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1147110 „
COULHCTION
d
ir-
itn'lni'llfiWlTlT.PIiftLiq LIBRARY
3 1833 02211 8852
HISTORY
O F
ANCIENT WOODBUEY,
CONNECTICUT,
FROM
THE FIRST INDIAN DEED IN 1659 TO 1872,
INCLUDING THE
(resent lolMSof Maslnngtan, SmttlrbttrD, letI]UI]£m, f cxburg,
anlj a prt at i^forir anli piiiijU&urs.
By WILLIAM COTHREN,
" I love thee, oh ! my native land !
I love thy sons, a brother band !
Thy rocks, and hills, and vales, to me.
Are temples of the truly free 1 "
VOL. II.
p..-
WOODBURY, CONN.:
PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM COTHREN.
1872.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, hy
WILLIAM COTHREN,
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress.
PiitiBS OF THB STATPOBD PRINTING OFFICE, NBW HAVSJIj CS.
INTRODUCTION TO THE SECOND VOLUME.
1147110
JOYFULLY do I bring this history to
a close — a work of most arduous labor,
— long-continued, — and heartily can T
join in tlie aspiration; — "Oh! that
mine enemy had written a book " —
especially a book of Town History I
The work has grown upon my hands to a volume more than twice
the size contemplated and promised. It became inevitable. We
have made history faster, and more voluiriiinously, during the last
twenty ye.irs, than for the preceding one hundred A faitliful and
minute account of these years has been attempted. At tlie same
time, the careful inquiries and researches of the last twenty years,
have added to the ancient history of the town an amount almost
equal to that contained in the former volume, of most valuable
and interesting matter. In -this part of his work the author has
been most ably aided by several antiquarian friends, and especially
by the Rev. Benjamin L. Swan, of Oyt^ter Bay, N. Y., a most care-
ful and successful antiquarian scholar. Due credit has been given
to each assistant in the pages of the volume.
TV. PREFACE.
No work so elaborate, extended and complete, has been atteraiDt-
ed in this country, and it will remain for the reader to decide,
whether the author has accomplished his purpose of making it a
model of its kind. Neither time, arduous labor, nor expense has
been withheld by him.
A large addition has been made to almost every chaptei- of the
foi'mer work. The statistics of the several towns have been
brought down to date, and include the results of the last election.
As a book of statistics, it must remain for all time invaluable to
all. In the genealogical part of the work, not only lias all addi-
tional information in regard to the families, in the former volume
been added, but the genealogies of a large number of other fami-
lies have been included.
Woodbury has been celebrated for its Bi-Centennial Celebra-
tions. A full history of all these has been included in the work-
A new feature in the work is exhibited in the illustrations. Mi'.
Henry Clay Curtis, an excellent artist, residing, in Hartford, has
profusely illustrated the work, so that the two volumes now con-
tain about one hundred and sixty-seven cuts, of all kinds, inserted
at g'-eat expense, contributing immensely to the attraciions and
and permanent value of the work.
The question of the "Church dissensions in Stratford," resulting
in the settlement of Woodbury, has been seriously mooteil. Ev-
ery recorded item in the records has been carefully collected, and
])i-inted entire in the wc.rk, vviih such leraarks and ehu-idntions as
seemed called for, placing the controver>y, as it would seem, for-
ever at r(;st. As the theoiy maintained in the former work had
been adopted by all subsequent historians, State and Ecclesiastical,
it seemed necessary to thoroughly examine the subject, and vin-
dicate the " truth of history,"
A leading feature of the work is a minute history of the ett'orts
of the several towns in the ancient ten-itory to suppress the late
Rebellion. The author has treated this subject in a maimer en-
tirely different from that pursued l)y the various historians of the
war. The latter have written general histories. The authors
PREFACE. V
were obliged to say such a General did this — such a Colonel did
that. The author of this work has attempted to write Pin individal
history of tlie war. Private A. did this — Sergeant B. did that.
He has attempted to reveal the nerve and sinew wliicli did most
to accomplish the great result. He has given a complete list of
all the soldiers from the ancient town, with particular incidents in
regard to many of them. About 400 pages of the work are de
voted to this history. It is believed that it will be one of the
most satisfactory accounts of the incidtnts of the Rebellion to the
private soldier.
Finally, this work is no*w passed over for the examination of a
discriminating public, upon its merits, and the author awaits its
j'^dgraent with calm composure, believing it will be just.
WILLIAM COTHREN.
Woodbury, May 1, 1872.
CONTENTS OF THE SECOND VOLUME.
CHAPTER I.— PHYSICAL HISTORY.
Page.
Page.
First Impressions,
. 842
Nonnewaug River,
846
Bestowal of names,
843
Sliepaug ' '
. 846
Quassapaug Lake,
. 844
Orenaug Park,
847
Weraumaug "
845
Shepaug Falls,
. 847
Bantam
. 845
Nonnewaug "
848
Kissewaug "
846
Bacon's Pond,
. 849
Village Plain,
. 845
Kettletown,
850
Indian Names,
846
Jack's Brook Legend,
. 852
Pootatuck River,
. 846
Mine Hill,
852
Pomperaug "
846 i Helicon Spring,
. 859
CHAPTER II.— INDIAN HISTORY.
Who were the Indians ? . 861
Their character, . . . 863
Indian Regulations, . . 865
Indian Watches, . . . 869
Definition of Indian names, . 876
Indian Relics, '. . . .878
Indian God,
Pomperaug's Grave,
Nonuewaug's "
Bethel Rock Legend,
Reflections,
880
881
884
CHAPTER III.— ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
General Ecclesiastical Review, 890
" Stratford View " of the religious
dissensions, . . . 892
The " Woodbury View " re-stated,
re-affirmed, and proved, . 8
CHAPTER IV.— CIVIL HISTORY.
Accuracy of American History, 929 i Fundamental Articles. . . 932
Free Home-Ixjts, . . . 930 | Lower Nonnewaug Falls, . 935
CONTENTS.
VU
Old Mill-stonea ... 936
Bethel Rock cliurcli meetings, 939
First Meeting House, . . 94 0
Second " ... 942
Sabbath Day Houses, . . 942
Church Customs, . . .942
Bear Hill and Rag-Land Sheep
Pasture, . . , .942
Church Drum,
Wooden Shoes, .
Ride-and-Tie,
Going to Church,
Iron Kettle,
Quassapaug Scene,
The Parson and Lawyer-
mauff Lake.
-Werau-
943
944
945
946
946
947
950
CHAPTER v.— CIVIL HISTORY CONTINUED.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS.
Town Bi-Centennial of 1859, 951
Ode of Invocation, . . 958
N. Smith's Welcome, . . 959
William Cothren's Address, 960
Rev. Wm T. Bacon's Poem, . 965
Rev. A. S. Atwood's Speech, 970
Bi-Centenniel Ode, . . .973
Hon. Seth P. Beers' Speecli, 973
Dr. D. B. W. Hard's " .975
Mrs. Ann Stephen's Ode, . 977
Hon. Charles Chapman's speech, 978
Hon. I. W. Stuarts' Letter, 980
Mrs. L. H. Sigourney's Ode, 9S1
Geo. H. Clark's Centennial Poem, 982
Hon. Henry Dutton's Speech, 988
Samuel Minor's " 988
Mrs. Ann S. Stephens' Poem,
Rev. Philo Judson's Speech,
Masonic Centennial, . ,
AlonzoN. Lewis' Address, 1000,1011
Rev. Curtiss T. Woodruff's Ser-
mon, .... 1008
William Cothren's Address, 1011
E. A. Judd's Address, . . 1018
Fjrst Church Bi-Centenniel.
Covenant of 1670.
Rev. W. T. Bacon's Poem,
990
993
998
1022
1024
1019
Rev. John Churchell's Speech, 1020
List of Deacons, . . . 1026
Dedication of the Fathers' Monu-
ment 1040
Rev. T. L. Shipman's Prayer, 10-H
W. Cothren's Dedicatory Ad-
dress, . .' . 1042
Rev. W. T. Bacon's dedication
Poem, . . . .1046
Rev. Mr. Noyes' Bi-Centenniel
Sermon, . . . .1029
Communion Exercises, . 1038
Dedication Hymn, . . . 1048
Rev. Horace Winslow's Greeting, 105 1
Rev. Wm. K. Hall's Speech, 1052
Rev. A. B. Smith's " . 1056
Rev. Geo. W. Banks, " . 1058
Dr. Bellamy's Letter, . . 1059
Rev. Willis S Colton's Speech, 1062
Rev. A. Goodenough's ' 1065
Rev. H. S. Newcomb's •' 1 066
Rev. John Churchill's " 1067
Rev. Thomas L. Shipman's " 1 070
Rev. C. E. Robinson's Letter, 1071
Rev. Chas. Little's " 1072
Rev. Philo Judson's " 1073
Miss C. E. Andrew's '• 1074
CHAPTER VI.— WOODBURY IN THE GREAT REBELLION.
Causes of the War,
Events of 1860, .
Rev. Noah Coe's Buchanan
Prayer, ....
Parson Champion's Revolution-
ary Prayer,
Events of 1861, .
First Union Meeting,
" Woodbury Reds,"
Letters,
Events of 1862. .
Amusing War Stories, 1149, 1157
1078
Woodbury War Notes,
1183
1087
Farewell to Co. " I,"
. 1191
March to Alexandria, .
1199
1102
Scenes at "
. 1209
James C. Policy's death,
1211
1103
Convalescent Camp,
. 1213
1103
Col. Elisha Kellogg,
1213
1120
Lt. Fred. Whitlock,
. 1214
1123
H. H. Fox's Death,
1219
1127
Alexandria Alarm,
. 1219
1146
Events of 1863, .
1223
War Notes of 1863.
. 1226
1183
Events of 1864. .
1230
Vlll
CONTENTS,
Battle of Cold Harbor. . .1230
Battle at Winchester, . . 1230
Battle of Cedar Creek, . . 1238
War Notes of 1864. . . 1254
War Letters 1259
Events of 1865, . . . 1266
Soldiers' Welcome Home, . 1283
Welcome Ode, . . .1284
Dea. P. M. Trowbridge's Address, 1285
Woodbury " Secesh " Flags, 1280
Rev. A. N. Lewis' Poem of Wel-
- come, . . . 1286,1607
Wm. Cothreii's Address of Wei
come, .... 1287
Woodbury Contributions, 1291
List of those who sent Substitutes, 1293
Decoration Day, . . . 1294
W. Cothren's Address, . 1294
Soldiers' Monument Meeting, 1296
Dedication of Soldiers' Monument,1299
W. Cothren's Address at same,
1300, 1308
Col. A. H. Fenn's Speech, . 1304
Complete List of Woodbury Sol-
diers, .... 1304
Woodbury Roll of Honor, 131C, 1313
Andersonville Prison, . 1324
Final Remarks on the War, 1343
CHAPTER VIL— ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY CONTINUED.
Rev. Lucius Curtis dismissed, 1347
Religious Revivals, 1347, 1357
Rev. Robert G. Williams Settled, 1347
Rev. Chas E. Robinson " 1351
Rev. Chas. Little, . . 1352
Rev. Horace Winslow, . . 1353
Rev. Gurdon W Noyes Settled, 1353
Rev. Samuel R. Andrew — Life
and Character, . . 1354
Mr. Andrew's account of his Set-
tlement, . . . 1357
Dea. Matthew Minor's Biography, 1365
Minor Jubilee, . . 1369
Hon. Noah B. Benedict's Will, 1369
CHAPTER VIII.— CIVIL HISTORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 342.
Tories, ....
. 1372
Moll Cramer — the witch. . 1380
Local School Fund,
1372
Break Neck Hill, . . 1381
Remember Baker,
. 1373
Parson Wildman's Donati'n Visit, 1383
Col. Seth Warner,
1373
Natural Curiosities, . . 1382
Parson Stoddard and the
Flint
Walker Headstone, . . 1383
Lock,
. 1375
Ram Pit Hill. '. - .1383
Epidemics,
1376
Parker Academy, . . 1384
Ancient Burial Ground, .
. 1377
Woodbury Bank, . . .1384
New Burial, "
1377
" Building Association, 1384*
New County Proposition,
. 1378
King Solomon's Lodge, . 1385
Ancient Tea Party,
1379
CHAPTER IX-
-CIVIL HISTORY CONTINUED.
ALTIES.
-CRIMES AND CASU-
Murder of Bennet Ward, . 1390
" Matthew M. Morriss. 1390
" Lucius H. Foot, 1392
Suicide of Ralph Li na, . 1396
Suicide of Columbus W. Randall, 1397
Thefts, . . . . 1397
Burlaries in Curtiss' Factory and
Walker's Store, . . 1 3,97
'CONTEXTS.
IX
CHAPTER X.— HISTORY OF THE SOCIETIES AND TOWNS SET OFF
FROM ANCIENT WOODBURY— CONTINUED FROM PAGE 218.
Southbury Society,
Rev. Jason Atwater,
Rev. A. B. Smith,
South Britain Society,
Rev. John W. Wolcott,
Rev. Homer S. Newcomb,
Southbury War Votes,
Southbury Volunteers,
Bethlehem,
Rev. Eph. M. Wright,
Rev. Greo. W. Banks, .
Bethlehem War Votes, .
Bethlehem Volimteers,
Washintrton.
Rev. Ephraim Lyman,
Rev. Wm. H. H. Murray,
Rev. Willis S. Colton,
1400
1400
1400
1401
1401
1401
1401
1403
1404
1404
1404
1405
1405
1406
1406
1407
1407
New Preston Society, . 1407
Washington War Votes, . 1407
Washington Volunteers, . 1408
Frederick W. Gunn's Boarding
School for Boys, . . 1410
Roxbury, . . . . 1413
Rev. Austin Isham, . . 1413
Rev. Oliver S. Dean, . . 1413
Rev. J. H. Varce, . . . 1414
Rev. A. Goodenough, . 1414
Revivals, . . . .1414
Roxbury Volunteers, . . 1415
Roxbury War Votes, . . 1415
North Congregational Church, 1416
St Paul's Church, . . 1416
Centennial of Same, . . 1417
CHAPTER XL— BIOGRAPHIES AND AUTO-BIOGRx\PHIES OF NA-
TIVES, RESIDENTS AND DESCENDANTS O-F ANCIENT WOOD-
BURY IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER.
Rev. Garrett G. Brown,
1422
Edward J. Hvibbard,
1432
Hon. Seth P. Beers,
. 1423
Hon. James Huntington,
. 1433
Hon. Chas. Chapman,
1423
Willis Lambert,
. 1433
William Cothren,
. 1426
Henry Minor
1434
Hon. Samuel G. Goodrich, .
1^7
Rev. Dr. Elisha Mitchell,
. 1435
Hon. Orlando Hastings, .
. 1428
Hon Simeon H. Minor,
1443
Hon. Joel Hinman,
1430
Hon. Wm. T. Minor.
. 1444
Rev. Benjamin C. Meigs,
. 1444
Hon. Chas. B. Phelps,
1445
Rev. John Purves,
1450
Hon. Henry S. Sanford, .
. 1450
Dr. Avery J. Skilton,
. 145U
Dr. Azariah B. Shipman,
1455
Mrs. Mary Ann W. Smith, .
1459
Dr. Parson G. Shipiiten,
. 1458
Rev. Bennet Tyler, . ''
. 1461
Hon. Isaac Toucey,
1464
Arthur B. Warner,
1465
Col. Seth Warner,
. 1465
Hon. Warren W. Guthrie,
. 1366
CHAPTER XII.— GENEALOGIES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 481.
In Alphabetical order.
CHAPTER XIII.— STATISTICS.
CONTENTS,
APPENDIX.
Oolton Family, . . .1605
Curtiss Family, . . 1P05
Hon. David F. Hollister, . 1606
Rev. Alonzo Norton Lewis, 1606
Rev. Alonzo Norton Lewis' Poem
to Returned Soldiers, . 1607
Rev. Wm. T. Bacon's Reunion
Poem. . . . .1609
TABLE OF ERRATA.
Page
1611
CHAPTER I
PHYSICAL HISTORY.
FiEST Impressions ; Bestowal op names ; Village Plain ; Middle Quarter ;
White Oak ; Indian names ; Quassapaug ; Weraumaug ; Bantam ; Kissewaug;
PooTATUcK ; PoMPERAUG ; NoNNicTVAUG ; Shepaug ; Orenaug ; Bethel Rock ;
NoNNEWAUG Falls ; Shepaug Falls ; Bacon's Pond ; Kettletown ; Divers
Localities ; Jack's Brook ; Mine Hill ; Helicon Spring.
FTER a lapse of seventeen years, during
which history has more than " repeated
itself," in great and stirring events, in the
progress of living ideas, in the advance-
ment of literature and science, in the
spread of Christianity, and in the clear
understanding and final establishment of
the true principles of civil liberty, and the
enfranchisement of the human race, it would seem wise to review
the whole ground-work of our history as a nation, and as civil
communities, that we may learn the true lessons of the recent
past, and take prudent and judicious departures for the scenes and
events of the future, through which we are yet to pass. We have
been so overwhelmed with the tumultuous events which have oc-
curred in the last few years, that we shall be astonished, on a
calm retrospect, to observe Avhat strides we have made in human
progress, and how totally unconscious we have been of the mag-
nitude and importance of the history we have been making, and
of the share each little hamlet has had in producing it. It is from
the careful examination of the elements, that go to make up any
desirable event, or result, that we are able to understand and duly
appreciate it, and derive from it the lessons desirable for future use
and improvement.
It will be our pleasing duty, then, to review the history of our
ancient and honorable town, and gather for the use of ourselves,
and those who shall succeed us in our pleasant abodes, in this val-
842 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
ley of valleys, and on these rejoicing hills, so favoi'ed of Heaven,
the " remnants, that remain" of the treasures not discovered be-
fore the completion of our former enterprise, and to preserve
them in the archives of our local history, " that nothing may be
lost." To accomplish this, the plan of the former work will be
followed, recording, step by step, all further facts obtained, under
the several heads employed before, sometimes repeating facts
found in the first volume, for greater clearness of statement, and
to save reference to another volume, so inconvenient in the read-
ing of any work.
Although our country is so young, and our experience so recent,
it is yet very difficult for us to picture to ourselves the novelty
with which this wilderness must have struck the early gaze of our
forefathers, as they came here, " bearing the ark of their covenant
into the wilderness." The land was all before them. They had
full authority to enter and possess it, by solemn conveyance from
the Indian proprietors, and by the full consent and endowment of
the General Court, encumbered by no conditions, except to receive
as many other " honest inhabitants " into proprietorship with them,
as the plantation would " conveniently entertain " — a matter of
prime necessity in new and feeble communities. How does our
most fertile imagination fail to grasp and comprehend the mingled
emotions which must have struggled in the bosoms of our sturdy
forefathers, as, after a weary wandering in the deep forests and
beside the " great rivers," they stood upon the summit of " Good
Hill," first local name selected and pronounced by their lips, in the
new home, and gazed into the wild and beautiful valley, divided
by its lovely, meandering river,' seeking with the eye, even in this
first moment of enraptured vision, the sequestered nooks in which
they would build their happy, moi-al abodes, and erect their family
altars, first offerings to their adorable God and Master. Like the
land of Canaan to the Israelites of old, the new land was all be-
fore them, with its woods and rocks, and hills and streams — name-
less as yet. Here were a thousand hills, valleys, streams, and beau-
tiful local objects of every form and style of loveliness, with no
names by which they might be called ; no appellation by which
they might be described. They had bought land at " Pompe-
raug ; " they had been granted liberty by the General Court to
found a new plantation there, and that was all there was of de-
signation. Every thing betokened that the silence of nature had
remained unjbroken by human voice, since those early days, when
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 843
" the morning stars sang together," save by those of nature's own
uncultivated children, the red hunters of the forest. Nature, in
all its grand magnificence, met the enchanted view of the pale
face in these sweetly fertile plains, and mountain fastnesses. The
grim chiefs of the woody wilds alone roamed over these retired sol-
itudes, save the wild beasts, that growled upon a thousand hills.
The whole face of the country was one vast Avilderness, uncheered
by the benign rays of civilization.
Such was the scene, and such were the circumstances that greet-
ed the eyes of Capt. John Minor, the intrepid surveyor, and his
sturdy companions, as they entered this territory, Avhich was then
the farthest point from our coast and larger rivers, that had been
explored, two hundred years ago. This wilderness must be re-
claimed; human habitations must be erected; the church of God,
with its accompanying school-house, must be builded from these
over-arching forest trees, and all objects must receive names and
designations.
We may imagine the first surveyor, like a second Adam, with
every living and inanimate object before him, awaiting the bestow-
al of an appellation. And right royally did he and his associates
fulfill this duty of necessity and convenience, as they scattered
among the hills and valleys, and reclaimed the waste lands. Per-
haps no town anywhere has so successfully preserved its early de-
signations as this. Everywhere we meet the "old landmarks."
We will mention some of them, that they may be recorded, as
well as remembered forever.
It was natural that they should then and there name the place
whence they had had the pleasure of beholding, their "land of prom-
ise ; " their future homes. They called it Good Hill. It was good
and pleasant for them, in more particulars than one. It was the place
of good hopes and anticipations. It was the place of good views. It
was the place of good lands, and, afterwards, became the location of
their " Good Hill Division," in the proportionate distribution of the
lands of their new territory among the proprietors. The place where
the present village stands, which was, at that date, with the adjoin-
ing intervales, cultivated by the Indians, and planted with scant
crops of corn, beans, and some few other productions, was called
by preeminence The Plain, and the designation has been handed
down to the present day, in the conveyance of lands. The fertile
plateau where the pioneers spent their first night, a little south of
the village, they named Middle Quarter. It was so named, prob-
844 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
ably, because they deemed it nearly midway between the plain
land, which they named Judson Lane, and on which the iirst framed
house was built, and White Oak, a place so designated by them, -
in the upper part of Southbury, nearest the present town of
Woodbury, the place where they spent the second night of their
explorations. This spot has always been one of interest. The
old oak long since passed away, as is stated on a preceding page,
but the interest still lingers around the ancient locality, and our
artist has given a sketch of it for a future chapter.
These few names sufficed their first wants, as they builded their
cabins amid these vales and hills, keeping as nearly together as
possible. As the settlement extended its limits, they learned and
appropriated the good old names, which had been used by the
original native proprietors, and they have been carefully handed
down to the present. No town of equal dimensions within the
writer's knowedge has retained so many of them, and they are of
far greater euphony, for the most j)art, than those preserved in
other parts of the State. Many of our towns long since forgot
the local names of the former occupants of the country. In the
the neighboring town of Watertown, for instance, it is said that
not a single Indian appellation, or name of local objects or places,
now remains. This is the more singular, as there must ever be a
lingering interest or curiosity in all the remaining traces of the
aboriginal race, which preceded us, even in the least observant
minds.
Quite different from this was the care with which our fathers
gathered up, and applied the beautiful Indian names which abound
in our territory. This may, in part, be accounted for by the fact,
that Capt. John Minor, the leading man among the colonists, had
been educated as missionary to the Indians, understood well their
language, and seemed to take a delight in fixing forever the abo-
riginal names to the various localities, as he, in his office of sur-
veyor, parcelled out the lands among the pioneers. To the lovely
lake on our eastern borders he applied the name of Quassapaug,
or The Beautiful Clear Water. This pleasant sheet of water, so
cosily nestling among the verdant hills, furijished one of the first
fishing places to the new settlers, cut off as they wei"e from the
seaboard by the boundless forests lying between them and the sea.
This is an enchanting little water retreat among the hills, where
one may while away an hour of pleasant thought and rest, seclu-
ded from all obtruding care, or may unite with friends in sailing
HISTORY OF AKCIEZSTT WOODBURY. 845
over its limpid waters, enjoying the " feast of reason and the'flow
of soul." It has ever been a location of interest, and is yearly-
becoming the place of resort for those who admire the loveliness
of nature secluded in its deep solitudes. Weraumaug is another
lake of about the same size, one mile by two in dimensions, loca-
ted in the north-west corner of the ancient territory, to which the
same reniarks will apply. It has now become the popular resort
of the city-heated denizen, who seeks, for a brief space, rest and
relaxation during the hot months. Like the former, it has be-
come the place of sweet romance and many a flirtation, while
reverend doctors of divinity and learned doctors of the law, " pass
stately by," and form a solid back ground. Bantam, in the north-
ern bounds, north of what was, at a later day, called " Woodbury
Farms," is another beautiful sheet of water, and point of much
attraction. It is one of the principal boasts of the present town
of Litchfield, the County seat, which is now in somewhat pleasant
repute as a "summer resort," claiming attention, principally, for
the life-invigorating air of its breezy hills and extended country
views. The name of Bantam has usually been considered by his-
torians as the aboriginal name of this lake, together with its river,
and surrounding country. But there is every reason to doubt the
correctness of this opinion. It has neither the look nor sound of
any other words in our native Indian dialect.^ The only
place called by this name, now recollected, is Bantam in the
Island of Java. ISTo reason can be assigned for the transfer of the
name to this locality, except, perhaps, the fanciful one, that " like
the Bantam of the old world, this was a wild and almost unknown
region, inhabited by a race of barbarians." It is hardly probable,
however, that our ancestors, in the necessitous circumstances of a
new settlement in the unbroken wilderness, had time to make,
even if they had the necessary geographical information, such far-
fetched and philosophical, not to say poetical comparisons in
diverse localities. Kissewaug is the name bestowed upon a long
and narrow pond below Quassapaug lake, in the southern part of the
present town of Middlebury. It also bears the more modern name
of Long Meadow Pond. There is a somewhat apocryphal legend
connected with this little lakelet, from which it is said to have
derived its name, Kissewaug. But it is by no means certain that the
first syllable of that name, used as as separate word, has the same
' Kilbourn's History of Litchfield, p. 24.
846 HISTORY OF ANCIEXT WOODBURY.
meaning in the native tongue as in our own, and consequently it
becomes unnecessary to relate it here.
Nearly all the rivers and streams of the territory have retained
their Indian names. The principal river, called by the early set-
tlers at Stratford, the Great River, was called in the eai'ly Indian
conveyances, the Pootatuck river. In later years, it was called by
another Indian name, the Housatonic, which name it now bears*
The central river of the ancient territory still bears its oi'iginal
Indian name of Pomperaug, which was also the name of the last
powerful chief of the Woodbury Indians, who flourished before
the advent of the whites in the territory. This beautiful stream
is fed and formed by the Nonnewaug river, coming in from the
north-east, and joining it near the central village; the " Wecup-
peme " river, as it is called in one of the earliest Indian deeds,
which rises in the northern part of the present town of Bethle-
hem ; and the West Sprain river, which rises in the south-easterly
part of the present town of Washington. In the western portion of
the territory flows the Shepaug river, taking its rise in Bantam lake,
as one of its sources. This river runs through a wild, romantic and
mountainous region, to its junction with the Housatonic. All the
streams of Ancient Woodbury flow southerly, and empty into the
Housatonic. The Quassapaug river, taking its rise in Quassapaug
lake, flows south and joins the Housatonic below Quaker's Farms.
In later years, this stream has been called the Eight Mile brook.
Quanopaug is the name of a brook that flows into the Nonnewaug
river, near the north end of the village. On this stream, which
flows through what was early named the East Meadow where the
settlers had desirable divisions laid out to them, is a very beautiful
cascade, w^hich was much visited by people years ago, but which
has been greatly injured, of late, by diverting the water for irri-
gating purposes, upon the adjacent lands. Yanumpaug brook
flows into the Housatonic river, from its Newtown side, neai'ly
opposite the mouth of the Shepaug river, Pootatuck brook flows
north, into the same river, from the same side, nearly opposite to
the " Pootatuck Wigwams," about two miles above Bennett's
Bridge, A little below is Cockshure's Island, in the Housatonic
river. This has, in a later day, been known as Hubbell's Island,
from Peter Hubbell, who owned it, and to whom the General
Court granted the right to " keep a ferry," at the north end of the
Island, May session, 1730. This Island was owned by an Indian
Sachem, of the name of Cockshure, at the time our fathers moved
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY. 84Y
•into the wilderness, and long after. He did not convey it away
till June 18, 1733. His name figured in several of the later In-
dian conveyances. Paquabaug is the name of a small island in
the Shepaug river, above Mine Hill, in Roxbury. At the south-
west corner of Roxbury, at the mouth, and west of the Shepaug
river, is the place called Promiseck, bought of the Indians by Dr.
Ebenezer Warner, in 1728-9. Aurangeatuck Plain is situated
southerly of the present village of Southbury.
Orenaug is the name of the beautiful trap-rock clifls, which
bound the village on the east. The front cliff has been recently
purchased and improved by the writer, as a mountain park. Oak,
maple, hickory, chestnut, and cedar trees are scattered over the
mountain-top, and in the beautiful ravine beyond, while the crest
is covered by a beautiful grove of pine trees, in the midst of
which a tower, thirty feet in height, has been erected, from which
views of six surrounding towns may be obtained. It has been
named the Orenaug Park. Here one can always catch a delight-
ful breeze, and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the village,
valley and meandering river below, while the whispering pines
above his head sooth the perturbed, wearied and overworked
mind. The beautiful evergreens suggest thoughts of peace, and
the beatitude of the eternal rest on high :
"As the softened laud-breeze marches,
Through the pine's cathedral arches."
A few moments walk to the south-east, through a pleasant
grove, over the second cliff, brings the visitor to the celebrated
''Bethel Rock," in the bosom of these cliffs, of which more will
be said hereafter. A more lovely and romantic spot, even with-
out its sacred associations, cannot easily be found.
On the Shepaug river, about two miles from its junction with
the Housatonic, is the " Falls " of that river. The river, at this
place, has forced and worn its way through the rocks of the pri-
mary formation, in a hill of considerable size. The channel cut
through these rocks is, in some places, very narrow, and often only
a few feet in width, hemmed in by precipitous rocky banks,
covered with evergreen and other trees, rising a hundred or two
feet, from the bed of the stream. In time of floods, the view of
these falls has been magnificent, with the madly rushing and roar-
ing waters. Below the falls has always been, both in the abori-
ginal days, and now, a favorite and abundant fishing place. Shad
have rarely ascended as high as this place. But trout, suckers
848 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
and lamprey eels, of enormous size, are caught in great abundance.
Occasionally, even in these later years, a trout of very great size,
and of the true speckled variety, strays • into the pools below the
falls. A few years ago, Mr. Thomas Tyrrell, who i)wns the land
and mill at the falls, captured in a brook- pool near the river, by
using a shad seine, a trout of large dimensions, for these waters.
It was 37^ inches in length, measuring 16 inches around the body
in front of the fins, being the largest part, and weighed 17:^ pounds.
This account is vouched for by several witnesses, and is no doubt
correct. But the beauty of these falls has just been destroyed,
by blasting down the cliffs, to make way for the road-bed of the
Shepaug Valley Railroad, leading from Litchfield to a junction
with the Housatonic Railroad at Hawleyville. The rocks have been
skillfully and ruthlessly blasted out, and thrown into the river,
and across it, cutting down large trees two feet in diameter, and
far into the fields beyond. The rock is thrown down the side of
the mountain in large masses, some of them weighing a hundred
and thirty tons to the boulder. It is a fine display of the power
of man in his war with nature. The building of this Railroad,
which runs the whole length of the ancient territory, from north
to south, through the Shepaug valley, with terminus at Litchfield,
is a remarkable result^^f the enterprize of our people. If one had
been asked a year ago to name a locality which was least likely
to be traversed by a Railroad in this region, the unhesitating an-
swer would have been, one through the Shepaug valley. And yet
such has been the indomitable spirit displayed, that the cars will
be running on the road by August, 1871, a little less than a year
from the time when the first spade full of earth was thrown out
to grade the way.
At the upper end of Nonnewaug Plain, in the deep recesses of the
forests, are located the Nonnewaug Falls. These falls are quite
fully described on page 92, but are referred to here for the pur-
pose of collecting all the references and descriptions of places to-
gether. Since the publication of the former edition of this work,
this beautiful retreat of nature has been more and more a place of
resort for pleasure parties, and for those who delight to retire from
the busy haunts of men, and commune with nature in her sacred
solitudes. And yet, as has often been observed in other cases of
the wonderful works of nature, like the falls of Niagara, for in-
stance, people in their vicinity have never seen them, and more
singular still, have never heard of them. In this very case, an old
UPPER NONNEWAUG FALLS, WOODBURY, CONN.
HISTORY OF AZSrCIENT WOODBURY. 849
gentleman, aged 87, living within half a mile of these falls all his
life, and in fall ear-shot of their roaring in flood-time, had never
known, or heard of them, up to the issue of the former edition of
this history, in 1854, This is one of those peculiar instances
where the grand and the sublime objects in nature, which always
attract the attention and the admiration of men, and sway the
heart with great emotions, have been unheeded by those who
have readiest access to them, while a view of them has been
sought by pilgrims from the most distant parts.
Such were some of the Indian names retained by the first set-
tlers, and handed down to the present time. As their families
increased, and new inhabitants were admitted, they continued to
apply new names to the diflerent localities. The hill south of
Good Hill was called Grassy Hill, from its abundant grass, which
made a good grazing, or "Pasture Division." The valley east of
Grassy Hill, they called Transylvania. The hill at the south end
of the village, across the river, west, was called Castle Rock, from
the fact that Pomperaug, the last sachem before the advent of the
whites, had there his principal wigwam, or castle. Beyond is
Bear Hill and Ragland, a rugged country. North-east of the Ore-
naug Rocks, is a small artificial pond, covering an area of six or
eight acres, .which was formed by damming up a small stream
that empties into the Nonnewaug river. This was done by the
late Daniel Bacon, long years ago, and continues to bear his name.
Until three or four yeai's ago, it was owned by his son. Rev. Wil-
liam T. Bacon, the celebrated poet of our ancient territory, who
had a strong reverence for the old homestead, and all its appurte-
nances and surroundings. To this romantic, quiet lake, embo-
somed among the rugged hills, and to the pleasant groves around,
has he often retired for meditation, and here has he composed
some of his best verses. A road passing near this sheet of water
leads quite around the Orenaug group of clifls, from and to the
main street, making a pleasant and convenient drive, which is
often taken by citizen and stranger. East Meadow lies north of
the village on the Quanopaug stream, and was much esteemed
for its fertility by the fathers, insomuch that it was divided into
small parcels among them. Steep Rock is a romantic hill some
two miles south-west of the village of Washington, on the She-
paug river. The Shepaug Valley Railroad, to which reference has
already been made, runs through this hilL A tunnel some thirty
rods long has been excavated for its accommodation, and its for-
850 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
mei" romantic beauty has been somewhat marred by the ceaseless
energy of man. Moose Horn Hill, so-called, from the large quan-
tity of the horns of the moose found in that locality, lies about
two miles north-west of Roxbury center. Cat Swamp, so-called,
from the numbers of wildcats that lurked in that vicinity, is about
a mile and a half north-east of the village, and the White Deer
Rocks are about two miles farther on, near th^ head of Quassa-
paug Lake, These were so named from the numbers of white
deer that made these rocks their hiding place, and found their
way cautiously to the lake, to obtain water. Wolf Pit Hill is sit-
uate near the junction of the Weekeepeemee and West Sprain riv-
ers, at Hotchkissville. The place in South Britain near the junc-
tion of the Transylvania Brook with the Pomperaug river, is
called "The Bent." Kettletown lies in the south-east part of
Southbury, and was so named from the fact that the consideration
of its lirst purchase from the Indians was a brass kettle. But this
consideration did not last long, for the proprietors were obliged
to purchase it over again several times afterwards, to prevent con-
troversies with the numerous claimants. There seems to have been
a fatality connected with this locality, for it has been pre-eminenly
a place of dissensions, and conflicting opinions, and it has always
been more prolific in senseless lawsuits than any similar extent of
square acres within the writer's knowledge. And, although there
have been " prophets " in that land, yet they must have been
" without honor," or influence in " their own country," if we are
to judge by the fruits which have come from that region, or the
heart must have been more desperately wicked there than else-
where. Salt Tooth Rock Hill lies in Southbury, and twenty-five
acres of land there was set out to the wife of Col. Ethan Allen,
from the estate of her father, Cornelius Brownson, previous to 1781,
when they sold it.
Transylvania lies in the south-west part of the town, and Flan-
ders in the north, bordering on Bethlehem. Weekeepeemee is a
little hamlet in the north-west part of the town, on the river of
that name. Carmel Hill lies still further on, in the edge of Beth-
lehem, and is noted for its excellent laud. Hazle Plain lies west
of Hotchkissville, on the West Sprain, and Hell Hollow still fur-
ther on, near Washington line. Making an inquiry for the reason
of {his name, many years ago, the writer was informed, that it
was so called from the peculiari'.y of its appearance, as viewed
from the village and surrounding country. That as it lay sunk in
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 851
its gorge among the hills, "it always had a smoke rising from or
hanging over it, as if ascending from the bottomless pit." Non-
newang lies in the northeast, on the river of the same name. The
lower part of this locality, at Burton's mills, has, in later years,
been called Minortown, from the large number of Minors residing
in that vicinity. West Side is the street beyond the river, running;
parallel to the main street of the village. Quassapaug is a small
settlement at the outlet of the Quassapaug lake. Break Neck
Hill lies near the north end of the lake, in Middlebury. It is not
known how the hill became thus named. It could hardly come from
the rapidity of its descent, for it is not more steep than a multi-
tude of other hills in Ancient Woodbury. At the date of the
former edition, there was a rumor current among the old people,
that it was so named from an occurrence which took place when
Rochambeau's French army passed through our town during the
Revolutionary war ; that it was so called because an ox broke his
neck while descending the hill, drawing heavy cannon. Such an
accident may have occurred, buf it was called by this name, in the
ancient conveyances, more than eighty years prior to the Revolu-
tion. The Purchase, so-called, because it was among the last
purchases from the Indian reservation at Pootatuck, lies in the
western part of South Britain. White Oak Plain is the level land
by the river below the Whitlock place, in which was the old
White Oak, to which reference has been so often made. Bullet
Hill lies east of Southbury village. Pork Hollow, where large
quantities of provisions were concealed in the Revolution, is a
ravine in the hills beyond. The Lightning's Playground lies east
of Orenaug Rocks, west of Quassapaug Lake, and is so called be-
cause no thunder-storm has ever been known to pass over the
town without one or more bolts of lightning descending in that
locality. Alder Swamp lies between Woodbury north, and Hotch-
kissville. Hooppole is a hill south-west of the latter place. Scup-
po is a hill in the south-easterly part of Woodbury, opposite the
village of Pomperaug, and is so called from its having been the
location of the cabin of an Indian of that name, living there long
after the fathers settled in this village. Puckshire is in the eastern
part of the town. The Poorhouse is located there. The street
west, and running parallel with the main street, in Southbury, is
called Poverty; for what reason is not now known. Jeremy
Swamp lies east of Kettletown. George's Hill lies north-west of
Kettletown. Horse Hill is south-east of Shepaug Falls. Tousey
852 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
lies north-west of William Hayes' house, in the south-east part of
Bethlehem, and is so called from a Christian Indian, who lived
there for a time. His full name was Hachet Tousey. A further
account of him will be found on page 101. South and west of
Good Hill, in Roxbury, lies a large tract of land called Rucum.
South-west of that is Wildcat Rock. Still further to the south-
west is Flag Swamp, lying between Roxbury and Southbury.
West of Flag Swamp runs Brown's Brook. The mountain north
of Good Hill is called West Mountain. West of Good Hill lies
a deep and long ravine, called Tophet Hollow. It was a dark,
damp, heavily wooded, dismal place, and hence its name. West
of this is Josiah, or Booth's Hill, and north of the latter is Pain-
ter Hill ; all in Roxbury. Moosehorn Brook rises in Ptiinter Hill,
and flows intp the Shepaug, near Treat Davidson's. West of
this brook is Center Hill, and in its rocks is a cave, called Gama-
liel Den. Bottle Swamp Brook runs through the north-western,
part of Roxbury, into the Shepaug river, and west of this brook,
West of James Wakeley's house, is Raven Rock. Jack's Brook
rises in Tophet Hollow, flows southerly through Pulford's Swamp,
and then westerly to the Shepaug, near Warner's Mills. This
stream is said to have received its name from a native African
slave, who committed suicide on its banks, by hanging, at a place
south-east of the residence of Hon. Harmon B. Eastman, of Rox-
bury. He pined in his servitude, and, like all of his race, was
very superstitious. He longed to return to his native land, and,
having become possessed of the idea that he should immediately
return to his beloved Africa at death, he took this means of rejoin-
ing his fathers, and revisiting his native shores. Hedgehog
Swamp is east of Warner's Mills, and is said to have been so
named from a canine contest with a porcupine there. This state-
ment may be taken " with many grains of allowance." Hop
Brook, so called from the enormous quantities of wild hops found
growing on its banks, in the early days, rises in Second Hill, in
New Milford, and flows south-easterly, to the Shepaug, near the
house of Charles Trowbridge. North of this is the Pine Cobble,
and east of the latter is situate the village of Chalybes, at the
foot of Mine Hill. This name was given to the village a few
years ago by Rev. Dr. Bushnell, of Hartford ; is derived from a
Greek word, and signifies something " pertaining to steel." It
was so named from the steel works located there.
Mine Hill, which is situated here, along the New Milford line,
HISTORY OF ANCIENT •WOODBURY. 853
and is about two miles in length, north and south, by one mile in
width, east and west, bounded west by New Milford line, and
east by the Shepaug, is at present, and indeed has always been,
from the early days, a most interesting locality, from the mineral
wealth concealed in its bosom. The hill was known to contain
minerals of some kind almost from the first advent of the settlers.
But although it has been alternately worked and litigated for more
than one hundred and fifty years, its true character as a mine, has
been but vaguely understood, till quite recently. Its chief attrac-
tion for more than a century was as a silver mine. Its reputation
was highest, ia this respect, while it was worked by a German
company, for a few years, previous to the Revolutionary war.
When that company broke up, it was believed that the superin-
tendent, named Feuchter, carried away for his own use a large
amount of silver in bars, which he had smelted in secret, while
pretending to be running the mine for iron ore for the company.
The mine has been thoroughly worked for the last four or five
years, by the company which now owns it, and although they find
small quantities of silver lead of considerable richness, in various
parts of the vein, yet they do not find it sufiiciently abundant to
pay the expense of working the mine for that ore. And yet they
have driven their drifts more than twenty feet lower 'than the ■
main shaft left by the Germans, and drained the water from it,
making its total depth nearly one hundred and fifty feet. The
vein increases a little in width as it descends into the mountain,
and there is a slightly perceptible increase in the quantity of the
silver lead ore. There is no j^robability that this mine will ever
f rove valuable for its production of silver, for the main shaft,
above alluded to, is the one in which the superintendent, Feuch-
ter, was supposed to have amassed his heavy silver bars.
But in spathic iron ore, this mine is the richest in the United
States, and as good as any elsewhere on the face of the earth, so
far as discovered. A very full account of it will be found on
pages 15 to 19, inclusive, and a further account on page 155. It
is, in all the details of its history, a most remarkable mine for
steel-bearing ore. It becomes steel in one operation from the pig.
It is of such tenacity and purity, that the manufacturers cannot
afibrd to use it alone for common brands of steel, but are obliged
to mix it with other less valuable ores, or with scraps of various
sorts, to bring it down to the desired grade. Although the works
for manufacturing this ore into steel have not been in operation
854 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBTJRT.
more than two years, yet it has acquired the very highest rank in
the market for fineness, tenacity, temper, and all the other desira-
ble qualities in the best brands of steel, and is being rapidly in-
troduced into the various manufactures requiring the purest qual-
ities of steel.
In the month of May, 1865, Mine Hill, with all its minerals, was
purchased of Mr. David J. Stiles, whose title thereto had now be-
come quieted and perfected, after a series of bitter lawsuits, reach-
ing through the period of thirty years, in the State and United
States Courts, by the present owners, who had procured a special
charter from the Legislature of Connecticut, under the name of
" The Shepaug Spathic Iron and Steel Company," with a capital
of $350,000. The price of the hill was |100,000, The company
proceeded to build an extensive smelting furnace, and the neces-
ssiYj dwellings for workmen. The point of failui'e in all the pre-
ceding efforts to smelt this ore, was in the explosive gases which
it contained. When smelted in the common blast furnace, the
gases would accumulate, and the first thing the men would
know, the furnace would " blow out," and all their labor would be
lost. The present company has overcome that difficulty, by means
of " sweating the ore," previous to smelting. This is accomplish-
ed by placing alternate layers of the ore and charcoal, in large
open circular vats, which are much the largest at the top, like a tea-
cup, and igniting the mass, thus heating the ore, and throwing off
the explosive elements. The ore is then smelted in the ordinaiy
way, as readily and safely, as any other ore. In making all these
improvements, the company must have more than expended its
original capital. They have mined and smelted large quantitias
of the ore into the pig, employing, for that purpose, men brought
from Prussia, who were skilled in the working of spathic ore, and
the making of steel after the Prussian method. Finding the iron
adapted to the making of a superior quality of cast-steel, the
company decided, in 1 86*7, to erect complete works for its manu-
facture, at Bridgeport, Conn., having made an application to the
Legislature for power to increase its capital to one million dollars,
and for a change of name to that of the American Silver Steel
Company, which was granted. These works were finished and
put in operation in 1869, and have steadily increased their produc-
tion of steel of various kinds, some of which are claimed to be
superior to any steel of foreign manufacture.
l3liJDlji:^^iiX I^DjNj^J.
•fliiMs/ur i !{niiiio -?»? Ml) iUih.Qi. nHwn/. M r
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 855
Mining in the hill has been progressing for several years, night
and day, until openings have been made more than two thousand
feet in length, in the aggregate, the lowest of which is about
twenty feet below the bottom of the old shaft, or 145 feet below
the surface of the hill. The quality of the ore continues quite
satisfactory, and some thousands of tons of it are now (June,
1871) ready for smelting, in addition to all that has been smelted
before. A cut of the works at Bridgeport accompanies this ac-
count. They consist of three buildings, located on a point of
land jutting out into the harbor, making a very conveniut place
for loading and unloading their heavy freight. The larger build-
ing contains the furnaces, rolls, lathes and all the machinery for
making and finishing the steel ; the next is the house covering the
engine, which furnishes the motive power to the works ; and the
third is the gas-house, in which they manufacture all the gas used
in the production of the steel. All the heating operations required
in making the steel, is accomplished by this gas, which has greater
heating with less lighting power than ordinary coal gas. It is
made by a process of their own, and, in its manufacture, they can
use not only the ordinary coal for making gas, but refuse coal, fine
coal, coal dust, and coal " siftings," or cinders, and every thing
combustible in the coal is made into gas, leaving no coke — nothing
but ashes.
The Bridgeport site was purchased for $40,000, and was a good
bargain. It would now readily bring $60,000. The works have
cost $1 70,000,' including $30,000 worth of machinery removed
from the works at Mine Hill, making an outlay of $210,000. It
is a great pleasure for one who delights in seeing the operation of
perfect machinery, to go through these works, and observe the
several processes from the melting of the pig iron, to the turning
out of the same in the perfect article, ready for the market — all
being accomplished in a brief space.
The legal history of Mine Hill is very interesting. In the va-
rious litigations that have grown out of conflicting interests, in
the title to it, for the last 150 years, many of the most eminent
lawyers in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, have been
employed, and there have been many able and brilliant forensic
contests. As has been stated, the existence of mineral treasures
there, of some kind, has been known from the first settlement of
the territory. It was owned by Hon. John Sherman, ancestor of
the General Wm. T. Sherman, the present head of our armies, be-
856 HISTORY OF ANCIEJfT WOODBURY,
fore 1724, and was by him leased to Thomas Cranne, of Stratford,
and others, May 16, 1724, for a term of years, reserving to himself
one- sixteenth part of all the ore which should be there raised. John
Crissey, and his wife Mary, also had some rights in the hill. Still
later, Thomas and John Wheeler, Doctor Jonathan Atwood, and
Doctor Thomas Leavenworth, acquired rights, by lease, or other-
wise, to said mine. The mining tract, at this time, was supposed
to contain six acres, and that is the number of acres mentioned in
the various deeds and mining leases that were then executed. It
was at this early day worked to some extent, but with what suc-
cess, is not now known. The next digging at this place was by
Hurlbut and Hawley, but the history of their operations is sub-
stantially lost.
The next company was organized by the Messrs. Bronson Broth-
ers, about the year 1764, and many persons became interested in
the mining right. This right, at that date, was supposed to cover
forty acres. Col. Ethan Allen purchased two and a half acres of
land on Mine Hill, or one sixteenth part of the mining title, in
1764, and was interested in the Bronson operations. It was this
company that sunk the " old shaft "125 feet into the mountain, and
another lateral one for the purposes of ventilation. The working
was carried on under the direction of the German goldsmith,
Feuchter, to whom reference has been made, who conducted his
processes of pretended separation and refining with great secresy,
occasionally producing small quantities of silver, which kept the
hopes of his employers alive. But after several years this under-
taking collapsed, like the others before them. Still later, the mine
was worked by a company organized in New York, which ob-
tained a lease for 42 years. This eifort failed. Later still, Asahel
Bacon tried the experiment, with no better success. Finally,
David J. Stiles, of Southbury, began to collect the scattered titles
in 1824, and then the legal contests broke out afresh, and there was
no " rest for the sole of his foot," till after he had repeatedly passed
through the highest Court of Connecticut, and the Circuit Court
of the United States, when his title was finally quieted, and no
enemy any longer wagged his tongue in all the Mine Hill Moun-
tains.
But perhaps the history of this long warfare, and the state of the
title, cannot be better elucidated, than by giving an epitome of
the findings in the last legal decision before the Circuit Court of
the United States, held by the late Hon.. Charles A. Ingersoll, at
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 8o7
New Haven, at the April term of the Court, 1856, wliich was ar-
rived at after a closely contested trial, running through nine days.
Certain parties in New York, claiming fitle under the old mining
leases, sued Mr. Stiles in ejectment, and thus the title to the prem-
ises became the only issue. Stiles being in undoubted possession.
The case, from its antiquity and complications, had consumed
months in its preparation, on each side. Hon. Ralph I. IngersoU,
of New Haven, Hon. Norton J. Buel, of Waterbury, Henry S. San-
ford and John M. Buckingham, Esqrs. of New Milford, appeared
as attorneys for the New York claimants, and ex-Gov. Roger S.
Baldwin, of New Haven, and the writer, appeared as attorneys
for Stiles. To state it in vnlgar phrase, it was a " tiger-fight," and
Stiles succeeded in fully and forever establishing hi.s title to the
spathic mine.
As a result of the trial, it was found that the plaintiff", the New
York party, claimed title by a series of conveyances from one
Sampson Simson, a Jew in New York, who was the nephew of a
man of the same name, and who, with his brother; Solomon Sim-
son, and brother-in-law, Myer Myers, worked the mine on said
premises as early as 1764. This Simson supposed he had some
title to convey, the other two being dead, but on the trial of the
case it was discovered that his interest was never any other than
that of a lessee.
The disputed premises contain a very rich mine of spathic iron
ore, the richest, and perhaps, the only mine of that valuable ore
for the manufacture of steel in the United States. It also con-
tains a vein of silver, yielding a small quantity of silver, with a
large per cent of the pure metal. The extent of this deposit has
not been sufficiently tested to pronounce upon its value as a silver
mine. The title to the mine has been more or less litigated since
the year 1*724, and large sums of inoney have been expended, both
in litigating and working the mine.
It was proved to the jury that the raining tract was laid out as
as common land, on the original proprietors' rights in Woodbury,
and that it was thus laid out because it was discovered that there
was a mine there. It was laid out to Moses Hurlbut and Abel
Hawley, in 1751. Previous to 1762, Hurlbut and Hawley sold it
to Abram and Israel Bronson, who laid out an addition to it,
making the whole tract sixty-seven acres, in the early part of
1764, Soon after this, Abram and Israel Bronson leased seven-
eighths of the mine to Sampson Simson, Myer Myers, and George
3
858 HISTOEY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Trail, of New York, for the term of forty-two years, ending in
1806. They entered into possession under the lease, and worked
it from 1764 to 1766, when, from some unknown cause, they
abandoned the enterprise, and returned to New York. The title
to the premises continued to be bought up in fractions by various
parties, till 178], when Cyprian Collins and others, of Gosherf
Conn., who were then owners of a considerable interest in the
premises, commenced working the mine, the main shaft of which
had been sunk by the Sampson Simson company, to the depth of
125 feet, and continued it two seasons, when, meeting with bad
luck, they in turn deserted the enterprise. In 1792, Sampson
Simson & Co, underlet the remaining portion of their forty-two
years' lease to Israel Holmes, of Salisbury. He commenced work,
had bad luck, and after staying two years, abandoned the under-
taking in the same manner as his predecessors had done before.
About 1780, Jabez Bacon, of Woodbury, commenced buying up
the shreds of title which were scattered, and before his death, in
1806, had succeeded in perfecting the title to the entire premises
in himself, and the same descended to his seven heirs, through the
Probate Court, Asahel Bacon, one of the heirs of Jabez, bought
out all the rest of the heirs, took possession of the premises,
and maintained the exclusive possession thereof, until he sold it to
the present defendent, David J. Stiles, in 1824. Immediately
upon his purchase, Stiles took possession of the premises. He
cut wood and pealed bark all over them, experimented with the
ores, enclosed the whole hill with fences, built a road all over and
around the place in dispute, and built a small barn directly by the
main shaft excavation. From the day of his purchase till the day
of the trial, he had kept one or more men near the premises, to
watch and warn off trespassers, and had exercised every act of
ownership, that a man could exercise over forest property. Yet,
at three several times, had Stiles been put out of the possession of
this property by trespassers, and had been as often restored by writ
of forcible entry and detainer. Since 1824, he had thus kept
strict possession of the premises. Meanwhile Simson and his as-
sociates never returned to make any claim to the property, nor
any claim to use it under their lease, till 1850, forty-four years
after it had expired by its own limitation, when said Sirason's
nephew, Sampson Simson, deeded to one Josiah K. Sturges, his
supposed interest, as heir of his uncle. Sturges received his deed
from Simson, when he was in possession under Stiles, and for thi^
HISTORY OF i^NCIENT WOODBURY. 859
reason, could not receive a title even though Simson had one to
sell. The same objection existed against all the deeds of the
plaintiff. He could not, therefore, "show a better title," and the
jury rendered a verdict for the defendent, Stiles, thus establishing
his title forever. So that Stiles, when he sold to the American
Silver Steel Compaiiy, was able to give them a warranty deed.
Thus have we recorded the various items in the physical history
of our ancient town. A single item remains. A few rods south
of the "Old Stoddard Parsonage" of lYOO, is a boggy piece of
water, covering, perhaps, an acre of ground, filled with bushes,
bogs, turtles and frogs. Twenty-five years ago, a young man
passed by this pond, which is called Cranberry Pond, and noti-
cing that the frogs were very musical, the odd fancy of the mo-
ment suggested to him, that he should name it the "Helicon
Spring." Acting upon the thought, he immediately wrote a sol-
emn, classical poem, calling this the true fount of poesy, and its
musical inhabitants, the veritable Muses, the goddesses and in-
spirers of song. This little effort attracted some attention at the
time, and has, occasionally, ever since, been the subject of jocose
remark among friends, from the odd conceit. And, in truth, this
conceit is not more whimsical, or illy-applied, than some other
names, that have been given to the other localities. An extract
from the enthusiast ran thus ; —
Fair spring within wliose sweetly gushing fount
The Goddesses of Song are wont to dwell.
And nightly siog in notes harmonious.
When all's &er«ne around, and quiet reigns,
Thou mind'st me of those olden ■days in whicb
The poets all of high and low degr««
Came forth from places far remote and near
To drink thy soul-inspiring water e'er.
And breathe th« air poetic, which always,
Then as now, bestowed the vital power
MelodioTis, that ever movea th« world. —
Hark 1 there's music h-ere, and m-elody hath
Charms for mortal ears with which, on earth.
There's nought that can compare. Sweet harmomy,
And chauats unearthly, rise on every hand.
860
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY
The very atmosphere is filled with sounds
Of concord sweet. List the tuneful lyres, that
Strike their joyful notes in highest glee
While all conspire to fill the chorus grand.
CHAPTER II
INDIAN HISTORY.
1147110
Who weee the Indians ; Their cHARAOTEa ; Comparison with modern nations ;
MiXITART ENACTMENTS ; WaTCHES ; DEFINITIONS OF INDIAN NAMES ; NoNNEWAUg'S
grave ; Pomperaug's grave ; Legend of Bethel Rock ; Anecdotes ; Reflec-
a'lONS.
HE history of the aboriginal occupants
of our hills, and vales and waters, in
New England, will always be one of
sad though pleasing interest to the
thoughtful and truthful historian, [t
is now a long time since their "light
went out on the shore," and the white
actors on the stage of life, in the early
days, in the order of nature, also passed
away with them, and we can now form
a true estimate of their character, and
the right and wrong of their conduct,
since all passion ^nd prejudice have
long since been buried in the grave of
years. Still, there is yet great diver-
sity in the views of writers upon this
theme, shaded and tinged, perhaps, by
the savage enormities, ever recurring
between our people and the powerful
tribes in our western borders. But in
New Eogland, the bitterness of the
early days has passed away, and histo-
rians, and, educated people generally,
take a kindly interest in each faintest
trace of authentic history of the for-
mer wild children of the forest. And
it speaks well for our common humau-
ur advance in knowledge aud true civilization,
history of the Indians of Woodbury was contained
ity, and
A ver
for o
y f u
862 HISTOEY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
in the former edition of this work, but the interest that will ever
linger around all that pertains to the dim and shadowy days, in
which the red man was sole " monarch of all be surveyed," will
warrant the record here of the remaining fragments, that have
come to band since the former issue. In a letter received by the
writer from the late most gifted poetess of Connecticut, who has
done so much for humanity, and for the honor of her native State,
Mrs. Lydia H. Sigourney, of Hartford, referring to the chapter on
Indian History in the former edition, she writes: —
" I was particularly pleased with the space and spirit you have
devoted to our aborigines, who, in my earlier days, seemed sub-
jects of romance, — as in later ones, they have been of sympathy.'*
This thought touches the key-note of the subject in our hearts.
The wasting away, and final extinction of the race within our
borders, is a meet subject for sympathetic contemplation.
And who were the strange people that occupied these pleasant
dwelling places in the woods, when tbe white man reached these
shores ? They were, indeed, a strange race, beginning in mystery
and ending in annihilation. Their origin and mission on earth
seem to be one of the secrets of the Great Creatoi-. The race
found inhabiting these new regions, did not live in comfortable
dwellings, surrounded by verdant fields, which they cultivated, but
semi-nude, or clad in the skins of wild beasts, they wandered ia
small clans, in the dense forests, among the lofty mountains, by
the murmuring streams, and along the meandering rivei-s. They
were destitute of the arts of civilized life j had strange rites, and
unheard-of customs. They engaged in fierce conflicts and exter-
minating wars. They were men of iron will, who knew no fear^
had strongest fortitude, and whom severest tortures could not
move. They never forgot a kindness, nor forgave an injury. They
were idolaters, and, on our now peaceful and happy plains, they
oflered human sacrifices to appease the God of evil, created by
their own superstitious imaginations. This rude and barbaroua
people was scattered all over our extended continent, and yet they
had hitherto been unknown — insulated from the rest of the world.
Our fathers tried to civilize and Christianize them with little suc-
cess, though they granted them the privilege of attending their
schools and religious assemblies. Some of them, indeed, profited
by these privileges, gained the rudiments of knowledge, put them-
selves under the care of the ministers, and became appi-oved mem-
bers of the churches. But the great majority adhered to their
HISTORY OF ANCIEXT WOODBURY. 863
dark and cheerless faith, and cruel rites, believed and practiced by
their forefathers. Let it be taken for granted, then, as many
have asserted, that the Indian was fierce, vindictive, cruel, immor-
al, uncultivated, and untamable, copying the vices rather than the
virtues of our jDeople; yet with all his faults and failings, he stood
erect, in the midst of nature's leafy temple, God's original free-
man! He believed in the existence of the Great Spirit. He could
never be enslaved. No superior intelligence, or cunning, c(»uld
make him wear the bondsman's chain !
But the great complaint of those who denounce the character
of the Indian, is his cruelty, and relentless ferocity. Now nothing
can be said in favor of this habit in the red man — scarcely any-
thing by way of mitigation of judgment, save the ignorance with
which he had been enveloped — the legacy of long, dark ages.
But should not we, who live in the nineteenth century, and boast
loudly of our civilization, our progress, our intelligence, our
Christianity and our- humanity, hide our faces in very shame in
the light of recent events, instead of casting odium, or sharp crit-
icism upon the memory of the poor, departed denizen of the for-
est? In what page of authentic history do we read of the Indians
of this land being guilty of deeds so dark, cruel, malignant and
damning, as the horrors inflicted by the white men of the south,
in the late civil war, upon their brethren of the north — who were
bone of their bone and flesh of their flesh. Talk you of tortures ?
What torture was ever inflicted by the Indians upon their ene-
mies that could, for a moment, compare with the slow, malignant
tortues of filth, starvation, disease and death, inflicted by those
who claimed to be of the highest chivalry of civilization, educa-
tion and refinement, in those loathsome, open sepulcres, the prison
pens of Belle Isle, Salisbury and Andersonville? Too inhuman
to be content with the swift vengeance of the Indian — the run-
ning of the gauntlet, the poisoned arrow, the scalping, or flaying
process, or death at the stake, all of which brought speedy death
and the end of their torments, the heroes of our boasted civiliza-
tion, in these latter, efi'ulgent days, could be satisfied with nothing
less than the tortures of demons, long drawn out before their
gloating eyes and remorseless hearts. And what are we now be-
holding, as these pages are passing through the press, in these
pleasant, May days, in the face of the world, under the eye of
Heaven, in the vaunted metropolis of the world, which pride itself
on the perfection of its civilization, refinement, reason and hu-
864 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOOBBUKY.
manity — in Paris? Churches, dedicated to the worship of God,
are sacked, their sacred implements taken away or destroyed, and
the officiating priests, bishops and arch-bishops are slain at the
altar, or shot like dogs in the courts, and carried away to Potter's
field in carts. Not content with the carnage produced by the
most ingenious, effective and dendly of modern weapons of war
in legalized combat, prisoners are collected by the thousand, and
either shot on sight, or gathered in groups, and mowed down by
revolving cannon, or cast into prison pens, that vie in horrers with
our Andersonville. Splendid works of art, that have been for
long years the pride of the nation, are ruthlessly thrown down
and destroyed. The palaces and public buildings are burned to
the ground. Furious, mad men and women ply the torch every-
where, indiscriminately. A city of two and a half millions of
souls is in flames — mined and fired by the most deadly, explosive,
and destructive of substances. Fiieudship has fled the earth/
No man trusts his brother. Life is utterly insecure, and society
seems dissolving into utter chaos. Less religious and reverent
than the Lidian, in addition to these untold horrors, they say in
their liearts, as well as by their acts, there is no God! Hence-
forth, let there be no prating about the ferocity and cruelty of the
Lidian. In comparison with such acts of the two foremost civil-
ized nations, the character of the benighted red man, in his native
forests, stands redeemed !
So far as the Lidians of Woodbury were concerned, they were
always the friends of our fatliers, and maintained with them a
a perpetual peace. None ever kept the faith of treaties better
than they. There were some Indian conflicts here, but they arose
from the incursions of the Mohawks, who, previous to the arrival
of the settlers, held the Indians of this territory as tributaries, by
superior prowess. As early as 1675, during King Philip's war,
they made a treaty with the pioneers in these valleys, in which
they covenanted to continue in "friendship with the white settlers,
and be enemies to their enemies, and discover them timely, or de-
stroy them." This treaty was ever kept, as a perpetual league,
with entire good faith, by both the contracting parties, and many
were the mutual offices of kindness they performed for each other.
Notwithstanding this treaty, and the aid of the native Indians,
our fathers were not able to maintain their settlement during
King Philip's war, but were driven back to Stratford, as we have
seen, on pages 46-47, and were kept there for some two years, or
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 865
imtil King Philip's death. In all the subsequent Indian and
French wars, Woodbury, as a frontier town, far removed from
succor, was exposed to continued dangers. It was obliged to
maintain pallisaded, or fortified houses, for more than fifty years
after the first settlement. These, be it remembered, were not
erected for fear of the native Indians, but for fear of the French
and their Indian allies, at times, and of the Mohaws, at all times,
on their own accoimt, as long as they existed as a tribe. In 1690
there was another war alarm, and it was enacted by the General
Court, " For the better maintenance of the military watches
throughout this Colony in times of danger, which is of so great
importance, this Court doe order, that all male persons whatsoever,
except negroes and Indians, upwards of sixteen years of age,
shall serve and doe duty equally on the military watch, whoe are
resident on the place where such watches are to be kept, and that
all male persons aforesaid, inhabiting in this Colony, being absent
at sea, or elsewhere, shall, by those of their family left at home,
provide a person to watch, instead of the absent person, or per-
sons, and also that all widowes whose estates in the publique list
amounteth to fifty pounds, shall each of them provide a man to
watch in their steads, and, if there be any old or impotent men,
that by such disability cannot watch, if there estates in the pub-
lique list amounteth to fifty pounds, they shall find a man to watch
in their steads, provided this order shall not extend to the Assist-
ants, nor ministers, nor such impotent men as the respective com-
mission oflicers of the sayd town judg incapable of it, and who
have not estate of fifty pounds in the publique list, and that all
defects on these military watches, shall be punishable by the com-
mission officers, or any one of them, in the same measure and
manner, as is by law provided in the constable watches, and the
commission oflicers in the exercise of their offices by commission
are by this order freed from watching."
"This Codrt appoynts the commission officers in each towne to
list and appoynt every seventh man in each company to be a fly-
ing army of dragoons, to be listed under the officers appoynted by
this Court in each county, to lead them forth against the enimie,
if any occasion shall be. Derby, Danbury, Woodbury, Water-
bury and Sirasbury, are exempted from this order."*
We cannot, at this day, in our peaceful communities, picture to
'Conn. Col. Rec, 4 vol. 18.
866 HISTORY OF ANCIEKT WOODBURY.
ourselves the urgency for the public safety which must exist to
force the wise men of the General Court to order, not only every
person who was present, to take his place as sentinel, and his share
of the common danger, but the families of the absent, and even
widows and impotent old men, to furnish their sentinel in turn,
by substitute, unless they were so poverty-stricken that they had
not the means wherewith to hire one. After all, there is a mani"
fest equity in this distribution, and comports well with a late legal
decision by our Supreme Court, in Booth vs. Town of Woodbury.
It is not certain but that the Court obtained light from this old
statute.
A very curious order was issued at the same session, showing
that the early colonial legislators were careful and " troubled
about many things." They left little to the discretion of the com-
mon scout. Perhaps this was the more necessary, because the
watch did not consist of enlisted men, set apart and educated for
the purj^ose, but every able bodied man must take his turn, while
earning his daily bread, and might well be considered less likely
to be judicious and skillful in the various emergencies that might
arise in the irregularity of savage warfare. The order runs thus :
" This Court orders, that the charge, that shall be given to the
military watch, shall be as follows, viz : — that they shall charge
the watch in his Ma «e» name, that they faythfuUy attend the watch,
by walkeing or standing in such place or places where they may
best discover danger by the approach of an enemie, or by fire
which, if they discover, they are to give notice thereof by crying
Fire, Fire, or Arme, Arme ; they are allso to examine all such per-
sons as they meet with unseasonably, and they are to command
them to stand twice, and the third time, to command them to
stand on their perill, but if they will not stand, but oppose
them, or fly from them, they may shoot at them, but to shoot low,
unless they judg him to be an enemie, and then they are to shoot
as directly at them as they may, and all such persons as they find
out unseasonably, they are to examine them, and if they give no
good occasions, they are to return them to the Court of guarde, to
be secured till the morning, and then they are to carry them to
the next authority, to be examined and disposed of according to
law, and they are to give the next watch notice to watch them
the night following."
It is to be feared that if the town should now be placed under
the care of such a " watch," with power to examine all persons
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 86 Y
who are out " unseasonably," and require them to " give a good
account of their occasions," that the magistrates wotild have more
to do each morning, on the report of the " watch." than they
would be able to perform well, and the parties themselves would
be as little able to give a satisfactory account of themselves, as the
lurking " tramps " of the early days. . In this time of general
alarm and danger, it was further ordered by the General Court,
" that soldiers in all plantations bring their arms and ammunition
to meeting on Sabbath days, and days of publique worship, when
and as often as the County major, or chief military officers in any
town shall appoint, upon the ^^enalty of five shillings, to be paid
to the town treasury by every soldier convict of neglect hereof
before authority, to be levied by distress upon their estate.'"
Some twelve years had elapsed since the dispersions and alarms
occasioned by King Philip's war had ceased, and it would seem,
from the above order, that the former custom of carrying arms to
the church had fallen into disuse, and it had become necessary to
cause its resumption by the somewhat sharp general enactment
just cited. The first church, being located on the site now occu-
pied by Hon. IST. B. Smith's carriage house, was admirably situated
for the purpose of being guarded against surprise. Sentinels
placed on Lodge Rock, were in full view of the approaches in
every direction, while a large fortified house was near by, on the
homestead of the late Erastus Minor, a little south of his dwel-
ling house.
In Feb. 1693-4, a unique order was promulgated for the im-
pressing, making and storing of what the soldier of the j^resent
day would call "hardtack." It shows vividly with what anxious
care the authorities guarded the safety of the plantations. It
enacts : — " Whereas it is a time of warr, and there are fears of sud-
dain surprizalls of the enemie, which may occasion suddain march-
es of the soldiery to repell the enemies of their Maj "", and a
provission of biskit to that end is necessary, this Court doe there-
fore order, that in each of the countyes of this colony, fifty bush-
ells of good winter wheat be forthwith empressed by warrant
from some of the majestraies of the respective countyes, and that
the same be by their order made into biskit as soon as is possible,
and kept by their order in convenient places, to be used as occa-
sion and lawfull order shall require the same, and the wheat so
* Hoadley's Conn. Col. Rec, p. 41.
868 HISTORT OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
impressed to be repayd in specia out of the country rate as soone
as may be."^
After the treaty of 161 5 with our Woodbury Indians, they seem
to have been close allies in time of war, and to have been under
the entire direction of the whites. This is shown by an act passed
by the General Assembly, at its October Session, 1703. It also
gives us an idea of the labor and care of fortifying the frontier
towns. It enacts : " that the civill and commission officers of
each towne shall take all due care concerning the friend Indians
belonging to their townes, and assign them their limitts, to the
intent that none of them be exposed, or the enemies escape under
pretence of being friends ; and that said officers doe strictly charge
said friend Indians, not to move out of their respective limitts, or
bounds assigned them, without order in Avriting under the hands
of such officers, as they tender their own safetie and at their per-
ill ; and all friend Indians are hereby forbidden to hold any com-
munication with, harbour, or conceal, any of the enemie Indians,
requiring them to seize and secure all such as may come among
them, and to deliver them up to justice; and for their incourage-
raent, they shall have ten pounds for every Indian enemie, they
sliall so seize and deliver up. And what extraordinarie charge
there shall be about Wiantonuck and Potatuck Indians shall be
born by the Colonic, and that Capt. Ebenezer Johnson have the
care and ordering of the Paugassuck Indians."
" It is ordered and enacted by this Court : That the inhabitants
of every town in this Colonie shall be called together with as con-
venient speed as may be, to consider what houses shall be fortified,
and if the towne do not agree to fortifie any house or houses,
then it shall be in the power of the civill and militarie officers in
commission, with the selectmen, or major part of them, if they
thinke it necessaire, to order what house or houses shall be forti-
fied; and what they do order to be fortified, shall be done forth-
with, and shall also order on whose charge; and if any persons
doe refuse or neglect to make their proportions, they shall pay a
fine answerable to their prc^portions, to be levied by the constable
by warrant from civill authority. The proportion of each person
to be ordered according to their estate in the common list of es-
tates."
"It is ordered and enacted by this Court: That there shall be
> Hoadley's Conn. Col. Rec, 119.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 869
constantly eight men upon the scout, untill the grand scout be
settled, viz: two from Syrasbnry, two from Woodbury, and two
from Waterbury, and two from Danbury, to be ordered by the
discretion of the civill and militarie commission officers in each
towne, as also a scout from Windzor, to meet with the scouts from
Newroxbury, to be ordered by the councill of Warre." '
It was, very properly, the constant care and anxiety of the
founders of the colony to protect and maintain the frontier towns,
as the best and most reliable defence to the remaining towns. If
an enemy met with stern and effective resistance on the borders,
he would have less hope of successful invasion and victory over
the whole. This thought was forcibly stated in the letter of Rev.
John Bowers, of Derby, and Rev. Zechariah Walker of Wood-
bury, in their letter of 1676 urging the protection of their respec-
tive towns, as printed on page 49, " The securing of those two
plantations," they say, " of Woodbury and Darby, will, according
to second causes, be one of ye most considerable securities, in a
time of such dangers, unto ye two western counties, viz : of New
Haven and Fairfield : for it can hardly be expected y ' any strength
of Indians will adventure to set upon any lower plantation, till they
have attempted ones above, and if they fail, they will be ye more
shy of poujiding themselves by coming lower." Acting upon this
theory, we find our colonial legislators, at their May session, 1704,
enacting as follows : —
" Forasmuch as the maintaining and defending of the frontiers
in time of warre is of very great importance, and in regard it
would greatly ijrejudice her Majesties interest and encourage an
enemy, if any of the outposts should be quitted, or exposed by
lessening the strength thereof, —
"It is therefore ordered by this Court: That the frontier towns
hereafter named are to be so accounted, that is to say, Symsbury,
Waterbury, Woodbury, Danbury, Colchester, Windham, Mans-
field and Flainfield, and should not be broken up, or voluntarily
deserted without application first made by the inhabitants and
allowance had and obtained from this Court ; nor shall any inhab-
itant of the frontiers mentioned, having an estate of freehold in
lands and tenements within the same, at the time of any insurrec-
tion or breaking forth of warre, remove from thence with intent
to sojourn elsewhere, without liberty as aforesaid, on penalty of
* Hoadlej's Conn. Col. Rec. 1 vol.455.
870 Ul STORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
torleiting all bis estate in lands and tenements lying within such
township, to be recoveied by information of and proof made by
the Selectmen of such towne."
'* And it is further enacted : That no male person of sixteen
years old and upwards, that should be an inhabitant of or belong-
ing to any of the to'wnes aforementioned at the time of such warre
or insurrection, shall presume to leave such place on penaltie of
ten pounds, to be recovrred as aforesaid; all which penalties to be
improved towards the defence of such place, or places whereof
such person or persons were inhabitants."
" It is ordered by this Court : That ten men shall be put in gar-
rison in each of these townes hereafter mentioned, that is to say,
Danbury, Woodbury, Waterbury and Symsbury, and that the rest
of the men to be raised out of the Counties of New Haven and
Fairfield, with such Indians as can be procured, shall be put under
sufficient commanders, and have their chief headquarters at West-
field, uniesse otherwise ordered by the Councill of Warre in the
Countie of Hartford ; and said company of English and Indians
shall, from time to time, at the discretion of their chief command-
er, range the woods to endeavour the discovery of an approaching
enemy, and iu an especial manner from Westfield to Ousatuu-
nuck."
" It is ordered by this Court, that as many of our friend In-
dians as are fit for warre and can be prevailed with, and furnished
with all things suitable, shall goe with our forces against the com-
mon enemie; and Major Ebenezer Johnson is hereby impowered
and ordered to imploy suitable persons to acquaint the Indians in
the counties of New Haven and Fairfield, of this conclusion con-
cerning them, and to furnish such of said Indians as shall offer
themselves for the service as abovesaid, with arms and ammunition,
and what else may be needful to fitt them out for warre, and
cause them forthwith to repair to Derby, to march with our Eng-
lish forces under the command of the chief officer for the said
service. The like to be done with respect to raising Indians in
the Countie of New London by the may of said Countie. And
this Court allows the wages to such Indian volunteers as those
have that are gone to the eastward. And the superiour offi-
cer of the forces now to be raised shall have power to release so
many English from the service as there are Indians added to them,
so that the whole number be still four hundred. And for the in-
courageraent of our forces gone, or going against the enemy, this
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURT. 8*71
Court will allow out of the public treasurie the sum of five pounds
for every man's scalp of the enemy killed in this Colony, to be
paid to the person that doth that service, over and above his or
their wages, and the plunder taken by them.'' ^
The people of our day have little idea of the mode or the ardu-
ousness of the service of our forefathers in those early aboriginal
wars. The savages had no rules of war — no recognized code of
dealing death to their enemies, as modern nations have — no rule
requiring them to proclaim war before making it. But they made
secret and sudden irruptions upon peaceable communities, when
all was apparently peaceful and harmonious, by deadly ambuscades,
or by the midnight torch, in the deep snows of mid-winter, in
these northern lands, where there were no roads and marching
was impossible. Though they had few arts in their savage igno-
rance, they were yet provided with means of attack and annoy-
ance, and at the same time with avenues of escape when over-
matched, or overpowered, not open to the whites. The early
white settlers had to learn these, and prejjare themselves to meet
them. With our present ideas of warfare, after our late great
civil conflict, it would be difiicult for us to conceive of a army on
snow-shoes, whether it were large or small. If the early soldiers
thus provided, kept step, their march must, indeed, have been ma-
jestic, and their line of battle impressive. But the line of battle
was not much in vogue in those days, when it became necessary
to fight an enemy that did not stand up in open field, but sought
every shelter and protection, and where it was necessary for each
man to select his particular tree, rock, or other protection, behind
which to fight, and pick off his unwary foe. The inhabitarfts
early learned to fight the Indians, and later, the French with them,
after their own fashion. Accordingly, we find the following order
passed at the October session of the General Court, 1704 : — '' It is
ordered and enacted by this Court; That every towne and plant-
ation in this Colonic shall be provided with a number of snow-
shoes and Indian shoes, no less than one pair of snow-shoes with
two pair of Indian shoes for every thousand pounds in the list of
estate in such towne, which snow-shoes and Indian shoes shall be
provided at or before the tenth day of December next, by the
selectmen in every towne, at the charge of the Colonic, and shall
be kept by them in good repair and fit for service when there may
' Hoadlej'a Cohd. Col. Records, 1 vol. 462.
8*72 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
be occasion to make use of them. And the selectmen of the sev-
eral townes who shall neglect to provide such a number of snow-
shoes and Indian shoes, and to keep them in good repair as above-
said, shall each of them pay a fine to the Colonic treasurie, the
sume of ten shillings." '
In these early days of frequent ahtrm, the General Court found
it necessary, in order to avoid the too frequent meeting of their
whole body, to appoint a number out of it to meet as occasion
might require, for instant action in cases of emergency, and their
orders were as binding as though enacted by the full. Court. In
the early part of 170*7, there was a special alarm sounded through-
out New England, and the ever-vigilant officers of the frontier
town of Woodbury, were quick to take action, for the protection
of this most north-western town in the colony.
The record of the Council, held at Hartford, Feb. 6th 1706-7,
runs thus : —
"A letter from Deputy Governour Treat to the Governour's
Council, and also a letter from Colonel Schuyler, signifying that he
was informed that the French and enemy Indians were preparing to
make a descent upon the frontier towns of New England ; also a
letter from Capt. John Minor and Mr. John Sherman, to the Dep-
uty Governour, signifying their suspicion that the Pohtatuck and
Owiantonuck Indians, were invited to joyn with the enemy; as
also the examination of the Owiantonuck and Pohtatuck Indians,
before his honour our Deputy Governour, and other gentlemen,
with divers other writings relating to the matter, with the opin-
ion of our Deputy Governour, what might be needful to be done
t(f prevent the defection of those Indians, and to secure their
fidelitie, and for the preservation of the small frontier towns. —
Resolved by the Hon" the Governour and Council, in order to
prevent the defection ot the Pohtatuck and Owiantonuck Indians
to the common enemy and to secure their fidelitie, that order be
sent to Capt. John Minor and Mr. John Sherman, of Woodbury,
with all convenient speed to remove the said Indians dow-n to
Fairfield or Stratford, or both, as should be judged most conven-
ient. But if, by reason of sickness prevailing among them,
they cannot at present be i-euioved, then to take two of their j)rin-
cipal persons, and convey them to Fairfield, there to be kept safely
as hostages, to secure the fidelity of those that remain at those
inland places."
' Hoadley's Conn. Col. Records, ] vol. p. 486.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 8*73
'■'■ Resolved, for the preservation of the frontier towns of Syms-
bury, Waterbury, Woodbury and Danbury, that order be sent to
the inhabitants of those towns to provide with all possible speed
a sufficient number of well fortified houses for the safetie of them-
selves and families in their respective towns. The houses for for-
tification to be appointed by the vote of the major pan of: the
inhabitants of each respective town assembled, if they can agree;
in case of their disagreement, to be appointed by the commission
officers of the town."
" Resolved, that the inhabitants of Woodbury, Waterbury and
Danbury, do every of them maintain a good scout out every day
from their respective towns, of two faithful and trusty men, to
observe the motions of the enemy. The scouts in Woodbury and
Waterbury to be appointed and directed by the commission offi-
cers in each town. The scouts in Syrasbury to be appointed and
directed by the major of the countie. The charges of the several
scouts to be borne by the countrie, as by law provided." ^ «
Till the peace of I7l3, our fathers in the frontier towns were
kept in a state of continual worry from fear of attack and am-
buscade on the part of the foreign Indians, and their allies, the
French, who had early imbibed all the evil and irresponsible modes
of warfare and revenge, for which the Indians have been criticised
by all historians. There was a constant hurrying forth of the
"grand scout" and the town scout, watching, fighting and forti-
fying. Orders were continually proclaimed by the General Court
and by the Council. In Oct., 1707, Woodbury was granted
*' seveu pounds, to be paid out of the country rate, in considera-
tion of their charge of fortifying." In Oct. 1708, the Deputy
Governor was ordered to " cause to be erected such and so many
garrisons at Woodbury-, Danbury and Oweantinuck (New Mil-
ford) and support them with men and provisions, as he shall judge
necessary, at the Colony's charge. Provided there shall not be
any other than two garrisons at Woodbury, and one at Danbury,
erected at the Colony's charge." At the same session it Avas
enacted " that there should be allowed and paid out of the pub.
lie treasury of this Colony, the sum of fifty pounds, in pay for the
bringing up and maintaining of Dogs in the Northern frontier
towns in this Colony, to hunt after the Indian enemy." ^ So great
was the fear that weapons would get into the hands of hostile
^ Hoadley's Conn. Col. Records, 2 vol. 15.
^ Hoadley's Conn. Col. Records, 2 vol, p. 86.
3
874 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Indians, that it was ordered that no person whatsoever, upon any
pretence whatsoever, should "furnish, lend or sell to any of our
friend Indians, any gun, for any time, longer or shorter." In May,
1709, an expedition against the French and Indians, for the reduc-
tion of Montreal and Quebec, was organized by New York, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. The latter colony fur-
nished 350 men, and of this number, Woodbury sent its quota of
nine, the quota of Hartford, in the same expedition, being but
twenty-two. So that this frontier town, besides attending to its
own " watching and warding," sent nearly one half as many men
as the pioneer town and capital of the colony. This fact shows
the importance of our town to the colony, even at that early day.
Two of this quota of Woodbury, viz: — Sergeant Thomas Skeel
and John J. Johnson, died a few days after their return home, of
disease contracted by exposure in the camp.
Long before these several enactments, requiring the erection of
fortifications in the frontier towns, our fathers had proceeded to
the erection of defensive structures, called pallasaded houses,.
Indeed, they were coeval with the first settlement of the town.
Houses were pallasaded by digging a ditch around them, and
placing logs, sharpened at the top, perpendicularly in the ditch,
and firmly securing them there. The logs were from twelve to
fifteen feet in height, and, with a strong, well fastened gate, fur-
nished a very good protection against a sudden attack of the In-
dians, with such weapons as they had, previous to obtaining the
arms used by the white men. The location of these fortified
houses has been well preserved. Capt. John Minor's house, being
the first one completed, and built of logs, was located six or eight
rods south of the late Erastus Minor s residence, on a little knoll.
The well used by him was discovered at this place in the spring
of 18G9, its walls being still in pretty good preservation, though
it had been covered over and its exact location unknown, for
more than one hundred years. By the tradition handed down
in the family, the pallasades about this house were fifteen feet in
height above the surface of the ground after being set in place.
The fortified house of Isaac Judson was located in Judson Lane,
on the opposite side of the highway from Nathan Warner's resi-
dence. Another pallasaded house stood on the site now occupied
by the dwelling house of Horace Hurd, in West Side. A later
fortified house, occupied by one of the Bronsons, in Transylvania,
is still in existence. It had a look-out, for the purpose of obser-
HISTORY OF ANCIEN'T WOODBTTKY. 875
vation, on its to]), by the cliininey. The old Stoddard Parsonage
House, built in IVOO, now occupied by George W. DeWolf, and
still in a good state of preservation, was the most thoroughly for-
tified house in the plantation. One ot the bounds in a deed of
land next north of this, dated Marcli 31, 1702, was laid within a
foot of "y^ pallasadoes in Mr. Stoddard's fence."
When, in 1707, the order came to fortify the town, the people,
with great alacrity, set about the work of preparing the defences.
They repaired the fortified houses of Capt. John Minor and Isaac
Judson, the one at Horace Hurd's, and the Bronson house, in
Transylvania. They also strengthened the defences of the par-
sonage. So great was the promptitude and zeal displayed by the
town, that the General Court made them a liberal compensation,
as we have seen, as a due acknowledgment of their services for
the common defence. It will be seen by one of the preceding
votes, that the colonial authorities, the next year, furnished, or
paid for a small standing garrison, in addition to the alternate
watch furni;shed by the inhabitants. It was in this year (1708)
that a body of Indian"^ appeared in West Side, and drove the peo-
ple, by their sudden and formidable appearance, into the fortified
houses. What was their intention in coming is not known, as
they made no demonstration beyond showing themselves. If the
design of their demonstration had been a hostile one, no doubt
the watchfulness of the little garrison and of the people, together
with the strength of their fortifications, showed them it was bet-
ter for them to desist and depart, which they accordingly did. It
was during the continuance of these hostilities that Parson Stod-
dard is related to have killed two Indians in the bushes by Cran-
berry Pond, near his house, as detailed on page 79. During the
war with the Maine Indians, in 1723 and 1724, the inhabitants
were obliged to keep garrisons for protection against such attacks,
several of which occurred. Our limits had by this time extended,
and one of these garrisons was located on the Shepaug river,
where six men were stationed. In Oct., 1726, the General Court
resolved to station five men under Lieut. Ebenezer Warner, for
" the defence of the village of Shepaug."
It will have been seen, by the acts and orders quoted, that the
military officer ? of the town were of great importance and author-
ity. Their powers, subject only to the letter of their instructions,
were autocratic. Not only was the safety of the town, but, in
some sense, the welfare of the colony, was entrusted to their cour-
876 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUET.
age and sagacity. If the savages drove in the inhabitants of a
frontier town, the central towns were placed in still greater jeop-
ardy. Accordingly, these officers were held in high esteem, and
military offices, even of the grade of corporal, were sought with
great avidity. Only the most deserving could obtain any military
position, even the lowest.
During all these troubled years of Indian wars and depreda-
tions, the first forty after the outbreak of King Philip's war in
1675, the officers bearing the military offices, the heavy burdens
and responsibilities of the times, were, first and foremost, Capt.
John Minor, who held the office more than thirty years, his suc-
cessor, Hon. John Sherman, having been appointed in 1711. Jo-
seph Judson was Minor's 1st Lieutenant, till Israel Curtiss was
appointed to the place, in 1690, with Samuel Stiles as ensign.
Stiles was promoted 1st lieutenant in 1705, with John Mitchell
as ensign. Titus Hinman was appointed lieutenant in 1710, and
promoted Captain in 17 14. Joseph Minor was appointed ensign
in 1710, lieutenant 1714, with John Curtiss as ensign, and was pro-
moted rapidly, for those days, through the regular grades, till he
rose to the dignity and importance of a Colonel, in 1728.
In the preceding chapter a large number of Indian names of
local objects were given. Tliey are beautiful in themselves, and
worthy of the pi-eservation which they have received for their
intrinsic value, as proper names. But there is a still greater inte-
rest attached to them from another circumstance. They are all
words of the language, possessing a definition and meaning ap-
plicable to the objects to which they are attached. In the Eng-
lish language, such is not the case. "A proper name has been
defined to be, a mere mark put ujjon an individual, and of which
it is the characteristic property, to he destitute of tneaning. But
the "Indian languages" tolerated no such 'mere marks.' Every
name described the locality to which it is affixed. The description
was sometimes topographical ; sometimes historical, preserving
the memory of a battle, a feast, the dwelling place of a great
sachem, or the like; sometimes it indicates one of the natural
products of the place, or of the animals which resorted to it ; oc-
casionally, '\\j% iposition or direction from a place previously known,
or from the territory of the nation by which the name was given." ^
So that each of the aboriginal names of places in these regions
' Vol. 2 Collections of Conn. Hist. Soc.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 811
had a definite meaning, such as seemed called for by tlie object
named, or the circumstances surrounding it. As the Indians had
no written language, and our fathers had to learn the names by the
sounds, and represent them by our cliaracters, each according to
his own fincy, or tlie way in which he caught the sound, and as the
same words sounded dilierently to different ears, nobody at that
day caring what they meant, it is a matter of great difficulty to
give even an approximate translation to the Indian names still
preserved in our territory. But after giving the known meaning
of certain words, sounds, or particles, we shall hazard a transla-
tion of our local names, which may at least suffice to engnge our
curiosity and interest, till some moi'c authoritative interpretation
shall come to hand.
Ohke, Auke, signifies Land, Place, country.
TuK, denotes a river, whose waters are driven in waves by
tides and rivers. This may be the origin of the name of the river
Naugatuck, and others, though not tidal rivers.
Paug, Pog, Bog, denote water at rest. But in New England,
in some instances, it is applied to brooks, rivers, and running
streams.
Amaug, denotes a fishing place.
QussuK, means rock, stone, or stony.
PoHQUi, means open, clear, and in connection with —
Ohke, cleared land, or an open space.
Pahke, means clear, pure.
Peiii, Peeme, means sloping, aslant, twisted.
From these particles, and others, out of which the local names
of our territory were constructed, as well as from local tradition,
we may, perhaps, translate our Indian appellations as follows: —
PoMPERAUG, the great or noble river.
Shepaug, the rocky river.
Paquebaug, the clear or pure water place.
Weeaumaug, the crooked fishing place.
QuASSAPAUG, the beautiful clear water, or rocky pond.
Kissewaug, the laughing water.
QuANOPAUG, the roaring water.
Nonnewaug, the fresh pond or fresh fishing place.
Weekeepeejiee, or Wecuppeme, the twisted river.
Orknaug, the sunny place.
Such were the names given to the rivers, hills, and lakes of the
territory we now inhabit. Such were the appellations so fitly ap-
878
HISTORY OF ANCIENT "WOODBUflY.
plied by the nnoiiltivated mind of the children of nature. Wild
rovers of Pootatuck, Wyantenuck, Pomperang, Weraumaug, Ban-
tam; ye have passed away! Your lights have gone out on the
shore ! Your thin smokes no longer curl faintly amid the thick
woods ! Well do we love your good old Indian names, and
would that more of them, almost the sole relic of your once pow-
erful people, had befn adopted by our fathers to designate the
places where your lights went out forever!
A few relics of the departed race are occa-
sionally found,to tell us that here a former peo-
ple flourished, scarce sufficient, so transient is
their nature, to arrest our attention. Arrow-
heads, stone-chisels, hatchets, axes, gouges,
knives, mortal's and pestles, are found in the
ancient territory. One of these localities is
on Mr. Anthony Strong's land, where they had
a hunting village, and another very prolific one
on Mr. Frederick M. Minor's land, in Transyl-
vania, a few rods in the rear of his dwelling
house. All these are more particularly descri-
bed on page 109. Some very perfect speci-
mens of these relics are now the property of
the author. He has a large quantity of arrow-
heads, of various sizes, of flint, quartz, and oth-
er kinds of stone, showing a widely difierent de-
gree of skill in the workmanship He has a chisel
from near Frederick S. Atwood's, another fiom near Stephen S.
Galpin's, and a very excellent specimen from near F. M. Minor's ; a
[Chisel, 1-4 size.]
[Knife, 14 size.]
slate knife for skinning wild animals ; a very fine specimen of
gouge from near Quassapaug lake; a slate choppingknife, or
HISTOKY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
879
*' cleaver," found at Jack's Brook, in Roxbury, in 1852; a very
skillfully wrought tomahawk, made of serpentine rock, found
IMi
[Gouge, 1-4 size.]
[Pestle, 1-4 size.]
while digging a ditch, near the factory of the American Shear Co.,
at Hotchkissville; and an Indian axe, of the size of a common axe
of the present day, only more blunt. This was also made of ser-
pentine rock, and may be said to have been imported by the In-
dians, if such a word is allowable in this connection, as there is no
rock of this kind in all these regions. But by far the most curious
and interesting relic that has been found in the ancient territory, is
880
HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O I) B U K T .
also in the writer's possession.
It is no less than an Indian idol
or charm, artistically cut from a
piece of rock, which appears to
have been originally a piece of
petrified walnut wood. It was
found in 1860, on the lot near F.
M . Minor's, before mentioned as
the place where the most perfect
specimens have been found. It
was discovered while hoeing corn.
It evidently represents some ani-
mal, but it is difficult to divine
what. It has a pretty well form-
ed head and body, with large,
round ears, and holes lor the in-
sertion of four legs, but the latter
are missing. It looks as much
like the representative of an
enormous lizard, as any thing. It
can hardly repi*esent the Good
Spirit. It is not of a sufiiciently
attractive conception for ihat. It
may, therefore, be presumed to
be the likeness of Hobbamocko, or
their Spirit of Evil, whom they
feared, and worshipped more as-
siduously than tlie Good Spirit,
whom they supposed lived quite
at his ease, caring little for the
actions or affairs of his red child-
ren, after having given them their
corn, beans and squash, and taught
them the mode of their cultiva-
tion. Some of these relics our
artist lias endeavoi'ed to make
plain to the " mind's eye."
It is not known when Pompe-
raug, fiom whom this valley was
named, became sachem of the Po-
otatucks. At the date of the set-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
881
tlement of Milford and Stratford, in 1639, he was a chief of
note amon,sf the western chin?, his tribe at that time being the
[Tomahawk, 1-4 size.]
most considerable of them, and had a strong fortress on Castle
Rock, whence the name to this day. His reign was a long one,
being sncceeded by Aquiomp, in 1G62. Although the principal
seat of this tribe was at the Pootatuck Village, on the east
side of the Housatonic, about two miles above Bennett's Bridge?
in the present town of Sonthbury, yet, from some cause, he chose
to be buried by a large rock, on the west side of the main street,
just south of Plon. N. B. Smith's carriage house. The Indians
always laid out a trail, or path, from village to village, by the
graves of their chieftains.
[Pomperaug's Grave.]
The Indians had a very beautiful custom of honoring their dead
chiefs, when laid in their last repose. As each Indian, whether he
was on his hunting expeditions or the war-path, passed the grave
882 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
of his honored chief, he reverently cast thereon a small stone, se-
lected for that purpose, in token of his respect and renaembrance.
At the first settlement of the town, a large heap of stones had
accumulated in this way, and a considerable quantity yet remain,
after the tillage of the field in its vicinity for the long period of
two hundred years. These stones, thus accumulated, were of
many different varieties, a large number of them not to be found
in this valley, nor within long distances, showing clearly, that
there was a purpos'e in their accumulation, and verifying the " tra-
dition of the elders," that they were gathered there as a monument
of respect and honor to a buried chieftain. There can be no doubt
of the correctness of the statement as to where Pomperaug, Non-
newaug, Wecuppemee and Mauquash were buried. Pomperaug had
been dead only about tea or twelve years, when our fithers came
hither. Nothing is more natural than that his grave should be
pointed out to them. Their first church Avas built within eight
rods of the place, and the first minister's house was not more than
twenty rods away. Nonnewaug lived for more than forty years
after the first 'settlement, and Mauquash, the last sachem of the
Pootatucks, died about 1758.
The latter was buried under an apple-tree, in the " old chimney
lot," so-called, now belonging to Amos Mitchell, a short distance
east of the old " Eleazur Mitchell House," and a short distance
from the elevated plain on which stood the principal and last vil-
lage of the Pootatucks in our territory, the last sad remnant of
them having removed in 1759, and joined the Scaticooks at Kent,
where there are still a few individuals, now (1871) remaining, on
their reservations in the mountains, under the care of a white
overseer, appointed by the State. There was still quite a mound
remaining over him a few years since. His burial place is near
" Tummaseete's old orchard." There are a dozen of these trees
still remaining, seeming to flourish quite well, there being apples
now (June 187l) growing on them. Several of them are more
than three feet in diameter, and were disposed around the area or
plaza of the village of wigwams. This orchard was called an
"old orchard," in several conveyances, dated more than ]50 years
ago, and was no doubt planted by the Indians soon after the ad-
vent of the whites within the bounds of Stratford, in 1639.
It is not known when the death of Wecuppemee occurred. He
was a witness to a deed (p. 24) dated July 14th, 1673, His mark,
or totem, was the representation of a snake — a pretty good imi-
tation— and his name was spelled Wecuppemee, instead of Wee-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 883
cuppeemee, the modern spelling. The former mode of spelling,
used by Capt. John Minor in this deed, is believed to be the cor-
rect one, because he so spelled it, and because it truly represents
the sound of the name as uttered to this day. Wecuppemee was
buried on a little knoll, near the river called by his name, a little
west of the residence of the late Willis Lambert. Several small
mounds mark the spot to this day. In the adjoining meadow,
numerous and quite perfect flint and quartz arrow-heads are plow-
ed up yearl)'. The same is true of a meadow near the residence
of Mr. Theodore Judson, in Harle Plain, a mile or two distant.
The Indians were more particular than our fathers in the selec-
tion of their burial places. They always selected the most attrac-
tive places for their villages and burial grounds, and took great
pains in arraying the corpse and preparing it for the necessities of
the long journey before the deceased, on his way to the happy
" hunting grounds." This chief, as was often the case, was buried
at a place removed from the beautiful burial place on the plain be-
low, by the murmuring waters of the Housatonic. From the vil-
lage above, and the spot where the sachem was buried, is obtained
some of the most delightful views, south and west. A series of
hills, with vales between, and now and then a cultivated field, as
in the early days, rise, one above another, in every direction, mel-
lowed and softened by the varying tints of the ever-changing sky.
Below, the noble river ripples on, in haste to join the ocean-tides.
Uncultivated as was the savage, he had a mind to appreciate the
loveliness of nature, and an eye to select the most romantic places.
Said a young lady, while contemplating this enchanting scene, on
a recent occasion, " the Indians found out all the most beautiful
places." None need wonder that the poor native left this most
lovely spot with sad, lingering steps, to make room for the steady
advance of the pale face.
Nonnewaug, the last chief of the clan of his name, conveyed
to our fathers the territory of Nonnewaug, belonging to his peo-
ple, in lYOO, and joined with others in a confirmatory deed in 1706.
Though on friendly terms with his white neighbors, he had till
then sternly resisted all advances towards the purchase of his
lands, yet he now yielded, giving as one reason for so doing : —
" Y® desire y ' is w '•• in us of a friendly correspondency w "" y® English in-
habitants of Woodbury."
After the sale of all his possessions, reserving only the right to
fish and hunt over all of the granted lands, his haughty spirit
seems to have become humbled, and his ambition after any worthy
884
HISTOEY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
object to have been lost. It could not be otherwise under the
disheartening prospects before him — the waning of his race — the
loss of his wealth and hopes in life. The Indians now remaining
within the territory, after this sale, became fully amenable, with
other inhabitants, to the laws of the whites. Without other so-
lace, the dispossessed sachem occasionally wandered to the village,
and partook too freely of the "fire-water," which was even, in
those early days of apple-orchards, to be obtained, despite a some-
what rigorous law against the vending, or drinking of intoxica-
ting liquors. On one occasion, being '^ overtaken in a fault "of
this kind, he was arrested therefor, and taken before a magistrate.
But he was so thoroughly intoxicated, his trial was put off till the
next morning. He was then brought before the Court for exam-
ination. The magistrate informed him, that all the plea he could
induce him to make the preceding day was, " Your Honoi*'s very
wise, very wise." " Is that so ?" said the dilapidated chief, in true
Yankee phrase of the modern .stamp. The magistrate assured
him he so said. "Then," responded the fallen sagamore, " I mttst
have been drunh, very drunk f'' This was a somewhat unique
way of pleading guilty, and the stern tribunal was so much pleas-
ed with the witty retort, that he dismissed him with an injunction
to " sin no more."
And Nonnewaug, too, at the appointed time, slept with his fa-
thers, and the small remnant of his people buried him in the beau-
tiful plain at the foot of the musical falls that are called by his
name, where his fathers' people had been buried before him, true
to their instinct of selecting the most beautiful places by the river-
side, by the silvery cascade, or in the verdant plain. An apple-
tree was planted at the head of his grave,
which still stands there, the faithful guar-
V,r— S ^^"^^ of the ashes that repose beneath its
^^ AsP^^ grateful shade. It is a venerable tree,
^^^rvm, some ].50 years old, but does not bear the
marks of so great an age, though there
are several decayed places in it, so per-
^ fectly shown in the accompanying cut of
the grave and tree, taken by the artist on
the spot during the last summer. When
the writer fii'st visited it, twenty
;^ years ago, there was a large hillock,
' *\ or mound, raised over the grave,
u,^ which remained, distinguishing the
HISTORY OF AKCIENT WOODBUKT. 885
sachem's, by its size, from the other graves around him, till a few
years ago, when the present owner of tlie field committed the
sacrilege of plowing it down, saying he was not going to have
such an old "hummock in his field," much to the regret of every
true antiquarian, and lover of ancient things. The mound thus
destroyed was some ten feet long, six feet wide, and four feet
high, having been gradually formed, in the same way, as in the
case of Pomperaug's grave.
Two events will ever render the vale of Bethel Rock memora-
ble ; one, because it was the meeting place, or Bethel of our fa-
thers during the first few years after the settlement : and the other,
because it is the locality of a sorrowful legend connected with it.
It is a tale of sad romance, told and believed by many from the
earlier days of the town. The rock is situated in the bosom of
the Orenaug cliifs, and is the point of much attraction. Beneath
the overhanging crag, a hundred feet below, in the deep dell, is
space sufficient to screen two hundred people from storm, and
danger from a lurking foe. At its woody top is a delightful
place, to which we may wander through the pine grove, at twi-
light hour, for contemplation, rest, peace. In the rapture of the
moment, well may we exclaim, —
" How sweet the mooniiglit sleeps upon this bank.
Here will we sit, and let the sounds of music
Creep in our ears ; soft stillness, and the night •*
Become the touches of sweet harmony !"
This legend of Bethel Rock is somewhat minutely told, and the
reasons given why it may receive credence, on page 90, and is
alluded to again here, to introduce the vivid conception of the
scene by the artist, who has visited the place since the former ac-
count was written. The picture gives a very accurate view of
the scene as related in the universally received legend. Referring
to the former account for full details, a brief stateujent only will
be inserted here.
Some ten years after, the return of the inhabitants to Woodbury
from their enforcecl residence at Stratford during King Philip's
war, it is related that Waraumaukeag, a young Pootatuck sachem,
fell in love with Sarah Walker, a young girl of seventeen years,
a niece of the venerable pastor, who was in Woodbury on a visit
to her uncle, of some months duration. He was a youth of manly
proportions, of graceful figure, and finely moulded limbs. He was
far in advance of the other Indians in intelligence and in all the
manly virtues, and, from their return from Stratford, an unwaver-
886
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
ing friend of the white settlers. It seemed to be his ambition to
adopt their habits and costumes, and in the end, as it turned out,
he sought matrimonial con-
nexion with thetn, aiming
to bind in firm alliance and
mutual good offices and in-
terests, llie two races,
whose lots in life then
seemed oast together. He
erected for himself a cabin
of unusual elegance, and
adopted many of the arts
of civilization. He sought
the acquaintance of the old
pastor, and of the other
leading citizens, and seem-
ed fully inaugurated in the
ways of civilized life.
The young lady was the
possessor of great personal
beauty, and womanly at-
tractions. She seemed the
" rare ideal of feminine love-
liness, such as often haunts
the dreams of the imagin-
ative and young, but sel-
-^iW
dom me(jts us in the walks of life." She was the type of innocence
and purity. She was possessed of unaffected piety, and loved to
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 8&7
wander in the beautiful sylvan retreats in the vicinity of the vil-
lage. For the quiet contemplation of nature, and private devo-
tion, she often, at sunset hour, retired by the shady path from
her uncle's house to the over-hanging, mossy cliff, of Bethel
Rock. It was natural for the romantic and religious child to
wander to the place of prayer frequented by all the people, at
stated intervals.
Warauraaukeag was often at the pastor's house, and became
more and more enamored of his niece. Not yet having forgotten the
aboriginal custom of wooing, he brought many a rich and rare
present, and lay at her feet to win her favor, but she, understand-
ing their import, and being unimpressed by the fervor of his pas-
sion, declined them all, with dignity and kindness, desiring to give
no offence, to arouse his anger. Meeting with no success with
the maiden, he pressed his suit upon ihe uncle, desiring his good
offices on his behalf. The old pastor tried to show him the impro-
priety of the alliance, and declined to influence his niece to accept
the marriage proposed. Yet he did this with great kindness, as
well as firmness, for it was a matter of first importance to all the
settlers, to be on friendly and intimate terms with the Indians.
Thus failing, on all hands, in the prosecution of his suit, he de-
parted, and was seen no more at the parsonage. His proud na-
ture could not endure the slight put upon him, the leader of the
red men. No offer of violence followed, and the pastor's house-
liold was for some time in doubt as to what might result from this
unfortunate attachment on the Indian's part, though i'evenge was
feared. One delightful evening in the gorgeous " Indian summer,"
the young girl left her home, as usual, for Bethel Rock, just as the
" sun set behind the western hills," to engage in her evening med-
itation and devotion, but failed to return. Next morning, after
diligent search had been made, her dead body was discovered, at
the foot of the rock, mangled by the fall, but with her limbs de-
cently arranged, her hands folded, and her clothing wrapped
carefully about her. Beside her was the lifeless body of the
chieftain, evidently lying just as he had fallen from the cliff. It
is supposed that after she reached the top of the rock, she saw
Waramaukeag, who had followed her to tliis retreat, and, sup-
posing him still angry, and coming to wreak his vengeance, started
back in alarm, falling from the great height upon the jagged rocks
below, and was killed by the fall. By a secure path the chief
888 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUEY.
reached the scene below, and finding her dead, lie adjusted the
form and dress in a comely way, re-ascended the rock, and sought
death by casting himself from the dizzy height upon the rocks
by her side, thus atoning his responsibility for the occurrence by
sharing her fate.
Let us pause a moment to drop a tear over the obliterated
graves of a buried race. They arc all gone to meet the Great
Spirit, and, perhaps, as they desired while in life, to revel in
" happy hunting grounds." By the romantic falls of his own
ever-murmuring stream, is the grave of Nonnewaug. In his own
orchard, at Pootatuck, near the noble Housatonic, rest the re-
mains of Tummaseete. Within the fertile meadows of Wecup-
pemee reposes the brave of that name, in his last quiet sleep.
And there, by that rock, in our very midst, they buried Pompe-
raug, the renowned chief of our valley, who gave his name to
our beautiful meandering river. There, too, shall remain, perhaps
for ages yet, the little hillock of stones which now mark the spot,
dropped there, one by one, with a tear to each, by his remaining
braves, as they sadly passed the hallowed spot on their hunting
and fishing excursions. The children of the forest have passed
away — faded from the view, and almost from the memory of man.
In their low, unnoticed and unknown graves, they sleep well!
Their existence has become a matter of antiquarian research, and
oft told legend. Their history has been written in desolation.
" The moon, methinks, looks witli a watery e3'e,
I And when she weeps, weeps every little flower."
We may look on this sad history with sympathy, for, in the
" fullness of time," a similar fate will be ours. Our nation will
leave more enduring " foot-prints on the sands of time," but with
all that is noble and hopeful, it may not last forever. As individ-
uals, at least, our heads shall lie as low in the dust as theirs.
"Generation after generation," says an eloquent writer, " has felt as
we now feel, and their lives were as active as our own. Tiiey
passed away like a vapor, while nature wore the same aspect of
beauty, as now, and loveliness crowned the hour. The heavens
shall be as bright over our graves, as they are now around our paths.
The world will have the same attractions for our offspring yet un-
born, as she iiad for us when children. Yet a little while, and all
will have happened. The throbbing heart will be at rest. Our
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
889
funeral will wind its way, and prayers will be said; and then we
shall be left alone, in silence and darkness for the worms ; and, it
may be, a short time we shall be spoken of, but the things of life
will creep in, and our names will soon be forgotten. Days will
continue to move on, and laughter and song will be heard in the
room in which we died ; and the eyes that mourned for us will be
dried, and glisten again for joy; and even our children will cease
to think of us, and will not remember to lisp our names."
CHAPTER III
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
General ecclesiastical review ; The " Stratford vikw " of the Woodbuet
Church organization ; The " Woodbury View " re-stated, re-affirmed, and
PROVED,
LTHOUGH the history of the immediate
causes that led to the settlement of Wood-
bury, were very fully set forth in tlie first vol-
ume, yet it has been deemed advisable to
reour to the subject again, carefully review
the evidence in the case, and see if any er-
ror has intervened, or any inaccurate infer-
ence has been drawn. Almost immediately
after the former edition was issued from
the press, the author learned that his state-
ments and conclusions in relation to the
Church difficulties at Stratford, were not deemed to be entirely cor-
rect by our good friends of the First Church in that town, and, on
several public occasions, allusions have been made to the matter,
and the opposite opinion has come to be known as the "Stratford
View" of the church difficulties which led to the division of the
church, and the settlement of Woodbury.
It was stated in the first volume, p. 32, that "the settlement of
Woodbury was the i-esult of diflerence in religious opinions among
the inhabitants of Stratford. The first ministers of the colony
being dead, and a new generation coming on the stage of action,
alterations in respect to church membership, baptism, and the mode
of church discipline, were imperatively demanded. Great dissen-
sions on these subjects accordingly arose in the churches at Hai't-
ford Windsor, Wethersfield, and other places, and continued in
various parts of the colony from 165C to about 1070. The discord
not only afi'ected all the churches, but it " insinuated itself into all
the affairs of societies, towns, and the whole commonwealth.''
About 1664, while these contentions were going on at Bartford,
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY 891
and other places, the people at Stratford fell into the same un-
happy divisions and controversies in regard to the same sub-
jects." And on page 113, it was stated, that the " principal cause
of difference Avas in regard to church merabersliip, baptism, and
the discipline of church members. What the precise nature of
the controversy was could not be distinctly understood by the
most learned and pious, even of that day. It was the same as
that which existed at Hartford, Wethersfield, and other places.
One would say, at this distance of time, that the question to be
decided was, whether the " Half-way Covenant Practice should be
introduced into the church, or not. Upon this question, there
was the most grave difference of opinion among the best and most
distinguished men in New England."
It is not denied that the foregoing, taken together, is a substan-
tially accurate statement of the differences among the people of
Stratford at that date. But the writer, from all the evidence then
at his control, and brought to his attention, inferi-ed, that the
"Half-way Covenant" doctrine was the principal cause of the
dissension, and his history of the matter proceeded on that theory.
The "Stratford Yiew " does not admit that the "Half-way Cove-
nant " practice had much, if any thing, to do with the controversy,
for two reasons. First, because that system was practiced in the
first church, fiora the earliest records of the church now extant,
till after the commencement of the eighteenth century. The town
was planted in 1639, and the church was no doubt coeval in date,
as all the early towns had an ecclesiastical foundation. It was the
first thing attended to. But, unfortunately, the records of the
church were burned in the meeting-house, which was struck by
lightning, in 1'785, and all the records previous to 1675 were de-
stroyed, while the records of the town, to the year 1650, are also
not extant. This is a great misfortune, for if the records of the
church from its foundation had been presei'ved, the question now
under discussion could not have arisen. So fiir as the history of
the Second church of Stratford, now the First church of Wood-
bury, is concerned, its records have been preserved from the day
of its organization. May 5th, 1670. No dispute has arisen, or can
arise on them, and they have the advantage over those of the
First church, in reaching back to a date five years earlier. It has
always been a matter of wonder to the writer that there should
be any sensitiveness on the part of any in Stratford in regard to
the view taken by him, as he gave the First church the credit of
892 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
having adhered to the " old landmarks," set up by the fathei'S in
the colony, and as the "Half-way Covenant" plan has been gen-
erally repudiated as unsound for nearly three-quarters of a cen-
tury.
But to those who are interested in tracing the ancient records,
the truth of history is a more controlling consideration than mere
pride of opinion, or indeed any other. While an opinion, once
deliberately formed, on due examination of all the facts, should
not be lightly thrown aside by an opposing opinion, yet it may
often furnish the occasion for a re-examination of the matter, as
well as for the search for additional facts and further light. With
this view, the writer has carefully re-examined the question, in all
its bearings, and has decided to introduce here the "Stratford
View," as well as all other documents and information which have
been any where preserved, that throw any light upon the subject,
with such observations as occur to him.
The sole aim of every writer should be to discover and perpetu-
ate the truth, especially in matters religious and historical. There
can be no inducement to follow any other course.
In order to carry out this design, the writer applied to Rev.
Benjamin L. Swan, of Oyster Bay, N. Y., who was for five years
pastor of the First church in Stratford, who gave great attention,
during his stay there, to antiquarian, archaeological and genelogi-
cal inquiries, and who is, withal, a most careful, thoughtful, and
judicious investigator of the "ancient ways," — to furnish him the
" Stratford View " of this subject. Mr. Swan very kindly consent-
ed, and it is as follows : —
" On the part of the Church in Stratford, a different view is taken of the con-
troversy, that issued in the settlement of Woodbury, from that given in the His-
tory of Ancient Woodbury'. That the " Half-way Covenant," as being held by
one party and rejected by the other, was not the ground of dispute, we feel as-
sured for several reasons."
" It appears by Town Record in Stratford, that 1. Mr. Chauncey was not set-
tled as minister of the parish in 1665, but on April 20th of that j'ear, 'the
town did consider of giving Mr. Chancie a call to help Mr. Blakeman in the min-
istry for a year' and voted so to do. Mr. Blakeman died Sept. 7, 1665. In
March, 1665 *, upon the question of a parsonage lot and house, the vote of the
town was divided, ' not that they were against the ininutry.' i. e. of Mr. Chauncey.
"Junel, 1666. At a lawfull Town meeting, the inhabitants generally pres-
" ent, a paper was offered containing divers propositions to Mr. Israel Chauncey,
*' in order to a mutual agreement for his settling among us in Stratford." " It
*' was voted and agreed, that the said papers should by the townsmen of Strat.
"ford be subscribed in the name of the town, and presented to Mr. Chauncy."
Signed, John Minor, Recorder.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 893
"The foregoing extract, verbatim from the Town Record, is of vital import-
ance, because the paper and agreement to which it relatas is that given on page
119 of Hist, of Woodbury, as prepared May 13, 1669, by the dissentient towns-
men, not members of the church ; whereas it was the original overture of the
town (for all the ecclesiastical business was then done town-wise, so far as re-
lated to the settlement or dismission of a minister) to Mr. Chauncy, in June,
1666, and follows immediately, on the record, the foregoing vote, and is entitled
both 'Town propositions to Mr. Chauncy,' and 'Church Covenant' with Mr.
Chauncey. He accepted the propositions, and was settled as pastor, remaining
such till his death, in 1*703.
" A copy of tin's ' Call ' is on file in Hartford State Archives, where it is en-
dorsed as filed by Secretary AUyn, May 13, '69. Some one, mistaking this for
the date of the paper itself, copied it for Mr. Cothrcn as belonging to a period
after Mr. Chauney's settlement, and as being an overture from those aggrieved
by his settlement. On the Town record, it dates June 1, 1666, and was recorded
by John Minor, Recorder, June 25, 1666. The church and town of Stratford
voted together, parish-wise, in town meeting in all things relating to the minis-
try, until Episcopacy was established, after 1700."
" It is not disputed that these " Town propositions " embrace the principles of
the half-way covenant. That, therefore, could not have been the ground of dis-
sension. Moreover, the earliest records now extant of Mr. Chauney's ministry
show that he did practice on these principles.,"
" Again, uniform tradition in Stratford, even in families of important men in
Mr. Walker's party, (such as Joseph Jiidson, of whom the late Dea. D. P. Judson
was a descendant,) denies that the half-way covenant made the difficulty.
"Again, in none of the papers extant, which passed between the parties, is
that measure set forth as in dispute. There is, however, frequent allusion to
principles of church government, discipline, &c., in which, beyond doubt the
mystery lies. Too much space would be required for exhibition here of the evi-
dence in point.
"The papers on pages 115 — 117 of Hist. Anc. AVoodbury, bearing dates in
old style, belong to January and February, 1866, and with the next ensuing pa-
per, pp. 117, 118, preceded the parish call of June 1, 1666, on Mr. Chauncy to
settle. The remark, therefore, on page 118, "Mr. Chauncy had been settled by
a majoritj' of the members of the church alone," is doubly incorrect, for, at that
date, April, 1666, he had not even been called to settle, and his call, when given in
June, was given by a large majority of the whole parish acting in town meeting.
Indeed, by inspection of the list of inhabitants, it would seem that Mr. Walker's
adherents polled but nineteen votes out of eighty-three, who were freemen of
Stratford. There is no instance, during the whole discussion between the two
parties, of a majority in town meeting adverse to Mr. Chauncy.
"It appears, by a vote Dec. 18, 1666, that the opponents of Mr. Chauncy la-
bored, at first, to obtain his brother-in-law. Rev. Peter Bulkley, for their pastor,
and, only after he declined, settled on Mr. Walker.
The differences between the two churches are declared by Mr. Chauney's peo-
ple, June 14, 1669, ' to be not doctrinal.' If it is said, what are our diflerences?
' We conceive they are matters of civil concernment.' If our differences are ec-
clesiastical, what are they ? Mr. Walker's statement, May, 1670, 'nothing had
894 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
appeared of any such great distance in our apprehensions as might be inconsist-
ent' witli ' an union,' and his adlierents in their letter to the church, Feb. 9»
1665®, distinctly point at the chief cause of dissension in specifications, which
involve the controversy between Presbyterian and Congregational schemes of
church order. These protestants insist, that examination for church membership
should be by the minister and elder only. They also strenuously object to the
re-examination of persons already professors of religion, when i-eceived to other
churches. They desire 'not to be further troubled with any imposition of that
nature.' The controversy about church government and discipline seriously dis-
turbed not a few of the oi'iginal New England churches.
'' An error occurs on page 115, in representing the letter there given as the
opening of the case, whereas it is entitled, in (he Ecclesiastical Documents at
Hartford, ' An Answer to Mr. Chauncy's' letter.' That letter seems to have been
lost. This letter is itself a reply to a previous letter from Mr. Chauney, by
order of the church of which he was then only a ' stated supply.'
" Two statements regardihg the pulpit in Stratford need correction. 1. The
Walker and Reed story. This is a re-issue of a Scotch anecdote about two can-
didates iu Edinburg, and belongs to a period a hundred years later than the
Chauney and Walker times. 2. Mr. Chauncy's ordination. The current story
of his ordination in the independent mode, and with the laying on of Elder
Brinsmade's mittened hand, is, doubtless, pure fiction. As Mr. Chauney, having
already preached a year, had his call in June, it is not credible that mittens were
were worn in the season of his ordination. Moreover, there was no such person
as 'Elder' Erin^n.ade. Philip Grove was the only elder of Stratford church-
Nor is it conceivable that the church in Stratford disowned or neglected the fel-
lowship of the churches in this ordination, for as early as 1645, the church had
been in a council called by the Milford church for the ordination of a ruling elder,
and had otherwise cultivated that friendship." '
Such is the " Stratford View," and such the reasons for holding
it. The fact that it is the theory held by some friends, for whose
sincerity and general correctness of judgment and of information
the writer has the highest respect, has led him to a full and care-
' The Hist, of Woodbury is not responsible for either of these stories, nor has
the author ever credited them, as will be seen, in part, by note to page 133. The
statement, that " there was no such person as Elder Brinsmade, however, is in-
correct. In a list of the Freemen of Stratford, reported pursuant to the Statute
to the General Court, " 8 mth., 7 d., '69," recorded in 2 Trunibull's Records of
Conn. Col., p. 521-2, appears the name of John Brinsniead, elder. This list of
Freemen was taken in October, 1669, and Mr. Walker was ordained over the
Second church in May, 1670. It contains sixty-four names, and is the legal and
accurate list of Freemen iu the town, at the date of the organization of the
Second church. The "Stratford View " is therefore mistaken in stating the
number sf Freemen to be eighty-three, and the part voting with the Second
church at nineteen. The Second church organized with twenty-seven members,
and four more males were added the folloM"ing year, thus embracing nearlj' hal
of the Freemen of the town.
HISTORY OF ANCIEXT WOODBURY. 895
ful review of all the fjicts in the case, actuated by the sincere de-
sire to "discern tlie truth" of the matter. And upon such care-
ful review he has become more fully confirmed in the substantial
correctness of the " Woodbury View," which is set forth fully in
the former edition of this Avork. There are some minor errors of
statement, but that the " Half-way Covenant" system and cognate
theories were the substantial and overshadowing cause of the dis-
sensions among the people of Stratford, he is most fully persuaded.
Nothing short of something most vital in doctrine — something
that concerned the spiritual welfare of the soul to all ages — some-
thing, the abandonment of which involved a loss eternal, can fur-
nish an explanation for that long, earnest, intense dissension which
resulted in the formation of t'^e Second church in Stratford, now
the First church in Woodbury. Trivial differences, as between
the Congregational and Presbyterian modes of Church govern-
ment, while both parties Avere imbued with the same faith, and
acknowledged the same covenant of grace, theoretically and for-
mally, could never be the occasion of a dispute so heated, in a
new and feeble community, struggling for existence, surrounded
by external dangers and difficulties, in a wilderness land, — among
Christians as earnest and conscientious as were the fathers of
Stratford and Woodbury. Spiritual pride, or pride of opinion,
could not go so far as that among a people so strictly conscien-
tious. It was also quite too early in the ecclesiastical history of
the colony for the laity, with whom these questions began, to be
so thoroughly conversant with the systems of chui-ch government,
and so well grounded in the "fundamentals," or Christian author-
ity for their views, as to induce them to run the risk of such open
opposition to the polity or order of the Puritan churches, as to
involve their excision from the church and deprivation of all the
church ordinances for themselves and their children, for the enjoy-
ment of which, in every recorded word and act of theirs, they
showed so earnest a solicitude. Presbyterianisra, as such, had not
at that date a place for the "sole of its foot," in all the colonies.
Dissatisfied individuals were, indeed, in various places, waiting a
safe occasion to introduce Presbyterian and Episcopalian views of
church discipline and government. But their efforts were " with-
out form and void," to a period long after this date, so far as Pres-
byterianism is concerned. Says Dr. Sprague, in an srticle on
Presbyterianism in the New American Encyclopaedia, vol. 13, p.
557 : " The Presbyterian church of the United States is undoubt-
896 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
edly to be reckoned as a daughter of the Church of Scotland.
Presbyterians begun to emigrate from Scotland and the North of
Ireland, to the American Colonies, as early as 1689; and they
quickly manifested a disposition to reproduce here, their own pe-
culiar institutions. The first and largest churches were established
in Pennsylvania and Mai-yland, two colonies distinguished from
the earliest times for their notions of religious liberty. The Pu-
ritan element early found its way into the body from New Eng-
land, and the reformed churches on the continent have, from time
to time, made contributions to it; but the original organization
has always remained substantially the same." So Presbyterianism
was introduced into the States south of us some twenty years
later than the time of the Stratford troubles, and into New Eng-
land later still. Yet by the " Stratford View," we are called to
believe, that differences as between Presbyterian and Congrega-
tional church order and discipline, was the true cause of the "un-
happy " dissensions at Stratford. It is quite inconceivable that this
church should be disputing about " non-essentials," and rending
the peace of the colony, as well as their own, Avhile they were quite
at peace, and in loving accord on the " Half-way Covenant " theory,
and views connected with it, which were at that very time shaking
to their centres, and to the loss of their usefulness, the churches
at Hartford, Windsor, and, indeed, all churches throughout the
colony.
It will also be readily noticed on a careful inspection of the
records introduced into the former volume, and those which fol-
low iu this, that the form of church government and discipline is
no where insisted on. It is nowhere claimed by either party, that
the " ancient way" of independent and individual church govern-
ment should be abandoned, and a " system of church government
by presbyteries, or associations of teaching and ruling elders,"
should be instituted in its stead. From the beginning they had
had their Elder Grove, a leading man in the colony, " Deputy
and Assistant," against whom no complaint seems ever to have
been brought, who remained said elder to his death, in 1676, a
period some years later than this. And yet this church, like the
first three churches of the colony, was a strictly Congregational
church. It was a "law unto itself" It never ceased to be a
Congregational church, and never had even a ruling elder after
Elder Grove's death. The Second church of Stratford ever was
and now is, as the First church of Woodbury, a purely Congre-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 897
gational church. It never had a ruling elder. Where then do we
discover the faintest traces of Presbyterianisni ? Something caused
the division of the church, and the formation of the new one.
Neither ever practised Presbyterianisni. Both, in their original
organization, and in their subsequent history, were and are, lite-
rally, " a church Avithont a bishop, and a State without a King."
They oi-ganized as civil, as well as religious communities, and for
long years the towns acted parish-wise in the calling and settling
of ministers, and in all arrangements for their support, while all
the conditions of baptism, communion and church government
were decided within the circle of communicants, subject only to
appeal to the General Court. In 1665, (about the commencement
of these troubles,) the Commissioners of Charles II. reported, of the
people of Connecticut, "that they had ?i scholar to their min-
ister in every town or village." They were independent, and
Avere well supplied with scholars to lead them. In view of
all this, could disputes concerning the introduction of Presbyte-
rian church order have been the cause of these Stratford disputes ?
We think not.
If, then, the "Stratford View" be not the true one, is the
"Woodbury View" any more reliable? Let us examine, and
weigh well every recorded word on the subject, and determine, as
best we may. And, in the beginning, we must bear in mind
throughout the discussion, that the First church of Stratford was,
in its church government purely Congregational, and in its doc-
trine purely Calvinistic. It was precisely the same, in all its fea-
tures, as the churches at Hartford, Windsor and Wethersfield. A
history of the one, with a change of names, would be a history of
the other. \\ hat was this organization? No better answer can
be given to this question, nor to the question as to what caused
the divisions in the church at Stratford, than those given in an-
swer to the same questions in relation to the church at Hartford,
planted by the sainted Hooker and the Apostolic Stone, by the
late lamented author of "Hartford in the Olden Time," the Hon.
Isaac W. Stuart, the accomplished scholar, the industrious anti-
quarian, the orator of surpassing ability, who was a descendant,
in the fourth generation, of that worthy and distinguished divine,
who for more than sixty years ministered to us in Ancient Wood-
bury— our own sainted Anthony Stoddard. In his truly eloquent
history he records : —
" A few words now on the first religious organization of Hart-
898 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUEY.
ford. This was purely Congregational, and we may add also,
purely republican. Non-conformists all to the liturgy, ceremonies
and discipline of the Church of Engand, though firm believers in
its faith — feeling that the simplicity of the gospel was ' marred
by association with the display of surplices, caps, capes and cas-
socks ' — the settlers claimed the right, independently of all extei"
nal or foreign power, to choose and establish their own ministers,
to enact their own ecclesiastical laws, and exercise their own dis-
cij)line — and so, with a Pastor, Preacher, Ruling Elder, and Dea-
cons, for officers, in a Meeting House, which th(*se who preceded
Hooker and his party had already erected, they started the first
systematized Church of God in this their ' Wilderness town,'
Their Deacons were as Deacons now, but their Pastor and their
Teacher were somewhat peculiar in their functions. Exhortation
chiefly was the duty of the former — it was his province to work
on the will and the affections. The latter was Doctor in ecclesia,
as he is styled — it was his province to teach, explain and defend
the doctrines of Chiistianity. The Ruling Elder, who was ordain-
ed with all the solemnity of a Pastor, or Teacher, was, " to assist
in the government of the church, to watch over all its members,
to prepare and bring forward all cases of discipline, to visit and
pray with the sick, and, in the absence of the Pastor and Teacher,
to pray with the congregation, and expound the scriptures." ^
Such was the organization and constitution of the church at
Hartford, and such was the type of the church at Stratford, during
what we will call the First Period in the ecclesiastical history of
the colonj^, which extended to 1650 or later.
Now let us quote from the same eloquent author in the same
volume a statement which embodies the " Woodbury View," in
choicer words than we can express it.
"Soon after the commencement of our Second Period, a contro-
versy commenced in the church of Hartford, which, 'for its cir-
cumstances, its duration, and its obstinacy,' says Trumbull, 'was
the most remarkable of any in its day — which affected all the
churches, and insinuated itself into the affairs of societies, towns,
and the whole commonwealth.' Nor was it confined to Connec-
ticut. It hung like a cloud over the heart of all New England —
darkened almost every temple of worship, and kindled baleful
fires at almost every altar.
' Hartford in the Olden Time, p. 58.
HISTORY OF ANCIEJ^T WOODBURY. 899
"It began with a difference between Mr. Stone and Elder Wra.
Goodwin, either about the admission of some ijiember to the
church, or the administration of the rite of baptism, and quickly
involved many other points also of ecclesiastical polity. Look at
the leading questions that were raised :
" What constitutes church membership — admission to full com-
munion only, or a belief in Christianity and worshipful attendance
upon its ordinances also? Is the ' matter of the visible church'
composed of saints exclusively, or of those also, who, not being
communicants, attend religious services, hold pews, and pay rates ?
Particularly does it not belong to the whole body of a town jointly
to call and settle its minister — and may not the adult seed of vis-
ible believers, not cast out, be true members of the church and
subjects of church watch? What constitutes baptism — is 'fede-
ral holiness or covenant interest' its proper ground? Is the
grace of perfect regeneration vital to its application, or may it not
be used also as a seal of the covenant initiatory in its nature ?
Particularly, is it scriptural to baptize the children of any parents
who are not themselves in full communion ? Whence do minis-
ters receive their commission to baptize? Does the word of God
warrant the communion of churches, as such ? Has a Synod de-
cisive power? How far shall any particular church yield to its
authority, or to that of any other ecclesiastical council? Must
every person grieved at any church process or censure, acquiesce
in it, and if not, where shall he repair? What is the gospel way
to gather and settle churches ? Does the laying on of hands in
ordination belong to presbyters, or brethren ? A formidable list
of questions, truly ! But there were others, too — of minor conse-
quence, yet all involved in these just stated — and most of these,
in point of fact, i7i them two salient ones of church membership
and baptism.^ of which baptism parlicularly was debated with an
ardor that neither Socinian nor Romanist, Pelagian nor Hermian,
not Naziandzen, St. Ciril, nor Salmasius, have ever surpassed!
" We are blameless, as most people, in our lives and conversa-
tion— we are well disposed — we are sober — argued, according to
Mather, 'multitudes' of persons — and so, particularly, many in
the church in Hartford. We are full believers in the doctrines of
Christianity. We desire to accept Christ for our Redeemer. We
seek forgiveness of our sins. We are ready to promise that,
through the aid of the Holy Spirit, we will forsake the vanities of
this evil world, and strive to act according to the rules of the
900 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
gospel. We wish to submit ourselves to the watch and discipline
of the church. Particularly, we will promise to bring up our
children, that may be given i;s, in the nurture and admonition of
the Lord. We want the distinction and privileges, therefore, of
church membership for ourselves, and of baptism for our children.
True, we are not communicants, but we will labor diligently to
become so. Why then shut upon us, ' hopeful candidates ' as we
thus are, the doors of church privilege? Is it just? Is it wise?
Why make no difference, in this respect, between ourselves and
Pagans? Why, in particular, exclude our offspring, dear as they
are to our hearts, and partakers, as it is our dearest wish they
should be, of the kingdom of heaven, why exclude them from the
baptism of Christianity simply because our own honest doubts
and fears are such that we cannot ourselves come up to the cove-
nanting state of communicants at the table of the Lord ? This
is harsh — it is an unwarrantable strictness. Baptism and full com-
munion are separate things, and the former, with church watch,
may be enjoyed without the latter. Seal though it be of the cov-
enant, baptism is, after all, but an initiatory rite. It does not itself
absolutely confer, it does not of itself indelibly impress the grace
of regeneration, nor is salvation so inseparately annexed to it, as
that without it, no person can enter heaven. 'The Lord hath not
set up our churches,' be it remembered, ' only that a few old
Christians should keep one another warm while they live, and
then carry away the church into the cold grave with them Avhen
they die ; no, but that they might with all care, and with all the
obligations and advantages to that care that may be, nurse up
still successively another generation of subjects to our Lord, that
may stand up in his kingdom when they are gone.' So pleaded,
so demanded one large party in the church of Hartford." *
So pleaded, so demanded one large party in the church at Strat-
ford, in 1665 and 1866. Let us see if we are right. Let us refer
to the vote of' the town, parish-Avise, passed June 1, 1666 — for, it
will be remembered, that the whole town voted parish-wise in the
settlement of ministers till after 1*700 — which vote is recorded on
page 119 of this history. By that vote, it is claimed in the "Wood-
bury View," the liberal, or dissentient party triumphed over the
church proper in its conservative, close corporation notions, that
is, the dissentient communicants, added to the freemen who were
'■ Stuart's Hartford in the Olden Time, p. 221.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT ^VOODBURY. 90l
not communicants, but who agreed in their view with the minority
of the church, made a majority of the whole in town meeting, and,
in their call to Mr. Chauncy, were able to establish their platform,
as the condition on which they would settle him, grant him a portion
of the lands, " set apart for the support of the ministry," and pay
him an annual salary beyond. Whether we are right in this claim
will be discussed further on. An extract from that vote seems to
shine with a clear light upon the subject matter in dispute at Strat-
ford, They lay down, as the great object of desire, and as the
prime condition* of settlement, the principles of the Half-way Cov-
enant. Why so particular, unless the privileges of this plan had
before this time been denied to them by the church proper, in the
church meetings, where communicants only were allowed a voice.
They say : —
" More particularly we desire y ' all they y ' professe fayth and
obedience to the rules of Christ, not scandalous in life, and doe
present themselves in owning y« covenant wherein they have
given themselves unto the Lord in baptism, may be admitted and
accounted members of y* church, and under the care and disci-
pline thereof as other members, and have their children baptized.
Yet, notwithstanding, we desire not that any thus admitted may
approach unto the Lord's table till, in and by examination and due
tryall, they make testimony unto the Judgement of Charity, of
their fitness thereunto. Moreover, as God owneth the Infant
children of believers in y® Covenant of Grace, neither doth ex-
clude y" same children w° grown up from keeping their standing
in y® covenant, while they soe walk as they doe not reject it,
God owneth y " and would not have y^ grace of his covenant
shortened or straitened, nor put y "" from under the dispensations
of his grace, giving his ministers a solemn charge to take care of,
and train up sucli a part of their flock : We desire also that
y* children of church members may be accounted as church mem-
bers, as well as their parents, and y * they do not cease to be mem-
bers by being grown up, but that they still doe continue in the
church, successively, until, according to y^ rules of Christ, they
be cast out, and y ' they are still y* subjects of church discipline,
even as other members, and y ' they should have their children
baptized, notwithstanding their present unfitness for partaking of
the Lord's Supper."
This is the " Woodbury View," and it is not questioned but
that it is a full statement of the Half-way Covenant system. Was
902 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
this the original platform of the Stratford church, or was it some-
thing new — an innovation '? If it was the old platform, why so
earnestly proclaim it again, and make it a condition precedent to
settlement ? Why not say, simply, that they would settle Mr.
Chauncy upon the ancient platform— in the ancient order, and
"way of Christ among the churches? " Not a word is said here
of a different mode of church government from the old one. It
was the right of church membership and baptism, that was the
sole and all-absorbing theme. On this they insist — on this solely.
This vote furnishes the key to the whole controversy. The same
eloquent writer proceeds to give the views of the first established
churches from wliich these were a departure. He says ; —
" On the other hand, it was urged in reply to these claims, that
they were wholly inconsistent with the rights of the brotherhood
and the strict principles of the Congregational churches — that
they were innovations on its practice, and contrary to its purity —
that they would subvert the very design for which the churches in
New England were planted. Baptism, said the advocates of these
views, is a seal of the whole covenant of grace — those, therefore,
not interested in this covenant of faith, by saving faith, by the
having of repentance, ought not to have the seal thereof for them-
selves, nor for their children. If we extend it in the manner de-
manded, there would be great corruption. It would be a profa-
nation of the right. It would have a natural tendency to harden
unregenerate persons in their sinful condition — and to admit such
to pi'ivileges and membership in the churclies, would at once throw
the homes of the saints into the power of the worldly part of
mankind, profane their administration, and pervert their efficacy "'
Wliicli party at Stratford was it that entertained such views as
these? Was it the Walker party, who for years insisted on being
allowed the privileges of the Half-way Covenant, and, when they
could not fully obtain them, organized a separate church, and re-
paired to the interior forests to enjoy their faith in peace? Or
was it the party of the " ancient church," under the guidance of
Mr. Channcy, as a "stated supply," who, when addressed by the
Walker party, in Jan. 1G65 * (p. 115) "desiring also that we and
our posterity may be owned as inunediate rnembers of the Church
of Christ by you; as Christ owneth us and ours by his own in-
stitution, taking us into covenant, and solemnly setting his seal
' Stuart's Hartford in the Olden Time, p, 224.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUBY, 903
upon US," (p. 115,) and again in Feb. 9, 1665 ° (p. 116) desiring "com-
munion in all God's orrlinances," with the rest of the church, replied,
April 16, 1666, (p. 117) "These are to give you to understand,
that our appreliension concerning the order of discipline is the
same that we have formerly manifested it to bee, both by our
practice, and answer to your proposalls. And whereas you appre-
hend you have equal rights with ourselves in all the ordinances of
Christ in this place. These may certifie you at present that we
are of a different apprehension from you in that matter. And
whereas you desire that your posterity may, etc. : we would put
you in mind, that as yet the matter is in controversie among the
learned and godly ? " Which party was it tliat demanded they and
their seed should be "owned as immediate members of the
church ? " Which party refused this before the ordination of Mr.
Chauncy ? It was the Walker party that demanded. It was the
church tliat refused, acting as a church, entitling and embalming
its actions as " Church Answer to the Men." Are we wrong, then,
in saying, that the cliurch, when acting as an associated body of
communicants, rejected the Half-way Covenant dogma, and that
on the following June 1, 1666, the Walker party, in open town
meeting, when all, both communicants and freemen, were acting
together parish-wise, carried the day, and established the condi-
tion of the Plalf-way Covenant in the ''Town propositions to Mr.
Chauncy" of that date, (p. 119,) which were afterAvards accepted
by Mr. Chauncey? Why, if this view be correct, it did not bring
peace to the town and clmrch, we will consider further on.
Before we do that, however, !et us examine another considera-
tion. It is recorded, that the church enjoyed great peace and
prosperity under the administration of the Rev. Mr. Blakeman,
the first minister. Now what manner of man was Mr. Blakeman ?
We find this account of him in the Manual of the old First Strat-
ford church, printed in 1869 :
"The Rev. Adam Blakeman was born in Staffordshire, England,
A. D. 1599, and was matriculated at Christ's College, Oxford,
May 2&th, 1617. He was a pieacher for some years in Leicester-
shire and Derbyshire, and in 1638 came to New England. He
was one of the original company of settlers in Stratford in 1639-
40, and was minister of tlie church until his death, Sept. 7th 1665.
Just previous to his death, the 20th of April of that year, the
Rev. Israel Chauncy became, by vote of the town, his assistant.
Mr, Blakeman held a prominent position among the colonial min-
904 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
isters. Cotton Mather says (Magnalia, book 3d. chap. 7) that
many of his people came with him to this country, and that Hook-
er once remarked, "If I might have my choice, I wonld live and
die under Mr. Blakeman's minstry."
This is a satisfactory account of an old Puritan minister, truly.
He appears in the history of the Colony only four years later than
Hooker himself, and though he was thirteen years his junior, yet
he was his coeval in establishing the church of God in this wil-
derness land, and so well approved himself, as a minister of the
Most High, in sustaining the good old Puritan doctrines, that
Hooker, in his love, admiration and enthusiasm, proclaims that he
fain would, could he have his own choice, live and die under his
ministrations. Blakeman led his flock, for a quarter of a century,
in the paths of peace and the ways of pleasantness. Even before
his death, the questions concerning baptism and church member-
ship began to disturb the other churches. There is not a particle
of evidence, that there was a word of dissension in his church
during his life. Was he a Half-way Covenanter? If so, then
were Hooker and Stone. The former died, July 7, 1647, before
these discussions arose to any considerable entent. He, therefore,
had been converted to no new theory, and Stone was firm as a rock
against all innovations. May we not then say, in the full assurance
of its truth, that the Halfway Covenant theory had not a "Name
to live," — nay, liad not become a disturbing cause of discussion
during all his holy life, so far as the church at Stratford was con-
cerned. A.t the date of his death the discussion on these subjects
had waxed warm in the colony, but such was his influence with
his flock, it had found no disturbing entrance into his church.
There is a moral certainty that not a solitary Half-way Covenant
admission to the church or baptism on that theory, occurred
during his ministry.
But the good man was dead ; his place was to be filled, and
young Mr. Chauncy "just turned of" twenty-one years of age,
having been born in 1644, was the candidate. New views were
abroad in the land, the state of religion was low and weak, and
imbued with the spirit of liberty, which led our fathers to found
their, homes in the wild woods, they exercised the freedom of
choice among the conflicting theories. The older communicants
stood by the " ancient landmarks " so long maintained by their
sainted Blakeman. The younger conmiunicants and non-commu-
nicants sought-out what seemed to them to be " a more excellent
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 905
way." Mr. Chauncy had been called to " assist Mr. Blakeman,"
and naturally sustained bis views. He, therefore, represented the
conservatives. But, as we have seen, he was settled by the con-
current votes of both parties, after the dissentients had been able
to engraft the Half-way Covenant theory into the conditions of
his settlement. Who was it that insisted on this plank in the plat-
form ? Was it the old communicants, who in April, 1G6G, before
the adoption of this platform and the settlement of Mr, Chauncy,
when add|pssed on this subject by those who afterwards became
Mr. Walker's adherents, replied in their " Churcli Answer to the
Men," (p. 118,) " We answer in the words of Paul in another case,
wee have no such custome, nor the Churches of Christ with whom
we hold communion f Or was it rather those who afterwards
formed the new church, and practiced the Half-w\ay Covenant
plan, but did not follow in the least the Presbyterian mode of
church government? There can be but one answer to these ques-
tions. If the dispute was what the "Stratford View" affirms — a
dispute in relation to Presbyterian and Congregational modes of
church government and discipline, it is the most inconceivable
thing in the world, that neither of the churches, after they were
well apart, and had full liberty to do as they chose, practiced any
thing but pure Congregationalism. If the '' Woodbury View " is
accounted the correct one, the subsequent history of the two
churches is consistent. The Woodbury church practiced on the
Half-way Covenant s) stem for ninety years, ending at the ordina-
tion of Mr. Benedict, (p. 302,) in 1760. The theory that the
"' call " of 16(56 was a compromise, receives further confirmation
from the fact, that two members of the church, viz : Thomas Fayre-
child and Thomas Uffoote, and two of the minority, (church mem-
bers,) Ensign Joseph Judson and Henry Wakelyn, were appointed
by the town a committee to carry the "Town Propositions" to
Mr. Chauncy.
But the " Stratford View " insists that the Half-way Covenant
plan was practiced by the First church in Stratford from the ear-
liest date to which its present records extends, and that, clearly, Mr.
Chauncy was settled by the town vote of June 1, 1666, on the
Half-way Covenant plan. The latter branch of this statement is
undoubtedly true. The vote of 1666 is a most perfect statement
of the Half-way plan, and it is also true that Mr. Chauncy accept-
ed his settlement on that vote. And light here, we apprehend, is
the key to the whole difficulty. The town, voting parish-wise,
5
906 HISTOET OF ANCIEKTWOODBUEY.
including in its vote all its freemen, carried the " Half-way condi-
tion." But the " ordinances of baptism and communion " could
only be obtained through the church, i. e. the communicants, min-
ister, ruling elder and deacons. They held "St. Peter's key" to
these ordinances, for which the minority of the church had so
earnestly striven. And in this same vote of 1666 (p. 119) they
had established a condition as to Ihefiiness of candidates for a^lmis-
sion to the privilege of the Half-way Covenant, i. e. they must
not be "scandalous in life." Under this exception, any candidate,
whether for the half-way, or for the full covenant, could be arbi-
trarily kept out, by the church officers, without a technical breach
of the conditions of Mr. Chauncy's settlement. And it is believed
that this power, reserved under the " call," was exercised, and
that freemen who desired to own their covenant, in full or pai tial
communion, were rejected, and thus the flames of discord were
fanned anew, and dissension intensified till the final separation.
On an examination of the church records at Stratford, we are
not able to discover a single half-way admission, or baptism under
that plan, for the first ten years after the formation of the Wood-
bury church. The practice, by this time, had become general
elsewhere, and, having lost nearly half their original number on
this question, and, probably, being threatened with more loss, the
church succumbed, and we find the following as the first record
on the whole controversy, so far as the first church is concerned,
viz : —
"June 4th, 80." (1680.) "At a chh. meeting.
" The whole consented that baptism be extended to the Infants
of tliose qualifyed according to y * 5 * prop. o± Synod 62."
Immediately following this vote is quite a list of names admit-
ted under its provisions at various dates, mingled with such en-
tries as follows, viz : "Jonathan Lura covenanted and was bap-
tized." " John Bostwick and his wife renewed their covenant
and y' children were baptized, June 16, '89." Sometimes the en-
try is " renewed their baptismal covenant." On the margin under
this vote, against a list of several names, are the words : — " These
renewed Gov *."
The " Stratford View " is correct in stating, that there is abund-
ant evidence of practice under the Half-way plan, after the above
vote, but we do not find a particle of evidence of the practice of
this plan at any earlier date. Between the years of 1723 and
1736, the names of about 150 pex'sons were entered as having
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUET. 907
owned the covenant, and having liad their children baptized. In
1784, under Rev. Mr. Stehbins'adiuinstration, a quarter of a century
after the Woodbury church had given up the practice, it seemed
to have gained a new lease of power, and sucli admissions con-
tinued at least as late as 1811. Mr. Stebbins styled these, admis-
sions to "Special Privileges." The first entry preserved in Mr.
Cliauncy's hand writing on the Stratford clnirch records is — " .Mem-
bers added to the church of Christ in Stratford since 1675."
Under this heading are admissions both before and after the
date of 1680, and so, we suppose, this was the list in which were
placed those who were received to the full communion. Tliough
the First church records of Stratford are strangely meagre and
imperfect, when we consider that they were kept by Mr. Chauncy,
a finished scholar, who had the honor of bein^ elected "Rector'"
or "President" of Yale College, yet if any intelligible inference at
all can be drawn from them, they must mean what we here claim.
" What now^, it will naturally be asked on reviewing the 'Con-
troversy we have descibed," says the eloquent Scaeva,'' " what
m.ade these people of the olden time so warm, and withal so bit-
ter ?" Prudent, good, forbearing persons, that we suppose them
to have been — not apt to "let their angry passions rise" — why in
this matter so quarrelsome and so acrimonious ?
" Well, in the first place, such, as upon them, is the usual effect
of all religious dispute. The Odium Theologiaon has grown into
a proverb ! Religion lies so nearest the hearts of men that they
find it more difficult for this reason, we suppose, to endure diffe-
rences of sentiment upon theological, than upon other subjects,
and anger and pride of opinion, with the best of us, are, after all,
the hardest passion-horses of our nature to bit and rein in. In
the next place, a new, and in some important respects a different
generation, as compared with the First Period of the colony, had
sprung up. Formerly, there had been great harmony in the
church. Though strictly Calvinistic in doctrine, and rigid in its
exaction of duties and in its discipline, it had no sectaries. Its
clergy walked in the most endeared friendship, like Moses and
Aaron, with the Legislature. Its influence was rarely questioned,
and almost unbounded. Now, many of the old ministers were
dead, as was, particularly, Mr. Hooker, Quite a number had re-
turned to England. The children of the First Period had become
1 Stuart's Hartford in the Olden Time, p. 227.
908 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
adults. The stamp of grand-fother, and grand-mother was upon
most of their parents who survived. New emigrants had arrived,
less strict in their views than those who preceded them. A new
spirit was abroad — one in some material features more liberal, less
submissive, more inquisitive, more progressive, but at the same
time, under some aspects, less scriptural, perhaps, and less pure.
It would of course seek, as it did, increased freedom in the ad.
ministration of religion. Fewer, comparatively, were church
communicants than formerly. Such, if of sober lives and conver-
sation, would naturally strive, for themselves and for the sake of
their children, to relax the rigid claims of the church. Many
there were also who begun " notoriously to forget the errand into
the wilderness " — many whom '' the enchantments of this world"
led " Sensibly to neglect the primitive designs and interests of reli-
gion as propounded by their fathers." All such would naturally
look with indifference upon any struggle for the preservation
of old ecclesiastical opinions and usages, or labor earnestly
after emancipation from their restraints. Others there were also,
many, as compared with former times, who were decided sinners —
who neither sought the influences, nor cared for the duties of
piety, but who, on the other hand, disrelished its ordinances, and
even despised its demands. All such would of course like a quar-
rel which tended to relax the strictness and weaken the force of
Christian organization — would help it on — would relish the spec-
tacle of religious parties pitted in the fiield of strife,
" To prove their doctrines orthodox
By Apostolic blows and knocks" —
would rejoice even to see each casting upon the other frowns,
" As ■when some black clouds
"With Heaven's artillery frought, come rattling on.
Over the Caspian."
"Under all the circumstances now described, it is not strange
that the controversy upon which we have dwelt, assumed in Hart-
ford the phase it did. Reasoning doubtless from these circum-
stances, but in their nascent state — when, like little clouds, they
were 'no bigger than a man's hand' — Mr. Stone, singularly
enough, at the very beginning of the Second Period in our histo-
ry, in a time of profound calm, foretold the controversy and its
violence. He foretold it deliberately, and in a sermon preached in
1650. The churches, he s.tid, will ' come to be broken by schism,
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 909
and sudden censures, and angry removes.' — ere they are aware,
he added, there will be in them ' prayers against prayers, hearts
against hearts, tears against tears, tongues against tongues, fasts
against fasts, and horrible prejudices and underminings.' — How
quick, alas, did his own church become the stage of all these tra-
gedies?"
A graphic picture, truly, of those melancholy times, but hap-
pily not experienced to the full in the church at Stratford. De-
pletion was a sovereign remedy.
So much in explanation and suppoi't of the " Woodbury View."
We will now take a rapid review of all the record evidence in
the case, introducing all original documents throwing light upon
the controversy, that were not introduced into the first volume*
and see if our view is sustained by it. The whole colony, and,
indeed, all New England, was convulsed with these troubles. The
General Court, even, could not avoid taking cognizance of the
controversy, tliough it dealt prudently with the questions which
were raised, and made earnest endeavors for a peaceful solution
of them. Accordingly, we find the following act: —
October Session, 1666.
"This Court doth conclude to consid'' of some way or meanes to bring those
Ecclesiasticall matters that are in difference in the Severall Plantations, to an
issue, by stating some suteable accommodation and expedient thereonto, and doe
therefore order that a Syn(|d be called to consider and debate those matters, and
that y ^ Questions p ■■ seuted to y « Elders and Ministers that are called to this
Synod shalbe publiquely disputed to an issue. And this Court doth confer
power to this Synod, being met and constituted, to order and methodize the dis-
putation soe as may most conduce, in their apprehension, to atteiue a regular
issue of their debates.
"This Court orders that all y ® Preaching Elders and Ministers that are or
shalbe settled in this Colony at y® time of y* meeting of the Synod, shalbe sent
to attend as members of y« Synod. This Court orders that Mr. Michel, Mr
Browne, Mr. Sherman, and Mr. Glouer, shalbe desired, as from this Court, to
assist as members of this Synod.
"This court orders that all these Ministers or y® maior part of them meeting,
shal proceed as a Synod, Provided that y« maior part of y« Preaching Elders
of y« Churches be present. The Synod is to meet at Hartford, vpon the 3'' Wed-
nesday in May. The Secretary is to send this order and y« Questions stated to
each Minister in this Colony. Mr. Sum" Willys and the Sec''y are to write to
j« Elders in y® Bay to request them to attend what is here desired.
" This Court doth order that y® Questions stated by this Court shalbe those
that shalbe considered and publiquely disputed in y« Synod next May.
" It is desired by this Court and solemnly commended to y® Churches and peo-
ple in this Jurisdiction, to suspend all matters controversall, and y® practice of
910 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
them not formerly receaved and practised in y« Churches here vntil an orderly
decision be given by y*" Synod in May next.
The Questions to be disputed ;
1. Whethei- federall holines or couen* interest be not y^ propper ground of
Baptisme.
2. Whether Comunion of Chs , as such, be not warrantable by the Word of
God.
3. Whether the adult seed of visible believers not cast out, be not true mem-
bers and the subjects of Church watch.
4. Whether ministerial! officers are not as truly bound to baptize the visible
disciple of X' providentially settled amongst them, as officially to preach the
word.
5. Whether setled inhabitants in the Countrey, being members of other
Churches, should have their children baptized amongst vs wthout themselves
first ord''ly joyneing in Churches here.
6. Whether membership in a perticular instituted Church be not essentially
requisite Vnd'' the gospel to entitle to baptisme.
7. Whether adopted children and such as are bought with money are cove-
nant seed.
8. Whether things new and weight}- may be manadged in a Church without
concurrence of officers and consent of the fraternity of the same Church ; And
if things are of conion concern', then how far the consent of neighbouring
Church is to be sought for.
9. Whether it doth not belong to y® body of a Towue collectively, taken
joyntly, to call him to be their minister whom the Church shall choose to be
their officer.
10. Whether politicall and externall administration of Abraham's Coven* be
not obligatory to gospel Ch'.
11. Vnto whom shal such persons repaire that are grieved at any Church pro-
cess or censure, or whether they nmst acquiesce in the Churches sentence vnto
wcb they doe belouge.
12. Whether the laying on of hands in ordination of Elders belong to Pres-
biters or Brethren
13. Whether the Church her invitation and election of an officer or preach-
ing Elder necessitates the whole Congregation to sit down satisfied, as bound
thereby to accept him as their Minister, though invited and settled without y«
Townes consent.
14. What is the Gospell way to gather or setle Cli*.
16. From whom doe Ministers receave their comission to Baptise.
16 Whether a Synod have a decisive power.
17. Whether it be not justifiable by the Word of God that Civil Authority
indulge Congregation'^ and Presbiterian Churches, and their discipline in the
Churches." ^
Here is a statement of the various questions in dispute in the
colony Not all these questions arose in every church. Now,
how many of them arose at Stratford, and which were they ?
' 2 Trumbull Conn. Col. Records, 63.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 911
We, who take the "Woodbury View," think it was the ques-
tious of church communiou and baptism, that disquieted our
fathers, somewhat inseparably joined witli questions 9 and 13,
which inquire whether when a church invites and is satisfied with
a minister the " whole congregation " of non-communicants are
bound to accept him and " sit down satisfied " with him " they in-
vited and settled w^'^out y" Towues consent." We think the
church at Stratford had [previously chofen Mr. Chauncy in churcli
meeting as their minister, and when met parish-wise, the town
raised this issue, by its vote of June 1, 1666, though the church
would have been better satisfied with its clioice under the old
close corporation views, untrammeled by the conditions of that
vote.
