Person Page - 77

     Abigail Makepeace was born on 26 August 1741 in Norton, Bristol, Massachusetts.¹ She married Elisha Capron, son of Jonathan Capron and Rebecca Morse, on 29 January 1761 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.¹ Abigail Makepeace died on 2 July 1832 at age 90 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.¹

     Dr. Seth Capron was born on 23 September 1763 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.² He was the son of Elisha Capron and Abigail Makepeace.¹ Dr. Seth Capron married Eunice Mann on 9 September 1790 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.¹ Dr. Seth Capron died on 4 September 1835 at age 71 in Walden, Orange, New York.¹
     

     Biographical Notes for Dr. Seth Capron: Dr. Seth Capron was too young when the Revolutionary war broke out to be drafted and too short in stature to pass inspection. At the time of the country's greatest peril, it is known that in order to pass at muster, he managed to elevate himself on his toes, and so enlisted in defense of his country at the age of nineteen. Shortly afterward he was at the siege of Newport, attached to General La Fayette's corps of light infantry. It was there he first heard the music of artillery and where a cannon ball aimed at the general grazed the top of his head. Dr. Capron took part in the battle of White Plains and was then transferred to headquarters at West Point, N. Y., as a non-commissioned officer under Washington. There he served during the remainder of the war, commanding the barge that conveyed the " Father of his country " to Elizabethtown Point, and was the last man to receive the general's benediction.

Immediately after returning home he began the study of medicine with Dr. Bezaleel Mann, an eminent physician of his day, and whose daughter, Eunice Mann, he afterwards married. In due time he entered upon his profession, first at Cumberland, R. I. In 1806 he removed with his wife and four sons to Oneida County, N. Y., and located at Whitesboro, at that time a small village three miles west of Utica. He traveled across the country in his own conveyance, then an almost unbroken wilderness of 500 miles with here and there a settlement. Whitestown was at that time the Gem of the West, being composed for the most part of families of rare culture and refinement. There by diligent attention to his profession he acquired a competency. At the same time he took great interest in the establishment of manufactories on a permanent basis, considering it indispensable to the prosperity of the nation. The formation of the first company and the building of the first factory met with much opposition. It was branded as visionary and ruinous, and would have discouraged most men, but he was endowed with remarkable foresight and indomitable energy and perseverance. To these qualities must be ascribed the successful effort of building the first cotton and woolen factories in the State of New York.

In 1823 Dr. Capron removed to Walden, Orange County, N. Y., and built up the cotton and woolen interests in that now flourishing town. He was the originator of the scheme which resulted in the building of the cotton and woolen mills there, and was for some time the superintendent and manager.

Dr. Capron died in Walden, N. Y., on Friday, September 4, 1835, age seventy-four.

The following is from a periodical of that day: "The name of Dr: Seth Capron will be identified with the history of cotton and woolen manufacturers in the State of New York. He was a man of great integrity and moral worth, and uncommon ardor, enterprise, and industry. His open, manly, and conciliating and determined conduct enabled him to triumph over obstacles that would have discouraged most men. Indefatigable in promoting sound morals among his fellow citizens he was a leader in the temperance cause, the first to banish brandy and wine from his sideboard. His mild persuasive manners and the honesty and goodness of his purposes were manifest in all his conduct, and the uniform correctness of his example gave him a wonderful influence over the villagers. Obedience followed his will as if he had been invested with absolute power, and the village of Walden will long mourn for him as for a father."

