Plainfield, Connecticut Biographies
Sessions L. Adams, born in 1854 in Canterbury, is a son of Jabez
and Jane (Lester) Adams. He came to Plainfield to live with his uncle,
"Major" Lester. He was educated at Wauregan district school, then at
Danielsonville high school about two years and a half, under L. T. Brown,
then at North Glastenbury, Conn., three years. He was selectman in 1882,
and in June, 1885, he was appointed to the offices of town clerk and
treasurer, to fill a vacancy, and in October following was elected to the
same offices, which he has filled since that time. He was elected in 1888
as representative in the general assembly. " Major" Lester died in 1882,
and since that time Mr. Adams has had charge of the farm, living with Mrs.
Lester. He is a republican, and a member of the A. O. U. W., No. 22.
John H. Arthur, son of Michael Arthur, was born in 1862, in
Woodstock. He was married in 1888 to Mary A., daughter of James S.
Anderson, who lived in Plainfield about thirty years prior to his death,
which occurred in February, 1887. He had two daughters, Mary A., now Mrs.
John H. Arthur, and Martha J. Mr. Arthur is a democrat.
Edward E. Ashley, born in 1848, is a son of Gilbert and grandson of
Luther Ashley. His mother was Frances E., daughter of Alfred A. Drown. Mr.
Ashley came to Plainfield in 1876, and since 1878 has been clerk for J. P.
Kingsley & Sons, and also express agent at Plainfield Junction. He was
married in 1872 to Ellen Wood. She died in June, 1882, leaving two
children, Susie F. and Alfred D. He was married again in 1884 to Frances
Starkweather. He is a republican.
Isaac J. Baldwin is a son of Isaac, grandson of Rufus and
great-grandson of Isaac, Sr., whose father, John, was a son of Benjamin
Baldwin, who came to Canterbury in or about 1705. He was a son of Henry
Baldwin. Mr. Baldwin has spent the most of his time for the past twenty
years in the West. He was married in 1863 to Mary A., daughter of Roswell
Ensworth. She died in 1868. He is a republican.
Charles E. Barber, born in 1848 in Exeter, is a son of George,
grandson of Ellery, and great-grandson of Reynolds Barber. Mr. Barber is a
tinsmith by trade, was clerk and tinsmith in the Central Hardware store
about twelve years prior to 1880, and at that time bought the business of
Mr. Dean. He has since enlarged the building, putting a hall on the second
floor. He now keeps a full line of hardware and stoves. He has held some
of the town offices as a republican. He is a member of Moosup Lodge, No.
113, F. and A. M., and a member of Protection Lodge, No. 19, I. O. of O.
F.
Lucius Battey was born in 1836 in Burrillville, R. I. He is a son
of Levi, grandson of John and great-grandson of Benjamin Battey. His
mother was Roxanna, daughter of Peleg Kelley. Mr. Battey lived in Rhode
Island until he was sixteen years old. From there he went to
Massachusetts, and in 1858 came to Moosup. He was a clerk for E. E. Hill
for a time, then went into partnership with Mr. Hill in the store. In 1872
he sold out his interest to Mason W. Hale. In the same year he built the
building here which he used as a store and residence from 1876 to 1886. In
1886 he sold the store business to E. E. Salisbury. He still owns the
building and uses the second story as a residence. He was married in 1860
to Matilda Daggett, daughter of Rufus Daggett. They have two
children-Elmer E., and Ida, who died in 1883, aged 13 years. Mr. Battey
was in a store at Central Village four years from 1872 to 1876. 'He is a
republican, has been selectman one year, and was postmaster at Moosup
about ten years.
Emily Bennett was born in August, 1811, in Hanover, Conn. She is a
daughter of Edward Morgan, and granddaughter of William Morgan. She was
married in August, 1831, to Stephen Bennett. They had eight children:
Stephen N., David C. (deceased), Olive E. (now Mrs. D. Herrick), and five
others, deceased, whose names were: George C., Edwin D., Joseph L., Loren
W. and Benjamin. Mrs. Bennett's husband was born in 1793, and died in
June, 1878. He was in the war of 1812. His wife now draws a pension.
Stephen N. Bennett was born in 1.832 in Plainfield. He is a son of
Stephen, Jr., and grandson of Stephen, whose father John came from
England, settled in Griswold, Conn., and later went to Wilkesbarre, Pa. He
owned a large part of the land where the city of Wilkesbarre now stands.
Stephen was the youngest son of John. He served seven years in the war of
the revolution. Stephen, Jr., was in the war of 1812, about eight months.
Stephen IV. now owns the farms of, 250 acres where his father and
grandfather lived. He has a trout pond of one acre, and is adding another
acre. He has been justice of the peace two years and selectman three
terms. He was in California the most of the time from 1852 to 186,1. He is
one of the directors of the Windham County National Bank. He built his
trout pond in the spring of 1884, and the house where he now lives in
1885.
Caleb Bishop, born in 1837, in Lisbon, is a son of Elias, grandson
of Caleb, and great-grandson of Reuben and Hannah Bishop. His mother was
Lydia, daughter of Lee Hyde. Mr. Bishop is a farmer. He came to Plainfield
from Lisbon in 1864, and bought what was originally the Woodward homestead
in the south part of the town. He served in the war of the rebellion about
one year in Company F., 26th Connecticut volunteers. He was married in
1864 to -Mary E., daughter of Nelson Tyler. They have had four children:
Mary J., who died aged 8 years, Nellie C., Fannie L., and William T. He
has been selectman five years as a republican. He is a member of Jewett
City church.
Andrew J. Bitgood was born in 1845 in Voluntown, Conn., son of
Elisha Bitgood. He taught school some when a young man. He was brought up
a farmer and in 1876 he began the lumber business. In 1878 he bought a
portable saw mill, and does some custom work, but mostly manufacturing
lumber for himself for market. He represented the town of Voluntown in the
legislature in 1877-8, and held some of the town offices there. He was
married in 1875 to Victoria, daughter of Benjamin M. Burdick. They have
one daughter, Grace E. Mr. Bitgood is a democrat.
George R. Bliven, born in 1845, in Windham, Conn., is a son of John
H., and grandson of Pardon Bliven. His mother was Emily A., daughter of
Thomas Bingham. Mr. Bliven served in the war of the rebellion in Company
H, 18th Connecticut volunteers, from June, 1862, to July, 1865. In 1865 he
began to learn the blacksmith trade, and came to Central Village in 1876,
where he has worked at his trade since that time. In 1884 he built a
residence on a farm of 65 acres which he bought in 1881. He was married in
1869 to Lydia M., daughter of Stanton Baldwin. They had two children:
Mabel, and S. Ray, both deceased. They have an adopted son, Bernard D.
Bliven. Mr. Bliven is. a republican, a member of Moosup Lodge, No. 113, F.
& A. M., and of Kilburn Post, No. 77, G. A. R.
Benjamin R. Briggs was born in 1850, in Scituate. R. I. He is a son
of Bradford T., whose father, James, was a son of Joseph Briggs, who was a
revolutionary soldier. His mother is Celia (Ramsdale) Briggs. Mr. Briggs
worked about six years .at the harness maker's trade in Rhode Island, and
in April, 1880, came to Plainfield to take charge of the town farm, which
he did for two years.. He built a residence in Plainfield village in 1884,
and worked at his trade until 1888, when he bought a farm of 250 acres
between Plainfield and Central Village, and has since been engaged in
farming. He was married in 1871 to Nellie E., daughter of John R. and
Hattie (Bitgood) Briggs. They have two children: Walter B. and Bertha R.
He is a member of Ionic Lodge, No. 28, F. and A. Al., of Rhode Island.
George W. Brown was born in 1830, in Rhode Island. He was a son of
James and Abbie (Wilcox) Brown. He was a ship carpenter for several years
prior to 1860, then was a farmer in Hopkinton, R. I., until 1874, when he
bought the farm where his widow now lives, of 130 acres. He was married in
1859 to Martha J., daughter of Theophilus R. Bromley. Her mother was Mary
Spalding, a daughter of Asa Spalding. They have had seven children:
Everett E.. who is married and lives in Virginia; Henry B., Lucy J., who
died aged six years; Wendell P., Horace G., Mary A., and Fannie E. Dr.
Brown was a member of- Hopkinton Seventh Day Baptist church and a
republican.
Welcome H. Browning was born in 1834, in Griswold, Conn. His
father, Ephraim, was a son of Hazard, and grandson of Ephraim Browning.
His mother was Maria, daughter of Shepard Brown. Mr. Browning removed with
his father from Griswold to Canterbury in 1837, and in 1857 they came to
Plainfield, and bought a farm of 137 acres, and later they bought enough
more to make 350 acres. His father died in 1876, aged 71 years, and since
that time he has carried on the farming alone. He was married in 1877 to
Ellen, daughter of Gilbert C. Robbins. He is a democrat and a member of
the Packerville Baptist church.