It is to be particularly noticed, that though the town, by its vote
of June 1, 1666, gave Mr. Chauncy a " call," and though it w\as
so far a compromise that two of each party were appointed a
committee to present the action of the town to Mr. Chauncy, and
though he accepted said " call," the truce did not last long, but
the parties, later in the year, were able to " agree to disagree,"
and each have its own minister without offense to any. Accord-
ingly, at a town meeting held Dec. 18, 1666, (p. ] 20,) the same
year of the settlement, be it remembered — they voted to appro-
priate one half of the "sequestered land reserved for the use of
the ministry," and divide it equally between Mr. Chauncy and Mr.
Bulkley, or whoever might be obtained by the dissentients.
The general court at its Oct. Session, 1667, (p. 121,) approved
of this agreement between the parties, conditioned that "all joynt-
ly" should contribute to Mr. Chauncy's support, till the other
party should obtain a minister. Early in 166S, the minority did
obtain Mr. Walker. It is to be noticed in this connexion, that
the General Assembly acted with entire impartiality between the
parties, and treated both with equal consideration.
As soon as the minority secured their minister, the committee
appointed by the General Court proceeded, June 8, 1668, to set
out the portion of land belonging to Mr. Chauncy, under the vote
of Dec. 18, 1666, and on the 2d day of November, the same year,
set out a like portion of the ministerial lands to Mr. Walker. Both
these ministers signed an agreement in identical words, to return
the lauds to the town, in case they gave up the work of the min-
912 HISTORY OF ANCIENT "WOODBURY.
istry in the town. A copy of this agreement, taken from the Con-
necticnt Archives, Ecclesiastical, I., 27, follows;'
"Apr" 29^^1668:
Att a lawfull Townsmeeting it was voated and agreed y* y* land
being layd out according to y® agreem ' of y ® Town nppon Mr.
Chancey his subscribing t6 y*pap* bearing Date herew^h signify-
ing his Acceptance of ye s<^ land according to y*^ intent of y® s^ Act
ye Committee shall surrendr to y® s*^ Mr. Chancey full and fi-ee
possession of y® same according to ye s<J Act. baring 18*^ De-
cemb"^ 1666 : And w^as any oth^ Minister is to have and enjoy land
after ye same mann»' as Mr. Chahcey doth. It is by y^ Towne
A'oated and agreed ye 29*^ Apr" 1668 y* before hee possess hee
shall subscribe to y® same as Mr. Chancey doth y® name onlye dif-
fering.
April 29th 1668:
Whereas ye Oommittee appointed both by ye® Towne and
Courte have layd out part of ye sequestred land both upland and
meadow according to y^ Act & agreem* of ye Town bearing date
Decemb'" 18*'^^ 1666 : Mr. Israeli Chancey taking possession of y*
part granted to him in ye s* Act hee doth subscribing hereto de-
clare his Acceptance of ye same according to ye intent of ye s*i Act.
And wras there is in y* act something as Respecting laying down
y® work of ye Ministry left dark, ye s^ Mr. Chancey doth hereby
alsoe ingage y*' in case hee lays down or makes a tot^ll Cessation
of y^ &^ work in this place then ye land shall by him be returned
to y^ Town in like mann^' as if hee removed y® 8*^ June, 1668.
ISRAELL CHANCEY.
Subscribed in ye p'^esence of
Tho : Fayrechildb, ^
Wm. Curtiss, I
I
Joseph Judson ) '
Richard Buttler,
Joseph Hawley, j
Henry Wakelyn, J
Exactly Coppied ye 26th Novembr.- 1668.
John Minor, Recordr-
'The agreement of Mr. "Walker is dated (or subscribed) Nov. 2, 1668, and
witnessed by John Hurd, Jeremiah Judson, Robt. Claris, Jolin Minor.
HISTOKT OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 913
At the May Session of the General Court, held May, 1668, we
find it enacted : —
"May 16th. This Court, in order to the promoateing and es-
tablishing of peace in the churches and plantations, doe desire
reverend Mr. James Fitch, Mr. Gershom Bulkley, Mr. Joseph El-
liott and Mr. Samn Wakemau to meet at Saybrook, if Mr. Fitch
can come there, if not, then at Norwich, vpon the eighth or ninth
of June next — to consider of some expedient for our peace, by
searching out the rnle and thereby cleareing up how farre the
churches and people may walke together within themselves and
one w*"^ another in the fellowship and order of the Gospel, not-
withstanding some various apprehensions amouge them in matters
of discipline respecting membership and hapttisme, c^c.'"
We think a careful examination of all the documents in relation
to the Stratford controversy will show, that its ever recurring
theme was of matters " respecting membership and baptisme."
This difficulty was fully stated and often referred to, while no
other grievance, oi' object 'of paramount desire, was ever distinctly
set forth. A vote passed at the May session, 1669, seems to throw
light upon this view of the subject.
" This Court, having seriously considered the great divisions amongst us about
Chui'ch Government, for the honor of God, wellfare of the Churches and pre-
servation of the pLil)hque peace so greatly hazarded, doe declare that wliereas
the Congregational Churches in these partes for the generall of their profession
and practice have hitherto been approved, we can doe no less than still approve
and countenance the same to be wthout disturbance vntill better light in an orderly
way doth appeare ; but yet forasmuch as sundry persons of worth for prudence and
piety amongs t us are otherwise perswaded (whose welfare and peaceable sattis
faction we desire to accommodate) this Court doth declare that all such persons
being allso approved according to lawe as orthodox, and sound in the fundamen-
talls of Christian religion, m&j have allowance of their persuasion and profes-
sion in church ways or assemblies, wtliout disturbance." *
In view of all that precedes, it may be well to recur to the
views expressed on page 115, and see whether there be any ma-
terial error contained in them It is objected in the " Stratford
View," that the communication which is there recorded, and which
is the earliest paper passing between the parties that has been
preserved, is in reply to a former one from the church proper,
which seems to have been lost. But, however this maybe, it does
not alter the point in discussion ; for this communication, which
1 2 Trumbull Conn. Col. Record, 84.
' 2 Trumbull's Conn. Col. Record, 109.
914 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
preceded the settlement of Mr. Chaiincy, most clearly sets forth
the matter in dispute, i. e., the conditions or terms of church mem-
bership and baptism. Language could hardly make it clearer.
They claim that God " of his free and abundant grace hath taken
us and our seed into covenant with himself and with his church
and people, and hath given us an interest in himself to bee our
God, and taken us to bee his own, giving us his own discipline and
ordinances for our spirituall and eternall good, and owning us,
hath given us equall rigid with yourselves in all his ordinances,
his /trovidence also having settled us together in this plantation,
that we might Jointly together worshipp him in all his ordinan-
ces,'''' declaring their " earnest desire to enjoy communion in all
of God^s ordinances,'''' and further " desiring also that wee and our
posterity may be otoned as immediate members of the Church of
Christ by you. At the same time they qualify this statement of
their claims and desires, by saying " Wee desire that if any man
be converted according to God's rules, and doe not hold forth re-
pentance, then no such person so remaining may bee admitted to
the commu7iion till heboid forth repentance." And again in their
commuication of the next month, p. 116, they say, "we have for-
merly made known our minds unto you in writing, as concerning
our desire of commmiion in all God''s holy ordinances with yoic ;
holding forth unto you by way of preference, our right unto them,
from the free Grace of God among us, and externally sealing the
privileeges of y® Covenant unto us."
These petitioners want something that the church will not grant
them. What is it ? Is it that the church shall change its form of
government from the Congregational to the Presbyterian ? Is
there a word to countenance this idea? No ! the very cry of their
hearts is, give us church membership and baptism, for ourselves
and our children. Give us communion in all of God's holy ordi-
nances. It is our right. We desire church admission. You re-
fuse it. We are willing you should examine us " in respect of our
faytli and knowledge." We admit that the minister should " take
particular knowledge of all those y* are to have communion in
the tohole toorship of God.'" But we have " wholly and onely en-
gaged ourselves to be the Lord's". We have been baptized.
Therefore, we pray you, admit us as members of the church on
probation, with no right as yet to come to the table of the
Lord, subject to the watch, care and discipline of the church,
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 915
and grant baptism to our children. Any other interpretation of
these two letters would do violence to the language employed.
What is the answer of the church, which they style " Church
answer to the Men," p. 117, to such earnest and respectful re-
quests ? It follows : —
" Neighbours; whereas we received two writings, the sum of
both u'JdcJi was, to hold forth your earnest desire as to communion
in all the ordinances of Christ with us. These are to give you to
understand that our apprehension concerning the order of disci-
pline is the same that we have formerly manifested it to bee, both
by our practice, and answer to your proposalls. And whereas you
apprehend you have equal right with ourselves in all the ordi-
nances of Christ in this place. These may certifie you at present
that we are of a different apprehension from you in that matter.
And whereas you desire that your posterity may : etc. : Wee
would put you in mind that as yet the matter is in controversie
among the learned and godly.''''
Thus stood the matter in dispute between the church and the
dissentients on the 16th of April, 1666. Six week^ later, on the
1st of June, of the same year, the town in parish meeting assem-
bled passed the vote giving Mr. Chauncy the " call " of that date, p.
119, to which allusion has so often been made in these pages.
This "call" embraced, fully and clearly, all the principles of the
"Half-way Covenant." Only six weeks before, the church had.
informed the dissentients explicitly, that they had not an equal
right in the ordinances of Christ with them, that the right of bap-
tism for "posterity" was a matter "in controversie among the
learned and godly," and generally, " wee have no such custome,
nor the churches of Christ with whom we hold communion."
Now every thing is reversed. What has caused this change in
opinion? Have the scales lalleu from the eyes of the Church,
and have its members become converted to the lately inadmissible
theories, with a suddenness equalled only by the case of St. Paul ?
Or, is the " Woodbury View " right, after all, in saying that the
dissentient members of the church, united to the non-communicant
freemen, constituted a majority in town meeting? If it is the
church that has changed, why is it that the " difference" still con-
tinues, insomuch that in December of the same year, within six
mouths of such harmonious action, they have agreed to separate
and divide the ministerial lands between Mr. Chauncy and some
minister -whom the dissentients should settle over themselves ?
916 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Why is it, on that theory, that the church, in the face of tlie
" call " to Mr. Chauncy repudiates the Half-way Covenant system
till 1680, while the Second church practices it from the moment of
its organization, in 1670.
A deposition taken in 1671, concerning events transacted in
1667, would go to show, by inference at least, that the dissenti-
ents did not obtain the church privileges they desired, and so they
refused to pay Mr. Chauncy, according to the terras of the same
agreement, thus seeming to balance a breach of the contract on
one side by a breach of it on the other. It will be remembered
they were, by their "call" of 1066, according to their ability, to
contribute for the " comfortable subsistence " of Mr. Chauncy,
The paper is as follows : —
" At a town meeting a little after the General Courte in May, in the year 1667,
when Mr. Hawley did present a petition to the said General Courte respecting
the Towns meeting for the laying out of the lands for the ministers : Joseph
Judson did say, in one town meeting at that time, when Mr. Hawley did present
the petition. — Mr. Hawley did make a complaint agaynst the Towne for not pay-
ing Mr. Chauncey, and he had done the towne great wrong in soe doing. Mr.
Hawley was absent when Joseph Judson spake these words ; but he being in-
formed of what he had spoeke agaynst him, Avheu he came in Joseph Judson
replyed unto Mr. Hawly in these word-s, — did not Mr. Gold say to you, that the
Towne had not payed Mr. Chauncey, and you answered yes ; then this was ask-
ed Joseph Judson, is yes a complaint, and he answered, if I make account, it is.
Joseph Judson further added, at the same time, when Mr. Hawley presented
the petition to the Generall Courte above said Towns agreement had bine set-
tled, had it not bine for Mr. Hawley ; for the Secretary had drawn up a wright-
ingfor that purpose; and he had it to shew and, eayth he, one of the bench said
to Mr. Hawley, will you be willing that the land shall be layd out to them for
their minister, as you would have the other part to you, but Joseph Judson closed
up — with this he answered nothing, but was silent; then the writing was crost
and the matter was layd aside. Mr. Hawley answered ensign Judson, that is false
which you say : then Lieut. Curtice asked Joseph Judson yf there was any more
than one writing drawn up at that Courte by the Secretary, for the settling
of the Town's agreement, and Joseph Judson answered not that I know of:
then Lieut, made this return to him, it cannot be what you have sayd now, for I
was present in the Courts, with many others that are here, when one wrighting
was drawn for that purpose, and there was noe petition presented there at
that time, and we know that one of the bench sayd, the naked truth is, yf you
grant them any thinge, you must grant them a Presbyterian minister ; (hen dep-
uty Gouvn'' we must forbeare, for we have sent for the Elders to consider about
that thinge, and the matter was layd aside upon this account. John Briusmead,
Sen., and John Peat, Jun., have attested upon oath to this testimony.
Before me, WM. CURTICE, Decemr. 12, 1671.
This is a true coppie, according to the original. Wm. Hill, Gierke."
* State Archives, Ecclesiastical, 1 vol. 37.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 917
From the foregoing it would seem that liigh words passed be-
tween the parties, and some of the Court were becoming wearied
with the dispute, and deemed it imi^ossible to heal the differences
without granting them the right to have a minister of their own
clioice. Accordingly, the vote passed at the October session
1667, approving of the town vote to divide the ministerial lands,
orders tlie freemen to contribute to Mr. Cliauney's support, '■'•till
there be another minister at Stratford there cohabiting^''
Tiie dissentients obtained the services of Kev. Zechariah A\^alk-
er, early in 1668, and though dissensions and disputes still con-
tinued, doctrinal ditferences were never again discussed, tliough
•there were frequent allusions in their papers to the subject matter
of their former disputes. The papers passing between the par-
ties after this date, referred principally to union meetings, and
the way in which they should enjoy their joint property, the meet-
ing-house. They had scarcely got a iirm foot-hold in the wilder-
ness, and completed tl;eir house before these dissensions begun
and it would be an enormous burden, in their then impo\eiished
state, to build a new house of worship. Hence the earnestness
with which the Second church insisted on a joint use, or a use in
common, of their church edifice. Their first proposition to Mr.
Chauncy's party, therefore, was, that Mr. Walker should preach
one part of each Sabbath in the meeting-house, and Mr. Chaancy
the other part, thus joining the two congregations.
The first church, in its reply to this j^ropositiou, (p. Vll) speaks
of their " difierent persuasions as to order in the house of God,''
and afiirms '' that though our differences be not about " funda-
mentalls and essenlialls of faith and Christian religion, yet it
reacheth to the fundamentalls of order in church aclmi)iistrations^
which are styled, Ezek. xliv, 5, " The comings in and goings forth
of the sanctuary ; " and, " we doe account ourselves bound by
covenant to that order and dispensation of the worship of God
that hath hitherto been peaceably practiced in this church and
other churches of Christ holding communion with us ; " that is,
as we say, the " ancient way " practised under Blakeman, and
such churches as those presided over by Hooker and Stone, when
no half-way theory disturbed the Christian serenity of God's peo-
ple. They further say, "as to Mr. Walker, he is one whom we
desire to honour and esteem in the Lord ; yet wee cannot see how
two, though godly, can walke together (especially two ministers)
except they be agreed." They therefore decide '' to retain and
918 HISTORY OF ANCIEISTT WOODBUKT.
maintain those dis2oensations which we have so dearly bonght, and
so long enjoyed without interruption."
It was the church administrations that they could not consent
to change — something connected witli the interior workings of
the church. They were asked simply to unite services with a
minister whom they honored and esteemed^ but their theories of
membersliip and baptism were such, that they could not consent
to give such slight countenance to the minority view, as would be
involved in the innocent act of uniting " in preaching and prayer,"
as advised by the General Court. It was impossible, it would
seem, for the older communicants to unite in adorations and sup-
plications to Deity, when in an adjoining pew sat an unconverted '
man, who had solemnly owned his covenant, and promised to
strive to become "perfect in the law," and by that means had be-
come entitled to every church privilege except, that he could not
come to the communion, nor hold church office. It may seem to
us, at this day, as illiberal to slam the gates of heaven in the face
of those who professed to be seekers after divine light and divine
truth — and force them to seek church room in the wilderness,
while their own hands had helped to build a commodious church,
large enough to contain an assembly of all the inhabitants.
In their next communication, dated Dec. 7, 1668, (p. 123,) the
church uiges, as a reason against joint services, that though Mr.
Walker is " hired, accommodated and settled, and in all resj^ects
equally privileged with Mr. Chauncy, and preaching part of his
worke for which hired," yet " wee rather tremble to thinke that
we should deviate from any rule of Xt and our ancient pattens, •
and undervalue our ancient Lawes and Law-makers, then as some
tremble to thinke .what will be the end of separation." Besides,
they say, " rule forbids us, which gives a church poioer to choose
her own feeders. Mr. Walker was never chosen by us to be our
feeder ; " and " how each minister can vindicate his own persua-
sion, and differend Administrations be cari-yed on together, and
no disturbance, each to other, but peace be preserved, we see not."
Different administrations is here referred to, which are, we think,
their ''federal holiness" and half-way covenant plans.
In reply to this, Mr. Walker's party speaks of " former differ-
ences," (p. 124,) and of the provision, by the agreement, for each
party to enjoy without disturbance the " ordinances of God ac-
'cording to s"" different persuasions," avowing their inability to
understand how " meeting or sitting together in ye same house, or
HISTORY OF ANCIEl^T WOODBURY.- 919
seat," or "conjunctiou in fifFection " could in any way interfere
with their " different persuasions " iu relation to 'f ye ordinances of
God," They close by giving notice that they shall occupy the
house one part of the next Sabbath, and hear their own minister,
giving Air, Chauncy's party the choice of the part of the day they
would prefer for their own service. The consequence of this no-
tice was, that Mr. Walker was allowed two hours for his services,
between the two services of Mi-. Chauncy.
In their statement of claims to tlie General Court in May, 1669,
Mr. Walker's party says, (p. 128,) "wee have, at least, an equall
interest in y® publick meeting-house, with our present ojjposites,
'and desire no other improvement of it than what religion and law
aUoweth us." This would hint toward the relative strength of the
two parties, while a petition to the same session from the " church
of Christ at Stratford, with many of the inhabitants," (p. 128,)
shows a list of forty-five names. At this session, the Court gave
Mr. Walker liberty to occupy the meeting-house three hours
each Sabbath, in the middle of the day, between Mr. Chaun-
cy's two services, till the October session, and advised both par-
ties to choose, " some indifferent pei'son of piety and learning to
compose their differences." Their " differences " at this time, so
far as the record shows, was confined exclusively to the way and
manner in which they should " enjoy the use of their meeting-
house." At least, this was the understanding of Mi*. Walker's
party. It will be seen by the next paper in order, of which a
copy follows, that the First church endeavored to raise other
issues, and to deny the only questions that had hitherto been- dis-
cussed. They allege that the '' diflerences " are " matter of civil
concernment," Avhen, during all their disputes, the burden of dis-
cussion had been about enjoying the ordinances of God, and not
one recorded word appears in legard to civil differences on either
side before ; —
" June 13, '69.
" Neibours :
" We are so far_from slighting Godlj advice from Godly magistrates, that
we honour botli, and are as ready as yourselves to attend it, according as we con.
ceive the full latitude and compasse of it reachetii. Therefore, for the advice
itselfe, we would consider it: First from the reason of it, and that is differences .
Secondly, from the end of it, and that is to settle a peace amongst us, and^
Thirdl}', it is serious advice, and that appears as from the end, so from ye qualifi-
cation of ye persons to be chose for this end, viz : indifferent, godly, and learned,
and then the work for these so qualified is, to compose our differences and to set-
920 HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
tie a peace or agreement. Our worke, therefore, we conceive is to to state all our
diiferences, so as the end may bo attained, and that we conceive is your worke in
the first place to doe (if you please). But first we will tell you what is not our
difference nor worke for advice, viz: a full improvement of our minister and ad-
ministrations ; all our priviledges, and libertyes, formerly settled and now con.
firmed, are no matter for us to take advice in, and we presume you so believe ;
therefore we would be as careful to attend the Courts act, as their advice, and
therefore not slight eyther.
If it be said what are our differences ? we conceive they are matter of civil
concernment. We have two reasons from, yourselves. First, that you charge us
with irregularity in the election of Town officers, as appears by your protest ; we
confesse if so this is worke for Arbitration. Secondly, from your presentation of
a paper of testimonyes at Hartford, before some magistrates at the time of the
Genii Court, these we are willing should be considered, though we had thought
our former advice had left us ground of agreement, if it had been received. But,
3dly, as to ourselves, (we conceive,) we have cause to desire that we may agree
to choose meet Arbitrators, according to advice, that may judge of our damages
and determine a reparation of them, which you cannot but know are great, and
occasioned by your unjust molesting of us; this being the worke, (and if you
will not slight the Courts advice,) we d sire you would name your men, and then
agree upon time and place, and so shall we." ^
The Second church denies that "civil concernments" have an)''
thing to do witli the case, and insist that it is their " ecclesiastical
differences" which they desired to have settled by the arbitrators,
though if there is any thing else to be adjusted, they are willing
that too shall be decided. They propose as follows : —
"Beloved neighbours: we persuade ourselves j-ou cannot be altogether insen-
sible of ye uncomfortable differences yt have been so long among us, and still re-
main uncomposed ; nor can you be unmindfuU of ye serious advice of ye Hon._
Gen. Court, recommended to us, viz : yt that in order to ye healing of our differ-
ences, we should jointly make choice of some indifferent persons of learning and
piety, to indeavoui (at least,) to reunite us, and to compose and issue our present
differences : We therefore, in compliance with the advice and with respect to ye
end therein proposed, do declare our readiness to join with you in ye attending
of such a hopeful and probable meanes, for the healing of our so imcomfortable
breaches, and do earnestly request your concurrence with us therein y*' (if it be
possible there may be a renewall of peace and love among us). You may (per-
haps) persuade yourselves that your case is so clear that you need not any advice
concerning it, and we on the other hand may as readily believe yt both reason
and equity are ingaged on our side ; but this we can easily be convinced of, yt
persons not interested in a case, are in a greater capacity of a right judgment con-
cerning it; than those that are on ye one hand or on the other so nearly con-
cerned. As for any difference among us about civill affaires, which ye honoured
court hath never had any thorough inspection into, we cannot think it to be
^ State Archives, Ecclesiastical, 1 vol,
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKT. 921
mainly, if at all respected or intended in your advice, (though some of yourselves
in some former discourses between us, have wholly restrained your advice there-
unto,) for who can rationally conjecture, yt ye worship would advise us to make
use of a councell, and that of such persons as yy describe, for yy knew not what ?
Yet, nevertheless, we are content yt any such difference among us shall be sub-
mitted to the judgment of such a councell; but the main things, which we sup-
pose were aimed at by ye court, and wherein we desire ye help of a councell, are
our ecclesiasticall concernments, and particularly our differences about the car-
rying on of ye worship of God among us ; though we desire not to exclude
anything yt may be thought of. which is causall to disturbance and difference
amongst us. If, therefore, you so far respect the advice of ye court, or ye at-
tainment of peace among ourselves, as to comply with us in such an indeavor, be
pleased to signify your minds unto us as soon as convenience will allow, yt we
may mutually apply ourselves to the prosecution thereof: if otherwise you con-
clude, we request you by y® seasonable communicating of your conclusion, to
discharge us from further expectation. July 28, 1669.
Zachariah Walker,
Joseph Judson,
John Minor, in ye name of ye rest concerned with us.
Stratford Towue proposal." ^
The next jjaper is from Mr. Chauncy's party, and only shows
that the two parties were not agreed as to what " differences "
the General Court had advised them to leave to arbitration. The
Chauncy party claimed it was " civil dilferences," while the Walk-
er party claimed it was " Ecclesiastical difierences." The paper
explains itself: —
" To ensigne Joseph Judson, to be communicated to the rest.
" Loving Neibours :
" "We have received a paper in the name, but know not whither with the
consent of the rest. The names and consent of them that are called the rest, we
judge rational that we should be acquainted with, and shall expect it before any
further treaty with you. In this your paper you signify your desire of our con-
currence with you in seeking to counsel, in order to the attendance of the Hon''.
Gennll courts advice for the healing of our differennes, and ye renewal of Love
and peace amongst us. But when we consider the further contents of your pa-
per, together with what hath bin propounded unto you by some of us, (of which
you might have had a copy,) it seemeth our greatest difference is what is
difference ? "We say it is our civil concernments, not ecclesiastical, and have
given our reasons. — You say not civil, but ecclesiastical — about the carrying on
the worship of God amongst us : If you please, we would consider your rea-
sons as they present themselves to us in your paper. The first, Negative ex-
prest, the second, aiSrmative implyed. The Negative hath two parts; first, sight;
secondly, knowledge. And so your sense is this — the Hon''. Genii court would not
^ State Archives, Ecclesiastical, Vol. 1.
6
922 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
advise us to put our civil differences to the judgment of indifferent, pious, learn-
ed men, because they had not a through inspection into them, and knew them not. "
An. True, they knew them not throughly; yet in part they did. And so, (ac-
cording to your manner of arguing) no prudent man seeing two neighboures at
differences, and knowing but part of y'' difference, can rationally advise them to
put their matters to references and not goe to Law. Tou know how to apply
it. 2. Affirmative strongly implyed, the court did not know our civils therefore
not advise us, the court did know our differences as to ecclesiastics, therefore at
them they aimed in their advise. An. It is true, indeed, they did hear a great
deal, and knew our differences, and (yourselves know) provided a Law for the
peace of you and us, therefore could have no aim in their advise to ecclesiasticks :
unlesse you will say the Court indeed hath made a Law, and hath given out to
this Church a particular charter or grant; but have advised us to leave it to a
counsel to alter it. But we say further, the court could have no aime in their ad-
vise that we should leave our ecclesiastical concernments to the judgment of a
counsel, when themselves have given liberty to yourselves as to us, to enjoy our
own persuations; for would yourselves be willing to leave that liberty to the ad-
vice of a counsel, if they should advise you to be of our persuations. If so we
understand you had that advice already ; and for our parts in the matters of
God's worship (wherein you say our difference lyes) our desires are to take the
counsel of him who is called Wonderfull, and, if you can, we cannot be so shght
in them as to put them to Arbitration : But we mind one thing more in your
paper to which we adhere, viz : persons not interested in a case, are in a greater
capacity of a right judgment concerning it than those that are on the one hand
or the other so nearly concerned, and such for our civil differenses we hope to
meet you with : And if still you say our difference is in the worship of God,
shew us iu what particulars, and wherein we misse the rule, and so by discharging
your duty, you will engage our affections, and have greater peace in the enjoy-
ment of your own persuasions by yourselves, which we desire not to hinder you
of Neibours, we must needs tell you, tliough we had almost forgot to tell you,
that the paper we received from you neither reacheth your promise (as we tooke
it up) nor our expectation, viz: a stating our differences in order to counsel
And therefore we adde the following questions which we desire a plain answer to,
that we may not be always beating the ayr, but come to some conclusion.
Q. 1. If your differences be Ecclesiastical, then what are they?
Q. 2. If such differences be found from whom doe they arise, or who acca
sioned them.
Q. 3. Of what standing or continuance are they ?
Q. 4. Whether have you found such men as are uninterested in such differ-
ences ? If so,
Q. 5. Who are they ?
Q. 6. Whether if advise should lead to the laying down of your persuasions,
and acting contrary to them, you could submit to it ? Upon a plain answer fo
these questions we shall come to a conclusion.
5th, (6th,) '69. Israel Ghauncy,
Philip Grove. In the na-ne
and with the consent of the church and several of our Neibors." '
' State Archives, Ecclesiastical, 1 Vol.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 923
The next paper, from the First church party, explains itself: —
" For ensigne Joseph Jud8on, to be communicated to the rest :
Sept. 10, '69.
Loving Neibours:
Wee are informed of a meeting of Revd. Elders at New Haven, upon the
sLxteenth day of the Instant, September; and have thought good seriously to ac-
quaint you thei'ewith, it being so good a providence to reach the end advised un-
to, which yet hath not bin attended ; though for our parts we have shewed our
readiness. Now, if you please to make use of the opportunity, in presenting
anything relating to our differences, we desire you will please to let us under-
stand your mindes, that so we may have some to goe along with you, where we
doubt not but you and we shall have counsel that may be suitable to our con-
ditions.
Israel Chauncey,
Phillip Grove." »
The next communication, and, so far as has beea preserved, the
last but one between the contestants, is from the Walker party,
addressed to the General Court at its Oct. Session, 1669. It ex-
plains itself, and gives a full resume of the matters in dispute,
since they had liberty from the Court to have their own minister.
No epitome can do it justice, and it is given entire, that all may
see the statement of fact and style of its reasoning : —
" Whereas it hath pleased ye Hon. Genii Courte to propound ye advice to y«
Inhabitants of Stratford yt for the healing of the differences yt are amongst us,
there should be a councell mutually chosen of pious and learned men ; And we,
in observance of yr s'^ advise have proffered our concurrence with our neibours
in, improveing of such a councell, but have had no such return from them, as in
reason wee might expect; but instead thereof, a positive rejection of our motion •
wee thought good to present to the Hon. Courte some animadversions uppon the
return we have received from them.
'■ As for yr introduction, wherein they acquaint us yt they have received a pa-
per in the name, but know not whether with the consent of the rest — we cannot
but wunder yt our neighbours should make so great a distinction when there is so
little, or rather no difference. When God separated ye tribe of Levi, to bless in
his name, Deut. 10, 8, and 20, 5, was it then a rationall question whether ye ben-
ediction was with divine consent? When David sent his messenger to greet Na-
ball in his name, hee thought it not needful to adde yt it was with his consent ;
nor was Naball such a churl as to object ye want of it : 1 Sam. 25, 5. When
David blessed the whole congregation of Israeli in ye name of ye Lord, there
was not a man amongst them yt moved the question whether it were with the
Lord's consent, 2 Sam. 6, 18. When our blessed Savior tells us, in Matt. 18, 20,
that were two or three are gathered in his name, he is in the midst of them, who
' State Archives, Ecclesiastical, 1 Vol.
924 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
can think that his consent is not therein understood ? Many such like Scripture
instances might be given to prove y* these are consonant expressions and of like
import. But they proceed, and tell us yt they think it rationall yt they
should bee acquainted -with your names, and consent of them that are called the
rest, and that they shall expect it before any further treaty with us, <fec. But is
it rationall yt we must give them each of our names, and produce a letter of at.
torney impowring such as act in behalf of the rest : And is it not at the same
time as rationall that they which demand that of us, should do the like them-
selves? are two names subscribed to yours sufficient, with your bare word that
it is with the consent of the Church, and are not three, these subscribed to ours
as suflScient, with as much assurance that they were imployed by the rest ? Are
you all soe notable, or so notorious, yt you neede no mention of your names, and
we, on the other hand, so obscure and unknown that we must bee imagined to
be, unless they have our names in writing: But not to stay here. They further
acknowledge our manifestation of our desires to attend the courts advice in seek-
ing to counsell, in order to the healing of our differences, what then hinders, yt it
should not be attended? The reasone you give to the contrary, are the conside-
ration of first the contents of our paper, (wherein we declare ourselves willing to
submitt any differences amongst us to the Judgment of a councell, and, 2nd,
of what had been propounded to us by some of yourselves, viz : to make choyce
of a councell to Judge our civill differences, and lett alone our ecclesiastical dif-
ferences, which were the main things upon which we disagreed : uppon these
considerations they are pleased to inform us yt it seemeth (we suppose to none
but themselves) yt our greatest difference is what is difference: if yr were guilty
of any good reason it might deserve a rationall answer, but it is as good as it will
bee, onely by the way it is worthy the noting, yt ye same persons yt have by
word of mouth professed yt they know of no ecclesiastical differences amongst
us, and yt in the writing doe affirm yt their greatest difference amongst us is
what is difference, or in other words what it is to differ, doe yet with all profess
that our differences are such that they cannot joyn with us in any act of worship,
how they will reconcile those we may soon inquire : then they can rationally an-
swer. Whereas they subjoin their and our opposite apprehensions concerning
the differences amongst us intended in the courts advise ys yt onely civil affayres
are therein intended, and thot ecclesiastical concernments were maynly respected.
It may remain with the Hon courte to give the sense of their own advice. As
for the antick analysis of our reasons for our apprehension in the above sd re-
spect, it will not be worth inck and paper to write out an answer thereunto, onely
one thing therein must not be wholly omitted, viz: yt aspertion they cast uppon
us, yt after our manner of our arguing, (in our reasons so prove that our ecclesi-
astical concernments were maynly intended in yt courts advise). No prudent
man seeing two neibours at difference and knowing but part of their difference, can
rationally advise y^to put the matter to reference, and not goe to law ; in answer
whereunto, lest it be considered whether none but pious and learned men are
competent judges of ordinary differences betwixt neibour and ueibour, we are
ready to think that civill honest men, though unlearned, might serve their turn.
Whereas they are pleased to argue yt the courte, in their advice, could have no
aim that we should leave our ecclesiastical concernments to ye judgment of a
counsell, seeing they have given liberty to us as well as our neibours to injoy our
own persuasions, and wee (as they suppose) would be unwilling to leave yt lib-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 925
berty to the advice of a councell, if they should advise us to be of the same per-
suasion with them, our neibours. As to the first pretense of argument herein
imployed, we answer, that though the court hath given hbberty to them in our
different apprehensions, yet we persuade ourselves that it would be no unwell-
eome news to the court to hear, that our differences were well issued, and we
united. As for the latter argument, from our unwillingness to leave our libberty
to a councell, if they should advise us to be of different persuasions, wee cannot
think that it was the thing aimed at by the court in propounding a councell, that
they should tell us of what persuasion we should he, but rather yt they should
advise how we might manage our different persuasions so as, notwithstanding
them, to mayntain love and unity amongst us. And whereas they further adde
yt we have bin allready advised to be of your persuasion, we must profess yt we
never yet knew the man yt was so absurd and irratiouall as to give us yt advice :
Whereas they furttier inform us of their desires to take the councell of him who
is called Wonderful, let it be considered whether that be wholly inconsistent with
taking advice from pious and learned men ; if so, the courte is more to blame
than we, for advising thereunto, nor can their worships be excused in the next
clause, wherein our neibours tell us, that if we can, they cannot be so slight in
matters of worship as to put them to arbitration ; for we have desired nothing
of them but which the courte advised unto. So if we are guilty, slightness for
offering to attend the courts advice, vV is the courts for propounding it? But
they further tell us of one thing in our paper to which they adhere, viz : that
persons not interested in a case are the fittest judges concerning it ; but if they
adhere to this, as they pretend, what means the following expressions : that such
for our civill differences they hope to meet us with, but why not for our ecclesi"
astical differences likewise? Are not men as lyable to pride, self-love and par-
tiality, in ecclesiastical as in civill differences ? But their will is sufficient.
They go on, that if we affirm, (what they know to be true,) yt our grand differ-
ence is about the worship of God, we should show them wherein they miss their
rule, but what shall we gett yt ? They tell us we shall thereby discharge our
duty, engage 'their affections and have the greater peace in ye injoyment of our
own persuasions, by ourselves ; but it seems we shall not attayn their company
in conjunction with us, notwithstanding : no, though should most convincingly shew
them that wherein they differ from us, they miss their rule, yet still we must not
hope for any more, but a peaceable injoj^ment of our own persuasion by our-
selves: as for them, it seems they are resolved in their way, hit or miss, and
will rather separate from their rule, than conjoin with us. But to proceed, they
further inform us (as a thing by no means to be omitted) that our writing did not
answer their expectation, nor our promise as they took it up: as for their ex.
pectation, we must let it alone to themselves to explain what it was. As for any
promise they had from us, we know not that in the least we have fayled to ac-
complish it. But for a conclusion, they are pleased to propound an halfe-dozen
of questions, uppon our answer to which they promise to come to some conclu-
sion. But let it be remembered yt they have denyed us any further treaty till
they have a list of our names, and something to manifest the consent of all our
party with any imployed by them: so that unless we will answer their insolent
demands, uppon that account, an answer to their questions will be of little value*
And farther, lest it be considered yt if our proffering to attend the courts advice,
in submitting our differences to the judgment of a counsel!, doth ingage us to
926 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
answer those questions of yours, certainly the courts advising us to so doe doth
much more ingage them to make their responsive part of the catechize unto y'
worships ; therefore we shall wholly refuse it. Some time after our receipt of
yours, we received another paper, inviting us to a counsell or meeting of Elders at
New Haven. But how much reason, ingenuity, or verity y"" paper contayns, is
worth y'' inquiry. First, they tell us they thought good to acquaint us with such
a meeting, as a good providence in order to the attaynment of the end aimed at
in y« courts advice, and yet themselves have before, once and again, peremto-
rily refused to submitt any ecclesiastical differences amongst us to the judgment
of a counsel!. Again they desire, if we will make use of that opportunity, that
we should acquaint them.
This is a true copy according to the originall, examined by me.
Mr. Wm. Hill, Clarke."
The result of tliis application to the October Session, 1669, was
a resolution advising the First church to comply with the desire
of Mr. Walker's party, to have union services, allowing Mr. Walk-
er to preach one part of each Sabbath. The church did not heed
this advice, but excluded them from the church entirely. No
more appears of record till Sept. 29, 1670, following the organiza-
tion of the new church, by consent of the neighboring churches,
May 5, 16*70, when a communication was addressed to the First
Church, (p. 130,) sadly complaining of the treatment they had re-
ceived, by which they had been made such " causeless sufferers,"
and the " house of God and religion suffered as well as we " —
asking " that you would so far 'bethinke yourselves what injury
you have done us in excluding us from the place of publick wor-
ship, wherein you know our right to be as good as yours, and how
unwilling yourselves would have beene to be so dealt with, — as to
suffer us, without any molestation or disturbance, to return to the
enjoyment of that our right in the meeting-house, therein to have
the improvement of our minister one part of each Sabbath." If
they wished " to oppose and resist so rationall and just a propo-
sition as this," then they proposed to divide the town, and sepa-
rate, " that so, by the removall of one party, there may at length
be a cessation of those so long lasting troubles that have been
amongst us." They also gave notice that they should, in case no
arrangement was made, apply to the General Court. They did so
apply, at the Oct. Session, 1670, and a committee was appointed to
*' view the lands desired, and consider the proposition, but nothing
was effected by the committee, nor was any report made. There
' State Archieves, Ecclesiastical, 1 Vol.
HI.STOKY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY. 92*7
is no record of any other action in the matter, on the part of the
autfiorities of the Colony, til] May, 1672, when, as we have seen,
on the advice of Gov. Winthrop, Mr. Walker and his church were
granted lands, and allowed to found a new town at Pomperaug.
The Second church of Stratford was organized under Rev. Zech-
ariah Walker, as pastor, May 5, 1670. A clear light is thrown
upon the nature of the dissensions for the last three preceding
years, when in Oct. 1667, the dissentients had been granted au-
thority to have a minister for themselves. He says, in the open-
ing of his history of the Second church : —
•
" After great indeavours for an uaion wth ye former chh., and much patience
therein, wn long experience had too plainly evidenced yr irremovable resolution
to oppose an union wth us, though nothing had appeared of any such great dis-
tance ill our apprehensions, as might be inconsistent y'with : All hopes of suc-
cess in our indeavours being at length taken away, we thought ourselves bound
to seek after ye injoyment of ye ordinances of God in a distinct society, finding
ye door shut agst. or attaining it in any other way : we did yrfore, first more pri-
vately (by reason of ye great opposition wi'wth we were attended) set apart a
day of solemn humiliation, (fee."
Mr. Walker says, (p. 131,) that nothing of any "such great dis-
tance " between their several opinions existed, as might prevent
" an union." We should also think not, for since the Oct. Session
of the General Court in 1667, there had been no matter of discus-
sion between them, except to determine whether they could agree
on joint services in " preaching and prayer," in their joint prop-
erty, the meeting-house, and failing in that, to see if they could
agree on separate hours of the day in which each party might attend
the services of its own minister. The First church was unbending
throiighout. They would not have union meetings. They would not
consent that Mr. Walker should occupy the meeting-house either
part of the Sabbath. By the order of the Court they must not dis-
turb the First church. They must obtain their rights peaceably.
The First church insisted they would be disturbed, if the Second
church occupied the house either part of the day, and so they kept
them out. There was no matter of" great distance" at issue, but hav-
ing the advantage, they would not accord them even their just rights.
It is to be noted, that the 7ieio Stratford church was organized
by " y® approbation of ye chhs. of Fairfield, Killingworth and
ye neio church^X Windsor," What was this new church at Wind-
sor ? Was it formed on the Hooker and Stone plan, or was it
formed as a result of the differences there in regard to " church
membership and baptism ?"
928 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Thus have we carefully examined, and discussed each recorded
trace of the facts connected with the church dissentions at Strat-
ford, with calmness, and with the earnest desire to arrive at the
truth. As the accuracy of the former conclusions of the writer
had been called in question, after they had passed into several his-
torical works, and become embedded, so to speak, in the history
of the State, the duty to re-examine the subject became imperative.
The reader now has before him, in the two volumes of this work,
every thing now extant that has been recorded concerning this
controversy, so far as we know or believe, as well as the differing
theories of the " Stratford " and "WoodUury Views," and each
one can form his conclusions for himself While the writer, from
his renewed examination, has only become more confirmed in the
theory, that the subject matter of the disputes at Stratford re-
lated principally to the Half-way Covenant system and cognate
theories, and not to simple differences about adopting the modes
of Congregationalism or Presbyterianism, he will in no wise be
disturbed if others should come to a different conclusion. The
truth of history required him to present the evidence, and that
being done, his responsibility in this regard is ended.
CHAPTER IV
CIVIL HISTORY.
Accuracy of American History ; Characteristics of the Fathers ; Free
Home-lots ; Comments on the " Fundamental Articles ;" Lower Nonnewauo
J'alls; Old Mill-stones; Bethel Rock; The First Meeting-house; Sec-
ond Meeting-house; Sabbath-day Houses; Church Customs ; Bear-hill and
Ragland Sheep Pasture ; Drumming for Church Meetings ; First Arti-
zans ; Wooden Shoes ; Ride and Tie ; Going to Church ; Iron Kettle ;
Quassapaug Scene ; Reflections.
HERE is one peculiarity in the his-
tory of our nation which applies to
no other. We go back to the ear-
liest days, and record all the mi-
nute events of our own origin.
There is no nation except, perhaps,
the Jewish, that undertakes to do
this. We record the annals of our
time, step by step, noting every
event as it occurs, with great particularity and accuracy. " No one
of the present nations of Europe can tell a word of their earliest an-
cestors ; or even specify the century in which their territory was
first taken possession of by them ; but all is as involved in obscurity
as are the years before the flood." Scarcely more is known of them
than of the location of the Garden of Eden. All their early history
is a mithical period, and one scarcely knows where their authentic
annals begin. But it is far different with our early history as a na-
tion. We know the men who said they would be free, and who laid
the foundation of this mighty republic. We know whence they
came, the spot to which they came, the object for which they
came, and the year, the month, and the day they took possession."
They began at once to make, and require of their officers the
keeping of records of all events of interest in their independent,
civil communities. Neglect was punished with severe penalties.
" Our nation owes a lasting debt of gratitude to our ancestors,
for their fidelity in recording tfie incipient steps taken by them in
9 30 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURT.
settling this new world." We have seen, in the preceding pages,
with what care our fathers preserved the history of the events,
painful in themselves, which resulted in the settlement of our
town. We respect them for it. If they had faults, they dared
confess them, and meet such retribution as properly attached to
them. It is the great, apparent trait in our ancestors, one on which
they seemed to pride themselves, that they studied deeply the
questions that interested them, formed their opinions deliberately,
and, having become assured that any particular course or theory
was right, they dared avow and defend it, whatever might be the
consequences of such avowal or action. It is to be remembered,
always, that they were cut oft' from nearly all the privileges which
we possess. They had fled to a wilderness inhabited by savages
and wild beasts. They were poor. They had but the bare neces-
saries of life, forced from an unwilling soil. They had neither the
daily nor weekly newspaper, bringing them intelligence and
useful information from the whole civilized world. Books were
rare, and of schools there were none, till they were able to " set
them up " amid the forests. Laborious days and nights were con-
tinually required to eke out the naked requirements of humanity, ■
and to reclaim and cause the desert lands to bud and blossom as
the rose, and make possible the introduction of a more refined
civilization. Yet they had, thanks to the old Puritan care, the
rudiments of an education. Most of them could read and write,
and search the holy Scriptures. Many were from the more intel-
ligent classes and higher walks in life in the old world, who had
fled to this new land for opinion's sake. And, above all, they
" had a scholar to their minister " — a learned man — " in every
town and village." Their religion was intellectual and doctrinal,
rather than emotional, and the consequence was, that while they
felled the forests and tilled the stubborn soil, they thought deeply,
were imbued with the importance of the conclusions to which
they arrived, and the inspirations that glowed in their hearts,
while an overwhelming sense of the "justice and majesty" of
God, whose servants they were, to shew forth his glory on earth,
made them tully persuaded, that each important act of theirs
should be recorded, and have its controlling influence on the gen-
erations. Hence the care they took of their records. Hence the
fact, that we are so perfectly informed of all the past of our country.
In looking over the early acts of our fathers, another thing at-
tracts out attention, and that is the care with which they selected
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 931
their associates in founding their new town. With their first as-
sociates they were well acquainted. They had battled with them
side by side, in their contests with the First church, for six yeai"s.
They knew how reliable they were, and they simply covenanted
with each other, that they would make the new plantation " their
dwelling place four whole years after y* such y' removal, before
they shall have liberty to dispose of their Accommodations y'*
granted them. Granted to any other person iu the way of sale,
or alienation, to prevent discouragement to y® s'^ plantation." And
even after this time had elapsed, the owner could sell or let his
property to no person, " but such as y^ town shall approve of."
But that there should be no hardship in the matter, the town, on
its part, agreed either to purchase the lands of any person who
desired to sell and remove, or approve of purchasers who were
"blameless men in their conversation, with certificates according
to law." They not only desired to plant and establish the right
institutions, but to make it certain that they should be preserved
to all time.
It will be remembered that in removing to the wilderness, therfi
was no expense for land. The town lands were free, so far as any
colonial charge was concerned. There were expenses in clearing
the territory of the rights of the original proprietors, expenses of
removal, and various other joint charges, which miist be defrayed.
Though all our fathers were poor on their first entrance on these
western lands, yet there were distinctions even among them in
their worldly possessions. For this provision was made, that
every thing might be done according to the rules of equity and
justice. The charges mentioned constituted the indebtedness of the
new colony. The lands constituted their capital, or wealth, which,
pursuant to their grant from the General Court, and their own ar-
ticles of association, (p. 39,) they were to divide in proportion to
the amount they severally contributed to the expenses of estab-
lishing the plantation. Meanwhile, they reserved liberal quanti-
ties of land for the support of the ministry, the establishment of
a school, and for the accommodation of such new settlers as they
should approve and admit to become inhabitants, which newly
received inhabitants were allowed a proportion of the lands on
paying into the town treasury a sum sufticient to make them
equal with the " first removing proprietors." They granted " ac-
commodations," without a pecuniary payment, to skilled artizans
and professional men, as an inducement to settle with them, and
•<032 HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
enable them to avail themselves of their educated skill. Accord-
ingly, we find that they thus endowed the town miller, blacksmith,*
fuller and a physician — but not the lawyer — that was reserved to
a later and more luxurious period. This mode of land division
was not very dissimilar to the present " homestead law," for the
encouragement of settling our western lands. After the settle-
ment each inhabitant was to pay his share of the public expenses, in
proportion to the amount of his land received from the common
stock, without regard to the amount of personal property. To
effect this purpose, "Adjusters' Books" were kept, and lands sold,
or purchased, or set out in their land divisions, were added to, or
subtracted from their land accounts, and thus a perfectly certain
basis for taxation was furnished. There was no chance for the
concealments which are now so abundantly furnished by our mode
of assessments and taxation.
Another particular in the Fundamental Articles is to be noticed,
(p. 40). It is the condition by which all engaged, "each for him-
selfe not only, that wee will not any way disturb y® peace y'in,
but also, that we will personally subject ourselves to that Ecclesi-
astical Government that shall be there established, or practised
agreeable to j^ Word of God," and agreed to forfeit their lands,
and all interest in the plantation, in case of a breach of this con-
dition. They had just issued from a religious dissension, which
ran through several years. It had become necessary, on this ac-
count, to remove into the wilderness, and they resolved that they
would so order their affairs, that there could never be a similar
occurrence in their day and generation. Doubtless from this con-
dition, in some measure, may we attribute the fact, that there was
no schism in the church, involving a division of its membership,
for more than one hundred and forty years. Six Societies had,
meanwhile, been permitted, in brotherly love, to set up for them-
selves, made necessary by the increase of the inhabitants, and the
'May 13, 1706, the town voted a ten acre accommodation, with the accompa-
nying interest in all the land divisions, to "Mr. Samuel Bull, of Farmington,"
provided he should reside in town for the space of six years, and carry on the
"trade of a Smith in the town." Mr. Bull was a deacon in the church and a
man of note in Farmington, before his removal to Woodbury. He did not exer-
cise the functions of a deacon after his removla here. He married Elizabeth,
only daughter of Rev. Zechariah Walker, and died without children.
A ten acre accommodation (p. 73) was also granted to Abraham Fulford, in
1700, being "a well accomplished person for carding wool, weaving and fulling
cloth."
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
935
good crops the year of their removal. While building their
houses near together for protection against Indian incursions, they
pushed out their working parties in all directions. All the river
lands were at once appropriated. East Meadow was esteemed by
them as very desirable, and they quickly overrun all meadow land
quite to Nonnewaug Falls. These falls have been fully described
on pages 92 and 847. They consist of a series of three cascades,
making a total fall of about one hundred feet. The artist has
given a vivid sketch of the two principal ones.
[Lower Nonnewaug Falls.]
It is one of nature's loveliest nooks retired in the dim solitudes,
where the silence is broken only by the roar of the sweetly falling
waters and song of solitary bird.
After the settlers had made their first crop, and erected their first
rude cabins, they laid out other divisions of land from their com-
mon stock, and cultivated the same, extending their borders mean-
while. But they were thirty miles from the old home. They had
neither saw nor grist-mills. They were, in fact, forced to be about
as primitive in their habits as the natives of the forests. At the
same time there were no roads to connect them with the mother
town by the sea-side. The only means of conveyance was on
•©32 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
enable them to avail themselves of their educated skill. Accord-
ingly, we find that they thus endowed the town miller, blacksmith,*
fuller and a physician — but not the lawyer — that was reserved to
a later and moi'e luxm-ious period. This mode of land division
was not very dissimilar to the present " homestead law," for the
encouragement of settling our western lands. After the settle-
ment each inhabitant was to pay his share of the public expenses, in
proportion to the amount of his land received from the common
stock, without regard to the amount of personal property. To
effect this purpose, "Adjusters' Books" were kept, and lands sold,
or purchased, or set out in their land divisions, were added to, or
subtracted from their land accounts, and thus a perfectly certain
basis for taxation was furnished. There was no chance for the
concealments which are now so abundantly furnished by our mode
of assessments and taxation.
Another particular in the Fundamental Articles is to be noticed,
(p. 40). It is the condition by which all engaged, "each for him-
selfe not only, that wee will not any way disturb y® peace y'in,
but also, that we will personally subject ourselves to that Ecclesi-
astical Government that shall be there established, or practised
agreeable to y® Word of God," and agreed to forfeit their lands,
and all interest in the plantation, in case of a breach of this con-
dition. They had just issued from a religious dissension, which
ran through several years. It had become necessary, on this ac-
count, to remove into the wilderness, and they resolved that they
would so order their affairs, that there could never be a similar
occurrence in their day and generation. Doubtless from this con-
dition, in some measure, may we attribute the fact, that there was
no schism in the church, involving a division of its membership,
for more than one hundred and forty years. Six Societies had,
meanwhile, been permitted, in brotherly love, to set up for them-
selves, made necessary by the increase of the inhabitants, and the
"May 13, 1706, the town voted a tea acre accommodation, with the accompa-
nying interest in all the land divisions, to "Mr. Samuel Bull, of Farmington,''
provided he should reside in town for the space of six years, and carry on the
"trade of a Smith in the town." Mr. Bull was a deacon in the church and a
man of note in Farmington, before his removal to Woodbury. He did not exer-
cise the functions of a deacon after his removla here. He married Elizabeth,
only daughter of Rev. Zechariah Walker, and died without children.
A ten acre accommodation (p. 73) was also granted to Abraham Fulford, in
1700, being "a well accomplished person for carding wool, weaving and fulling
cloth."
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
935
good crops the year of their removal. While building their
houses near together for protection against Indian incursions, they
pushed out their working parties in all directions. All the river
lands were at once appropriated. East Meadow was esteemed by
them as very desirable, and they quickly overrun all meadow land
quite to Nonnewaug Falls. These falls have been fully described
on pages 92 and 847. They consist of a series of three cascades,
making a total fall of about one hundred feet. The artist has
given a vivid sketch of the two principal ones.
[Lower Nonnewaug Falls.]
It is one of nature's loveliest nooks retired in the dim solitudes,
where the silence is broken only by the roar of the sweetly falling
waters and song of solitary bird.
After the settlers had made their first crop, and erected their first
rude cabins, they laid out other divisions of land from their com-
mon stock, and cultivated the same, extending their borders mean-
while. But they were thirty miles from the old home. They had
neither saw nor gi'ist-mills. They were, in fact, forced to be about
as primitive in their habits as the natives of the forests. At the
same time there were no roads to connect them with the mother
town by the sea-side. The only means of conveyance was on
936 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
horseback, following a bridle-path, guided by "blazed" trees.
Trees were " blazed " by scorching their bark with torches, at
convenient distances, and these constituted very good guide-
boards. But committees were appointed as early as 16*75, to lay
out a road from Woodbury to Derby, and from Derby to Strat-
ford, and provision was also made for a ferry. The committee,
however, did not report till 1677, and the road was probably not
built till several years later. Meanwhile, the people must have
mill privileges. They accordingly procured a set of stones, and
transported them on horseback, or, rather, slung them between
two horses, and took the weary way of their bridle-path to Wood-
bury. They set up their mill-shed on a little brook a short distance
east of Deacon Eli Summers' house, in Middle Quarter, and
though but about a bushel of grain per day could be ground at
this mill, yet it was all the accommodation of the kind that the
inhabitants had, till 1681. These mill-stones were of small dimen-
sions, being not more than thirty inches
in diameter. One of these is still pre-
served, and has been attached to the base
stone of the "Fathers' Monument" in
the south, or ancient burial ground, for
[First Mill-stones.] preservation, after having done service
for more than a hundred years as a door-stone to the house in
Middle Quarter lately occupied by Miss Lucy Sherman. Traces
of the first mill-dam still exist. The second mill was built in
1681, near the Pomperaug river, about fifty rods westerly from
the dwelling-house of Hon. N. B. Smith, immediately under the
hill, the water with which to run it being brought from the river,
about one hundred rods distant. Faint traces of the old dam still '
remain. Some of the timbers of this second mill-dam still remain
imbedded in the river, in a state of perfect preservation. It was
much troubled by the freshets, had to be frequently repaired, or
re]>laced, and the town was obliged to make other arrangements
for a stable mill. In 1691, Mr. Samuel Stiles Avas appointed town
miller ; mill accommodations were granted for its " encourage-
ment," and the mill located near where the mill of D. Curtiss &
Sons now stands, where it has ever since been maintained.
As soon as the pioneers had fairly settled themselves in their
new homes, they took measures to build a meeting-house for the
worship of God, and a school-hodse, that " leai'ning might not be
neglected to children," As we have seen, they had their grant of
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 933
conveniences of location, which became the nucleus of towns,
that have since been incorporated. It was a wise provision, and
brought forth good and abundant fruits.
These articles were made and signed in Stratford. Every thing
was prepared and fully agreed upon, before they buried themselves
in the depths of the wilderness. It was a great undertaking, in
those early days of want and privation. It is difficut to imagine
that overwhelming sense of duty which could impel them to this
step, when there was room enough and to spare in the beautifully
shaded Stratford, on the pleasant shores so gently laved by the
ever-murmuring sea waves. Speaking of this removal of the
Second church of Stratford, this thought was very eloquently ex-
pressed by Rev. William K. Hall, of Stratford, pastor of the First
church, in a speech at the Bi-centennial of our church, in May,
1870:—
" The daughter, with her chosen spiritual leader and guide, left
the old homestead, and in choosing her new home wisely turned
northward, preferring the clear, bracing air of the north to the
damp and fog and malaria of the shore lands. The record of
these two hundred years, and these festivities to-day, testify to
the wisdom of that separation and of that choice.
That setting forth from the old home was under circumstances,
and amid scenes, which, if we could reproduce them in our imagi-
nation to-day, would aid us in rising to the full significance of this
occasion. The Plantation was only thirty years old. These years
had been years of toil, of hard work in subduing the wilderness,
and in making for themselves comfortable homes. They had been
spent in almost constant fear of the depredations and attacks of
the Indians. One generation was about passing away, and a new
generation had already begun to take up and carry on the ever
unfinished work. They were just beginning to enjoy the fruits of
their hard pioneer toil, were just beginning to realize the benefits
of a social life, well ordered, properly systematized as to govern-
ment, adequately equipped and adjusted by the experiences of
those thirty years. Those years had been years chiefly of prepa-
ration. The settlement was now assuming the appearance and the
character of a thrifty agricultural town. It must have required
a resoluteness of purpose, backed by a firm, conscientious regard
for duty, for that little band to go forth at such a time, and strike
out an entirely new path for themseles, to begin over again that
same laborious work of making new homes in these wild wood-
934 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
lands of jthe north. The prime motives that led thera to take that
step were wholly of a religious nature. Their rights as church
members they would maintain. Spiritu al interests must be held
paramount. They felt that they could not remain in the old
church home, though it was large enough to contain them, if the
course they deemed right and scriptural was not pursued, so they
left it. They had pluck, nerve and energy— stood their ground
firmly until they were convinced that it was for the good of both
parties that they should secede. I apprehend that at the last, the
spirit that prevailed was not far diiFerent from that exhibited in
the Patriarch brother, after variances had arisen in the family :
"Let there be no strife, 1 pray, between me and thee, and between
my herdsmen and thy herdsmen ; for we be brethren. Is not the
whole land before thee : separate thyself I pray thee from me.
If thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right, and if
thou depart to the right hand then I will go to the left."
" Fortunately there was land enough, and that too not far distant
from the old home. Could those bold spirits who planned and
achieved that work of settlement, whose names shine out upon
these tablets before us to-day, see what we of this generation see,
could look upon these well tilled, well fenced farms, this attractive
thoroughfare, bordered by this cordon of cottage and homestead,
indicative all of such comfort, and plenty, and taste, could behold
what would be to them of by far greater value, and in their
estimate the largest proofs of their success, and the highest earthly
reward of their sacrifices and toil, these marks of church life and
church progress which have been commensurate with the growth
of the outreaching population, they might well believe that the
Lord went up with them and before them, and marked out for
them the goodly heritage which was to be theirs, and their
children's.
" All honor and praise from us be to that devoted band. The un.
fiinchiug fidelity to honest convictions, the uncompromising spirit
of attachment to what was to them the truth of God, which they
exhibited at the sacrifice of so much they held dear, were the
rightful issue of the Puritan blood that flowed in ther veins. Let
us emulate their spirit, and prove ourselves worthy of such a
godly ancestry."
Our fathers were now fairly embarked in their new enterprise.
They quickly placed the open lands under cultivation, securing
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 939
the township of Woodbury in 1672, made a small crop the same
year, lost it by wild beasts the following winter, and removed
their families here in the spring of 1673. In two years they were
driven back to Stratford by King Philip's war, and began to re-
turn again in 1676, not fully regaining their foothold till the next
year.
Previously and subsequently to Philip's war, our fathers wor-
shipped, in summer, at Bethel Rock, which has been so often al-
luded to in these pages, and in winter they gathered in their own
rude houses. But the question may be asked, why did the people
at any time of the year leave their homes, and retire from the vil-
lage, (for it was almost as much of a village in the early years as
now, the houses being built near each other for protection) to the
rock for their devotions? The answer is obvious. Their num-
bers were, from the beginning, considerable. They came with
about twenty families, and their numbers increased rapidly for a
new plantation. In contrast Avith the present generation, they
had large families in those days, obeying the divine command-
ment, and every household constituted quite a little colony in it-
self. It was with them a law of conscience, as well as of the col-
ony, that all should attend divine service, and there was no one
of their log huts that could contain a tythe of the inhabitants for
the purpose of Avorship. They had no meeting-house. They were
never for a moment free from the danger of the incursions of the
hostile Mohawks. It was the object of their coming into the wil-
derness, that they should not " forget the assembling of them-
selves together " to worship the Great Creator. What should
they do ? A beautiful dell, secure from hostile attacks and the
buffet of storms, in the bosom of the cliffs, of the mountains, fur-
nished with sufKcient audience room, and a rude stone pulpit, was
at hand. It was nature's church, built and fashioned by the Holy
One of Israel, as though a miracle had been performed for the ben-
efit of this band of Christians. It was conveniently near, and
" guarding rocks," to be picketed by the men of the match, or flint
lock, lined the way. Three minutes walk from the house of their
pastor, where Levi S. Douglass now lives, by the south cliff, or
five minutes walk from Judson Lane, by the north cliff, brought
them to this place of prayer, and of " hopeful security." What
more appropriate or pleasing, than to resort t9 the beautiful fast-
nesses of nature, in the holy stillness of the Sabbath morn, to join
in adorations of the Giver of all a:ood ?
940
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
That they did meet there for this purpose, in the feeble state of
their'new colony, is proved by the universal voice of the most reli-
able tradition from the early fathers, and by much circumstantial
evidence. It is a fact to be doubted by none. The sons of the
pioneer, Capt, John Minor, who died Sept. 17, 1719, had their
home lots on the hill where the family of the late Erastus Minor
resides. Capt. Matthew Minor succeeded to the homested of his
father, Ephraim, which was identical with that of Capt. John,
and lived in a house under the hill south of Erastus Minor's pres-
ent dwelling house. This was the pallasaded house of which we
have spoken. This son, Ephi*aim, was born in Stratford, Oct. 24,
1675, after the return from Woodbury to Stratford, at the com-
mencement of King Philip's war. He returned to Woodbury
with his father, a child of two years, after the war, and of course,
as he grew up, knew the history from the beginning. He died
Sept. 16, 1762. His son, Capt. Matthew, was born Sept. 2, 1708,
and died Nov. 21, 1778. His son, Dea. Matthew, was born Feb.
11, 1753, and died in 1835. His son, Erastus, was born March 27,
1796, — died in 1870. Capt. Matthew Minor was, therefore, eleven
years old when his grand-father, Capt. John Minor, died, and fifty-
six years old when his father, Ephraim, died. Dea. Matthew
Minor, son of Capt. Matthew, was twenty-five years old when
his father, died, and the late Erastus Minor was thirty-
nine years old when his father, Deacon Matthew, died. This
brings us to the present day, and the tradition that Erastus Minor
gives us, brings us to the very days of the services at Bethel
Rock. There can be no question of a tradition that can trace itself,
by sure steps, to its truthful origin. The tradition handed down
through this family, as well as others, is very simple and direct.
It is that the fathers worshipped at Bethel Rock till the building
of the first Church. The Orenaug cliff, near Bethel Rock, is
owned by this family, to this day, having descended from father
to son, through the Probate Court.
The first church was a simple
structure. The seats were raised,
on each side of the center aisle, so
that the sexes could sit on opposite
sides. The pulpit was at one end.
It had no steeple, and was alto-
gether an unpretending building,
but it served the purpose of a con-
venient place of worship for sixty-
[Fu St Church, 1681,]
HISTOBY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 941
six years. After the second church was finished, in 1Y47, it was
used as a " Town-House," for the transaction of public business.
In lYo4, the town voted to build a new town house where the old
church stood, but contented itself with repairing the old church.
It was used thus a good many years, (p. 156). After the Episco-
palians began to get a foothold in the town, they used it for a
church. Finally, it was moved, by Mr. Tallman, a little way, and
used for a butcher's shop and barn, during some years. It was
afterwards used for a barn by Judge N. Smith, and later still, by
his son, N. B. Smith, till about ten years ago, when it was pulled
down, and passed into the oblivion of past things, that have out-
lived the day of their usefulness. Perhaps no other building
has had a longer career of usefulness, since the founding of the
town.
This meeting-house was located on the site now occupied by N.
B. Smith's carriage-house, some six rods from Pomperaug's grave,
and twenty from Rev. Mr. Walker's house. A road run by it to
the intervale, a short distance below where the second corn-mill
was located. The site of the first school-house was immediately
opposite the meeting-house, where Mr. George Hitchcock's shop
now stands. The meeting-house, the school-house, the minister's
house, and the corn-mill — all necessaries of prime impertance to a
new Settlement — w'ere thus grouped together.
In process of time, a new church edifice became necessary, and,
on the usual application to the General Assembly, in May, 1744,
a committee was appointed to determine the location, and, on the
26th of September, 1744, the house was located on the site now-
occupied by the Soldiers' Monument. The location was approved,
work upon the building was at once commenced, and pushed as
fast as the means of the people would permit. It was completed
and dedicated in 1747, This house was a large one for those
days, and its " Bigness, Strength and Architecture," (page 139,)
was much admired by our fathers, and a number of societies took
it for a model in building meeting-houses in their several localities.
It had doors for entrance on the west, south and east sides. The
pulpit was on the north side, with a deacon's seat beneath it, in
the fashion of those days. It continued to be used as the place
of public worship till the dedication of the present church, Janu-
ary 13, 1819, a period of seventy-two years. It was then sold at
auction in sections. The house now occupied by Ralph N. Betts,
942
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
dentist, was constructed out of the materials of one of the galle-
ries. Thus passed away the
last " house of the sounding-
hoards " in this society.
Near the meeting-house,
about where the mile-stone
now stands, was a long, low
Sabbath-day-House, a place in
which to take refreshments
between the two church
services, and for social and
religious worship, as the oc-
cupants might be inclined.
It was built in two divisions,
"one for males and the other
for females. A man made it
his dwelling, and had it rent-
free, in consideration of hav-
ing it well warmed for the
use of the owners during the
cold weather. One or two
individuals liad smaller hous-
es of their own, for private
[Second Meeting-House.] use, On the east side of the
way, running by the church. It will be remembered that these
houses were necessary, because the church was not warmed.
It was a custom of the early days, when the pastor entered the
meeting-house to conduct divine service, for the people on the
lower floor, to rise and remain standing till he had ascended the
pulpit, where he made a bow, and the people in the galleries rose,
and remained standing till he sat down, when the audience did
likewise. Similar respect was shown him, on meeting him in the
street or elsewhere. He was always invited to open with prayer
all the business and freemen's meetings of the town. These were
generally held in the church, and were fully attended. It was,
emphatically, the age of respect for seniors and superiors. A
tythe of such customs would not hurt us of the present age.
It may surprise us, at the present day, to learn that nearly the
whole of Bear Hill and Ragland was laid out by the town, more
than a hundred and sixty years ago, as a sheep-pasture, and made
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 943
forever free for the use of aU the inhabitants of the town, for the
purpose of pasturage. But such is the fact, as will be seen by the
following vote : —
"At a lawful town meeting the 8th March, 1705, It was voated and agreed
that all the barehill and ragland, from the highwaj' to the westside, through
poplar meadow, down to the highway, from whiteoak through the Sawteeth, we
say, all that is now common land unlaid out, is and shall be sequestered land for
common, for the feed of sheep and other cattle forever, for the use of the inhab •
itants in genl." '
This is a pretty extensive pasture. It must be a tract of land
two miles long, by more than a mile in width. How long it was
used for this purpose is not now known. Farmers still use the
land for this purpose, iu their separate enclosures.
We may well imagine that, in the tirst settlement of the towns,
the meeting-houses were without bells. Our first house was also
without one. But the second meeting-house was provided with
this convenient appendage. The first house of the mother church
at Stratford, for some unexplained reason, had a bell, but ours, in
common wuth other early churches, had none. The Stratford Man-
uel says : — " This fact in reference to it is of interest, and deserves
to be remembered. It possessed a bell, with which the people
were summoned to worship. How it came to be thus favored is
not known, for it was the only church in all the colonies, where
the people were not called together by " drum, the blowing of
shell or horn." In the case of many churches, the people built a
high sentry-box, and this answered the double purpose of a place
of "look-out" for the sentry, who nightly, and sometimes daily,
guarded the town against the incursion ol the Indians, and a con-
venient place to drum for church on Sunday, for town meeting,
and for the assembling of the train-band. Happily, there was no
need, in our case, to build either a belfry, which was in the first
age deemed rather a " device of Satan," or a sentry-box for the use
of the inevitable drummer, for nature, in the convenient blufi", now
occupied by the Masonic Lodge, had furnished a most convenient
and beautiful substitute — being within a stone's throw of the
meeting-house, the parsonage, and the then center of the town.
Accordingly, we may well imagine the drummer upon the rock,
^ Woodbury Town Records, 2 vol., page 1.
944
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY
vigorously and skillfully plying his enormous drum, by the requi-
site beats called for in his triple
capacity of civil, ecclesiastical
and military official. For this
matter was not left to volunteers,
or chance, but like all other mat-
ters concerning- the general inte-
rest, the affair, as M'ell as the offi-
cer, was " well ordered."
«lKtaiill(,yW\W,(((ll(lRlll!^^^^^^ We have seen that the first
' blacksmith " called " by the town,
was Deacon Samuel Bull, of Fav-
[Drummer on Rock.] mington, and the first clothier
here, and the first in the colony, for that matter, was Abraham
Fulfoid, afterwards a leading citizen of the town. The first wheel-
wright was Samuel Munn, who had a home-lot granted him by
the town in 1681. The first regularly appointed town miller was
Ensign Samuel Stiles. Lieut. Joseph Judson, or Henry Hill, was
the first ferryman over the Housatonic river. Doct. Butler Bedi-
ent was the first physician. But what was the name of the first
shoemaker is not now known. Our grand-mothers could make
the clothes of our grand-fathers, but they were not skillful enough
to fabricate the enormous wooden shoes " of the period." That
required a skill of which they could not boast — in fact, it required
educated skill to make these enormous wooden afiairs, a few of
"which remain in historical rooms to the present day, as interesting
antiquarian debris of our youthful country. It is difficult for us
to imagine how they contrived to accomplish the process of loco-
motion with such ungainly contri-
vances. But a little of the " van-
ity of this life " invaded the breasts
of some of our stern and sturdy
fore-fathers, and they even fell into
the sin of indulging in " French falls," and, it is barely possible,
they sometimes — the younger ones — even yielded to the seduc-
tions of enjoying, on stolen occasions, feats of the " light fantastic
toe," 7^ery lights as will be seen in the truthful cut, taken from a
pair of "French Falls" still in existence.
As the farms were pushed out into the valleys, and over the
hills, beyond convenient walking distance, the proper means of
locomotion became a subject of inquiry. Of wagon roads, there
niSTORY OF ANOIETSTT WOODBURY,
945
were none worthy of the name, down to the date of the Revolu-
tion. There were no carriages, and with so much else to do, the
early fathei's were excusable for not giving their attention to arti-
cles— to them — of luxury. Locomotion on horseback in the nar-
row roads and bridle-paths, was the only mode of passing any
distance, except on foot. It is always well to take the best ad-
vantage of any conveniences we possess. Our fathers, accord-
ingly, used saddles with a pillion or saddle-pad contrivance, hitched
behind the saddle, by means of which, while the man bestrode his
steed, his wife, or lady-love, sat securely behind, upon the pillion,
her arm confidingly and lovingly encircling his waist foi protec-
tion, and security from falling. In the poverty of the early days,
not every family could own a horse and accoutrements, and so
two neighboring families availed themselves of the services of one
horse. One couple would mount and ride an equitable distance
towards the sanctuary, dismount, tie the horse, and proceed on
foot. A second couple, on foot, would come up and ride the re-
maining, or proportional distance,
and so all finally arrived at church
in time, and with hearts attuned
by the exercise for the service
that was to follow. It must have
been, or rather would now be,
an interesting and suggestive
sight to see these devout worship-
pers thus hasting to the " hill of
the Tabernacle," to unite in the
service of God.
While the more remote wor-
shippers thus proceeded to the place of devotion, those who re-
sided within walking distance of the meeting-house, repaired
thither on foot with their families, accompanied by the ever faith-
ful musket, while sentinels paced before the church door, and at
a specified distance in either direction from it. It must have been
a picturesqe sight, to behold armed men witli their families repair-
ing to church, sentinels at each approach, with arms stacked be-
fore the church door. It was because of this danger from sudden
incursion and attack, it is supposed, that the custom was initiated,
of having the able-bodied men of the household sit, during ser-
vice, at the head of the pews. In case of attack, the men could
946
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY
the more readily rush out to their stacked arms, for defence. But,
sj^j;i!^' f in the most dangerous times,
they did not run even this risk.
Each man took his trusty weap-
on into church with him.
^^ Although there are no relics
in town, so far as we are aware,
that were brought over in the
!^/^^^^P'°'_- ""^^^^ May-Flower, in which, if tra-
dition is to be believed, almost
every ancient thing now in
'ii''^'f'^^.M ^^^H A^^l:, this country was brought over,
yet there is in our bounds a look-
ing-glass '250 years old, two
paintings of about the same
age, and one over 300 years
old ; a small brass tea-kettle, brought from Holland, about the
year 1656, a gun made and dated in 1624, the " Pequot-gun," now
held as an heir-loom in the Minor family, so-called from the alleged
fact,' that it had, during the French and Indian wars, been the in-
strument of death to forty red-skins, and an iron kettle, which is
now in the possession of Treat Davidson, of
Roxbury, and was brought to this country in
1660. It descended to the present owner from
Nathan Botsford, one of his ancestors, who
himself brought it from England. This is, no
doubt, the oldest culinary vessel in the terri-
^p to^T' ^'^^t sad to relate, it is no longer used for
i a culinary purpose. It has for some years been
degraded to the sordid use of a hog- trough, by
its irreverent owner!
For long years after the first settlement of the town, the fore-
fathers were obliged to take their fresh fish principally from the
Quassapaug Lake. Nor has it been disused for that purpose even
to the present time. But, in these later years, it has become a
place of great resort for pleasure parties of both sexes, who de-
light to visit its limpid waters, and sail over its fair bosom, gath-
ering mosses on the shore, and lilies near its banks, breathing
words of affection, of thought, and of deathless secrets, and utter-
ing vows of eternal fidelity. A sweet serenity settles over the
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY
94Y
spirit, worn by life's turmoils, as one rocks listlessly and dreamily
over its pellucid depths.
In these days of civilization
and refinement, surrounded
by the comforts, conveniences
and luxuries of life, we can
little estimate the hardships
and difiiculties encountered
by the sainted men and wo-
men who first trod these smi-
ling valleys, subdued the un-
compromising wilderness, and
made the howling wastes to
" bud and blossom as the
rose." Here they came, in
their lofty trust, having no
^p cover for their heads but the
over-arching heavens, no lodg-
ings for their weary and travel-worn bodies but such as nature
afforded. The men of the present day may carelessly smile at the
idea of our fathers' thinking so much of a journey to or from the
sea-coast, or even from Woodbury to Bethlem, as we are told they
did. But they forget the obstacles and dangers they had to en-
counter. They forget there were no public roads, and no vehicles,
that could be employed for the transportation of their goods.
There were no railroads, nor steamboats, running in all directions
with the swiftness of the wind. The first females, as well as the
males, went on foot, or on horseback, through a trackless wilder-
ness, guided by marks upon trees, or feeling their way, wherever
they could find room to pass. In the midst of the first drear
winter their provisions gave out, and some of the settlers were
obliged to .take their way through the pathless forests to the older
settlements for food to sustaira them during the remaining wintry
months. Some of those sturdy men went to Stratford, a distance
of twenty-five miles, with hand-sleds, and returned laden with corn
for their pressing necessities. We can have but a faint idea of the
dangers that surrounded those early founders, on ?uch a journey,
exposed to all the perils and privations of these interior forests.
They were surrounded by numerous red men, fierce and cruel, who
could havfe destroyed them at any hour, in their isolated and fee-
ble condition. Added to their lack of bread, the pioneers had
948 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
neither dwellings, nor clothing sufficient to prevent suffering.
Should any emergen6j happen, they were cut off from any succor,
or effective retreat. What a sad beginning had these now fair
and opulent towns on the Poniperaug and Shepaug. !
It has been seen that all the ideas of our fathers were essen-
tially religious, and that the pious sentiment entered into every-
thing. Even in the exhibitions of the tender emotions, and in
the preliminary ceremonies of a matrimonial alliance, they ever
exhibited the same gi'ave countenance, and air of devotion, as
when going to a prayer-meeting. Perhaps they were the only
people who treated the subject with the consideration due to that
most important and indissoluble union of " Kindred hearts." But
the " course of true love" was usually urgent. There was no
time for " billing and cooing," much less for vain flirtations ! As
an instance of the way in which the thing was done, take the follow-
ing characteristic example: John Minor, Jr., being seriously in-
clined, by the state of his affections, unto the blooming and comely
damsel, Sarah Judson, immediately mounted his horse, and with a
deer-skin for a saddle, rode over in front of the house of the
fair Sarah's father. Without dismounting, he sent for her to come
out to him, and on her complying with the request, he informed
her plainly, that the Lord had sent him to marry her. At this
startling announcement,' the sensible maid, neither fainting in the
present fashionable mode, nor asking time to consult her mamma,
replied with hearty good will, "Here is the handmaid of the Lord
— His will be done ! " What else could the maiden do ; for John
was a good man, and she believed both him and his message !
There was nothing more to be done, than to get on horseback the
next Sabbath eve, and sitting on a pillion, behind her messenger
from the Lord, ride to the parsonage, and be duly joined in the
holy bonds of wedlock. Of the fruits of that primitive marriage,
there are many representatives here to-day !
Doubtless the qiaestion has often occurred to each bt us, how
did our fathers and mother's dress? What were their costumes
and fashions ? By the indefatigable exertions of our " Antique
Committee," at the Bi-Centennial celebration, in 1859, this ques-
tion was very satisfactorily answered, by their actual, not " coun-
terfeit presentment." We saw an " early father," a fine old Eng-
lish gentleman, in small clothes and coat of brown silk, white
plaited ruffles, powdered hair, and cocked hat. We sa\^ an " early
mother," in ash-colored brocade, with white damask skirt, open in
HISTOEY OF ANCIENT WOODBUEY. 949
front, high-heeled shoes, with large buckles, and an eaormous bon.
net. We saw the Puritan costume contrasted with that of the
Cavalier of the same age. But these were the holiday suits,
brought from old England, and belonging only to the more opu-
lent citizens. After the first settlement here, such rich articles
for long years were " rarities under the sun." All the garments
of both sexes were of homespun, of their own manufacture, from
the raw material to the perfected garment. The small clothes,
and even the coats of the men, were often made of deer-skins and
leather. Nothing is more commonly mentioned in the early in-
ventories of estates. And yet, amid all this rigid simplicity, the
General Court, four years after the settling of Woodbury, passed
an act against the excess of apparel among the people, as " unbe-
coming a wilderness condition, and the profession of the gospel ;"
ordering, that any person who should wear any clothing, that
should be " apparently beyond the necessary end of apparel for
covering, or comeliness^'' should, on due conviction, forfeit ten shil-
lings for every oiFence ! How great a commotion would be made
by the passage of such a law, in these days of expanded crinoline,
and of lengthened Shanghai coats !
One of the few luxuries of the early fathers was the fruit of the
orchard, and the beverage made from it. The apple-tree was the
constant attendant of the early founders of towns, and followed
them in all their wanderings. They made haste, not only to " sit
under their own vine," but as soon as possible, with equal satis-
faction to sit under their own apple-trees. Nor, with all their
stern morality, does it appear that they had the fear of a '* Maine
Law " before their eyes, for they freely granted the privilege of
erecting " cyder mills," even in the highways, the place of great-
est notoriety and temptation. These privileges were doubtless
granted as a sort of set-ofli" against their prohibitory law, which
■ enacted that if any " Barbadoes liquors, commonly called Rum»
Kill-Divell, or the like," should be landed in any part of the col-
ony, it should be confiscated. There had been a still earlier law
among the Pilgrims, abolishing the " vain custom of drinking one
to another," assigning as reasons for the act, that " it was a thing
of no good use," was an inducement to drunkenness, " occasioned
much waste of wine and beer," and forced masters and mistresses
" to drink more often than they would." I believe that the rea-
sons given hold good to the present day, but our sage legislators
never give a reason for their legislation.
950
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY
. And thus we draw to a close ouv account of some of the lead-
ing events of the first hundred years in the history of the town.
We have lingered over them, because they are fraught with
great lessons for all the coming generations ; because of their unique
interest, and because their like will never come again. Well will
it be for us and the inhabitants of the future times, if we shall
labor as earnestly and worthily, and if we shall leave behind us,
when we too, as we hope, shall have ascended to that " rest that
remaineth to the people of God," — work and results that shall
equally embalm our names, and secure the like filial reverenc'e of
our posterity.
ARAMAUa
CHAPTER V.
CIVIL HISTORY CONTINUED CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS.
Town Bi-Centennial Celebration of 1859; Masomc Centennial Celebration
OF 1865 ; First Church Bi-Cente\nial Celebration of 1870.
HE town of Woodbury has become
celebrated for its centennial cele-
brations. No town in the State
has so thoroughly looked up its
own history, and with becoming
pride celebrated its leading events,
and put its history on enduring
record for the benefit of posterity.
It has set an example, in this re-
gard, worthy of the imitation of
all our old towns. It arrests the attention of the young, sets be-
fore them all that is glorious in the past, and stimulates to a
healthy emulation of right action.
On the 5th of July, 1858, a mammoth Pic-Nic was held upon
the Oreuaug Cliffs, at which were assembled some two thousand
persons from the several towns of " Ancient Woodbury." The
Hon. Samuel G. Goodrich (Peter Parley) delivered an oration
and the professional men of the town followed with short speeches.
At the close of the day's entertainment, it was moved by William
Cothren, and seconded by Rev. John Churchill :
" That a Committee of two from each of the towns once in-
cluded, in whole or in part, in the ancient town of Woodbury, be-
appointed by the meeting, with power to add to their own num-
ber, and to appoint all necessary Assistant Committees, for the
purpose of making efficient arrangements for the Historical Cele
bration of the Second Centennial Anniversary of the first Explo"
ration of the Town, and the reception of the first Indian Deed, at
Bethel Rock, on the 4th day of July, A. D. 1859, and also to in-
952 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
vite gentlemen to deliver the various addresses, &c., of the occa-
sion."
The motion was unanimously adopted, and the following named
gentlemen were appointed such Committee :
William Cothren, C. B. Phelps, W. T. Bacon, P. M. Trow-
bridge, Woodbury ;
R. W. Frisbie, S. H. Mitchell, Washington ;
T. B. Wheeler, A. B. Downs, Col. C. Hicock, Southhury ;
Abraham Beecher, H. W. Peck, Bethlehem ;
H. B. Eastman, F. W. Lathrop, Roxbury ;
N. J. Wilcoxson, Alfred Harger, Oxford ;
Dr. Marcus DeForest, Jr., Leonard Bronson, 3Iiddlehury.
This Committee made all the necessary arrangements for the
celebration, and adopted the following:
ORDER OF EXERCISES.
July 4th and 5th, 1859.
First Day— 10 A. M.
Antique Procession, escorted by the Band and Roxbury Guards.
Ode, by the Choir — tune " Briice's AddressP
Prayer, by Rev. R. G. Williams, of Woodbury.
Short Introductory Address, " Welcoming the Emigrants from
Woodbury home again," by Nathaniel Smith, of Woodbury.
Music by the Band.
Historical Address, by William Cothren, of Woodbury.
Music by the Band.
Recess of one Hour for Refreshme)its.
Music by the Band.
Song— "The Pilgrim Fathers," by G. S. Minor.
Poem, by Rev. William Thompson Bacon, of Woodbury.
Ode, by the Choir — tune, '•'' Aidd Lang Syne.''''
Benediction, by Rev. Thomas L. Shipman, of .Jewett City,
SECOND MORNING,— 8 o'clock.
Prayer Meeting at Bethel Rock.
SECOND DAY,— 10 o'clock, A. M.
Music by the Band.
Centennial Hymn.
HISTORY OF AXCIENT WOODBURY. 953
Prayer, by Rev. Friend W. Stnitli, of Woodbury.
Hymn.
Sermon, by Rev. Henry Beers Sherman, of Belleville, N. J.
Hymn.
Speech: — "The early Clergy of Ancient Woodbury," by Rev.
Anson S. Atwood, of Mansfield, Conn
One Hour for Refreshtnents.
Music by the Band.
Ode, by the Choir — tune, " Sv^eet Homey
Speech : — " The early Lawyers of Ancient Woodbury," by
Hon. Seth P. Beers, of Litchfield.
Music by the Band.
Speech : — " The early Physicians of Ancient Woodbury." by
David B. W. Hard, M. D., of Bethlehem.
Music by the Band.
Speech: — "The Founders of Ancient Woodbury," by Hon,
William T. Minor, of Stamford.
Ode, by the Choir — tune, " America.''''
Speech: — "The early Schools "of Ancient Woodbury," by T.
M. Thompson, of Woodbury.
Speech ; — " Grand-children of Ancient Woodbury," by Hon.
Chas. Chapman, of Hartford.
Speech : — The Cousins of Ancient Woodbury," by Hon. Henry
Dutton, of New Haven.
Volunteer Speeches, by distinguished sons of Ancient Wood-
bury from abroad.
Reading of Letters and Odes prepared for the occasion.
Concluding Prayer, by Rev. C. T. Woodruff, of Woodbury.
Benediction, by Rev. Philo Judson, of Rocky Hill.
Hon. Nathaniel B. Smith, President of the Day.
Hon. D. B. Brinsmade, of Washington,
" Joshua Bird, of Bethlem,
S. W. Baldwin, Esq., of Roxbury, , tt- n -j^
^ Ttr. , .1 -r^ ^ r, , , \ Vice Fresidents.
Cyrus Mitchell, E,sq., oi Southbury,
Nathaniel Walker, Esq., of Oxford, |
Leonard Bronson, Esq., of Middlebury, j
954 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Henry Minor, Chief Marslial.
Assistant Marshals :
R. I. Tolles, Elijah D. Judsoo,
George Camp, Elisha P. Tomlinson,
Robert Peck, James Stone,
Benjamin Doolittle, Truman S. Minor,
W. C. McKay, George P. Crane,
George Saxton, James H. Minor,
This programme was carried out in full, as laid down. The
Committee had sent out circular invitations all over the Union,
cordially inviting the sons of Woodbury to return home and join
us in the commemorative services. Notices had also been insert-
ed in many newspapers, so that the invitation was widely and
thoroughly disseminated.
The following action, which was decided upon in April, 1859,
will explain itself, viz :
The Indian Deed given to the founders of Woodbury, in 16S9,
granted
JS^ " A parcell of Land, hounded as folloioeth ; Potateuk
Miver jSouthtoest ; Naugatunck River northeast ; and bounded
on ye northioest with trees mai'ked by me and other Indians^
Potateuk river was the Housatonic, and the " marked trees "
extended across South Faims west to the Housatonic river. All
north of Derby then to this line was oomprised in this deed, in-
cluding Ancient Waterbury west of the Naugatuck, part of
Litchfield and New Milford. The committee, therefore, consider-
ing these towns and the towns formed out of them, to be of near
consanguinity to us :
Voted: " To invite our cousins, the towns of Waterbury,
Naugatuck, Seymour, Watertown, Plymouth, Litchfield, New
Milford and Bridgewater, to unite with us in our approaching
Centennial Anniversary."
A committee appointed by the citizens of Woodbury, changed
the place for the exercises selected by the vote passed a year ago
on Orenaug Rocks, and secured the field of Mr. T. M. Thompson,
directly east of the First Congregational Church in Woodbury.
It was an exceedingly fine location for the celebration. The large
tent of Yale College was procured and supplied with seats,
speakers' stand, &c., and the still larger tent belonging to the
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
955
Litchfield County Agricultural Society, was procured for the Pic-
Nic provided by the Woodbury Ladies. A large tent was also
provided for invited guests, besides a table set out under the
apple trees, loaded with the various articles of the Antiquarian
Pic-Nic proper, such as bean porridge, baked beans and pork,
Indian pudding, &c., served up in the old style, in old pewter and
wooden platters, with old pewter spoons, and other antique
articles to match. Besides these, the General Committee fur-
nished a tent for each of the other towns in which to hold their
Pic-Nic, except Washington, which chose to furnish its own tent-
cloth.
On the first morning of the celebration, the Chief Marshal,
Henry Minor, Esq., made out the order of procession, as follows,
viz:
A single Fifer and Drummer.
Antique Procession.
Masons.
New Milford Band.
Warner Light Guards.
President of the day,
Vice-Presidents.
Orator of the day and Poet.
Clergy.
The various Committees of Arrangements.
Emigrant Sons, &c., of the Territory.
Citizens at large.
The Chief Marshal wore the Revolutionary military undress of
a Major-General, and Dr. Davi?, of Bethlem, wore a military suit
worn by Col. Bellamy in the war of 1812.
A cloudless sun rose over the fair valley of Woodbury, on the
morning of the fourth, and the weather was cool and most de-
lightful.
The day was ushered in by the
booming of cannon and the ringing
of bells, in the various parts of the
town, in the most spirited and joyous
manner. At an early hour the peo-
ple began to fill the town, and at 10 jff
o'clock, A. M., the streets were
almost impassable. The people of -"
Washington came under the direc-
8
956 HISTORY OF AKCIENT WOODBURY.
tion of Sherman Havtwell as Marshal, in a procession of more thau
a mile in length, escorted by the New Milford Band. In it were
one six-horse team, loaded with fifty persons, ten four-horse teams^
sixty two-horse teams, and fifty one-horse teams, with flags, ban-
ners, and some antique costumes. Much credit is due to Russell
W. Frisbie and Thomas F. Brinsmade, for this fine turn out. Rox-
bury came out in her ancient strength. Her procession consisted
of two hundred and seventeen teams, under the direction of CoL
Philo N. Hodge, as Marshal. This processisn was rich in antique
display, and contained several things worthy of special mention.
Among them was a cart, bearing for a motto, " Days of Home-
spun," drawn by six yokes of oxen, the team of Ira Bradley, con-
taining a flax-breaker, hetchell, flax cards, double flax spinning
wheel, and quill wheel, all in operation, worked by ladies in
antique costumes. The driver was Le Roy Bradley, in corres-
ponding dress. Another wagon bore John A. Squire, of Roxbury,
and twenty-two of his grand-children, while another still loaded
with people in antique dress, bore a flag with the motto, " Times
and Seasons continue- — Manners and Customs change." This
section was escorted by the Warner Light Guards of Roxbury, in
a new and elegant uniform, under the command of Capt. Lewis
Jndd, who performed escort and sentinel duty during both days,
and by the excellence of their military evolutions, the strictness
of their discipline, and the gallantry of their bearing, might be
favorably compared with many a veteran company, which had seen
years of drilling. Southbury, also, turned out more than one
hundred teams, under Charles Whitlock, as Marshal. All the
other towns came with very creditable processions, besides the
numerous conveyances crowded with people, who did not join any
procession.
After the several delegations had arrived, the General " Antique
Procession " was formed at about 11, A. M., on' the green in front
of Hon. N. B. Smith's dwelling house, at the location of the First
Meeting House in the town. Under the effective arrangements
made by N. Smith, Esq., and H. W, Shove, M. D , aided by Rev.
Messrs. R. G. "Williams and C. T. Woodruff", it became the marked
feature of the occasion. It extended, while on its march towards
the grounds, at least an eighth of a mile in length, exhibiting all
the varying costumes of the last two hundred years. It was
headed by an ancient drummer and fifer. Next came the clergy
of the several towns, in bands and gowns, the clerical costume of
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY. 957
clergymen of all denominations, less than two centuries ago.
Among the clergy, Rev. R. G. Williams was particularly noticea-
ble for the perfection of detail in his costume. Then came the
Puritan costumes of two hundrtd years ago, worn by the Minors,
the Judsons, the Curtisses, the Stiles, lineal descendants of the
early settlers of Woodbury, succeeded and contrasted by ladies
and gentlemen in the cavalier costumes of the same period. Some
ot these costumes were magnificent, and all attracted much atten-
tion. Succeeding the couples on foot, came others on horseback,
the ladies on pillions. One couple attracted particular attention.
They were Capt, Judson Hurd, aged 85 years, and Mrs. Harvey
Atwood, aged 72, both dressed in ancient costumes, and riding a
horse thirty years old. Then followed old chaises with couples
clothed in the quaint fashion of other days. And here it should
be noticed, that some of these antique costumes and dresses were
bona fide relics of the olden times, descended as heir-looms from
father to son. Nothing could be more curious than this proces-
sion of ladies and gentlemen ; the latter gallanting the former in
all the styles, from that of two centuries ago, down to the present
time, the former displaying huge bonnets, high head-dresses, and
gowns ranging in size from three breadths in a skirt to the ample
dimensions of modern crinoline. The Masons and the general
procession followed the antique, making a very imposing display.
If the various processions as they entered the town, had been ex-
tended in one line, they would have reached the distance of three
miles. Nothing in the whole course of the day's proceedings ex-
cited such general curiosity, conferred so much real pleasure, or
gave so clear an insight into the past.
The procession moved directly to the speaker's stand, arriving
there about half-past 11 A. M. The assemblage was, in all proba -
bility, the largest ever gathered together in Litchfield county, and
far the greatest ever convened in the state on a similar occasion,
numbering not less than fifteen thousand persons. Not less than
five thousand of these were within hearing distance of the speak-
er's stand, part of them within, but more without the tent, which
was open on all sides. The most effective arrangements had been
made by the Chief Marshal for the preservation of order, and to
his tact, and the aid of his excellent assistants, great credit is due.
Everything was under perfect control. This vast multitude
observed the strictest order, and there was no accident of any
kind to mar the pleasure of the festive occasion.
958 HISTOKY OF ANCIKNT WOODBUKY.
The exercises of the day at the stand where Hon, N. B. Smith
presided in his dignified and excellent manner, were opened by the
choir's singing to the air of " Bruce's Address," the
ODE OF INVOCATION.
BY WILLIAM COTHREN.
" Spirits of our sainted dead,
Heroes to these valleys led,
Sages of the hoary head,
Kindly o'er ug bend ;
Smile upon this classic hour,
"y"'' To U3 children, give your power,
In this consecrated bower.
Us your glory lend.
" Pioneers of Pomperaug,
Dwellers near the Quassapaug,
By meandering Nonnewaug,
Hasten ye along ;
Brothers near the Weraumaug,
By the cliffs of Orenaug,
By the falls of old Shepaug,
Help to swell our song.
" From the pines on Bantam's shore,
Softly whispering evermore,
Weekeepeemee's verdant plain.
And from Polatuck,
Come we with our offerings,
All our dear and holy things, i
From each side the chorus rings,
E'en from Naugatuck.
" Here we come with earnest zeal,
Mindful of our ancient weal.
Memories bright to us appeal.
On this glorious day ;
Here where Freedom's banner waves.
Here above our father's graves,
We, as erst the native braves.
Glad our honors pay.
" We revere those holy men.
Soon returned to heaven again.
But their works with us remain.
On this festive day ;
■HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 959
Thankful to our God above,
For their deeds of matchless love,
Their example let us prove,
While on earth we stay."
PRAYER.
A fervent and impressive prayer was oftered to the Throne of
Grace, by Rev, Robert G. Williams, pastor of the Fii'st Congre-
gational Church of Woodbury.
The Emigrants from Woodbury were then " Welcomed Home
again," by Nathaniel Smith, Esq., of Woodbury :
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, who are here as
Returned Emigrants :
We have learned, as the preparations for this our Bi-Centennial
Celebration progressed, that many of you would to-day revisit the
scenes of your childhood ; and have feared that among you there
might be some whose old homesteads no longer echoed to familiar
voices, — whose relations had gone out from among us, to a newer
or a better land. Lest, therefore, any here should be sad for the
lack of kindly greeting in their native valley, the citizens of
Ancient Woodbury have directed me to bid you in their name, a
C0RDL4L WELCOME HOME AGAIN !
" We have invited you to unite with us in reviewing a history
which is our mutual inheritance, — a past whose story is written all
over these hills and valleys. Around us, smiling m-eadows and
cheerful homes speak of the patient, unobtrusive toil that has
wrought this " Dwelling in a Wood." Moss, gathered and gath.
ering on the tomb-stones in our grave-yards, tells how long ago
the eai'ly builders began to fixll asleep. Their homes are our pos-
session— their memory a legacy to all.
" We are happy to see you here, not only on account of the
pleasure your presence adds to the general enjoyment ; but more
especially because your coming assures us that our history, and
song, and services, are not the result of mere local pride, but that
you esteem them, as we do, a proper tribute to departed worth,
an expression of gratitude justly due from us on such an anni-
versary, to the noble and the good who have gone before. We
commemorate no ordinary struggles and necessities of frontier
life. We rehearse the fortitude and success of no common
adventurers. Were those whose memory we are here to honor,
960 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
mere first settlers, actuated by no higher motive than usually leads
such into the wilderness, our theme would perhaps be unworthy
of this occasion. The pioneer is rarely a man of exalted virtue.
Hardy, courageous, and uncouth, he resembles those lichens,
which, forerunners of vegetation, fix themselves on the barren
rock, by their acids disintegrate its surface and assimilate its sub-
stance, till the soil adheres, the grasses grow, and waving flowers
succeed them. Not such were the Puritan fathers. They were
holy Pilgrims, and the place they sought became a shrine.
"To such a spot you return to-day — return to meet cheerful faces
and hospitable dwellings. How difierent was their coming !
' The rocking pines of the forest roared,
7%zs was their ' welcome home.' '
" They followed God's guidance into the wilderness, and brought
His worship with them. Hai'dships were before, dangers around
them : but tliey encountered all in that spirit, which instead of
choosing castles, towers, or beasts of prey, the emblems of con-
quest and pride, for armorial bearings, placed three vines upon a
shield, and wrote beneath,
" Qui Transtulit Sustinet."
" Behold to-day how He has ' sustained !' See it in these fruitful
valleys ! Read it in this happy throng ! Truly it is not wondei*-
ful that a past thus begun and thus resulting, should move us to
unite in public rejoicing. Let other and older nations do homage
to conquero;'s and triumph in their battle-fields. New England
celebrates her centuries, which bring down the Puritan's blessing
to ever increasing thousands in her land of peace.
"^Welcome, then, sons and daughters of Ancient Woodbury, who
return as emigrants to-day — welcome to the land of your fathers,
to the scene where we unite to do honor to their memory ! How
longsoever you have been absent, though you meet with few
familiar faces, we greet you as old acquaintances, as near relations.
And knowing that the child of New England never forgets his
birth-place, though you have your habitations elsewhere, return-
ing here, we bid you welcome HOME."
A historical address was then delivered by the author of this
work, who introduced his subject as follows :
" We stand this day upon the grave of two hundred years.
We have come with solemn awe and reverent tread to commune
with the long buried past. We are assembled, on this anniversary
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 961
morn, for the first time, in the long lapse of two centuries, to
commemorate the deeds of our departed sires. We are come,
after years of absence from the old firesides, to recall the memo-
ries and renew the associations of former days. Some of us come
to look upon the old homesteads among the hills, and breathe a
sigh over the moss-grown graves of ancestors long since gone to
their rest. Some of us come to view the hallowed spot on which
our eyes first saw the light; where we, in the hours of innocent
childhood, received a father's and a mother's blessing, and where
we, could we have our wish, at the^ close of a well-spent life,
would yield our tired spirits up to the Giver of all good. We are
this day surrounded with the results of all the labors of the past,
and occupy the proud positions long years ago so nobly adorned
by the sainted fathers and mothers who planted this fei'tile terri-
tory, and who, having ceased from their labors, have 'ascended
into glory.' They have passed away to the laud of spirits like the
dissolving of a sunset cloud into the cerulean tints of heaven —
stealing from existence like the strain of ocean-music, when it dies
away, slowly and sweetly, upon the moonlit waters. We do
well, on this glad day of liberty, to celebrate their lofty achieve-
ment s, and do meet honor to their deathless names. If those re-
vered spirits, who have so long enjoyed their sacred repose, can
look down through the veil that obscures our view of Heaven,
they will approve, with a smile of love, the design of our assem-
bling here. And when, on the morrow, you shall leave this place
to revisit it no more forever, you will feel that it has been good
for you to have been here on this glad occasion."
Then followed a rapidly sketched epitome of the history of the
town. The old first mill stone of 1681, being placed on a table,
was used for a reading desk — rude memorial of the early days
which has escaped the ravages of " time's efiacing finger !"
During the progress of this address various ancient articles were
exhibited to the audience, some of which were thus described ;
" Here is the ball which buried itself in the groin of Col. Hin-
man, where it remained for the long period of thirty-three years,
when it was extracted by Dr. Anthony Burritt. On its passage
it hit a bayonet by his side, cutting and flattening the edge as you
see. And here is another Revolutionary relic, aye, a relic of the
first days of the colony, two hundred years ago. It has been
handed down from father to son, from its first known owner, Capt.
962 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
John Minor, the Indian interpreter, and is known to be at least
220 years old. By closer inspection, I see the manufacturer's
date upon the barrel is 1624. It was used in the Pequot war, in
all the French and Indian wars, and in the war of the Revolution.
It is said to have caused, first and last, the death of forty red menr
and from this circumstance has been familiarly known as the
'forty Indian gun.' And here is still another relic of two centu-
ries ago — the old arm chair of Col. Benjamin Hinman, brouglit
from Stratford, and formerly the property of Francis Stiles.
Here, too, is his pipe of peace, presented to him at the peace of
1783, with a request that he would smoke it as often as the 4th of
July should return — a request with which he faithfully complied.
Here, too, is a chair used by Gen. Washington at New York."
Alter recounting the various historical events in the proud
history of the old town, the address closed with some reflections
growing out of the circumstances attending the occasion :
"Thus have we wandered through the flowery fields of the past,
plucking here and thei'e a sweet garland of wild flowers by the
wayside, and another in the cultivated gardens of advancing
civilization, as best suited our purpose. We have endeavored, in
our humble way, duly to reverence and honor the past. We have
traced with pious toil the varying tints, the lights and shadows of
the pioneer life of our sainted fathers, who occupied these seats
before us. We have rendered them a willing and a filial tribute
of love, duty and recollection. There is a pure and unalloyed
pleasure in wandering amid the scenes and incidents of the long-
buried past. There is a sad, though ennobling interest in seeking
the faintest recorded trace of the early fathers. The eye has
kindled at the ancient glories, and the soul has been warmed with
a placid flow of tender heart sympathies. In the wealth of the
past, full well have we traced ' God's hand in history.' No inqui-
ries can be more interesting to the intelligent student seeking
guidance from the light of former days, and desiring above all to
emulate that sublime intermixture of the true principles of sta-
bility and progress, so happily blended in the history of our fore-
fathers. The feelings that promjot these filial inquiries are just
and natural — they give birth to some of the dearest charities of
life, and fortify some of its sternest virtues. The principle that
prompts them lies deep within our nature.
" While rendering, therefore, due liomnge to the past, and
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 963
profiting by all its honored maxims, we wonld not blindly worship
it. In the proud consciousness of manhood, we should not fear
the present, or its bold and startling issues, nor should we be dis-
trustful of the future, and of the hidden mysteries it may have in
store. We should not fear the rapid march of events across the
stage of life. We would not build a fair superstructure on the
ruins of former times, nor wonld we 'bind down the living,
breathing, burning present,' to the mouldering though honored
relics of the past. We would rather imitate all that was glorious
in the acts and example of the ' men of seventy-six, the boldest
men of progress the world has ever seen.' We would emblazon
their great principles of conservative progress with a pencil
dipped in fire. We are proud of the past, glory in the present,
and look hopefully forward to the future. We do not even tear
enthusiasts and ultraists, as from the collision of extremes comes
the ever truthful mean. We would so mingle them that there
'should flow in harmonious procession the cadence of a history
chiming on through the centuries, full of faith and praise.' We
would fearlessly meet the issues vv^e cannot avoid, while the past
impels and the future summons us to prompt action, occupying as
we do the great middle ground between the early age of planting
and the bright harvest of the future, which stretches towards us
its hands laden with ripened fruit. We would hasten to the
golden fields and bright realizations of the days to come. Our
acts are not for an age, but for all time.
" Glorious, thrice glorious is the day we celebrate ! It is the
two hundredth anniversary of the exploration of this valley, the
one hundred and eighty-ninth of the gathering of the First
Church, and the eighty-third of our national independence. Ou
this glad day of liberty, what sacred emotions arise in the patri-
otic breast ! How shall we rightly honor a day consecrated by
the deeds of the noble men of all the past — not more the patriots
who fought in the gloomy days of the revolution, than those who
struggled amid the dangers of defenceless and remote forests. It
has taken all the labors of our fathers, from tlie first hardy pio-
neer, to make the glorious present. We enjoy the fruits of all the
toil and blood of our fathers for two hundred years. It is meet,
then, that we greet with enthusiastic joy the smiling morn of the
anniversary of that last, most daring and sublime of all the acts of
our forefathers, the Declaration of Independence. It is well that
we hail its annual return with the ringing of bells upon ten
964 HISTORY O* ANCIENT WOODBURY.
thousand hills ; by the booming of innumerable cannon and smaller
arms ; by rockets, fire-works and illuminations ; by solemn pro-
cessions and grateful prayers to God ; by stirring orations and
patriotic songs ! May the hymns of liberty never die out from
our breezy mountains, nor the lofty sentiment of patriotism from
our happy valleys ! Let the glad echoes be repeated from the
Eastern to the Western Ocean, and from the icy regions of the
North to the sunny climes of the ever-blooming South !
" What shall be the developments and improvements in our
highly favored territory, a hundred years hence ? The answer to
this question must depend mainly upon ourselves. Of all this
vast concourse, not one will be here to celebrate the next centen-
nial. Long ere another centennial sun shall rise over this lovely
valley, we shall have experienced the ' last of earth,' and passed
to join the innumerable company of the dead ! ' The dead of old
Woodbury ! Lost, yet found forever — absent, yet present now
and always — dead, but living in that glorious life, which, com-
mencing on the confines of time, spreads onward and ever
onward through the endless ages of eternity.' Then let tis, by
the nobleness of our conduct, and the purity of our lives, eschew-
ing all low delights and jarring discords, strive to add our mite
to the great and good history of our sainted fathers, who have
* ascended into glory.' Then will our cliildren, as they shall, with
wet lids, assemble here, a hundred years hence, to commemorate
our history, be enabled to say of us, ' they wrought well, and
have received the reward of their labors,' Then shall our fame, as
well as that of those glorious men who have already entered into
their rest, be perennial with our noble language, in which it is re-
corded, now ' spread more widely than any that has ever given
expression to human thought.' "
At the close of the address, after music from the Band, the
vast multitude repaired to the tents, provided with an abundance
of eatables by the good ladies of the several towns, where they
were hospitably entertained. In a brief space, the people were
again summoned to the stand, and the exercises were opened by
music from the Band, followed by the well-known song, " The
Pilgrim Fathers," sung with fine efiect by Gilbert Somers Minor,
an aged man of silvery locks and long white beard. Then fol-
lowed a Historical Poem by Rev. William Thompson Bacon, of
Woodbury.
HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 965
Mr. Bacon is a native of Woodbury, and the chief poet of all
the ancient territory. He has written much and well, but no
effort of his pen ever did him more credit than his poem on this
occasion. We will quote a passage or two, applicable to this
history, which may serve as a sample of the whole. Describing
the advent of our fathers in this valley, to found a new town, he
says :
"It is a thought of beauty and of fear,
To look upon those lonely wanderers here, —
The first white men that ever stood upon
This ancient soil, or look'd upon the sun, —
And try an instant to call up the power,
That lay upon their souls in that still hour !
Was it not solemn, as they paused to view
The embracing hills, or look'd upon the blue
Broad heaven, that, like a canopy, came down.
And rested on the circling mountains' crown,
They all alone, alone, amid the scene, —
A solemn, silent, wilderness of green ":'
O, had some power, one little moment then,
Flashed through the minds of these heroic men.
The mighty future, from the distance caught.
With all its splendid wealth of soul and thought,
It's strength and beauty, innocence and truth,
And reverend age. and loving dreams of youth.
Each age successive gatliering up the past.
Till the bright present on their souls was cast, —
Would there been wanting to that spot and time.
One single element of the grand sublime? —
And would they not have trembled, in each sense.
At God's unfolding, mighty Providence ?
'• These brave men scoured the region all around.
Sought every spot, and all its promise found, —
The gentle valley and the rounded hill.
The winding stream and solitary rill ;
Each opening vista through the forest glade,
And every charm by freak of Nature made, —
From the cool grotto, where the brooklets run.
To splinter'd peak, tall black'nii g in the sun; —
At last, discovering what they came for, pleas'd
With what they'd purchas'd, not, like robbers, seized,
Back 10 old Stratford's strand they turn once more,
And tell the wondrous story o'er and o'er.
" RcU back the tide of time ! and let us stand
Two hundred years ago, with that brave band.
966 HISTORY OF ANCIE NT WOODBURY,
Who, from the hill, that, westering, skirts this scene,
Looked down upon its rolling forests green.
And, gazing, as they might, with strange surprise,
Let the whole mighty landscape All their eyes!
" Roll back the tide ! and let us, as we may,
Group, in our thought, the picture of that day, —
Of that brave band along the forests' led,
Now climbing steeps, now whore the waters spread,—
Startled, how oft, to catch that sound of iear,
The bark of cat, or yell of mountaineer, —
Till where you mountain rising to the blue.
Gave all this glorious landscape to their view !
"Far to the north, hills over hills survey,
Till their blue tops are mingled with the day ;
Far to the south the widening vale extends.
Whose wealth of splendor every beauty lends;
Far to the west, in wide succession spread,
Valley and hill, and jutting mountain head;
While right before them, 'ueath the morning sky.
Nature's wide wonders all, were in their eye !
" I wonder much, if those broad-breasted men.
In that rough age — (it will not come again —
Should not perhaps)— I wonder if they view'd
As we, this mighty stretch of wave and wood !
The Spring's first bird was whistling in the skj-,
The fragrant birch its tassels flaunted nigh ;
Through the moist mould, in beauty ever young,
Tall ranks of flowers on every bank were flung;
Far by the streams, as here and there they view'd,
The classic willow, by the brook-side stood,
Trembling all over in the morning's beam,
Or playing with its shadow on the stream ;
The young winds bore their fragrance all about,
Mingled with hum of bee and torrent's shout,
And the wide air with all those sounds was filled,
That fancy ever dream'd, or heart has thrill'd ; —
I wonder how those men, of stalwart mien,
In that sweet morn looked forth upon the scene j
" One mighty purpose all that age had fired.
One mighty aim each swelling soul inspired ;
One truth, fast lock'd, in every soul was kept,
That conscience guarded, and that never slept ; —
Man came from God, in his own image made,
And by that charter certain rights conveyed; —
Those rights long trampled by an hireling throne.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 96*7
Had sent them forth, to ways and wilds unknown;
Here on bleak shores, soft breezes seldom press'd,
Here mid rude scenes, gay fancy seldom dress'd,
Alone, raid death, in want of all but worth,
They battled for the noblest prize on earth, —
Man in his native dignity to stand,
Himself a prince and ruler of the land !
" Small time had they then for the mere ideal,
Their love was truth, their present life all real ;
They walked the world, faith's vision never dim,
Saw not God's works, they only gazed on Hmi !
" Tell me, ye sons of that imperial race.
Imperial only, as their truth ye trace ; —
Those brave men, scorning courts, and kingly cr©w.
And only daring less than angels do ; —
Tell me, if prince or nobleman there be,
Can boast a prouder ancestry than we !"
At the close of the poem, which occupied an hour and a half in
the delivery, the assemblage united in singing an original congrat-
ulatory, and reminiscient ode, furnished by the writer of this.
Then followed the benediction, by Rev. Thomas L. Shipman, of
Jewett City, Conn., formerly Pastor of the Congregational
Chnrch in Southbury. The invited guests then scattered among
the hospitable homes of our town, and never was their hospitality
taxed to so great an extent before or since. Happy greetings of
friends, and long deferred reunions were the order of the hour
that will never be forgotten while life remains.
On the morning of the second day, at eight o'clock, about one
thousand persons convened in that sacred dell in the thick woods,
on the east side of the Orenaug Rocks, half a mile from the vil-
lage, which was consecrated by the prayers and praises of the
early fathers, and by them called Bethel Rock. This meeting was
held for the special purpose of commemorating this most interest-
ing fact in the history of our revered ancestors, and the occasion
was one long to be remembered by every devout heart.
Rev. Robert G. Williams, pastor of the old Pioneer Church,
opened the meeting by giving out one verse of the hymn com-
mencing—
" Be Thou, 0 God, exalted high,"
which, being sung with great solemnity, in the ever welcome air
968 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
of " Old Hundred," Dea. Eli Summers was called upon to lead in
prayer, which he did, after making some feeling and appropriate
remarks. Then followed the reading of portions of the 28th and
35th chapters of Genesis, which contain the account of Jacob's
setting up a stone to indicate the place where God had talked with
him, and naming it his Bethel ; Avhich passages occasioned the
giving by our falhers of the name of Bethel Rock to this beauti-
fully wild and secluded place of prayer and communion with God.
Then followed, in rapid succession, appropriate remarks by Mr.
B. H. Andrews, of Waterbury, Rev. Anson S. Atwood, of Mans-
field Centre, Dea, Truman Minor, of Woodbury, and Rev. Philo
Judson, of Rocky Hill, Mr. Judson became much affected while
giving reminiscences of the great and good men with whom he
had communed in prayer in this sacred retreat, in former years,
and who now rest from their labors till the " Great Day of Ac-
counts." Then followed the hymn —
" Once more, my soul, the rising day,'"' &c.
Rev. Benjamin C. Meigs, late missionary to Ceylon, where he
had labored for more than forty years, now led in a beautiful and
impressive prayer, after having made the following remarks : —
REMARKS OP MR. MEIGS AT THE BETHEL ROCK.
My Friends ! I feel that it is good for us to be here. Here is
the place where our Puritan fathers assembled to worship God,
before they had any sanctuary built for this purpose, and while
their savage foes roamed in these forests. In this beautiful ravine,
under these sheltering rocks, by setting a watch on younder point,
they could worship in comparative safety. Hence the name by
which this place is known — " Bethel Rock." Surely the God of
Bethel is here this morning, " This is none other but the house
of God, and this is the gate of heaven." May we not suppose
that our pious forefathers are now looking down upon us, while
we are gathered together in this consecrated place of worship ?
With what delight will they behold this assembly, while we pour
out our hearts before God in prayer '?
A few appropriate remarks by Dea. Judson Blackman, were fol-
lowed by a prayer from Rev. Anson S, Atwood, and the singing
of a verse from the ninetieth Psalm, The regular exercises being
now closed, a few moments were spent in hearing volunteer
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 969
remarks, when the audience united in singing the verse, com-
mencing—
" Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing,"
Then followed the brief concluding prayer, by Rev. Philo Jud-
son, and the benediction by Rev, Austin Isham, of Roxbury, and
this solemn and interescing occasion was numbered with the events
of the past, an event never to occur again during the life of any
soul present at the revered spot. Many lingered, as if unwilling
to separate, and many more procured and carried away portions
of the rock and moss, to be treasured as sacred mementoes of a
hallowed spot and a sacred scene.
At ten o'clock, a procession was formed in the same order as
the first day, with the exception of the " antique " portion of it,
which was omitted, and marched to the Tent, escorted by the
Band and Warner Light Guards.
The services were opened by music from the Band, followed by
reading of the following
CENTENNIAL HYMN.
BY REV. WILLIAM THOMPSON BACON.
Supposed to be sung on the spot where the Pilgrim Settlers held their first Sabbath
Worship.
Here, then, beneath the greenwood shade,
The Pilgrim first his altar made ;
'T was here, amid the mingled throng.
First breathed the prayer, and woke the song.
How peaceful smiled that Sabbath sun,
How holy was that day begun,
When here, amid the dark woods dim,
Went up the Pilgrims' first low hymn !
Look now upon the same still scene.
The wave is blue, the turf is green ;
But where are now the wood and wild.
The Pilgrim, and the forest child ?
The wood and wild have passed away ;
Pilgrim and forest child are clay ;
But here, upon their graves, we stand,
The children of that Ckristian band.
9*70 HISTORY OF AN^CIBXT WOODBURY.
An exceedingly eloquent, fervid, and appropriate prayer was
then offered by Rev. Friend W. Smith, Pastor of the Methodist
Church in Woodbury.
Then followed a sermon by Rev. Henry Beers Sherman, of Belle-
ville, New Jersey, a native of Woodbury. It was a labored and
finished production, and gave great pleasure to the friends on the
occasion.
At the close of the sermon, short speeches, in reply to previ-
ously prepared sentiments, was the order of the day, and consti-
tuted one of the most interesting features of this most memorable
occasion.
The first sentiment was, — " The early Clergy of Ancient Wood-
bury," and was responded to by Rev. Anson S. Atwood, of Mans-
field Center, Conn., a native of Woodbury. A passage or two
will show the character of the effort, and will be read with
pleasure : —
" Zechariah Walker was the first Pastor of Ancient Woodbury.
It is a good name — Zechariah — it is a Bible name, and he was a
Bible man. The church was organized in 1670, and he assumed
the pastorate. And if tradition tells the truth, and the little of
history that has come down to us, may be credited, he is not to
be numbered among the tyiinor prophets of his day and placed on
the last leaves of the Bible. He was not an ordinary man, but
made of sterner stuff — a man for the times and the work Provi-
dence had for him to do ; every way worthy to be the minister of
that little adventurous band, who came from Stratford to explore
and seek a home in the wilderness of Pomperaug ; and when they
reached the elevation of that western summit, and had gazed and
gazed again upon the valley, the object of their search, reposing
at their feet in all its primitive beauty and loveliness, they fell on
their knees in gratitude to return thanks to God, and John Minor
offered that memorable prayer, which your own historian has re-
corded— a prayer for a divine blessing on their enterprise, and that
they might have an upright and godly posterity in all coming gen-
erations. A prayer- that has proved well nigh prophetic for ten
generations of the descendants of some of these pioneers.
"Yes, Zechariah Walker was fitted for such an enterprise, casting
in his lot with theirs, comforting and cheering them on in their
toils, labors, sacrifices and perils in the wilderness, in laying the
foundation of a new order of things.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOOI>BUEY. 9*71
" For a few of the first years of his ministry, the place of worship
in the winter was the log cabins of his parishioners ; in the sum-
mer, the Bethel rock was his sanctuary and altar, the beat of the
drum his bell, the heavens his sound-board, his chorister unknown,
but perched on a rocky eminence might be seen the sentinel watch-
ing the approach of danger, while they bowed the knee of devo-
tion before God. There, in the solitude of the forest, the glad
tidings of the gospel were heard by attentive ears, and the songs
of Zion were sung by strong and joyful hearts.
'' History says of him, that he had a sound mind, was a powerful
and pungent preacher, that he lived in harmony with his people
thirty years, died beloved, and sleeps in death with those to whom
he ministered.
"Anthony Stoddard followed in the pastorate in 1702. A part
of his name Roman, but all the rest of him was Stoddard, from
the crown of his head to the sole of his foot ; and he had a brave,
strong, Christian heart, that beat full and clear, as it sent out its
pulsations through all the channels of the duties of his sacred of-
fice. Who was his father ? Whence came he ? W^e have the
answer. He had an enviable descent, from one of the ablest di-
vines New England had raised on her soil. Solomon Stoddard, of
Northampton, Mass., was that father, who had few equals, if any
superior, in the ministry of that day. He was of a liberal heart,
and he gave to the cause of Christ some large donations. He had
a daughter, Esther, much beloved, and he gave her away to be
the wife of the Rev. Timothy Edwards, of East Windsor, Conn.,
and the mother of the immortal Jonathan Edwards. He had a
son, Anthony, equally beloved, and he gave him to Ancient Wood-
bury.
"This son honored his parentage. His intellect and furniture of
mind were of a high order; and one would think from the amount
of labor he performed, his mind must have been kept from rust-
ing. He must have had almost a giant's strength, to have, in no
unimportant sense, discharged the duties oi three professions: that
of a pastor, a physician, and a counsellor or judge, while, it is said,
he neglected no part of the duties of the ministry. It was from
a necessity of the times that all these labors devolved upon him.
It must be remembered, that education was almost entirely with
and in the hands of ministers in the early infancy of our colonial
State. Hence, they had to do many things that belong to other
professions. To teach school-masters, and fit them for their work
972 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
draw deeds, wills, keep records, and even be judges, in some cases ^
of probate. Many of these burdensome duties pressed upon Stod-
dard, but he met them cheerfully, manfully devoting soul and body
and every energy of his being to the advancement of the best in-
terests of his flock, temporal and ^ternal, and not without blessed
results. A long, prosperous and happy ministry of sixty years
crowned his labors. The divine approbation set its seal to his
ministry, in permitting him to see almost constant additions to
the church through the whole period of his ministry, numbering
in all four hundred and seventy-four persons.
" At an advanced age, having served his generation faithfully,
he came to the grave, " as a shock of corn fully ripe," and his
record is on high.
" Noah Benedict, the third pastor of Ancient Woodbury, was
ordained October 22, 1760. We now come within the recollection
of living witnesses, to speak of a man whose name is hallowed in
the memories of many who have gone before me. You remember
him well — remember him as you remember no other minister you
ever knew, and loved him as you never loved any other man. Nor
can I think you wrong in it. My earliest years were impressed
with the godliness, purity and excellency of his character, as I
beard it from parental lips with so much adoration and venera-
tion, that I came to feel, long before I knew him, that he was
something more than a man. I am not alone in this impression.
I have heard grave and venerable men, in the profession and out
of it, say of him, that " he was born a minister, lived a minister,
died a minister, and could not, if he would, be any thing else but
a minister ;" a minister at all times, in all circumstances, in
the pulpit and out of the pulpit — a 7iol)le minister — a Nathaniel
indeed, in whom there was no guile.
" There are three men, of the good and the great that I have
known, that I would like much to hear pray again, of all men I
ever heard pray, if they might come back to the world for a brief
space. Noah Benedict, his Deacon, Matthew Minor, and Azel
Backus. They are better employed. I recall my impertinent wish,
"The venerated pastor of whom I am speaking, and Benjamin
Wildman, of Southbury, were near neighbors, and long tried and
intimate friends; very different were they in natural temperament
and ministerial gifts and graces. I remember an anecdote I heard
in ray youth, illustrative of the two men. Said one of their breth-
ren, who well knew them both and their different gifts, in a circle
FIRST CHURCH, WJODBURY, COXN.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 973
of Christian friends on a certain occasion, " Give me Benedict to
pray, Wildman to preach, and I get as near to God and Heaven
as I ever expect to while in the body."
Next followed vrell approved speeches by Rev. Thomas L. Ship-
man, of Jewitt City, Conn., on the " Departed clergy of the present
generation," and Truman Minor, a deacon of the First church, on
the " Pioneer Church " of Woodbury.
After another re-union at the refreshment tents, the booming
cannon, and the music of the Band, again called the delighted
multitude to the Speakers' tent, where the exercises of the last
afternoon were opened, on the part of the choir, by singing with
hearty joy, the following
ODE.
BY WILLIAM COTHREN.
Air — " Sweet Home.'"
Thrice welcome the day which now brings to the mind.
The deeds of our fathers, so noble and kind ;
An incense of sweetness breathes out on the air,
The incense of welcome,- the incense of prayer.
Home, home, sweet, sweet home,
No place like our firesides,
No place like our homes.
The earth has grown old for full many a year,
Since the people of God came to worship Him here ;
And the graves are moss-grown of the sturdy old stock,
\Yho prayed in their Bethel, the shade of the Rock.
Home, «&c.
Oh ! shades of the mighty, most faithful of men,
Will the meed of your virtues e'er greet us again 'i
A halo of glory surrounds each fair brow.
Which shall shine in yon Heaven forever as now.
Home. <fec.
Then followed a speech in reply to the Sentiment, "The Early
Lawyers of Ancient Woodbury," by Hon. Seth P. Beers, of Litch-
field, Conn., a native of Woodbury.
He spoke with much feeling, having been absent from the home
of his birth nearly sixty years. A few passages of his speech are
appended, of biographical interest, now that he has passed away
to his great reward : —
974 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
"I go back to seventy-eight years ago ; and from that stand-
point glance over the succeeding time.
"In yonder mansion, late the residence of the much lamented
and Hon. Charles B. Phelps, on the fourth day of July, 1781, was
found puling in its nurse's arms, a child — now, the humble indi-
vidual who addresses a generation that knew not Joseph.
" My coming hither to-day, seems a completion of the circle of
my life. It brings me round to the point whence I started, and
connects the termination of the line with its beginning ; amid the
scenery of my early days the experiences of my early life come
back to me.
" And now while here, a reminiscent, with the aid of objects
around me, which call to mind the early events of a life which must
soon terminate, and of which the present generation possesses lit-
tle if any knowledge, my thoughts naturally linger upon that early
portion of my life, which was passed in this my birth-place.
" Whatever opinions may be entertained by others on this sub-
ject, so far as it respects myself, there is no part of my life to
which I recur with greater satisfaction, or of which I am more
proud, than the first chapter of my history. It would deface the
rest, if that were obliterated from the account. Some person has
said, (I don't remember who — but am willing to stand sponsor to
the sentiment,) " the heat and most important section of every
man^s life is its first.'''' I go back, therefore, to my best, and be-
gin with the beginning.
"I can say of myself, that I am ' native and to the manor born ;'
and if I am entitled to indulgence anywhere, for lingering upon
personal details, I may fairly claim it here. As no person will be
likely to undertake my biography, I may as well, perhaps, do it
myself.
" I can answer as to my own family, who were all here in force
when I emigrated, that the name of Beers has become extinct in
the town ; and all that now remains here of the Beers blood has
flowed back into a branch of my mother's family, and the name is
lost in that of Preston.
"The annals of my father's family are for the most part to be
found upon the monuments in yonder grave-yard. With the ex-
ception of myself, the solitary remainder of a generation that has
passed away, and a few descendants of my sister, all are gone.
Having reached that extreme point in human life which is close
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 975
upon fourscore years, though still in the enjoyment of health and
strength, and hardly feeling in its full weight the burden of my
years — for which I bless God, and am thankful, — I cannot but feel
that my coming hither on this occasion is as a bringing together
the two ends of the line, and a making up of the circle of my his-
tory. Farewell.
An extended and studied speech by David B. W. Hard, M. D.,
of Bethlehem, followed in answer to the Sentiment, " The early
physicians of Ancient Woodbui y."
The next Sentiment, " The founders of Ancient Woodbury,"
was most eloquently and appropriately responded to by Ex-Gov.
William T. Minor, of Stamford, a grandson of Woodbury. In
opening, he said : —
" It has given me great pleasure that I have been able to accept
the invitation of your committee and be present with you to join
in these commemorative services. Since my arrival here last Sat-
urday afternoon, from what I have seen and heard, I have been
somewhat disposed to doubt my own identity. I am inclined to
the opinion that I ought to have been " Deacon Minor." I rather
think I ought to have been. I am certain that if I had been, and
discharged faithfully the duties appertaining to that office, I should
have been a much better man than at present ;. but as I am, it has
long been a cherished wish of aiy heart, to visit the home of ray
ancestors; to look at the spot which gave them birth, at the play-
grounds of their childhood, at the old school-houses in which their
education was commenced, and in many instances, finished, at the
fields cultivated in their middle age, at the houses which sheltered
their old age, at the churches where they ever worshipped, and at
the grave-yards where now rest all of their mortal remains. Un-
til now the active business of life has prevented the accomplish-
ment of that wish. I only regret now, as I look upon your beau-
tiful hills and valleys, and partake of your generous hospitality,
that duty has been so long neglected. One of the most obvious
reflections forcing itself upon the mind, as the eye passes over the
immense concourse here assembled, is, what numbers of the de-
scendants of ancient Woodbury, have come together here, from
all parts of our common country ; the merchant from his counting-
room, the mechanic from his work-shop, the farmer from his field,
the professional man from his office, the authoress from her study,
bringing with her poetical garlands all green and fresh — all leav-
976 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
ing behind the active, stirring scenes of life, some to clasp the
hand of living friends, fondly welcoming them ; others, to drop a
tear over the graves of departed ones — all to commemorate the
virtues of the founders of Woodbury.
" Although I mingle with you but as a grandchild, of this good
old town, yet I doubt not my appreciation of its growth and pros-
perity will be as true, and my relish for these exercises as keen
and hearty, as of the children and immediate heirs ; from all of
us a tribute of admiration and respect is equally due to the vir-
tues, the true nobility and the undying energy of its founders."
In closing, he gracefully alludes to the fathers : —
" If the spirits of those good old men, who, two hundred years
ago, stood on Good Hill, surveying the prospect before and about
them, could be brought back to-day, and placed upon the exact
spot where first they looked upon the valley of Woodbury ; if
they could look upon these side hills, all luxuriant with vegetation,
these valleys all dotted over with beautiful residences ; if they
could hear the hum of industry from mountain top and valley,
and above all, could they look upon this immense concourse of
their descendants, prosperous, happy and contented ; if their view
could be extended over the thirty-three States of this confederacy,
teeming with a population everywhere busy and active, just now
engaged in commemorating the birth-day of the government
whose protecting power guarantees to all its citizens life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness, they would feel that their first prayer
ofiered up in this then wilderness, had become prophecy, and that
their great faith had been more than realized in its results. Such
were our ancestors, the founders of Woodbury ; they did well the
work alloted for them to do, each in his own sphere. Erect for
them the monumental stone! Cherish well their memory in your
hearts ; above all, guard with fidelity their principles which you
have inherited, that on our government maybe inscribed "^s^o
perpetual
" A word more, and I have done. It is said that communities,
as individuals, when thej^ commence to exist, commence to die.
With reference to this, I will close with ofifering the sentiment —
" Woodbury. — Its head-stones in 1659, may its foot-stones be in
eternity."
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 977
The whole audience then united in singing, with great enthusi-
asm, tlie following
ODE.
BY MRS. ANN S. STEPHENS.
Tuae — " America^
All hail our brothers, friends !
Each heart a welcome sends —
Come neighbors, come ! •
Meet where your fathers dwelt ;
Kneel where our mothers knelt ;
Think how they toil'd and felt,
In the old home.
Two hundred years ago,
Old men, with heads of snow,
Bared to the breeze,
'Mid a wild Indian band —
By the red council brand —
Grasped the proud chieftain's hand.
Under the trees.
Soon the log cabin stood,
Deep in the hemlock wood,
Hid by its green ;
Sons rose to aid the sire.
Red shone the " fallow fire,"
Up rose the rustic spire.
Peaceful, serene.
As forest leaves are shed,
All round a silent bed,
Under the sod ;
There foUow'd sire and son.
Each when his race was run,
And all his work was done.
Going to God.
If angels wander by,
When hearts beat warm and high,
Our sires are here ;
Thankful that liberty
Has set their children free —
Smiling with sympathy.
Gladness and cheer.
978 HISTORY OF ANCIENT AVOODBURY„
Sons of that pilgrim few !
Souls that are firm and t rue !
Hail ye the day !
Our union is glorious,
Our strength all victorious,
God reigneth over us.
Praise Him alway !
Hon. Charles Chapman, of Hartford, a grand-son of Woodbury,
next responded to the sentiment, "The grand-children of Ancient
Woodbury."
We have looked this speech through carefully, to see if we
could make an extract, which would accomplish at once the pur-
poses of this volume, and, at the same time, do justice to one of
the most valued, warm-hearted, and genial friends, the author has
ever possessed. He has now passed the " bourne whence no trav-
eller returns," and no more beautiful and graceful garland can be
placed upon the grave of the gifted and eloquent speaker, than to
present his offering of friendship and love entire. He said : —
" Having been called to respond to the toast last announced, I
ought perhaps to imitate the example of the politicians, and ' de-
fine my position.' The nearer we can approach to the common
grand-mother, on this occasion, the better pleased we are ; but,
truth to tell, I am but a great-grandson of ' Ancient Woodbury.'
The difference, h#wever, may be of minor importance, (if the
Governor^ will excuse the use of the word in that sense,) inasmuch
as all the grand-children are great grand-children to-day.
" There is in the human heart an instinctive love for the place of
one's nativity. The youth who leaves the paternal roof to seek
his fortune elsewhere, keeps the old homestead in view, toils on to
acquire a competency, and when he has achieved the end for which
he has labored many years, returns to the place of his birth, re-
purchases the paternal acres, which have passed into other hands,
and rears a more expensive edifice upon the spot where the old
mansion stood. He adorns and beautifies the old farm, enriches
the old fields, plants hedges where the old walls stood, and calls
the place by a fancy name.
" Of a kindred character is the regard which one feels for the
home of his more remote ancestors, the spot where the family took •
root in the then new world. This sentiment will show itself in
various ways. It ' crops out,' (in the language of the miners, I
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 979
mean the tuiners in metals,) from time to time, and on this occa-
sion may be observed i;pon every hand. The remote descendants
of the early settlers in this lovely valley are here in great num-
bers, and others residing in distant regions have sent their con-
tributions to this festival in letters, relics, and touching senti-
ments.
*' I have been commissioned by one of these descendants to pre-
sent to the town of Woodbury some tokens of his regard, which
I trust you will carefully preserve in the archives of the town.
I will read to you my " Power of Attorney," (excuse the language
of the profession,) and when you hear that, and the name of the
man from whom it comes, you will regret with me, that he can
not be heard from this stand, upon an occasion so w^ell suited to
his tastes as this is. You will recognize in him the historian of
Hartford.
"Hartford, July 1st, 1859.
" Hon. Charles Chapman :
Dear Sir: — In compliance with your solicitation, I take
pleasure in sending, through you, some memorials for the forth-
coming celebration of the settlement of Ancient Woodbury. They
are, a piece of the wood of the far-tamed Charter Oak, a view of
this Monarch Tree as it looked in life, and a view of it as it looked
in death, the morning after it fell. It was within the period of the
birth of Woodbury — but a few years only after the Stileses, and
Curtises, and Judsons, and Minors, tirst settled there — that Sir
Edmund Andros made his impotent attempt to seize and inval-
idate that noble Charter under whose folds Samuel Sherman and
his associates obtained liberty from the General Court "to erect a
plantation at Pomperauge " — and those, the early dwellers there —
in common with the Colonists of Connecticut at large — rejoiced,
then in the olden time, in that gnarled old Oak, which protected
their Constitution of government, and saved their liberties — liber-
ties which have never since been overthrown — but which — conse-
crated by the sacrifices and services of her sons in the councils
and on the battle-fields of the Union — are now, thank Heaven,
"imperishable and impregnable."
" Pleasant, therefore, I have thought it would be to the descend-
ants of the first settlers of Woodbury, to receive the particular
^ Gov. Wm. T. Minor, who was sitting on the stand.
980 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
memorials which I commit to your charge. A thousand interest-
ing historic associations cluster around them. They vividly renew
the Past. They point to an heroic age for Connecticut. They
should incite patriotic emotion. They should teach us all to love
and honor our State as it has loved and honored us.
" I am myself, Sir, a descendant, in the fourth generation, of
that worthy and distinguished divine, who, for nearly sixty years,
ministered in Ancient Woodbury — the Rev. Anthony Stoddard —
and I therefoi'e feel a special gratification in the fact that the birth
of this town is to be duly celebrated, and that you, Sir — one of its
grand-sons — are to mingle, actively, in the " high festival." Few
municipalities in Connecticut can point to a more historic past
than Woonbury. Its Indian, civil, ecclesiastical and Revolutionary
life — so admirably portrayed by its historian, Wm. Cothren, Esq.
— place it among the first of our towns, and justify its good re-
pute. That the celebration in which its citizens propose to in-
dulge, may prove gratifying to themselves — may call up gladden-
ing memories — may glow with the spirit of patriotism — and aug-
ment their love for their venerable and happy home, is the hearty
wish of, Yours truly,
I. W. STUART.
[Then Mr. Chapman exhibited the block from the Charter Oak,
the picture of the tree as it appeared when standing, and after it
was prostrated by the storm.]
There are others, and many others, who are neither inhabitants
of Woodbury, nor descendants of those who were, who feel a deep
interest in its history, and in these festivities, which mark the two
hundredth anniversary of the exploration of this valley. Your
industrious and talented fellow-citizen, William Cothren, Esq., has
done much to create and foster this interest, by his carefully
prepared work — a work that does honor to him and to you, and
which is a most valuable contribution to the history of our State.
Our own poetess, who is the poetess of Connecticut, ^>ar excel-
lence^ has committed to my hands a little " gem of purest ray se-
rene " from her casket of jewels, which she has authorized me to
present to you on this occasion. She rejoices in your history, as
you do in her well-earned fame. Like another eminent lady who
went from among you in her youth, [JSIrs. Ann S. tStephens,) and
who has contributed to this Festival by her presence and by her
pen, she has risen to her enviable position in the world of letters
HISTOIIY OF A NCI EXT WOODBURY. 981
by her own merit. Long may she live to entertain us by her
works, and teach us by her example.
RETURN TO WOODBURY.
Back to the hills by summer-breezes courted,
Back to the ancient roof, the shaded plain, —
Back to the play-ground where their fathers sported,
The summon'd children turn their course again.
And as the Fountain loves the tuneful voices
Of her far streamlets, whereso'er they tend,
And at the echo of their fame rejoices
When nobly with the ocean-tide they blend, —
So this fair Region— rich in vales and waters.
Swells with maternal pride her flowery zone,
At this re-union of her sons and daughters, —
And in their well-earned honor finds her own.
L. H. SiGOURNET.
Hartford, June 28th, 1859.
There is another of the other sex, who is bound to you by no
tie, but Avho has yieldefl to my request, and sent a sparkljng con-
tribution to this intellectual banquet. He may be known to some
of you as a regular contributor to the Knickerbocker, and as an
occasional correspondent of some of the journals in this State. He
would enjoy this scene, were he present, and for his sake and yours,
I regret his absence. I suppose I ought to tell you who he is. He
is one of my fellow-citizens, who deals in iron for gain, and courts
the muses for fun — brimful of mirth and with a wit that is keener
than a Damascus blade. He is a living refutation of the truth of
a paragraph in Hudibras, to the effect that
" A man of quick and active wit
For drudgery is more unfit.
Compared to those of duller parts,
Than running nags to draw in carts."
Alike a man of business and a poet, success attends his efforts in
both departments.
"Our friends, the Clergy, who have figured so largely and so suc-
cessfully in these exercises, will pardon the spice of levity which
may, by a careful examination, be detected in the verses which I
am about to read. Yes, I know they will. I see it in their be-
nevolent faces, and I remember, too, that the holidays of the
082 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Clergy are " few and far between," and I am persuaded that they
enjoy this to the very " top of their bent."
" But it is time I should tell you the name of my friend who
has been so kind to ns all. It is George H. Clark, and here is what
he sends " greeting," as the Lawyers say :
Geo. H. Clark's Woodbury Centennial Poem.
Mysterious notes were abroad on the air —
Significant hints of some weighty affair :
Rumors increased till they rose to a shout,
And now we all see what the stir was about.
Ye modest admirers, who've nothing to say,
Make room — for spread eagle is coming this way,
We stand, as it were, in our forefathers' shoes.
And the time for tall talking'^ too precious to lose.
Here frolicsome age shall grow young at the core,
And youth shall strike hands with the boys of threescore;
Brim full of good feeling — Oh! call it no folly —
We've assembled on purpose to laugh and be jolly.
Ye attorneys — turn over a holiday leaf;
The facts are before you — and here is the brief !
So give us as much as you please of your jaw, '
But don't, if ycju love us, don't let it be law.
Ye grave Boanerges — who thunder at sin,
Let your features relax to a good natured grin :
Pretermit theological chafing and chat,
And talk about buttercups, birds, and all that.
Forget, 0 my friends, in this glorified hour,
The Parson who vanquished that dreadful pow-wow-er;
But remember the Backus and Bellamy jokes,
And up and be merry like rational folks.
Sink the siiop, O ye trader in di'y goods, to-day, —
Just look at the prospect right over the way !
Don't the sight of the Pomperaug hills and green valleys
Beat all your gay patterns on muslins and chnliies?
Ye medical men — whose dreams are of drugs,
Omit for a while your professional shrugs :
Give the go-by to boluses, blisters, and nux.
And think of the dandelions, daisies, and duckss.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 983
Ye farmers — the nearest to Nature's own breast,
• Who draw from h"r stores what her children love best ;
Who irradiate towns with fresh butter and cheese,
And tickle our palates with lamb and green peas ;
We remember your haymows so fragrant in June ;
Your pumpkins, as large and as round as the moon ;
The green corn we roasted and ate on the sly.
And the rye 'n 'ndian bread, and the — Oh ! let us cry !
It makes my mouth water to talk of such things, —
The truth is, you farmers are Nature's own kings:
And the queens ! — would you see the true test of thoir worth ?
Just look at those boys! arn't they proud of their birth?
Of course, we'll remember, and speak of with pride,
Seth Warner, and others who fought by his side :
And grand Ethan Allen — the hero all over —
, Who conquered Fort Ti, in the name of Jehovah !
Historians assert that you'd only one witch —
But history makes an unfortunate hitch ;
For witches still flourish — as witness the groups !
Though for halters and faggots you substitute hoops.
Then a health to old Woodbury — merry or grave —
And long in the land may her progeny wave,
Nor forget where their excellent grand -mothers sleep,
While their own little babies are learning to creep.
*' Now, my friends, I have disposed of the props upon which I
have relied to sustain me in the event, that my own thoughts
should fail. I am left to my own resources, and begin to be ap-
prehensive that you may be mirthfully inclined when I am seri-
ous, and seriously disposed when I am gay. Topics were plenty,
yesterday morning, but in the two days' speaking they have been,
for the most part, used up. All the leading features in your his-
tory have been passed in review. Those men who have dlstin-
guished themselves most among you have also been already noticed.
Of some of them too much could hardly be said. First and fore-
most among the intellectual giants in our State, was the Hon. Na-
thaniel Smith, who was born and lived, until his death, within the
ancient limits of this town. He was indeed a great man. With-
out the advantages of early culture, he worked his way to the
front rank of the legal profession, at a period when the ablest men.
984 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
who have been known in the courts of this State, were in full prac-
tice. He stood among them primus inter pares. As an advocate^
he had great power, and his efforts were attended with marked
success. At a later period he was an ornament to the Bench, and
has left a record upon the pages of our Reports of which the
worthy President here, (his son,) may well be proud.
"I must be indulged in saying a few words of another member
of the profession who has recently passed away. He was one of
the originators of this celebration, and one of the Committee to
carry out the plan adopted a year ago. The vacant chair upon
the stage draped in mourning, reminds us of him, who, had he
lived, would have mingled in these festivities with a keen relish.
He (the Hon. Charles B. Phelps) was a man of genius, and a
highly respectable member of the Bar. A ready debater, he was
always equal to the emergency of an occasion. He had a keen
wit and overflowed with humor.
k
" A merrier man
Within the limit of becoming mirth,
I never spent an hour's talk ■withal."
" He had, moreover, a kind heart, which displayed itself on all
suitable occasions, and long will he be remembered for his many
good deeds. You will hardly " look upon his like again."
" You will pardon me for speaking a word of another gentle-
man of another profession, who has long since gone to his rest. I
mean the Rev. John R. Marshall, who was the first Episcopal cler-
gyman in this town. He was an eminently good man, and much
beloved by those to whom he ministered in holy things. He plant-
ed a vine here which he carefully nurtured while he lived, and
which flourishes now in full vigor. He closed liis ministry here
with the termination of his life, leaving behind him many blessed
fruits, "Allured to brighter worlds and led the way."
"There are many others who have distinguished themselves here
in the different professions, and many who have gone from among
you, and distinguished themselves elsewhere, who deserve to be
mentioned on this occasion, did time permit. There have been, too,
very many equally worthy and estimable men, who never attained
to any particular prominence in the eye of the world, men who
pursued the noiseless tenor of their way, but who have done their
share in building up your institutions, and in making this valley
bud and blossom. They were the fathers and the grand-fathers
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY. 985
of many whom I see before me, and this gathering attests the in-
terest which their posterity feel in their memory. While the
blood of some of them courses in the veins of their descendants,
their names have become extinct among you. This is true of the
names of my maternal grand-father and grand-mother, (Perry and
Beers,) names once well and favorably known here. One of the
latter name {Hon. S. P. Heers,) has addressed you to-day, but he
has resided elsewhere for more than half a century. From his
account of himself, nearly seventy years ago he had the ambition
to sit cross-legged upon a tailor's bench, but because perhaps (in
the language of the old song,) " the money came slowly in," he
concluded to pursue the legal profession, supposed by some to be
more productive. It would seem from his statement that he is
now an old man, which, from his full head of brown hair, (which
I envy,) and his youthful appearance, we should all doubt, had we
not confidence in his veracity, and did we not know that he had
been the popular commissioner of the School Fund, since the ear-
liest recollection of the " oldest inhabitant." The sons of many
have emigrated to other portions of the country, and thus have
their names become extinct here. The daughters, although emi-
nently worthy of trust in all other particulars, cannot be relied
upon to bear up a name. In this particular, however honest they
may be, they resemble the most practiced rogues. They are, with
now and then a solitary, (not to say melancholy exception,) in
search of an alias, and are quite sure to find and adopt it. I have
always wondered why they mark their linen with their maiden
names. Nearly two days have been spent here in glorifying our
grand-fathers. But there has been, as there now is, a " better-
half " of humanity, of whom I have heard nothing said. I mar-
vel that such an omission could have occurred in such a presence.
A '■'• mutual admiration society," composed exclusively of men, I
confess is not to my taste. We have heard much about great men
— good men — valiant men — self-taught men, and about " all sorts
and conditions of men." It has been from the beginning — men —
men — men; nothing but men. Had they no mothers — no wives?
Men have indeed fought the battles of the country; felled the for-
est trees ; tilled the earth, and toiled in the diflerent professions
and trades. But woman has toiled too amid dangers which ap-
palled the stoutest hearts. She has braved suiFering in its count-
less forms, such as woman only knows, and submitted to priva-
tions with a patient meekness of which woman is alone capable.
I
986 PIISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
In the early settlement of the country, the mother nursed and
reared her own children; was mistress and servant; carded the
wool ; spun it into yarn, and made it into cloth. She was her
husband's and boy's tailor, her own and her daughter's milliner
and mantuamaker ; and in a word, discharged every domestic duty
unaided. It is not strange that such women should have reared
such sons as we have been boasting about here for two days.
" Let us do fitting honors on this occasion to the female charac-
ter. Every man who has risen to distinction in any of the
walks of life, is indebted to his mother for those traits of genius
which he inherited from her, aud those habits of thinking and of
action, which are the result of her early teaching.
" The mother in her office, holds the key
Of the soul : and she it is who stamps the coin
Of character, amd makes the being who would be a savage,
But for her gentle cares, a Christian man. — "
" How dear to us is the sacred name of mother ! She it was
whose loving care and ceaseless vigilance protected and nurtured
us in helpless infancy. We learned from her those earliest lessons
which are most deeply impressed upon our memories, and which
time does not obliterate. Our recollections of a mother's love, a
mother's care, a mother's patience, and a mother's forgiveness of
our faults, freshen and become more and more tender, as our shad-
ows lengthen upon the dial. It is to her we owe all that we are
and all we hope to be.
" I might speak of woman in the relation of wife, and of the
love, respect, and kindness which she deserves as such. She is
sought and won, forsakes father and mother, and cleaves unto the
husband. With an amazing confidence, she entrusts her happi-
ness, her all, in his hands. She shares his sorrows, participates in
his joys, labors for his advancement, and occupies the position in
life in which his success or misfortuae may place her. If we
loved her when seeking an alliance, how much more tenderly
should we feel toward her, when she has committed herself to our
fostering care, and has become the mother of our children.
" There is still another relation in which I might speak of woman.
I mean as daughters. None but fathers know aught of the emo-
tions of a father's heart toward tliem. With what solicitude do
we watch their growth and development. With what intense in-
terest do we gaze upon their budding beauty, and varied accom-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 987
plishments. With what tender affection do we cling to them, and
how they wind themselves about our hearts. And then, endeared
to us as they are, and in the flush and beauty of their youth, we
are called to relinquish them into other hands, as their mothers
were relinquished to us. Then we know for the first time, what
the yielding to our request cost some few years ago.
"Were there time, and were there not some Governors, Lawyers,
Doctors, and Clergymen yet to speak, and whom you are anxious
to hear, I should be pleased to enlarge upon this fair topic ; but
even at the hazard of standing between you and those gentlemen
for an unreasonable time, I could not say less. When I look upon
this immense audience, and especially upon this bed of flowers be-
fore me, in which I see the spring violet, the summer rose, and the
dahlia of autumn, all in bloom at the same time, as if the three
seasons had been consolidated, I wish we had another day in which
we could say what we feel and think.
" Since my earliest recollection, great changes have been wrought
in this valley. The stately elms and maples that line the way
southward to the western limit of the village of Southbury, were
in their infancy fifty years ago ; but now they spread their giant
arms in every direction, and are models of strength and beauty.
This was then a sparsely settled village ; but since that period it
has undergone such alterations as to change its appearance alto-
gether. Then it was purely an agricultural town ; but now it de-
rives its prosperity in a degree from the successful prosecution of
some of the mechanic arts.
" The men of that day have been for the most part gathered to
their fathers ; but I recognize in some of those here, the family
likeness, and hear on every hand the familiar names. The names
of Stiles, Curtiss, Hinman, Sherman, Judson, Atwood, Strong, and
many others, are still preserved, and last, but not least, you have
' saved your Bacon.' We had yesterday afternoon a taste of the
attic salt which gives it value.
"In conclusion, let me congratulate the originators of this cele-
bration, and all who have been interested in it, upon the singu-
larly fortunate circumstances attendant upon this Festival. The
heavens have smiled upon us— no accident has occurred to mar the
festivities of the occasion — and the re-union has been one of un-
mixed enjoyment. We can be present but upon one si'.ch occa-
sion in a life-time. Here we have renewed old friendships, and I
trust have formed new ones of an enduring character. Many a
10
988 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
history will date from this occasion, for it would not be strange if
som.e, who have met here for the first time, will pursue life's jour-
ney hand in hand — will ' climb life's hill together,' and when the
journey is concluded, will ' sleep together at the foot ' the sleep of
death. The youth of both sexes here present, will excuse this
public allusion to a delicate subject, which may have found a place
in their private thoughts.
'* Now, my friends, I must take my leave of you. There is a
small army of orators behind me, who are waiting for turns, as the
old settlers waited at the old mill ; and there are many here whose
thoughts, radiant with beauty as they are, will not find vent in
words. We part with pleasant recollections of this memorable
interview, which we shall cherish while we live."
Hon. Henry Dutton, of New Haven, a native of Watertown,
within the limits of the Woodbury deed of 1659, responded to
the sentiment, " The Cousins of Ancient Woodbury."
Mr. President : — An incident has occurred since I have been
on this platform, which has almost induced me to withdraw. The
distinguished gentleman from Litchfield related an anecdote, which
seemed to reflect upon the honored practice of *' cousining." Now
as I am here only under that long established custom, and have no
right to be heard, except as a remote cousin of Woodbury, had I
not felt the utmost confidence in the friendship of that gentleman^
I should have been disposed to take ofience. I have been some-
what reassured, however, by the course taken by the eloquent
gentleman who has preceded me. When that gentleman,
" Whose head is silvered o'er with age,"
but whose
" Long experience has [not'] made him sage,"
and whom I have known for many years as a grand-father, comes
here and palms himself ofi" as a great-grandchild of Woodbury, I
trust I shall be excused if I claim the relationship of only fourth
cousin."
Gov. Dutton then proceeded to give some very interesting re-
miiiiscenses of the men of the early and the Revolutionary times,
to the great interest of the audience.
Samuel Minor, Esq., of Sandusky, Ohio, a native Woodbury,
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 989
then spoke to the sentiment, " The Emigrants from Ancient Wood-
bury," as follows : " —
Mr. President : — Under a brief notice, I am desired to make a
few remarks in behalf of the Emigrants from Ancient Woodbury,
those who have left these hills and valleys for distant abodes, and
returned to unite in this festive occasion. In their names, we ten-
der most cordial thanks, for the invitation we have received, to
visit our paternal homes — to gather again around the domestic
hearthstones, and to sit again in the old arm chairs of our ances-
tors.
" Personally, this occasion has a special interest, for around the
residence near by, and the grounds on which we are assembled,
are gathered all the associations of a New England Home. Hera
were spent my childhood and youth, and here were received those
instructions prized higher than any other legacy earthly parents
could bestow. The rocks and trees and hills are as familiar as
household words. When I call to mind those who have fallen
asleep, and look upon those who live ; when recollection runs over
the reminiscenses of the past, and then turn to the present, the soul
is filled with emotions which can not be uttered, and I can only
exclaim in reference to this loved spot, as can each returning wan-
derer as to his own :
' Home, home, sweet, sweet home,
There's noplace like our old firesides.
There's no place like our good old homes.'
Those of us who have removed from among you, observe with pe -
culiar interest one feature of this celebration, and that is, the
presence of so many of advanced and maturing years, bo many
bright links connecting the past to the present, so many Elishas,
upon whom have fallen the mantles of the Elijahs that have gone
before ; and when I speak for myself, I speak for all who reside in
the newer States, and assure you, there is nothing we there so
much miss as the presence of good old men. Happy is that com-
munity which is blessed by many of them. It is for you, my aged
Fathers, to remember, that, as physical strength diminishes, the
fruits of a worthy character are ripening, and the fragrance of
useful lives is being shed abroad over the community. Your in-
fluence, like gravity, is silent, but powerful. To you we look with
confidence, and respect. We feel that you have imbibed the spirit
990 HISTOEY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
and principles of our Puritan ancestors, and are manifesting these
principles in your lives, and that you have thus become, not only
sons of the past, but fathers of the future.
" But time is passing. Again, we thank you for this occasion ;
we thank you for the hospitality and kindness received, and for
the able addresses we have heard. We thank you for the influence
your character still exerts, and that, as we wander over the earth,
we are enabled to point with pride to New England, with pride to
Connecticut, with pride to Woodbury.
"Permit me, in behalf of my adopted, and also my native home,
without disparagement to others, to close with this sentiment :
" Ohio — Noblest of the Western States.
" Connecticut — Parent of the best part of Ohio."
Dr. Leman Galpin, of Milan, Ohio, a native of Woodbury, next
spoke of the early days, and gave pleasing reminiscenses of early
life, followed by Gen. William Williams, of Norwich, who con-
gratulated us on our successful celebration, and invited the inhab-
itants of the town to be present at a like celebration, to be held at
Norwich in the succeeding September. Gen. Williams' remarks
were followed by the reading, by Rev. Robert G. Williams, of an
interesting poem by Miss Hortensia M. Thomas, now Mrs. Elam
B. Burton.
Rev. C. Trowbridge Woodrufi' then read, with admirable effect,
the closing poem of the occasion, Avritten by Mrs. Ann S. Stephens,
the distinguished authoress of New York, a native of Ancient
Woodbury : —
" We have met — we have met, by the graves of our sires,
Where the forest once reddened with war council fires,
"Where the smoke of the wigwam, while curling on high,
Left its bloom on the hemlock, — its cloud on the sky.