Dr. Capron's wife was Miss Eunice Mann, a sister of Newton Mann, esq., whose portrait and biographical sketch appear in this volume. Their sons were Newton, John, Dr. Seth, jr., and Gen. Horace Capron. The latter was at one time United States commissioner of agriculture, and was afterwards employed by the Japanese government in the same capacity, where he served for five years. All are dead. One daughter survives, Mrs. Louise Kirwan Capron Thiers, of Milwaukee, Wis., and who is one of the twelve daughters of soldiers of the Revolution who are members of the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

He was a Physician. During his Military Service he: Seth, enlisted as a drummer at the age of seventeen and served to the close of the war. He was placed on the pension roll of Orange Co. N.Y., 1818, for service as sergeant in the Mass. Continental Line, and afterwardswas aide-de-camp to General Washington. 1806 Family moves to Whitesboro New York near Utica. Seth Capron helped erect 1st New York cotton factory [Oneida Manuf. Soc. 1809?]. Involved in a series of mills; New cotton factory built near New Hartford. [New Hartford manuf soc 1811? mechanic's 1812? Utica cottonfactory 1814?] Intrest in Oriskany new Woolen Factory. [Oriskany Manufactorywoolen mill built there in 1811] may have been the first woolen mill in the USA. Compiled by: Kenneth Skrivseth, Laurel Historical Society, Laurel, Maryland.³

     Charlotte Capron was born on 27 December 1764 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.^1,2 She was the daughter of Elisha Capron and Abigail Makepeace.^1,2 Charlotte Capron died on 30 June 1842 at age 77 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts. She was buried in Hillside Cemetery, Dodgeville, Iowa, Wisconsin.

     Nancy Capron was born on 17 December 1767 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.¹ She was the daughter of Elisha Capron and Abigail Makepeace.¹ Nancy Capron married William Balcom on 8 December 1791 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.¹ Nancy Capron died on 16 September 1859 at age 91 in Rhode Island.²

     Abigail Capron was born on 8 May 1769 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.^1,2 She was the daughter of Elisha Capron and Abigail Makepeace.^1,2 Marriage banns for Abigail Capron were published on 17 July 1790 at Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.² She married Timothy Tingley on 12 August 1790 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.^3,4 Abigail Capron died on 9 July 1807 at age 38 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.

     Sally Capron was born on 9 January 1772 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.¹ She was the daughter of Elisha Capron and Abigail Makepeace.¹ Sally Capron married Ebenezer Draper on 26 September 1793 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.¹ Sally Capron died on 3 February 1860 at age 88 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.

     Fanny Capron was born on 18 April 1777 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.¹ She was the daughter of Elisha Capron and Abigail Makepeace.¹ Fanny Capron married Stephen Draper on 13 February 1797 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.¹ Fanny Capron died on 19 March 1799 at age 21 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts. She was buried in Newell Cemetery, South Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.

     Peddy Capron was born on 1 April 1782 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.¹ She was the daughter of Elisha Capron and Abigail Makepeace.¹

     Betsey Capron was born on 17 July 1784 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.^3,1,2 She was the daughter of Elisha Capron and Abigail Makepeace.^1,2 Betsey Capron married Timothy George on 27 December 1804 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.² Betsey Capron died on 5 May 1826 at age 41 in Wrentham, Norfolk, Massachusetts.
     Betsey Capron was also known as Betey Capron.¹

     Elisha Capron, Jr. was born on 17 August 1774 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.^1,2 He was the son of Elisha Capron and Abigail Makepeace.^1,2 Elisha Capron, Jr. married Selinda Smith on 5 September 1802 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.³ Elisha Capron, Jr. married Nancy Smith on 4 October 1807 in Utica, Oneida, New York.³
     Elisha Capron, Jr. was a blacksmith in 1860.⁴ He appeared on the census of 1860 at Charleston, Sanilac, Michigan, as the father of the head of the household, Lansing M. Capron.⁴

     Timothy Tingley was born on 10 April 1768 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts. He married Abigail Capron, daughter of Elisha Capron and Abigail Makepeace, on 12 August 1790 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.^1,2 Timothy Tingley died on 6 March 1816 at age 47 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.