Reverend Lucian Burleigh was born in Plainfield, in 1817. His
father, Rinaldo, was a son of John and grandson of John Burleigh. He was
educated at Plainfield Academy and Connecticut Literary Institution. He
was ordained as an Evangelist, and was a teacher, preacher and temperance
lecturer. His father, Rinaldo, was a graduate of Yale College, and was a
teacher for many years. He was deacon of the Congregational church of
Plainfield about forty-five years. He died in 1862, aged 88 years. Lucian
Burleigh was married in 1843 to Elizabeth M., daughter of Stephen and
Abigail Child. They had six children: Gertrude E., Harriet F., Caroline
E., Lucian R., William B. and John C., all living but Caroline E. Mr.
Burleigh died in 1884.
Joseph Butcher was born in England December 13th, 1803. He came to
this country and married Polly, daughter of Aaron Wheeler. He was a
farmer, excepting during a few years when he was in California. He was a
member of Plainfield Union Baptist church. He died in 1879. His nephew,
Joseph Butcher, was married in 1864 to Lydia M., daughter of George C. and
Eliza M. (Hazard) Sheldon. Eliza M. was daughter of Thomas C. and Lydia
Walker Hazard. George C. Sheldon was a son of Potter Sheldon. Lydia M. had
one daughter by her marriage with Mr. Butcher-G. Annie. She married John
J. Bennett in 1884.
Charles A. Byles, son of Josiah Byles, M. D., was born in 1842 in
Clinton, Conn. Mr. Byles came to Plainfield about thirty-two years ago,
and for the past twenty years has lived with his aunt, Mrs. Charles
Hinckley. Charles Hinckley was the son of Vincent Hinckley. Charles built
the house where Mr. Byles lives in 1857. He was married in 1839 to Lucy R.
Avery. He died in 1875, aged 59 years. He was in the legislature one term
and filled several of the town offices. He was a republican, a member of
the Central Congregational church, and was deacon for several years. Mr.
Byles was married in 1882 to Alice G., daughter of Henry C. Torrey. They
have two sons-Frank A. and Charles H. He is a member of the Central
Congregational church, and has been deacon of the same for four years. He
is a republican.
Gurdon Cady, born in 1822 in Brooklyn, Conn., is a son of Elisha
and grandson of Eliakim Cady. Mr. Cady is a farmer and has lived at this
place since 1843. He has been selectman two terms and represented the town
in the legislature in 1876. He was married to Mary E., daughter of Charles
and Fannie Whiting. They had one adopted daughter, Frances C., who died
aged thirteen years. The wife died in December, 1887. Mr. Cady is a
democrat, a member of Moosup Lodge, No. 113, F. & A. M., and a member of
Brooklyn Grange, No. 43, P. of H.
Fitch A. Carey was born in 1838 in Canterbury. He is a son of James
B. Carey and grandson of James, whose father was one of the first settlers
of Scotland, Conn. His mother was Mary, daughter of Fitch Adams. Mr. Carey
was clerk in a store here for the Central Manufacturing Company about nine
years prior to 1861. He went to Mexico and staid one year. From 1862 to
1875 he was a farmer in Canterbury. He represented the town in the
legislature in 1868, and was one of the selectmen several years. In 1875
he removed to Plainfield, and since that time has been a small farmer and
trader. In October, 1885, he was appointed postmaster at Central Village
and fitted up a small store, where he keeps a variety stock. He was
married in 1868 to Jennie, daughter of Archibald Fry. She died in 1879,
leaving one daughter, Jennie F. He was married in 1883 to Eliza Walker. He
is a democrat.
Lemuel W. Cleveland, born in 1841, is a son of Luther Cleveland,
who was born in 1807 and died in 1853. His mother is Lydia C., daughter of
Lemuel Woodward. Mr. Cleveland and his mother built the house where they
now live in 1869. Mr. Cleveland is a republican. His father was a Whig in
his day. Luther Cleveland was married in 1834 to Lydia C. Woodward. They
had three children: Frances (Mrs. J. D. Brown, of Hartford), born 1837,
has two daughters; Lemuel W. and Julia W. (twins), born 1841.
George S. Collins, born in 1861 in Canterbury, is a son of Charles
W. and Mary M. Collins. His grandfather was Thomas Collins. Mr. Collins
came to Plainfield in 1871, and has since been employed in the Kennedy
City Mills the most of the time. He has been superintendent since 1883. He
was married in 1885 to Catharine, daughter of John and Annie Murdock. He
is a democrat.
Henry G. Colvin, born in 1835 in Warwick, R. I., is a son of Henry
and grandson of George Colvin. His mother is Mary A., daughter of Joseph
Bennett. His father came from Rhode Island to Plainfield in 1835, and
lived here until his death, which occurred in 1869. Mr. Colvin is a
thrifty farmer, and has lived at his present residence since 1864. He has
a basement barn 40 by 97 feet. He was married in 1864 to Martha N.
Robinson. She died in 1876, and he was married in 1879 to Mrs. Mary
Burgess, sister of his first wife. He is a democrat.
James Craig, son of John Craig, was born in 1830 in Scotland. He is
a machinist. He worked at his trade in the old country from 1843 to 1871,
when he came to America, settling in Wauregan, where he has worked for the
Wauregan Mills since that time. He was married in 1850 and has seven
children: Helen, Annie, John, Thomas, Elizabeth, Jessie and Agnes. He is a
republican, a member of Wauregan Congregational church, and a member of
Moriah Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M.
Martha G. Crandall was born in 1820. She is a daughter of Jeremiah,
son of Aaron Starkweather. Her mother was Bridget Kinney. Martha G. was
married in 1865 to Reverend- Phineas Crandall, who was born in 1793. He
was a Methodist preacher for about fifty years, and a member of the New
England Conference. In 1866 he bought and took possession of the place
where Mrs. Crandall now lives. He died November 5th, 1878. Mr. Crandall
was in the war of 1812. He had one son, John, by a former marriage.
Henry Daggett, born in 1830 in Providence county, R. I., is a son
of Rufus and grandson of Daniel Daggett. His mother is Thankful (Bowen)
Daggett. Mr. Daggett was a mill operative about forty-four years, and ran
a cotton dresser for thirty-five years. Since 1886 he has been a farmer.
He was married in 1853 to Ruth Battey, a sister of Lucius Battey,
mentioned above. They have one son living, Frank MT. They lost a son and
daughter, John E. and Lelia F. He is a member of the Moosup Methodist
Episcopal church, and a member of Moosup Lodge, No. 113, F. & A. M.
George Davis, born in 1828 in Plainfield, is a son of Obed and
grandson of David Davis. His mother was Robey, daughter of John Brown. Mr.
Davis is a farmer. He sold milk in Wauregan about twenty-two years. He was
married in 1856 to Emily, daughter of Herbert W. Parkis, son of Elias, son
of Isaac Parkis. Their five children are: Ella AL, George Herbert, Sarah
E., Ida E. and Albert I., who died aged three years. George Herbert was
married in 1885, to Grace, daughter of Perry G. Tripp.
George B. Dawley was born in 1856 in Griswold, Conn. His father
George, was a son of Isaac, and grandson of Michael Dawley. Mr. Dawley is
a farmer and owns and occupies the farm where his father lived from 1856
until 1882. He died in 1886, and since that time the son has owned the
farm. He has been selectman since 1887 as a democrat. He was married in
1877 to Annie, daughter of John Briggs. They have three children- Frank
A., George A. and Ida L .
William Dawley was born in 1817 in Exeter, R. I. He is a son of
William, and grandson of N Nathan, whose father John Dawley came from
Ireland to what was called the " Pettaquamscutt Purchase " in Washington
county, R. I., and later, to what is now Exeter, R. I. Mr. Dawley is a
farmer. He came from Rhode Island to the place where he now lives in 1856.
He has a four acre cranberry meadow. He has been selectman three terms,
and has held other town offices. He was married in 1842 to Mary A.,
daughter of Michael Dawley, son of Oliver, son of Michael, son of John,
same as above. They have one son, John W., who was married in 1885 to
Jennie A., daughter of Joshua S. Kennedy, and has one son, William K.
Dawley.
John R. Dean was born in 1805 and died in 1870. He was a son of
Christopher, whose father James, was a son of John Dean, who owned the
farm which is still in the Dean family. John R. was married in 1829 to
Lucy L. Carpenter. They had two sons, James C. and John, who now live on
the homestead. James C. was born in 1830, and was married in 1866 to
Catharine E. Kinne. She died in 1875, leaving one daughter., Mr. Dean is a
farmer. He is a member of Moosup Lodge, N o. 113, F. &: A. M. John Dean
was born in 1832, and was married in 1863 to Julia, daughter of George
Bliven. They have one son, George C. He is a farmer and owns the
homestead.
