JABEZ LOOMIS WHITE

BIOGRAPHY

AS RECORDED IN:

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF TOLLAND AND WINDHAM COUNTIES
CONNECTICUT.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS AND OF MANY
OF THE EARLY SETTLED FAMILIES.

PUBLISHER: J.H.BEERS & CO., CHICAGO; 1903 P. 431

JABEZ LOOMIS WHITE. One of the most highly esteemed and substantial citizens of Bolton, Tolland county, who resides on a farm which has been in the possession of the family for generations, is Jabez Loomis White, who was born here Jan. 1, 1830. Dr. Jabez L. White, his father, was born in Bolton, Conn., June 18, 1792, and received his primary education in this locality, afterward preparing for Yale College, finally graduating from there with the medical degree in 1828. His first location was in Tolland, Conn., and here he remained in practice for some time, later removing to Bolton, his native place, where he practiced his profession for forty years. For two years the Doctor was the efficient State Treasurer of Connecticut. Some time near 1830 Dr. White and his family made a driving trip as far south as Cape May, N.J., and there the good Doctor located and soon built up a large and lucrative practice, remaining some two years. His father was becoming advanced in years, and as he owned a large amount of property in the vicinity and in Bolton, Conn., he prevailed upon his son, the Doctor, to return and take charge of these interests. The friends Dr. White had made in New Jersey opposed the plan, but in the end his father’s wishes gained the day, and the family returned to the old home in Bolton, and there his last days were spent. Jabez Loomis White, son of Dr. Jabez, was born in the old family home Jan. 1, 1830, and was only one year old when he went with his parents to Cape May, where a happy childhood was passed, although before he was old enough to go to school the old farm was again his home. His parents gave him excellent educational advantages, sending him to a good private school in East Hartford, which was conducted by Solomon Phelps; later he was a student in the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, Mass., and then enjoyed the scholarly instruction from Rev. James Ely, at Bolton. In the spring of 1847 he went to Buffalo, N.Y., and there accepted a position as teller in White’s Bank, which position he held for a period of six years. Following this he engaged in the brokerage business in the same city, successfully conducting it for a period of four years. Like many another loyal son of Connecticut, Mr. White decided to take up his permanent home in the State of his birth, and some time after closing up his business in Buffalo, he returned to locate on the farm which has been in the possession of the family since 1717, even the residence being historic, being only the fourth one since first settlement was made, the same cellar being used for each erection. Among the many old and interesting relics of his family, Mr. White has in his possession an old chair, still in a good state of preservation, which was made for and was used by Gov. Trumball. Associations cling about many of these relics and the stories recalled concerning them by Mr. White are most interesting and instructive, these articles being some which would be most gladly received by any historical society. A life-long Democrat, Mr. White has been called upon to serve his party in many positions. At three different times he represented the town in the Legislature, and in 1876 was sent to represent the 23d District in the Senate. For twenty years he was a member of the board of selectmen and for eleven years was assessor for Bolton. A long service of thirty years, during which time he was trial justice, as justice of the peace, was terminated by the time limit, but he is still active in all that pertains to the progress and the establishment of law and order through his neighborhood. In February, 1871, Mr. White was married to Miss Ella M. Sumner, who was a daughter of John and Mary (Gleason) Sumner, and a sister of ex-Lieut. Gov. G.G. Sumner; she died in 1876. In June, 1878, in Bolton, Conn., Mr. White was married to Miss Ida E. Gay, of this place. One son has blessed this union, Jabez L., Jr., born in Bolton, Conn., Jan. 7, 1884, and he is the fourth generation to bear the name; his assistance is given his father in the management of the farm. Although Mr. White has reached his seventy-third year he is so active physically and mentally that he has the appearance and manner of one of much fewer years. His interests still are many, and he is socially connected with the Masonic fraternity, having joined Manchester Lodge, No. 73, A.F.&A.M., where he has long been most highly regarded. His standing in his community is high where he is known as a reliable, upright and useful citizen, and a worthy representative of one of the old families of Bolton.

Reproduced by:

Linda D. Pingel – great-great granddaughter of Cyrus White of Rockville, Ct.