"Let us turn from the brightness of this happy hour.
Two centuries back, when the savage held power.
From the Naugatuck, sweeping through gorges and glen,
To the bright Housatonic and onward again.
Here a wilderness spread in its wildness and gloom.
Revealed by the starlight of dogwood in bloom,
And the broad rivers ran in the flickering shade.
Which the pine trees and cedars alternately made.
Here the chiefs gathered wild in their gorgeous array,
And their war-path was red at the dawning of day
Along the broad plain where light lingers clear,
Came the crack of the niusket — the leap of the deer.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY 991
" When the leaves of the oak were all downy and red,
And the wild cherry blossoms were white overhead,
When the buds and the sap of the maple were sweet,
And the child lay asleep on the moss at her feet,
Here the squaw sat at work in the cool of the trees.
While her lord roamed at will, or reclined at his ease, —
This — this is the picture all savagely grand,
Which our forefathers found when they sought out this land.
" The contract was honest our ancestors made
When they found the red warriors, lords of the shade;
They came not to wrangle or fight for the sod.
But armed with the law and the blessing of God,
With the gold they had won by privation and toil.
They purchased a right to the rivers and soil.
Then their cabins were built, and they planted the corn,
Though the war-whoop soon answered the blast of the horn,
And the sound of the axe as it rang through the wood
But challenged a contest of carnage and blood.
Still, upward and onward in peril of life
They planted our homesteads with labor and strife.
For labor is mighty, and courage is grand,
When it conquers the foe as it toils with the hand.
While the war-cry resounded from valley and hill,
The smoke of the fallow rose steady and still ;
If a cabin was burnt on the hiUs or the plain,
A score of stout hearts piled the logs up again.
If famine appeared, it was not to one roof,
For charity then had its power and its proof;
No mortar stood empty while one teemed with corn.
For of danger and want is true brotherhood born.
Thus our forefathers worked, and our forefathers won
The wealth we inherit from father to son,
Till their heads grew as white as the snow when it lies
On the pine branches lifted half-way to the skies,
And they laid themselves down in the ripeness of years,
While a new generation baptized them with tears.
While the meeting-house, crowned with its belfry and spire.
Takes rose tints from dawn — from the sunset its fire, —
While our homesteads are built, where the log-cabin stood.
And our fields ripen grain to the verge of the wood. —
We ask for no trophies to tell of their deeds,
No thunder of cannon, nor tramping of steeds.
For each wild flower that springs to the smile of its God,
Has written their virtues abroad on the sod.
" We have met — we have met, in the bloom of the year.
The first glow of summer encircles us here ;
The sunshine is warm on the ripening fruit.
And the whip-poor-will sings when the robin is mute ;
992 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Our mills as they toil through their burden of grain,
Send over the waters a mellow refrain.
While the wind whispers low as it whispered to them
And sways the pale rose on its delicate stem.
Our souls as they feel the melodious thrill,
Send up a thanksgiving more exquisite still,
And our fathers might bend from their heaven of bliss,
To smile on a scene of rejoicing like this.
Rev. C. T. Woodruff, Rector of St. Paul's Church, Woodbury,
then said the concluding prayer.
Rev. Philo Judson, an aged clergyman of Rocky Hill, Conn., a
native of Woodbury, after making the following remarks, pro-
nounced the benediction, and the great assembly broke up, to meet
no more on a similar occasion, within our beautiful valley .*
" Me. Presieent : — This is a glorious and interesting day to
Woodbury. I am proud to say that I am a descendant' of the
Pilgrim fathers.
"I have attended celebrations before, but never one equal to
this. It excells all that have been held in this State.
" This morning we met for prayer at Bethel Rock. My friends,
my feelings and emotions were such as language cannot describe.
We stood on sacred and holy ground. There our Pilgrim fathers
and mothers worshipped on the Sabbath for about eight years,
during the summer season. The over-hanging rock, as you saw,
is perhaps 300 feet long, and very high. Our fathers, seated by
this rock, would to some extent be shielded from the storms. Sen-
tinels were placed on the top of the rock, so as to give the alarm
if the Indians approached. There was a stone pulpitj as you saw.
O ! what prayers were there offered by our fathers. Prayer-meet-
ings have been held there, more or less, ever since. In 1811, 1 at-
tended a prayer-meeting there with Dr. Azel Backus, Dr. Bennett
Tyler, Dr. Lyman Beecher, Rev. Messrs. Clark, Harrison, and others. .
It was one of uncommon interest and solemnity — we wrestled with
God in prayer.
" Woodbury has produced more great and eminent men than
any other town of equal size. Dr. D wight, of Yale College, re-
marked, that Hon. Nathaniel Smith's native talent was superior to
that of any man he ever met. He had not his equal in this State
— some say, not his equal or superior in New England.
" This has been a glorious celebration. Even our friend, Hon.
Charles Chapman, of Hartford, comes here to share in the glory,
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY. 993
trying to claim some relationship here. "We had supposed he had
popularity and glory enough in Hartford for any one man.
"But he labored very hard, as you have seen, to make out that
he was the great-grandson of somebody in Woodbury ! I do not
know but he made it out, because he will make out anything he
undertakes.
" But while listening to his spicy, eloquent, and able speech, I
believe we should have been willing to adopt him as a grandson .
At the next centennial celebration, they will probably be willing
to adopt him as a son ! "
" The Historical address by William Cothren, your able historian,
was very learned, interesting, eloquent, and instructive. He is
<3eserving of much credit, and has done immense service to the
community, in giving us the History of Woodbury. It is an able
work, and must have required much persevering research. It is
read with deep interest by those away from Woodbury. Many
lay it on their tables, next to their Bibles. It is read by those
that are not descendats, with great interest. It is a very popular
work among intelligent and literary men. Its interest will increase
as time passes on. In fifty or one hundred years from this time,
it will be read with tenfold more interest than now, even in Wood-
bury. It will go down to generations yet unborn, and be consid-
ered as one of the most interesting of histories, Cothren's name
will be immortal — remembered as long as time shall endure.
Many will rise up and call him blessed !
" Woodbury has sent forth more ministers than any other town
within my knowledge. Nearly eighty heralds of the cross have
descended from the loins of the first William Judson. Many of
them have borne his honored surname, and many others have
borne the honorable names of the female alliances. They have
preached the Gospel far and wide, and their labors have been
greatly blessed. None can estimate the great and good results
which have arisen from the labors of the ministers who have gone
out from Ancient Woodbury, Eternity alone can unfold them."
Very interesting letters were received from numerous sons and
descendants of Woodbury, for the occasion, which, for want of
time, coiild not be read, but they were all published with the pro-
ceedings of the celebration. Among these contributors were, Hon.
John Lorimer Graham, of New York, Hon. Charles J. Hill, of Ro-
chester, N. Y., Hon. John Sherman, of Ohio, Hon. Royal R. Hinman,
994 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
of Hartford, Rev. Samuel Fuller, D. D., Col. Henry Stoddard,
Q,f Dayton, Ohio, Hon. Thomas B. Butler, Chief Justice of Con-
necticut, Col. John E. Hinman, of Utica, N. Y., Jonathan Knight,
M. D., of New Haven, Prof. Harvey P. Peet, of New York, Hon.
Henry Booth, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Rev. Rufus Murray, of
Detroit, Mich., Hon. Hiland Hall, ex-Gov. ot Vermont.
CONCLUDING REMARKS.
The weather, during the two days devoted to the exercises, was
clear, cool, and delightful. It was a general remark that Provi-
dence seemed to smile on the celebration. The immense concourse
of people exhibited very great interest in the proceedings, which
never flagged during the extended exercises, and constant sittings
of the two days. There was a generous and intelligent apprecia-
tion of the intellectual feast prepared for them on this occasion,
never excelled at any similar celebration. Although the labors of
the Committee were severe and painful, beyond the comprhension
of many, and might exceed the belief of all, yet its members felt
fully compensated for all their pains and toil, by the expression of
entire satisfaction and approbation, on the part of the people,
which greeted them on every side. So far as we know, every hear-
er, whose voice was heard, declared the celebration to have been
an unbounded success.
On the Sabbath preceding the 4th, allusions to the approaching
celebration were made in several of the Churches in town, and
an appropriate welcome to the returned emigrants from the old.
town extended. In the First, or old Pioneer Congregational
Church, the oldest by many years in this county, the pastor. Rev.
Robert G. Williams, read a sermon, preached by Rev. Anthony
Stoddard, its second minister, on the 6th of July, 1754, to the
same Church, in presence of the levies, raised to march against
Crown Point, in the old French War. The sermon was written
on leaves about three inches square, and showed evident traces of
the patriarchal age of one hundred and five years. The historical
associations which clustered around it, the place, the identical man-
uscript, the very presence in which we were assembled, listening
to the same words which our fathers, who have been slumbering
for generations in the old church-yard, heard on that occasion, so
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 995^
momentous to many hearts, wrought up the imagination to a tem-
porary companionship with the silent shades of the spirit land.
It was a fitting introduction to the exercises of the celebration^
that was so soon to occur.
It was not a small matter to feed and shelter the vast multitude
assembled at the celebration. But the most ample provision to
meet the exigencies of the occasion had been made by the ladies.
Tents had been prepared by the Committee, for each of the towns
once included within the limits of Ancient Woodbury, " with en-
signs flying," to direct the people to the proper places. There
was also a tent appropriated to the use of invited guests from
abroad. In these the multitudes united in a mammoth Antiqua-
rian Pic-Nic. No price was demanded, but like the sunshine, all
was free. But the antique pic-nic proper was celebrated beneath the
deep blue sky, within the shade of some large apple-trees, spread
on old tables, covered with pewter platters, wooden trenchers, pew-
ter and wooden spoons, and all the antiquarian articles that had been
preserved, and handed down to us from " former generations." The
viands consisted of bean porridge, baked pork and beans, Indian
pudding, hominy, rye and Indian bread, and numerous other primi-
tive dishes. Mrs. N. B. Smith presided over the table arrangements
for Woodbury, with that ease and grace for which she 4s so much
distinguished, aided in the most effective manner by nearly all the
other ladies of the town. In all the tents the tables groaned with
abundance, and were set out with a taste in arrangement, and ex-
cellence of viands, rarely equalled on any similar festive occasion.
Great praise was awarded to the ladies for the indispensable aid
they furnished at the joyous festival.
Among the many pleasing incidents of the celebration, was the
reading of the beautiful and thrilling poem, in the preceding
pages, of Mrs. Ann S. Stephens, a native of "Ancient Wood-
bury." There was a soul, and an emotion, pervading the whole
of the production, that showed the heart of the writer was in the
subject ; and so striking was its effect on an audience wearied by
the almost uninterupted exercises of ten hours, that when the
reading was concluded, and the writer advanced to the front of
the stand, and moved three cheers for the " Poetess of Ancient
Woodbury," it was responded to by the great assemblage, with
an enthusiasm which must have been grateful to the distinguished
authoress, who was, at the moment, sitting quietly upon the stand.
An attempt was made to keep a Register of the names of all
996 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUET.
who attended the celebration, with a view to preservation. The
request that every person would register his name, was announced
from the stand. But owing to the great multitude, and to the
fact that every moment was occupied with interesting public ex-
ercises, very few complied with the request.
Among the distinguished persons in attendance, besides those
already named, we noticed the following named persons ; and
doubtless there were many others, whom we did not see in the
crush and hurry of the occasion ; — Hon. John Boyd, of Winches'
ter, Secretary of Connecticut ; Hon. Origen S. Seymour, of Litch-
field, Judge of the Superior Court, with his son, Edward W. Sey-
mour, Esq., ; Jonathan Knight, M. D., of New Haven, Professor
in Yale College ; Hon. Ralph D. Smith, of Guilford, a native of
Southbury ; Hon. William B. Wooster, of Birmingham ; E. B-
•Cooke, Esq., Editor of the Waterbury American ; Rev. J. M. Wil-
ley, of Waterbury ; Hon. Judson W. Sherman, Member of Con-
gress, of Angelica, N. Y. ; Hon. Green Kendrick, of Waterbury ;
Nathaniel A. Bacon, Esq., of New Haven ; William Nelson Blake-
man, M. D,, a distinguished physician of New York, and a native
of Roxbury ; Charles Nettleton, Esq., of New York, a native of
Washington ; Hon. Samuel G. Goodrich, of Southbury, late Con-
sul at PariSj the well-known " Peter Parley ; " C. S. Trowbridge,
Esq., of Auburn, N. Y. ; R. F. Trowbridge, Esq., of Syracuse, N?
Y. ; Rev. Charles W. Powell, of Middlebury ; Alexander Frazer.
Esq., of New York ; Rev. C. S. Sherman, of Naugatuck ; Rev.
Abijah M. Calkin, of Cochecton, N. Y. ; Rev. Ira Abbott, of South-
bury; Rev. Jason Atwater, of West Haven; Rev. J. K. Averill,
of Plymouth ; Rev. E.Lyman, and Hon. Charles Adams, of Litch-
field, Editor of the Litchfield Enquirer.
Among the venerable men of other days, we noticed on the
stage, Capt. Judson Hurd, 85 years of age, so active and vigorous,
that he had ridden on horseback in the morning, with his " lady
love" of 72, on a pillion behind him. We also noticed Dea. Da-
vid Punderson, of Washington, aged 86, Nathaniel Richardson,
of Middlebury, aged 85, and Mr. William Summers, of the ripe
age of nearly ninety years, a resident of Woodbury, and the old-
est man in town.
The extended and efficient arrangements of the General Com-
mittee, for providing strangers with accommodations and protec-
tion, were thoroughly carried out. Perfect satisfaction and quiet
reigned throughout the celebration. More than fifteen hundred
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 997
visitors were lodged in the town the first night, and in the other
towns of the ancient territory, at least twice that number. All
the inhabitants threw open their doors, and from ten to seventy-
five persons to a house found quarters for the night. Even our
least opulent citizens displayed an anxiety to add to the general
enjoyment of the occasion. As an instance, Mr. Harry H. Fox,
who, certainly, is not much blessed with this world's goods, fed
twenty-six persons, and lodged twelve. We have not yet heard
of an individual who was not provided with reasonable accommo-
dations.
A very pleasing feature in the "Antique Procession," not before
noticed in these pages, was the fine turn-out of King Solomon's
Lodge, No. 7, of Free and Accepted Masons, of Woodbury, in
the splendid regalia of its mystic brotherhood. This is not only
one of the oldest lodges west of Connecticut river, having received
its first charter in 1765, from the Provincial Grand Lodge of the
Colony of Massachusetts, but it has been one of the oldest and
most respectable in the State, both for the number and character
of its members. It was with becoming pride, that they joined in
the antique portion of the proceedings of the festival, celebrating
at once the antiquity of the town, and the establishment therein
of their own ancient, benevolent, and honorable fraternity.
The music of the occasion was furnished by the New Milford
Band, in a highly creditable and satisfactory manner. During the
evening of the first day, it serenaded the orator of the day, and
other residents connected with the active exercises of the occa-
sion. In short, every part of the programme was well performed,
and the whole celebration was pronounced by all present to be a
perfect success. As it was the largest, so it was more perfect, in
all its arrangements, than any similar celebration in this country.
998
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOOOBUJJT.
the 19th of July, 1865, King Solomon's
Lodge, No. 7, of Free and Accepted Masons,
celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of
its organization.
At a meeting of sundry brethren of King
Solomon's Lodge, held May 10, 1862, at
the residence of the late Bro. Ckarles B.
Phelps, assembled upon the invitation of Past
Master Alonzo Norton Lewis, Past Master
Charles H. Webb was called to the Chair, and
A. N. Lewis appointed Secretary.
" On motion of Bro. Lewis, it was voted that a Committee be
nominated to the Lodge, to take in hand the celebration of the
approaching Centennial Anniversary of King Solomon's Lodge.
The following brethren were appointed : —
" P. M. Alonzo Norton Lewis,
" William Cothren,
" James Huntington,
" Charles H. Webb,
P. M. Benjamin Doolittle,
" Nathaniel Smith,
Bro. G. Platt Crane.
EXTRACT FROM RECORDS OF KING SOLOMON'S
LODGE.
Aug. 15, A. D., 1862, A. L., 5862.
" A Communication from a meeting of Masons, nominating
Bro's Lewis, Cothren, Huntington, Webb, Doolittle, Smith, and
Crane, a Committee to arrange for the Celebration of the Centen-
nial Anniversary of this Lodge, was received, the Committee
appointed J and the Communication ordered on file."
The committee immediately entered on the performance of the
duties of preparation for an event so interesting to the brethrenj
and, in due time, every thing was " made ready."
The appointed day, Wednesday, July 19, A. D., 1865, A. L,,
5865, dawned bright and fair, as if Nature herself smiled npon
the occasion.
At half past 10 o'clock, A. M., the procession was formed,
under the direction of Past Master Benj. Doolittle, Chief Marshal,
HISTORY OF ANCJIENT WOODBURY. 999
assisted by his Deputies, Bro's Eli Sperry aad G. Eugene Betts,
in the following
ORDER;
Two Tylers, witli drawn Swords.
Tomj^kins' Brass Baud.
Two Stewards, with White Rods.
Monroe Lodge, Monroe.
Eureka Lodge, No, 83, Bethel.
* George Washington Lodge, No. 82, Ansonia.
^ Wooster Lodge, No. 79, New Haven.
S * Shepherd Lodge, No. 78, Naugatuck.
^ Meridian Lodge, No. 11, Meriden.
St. Andrews' Lodge, No. 54, West Winsted.
Seneca Lodge, No. 55, Wolcottville.
St. Luke's Lodge, No. 48, Kent.
* Morning Star Lodge, No. 47, Seymour,
Harmony Lodge, No. 42, Waterbury.
* Rising Sun Lodge, No. 36, Washington.
St. Peter's Lodge, No. 21, New Milford.
^ Harmony Lodge, No. 20, New Britain.
g. Federal Lodge, No. 17, Watertown.
p Frederick Lodge, No. 14, Plainville.
* St. Paul's Lodge, No. 11, Litchfield.
* King Solomon's Lodge, No. 7, Woodbury.
St. John's Lodge, No. 3, Bridgeport.
Pliram Lodge, No. 1, New Haven.
Royal Arch Masons.
Council Masons.
Knight Templars.
A Junior Deacon . \ ^^^ ^oly Writings, ) ^ g^^.^^ ^^^^^^
( Square and Compasss, 3
g A Steward. ] ^^^ Worshipful Master of ) ^ g^^^^^^
^ ( Kmg Solomon s Lodge. )
S^ 1 Officers of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge.
£. The Clergy.
* Lodges marked by a star, were present as Lodges.
1 The following were present : — The M. W. Grand Master, Eli S. Quintard, o
New Haven; Past Grarid Master Howard B. Ensign, of New Haven; Past
Grand Master D. E. Bostwick, of Litchfield, and Grand Lecturer G. M. Hatch, of
Bridgeport.
1000 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUET.
The procession marched to the South Congregational Church,
and entering in reverse order, when all were seated, the acting
W. M., A. N. Lewis, introduced the Most Worshipful Eli S.
Quintard, of New Haven, Grand Master of Masons in Connecti-
cut, who took the Chair, when the following Order of Exercises
was proceeded with ;
I.
Ode by the Woodbury Mucisal Association, under the leader-
ship of P. M. Trowbridge, Esq., and accompanied by Tompkins'
Band.
II.
Reading of the Scriptures (1 Corinthians, xiii) by Rev. C. T.
Woodruff, Rector of Christ Church, Ridgefield.
HI.
Ode.
IV.
Prayer by Rev. John Purves, Rector of St. Paul's Church,
Woodbury.
V.
Chant.
Past Master Alonzo Norton Lewis then delivered an eloquent
and interesting address, from which we select a few passages, our
limits forbidding more extended quotations :
" W. M. Officers and brothers of King JSolomon's Lodge :
"You stand, to-day, upon the hither coast of a seemingly
boundless ocean. You strain your eyes, in vain, to catch one
faint glimpse of the other shore. At last, as you are about to
turn away in despair, a small boat heaves in sight. You gather
around the weary voyager as he steps from his tempest-beaten
craft, upon the strand, and anxiously inquire if he has brought
any tidings or relics of those who have gone down upon the
deep. The solitary navigator, who has crossed the trackless
waste, exhibits a few moth-eaten books and MSS., and informs
you that these are all that remain of the gallant mariners whose
loss you deplore. To drop the figure ; you, my brethren, are the
anxious inquirers by the sea-side ; the speaker is the ' weary
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURT. 1001
Toyager ' who has crossed the sea 'in search of that which was
lost,' and returned 7iot without tidings.
" An historical address furnishes but a narrow field for the
flowers of rhetoric, or the graces of oratory. Facts, dates, rec-
ords, names, and details are the wares of the historian. If I do
not fatigue you in the story of my communings with the past — if
I present you, in the brief period assigned me, with an epitome ot
the history of King Solomon's Lodge, from its foundation, one
hundred years ago, to the present time, I shall have fulfilled the
duty with which I was entrusted. Leaving, therefore, to my
reverend brother, who is to follow, the more pleasing task of
moving your hearts with the strains of eloquence, I set out at
once upon the journey before me.
"King Solomon's Lodge was constituted upon the 17th of July,,
in the year of our Lord 1765, and ot Masonry 5765. I hold ia
my hand the original charter, beautifully engrossed upon stamped
paper, in the plain round hand of the olden time.
"To the uninitiated it may be proper to say, in explanation of
the almost sacred reverence with which a mason regards his
charter, that no lodge can be held without its presence at the
place of meeting ; and if lost or destroyed as by fire, a dispensation
must be obtained from the Grand Master before lodge-meetings-
can be again held. If revoked by the proper authority, the lodge
ceases to exist until it is leguUy restored. The charter, there-
fore, is most carefully preserved in the lodge archives.
" While the lodge was located in Waterbury, the regular cotn-
munications (which is the masonic term ^ov meetings) were holdert
monthly in the house now occupied by Bro. James Brown, then
the residence of Capt. Geo. Nicholls. The hall was an upper
room, running the whole length of the house, with ' gambrel^
roof and windows, it being a dancing-hall, such as were often
found in the private residences of that day.
" Of the doings of the lodge, while it sat in Waterbury, we
have no record, save the paper which I hold in my hand. It is the
original draft of the ' Bye-Laws,' enacted and approved on Christ-
mas Day, 1765, which I beg leave to read, as a relic of ' ye olden
time.'
" At the period of which I am speaking (1765 to 1775) Wood-
bury exceeded Waterbury in population and importance. After
a few years it is probable that the members of the lodge, dwelling
in the valley of the Pomperaug, began to outnumber those residing
1002 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
in Mattatuck, or Waterbury. The lodge was, therefoi'c, in 17*75
(or previously) removed to Woodbury, where the tabernacle has
ever since rested. The names of Joseph Perry, James Raynolds,
Hezekiah Thompson, and other of the Waterbury brethren,
appear upon the records as in attendance upon lodge meetings,
the weary distance of twelve miles through woods and swamps,
over hills and streams, not being sufficient to keep from them the
monthly reunion with the ' Sons of Light.'
"The Records from 1*765 to 1775, are missing. In that valua-
ble work, by a brother who sits before me to-day, the ' History of
Ancient Woodbury,' we read, that ' all the records, except the
charter, from its first organization to 1782, are no longer in exist-
ence.' This paragraph was written in 1854. Three years later,
while 'searching among the rubbish' of the lodge-room, the
speaker had the good fortune to discover this ancient record book,
containing minutes of all the 'communications,' or meetings,
from St. John's Day, Dec. 27, 1775, to Sept. 7, 1780. The first
-entry is as follows :
" Att a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons held att the house of Br. Peter
Gilchrist, in Woodbury, Dec. 27th, 1775,
Present.
R. W. Bro. Joseph Perry, Master,
" Peter Gilchrist^ Senior Warden,
'• Mitchell Lampson, Junior "
" Delucena Backus, Treasurer,
" Aaron Mallort,
" ZiMRT Moody.
•' The same evening the Lodge was Led to the Choyse of a Master for the
year ensuing, when they unanimously mad choyse of R. W. Bro. Joseph Perry to
fill the Chear.
" The Lodge likewise mad choyse of Bro. Peter Gilchrist, S. W,, and Bro.
Mitchell Lampson, J. "W., Bro. Delucena Backus, Sec, and Bro. Aaron Mallory,
Treas., very agreeable to the Lodge.
Expense of the night - - - £0 11 0
Paid - , - - " " "
^'From 1775 to 1797, a period of twentj'-two years, the lodge
met in an ' upper room,' or ball-room of Peter Gilchrist's house,
now the residence of Geo. B. Lewis, Esq. Bro. Gilchrist seems
to have been a prominent mason, and was for many years Secre-
tary of the lodge.
"In Oct., 1796, the lodge voted to remove to a room to be pre-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY, 1003
pared for their use by Bro, David Tallman, in the house of widow
Damaris Gilchrist, now the ball-room of Kelly's hotel.
"This room was finished in due time, with ' suitable pews for
the Master and Wardens,' and the lodge voted Bros. Tallman and
Fabrique a further allowance of 18 and 12 dollars respectively for
' stock extraordinary furnished.' Masonic tradition informs us
that this hall was fitted up in magnificent style : Upon the ceiling
over head, were delineated the ' starry decked heavens,' with the
' All-Seeing Eye,' and other emblems well known to the craft.
"Sept. 18th, 1823, the lodge removed to a new hall in the build-
ing lately occupied by Bros. Ghapin and Lathrop (more recently
perverted into a barn by Bro. H. W. Shove) where the meetings
were held for some fifteen years, when they again removed to the
old lodge-room over Kelly's hotel, in 1837, where they continued
to meet until the dedication of the present lodge edifice in 1839.
" Aug. 29th, 1838, at a regular communication ot the lodge, it
was voted 'that Bros. Benj. Doolittle, Ghas. B. Phelps, Edwd.
Hinman, and Edgar Botsford, be appointed a committee to obtain
subscriptions to build a lodge room.' This committee reported at
the next meeting that one could be built at a cost not to exceed
the sum of $700. They were, therefore, instructed ' to commence
the building when half the amount should be subscribed, in addi-
tion to the existing funds of the lodge.' The mone}^ was raised
by dividing the stock into shares of $10 each, some of which
were taken by persons not members of the fraternity. For many
years after, candidates for initiation paid their fees by purchasing
the requisite number of shares at a low rate. In this way, and
from the natural anxiety of the brethren to extinguish the out-
standing shares, some were inducted into the mysteries of Mason-
ry, -who have since proved anything but ornaments to the lodge
and institution. At last, in the year 1857, the last share and a
half was cancelled, being held by our late Bro. Mitchell S. Mitch-
ell, of New Haven.
"The new lodge edifice was solemnly dedicated to the 'Holy
Saints John,' by the Grand officers, upon the festival of St. John
the Baptist, 1839. The ofiicers and brethren of King Solomon's
Lodge, were present at the exercises, and many visiting brethren
from other lodges. In the language of the records :
" The marshalls (which were Bros. W. H. Hunter and Bethel Castle) formed
the procession, and proceeded to St. Paul's Churcli, to hear an oration by Rev.
Bro. Burhanns, after which the procession fopmed and marched to Bro. Chas. S
11
1004 HISTORY OF AKCIENT WOODBUKY.
Peck's, where the brethren partook of a sumptuous feast prepared for the occa-
sion. After toasting, ' ifec.,' and ' parting upon the level,' (it is to be hoped
the latter phrase is not to be taken literally,) the lodge closed in due and ancient
form. Henry A. Huli,, Sec."
" Lodge meetings were anciently held on the Tuesday preceding
the full of the moon, from five o'clock, P. M. to nine in the
evening, from September to March, inclusive ; and from six to
nine the remainder of the year. At seven, or thereabouts, the
lodge was ' called from labor to refreshment,' when a bounteous
supper was served by the ' Boniface,' at whose inn the lodge was
sitting. After supper followed toasts and masonic songs. Labor
was resumed at about eight, and the lodge ' closed in peace and
harmony ' at nine. The meetings Avere held uj^on the week ' pre-
ceding the full of the moon,' that the brethren who came from
a distance might have light on their homeward ride.
" The general spirit of conviviality, which at one time disgraced
even ministers' meetings, ordinations and funerals, was also felt in
the lodges at their meetings. Many lodges had decanters and
glasses in their ante-rooms, and the members sometimes partook
too freely at the ' hour of refreshment.' The anti-masonic storm
which swept over New York, and a portion of the New England
States, though it checked the progress of Masonry, and at one
time bid fair to overthrow the institution, had one good result.
The M. W. Grand Lodge of Connecticut recommended the sub-
ordinate lodges to discontinue the use of ardent spirits at lodge
meetings, and King Solomon's Lodge, in a resolution offered by
our late Bro. Charles B. Phelps, was one of the iirst to banish
tippling from the lodge-room,
For several years prior to 1841, the lodge had enjoyed great
and continued prosperity. From that time to 1846, from re-
movals and various causes, it rapidly declined in numbers and
efficiency, and having failed to make its returns to the Grand
Lodge for three years, the charter was vacated and surrendered
to the grand officers in October of the latter year. The inter-
regnum was but of short duration. In December of the same
year, a dispensation was applied for and granted, empowering the
brethren to resume their labors as a lodge, and on the 6th of Jan-
uary the charter was returned, officers elected, and a new era
begun. The craft are now (1865) in possession of a fine lodge
edifice, unincumbered by debt, and have in their treasury the
HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1005
* wherewith ' to reheve ' poor distressed master masons, their
widows and orphans.'
" A few extracts from the records may not be inappropriate to
the time and occasion.
"Aug. 1st, 1780, it was voted that 'the treasurer send to Bro.
David Wooster, 200 continental dollars out of the Box.'
"Feb. 4th, 1800, 'Bros. J. Clark and Wm. Moseley were
appointed to confer with the Committee of Arrangements for the
22d insti, and to procure the aprons trimmed with black,' as a
token of respect for the memory of their illustrious Brother
George Washington.
" I have thus, "Worshipful Master and Brethren, endeavored to
trace, in an imperfect manner, the history of King Solomon's
Lodge. 'Tis a solemn thought that here, in these few volumes,
lie the records of a hundred years ! How ' swifter than a weav-
er's shuttle ' is the flight of time ! ' We spend our years as a tale
that is told !' This day should ' furnish food for serious reflection '
to us all. 1765—1865—1965 ! Who, of all this company, will be
present at the second centennial of King Solomon's Lodge?
"Eight years ago, I enrolled my name as a member of the
Woodbury fraternity. As I cast my eye over these seats, I see
many new faces, but, alas ! not all of the old ones ! I miss the
genial face and portly form of one who twice filled the Oriental
Chair, dispensing light and knowledge to the craft. He was made
a mason in 1812, and, at the time of his decease, had been for
neavly fifty years a valued and respected member of this lodge.
But a few weeks before his death he was present at an installa-
tion service, and delivered an address approj^riate to the occasion.
In two short months you stood around his open grave, and with
streaming eyes, dropped your sprigs of acacia upon his coffin,
sighing in tremulous accents, ' Alas ! my brother P
" Any eulogium upon his character, to those who knew him,
would be to ' gild refined gold, or paint the lily !' Those who
knew him best, loved him most. For more than two years the
speaker was most confidentially and intimately associated with
him, and he has no hesitation in affirming that " he was a ruan,
take him all in all, we shall not look upon his like again !' Born
soon after the revolution, and familiarly acquainted with many of
the actors in that great drama ; educated in the celebrated Litch.
field Law School of Judge Reeve, with such men as John M
Clayton, and John C. Calhoun for fellow students, he was a con.
1006 HISTORY OF ANCIENT "WOODBURY.
necting link between the generation of '76 and the present. In
his tastes and habits, a ' gentleman of the old school ;' with a
high-toned sense of honor that is too rarely found in these modern
times ; his mind unusually well stored with that knowledge which
only habits of observation can acquire ; a never-failing flow of
wit, and anecdote, and keenest irony and sarcasm, if the occasion
demanded ; of great power as a public speaker and an advocate ;'
full of ' wise saws and modern instances,' and quaint sayings and
comparisons, which convulsed the listener with merriment ; a kind
and unselfish neighbor ; an ever faithful and sympathizing friend ;
strong in his likes and dislikes ; a man who read character at a
glance ; hospitable, charitable, and generous to a fault,
" ' As many a beggar and impostor knew ;'
though a knoyer, a peace-niaker ; (his proudest boast being that
he * had settled more cases than he had tried ') ; to those who
knew him, in the sanctity of his home, (whatever he may have
seemed to the world), a man of deep religious feelings and yearn-
ings ; in the language of another,
" ' Not, like too many, worser than he seemed,
But always better than himself had deemed :' 1
Charles B. Phelps, 'the Old Judge,' as we loved to call him, will
never be forgotten, so long as there is one who knew him left to
cherish his memory !
" ' The iipright judge, the wit, the mind intent,
With the large heart, that always with it went :
Passing his years among us, softened, sage,
Almost the feature of another age ; —
In one dread moment sent to that far shore
Where praise, nor blame, shall ever reach him more. '2
There is another brother, whose hoary head and Christian
character deserves a passing notice. The oldest member of the
fraternity, initiated jnto Masonry in 1813, fifty-two years ago, he
still lingers among us, at the good old age of three score and ten,
and eighteen years. Though he has come to realize by sad expe-
1 Rev. Wni. Thompson Bacon, in his Woodbury Centennial Poem, July 4,
1859, .
Ibid.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1007
Tience the iafirmities of age, ' when the keepers of the house
tremble, and the strong men bow themselves, and the grinders
cease because they are few, and those that look out of the
windows be darkened ; and the doors are shut in the streets
when the sound of the grinding is low; when fears are in the
way, and the almond ti*ee flourishes and desire fails :' — though all
this is come upon him, he still retains his first love for the Insti-
tution, before whose altar his youthful knees bowed in fealty and
prayer. Need I say that I refer to our venerable Brother James
Moody ?
"It may seem invidious to speak of the living, where so many
are worthy of praise. When the anti-masonic tempest of 1828
had well-nigh extinguished our ' three lesser lights ;' when ' the
love of many waxed cold,' and to acknowledge one's self a Mason
required more courage than to storm a battery ; when mobs pro-
scribed, and churches excommunicated the known or suspecied
Mason ; prominent among a faithful few, a brother who sits before
me, was untiring in his efforts to keep the masonic flame a-light
upon the altar of King Solomon's Lodge. Unlike too many, he
never 'renounced Free Masonry' at the bidding of party or sect.
Filling, as necessity required, every ofiice, from the chair in the
East to the Tyler's station ' without the door ;' for many years the
faithful and eflicient Treasurer ; twice elected Worshipful Master ;
present at nearly every meeting of the lodge since his afliliation,
more than forty-tour years ago ; King Solomon's Lodge is in-
debted for its present existence, to no brother, living or dead,
more than to Brother Benjamin Doolittle ! i
"My task is done! My communings with the past, though
tinged with sadness, have been pleasing and profitable to myself;
I trust the result, even if somewhat tedious, has not been without
interest and instruction to my hearers.
" Finally, Brethren op King Solomon's Lodge, let us strive to
grow wiser and better for our masonic associations. Let us never
confound Masonry with Religion, nor Religion with Masonry.
Let us ever remember that Masonry, though 7iot religion, is her
handmaid: and that he who would be a true Mason must also
aspire to that higher name, a. follower of the Lord Jesus Christ,
Thus, at the last, when the grim tyrant Death shall alarm for us
1 Brot Doolittle passed to the Lodge on high about three years ago, at the age
of 70, and this eulogy is not overdrawn.
1008 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
'the inner door' of the lodge — we may welcome him as a kind
messenger, sent to translate ns from this imperfect to that all-
perfect, glorious, and celestial lodge above, where the Supreme
Grand Master of the universe presides !"
The address was succeeded by a very eloquent and instructive
sermon, by Rev. C. Trowdridge Woodruff, of Ridgefield, for-
merly rector of St. Paul's Church, Woodbury, From this sermon
we make a few brief extracts : —
SER]Nd:ON
I. KINGS VI. 1.
" And the house, when it v/as building, was built of stone, made ready before
it was brought thither ; so that there was neither hammer, nor axe, nor
tool of iron, heard in the house while it was building."
" Wonderful record ! record, made of no other building in the
history of our world ; record, worthy of Him who planned the
building, and of him who sought the " understanding heart," that
he might work out the woundrous design ; record, significant of
the mighty Past, whose history it was to embody, and of the Fu-
ture, whose prophetic analogies were to cluster around it ! The
work then going on, the massive stones then I'ising into walls, in-
dicating no ordinary work, nor yet the usual architecture of the
time. No ! in the centuries by-gone, upon the rugged and scarred
brow of awful Sinai, amid lightnings and thunders, with the huge
mountain shaking beneath the overshadowing presence of the
great Jehovah, Moses was showed the pattern of that majestic
Temple, which, with all its sacred rites, afterwards stood, the joy
of the whole earth, on Mount Moriah's stately brow. The Tab-
ernacle, set up in the wilderness, and carried along with the Israel-
ites as they journeyed to the Promised Land, was but the finished
model of the vast and magnificent edifice, whose foundation stones
of costly worth, reached down as deep as Kedron's shadowed
glen, and whose pinnacles towered to heights too dazzling ftr the
sight.
HISTORY OF ANCIE^TT WOODBURY. 1009
For many years had the pious David been carefully gathering
the varied materials for the sacred house, and now his illustrious
son, Solomon, with all the aid of native and foreign artists, was
consummating the grand design. The forests resounded to the
stroke of the woodman's axe ; the quarries of Zeradathah echoed
to the ring of the hammer and maul; the smitheries glowed;
carpenters, and carvers, and cunning workmen went in and out,
intent upon their mighty work, and, day by day, the ponderous
beams, the perfect ashlers, the polished cedar, and the olive, and
the golden plates, came by the hands of the seventy thousand
Apprentices, from the eighty thousand Fellow-Crafts, till the co-
ping was finished, pilaster and column were set, the burnished
roof thrown over all, and the great Temple, from foundation to
dome, stood the fairest and the noblest structure that greeted the
sun in his daily course.
" So stands the Temple to the view of every true and enlighten-
ed Mason ; at once, the first and highest type of the Masonic art
in opei'ative Masonry, and the sacred historical symbol of all that
is dignified and ennobling, and purifying in speculative Masonry.
It embodies the great principles of our order ; — charity and unity ;
— around it cluster the emblems, and from it are derived the cer-
emonies and the working tools of the craft,
" It is a singular fact, and, aside from the belief of its high ori-
gin, an inexplainable fact, that, while thrones of earth have crum-
bled, while orders and systems of men have passed away, — des-
potic, patriotic, benevolent, and religious, — while opposition has
fiercely assailed, backed by influence, wealth and power ; while
persecution has flamed, and driven into the wildeajiess ; while po-
litical fanatics have denounced and religionists have anathema-
tized, and false friends sought to betray ; while barbarians have
demolished the grand monuments of the Order; and all that mal-
ice could invent, and man perform, has been combined against it,
still, Masonry lives ! Yes, and will live till Time itself shall be
no more ! Nothing else, save Christianity, has stood the test of
the ages ! It stands to-day, adorned with life and beauty, simply
because its great Light, the Bible, shines full upon and irradiates
its throbbing heart ! Its chief corner-stone, its central idea, like
that of the symbolic Temple, and like Christianity itself, is Love,
love to God supreme, love to our neighbors as ourselves. The
golden chain which links us to the Past, to each other in the Pres-
ent, and which shall join us indissolubly with the Future, is that
1010 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
heaven-born Charity, which is the ' bond of peace and the perfec-
tion ol every virtue.'
" In the great struggle through which the nation has so success-
fully passed, Masonry has come out as grandly as the nation, tested
as in no other age, glorious as never before. Under its almost
magic influence, foemen have been made friends in rifle pits, on
skirmish lines, at bayonet points, and at the cannon's mouth.
Rebel and loyal, each, have learned on bloody fields, wounded and
captive, in ambulance and hospital, that brothers ever answer to
the sign, and fly, at the mystic cry for help, with comfort and suc-
cor such as needed. And all this is full of richest promise for the
future.
Go forward, then, ye faithful sons of faithful craftsmen gone!
By all that is sacred in the antiquity of the Order, by all that is
tender in the bond of brotherly love, by all that is affecting in the
condition and wants of your erring and needy brethren, by all the
resources which heaven has poured into your lap, by all the pre-
cious memories of those beloved in the lodge on high, and by all
the motives addressed to you in every degree in which you have
wrought, I say, go forward ! And, when all the bonds of earthly
circumstances, the outward conformations of ministries and ordi-
nances, have passed away forever, then, the whole body of Ma-
sons, true and faithful Masons, who have adorned the divine prin-
ciples of the Order by a godly life, shall stand up together in an
imperishable fellowship, known by one name, animated by one
spirit, and combined together in one glorious employment for
eternity."
After the exercises at the Church, the procession was again
formed, and marched to the site of the building recently occupied
by Bro's Chapin and Lathrop, where the Lodge was held for fif-
teen years, — from 1823 to 1837. Here a halt was made, and the
" grand honors " given, in honor of the fraternal dead. The march
was then continued to the residence of Geo. B. Lewis, Esq., for-
merly the Inn of Peter Gilchrist, where the Lodge was held, from
1*775 to 1797, where the "grand honors" were again given.
Thence the procession moved to the Hotel of F. Kelly, where the
"grand honors" were given in front of the "north chamber,"
where the Lodge held its meetings, from 1797 to 18i2;3, and again
from 1837 to 1839.
The vast concourse of Masons, Masons' wives, daughters, and
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1011
invited guests, then entered the large Tent of the Litchfield Co.
Agricultural Society, where they partook of a bountiful Collation.
ORDER OF EXERCISES AT THE TENT.
After the " cloth had been removed," the assembly was called
to Oder by Past Master A. N. Lewis, who announced the regular
toats, and on giving the sentiment, " Our Sister Lodges," re-
marked : —
"I see before me those who, as Entered Appentices, have delved
and hewed in the quarries ; have wrought upon the Temple as
Fellow-Crafts ; and learned lessons of fortitude and fidelity at the
grave of the widow's son — others who have received the " white
stone," in which a " new name is written, which no man knoweth,
save him to whom it is given ; " who have been inducted into the
" Oriental Chair," and learned lessons in government from earnest
and practical instructors ; who have assisted at the dedication of
the Temple, " when the glory of the Lord filled the house, so that
the priests could not stand to minister,' but bowed themselves
upon the pavement, exclaiming, 'for He is good, and His mercy
endureth forever ; and, ' at the peril of your lives,' searched for
and brought to light those valuable secrets, which lay buried and
hidden from the craft, for the space of four hundred years ; — oth-
ers, who have ' wrought in the secret vault, when prying eyes were
closed in sleep.' — Otbers who, as valiant and magnanimous Sir
Knights, have worshipped upon the Island, at the Sepulchre, and
in the Temple. And if there be any other and higher than these,
I bid you all an earnest, a heart-felt, a Masonic welcome!"
This was followed by the third regular toast ; " The Fraternal
Dead of King Solomon's Lodge, — Their failings are hidden by the
sod that covers them ; their virtues are on perpetual record upon
living tablets, the hearts of their brethren !"
Past Master William Cothren responded in the following words :
Brothers and Friends : —
In rising to respond to the toast just read in your hearing by
our worthy presiding officer, I seem to be addressing some five
1012 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,'
hundred living, sentient beings, — a company of friends and broth-
ers. And yet, as I firmly believe, not only am I doing this, bnt I
am addressing an equal number of the " faithful dead," whose
mortal remains sleep peacefully in this beautiful valley, the home
of the honored, and the resting place of the tried worthies who
have gone before us to the " echoless shore." I take pleasure and
consolation in believing, that that large company of the good and
" great lights " of our beneficent Order, look down from their se-
rene and happy abode upon us, their children, who, with filial
hearts, unite in celebrating their virtues on this happy hundreth
birth-day of our beloved Lodge, which they did so much to " adorn
and beautify." Secure, themselves, from the perils of life, they
smile benignantly upon the noble actions of their descendants.
They speak to us from every lowly and sacred mound, — they
speak to us from their high abode in Heaven.
A sacred feeling comes over us, as we remember the character,
and recount the noble deeds of our revered brethren, who lived
and acted during the century which has now gone to "join the
former ages " in the world's history. We look around us, and note
the resting-places of those sainted men, in the pleasantest nooks
of this most beautiful of valleys. We tread lightly, as we ap-
proach the sacred dust, that silently reposes till the resurrection
morn. Their ashes are all around us, as their spirits are above us.
I firmly believe that the faithful dead take cognizance of things
pertaining to the welfare of friends below. They smile on us from
their high seats to-day. " Their crown is secure, and their mem-
ory precious forever ; to us the strife yet remains." Errors they
had, like all the human race ; for the Book of books declares, that
«/? have gone astray. But their errors are "hidden by the sod"
that covers them. They have "reached that silent home of all the
living, which buries every error, covers every defect, extinguishes
every resentment."
They lived in " days that tried men's souls." They lived in
times that required great and heroic deeds. They lived in a
period when moral courage, as well as manly hearts, was re-
quired,— the great demands of history, the great urgencies of life
in perilous periods. Even one of our Ministers, bearer of good
tidings to men, was obliged, right there, two hundred yards from
our place of meeting, to take, two savage, lurking lives, and send
their guilty spirits to their dread account. Like courage was re-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1013
quired of other men, in that period of violence, a hundred years
ago. '
Look through the history of our State during the century that
is past, and the part that our good old town has borne in all its
great events, and you will find the worthies of our Order preemi-
nent in every good and great work. In the deadly struggle of the
American Revolution, which gave us our nation's life, and planted
the germ of freedom forever ; — in all the wars and struggles which
have increased and shown our nation's strength ; and now, in the
last, most momentous and greatest civil war in the history of the
ages, which has signalized itself over those of all the past, in giv-
ing freedom to* an entire race, the brethren of the craft have ever
been conspicuous, — foremost in every great undertaking. In the
history of the Revolution, their names are radiant on every page,
both in the crash of battle, and in the steady support of the breth-
ren at home, giving more aid and comfort, with the other patriotic
citizens, to the brave boys in the field, than came from any other
interior town known to your speaker. Time would fail me to
give a list of those brave men, or to speak of the deeds and vir-
tues of the Hinmans, the Perrys, the Ortons, the Curtisses, the
Osbornes, the Chapmans, the Prestons, the Shermans, the Hic-
ocks, the Brinsmades, the Beers, the Nichols, and a host of others,
who did great service in that memorable conflict. In our later
civil struggle, our fraternal band has oftered up of its numlbers,
and has increased the concourse of the " fraternal dead." In these
early hours of our grief, need I speak, (while I say nothing of the
living brothers who have done good service to our country) of Pol-
ley,' and Orton, who have delivered up their lives, a willing sac-
rifice, to the great cause of freedom, and of our country. Need
I speak of their gentle, home virtues ; their orderly walk and con-
versation, their unwavering fidelity to friends ? Of Sergeant
Walter J. Orton, dying by a shot through the breast, received at
the battle of Winchester, I speak with more than ordinary friend-
ship. He was more than a sincere friend. He was at once a devoted
and efiective one. Well do I remember that summer Sabbath, three
years ago, when the members of Co. I., 19th Regt. Conn. Vols.
' Reference here is made to Rev. Anthony Stoddard, who was for sixty-one
years pastor of the First Church in Woodbury. His house, built in 1700, is
still standing.
^ James C. Policy, of Company I. 2d Conn. Artillery, who died in service, o^
fever, at Alexandria, Va., 19th Nov., 1862.
1014 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WO CD BU RY.
were called to leave in haste for the tented field, to " dare and do "
for their country ! We all remember how the churches were
closed, and the people assembled to speed the brave boys on their
way, for the salvation of the country, — heroic hearts all! — On
that occasion of throbbing hearts, and hasty and sad farewells,
well do I remember the words of Orton, as he talked with his
friends, and bid adieu to his wife and children ; that he should
never more be a citizen of Woodbury. Something told him he
should not survive the war, but that he thought it his duty still
to go and fight in the defense of his country. How prophetic were
his forebodings! He died a true soldier, from wounds received
in the heat and shock of battle. The memory of. such a soldier,
such a brother, will be forever enshrined in the hearts of his liv-
ing brethren of the "mystic tie."
I have already intimated, that, in all the civil and social virtues,
and in all the great events in the history of our State during the
past century, the members of King Solomon's Lodge have been
prominent. Let us name a few of the more celebrated, for time
would fail me to mention all who have done the State good ser-
vice, and done honor to our ancient fraternity. John Hotchkiss,
the first Worshipful Master, appointed by the Grand Master of
the Provincial Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and residing " at or
near Waterbury," assembled the first members of our Lodge, and
appointed the Wardens. The records of our Lodge, from 1Y65
to 1775, are lost, and we know not who those Wardens were; but,
in the latter year, the Lodge began to be permanently held in
Woodbury, a town then older, and considerably more important
than Waterbury. The history of the Lodge since then is com-
plete, even through the dark days of the miserable political Mor-
gan excitement, when many other Lodges yielded to the fury of
that relentless storm of reasonless indignation. Of John Hotch-
kiss, little is now known, save that he was a prominent citizen of
our Colony, trusted by the Massachusetts Grand Master, and the
founder of the Hotchkiss family in this part of Connecticut.
Among the early Masters of the Lodge, was Hezekiah Thomp-
son, Esq., the first practicing lawyer in the present limits of Wood-
bury, and a leading citizen. Beginning as a saddler, by trade, he
won his way to distinction as an advocate and jurist, a magistrate,
a legislator, a soldier, a genial friend and an honest man, and died,
leaving descendants who, in this and the adjoining States, have
continued to take a leading part in public affairs, and to exercise
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1015
a powerful influence in the places of their residence. From
the founding of the Lodge, for near forty years, he was one of its
most active and efficient members.
Associated with Mr. Thompson, were several other leading spir-
its of those early days, in the history of the Lodge. Among these
was Dr. Joseph Perry, who, for nearly half a century, adorned the
profession of Medicine, and for three-fourths of that time, greatly
contributed to the prosperity of the Lodge, and the spreading of
the benefits of Masonry. He was conspicuous in aiding the sol-
diers in the Revolutionary struggle, and in curbing the impetuos-
ity of the rampant tories in our midst. And in this place, I have
the pleasure to say, that the name of no tory disgraces the fair
historic pages of our ancient Lodge. He died an honored citizen,
at a good old age, leaving his son. Dr. Nathaniel Perry, tit repre-
sentative of his father's virtues, to follow with reverence in his
footsteps, in every great and good work. Well did he bear up
his father's reputation, as the kind and skillful physician, the firm,
considerate, and efl:ective friend, the fi'iend of all, the Mason's
champion, the friend of charity and all good works, and that no-
blest of God's works, an honest man. For nearly fifty years did
these worthy men labor with the workmen, and for half that time,
directed them in their labors.
In the galaxy of talent, worth, and ability, which adorned the
Lodge in these early days, was Hon. Ephraim Kirby, a native of
Washington, and, for a long time, a resident of Litchfield ; after-
wards dying in Mississippi, while on his way to assume his duties
as Judge of the territoiy of Orleans, by the appointment of Jeffer-
son. He served during the whole of the Revolutionary war; was
present, and participated in, nineteen battles and skirmishes, among
which was Bunker Hill, Brandywine, Monmouth, and German-
town, and received thirteen wounds. In war, in civil and profes-
sional life, he greatly distinguished himself. He had the high pro;
fessional honor of being the author of the first volume of judicial
decisions ever published in this country. He was a fit representa-
tive of our Order, — a man of highest moral as well as physical
courage, warm, generous, and faithful in his attachments, and of
indomitable energy,
Associated with Past Masters Thompson and Perry, was Dr.
Anthony Burritt, of Southbury, then a parish of Woodbury. He
was a leading spirit in the Lodge, and in the events of his time.
During a part of the period of the Revolution, he acted as Sur-
1016 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
geon's-mate, was taken a prisoner, and carried to Long-Island, but
was afterwards liberated by the intercession of his friend, Jabez
Bacon, of this town, the richest man that fiver resided here. His
son, Daniel Bacon, Esq., and General Chauncey Crafts, his son-in-
law, were afterwards honored and acceptable members of the
Lodge, generous friends, and useful citizens of the town.
The last of the Past Masters who assenabled at the grand re-
union Lodge Meeting in the Hollow, with those before mentioned,
in 1T82, was Hon. Nathan Preston. He was a soldier of the Rev-
olution, serving in the ranks, and in the Commissary Department.
He was a lawyer of ability, with a full practice. He was Town
Olerk for thirty-nine years, a member of the General Assembly
twelve Sessions, and Judge of Probate fourteen years. He was
often Master of the Lodge, and thoroughly identified with its in-
terests, as well as those of the town.
Among the " early lights," serving in the South and West, was
Elijah Sherman, familiarly known as " Father Sherman," fi*om the
fact that he was the father and founder of the Methodist Church
in this town. An Elder in his Church for twenty years, with
some few companions, worshippers in his faith, he held religious
services in his own house, but lived to see the erection of a Meth-
odist Church on a part of his own homestead, and a devout com-
pany of believers worshipping there. He was gathered to his
fathers at the advanced age of ninety, in 1844 ; a useful citizen,
an accepted Mason, and a Christian man, who adorned his pro-
fession. In the very early history of the Lodge, was another dis-
tinguished man and Mason, Col. Joel Hinman, who did much
honor to the Lodge, by his earnest zeal and brotherly charity.
Before 1800, Rutgers B. Marshall, Benjamin Stiles, Esq., an early
lawyer in Southbury, Capt. Timothy Hinman, of Revolutionary
fame, Dr. Samuel Ortou, a physician of great eccentricity, but of
rare ability as a physician, and an honest man ; Deacon Scovill
Hinman, for many years the oldest member of the Lodge, and
dying at the age of more than ninety years ; Jesse Minor, Esq.,
father of the respectable family that bears his name ; Bartimeus
Fabrique, and nearly thirty others of the best inhabitants of
Woodbury, during the years of 1797 and 1798, were received as
Apprentices, passed as Fellow Crafts, and raised to the sublime
degree of Master Mason.
Previous to 1787, Rev. John R. Marshall, the founder of the
Episcopal Church (St. Paul's) in Woodbury, was received into
HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 101 7
the benevolent bosom of our honored Order, and well did lie
fulfill the sacred duties committed to his trust. He went to
England in 1771 ; was ordained Deacon and Priest, returned to
Woodbury the same year, entered upon his ministrations, and
at a period between that and 1775, when the preserved records of
the Lodge commence, he received the benevolent initiation of the
" mystic tie." In the measures connected with the establishment
of the Protestant Episcopal Church in America, after the war,
Bro. Marshall bore a conspicuous and effective part. Nor was his
influence less in the Lodge. Of him we may say, he " wrought
well, and his works do follow him."
Of all the members of our venerated King Solomon's Lodge,
now hoary with years, perhaps, all things considered, the most
noted, revered and celebrated, by his works in the ministry as well
as by his writings, was the Rev. Dr. Azel Backus, then of the
Woodbury Parish of Bethlehem, celebrated as a theologian of
great force and power, revered as a teacher of youth for the min-
istry and the colleges, and a devout, undeviating Christian ; he
was no less a decided and honored Ma?on. At the festival of St.
John the Baptist, in 1794, he preached a sermon to the Lodge, in
its private assembly, of great power, pathos and beauty, and the
influence of this eminent man was ever felt in the honor, useful-
ness and success of the craft. Sweet flowers of memory bloom
over the graves of such immortal members of our beloved Lodge.
Near the beginning of the 19th century, other conspicuous
names begin to greet our vision, of whom time fails me to speak.
In 1812, among other noble men, were Hon. Curtiss Hinman, and
the late Judge Charles B. Phelps. And there are many living
members whose masonic modesty would not allow me to speak of
their enduring merits. Judge Phelps has too lately passed to the
spirit land to allow us to forget the great gifts and noble traits
which he possessed. His eulogy has been fittingly spoken by,
the orator of the day — one who knew them well, and had the
right to speak them. His kindly, genial and charitable acts are
enshrined in many hearts.
In 1826, we find two respected members, father and sou, occu-
pying respectively the "East" and the "South" in the Lodge.
They passed long ago to that " bourne whence no traveler re-
turns," and have gone to join the numerous band of worthies who
had passed before them into the spirit land. Need I mention the
names of Dr. Samuel and Roderick C. Steele, to bring to the re-
1018 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
membrance of this presence the brothers to whom I refer? They
were lovely in their lives. Too soon for earth they passed to the
mansions above. The father was, in his generous natnre, a father
to all whom he knew. The true hand of masonic charity was
stretched forth to all who were in need, in the Order and out of
it. Genial, social and benevolent to the core, he charmed all with-
in the circle of his influence, and died beloved as he had lived re-
spected, having gained the affections of all. An honest man, a
true friend, an honored citizen, a sincere Christian, he has left be-
hind him the grateful incense of an affectionate remembrance.
Such are a few of the names of which our ancient Lodge has
the right to boast, and which will ever be held by the fraternity,
in honorable and aflectionate remembrance. Their characters and
noble actions will rise to view when the memory of others will
have sunk in oblivion. "The good never die; to them belongs a
double immortality, they perish not on earth, and they exist forever
in heaven. The good of the present live in the future, as the good
of the past are now with us and in us to-day."
I close with the finale of the sentiment to which I am respond-
ing : " The virtues of the Masonic dead are indellibly recorded
upon living tablets, the hearts of their surviving brethren."
The next toast, " Harmony Lodge, No. 42, of Waterbury,
the eldest daughter of King Solomon's Lodge. May she live to
celebrate the one thousandth birth-day of her venerable mother,"
was well responded to by Bro. E. A. Judd, Worshipful Master of
Hai-mony Lodge. Among other things he said :
"We are gathered here to-day, brethren, to celebrate the Cen-
tennial Anniversary of King Solomon's Lodge ; and I feel as if
Harmony Lodge had a peculiar interest in the ceremonies. In the
words of the toast, she is the 'eldest daughter of King Solo-
mon's Lodge.' We are, therefore, but children, come home to the
family gathering — come home to join in the festivities of the one
hundredth birthday of our mother Lodge.
" We find by an examination of the records, that in October,
179Y, 'permission was granted by King Solomon's Lodge to the
brethren residing in Waterbury and Salem, to apply to the Grand
Lodge for a charter for a Lodge to be located in Waterbury or
Salem, as the Grand Lodge might direct.' A charter was accord-
ingly granted for a lodge ' to be holden alternately in Waterbury
HISTORT OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1019
and Salem,' and on the festival of St. John the Evangelist, on the
2Vth day of December, 1797, the first officers of Harmony Lodge
were installed by Bro. Jesse Beach, of Derby, then Deputy G.
Master. Harmony Lodge then and there commenced her work ;
a work that she has carried on for 68 years, adding, we humbly
trust, some good square ' ashlars ' to the great temple of Masonry.
" Previous to this time, many of the brethren had been com-
pelled to go from ten to fifteen miles to attend Lodge ; and per-
mit me to say that their regular attendance, as it appears upon
the records, should put to shame some of our modern Masons, who
can not make it convenient to attend lodge, though living almost
within the shadow of its portals.
" During the terrible convulsion through which our country has
passed, churches have been rent in sunder, societies have been
scattered to the four winds of heaven, social relations between the
two sections have been destroyed ; but Masonry has stood firm
and immovable, repelling every attack that has been made upon
her, like some vast New England rock which the waves bufiet in
vain ! While the strife lasted, Masonry could do but little. She
can never gain laurels upon the tented field, or in the wild havoc
of war. She can only protect the fallen, comfort and I'elieve the
wounded, and gently bury the dead. Now that Peace once more
waves her olive branch over the nation, it is for Masonry to do her
work. The day of noble deeds and manly daring is not yet closed.
There are still broad fields in which we can work and win crowns
that shall never decay, laurels that shall bloom in fadeless beauty
forever."
Rev. William T. Bacon, though not a member of the Order, was
present as an invited guest, and being called on to reply to the
toast " Charity," responded : —
" The speaker, en route to the east 't'other day
Met his friend, " Master " Lewis — yes, right in his way ;
" You sir — all th' elitv — have express invitation
To be present with us at our grand celebration ;
Where sermons, historic addresses, and toasts,
And last, tho' not least, Mr. Kelly's good roasts,
Are expected — believed too — if anything can,
To fill full, and satisfy every man."
And he added, (you all know his genteel persuasion,)
" You'll give us a word, just to grace the occasion."
Now my friend Lewis knows mankind has its weak side ;
Would he tickle my vanity, or touch ray pride?
12
1020 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY.
Or resoi't to that other power which so far reaches,
Would he snare me with dear Mrs. Kelly's good dishes
Well, whatever his motive, he caught me, that's certain>-
And he's got me here under this wide-spreading curtain.
And demands that I give, in response to his whim,
This sentiment, song, or
MASONIC HYMN.
Beside the Galilean flood.
With those He loved so well,
The earnest Christ at evening stood.
And words of blessing fell.
"Go forth," — the voice rang loud, yet sweet —
" Go to earth's farthest bound,
And where one sorrowing soul ye meet,
There let your love be found."
Upon this spot our sires have stood,
One hundred years or so,
And heard that voice roll down the flood
Of ages long ago;
Here their warm hearts were joined as one
In holiest charities ;
Commending thus from sire to son,
This message from the skies.
Down the far future, stretching forth.
We send our earnest gaze.
Where children's children, in their worth
Exalt their fathers' ways :
0 be they first upon the list.
Earnest in heart and hand,
To hold aloft this sign of Christ,
Long as the world shall stand !
Rev. Jno. Churchill, Pastor of the North Congregational
Church, Woodbury, replied to a call from the Brethren :
" Officers and Members of King Solomon's Lodge:
" It was the custom of Dr. Dwight, when lecturing to his
classes, to inveigh in good set terms against the use of tobacco,
somewhat in this wise:
" * Young gentlemen, [taking a full pinch of ' rappee ' from his
vest pocket] never be guilty of using [applying it to both aper-
tures in his nasal organ] tobacco [repeating the dose] in any
HISTORY OF ANCIKNT WOODBURY. 1021
form. It is a very [applying pinch nxmiber three as aforesaid]
deleterious i^ractice !' [Finishing the balance between his thumb
and two fingers]. So I am about to recommend to all the young
men present to do what I have never done, which is to send in at
once to King Solomon's Lodge their applications to be made
Masons. Should anyone here suggest that I ow^X, to practice
what \ preach, I reply, that were I not somewhat advanced in life,
I would most certainly petition, myself, for initation.
" In making this recommendation, I do it, I think, for good and
sufficient reasons. As I remarked upon a former occasion,^ I saw
the open Bible borne before you in procession. That act assured
me that Masonry teaches a respect and reverence for the Scriptures.
If there were nothing else to recommend the institution, that
alone would be sufficient to convince me that the aims and objects
of Masonry are good.
" But this is not the only argument which commends Masonry
to the approval of my judgment and conscience. If I understand
its cardinal principle, it is charity, which is declared by St. Paul
to be the ' greatest of these three.' I cannot but conclude, there-
fore, that an institution which inculcates a reverence for the Bible,
as * God's most inestimable gift to man,' and which is built upon
charity as its chief corner-stone, is entitled to the esteem of every
man who loves his race.
" There is yet another reason that makes me a friend to Free
Masonry. An institution which has stood, as I am credibly in-
formed, since the building of King Solomon's Temple, surviving
the wreck of dynasties, and empires, and nations, must be estab-
lished upon a good and worthy foundation — must be a promoter
of good and worthy objects.
"For these and other reasons, which to me seem incontroverti-
ble, I have no hesitation, here, in this public manner, and before
this assembly, in giving your fraternity the humble endorsement
of my honest esteem and confidence.
"Again, I recommend every young man who hears me to apply
for initiation into the mysteries of the Order, who have celebrated
^-his joyous anniversary in so decorous and becoming a manner,
if it be good, to support and advance its interests ; and if it be
had, to right or restrain the evil.
1 In an address at the funeral of Merritt Thompson, a member of King Solo-
mon's Lodge.
1022
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY,
" I thank you, gentlemen of the Masonic society, for your flat-
tering invitation to speak upon this pleasant occasion, and for your
kind attention to the unpremeditated thoughts which I have offer-
ed for your consideration."
Thus ended the celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of
King Solomon's Lodge. More than five hundred Masons were
present, from different parts of the State, and, according to esti-
mates made by those accustomed to large gatherings, more than
fir^e thousand persons were in the streets to witness the imposing
procession.
May the brethren who in 1965 celebrate the tioo hundredth
anniversary of King Solomon's Lodge, have as pleasant an occa-
sion as their forefathers, of this year of Grace, one thousand
eight hundred and sixty-five, and of Masonry, five thousand eight
hundred and sixty-five.
So Mote it Be !
E now come to the next, and, to this date, the
last celebration in Woodbury, that of the First
Congregational Church, held May 5th, 18Y0^
Although the change between the old and new
styles has made eleven days difference in
dating, and so the celebration should have
been on the 16th of May, to be accurate in
the present mode, instead of the 5th, yet it
was thought advisable for various reasons
to hold the celebration on the 5th of May ;
thus corresponding with the record, though
' the precession of tlie equinoxes, and "man's
devices," had' made a change in the way of dating. A succint
report was made by the writer of the proceedings in said celebra-
tion, and he has carefully examined it to see if he could in any
way condense it for the purposes of this history, and yet do
justice to the occasion. But he has been unable to see where it
could be judiciously curtailed, and so it is here introduced almost
entire :
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 1023
For several years past it had been a matter of consultation and
agreement between the writer and Dea. Philo M. Trowbridge,
that when the Bi Centennial year of the existence of our Church
approached, they would suggest to the brethren the desirability of
a proper observance of its natal day. It was thought to be appro-
priate to celebrate so joyous an anniversary. It was belived to
be well to set up a monument to mark the passage of the ages.
It was thought fitting that the Church, which had for two hundred
years acknowledged the same confession of faith, and " owned the
same covenant," written and adopted by the fathers by the shores
of Long Island Sound, taken " from out the Word," should, with
devout joy and thanksgiving, render praise to Almighty God for
all His wonderful mercies toward it. We could do no less than
to render thanks to the Lord. It seemed to redound to His glory
and our great good.
In accordance with these views, the subject was brought before
the Church, and the following action was taken by it and the
Committee of its appointment :
" Annual Meeting of the First Congregational Church,
Sept. 16, 1869.
" Voted, That Deacons Trowbridge and Liusley, and Brother
William Cothren be a Committee with power to make full arrange-
ments for a public observance, on the 5th day of May next, of the
Two-Hundredth Anniversary of the orgauizution of this Church."
The Committee held its first formal meeting February 22, 1870,
and, after due consideration,
" Votedf That the Mother Church, at Stratford, and the six
daughters of this, be invited to be present, and participate in the
exercises.
Voted, That the Pastor be invited to deliver the sermon, and
that he invite the Pastor of the Church at Stratford to assist him
at the Communion.
Voted, That Brother Cothren be instructed to prepare senti-
ments for responses from each of the churches invited."
At the same meeting, various sub-committees Avere appointed to
carry on the work of preparation.
All the committees, under the inspiration of the general com-
mittee, performed their several duties with alacrity, fidelity and
1024 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY.
ability, and every thing was " made ready " for the successful in-
auguration of the interesting ceremonies of the approaching ju-
bilee.
With the aid of the ready hands and executive ability of the
ladies, the church was most beautifully decorated by Mr. Plenry
C, Curtis, a special artist, of Hartford. A more striking and ap-
propriate mode of decoration could not have been devised, than that
adopted by Mr. Curtis, whether considered historically or artisti-
cally. It is a remarkable fact that the first four pastors of the
church occupied the pulpit, in the aggregate, the long period of
172 years, out of the two hundred celebrated. We think this a
length of time unparalleled in the history of the churches in this
country. This fact was beautifully represented by introducing
the four names ; Walker, Stoddard, Benedict and Andrew, into a
large cross composed of six circles, the names occupying four of
the six circles, " 172 years " the center, and a cross and anchor, the
lower circle. This was placed in the recess behind the pulpit.
Beneath the cross were two tablets, the one containing the " cove-
nant of 1670," and the other the names of the original signers.
THE COVENANT OF 1670.
'* We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, being (by y ® all-
disposing providence of God, who determines y® bounds of men's
habitations) cast into co-habitation on wt^ another, and being sen-
sible of o'^duty unto God, and one to another, and of O'liableness
to be forgetfull, and neglective of y® one and y® other, do hereby
(for y* further incitent of o'selves unto duty in either respect)
solemnly give up o''selves & ours unto y^ lord, engaging o'^selves by
his assisting grace to walk before him, in y® religious observance of
his revealed will, as far as it is or shall be made known unto us.
We do also in y® presence of God solemnly ingage o^selves each
to other to walk together in church-society, according to the rule
of y' gospell, jointly attending ally® holy ordinances of God, as far
as it shall please him to make way thereunto, and give opportunity
y" of: and walking on w*'^ another in brotherly love, & chtian
watchfullness for ©"^mutual edification, and furtherance in y® way
to salvation. And jointly submitting o'selves & ours toy® govern-
ment of Cht in his church, in y® hand of such church governours, or
officers as shall be set over us, according to gospell institution.
The good lord make us faithfull in covenant with him & one w*"^
another, to walk as becomes a people near unto himself, accept of
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
1025
y« offering up of o'selves, & ours unto him and establish both us
and y" to be a people unto himself in his abundant mercy through
cht jesus, who is o"^ only mediato' in whom alone we expect ac-
ceptance, justification and salvation : to him be glory & praise
through all ages. Amen."
"The names of y* persons y' subscribed this covenant, & again
publickly owned it, May 5th, viz : y* day of my ordination were
as foUoweth :
Zechariah Walker,
Samuel Sherman, Sen-^,
Joseph Judson, Sen',
John Hurd, Sen",
Nicholas Knell,
Robert Clark,
John Minor,
Samuel Sherman, Jun'.,
John Wheeler,
Samuel Stiles,
Hope Washborn,
Hugh Griffin,
Ephraim Stiles,
John Thompson, Jum,
Theophilus Sherman,
Matthew Sherman,
John Judson,
Samuel Mils,
Benjamin Stiles,
Edward Shermond.
Persons since added .
John Skeeles,
Israel Curtiss,
Thomas Fairechilde,
Richard Butler,
Robert Lane,
Moses Johnson,
Richard Harvy.
Between the tablets was the name of the present jjastor, Rev.
■Gurdon W. Noyes, in golden letters. At the apex of the recess
above the pulpit was an elegant golden cross and crown. At the
top of the pillars on either side ot the pulpit, was a large golden
" C," on which appeared the years 1670 — 1870, under which, res-
pectively, was a list of the deacons of the first and second centu-
ries, on tablets upon the pillars :
1026
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Deacons of the \st Century.
Hon. John Minor,
Samuel Miles,
Matthew" Sherman,
Hon. John Sherman,
Matthew Mitchell,
Z. Walker, Jr.,
Samuel Sherman,
Samuel Minor,
Jehu Minor,
Hon. Daniel Sherman,
Gideon Stoddard,
Deacons of the 2d Gentury.
Clement Minor,
Josiah Minor,
Matthew Minor,
Daniel Huntington,
Nathan Atwood,
Ens. Seth Minor, Jr.,
Benjamin Judson, Jr.»
Judson Blackman,
Eli Summers,
Truman Minor,
P. M. Trowbridge,
J. H. Linsley.
On the panels of the gallery face were the names of the mother
church at Stratford, and the six churches which have gone out from
the first church, with the date of their organization, viz : Stratford,
1639 ; Southbuiy, 1731 ; Bethlehem, 1739 ; Judea, 1741 ; Roxbury,
1743 ; South Britain, 1766 ; and North Woodbury, 1816. On the
two panels nearest the pulpit were the names of the pastors succeed-
ing the first four, viz : — Wright, Sti'ong, Curtis, Williams, Robin-
son, Little and Winslow. A beautiful white dove was suspended
from the pulpit desk beneath the bible, which, wdth outstretched
wings seemed to be alighting upon the communion table below. The
pulpit was splendidly decorated. Festoons extended from the corners
of the church to the center orua*
ment in the ceiling, whence de-
scended a large anchor, beauti-
fully wi'eathed in evergreens and
flowers, while wreaths ran along
the galleries, over and below the
recess, and to the letter " C " at
the caps of the pillars, above
which appeared two century
- =.^^-,^ plants. The whole was com-
pleted with the mottoes "Welcome," and "We Greet You."
Throughout the house, in the lamp brackets, were vases and bask-
ets of flowers and drooping plants, producing the finest and most
artistic eflTect.
The clearest and balmiest day of the year heralded the coming
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1027
exercises. We could but feel and see the favoring smile of that
good Providence, who has so wisely and tenderly watched over
this church during the two centuries of its existence. At an early
hour, the people of this and the neighboring towns began to assem-
ble, the sti-eets were lined with vehicles of every description which
had come from the hills and valleys of the " ancient town," and
the church was almost immediately filled to its utmost capacity-
Settees and chairs were carried into the aisles above and below.
The vestibule and every place where standing room could be found
were immediately filled, while there was a large crowd without,
which could gain no admission. There must have been more than
1,500 people in attendance. As a test of this estimate, it may be
remarked, that 1,000 collation tickets had been issued, and yet it
became necessary for the committee to admit large numbers, Avho
had not been provided with tickets.
Pursuant to the admirably arranged programme of Dea. P. M.
Trowbridge, chairman of the general committee, the exercises com-
menced precisely at 10 A. M., by the great congregation rising and
singing " Praise God from whom all blessings flow." The reading
of an appropriate selection of scripture, and prayer by the pastor
next followed, after which the congregation sang the old, familiar
hymn, — "Ye tribes of Adam join," &c. This was followed by a
carefully prepared historical sermon by the pastor, of great beauty
and excellence, briefly narrating the history of the church and its
pastors for two hundred years.
OPENING PRAYER.
O Lord, Thou alone art great — glorious — good ! Hence we
would adore and serve Thee. Our fathers worshipped in this moun-
tain ; but the fathers, where are they ? And the Prophets — do they
live forever ? Alas ! Alas ! We do all fade as a leaf. Thou earnest
us away as with a flood. We spend our years as a tale that is told.
But Thou art the same and of Thy years there is no end. Thou
hast been the dwelling place of Thy people in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth or ever thou hadst formed
the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting Thou
art God ; and Thou hast ever had thoughts of mercy and love
toward the children of men. We praise Thee for their early mani-
festation in the prediction of Thy word and in the advent of Jesus
Christ Thy Son and our Saviour. We adore Thee for the Church
set up in His name and which is graven upon the palms of Thy
1028 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
hands, guarded by Thy power, guided by Thy wisdom and against
which Thou hast said the gates of hell shall never prevail. We
especially praise Thee at this time for Thy guidance and care of our
ancestors in planting a branch thereof in this place. Thou didst
cause them to go forth like a flock. Thou didst cast out the heathen
before them and divided them an inheritance by line. The wilder-
ness and solitary place soon became glad for them, and the desert
rejoiced and blossomed as the rose. They trused in Thee and
Thou didst deliver them from fears and foes ; didst prosper the
work of their hands. Yea, Thou didst cause the little one to
become a thousand and the small one a strong nation. In conse-
quence of their faith, forecast, labor, the lines have fallen to us in
pleasant places,. and we have a goodly heritage. We have pleas-
ant and fruitful fields, quiet and happy homes, rich and rare, civil,
educational and religious privileges. Gathered here in Thy Sanc-
tuary after the lapse of centuries to review the history of Thy deal-
ings, Ave find that goodness and mercy followed our fathers and
have followed us. We Avould therefore recall their virtues and
catch anew impulse from all that was noble and Ohrist-like in their
example and strive to perfect and perpetuate their work. We
know O Lord that it is Thy will, that one generation should praise
Thy works to another and abundantly utter the memory of Thy
great goodness that men may set their hope in Thee. We praise
Thee for our free government and beneficent institutions, with the
righteous peace vouchsafed unto us. We entreat Thy blessing
upon our President and all in authority in State and Nation, that
we may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty.
We pray Thee to bless our Colleges, Schools, Churches, that the
Gospel may permeate the land and drive out from it, all ignorance,
error, vice, irreligion, and make us a people to Thy praise. And
we beseech Thee to send the disenthralling life-giving Gospel
over the Globe, that Jesus may speedily have the heathen for his
inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for his posessions-
And now, O Lord, we humbly invoke Thy presence and blessing
during this sacred Jubilee, Smile upon the associated Churches
here represented, and those who are to take part in these exercises,
that they may utter fitting and forceful words, for our pi'ofit and
Thy Glory, O Lord, shine Thou upon us from Thy throne of light
and love. Yea, grant us the favor which Thou bearest unto Thy
people, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Redeemer. Amen,
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY 1029
BI-CENTENNIAL DISCOURSE.
BY THE REV. GURDON W. NOYES.
*'l HAVE C0N8IDKEED THE DAYS OF OLD : THE YEARS OF ANCIENT TIMES." — Psalm 7*7 : 5.
To many in this age there is little enchantment in the distant
past. The present is so full of duty and enjoyment, and the future
is so bright with hope and promise, that they readily forget " The
days of old, the years of ancient times." Hereby they lose much
of help and cheer in their life-work. It is, as we trace our connec-
tion with departed worthies, and realize our indebtedness to them
for present privileges and blessings, that we are incited to emu-
late their virtues, and fitly labor for posterity and Heaven. To-
day this church completes a history of two hundred years. With-
in this period great events have transpired on this globe in rapid
succession ; events which have changed the entire face of human
society. Empires have been built up and cast down ; nations have
been born and buried; modes of government, and systems of opin-
ion, have flourished and decayed, and yet amid all these changes,
this church has continued steadfast in its faith and worship. Its
founders ere long passed away, but they left behind a godly seed,
and so from generation to generation this candlestick of the Lord
has been kept in its place, and from it has ever shone forth the
pure light of the Gospel. It is a fitting time to trace its course,
recall the bright names identified with it, and note Heaven's favor
toward it. The church and congregation of to-day, on whom has
devolved the duty of arranging this celebration, do here and now,
through, me, most heartily welcome to these sacred festivities all
who are drawn hither by filial or fraternal affection. Let us to-
gether scan the Mdsdom and love of God in planting this goodly
vine near the Indian wigwam, and keeping it in such vigorous
growth down the ages, and join our earnest petitions that it may
continue to flourish in the future, ever covering the hills with its
shadow, and extending its boughs like goodly cedars.
The church has been signally fortunate in receiving one from
another State, William Cothren, Esq., who, in filial love, and with
great skill and fidelity, has written her history, and that of the
1030 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
town as well. In this, her records, and kindred sources, I have
found such rare and rich materials for a historic sketch, as to be
puzzled in deciding what to leave out, so as to bring it within
proper limits, and have it symmetrical and just. Aiming only at
impartiality, pertinence, accuracy, I frankly submit my work to
your kind and Christian consideration.
In 1650 the churches of New England began to be agi-
tated by what was termed the half-way covenant system. By
this system persons of good moral character, recognizing bap-
tism, assenting to the creed, and signifying their intention of
becoming true Chi-istians, were admitted to all the rights and
privileges of church members, except partaking of the Lord's
Supper. Controversy rose to such a pitch upon the matter,
that a council of leading ministers convened in Boston, in
1647, to deliberate upon it, and they decided in its favor. The
church in Stratford did not believe in the practice, and would
not adopt it, even after the decision. A respectable minority,
however, clung to it, and were uneasy at its disregard, and the
more so as they felt that it was largely owing to the influence of
Mr. Chauncy, who had been recently settled against their wishes.
By earnest argument, and fraternal remonstrance, they sought to
secure accordance of views, or if not that, an arrangement by
which each party could have its own minister, and worship at dif-
ferent hours of the Sabbath in the same sanctuary. According to
the custom of the day, the aid of the general court was called in.
The discussion was keen and spirited on both sides, though digni-
fied and courteous. As the result, early in 1668, the minority had
the civil sanction to obtain their own minister, and had three
hours of the Sabbath to worship in the Sanctuary. They soon
engaged Rev. Zechariah Walker, a licentiate from Jamaica, L. I.,
to act as their pastor. But their position was still unpleasant and
unsatisfactory, as the other party would allow them no use of the
church, and spoke of their unordained minister to his and their
disparagement. So, despairing of any agreement, they detei'-
mined to set up for themselves. They appointed a day for the
purpose, and spending most of it in prayer for the Lord's guidance
and blessing, they entered into solemn covenuat with God, and
one another. Then calling neighboring churches together, and
renewing that covenant, which is a model for brevity, scriptural-
ness and beauty, they were constituted the second church in Strat-
ford, on May 5th, 1670, and Mr. Walker was ordained their pastor.
Twenty males comprised the church at its outset. Some of them
HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. ,1031
forcasting separation as the probable relief from their difficulties,
had made provision for a new sphere for growth and enjoyment,
by applying to purchase lands of the Indians, as early as 1667.
Accordingly, at the suggestion of Gov. Winthrop, who deemed
the course best for the churches and the colony, the court, in May,
1672, granted them the privilege of erecting a plantation at Pom-
peraug. Early the next spring twenty-five families migrated to
this place, then a wilderness. Mr. Walker divided his ministra-
tions between this Hock and that at Stratford until June, 1678,
when he moved here. Seventeen more had been added to the
church, and so it started as the first church of Woodbury, with
thirty-seven members, six of whom were females, and full one-third
of the half-way covenant type. Yet, few as they were in numbers,
busied as they were in procuring food and houses for their fami-
lies, beset as they were with difficulties of every kind, beyond our
conception, they cheerfully undertook the sustainment of the Gos-
pel in their midst. They sequestered lands for the use of their
pastor, and freely taxed themselves for his support. At first reli-
gious services were held in each other's houses in winter, and in
summer on the east side of the Orenaug Rocks, with sentinels
stationed on their summits, to guard against sudden attack from
hostile Indians. On this account the name of Bethel Rock has
been given to the spot. In later times, good men, their descend-
ants and others, have repaired thither for meditation and prayer.
Hence, though beautiful in itself;, with its surroundings of tree,
shrub and flower, and for its clear out-look upon the charming
valley, it is more so for its historic incidents and hallowed associa-
tions. For several years, during King Philip's war, the people
were so absorbed in erecting fortified houses, furnishing soldiers
for the colony, and providing guards for their own safety, that
they could do nothing toward supplying themselves with a place
of public worship. But early in 1681, when the stress of care and
peril had passed, they took the matter up, and after some little
difference of opinion as to the site, they came to a pleasant agree-
ment by leaving the decision to two prominent and disinterested
outsiders. The house was at once erected, and stood just below
the present residence of Hon. Nathaniel B. Smith. It was large and
plain, with pulpit opposite the entrance, and with elevated pews
and high-backed seats. The people were called to worship therein
by the peculiar tap of a drum upon the high rock nearly opposite.
.Here Mr. Walker preached the word until his death in 1700, at 63
1032 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODEUKY.
years of age. His papers in the Stratford discussion evince hi&
learning, ability and piety. His thirty years' hold upon the atten-
tion and regard of the people, as well as the harmony and growth
of the church, evince his power as a preacher, and his wisdom as a
pastor. During his ministry he received one hundred and eight to
the church, and baptized three hundred and seventy-six. The
church sincerely mourned him as their heroic leader and faithful
shepherd.
In the same year they invited Mr. Anthony Stoddard, then just
licensed, to preach to them. They soon became so interested in
him, as to desire him to settle. As an inducement to this end, the
people in lawful town meeting voted as a salary seventy pounds
per annum to be paid in wheat, peas, Indian corn, pork, as also
firewood, at the following prices " not to be varied from, extraor-
dinary providences interposing being excepted," to wit; Wheat,
4s. 6d. per bushel ; pork at 3 cents per pound ; Indian corn, 2s. 6d.
per bushel ; peas, 3 shillings per bushel. They also voted to build
him a house of specified dimensions, he only providing nails and
glass, and also a well, and to furnish him with 115 acres of land,
properly divided into lots for tillage, pasture, meadow, wood, and
conveniently situated. He accepted the call, and was ordained in
May, 1702, and moved into the house built for him, and which
still stands in the lower part of the village, in a good state of pre-
servation, after the storms of ITO years. It was built in the old
lean-to style of the time, with a small room projecting at the front
for a portico, which Mr. Stoddard used as his study for 58 years-
May its historic character long keep it from vandal hands, as its
palisadoes once kept it from the assaults of the Indians, to remind
coming generations of the Christian forecast and self-denial of their
fathers ! Mr. Stoddard possessed great versatility of mind ; had
enjoyed the best classical and theological culture of the day, and
had been favored with the counsels and example of his eminent
father at Northampton. And though retiring to this then obscure
parish, he found room and verge enough for the exercise of his
rare powers. He soon took rank among the leading ministers of
the colony. He was chairman of the committee to draft the origi-
nal rules of the Litchfield Consociation, and was chosen to preach
the election sermon at Hartford, in 1716. He was also as much at
home in medicine and law as in theology. According to a custom
then quite common, he prepared himself in these departments that
he might be useful to his flock when physicians and lawyers were
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1033
not at hand. He was probate clerk of ancient Woodbui'y for 40
years, and all the records are in his handwriting. He drew most
of the wills of his parishioners ; he was also one of the largest
farmers in the town. And yet it would seem that he did not sufTer
these secular labors to interfere with his higher work as the Lord's
ambassador;
Under his ministry the church was harmonious and prosperous,
while othei's in the colony experienced dissensions and drawbacks.
Though losing many to form churches at Southbury, Bethlehem,
Judea, Roxbury, yet through frequent revivals it filled up again.
In the great awakening of 1740, it received 97. Indeed admis-
sions were made during all the years of his ministry save two,
amounting to 616 — 142 of these being by the half-way covenant,
most of whom, however, subsequently entered into full com-
munion. He baptized 1540, and ordained five deacons. In the
latter part of his ministry he was privileged to preach in a new
and finer edifice, built in 1747. With remarkable retention of
mental and physical 2Dowers, he labored on until his 88d year,
when, after a two days' illness, he died, esteemed and lamented by
the children and grandchildren of those whom he had followed to
the tomb, and in the midst of whom they reverentially laid his
body to await the general resurrection. Just before his death the
people had called the Rev. Noah Benedict to settle as his col-
league. He had accepted, and the day was fixed for his ordination.
He was accordingly ordained Oct. 22, 1760. Mr. B. originated in
Danbury ; graduated at Nassau Hall in 1757. Though a Barnabas
in temperament and manner, bearing consolation and cheer unto
all with whom he came in contact, yet in preaching and debate he
could rise to somewhat of an ApoUos in might and eloquence.
The main grounds of his success, however, lay in his remarkable
discretion, his eminent goodness, and his rare fidelity. At the
very outset of his ministry he devised a plan to get rid of the half-
way covenant, without any jar, and with good efiect, though to it
the church had tenaciously clung for 90 years, and that, too, when
neighboring churches had dropped it long before. He also secured
some slight changes in the covenant, thereby giving it such excel-
lence that for 110 years no one has attempted its improvement.
Rev. Worthington Wright was settled as his colleague in 1811,
but in consequence of some disease of the eyes, preventing study,
he was dismissed at his own request early in 1813. Mr. Benedict's
pastorate, like that of his predecessors, was long, prosperous, and
1034 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
peaceful, until near its close, when an unpleasant controversy arose
about locating the third and present edifice. He received 272 to
the church, baptized 758, and oi'dained eight deacons. He re-
tained the confidence and aifection of his people until his death
in 1813, at 76 years of age, and the 53d of his ministry. Here and
there an aged one in the parish and vicinity has a pleasant remem-
brance of his jDerson and work, and through them his influence
gleams gently out on the present generation, as the sun's rays
gleam upon the sky after his setting.
And here, in passing, I would call attention to the fact that the
united pastorates of the three first ministers of this church cov-
ered the remarkable period of 143 years, probably the only instance
in the country, and one alike creditable to both parties. Fortu-
nate as this ancient church may be in the future there is now little
prospect that it will ever have a pastor who, in this respect, will
attain unto either of the first three. After a year's vacancy. Rev.
Henry P. Strong, of Salisbury, was settled over the church in May,
1814, and was dismissed in January, 1816. Rev. Samuel R. Andrew,
of Milford, became his successor in October, 1817. From Mr. Bene-
dict's death to his settlement, the church had received 38 additions.
The party too, disaffected by the location of the new church edi-
fice, had withdrawn and formed themselves into a strict Congre-
gational church. He entered upon his work with forecast and tact,
and prosecuted it with earnestness and efficiency. Over his rich
endowments and fine culture there was cast a kind, devout, loving
spirit, which gave him great power as a preacher and pastor. So
exemplary was he in his daily walk and conversation, that a quaint
and captious neighbor once said that, " He had watched him for
25 years to find something inconsistent with his profession, but
must give it up." This speaks volumes as to his discreetness and
piety. Hence, no wonder that the church was united and success-
ful under his care. He was blessed with three revivals, received
263, baptized 243, and ordained three deacons. Finding his health
failing, he resigned, and was dismissed in 1846, about 29 years
from his settlement. He removed to New Haven, Avhere he died,
May 26th, 1 858, at the age of 71. Rev. Lucius Curtis, of Torring-
ford, was immediately installed as Mr. Andrew's successor in July,
1846, and was dismissed in 1854, at his own request. He led
the church forward, adding 70 to its membership, baptizing 36,
and leaving it harmonious and hopeful. In April of the ensuing
year, Rev. Robert G. Williams was installed, and remained until
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 1035
July, 1859. In 185Y, the second year of his ministry, some $4,000
were expended in modernizing and improving this church edifice.
He also received 32 persons into this visible fold of Christ. Rev.
Charles E. Robinson began to supply the pulpit early in 1861,
and was ordained pastor in June, 1862. He received IV to the
church, and was dismissed at his own request, in the spring of
1864. Rev. Charles Little began to supply the pulpit in 1865,
and after two years retired, having added 30 to the church. Rev.
Horace Winslow, as his successor, supplied the pulpit one year,
and added to the church 24. In vacancies, from time to time, 10
persons were added. Rev. Gurdon W. Noyes, of Stonington, the'
ninth and present pastor, began his work on November 14th,
1869, and was installed on the 8th of December following. He
has received 6 to the church. From its origin, this church has
received into its fold 1526; placed the seal of the covenant
upon 2999, and ordained 23 deacons, only three of whom sur-
vive. Its present membership is 192. Six churches have been
formed entirely out of it, and two others have received a goodly
number of members from it, to say nothing of its contributions
to other denominations within its ancient limits, and to the
churches of its own faith in the cities of the East and West.
From it have sprung 13 ministers, seven by the name of Judson,
one the father of Adoniram, the pioneer missionary, and another,
Philo, distinguished as a revivalist. It has also been favored with
a line of deacons of such rare worth and long continuance in
oflace, as to deserve a passing notice.
Hon. John Minor, the pioneer who at the first view of this
place from Goodhill, with bended knee, craved heaven's bless-
ing upon the little company, and asked for a godly posterity, was
in ofiice 49 years, and seven of his descendants filled it after him,
the last dying in 1865. Of these, Matthew and Truman (the last
one) were distinguished for Bible knowledge, piety and usefulness.
The first was in oflice 42 years, and several of the others of like
merit were in ofiice from 25 to 45 years ; and one, Eli Summers,
still remains with us who has been in office 40 years. To the wise
effort, bright example, fervent prayers, of these men, the church is
greatly indebted for its unity, stability and success. Society has
received more marvelous modifications in these two centuries than
in any other two since the Christian era. In this period, printing,
steam, machinery, electricity, have been exerting their magic and
civilizing power. In this period, too, gradually, indeed, church
13
1036 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
edifices have improved in style and comfort. Square pews, eagle-
nest pulpits, with sounding-boards, have disappeared. The wor-
shippers rent their seats, and are not seated as formerly, accord-
ing to age and rank. The cold, humid air, which our fathers and
mothers endured for hours is rarified by the heat of stove or fur-
nace. About the sanctuary no Sabbath-day houses appear ; and
instead of coming to church on foot, or upon saddles or pillions,
as of old, the people now come in spring wagons or covered car-
riages. And then at its origin, this church was one of 18, in the
Connecticut colonies. Now there are 290 in the State, and 3,043 in
"the United States, with other evangelical denominations as strong
or stronger. Then a few hundred colonists were struggling for
a foothold in this wilderness, against the rigors of the climate, the
assaults of savages and the interferences of the mother country.
Now, there are 37 States, scattered over a vast and fertile area,
with some forty-five millions of inhabitants, under one free and
beneficent government, and with almost every conceivable facility
for materia], intellectual and spiritual advantage. With few helps
and many hindrances, our ancestors kept the flame of worship
burning on the altars of this Zion. Though the church has
been weakened by wars, wasted by pestilence, thinned by emi-
gration, endangered by prosperity, yet it still lives and in much
vigor. It is a glorious thing that it has thus held right on its
way through ten generations. It has rendered acceptable service
to its Head and Lord, and been a rich boon to this community.
And now, how interesting this transitional point when it is to
pass over its great legacy of good to the keeping of another series
of generations. Our fathers cast up stepping-stones for our ad-
vancement ; not arbors wherein to take our ease. We may well
glory in their work ; but if we rest upoti it, the Lord will raise up
children to them from the stones of the street. We should rather
feel that the church is to go forward in numbers, beauty, achieve-
ment, influence.
As we leave this cycle of years, lined with Christian heroes
and heroines behind us, we must needs cast the horoscope of the
future. We who gladly join in this jubilee, will, ere long, pass
away ; but others will take our places, and the tide of afiairs will
sweep on. When the next century comes round, and posterity
gathers for commemoration, what shall be the aspect of the place,
and the character of the people ? We can decide with certainty,
as to some things that will greet our descendants then, as they
HISTORY OF ANCIBNT WOODBURY. 1037
do US now. They will be hailed by the same spring, with its
birds and flowers. They will pass up the same broad and shaded
street, and look out upon the same gem of a valley, with its pic-
turesque setting of hills. The rude monument of Pomperaug
will remain and will be visited by the curious, as to-day. But will
the people be wiser, better, happier ? Will most of them be in
Christ's visible fold, as burning and shining lights ? Christian
friends, the answer to these queries depends largely upon us.
Our faith, zeal, fidelity, with heaven's favor, may fill the lips
of posterity with glad hosannas at the tri-centennial. Gazing
backward, I seem to see the great cloud of witnesses for Jesus
here clasping hands along the flying years, and as they pass on,
the blessed results of their sacrifices, toils and tears, I seem to
hear them say : " Freely ye have received, freely give." " Take
the triumphs we have gained to cheer you ; gaze upon the tro-
phies we have gathered and hung around you, then press forward
from conquest to conquest, until called to lay your armor down,
and receive the Master's well-done." Amen.
The concluding prayer was uttered by Rev. John Churchill,
and after this a recess of five minutes occurred to give opportu-
nity for such as chose to retire.
During the services of the forenoon, the deacons of the mother
church, our own, and those of the North church, sat about the
communion table after the manner of " ye olden time." After the
recess came the administration of the Lord's supper to some 800
communicants, filling the seats above and below, Rev. William
K. Hall, of Stratford, and our own pastor, officiating. It was a
solemn and interesting occasion — never before enjoyed here — never
again to be enjoyed by us below, — when a mother church, with
its own mother and six children sat down together at the " Earth-
ly marriage feast of the Lamb." The remembrances of that hour
will go with us through the eternal ages.
The exercises at the communion were opened by singing the
following verses, beautifully rendered by "William Cothren, James
H, Linsley, Mrs. Enos Benham, and Mrs. Horace D. Curtiss, as a
quartette :
'Tia midnight, and on Olive's brow,
The star is dimmed that lately shone ;
'Tis midnight; in the garden now,
The suffering Saviour prays alone.
1038 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY
" 'Tie finished," — so the Saviour cried,
And meekly bowed his head, and died ;
"'Tis finished," — yes the race is run,
The battle fought, the victory woq !
ADDRESS AT COMMUNION.
Fathers, Brethren, Friends : — We approach this sacramental
table to-day under circinustances of peculiar interest. The "com-
munion of saints " is changed from a dry dogma of our creed into a
blessed reality of our experience. The mother church sits down
in this heavenly place in Christ Jesus, with her daughter, grand-
daughters, cousins, and many of the remoter kindred and others of
different denominations. No idea of the Church in the Bible is
more common or beautiful than that of a family or household.
God is the Father, Jesus is the elder brother, and all true believers,
brothers and sisters in Him. The Savior once said that whosoever
should do his will, the same was his brother, sister and mother.
And Paul gathers into one family the redeemed on earth and in
heaven. Ah ! the hundreds who have preceded us in caring for
this Zion, must be near to-day in sympathy and gratulation, though
we feel not the pressure of their hands, and hear no word of cheer
from their lips. And through the knowledge we have of their
career and of their blest estate in glory, we can commune with
them, and gather inspiration to press on in our Christian course.
Friends, our time for holy fellowship and achievement here is fast
passing by. The Lord help us to go down from this mount of
glorious privilege with a fuller conseci'ation to his service. Then,
when called to rest from our earthly labors and cares, we shall be
niimbered among those who die in the Lord, and whose works
folloio them!
The service was continued by Rev. "William K. Hall, in the fol-
lowing remarks :
Brethren in Christ : — Our thought has been directed to the
blessed truth of the unity of all believers in Christ, of the family
relation in which all who are Christ's are found, a relation which
death itself cannot sever.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1039
This truth is made most vivid and real to us by this Supper of
our Lord, and by these memories of our fathers, which as a sister-
hood of churches we have come together to-day to revive. We
love to contemplate this truth. It produces a deep, quiet, joyous-
ness of spirit, thus to keenly realize that we are one with those
who have gone before us to the home above, one with that godly
ancestry who jjlauted these Churches of Christ and bequeathed to
us these religious institutions. There is, it is true, this invisible,
indestructible unity.
But what does this imply ? That we have the same faith, the
faith " once delivered to the saints," that we are sustained by
the same hopes and the same promises ? Most surely ; but is there
not more than this ? There is a unity of tlie spirit, a spirit of devo-
tion to the truth, a spirit of consecration to the Master and His
service. Through much self-denial, through much self-sacrifice, they
labored to secure for themselves and for those that should come
after them, these blessings of the Christian family and the Christ-
ian state. Fidelity to the truth, a firm, unyielding devotion to
the interests of religion among them, marked their character and
their lives. We may not, my brethren, be called to practice
the same kind of self-denial, and may not find the same kind of
sacrifices in our path of duty, but if we are true, devoted
Christian men and women, loyal to the Master and His kingdom,
we shall find ihat we need the same spirit that actuated them, and
we shall moreover find that our path of duty is the path of self-
denial and self-sacrifice. That teaching of the Savior, which was
in so large a manner exemplified in their lives, is for us also. "If
any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his
<;ross daily and follow me. For whosoever will save his life, shall
lose it ; and whosoever will lose his life for My sake, shall find it."
This supper which calls to remembrance the sacrifice of our Lord,
His self giving for us, ever brings to mind afresh that root-principle
of all Christian living, self-giving for Christ, self-losing in Christ.
We are here brought into communion with Him. Shall not this
communion bring us into a closer sympathy with His spirit V
Shall we not, by this communion, possess more of the mind of
our Lord ? As we take this cup to our lips, and by faith behold
the blood that was shed for us, shall we not take into our hearts
more of Christ that we may take into our lives more of Christ ?
If we here renew our covenant vows, let us remember that these
vows are vows of allegiance, by which we devoted ourselves and
1040 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
our all to the service of Christ. If we here re-consecrate our-
selves to Jesus, let us recognize the truth, that it is a consecration
to the cross — that the cross is to be henceforth more deeply im-
printed in our souls, and that we are to bear it more steadfastly
and faithfully in our lives.
May we all to-day be so baptized by the Holy Spirit into the
spirit of the Lord Jesus, that " denying ungodliness and worldly
lusts," we may " live soberly, righteously and godly in this present
world ; looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing
of the Great God and our Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself
for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto
Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."
It was now "high noon," and the final hymn being sung, the
" great congregation " moved to the Town Hall to partake of the
collation, which had been prepared by the church and congrega-
tion, aided by the voluntary and acceptable contribution of eat-
ables and assistance from the ladies of the North Church, and the
churches of Judea and Roxbury. We shall not soon forget their
kindness, and shall be only too happy to assist them on any simi-
lar occasion. All were amply supplied, and when all were " filled "
there were " many baskets full taken up."
At 12.45 P. M., the bell gave warning of the services at the
cemetery, where the Fathers' monument was to be dedicated.
This is a structure hewn from native boulders, of massive propor-
tions, 33 feet high, erected at a cost of more than $1,500, more
than one-third of which was contributed by a single individual.
There is no similar monument in this country, so far as known to
the writer. The principal stone is a granite block of great beauty
found on a farm at a distance, and prepared for the place of honor
on the base of the monument. On the front it bears the inscrip-
tion in prominent letters, " Presented by William Cothren and
Lyman E. Monrijie, July 4th, 1861." This inscription refers to the
block, and not, as some supposed, to the entire monument.
Just above, on a brown stone block, are the names of the gentle-
men at whose expense the monument has been erected. The in-
scription is, " Erected in honor of the Fatherg, by Rev. W. T
Bacon, Hon. Thomas Bull, David S. Bull, Esq., George H. Clark,
Esq., Hon. William Cothren, Hon. Julius B. Curtiss, Hon. Henry
C. Deming, Hon. Henry Dutton, Charles G. Judson, Esq., Wood-
bury Lyceum, Walter P. Marshall, Esq., Rev. Benjamin C. Meigs,^
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUBY. 1041
Deacon Truman Minor, Rev. Geo. Richards, Rev. James Richards,
D. D., Hon. Thomas H. Seymour, Edward W. Seymour, Esq., Rev.
Henry B. Sherman, Rev. Thomas L. Shipmau, Hon. Nathaniel B.
Smith, Chas. A. Somers, Esq., Hon. Henry Stoddard, Rev. J. B.
Stoddard, Rev. Robert G. Williams, Gen. William T Sherman."
On the shaft above is the name, David J. Stiles. On the east
side is the inscription, "Rev. Zechariah Walker, first pastor of
ancient Woodbury, died Jan. 20th, 1699, in the 63d year of his age,
and in the 36th of his ministry." At the foot of the monument is
the ancient headstone, with this record :
ZECHARIAH
WALKER,
AGED 63,
DYED JAN. 20,
1699.
On the north side is the epitaph of Rev. Anthony Stoddard, the
second pastor, who died Sept. 6th, 1760, in the 83d year of his
age, and the 61st of his ministry ; and on the west side is that of
Rev. ISToah Benedict, the third pastor, who died April 20th, 1813,
in the '76th year of his age, and the 53d of his ministry. At the
base, on the north side, is an old mill-stone, one of two small ones
taken to Woodbury on horseback, two hundred years ago, from
Stratford, with which they ground corn and meal for the whole
settlement at the rate of one bushel per day.
The dedicatory exercises were very interesting and impressive .
Rev. Thomas L. Shipman, of Jewett City, one of the contributors,
opened the exercises with the following
DEDICATORY PRAYER.
O Thou, whose we are, and whom we would glorify in all our
works begun, continued and ended ; may Thy presence be with
us and Thy blessing upon us on the occasion which has convened
us in this place of graves. Thy servants have erected this monu-
ment before which we are assembled, to the memory of the fore-
fathers of the ancient church whose history we have to-day recalled.
Accept Thou this work of their hands and offering of their hearts.
May this shaft long stand in remembrance of the men whose names
are engraven upon it — though dead, they yet live by the influence
of their ministry upon coming generations. Time may efface their
1042 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
names from tliis monument of stone, but nothing shall ever efface
their memory from the hearts of a grateful posterity. As we
stand surrounded by the dead, impress upon our minds the thought
that we shall soon be of them, and give us grace so to live and so
to die, that to each of us the end of earth shall be the beginning of
Heaven. Bless those who are to take part in the further services
of this occasion. May what they shall speak be for Thy glory
and for our good, and in all the solemnities and services of the
day, may we be accepted through Jesus Christ our strength and
our Redeemer. Atnen.
ADDRESS OF DEDICATION.
BY WILLIAM COTHREN.
Ten years ago, as the curious antiquarian searched with rev-
erent tread among the mossy mounds which surround us, on this
consecrated hill, "beautiful for situation," in this loveliest of val-
leys, parting here and there the lank grass and tanglecl briars, he
would have discovered that little head-stone of native rock, with
its rude inscription, telling us the simple tale, that here rested all
that remained on earth of the first father of the town, " ye faith-
full, worthy, l^eloved Minister of the Gospell, and much lamented
pastor of the Ch'' of Christ." One hundred and sixty times had
the " dark brown years " passed over this consecrated spot, and
this was all that remained to tell the numerous posterity of the
fathers, who had been enriched and blest during all that long
period by his faithful teachings, labors and sufferings — that here
the ever-to-be-revered W-^lker had laid his armor down — that here
he awaited in tranquil rest the final trump of God. Then, as now,
grouped thickly around him, in like noteless graves, his faithful
people were gathered — a hardy, noble race, that has, in the last
two centuries, and especially in the living, whirling present,
brought forth great and abundant fruit. There lies Deacon John
Minor, the tried, the true, and the brave, ancestor, in the maternal
line, of Gen. Grant, President of the United States. Connecticut,
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1043
through her Deacon Grant, of Windsor, and Deacon Minor, of
Woodbury, claims a proud share in the fame of this distinguished
man. Near Deacon Minor reposes all that was mortal of Deacon
John Sherman, ancestor of the General of our armies, and Senator
Sherman, of Ohio. Gen. Sherman's name appears on this monu"
ment as great-grandson of the immortal Stoddard, second pastor
of this ancient church. The Mitchells, the Wheelers, the Cur-
tisses, the Hurds, the Judsons — ministerial race — all the early
revered names lie slumbering near, a goodly company, in their
lonely, neglected graves — alas ! too long neglected by their
numerous descendants. Befbre me stands at this very moment so
great a company of the lineal descendants of the first John Minor,
deacon of the church, captain of the train band, interpreter to the
Indians and justice of the quorum, that by contributing a mere
trifle apiece, a greater and more expensive monument could be
erected than this, which we now dedicate to the memory of the
fathers. I charge you to-day to take immediate measures to erect
a monument fit to commemorate the virtues of one of the most
remarkable men in the early history of the colony. It is the duty
of the hour for you.
'No nobler company of men ever removed in a body into the
solitudes and dangers of the wilderness, than these early fathers,
who left their dwellings by the sea, to dare the perils and priva-
tions of th'e dim woods. They sought to plant here a pure and
sublime faith. They labored to extend the kingdom of God. Is
it wonderful, then, that their descendants should desire to erect
an enduring monument to the sacred memory of such immortal
ancestors, that it may stand forever as a remembrancer to their
children to imitate the virtues and graces of their long buried
sires, who have " entered into the rest that remaineth to the peo-
ple of God ?"
A little farther to the north stands the modest and dilapidated
head-stone of the venerated Anthony Stoddard, second pastor of
the church, who rests in the hope of a bright resurrection amid
the faithful flock to whom hft ministered in "things spiritual " for
the long period of more than sixty years. A step farther, and we
are at the grave of the sainted Benedict. These three, a trio of
worthies, full of prudence, piety and purity unsurpassed, " went
out and in before the people " for the long period of one hundred
and forty-three years. Such were our fathers, and such their
claims on the reverence and the afi'ections of their posterity, and
1044 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
yet no monument had arisen to perpetuate a remembrance of their
virtues — ten years ago !
But the filial heart of the people could not endure a farther
neglect of the reverence due the names of their sacred dead.
Measures were taken for erecting a fitting monument to their
memory. Starting with the theory that no material could be
more fitting than the rugged native boulders from their oxon lands^
among which they had wandered in life, the work went on with
zeal. Good progress had been made, when the war of the re-
bellion broke out, and for more than seven dark, gloomy and
bloody years, the work was suspended. In 1868, noble men came
forward with their contributions, at home and abroad, and the
work was commenced again with renewed vigor, and pushed to
successful completion. It now stands before you, a rugged struc-
ture, 33 feet in height. It is like the character of our fathers, not
artistically beautiful, but massive and immovable. It was erected
at an expense of moi-e than $1,500 — and more than one-third of
that amount was contributed by one individual.
A single duty yet remains, and we are here to perform it. We
are here, a filial band, to dedicate it to the memory of the fathers.
We come to this pleasing duty amid the joyous exercises of our
bi-centennial jubilee, and in the two hundred and fiftieth year of
Congregationalism in this country. The time is propitious. The
skies are bright above us. The awakening vigor of Spring is
apparent on every side. It is the fourth jubilee of our church,
and the fifth of our order. And now, in such an auspicious hour,
when our hearts are filled with joy and congratulations, we dedi-
cate this monument to the memory of the fathers — to the memory
of the noble men and women who lie sleeping in the moss-grown
graves beneath our feet, resting sweetly and securely in the hope
of a blessed immortality in the beautiful land beyond the far
etherial blue, " where the wicked cease from troubling, and the
weary are at rest." We dedicate it to the memory of that pilgrim
company, who left the father-land for the enjoyment of a purer
gospel — who chose to endure all the privations of a pioneer life
amid the perils of the wilderness, to establish freedom of thought
for themselves and their children. We dedicate it to the heroic
men, who could sing " amidst the storm,"
" And whom the stars heard and the sea!
While the sounding aisles of the dim woods rang
To the anthems of the free ! "
HISTORT OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1045
We cheerfully dedicate it to the fathers who chose this beautiful
resting-place, so like that of the Pilgrim Fathers at Plymouth
Rock, pioneers and partakers in a like faith, and a like appreciation
of the beautiful in nature. We dedicate it to those lion-hearted
men, who have left us a glorious inheritance — who, while
" The heavy night hung dark
The woods and waters o'er,"
and often over their dearest hopes, still sang the songs of Zion,
And prayed in their Bethel, the shade of the Rock.
We dedicate it with full souls on this
" Holy ground,
The spot where first they trod!
They have left unstained what here they found,
Freedom to worship God."
We dedicate it to them for their toils and labors for the estab-
lishment of "the faith once delivered to the saints," for their pure
lives, for their earnest zeal, for their pious teachings, for their
shining examples. We dedicate it as a sacred memento of them —
as a solemn duty to ourselves. We dedicate it, that our children
and children's children ruay learn to follow in the way of the holy
dead. We dedicate it, that it may be'* a rule unto ourselves,"
inviting us to pursue " the things that make for peace," and pleas-
antness, so that when we shall have entered into our rest, and
another century shall have rolled its ceaseless round, our descend-
ants may revere our memory as we do that of the fathers so long
ago translated.
Spirits of our fathers, long since ascended unto glory at the
right hand of God ! Spirits of the just made perfect ! Do you
hear us in your blest abodes on high ? Do you note our filial
aspirations to-day ? Are you hovering over us as our guardian
angels ? Tell us not that when good men carried your bodies to
the burial, and wept over these graves, you knew not, heeded
not — the tears of affection ! Are yoii pleased with our tribute of
love? Are you not smiling upon us this very hour, soothing our
spirits, as we offer to you this memorial our hands have made, and
lift to you our filial hearts ? Were you ever, while here below,
afflicted with trivial contests and bitter recriminations — or, rather
did not your great hearts always glow with love and kindness to
1046 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
all? Do you look in pity upon us, when discord arises, and
brethren disagree ? Do you love us in your far-away paradise ?
Oh! we believe, yes — we believe in the beautiful doctrine of
guardian angels! "In heaven their angels do always behold the
face of my Father ? "
" You're with us yet, ye holy dead !
By a thousand signs we know !
You're keeping e'er a spirit watch
O'er those we love below !
Next followed the Dedicatory Poem, of which the following is
a copy, with slight omissions :
THE EARLY VILLAGE FATHERS.
As I sat in my study one eve, grim and gru m,
Came a rap at the door :
" Is the poet at home ? "
•' Well sir, what is wanted? "
"Why, one Cothren is here,
And says he wants brains."
" Ah, how doth that appear ?
That a lawyer lacks brains, is what often may be,
Though I had not supposed that such lawyer was he."
"Nay, 'tis your brains he wants."
" Ah, that alters the case — "
Hence I stand here to-day in this reverend place,
Ah, Home, search the world round, go east and go west,
Take all that is purest and sweetest and best ;
Take the world's wealth, its grandeur, it's strength, and it's fame,
And, if other good is, fling in all ye can name ;
For one hour in that spot, one glad thrill of the boy,
We would willingly give all the world calls it's joy.
********
" What shadows we are, and what shadows pursue,"
Just go back forty years, let them pass in review ;
Scarce one family's head, that stood here in its worth,
But the last forty years have consigned to the earth ;
Our homes have changed owners, our farms too, till now
Scarce one gray head ye meet of that brief long ago.
FATHERS' MONUMENT, WOODBURY, CONN.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1047
Take one fact to this point. Just go bacli eighty years,
What a power was that name which the singer now bears ?
What a wealth of wide acres '? What strange business skill ?
Each thing that he touched, changed to gold at his will ;
'T would take ten modern men to make up his one mind,
Half the wealth of the town was in his name combined.
— Scarce two years since this hand signed the deed that conveyed
The last foot of land that great name once obeyed.
Yes, what shadows we are, and what shadows pursue.
We stand here to-day with the fathers in view —
The far-away fathers, and pastors, who led
Their flocks round these hills, on these pastures to feed ;
Guarded well each approach, kept the fold from all harms,
A.nd, like Christ of old time, "bore the lambs in their arms."
We stand on their ashes ! methinks as we gaze,
That they rise up ! — confront us! — and ask of our ways !
There was Walkek, the gentle and meek — yet the shrewd.
There was Stoddard, the austere and plain — yet the good ;
There was Benedict, solemn and slow, with an eye
That looked out like a star from its cavernous eky ;
And a crowd of bright worthies, hover thick in their rear,
And all gaze, with bowed forms, on this pageantry here !
Is it nothing to stand on the graves of such men !
Come no thoughts up? no pictures of scenes stirring then?
Come no voices, loud ringing in every ear,
To tell us of life, throbbing life that was here ?
Come no shadows, that fall down on every path
God appoints for each soul, in his love, or his wrath ?
Aye, and fancy finds pastime in scenes such as these,
And weaves into voice what she hears, or she sees.
'Tis a beautiful part, as we stand here to-day.
And our thoughts travel off to that dim far away.
To call up that scene, and those forms, and those eyes,
That once looked around here on this new Paradise !
There was reverend age with its locks white and thin,
There was beautiful childhood, unsullied by sin,
There was vigorous manhood so stalwart and bold.
There were beautiful maidens so sweet to behold ;
And they had all those cares, and those dreams, too, perchance,
That light up the world with the hues of romance.
1048 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURT.
There were some sad eyes there, that the hot tears had burned,
There were pale, gentle faces, whose hearts were in-urned
There were souls with dead hopes, that, still withering cling
Round the heart they had broke, and then left with their sting ;
And other eyes there, with no smile any more,
Unless faith brought it down from that sunnier shore.
Yet a beautiful faith, that they brought here that day,
They came not for gold, let men say what they may ;
They came not for power for no power was there here,
Save the power of meek patience, that dwells in a tear ;
But they came with their souls, to this far-away wood,
To work out an approach to the all-perfect Good !
Have we, their descendants, departed from them ?
Can we now, as they could, the world's currents stem ?
Can we, as could they, break off that bond and this,
And alone rest the heart where its true treasure is ?
As we stand on their dust, let our hearts go once more,
To that far away land, to that far away shore ;
Let us try to draw down into each throbbing breast,
One tithe of that worth that the fathers possessed ;
And transmit to our children, till earth cease to move,
Their courage, their patience, their sweetness, their love!
Then followed the
DEDICATION HYMN.
BY WILLIAM COTHREN.
Air — Tenting on the old Camp Ground.
We're standing to-day on the holy sod —
With reverence draw near —
Whence our fathers' souls ascended to God —
Their sacred dust lies here.
Chorus — Many are the years since ye hasted away,
Eager for the golden strand ;
Many are the voices calling you to-day
To hear our filial Band.
Hear as alway, hear us alway,
Hear us in your happy land.
HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1049
Ye are happy to-day in your home above,
Your hearts are all aglow;
Ye are smiling now with a look of love,
On us who toil below.
Chorus —
We greet you to-day, ye sturdy old stock.
Who rest from your labors here —
From your prayers and praise at the Bethel Rock,
To shine in a brighter sphere.
Chords —
This hymn was sung as a quartette by Messrs. William Cothren,
James H. Linsley, William A. Gordon, and William B. Walker,
in a most elfective and beautiful manner.
The exercises closed with a Benediction by Rev. Austin Isham,
of Roxbury.
At a quarter to 2 P. M., the bell called to the afternoon exer-
cises. These were of a social character. Hon. N. B. Smith,
grandson of the third pastor, the Rev. Noah Benedict, who had
presided at the monument, also presided here, ably aided by the
pastor, and Deacon Trowbridge, Chairman of the General Com-
mittee, acting as Vice-Presidents.
After singing, the Opening Prayer was made by Rev. Austin
Isham : —
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, halloM^ed be Thy name, Thy
Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is done in Heaven.
We hear Thy voice speaking to us on this deeply interesting
occasion, saying " Seek ye My face." May all our hearts respond,
" Thy face, Lord, will we seek."
We would approach Thy throne of grace with profound rever-
ence and deep humility. When we consider the greatness of Thy
majesty, and our own exceeding great vileness and unworthiness,
we are led to exclaim " What is man that Thou art mindful of him,
or the son of man, that Thou visitest him ? "
We feel that we have forfeited every claim to Thy favor and
justly merit Thy displeasure. And yet, Thou hast not dealt with
us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniqui-
ties ; but as high as the Heavens are above the earth, so great has
been Thy mercy toward us. We humbly thank Thee for all Thou
1050 ■ HISTORY OF ATSrCIEXT WOOBBURY.
hast done for our guilty and ruined race ; especially that Thou
didst so love the world, as to give thine own and well-beloved
Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have
everlasting life. We thank Thee for the many blessings, tem-
poral and spiritual, which Thou hast conferred upon us. The lines
have indeed fallen to us in pleasant places, yea, we have a goodly
heritage. We feel that it is a goodly land which the Lord our
God hath given us. We bless Thee for a godly ancestry, whose
steps Thou didst guide to these beautiful hills and valleys, and that
here, by Thy blessing, they planted those institutions, civil and
religious, which we to-day enjoy.
We render thanks to Thee for extending Thy fostering care to
the churches our fathers planted ; that Thou didst greatly increase
the number and moral power and strength of these churches ; thus
showing to us how precious in Thy sight is Zion, dear as the apple
of Thine eye, and graven on the palms of Thy hands. O Thou
great head of the Church, we pray for Thy blessing still. God
of our fathers, we beseech Thee never to leave nor forsake these
churches. Be as a wall of fire round about them and a glory in
the midst of them. Pour out Thy spirit upon them ; may they be
udeed the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Give
them pastors after thine own heart.
Bless the churches throughout the land and throughout the
world.
Finally, we invoke Thy blessing upon all the exercises now
before us. In all that may be said or done, may Thy glory and
our spiritual good be promoted. We ask and offer all in the name
and for the sake of Christ, to whom, with the Father and Holy
Spirit, be rendered ceaseless praises. Amen.
By special invitation. Rev. Horace Winslow, of Willimantic
Conn., the last preceding pastor of the church, next gave the ad-
dress of greeting to the assembled churches, and continued during
the afternoon to read the sentiments addressed to the churches,
which had been prepared by Bro. William Cothren, and to intro
duce the speakers in response thereto, in an exce edingly happy
entertaining and eloquent manner:
HISTORY OF ANCIENT W00DI5URY. 1051
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen ;
lu the name of this Church, I am requested to welcome with
joyful greebing, her Daughters, with their Grand-mother, (who is
fresh and fair, as one who has not passed the marketable age of
twenty-five), to a home gathering here to-day.
To these many children, with their children's children, I may
say : Your Mother is not young, and still those who do not know
her age might think so, for she is hale and hearty, elastic of step,
and buoyant of heart, as a girl of sixteen. If you would observe,
you can see that her eye is not dim, nor her natural force
abated; that in her voice, dress, and bearing, she has all the
appearance of youth — and yet she is two hundred years old to-
day. Indeed, a simple consideration of the fact of her numerous
family, would suggest the thought that she does not belong to the
present generation. I may not be able to state just what it is
which has kept her so fresh and fair, for she has not been sleeping
for two centuries, nor half of them. She has been a personal
actor in all the great and interesting events which have transpired
in our country during this long period. She was in the field*
boldly defending the frontier, in King Philip's war, giving her
sons full to the quota all through the French and Indian war, and
she was among the foremost of the forward in the grand struggle
which achieved the American nationality. The sons of Woodbury
marched to glory and to victory under the leadership of Wolfe,
Putnam and Washington. And the fact that there is an occasion
for it, and that there is a will to erect here a monument to the
memory of the heroes who fell in the national defense and the
crushing out of the great rebellion, is proof that your Mother has
not been asleep for these years, but awake, and loyal to all the
great interests of humanity.
She has also kept up with the times. She is as much at home
in the progress of the age, as any of her children's children. She
holds to those fun4amental truths which made her grand old
Puritan ancestry illustrious, and their fame immortal, but she
believes in progress. She knows that the world moves, and she
moves with it, without the help of a railroad.
It is because of this hearty sympathy with the present, not
mourning over the dead past, but rejoicing in the grand march of
to-day, that she takes a peculiar pleasure in this family gathering.
She is rejoiced to meet her children, who have long been of ao-e,
14
1062 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY.
and have made their mark in the field of thought and action, and
with reminiscenses of the past, talk over the affairs of to-day.
We stand in a grand period of the world's history. We behold
here a nation grown to vigorous manhood, — developed in all noble
qualities, — at once respected and feared by the governments of
the world, and loved by -all peoples whose hearts are in accord
with the interests of humanity. We see here the fruits of those
vital principles of Christianity and rights of man, which our Puritan
ancestors held and taught, and to realize which, in a social state,
they left their pleasant homes in the old world, and began in this
wilderness of the west, to build, from the foundations, a free
church and a free state.
For these noble deeds we honor those men. But we stand in
no stagnant past. We look forward and upward, and are particu-
larly joyful to-day in the wasting away of hoary wrongs, — in the
advance upon public opinion of broad Christian doctrines of human
equality and human rights, and in the hold which the Gospel has
upon all earnest minds of our day.
Thus chei'ishing, with you, a common sympathy with these vital
interests, the church here delights to honor her Bi-Centennial
Anniversary by this gathering. It is with hearty good will that
she welcomes you to your birth-place — your early pleasant home
in this green valley. And it is a special occasion of joy to us all
that w^' can have with us the venerated Grand-mother. She is
very old, and yet we should know it only by her title. Her resi-
dence is on the sea shore, and in former years, fishing, I conclude,
was an occupation with her. However, judging from her present
elegant homes, surrounded with the adornments which wealth and
art furnish, that business must be given up, but by way of amuse-
ment she now and then puts her hand in, and takes a good Hall,
as you will see in the reply to the sentiment which I will read ;
Stratford! — Mother revered! thou that dwellest by the sea!
Called in a green old age to celebrate the birth-day of this, thy
first born daughter, with filial reverence and' great joy, we greet
thee, and welcome thee to the goodly heritage which the Lord
our God has given us !
Response by Rev. Wm K. Hall, of Stratford.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODEUKY 1053
Mk. Chairman and Friends :
Such a venerable parent, with such a numerous and honored
posterity, would seem to demand a more venerable person than
myself to represent her upon this occasion. The incongruity was
certainly apparent, even before those humorous references with
which my friend has been pleased to introduce me, were made.
Appreciating the difficulty of performing such a role, I have been -
endeavoring, as best I could, to accumulate and appropriate to
myself such a stock of the past, as at least to feel old. I have
been attempting, under the influence of these suggestive emblems
and insignia, with which these walls and panels are decorated, to
forget the present, and to throw myself back into the past. This,
however, were comparatively easy to the task of arousing those
feelings of sell-pride and self exaltation, which they are expected
to have, and which they are wont to have, who are privileged in
their green old age to celebrate the birth-day of their first born
daughter, honored and blessed, and surrounded by a happy family
of her own. This eflbrt to feel like a dear old grandma, whose
heart swells with joyous pride, and overflows v/ith gratitude, and
whose tongue is garrulous, as she recounts the virtues and honors
of the family, is altogether too much for me. Just this, however,
the sentiment proposed expects of me. Even your Committee of
Arrangements, kindly considering the failings of old dames thu^
happily, and taking for gx-anted that my own pleasure upon this
occasion would be found largely in exercising the right to be
loquacious, accorded me the privilege of occupying all the time I
might desire, not limiting me, as in the case of the children, to ten
minutes.
But I promise not to go beyond the stated limit, if in your
indulgence you will pardon me if I do not succeed in toning up
my youthful feelings to the high pitch of this poetic sentiment.
The historical sermon and address, to which we have with so
much pleasure listened, have given us what are supposed to be
the facts concerning the birth of this daughter. Some of you are
aware that a slight variance of views exists, relative to the causes
which led to the formation of this Church, and the colonization ot
this town of Woodbury. Not particularly interested myself in
antiquarian pursuits, I have never been disposed to make a critical
investigation of the subject. But if the family record is corrc
1054 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
that, I mean, which we keep at home — there is a somewhat different
explanation to be given, from that which we have heard to-day.
It appears that the daughter, dissatisfied with the way affairs were
conducted in the household, determined to have them according
to her mind. The mother did not propose to yield to the revolu-
tionary spirit of her rebellious child. And as the child inherited
the disposition of the mother, each persistent and unyielding in
her own views of what was right and best, the prospects of an
amicable life together beneath the same old roof seemed exceed-
ingly doubtful. At this juncture a young man appeared, who
succeeded in winning the heart, and as a natural consequence
sought to possess the hand of this daughter. Matters became
complicated. Councils of friends were summoned to give advice.
Even the interference of the civil authorities was invoked. These
were warm times. But what was to be done ? The troubles
came to an end in this way : the young man, whom the mother
could not and would not abide, succeeded in obtaining the hand
of the daughter, and then, as we might suppose from his very
name, if for no other reason, vmlhed off with her. This play upon
the name WalJxer recalls a story that is still current in the old
home, and I may be permitted to drop, for a moment, the thread
of my story, to repeat it, after the habit of loquacious old ladies.
Those old controversies were carried on, not without consid-
erable bitterness. The General Court had interfered to adjust the
Matters in dispute between the two Church parties. It decided
that the Walker party should have the use of the Meeting-House
a part of the Lord's Day. Upon one occasion, Mr. Walker had in
a sermon made some declaration which Dr. Chauncy had con-
strued as unjust, and as reflecting upon himself. In the afternoon,
or upon the next Sabbath, Dr. Chauncy took for his text this
passage : "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil,
as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
His first point was, " You see, my Brethren, that the devil is a
great walker.''''
How much of this is fact, and how much merely legend, or the
gossip of the period handed down, much exaggerated, to the
present, I cannot say, but it may serve to remind us, what his-
torical facts amply teach, that the ecclesiastical disputes of those
days engendered warm party feelings, and rendered absolutely
necessary an entire separation.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 1055
The daughter, with her chosen spiritual leader and guide, left
the old homestead, and in choosing her new home wisely turned
northward, preferring the clear, bracing air of the north to the
damp and fog and malaria of the shore lands. The record of
these two hundred years, and these festivities to-day, testify to
the wisdom of that separation and of that choice.
That setting forth from the old home was under circumstances,
and amid scenes, which, if we could reproduce them in our imagi-
nation to-day, would aid us in rising to the full significance of this
occasion. The Plantation was only thirty years old. These years
had been years of toil, of hard work in subduing the wilderness,
and in making for themselves comfortable homes. They had been
spent in almost constant fear of the depredations and attacks of
the Indians. One generation was about passing away, and a new
generation had already begun to take up and carry on the ever
unfinished work. They were just beginning to enjoy the fruits of
their hard pioneer toil, were just beginning to realize the benefits
of a social life, well ordered, properly systematized as to govern-
ment, adequately equipped and adjusted by the experiences of
those thirty years. Those years had been years chiefly of prepa-
ration. The settlement Avas now assuming the appearance and the
character of a thrifty agricultural town. It must have required
a resoluteness of purpose, backed by a firm, conscientious regard
for duty, for that little band to go forth at such a time, and strike
out an entirely new path for themselves, to begin over again that
same laborious work of making new homes in these wild ^vood-
lands of the north. The prime motives that led them to take that
step were wholly of a religious nature. Their rights as church
members they would maintain. Spiritual interests must be held
paramount. They felt that they could not remain in the old
church home, though it was large enough to contain them, if the
course they deemed right and scriptural was not pursued ; so they
left it. They had pluck, nerve and energy — stood their ground
firmly until they were convinced that it was for the good of both
parties that they should secede. I apprehend that at the last, the
spirit that prevailed was not far diflerent from that exhibited in
the Patriarch brother, after variances had arisen in the family :
" Let there be no strife, I pray, between me and thee, and between
my herdsmen and thy herdsmen ; for we be brethren. Is not the
whole land before thee ; separate thyself I pray thee from me.
1056 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
If thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right, and if
thou depart to the right hand then I will go to the left."
Fortunately there was land enough, and that too not far distant
from the old home. Could those bold spirits who planned and
achieved that work of settlement, whose names shine out upon
these tablets before us to-day, see what we of this generation see,
could look upon these well tilled, well fenced farms, this attractive
thoroughfare, bordered by this cordon of cottage and homestead,
indicative all of such comfort, and plenty, and taste, could behold
what would be to them of by far greater value, and in their
estimate the largest proofs of their success, and the highest earthly
reward of their sacrifices and toil, these marks of church life and
church progress which have been commensurate with the growth
of the outreaching population, they might well believe that the
Lord went up with them and before them, and marked out for
them the goodly heritage which was to be theirs, and their
children's.
All honor and praise from us be to that devoted band. The un-
flinching fidelity to honest convictions, the uncompromising spirit
of attachment to what was to them the truth of God, which they
exhibited at the sacrifice of so much they held dear, were the
rightful issue of the Puritan blood that flowed in their veins. Let
us emulate their spirit, and prove ourselves worthy of such a
godly ancestry.
The old mother church, whom you have so cordially welcomed
to your feast of remembrances and rejoicings to-day, most heartily
enters into your spirit of devotion to the fathers, and would, even
as yourselves, seek to be animated anew for the work of the
Divine Master, for the glory of the Redeemer's kingdom in the
earth. May the blessing of the Great Head of the Church rest
upon all these Churches represented here, endowing them with a
larger measure of the Divine Spirit, whereby they may be more
thoroughly consecrated to God and His service.
SouTHBURY ! — First pledge of our afiections, and offspring of
our heart of hearts, dweller in the fertile plains beside the beauti-
ful river, the Jordan of our ancient inheritance, with maternal joy
we greet thee I
Response by Rev. A. B, Smith.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O D 15 IT II Y. 1057
Mb, Chairman : — In responding to the aftectionate maternal
greeting of this church, we, the eldest offspring, rejoice in being
thus welcomed to the home of our childhood on this interesting
and joyous occasion, and with true filial affection in connection
with our younger sisters, we would to-day seek to gladden .the
heart of her from whom we had our origin. Venerable in her age,
on this two hundredth anniversary of her existence, we would
render to her all due respect and honor.
It is a joyful occasion where all the scattered children, after
years of separation, gather together at the old family home. Such
is the occasion we enjoy to-day, and few in these degenerate times
can boast a like numerous family. It reminds us of the olden
time, when a numerous offspring was counted a blessing, and it
was really felt, that " happy is the man who hath his quiver full of
them." I doubt not the joy to-day is in proportion to the number
of " olive plants " gathered around the parental table.
But when the scattered members of the family, after long ab-
sence, gather at the old home, it is natural that they should review
the past, and talk of their varied experiences. The mother is sure
to rejoice in the prosperity of all her children, and to grieve over
and sympathize with them in all their adversities.
As the oldest of this goodly family, having now attained to the
respectable age of 138 years, we have, as has been here hinted,
received the fairest natural inheritance of the whole ancestral
domain. Our lot has been cast on " the fertile plains, beside the
beautiful river, the Jordan of our " venerable mother's " ancient
inheritance " — a land in which Lot himself might have looked
with eager, wishful eyes, and chosen in preference to the hill
<;ountry. But the fertile river bottoms always possess their tempt-
ations and their dangers. Though they give promise of an imme-
diate prosperity, and for this reason are often chosen in preference
to the hill country, yet they are liable to foster luxury, ease, and
consequent idleness, with all their attendant evils, and so tend ulti-
mately to degeneracy. Such locations, therefore, are not usually
the most favorable to the progress of true religion, and tlie
spiritual prosperity of the church. As the vine flourishes the
most luxuriantly in the rocky glens and on the sunny slopes of
the hill country, so the church, the vine of God's own planting ,
has usually found its greatest prosperity in the rural districts, and
among the hills, where there were few temptations to luxury, ease
and indolence. Consequently, our younger sisters among the hills
1058 PIISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
have far outstripped us in numbers, and we have become the
smallest and weakest of them all, already showing signs of decrepi-
tude and decay. But as God has hitherto had " a seed to serve
Him " in this church of the valley, and many have been trained
up under its nurture for a heavenly inheritance, we trust that it
will continue to be so in all time to come. The ministry com-
menced by Graham, the learned Scotch divine of noble birth, and
continued by Wildman, the compeer of Bellamy, and by Daniel
A. Clark, the great sermonizer, though better preacher than pas-
tor, has been sustained with occasional interruptions to the present
time, though latterly on a less settled and permanent foundation.
We hope that on a field where so much good seed has been sown,,
and watered by the tears and prayers of rich, eminent men, a
brighter day will ere long dawn, when a new impulse shall be
given to everything good in this beautiful valley — where these
tendencies to decay shall be arrested, and enterprise, and virtue,
and true piety shall be on the increase, and the church shall arise
with renewed strength and vigor, and " put on her beautiful gar-
ments," and " look forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as
the sun, and terrible " to her enemies " as an army with banners."
Bethlehem! — Thou "house of bread," situate like the Bethle-
hem in the Holy Land, about six miles from thy Jerusalem — nur-
tured, enriched and adorned by Bellamy and Backus — we greet
thee, second child of our love !
Response by Rev. Geo. W. Banks.
Mr. Chairman : — It is exceedingly unfortunate for me that I
am not a believer in the doctrine of apostolic succession, for it
would be comfortable, to say the least, to have a consciousness of
some mysterious power or grace descending to me from my pre-
decessors, which would enable me to do justice to the sentiment
and the greeting which have just been offered. But lacking all
such power or grace, I must express, as best I am able to you, sir,
and through you, to our venerable and venerated mother, the con-
gratulations of the second daughter, the church in Bethlehem.
Though more than a century and a quarter have passed since she
left the parental roof, yet I trust that the home instinct is not
dead, but that she cherishes and would have expressed to-day, a
warm affection for the mother church.
The church in Bethlehem is one hundred and thirty years old
HISTORY OF ANCIENT \\' O O I) B U K Y . 1 059
to-day. Its beginnings were weak in material things, but strong
in faith. Fourteen families living on the hill-tops in " the East
part of the North Purchase of Woodbury," finding their six miles'
walk to their ancient Jerusalem through winter's storm and sum-
mer's heat, inconvenient, determined to have a Mt. Zion of their
own, and with a faith and self-sacrifice that we cannot too much
admire, this handful of poor but heroic settlers, organized them-
selves into a church of Christ, and made provision for the perma-
nent support of the gospel ministry among them. When a daugh-
ter makes an advantageous settlement in life, the mother's heart
is made glad. So, when this daughter on the hills gave her heart
to a young man by the name of Joseph Bellamy, tlie mother
church in the valley no doubt rejoiced. Under Dr. Bellamy's min-
istry of half a century, " the handful of corn on the top of the
mountains began to shake like Lebanon." Its name proved to be
no misnomer, for if ever a church received abundance of spiritual
food, the church in Bethlehem did, from its first pastor.
Of one, concerning whom so much has been written and so well,
it Avould be impossible for me to speak with justice in the few mo-
ments allotted me at this time. I may however briefly allude to
the affection he bore to the church over which he was placed. It
may serve to set in strong contrast the lack of interest with
which the pastoral relation is now viewed by many, and the ease
with which it is broken. When Dr. Bellamy was at the zenith of
his power as a preacher, being regarded as second only to Jona-
than Edwards, and by some of his cotemporaries as superior to
him in many respects ; when his fame had spread all over the
country, and even to England, he received a flattering invitation
to become the pastor of the 1st Presbyterian Church in New York
City. To the Consociation called to advise upon the subject, he
addressed the following characteristic letter :
" Bethlehem, Jan. 25th, 1754.
" Reverend Gentlemen : — My people give me salary enough ;
are very kind, too ; I love them, and if it be the will of God I
should love to live and die with them. There are many diflicul-
ties in the way of my going to New York, They are a diflUcult
people; don't like my terms of communion, and some of their
great men are against ray coming ; I am not polite enough for
them ! I may possibly do to be minister out in the woods, but am
not fit for a city. I may die with the small-pox, and leave a widow
1060 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
and fatherless children in a helpless condition. My people Avill be
in danger of ruin. It breaks iny heart to think that the interests
of religion must sink among my people, and the youth run riot,
and the little children be left without an instructor. I humbly de-
sire, therefore, nothing may be done without the utmost delibera-
tion ; and that whatever advice you shall see fit to give me, you will
let me and my people know what grounds you go upon. Behold
my life and all the comforts of my life, and my usefulness in the
world, and the temporal and eternal interests of my people lie at
stake ; and you, reverend gentlemen, must answer it to God, if you
should give me any wrong advice for want of a thorough and
most solemn and impartial weighing ot the affair. May the in-
finitely wise God direct you. I pray you to consider me as one of
your unworthy brethren, almost overwhelmed with concern, and
just ready to sink under the weight of this afiJ'air, and quite broken-
hearted for my kind and dear people. Joseph Bellamy."
There exists in his handwriting a memorandum of an imaginary
dialogue on the subject of his "declaring" as it was technically
called, i. e. saying that he felt it his duty to go to New York.
Coming at length to the supposition that he has " declared," he
writes :
"The news flies through the country, and through all New
England, and spreads far and wide ; and every one has his say —
nor are they silent in hell ! "
" Carnal People — Aha ! Aha ! Here comes the man that pre-
tended to so much religion! They are all alike — a pack of
rogues ! "
" Godly People — Alas ! Alas ! What has he done ? A dread-
ful aftair ! We must give him up, without pretending to vindi-
cate his conduct ! Alas for him that was once our guide and
friend ! "
'• JVeio York — Aha ! Aha ! He cares not for his people, nor is
moved by iheir tears, nor touched by their cries and pleadings !
He has torn away ! Right or wrong, he's resolved to come though
his church is ruined ! Aha ! Aha ! Dollars ! dollars ! dollars !"
'■'■The Devil — Hurrah! I'm right glad ! Now the old fellow
will never do much more hurt to my kingdom!"
" All Hell—B.m-vsih ! hurrah ! "
HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O I) B U U Y . 1061
It is needless to state that Dr. Bellamy retnained " in the woods "
with the church of his first love, and "his sepulchre is witli us
to this day." Of his scarcely less illustrious successor, Dr, Backus,
time forbids me to speak. The ministry of these two men of God
reached over a period of 70 years, more than half the history of
the church. Under Dr. Bellamy, nearly two hundred and fifty
united with the church, and under Dr. Backus, one hundred and
forty-eight. Then followed the shorter ministries of Mr. Langdon
of nine years, who received one hundred and three into the
church; Mr. Stanton of four years, who received twenty-two, and
Mr. Couch of five years, who received fifty-two.
These were sound, godly men, whose labors resulted in much
good. The church received as its next pastor, from a sister church
(Roxbury,) Mr. Hari'ison, whose ministry^'was long, peaceful and
prosperous. He received into membershij) one hundred and nine
persons. Of the two later pastors — known to you all — still labor-
ing in other fields, I may not speak. Mr. Loomis received seven-
ty-three into the church; Mr. Wright, fourteen. Under the pres-
ent pastorate, fifty-seven have united with the church.
Favored with such a ministry in the past, this daughter has been
sound in the faith, a spiritual-minded church, and often refreshed
with heavenly blessings. In such a family gathering as this, it
may not be immodest for her briefly to state some facts in her
history of which she feels justly proud. She was among the first
churches in the land to see the folly and abandon the practice of the
" half-way covenant." She is a temperance society by a vote of the
church. She has never indulged in what has come to be a mod-
ern luxury to most churches — a stated supply. She believes in the
holy ordinance of ecclesiastical marriage. In all her history there
have been but four years in which she has been without a pastor.
Finally, she claims to have the oldest Sabbath School (in the
modern form of that institution) in the country, if not in the
world. Forty years before Robert Raikes ever thought of such
a thing, the first pastor of this church, with his deacons, was wont
to gather on Sabbath noon, the youth of the congregation into
classes for instruction from the Bible and the Catechism. That
Sabbath School has maintained an unbroken organization down to
this day. The daughter on the hills has never been and probably
never will be a large church. She is located in a sparsely settled
agricultural community, whose high hills and deep vales no railroad
will dare look in the face. Emigration constantly drains oflT her
1062 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
young people. Two churches of other denominations have grown
up by her side, and to a great extent out of her materia!. But
she trusts that she has a mission in the future as she has had in
the past. That mission will be to endeavor to sanctify the stream
of young life that flows out from her as natui'ally as the waters
run from her hills, that it may prove a blessing to the church of
Christ and to the world. If slie shall send forth in the future any
" streams that shall make glad the city of our God," she will not
live in vain, even though she continue to be " among the least of
Princes of Judea." May the daughter on the hills never be
mothertheless, and may the mother in the valley never mourn the
loss of her daughter, until we are all taken to our Father's home
in the church triumphant.
Judea ! — Thou " praise of the Lord," seated on thy hill like the
ancient hill of Zion ; beautiful for situation, fit place for a new
temple ; " Unanymously and Lovingly Agreed upon," third pledge
of our afiections, we greet thee !
Response by Rev, W. S. Colton.
Mr. President : — I should almost have imagined, but for the
address of the last speaker, (Rev. G. W. Banks), that I was in a
Woman's Rights Convention, so much has been said about Grand-
niother^ and Mother, and Daughters, in the remarks already made.
But as I looked around me, and caught sight of various beards
and mustaches, and other evidences of the presence of the mas-
culine persuasion in the audience generally, and remembered that
we had just been attending the dedication of the Fathers' Monu-
ment, and saw from the programme that the speaking on this
occasion was to be by nien^ I felt reassured of the character of the
event which has convened us here.
I ought, in passing, to notice the observations of my good
brother from Southbury, (Rev. Mr. Smith), who has informed us
in glowing terras how delightfully his Church is situated on " the
Jordan," and has dilated on the pleasantness of the region there-
aboiit, in language highly wrought and very jubilant. But ac-
cording to my studies in Sacred Geography, the Jordan runs
through Judea, and I feel quite disposed to claim a part of that
same river and the lovely valley adjacent, for that third daughter,
which I represent, in my response to-day. I have also read in an
old prophet, words like these: "Thou Bethlehem in the land of
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY, 1063
Judah {Judea ?) art not the least among the thousands of Israel,"
— so I think we on the hills may fairly share in the honors as well
as territory of some of our neighbors.
Speaking of Bethlehem, sir, reminds me of the story Dr.
Taylor used to tell of Drs. Bellamy and Backus, the famous j)as-
tors of that Church, foi'raerly. Some one asked an old negro, who
had sat for many years under their preaching, which of the two
he liked the best ? " Massa Bellamy, sir." " Why so. Sambo ? "
" 'Cause, Massa Backus make God big — but Massa Bellamy make
God bigger! "
May it be the aim and lot of him, the now pastor of this
Church, so to magnify God to the people by his preaching, that
some witness will in future time testify of him, that he also " made
God bigger ! "
Now, as to the occasion that has called us together, I have to
observe, that whenever the children are invited home to Thanks-
giving, the first thing they wish to find is, that the old lady, their
mother, is toell. If they discover her eye undimmed, her cheek
still unfaded, and the old vigor in her step, then are they glad.
The times of yore seem to come back. And this is what we
discover about our mother here to-day. Certainly, no signs of
decrepitude or decay are visible in her appearance. I remember
once taking tea with an old lady of nearly one hundred years of
age ; and, on asking the honor of escorting her to the table, and
remarking admiringly how nimble was her step, and vigoi'ous her
appetite, she observed, as she was helped to biscuit and cake, and
other things : " Old folks like good things as well as young folks ! "
She had, as I said, a good appetite, but she died about a week or
two afterwards !
And so our old lady here in Woodbury, two hundred years old,
has a quick step, and looks well, and for aught I have observed to
the contrary, has shown as hearty an appetite in the town hall at
the table to-day, as any of her daughters. Certainly she has
shown the old hospitality.
Another thing children want to know when they come back to
Thanksgiving, is, xohether their mother is keeping house in the
same old place. If they found her in a boarding-house or hotel,
how difierently they would feel ! The old feeling of the fireside
and the table would be gone, and they, would not, as of old, seem
to be at home.
Now we are happy to find that our venerable mother here is still
1064 II ] ST OK Y OF ANCIENT WOODBU-RY.
housekeeping. This goodly house, especially fair internally, gives
satisfactory evidence of her good condition, and of her future
prospects as well, and we are quite comforted on that score.
And. then again, since this is a Thanksgiving Jubilee, the
children are always eager to know if theii- old mother^ s love for
them still remains.
Should there be any falling ofl" of afl'ection, how grieved they
would be! The home would seem home no more, if the mother,
as well as father, should be found to be changed in the quality of
their feeling for their children.
We are happy to find no such change of affection in the hearty
welcome we have all received here to-day. The mother church
keeps the old love alive, and for that we thank God and are
grateful.
One thing more the children want to know when they come
back, as we now do, to the ancient homestead, and that is, if the
old mother keejys the flame of piety alive a?id ptire, as in the days
of their youth. Is the Bible still in the same familiar place, and
well worn, and loved, and reverenced, as of old ?
We are glad to find evidence that such is the fact with our dear
and venerated mother here, and rejoice that God, in His great
goodness, has continued so spiritually to bless her in all these
years, down to this hour.
In behalf of the church in Judea, therefore, 1, .congratulate our
mother church on her past and present prosperity. This third
daughter on the hills, of which 1 am pastor, has outgrown her
sister churches, and is the only one of them, also, that has ever
outgrown in numbers the mother herself, having now over 240
members, more than 60 having been admitted by profession within
the four years of my ministry, while the Sabbath School embraces
375 scholars and teachers.
May these sister churches strive in all the coming times to be
faithful to God, that, at last, their work on earth being done, all
the members of the same may hear the voice of the final Judge
saying : " Well done, good and faithful servants ; ye have been
faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many
things ; enter ye into the joy of your Lord."
RoxBUEY ! — Dweller in the " hill country," and along the river
of the hills, brave witness for the truth, and companion of the
HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 1065
faithful, fourth blessing from a Bountiful Hand, we welcome thee
to the old fireside !
Response by Rev. A. Goodenough.
Mk. Chairman : — Since this occasion naturally invites our
attention to the past, I feel that it would be more appropriate could
Roxbury be represented by one who has shared more fully than
myself in her past history — yet I flatter myself that in one pai--
ticular I may have my fitness as a representative. More than any
other community in which it has been my fortune to live, ours is
deficient in the gift which finds public expression in words — not
of course from lack of thought or ability, (which we would not
for a moment concede), but, as I take it, from excessive diffidence.
If this brevity should be the soul of my wit, I shall have no doubt
of the fitness of it, and hope it may be accounted wisdom.
As has been suggested, we also belong to the " hill country,"
and I think it might truly be said of '(;< as of the chosen nation in
the older time. " The Lord our God hath brought us into a good
land ; a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that
spring out of valleys and hills ; a land wherein we shall eat bread
without scarceness ; we shall not lack any good thing in it, a land
whose stones are iron." A land of hills and valleys, and that
drinketh water of the rain of heaven ; a land which the Lord our
God careth for ; the eyes of the Lord our God are upon it from
the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year."
Perhaps also, so far as it is the home of our choice, we may take
some credit to ourselves — for, in the prophecy of Agur, the conies
— a feeble folk — are pronounced " exceeding wise " because they
make their dwelling among the rocks.
There is the less need that I should speak in detail concerning
the history of our church, because we claim a share in. the glory of
that common history which has been already brought before us.
Though we claim to be the " heirs of all the ages," we especially
cherish the heritage which has come down to us through the faith
and faithfulness of those earnest men and women who first planted
the Gospel of Christ among these hills. We reverence the
memory of those who before our time bravely witnessed for the
truth, and through severe labors and discouragements kept their
faith to the end, and it is our cherished ambition to hand down to
our children untarnished the blessed inheritance we ourselves have
1066 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUEY.
received from ouv fathers. The hearts of many children are turn-
ing toward the Father to-day, inquiring for the old paths, and
desiring to walk in them. (Indeed, I sometimes think that not
only does our reverence extend to the old^j>a/As, but that we are
occasionally proud to stick in the same old ruts, which were worn
by the ancient cart wheels).
We delight to gather to-day around the old fireside, rejoicing in
the past, yet thankfully recognizing the larger growth of the
present, and looking forward with joyful confidence to the days
yet to come, in which the perfect harvest of good shall be gai-nered
from the sown seed of the past.
Though allusions to a lady's age are not always welcome, they
seem to be the fashion to-day, and since our Mother Church seems
proud of her natural position, and herself invites us to celebrate
her birthday, we join in congratulating her on bearing her years
so well, and sincerely hope that she may live long in the land —
vigorous in perpetual youth, sti'engthening her children by her
sympathy, and guiding them by her example to the perfection of
righteousness and faith.
South Britain! — Dweller in the Southwest, along the banks
of the " Great River," "beyond the mountains," fifth pledge of
faith, hope and charity, right heartily do we welcome thee to the
old family gathering !
Response by Rev, H. S. Newcomb.
Venerable mother in Israel, gladly at thy bidding we have come
around " the mountains " and up the little river towards its source,
here to receive thy greeting and to offer thee our warm congratu-
lations at this happy family gathering. Had the pioneers who
came before thee, mother, come by the path we came, they would
not have been under the necessity of clambering over those west'
ern rocks and hills to obtain their first view of this beautiful
valley. But it is well for us that they missed their direction, and
passed by tbe mouth of the little Pomperaug, seeking in vain
farther up the " Great River " a more promising branch that
should lead them to their future home ; else this happy gathering
would not now be enjoying the blessings of Heaven resulting
from the prayer of the sainted Deacon John Minor, on Good Hill,
where, after their weary climbing, they first cast eyes on their
land of promise.
HISTORY OF A If CI E NT WOODBURY. 106Y
We feel somewhat abashed in view of the peculiar relations in
which we stand to this family here gathered. We are thine only
grand-daughter, ancient mother, the sole offspring of thine eldest
daughter. We are aware, too, that there is here a more venerable
pi'esence, thine honored mother, making thy daughters grand-
daughters also ; but at the same time making us the only little
great-grand-daughter present. So, though our youth makes us
bashful, we presume a little on thy tender regard and kind con-
sideration.
We lead a pleasant life over there by the " Great River." But
we would not have thee think that we are come from the ends of
the earth, for we have heard that there are still higher mountains
and greater rivers beyond ; and some of our young people have
even seen them.
We are enjoying a pleasant and prosperous life over there. We
ourselves feel somewhat old, mother, having entered one year into
the second century which thou art just leaving. But years do
not weaken us. We have renewed our age, having put on the
habiliments of youth, and we are looking for a prosperous future.
We think we have kept the pledge. We " hold fast the pro-
fession of _our faith." We earnestly "contend for the faith which
was once delivered unto the saints." We have that hope, which is
" as an anchor to the soul ; " we put on that " charity which is the
bond of perfectness." We are looking forward to a larger, hap-
pier, more glorious family gathering than this ; where " they shall
come from the east and from the west, and from the north and
from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God." We
hope to meet thee and thy daughters there ; and to furnish a list
of honored names written in the " Book of Life ; " and to add
to the royal diadem of our King a cluster of stars that have shone
with greater or less lustre here, and will shine still brighter there ;
among them, first and foremost, Tyler, champion of the faith ;
Smith, early called to his reward, and Butterfield, embalmed in
in the memory of many still living. May we all meet there,
where the distinctions of age shall be done away ; where Christ
shall be our elder brother, and we, all brethren.
Woodbury North! — Latest and nearest, the child of our old
age, co-dweller in this beautiful land of promise, and co-laborer in
every good word and work in the Loi*d, with motherly pride and
affection we welcome you to this our glad jubilee !
Response by Rev. John Churchill.
15
1068 HISTORY OF ANCIEN^T WOODBUET.
Mr. President : — In responding in behalf of the North Church,
to the cordial invitation and Avelcome which you have extended
to us, I beg leave to say that we are exceedingly happy to be
present, and to be made welcome to participate with you in the
Christian associations of this most interesting occasion. The
emotions of the hour rise altogether too high for utterance, and I
am not able to speak with that calmness and considerateness that
would seem to be most becoming.
It is proper, perhaps, that the confession should here be publicly
made, that as jealousies and disagreements sometime arise among
the members of the same fliraily, Avho dwell upon the same old
homestead, so there have been some discord and want of good
fellowship between us ; yet I am happy to say, that at no time has
there been any total disruption of Christian confidence and fellow-
shi]), and that whatever may have existed, of an un])]easant
nature, at any time, has passed away, and is among the buried
debris of the Past, and that to-day our fellowship and concord are
without any barriers or embarrassments. Let us praise God to-
o-ether to-day, that churches that might seem to have local rival
interests, are able, through His grace, to maintain the peace and
" fellowship of the saints."
I had supposed, sir, that it would be expected on this occasion^
as the daughters return to their ancestral home, that they would
relate their experiences, and tell their motl)er and their sisters
what had been the dealings of a kind Providence with them since
their separation.
We are here, Mr. President, to commemorate the Christian
resiilts of the planting of this church in the wilderness two hun-
dred years ago, and we have come by your invitation, not only to
join in your rejoicings, and to make our courtesy, but to tell you
how we have prospered in our respective households. I hope I
may be indulged, therefore, in a brief statement concerning the
history of your youngest daughter.
The North Church in Woodbury was organized by a colony
from this church, in the year of our Lord 1816, on the 25th of
December. The colony consisted of eleven males and twenty
females, only tw^o of whom are now living. These, I see, are
present here to-day.
The church remained without a pastor until the following July,
when, on the 2 7th of that month, Rev, Grove L. Brownell was
ordained and installed the pastor. Judging from the results of
HISTORY OF A X C I E X T WOODBURY. 1069
his labors, it must be allowed that he was a very capable and
faithful minister of the Gospel. During- the first year of his min-
istry, fifteen were added to the church by profession ; the next
year, ten ; during the next three years, thirty-six ; during the next
three years, thirty-nine were added ; the next three years, sixty-
three ; and so on at this ratio for the whole period of his ministry,
which continued for about twenty-three years. The whole number
received by profession during his ministry is two hundred and
thirty-eight — a little more than an average of ten pei'sons for each
year. Forty were of the church when he entered on his ministry,
and fifty-eight were added by letters from other churches, so that
there were three hundred and seventy-five persons connected with
the cliurch during the first pastorate.
It is due to the men who constitated the church fifty-four years
ago, nearly all of whom have passed away, to say that they were
earnest, resolute, capable, Christian men, who shrank not from
responsibility, who feared not hardship, and who made great per-
sonal sacrifices to build a church, and sustain the public iusti.
tutions of religion. They present a noble example of Christian
enterprise, which it woidd be equally noble and Christian, in their
children and successors, to emulate. Possibly they constitute a
portion of that "cloud of witnesses," holding in view the doings
of those who succeed them.
Under the ministry of Mr. BrownelPs successor, which began
in April, 1840, in less than a year after his dismission, and which
continued for a period of twenty-seven and a half years, there
were gathered into the church by profession, one hundred and
ninety-seven. Almost the entire congregation, at the close of
that ministry, on the last Sabbath in September, 1867, were mem-
bers of the church. Since then, for a period of two and a half
years, the church has been without a pastor.
