William LATHROP

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They settled on Plain Hills, in the north part of Norwich. He was a farmer, and his record was that of an enterprising business man, and a good citizen. In religion he was an earnest and zealous disciple, searcely satisfied with what he looked upon as too rigid and formal, the modes adopted in the established Congregational Church, with which he united in 1732 - his wife having been a member from 1717. After her death, which occurred April 20, 1730, he married (2) August 5, 1731, Mary Kelly, who, the same year united with the First Church of Norwich. It was during her lifetime that the great outbreak occurred from the Separatists, and both she and her husband were among the leaders in that disturbing movement. Both of them were warned to appear before the church, August 25, 1745, and answer for their presumption in joining with others to 'set up' a separate meeting. Mr. Lothrop assigned five reasons for his separation, viz: 1. "The minister (Rev. Dr. Lord), denying the power of godliness, through not in word, yet in practice. 2. Insisting on imprudences, and not speaking up for that which is good. 3. Not praying for their meeting (the Separatist) and not giving thanks for the late glorious work (that which attended the preaching of Mr. Whitfield). 4. Not a friend to lowly preaching and preachers, particularly not letting Mr. Jewett preach once, and once forbidding Mr. Crosswell. (These were both separate and revival preachers, and therefore obnoxious to the standing order). 5. Not having the sacrament for six months in the most glorious part of the late times; and often enough since the church is in difficulty, and oftener now than ever."

Mrs. Lothrop assigned these reasons for her withdrawal: 1. "As to communion in the church at the sacrament, I did not commune because I was in the dark, and thought I was not fit. 2. Another reason, because I was not edified. 3. Because the power of godliness, it seems to me is denied here, and is elsewhere. 4 By covenant I am not held here any longer than I am edified."

Mrs. Lothrop died in Norwich, April 19, 1760, and he married (3) May 20, 1761, Phebe French. He died Set. 27, 1778, as his gravestone, still standing quite by itself on the south side of the old part of the Norwich Town cemetery, testifies. His will, dated Oct. 25, 1771, names as legatees, his wife Phebe; son Andrew, grand daughter Sarah, only surviving child of son Ezra; Jeremiah, Eunice, and William, children of son Jeremiah,, deceased; son Ebenezer; son Jonathan; son of John, and son Zachariah.

William married Sarah HUNTINGTON on 18 Dec 1712. Sarah (daughter of Simon HUNTINGTON and Lydia GAGER) was born on 3 Feb 1687/8 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut, USA; died on 20 Apr 1730 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Mary KELLY on 5 Aug 1731. Mary died on 19 Apr 1760. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Zachariah LATHROP was born on 25 Mar 1742 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut, USA; died on 26 Dec 1817.

William married Phebe FRENCH on 20 May 1761. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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His rank among his townsmen in 1730, when all the freemen were enrolled, was next to his brother Samuel. He was a man of worldly thrift, and had a family of enterprising sons, who are said to have planted themselves on seven hills within the old nine-miles square of Norwich. He died March 28, 1733, and she Aug. 22, 1737. His headstone in old Norwich town burial ground is the oldest one now there with an inscription on it. It gives us this tribute to his worth: "Here lies buried ye body of Mr. Israel Lothrup, ye Husband of Mrs. Rebekah Lothrop, who lived a life of exemplary piety & left ye Earth for Heaven mar. ye 28, 1733, in ye 73d year of his age."

Israel married Rebecca BLISS on 08 Apr 1686. Rebecca (daughter of Thomas BLISS and Elizabeth ?) was born on 18 Mar 1663 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut, USA; died on 22 Aug 1737 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]