     Ebenezer Draper was born on 12 February 1771 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts. He married Sally Capron, daughter of Elisha Capron and Abigail Makepeace, on 26 September 1793 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.¹

     Stephen Draper was born on 29 April 1775 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.¹ He married Fanny Capron, daughter of Elisha Capron and Abigail Makepeace, on 13 February 1797 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.²

     
     Joseph Pickering was also known as Eddy.¹

     Timothy George was born on 25 July 1777 in Wrentham, Norfolk, Massachusetts.¹ He married Betsey Capron, daughter of Elisha Capron and Abigail Makepeace, on 27 December 1804 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.² Timothy George died in 1854 in East Orrington, Penobscot, Maine.¹

     Eunice Mann was born on 9 January 1767 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts. She married Dr. Seth Capron, son of Elisha Capron and Abigail Makepeace, on 9 September 1790 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.¹ Eunice Mann died on 9 February 1853 at age 86 in Alden, McHenry, Illinois.¹

     Newton Mann Capron was born on 24 August 1791 in Cumberland, Providence, Rhode Island.^1,2 He was the son of Dr. Seth Capron and Eunice Mann. Newton Mann Capron married Maria Brown on 29 May 1815 in Cumberland, Providence, Rhode Island.^1,2 Newton Mann Capron married Mary Snowden after 1824.^2,1 Newton Mann Capron married Electa Avery after 1850.¹ Newton Mann Capron died on 5 November 1858 at age 67 in Alden, McHenry, Illinois.¹ He was buried on after 5 November 1858 in Alden, McHenry, Illinois.¹
     In 1824 Newton Mann Capron resided in Montgomery, Orange, New York. He appeared on the census of 1850 at Alden, McHenry, Illinois.³

     Bebe M. Capron was born on 3 March 1795 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.¹ She was the daughter of Dr. Seth Capron and Eunice Mann. Bebe M. Capron died on 25 December 1796 at age 1 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts.¹

     John Milton Capron was born on 10 April 1797 in Cumberland, Providence, Rhode Island.^1,2 He was the son of Dr. Seth Capron and Eunice Mann. John Milton Capron married Emma Cynthia Northrup on 3 August 1818 in Salina, Onondaga, New York.¹ John Milton Capron married Eliza Brown on 21 November 1822 in Cumberland, Providence, Rhode Island.^1,2 John Milton Capron died on 6 April 1860 at age 62 in Kenosha, Kenosha, Wisconsin.³
     

     Biographical Notes for John Milton Capron: John graduated from Hamilton College in New York. He then read law in Whitesboro, NY and worked in cotton manufacturing there and in Laurel, MD. When he emigrated to Kenosha, he became a farmer and was a member of the first Wisconsin legislature.

     Seth Makepeace Capron was born on 11 September 1799 in Cumberland, Providence, Rhode Island.¹ He was the son of Dr. Seth Capron and Eunice Mann. Seth Makepeace Capron was born circa 1804 in New York.² He married Caroline A. Scofield on 22 April 1826 in New York City, New York, New York. Seth Makepeace Capron married Helen Bard on 22 November 1850 in Pughkeepsie, Dutchess, New York, by By Rev. Charles Whitehead.³ Seth Makepeace Capron died on 30 November 1878 at age 79 in Orangeburg, Rockland, New York.⁴
     Seth Makepeace Capron was educated; West Point. He appeared on the census of 1850 at Montgomery, Orange, New York.² He appeared on the census of 1860 at Montgomery, Orange, New York.⁵ He was a shovel manufacturer in 1870.⁶ He appeared on the census of 1870 at Montgomery, Orange, New York.⁶

     Horace Capron was born on 31 August 1804 in Attleboro, Bristol, Massachusetts. He was the son of Dr. Seth Capron and Eunice Mann. Horace Capron married Louisa Victoria Snowden on 5 June 1834 in Laurel, Prince George's, Maryland, by Wed at family home- Montpelier. Horace Capron married Margaret Baker on 4 January 1854. Horace Capron died on 22 February 1885 at age 80 in Washington, District of Columbia. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Georgetown, Anne Arundel, Maryland.
     

