810, 


Atwell Chapel, 


10 " 


1810 to 1815, 


William W. Haughton, 


5 " 


1815 to 1817, 


Azel Rogers, 


2 " 


1817 to 1820, 


Giles Turner, 


3 " 


1820 to 1821, 


Azel Rogers, 


1 " 


1821 to 1823, 


Nathaniel Bradford, 


2 •' 


1823 to 1825, 


Azel Rogers, 


2 " 


1825 to 1848, 


Nathaniel Parish, 


23 " 


1848 to 1854, 


John Fellows, 


6 " 


1854 to 1855, 


Daniel L. Browning, 


1 " 


1855 to 1856, 


Nathaniel B. Bradford, 


1 " 


1856 to 1862, 


John Fellows, 


6 " 


1862 to 1869, 


John B. Rogers, 


7 " 


1869 to 1873, 


Raymond N. Parish, 


4 " 


1873 to 1876, 


Henry Baker, 


3 " 


1876 to 1877, 


Carmichael Robertson, 


1 " 


1877 to 1879', 


Lewis Browning, 


2 " 


1879 to 1880, 


Frank A. Rogers, 


1 " 


1880 to 1881, 


Silas M. Browning, 


1 " 


1881 to 1884, 


Lewis Browning, 


3 " 


1884 to 1885, 


Nathan S. Comstock, 


1 " 


1885 to 1887, 


Lewis Browning, 


2 " 


1887 to 1891, 


Alexander C. Robertson, 


4 " 


1891 to 1893, 


Tryon E. Robertson, 


2 " 


1893 to 1896, 


Frank H. Rogers, 


3 " 



The town of Montville was constituted a Probate District 
by an Act of the General Assembly of the State of Connecti- 
cut at its May Session in 1851. The following persons have 
been elected to the office of judge of probate in this district 
since it was constituted: 
44 



690 



HISTORY OP MONTVILLE. 



1851 to 1854, 


Benjamin F. Bradford, 


3 years 


1854 to 1855, 


Albert G. Darrow, 


1 " 


1855 to 1859, 


Joseph Brumley, 


4 " 


1859 to 1861, 


Henry A. Baker, 


2 " 


1861 to 1864, 


Mulford C. Raymond, 


3 " 


1864 to 1867, 


William Fitch, 


3 " 


1867 to 1889, 


Henry A. Baker, 


22 " 


1889 to 1896, 


Charles W. Comstock, 


7 " 



The town of Montville was, previous to its incorporation 
as a separate town in 1786, a part of New London. The first 
census was taken in the year 1800, and the following figures 
show the population of the town on each census since: 



1800, 


. 2,233 


1850, 


. 1,848 


1810, 


. 2,187* 


1860, 


. 2,148 


1820, 


. 1,951+ 


1870, 


. 2,496 


1830, 


. 1,972 


1880, 


. 2,666 


1840, 


. 1,990 


1890, 


. 2,344 



* Waterford was incorporated a separate town in 1801, taking off a portion of Montville. 
t Salem was incorporated a separate town in 1819, taking off a large tract of territory- 
lying on the westerly side of Montville. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



RAYMOND LIBRARY. 

Tliis institution was founded by Albert C. Raymond, a 
native of Montville, but a resident of East Hartford in the 
last years of bis life. Mr. Raymond was born at Montville 
29 Sept., 1819. Son of Daniel Fitch Raymond and Char- 
lotte Comstock. He died at East Hartford 26 June, 1880. 

In his last will is the f olio wing item : " Upon the de- 
cease of my said wife I give, devise and bequeath the sum of 
Ten Thousand Dollars to Henry A. Baker, David Hillhouse, 
Raymond N. Parish, Augustus Parker and James Manwar- 
ing all of Montville in the county of ISTew London and State 
of Connecticut, and the survivor or survivors of them in trust 
for the purpose, following: that is to say, immediately upon 
the decease of my wife, they shall take the necessary measures 
to cause a corporation by the name of the Raymond Library 
Company of Montville to be formed at said Montville, either 
under the Joint Stock law of this State or by special charter 
for the purpose of receiving from said trustees the said trust 
as vested in them as aforesaid and of forever supporting a 
public library in said Montville, and immediately upon the 
organization of . said corporation said trustees shall pay and 
deliver to said Corporation said trust fund to be held by said 
Corporation forever for the aforesaid purpose, and the said 
Library shall be forever conducted and managed by said cor- 
poration pursuant to the following provisions of this will." 
Then follows the special conditions by which the library shall 
forever be conducted, the location of a site for the library- 
building, and the amount to be expended thereon, the charac- 
ter of the literature it shall contain, and the amount annually 
expended for the same. 

At the January session of the General Assembly in 1880 



692 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

a charter was granted to Henry A. Baker, David Hillhouse, 
Raymond K Parish, Augustus A. Parker, James H. Man- 
waring, James Allyn, and Calvin Allyn, incorporating them 
a body politic under the name and style of The Raymond 
Library Company of Montville, and such others as shall be 
duly elected from time to time members of said company. 

The first meeting of the Raymond Library Company was 
held at the residence of Hon. R. K Parish on the 12th day of 
April, 1880, at which time the company was organized and 
the following officers chosen: Raymond 1ST. Parish, presi- 
dent; Henry A. Baker, secretary; Calvin Allen, treasurer; 
and David Hillhouse, librarian. 

After the death of Mrs. Raymond, 16 Sept., 1883, the 
sum donated for the founding of the Raymond Library was 
received from the executors of the estate of Albert C. Ray- 
mond by the Raymond Library Company, who immediately 
caused a library building to be erected at a cost of two thou- 
sand dollars. The building was a beautiful brick structure, 
built under a contract by Mr. Robert Turner of Norwich, 
and completed in the winter of 1884-5. 

At the annual meeting of the Raymond Library Com- 
pany, held October 14, 1885, the library building was formally 
opened to the public; a bountiful collation was prepared by 
the ladies of the town, which was partaken of and heartily 
appreciated by all the persons who gathered at the chapel of 
the Congregational church at Montville Center on the 
occasion. 

After the repast a historical address, prepared for the 
occasion, was read by the secretary, speeches by James W. 
Fitch, Mr. Bishop of Norwich, Hon. Elisha H. Palmer, Rev. 
C. A. Stenhouse of Uncasville, Mr. James Allyn, Rev. Charles 
Cutting, Mr. Augustus A. Parker, Mr. William Pitch, Mr. 
Calvin Allyn, and Mr. John Brown, were all interesting, and, 
with many happy wishes for the future prosperity and use- 
fulness of the library, the assembly dispersed, feeling that 
a great and good work had been begun in the town, which 
was to be for the benefit of future generations. 



RAYMOND LIBRARY. 693 

The first public act passed by the General Assembly of 
this state to encourage and legalize the formation and estab- 
lishment of library companies was at its October session in 
the year 1818. During the year following the passage of the 
act entitled " An Act Concerning Library Companies," a 
portion of the inhabitants of this town availed themselves of 
the privilege granted by the General Assembly and formed 
themselves into an association called " The Montville Library 
Association." They lodged with the secretary of this state 
a copy of the articles of association on the 21st day of January, 
1819, this being the first public library organized in the 
state of Connecticut under the Act of 1S18. 

How long this association existed is not certainly known, 
or how flourishing it was while it did exist. It was certainly 
of only a few years' duration, as another library company was 
soon after formed here, called the " Union Library Com- 
pany." This was organized January 31, 1823, and had an 
existence of only a few years. The books belonging to the 
company were purchased from a subscription fund by mem- 
bers of the company, each member subscribing and paying 
in a certain sum of money to be expended in books. It is 
probable that this private library did not contain more than 
from one hundred to two hundred volumes. Some dissatis- 
faction among its members finally caused the company to 
dissolve. The books were distributed among its members, 
each member taking from the library such books as he could 
get hold of as an offset for his subscription. 

The library was kept in the old building formerly occu- 
pied as a dwelling and store, and which stood on the site of 
the present Congregational church chapel at Montville Center. 
This chapel was erected in the year 1884. 

Among the churches located in this town is the St. Johns 
Church at Uncasville, Kev. James P. Ryle its present pastor. 

For some years previous to the institution of the parish 
in Montville St. Johns Church was attended from ISTew Lon- 
don. The first resident pastor was Rev. James P. Connolly, 



694 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

who came March 1, 1887. He died in October, 1890, and 
was immediately succeeded by Rev. Charles E. McGowan. 
The present pastor assumed the protectorate of the church 
Dec. 10, 1894. 

The Catholic church edifice was first erected in the year 
1866, and from time to time enlarged. Though the sanctuary 
is not large, yet it is sufficient for the accommodation of the 
worshipers gathering there. The parochial house, which 
stands only a few feet from the sanctuary, is a neat commo- 
dious structure of two stories, built in 1888. 

Rev. Mr. Ryle was born in County Kerry, Ireland, Jan. 
1, 1855, and came to Connecticut in childhood. He studied 
at St. Charles' College, and at Villanova, and, after a theo- 
logical course in the Grand Seminary at Montreal, was or- 
dained in December, 1882. For three months after ordina- 
tion he had temporary charge of the parish of New Milford. 
He then went to St. Mary's, JSTew Haven, where he remained 
three months. Thence he was transferred to St. Patrick's 
in the same city, where he was first assistant for almost twelve 
years. While there he organized the Young Men's Total 
Abstinence Society and the Ladies' Aid Society, his enter- 
tainments and kindnesses in aid of the poor being very suc- 
cessful. 