Such, briefly, Mr, President, has been the success of your young-
est daughter, the North Church in Woodbury, "Hitherto the
Lord hath helped us," Our course has been one of uniform pros-
perity, and we are grateful that we can bring to-day, such a
record of His goodness and mercy, to the honor not only of the
Great Head of the Church, but of our venerable mother, as well.
I beg leave now, Mr. President, to give way, and introduce to
the audience the Rev, Mr, Shipman, of Jewett City, who, for
a considerable number of years, was pastor of the Church in
Southburv,
lOTO HISTORY OF ANCIENT AVOODBUEY.
Rev. Thomas L. Shipraan responded as follows :
The privilege is accorded me of recalling the name, and lingering
a moment on the memory of one of your deceased pastors, Rev,
Mr. Andrews. I made his acquaintance soon after I came into
the vicinity. He impressed me, upon my first introduction, as a
man of singular purity, an impression which all my future inter-
course served only to confirm. He was a man of the nicest sensi-
bilities ; the cords of his heart vibrated to the slightest touch ;
his tender sensibilities often filled his eyes with tears. He had a
look which none who knew him can forget, and which it would be
vain for any one to imitate. There was that in his tone, when his
soul was stirred to its depths, which strangely penetrated your
heart. I remember at the meeting of the Consociation in Har-
winton, in the summer of 1831 — that year so remarkable for tlie
outpo rings of the Spirit — he was called to officiate at the admin-
istration of the Lord's Supper. As he rose, and cast a look over
the assembly, every heart seemed to be moved, and before he
closed the first sentence, the house became a perfect Bochim. It
was not so much what he said, as his manner of saying it. " We
are about to approach the foot of the Eternal throne, and how can
we come ?" I was present at the ordination of his son-in-law, Rev.
William Aitchison, who gave himself to Christ aud to China.
"My son," was uttered with a tone and a look which thrilled at
least one heart. His prudence was memorable. At one time the
regiment of which I was then chaplain met at Woodbury. Mr.
Andrew was invited to dine with us. He sat^at my side, and
opposite to us sat a member of the society committee of a neigh-
boring parish. " Mr. Andrew," said the gentleman, " do you know
why Mr. was dismissed from ?" He waited a
moment ; I rather guess he shut his eyes. " I do not think I am
sufficiently acquainted with the facts to state them correctly."
Had he replied, " there was some disaflfection toward him among
his people," the report would have gone over the hills, gaining as
it traveled : " Rev. Mr. Andrew, of Woodbury, says there was
great disaffiection at ." He was a man of much culture ;
he held a polished pen. He often wrote for the Quarterly Christian
Spectator, and his articles are among the choicest contributions to
that periodical. I would particularly direct attention to the
article in the December No. for 1833, entitled, "What is the real
difference between the New Haven Divines and those who oppose
HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 1071
them ?" The paper was read at the minister's meeting in South-
bury, and published at the request of the brethren. The contro-
versy was at that time very earnest, not to say sometimes bitter.
Whatever was then thought, or whatever may be still thought of
the " New Haven Divines," all will agree that Mr. Andrew stated
their position with great calmness and clearness. His article in
the No. for September, 1830, entitled, "Review of Advice to a
Young Christian," and the article ,in the March No. for 1832, en-
titled, " Assurance of their piety peculiarl}' the duty of Christians
at the present day," are papers of great excellence. Mi'. Andrew
was one whom all who knew love to think of when alone. It
makes us better at least for the moment only to think of him, and
we love to talk of him when we meet, and one of our most cher-
ished anticipations is, renewing our acquaintance with him in our
Father's kingdom.
Rev. Austin Isham was next called up by the chairman, and
gave some very interesting reminisceuses, a copy of which the
editor has been unable to obtain.
The following letters vrere then read by the pastor: ^
Letter of Rev. Charles E. Robinson, of Troy, JSF. Y.
Dear Brother Linsley : — I vrould greatly like to be with you
at the celebration of the bi-centennial anniversary of your dear
old church. I have an interest in, and love for that field which
can never die. The fresh dewy morning of my ministry dawned
there. There are souls there either brought to Jesus under vay
Ministry, or through the goodness of God quickened by it, whose
Christian lives, characteristics and graces, stand out with crys-
taline distinctness. There are certain hours and days, which, amid
the long procession of indistinguishable days, are radiant with
sacred memories. There are some of those precious Tuesday
evening Cottage prayer meetings, where the jjosition of indi-
viduals at the meeting, the expression of their faces, the words
spoken, and the songs we sang, are as clearly before me as if no
time had elapsed.
Faces which we shall see no more. Blessed ones anticipating us
in the joys of Heaven.
There are fields over which I strayed, bridges, leaning from
which, I quieted my disturbed soul in the sweet murmuring of the
1072 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
stream. There are certain points on the summit of those Orenaug-
rocks, from which I took in the unsurpassed loveliness of the
Woodbury valley, all of which are now, by the power of memory^
a part of my life, and which I would not willingly forget.
There was an impression made upon me in my pastorate there,
growing out of the old associations which enfolded rae, which, I
cannot help feeling, must be valuable to any laborer in that field*
Those three graves of Walker, Stoddard and Benedict, with their
flocks all folded about them, (for I think that I laid away to her
last resting place, the last member of the church under Pastor
Benedict), all seemed to tell me to be faithful. I could not help
the feeling that those old fathers were looking down with interest
upon the thread of their work which they had let drop, at death,
and which, in God's providence, after passing through various
faithful hands, I had taken up.
May God continue to bless that old First Church through all
the years until the bridegroom comes !
Present to the friends gathered there ray fraternal greetings^
and my sincere regrets, that in this case, I cannot be in two places
at once.
Believe me, my dear Brother, to be your attached friend now, a&
I was formerly your Pastor.
OHARLES E. ROBINSON.
Troy, N. Y., April 20th, 1870.
P. S. — Please send rae, if convenient, some account of your
gathering.
Letter o/Rev. Charles Little, of NebrasJca.
Lincoln, Nebraska, April 13th, 1870.
P. M. Trowbridge, Esq., Chairman of Co7nmittee.
Dear Brother : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt
of your note of the 4th inst., inviting me to participate in the pro-
posed observance of the two hundredth anniversary of your church-
It would give me vei'y great pleasure to be present on that
occasion, there to renew the friendships of the past. Of the places
on earth, not few nor very many, to which memory delights to
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1073
return and to recall the sacred associations there formed, one of
the freshest and most cherished is Woodbury.
The parsonage, the office-study, the church, the lecture-room,
the domestic circles, the familiar fiices, the cemeteries, the hills
and valleys — these all come before me with dear remembrances.
Though my stay with you was short, yet I expect to enjoy the
fruits of it throughout eternity.
That old church — it ought to be greatly profitable for you to
rehearse its history for two hundred years.
The good which it has accomplished — there are many in heaven
who know more fully what that is than the Orators who will
address you.
That invisible company — those gone before ; I see no reason
why God may not commission them to be present ; how much
more deeply interesting will they "appear to those permitted to
behold them, than the crowds which in bodily presence will honor
the occasion.
Most gladly would I be with you then and there, but to go and
return would require a journey of three thousand miles, which is
more than I can perform at present.
Please present ray love and best wishes to all my friends, and
accept the assurance of ray earnest desire for the future prosperity
of the church.
I remain yours, in the bonds of the Gospel,
CHARLES LITTLE.
Letter of Rev. Philo Juuson, of Rocky Hill.
[Mr. Judsou was born in this church, and baptized tlie " eighth
day." He graduated in 1809; became a successful minister, and
it is said more than 1600 persons have been gatliered into the
churches in which he has labored, through his instrumentality.
He is now 90 years old.]
Rocky Hill, May 2d.
Br. Trowbridge :
Dear Sir : — O, I thank you for your very interesting and talented
letter. I am feeble, not able to go out ; been confined all winter ;
1074 HISTORY OE ASrCIENT WOODBURY.
do not go out now. I should be glad to be there ; it would do
my soul good. I hope I may have health to call on you at Wood-
bury. Your letter did my soul good. Head is much affected ;
severe cough.
Your letter took deep hold of my feelings. The Lord bless you.
Pray for me. Yours truly,
PHILO JUDSON.
\E':ii:tract from a recent letter loritten by Miss Charlotte R.
Andrew, daughter of the late Rev. Samuel R. Andrew of
JVew Haven.]
You ask for the date of my blessed father's death, and his age.
He was seventy-one, and died May 26, 1858. If it ever be per-
mitted the sj)irits of the departed to revisit their dear old homes
on earth, will it not be permitted him to unite on that anniversary
day with his beloved church in their service of praise and thanks-
giving to God '? I am almost sure he will be invisibly present.
At the close of reading the letters, a pleasing incident occurred.
During the collation at the Town Hall, a large and beautiful loaf
of cake, made by Mrs. Judson, wife of Deacon Truman Judsonj
bearing a miniature flag, labeled " Stratford," surrounded by
seven smaller loaves, bearing the names of the other churches
represented on the occasion, occupied the place af honor at the
principal table. This loaf was, at this point, presented by Rev.
Mr. Churchill, with appropriate remarks, to Rev. Mr. Hall, the
representative of the mother church, as a token of filial regard
from her daughter. Mr. Hall received the gift with some playful
and fitting remarks, and promised to be " faithful to his charge."
The closing prayer of the day was then made by the pastor :
And now, Gracious God, our Heavenly Father, from whom
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1075
Cometh every good and perfect gift, we bless Thee for casting our
lot in this land of civil and religious freedom, and for crowning
our lives with such signal tokens of Thy goodness. We praise
Thee for wise, virtuous, heroic Christian ancestors, and beseech
Thee that we may copy their example, and carry forward their
work. May we remember the word of our Puritan leader across
the sea, that more light is yet to break forth from Thy book.
May we realize that for us, greater achievements over self and the
world are possible — that higher goals of duty may be reached, and
richer trophies won for Christ. Therefore, forgetting the things
behind, and reaching forth unto those before, may we press toward
the mark of our high calling of God in Christ Jesus. May we
seek to be enrobed in all the virtues and graces of the Spirit, so as
to shed the purest light and exert the most benign influence upon
the world. May we all love and serve Thee, rememberiug that Ave
must soon stand before Thee, since we are strangers and sojourners
here, as were all our fathers. We thank Thee, O Lord, for this
bright and genial day, and for the interest and harmony attending
these exercises. May they conduce to the highest good of all, and
the glory of Thy name. And when one after another we are
called away from earth, may we come at last to the general assem-
bly and church of the fii'st-boru, which are written in Ileaven.
And to Thy great name, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, shall be all
the praise and glory forever. Amen.
At the close of the prayer, the benediction was pronounced, and
the delighted audience separated for their homes among the hills
and valleys, never again to meet in this old church on a like mem-
orable occasion.
We remark, in conclusion, that the results of a celebration
such as we have recorded, cannot but be vastly beneficial to the
Church whose history it celebrates, and the community in which
it is located. It recalls to the attention of all how taithful
in His promises to Plis chosen people is the Great Head of the
1076
HISTOEY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Church. Few churches in the land can claim so remarable a
fulfillment of these " promises " as this revered old church. A
review of all these wonderful works for the long period of two
hundred years, brings forcibly to the mind, that we are a " cove-
nant people," and in the kind care of a " covenant-keeping God."
CHAPTER VI.
WOODBURY IN THE GREAT REBELLION OF 1861.
Causes of the "War; Events of 1860; Events of 1861; Events of 1862;
Events of 1863; Events of 1864; Events of 1865; The Return of
Peace; Reception of the returning braves; Their eagee return to the
pursuit of the peaceful occupations of private life ; Decoration day ;
Beautiful Ceremonies; Reflections.
" Ah never shall the land forget
How gushed the life-blood of her brave —
Gushed warm with hope and courage yet
Upon the soil they fought to save;
On fame's eternal camping ground
Their silent tents are spread,
And glory guards with solemn round
The bivouac of the dead."
/MILINGLY arose the sun of 1860 over
the ever increasing borders of this fair
land. For two hundred and forty years
from its first sad beginning amid the De-
cember bLists of a drear and deadly win-
ter, at Plymouth Rock, on the sterile
New England coasts, emerging soon to
light and prosperity, it had seemed to be the favored of heaven —
the hope of the world ! From a feeble band of adventurers, nur-
tured amid great vicissitudes, it had become a strong nation of
about thirty millions of souls. From a few hardy colonists, strag-
gling and scattered along a boundless ocean, it had become the
equal of the proudest nations in the world, occupying a continent
of limitless resources. Trade flourished, the busy hum of ma-
chinery was every where heard, agriculture gave rich rewards to
the toil of the husbandman, the arts and sciences had reached a
high perfection, and yielded rich fruits to the explorations of the
learned, while the proud sail of commerce whitened every sea,
1078 HISTOEY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
and gladdened every port in the most distant climes. We were
at peace with all the world, and were honored and respected in
all lands. At that date, this nation presented a spectacle, never
before attained, in the lapse of all the ages, in the knowledge and
intelligence of its people, the respect of the world for its power
and achievraents, and in all the elements that go to make up a
prosperous and glorious national life.
But to this lair picture of peace and prosperity, there was a re-
verse side. A foul blot stained our fair escutcheon — a festering
and deadly sore existed on the otherwise healthy surface of the
body politic. A curse, a blight, unmitigated and cancerous, forced
upon the feeble colonists by the guilty greed of the mother coun-
try, while the new land was in its infancy, with ever increasing
fatality and doom, Avas eating out the national life ; and so dark-
ening the face of high heaven, that scarcely the prayer of faith
could pierce the ever deepening gloom, or the pure incense of con-
trite devotion reach the veiled throne of the Great Disposer of all
the affairs of men. The curse of Slavery had settled down upon
the land, and obscured every rational hope of removal, while its
insidious fangs reached out in the darkness, withering every noble
hope, and every aspiration after the true, and the beautiful, in all
our moral heavens. Society succumbed to iffs deadly blast, politi-
cal parties bent the subservient, suppliant knee, and there was no
healthy vitality in the churches, erected to the service of the
Most High God, to prevent their rending asunder, before the all-
consuming -wrath of the slave-breeder, the slave-trader, and that
most cruel fiend, who dared to consign his own flesh and blood to
wicked, damnable bondage, more ghastly and deplorable than
death itself. So thoroughly had this withering curse poisoned the
life-blood of the nation, that the whole body politic stood, trem-
bling in awe before a few thousand slave-holders, so far sunk in
bestiality, that they could place the beautiful daughter of their
wicked and unbridled passions, in disgraceful nudity, upon the
auction block, to be sold into a slavery of soul and body, a thou-
sand fold more hopeless and loathsome than the condition of
the field hand, and this, too, almost in sight of her sisters, born
in lawful wedlock- The good, the true, the beautiful, the wise, as
well as the wicked and vile, yielded a forced submission to the be-
hests of this remorseless demon. They yielded to a system con-
demned by the early fathers of the republic — an institution, the
contemplation of which had wrung from the slave-holding Jefier-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY 1079
son the heart-felt exclamation! "I tremble for my country, when
I remember that God is justn Well might he, or any other
thoughtful observer, tremble ; for the whole country since his day
has trembled, and been shaken, from center to circumference.
What was this fell institution of slavery ? It was the " old,
old story" of oppression and wrong, — of a privileged class, and a
servile class. It was the old struggle between aristocrat privilege
on the one side, and democratic freedom on the other. Our fa-
thers had crossed an ocean three thousand miles wide, abandoning
homes and possessions, exiling themselves to the wilderness of a
new world, struggling with famine, savage foes, and hardships
of every kind, to found a republic in which all men under the
nsgis of the law, should be free and equal. They resolved there
should be no privileged class. Education was to be diftused
among all alike. The poor and the rich were to be alike eligible
to all offices of trust, honor and emolument.
" Our Constitution, in its spirit and legitimate utterance, is
doubtless the noblest document which ever emanated from the
mind of man. It contains not one word hostile to liberty. Even
now, with the light of three-fourths of a century shed upon its
practical workings, it requires not the change of a paragraph to
make it true to humanity.
"But yet ingloriously, guiltily, under sore temptation, we con-
sented to use one phrase susceptible of double meaning, " held to
labor." These honest words, at the North mean a hired man, an
apprentice. At the South they mean a slave, feudal bondage. So
small, apparently so insignificant, were those seeds sown in our
Constitution which have resulted in such a harvest of misery. A
privileged class at the South assumed that by these words the
Constitution recognized domestic slavery, and the right of prop-
erty in man. With persistence never surpassed, the Slaveholders
of the South endeavored to strengthen and extend their aristo-
cratic institution, which was dooming ever increasing millions to
life-long servitude and degradation. All wealth was rapidly be-
ing accumulated in the hands of the privileged few, who owned
their fellow men as property. The poor whites, destitute of em-
ployment, unable to purchase negroes, and regarding labor, which
was mostly performed by slaves, in their region, as degrading,
were fast sinking into a state of almost bestail misery.
" The sparse population which Slavery allowed, excluded church-
es, schools and villages. Immense plantations of many thousand
1080 HISTORY OF ANCIEJ^T WOODBURY.
acres, tilled sometimes by a thousand slaves, driven to their toil
by a few overseers, consigned the whole land to apparent solitude.
The log hut of the overseer was surrounded by the miserable cab-
ins of the negroes, and in the workshops of the North all the rude
implements of their toil were manufactured. The region of the
Southern country generally presented an aspect of desolation
which Christendom could no where else parallel. The Slavehold-
ers, ever acting as one man, claimed the right of extending this
institution over all the free territories of the United States. Free
labor and Slave labor can not exist together. The New England
farmer can not work with his sons in fields surrounded by negro
bands, where labor is considered degrading, where his wife and
daughters find no genial society, no education, none of the insti-
tutions of religion, none of the appliances and resources of high
civilization which freedom secures. The admission of slavery to
the Territories effectually excluded freemen from them. The in-
troduction to those vast realms of a privileged class, who were to
live in luxury i;pon the unpaid labor of the masses, rendered it
impossible that men cherishing the sentiment of republican equal-
ity should settle there. Our whole theory of the emigration and
settlement in this country was, that the humblest should be as free
as the highest. That the poor man should be as much entitled to
the just rewards of his daily toil, as the senator to draw his sal-
ary for holding a seat in Congress, or the President to draw his
pay for presiding over the destinies of the nation.
" How just this democratic principle, over arching, as with a
sunny sky, all humanity ! This was the contemplated corner stone
of our Hepublic. This was the democracy, sacred, heaven-born,
which Jesus taught, and over which our national banner, of the
Stars and Stripes, was intended to be unfurled. But Satan sent
the serpent of aristocratic usurpation into our Eden, to wilt its
flowers and poison its fruit. The execrable spirit, in the most
malignant form it had ever developed, came over here, demanding-
that the rich should live in splendor at the expense of the poor.
The rich man's boots were to be polished, as in old baronial Eu-
rope, and the poor boy who blacked them was to have no pay.
The rich man's coach was to roll luxuriously through the streets,
and his linen to be washed, and his fields to be tilled, while the
coachman, the laborer and the washerwoman, were to be defraud-
ed of their wages.
" The daughter of the rich man, with cultured mind and pol
H I S T O K Y OF A X C I E N T W O O D B U K Y . 1081
ished address, was to move through saloons of magnificence, robed
in fabrics of almost celestial texture, while the daughter of the
poor man, dirty and ragged, .and almost naked, with one single
garment scarce covering her person, w^as to toil in the field from
morning till night, and from youth till old age and death, that her
aristocratic sister, very probably in blood relationship) her half-
sister, the child of the same father, might thus cultivate her mind
and decorate her person.^
" This is a very attractive state of affairs to the aristocrat, tread-
ing velvet carpets, beneath gilded ceilings, and drinking priceless
wines. But it dooms such farmer's boys as Daniel Webster, Henry
Clay, Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln, to spend their lives
in digging in the ditch, when God has endowed them with ener-
gies to guide the destinies of nations. And they will not consent
to tliis philosopliy."
In discussing this question during the first year of the war, be-
fore the abolition of slavery, an eloquent writer says '}
I was once walking through the magnificent saloons of Ver-
sailles, the most gorgeous ol all earthly palaces, with an American
lady by my side. As we passed through the brilliant suite of
apartments, three hundred in number, with fresco, and gilding,
and gorgeous paintings; — as we stepped out upon the parterre,
and drove through the graveled walks of the park, originally
S])reading over thirty thousand acres, with groves, lawns, foun-
tains, lakes, brooks, artificial crags, jets d'eaux, and a wilderness
of statuary, my young lady friend said :
" Oh ! I wish we had an aristocracy, and a king, and a court."
*' Silly girll Had she lived in the days of Louis XV., when a
nation was robbed to minister to the voluptuousness of the aris-
tocracy, she would have been a poor peasant girl, barefooted
and bareheaded, in linsey woolsey fi'ock, toiling with the hoe in
the field. Her father was a poor farmer's boy, who left the plow
and went to the city, and there, through the influence of the law
of equal rights for all, acquired that wealth and position, which
enabled his daughter, refined in manners and cultivated in mind,
to take the tour of Europe.
" This question of a privileged class has nothing to do with
color. The slavery of the Bible, whatever its character, was not
Negro slavery. The slaves were, almost without exception, white
men. The slavery, which it is said our Saviour did not condemn
1 Abbott's History of the Civil War in America.
1082 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
in the New Testament, was not Negro slavery. The slaves of the
Roman empire were almost universally whites, prisoners of war.
If the New Testament sanctions this slavery, then would it be
right to sell into bondage every Southern prisoner taken in this
war. Many a Southern gentlemen might find himself scouring
knives in a Northern kitchen, with some devout clergyman preach-
ing to him affectionately the doctrine, " Slave, obey your master.'^
This was Roman slavery. Julius Caesar himself was at one time
a captive and a slave, and was compelled to purchase his freedom.
"The slavery of this country is not Negro slavery. A large
number of the slaves, both men and women, can with difficulty be
distinguished from white persons. The process of amalgamation
has, for a long time, been going on so rapidly in the South, that,
over large extents of country, the great majority of the slaves
have more Caucasian than Ethiopic blood in their veins. Thou-
sands of boys and girls, toiling in cotton-fields of the South, are
the sons and daughters of Southern gentlemen of high position.
Many a young lady has been the belle of the evening at Newport
or Saratoga, whose half-sister, the daughter by the same father,
has earned her laces and brocade, by toiling from dawn to eve in
the Negro gang. Many of the most beautiful women at the
South are these unfortunate daughters of aristocratic sires, in
whose veins lingers but that slight trace of Ethiopic blood, which
gives a golden richness to the hue. There is nothing but slavery
which will so debauch the conscience, that a father will sell his
own daughter, as a " fancy girl," to the highest bidder.
" The great question which has culminated in this desperate
war, has been simply this : " Shall there be, in the United States,,
an aristocratic class, maintained by the Constitution, who are to
enjoy exclusive privileges, living upon the proceeds of the toil of
others, while there is a defrauded class of laborers, excluded from
education, and doomed to perpetual poverty ?"
This is, in a single sentence, a clear statement of the sole cause
of the late unhappy and disastrous civil war. The volume.-^ that
have been written by clergy and laity, and the oceans of argu-
ment that have been expended upon this subject, have never given
a clearer idea of all this great woe — this unlimited amount of hu-
man suffering and wanton waste of the late extended and bloody
conflict. The people of the south hugged the monster evil in a
loving embrace. Conscientious people at the north loathed the
institution, but it was, as they thought, protected by the clause
HISTORY OF ANCIBNT WOODBURY. 1083
in the Constitution to which allusion has been made, and being
lovers of that great charter of their liberties, they yielded to it a
wilding obedience, even with this most distasteful and contradic-
tory interpretation. There were none in the north to suggest in-
terference with the hated institution where it existed, save a small
band of abolitionists. But there was violent opposition, and in-
superabla repugnance to extending slavery into the free territories
of the Union. Occasional struggles on the subject of extension,
and a trial of the power of the respective theories, had been car-
ried on with great bitterness for many years. The slave propa-
gandists had long been quietly feeling their way, laying all their
plans with one intent, and waiting only opportunity and sufficient
strength to burst forth with irresistible fury, and establish a
great slave empire in the face, and to the astonishment of, the
civilized world.
" This is what the slaveholders have demanded. They said that
the Constitution favored freedom, — free speech, a free press, free
labor, free soil, and free men, and demanded that the Constitution
should be changed, to maintain the exclusive claims of an aristo-
cratic class, and to strengthen their hold upon their slaves. The
one incessant cry has been, ' Abjure your democratic constitution,
which favors equal rights for all men, and give us, in its place, an
aristocratic constitution, which will secure the rights of a priv-
ileged class.' They insisted that the domestic slave trade should
be nurtured, and the foreign slave trade opened ; saying, in the
coarse and vulgar language of one of the most earnest advocates
of slavery, * the North can import jackasses from Malta ; let the
South then import Niggers from Africa.' They demanded the
right to extend slavery over all the Territories of the United
States, the right to hold their slaves in all States of the Union
temporarily ; that speaking or writing against slavery in any State
in the Union should be a penal offense ; that the North should
catch their fugitive slaves, and send them back to bondage ; and
that the Administration of the General Government should be
placed in the hands of those only whom the South could trust, as
the pledged enemies of republican equality, and the friends of
slavery.'
" The reply of the overwhelming majority of the people of the
United States was decisive. ' We will not,' they said, ' thus change
the Constitution of our fathers. We will abide by it as it is.'
" ' Then,' replied the slaveholders, * we will dash this Union to
16
1084 HISTORY OF ANCIENT -WOODBURY.
pieces. From its fragments we will construct another, whose cor-
ner-stone shall be slavery.' "
"It will be difficult for future generations to credit the barbar-
ism into which slavery degraded the human heart in the South.
In several of the Southern States, laws were enacted declaring
that all the free colored people who did not leave the State within
a given time, should be sold into slavery. And how are these
poor creatures, from Mississippi or Louisiana, to escape their aw-
ful doom, the most awful that can befall a mortal, — slavery for
themselves and their offspring, forever ? Here is a little family,
perhaps a Christian family, with but a slight admixture of African
blood in their veins. They are poor, friendless, uninstructed.
They must run the gauntlet of the Slave States, Alabama, Geor-
gia, the Carolinas, Virginia, where they are evet-y moment liable
to be arrested as fugitives, thrown into prison, and after being
kept there for a few months, and no one appearing to claim them,
they are to be sold as slaves, the proceeds of the sale to be cast
into the public treasury. Can tyranny perpetrate a more atrocious
crime? And what is the excuse for this outrage so unparalleled
in the legislation of Christendom ? It is simply that the enslaving
of the free is necessary to enable the slaveholders to keep in sub-
jection those already in bondage. In view of this execrable sys-
tem of despotism, Thomas Jefferson says, —
"What an incomprehensible machine is man! who can endure
toil, famine, stripes, imprisonment, and death itself in vindication
of his own liberty; and the next moment be deaf to all those mo-
tives whose power supported him through his trial, and inflict on-
his fellow man a bondage, one hour of which is fraught with more
misery than ages of that which he rose in rebellion to oppose."
In order to secure a full equality, or balance of power, for the
handful of slaveholders in the United States, Senator Hunter of
Virginia demanded that there should be " two Pre'^'idents chosen,
one by the slaveholding South, and the other by the Xorth, and
that no act should be valid unless approved by both Presidents.
The number of slaveholders in the United States did not exceed
three hundred thousand. The whole population of the country
was about thirty millions. The whole population of the South
was but about eight millions. Vast multitudes of these were poor
whites, who could neither read nor Avrite, and were in beggarly
poverty. These ignorant creatures were almOst entirely at the
beck of the slaveholders. Thus this amendment to the constitu-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1085
tion was designed to give three hundred thousand slaveholders a
veto upon all the acts of the General Government. In the further
carrying out of this plan, he demanded that the United States
Supreme Court should consist of ten members, five to be chosen
by the little band of slaveholders, and the other half by the mill-
ions of freemen."
The slaveholders also demanded that their slaves, who, feeling
the inate desire for freedom planted in the human breast, escaped
to the free air of the colder North, should be seized by the citi-
zens of the Xorth, who abhorred the institution, and returiicd to
eternal bondage, a thousand times worse than death. They were
to pursue them with the whole community, if necessary, that they
might thus be returned to torture. Many sad instances of this
occurred, harrowing the conscientious mind of the whole north.
In the entire South no man with Northern thoughts of freedom,
was safe for a moment, in life, or property. There was nothing
so sacred that a slaveholder was bound to regard, if a fellow-
citizen thought, in his inmost heart a word against the mon-
strous demands of slavery. Stripes, lynching and death were the
only reward for a free thought, in this regard.
" Future ages will find it almost impossible to believe that any
enlightened man could be found, in America, to defend a system
inevitably involving such atrocities. And yet it is a marvelous
fact, that slavery found no more determined supporters than
fimong the so-callod Christian ministers of the South ; and the
women surpassed the men in the bitter and unrelenting spirit with
which they clung to the institution. Those facts which harrowed
the soul of the North, seena to have excited not an emotion in the
heart of the slaveholding Sputh. These Christian ministers took
the ground, that Slavery was a divine institution. The Rev. Dr.
Palmer, of New Orleans, one of the most distinguished of the
Presbyterian clergymen of the South, declared it to be the espe-
cial mission of the Southern churches, ' to preserve and transmit
our existing' system of domestic servitude, with the right, unchal-
lenged by man, to go and root itself wherever Providence and na-
ture may carry it.'
"The professedly Christian minister who uttered these senti-
ments, was familiar with all the atrocities of slavery. The slave
shambles, where men,' women and children were sold at auction,
were ever open," almost' beneath the* shadow of his church spire.
Maidens, who had professed the name of Christ, and whose mark-
1086 HISTORY OF ANCIBNT WOODBURY.
et value depended upon their beauty, were sold to the highest
bidder within sound of his church choir. Families were sold in
the slave market of New Orleans, parents and children, husbands
and wives separated, just as mercilessly as if they were sheep or
or cows. And yet the Christianity of the South had become so
degenerate, through the influence of slavery, that a Presbyterian
minister, and sustained apparently by his whole church, represents
the institution as one of divine approval, and one which it is the
principal mission of the Southern church to maintain and extend.'*
The Hon. A. H. Stevens, of Georgia, vice-President of the Con-
federacy, said, in a speech made at Savannah, March, 1861 : —
"The prevailing ideas entertained by Jefferson, and most of the
leading Statesmen, at the time of the formation of the old Con-
stitution, were, that the enslavement of the African was in viola-
tion of the laws of nature : that it was wrong in principle, socially,
morally, and politically. Those ideas were, however, fundamen-
tally wrong. Our new government is founded on exactly the op-
posite idea. Its foundations are laid, its corner-stone rests upon
the great truth, that the Negro is not equal to the white man ;
that slavery, subordination to the superior race, is his natural con-
dition. Our Confederacy is founded upon principles in strict con-
formity with these laws. This stone, which was rejected by the
first builders, ' is become the chief-stone of the corner in our new
edifice.' "
Such is a very imperfect statement of some of the prominent
aspects and demands of the wicked institution of slavery. It
poisoned the life blood of its supporters, and eradicated from their
hearts every vestige of morality and religion. It not only did
this for its advocates, but it demanded that the pure and untainted,
the legions of the free North, should become the lovers and de-
fenders of the hateful and baleful institution, and become more
meanly the slaves of the aristocrats of this " curse of God," than
the ignorant, ** dirt-eating poor whites," and the chattels over
whom they held supreme sway. Of course, educated, intelligent,
conscientious men would not submit to this, and hence arose the
inevitable conflict.
The celebrated writer. Rev. John S. C. Abbott, in discussing
this subject, has so tersely summed up the remaining causes which
made the rebellion inevitable, in his admirable " History of the
Civil War in America," that it is here inserted, as being better
HISTORY OF AN'OIENT WOODBURY. 108*7
than any account the author can furnish within the limits of this
work : —
" By one of the compromises of the Constitution which slavery
had exacted, and which, instead of being a compromise, was a
bald concession, the slaves of the South, though deemed there
merely as property, were allowed to be counted in the Congres-
sional representation, five slaves being equivalent to three white
men. Thus, John Jacob Astor, with a property of twenty mil-
lions at the North, had but one vote. But the Southern phnter
had his property represented in Congress. The slaveholder, with
800 slaves, valued at less than one million, was equal in his repre-
sentation in Congress to 480 free Northernei's. He held in his
own hand the votes of these 480 men, who, in his own view, and
so far as the rights of freemen are concerned, were no more men
than the horses and the oxen in Northern barns.
"The North felt the humiliation of this arrangement, and yet
were not at all disposed to disturb it. They would abide by the
Constitution. But the) were unalterably resolved that such an
arrangement should not extend any further. The practical opera-
tion of this "compromise" was this. The six slaveholding Gulf
States, by the census of 1860, contained 2,311,260 free white citi-
zens. The single Free State of Ohio contained 2,339,599 citizens.
And yet Ohio could send but eighteen representatives to Con-
gress, while the slaveholders could send twenty-eight. In addi-
tion to all this, the slaveholders of these States were represented
by twelve Senators, while the free citizens of Ohio were repre-
sented but by two. And yet the energies of freedom so infinitely
surpass those of slavery, that the free North was perfectly willing
to abide by these "compromises" of the Constitution, being fully
conscious that, even with all these advantages in favor of slavery,
freedom would eventually win the day.
" The slaveholders were equally conscious of the fact. They saw
the tide of free emigration rolling rapidly over the prairies of the
West, and new States carved our with almost miraculous rapidity.
It was evident that, under the natural workings of the Constitu-
tion, the votes of freemen would soon entirely outnumber those
of a privileged and aristocratic class, and therefore they resolved
to dissolve the Union, break up the Constitution, and reconstruct
the Government upon a basis which should continue the power
they had so long exercised, in their own hands.
1088 HISTORY OF ANOIEXr WOODBURY.
"By the same census of 1860, the total population of the Free
States and Territories was 21,816,952. The free white population
of the eleven States which soon raised the standard of rebellion,
was 5,581,630. This was the trouble. Slavery had drifted into
the minority. It was circumscribed and prohibited expansion by
the votes of freemen. Under these circumstances the South
would listen to no "compromise," which was not capitulation.
They demanded the reorganization of the Government, upon a
basis which would give slavery the preponderating power.
" Neither was it possible to permit them to depart. Five millions
demanded that twenty-one millions should surrender to them the
Capital at Washington, with all its historic associations and treas-
ures. They demanded the mouths of the Mississippi, which the
nation had purchased at a vast expense, that the boundless regions
of the North West, where hundreds of millions must eventually
dwell, might have free access to the ocean. They demanded all
the forts on the Southern Atlantic coast, &nd in the Gulf of Mex-
ico, forts essential to the protection of the ever increasing com-
merce of the North. They demanded permission to drive, with
the energies of fire and sword, all loyal men out of the border
States of Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri, and out of Western Vir-
ginia, that those States might be forced to unite themselves with
the Southern Confederacy. They demanded that slavery should
be considered an equal partner with freedom, and that the Terri-
tories of the United States, and the Navy, and the Treasury,
should be divided equally between them. They demanded a
treaty, by which we should return every slave who should escape
to our free land. They avowed their intention of establishing free
trade with foreign nations, by which they could draw all importa-
tion to their ports, flood the land with goods smuggled across a
frontier fifteen hundred miles in length, and render it almost im-
possible to protect any domestic manufactures, or to collect by
customs our national revenue.
" Never before in the history of this world, were demands made
so exorbitant and so insolent. The slaveholder, accustomed to
plantation manners, and regarding himself as the representative of
chivalry, ever assumed on the floor of Congress the airs of a master,
greatly to the disgust of all well-bred men.
"It was impossible to yield to either of his demands. More than
twenty millions of people could not, at the dictation of five mil-
lions, trample their free Constitution in the dust, and accept, in its
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1089
Stead, one framed by the slaveholder, based on the corner-stone
of human bondage. Neither could such a nation, without self-
degradation, without meriting the scorn of the world, surrender
its Capital, half of its Territories, half of its iSTavy, its most im-
portant harbors and fortifications, the mouths of its most majestic
stream, which, with its tributaries, drains millions of square miles
of free soil, and surrender hundreds of thousands of loyal citizens
in the border States to pillage, violence, and exile. The demands
of the slaveholders rendered peace impossible, upon any other
terms than the unconditional capitulation of freedom to slavery.
" Let us, for a moment, contemplate more fully this demand of
the slaveholders, that the United States should recognize them as
a foreign power, and surrender to them the mouths of the Missis-
sippi, that wonderful river, which, with its numberless tributaries,
makes the great central basin of our continent the most attractive
spot upon the globe. In 1763, the ancient province, called Loui-
siana, was sold by France to Spain. Even then the sparse popu-
lation of our great Xorth West were intensely excited in view of
the possibility of a foreign power being able to close the mouths
of their noble river, and thus cut them off from all access to the
sea.
"Napoleon, with the wonderful foi'esight which marked his gen-
ius, seeking to establish colonies which would enable France to
compete with her rival, England, in commercial greatness, pur-
chased the regal colony in the year 1800. Immediately the enei'-
gies of the Napoleonic empire were developed upon these shores.
This greatly increased the alarm of the thousands of settlers who
were reai-ing their cabins upon the banks of those tributaries,
whose only outlet was by the channel at New Orleans. The
power of Napoleon was such, that no force America could use
would avail to wrest these provii]ces from his grasp. His politi-
cal wisdom and energy were such, that a vigorous empire would
surely soon rise, spreading over all those fertile plains, extending
from the right of the Mississippi to the ancient halls of the Mou-
tezumas. And thus the boundless North West could only gain
access to the commerce of the world, by bowing its flag suppli-
catingly to a foreign power.
" In this crisis, when the fate of America was trembling in the
balance, Providence interposed in our behalf England, jealous of
the greatness to which the arts of j^eace were elevating France,
rudely broke the piece of Amiens, and renewed the war to crush
1090 HISTOKT OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Napoleon. England, with her Navy, omnipotent at sea, would
have immediately seized upon this magnificent territory. To pro-
tect it from the grasp of England, and to aid in building up a
maratime power in the West, which might eventually prove a
check upon the British fleet, Napoleon opened negotiations with
America, for the sale of the whole province of Louisiana, with
boundaries then quite indefinitely settled. Mr. Monroe was sent
to France, to conduct the negotiation in association with Chancel-
lor Livingston, then our resident minister at the court of the Tu-
illeries. The population of the United States was then but
5,000,000. And yet eagerly we made the purchase at $15,000,000,
representing a burden upon the population equal to $90,000,000, at
the present day.
"Thus we obtained, half a century ago, this majestic territory,
equal in size to one half of Europe. Many States and Territories
have already been carved from the acquisition. The tide of emi-
gration is constantly and rapidly pouring into those fertile plains,
washed by the upper tributaries of the Mississippi and the Mis-
souri, and already there is a population there of 10,000,000. Be-
fore the close of this century, this population will be doubled,
probably trebled. The whole region between the Alleghanies and
the Rocky mountains, that almost boundless valley, soon to teem
with hundreds of millions, finds its only outlet to the sea through
the mouths of the Mississippi, by the gates of New Orleans.
" And yet the slaveholders of the comparatively insignificant
State of Louisiana, with a free white population of but 3*76,913,
scarcely a third of that of the City of New York alone, and 70,000
of whose adults can neither read nor write, had the audacity to
claim the right to secede from the Union, establish themselves as
a foreign nation, and unfurl over the forts at the mouths of the
Mississippi a foreign banner; which the millions dwelling in the
great Mississippi bas in could only pass by the consent of her guns.
The United States could, by no possibility, stoop to such dishonor.
The Hon. Edward Everett, in the following words, has very for-
cibly presented this question in its true light : —
" Louisiana, a fragment of this colonial empire, detached from
its main portion, and first organized as a State, undertakes to se-
cede from the LTiiion, and thinks by so doing, she will be allowed,
by the Government and people of the United States, to revoke
this imperial transfer, to disregard this possession and occupation
of sixty years, to repeal this law of nature and of God ; and she
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1091
fondly believes, that ten millions of the Free people of the Union
will allow her and her seceding brethren to open and shut the
portals of this mighty region at their pleasure. They may do so,
and the swarming millions, which throng the course of these noble
streams and their tributaries, may consent to exchange the char-
ter, which they hold from the God of Heaven, for a bit of parch-
ment signed at Montgomery or Richmond — but it will be when
the Alleghanies and the Rocky Mountains, which form the eastern
and western walls of the imperial valley, shall sink to the level of
of the sea, and the Mississippi and the Missouri flow back to their
fountains."
Senator Douglas presented the folly of this pretended right of
secession in a very forcible light, and with logic which no honest
mind can resist.
"The President," said he, '' has recommended that we should
purchase Cuba. According to this doctrine of the right of seces-
sion, we might pay $300,000,000 for Cuba, and then, the next day,
Cuba might secede, and reiinnex herself to Spain !" Volumes
could not more conclusively show the absurdity of such a notion.
The Presidential election drew nigh, when the question was to
be decided, whether the Government of the United States was to
be administered upon the principle of rendering all possible sup-
port to the maintenance and extension of slavery, or whether the
energies of the Government should lend all its constitutional sup-
port to foster freedom. There were four candidates in the field.
Mr. Lincoln, the republican candidate, was openly pledged to re-
sist the extension of slavery. In emphatic utterance, which ex-
ceedingly exasperated the slaveholders, he said : —
" The central idea in our political system at the beginning was,
and until recently continued to be, the equality of men. In what
I have done, I can not claim to have acted from any peculiar con-
sideration for the colored people, as a separate and distinct class
in the community, but from the simple conviction, that all the in-
dividuals of that class are members of the community, and, in
virtue of their manhood, entitled to every original right enjoyed
by any other member. We feel, therefore, that all legal distinc-
tions between individuals of the same community, founded in any
such circumstances as color, origin, and the like, are hostile to the
genius of our institutions, and incompatible with the true history
of American liberty. Slavery and oppression must cease, or
American liberty must perish. True democracy makes no inquiry
1092 HISTORY OF ANCIEiSTT WOODBURY.
about t^e color of the skin, or place of nativity, or any other sim-
ilar circumstance of condition. I regard, therefore, the exclusion
of the colored people, as a body, from the eleclive franchise, as
incompatible with the true democratic principle."
While stating these as his political principles, he at the same
time avowed that Congress had no constitutional right to inter-
fere with slavery in those States where it existed, but that it was
both the right and the duty of Congress to prohibit slavei'y in all
the United States Territories.
John C. Breckenridge was the candidate of the slaveholders,
pledged to administer the Government, in the most effectual way,
to nurture and to give increasing political power to the institu-
tion of slavery. There were two other candidates, Stephen A.
Douglas, and John Bell, who were supported by those who wish-
ed to effect some compromise, and who were ready, for the sake
of avoiding civil war, to make very great concessions to the South.
" The Presidential election took place on the same day, the 6th
of November, 1860, throughout all the United States. The polls
were closed at sundown. The votes were counted by midnight ;
and in seven hours, through the marvels of the Telegraph, the
eventful result was flashed through the whole breadth of the land,
excepting California, embracing points more than three thousand
miles apart. The ^iopular vote for Electors stood, 1,857,610 for
Lincoln; 1,365,976 for Douglas; 847,953 for Breckenridge, and
591,613 for Bell. This vote, according to the Constitution, gave
seventeen States out of thirty-three for Lincoln ; eleven for Breck-
inridge : three for Bell ; and one, Missouri, with three-sevenths of
New Jersey, for Douglass. Though Mr. Douglas had so many
votes scattered throughout the United States, as in but one State
he had a majority, they availed him nothing.
"The Electoral vote of each State, carefully sealed, is conveyed
to Washington, and there, in the Hall of the House of Represent-
atives, the members of the Senate being present, the votes are
counted, and the remit announced. At 10 o'clock in the morning
of the 15th of February, 1861, Pennsylvania Avenue was throng-
ed with crowds pressing towards the Capitol. It was a season of
great excitement, for the day after the election it was perfectly
known what the announcement would be ; and the slaveholders,
molding the passions of the masses of the South at their will, had
uttered many threats, that the announcement should not be made^
and that the Government should be broken up in a row. Wash-
H 1 S T O K Y OF ANCIENT A^' O O D B U K Y 1093
ington was a slaveholdi ng city, in the midst of a slaveholdiiig re-
gion, and any number of desperadoes could be summoned there,
at a few hours' notice, from Maryland and Virginia.
" James Buchanan, an intimidated old man, was then in the Pres-
idential chair, having been placed there as the candidate of the
slaveholders, and the nation could place but little reliance, in that
crisis, upon his efficiency and reposed but little confidence in his
patriotism. But, providentially, General Winfield Scott, the vet-
eran and universally revered head of the American army, had
drawn to the Capital the batteries which won the field at Buena
Vista. Their frowning guns, ready to sweep the streets, overawed
the conspirators. At 12 o'clock, Mr. Pennington, Speaker of the
House, called the House to order, when the Chaplain, Rev. Thomas
Stockton, ofl:ered an impressive prayer, closing with the following
words : —
"Bless the outgoing Administration. May it close its labors in
peace, without further violence, and without any stain of blood.
And we pray for the incoming Administration ; that thy blessing
may rest on the President elect, in his journey hitherward ; that
thy good Providence may be around him day and night, guarding
and guiding him at every step ; and we pray, that he may be
peacefully and happily inaugarated, and afterwards, by pure, wise,
and prudent counsels, that he may administer the Government in
such a manner, as that thy name may be glorified, and the welfare
of the people, in all their relations, be advanced, and that our ex-
ample of civil and religious liberty may be followed in all the
world."
" A message was then sent, informing the Senate that the House
was waiting to receive them, in order that, in joint body, the Elec-
toral votes might be opened and counted. As the Senate entered
the Hall of Representatives, the House rose, and remained stand-
ing until the Senators took their seats in a semi-circular range
before the Speaker' s desk. Vice-President Breckinridge, who
was one of the candidates for the Presidency, and who, by virtue
of the office he held, presided over the Senate, took his seat at the
right of the Speaker. As soon as order was restored, Vice-Pres-
ident Breckinridge rose, and said : —
" We have assembled, pursuant to the Constitution, in order
that the electoral votes may be counted, and the result declared
for President and Vice-President, for the term commencing on
the 4th of March, 1861 ; and it is made my duty, under the Con-
1094 HISTORT OF ANCIENT WOODBURT.
stitution, to open the certificates of election in the presence of
the two Houses, and I now proceed to the performance of that
duty." He then took the package of each State, one after the
other, broke the seal, and handed it to the Tellers to be counted.
"The scene then and there presented, was one which has never
been paralleled in the United States. The galleries were crowded
with the most distinguished personages in the land, who had been
drawn, by the momentous occasion, to the city. Some looked
cheerful and hopeful ; some, with compressed lips, were pale and
anxious ; while many notorious conspirators were seen in groups,
gloomy and threatening. There was deathly silence as the result
was announced, which was as follows : One hundred and eighty
votes were cast for Abraham Lincoln. Seventy-two for John C.
Breckinridge. Thirty-nine for John Bell. Twelve for Stephen
A. Douglas. This gave Abraham Lincoln a majority of fifty-
seven over all the other candidates. Whereupon the Vice-Presi-
dent, rising, said : —
" Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, having received a majority of
the whole number of Electoral votes, is duly elected President of
the United States, for the four years commencing on the 4th of
March, 1861. And Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, having received
a majority of the whole number of Electoral votes, is duly elected
Vice-President for the same term."
" He then announced, that the business being completed, for
which the two Houses had assembled, the Senate would return to
their own chamber. The members of the House rose, and re-
mained standing until the Senators had left the Hall. The five
thousand spectators crowding the galleries silently retired, and
Abraham Lincoln stood forth before the world, the constitution-
ally elected President of the United States.
By means of the telegraph, it was known throughout the Union,
on the 7th of November, 1860, the day after the election, that
Abraham Lincoln had been elected President of the United States.
This result had been perfectly foreseen and foretold, ever since the
several presidential nominations. The slaveholders had insisted
on such a platform and presidential candidate, that no political
party could yield to their demands, and live as a party, for a mo-
ment. They deliberately drove the democratic party to a double
nomination, Douglass and Breckenridge. for the avowed purpose
of electing the Northern candidate, who was especially nominated
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY 1096
on the platform of freedom, which at that time contemplated
nothing further than to prevent the extension of slavery into ter-
ritory then free. The slaveholders, for a long series of years, had
laid all their plans, and used their best endeavors to bring about
a crisis, such as had now arrived, unless they could, inside of the
general government, mould it to its own views, and make it the
perpetual defender of the institution of slavery. Yet these un-
scrupulous upholders of this most inhumanly vile institution, made
the fact of the election of a Northern man as President, the pre-
text for secession and the disruption of the government, and for
commencing the most causeless and cruel civil war, that ever
afflcted any civilized nation.
Lincoln was elected in November, but he could not enter upon
the execution of the duties of his office till the 4th of March fol-
lowing. In the mean time, the General Government was thor-
oughly in the hands of the slaveholders. They had still four
months, in which they could make all their preparations, and
launch their daring conspiracy upon the startled country. Never
did villains work with greater zeal, or more effectually. James
Buchanan, the President of the United States, had been elected
to office on a platform dictated by the slaveholders, pledging him
to pursue the general policy required by them. He was surround-
ed by men of far greater ability than himself, and he dared not
assert his independence, and stand by the flag of his country. He
was like a babe, in the fatal embrace of the conspirators.
The majority of his cabinet were unscrupulous and arrant reb-
els and knaves. In their hands he was *' like a reed shaken in the
wind." In his feebleness and vacilation of mind, he was, " as
clay in the hands of the potter" — they moulded him at will.
Howell Cobb, a slaveholder of Georgia, was Secretary of the
Treasury. Wien he entered upon his office, the treasury was full,
to overflowing, and the nation was in the full tide of prosperity.
It was very necessary, to the full success of the conspirators, that
it should be depleted — that the incoming administration should
find the treasury beggared, and thus it would be without pecun-
iary means to resist a rebellion. This was accomplished in an in-
credibly short space of time. When the new administration came
into power, it found an empty chest. More than six millions of
dollars were stolen, and no doubt went into the treasury of the
rebels. The Treasury being thus rendered harmless to the rebel-
lion, Mr. Cobb resigned his office, and hastened to take office un-
der the conspirators.
1096 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
Jacob Thompson, a slaveholder from Mississippi, was Secretary
of the Interior. It was his role in the great conspiracy to pre-
vent the reenforceraent of the fortresses of the nation. If the
forts should be reenforced, they could protect themselves from
surprise or capture by the rebels, and could control the commerce
of the ports, and hermetically seal them, if necessary. Eftectu-
ally did he perform this ignoble and wicked work. After much
.consultation, the Star of the West was privately sent with sup-
plies for the garrison in Fort Sumter, which was on the verge
of starvation. Mr. Thompson, aware of the fact by virtue of his
office, immediately notified the armed conspirators in Charleston,
and this steamer, which was without arms, was driven back by
the rebel batteries. In a speech which he subsequently made to
the rebels in Oxford, Miss., he boasted of this abominable act of
treachery, in the following words: —
" I sent a dispatch to Judge Longstreet, that the Star of the
West was coming with reenforcements. The troops were then
put on their guard, and when the Star of the West arrived, she
received a warm welcome from booming caimon, and soon beat a
retreat."
" We have here the unblushing avowal of a member of the
Cabinet, that he betrayed, to those who under arms were seeking
to destroy his country, information derived from his official posi-
tion. In consequence, that frail vessel was met by hostile batte-
ries, the lives of two hundred and fifty men, in the service of the
Government, were imperiled, and the heroic little garrison of
seventy-five men in Fort Sumter were abandoned to their fate.
Secretary Thompson, having accomplished this feat, resigned his
office, and joined the rebels, where he was received with open
arms.
" The subsequently notorious John B. Floyd, a slave master of
Virginia, was Secretary of War. It was the well-matured plan
of some of the conspirators, to assassinate , President Lincoln on
his journey to Washington to be inaugurated. They designed, in
the panic which would ensue, to pour in troops from the adjacent
Slave States of Maryland and Virginia, and seize upon Washing-
ton, with all its treasures, that it might become the capital of their
new Confederacy. In the accomplishnient of this plan, it was im-
portant that the army of the United States, but a few thousand
in number, should be so dispersed, that they could not be rallied
for the defense of the Government ; and that the arsenals at the
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 109Y
North should be so despoiled, that the free eitizens could find no
weapons to grasp, by which they might rusk to the rescue. John
B. Floyd, Secretary of War, did this work eftectually. The army
was so scattered in remote fortresses in the far West, as to leave
all the forts in the slaveholding States defenseless. Thus fortifi-
cations containing twelve hundred cannon, and which cost over
six millions of dollars, were seized and garrisoned by the rebels.
" At the same time Secretary Floyd, by virtue of that power
which his oftice gave him, and in infamous violation of his oath,
disarmed as far as possible the Free States, by emptying their ar-
senals, and sending their guns to the Slave States, where bands of
rebels were already organized and drilling, prepared to receive
them. One hundred and fifteen thousand arms, of the most ap-
proved pattern, were transferred from Springfield, Mass., and from
Watervliet, N. Y., to arsenals throughout the Slave States. In
addition to this, he sold to diflferent Slave States, United States
muskets, worth |12 each, for $2.50. A vast amount of cannon,
mortar, balls, powder and shells, wern also forwarded to the reb-
els. Having accomplished all tliis, Floyd sent in his resignation as
Secretary of War, and, joining the rebels, received the appoint-
ment of general in their army. Thus General Scott, when the
hour of trial came, and Washington was threatened with assault
by a sudden rusli from the slaveholding States, found it difiicult
to concentrate even a thousand troops for the defense of the Cap-
ital. Washington was saved from capture only by the almost mi-
raculous interposition of God.
" Isaac Toucey, of Connecticut, was Secretary of the Navy.
Our fleet then consisted of ninety vessels, of all classes, carrying
about 2,415 guns; and was manned by a complement of about
7,600 men, exclusive of officers and marines. It was a matter of
the utmost moment, at this critical hour, that this fleet should be
in our own waters to aid the Government. It was a matter of
the utmost moment to the traitors, that this fleet should be dis-
persed, where it could do them no harm. It was accordingly dis-
persed. Five of these vessels were sent to the East Indies, three
to Brazil, seven to the Pacific Ocean, three to the Mediterranean,
seven to the coast of Africa, and so on, leaving, of our whole
squadron, but two vessels, carrying twenty-seven guns and two
hundred and eighty men, in Northern ports.*
"On the 21st of February, 1861, a select committee of five, ap-
■■^ Report of Secretary of the Navy, July 4, 1861.
1098 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
pointed by the House of Representatives, in a report upon the
conduct of the Secretary of the Navy, spoke as follows : —
" From this statement it will appear, that the entire naval force
available for the defense of the whole Atlantic coast, at the time
of the appointment of this committee, consisted of the steamer
Brooklyn, 26 guns, and the storeship Relief, 2 guns ; while the
former was of too great draft to permit her to enter Charleston
harbor with safety, except at spring tide, and the latter was under
orders to the coast of Africa, with stores for the African squadron.
Thus the whole Atlantic sea-board has been, to all intents and
purposes, without defense, during all the period of civil commo-
tion and lawless violence, to which the President (Buchanan) has
called our attention, as ' of uttch vast and alarming proportions,
as to be heyond his power to check or controV
" The Committee can not fail to call attention to this extraor-
diniary disposition of the entire naval force of the country, and
especially in connection with the present no less extraordinary
and critical juncture of political affairs. They can not tall to
mind any period in the past history of the country, of such pro-
found peace and internal repose, as would justify so entire an
abandonment of the coast of the country to the chance of for-
tune. Certainly, since the nation possessed a navy, it has not be-
fore sent its entire available force into distant seas, and exposed
its immense interests at home, of which it is the special guardian,
to the dangers from which, even in times of the utmost quiet, pru-
dence and forecast do always shelter them.
" To the Committee, this disposition of the naval force, at this
most critical period, seems extraordinary. The permitting of ves-
sels to depart for distant seas, after these unhappy difficulties had
broken out at home, the omission to put in repair and commission,
ready for orders, a single one of the twenty-eight ships dismant-
led and unfit for service, in our ports, and that, too, while $64«-
639.70 of the appropriation for repairs of the navy, the present
year, remain unexpended, were, in the opinions of your Commit-
tee, grave errors — without justification or excuse."
*' Thus the Government was despoiled by its own imbecile or
traitorous officials. Enemies within, opened the door of the for-
tress for the entrance of the beleaguering foe. The President,
overawed and nerveless, was a silent observer of the march of the
conspirators. At last, however, he summoned courage to say to
Congress, in tones alike of weakness and despair, that the rebell-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1099
ion liad attained such " vast and alarming proportions, as to place
the subject entirely above and beyond Executive control." Nay
more, instead of hurling the thunderbolts he might have wielded,
into the ranks of the rebels, he acquiesced in their movements,
and couki hardly be forced to adopt any Hieasure which did not
meet with their approval.
"It is difficult to find in all the annals of the past, an example
of exectxtive power bowing the neck so meekly beneath the heel
of traitorous arrogance, lli-s Cabinet was mostly filled with slave-
holding conspirators, who first endeavored to betray their coun-
try by the most insane measures, and then disclosed to their con-
federate traitors all that transpired in the Executive counsels.
President Buchanan was anxious for peace. His political sympa-
thies were, however, with the conspirators, and bitterly hostile to
those who were the foes of human bondage. As the storm of
passion increased in violence, the only measure he could suggest
was unconditional surrender of the Government to the wishes of
the slaveholders. This was called a comproinise. The North,
on its part, was to surrender everything. The South, on its part,
would consent to accept the surrender.
" Speaking of this rebelliou and the plan to conciliate the rebels,
by surrendering to slavery all the United States territory south
of 36'-'' 30', a concession which the rebels would not accept, Mr.
Lovejoy, in the House of Representatives, uttered the memora-
ble words :
"There never was a more causeless revolt since Lucifer led his
cohorts of apostate angels against the throne of God ; but I never
heard that the Almighty proposed to compromise the matter, by
allowing the rebels to kindle the fires of hell south of the celes-
tial meridian of thirty-six thirty."
Mr. Vvigfall, Senator fiom Texas, exclaimed, in one of his char-
acteristic outbursts, "It is tlie merest balderdasli — that is wiiat it
is — it is the most unmitigated fudge for any one to get up here,
and tell men who have sense and who have brains, that there is
any prospect of two-thirds of this Congress passing any proposi-
tions as an amendment to the Constitution, that any man who is
white, twenty-one years old, and whose hair is straight, living-
south of Mason and Dixon's line, will be content with."
"One of the most marvelous revelations of history is the phe-
nomenon, that the most majestic of national movements may of-
ten be controlled by very small minorities. Brissot de Warville
17
1100 HISTORY or ANCIENT WOODBUET.
says, that tlie French Revolution was caiTied by not move than
twenty men. The whole number of slaveholders in the South
did not exceed three hundred thousand. Not more than a hund-
red thousand of these possessed any larqe amount of this species
of property. And yet this petty oligarchy, entirely subordinate
to a few leading minds, organized the most gigantic rebellion
which ever shook this globe. " The future historian," says the
Hon. Charles Sumner, 'will record, that the present rebellion, not-
withstanding its protracted oi'igin,-the multitudes it has enlisted,
and its extensive sweep, was at last precipitated by fewer than
twenty men ; Mr. Everett says, by as few as ten. It is certain
that thus far it has been the triumph of a minority — but of a mi-
nority inspired, combined, and aggrandized by slavery."
" While Congress w\as discussing measures of compromise, the
South was marshaling her hosts for battle. When the news of
Lincoln's election reached Charleston, S. C, tumultuous throngs
in the streets received the tidings with long continued cheering
for a Southern Confederacy. In Washington, many of the people
boldly assumed the secession cockade, knowing that the insulted,
humiliated Government of the United States, in the hands of Pres-
icent Buchanan, was impotent to harm them. The Palmetto flag
was hoisted and saluted; "minute men" were organized. All
through the cotton and slaveholding States, the excitement was
intense, the secessionists striving to overawe the friends of the
Union, and preparing for the arbitrament of the sword, in the
success of which arbitrament, they, in tbeir ignorance and self-
confidence, cherished not a doubt. They had been accustomed to
regard all men who labored as degraded, as on a footing with their
slaves. The Northerners they stigmatized as " greasy mechanics,"
and " mudsills," any five of whom could be instantly put to flight
by one chivalrous Southron." '
We have said that the election of Abraham Lincoln was not
the cause, but only tlie pretext for the rebellion. It was a cry by
which the leading rebels and life-long conspirators against the in-
stitutions of the country sought, " to fire the Southern heart,"
and forever destroy our free constitution. It turned out to be an
admirable expedient for the purpose intended, among the igno-
rant masses of the South. A single example will show this: —
The Hon, A. H. Stephens, long a member of the United States
' Abbott's History of the Civil War in America.
HISTORY »F ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1101
House of Representatives from Georo;ia, and one of the most in-
fluential and able nv^n in that State, addressed an immense assem-
blage of his constituents, in the Hall of the House of Represent-
atives, at Milledgeville, Ga., November 14, 1860. He then said:
"The first question that presents itself is, Shall the people of
the South secede from the Union in consequence of the election
of Ml-. Lincoln to the Presidency of the United States V My coun-
trymen, I tell you frankly, candidly, and earnestly, tluat I do not
think they ought. In my judgment, the election of no man, con-
stitutionally chosen to that high office, is sufficient cause for any
State to separate from the Union. It ought to stand by and aid
still in maintaining the Constitution of the country. To make a
point of resistance to the Government, to withdi'aw from it, be-
cause a man has been constitutionally elected, puts us in the wrong.
We are pledged to maintain the Constitution. Many of us have
sworn to support it. Can we, therefore, for the mere election of
a man to the Presidency, and that, too, in accordance with the
prescribed forms of the Constitution, make a point of resistance
to the Government, without becoming tiie breakers of that sacred
instrument ourselves ?
" I look upon this country, with our Institutions, as the Eden
of the world — the paradise of the Universe. It ?»«y be, that out
of it v^e may become greater and more prosperous ; but I am can-
did and sincere in telling you that I fear, if we rashly evince pas-
sion, and, without sufficient cause, shall take that step, that, in-
stead of becomiiig greater or more peaceful, prosperous, and hap-
py, instead of becoming gods, we will become demons, and, at no
distant day, commence cutting one another's throats."
But the words of the wisest statesmen of the South were not
to be heeded. All union opposition to secession was overborne.
Even Stephens himself, a few days after making the speech, of
which the above is an extract, took back his own brave and honest
words, and made a ranting speech on the other side of the ques-
tion, and a little later, accepted the Vice-Presidency of the slave-
holders' confederacy. Several of the Southern States, almost im-
mediately began to make warlike prejiarations and appropriations,
and the whole Southern community was in a blaze of excitement.
On the 20th day of December, 1860, South Carolina seceded,
or, in the polite phrase of the time, withdrew its original con-
sent to the Constitution of the United States, and resumed its
condition as a sovereign State! The news of this action, which
1102 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
was unanimous, was hailed with entliusiasra throughout the South-
ern States. On the 9th of January, 1861, the Mississippi Conven-
tion passed an ordinance of secession. Florida followed suit on
the 10th, and Alabama the next day Georgia seceded on the
19th, and Louisiana on the 26th. The Texas convention passed a
secession ordinance, Feb. 1st, 1S61, subject to a vote of the peo"
pie, and on the 4th, declared the State out of the union ! Vir-
ginia passed an ordinance of secession the l7th of April, Arkan-
sas, May 6ih, and North Carolina, May 29th.
Meanwhile, the rebels were rapidly seizing the forts, arsenals,
navyyards and mints, within the limits of the seceded States,
while Gen Twiggs, in Texas, traitorously surrendered the greater
portion of the little array of the United States, it having been
placed there for this purpose by the Secretary of War.
But still the meek Buchnnan did nothing but appoint a day for
fasting and prayer throughout the nation, on the 4th of January,
1861, which was gencr.iUy observed at the North, and as generally
disregarded at the South, and to send a messenger or two to the
South, to beg of them, in piteous terms, to do nothing rash during
the brief remainder of his official term. His action disgusted his
political friends in the North, not less than all other parties.
It was on the occasion of this fast that Woodbury took its frst
part in the stirring events of the times. Thoroughly law abiding,
as its citizens always had been, for two hundred years, always at-
tentive to the suggestion of rulers, they generally attended,
on this occasion, at their several places of Avorship, to supplicate
the Lord of Hosts, that the evils which threatened the na-
tion, and which the governmett seemed utterly unable to success-
fully 0])pose, might be averted. It was on this occasion that the
late Rev. Noah Coe, who was then supplying the pulpit of the
First Congregational church, and who, not being the settled pas-
tor of the church, and, on account of the (emper of the tinio'^, was
not afraid of being accused of " preaching politics," uttered his
memorable prayer, a passage of which follows: —
"Oh! Lord, we have assembled in Thy presence, in response to
the call, in his feebleness, of the President of the United Stales. We
thank Thee that he has becTi brought to see the need of fasting
and prayer, an«l that he has felt the necessity of asking the pray-
ers of Thy people. Oh ! Lord, Thou knowest that his sins are
manifold in Thy sight, and that he greatly needs them. Let him
still further see the error of hi? ways, and apply his heart unto
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1103
wisdom, that Thou canst see it possible to save him. Oh God,
Thou knowest he 1ms done evil enough. He has multiplied his
wickedness. But save him out of Tliine abundant mercy. Oh
Lord, we thank Thee that his time is short. That he can
not do much more evil in the land. And we do greatly tha?ik
Thee, that Abraham Lincoln, that great and good man, a man af-
ter Thine own heart, is so soon to succeed him, when we devoutly
hope we shall see a ruler in the land full of riglitcousness, who
will carry out Thy will, and show forth Thy praise."
In the sadness, uncertainty and general apprehension of the
time, this bold, blunt prayer, had a marked effect upon the hearers.
Tfiough unusual in its terms, and plainness of speech, it was
deemed to be appropriate to the situation of the country at that
perilous period. There is but one prayer on record, which has
ever come to tlie writer's notice, similar lo it. And that was, the
prayer of Parson Champion, of Litchfield, a red-hot patriot in the
days of the Revolutionary War.'
1861. As we have seen, the Great Rebellion of the slavehold-
ers, foreshadowed, threatened, and foreordained, for many years,
came into active existence immediately upon the announcement
that Abraham Lincoln had been elected President of the United
States. The earliest, most earnest and effective efforts at i'el)ell-
ion -were made in South Carolina. The election of Lincoln was
but the merest pretext, but the leaders knew best with what ma-
terial to "fire the Southern heart." One after another, as soon as
the several Southern States seceded, or, as they gingerly termed
* When the whole counti'y was in a state of akrm at tlie intelligence that
Lord Cornwallis, with a large fleet and armament, was approching the American
coast. Col. Tallmagc happened to pass through Litchfield with a regiment of cav-
alry. While there, he attended public worship, with his troops, on Sunday, at the
old meeting-house, that stood upon the village green. The occasiou was deeply
interesting and exciting. The Rev. Judah Champion, then the settled minister of
the place— a man of great eloquence, and of a high order of intellectual endow-
ment— in view of the alarming crisis, thus invoked the sanction of Heaven : —
"Oh, Lord ! we view with terror the approach of the enemies of Thy holy re-*
ligion. Wilt thou send storm and tempest, to toss them upon the sea, and to
overwhelm iheni upon the mighty deep, or to scatter them to the uttermost parts
of the earth.- But, peradvenlure, should any escape Thy vengeance, collect them
together again. Oh Lord! as in the hollow of Thy hand, and let thy lightnings
play i.poK them" An invocation for the safety and suoces.s of Col. Tallmage's
command then followed.
Hollister's Hist, of Conn., — 2 vol. pp. 390, 391.
1104 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
it, withdrew their former assent to the Constittition of the
United States, and resumed their original powers as sove-
reign, free and independent States, and notice of the ordinances
of secession was received, their senators and representatives with-
drew from Congress, with insulting denunciations and threats
towards the remaining loyal States of the Union. Better speci"
mens of insolence, braggadocio, and intolerable, foundationless,
arrogance, was never expressed in any language, than by these
retiring braggarts, and crime-steeped despots. They had been
guilty of the meanness, as well as disloyalty of retaining their
seats as long as possible, to act as spies on the efforts of the gov-
ernment for its safety, and to thwart every well-directed effort for
the salvation of the country No such unparalleled conduct was
ever before witnessed in the transactions of all the former traitors
of the world. Treason, long projected, and secretly working to
accomplish its purpose, was rampant everywhere — in the cabinet,
in the Supreme Court, in both Houses of Congress, in the Array,
in the Navy — everywliere. Never had traitors less cause for their
crime. They had the full control ot every department, and could
carry their plans without '' let or hindrance " No considerable
party in the union claimed the right, or even desired to interfere
with their cherished institution of slaveiy in the States where it
then existed. It had however become repugnant to the great na-
tional heart, that that accursed institution should be extended into
territory then free. The free legions of the North were fully de-
termined to resist its further extension. This was the sole sub-
ject of dispute.
Immediately, on the assembling of Congress at its Session in
Dec. 1860, numerous efforts and plans of compromise were brought
forward by a large number of Senators and Representatives, and
the subject of pacification was almost the sole theme of earnest
discussion during the whole of the Session of 1860-61, and quite
up to the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln as President, on the
4th of March. 1861. Committees of thirteen and thirty-three
were appointed, for the express ])urpose of devising some rational
means of reconciliation ; but all to no purpose It had been pre-
determined, on the part of the slave interest, that there should be
no reconciliation. The slaveholding leaders thought their ])laiis
were so well laid, that they could disrupt the union, erect a slave
confederncy, the corner-stone of which should be human bondage,
foi-m a new constitution, to which the free North would beg ad"
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY 1105
mission, except, perhaps, New England, which was to be " uncer-
emoniously left out in the cold," and Washington was still to be
the capital, but it was to be the capital, not of the nation of the
stars and stripes, but of a new confederacy, governed by a slave-
holding aristocracy.
During these months, there was great excitement throughout
the South, and seven States had seceded from the union before
the inauguration of Lincoln. Forts, arsenals, post-offices, custom-
houses and sub-treasuries were seized, the Indian Fund, of some
six millions of dollars, was stolen, all the public property in the
seceded States was confiscated, the traitor. Gen. Twigs, delivered
up in Texas, the major part of our whole little army, and the
Northern arsenals were emptied of hundreds of thousands of arms
by the traitor cabinet officer having them in charge, who caused
them to be sent South. In every way, the loyal men of the nation
were crippled, while a well-arranged plan for the captui'e of Wash-
ington, before the inauguration of the new President, seemed only
to have been prevented by the special interposition of God. Well-
raatured plans for the assassination of the President-elect, as he
should pass through Baltimore on his way to the capital, came
near a bloody consumation. By a secret and skillful manoever
only, executed by night, was it possible to avoid the bloody death,
which came to that patriotic and glorious man a little more than
four years later. Meanwhile the servile Buchanan looked on in
helpless imbecility. He wrote a piteous message to Congress, in
which he argued, that while the States had no right to secede, the
government, under the Constitution, had no right to prevent them
by force. And thus the tide of treason rolled resistlessly on.
" While the excitement was thus rapidly deepening and extend-
ing, the 4th of March drew nigh, when the President elect was to
be inaugurated in Washington. Rumors filled the air, that he
was to be assassinated on his passage through the Slave State of
Maryland. Great anxiety was felt for his safety, as the desperate
character of a portion of the populace in Baltimore, through which
city he would naturally pass, was well known. On the 11th of
February, he left his home in Sjiringfield, Illinois, intending to
make a brief visit in the leading cities on his route. In the fol-
lowing touching address he took leave of his fellow-citizens at the
railroad depot :
"My friends! No one, not in my position, can appreciate the
sadness that I feel at this parting. To this people I owe all that
1106 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
I am. Here I have lived more than a quarter of a century. Here
ray children were born, and liere one of them lies buried. I know
not how soon I shall see you again. A duty devolves upon me
which is perhaps greater than that which has devolved upon any
other man since the days of Washington. He never would have
succeeded, expept for the aid of Divine Providence, upon which
he, at all times, relied. I feel that I can not succeed without the
same Divine aid which sustained him. In the same Almighty Being
I place my reliance for support, and I hope you, ray friends, will all
pray that I may receive that Divine assistance, without which I
can not succeed, but with which, success is certain. Again I bid
you all an aifectionate farewell." »
Mr. Lincoln received an enthusiastic ovation from all, without
distinction of party, in all the cities and towns at which he stop-
ped on his way to Washington.
At Philadelphia, Mr. Lincoln's reception was as enthusiastic as
in New York. He there attended upon the ceremony of raising
the United States flag over the Old Hall of Independence. After
appropriate ceremonies, the President raised, hand over hand, the
glorious banner to the sixmmit of the staff. On this occasion he
uttered the following memorable and heartfull words ;
"I have often inquired of myself what great principle or idea
it was that kept this Confederacy so long together. It was not
the mere matter of the separation of the Colonies from the mother
land ; hut that sentiment in the Declaration of Inclejyenclence which
gave liberty, not alone to the people of this country, hut I hope to-
the world, for all future time. It was that which gave promise,
that, in due time, the weight would be lifted fi-om the shoulders
of all men. This was a sentiment embodied in the Declaration
of Independence. Now, my friends, can this country be saved
on this basis ? If it can, I shall consider myself one of the hap-
piest men in the world, if I can help save it. If it can not be
saved on that principle, it will be truly awful. But if this country
can not be saved without giving up that principle, I was about to
say, I would rather be assassinated on this spot than surrender it.
Now, in my view of the present aspect of affairs, there need be
no bloodshed or war. There is no necessity for it. I am not in
favor of such a course, and I may say in advance, that there will
be no bloodshed, unless it be forced upon the Government, and
then it will be compelled to act in self-defense.
Abbott's Hist, of the Civil War in America."
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1107
"My friends, this is wholly an unexpected speech. I did not
expect to be called upon to say a word when I catne here. I sup-
posed that it was merely to do something toward raising the flag-
I may, therefore, have said something indiscreet. I have said
nothing but what I am ready to live by, and, if it be the pleasure
of Almighty God, to die by."
"In Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, the same enthusiasm
greeted the President which had thus far accompanied him through
every stage of his journey. Again the President nttered those
conciliatory and peaceful sentiments which constituted so essen-
tial a part of his generous nature. He was conducted to the hotel
in a barouche di'awn by six white horses, and accompanied by a
very imposing military array. In response to the address of wel-
come, he said :
"I recur, for a moment, to the words uttered about the military
support, which the General Government may expect from the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in a proper emergency. To
guard against any possible mistake, do I recur to this. It is not
with any pleasure, that I contemplate the possibility tliat a neces-
sity may arise, in this country, for the use of the military arm.
While I am exceedingly gratified to see the manifestation upon
your steets of the military force here, and exceedingly gratified
at your promise here to use that force upon a proper emergency,
I desire to repeat, to preclude any possible misconstruction, that I
do most sincerely hope that we shall have no use for them; that
it will never become their duty to shed blood, and most especially
never to shed fraternal blood. I promise that, so far as I may
have wisdom to direct, if so painful a result shall in any wise be
brought about, it shall be through no fault of mine."
" To go from Harrisburg to Washington, it was necessary to pass
through the slaveholding State of Maryland, and through the
City of Baltimore, where the spirit of secession had manifested
itself in its most envenomed type. The loyal citizens of Balti-
more were preparing to give the president a courteous recei)tion.
The partisans of the slaveholders had formed a conspiracy for his
assassination. The plan was discovered by the police. It consist-
ed in getting up a riot, very easily accom])lished in Baltimore, at
the depot, during which the unarmed and unprotected President
was to be stabbed or shot. The detectives who ferreted out the
plot, assumed to be secessionists from Louisiana. The conspira-
tors were to mingle with the crowd, pretending to be friends of
1108 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
the President, when, at a given signal, a great tumult was to
be raised, and some were to shoot at him with their pistols, and
others to throw hand grenades into his carriage. In the inevitable
confusion the assassins expected to escape to a vessel waiting for
them in the harbor, which would convey them to Mobile, in Ala-
bama, where they would be safe from all harm. General Scott
and Senator Seward had been apprised, by the police, of this dan
'ger, and immediately dispatched Mr. Frederick W. Seward, a son
of the Senator, to Philadelphia, to inform Mr. Lincoln of his peril.
After consultation with friends, it was deemed advisable, in the
then excited state of the country, when even a slight disturbance
would plunge the country into all the horrors of civil war, that
Mr. Lincoln should frustrate the plans of the conspirators, by
taking an earlier express train, and passing through Baltimore
incognito, as an ordinary traveler. The wisdom of this decis-
ion ^Qw now, upon reflection, will dispute. Mr. Lincoln receiv-
ed this information at Philadelphia, but, according to his plan,
proceeded to Harrisburg.
"After the public reception at Harrisburg, the President, with a
few of his confidential friends, retired to his private apartments,
in the Jones House, at six o'clock in the evening. As he was
known to be weary with the toils of the day, he was exposed to
no interruptions. As soon as it was dark, he, in company with
Col. Lamon, unobserved, entered a hack, and drove to the Pennsyl-
vania railroad, where a special train was waiting for him. The tel-
egraph wires were in the mean time cut, so that the knowledge of
his departure, if discovered or suspected, could not be sent abroad-
The train reached Philadelphia at 10|^ o'clock that night. They
drove immediately across the city to the Baltimore and Washing-
ton depot. The regular night ti'ain was just leaving, at \ past 11.
The party took berths in a sleeping car, and, without any change,
passed directly through Baltimore to Washington, where they ar-
rived safely, and all unexpected, at ^ past 6 o'clock in the morn-
ing, Mr. Lincoln did not find it necessary to assume any disguise,
but journeyed in his ordinary traveling dress.
" The Hon. Mr. Washburn, of Illinois, who had been privately
informed of the arrangement, was at the station to receive the
.President. They drove directly to Willard's Hotel, where they
were met by Mr. Seward, The active agents in this infamous
plot were of course well known by the detectives; but it was
deemed, at that time, desirable to avoid everything which could
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1109
add to the excitement of the public mind, ah-eady so sorely agi-
tated. The President-elect thus silently entered Washington,
Saturday morning, February 23. The news of his arrival was
immediately flashed over the land, and the next day his family
entered the city by the special train designed for the Presidential
party." •
"By this time it had become quite evident, that the secession-
ists wished for no compromise. They felt strong, sure of success,
and with unflinching determination advanced in their measures to
break up the Union, form a Confederacy of the Cotton States,
on a thoroughly pro-slavery Constitution ; then draw in the bor-
der States, which without any doubt would be eager to follow them,
and then, through their partisans in the Middle and North Western
States, draw those States in, and thus thoroughly reconstruct and
reunite the country, leaving New England out, in a cold corner,
to be attached to Canada, or, if independent, to be so weak as to
be quite at the disposal of the great pro-slavery republic, which,
grasping Cuba and Mexico, would overshadow the whole land.
The plot of the secessionists to seize defenseless Washington was
so palpable, and manifestly so feasible, surrounded as it was by
slaveholding Virginia and Maryland, that even President Buchan-
an became alarmed. General Scott was there urging him to de-
cisive measures. During the first week in January, General Scott
had succeeded, with some difficulty, in collecting about three
hundred troops in the vicinity of Washington. President Bu-
chan was excessively averse to any show of power, lest it might
be reo-arded as a menace, by a foe whom he dreaded, and who
had gained almost entire dominion over his mind.
" On the 4th of February, forty-two of the secessionists met in
Montgomery, Alabama, representing the States of Alabama, Flor-
ida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and North
Carolina. They proceeded immediately to organize a new nation,
the Southern Confederacy, to consist of the above-mentioned seven
Slates, and such others as might subesequently be added. And
then these forty two men chose Jefferson Davis, President, and
Alexander H. Stephens, Vice President of the Southern Confede-
racy. In all the Southern States there were large numbers op-
posed to all these measures of revolt, and in some of the States
there were, undoubtedly, a decided m^'ority ; but the leading
t Abbott's Hist, of the Civil War, p. 64.
1110 H I S T O K Y O F A N°C lENT WOODBUKY.
slaveholders had got the power entirely in their hand.'*, and all op-
position was overawed. On the 18th, Jefterson Davis was inau-
gurated Piesident, at Montgomery.
"These forty two delegates, without the slightest misgivings,
undertook to revolutionize a nation of thirty millions. They
deemed themselves umpires from whom there was no appeal. They
framed a Constitution, adopted articles of Confederation, chose a
President and Vice-President, confirmed Cabinet and Ministerial
appointments, and set in operation all the machinery of what they
believed would prove a powerful and perpetual government.
History affords no parallel to such an audacious usurpation. The
people had no voice in the organization of the government. And
yet so sagaciously was the whole thing managed, that the igno-
rant masses at the South were led as obediently as slaves on the
plantations. Those who ventured to utter the slightest murmurs
were instantly silenced with the most inexorable cruelty.
''No American can write such nan atives about his own coun-
trymen without extreme reluctance. But these facts must be
known, or one can not understand how every voice of opposition
was silenced at the South. The ap])arent unanimity at the South,
was simply the silence enforced by the bludgeon, the lash, the hal-
ter, and the stake. Hume has remarked upon the barbarizing in-
fluence of slavery in ancient Rome. Its influence has been equally
debasing in our own land. Its influence upon woman's character
has been still more mai'ked than upon the character of men. That
there are noble men, and lovely and lovable women at the South,
all must gladly aflirm. The writer knows many such, whose mem-
ory he must ever cherish with affection. But this rebellion has
proved beyond all dispute, that such aie the exceptions. It is the
unanimous declaration of our army, that the venom exhibited by
the secession females of the South was amazing and very general.
Ladies, so called, would spit upon our soldiers in the streets of
Baltimore. One clergyman testifies that a woman, a member of
his church, whom he had always considered a worthy member,
said to him, that "she would be perfectly willing to go to hell, if
she could but shoot a Yankee first." Another /wf^y said, to a gen-
tleman who related it to the writer, that she hoped yet 'to sleep
under a blanket made of the scalps of Noithei'ners.' "
While such outrageous proceedings were carried on by active,
malignant traitors, the })coj)le of the free States were waiting
quietly, but with intense latent emotion, for the inauguration of
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1111
Abraliam Lincoln as President, Nothing could be hoped for while
Mr.;Buchanan remained in the Presidential chair. He, himself;
Avas probably tlie most impatient man in the United States for the
hour to arrive in which he could retire. But, the secessionists
had no idea of allowing President Lincoln to be inaugurated. To
be sure, they had tailed in their plans to assassinate him on his
journey to the capital. But they were still quite confident of their
ability to seize Washington, and make it the capital of their new
confederacy, and they were fully determined to carry out their
wicked designs. Mr. Abbott, in his history of the Civil War has
so admirnbly described the state of affairs at the date of the inau-
guration, that it is thought well to give the account of it in sub-
stantially his woixls.
"The week preceding the 4th of March, when Mr. Lincoln was
to be inaugurated, was one of intense solicitude and excitement.
The air w\as filled with rumors of conspiracies, to prevent the in-
auguration by a bloody tumult, and by seizing the Capital. Wash-
ington was thronged with stranu;ers, many from the South, armed
with bowie-knives and revolvers. Apparently there would have
been but little difficulty in a few thousand men, at a concerted
signal, making a rush which would sweep all opposition before
them. Gen. Scott and Secretary Holt were in the meantime ma-
king quiet, bnt effectual preparations, to meet any emergency. An
important military escort was provided to conduct the President
to the Capitol, and back again, after the inauguration, to the
W hite House.
"The eventful morning dawned propitiously. At an early hour,
Pennsylvania Avenue was thronged, the center of attraction being
Willard's Hotel, where, thus far, the President elect had occupied
apartments. The procession began to form about 9 o'clock. It
was very brilliant and imposing. One very striking feature was,
a large triumphnl car, the Constitution, bearing thirty-four very
beautiful girls, robed in white, as representatives of the several
States. It was thus manifest that the government had no idea of
recognizing the Union as dissolved. Mr. Buchanan and Mr, Lin-
coln sat, side by side, in the carriage. They ascended the steps
of the Capitol arm in arm. It was noticed tliat Mr. Buchanan
looked pale, sad, and nervous ; he sighed audibly and frequently.
Mr. Lincoln's face was slightly flushed, and his lips compressed,
with an expression of much gravity and firmness."
The President elect took his stand upon the platform of the
1112 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUEY.
portico of the Capitol. Tlie Supreme Court, the Senate, the House
of Representatives, the Foreign Ministers, and a vast crowd of
privileged persons, soon occupied every seat. A countless throng
filled the grounds below, a surging mass of friends and foes. There
were exasperated secessionists, watching for a chance to strike a
blow, and pure patriots ready to repel that blow, at any hazard of
life. Senator Baker, of Oregon, introduced the President to the
people. Mr. Lincoln then, with strength of voice which arrested
every ear, delivered his inaugural address. Speaking of secession,
he said :
" Phj^sically speaking, we cannot separate, — we can not remove
our respective sections from each other, nor build an impassable
wall between them. A husband and wife may be divorced, and
go out of the presence and beyond the reach of each other ; but
the different parts of our cour.try can not do this. They can not
but remain face to face; and intercourse, either amiable or hostile,
must continue between them. Is it possible, then, to make that
intercourse more advantageous or more satisfactory after separa-
tion than before? Can aliens make treaties easier tlian
friends can make laws? Can treaties be more faithfully en-
forced between aliens than laws can among friends ? Suppose you
go to war; you can not fight always, and when, after much loss
on both sides, and no gain on either, you cease fighting, the iden-
tical questions, as to terms of intei course, are again upon you."
In reference to the policy to be pursued, he said :
" To the extent of my ability I shall take care, as the Constitution
itself expressly enjoins upon me, that the laws of the Union be
faithfully execrated in all the States. Doing this I deem to be
only a simple duty on my i)art. I shall perfectly perform it, so far
as is practicable, unless my rightful masters, the American people,
shall withhold the requisition, or, in some authoritative manner,
direct the contrary. I trust this will not be regarded as a menace,
but only as the declared purpose of the Union, that it will consti-
tutionally defend and maintain itself. In doing this, there need
be no bloodshed or violence, and there shall be none, unless it is
forced upon the national authority. The power confided in me
will be used to hold, occupy, and possess the property and places
belonging to the government, and collect the duties and imposts;
but l)eyond what may be necessary for these objects, there will be
no invasion, — no using of force against or among the people any-
where."
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY 1113
Mr. Lincolji closed his noble inaugural with the following words,
alike firm and conciliatory :
"In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in
mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The government will
not a sail you. You can have no conflict witliout being yourselves
the aggressors. You have no oath registered in heaven to destroy
the government; while I shall have the most solemn one to ' pre-
serve, protect, and defend it.' I am loth to close. We are not
enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion
may liave strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The
mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battle-field and
patriot grave, to every living heart and hearth-stone, all over this
broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again
touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our na-
ture."
The oath of office was then administered by Chief Justice Ta-
ney; the procession was again formed, and Mr. Lincoln was es-
corted to the White House.
For several weeks preceding the inauguration, that grand old
patriot and war-worn hero, Lieut. Gen. Scott, had been quietly
collecting the scattered fragments of our little regular army, and
transporting them to Washington. By the 4th of March, he had
in this way gathei'ed about a thousand effective and reliable men,
and a few pieces of artillery, for the defense of Washington and
the peaceable inauguration of the new President. During the
ceremonies, he was standing by one of the guns, which were
]>lanted in such a way as to do fearful execution, in case of any
attempt at violence on the pait of the secessionists, ready to give
directions in any emergency that might arise. When those glo-
rious, patriotic and immortal words of the new President rang
out upon the clear, still air, in thfe ears of the breathlessly listening
thousands, and were reported to the old veteran, as he stood firm-
ly, though anxiously at his post of duty : — " You have no oath
reglstereil in Heaven to destroy the government^ while I shall have
the most solemn one to '• preserve, protect and defend it,'' "— in spite
of military rule, he could not help exclaiming: — 'Thank God!
AT LAST WE HAVE A PrESIDKNT !
To the surprise and disgust of the rebels, the President had
been peacefully inaugurated, they had not been able to seize
Washington, and many of their fondest calculations had not been
realized. Thejr remaining plans were, therefore, more desperately
1114 H I S T O K Y OF ANCIENT ^^" O O D B U R Y .
carried on all over the South. It was not possible, with their views,
for the secessionists, after all their long years of preparation, and
after all their insolent bluster, to come back, and ask for terms of
arrangement. Nor would it do to delay. Every moment passed
in inaction was a moment lost to the cause of the rebels. Their
blows must be sudden and decisive, to avail them anything. Ac-
cordingly, at half-past four, on the morning of the 14th of April,
1861, fourteen batteries in Charleston harbor, manned and sustain-
ed by ten thousand men, opened fire upon Fort Sumter, and the
flag of the United States, thus inaugurating civil war in all its hor-
rors, with tremendous energy. This formidable array was op-
posed by about eighty soldiers of the United States, shut up with-
in the fort, too few to man a tithe of its guns effectively. After
a fierce bombardment of about 36 hours, and throwing against
the beleaguered fort 2,361 solid shot, and 980 shells, it was agreed
that the gallant little garrison should surrender the fort, on being
allowed to take away all their individual and company property,
their side arms, and their war-scathed flag, which they were to
salute with a hundred guns before they hauled it down. Such
were the terms demanded by Major Anderson, and accorded to
him — after he was compelled to surrender.
"The battle now ceased. The fire was ere long extinguished,
having destroyed nearly everything combustible, and the wearied
men had a night of such rest as could be found in the midst of the
ruins which surrounded them. About half-past 9 o'clock on Sun-
day morning, the evacuation commenced. The booniing of can-
non echoed over the bay, as the heroic and indomitable band sa-
luted the Flag, sinking from its staff, and then, as with the proud
step of victors, the band playing '' Yankee Doodle" and "Hail
Columbia," they marched oiit of the main gate, with the Stars and
the Stripes waving over them, and entered the transport Isabel,
which conveyed them to the United States Ship Ilaltic, in the
offing, by which they were carried in trium{)h to New York.
" Fort Sumter was the Bunker Hill of this Civil War. In both
cases, a proud aristocracy were determined to subject this country
to its sway. In both cases, the defeat was a glorious victory.
This little band of heroes withstood the attack of an army, pro-
vided with ihe heaviest batteries which Europe and America
could aftbrd. For thirty-six hours they contined the unequal con-
flict. And then, when they had not another cartridge to fiie, and
not anotlier biscuit to divide, they evacuated the ruins, the Stars
HISTORY OF ANCIENT M^OOPBURT. 1115
and Stripes still waving over theni, and they stepping proudly to
the air of "Hail Columbia." The nation regarded it as a victory,
and welcomed them as heroes. And the people of the United
States will never cease to regard each member of the intrepid gar-
rison of Fort Sumter with admiration and homage.
" The avowed object of the rebels, in their attack upon Sumter,
was to cross the Rubicon in the actual inauguration of civil war,
and thus to "fire the heart of the South." It was supposed that
the South, being thus committed, M'ould be compelled, by pride,
to continue the conflict, for southern pride would scorn to enter"
tain the thought of apology and submission. This outrage upon
our country's flag, this inauguration of civil war, which was to
cost near half a million lives, to impoverish countless families, and
to imperil our national existence, was received throughout the re-
bellious cities, with all the demonstrations of pride and joy. Those
who still loved their country did not dare to utter a remonstrating
word, for an iron tyranny crushed them.
"But the uprising in the North was such as the world never
witnessed before. The slaveholders at the South had so long been
threatening blood and ruin, that the North had quite ceased to
regard their menaces. There was hardly a man to be found in all
the North, who had any idea that the Southern rebels would ven-
ture to commence civil war. The bombardment of Sumter created
universal amazement and indignation. As the news of the insult
to the national flag, of the battle, and of the capture of the fort
by the rebels, was flashed along the wires, excitement, perhaps
unparalleled in the history of the world, pervaded every city and
hamlet, and almost every heart. All party distinctions seemed to
be forgotten. There were henceforth but two parties in the land,
— the rebels with their sympathizers, and the friends of the Union.
" On the next day, Monday, April 15, the President issued a call
for three months' service of 75.000 volunteers, and summoned an
extra session of Congress to meet on the 4th of July. The re-
sponse of the loyal States to this call for troops was prompt aiid
cordial in the highest possible degree. Never perhaps were a
people found less prepared for war, than were the people of the
Northern States. Accustomed only to peace, and not anticipating
any foe, many of tlie States had not even the form of a military
organization. All the energies of tjie people were consecrated to
the arts of industry, not to those of destruction. We had neither
soldiers nor officers. The men who had received military educa-
18
IIIG HISTOEY OF ANCIEIS'T WOODBURY.
tioii at West Point, weary of bavins: absolutely notbing to do,
but to wear away tbe irksome bours, in some fort on tbe sbore or
in the wilderness, bad generally engaged in otber pursuits. Tbey
had become civil engineers, railroad superintendents, instructors
in scientific schools, and thus had become in reality merely civil-
ians who had studied tbe science and theory of war, but with no
practical acquaintance with the duties of tbe field.
" Tl)is was not our shame, but our glory. We were men of peace
and industy, and of great prosperity. We had not dreamed that
traitors would rise to plunge this happ\ land into anarchy, and to
destroy this best government, — best, notwitstanding all its imper^
factions, — earth has ever known. Floyd had emptied the arsenals,
and placed tbe guns in the bands of the rebels. Our little stand-
ing army, consisting of but 10,755 men, officers and jn-ivates all
told, he bad scattered at almost illimitable distances over our vast
frontier. Mr. Buchanan's Secretary of the Navy bad equally dis
persed tbe fleet; in fact, our neglected navy had fallen almost into
decay. And more than all this, the majority of the officers in the
army and in the navy, were men of slavebolding connect'ons,
many of whom openly avowed their sympathy with the rebellion,
and they bad become so lost to all sense of honor, that tbe betray-
al of the Flag which they bad sworn to protect, — a deed which all
tbe rest of the world called infamous, they deemiid chivalrous.
Such was the condition of the North, when the war commenced "
Mr. Cameron thus describes the condition of the War Depart-
ment, as he entered upon its duties :
" Upon my appointment to tbe position, I found the department
destitute of all the means of defense; without guns, and with lit-
tle prospect of purchasing \\\e materiel oi war. I found the nation
without an army, and I found scarcely a man throughout tbe whole
War Department in whom I could put my trust. The Adjutant
General deserted. The Quartermaster Genei-al ran off. The Com-
missary General was on his death-bed. More than half the cleiks
were disloyal. I remember that upon one occasion General Scott
came to me, apparently in great mental tribulation. Said he, 'I
have spent the most miserable day in my life ; a friend of my boy-
hood has just told me I am disgiacing myself by staying here, and
serving this fragment of tbe government, in place of going to
Virginia, and serving under ^the banner of my native State; and
I am j)ained to death.' But the old hero was patriotic, loyal, and
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUEY. llH
wise enough to say that his friend was wrong, and he was riglit
in remaining where he was."
" The unanimity with which the whole Nortli arose, in this cri"
sis, all party differences being merged in enthusiastic devotion to
the Union, is one of the most extraordinary events of history.
Men who but a few days before had been bitterly hostile, were at
once standing side by side, upon the same platform, in earnest co-
operation to resist the audacious rebellion. Senator Douglas, one
of the candidates for the Presidency, at this crisis, came forward
with zeal and power, which will forever entitle him to the grati-
tude of his countrymen. The overflowing mnjority of his party
followed their illnstrious leader in the magnanimity of his patriot-
ism. On the 1st of May, Senator Douglas reached Chicago, Illi-
nois, on his return from Washiugton. He was met at the depot,
by an immense assemblage of citizens, who conducted him in a
triumphal procession to the great " Wigwam," where ten thousand
persons, of all parties, were seated, awaiting him. The Senator
'addressed them in the following strain, which thrilled the heart
of the nation, and which will give him ever-duriug and gr-nelul
remembrance.
"'I beg you to believe that I will not do you or myself the in-
justice to think that this magnificent ovation is personal to myself.
I rejoice to know that it expresses youi devotion to the Constitu-
tion, the Union and the flag of our country. I will not conceal
gratification at the uncontrovertible test this vast audience pre-
sents— that, what political diflferences or party questions may have
divided us, yet you all had a conviction that, when the country
should be in danger, my loyalty could be relied on. That the
present danger is imminent, no man can conceal. If war must
come — if the bayonet must be used to maintain the Constitution —
I say before God, my conscience is clean. I have struggled long
for a peaceful solution of the difticulty. I have not only tendered
those States what was theirs of riglit, but I have gone to the very
extreme of magnanimity.
"The return we receive is war, armies marched upon our Cap-
itol, obstructions and dangers to our navigation, letters of marque
to invite pirates to prey upon our commerce, a concerted move-
ment to blot out the United States ot America from the map of
the globe. The question is. Are we to maintain the country of our
fathers, or allow it to be stricken down by those who, when they
can no longer govern, threaten to destroy ?
1118 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY.
" What cause, what excuse do disunionists give us, for break-
ing up the best Government, on which the sun of heaven ever
shed its rays? They are dissatisfied with the result of the Presi-
dential election. Did they never get beaten before? Are we to
resort to the sword when we get defeated at the ballot box f I
understand it that the voice of the people expressed in the mode
Appointed by the Constitution, mast command the obedience of
every citizen. They assume, on the election of a particular can-
didate, that their rights are not safe in the Union. What evidence
do they present of this? I defy any man to show any act on
which it is based. What act has been omitted to be done? I ap-
peal to these assembled thousands, that so far as the constitutional
rights of slaveholders are concerned, nothing has been done, and
nothing omitted, of which they can complain.
"There has never been a time, from the day that Washington
was inaugurated first President of these United States, when the
rights of the Southern States stood firmer under the laws of the
land than they do now ; there never was a time when they had
not as good cause for disunion as they have to-day. What good
cause have they now that has not existed under every Adminis-
tration ?
" If they say the territorial question — now, for the first time,
there is no act of Congress prohibiting slavery anywhere. If it
be the non-enforcement of the laws, the only complaints that I
have heard, have been of the vigorous and faithful fulfillment of
the Fugitive Slave Law. Then what reason have they ?
" The Slavery question is a mere excuse. The election of Lin-
coln is a mere pretext. The present secession movement is the
result of an enormous conspiracy formed more than a year since,
formed by leaders in the Southern Confederacy more than twelve
months ago.
"But this is no time for the detail of causes. The conspiracy
is now known. Armies have been raised, war is levied to accom-
plish it. There are only two sides to the question. Every man
must be for the United States or against it. There can be no neu-
trals in this war ; only patriots — or traitors.
"Thank God, Illinois is not divided on this question. I know
they expected to present a united South against a divided North.
They hoped, in the Northern States, party questions would bring
civil war between Democrats and Republicans, when the South
would step in, with her cohorts, aid one party to conquer the oth-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1119
er, and then make easy prey of the victors. Their scheme was
carnage and civil war in the North.
"There is but one way to defeat this. In Illinois it is being so
defeated by closing up the ranks. War will thus be prevented on
our own soil. While there was a hope of peace, I was ready for
any reasonable sacrifice or compromise to maintain it. But when
the question comes of war in the cotton-fields of the South, or the
corn-lields of Illinois, I say the farther off the better.
" I have said more than I intended to say. It is a sad task to
discuss questions so fearful as civil war ; but sad as it is, bloody
and disastrous as I expect it will be, I express it as my conviction
before God, that it is the duty of every American citizen to rally
around the flag of his country.
" I thank you again for this magnificent demonstration. By it
you show you have laid aside party strife. Illinois has a proud
position — united, firm, determined never to permit the Govern-
m'ent to be destroyed."
Such is a brief account of the origin and successive events in
the opening of our great civil war. It remains for us to recount,
in the succeeding pages, the part which Ancient Woodbury took
in the Great Rebellion, giving the names and deeds of the heroic
men who went forth to battle from our midst, at the call of our
imperiled country, some of whom lie peacefully sleeping on many
a glorious battle-field, all over our union, or within the honored
and sacred enclosures of our beautiful National Cemeteries.
In the very opening of this foithful record of Woodbury's pat-
riotic doings, in the great war of the ages for the immortal prin-
ciples of liberty, the author has the happiness to say, that this
ancient town, which has been true and faithful in all the confiicts
which have arisen since 1(370, in maintenance of the true princi-
ples of a free government, wei'e, in this final conflict of ideas,
with some few solitary exceptions, in the cases of men with minds
diseased, — an unit in defense of the glorious old flag, and the con-
stitution of our fathers. This is well to be said by tlie author,
who, from the first liour of the conflict, felt the great issues of the
hour in the marrow of his bones, and was sensitively jealous of
every exhibition of weakness, of faltering, or the slightest taint
of treachery, under any circumstances, to the flag of the free.
As soon as the news arrived in town, that the rebels had opened
fire upon Fort Sumter, and thus inaugurated a war against the
honor and integrity of the Union, a patriotic ardor and wild en-
1120 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKT.
thusiasni seized every heart. At the suggestion of leading citi-
zens, the town eoraraittees of" the Republican and Democratic par-
ties issued a joint call for a mass meeting of all citizens, irrespec-
tive of party, to take counsel in regard to the perils of the hour,
and the proper measures of defense to be taken in common with
the patriotic citizens throughout the land.
The following brief account of this meeting is taken from the
Litchfield Enquirer, printed at the time, and shows the unanimity
that prevailed among us.
" Union Meeting. — The crisis in our national affiiirs, caused j
the citizens of Woodbury to assemble en masse, on Tuesday eve- ■
ning, the 2.Sd instant. Hon. N. B. Smith was called to preside^
assisted by C. H. Webb, M. D., C. W. Kirtland, Lewis Judd'
Henry Minor, William Cothren, James Huntington, Nathaniel
Smith and G. H. Peck, Esquires. Vice-Presidents; R. J. Allen and |
G. P. Allen, Esquires, were appointed Secretaries. |
" A committee, consisting of Wm. Cothren, James Himtington ]
and C. H. Webb, was appointed to prepare resolutions for the
consideration of the meeting, and, during their absence, A. N.
Lewis, Esq., sung " The Star Spangled Banner," with thrilling ef- |
feet; and Nathaniel Smith, Esq., with his usual eloquence — in a
stirring speech — caused the cord of patriotism to vibrate with un-
wonted vigor. The Committee on Resolutions reported the fol- ■
lowing : — 1
"■ JResolved, That this meeting, assembled irrespective of party
affiliations, under a deep sense of our duties as citizens of a common
country, do hereby declare that we have a deep and abiding trust
in the jirinciples of our fathers, in the constitution and laws of the
United States, and the benign influence of our institutions.
" Besolved. That the present is not the time f<>r political discus-
sion or abstractions ; for our country is in danger, to perpet-
uate and sustain it is the duty of every good citizen ; and to up-
hold and support the President in his patriotic endeavors, no man,
who is not an alien to all that makes our government dear to us,
will hesitate to pledge his life, his fortune, and his sacred honor in
this our greatest peril.
'■' JResolved, That, as we have prospered under the old flag of
the Union, ive cannot and will not desert it now, but that we are
ready, if need be, to lay down our Ywes in its defence.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1121
"These Resolutions, after a full and truly patriotic discussion,
iu which Messrs. W. T. Bacon, Jas. Huntington, Wm. Cotlircn,
A. N. Lewis, C. H. Webb and Lewis Judd, paiticipated, were —
with the enthusiasm which now marks New England — unani-
mously adopted.
" Wm. Cothren, Jas, Huntington, Charles S. Dayton, Sidney
Hurd and William C. Beecher, were chosen a committee to solicit
volunteers for the defence of our National Flag.
"G. P. Allen, Nathaniel Smith and R. I. Tolles were designated
a committee to solicit aid for the families of the volunteers. A sub-
scription paper was immediately circulated, but when our repoiuer
saw it, only two names appeared on it, namely, Wm Co;liren and
Daniel Curtiss, each having subscribed $500. Mr. Cothren, in ad-
dition to his subscription, pledged the nett income of his business
during the war. '
" The volunteers were organized on Saturday, the 2'7th inst.,
and the following officers were appointed : —
" Captain^ — Josiah G. Beckwith, Jr.
'•^'ist Lieut^ — Wilson Bryant.
" 2cl Lieut.,— Gao. E. Harris.
" Orderly Sergeant, -Heni'y M. Dutton.
" Sergeants, — DeGrasse Fowler, Wm. H, McKay, Chas. N, New-
ton, Richard Spring.
" Corporals, — Burton Downs, Calvin A. Hubbard, Albert Win-
ton, Geo. A, Chatfield.
"Tlie name taken by the Company is the ' Woodbury Rifle Co.' "
Before this meeting closed, thirty-two young men had volun-
teered for the defence of the country. Woodbury was in advance
of the neighboring towns in its patriotic outburst, and men in
the latter, impatient to obey, with alacrity, the call of duty,
came in from all quarters, to join our brave volunteers.
The subscription paper, alluded to in the foregoing report, was
as follows, being drawn amid the excitemevit and noise of a crowd-
ed public meeting. It shows the forethought, as well as the pat-
riotism of the citizens: —
" We, the subscribers, agree to pay the sums set against our
I'espective names, to Thomas Bull, Esq., from time to time, as they
shall be called for, for the purpose of fitting out one hundred sol-
diers fioni this town, for the LTnited States' service ; and more par-
' This promise was carried out to the letter.
^ 1122 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUEY.
ticularly, for the purpose of supporting the families of the soldiers
who shall enlist, during their absence in the service of the United
States. If one hundred soldiers volunteer, then we are to pay the
whole of the following sums:— if a smaller number, then we are
to pay pro rata, according to the number who shall enlist.
Woodbury, April 23, 1861.
NAMES.
William Cothren, .... $50000
Daniel Curtiss, ..... 500,00
— and a multitude of others.
Within a few days, by the judicious efforts of the enlistment
committee, a company was gathered to go to the succor of imper-
illed Washington. But such was the ardent uprising in the
State, that the three Regiments called for by the Governor, were
much more than filled before notice of our patriotic contribution
was received. These three regiments were enlisted, as was our
company, for three months. Immediately, there was a call for
men to enlist for three years, or during the war, and our noble
company, which had enlisted only for the former term, with undi-
minished ardor, signed enlistment papers for three years. They
were to join Colt's Revolving Rifle Regiment, but as that organ-
ization was afterwards given up, they finally became Co. E. of the
5th Regiment Conn. Vols., under Col. O. S. Ferry. This change
gave the volunteers time to drill here for a time, instead of
marching at once, without drill, or experience. They drilled here
several weeks, and became quite proficient for raw recruits, and
finally were ordered to Hartford.
Daring these hurried days, it wais gratifying to see with what
zeal all the inhabitants entered into the spirit of preparation, and
hastened on the glorious volunteers. Contributions, in various
sums, came in from all sides; alike, from the humblest and from
the highest. All, priest and people, entered into the great work.
As an example, the Committee, while urging on their work of re-
cruiting and collecting supplies for the soldiers and their families,
(there were no bounties, then, family, or other bounty,) received
the following letter from Rev. Charles E. Robinson, D. D., now
pastor of a church in Troy, N. Y. : —
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1123
" Hon. William Cothren, Dr. C. H. Webb, and others of the Com.
mittee for recruiting in the town of Woodbury : —
Gent: — Enclosed you will find |30, which I desire you to use
for the best interests of our volunteers^ with the most earnest
prayers, and sincere, good wishes of their friend, and yours, —
Charles E. IIobinson."
During the five weeks succeeding the patriotic meeting referred
to, the volunteers were busy drilling, the Committee in recruiting,
and the citizens, particularly the ladies, in soliciting contributions
of every thing useful for the soldiers, who were to go in haste to
the front. Havelocks for the head, needle-books, towels, clothes,
shoes, and red-flannel shirts, were prepared and distributed to the
brave boys, who exhibited in turn a grateful recognition of their
zeal and kindness. At length, the company was called to go to
Hartford, to join Colt's Regiment, as they supposed. On Satur-
day, the 18th day of May, the company, which had, from the color
of the flannel the ladies had given them, gained the sobriquet of
the " Woodbury Reds," but who called themselves the Woodbury
Valley Rifle Company, "fell in," and after marching through the
principal streets of the village, partook of refreshments in the
grounds of the writer, where a large portion of the inhabitants
of the town had assembled, to cheer them, on their departure for
the unknown results of their patriotic .venture. They were es"
corted, by some of the leading citizens, to Hartford, preceded by
the Woodbury Drum Corps. The streets were crowded with cit-
izens, who made themselves hoarse with enthusiastic cheering.
Flngs floated everywhere, while every window was crowded with
patriotic ladies, waving handkerchiefs, and in every way manifest-
ing their respect and approval of the departing braves. At Water-
town, the reception was no less enthusiastic, and as to the recep-
tion in Waterbury, the following is taken from the American of
that date : —
"The Woodbury Troops. — The Woodbury Valley Company
C. in Colt's Revolving Rifle Regiment, left Woodbury for Hart-
ford on Saturday last, accompanied by some of the principal citi-
zens of that place. At Waterbury, the Co. was received by Mayor
Bradley, and was escorted by the Union Spear Co. and a large
body of citizens, to Brown's Hotel, where refreshments were serv-
ed. The Co. was then escorted to the depot, where eloquent and
1124 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
pitriotic addresses were made by Mayor Bradley, H. B. Graves,
S. W. Kellogg, and Win. Colhren, Esqrs., and by Dr. J. G. Beck-
with, of Litchfield, who furnishes two sous for the Company, one
of whom is the Captain.
"The Company arrived at Hartford about 5^ o'clock P. M.. and
after marching through the principal streets, went to their quar-
ters in Colt's sleambo it depot, a commodious and excellent place.
The Company was highly complimented by the citizens and sol-
diers in Hartford, and were pronounced to be one of the finest
companies that had yet arrived, in drill, appearance, and good be-
havior. They will give a good account of themselves.
"Previous to their departure for Hartford they passed the fol-
lowing resolutions : —
'•'•Resolved^ That our best thanks are due to, and are hereby ten-
dered to the ladies of Woodbury for their indefatigable labors in
fitting out our soldiers for the service of the United States in Col.
Colt's Revolving Rifle Regiment.
'■^ liesolved, That onr thanks are hereby tendered to those of
Woodbury who have aided in fitting us out for said service, and
we are determined to do them honor under the flag of our
country.
" Resolved, That we are under especial obligations to William
Cothren, Esq, who has been untiring in his efforts to promote our
welfare, and has shown himself to be an honest man, a most libe-
ral friend, and a patriot in the highest sense."
The gathering, subsisting during the weeks of drill, and fitting
out of this first com]iany furnished by the town, though there
were no bounties in this early stage of the war, cost not less than
a thousand dollars. It is only by considering these ever-accruing
small items of expenditure of the war, in every town and hamlet
in the entire North, that we ai-e able at last to grasp an idea of
the vast total that the late rebellion cost our government and
people.
This " first offering " of our old town, as they marched away
from their homes in our beautiful borders, officers and men, were
as follows : —
Captain, — Josiah G. Beck with, Jr.
\xt iiew.^.,y- Wilson Wyant.
Id Lieut., — George E Harris.
Orderly Sergeant, — Henry M. Dutton.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1125
Sergeants, — DeGrasse Fowler, William H. McKay, Richard H.
Spring, and Charles N, Newton.
Corporals, — Burton Downs, Calvin A. Hubbard, Albert Win-
ton and George A. Chatfield.
Privates.
Philip H. Wells, Joseph Marshal!,
Wm. II. Cone, James L. Warner,
John Ledger, Frank Martin,
Purnet Bronson, Franklin Newton,
Gardner Stockman, George S. Beck with,
Seth M. Reynolds, Wilhelmo Sommers,
George McCan, Philo A. Hamlin,
DeWitt C. Curtiss, Arnold Haymaker,
Dodge, Andrew Budge,
John M. Quinn, Ransom P. Tomlinson,
Trueworthy IMunger, William Barton,
Robertson, Edward Knickerbocker,
Edward A. Root, Joel F. Sellick,
Wm. C. Barry, Myron G. Bishop,
Edwin D. Bishop, Wm. Kensilor,
Henry Booth, Charles A. Squire,
John Gordon, Richard Condon,
Hugh S. Gosley, Charles Gosley.
Henry M. Dawson,
After the arrival of the Company at Hartford, it was recruited
to the full standard, and Col. Colt's organization having been given
up, it joined the 5th Regiment, under Col. Ferry, and was after-
wards known as Co. E. of that organization. As such it partici-
pated in all tlie arduous campaigns in which that Regiment was
engaged, crowning its glorious record by participating in Gen.
Sherman's grand march to the sea!
Subsequently to the disastrous battle of Bull Run, and others in
the spriiig of 1861, there was a lull, and an apparent unwilling-
ness on both sides of the fight to risk more than was necessary in
actual conflict, while they both were leisurely engaged in collec-
ting, arming and drilling their numerous legions. Col. Ferry was
ordered, with his Regiment, in July, to guard the Upper Poto-
mac in Maryland. This was a dry, distasteful, dull duty, quite
ditferent fi'om the stirring scenes which the soldiers expected,
when they " left for the front." When the "Woodbury Reds"
left Woodbury, it was still judged injudicious to march our
1126 ' HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
troops through Baltimore, but tliey were sent round by An-
napolis. Not yet had Gen. Butler taken possession of that rebell-
ious city, which had massacred some soldiers of the glorious Mas-
sachusetts sixth, as it was hastening to the rescue of the capitol
of the Nation. The writer will ever have a vivid remembrance
of that foul deed, as a near relative was among those who shed
this first blood to preserve the integrity of the Union. Wood-
bury, too, has an abiding interest in this first glorious act of Gen.
Butler, in silencing the traitorous city, and opening the way to
Washington for the passage of the loyal troops of the North to
the capital of their country ; for he is of Woodbury origin. His
grandfather, Capt. Zephaniah Butler, who fought under Wolflfat
Quebec, was a native of Woodbury.
At the Waterbury ovation to our Woodbury Boys, on their
way to join their Regiment at Hartford, frequent allusion was
made by the speakers to their "marching through Baltimore,"
and at every such mention, the air rung with their cheers, and
with the stern avowal, that they would " march through Balti-
more," and they did, — thanks to the Avise and vigorous action of
Gen. Butler. Being assigned to patrol duty, it was not much to
their liking, and they pined for more active duty. In their rough,
soldier way of expressing it, they were "spoiling for a fight," and
the squelching of the rebellion. Their letters from camp at this
time, to friends at home, were full of this complaint about their
enforced inactivity. A few extracts fiom letters received by the
author at this time, will show this more fully. They will also
show how the soldiers felt in regard to that small number of per-
sons, who somewhat faintl} clamored for peace. It is these out-
pourings of the heart, written on the spot, and with all the feel-
ings of the supreme hour, that give us the clearest pictures of the
soldier-hearts, that were in the great contest.
The first letter is from Capt. Robert G. Williams, of Co. G., 4th
Conn. Vols, afterwards the 1st Conri. Heavy Artillery. He was
the last pastor of the 1st Congregational Church in Woodbury,
and the people had a great interest in his movements, when it was
known that an irresihtible, conscientious impulse compelled him to
enlist in the armies of the Union.
" Camp Abercrombie, )
Hagebstown, Md., July 31st, 1861. )
"William Cothren, Esq — My Dear Friend, — Yours of the
6th of July was received by due course of mail. I was very soon
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 112V
detailed, with a portion of my Company, to do escort duty for a
train of baggage wagons to Martin-^burg, which occupied two
days. The next day after my return I was taken sick, and re-
mained so for two weeks, and have not yet fully recovered.
"On the 4th of July, the left wing of the Regiment was ordered
to Williamsport, to protect stores and provisions there, the Divis-
ion under Gen. Patterson having been ordered forward. The day
was very hot, we marched slowly for us, and only reached Camp
at dark. We bivouaced. T ate my supper just at 12 P. M. At
2 A. M., an alarm raised us all, but it was only an alarm. In the
morning we moved Camp and remained there more than a fort-
night, expecting to move every day. We had orders to hold our-
selves in readiness to march at a moment's notice. Detachments
of our Companies were continually sent over to Virginia, and
made several captures from the rebels, of various value. One
party wont ten miles and back, during the darkness of one night,
and took a rebel Captain (Mr. Geary) whom they found hid be-
tween two feather beds.
" On Saturday last, I was ordered to report, with my whole
Company, at this place in the A. M. — We left the camp at Wil-
liamsport at 5 A. M., and reached this place at 6-20 A, M., a dist-
ance of six miles. I was obliged to ride, and the Company came
on under the 1st Lieut., who remained in the rear, and allowed
the men to come as they pleased. I overtook the Company just
as it reached here. We are highly complimented for cur march
it being really before breakfast.
" I advised the men to stop at a spring about half way, and eat
the breakfast they brought with them. They had their knap-
saks, haversacks, canteens and arms. I am happy to report, that
Company G. is at the head of the Regiment for discipline and
drill. Some of the rest do not like it very well, but such was my
aim and purpose.
"I am writing now in front o^ my tent, and also witnessing
their gymnastics. They are forming a pyramid, five men at the
base, four in the next tier, three in the next, and one or two in the
next. With the tiers they easily march around the street. Often,
one take.^ another on his shoulders and marches all around the
Camp. Many of them turn somersets, handsprings, &c , and with
the musket are equally ready.
" Our Regiment is doing nothing but guard duty, which is not
so actively military as we had hoped, but we have obtained a good
1128 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
reputation among the people of Ilagerstown and Willianispovt,
who have sent a petition to Head Quarters, asking that we be de-
tailed to remain at these two places in preference to any other
Regiment. Some of the Pennsylvania and Maryland Regiments
have behaved rudely, and even cruelly to the inhabitants.
"Two of my Company have been discharged. I wish you to
say to Perry Lake and Walter Wliitcock, that I have places for
them. I wish they would wi'itc to me.
Very truly yours,
R G. Williams."
" Camp Wooster,
Hancock, Maryland, Aug. 13, I861-
Dear Cothren :
I have just received your welcome letter. I sincerely thank
you for your interest in oui- " Woodbury Boys," and in return will
write you as often as I have an opportunity. There is but little
news here at present. We expect marching orders every day.
Our boys are all eager for fight, but I do not think we shall have
much of it to do at present. I thiidv we shall be called to Point
of Rocks, about eight miles northeast of this place, soon. The
rebels are trying to cross the river at that ])lace, but we do not in-
tend to let them do it. Leave tliat to the Connfcticut boys.
Never fear but I shall do my duty. I shall never flinch in the
hour of battle. Never will I cease to fight against the traitors,
that would destroy our beloved Union, and that Constitutional
liberty which Washington and our forefathers fought and bled for.
I do not wish to return home till truth and justice triumph over
cruelty and oppression, and not till the name of every lead-
ing traitor shall be blotted from every page of decent history, to
be enrolled on the roll of iufmiy.
'■ Yesterday, six of us went out on a scouting expedition, and we
captured an old man and his son— both rebels. The son has for
the past two weeks been acting as a spy.
"I read your letter to the " boys" in my tent, and at its close
they gave three cheers for " old Woodbury " and three more for
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY 1129
you. You see we do not forget old friends. The "boys" often
speak of you, I wish you were here with us.
"We hear there are some secess;ionists and "peace men" in
Connecticut. We cannot understand this. How there can be
traitors in our good old State we cannot conceive. It strikes with
a deadening force our brave and enthusiastic soldiers. They
ought to have our experience with the rebels for a little while.
Notliing can so much injure the success of our army as to have
the impression prevail among the men that their toils and dangers
are ill-appreciated at home, or that there is any considerable party
there which would glory in our defeat.
''Jack Ledger and James Warner are both with our Company,
and are doing well. Capt. Wyant is well and thanks you for the
interest you take in his men. Military life suits me exactly. Our
men are improving in drill every day. I will inform you of all
our movements.
Youi's ever for the Union,
William H, McKay."
"Hagarstown. Maryland,
Aug. 16th, 1861.
Dear Friend: — I thank you for your very excellent letter,
which came to hand evening before last. It was filled with more
news tiian any I have had since I left Connecticut, and contained
what I wanted to know — the common incidents of Woodbury
life. It brought up the pt ople before me as in review, and their
familiar faces passed before me with all the distinctness of former
years. With the names came also old recollections ; scenes, as
you say, very different from my present surroundings. But &uch
is life! change is written on the whole of it. I have for years
feared civil war would overtake this country, but did not expect
it so soon. I supposed my course would surprise my fi-iends, es-
pecially as few of them knew the steps by which I was led to take
it. My blood almost boUed when reading the accounts of South-
ern treason, and 1 felt a growing desire to do something myself
to punish it. It was very easy to read and cry — " Wliy do not
they rise and put it down ? " — I could not satisfactorily answer the
1130 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
question — "Why do not I join the rising hosts?" Passing
through New Haven, to and from Berlin, where I supplied the
pulpit six Sabbaths, and seeing the troops there marshalling to
defend the best government the world has known, and finding
among them many old friends and companions-in-arms, of my early
days, I could no longer restrain myself. I supposed all that I
could do would be to go as Chaplain, and made application accord-
ingly. But no Chaplains were to be appointed, at least then. And
when the students from Middletown came to me and said they
wanted me to go with them as Captain, and chose me partly be-
cause I was a Minister, and when for weeks every former and re-
cent acquaintance (besides my wife and children) said I ought to
go, I could not refuse. And so here I am. I have thrown myself
into the service of my country. If my life is the price of her sal-
vation, I freely offer it. It is too good a country, too good a gov-
ernment, to be allowed to be overthrown without the must despe-
rate efforts to maintain it.
All the troops of our regiment leave for Frederick, Md., this
P. M. You will, therefore, please direct to that place. We have
made a long stay here, and the people are very unwilling that we
should go. They say the place has .not been so quiet and orderly
for fifteen years, as since we have been here, and they have twice
sent in petitions to have us remain, but we obey orders and leave.
" I should like to close this as Paul does some of his epistles, es-
pecially to the Romans, requesting yon to salute all my friends
by name, but I have not time. Please give ray kindest regards
to all my friends and all the patriots of Woodbury. I give you a
special commission to do this to our very kind friends, Mrs. Whit-
lock and family. I expect Walter to come on and join my Com-
pany soon. — I would like to have two or three more from Wood-
bury— true men and faithful — come into my Company, as I have
a few vacancies.
" Last, but not least, I send my best regards to your good wife,
and again to all, and remain.
Yours most truly,
R. G. Williams."
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 1131
'* Sandy Hook, Maryland, [
Aug. 16th, 1861. i
" Dear Friend , — I received your letter in due course. The
war news here is favorable for our side. We have gained a sub-
stantial victory in Missouri, though we have had the misfortune
to lose General Lyon. Old Connecticut may be proud of the
early distinguished martyrs she has furnished in this war. Ells-
worth, Ward, Farnham and Lyon, constitute a company of distin-
guished names not to be excelled by those of any State, who have
in this war yielded up life for the principles of freedom.
" Since I wrote you, I have been out scouting, with some men
from our Company, and we were quite successful. We wished to
capture a spy living three miles over the mountain. We went
well armed with our rifles. I had also a revolver which our Cap-
tain lent me. This, with our sabres, made us hard fellows to fight
against. We had arrived within half a mile of the place when
we met an elderly man. We questioned him closely, and as his
answers did not prove to be satisfactory, we tied his hands and
took him along with us. We had proceeded but a short distance,
when we discovered the trail of a horse. We followed it, and
soon found both horse and rider. I ordered him to "halt," or I
would shoot him. Thi^ had the desired effect; he evidently did
not like our looks. We found him to be the old man's son, and
the spy we were after. After looking around for others, we start-
ed for camp with our prisoners, proud of capturing two armed
men. We delivered them over to our oflicers, and they will be
tried as traitors on the 16th inst. So, you see, we are making a
small beginning in executing the duties we came here to perform.
Yours truly,
• Wm. H. McKay.
" Harper's Ferry, Aug. 24, 1861.
" Dear Friend : — We arrived safely at Harper's Ferry after
many delays. We could not go by the direct rouie, because the
rebels had destroyed all the bridges. We went from New York
to Elizabethport, and thence to Baltimore. At Baltimore we were
19
1132 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
received very cordially. A large number of the citizens of both
sexes congregated at the Depot, and about the cars, and greeted
us with cheers, assuring us that their sympathies were enlisted in
our behalf. I received many little tokens from the ladies of Bal-
timore— some of which I mean to send you.
"All we at present have to do, is to go on picket duty, and on
guard. I think we shall go out scouting in a few days. We have
already taken four of the enemy. All that we have seen have
proved to be very cowardly. The reports about the battle of Bull
Run arQ very much exaggerated. I have seen quite a number of
men that were in the battle, and our loss was comparatively small
to that of the rebels. As to our position here, we are so strongly
fortified, that it would be impossible for the whole Southern force
to take us. There are thirty Regiments encamped within one
mile of us — in fact, all of our best troops, under Gen. Banks, are
here. Regiments are coming in daily. We are in possession of
all the batteries this side of the river as far as you can see. Four
of them I can see as I write, I have, this morning, a fine view of
Maryland Heights, where one of our strongest batteries is located.
These batteries are so located, that they can sweep the river as far
as one can see. The woods are full of game of all kinds. We
have plenty of good spring water here close by our camp-ground.
We have a plenty of tents, but I prefer, in this hot climate,
sleeping on the ground, my rubber blanket under me, and
my woolen one over me, with my knapsack for a pillow.
"There is no chance for a fight, and I think it is the intention
of General Scott to concentrate as large a force as possible, and
wait until cooler weather before he gives the rebels battle. If he
should do this, you may expect me home in the spring.
Yours truly,
William H. McKay."
"Frederick, Md., Sept., 1861.
"Dear Friend Cothren: — Your favor of the 30th ult. came
to hand yesterday. I will write a letter soon for the public, giving
my views of " peace '' meetings. It will make war for our people
at home to cry iox peace till treason is punished and rebellion sub,
dued. I came to save our country from a Cataline conspiracy,
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1133
whicli aimed to destroy our liberties, and the best government the
world has ever known. And now, for timid do-nothings and dol-
lar-lovers to crouch around the kitchen corners and cry — " Don't !
— let them alone ; war will ruin us ; better give up," will make
the war closer home, for I cannot see how a true patriot can allow
the country any other basis than that upon which our fathers
planted it. And I hope there are patriots enough left to fight all
traitors, even if near neighbors and own relations. If the wiping-
out process must begin in New England, so be it. If this gov-
ernment is overthrown, the light of the world is extinguished, and
human liberty is put back into the dark ages. Self-government
will be proven impossible, might Avill make right, and the weaker
everywhere must serve the stronger.
" I should like to hear some of those " peace meeting " speeches,
and I should like to have the privilege of answering them. The
makers and approvers ought to be consigned at once to the posi-
tion and service of the slaves whose chains they would forever
rivet, and whose bondage they are perpetuating, as well as extend-
ing the area of slavery.
"These States can never be occupied by two governments.
One or many will be the governments of this country. If niany^
how long will peace exist between them? With custom-houses
and police at every State boundary, traveling will be delightful,
and commerce, now the life-blood of nations, will gradually dry
up, and the petty Republics of the United States will be in one
constant ague of fear of the power of all their neighbors.
" What do these *' j^eace men" propose? Submission to Jeff.
Davis? Let them go and wear his collar a little where he now
rules. He has driven off a sister of mine and her husband from
the home where they have always lived, and from the chui'ch and
congragation to which he has preacliedfor txoenty years ?^\\^ more,
because he loves the government Jeff. Davis once and again swore
to sustain.
*' Will they divide the country with him ? Show me the farmer
who says yes, and I will go and squat on his farm, and if he ob-
jects, I will cry — " All I want is to be let alone," and if he wants
peace I will divide his farm with him, and be very peaceful till I
become strong enough to take the whole.
'"Perhaps you have thought me too phletmatic to become much
excited, but my blood fairly boils when I think of this rebellion,
and the ends sought by its authors, and I cannot think o'l peace
1134 HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O D B U R T .
till they who have disturbed our peace are so punished that they,
nor any one else, will attempt to do it again while the earth re-
volves.
Truly yours,
R. G. Williams."
" Camp Sherman, Frederick, Md.,
Auff. 29, 1861.
" Dear Cothren : — I will improve the few moments I have to
spare in giving you a little history of what we are doing at pres-
ent. How long we shall remain here I cannot tell. The whole of
Gen. Banks' Division has removed from Harper's Ferry, and at
present we are but a few miles from Frederick city, near a little
village called Hyatville. — Why we have removed here I cannot
tell, unless the locality is better for sending the troops to any place
where they may be wanted, at the shortest possible notice. We
can send men to Washington or Harper's Ferry in a few hours.
We are thirty miles from Washington ; twenty eight from Balti-
more ; and thirty-one from Harper's Ferry. So you see our posi-
tion is a good one. There must be as many as 40,000 men here
under Banks, and we are so concealed by being encamped in the
woods, that the enemy, or a stranger, would not suppose we had
more than three or four regiments. We are encamped about sixty
rods from the main road to Washington, and at the least alarm,
could call together a sufficient force to destroy any force the reb-
els could send against us.
*' I see by some of the northern newspapers, that there are men
who talk about a compromise with the South. Such a comprom-
ise 1 sincerely hope the North will never make, till the rebels lay
down their arms and cry for " peace " themselves. They neither
offer or desire any peace, I say for one — "no coniprom,ise with
traitors ! '''' I know it may cost the lives of many, but it is far
better to sacrifice the lives of thousands of our men, and crush
rebellion at once and forever, than to compromise with traitors,
who, as soon as they could regain their strength, would renew
their attempt more successfully than ever to destroy our beloved
Union. I see some think this war will be a long one, but I do not.
The government is prepared indeed for a long struggle, but what
is to be done will be done speedily. The little reverses we have
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1135
received at the commencement of the war have been a good lesson
to us, for they have caused a reorganization of the whole Northern
army on diiferent principles. Johnson with his army is in a des-
perate condition. He is nearly surrounded by McClellan on one
side and Banks on the other, ready to follow up any advantage
that may be found. We feel sure of him. We may have march-
ing orders at any moment. — The health of our Regiment is good.
— only seven in the hospital. Tell our friends we will do our best
for the honor of " Old Woodbury."
Truly yours,
R. G. Williams.
"Camp Muddy Branch, )
Oct. 28th, 1861. \
"Dear Cothren; — I received yours this morning. Our regi-
ment returned here last night, after a hard day's march. Gen.
Bank's division was ordered to Edward's Ferry, where some of
the Union troops were engaged with the enemy. We immedi-
ately struck our tents and commenced our march. On arriving at
the scene of action, we learned that the 15th and 21st Massachu-
setts Regiments, under Col. Baker, had crossed the river and at-
tacked the rebels. Before the arrival of our troops the rebels re-
treated back towards Leesburgh, which is considered one of their
strongholds. Our troops re-crossed the river and pitched their
tents along the banks, and erected our batteries. I suppose this
was done in order to have the rebels advance upon us. Gen. Mc-
Clellan was here and had an interview with Gen. Banks. We re-
mained here the whole of the next day and night, and on the
next morning were ordered to march to our present camping
ground. Gen. Williams is here, the commander of our brigade.
What the object of our leaders is I do not know, but I think the
fight at Edward's Ferry, and the large force we had occupying the
position they did, was a ruse to mislead the rebels and have them
withdraw their forces from some other position to defend this.
It is evident they expected a hard fight, for they brought in their
reinforements all night on the cars. It is reported here that we
have gained a victory at Springfield. Whether this is so or not I
do not know, but it is evident that some general movement is to
1136 HISTORY OF AKCIBNT WOODBURY,
be made soon. Gen. McClellan has so arranged his plans that the
Generals under him can act in concert with him. To-day our com-
pany are out on picket duty. We are placed along the lines of
the Potomac for miles, and are within hailing distance of each
other. We shall return to our camp to-morrow, when we are in
hopes that we shall soon he called to join the whole Northern force
in one glorious struggle for the Union.
" When I was in Connecticut, I heard many say that when they
were needed they would enlist (to all such I say come, we want
you). If they could be with us and see the bodies of their dead
comrades, and see how terribly their bodies were mutilated by
Southern rebel cowai-ds, it would fan the little spark of patriot-
ism within their breasts into a flame, and they would come out
nobly and boldly unite with us in putting down one of the most
accursed of rebellions the world has ever known. As we daily
see more and more of the rebels, and witness their bitter hatred
towards us, and their barbarous mode of warfare, which they
manifest in thrusting the bayonet into the bodies of our wounded
and dead, that fall into their hands, it destroys the feeling of sym-
pathy that we have always shown, even to an enemy. I sincerely
wish that every Northern man capable of bearing arms would
unite, heart and hand, with us in putting this rebellion down, and
restoring our beloved country to its former happy and prosperous
condition.
*' The Woodbury Valley Rifle Company all send their regards to
you and to our other friends.
From your friend,
William H. McKay."
"Camp Lyon, Bank's Division, Sept, 1861.
" Friend CoTHREN : — I have just received your letter. We
left Frederick, Md., on Saturday last, at short notice, at daylight,
knowing only that we were going towards Washington. We
marched about thirteen miles over a rough Maryland road, and
halted in an open lot at the foot of "Sugar Loaf Mountain," on
which Gen Bauks has his observatory. We arrived here about
dark, built some fires, and as we had no flag in sight, we were
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1137
taken for a rebel Regiment. I was on gnard that night, as I al-
ways happen to be when we are on a march. Signals were sent
np for two or three hours, when, I believe, General Banks recol-
lected there was a Fourth Connecticut Regiment coming down to
join his Division, which saved us from an attack from our friends.
On Sunday we marched thirteen miles more, over the roughest
and poorest land in Maryland. We continued our march next
day, and here we are now, nineteen miles from Washington. I
think we are on the eve of a great battle. For two days past,
there has been a constant stream of army wagons passing towards
Washington, with provisions, clothing, &c. 1 am told 1,700 teams
have passed in two days.
" We have become well drilled, and are still drilling five hours
per day. We think ourselves fully equal to any Regiment in
these regions. A beautiful flag has been presented to our Regi.
ment by Connecticut citizens of California, as being the first Con-
necticut Regiment for three years in the war. I have a good deal
of interest in this flag, as our Company is the flag Company of
the Regiment. We shall, therefore, probably have a chance, par-
ticularly, to defend this flag, and no rebel band will ever take it,
as long as one man in our Company is left to defend it.
" I should like to be in old Woodbury for half a day, but do
not know as I shall ever see the town again, though I hear that
General Banks thinks it will be but a short war. We are one mile
from the Potomac. Johnson's army is on the other side of the
river, a little below. We can see a plenty of the rebel Cavalry,
and Avill have a brush with them if they cross the river. Let them
come, if they think they have any business here — they will have
a warm reception. Write often. It relieves the tedium of camp
life to hear from friends.
Yours very truly,
William H. Proctor,"
"Camp Near Darnestown, Oct. 1861.
Dear American. — I have been waiting for some new move-
ment in our Brigade, or I should have written you before. There
has been no new movement yet, though the various regiments
have been concentrating near each other. The object of Gen-
1138 HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O D B U E T .
Banks is to have the men under him in the right place at the right
time. The great trouble with most of our leaders has been, their
men have been so scattered they could not be brought as reinforce-
ments in time to be of any use. Our loss at the battle of Lex-
ington does not discourage us. It is thought by all of us soldiers
that Gen. Fremont will retrieve the loss, by re-taking all we have
surrendered to the enemy. I sincerely hope it will prove in the
end to our advantage.
" All the men place great confidence in Gen. Banks. The strict
discipline which he enforces in his Brigade only increases our con-
fidence in him as an able leader. I think this month will make a
great change in the aifairs of our government. We are thorough-
ly prepared for battle, and ready to strike a blow at any moment.
I think the people of good old Connecticut will soon hear news
that will rejoice their hearts. I see that Connecticut is doing no-
bly in raising troops for this war. Let all those who wish to take
a part in the defence of our country, enlist immediately, and unite
with us, who have preceded them in this most righteous contest.
To the patriotic citizens of Woodbury, who have sent their sons,
and used their money and influence for this war, to our friend,
Mr. Cothren, the father of our Company, we send our sincere
thanks, and hope in the day of battle to prove ourselves worthy
of their kindness.
Yours, ever,
Wm. H. McKay."
" Camp Ellswoth, Md., Sept. 14th, 1861,
" Friend Cothren : — I have to plead guilty for not writing
you, our best friend, before this time. You will have to pass sen-
tence upon me for the utmost the law will allow, as I have no ex.
cuse except the exigencies of the service in defence of our com-
mon country.
Almost all the men of Company E are well — there are a few
cases of measles. The Woodbury Company has made great im-
provement in drill since it left Hartford. It cannot be beat by
any Company in the 5th Regiment. The whole Regiment is ready
for a fight, or for any duty. They hold themselves ready to march
at a moment's notice, night or day. We will, in any event give
HISTORY OF ANCI E NT WO ODBUR Y 1139
a good account of ourselves. We should be glad to have you
give us a call at camp at any time. You would receive a warm
reception from your Woodbury Company. — We have had several
false alarms. I think that the great battle will be fought at the
Chain Bridge, and if so, you will hear a good account from Coth-
ren's Woodbury Rifles.
Very truly yours, ^
Wilson Wyant, Captain Co. E.,
Fifth Regiment, C. V."
"Camp Ellsworth, Md., Sept. 16, 1867.
" Dear Cothren : — I have received some papers from you to-
day, and by them I see that old Connecticut is not thoroughly
purged from traitors yet, but the promptness with which all such
sentiments are put down, shows that the people of Connecticut
are true in their love for the Union. I can not but compare re-
bellion at the North with that of the South. Rebellion at the
North and South should be placed on a par. The strength and
baseness of the one equals that of the other. — Every day we see
the weakness of the South in her struggle with the North. Every
day the South diminishes in strength in the same ratio that the
North gains. Rebellion has been at its height — its end is near.
The war news at present is not very exciting. In my last I told
you we were expecting a battle every minute. We were told
that the rebels, in considerable force, were making an attempt to
cross the Potomac. The captains of each Company immediately
gave their men 70 rounds of ammunition, and in a short time we
were ready for battle. We soon found the report untrue, and all
the men were disappointed in not having a chance at the rebels.
We expect marching orders every day. I will write you as soon
as we make another move, which we hope will be soon. Tell all
the " Woodbury Boys " to hurry up, if they expect to take part
in this struggle.
Yours very truly,
William H. McKay."
'B&'
1140 history of ancient woodbury.
"United States Ship Savannah,
Newport News, Virginia.
Dear Friend: — I thought you might like to hear from the
seat of war on the water, I have addressed several letters to my
friends, but have received no reply. I am now hard at work pre-
paring mess for eleven men, but that is not half they require of
us. They wish us to do about six things at once; so I mast write
in a hurry. I even sleep so fast, that I have no time to dream.
"When we are at sea, the sleeping is done with our eyes open, ac-
companied with pulling ropes at all hours of the day and night, in
all kinds of weather. In the forenoon, at 10 A. M., our officer
drills us, and you had better understand he drills us, too. After
that we drill at the big guns. This ship carries twenty-five large
guns, and two small Dahlgren guns. We have often been as far
as Cape Hatteras, on the North Carolina shore, chasing Privateers,
but, so far, they have proved too fast for us. We stopped a
schooner on Sunday night, which claimed to be from Ireland.
Our Captain let it pass, but a few days after, one of our Steam
Frigates overhauled the same craft, and she proved to be a Pri-
vateer, valued at $98,000, — too had for us to lose her. We might
have had so valuable a prize if our officers had been a little
sharper.
I will now tell you about our first fight with a Rebel steamer.
She came down about midnight from Norfolk, and gave us a fair
challenge to fight by raising a red flag. She fired two shots at us
before we could get our guns to bear on her. I am 2d Captain of
the after pivot one inch gun. We put in a ten second shell, but
it fell short of her, bursting in the air. We then used fifteen
second shells, and those came near striking her. She was nearly
four miles distant from us. You Avill think this a great distance
to be fighting with an enemy, but great as it is, the Privateer
made the best shots. She had a rifled canon, and fired nineteen
shots, ten of which whistled through our mizzen rigging, directly
over our heads. One ball struck the mainmast about forty feet
from deck, cutting away the iron band and about one-third of the
mast. I tell you the boys began to look wild as the splinters flew
about their ears. At every shot we fell flat on our faces, and held
our breath as the balls struck on the other side of the ship. Ev-
ery moment we expected the balls to crash through the bulwarks,
and send us to the other world. One shell exploded under our
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1141
ship, and it made everything tremble. As soon as the men could
get the ship around broadside, we opened our port battery upon
them, throwing shot and shell in quick succession. The Union
troops on shore fired their rifled cannon, and it soon became so
hot that the rebels left. The next day a flag of truce came down
from Norfolk, sending a dispatch to our Captain, asking him how
he liked their shots, and saying, that they would take or 8i!)k all
the ships we could bring here, as they were coming down with
three steamers to take us to Norfolk in less than three days. Our
ships here are the Yorktown, Germantown and . We have
not seen their ships yet. We doubt very much whether they can
do that little job! Our Captain sent back word to them, that he
had the best men that had ever shipped on board ship. He said,
before they took the Savannah, there would not be enough left of
it to carry ofi".
" We hold ourselves ready for instant action, sleeping on our
arms ; our guns are sighted and primed, and ready for any ship that
approaches us. I shall ever try to do my duty in the great cause
in which I have enlisted, hoping to see you again when " war's
dread blast is over.
From your friend,
James H. Manville."
" Camp on the Potomac, near Muddy Branch, )
Sunday, Nov. iVth, 1861. )
"Friend Cothren; — Sunday in New England and Sunday in
Maryland ; in one the deep toned bells are calling its quiet, church-
going inhabitants to their accustomed places of worship ; rough
visages are clean shaved, dirty ones are washed, clean collars?
clothes-brushes, boot-blacking, &c., are in great demand. In the
other, rattling drums are furiously sounding the hour of inspec-
tion, knapsacks are being packed, ramrods are continually jingling
in burnished guns, careless fellows, who never know where their
accoutrements are, are rummaging around for haversacks, cart-
ridge-boxes, canteens, &c. Orderlies are loudly calling for their
respective Companies to " fall in ; " lazy ones, at the eleventh hour,
are hurriedly rubbing a rusty gun, or scouring a corroded belt-
plate ; regimental bands are roaring Yankee Doodle or Hail Co-
1142 HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O D B II K Y .
lumbia, the signal for guard mounting ; such is Sunday on the
Potomac. — Company A, returned from picket on the river late
last night. We slept none during our twenty-four hours' picket
duty, and consequently myself as well as the rest do not feel very
wide-awake to-day. But your letter of Nov. 11th is by me un-
answered. McKay is unable to write you, and it devolves upon
my dull comprehensiveness to keep you posted. There is not
much news outside of our own camp.
"The favorable accounts of our naval expedition spreads a
gleam of satisfaction on almost every countenance, and furnishes
a theme of conversation and speculations as to what will be done
next, to occupy our minds during leisure moments.
" Col. Ferry has returned to us safe and sound. He appeared
quite suddenly among us last Thursday afternoon. He came in
wrapped up in a large rubber overcoat, but despite his disguise he
was recognized, and cheer upon cheer rent the air, greeting him
with the warm welcome of soldiers who love and respect their
commander. But the enthusiasm with which he was received was
redoubled when it became known that he brought the paymaster
with him. And to crown all, in the wake of the paymaster fol-
lowed the sutler's wagon, returning from Washington, laden with
cakes, candies, oysters, and all the available good things he could
lay hands on in Washington.
" We received our two months' pay, 126.00, with an additional
belief in the unbounded i-esources of Uncle Sam's pocket. We
have got an eye open for Col. Irish, who promised to visit us in
November. He will find the 5th as eager to do business with him
as they ever were.
" But among all that is pleasant, I must also write the reverse.
Friend McKay is seriously ill. He has a severe attack of neural-
gia and rheumatism combined. He is now in Captain Wyant's
tent, where everything for his comfort is done. I see him three
or four times a day. To-day he is a little better. Should any
change for the worse take place, I will immediately write you.
" Hoping this will find you in as good health and spirits as my-
self, I remain,
Yours truly,
Gardiner Stockman."
history of ancient woodbury. 1143
" Camp Trumbull, Nov. 18, 1861.
"Friend Cothren; — Yours of the 12th came duly to hand
and I was glad to hear from you. The 6th Regiment boys are
making good progress in their drill. We expect that we shall go
into winter quarters in a few days at Rockville, Md. It is getting
rather cold here to stay in our tents much longer. Our Colonel
has recovered from his sickness and rejoined his Regiment. The
5th has received its two months pay, and our boys will send home
to their friends some eight thousand dollars, which speaks well
for the 5th Regiment. Your friend McKay is some better ; I took
him to my tent and am doing all I can for bira. My duty, or the
duty of the Regiment, is mostly picket guard duty on the Potomac
river. We guard some six miles of the river. I had the pleasure
of being a witness to some fighting or skirmishing on the Virginia
side of the river at Edward's Ferry. I think if the 5th Regiment
has a chance, it will give a good accout of itself. We should like
to see the light of your face down here. William sends you his
best respects. I don't think that the 5th Regiment can be beat
by any volunteers that have been in the field no longer than it has
been. Spring, Dawson, Raymaker, Root, and all the Cothren Ri-
fles are doing well except McKay, and he will soon get well. I
have a stove in my tent. So you see that McKay will be taken care
of. I shall do all I can for him, not only on your, but on his own
account, for William is a good boy. Please to write often. The
" boys " all like to hear from you, for you are a good friend to the
" boys," and we all thank you for what you have done for us.
Yours truly,
Wilson Wyant,
Capt. Co. E., 5th Regiment."
*' Camp Burnside, Annapolis, Md., )
Dec, 26tb, 1861. )
" Friend Cothren : — I promised to write you often, and I have
waited a long time, hoping to have something important to write
you, or, at least, to inform you we had arrived at some important
place, and were ready to serve our country effectively. It has
1144 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
seemed as though we should never be ready to start, but it is most
probable that we shall go in Gen. Burnside's expedition, some-
where, the first or second week in January. There are some
twenty-five or thirty transports here to take us off. A new dock
is being built to facilitate the loading of military storesr It has
been a very poor place for landing.
The city is a very old looking phice. The houses are poor and
look deserted. We see now and then a white person, and plenty
of pretty good looking " darkies," but we have no intercourse
with the people here.
" The Woodbury boys in Capt. Smith's Company are all very,
well, fat and hearty, with enough to eat and that which is good.
We like Uncle Sam's business first-rate, and are ready at all times
(as are all of Capt. Smith's company) for a fight. In fact, " we
are " t-;piling for a fight," and we hope to arrive at the lower end
of Dixie pretty soon. We drill 4|^ hours each day, and are as well
drilled as any regiment in the field. When it comes to fighting,
give us the Woodbury and Waterbury boys, say we. We have
had three or four division reviews. There are twelve Regiments
of infantry, one of cavalry, and one of artillery already here in
readiness for the expedition. The 11th Regiment, C. V., arrived
here last Friday, and i,d:.id were we to see some more of the Con-
necticut boys. Roderick Freeman and Daniel Taber came amongst
the rest. Rod, though he is colored and cannot go in the ranks,
chooses to go with the Woodbury boys, as cook and waiter.
"We have lost one man in our Company and there is another
man out of A. dead at the hospital. Our Regiment is pretty
healthy — only fifteen or twenty in the hospital.
" The news has just come into camp that England is going to
help tlie rebels. Let her come on. The North is ready for her.
I am ready and willing to spill my blood, if necessary, to help
teach her to mind her own business, and such is the determination
of all the boys/
" Our division, which is the largtst yet organized, is all eu
camped in sight. The transports are being loaded rapidly, and
we shall soon be off to some important point, when you may ex-
pect to hear a good account of us.
Yours truly,
John E. Tuttle."
* This brave young soldier fell at the Battle of Antietatn, pierced by a bullet
through the heart — a modest but noble sacrifice for the salvation of his country.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1145
Hancock, McL, Jan. 21, 1862.
" Dear American : — It is a long time sinae I have heard from
the vicinity of home, or seen a copy of your paper, so I write you
a few lines in this time of general army inaction. The 5th Kegi-
ment is encamped at Hancock, some sixty miles north of Frede-
rick City, Maryland. The rebel general, Jackson, is about six
miles from our lines, and has under his command some fourteen
thousand men. Our third brigade, with that of Gen. Kelly, num-
bers about fifteen thousand men, and as soon as the Potomac shall
fall so that our men can get across, I think we shall give him bat-
tle. The Potomac has risen some twenty five or thirty feet during
the late rains, and it is impossible to cross at present.
" The cry of both men and officers is ' over to Dixie's land.'
V\ e are all tired of inactive camp life. We had much rather en-
ter on active duties, finish up the business, and come home, than
to be loitering here. For some months, we have not understood
why we did not fight, and whip out the rebels, but suppose it is
all right, and that there is some good reason, though we 'do not
see it.' The duty of the soldier is to obey, and we do that cheer-
fully.
"The most of the 'Cothren Rifles,' Company E., are in good
health and spirits ; Raymaker, Root, McKay, Spring, Dawson, the
brothers Bishop, and rdl the rest send their kind regards, I have
been sick of late, and am boarding with a private family till I am
better. Am improving slowly, and hope Lo be 'all right' soon.
"Our Regiment has just been paid its two months' wages, and
a large part of the whole is being sent to friends at home.
"About the first of the montli-, we heard our fiiend and father
of our Company, Mr. Cothren, of Woodbury, was on his way to
visit us, and were very much disappointed when he failed to reach
us. Our regret was greatly increased when we learned that he
was unaV)le to continue his journey to us from Washington on ac-
count of his illness. We greatly hope he will ' try again ' to see
us, soon.
Yours truly,
Wilson Wyant,
Capt. Co. E., 5th Reg't C. V." '
This letter was written to the editor of the " Waterbury American."
1146 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
The foregoing letters, written in the spirit of the hour, while
the influence of the vast conflict which had been inaugurated was
strong upon the hearts of all, have been introduced to show how
the enthusiasm of the time transformed the humblest in our com-
munities into heroes, and how those who had received only a com-
mon school education, and had perhaps never been called to write
a specimen of English composition in their lives, were enabled?
under the inspiration of patriotic fervor, correctly to appreciate
the great principles involved in the contest, and to correctly, elo-
quently and forcibly express them in these communications to
friends. Not one of the writers of the preceding letters had re-
ceived any thing but the advantages of our common country
schools, except the Rev. Mr. Williams, and it is submitted that
these productions compare favorably with those of men who have
received the honors of our Universities. They show, too, how the
events transpiring at the North struck these brave young hearts.
The President and the entire North, loving their country, and lov-
ing the arts of peace, hesitated long in this first unlucky year of
the war of the rebellion, to strike at and extirpate the great root
of all this evil — the omnipotent curse of slavery. The all-perva-
ding wish was to see how peace could be restored, and slavery
remain unscathed. All possible devices to this end were entered
upon, but without satisfactory result. And thus the year of 1861
came gloomily to a close.
1862. The year 1861 had closed, while the affairs of the nation
were enveloped in gloom. The results of the year, so far as the
union arras were concerned, had not been, on the whole, a success.
Great preparations had been made, and great expectations had
been raised, but there had been but a moderate share of success,
and a plentiful harvest of disaster. Many a devout Christian
somewhat irreverently began to think that *' the Devil reigned,"
or perhaps it is more charitable to suppose, that they merely
thought the time spoken of in Revelations, when Satan was to be
" loosed for a season," had arrived. But the time for inaction
seemed, with the opening of the year, almost to have passed away.
Vast movements were on foot, and the war appeared to be taking
a decisive turn.
"On the 11th of January, 1862, a strange and heterogeneous
assemblage of vessels filled Hampton Roads. Gen. Bui*nside had
been ordered to fit out an expedition to proceed against a certain
point on the Southern coast — but where that point was it was re-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1147
served for time and events to announce. Accordingly, by dint of
unwearied exertion, Gen. Burnside had collected this mass of one
hundred and twenty-five water-craft. Utterly regardless of the
appearance of this fleet, and with a single eye to utility, he drew
upon all the resources of the steam merchant service, from the
Kennebec to the Chesapeake.
" The land forces, under the command of General Burnside,
amounted to sixteen thousand men, with an ample supply of field-
pieces and batteries, and all the material of war. T e troops
were divided into three brigades, under the command of Generals
Foster, Reno and Parke, all experienced and able officers of the
regular army."
Burnside's expedition, after experiencing all the perils of furi-
ous storms, arrived near the island of Roanoke, on the early days
of February, 1862, and on the 7th the fleet opened its heavy guns
upon the rebel fortifications on the island. The bombardment by
the fleet continued all day with unabated fury.
" It was just three o'clock in the afternoon when the Uniic-d
States flag was raised at Ashley's Harbor. The cannonade was
still raging at the battery. It continued unabated all day, and as
the night was clear and the range was perfect, it did not cease
with the going down of the sun. Nothing can be imagined more
sublime than a bombardment by night. The glare of the guns,
so passionate and spiteful in expression ; the roar of the explo-
sions ; the shrieks of the shells, as if demons were howling through
the air; the explosion of the shells, with meteoric brilliance and
thunder peal ; the volumes of smoke rising into the darkened sky
— all these, blended with the gloom of night, present a scene,
which, once witnessed, can never be forgotten. About one hour
after dark the fleet drew off, and was silent and motionless for the
remainder of the night. The land forces had indeed a cheerless
prospect before them. Thoroughly dienched and chilled by tlie
cold winti-y waves, they were compelled to bivouac on the shel-
terless shore, without tents, exposed to a cold north wind, and a
heavy rain. Their discomfort, through the night, was extreme.
Still they were in good spirits. A landing in force had been ef-
fected with the loss of but four men killed and eight wounded.
The fleet had been severely handled, by the heavy shot of the bat-
teries and the rebel gun-boats. Round shot and shell passed
through several of the National ships, killing and wounding a
few of their crews. Still no damage was done to interfere with
20
1148 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
the efficient action of the fleet, and all on the island and in the
ships waited impatiently, cheered with hope, for the opening of
another day."
The morning of Thursday, the 8th, came. It was still cold and
dismal, but the loyal troops pressed bravely on, fought a desperate
battle, and were successful beyond the expectation of the most
hopeful.
"A victory had been won, second to none since the national
forces took the field. It was a victory to thrill every loyal heart
throughout the land with joy. As the sun went down on that
SiUurday evening, Feb. 8, it closed a week of glorious work for
God and humanity. Even with a spy-glass, ffom the central bas-
tions of Roanoke, no rebel flag could be seen. The national ban-
ner floated everywhere. Nothing now remained to be done, but
to pursue the rebel steamers to their lurking-places, and to re-
establish the national authority in all the important towns, washed
by the two Sounds and their tributary rivers. Six forts, 2,500
prisoners, forty-two heavy guns, with a large number of smaller
arms and mubitions of war, fell into the hands of the victors.
The Union loss consisted of 40 killed and 200 wounded. Among
the killed was Col. Russell, of the Connecticut 10th, a gallant
officer, a genial, generous man, a fearless soldier, a warm-hearted
Christian. He died universally lamented."
Gen. Burnside was not the man to delay, and with commenda-
ble promptness he inaugurated the Battle of Newberne, March
14th, 1862. The gallantry of the Connecticut troops was con-
spicuous in this battle — Col. Rodman's charge was highly com-
mended.
" This charge by Col. Rodman, leading the 4th Rhode Island
Regiment, was one of the most heroic deeds of the day. They
were in front of a battery of five guns ; while there was another
battery close by its side of nine guns, protected by rifle-pits. At
the double-quick they ran upon the muzzles of these five guns,
pouring in a volley of bullets as they ran, rushed through the
parapet, and instantly, with the precision of veterans, forming in
line of battle, with a bristling array of bayonets bore down upon
the other guns, thus capturing both batteries with two flags. The
8lh and 11th Connecticut and the 5th Rhode Island, followed
closely in their tracks, to support them. The enemy fled precip-
itately, and the stars and stripes floated proudly over this small
portion of the enemy's extended line. A grand charge was now
HISTORY ©P ANCIENT WOODBURY.