     Biographical Notes for Horace Capron: In 1806 he moved with his family to Whitesboro, Oneida Co., NY and in 1823 to Walden, Orange Co., NY. Horace recieved an academic education in preparation for West Point. He failed to recieve his appointment and drifted into the cotton mfg. business. In 1829 he was called to Warren, Baltimore Co., MD as superintendent of the cotton factory of James Buchanan & Co. In 1829 He organized a company of cavalry, composed of men able to provide the best horses. They attended the laying of the cornor stone of the Washington Monument, the funeral services of Major Ringgold, and the inauguration of Pres. William Henry Harrison. In 1834, the Governor of Maryland commissioned Horace Capron as Colonel of the 32nd Regiment of Maryland Militia for services in ending labor riots during the construction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. In 1836 he erected and became supertindent of a cotton factory in Laurel, MD. This factory employed several hundred people and earned a reputation as a model factory. By virtue of his marriage he aquired a large tract of land on the Snowden estates and began farming on an extensive scale. He incorporated many scientific principles into his farming. He was active in agricultural affairs on a local, state and national level and had a reputation as a progressive farmer. After the death of Louisa he suffered several business reverses. In 1852 he requested and recieved from President Fillmore an appointment as a special agent over certain indians in Texas. He moved to Texas and then on to Illinois where he had done a lot of farming. He became involved in the breeding of Devon Cattle. In that state he was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the 14th Cavalry. In 1865 he was commissioned Brevet Brigadier General and one year later to the rank of Brigadier General. He was appointed United States Commissioner of Agriculture, in 1867, and later accepted an appointment by the Japanese Government as Commissioner and chief Advisor to the Kaitankushui Dept. of Hokkaido, where he revolutionized the farming of that country. Gen. Capron returned to the United States in 1875 and remained in Washington, DC until his death. The Japanese had a life-size bronze statue of him erected in Odori Park, in the center of the city of Sapporo, for his outstanding service to their country. The General was witnessing the completion of the Washington Monument, Feb. 22, 1885 when he suffered a stroke and died. He appeared on the census of 1860 at Jubilee, Peoria, Illinois.¹

     Louisa Kirwan Capron was born on 2 October 1814 in Whitesboro, Oneida, New York.^1,2 She was the daughter of Dr. Seth Capron and Eunice Mann. Louisa Kirwan Capron married David Bodine Thiers on 6 April 1847 in New York City, New York, New York.^1,3 Louisa Kirwan Capron died on 17 February 1926 at age 111 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.¹
     In 1880 Louisa Kirwan Capron resided in Kenosha, Kenosha, Wisconsin; A Widow.⁴ She appeared on the census of 1900 at Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as the mother-in-law of the head of the household, Charles Bullen Quarles.⁵

     Biographical Notes for Louisa Kirwan Capron: The subject of this interesting sketch was born in Whitesboro, New York, on October 2, 1814, the daughter of Seth Capron, who, when a boy in his teens, enlisted in Washington's army. Under the command of Lafayette he fought through the campaign at Newport, and served under Washington at West Point, where he was given command of his commander's barge. When Washington left West Point to bid farewell to his soldiers, Seth Capron was the last man to take his hand.

Lafayette's friendship for the young soldier grew out of an incident at Newport in 1780, when a bullet intended for Lafayette narrowly missed Capron. "One of my earliest recollections," said Thiers, is the departure of my father for West Point to meet General Lafayette when he returned to America for a visit. I recall very clearly the preparations for the trip, and knew, even though I was a little girl that my father was going to meet the French General, who had been his friend since the Siege of Newport."

She also remembers the opening of the Erie Canal, and recalls how wonderful it was to travel four miles an hour.

She rode on the first steam railway from Schenectady to Albany, and recalls how the train was let down with a stationary engine because the road was so steep. She has seen Halley's comet twice. The first time was in Baltimore in 1835, and she remembers how loud the people prayed, believing that the world had surely come to an end.

Many incidents are related by Madam Thiers of her early life in Southport, Wisconsin (now Kenosha), where she came with her husband, David S. Thiers, whom she married in New York City on April 6, 1847. In this pioneer city they reared their family of four children, sharing in the meanwhile with their new neighbors and friends the many privations and hardships incident to life in the middle west in the late forties.