Joseph A. Deane was born in 1816 in Taunton, Mass. He is a son of
Abijah, whose father Nathaniel, was a son of Ebenezer, a son of John,
whose father John, was a son of John Dean, who came to this country in
1637 from England. His mother Mary, was a daughter of Joseph Deane. Mr.
Deane came to Plainfield in 1835 and has resided here since that time. He
has been engaged in railroad work for about forty years, mostly bridge
building. Since 1876 he has been an insurance agent, representing the
Windham County Mutual and others. He was married in 1838 to Ann M. Tyler.
She died leaving four children: Annie T., Albert, Mary E., and Edward. He
was married again to Catharine Hall, who died in 1887. Mr. Deane has been
constable, justice, and notary public. He is a republican.
George M. Denison was born in 1820 and married Lucinda Grant. They
have one son and one daughter. George M. Denison has been a top, roller
coverer for several years. His son Albert G. has worked at that business
for several years with his father. In 1888 they opened a furniture and
undertaking establishment at Moosup, under the firm name of George M.
Denison & Son. Albert G. was married in 1887, to Clara H., daughter of
Albert Tillinghast. The family are members of of Plainfield Union Baptist
church.
Olney Dodge, born in 1824, in Rhode Island, is a son of Barney
Dodge. His mother is Mary, daughter of Joab and Mary Mann. Mr. Dodge came
to Plainfield in 1876 and bought a small farm a little south of Plainfield
street, and since- that time has been a farmer. He was in California from
1849 to 1852. He was married in July, 1854, to Susan H., daughter of
William and Martha (Gallup) Shepard. William was a son of Simon and
Elizabeth (Moore) Shepard. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge have four children: Susan E.
(Mrs. D. E. Earle), Mary A. (Mrs. Frank H. Tillinghast), John G. and
Charles O. Mr. Dodge is a republican.
James Doyle, son of Michael Doyle, was born in 1849 in Ireland and
came to this country in 1867. He bought the farm of 150 acres where he now
lives in 1878. He was married in 1867 to Mary, daughter of Jeremiah
Downing. They have seven children: John T., James, Mary, Kate, Rosie,
Michael, and Julia A. He is a democrat and a member of the Moosup Catholic
church.
Nancy Dunlap is a daughter of John Medbury, and granddaughter of
Edward Medbury. She was married in 1839 to George Dunlap, who was born in
1815, and died in 1873. He was station agent at Moosup about thirty years,
and town clerk of Plainfield several years. They had one daughter, Sarah
J. (Mrs. Andrew Potter). Mr. Dunlap was a democrat.
John C. Edmonds, born in 1812, in Griswold, Conn., is a son of
Samuel S., and grandson of Andrew Edmonds. His mother was Betsey, daughter
of John Cogswell. He was educated in the district and select schools of
Griswold, and has taught school about twenty winters. He came to this town
in 1861, and bought the place where he now lives. He has been selectman
four years. He was married in March, 1844, to Eliza, daughter of William
Kinne. They have two adopted sons, David C. Kinne and Edwin Edmonds. Mr.
Edmonds is a republican. He and his wife are members of the First
Congregational church of Canterbury.
Roswell Ensworth was born in 1817 in Plainfield. His father
Roswell, was a son of Jesse, and grandson of William, whose father Joseph,
was the son of Tixhall Ensworth. His mother was Mary, daughter of Deacon
David Knight. Mr. Ensworth was educated in district schools and in the
Plainfield Academy. He has taught school about thirty years. Since March,
1876, he has been bookkeeper and secretary for the Robinson Fowler Foundry
Company. He has been on the school board several years, and has held other
town offices. He was a member of the legislature one term, 1880-81. He was
married in 1844 to Mary A., daughter of Prentice Lewis. They had one
daughter, Mary A. (Mrs. I. J. Baldwin), who died in 1869, and one son,
George W., who died aged four years. Mr. Ensworth is a member and trustee
of the First Congregational church of Plainfield, a member of Moriah
Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M., and Providence Chapter, No. 1. He is a
republican.
Reverend Silenus H. Fellows was born in 1827 in Greene county, N.
Y., and is a son of Reverend Linus H. Fellows of Connecticut. He was
educated at Plainfield Academy, and taught school when a young man. He was
licensed to preach in 1858, and in April, 1859, was ordained as a
preacher. He has been pastor of the Congregational church of Wauregan
since 1859. He was married in 1853 to Sylvia D. Newell. They have two
daughters: Ida A., who is now Mrs. H. F. Lewis of Chicago, Ill., and
Carrie L.
John S. French, born in 1819 in Plainfield, is a son of Nathaniel
and grandson of John French. His mother was Rachel (Spaulding) French.
Nathaniel French was a farmer and carpenter. He was in the legislature one
year, was town clerk and treasurer several years and held other of the
town offices. He came to the farm where John S. now lives in about 1814.
John S. French is a farmer, and has always lived at the old homestead
where he was born. He taught school about thirty terms when a young man.
He was in the legislature in 1848 and again in 1879, was town clerk and
treasurer eleven years, has been on the board of education about
forty-five years, and has held other town offices as a republican. He was
married in 1839 to Jane H. Lathrop. They have four children: Henry H.,
John F., Ella J. (Mrs. George O. Gadbois) and Ernest L., who is married
and lives with his father. John F. was in the war of the rebellion three
years.
Benjamin D. Gallup, born in 1828 in Sterling, Conn., is a son of
John and grandson of Benjamin Gallup. His mother, Orra, was a daughter of
Benjamin Dow. Mr. Gallup is a farmer. He was married in 1856 to Sarah L.,
daughter of John and Mary (Wilcox) Tanner. They have three children: Mary
(Mrs. Justin L. Johnson), Irving B. and Myrtie J.
John R. Gallup was born in 1827 in Sterling, Conn. He is a son of
Samuel, whose father, Nathaniel, was a son of John Gallup. His mother was
Maria, daughter of Elisha Parks. Mr. Gallup is a farmer. He came from
Sterling and bought the farm of 136 acres where he now lives. The house
where he lives was built about 1810, by Samuel Frink. He was married in
1851 to Amarilla, daughter of Saxon Frink, a son of Samuel Frink. They
have three children: Luetta F., Herbert A. and Ida M.
Mary A. Gardner is a daughter of John Gardner and granddaughter of
Samuel and Elizabeth (Sweet) Gardner, of Rhode Island. Her mother was
Mary, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Mason) Parkis. John Gardner was a farmer
and died in 1859. The house where Miss Gardner lives was built by Isaac
Parkis in 1816. She is one of three daughters, two of whom died in
infancy. Her parents adopted a daughter, Louisa, who is now Mrs. Simon
Shepard.
John C. Gibson, born in 1832 in Sterling, Conn., is a son of Ira
and grandson of Campbell Gibson. Mr. Gibson has been overseer of mule
spinning about thirty-four years. He has been at Moosup and vicinity about
forty years, working at cotton and woolen manufacturing. He was married in
1854 to Almira, daughter of Nathan B. and Lois (Bates) Holly. They have
two sons-Albert I. and George F.
Jonathan Greene, born in 1818 in West Greenwich, R. I., is a son of
Jeremiah and grandson of Abel Greene. His mother was Freelove Hopkins. Mr.
Greene has a farm of 200 acres about one mile east of Plainfield village,
where he lived from 1869 to 1886, when he came to Plainfield and bought
the judge Gallup farm, where he now lives. He was married in 1869 to
Lettie Brown. They have four children: Carrie M., Frank B., Gracie A. and
Harrie E. Mr. Greene is a democrat.
Daniel H. Grover was born in 1845 in Killingly. He is a son of
Jonathan Grover, who was in the war of 1812. The latter was a son of
Stephen, who was a revolutionary soldier and son of Zephaniah Grover. His
mother was Lovice, daughter of Alvin Kingsley. Mr. Grover was educated at
Plainfield Academy, and has taught school about twenty years. In 1883 he
came to Moosup, and since that time has been bookkeeper for merchants
here. He was married in 1880 to Ellen H., daughter of Benjamin Phillips
and granddaughter of Nicholas Phillips. They have one son, Harry L. Mr.
Grover is a member of Plainfield Union Baptist church. He is a republican
and a member of Moosup Lodge, No. 113, F. & A. M.
Elisha P. Hale, born in 1822 in Plainfield, is a son of Stephen and
Hannah (Potter) Hale. His grandparents were job and Margaret (Mason) Hale.
Job was born in 1745, and bought the farm where Mr. Hale now lives in
1804, and it has been in the family since that time. Elisha P. was born in
the house where he now lives. He has been a farmer for half a century, but
for the last few years has lived retired. He was a member of the
legislature in 1859, and again in 1874, and has held town offices. He is a
republican., He was married in 1852 to Abbie A., daughter of Daniel and
Deborah (Wood) Hill. She was a granddaughter of Edward Hill.