1149
made upon the enemy's left, aided by the troops who were already
established within the ramparts. The enemy could stand it no
longer, and in great confusion they fled. With exultations and
shoutings which none can appreciate but thoee who have passed
through such terrible scenes — perhaps the most ecstatic joy of Mi-
en humanity — the National troops clambered over the ramparts,
discharging their guns at the retiring foe, and with huzzas re-
peated again and again and again, raised the glorious old bann.er
of National integrity over all the bastions which had just been
degraded by the flaunting flag of rebellion. It was a hard fought
fight and a glorious victory. Every regiment and almost every
man behaved heroically. The olst New York performed deeds
of valor, which will induce every man of the regiment to look
back upon that day with pride, so long as he shall live."
The colored population were rejoiced beyond measure at the
triumph of the North. The slaves throughout the south, univer-
sally, regarded the coming of the Northern armies as the signal
for their patriotic deliverance. No language can express the sat-
isfaction with which they received the loyal troops, and the eager
willingness they manifested to serve them. " They could hardly
believe the evidence of their senses, and
could not possibly restrain their delight,
when they saw their afiirighted masters
running before our troops. They had nev-
er before dreamed that there could be any
earthly power superior to that which their
dreaded masters wielded. A slaveholder,
breathless with terror, spurred his horse
to his utmost speed, by his own d©or, not
venturing to stop. Just then a shell, with
its terrific, unearthly shriek, rushed through
the air, over his head. A poor slave, a
man of unfeigned piety and fervent prayer,
In uncontrollable emotions of joy, ran into
his humble cabin, shouting, " Wife ; he is running ; he is running,
and the wrath of God is after him.^'
Another devout old negro fell on his knees and prayed, saying
"God bless these d — d Yankees." It was the only name he had,
ever heard his master give them.
On the 17th of September, 1862, Gen. McClellan fought the
desperate battle of Antietam, sometimes called the battle of Sharps-
1150 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKT.
burg, as it was fought on the Antietam-creek, over against the
village of Sharpsburg. This was the bloodiest day, perhaps, that
America had ever seen, and yet the battle closed indecisively. The
blood of some of Woodbury's bravest boys saturated the soil of
those hotly contested fields. The next great battle in which the
Woodbury soldiers received a bloody baptism, was the battle of
Fredericksburg, which was fought on the 13th of December, 1862.
Our limits do not allow a general description of the battle. A
few passages from Greeley's "American Conflict," follow :
" Braver men never smiled at death than those who climbed
Marye's Hill that fatal day ; their ranks were plowed through and
torn to pieces by rebel batteries, even in the process of formation;
and when at heavy cost they had reached the foot of the hill, they
were confronted by a solid stone wall, four feet high, from behind
which a Confederate brigade of infantry mowed them down like
grass, exposing but their heads to our bullets, and these only
while themselves firing. Never did men fight better, or die, alas !
more fuitlessly, than did most of Hancock's corps, especially
Meagher's Irish brigade, composed of the 63d, 69th, and 88th New
York, the 28th Massachusetts, and the 116th Pennsylvania, which
dashed itself repeatedly against those impregnable heights, until
two-thirds of its number strewed the ground ; when the remnant
fell back to a position of comparative safety, and were succeeded
as they had been supported, by other brigades and divisions ; each
to be exposed in its turn to like pitiless, useless, hopeless slaugh-
ter. Thus Hancock's and French's corps were successively sent up
against those slippery heights, girdled with batteries, rising, tier
above tier, to its crest, all carefully trained upon the approaches
from Fredericksburg; while that fatal stone wall — so strong that
even artillery could make no impression on it — completely shel-
tering Baiksdale's brigade, which, so soon as our charging col-
umns came Vv'itlii!i rifle-shot, poured into tlielr faces tlie deadliest
storm of musketry. Howard's division supported the two in ad-
vance ; while one division of Wilcox's (9th, late Burnside's) corps
was detached to maintain communication with Franklin, on our
left.
"Hooker's grand division was divided, and in good part sent to
reenforce Franklin ; while Hooker himself, believing the attack
hopeless, required repeated and imperative orders from Burnside
to induce him to order an advance ; but Humphrey's division was
at length thrown out from Fredericksburg, and bore its full part
HISTORT OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1151
in the front attack, losing heavily. And thus the fight was main-
tained till after dark — assault after assault being delivered by di-
visions advancing against twice their numbers, on ground where
treble the force was required for the attack that sufiiced for the
defense ; while a hundred rebel cannon, posted on heights which
our few guns on that side of the river could scarcely reach, and
could not effectually batter, swept our men down from tlie mo-
ment that they began to advance, and while they could do nothing
but charge, and fall, and die. And when night at length merci.
fully arrested this fruitless massacre, though the terraces and
slopes leading up to the rebel works were piled with our dead and
our disabled, there was no pretense that the rebel front had been
advanced one foot from the ground held by it in the morning.
We had reason enough for sorrow, but none for shame.
" Thus closed what the exulting correspondent at Lee's head-
quarters of The Times (London) calls ' a memorable day to the
historian of the Decline and Fall of the American Republic' Not
so, O owl-eyed scribe ! but rather one of those days of bloody
baptism, from whose regenerating flood that Republic was divinely
appointed to rise to a purer life, a nobler spirit, a grander, more
benignant destiny ! "
A considerable number of Woodbury soldiers were engaged in
all these great battles, scattered through all the Connecticut regi-
ments engaged in them. A local historian, confined to [)rescribed
limits, cannot give a connected history of the war. He can only
be expected to allude to the prominent events in which the people
of the town took a commendable part. It is, therefore, thought
best to introduce here letters from the soldiers of Woodbury, de-
scribing the part they took, in all these events, and in the several
battles, and, it is believed, that it must be far more interesting to
our people, coming from their own sons, written on the spot, when
the "inspiration was on," and when there could be no temptation
to misstatement, than anything that the general historian could
write, who is forced to condense all the incidents of a battle into
a single statement, showing only general results. In these indi-
vidual statements, we feel the pulse-beats of the heart. Besides,
it is of absorbing interest to know what share our immediate
neighbors had in achieving the glorious results described. The
account given in these letters will be all that our space will allow
for an account of several of the battles.
1152 HI STORY 'of ancient WOODBUBY.
" Headquarters Provost Guard, )
Martinsburg, Ya., March 7th, 1862. )
" Friend Cothren : — When I last wrote you, my determina-
tion was (as I then intimated) not to write you again until I could
date my letter from Virginia. And now, embracing the first op-
portunity after arriving here, I appropriate some " secesh " pen,
ink and paper, left in the hurried departure of the owners from
this place, on Saturday last, to the laudable purpose of informing
as worthy a person as yourself in regard to the appearance of the
recent home of the rebels.
"Gen. Williams left Hancock, with his brigade, on Saturday
morning of last week. He reached Williamsport that night, and
Sunday and Monday were occupied in transporting the brigade
across the river. The 5th Connecticut crossed about 9 o'clock on
Monday morning, and with a good road before them, and pleasant
anticipations of soon having a fight, they gladly hailed the order,
*' Column, forward ! " in the well-known thunder tones of Col.
Ferry. By 3 o'clock they were quartered in the churches and
public buildings of Martinsburg, and the curious ones having de-
posited their knapsacks and accoutrements, were making tours
through the town, and picking up little mementoes to send home
and to keep as relics of the capture of Martinsburg.
"Being detached from the regiment to serve in the office of
the Provost Marshal, it was necessary for me to remain in Wil-
liamsport until the Provost Guard crossed the river, which did not
take place until about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. No sooner had
we stepped from the ferry-boat on to the Virginia lauding, than
the sky, which for some hours had been growing dark and omi-
nous with black, watery-looking clouds, began to let fall copious
doses of the Hydropathic remedy. I was soon tired with the
slow traveling of the guard and prisoners, and with a friend start-
ed on ahead. We reached Martinsburg about 8 o'clock, com-
pletely drenched. We found the town jammed full of soldiers.
The houses were crowded with men and the streets with wagons,
mules, gun-carriages and horses. After considerable hunting,
blundering and stumbling around, we found a hotel, the landlord
of which, with abundant excuses for his poor accommodations, as
he termed them, said he could provide for us through the night-
Over a hearty supper of warm biscuit, ham and secesh cofiee (bar-
ley), our host gave us a history of the state of affairs which had
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY 1158
existed since the blockade. A man could not get a file to sharpen
a saw ; a piece of" calico large enough to make a child an apron ;
tea, salt — scarcely any sugar —and spices of all kinds were not to
be had ; coffee was sometimes obtainable at $1.50 per pound. Such
were some of the deprivations rehearsed to us, that the people of
the South are obliged to undergo.
To say nothing of squads of the semi-barbarous rebel Boldiery-
who intrude into every household which rumor breathes conserva,
tism or a particle of Union sympathy of, and who order the in-
mates to set a table, partake of a repast, and walking out, w'iih
oaths and insult, tell them to c'^arge it to Jeff. Davis, I never shall
forget the scene which met my eyes on looking out at the window
the next morning. The place where we stopped was close by the
railroad, and directly opposite was the raih'oad depot and engine-
house, both once large and fine-looking edifices, now partially de-
molished.— The broad surface in front and around them, interlaced
with its labyrinth of tracks and switches, as you always find in
connection with a railroad stopping-place of any importance, w^as
covered with crisped, rugged fragments of broken-down locomo-
tives. In one place I should think there were at least forty pon-
derous locomotives piled one on the other, some on their side,
some bottom up, and others standing on end. It looked as if two
or three score of railroads were laid down so as to cross each other
at the center, and from the outside of the wheel-like concern a lo-
comotive was started with full steam on, one on each track, and
all had met in the center. Certainly, if such was the case, a more
promiscuous confusion could not have been produced. A high
bridge over a small stream was loaded with all the engines that
could be crowded on it, and then set on fire. Among the stone
pillars, which are all that is left of the bridge, lay the ruins of the
wantonly destroyed engines.
"The town itself presents rather a dreary, exhausted appear-
ance. Many of the houses are deserted ; the stores are empty,
their show-windows and cases presenting tobacco cut and twisted
in every conceivable shape, to supply the want of anything else to
make them attractive. I am informed that the population of Mar-
tinsburg ranged from 3,000 to 4,000, in times of peace, and before
these troublous times it was a thriving, growing village.
Gen. Williams' Brigade left here Wednesday morning, and pro-
ceeded as far as Bunker Hill, a small place ten miles from here, on
the Winchester road, where they still remain. Gen. Banks was
1154 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
at Charleston yesterday. Col. Sullivan arrived here last night,
with the advance of the late Gen. Lander's forces, 7,000 strong.
The main body, about 15,000 of them, are expected to-night. A
concentration of the forces under Banks, Williams, and Gen.
Shields, who succeeds Lander, appears to be the object in view
now. When this is done, then Winchester look out.
" The boys all wish to be rem embered to you. Hoping to hear
from you soon, I am
Sincerely yours,
Gardner Stockman,"
"Friend Cothren: — The old political motto, to the "victors
belong the spoils," is a favorite one with you of the legal profes-
sion. Believing you are not an exception to th6 general rule, I
take the liberty of sending you this addition to your stock of legal
text-books. The volume is one provided by the late State of Vir-
ginia, for the benefit of the Circuit Court of Berkley County, and
was left behind in the hurried evacuation of the Town and Court
House by the rebels, on the approach of the troops a few nights
ago.
" Although it may never be of practical use in any cases in which
you may be employed, I thought, perhaps, you might value it as a
relic of the once proud State, whose enactments the highest in
the land were bound to respect — but now brought so low,
that " none are so poor as to do it reverence." Although a
" dead letter'''' now, I know you will unite with me in hoping, that
the day is not far distant, when the letter of the law will assume
the dignity to which it is entitled ; — and then^ perhaps, the book
may be useful for reference.
Gardner Stockman.
Court House, Berkley County,
Martinsburg, Va.,
March 8, 1862.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1155
" Edinburgh, Virginia, April 8, 1862.
" Friend Cothren : — As the rain, which is driving so monoto-
nous a tune on the roof of the tent, precludes the possibility of a
drill this forenoon, I propose to devote the leisure drill hour to
the troubling you again with our little troubles.
" The first grievance of which we have to complain is this : A
certain few of us (Woodbury boys), upon discovering among the
local items of Woodbury, in a Litchfield Enquirer, lately sent us
a brief mention of Wm. Cothren's illumination (the only one in
the place), on the night of the anniversary of Washington's birth-
day, electrified the entire camp by three such rousing cheers, that,
some one, who thought that such a noise could not be made on
any ocoasion of less importance, speedily set afloat the report that
Kichraond was in possession of Burnside, the stars and stripes
were waiving over New Orleans, the whole South were throwing
down their arms, and the paymaster had come — all this, of course,
elevating the spirit-^ of the regiment only to let them fall again,
and vent their disappointment in wrath upon our innocent heads,
for making such a hooting, over some Woodbury celebration way
up in Connecticut, as they termed it.
" We are to soon lose our much loved and respected Colonel.
He leaves us this week for Washington. It is hard for us not
to express a little selfishness by saying that we hope he will not
go. But Col. Ferry merits his promotion. The country needs
him to act in a more extended field than his lot has hitherto fur-
nished him. We must part with him and allow the future of the
regiment to look dark — why, you shall know in good time. I am
not at liberty to say just now.
" Since I last wrote you, which I think was from Martinsburg,
we have advanced by easy marches some fifty-five miles towards
the interior of the State, and probably as soon as the bridge over
the north branch of the Shenandoah, which the rebel Jackson
burned in his retreat, is rebuilt, we shall continue our onward
movement — that is if Jackson has no objections. — He will be
obliged to bring forward some very forcible arguments in order
to prove to our satisfaction that it is not advisable for us to pro-
ceed on our Southern tour, for we are full of the spirit of the en-
terprise. We have started, and would be very much disappointed
should we 1 e obliged to retrace our steps, or even to remain where
we are.
1166 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
" Since we have passed the Rubicon Potomac, and been travel-
ing in the land of ' Dixie,' the favorite pastime of jayhawking
(you being of the legal persuasion of course understand the im-
port of the term,) has been extensively indulged in. You would
enjoy it with us could you form one in our battalion of jayhavvk-
ers, as we fall in with the estate of some F. F. V., ingloriously de-
serted upon our approach. — Quickly deploying, what thorough
searches are instituted for bee-hives of honey, chickens, turkies,
geese, &c. Smoke-house doors are battered in with musket butts,
and from them emerge whole sides of bacon, sausages, beef and
hams, which seem to have suddenly caught the evacuation spirit
so lately prevalent in this vicinity. While through the lofty, de-
serted halls of the proud old mansion rings the muffled footfall of
grim visaged warriors, crowding to the " banquet hall " to search
in its cupboards and closets for jars of jelly, pickles, butter, &g.
Secesh emblems, and everything of curiosity or utility to a soldier,
are teken care of, and in time many center-tables and mantel-pieces
of Connecticut will receive additions to their stock of curiosities,
mementoes and relics.
" One little incident I must relate to you. The orders against
pillaging or jayhawking are very stringent. All who are detected
in it are most severely punished. On the day after our entrance
into Martinsburg, Col. Knipe, of the 46th Penn. Vols., met one of
the members o his regiment, of Hibernian origin and wit, who
was carrying a fine, large goose towards camp, whose head, by
being turned around two or three times, was *' hanging perfectly
loose," as the boys say. The fellow knew the penalty attached to
his offense. He also knew that his Colonel was aware that the
paymaster had not been seen for a long time — so any story about
purchasing the goose would not be swallowed by Col. Knipe,
" ' Where did you get that goose, sir ? ' was the Colonel's first
question.
" * Back on the road a bit, your honor.'
"' Well, sir, you know what the consequences are — you have
disobeyed orders. What is your name, and what company do you
belong to ? '
" ' Arrah now, Colonel, be aisy till I tell me story to you. Yer
see. Colonel, as we marched up the town, yesterday, with our gal-
lint flag a stramin, out comes a party of dirty, blackguarding, se-
cesh geese, and hissed at the flag, yer honor. It made the blood
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1157
of me bile, sir, to see the dirty oraythcrs hissing at the flag we're
all fightin for, and I marked the foremost one, sir — I marked him
till I'd know him agin, it being against orders to lave the ranks.
And to-day I went back and hunted him, and broke his head off
for him, the same as I would any secesher that would hiss down
me country's stars and stripes. And I thought, yer honor, it was
a sin to cast him away when he was killed, so I brought him
along.' "
" Col. Knipe could not refrain from indulging in a hearty laugh
at the fellow's wit. So telling him to let things alone that did
not belong to him, in future, the Colonel sent him along to roast
his goose, and think, while eating it, of his narrow escape from
the clutches of the court martial.
" The paymaster arrived at headquarters yesterday. We are
all happy to see him, having heard nothing from him since the 1st
of January.
" The country here is full of shin-plasters, from three cents up-
wards. They pass quite readily between our soldiers and the cit"
izens, but our sutlers, who procure their goods from the North'
' can't see it ' if we offer it to them.
" From the Potomac to way south of Winchester, the country
is now well supplied with coffee, salt, sugar, and in fact all groce-
ries, as well as cotton and woollen goods, which one month ago
the inhab'tants were suffering for. All the necessaries and luxu-
ries of life are pouring, like a fast-rising tide, into the western
portion of the State, following up the line of blockade, as it moves
steadily and surely onward to meet its counterpart extended along
the gulf.
1158 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
"The weather for the past week has been quite mild and pleas-
ant. The peach and appletrees are budded, the meadows look
fresh and green, and the lazy languor with which we lounge
around, in the warm, sunny days, under the trees and along the
grassy banks of the winding Shenandoah, makes us feel that Spring
has really come again. Our thoughts wander back to where we
were a year ago. How much we would have then given to have
known where we were to be this Spring. And Oh ! how we
would like to know beside what streams we shall I'oam a year from
now. A waggish tent-mate, peering over my shoulder at what I
am writing, suggests that very likely some of us will be going up
Salt River. — Shouldn't wonder a bit if we were.
" We expect that in a day or two, " Head of column, forward ! ''
will rouse us from our listless life in camp, to again resume, for
the weary march, our knapsacks and three days' rations, which
last, with a poor fellow who is gifted with a good appetite, is no
small consideration in way of freight.
" Ashby, with his rebel cavalry and some light batteries of ar-
tillery, is continually showing himself along our advanced lines.
More than once have our workmen on the bridge been surprised
by a shower of bullets whistling among them from a heavily-
wooded knoll, just a good rifle shot in front of them. Fre-
quently are they startled by the demon screech of a spherical
shell, drawing most uncomfortably near, from some flying battery
which our wiley foe has stealthily drawn up and opened upon
them. Fortunately, scarcely any of the secesh shells burst — not
more than one in a dozen. — They are some purchased from English
agents, so I am informed. I guess that shells are not the only
English things that the C. S. A. are taken in on.
" There goes the dinner signal, and as I am habitually prompt
in responding to all noises of the kind, and as I have some scru-
ples in regard to being late to dinner, I must close by remember-
ing all the boys to you, and hoping you will not forget your inten-
tion of visiting us.
Truly yours,
G. Stockman.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1159
" Camp at Williamsport, Maryland, )
May 29th, 1862. )
"Friend Cothren: — I suppose you are anxiously waiting for
a word from us, to learn what part your Valley Rifles bore in the
stirring incidents which have transpired in this department during
the past few days. In the first place let me dispel any concern
you may have for our welfare. I am happy to be able to state
that out of the eighty men lost from the regiment by the battle
and retreat from Winchester, none of the Woodbury boys are
numbered, With the more general details of the battle you are
undoubtedly well acquainted, through the official reports which
have been published ; but believing that a short chapter of par-
ticulars will not be uninteresting, I will describe a few scenes in
which the 5th bore a part.
"Saturday morning, May 24th, at daybreak, the bustle and
stir of bi'eaking up camp was over, and the reduced but gallant
body of troops under the immediate command of Gen. Banks,
were on the road towards Winchester. The efforts made to hurry
us up, the anxious appearing countenances of Gen Banks and staflT,
as they dashed by us on to the head of the column, and the sad
fate of the First Maryland Regiment, one of the four composing
our brigade, caused a depression to hang over our sj^irits, ominous
of we knew not what. One thing was evident — the rebel Gen,
Ewell, after utterly annihilating the force at Fort Royal, was
making his way, fast as possible, to reach Winchester before
Banks, thereby cutting off" our retreat.
" It was, therefore, a race for life — our legs were our only sal-
vation. Fortunately we were a little in advance, and about 8
o'clock in the evening we arrived at Winchester. Our brigade
was stationed that night about a half a mile outside the city, on
the Front Royal road. — Gordon's brigade took up a position in
line of battle horizontal to the road leading to Strasburg. Our
regiment filed into a clover field — we stacked our arms, and with
the rest, wearied out, I lay down, and praying, as I heard the rat-
tling musketry of the distant pickets, and gave one last glance at
the Southern sky, all aglow with the blazing camp-fires of the
enemy, that we might not be called up before morning. With
the whole earth for a bed, and the star-studded heavens for a cov-
ering, I fell into the welcome sleep that ever awaits the tired
soldier.
1160 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUBY.
" Sunday morning dawned serenely bright and beautiful, seem-
ing to invite man, by its calm peacefulness, to partake of its spirit
and^desist from making it a day of blood. I was startled from
my slumber, under the lea of a stonewall, by the terrific screech
of a shell as it passed over my head and burst a rod or two from
me, in the center of the field in which we were bivouaced. Not
half the regiment were awake, but this early intruder, and his
dozen quick successors that followed, plunging into the ground all
around and among us, making the dirt and stones fly in clouds'
started them, and such a getting up never was beat. Our battery
had opened its return fire, from a hill just in our rear, and the
whizzing, banging, and thundering going on over and around us,
was truly terrific ; added to all this was the terror in hearing from
one to another the repoit that the enemy were advancing up the
other side of the hill, in line of battle — rather trying circum-
stances for a regiment that had never been under fire to get into
line under. But we did it, just did it, when Major stone shouted
— " Look out, boys — look out here — they are right on to us! " I
just had time to glance up (we Avere just under the brow of a hill,)
and see the top of the hill swarming with the devils coming on a
"double-quick." The order was given to lie down. Down we
went into the high grass, just in time to escape a few scattering
shots that were sent for us.
"The 46th Pennsylvania, which was posted on our right, on a
higher piece of ground, drew their fire and promptly returned it,
but did not check them. A moment more and they would have
been on top of us, when Major Stone jumped up and shouted —
" NoWgis your time, boys ! Up and give it to them ! " Up sprang
every man, with his rifle leveled — along our line blazed a sheet of
flame, and down like ten-pins went the front ranks of the rebels. —
They returned our volley with fearful efiect, particularly on the
right of our regiment, which was nearei to them than the left.
Our lire was rapid and steady — theirs slackened not — and for a
moment or two it was doubtful which would whip, the 25th North
Carolina or the 6th Connecticut. But our boys, true to their
Northern natures, were growing cool, and many, realizing the
value of every shot, were stepping to the front to take more de-
liberate aim and obtain better shots. All of a sudden the rebels
turned and broke for a stonewall about a rod in their rear. Our
boys, wide awake to seize every advantage, held their fire for an
instant, until the rebels were on the wall. Many of them went
I
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBTJRY. 1161
over that wall with the impetus of a bullet in the rear. The sur.
vivors left for down the hill, and we fell back behind a stonewall,
where we waited fifteen minutes for another regiment to try us.
But the intention seemed to be to shell us out, for we were under-
going a regular bombardment. Gen, Williams, who was watching
us, said — " Look at that 5th Connecticut — they are the boys to
fight ! " Since the fight I have heard many speak of the gallantry
of our regiment.
'• We now heard along our right wing a furious cheering — not
the three distinct hearty cheers of our Northern boys, but a con-
fused mingle of hoots and yells, which was all we wanted to in.
form us that the enemy had succeeded in forcing back our right
wing. And according to instructions we withdrew from the field
and commenced our retreat, passing in good order through the
town, though a murderous fire was kept up upon us from doors,
windows, and behind corners and fences, by the citizens, and in
many cases women were seen shooting down our wounded as they
staggered out of the ranks. It was hard treatment to receive at
the hands of those we had tried so hard to please. We shall re-
member you, Winchester. Our retreat was well conducted — Gor-
don's Brigade crossing the river at Williamsport and Donnelly's
at Dam No. 4, six miles below. The march was a tough one —
over forty mil(>s — but we are now recruited and ready for another,
" Hoping that the next time we are in the field we may have an
enemy only twice our own number.
I remain as ever yours,
Gardner Stockman."
"Newbern, N. C, March 18, 1862.
" My Dear Friend : — I wrote you hastily just before we left
Roanoke, that our regiment was to accompany the next expedi-
tion. Since then stirring events have taken place about us. I
have but little time at present, and can give you but a brief ac-
count of what has transpired during the interval. The fleet set
sail on the morning of the 11th, I think. Our steamer, the Loui-
siana, got aground, through the carelessness of her Captain. He
has previously caused a great deal of trouble, both at Old Point
1162 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
and Hatteras, and, at the latter place, his steamer was aground for
a long time. He is strongly suspected of disloyalty. It took as
many as a half dozen small steamers to pull it off. General Burn-
side came alongside on the Alice Price, and ordered him in irons.
Once afloat, and our voyage was delightful ; it seemed more like
a pleasure excursion than a military expedition. We came to an-
chor on the 12th inst., several miles below Newbern. The next
morning, the troops began to land, many of them in small boats.
The morning was beautiful, and the sight was most magnificent.
It reminded me of pictures of the evacuation of Boston by the
British The gun-boats began shelling the woods along the shores
of the Neuse, early in the morning. The last of our regiment land-
ed about the middle of the afternoon, and before we slept, we
had marched a distance of thirteen miles. The roads were in an
exceedingly bad state ; in some places the mud was almost knee-
deep. The first object of interest we passed was some rebel bar-
racks, but recently deserted by a company of Cavalry. We reach-
ed the railroad about dark. Here the rebels had erected extensive
earthworks. They were incomplete, however, and if occupied at
all, were soon abandoned, on our approach. During the after-
noon, the weather had become damp, and it was now raining, but
on we went, with commendable zeal and good spirits, little dream-
ing of the joxirney we were performing. Quite late in the eve-
ning, we came up with the main body of troops, and bivouaced
in a piece of wood only a mile and a half from the battle-ground.
I am told that a company of cavalry lay within a few hundred
yards of us all night. I eat a cracker and an orange ; then, lame
wet and exhausted, folded myself in a blanket, and slept until
morning. We were ordered to fall in, early next morning, and
relieve the 51st Pennsylvania, in dragging howitzers. Our men
took hold of it with a hearty good will. Soon after we started
the iii'ing commenced — .it first, by only driving in the enemy's
picket, but soon after, the roar and boom of musketry and artil-
lery, which indicated that the action had commenced in good ear-
nest. By the time' we a^-rived, the firing had become terrific. The
right wing advanced with the howitzers, and planted them to
bear upon the enemy, iinder the direction of the marines, who
worked the guns. Then, by order of Gen. Parke, the companies
joined the 24th Massachusetts and other regiments, which were
then under heavy fire, but soon after joined the rest of us. Theleit
wing filed to the left, into a piece of woods directly in front of
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1163
the enemies' works. As we were advancing, a canon ball struck
just ahead of our company, taking off a man's head — a second af-
ter, one struck a few feet behind us, and took off a man's leg.
Shortly after, Capt. Lee, Co. T>, was killed, and several of his men
wounded, by a shell. The firing countinued about four or five
hours — only one of our company was wounded. The stars and
stripes were planted on the enemies' breastwork about 11|^ o'clock
And then. Oh ! such cheering and shouting! I shall never forget
it. It must have penetrated even further than the roar and din of
battle had, but a few moments before. The rebels fled in great
confusion and haste ; in some of their camps food was still cook-
ing, or spread upon the tables. They burnt the bridge command-
ing the approach to Newbern, and set the city on fire. Their
force must have been about 12.000 men. All their camp equipage
baggage, &c., &c., was left. Their works about Newbern are im-
mense. They have been worked upon for twelve months. In
point of numbers engaged on our side, and the position of the en-
emy, I consider this battle second ouIt/ to Donaldson, in the glo.
rious achievements of the war. Our killed and wounded were as
follows : — 91 killed, 463 wounded. Of the wounded, some twenty
are mortally so. I know nothing of the loss of the enemy; pre.
sume it was equally as heavy. We have taken quite a number of
prisoners ; among them are some important persons. The rank
and file are the most wretched looking set of men I ever saw —
regular tar burners — their clothes were very ragged, and of all
the colors and styles you can imagine. Some carried old bits of
carpets for blankets. A large number of the rebel killed were
shot through the head — showing the deadly aim of our men. Our
men, with a few individual exceptions, acted nobly in the fight. I
can hardly say enough in praise of the brave men — they lay down
when not firing, otherwise, many would have been killed. I am
told by persons who have been over the ground since the action,
that the trees all around the place we lay are filled full of shot. I
am now enjoying the satisfaction of having done my duty, and
loiped out Bull-Run. The country for miles around us is almost
entirely deserted. The boys were busy for a day or two in secur.
ing prizes, &c , I can assure you. One of our men has a splendid
gold watch and pencil. I have a splendid, genuine secession flag,
which I would not swap for all the rest. I intend to send it to
Norfolk, the first opportunity I have. Won't it excite a sensation
there, though?— The men have been allowed to go out a foraging
21
1164 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
qniie freely. It would amuse you to see them come in. Some
will have a pig or sheep slung over his shoulder, and some come
with a mule or horse loaded down with poultry. Several splendid
horses have been brought in. I w^nt out with a squad, and
brought in quite a fine carriage, a set of silver plated harnesses,
two bushels of sweet potatoes, twenty-five lbs. of honey, a pot of
lard, three hens, and a splendid hair matrass. I took them all
from the house of a secesh Captain, named Netherby, I think.
Among other things which have come into our possession, is a
large number of letters, which have amused us very greatly.
Some of them are love matters, of the most exquisite nature. You
may expect to see some of them in the Connecticut papers.
" The slaves here seem overjoyed at our success, and avow that
they never shall call any man master again. I presume one hund-
red of them have come into our camp. I visited Newborn to-day ;
it is a very pretty place. It looks more like home than anything
I have seen since I left Connecticut. I enclose some C. S. A.
stamps. They may be a curiosity to you. Excuse my envelope;
it is secesh and the only one I have.
Yours affectionately,
Samuel C. Barnum.
To. P. M. Trowbridge, Esq."
*' Head Quarters 5th Conn. Vols., )
Culpepper Court House, Va., Aug. 13th, 1862. )
" Dear Father : — I hasten to improve this, the first opportu-
nity since the excitement and confusion of the battle of Saturday,
to drop you a line, assuring you of my safety, as well as that of
Ames. Poor Alvord is missing. He was in the charge, and was
last seen in the woods, fighting like a good fellow. I think he is
a prisoner — many of our men were taken. I was on the field,
helping take care of the wounded and bury the dead. I looked
along the track of our regiment, but could not find his body.
Our brigade, (Crawford's,) it is conceded by all, made a more
desperate charge than has hitherto been recorded ia the war.
Our regiment is all cut to pieces. Col. Chapman is wounded, and
a prisoner. Major Blake is dead. Adjutant Smith was shot
HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O ODB U RY . 1165
through the head. The Quartermaster is wounded, and a prisoner.
Most all of the line officers are either killed, wounded, or prison-
ers. Lieut. Daniels was shot through the hip, Lieut. Dutton,
old Gov. D.'s son, was killed instantly. Co. A. lost twenty-three
men — went into the battle with forty. I had several very narrow
escapes, A shell burst close beside me, wounding a friend seri-
ously in the head.
Yours aifectionately,
Gardner Stockman"
"Washington, D. C, Sept. 6, 1862.
"Dear Friend; — Our regiment arrived here night before last,
at midnight. We are bivouacing on the very identical spot upon
■which the 2d Conn, were encamped. How curious the coinci-
dence ! and how little I thought when I left it, over one year ago,
to advance into Va., that after a year of marching, voyages, bat-
tles, privations, &c., &c., I should come back to the old camp
ground, to begin anew — for it seems that our forces are but little
advanced, comparatively, of what they were at that time. Still I
have hope that all will yet be well. We evacuated Fredericks-
burg on the 31st of August, burning the bridge behind us. Our
regiment was a part of the rear guard, and did not arrive at Ac-
quia Creek, until the morning of the 3d, We then embarked, and
came to Alexandria, where we arrived the same day. On the 4th,
we marched from Alexandria to this place, arriving here on the
4th, at midnight. The men are all well and in good spirits. Do
not know how long we shall remain here ; probably not long, as
we are under marching orders. I do not know where we are
going. I am still in command of Co, K, alone. Rod Freeman is
my servant, and a most faithful fellow he is, too. He wishes to
be remembered to all the friends in Woodbury. I am rejoiced to
hear that the North are at last wide awake. My love to all.
Please write me soon. Direct to Washington. Excuse blunders.
Yours affectionately,
Samuel C. Barnum.
To P. M. Trowbridge."
1166 HISTORY OP ANCIENT -WOODBURY.
"Frederick City, Md, Dec. 2d, 1862.
'Dear Sir: — On my return from duty at "Monocacy Junc-
tion," where I was sent some d ys ago — and since which time I
have received no mail — I found your kind letter of November
20th, inquiring about the Woodbury boys. It was necessary for
me to make some inquiry in regard to the persons you mentioned,
before I could give you the desired information. I have lost no
time in doing so, and proceed to give you the result.
"Albert Winton, Myron Bishop, Edwin Bishop, Henry M. Daw-
son, Richard Spring, and James Warner, are with the regiment,
and well.
" George McCann was wounded at Cedar Mountain — how se-
verely I do not know. The last time I heard from him, he was in
hospital in Alexandria. I understood, at the time, that his wounds
were in the foot, and not serious — probably his friends have heard
from him before this time.
" John Ledger was detailed on signal service some time since,
and is now, probably, with the advance.
" The complimentary manner in which you speak of our behav-
ior is duly appreciated by all the boys, and we hope still to merit
your approbation. We have tried, so far, to do our duty manfully,
and whether we are permitted to remain in our present compara-
tively comfortable quarters, or are ordered to our old place in the
battle front, Woodbury shall have no occasion to complain of
her boys,
"In regard to your kindly proffer of assistance, I would say,
that a pair or two of woolen socks would not come amiss to any of
the boys, as they are an article not to be obtained here for money,
even if we were supplied with that ; but, owing to the dilatori-
ness of the Paymaster, neither " green-backs " or postage-
stamps are very plentiful just at present.
" In behalf of the boys and myself, I beg you to accept our
heartfelt thanks for the kindly interest manifested in our welfare,
and assure you that it will not be forgotten when we have the op-
portunity to show our appreciation of it. Our regiment is at
present quartered in the city of Frederick, and there is a proba-
bility of our remaining here for some time.
"I am too busy just now to give you further particulars in re-
gard to our situation, but circumstances permitting, (which must
always be a consideration in a soldier's promise,) I will write our
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1167
mutual friend, Cothren, to-morrow, and he will of course give you
the benefit of' any information I may be able to furnish him.
" Hoping that this hurried answer to your kind letter may not
discourage you from writing again, I remain
Yours truly,
Gardner Stockman.
P. M. Trowbridge, Esq., Woodbury, Conn."
" Belle Plain, Dec. 2d, 1862.
"Mr. Trowbridge — Dear Sir: — Your letter of the 18th was re-
ceived one week ago, and, I assure you, I was glad to hear from
you. It was just such a letter as I like to get now — a little sym-
pathy, a little encouragement, and a considerable news. I was
sorry to learn that so many of our Woodbury boys are sick, but
do not think it strange. I saw a man to-day who left the hospital
at Harper's Ferry last Tuesday. He says Seth is doing well — that
my brother-in-law from Waterbury had been to see him. I had
learned from him that he had started to see him, and would try to
procure him a furlough. But, since Seth was at the hospital Fri-
day, I conclude he did not succeed in getting him one. I am
sorry, for I doubt if he will be able to do much duty this winter.
Our brigade was detached from the division the next day after
we arrived opposite Fredericksburg, and sent to this place, which
is on Potomac Creek, a small bay on the Virginia side of the Poto-
mac, and is about six miles from Acquia Creek and twelve from
Fredericksburg. Supplies for the army are landed here, and we
act as guard, and also unload the boats. I think we shall stay
here a while longer, but it is nothing certain. The army at Fred-
ericksburg seems to have come to another stand still, but I hope
Burnside knows what he is about. I have considerable confidence
in him, and presume he has good reasons for delay. He has been
down here several times, and goes away on the boat to Washing-
ton, I think.
Yours truly,
F. J. Percy."
1168 history of ancient woodbtjkt.
" Camp Opposite Fredericksburg, )
Wednesday, Dec. 24th, 1862. [
'• Mr. Trowbridge — Dear Sir : — I have received two very wel-
come letters from you since I wrote you last. One I received on
Monday, and as we were changing our camp that day, and yester-
day we were fixing our tents and on extra duty, I could not find
time to answer it until to day. I was very glad to hear from you,
as I always am, for you write such cheering news, and show such
a spirit of confidence in God to support our arms, that it does me
good, especially after getting defeated, as we did in the battle at
Fredericksburg.
Our army suffered terribly in that battle and did not accomplish
a great deal after all. The papers try to smooth it over now, but
I tell you it was manslaughter in earnest. Our men were mown
down in heaps, and many a home is now left desolate, and many
a heart left broken and sad to mourn for loved ones now moulder-
ing in a soldier's grave.
" Perhaps it was best to attack them here, where they wei'e so
strongly fortified ; God only knows. But all is for the best. Our
regiment was not in immediate action, but we lay under fire, more
or less, for four days and nights. But one has died from wounds,
but some were wounded slightly from stray bullets and shells that
burst in our ranks. I came near losing my head, but God in his
mercy spared me. I wish I could write you a full detail of the
battle, but time will not permit to-day.
" All the boys are well and send their best respects to you. I
appreciate your kindness to me in the past, and I pray God to re-
pay you.
Yours truly,
John B. Bunnell.
"Camp near Falmouth, Va., Dec. 21st, 1862.
" My Dear Friend : — I beg pardon for not writing you sooner
after the battle, as, perhaps, you have been anxious as to my safe-
ty I am well and in good spirits.
" Our regiment crossed the Rappahannoc to Fredericksburg on
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1169
the afternoon of the 12th inst., and that night bivouaced in the
streets of the city. On the morning of the 13th, we were detailed
to support the pickets in front of the 3d division, which were sta-
tioned just beyond the outskirts of the city. Col. Stedraan re-
ported the regiment for that purpose to Col. Donoho, 10th N. H.
Vols., commanding the pickets, at about 9^ o'clock ; up to this
time there had been a desultory firing of pickets, although
Franklin was, at the time, hotly engaged on the left, but it grew
more brisk until at about 10 A. M., the engagement became gene-
ral. The picket headquarters were at a small house on an emi-
nence near the railroad, considerably to our left, and within 800
yards of the rebel breastworks. From this position we could ob-
serve every movement on each side. We were out of the general
range of fire, and comparatively safe, although, if too much ex-
posed, the zip of a bullet from some sharp shooter's rifle was sure
to remind us that, under the circumstances, '* Discretion was the
better part of valor." One poor fellow was hit by one of them,
and lost his leg in consequence. The position of the enemy was
one of great strength, not only by nature, but by all the appli-
ances of military science.
*' The ground in rear of the city forms a plateau, or open plain,
about a third of a mile deep, and then rises in a range of hills,
which abuts at a deep ravine on the left. At the foot of this range
of hills runs a road flanked by a stone wall, behind which the
sharp-shooters and infantry of the enemy were posted. On the
crest of the hill above were heavy intrenchraents, behind which
powerful cannon are planted, in such a manner as to bring an enfi-
lading fire upon our troops, who must advance to the attack over
the open field in front, and still behind these works other lines of
infantry are concealed.
" As soon as our men emerged from the city, they were opened
upon with shell, and as they came nearer, by the infantry. The
first to advance was a portion of Couch's corps, Hancock's divis-
ion, I think. The shell made awful havoc among them. We
could see the men fall, and flags go down and come up again, and
count the dead and wounded behind them, as they swept on, by
dozens. I noticed that the enemy were careful of their ammuni-
tion : they would reserve their fire until our men were within
short range, and then deliver it with terrible effect.
" At about noon, the Irish brigade made an attempt to dislodge
the enemy from their breastworks. It came across the plain in
1170 HISTOBY OF ANCIENT WOODBUEY.
splendid style, and charged upon the works most gallantly ; but,
besides artillery, they were met by two lines of infantry, one
above another, and were repulsed. They fell back in some con-
fusion, but were soon rallied, at a depression in the ground, where
they held their own. The first brigade of our division were en-
gaged about sunset. It was under fire only about half an hour,
and lost 400 killed and wounded. On the 14th, there was no gen-
eral engagement, but picket firing and occasional cannonading
was kept up all day. On the morning of that day it was announ-
ced that the 9th army corps was to charge upon the enemies works
in column by regiments. The 11th was to go in advance of the
column, and do the skirmishing. But Sunday passed, and no fight-
ing took place ; why, I do not know. I believe it would have
been successful, although attended with an immense loss of life.
On the night of the 15th, we recrossed the river, and reached our
old camp, which had been left standing, before midnight.
" I am rejoiced to see that the public do not blame our beloved
General Burnside., for we think that he did everything that lay in
his power, and that too, with a vigilance, piomptness and gallant-
ry, which reflect great honor upon him. It is said that he did not
want to advance at the time he did, and thought that to do so
would result only in slaughter, but was ordered to do so by the
President. The sequel proved his superior wisdom. Oh ! when
will citizens learn to mind their own business and leave military
matters to military men ? This has been a drawback to our cause
ever since the rebellion commenced. I believe we should have
conquered the rebels ere this, if we had had a straight out and out
military dictator. For my part, I am tired of this useless sacri-
fice of life. I feel a strong devotion to my country. I am wil-
ling to undergo any privation or sacrifice, even to that of my life,
to establish its union and maintain its honor, but I do not like to
throw my life away at the caprice of those who do not under-
stand the movements and welfare of any army.
"The right grand division was reviewed by Gen. Sumner this
A M. Our regiment was especially complimented by the Gen.
for its neatness and soldierly appearance.
Yours afiectionately,
Samuel C. Barnum."
To P. M. Trowbridge, Esq."
history of ancient woodbury. 1171
" Camp op 1 1th Conn. Vols. )
Dec. 11th, 1862, 7 o'clock P. M- f
" My Dear Friend : — Just as I predicted last night, we awoke
this morning to the music of cannon. At precisely 5 o'clock A. M*
the sullen boom of a heavy gun sounded out upon the morning
air, and opened the ball.
Our troops are in Fredericksburg, and the city is in ruins and
burning. At an early hour this morning our Engineers commen-
ced throwing a pontoon bridge across the river at a point near the
city, and were fired upon by the rebels from houses and breast-
works. It was found impossible to accomplish the work, as our
men were picked off by sharp-shooters as often as they came in
sight. Consequently, our batteries opened upon the city, to dis-
lodge the rebels, and continued it, with intervals, until sundown.
The cannonading has been the most terrific and rapid I have ever
heard. It seemed to be, sometimes, by volleys, which would jar
the ground for miles. Considerable difiiculty occurred in dislodg-
ing some rebel sharp-shooters from rifle-pits on the opposite side
of the river, as our gunners could not depress their guns enough
to touch them. It was accomplished, however, by a most daring
and heroic exploit of some fifty brave soldiers of the 7th Mich.,
who went across on two pontoons, lying on their backs in the bot-
tom of the boats, and exposing only their hands in rowing, and
who charged upon the pits on reaching the opposite shore. The
last plank of the bridge was laid at about 4 o'clock P. M. I pre-
sume others will soon be laid. Our troops are now passing over.
We have been under orders all day, and are now ordered to be
ready to move early in the morning.
'' This is the first instance of the shelling of a city during the
war. Everybody is pleased with the way in which Burnside con-
ducts affairs. It seems as if war was being waged sternly and in
earnest. I admire him, too, for demanding the removal of Gen.
Meigs. I believe McClellan's failures have been occasioned more
by such blunders, as for instaace the delay of the pontoon, &c.,
and his failure to remedy matters, than his own incompetency.
Yours affectionately,
Samuel C. Baknum.
To P. M. Trowbridge, Esq."
Ill2 HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O D B U B T .
"Camp 11th Conn. Vols., )
0pp. Fi-edericksbug, Va. )
"My Dear Friend: — Yours of the 28th inst. came to hand
this A. M. I imagine that your mail facilities must be rather
poor, as I have written you at least two letters, and one to Rod.,
since the battle. I am quite well, and very busy, as it is now the
end of the year, and there are several reports to be made out —
which involves a good deal of labor.
" You ask what I think of being whipt. I confess we were.
We TTiust try again ! I am not disheartened, but, on the con-
trary, feel more like fighting and dying than ever. I don't care
to live to see my country succumb to rebels. I amire Gen. Burn-
side most ardently. I love him. I think, with a smaller force, he
would be much more brilliant and successful. With his present
army he nobly coafesses his want of capacity. I am inclined to
the belief that "Little Mac" is the man.
Yours affectionately,
Samuel C. Barnum.
To Philo M. Trowbridge, Esq."
" Camp of 11th Conn. Vols., )
Opposite Fredericksburg, Va., Nov. 27th, 1862. )
My Dear Friend : — It is Thanksgiving in Conn, to-day, and I
have been thinking of you constantly, and I need not say how
often I have wished I were with you to enjoy it. There are so
many pleasing associations clustering about the day, that it has
always seemed to me one of the happiest of the year. Bright
visions of your festivities have flitted before me to-day, until I
have almost imagined myself there in reality. And thus it is I
often derive great satisfaction in the thought of the happiness of
friends at home. You must not imagine, however, that I am want-
ing in the comforts of life ; on the contrary, I have enjoyed a
sumptuous dinner to-day, prepared by the cook of our mess, and
at which Col. Harland (our Brigadier) and Surgeon Warner of the
16th were guests. I enjoyed it, but felt almost guilty at the
thought, that the men of the regiment had nothing but hard crack-
niSTOBY OF ANCIEXT WOODBURY. Il73
ers and " salt junk." The rank and file are the ones who make
the greatest sacrifices, after all.
" Our army has been lying here for more than a week. No one
knows when or where it will move next. The rebels are in con-
siderable force on the other side. Their camps are jilainly visible
from a point near our camp, and the pickets of the two armies
often converse with each other, on the banks of the Rappahannock.
"Poor Rod. has been quite sick with a fever, and has suffered
much. He is now better, and I hope will be well soon. If he is
not, I shall try to send him home to recruit.
"You wish me to tell what position I occupy, &c. I am at
present acting as Adjutant. The Adjutancy is a Staff appoint-
ment, and a very desirable situation. His business is to make all
reports, <fec. of the regiment, write, publish, and copy all orders,
attend to the officers' correspondence, and in the field to form the
regiment and assist in maneuvering it ; also, to mount the guard.
I am entitled to a horse, and many other privileges, which I could
not otherwise have. Besides, I very much enjoy the society with
which it brings me in contact. Col. Stedman has told me that he
should be pleased to have me remain where I am, but, at any time
I wish to go in the line, I can have a captaincy. My present rank
is that of 1st Lieutenant.
Yours affectionately,
Samuel C. Barnum.
To P. M. Trowbridge, Esq."
"Camp of 11th Conn. Vols., Dec. 10th, 1862.
" My Dear Friend : — I received your kind letter of the 4th
inst. last evening. I am surprised to know that you have received
but one letter from me since the battle. I am confident of having
written more.
" I am very sorry that my silence has occasioned you any anxiety
on my account, for, I assure you, my health was never better than
now, and although exposed to the fatigues and exposures of the
march through Virginia, I not only survived it, but really quite
enjoyed it. If a person is in good health, there is always some-
thing to interest one on a march.
1174 niSTOKY OF ANCIENT "WOODBURY.
" I am still with the field and staff, aud enjoy it very much, not
only as it is just in my line of business, (writing,) but it brings
me into a very refined circle ot society, under the influences of
which I feel that I am improving. I can give you no definite direc-
tions about the box of which you write, as it is announced this af-
ternoon that the troops will move to-morrow morning, at daylight.
Stirring scenes are ahead. While I write, the rumbling of wagons,
&c., betokens preparation for the coming contest. We may awake
to-morrow morning to the music of cannon. Pontoon bridges
have, I understand, been thrown across the river at points below
this place, and one is being, or is to be thrown across at a point
near Falmouth. Over these bridges I suppose the troops are to
make a simultaneous attempt to cross. Of course opposition is
expected ; the battle may be severe and critical ; I am inclined to
think it will. The 9th army corps are the first to attempt a cross-
ing at Falmouth.
" This seems to me a critical period. Great events may be
hanging on the issues of the next few days. God grant that our
cause may triumph this time. A good deal of curiosity is felt
here in regard to the destination of Banks. I hope it will be as
you suggest, to operate with us in another direction.
"May be you would like to know what my feelings are in re-
gard to the prospect of a fight. I assure you they are nose of
those ever described as *' spoiling for a fight." I would much
rather the thing be accomplished without the shedding of a single
drop of blood, but if it is to be otherwise, I desire to meet it
squarely, coolly and bravely.
" The experiences of " Newberne," " South Mountain," and
" Antietam," have taught me that there is an awful reality to be
sternly met.
Yours affectionately,
Samuel C. Barnum.
To P. M. Trowbridge, Esq."
A few extracts from the diary of Ammi F. Hall, Co. G., 1st Conn.
Heavy Artillery, are here given, in lieu of a description of the
Seven Days Battles and retreat of Gen. McClellan.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 11'75
"On the 27th of June, at two o'clock in the morning, in a cold
rain storm, we formed a line ; sixty rounds of cartridges were
given to each man, and one days rations. We immediately start-
ed on a forced march to Hanover. We had gone twelve miles,
when we halted long enough for the engineers to build a rough
bridge over a small river. This being accomplished, the order
'Double-quick,' was given, and away we hastened, with our ac-
customed vigor, for the scene of action, which the booming can-
non told us had already commenced. On our approach to the
battle-field, we found a part of Gen, Porter's Division, which had
marched by another road, and was nearly an hour ahead of us,
had engaged the rebels. Our regiment was immediately deployed
to attack the enemy in the woods on the Hanover Court House
Road, but they retired on our approach. Then we gave three
Yankee cheers, and commenced the pursuit on the turnpike to
Hanover, when orders to countermarch were given, in order to
repel an attack of the enemy on our left and rear. The advance
of the brigade was much impeded by the artillery and ambulance
trains, and the column thus became broken. For a few minutes
all was confusion and excitement, and the left became the front.
Our regiment was deployed and entered the woods on the right,
to prolong the attacking line in that direction. At this moment^
Col. Robert Tyler sprang forward and said, ' Now boys, you that are
not afraid of blood, follow me.' Instantly, a line of shining bayo-
nets were leveled, and we charged through the woods like a deadly
avalanch. The enemy were swept from before us, and were ut-
terly routed and dispersed. We took hundreds of prisoners, and
the victory was complete. The red sun sank below the horizon,
retiring from that scene of horror and devastation, as if in sor-
row for the fallen dead. The picture of the cold and lifeless bod-
ies of the slain will ever remain a perpetual vision. The low,
mournful cries of the wounded, and the penitent confessions of
the dying rebels, as they prayed for mercy at the hands of God,
will forever ring in my ears. It was a painful task to labor with
those sufferers, to hear their penitent confessions, and witness
their sad gratitude. But the saddest thought of all was, that af.
ter all their brave fighting, they could not have the consolation of a
heroic death in the defence of the right, but must lie down in a sol-
dier's grave with the brand of traitors upon their memories. Dark-
ness soon covered the field, and the men were so weary that many
sank down on the field, unable to keep their places in the ranks.
1176 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
When the order ' Rest,' was given, each sought his chum, his
dearest friend and comrade, and they together sank down upon
the cold, wet, bloody ground, without food, without covering, and
without other shelter than the broad canopy of Heaven ! Once,
during the night, I awoke, but only to withdraw my feet from a
puddle of water, benumbed, and nearly frozen. In a moment, I
was asleep again, and did not awake the second time, till the sun
had long been looking down upon us,
"Foraging parties were sent out in search of food. They returned
at noon, with several of the enemies' waggons loaded with meal
and bacon, which was equally shared by the whole regiment. In
the afternoon we buried the dead. Twenty-five North Carolina
soldiers we buried in one grave. At three o'clock Gen. McClel-
lan appeared upon the field, and was greeted with great enthu-
siasm.
" On the 29th we went towards Ashland, on a reconnoisance, —
found the enemy in force, and returned to camp at noon. At sun-
down we took up the line of march for camp at Old Church. The
night was very dark, the road rough and muddy, and the regiment
was scattered along a distance of six miles. I reached camp at
one o' clock in the night, and sought my tent for repose.
"On the 31st we started for Cold Harbor, marched five miles,
when the order to countermarch was given. We had nearly
reached Old Church, when the order to countermarch was again
given, and we reached Cold Harbor at twelve o'clock. At one,
the constant roar of cannon, and the fierce rattle of musketry,
told us a terrible battle was in progress. Orders came to 'fall in.'
We stacked arms, and awaited further orders. The battle contin-
ued during the afternoon, and was renewed next day. Still nearer
and nearer sounded the roar of artillery, bringing to our practiced
ears the sad and silent foreboding of defeat. Between us and the
combatants lay a dark, deep, rapidly flowing river. The bridge
had been swept away by the late fresliet. It was madness
to attempt to cross it, and rush to the rescue of our defeat-
ed and retreating army. We did not know, at the time, that this
was the great battle of Fair Oaks, Avhicb, recorded on the page of
history, fills the hearts of loyal people with shame and indigna-
tion. On Monday morning we marched to Banes' Mill, and re-
mained there till the 25th of June, doing picket duty in the Chick-
ahomany swamps. The pickets were in no wise friendly. A con-
tinual fire was kept up on both sides, and not an hour passed, in
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1177
which some of our soldiers did not fall by the enemies bullets.
We were often compelled to stand in water up to our waists, and
behind trees, to avoid the bullets of the hostile riflemen. Al-
though suffering from constant exposures, the bites of musquitoes
and other poisonous insects, in these dismal swamps, still we were
not discouraged, for we well knew the value of every inch of
ground we then occupied.
"On the 1.3tli of June, we had a chase after Stuart's cavalry,
which I shall not soon forget. It was four in the afternoon when
we started, leaving everything behind that would impede a rapid
march. At 11 o'clock we halted at Old Church, where we slept
upon our arms for the night. Early in the morning we were on
their track. Baggage and Sutler's wagons were left smoking all
along our route. At one in the afternoon we reached Tunstall's
station. On our approach the rear guard of the enemy could
easily be seen disappearing over a high hill. The schooners in
the river were all ablaze, and the cars at the station were on fire.
Our cavalry advanced in rapid pursuit, but the enemy succeeded
in safely crossing the Chickahommany, having gone entirely
around McClellan's army, which event caused not a little com-
ment throughout the camps. We returned next day to camp,
nearly starved, and quite disgusted with our long and fruitless
pursuit.
'' On June 25th, we marched to Seven Pines, over the battle-
field of Fair Oaks, which had not lost the traces of the late fierce
conflict. The smell of human blood was sickening in the ex-
treme. Unburied bodies of friend and foe lay in the woods and
swamps around us, and from the long, shallow trenches, where a
portion of the dead were buried, heads, hands, and feet protruded
sad relics of hideous war. We immediately took position in Gen
Hooker's division, with our cannon, 150 yards from the enemy's
picket line. It was evident that more work was near at hand.
Whole brigades and divisions stood in battle array — horses in.
harness, and baggage wagons loaded, ready for pursuit or retreat.
Here we stood by our guns four days. In one day and night, the
enemy, in feeble force, charged ten times upon our battery. At^
night, I stretched myself upon one of the guns, and had a long,
sweet rest. A shell bursting over my heard, brought me to my
feet. This was a signal for a night attack — mest dreaded —
most feared by the soldier. But the rebels were drawn back to
their works, after a short, but fierce conflict. This was, with us.
1178 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
the commencement of the Seven Days Battle. The heavy boom-
ing of cannon on our right told too plainly, that the anticipated
and dreaded hour had arrived.
" Saturday night — and the battle fiercely rages. The soldiers
look around on each other in silence and solicitude. Half an hour
later, we wei'e marching with all our guns and baggage, in the
darkness, and on an unknown route. ' This,' said a comrade jo-
cosely, ' do'nt look much like the road to Richmond,' as we strug-
gled on over stumps and holes, through swamps, and over sleep-
ing comrades by the way, till we halted at Savage Station. We
stretched ourselves upon the ground, and slept, for the remainder
of the night. In the morning, a long, dull, heavy report, brought
us to our feet. Hundreds of tons of ammunition were being de-
stroyed. Everything that would burn was all in flames. Infantry,
cavalry, artillery, ambulances and baggage wagons, were all hur-
rying along at the top of their speed. 'Retreat,' whispers one.
' Retreat,' says another. ' Retreat,' sounded through the faltering
ranks, and at once the horrible truth flashed upon us, that Mc-
Clellan and all his army were in full retreat.
" We marched ten miles that day, and halted at White Oak
swamp, where the various parts of the regiment met together.
We placed our sixty siege heavy guns in line, fearing the pursu-
ing enemy. Then we had a few hours in which to rest our stif"
fened limbs. Most of the men were lying on the ground, sleep-
ing, eating, reading or writing, when the startling cry — ' The reb-
els are coming,' rang through the camp. A wild rush of soldiers
followed, and in twenty minutes the regiment stood by its guns
in battle line- No rebels appeared, however, and the men broke
ranks again.
'' On Monday morning we resumed our march again. But be.
ing somewhat fatigued, and the trains being urged on at an unu-
sual speed, we liad the privilege of riding on the guns. The ex-
citement grew more intense, and soon we found ourselves whirl-
ing through the air for some destination unknown to us, where
we could find protection. At length we emerged from the dark
pine forests, into a large field of wheat. Far off" in the distance
flowed the James, rolling on in all its majesty, and through its
murky waters plowed our gunboats, the terror of the rebel Con-
federacy. Food, water, rest awaited us, as we struggled through
the tangled wheat. The order, ' Halt,' wa^ given, and ' gopher
like,' we made a fierce attack upon the wheat fiell. I filled ray cap
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 1179
with wheat, which I boiled, and, in less than twenty minutes, sat
down to a repast, which has seldom if ever, during my soldier ex-
perience, been excelled.
" Next iu the programme of the Great Secession Rebellion, oc-
curred the memorable battle of Malvern Hill. Three hundred
cannon in three lines of battle hurled their deadly missiles through
the mad columns of the advancing foe. The long, fearful, dread-
ed yell, the wild shout, the roar of musketry, and the sharp clash
of glistening steel, as the columns surged to and fro in the bloody
charge, in this battle, can never be appreciated except by those
who heard and saw them. The rebel charge was terrific, but by
the aid of our gun-boats, they were driven back, and we quietly
settled down on the banks of the James. But we were not
to remain here long. A cold, drizzling rain was descending,
when, in silence and thick darkness, we hurried along the river at
twelve o'clock at night, and halted at Harrison's Landing. I was
very weary, and threw myself under a gun, my knapsack for a
pillow, and settled down in the deep mud. The enemy also took
advantage of the darkness, and returned, disappointed and de-
feated, to their capital, leaving a sufficient force to deceive our
array, and compel it to act on the defensive.
" The "Woodbury boys represented in this ' Retreat,' in our re-
giment, were Walter Whitlock, William H. Proctor, Daniel
Banks and myself. William Whitlock and Perry Lake, were in
hospital — elsewhere.' "
Woodbury pluck was well displayed during the battle of Fred-
ericksburg, under Gen. Buruside It became necessary to lay
pontoon bridges across the Rappahannock river, to "reach the city.
The boats had been successfully secured across the river. Volun-
teers were wanted to lay the plank upon them, so that the sol-
diex's could cross, and a hundred volunteers were called for from
the regiment. Rebel sharp-shooters from rifle-pits directly in
front, made it almost certain death for men to engage in this un-
dertaking. But, instantly, upon the call to undertake the hazar-
dous enterprize, four Woodbury men stepped from the ranks to
express their willingness to go, were accepted, and went with the
one hundred, more than half of whom never returned from their
patriotic hazard, but neither of the Woodbury boys were harmed,
though 150 of our cannon, and a greater number of the rebels
were playing over their heads during the time occupied in this
duty, and the bullets of the sharp-shooters fell like rain upon them*
22
1180 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Several times they were obliged to desist, but they persevered,
laid their bridge, and the union army passed over to deadly com-
bat. A more sublime picture than the heroic undertaking of
these brave men, could not be portrayed to the apprehensions of
the least imaginative. The names of these heroic young men de-
serve an honorable place in history. They were John E. Juttle,
Charles S. Buell, John Bunnell and Charles Cosier.
The soldier's life is one of hardship, suffering, pain and death,
never to be appreciated by the civilian. But it has its bright
spots, its enjoyments, and its ludicrous incidents. The history of
a soldier's experience would not be complete, nor would a history
of the incidents of the war be complete, unless some of these
were recounted, A few specimens, therefore, of this sort of ad-
venture will be inserted here.
Among the early volunteers of 1861, in the Rev. Capt. William's
Co. G. 4th Conn. Volunteers, afterwards the 1st Heavy Artillery,
were Ammi F. Hull and Walter Whitlock. All through their
four years' service, they were the most intimate of friends. They
were always together in camp or in battle. Hull tells the follow-
ing incident in regard to Whitlock, which occurred early in 1862,
— before the regiment had seen much service.
" One night when the enemy were keeping up a continual fire
on us, several of their shell struck in our battery. No one was
seriously injured, but one man, an intimate friend of mine. Corpo-
ral Walter Whitlock, got such a fright as he will never forget.
It was past midnight, cold, and dark, and we were sitting on the
ground, around a large fire, trying to warm our stiffened limbs,
when we were suddenly disturbed by the gruff command — ' Fall
in, G, Co. detail ; Fall in I The Major will come, and find we
have done nothing. Fall in G.' At the last command to fall in,
a large bomb shell came crashing through the woods, and burst
directly over our heads. When all was over, we arose from the
ground, which we had been hugging pretty closely, and looked
around for our worthy corporal. But nothing could be seen of
him except his head, rising above the mud and water in the creek.
We pulled him out, carried him to the fire, and he soon recovered
so that he could recall his last command to fall in. But he never
would confess how he came in the creek. If he willingly chose
that for a hiding place, he would be perfectly secure from harm
— except his head. But we could not with consistency obey his
oora g and Xofall in as he did. A better, or a braver soldier, how-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. . 1181
ever, never marched in the ranks of the Union Army, In camp,
in sieges, in battles, amid the ocean's terrific storms, on long and
weary marches, he was ever my firm, true and constant friend."
" One night," says Corporal Hull, " we were on picket duty,
and captured a rebel spy. He was on horseback, and attempted
to run by our picket-post. But a bullet whistleing past his ears,
brought him to his senses, and he wisely concluded that ^ discre-
tion was the better part of valor,' and exclaimed — ' Now, Yanks,
you uns won't kill me if 1 halt^ will you ?' At that moment a
bullet in the horse's leg brought horse and rider to the ground —
and there was an end of the parley."
When the Massachusetts 8th Regiment, under command of
General Butler, marched to the defence of Washington, after the
brutality practiced on the 6th Massachusetts, in Baltimore, it will
be remembered it went by water around that city. At this time
a " curious" phenomenon occurred. Some men in the regiment,
who had fine voices, and there were many such, had been singing,
with all that delicious efiect that music at sea produces, several of
the finest psalms in the liturgy. The ocean softens and delicately
repeats sound, and those airs trembled along the almost unrippled
surface of the sea. While they were singing, the moon swung
clear into the air, and round her white disk were seen three cir-
cles, clear and distinct, red, white and blue ! The omen was
caught by common instinct, and a thousand cheers went up to that
heaven that seemed, in its visible signs, to manifest the approval
of the cause in which they who witnessed it were engaged.
For the first year or two of the war, there was a peace party,
so called, in the North, of considerable numbers. An amusing
adaptation of sacred poetry, in this connection, is told of a good
old lady. She had been for sometime listening to a discussion
between two gentlemen on this question of peace. Finally, one of
them, somewhat excitedly, insisted, that the salvation of the
country depended upon the efforts of this small peace party. The
old lady instantly held up both hands, and exclaimed
" Oh Lord! on what a slender thread
Hangs everlasting things I "
While ene of our Woodbury soldiers was serving in Arkansas,
he was one day doing picket duty. While thus engaged, a silver-
haired old man, some eighty-five years of age, addressed him, and
desired to pass his post. The soldier at once asked him where he
1182
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
was going. "I am on ray way to Heaven," solemnly replied the
old man. '' Well," said the soldier, much amused, " If you have
been on your way to Heaven all the
time till you have reached your
])resent age, and have got no fur-
ther on your journey than Arkan-
sas^ yon may pass ; I would not like
to hinder you. But I shall try some
other rovteP''
When the war broke out, our en-
tire people were engaged in the arts
of peace. Though people of all con
l^ ditions rushed into the military ser_
^p=- vice, at the call of their country
they had no knowledge of the arts
of war, nor the demands of military discipline. It took conside-
rable time for the privates to learn that respect for a superior offi-
cer, that the exigencies of the service required. They did not
readily see why their neighbor, who at home was in no wise their
superior, in wealth, social standing, or intellectual acquirements,
should, by merely having a commission, " lord it " over them. An
amusing incident, illustrating this idea, occurred in the service,
which we will relate, omitting names. A Captain, one day, deci-
dedly under the influence of intoxicating liquor, met a private in
the same condition. The captain ordered to him to "halt," and,
endeavoring in vain to assume a firm position on his feet, and to
talk with dignified severity, exclaimed, " Private , I'll giv'
X^'Wfour o'clock to gissober in."
" Cap'n," replied the soldier, " as
you're (hie) a d — d sight drunker 'ni-
am, I'll give you t'll five (hie) o'clock
to gissober in."
Harper's Magazine has a very good
story on the rebel side, which illus-
trates one phase of our human nature.
" A gentleman who was on the
Southern side during our late little
misunderstanding, relates the following : '_' Roe," of our company,
used to stammer fearfully, and while having a judicious admix-
ture of prudence in his valor, was still one of the best and pluck-
iest of all. One of our guns had been captured by the Yankees,
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
1183
and the order came down to recapture it if possible. It was a
fearful task ; and as we stood drawn up, awaiting the word to
move forward at the double-quick, we felt instinctively that many
of us would stay around the spot where the lost gun was. It
scarcely seemed worth the price we were about to pay, and " Roe"
seemed to be more thoroughly impressed with this idea than any
one else. Suddenly an idea entered his mind ; stepping out of
the rank^j, he stuttered, wildly, as he always did when excited "I
say, kick-kick-captain, 1-1-1-let us gig-gig-get up a s-s-s-s-subscrip,
tion and pip-pip-pay for the cussed old gun."
Long before the middle of 1862, it had become apparent to both
government and people, that the war would assume enormous pro-
portions, and that preparations for the defence of the country, on
a far larger scale than had heretofore been supposed necessary,
would become imperative. The President made repeated calls
for additional troops, and the "note of preparation," on a grander
scale, was sounded throughout the land. Bounties for enlistments
began to be offered by towns, and other communities, and the
Legislature made ample provision for the families of the soldiers,
who were serving in the Union armies. Each little town and
hamlet seemed as if actuated by one impulse, and steadily the
preparations went on.
On the 24th of July, 1862, Woodbury, in legal town meeting,
first took action in the way of granting bounties to the patriot
volunteers, when the following votes were passed without dissent ;
" Voted^ That pursuant to a statute law of tkis State, the town
of Woodbury will pay to each new recruit from said town, who
shall enlist with our recruiting officers, the sum of one hundred
dollars, as soon as he shall be mustered into the military service
of the United States as a private soldier in the ranks of any Re-
giment of Connecticut Volunteers."^
1184 HISTORY or ANCIENT WOODBURY,
" Voted, That the Treasurer of the town of Woodbury be au-
thorized to borrow, from time to time, such sums of money as
shall be necessary to pay the soldiers who shall be recruited from
this town, to an amount not exceeding, in the whole, the sum of
Three Thousand dollars, and that he be authorized to give a town
note or notes for the sums so borrowed, at the legal rate of inte-
rest."
" Voted, That it shall be the duty of the town Treasurer to pay
said soldiers, so enlisted, said bounty, upon their being mustered
into the service of the United States, and that he shall keep a
true record of all soldiers so paid by him, that the number receiv
ing said bounty may apply on our quota of troops for the service
under the last call of the President of the United States."
" Voted, That the said Town Bounty shall be paid only to the
volunteer, or to his order, and shall not be paid on any factorizing
or other legal pi'ocess."
" Voted, That a committee of five be appointed by this meet-
ing to acquire and keep intelligence of the location of all the sol-
diers that have gone or may go to the war from this town, learn
their wants, and solicit such aid, from time to time, of our citi-
zens, as shall be necessary."
The following named gentlemen were appointed said Committee,
viz : — William Cothren, Philo M. Trowbridge, Calvin H. Downs^
George Saxton and William A. Gordon.
On the 12th of August, 1862, the following votes were in like
manner, passed in legal town meeting ; —
" Voted, That whereas the late appropriation of this town for
the encouragement of enlistments into the United States service
has proved inadequate to pay the volunteers which have been
found necessary to fill our town quota on the President's several
calls, not including the last call for nine month's militia men ; pur-
suant to a statute law of this State, the town of Woodbury will
pay to each new recruit from said town, or who shall enroll him-
self on the quota of said town, both on the deficit in our former
quotas, and in our quota of the three hundred thousand nine
months men last called for, the sum of one hundred dollars, as
soon as he shall be mustered into the military service of the Uni-
ted States, as a private soldier in the ranks of any regiment of
Connecticut volunteers."
" Voted, That an additional bounty of ten dollars shall be paid
to each such recruit, to make him equal with the first thirty re-
HISTORY OP ANCIE NT WOODBURY 1185
cruits from this State, who are to receive said sum as a bounty
from Charles G. Judson, Esq., of New York,"
" Voted, That the thanks of this town be returned to Charles
G. Judson, Esq., of New York, for his very handsome gift of
three hundred dollars to encourage enlistments in his native town,
and that the Town Clerk be instructed to forward a certified copy
of this vote to him, at New York."
" Voted That the Treasurer of the town of Woodbury be au-
thorized to borrow, from time to time, such sums of monev as
shall be necessary to pay the soldiers who shall be recruited to
fill the quota from this town, to an amount in the whole not ex-
ceeding the sum of Five Thousand dollars, in addition to the for-
mer appropriation of Three Thousand dollars, and also be author-
ized to give a town note or notes for the same."
" Voted, That it shall be the duty of the Treasurer to pay said
soldiers said two bounties on their being mustered into the ser-
vice of the United States ; and he shall keep a true record of all
soldiers so paid by him, that the number so paid may apply upon
our several quotas for the service."
" Voted, That the Town Bounties shall be paid only to the vol-
unteer, or to his order, and shall not be paid on any factorizing,
or other legal process, it being intended to put the town bounty
on the same footing as the State bounty."
" Voted, That the committee appointed at the last special toAvn
meeting, be authorized and requested, in addition to their other
duties, to learn from time to time the condition of the families of
our volunteers, and relieve their wants by subscription, as shall to
them seem necessai*y."
'' Voted, That the Treasurer of the town pay the Recruiting
officer, or his assistant, the sum of three dollars for each recruit,
to meet the expenses of transportation and recruiting men for our
quota."
Previous to the 10th of September, 1862, a draft bad been or-
dered, but volunteering had been so active, under the vigorous
action of the recruiting committee, and the earnest patriotism of
the citizens, that on that date, but five recruits were lacking to
fill the town's quota on all the calls to that time. Two more volun-
teered in that meeting, so that it became necessary to draft only
three, and the tow^n voted to pay them, on the spot, a bounty
sufficient, with the State bounty, to make the whole sum three
hundred dollars, as will be seen by the following votes : —
1186 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
" Voted, That whereas on the 10th clay of September, A. D.
1862, there remained five vacancies, necessary to be filled to fill all
the quotas of Woodbury under all the calls of the President of
the United States for military service to that date, and whereas
the said town of Woodbury desires to be generous with its sol-
diers, and whereas, at a large meeting of the inactive militia of
said town, on said 10th day of September, 1862, it was immedi-
ately recommended that the said town of Woodbury pay the sum
of one hundred and sixty-seven 50-100 dollars bounty, in addition
to the present bounty of one hundred and ten dollars, to every
volunteer, and drafted men, who volunteered or was drafted on
said 10th day of September, 1862, or who shall hereafter volun-
teer or be drafted, or become a substitute for any drafted man, to
count on all the quotas yet ordered by the Governor or President
of the United States, up to said 10th day of September, 1862, till
said quotas are full, after all requisitions are made up, making,
with State bounty for nine months, the sum of three hundred dol-
lars to each man who volunteers, or is drafted, sufficient to fill our
quota to said date. And this bounty is given under the conside-
ration, that it shall be paid only to the soldier himself, or to his
order, and shall not be paid or given on any factorizing or other
legal process whatsoever, the intent of this vote, like the prece-
ding bounty votes of this town being, to present the town gift to
the soldier himself, or to whom he shall direct, and to no other
person — placing the town bounty on the same footing as the State
bounties by statute are placed — said bounty to be paid as soon as
the said men shall be mustered into the service of the United
States, and that the drafted men and substitutes be paid three
hundred dollars, instead of the sum herein named."
" Voted, That the Treasurer of the town of Woodbury be au-
thorized to borrow an amount of money sufficient to pay the
bounties under this, the last vote.
At the annual town meeting on the first Monday in October,
the action of the special meeting held in September was ratified,
with additions, as will be seen by the following action : —
" Voted, That it shall be the duty of the Treasurer of this town
to pay the volunteers who have enlisted for nine months, under
the last call of the President of the United States for 300,000
men, and who have been, or shall hereafter be credited to this
HISTORY OF ANCIENT 'WOODBURY. 1187
town's quota of seventy-four men, the sum of one hundred and
ten dollars; when they shall have been mustered into the service
of the United States, as private soldiers."
" Voted, That an additional bounty of one hundred sixty-seven
50-100 dollars be paid by the Treasurer to Elisha Tuttle, who en-
listed on the 10th day of September, 1862, when the aforesaid
bounty of one hundred and ten dollars shall be due him, on bein<v
mustered into the United States service."
" Voted, That the Treasurer be directed to pay the men who
Avere drafted in this town for nine months on the 10th day of Sep-
tember, 1862, or to their substitutes, the sum of three hundred
dollars each, when they shall have been mustered into the service
of the United States."
" Voted, That the above named bounties be paid only to the
volunteers, or drafted men, or to their order, and not on any ftic-
torizing or other legal process, putting this gift on the same foot-
ings as the State and United States bounties."
" Voted, That the Ti-easurer of Woodbury be authorized to
borrow, from time to time, such sums of money as shall be neces-
sary to pay the aforesaid bounties, and to give a town note or
notes therefoi-, at the legal rate of interest."
" Voted, That the record of the last vote, previous to adjourn-
ment, passed at a legal town meeting, Aug. 12th, 1862, be altered
and amended by the Town Clerk, by the insertion of the word
* hereafter,' in the 4th line after the word 'recruit.'"
The various bounty votes were right in themselves, and w^ere
beneficial in their effects. It was right that those who remained at
home should contribute of their substance to assist those who
Avere going to the front. To say nothing of the hazards of the
service, they were doing more, in a ^^ecimiccry Tpo'mt of view even,
than their neighbors at home. For there was scarcely an enlisted
man who was not earning more money at home than the small
wages paid by the government. So that a good share of praise
should be awarded to every faithful volunteer, above any conside-
ration that could be reckoned to the credit of the bounty, however
large, for the patriotic conduct of leaving family and home, and
daring the chances of perilous war.
But the volunteers of 1861 did not much relish the fact, that
the new volunteers were receivimg liberal bounties, and praise on
every hand. The subjoined letter from Lieut. Henry W, Loomis,
1188 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. ]
fovmerly of Woodbury, in one of its passages, gives utterance to
this feeling : —
'"'Fort Scott, Va., Oct. iVth, 1862.
"Friend Cothren; — It has been sometime since I received
your last kind and very welcome letter, and I have often proposed
to myself to answer it, but various causes have hitherto compelled
me to defer it till now. Removed from the active duties of the field,
to the more quiet, though somewhat monotonous routine of gar-
rison life, we have now leisure for correspondence, reading, &c.,
which our boys are not slow to improve.
"The 1st Connecticut occupies the same forts that they did last
winter, (Scott, Richardson and Barnard,) with the addition of
three others. Ward, Worth and Blenker. These are all in excel-
lent condition, and the men prepared by their Peninsular cam-
paign and recent drill, feel competent to defend them against
any attack that may be made upon them. Perhaps it will not be
uninteresting to you to know how we fill out our time here. Well
then, Reveille at 5 A, M., followed immediately by breakfast,
which used to mean, while on the Peninsula, " coffee and hard
bread," unless on the march, when it was oftener poor water with
hard bread if we could get it — now however it means coflTee, soft
bread, and often some substantial dish along with them, while the
boys supply themselves with all the luxuries the Sutler's " Store,''^
or the markets of Alexandria afford. After breakfast we have
Infantry drill from V to 8, then "Guard Mounting" at 9, a good
hearty dinner at 12, Heavy Artillery drill from 2 to 3, Dress Pa-
rade at sundown, preparatory to which, if you should step into
our quarters, you would see a most vigorous polishing of brasses,
shoes, equipments, &c., which has won for our Regiment, the en-
viable position it holds for neatness, and clean guns — in which
respect we are the wonder of all the new regiments, whose con-
stant inquiry how we contrive to keep so clean, meets us on every
side. Roll call again at 8 1-2, followed by ' taps ' a half hour later,
when the lights are put out and all are expected to be still — so
passes day after day, with the usual details necessary to do the
labor, &c., incident to garrison life.
" Many of the men are becoming tired of this sameness, and
long to be led once more to the front, preferring the active duties
of the field, with the consequent excitement, to the easier life we
lead here. And McClellan, God bless him, would not be averse to
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUIJY. 1189
having us again with him in the field. For at the battle of Antie-
tam, when reinforcements were called for, he exclaimed, ' would to
God I had the 1st Connecticut hei-e.'
" There are one or two things, friend Cothren, we should hardly
have heeded while in active service, which now — when we have
so much time for the discussion of the varied scenes of the difier-
ent acts in the drama of the war, rather displease us. First — -The
enormous bounties paid to the new regiments, either to buy them,
or stir up their patriotism — do not know which. Second — That
these same new regiments, after having been dragged into the Held
by love of money or fear of a draft, should be styled the cream of
the State, the best men who have left the State, and other appel-
lations equally flattering to them.
" Now, we cannot see why these new men should receive a
higher rate of compensation for their servic es, than we who have
been out through all the previous campaigns. If the bounties had
been voted to all, old as well as the new, there would have been
some show of fairness about it, since we shall be obliged, those of
us who ever go back, to help pay these same bounties, which seem
to have been given as a reward for holding back till fear that a
draft would compel them to go, Nolens, Volens. This seems to
us a piece of injustice, whether right or not judge you. Again,
as to these new regiments being called the cream of the State, &c-
Now to me, this seems an imfortunate comparison, for I have al-
ways been led to look to the top of milk for the cream, and to the
bottom for the dregs. But if the friends of these new regiments
adapt their comparison to a'diiFerent time, viz: the drawing of the
milk, and claim in their favor the old maxim, the nearer the bot-
tom the richer, I would just suggest that when one is so near the
bottom, the force necessary to extract it would naturally drag in
much of refuse, which would not only be of no use, but a positive
injury to the cream.
Yours as ever,
H. W. LooMis.
While Woodbury furnished volunteers for nearly every Connec-
ticut organization, its particular interest always centered in the
5th Regiment, for which it raised Company E, a history of the
organization of which has already been given, and in the 19th Ke-
giment, afterwards changed to the 2d Connecticut Heavy Artille-
1190 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
ry, to which it contributed Company I, vphich Company was ever
the pet of the town.
The Regiment was a Litchfield County Regiment, and had its
birth in a County Mass Convention, held at Litchfield, July 22,
1862, at which nearly every town was represented, and over which
Hon. Seth P. Beers, a native of Woodbury, presided, and made a
stirring and patriotic speech. Immediately after tlie close of Gen.
McClellan's disastrous Peninsular campaign. President Lincoln
called for 300,000 volunteers. This call was seconded by a stir-
ring proclamation from Gov. Buckingham, dated July 3, 1862'
urging the people of Connecticut to raise six or more regiments
at once. Li response to these proclamations the County meeting-
was held, and a county regiment was resolved on, Woodbury re-
solved to raise one out of the ten companies composing it. The
town, by its bounty votes, had encouraged the undertaking, and
the old war recruiting committee entered into the work with a
vigor never before equaled.
To give added zeal and encouragement to the patriotic under-
taking, Charles G. Judson, Esq., a patriotic merchant of the city
of New York, a native of Woodbur}--, offered an additional bounty
of ten dollars each for the first thirty who should volunteer for
the honor of his native town, in addition to the national, State and
town bounties.
Meanwhile, the citizens generally encouraged and cheered on
the work. Under all these favorable influences, though the pros-
pect "at the front" looked dismal, volunteering proceeded very
rapidly, and sixty-one men, about one twenty-fifth of the entire
population, were enrolled in a very short time. Men of all ages,
from 16 to 61 years of age, volunteered.^
Li the early part of these efforts at enlisting, and preparing sol-
diers for the service, in pursuance of a call issued by Messrs.
Charles H. Webb and Willis A. Strong, Representativs from
Woodbury; Almon B. Downs, Representative from Southbury ;
Henry J. Peck, Representative from Bethlem ; and Truman A.
Warren, Senator from Watertown ; the people of Woodbury and
adjacent towns met at the Town Hall in Woodbury, on Friday
evening, the 17th August, to devise and adopt some plan of con
certed action for raising men and money in this district, for the
war.
^Mr Ira Tho'iias, sixty-one years of age, was seized with the patriotic fire,
dyed his grey whiskeisand enlisted, appearing to be at least twenty years
younger.
HISTORY OF ANCIEN^T WOODBURY. 1191
Tlie attendance was very large, and the meeting enthusiastic. It
was organized by calling Hon. Thomas Bull to the Chair. Robert
Peck and Natlianiel Smith were appointed Secretaries.
Dr. Charles H. Webb, on the part of the members of the
Legislature who had issued the call, then stated that it was de'
sirable that a Committee should be appointed by the citizens of
Woodbury and neighborhood, charged in a special manner with
the duty of enlisting volunteers, raising money, and correspond-
ing with the Slate authorities, and such organizations as are exer-
cising the same functions in other districts. He therefore moved
that a Committee of three be appointed by the chair to confer to-
gether and report to the meeting the nanaes of five oitizens to con-
stitute that committee, which motion, being put, was carried, and
the chair appointed Daniel Curtiss, Henry Dawson and Robert
Peck, as such committee of conference.
Addresses were then made by Abel Benedict, Rev. Charles E.
Robinson, Rev. Mr. Silverthorne, Rev. John Churchill, Messrs. W.
Cothren, James Huntington, Nathaniel Smith and Dr. S. B. Fair-
child, interspersed with songs from Messrs. W. F. and F. A.
Walker, and W. A. Gordon, assisted on the raelodeon by Miss
Cornelia J. Betts, the accomplished organist of St. Paul's.
The committee of conference then reported a list of five names
to constitute a standing committee charged with correspondence,
enlisting and the raising of money for volunteers, which was unan-
imously adopted by the meeting, as follows : — Doct. Chas. H.
Webb, W. Cothren, Esq,, James Huntington, Esq., Nathaniel
Smith, Esq., Reuben J. Allen, Esq.
Whereupon, after voting that a town meeting be held in Wood-
bury to lay a tax to support the families of such as vohmteei" from
the town, the meeting adjourned.
The Litchfield County Regiment was soon nearly full, and our
company was in daily expectation of being called to enter camp
at Litchfield, for instruction in the art of war, and, perhaps, to go
immediately to the front. The ladies of the town therefore de-
cided to give them a farewell banquet before they should be called
away. The following, from the Waterbury American, printed at
the time, gives a brief account of the proceedings on that inter-
esting occasion : —
" Woodbury. — The ladies of Woodbury, with but a few hours
previous notice, gave the volunteers of the town a splendid and
bounteous farewell supper, at the Town Hall, last Thursday eve-
Il92 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
ning. Three tables, reaching the whole length of the Hall, were
loaded down with edibles, and many bushels more were held in
reserve. A finer collation was never served up in old Woodbury.
The ladies excelled themselves.
" At the request of the ladies, W. Cothren, Esq., presided, and
made a short and touching address to the soldiers, and to the cit.
izens, who were to remain behind and do their duty in caring for
the families of our country's defenders. The crowd was so great
inside and outside of the house, as well as in the second story of the
building, that it became necessary to remove a window, and the
President and Speakers were obliged to speak from the window-
sill. It was estimated that more than half of the adult population
of the town, of both sexes, was present,
"After the President's address, eloquent and patriotic speeches
were made by James Huntington, Esq., Rev. Mr. Silverthorn, Rev,
Mr. Churchill, Deacon T. Minor, and Mr. J. C. PoUey, one of the
volunteers ; who, after alluding playfully to the fact that neither
he nor his friends considered himself a public speaker, nor a 2^oli-
tician, but simply a 2^olley-citizen, made a feeling address to his
comrades, who were going forth to the war with him.
*' The Woodbury Quartette Club and String Band discoursed
eloquent music during the evening, under the direction of Mr.
Wm. Walker. Rev. Mr. Robinson, of the 1st Church, who was
unable to attend on account of illness, sent in a kind note to the
volunteers, enclosing thirty dollars for the war fund. The ladies
offered a series of resolutions, which were unanimously adopted
by the meeting, with ' three cheers and a tiger ' by the volunteers.
Thus passed the largest and most enthusiastic meeting ever held
in Woodbury, composed of its own citizens alone.
" The following Resolutions were offered by the Ladies of
Woodbury, on the occasion : —
" Hesolved, That in this great emergency of our country, our
hearts, hands and voices shall unite in aiding the (700c? cawse for
which our true-hearted men are struggling, and that though our
hearts shall beat turaultuously as we bid our cZear 07ies 'farewell,
(for awhile,) that they shall still beat time to the music of the Un-
ion ; and though our hands do tremble, they shall be firm M^hen
they point to the ' Starry Flag,' and that should our voices be
faint, they shall gather strength as they cry ' God speed and God
bless the volunteers.'
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1193
" Resolved, That while we remember those who are departing,
we will not forget those who remain behind. That the lame, the
halt and the Mind shall be tenderly cared for, and that we pledge
ourselves to do our utmost to check the alarming epidemic which
has invaded these hitherto healthy regions !
Resolved, That to those who, through real inability, or for some
allowable reason, cannot go forth to do battle for their country,
we respectfully suggest that the Lord loveth a free giver, and that
their purses should grow lean in the service of such as are leaving
families, who must depend upon Woodbury for aid. Greatest
favors thankfully received. Postage Stamps a legal tender.
" Resolved, That we form ourselves into a Home Guard, and
that we will frown upon all expressions of /Secession sentiment ;
that we will hold ourselves insulted by a sneer at our Country,
her Flag, or against those who are rising in her defense ; that we
will comfort the afflicted, care for the infirm, clothe the poor, send
our volunteers substantial reminders of home, and, in short, turn
our hands to whatever may be needful ; even to gathering the
crops, foddering the cattle, or protecting ourselves.
" Resolved, That, with a firm faith in God's goodness, and in
the belief that ' He doeth all things well,' we commit to His care
and keeping, our Country, and these her brave defenders who
meet with us to-night ; that our prayers shall ever ascend in
their behalf; and that we will petition that those who wear His
armor may keep it untarnished, and that such as are going forth
without, may, through His grace, receive it ere long, burnished,
and without a flaw.
" Resolved, That to such as are about to leave us in so holy a
cause, we offer our sympathy, respect and thanks, and that our de-
sire is, that in camp or battle-field, when God, their country and
their loved ones are in their thoughts, we, too, the Ladies of Wood-
bury, may find a place amongst the remembered and the loved.''"'
"At 8 A. M., on Sunday, Col. Wessells arrived in town, and or-
dered our volunteers immediately to Camp at Litchfield, pursuant
to an order from the Governor by telegram. In the space of four
hours, the volunteers were gathered from all parts of our valley,
and marched into the grounds of W. Cothren, Esq., where a
bountiful collation was immediately improvised by the Ladies.
After this part of the proceedings was concluded, earnest and ap-
propriate remarks, couched in tender, affectionate and cheering
1194 HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O D B tJ E Y.
words, were made by Rev. Mr. Robinson, of Woodbury, and Rev.
Mr, Lobdell,of Warren. After prayer by Mr. Robinson, the vol-
unteers filled the carriages provided for thera, and were escorted
by many of our citizens to camp. The sound of the fife and drum,
breaking the stillness of the Sabbath, was a strange sound to the
ears of the present generation, residing in our quiet old valley."
It was indeed a strange scene for old Woodbury, that was be-
held that bright and beautiful Lord's day. Col. Wessells did not
send, but came himself. He had been notified by a telegram from
Gov, Buckingham to gather his regiment together at the earliest
moment, and all supposed that they would be called to the field of
strife immediately. Special prayers were ofiered in all the church-
es for the success of the cause, and the safety of the loved ones
so soon to leave us. In all the churches, also, the afternoon ser-
vice was omitted, and all assembled at the grounds of the writer,
to make arrangements for transporting the men to Litchfield, and
to see in what way they could cheer and speed on the parting
volunteers. It was indeed a strange scene for that peaceful Sab-
bath day — the hurrying to and fro to collect the soldiers, who
were scattered to their homes, not expecting a call so sudden ; the
shrill sound of the fife, and the rattle of the drum, as the sounds
re-echoed over the silent hills, the tears of husbands, wives, child-
ren, now separating to meet they knew not where — all filled the
mind with inexpressible and unwonted emotions. And thus they
parted from our beautiful valley, and followed the path of patri-
otic duty.
This was on the 24th of August, but, contrary to expectation,
they were not called to leave Litchfield for the defenses of Wash-
ington, till Sept. 15th, 1862. While at Litchfield, the regiment
encamped on a hill east of the village, and called their camp But-
ton, in memory of Lieut. Henry M. Dutton, who had marched
with Woodbury's first Company, the Valley Reds, and gave up
his life in the great cause of his country, at Cedar Mountain.
"And so the 19th was encamped. In order to raise it, Litchfield
County had given up the floAver of her youth, the pride and hope
of hundreds of her families ; and they had by no means enlisted
to fight for a superior class of men at home. There was no supe-
rior class at home. In moral qualities, in social worth, in every
civil relation, they were the best that Connecticut had to give.
More ih?Ln fifty of the rank and file of the regiment subsequently
H I S T O K Y OF ANCIENT W O O 1> B U 11 Y . 1195
found their way to commissions, and at least a hundred more
proved themselves not one whit less competent or worthy to wear
sash and saber, if it had been their fortune. It was the intelligent
obedience, the soldierly bearing, the self respect, the faithfulness,
the wounds and blood of the enlisted men of the 19th Infantry,
afterward the 2d Artillery, that averted defeat or secured victory
for the cause of the Union upon more than one desperate field,
and that purchased stars for more than one pair of shoulders.
The raising, fitting out, and marching of the regiments to the
several positions assigned them in the field, were substantially
alike, and the history of one is the history of all. Yet, they
possess a thrilling interest t»j every thoughtful mind in the lan<l.
The writer therefore believes that he cannot devote a few pages
of this work to a better use, than by giving an account of the
march to Washington of our County regiment, containing in its
ranks the last full company raised by the town during the rebel-
lion, substantially as related to him by one of the Field officers
of the regiment. *
"On the 11th Sept., 1862, the 19th Regiment of Volunteers,
containing eight hundred and eighty-nine men, in the undress uni-
fonn of U. S. soldiers, were drawn up by companies, each in its
own street, in Camp Dutton, Litchfield, Conn. Besides these,
many hundred, men, women and children, thronged thither, not
however attracted, as usual, by the stirriiig scenes of military
duty — the flutter of fiags, screaming of fifes, rattle of drums, ring-
ing orders quickly repeated, and the swift evolutions of the drill,
sights and sounds hitherto so unaccustomed to eye and ear in this
peaceful land — but evincing, by the deep solemnity of their de-
meanor, a graver purpose than mere curiosity. The spectators
mostly gather in the vicinity of the Adjutant's tent, on the Field
and Staff street. There, a slight, young West Point officer, wear-
ing the single bars of a 1st Lieutenant, and holding in his hand a
statute-book, stands in the midst of the Regimental officers, closely
watched by all. At a word from the Colonel, an ordei'ly departs
with a message, and a moment after Company A is seen advancing*
At the moment its center is opposite the Lieutenant, it halts, fronts,
dresses, and from a roll in his possession that officer calls the
names on his list. Finding the proper number present for duty.
' Lieut. Colonel Nathaniel Smith, of Woodbury, who went out as Major of the
Regiment.
23
1 1 P6 H I S T O K Y OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
at a given sigual, each man removes his cap, and stands with right
hand uplifted, while the Lieutenant quietly, but distinctly, reads the
<»ath of service for three years, or during the war, and closes the
book. Caps are replaced, hands lowered, the command from the
Captain, Company A, right-face, forward and file left, march. That
is all.
"Yet in this short ceremony, as it continues through company
after company, is that which none can witness without profound
reflection, deep emotion !
"These men were not educated from youth to look on the sol-
diers,' as the only mauly occupation. Yet, what nation of war-
riors, by birth, tradition, occupation, ever dared to trust the fidel-
ity of ranks mustered wit'' such simple forms.
"Among the Romans, not to be a soldier was not to be a man.
Yet the legionary took the vow of fidelity in the presence of bleed-
ing victims, sacrificial incense, and as a part of the solemn wor-
ship of the sacred standard. Even the poor gladiators about to
slaughter each other in the mimic contest of the Arena, or the
lake, first moved by in front of the imperial throne, to receive from
the divinity thereon a consecrating nod in return for their sad
salutation, ' Caesar ! we who are about to die, salute thee.'
"Yet in the Roman ceremonial was involved not one tithe the
change which this short, military form wrought in these citizens
of our land. A moment ago, and these men were protected in life
and limb, as well as restrained from acts involving death, by the
awful sanctions of vigilant laws. The oath is taken, and now the
same government commands and obliges them to sufiier mutilation
and death, or else inflict them. Hitherto, theirs has been unre-
strained liberty to go and come at will. Now, the attempt to do
so would involve imprisonment, or loss of life. They have always
sought happiness in such manner as they preferred. Now at the
the choice of another, weariness, hunger, thirst, disease, discom-
fort, awful labor, scenes of horror untold, must be their experi-
ence. Always, as citizens, they have exercised control in the af-
fairs of the nation, as participants in the sovereign authority. No
one might command more than they. So now, in a moment, this
imperial right is laid aside, and instant obedience, without ques-
tion or hesitation, even to tlie laying down of life, at the orders
of authorities whom they have not chosen, is duty not to be
avoided.
" These are but a few of many changes that might be enume-
HISTORY OF A N ( '. I K X I' \T O O D B l* i: Y . 1197
rated, knowu, foreseen by the men \vlu> came so sadly, company
after company, and took the vow of service, no one shrinking from
the irrevocable step ! Nor does the Government feel that any cere-
mony is necessary to impress on their minds a sense of the sol-
emn duty undertaken. Where hearts are already consecrated,
words are of small m(jment. The work is done in the will. These
nine hundred are here because the Liberty and the land they love
ai'e in danger, and they are impelled by irresistable impulse to fly
to the rescue. Only as soldiers can they help, and the oath which
was made a sacrament to the Roman, that the fear of sacrilesre
might bind him, may safely be a mere uplifting of the liand, when
but a mark of admission to a coveted duty, as in the case of these
nobler hearts and purer souls.
"But, though short and siinjde, considered as the consummating
act of self-dedication to the service of mankind — is thei'e, can there
be — among the vicissitudes of human life, a scene more gloriously
sublime than this ? Surely not, if we except the one where man
proclaims his rei)entance towai'd, and trust in God. And eveir
there we may recall, that the same authoritative voice that said.
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy
soul, with all thy mind and with all thy strength, did not separate
from it the words, ' and thy neighbor as thyself.'
"That day, then, the 11th of Sept., 1862, which witnessed the
mustering of the 19th Connecticut, should it not, as year after
year it recurs, be fragrant with memories of their patriotism and
devotion ? Shall not all generations hold the sod on which the
sons of Litchfield County devoted themselves to Liberty, as con-
secrated ground? And the mighty hill on whose summit, with
uplifted hands they offered the sacrifice of their lives for their
countrymen, shall it not thenceforth and forever be deemed a high
and holy altar?
"Muster over, the four succeeding days (how swiftly they past),
aside from drill, were one continuous bidding good bye. Yet
the morning of the 16th Sept. found thousands gathered in and
around the camp, for a last and then a final, and yet another fare-
well. In the tents and in the streets, v/hat swarming of the lov-
ing that were to remain around the departing loved ones ! I saw
not a few pale faces wearing a forced smile, that promised tears
to come — young hearts beating high with excitement and hope —
grey heads sad with forebodings !
" Suddenly, from the Adjutant's tent comee the signal ot prepa-
1198 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
ration. Ou all sides a hurried parting, last kisses of wives, moth-
ers, sweethearts. The fathers or brothers hands grasped firmly for
an instant, on all sides earnest requests to wi'ite — write as soon as
you get to — write daily — write everything as it happens at home
— don't forget to write. -God bless you — Don't fear for me —
Don't forget me — Be a good boy — Hark I the stern command,
'fall in Co., tfec' — hurriedly the knapsack is thrown on — never
again to be so heavy, especially after musket, bayonet, ammuni-
tion, rations, now wanting, are added — the roll calls resound from
every quarter, as the Adjutant, our active Deming, swiftly moves
down to the parade, accompanied with markers, right and left gen-
eral guides, and band. There is a neighing of horses in the street
beyond the line officers tents, where Field and Staff are mounting.
The markers and guides are set, defining the line, at a signal from
Deming. The music strikes up. From all the company streets is
heard the cautionary command, followed by the emphatic umrch ;
then ten Companies issue simultaneously, swiftly, from the camp,
moving hither and thither, for a moment in seeming, but pictur-
esque confusion. Suddenly, order comes out of chaos, as each one
drops into his place in line ; there are successive orders of right
dress, left dress, front ; then guides, post, and the markers run
the guides and retire to their posts behind the line. The Lieut.
Colonel, who is to command, appears in front, is saluted, salutes
in return, and draws his sword. At a notification from him,
through the Adjutant, a company accompanied by the color ser-
geants, marches to the Colonel's tent, receives the beautiful otate
and U. S. flags, received a few days before from the hands of Hon.
W. Curtiss Noyes, a gift from his beautiful wife. Meantime, the
Adjutant has taken his post on the right, the Major acting as
Lieut. Col., in the rear of the center of the right wing, and a death
like stillness pervades the long, motionless line. What thoughts
are crowding those throbbing veins 'i Softened in the dreamy
haze of a sweet autumnal day, the massive rock-crowned hills and
lovely valleys of the Switzerland of Connecticut, visible for many,
many miles, from this lofty camp ground, seem in harmony with
thoughts of only beauty, peace, repose. Yet who in that silent
battalion does not foreknow full well that to hundreds now stand-
ing there, this must be the laslj earthly view of home and native
land ? Who does not ask himself, 'Is this for me the last? ' But
fife and drum denote the coming of the colors. A murmur of de-
light accompanies them, even now, as they pass, and the multi-
HISTORY Oii* ANOIKNT WOODBURY. 1199
tude notes thfir exquisite beauty. When next, sotnethiug less
t]ian tliree years from to-day, tliey sluill return to Liielifield, they
sliall be blood-stained, and their niatehless embroidery slired<led
and rent by shot and shell. On the lines they mark a thousand
men of Connecticut are hereafter to shed tlieir blood !
"The escort passes in front of the center, and the colors come
forward and halt. The Colonel commands present arms, and
turning about, salutes them. The band executes three rolls, and
then the color-bearers take their place in center and front of the
color-guard. The escorting company moves swiftly and silently
to its vacated place in the line, which it occu))ies The iiJial mo-
ment has come. Col. Kellogg's clarion voice rings (nit, liattalion.
Right F-a-c-e, Major, Adjutant, Sergeant-Major repeating. Hearts
beat high along that line ; each holds his breath in anticipation of
the next order, which is to open the campaign, so momentous to
those who are to obey, pregnant with honor, wounds, with death
to so many in that line. — The drummers hold their sticks suspend-
ed, to strike exactly at the completion of the order. Every ear
listens to catch the executory order, that all may move simultane-
ously. The Colonel rides down to the head of the column, (we
are to move by the right Hank,) and pausing, gives the prelimi-
nary command, ' Column Forward,' repeated as before. Then,
after a (piick glance down the line, to see- that all is ready, snaps
out the 11 A R R, which is military for ' March ' ; instantly, eacli cap-
tain reechoes it with energy, tlie dnnns and fifes strike up — each
left foot moves as though the regiment were obeying a single im-
pulse, and in beautiful order the 19th has entered on that long .
eventful march, whose last step shall be executed by less than
300 of these eight hundred and eighty-nine.
"The march from camp to the depot of the Naugatuck Railroad,
accomi)lished, the horses placed on cars provided for them, the
men seated on the train, and all in readiness, the bell rniig its war-
ning, the whistle gave notice, and amid the cheers of thousands,
the waving of handkerchiefs and roll of drums, our journey tow-
ard Dixie began, as gaily as it drearily ended. Each town, each
village and hamlet, gave us an ovation, dilFering one from another,
not in enthusiasm, but in size only. The whole line of the road
seemed to wave and flutter with Hags. At Waterbury, Bridge-
port, Norwalk and Stamford, thousands assembled to bid us God-
speed. Ladies ])rought refreshments, or threw flowers, or waved
1200 HIBTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
handkerchiefs. — Truly, this kind of heroism proved quite a pleas-
ant thing.
" But ere we arrived in New York, our eyes were a little open-
ed to the reality of the change in our circumstances. We were
used to riding in first-class carriages, on express trains, if we pre-
ferred it. iV^o?(', however, "'twas little joy, to find " ourselves
treated ^9. freight! To see free people ride gaily by, while we
were switched oflT the track to let them pass — to wait an hour at
an obscure station, expressly to clear the track for an accommoda-
tion train — truly ours were the vexatious cars! Slower and slow-
er we crawled along, seeing the afternoon wear on, the sun go
down, and night shut us in from all gaity, and encouragement,
until, hungry, weary, and cast down, we landed in upper N. Y.
city, late in the night. This kind of heroism proved not quite a
pleasant thing.
" An incident, showing the kind heart of Hon. Wm. Curtiss
Noyes, may not be without interest to some. On the occasion of
the Flag donation at Litchfield, a lady who was asked by him if
there was anything he could do to assist herself or husband on
his way to N. Y., replied, 'Thank you, sir, my husband has his
military outfit complete, but should you happen to see the regi-
ment when it passes through the City, won't you say another
good-by to him for me? ' 'Be assured I shall, madam ! ' Avas his
answer. The regiment had but just descended from the cars, on
its arrival, and in the darkness was slowly falling into line, when
the officer referred to was taken l)y the hand, and the farewell by
proxy, beautifully bidden, as Mr. Noyes had laughingly promised.
"■ From the cars, a slow, long march, thr()ugh obscure streets,
brought us to a steamboat so small that her decks were not only
crowded, but massed, with our met. Soup and coff*ee were pro-
vided, but the first, seeming made of musty beans, salt junk and
salt-pork, salted, and the latter, of dried beans, without sugar or
milk, were scarcely palatable to even our almost famished stom-
achs. Nor could all get even such fare. We were fastened to
the dock in .Jersey City, and the order given to march to the cars,
before much more than half the men could, owing to the crowded
state of the decks, get access to soup or coftee.
" All night long we plodded slowly on. Morning, with the
cheerful sun, and the pleasant fields and orchards of New .Jersey,
brought also a renewal of the greetings, the cheers, and stirring
wayside scenes of our departure from Connecticut. The recent
HISTORY OF ANT TENT WOODBURY 1201
terrible defeats of Pope, opening as they had the way for invasion
from the South, liad excited in these regions, as liahle to suffer in
that case, an interest in each new regiment jounieving toward
Dixie, which we weVe at a loss to understand, till rertection solved
the problem. We received not only the greetings of villages and
towns, but the schools rushed forth to line the track and cheer.
Each isolated house sent its inmates to Mave tlie Hag, while the
childroi climbed the fences to wave their hats and aj)rons.
"Hence we were cheerfully as well as hungrily ready for the
kind welcome of Philadelphia. Well has that city proved lier
right and title to that name. ' Brotlierly Lo\-e.' With one \oice
all of Uncle Sam's boys that, during that period of the war, had
occasion to pass througli that ' Haven of rest and delight' rise up
and |>rononnce her blessed. There was rest foi- the weary. There,
for those who were pressed with fatigue and want of accustomed
sleep, Ave found cool baths prepared. There were exquisite coffee,
delicious tea, and food abundant and substantial. After an hour
or two in that kindly place, the regiment came forth, cheerful^
hopeful, restored. City of IJiotherly Love, thy name is fragrant
in the niemory of a half million of men, who knew from experi-
ence what thou wert in those days of trial !
"After soincwhat of a march, a broad open space was reached,
traversed in all directions by Railroad tracks, with innumerable
switches, affording no shelter from the pelting rays of the
sun, the 'boys ' were halted, and ' rest '-ed, on the unshaded side
of a high, dead wall, belonging to the enclosure of some great
manufactory. Facing away from that, immediately in tlieir front,
was a long line of those unroofed slatted pens, which before the
intro<bictiou of laws against cruelty to animals, were used to
transport cattle and sheep. Scattered in confusion over the floor
f>f each, were a quaiitity of ].lanks. No train of cars for litiman
h<:iii(/x^ no engine, was visible.
" Here we waited and sweltered. At length, a powerful engine
came down the road, and made fast to the cattle train. A con-
d\u'tor a|»proached, and said that the transportation for the regi-
ment was ready. Where? Why this train ! A moments pause.
But must the men stand up ? Oh ! no. There are on the bottom
of each car planks to put across — let the ends rest on the slats !
" As the report passed, from those that heard it, down the line,
there were many red faces. Tt was hard to be treated like, and to
the filth of, the beasts ! But they perish, and so shall we, was the
1 202 HISTORY OF ANCIENT A\'OOI>BURY.
consoling reinaik of one. We shall have a pensive Journei/. Cheer
up said one. He who sjjills through will have an expensive turn
out, said one — and look slatternly, was the reply.
" But the order came that broke each company by the right to
the front, and sent it to occupy its allotted pens. No sooner had
the first step of the march been taken, than, simultaneously, from
front to rear of the battalion, there broke forth a chorus of roaring
bulls, bellowing oxen, squeaking pigs. There were the Ba-a-ah's
of sheep, tlie bleating of calves, and to such like music the 19th
took up their quarters. The fun of the thing almost made them
forget the discomfort, and even made the mortified officials of the
Railroad laugh, in spite of themselves.
" I may here state, that for the rest of the trip to Washington
we had covered cars, with permanent seats, — the worst of our ac-
commodations consisting of freight cars fitted for passengers.
" Philadelphia to Wilmington, Wilmington to Havre-de-Grace,
thence to Baltimore. Slowly, tediously, and in the dark, we com-
menced otir march across this city by the route so sadly known as
the scene of the attack on the 6th Massachusetts — the ' first blood
of the war.' No incident served to recall that day of trouble and
slaughter, save that as we moved silently along, a door was open-
ed, and two pistol shots were fired into the street when we were
passing. As no one was hit, the motive for firing was never in-
quired into. Indeed, so far as the majority of the city was con-
cerned, its active and kindly hospitality rivalled that of Philadel-
phia. There was plenty of food and refreshments, provided by
the city. Nice dishes and tables with white covers, were pro-
vided ; the wide, broad depot, affording shelter, ventilation, and
planks for sleeping quarters.
" But the man who exchanges a soft bed and regular hours for
sleepless nights, and rest on a board, feels the same soreness of
the muscles that schoolboys do after the first winter's skate. He
suffers. He must be pressed by severe hunger before he can eat
with relish the food which active campaigning can alone afford,
and hence is weakened. Thirst, too, torments him, for warm wa-
ter was an emetic, an active one, at home, nnd even coffee and tea
with no sugar or milk, when he can get them, do not seem to his
delicate nerves, quite palatable.
" Hence, those were a weary, and a faint and parched assembly,
that threw themselves on the hard floor of the sheltering depot this
night, and felt that to be ' intolerable and not to be endured,' which
HISTORY OF ANTIENT WOODBURY. 1 203
a month later, they would joyfully have voted to be luxurious in
entertainment, and palatial in accommodation. Now, however,
many eyes were blood-shot and faces pale. In the sequel we shall
see this first journey resulting in ranch serious sickness.
" It had been supposed that New Orleans was to be the scene
of our first soldiering. But, after several hours delay, the) ' chang-
ed all that,' at Washington, whither we were ordered to proceed
and report.
'• Meanwhile, the Major was left in charge of the l!Hh. No
guards had been changed since leaving Camp Dutton. Hence,
Lieut. B( tts (Co. I) and his guard, who,had been on constant duty,
were almost exhausted. Perhaps some sentinel winked, or was
not yet acquainted with all his duty. At any rate, whisky found
its way into the depot, and two men, afterwards well known for
generous and brave soldiers wiien sober, and very devils when
drunk, became raving from its eftects. The Major caused their
arrest by the guard, and after confining them, the whole thing-
was forgotten.
"Judge then the surprise of the 19th, when, a week or two af-
ter, being at Alexandria, papers from home reached them, stating
that telegrams from Baltimore brought intelligence of a formida-
ble mutiny having broken out at that place in said regiment, which
was with difficulty quelled, .after the serious injury of Col. Wes-
sels, and mortally wounding of Capt. Rice. Any officer or man,
who knew what manner of soldiers were called by that name, can
testify that mutiny of a serious character was never a possibility
under these fiags.
" There was a long, tedious delay at Baltimore. Then more trials
of what it was to journey as freight, — which was more tedious
than marching, to limbs unused to plank cushions and cramped
seats. Now and then a halt of .an hour or so at some switch in
the woods, would give the men a chance to learn the task of Chin-
qua pins, to wonder at fiying twigs, and see the strange, uncouth
snails, the 'Soothsayer,' the most uncouth of insects. Then the
train would start, and on, on, on, toiling along, we slowly drew
near to Washington, and entered there at nine at night — over six
liours to gain forty miles.
''Oh! how well all remember the barracks where the regiment
lay down by companies on the fioor, when fatigue would by this
time have brought sleep with it, spite of sore joints, had not tin-
filth made sleep to most impossible. How horrible it was, is sufii-
1'204 HISTORY OF ANCIKNT WOODBURY,
ciently shown by the fact that tlie men, faint from hungci-, after
such long fastings, could not swallow the food provided for them,
from the nauseous stench. A weary night for beginners that, and
homesick feelings began to show themselves, in long faces and
silent broodings.
" With the hot morning, came directions to the regiment to fall
in, which it did, loaded with its cumbersome knapsacks, such as
no old campaigner would think of taking. Some choked down a
lit,tlo food — most were very hungry — all tired. While waiting for
the two Colonels, who were engaged witli the war authorities,
the Surgeon reported over i'orty sick and unable to continue the
march. It was a poor look out to leave sick men l>eliind in such a
place, but it had to be. Sergeant McKinney was detailed to take
charge of them, and do the best he could for them, reporting to the
regiment as soon as his men were declared able to march, or trans-
portation could be found. As an instance of how trying that place
was, Sergt. McK. was, before the next night, left in care of more
than seventy, by commandants of other regiments. No small com-
pliment to his observed efficiency. Several of these men were disa-
bled permanently, and it was three days before the remainder were
brought into camp, looking, with their officer, like ghosts.
" At ten A. M. we took up the line of march, down the road
that leads to Long Bridge — destination, Camp Chase. The
thought of green fields, tents, fresh air, was inspiriting. Down
the dusty road we wound our serpentine length, when, arrived
just where the Arsenal road crossed our route at right angles,
in the very place of all hot Washinton ! most miserably hot of all,
where the air simmered over the unshaded avenue, and the feet sank
above the ankles in burning sand, an aid rode Tip, spoke a word
to Kellogg — now in Command — and battalion halt — rang out from
tlie Lieut. Colonel. We were brought to a rest then and there.
Our destination had been changed! Hour after hour passed on.
Not till late in the afternoon did we resume the march. Scorched
and parched, the weary men, this time, were headed toward the
Arsenal dock, placed on board a government steamer, and just as
the sun was setting, were landed at the coal dock, in Alexandria,
Va.
" Here again, wait, wait, wait. Some commenced writing home.
Some stretched out at full length on the sacred soil, hard as ada-
mant now. Some few tried to amuse themselves by contrabands,
dancing against each other. The genious who could ape Kellogg's
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1 205
voice SO perfectly, several times called out, Attention Battalion I
when a general rush took place for the ranks, but the men, soon
seeing the regiment was in other charge, ceased to be hoaxed.
Darkness came on — dancing and writing ceased — still we waited.
The men were getting a little taste of real soldiering, in a mild
form.
" Finally, when it was too late to see a step, Gen. Slough, Mili-
ta.iy Gov. Alexandria, Va., to whom the Colonels had reported
the regiment, as ordered, for Provost dut} in his dej)artment, de-
cided where they should camp.
"March again, stumbling painfully along, in the pitch darkness,
for a mile or so, till the halt (tame, wlien, being wheeled into col-
umn by companies, ordered to unsling knapsack and rest, the li'th
knew that it was in camp. Tents? None — nothing but bare
ground, Virginia clay, wet by rains a few days ago, trodden w ith
the deeji foot prints of cattle and since baked by the sun bard as
brick. Rations? none. Tliey had to be brought down from
Camp Chase, ten miles.
" There was one thing, very decidedly a wonder even t(» our some-
what accustomed nostrils. Stench! Overpowering perfume! Pah!
whence coming none could know, till morning disclosed a cordon
of dead horses, surrounding us nearly half way, remains of Pope's
disasters, and just ripe for the Turkey-Buzzards. Even those who
had never seen the bird before, had little curiosity to know fur-
ther of them, tliougli the creatures were too stupidly blissful from
gorging, to move more than a step or two when approached !
" Wearily, at length, our active Quartermaster came driving in-
to camp. All night long, with a squad cf men, he had been en-
gaged in the heroic endeavor to harness unbroken mules to our
regimental waggons, and bring the rations down. Patience and
l»er8everance, in which he fortunately excelled, had conquered,
finally, but not, as it was conlidentially whispered by some of his
men, till he had been pnt through a series of somersaults and in-
voluntary antics, too ludicrous for this grave history to note.
" Moving a mile further on, we took up our permanent location
on Shuter's hill, foot of King street, overlooking Alexandria, and
after burying the dead horses and oxen on our plot, commenced
getting ready to clear our camp.
"Thus commenced our stay of nearly two years, tWMi weary
years, in Alexandria, a place poisonous to soul and l)ody. The
1206 HISTORY OP AIsrOIENT WOODBURY.
morals of the regiment, fortunately, suflered little, but in health,
the same could not be said.
" At ten o'clock this morning, lo ! the trains from Camp Chase j
The rations ! and one heavy team after another, each drawn by
four mules, turned out of the highway, and majestically formed
line by the side of our ' camp.' They advanced to the ' music of
the mule,' — Who that has ever heard their ' hvgling,^ so strong, so
melancholy, so energetic, and at the same time so prolonged with
languishing into a steam engine's whisper, can ever once forget it.
FALL IN FOR RATIONS !
"Since twenty-six hours we have had no rations. These were
uneatable. The common remark of the coffee at Washington was.
' slops collected in the street slop barrels.' There was grease float-
ing abundantly on its surface. The interior, those that drank,
looked not at, but tasted less, if they coidd help it ! Food ! there
is but one word for it — it stank. Now here were our ovm rations
and all were greatly relieved.
To expedite matters, the authorities sent down hams packed in
barrels, and already boiled, — })acked full, each barrel — and neatly
headed up. A few boxes of hard-tack were also forth coming —
three crackers to a man.
" So there was a speedy unloading of iiam casks. The hoops
of the heads were knocked upwards, and oft'; when, lo ! the heads
rose up, when no longer held in place by the hoops, of the in selves.
'Jings, an't they full ! ' says a hungry fellow near by, with de-
light.
"A lid is lifted oft", when, as McCauley sings : —
" Was none who would be foremost,
To lead such dire attack V
For those behind pressed forenioat,
And tliose before cried back."
"'Packed in sawdust!' suggests one, mounted on a wheel
overlooking others heads. No ! ' Even measure, full, pressed
down, and rvnning over^ says another — ' Alive again,' said an-
other.
"There were those who were sickened at the endeavor to eat
this. Think of those used to wholesome food but four days be-
fore, becoming so famished as to roll those hams out of their casks,
and dissect the same to secure for their own use such portion as
H I S T O K Y OF ANCIENT W O O 1) B U K Y 1207
was not yet penetrated with the foul vermin, that seemed a seeth-
ing mass.
On our camp at Shuter's liill was a gently inclined side-liill, rising
sufficiently above the plains of Alexandria, to be free from mala-
rious fogs, and facing the place of duty and drill. The drilling
took place on a wide plain once a meadow, one hundred paces to
our front. In about a month's constant work, it became as good
an exercise ground as need be, in most kinds of weather. No
place trodden, or driven on in that part of Virginia, is other than
intolerably dusty, or equally muddy, as the weather approached
extremes. Almost all the knolls and intervening ravines ' south
of the Potomac,' have clay on the surface varying from eight to
twenty-five feet in depth. Under this lies a bed or strata of vary-
ing thickness, say one foot to 5 feet, of something resembling red
gravel mixed with pebbles, the whole so far fuzed that the gravel
has been 'wholly melted. After this, suppose the pasty result of
the melting process to have been hardened gradually, around and
inclosing the pebbles so slowly as not to crack in the process, and
you have an approach to an idea of what Arlington Heights and
the rear of Alexandria are in respect to soil. Kain caimot pene-
trate the conglomerate, and be carried oft". Consequntly, the
clay above, after long rains, becomes complete mortar, when work-
ed up by any disturbing agency. No ventilation reaches it from
below, therefore when dried it is as hard as abi'ick. When frosts
come on in the fall hard enough to freeze from two to five inches
of surface, the contraction causes the surface to crack, the
crack penetrating below the frozen surface, the vapor rises througli
it, and congeals at the surface, on the lips of the fissure, and, as
the ices form, builds a little, or rather, a thin wall on each side,
exactly paiallel, or coinciding, and some times six to eight inches
high. Sometimes this efflorescence is extremely beautiful — in fact
quite fairy-like, when enclosing, for many acres, little i)atches of
irregular shai)e ; from some little ' keep,' six inches on a side, to
some large fortress, containing four square yards.
"This is a curious instance of nature forming icicles polidbi'j
ivpvxirds.
" It is impossible for those who have seen nothing of this kiiul
to believe how stifling the dust is, even in winter, or how impas-
sable to man or beast, except for the few first passing over a place,
this Virginia soil becomes.
1208 HISTORY OF ANCIBNT WOODBURY.
" Such being the locatiou of the camp aud its soil, it will be
seen that our position as to health, would be very greatly modi-
fied by these several facts.
" It was almost impossible to maintain a camp anywhere
without great labor aud constant, intelligent policeiug. The water
everywhere would be almost surface water, without filtra-
tion through the lower strata. On the plateau back of our camp,
and draining through it, some fifty acres of land were occupied
by the Convalescent Camp, which was without drainage, sinks,
cleanly tents, or orderly arrangements of any kind, but were tilled
with universal filth. Back of our camp, and draining through it,
were scores of disused sinks, which, when it rained, discharged
their overflow through the drains of our streets. The burial
ground of the Convalescent Camp, in which from one to ten were
buried daily, was not more than ten rods from our camp streets,
and sloped into them. Such water, therefore, as could l)e obtained
here, could be but poison. A stream draining a long highway,
both sides of which were strewn with decomposing dead animals,
flowed within a stone's throw of us. Another similar stream
crossed the valley, on the banks of which there were never less than
from 50 to 100 dead horses, and a slaughter-house besides — a mass
of reeking corruption emptying into it. Directly north was ati
immense cattle yard, capable of holding 3,000 head of cattle, and
this drained into that stream. South of Kings street was a like
government slaughter-yard, all the ofifal of which was discharged
into the stream. A small well of water near this stream, aftei- all
its accumulation of filth, furnished the best drink the camp af-
forded.
It is to this day diflicult to see why the government shoulil
send soldiers into such a ' charnel-house of death ' as this, especi-
ally when there were bettei" places but a little way ofl", and the
duty to which they were appointed could be done just as well,
with only a little more marching. It caunot be thought strange
that the men almost immediately began to sicken and die, and the
flower of Litchfield County to be sent back, to be tenderly buried
among their kindred at home. To be sure, if it was necessary
that some should die then and there, that the country might live,
some might think that it was better thus to die by disease, aud be
cared for, and buried in a Christian way, than to die by the bullet
oi' the shell, or the bayonet, amid the din aud smoke of battle, aud
be hastily buried by comrades in the shallow ditch, and in the
HISTORY « V ANCIENT W O O 1> B IT R Y . I'JOO
military dress in which they fought, imcoffined, trusting ojily in a
soldier's God, yet it has always seemed to the heroic soul, in all
ages, which devoted itself to its country, that it was better to die
fighting nobly in the crash of battle, and make return of the do-
ings of a life devoted to duty to the Great Author of all, without
the accompaniraent of funeral rites, and the pageants of magnifi-
cent sorrow.
"'Alexandria, under martial law ever since the l)reakiiig out of
the war, had suffered unspeakable things from the troops on duty
in her streets, or quartered in her environs, and the Alexandrians
had come to regard a soldier as a scoundrel, always and every-
where. But the 19th Connecticut had not been a week in Vir-
ginia before the self-respecting good behavior of its men became
the general theme, and the authorities were petitioned by the cit-
izens— nearly all of whom were rebels — not to remove that regi-
ment from Alexandria.
"On the 22d of September, a detail of live otticei's and seventy-
men relieved the patrol of the 33d Massachusetts in Alexandria,
and the same was dail}' furnished during the remainder of 1862.
It was the duty of the patrol to move about the city in small
s(juads, or stand guard at theatres and certain other places, and
arrest all soldiers who could not produce passes, or who were in
mischief, and bring them to the Provost Marshal's office, whence
they were usually escorted to the ' Slave-Pen ' in Duke Street, — a
horrible den, with the following sign in large letters over the
door: ' Price & Uurch, Dealers in Slaves.'
"From the soft beds and regular habits of Connecticut homes,
to the hard ground, severe duties, irregular sleep, l^ad food and
worse water of a Virginia camp, was a change that could not be
)nade without loss of health and life. ]\Ieasles and Mimi]>s began
to prevail ; Rheumatism made the men lame, Chronic Diarrha-a
weakened them, Typhod Fever fired their blood, and Jaundice
painted their skins and eye-balls yellower than saftron. Two hos-
pital tents were soon filled to overflowing, and an African Church
near by was approi^riated as a Regimental Ilospiial; while the
' Sick Call ' brought to the Surgeon's quarters a daily increasing
crowd, who desired medical treatment or an excuse from duty."
[t was not wonderful that, with the multiplied sickness in camp,
and with the ability which every citizen soldier possessed of wri-
' VailU' Hist, of 2d Conn. H. Art. Volunteers.
1210 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUEY.
ting home his complaints, more or les.s just, that charges should
be made against the officers, — or somebody. Such complaints
Avere made, and by request of Colonel Wessells, Gov. Bucking-
ham appointed a Committee to examine into the condition of the
cam[».
" Six days thereafter, Dr. S. T. Salisbury, of Plymouth, arrived
at regimental headquarters, with credentials from tlie Governor.
Colonel Kellogg requested him to scrutinize closely. ' There are
our jurors,' said he, pointing to the men. 'Enter their quarters
and question them. We will abide by their decision,' Dr. Salis-
bury, upon his return to Connecticut, made a report which exon-
erated the officers from blame. He said tliat no New England
village could surpass the camp in neatness, and that everything
possible was being done for the welfare of the men. He found
the wives of Lieutenant Colonel Kellogg and Major Smith devo-
tedly assisting in the care ol the sick ; and General Slough inform-
ed liim that the 19th Connecticut was the best conducted regiment
in all that region." '
The regiment was now located, for the balance of the year, and
a few incidents of life in camp will be added, mainly, as kindly
furnished the author from the "Diary" kept by the accomplished
wife of Lieut. Col. Smith, then Major of the regiment. Moved
by a patriotic impulse to do what she could to care for the sol-
diers in the hospital, where they so mucli needed the kindly atten-
tions of woman, she had joined lier liusband in camp, early after
the regiment had been permanently located, and her praise was on
the lips of all our sick soldiers,
"Nov. 3d, 1862. Last night we had the first death in the regi-
ment, and it has made us all sad. I have been up to the ten I
where the body lies, previous to embalming. He looks peacefully
at rest, and my tears fall more for his friends than for him. He
was a young Lyman, from Goshen, and only about 18 years of
a"-e. They report another death this morning. We hope Gen.
Slough will see the bad result of giving this regiment such hard
work to perform, and will, in a measure, release the strain ujton
the poor fellows, who have been on duty ten days and nights in
succession.
" This region is furroughed with graves. Fairfax Seminary —
Vaills' Hist.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1211
now a hospital, and a most beautitul building — is just opposite us,
beyond a ravine. Almost everywhere around, a little apart from
the road, I can see the tell-tale mounds, without headmarks, where
some poor fellow has been tucked away. Oh ! horrid, horrid
War ! In the old burial gTounds, in amongst many a family group,
one sees a nameless grave, new made, shallow dug, in which some
Northern soldier has been laid. But how long will his bones re-
main there untouched '? Will they not, at a later day, be rudely
ejected to make room for some returning, rightful owner '? Will
they not be scornfully thrown aside as the remains of a " Cursed
Yankee." I cannot bear to think that the time may come when
unhallowed revenge shall be taken upon the dead, and our best
Northern blood have served only to enrich this vile, Virginia soil.
The first death that occurred in our Woodbury Company I,
was that of Corporal John L. White, on the 13th of November,
1862, and the second, that of James C. PoUey, on the 19th. The
sickness and death of the latter, is thus alluded to in Mrs. Smith's
Diary : —
" Alexandria, Dec. 5, 1 862.
" Two days before I was taken sick, Mr. Policy came to see me.
looking so well ; — but while I was in bed, he sickened, and I found
him, when I got out, in hospital, sick with typhoid fever. He was
very glad to see me. I talked with him awhile, and urged him to
eat. The difficulty with this fever, in the commencement is, the
absolute loathing one has for food. Mr. Policy said he could eat, if
I would make him some chicken tea. So I sent all over town for a
chicken, and finally, the servant returned with a nice, tender one.
I made it into an absolute jelly, thickened it with isinglass, and
took it over just at tea-time. It was early morning when I had
promised it to him, and he had refused all food till I came. Hav-
ing but one hand, I could not feed him, but the nurse did, and he
smacked his lips and said, ' Oh, splendid, I can eat it all.' But he
soon wanted to rest, and then insisted it should be put under his
bed, for fear some one should get it. And so, for several days I
visited him, carrying him almost all he eat, and standing by him.
I counted so many swallows at a time, for he would always eat for
me, and always knew me, till the last. Two days before he died,
I went over to see him, and my heart sunk. There was that fatal
drop of jaw, and that look of the eye, as if it were piercing dist-
24
1212 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
ance. I have learned, alas ! to know the death-mark, unerringly !
It did not seem as if we could let him die — he was so patient —
every one was interested in him. All the officers and men and
nurses, chmg to the idea that he would rally, and so we all hoped.
But he was sinking beyond our reach. I asked him if I should
not write to his family. He said yes. I asked him what I should
write. The fever was very high upon him then, and, as I fanned
the flies off his face and pushed his hair away, he looked up in my
face, wanderingly. It was but for a moment, and then he smiled,
and said : — " Oh, Mrs. Smith, write to my family as you think
best for them and me. Your judgment will judge for me bet-
ter than my judgment could judge." That night I got Mrs Kel-
logg to write to Mrs. Policy, at my dictation, but my letter must
have been preceded by the sad telegram of his death. The niglit
before he died, I took him eggs, beat up in whiskey and sugar>
and though he did not want to take it, he did, when I asked him
to take it for his family. It was very strong, and he looked at
me with a smile, and said, "Is this food?" I took his poor, hot
hand in my cool one, and held it for a few moments, said a few
words of cheer and comfort from a Source which he knew well,
and left him, feeling in my heart, that ere dawn he would be at
rest. About six o'clock, the same morning, he prayed in a strong,
clear voice, so that they heard him all over the iiospital, and in a
few moments, without a struggle, he had gone home ! They sent
me word as soon as I was up, and geting some white chrysanthu-
mous, and beautiful box, from a neighbor, I made a cross and bou-
quet, and when he was ready, they came for me to place them
upon his body. He looked so calm, and so utterly at peace, that,
except for his wife and little children, I had no tears. We placed
the cross in his hands, and the bouquet on his feet, and then he
was slowly borne away to the town, to be embalmed, the Masons
bearing all the expense."
A few days later is recorded the following picture of the Con-
valescent Camp, which was at that time a disgrace to humanity
and a shame to the nation, that was pouring forth its treasures,
like water, to sustain the war !
" It is fearfully cold to-day. We have had quite a heavy fall of
snow, and the wind blows piercingly. It was a bitter night,
though we were perfectly comfortable ; but we lay awake a long
while, thinking of the poor convalescents above us, and of our
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 1213
ibsave fellows at the frout. There must be a vast amount of suf-
fering among them, for they have nothing but shelter tents and a
blanket to protect them against the blast. There is one poor
cripple in the Convalescent Camp, who comes on crutches up the
hill, and while hanging on one, he works away at the old stumps,
from which he gets a few miserable splinters. Day before yester-
day I saw a thin, shadowy man, with a remnant of an old blanket,
painfully gleaning chips into it, where others stronger, or smarter
than he, had chopped up whole trees. I said to him, ' are you
going to have a good fire ? ' ' Yes 'm,' sdid he, and his teeth chat-
tered.— ' I am so vert/ cold.' A mile, and even two miles out, you
may see exhausted beings staggering home with armsfuU of
twiggs, and this morning the guard found, on the edge of our
camp, above,'a man clinging to a precious faggot, but dead! — fro-
zen to death ! His fire on earth was never lighted. His own
lamp of life went out in the effort. But Heaven grant that that
poor suiferer shall be among the 'comforted ' hereafter. I cannot
■express too strongly ray horror of the institution called the Con-
valescent Camp. Men who have been sent from the hospitals to
join their regiments, have been left to rot in this camp, where
dirt, disease and lice, abound! They are allowed to freeze to
death, while fat secessionists have Union guards to protect their
trees and fences! As I write, the sun is setting, and in the dread
of a long and freezing night, men almost frenzied with cold, are
working away at old roots on the hill. So far they have respect-
ed the wooden head-boards of the grave-yard, but the bits they
are painfully catting are covered with frozen snow, and I have
seen them look longingly at the seasoned pine over the graves. I
have no right to carry them some sticks from here. The whole
Convalescent Camp would be down upon us ; but, as I sit here by
a warm fire, with a heart aching for those poor fellows, that same
heart keeps up a reproachful refrain — ' Inasmuch as ye have not
done it unto others ye have not done it unto me.' — Oh, you at
home with warm houses and bright lights and glowing fires,
think, this fearful weather, of those who have nothing but a frail
canvass between them and the freezing night air."
The following is a graceful tribute to Colonel Kellogg :
" Colonel Kellogg, though very roughs is one of the softest
hearted men I ever saw. He is a great traveler, and a man of
]214
U J S T O li Y OF A N C 1 E >J T M' O O I) K U K Y .
■wonderful information, while his powers of description are rare.
His men are attached to him, and respect
him, and those who see him as I do,,
kind-heai'ted, full of sympathy for the
sick, and with tears in his eyes at the
sight of suftering he cannot alleviate,
know, that in spite of rough words and
looks, he is a good man, as well as a strict
disciplinarian and soldier.
" Again at the hospital. I fear we
have two more doomed ones in there^
One man, who is deranged, requested yesterday, that if he died,,
his body should be sent home. That is the last cry of all these
poor fellows. Send me home ! Don't bury me in this horrid
land of traitors and secession ! Send me home to the old grave-
yard, with its mossy stones and its drooping trees, the resting
place of generations of ancestors and remembered loved ones —
Send rae home ! Send me home ! "
"Dec. 22, 1862. I did not sleep much last night, from some
reason or other. But the nights do not seem long. Every two
hours the relief comes along, and I hear the challenge and the
change of sentinels — then, at midnight, the grand rounds. Then
I can hear variously tuned snores, and oh ! the coughs ! The va-
riety and the number are astonishing. There is the surface rack,
and the cavernous — the throaty gag and the wrenching — the la-
bored and the catarrhal, the near, the distant, and the dreary, dry
cough, which tells that consumption is nigh at hand. Sometimes;,
too, I have heard from the street tents the home-sick out-cry of
some poor fellow, who has been the mother-hoy at home, and bitter
cold nights I could have shed tears, too, for 'those I left behind
me.' Alas ! alas ! for a soldier's life. The old song that it is full
•if joy, may do well enough for the ' piping times of peace,' but
in days of war, and intestine war too, the song is a mocking li«."
The next extract from the ' diary,' which will be given, is the
touching account of the sickness and death of Corporal, or rather
2d Lieut. Krederick Whitlock. Though in chronological order
this would belong in the place allotted to the events of the early
days of 1863, yet in the grouping of incidents, it comes in more
p^'operly here.
HISTORY OF A N C I E X T W O O D B U K Y . 1215
Whitlock was always, though younger in years, one of the au-
thor's most considerate, firm, and faithful friends. Indeed, that
was his nature. He was true, genial and
faithful to all. His countenance and his life
were ever sunny. It is with a full heart
that the writer records his virtues on this
memorial page.
As has been seen, immediately after the
disastrous battles of the "Seven Days in the
Wilderness," under the leadership of Mc-
Clellan, the President called for 300,000 vol-
unteers. As an inducement to earnest recruiting, Gov. Bucking-
ham ordered, that every suitable candidate who should enlist forty
men, should receive a 2d Lieutenant's Commission. Under this
provision, Whitlock procured enlistment papers from the Adjutant
General, and opened a recruiting office in Woodbury. But learn-
ing that Mr. Eli Sperry, who afterwards became Captain of our Co.
I, had also obtained papers for the same purpose of obtaining a
commission, which bore date a day or two earlier, and believing
that it would be highly detrimental to the cause of enlistments, if
two opposing offices should be kept open in our small, rural com-
ruunity, with a most praise worthy patriotism he closed his office,
returned Ids papers, repaired to New Haven, enlisted the 15th of
August, 1862, and was mustered in as a private, in Co. F, of the
20th regiment. He was very soon promoted Corporal and Ser-
geant, for faithful service. But his ambition led him to undertake
to do too much. The 20th regiment was called upon to do heavy
marching, the latter part of the year, and being determined to do
the work of the strongest, he fell sick, and was sent to Trinity
General Hospital, at Washington. The Avriter had l»een in recent
correspondence with him. Whitlock knew that he expected to
visit the camps in a few days, and had arranged for a meeting.
He had important matters which he said he wished to submit to
him, expressing the gi-eatest solicitude to see him. The writer de-
sired, on his part, to see him, and accomplish his wishes, if possible-
He accordingly went to Washington, but on account of a general or"
-der, promulgated the very day of his arrival, he was unable to
get a pass to go any further than the " Defences of Washington aud
Alexandria," Whitlock, meanwhile, was with his regiment at Fair-
fax Coui't-House. It turned out in the sequel, that he was carried
-through Alexandria, sick, to Washington, the very day the writer
1216 1 1 I S T O R A' OF ANCIENT W O O D B U K Y .
was there, seeking a pass to go to him. After a visit to the sol-
diers in the camp, he returned to Washington, and was th'ere
till the day Whitlock died, almost within a stone's throw of him,
but was unaware of his presence in the city, and returned honoe-
in ignorance of it. The writer has never ceased to regret, that
while each sought the other with such perseverance, they could
not have met, and that the poor sufferer's dying hours could not
have been soothed by his life-long friend. It would have been a
great privilege to have been permitted to do something to allevi-
ate the pains of such a friend, while passing " over the dark river."
But the secret he so much desired to impart died with him. We
may fondly hope that so great, so kind, so good a heart, has found
nobler employment beyond the portals of death.
There was another sad circumstance in his death at this time.
He had so well fulfilled his duties as a soldier, that Gov. Bucking-
ham granted him a commission as 2d Lieutenant, and the commis-
sion reached him while in a state of insensibility, too late for him
to know that his ambition had been gratified, and his merit reward-
ed. He died Jan. 24, 1863. His body was embalmed, sent to
New York, and buried in Greenwood Cemetery.
Two extracts from Mrs. Smith's "diary" follow: —
" Fred. Whitlock. — 6th Jan., 186.3. I have been much amused
to-day, by the account that Lieut. Col. Wooster, of the 20th C.
v., has given us of Corporal Whitlock. He says he is all energy
and spunk, determined to keep up with the biggest and burliest
soldiers, and die game, if he dies at all. The regiment has been,
from the outset, exposed to all the inclemency of the weather,,
never having remained stationary in any ony one place long enough
to make themselves comfortable, and unprovided with other than
the shelter tent. They have been continually on long, forced
marches, sometimes for several days together, and Fred, has reso-
lutely kept up with the best of them, refusing to lighten his knap-
sack or even to put his baggage into one 'of the regimental wagons,
as the Colonel told him to do. He seems to be a great favorite
and a good soldier. Colonel Wooster spoke of him with great
friendliness and kindness."
"January 2oth, 1863.
" My heart aches with bitter pain and my eyes overflow. Poor
Fred. Whitlock is dead — dead in the hospital at Washington, and
HISTOKY OP ANCIENT WOODKUKY. 1217
no one to care for his body, or comiumiicate witli his friends but
myself! The last time I saw him, he, my husband and myself ex-
changed good-byes at Southbury ; Fred., full of entlmsiasm and
military zeal. The next I heard of him was through Lieut. Col.
Wooster, of the 20th C. V. Day before yesterday I received a
large envelope, franked by a member of Congress, and addressed
to me at Fort Barnard. The note enclosed proved to be from
Fred., telling me he had been taken to Trinity General Hospital,
at Washington, sick with bilious fever, and asking me to send
word to Walter, (his brother, of the 1st Conn. Heavy Artillery,)
He wrote me that he was in need of clothes, and to ask Walter to
bring some for hira. Fort Barnard, where Walter is, is three
miles from here, and it was impossible to send that night. I sent
for Dr. Lawton, who was previously surgeon of the 20th, and thfe
one who examined and passed Fred., and who, supposing at that
time he should remain in the 20th, could discharge Fred, later, if
he felt unable to continue ! Most fortunately, the doctor was going
to Washington in the morning, (yesterday,) and I gave him Fred's
address, and a note for him, and he promised to go and see him.
The weather was such that I could not get out, as we have no con-
veyance here now, except our feet, or I should have gone with Dr.
Lawton myself, and seen what I could do. Just as we were pre-
paring to send our Orderly to Fort Barnard, Walter came in, and
I told him about Fred., and that he had better return immediately,
and spend the afternoon in getting a pass for Washington — a long
job now, as it has to go through so many hands before completion.
Last evening Dr. Lawton returned, with the most unexpected in-
formation, that he found Fred, in the Dead House! — the poor fel-
low had died that morning! They told the doctor that he had been
brought there on the 18th, and had been unconscious almost ever
since he had been there, only rallying long enough to ask to have
one letter written to a lady. He died easily and unconsciously,
but the doctor tells me he was so emaciated, he should not have
known him. His letter was dated the 19th, and I did not receive
it till the 28d. Had it been simply stamped, I should, probably,
have got it in season to have gone to Washington. I cannot con-
ceive the cause of its delay. At day-light this morning, we sent
an Orderly over to Walter with a note from me, telling him the
sad news, and hurrying him to Washington. Dr. Lawton told
them at the Hospital not to bury poor Fred, today, but to wait
1218 HISTORY OF ANCIENT A^■ O O D B U R Y .
until they heard from nie. I telegraphed to his brother, Duncan,
last night, and have also requested that Fred, be kept above
ground until to-morrow. At eleven this morning, poor Walter,
pale, with his eyes swollen by weeping, came and told me he had
been waiting since early morning to get his pass signed by Gen.
Tyler, who was asleep and no one dared to wake him ! Poor fel-
low ! his spirit seemed utterly broken, and in his utter loneliness
I deeply sympathized with him. The sisterly sympathy did him
good, and he left me feeling a little more courage and sti'ength.
I have written to his sister, Eliza, and told the story as gently as
I could, but I could not modify the dispatch, which stated " Your
brother Fred, is dead. Have ordered embalming — come immedi-
ately." How little did I ever suppose that when the last came, I
should be the means of saving the ' Little Corporal ' from a Hos-
pital grave, and be the only link between him and his friends at
home. Oh ! if I could have received his last letter soon enough
for me to have gone to him, that I might have gathered some final
words for his mother, his sister, and brothers — some last thoughts
for his 'loved ones at home!' When Waiter reached the Hospi-
tal, he found that the body had just been carried away to the ' Sol-
dier Rest,' about five miles from Washington, and the poor fellow
started after it. He reached there just five minutes sooner than
the hearse, and was enabled to take his brother's remains back
with him, and commit them to the care of the embalmer, who
would forward them to New York.
"T4
[aevey H. Fox's Death. — Feb. 1st, 1863. I went over this
morning to the hospital, and was shocked at finding Harvey H.
Fox at death's door. I had seen him on guard two days before,
and spoken to him, and thought then, the man looked miserably.
When he saw me come up to his bedside, he held out his hand,
and the tears rolled down his cheeks. I saw the same fatal symp-
toms that I have learned to know so Avell, and, even then, I felt
that no earthly power could avail anything. Oh ! all of you at
home ! Can you imagine what it is to see so many lying down to
die — to bid so many good-bye !
Feb. 4th.— Poor Fox died this morning. I went over as early
as I could, but he was dead before I reached the Hospital. He
HISTOSjr OF A NCI EXT WOODHUKY. 1219
knew he must die, aud did not murmur, but he did mourn that
his wife could not come to him. He looks very calm, and died
very quietly. The touch of the mighty Angel of Death has mod-
ified aud ameliorated the harsh lines of his face, and his poor, be-
reaved wife aud family will have a last look at his still, manful
countenance, when the bodj', which his company have had embalm-
ed, reaches Woodbury."
These sad recitals gi^ e us mournful, but living pictures of the sad
scenes of sickness aud death, on the malarious " old Camp Ground "
at Alexandria.
On the 28th of December, 1862, the regiment had a specimen of
the e;uotions they woitld experience on their first call to battle,
and tfiat sort of contest most dreaded by soldiers — a night attack,
when one is not sure of distinguishing friend from foe. It is fully
described in the following extract : —
" ALEXANDPaA, Dec. 20, 1862.
" Last evening, about six o'clock, Colonel Kellogg came in to
say that Capt. Rice, who commanded our pickets and patrol in
towii, had sent word that the Stuart cavalry were within seven or
eight miles of us, and evidently about to make a raid into this
immense depot of army stores. If true, the 19th would be called
into action — if not true, it would do no harm to be found watch.
ing. My husband immediately told me that I must go over to the
tavern, and Mrs. Colonel Kellogg received like orders. Without
waiting for any thing but to gather one or two precious objects,
bidding our husbands a God-speed, and a good-night, we left the
camp. We considered the reports exaggerated, and did not feel
very great apprehension of an attack, but sve heard so much worse
things at the secession tavern, that we got thoroughly alarmed.
The family is kind, and likes th« trust-worthy, gentlemanly sol-
diers of the 19tb, aud we knew we M'ere safe enough there for
the present, though had we had time, we should have gone up
to Washington. As it was, however, the Colonel* and Major felt
a sense of comfort in our location, and 'loe were glad to be near
thera. About ten o'clock we retired — five of us in one room — Mrs.
Kellogg's little boy, and the daughters of the house — Union and
rebel — making common cause, and utterly forgetting difierences,
or dislikes. Mrs. Kellogg and I took a bed near a window overlook-
ing the road, and part of our camp, and while we talked, the rest
1220 HISTORY OF A N C I E N T W O O D B U R Y ,
all fell soundly asleep, and absolute stillness came over all sur-
roundings. At»out eleven o'clock, our listening ears were struck
by a stealthy, but steady and stern tramp, and, springing to the
window, we saw the 19th drawing up in battle line just across the
road, to the right ! They were going to tight, then, our brave
boys! Going out under the bright moonlight to risk their lives
for their country ! Marching out to meet an enemy 8,000 strong.
It was to be the same old story of a few sent against the many —
of sacrifice, blood-shed, and, probable defeat. We knew by the
splendid, silent march of oui' men with their glittering muskets,
that the enemy would meet with no timid, or straggling foe, but
as Colonel Kellogg said, that ' the 19th would make some pretty
bad sores before it got through!' Still, our position was one of
agony, for beneath our window stretched that glittering line, and
we could hear the dear, well-known voices of our husbands, ring-
ing their commands through the clear moonlight air. Pruraptly,
silently, grimly did our noble regiment stand ready for whatever
might be its fate, and still the child and the two girls slept placidly
on, and one of the kittens, a favorite of mine, stole up into my
lap, purring cozily. By this time I was up and dressed, and as
the moonlight brightened, and the shadows deepened, every stump
on Shuter's Hill, and every break in the ground filled our straining
eyes with pictures of approaching rebels, or friends and reenforce-
ments. Presently, the 19th marched to the brow of the hill, and
the men lay down upon their arms. Then, later they returned to
camp, and, on their arms again lay down. But not for a long
time. Five mounted soldiers dashed into camp, and in two min-
utes tlie A.djutant's cry of ' Fall in ' was heard, and in a moment
more, the men turned out, formed, and without a word, without
bugle-note or drum-beat, they marched down the road, and we
saw our husbands and our regiment disappear in the moonlit dis-
tance. Then, for a moment — only for a moment — we broke down.
And still the little boy slept peacefully, the girls were quiet, and
pussy purred cosily on my knee.
Then, in the camp of the 15.3d New York, all was stir, bustle,
and confusion. They received notification at the same time our
regiment did, but with their usual green, unsoldierly performances,
they drummed, and tooted, and shouted, and beat the long-roll of
alarm, so familiar to me in the French ' rappel,' of insurrectionary
memory. Four hours later than the 19th, they marched by the
house in full rig — officers all mounted — every one of ours afoot —
1! I S T O K Y OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1221
flags flying, baggage-wagons, with three days rations, two ambu"
lances, the medical staflf, drums, fifes, bugles and all ! Between time's
about 150 men — all that remained of the 1st District of Colum-
bia, the oldest volunteer regiment in the service, had gone quietly
by, and then all settled into loneliness and quiet, only interrupted
by the rapid gallop of an orderly, the low rumble of an ambu-
lance, or the hurry and rush of the loaded trains, conveying all
the rolling stock, and movable government property to Washing-
ton, or the distant cries of vast droves of cattle being driven from
just below our camp over to Long Bridge. Meantime, the forts
kept up vivid signals, and, at times, the glare from Fort Ells-
worth, reddened our faces, and crimsoned the moonlight on the
floor. And the two girls slept, and the child breathed lieavily,
and kitty purred happily, and the two wives listened and waited,
counting hour after hour, rejoicing as each moment paesed,^
that no sound of fight reached us. And all through the night, in
the chill night air, our regiment stood in battle line across the
road, with the 1st Dist. of Columbia on the left, and the 15.3d
New York on the right, the forts but poorly manned, and with na
short-range guns, stretching along towards Washington. The
Rebels came within four miles of them, but the night was so
bright, and their opponents awake, they retired toward Fairfax,,
and the threatened rebel raid was choked off for once.
"The Colonel and Major were delighted with the readiness and'
pluck of the men, and the excitement has done the men good.
They feel a confidence in themselves, and in their ofticers. Not a
man fell back, or faltered. And I must mention, that what with
the sick, the men detained in town, and at Parole Camp, they did
not muster quite 500 strong, but many a complainer, and several
but lately from the Hospital, turned out with the rest, and ran
their chances of life and death. Alexandria rings, to-day, with
praises of the 19th — Union and Rebel alike. For the rebels dread
a raid of their own army, terribly, and pin their faith to the 19th,,
as a protection."
" Alexandria, Va., Jan. 12th, 1863.
" Farewell to the camp on Shuter's Hill ! Good-bye to our old
home, in this pest-house of the ' Sacred soil ! ' The men have suf-
1222 HISTORY OP A X (' I E iV T WOODBURY.
fered and died, and are sickening and dying still, but we hope
change of air will bring them up, and restore to us many who are
now in the hospital. Yet there is a kind of horae-sick feeling
comes across me, as I look over the well-known ground, and see
nothing but the remnants of our various abodes The signal for
striking tents was given at daylight, and at the drum-beat, down,
down went the canvass city, and lay prone upon the ground.
Then the streets, which every day have been military and quiet,
were like suddenly disturbed ant-hills, perfectly swarming with
life and excitement. Then the fun and the frolic began, and the
ladies stood upon the hill-top, and laughed till we were tired, at
the performances of the men. They had rat chases to their hearts
content. Such well-fed fellows as plunged out from beneath tent-
tloors, to meet a sudden deatli, I have seldom had the pleasure of
seeing. Officers and men, darkies and citizens — one and all —
joined in the race, and hundreds of the horrid vermin lie this
morning upon the deserted ground, testifying to their struggles
and death. What a scene the home of the 19th presents! The
neat, well-ordered streets are almost obliterated by rubbish and
remnants. Old boots, cast-oft" caps, raateless stockings, burnt-out
stoves, bristle-less blacking-brushes, old papers, broken boxes
smashed bottles, fag-ends of ropes, bits of leather, rusty iron —
every conceivable thing once useful and desirable, now become, as?
everything else becomes — rubbish. Yesterday, when tiie wagons
were being packed, the camp swarmed with camp-followers, eager-
eyed, and light-fingered, grabbing right and left, and stowing into
dirty bags, everything they could scrape together. They rushed
past sentinels with bayonets, defied captains, insulted guai'ds, and
boldly plied their plundering trade directly under the noses of the
military authorities. Even the officers caught the stealing mania,
and robbed each other, relentlessly. Capt. Williams fought val-
iantly for his dry-goods and groceries, and finally succeeded in re-
taining his bedstead and mess-chest, by setting on the one, and
putting his feet on the other. When he heard us laughing at his
mishaps, he shook a broom at us, and just at that moment the Ad-
jutant rode up, seized it, and made ofi^ with it in triumph. Then
the captain lowered his head o\ er the remnants of his posses-
sions, and — did not weep I
" The regiment moved up the Leesburg Pike, passed Fairfax
Seminary, and encamped among the stumps, a few rods from the
abbatis of Fort Wortlt. The liability of an immediate call to the
HISTOHV OF ANCIENT W O O D B U RT . ] 2'2S
front was now so far diminished that there was a very noticeable
relaxation of military rigor. Dress Parade, Guard Mounting, and
Camp Guard, were for some days the only disciplinary duties re-
quired, and great was the enjoyment afforded by the respite.
Stumps were to be cleared away, and ditching and draining done
for a camp and parade ground ; and the change from constant
duty under arms to chopping, grubbing, and digging fresh earthy
was extremely grateful and beneficial. True, the month of Janu-
ary witnessed a greater mortality than any other of the entire
twenty months passed in the ' defenses ; ' but it was the result of
disease previously contracted.
" Fort Worth was a little earthwork about a quarter of a mile
in rear of Fairfax Seminary, overlooking the broad valley of Hunt-
ing Creek, and the Orange and Alexandria Railway, and mount-
ing some twenty-four guns of all kinds — Rodman, Parrott, Whit-
worth, 8-inch Howitzers, and iron and Coehorn mortars. Here
began our ar t lller i/ sevx'ioe; and for many months the 19th, al-
though an infantry regiment, performed garrison duly in this and
half a dozen other forts and redoubts in the vicinity, — thereby
attaining a proficiency in artillery that eventually won the ' red/
and would doubtless have been effective at the front, if such ser-
vice had ever been required of us. But it was not so to be."
Thus have we gone through with the principal events of the year
in which Woodbury, and its sons had a part, and have shown that
they performed it faithfully and well. We have recounted some
of the events of a year of gigantic preparation, fierce and destruc-
tive battles, of desperate defeats to our arms, and of more glorious
victories to cheer the hearts of the loyal people of the country.
The year 1862 closes with the hope, but not the certainty of a
better record in future.
1863. — Our account of the military events of 1862, in which the
soldiers of Woodbury were interested, closed with the removal of
the camp of the 19th Conn. Vols., from the pestilent locality at
the head of King street, to the heights near Fairfax Seminary.
Here, and in the vicinity, the regiment remained in the defenses,
during this year, and till May, 1864. There is little of incident
to record of this regiment during this time. They simply entered
into the monotony of garrison life.
" During the entire season, the 19th was called upon for nothing
more laborious thnn drilling, target practice, stockade building in
1224 HISTOKV OI^' ANCIENT W O O JL» « U it Y.
Alexandria, pickiug blackberries, drinking a quarter of a gill of
whiskey and quinine at Reveille and Retreat, and drawing pay
from Major Ladd every two months. Yet a good many seemed
to be in all sorts of affliction, and were constantly complaining,
because they could not go to the front, A year later, when the
soldiers of the 19th were staggering along the Pamunkey, with
heavy loads and blistered feet, or throwing up breastworks with
their coffee pots all night, under fire in front of Petersburg, they
looked back to the defenses of Washington as to a lost Elysium,
and fervently longed to regain those blissful seats. Oh Happi-
ness I why is it that men never recognize thy features until thou
art far away ? "
In the early spring, a political incident engaged the earnest at-
tention and discussion of the officers and men of the regiment.
The two political parties had made their nominations, in accord-
ance with their several views, and on account of the indecisive
result of the war as waged in 1862, those who had originally been
" peace men," with considerable accessions, came to the front, and
there was a vigorous campaign.
" On or about the 28th of March, Colonel Aiken, of Connecti-
cut, visited camp, and spent an hour or more with Colonel VVes-
sells and Major Smith, at the quarters of the latter. Shortly after-
ward, it became known that leaves of absence were to be granted
to tea officers, and furloughs to ninety men, for nine days — or un-
til after the Connecticut election ; and each Company commander
was reqested to' select ten from his Company for this purpose, and
to furnish a list of their names, to be forwarded to Washington,
and embodied in an order. Some of the Captains were war dem-
ocrats, some republicans, and some of no politics, — but all of them
professed to select those for furloughs who had the best reasons
for going home, without regard to politics. The order shortly
came, and the ten officers and ninety men left, for Connecticut." '
However it may have been with other companies, the division
was made equal between the two parties in the number furlough-
ed to Woodbury, if we regard party divisions as they existed
when the company marched from our town. But it is the impres-
sion of the writer, that such was the love of Woodbury soldiers
* Vaills' 19th Regiment.
H I S T O K Y OF ANCIENT W O O D 1? U K Y. 1 225
for Governor Buckingham, and such their M'arm approval of hi^
earnest efforts in the behalf of the Union, and such his kind, con-
siderate and paternal care for the interest and welfare of all the
soldiers, that he received their ever}^ vote.