In the short time he has been pastor at Montville he has 
renovated and furnished the rectory thoroughly, refurnished 
the church, built a barn and sheds, and paid off on the mort- 
gage, besides canceling on the floating debt one thousand 
dollars. The people of Montville, including the non-Catholics, 
co-operate with the pastor by their contributions and atten- 
dance upon the public entertainments of the church in re- 
moving the debt, which has for several years been a drawback 
to their complete success and growth. 



CHAPTER IX. 

ENLISTMENTS IN THE CIVIL WAR 

List of the men who enlisted in the service of the United 
States in the late Civil War residing in the town of 
Montville. 

Patrick Gary, Rifle Co. B, 2d Reg. Discharged. 

Frederick Stanton, Eifle Co. B, 2d Reg. Discharged. 

Edward H. Latimer, Cavalry Co. C, 1st Reg.; pro. 2d Lieut. 
Died Feb. 14, 1866. 

Henry B. Tinker, Co. C, 1st Cavalry. Discharged. 

Daniel Whipple, Co. G, 1st Cavalry. Discharged. 

Amos Comstock, Cavalry, Co. K, 1st Reg. Captured June 
29, 1864. 

Ezra M. Holloway, Cavalry, Co. L, 1st Reg. Deserted. 

Henry Evans, Co. A, 1st Reg., Artillery, sub. Deserted. 

John King, Co. A, 1st Reg., Artillery. Deserted. 

Enoch Mosher, Co. D, 1st Reg., Artillery. Discharged. 

Chester A. Chapman, Co. D, 1st Reg., Artillery. Discharged. 

William Mathews, Sergt., Co. E, 1st Reg., Artillery. Dis- 
charged. 

John Casley, Co. E, 1st Reg., Artillery, sub. Deserted. 

Charles Griffin, Co. E, 2d Reg., Artillery, sub. Discharged. 

John E. Sisson, Co. B, Infantry, 6th Reg. Discharged. 

Peter Duberle, Co. D, Infantry, 6th Reg. Deserted. 

Henry H. Church, Co. H, Infantry, 7th Reg. Discharged. 

Henry Fuller, Co. H, Infantry, 7th Reg. Transferred to 
IT. S. Navy. 

Henry H. Kimball, Co. H, Infantry, 7th Eeg. Died Sept, 
7, 1864. 

William H. Thorpe, Co. H, Infantry, 7th Reg. R. E. as 
veteran Dec. 22, 1863. 

Thomas Cleury, Co. C, Infantry, 8th Reg. Substituted. 

Asahel W. Burrows, Co. D, Infantry, 8th Reg. Discharged. 



696 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Francis A. Jerome, Co. D, Infantry, 8th Reg. Killed at 
Fort Haven, Ya. 

Jedediah R. Gay, Corporal, Co. H, Infantry, 10th. Reg. 
Wounded and discharged. 

Henry L. Brainard, Co. H, 10th Reg. Died at ISTewbern, 1ST. 
C, Nov. 2, 1862. 

John F. Day, Co. H, 10th Reg. Killed at Kingston, K C., 
Dec. 14, 1862. 

Frederick C. Palmer, Co. D, 13th Reg. R. E. Mustered out. 

James E. Reynolds, Co. D, 13th Reg. Discharged, disability. 

William B. Tooker, Co. D, 13th Reg.; pro. 1st Lieut. 
Mustered out. 

Calvin B. Beebe, Co. E, 13th Reg. R. E. Mustered out. 

George F. Bogue, Co. F, 13th Reg. R. E. Mustered out. 

John L. Comstock, Co. F, 13th Reg. Discharged. 

Albert H. Douglass, Co. F, 13th Reg. Discharged, dis. 

Jonathan P. Gay, Jr., Co. F, 13th Reg. Discharged, dis. 

Patrick H. Sheaff, Co. H, 14th Reg. ; sub. Transferred C. 
V. H. A. 

Simeon A. Armstrong, Musician, Co. K, 14th Reg. Mus- 
tered out. 

Geo. F. Littlefield, Co. K, 18th Reg. Deserted, recruit. 

Charles H. Rogers, Co. E, 21st Reg. Died at Falmouth, 
Ya., Dec. 6, 1862. 

Henry T. Phillips, 1st Lieut., Co. F, 21st Reg.; pro. Capt. 
Resigned. 

James A. Carey, Sergt. Co. F, 21st Reg. Discharged. 

Joseph Comstock, Sergt. Co. F, 21st Reg. Killed Chapin 
Bluff, Ya., Sept. 29, 1864. 

Ichabod S. Bogue, Sergt. Co. F, 21st Reg. Discharged. 

Thomas W. Gay, Corp. Co. F, 21st Reg. Died Falmouth, 
Ya., Dec. 23, 1862. 

Henry C. Lanpher, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out. 

J. Gideon Palmer, Corp. Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out. 

Alfred Rudd, Musician, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out.. 

William H. Palmer, Jr., Musician, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mus- 
tered out. 



ENLISTMENTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 697 

Edward E. Darrow, Wagoner, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered 

out. 
Lewis Arnold, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out. 
Ezra M. Ayers, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out. 
Leonard S. Allen, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out. 
Frederick C. Brainard, Co. F, 21st Reg. Died Hampton, 

Va., May 5, 1863. 
Charles F. Chapel, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out. 
William A. Chapel, Co. F, 21st Reg. Discharged, dis. 
Robert Chapel, Co. F, 21st Reg. Discharged, died soon after. 
John B. Congdon, Co. F, 21st Reg. Discharged, dis. 
Nathaniel Dustin, Co. F, 21st Reg. Discharged, dis. 
Curtis D. Hack, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out. 
Frank W. Hack, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out. 
Russell Johnson, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out. 
Benj. G. Johnson, Co. F, 21st Reg. Discharged, dis. 
David A. Johnson, Co. F, 21st. Reg. Trans. Invalid Corps, 

mustered out. 
Gottlob Lash, Co. F, 21st Reg. Died of wound, Hampton, 

Va., June 19, 1864. 
Andrew Maynard, Co. F, 21st Reg. Discharged, dis. 
Thomas Maguire, Co. F, 21st Reg. Died Falmouth, Va., 

Dec. 10, 1862. 
Robert Mitchell, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out. 
John Murphy, Co. F, 21st Reg. Wounded, mustered out. 
Curtis Phillips, Co. F, 21st Reg. Died Suffolk, Va., March 

31, 1863. 
Billings H. Payne, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out. 
Lucius B. Rathbun, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out. 
Albert Rudd, Co. F, 21st Reg. Discharged, dis. 
Oliver H. Rudd, Co. F, 21st Reg. Discharged, dis. 
John J. Spencer, Co. F, 21st Reg. Trans. Invalid Corps, 

mustered out. 
Max Sternn, Co. F, 21st Reg. Died Norfolk, Va., Nov. 

15, 1863. 
Michael Sarsfield, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out. 



g98 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Stephen Staplins, Co. F, 21st Keg. Died Suffolk, Va., April 

12, 1863. 
John Sullivan, Co. F, 21st Keg. Mustered out. 
Elijah B. Tracy, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out. 
Joshua Vergason, Co. F, 21st Reg. Trans. Invalid Corps. 

Mustered out. 
Charles Williams, Co. F, 21st Reg. Discharged, dis.; 

wounded. 
David Wright, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out. 
John Wheeler, Co. F, 21st Reg. Mustered out. Wounded. 
David C. Comstock, Co. C, 21th Reg. Hon. discharged. 
Moses B. Chapel, Co. C, 21th Reg. Hon. discharged. 
Elias Johnson, Jr., Co. C, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 
Henry C. Johnson, Co. C, 24th Reg. Furnished substitute. 
Maurice Lappe, Co. C, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 
James M. Raymond, Co. C, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 
James M. Snowden, Co. C, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 
Henry A. Smith, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 
Albert C. Colburn, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 
Walter Myers, Co. A, 26th Reg. Hon. discharged. 
Edward S. Wheeler, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 
James H. Chapel, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 
John Ackley, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 
Ira Browning, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 
Smith Browning, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 
John D. Clifford, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 
George H. Chappell, Co. A, 24th Reg. Died at Port Hud- 
son, July 5, 1863. 
John Chappell, Co. A, 24th Reg. Mustered out. 
Joseph Flike, Co. A, 24th Reg. Killed at Port Hudson, June 

14, 1863. 
Onin E. Lyon, Co. A, 24th Reg. Killed at Port Hudson, 

May 27, 1863. 
Edwin Miner, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 
Charles Patterson, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. dis. Died 

November 12, 1875. 



ENLISTMENTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 699 

Marvin Palmer, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 

Benjamin E. Sweet, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 

Orrin S. Smith, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 

John C. Smith, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 

Joseph A. Tillotson, Co. A, 24th Reg. Killed at Port Hud- 
son, May 27, 1863. 

George 1ST. Teft, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 

John B. Winchester, Co. A, 24th Reg. Killed at Port Hud- 
son, July 6, 1863. 

David L. "Winchester, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 

Ransford P. Willard, Co. A, 24th Reg. Hon. discharged. 

