Charles William Manwaring (May 9, 1829 - Aug 19, 1905)

It is with regret that we announce the death of Mr. C. W. Manwaring, genealogist and member of the Connecticut Historical Society, and author and compiler of this work, who passed away on Saturday evening, August 19, 1905, in Hartford, Conn., where he had resided many years.

Charles William Manwaring was born in Waterford, New London County, Conn., May 9, 1829, and was a descendant of one of the oldest families in Connecticut, the Manwarings being among the earliest settlers of that State, and their genealogy being easily traceable for many generations before the settlement of the New World. In his young manhood he became a builder and contractor, but his love for books and research led him to take up a line of work which has resulted in his leaving behind him a monument more enduring than stone, and a work which will be more and more appreciated as future generations come and go.

Mr. Manwaring was about seventy years old when he conceived the idea of putting into a concise and durable form the contents of the original books of probate records of Connecticut, part of which were in the State Capitol and part in the Halls of Record at Hartford, and all of which, from excessive use and lapse of time, are fast approaching a condition when access to them will be obtained with difficulty. Having conceived the idea, he immediately began the work of putting it into a practical form, and for the remaining years of his life labored incessantly under great physical disability, and succeeded in producing the work of which this is the closing volume. While it is a work of great value to reference libraries, genealogists, and all who are interested in tracing their ancestry, it is also a pioneer work in its line, pointing the way to what may be done in other parts of the State and in sister States in the way of putting their ancient and valuable records into a form that will forever insure against their loss or destruction. Only great patience, determination, courage, and an abiding faith in the merits of the work could have brought about its production, especially at such an advanced age, and Connecticut was fortunate in possessing among her citizens one who was equipped with such necessary qualifications, and the State has recognized his labors by purchasing copies of the work for official use.

It is a sad fact that on the day following the completion of his great compilation, he succumbed to the fatal disease which at last took him away (a cancerous affection of the throat), thus showing with what great courage and suffering he must have pursued his labors on the latter part of his work. For nine months he patiently bore his affliction until death released him, leaving a work that will preserve his name forever.

source: A Digest of the Early Connecticut Probate Records Copyright, 1906, by
Charles William Manwaring.

submitted by: JRice