An incident occurred at our election, which occasioned a rao.
mentary ripple upon the usually quiet surface of our society.
When Company I was organized, a desperate shirk, and so far as
he knew how to be, a disloyal man, whose name is withheld for
fear he will attain more notoriety than he deserves, enlisted in the
Company, to claim the bounties. Immediately after arriving in
Virginia, he began to shirk duty, and finally was enabled, by his
representations, to get into the hospital at Alexandria. The Avri-
ter called on him there, as he did on all the Woodbury soldiers,
whereever he could find them, in Jan., 1862. He found him in
bed, partaking of rations, and with a pile big enough for three
men. This man immediately besought him, with tears, to inter-
cede for his release, with the authorities. This was accordingly
done, and when the officer in charge of the hosj^ital was asked
why this sgldier should not be discharged, he instantly replied,
that "there was no reason in the world why he should not be dis-
charged. He was," he said, " a d — d shirk, and knave, who had
enlisted to get the bounties ; that he never had done and never
would do the Government any service, and he would procure his
discharge." He was discharged, and voted at this election. When
the ten soldiers came up to vote, he reviled them, as " Lincoln
hirelings," who had been sent home to vote for Gov. Buckingham.
At the same time apparently suspecting that this insult would be
j'esented, he drew a silver-mounted, six-barreled revolver, which
1226 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
had been loaned him by a peace man, and presented it. Not
knowing with what intent the weapon was drawn, Sergeant M,
D. Smith cried out, " Fall in, Co. I." The '^ Woodbury boy* " as
instantly obeyed, and a " double quick " was made for the revolver.
The coward fired, but Mr. Alexander Gordon, who was standing
near, knocked the muzzle down, and the weapon was discharged
within an ace of his foot. The ''squad" took the weapon, and
Sheriff Minor took the miscreant into custody. When the nine
days furlough expired, the " Woodbury nine " mounted the stage
in front of the Post-office, and departed for the " defenses," ex-
hibiting the revolver, and promising to use the weapon at the front.
And it did do good execution against the rebels at a later day.
Several calls for volunteers and drafts were ordered by the Pres-
ident in 1863. Woodbury, as usual, was in the forefront of re-
cruiting and raising bounties. It passed the following votes : —
*' Resolved, That the sum of six thousand four hundred dollars,
or so much of said sum as may be necessary, be, and the same is
hereby appropriated from the Treasury of this town,, for the fol-
lowing purposes, viz: Tvyo Hundred Dollars thereof to be paid
into the hands of a Committee, to be appointed for that purpose,
for the benefit of each person drafted from this town, who shall
not be exempt under any of the provisions of «aid law, and who
shall be liable to answer to the said draft, under any of the pro-
visions of said law ; said Committee to procure substitutes for
each and all such drafted men ; whenever each one so drafted
shall furnish to said Committee the amount in cash over and above
the $200, necessary to furnish a substitute, not exceeding $300 in
the whole. Provided, that if substitutes cannot be had by said
Committee for a sum not exceeding 1300 each, that in that case
said Committee pay over said $200 furnished by the town to each
of such drafted men as are mustered into the service of the United
States himself, and also to him who has not, and who does not re-
fuse to accept a substitute, when to be had for a sum not exceed-
ing $300.
'' Hesolved, Tho.t the Selectmen of the town be, and they are
hereby authorized to borrow the said sum of $6,400, or such part
thereof as shall from time to time be necessary, and make their
order on the town therefor; and the Selectmen are hereby appointed
to disburse said money or such part thereof to said Committee
as shall be necessary to carry out the foregoing resolution.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1227
^^ Hesolved, That the aforesaid bounties, or monies, in tlie hands
of said Committee, be paid to the drafted man himself, or his sub-
stitute, or their order, who is entitled to the same; and not on
any factorizing or other legal process.
" Voted, That said Committee mentioned in the foregoing res-
olutions to procure substitutes, shaU consist of two, and Daniel
Curtiss and Robert Peck were appointed said Committee."
Dec. I2th, '63, Towji Meeting.
" Voted, That R. B. Martin, recruiting officer of the town, be au-
thorized, at the expense of the town, to em])]oy one or more agents
to assist him in obtaining volunteers to apply on the quota of this
town under the call of the President of the United States for
300,000 men.
" Voted, That the Selectmen of this town be directed to draw
such order or orders on tlie Treasury of this town, to carry out
such provisions of the foregoing vote as shall be allowed by a
Committee hereafter to be appointed.
" Voted, That Daniel Curtiss^ Robert Peck and Truman Minor,
be a Committee to audit the accounts of the recruiting officers and
bequests above named, and to allow such bills, at their discretion,
as they shall judge to be necessary to obtain volunteers to fill our
quota, and deliver all such bills as are allowed by them, to the
Selectmen."
Under these votes, recruiting went on rapidly, as it did under
every other call, and the town nobly fulfilled its duty, under the
constitution and laws.
On the 23d of November, the Govornor called for colored volun-
teers for the 29th Regiment, and the colored men of our town came
forward with great alacrity. More than half of the able-bodied
men, almost immediately enlisted, and did good service. At the
collapse of the Rebellion, two companies of that Regiment which
contained Woodbury colored men, had the honor of being the
first infiintry which entered Richmond.
There was no duty devolved upon the army during the war
sad, brave, or glorious, in which the Woodbury soldiers did not
take a part. One of the saddest duties which a soldier can be
called to perform is, to shoot a comrade. Yet the stern exigen-
cies of the service sometimes required this. A description of a
25
1228 HISTOKT OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
single case of execution in tlie 8th Connecticut, at which some of
our Woodbury boys assisted, will suffice : —
" Camp near Portsmouth, December, 1863.
"Dear Friend and Editor: — Having a few leisure moments,
I propose to give you an outline of an incident which occurred in
our regiment yesterday. You are aware that there has been an
addition made to our regiment in the shape of conscripts. Quite
a number of them have deserted, and it was found necessary to
have an example made of some of them, to put a stop to it*
Therefore, two of them who had deserted twice and were caught
again, were sentenced to be shot, and the sentence was carried out
yesterday. At 9 A, M,, the regiments of this brigade were form-
ed on their respective parade grounds, and marched to an open
field near Fort Reno.
"A hollow square was then formed, and the men rested on
their guns, to await the arrival of the prisoners, with their escort.
At half-past nine the funeral escort started from the brigade head-
quarters, the band playing a dirge. The band was followed by a
detail of eight men, carrying the coffins on stretchers, followed by
a section of the Provost Gnard.
"Next came two carriages containing the prisoners and their spir-
itual advisers. The procession was closed by a section of the Pro-
vost Guard. As the escort entered the square, a solemn silence
prevailed. After the escort had marched around the square, the
prisoners were taken out of the carriages and led up in front of
the detail that were to execute them. After the priests (for they
were Ctholics) had shrived them, they were made to kneel in front
of their coffins, and bandages put over their eyes. Soon the fatal
order was given to fire, and their souls passed into eternity. It
was an impressive scene, and it is to be hoped that it will be a
solemn warning to those th.at would desert their country's cause."
The year of 1863 was a year of substantial victories for the
cause of the Union. Everywhere the men of the North an-
swered the full demands of duty, and our little town was rep-
resented on the greater, glorious battle-fields. Wherever deeds
of valor, or courage were to be done, they were to be found.
Space permits a reference to only one, the sternest of battles,
which saved the nation's life, and in which they participated. It
was the glorious battle of Gettysburg, where Gen. Lee, for once,
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 1229
ventured to invade our free soil, and tried to bring us to all the
horrors of invasion, which the " sacred soil" had so long suffered,
in the effort of the government to restore its rightful authority-
over the the entire territory of the nation.
" On the morning of the 3d — the last and great day of the bat-
tle,— Gen Geary, who had marched from the center to the right
during the previous night, was attacked by the enemy at early
dawn. However, he soon succeeded in driving him back, and in
ousting him from that part of the field, which he had won the
day before. The battle then surged along this part of the line,
with great fury. The enemy being uniformly repulsed, till 11 A.
M., whea it ceased, and over the whole field everything was omi-
nously silent for two hours. The soldiers ate their dinners and
rested, pondering what the issue might be. At 1 P. M. two sig.
nal guns, from the Rebel line, broke the silence, and were at once
followed by the roar of one hundred and twenty-five cannon,
massed in position against our left center. Our own batteres res-
ponded, and for over two hours there was the grandest artillery
prelude ever heard on this continent. Shot and shell rushed,
whistled, shrieked and moaned, and the very air seemed alive with
the flying projectiles. At length our guns ceased to reply, and
the artillery roar slackened. Then followed the grand assault of
the rebels. In it was one half of their whole army. On they
came, with a heavy line of skirmishers in front, and two complete
lines of battle. They were received principally by the second
corps, which behaved with magnificent courage. Reenforcements
were rapidly sent to its support, and all our available artillery was
converged upon the advancing enemy. Their first line seemed to
sink in the earth, but with the madness of desperation on they
rushed.
" Now they had reached our guns, and were in the act of turn-
ing them against us, when a determined charge recovered them.
For several hours, division after division was hurled against the
firm and solid lines of our army, only to be dashed back with
slaughter and confusion. Finally, the sullen roar of battle rolled
off to the southwest, and the enemy withdrew, repulsed and de-
feated.
"Thus closed the terrible battle of Gettysburgh. The pride
and power of the Rebel invasion were thoroughly broken by
the invincible valor and obstinate bravery of the hard-marched
veterans of the army of the Potomac."
1230 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
1864. The year opened with increased preparation and hope.
The idea that this was to be a short war, had long since been
abandoned, and the certainty that it would be a long, costly, and
bloody one, had become a moral certainty. But the intention
of the government to defend itself, and bring the war to a suc-
cessful close, had never been more determined.
The 19th Connecticut was, by an order from the War Depart-
ment, issued on the 23d of November, 1863, changed into the 2d
Connecticut Heavy Artillery, to the general joy of the men, and
they thenceforth added artillery tactics to their course of instruc-
tion. But they were destined never to fight as artillery. The
only benefit to them was, the increase of their number up to
eighteen hundred men, the full complement of an artillery regi-
ment.
In the early spring of 1864, General Grant, who had been sig-
nally successful in the campaigns of the west, was appointed
Lieut. General, and made commander in chief of all the armies of
the United States. He established his head-quarters with the
Army of the Potomac — the army of so many sad disasters. From
the beginning of the war, till now, it had been deemed necessary,
by the successive commanders, to keep a large number of troops
in the defenses of Washington. Grant reversed all this. When
he wanted soldiers for his campaigns, he did not hesitate to take
them from the defenses of the capital, or anywhere else where he
could find them, nor was he particular from which arm of the ser-
vice he took them.
On the 17th of May, 1864, an order arrived for the regiment
to march at once for the head-quarters of the Army of the Poto-
mac, with five days rations. They reached their destination on
the 20th, and were assigned to the 2d Brigade, 1st Divis-
ion, Sixth Corps. Late in the evening of the 21st, ''began that
long and terrible series of marches, which were continued almost
without a breathing spell, until the 1st of June, when the battle
of Cold Harbor began.
On the 27th, Col. Upton called on Col. Kellogg, and said : —
" ' Colonel, let your men know that we are to have a march to-
night, so that they may get as much rest as possible. We shall
probably be within fifteen miles of Richmond to-morrow morning.'
At eight o'clock the column was again in motion, on the road fol-
lowing the left bank of the Pamunkey; and oh ! what language
will convey to those who were not there, the least idea of the
HISTORY OP ANCI E NT W 00 DBUKY 1231
murderous craelty ia that march? We had ah-eady suftered al 1
that flesh and blood seemed able to bear, on the road from Spott-
sylvania to the North Anna, and the future had in store for us
many other marches that were grievous beyond expression ; but I
am persuaded that if all the regiment were to be summoned — the
living and the dead — and notified that all their marches except one
must be performed over again, and that they might choose w/tich
one should be omitted, the almost unanimous cry would be, 'De-
liver us from the accursed night march along the Pamunkey ! ' In
darkness and silence, hour after hour, without a rest of more than
five minutes at a time, the corps was hurled along that sandy road.
There was no danger that the head of the column would lose its
way, for a large body of cavalry had pi'eceded us a day or two
before, and dead horses lined the road throughout, at intervals
averaging not more than a quarter of a mile, sickening all the
motionless air. Ten o'clock, — eleven o'clock, — midnight, — two
o'clock, — four o'clock, — the darkness began to fade before the in-
flowing tides of the morning light, but still the jaded men moved
on. Captain Buruham, with stockings and rags bound upon his
blistered feet like sandals, (his boots having been used up and
thrown away,) hobbled painfully along beside his men, whose feet,
like those of all the rest, were in the same condition."
This regiment had been in service about twenty-two months,
and were now about to receive their first baptism of fire and blood
— an event that was to carry death and decimation into its ranks
with scarcely a parallel during the whole war. The battle receiv-
ed the name of Cold Harbor. And what was this place? — three
or four unpainled houses east of a sparce pine-wood, common in
Virginia. Lieut. Vaill, who was the Adjutant of the regiment,
and present at the battle, has so eloquently described it, that nearly
his whole description is inserted here. '
"Just at the left of the spot where we had stacked our musk-
ets, was a hollow, basin-like spot, containing about an acre of land'
and a few pine and chestnut trees, and well protected on the front
by a curved line of breastworks, whicli were thi-own up during
McClellan's campaign, two years before, or else had been erected
by Sheridan's Cavalry. In this hollow the three battalions of our
regiment were massed, about two or three o'clock, preparatory to
' This battle was fought about ten miles North of Richmond.
1232 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
a charge, which had been ordered by General Meade to take place
at five. By this time the field pieces of the 1st Division had taken
position directly in our rear, while the rebels had batteries directly
in our front ; and for a long time the solid shot flew back and forth
between them, right above our heads, lopping ofi" twigs, limbs«
and even large branches, which came crashing down among the
ranks. Said Colonel Kellogg to the 1st Battalion, ' ISTow, men,
when you have the order to move, go in steady, keep cool, keep
still until I give the order to charge, and then go arras a-port,
with a yell. Don't a man of you fire a shot until we are within
the enemy's breastworks, I shall be with you.' Even all this,
added to a constantly increasing picket fire, and ominous signs on
every hand, could not excite the men to any great degree of inte-
rest in what was going on. Their stupor was of a kind that none
can describe, and none but soldiers can understand. In proof of
this, only one incident need be mentioned. Corporal William A.
Hosford, then of Company E, heard the foregoing instructions
given by Colonel Kellogg, and yet was waked out of a sound sleep
when the moment came to move forward.
"Colonel Upton, the Brigade Commander, was in almost con-
stant, conference with Colonel Kellogg, giving him instructions
how and when to proceed, surveying the ground, and anxiously,
but quietly watching this new regiment, wliich, although it now
constituted more than half his command, he had never seen in ac-
tion. The arrangement of companies and battalions was the same
that had been established in the defenses, upon the change from
Infantry to Artillery. The following diagram will show the for-
mation at Cold Hardor :
FRONT.
EIRST BATTALION — MAJOR HUBBARD.
A B K E
Left. i 11^ II Right.
Wadhams. ^Leicis. Spencer. SJcinner^
SECOND BATTALION MAJOR RICE.
L C H G
Deane. Fenn. Berry. Gold.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 1233
THIRD BATTALION MAJOR ELLS.
M D I F
Marsh. Hosford. Burnham. Jones.
At five o'clock, — or it might have been somewhat later, -the
three battalions were moved just in front of the curved breast-
work, where they remained for two or three minutes, still closed-
in-mass. Knapsacks were left behind the breatworks. Pine
woods, — or rather a few tall pine trees, not numerous enough to
hide our movements — extended about ten rods to the front, and
then came an open field. Colonel Kellogg, having instructed
Majors Rice and Ells to follow at intervals of one hundred paces
placed himself in front, and gave the command, 'Forward!
Guide Center ! 3larch ! ' The first battalion, Avith the colors in
the center, moved directly forward through the scattering woods,
crossed tlie open field at a double-quick, and entered another pine-
wood, of younger and thicker growth, where it came upon the
first line of rifie-pits, which was abandoned at its approach. Pas-
sing this line, the battalion moved on over sloping ground until it
reached a small, open hollow, within Jiftteen or twenty yards of
the enemy's main line of breastworks. There had been a thick
growth of pine spixjuts and saplings on this ground, but the I'eb-
els had cut them, probably that very day, and had arranged them
so as to form a very efiective abbatis, — thereby clearing the spot,
and thus enabling them to see our movements. Up to this point
there had been no firing sufticient to confuse or check the battal-
ion ; but here the rebel musketry opened. The commander of the
rebel battalion directly in our front, whoever he was, had his men
under excellent control, and his tire was field until our line had
reached the abbattis, and then systematically delivered — first by
his rear rank, and then by his front rank. A sheet of flame, sud-
den as lightning, red as blood, and so near that it seemed to singe
the men's faces, burst along the rebel breastwork ; and the ground
and trees close behind our line were ploughed and riddled with a
thousand balls that just missed the heads of the men. The bat-
talion dropped flat on the ground, and the second volley, like the
flrst, nearly all went over. Several men were struck, but not a
large number. It is more than probable that if there had been no
other than \jii\% front fire, the rebel breastworks would have been
12.34
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
ours, uotwithstanding the pine boughs. But at that moment a
long line of rebels ou our left, extending all the way to the Rich-
mond road, having nothing in their own front to engage their at-
tention,' and having unobstructed range on the battalion, opened
a fire which no human valor could witstand, and which no pen can
adequately describe.'' The appended list of casualties tells the
story. It was the work of ahno<t a single minute. The air was
filled with sulphurous smoke, and the shrieks and howls of more
than two hundred and fifty mangled men rose above the yells of
triumphant rebels and the roar of their musketry. About Face!
shoutC'l Colonel Kellogg, — but it was his last command. He had
already been struck in the arm, and the words had scarcely passed
his lips, when another shot pierced his head, and he fell dead upon
the interlacing jjine boughs. Wild, and blind with wonnds.
bruises, noise, smoke, and conflicting orders, the men staggered
in every direction, some of them falling upon the very top of the
rebel parapet, where they were complety riddled with bullets, —
others wandering off into the woods on the right and front, to
find their way to death by starvation at Andersonville, or never
to be heard from again. LIE DOWN ! said a voice that rose
above the horrible din. It was the voice of Colonel Upton, whose
large bay horse was dancing with a bullet in his bowels. The
" ' The rest of the brigade, i. e., the One Hundred and. Twenty-first and Sixty-
fifth New York, Ninety fifth Pennsylvania, and Fifth Maine, were formed in
three lines immediately on our left, and advanced when we did. But they re-
ceived a heavy fire and advanced but part of the way. Indeed, the first battal-
ion of our regiment went up to the enemy's breastwork alone. Our right was
nobody's left, and our left nobody's right."
' It has been related to the
writer of this history, that just
before this murderous fire from the
left, a rebel soldier rushed among
our men under pretence of surrender-
ing, and the moment he was within
our lines, he brandished a torch
which disclosed the position of oui
men. Then the murderous fire in
stantly came, and the traitorous spj
was instantly shot by one of our men.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1235
rebels in front now fired as fast as they could load, and those of
our men who were not wounded, having worked their way back a
few yards into the woods, began to reply with energy. But the
wounds showed that nine-tenths of our casualties were inflicted
by that unopposed fire on the left flank. The second battalion
followed the first, according to instructions, crossed the open field
under a scattering fire, and having moved through the woods un-
til within perhaps seventy-five yards of the first battalion, was
confronted by Colonel Upton with the command Lie dovm! Lie
down! — which was obeyed with the utmost alacrity. Major Ells
was wounded very soon after the third battalion commenced to
follow, and his command devolved upon Captain Jones. Upon
reaching the woods, this battalion also had orders to lie down.
The rebel fire came through the woods from all parts of the line,
and most of the losses in these two battalions occurred while lying
here. ' Put up your saber, said Colonel Upton to a young officer,
'I never draw mine until we get into closer quarters than this.
See the Johnnies ! See the Johnnies ! Boy?, well have these
fellows yet ! ' said he, pointing to the front, where a long string
of them came running through the lines towards us. They were
the very men who had delivered the first two volleys in our front,
and (there being a lull in the firing at the moment) they came
tumbling over thebreatwork in a crowd, within two or three rods
of where Kellogg's body lay. We had too much on hand just
then to run after safely bagged prisoners, and M'hen they got to
the rear of the 3d Division (who, by the way, having at first ad-
vanced on our right, had broken and run to the reai", through our
first battalion as it was charging, and were consequently in a con"
venient position to make the * capture,') put a guard over them
and triumphantly marched them to army headquarters ; and in
due time General Meade issued an order complimenting the Third
Divisio7i of the Sixth Army Cor2)S for having captured between
three and four hundred prisoners, which they never captured at
all. ' The lines now became very much mixed. Those of the
1st battalion who were not killed or wounded, gradually crawled or
" ' Every surviving man of the Second Connecticut Artillery will bear witness
that the Ninth New York Artillery, (which belonged in the the Third Division,)
came pell mell through our regiment toward the rear as we were charging, — and
that the capture of these prisoners was made by our regiment alone. Colonel
Upton, who saw the whole of it, said that the matter should be rectified, and the
credit given to the Second Connecticut. But it never was."
1236 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURT.
worked to the rear; and the woods began to grow dark, either
with night, or smoke, or both. The news of Kellogg's death
quickly found its way every where. The companies were formed
and brought up to the breastwork one by one, and the line ex-
tended toward the left. As Lieut. Cleveland was moving in with
the last company, a squad of rebels rose directly in front, fired a
volley very wildly, and dropped. The fire was vigorously return-
ed, and the enemy soon vacated the breastwork in our immediate
front, and crept ofi" through the darknesss. Thousands and thou-
sands of bullets ^ zippecV back and forth over the bodies of the
slain — now striking the trees, high up, with a 'sjowc?,' and now
piercing the ground under feet. Upton stood behind a tree in
the extreme front, and for a long time fired muskts as fast as the
men could load and hand them to him. Some sudden movement
caused a panic, and they started to flee, when he cried out with a
voice that no man who heard it will ever forget, — 3Ien of Con-
necticut, stand by me ! We MUST hold this line ! ' It brought
them back, and the line was held. Firing was kept up all night
long, by a few men at a time, to let the enemy know that we were
there and awake, and thus to deter them from attempting to re-
take the line, which they could easily have done. Major Hub-
bard sent* word twice to Colonel Upton, that if the enemy should
attempt to return, he could not possibly hold it. Upton's reply
was, * He n%u%t hold it. If they come there, catch them on your
bayonets, and pitch them over your heads.' At the first ray of
dawn it was strengthened and occupied by skirmishers ; and du-
ring our stay at Cold Harbor, which lasted until midnight of
June 12th, it remained our front line; — the rebel front line being
about thirty-five rods distant, and parallel with it.
" On the morning of the 2d, the wounded who still remained
were got ofi" to the rear, and taken to the Division Hospital, some
two miles back. Many of them had lain all night, with shattered
bones, or weak with loss of blood, calling vainly for help, or water,
or death. Some of them lay in positions so exposed to the ene-
my's fire that they could not be reached until the breastworks had
been built up and strengthened at certain points, nor even then
without much ingenuity and much danger ; but at length they
were all removed. When it could be done with safety, the dead
were buried during the day. Most of the bodies, however, could
not be reached until night, and were then gathered and buried
under cover of the darkness.
HISTORY OF AN CI ENT WOOPBUR Y. 1237
"On the morning of the 3d, the regiment was again moved for-
ward, under the personal command of Colonel Upton, from the
same spot whence the fatal charge had been made thirty-six hours
before; bat this time we proceeded by a circuitous route, which
kept us tolerably well protected. Several, however, Avere killed
and wounded during this movement, and after we had taken po-
sition. The line was pushed to the left, considerably nearer the
Richmond road than we had been before, and there speedily cov-
ered by breastworks. This, I presume, was our part of the move-
ment of June 3d, which the larger histories regard as the battle
of Cold Harbor. Perhaps it was. It has always seemed, how-
ever, to the survivors of the 3d Connecticut Heavy Artillery,
(Upton's Brigade, Russell's Division, Wright's Corps,) that the
affair of June 1st was entitled to more than the two or three lines
of bare mention with Avhich it is tossed off in Greeley's American
Conflict, Deming's Life of Grant, and probably every other of the
more important and comprehensive histories of the war."
Capt. Walter Burnham, who was at the date of this battle cap-
tain of our Woodbury Co. I, in a letter to Adjutant Vaill, gives
some additional incidents of it. >
"New Preston, Conn., Aug. 10, 1868.
"Friend Vaill; — In accordance with your request, I will
give you my recollections of Cold Harbor, beginning at the time
when we, (the 3d Battalion,) were ordered to lie down among the
pines.
" Shortly after Colonel Upton left, a young Lieutenant came
into our midst (from what direction I know not,) and shouted-
'Now's the time — I'll lead you,' and I, on the impulse of the mo->
ment jumped up, and shouted 'forward,' when about half of Co. I,
and a few men from H and C Cos., sprang forward and into the
Johnnies' breastworks. The thought that I was a little rash and
fast in giving the order, came too late — and as most of my men
had obeyed the order, I could do no less than follow ; which I
did, and found it to be a safe place, compared with the knoll, al-
though not as comfortable as it might have been under different
circumstances, there being some 12 or 14 inches of water in the
* Capt. Burnham was seriously wounded at Cedar Creek, and did not again re-
join his regiment, but was breveted Major for gallant conduct in battle.
1238 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
ditch from which the Johnnies had taken the dirt to cover their
breastworks, besides a great number of wounded men (Johnnies)
just over the line of works, — some groaning, some crying for
water, otliers calling upon some one to shoot them on the spot
and end their misery- I distinctly recollect one little fellow from
a Georgia Regiment, who was severely wounded, evidently while
attempting to come in a prisoner, as he lay on the north side of
the breastwork. His cries were terrible and heart rending, during
the entire night: ' Why did my parents drive me into this cruel
war? why could not I have staid at home ? Oh ! father, mother,
shall I ever see you again ? water, water, water : will some one
shoot meV kill me quick, I cannot endure this, &c., &c , and even
under this call it was quite late in the night before this young
man was supplied with water, when lying perhaps not more than
twenty feet off, and this to the rear of our line ; but so continu-
ous was the firing, no man dared to leave the protection he then
had. By morning a great number had died, and we supposed a
great many had been removed during the night, as we heard foot-
steps very distinctly during the entire night. Now under this
excitement three-fourths of the men went to sleep and slept as
soundly as would have been possible under far more favorable cir-
cumstances. I myself took my turn with two other men of my
company, to watch what we supposed to be a Johnny with musket
in hand, just over the opposite side of the breastwork, wliom we
thought to be waiting, or rather soliciting an opportunity to pick
some of us off. We watched him till daylight, and found him still
sitting by the side of a tree holding his musket between his knees,
but dead; was severely wounded and died during the night.
Just at the left of this man, we found a Lieut. Colonel severely
wounded, but full of pluck and vim ; wouldn't tell his name, where
he was wounded, what regiment, what he wanted, and when taken
back to the hospital, refused to take water from the nurses ; don't
know whether he lived or died. By the way, shortly after we
had gone into the Johnnies' line of works, the 10th Vermont came
and re-formed directly in rear of where we were, and left the field.
This to me seemed a little strange, as it looked as though we were
to vacate. Shortly after, some one appeared from the swamp in
front of us. We challenged him, and found him to be from the
10th Vermont. He proved to be a Sergeant, a tall, strapping six-
footer, courageous, brave, full of pluck and daring. I felt quite
satisfied to have him remain, as during the heavy firing, occasion-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1239
ally, some man would show a disposition to make to the rear,
when this fellow's musket would come to a shoulder, with the re-
mark that he would blow the first man's brains out who attempted
to leave that ditch. The result was, most of us staid until morn"
ing. About daylight we missed the Sergeant, and shortly after dis-
covered him rifling the pockets of our own dead men. He was ar"
rested and sent to the Provo's. He was a brave, courageous fel-
low, nevertheless. Vaill, do you recollect the second morning
after the fight, during a season of shelling, the fact of your sitting
at the foot of a chestnut tree and a solid shot or shell going
through the body of the tree a few feet above your head ; also the
shelling we received when we were marching down the ravine, a
little to the right and front of the line. I always supposed I had
a narrow escape. A shell exploded just at the right of the line, as
we were moving by the flank, killed I think a man from D com.
pany, just at our rear. A piece of the same shell struck the top
ear of my canteen, thereby entailing a loss of a canteen of water
— which I had been at some trouble to obtain. You know that
water didn't come by pipe into the back kitchen in those days ;
nevertheless, I did not feel like complaining."
Corporal (afterward Quartermaster Sergeant) Benjamin Well-
roan, of Company I, gives the following history of his experience
at Cold Harbor: —
" I was wounded in the left cheek, the ball passing through un-
der the left ear, while the 3d Battalion was advancing. This
brought me down, and I was soon so weak that I could not get
up. About two hours afterward, while lying here, I was again
struck in the back. Sometime in the night there were two John-
nies came up to me belonging to a North Carolina regiment; one
of them gave me water, and the other said, 'You will be taken
care of soon ; ' — meaning, probably, that I would be taken prison-
er. Soon after this, there were about a hundred came along,
marching in column. Some of them stepped on me. Sometime
afterward, a Colonel of a New York regiment came up and gave
me a little ' Commissary,' which did me a great deal of good. He
said we had taken five hundred prisoners, and told me to keep up
courage. In the morning, I was taken to the field Hospital, and
1240 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
on the third was put into a government wagon, with several oth-
ers, and carried to White House Landing. I returned to the re-
giment on the 26th of December."
The regiment remained at Cold Harbor till the 12th of June,
being almost every moment under fire from the 1st to the 12th,
and men were being constantly picked off. Isaac Briggs, of our
company, was wounded in the foot as he lay in his tent, reading,
of which wound he subsequently died.
At midnight, on the 12th, the regiment started on a rapid march
for Petersburgh, where it arrived on the 19th, and engaged in
digging trenches and skirmishing with the enemy.
"This was" says Yaill, " the most intolerable position the
regiment was ever required to hold. We had seen a deadlier
spot at Cold Harbor, and others awaited us in the future ;
but they were agonies that did not last. Here, however, we
had to stay, — hour after hour, from before dawn until after
dark, and that, too, where we could not move a rod without ex-
treme danger. The enemy's frot line was pai'allel with ours, just
across the wheat field; then they had numerous sharp-shooters,
who were familiar with every acre of ground, perched in tall trees
on both our flanks ; then they had artillery posted everywhere.
No man could cast his eyes over the parapet, or expose himself
ten feet in rear of the trench, without drawing fire. And yet
they c?^f? expose themselves; for where there are even chances of
being missed or hit, soldiers will take the chances rather than lie
still and suffer from thirst, supineness, and want of all things."
The regiment was not to remain here long . Jnbal Early was
now menacing Washington, and the 6th Corps, some 12,000 men,
were ordered to its defense. So our men, on the 19tli of July^
1864, found themselves marching in thick dust, in that direction.
Early had destroyed a portion of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad,
and had marched direct for the capital, which had, at this moment,
but few soldiers to defend it. It Avas none too soon that this
movement to drive him away was made, for while the corps was
steaming down the James, Jubal's infantry was within six miles
of the capital. The regiment marched straight through Wash-
ington, to Tenallytown, on the 12th.
" Early was in front of Fort Stevens when we arrived, and
brisk firing was going on between his pickets and Gen. Augur's
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1241
hastily gathered troopa, which consisted jDartly of hundred-days
men, invalid corps men, citizens, and clerks detailed from the gov-
ernment offices. A skirmish occurred just after dark, which re-
sulted in a loss to our side of two hundred and eighty killed and
Avounded, and a retreat of the enemy, with equal loss. At ten in
the evening the regiment marched two or three miles up the road,
by Fort De Russy, to Fort Kearney, and after much shifting, lay
down on their arms to sleep. In the morning, Companies C and
H were sent to man a battery, but returned in half an hour.
Early had learned of the presence of the Sixth Corps, and also of
the 19th, (Emory's,) which had opportunely arrived from New Or-
leans ; and he concluded not to capture the Capital, and Capitol,
Congress and Archives, Arsenal and Navy' Yard, Lincoln and
Cabinet, until (as Pollard says,) 'auother and uncertain time.'
He had begun his retreat toward Snicker's Gap, and pursuit was
instantly made by the Sixth and a division of the ] 9th Corps,
under command of General Wright. Our brigade moved up the
river at 2:20 P. M., and bivouaced late in the evening near Poto-
mac Cross Roads." ^
The pursuit was continued to Snicker's Gap, and then this much
marched regiment returned, with the 6th, to Washington, almost
upon the double-quick. " Tenallytown was reached on the 23d, by
way of the Chain Bridge, and the stiff, lame, sore, tired, hungry
men, found thirty-six hours rest, new clothing, new shoes, soft
bread, and surreptitious Whisky — for all which they were truly
thankful; also cross-ca7i7ion badges (the emblem of the artillery
service) to adorn their hats, for which they would have been more
thankful, if this badge had not been to them such a bitter mock-
ery
I"
Within forty-eight hours, Early stood upon the banks of the
Potomac, shewing an evident intention of marching into Penn-
sylvania, or anywhere else he could do the most damage. So,
within three days after its return to Washington, the regiment
found itself on the march again, which culminated in the bloody
Shenandoah Valley. Our troops were in pursuit of Gen. Early ^ —
> Vaills' Hist. ' Vaills' 19th
' It was on this march, as the author has been informed, a somewhat zealous
chaplain introduced into his prayer a couplet from a grand old hymn, but made it
have quite a different meaning from the usual one, from hia method of accentua-
tion, thus : —
" Early ! my God! without delay,
We haste to seek thy face I "
1242 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
From this time till the date of the battle of Winchester, there
was not much of incident that occurred in our regiment. There
was drilling, reorganization, skirmishing, mai'ching and counter-
marching. Gen. Sheridan being now in command, till the 19th of
September, when the bloody battle of Westchester was fought.
Adjutant Vaill's account is given entire: —
"At three o'clock on the morning of tlie 19th of September, the
advance was in motion. Our brigade started from Clifton about
daylight, and having struck the Berryville pike, moved five or six
miles towards Winchester, and halted for an hour about two
miles east of the Opequan, while the 19th Corps was crossing.
The Cavalry had previously moved to secure all the crossings, and
firing was now heard all along the front, and continually increas-
ing. The 6th and 19th Corps, following Wilson's Cavalry, which
fought the way, crossed at and near the pike bridge, our brigade
wading the stream a few rods north of it. West of the creek,
the pike passed through a gorge over a mile long, from which the
rebels had been driven by the cavalry. The 19th Corps and a por-
tion of our own liad moved through and formed a line of battle
some distance beyond, under a heavy artillery fire, when our di-
vision emerged from the gorge and filed to the left into a ravine
that ran aci'oss the pike, where it was held in readiness as a re-
serve. This was about half past nine. The fighting now waxed
hotter, louder, nearer: nevertheless, some of the men found time,
while their muskets were stacked in this ravine, to dig potatoes
from a neighboring field. At length the enemy made a vigorous
charge upon the center of the front line, at the point where the
3d Brigade of the 2d Division joined the left of the 19th Corps.
The line broke, and retreated in complete disorder, each broken
flank doubling and crowding back on itself, and making for the
rear. The enemy pushed his advantage and came rolling into the
breach. It was the critical moment of the day, — for if he had
succeeded in permanently separating the two parts of the line,
there would have been no possible escape from utter defeat for
Sheridan's array. At this juncture Gen. Russell, who was watch-
ing from the rise of ground just in front of the ravine, where his
division lay, exclaimed, 'Look here! it is about time to do some-
thing ! Upton, bi'ing on your brigade.' The brigade was at once
moved out of the ravine, passed through a narrow strip of woods,
crossed the pike, halted for a moment in order to close and dress
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1243
up compactly, then went at a double-quick by tlie riglit flank into
the gap that had been made in the first line, and made a short
lialt, jnst in rear of a piece of woods, out of which the remnants
of the 2d and 3d Divisions were still retreating, and on tlie other
side of which was the advancing line of Rodes' and Gordon's rebel
divisions. The first fire that struck our brigade and regiment
during the day, was while coming to this position. General Rus-
sell was killed by a shell at the same time, having been [previously
wountled .and refused to leave the field. It was this movement of
our brigade that checked the enemy, until the lines were restored
and the two or three thousand fugitives brought back. Some of
our men began to fire, but were quickly ordered to desist. After
a very few minutes the brigade was pushed forward, the lefi half
of it being somewhat covei'ed by woods, from which position it
instantly opened a terrilic fire, while the 2d Connecticut, which
constituted the right half, passed to the riglit of the woods into an
open field of uneven surface, and halted on a spot where the
ground was depressed enough to aflford a little protection, and
o/ili/ a \iu\e ; for sevei-al men were hit while getting thei-e. In
three minutes the regiment again advanced, passed over a knoll,
lost several more men, and halted in another hollow spot sim-
ilar to the first. The enemy's advance had now been pushed well
back, and here a stay was made of perhaps two hours. Colonel
Mackenzie rode slowly back and forth along the rise of ground,
in front of this position, in a very reckless manner, in plain
sight and easy i-ange of the enemy, who kept up a fire from a piece
of woods in front, which elicited from him the remark, 'I guess
these fellows will get tired of firing at me by and by.' But the
ground where the regiment lay was vei'y slightly depressed, and
although the shots missed Mackenzie, they killed and wounded a
large number of both officers and men behind him. Lieut. Candee
merely raised himself from the ground on his elbow to look at his
watch, but it was enough to bring his head in range of a siiai-p.
shooter's ball, and he was instantly killed. About three o'clock,
an advance of the whole line having been ordered by Sheridan,
the regiment charged across the field, Mackenzie riding some ten
rods ahead, hohting his hat aloft on the point of his saboi'. The
distance to the woods was at least a quai'ter of a mile, and was
traversed under a fire tiiat carried off its victims at nearly every
step. The enemy abandoned tlie v,'oods, however, as the regiment
approached, in consequence of which the line obliqued to the left,
26
1244 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
and halted. Companies F and D were here detached and taken
off to the right, on a small reconnoisance, but were soon brought
back, and the regiment pr()ceeded to the riglit of the woods and
partly through them, and advanced to a rail fence which ran along
the side of an extensive field. Here, for the first time during the
whole of this bloody day, did the regiment have orders to fire;
and for ten minutes they had the privilege of pouring an effective
fire into the rebels, who were thick in front. Then a flank move-
ment was made along the fence to the right, followed by a direct
advance of forty rods into the field. Here was the deadliest
spot of the day. The enemy's artillery, on a rise of ground
in front, plowed the field with canister and shells, and tore the
ranks in a frightful manner. Major Rice was struck by a shell,
his left arm torn off, and his body cut almost asunder. Major
Skinnner Avas struck on the top of the head by a shell, knocked
nearly a rod, with his face to the earth, and was carried to the
rear insensible. General Upton liad a good quarter pound of flesh
taken out of his thigh by a shell, and was laid up for some weeks.
Colonel Mackenzie's horse was cut in two by a solid shot, which
just grazed the rider's leg, and let hira down to the ground very
abruptly. Several other officers were also struck: and from these
instances, as well as from the appended list of casualties, some
idea may be gained of the havoc among the enlisted men at this
point. Although the regiment had been under fire and losing con-
tinually, from the middle of the forenoon until now, it was almost
sunset, yet the losses during ten minutes in this last field, were
probably equal to those of all the rest of the day. It was doubt-
less the spot referred to by the rebel historian. Pollard, when he
says, ' Early's artillery was fought to the muzzle of the guns.'
Mackenzie gave the order to move by the left flank, and a start
was made; but there was no enduring such a fire, and the men
ran back and lay down. Another attempt was soon made, and
after passing a large oak tree a sheltered position was secured.
The next move was directly into the enemy's breastwork. They
had just been driven from it by a cavalry charge from the right,
and were in full retreat through the streets of Winchester; and
some of their abandoned art Uery, which had done so much dam-
age, stood yet in position, hissing hot with action, with their mis-
erable, rac-a-bone horses attached. The brigade, numbering
less than half of tlie muskets it had in the morning, was now
got into shape, and after marching to a field in the eastern edge
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOO « BURY, 1245
of the city, bivonaced for the night, while the pursuit voUed miles
away up the valley pike.
Roll call revealed the fact that the regiment had lost one hun-
dred and thirty-six in killed and wounded, — fonitcen of whom
were officers. Company A, out of its entire list of officers and
non-conmissioned officers, had left only 1st Sergeant Henry Wil-
liams,— who had command of the Company during nearly the
whole' of the fight, — and two corporals. Company H had
three noble officers killed, including Captain Frederick M. Berry,
of whom Colonel Kellogg once said, that he was the most perfect
officer, godleman^ and man, all'things considered, in the regiment.
Companies A, B, and E, suffered heavily, C and G still more ; and
D, F, and I, most of all,
" But, unlike Cold Harbor or Petersburg, there \\i\B victory to
show for this fearful outlay. And it was the first cup of palpable,
unquestionable, unmistakable victory that the 2d Conneeticut,
with all its marching and fighting, had ever tasted,"
In summing up his operations in the Valley, Sheridan after-
wards adds : —
" At Winchester, for a moment, the contest was uncertain, but
the gallant attack of General Upton's brigade of the 6th Corps,
restored the line of battle, until the turning column of Crook,, and
Merritt's and Averill's divisions of cavalry, under Torbert, 'sent
the enemy whirling through Winchester.'"
On the morning of the 20th of September, the army moved rap-
idly up the valley in pursuit of the enemy, who had continued his
retreat, during the night, to Fisher's Hill, south of Strasburg,
_which Early considered the very Gibralter of the Valley.
Vaill thus describes the part taken by the 2d Conn. H. A. in
this battle : —
"But Sheridan's report merely considers the affair as a whole;
and it will therefore be necessary for us to review it from a regi-
mental stand-point. The regiment moved from bivouac near
Winchester before diylight on the 20th, and by the midille of the
afternoon, encamped just south of Cedar Creek, remaining until
the afternoon of the next day, when it moved off to the right of
the pike, takin^ a circuitous route through wooded ravines and
over wooded hills, and at length came out upon open fields about
1246 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
a mile and a half west, or southwest of Strasburg. This was on
the evening of the 21st. Here lines of battle were formed, and a
stay was made of about two hours; after which the march was
continued by the right flank, up a steep and winding hill-side, un-
til midnight, when the regiment halted under arms until daylight,
on the very top of a hill fully as high as Fisher's hill and sepa-
i-ated from it by Tumbling River. The enemy's strong hold was
on the top of the opposite hill, directly across the stream. In the
morning, breastworks were commenced, part of the men building,
while the rest remained in line of battle. Lively skirmishing was
going on all day, and once or twice things were hastily put in
readiness to meet an anticipated charge, — which, however, did not
come. About three o'clock in the afternoon, orders were given
to pitch tents, — but while the men were at it, a general advance
was ordered. The regiment had but just commenced to move
directly forward, Avhen the rebels, (who knew every inch of the
ground, and could tell where our lines ought to be, whether visi-
ble or not,) began to drop shells into their new breastworks, and
upon the very spot where they had begun to pitch tents. The
regiment moved down the steep hill, waded the stream, and
moved up the rocky front of the rebel Gibraltar. IIow they ever
got up there is a mystery, — for the ascent of that rocky declivity
would now seem an impossibility to an unburdened traveler, even
though there were no deadly enemy at the top. But up they
went, clinging to rocks and bushes. The main rebel breastwork,
which they were so confident of holding, was about fifteen rods
back from the top of the bluff, with brush piled in front of it.
Just as the top was reached, the 8th Corps struck the enemy on the
right, and their flight was very disordered and precipitate. The
2d Connecticut was the first regiment that reached and planted
colors on the works from the direct front. After firing until the
rebels Avere so far off" that it was a waste of powder, the pursuit
was resumed, and kept up all night; although but little progress
was made, on account of the blockade of the road, both by the
pursuing army, and the property abandoned by the enemy."
It was supposed that this defeat would satisfy the rebel gov-
ernment as to the prospects of success in the Shenandoah Yalley
and the 6th Corps started for Petersburgh again, but were now
ordered to " right about," and encamped along the northern bank
of a tributary of the Shenandoah, called Cedar Creek. Here
HISTORY OF ANCIE1S"T WOODBURY. 124'7
they remained till the surprise and battle of Cedar Creek, which
was, in many of its aspects, the Jiiost remarkable battle of the
war, and in it the 2d C. II. A. was conspicuous, and amono- the
brave men of that decisive day, none were more conspicuous than
the men of Woodbury.
The battle was begun by the rebels, and was to us, in the first
instance, a surprise and a defeat. Pollard, in his " History of the
Lost Cause," says : —
"The surprise was complete. The 8Lh Corps was unable to
form a line of battle, and in five minutes was a herd of fui^i-
tives. Many of the men awoke only to find themselves prisoners.
The 19th Corps were soon involved in the rout. The valorous
Confederates pressed on, driving tlie whole Federal left and cen-
ter, slaying many of the enemy in their camos, capturing eighteen
pieces of artillery, fifteen hundred prisoners, small arms without
number, wagons, camps, everything on the ground.
"The retreat of the army was now a general one, the 6th Corps
doing what it could to cover it. At Middletown an attempt was
made to form a line of battle; but the Confederates threatened a
flank movement, got possession of the town, and put the enemy
on what was supposed to be his final retreat to Winchester."
Greeley, in his "American Conflict," says:
" On our side, all was amazement and confusion ; on theirs,
thorough wakefullness and perfect comprehension. In fifteen min-
utes, the army of West Virginia was a flying mob; one battalion
of its picket-line had lost 100 killed and wounded, and 700 pris-
oners. The enemy, knowing every foot of ground as familiarly as
their own door-yards, never stopped to reconnoiter or consider,
but rushed on with incredible celerity."
An extract from Adjutant Vaill's account of the part taken in this
conflict, which was, in its results, the salvation of Washington,
and perhaps the first turning-point in the war, follows: —
"The 2d Connecticut had its full share of the varied fortunes
of that wondrous day. The number of tlie regiment present can-
not be exactly ascertained, but was probably about "700, ofticers
and men. Our losses in this battle were greater, in proportion to
the number engaged, than in any other fight, not even excepting
Cold Harbor,
1248 HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBUET.
" On the day preceding this battle, by a recent law of Connec-
ticut, the soldiers had received commissioners to take their votes
for President and Vice President of the United States, and had
enjoyed what, under the circumstances, was a great luxury to
them. The Commissioners, enamored of army life, expressed re-
gret that they could net see a battle before they returned to Con-
necticut.
" Most of the regiment were up next morning long before Re-
veille, and many had begun to cook their coffee, on account of
that ominous popping and cracking which had been going on for
half an hour off to the right. They did not exactly suppose it
meant anything, but they had learned wisdom, by many a sudden
march on an empty stomach, and did not propose to be caught
napping. The clatter on the right increased. The musket shots
reverberated through the fog, and at last, 'Whang! ng-ng-ng
went a piece of artillery. And then a smart cannonading, and
more musketry. It began to be the wonder Avhy no orders came.
But suddenly every man seemed to lose interest in the right, and
turned his inquiring eyes and ears to the left. Rapid volleys and
a vague tumult told that there was trouble there. ' Fall in ! ' said
Mackenzie. The 'Commissioners' looked wildly to the right,
then toward the left, then turned pale, and then advanced vigo-
rously toward the rear. Shoulder Arms ! Battalion, left face!
File left! March! Double-Quick ! March!' The brigade
moved briskly on toward the east, crossing the track of other
troops and batteries of artillery, which were hurriedly swinging
into position, while ambulances, orderlies, staff officers, camp fol-
lowers, pack horses, cavalrymen, sutlers' wagons, hospital wagons
and six-mule teams of every description came tumbling and gal-
loping pell-mell toward the right and rear, and making off toward
Winchester* It was not a hundred rods from our own camp
to the place where we went into position, on a road running north.
General Wright, the temporary commander of the army, bare-
headed, and with blood trickling from his beard, sat on his horse
near by, as if bewildered, or in a brown study. The 65th New
York Avas on our left, and then came the 2d Division. The 1st
Brigade, (Penrose's,) was on the right of ours, and then came the
3d Division. The ground was cleared in front of the road, and
sloped off some thirty rods, to a stream, on the opposite side of
which it rose for about an equal distance, to a piece of woods, in
which the advance rebel line bad already taken position. Truly
HISTORY OF ANCIENT "WOODBURY. 1249
does Pollard say that ' a heavy fog favored them ' The newly
risen sun, huge and bloody, was on their side in more senses than
one. Our line faced directly to the east, and we could see nothing
but that enormous disc, rising out of the fog, while they could see
every man in our line, and could take good aim. The battalion
lay down, and part of the men began to fire, — but the shape of
the ground afforded little protection, and large numbers were kil-
led and M'ounded. Four fifths of our loss for the entire day oc-
curred during the time we lay here — which could not have been
over five minutes; — by the end of which time the 2d Connecticut
found itself in an isolated position, not unlike that of Cold Har-
bor. ' Go and ask Penrose where he's going with the Brigade,' —
said Colonel Mackenzie to the writer hereof (The Jerseys had
withdi'awn from our right, and were moving across our rear to
the left, with Penrose on foot, some distance ahead of his line.)
' Colonel Penrose! Mackenzie wants to know where you are go-
ing with that Brigade.' 'I'm not going anywhere. I'm wound-
ed ! ' — was the energetic reply, — which was carried to Colonel
Mackenzie. Just then Lieut. Cleveland rode up on a keen jump,
and said, ' Colonel Mackenzie! General Wheaton wants you to
move directly to the rear by right of companies ! ' Mackenzie re-
plied, SMy God ! I cannot! This line will break if I do.' ' Well,'
said Cleveland, pointing to the left, — ' there goes the 65th, and
the 1st Brigade is gone.' A few seconds later, Mackenzie's horse,
' old Pop,' was struck square in the head, and after spinning around
two or three times on his hind legs, went down — dead as a stone;
and the Colonel, who had previously got a shot through the heel
went off over his head. The fog had now thinned away some-
what, and a firm rebel line, with colors full high advanced, came
rolling over a knoll just in front of our left, nor moi'e than three
hundred yards distant. ' Rise up ! Retreat!' said Mackenzie, —
and the battalion began to move back. For a little distance the
retreat was made in very good order, but it soon degenerated in,
to a rout. Men from a score of regiments were mixed up in flight,
and the whole corps was scattered over acres and acres, with no
more organization than a herd of Buffaloes. Some of the wound-
ed were carried for a distance by their comrades who v/ere at
length compelled to leave them to their fate, in order to escape
being shot.
" About a mile from the place where the retreat commenced,
there was a road running directly across the valley. Here the
1250 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
troops were valliecl, and a slight defence of rails thrown np. The
regimental and brigade flags were set up as beacons, to direct each
man how to steer through the mob, and in a very few minutes
there was an effective line of battle established. A few round
shot ricocheted over head, making about an eighth of a mile at a
jump, — and a few grape were dropped into a ditch just behind our
line, quickly clearing out some soldiers who had crawled in there;
but this was the extent of the pursuit. Mackenzie and Hamblin
now left for the hospital, to have their wounds dressed, and the
whole brigade, (and a very small brigade it was !) was deployed
as skirmishers, under Colonel Olcott, of the 121st New York.
Three lines of skirmishers were formed, and each in turn consti-
tuted the front line, while the other two passed through and halt-
ed ; and so the retreat was continued for about three miles, until
a halt was made upon high ground, from which we could plainly
see the Johnnies sauntering around on the very ground where we
had slept.
" It must have been after noon when we left that position, and
moved eastward through the wood, by Sheridan's order, to join
the 2d Division, and meet the enemy. There has always been so
much dispute as to whether Sheridan really had anything to do
with the afternoon formations, that it is best to give his own tes-
timony in the matter. He says : —
"At about 7 o'clock on the morning of the 19th October, an
officer on picket at Winchester, reported artillery firing, but, sup-
posing it resulted from a reconnoisance which had been ordered
for this morning, I paid no attention to it, and was unconscious of
the true condition of aff"airs until about nine o'clock, when, having
ridden through the town of Winchestei", the sound of the artil-
lery made a battle unmistakable, and on reaching Mill Creek, one-
half a mile south of Winchester, the head of the fugitives appear-
ed in sight, trains and men coming to the rear with appalling
rapidity.
"I immediately gave directions to halt, and park the trains at
Mill Creek, and ordered the biigade at Winchester to stretch
across the country, and stop all stragglers. Taking twenty men
from my escort, I pushed on to the front, leaving the balance, un-
der General Forsyth, and Colonels Thorn and Alexander, to do
what they could in stemming the torrent of fugitives.
"I am hapi^y to say that hundreds of the men, who on reflec-
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 1251
tion founJ tliat they had not done themselves justice, came back
with clicers."
From a careful examination of all the accounts of this battle,
the writer is convinced, that to the hurried return to the front,
(after the repulse, and utter defeat of the morning,) and efficient
generalship of Sheridan, was this gloi'ious and decisive visiory
due. And this can be said without detracting from the praise due
the brilliant deeds of the other glorious men who fought that day.
There is an irresistible magnetism and fascination exerted over
the men in the ranks, by tlie bi-avery and skillful daring of a loved,
and trusted, and successful leader. Such is Sheridan.
In the quiet routine of civil life, wo can little imagine what an
electric and irresistible impulse would be given to brave men,
who had voluntaiily ceased to retreat, and were making a noble
stand, to see a beloved leader, whom they suppo.-ed to be tweiity
miles away, riding in mad haste into their naidst, with the cheer-
ing and thrilling words, '* Steady, Boys ! You are going back to
your old Camps! Chaige bayonet! Forward, March ! " Does
any one doubt that some such inspiration as this turned the sad
disaster of the early morning, into the glorious victory that proved
the salvation of Washington ?
''About two o'clock we were posted, in two lines, in the south-
western edge of a piece of woods, in fi'oiit of which was an open,
side hill iield, at the top of which along a stone wall, was the rebel
skirmish line, while the main line was not a greit distance back of
it. Their assault had already been made, and repulsed by the
19th Corps. About three o'clock, we could hear the cheering
to the rigl.t, as Shei'idau rode along the line, — but that personage
did not get within sight of our regiment. By this time ILimblin
and Mackenzie had leturned to take part in the ' left half-wheel,'
which had been ordered. The lints moved forward over the as-
cending ground, under a galling, but not very destructive fire from
the rebel skirmishers, who soon gave up tiie stone wall to us, and
retreated to their main line. A squai'e musketry fight was kept
up for ten minutes, when the enemy left : — not, however, before
inflicting considerable damage on us. Here Colonel Mackenzie
was again struck by a solid shot or shell, which just grazed his
shoulder. A remarkably large number of our officers were wound-
ed at this point, but none fatally, nor even severely. (In the morn-
1252 rilSTOKT OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
ing the casaalties among the officers had been few and severe, —
Hosford being killed, and Fenn and Gregory losing each an arm )
"The enemy attempted to rally behuid another fence, a little
further back, but after a moment or two gave it up, and ' retired,'
Not only in front of our regiment, but all along, as far a^^ the eye
could reach, both to the right and left were ihoy flying over the un-
even country, in precisely the same kind of disorder that we had
exhibited in the morning. The shouts and screams of victory
mingled with the roar of the firing, and never was heard
' So musical a discord, sucli sweet thunder.'
The sight of so many rebel heels made it a very easy thing to be
brave, and the union troops pressed on utterly regardless of the
grape and canister which, to the last moment the enemy flung be-
hind him. It would not have been well for them to have fired too
much, if they had had ever so good a chance, for they would have
been no more likely to hit our men than their own, who were our
prisoners, and scattered in squads of ten, and squads of one^ all
over the vast field. At one time they made a determined stand,
along a ridge in front of our brigade. A breastwork of I'ails was
thrown together, colors planted, a nucleus made, and both flanks
grew longer and longer, with wonderful rapidity. It was evident
that they were driving back their men to this line without regard
to regiment or organization of any kind. This could be plainly
seen from the adjacent and similar ridge over which we were mo-
ving,— the pursuei's being in quite as much disorder (so far as or-
ganizations were concerned,) as the pursued. That growing line
began to look ugly, and somewhat quenched the ardor of the
chase. It began to be a question in many minds whether it would
not be a point of wisdom to 'survey the vantage of the ground,'
before getting much further. But just as we descended into the
intervening hollow, a body of cavalry, not large, but compact,
was seen scouring along the fields to our right and front like a
whirlwind, directly toward the left flank of that formidaMe line
on the hill. When we reached the top there was no enemy there !
They had moved on, and the cavalry after them. Thus the chase
was continued, from position to position, for miles and miles, for
hours and hours, — until darkness closed in, and every regiment
went into camp on the identical ground it had left in such haste
in the morning. Every man tied his shelter tent to the very same
old stakes ; and in half an hour cofl'ee was boiling and salt pork
UISTOET OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1253
sputtering over thousands of carap fires. Civil life may fnrnish
better fare than the army at Cedar Creek had that night, but not
better appetites ; for it must be borne in mind that many had
gone into the fight directly from their beds, and had eaten nothing
for twenty-four hours.
"Late ill the evening, after many were sound asleep, the regi-
ment was ordered to be formed in line without arms. When the
command to 'fall in ' was heard, the general question was, ' Well,
old Jubal liasn't forgotten anything and come back after it, has
he?' The clause, ' without arms,' however, showed that he had
not; althougli the soldiers expressed their perfect willingness to
fight him that way, if lie still found himself unable to restrain
bis pugnacity. The line being formed, Captain Jones — now in
con^raand of the regiment — said, 'Soldiers: — I have received a
despatch from General Sheridan's Head-quarters, which announces
that we have this day taken not less than two thousand prisonersi
forty-seven guns and caissons, a large number of battle-flags, all'
the wagons and supplies taken from us this morning, besides hor-
ses, mules, wagon trains, and material of all kinds in unknown
quantities; and that our victory is complete. I now propose three
cheers for Sheridan, ourselves, our army, and the Union ! ' They
were given with indescribable heartiness, while all the camps, far
and near, joined in full cliorus. The battalion was dismissed, and
thus ended the day that had witnessed a battle which was, in many
respects, without a parallel in ancient or modern history."
Gen. Early and the Confederate government had now liad ex-
perience enough in the Shenandoah Valley. It was certain that
there would be no more fighting in that desolated, but beautiful
region. The regiment, therefore, returned to Petersburg again,
and saw no more pitched battles till the next spring.
While all these stirring events were going on at the front, the
people were making the most strenuous efforts at home to fill the
fearfully depleted ranks of the brave defenders of the union.
Many of these recruits, for whose enlistment enormous bounties
were paid, were of the most worthless trash on the face of the
earth — bounty jumpers, thieves, murderers, prison-birds and vilest
knaves. They took the patriotic monies poured out by the people
like water, and deserted almost e7i masse.
In aid of the good cause, Woodbury passed the following votes
in 1864 :
1254 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
" A.t a town raoetino- of the legal voters of the town of Wood-
bury, holden fit the Town Hall in said town, pursuant to warning,
Jan. 18th, 1864, the following votes were "passed on motion made.
" Voted, To confirm the votes and resolutions passed at a spe-
cial town meeting held on the 13th day of August. 1883, and re-
corded in the records of this town, in the Town Clerk's office.
"This vote was passed by yeas 70, nays, 42.
" At a meeting held 15th February, 1864 : —
'* Voted, That, pursuant to a statute law of this State, approved
Dec. 18th, 18'52, entitled ' An Act to authorize Towns, Cities and
Boroughs to issue Bonds, or other obligations for War Purposes,'
the Town pay to any person, who shall get an accepted recruit to
count on the quota of Woodbury, on the last call of the President
of the United States for 500,000 men, and actually have him sworn
in, to the credit of said town, the sum of seventy-five ($75) Dol-
lars, as recruiting expenses, to be paid to him on presenting vouch-
ers from the proper authorities, of the recruit's muster, till the
town quota is full.
" Voted, That the Selectmen of the town be authorized to issue
orders, or other evidences of indebtedness against said town, to
meet the expenses as authorized in the foresroing vote, and be di-
rected to do so, on presentation of said voucliers.
*' Voted, That each man, who shall recruit a man, or men, to fill
the quota of the town of Woodbury, shall report daily the name
or names of such recruits to the Town Clerk, that it may be de-
termined when the quota is full."
"Meeting held July 30, 1864:
" Voted, That pursuant to a Statute law of this State, approved
Dec. 18th, 1862, entitled * An Act to authorize Towns, Cities and
Boroughs, to issue Bonds or other obligations for War Purposes,'
the town pay to any person who shall ])rocure an accepted recruit,
to count on the quota of the Town of Woodbury on the last call
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1255
of the President of the Uniied States for 500,000 men, and actu-
ally have him sworn into the service of the United States, to the
credit of said Town of Woodbury, the sum of Three Hundred
Dollars, recruiting expenses, to be paid to hitu on presenting
vouchers from the proper authorities of the recruit's muster-in,
until the quota of the town is filled.
" Voted^ That any person who shall furnish a substitute, or rep-
resentative, before the draft, shall receive the same compensation
as other recruiting agents, provided the town of Woodbury shall
have credit for said substitute or representative, on the quota of
the town.
" Voted, That the quota of the tOAvn be deemed to be thirty-
five men.
" Voted, That the Selectmen of the town be authorized to issue
orders or other evidences of indebtedness against said town, to
meet the expenses authorized in the foregoing votes, and be di-
rected to do so on presentation of said vouchers.
" Voted, That each man who shall recruit a man or men to fill
the quota of the town of Woodbury, shall report daily the name
or names of such recruits to the Town Clerk, that it may be de-
termined when the quota is full."
"Special meeting, held Aug. 22, 1864 : —
"Whereas the number of persons on the United States' enroll-
ment list for the town of Woodbury, greatly exceeds tlie number
of men subject to military duty residing therein, by reason of
which the quota of the town under the late call of the President
of the United States for 500,000 men is largely in excess of what
it should be, therefore: —
" Voted, That for the purpose of reducing the quota, the Se-
lectmen of the town are hereby authorized and instructed to pro-
cure the conection of said enrollment list, by the erasure of the
names of such persons thereon as are not subject to military duty ;
and also to have all persons who have entered, or who may enter
the military or naval service of the United States, credited on
said quota, who are entitled by law to be so credited, and who
1256 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
have not been heretofore so credited, and they are liereby author-
ized to pay all needful expenses for these purposes,
" Voted, That pursuant to a Statute Law of the State, approved
December 18th, 1862, entitled 'An Act to authorize Towns, Cities
and Boroughs to issue Bonds or other obligations for War Pur-
poses,' that the additional sum of Fifteen Thousand (15,000) Dol-
lars be appropriated from the Town Treasury, to be used for re-
cruiting purposes only.
" Voted, Daniel Curtiss and liobert Peck, be appointed agents
to fill the quota of the town under the call of the President for
five hundred thousand (500,000) men, to procure volunteers or as-
sist in procuring substitutes for any citizens of Woodbury who
may apply to them for assistance, and said Curtiss and Peck shall
have full power to use or apply any part or all of the sura of fif-
teen thousand (15,000) dollars, heretofore appropriated, if deemed
necessary by them, to fill the quota of the town.
" Voted, That any person who shall fi'-st deposit the sum of
thiee hundred (:^0U) dollars with said agents, shall have the first
substitute procured by them to apply on the quota of the town
and so on, in the regular order cf deposit of said sura of three
hundred dollars, until the quota is filled.
" Voted, That the Selectmen be, and they are hereby authorized
and directed to pay to, or draw their order on, the Town Treas-
urer, for the sum of two hundred (200) dollars, in favor of each
and every person who has, since the 1st day of July, A. D. 1864,
or shall, prior to the draft, furnish an acceptable substitute for the
period of throe years, to apply on the quota of the town, and
shall produce his certificate from the Board of Enrollment, that
such substitute has been furnished, in addition to the three hundred
dollars already appropriated at the special meeting of said town,
holden July 80th, 1864, provided, that no person shall receive a
greater sura than has been paid by him for his substitute, exclu-
sive of the bounty of $300 paid by the State, making the substi-
tute cost the principal $300.
" Voted, That every person who has heretofore procured a substi-
tute under the last call for five hundi-ed thousand men, shall receive
a sura equal to the amount expended by him in procuring said sub-
stitute, provided that the sura of three hundred dollars shall first
be deducted from said expenses, and the sura actually paid for the
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1257
substitute shall be deemed the aniouut expended, making that
each substitute shall cost the principal three hundred dollars, out
of the whole sum the substitute cost.
" Voted, That the appropriation of fifteen thousand (15,000)
dollars shall not atfect any previous vote or votes, or any appro-
priation heretofore made by this town, to encourage enlistments.
" Voted, Tliat the Selectmen of the town be authorized and di-
rected to issue orders, or other evidences of indebtedness against
said town, to meet the expenses as authorized in the foregoing-
votes, and to do so on request of said agents appointed by the
town to fill the quota."
"Military Town Meeting, Dec. 21, 1864:
" Voted, That Daniel Curtiss and Robert Peck be a Committee
to fill the quota of this town in the present, or any future call
made by the President of the Uuited States for volunteers or
drafted men.
" Voted, That said Committee is authorized, at their discretion,
to fill said quota, by procuring substitutes for such persons as will
pay said con\mittee such sum, not exceeding three hundred dollars,
as is necessary to procure such substitutes, or by procuring vol-
unteers, and charge the expense to the town.
" Voted, That the Selectmen be authorized and directed to draw
orders on the Treasury of this town to carry out the foregoing
votes, upon the persons presenting the proper vouchers, that said
substitutes or volunteers are mustered into the United States Ser-
vice, to the credit of tins town.
" Voted, That the Selectmen be authorized and directed to draw
orders on the Treasury of this town for all persons that have put
in substitutes to the credit of this town since the oth of Septem-
ber last, for such amounts as said substitutes have cost tliein, over
and above three hundred dollars, exclusive of State Bounty and
expenses "
In the latter part of the year 1864, permission was granted to
all military subjects to procure, and cause to be mustered into the
United States service, substitutes, which should protect them from
1258 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY.
call on nny future draft for three years. The last vote quoted
above was introduced to assist military subjects to avail them-
selves of this privilege. A large number of our military subjects
availed themselves of this vote, especially, as a draft had been
announced, though no quota for Connecticut had been assigned-
There is, however, a grim joke about the matter. For, at the
vei-y time tliis favor was granted, the quota of Connecticut turned
out to be full on all calls that had been made, with a surplus of
some 7,000 to be applied on some future call, which, however, was
never made, and it also turned out, that Woodbury had contri-
buted quite a number more than its share of this excess. So,
some twenty, or twenty-five persons parted with $300 apiece, and
the town with an average of $'500, or 1*000 apiece for the same
number, while it was unnecessary, for the purpose intended, if
they had had information to instruct them as to passing events.
However, the men were forwarded, and no doubt had their influ-
ence in " closing out " the rebellion.
As a part of the history of the exhausting individual struggles,
which go to make up the record, and the success of the war, two
letters of Comuiissaiy Sergeant Walter S. Orton, are here record-
ed. The last one was written only a brief time before this brave
young man received his own death woimd, at the battle of Win-
chester. They were written to Deacon Philo M. Trowbridge,
who, with the wi'iter, and a few others, particularly identified
themselves, not only in the recruiting and sending of men to the
front, to assist in the national struggles, but mIio also identified
themselves in caring for the dear ones the brave soldiers left be-
hind them, assisting them in their troubles, cheering them in their
sorrows, bearing tenderly to the bereaved the news, that tlieir
chi rished relatives had died in battle, or by fell disease, or by the
inevjtalile accidents incident to the service. This was often a sad
duty, calling for sympathetic teai'S. The general public will never
know how sad were the duties performed by this self-constituted
committee.
The writer speaks of this young soldier as of a very dear friend.
He was true in all the relations of life. He did not enlist for the
poor pittance of llOO oftered by the town, and the patriotic
offer of C. G. Judson of ten dollars more to the volunteei's
of ills native town, made to show his interest in the course of
the town. — No such sordid motive moved him. He had no de-
sire to shed human blood. But he saw the need of more men for
HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1259
the service, and determined to leave wife and children, to devote
himself to the defense of his country. Greater should be his
meed of fame, because he enlisted and went into the war with the
sad foreboding that he should not survive it — ihat lie sliould never
reside again in his native town, after he should have marched
with the volunteers for their duties at the front. The writer well
remembers, even through all the multiplied cares of that beautiful
Sabbath day, when there was a hurried gathering of our Wood-
bury company to march to Litchfield, the sad parting of Orton
with his friends, his wife and children, and his parting remark —
"I feel I shall not survive this war. But some must be sacrificed.
Some must give up all for the union. I cannot withhold my ser-
vices for the salvation of the country."
He was permitted to see his native town and loved ones, on
furlough, once and a^rain. But his foreboding became prophecy.
He received a gun-shot wound, quite through his breast, from
right to left, at the battle of Winchester, Singularly enough, he
lived on, wrote cheerlul letters to his wife, but finally died of sec-
ondary hemorrhage, some two weeks after his injury was received^
There is another circumstance connected with this case. Orton
was commissary Sergeant of his company, and was not obliged,
by any rule, to participate with his musket in battle. Pure pat-
riotism, in meeting a desperate encounter, must, therefore, have sent
him to his death. The survivors can but weep in remembrance of
his <]cent!e virtues.
" Camp op the 2d C. V. A.,
Charlestown, Va., Aug. 30th
^ A., )
, '64. j
"Friend Trowbridge: — Your letter was received in due sea-
son, and as I have a little leisure, being on the sick list, I will en.
deavor to give you the details of our movements since May 15th,
1864. I do not know as it will be interesting, as I shall have to
write from memory,
"May 15th. — Had orders to march at 12 o'clock, (noon,) to
garrison Forts Albany, Stevens, Gregg, Whipple, Hagarfcy, Berry
and others. 16th. — Orders to pack up for a forward movement to
the front. Camped near Alexandria. iVtli. — Went aboard trans-
ports for Belle Plain. Landed at 5 o'clock, evening, liained very
hard;, lay in the mud that night; the regiment was paid ofl'.
27
1260 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
18. — Took up the line of march for Fredericksburg, where we en-
camped for the night. 19tli. — Left ^Fredericksburg in the morn-
ing for Spotsilvania, where we were assigned to the 2d Brigade,
Ist Division, 6th Corps, commanded by Major General Wright;
Brigade Commandant, General Upton ; Division Commandant,
Major General Russell, who is a regular old farmer in looks and
dress. The same night, our regiment had to throw up rifle-pits.
Although tired, and on half rations, our boys took hold of the
work with a will. 20th. — Formed in line of battle and awaited
an attack from the Johnnies. They charged our skirmish line,
but were repulsed by our brigade battery. At 9 in the evening
made a flank movement in the direction of Hanover Court House.
The Johnnies charged our empty breastworks the next morning.
We marched until 3 o'clock, the 21st, when we halted at Gunie
Station ; from thence, across the North Anna river, where our ad-
vance attacked the Johnnies, and caused them to retreat. We
then encamped until the next morning, 22d, when we threw out
a strong skirmish line. One man in our company, by the name of
Smith, was wounded in the thigh, our corps being in line of battle
all of the time. The next morning, 23d, advanced and tore up
some 12 miles of the Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad. A
man by the name of Barns had both legs broken, by the falling of
a portion of the track — since died — then lay on our arms in line.
25th. — Recrossed the North Anna, commenced the line of march
at 8, morning. Halted, in the afternoon, near Chesterfield. Drew
a few hard tack and some fresh beef; burned the Railroad Station
House, and destroyed several cars the Johnnies had to abandon.
Marched until 27th, with only a few halts. Crossed the Pamunky
river on pontoons ; hailed after we crossed, and went into camp.
28th. — Marched two miles, and rested for the day. Took up the
line of march at 10 o'clock, night; marched to, and encamped
near Hanover Court House — 29th, (making the second time we
were near the above-mentioned place,) — a part of our regiment
tearing up the Railroad track, the balance in line of battle, in the
woods. 30th. — Moved a short distance, into a swamp, where we
threw up rifle-pits — continual firing on the skirmish line — took up
the line of march at 10 o'clock; marched until 10 o'clock, the 1st
day of June. At 3 o'clock in the alternoon our corps was ordered
to charge the enemy's works, amid a shower of grape and canis-
ter. Our men were told to lay down, then charge, after the first
fire. Drove the JohnnieN out of their pits, carrying two, and then
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1261
the third line of tlie Johnnies works. Privates A. D. G.ilpin and
F, F. Kane, were killed before they reached the first line of works.
(It will do for me to explain a little of the following.) It was
there our brave Colonel fell, at the head of his regiment, not giving
up until killed — he being wounded three times before he received
the fatal shot. Some say he was drunk — but that is not true — he
died sober, and he died a brave, true, and noble officer. We never
shall see his like again, while in the U. S. service. We lay in the
pits until the next day, 2d, when we were relieved, marched to
the rear, but within range of the minnie balls and shells. It was
there that Isaac Briggs received his wound, while laying in his
tent, reading. Nothing of any note transpired until the 12th,
when we again made a flank movement, starting at 9 in the evenino-^
and marched until 5 o'clock in the afternoon of the 13th, when
w'e encamped, after crossing the Chickahomany. 14th. — Marched
10 miles, then encamped, near the James river. 15th, — Marched
two miles, then camped in a corn-field. 16th. — Took up the line
of march at 5 in the afternoon — rested on the banks of the James
two hours, then went aboard of transports at 12, night, touching
at City Point ; from thence, to Point of Rocks, where we remain-
ed. We heard cannonading in the direction of Petersburg, Re-
mained in camp until the 19th, then crossed the James river on
pontoons, and marched to within two miles of Petersburg; en-
camped that night, — the 20th, our regement went on picket duty,
and we could see the churches in the city, and some of the streets.
21st. — The Johnnies shelled our batteries, but did no harm, 22d.
— Were under fire of the Johnnies, Took up our line of march
at 9 in the evening, going in a south-east direction, until the morn-
ing of the 23d, when we rested four hours, then formed a line of
battle, one half of the I'egiment as skirmishers, and the remainder
as reserve. One private of our company, by the name of Ruel
Hazen, was killed on the skirmish line, Romayn Plard had a ball
put through his cap, which was attached to his haversack, doing
no harm to him. We withdrew our line, and went to building
breastworks, in anticipation of an attack — lay in the pits all night.
24th. — Changed our position several times during the day — build-
ing rifle-pits. 25th, — Remained in the same position, clearing up
the woods in our front. 26th. — Our company on picket— all quiet
along the line. 27th. — Cleared up a camp ground, 28th, — Re-
mained in camp. No duty to do, only for Walt. ; he had to write
all day. Reviewed by General Wright. 29th, — Marched down
1262 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
to Reams Station, to support the cavalry raid on the Welden and
Petersburg Railroad, and eftectually cut the road — remained there
that night. 30th. — Marched four miles up the Jerusalem plank
road, and encamped until July 2d, Avhen, returned to near where
we were emcaraped, the 28th. — There we remained until the 9th.
Then took up the line of march at 9, night, and marched until 9
o'clock, the 10th, when we i-eached City Point, on our return to
Washington, D. C. Took the transports at 5 o'clock in the after-
noon, reaching our place of destination, (Washington,) the 12th,
where found the Rebs in force, within five miles of the city. We
lay in rifle-pits that night. 1 3th. — Went into camp near Fort Ste-
vens— remained until 12, night, — marched a short distance, then
encamped. 14th. — Marched till 5 o'clock, and halted at Poolsville,
— encamped all night, loth. — A rebel spy was hung on the left
of our brigade. He remained hanging from one, morn., until sun-
set. Remained in camp until the 16th. — Took up the line of
march at 5, morning; crossed the Potomac at White Ford; water
waist deep. Encamped that night three miles west of Leesburg.
Our company went on picket. Remained here until the 18th. —
Started on the march, passing through Hamilton, Thorapsonville,
and Snicker's Gap, which we reached after Hunter's men shame-
fully fled from the Rebel front. There would have been a total rout
of all his command, had not our Corps come up and opened their
batteries upon them. We went into camp, and remained on the
banks of the Shenandoah until the 20th, when we crossed the
above named river, and marched to within two miles of Beers-
ville — then we left the Johnnies under charge, or rather for Gen.
Crook to take care of; then recrossed the Shenandoah, and march-
ed through Snicker's Gap, the 21st, marching all night, and until
night of the present date, when we encamped, four miles east of
Leesburg, on Goose Ci'eek. 22d. — Marched in the direction of
Washington, where wc encamped on the Leesburg and Alexan-
dria turnpike. 23d. — Crossed the Chain Bridge, and encamped
near Tenallytown, where we remained until the 25th. We were
then ordered to join our old Corps (the 22d). We then marched
through Georgetown, and our company was assigned to Fort
Clegg. Here we remained until 2 o'clock, the 26th, when we were
ordered to pack up, and join the 6th Corps; marched until 10
o'clock that night, the company having five hours the start of
our regiment. 27th. — Started on the march at daylight, passing
through Rockville and Clarksville, encamped at 5 o'clock. 28th.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1263
Started on the march, passing through Hyattstown, Urbana, join-
ing the company at the Monocaoy river, crossed the river and
marched to Jefferson, wliere we encamped at 10 o'clock, nio-ht.
29th. — Marched ; passed through Knoxville, Plarper's Ferry, and
encamped on Bolivar Heights. 30th. — Came back from Bolivar
Heights, passing through Harper's Ferry, and Knoxville; march-
ed until 2 o'clock, the morning of the 31st, when we encamped
near Frederick. 1st — Remained in camp. 2d. — Marched one
mile and encamped. 3d. — Passed through Buckettown, forded
the Monocacy, and encamped on the bank. 4th, — Divine Service
in camp. 5th. — In camp. 6th. — Took up the line of march at 10
o'clock; marched all night, and the Vth, encamped on Bolivar
Heights. Remained in camp until the 10th, when we started on
another raid after the Johnnies, passing through Berryville, and
Charlestown. Halted for the night at 5 o'clock. 11th. — Marched
up the Shenandoah Valley, encamped at 6 o'clock for the night.
12th. — Marched until 9, evening, passing through Newtown.
Halted for the night. 13th. — Marched to within four miles of
Strausburg, passing through Middletown. The Johnnies made a
stand, and we popped away into them. We fired into their rear
all of the way from Berryville up the valley. We remained in
camp until the 6th, when we returned to Harper's Ferry, destroy-
ing grain and hay, gathering up cattle and horses. Our boys for-
aged all the way back ; at Winchester we burned a large flouring
mill. The Johnnies followed us to Harper's Ferry, or rather to
Bolivar Heights, where we made a stand, and captured, during
last week, some 1,500 prisoners. ISth. — They fell back, and we
followed them as far as Charlestown, where our cavalry attacked
their rear. We don't want to light them, but bother them, in or-
der to keep them from going to Richmond, to reinforce Lee.
Well, my friend, I am tired, and I think you will be, by the time
you get this letter read."
"If you choose, you may read this to Cothren, and my brother
Fred; also to Capt. Sperry. Remember me to all inquiring friends,
especially Mrs. T."
Yours, fraternally,
Serfft. W. J. Orton."
1264 HTISORT OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
"Cold Harbor, Va., 12th June, 1864.
" Friend Trowbridge : — I received your letter day before yes-
terday, and I was happy to hear from you. Time has made seve-
ral changes since I last wrote to you. Our regiment marched day
and night, commencing May 18th, up to June 1st. We marched
all night of May 30, and up to June 1st, at 10 o'clock, and about
5 o'clock of the same day made a charge on the rebel rifle-pits?
taking three, but owing to the want of support could not hold
but two of them. Our Colonel was killed, after receiving four
wounds. He led the charge. Our loss is 380, killed, wounded
and missing. Old soldiers say that our regiment was whipped
three different times, but our men did not know it, and continued
to fight. Our regiment took between 5 and 600 rebel prisoners.
They came in fast, for a while. Almond D. Galpiu was killed, also
Friend F. Kane, at the commencement of the charge — Galpin by
a shell, and Kane by a ball. Briggs was wounded two days after
in his tent, by a ball from the rebels striking him on the foot, I
think that is all of the old men. L. H. Hotchkiss is wounded in
the hand ; some eleven of the men were slightly wounded. I
have forgotten Corporal Wellraan, he was wounded in the face,
also in the arm. Several of our boys are sick with the summer
complaint. We have communication opened to the James river,
and we shall get our supplies from there. Balls and shell whistle
all of the time. Our company are out on picket. My duty does
not take me away from camp. The rebels that I have talked with
say, this is the last campaign. They also say that thatEwel, Beau-
regard and Lee make speeches to the men every night. Some
think we are sure to win. They admit that they cannot tell any-
thing about Grant's movements. Well, I must close, as my duty
will not permit rae to longer indulge in writing to my friends.
Yours fraternally,
W. J. Orton.
"Wednesday, 15th, June, 1864.
" We left camp Sunday, at 8 o'clock, and marched all night, and
all day, until seven, and out of the time we marched thirty-two
miles, and only rested three hours, out of the twenty-three. Yes-
terday we marched about eight miles, and we now are near the
banks of the James river. Buruside's army crossed last night.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 1265
They say our destination is Petersburg, south of Richmond.
Grant says we must have Richmond by the 4th of July. But our
men have got to fight before they get it. Grant keeps making
flank movements, and gets nearer Richmond every time he moves.
He stops in one place until he gets the whole rebel forces in the
position that he wants them, then starts off in the night and leaves
them behind. Our boys are tired out, foot sore, sick, and com-
pletely worn out. A sick man has got to march, as well as the
well men. We have got a regular officer for a Colonel, and he is
so strict that he abuses his men. We never shall have another
man like Col. Kellogg. You may show this letter to Captain
Sperry, and it will answer the place of two letters. It is hard to
write in the army. I have got some postage stamps. Remember
me to all inquiring friends.
I remain yours, fraternally,
W. J. Obton.
Our poldiers serving in the south had a variety of vicissitudes
and experiences, besides fighting the enemy. Major Frye, writing
from Pass March al, says : —
"The moccasins and rattlesnakes are quite abundant, and appa-
rently old settlers, as we killed one with nine rattles. They are
quite a protection against a flank movement of the enemy through
the swamp ; and the aligators actually stick their noses into the
tents, in hopes of stealing a biscuit or a piece of pork. And then,
all night long, the soldier is lulled to sleep by the most infernal
croaking of tree-toads, and kept asleep by the buzzing and biting
of myriads of mosquetoes and yellow flies. One knows not how
it is ; but though every soldier has a musquito bar, still daylight
will find as many inside as out : and theia innumerable green liz-
ards about four inches long, harmless, but sportive, gambol and
catch flies and mosquitoes freely upon your face and body."
And so the fourth year closed with a general waning of the re-
bellion, and a tightening of the cords by which the traitors were
becoming bound, as with hooks of steel, under the magnificent
valor of the union armies, and the splendid generalship of Gen,
Grant.
1266 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
1865. The year opened auspiciously, and as soou as army
movements could be made, there was a combined movement and
determination on the part of all, officer and man, to squelch the
rebellion, and that right speedily. And the campaigns of the
year were begun with the hope and expectation of soon bringing
the war to a successful close. In this final grapple, we had Grant
before Richmond, Sherman in the south-west, and Terry in the
south-east, respectively, working at the rebels trunk, and giant
limbs, while officers and men, and all were in their best fighting
trim. As tiie people of our State looked on the struggle, they
recalled, with pardonable pride, the fact that these three soldiers,
— Grant, Sherman and Terry, — who had become the supreme hope
of the nation in its hour of agony, had all sprung from a long line
of ancestors, who were born upon the soil, and trained in the dis-
trict schools of Connecticut. And old Woodbury had the proud
satisfaction of having furnished the lineage of two of them —
Grant and Sherman.^
Nearly all the Woodbury soldiers who were now in the war,
except those who were serving in the grand old 5th Connecticut
under Sherman, in his ever-memorable and glorious "March to
the Sea," were in the regiments which were concentrated around
Petersburgh and Richmond, under Grant, and were soon to wit-
ness, and assist in the fall of tliese two strongholds, after a deadly
siege, which had existed some ten months.
The war had fiir advanced, and there was an urgent need of
men before even the northern mind could be educated up ta the
point of employing the services of colored troops. At length it
was permitted, and Gov. Buckingham issued his call for the 29t,li
Regiment. It was readily filled, as was also the 30th. The 29th
contained a considerable number of Woodbury colored men, and
it was now employed in the siege of Petersburgh and Richmond,
being placed nearer Richmond than the white regiments.
On the preceding October, Grant had made a last effort to turn
the Confederate right, and in this movement, the 29th was engaged :
" Stubbornly was the advance contested ; but from tree to tree,
from bush, rock, and rifle-pit, the rebel skirmishers were driven,
until they broke, and fled into the woods. The brigade remained
in the woods while the 29th pushed forward, nearly six hundred
' Samuel Grant, Jr., of Windsor, married Grace Minor, daughter of Capt. Joha
Minor, of Woodbury, and the father and ancestors of General Sherman were
natives of Woodbury, from the first settlement of the town, in 1672.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1267
strong, until they had made their way close up to the breastworks,
from which poui'ed a heavy fire. At this time, the enemy opened
upon the 29Lh from a battery in an angle of the works; sweeping
the lino witli shot and shell, and threatening to render it untena-
ble. A well-directed rifle-fire silenced it. The gunners fell at
their guns. Comrades attempted to crawl up ; but tliey were
shot down or forced back, and the guns remained as silent as if
spiked. The blacks exhausted their ammunition, but replenished
their supply from the dead or wounded. They vied with each
other in deeds of daring. In a lull of battle they would call out,
' How about Fort Pillow to-day ? ' ' Look ov.er hei'e, Jolinny, and
see how niggers can shoot!' They exposed themselves Avith the
utmost recklessness and indifference ; and Capt. Camp was obliged
to restrain them from useless exhibitions of their courage.
"During the afternoon, various points of the rebel works were
assaulted, but without success. The 29th remained in front, firing
until the muskets became so foul that the charge could not be
rammed home. Nightfill found the regiment still engaged with
unwearied enthusiasm where they had been for fifteen hours. By
eight o'clock, the firing gradually slackened, and finally ceased ;
and the regiment remained on the skirmish-line till daylight. A
violent storm drenched tlie men completely ; but they were vigil-
lant until relieved.
" By this time, our negroes had showed that they could fight, if
anybody had sincerely doubted it. On the skirmish-line this day,
the 29th had lost twelve killed and sixty-seven wounded. Among
the latter was Capt. James C. Sweetland, During the advance of
the morning, Sergeant Jacob F. Spencer, of Clinton, ran fir ahead
of the line, and captured, single-handed, two armed rebels, and
brought them back prisoners. Tiiey afterwards declared tliat they
would never have surrendered to him if they had known he was
a ' nigger. ' Gen. Weitzel presented Spencer with a medal for
gallantry.
"Adjutant H. H. Brown said in the regimental report, 'Though
twenty-three hours on the skirmish line, and the men excessively
fatigued, I beg to call especial attention to the fact that ihere are
none missing. When we returned to camp yesterday aftei'uoon,
we brought every man we took out, excepting those killed and
wounded.' "
And in the final success of the union arras, in the surrender of
Gen. Lee aud his army, we find this regiment conspicuous : —
1268 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
'' Weitzel, pressing near Richmond, north of the James, with
one division of the 24th Corps, and one division of the 25th (col-
ored) Corps, was attracted by the conflagration, and in early-
morning hurried forward over the vacated Confederate breast-
works towards the city.
" Lieut Colonel David Torrence reported, 'At sunset of April 2
we witnessed the last rebel dress-parade in Virginia, from the
magazine of Fort Harrison. Early on Monday morning, April 3,
1865, the picket fires of the enemy began to wane, and an ominous
silence to prevail within his lines. Very soon, deserters began to
come into our lines, who reported that the works in our front
were being evacuated. In a little while, we saw the barracks of
Fort Darling in flames ; and tremendous explosions followed each
other in rapid succession. The earliest dawn revealed to us the
deserted lines, with their guns spiked and their tents standing.
We were ordered to advance at once, but cautiously. The troops
jumped over the breastworks, and, avoiding the torpedoes, filed
through the rebel abatis ; and then began the race for Richmond.
"No words can describe the enthusiasm of the troops as they
found themselves fairly within the rebel lines, and tramping along
the bloody roads leading to the capital. The honor of first enter-
ing that city was most earnestly contested. Many regiments
threw away every thing but their arras, while this regiment
'double-quicked' in heavy marching order. Two companies of
this regiment, G and C, that had been sent forward as skirmish-
ers, reached the city close on the heels of our cavalry, and were,
without the slightest doubt, the first companies of infantry to en-
ter the city. Through the heat and dust the troops struggled on ;
and at last, as we came in full view of the city, the air was rent
with such cheers as only the brave men who had fought so long
and so nobly for that city could give."*
Throughout Sherman's Grand March, the veteran 5th maintain-
ed it^ early renown in all the battles. As an instance, it is men-
tioned, that at the battle of Peach-tree Creek, near Atlanta, Ga.,
which was almost a complete surprise to the union army ; — "As
the enemy came shouting and yelling from the woods within
twenty yards, flaunting their flags in the assurance of an easy vic-
tory, the old division closed sternly in, and the answer to their
' Hist, of Conn, in the recent War.
HISTORY OF ANCI E NT WOODBURY 1269
yells were union bullets and union cheers. For three hours the
battle raged, the enemy being repeatedly repulsed, and as often re-
turning to the charge, only to find a wall of fire and steel more
impenetrable than before, and to lose increased numbers of their
misguided soldiers upon the field. At a little before sunset the
battle ceased. The returns of the 5th exhibited a loss of sixty
men killed and wounded, out of less than 200 who went into ac-
tion ; among whom were many of the best and most valued men
of the regiment. *
" In January, 1865, the army — 'Sherman's Iron-clads,' as they
were called by tlie Confederates, rested for a few weeks in and
about Savannah, after one of the most remarkable campaigns in
the wars of the world."
On the 6th of February, 1865, the 2d Heavy Artillery was en-
gaged in the battle of Hatcher's Run, and did good service.
'' At midnight the regiment marched back to quarters, arriving
at sunrise, and having taken a ration of whisky, which liad been
ordered by Grant, or somebody else, in consideration of three
nights and two days on the bare ground, in February, together
with some fighting, and a good deal of hard marching, and hard
work, the men lay down to sleep as the sun rose up, and did not
rise up till the sun went down." '
On the 25th of March, the regiment was engaged in the battle
of Fort Fisher, and bore an honorable part, taking more prisoners
than the number of its men taking part in the battle. This was a
very decisive battle, leaving miles of the rebel picket lines in our
possession, thousands of prisoners in our hands, and greatly tight-
ening the grip of the union armies upon Petersburg. The activ-
ity of this spring was in strong contrast with the endless cannon-
ading and laying in the trenches not daring to show one's head
without risk of its loss, the opposing picket lines running for miles
within 200 feet of each other, that had prevailed for the preceding
ten mouths. It is diflficult even now to see how the two immense
armies of Grant and Lee could have confronted each other for so
long a time without more active and decisive hostilities. How-
ever, that period was past. All things were now ready, and the
end, so long desired, drew near.
' Crofut & Morris, p. 703. * Vaill.
1270 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
"On the 1st of April, Sheridan, with cavaliy and infantry, won
a great victory at Five Forks over the divisions of Pickett and
Bushrod Johnson. Mr. Pollard tells us that on that occasion five
thousand rebels, ' having got the idea that they were entrapped,
threw down their arms, and surrendered themselves as prisoners.'
Indeed, all the rebels along the line seemed about this time to have
'got the idea,' badly, — and General Grant determined to strength-
en their hold upon it by a shotted salute in honor of Sheridan's
victory at Five Forks, It was about eleven o'clock on the eve-
ning of the 1st of April, and all quiet, when Bang! went a gun
from Fort Wadsworth. Heavy firing at a distance of three miles
or more will not start soldiers from their bunks. Every shot may
desti'oy a regiment or sink a ship, — it will not destroy their re-
pose. But Fort Wadsworth was too near camp, — only fifty paces
off — and the men were constrained to look out and see the cannon-
ading of which that shot was the opening gun. Waterloo's open-
ing roar and Hohenlinden's far flashes were but the work of pop-
guns in comparison with the artificial earthquakes that shook Pe-
tersburg and its bristling environs, and the lightnings which came
in such quick succession that the jaws of darkness were not able
to devour them up. Mr. Pollard says of it ; —
'"On the night of the 1st April, Grant celebrated the vic-
tory of Five Forks, and performed the prelude of what was
yet to come, by a fierce and continuous bombardment along his
lines in front of Petersburg. Every piece of artillery in the thickly
studded forts, batteries, and mortar-beds, joined in the prodigious
clamor ; reports, savagely, terrifically crashing through the nar-
row streets and lanes of Petersburg, echoed upwards; it appeaved
as if fiends of the air were engaged in a sulphurous conflict.'
" At about midnight, the regiment was called up and ordered
to pack up everything. Knapsacks, however, were to be left be-
hind ; and to secure greater silence, canteens were to be worn on the
right side. Six companies and a half fell in, (the rest being on
picket,) and proceeded to brigade head-quarters, and thence to
the neighborhood of Patrick's Station. All mounted officers were
ordered to leave their horses inside the earthworks ; and the di-
vision moved out in front, a little to the left of the Look-out. A
heavy picket fire was opened, under cover of which the lines were
formed, three or four deep in all except our brigade, which had
only two, although on the right of the division, and our regiment
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1271
(of course) in the front line. The charge was expected to come
off at four o'clock, but day began to dawn before the signal gun
was fired. Skinner had command of the right wing of the bat-
talion, Jones of the left wing, Hubbard of the whole. The ad-
vance was made en echelon by brigades, with a great rush and
yell — althoug'i a part of the 1st Brigade, (the Jerseys,) broke and
ran, ingloriously. The advance was over precisely the same
ground as on the 25th of March, and the firing came from the
same battery and breastworks, although not quite so heavy.
Lieut. Colonel Skinner and seven enlisted men were wounded —
none of them mortally. A shot, which, judging from the hole it
made, was something smaller than a minnie ball, struck Skinner
on the side, under the right arm, went through an overcoat, wad-
ded blouse, and vest, pierced the skin, and traveled seven inches
on the ribs, then came out and sped on, and may have wounded
another man, for ought that is known to the contrary. There was
but little firing on our side, — but with bayonets fixed, the boys
went in — not in a very mathematical right line, but strongly and
surely, — on, on, until the first line was carried. Then, invigorated
and greatly encouraged by success, they pressed on, — the oppo-
sing fire slackening every moment, — on, on, through the abbattis
and ditch, up the steep bank, over the parapet, into the rebel camp
that had just been deserted, Then, and there, the long tried and
ever faithful soldiers of the Republic saw DAYLIGHT! — and
such a shout as tore the concave of that morning sky, it were
worth dying to hear. On the ground where so long the rebels
had formed and drilled their battalions, our line was now re-form-
ed, and then pushed on, over the hills and far away, — across a
])ike and past a telegraph, which was quickly cut, — then on, until
at length Colonel Hubbard found himself and his half battalion
alone on the Boydtown plank road. After cutting off and burn-
ing a small wagon train loaded with medical stores, we marched
back to the rebel camp, where we found the remainder of our
brigade holding the riglit of the captured line. The rest of the
corps was in line two miles further to the left, where it had some
sharp fighting. Our skirmishers took several works and guns,
but for want of support had to relinquish them, and the rebels,
following up their slight advantage, turned the guns on us, making
it very uncomforable for a few minutes, — our flank being quite un-
covered,— when, suddenly, hurrah ! a column of reinforcements
comes over the hill by Fort Fisher. The rebels turn their guns
12V2 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
in that direction, but to no purpose : — for the 24th Corps marches
steadily forward, goes into line by regiments, advances a heavy
skirmish line, and then a superb line of battle, — whereupon the
enemy abandon their works and flee. This advance of the 24th
Corps was one of the most magnificent sights our soldiers ever
saw: it drove the rebels before it as the hurricane drives dead
leaves. Our men watched the charge until the line was a mile to
the right, then moved inside of our works, and rested an hour.
While there, Grant, Meade and Wright rode up, and were greeted
with cheers that had in them the prophetic ring of the final and
all-comprehending victory so soon to come. Unanimous cheers,
too, they were.
" Generals, too, in this rejoicing hour, dispensed with their usu-
al reticence, and seemed to think that it would not be prejudicial
to good order and military discipline even to let enlisted men
know what was going on 'in high military circles.' Every pri-
vate soldier in the ranks was possessed of the intelligence that
General Grant says that Sheridan is coming up the South Side
without opposition ; General Wright reports that he cannot find
any forces to the left, — so General Grant tells him to move on Pe-
tersburg and ' take it as soon as God will let him.'
"The Corps followed the Second Corps — all except our brigade,
which was detached and ordered to report to General Parke, com-
manding the 9th Corps. We marched to the right, by the old
camp near Warren's station, and up the corduroy to the rear of
Fort Hell, where a rest of an hour was made, in a fiercely hot
sun. Then the brigade advanced through a covered way, past
Fort Hell, and out in front to the works that had been captured
early that morning by Hartraft's division of the 9th Corps. There
the men lay down in muddy trenches, among the dying and the
dead, under a most murderous fire of sharp-shooters. There had
been charges and counter charges, — but our troops held all they
had gained. At length the hot day gave place to chilly night,
and the extreme change brought much suffering. The men had
flung away whatever was fling-away-able during the charge of the
morning, and the subsequent hot march, — as men always will,
under like circumstances, — and now they found themselves blank-
etless, Btockingless, overcoatless, — in cold and damp trenches, and
compelled by the steady firing to lie still, or adopt a hoiizontal,
crawling mode of locomotion, which did not admit of speed
enough to quicken the circulation of tlie blood. Indeed, it was
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY 1273
very cold. Some took the clothing from the dead, and wrapped
themselves in it ; ^-rth^rs, who were fortunate enongh to procure
spades, dug gopher holes, and biuu-ovved. At daylight, Colonel
Fiske and the 65th Vew York clambered over the huge earthwork,
took possession of Fort Hell, opened a picket tire and tired one ot
the guns in the Fort, eliciting no reply. Just then a huge fire in
the direction of the city' followed by several explosions, convinced
our side that Lee's army had indeed left. The regiment was has-
tily got together, — ninety muskets being all that could be pro-
duced— and sent out on picket to relieve the 200th Pennsylvania-
The picket line advanced, and meeting with no resistance, pushed
on into the city. What regiment was the first to enter the city
is, and probably ever will be, a disputed question. The 2d Con-
necticut claims to have been the first, — but Colonel Hubbard had
ordered the colors to remain behind when the regiment went out
on the skirmish line — and consequently, the stars and stripes that
first floated over captured Petersburg, belonged to some other
regiment. Colonel Hubbard was, however, made Provost Mar-
shal of the city, and for a brief while dispensed government and
law in that capacity. But city life was not conducive to good or-
der and military discipline, and the brigade shortly moved out and
marched gaily down to the old camp, four miles away. After re-
maining there two hours, everything of a portable nature was
packed up, a farewell leave taken of the Camp near Warren's Sta-
tion, and the line of march taken up due west. The brigade now
furnished a striking illustration of the difierence between the
marching and fighting strength of an army. It had come down
from Petersbug to camp, numbering three hundred ; — now, nearly
two thousand men, all of the 2d Brigade started in pursuit of the
retreating rebellion.
" While passing through the heaviest of the rebel works, the
brigade met President Lincoln and Admiral Porter, under convoy
of a squadi-on of cavalry, — and saluted the dear old Uncle, who
looked pale and thin. The Corps was overtaken toward evening*
and the night passed in bivouac. Reveille sounded at 3:30 the
next morning, and Pack up 5:30, — and after a march of about
three miles, over a somewhat diflerent country from that along
Grant's Railroad — in that it was hilly and stony, — a halt was made
of two hours or more, during which the official annoucement of
the capture of Richmond was made by General Hamblin, and re-
ceived with almost interminable shoutings, and a crashing of brass
1274 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
bands, the like of wliich was never hoard before. Rebel Generals
and staff officers, and squads of greybacks were brought in all
through the day. Soon after noon the column was again put in
motion, and after a heavy march through the swamps, Avent into
camp at eight in the evening. During this afternoon our regi-
ment passed the body of a negro whose throat had been cut by
the rebels, and heard of a white man close by, who had been mui'-
dered in the same manner. Tlie place where this night was spent
was called Berill's For-l. On the morning of the 5th the march
was resumed, and continued all day, with a halt of two hours at
noon, during which two days' rations of hard tack, sugar and cof-
fee were issued; — and the corps encamped late in the evening in
the neighborhood of Jetersville, in Amelia County. Orders were
here issued by General Meade, hinting at long marches, and di-
recting that rations be economized.
" And now came the day of the last fight for the 2d Connecti-
cut, It w^as the dth of April, 1865. Reveille sounded at 4:30,
and at 5:30 the lines were formed for an advance upon the enemy,
who were in force immediately in front. The affair is thus de-
scribed by Lieut. Curtiss ; — "
"After marching back two miles, on the road by which we
came on the previous evening, we halted for half an hour, and
were then ordered back to the ground from which we had just
come. We had just halted there, after a muddy, slippery march,
and were mourning that Lee had outwitted and escaped us, when,
hark! Firing in advance and to the right. All right. We'll
have him yet. We moved on and struck the Danville Railroad
at Amelia Court House, marching alongside of it for two miles,
and on it for a mile more, towaids Bnrkesville. Here we met
Johnny W^heeler, wounded, and Mackenzie and his cavalry. We
struck off west-north-west from the Railroad, and marched steadily
forward, hour after hour, toward a distant cannonade. At four
o'clock we began to overtake the cavalry, who reported every-
thing going on well. W^e passed 15,000 prisoners just taken from
Messrs. R. E. Lee & Co. The fii-ing grew heavier and nearer,
and at five we reached the cavalry battle-field of the morning.
Although tired and 'played out,' there was no halt for us — but we
moved forward into position, advancing beyond our batteries,
which were playing a lively tune from a hill close by. When
formed, the line was advanced — sometimes by brigade front and
sometimes by a flank — but always on, until we crossed Sailor's
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODP. URY. 1 275
Creek,' and came to a halt under a steep bank, from tlie crest of
which tlie rebels poured down a murderous tire. Two lines were
formed, the 2d Connecticut Volunteer Ai'tillery and 65th New
York in the second line. Everything being ready, ' Forward ! '
sounded along the whole line, and away we went up the hill, un-
der a very hot fire. It was tougli work to get over the crest, but
at last we got the Johnnies started, and made good time after
them. The 2d Heavies captured Maloae's head quarter's train, and
many prisoners, besides one battle flag. We were badly broken,
but after running on for some distance, were finally halted and re-
formed. Colonel Hubbard and Major Jones came up in time to
present us to Generals Shei'idan, Wright, Wheaton and Hambliu,
who all rode along to the front. We also advanced soon after,
and found things in a promising condition. General Ewell and
staff, and several thousand other prisoners, had been taken, to-
gether with wagon trains, guns, caissons, and small arms without
number. One of the prisoners told us that they had but three
guns left. Our loss in the charge was seven wounded, three of
them mortally, viz: Emory W. Castle and Erastus W. Converse,
of D, and Charles Griswokl, of F. ^ At ten o'clock wo moved up
a mile further to the front, and bivouaced for the niglit."^
Gen. Lee was now forced to capitulate, and unconditionalh'- sur-
render his whole a.imy. About noon on Sunday, April 9th, 1865,
in a farm house at Appomattox Court House, sat the chiefs.
Grant and Lee, and signed the death-warrant of the Confederacy.
The subjoined letters, from a young man who enlisted from
Woodbury, in Company I as a private, and by good conduct at-
tained the rank of Brevet Major, show the feelings with which
our brave soldiers witnessed the collapse of the rebellion ; —
'' QUARTERMASTEP?S OfFICE,
Richmond, Va., April 5th, 1865.
" Friend Cothren ; — Here I am in Richmond. Va., in old Jeff.
Davis' private parlor, writing to you, with no secesh to make me
afraid. The private residence of the arch traitor is now the head-
quarters of Gen. Weitzel. It is furnished in splendid style — Jeff,
left everything — guess he's left the place.
"The inhabitants welcomed us with the waiving of handker-
' A small tributary of the Appomattox. " Vaill's 19th Conn.
28
1276 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKT.
chiefs, and other deTnonstrations of joy. The young ladies seemed
to vie with each other in kindness and greeting to us.
" The accursed rebs set fire to the business portion of the city,
and it is now a mass of smoking ruins. We labored to check the
flames, but did not succeed until great havoc had been made.
The rebs did not gain many friends by running away by the hght
of their own dwellings.
"I expect to go to Petersburg to-day, where I hope to find the
2d Connecticut boys. Perhaps you may wonder how I came up
here, as you last heard from me at Wilmington. Gen. Terry's
forces joined Sherman in Goldsboro. I was ordered by Gen. Scho-
field to report at the Chief Quartermaster's, at the headquarters
of the Lieut.-General commanding U. S. forces, at City Point or
in the field. I followed General Grant to Lynchburg. I have
given up the chase till he comes here, where he is expected every
day.
"President Lincoln was here yesterday, and rode through the
principal streets of the city. He took refreshments at Gen. Weit-
zel's residence.
" Richmond is a beautiful place, situated on a number of hills
overlooking the river. I send you some confederate money.
There is any amount of it lying around with 'no takers.' What
a harvest for John Bull !
" I havn't time to write another word.
James M. Bradley,
Major-General Terry's Staff."
" Wilmington, N. C, Feb. 25, 1865.
"Friend Cothren; — Here we are in Wilmington. We drove
the last of Hoke's troops through this place on the birthday of
Washington (Feb. 22). Well, I have felt elated and proud of our
successes before this day ; but as I rode with Gen. Terry at the
head of the advance, and saw that ' hotbed of secession ' get down
on its knees before our veteran troops — words cannot express my
feelings. Neither can I express my horror and indignation as I
saw the union prisoners that they had left in this town, because
they could not carry them away. May God fdtrgive them for such
fiendish work, for I cannot and never will. I will not try to tell
you of their misery ; my pen is not equal to the task. From ex-
posure and hunger they were crazy, idiots, living, moving skele
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1177
tons. Five dead bodies of our men (prisoners) were burned by
the rebels, because (as they said) there was no place to bury them.
So they set fire to the house they were in, and burned it to the
ground. We have about 1,000 of the Union prisoners who esca-
ped from the rebs as they were marched out of the place.
" We followed Hoke twelve miles from here towards Goldsbo-
ro, and pressed him so hard that we captured his pontoons and
many prisoners.
" We find a great many Union men here in this former paradise
for Wockade runners. These men are Union to the heart. The
rebs burned most of the cotton, so that we captured but little of
the boasted ' Southern king.'
" It is so dark that I cannot see to write more at this time.
You will hear from me again, as we expect to go on with this job,
and may wish to tell you how it was accomplished.
" James W. Bradley, Lt. and A. D. C,
Maj. Gen. Terry's Staff,
Wilmington, N. C."
Capt. Walter Burnham, having been the Captain of the Wood-
bury Company I during its "fighting period," furnishes the wri-
ter the following record of his brave company with no unbecom-
ing pride.
" We were finally ordered to join the Army of the Potomac, —
which junction was made at Spottsylvania, Va., where we joined
our fortunes with the " fighting 6th Corps," on the night of the
16th of May, just in time to witness, on the evening of the 17th,
the bist grand cliarge, which was to cover the flanking movement
of the extreme left of Grant's line; though not participating in
the charge, yet in fair sight of it — the sight of which did not
sharpen our desire, I assure you, for a like encounter, which was
likely to occur at any time ; at least I am free to confess it did not
mine.
"From the night of the 19th, till June Ist, (the day of the Cold
Harbor battle,) the marches we made were rapid and severe, and
between marching and throwing up breastworks at every camp-
ing place, our rest but short. On the morning of June 1st, we
made a forced march of some fourteen or sixteen miles, reaching
Cold Harbor about 12 o'clock, cora[)letely exhausted — Comjmny
I, with one other company, being immediately detailed to throw
up a breastwork in our front, — completing the work about four
1278 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
o'clock, P, M., having just time to make a cup of coffee before the
charge was ordered, which was at half-past four, the result of
which, to company I, was a loss of 16 killed and wounded, being
a larger number from company I than any company in the 3d
battalion — company 1 being the left center company.
" Company I was the first to enter the rebel works, and held
them for nearly an hour before any other company joined them.
In fi^ct, the regiment was so broken up, and companies so disor-
ganized, that no company, as a company, joined us during the
night, though by daylight on the morning of the 2d, nearly the
whole regiment that were left were in the breastworks. Indeed
so eager were some of the men for an advance, at the time of the
charge, that two of the Woodbury boys, went quite a distance in
advance of the regiment and company, and took up fighting on
their own account — Hubbard Hotchkiss and Romayn Hard — and
from Hotchkiss' account of their exploit, there was one less rebel
General in the field ; and as his account corresponded with a sub-
sequent account in a Richmond paper, that came into our lines a
few days after, giving an account of the battle, and of a promi-
nent Rebel General having been killed, just at the right of the
Cold Harbor road, we came to the conclusion that Hubbard had
killed his man.
" Were you an old soldier, you would realize more fully than it
is possible for you to do now, the tremendous, heavy, and contin-
uous musketry firing the regiment was under at this battle, when
I tell you that of all the battles during the war, the musket-
ry fire just at the right of the Cold Harbor road, on June 1st,
1864, was the most continuous and severe of them all. Yet this,
I am told by an officer high in rank, connected with 'Freedmans
Bureau,' at Richmond, Va., is an acknowledged fact, both by
Union and Rebel Generals.
"From this time forward I took more pride in my company
than I had done previously, and the company, as a company, took
more pride in themselves, reporting, on most accasions, more men
for daily duty, —arriving in camp at the end of those hard, wea-
risome marches, with more men than any other company in the
regiment.
" From Cold Harbor, another flanking movement was made,
which brought the 6th Corps near Bermuda Hundred, on the
James river, where we remained but a short time, and from thence
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 12T9
to Petersburg, where, upon a skirmish line, June 26th, company I
lost two men, neither of them from Woodbury.
" July 9th were ordered to Washington to repulse Early's threat-
ened attack upon that city. Early retreated by way of Snicker's
Gap, our Corps, of course, following hard upon him. About this
time commenced a series of marchings up and down the valley,
which was anything but agreeable. The first battle in which our
regiment was engaged, was at Winchester, on the 19th of Sept.i
1864, in which Co. I lost some twenty-eight men, out of some-
where from seventy to eighty — this being a larger number lost
than from any other company in the regiment.
"The 2d fight in the valley was at Fisher's Hill, on the 22d of
September — the regiment losing but few men ; Company I but
one man.
"Oct. 19tb was the battle of Cedar Creek — Company I again
losing more men than any company in the regiment — some twenty-
eight or thirty men men, out of say about fifty. So you see that
Company I.'s record is all that could be desired.
" The official report of the casualties of a regiment or company
subsequently to a fight, shows pretty conclusively the valor and
bravery of its men, and Company I, in my estimation, stands sec-
ond to no other.
"Please pardon my egotism in giving you here a compliment,
which I received from Colonel, now Brig, and Brev. Major Gen.
Mackenzie, who called me to his quarters the day previous to the
Cedar Creek battle, and said: ' Capt. Burnham, I consider your
company one of the best companies in my legiment. Y<ui may
have thought that I have found a good deal of fault with you
officers, and been too strict. Gen. Sheridan tells me that I have
one of the best, most reliable regiments in his command. The re-
"giment is one of the best drilled and best disciplined I ever saw.'
"I considered myself highly complimented in having one of the
best companies, and belonging to one of the best Regiments
Sheridan's command ; and Company I's record of the following
day certainly did not detract from it."
The expressions of these letters are not extravagant, when we
remember what it cost "our boys" to be able to say them.
"Connecticut troops witnessed the capitulation, -The 1st cavalry,
under Col. Ives, acted as an escort to Gen. Grant, when he went
1280 HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O D B U R T .
forward to the conference with Lee. The 14th, under Col. Moore,
was hard by, within sight of the memorable house. The 2d Artil-
lery, under Col. James Hubbard, was with the 6th Corps, a short dis-
tance north ; and the 10th was a mile west, where it had helped to
turn back the desperate charge of Gordon.
" The armies were foes no longer, and the victors shared their
rations with the vanquished. Among the paroled, there was, be-
sides the mortification of defeat, a feeling of i-elief from a terrible
and sanguinary combat. Among the Union troops there was, su-
peradded to the delight of victory and the joyful foreshadowing
of peace, an exultant consciousness that the Army of the Potomac,
often censured and always disparaged, had at last won a title to
the nation's gratitude." *
We have already said, that Woodbury was substantially a unit
in support of the war. There were a few exceptions, of no ac-
count. No leading man refused his support. It became neces-
sary for U. S. Marshal Carr to write letters of warning to a few
disloyal persons, who discouraged enlistments. There were one
or two instances, also, in which the people took the matter into
their own hands. The most notable case was that of Burr B. At-
wood, residing in Upper Nonnewaug. He, with his family, con-
sisting of himself, wife, one or two daughters and as many sons,
living at home, though he had a son honorably serving in the
union armies, was quite Iree in expressing disloyal sentiments,
and finally displayed a rebel flag from his house, inscribed with a
disloyal sentiment. Without concert, in utter ignorance of each
other's movements, a large company of the leading young men of
Waterbury, and another from Woodbury, proceeded to At wood's
house, meeting just betbie they arrived at his house. The pur-
pose of this journey was to compel Atwood to take down his.
rebel flag. He however had seen the procession approaching, and
took down and hid the flag. They demanded it, but he refused
to produce it, and his whole family denied that they knew where
it was, A thorough search revealed its hiding place among lefuse
articles in the sink. It was taken possession of, and carried away.
Atwood was asked to recant his treasonable words, but he would
not. The production of a rope, and a tlireat to hang him up to a
neighboring tree, worked repentance in his heart, and he mounted
his horse block, and took the oath of allegiance from a magistrate
' Brofut & Morris.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1281
present. All the members of his family then followed suit in
taking the oath upon the block. A noisy relative of the same
family appeared upon the scene about this time, made some
careless and unhappy remarks in regard to the proceedings of the
patriotic assemblage, and was not over enthusiastic in expressing
his love and admiration for the stars and stripes, and the cause of
the union. He was therefore ordered to mount the block, and
take the oath of allegiance, which he stoutly refused to do, and
continued his resistance till the tightening of the rope about his
neck assured him the "boys" were deadly in earnest, when he re-
luctantly took the oath. But on being released, disloyal words
again found utterance, when the oath upon the block was again
administered to him. And it is related to the writer, who was
not present on this solemn occasion, that it became necessary to
administer the oath to him six times before his rebellious spirit
was quelled, and he became a quiet union man.
The " Vigilants " next visited the house of Chauncey Atwood,
who was I'eported, also, to have used disloyal words. He utterly
denied speaking the words, and declared for the union cause. As
his veracity had never been doubted, his word was taken for truth ;
but the 'boys" said that they would call again on Friday, and
suggested the propriety of his having a flag bearing the stars and
stripes floating from his house on that occasion, to assure his
neighbors of the falsity of the injurious reports. The committee
had previously required of Burr B. Atwood, that he should have
the United States flag floating from his house on the same Friday,
when, they assured him, they would return to see if their order
had been complied with.
Frid^ay came, and with it the said committee, with a large pro-
cession of the leading citizens, led by Sherifl* Henry Minor, and
preceeded by music, and the national flag. A twenty-five dollar
silk flag was floating over the premises of Mr. C. Atwood, and he
had provided refreshments under the shade of the fruit trees in
his dooryard, in ample abundance for all his visitors, which were
partaken of in great good feeling, — after which there was music,
and speeches were made by several of the pi-ominent gentlemen
present, closing with a patriotic poem from Mr. Atwood.
After giving three cheers for the flag and three more for the
host and hostess, the procession moved on to Burr B. Atwood's.
A small United States flag was floating over his " tabernacle," as
per order, but no one was to be seen on the premises. After dili-
1182 lllSTOBV OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
gent seardi, the proprietor was found in «r small lot in rear of his
barn, mournfully rnminaling over the sad necessity of appearing
to be in favor of the union — the government under which Le
lived. He was encouraged to come forward, and receive the con-
gratulations of \\\'^ friends, who had so eagerly sought his conver-
sion to patriotic principles. This he did, was handsomely re-
ceived, and advised to continue loyal. The convocation then de-
parted for their homes, and there was never again a sign of dis-
loyalty in the town. One example had been sufficient.
With the surrender of Lee at Appomattox, the war was sub-
stantially closed, and Johnston very soon capitulated to Sherman,
and the leader in the south west soon after him. The war-worn
veterans now began to return home, and be mustered out of the
service, in which they had won such glorious laurels.
As the I'ebellion col!a])sed, and it was seen that the war was to
come to a close, there had been much solicitude 'in the minds of
the thoughtful patriot'* at ])ome, as to the course that would be
taken by the soldiers on their muster out. Would they noiselessly
and naturally return to their old habiis of life, and quietly sink
into the pursuit of the arts of peace, willingly laboring in their
old avocations to obtain a livelihood ? — or had they imbibed tastes
and habits, in their army life, that would preclude their engaging
in their former avocations, and leave them an idle and violent
class, preying upon the communities they should afflict with their
presence ?
The result of the disbandment of our armies, and the return of
the veterans, was peaceable beyond the expectations of the most ,
hopeful. Every soldier, on his return, was almost painfully eager
to take off the blue, and assume the sober garb of private life.
The whole army dissolved into their original places in the com-
munity as naturally, as they could have done, if they had only
been on a week's visit among friends ! Not a jar, not a ripple dis-
turbed the vast bosom of society, and everything socially passed
on as smoothly as though the war had never existed.
The brave men now rapidly returned home, and they were re-
ceived by the people with ovations, and acclamations, never ex-
ceeded in the history of the world. The people fully appreciated
their heroic services, and expressed their appreciation with bound-
less joy.
And now the Woodbury soldiers returned to their firesides
and homes, which had missed their presence for mouths and
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1283
years. Tlie people, under the inspiration of the ladies, prepared
to give thera a fitting reception. The following is a brief account
of the reception, as given in the " Waterbiiry American " at the
time : —
" On Wednesday night, August 16th, 1865, the citizens of An-
cient Woodbury had one of the pleasantcst reunions ever held in
the old town, on the occasion of the reception of our returned
soldiers. For days, the ladies, who gave the reception, had been
busy in decorating the Town Hall, and preparing refreshments for
the soldiers and their families, and the families of the deceased.
The weather was delightful, and when the eve came, a better dec-
orated hall or more sumptuous tables have never been seen in
Litchfield county. The ladies fully sustained their high reputation
as caterers on our public local occasions.
'' At sunset, the soldiers assembled at the house of William
Cothren, at which, nearly every one who ^had gone to the
war had been enlisted and gone forth. His house was beau-
tifully decorated in red, white and blue, with a large transparency
over the main entrance, appropriately dressed in evergreens, bear-
ing the motto :— " Soldiers, we greet you ! Welcome^ home IJ"
1284 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
As soon as it was dark the house was brilliantly ilhiminated in
every part. Chinese lanterns filled the trees and verandahs, and
"Lincoln torches" covered the fences. Under the direction of
Capt. Sperry, the soldiers formed and marched through the whole of
Main street, from Thomas Bull's to James Green's, the distance of
a mile and a half, and for the whole distance, nearly all the houses
were illuminated. The soldiers cheered every illuminated hosue,
and were cheered in return. Many of the houses had appro-
priate transparencies and lanterns. Among these, the houses of
landlord Kelly, C. G. Judson, Esq., Enos Benhara, Esq , Henry
Minor, Esq., Alexander Gordon, Esq., Mrs. John P. Marshall and
Col. Smith, were conspicuous. The Old Parsonage, built in 1700,
was very conspicuous, from its antique structure."
The Town Hall was beautifully decorated with evertrreens and
flags. The name of each deceased soldier was encircled with a
laurel wreath, placed upon the walls, and the names of the
battles in which our soldiers had borne a part, Avere likewise
wreathed with evergreens.
" After performing this march, headed by the Woodbury Drum
Band, the soldiers entered the hall, when the following ode of
welcome was sung by the Woodbury Glee Club: —
soldiers' welcome BY WM. COTHREN.
Home from the war, from Southern hill and plain —
Home from freedom's battles on the land, on the main ;
Home from the tented field, the wounded, and the slain —
Ye battle-scarred heroes, we greet you again.
Chorus — Home, home, sweet, sweet home —
Ye battle-scarred heroes, we welcome you home.
Brave went ye forth on that fair Sabbath day,
Ready for the battle — ready for the fray —
Ready to meet sorrows then soon to come;
Ye battle-scarred heroes, we welcome you home.
Home from the conflict, your duty well done ;
Home from the war with proud victory won,
Covered with honor, permitted to come ;
Ye battle,scarred heroes, we welcome j'ou homej
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1285
"P. M. Trowbridge, Esq, then made the following presentation
address to the ladies, who were present in great force: —
ADDRESS— BY MR. TROWBRIDGE.
" Ladies of "W oodbury : — Here are the guests I promised you
a little more than a week ago. They are my friends — yea, more :
comrades, brothers; for, during these long, sad, weary, bloody
years, I have been one of them. The pestilence of camp, the ex-
hausting march, the horrid battle-field, though far away, I have
shared with them.
"Constant communion with them has made me familiar with the
individual history of each, and I now present thera to you as true
men. They have been tried and are not found wanting. They
stood firmly, unflinchingly, and warded off the ' leaden rain and
iron hail," from you and your loved ones. They have followed
that Old Flag, the flag which had its conception beneath the dark
portals of the Star-Chamber, which was ushered into existence
amid numberless prayers and floods of tears, which was baptised
in rivers of blood, which was consecrated to God and Liberty,
which has been a terror to evil-doers and a praise to such as have
done well ; I say they have followed that Old Flag from victory
to victory, till its protecting folds now wave over tha whole of
this, our much loved land. Their work is done. They come
crowned with honor, purchased with self-consecrated patriotism.
It is meet then that you, noble women of Woodbury, should thus
publicly say, ' Well done, good and faithful servants,' welcome to
the sweets of home.
Ladies : there are others here whom I also promised you as
guests this evening. They are the husbandless, the fatherless, the
Bonless, the brotherless. Made so by what ? Go to Heaven's re-
cord and there read : ' These gave their husbands, their fothers,
their sons, their brothers, to crush the most impious rebellion earth
has known since Satan was cast over the battlements of this Most
Holy City.' Could you have gone with me when those winged
messengers came, telling of the fall of one after another, and
broken the sad intelligence to anxious hearts, you would have wit-
nessed scenes that would have dwelt with you so long as memory
was yours. You would have seen a father, a mother, bowed to
the earth because the stay of their declining years had fallen ; —
you would have seen the heart-broken wife bathing with tears her
1286 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
little ones, as thoy were clustering about her, and crying, 'Mama,
mama, won't dear papa come home any more? '
"I have raised the curtain only partially, because the scenes are
far too sacred for the world's eye. But you have seen enough,
and you will surely greet these, too, and bid their sad hearts be
glad ; and you will as surely smooth their lonely pathway till they
are welcomed to the Heavenly Home, where war and its sorrows
are unknown."
At the close of the address, Mr. A, N. Lewis made a response
for the ladies, and intioduced Mr. Trowbridge as the chairman of
the evening.
In tins response, which was a poetic one, occurred the follow-
ing beautiful passage : —
" I euvy you, soldiers, your ■welcome to-night ;
Fair cheeks have grown fairer, eyes dimmed have grown bright
At your coming — all welcome you here.
And would, if 'twere proper, most heartily cheer,
In the midst of my speech ; not at what I'm reciting.
But for you — your bold deeds, your marching f.nd fighting,
Of which we, your admirers, are proud and delight in!
Yes, soldiers! brave veterans of 'Company I,'
I dare to assert, what none can deny,
Of all the battalions that rushed to the fray,
There were none that knew better to fight and obey.
There were none that loved better the battle's dread noise.
Than ' the 2d' — especially Woodbury boys."
" 'Tis well, on a festive occasion like this.
To think of the loved ones whose faces we miss.
Black bonnets and dresses are worn here to-night
For those who went in, but came not from the fight!
Tall pine trees are rustling, magnolias wave,
Over many a hero and soldier-boy's grave!
From the ' Father of Waters ' to Potomac's strand.
Ay, down to the banks of the far Rio Grande,
The soil of the South is dotted wiih graves
Of nameless, yet noble and canonized braves! "
" Prayer was then oftered by the Rev. Mr. Purves.
"The Chairman then introduced William Cothren, who, by ap-
pointment of the ladies, gave the welcoming address:
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 12 8*7
ADDRESS— BY MR. COTHRE^r.
" Soldiers of Ancient Woodbury : — It has become my pleas-
ing duty, at the request of the ladies who now receive you, and
speaking their sentiments as well as my own, to give you a hearty
welcome home. This beautifully decorated room, these tables,
groaning under the weight of refreshments, the hapj)y faces of
worth and beauty you see all around you, all testify witli mute
eloquence the deep fervor of this, your joyous welcome. We
welcome you as patriots, who for love of country went forth to
endure all the privations of the camp, in the tented field, and to
meet the shock of battle, to save your imperiled country. Some
of you went forth from the humbler pursuits, some from higher
walks, all w'lih great hearts throbbing with the desire to save and
protect the vital interests of liberty and humanity. You went
forth as only lovers of their country can do, to battle for the right,
perchance to die.
"We well remember that fair May morning in 1861, in the very
opening of the great rebellion, when the first com|tany of our
Woodbury patriots, in the red uniform, went forth, with earnest
zeal, amid the hurrahs of the men and the waving of handker-
chiefs by our honored ladies, bound to the front, to pass to battle,
promising as they went, with solemn vow, to go to the defense of
our nation's capital through the streets of Baltimore, where, just
then, the northern martyrs in the cause of liberty, had freely of-
fered their lives in the defense of their country. I see here now
a remnant of that patriotic band who went to the war from my
grounds, and from whom I, a childless man, parted as fi-om my
own children. The members of Company E, of the gloi'ious old
5th, will never be by us forgotten. Boys, with earnest emotion,
we greet you. With full hearts we welcome yon home. Nor can
we ever forget, while reason holds its throne, that beautiful morn
of the Christian Sabbath, when there were anxious heails, and a
hurrying to and fro. When the peaceful stillness usually devoted
to prayers and praise to God, was broken by the notes of war
the shrill cry of the fife, and the fierce I'attle of the drum; when
religious sei vices were suspended in ail our churches, and every
citizen was ready to aid the warrior, marching to the relief of the
thrice beleagured capital of his country. Oh, there were sad and
hurried partings from wives and children, from kindred and
1288 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WO OD BUR Y.
friends, when Company I, 19th Conn Vols., departed for the war,
that beautiful summer's day. While terrors thickened, the
heaveidy Father seemed to smile on the saddened earth. Well
do I remember the sad foreboding with which one of that patri-
otic band, one ever to be remembered, parted from his wife and
children. Solemnly he said, the tears streaming from his eyes, I
shall not survive this war; never again reside in Woodbury; but
it is my duty to go, and I will 3ie fighting for my country. Sadly
prophetic words. He died from wounds received at the battle of
Winchester. Do his comrades need that I speak the name of
Sergeant Walter J. Orton ?
" Another noble spirit I must also mention, as I hurry over the
record of our heroes. Young, with all the better aspirations we
know in life, of high intellectual, social and moral qualities, libe-
rally educated, and beloved in the home circle, he felt it his duty,
leaving ail his advantages, to go forth and do liis share for the sal-
vation of his country. He met his fate, and ascended to his God
from Cedar Mountain, dying instantly on the field of battle. I
speak the name of Lieut. Henry M. Dutton.
" And there was another nople spirit, reared and educated by
the honored man and soldiers' friend during all this dreadful war,
who this evening, by the appointment of the ladies, so fitly pre-
sides over these ceremonies. He served as a private in the three
months campaign, and again in the glorious 11th Conn. Vols,
rising by merited promotion for deeds of valor on the battle-field
to the post of Adjutant, and A. A. A, G. of his regiment and
brigade, and gave up his young life in the great cause, dying from
wounds received at the battle of Cold Harbor. A pure and pat-
riotic soul passed thus to heaven.
" All were worthies. Time would fail me to speak of their
merits individually. I must hurry, that you may enjoy other pleas-
ures in store lor you. Others besides those I have mentioned in
the companies went by squads, and singly joining all the various
regiments of our State; but they all went for the same great pur-
jDose, and did well their duty in the broad field of conflict to which
they were called.
"Soldiers of Woodbury! Survivors of forty-three pitched bat-
tles, survivors of 262 enlisted men, who left your homes in our
midst to vindicate the honor of our country, and preserve our
free institutions, we greet with grateful hearts your glad returo.
Saviours of your country, forever hail!
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1289
" No time is left me to name in detail the glorious battles in
which yon have triumphed. Your country and the friends of lib-
erty have not forgotten them. You could not well foraet the suc-
cessful battles in which the illustrious 'Old fighting Sixth ' parti-
cipated. You will never forget those bloody carnivals of death
and ghastly wounds at Cold Harbor, where you lost eighteen of
youi' number ; at Winchester, where you lost twenty-six out of
seventy-eight; at Fisher Hill, where you lost twenty-nine out of
about fifty men, in killed and wounded, who went into battle.
You cannot well forget how you stood like a wall of fire around
threatened Washington for many weary months. You will never
forget your marches under the illustrious Grant, your forced
marches in the Shenandoah Valley, under the glorious Phil. Slier-
idan, nov how you snuffed out Jeif. Davis' last attempt to erect
his throne in the capital city of the Union. You never will for-
get the most splendid march in all history performed by you, of
over 100 miles in twenty-two maching hours, ending in Lee's sur-
render, the close of the war, the establishment of peace. Such is
but part of the history of your company in the famous 2d Conn.
Artillery.
" And you, our old and first beloved of Company E, in
the war-worn 5th, who rushed early to the war, you will never
forget, nor shall we, your many bloody and victorious battle-fields,
nor that splendid, unparalleled march under the intrepid, perse-
vering, victorious Sherman, from Washington to Nashville, from
Nashville through all the Atlantic States, to the sea, helping in
Lee's surrender and forcing that of Johnston. A soldier who has
fought under Sherman may count himself truly blessed. In the
fame of Sherman and his troops, our ancient town has a right to
take, as she does, a modest and becoming pride. His ancestor in
the Sherman line was born in this very street, in a house now
standing just above the hall in which we are assembled.
"Soldiers all! you will never forget the fifty dead heroes of
your number, nor the forty -seven other comrades, who this day
bear honorable scars received in the service of your country. You
will never forget the forty-three decisive battles, whose iianies are
inscribed on the dear old flag hanging yonder, for which you and
your dead comrades have so bravely fought. Give three times
three, for yourselves, for posterity, for history.
" Brave men ! ye have wrought well, gladly we greet you here.
But you are not all here in bodily presence. We sadly miss the
1290 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
familiar faces of the heroic dead. Those dear forms, dear to us,
and dear to their families beloved, have ' fallen out,' one by one,
on the hurried march, on the southein hills and plains, in loath-
some prisons, in the deadly camp, by the more merciful missile of
death in all your glorious campaigns. If, as orderly sergeant, I
should call the names of this proud roll of honor, (here exhibiting
the names of the deceased soldiers,) not one would respond in
voices audible to human ears. Roll of honor ! Let, their names
be spoken with heads uncovered by all the living present. These
fifty martyrs have stood between us and desolation and horrors
indescribable. These names are indellibly engraved on the tablets
of our hearts. Did I say this glorious list was not here? Ire-
call the words. It is a pleasure to me to believe that in the dis-
embodied form they are present^ and look down kindly on these
our efforts to do fitting honors to their manly deeds, and those of
the servivors present, and that if permitted by an All wise Crea-
tor, they would whisper to us, in spirit. voices, their approbation
of our reverence and veneration. It is a beautiful thought, that
those war-worn spirits are guardian angels still to us in time of
peace, as before they were our bulwarks in battle. Happy is the
lot of the children of the soldier here to-day. Long shall they
and the succeeding generations point with pride to the heroic
deeds of their fathers, and trace, with becoming affection their
lineage to the heroes of this hour.
" There is another class here to-night whom we greet kindly,
tenderly, affectionately. It is the widows and orphans of those
who have fallen in this great contest for human liberty. We
would cherish you all in your future lot in life. We would cher-
ish you for the good acts of those you held most dear, and whom,
amid tears, you gave to your country.
" And now, soldiers, returned to us thus happily, thus honora-
bly, we will only add the devout aspiration, that in resuming the
avocations of civil life, you may be blessed in all your lawful un-
dertakings, and may still continue to show the same high and en-
nobling qualities in the arts of peace as you did in the arts of
war ; and may still be, as in the proud past, heroes in the defence
of liberty and law."
" At the conclusion of Mr. Cothren's address, the soldiers and
their guests partook of the banquet of good things prepared by
the fair hands of the ladies, which were worthy of the joyful occa-
sion."
HISTORY OF ANCIENT "VV O O D B U R Y . 1291
Patriotic and appropriate speeches were then made by Capt. Eli
Sperry, first Captain of Company I, and by James Huntington,
Esq. Other gentlemen were invited to speak, but courteously
waived the privilege, that the boys, so long without the sight of
pleasant faces, or the sound of gentle voices, might have the more
time to look at the one and to listen to the other, and revel in at-
tractions very opposite to " hard lack."
"The exercises were kept up till a few short hours * ayant the
twal,' when all separated to their homes, well pleased with the
evening's entertainment."
Thus have we recounted, at some length, the brave and self-
sacriticing conduct of our brave men in the field. But there were
indispensable duties to be performed, and sacrifices to be borne
by those who remained at home, in order to provide for and sus-
tain the vast armies of the union. The absohtte cost of this war
will never be known, or correctly estimated. It is only by ob-
serving the contributions of each little town and hamlet, where
they are known, that we can draw an inference of the grand
total.
Woodbury was not behind any other town, in proportion to its
number of inhabitants, of which the writer has heard. The ladies
of the town, more if possible than the men, seemed to be imbued
with the patriotic desire of foreseeing and providing for the wants
of our brave volunteers. From the first hour of the forma-
tion of the " Woodbury Reds," till the close of the war, their
labors were assiduous and unremitting. It has been already
stated, that under their auspices, in good part; the preparation of
that company to take the field cost at least Sl,OUO. Ever after,
during the continuance of the war, they were making up boxes
of good articles and sending to our soldiers in the field every de-
sirable thing of M'hich they could think, and often packages of
great value. They raised money by fairs, sociables, and private
contributions. They added everywhere the labor of their own
hands. They became connected with every association formed
for the benefit of the soldier, and rendered efficient aid to all. In
the autumn of 1862, they became connected with the New Haven
Soldiers' Aid Society, formed under the auspices of Alfred Walk-
er, who greatly distinguished himself by his zealous efibrts for the
welfare of the soldiers. That society furnished the materials for
garments necessary for the comfort of soldiers, and our ladies
29
1292 HIS^TORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
" made them up," and returned thera to the Society, to be for-
warded to their several destinations. During that fall, they sent
this society, $246.20, in cash, besides all the garments they manu-
factured. As a specimen of their benefactions, while doing this,
in the month of December, 1862, they sent to Woodbury soldiers
sixty-four pairs of mittens, cash value estimated at $32,00, which
were distributed as follows: — forty-one pairs to the 19th Conn.,
eight pairs to the 5th, and fifteen pairs to the 8th and 11th. Jan.
6, 1863, they sent 1^20 worth sf supplies to the 5th Conn, — 130
worth to the 8th and 11th — $25 worth to the 19th, and $40 in
cash — besides $20 worth, in addition, to the New Haven Society.
They also sent money and supplies to the United States Sanitary
Commission, and numerous private boxes to individual soldiers.
As a specimen of what they were doing during the year 1863, it
may be mentioned, that they manufactured for the New Haven
Society 12 surgical shirts, 126 pairs of drawers, 12 sheets, 63
shirts, 65 skeins of yarn and 12 flannel shirts. To the Sanitary
Commission they sent 78 cushions, 10 fans, 23 ring-pads 113 hand-
kerchiefs, 1 feather pillow, 20 linen towels, 1,374 yards of ban-
dages, 23 rolls of b.andages, 16 lbs, dried currants, 30 gals, black-
berry cordial, 22 needle-books, 3 bottles of wine, 2 hospital quilts,
a large quantity of sage, hops, dried peaches, jam, jars of fruit,
14 lbs. mixed rags, bundles of old clothes, 1 linen coat, together
with $163.84 in money. And so they went on, those noble-heart-
ed women, during tlie whole war.
" On Thanksgiving day, 1864, with final victory close at hand,
the United States Sanitary Commission sent to the soldiers in the
field a dinner, consisting, among other things, of six hundred
tons of turkeys, in number about 200,000. Connecticut furnished
her full share of these. For one day, at least, in camp and field
and hospital, the quiet bird which plain Ben, Franklin wished to
see inscribed upon our armorial field, stood forth supreme, and
effectually superseded the proud " bird of freedom." '
It is estimated that the ladies were enabled to send, in money
and articles of use to the soldicis, in the value at least of $5,000.
The town, as a corporation, paid to volunteers, substitutes, and
for recruiting expenses, $47,231-39. In addition to this, military
subjects of the town paid for their own substitutes $10,300.00 In
a thousand other ways than has been recounted in this history,
' Crofut & Morris, p. 472.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY
1293
the people were called on to pay expenses that became necessary
on account of the war. So that, there is not the slightest doubt,
the people of Woodbury paid not less than $100,000, as their
quota towards the suppression of the rebellion, or about one
twelfth of its grand list at the commencement of the War. In
this estimate, no account is taken of the increased taxation neces-
sary to pay our part of the State and national taxes for the
support of the military expenses of the nation. It is by such re-
views as this that we begin to appreciate the money cost of the
abolition of slavery, and the overthrow of the slaveholders' re-
bellion.
During the existence of the war, the following persons furnish-
ed, or helped to furnish substitutes for themselves : —
Lewis H. Atwood,
Wheeler Atwood,
Roderick Atwood
George M. Allen,
Henry M. Allen,
George P. Allen,
Willard P. Abernethy,
Stanley E. Beardsley,
Henry C. Buckingham,
Charles IST. Booth, was draft-
ed and paid commutation
of 1300.
Jesse B. Burton,
Nathan B, Burton,
Horace D. Curtiss,
James G Curtiss,
Walter S. Curtiss,
Sheldon B. Castle,
Samuel D. Castle,
Oliver Cowles,
David Cowes
William Cothren,
John J. Fowler,
Edgar Galpin,
John Galpin,
William S. Isbell,
Henry C. Judsou,
Hermon W. Judson,
James H. Linsley,
George B. Lewis,
John H. Minor,
Nathaniel D, Minor,
Truman S. Minor,
Charles D. Minor,
Edward F. Nichols,
John S. Nichols,
Omar E. Norton,
Newell Osborn,
Albert C. Peck,
Samuel F. Peck,
Robert Peck,
George E. Pierce,
Benjamin S. Russell,
Samuel B. Scott,
William Smith,
Herman W. Shove,
Henry P. Summers,
Homer S. Tomlinson,
Ambrose H. Wells,
Truman E. Wheeler,
Frederick Ward.— 49.
Since the close of the war, an organization of the soldiers who
1294 HISTORY OP ANCIENT "WOODBURY.
served in the union armies has been formed, called the " Grand
Army of the Republic." This is not a political organization, but
simply an association for mutual aid, and for keeping alive the re-
membrances and patriotic feelings which led them to battle for
their country. Under the auspices of these associations, for the
most part, but in Woodbury, under the auspices of the ladies, a
beautiful custom has been introduced, of decorating the graves of
their deceased comrades on the 30th of May, annually. The cer-
emonies usual on these occasions are, a procession, and the deck-
ing of the graves profusely with the bright spring flowers, after
which, speeches, poems, and patriotic songs follow.
This custom was first observed in Woodbury in 1869, and has
since been continued. In 1870, under the direction of Deacon P.
M. Trowbridge, who, during all the war was preeminently the
soldiers' friend, the ceremony was made very beautiful. After the
procession and decoration of the graves, prayer was offered by
Rev, Gurdon W. Noyes, pastor of the 1st Congregational church-
An original hymn, written by Mrs. Emily G. Smith, was then
sung. Then followed short addresses by Rev. John Purves, of
St. Paul's Church, Colonel N. Smith, the writer, and others. To
give an idea of the nature of the addresses on these occasions,
the remarks of the author on " Decoration Day," 18Y0, are re-
corded here : —
The vernal season of the year has come, with its flowers and
its perfumes. Beauty gleams forth from every side. The carol of
birds at early dawn and dewy eve, fill the melodious air. The old
earth itself is tremulous with joy. The manly heart, the tender
bosom throbs with great emotions. Human nature, for the hour, is
ennobled, and kindly sympathies encircle all with a vast compre-
hensiveness. We are in this beautiful valley, with its lovely out-
look— heaven's chosen place for the dispensation of munificent
gifts! We are standing in this silent, peaceful city of the dead !
It is the votive hour. It is the day of sacred memories ! With
uncovered heads,
Come we with our offerings.
All our dear and holy things,
to decorate the lowly graves of the tried, the true and the brave.
It is a sad but pleasing duty. Beautiful and graceful is the act,
when blooming, youthful forms, strew these graves with flowers,
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1295
cheered on by the approval of an entire community. How appro-
priate to revive in each revolving year, with the fragrance of flow-
ers, and the fragrance of a perennial honor, a fond remembrance
of those we loved in life, who wrought well, and have ascended
into glory. In doing this, we prove the saying true : —
" On the cold face of death the roses are blending,
And beauty immortal awakes from the tomb."
We come with our floral offerings, and tributes of praise, to
honor the heroic men who gave their lives for us ; who stood like
a wall of fire between us and cur foes; who saved the nation's
life. We come to honor the men who went out from our pleasant
hills and sweet valleys, leaving fathers and mothers, brothers and
sisters, wives and children, the endearments and comforts of home,
— all that men hold dear in life, to battle for the right, to execute
the will of God, to wipe out a glaring iniquity from the face of
the earth. No venial men were they. All that loving friends and
kind government could do for them, was a mere trifle, compared
with the great sacrifices they willingly made. No malice, no thirst
for blood, no love of carnage entered their manly bosoms. They
went forth with high resolve, influenced alone by a stern and hon-
est sense of duty. They endured toils and privations and sufier-
ings which no tongue can tell, and no pen can adequately describe.
" On the perilous edge of battle," tlie muskets of their foes puffing
sulphurous death and deadly missies into their faces ; amid the
storm of shot and shell ; in the despei-ate charge, steel clashing
with steel, while, each second, comrade dropped silently, or raoan-
ingly down in the death agony ; in the exhausting march, in the
hasty bivouac, resting on their arms in the dense woods, or upon
the open plain ; in the loathsome hospital ; in the horrid prison
pen ; these gallant men breathed out their lives in a noble cause,
and obtained a martyr's crown.
We miss these gallant men from our social gatherings, and from
our firesides. We hear no more their pleasant gi'eetings in the
bustle of active life. It is a sad and yet a glorious roll-call we make
here to day. Barnura, the gentle of soul, yet bold as a lion ; Dut-
ton, the chivalrous, dashing and patriotic, yielding up his life in
the deadly charge, and heat of battle at Cedar Mountain ; Orton,
the faithful and true, victim of Winchester's bloody field ; Whit-
lock, the genial and the brave ; the soldierly Hurd, Flushmen and
Galpin ; the patient and modest Briggs and Wheeler, who receiv-
1296 HISTOEY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
ed their death wounds at Cold Harbor ; time fails me to charac-
terize all — these are but types of the whole patriot baud, who
served their country during these four dark, lurid years of civil
war, and gave their lives for ther country. With palpitating
hearts we call the roll of our honored dead to-day. We place
their names on our Roll of Honor., and treasure them in our
heart of hearts. We miss these more than fifty stalwart forms,
but we garland their memories. We magnify their fame. Well
have they earned the guerdon we so gladly accord to them, while
they find other and more glorious employment on the heavenly
plains. We will teach our childi-en and children's children their
honored names, and hand them down to the latest posterity.
" He never dies,
Who, when the battle's won, lays down
His armor, and takes furlough of his God."
Memories bright shall guard their fame,
Spread it from shore to shore,
The cypress droop above their graves,
Softly whispering evermore.
In 1866, the people of the town began to agitate the question
of erecting a suitable monument to the memory of the brave men
who had died in the war of the rebellion. A public meeting was
called by the Standing Committee of the two political parties,
and an association formed to lead in the enterprise, which took
the name of the " Woodbury Soldiers' Monument Association."
The following ofiicers were appointed, — who devoted themselves
zealously to the work, often to the great detriment of their pri-
vate business, till their labor became a success :
President, — Lewis Judd.
Vice Preside}it9, — Rev. John Purves, Rev. George Little, Rev.
John Churchill, Rev. Mr. Pullman, and Rev. Wm. T. Bacon.
Executive Committee, — Thomas Bull, R. J. Allen, James Hun-
tington, David C. Porter, and P. M. Trowbridge.
Corresponding Secretary, — William Cothren.
Recording Secretary, — W. A. Gordon.
Treasurer, — Benjamin Fabrique.
Mr. Judd died in 1869, and P. M.Trowbridge was elected Pres-
ident in his stead, Dec. 28, 1869. At the same meeting- Rev. Gur-
HISTORY 0P ANCIENT WOODBURY. 129*7
don W. Noyes was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resig-
nation of Rev. Mr. Little ; Rev. A. N. Lewis, to fill the vacancy
of Rev. Mr. Bacon, and Rev. Joseph Gilman, to fill the vacancy of
Rev. Mr. Pullman. Horace D. Curtiss was appointed to fill the
vacancy caused by the promotion of Mr. Trowbridge ; William
Cothren, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of R. J.
Allen, who had never been able to cooperate with the Committee,
on account of ill health — and Heman Botsford and Frederick C.
Orton, were added as additional members of the Executive Com-
mittee.
Then followed a series of festivals, sociables, concerts, &c., du-
ring four years, for the purpose of raising the necessary funds to
accomplish the worL The people with one accord manifested
great interest in the undertaking, and gave generous aid. By the
autumn of 1870, the funds thus collected amounted to about the
sum of $1,500. Previous to this time, the General Assembly of
the State had passed a law authorizing towns to appropriate
monies from the treasury to aid in such laudable undertakings,
and to assist in raising monuments to the memory of the heroic
dead. It therefore became the general wish of those who had
borne the chief labor thus far, and it was deemed fitting, that the
whole community by tax should contribute to the praiseworthy
object. Accordingly, at their solicitation, the following action
was taken : —
NOTICE.
*' The legal voters of the town of Woodbury are hereby noti-
fied that a special meeting of said town will be holden at the
Town Hall on Saturday, the 23d day of April, 1870, at 2 o'clock
P. M., to take such measures as may be deemed expedient in re-
gard to erecting a monument to the memory of all soldiers and
seamen, resident of, or belonging to said town at the time of their
enlistment, and who have died in the military or naval service of
the United States, in the late war against the government of the
United States.
G. B. LEWIS, )
S. B. MINOR, y Selectinen.
J. G. CURTISS, )
"At a special town meeting held pursuant to the above notice,
on the 23d day of April, 1870, — Present, W. A. Strong, Clerk,
William A, Cothren was chosen Moderator.
1298 HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
" Voted, That this meeting be adjourned to the 1st Monday in
October, at 9 o'clock, A. M.
W. A. STRONG, Town Clerk.
" At a special Town Meeting held pursuant to adjou'-nment,
Oct. 3d, 1870, for the purpose of appropriating money from the
town treasuiy to build a monument in memory of the Soldiers and
Sailors who fell in the war of the rebellion against the govern-
ment of the United States — Present, W. A. Strong, Clerk, — Wm.
Cothren, Moderator, the following votes and resolutions were
passed.
" Voted, To appropriate the sum of one thousand dollars, to be
drawn from the town treasury by the Selectmen, and laid out and
expended by them, in addition to the sum of about fifteen hundrrd
dollars raised by individuals, for the erection of a suitable monu-
ment to the memory of all soldiers and seamen who were resi-
dents of said town, or belonging thereto at the time of their en-
listment, and who have died in the military or naval service of
the United States, in the war against the government of the Uni-
ted States. Said appropriation to be expended in conformity with
Sections 39, 40, 41 and 43 of a statute law of Connecticut, enti-
tled An Act concerning Communities and Corporations, and that
the location of said monument be fixed by a Committee, consist-
ing of Hon. Origin S. Seymour and Hon. John H, Hubbard, of
Litchfield, and Hon. Robbins Battell, of Norfolk.
" Voted, That the above vote be passed upon by ballot. All
legal voters of said town who desire to vote in favor of said pro-
posed vote, will deposit in a box under the supervision of the
moderator of this special meeting, a ballot with the word " Yes "
written thereon. All voters who are opposed to the passage of
said vote, will deposit a ballot with the word " No " written
thereon. And said box shall be kept open in this special town
meeting for the purpose of balloting upon said vote, until 4 o'clock
P. M., when said votes shall be counted and declared.
" The votes in said box having been counted by the moderator,
Clerk, and one of the Constables of the town (Stephen H. Crane),
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 1299
after the closing of said box, the following result was declared,
by the moderator, in open meeting :
For the appropriation, . . . 158
Ascainst the same, . . . .61
" The resolutions were therefore declared to be passed.
"^Voted, to dissolve this meeting.
Attest: W. A. STRONG, GUrh.
Sufficient funds being now provided to accomplish the work in-
tended in a creditable manner, plans, specifications and prices
were solicited from contractors, and in due time the Plymouth
Granite Company were engaged to furnish the monument. Mean-
while, the surviving members of the 2d Conn. Heavy Artillery,
of which a large number of the dead soldiers had been members,
had been invited to hold their annual re-union here, at the time
the monument would be erected, and assist in the solemn cere-
monies of its dedication. Everything was, therefore, made ready.
The whole town engaged in the work of preparation for the re-
ception of the invited guests. Not only the 2d Heavy, but all the
surviving soldiers of the town, from all the regiments, together
with the near i-elatives of the deceased soldiers, were invited to
attend, and take part in the honors of the day.
The dedication of the Soldiers' Monument to its patriotic pur-
pose, occurred on the 26th of September, 1871. The surviving
soldiers above mentioned by special invitation, provided an escort
and guard of honor, to the long procession of distinguished in-
vited guests, near relatives of the deceased soldiers, whose mem-
ory the monument perpetuated, and civilians, who swarmed in
from the counties of Litchfield, Fairfield, New Haven and Hart-
ford. It rained in the early morning, but the clouds broke away,
and the ceremonies proceeded as arranged. Woodbury has had
many public celebrations, but none has ever been conducted with a
more hearty enthusiasm and general acquiescence, than this. Pre-
vious to the march of the liegiment. Deacon P. M. Trowbridge,
who was very nearly interested in the soldiers' welfare during the
war, addressed the surviving veterans. When the procession to the
monument moved, the entire street, some two hundred feet wide»
was packed from fence to fence, from Deacon Linsley's house to
1300 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
that of Hon. N, B. Smith, a distance of nearly a mile. There could
not have been less than seven thousand persons present. Good
judges estimate the number as a larger. Everything proceeded
in accordance with the pre-arranged plan, at the monument, which
is erected in the south central portion of our extended village, on
a beautiful eminence at the intersection of four ways, a most lovely
place for the purpose, being the same place which had formerly been
.occupied by the Second Ancient Church for the period of nearly
seventy years. The monument was built by the Plymouth Granite
Company, of Waterbury, B. P. Chatfield, President, from pure
white granite from their Quarry at Plymouth. The lower base is
six feet square and twenty inches high, surmounted by the sub-
base, four and a half feet square and fourteen inches high. ^ Over
this is the die, three feet square at the base, and three feet ten
inches high. At the corner are ornamental consoles, and the plane
surface is paneled, the panels being finely polished, and containing
the names of the deceased soldiers. The pediment cap is three
feet ten inches square, and one foot high. The pjinth on which
the shaft rests, is three feet square, and two feet seven inches high.
On the front side, the State coat of arms is handsomely chiseled
in bold relief Above this rises the shaft, beautifully proportioned,
and twenty feet in heighth, making the total altitude thirty feet.
It tapers gracefully, terminating at a point. The general order of
architecture is Corinthian, the outlines ai*e sharp, and the whole
effect is excellent, reflecting great credit on the taste of the design-
er, R. W. Hill, Esq., of Waterbury, as well as on the Plymouth
Granite Company.
The exefcises at the monument opened with a dirge by the
Newtown Cornet Band. This was followed by an introductory
address by the writer. President of the day, as follows : —
Soldiers and Friends : — It was a beautiful custom of the abo-
riginal inhabitants of this lovely valley, when the chief of their
people, or a distinguished brave died, to make his grave beside
some rippling water, or some ever murmuring cascade, and lay
their forest paths beside his resting place, and, ever after, each
hunter in pursuit of game, and each warrior on the war-path, cast
a stone upon it, as a mark of reverence and respect to the honored
dead. Thus in process of time a notable monument arose from
* On the sub base is the inscription, " Erected to the ISoldiers of Woodbury
■who died in the Rebellion of 1861."
HISTORY OF ANCIEISTT WOODBURY. 1301
these individual and reverential offerings. In like manner do we
to-day raise this monument of stone, beautified by the hand of art,
and erected on the veiy place occupied by an ancient cliurcb of
God for nearly seventy years ; to the good, and true, and brave
men, who went forth from among us to suffer and to die in de-
fence of the dearest rights possessed by any people. It is a sub-
lime— a glorious honor, when a whole community assembles, with
its highest and loveliest ones, to do honor to its martyred dead.
It is a scene sublime, and an act historic, that will be handed
down the ages to those who shall come after us. It shall stand as
an example of all that is tender and noble in a people's gratitude.
It is with solemn awe that we approach the ceremonies of the
day. We would do fitting honors to the loved and lost. We
would tread lightly over the sacred dust of our slumbering heroes.
We would perpetuate their deathless fame. We can never forget
what they dared and suffered for us. They have written their
names on a scroll of bright memories. We will ever revere those
who fell in the strife. We have carved their names in enduring
granite. Never, till the hills melt with fervent heat, shall
this memorial which our hands have made, cease to remind us and
our descendants of the glorious dead. Till then, the successive
generations will never cease to remember the brilliant deeds of an
honorable ancestry.
Shall we call the Roll ? Shall we recount the names and deeds
of this glorious Roll of Honor? Shall we speak of Barnura, who,
tenderly and carefully reared in our midst, in the first bloom of
glorious manhood, when the first cannon thundered forth its trai-
torous threat in the harbor of Charleston, and Fort Sumter made
a feeble reply, rushed eagerly to the front with the first volunteers,
and who, after an honorable career, and after deserved promotion,
received his death-wound in the bloody vale of Cold Harbor?
Shall we speak of Dutton, young, educated, socially connected
with the best in the State, established in the profession of the law
at Litchfield, with high hopes and brilliant prospects, who left all,
and came to Woodbury, when the first insult was offered to the
flag at Sumter, drilled the awkward squad on our North Cemete-
ry Plains, day after day, went gladly to the front, and, finally, in
that cruel and unnecessary massacre of Cedar Mountain, after
deeds of daring equal to the boldest, and after the eighth man
who bore the colors in the van, had been shot, seized the standard
of the Union and fell, covered with many wounds, breathing out
1302 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
his young life in the flame and smoke of disastrous battle ? He
lies sweetly sleeping with the "unknown dead," though his hon-
ored father, the late Governor Button, while guerillas swarmed
thickly around, sought his body, with tears. Shall we speak of
Whitlock, the genial and whole-souled friend, one who went out
and in among us, admired and beloved of all, one who would go
further, and do more thau most, to fulfil a social duty, who, patri"
otic, to the full degree, incensed by his country's wrong, volun-
teered as a private, won his way to promotion, and while in the
article of death received his Lieutenant's commission, too late to
comprehend that his just ambition had been rewarded ? Shall we
speak of Conrad, the gentle and the true, enlisting in that drear
winter, when hearts were faint, and many thought the issue doubt-
ful, serving with equal fidelity and hope, whether in the old 13th
Conn. "Vols, or the 1st Louisiana, and at last falling by severe dis-
ease in the far south, and giving up his life in the holocaust of the
Union, receiving his commission on his death-bed, and now sleep-
ing in a patriot's grave in the National cemetery on General Jack-
son's battle-ground of 1815, below New Orleans? Shall we speak
of the next in rank, though non-commissioned, the true, the faith-
ful Orton, who, from all-controlling conscientious motives, bade
adieu to wife and children, and all the hopes and roseate tints of
life's young morn, served faithfully in the field, and fell, mortally
wounded, at Winchester's bloody field ? Shall we speak of his
comrades, whose life-blood enriches the same ensanguined plain,
and wooded slopes ? Then name with honor the patriotic Barney?