William II. Johnson, Co. H, 10th Reg. Discharged, dis. 

John H. Gillen, Co. E, 11th Reg. Killed at Cold Harbor, 
Va., June 6, 1864. 

William H. Davis, Co. H, 11th Reg. Discharged, wounded. 

Alden Rudd, Co. H, 11th Reg. Discharged, dis. 

Jeremiah Rogers, Co. H, 11th Reg. Discharged, dis. 

James H. Vergason, Co. H, 11th Reg. Deserted. 

Benjamin F. Pratt, Co. D, 12th Reg. Pro. 2d lieut; mus- 
tered out. 

Daniel B. Abel, Co. D, 12th Reg. Mustered out; wounded. 

Richard L. Ames, Co. D, 12th Reg. R, E. Mustered out. 

Filex Conroy, Co. D, 12th Reg. R. E. Mustered out. 

Franklin B. Getchel, Co. D, 12th Reg. R. E. Mustered out. 

Thomas Lynch, Co. D, 12th Reg. Discharged. 

Jonathan Reynolds, Co. D, 12th Reg. Discharged, dis., 
wounded. 

Augustus P. Gay, Co. G, 12th Reg. Discharged, dis. 

Michael McCoy, Co. K, 12th Reg. Killed at Winchester, 
Va., Sept. 19, 1864. 

Andrew T. Johnson, quartermaster, 12th Reg. Pro second 
lieut. Killed on railroad, Nov. 7, 1862. 

Joel Congdon, Co. D, 12th Reg. R. E. Mustered out. 

Thomas W. Dolbeare, Co. D, 12th Reg. Discharged, dis. 

Joseph A. Gardner, Co. D, 12th Reg. R. E. Mustered out. 

Henry G. Jerome, Co. D, 13th Reg. Dropped from roll; 
never reported. 



700 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

William Wallace King, Co. D, 13th. Reg. R. E. Mustered 

out. 
Joseph. E. Mitchell, Co. D, 13th Reg. R. E. Discharged, 

dis. 
James Allen, Co. K, 29th Reg. Mustered out. 
Oliver H. P. Lewis, Co. K, 29th Reg. Discharged, dis. 
James Dorsey, Co. A, 30th Reg. Killed at Petersburg, Va., 

July 30, 1864. 
Alfred Payne, Co. A, 30th Reg. Mustered out. 



CHAPTER X. 



POST-OFFICES. 

In olden time the post was carried by a messenger pro- 
vided with a spare horse, a horn, and good portmantles. Up 
to the year 1704, the only post on all this continent was that 
which wei it east from New York so far as Boston, and west 
to Philadelphia. 

The mails were conveyed from one town to another by 
the postman, who traveled over the hills and through the 
valleys on horseback, and made known his approach once a 
week to each post village by the blowing of a huge horn, 
which was always carried ready for use. The postman, 
when he came along, was sure to tarry at the village inn a suf- 
ficient time, not only to distribute whatever papers and letters 
Avhich he might have to leave there, but also to report such 
rumors as he might have collected by the way. 

In government dispatches, the landlord of the village inn 
had the first and surest news of the early times, when armed 
horsemen did the work now performed by railroad and tele- 
graph. Eager for the news, everybody rushed for the latest 
news to the town inn or village tavern, and there, with a bowl 
of punch or a mug of flip, listened to the last report left be- 
hind by the "post-haste" rider, waiting, perhaps, for a fresh 
steed to take him to the next post-town. When post-offices 
and post-roads were first established in America, near the 
commencement of the eighteenth century, the great route 
from Boston to New York was through the North Parish of 
New London, over the "Indian Fields." By act of Parlia- 
ment in 1710, New London was made the chief post-office in 
Connecticut. Up to about the year 1782, New London was 
the regular place of letter delivery for the counties of New 
London. Windham, and Middlesex. During that year a post- 
office was established at Norwich. 



702 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

The first post-office established in the town of Montville 
was at the village of TTncasville, about the year 1822. Pre- 
vious to that date, the mail for the inhabitants of this town 
was either received or posted at New London or Norwich, 
or left by the postman or stage driver at the tavern kept by 
the Haughtons, and known as Haughton's Tavern, located 
about one mile north of the village of TTncasville, first named 
by Henry A. Richards from the famous chief of the Mohe- 
gans. The "Mohegan Turnpike," as it was at first named, 
leading from New London to Norwich, through Mohegan, 
was the first turnpike road constructed in the United States. 
It was built by money raised by lottery in 1806; the net avails 
were applied to the extension and improvement of the road. 
The Haughton tavern is supposed to have been erected about 
1746, at which time Sampson Haughton bought the farm of 
Godfrey Milborn of Newport, and settled on it. This house 
has since been noted as the "half way" station between New 
London and Norwich. The house is still standing, and has 
an interesting history. Soon after the TTncasville post-office 
was established, another was established at Chesterfield, 
called Montville post-office, but was afterwards changed to 
Chesterfield, by which name it is now called. The follow- 
ing named persons have held the office of postmaster at this 
office, viz. : Liva Stewart, Peter Wiekwire, Albert B. Teft, 
James B. Ashcraft, and Orrin H. Whiting. 

Postmasters at TTncasville: The first was Henry A. 
Richards. Robert Comstock held the office several years, 
then William G. Johnson, W. R. Bumham, J. A. Comstock, 
Charles F. Geer, William M. Burchard, Prank Powler, and 
the present incumbent, William A. Coggshall. 

The Montville post-office was established about the year 
1854 at Palmertown. The first postmaster was William H. 
Wheeler, the next in order was Jedediah R. Gay; following 
was Isaac Turner, Don F. Lathrop, William C. Turner, L. D. 
Tompkins, Lewis Browning, Nathan S. Comstock, Fred W. 
Hooper, and Charles A. Chapman, the present incumbent.' 



POST-OFFICES. 703 

The Massapeag post-office was established in 1880. John 
P. Turner was appointed its first postmaster, and has con- 
tinued to hold the office to the present time. 

Oakdale post-office was established in the village of Oak- 
dale in 1881. William H. Baker was appointed its first post- 
master; following him was William Baldwin (1 years), Cal- 
vin B. Beebe, Almond Bartlett. The present incumbent is 
Henry A. Baker. 

Mohegan post-office was established in 1889. Edward 
F. Burlingame was appointed its first postmaster, and held 
the office until 1894, when the present incumbent was ap- 
pointed. 



PHYSICIANS. 

Dr. Christopher Raymond was a practicing physician in 
the North Parish as early as about 1752. He was the son of 
Joshua Raymond, born at New London, North Parish, 17 
July, 1729, and died 14 May, 1793, at Montville. He was a 
man of commanding appearance, possessing a large share of 
intelligence, having obtained a very liberal education for the 
times in which he lived. A man of high moral character, and 
a skillful practitioner in his profession. 

Dr. Seth Wyman Holmes followed Dr. Raymond and was 
a practicing physician in the North Parish from about 1775 
to his death, 12 Dec, 1821. He was a shrewd, sagacious 
man, and of an acute discernment in determining the nature 
of diseases; skillful in practice and much respected in the com- 
munity. He received his education in Boston, from which 
place, it is said, he removed to Montville. 

Dr. Jeremiah Rogers was born in Montville 3 Sept., 1752, 
son of James Rogers. He studied medicine and was a practic- 
ing physician in Montville. His residence was at the place 
now called Pequot Village, and formerly owned the site on 
which the Pequot Mills now stand. He was contemporary 
with Dr. Holmes. 

Dr. Ephraim Fellowes was born in North Stonington, 
Conn., 27 January, 1767, son of Ephraim Fellowes. He 
came to Montville about 1801, and commenced the practice 
of medicine, and became quite popular as a physician; was 
considered a successful physician in the treatment of all cases 
of fevers. At the time of his death he was said to be the 



PHYSICIANS. 705 

oldest medical practitioner in the county. He died at Mont- 
ville 18 July, 1851, having been in the practice just one-half 
a century. 

Dr. Joseph Peabody was born in New Lebanon in the state 
of New York 5 Feb., 1795, son of John Nathaniel Peabody. 
His mother was Mary Mason. John Nathaniel Peabody, his 
father, was a descendant of William, who came to Plymouth 
in 1640, and married the eldest daughter of John Alden and 
Priscilla Mullins, celebrated in Longfellow's poem of the 
" Courtship of Miles Standish." 

Dr. Joseph Peabody came from Lebanon, Conn., where 
his father then lived, to Montville about 1820. He was then 
a young man of college education and accomplished qualifi- 
cations for a physician. He, with his brother, Jeremiah 
Nathaniel Peabody, resided at the old Raymond place, then 
owned by Samuel Bradford. Dr. Jeremiah N. was a younger 
brother, born in Lebanon, Conn., 26 Aug., 1809. He mar- 
ried Elizabeth Lathrop Pitch of Bozrah 6 March, 1839, and 
had four children. All died without descendants. He died 
in Detroit, Michigan, 10 Feb., 1872. 

Dr. Joseph left Montville about the year 1833, and went 
to Greeneville, Conn., where he erected a large building for 
stores and tenements, since called " Peabody's Block." He 
married Mary White of Canterbury, Conn., and died in Buf- 
falo, N. Y., 18 June, 1853. He had four children. The 
youngest son, James Terry White, is editor of a paper in 
Chicago, " The Railway Review." 