Mason W. Hale, born in 1817, in Plainfield, is a son of Stephen and
Hannah (Potter) Hale. In 1839 he went to Phenix, R. I., and had charge of
the weaving in a mill there about ten years, then he was superintendent of
the mill five years. In 1854 he went to Bowen's Hill, in Coventry, R. I.,
where he -worked at farming about twelve years. In 1867 he returned to the
town of Plainfield. He was married in 1841 to Nancy Bowen. She died in
1854, and he married her sister, who lived about twelve years. In 1873 he
married Betsey E. Moredock. He has one daughter by his first wife: Mary
Emma. He represented the town of Coventry in the Rhode Island legislature,
and has been selectman in this town about three years. He is a republican
and a member of Plainfield Union Baptist church.
Edward P. Hall was born in 1812 in Plainfield. His father, William,
-=as a son of Stephen and grandson of Stephen Hall, who was born in 1719
and died in 1818. His mother -was Ruth, daughter of David Davis. Mr. Hall
is a farmer. In 1854 he built a house on Plainfield street, and in 1877 he
built a tasty little residence near by for his own use. He was married in
J&52 to Elizabeth R., daughter of Joshua B. and Hannah (Rathbon )
Comstock.
Jared Hall was born in 1834 in Plainfield. He is a son of Ebenezer,
son of William, son of John, son of Samuel Hall. Mr. Hall devoted his time
for several years to woolen manufacturing. In 1874 he bought the place
where he now lives, and since that time has turned his attention to
agricultural pursuits. He was married in 1854 to Susan S. Benson. They had
five children: James E., Susan J., Emory J., Dora M. and Alvah. The three
last mentioned are deceased. Mr. Hall is a member of Moosup Lodge, No.
113, F. & A. M.
Stephen Hall, son of Captain William Hall, was born in 1816, and
died in 1887. He was educated at Plainfield Academy, and later in a
theological school in Maine, and in a short time in Providence. He taught
district and select schools for many years. He came to Moosup and built a
school house, where he kept a select school for several years. He also
built the residence where the family now live. He was married to Mary,
daughter of John and Sophia Westcott. They had eight children: Charles M.,
Eugene A., George A., Ella J., Frank INT., Fred. M., Lizzie E. (deceased),
and Walter C. Mr. Hall was a member of the Congregational church.
William F. Hall was born in 1820 in Plainfield. He is a son of
William, and grandson of Stephen, whose father, Stephen Hall, died in
April, 1818, aged 99 years. His mother was Ruth, daughter of David Davis.
Mr. Hall is a farmer. He lived in Slatersville about 28 years, and came to
the farm where he now lives in 1874. He has been selectman three terms as
a republican. He was married in 1352 to Abbie E., daughter of William
Shepard, he a son of Simon, he a son of Simon Shepard. - They have three
children: William H., Ruth A. and Edward. Mr. Hall is a member of
Plainfield Ecclesiastical society. Hiram Harris, son of Edwin Harris, was
born in 1834 in Brooklyn, Conn. His mother was Rachel Harris. Mr. Harris
devoted about twenty years of his life to cotton manufacturing, and was
overseer about eleven years of that time. In 1866 he bought the mill
property in the northeastern part of this town, and since that time he has
run a grist, saw, shingle and cider mill. He was married in 1856 to
Cynthia E. Lyon. They have four children: Eugene A., Agnes M. (Mrs.
Charles Ayer), Winifred Estella and Florence Ellen. Mr. Harris is a
republican.
Alfred T. Hill was born in 18:56 in Plainfield. His father, Harry,
was a son of Daniel and grandson of Edward Hill. His mother is Ruth,
daughter of Samuel and Freelove (Potter) Miller. Prior to 1882 Mr. Hill
was a farmer. In the fall of that year he bought a house and lot at
Almyville. He was clerk in the Almyville store about four years prior to
October 1st, 1887, when he formed a partnership with Alfred H. Hyde, firm
of Hill & Hyde, at Moosup. The firm still runs under that name. He was
married in 1879 to Clara M., daughter of Edgar and Maria Amsbury. They
have one daughter, Abbie M. Mr. Hill is a republican.
Alexander Hill, born in 1821 in Plainfield, is a son of Daniel, and
grandson of Edward Hill. His mother was Deborah (Wood) Hill. Mr. Hill was
a farmer in the northern part of the town until 1888. In the spring of
that year he moved to Moosup where he is living retired. He was married in
1843 to Ruth, daughter of Parker Hill, of Sterling, Conn. They have four
children: Mercy E. (Mrs. Joshua Hill), Catherine (Mrs. Henry Knight), Ann
M. and Leroy, who died aged 19 years. He is a member of Plainfield Union
Baptist church.
Orrin A. Hill, born in 1836 in Plainfield, is a son of Jonathan,
and grandson of Jonathan Hill. His mother was Orra Tyler. Mr. Hill learned
the trade of house carpenter, and after following the trade for several
years, he turned his attention to farming. In 1871 he bought the farm
where he now lives. The place was owned by the Union Mill Company for, a
good many years. He was married in 1857 to Nancy, daughter of Aaron and
Thankful (Sheffield) Belden. They have three children Hattie E., Leroy A.
and George E. Mr. Hill is a democrat.
Ruth M. Hill was born in 1818 in Plainfield, and is a daughter of
Samuel and Freelove (Potter) Miller. Her grandparents were James and
Louise (Parkis) Miller. She was married in 1838 to Harry Hill, son of
Daniel and grandson of Edward Hill. Mr. Hill was a farmer, having lived at
this place since 1838. He was born in 1815 and died in 1873. They had
three children: Charles W., Freelove Anna (Mrs. Charles A. Sanderson) and
Alfred T. Mr. Sanderson-is a farmer, and he with his family (wife and two
children) live on the farm with Mrs. Hill.
Alfred H. Hyde; born in 1858 in Plainfield, is a son of William I.,
and grandson of Ira Hyde. His mother is Sarah M. (Potter) Hyde. Mr. Hyde,
in company with Alfred T. Hill, under the firm name of Hill & Hyde, bought
the meat business at Moosup of G. P. Dorrance in October, 1887. In April
following the market was enlarged and now they have three rooms, two for
meat and canned goods, and one for an office. They have two wagons on the
road. They handle about one ton of beef per week, and other meats and
canned goods in proportion. Mr. Hyde is a republican, and a member of
Plainfield Union Baptist church.
John J. Kelley was born in 1831 in South Newmarket, N. H. His
father Benjamin, was a son of Benjamin, and grandson of Joseph, whose
father Thomas came from Dublin, Ireland, in 1727 to Dover, N. H. His
mother was Sarah (Swan) Kelley. Mr. Kelley was in the war of the rebellion
in Company C, Third Massachusetts Cavalry, from 1862 to 1864. He was in
mercantile business in Boston from 1859 to 1869, excepting the two years
he was in the war. From 1869 to 1886 he was overseer and superintendent of
woolen and cotton mills. In 1886 he came from Salem to this town and
bought a farm of 75 acres, and since that time has been a farmer. He was
married in 1852 to Mary Cobb. She died in 1859, leaving one son, George J.
He was married in 1861, to Maria, daughter of Paul Vinal. He is a member
of Eastern Star Lodge, No. 44, F. & A. M., of Willimantic, and of Trinity
Chapter No. 9.
Horace Kennedy, born in 1844 in Plainfield, is a son of Robert, and
grandson of Robert Kennedy. His mother is Clarissa, daughter of Noah and
Elizabeth (Gallup) Briggs. Noah was a son of William and Elizabeth
(Gallup) Briggs. Mr. Kennedy worked in a saw and grist mill at Central
Village several years. He came to Moosup in 1878 and bought a farm, which
he has since operated. He was married in May, 1873, to Sarah Rouse, who
died the spring following. He was married in December, 1875, to Mary Jane
Wells. They have two sons-Frederick A., and Frank E. Mr. Kennedy is a
republican.
Joshua S. Kennedy, born in 1823 in Plainfield, is a son of Joshua,
and grandson of Alexander Kennedy. His mother was Clarissa, daughter of
Joshua Hall. Mr. Kennedy is a farmer, occupying the homestead where his
father settled about 1811 and lived till his death, which occurred in
1856. He has been selectman several years, and has filled other town
offices. He was married in 1844 to Joanna West. They had four children
Charles E., Frank P., Eliza J. and Eva; the three last mentioned are
deceased. The wife died in 1855. He was married in 1861 to Abbie E. Adams.
They have one daughter, Jennie A., now Mrs. John W. Dawley. Mr. and Mrs.
Kennedy are members of Plainfield Union Baptist church.