She tells of the tallow dip and the open fires for cooking, and, in this connection, volunteers the opinion that "conservation" is not new, for she often saved time, energy and fuel by preparing the food for a week, roasts, beans, pies, bread, all in one baking.

This remarkable woman rejoices at the advent of the prohibition movement, and has approved and worked for woman's emancipation, showing her interest and enthusiasm by voting regularly as the elections occur.

Her interest in the late war was shown in her patriotic efforts to provide as many comfortable garments as her feeble hands could make for our boys in France. Her knitting was beautifully done and could have been offered as a sample for the younger to follow. She adopted as her Godson a French soldier, Marcel Joy, who had been deeply stirred by reading of her interest in the war, and the one hundred pairs of socks she had knitted for the French babies.

The Thiers family are of French ancestry, and gave to France one of her presidents.

Madam Thiers has reached the age of 108 years, and enjoys life as evidenced by her intense interest in current events. She is a member of the household of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Quarles, 434 Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Madam Thiers has the distinction of being the oldest Real Daughter of the American Revolution, and her birthday is always observed by the Milwaukee Chapter, their tribute taking the form of a rose for each year of her life.

As to the secret of her long life, this is what she says:

1. "I attribute my long life and good health to a light diet, careful eating."

2.."Keeping alive my interest in life and daily event."

3. "Being happy myself and doing what I can to make others happy."

Submitted by Kenosha Chapter D. A. R.⁶

     Maria Brown was born on 23 November 1792 in Cumberland, Providence, Rhode Island.¹ She married Newton Mann Capron, son of Dr. Seth Capron and Eunice Mann, on 29 May 1815 in Cumberland, Providence, Rhode Island.^2,1 Maria Brown died on 3 December 1824 at age 32 in Cumberland, Providence, Rhode Island.^3,1

     Mary Snowden married Newton Mann Capron, son of Dr. Seth Capron and Eunice Mann, after 1824.^1,2 Mary Snowden died before 1850.²

     Francis Brown Capron was born on 17 May 1816.¹ He was the son of Newton Mann Capron and Maria Brown.¹ Francis Brown Capron married Olivia Royston in Baltimore, Maryland.²
     Francis Brown Capron appeared on the census of 1850 at Baltimore, Maryland.³ In 1888 Francis Brown Capron resided in Baltimore, Maryland.

     William H. Capron was born on 24 September 1817.¹ He was the son of Newton Mann Capron and Maria Brown.¹
     He appeared on the census of 1850 at Alden, McHenry, Illinois, with Newton Mann Capron in the household of William Boyd, a blacksmith.²

     Emma Cynthia Northrup was born circa 1797 in Syracuse, Onondaga, New York.¹ She married John Milton Capron, son of Dr. Seth Capron and Eunice Mann, on 3 August 1818 in Salina, Onondaga, New York.¹ Emma Cynthia Northrup died on 26 October 1821 in Oriskany, Oneida, New York.¹

     Eliza Brown was born on 21 June 1800 in Cumberland, Providence, Rhode Island.¹ She married John Milton Capron, son of Dr. Seth Capron and Eunice Mann, on 21 November 1822 in Cumberland, Providence, Rhode Island.^2,1 Eliza Brown died on 20 November 1830 at age 30 in Dunkirk, Chautauqua, New York.³

     Emma Cynthia Capron was born on 15 September 1820 in Oriskany, Oneida, New York.¹ She was the daughter of John Milton Capron and Emma Cynthia Northrup. Emma Cynthia Capron married Dr. De Wilton Snowden on 8 March 1839 in Laurel, Prince George's, Maryland.¹ Emma Cynthia Capron died on 30 April 1878 at age 57 in Laurel, Prince George's, Maryland. She was buried in St. Philip's Episcopal Church Cemetery, Laurel, Prince George's, Maryland; Unknown GEDCOM info.