Dr. Henry C. Beardslee was the successor of Messrs. Pea- 
body, and was a practicing physician at Montville Center for 
a number of years. He was much respected as a man, and 
considered a skillful practitioner. 

Dr. Jedediah R, Gay was born at North Stonington 30 
Nov., 1816, son of Jedediah Gay and Dolly Main. He lo- 
45 



706 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

cated first at Tlncasville, where he married Ursula Bradford 28 
January, 1837. He then built a house at Palmertown, where 
he continued to reside until his death, 16 Oct., 1887. 

Dr. Gay possessed natural qualifications for a physician, 
and was a successful practitioner in medicine. He styled 
himself an " Eclectic "; was somewhat eccentric in the manner 
of expressing his opinion, but of a sound judgment and bright 
in intellect. He was buried by the side of his wife in his own 
burial-lot, laid out and enclosed by an iron fence on his own 
land, in a grove of pine trees near the bank, on the south side 
of Haughton's Cove. 

Dr. Benjamin Franklin Bradford, a native resident of 
Montville, born 2 Jan., 1820, son of William Bradford, a 
descendant of Governor William Bradford. Dr. Bradford 
studied medicine with Dr. Gay, and for several years was 
among the leading physicians of the town. He died at Mont- 
ville 11 March, 1869. 

Dr. John Calvin Bolles was another native resident, born 
18 Sept., 1816, son of Calvin Bolles. He commenced the 
practice of medicine in the early part of 1840, when he 
bought of Dr. Manwaring the privilege to practice in the 
town of Montville, Dr. Manwaring having first obtained this 
privilege of Dr. Gay, who gave a guarantee not to practice 
within the limits of the town, except on a call of consultation 
with him or some other physician. Dr. Bolles has always 
been a very careful practitioner in dispensing medicine, and 
his advice has been sought by many of his townspeople, par- 
ticularly by those of the poorer class of the inhabitants. He 
is still living (in 1896), and is remarkably active for his age. 

Dr. Samuel Erskine Maynard was born in Montville in 
January, 1820, son of Francis Maynard. He studied medi- 
cine under Dr. Worthington Hooker of Norwich, and grad- 
uated at the Medical School of Yale College in 1847. He 



PHYSICIANS. 707 

practiced medicine in Montville until 1862, when lie removed 
to Norwich, and there continued his practice, both in Nor- 
wich and in Montville until his health failed, and for sev- 
eral years before his death was an invalid. He died 12 July, 
1882. 

While a resident of Montville he was a man of consider- 
able influence in the community, greatly respected and hon- 
ored. He was government agent of the reservation fund for 
the Mohegan tribe of Indians, and for several years was their 
overseer. 

Dr. William M. Burchard was bom 31 Oct., 1844, at 
Bozrah, Conn., son of Rev. William M. Burchard, acting 
pastor of the Montville Center Congregational church from 
April, 1868, to April, 1891. Dr. Burchard graduated at 
Georgetown University, Washington, D. C, March 6, 1866. 
He enlisted as a private in Company G, Sixteenth Conn. Regi- 
ment, Aug. 14, 1862, and served through the late Civil War. 
He was discharged March 16, 1865, for the object of re-en- 
listing in the regular army of the United States. The sur- 
render of General Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Army 
under him to General Ulysses S. Grant, April 12, 1865, ter- 
minated the war, and Dr. Burchard gave up all further 
thoughts about entering the service, and entered at once upon 
the preparatory steps to the medical profession. 

Dr. Burchard came to Montville about September 1, 1869 ; 
married Elizabeth Robertson, 28 Dec, 1870, daughter of 
( larmachael Robertson, paper manufacturer, since which 
time he has continued in the practice of medicine and sur- 
gery in this town, being one of the leading physicians in the 
county of ISTew London. He has " kept up to the times," an 
energetic, intelligent, and skillful practitioner. He was in 
active service here in 1896. 

Dr. E. M. Druley came to Montville in 1894, a young 
man of bright intellect, and his success as a physician ap- 
pears to be assured. 



7Qg HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Dr. M. E. Fox, another young physician, came to Mont- 
ville about the same time as Dr. Druley. He located at the 
village of ITncasville, has a good practice, devotes much of 
his leisure time in reading medical works, and appears eager 
to keep abreast of the latest scientific developments and dis- 
coveries. 



APPENDIX. 

Chapman. 

William Chapman died 18 Dec, 1699. The name first ap- 
pears in 1657, when he bought the Denison house-lot on Hemp- 
stead street, nearly opposite the jail. No previous record is 
found of his family. The children named in his last will were 
John, William, Samuel, Jeremiah, Joseph, Sarah, and Re- 
becca. 

John was probably the eldest son, and removed from New 
London to Colchester in 1706 with his family, where he was 
living in May, 1748, when it was noted that he would be 95 
years old the next November. 

Samuel was the ancestor of the Montville and Waterford 
families of Chapmans. He settled in the Cohanzie District, 
where he died in 1758, aged 93 years. 

Walden. 

William Walden, son of William of Bristol, England, mar- 
ried Ruamis Simons of New London 5 Aug., 1751, daughter of 
Eli Simons. Their children were Lienor, John, Elizabeth, 
William, b. 13 Sept., 1762, Robert, Simon, Mary, Amy, Ed- 
ward, and David. 

David married and settled in Salem, and was the ancestor 
of the Salem Waldens. 

William married Elizabeth McEall, daughter of William 
McFall and Deborah Chapman. He was a soldier in the Rev- 
olutionary War, serving one year under Captain Larabee. He 
settled in .Montville, Chesterfield Society, and had children, 
Grace, m. John Taylor; William, b. May, 1796, m. 1st, Lu- 

cenda ; 2d, Amy (Comstoch) Congdon. He died 5 

Sept., 1859. Eliza married John Winters. Hannah married 
John Taylor, second wife. Hiram married Rebecca Bird of 
Stoughton, Mass. 

Hiram Walden, b. 13 May, 1804, son of William Walden 



710 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

and Elizabeth McFall; m. Jan., 1827, Rebecca Bird, b. 31 Jan., 
1806. He settled first at Mansfield, Mass. From there he re- 
moved to Somerset, Mass., then to Waterford, Conn., and af- 
terwards to Montville, where he was a Methodist minister. He 
studied for the ministry with the Rev. Abishai Alden in the 
year 1823, boarding with different families in the society, each 
giving him from two to three weeks' board to aid him in his 
education for the ministry, the Eev. Mr. Alden giving his ser- 
vices free. He was a sincere, devoted minister of the gospel, 
highly respected, and faithful in the service of the Master. He 
continued to preach in the various churches of the Methodist 
order, as he had an opportunity, until near the close of his life 
on earth. He died 19 July, 1871. She died 10 March, 1880. 

Children. 

1. Almira, b. at Marshfield, Mass., 31 July, 1828; m. Trav- 

erse Douglass of Waterford. 

2. Mary Fletcher, b. at Somerset, Mass., 29 June, 1830; m. 

George L. Rogers of Montville. 

3. Edwin Hiram, b. at Montville, Conn., 1 Aug., 1832; m. 

Kate . 

4. Ellen Rebecca, b. at Waterford, Conn., 19 Sept., 1834; 

m. Elder Edmund Darrow. 

5. William Brownell, b. at Montville 19 Jan., 1837; m. 

Caroline Rogers of Montville. She died 6 March, 
1879. He afterwards married Gadbois. 

6. Charles Heber, b. at Montville 4 June, 1839; m. Emily 

H. Morgan. 

7. Lucinda, b. at Montville 6 Nov., 1841 ; died young. 

8. Nathan Warren, b. at Montville 12 Nov., 1844; m. 1st, 

Ella Scott; 2d, Widow Laura Oliver. 

9. Albert Henry, b. at Montville 14 March, 1847; died 

young. 

10. John Wesley, b. at Montville 31 May, 1850; m. Adella 

Manwaring of Niantic. 

1 1 . Nelson Bird, k at Montville 1 3 March, 1853; died young. 

Baker. 

Captain Elisha Bliss Baker, son of Elisha Baker and Bath- 
sheba Adams, was born at Montville 11 Dec, 1803. He was 



APPENDIX. 711 

a seaman, lived at Brooklyn, N. Y., and belonged to the Corps 
of New Jersey Pilots. He was one of the most experienced 
and skillful men in his profession, and had the esteem and re- 
spect of the commercial class of the city, to which, from his oc- 
cupation, he was best known. In his private life and domes- 
tic relations, he was a man above reproach. 

The flags of the pilot boats in the harbor and on some of 
the public buildings of Brooklyn were displayed at half-mast 
in respect to his memory. He died March 8, 1856. 

Graves Hosmer was an inhabitant of Montville in 1778, 
and lived in a house, at that time standing on the land of Judge 
William Hillhouse, near the Essex turnpike. He was a 
brother of Delia Hosmer, who married Judge Hillhonse for 
his second wife. 

Gardner-Oustin. 

David Gardner, b. 28 Jan., 1720, son of Stephen Gardner 
and Amy Sherman; m. Jemima Gnstin, b. at Stonington, 
Conn., Oct., 1720, daughter of John Gnstin, Jr., and Mary 
. Jemima had an Uncle Thomas, who settled at Col- 
chester, Conn., and married, 7 June, 1722, Sarah Holmes. 