William H. Kenyon, born in 1849 in Charlestown, R. I., is a son of
Godfrey A. and grandson of Captain John Kenyon. His mother was Minerva C.,
daughter of Jarvis Kenyon. Mr. Kenyon is a carpenter by trade. He came to
Moosup in 1879 and worked at his trade until 1887. In March of that year
he established a partnership with A. P. Tabor (firm of Tabor & Kenyon) and
bought the stock of Aldrich & Milner, and ran what had before been the
Company store of Almyville. He was married in 1883 to Lucy J., daughter of
Mowrey B. Spalding. They have one son, Harold G. He is a member of Charity
Lodge, No. 23, F. & A. M., and also a member of Mechanics' Lodge, No. 14,
I. 0. of 0. F., both of Washington county, Rhode Island.
John P. Kingsley, born in 1823 in Canterbury, Conn., is a son of
John and grandson of Hezekiah Kingsley, who was a captain in the war of
the revolution. His mother, Mary, was a daughter of Joseph Raymond. Mr.
Kingsley was educated at Plainfield Academy, and at Worcester one year. He
was a farmer in Norwich about fifteen years. From there he went to
Canterbury in 1869, and until 1887 kept a general store there. In 1875 the
firm of J. P. Kingsley & Sons was established, and the business is still
carried on at Plainfield Junction. In 1887, Mr. Kingsley came to
Plainfield where he now resides. He was married in 1844 to Clarissa Mathewson,
who died in 1849, leaving one son, Milton J. He was married again to
Elizabeth Scofield. They have four children: Walter, Emma, Carrie and
Lizzie. In Canterbury Mr. Kingsley was judge of probate and town treasurer
several years, and a member of the legislature two terms. He was
postmaster about sixteen years. He is a republican.
Milton J. Kingsley was born in 1849 in Norwich, Conn. His father,
John P. Kingsley, is a son of John and grandson of Hezekiah Kingsley. His
mother was Clarissa, daughter of George Mathewson. He was educated at
Norwich. In September, 1871, he started a store at Plainfield Junction,
and in 1875 the firm of J. P. Kingsley & Sons (John P., Milton J. and
Walter Kingsley) was established, and. has been run under that name since
that time. Mr. Kingsley was married in 1877 to Hattie L., daughter of
Deacon William B. Ames, of Plainfield. They have one daughter, Nettie M.
Mr. Kingsley is a republican.
Jason P. Lathrop, son of Jason Lathrop, was born in 1849 in
Griswold, Conn. His mother is Susan, daughter of Rowland Peckham. Mr.
Lathrop was six years with the Smith Granite Company, of Westerly, prior
to 1887. In the spring of that year he came to Central Village, where he
has been engaged in farming. He was married in 1883 to Maggie H., daughter
of Walter and Hannah Palmer, of Plainfield. They have one daughter, Susie
H. Mr. Lathrop is a democrat.
Charles H. Lewis, born in 1843 in Griswold, Conn., is a son of
Frank C. and Maria M. (Pierce) Lewis. His mother is a daughter of James
Pierce, he a son of Nathaniel, and he a son of John Pierce. Mr. Lewis was
in the war of the rebellion for about fourteen months, in Company H, 18th
Connecticut volunteers, and was a prisoner of war in Libby and Belle
Island about two months. In 1880 he went to Minnesota and was interested
in a store there about eighteen months. In March, 1883, he came to Central
Village, and bought the drug business of A. Walker, and has carried on the
business there since that time. He was married in 1880 to Cora M. Shaw.
They have one son, Henry Elmer. Mr. Lewis is a republican, and a member of
Sedgewick Post, No. 1, G. A. R.
Parley W. Lewis was born in 1852 in Canterbury. He is a son of T.
A. Lewis, whose father was Parley Lewis. His mother is Frances M.,
daughter of William Adams. Mr. Lewis came to this town in 1870. In 1875 he
began work in the Plainfield station, and since October, 1885, has been
station agent. He married Louisa A., daughter of Charles H. Johnson, and
has three children: Alice L., Wilfred P. and Harold J. He is a republican.
Moses A. Linnell was born in 1845 in Providence, R. I. His father
Moses, was a son of John, and grandson of Samuel Linnell. His mother was
Martha H., daughter of William Hall. Mr. Linnell's father enlisted in 1861
in the United States service, and died in the same year of fever while on
his way to the front. Mr. Linnell learned the watchmaker and jeweler's
trade in 1868. He was for two years engaged in top roller covering in
North Grosvenor Dale, Conn. Afterward he kept a clothing store and
jeweler's store at same place until 1881, when he removed the business to
Moosup, where he has been since that time. He was married in 1873 to
Laura, daughter of Lyman S. Botham, of East Thompson, Conn. They had one
daughter, Eva, who died in infancy. Mr. Linnell is a member of Putnam
Lodge, No. 46, F. & A. M.
William J. S. Lock, born in 1823 in Richmond, R. I., is a son of
Joshua R. and Waitey (Sheldon) Lock. Mr. Lock was a farmer in Richmond, R.
I., until 1863, then removed to Packerville, where he superintended the
farm of E. A. Packer for, seven years, then he removed to Plainfield
junction, where he lived until 1877, when he came to the farm where he now
lives. He has held some of the town offices, and is a republican. He was
married in 1843 to Catharine, daughter of Henry Steadman. They have one
daughter, Almira C. They lost three sons: Henry J. N., William F. and
William E. Almira C. is now Mrs. B. A. Northup. She has five children:
Hattie, William E., Henry J., Andrew B. and Bessie E. Mr. Lock is a member
of the Plainfield Union Baptist church. His wife, daughter and three
grandsons are members of the same church.
Gorge Loring, son of George and Lucy (Lester) Loring, was born in
1830 in New London county. He is a tinsmith by trade. He kept a tin, wood
and glass store at Central Village about seventeen years. He sold the
business several years ago, and built the residence where he now lives in
1864. He has been selectman several years, chairman of the board four
years, and was elected to the general assembly in 1879. He has three
children living: William L., Henry K. and Robert H. He is a republican.
Lucius B. Morgan was born in 1839 in Canterbury. His father, Elisha
A., was a son of Lott, and grandson of Isaac, who came to Plainfield and
settled on the farm where Mr. Morgan now lives. The farm has not been out
of the family since that time. Mr. Morgan is a farmer. He is on the board
of selectmen for the third term as a republican. Elisha A. was selectman
several times. He was married in March, 1834, to Philura A., daughter of
Lucius and Ann (Lamb) Bacon, and a granddaughter of Samuel, a son of
Joseph, and he a son of John Bacon, who was born in England in 1683. They
had two children, Martha A. and Lucius B., who now live with their mother
on the homestead. Elisha A. was born in 1805, and died in 1879.
Thomas E. Main was born in 1848 in North Stonington, Conn. He is a
son of Sands B., whose father David, was a son of Peter Main. His mother
was Eliza C. (Perry) plain. His grandmother was Dorcas (Palmer) lain. Mr.
Main has been a mill operative since he was 18 years of age. He came to
Almyville in November, 1880, where he has been overseer of weaving. He was
married in 1869 to Julia E., daughter of James and Sarah Babcock. They
have three children: James 0., Lewis S. and Howard E. He is a member of
Moosup Methodist Episcopal church, and .has been superintendent of the
Sunday school about seven years. He is a member of Moosup Lodge, No. 113,
F. & A. M., and a republican.
Nathaniel Medbury, born in 1829 in Plainfield, was a son of
Nathaniel, and grandson of Nathaniel Medbury. Mr. Medbury came to Wauregan
in 1854 as a mill operative, and a -few years later was made overseer of
weaving, and continued in that position until his death, in 1887. He was a
democrat in politics, and a member of the Congregational church. He was
married in 1854 to Susan F., daughter of Sabin L. and Maria (Phillips)
Hawkins. Her grandfather was George Hawkins. They had two children, Frank
W. and Hattie A., who is now Mrs. Frank S. Downer. Mr. Downer is an
operative at Wauregan.
Frank Miller was born in 1857 in Plainfield. He is a son of James
and Susan (Titus) Miller, and a grandson of Samuel and Freelove (Potter)
Miller. Mr. Miller was for six years in a grocery store at Putnam. He came
back to the homestead in 1881, and since that time has been a farmer. The
farm has been in the Miller family for several generations. He was married
in 1881 to Ada E. Medbury, and has one son, Clyde S.
Samuel D. Millett, born in 1808, was a son of Samuel and Rachel
(Douglass) Millett. He was a mill operative in his younger days, and in
1854 came to the place where his widow now lives, and interested himself
in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1884. He was
in the legislature one term, and was an active member of the Methodist
church of Moosup. He was married in 1833 to Sarah A., daughter of Nathan
and Elizabeth (Medbury) Carpenter. They had one son, Edward M., who was
married in 1856 to D. Ann Kinney. They had two daughters: Ella J. and
Lillie E. Edward M. was an operative in woolen mills for several years
prior to his death, which occurred in 1875. He was an active member of the
Moosup Methodist Episcopal church. The farm where the two widows now live
was owned by Edward Medbury from 1801 until his death and then by his son
Edward until his death, when it fell to Samuel D. Millett.
