Isaac Gallup

Isaac Gallup, Esq.

eldest son, Isaac, seems to have been a natural leader, and an example to his seven younger brothers in the energy, earnestness and faithfulness with which he accomplished his tasks. Though his advantages were limited, he early acquired the rudiments of a sound, practical education, was accurate and thorough in scholarship and, at an early age, showed tastes for solid, substantial reading. He always had an aptitude for acquiring practical knowledge and learned so well how to use his mental powers that he was able to meet the requirement of the varied pursuits of a long and busy life. Being of an energetic temperament, his mind readily turned to active pursuits, and in his youth he served an apprenticeship in the trade of a carpenter, with Col. Joseph Smith, one of the leading contractors and business men of Ston- ington. He seems, also, to have cultivated a taste for good architecture and that absolute thoroughness of construction, so characteristic of his own work all through life. While still a young man, Mr. Gallup went into the business of building, on his own account, employing apprentices and taking such contracts as he could secure. At the age of 23, he was married to Prudence, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Stanton) Geer, a young woman fully as energetic, ambitious and capable as himself, who proved herself a faithful wife and true helpmeet during all the years of their married life. The young couple began housekeeping in a small but comfortable home near the Bill homestead. About that old house (not now standing) some interesting traditions cluster.

Nearly a hundred years before it became the home of the Gallup family, it was occupied by Samuel Seabury, a Congregational licentiate of North Groton, and there, in 1729, was born his son, Samuel Seabury, who became the first Bishop of the Episcopal Church in America. Some years later it was the home of the clergyman who ministered to the Episcopal body who worshipped on the neighboring Church Hill, and has been styled the -first rectory in America. Later on the Seabury parsonage and land was purchased by Gurdon Bill, and formed a part of his realty, and all is now known as the Bill parsonage property, belonging to the Congregational Society of the town.

During the first year of their married life, the bombardment of Stonington occurred, and Mr. Gallup did duty as a soldier during the War of 1812. The death of his father, two years later, considerably increased his responsibilities. He assisted his mother in the management of her business affairs, and helped his younger brothers to acquire useful callings in life. During all these years, he carried on business, taking such contracts as he could secure, the busy wife, meanwhile plying.the loom, managing the house and caring for the increasing family of children. In this house were born the four daughters, and the only son. For sixteen years it continued to be their home; but in the spring of 1828 Mr. Gallup felt it advisable to remove his family to Norwich Falls, much of his work being in that vicinity. They remained there one year, and the following spring saw them located in Greeneville, then a mere hamlet, but soon to be the scene of great and varied activity. The year 1829 witnessed the beginning of a great enterprise. The skill of the inventor, as applied to the production of textile goods, was already opening up great possibilities. The keen vision of such capable and far-sighted men as Wm. C. Gilman and Wm. P. Greene, clearly saw that the swift flowing river above Norwich would furnish sufficient power, if rightly applied, to turn the wheels of great factories, and put in motion the thousands of spindles, soon to supersede the slow and tedious handloom. To make that power available it was necessary to construct the Greeneville dam. It was a great, a stupendous work, and its completion was counted a great triumph of engineering skill. The importance of that work can scarcely be over estimated; for the opening of that fine water privilege paved the way for those great and important industries which shaped the future of Norwich and laid the solid foundations of her prosperity. The Greeneville of that time though in its infancy, was a place of great activity, and there Mr. Gallup found full scope for his business talents and executive ability. He superintended the work of the large force of carpenters employed in the construction of the dam, he also built temporary quarters, and with the aid of his efficient and practical wife and such help as they could secure, cared for the small army of mechanics and laborers there employed. At the end of a year, the work being virtually completed, Mr. Gallup purchased a farm in Preston adjoining the Geer homestead, the birthplace of his wife. His connection with Greeneville continued far sometime later, although his family removed to Preston in 1830, and he held, for a number of years the position, of agent of the Norwich Water Power Company. Mr. Gallup took a great interest in improving his farm in Preston, and in building the large, comfortable and well-appointed house which he felt would be a fitting and permanent home for his family. That house, now standing and still in the name and family, has a beautiful and healthful situation, and with its well-tilled fields, large orchards and substantial buildings, is a good specimen of the Connecticut country home.

For many years after his removal to Preston, Mr. Gallup carried on business as a builder, handling many important contracts. Though often absent from home, he skillfully directed the labor of his farm, on which he was constantly making improvements. In addition to other business, he was much occupied in surveying. He probably acquired some knowledge of this pursuit from his father who followed it to some extent. He perfected himself, however, by diligent study and the instruction he received from the late Asahel Robbins, then the leading surveyor of Norwich. In his connection with town affairs and in the settlement of estates, Mr. Gallup's proficiency as a surveyor was of great value. His work was always marked by the thoroughness, accuracy and nice regard for details, which were characteristic of the man. Boundary lines laid down by him were seldom, if ever, disputed.

Possessing a strong mind, a positive character and a sound judgment, Squire Gallup, as he was generally called, was held in the highest regard by his friends and townspeople who often sought his advice and always valued his counsel. With his fine administrative ability, his wide experience and perfect integrity, he was singularly well qualified for the adjustment of business affairs and the settlement of estates and his services were in demand in his own and neighboring towns. For many years he transacted business for the Treat and Doane families of Preston, whose affairs he managed to their entire satisfaction. Although able to adjust the most complicated and difficult business, he never betrayed a trust or missed an opportunity. Mr. Gallup was a man of strong convictions and took an active part in the early movement for temperance reform, uttering a resolute protest against the habit of treating and the drinking customs of society, and aiding many of his friends and neighbors to shake off the bondage of alcohol. In his mature manhood, Mr. Gallup united with the Congregational Church of Ledyard, of which he was a strong supporter all through life. His pastor and lifelong friend, Rev. Timothy Tuttle, found him a ready helper and counted him his strong right hand in every good work. He exerted an excellent influence on the young men who served him as apprentices. Though a kind master, he was an earnest advocate of good morals, correct habits and honest work. Being himself of a broad, progressive spirit, he always welcomed signs of enterprise and ambition in the young men of his town whom he often aided in making a start in life, by friendly encouragement and practical assistance. Mr. Gallup was devoted to his home and happy in the relations of domestic life. He was also a truly public-spirited citizen, a friend and promoter of good schools, sound government and public improvements. He retained his mental vigor to the close of his long, useful and honored life, from which he departed May 2, 1867.

Isaac Gallup was the worthy head of a good family, and a tower of strength in his day and generation.

The children of the family were

• Mary Ann, born Dec. 10, 1812, married Elias B. Avery.
• Prudence Almira, born March 4, 1815, married Jas. L. Geer.
• Emeline, born Feb. 27, 1818, married Orlando Smith.
• Isaac, born Nov. 13, 1820, married Maria T. Davis.
• Julia, born April 4, 1823, married Jacob A. Geer. [J. E. S-]

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD 1650-1900, by Rev. John Avery, published by Noyes & Davis: Press, Norwich, Connecticut, 1901, p. 197-201