John Gnstin, Sr., of Portland, Maine, was born at Le Tocy, 
St. Owen's Parish, Isle of Jersey, 9 Jan., 1647, son of Ed- 
mond Jean, who married, 25 April, 1638, Esther, daughter of 
Jean Le Rosignol of St. Owens. He is called in Willise's His- 
tory of Portland, Maine, Augustine Jean, and who afterwards 
appeared under the name of Jean or John Gustin. He had 
six children. John Gustin, Jr., settled in Stonington, Conn., 
about 1713 ; from there he removed to Hebron, then to Glaston- 
bury. About 1 745 he removed to Sussex County, New Jersey, 
where he died 15 Oct., 1777. He was bom 5 Nov., 1691. 
His wife Mary died 3 Dec, 1762. " The tombstones of these 
ancestors are to be seen as fresh to-day as though cut yesterday," 
says one of their descendants, " in their private grave-yard, now 
on the farm of Israel McDonald, near Branchville, New Jer- 
sey." 

John, Jean, or Augustine, died 3 July, 1719. His will 



712 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

is recorded in Portland, Maine. He describes himself as a 
" Mariner " in a deed given to Rev. John Brock, of Beading, 
26 June, 1677. He was a captain in the Merchant Marine, 
and afterwards became a sergeant in the company of Captain 
Beers in King Philip's War. 

Willougliby. 

Joseph Willougliby, about 1721 or 1722, purchased a farm 
in the North Parish, near the Norwich line, in what is now 
called " Leffingwell Society," lying on the north side of the 
Essex turnpike. The farm is now a part of that of George O. 
Gadbois. (Mr. Gadbois' farm contains upward of four hun- 
dred acres of land, in good condition, on which is kept a tine 
stock of cattle and horses. Mr. Gadbois is a thrifty and suc- 
cessful farmer.) 

Joseph Willougliby was married to Thankful Bliss 6 April, 
1719, daughter of Samuel Bliss and Ann Elderkin. It was his 
grandson who was the proprietor of the " Willougliby tavern " 
at Gardner Lake, in the early part of the present century. 

Prince. 

William Prince, a resident of Monlville, was the eleventh 
child of Joseph and Elizabeth (Robinson) Prince, bom in Sa- 
lem, Mass., baptized there 6 Sept., 1717; removed to Pomfret, 
Conn., where he married Mary Holland, daughter of Joseph 
and Elizabeth Holland, and lived there until after 1757. 
About this time he removed to the North Parish of New Lon- 
don, now Montville. His wife, Mary, united with the church 
then under the pastorate of the Rev. David Jewett, about 1765. 
She died here 18 April, 1799, aged 77 years, and was buried in 
the Old Cemetery, on Raymond Hill. On her gravestone is 
this inscription: " Mary Williams, whose first husband was 
William Prince, died April 18, 1799, aged 77 years 4 months." 

William Prince died here 21 Feb., 1773, in the 56th year 
of his age, and was buried in the old Church Cemetery. After 
his death, his widow, Mary, married for her second husband 



APPENDIX. 713 

the Eev. David Jewett, whose wife Patience had died 14 Nov., 
1773. There is no record of the marriage of the Rev. David 
Jewett to his second wife. In a little more than a year after 
the death of the Rev. David Jewett, his widow, Mary (Holland) 
(Prince) Jewett, married William Williams, 17 March, 1785. 
She died as above stated, and was buried by the side of her 
first husband. 

The children of William and Mary (Holland) Prince were 
1st, Joseph, b. 25 April, 1748; 2d, Eunice, b. 3 Jan., 1750; 
3d, William, b. 6 March, 1753; 4th, Lucy, b. 21 Oct., 1755; 
5th, Elizabeth, b. in Montville 12 March, 1760, and married 
Joshua Raymond for his second wife. 

William Prince was a grandson of Robert Prince and Sarah 
- of Danvers, Mass. He was a large land-holder in 
Montville, and at one time owned the farm on which Captain 
Jerome W. Williams now lives (1806). He became greatly 
entangled by debt, and was obliged to make an assignment of 
his property, which left him much impoverished at his death. 
Elizabeth Holland, the mother of Mary, died at Montville 23 
Aug., 1762, aged 64 years. Joseph, the father, died 18 Nov., 
1762, in the 68th year of his age. Both were members of the 
Jewett church. 

Church. 

Since the Church families' record has been in type, facts 
have come into the possession of the writer, through the cour- 
tesy of Mrs. Mary F. W. Church, wife of Frederick Fargo 
Church, Esq., a lawyer of Rochester, N. Y., that scatter much 
of the mist that has hitherto surrounded the more remote an- 
cestry of this branch of the Church families. It now appears 
to be clearly established that Richard Church of Westfield, 
Mass.. born in 1664, and married 3 March, 1692, Elizabeth 
Nobles, b. 9 Feb., 1673, daughter of Thomas Nobles of Bos- 
ton, was the father of Jonathan Church, who married Abigail 
Fairbanks of North Parish, 24 Feb., -1724. 

This Richard Church and his wife Elizabeth are found 
among the early settlers in Colchester, where he died 1 April, 



714 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 



? 



1730, in the 67th year of his age. His wife afterwards mar- 
ried Deacon Samuel Loomis, and died 10 Aug., 1741, aged 
78 years 6 months 1 day. The children of Richard Church, 
as found recorded at Westfield, Mass., were 1st, Hannah, b. 5 
Oct., 1692; 2d, John, b. 12 Jan., 1693-4; 3d, Rachel, b. 1 
March, 1694-5; 4th, James, b. 26 Oct., 1696; 5th, Joseph, b. 
7 Dec, 1698; 6th, Jonathan, b. 7 Dec, 1700; 7th, Samuel, b. 
28 'Nov;, 1702; 8th, Elizabeth, b. 26 March, 1705; Jonathan, 
6th child of Richard Church and Elizabeth Nobles, b. 7 Dec, 
1700; m. 24 Feb., 1724, Abigail Fairbanks. He had a son, 
Jonathan, b. about 1726, and was twice married. The name 

of his first wife is unknown, and may have been Amy , 

that being the name of her daughter, b. 1 April, 1754, and in. 

2 Aug., 1773, James Comstock. He married for his second 
wife Mary Angell, b. 7 Oct., 1744, daughter of William An- 
gel! and Almy Harding of Warwick, R. I., 13 Feb., 1762. 
Their children were 1st, Amter, b. 12 Oct., 1762; 2d, Roswel. 
b. 23 Aug., 1764; 3d, James, b. 13 Sept., 1766; 4th, Jonathan, 
b. 6 Aug., 1770; 5th, David, b. 18 April, 1773; 6th, Amos, b. 
6 Oct., 17T5; 7th, Joshua, b. 22 June, 1779; 8th, William, 
twin to Joshua; 9th, Lydia, b. 6 Oct., 1782; 10th, Abel, b. 4th 
Oct., 1786; 11th, Addelisa, b. 27 Dec, 1794; 12th, Lemuel, b. 

3 June, 1797. 

Joshua, the 7th child of Jonathan Church and Mary An- 
gell, m. 12 Feb., 1807, Delia Cushman. She died 7 Aug., 
1821, leaving one daughter. He then married, 17 Oct., 1822, 
Celina Mallory. He died at Ftica, N. Y., 27 Jan., 1861. She 
died there 25 Dec, 1880, leaving four sons and one daughter. 
William, twin to Joshua, married and settled in Meadville, 
Penn. He had one son, Gaylord, who was a judge, and mem- 
ber of Congress. 

. Whiting-Noyes. 

The Whitings were an old family, of Old Boston, England. 
A William Whiting, or Whytynge, is on the subsidiary rolls of 
Edward 3d, 1333, as an inhabitant of Boston at that time. 
There were three brothers of the name who came to New Eng- 



APPENDIX. 715 

land in 1630. Two of them were clergymen. One settled at 
Lynn, Mass., the other at Billerica. The third brother, William 
Whiting, bom at Deptford, Kent Comity, England, was one 
of the most respectable of the early settlers of Hartford, and set- 
tled there in 1(336. He was one of the assistants of the gov- 
ernor, a magistrate in 1643, and was elected treasurer of the 
colony, and continued in that office until his death, in July, 
1647. He was a major. His wife's name was Susannah, and 
they had six children, viz.: William, John, Samuel, Mary, 
Sarah, and Joseph. 

John Whiting, born about 1635, married Sybil Collins, 
and died at Hartford, 8 Sept., 1689. He was a graduate of 
Harvard in 1653, a clergyman at Salem, Mass., moved to Hart- 
ford in 1660, was twice married, and had seven children by 
each wife. His third child was Sybil Collins. William, his 
son, b. 1659, married 6 Oct., 1686, Mary Allyn, daughter of 
John Allyn. He was a prominent man, and represented Hart- 
ford in the General Court eleven sessions; was Speaker in 1714. 
He distinguished himself in the Indian wars, and was major 
in 1705. Commissioned by Queen Ann, April 1, 1710; col- 
onel of a regiment of foot, raised in the Colony of Connecti- 
cut July 5, 1692; served in the field in command of the Con- 
necticut troops in the expedition against Canada in 1711. He 
had three children, Mary, Charles, and William. Charles, l>. 
5 July, 1692 ; m. 10 Jan., 1716-17, Elizabeth, daughter of Sam- 
uel Bradford of Duxbury, Mass., great-granddaughter of Gov- 
ernor Bradford. Her mother was Hannah Rogers, daughter 
of John Rogers and Elizabeth (Peabody") Holt. Elizabeth 
Peabody was the granddaughter of John Alden and Priscilla 
Mullens. He was a lieutenant, so called, and died at Mont- 
ville, 7 March, 1738. His widow afterwards married Deacon 
John Koyes of Stonington. She died 10 May, 1777. They 
had nine children. The third child, Sybil, b. July, 1722, m. 
William Noyes, b. 2 March, 1716. She died 27 April, 1790. 
He died at Canaan, Conn., Nov., 1809, where both are buried. 