Henry S. Newton was born in 1817 in Voluntown, Conn. He is a son of
Israel and Nancy Newton and grandson of Matthew Newton, who came from
England to this country when a boy, with his father, Matthew Newton. Mr.
Newton is a farmer. He has lived on the farm where he now resides since
1839. He was married in 1837 and had eight children: Henry F., Charles S.,
John M., Alice J., Horace I., Annie L., Susie B. and Otis P. His wife died
in 1883. Charles S. was in the war of the rebellion in Company G, 11th
Connecticut volunteers, and died August 31st, 1862. Henry F. was in
Company B, 21st Connecticut Volunteers, from August, 1862, to May, 1864.
He is now a member of Kilburn Post, No. 77, G. A. R., also a member of
Moriah Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M. He represented the town in the
legislature in 1882 as a republican.
Matthew S. Nichols, son of Luke Nichols, was born in 1824 in
Westerly, R. I. He was educated at district schools and later in a select
school. He learned the trade of a machinist, working about five years. He
then went to California, returning in 1.851, and in 1865 went to Norwich,
where he studied dentistry one year, coming to Central Village in 1866.
where he has since practiced. He is the originator and manufacturer of
"Nichols' Carbolic Dentifrice," and also a similar preparation called "
Coral Sea Foam." He was married May 18th, 1870, to Mary E., daughter of
Kimball Kennedy. They have one son, Walter K. Doctor Nichols is a
republican, a member of Central Congregational church and a member of
Moosup Lodge, No. 113, F. & A. M.
George H. Palmer was born in September, 1831. He is a son of Harry
Palmer, who was the seventh generation from Walter Palmer, who was born in
England in 1598, and came to New England in 1629. His mother was Caroline
E., daughter of Samuel Dorrance. Mr. Palmer is a farmer, living on the
farm where the family has lived for nearly one hundred years. The house
where he now lives -was built about 1800. There have been three
generations of the family born in it. He was married in 1854 to Prudence
L. Phillips. She died in 1868, leaving two children-Harriet D. and Edward
G. He is a republican.
Samuel Palmer was born in 1826 in Plainfield. He is a son of
Samuel, whose father was Walter, and he a son of Walter, and he a son of
Walter, whose father was Walter, who was a son of Gershom, and he a son of
Walter. His mother was Lydia R., daughter of Colonel Abraham Ormsbee. Mr.
Palmer was in a woolen factory about five years, and since that time has
been a farmer. He has always lived in Plainfield. Since 1866 he has lived
on the Shepard homestead. He was married in 1850 to Lucy G. Shepard. They
have one son-Samuel F. His wife is a daughter of William, he a son of
Simon, and he a son of Simon Shepard. Her mother was Martha Gallup, whose
father was Simon Gallup.
Walter Palmer was born in 1824 in Plainfield. His father, Samuel,
was a son of Walter and grandson of Walter, who was the first of the
family to settle in this town. His father, Walter, was a son of Walter and
grandson of Gershom, who was a son of Walter Palmer, who was born in 1598
and died in 1662. He came from Nottinghamshire, England, to Charlestown,
Mass., in 1629. Mr. Palmer's mother was Lydia R., daughter of Abraham
Ormsbee. Mr. Palmer is a farmer and cattle dealer. He represented the town
in the house of representatives in 1878, and has been selectman and judge
of probate. He was married in 1848 to Hannah, daughter of Captain William
Shepard. They have three children: Walter L., Maggie H. (Mrs. Jason P.
Lathrop) and Martha E.
Peleg M. Peckham was born in 1822 in Hopkinton, R. I. He is a son
of Reverend Peleg Peckham, who was pastor of the Sterling Hill church for
about forty years, and was a son of Judge Samuel Peckham. His mother was a
daughter of Benjamin Burdick. Mr. Peckham learned the carriage maker's
trade when a young man. He has been a railroad car builder for the past
forty years, with the Stonington Railroad Company. He was foreman of the
shop' about thirty-five years. He came to Moosup in 1886 and bought a
house and lot, and since that time has been living a retired life. He was
married in 1844 to Rachel E. Gallup She died in 1862, leaving one son,
Albert M., who died in 1883. He was married again in 1863 to Emeline
Gallup. He is a member of the Plainfield Union Baptist church and a
republican. He was for several years a member of the Franklin Lyceum of
Providence.
Perry S. Phillips was born in 1826 in Sterling, Conn. He is a son
of Palmer G., who was in the war of 1812, he a son of Reverend Simon
Phillips, whose father came from Scotland to Rhode Island. His mother was
Betsey Farnum. Mr. Phillips has been a mill operative nearly all his life.
He has been overseer of weaving for about forty years. He was three years
at Brooklyn, Conn., and ran the " Mont Lake" house there from 1875 to
1878. He has been on the board of selectmen about ten years, at different
times. He is a republican. He was married in 1850 to Susan E. Wells. They
had one son, Carlton M., who died of heart disease in 1883. Mr. Phillips
is a member of the Ecclesiastical Society of the Baptist church, and was
president of the society several years. He is a member of Moosup Lodge,
No. 113, F. & A. AL, also a member of the Chapter.
Havilah M. Prior, born in 1829, is a son of John, and grandson of
Joseph Prior. His mother was Ruth, daughter of Edward Medbury. Mr. Prior
is a machinist, having worked at that trade from 1851 until 1879, since
which time he has been a farmer. He has been a member of the school
committee and held some other town offices. He represented the town in the
legislature in 1882. He was married in 1856 to Mary S. Potter. She died in
1859, leaving one daughter, Ruth J., who is now Mrs. James W. Thornly. He
was married again in 1860 to Jane, daughter of Eben Phillips, who was a
son of Nicholas Phillips. They have one son, John E., who was married in
1888 to Grace Putnam.
Samuel P. Robinson, born in 1808 in Canterbury, is a son of Samuel,
and grandson of Josiah Robinson. His mother was Abigail Glover. Mr.
Robinson is a carriage maker by trade. In 1857 he started an iron foundry
company in Canterbury, firm name of Robinson & Fowler, and in 1858 they
took in other partners and called the firm Robinson, Fowler & Co. In 1867
they started another foundry at Plainfield junction, and in 1870 the two
were consolidated. He came to Plainfield to live in 1870. He was married
in 1844 to Helen L., daughter of Joseph Goodwin. They have two children:
Ella, who died, and Edward G., who was married in 1870 to Nellie S. Clark.
They have two daughters. Mr. Robinson was in some of the town offices of
Canterbury as a republican.
George A. Rouse, born in 1841 in Coventry, R. I., is a son of
James, and grandson of James Rouse. His mother is Harriet M. Mathewson.
Mr. Rouse enlisted in September, 1861, in Company F, Eighth Connecticut
infantry as a private. September 17th, 1862, he was appointed sergeant,
and September 29th, 1864, was promoted to orderly sergeant. He was
discharged September 11th, 1865. He was wounded at Fort Harrison September
29th, 1864, and lost his left leg in consequence. He began work at the
harness maker's trade in 1867, and has since made that his business. He
has held town offices, and in 1875 represented the town in the legislature
as a democrat. He was married in 1870 to Sarah M., daughter of Calvin
Pike. They have one daughter, Ella E. He is now a republican.
William Roney, son of Thomas Roney, was born in Ireland in 1832,
and died in Moosup in 1874. He came to America when a boy, was a farmer in
Sterling about twenty years, and in 1870 came to Moosup and bought the
farm where the family now live. He was married in 1855 to Mary, daughter
of John Jackson. They had six children: Ida A. (Mrs. Harlow Ladd),
Frederick, Alfred, John, William and one that died, named Jennie. Mr.
Roney was a democrat.
John D. Rood was born in 1821 in Killingly, Conn. He is a son of
Cyrus, whose father Isaac, was a son of Jacob Rood. His mother was Ruth,
daughter of Joshua Card. Mr. Rood is a carpenter by trade, but being a
natural mechanic has not been entirely confined to the trade. The last
twenty years he has paid some attention to agricultural pursuits. He
represented the town in the legislature in 1870. He has been on the board
of selectmen several terms, and has filled other town offices as a
republican. He has been married three times: first to Rebecca Eaton,
second to Lydia C. Wells and last to Fannie Baker. There have been two
children by each marriage. He is a charter member of Moosup Lodge, No.
113, F. & A. M and has been master of the order five years. He is a member
of the Columbia Commandery, No. 4, of Norwich.
Joseph Rood, born in 1834 in Plainfield, is a son of Solomon and
Mercy (Matteson) Rood, and grandson of Joseph Rood. He lived in Plainfield
until 1870, and since that time has lived just south of the town line in
Griswold. He has about 1,000 acres of land. While in Plainfield he was
selectman several years. In Griswold he has been selectman and justice
several terms, and represented the town in the legislature in 1874 and in
1886 as a republican. He was married in 1850 to Frances Fry. They have two
children living-Charles W. and Joseph, Jr.; they lost three-Frank N., John
H. and Daniel. He is a member of the Masonic order and also a member of
the Knights of Pythias.
