John Buckingham Cpt

The Buckingham Family, Descendant of Thomas 1872 by FW Chapman
Captain John Buckingham, son of David and Chloe (Merrill) Buckingham,born in Waterbury, 10/17/1876; married Betsey Scovill, daughter ofJames Scovill, 9/10/1809, a lady of most amiable dispostion andmanners, and well qualified to adorn the large homestead over whichshe was destined to become the mistress, her husband having inheritedthe ancestral farm of his grandfather Merrill, in Watertown. He soonbecame a leading farmer, and for the best part of his lie devotedhimself to the tillage and improvemnet of his thrify domain, making itone of the most productive and attractive in the place. In early lifehe had quite a fondness for military distinction, became a Captain ofState troops, and during the War of 1812-1814, he commanded a companyof volunteers to assist int he defence of New London and its harbor,then menaced ty the British fleet, under Admiral Holcomb of theRamilies 74 gun-ship. That the captain and his men, consisting ofrecruits from Waterbury, Watertown, Bethlehem, Woodbury, and Plymouth,acquitted themselves with honor, was alike creditable to their moralstanding, patriotism and courage. After the close of the war, hereceived a commission as Colonel in the State militia, which hoveer hesoon resigned. Possessing only a common school education, he foundtime to cultivate and improve his mind by extensive reading andintercourse with men and things, which amply qualified him to take apart in town, legiislative, and education affairs, having beenrepeatedly elected to the General Assemply, both to the House and theSEnate, and always faithful tohis constituents. He had, also, a tastefor general literature, and knew how to aprpeciate the genius ofShakespeare, and other literary authors of eminence. He was a man ofsocial disposition, and pleasant in his intercourse iwth his fellowmen. About 1840 he entere3d into business the JML and William H.Scoville, for the manufacture of various brass and other wares, atOakville, which a few years later was removed to Waterburn. Hedisposed of his farm, and removed in 1851 to Waterburn, stillretaining an interest in the Company. His health declining he retiredfrom active business and in a few years afterward yielded to thatstern messenger who spares neither youth nor age. He died May 3, 1867in the 81st year of his age, having been a life long member of theEpiscopal church, and was buried with Masonic honors, to which orderhe was much attached. He left two children and his widow stillsurvives him (1872).