716 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Nelson-Rogers. 

Joseph Nelson was born 20 Nov., 1790, son of Thomas 
Nelson and Sarah Martin, and was married 30 April, 1816, to 
Nancy Eogers, b. 8 Ana;., 1794, daughter of Isaiah Rogers and 
Mabel Otis, daughter of Nathaniel, of Montville. 

Thomas Nelson, the father of Joseph, was born in England, 
and removed to County Armaugh, Parish of Kilmore, Town 
of Corniscribe, Ireland, where he married Sarah Marten, from 
Scotland. He came to America in April, 1801. He was a 
linen-bleacher, and was a Mason of considerable prominence. 
He had children, Joseph, Elizabeth, Sarah, Thomas, William, 
John, and Mary. 

Joseph, the eldest son of Thomas Nelson, had children, 1st, 
Isaiah Rogers, b. 4 March, 1817; m. Alice Doughty; 2d, 
Thomas Emmet, b. 15 March, 1819; m. Mary Murtaugh; 3d, 
Mabel Ann, b. 17 Jan., 1821; died 30 March, 1839, rami.; 
4th, Frances Harriet, b. 4 April, 1823; m. Henry B. Marsh, 
22 Sept., 1843. He was a jeweler, lived in Brunswick, N. J., 
where he died in December, 1892, aged 83 years. Their chil- 
dren were 1st, Henry Nelson, b. 6 June, 1844; 2d, Edward 
Beebe, b. 1 Nov., 1845; died 11 Oct., 1850; 3d, Mary Fran- 
ces, b. 30 Nov., 1847; m. Joseph Fisher, and died 17 March, 
1877; 4th, Edgar Jerome, b. 26 July, 1850; 5th, Eugene Le- 
Grand, b. 2 Feb., 1860; 6th, Charles Arthur, b. 10 Oct., 1863; 
m. Nettie Blue; 7th, Leo, b. 24 Nov., 1866; died 23 Feb., 
1867. 

Isaiah Rogers was bom in Montville, in that part of the 
town which was set off to Salem. It is not certainly known 
who his parents were. He married about 1793 Mabel Otis, 
and soon after moved to Lansingburg, where he was a land- 
holder. He, with his brother-in-law, Mr. Powers* bought 
large tracts of land in the West. He died at Lansingburg 
about 1794, leaving only one child, Nancy. His widow then 
married about 1795 Francis Carpenter, and had children, Fran- 
cis, born about 1796, and Hester, born about 1800; m. John 
Hart, and had three children, James, Mary, and Charles. 



APPENDIX. 717 

Williams. 

Dudley B. Williams, a carpenter and machinist, lived at 
Uncasville, son of Captain Allyn Williams of Ledyard, and 
Susanna Ormsby. He married 1st, Fanny B. Lester, daughter 
of Daniel Lester, and had five children. After her death, he 
married Lucy W. (Brown) Church. He died 19 June, 1866, 
age 67 years. She was living with her daughter, Harriet A. 
Avery in 1896, being 99 years old, having been a widow 30 
years. 

FRENCH SPOLIATION CLAIMS. 

The following is a copy of the petition of the Hon. R. N. 
Parish, administrator of the personal property of Joshua Ray- 
mond and Christopher Raymond, deceased, for French Spolia- 
tion committee prior to July 31. 1801, to the United States 
Court of Claims: 

" That, on the 10th day of November, 1886, this peti- 
tioner of the town of Montville, State of Connecticut, was duly 
appointed Administrator of the Goods, Chattel, and effects of 
Joshua Raymond and Christopher Raymond, deceased, by the 
Court having jurisdiction thereof, and on the same day letters 
of Administration were duly issued to him by the said Court. 
That in the year A.D. 1795 and at all the times hereinafter 
mentioned the said Joshua Raymond and Christopher Ray- 
mond were citizens of the IT. S. and residents of the State of 
Connecticut. 

" That at the times hereinafter mentioned the said Joshua 
and Christopher Raymond were sole owners of a certain Amer- 
ican schooner called the Good Intent, registered in the port 
of New London, State of Conn., and the Stock on board as men- 
tioned herein. 

" That on or about the 14th day of January 1800 the said 
Schooner sailed under the flag of the U. S. from the said port 
of New London bound for the Island of Martinique. That 
on the 28th day of February 1800 the said schooner " Good 



718 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

Intent " being in the Latitude of about 15 degrees North, Lon- 
gitude 59 degrees West, and while fully pursuing said voy- 
age, was illegally seized, captured, and taken possession of by a 
French Privateer called L' Unique, Commanded by Captain 
Journard, together with said stock on board and by said Priva- 
teer taken into the Island of Guadoloupe where said vessel 
and stock were condemned as prize. That by reason of said il- 
legal capture and seizure and condemnation the said Schooner 
her tackle, furniture and stock became a total loss to the said 
owners thereof. No part of the same ever being received by 
said Joshua and Christopher Raymond. 

" That the value of said schooner, Good Intent, at the time 
of capture was Five thousand dollars, and the said stock Two 
thousand three hundred and thirty dollars, and the freight on 
the same One thousand dollars. 

" That said stock was owned as follows: Christopher Ray- 
mond, $1000.00, Joshua Raymond $1330.00. That said 
Christopher Raymond paid as a premium for Insurance on 
said Stock and freight, and said Vessel the sum of $500.00. 
That said claim was not embraced in the Convention between 
the U. S. and the French Republic, concluded April 30, 1803, 
nor has it, or any part thereof been allowed, or paid under any 
treaty with Spain, concluded the 22d day of February 1819 
nor with France, concluded July 4th 1831. 

" That neither the whole or any part of said claim has ever 
been sold, assigned, transferred or set over to any one, or any 
interest therein been assigned or transferred, or any part there- 
of been paid, except the sum of $965.00 paid the said Christo- 
pher Raymond for said insurance effected by him on said ves- 
sel, and the sum of $777.41 paid to said Christopher Raymond 
for said stock owned by him." 

Joshua Raymond was also the sole owner of another schoon- 
er called " Polly," which was also captured and condemned 
by an armed French privateer in December, 1799, while on a 
voyage from New London to Tortola, with a cargo of stock on 
board of the value of $3,000, the value of the schooner being 



APPENDIX. 719 

$4,000. This claim also lias been presented to the United 
States Court of Claims for adjudication and allowance. 

It is not known whether either of these claims, or any part 
of the same, have been secured or not. 

A very large tract of land, containing more than one thou- 
sand acres, lying partly in Montville and partly in Lyme, now 
a part of the town of Salem, and owned by William Brown, 
was confiscated to the State of Connecticut about 1776. 

This property was afterwards sold by John Lawrence, treas- 
urer of the State of Connecticut, to Nathan Allyn, 2d, of Gro- 
ton, 20 March, 1783, by order of the General Assembly. 

Mr. Israel F. Brown of New London, president of the 
Brown Cotton Gin Co., was born near the Salem town line 
31 Dec, 1810, son of William Brown, born at Gales Ferry 
about 1771, and died at Macon, Georgia, 3 March, 1829. His 
mother was Sarah Gager Edgerton of Norwich, Conn., born 
1773, and married 27 Sept., 1795. Air. Israel F. Brown, on 
the day he was fifteen years old started for Georgia, where his 
parents had already located. He was the inventor of the cot- 
ton gin, now so largely manufactured at New London. 

The Norwich and Essex Turnpike was built in 1828. It 
passes through the north part of Montville, entering the town 
of Salem near the old AVilloughbv tavern, which formerly 

stood near Gardner Lake. The site is now owned by 

Phillips, on which he has lately erected a new hotel. 

Joshua Raymond leased to Jeremiah Comstock and Guy 
Turner, in 1807, for a term of ten years, the house and lot, 
opposite the Congregational Church, at the center, afterwards 
owned by Nathaniel Parish, in which he kept a grocery store. 
The old building was in 1884 taken down, and a new chapel 
was erected on the site the same year. 

Elijah Bemis leased to Palmer Cook in 1811 the saw-mill, 
fulling-mill, and cloth works, with carding machine, that for- 
merly stood on the site of B. F. Scholfleld's present woolen-mill. 
The dwelling-house that was at this time connected with this 



720 HISTORY OF MONTVILLE. 

mill was afterwards owned by James Scholfield. After Mr. 
Scliolfield's death in 1882, the old house was taken down, and 
a larger, commodious, mansion house erected near the old site. 

The greatest freshet that there is any record of occurring in 
this town, swept through the entire town on the afternoon of 
the 25th day of August, 1877, carrying away dams and bridges, 
wrecking mills, washing out the highways, and causing great 
destruction to crops. 

