F. F. BEBBINGTON

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. 1154

F. F. BEBBINGTON, a successful farmer and representative citizen of Ashford, Windham Co., Conn., was born Dec. 26, 1852, in Mansfield, Conn., son of John and Eunice (Gurley) Bebbington, the latter a native of Mansfield.

John Bebbington, the father of F. F., was born about 1824, in Cheshire, England, and came to the United States when a boy in his ‘teens. The trip was made in a sailing vessel, and when it reached the harbor of New York City, Mr. Bebbington landed with an almost empty pocket. His destination was Mansfield, Conn., where his sister Mary Jane, the wife of Thomas Turner, was located. Soon after reaching there he found employment as a farm hand, and followed this work until his marriage. Providently saving his money, Mr. Bebbington invested in land in the north part of Mansfield, being able to pay for but a portion of it. However, the balance was soon cleared off, his industry and thrift bringing gratifying results. Other land was purchased and at one time he owned two valuable farms in the vicinity of Mansfield. About 1857 he disposed of his property there and came to Ashford, locating on the Boutwell farm, on Pumpkin Hill, where he remained two years. He then purchased the farm which F.F. Bebbington now owns, which was then the property of Erastus Gallup. This farm originally comprised 214 acres and Mr. Bebbington added other land, erected the present comfortable residence and made many substantial improvements. In the meantime he had bought the Boutwell farm and when his son, F.F., purchased the Gallup place, he removed to the former and lived there until his death, which occurred in his sixty-eighth year, Sept. 5, 1892.

Mr. Bebbington was entirely a self-made man, his success depending upon his own thrift and energy. His ample means were honestly accumulated, and he bore a reputation for sterling integrity. Endowed with health and strength, his physical proportions being six feet in height with 200 pounds in weight, he was able to work hard, while a careful and temperate life preserved his vigor until within a year of his decease. In politics he was a Republican, but never sought or desired office. For many years he was a consistent
member and generous supporter of the Warrenville Baptist Church, of which his wife was also a member.

The marriage of John Bebbington was to Eunice Gurley in Mansfield, Conn., who died April 8, 1876. The children of this union were: John Gurley, who married Mrs. Ellen Abbott Wayland, is a carpenter by trade, and lives in Willimantic, their children being Mabel and Burt; Robert W., who is an extensive farmer, resides with his family in Shaw, Kansas; Frederick Fields, of this sketch; and Albert T., a farmer, who died May 15, 1895, aged thirty-two years.

Frederick Fields Bebbington was born Dec. 26, 1852, in Mansfield, Conn., and was three years old when the family removed to Ashford. Until the age of seventeen he attended the district schools during the winter seasons, his summers being occupied at farm work in the neighborhood. Later, in association with his eldest brother, Mr. Bebbington purchased the farm from his father and they operated it in partnership for a couple of years, at the end of which period Frederick bought his brother's interest and since that time has been sole owner. A general line of farming is carried on, special attention is given to dairying, and Mr. Bebbington also deals in cattle with good results. This home farm comprises 214 acres, but the total area owned by Mr. Bebbington includes fully 500 acres.

On March 27, 1882, Frederick Fields Bebbington was united in marriage with Lydia Estella Burdick, born Aug. 14, 1857, in Smithfield, R.I., daughter of Asa and Sarah (Mowry) Burdick. Two sons have been born to this union, namely: Frank, born April 1, 1883; and Thomas E., born Aug. 27, 1885.

In politics Mr. Bebbington is a staunch supporter of the Republican party, and has served acceptably on the board of selectmen, on the board of relief and has been a grand juror. The religious connection of the family is with the Baptist Church. In his community Mr. Bebbington is highly respected as a reliable business man, an excellent farmer, a man devoted to his home and family and a substantial, enterprising and representative citizen.

Reproduced by:

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