William H. Sargent, born in 1842 in Worcester, Mass., is a son of
Francis F. and grandson of Daniel H. Sargent. His mother was Susan H.,
daughter of Ralph Rice. Mr. Sargent graduated in medicine at the
Cincinnati Medical College in 1874. In 1876 he opened a drug store in
Massachusetts, where he was engaged until 1881. In November of that year
he came to Moosup and bought out W. H. Hurlburt in the drug store and
succeeded him in the business. He was in the war of the rebellion from
1861 to 1864 in Company B, 32d Massachusetts volunteers. He was married in
1883 to Nettie L., daughter of George W. Davis, of Rhode Island. He is a
member of Kilburn Post, No. 77, G. A. R., a member of Moosup Lodge, No.
113, F. & A. M. and has been secretary of that order since 1884. He is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Hubbardstown, Mass.
George W. Shepard was born in 1837 in Plainfield. His father,
Captain Jeremiah M. Shepard, was a son of Jeremiah and grandson of Captain
Simon Shepard. Mr. Shepard began at the age of nine years in cotton
manufacturing in Central Village, and for six years prior to 1862 was
overseer of spinning there. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company K,
21st Connecticut Volunteers, was commissioned as second sergeant October
11th, 1862, was promoted to second lieutenant November, 1863, was made
first lieutenant, and a few months later was commissioned as captain of
the company. He was discharged in 1864. In March, 1866, he came to
Wauregan and since that time has been overseer of spinning. He was married
in 1870 to Mary E. Dix. They have two children: Jay M. and Ellen L. He is
a member of Moriah Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. H., and a member of Quinebaug
Lodge, No. 22, A. O. U. W. He is a republican.
Albert E. Shoules, born in 1853, is a son of Orrin and grandson of
Abial Shoules. His mother is Ardelia (Sweet) Shoules. Mr. Shoules is a
farmer, and in March, 1882. he took charge of the town farm, and that year
he kept five cows and one pair of horses and had to buy two tons of hay.
This year he keeps fifteen head of cattle and a pair of horses, and put up
about thirty-five tons of hay. In 1884 he built a basement barn 36 by 60
feet with 17 feet posts. He was married in 1875 to Mary E. Palmer. They
have one son, Lewis E. He is a democrat and a member of Moosup Lodge, No.
113, F. & A. M.
William S. Simmons was born in 1839 in Rhode Island, near Phenix.
He is a son of Davenport S. and grandson of William S. Simmons. His mother
was Mary A., daughter ,of Reverend Isaac Bonney. Mr. Simmons is a tinsmith
by trade. He worked at the trade about four years. In September, 1861, he
enlisted in Company F, 8th Connecticut volunteers. He was color sergeant.
He and another color sergeant, Jacob Bishop, were the ones that planted
the first Union colors on Fort Harrison, September 29th, 1564. They were
promoted to second lieutenants for the act. On the 21st of February, 1865,
he received a wound at Wilmington, N. C., and lost his left leg in
consequence. He represented the town in the legislature in 1881. He was
postmaster at Moosup seven years after the ,war. He was married in 1864 to
Angeline L., daughter of Christopher Lyon. They have one daughter, Agnes
L. He was in Florida a part of the time ten years prior to 1882. He has
lived at Central Village since 1882.
John S. Smith was born in 1823 in Preston. He is a son of Elisha,
who held a captain's commission for several years in a military company,
and a grandson of Asa, who was a son of Jeremiah: His mother was Mary,
daughter of Samuel Henry. He came to Plainfield in 1856, and owns a farm
of 230 acres. The house where he now lives was built in 1828 by Mason
Cornell. He was selectman for several years. He was married in 1854 to
Frances C., daughter of Mason Cornell, a son of William, he a son of
Gideon, and he a son of Stephen. Her mother was Philena A., daughter of
John Monroe. The names of their four children are: William C., Anna P.,
Mary C. (now Mrs. Everett E. Brown) and Arthur M. Mr. Smith has been a
prohibitionist since 1872.
Daniel Spaulding was born in 1838 in Plainfield. His father,
Daniel, was a son of Daniel. His mother was Dinah Medbury. He is one of
three children now living: Rachel, Daniel and Lydia H. Mr. Spaulding has
been a farmer at this place for twenty-two years, and owns a part of what
was the homestead of his father and grandfather. He has been selectman six
years, and has filled other town offices. He was married in 1868 to Laura
A., daughter of William Hiscock. They have two children, Grace M. and
Charles N. Mr. Spaulding is a republican.
Henry C. Starkweather, born in Windham in 1826, is a son of Elisha
and grandson of Ephraim Starkweather. In 1845 he went to Providence, R.
I., where he was employed in the bleaching and dyeing business until 1555,
when he removed to Norwich, Conn., where he was engaged in the same
business until 1862, at which time he came to Plainfield. He has been
assessor of taxes, justice of the peace, county commissioner three years,
and represented the town in the legislature in 1874. In January, 1886, he
was appointed postmaster at Plainfield, which office he now holds. He was
married in 1858 to Ellen Dillaby. She died in 1864, leaving two daughters,
Emma A. and Hattie B. He was married in 1865 to Sarah D. Burdick, by whom
he has one son, Henry S. He also has one son by a former marriage, Festus
L. He is a member of Moosup Lodge, No. 113, F. & A. M.
Jeremiah Starkweather, born in 1809 in Burlington, N. Y., is a son
of Jeremiah and grandson of Aaron Starkweather. Mr. Starkweather has been
a farmer, with the exception of about ten years, during which time he was
station agent. He has been judge of probate, and has held other town
offices, as a republican. He was married first in 1838, to Hannah Card.
She died in 1849. He was married in 1855 to Roby, daughter of George
Kenyon, who came from Rhode Island to this town when a boy (about 1795).
He was in the war of 1812.
Harriet Stockley was born in England, and is a daughter of Joseph
Whitaker. She was married December 25th, 1848, to William Stockley. They
came to Slatersville, R. I., in the spring following, where he was
employed as mill operative. In 1857 they removed to Wauregan, where Mr.
Stockley was overseer of mule spinning until 1875, when he retired on
account of his health, and he died the February following, aged 53 years.
They had two sons: John W., who died in infancy, and Arthur W., who was in
the Company store at Wauregan about seven years. He was married in 187S to
Mary Leach, and died in 1881. His widow was married in 1885 to John F.
Lewis. They have one daughter, Mary L. Mrs. Stockley came to Central
Village in January, 1882, where she now lives with Mr. Lewis and his
family. Mr. Stockley was a republican and a member of Moos-up Lodge, No.
113, F. & A. M.
Amasa P. Tabor was born in 1846, in Cazenovia, Madison county, N.
Y. His father was Peleg C., son of Peleg Tabor. His mother was Abbie,
daughter of Amasa Borden. Mr. Tabor moved from New York to Coventry, R.
I., in 1858. He was first interested in the mercantile trade in 1870, at
Green Station, R. I., with Charles J. Borden (firm of Borden & Tabor). In
1871 Mr. Tabor bought his partner's interest, for seven years carried on
the business alone, and in 1878 sold out to Oliver Lewis. He was in this
town from 1880 to 1885, as agent for Aldrich & Milner; then he was with a
Providence firm two years, and in March, 1887, he came back to Almyville,
and since that time he has been a member of the firm of Tabor & Kenyon,
general merchants. He was married in 1860 to Peora F. Jencks. They have
two children living, Irving A. and Abbie P., and two died in infancy. He
enlisted in the 1st R. I. Light Artillery in March, 1865, and was
discharged in June. He is a member of Kilburn Post, No. 77, G. A. R., a
member of the Masonic order, and also of the Odd Fellows.
Nathaniel P. Thompson was born in 1827 in Voluntown, Conn. He is a
son of Isaac W., and grandson of Reuben Thompson. His mother is Anna,
daughter of Major John Wilcox, son of Abram Wilcox. Mr. Thompson was a
mill operative from a lad until 1861. In September of that year he
enlisted in Company K, 21st Connecticut volunteers. He was wounded in the
left hand at Drury's Bluff, May 16th, 1862, and was discharged in
February, 1865. In the spring of the same year he came to Central Village,
and was employed as a mill operative until 1872, and since that time he
has been constable and - deputy sheriff, with the exception of two years
collector. He was married in 1851 to Maria, daughter of John R. Snow. They
have three children: Frank S., Mary I. (Mrs. Daniel Shippee), and Annie L.
Mr. Thompson is a member of Moosup Lodge, No. 113, F. & A. M., and Kilburn
Post, No. 77, G. A. R.
Abbie C. Tillinghast is a daughter of Knight Spalding, and
granddaughter of Reuben Spalding. Her mother was Lucy (Prior) Spalding.