Bunnell, Flushmen, and Locklin ? Do we remember Newberne ?
Castle, Cogswell, and Patterson, ascended thence to their rest.
Do we recur again to Cold Harbor, with its fire ol Hell from
the left? There fell Briggs, Crommey, Galpin, Kane and Wheeler.
At Hatcher's Run, Allen and Walsh breathed out their heroic
lives. At New Orleans, James L. At wood and Abram A. War-
ner were a patriotic sacrifice. In the death- giving svramps of
Alexandria, Harvey H. Fox, PoUey, Charles and Horatio Thomas,
and White, offered up their lives that the country might be saved.
Do we call to mind Sherman's glorious march to the sea, and the
scaling of Kenesaw mountain? Then we shall never forget those
two brave and noble boys, who went out with the Woodbury
Reds, Myron G. Bishop and Charles A. Squire, who went down
amid the glare and smoke of battle on that bloody mount. He
who remembers the Heights of Fredericksburg, will never forget
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1303
Frank G. and Seth W. Percy. Root and Holmes perished in the
far, forbidding mountains of Arkansas. Port Hudson received the
sacrificial lives of Tracy and Wellman ; and Johnny Tuttle, brave
as the bravest, fell, pierced through the heart, in the bloody vale
of Antietam. Do we remember with a shudder the prison pen of
Salisbury? Bubser died there. Do we tremble when we con-
template the fiendish horrors of Andersonville ? It was thence
the spirit of Gosley ascended to its rest, from a scene of intolera-
ble suffering. In these commemorative services, we will not for-
get the deeds of the colored soldiers. We will not forget Free-
man, who died at Annapolis. We will remember Rice, who fell
at the seige of Petersburg. We will not forget that some of the
colored 29th Connecticut were the first infantry to enter Rich-
mond. Has any patriot forgotten, can anybody ever forget the
murderous conflict in the deadly gorge of Cedar Creek, when glo-
rious Phil. Sheridan, after his desperate ride from Winchester, ral-
lied his men, and with clarion voice uttered that electric, prophetic
command: "Steady boys! You are going back to your camps!
Forward, March I" Does anybody forget, that the victory which
followed was the salvation of Washington? Dwight S. Atwood,
Brady and George E. Judson, gave up their lives in that deadly
charge, to aid in this great salvation !
Soldiers and friends ! We have now called our Roll of Honor.
We have engraved it on this beautiful memorial. We invite you
to assist in its dedication. Kindred of the immortal dead ! The
dust of your beloved rests peacefully on many a glorious battle-
field of the Union, carefully guarded by the Eye that never sleeps!
Soldiers ! the fame of your comrades is secure, and that secures
your own ! Their reward is on high !
"They're mustered out; the grizzled sire,
The son in boyish beauty ;
From life's forced march — from battle fire,
They're resting after duty."
Prayer was then offered by Rev. John Churchill, of Woodbury,
which was followed by the singing of an original ode to the mem-
ory of the dead, by Messrs. Linsley, Walker, Gordon, and the
writer, members of the " Soldiers' Glee Club," as a quartette.
The air was one familiar to the soldiers: — "Tenting on the Old
Camp Ground " —
1304 HISTORY OF ANCIEKT WOODBURY.
We're gathered to-day to honor the brave,
Who fell in the deadly strife ;
Who fought, who died, and gave up their all
To save the Nation's life.
ChOeus — Many are the graves of the soldiers at rest,
On mountain, glen and vale ;
And they peacefully sleep on the earth's kind breast ;
They're tenting o'er hill and dale —
Tenting to-day, tenting to-day,
Tenting on the old camp grounds.
Oh ! gloriously sleep the honored brave !
To them the shaft shall rise;
And the storied urn, and marble bust.
Shall e'er salute the skies.
Chorus —
'Tis ours, through all time, to honor the men,
Who died in the mortal fight ;
The men whose valorous actions brought
The triumph of the right.
Chorus—
Then followed an interesting and eloquent dedicatory address,
by Colonel Augustus H, Fenn, of Plymouth. It was peculiarly ap-
propriate that Colonel Fenn should be invited to deliver this ad-
dress, as, for a time, before his deserved promotion to a 1st Lieu-
tenancy in Company K, he was a private in the Woodbury Com-
pany I, under Capt. Eli Sperry, of Woodbury. He left his right
arm at Cedar Creek, and could feelingly speak of his dead com-
I'ades of Company I,
SPEECH OF COL. A. H. FENN.
" Fellow Citizens and Fellow Soldiers : — I feel to-day as if
the heavy stone had been rolled away from the door of the sepul-
chre of our dead, and the two angels in white were sitting, the
angel of love at the head, and the angel of gratitude at the foot,
where the bodies of our comrades have lain. The country for
which they died, the community from which they went forth,
have taken these our brothers in its bosom, and bears them forever
upon its great heart of love.
" It is my privilege to-day to speak to you in a double capacity,
as a citizen and as a soldier. As a citizen — as one of those for
whom these brave men have toiled and struggled and died. As
HISTORY OF ANCI E NT WO 0 DBUR Y 1305
one who, wliile they have labored, has entered into the fruits of
tlieir labors. As a citizen of this great republic, knowing the love
which they bore to it, the pei'il from which they rescued it, by
blood and with their lives. I tell you that what you consummate
to-day in the dedication of this beautful, appropriate, durable and
costly memorial, they have widely earned and fully merited. It
is but the discharge of a debt of gratitude which you owed to
them, and I know that you my friends are very far from consider-
ing it anytliing more. It is but an act of simple justice to keep
in affectionate and lasting remembrance the name and fame of
those who from amongst us have given their lives that the nation
might live. It is not for us to honor thera, but it is they who
have honoi-ed us, and beautiful, appropriate and generous is the
act which we here complete. It finds its highest symbolism in
the lives of those it commemorates, in the fact, that, after all, it is
not so much for them as for others we have done it, even as they
laid down their lives, not for themselves, but for their country
and for us. They whose names are inscribed upon that monument
need no such memorial, but we who stand here do. Tliey who
died gloriously on the field of a nation's honor, need no witness
but God, but woe to that nation, woe to that community which
dares to forget them. The storied urn or animated bust can never
call the fleeting breath back to its mansion. The voice of honor
can never provoke the callous ear of death, but when from the
top of the lofty pyramids of Egypt forty centuries looked down
upon the soldiers of Napoleon, the hearts of the living were made
valiant, by the silent witness of the dead. And when from the
top of yonder monumental shaft, the muse of history shall look
down upon this favored community, the hearts of your young men
shall be made strong, the fires of patriotism shall be lighted, and
from these sacred ashes and from this hallowed spot shall go forth
that controlling and pervading spirit that shall guard and animate
the country of their love.
But in that other capacity in which I am permitted to address
you, as a soldier, as the comrade of these your guests to-day, as
the comrade of these others, your honored, silent guests to-day,
speaking in behalf of these my brothers, and of those dead lips,
that now cold and still in the silence of the grave, will never
speak to you themselves again, I have to thank you and to bless
you. I thank you in behalf of the living, that in the rich and
generous welcome, in the full and overflowing hospitality with
1306 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
which you have greeted us, you have embraced these also, our
dear ones and yours. I remember how in those dark days which
are gone forever, after the smoke of battle had died, and its thun-
der was stilled, we have sat down together in the twilight shad-
ows and talked of those who had gone up higher. I remember
we said that in the days to come, when this cruel war should be
ended, we might meet -again amid the dear familiar scenes of child-
hood and of home. That loe might meet but that they no more
should come with their soft voices to greet us. They had gone
before, they had passed from death unto life, they could not come
to us, but we should go to them. But as I stand here to-day it
almost seems to me as if the old familiar forms had come back
again, and stood in their accustomed places. As if the thinned
and decimated ranks were full again, and Kellogg, our master and
our king, stood before us in majesty and waved us on to battle.
I hear the thunder of the cannon, the roar of the musketry, the
trumpet sounding the charge.
" But the vision passes, and I stand in this peaceful place and
mingle my tears with yours beside the memorial of the dead. I
thank you also in behalf of these my dead brothers for what you
have done for them. I was their comrade, and I tell you their
last thoughts were of you, the loved ones at home. Their last
prayers were offered up for you, their last blood was freely shed
for you. And I tell you it is a peaceful thought, even amid the
throes and agonies of death, to feel that we shall not be forgotten
by those we love. It matters not so much perhaps where our
bodies may lie, though who would not rather that his ashes should
mingle with the dust of kindred, but it does matter, that some-
where, away down in the heart of hearts of those we love, is a
spot where our memory is kept sacred, and somewhere near the
dear place that gave us birth, beneath the leafy bower, or by the
purling brook, or in the quiet church-yard, is a spot kept green
for us, and a stone that bears our name and keeps our memory
when we are gone. These men, dying thus for you, never doubted
that you would so remember them, and as their comrade, I thank
you, with a full and grateful heart, that you have this day so fully,
so nobly, so generously redeemed their trust. To you then, our
neighbors, brethren and friends, you who went forth from our
midst when the call of an imperilled country was heard; you who
kept step to the music of the Union, but who came not back to us
with the scarred and thinned battalions, the rent and torn stand-
HI8T0KY OF A?fCIKNT WOODBURY. 1307
ards and battle-flags, that told of conflict and death ; yon whose
places are left vacant in many a quiet home and peacefnl family
circle; you upon whose portraits we love to gaze, on whose mem-
ories we love to linger, but whose forms we shall see no more for-
ever ; you whose remembrance comes back to us out of the mists
and darkness of the past like the shadow of a great rock in a
weary land ; — to you my comrades, and the comrades of these my
soldier brothers, present to-day in your honor, you who marched
with us in the closed ranks, step to step, elbow to elbow, shoulder
to shoulder, you who dined with us in the same mess, who drank
Avith us from the same canteen, who slept with us under the same
blanket, the same ground beneath us, the same sky above us, the
same thoughts of home and loved friends in our hearts. You
went with us from this beautiful place, you shared with us the
privations of the camp, the sufferings of the march, the perils of
the picket, the dangers of the field. True comrades of the old
19th, brave boys of Company I, you were always present or ac-
counted for. And though you came not back with us, when we
marched in triumph and joy from the hard fought fields you help-
ed us to win, though yours was the sufferer's cross and our's the
victor's crown, thank God, you are with us here to-day in Glory
wearing the halo of martyrdom, shining with the light of God.
Ta you then, the husband, the father, the son, the neighbor, the
brother, the comrade, the friend, we dedicate this monumental
shaft, this pillar of enduring granite, erected by loving hands,
consecrated by loving hearts. Long shall it continue to stand in
this peaceful place. Long shall it loom forth in majestic beauty
from its solid foundation, to guard with jealous care, and to ex-
tend and perpetuate the memory of the brave. And as the swift
recurring years shall circle over us, and we your surviving and
scattered comrades, shall grow old, and tottering, and gray, your
worship shall be forever fresh and young. And oft as spring time
shall come with blossoms and the song of oirds, and shall bring
with it that day which a beautiful and now universal custom has
rendered sacred to the memory of the soldier dead, the aged with
their gray hairs, and the young and beautiful, with soft hands and
tender eye, shall gather around this memorial shaft. They shall
garland it with their choicest flowers. They shall hallow it with
their tenderest associations ; they shall crown it with their richest
blessings. They shall water it with their warmest tears of grati-
tude and love.
30
1308 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
" And when, in a few short years at the best, we who knew you
and loved you here, shall have followed you and shall have entered
with you into rest, they who shall live after us, our children and
our childrens' children for generations and centuries to come, shall
gather here in gratitude, and reverence and awe, greater even
than what we feel to-day, for you will then have passed into the
immortality of history, you will have become kings and heroes
and priests unto God, in the temple of liberty. And if, which
may God in His mercy forbid and avert, the day should ever come,
when this beloved land of ours, should fall again into peril as be-
fore, and the strong arm and courage of her sons be required
again in her defence, be sure, oh my friends, this monument which
we dedicate here shall stand as a pillar of cloud by day, as a wall
of fire by night. It shall be a shaft of living flame from heaven,
which shall light the smouldering ashes on the altars of patriotism
in the hearts of the young. Every stone in that monumental pile
shall cry out " Where art thou ? " and every young man within
your borders shall answer, " Here am I."
"The wonted fires of the living shall glow again in the ashes
of the dead. The hand that held the trained musked in the deadly
charge at Cold Harbor ; the feet that marched unflinching 'mid
the grape and canister at Winchester ; the voice that shouted
'Victory' on the afternoon of Cedar Creek, shall yet inspire the
Battle cry of Freedom for generations still unborn, and be the
motive power, which shall sweep away the future enemies of the
Nation, as they swept the flying minions of .Tubal Early from the
Valley of the Shenandoah.
" And now, in His hands, with whom are the issues of life and
death, we leave you, our honored and lamented dead — thankful
that in this beautiful place, in the midst of all those loved ones
who keep your memory sacred, after the fitful fever of life is over,
He has given ' his beloved sleep.' "
At this point the flood gates of Heaven were opened and a
severe thunder storm passed over the town in lieu, as the lawyers
say, of a salvo of artillery in memory of the dead. By direction
of the President of the day, there was now an intermission in
the exercises, except the beautiful ceremony of the decoration of
the monument during the repeating of the following words by
hira:
And now we come to the last solemn and grateful act of dedi-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1309
eating this mmument of stone to the perennial memory of the
heroic names it bears. We dedicate it as a sacred shrine before
which the patriotic heart shall do reverence in all the coming ages.
We dedicate it to the memory of the men who, in the cannon's
mouth, in the deadly charge, on rainy a gory field, in the fierce
fight, hand to hand with desperate foes, in the forced march, in
bivouac, in hospital, far from comrades and friends, and in the
loathsome prison pen, gave up their glorious lives, a patr"otic sac-
rifice, for their firesides, their homes, their native land ! As of old
we have come, with surviving comrades, with the battle scarred
flags under which they nobly fought, and with appreciating
friends, in solemn procession to this sacred place, to dedicate this
beautiful work of art as our votive oflTering, as our tribute of affec-
tion, and as an enduring evidence of our appreciation of their ser-
vices. We dedicate it, that their and our children and children's
children may learn the lesson of patriotism to the latest genera-
tion. We dedicate it to the memory of those who sealed the
covenatit of freedom with their blood, and taught the bright les-
son of liberty to the remotest nations. We dedicate it to the ab-
sent, the loved, the lost, whose mortal remains are scattered on
battle-plain, in dismal swamp and gorge, on hill and mountain fast-
ness, all over our land, who have no other earthly memorial save
the brilliant deeds of their own good right arras. We garland
their memory. We perpetuate their fame in enduring stone.
Bring flowers, bright flowers, ye friends of the heroic dead.
Bring garlands, fadeless garlands, and deck the graves of the
martyred heroes, who have passed away to the blue empyrean.
Embalm their rremories with floral showers, and with the abiding
evergreen. Never for a moment let their good, their immortal
deeds glide from your memories. Let them rest as a halo of glory
on all your pathways in life. And thus we leave them, gloriously
resting, in silence, in peace, in the smile of Heaven.
Four young ladies dressed in white advanced and suspended
three intertwined garlands of evergreen upon each of the four
corners of the die of the monument. This was immediately fol-
lowed by the advance of a number of young ladies similarly hab-
ited, equal to the number of names upon the monument, who cast
garlands of evergreen and flowers upon it. It was a touching
and beautiful sight, thus to see the youth and beauty of the vil-
lage amid the pitiless, pelting storm, standing bravely up to per-
form a I'everential duty.
1310 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
A double quick then took soldiers and families and invited
guests to the refreshment tent, where the munificent hospitality ol
the ladies of Woodbury.which had never yet been found wanting
on any similar occasion, was taxed to its uttermost. But it did
not fail. A more beautiful and satisfactory collation was never
spread on a similar occasion in our old town. The ladies sustained
their former reputation of bountiful hosts. An adjournment then
took place to the 1st Congregational church, where the 2d Heavies
had their social reunion, and an interesting time. Capt. Marsh,
now of Bridgeport, presided. Brief, patriotic, and appropriate ad-
dresses were made by Gov. Jewell, Gen. Noble, of Bridgeport,
Cols. Wooster and Torrance of Derby, Col. Smith, of Woodbury,
Capt. Marsh, President of the soldiers reunion, and the writer,
President of the day, for the citizens. In the midst of these liev.
W. T. Baeon, of Derby, recited a brief and exceedingly beautiful
poem, having, at short notice, obeyed the call of duty. That
grand old soul-stirring hymn, " America," was then sung by the
crowded church, the benediction was pronounced by the Rev. G.
W, Noyes, of the 1st Church, and the delighted audience sepa-
rated to their several homes. Complimentary letters in reply to
Invitations to be present were received from Ex-Gov. Fnglish^
Senator Buckingham, Gen. Hawley, Judge Seymour, Senator
Ferry, Chaplain Winslow, of Willimantic, Mrs. Wra. Curtiss
Noyes, who presented the Regimental flag to the 2d C. V. H. A.,
the widow of Col. Kellogg, Charles G. Judson, Esq., of New
York, and " glorious Phil. Sheridan," Lieut, Gen. of the army, un-
der whose leadership the 2d Heavies fought in the terrible battles
of the Shenandoah Valley.
The following is Woodbury's Roll of Honor. It includes all of
our soldiers who died during the war, and all those who have
died since, to this date, in consequence of wounds received, or
diseases contracted in consequence of service, and for which most
of them, till death, received pensions. The Roll of Honor, upon
the monument, does not contain this whole list. Several names
were not inscribed, for the reason that the statute authorizing
town aid, confines appropriations for the erection of monuments
to the memory of those who died f^wWn^ the existence of the rebel-
lion. Two or three others were left off" for no conceivable reason
the writer can think of, except that, from a given state of foots,
the human mind will not always draw the same inference. There
is iio doubt that each member of the Committee (for the town au-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O P B U R Y . 1311
thorities left the decision of the roll to the committee) intended to
do exactly right in the matter. But the writer, who knew the
exact history of every act of Woodbury in the war, and of every
enlistment during it, having given more than half of his time to
its requirements, knows full well that there were several unfortu-
nate omissions from the memorial tablet. But they will not be
omitted here. The author will at least pay his debt of gratitude
and duty to every brave defender, who went forth in our name,
and battled to his death in our cause.
The first omission to which attention is drawn, (and the only
one space allows for remark) is that of Lieut. Henry M. Dutton.
At the time time Fort Sumter was fired
upon, he was a practicing lawyer at Litch-
field. He was unmarried, and had made
good progress in his chosen profession.
At the first call to arras, Woodbury was
more prompt in raising volunteers than
neighboring towns. Obedient to the call
of patriotic duty, he closed his office and
business, came to Woodbury, and cast in
his lot with the Woodbury boys, resided
here for weeks, assisted in recruiting, drilled the recruits, received
the only bounty with which the first volunteers were furnished,
red flannel shirts, Havelocks, aad necessary articles for a soldier
in camp, and marched from here as Orderly Sergeant, the town
receiving the credit of his enlistment, and the fame of his heroic
deeds in service, till his death at Cedar Mountain. He chose to
unite his military destiny and fame with the Woodbury Boys, and
the History of Woodbury will not forget to mention his name
with honor.
He was buried on the field. His father, Ex-Gov. Henry Dut-
ton, sought in vain to recover his remains, and he lies with the
" unknown dead." He had been commended for gallantry in ac-
tion at the battle of Winchester, May 25, 1862.
Crofut and Morris, in their " History of the Recent War," have
the following account of Lieut. Dutton.
" Lieut. Henry Melzar Dutton, was a son of Ex-Gov. Dutton of
New Haven, where he was born, in 1836. He graduated at Yale,
in 1857; after which he studied law, and commenced a promi-
sing practice at Litchfield. At the breaking out of the war, he
was one of the young Democrats who threw themselves earnestly
1312 HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
into the contest. Inducing scores to join hitu, he wjiit to 11 irt-
ford as a private * in the 5th Regiment; but, he received his Lieu-
tenant's Commission for his services in recruiting. Once in th e
field, he was popular with officers and men ; being conspicuous for
sociality, generosity, buoyancy of spirits, and fortitude amid dis-
comfort. At Cedar Mountain, after Capt. Corliss was wounded,
Lieut. Dutton led the Company, urging them on, while men were
billing on every side. The color guard were all either killed, or
wounded. Lieut. Dutton is reported to have seized the colors
more than once from some fallen hero, and to have borne it along
to the hands of others still able to bear it aloft.^ During this he-
roic and hopeless struggle, his commanding form could not long
escape unscathed ; and he fell, pierced by a volley of rebel musk-
etry. He was very kind to his men, and much beloved."
At the soldiers' reception, on their return from the war, one of
the garlanded names surrounding the hall was that of Dutton.
This garland was afterwards sent by the Committee to Gov. Dut-
ton, and a letter, full of grateful appreciation and sorrowful re-
membrance was received in reply, thankful that his son had made
so noble a record in the cause of his country.
* This is a mistake. He went from Woodbury as Orderly Sergeant.
" A comrade informed the author, that the last time he took the colors, was af-
ter the eighth man bearing them had fallen, and he fell with them in his hands,
while cheering on his men.
I^OLL OF HONOR.
aANK.
Ist Lieut. Samuel C. Barnum, A. A. A- G., died June 19th, 1864.
Ist Lieut. Henry Melzar Button, died Aug. 9tla, 1863.
2d Lieut. Henry S. Conrad, died January 9th, 1863.
3d Lieut. Frederick Whitlock, died January 24th, 1863.
Com. Serg't Walter J. Orton, died Oct. 7th, 1864.
Serg't Myron Q. Bishop, died July 28th, 1865.
" Andrew B. Candee, died Sept. 30th, 1863.
" Oliver B. Chatfield, (Colored), died Dec. 12th, 1869.
" Geo. E. Judson, died Oct. 31st, 1864.
" Charles A. Squire, died June22d, 1864.
Timothy F. Walsh, died Feb. 6th, 1865.
Corp. Edward Bell, died Oct. 17th, 1864.
" Patrick Brady, died Nov, 1st, 1864.
" Charles F. Flushmen, died Sept. 21st, 1864.
" John T. Glazier, died Oct. 19th, 1864.
" Henry F. Hard, died Dec. 15th, 1863.
" Frederick Holmes, died January 4th, 1865.
^ " Horatio S. Thomas, died Feb. 20th, 1864.
" John S. White, died Nov. 13th, 1862.
Private Patrick Allen, died March 8th, 1865.
DwiGHT S. Atwood, died Oct. 19th, 1864.
" James L. Atwood, died June 5th, 1863.
" Charles Barney, died Sept. 19th, 1864.
" Isaac Briggs, died June 23d, 1864.
" Ferdinand Bubser, died Dec. 31st, 1864.
" Joseph Bunnell, died Oct. 7th, 1864.
" Matthew M. Castle, died March 28th, 1864.
" Weston Cogswell, died March 30th, 1864.
" Owen Crommey, died July 30th, 1864
Harry H. Fox, died Feb. 4th, 1363.
Henry F. Fox, died Nov. 27th, 1863.
" John R. Freeman, (Colored), died April Ist, 1864.
" Peter Flannagan, died Dec. 27th, 1866.
" Almond D. Galpin, died June 1st, 1864.
Hugh S. Gosley, died Aug. 22d, 1862.
" Edgar Gibson, died May 6th, 1869.
" [. Friend F. Kane, died June 1st, 1864.
George W. Locklin, died Oct. 20th, 1864.
1314 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY.
Private John McDivitt, died June 1st, 1869.
Samuel, M. Mallory, died April 17th, 1867.
Joseph Miller, died Aug. 34th, 1868.
Charles Patterson, died March 14th, 1862.
Arnold Peterson (Colored) died Aug. 15th, 1865.
Prank J, Percey, died Dec. 13th, 1862.
" Seth W. Percey, died Aug. 2d, 1864.
James C. Polley, died Nov. 19th, 1862.
Thomas Rice (Colored) died April 15th, 1865.
George H Richardson, (Colored), died Oct. 27th, 1865.
Joseph F. Root, died Oct. 9th, 1863.
Gardner Stockman, died May 28th, 1864.
Charles L. Thomas, died January 16th, 1864.
Thomas Tracey, died May 29th, 1863.
John E. Tuttle, died Sept. 17th, 1863.
Abam a. Warner, died Aug. 12th, 1863.
Joseph Wellman, died July 23d, 1863.
Cdrtiss Wheeler, died June 14th, 1864.
Complete List of Woodbury Soldiers
WAR OF THE REBELLION.
ABERNETHY, WILLIAM J. Enlisted in Co. H, 15th Conn. Vols., 28th
■) uly, 1862. Promoted Corporal. Fought in all the battles of his regiment.
Was never wounded ; and was mustered out at the end of the war at New-
bern, N. C.
ADDISON, DAVID E., (Colored.) Enlisted in Co. A., 29th Conn. Vole.
:iOth Nov., 1863 ; was mustered out 34th Oct., 1865.
ALLEN, CHAUNCEY F. Enlisted in Co. D, 13th Conn. Vols., 17th Dec,
1861, and was discharged for disability 39th July. 1863.
ALVORD, EDGAR A. Enlisted at Woodbury, April 27th, 1861 ; mustered
at Hartford, 22d July, 1861, in Co. E, 5tn Conn. Vols ; re enlisted Veteran
Volunteer, 21st Dec, 1863; promoted Corporal and mustered out 19th July,
18<35. It is to be noted here, that no one could be received as a Veteran Vol-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBL'BY. 1315
unteer unless he had honorably served for the period of two years. He wa«
slightly wounded in the left thigh at Resaca, Ga., but was never in hospital.
He was taken prisoner at Cedar Mountain, the "Aceldema" of our forces,
Aug. 9th, 1863 ; confined in the Libby Prison and on Belle Isle, and was ex-
changed in Nov., 1862.
ATWOOD, ABIRAM A. Enlisted 2d Sept., 1862, in Co. H., 23d Conn.
Vols. He was made prisoner at Brasbear Cit^, La., and was exchanged 4th
Sept., 1863, nearly three months after the expiration of his term of enlist-
ment. He was mustered out with his regiment, though still in captivity,
31st Aug., 1863.
ATWOOD, EUGENE. Enlisted at the age of 15 in Co. A, 15th Conn.
Vols., 14th July, 1862. Was taken prisoner 8th March, 1865, and kept in
Libby Prison till the close of the war. Was mustered out at Newberne, N.
C, 27th June, 1865.
^ATWOOD, JAMES L. Enlisted 19th Nov., 1861, in Co. F, 12th Conn.
Vols. Died of Chronic Diarrhea at Marine Hospital, in New Orleans, La.,
5th June, 1863. Buried in Monument National Cemetery at Chalmette, La., six
miles below New Orleans, on the old New Orleans Battle Ground, War
of 1812.
ATWOOD, DWIGHT S. Enlisted 1st Feb., 1864, in Co. D, 2d Conn. Heavy
Artillery. Killed at the battle of Cedar Creek, 19th Oct., 1864.
•-
ATWOOD, OLIVER W. Enlisted in the 133d New York Vols. Served
the period of his enlistment and was honorably discharged.
AVERY, WALTER W. Enlisted at Woodbury, April, 1861, mustered in
at Hartford, 22d July, 1861. Re-enlisted as Veteran Volunteer in the field,
21st Dec, 1863. Wounded at the battle of Gulps' Farm, Ga. Mustered out
19th July, 1865.
ALLEN, PATRICK. Mustered as a substitute in Co. E, 15th Conn. Vols..
25th Aug., 1864. Killed at battle of Hatcher's Run, Va., 8th March, 1865.
BACON, J. KNIGHT. Was Assistant Surgeon on board of a Ship of
War, and for a long time Medical Cadet in the Knight General Hospital at
New Haven, Conn.
BACON, WM. T., Jr. Enlisted in Co. 1, 12th Conn. Vols., 23d Nov., 1861.
Discharged for disability at New Orleans, July, 1862.
BALDWIN CHARLES N. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Conn. Heavy Artillery, 13th
Oct., 1862. Mustered out at Washington, D. C, 18th Aug., 1865.
BANKS, DANIEL C. Enlisted in Co. G, Ist Conn. Heavy Artillery, 22d
May, 1861, and discharged for disability 7th Oct., 1862.
1316
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
BARNUM, SAMUEL C. Enlisted in the three
months troops 7th May, 1861, and was in the
battle of Bull Run. Enlisted the second time
in Co. E, 11th Conn. Vols., 27th Nov., 1861.
For good conduct in battle, he was promoted
successively to be 2d Lieutenant, 1st Oct., 1861,
and 1st Lieutenant and Adjutant, June 16th,
18^3. For a time he acted as A. A. A. Q. of
Brigade. He was wounded at Cold Harbor, 3d
June, 1864, and died of secondary hemorrhage
at Washington, D. C, 19th June, 1864. He sent
for his foster father, Dea. P. M. Trowbridge, to
attend him, and he was with him when he died. He was very cheerful under
his sufferings, endured them with great fortitude, and finally died almost in-
stantly, a true Christian patriot.
BARNEY, CHARLES. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 18th Aug.
1862, and was killed at the battle of Winchester, 19th Sept., 1864. He was
standing at Sergeant M. D. Smith's left hand, A piece of shell went entirely
through his breast, making a hole as large as one's fist. He lay where he
fell till next morning, when he was buried upon the field.
BASSETT, EDWIN W. Enlisted in Co. E, 8th Conn. Vols., 25th Sept.,
1861. Re enlisted as Veteran Volunteer, 24th Dec, 1863. Like many others
disliking to be retained in service after the war was over, and understanding
his enlistment to be for " during the war " only, he went home without
leave— i. e. deserted — Aug. 29th, 1865.
BAY, CHARLES. Enlisted in Co. I, 13th Conn. Vols., 11th Jan., 1862, and
was discharged Jan. 6th, 1865, on expiration of term of service.
BARRY, WILLIAM C. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 18th Aug.,
1862, and was discharged at Alexandria, Va., for disability, 31st Jan., 1863.
BELL, EDWARD. Enlisted in Co. E, 6th Conn. Vols., 4th Sept., 1862, and
was discharged for disability the latter part of 1862. Enlisted the second time
in Co. 1, 2d Heavy Artillery, 7thJVIarch, 1863. Promoted Corporal, and died at
Martinsburg, Va., 17th Oct., 1864, of Chronic Diarrhea, being the same dis.
ease which caused his discharge from his former enlistment. He was a good
soldier, and fought bravely at Cold Harbor and Newbern.
BELL, ROBERT. Was mustered in as a substitute for Samuel B. Scott,
Co. C, 5th Conn. Vols., 17th Aug., 1863. Wounded 20th July, 1864, and
mustered out at Alexandria, Va., 19th July, 1865.
BELMONT, WM. R. Enlisted in Co. H, 12th Conn. Vols., 19th
1864. Transferred to Co. A, and deserted 18th March, 1865.
Feb.,
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURT. 131Y
BETTS, GEORGE E. Enlisied July, 1862, in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery,
Promoted 2d Lieut., Aug. 18lh, and resigned on account of disability, 25th
Nov , 1862.
BETTS, GILBERT S. Enlisted in Co. I, 14th Conn. Vols., 11th June,
1862. Deserted 13th Sept., 1862. Enlisted under the name of Frederick
Gilbert, for bounty, 21st Oct., 1862, in Co. G, 24th Conn. Vols. Was dis-
charged 21st March, 1863, to enlist in a regiment of Massachusetts Cavalry.
BENHAM, WILLIS M. Enlisted 29th July, 1862, in 2d Conn. Battery.
Was promoted Sargeant, and mustered out at New Haven, 9th Aug., 1865.
BISHOP, MYRON G. Enlisted in the " Woodbury Reds," Co. E, 5th
Conn. Vols., April 22d, 1861. Mustered July 32d, 1861. Promoted Sergeant.
Re-enlisted Veteran Volunteers, 2l8t Dec, 1863. Wounded 20th July, 1865,
at Battle of Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., otherwise calledj Battle of Peach Tree
Creek. Left leg was amputated at the hip, and he died of his wounds at
Chattanooga, Tenn., 28fh July, 1865, the U. S. Roll -of Honor says: The
Conn. Adj. says, July 24th: "He now lies buried in the National Cemetery,
at Chattanooga, in Grave No. 100."
BISHOP, EDWIN D. Enlisted April 21st, 1861, in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols..
Mustered at Hartford, July 22d, 1861. Re-enlisted in Veteran Volunteers
31st Dec, 1863. Mustered out 19th July, 1865.
BLACK, JOHN. Mustered into Co. B, 5th Conn. Vols., as substitute of
Albert C. Peck, 18th Aug., 1863, and mustered out at Hartford, 19th June,
1865.
BLACKMAN, CHARLES F. Enlisted in Co. A, 2d Heavy Artillery, 26th
Aug., 1864. Mustered out at Washington, D. C, 18th Aug., 1865. He had
previously enlisted in Co. A, 23d Conn. Vols., 1st Sept., 1862, and was must
ered out Slst Aug., 1863.
BLACKMAN, CHARLES G. Enlisted in Co. D, 17th Conn. Vols., 18th
Aug., 1862, and was mustered out at Hilton Head, S. C, 19th July, 1865.
BOTTSFORD, CHARLES. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 12th
Aug., 1862. Wounded in the thigh at Battle of Winchester, 19th Sept.,
1864. Mustered out at New Haven, 18th May, 1865.
BOTTSFORD, EDWARD. Enlisted 22d April, 1861, in Co. E. 5th Conn.
Vols. Mustered 22d July, 1861. Discharged for disability, 17th Dec, 1862.
BLACKMAN, GEORGE. Enlisted in Co. L, 2d Heavy Artillery, 1st Feb.,
1864. Mustered out at Washington, D. C, 18th Aug., 1865.
BENNETT, THOMAS H. Enlisted in Co. H., 10th Conn. Vols., as a sub-
stitute, and immediately deserted, 1st Nov., 1863.
1318 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
BRADLEY, JAMES MONROE. Enlisted as a private in Co. I, 2d Heavy
Artillery, 5th Aug., 1862. Promoted Sergeant. Discharged Nov. 5th, 1863_
for the purpose of accepting a 1st Lieutenancy in the 4th Regiment of
U. S. Colored Troops. By good conduct in battle he attained tlie rank of
Major. He was in Butler's expedition up the James River to City Point, and
was one of the first six that jumped on shore, hauled down the rebel flag and
run up the stars and stripes. The rebel officer commanding then surrend-
ered his sword to him. He was in nearly every battle in front of Peters-
burg until Gen. Butler's expedition to Fort Fisher, among which was the first
advance on Petersburg, June 15th, the Mine explosion, when two South
Carolina Regiments were buried in an instant, and a desperate and bloody
battle was immediately fought — Ream's Station, Deep Bottom, New Market
Heights, Chapin's Farm, attack on Fort Harrison, and on the North side of
the James. He then went out as Quarter-master in Butler's Expedition against
Fort Fisher. Returned to City Point just in time to be ordered to report to
Maj. Gen. Terry for Staff duty. Went with him to Fort Fisher and partici
pated in the taking of that place. He was promoted to the rank of Major
for his services on that occasion, in accordance with the following recom-
mendations :
" Head-Quarters, >
Department op North Carolina, s
" Lieut. James M. Bradley, of the 4th U. S. C. T. ; served under me for a
considerable time as Staff Officer. He was extremely active and efficient in
the performance of all his duties, and in action his conduct was always most
admirable. It was marked not only by great personal courage, but by equal
executive ability.
" By his gallantry and his services he has fully earned promotion, and 1
would respectfully recommend him for the rank of Major.
"[Signed] ALFRED H. TERRY,
Major-Oeneral Commanding."
" I fully agree to what is expressed in Gen. Terry's recommendation, and
join with him in requesting this promotion.
"[Signed] A. AMES,
Major-Oeneral Commanding."
He was personally commended by Gen. Terry for his services at Wilming-
ton. He was next ordered to report to Gen. Grant's Head Quarters, at City
Point, and arrived just in time to enter Richmond with our victorious troops,
and witness the surrender of Lee's army. He remained in service till May
13th, 1866, when he was honorably mustered out of the service.
He was in eleven general engagements, and a good many skirmishes. He
was never seriously wounded— hit once by a piece of shell which left its
mark, but did noi disable him. He was never sick a day in service. Was
two years in the field at the front, and two years on Staff duty. He was Staff
Officer of five different Generals, and received from all of them written testi-
monials for bravery and good conduct. He was at the close of his service
recommended for the rank of Brevet C'olonel to the United States Senate.
This is a commendable record for a Woodbury private.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1319
BRADLEY, GEORGE C. Enlisted in Co 1, 2d Heavy Artillery, 15tli Aug.,
1862. Promoted Corporal and Sergeant, and mustered out at New Haven,
12th July, 1865.
BRADY, PATRICK. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 6th Aug., 1863.
Promoted Corporal. His thigh was fractured at the battle of Cedar Creek,
19th Oct., 1864, and he died at Martinsburg, Nov. Ist, 1864. U. S. Roll of
Honor, No. XV, says it was 24th Oct. He lies buried in the National Ceme-
tery at Winchester, Va., Lot No. 67.
BRIGGS, ISAAC C. He enlisted in Capt. Eli Sperry's Co., 2d Heavy
Artillery, 35th July, 1863, being the first volunteer of that Company. He was
woicnded in the foot by a Sharp Shooter at Cold Harbor, June 5th, 1864, as he
was laying in his tent. The Company was resting, after its three days fight,
under cover of second line of breastworks. The ball went quite through his
foot, He was lying near M. D. Smith, and uttered an explanation of pain.
He was taken to the Emory General Hospital at Washington, D. C, and died
23d June, 1864. He was buried in Woodbury. He was an intelligent, good
soldier, a ready writer, hopeful, and much beloved by all.
BRONSON, PURNETT. Enlisted in Co. B. 1st Conn. Artillery, 33d May.
1861. Discharged 31st May, 1864 — term expired.
BUELL, CHARLES S. Enlisted in Co. E, 8th Regiment Conn. Vols., 35th
Sept., 1861. Discharged 34th Oct., 1864 — time expired. He served two years
in the field, and one as Hospital Steward, and one in Hospital, and was dis-
charged from Finly Hospital at Washington, D. C. He was in the battles of
Roanoke Island, Newbern, Antietam, South Martin, Fredericksburg, and a
number of skirmishes. Till his death at the battle of Antietam, John E.
Tuttle was his intimate companion. They always fought together, and he
fell by his side, and was by him buried the next day. He has always remem-
bered him as a soldier and friend. They, together with Charles Cosier and
John B. Bunnell, were in the murderous though successful detail for the lay-
ing of the pontoons in front of Petersburg.
BUELL, FREDERICK G. Enlisted in Co. A, 3d Heavy Artillery, 26th
Aug., 1864, and was mustered out at Washington, D. C, 18th Aug., 1865.
BULSER, FERDINAND. Was mustered in as a substitute in Co. 1, 8th
Conn. Vols., 11th Aug., 1864. Died Dec. 3 Ist, 1864, in the Rebel Prison at
SaUsbury, N. C.
BUNNELL, JOHN B. Enlisted in Co. E, 8th Conn. Vols., 11th Aug.. 1863.
Transferred to Veteran Reserved Corps, 30th Sept., 1864. Mustered out Ist
Aug., 1865. He was one of the four Woodbury boys who helped to lay pon-
toons over the Rappahannock in front of Petersburg.
BUNNELL, JOSEPH. Enlisted in Co. E, 6th Conn. Vols., 4th Sept., 1861 .
Re-enlisted in Veteran Vols., 34th Dec, 1863. Died of wounds 7th Oct.,
1864.
1320 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
BUNNELL, WESLEY. Enlisted in Co. E, 8th Conn. Vols., 25th Sept.,
1861. Wounded at battle of Antietain, 17th Sept., 1862. Discharged for dis
ability I7th March, 1863.
BURTON, JAMES. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 20th Aug.,
1862, and deserted 4th Jan., 1863.
BURNHAM, WALTER. Was mustered in as 2d Lieut., Co. H, 2d Heavy
Artillery, 7th Aug., 1862. Promoted Captain of Woodbury Co. I. Wounded
19th Oct., 1864, at Cedar Creek. Honorably discharged 8th Feb., 1865, and
was brevetted Major for gallantry in action. Major Burnham wrote the
author in relation to his discharge, which was given him against his will, as
he desired to see the fight out :
"I was wounded at Cedar Creek severely ; obtained leave of absence for
thirty days, which was extended to ninety days ; at the end of which time I
reported at Annapolis Hospital, Md.. on the crutches, and was discharged
Feb. 7th, 1865, under an order from the War Department, issued about this
time, that all oflBcers who were not considered fit for duty at the end of thirty
days, were to be discharged the service. This was one of the most unjust
orders, in my estimation, ever issued from the War Department."
CADY, ARRAH BEECHER. Enlisted in Co. F, 27th Conn. Vols., lOth
Oct., 1862, as substitute for John I. Fowler. He was taken prisoner at Chan-
cellorsville, and paroled at Richmond. Discharged 27th July, 1863. Then
he enlisted 3d Sept., 1863, under his first two names, Arrah Beecher, fearing
if again taken prisoner, his parole might give him trouble. He had been in
the battle of Fredericksburg under his first enlistment. He now went to
Petersburg, and was present till it was taken.
CANDEE, ANDREW B. Enlisted in Co. A, 23d Conn. Vols., 27th Aug.,
1862. He was discharged the next year with his Regiment, 3 1st Aug., 1863,
although he had been left behind sick at Mattoon, 111., where he died of
Chronic Diarrhea, Sept. 30th, 1863. He was son of Frederick B. and Mary
Candee, born May I9th, 1842.
CAM, MARSHALL. Enlisted in Co. C, 29th Conn. Vols., (Colored), I4th
Dec, 1863. Discharged for disability, 15th March, 1865.
CAM, TRUMAN. Enlisted in Co. G, 29th Conn. Vols., (Colo^-ed) 5th
Jan., 1864. Mustered out 24th Oct., 1865.
CALLENDER, LEVI. Enlisted first in Co. E, 8th Conn. Vols., 5th June
1861, and was discharged 24th Feb., 1863, for disability. Enlisted second
time 5th Jan., 1864. Was wounded at Cedar Creek, I9th October, 1864, and
was mustered out 1st June, 1865, at Hartford.
CASTLE, MATTHEW M. Enlisted in Co. I, 8th Conn. Vols., 27th Sept.
1861. Died of Typhoid Fever, 28th March, 1862, at Newbern, N C. Buried
in Newbern National Cemetery, in No. 13, of Plot No. 117, and running No.
— , in Cemetery 2,328. Aged 21.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 1321
COGSWELL, WESTON. Enlisted in Co. I, 8th Conn. Vols., 21 st Sept.,
1861, and died at Newbern, N. C, of Typhoid Fever, 30th March, 1862. He
enlisted in same Co. with Castle, and died of same fever two days later.
COSIER, CHARLES. Enlisted in Co. E, 8th Conn. Vols.. 35th Sept., 1861.
Wounded at Fort Harrison, 29th Sept., 1864. Re-enlisted in Vet. Vols., 24th
Dec, 1864. Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, 1st June, 1865, and muster-
ed out at end of war.
COMBER, JAMES. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Conn. Heavy Artillery, 2d Jan.,
1864, and was mustered out at Washington, D. C, 18th Aug., 1865.
CONE, WM. H. Enlisted in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols , 22d April, 1861.
Mustered 22d July, 1861, at Hartford. Re-enlisted in Vet. Vols., 21st Dec,
1863. Mustered out 19th July, 1865.
COCKFUR, HORACE. Enlisted in Co. H, 8th Conn. Vols., 10th Feb , 1864,
and was mustered out at Readville, Mass., 18th May, 1865.
CONDON, RICHARD. Enlisted 22d April, 1861, in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols.
Mustered 22d July. Re-enlisted Vet. Vols., 21st Dec, 1863. Mustered out
19th July, 1866.
CONNAY, PATRICK. Enlisted in Co. H, 12th Conn. Vols., 27th May.
1862. Discharged for disability 6th Jan , 1864, at New Orleans
CONNERS, EDWARD. Enlisted in Co. H, 12th Conn. Vols., 1st June,
1862, and was mustered out at New Orleans, 1st June, 1865.
CONRAD HENRY S. Enlisted in Co. B, 13th Conn. Vols., 23d Dec, 1861-
Promoted Corporal and Sergeant. Was transferred to the First Regiment of
Louisiana Volunteers, and made Quartermaster Sergeant. He received his
commission as 3d Lieutenant in the regiment while he was sick in hospital,
but died before muster at Donaldsonville, La., 9th Jan , 1863. He lies buried
in Monument National Cemetery, at Chalmette, La., six miles below New Or-
leans, on the site af the Battle of New Orleans, fought by Jackson in the
war of 1812.
CHATFIELD, OLIVER B. Enlisted in Co. B, 39th Conn. Vols., (Colored),
5th Dec, 1863. Promoted Sergeant. Mustered out at Brownsville, Texas,
34th Oct., 1865. Died of disease contracted in the army Dec 12th, 1869.
CRAMER, EVERTON R. Enlisted in Co. E, 8th Conn. Vols., 25th Sept.,
1861. Deserted to Canada, 7th Oct , 1861.
CRANE, GIDEON D. Enlisted Aug. 12th, 1862, in Co. I, 3d Heavy Artil-
lery. Promoted 1st Lieutenant. Resigned and was discharged for disability
36th Dec, 1862.
1322 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY.
CROMMEY, OWEN. Enlisted in^ Co. K, 2d Heavy Artillery, 30th Dec,
1863. Died of wounds received in battle at Alexandria, Va., 30th July, 1864,
and was buried in the National Cemetery at Alexandria, Va., Grave No.
3,478.
DAWSON, HENRY M. Enlisted in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols , 23d April,
1861. Mustered 22d July, 1861. Deserted 19th Jan., 1863. Afterwards en-
listed in a Massachusetts Regiment, under another name, and served out his
time.
Deforest CHARLES p. Enlisted in Co. 1, 3d Heavy Artillery, ISt^i
Aug., 1862. Discharged for disability at New Haven, 8th April, 1865. He
served as waggoner.
Deforest, GEORGE a. Son of above. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy
Artillery, 33d Aug., 1862. Promoted Corporal. Deserted 18th July, 1864.
DIBBLE, ELLIOT B. Enlisted )n Co. I, 3d Heavy Artillery, 2d Aug.,
1862. Deserted 4th Jan., 1863.
DOLAN, BARNEY. Mustered as a substitute for William S. Isbell, in
Co. A, 5th Conn Vols , 18th Aug., 1863, and was mustered out at Alexan'^ria,
Va., 19th July, 1865.
DOWNS, JOHN F. Enlisted and served out his time in a Rhode Island
Regiment.
DUNHAM, HENRY, Jk. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 13th Aug.,
1802. Discharged for disability at Fort Worth, Va., 12th Feb., 1863.
DUTTON, HENRY MELZAR. Enlisted at Woodbury, in the " Wood-
bury Reds," 29th April, 1861. Mustered into Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols., 33d
July, 1861. Promoted to Orderly Sergeant Was promoted and commis-
sioned 1st Lieutenant of Co, C, 5th Conn. Vols. Was killed at the Battle of
Cedar Mountain, 9th Aug., 1862. He was buried on the field, and still lies
among the " unknown dead," though his father, Ex-Gov. Dutton, went to
the battle. field and made diligent efforts to recover his remains. For full
sketch of his life, see page 1311.
FLANNAGAN, PETER Enlisted in Co. 1, 9th Conn. Vols., 9th Oct.,
1861 . Deserted 18th May, 1862, at New Orleans, for the cause of ill-usage by
his otBcers, as he alleges. At any rate, he immediately re-enlisted in Co. K,
First Louisiana Vols., under the name of Peter Breene, his wife's surname
having been Breene. Served faithfully to the end of the war, and received
an honorable discharge. After he came out of the army, " Commissary
Whiskey " got the better of him, and he perished in a snow drift in Water-
bury, 26th Dec, 1866. His wife received the government bounty under the
name of Breene, on a full statement of the facts.
DISTORT OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1323
FLUSHMEN, CHARLES P. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 4tli
Aug., 1862. Promoted Corporal. Died Sept. 21st, 1864, from wounds re-
ceived at the battle of Winchester, on the 19th of Sept., 1864. He was
wounded in the abdomen, and died at Sheriden Field Hospital. Sergeant M.
D. Smith went to see him next morning after the battle. He ^was in great
pain, but recognized him. Capt. McKinney says of him, that he was a
splendid soldier — bravest of the brave.
FRANK, CHARLES. Mustered as a substitute in Co. F, 8th Conn. Vols.,
7th Aug., 1864. Mustered out at City Point, Va., 12th Dec, 1865.
FREHRIG, WILLIAM. Was mustered as a substitute in Co. F, 8th Conn,
Vols., 17th Nov., 1864. Mustered out at City Point, 12th Dec, 1865.
FOGG, CHARLES H. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 16th Aug.,
1862. Promoted Sergeant. Mustered out at Washington, D. C, 7th July,
1865.
FOWLER, DeGRASS. Enlisted in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols , April 22d, 1861.
Mustered 22d July, 1861. Promoted 2d Lieut, at muster. Resigned 23d
Sept., 1864.
FOX, HENRY F. Enlisted in Co. D. 13th Conn. Vols , 22d Dec, 1861.
Died 22d Nov., 1863, of Chronic Diarrhea, at Thibodeaux, La.
FOX, HARVY H. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 1st Aug., 1862.
Died of Typhoid Fever at Fort Worth,J Alexandria, Va., 4th Feb., 1863.
Buried at Woodbury, Conn.
FREEMAN, CROSBY B. Enlisted in Co. C, 29th Conn. Vols., (Colored),
14th Dec , 1863. Mustered out at Brownsville, Texas, 24th Oct., 1865.
FREEMAN, JOHN H. Enlisted in Co. A, 29th Conn. Vols., (Colored), 20th
Nov., 1863. Mustered out with Regiment 24th Oct., 1865.
FREEMAN, JOHN R , (Rod's brother). Enlisted in a Rhode Island Regi-
ment, and died at Annapolis, Md., 1st April, 1864.
FREEMAN, GEORGE, (Rod's brother). Enlisted into the Navy, and
served on a gun-boat.
FREEMAN, RENSSELLAER, (Rod's brother). Enlisted into the Navy,
and served two years on board a gunboat.
FREEMAN, RODERIC (Colored). Served during the war as cook and
waiter to Companies, or to the Regimental Officers. He was in the special
employ of Adjutant S. C. Burnum while he lived, and accompanied his body
to Connecticut forburial. He was principally connected with the 11th Regi-
ment, and was very faithful in all his duties.
31
1824 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
GALPIN, ALMOND D. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 25th Aug.,
1862. He was killed at the Battle of Cold Harbor, ten miles north of Rich-
mond, Ist June, 1864, falling dead by a wound in the head. Immediately
after his enlistment, he had a sad presentiment that he should not survive the
war, and should never return to Woodbury ; and he never did, even on fur-
lough. During the twenty months the Regiment remained in the defences
of Washington, he often said he should be killed in the first battle. This
presentiment proved true. And yet a comrade told the writer, that in
that first battle in which he died, he was as bold as a lion. It will be re-
membered, that at the time the regiment charged on the rebel works in the
woods, a New York regiment broke and retreated in disorder, rushing right
through the ranks of the 2d Connecticut. At the moment that Galpin fell
dead, he was exclaiming to those frightened soldiers — " Go back you devils —
go back to your work." He was at first buried with all the others on the
field. He has since been removed, and now lies buried in the Cold Harbor
National Cemetery, Section " A," grave marked, "G , A. D., June, 1864."
GALPIN, DANIEL B. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 12th Aug.,
1862. Wounded in the ankle at the battle of Cold Harbor, Ist June, 1864, and
at the battle of Winchester, 19th Sept., 1864, in the leg Discharged for dis-
ability 3d June, 1865. He receives a pension.
GALPIN, THOMAS C. Enlisted in Co. C, 8th Conn. Vols., 10th Oct., 1861.
Wounded at the battle of Autietam, 17th Oct , 1862. Discharged 4th Nov.,
1864, at expiration of term of service. He receives a pension.
GILBERT, WILLIAM H. Enlisted as a substitute in Co. H, 8th Conn.
Vols., 5th Sept., 1863. Mustered out at City Point, 12th Dec, 1865.
GROAT, HENRY. Enlisted in Co. B, 2d Conn. Vols., (3 months), 17th
May, 1861. Discharged 7th Aug., 1861.
GLAZIER, THOMAS T. Enlisted in Co. B, 6th Conn. Vols., 12th Sept.,
1861. Promoted Corporal. Re-enlisted as Vet. Vol., 4th Jan., 1864. Died
19th Oct,, 1864. The U. S. Roll of Honor says, Oct. 19th. This probably
corresponds with the head board. He is buried at the National Cemetery at
Bristol, Pa., Grave 27. He died at White House General Hospital.
GORDON, GEORGE. Enlisted in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols., April 23d, 1861,
and was mustered 22d July, 1861. Re enlisted in Vet. Vols., 21st Dec, 1868.
Was wounded. Discharged 28th Jan., 1865.
GOSLEY, CHARLES. Enlisted in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols., 22d April, 1861 .
Mustered 22d July, 1861. Discharged for disability 22d Nov., 1862.
GOSLEY, HUGH S. Enlisted April 22d, 1861, in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols.
Mustered 22d July, 1861. Died at Andersonville Prison, 22d Aug., 1862.
Some authorities say Belle Island, near Richmond, Va.
We can never appreciate the horrrors of the rebel prisons. Men were shot
for wandering over the " dead-line," or for crossing the brook that run
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1325
through the enclosure. The dead were piled just as they died, one upon
another in wagon loads, carted out, thrown into a ditch, and covered with
earth. Tliis was the patriot's burial. The men had no bed but the ground ;
were covered with tilth and vermin ; had too little food to sustain life, and
not wood enough to cook even tliat ; clothing that did not cover their naked-
ness. One day a poor cripple deliberately crossed the " dead-line," telling the
sentinel he wished to die. The sentinel shot the poor fellow dead. " The re-
leased soul could not have found at the hands of a loving Father any worse
hell than that from which it had escaped." As time wore on, and great num-
bers of new prisoners were brought in, the rations were reduced, and suffer-
ing became extreme. Men died every hour, and were carted off like cattle.
Corpses were now carried from the stockade at the rate of a hundred a day.
The rains came on, beating unmercifully on the unsheltered thousands. The
prisoners had nothing to sliield themselves from the thunder storms and the
burning sun. Many were insane. Hundreds lost their lives from scurvy.
The ration was a few teaspoonfuls of uncooked rice, and two ounces of
bacon, to be cooked and eaten amid the mud and desolation of the place.
One or two could almost always be seen at the brookside, whither they had
crawled to die. Every week some were killed at the dead line — one being
shot for reaching over to get a root with which to kindle a fire. Many
were now too emaciated even if they could have obtained wood, to cook the
bits of bacon on which maggots were crawling. A member of the 52d New
York became corrupt while still conscious in life, and his body was literally
devoured ; parts became raw and bloody, and the tilthy maggots could be
seen issuing from his nose and mouth. Thus perished twelve thousand
seven hundred and twenty of our brave boys at Andersonville prison alone.
And so the long, weary, hopeless months passed on.
At length the long hoped for release came. In February, Sherman arrived
at Columbia, S. C, and the prisoners were hurried off his line of march to
Camp Asylum, and in March, 1865, the officers were taken about a mile from
Marlborough, S. C, and exchanged. Lieut. Blakeslee's diary tells of the joy-
ful occasion : " As soon as we were able clearly to comprehend that there was
not somebody at our side with a loaded musket, we swung our caps, cheered
over and over again, hugged, kissed, rolled on the ground, sang, laughed, and
finally cried. Then taking in another breath of fresh American air, we flung
up our old pans, kettles, bags of meal, and bundles of all sorts, and cheered
again for Lincoln, Gen. Grant, Gen. Sherman, and Oen. Exchange ; and
hugged the horse of the Colonel, who was trying in vain to get us into line."
GIBSON, EDGAR. Enlisted in Co. A, 33d Conn. Vols., 25th Aug., 1862.
Was discharged 31st Aug., 1863, and died of disease contracted in the service^
6th May, 1869.
GIBSON, HENRY F. Enlisted in Co. A, 23d Conn. Vols., 25th Aug., ] 862,
and was honorably discharged 31st Aug., 1863.
HALL, JOHN S. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 6th Aug., 1862.
Promoted Corporal. Mustered out at Washington, D. C, 7th July, 1865.
1326 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
HALL, JOHN T. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 16tli Aug., 1862,
and was discharged for disability resulting from being run over by a mule
team on Long Bridge, Washington, D. C. He was mustered out 20th Nov.,
1863.
HARWOOD, ANDREW, Mustered in as substitute in Co. H, 14th Conn-
Vols., 8th Aug., 1863. Had three fingers shot off in battle, and was discharg-
ed for disability 11th March, 1865.
HAYES, SAMUEL D. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 6th Aug.,
1862, and was mustered out at Hartford, 22d May, 1866.
HARD; HENRY F. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 6th Aug., 1862.
Was promoted Corporal. Died of Diptheria at Woodbury, while on recruit-
ing service, 15th Dec, 1863.
HARD, FREDERICK R. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 6th Aug..
1862. Was wounded in the leg at battle of Cedar Creek, Oct. 9th, 1864, and
discharged for disability 27th May, 1865.
HEINS, PETER. Enlisted in Co. C, let Conn. Cavalry, 27th Aug., 1864.
Mustered out at Washington, D. C, 2d Aug., 1866.
HAWLEY, AARON, (Colored). Enlisted in Co. C, 39th Conn. Vols., 14th
Dec, 1868. Mustered out with the regiment, 24th Oct., 1865.
HAWLEY, ORRIN, (Colored). Enlisted in Co. C, 29th Conn. Vols., 14th
Dec, 1863, and was mustered out24th Oct., 1865.
HENSGEAN, FREDERICK. Mustered in as substitute for William
Smith, Co. B, 5th Conn. Vols., I8th Aug., 1863, and deserted 10th Sept., 1863.
HILMER, FREDERICK. Mustered in as a substitute, Co. B, 5th Conn.
Vols., 18th Aug., 1863, and deserted Oct. Ist, 1863.
HOLCOMB, JOHN W. Enlisted in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols., 22d April, 1861.
Mustered 22d July, 1861. Re-enlisted in Vet. Vols., 21st Dec.,. 1863. Must-
ered out 19th July, 1865.
HOLMES, FREDERICK. Enlisted first in Co. H, 1st Conn. Vols., for
three months, 23d April, 1861. Was missing in action at battle of Bull Run,
but came in safely July 21st, 1861. Enlisted second time in 2d Conn. Light
Battery, 5th Aug., 1862. Was promoted Corporal. Died 4th Jan., 1865, in
his tent, at White River Landing, Arkansas. He lies buried in the Mississippi
River National Cemetery, near Memphis, Tenn.
HOLDRIDGE, DAVID E. Mustered in as a substitute in Co. E, 13th Conn.
Vols., in Dec, 1868, and deserted before reaching the regiment in the field.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1327
HOTCHKISS, HUBBARD A. Ealisted in Co. I, Sd Heavy Artillery, 6th
Aug., 1862. Promoted Sergeant. Wounded in the scalp and hand at
battle of Winchester, 1 9th Sept., 1864. Mustered out at Washington, D. C,
7th July, 1865.
HOTCHKISS, LEVI It Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 25th July.
1862. He was severely wounded in the hand and arm, and entirely disabled
at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 1st, 1864, and was mustered out for disa-
bility 26th April, 1865.
HUBBARD, CALVIN A. Enlisted in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols., 22d April.
1861 Mustered in at Hartford, 22d July, 1861. Re-enlisted in Vet Vols.,
21st Dec, 1863. He was wounded in battle, in the hand, near Dallas, Qa.,
25th Maj% 1864, and in the foot severely, June 22d, 1864. Mustered out at the
close of the war, 19th July, 1865.
HULL, AMMI F. Enlisted in Co. G, 1st Heavy Artillery, 22d Oct., 1861.
Re-enlistetl in Vet. Vols., 17th Dec, 1863. Promoted Corporal and Ordinance
Officer for good conduct in battle. Mustered out at Washington, D. C, at
close of the war, 25th Sept., 1865.
HERRINGTON, GEORGE F. Mustered in as substitute for Walter S.
Curtiss, Co. C, 5th Conn. Vols., 17th Aug., 1863. Deserted Nov. 1st, 1863.
HULL, ULYSSES A. Enlisted in Co. E, 12th Conn. Vols., 16th Feb., 1864.
Mustered out at New Haven, 18th May, 1865.
JACOBI, PHILLIP. Mustered in as substitute for Omar E. Norton, Co. K,
20th Conn. Vols., 25th Aug., 1863, and deserted 11th Sept., 1863. at Kelley's
Ford, Va.
JACKSON, GEORGE, (Colored). Enlisted in Co, H, 29th Conn. Vols , 30th
Dec, 1863, and was mustered out 24th Oct., 1865.
JACKSON, GEORGE P. Served in the Navy, on the War Ship Winona
JACKSON, HENRY F, (Colored). Enlisted in Co. C, 29th Conn. Vols.,
14th Dec, 1863. Promoted Corporal, and was mustered out 24th Oct., 1865.
JACKSON, LOT N., (Colored). Enlisted in Co. C, 29th Conn. Vols., 14th
Dec, 186?. Mustered out 24th Oct., 1866.
JACKSON, PHILO, (Colored). Enlisted and served in the 1 1th Regiment
of U. S. Colored Troops, and was honorably discharged at the close of the
war.
JONES, THOMAS. Was mustered into the 28th Conn. Vols., as the sub-
stitute of Sheldon B. Castle. This was a nine months organization, and there
was so much shifting among these regiments, that the writer has no further
history of this recruit.
1328 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
JUDD, CHARLES, (Colored). Enlisted in Co. A, 30th Conn. Vols., lltb
Jan., 1864. Mustered out 7th Nov., 1865.
JUDSON, GEORGE E. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 15th Aug.,
1862. Was promoted Sergeant. Was vpounded in the left hip and thigh at
Cedar Creek, 19th Oct., 1864. Was removed to Patterson Park Hospital,
Baltimore, Md., where he died of his veounds, 3lst Oct., 1864. He was
buried at Southbury, Conn. Capt. Sperry says of him—" He was considered
one of the most perfect specimens of a man and soldier. He could always be
relied on for truth and honesty, and was one of the very few who were never
influenced by bad company. He always wore a pleasant countenance, and
was one with whom no body could find any fault."
KANE, FRIEND F. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 9th Aug., 1862
and was instantly killed at the battle of Cold Harbor, June Ist, 1864. Shot
directly through the head. Bela Potter says, " He simply threw up his hands,
sunk down, and all was over." He was an excellent soldier and faithful to
all his duties.
KERNER, JOHN. Was received as a substitute for the 14th Conn. Vols.,
19th Feb., 1864, and not assigned or not taken up on the rolls ; which means
that he deserted before he reached the regiment.
KOCK, F. W. Was mustered as a substitute in Co. D, 15th Conn. Vols..
24th Aug., 1864. Transferred to 7th Conn. Vols. Mustered out 20th July,
1865, at Goldsboro", N. C.
KNICKERBOCKER, EDWARD. Enlisted in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols., 22d
April, 1861. Mustered 22d July, 1861. Discharged for disability, 4th June,
1862.
KREGAN, WILLIAM. Was mustered as a substitute for John Gal pin.
Oct., 1862. into !i7th Conn. Vols. The writer has no further history of him-
LANE, PERRY W. Enlisted in Co. G, 1st Heavy Artillery, 23d May,
1862, and was discharged for disability 22d Nov., 1862.
LAURY, JOHN. Was mustered as the substitute of Lewis H. Atwood,
19th Feb., 1864, for the 2d Light Battery, but he never reached the regiment.
LEACH, ALVAH A. Enlisted in Co. E, 8th Conn. Vols., 25th Sept., 1861.
and was discharged to enlist in the regular army, which occurred 25th Oct.,
1862.
LEACH, DANIEL E. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 12th Aug.,
1862. Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, May 1st, 1865, and was muster-
ed out July 1st, 1865.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1329
LOCHLIN, CHARLES A. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, Jan. 2d.
1864. Mustered out at Washington, D. C, 8th July, 1865.
LOCKLIN, DAVIS A. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 2d Jan., 1864.
Mustered out at Washington, D. C, 18th Aug., 1865.
LOCKLIN GEORGE W. Enlisted in Co. 1, 2d Heavy Artillery, 2d Jan.. 1864.
Wounded in the thigh at the battle of Winchester, 19th Sept. 1864, and died
of v^ounds and fever, at Military Hospital, in Baltimore, Md., 20th Oct., 1864.
Buried in Winchester National Cemetery, Lot 66 — grave marked "L. — G. W,"
LOCKLIN, ISAAC W. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 2d Jan., 1864.
Mustered out at Washington, D. C, 18th Aug., 1865.
LORD WIN, THOMAS. Enlisted Sept. 20, 1863, as substitute for Oliver
Cowles. Deserted before a military history could be made of him.
LUCAS, AMOS A. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 22d Aug., 1862.
Wounded at the battle of Winchester, June 1, 1864, through the knee, ren-
dering the joint utterly useless. Discharged, on account of this disability^
18th Dec, 1864.
LUM, CHARLES H. Enlisted 12th Aug., 1862, in Co. 1, 2d Heavy Artillery.
Promoted Corporal. Deserted the first opportunity ; which was 15th April,
1863.
LEDGER, JOHN. Enlisted in Co. F, 5th Conn. Vols., 22d July, 1861.
Transferred to the Signal Corps, 6th Aug., 1863 ; did eflFective service, and
came home honorably discharged.
MALLORY, SAMUEL M. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy ArtUlery, 7th Aug.,
1863, and was discharged for disability, 8th May, 1863, at Fort Worth, and
died in consequence of disease contracted with former chronic diseases, at
Woodbury, 17th April, 1867, aged 46.
MALLORY, WILLIS J. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 9th Aug..
1862. Fought in almost every battle of the regiment, up to the final battle of
Sailor's Run, 7th April, 1865, when Gen. Ewell was taken, and some 5,000 othe
prisoners. Was present at Lee's surrender, and saw Lee and Grant pass by-
That night the regiment celebrated their anniversary on their own account,
and with great enthusiasm.
MANCHESTER, OSCAR A. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 6th
Aug., 1862. Discharged 8th Feb.. 1863, at Alexandria, Va.
MAYNE, GEORGE A. Enlisted in Co. H, 1st Conn. Vols., (3 mos.) 28d
Ap., 1861. Discharged 31st July, 1861. Enlisted again in the 13th Conn.
Vols., and was transferred to, and became Captain in the 1st Louisiana Vols.
MANVILLE, JAMES H. Served in the Navy. He was 2d Captain of a
1330 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURT.
11 inch gun on board of U. S. Ship Savannah, and was in the Newport News
engagements.
MARTIN, FRANK. Enlisted at Woodbury, 22d April, 1861. Mustered
22d December, in Co. D, 13th Conn. Vols. Mustered out, 19th May, 1862.
MERAMBLE, GEORGE B. Enlisted in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols., 22d April,
1861. Mustered, July 22d, 1862. Discharged 12th Feb., 1862, at Hancock,
Md. Enlisted again in Co. I, 20th Conn. Vols., 11th Aug., 1862, and was
mustered out at Washington, D. C, 13th June, 1865.
McKAY, WILLIAM H. Enlisted 22d April, 1861. Mustered 22d July,
1861, at Hartford, in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols. Promoted Corporal. Discharged
for disability 12th Feb., 1862, at Hancock, Md.
McDERMOTT, CHARLES A. Enlisted in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols., 8th Aug.,
1863. Mustered out at Hartford, Conn., 23d June, 1865. In a short time after
this, he enlisted in the regular army of the United States for three years, un-
der the name of Charles E. Ellsworth. The writer had several letters from
him after this enlistment, but he never gave him any reason for enlisting un-
der a false name. He was a good soldier in the old 5th.
McKINNEY, HENRY S. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 2d Aug.
1862. Promoted 2d Lieut., 6th Feb. 1864, Isi Lieut., 30th Nov., 1864, and Capt.
of Co. D, 2d March, 1865. Was mustered out at the close of the war, 23d Aug.,
1865.
McDIVITT, JOHN. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 5th Jan., 1864
Mustered out at Hartford, 1st June, 1865. Died, of disease contracted in the ar-
my, June 1st, 1869. In one of the forced marches and sudden battles near Rich-
mond, this soldier fell out exhausted. As soon as he recovered, he pushed
on to find his regiment, but found himself in battle in a negro regiment. He
had always had a mortal antipathy against colored men, but when he return-
ed home, this feeling had all vanished, and he gave those soldiers full credit.
Said he to the writer one day, in his rough way, " Cothren, there is no use to
deny it — the d — d nagers fought like H — 11."
McCAN, GEORGE. Enlisted, 22d July, 1861, in Co. E., 5th Conn. Vols.
Wounded at Cedar Mountain 9th Aug., 1862. Discharged for disability, 15th
Nov., 1862.
MEYER, CHARLES. Mustered, Sept., 1863, as a substitute for Edgar Gal-
pin, but forgot, after getting his bounty, to go to the front.
MYERS, CHARLES. Enlisted in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols., 27th Aug., 1863.
Mustered out, 3d May, 1865, at Madison, Ind.
MILLER, JACOB. Mustered into Co. C, 5th Conn. Vols., as a substitute
for Samuel F. Peck, 17th Aug., 1863. Wounded, 20th July, 1864. Mustered
out at Alexandria, 19th July, 1865.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1331
t
MILLER, JOSEPH. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 20th Aug., 1863
Mustered out, July 7th, 1865, at Washington, D. C. Died at Woodbury 24th
Aug., 1868, of enlargement of the spleen, — being a disease which he con-
tracted in the service. His spleen weighed, at the post mortem examination,
ahoat fourteen pounds, while a healthy spleen weighs but a few ounces.
MINOR, FREDERIC M. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 7th Aug.
1862, and was discharged for disability at New Haven, Conn., 5th June, 1865.
MITCHELL, JOHN. Mustered in as a substitute for Co. I, 8th Conn. Vols.-
19th Feb. 1864. Deserted 28th May, 1864.
MITCHELL, WILLIAM H. (Colored.) Enlisted in Co. B, 29th Conn.
Vols., 80th Nov. 1863. Mustered out 24th Oct,, 1865.
MUNROE, JOHN. Mustered as a substitute for Nathaniel D. Minor in
Sept., 1863, but failed to report for service.
MUNGER, NATHAN B. Enlisted in Co. L., 1st Conn. Cavalry, 5th Jan.
1864 Mustered out 2d Aug., 1865, at Washington, D. C. He afterwards en
listed in the regular army.
MUNGER, TRUEWORTHY. Enlisted in Co. I, 13th Conn. Vols., llth
June, 1883. Was wounded in the taking of the rebel Gunboat, Cotton, on the
Red River Expedition, and discharged in consequence, 26th May, 1863.
MORRIS, THOMAS. Mustered as a substitute 19th Feb., 1864, but failed
to report to auy regiment, after getting his enormous bounty.
MORRISON, WILLIAM. Mustered into Co. A., 5th Conn. Vols., as a sub-
stitute for Henry C. Judson, July, 1863, and deserted llth July, 1863.
MORGAN, THOMAS. Mustered as a substitute in Co. H., 10th Conn.
Vols., 21st Nov., 1864. Deserted 26th June, 1865.
MULLIGAN, JOSEPH. Mustered as a substitute Co. 1, 6th Conn. Vols., 3d
December, 1864. Deserted 10th April, 1865.
MORROE, CH AUNCEY F. Enlisted in Co. E, 8th Conn. Vols., 35th Sept.,
1861. Re-enlisted in Vet. Vols. 24th Dec, 1863. Mustered out, 12th Dec,
1865.
MEIN, CHARLES. Mustered as a substitute to be sent to the " Woodbury
Reds," Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols., 27th Aug., 1863, but failed to put in an appear-
ance. Probably he had some prescience of the toils of Sherman's march to
the sea, soon to come, and " foreseeing danger, hid himself."
NEWEY, ARTHUR B. Enlisted in Co. 1, 2d Heavy Artillery, 8th Aug., 1863.
Drummed out of the regiment for desertion and general uselessness, 30th
Oct., 1863.
NEWTON, FRANKLIN. Enlisted in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols., 22d April,
and mustered 23d July, 1881. Promoted Corporal. Deserted 3d June, 1862.
1332
HISTOEY OF ANCIENT WOODBUBY.
ORTON, WALTER J. Enlisted in Co. 1, 2d Heavy Artillery, 5th Aug., 1862,
Promoted Sergeant and Commissary Sergeant.
He was wounded by a ball throuofh the left
arm and anterior walls of the thorax, from left
to right, at the Battle of Winchester, some-
times called Opequan. Was carried to Taylor
Hotel, in Winchester, where he died, 7th Octo-
ber, 1864.
He wrote cheerful letters to his wife, some
days after his wound was received, but finally
died of exhaustion, in consequence of second-
ary hemorrhage. He was buried near Win-
chester, at first, but has since been removed to
Winchester National Cemetery, and buried in
Lot No. 87. For sketch of his life see page 1258.
PARMELEE, CORNELIUS. Enlisted in Co. I, 13th Conn. Vols., 7th Jan.
1862. Discharged 6th Jan., 1865 ; term expired.
PARMELEE, GEORGE B. Enlisted in Co. B, 7th Conn. Vols., 9th Sept.,
1861 ; re-enlisted in Veteran Vols., 2d Jan., 1864. Mustered out 2d Sept.,
1865.
PATTERSON, CHARLES. Enlisted in Co. 1, 8th Conn. Vols., 21st Sept., 1861.
Died 14th March, 1862, of wounds received while charging a rebel battery,
when Newbern, N. C, was taken.
PERCEY, FRANK J. Enlisted in Co. C, 14th Conn. Vols., 9th Aug., 1862.
Killed at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., 13th Dec, 1862.
PERCEY, SETH W. Enlisted in Co. C, Conn, Vols., 2d Aug., 1862.
Wounded 17th Sept., 1862. Transferred to Invalid Corps. Drowned 2d Aug.,
1864, at Hartford, in Conn, river.
PETERSON, ARNOLD. (Colored.) Enlisted in Co. B, 29th Conn. Vols.,
3d Dec, 1883. Died at Brownsville, Texas, 15th Aug., 1865. He lies buried
in the National Cemetery, near Old Fort Brown, Brownsville, Texas, in grave
No. 224.
PETSON, THOMAS. Mustered as a substitute 19th Feb., 1864. It took
him so long to spend his large bounty, that his name was never taken upon
the regiment rolls.
PHILLIPS, LEMAN. (Colored.) Enlisted in Co. I, 29th Conn. Vols., Jan
1, 1864. Mustered out 24th Oct., 1865.
POLLEY, JAMES C, Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Conn. Heavy Artillery. 15th
Aug., 18(>2. Died of typhoid fever at Regimental Hospital, Alexandria, Va.,
19th Nov., 1862. He was embalmed, sent home, and buried in Woodbury.
Col. Smith gave the writer the following account of his sickness and death : —
HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O DB U RY. 1333
" 'fhe Surgeon requested me to prepare Mr. Polley for his death, now rapidly
approaching. It did not seam as though we could let him die ! He was bo
patient, so gentle, and every one so interested in him. All the officers, nur-
ses, and men at the hospital, clung to the idea that he would rally, and so we
kad hoped ; but alas ! he was sinking beyond our reach. After some conver-
sation with him, he gathered from my words that he was more ill than lie
had supposed. He said, ' I know that I am very sick, but do you think me
dangerously ill?' So ill, Mr. Polley, that I felt it best yesterday to write to
your wife that you could not recover.
" Then he lay for several minutes motionless, and evidently struggling
with his thoughts. Then he opened his eyes, and a calm look came into
them, as he said, ' sing to me as you sung for the other men who died.' I
sang two verses of ' I would not live alway.' He lay quite still again for a
moment, then said : ' Read me something cheering from the Bible.' There
was no Bible just at hand, so I repeated from John xiv, 1st. ' I^et not your
heart be troubled ; ye believe in God ; believe also in me. In my Father's
house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you. I go to
prepare a place for you, &c.'
" While I repeated this, one of his hot, feverish hands held mine, and with
the other he marked the emphasis, stopping at intervals, as though both
mind and body were too weak to take in more than a few words at a time.
When I had finished, he said : ' You and I understand — it is all well, is it
not ? ' and closed his eyes, and lay back, perfectly tranquil.
" When the time came for me to leave him for the night, I roused him and
said, ' I am going back to my tent. ' Yes,' said he, ' go, but try and come
back to me again. I am dying, and I know it. I have tried to live so as not
to be afraid to die ; I have only to die, and it will be all well.'
" At daylight, the next morning, he raised himself in his bed, folded his
hands, and in a loud, clear voice, exclaiming, ' Let us pray/ fell back, and was
dead ! "
POLLEY, HENRY E. Enlisted in Co. D., 13th Conn. Vols., 22d December,
1861. Re-enlisted in Veteran Vols., 8th Feb., 1864. Transferred to Co. B.
Mustered out 25th April, 1866.
PRENTICE, WM. P. Enlisted in Co. D., 13th Conn. Vols., 5th March,
1862. Discharged 6th Jan., 1865 ; term expired.
POTTER, CHARLES E. Enlisted in Co. K., 11th Conn. Vols., 16th Feb.,
1864. Mustered out at City Point, 21st Dec, 1865.
PORTER, BELA. Enlisted in Co. I, 3d Heavy Artillery, 29th July, 1862-
Promoted Corporal. Wounded in the leg at Cedar Creek, Oct. 19th, 1864-
Mustered out at Washington, D. C, 7th July, 1865.
PROCTOR, WILLIAM H. Enlisted in Co. C, 1st Conn. Heavy Artillery,
33d May, 1861. Re-enlisted in Veteran Vols., I6th Nov., 1865. Enlisted af-
ter the war was over in the regular army.
1334 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
QUINN, JOHN M, Enlisted, 32d July, 1861, in Co. E, 5tli Conn.i^ols.
Deserted 25th July, 1862.
REYMER, PETER. Mustered as a substitute of David Cowles, in Co. B
5th Conn, Vols., I8tli Aug , 1863. Deserted 28th Sept., 1863.
REYNOLDS, WM, H. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 11th Aug.,
1862. Wounded throufih the knee at the battle of Winchester, 19th Sept.,
1864, rendering him a cripple for life. Mustered out at Washington, D, G.>
7th July, 1865.
RICHARDSON, GEO. H. (Colored.) Mustered into Co. H., 29th Conn.
Vols., as substitute for Dr. Herman W. Shove, 5th Aug., 1864, and was mus.
tered out with the regiment at Brownsville, Texas, 24th Oct., 1865. Died
36th Oct., 1865.
RENNEIS, JACOB. Mustered as a substitute in Co. C, 6th Conn. Vols.,
7th Feb., 1865. Mustered out at Goldsboro, N. C, 20th July, 1865.
ROBINSON, JAMES. Mustered as a substitute in Co. I, 6th Conn. Vols.,
15th Nov., 1864. Mustered out at New Haven, 3lst Aug., 1865.
ROGERS, HENRY C. Enlisted in Co I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 22d Aug.,
1862. Promoted Corporal. Was severely wounded in the hand at the battle
of Port Fisher, March 25, 1865. Mustered out at Washington, D. C, 7th
July, 1865.
ROGERS, JOHN J. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 6th Aug , 1862,
and was mustered out at Washington, D. C, 7th July, 1865. During the
war he received thirteen bullet holes in his clothes, but never a scratch on
his body.
ROOT, GEORGE W. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 2M Aug.,
1862. Promoted Corporal. Wounded in the leg at the battle of Winches-
ter, 19th Sept., 1864. Mustered out at Frederick, Md., 26th May, 1865.
ROOT, EDWARD A. Enlisted at Woodbury 22d April, 1861. Mustered
32d July, 1861. Re-enlisted in Vet. Vols. 2lst Dec, 1863. Mustered out I9th
July, 1865.
RAYMAKER, ARNOLD. Enlisted at Woodbury 22d April, 1861. Mus-
tered 22d July, 1861. Transferred to Invalid Corps 6th May, 1863.
ROOT, JOSEPH F. Being in the West at the outbreak of the war, he en-
listed in Co, L. 2d Wisconsin Cavalry, and died of chronic diarrhoea at Hele-
na, Arkansas, 8th Oct., 1862. Buried, on removal after the war, in Missis-
sippi National Cemetery, near Memphis, Tenn. See Roll of Honor xxi, p
260.
ROSWELL, GEORGE. Enlisted in Co. I, 8th Conn. Vols , 27th Sept,,
1861. Discharged for disability at Washington, D. C, 24th Dec, 1862.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1335
ROWLEY, CHARLES M. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 12tli Aug.,
1862. Promoted Corporal. Mustered out ISth May, 1866, at Hartford.
ROBERTS, JAMES. Mastered as a substitute in 2d Conn. Light Battery.
I9tli Feb., 1864. Deserted 15th March, 1864.
RICE, THOMAS. (Colored.) Enlisted 19th Feb., 1864. Died 15th April.
1865, at Petersburg, Va. Was buried in Hampton, Va. National Cemetery,
in Row 20, Section D., grave 32.
SCHINDLER, JACOB. Enlisted in Co C , 1st Heavy Artillery, 15th Dec ,
1868. Served through the remainder of the war, and was a brave and faith-
ful soldier. Was mustered out with his regiment at Washington, D. C, 25th
Sept., I8(;5.
On his enlistment, the writer gave him the oath. After he had taken it
he jocosely remarked, in his broken German way, " Cothren, if I see a
schmoke I shall run." But, though he saw many fierce smokes in the ser-
vice, he did not run.
SELLICK, JOEL F. Enliste'^ in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols., at Woodbury,
22d April, 1861. Mustered at Hartford 22d July, 1861. Promoted Regimen-
tal Commissary Sergeant, 23d July, 1861. Discharged at Williamsport, Md.,
June, 1862.
SHAW, THOMAS. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 28th Aug., 1862.
Promoted Sergeant. He was wounded in the arm at Cold Harbor, and again
very severely wounded in the arm at Cedar Creek. He was discharged in con-
sequence of his wounds, 1st June, 1865. When he came to the writer to en-
list, he stated that he had served three years in the British army, and there-
fore thought he ought to be enlisted as a Captain. He was informed that we
were only receiving privates and Major Generals at this office, and asked if
he felt competent to fill the latter place. He said he did not consider him-
self competent to fill that place, and so took the oath as a private. He was
a faithful, good soldier, and deserved the promotion he received.
SIMPSON, JOHN. Was mustered as a substitute 19th Feb., 1864. He
forgot to report for assignment.
SMITH, MARCUS D. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 6th Aug.,
1862. Promoted Orderly Sergeant. Was severely wounded in the forearm
at Winchester, Va., 19th Sept. 1864, while advancing under heavy fire to
take a rebel battery. Remained three months in McClellau Hospital. Was
mustered out 7th July, 1865.
SMITH, NATHANIEL. Mustered in as Major of 2d Heavy Artillery, then
the 19th Conn. Vols., 23d Aug., 1862. Promoted Lieut. Colonel, and resigned,
on account of ill health, 6th May, 1864.
SOUTILL, THOMAS. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 30th July,
1836 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
1862. Deserted 30th Oct., 1862. He saw a girl in Maryland whom he liked
better than the service.
SOMMERS, WILLIAM. Enlisted in Woodbury 22d April, 1861. Mustered
at Hartford 22d July, 1861. Deserted 1st Aug., 1861, in Maryland. A " De-
lilah" had too seductive charms, and means of concealment. War presents
many phases.
SMITH, JOSEPH. Mustered as a substitute Co. H., 11th Conn, Vols., 19th
Feb., 1864, and after spending his magnificent bounties of 1,200 dollars, de-
serted. 26th June, 1864. «
SPERRY. ELI. Mustered in as Captain of Co. I, 19th Conn. Vols., after-
wards known as 2d Heavy Artillery, 24th July, 1862. After serving consci-
entiously, faithfully, well, and to the acceptance of his men, till Jan. Ist,
1864, he was on that day seriously wounded in the left forearm, by the acci-
dental discliargeof a revolver, after his return from the " grand rounds of the
Defences," he having acted as field officer for the day.
In consequence of this accident, which not only hindered him from using
that arm to any effective purpose, but affected his general health, he resigned
his commission 20th March, 1864. He took much pride in his company, and
good care of its members, though he was sometimes careless of the safety of
himself and friends. As an example of this, the writer, being on a visit to
the regiment, Jan. 26, 1863, by invitation, slept with him in his bunk that
night, or tried to do so. A most violent Virginia rain, sleet and wind storm,
swept over the devoted hill near Fairfax Seminary, on which the half -finish-
ed camp was located. The storms of all New England for a year consoli-
dated into one, could not be worse. The Captain's tent was warmed by a
small, cracked, cast iron stove, with the coals and cinders occasionally falling
out, as the fierce winds swept over the camp. The ground covered by the
small tent was everywhere overspread by about six inches of water. He had
in his care 5,000 rounds of ammunition. He had a lively fear that it would
get wet. So he piled the packages all around Jhe stove and within a few
inches of it, to keep them dry ! In the foot part of the bunk was an unexplo-
dcd bombshell, with the percussion end placed against the side of the canvas.
During that terrible night, the " fly-pole " became detached from its fasten-
ings at one end, and being fastened by a rope at the other end, as the fierce
gusts of wind came roaring along, the " fly-pole " acted like & flail, and kept
striking, during the long night, against the side of the tent where the bomb
was located. The writer had a rational desire to leave the premises, but the
Captain snored and slept on, and as we wished to be considered as brave as
the worthy Captain, we decided to share his fate, whatever it might be. The
night passed in safety.
In speaking of his men, the Captain says his " Company I was afterwards
distinguished for its skill in the use of small arms, and more particularly so
in handling heavy artillery guns — more so than any Company in the regi-
ment. There was not one of our eight Corporals who could not put a shot
or shell with precision at any range, and was always ready for a fight."
Adjutant Vaill remarks of the Captain : —
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUBT. ISSl
" It will not do to forget Captain Sperry's speech to his Company about the
time of his discharge. It was his farewell. The "nub "was in the closing
up, which ran something thus : " We none of us know what is in store for us ;
the probabilities are that we shall never all meet in this world again. But
when the great Arch Angel Gabriel's trump shall sound, and when his Adju-
tant shall report, may Company I, of the 3d Connecticut Heavy Artillery, be
reported 'present or accounted for.' "
SLADE, FREDERICK C. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery. 15th
Aug., 1862. Mustered out at Washington, D. C, 7th July, 1865.
SPRING, RICHARD. Enlisted in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols., 22d April, 1861.
Mustered, 22d July, 1861. Re-enlisted Vet. Vols., 2l8t Dec, 1863. Was
wounded in his side near Dallas, Ga., 25th May, 1864, and again 22d June
1864, in foot, at Kenaaw Mountain. Mustered out 22d July, 1865.
STAMMER, WARDEN. Enlisted, first, in Co. G., 28th Conn. Vols., 18th
Nov., 1862. Discharged. 28th Aug., 1863. Enlisted, secondly, in Co. I, 2d
Heavy Artillery, 2d Jan. 1864. Promoted Sergeant. Wounded in the leg at
Cedar Creek, 19th Oct., 1864. Mustered out at Washington, 18th Aug. 1865.
STARR, GEORGE. (Colored.) Enlisted in Co. H, 127th regiment of Uni-
ted States Colored Vols., and served to the end of the war. His true name is
George Jackson, but from mere freak he chose to serve under the above
name.
STOCKMAN, GARDINER. Enlisted at Woodbury 22d April, 1861. Mus-
tered in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols., 22d July, 1861. Was soon afier transferred
to Co. A, in same regiment. Discharged, by order of the Secretary of War
for disability, 5th Nov., 1863. He had had congestion of the lungs in the ser-
vice, and lay a long time in hospital before his discharge. After discharge
he languished, and his disease degenerated into consumption, of which he
died, 28th May, 1864, before his regiment was discharged. He was buried at
Morris.
SQUIRE, CHARLES A. Enlisted at Woodbury, in the " Woodbury Reds,''
afterwards Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols., 22d April, 1861. Mustered 22d July, 1862.
Promoted Sergeant. Re-enlisted Vet. Vols., 2 1st Dec, 1863. He was killed
at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., sometimes called Culp's Farm, 22d
June. 1864. He was shot through the heart,and died instantly. He was
buried, with two comrades, on the mountain, under a tree, and the graves
were marked. After the war, his comrade, Edgar A. Alvord, at the request of
Charles' mother, went for the remains, brought them back, and they were
buried in Roxbury. His mother erected a beautiful tablet at his grave, bear-
ing the following inscription : — " Sacred to the memory of Charles A. Squire,
son of John A. and Eunice Squire. Enlisted into Co. E, 5th Regiment of
Conn. Vols., April 29, 1861. Re-enlisted Vet. Vol., Dec 21, 1863, and was
promoted Sergeant, for good conduct in battle. Killed at Kenesaw Mountain,
Ga., Jan, 22d, 1864, having been shot through the heart. Aged 32." He was
1338 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
a dutiful son, an aflFectionate brother, a good soldier, and a friend of all.
Fired with patriotic zeal, he volunteered at the first call of his country, and
fell, as the true soldier loves to fall, amid the smoke and roar of battle, fight,
ing gloriously.
,• TABER, DANIEL D. Enlisted in Co. G, 11th Conn. Vols., Dec. 1, 1861—
served his time out, and was honorably discharged.
TAYLOR, DANIEL S. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 6th Aug.,
1862. Wounded in leg at Cedar Creek, 19th Oct., 1864. Mustered out at
Hartford Ist June, 1865.
TAYLOR, JAMES K. POLK. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 2d
Jan., 1864. Deserted 28th July, 1864.
TAYLOR, WILLIAM. Enlisted in Co. I, 27th Mass. Vols., Jan. 2d, 1864.
Taken prisoner at Kingston, N. C, 7th March, 1865. Mustered out of the
regiment, (technically,) while yet in captivity, 26th June, 1865.
THOMAS, CHARLES L. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 11th Aug.,
1862. Died of lung fever in Regimental Hospital, 16th Jan., 1864. Sent
home and buried in Woodbury.
THOMAS, HORATIO S. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 25th July,
1862. Promoted Corporal Died of congestion of the lungs at Regimental
Hospital, Alexandria, Va., 20th Feb., 1864. Sent home and buried in Wood-
bury.
THOMAS, IRA. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 28th July, 1862, at
the age of 63 years. Walter J. Orton dyed his whiskers, after which hia ap-
pearance was that of a man of about thirty years. He, with other Christian
men in his company, instituted a prayer-meeting in his tent, which became
well attended, and was the means of great good to the attendants. He was
mustered out for disability 4th March, 1864.
TIERNEY, ANDREW. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 4th Aug.,
1862. Was wounded at the battle of Cedar Creek, 19th Oct., 1864, and had
his arm fractured, for which he draws a pension. The wounded could not all
be reached and cared for on the day of the battle. Many a poor fellow had
to lie where he fell. Capt. Marsh, of Co. M, was one of them. Tierney could
walk, and as the night was cold, he sought the friendly lee side of a horse,
which had been killed in the battle, but which retained some animal heat.
Capt. Marsh relates that, at intervals, all night long, Tierney broke Oat
with anathemas, saying that the 'd— d rebels fired carelessly, or rather
they fired on purpose, and meant to hit him !
TRACY, THOMAS. Enlisted in Co. B, 12th Conn. Vols., 20th March, 1861.
Killed at Port Hudson, La., 29th May, 1863, aged 21.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1339
TRAPPELL, FREDERICK. Mustered as a substitute for Roderick At-
wood, Co. Q., 8th Conn. Vols., IStli Aug.; 1864. Mustered out at City Point,
Va., 12tli Dec, 1865.
TUTTLE, ELISHA. Mustered as the substitute of Jolm Galpin, 28th
Aug., 1862, into Co. I, 38th Conn. Vols. Mustered out 31st May, 1863.
TUTTLE, CHARLES A. Enlisted in Co. A, 8th Conn. Vols., 25th Sept.,
1861. Discharged for disability 5th March, 1863, at Washington, D. C.
TUTTLE, JOHN E. Enlisted in Co. E, 8th Conn. Vols., 25t.h Sept., 1861.
Shot through the breast at the battle of Antietam and killed, 17th Sept.,
1862. He did not die instantly. Charles S. Buell supported him, as he fell.
He desired him not to leave him, but the regiment was ordered forward, and
he had to be left with many another, to die. He was killed on a charge in
three lines of battle, after they were forced to fall back. The men were or.
dered to lie down, but it was soon found that the bullets of our own men,
from a piece of woods, were striking near the head of the 8th regiment,
which then got up and started to retreat. At this moment Tuttle fell. So,
there is no doubt that the poor fellow was killed by the bullets of his own
men. The field where he lay was lost and won several times that day. Next
morning, when details were made to bury the dead, and bring in the wound-
ed, John was found by Buell, stripped of his clothing, with his hands under
his head, as though sleeping in repose, looking as natural as when alive. He
was no doubt stripped by the rebels before he died. He was one of the Wood-
bury boys, who volunteered with the 100 picked men to lay tlie pontoon
bridge across the Rappahannock, previous to the battle of Petersburg, under
Burnside. Woodbury furnished one twenty-fifth of the whole number volun.
teering in that hazardous undertaking. A hundred and fifty of our cannon
were playing over their heads, and as many more on the rebel side, while the
bullets from the rebel sharp-shooters fell like rain among the brave fellows.
It was a bold — a sublime affair. They desisted from their work several
times, but finally succeeded. While half of the number volunteering fell a
sacrifice in that bloody adventure, neither of the Woodbury boys was hit.
Forty of the regiment, among whom was Tuttle, were buried in a trench,
about half a mile from Sharpsburg, on the direct road to the Stone bridge
across the Antietam creek, and 20 rods West of the house of Jolm Otto. The
graves were marked with head-boards. He was afterwards moved, with the
rest, and buried in the Antietam National Cemetery, about a mile from
Sharpsburg. His comrade and bosom friend, Charles S. Buell, says of him : —
" John Tuttle was killed by my side at the battle of Antietam, nobly doing
his duty. He was always a true and faithful soldier,— never complaining.
Many a sorry soldier has been compelled to cheer up faint heart by John's
merry way. Not one that will count on the rolls of old Woodbury, can show
a fairer record than he, in your history. We were together in many battles,
and I always found him brave to the uttermost. Before the battle in which
he lost his life, he was impressed with the idea of death, though never be,
fore, and yet was in no wise daunted."
32
1340 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
VOGELLI, FREDERICK. Mustered in as a substitue for Ambrose H.
Wells, Co. K, 20tli Conn. Vols., 25tb Aug., 1863. Deserted 30tli Sept., 1863.
WAKEMAN, DANIEL P. Enlisted, 2d Jan., 1864, in Co. I, 2d Heavy
Artillery. Musteaed out at Washington, D. C, 18tli Aug., 1865.
WALKER, WILLIAM P. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 2d Jan.,
1864. Mustered out at Washington, D. C, 18th Aug., 1865.
WALKER, JOSEPH. Mustered as a substitute for Henry C. Buckingham,
20th Aug., 1863. Deserted 13th Sept., 1863.
WALSH, TIMOTHY F. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 5th Aug.,
1862. Promoted Sergeant. Wounded in elbow at the battle of Winchester,
19th Sept., 1864. Killed at the battle of Hatchet's Run, Va., 6th Feb., 1865—
ten miles south of Petersburg.
WARNER, ABRAM A. Enlisted in Co. I, 9th Conn. Vols., Ist Nov. 1861.
Died at New Orleans General Hospital, 12th Aug., 1862. Buried in Monu-
ment National Cemetery, at Chalmette, La., six miles below New Orleans, on
the site of General Jackson's Battle-ground, in the war of 1812.
WARNER, GEORGE. Mustered in as a substitute in Co. C, 20th Conn.
Vols., 25th Aug., 1864, and deserted while on the way to the regiment.
WARNER, JAMES L. Enlisted in Co. G., 5th Conn. Vols., 29th July,
186L Re-enlisted in Vet. Vols., 2lst Dec, 1863. Discharged for disability
19th June, 1865.
WARNER, NEWTON J. Enlisted in Co. B, 13th Conn. Vols., 22d Dec,
1861. Transferred to Vet. Reserve Corps, 30th April, 1864, and mustered out
at the end of the war.
WELLMAN, BENJAMIN. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, llth
Aug., 1861. Promoted Corporal and Quartermaster-Sergeant. Wounded in
the left cheek and back at Cold Harbor, June 1st, 1864. Lay on the field all
night by the side of a dead rebel. Mustered out at Washington, D. C, 7th
July, 1865. For further particulars see page 1239.
WELLMAN, JOSEPH. Enlisted in Co. D., 28th Conn. Vols., 8th Sept.,
1862. Died at Port Hudson, La., 23d July, 1863.
WELCH, WILLIAM, Jk. Enlisted in the regular army in Spring of 1865,
at New Haven, Conn. Was sent to the Fort at New London, and deserted
soon after.
WELLS, PHILIP. Enlisted at Woodbury, April 22d, 1861, in Co. E, 5th
HISTORY OF ANCIENT "WOODBURY. 1341
Conn. Vols. Mustered at Hartford 22d July, 1861. Re-enlisted Vet. Vols.,
21st Dec. 1863. Mustered out 19th July, 1865.
WEST, THOMAS. Enlisted in Co. E. 1st Conn. Cavalry, 2lst Aug., 1864.
Mustered out at Hartford, Conn., 28d June, 1865.
WHITLOCK. FREDERICK. Enlistee in Co. I, 20tli Conn. Vols., 15tli
Aug., 1862. Was promoted Corporal, and while he lay sick and insen-
sible at Washington, D. C, in a Government Hospital, his commission as 2d
Lieutenant, arrived from Gov. Buckingham. But he never knew of his
promotion. He died 24th Jan., 1862. His remains were embalmed, and
buried at Greenwood Cemetery. For a sketch of his life, see page 1216.
WHITLOCK, WALTER B. Enlisted in Co. G, Ist Heavy Artillery, 21st
Oct., 1861. Re-enlisted Vet. Vols., 26th Jan., 1864. Mustered out at Wash-
ington, D. C, 25th Sept., 1865.
WHITLOCK, WILLIAM. Enlisted in Co. G, 1st Heavy ArtUlery, 22d
Oct. 1861. Dircharged for disability 18th Oct., 1862.
WHITE, JOHN S. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 6th Aug., 1862.
Died of typhoid fever 13th Nov., 1862, at Regimental Hospital, Alexandria,
Va. Embalmed, sent home, and buried in Woodbury.
WHITE, DANIEL. Mustered as a substitute for Newell Osborn, Sept. 3d,
1863. The writer has no further account of him.
WHEELER, CURTIS. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 8th Aug.'
1862. Wounded at Cold Harbor through both thighs by the same bullet.
Was removed to Armory Square Hospital, Washington, D. C, where he died*
14th June, 1864. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, on the es.
tate of the rebel Gen. Lee, back of his mansion, which was formerly owned
by George W. P. Custis.
WILLIAMS, GEORGE. Enlisted as a substitute for Frederick Ward, in
Co. F, 28th Conn. Vols., at New Haven, Sept. 10th, 1862. The writer has no
further account of him.
WILSEY, AMBROSE H. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, I2th Aug.,
1862. Discharged 17th Aug , 1863, by order of the Secretary of War.
WINTON, ALBERT B. Enlisted in Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols., 22d April,
1861. Mustered at Hartford 22d July, 1861. Promoted Corporal. Re-enlist-
ed Vet. Vols., 21st Dec, 1863. Mustered out 19th July, 1865.
1342 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
WINTON, EUGENE. Enlisted in Co. F, 6tli Conn. Vols., 7th Sept., 18G1.
Discharged lltli Sept., 1864 — term expired.
WINTON, JARED B. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 6th Aug.,
1862. Mustered out at Washington, D. C, 7th July, 1865.
WORDELL, WILLIAM. Enlisted in Co. I, 2d Heavy Artillery, 2d Jan.,
1864. Deserted 6th June, 1865.
WOODRUFF, RODERICK STEELE. Enlisted in Co. A, 23d Conn. Vols.,
20th Aug., 1862. Promoted Hospital Steward. Taken prisoner at La Fourche,
Crossing Hospital, La., 25th June, 1863. Mustered out 31st Aug., 1863.
WYANT, WILSON. Enlisted April 22d, 1861, at Woodbury. Mustered
22d July, 1861, at Hartford, as Captain Co. E, 5th Conn. Vols. Resigned for
disability 31st Jan., 1863.— Total, 264.
Thus have we endeavored, with persevering toil and unwearied
fidelity, to gather up the history of the part that Woodbury took
in the war of the Great Rebellion — a rebellion without precedent
in the annals of the world. None was ever so causeless, none so
malignant, none so all-destroying. The most thoughtful and ob-
servant mind, after the lapse of ten years from its baleful com-
mencement, has scarcely yet been able to grasp a full idea of
its frightful proportions. It seems as though there had been
some horrid dream running through all those dark and lurid,
and all devouring years ; that those bitter years had been
counted out of the regular series of the era, and had, so to
speak, become the days of vengeance, the dies irae of an avenging
God, meeted out to an offending people — grievously offending
in the curse of human servitude. It was only by such suffering,
so much blood, and the expenditure of such vast treasures, in the
way of Providence, that so great a curse could be expiated.
HISTORY OF ANCIET^^T WOODBURY. 1343
" Statistics during the War. — In a recent address, General
J, P. C. Shanks, a member of the United States House of Repre-
sentatives, presented copious and very interesting statistics relative
to the military arm of the service during the rebellion, which were
compiled from official records in the War Department and other
reliable sources. From these figures it appears that the number
of white commissioned officers in service during the war was
83,935; colored officers, 9 ; white enlisted men, 2,U73, 112 ; color-
ed, 178,895 ; total officers and men, 2,335,951. There were killed
in action — officers of white troops, 3,686 ; white officers of colored
troops, 91; officers, regular army, 93 ; general officers, 51 ; total
officers, 3,931. Of troops killed in action there were 37,531 white
volunteers, 1,514 colored volunteers, 1,262 i-egular army; total
40,307 ; grand total, officers and soldiers, 44,238. There died of
wounds received in action, 2,069 officers and 31,924 soldiers, of
whom 1,037 were colored; total, 38,993, There died of disease,
1,728 officers, of whom one was colored, and 147,320 men, of
whom 26,211 were colored; total, 149,043, Died from other
known causes, 388 officers and 11,457 men — total, 11,485 ; from
unknown causes, 1,203 officers, 54,094 men — total, 55,297. The
deaths from all causes amounted to 294,416 ; 119 officers and 36,
093 privates died in southern prisons. The number of Union offi-
cers captured by the rebels was 7,072, and of soldiers, 179.091.
There were legally paroled and exchanged, 6,477 officers and 147,-
851 soldiers; illegally, 105 officers and 1,038 men; there escaped,
397 officers and 2,376 men ; recaptured, 301. The number of reb-
els captured during the war was — officers, 35,872 ; soldiers, 426,-
852; citizens, 15,535; total, 476,130,
What painful reflections a careful review of this civil war must
ever bring to the reflecting mind and sensitive heai't. "There are
torn and shattered bodies which are beyond the reach of the sur-
geon's hand, and to whom the Secretary of War can send no as-
sistance. They sleep peacefully enough in the forty-one military
cemeteries of the Nation — three hundred and fifty-five thousand
of them — and every mouldeiing body represents a human life
which, before the rebellion, was useful, active and productive.
There are more to come, and to these must be added the remains
1344 HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O D B IT K Y ,
of those who were buried elsewhere during and since the war,
who died in consequence of their service in it, till the number
must reach to more than half a million men. What a harvest of
death ? What an expenditure of the virility of the land ! What
a draft upon the production of the future ! What a diminution
of the real wealth of the country ! But, putting aside the cold
calculations of the economist, every reader of ordinary sensibility
will recall the mental and physical suffering, the bereavements,
the untimely departure of the dead, and the long and sharp sor-
row of the surviving — of wives, of children, of sweethearts, to
whom the telegram or the letter bore intelligence, which, if it did
not palsy their souls, at least changed the whole tenor of their
lives, and while it darkened all their future, left them possibly self
dependent and alone in a bleak and busy world. There are
wounds whicli pensions do not heal, and wants which the Govern-
ment, however generous, cannot supply. All tlie laws in the
world cannot give back the son to his widowed mother, or restore
the husband to the arms of his lonely wife. There is and can be
no record in the War Department of broken hearts — there is no
bureau of blighted hopes, no Secretary to compute the sighs and
tears, the days of distress, the sleepless nights, or the false and
mocking dreams of women whom the red hand of war, stretching
from the far off battle field, has remorselessly smitten, upon the
very hearth-stone of a blasted home, with all its tender recollec-
tions, and may be, stern, material necessities. The Government
places a little iron monument at the head of a soldier's grave ; it
pensions his widow and provides for his children. Can it do
more? Yes, more, much more! It can remember in all its
vaunted policy, in all its law-making, in all its care of the present,
and in all its provision for the future, how much the very oppor-
tunity of dohig anything has cost us, and by what sacrifices we
have earned the right and the power to shape the destinies of the
Republic, and to make it indeed the guardian of all its children
against every form of oppression. We want no wasted lives. We
want no gratuitous mortality. We want a steady remembrance
of the past, un vexed by revengeful memories and perpetuated
hatreds, but always fresh when principles are at stake, or social
equities again endangered. So much is due to those who have
suffered and those who have died."
HISTOKY OF ANCIEKT WOODBURY.
1345
As a result of all the wild turmoils of the war, of the untold
suffering aud anguish, and seas of human blood, we have peace, a
disenthralled race, brighter skies and a purer atmosphere, Let
all join in the devout aspiration, that the Giver of all Good will
evermore lead the hearts of all to the ways of peace.
CHAPTER VII.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 307.
1853 TO 1872; Rev. Lucius Curtis dismissed; Religious revival; Rev. Rob"
ERT G. Williams, settled ; Rev. Charles E. Robinson; Rev. Charles Little ;
Religious Revival ; Rev. Horace Winslow ; Rev. Gurdon W. Notes ; Mem-
bersrip and baptisms ; Rev. Samuel R. Andrew — life and character ; His
OWN account of his settlement ; Deacon Matthew Minor ; Minor Jubilee ;
Benedict will ; Concluding remarks.
HE history of the First Church,
in the previous edition of this
work, closed in the year pre-
ceding the termination of the
ministerial labors of Rev. Lu-
cius Curtis in Woodbury. He
had proved himself a very ac-
ceptable pastor and preacher,
but ill-health, the great dis-
troyer of human usefulness, intervened, and he was obliged to re-
sign his charge, which he did with reluctance, and to the great re-
gret of his people, on Sunday, Jan. 22, 1854. A special meet-
ing of the church and society was held, Feb. 4, 1854, at which the
following votes were passed : —
" Whereas the Rev. Lucius Curtiss has communicated to this
Church and Society his request that they should unite with him
in calling the Consociation to dissolve the connection now exist-
ing between us and him as Pastor and People, on account of ill
health ; and said church and society being unwilling to sunder
those bonds and be separated from one in whom they are so well
united, and to whom, personally they are so much attached, with-
out some judicious effort on their part to enable the Pastor to re-
gain his health, and still remain with us ; — therefore be it
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 13i1
" Resolved, That we propose to him that, instead of calling the
Consociation, he take a vacation of six months, witii entire free-
dom from all pastoral care and labor.
^^ Resolved That fov the same period, we continue his salary as
heretofore, and supply the pulpit from our resources as a soci-
ety; ai.J when the period proposed shall arrive, if his health is
not re-established, we will then, if he still desires it, unite with
liim in calling the Consociation."
Mr. Curtis asked time to consider the proposal, and on the 9th
of April, he renewed hia request for dismission. On the 27th of
the same month, the church and society voted to join with him in
referring the matter to the Consociation, to be acted on at its an-
nual meeting in the following June. William Cothren was ap-
pointed delegate on the part of the church to attend the Consoci-
ation. The matter was duly submitted, and the request of Mr.
Curtis granted.
There was an extended revival of religion during the ministry
of Mr. Curtis, as a result of which, forty-seven persons Avere ad-
ded to the church. The whole number of admissions during his
administration was eighty.
Some time after the dismission of Mr. Curtis, rest from pasto-
ral cares had brought a decided improvement to his health, and
he was settled over the Congregational Church in Colchester,
Conn., where he continued till about two years ago, when he re-
moved, and is settled over a church in Wisconsin,
On the 29th of January, 1855, a call was extended to Rev. Rob-
ert G. Williams, of Durham, Conn., which he accepted, and was
installed April 25, 1855.
During the administration of Mr. Williams, in 1857, the church
edifice Avas repaired, and remoddled, at an expense of a little more
than 84,000. Thirty-two persons were received to membership
under him, and the affairs of the society were prosperous.
On the 15th of January, 1859, Mr. Williams tendered his resig-
nation. The church and society accepted it, and united with him
in referring the matter to the annual Consociation in June, which
approved of this action, and such arrangements were made, that
he continued his pastoral care of the church till after the Bi-Cen-
tencial Celebration, July 5th, 1859.
In accepting his resignation, the society "Resolved, That he
has our hearfelt thanks for the faithful manner in which he has
discharged his pastoral duties to us."
1348 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
The church also, at the same time, " Resolved, That we
take pleasure in testifying, on this occasion, to our high apprecia-
tion of, and full confidence in the character of our Pastor, as a man,
a Christian, and a minister of the Gospel, and that our best wishes
and heartfelt sympathies will follow him wherever he may go to
labor in the wide harvest-field of the Lord."
At the close of Mr. Williams' labors, the people of his congre-
gation gave him a farewell donation. The following is an account
of the event, which appeared in the public prints at the time : —
'* A PLEASANT RK-UNION AT WOODBURY.
"The members of the First Congregational Church and Society
in Woodbury, in pursuance of a notice read from the pulpit on
the preceding Sabbath, met at the parsonage on Wednesday eve-
ning last, for the purpose of exchanging sentiments of sympathy
and kindness with their late pastor, Rev. Robert G. Williams, who
had been dismissed, at his own request, from his pastoral charge
over the people, by the late Annual Consociation of Litchfield
South. Notwithstanding a severe thunder storm, which came on
about the time appointed for the meeting, a large number con-
vened at the parsonage. After an hour or two spent in pleasant,
social intercourse, and the exchange of kind congratulations, Mr.
William Cothren, at the request of the assemblage, presented to
Rev. Mr. Williams a purse containing the sum of one hundred
and fifty dollars, contributed by individuals, in addition to the
sura of two hundred and fifty dollars, which had been previously
given him as a parting donation by the Society.
On presenting the donation, Mr. Cothren remarked substan-
tially as follows : —
" My Dear Sir : — I have been requested, by the friends here
assembled, to perform the pleasing duty of presenting to you,
with their kind congratulations and sentiments of esteem and af-
fection, a slight token of their enduring regard, and also of ex-
tending to you their adieus at parting. The same hour that wit-
nesses these cordial greetings, marks also the time of separation,
and our paths diverge from this point forever. Thus it ever is in
this changing, fleeting life. We meet in the rapid journey of our
pilgrimage on earth, we take the friendly hand, pass some brief
moments in joyous, social intercourse, and then pass on our vari-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1349
ous paths in the great labyrinth of life. Perchance our paths may
sometimes cross, and we may meet again, but we tarry not in our
hurried course.
" We meet this evening under circumstances of pleasure, and
of pain — pleasure in meeting, pain that we must part so soon. I
am glad to be present on this occasion, and the more so, because
I did not expect to be here. It is a happy interview. It gives us
an opportunity to see the sunny side of human nature — the clear
atmosphere of the heart's best affections. It is well that there
should be pauses like this in life's turmoil of contending interests.
And we congratulate you, sir, that you have been able to perform,
creditably and well, so far as you are concerned, your immediate
labors with us, for our personal and spiritual welfare. — We con-
gratulate you that you have labored with so great a meed of suc-
cess. We would fain imitate your earnest, unremitting and unsel-
fish labors for the good of the Church, and of mankind. We
would imitate your caution in speech —never retaliating an injuri-
ous word or act. In this parting hour, we do not ask you, if we
have erred, to forgive and forget, for well do we know, that in
your generous heart, it is done already.
"And now. sir, I extend to you the hand of fellowship^ never,
as 1 hope and believe,to be withdrawn during life's changing pil-
grimage. I do this, from the dictates of my own sentiments and
emotions, and at the request of the friends here assembled, and
others who cannot be present on this glad occasion. I give you
the hand of kindly greeting, as well as of friendly parting. We
extend to you that hand of kindness, which is often withdrawn,
even among most intimate friends, — sometimes for real, but often-
er for most imaginary causes. We greet you as one of God's mes-
sengers of "peace on earth and good will to men." Our hearts
will follow you with kindly emotions, to whatever field of labor,
in the vineyard of the Lord, you may be called. We would hold
up your hands, and cheer you on in the path of duty, and of use-
fulness. And now, with this our final greeting, we bid you an
affectionate farewell, in the cheering hope that God will at last
gather us, a happy and redeemed people, in the mansions of the
blest."
" To this address, Mr. Williams responded nearly as follows,
closing with a touching and appropriate prayer : —
"I accept this at your hand, and the hand of these kind friends
1350 HISTORY OF ANCIENT W 0 OD BURY.
here this evening. And while we are to say farewell, let it be
only as pastor and people. The place you have had in my heart
will be an aching void, if T may not stili know you as friends.
WhsQ I came among you, I gave you my heart, my whole heart,
and the kindness I have expeinenced from you, has produced no
desire to recall the gift. Your kindness endures to the last. I
can pledge you that to the last of life I shall retain a deep impres-
sion of it, and a sense of gratitude which I know not how to ex-
press.
"You may remember I have often preached upon the suscepti-
bility of the heart. It is because I know somewhat of its power
to suffer and enjoy. I have enjoyed in my heart your kindness,
and have felt more gratified than my uttered thanks have inti-
mated. For all the many acts and instances of kindness, I wish
again to thank you, and especially for this interview, spontaneous
on your part, and for this valuable memento, not " a slight token
of your enduring regard."
" I am also commissioned to bear to you a message of affection
and gratitude from my companion, who cannot be present to-night,
but who is here in the thoughts of her warm and loving heart.
She loves you very much, and yesterday morning repeated once
and again her charge to me to tell you how much she loved you,
and thanked you for all your kindness to her and to us as a family.
"I might, not inappropriately perhaps, speak of more geaeral
matters, relating to the Church with which you are still united, —
an unbroken church. — But there is no need. You have wisdom to
see your wants as well as I. You have a place of resort. Let me
urge you again to apply to Him, who is able and willing to give all
needed wisdom and aid. I commend you to His guidance. And
let me beg at the Throne of Grace you will all remember me, as I
have every one of you. There let us feel our union, through the
head of the church, unto one another.
" And if I have at any time in any manner given any occasion
of displeasure or offence, most humbly do I crave your Christian
forgiveness, even as I do most cordially forgive all who may now
or at any time feel that they have injured me.
"I have often borne you by name to the Throne of Grace. I
would like again to commend you to the love and mercy of God,
through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ."
"In the prayer which followed, Mr. Williams remembered most
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1351
especially and tenderly, ' the lambs of the flock,' in whom he al-
ways felt the deepest interest.
*' The assemblage was then summoned to partake of a most ex-
cellent collation, prepared with exquisite taste by the ladies. The
tables were luaded with viands and decorated with garlands and
rare bouquets. We have never seen a better or more tasteful dis-
pl ay, on any similar occasion. Having discussed these to the
heart's content, and passed a longer period in agreeable inter-
course, the company separated, w^ell pleased with the evening's en-
tertainment."
As has been seen in the preceding pages of this work, Mr. Wil-
liams served for a time as Captain of Company G., 1st Conn. Heavy
Artillery. He was afterwards principal of a Female Academy
at Saugerties, N. Y. Still later, he was for several years principal
of the Young Ladies' Seminary in Waterbury ; and is now at the
head of the Board of Education of the State of Vermont.
The church remained without a settled pastor till the summer
of 1862. Rev. Charles E. Robinson began to supply the pulpit in
the early part of 1861. He received a call to settle as pastor,
April 25, 1862 — accepted it May 5th, and was installed June lOth.
There were seventeen admissions to the church during his minis-
try. On the 27th of January, 1864, he tendered his resignation,
on the ground of ill-health.
On the 4th of February, 1864, the church passed the vote which
immediately follows, and he soon after left, though he was not
formally relieved of his charge till the 3d day of November fol-
lowing, by a Council of churches, as he had accepted a call to
settle over a church in Troy, N. Y,, where he has since remain-
ed, in the full performance of the duties of his ministry. The de-
gree of Doctor of Divinity was bestowed upon him at the late
Commencement (1871) of Williams College.
" Woodbury, Feb. 4th, 1864.
"We, the First Congregational Church, having reeeived the re-
signation of our Pastor, Rev. C. E. Robinson, feel ourselves com-
pelled, owing to the circumstances under >vhich we are providen-
tially placed, to a,ccept the same. We had cherished \he pleasing
hope and anticipation that the connection, so promising in its
commencement , would be as lasting as life, and that we should be
permitted to labor together for our dear Lord, many years. Sel-
1352 HISTORY OF ANCIENT "WOODBURT.
dom has any pastor so entirely possessed the confidence and love
of an entire church and society as has our present Pastor, and
it is with deep regret that we now come to the painful conclusion
that we must give hira up and dissolve the interesting relation of
Pastor and People. Such, however, seems to be the orderings of
our Heavenly Father, and we would cheerfully submit. We shall
follow our Pastor with great interest and solicitude, and our ear-
nest prayers, wherever his lot may be cast, and shall feel that, that
church which shall secure his stated labors among them will be
peculiarly favored of Heaven."
Rev. Charles Little, upon invitation, begun to supply the pulpit
in the summer of 1865. He remained with the church without
installation, but with the approval of the Consociation, about two
years, and did a good, an earnest, and a faithful work. Thirty
persons were added to the church, and two deacons were ordained
during his ministrations; Philo M. Trowbridge, Nov. 3, 1865, and
James H. Linsley, Aug. 31, 1866.
Mr. Little had spent most of his professional life in the mission-
ary field. After serving the church faithfully, till the fall of 1867,
he removed to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he is still engaged in his
holy calling. On parting with him, the church passed the follow-
ing unanimous vote, Sept. 22, 1867 : —
*' Whereas, Rev. Charles Little has faithfully labored with us for
the past two years, and his labors have been greatly blessed by a
good Providence, therefore
" Jiesolved, That we take pleasure in testifying to our high ap-
preciation of, and full confidence in the character of Mr. Little,
both as a man and a minister of the Gospel, and that our best
wishes and heartfelt sympathies will follow him wherever he may
go to labor, in the wide harvest-field of the Lord."
Oct. 13, 1867, both the First and North Congregational church-
es being without a settled pastor, the church
" Voted^ That we will unite with the North church and also the
Methodist church, in extending an invitation to Rev. Mr. Potter,
to labor with ns durinar the first week in December."
Mr. Potter came at the time stated. He is a " Revivalist "
preacher, who does not settle over any church, but goes wherever
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1353
he deeras the ** Lord calls him," to evangelize the people. Great
good followed his labors here. As a result of it, about twenty
numbers were added to this church, and various members to all
the other churches, making the total not less than seventy-five.
The church gave a call, January 16, 1868, to Rev. Horace
"Winslow, then of Newington, Conn., to settle in the work of
the ministry. There were various negotiations in regard to the
matter, which resulted in engaging his services for a year. He
did a very acceptable work, and twenty-four members were added
to the church. So great was the desire of the people to retain
him, at the end of the year, that almost the entire congregation
(every one found at home by the canvassers) signed an earnest re-
quest that he would remain among them. But believing a wider
field of usefulness opened to him at Willimantic, Conn., he re-
luctantly concluded to settle there, where he still remains. He has,
however, spent his vacations here, so that the people have not en-
tirely lost the benefit of his counsel and his services.
Mr. Winslow was born, May 18, 1814, at Enfield, Mass., to
John H. Winslow and wife, Elizabeth (Mills), graduated at Ham-
ilton College, N. Y. ; studied theology at Union Seminary, New
York city ; settled first at Lansingburg, N. Y. ; second, at Rock
ville, Conn., Oct, 1845, and dismissed, Nov., 1852; third, at New
Britain, Conn., Dec, 1852, dismissed Dec, 1857; fourth, installed
at Great Barrington, Mass., in 1858; and in 1862, he accepted an
appointment as chaplain to the 5th Conn. Vols., under the com-
mand of Gen. Banks, at Virginia. After serving several months
as Chaplain, he resigned, and was installed, Dec, 1, 1863, at Bing-
hampton, N. Y. ; preached next at Newington, Conn., then at
Woodbury, as before stated ; and then settled in Willimantic,
Conn., where he at present resides.
He married Charlotte H., daughter of Capt. Jonathan Petti-
bone, of Simsbury, born, July 23d, 1824, and married 8th May,
1850. They have children, as follows: — B\^nny Hamilton, b. Oct.
25, 1851 ; Lillian, b. 25th July, 1854, and Mary, b. 1861. '
Rev. Gurdon W. Noyes, of Fair Haven, was called by the
church, Oct., 1869, to settle,and was installed over the church,
Dec. 8, 1869, and still' continues his ministrations, to the accept-
ance and profit of the people. Fifteen members have been ad"
ded to the chureh under his administration.
' Andrews' Hist, of New Britain, Conn.
1354 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY.
Mr. Noyes was born in Stonin.^ton, Conn., Aug. 13, 1818, being
the 12th son of his father, and one of 17 children. He is a great
grandson of Rev. James Noyes, of Stonington, who was Mode-
rator of Synod at the formation of the Saybrook Platform, and
one of the first donors to the foundation of Yale College. The
latter was son of Rev. James Noyes, who came from England in
1634, and is the ancestor of the Noyes family in Connecticut. He
was born in 1608, in Choulderton, Wiltshire, England. His father
was a very learned man. He came to this country because he
could not comply with the ceremonies of the Church of England.
He was married to Miss Sarah Brown, not long before he came to
this country. He preached in Mystic, Conn., and Newbury Mass.
The family of Noyes is one of iS'orman descent, and originated
in England with William de Noyes, one of the followers of thfe
Duke of Normandy in his conquest of England, in 1006. The
family settled in Cornwall, Eng , in the reign of Charles I. Wil-
liam de Noyes, of St. Barian, Avas Attorney General, and his son,
Humphrey, was a Colonel in the Royal army, and married the
heiress of Lord Sandys.
Gurdon W. Noyes was graduated at Amherst College, Mass , in
1846, and at the Union Theological Seminary, N. Y., in 1849. He
was settled over the Presbyterian church in Porthmouth, Va.,
Dec. 19th 1849 ; over the Cong, church, at Cornwall, Vermont,
in 1852 ; over the South Cong. Church, in New Haven, Conn., in
1853 ; over the Second Cong, Church in Fair Haven, Aug. 1861 ;
and over the First Church of Woodbury, in 1869, as seen in the
preceding pages.
This old pioneer church has received into its membership since
its origin, 1,535. Within its folds, 3,010 have been baptized, and
twenty-three deacons have been ordained, only three of whom
survive, viz : Eli Summers, who has held the office forty-two
years, Philo M. Trowbridge and James H. Linsley. Its present
membership is 186, 58 males, and 130 females. The oldest living
members, by date of admission, are Mrs. Julia Blackman, admit-
ted in 1813, Mrs. Truman Orton and Mrs. James Preston, 1814.
The oldest male members are Stoddard Strong, 1821, and Deacon
Summers, 1822. Edmund Trawbridge, ag-ed 85, is the oldest in
years. Forty seven persons were admitted in 1850, of whom only
seven have died— a small per centage for twenty-one years.
At the date of the writing of the former edition of this work,
Rev. Samuel R. Andrew, one of the four most revered and sue-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODHURV. 1355
cessful ministers of this church, was still living, and it was scarce-
ly time to pronounce fully upon his life and character. Since then,
May 26, 1858, he has passed hence to a bright re-union with "his
Father and his God," to whom he had rendered a life-long ao.d
filial service. Few men have lived whose memory is so embalmed
in the hearts of surviving parishioners and friends. The follow-
ing notice of him, which appeared in the " New York Observer,"
after his death, will give an idea of his life and character : —
"Died, at New Haven, Conn., May 26th, Rev. Samuel R. An-
drew, aged 71 years. Mr. Andrew was long the honored pastor
of the First Congregational church in Woodbury, Conn. For the
last twelve years he has resided in New Haven, and for some
eleven years he has been the Secretary to the corporation of Yale
College. His intellect was strong, clear, comprehensive and dis-
criminating. His judgment was pre-eminently sound and wise.
His taste was pure and classical. His style in writing and in con-
versation, was lucid, chaste, and often elegant. His sensibilities
were exquisitely susceptible to beauty in nature, in literature, and
in character. His thoughts were always just, and often rich and
original. They were never tame and commonplace ; and yet the
movements of his intellect were so harmonious, and its structure
so symmetrical, that superficial observers failed to do justice to its
sti'ength and superiority.
"This was conspicuous in the circle of clergymen of which he
was one of the brightest ornaments, when he was in his prime; in
ecclesiastical councils, where his opinions never failed to be weighty
and wise ; in brief conversations on important themes, in respect
to which he would sum up all that needed to be said in a few brief
but pithy sentences ; in his written reviews and essays, of which
many were given to the public, and all, whether printed or not,
were carefully elaborated and chastely expressed ; and in the
thoughtful and elevated sermons, by which he moulded his people
by a constantly refining influence, and impressed them with a well-
founded respect for his intellect, and an unchanging confidence in
his wisdom.
"He was a labor dus student, and a close and comprehensive
thinker. He pondered the Scriptures well and interpreted them
with an enlightened but believing spirit. He was an independent
thinker in theology. The opinions which he held, he boldly but
quietly declared and defended. Every man who knew him felt
33
1356 HISTOKY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
that he believed what he spoke. For partizans and bigots he had
little sympathy and less respect. His respect for truth was lite-
rally awful, to hot-headed and self-confident sciolists, however
holy were their pretensions. He was long a member of the South
Association of Litchfield County, in which Beecher and Tyler and
Luther Hart were so conspicuous, and in which his own influence
was eminently useful and important. Few men were more re-
vered through the whole State" of Connecticut than he.
"His sensibilities were as tender as his intellect was strong. He
sympathized with all that is excellent and noble. His heart was
warm to the sufferer and the sorrowing. He was true to his
friends and loved them warmly and well. His eye would fill and
his lips would quiver with unfeigned and irrepressible emotion at
the recital of the afflictions of those whom he loved, but his sen-
sitive decorum would never yield to an outbreak of grief. It was
rare, in the last years of his life, that he listened to a sermon or
even a brief conversation on any Christian theme, and was not
strongly and deeply moved.
" His piety was the very beauty of holiness, it was so unaffected,
so symmetrical, so honest, and so tender. ' He was strong in
faith, giving glory to God.' When dreadful waves of sorrow
broke over him, he cast himself upon the promise of his covenant
God with the simplicity and confidence of a child. When op-
pressed by sad forebodings, he pensively bowed his head in prayer.
In the experience and conduct of ordinary life, he trusted in God
as his Father and Guide. He was humble, true-hearted, ever
trusting, ever thankful, in the varied experiences of a life not ex-
empt from the cares and fears that were especially fitted to annoy
and depress a spirit so gentle and sensitive.
" He died as few men die. He had arranged to make a half-
friendly, half-pastoral visit to his old friends and charge at Wood-
bury, and had despatched a letter written in a more than usually
cheerful tone to an intimate and beloved parishioner and friend-
That letter was received after he had been some hours dead. On
the morning of Wednesday he woke at his usual hour, and appa-
rently in his usual health. He spoke of being slightly chilled, ad-
justed the covering of his bed, breathed twice audibly, and in an
instant was gonr. Such a death had been pronounced by him to
be beautiful and desirable, and his thought was fulfilled. 'Mor-
tality was swallowed up of life.' ' He was not so much unclothed
as clothed upon.' ' He walked with God, and he was not, for God
took him.'"
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 137
Never perhaps were two persons, pastor and deacon, more close-
ly associated in all their inner religious life an'^ ey'.>eriences, than
werj Mr. Andrew and bis deacon, Matthev/ Minor. It was the
latter who was able to turn the scale in the perplexed young
preacher's mind, as to the question whether he should accept
the call to settle over this church, or not. Mr. Andrew wrote an
article for the Christian Parlor Magazine, in 1845, which relates
this fact, in the chaste, beautiful and eloquent style so peculiarly
his own. It is thought well to give this article entire, it is so
strongly characteristic, and is withal so fine a specimen of his
style of thought and diction : —
'' There is, oftentimes, a real and most delightful poetry in many
of the incidents of one's life, specially so, when these incidents
are looked back upon, over the space of intervening years that
have since flown away. Here and there at least, in one's life, se-
lect passages M'ill be met with, of surpassing beauty and interest,
as one thus turns back and reads over again the variously colored
pages of that curious and wonderful book. Even in the case of
those persons whose days are spent in the most retired, and quiet,
and rural walks of life, many of these charming incidents are to
be found. Ought such incidents to be lost and forgotten ? —
Those — what shall we call them '{ little episodes of God's peculiar
love and mercy to us, which seem to shed so many a bright and
joyous a gleam over the path, shall they be suffered to fade away
from our minds and be forgotten ? They seem too valuable, too
precious, to be thus suffered to pass away into oblivion, without
some pains being taken to arrest and fix the fugitive impressions
which they produce on the mind, before these impressions and
scenes which produced them shall thus be forever lost together.
" The writer's lot has been cast in one of the loveliest and most
picturesque and pleasant of New England's many charming val-
leys. On either side of this pleasant valley, stretching from north
to south, on two opposite ranges of hills, of considerable height,
approaching somewhat near to each other towards the south, and
tbrs forming, in the interval between them, is a kind of basin, cov-
ered in the summer season with a carpet of the richest, deepest
verdure. Through this valley, and about midway from either side
of it, a small stream of water is seen, like a thread of silver, wind-
ing along, in graceful meanders, and every now and then covered
from view by the fringes of trees, and wild shrubbery which
grow on its banks. The valley seems like a place formed for med-
1 358 HISTOUY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
itation and repose; for thoughts of God, and thoughts of Heaven.
This peaceful retreat, away from the great, and noisy, and jarring
world, has also some histoi'ical associations connected with it, in
what may be called, in our young country, the olden times, which
seem to add to it a still higher and more romantic interest. This
valley was once the favorite abode of a tribe, or the fragment of
a tribe, of the red sons of the forest ; a race of men deeply wrong-
ed and injured, and now almost extinct on the soil, and by the
streams where they formerly exercised their own unquestioned
rights of sovereignty. And a particular spot is shown to the cu-
rious in such matters,where (as tradition says) the remains of one
of their chiefs is now reposing, under a rude heap of stones.
The name of that chief has been rendered more imperishable than
his decaying race, by its having been given to some portion of the
natural scenery of the place where he and his tribe once enjoyed
their own wild freedom. The river and a neighboring mountain
will be his monument to the end of time. Associations also of
yet deeper, stranger interest, more hallowed, more touching, and
scarcely less romantic, press around the good man's heart as he
enters the smiling valley, and becomes acquainted with the history
of its early settlement. Its first white settlers were men of faith
and men of prayer. They were eminently men of this character.
In the eastern range of hills, skirting the village, as you approach
it from the south, and a short distance back from the summit of
those hills, there is a very singular and almost sacred locality. It
is a place of prayer— secluded, wild, and awe-inspiring, to which
the early fathers of the village were accustomed to resort, to hold
seasons of retired communion with God, and sometimes to spend
together there, entire days of fasting and prayer. And thus this
spot, at that time especially, must have been well chosen for such
a purpose; so far at least as the stillness and solitude, the seclu-
sion and wildness of the place, are fitted to awaken devotional
feeling, and to prepare the soul to commune with God. And to
this day, that ' pillar of stones' in the mountain is occasionally
visited, as a sort of sacred spot, both by the curious stranger from
abroad, and by those of the villagers themselves, who love to
hold retired communion with God among His works.
"It would not be strange if, under any ordinary circum-
stances the writer should feel some pleasant interest in such a spot
as this, and in the character of the people who occupy the valley,
that spreads along just beneath thisTnterevSting spot. A serious,
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1359
devout mind, always loves to dwell upon incidents, and objects
which bring God into view, and which tend to impart a fresh
impulse to its better, its holler aspirations and purposes. But
in the case before us, there is more than the pleasantness of
the natural scenery of the place, to awaken interest in the writer's
mind. There is more than the first historical associations of
the place; more than the wild Mountain Bethel, to which the
patriarchal fathers of the place (of blessed memory) were once in
the habit of resorting for prayer. There are, also, incidents and
reminiscences connected with this place, of a more personal kind,
to touch the writer's heart, and to call forth some of its sweetest
and most delightful emotions. May he venture to allude to one
or two of these ' Pleasant Remembrances ' of the past ? They
seem obviously to bring into view, and to exhibit in a pleasing
light the guiding, gracious hand of God, in an hour of some per-
plexity and doubt.
'* It was in the spring of the year 18 — that the writer first enter-
ed this valley, without any view of spending much time there.
He came by invitation ; but in much weakness and fear, and not
without some painful doubt and misgivings, as to the point wheth-
er, in coming thither, he was in the path of- duty which God
would have him pursue. Does the reader ask why ? He came
thither as a professional messenger of the Gospel of Peace. And
he was afraid, lest in a place where contentions and divisions,
heart-burnings and jealousies had for a time past existed, he
might, possibly, through inexperience or inadvertency, injure a
cause which he would gladly serve. On some accounts, therefore,
he would have chosen to get away, as soon as possible, from a
field of so much difficulty and so much responsibility. After pre-
senting the messages of God's mercy to that people for a few Sab-
baths, he became almost decided, in his own mind, to retire from
the place, and to await the call of God's Providence to go to some
other and more congenial field of labor. And yet it was true that,
in many respects, his feelings were drawn towards that people.
The determination which he had formed on his first going there,
not to remain over a few weeks, he felt, after a while, to be
giving way within him. And now the question which oppressed
him, and which became the simple naked question before his mind,
was the question of duty ; not what he would like to do, or would
not like to do ; but what, before God, and all things considered,
he ought to do. And when the matter came to this issue, the
1360 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
question seemed as far from being decided as ever, and as difficult
of decision as ever.
Some other persons, possibly, who may re.-'"'^ these remarks, may
have revived in their minds, by means of them, the remembrance
of similar struggles, which they themselves have experienced in
like circumstances. If so, they will know something of that state
of oppressive anxiety in this ' straight between two,' into which
the Avriter's mind was thus thrown. He felt that the question be-
fore him was to be, in all probability, the turning point of his own
future life. And in addition to this, that the spiritual interest of
a respected and beloved people, in their critical position, might be
scarcely less affected, the one way or the other, for good or for
evil, by the manner in which that question should be disposed of
by him.
"It was a pleasant afternoon of a pleasant summer's day, when
a venerable elder of the church called at the writer's lodging, and
proposed that they should make a visit together, to the hallowed
spot already mentioned as a place of resort for prayer. It was the
first time the writer had ever been there. And the avowed object
of the elder in proposing to the writer to visit this resort was, that
he might be his guide in showing him the way to the place. It
was so secluded, and so embowered among the mountain shrub-
bery, that it could not well be found by a stranger, without a
guide. They went together to the spot. At the foot of an over-
hanging rock, some thirty or forty f( et high, on the brow of which
stood an evergreen fir-tree, lay a rough pile of stone, exhibiting
evident marks, by their being discolored with smoke and soot^
that fires had often been kindled there. Some names also were
rudely inscribed on the shelving side of the rock, though mostly
effaced by the dripping of water down the rock. The whole
scene, in its external aspect, was indescribably wild. At least, it
seemed so then, to the eye and feelings of the writer. The air
was bi eathlessly still ; scarcely a leaf on the trees moved. The
hum of the village, though not a half a mile off, perhaps, was not
heard. The inspection of no human eye was feared, or thought
of, in that lonely mountain retreat. To m oppresocd and 8on»e-
wha'^ saddened spirit, and to an imagination beginning to hold
some not unwelcome sympathy with the wildness of the scene, it
really did seem as if God was in some special sense present there,
and as if he might be worshipped there, with a fullness and free-
ness of heart and soul, not always experienced elsewhere, in our
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1361
approaches to him. Indeed, the very feeling of the soul itself,
seemed like a kind of silent, voiceless worship. And prayer there
was all adoration, spontaneous, irrepressible adoration. Tlie rea-
son of this was, that the nature of the place strangely suggested
to the mind the idea, the great, the awful idea, of a present God,
and especially in the more grand and majestic, and terrible attri-
butes of His being. On that rude heap of stones, the two visit-
ants of this solemn temple of Nature, sat down together ; the
aged veteran soldier of Christ, almost ready to put off his well-
worn armor, and the young and inexperienced disciple, just put-
ting on his harness, and Avith a fluttering, palpitating heart, half-
hoping, half-trembling, in view of the prospect before him, and in
painful uncertainty as to the particular direction in which the
path of his duty lay. Little was said. Few words became such
a place; except that the grey-haired man, long since gone to his
rest, gave some brief history, partly from his own knowledge, and
partly from tradition handed down from his fathers, of the char-
acter of those good men in the same church, who had gone before
him, of the successive pastors of that church, of the first organi-
zation of that church, dating as far back as the year 1670, and
particularly of the interesting locality itself, where he and his
friend (whom he hoped one day to call his minister) were then sit-
ting. It need scarcely be added, that the time soon came, after a
few recitals of this kind were given, when they fell down together
in united supplication, before the Hearer of Prayer. And never,
while the writer retains the proper use of his memory, will he
forget that prayer of the venerable elder; and never will the im-
pressions made by it be effaced from his mind. It was not loud ;
it was not fervent, in the customary sense of that term ; it was
not pronounced with a choked or broken utterance ; it was not
accompanied with tears ; nor was it indicative of any such emo-
tion as is usually evinced by tears. It was calm. It was solemn.
It was eminently scriptural, both in its phraseology and its spirit.
It bespoke a mind familiar with Bible truth in Bible language,
and at home in urging that truth as an argument before God in
prayer, and it was singularly appropriate, as were the prayers of
this good man at all times, and in all circumstances. More than
a quarter of a century has elapsed since that prayer was offered;
and yet many of the thoughts and expressions employed in it,
seem, even now, to be trembling on the writer's ear, as if they had
scarcely ceased to be heard by him, and as if he had scarcely felt
1362 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUBT.
the solemn and glorious audience-chamber of the Most High, when
that prayer was offered. It began thus, or in expressions something
like them : — ' Our fathers worshipped in this mountain. But the
fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live forever?
We all do fade as the leaf. Thou carriest us away with the flood_
We spend our years as a tale that is told. But Thou art the same ;
of thy years there is no end. Thou hast been the dwelling place
of Thy people in all generations. Before the mountains were
brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world,
even from everlasting to everlasting. Thou art God. The moun-
tains are Thine, the strength also of the hills is Thine." In this
strain of sublime scriptural reference and quotation, did he con-
tinue for some time to exalt God, and to sink the creature in the
dust before Him, until that mountain might almost seem to
one's imagination, as the mountain of Israel seemed to the
prophet's servant 'full of chariots of fire, and horsemen of fire.'
And then, there followed a few words of entreaty for the Divine
guidance in difficulty, and for the resolving of doubts as to th'e
path of duty, and for a heart to do the will of God whenever
known, and whithersoever it might lead. There the prayer closed-
And from that hour the burden of anxiety on the writer's mind
began to roll off. That visit to the mountain Bethel was, proba-
bly, the turning point in his life. That prayer seemed to dispel
the cloud, and to make the path of duty plainer to him than it
had ever appeared to him before.
" Now step forward a few months from that time. In the suc-
ceeding autumn of the same year, the writer became the pastor of
that people. And on the afternoon of the day on which he had
taken upon himself his ordination vows, and had become the pas-
tor of that people, another little company was gathered together
at the same spot. It was a part of the ordaining Council by
whom he had been consecrated to his work. From the temple
made with hands, where the ordination services had been perform-
ed, these members of the Council had repaired, with the young
pastor, to the mountain-temple already described, and were now
lifting up their hearts in thanksgiving and praise to God. ' They
shook the depths of the forest's gloom with their hymns of lofty
cheer;' a pleasant sequel to the good elder's prayer, made at the
same spot, but a short time before. Some of the words whicl)
were sung, and with which the " sounding aisles of the dim woods
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKT. 1363
rang," were those sprightly and beautiful lines of Watts ; —
' Let Zion and her sons rejoice,
When we are dead ! '
Several of that little company, whose voices were blended in tha
song of praise, are now resting from their labors. The others wil
follow at no distant day. And if they are but faithful unto death*
is it any matter how soon ? Of the departed ones of that little
company, the writer vividly calls to mind the names which fol"
low. May he be allowed to pay this passing tribute of esteem
and love to their memory. The judicious and excellent Kev. Mr,
Langdon, of Bethlehem ; the warm-hearted and interesting preach-
er, the Rev. Mr. Clark, of Southbury ; the beloved and successful
pastor, the Rev. Mr. Hart, of Plymouth. Among the still survi-
ving members of that little company, were the Rev. Dr. Beecher,
now of Cincinnati, Ohio ; the Rev, Dr. Tyler, of South Britain,
now at the head of our New England theological institution, and
some others. If the e) e of any one of the^e dear brethren should
chance to fall upon these humble reminiscences of by-gone days»
they will doubtless recollect the scene above referi'ed to, and pos-
sibly it may seem to refresh them, like a well-spring in the wilder-
ness if, perchance, they ever feel weary in their Master's work.
Nearly thirty years have gone by, and yet how beautifully fresh
and clear that glad song of praise, from those who loved Zion,
and who loved one another, seems now to be going up on the
mountain air to Heaven, from under the shadow of that rock in a
weary land. Here was prayer too, as Avell as praise, in that little
circle. And such prayer ! The love of Christ constrained them.
They were dear to each other for their works' sake. And when
they went down from that Mount of Transfiguration, shall we call
it, to their respective fields of labor, because, like the primitive
disciples in the holy mount, they might not be allowed to build
tabernacles there, they were doubtless the better prepared, by the
little incident here recorded, for their future trials, and would
long remember the refreshing scenes of that day. Such, at least,
has been the case with the writer of these 'Pleasant Remem-
brances.' Now, such incidents as the foregoing, little in them-
selves, and almost unnoticeable, as they may seem to a careless
eye to be, are in truth, green spots in the wilderness ; beautiful
passages in one's history ; golden threads in life's changeable,
many-colored tissue ; sweet poetry, blessed music to man's often
1364 HISTORY OF ANCIEXT WOODBURY.
aching heart. They adorn, they soothe, they sweeten our rough
and often thorny course to our home. And why should not some
of the choicest of these 'Remembrances' be culled from the past
and saved from oblivion, for the honor of Him who has provided
them for us, and for the comfort of our fellow-travelers on the
same journey, towards the same home ?
" And now a word, at parting, to any who may cast an eye ©ver
these humble, unpretending ' remembrances.' Since the incidents
above recorded, respecting these blessed seasons of prayer took
place, the frosts of age have begun to descend upon the writer's
head, and he is admonished that the remainder of his term of ac-
tive service for the good of the only people whom, as a pastor, he
has ever loved and served, cannot now be very long. The shad-
ows of evening will soon be closed, and he himself will go to join
his beloved brethren, who have been called away from their work
before him. Let him record it, then, as one of the deepest con-
victions which his experience has furnished him, that a quiet and
persevering waiting upon God in prayer, under any and all trying
or doubtful phases of his Providence concerning us, is the only
safe and only rational course of conduct for us to pursue. Let
him say to his junior brethren in the ministry, or looking forward
to the ministry; let him say to the youthful disciples of Christ in
any situation of life ; let him say to any and to all who may read
these remarks ; confide your difficulties to God ; ask counsel from
Him ; believe in his word ; and thus wait for light in your dark-
ness ; and you, too, shall have, as the consequence, many a bright
passage in your life to record, and many a pleasant recollection, to
gladden the past, when you shall be called to look back upon it
from a point nearer to the grave."
At length, Mr. Andrew's much loved deacon passed away, at
the ripe age of 83 years. He preached a special sermon on the
occasion of his funeral, dedicated and presented it to the deacon's
children. The following extract from that sermon, is the pastor's
estimate of his life and character ; —
" Deacon Matthew Minor was born the 11th of Feb., 1'752, and
died July •20th, 1825, being in the 83d year of his age. He was
the youngest and, at the time of his death, the only surviving
child of Capt. Matthew Minor, by the side of whose grave he lies
buried, and for whose memory he is known to have cherished a
large share of filial reverence. His great-grandfather migrated to
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY 1365
this country from Great Britain in the early settlement of New
England. His Baptism is recorded in the hand-wriiing of the
Rev. Mr. Stoddard, the then pastor of this church, as having taken
place on the same day with his birth, Feb. 11th, 1762. Thus early
in life was he devoted to God, in that affecting ordinance of the
New Testament church, by which (at whatever age administered)
we are reminded of the corruption of our nature and our conse-
quent need ' of the washing of regeneration and the renewing of
the Holy Ghost.' He had the happiness to commence life under
the care of Christian parents^ and was from the first a child of
many prayers. He was brought up strictly^ according to the
piety of that day, being taught to ' fear God ' and to ' honor his
father and mother.' In quite early life (as he has told me) he was
the subject of serious impressions of mind, from time to time.
Possessing naturally a thoughtful, meditative turn of mind, he
was often made to feel, deeply and strongly, his need of personal
religion. This was more especially true from about fifteen or six-
teen years of age, till he was eighteen or nineteen. At this pe-
riod in his life he became the subject of pungent and distressing
co?ivictions of sin, insomuch (as he has been heard to say) that
his sinfulness appeared to him so great, and the justice of God in
his condemnation so plain, that it seemed to him, at times, almost
as if the earth would open and swallow him up, and as if there
was no mercy for him. At other times he would experience a
transient respite from such painful convictions, and then again he
would harden his heart against God, and seek for happiness and
safety in a ^ef/a? way of justification before him. Occasionally,
while in this state of mind, he would have short seasons of what
he would afterwards think to be a, false peace and comfort to his
soul ; once, in particular, (as he told me,) while he was in great
darkness and distress of mind, and striving to make himself bet-
ter by means of many prayers and tears, it seemed to be forcibly
suggested to him that he might now dismiss his fears, and cease
to feel further trouble, inasmuch as God had heard his prayers and
seen his tears, and was now at peace with him. This suggestion
was made to him in the following words of Scripture, which made
it the more plausible and the more dangerous. ' Go thy way, eat
thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart, for
God now accepteth thy works.' But he knew that his heart was
still unchanged. His spirit was "not subdued and broken for sin,
as he knew it must be, and he felt no reliance on Christ, such as
1366 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
he knew he ought to feel. Thus ' he escaped the snare of the
fowler,' in which there is reason to fear, so many are taken. Then
again, his convictions returned upon him with augmented force,
and the deep waters went over his soul. In this troubled state of
mind, with occasional alterations of less solicitude and less intensi-
ty of exertion to make himself j'?^ for the kingdom of God, he
continued for a considerable length of time; till, at last, he came
to feel that, in and of himself, he was completely lost j all hope
forsook him. He had done what he could, and it was to no pur-
pose, and he now felt himself to be (to use his own figure of
speech) like a twig of a tree that had been broken off from the
old parent stock, where it always had been living, and before it
was grafted into the new and better stock into which it was about
to be inserted, and where it was to blossom and grow and bear
fruit, by having a new and better life supplied to it, derived from
its new and better stock. It was in such a state of mind, broken
off, as it were, from the ' old Covenant of icorks,'' as a method of
life and salvation, and almost despairing of any relief that would
meet his case, and not yet ' grafted into Christ,'' by a true and liv-
ing faith ; as he was one day sitting by himself, in a retired apart-
ment to which he was accustomed to resort, and reading the 1st
Epistle of John, he came (slowly and sadly and despairingly) to
the words of our text and read them. ' These things have I writ-
ten unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye
may ktiow that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on
the name of the Son of God.'. It was enough. The mystery
was ended. The dark puzzle was cleared up. Light broke in
upon his mind. He saw the way clearly. He felt himself grafted,
an underserving worthless branch, into Christ, prepared to derive
all his hope and comfort /rom Him. From that time his new life,
as a Christian, commenced. To that portion of Scripture he often
referred, in after life, as the '• xiiord'' upon which he had been led
to hope, and from thenceforth he dated his singularly close and
exemplary walk with God. This took place when he was some-
where between eighteen and twenty years of age. His hope, as
thus commenced, he continued to cherish, up to the time of
his death, through a period of more than sixty years. Nat-
urally cautious, shrinking and self- distrustful, especially in regard
te the all important question of his own piety and personal accept-
ance before God as he was, he never gave up this hope to the last.
In the afflctions which he was called to experience, (and he had
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. ISlQ
some severe trials to pass through,) this hope never forsook him
and often it was to him, in times of trouble and sorrow, like ' an
anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast, entering into that
within the veil.' He had, it is true, at times, some remaining
doubts and fears about his own religious state and character, and
perhaps was never wholly free from these, je% upon the whole, his
trust in the Redeemer, his habitual communion with God in
prayer, and his hopes and consolations from the Gospel, were such
as kept his mind in peace. He never appeared to have any doubts,
even the smallest, about the wa]/ of salvation, however he might
feel occasionally as to the question whether he was himself inte-
rested in that way so as to be saved by it. And on this latter
point, though (as I have said) unusually cautious and self-distrust-
ful beyond most other men whom I have known, he had, in the
main, a settled and firm trust that he had built on the ' sure foun-
dation' and that he should therefore, through grace, be accepted
and saved at last, among the innumerable blood-washed company
before the Throne. With this sweet and blessed ' hope,' appa-
rently strong and abiding within him, he went slowly and gradu-
ally down into the dark valley, till death removed him from our
view. May I be permitted to add, that during his last illness, un-
til by slight attacks of paralysis, his mental powers became some-
what impaired, his conversations with myself (which, by his bed-
side, were many) on the great subjects of doctrinal and experi-
montal Christianity, and especially on the ioay of acceptance by
Christ, were of the most strengthening and delightful character.
His religion, as now exhibited in these interviews, was anything
but gloomy. His soul now dwelt in a region too elevated, pure,
etherial, to be habitually or often clouded with gloom. True in-
deed, his views of S2n as committed against a Ifoly God, and in vi-
olation of His Law of infinite authority and rectitude, were now,
as they always had been before through life, deep and awful. It
would make you almost shudder to hear him talk on that theme-
But, at the same time, his views of the atonetnent by the blood of
Christ — his views of the Gospel method of a sinner's acceptance
and justification before God, as to its sufficiency and fitness to the
sinner''s case, were so much above and beyond his views of the
sinner's guilt, (great as that guilt is) that when he came to speak
of the way of salvation hy faith in Christ, it was always in terms
full of hope and joy, and sometimes even of triumph.
" At the age of twenty years, March 1, 1772, he made a public
1368 HISTORY OF A^TCIBNT WOODBURY.
profession of religion, ami joined the Church. Nov. 25, 1793, he
was chosen a deacon in this church, in which office he continued
till his death, discharging its duties with fidelity and great accept-
ance, to both the church and the people for some forty years.
'' Thrice he was elected to represent this town in the General
Assembly of the State — though few men have ever so instinctively
shrunk from notoriety and intercourse with the world in public
political life. He was very often chosen a member of this Conso-
ciation, and his prayers and counsels in that body were always
welcome; in times of difficulty, they were especially desired and
valued. In his system of Family Government he was strict
and thorough, and he had the privilege of living to see most of
his children, and many of his grand-children, hopefully converted
and members of the church. Among the circle of his relatives
generally there is an uncommonly large proportion who are the
professed followers of Christ.
" His own communion with God in secret^ and his acqtiaititance
tcith the Scriptures, were almost without a parallel. Of the latter
only can I now speak. About the time of his conversion he be-
gan the practice, which he followed through life, of reading the
Bible through by course once a year. This was in addition to all
his other and occasional reading of it — which was, probably, far
more. Thus, by course, (once every year,) he had read it all
through more than sixty times, and his knowledge of that Book
Avas very minute and accurate, and his ability to quote it in prayer
singularly happy.
" But time admonishes me to desist ; suffice it only to add, in
giving this sketch of his life and character, that he was a man of
sound judgment, and practical wisdom, of few words, of a modest,
unassuming deportment, slow and cautious in forming his opinions,
but firm and unwavering in maintaining them. In his manners,
there was a happy mixture of Christian dignity and relf-respect,
on the one hand, and of Christian simplicity and humility on the
other. One trait in his religious character was quite remarkable.
He looked upon death and the things which lie beyond death,
with a kind of trembling awe and solemnity. He used to speak of
himself as having been ' all his life-time subject to bondage through
fear of death.' Yet when he came to die, that dread of death
which he had been accustomed to feel, even to a morbid degree,
perhaps, seemed to be taken away, and his end was peace. Thus
lived and died one of the best of men with whom it has been my
lot to be acquainted."
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1369
On the 10th of October, 1860, the descendants of this good
man lield a family re-union at the house of Mr. Erastus Minor
who occupied the homestead of his father, Deacon Minor, which
is situated a few rods north of the location ot the house occupied
by Capt John Minor, at the founding of the town, long since de-
molished. The deacon's descendants, by blood and marriage,
numbei'ed, at this time, 125. The occasion was one of great in-
terest and enjoyment to the family. There was an address of
welcome, a historical family address, reading of the Scriptures
from the old Bible read so many years by the deacon, a sermon,
refreshments, "' after dinner " speeches, songs, closing with the
following ode, written by one of the grand-daughters : —
" Beautiful, bright, are the October days ;
Gorgeous ia their golden haze ;
Gladly we welcome their presence here,
Solemn, sacred, best of the year.
More glorious still is this union sweet,
Where kindred friends together meet,
To honor the sire, himself a host.
Long gone before, but still not lost.
" As we meet here with filial tread,
Retrace the footsteps of the dead.
And wake the silent echoes, where
Long dwelt tha sainted man of prayer,
"We seem to see his noble form,
His reverend brow, his accents watm,
His arm.chair in its wonted place,
His Bible, too, that gift of grace.
Hail mighty spirit of the dead.
Upon our hearts thine influence shed.
While here we meet with filial love,
Smile on thy children from above.
A heavenly token let us see.
Which to thy seed shall ever be,
As on we tread life's devious ways.
A benediction all our days.
It was an occasion reverent in its honor of the dead, and long to
be remembered with pleasant thoughts by all who were present.
It will be seen, on page 306, that Hon. Noah B. Benedict be-
queathed certain property to the society, now occupied as a par-
sonage on certain peculiar conditions, among which was the fol-
lowing:—
1374 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
" Nor shall said Society take benefit of this bequest, if it shall hereafter cease
to maintain the pure doctrines of the Gospel, as now held, preached and under'
ttood by our Pastor (Mr. Andrews) and his people."