A great snow storm occurred throughout Kew England 
and New York on the 12th day of March, 1888. It was the 
most severe ever known by the oldest inhabitants. Roads were 
impassable for several days, business was greatly hindered, 
railroads blocked, and much suffering was the result. It has 
since been called " the great blizzard of 1888." 



I^DEX OF FAMILY XAMES. 



Allen, Samuel, 430. 

Jason, 431, 432, 434. 

Joseph, 432. 

Stephen, 432. 

George, 433. 

John H., St., 433. 

John H. Jr., 434. 
Allyn, Robert, 514, 515. 

John, 515. 

James, 515, 516. 

Charles, 516. 
Atwell, Benjamin, 278, 282, 284. 

Richard, 279, 280. 

Samuel, 279, 281, 282. 

Joseph, 280, 282, 285. 2s?. 

James, 283. 

Daniel L., 284. 

Onesimus, 284. 

George B., 285. 

James S., 286. 

Alexander B., 286. 

Allen J., 286. 

Charles B., 287. 

William G., 287. 

John, 288. 
Austin, Robert, 289, 290. 

Jeremiah, 289. 

Ezekiel, 290, 291. 

Stephen, 290, 291. 
Avery, Christopher, 518. 

James, 518, 522. 

Thomas, 519. 

Samuel, 519. 

Abraham, 520, 521, 522. 

Jonathan, 521. 

Joshua, 521. 
Adgate, Thomas, 498, 499. 

JohnH., 499. 

Asahel, 500. 

46 



Alden, Abishai, 600. 
Baker, Alexander, 153, 157. 

Joshua, 153, 154, 158, 161, 
165. 

Samuel, 158. 

Gideon, 158. 

James, 159. 

Stephen, 160. 

John, 160. 

Asa, 161. 

Jared, 162, 166. 

Lebbeus, 162. 

Lemuel, 163. 

Elisha, 163, 161). 

Bliss, 164. 

Josiah, 164. 

Oliver, 165. 

Daniel, 165. 

Zebediah, 167. 

Hiram P., 167. 

John G., 168. 

Elisha B., 168, 710. 

Erastus, 169. 

Abishai A., 170. 

Edwin B., 170. 

Henry A., 171. 

George G., 172. 
Bailey, Thomas, 493. 

John, 493, 494. 

Obediah, 494, 495. 

Simeon, 495, 496. 

Robinson, 496. 

Simeon A., 497. 

Henry E., 497. 
Bolles, Joseph, 111, 113, 117, 119, 
123. 

Thomas, 112, 114. 

John, 113, 114, 118. 

Ebenezer, 115. 



722 



INDEX. 



Bolles, Isaiah, 115. 

Enoch, 115. 

Joshua, 116. 

Samuel, 116. 

Daniel, 118. 

Amos, 119, 122 

David, 120. 

Hezekiah, 120. 

Calvin, 121. 

Zebediah, 121. 

John R., 122. 

Jared, 123. 
Bradford, William, 391, 392, 394, 
400. 

Joseph, 393, 394, 396, 397. 

John, 393, 396, 397. 

Samuel, 394, 396, 398. 

Israel, 395. 

Ephraim, 395. 

Perez, 398. 

Benjamin, 398. 

Nathaniel, 399. 

Joshua R., 399. 

AdonijahF., 401. 

Thomas, 401. 

James F., 402. 

Samuel S., 403. 
Browning, Nathaniel, 223. 

William, 223, 224. 226, 227. 

Samuel, 224. 

John, 225, 226. 

Ephraim, 227. 

Avery, 227. 

Rouse, 228. 

Hazzard, 228. 

Dr. Isaac, 229. 

Elias, 230. 
Bliss, Thomas, 523, 524. 

Samuel, 524. 

Peletiah, 525, 526. 

John, 527. 
Chester, Samuel, 240. 

John, 240. 

Joseph, 240, 241, 242, 243. 

David, 242. 

Lemuel, 242. 

Erastus, 243. 



Church, Richard, 505, 713. 

Jonathan, 505, 506. 

Joseph, 506, 507. 

Peleg, 507, 508. 

Amos, 508. 

Sanford, 508. 

John, 509. 

Samuel, 509. 

Prentice, 509. 

George, 510. 

Tracy, 510. 

Seth G., 511. 

Erastus, 511. 

Harry, 512. 

Norman B., 512. 
Chapel, William, 474, 479, 482. 

John, 474, 475. 

Joseph, 475, 476. 

Richard, 476, 481. 

Ezekia, 476, 479. 

Jonathan, 477. 

Isaac, 478, 481. 

Guy, 478. 

Atwell, 478. 

Daniel, 479, 482, 484. 

Peter, 480. 

Jedediah, 480, 483. 

Comstock, 480. 

Erastus, 481. 

Chariot, 482. 

Ransford, 483. 

Samuel, 483. 

George, 484. 

GoddardM.,484. 

Hubbard Li, 485. 
Champlin, Jeffery, 351, 352. 

William, 351, 353, 354. 

Christopher, 352, 354. 

Samuel, 354, 355. 

Oliver, 355. 

John, 356. 

Isaac S., 357. 

Rowland, 357. 

Nathan, 358. 

Frederick, 358. 
Comstock, William, 132, 144. 

John, 132, 133, 138, 143. 



INDEX. 



723 



Comstock, Daniel, 132, 133, 135, 
136, 139. 

Samuel, 132, 135, 146. 

Christopher, 132. 

Gideon, 132, 133, 134, 137. 

Kinsley, 134, 136. 

Nathaniel, 136, 140. 

Zebediah, 137, 141, 147. 

Caleb, 137, 147. 

Peter, 138, 141, 148. 

James, 138, 144. 150. 

Joseph, 139. 

Elisha, 139. 

Jared, 140. 

Lancaster, 141. 

Ransford, 142. 

Nathan, 143, 149. 

Ebenezer, 144. 

Perez, 145. 

David, 146. 

Alexander, 147. 

Jonathan, 148. 

Jesse, 148, 152. 

Asa, 149. 

Oliver, 150. 

John R., 151. 

Amos, 151. 

Prentis, 151. 

David C, 152. 
Cardwell, William, 537. 

William S., 538. 
Coggshall, John A., 538. 
Crocker, Thomas, 531. 

Samuel, 531. 

John, 531, 532. 

Lydia, 532. 
Chapman, Samuel, 533, 709. 

Joseph, 533. 

Zebulon, 534. 

Joseph L., 534. 

Jonathan, 534, 535. 

Christopher, 535. 

Alpheus, 535. 
Copp, Jonathan, 528. 

David, 529. 

Samuel, 529. 

John, 529. 



Congdon, Benjamin, 124. 

John, 125, 126, 128. 

Jeremiah, 126. 

David, 127. 128. 

Nicholas, 128. 
Dart, Richard, 455. 

Daniel, 455. 

Ebenezer, 456. 

David, 456. 

Moses, 456. 
Dolbeare, John, 333, 334, 338. 

George, 334, 337. 

Samuel, 335, 339. 

George B., 335. 

Mary, 335. 

Abigail, 336. 

Hannah, 336. 

Christopher, 337. 

Elisha, 337. 

Lemuel R., 338. 

Mumford, 339. 

Guy, 340. 

William B. , 340. 

George F., 340. 

David, 341. 

Edwin M., 341. 
Darrow, George, 102. 

Christopher, 102, 104. 

Nicholas, 103, 105, 106. 

Ebenezer, 104. 

Zadoc, 105. 

Lemuel, 106. 

John, 107. 

Daniel, 107. 

Francis, 108. 

Edmund, 108. 

Jason, 109. 

Albert G. , 109. 

Osmond, 110. 

Turner S., 110. 
Denison, Robert, 539, 540. 

George, 539, 541. 
Dow, Lorenzo, 603. 
Fargo, Moses, 129, 130, 131. 

Robert, 129, 130, 131. 

Stanton, 130. 
Fellowes, William. 346. 



724 



INDEX. 



Fellows, Isaac, 346, 347. 

Ephraim, 346, 347, 348. 
Francis, 349. 
John, 350. 
Fitch, James, 377, 379, 385, 3«6. 
Samuel, 380. 
Daniel, 381, 385. 
John, 381, 390. 
Jeremiah, 382. 
Jabez, 383. 
Joseph, 383. 
Nathaniel, 384. 
Adonijah, 384, 387. 
Squire Joseph, 386. 
JohnG., 387. 
"William, 388. 
Benjamin, 388. 
Benajah, 389. 
Thomas, 389. 
Rufus, 389. 
Asa, 390. 
Fox, Thomas, 365. 

Samuel, 365, 366, 367, 369, 

370, 371, 372. 
Jabez, 365. 
John, 367. 
Isaac, 368. 
Benjamin, 370. 
Ezekiel, 371. 
Elisha, 372. 
Brintnal, 373. 
Daniel, 373. 
Lyman, 374. 
Lamson, 374. 
George, 375. 
Robert, 375. 
Henry, 375. 
Joel H., 376. 
Gardner, Stephen, 543. 
Peregrene, 544. 
Daniel, 544. 
David, 545, 547. 
Jonathan, 545, 549. 
Lydia, 546. 
William, 546. 
Aseneth, 547. 
Isaac, 548. 