She was married in 1861 to Rufus Kennedy, who died in 1872. He was a son
of Robert Kennedy, and was a manufacturer here for several years, and
later a farmer. She was married a few years later to Mr. Tillinghast, who
was killed by a locomotive.
Charles A. Tillinghast was born in 1808 in Voluntown, Conn. He is a
son of Joseph, son of Charles, son of John, son of Pardon, son of Elder
Pardon Tillinghast, who came from England to Providence. His mother was
Sarah, daughter of William Gorton. Mr. Tillinghast learned the cabinet
maker's trade, worked at it about eight years, and has since been a
machinist. He has worked at the latter trade about 57 years. He came to
Moosup in 1847, and in 1848 he built the house which he has occupied since
that time. He was married in 1831 to Sophia, daughter of Andrew and Martha
(Parkis) Young. They have two children living, Alva H. and Jennie S., now
Mrs. T. Avery Tillinghast. They lost three children in infancy: Sarah F.,
Helen S. and Charles E. Mr. Tillinghast is a republican, and a member of
Plainfield Union Baptist church.
Frank C. Tillinghast was born in 1860 in Sterling, Conn. His
father, Albert, was a son of George and grandson of Elder Pardon
Tillinghast. His mother was Orra, daughter of Benjamin Clark. Mr.
Tillinghast is a farmer. He came to this town in 1888 and bought a farm of
190 acres of Alexander Hill. He was married in 1888 to Lizzie, daughter of
Russell Hill, of Sterling, Conn. He is a member of Plainfield Union
Baptist church.
Frank H. Tillinghast, son of Waldo Tillinghast, was born in 1860 in
Plainfield. Mr. Tillinghast was educated at the Plainfield Academy and at
Schofield's Business College of Providence. He had charge of a store for
his father at Packerville about two years prior to 1883. In October of
that year he, in company with Mr. Palmer, purchased the goods in the
Company store at Central Village, and it was run as Tillinghast & Palmer
until July, 1886. At that time Palmer retired. and Mr. Tillinghast has
since been alone. He was married in 1882 to Annie M., daughter of Olney
Dodge. He is a republican and a member of Moosup Lodge, No. 113, F. & A.
M.
Henry S. Tillinghast, born in 1835 in Killingly, is a son of Thomas
S. and grandson of Deacon Pardon Tillinghast, of West Greenwich, R. I. Mr.
Tillinghast carried on a hotel at Plainfield about three years prior to
1861. In August of that year he enlisted in Company C, First Squadron
Connecticut Cavalry, and was mustered in at Scarsdale in the " Harris
Light," or 2d New York Cavalry. He has been engaged in buying farmers'
produce and dealing in horses about nineteen years, and in February, 1887,
he took the Moosup House, which he has run since that time. He was married
in 1858 to Catharine T., daughter of Silas and Eliza Crain. They have had
six children: George C., who was killed in 1880; Byron H., who died aged
three years; Mary E., now Mrs. Walter Smith; Emma H., Willie A. and Bertha
May, who died aged seven years.
George H. Tripp was born in 1862 in Thompson. His father, Henry D.,
was a son of John S. and grandson of Perry Tripp. His mother is Adelaide
J. Simmons. Mr. Tripp was brought up a farmer, and in July, 1883, he
established a coal and wood yard in Central Village. In 1885 he bought the
Central block of Charles J. Aspinwall, and he now keeps grain and feed. He
handles about 3,000 tons of coal per year. He was married in November,
1887, to Lena F., daughter of Rufus D. Curtis.
Perry G. Tripp, born in 1823 in Plainfield, is a son of John S.
Tripp, born in Exeter, R. I., and grandson of Perry Tripp. His mother was
Sarah, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Bissel. Samuel Bissel was a
revolutionary soldier. He came to Plainfield in 1823. John S. Tripp came
to this town at the same time and settled in the south part of the town.
Mr. Tripp lived with his father until 1840; then he engaged in whaling
about six years. .In that time he went twice around the world. Since that
time he has been a farmer. Prior to 1869 he was in Brooklyn, Conn., about
twenty years. In 1869 he came to Plainfield and bought about two hundred
acres. He still owns the farm in Brooklyn .of about 250 acres. He keeps
about forty cows. He was married in 1848 to Lydia A. Robbins. She died in
1874, leaving seven children: Perry G., Jr., Elihu S., John B., Emma,
Isabel, Grace and Lizzie. He was married again in 1876 to Hattie Robbins.
She has one daughter, Anna I. He has been selectman and held other town
offices. He is a democrat. He is a member of Packerville Baptist church.
Joseph Vaughn was born in 1811 in Sterling. His father, Jesse
Vaughn, who died in 1823 aged 77 years, had twelve children by his first
wife; and by his second wife, Mary E. French, four children: John, Joseph,
Lydia and Mary. Mr. Vaughn is the only one of the sixteen children now
living. He was a blacksmith about fifteen years, then a farmer. He lived
in Tolland, Conn., about twenty-five years. He came to Central. Village
and bought a house and lot in 1879, and has lived here since that time. He
was married in 1838 and his wife died in 1865. He was married in 1866 to
Mary Eliza Young. They have two children-John E. and Mary E. He has been
deacon of Plainfield Union Baptist church about nine years.
William H. and John E. Williams are sons of William A. Williams.
William H. was born in 1860 in Westerly, R. I. He began in 1880 to learn
the blacksmith's trade, and has followed it since that time. John E. was
born in 1864. He began in 1883 in Norwich to learn the blacksmith's trade.
They came to Moosup in 1887, October 10th, bought the blacksmith shop of
John W. Fisk, and since that time have carried on a blacksmith business
there. Their younger brother, Dudley B., also works with them. William H.
was married in 1885 to Emily Finamore. They have one daughter, Ida.
Caleb P. Wilson, son of Jared Wilson, was born in 1813 in Sterling.
He came to Wauregan in 1854 as overseer of weaving, and continued in that
capacity until December, 1866.. Since then he has been superintendent of
the mill. Prior to 1854 he had been overseer of weaving in Central Village
about eight years. He was a member of the legislature in 1851 as a Whig.
He was married first in 1839. He lost his first wife, and was married
again in 1883. He is a republican.
Betsey A. Wilcox is the daughter of William Wilcox, who was born in
1801., in West Greenwich, R. I. He was a son of Thomas, and he a son of
Nathan Wilcox. Mr. Wilcox left his home in West Greenwich at the age of
28, and from that time until 1844, he worked as stone mason in different
parts of New England, and was four years in New York state. It is said
that he built all the locks on the canal from Albany to Troy. From 1844
until his death, which occurred on November 19th, 1884, he had been a
farmer. William Wilcox was married in 1849 to Mary A., daughter of
Hezekiah French, who was a son of Isaac French. They had two
daughters-Betsey A. and French, who died aged four years. Mr. Wilcox was a
democrat.
Erbin S. Wilson, born in 1851 in Plainfield, is a son of Rufus, and
grandson of Nathaniel Wilson. His mother is Phoebe, daughter of John and
Celia Young. Rufus was married in 1849, and died in 1885. Nathaniel Wilson
and his brother bought the farm where Erbin S. now lives about 1800. He
built the house where Erbin S. now lives for his son Thomas. Nathaniel had
eight children: Rufus, Thomas, Rachel, Eunice, Polly, Olive, Zylpha and
Sally. Mr. Wilson was married in 1883 to Josie G., daughter of James H.
Fairman. She died in 1884, leaving one son. He was married again in 1885
to Melissa. daughter of Cyrus Bennett. He is a republican, and a member of
the Moosup Methodist Episcopal church.
Henry N. Wood, Jr., was born in 1850 in South Scituate, R. I. He is
a son of Henry N. and Mary (Salisbury) Wood, and grandson of Nehemiah and
Phila (Salisbury) Wood. Mr. Wood is a - machinist by trade. He has lived
at Wauregan since 1865, with the exception of five years. He was boss
machinist at Phenix, R. I., for three years, and since he came back has
been boss machinist at Wauregan Mills. He was married in 1871 to Ada,
daughter of Enoch W. Waldo. They have two daughters, Cora M. and Minnie F.
He is a member of Wauregan Congregational church, a member of Moriah
Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M., Warren Chapter, No. 12, and Protection Lodge,
No. 19, I. O. of O. F.
Henry A. Young was born in 1838 in Killingly. He is a son of
Stephen G., whose father was Stephen Young. His mother is Mary (Hill)
Young. Stephen G. was a machinist by trade. He came from Killingly to this
town in 1841, and in 1850 he bought a farm' of 130 acres. He died in 1885.
Henry A. is a farmer, occupying the homestead of his father. He was
married in 1883 to Anna J., daughter of Joseph and Almira (Kimball) James,
and granddaughter of Perry G., a son of Joseph James, who was a
revolutionary soldier.
Additional Offsite Biographies
Source: History of Windham County, Connecticut,
Bayles, Richard M.; New York: W.W. Preston, 1889 Back to: Windham County, Connecticut
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