Gardner, Lemuel, 549. 
Sidney, 550. 
John F., 550. 
David H., 551. 
Azel, 551. 
Erastus, 551. 

Roderick, 552. 

Amos, 552. 

Gilbert, 553. 
Green, John, 235. 

Samuel, 236, 238. 

Christopher, 237, 238. 

Benjamin, 237. 

William, 238. 

Stephen, 239. 
Holmes, John, 327. 

Samuel, 328, 329. 

Jabez, 330. 

Elisha, 330. 

Bartlett, 330. 

Griswold, 331. 

George N., 331. 

Seth W., 332. 
Hillhouse, John, 554. 

James, 554, 555, 558. 

William, 555, 561. 

James A., 557, 561. 

John G., 557. 

David, 559. 

Samuel, 560. 

Thomas, 560. 

Nathaniel, 562. 

James W., 561. 
Hill, Charles, 422, 423, 428. 

George, 422, 425, 428. 

Jonathan, 424, 427. 

William, 426. 

Samuel, 427. 

George W., 429. 
Haughton, Richard, 486. 

Sampson, 486, 487. 

James, 487. 

William W., 488. 
Jewett, David, 563. 

Stephen, 563. 
Latimer, Robert, 314, 321. 

Jonathan, 314, 316, 321, 325. 



INDEX. 



725 



Latimer, Samuel, 315, 319, 323. 

Peter, 316. 

Nathan, 318. 

Richard, 319. 

Picket, 319. 

George, 320. 

Wetherel, 321. 

Charles, 321. 

Joseph, 322. 

Nathaniel, 322. 

Hallam, 322. 

Edward, 323. 

George G., 324. 

Nicholas, 324. 

Alexander H., 325. 

Joseph S., 326. 
Leffingwell, Thomas, 306. 

Nathaniel, 307. 

Samuel, 307, 308, 309, 
311. 

John, 307, 311. 

Benajah, 307. 

Matthew, 308. 

Phineas, 308. 

Elisha, 309. 

Andrew, 309. 

Jabez, 310. 

Benjamin, 310. 

Gurdon, 311. 

Christopher, 312. 

Marvin, 312. 

John B., 312. 

Joseph, 313. 
Loomis, John, 570. 

Jacob, 570. 

Joel, 571. 
Lester, Andrew, 489. 

Benjamin, 489. 

Timothy, 490. 

Levi, 490. 

Daniels, 491. 

Benjamin, 491. 
Lyon, Amariah, 450. 

William, 450. 

John, 450, 452. 

Caleb, 451, 453. 

Ephraim, 452. 

Daniel D., 453. 



Manwaring, Oliver, 244, 245. 
Richard, 245. 

Robert, 246. 

Roger, 247. 

John, 248, 249. 

Christopher, 249. 

Elizabeth, 249. 
Maple, Stephen, 466, 468. 

John, 466. 

William, 467. 

Joshua, 468, 470. 

Andrew, 468. 

Abel, 469. 

David, 469. 

Benjamin, 469. 

John C, 470. 
Newbury, John, 471. 

Trial, 471. 

Nathan, 472. 

Davis, 472. 

Christopher G., 472. 
Otis, John, 404, 405, 412. 

Joseph, 406, 410, 413, 417. 

James, 407, 409, 411. 

Nathaniel, 408, 413, 414. 

JohnT., 415. 

David, 416. 

Asahel, 417. 

David G., 417. 
Parish, Nathaniel, 100, 101. 

Elizabeth, 100. 

Elijah, 100, 101. 
Parker, James, 443, 444. 

Josiah, 444. 

Joshua, 444. 

Thomas, 444. 

Jonathan, 445. 

Eliphalet, 445. 

Edward L., 446. 

Benjamin, 446. 

Jeduthan, 447. 
Palmer, Walter, 435. 

Hannah, 436. 

Elihu, 436. 

Nehemiah, 436. 

Moses, 436. 

Benjamin, 436. 

Gershom, 437. 



726 



INDEX. 



Palmer, Rebecca, 437. 
Reuben, 487, 439. 
Gideon, 439, 441. 
Elisha H., 441. 
William H., 442. 
Reuben T., 442. 
Rogers, James, 176, 181, 184, 186, 

189, 190, 191, 193, 200, 

201, 203. 
Samuel, 178, 183, 189, 192. 
Joseph, 178, 189, 202. 
John, 179, 184, 185, 190, 192, 

204, 210. 
Jonathan, 182, 184, 187, 195, 

201. 
Daniel, 182, 187, 205, 208, 217. 
Rowland, 185. 
William, 186, 207, 211. 
Alpheus, 188, 210. 
Thomas, 188, 198, 215. 
Joshua, 191, 212. 
Ichabod, 191. 
Alexander, 193, 205. 
Peter, 193, 206, 207. 
Nathaniel, 194. 
Ebenezer, 194, 196. 
Timothy, 194. 
Nathan, 195, 215. 
David, 196, 218. 
Jehial, 197. 
Asa, 197. 
Adonijah, 198. 
Andrew, 199. 
Azel, 199. 
Frederick, 200. 
Jeremiah, 201, 217. 
Stephen, 202. 
Isaac, 203. 
Isaiah, 203. 
Jason, 204. 
Lemuel, 206. 
Uriah, 207. 
Amos, 208. 
Phineas, 208. 
Ethan, 209. 
Zebulon, 209. 
Lester, 209. 
Paul, 210. 



Rogers, Henry T., 211. 

Thomas P., 212. 

Azel F., 213. 

Caleb B., 213. 

Frederick W. H., 214. 

• Benjamin, 214. 

Lyman, 216, 218. 

Matthew, 217. 

Albert A., 219. 

Elisha, 219. 

John R., 220. 

Darwin E., 220. 

Benjamin N., 220. 

George A., 221. 

James H., 221 

Charles E., 221. 

William H., 222. 
Richards, Nehemiah, 591. 
Rudd, Jonathan, 343, 345. 

Nathaniel, 343. 

Daniel, 344. 

Samuel, 344. 

George, 345. 
Raymond, Richard, 573. 

Joshua, 574, 576, 579, 587. 

Sands, 575. 

John. 577, 582. 

Edward, 578. 

Christopher, 578, 586. 

Josiah, 580, 588. 

Mulford, 580. 

Oliver, 581. 

Nathaniel, 583. 

George, 584, 589. 

Daniel F., 584. 

Lemuel, 587. 

Mulford Q., 588. 

William, 588, 589. 

Richard, 590. 

James M., 590. 
Smith, James, 293. 

Ebenezer, 293, 295, 298. 

Benjamin, 295, 297. 

John, 296, 304 

Daniel, 296. 

Stephen, 297. 

Asa, 297, 300. 

Seth, 298. 



INDEX. 



727 



Smith, Marvin, 298. 
AlvinG., 299. 
Lyman, 300. 
Joseph, 301. 
Abel, 301. 
Nathan, 302. 
David, 304. 
Joshua. 304. 

Jethro, 305. 
Scholfield, Arthur, 267, 268. 

John, 267, 268, 269, 273. 

Joseph, 268, 271. 

James, 268, 270. 

Benjamin, 268, 272. 

Abraham, 268. 

Mary, 270. 

Thomas, 271. 

Hannah, 272. 

Nathan, 273. 

Albert, 274. 

Joseph A., 274. 

Edwin A., 275. 

JohnF., 375. 

Benjamin F.. 276. 

Anson S., 276. 

Almy L., 276. 
Swaddle, William, 592. 

Samuel, 592. 

James, 593. 
Stebbins, John, 419. 

Jabez, 420. 

Edward, 421. 
Turner, Thomas, 251. 

John, 251, 259. 

Humphry, 251. 

Matthew, 252, 253, 257. 

Isaac, 252, 256, 260. 

Jonathan, 253. 

David, 253. 

James, 254. 

Guy, 255, 260. 

Giles. 255. 

Jared, 256. 

Lyman, 257. 

James H., 257. 

Peter C, 258. 

Samuel, 258. 

William C, 258. 



Turner, Timothy W., 259. 
James L., 259. 
Henry, 259. 
Tuttle, Daniel,- 598. 

Peletiah, 598, 599. 

Sanford, 599. 
Thompson, Isaac, 594. 

Samuel, 595. 

Nathaniel, 595. 

Elias, 596. 

Jabez, 596. 
Yallet, Jeremiah, 261, 262, 263, 264, 
365. 

William, 265, 266. 
Vincent, William, 448. 

Harry, 448. 

JohnR., 448. 

Ira, 448. 

Samuel, 449. 

Frank, 449. 

Ezra, 449. 
Vibber, John, 231, 232. 

Nathaniel, 232. 

William, 233. 

Salmon C. 233. 
Whaley, Alexander, 501. 

James, 501, 503, 504. 

David, 501. 

Samuel, 502. 

Jonathan, 502. 

William P., 503. 
Williams, Thomas, 458, 459. 

Ebenezer, 460, 462. 

Robert, 460. 

Samuel, 461. 

Isaac, 461. 

Stephen, 462, 463. 

John, 463. 

Henry, 464. 

George, 464, 465. 
Wickwire, John. 360. 

Peter, 361, 363, 364. 

Jeremiah, 361. 

Willard, 362. 

Zadoc, 362. 

Gardner, 362. 

Christopher, 363. 

Amos, 364. 




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VI