After a few more years shall have rolled away into eternity, it
might be difficult to prove in a court of law how Mr, Apdrew's "peo-
ple " actually did " believe and understand the pure principles of
the gospel." But it was thought it could be determined how Mr*
Andrew " held, preached and understood " these doctrines, and ac-
cordingly, the society, on the '2d of April, 1868, in legal meeting,
" Voted, That the Clerk of the Society be requested to procure
from the widow of our former Pastor, the late Rev. S. R. Andrew,
one or more of bis sermons, formerly delivered by him from our
pulpit, and covering doctrinal points, and of a character to show
in any Court, if needed, the doctrines which he preached, the same
to be preserved with the records, and other documents of the
Society."
In accordance with this vote, his farewell sermon, which cover-
ed the whole field of his doctrinal belief, was procured, and is now
preserved in the archives of ' ye ancient Society. "
Thus have we minutely traced the " dealings of the Lord " with
this branch of the " Church universal," from its stormy founda-
tion in 16*70, to the present time, a period of 202 years. Our zion
has been greatly favored of Heaven, and peace and prosperity
prevail in all our borders.
■^^^TifiSJi
CHAPTER VIII.
CIVIL HISTORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 342.
Miscellaneous events from 1853 to 1872; Tories; Local Scnooi, Fund;
Remember Baker ; Colonel Seth Warner ; Parson Stoddard and the oun-
lock; Epidemics; Ancient buririal-ground ; New burial-grounds; New
CouNTT Proposition; Ancient tea-party; Moll Cramer, the witch ; Break
neck hill; Natural curiosities; Walker headstone; Rampit uill; Par-
son Wildman's Donation visit; Parker Academy; Bethel Rock Lodge;
WooDBURv Bank ; Building Association ; King Solomon's Lodge, No. 7.
>> X T I N U I .\ G our ac
count of the miscellane-
ous events that have oc-
cuiicd since 185 1, \\e^
note d feu ot the most
mpoitant Foi th( pui-
po^e of cleaiiie-^s and
j)e!spieuit}, we ha\e al-
Wm. Cothren's res^icience. ready noticed, in the
other divisions of this work, many of tlie most interesting of them.
We repeat, in a slightly varied form, a few of the topics intro-
duced into the former edition, for the purpose of allowing the ar-
tist to give his interpretation of them. Very few items of tlie an-
cient history of the town have been discovei-ed, after the thorough
gleaning of facts from every source that was employed on a ior-
34
1372 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
mer occasion. A few additional names of revolutionary soldiers
have been recorded, and will appear in the chapter of statistics at
the end of this volume.
During the war of the Revolution, Woodbury was remarkably
free from effective tories. While other towns had bitter and se-
vere conflicts among their own inhabitants, and even among mem.
bers of the same families, resulting in enormities and bloodshed,
our town, thanks to its standing Committee of Vigilance and Ob-
servation, consisting of as many as thirty of the leading and most
reliable citizens, was practically free from trouble. The laws
against the enemies of the patriotic cause were very severe and
comprehensive. The spirit of the people was at fever heat, and
although, from the sensitive jealousy of all our people, even the ap
appearance of any unpatriotic conduct, caused prosecutions to be
somewhat frequent, convictions were very rare. But twelve cases
of successful confiscation of the estates of individuals appear upon
our Probate records, the district at that time embracing a terri-
tory including Waterbury and Litchfield on the East, New Fair-
field on the South, and all the territory within these towns, to
Massachusetts on the North, and New York on the West. Four
of these were in Ancient Woodbury, four were residents of
New Milford, and four were of Waterbury. If there were oth-
er convicted tories, they must have been destitute of estates, or
they would have been recorded. This is not a bad record, surely,
for our ancient town, containing, at that period, some 6,000 in-
habitants, or at least treble the present population.
Among the resources from which our public schools are sup-
ported, is one of £100, old tenor — $333.33 — which is kept at in-
terest, and the interest only applied to the support of schools. It
has always been reported, that this sum was a bequest for this
purpose by one of the Shermans ; but the writer has not been
able to verify the correctness of the story. It is believed that it
is the remainder of the money arising from the sale of Wood-
bury's share of the school lands, set apart for the support of
schools, under the ''Fundamental Articles" of 1673. This opin-
ion gains strength from a vote passed by the First Ecclesiastical
Society, Dec. 6th, 1784, viz: *' Voted^ That Doct. Orton and Na-
than Preston be a committee to take care of all the public moneys
belonging to the school in this society." This was 111 years after
the land had been " sequestered " for this use, and the tenor of
that appropriation seemed to be, that the principal should never
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 1373
be expended. It is plausible, therefoi'e, to suppose that this was
the origin of our present " Local School Fund."
It is interesting to note the transmission of warlike and other
traits of character down to remote generations. An instance of
this kind may be instanced in the case of the late Brig. Gen. La-
Fayette C. Baker, Provost Marshal of the War Department, and
Chief Detective officer of the United States Army. He was son
of Remember Baker, of Stafford, N. Y,, afterwards of Lansing,
Mich., and grandson of Capt. Remember Baker, of Woodbury,
who was one of the Green Mountain Boys, and cousin of Co^
Ethan Allen, and Col. Seth Warner. Capt. llemernber Baker, the
elder, was killed by the Indians. His head, right hand and toes
were cut off, and carried as trophies to Quebec, where they were
exposed to public gaze on a stake, placed on the walls. His slay-
ers also took the gold brooches which he wore, and delivered
them, with the head, to the Commandant at Quebec, who after
wards, having discovered on them some Masonic emblems, caused
the head and hand to betaken away and buried. A reward of
£50 had been offered for his head, and the reason for carrying the
head to Quebec was, to claim the reward.
During the Revolutionary War, it became frequently necessary
to send prisoners of war into the interior towns for safe keeping.
Neither party had then become so civilized as to impale prisofiers.
On the 28th of October, 1776, Major Lockwood reported to the
New York Committee of Safety, that he had sent the following
prisoners of war from Pound Ridge, N. Y., to Woodbury, Conn.,
for safe keeping, in charge of Lieut. Samuel Bowten, viz: — James
Wilson, John Murry, Samuel Coppin, Jeremiah Reerdor, Henry
Kilgrove, Michael Cowney, and his child. '
In the spring of 1865, Ex-Gov. Hilard Hall, of Bennington, Vt.,
called the writer's attention to the following matter, — desiring an
examination into the facts stated, and a reply : —
" In Harper's Magazine for December last, there appeared an
article entitled 'a new anecdote of Washington,' to the effect that
while he was making the tour of the Northern States, in the fall of
1789, he made an unexpected call at the residence of the widow
of Col. Seth Warner, in Woodbury, Conn., informed her that he
had ascertained that her homestead had been left by her patriotic
husband encumbered by a heavy mortgage, and then took from
• 3 Am. Archives, 273.
13'74 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUEY.
his valise 'a bag of silver and deliberately proceeded to draw out
and count from it, till he had reached the sum of nine hundred
and some odd dollars,' the precise amount due the creditor ' in
principal, interest and fees for the discharge of the mortgage,'
which sum the astonished widow accepts from her illustrious vis-
itor, and with it relieves her estate from the encumbrance."
Accordingly, after a careful inquiry, the following answer was
returned, which explains itself: —
WooDBUKY, Conn., April 20, 1865.
Hon. Hilaru Hall, —
Dear Sir : — Your favor of the 6th ultimo M'as duly received^
and would have been answered earlier, except for pressing pro-
fessional engagements. You call my attention to the story, which
is going the rounds of the press, in relation to Gen. Washington's
paying, in 1789, a heavy mortgage on the homestead of Mrs. Es-
ther Warner, widow of Col. Seth Warner, of this town. In re-
ply to your inquiries, I have to state, that during the seven years
I was engaged in collecting materials for the history of Ancient
Woodbury, I never heard a word of the transaction referred to.
As we have a strong local pride in the history of Col. Warner,
and a national pride in and reverence for the character of Wash-
ington, I would be glad if the story were true. But a reference
to our town and probate Records show, conclusively, that it is
not true. By these records, it appears that Noah Frisbie deeded
fifty-one acres of land, with the buildings thereon, in the Parish
of Roxbury, in the south-west part of Woodbury, to Col. Seth
Warner, of Bennington, Vermont, Oct, 16, 1783. Col. Warner
died in December of the next year. Administration was granted
on his estate Jan. 19, 1785, to his widow, Esther Warner, and
Capt. David Leavenworth. The estate was represented insolvent,
and proved to be so, paying only two shillings ten pence on the
pound ; from all his property, both in Connecticut and Vermont.
The inventory of his estate included the fifty-oue acres of land be-
fore mentioned, and was sold, subject to the widow's dower, the
use during life of one-third of it having been set out to her at
£118 — 14 — 4, including the avails of his few personal effects.
Thus it appears that the whole value of his property was much
less than the story has it. Of course there could be no mortgage
on the widow's dower under this state of facts, and the records
HISTOKT OF AXGIEXT WOODBURY,
13Y5
show no mortgage either before or after Col. Warner's death,
either of his or her interest in the land. The avails of the Col.'s
Verment property is cariied out as £71 — 2 — 3.
The inventory shows that at time of his death Col. Warner
owned no horse, and therefore Gen. Washington covdd not have
seen his son Seth, " grooming him." By a reference to the Wood-
bury History, and other authorities, it will be seen, that Col. War-
ner was disabled in service, in 1777, and it would therefore be singu-
lar that Washington should have seen him "on parade," and should^
twelve years afterwards, have remembered his " war horse."
There is no tradition that Washington visited Woodbury after
the close cf the war for independene. During that war, there is a
tradition that he, vvith his staff, passed through the town on sev-
eral occasions, and houses are still pointed out where ho is said to
have lodged. This town was in tlie line of the regular route
from Boston to the army on the Hudson River. The foregoing,
I believe, answers all the questions you asked me. You are at
liberty to use this letter in any manner you choose in aid of the
truth of history. Yours very truly,
William Cothren.
On page 79 an account is given of the killing of two hostile
1376
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Mohawk Indians, by Rev. Mr. Stoddard. "While clearing out a
lot of rubbish behind the huge chimney, in the old Parsonage
house, which was built in lYOO, an exceedingly large gun-flint
lock was discovered, which is now in the possession of the writer.
Its proportions are enormous. The base of the lock is some nine
inches in width, height of cock about six inches, face, or width
for holding flint, one and a half inches. The calaber of the gun
needing- so lai-ge a flint-lock, must have been of ungainly propor-
tions, requiiing the strength of a giant to wield it with such
deadly eftect, as it is related the good old parson did. There is a
great deal of history in this old flintlock, successor of the match-
lock. The latter was so ungainly a contrivance, it is difficult to
see how any damage could have ever been inflicted upon any one
but him who wielded it.
On page 148 is an account of several periods of alarming sick-
ness, which carried off" great numbers of people. We had another
of the seasons of great mortality during the winter of 1870-71.
The diseases of which the people died were not precisely epidem-
ic, though fever was the prevailing disease ; but men, women and
children unaccountably sickened and died, without apparent rea-
son for such mortality. A large number of the most prominent
and useful citizens were taken, and many others grappled with
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1377
the fell disease. Within six months, 47 persons died, out of a popu-
lation of less than 2,000. It was a sad season, well calculated to
impress the heart of the most careless.
Though the ancient burial ground south of the Episcopal Church
was used for the purposes of sepulture from the founding of the
town in 1672, it AS'as never formally laid out till 1741. By a vote
of the town it was in that year laid out, by the Committee of
common and undivided lands. By its description, we learn that
Deacon Zechariah Walker, son of the first pastor, lived on the lot
now occupied by widow Burton Candee.
Twenty-five years ago, this ground, though burials were fre-
quent, had become much neglected. Briars and weeds covered
the whole area. The south-eastern part, now the most beautifully
adorned, was the receptacle of the waste of the ground, including
the ravine, now so beautiful. The western border was occupied
by the town pound, and the refuse of the neighboring manufac-
tories were piled along the western borders. The whole thing
was an insult to the ashes of six generations. This state of things
struck some of the people very unpleasantly, and, accordingly, the
matter was brought before a special meeting of the town. May 22,
1868. A committee was appointed to investigate the subject, and
report the action desirable for the town to adopt. The committee
accordingly reported, that the pound should be removed to the
rirer, the whole of the land cleared of rubbish, and enclosed to
the highway on the west, and cleared also on the east. The west
side was to be graded. This report was accepted, aod its recom-
mendations carried out. At the same time it was voted, that
though heretofore this ground had been common land, any house-
holder might take up a lot in the unoccupied ground thus reclaim-
ed, and have a title to the same, on improving it. Under this
provision the forlorn and desecrated south-east corner has become
the most ornamented and beautiful in the cemetery. The south-
west, or " pound " corner, has been also beautified, and has become
very desirable for the resting place of our deceased loved ones.
At the same time, a lot containing about one and three-quarters
acres of land, adjoining the north burial ground, was purchased by
the town as an addition to that cemetery, and a lane between the
two was discontinued, so as to form a continuous ground. Then
immediately began a fierce contest among the inhabitants, on the
question of whether the addition should be "free ground," as it
was called, that is, every one to have the right to occupy any lot
ISiS HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O D B U K Y ,
in the ground without question, or whether the inhabitants sliould
have a right to purchase family lots, and take an indisputable title
to the same, that they might beautify and hold them with immu-
nity from trespass, as any other real estate is held. Although the
old rule had been, that the family that first occupied a lot, should
be enabled to retain the same as a family burial lot, without mo-
lestation, yet in point of practice, there were continual encroach-
ments, by other burials, on the appropriated family lots. Strange
as it may seem, there was a little controversy, and the town was
nearly equally divided on the question, whether the old plan of
inevitable enchroachments should be continued, or whether each
head of a family, on paying an assessed price, should have title
to a lot, to beautify and adorn as private property, according to
his individual taste. Meeting after meeting was called ; contrary
determinations were arrived at ; suits for mandamus and injunc-
tion followed, till the town was in quite a turmoil of excitement.
It was finally determined, in a special meeting of the town, that
one third of the addition should be "free ground," after the old
fashion, and that the remainder should be sold, as called for, at
assessed prices, the money to go into the town treasury'-, and the
purchaser to have a deed of the same, for the purposes of sepul-
ture alone, with f'lll covenants. The effect has been, that the fam-
ilies have taken an increased interest in the several lots, and the
two cemeteries present an improved and tasteful appearance, cred-
itable to the people, and in accordance with that delicate taste
we should ever bestov/ upon the lonely resting place of our be-
loved dead.
In 1748, 17.51 and 1768, (see pages 153-4) there were efforts to
establish a new county of Woodbury, with Woodbury for its
shire town. Litchfield County was however selected instead,
with Litchfield for its County seat. The matter rested there till
the spring of 1871, more thana hundred years, when, on account
of the fact that railroads had been built on either side of the
County, and the shire town had become more difiicult of access
than many other towns, an application was made to the Legisla-
ture for a new Count}'^, its seat to be at Waterbury.
A town meeting was held and a vote passed, that the town was
in favor of a new County, and appointed a committee of five to
advocate the measure before the Legislature. But, with the com-
nie')idahle pi-udeiice in the expenditure of money which has char-
acterized the town every time this subject has been agitated
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
1379
for the last hundred years, a further vote was passed, that the
prosecution of the enterprise should be conducted without expense
to ths toirn f The committee which had been appointed, consist-
ing of William Cothren, Nathaniel B. Smith, James Huntington,
George B. Lewis and Cornelius J. Minor, most of whom were not
present at the meeting, or learning the terms on which they could
address the " worshipful " General Assembly, declined to turn
aside from their ordinary avocations, to engage in such a thank-
less task at their own expense, and the other towns having evinced
a similar want of pecuniary inteiest in the enterprise, it most in-
glorious ly ^''fell through!''''
There is a very prevalent, though probably erroneous notion
abroad in the world, to the eifect that ministers' and deacons'
children are wont to be, in early life, more actively hilarious, and
sensitively appreciative of wordly joys, than others of their age
and condition in life. Parson Stoddard, who, for the long period
of sixty years resided in the old parsonage, and presided over the
religious interests of the people with so much fidelity and success^
had a large family of sons and daughters. Though no scandal
ever attached to them, the daughters are related to have some-
what rebelled at the rigid notions of their reverend father. It
was not to their liking, when lovers called, to be obliged to sit with
doors ajar, that their venerated parents might be assured by the
" hearing of the ear," that no careless or irreverent word was uf
1380
HISTOBY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
tered. So, after a time, arrangements were made by which the
lovers ascended a ladder, and were admitted at the north-west
chamber window of the venerable mansion. A notable occasion
occurred, when there was a brilliant, though secret gathering in
that old " tristing chamber." It was on the occasion of the first in-
troduction of tea into the colony. The good pastor had obtained a
small quantity, to be used in " cases of sickness." But the daugh-
ters were " minded " to have a model " tea-party " with their
"sweet-hearts." As the article had never been "cooked" in the
house, they were at their wits' end to know how to " do the dish."
They solved the difficulty in the end by cooking it in a large iron
kettle and serving it in a platter, in the same manner as they
would a mess of greens.
Woodbury has had a specimen of everything that any part of the
State has possessed. It has therefore had its witch. The name of
this "veritable being" was Moll Cramer, who lived in West side
somewhere near the Bunnell
place. She was the wife of
the elder Adam Cramer, a
blacksmith, who was living
there as late as 1753. He
took especial pains not to of-
fend his wife, for whenever
he was so unlucky as to fall
under her ire, everything
went wrong with him. If he
was shoeing a horse, and she
came around in wrathful
mood, no shoe, however well
secured to the hoof, no
strength of iron nails was
able to withstand her influ-
ence. The shoe would im-
mediately begin to loosen, and. fall oflf.
Her conduct finally became so outrageous, that her husband,
who was a Christian man, being dependent upon the patronage of
the public for his support, and being in danger of the suspicion of
" holding familiarity with Satan," was obliged to discard her and
drive her from his house. She built a cabin of poles on Good Hill,
slept on straw, in a filthy way, and eked out a scanty subsistance
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKT
1381
by begging from the much enraged neighborhood. Her son, who
was believed to have been be-
witched by her, was inseparable
from her in all her wanderings,
and begging for bread. No one
dared to refuse her anything she
asked for. If she asked for a piece
of pork, and it was denied, a blight
fell upon that man's swine, and no
wealth of meal and potatoes could
ever fatten them.
One day she went into the house
of a neighbor who was churning
cream. She conversed indifferent-
ly with the lady of the house about
butter and other matters, and, after a time, no present of butter,
or anything else being offered her, she retired. The churning
went on during the after-
-J^-U^ <--^%-^ noon and evening, but no
^ ^ \^ butter was produced. Next
___' 'j-^:3= I- morning the churning was
^ "~"^~ resumed by the good dame
and her husband, with no better success
than before. After a long time it occurred
to them that Moll had been there the day
^ before, and that she had doubtless bewitched
the cream. The good man of the house,
determining to hur7i the vntch out of the
cr€am,heated a horse shoe and dropped it
into the churn. A few moments after, the process of churning
ceased, and the butter was " gathered." If these good people
had been a little better acquainted with nature's laws, they would
have understood that the heat imparted by the shoe, was just the
warmth required to accomplish the purpose, and would not have
supposed that any miracle had been performed in burning the
witch! Further particulars about this crazy old Avcman, and the
superstitious dread of her, will be found on pages 159, 160.
On page 214, an account is given of the passage through Wood-
bury of the French army, on its way south, to join Washington
in his operations against Lord Cornwallis. In the account, a single
1882
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
error occurs, in stating that Gen. La Fayette was with the troops.
He proceeded another way to join Washington. It was Count
Rochambeau who ])assed through Woodbury in command of the
troops. Gen. La Fayette had generously raised the troops in his
own country, and commanded them in the field. It was also sta-
ted in the former account, that the army passed over Breakneck
Hill, in Middlebury, near the north end of Quassapaug Lake, and
that the hill was so called from the circumstance of the falling
of one of the cattle in descending that hill, and breaking its
neck. The army passed over that hill, but we find by the records
of ancient Waterbury, that it had borne the name of Breakneck
for more than half a century before this occurrence.
One or two natural curiosities have been omitted in the chapter
on the physical history of the town. One is a very singular spe-
cimen of an oak tree, situated in
the highway, near the house of
Deacon Truman Judson, in upper
Nonnewaug, of which the artist gives
the subjoined sketch.
Near the southern boundary of the
town, in Transylvania, by the high-
way, on William N. Shelton's land,
is another singular specimen of the
freaks of nature. A tree stands there,
which is formed by a complete union
of a " shag-bark " hickory on the one
side, and a white-oak. on the other,
g^^^^^^^i^O^^i^^as both bearing nuts " after its kind."
It lb a veiy inteiesting specimen in natural history, and many
people go to visit it, to mark its curious combination.
Just below this tree, near the higliway, and near the place
where stood the old Elisha Minor house, is a mammoth frost-
grape vine, which is judged to be near 300 years old, having been
known ever since the founding of the town, in 1672. It is forty
inches in circumference, at the place where it leaves the ground,
and much larger just below the surface. It is thirty-five inches in
circumference, tea feet from the ground, and is in no place less
than twenty-eight inches in circumference, till it separates into
branches, and overspreads a large oak tree. It is now (Aug., 1871)
loaded with grapes.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
1383
The Fatlier's Monument, as has been before stated, is located at
the head of the grave of Rev.
Zechariah Walker. In locating
the monument, the ashes of him-
self and wife were not disturb-
ed. The original head-stone,
was mad^" from a native boulder
uncut. The artist gives a fac
simile of it in the margin. The
writer caused the original let-
ters, which had become nearly obliterated by the storms of 160
years, to be cut very deep, so that they may be legible for ages to
come.
Ram-pit Hill, which is near Hotchkissville, received its name
jr from a pit, which was dug to
,i^ ■©>* (2ntrap a wolf, that had been
;^\\i making great havoc among
ir^"^?. wli^^^ the sheep. A ram was placed
within it as a lure for tlie wolf
to enter it. The bait proved
sufficient. In the morning the
wolf was found in the pit, and
the ram, instead of being de-
voured, had defended himself
witli so much spiiit and br.n ery, that he had reduced the wolf to
a stnte of great docility. The Avolf was despatclied, and his com-
panion released.
During the iTth century, there was a custom prevailing among
the Congregational societies, (as indeed has been the case in later
years) of supplying-their pastors Avith their year's quota of wood,
by what was termed a " wood-spell," or " wood-bee." It was also
in accordance with the custom of the times for the pastor to in-
vite his parishioners "to take something to drink," on airiving at
his wood-yard before unloading
their wood. Rev. Mr. Wild man,
pastor of the church in the South-
bury society, at this time, was a
wit, and fond of " cracking his
iokes" on all suitable occasions. A
certain poor, but jocose man, who
"^N^ 1^^^^" -^^*^"^»^^ j^fifl jjo team, but who liked well
the customary " treat," on one occasion, took a large log on his
1384 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
shoulder, and bore it with much difficulty into the yard. His pas-
tor was ready to welcome him, with the same bland cordiality as
the others, and said, — " come, come, good friend, come in and
drink before you unload!''''
The Woodbury Library Association, founded in 1850, has gone
on with its good work, dispensing light and knowledge, till its
library now contains acout 500 volumes.
The south Academic Association, formed in 1851, ran " well for
a season," when the shares were bought up by Mr. Parraenus B.
Hulse, who taught a private academy for some years, but having
a flattering call to go to New York and engage in a book agency,
he sold the building to Mr. Frederick S. Parker, of New Haven,
who removed it to the place formerly owned by Hon. Charles B.
Phelps, deceased, and fitted it up for a first-class boarding-school,
and at the same time enlarged and fitted up, at great expense,
the Phelps mansion, for the purpose of accommodating the schol-
ars of such a school. Rev. Alonzo N. Lewis, who had married a
daughter of Mr. Phelps, opened here a boarding-school. But,
having been invited to become rector of a church at Dexter,
Maine, he closed his school, and rented the premises for a dwelling
house. It is a very valuable property, and it is hoped that a suc-
cessful boarding-school may be established there. We have a
healthy location, a tidy village, an orderly community, and a most
beautiful valley, with pleasant surroundings — a good place for
such an institution.
Bethel Rock Lodge, No. 44, 1. O. O. F., mentioned on page 339,
was very successful in its benevolent mission for several years,
when many members were lost by removal fi*om town. Some oth-
ers seemed to have joined the order simply to become leeches on
its treasury, and interest in its fortunes waned, till the number of
its members was reduced to about a dozen, when the organization
disbanded, and divided its remaining funds, being about a thous-
and dollars, among its members.
The Woodbury Bank, which failed in March, 1853, and was re-
suscitated the same year by the stockholders' subscribing fifty thou-
sand dollars, to cover losses, went on languidly for two or three
years, the assets on which it had relied for full recovery becoming
worse and worse, when a receiver was appointed by the Court,
and its affiiirs were closed up. The bills were redeemed, but the
stock, both old and new, proved a total loss to its owners.
The Woodbury Savings Bank and Building Association, which
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURT. 1385
was established in 1853, was managed with prudence for several
years, doing a successful business, till its deposits amounted to
nearly $100,000. Litigation was then commenced against a bank
of the same kind in New Haven County, and the Court of Errors
decided that the method of taking bonuses, or extra interest, prac-
ticed by such banks, was usurious, under the statute of the State,
the penalty for which was the forfeiture of all interest upon all
loans, together with the bonus. The effect of this decision was, to
cause all such banks in the State to close their business, and dis-
band,— ours with the rest. This bank, however, had a superior
class of customers — honorable men — who, with one accord, refused
to avail themselves of the decision, except in a single instance, in
Waterbury, where the loan was small. On closing up its affairs,
the bank returned to the owners their deposits, with interest, at
the rate of about twelve per cent.
King Solomon's Lodge, No. 7, of Free and Accepted Masons,
since the publication of the first volume of this work, has met
with continued and cheering prosperity. It has gone on in its un-
obtrusive work of charity, adding to the number of its members,
and to its material prosperity. The major part of its liistory has
been already detailed in these pages, in the account given of its
Centennial Celebration, in 1865. Its increase in numbers became
so great, that a larger Lodge-room was necessary,and its fine build-
ing was enlarged to meet this requirement, in 1867, and the whole
was repaired and refitted in a tasteful and convenient manner, at
an expense of about $600.
The record of officers and admissions, continued from page 338,
is as follows : —
In December, 1853, William Cothren was elected Worshipful
Master, Edward W. Atwood, Senior Warden, and William R.
Galpin, Junior Warden, and six members were admitted during
this masonic year.
In Dec. 1854, Edward W. Atwood was elected W. M., Joseph
T, Capewell S. W., and Geo. A. Capewell J. W. Ten members were
received during this year, among whom was Major Samuel B.
Spooner, now Mayor of Springfield, Mass., and at the hesd of the
Masons of Massachusetts. Major Spooner was principal of the
Woodbury Academy, at the time. It has been no detriment to
him, who has honored the craft, that he received his first in.slruc-
tion in the " mystic rites" in old King Solomon's Lodge, No. Y-
1386 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURT.
The writer has always been glad to remember, that he was the
Master who received this friend.
At this meeting (Dec. 21, 1854) the lodge passed the following
vote : —
" Voted, Unanimously, that the thanks of this lodge be presented to Brother
Cothren, for his services as Master of this Lodge."
At the Dec. Annual Meeting, 1855, Joseph T. Capewell was
elected W. M , George A. Capewell S. W., and Hiram Manville
J. W. Six members were added this year.
At the annual meeting for 1856, John P. DeForest was elected
W.M., John J. Hinman S. W., and Reuben Andrews J. W. Four
members were received during the year.
At the annual meeting in 1857, Alonzo N. Lewis was elected
W. M., John B. Stillson, S. W., and lleuben Andrews, J. W.
Brother Charles B. Phelps was invited to deliver a lecture on the
Institution of Masonry, Jan. 8, 1858, at the Lodge. A large num-
ber of ladies and gentlemen attended. At the close of the ad-
dress, the officers elect for the year were publicly installed. Eleven
members were received this year.
At the Dec. annual meeting, 1858, Nathaniel Smith was ap-
pointed W. M., Joseph T. Copewel!, S. W., and Reuben Andrews,
J. VV. Five candidates were received during the Masonic year
ending Dec, 1859, among wliom was Eev, Curtis T. Woodrutf.
At the annual meeting, Dec, 1859, James Huntington was
elected W. M., Joseph T. Capewell, S. W., and James Stone, J.
W. Eight persons added tlieir names to our list during this year.
At the annual communication, Dec, 1860, the first three officers
were re elected — and three members were added, among whom
was Rev. George Rumney, Rector of St. Paul's Church. At the
annual communication, Dec. 1861, John Stillson was chosen VV.
M., James S. Stone, S. W., and Edward N. Bishop, J. W. Four-
teen members were "raised" during this Masonic year, ending at
the "Feast of St. John," Dfc, 1862.
At the annual election, Dec, 1862, James Huntington was cho-
sen W. M., James S. Stone, S. VV., and Calvin H. Downs, J. W.
Nine men arrived at the "Sublime degree of a Master Mason "
this Masonic year, among whom was Rev. VVm. A. Desbrisay. Rev.
Mr. Silverthorne, of the Methodist church, Avas the Cliaplain of
the Lodge.
This was the year of the departure of Co. I, 19th Conn Vols.?
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1381
for the seat of War. Co. I had quite a number of members of
the Lodge, On the 2d of August, the Lodge passed the follow-
ing vote : —
'"'■ Hesolved, That the Lodge, out of respect and brotherly feel-
ing to those of their brethren who have voluntecM-ed their services
in defence of their country, present each of them with a regula-
tion cap worn by the soldiers of the United States Army."
At the annual communication, Dec, 1863, James Huntington
was elected W. M., Geo. Piatt Crane, S. W., and Edward F. Nich-
ols, J. W. Fourteen members were added to the Lodge during
the year.
It will be seen, on page '^38, that Rising Sun Lodge, No. 27, of
Washington, lind lost its charter. King Solomon's Lodge received
a petition, in Nov., 1864, asking consent to apply for a dispensa-
tion to renew the Lodge. Unan'mo'is consent was given, a dis-
pensation was gi-anted by the Grand Master, and also a charter in
due form, at the next annual session of the Grand Lodge. Since
that time, a very flourishing Lodge has been established there, on
a firm foundation.
At the annual meeting, 1864, James Huntington was chosen
W. M., George P. Crane, S. W., and Edward F. Nichols, J. W.,
and six members were added to the Lodge.
At the annual communication in 1865, George P. Crane was ap-
pointed W. M., Edward F. Nichols, S W., and Heman Botsford,
J. W. Nine members were admitted this year.
At the annual election in Dec, 1866, George P. Crane was
elected "W. M , Heman Botsford, S. W., and James R. Thomas, J.
W. Nine members were added this year.
At the annual communication held Dec, 1867, Alonzo Norton
Lewis was elected W. M., Heman Botsford, S. W., and James S.
St(»ne, J. W. Soveii elected men joined the Lodge during the
year. It was during this year that the large addition, already
spoken of, was made to the Lodge building, new carpets and fur-
niture procured, and it became one of the most attractive Lodge
rooms in the *■' rural districts."
In Dec, 186S, Alonzo N. Lewis was elected W. M, Heman
Botsford, S. W., and Edwin Roberts, J. W. Five members wevQ
admitted this year.
In Dec, 1869, Heman Botsford was chosen VV. M., James Stone,
35
1388
HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O D B IT E Y .
S. W., and George Brown, J. W. Six members were raised to
the " Sublime degree," during this Masonic year.
At the annual communication of this Lodge, Dec, 1870, Heman
Botsford was elected W. M., George Brown, S. W , and Thomas
Bodycut, J. W. Nine members were admitted during the Ma-
sonic year.
At the annua] communication held next preceding the Festival
of St. John, the Evangelist, Dec. 16, 1871, Thomas Bodycut
was chosen W. M., James R Thomas, S. W., and Eli Sperry, J,
W. The Lodge is now in a very flourishing condition, and has
full work at every communication. It is seven years advanced in
the second century of its existence, and well has it performed its
benevolent and humanizing work.
We now bring our hurried account of the various town events
to a close. We have been minute in detail, believing that how-
ever trivial they may seem to the present generation, they will be
of great interest and curiosity to our descendants, as is each re-
corded trace of our ancestors to us.
CHAPTER IX.
CIVIL HISTORY CONTINUED CKIMES AND CASUALTIES.
Mdrdkr of Bennet Ward; Murder of Matthew M. Morriss; Murder of Lu-
cius H. Foot; Suicide of Ralph Lina; Suicide of Columbus W. Randall;
Thefts; Burglary of the Factory of Daniel Cuetiss & Sons, and the
Store of F. A. Walker & Co,
LL through the ages, life lias been
a contiiuied struggle for existence.
All seek to advance their own in-
terests, and secure their individ-
ual happiness. And yet, with a
singular fatality, resulting from
our fallen nature, there seems to
be implanted in the human heart
of man a savage instinct, that ever
seeks, unless overruled by a kind
Providence, and a virtuous and
refined culture, to destroy the life
^ which every rational creature de-
sires to preserve, and to impair
^Efithe happiness which every one pur-
sues. Jealousy and ambition reign supreme over all the earth.
Where this instinct of destruction does not break out in acts of
murder and bloodshed, it takes the scarcely less painful direction
of slander, detraction, and little lyiHg. It seems to give the nat-
ural heart delight to inflict pain, and the " work of grace" has to
be long continued in the heart, to work a radical cure. All the
beautiful works of nature teach a different lesson — " only man is
vile."
Woodbury, as has been fully shown, was settled by as noble a
band of men and women, as poor human nature could produce.
The result has been, that in the two centuries of its existence, vio-
1390
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
lence and murder have been remarkably infrequent. The town
was 173 years old before the first known murder was committed.
An account of those which have occurred in our borders follows :
On the 23d of November, 1846, Bennot Ward went into a store
kept by W. B. Lounsbury, then standing near the house of Deacon
P. M. Trowbridge, lie was somewhat intoxicated, became noisy
and violent, threatening to whip several persons who were in the
store, and began to throw fire among the dry goods that were dis-
posed about the store. Among those present was George W.
Smith. Ward finally proposed to whip him, and Smith seized a
stick of wood from the wood-box, and struck him over the left
side of the head, causing a fracture in the skull five inches in
length. He then kicked him out of the store — and he fell upon
the stoop. He got up, however, and wanted to fight, but the door
was shut upon him. He then went about a quarter of a mile, to
an out-house of David .J. Stiles, and staid there two nightw, when he
went to Mr. Stiles' house, and soon became insensible. In this condi-
dition he remained till his death, which occurred fifty-six hours
after the blow was received. A post-mortem examination by Dr.
Roswell Abernethy and T. T. Seelye, showed there was concus-
sion and compression of the brain, besides a chronic inflamamtion,
resulting fiom an old injury. Smith was arraigned for murder,
Feb. term, 1847. Hon. John H. Hubbard, States Attorney, and
Hon. Charles B. Phelps, appeared for the State, and Hons. Leman
Church, G. H. Hollister and the writer, appeared for the accused.
After an interesting trial, Smith was acquitted, on the ground that
he acted in self-defence.
On the 17th of July, 1861, our community was startled by the
announcement that another murder had been committed in our
peaceful town. Matthew M. Morris, the murdered man, a very re-
spectable citizen, of ample means, and a very peaceable man, called
at the house of his sister,
Mrs. Osborne, where the
family, inchiding Charles
Fox, the murderer, were at
supper. Morris sat smo-
king a eigar, and a conver-
sation arose between him
and Fox about mowing.
Morris mentioned several
who could out-mow him, to which statements, successively. Fox
niSTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1391
gave the lie. Very soon he left the table, went out on the piazza,
and took up his coat, and laid it down again. He returned to the
door of the room, where Morris was still sitting and smoking, and
told him if he would come to the door, he " would fix him." Mor-
ris replied, that he knew he would do nothing to him. Then Fox
said if he would come there he would " set his ears up." Morris
went towards the door laughing, and Fox commenced striking
him on both sides of the head, and almost immediately commen-
ced thrusting at him. Morris then seized Fox, and he fell over a
chair on his back. Morris seized and held up his feet so that he
could not strike him again ; but he sat up and thrust him again
with a dirk jack-knife, which he seemed to have had in his hand
all the time, (though the witnesses did not see it, it being rather
dark at the time,) saying " let me up." At the instant he made
the last thrust, saying " let me up," Morris laltered, fell on his
face, gasped three or four times, and was dead. The knife, at the
last thrust, entirely severed the main artery under the collar bone
on the right side, called by the doctors the vena cava. Fox im-
mediately walked out, and hid his knife in the corner of the yard,
where it was found the next morning, almost .entirely covered
with blood. He then took his scythe, and started for Roxbury,
but being called back by a neighbor, who had arrived, he remain-
ed till Sheriff i\[inor came and arrested him.
A jury of inquest was immediately called by the writer, who
heard the case, and returned to him the following verdict: —
" To William Cothren, Esq., Justice of the Peace for Litchfield
County, residing in Woodbury ; —
"You having summoned us as a jury of inquest to inquire into
the cause and manner of the death of Matthew M, Morris, late of
said Woodbury, which was sudden and untimely, and the manner
of which was not known, and we, having examined into the cir-
cumstances of the case, do find that the said Matthew M. Morris
came to his death by the hand of Charles Fox, of said Woodbury,
by the use of a deadly weapon, to wit, a pocket, or dirk knife.
"Dated at Woodbury, July 18th, A.D, 1861.
Berlin Thomas, H. W. Shove,
S. B. Fairchild, Cereno Saxton
Alfred Birch, George Roswell,
John W. Rogers, Alexander Gordon,
Wm. H. Allen, Phineas A. Jndson,
Wm. B. Bryan, H. C. Judson.
" Jurors oi Inquest under oath."
1392 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
On the rendition of this verdict, Fox was taken before Hon.
Thomas Bull, and bound over for trial to the Sept. term of the
Litchfield County Superior Court, 1861. Judge Ellsworth pre-
sided over that Court. Gren. Charles F. Sedgwick and the writer
appeared for the State, and Gideon H. Hollister and Henry B-
Graves, Esqvs., for the defence. After the evidence on both sides
had been introduced, the judge called all the counsel to the bench,
and told them that in his judgment the crime amounted to man*
slaughter, and no more ; and that if it pleased them to agree to
this view, and would waive argument, he would immediately so
charge the jury. The counsel cheerfully acceded to the sugges-
tion of the distinguished judge, who immediately charged the
jury in accordance with his views. The jury retired, and in a few
minutes returned with a verdict of manslaughter, and Fox was
sentenced to ten years' imprisonment in the Connecticut State
Prison. There is a statutory provision which allows a prisoner a
certain number of weeks remission of his term of sentence per
annum, for good conduct. Fox was a most exemplary prisoner,
and on account of his good behavior, the terra of his imprison-
ment was diminished by more than a year. He was discharged in
1870.
It was left, in the order of Providence, for the people of the
town to experience the sensation of a greater horror. On the
morning of the 4th of March, 1856, Lucius H. Foot, a taverner of
the town, was found brutally murdered, and his whole body frozen
stiff, showing he had been killed the evening before. He was
found under the horse-sheds of the Episcopal Church, the initial
letter of this chapter giving a view of them, and of Foot entering
them. Dr. Garwood H. Atwood describes minutely the condition
of the body as found, and gives an insight into the nature of the
murder. He says : — " We found the body of Foot in the N. E.
side of stall No. 2. The body lay on the left side, with the face
towards the sill, and about two feet distant from it. Two fingers
of the left hand were clinched in the overcoat pocket, and the
right arm was drawn back over the head. He lay lengthwise of
the sill. The right leg was straight, the left was simiflexed, and
drawn under the other. His head lay in a hollow made by the
fore-feet of horses. The stall was covered with tan bark, and in
this were imbedded a number of stones. There were small spat-
ters of blood on the sill, clapboards, and partition plank, on the
north and east sides of the stall. The spatters on the sill were
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1393
opposite the head, and two or three feet distant ; there were one or
two spatters from four to six feet from the head, on the sill and par-
tition. The spatters were not numerous — might have been twenty-
five or thirty in the whole. Some of them were very small ; the
size of a pin-head, and some were, perhaps, the eighth of an inch
in diameter. There was a small quantity of blood near the outer
post of the stall, and it appeared as though the body had been
dragged from that point to the rear. There was blood on the un-
der surfaces of the stones, which had been turned up in the pas-
sage, and out of their beds. There was a stick of hickory wood
found not far from the body, with blood on one end; there was
also hair on it, which looked like Foot's — was bark on one side,
and blood on the bark. The face rested on a little cone of blood,
which had oozed out from the wounds, and frozen. The cravat
was frozen into this. We took up the body, put it into a sleigh,
covered it with buffalo robes, and carried it to Foot's Hotel. The
beard was frozen solid, and we could not determine the character
of the wounds till we had thawed it out in a tub of hot water, fif-
teen or twenty minutes. The thighs, legs, hands, face and head
were all frozen. The body was entirely rigid, so much so, that it
could be raised up, or carried about like a stick of wood. The
left boot we got off, with difficulty, and had to rip the other quite
down to the sole. He was very warmly clad. He was a strongi
well-built, well-developed, robust man, weighing some 1Y5 lbs.,
full of blood, aged, about forty. The fat on his ribs was an inch
in thickness. He was in form a noble specimen of a man.
This (producing a human skull)
is Foot's skull. I know it to be his. I assisted in disintering it at
last September Court. All the facial portions of this skull was
knocked in, as you see. Over the left eye was a wound one inch
and a half perpendicular, and half an inch wide. In the soft parts,
I could put two fingers into the brain. The second wound was
1394 HISTOKT OF ANCIENT WOOBBUKY.
over the angle of the left eye, about three-quarters of an inch cir-
cular. The third one was over the right eye, one and a half inches
long, half an inch wide. I put my finger in this wound an inch.
The bones between the wounds were all loose — a comminuted
fracture. The fourth wound, three-quarters by half an inch, was
over the right eye; the fifth was on the outer angle of the right
eye; the sixth was ou thi nose, which was crushed, the blow
abrading that and the eye-brow. The seventh wound, one and a
half inches each way, was over the right parietal bone. The per-
pendicular of the wound was one and a half inches ; eighth
wound — the right ear was nearly torn off, and there was a frac-
ture one and three-quarter inches in the bone. The ninth wound
was a hole right into the brain, back of the right ear, near the
juncture of the temporal and occipital bones. I could put my
finger one and a half inches, right into the brain. This wound
was one and a half inches in diameter. In the soft parts, the
wound was one and a half inches by an inch in width. The lips
of the wound gaped about an inch. The tenth wound was on the
left jaw, one and a half inches wide. The jaw was broken into
five pieces. The eleventh wound, a dent wound, is upon the up-
per part of the right side of the head. All the wounds were
nearly of the same dimensions. Cracks extended nearly across
the whole skull, on both sides. The wound across the face seem-
ed broader — seemed done with a billet of wood. The billet found
in the stall Avould satisfactorily explain the making of this wound.
There has been a hammer shown in connection with this case, and
that, or a similar one, would better account for all the wounds on
the head than anything I can think of. I thought the face wound
made by a billet of wood, because a hammer would be likely to
cut through the flesh of the face. All these bones (showing them)
were broken, as you see them now, before we cleaned the head."
Such is a description of the terrible character of the wounds
which caused Foot's death. A Court of Inquiry, which continued
its sessions for a week, made rigid inquiry of all, high and low, as
to the Gixuae of this death. Excitement ran high. It was thought,
if a man could be murdered in the early evening, right under the
" eaves of St, Paul's C'urch," when the street was full of people,
that no one was safe, and that it was well to be afraid, even on our
own hearthstones. Circumstances strongly pointed to Edward
E. Bradley, as being the perpetrator of this horrible criire. He
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1395
was arrested on this suspicion, brought before Hon, Thomas Bull,
a full hearing was had, and he was bound over, without bail, to
the next Superior Court to be held at Litchfield. A Grand Jury
was duly summoned, and a true bill for the crime of murder was
found. The trial of the accused on the indictment commenced at
Litchfield on the 14th of April, 1856, before Judges William L.
Storrs and Origen S. Seymour — Hon. Gideon Hall, State's Attor-
ney, Hon. Charles B. Phelps, and the writer, appf^ared for the
State; and Hon. Charles Chapman, of Hartford, Gideon H. Hol-
lister and Henry B, Graves, Esqrs., appeared for the prisoner.
Not only very nice questions of circumstantial evidence, but other
intricate questions of law, were involved in the case, and the trial
excited a more general interest than any one which has been tried
in this county. On the tenth day of the trial the presiding
judge charged the jury, and on the 11th day, they having failed
to agree on a verdict, after having been sent out for consideration
several times, the papers were taken back, the jury discharged,
and the prisoner remanded to jail. The jury stood five for con-
viction of murder in the second degree, and seven for acquittal.
At the Sept. term of the Court the case came on again for trial.
It was commenced Oct. 3, 1856, before Hon. David C. Sanford,
and Hon. John D. Park, presiding judges. The same counsel, ex-
cept Mr. Chapman, appeared. After a careful and laborious trial,
continuing for the space of twelve days, the jury again disagreed,
the papers were again taken back, and the jury discharged. They
stood three for conviction of murder in the second degree, and
nine for acquittal. The prisoner was again remanded to jail.
At the April term, 1857, the prisoner was again arraigned for
trial, Hon. William W. Ellsworth, and Hon. Thomas B. Butler,
presiding at the trial. On the 14th day of April, 1857, the same
counsel, on both sides, appeared for the trial of the case.
The trial lasted fourteen days, and Judge Ellsworth, with his
tremendous voice and hands, being just about to retire from the
bench on account of his age, charged the jury, No jurist more
pure than Judge Ellsworth, ever sat upon the Supreme Bench in
Connecticut. It was the third trial, and though no man, or woman
had yet ceased to think the prisoner was guilty, when the venera-
ble judge, with his tremulous hands and faltering voice, held up
the " russet reins," it was said the prisoner used that horrible
night of the murder, and said, impressively, " Gentlemen of the
1396 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WO OD BURT.
Jury, if these reins had the power of speech, they could relieve us
of much doubt and uncertainty in this case," no lawyer, on either
side, doubted the result. The " doubt " spoken of in the ele-
mentary works, had now been spoken by the judge. On the morn-
ing of April 23, 1867, the jury came in, and, on inquiry, announced
that they had not agreed upon a verdict. — " Is there any proba-
bility that the jury cau agree upon a verdict," asked Judge Ells-
worth. The foreman replied — " not the least " The Court then
took back the papers, discharged the jury, and ordered the pris-
oner remanded to jail. The jury stood four for conviction in the
second degree, and eight for acquittal.
Soon after the prisoner was remanded to jail, his counsel made
a motion that the Court direct the State's Attorney to enter a
nolle prosequi, or discontinuance of the indictment pending against
him. The Attorney, without making any motion, also requested
the advice of the Court as to his duty in the premises. The Court
remarked, that without assuming to direct from this side of the
Bar, what the State's Attorney ought to do, within the sphere of
his duty, he would say, that the case, having been three times
tried before a Jury of this County, and this time, at least, with
very great ability by the counsel on both sides, it was not reason-
able to suppose, that by any additional number of trials, a jury
could be found, while the facts remained the same, to agree on a
verdict. That if the prisoner should be released, and new facts
should come to light, he could be re-arrested; as, also, if after his
return home, his conduct should become violent, or dangerous. In
view of these considerations, and the great expense to which the
State had already been put, in the prosecution of the case, it was
the opinion of the Court, that the State's Attorney would not be
guilty of a dereliction of his official duty, if he, for the present,
entered a nolle prosequi. The State's Attorney therefore entei'ed
a nolle prosequi., and the prisoner was soon after allowed, by the
jailor, to go at large.
Suicides have been very rare in our community. Only two now
occur to the writer, and those are of recent occurrence. Last sum-
mer a man was found dead by the side of the road leading to
Hotchkissville. He was not known by our people, but after much
inquiry, he proved to be one Ralph Lina, from Winsted, whither
his remains were sent, the next morning after his death. He pur-
chased an ounce of laudanum early in the day, and the empty
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1397
phial, which had contained it, lying by his side, told the sad story.
He sought employment in various ways, and, failing in all, resolv-
ed to try the " unexplored country."
"While these pages are going through the press (Dec. 28, 1871),
Columbus W. Randall, a bachelor, living in an old house by him-
self, has committed suicide by cutting his throat from ear to ear,
with a razor. He seemed to have planned the deed very delibe-
rately. He sent word to a neighbor, that he would be glad to
have him bring him up a pail of cider, when he came to fodder
his cattle in the evening. The request was complied with, and
on entering his house, he found him weltering in his blood. He
evidently had a superstitious dread of lying alone, perhaps for
many days, dead in the house, and framed this excuse to be found
soon after he had committed the act. He was not quite dead
when found, and it is believed that he did not commit the deed
till he saw his neighbor approaching, as he could not survive so
frightful a wound for many minutes.
Years ago there was a band of thieves in town, who acted in
concert with the great organized thieves' band, that extended
their operations in concert, from Maine to the "Far West." A
few well directed prosecutions, a quarter of century ago, broke
lip the "Depot" in this place.
Occasionally there have been burglaries here, Avith meager re-
sults. But some two months ago, a series of burglaries occurred,
that startled the community, and bred a strong sense of insecu-
rity. One night, while Mr. Daniel Curtiss was quietly sleeping
in his bed, some person or persons entered his house through a
rear window, and after traversing several rooms, entered his bed-
room, took away his vest and two pairs of pants, and departed
without awakening him, or his wife, or any one else in the house.
Passing to the rear of the house, they rifled the pockets of what
money they contained, and the key to his safe, which was in his
office at his factory, a mile away. They unlocked the office, and
the safe, possessed themselves of its contents, locked safe and
door again, and went on their way.
1398
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
\0
•ikfh
iiiiiiiiw f ¥f ¥iii^^teia^sf»^^^^^==^«^
D. Curtiss & Son's Factory.
Returning back through Main street, they stole a horse and
wagon from the stable of Hon. N. B. Smith, broke into Michael
F. Skelly's blacksmith shop, and stole some tools, additional to
those which they brought with them. They then proceeded to the
store of Frederick A. Walker <fc
Co., opposite of the Episcopal
Church, which was not protected
by any one staying in it during
the night. They found an en-
trance to the store, blew open
the safe, and rifled it of its con-
tents. The Company had a large
amount of money and govern-
ment bonds belonging to them-
selves, to the town (Mr. Walker
being Town Treasurer), and to the neighbors, who placed their
valuables there for safe keeping. From the two safes the robbers
took away some $40,000, in money and bonds, beside a multitude
of papers, valuable to the owners, but of no use to the robbers.
Having accomplished these feats, they departed for Waterbury,
sorting their papers on the way, and leaving in the bottom of the
wagon all that were not available to them. Having reached Wa-
terbury meadows, they turned the horse loose, and evidently took
the Railroad track to the Depot, and the early train to New York,
probably arriving at, and getting off at Harlem Bridge, before
the telegraph was in workiug order. Large rewards have been
oflTered, and vigilant efforts made to trace the offenders, but as
yet without the slightest success. Justice seems to have been
baflied, and the promise of punishment, proved a '■ flaunting lie."
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY
1399
Thus have we plodded ouv laborious way through all the his-
torical incidents of our ancient town, and put them on record, for
the benefit of those that shall come after ns. If the reading shall
give the same pleasure to the reader that the recording of them
has to the writer, he will not be without his reward.
lliilli!ti!Uiilllii!li!ilt!lill
,ll!llll!llll!lDlllllimillllll!llll!HI!illllllillllllll»llilll"l"SIIIII""lll"!j
CHAPTER X.
HISTORY OF THE SOCIETIES AND TOWNS SET OFF FROM ANCIENT
WOODBUET — CONTINUED FROM PAGE 218.
Southbuet; South Britain ; Southburt Volunteers; Bethlehem; Bethlehem
Volunteers ; Washington ; Washington Volunteers ; Frederick W, Gunn's
Academy ; Roxbury ; Roxbury Volunteers ; Methodist Church ; Roman
Cathouc Church ; St. Paul's Church ; Its Centennial.
EVER forgetting tlie children of
our youth, and of our riper years,
we take up again the history of
the communities that have sepa-
rated themselves from us, and
" set up for themselves." Tlie
account will not be long, for
two reasons. The general histo-
ry of the times in which they as well as we bore a conspicuous
part, have been recounted with great minuteness in these pages.
And, so far as the ecclesiastical history in concerned, it has been
substantially recorded in the history of the proceedings of the
Bi-Centenuial celebration of the First Congregational Church, in
May, 1870.
SOUTHBUKY.
At the date of the former edition, Rev. George P. Prudden was
officiating as " stated supply," at Southbury. On account of con-
firmed ill-health, which entirely unfitted him for his work, he
closed bis labors in April, 1866. In May, 1856, Rev. Jason At-
water was engaged as " stated supply," and remained till Oct.,
1858, when he removed to We^t Haven, but continued to supply
the pulpit till the following July. He died at West Haven in the
spring of 1860. For the next six months, the church had only
occasional supplies. January 16th, 1860, Rev. A. B. Smith com-
HISTORY OF ANCI E NT WOODBURY 1401
menced his labors as *' stated supply," and continued them till a
recent date.
The admissions to the church daring Mr. Atwater's ministry-
were 15 ; baptisms, 15. Admissions during Mr. Smith's ministry
59 ; baptisms 38. Present'number of members 86.
The list of deacons, with date of election, from the organization
of the church, is as follows: — Benjamin Hicox, 1372 ; Noah Hin-
man, 1732; Benjamin Hicox, Jr., Daniel Curtiss, Timothy Os-
born, 1775; Samuel Strong, Jonathan Mitchell, 1783; Adin
Wheeler, 1813; Marcus D. Mallory, 1818; Noah Kelsey, 1823-
Nuthan Mitchell, 1830; Frederick Perry, 1833; Jason Cuitiss,
1834; Ira Strong, 1847; Cyrus G. Bostwick, January 11, 1861;
Sherman Tattle, January 11, 1861; David M. Wheeler, January
24, 1868.
SOUTH BRITAIN SOCIETY.
At the date of the former edition, Rev. Amos E. Lawrence was
the settled pastor over this parish. On the 31st of July, 1860, his
connection with the church was dissolved. On the 27th of Aug.,
1860, Rev. John M. Wolcott was hired to preach for a year. He
was formally settled over the church, Feb. 20, 1861, and dismissed
July 1, 1865. Rev. Homer S. Newcomb has acceptably filled the
pulpit since the latter date.
Sixty persons were received members during Rev. Mr. Law-
rence's ministry, and 32 baptized ; 37 under Rev. Mr. Wolcott, and
31 baptized; and 19 under Rev. Mr. Newcomb, and 16 baptized.
The present number of church members is about 130. Simeon Piatt
was elected deacon Dec, 27, 1827, Anson Bradley and Elliott
Beardsley, June 21, 1855 ; Nelson W.Mitchell, May 4, 1860; and
George A. Hoyt, April 30, 1864.
The first church in South Britain was located just in front of the
present church, and its foundations were buried when the present
beautiful church was built. This people, secluded among the hills,
having what is always proper, a respectful appreciation of them-
selves, have nourished their vine of the Lord's planting in their
own way, well knowing that no "outside persons" so well know
their own wants as themselves, and have, so far as the writer
knows, received a friendly greeting from all the " outside world."
During the Great Rebellion, Southbury, like the parent town,
did its fall duty, after the magnitude of the contest became appa-
rent. Aug. 9, 1862, Aaron H. Shelton, Almon B. Downs, Geo. S.
1402 HISTORY OP ATSrcIEXT WOODBURY.
Bostwiclc, Charles Whitlock and Geo. A Hoyt, were appointed a
Coraraittee by the town to solicit funds for a bounty to be paid to
volunteers. On the 14th of the same month, a bounty of $250
was voted to each volunteer. A committee was appointed at the
same meeting, consisting of the abovfi named gentlemen, " to in-
quire after and keep intelligence of the location of all soldiers
that have gone, or should go from this town, in all the Connect!"
cut regiments, learn their wants, and solicit such aid for them,
from time to time, of our citizens, as shall be necessary." On the
26th of August, the same year, the town voted to pay the nine
months men a bounty of f 125. On Sept. 2d, the town voted to
add $75 to this bounty. On the 10th Sept. it was voted to pay
$200 to such men as should be drafted.
On the 1st of August, 1863, a town meeting was held, and a
bounty of $300 was voted to all persons, not exceeding fifty, " who
will volunteer to defend this State, in case of invasion, or a war
within the States, and will hold themselves in readiness at all
times to enlist and serve as such volunteers, whenever their ser-
vices may be required to repel invasion, or sustain the laws of
this State P No such "Home Guai-ds"were ever required, and
no money under this vote was ever expended. At the same meet-
ing it was voted to pay a bounty of $300 to each man who should
be drafted into the service of the United States — and also to hire
substitutes at the same price for those who should be drafted, and
did not wish to go to the war, or for whom it was not convenient
to go. On the 15th of August, 1864, the town voted to pay vol-
unteers $300, and to drafted men, or men who furnished substi-
tutes, $400, On the 15th of Sept., 1864, Elisha Wheeler, Esq.,
was appointed a committee to fill the town's quota under the call
fvu' 500,000 men, and was authorized to give drafted vanri a bounty
of $500. On the 8th of December, 1864, the town voted to pay a
bounty of $300 to any man who should procure a substitute.
This was the last vote touching the war.
By returns made to the Secretary of State, it appears that
Southbury paid, during the war, for volunteers ami substitutes,
$8,050, and all other war expenses were $12,000. — Some $1,150
was paid as commutation money by individuals.
The following is a list of the men the town furnished during
the war, viz : —
HISTORY eF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
1403
Andrews, Treat D.
Adams, George,
Averill, Perry, Capt.
Atwood, Joseph,
Abbott, John B.
Booth, Ira M.
Beecher. Lt. Wm. C.
Bradley, Peter,
Bottsford, Edward,
Bradley, Lyman F.
Bray, Wm, H.
Booth, Legrand E.
Bentley, Conrad,
Bennett, Wm.
Bailey, Sylvester B.
Bronson, John G.
Buimell, James A.
Butler, John,
Bassett, George,
Ball, Hiram,
Canfield, Wm. H.
Candee, Fred.
Cutts, Wm. H.
Davis, Chas. B.
Downs, Edwin L.
Daley, John,
Dede, John,
Diamond, John,
Pouglass, Hugh,
Fagan, James,
Garlick, Charles S.
Green, James W.
Gordon, George,
Ganong, Kniffin J.
Hall. John,
Hitchcock, Henry,
Hill, Austin H.
Hayes, Franklin B.
Jackie, Joseph,
Kaltabern. Wm.
Lanugro, Petro,
Lindley, Leverett,
Laspi, Charles,
Menkers, John,
McEwen, John,
Marsh, George W.
Murphy, Michael,
Murphy, Wm. H.
Murphy, Thomas O.
Murphy, Patrick,
Nesley, Henry,
Ohngemarch, John,
Pnltbrd, Hobart H.
Peters, Lewis,
Price, B. M. W,
Peck, Herbert V.
Peck, Erastus F.
Richards, Henry W.
Roch, Simeon,
Rogers. Phillip,
Richardson, Samuel,
Steers, Wm. H.
Saunders, George,
Sherman, Geo. H.
Sweeney. John,
Squire, Oscar,
Smith, Thomas,
Smith, Charles,
Smith, John,
Schreger, Felix,
Salmon, Thomas B.
Seeley, Chauncey,
Thompson, John M.
Vogel, Julius,
Wentz, George,
Wentz, Frederick,
Wentz, Martin,
Welch, John.
Warner, Samuel,
Wheeler, Meiit B.
Whitlock, Rusford,
Warntr, Theodore,
Whitmore, Francis.
36
1404 HISTORY OF ANCIENT W'O O D B U R T .
Within a few years a neat little Episcopal Church has been
erected on the site of the old Shadrack Osborn mansion. It will
be remembered that this was the head-quarters for commissary-
stores and recruiting during all the Revolutionary War. Since
the last writing, the Union Church edifice, at Southford, has been
renovated and repaired, as well as the Brick School House. This
quiet inland town keeps on in the " even tenor of its ways." Its
population, by the last census, is 1,319. In 1860, it was 1,346— a
loss of 27, which is not a large one, when we consider the waste
of the late war.
BETHLEHEM. '
At the date of the last edition, Rev. Mr. Loomis was the
pastor of the Congregational Church in Bethlehem. He had been
ordained and installed over the church, Jan. 29, 1850. Mr. Loo-
mis is a native of Massachusetts, and a graduate of Williams Col-
lege. He was dismissed from the Pastorate, at his own request,
June 5th, 1860. He continued to reside in Bethlehem until 1868,
when he removed to Greenfield, Mass., where he at present re-
sides. He supplied the pulpit of the 1st church in that place for
one year.
Rev. Ephraim M. Wright, the eighth Pastor, was ordained and
installed, July 2d, 1861. Mr. Wright is a native of Massachu-
setts. He entered the ministry in middle life, having been, for
many years previous, engaged in teaching, and political life. At
one time he was Secretary of State (Mass). He was dismissed
from the Pastorate Oct. 2d, 1866. For four years he supplied the
church in Terry ville. He is at present at the West.
Rev. George W. Banks, the present Pastor, was ordained and
installed Oct. 3d, 1866. He is a native of Greenfield Hill, Fair-
field County, Conn ; graduated at Yale College in 1863, and at the
Yale Theological Seminary, in July, 1866.
The following persons are to be added to the list of deacons of
the church given in the old edition. William R. Harrison, Nov.
3d, 1867. Theodore Bird, Nov. 3d, 1867. Present number of
church members,' 130.
' Bethlehem has always been the name of the Society, but when the charter
of the town was granted, by a clerical error it was called Bethlem. By special
act. May Session, 1864, the name was changed to Bethlehem.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1405
The Episcopal Society has gone on with a decided material
prosperity. Daring the last year, it has repaired and re-bnilt its
church edifice.
The Methodist Society has built a new and commodious church
edifice, and has much increased the " borders of its Zion."
The war record of Bethlehem, as given by its clerk, is substan-
tially as follows :—
"At a special meeting of the town, held Aug. 8th, 1862, a
bounty of $100 was voted to volunteers to fill Uie town's quota.
On the 11th of September, the bounty was increased to $125 to
each volunteer. On the 27th of July, 1863, it was voted to pay
$200 bounty to every man who should be drafted and serve in the
United States service, or who should furnish an acceptable substi-
tute. At a special meeting, held Feb. 25, 1864, it was voted to
pay the town's recruiting officer whatever sum he should find ne-
cessary to fill the quota of the town. At a special meeting, Aug.
25, 1864, it was voted to pay a bounty of $500 to each volunteer,
substitute, or drafted man. Nov. 14, 1864, it was voted to pay
$300 to each person liable to draft, provided he served, or put in
a substitute. In the latter case, the payment was conditioned on
the payment by the military subject of $1 00 out of his own pocket.
There was at this time a provision by which military subjects could
put in a substitute for three years before a draft, and be exempt
from draft for that period.
The whole amount paid for bounties during the war was $11,-
066,66, commutation $300; other war expenses, $320.83 — estima-
ted amount paid by individuals for bounties to volunteers and sub-
stitutes, $4,750.
The list of volunteers, drafted men and substitutes from the
town, is as follows : —
Baldwin, Charles, Ferry, John,
Baldwin, Levi, Foot, Isaac,
Burke, Edward, Garvey, Michael,
Burr, Andrew W. Gilbert, James H.
Boyce, Joseph, Hogan, John,
Clary, Felix, Hubbard, Henry J.
Crane, Wm. B. Hayden, John,
Dugan, Francis, Howard, Patrick,
DufFee, John, Hunt, Daniel,
Flynn, William, Jorie, John,
1406 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Johnson, Oliver, Northrop, Dexter A.
Kasson, Alexander D. Northrop, Harson B.
Kasson, Edgar N. Northrop, John K.
Le Blanc, Louis, Oswald, James,
Lounsbary, Albert J. Rourke, Patrick,
Monagha, Peter, Stewart, Theodoi-e,
Mcgee, Richard, Jr. Tolles, Abram B.
McBride, Thomas, Williams, George,
Nash, Olin, Waldron, Philip L.
The present population of Bethlehem, by the census of 1870, is
750 — a loss of 65 from the census of 1860, Small as it is, it has
had its full share of the historical honors of the State.
WASHINGTON.
Rev, Ephraim Lyman was pastor of the church in Judea Society,
in Washington, at the date of our last edition. He was installed
Pastor of this church, June 30th, 1852, and was dismissed June
3d, 1863. The following Preamble and Resolution was passed
concerning his resignation : —
Whereas, The Rev. Ephraim Lyman has tendered his resigna-
tion as Pastor of this Church and Society, and Whereas continned
feeble health will not permit him to perform that amount of min-
isterial labor which in his judgment the highest good of this peo-
ple requires ; therefore,
Resolved, That while we as a church unite with our Pastor and
Society in requesting the Council of Consociation to dissolve the
relation between him and this Church and Society, we do this
with reluctance and heartfelt sorrow, that we are thus to be de-
prived of the services of one, whose ministrations have been pre-
eminently faithful, fearless, kind and true. In his study, in the
Sanctuary, at the bed-side of the sick and dying, in the house of
mourning, or of joy — in all positions, he has been among us the
Christian man and minister, one who needeth not commendation
from us, his praise being in all the churches. May the Lord give
him health and strength to resume, enlarge, and perfect, with joy,
his labor of love for man.
During the interval between his dismission and the settlement
of the present Pastor, the desk was supplied by different individ-
uals, from four weeks to eleven months each, — the Rev. Wm. H.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1407
H. Murray, now of Park street church, Boston, the greatest length
of time.
The Rev. Willis S. Colton, a graduate of Yale, Class of 1 860,
was installed, August 21st, 1866, and is the present Pastor.
Deacons appointed have been, Stephen S. Baldwin, Sept. 1849.
Samuel Frisbie, Sept, 1860. Charles L. Hickox, Jerome S. Kin-
ney, July, 1867, and Simeon D. Ford, 1869.
Under Mr. Lyman's ministry, seventy-five persons were bap-
tized. Interval between Mr. Lyman's and Mr. Colton's ministry,
eleven. During Mr. Colton's seventy-one. To the church under
Mr. Lyman, eighty, principally as fruits of revivals in 1851 and
1858, were added to the church. Under Mr. Murray, twenty-four.
In 1864, under Mr. Colton, eighty-three, principally as fruits of a
revival in 1868. The present number of resident members is 240.
In New Preston Society, there have been dissensions, and a new
church and society has been formed, with its location in Marble
Dale, " under the hill." As is usual in such dissensions, they have
not " aided the work of the Lord,"
Washington, as a good, patriotic town, having been incorpo-
rated in the very midst of the Revolutionary War, and having re-
ceived the name of the "father of his country," at that early hour
of supreme trial, did its full duty during the war of the Rebellion.
On the 30th of July, 1862, the town voted a bounty of $100 to
volunteers. On the 23d of August, this bounty was raised to
$150. On the 8th of September, the town voted to give the nine
months men $200 bounty, and if enough patriotic citizens of the
town came forward as volunteers to save the disgrace of a draft,
then the volunteers were to receive a bounty of $250. July 25,
1863, a bounty of $300 was voted to drafted men, who should serve.
On the 10th of August, this vote was re-affirmed, and a further
vote passed, authorizing the Selectmen to -furnish, at the expense
of the town, a substitute foj* each drafted man, who did not want
to go to the war. On the 30th of November, 1863, Orestes Hick-
ox was appointed recruiting agent, and cora'nittees for each school
district were appointed to solicit subsciptions, to aid in the filling
of the quota of the town. On the 24th of Dec, 1864, the town
voted $300 to each man who should put in a substitute in advance,
on a regulation then in force, granting that privilege to military
subjects.
A gentleman of the town kept a record of what the town con
tributed in men and money, to the defence of the country, and
1408
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
has furnished the following items. Under the call for 75,000
three months' men, there were six volunteers. Under the call for
600,000 three years' men, forty-three ; under the call for 300,000
three years' men, thirty-two ; under the call for 300,000 nine
months' men, sixteen ; under the call for u00,000 three years' men,
eighteen; under the call for 200,000 men, one; substitutes fur-
nished under all calls, seventeen ; commutations paid, sixteen;
volunteers engaged at Bridgeport, fifty ; total for town, 200, The
total quota of the town under all the calls was 192. So that eight
more were furnished than the quota. The town paid for thirty-
two volunteers for the 19th Regiment, |3,200 ; for sixteen volun-
teers to the 28th Regiment, |4,000 ; for substitutes to fill draft of
1863, $2,725 ; commutation and bounty, $4,800; volunteers to fill
next quota, $2,155 ; substitutes, $2,400 ; other war expenses, $760 ;
total, $20,040.
The list of soldiers for Washington is as follows : —
Ames, John,
Allen, "William,
Aberton, Geo. H.
Armstrong, Henry,
Bailey, John,
Benedict, John,
Black, William,
Black, Gustavus H.
Barmim, Russell T.
Bryan, Edward F.
Barton, Henry A.
Brice, Benjamin N.
Bennett, Robert,
Blauvelt, James,
Bashley, Charles, '
Barney, Wm. C.
Bemus, John,
Cogswell, Watson,
Cogswell, John J.
.Cogswell, Robert,
Calhoun, Henry A.
Calhoun, Simeon H.
Calhoun, Edgar W.
Crow, Matthew,
Collins, Jeremiah,
Culler, William,
Colle, Alfred,
Clark, Sheldon,
Cone, Wm. H.
Churchill, David,
Crane, Joseph W. .
Dickerhoff, Charles,
Darzin, John,
Davis, Richard,
Davis, Wm. H.
Duskey, Charles,
Dewey, John,
Duggan, Charles,
Ellis, William,
Eiche, Christian,
Flesor, John,
Ferris, James A..
Fox, Lucius,
Fox, Shelden,
Fearn, Wm. P,
Francis, Joseph,
Flynn, Michael,
Flyuu, James,
Farley, John,
Foster, John,
Fitzgerald, Patrick,
Ford, Remus F.
HISTORY or ANCIBNT WOODBURY,
1409
Goodyea'', Charles,
Galpin, Charles E.
Glover, Julius A.
Hatch, Calvin B.
Hull, Edward,
Hall, John G.
Hall, Thomas,
Holyendorf, Alexander,
Hanser, Oloff,
Hollister, D wight,
Hollister, Fitz G.
Hollister, Lewis,
Hamlin, Levi A.
Hamlin, Piatt A.
Hamlin, John M.
Hamlin, Lewis,
Hamlin, Lewis G,
Jones, John,
Johnson, Peter,
Knowles, Joseph F,
Kenney, Elmon C.
Kenney, Noxon E.
Libuur, Frank,
Lewis, Jacob S.
Loveridge, Romulus C.
Logan, John H.
Mallory, Truman,
Morse, Charles,
Morse, John,
McNally, William,
McCarthy, Robert,
McMahon, Daniel,
Marks, William,
Meramble, John W.
'Man, James,
Muller, Christian,
Mitchell, Abrier W,
Mellon, Wm. E.
Noble, Charles,
Nettleton, Jay T.
Nizzer, John,
Nichols, Franklin^
Nicholas, John,
Perkins, Harley,
Pardon, Jesse,
Reno, John T.
Ross, August,
Riley, John,
Smith, Edmund,
Smith, James,
Sullivan, Jerry,
Titus, Jerome,
Thompson, James,
Taylor, George E.
Williams, Burr,
Williams, Charles,
Williams, John, 2d,
Williams, Philip,
Worden, Homer G.
Weston, Theodore J,
Whittlesey, Timothy,
Whittlesey, Alfred N.
Warner, Chauncey L.
Warner, Frank, Jr.
Wright, David B.
Watrous, Wm. J.
Ward, George,
Whitehead, John B.
This town has been prospered for the last twenty years. Busi-
ness of all kinds has increased, and now that the Shepaug Rail-
road passes near the village, it will doubtless make still more rapid
advancement.
It IB quite a place of resort for summer visitors, who enliven
1410 HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKT.
the "social circle" of the town. But the great attraction, that
which adds more than any one thing to the material prosperity of
the town, is Gunn's Boarding School for Boys. This institution
was commenced by Mr. F. W. Gunn, as a private enterprize, in
1839, and has been continued, with a slight interruption, till the
present day. It has become the most successful educational insti-
tution in Western Connecticut. Mr. Gunn has a method of gov-
ernment and instruction peculiar to himself, and has received the
patronage of some of the most eminent persons in the United
States. He is beloved by his pupils. Some two or three years
ago his former pupils re-assembled on the hill of *' old Judea,''
formed a " Gunn Alumni Association," and had a week's festivities,
with the intention of renewing the same as often as the year re-
turns. Mr, Gunn spends the summer vacation "in camp" at
"Point Beautiful," on Lake Weraumaug, when and where the
"boys" have their gala days in various sports, boating and fishing
on the lake, and " enjoying themselves generally-" The artist
gives a faithful representation of the lake, from the North-east,
with a view of " Gunn's Encampment" at the "far West."
A few extracts from the " Litchfield Enquirer" and "Hartford
Post," of 1869, will give a more distict idea of Mr. Gunn and his
school : —
" There is a little town neslting among the hills of Connecticut^
ten miles from the Railroad, ten miles from everywhere, removed
from the noise and bustle of the world, slumbering in a bowl and
surrounded by mountains, which bear such a fancied resemblance
to ancient Palestine, that the early Puritans called the place Ju-
dea, and named the adjoining town Bethlehem ; but the revolu-
tionary descendants of the Puritans changed the name in honor of
the father of his country, and called it Washington,
" This village of Washington is more like an ideal town than any-
thing real. It differs from any place you know about, and that is
the reason why I have decided to tell you concerning it. The
only approach to it by public conveyance is from New Milford
a drive of ten miles over a very hilly road. The coach in
which you make the transit was not brought over in the May-
flower, but was sent out on the next ship. It is really refreshing
to take a seat in such an ark, after a Railroad journey, and to find
that your fellow-passengers are at once prepared to enter into a
lively conversation, just as was the custom in coaches in the early
stages of civilization. The driver is a gentleman of property who
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY 1411
has had the contract for carrying the mail since time immemorial,
and consequently knows all the inhabitants of the country far and
near. He is an agent for the transaction of all kinds of errands ;
out of every farm-house peers a lace in anxious expectation of a
letter or a return for that crock of butter sent on the last trip-
Newspapers are thrown over the front gate, letters are picked up
from the horse-block ; parcels, bundles, boxes, bags, women and
children are gathered as we proceed, until the coach is like a New
York omnibus, with plenty of room inside.
" The occasion of my visit was a reunion of the old boys at Mr.
Gunn's celebrated school. I had heard so much about the school
that I was anxious to see it in its gala days, when the passed boys
were to return to visit the scenes of their childhood, and the pres-
ent boys were then to welcome them. Forty old boys ; some of
them lawyers, doctors, clergymen, merchants ; but aL boys, even
now, returned to Alma Mater, and were welcomed by forty boys
who are only younger in years, but not a whit younger in feeling ;
and the youngest, joUiest, happiest of the lot, was the teacher and
founder of the school.
" I have not in many a year witnessed such a scene of innocent
and genuine happiness as was apparent at this school. It is a
boy's paradise. The moral tone of the school is its distinguishing
feature. Any one guilty of deceit or fraud, is warned by his com-
panions to report himself to the head-master; if he neglects to do
so, he is at once informed upon by his companions. Instead of
its being mean to report a misdemeanor, it is here regarded as an
offence against the whole boy community to permit a misdeed to
go unpunished. The methods of punishment pursued at the school
are entirely original, and generally ari^e on the spur of the mo-
ment. A little boy makes too much noise; he is ordered to take
a horn to the village green, and to blow a blast at the four corners
of the church; or he is sent a mile over the hill to the Moody
barn ; or he helps rake hay for half an hour in the fields, or cleans
some bricks that are required for building. One day a boy stole
some apples from a poor widow ; he was sent tlie next day to pick
up stones from her field as a punishment, but the widow's heart
softened, and she made him come in to dinner, and stuffed him
with good things and sent him home. A little boy was caught
ducking a cat in the rain-water hogshead ; up steps the teacher
behind him,, and, seizing him by the seat of his breeches and the
nape of the neck, plunges him in after the cat, to show him how
1412 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
it feels. Such things as bullying and fagging are not tolerated.
There are no rules, no forbidden games; everything that can
aiford amusement is tolerated at proper times and in proper quan-
tity. The master of the school is unable to distinguish between
the good Dr. Busby and the wickedness of ordinary playing cards*
and so the boys play whist, if they know enough, openly and in
the parlor. The sinfulness of dancing and the orthodoxy of ca-
listhenics are metaphysical distinctions; and the boys have a
dance when there is time for it and they feel like it. Those who
are old enough have breech-loading rifles, and they are taught
how to use them, as the master of the school is one of the best
shots in the country. The older boys learn all about the haunts
of- animals. They know the track of the woodchuck, the racoon,
the fox, and can tell the name of a bird from its song, its nest, or
its egg. They I'oam the forests on Saturdays, and fish and hunt,
and bathe in the mountain streams ; some trusty big boy accom-
panies the smaller ones, and no party goes away without the
knowledge of the teachers. All the boys wear good stout wool-
len clothing, which necessarily meets with numerous rents and
tares, but is kept in order by Aunt Betsey, whose needle and
patch-work are in constant demand. Such a beehive, such exube-
rant spirits and shouts of happiness, constantly bubbling up and
running over, as this school exhibits, it has never been my lot to
witness before.
" Mr. Gunn's long career and marked success as a teacher, are
deserving of something more than a mere passing notice. Shortly
after his graduation from College, he started an Academy school
at his native place, in 1839, which with a few years interval he
has kept up ever since. Commencing with a day school, he began
after a time taking boarding scholars. As their number increased
he has made one addition after apother to his dwelling house, till'
nOw he has nearly fifty boarding in his own family. During the
past season he has added another stcry, in which is a large, well-
lighted, well-ventilated, school-room.
" Of the character of so old and well established an institution,
it is hardly necessary to speak. Mr. Guun is a born teacher, with
that remarkable faculty for interesing pupils in study, which Nor-
mal Schools may improve, but cannot give. He has excellent
methods of play as well as of study for young folks, and early
recognized a fact, now becoming generally understood, that the
developement of boys' bodies is as much a part of the teacher's
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1413
duty, as the developement of their minds. Taking into conside-
ration, also, the additional and most important fact, that with him
the boy finds a home, as well as a school, we are not surprised at
the evidences of increasing prosperity that strike us at each return
to the old institution. One other fact we can hardly pass by
without due reference. From the outset, Mr. Gunn was an out-
spoken Abolitionist. At that time the Abolitionist was distrusted
and disliked, if not persecuted as a disturber of the peace. The
effect on the school was for a time disastrous. The number of
pupils diminished ; and, for a year or two Mr. Gunn taught at
Towanda, Pennsylvania. Returni.ig, the school was started again,
and from that time its prosperity seems steadily to have increased.
■ Prominent Anti-Slavery people remembered a co-worker, and at
different times sons of Henry Ward Beecher, Mrs. Stowe and
John C. Fremont, have attended this school. Of late, too, many
have not only ceased persecuting the prophets, but have become
prophets themselves, so that the social condition of an abolitionist
is now by no means as lamentable as it was thirty years since."
Tlie present population of the town, by the census of 1870, is
1,563, a loss of 96 since 1860.
ROXBURY.
Rev. Austin Isham was pastor of the church at the date of the
last edition, and until the first Tuesday in June, 1863, when he
was dismissed, having been pastor of the church twenty-three years.
During the year following, the Church and Society were supplied
by the Rev. Oliver Stone Dean, a young man of superior abilities
and power as a preacher.
On the 6th day of June, 1864, the church and society, by their
vote, gave the Rev. Oliver Stone Dean, of Putnam, New York, a
call to settle as pastor, and appointed Charles Beardsley, Edwin
G. Seeley, and Frederick W. Lathrop, a committee to inform him
cf the votes of the society and church. This call was accepted
by Mr. Dean, and he was ordained and installed pastor of the
church and society, July 6th, 1864. He continued pastor for three
years and one month, and then handed in his resignation, which
was relectantly accepted, and was dismissed, Dec. I7th, 1867,
though he left some months before he was dismissed, and went to
preach in Kalamazoo, Mich., where he is now settled. The fol-
lowing year, the society employed about all the "Theologs " in
1414 HISTORY OF ANCIENT "WOODBURY.
Yale College. I will not undertake to give their names, "for they
are legion,"
Among the number, however, the society selected the Rev. Juba
Howe Varce, a young man in whom the society and church were
very well united ; he preached nine months, when his health failed
him, and he had to leave. The society again resorted, to Yale
College for a few Sabbaths for a supply, when the Rev. Arthur
Goodenough, who had been preaching in Ellsworth, this State,
was hired for a year or more, but when his time expired, Nov.,
1870, he left, and has since been settled in Winchester, in this
State. The society is now drawing from Yale, the old School of
Prophets."
The baptisms which have been recorded since any authentic re-
cords have been kept, are 440. This record goes back to 1V95, and
down to the present time.
The revivals which have taken place in the church since the last
one named in your edition, have been somewhat frequent. The
church was visited by the Holy Spirit in 1832, and forty-two were
added to it. In 1833, eleven were added. In 1836, ten were ad-
ded. In 1838, twenty-two were added. In 1843, eighty-four
were added. In 1852, eight were added. In 1854, twelve were
added. In 1857, five were added. In 1858, seventeen were ad-
ded. In 1863, thirteen were added, and in 1867 twenty-five were
added. Some others have been added by letter, and some few in
other years not enumerated above, by profession. Some have
been dismissed by letter, and some have gone to parts unknown,
and have been erased from the church records. Many have died,
leaving upon the church records, February, 1871, 174 members.
Deacon Sheldon Camp and deacon Aaron W. Fenn, ai'e the
present deacons. Deacon Sheldon Camp was elected, April, 1857.
Deacon Aaron W. Fenn was elected, October, 1858. '
From the other churches of the various denominations in the
several towns, the author has received no reports.
As soon as it was announced that the rebels had fired upon Fort
Sumter, the old spirit of " seventy-six " was observed in this town,
and true to their Revolutionary instincts, the young men sprang
to arms. Many a voice joined in chorus with that of Jeremiah T.
Bronson, Avho was one of the first volunteers, and gave his life for
bis country; in the words, —
" My country calls, and I must go,
To protect our flag through weal or woe."
1 The date, 1731, on page 276. should be, 1741.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOOnBURY
U15
The first volunteer from Roxbury who was mustered into the ser-
vice was Seth Warner, a blood descendent of Col. Seth Warner,
of Revolutionary memory, and well did he sustain in the field the
glories of the old blood. Other good men and true followed, and
made an honorable record. Their names should be written in let-
ters of gold. The list follows ; —
Allen, William,
Addis, Seth H.
Bradley, Edson,
Bradley, Ira S.
Beach, F, W.
Beers, Harmon,
Bronson, Jeremiah T.
Booth, Charles F,
Booth, Henry A.
Camp, Oliver,
CarrauB, Daniel,
Donovan, Jeremiah,
Dickson, David,
Deacons, Henry,
Fenn, Robert L.
Glenn, James,
Hurlbut, Roger L.
Hurlbut, Charles H.
Holland, James B.
Hubbard, Roger E.
Hull, John D.
Judd, Capt. Lewis,
Jackson, Charles,
Lake, George,
Lewis, David,
Lucas, Israel,
Miller, David,
Miller, Frank,
Miller, Peter,
Morriss, Lieut. Wm. E.
Madigan, Michael,
May, Fred.
McKenney, John,
Meirs, Henry,
Nicholson, Cyrus F.
Neeson, John,
Ovia^t, John M.
O'Neil, James,
Prindle, Capt. Cyrus E.
Roche, Lewis,
Rueck, John,
Smidt, Henry,
Squire, John J.
Sullivan, Jeremiah,
Smith, Henry,
Smith, Wm. H.
Thompson, Fred.
Tencey, James,
Tracey, James,
Tyrrell, Charles F.
Vanderbeck, Albert,
Wessels, Peter,
Williams, John,
Wright, John,
Wright, Charles,
Wells, John,
Wells, Henry,
Walker, William
Walker, George R.
Warner, Geo. W.
Warner, Seth,
Whitehead, Botsford,
Woodruff", John.
To aid in putting these soldiers in ihh field, the town voted,
Aug. 8, 1862, a bounty of $100 to each volunteer. On the 1st of
1416 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
August, 1863, a bounty of $300 was voted to each drafted man,
under the Act of Congress of 3d March, 1863, The last war
town meeting was hold Sept, 21, 1864 — when it was voted to as-
sume and pay all the expenses that had been incurred by individ-
uals in procuring their substitutes during the existence of the war.
This covered the whole ground, and there was no further need of
town meetings.
The total amount paid by the town for the war, was |16,05'7.25
— by individuals from their private means, about $4,000.
The population of the town by the census of 1870, was 920 — a
loss of seventy-two from the census of 1860. These inland towns
are constantly losing their population — their best young men, by
western emigration.
From the North Congregational and Methodist churches, the
writer, after repeated and earnest solicitations, has rece'ved no
report. The history of the North Congregational church, since
the last edition, was substantially given in Rev. John Churchill's
very acceptable address at the Bi-Centennial of the old 1st Church,
in 1870. Since this gentleman's resignation, some four years ago,
the North Church has "heard " about 100 candidates to insure
the "acceptable preaching" of the "word" to that people, and
within a few weeks the Rev. Mr. Wyckoff has been by them ac-
cepted and settled, with the general concurrence of the people,
and with the belief that he will do an acceptable work in that
promising vineyard of the Lord.
Our Methodist brethren are laboring hard in their " Zion " for
the salvation of souls, with very good success.
The Roman Catholics have not yet a church edifice in this town
for their religious services, but they have the " liberty " of our
commodious Town Hall, with the consent of all the " Protestants,"
and have services there as often as priests can be obtained to offi-
ciate.
ST. Paul's episcopal church, woodbury.
By request of the writer, the following items have been fur-
nished by Rev. John Purves, — Ministers since 1852. —
Settled. Dismissed.
May, 1853. F. D. Harriman, June, 1856.
July, 1856. , C.T.Woodruff, Jan., 1860.
Mar., 1860. George Rumney, Dec, 1863.
Apr'1, 1860. John Purves, M. A,
ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, WOODBURY, CONN.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1417
From April, 1863, to March, 1871, there were baptisms, 101—
86 children and 15 adults — 45 persons confirmed — 64 added to
the communion, and 60 lost from it. — 62 Burials, and 38 Marriao-es.
In 1871, there were 80 families, 104 communicants, 16 Sunday
School Teachers, 73 Scholars. In 1855 the Church edifice, erected
in 1786, was altered, repaired and beautified, under the direction
of Mr. Walter P. Marshall. The Centennary of the settlement of
the Rev. John Rutgers Marshall, the first Rector of the parish,
was in November, 1871. Within the five years previous to 1871,
the parish lost several of its venerable and most valuable mem-
bers— th-ee of its Wardens — Benjamin C. Peck, Gideon Botsford,
and Benjamin Doolittle ; also Ephraim B. Peck, James Moody,
Phineas A. Judson, and many others, by death and by removal.
While these pages are passing through the press, the Centen-
nial Anniversary of St. Paul's Church is being celebrated. Rev.
John Purves, the Rector of the Church, has very kindly furnished
the writer with an account of the proceedings, which here fol-
lows : —
"Commemoration Services. — The parish of St, Paul's, Wood-
bury, Litchfield county, Conn., is one of the oldest in the diocese.
From 1723 to 1771, it had occasional services from the Rev. Mr.
Pigot, the Rev. Dr. Johnson, of Stratford, the Rev. Mr. Beach, of
Newtown, and other missionaries of the Tenerable Society for the
Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign parts.
" Tlie parish was organized as an Episcopal Society in 1740. In
the autumn of 1771, the Rev. John Rutgers Marshall, who had
been educated with a view to the Dutch Reformed ministry, but
had conformed to the Church, went to England, and having re-
ceived Holy Orders at the hands of the Bishop of London, re-
turned to Connecticut as a missionary of the Society, and was set-
tled at Woodbury. Mr. Marshall exercised his ministry in troub-
lous times. He suffered persecution and bodily injury at the
hands of men whose hearts and minds were ignorantly prejudiced
against the Church, but he patiently endured and peacefully dis-
charged his sacred duties, laying foundation principles of Apos-
tolic faith in the hearts and minds of many.
"In 1785, by the liberal use of his own means, he commenced
the building of the present church edifice, but he did not live to
see it fully completed. In the year 1789, while yet in the full
vigor of his powers, in the eighteenth year of his ministry, and
1418 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
in the forty-sixth of his age, Mr. Marshall was removed from his
earthly labor to awaiL the heavenly crown.
It was to commemorate the centeiinary of the settlement of
the Rev. Mr. Marshall in Woodbury, that, on the 6th day of Sep-
tember, appropriate services were held in the church he was in-
strumental in erecting, and in the chancel of which, some years
since, a memorial window inscribed with his name was placed.
" The former rectors of the parish still surviving, the descend-
ants of deceased parisioners, and all its friends, were invited to be
present. The old rectors, much to the regret of all, were Provi-
dentially prevented.
" The day was beautiful — a full attendance crowded the church.
As the bishops and clergy entered, the congregation rose, and
united in singing the hymn — " Come, ye faithful, raise the anthem.''
The Rt. Rev. John Williams, D, D., LL.D., Bishop of the Dio-
cese, was accompanied by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Venables, Lord Bishop
of N fissau — a grandson of Dr. Moss, Bishop of Bath and Wells,
one of the consecrators of Bishop White — followed by the clergy,
most of them in surplices ; the Rev. Drs. J. L. Clark, E. E. Beards-
ley, and D. H. Short, and the Rev. Messrs. Moody, Welton, Peck,
Russell, Clark, Nelson, Marvin, Pierce, Baldwin, Acly, Bishop
and Purves, the rector of the parish.
'•Morning prayer was conducted by the Rev. J. L. Clark, the
Rev. Professor Bissell, and the Rev. Dr, Short. The XXlVth se-
lection was then sung, Bishop Williams commenced the commun'
ion service. Bishop Venables read the Epistle, and Bishop Wil-
liams the Gospel. The LXth psalm was then sung, after which
Bishop Williams preached from the text, Psalm xliv. 1, ' We have
heard with our ears, O God ; our fathers have told us what Thou
hast done in their time of old.'
'* After expressions of hearty congratulation to the parish on
this deeply interesting occasion, and a fitting reference to the pres.
ence of a colonial bishop, the subject presented was the organiza-
tion of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in 1701^
and its missionary work in Connecticut. At the conclusion of the
sermon, ' Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty,' was sung,
after which the bishop confirmed lour persons.
" The rector then received the offertory. Bishop Williams said
the prayer for Christ's Cburch militant. Bishop Venables read
the exhortation, the confession and comfortable words. The Tri-
sagion having been sung, and the prayer for humble access offered.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1419
Bisfeop Williams consecrated the elements of the Lord's Supper,
and was assisted in the delivery of the same by the Rev. Mr.
Baldwin and the Rector. The Communion hymn was:
" Oft in danger, oft in woe,
Onward Christian, onward go, —
Bear the toil, maintain the strife.
Strengthened by the Bread of Life."
A large number of communicants united in the Holy Eucharist.
The offering was four hundred and sixty-three dollars.
" At three o'clock in the afternoon, after the singing of the
seventy-ninth psalm, the Rev. Mr. Moody read the Litany. The
sixtieth selection was then sung, and an address was delivered by
the Rector. The subject was : The historic spirit of the Christ-
ian traveller following the current of the Church, as a river, from
its source to the sea. Ezekiel's vision of the holy waters issuing
from the gate of the Temple, was taken, as the ground of an his-
torical discourse. The Church, under the figure of a river, was
traced from its original spiing. It was repieseuted as flowing on
from the east, branching into the isles of the west, and from thence
passing over into the new world — reaching to the ankles in the
valleys, rising to the Jcnees around the inland hills, swelling to the
loins among the central mountains, deepening and widening in its
course from east to west. A river to swim in, having a continu-
ous line of trees flourishing upon its banks, with heafing in its liv-
ing waters. The faithfulness of such noble missionaries as John-
son, Beach, and Marshall, was eulogized. The history of Mar-
shall, the first settled missionary in Woodbury, and the sore trials
he endured, were briefly sketched, and an historical and statistical
account of the parish was given to the present time.
" Pleasant are Thy courts above,"
was then sung, and the Benediction pronounced.
Evening st.! vice, at 7:40 ocl K-k, was conducted by the Rev.
Messrs. Nelson, Clark, and Peck. The Rev. Dr. Beardsley deliv
eied a sernioii from Job, \iii. 10 Tlii-; admirable discourse, by
the able hisiurian of the Episcopal Ciiurch in Connecticut, was on
tin* mission of the Rev. Jolin liu gers Marshall, and on the elec
tion of Bish.)}) Seabury, in Woodbury, to the Episcopate of Con-
n<dcucut. He clearly showed the |iromiiient part which Connecti-
37
1420 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
cut took in settling the framework and in arranging the foiniula-
ries of the Church, as it is now organized.
The hymn,
" Saviour again to Thy dear Name^we raise,
With one accord, our parting hj-mn of praise,"
was sung. The Bishop then closed the service with prayer and
the beoediction. The gifts presented on this interesting occasion
were : Wall decoration of the chancel in polychrome ; four paint-
ings in oil, to fill four panels of the reredos, (the paintings to con-
tain the symbols of the four Gospels, blended with emblems of the
Lord's Supper, and texts from the Evangelists) ; silver flagon and
silver paten ; prayer-books for the altar; pulpit desk and pulpit
frontal, in crimson and gold ; two sets of candle branches for the
reredos ; a set of altar linen, and a pair of crystal vases. These
were presented by the descendants of the first Rector, and by the
friends of the parish. In addition, several memorial windows
have been promised.
" A beautiful collation was provided by the ladies, of which the
bishops, clergy, visitors, and parishioners partook with much so-
cial enjoyment.
" All the services were attended by full congregations. The
responses were rendered with unusual spirit. The singing, led
by the choir, with well arranged and appropriate music, was hearty
and joyful, and there was a general expression of cordial thank-
fulness for the privilege of joining in such pleasant commemora-
tion services.
" Why should not the Church 'spend the flower of her time
happily,' by keeping such pleasant memories with religious joy ?
The centenary of the consecration of Bishop Seabury is not far
distant, which may be pleasantly anticipated by religious memo-
rials of the missionaries wh<5 preceded him. If the centenary of
the birth of a great literary and poetical genius, who ' roused ro-
mance from her mouldering urn,' and awakened historic voices in
a mountain land, which have resounded round the world, be widely
celebrated, why should not the name and memorial of the heroic
servants of God, who have been the heralds of the Gospel and
the missionaries of the cross, be worthily kept with psalms,
and hymns, and spiiitual songs, by those in whose hearts
their memory remains as a tuneful melody ? The very dust of the
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
1421
sacred dead should be honored. At their o-raves the blushino: rose
should speak of the cheering hope of the resurrection, and the
clustering evergreen vine shadow forth the immortality of saints
departed."
Here ends our account of the various societies that have been
born and bred in the "old homestead," and we leave then^ with a
benediction, hoping that at the " Day of final accounts" we shall
meet with all of our children "in a general joy."
CHAPTER XI,
BIOGRAPHIES AND AUTO-BIOGRAPHIES OF NATIVES, RESIDENTS, AND
DESCENDANTS OF ANCIENT WOODBURY, IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER.
EATH has
made it neces-
sary that fur-
ther biogra-
phies should
be written. Farther auto-bi-
ographies will also be added.
Time is short, and this is a bu-
sy world, but it is useful and
instructive to note the record
of the men who act well their
part in the great drama and
tragedy of life. Twenty years
will always add to the proces-
sion to the '* Great Unknown
Land." Singular instances occur in every rank in life. The
following is an instance in the clerical profession : —
GARRETT GARNSEY BROWN.
Garrett Garnsey Brown, of the class of 1809, Yale College,
died in the Woodbury almshouse, on Saturday, October 1st, aged
86 years. He was a native of Bethlehem, and after being gradu-
ated at Yale, at the age of twenty-five, went South, where he en-
gaged in teaching in families of wealthy planters in Louisiana
He also preached as a Congregational 'minister, but whether reg-
ularly ordained or not, we do not know. Later in life he went to
the Sandwich Islands, where he was unfortunate and lost his prop-
erty. He subsequently returned to Louisiana, remaining there
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1423
until shortly before the war, when he came back to his native
place. He was provided for a while by a brother, but finally,
being unwilling to make any exertion for his own comfort or ben-
efit, was turned upon the town, and boarded at the public expense
at the Woodbury almshouse. He retained his faculties to a re-
markable degree until the end of his life.
HON. SETH p. BEERS.
A sketch of Mr. Beers appears on page 426. An error occurs
in the date in the 11th line. It should be, November, 1812.
He was bora at Woodbury, July 1st, 1781, but passed his whole
business life at Litchfield, Conn. He attended the ''Bi-Ceuten-
nial" of the town, July 4th and 5th, 1859, and made a most feel-
ing, appropriate, and eloquent address, which included a sketch of
his own career. One remark made on that occasion proved pro-
phetic in his own case. It is recorded on page 974. "J/v/ coming
hither to day seems a completion of the circle of my life. It
brings me round to the point whence I started., and connects the
termination of the line with the beginning^'' He was at this time
one of the best preserved old men with whom the writer has
ev3r been acquainted, but he died a little more than a year later.
All his children are gone, too, except Julia. And thus passed
away a Christian gentleman of the "old school," — one of the
most honored and useful citizens of our county and State.
HON. CHARLES CHAPMAN.
Charles Chapman,' the most brilliant advocate of the Connec-
ticut bar, was a "grandson of Woodbury" by two lines of de-
scent. He died at Hartford, where he resided, on the 7lh day of
August, 1869, in the 71st year of his age. He was born in New-
town, Conn., June 21st, 1799. His father was Asa Chapman, a
Judge of the Supreme Court of the State. He commenced his
law studies with his father, pursued them for a time at tlie Litch-
field Law School, and completed them with the late Chief Jus-
' The larger portion of this account of Mr. Chapman is taken from the 35th
Vol. of Connecticut Reports.
1424 HISTORY OF ANCIEKT WOODBUEY.
tice Williams, then in practice in Hartford. He commenced the
practice of law in New Haven, and in 1832 removed to Hartford,
where he spent the remainder of his life. He six times repre.
sented the town of Hartford in the State Legislature, and was
elected to Congress in 1851 by the Whig party, to which he was
then attached. He was also United States District Attorney for
the District of Connecticut, from the spring of 1841 to the close
of 1844.
Mr. Chapman had a very large professional practice, especially
in criminal cases. There was hardly a criminal trial in the State
of special importance in which he was not employed for the de-
fence, and he often went into neighboring States upon such cases.
Over- work in the trial of a protracted case in Northampton, Mass.,
a few months before his death, undoubtedly hastened that event.
Mr. Chapman seemed to be in his natural element ia the trial of
causes before a jury. The more desperate his case, the more he
seemed to be inspirited by it. His resources were inexhaustible.
His power in addressing a jury was very remarkable. In the ex-
amination of witnesses, and the sifting of evidence, he had no su-
perior ; it seemed impossible for a falsehood to elude him. His
sarcasm, when he thought the occasion demanded it, was terrible.
He had command of a masterly English, which he compacted into
sentences, generally, of finished elegance, often of dramatic power.
His wit was always keen, and ever in hand; nobody approached
him ill readiness of retort. He did not move his hearers as the
greatest orators do, by being profoundly impressed himself and
carrying them along by sympathy. The process with him was
wholly intellectual — cool himself and with a perfect comprehen-
sion of the suttlest springs of human feeling and action, he played
with his audience like a magician. Wit, pathos, humor, invective,
fancy, logic, — all seemed to combine, or take their turn in sweep-
ing everything before them. In his delivery he was entirely nat-
ural, and his manner unstudied. He was very social in his nature,
a remarkably good talker, and incomparable and inexhaustible as
a sto y teller. Many of his felicities of speech and story will long
survive among the festive traditions of the bar.
Hon. Richard D. Hubbard says of him : — " In the delicate duty
of examining witnesses — above all, in that most important and
most difficult of all professional functions, a cross-examination —
he was ViOt only distinguished, he vV'as consummate. A cross-
examination with him was a hot and running fire of scathing
HISTORY OF ANCI E XT WO ODBURY 1425
inquisitions. He searclied tlie very veins of a witness. A per-
jurer in his hands was not merely unmasked, he suffered on the
spot a part, at least, of the punishment due to his crime."
Judge Wm. D. Shipman, of the United States District Court,
says of Mr. Chapman : — " No greater mistake could be made than
to suppose that mere ingenuity and adroitness were the main
weapons which made Charles Chapman, for nearly forty years, a
singular power at th^ Bar of this State. His capacity to main-
tain a high position in a large class of cases, with the able leaders
of the profession, was due to quite other and higher qualities than
mental dexterity.
'' In this field (criminal defence) he is admitted on all hands to
have been without a superior, — I may say without an equal, at the
Bar of this State. In the performance of this duty, he was faith-
ful in all things. I say duty, for the defence of persons accused of
crime is a duty, which the public cannot afford to see neglected or
under. ated. So tender and mindful is our law on the subject,
that it not only discards the barbarous usage once prevailing in
England, by which alleged criminals Aveie denied counsel, but, if
the accused is destitute, it is the duty of the Court to assign him
counsel. Whether originally employed by the defendent, or as-
signed by the Court, the path of the lawyer is plain. He is bound
by the law itself to use, with honor and rectitude, every intellect-
ual and professional weapon to the utmost of the ability which
God and the law have given him, in the defence of his client. This
Charles Chapman did, and the faithful manner in which he per-
formed this duty, constitutes one of his highest titles to honor.
He defended men only by the open use of the legitimate weapons
of professional warfare. Some may have been acquitted who re-
ally deserved conviction. But it is idle to charge the lawyer who
honorably and successfully defends an accused man with wrong-
fully shielding the guilty. He interposes no shield but that which
the law puts into his hands, and is necessary for the proper de-
fence of every defendent, whether innocent or guilty. The ques-
tion before the triers is never that of absolute guilt, but whether,
upon the evidence presented in the Court, all reasonable doubt is
excluded. No higher duty can devolve on the lawyer, than to see
to it that no man is convicted upon unworthy, or insufficient evi-
dence; for in doing so he preserves the only safeguard which in-
nocence has against popular rage, or official tyranny. Our de-
ceased brother well understood tliis duty, and performed it with
1426 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOOD BURY.
fearlessness and ability ; often in behalf of the poor and friend-
less, without hope of reward.
" In private life, Mr, Chapman was an interesting and enter-
taining companion. With his never failing fund of anecdote and
humor, his quaint, epigrammatic, incisive comments upon phases
of character, and the incidents of daily life, and the usual gaity of
his temper, he threw a charm over the hours of relaxation. Though
living to the age of seventy, his youthful tastes and feelings never
forsook him. He loved the applause which success in that profes-
sion brought him. The love of distinction may be pronounced by
the moralist an infirmity, but an austere genius has declared it to
be
" The last infirmity of a noble mind."
It undoubtedly is a powerful incentive to excellence, and when
seeking its triumphs in the fields of intellectual renown, it is, next
to the spirit inculcated by Christianity, the most mighty agent in
developing and nourishing tho^e virtues which give dignity and
ornament to human character."
WILLIAM COTHREN,
Son of William and Hannah Cothren, was born at Farraington,
Maine, November 28th, 1819. He fitted for College at the Far-
mington Academy ; graduated at Bowdoin College, Maine, in
1843 ; received his second degree in course, at the same institution
in 1846, and the degree of Master of Arts, ad eundem, from Yale
College, in 1847. He studied law under the direction of Hon.
Robert Goodenough, of Farmington, Me , late a member of Con-
gress from his district, and with the late Hon. Charles B. Phelps,
of Woodbury. He came to Woodbury in 1844, taught school for
a while, and was admitted to the Litchfield County Bar, Oct.,
1845. He commenced the practice of his profession in Woodbury
immediately after, and has continued there in the performance of
his duties as a counselor to the present time. He was elected a
county commissioner for Litchfield County, at the May session of
the General Assembly, in 1851. In April, 1856, he was admitted
as an Attorney and Counselor of the United States Circuit Court,
and on the 8th of March, 1865, he was admitted as an Attorney
and Counselor of the Supreme Court of the United States. He
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 142*7
was elected Corresponding member of the New England Historic
Genealogical Society, at Boston, Mass., May 5th, 1847 ; a m'^mber
of the Connecticut Historical Society, Nov. 23d, 1852, of which,
for many years, he has been a Vice-President; an Honorary mem-
ber of Old Colony Historical Society, at Plymouth, Mass., April
24th, 1854; a Corresponding member of the Wisconsin Historical
Society, Jan. 17th, 1855; a Corresponding member of the Ver-
mont Historical Society, Feb. 3d, 1860; a Corresponding member
of the Maine Historical Society, Sept. 18th, 1861 ; and an Hono-
rary member of the Rutland County Historical Society, Oct. 8th,
1868.
HON. SAMUEL G. GOODRICH.
Mr. Goodrich was even better known by his nom de plume
of "Peter Parley," under which he achieved his world-wide dis-
tinction as an author, than by his real name. He was the son of
the late Rev. Samuel Goodrich, pastor of the Congregational
church in Ridgefield, Conn , where the subject of this notice was
born. He was a member of a highly cultivated and intellectual
family, and spent a life of industry and usefuhiess, and earned an
enviable fame. It is not the design of this notice to write an
obituary of him, or an estimate of his life and his works. They
are engraved on the hearts of the intelligent and thoughtful in all
the world. It is simply to say a word of the closing years of his
life, and to mention the fact that " his bones remain with us " in
this beautiful valley. Two or three years before his death, he
bought a country house in Southbury, on "Maple Hill," on the
beautifully shaded street, just below the Woodbury line, for the
purpose of spending, in the serenity of a country repose, the eve-
ning of his days, and to identify himself with the people of his
chosen home, and thus renew the thoughts and associations of his
early years. But he was not long to enjoy his desired rest. He
went to New York on business one day in good health, the next
day he was stricken down, and on the next brought home. The
dream of life was over, and they laid hira to rest in the " ancient
cemetery" of Southbury, where lie the generations who have gone
before him. Thus passed away one of the most distinguished
men of our times.
1428 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY,
HON. ORLANDO HASTINGS. ^
Mr. Hastings was born in Washington, in Litchfield County,
Conn., in 1789, and, at the age of seven years, was removed by
his parents to the vicinity of Clinton, N. Y. He was the third
son and fifth child in a family of eleven children. In common
with the other members of that interesting household, he enjoyed
in early years the instructions and prayers of eminently pious pa-
rents ; and, as in ten thousand other cases in the moral history
of mankind, the first sacred influences of a godly mother have but
lived again in the strict integrity and high-toned religious senti-
ments of the son. His youth was morally circumspect, but not
religious.
Being attacked, at about the age of twenty-one years, with he-
morrhage of the lungs, he was turned aside from the plan of ob-
taining a collegiate education, which he had cherished, and after
a time engaged in commercial pursuits. In 1»15, he entered the
law ofiice of the late Judge Griftin, then practicing at Clinton, N.
Y. ; and in the year 1818, removed to Genesseo, where he estab-
lished himself in the business of his profession. About this time
he dated his hopeful conversion, though his public connection with
the church was not formed till the year 1825. In 1830, he remo-
ved to Rochester, where the burden and heat of the day were
borne. These were the first fruits of his influence, both at the
Bar, and in the church. In either sphere it was an influence that
will not soon be forgotten. Among themany worthy names which
are justly revered, as having given characi er to that city, and which
will live as long as it has a history, that of Orlando Hastings will
stand high, both as a legal counselor, and as a very pillar in the
House of God.
Mr. Hastings was gifted with a mind of rare capacity, distin-
guished particularly for its logical clearness, its power of close
and prolonged attention, and its intuitive grasp of a whole subject
at once. He generally apprehended the chief points at issue in
clear and sharp outline, with no blur or shading into penumbral
dimness and uncertainty. And the views so clearly and strongly
conceived, on whatever subject, always enlisted the enthusiasm of
his whole nature, stirred the resoluteness of an indomitable perse-
* This notice is extracted principally from the funeral sermon preached by Rev.
F. F. EUinwood.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1429
verence, and called forth a very rare degree of executive force.
No opinion was ever indifferently entertained, which he deemed
worthy to be entertained at all. No mere surmises— ihis own or
another's — could be accepted by him as conclusions ; but thojt
which xoas received as truth, became a fire in his bones, stirring
every energy — putting forth the most unflinching resolution, and
the promptest action. Even those who diftered with him could
never doubt his entire sincerity ; and if, in the earnestness with
which he sought his ends, he seemed to any too strenuous, they
were still constrained to feel that it was neither interest, nor dis-
ingenuous obstinacy, but only the zeal of strong and honest con-
victions, that influenced him.
I shall utter (said the pastor) nothing new to most of you, when
I say, that for tenderness of sympathy, Mr. Hastings was one in a
thousand. I am constrained to bear it as ray well considered tes-
timony, that in all my intercourse with men, I have never known
a heart more susceptible to kindness and the tokens of friendship,
or more easily moved with sympathy for the wants and woes of
others. I have never seen the tears of emotion so often stealing
from any other m- nly eye; nor heard so frequently the stifled
utterances of tender feeling, from any other manly lips. Hundreds
and thousands who had nothing with which to pay, have gone to
him and found advice and help in every species of difiiculty ; and
as to pecuniary means, who does not know that a large proportion
of his handsome income was dispensed, almost with the freeness
of the sunlight and the shower? Could all those who have re-
ceived his benefactions for the last half century, stand up here in
full array before us, the spectacle itself would utter n silent eulo-
gium more eloquent than tongue can express.
I need not say to those who knew his mental or moral qualities,
that he has been to us a valued counselor. I need not add that
his well known earnestness and Christian zeal, have rendered him
indefatigable in every labor of love among us ; and so as to pe-
cuniary support, as you might suppose, his liberal purse has been
almost a treasury of the church. In our social meetings, he never
opened his lips without having something to say, which was both
edifying and instructive to his hearers. Moreover his example
among us — if punctuality in every religious duty — if thorough
honesty in his Christian life — if high-toned sentiment in respect
to the influence of the church upon the world has any worth, it
has, we trust, left its lasting impress ujDon us. He loved the inte-
1430 HISTORY OF ANCIENT "W O O D B U R T .
rests of this church as his own life. There was almost no sacri-
fice that he was not prepared to make for its outward prosperity,
or its spiritual thi'ift. His thoughts were much upon it ; he plan-
ned for its advancement ; he gave to and labored for it, and prayed
in its behalf. Even when no longer able to come up to this much
loved place, or even kneel at the family altar, still, bolstered in his
chair, and speaking only in slow and feeble accents, he uttered one
of the most remarkable petitions of his whole life, for the spirit-
ual interests of this church. And we may feel that as a legacy of
blessing to us, that prayer stands as a memorial before God.
He was one of the most industrious and successful practitioners
in the State of his adoption. On the occasion of his death, spe-
cial meetings of the church, and other public bodies of which he
had been a member were held, at which resolutions of the most
complimentary kind were passed, and also in the several Courts
before which he had so long and ably practiced, set eulogies were
pronounced, scarcely equaled by those delivered on any similar
occasion in this country. And thus passed to his rest the able
counselor, the revered friend, and the Christian gentleman. *
CHIEF JUSTICE JOEL HINMAN.
A brief account of Judge Hinman appears on page 442, but as
he has now deceased, a further record of him will be added — taken
principally from a paper prepared by Frederick J. Kingsbury,
Esq., of Waterbury, and printed in the 35th vol. uf Conn. Reports.
Judge Hinman was born at Southbury, Conn., January 27th,
1802, and died of pneumonia at his residence in Cheshire, Febru-
ary 21st, 1870, aged 68. He was buried on Thursday, Feb. 24th,
in the graveyard at Cheshire, adjoining the Episcopal Church,
where he had been for years a faithful attendant. In accordance
with a wish expressed by him some time before his death, and en-
tirely characteristic of the man, no sermon was preached, and no
eulogy was pronounced. But he was followed to the grave by a
large concourse of his old neighbors and friends, by the judges of
the Courts, and by representatives of the Bar from all parts of the
State.
* In the account of Dr. Seth Hastings, father of the above, p. 385, the list of
children should be as follows, at his death, 84 years of age, viz; Seth, Betsey,
Thomas, Orlando, Eurotas Parmelee, Charles, Truman, Sophia.
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1431
The Judge was the twelfth in a family of fourteen or fifteen
children, and, after having received a common school education
early applied himself to the study of the law, first with Judge
Chapman, at Newtown, and afterwards with Messrs. Staples and
Hitchcock, at New Haven. He was admitted to the Bar not long
after reaching his majority, and settled in Waterbury, in 1824.
The following year he married Miss Maria Scovill, daughter of
James Scovill, of Waterbury. In 1830, he was appointed Judge
of Probate for the Waterbury District, and continued to hold the
office for ten years. He twice represented the 5th District, in the
State Senate, and several times the town of Waterbury in the
House of Representatives. While a member of the House, in
1842, he was fleeted a Judge of the Superior and Supreme Courts,
to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Roger Minot Sher-
man. Upon the decease of Chief Justice Storrs, in 1861, he was
elected Chief Judge, which office he continued to hold till his de-
cease. Judge Hinman continued to reside in Waterbury till 1845,
when he removed to New Haven, where he remained several
years, and subsequently to Cheshire, where he died. He left a
widow and four children ; one son and three daughters. The
Judge was 40 years old when he was elected, and is said to have
been the youngest man, up to that time, who had filled that posi-
tion. His election was quite unexpected to him and to the pub-
lic. The judges of the Court were mostly past the prime of life
and men of marked ability. He was comparatively young, and
had attained no eminence at the bar. As a legislator he spoke
seldom and briefly, though he was acknowledged as one of the
leaders, and his opinion had much weight. In his profession he
was possessed ot considerable ability, and, on occasions, showed
. it. But he was unsuited to active practice, slow ol utterance, in-
dolent and unmethodical in his business habits, and needed a spur
to exertion, which the limited practice of a country town did not
supply. But he was much better adapted by nature for the bench
than the bar. He had an eminently judicial mind, and having now
a sufficient inducement to exertion, he soon won, in his new posi-
tion, both the respect of his associates and of the bar — a respect
which steadily increased during the rest of his life. The whole
action of his mind was deliberative, perpending, judicial. " Well,
now let's see," was his favorite connecting and lubricating clause,
in all the breaks and joints of conversation, discussion and argu-
ment. The members of the bar, both old and young, throughout
1432 HISTORY OF AN'CIENT WOODBURY.
the State, regarded hira with mnch respect, mingled with a feel-
ing of complacency closely bordering on affection. He, on his
part, was fond of young men, and enjoyed their society and con-
versation. He called people by their first names. He knew- the
children, and stopped to talk with them. He made equability a
study, and though by no means devoid of temper, he rarely show-
ed more of it than a passing flush. — " Whatever happens," was his
advice to a young friend, " make it a point never to get angry.
Lawyers will abuse you, witnesses disappoint you, clients deceive
and cheat you, and judges will decide against you, when you
know you are right ; but whatever happens, take it all coolly,
laugh, if you can, if you can't laugh, smile, and wait for time to
make things right."
His legal opinions are without the graces of style, but they are
attractive, because they come directly to the point, and cover the
whole ground in a manner quite peculiar to the judge himself. He
seems, without labor or effort, to find the true solutions of intri.
cate questions, and the conclusions are so natural, that the reader
adopts them with confidence, as being those of his own mind. As
has been well said by a distinguished member of the bar, " his
honesty seemed rather to be constitutional than to come from any
very nice conscientiousness. He seemed to go right because he
could not help it."
The State of Connecticut has been extremely fortunate in the
presiding judges of her highest Court, and though some have ex-
celled him in legal accumen, or brilliant genius; yet for that rarely
balanced common sense, which equals either of these gifts in util-
ity, and for sterling honesty, few names will hold a higher place
than that of Joel Hinman.
EDWARD J HUBBARD,
Was born in Bethlehem, Conn. Received a Common and High
School education. Studied law with Henry B. Graves and Wil-
liam Cothren, Esqrs. Was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1864,
and immediately commenced practice with William Cothren at
Woodbury. In the fall of 1865, as there seemed to be a better
opening at Naugatuck, Conn., he opened a law office there, and
remained till the fall of 1866, when the amount of business not
being satisfactory, he emigrated West, and opened an office at
Trinidad, Colorado Territory, where he at present resides, in the
HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1433
fall practice of his profession. He holds the offices of County
Attorney and United States Collector of Internal Revenue of
his District.
HON. JAMES HUNTINGTON,
Was born in South Coventry, Conn., June 4, 1833. Received
a High School education, and was fitted to enter the Sophomore
class in College. Studied law in the office of Messrs. Loren P.
Waldo and Alvan P. Hyde, at Tolland, Conn. Entered the Na-
tional Law School at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., whence he graduated
in 185Y, and received the degree of LL.B. Was admitted to the
bar of Tolland County, in April 1859, and opened an office in
Woodbury, in the spring of 1859, where he still continues to re-
side, ill the full practice of his profession. He was elected Judge
of Probate for the District of Woodbury, in April, 1861, and has
continued to hold the office till the present time.
WYLLIS LAMBERT.
In July, 1871, the writer communicated to the public prints the
following slight sketch of Mr. Lambert : —
" The angel of death still seems to hover over our devoted town
— the first Congregational society in particular. On Wednesday,
the 7th, another of the "fathers" in our church passed away,
after a few days illness, aged seventy. Wyllis Lambert descended
from an old and respectable family, was born in this town, and was
a life-long resident. At an early age he joined the first Congre-
gational church, and was ever a consistent and valued member.
For a long period of years he was an able and efficient officer of
the church. To his wise counsel and cdm, considerate action,
when causes of diffei'ence arose, the church is indebted as much,
or more, than to any other man in it, for its long period of repose
and prosperity. Though of a stern and unbending character by
nature, yet he was slow to speak and slow to anger, in all that
pertained to the interests of the visible church. He was always
in his place of duty, bearing well his part in the church of his
choice, in society, and in the bosom of liis family. All public
trusts and duties committed to his care by his fellow townsmen,
were faithfully and scrupulously executed with judgment and dis-
cretion. In him was to be found the discreet and wise counselor.
1434 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOOUBURT.
Faithful in his friendships and in all the duties of life, he has
moved on in the even tenor of his way, and rounded out, in a
well-spent life, the alloted period of three score years and ten.
His death leaves a void in the church and community that will
not be filled. The fathers' are passing away, and there are none
to take their places. Happy those that remain, if, when life's
"fitful dream is o'er," they can meet death with calm, expectant
hope of a bright hereafter, and sure faith in the mercy of the
great Creator, as did the deceased, who longed for the appearing
of his Redeemer, and to be absent from the earth, that he might
* be present with the Lord.' "
HENRY MINOR.
In the month of January, 1871, the writer furnished the follow-
ing account of Mr. Minor, for the public press : —
" Woodbury has been peculiarly unfortunate during the last iew
months in the loss of an unusually large number of prominent
citizens, in middle life, cut down in the full strength of the vigo-
rous period of men's lives, and at the very height of their useful-
ness. The best and most useful period of a well preserved man's
life, is the interval between the fiftieth and sixtieth year of his
age. All his powers of mind and body are ripe and vigorous and
effective. We can ill aftbrd to spare our leading men at this time
of their lives.
" Among those whom we have lately lost, was Mr. Henry
Minor, whose death occurred on the 2d of January, at the age of
54 years. Mr. Minor was a son of the late Hon, Matthew Minor,
a lawyer of note in this town for many years. Tiie subject of this
notice was an active business man all his life, having business re-
lations, in all its various phases, with a lai-ge number of persons
in several States. But he was the most identified wilh our own
town.- He was Deputy Sheriff for Litchfield County during more
than twenty years, and bore various offices of trust in the town.
As a Sheriff, he had not a superior, if even an equal, in the State.
Li the difiicult duties pertaining to this office, he was always affa-
ble, kind and considerate, with the courage and ability to be se-
vere when necessary. He favored the settlement of litigation,
and was quite successful on numerous occasions in inducing con-
tending parties to arrange their difierences amicably, lie was a
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1435
lover of peace, and his advice was valuable in his various relations
in the society in which he moved, in business, in his party, and
his church. He was not a profuse talker, but a word fitly spoken
by him very often had a controlling influence in the difficulties of
his time. He was a kind, unflinching and sincere friend. No in-
ducement could ever induce him to desert one. No one would go
further and endure more to do a favor. He was an honest and
accurate business man, in all his dealings, and a valuable man in
every relation in life.
" For the last three or four years, he has been a great suff'erer,
confined to his house, on his bed much of the time. But he bore
up through it all with calm Christian fortitude, closing up his bu-
siness, and setting his house in order for the last great change.
He was fully aware, in his last sickness, that his hour had come,
and he met death with the fortitude and composure which had
characterized his life. He seemed to have almost a prophetic in.
timation of his last day. And thus he passed away, through great
suflTering and weariness, and ascended, as we fondly believe, to his
briijcht reward above."
REV. ELISHA MITCHELL, D. D.
Elisha Mitchell, D.D., Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and
Geology in the University of North Carolina, was born in Wash-
ington, Conn., on the 19th of August, 179:3. He was the oldest
son of Abner Mitchell, a respectable farmer of that town, whose
wife, Phoebe Eliot, was a descendant, in the 5th generation, of
John Eliot, the celebrated "Apostle to the Indians. Dr. Mitchell
was thus a member of a family now very widely spread over the
United States, and reckoning many who have exercised much in-
fluence in commerce, politics, science and religion. He possessed
many of the characteristics which marked the Eliots, especially of
the earlier generations. The Rev. Jared Eliot, M. D. and D. D.,
minister for many years at Killingworth, Conn., was Dr. Mitch-
ell's great-grandfather. He was distinguished, in his own times,
for his knowledge of History, Natural Philosophy, Botany and
Mineralogy, while, as a theologian, he was sound in the faith, and
delighted in the doctrines of the gospel of grace. Among his
' This memoir of Dr. Mitchell was prepared by Prof. Charles Phillips.
38
1436 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
correspondents were Dr. Franklin and Bishop Berkeley, and in
1762, he was honored by the Royal Society of London with a gold
medal, for a valuable discovery in the manufacture of iron. This
ancestor, Dr. Mitchell, closely resembled in many peculiarities
of body and soul. Both were men of large stature, of great bodily
strength, of untiring activity, of restless curiosity, of varied and
extensive attainments, of quaint and quiet humor, of persevering
generosity, and of a well-established piety. His desire for excel-
lence in things pertaining to the mind, was a prominent feature
in Dr. Mitchell's character, fiom early childhood. When only
four years' old, he acted a spirited part in an exhibition of the
school he then attended, greatly to his own satisfaction, and to
the delight of his friends. As he grew older, he was never so
well pleased as when his playmates would gather around him, to
hear him tell what he had read in his b^oks, and explain the pic-
tures they contained. His preparation for college was completed
by the Rev. Azel Backus, D. D., who maintained for many years
a classical school at Bethlehem, Conn., and was afterwards the
first President of Hamilton College, X. Y. Dr. Backus was famous,
in his day, for his skill in training boys. He exercised a very
strong control over even the vicious, by his genial disposition, his
good common sense, his keen wit, his sleepless vigilance, his long-
suffering patience, his respectable attainments in science, and his
devout deference lo the will of God. Those who knew Dr, Mitch-
ell, will readily believe, that many of his excellent peculiarities as
a man, and as a professor, must have received an important devel-
opment by his association with Dr. Backus.
Dr. Mitchell graduated at Yale College in 181 3, along with Hon.
Geo. E. Badger, Dr. Olmsted, President Longstreet, Mr. Thomas
P. Devereux, Rev. Mr. Singletary, and others, who have been of
note in various walks in life. Among these, he was counted as
one of the best scholars in their class, being especially distinguish-
ed for his knowledge of English Literature. He was very popu-
lar with his college mates, and the younger members of the insti-
tution, especially, delighted to do him honor. The College Soci-
ety to which he belonged depended on him to gain it credit on
public occasions. His fine physiognomy, the dignity of his per-
son, the originality of his discussions, and the humor that enli-
vened them, rendered his orations acceptable to audiences, and se-
cured him respect from men of taste and education. It was not
till the Senior year, that he became. thoughtful on the subject of
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1437
religion. The kind and gentle persuasions of a classmate — a man
of humble powers of mind, but of exemplary piety — had great
influence in leading him to that serious examination of his life and
hopes, which resulted in his conversion.
On quitting College, Dr. Mitchell taught a school for boys, un-
der the care of Dr. Kigenbrudt, at Jamaica, L. I. Afterwards, in
the spring of 1815, he took charge of a school for girls at New
London, Conn. Here he formed an acquaintance with Miss Maria
S. North, daughter of an eminent physician of that place, who be-
came his wife in 1819. Experience has shown the wisdom of this
choice, as for nearly forty years this lady presided over his house-
hold in a manner to command his entire esteem, love and confi-
dence. In 1816, Dr. M. became a Tutor in Yale College, and
while so engaged, he was recommended to the favorable notice of
the Trustees of the University of North Carolina. This was done
through Judge Gaston, by the Rev. Sereno E. Dwight, a son of
President Dwight, and at that time Chaplain of the Senate of the.
United States. Ever since 1802, one of the most active and judi-
cious of the Trustees of the University, Judge Gaston was, at
that time a member of the House of Representatives, and on terms
of intimacy with Mr. Dwight. Because of this recommendation,
in 1817, these gentlemen were appointed each to a professorship
in the University of North Corolina — Dr. Mitchell to the chair of
Mathematics, then vacated by Dr. Caldwell's elevation to the Pres-
idency, and Dr. Olmsted to the chair of Chemistry, then fiist es-
tablished at the University. After spanding a short time at the
Theological Seminary in Andover, Mass., and receiving a licence
to preach the Gospel, from an orthodox Congregational Association
in Conn., Dr. Mitchell reached Chapel Hill on the 31st Jan, 1818,
and immediately began to discharge his duties as a professor — a
labor from which he ceased only by reason of death. In the dis-
charge of these duties, he exhibited an energy, a vigilance, an in-
telligence, a good common sense, a self denial, an attention to mi-
nute particulars, and a success rarely surpassed or even equaled.
During the thirty-nine and a half years of his connection with the
University, his absence from his post on account of sickness, visits
to the seat of government, attendance on ecclesiastical bodies, and
for all other causes, did not occupy, on an average, more than
three days in the year. Indeed, it may safely be stated, that
throughout that entire period, his days and nights, in term time
and in vacation, were devoted to his professorship. No one of the
1588 HTSTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
hundreds of students who have been connected with the Univer-
sity during the last generation, will be able to recall the memory
of his absence from morning and evening prayers, but as a rare
exception to the general rule.
Dr. Mitchell preached his first sermon in the College Chapel
shortly after his arrival there, and his last in Salisbury, N. C,
when on his way to the scene of the labors that cost him his life.
He was ordained to the full work of the Christian ministry by the
Presbytery of Orange, in Hillsborough, N. C, in the fall of 1821.
During his long ministrj^ there were very few weeks in which he
did not declare to his fellow men the will of God tor their salva-
tion. He alw.ays, and most heartily, acknowledged that this Kos-
mos, with whose varied phenomena he was very conversant, was
created and controlled by a personal God, whose wisdom, power,
goodness and holiness, he set forth with no little skill, and often
with very striking originality. This he did during a time wherein
too many of his associates in the investigation of Nature, indulged
in speculations and clothed them in language, that ignored the
existence of an authoritative revelation concerning creation and
Providence. His minute acquaintance with the Archaeology and
Geography of the Holy Scriptures, rendered his exposition of
them at times luminous, in a remarkable degree, and most deeply
interesting. For the redemption of the one race of mankind from
the abyss of ruin and misery into which the fall of Adam had
plunged it, he looked only to the mystery of the Cross inwrought
by the Holy Ghost, and received by faith into the heart of each
individual, and he rested his own soul thereon with sincere and
deep-felt emotions. During his eventful life, he was ever an at-
tentive observer of the signs of the times, being a great reader of
newspapers, and other periodicals. In these he had noticed so
many associations for the reformation of the evils in humanity,
skillfully organized, and vehemently recommended, and, after all,
superseded by their original projectors, that while he did not op-
pose schemes which, devised by man, relied on the organization
of his fellow-men for the attainment of reformation, he was not
disappointed when these attempts failed — and he persevered in
the old way of presenting to his hearers the necessity of a prompt
and persevering dependence on the power of personal and reveal-
ed religion to regulate the affections, and the daily life.
But it was as a professor that Dr. Mitchell displayed the most
energy, and accomplished the greatest results. Until 1825 he pre-
HISTO-RY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1439
sided over the department of mathematics and natural philosophy.
During this period, the doctrine of Fluxions, now called the Cal-
culus, was introduced into the college curriculum, and the degree
of attainment in other branches ef mathematics was elevated con-
siderably. In 1825, when Dr. Olmsted accepted a situation in
Yale College, Dr. Mitchell was transferred to the chair thus vacated,
and left his own to be filled by Dr. Phillips. The pursuit of nat-
ural science had always been a delightful employment with Dr.
Mitchell; even while a professor of mathematics, he had frequently
indulged his taste for Botany by excursions through the country
around Chapel Hill. After he took upon himself instruction in
Chemistry, Mineralogy and Geology, he extended and multiplied
these excursions, so that when he died, he was known in almost
every part of North Carolina, and he left no one behind him bet-
ter acquainted with the mountains, valleys and plains, its birds,
beasts, bugs, fishes and shells, its trees, flowers, rivers and mosses,
its rocks, stones, sands, clays and marls. Although in Silliman's
Journal, and in other periodicals less prominent, but circulating
more widely nearer home, he published many of his discoveries
concerning North Carolina, yet it is to be regretted he did not
print more, and in a more permanent form. It would, doubtless,
thus have appeared that he knew, and perhaps justly estimated
the worth of many facts, which later investigators have proclaim-
ed as their own remarkable discoveries. But the information he
gatheredwas for his own enjoyment, and for the instruction of his
pupils. On these he lavished, to the utmost capacity for recep-
tion, the knowledge that he gathered, by his widely extended ob'
servations, and had stored up mainly in the recesses of his own
singularly retentive memory.
But it was not only for accuracy and intelligence as a personal
observer, that Dr. Mitchell was famous, marked as his exertions
were by a wonderful activity of body, patience of labor, and in-
sensibility to fatigue. He read greedily all that he had a chance
to read on the subjects directly or indirectly concerning his pro-
fessorship, and on many other things besides. So that he well de-
served the name of " the walking Encyclopedia." There were
very few subjects on which men of polite literature, and of abstract
as well as natural science converse, wherein he was not an intelli-
gent and appreciative listener, or instructive teacher. His knowl-
edge of Geography was wonderful. It was a constant amuse-
ment for him to read the advertisements in a large commercial
1440 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY.
newspaper, to learn what things were bought and sold in the
markets of the world, and then to sit down and iind out where
the things were manufactured. Such was his reputation for these
acquisitions, that when any one wanted some rare information, or
a historical, or geographical, or more strictly scientific matter, it
was a common thing to say, — " Go ask Dr. Mitchell." He also
kept himself supplied with periodicals and magazines, in which
the sciinces he taught were developing ; for he loved to have his
knowledge fresh, and would not Avait for others to winnow the
true from the false. He took pleasure in removing the pure metal
from the crude ore for himself. His large librai'y contained some-
thing on almost everything. But it was in such a form, and ob-
tained in such times, and at such prices, that in the market, it
never would have brought any approximation to what it cost him.
The sciences which he taught were developing, while he taught
them, and he felt it incumbent on him to have, at the eailiest mo-
ment, whatever treatise he heard of, as likely to secure him the
latest and best information. Much of what Dr. Mitchell had to
read, is not now necessary, and many of his acquisitions may seem
to others useless, but he thus provided that no one of his pupils
jefthis laboratory without having an opportunity of hearing all
that was of any interest or of use to him, on the subject there dis-
cussed. Nor were his remarkable accomplishments as a professor
confined to his own apartment. In the Ancient Languages he
was frequently ready and able to help a colleague, who was pre-
vented from discharging his own duties. In the mathematics, he
would often, at public examinations, propose such questions that
showed that his earlier love still retained a hold on his attention
and affections. He was a good writer, and in the department of
Belles Letters, he was a well read and instructive critic. When it
was known that he was to deliver an address before the North
Carolina Agricultural Society, a friend, who knew him well, ex-
claimed, "111 warrant that Dr. Mitchell begins at the Garden of
Eden." And so he did. But by the time that, passing through
Egypt and Canaan, Greece and Rome and Great Britain, he got
to Cuatham County, N. C, he furnished, as usual, an essay full of
rare information, judicious suggestions, peculiar humor, and ex-
cellent common sense.
As a teacher, Dr. Mitchell took great pains in inculcating the
first principles of science. These he set forth distinctly, in the
very beginning of his instructions, and he never let his pupils lose
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1441
sight of them. When brilliant and complicaterl phenomina were
presented for their contemplation, he sought not to excite their
wonder, or mag;nify himself in their eyes, as a man of surprising
acquirements, or as a most dexterous manipulator, but to exhibit
such instances as most clearly set forth fundamental laws, and de
manded the exercise of a skillful analysis. Naturally of a cautious
disposition, such had been his own experience, and so Lirge was
his acquaintance with the experience of others, that he was not
easily excited, when others announced unexpected discoveries
among the laws and the phenomina which he had been studying
for years, as they appeared. While others were busy prophesying
revelations in social or political economy, he was quietly awaiting
the decisions of experience. He consequently taught his pupils
that there were times wherein they must turn from the voice of
the charmer, charm he ever so sweetly. His influence on the de-
velopments of science was eminently conservative, for he loved
the old landmarks. As a disciplinarian he was vigilant, consci-
entious, long-suffering, firm and mild. Believing that the preven-
tion was better than the cure of the ills of a college life, he was
constantly watching to guard the students from a violation of the
rules of morality, and common propriety. When offences were
committed, to the offender he set forth his conduct in its true
light, and often in very plain language. But wheu punishment
was to be inflicted, he generally proposed that which appealed to
the culprit's better feelings, and left him a door open for a return
to a better mind, and an earnest attempt for his reformation.
Many cases are known where such unwearied and unostentatious
kindness has produced the happiest results. How widely extend-
ed it was no one can tell now, for it was almost always shown to
the receiver alone. It sprang from a love to man and fear of God,
for Dr. Mitchell never feared the face of his fellow.
Dr. Mitchell enjoyed being busy. Neither laziness nor idleness
entered into his composition, so that he always had something
that he was doing heartily. Besides being a professor, he educa-
ted his own children, and especially his daughters, to a degree not
often attempted. He was a regular preacher in the College Chapel,
and in the village church, the College Bursar, a Justice of the
Peace, a Farmer, a Commissioner for the village of Chapel Hill,
and at times its magistrate of Police. Whatever plans he laid
were generally sketched on a large scale, and when executed, they
were, commonly, well done. Although a man of strong feelings,
1442 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
his excitement rarely lasted long, and he did not harbor resent-
ment, even when he had to remove unjust suspicions, or forgive
unmerited injuries; His generosity was abundant, and was often
appealed to, again and again. No friend of his ever asked him
for help without getting all he could give him.
Such were the, leading characteristics of Dr. Mitchell, who loved
God, and everything he had made ; and now, while colleagues
mourn for one, who counselled with wisdom, and executed with
vigor — while men of science miss the co-operation of a learned
associate, members of the Cabinet and Ministers to foreign coun-
tries, with Senators and Representatives in Congress, Governors
of the States, with their Judges and their Legislators, Ambassa-
ders from the Court of Heaven, and men of renown in the pro-
fessions, learned professors, with famous school-masters, and thou-
sands of other pupils in more retired positions, rise up in all parts
of our country, to do their revered preceptor high honor. His bow
abode in strength to the last, neither was his natural force abated.
He died as Abner died, and because they loved him, unlettered
slaves, as well as mighty men, followed his bier weeping.
Dr. Mitchell perished on Saturday, June 27th, 1857, in the
64th year of his age. He attempted alone to descend Mount
Mitchell, the highest peak of the Black Mountain, which is in
Yancey Co., N. C. But a thunder storm detained him on the
mountain, so that it was evening and dusk, as he was groping his
way down the mountain's sides. Not far from nineteen! minutes
past eight — for his watch marked that time — he pitched headlong
some forty feet down the precipice, into a small, but deep pool of
water, that feeds the sugar Camp Fork of Carey River. At the
bottom of this pool he was found, July 8, 1857, by Mr. Thomas
D. Wilson, who, with some 200 other mountain men, were seeking
for him in every glen on the sides of that fearful mountain mass.
This was the fifth visit that Dr. Mitchell had paid to the Black
Mountain, the others being 1835, 1838, 1844 and 1856, respective-
ly. His object this time was partly personal, and partly scientific.
He wished to correct the mistakes into which some had been led,
concerning his earlier visits, and to compare the indications of the
Spirit Level and the Barometer, that future explorers of mountain
heights might have increased confidence in the results afforded
them by these instruments. His untimely end left both parts of
this work to be completed by the pions hands of others.
Dr. Mitchell was buried in Aberville, N. C, July 10th, 1857, by
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1443
the side of one of his College mates. But at the earnest solicita-
tion of many friends, and especially of the mountain men of Yan-
cey County, his family allowed his body to be disinterred and de-
posited on the top of Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain peak
east of the Rocky Mountains. This was done June IGth, 1858.
There he shall rest till the Judgment Day, in a mausoleum such
as no other man has ever had. Reared by the hand of Omnipo-
tence, it was assigned to him by those to whom it was given thus
to express their esteem, and it was consecrated by the lips of elo-
quence, warmed by affection, amidst the rights of our Holy Reli-
gion. Before him lies the North Carolina he loved so well, and
served so faithfully. From his lofty couch, its hills and vallies
melt into its plains, as they stretch away to the shores of the
Eastern ocean, whence the dawn of the last day, stealing quietly
Westward, as it lights the mountain top first, shall awake him
earliest to hear the greeting : — " Well done good and faithful ser-
vant.''''
SIMEON H.
Was born in Woodbury, in the house near Freckerick M. Mi-
nor's, in Transylvania. He was .admitted to the Bar in 1831, re-
moved to Stamford, and resided there the remainder of his life.
He rapidly won a high position at the Fairfield County Bar, of
which he was a prominent member till his death, Aug. 2d, 1840.
The Stamford Advocate of that week paid a high tribute to his
professional ability. " Possessed of a strong mind, and sound legal
judgment, no member of the Bar commanded a larger share of
practice, until his health began to fail him, than he. For fourteen
years he discharged the duties of the oflUce of State's attorney. He
represented his town six sessions of the Legislature, and was
Judge of Probate several years. In the discharge of all his offi-
cial duties, he was prompt and efficient. He married in Stamford,
May 31, 1812, Catherine Lockwood, of Greenwich. They had
children: James JIi7i7nan, horn Nov. lYth, 1813; Hon. William
TTiomas, born Oct. 3d, 1815 ; and George Albert, born June 19th,
1817. His wife died March 29th, 1819.
1444 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
HON. WILLIAM THOMA.S MINOR, LL.D.,
Son of Simeon H. above. He graduated at Yale in 1834, and
studied law with his father. After being admitted to the Bar, he
commenced the practice of the law in his native town of Stam-
ford, where he contined to reside. He has alwaj's been popular at
home, and his townsmen, from the first, had looked to hira as a
leader for them in all local movements for the prosperity of the
town. He has represented the town in the Legislature seven
times, and once his district in the Senate. In 1855, he was chosen
Governor of Connecticut, and was re-elected the next year. He
received, in 1855, the honorary degree of LL.D, from the Wes-
leyan University, at Middletown. In 1864, he was appointed, by
President Lincoln, Consul-general to Havana, which office he re-
signed in 1867. He married, April 16th, 1849, Mary C, daughter
of John W. Leeds, Esq., of Stamford. They have had five chil-
dren, of whom two are now living — a son, who is a graduate of
the University of Munich, Bavaria, and a daughter.
On returning from Havana, he was chosen to represent his town
in the State Legislature , and by the Legislature he was appointed
judge of the Superior Court of the State, which position he now
holds. '
REV. BENJAMIN C. MEIGS.
Rev. Mr. Meigs was the son of Dr. Phineas Meigs by his wife
Sarah, who was the youngest daughter of Capt. Isaac Tomlinson,
of Woodbury, and was cousin of the late Mrs. Harriet J. Bene-
dict, widow of Hon. Noah B. Benedict; He was born in Bethle-
hem, where his father, mentioned on page 387, was then a practi-
sing physician. The father studied medicine with Dr. Joseph
Perry, of Woodbury, and practiced his profession five years at
Norwalk, before his removal to Bethlehem. The mother of the
subject of this notice lived to be more than 90 years old, before
her death at Quakers' Farms, Oxford.
Rev. Mr. Meigs graduated at Yale College in 1809. Studied
theology, and went as a missionary to the island of Ceylon, where
he remained for more than forty years, in faithful and successful
efibrts for the conversion of the heathen. He then returned to
this country, and was engaged in the service of the Bible House,
at New York, till his death, a few years ago.
* Huntingtou's Hist, of Stamford.
HISTOEY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1445
HON. CHARLES BARTLETT PHELPS.
Quite a full account of the life of Judge Phelps, appears on
page 394. Since that date he has deceased, and a more extended
account, written by his son-in-law, Rev. Alonzo Norton Lewis, of
New Haven, Conn., is introduced here. Mr. Lewis studied law
in the office of Judge Phelps, and was admitted to the Litchfield
County bar ; but on account of failing health he was obliged to go
South. On recovering it, he studied theology, and was admitted •
priest. Since then he has acted as Rector in Bethlehem, Conn.,
Dexter, Maine, and Marblehead, Mass. He resides now at New
Haven, Conn.: —
"Charles Bartlett Phelps was born at Chatham, now Portland,
Conn., May 31st, 1788. He was the eldest son of Dr. Elisha
Phelps, a physician of some repute. He entered the. Litchfield
Law School, when he was only eighteen years of age, where he
had as fellow-student John C. Calhoun, John M. Chyton, and
others, who have since become illustrious as lawyers, jurists, and
statesmen.
So assiduously did he apply himself to his studies, in order to
keep pace with his fellow-students, most of whom had the ad-
vantage of age and a superior education, that his health failed. In
his Diary may be read frequent entries like the following : — " Stud-
ied eighteen hours this day." At last, being threatened with
pulmonary disease, he left Litchfield for Woodbury, where he en-
tered his name as a student with Hon. Noah B. Benedict. Here
he became an inmate of the house which he occupied until his
death — since known as the " Judge Phelps Place," but more re-
cently as the " Parker Academy."
In 1809 he married Elsie, yqungest daughter of the Rev. John
Rutgers Marshall, first Rector of St. Paul's Church, Woodbury.
The following are his children by this marriage. George Butler
Phelps, of Pittsburgh, Pa., Charles Elisha,* Edward Marshall,
Judge of the Ohio District Court, St. Mary's, O., John Rutgers,
Paolo, 111., Susan Moseley, wife of Daniel Judson, Esq., Ogdens-
burgh, N. Y., and Elisha.
He married, 2d, Amanda, daughter of Dr. Joseph Parker, of
South Farms, now Morris. Children by this marraige, Elsie
Amanda, and Sarah Maria, wife of the Rev, Alonzo Norton Lewis,
* Deceased.
1446 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
a clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal Church, now of New
Haven, Conn.
After the usual course of study, he was called to the Bar, and
was a trusted and honored counsellor and advocate, to the day of
his death. He was Judge of Probate for the District comprising
Woodbury, Bethlehem, Southbury, and Roxbury,' from 1823 to
1834; and was re-appointed in '35, '36, '37, '42, '43, and '46; and
again from 1849 to 1858, when his age rendered him ineligible.
During the twenty-five years that he held this most responsible
office, he never had a decision reversed by the higher courts. He
was elected most of the time " by favor," the Probate Distrct be-
ing largely against him in politics.
He was a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives
in 1831, '37, and '52. The latter year he was chosen Speaker. In
1843 he was a member of the Senate and President of that body.
He was Postmaster of Woodbury from 1831 to 1841. In 1850 he
was appointed Judge of the County Court for the County of
Litchfield, and was re-appointed in 1852. He was admitted to the
Bar of the Supreme Court of New York.
On the 21st of Dec, 1859, he was present at a meeting of the
Committee appointed by the Connecticut Legislature to superin-
tend the erection of a monument to Col. Seth Warner, an officer of
the Revolution, The Committee, (of which Judge Phelps was
chairman,) met in Roxbury, at the house of Nathan Smith, Esq.
Gov. Buckingham and other distinguished citizens were present.
He was addressing the Committee and other gentlemen, upon the
subject under discussion, when he suddenly paused, as if hesita-
ting for a word, put his hand to his forehead, sank back into his
chair, and expired without a struggle, aged seventy years, six
months and twenty-one days.
No one ever saw Judge Phelps without being struck with his
genial face, portly form, and dighity of manner. No one ever
knew him intimately, without becoming deeply attached to him*
For more than two years, the writer of this sketch was most con-
fidentially and intimately associated with him, and he has no hes-
itation in affirming that " he was a man, take him all in all, we
shall not look upon his like again! " Born soon after the Revo-
lution, and familiarly acquainted with many of the actors in that
great drama, he was a connecting link between the generation of
'76 and the present. In his tastes and habits, a "gentleman of the
* Since erected into a District.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1447
old school ; " with a high-toned sense of honor too rarely found
in these modern times ; his mind unusually stored with that knowl-
edge which only habits of observation can inspire; a never-failing
flow of wit, and anecdote, and keenest irony, if the occasion de-
manded ; of great power as a public speaker and an advocate ;
full of " wise saws and modern instances," and quaint sayings and
comparisons, which convulsed the listener with merriment ; a kind
and unselfish neighbor ; an ever faithful and sympathizing friend ;
strong in his likes and dislikes; a man who read chai'acter at a
glance ; hospitable, charitable, and generous to a fault,
" As many a beggar and impostor knew ; "
though a lawyer a peace-maker ; (his proudest boast being that he
" had settled more cases than he had tried) ; " to those who knew
him in the sanctity of his home, (whatever he may have seemed
to the world), a man of deep religious feelings and yearnings; in
the language of another,
" Not, like too many, worser than he seemed,
But always better than himself had deemed ; '
Charles B. Phelps, " the old Judge," will never be forgotten, so
long as there is one who knew him left to cherish his memory !
" The upright judge, the wit, the mind intent.
With the large heart, that always with it went,
Passing his years among us, softened, sage,
Almost the feature of another age. —
* In one dread moment sent to that far shore,
Where praise nor blame shall ever reach him more." '
On learning of the death of Judge Phelps, a large public meet,
ing was held at the Town Hall, to express in an appropriate man-
ner the sentiments of the people, at their sudden and great loss.
Rev. Wm, T. Bacon ofiered some very laudatory resolutions in
relation to the character of the deceased, accompanied by some
eloquent and feeling remarks. The author responded as follows,
after which the resolutions were unanimously passed : —
Mr. Chairman : — I cheerfully and heartily second the resolu.
tions just offered by my Rev. friend, Mr. Bacon. There are times
* Rev. W. Thompson Bacon's Woodbury Centeniel Poem, July 4th, 1S69. ^ Ibid.
1448 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
when a whole comraiinity is brought to a sudden pause, by some
unexpected calamity. If a thunder-bolt should fall out of a clear,
sunny and serene sky, all would be shocked, startled, electrified.
In such a manner as this, fell the intelligence of the decease of our
honored fellow-townsman, Hon. Charles B. Phelps — suddenly and
unexpectedly, while he was in the act of diseharging a public and
patriotic duty, upon our affrighted ears, two short evenings ago.
The deceased had gone to Roxbury, on Tuesday morning, to meet
the Committee on the Warner Monument. He had left his house
in a very cheerful state of mind, and at the moment the grim mes-
senger of death approached, he was addressing the Committee on
the subject w^ich had called them together. Raising his hand in
his accustomed manner, when about addressing a pointed remark,
he faltered, fell back, and his hand remained raised in the rigidity
of death. Thus suddenly was he called to meet his God. Truly
did he "die with the harness on." And beautiful is it to die thus,
if we are prepared to hear the dread summons to another world.
It seems more like translation than death.
Although, my friends, I feel as the senior surviving attorney of
this town and vicinity, though young in years, there is a peculiar
fitness in my responding to these resolutions, and the moi'e espe-
cially as my relations of friendship and professional courtesy with
the deceased, were of the most intimate and pleasant character,
yet since the mournful news met me at the cars on yesterday noon,
having been engaged in such offices of kindness to the bereaved
family, as my deep sympathy with their great affliction dictated,
I have not had a moment to make fit preparation to direct your
thoughts or collect my own.
It gives me much satisfaction to speak of our pleasant profes-
sional relations. Our departed friend was, in every sense of the
word, an honorable practitioner. lie was particularly urbane in
his practice. During the last thirteen years, being for the greater
part of the time the only lawyers in this town, he and I have been
almost constantly on opposite sides in the trial of cases, and yet 1
speak it to his unusual praise, that he has not called me three times
before the Court, to decide any of the preliminary questions which
arise previous to the trial of cases ; nor have I had occasion to
call him three times before the Court, for a like purpose. We al-
ways agreed on such points, and it was very pleasant to do so.
He was kind-hearted and genial in his disposition — emphatically
so. He possessed a keen knowledge of the character and motives
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1449
of men, and often have I seen him, when asperities arose in a case,
as they will, and must sometimes arise, by the dexterous use of his
neve"-failing fund of wit and humor, turn that into a hearty laugh
" all round," which might otherwise have turned into an exchange
of blows. The same trait of character enabled him to learn the
secrets of the camp of his antagonist, and to interpose at the op-
portune moment, to arrest the progress of litigation, and settle
contested cases. He always avoided a trial, if possible. He often
said to mc that he intended to so live, that one thing of truth could
be said of him, when he was dead ; and that was, that he " had
settled more lawsuits than any other lawyer in his part of the
State." And this can be truly said of him. He would allow
causes to go on a while in Court, but he generally found the favor-
able moment to settle them without trial.
A man of superior intellect, such as the deceased certainly had,
pannot reside as he did, for fifty years, in a community, without
becoming identified with every fibre of its institutions. It is no
matter that you may be opposed to him and his views in politics,
in religion, in everything. He will have a hold upon you —an
abiding influence in the community. The death of such a man is
a public loss. It is a removing of the " ancient landmarks." We
do well, then, to meet in this public manner to commune of our
public loss.
This is an occasion, the full import of which should sink deep
into our hearts. As we gather thus mournfully together, and
gaze into the open grave of our departed friend, it becomes us to
consider " what shadows we are, and what shadows we pursue."
Here we may take an effecting view of the follies and vanities of
life. Here we may consider how much sorrow and misery we
cause each other, and how heartlessly we often destoy each other's
happiness and our own. It is well to pailse on the brink of the
grave, and learn useful lessons for our future lives. May we here
pledge each other to imitate the virtues of the deceased, avoid
his errors, and labor earnestly for the happiness of our race, while
life remains. All animosities, if any existed, in noble minds, end
here. There are no contests in the grave. But I will not detain
you longer. I know full well your own thoughts outrun my
words, and more eloquently express your feelings.
1450 HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O D E U R Y .
REV. JOHN PURVES, A. M.
Mr. Purves is a native of Scotland, studied law in the city of
Edenburgh, came to the United States in 1834, studied theology
and was ordained Deacon in the Diocese of Conn, in 1840, and
Priest in 1841, by Bishop Brownell. He was Rector of St. Mat-
thews' Church, Wilton, from 1840 to 1843; of St. Thomas'
Bethel, from 1843 to 1845; at Humphreysville, from 1845 to
1847; at Bethel again, from 1847 to 1853; was next, Rector of
Christ Church, Westport, from 1853 to 1860; Rector of Holy
Trinity, Westport, from 1860 to 1862 ; Rector of St. Paul's Wood-
bury, from 1863 to the present date.
HON. HENRY 6IIBLT0N SANFORD, LL.D.,
Son of Nehemiah C. Sanford, was born in Woodbury. After
receiving his education, he engaged for a time in mercantile pur-
suits. But, for a long period of years, he has been exclusively
engaged, in one position or another, in the diplomatic service of
the country. He has been Secretary of Legation to France and
Spain, and Minister to Belgium. During the War of the Rebel-
lion, he made patriotic presents of improved cannon for the ser-
vice.
DR. AVERY JUDD SKILTON.
This skillful, intelligent and conscientious physician, was the
son of James and Chloe (Steele) Avery, and born Feb. 1, 1802, at
Woodbury. He was, during his life, an intimate friend of the
writer, and he desires to record his worth upon these pages. The
following account is taken principally from the Troy Daily Times,
N. Y., of the date of March 22d, 1858:—
" Death, the busy reaper of Life's harvest, has stricken down
one of nature's noblemen. Dr, Avery J. Skilton is dead. After
a long and painful illness, he has gone to obtain the reward of a
well-spent life. The hopes of recovery, based upon more favorale
symptoms of his case, have been sadly and finally disappointed.
* The golden cord is loosened, and the silver pitcher broken at the
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1451
fountain.' In stopping to pay the merited tribute to one we have
so long known and so highly esteemed, a flood of conflicting eiiu)-
tions crowd upon us. What the heart feels, the pen is poweiless
to trace.
" Dr. Skilton died shortly after four o'clock on Saturday after-
noon. On the ith of December, he was seized with a violent pul-
monary attack, which confined him to his room. He persisted,
however, in attending to his professional duties, at intervals of
comparative relief from pain, until the 10th of December, when
he was obliged to resign himself to an invalid's couch. From that
day, he never left his room. His disease was of a most severe and
aggravated nature, and completely prostrating in its effects. A
life of unremitting labor in a toilsome and hazardous profession
had broken down a constitution naturally robust and vigorous,
and he wasted rapidly away. It was only at intervals ■ luring
his confinement that he was able to converse, and only once
during the long period was he observed to smile. On Thurs,
day last, he became partially delirious, and it was not until imme-
diately preceding his death that he was able, and then apparently
only by a great effort, to comprehend the queries propounded to
him, and respond to them coherently.
"Dr. Avery J. Skilton was born at Woodbury, Litchfield Co.,
Conn., on the 1st of February, 1802. He was descended from
pure revolutionary stock, — his ancestors having been among the
earliest settlers in the locality, and his great-grandfather the first
practising physician in the vicinity. He retained until his death
the mortar and pestle which this venerable progenitor used in
compounding his preparations. The father of our honored friend
■ was a well-to.do farmer, who ranked high in that community which
has produced so many eminent men, and of which numbers of our
most esteemed fellow-citizens were origina.ly members. The first
fact which strikes us in looking back upon his history, is his early
aptitude for study, and his disrelish of manual bibor. He was by no
means calculated to become a valuable appendage upon the farm ;
his capacities and inclinations fitted him for a course of develop-
ment purely intellectual. At school, to which he was early sent,
he was distinguished for rapid acquirement of various branches of
information, such as are taught in primary institutions of the char-
acter. He was always in advance of his course. There was
no dodging of duty by him — the complaint was that he studied
too fast. At the early age of fifteen, he was removed from school,
39
1452 HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
and transferred to the form. Here his peculiar inaptitude for
mere manual employments became evident. A persistent
course of study had operated unfavorably upon his constitution,
and left him weak, and to a great extent iiiCapable of physical ex-
ertion. His father, who was cast in one of the sterner moulds of
manhood, was not ready to understand that a son of his should be
unable to perform the tasks which he considered in some degree
inseparable from a well-ordered life, and often reprimanded him
for his inertness. Forced at length to regard the peculiar charac-
teristics of his son, he sent him to the West Farms School, dist-
ant some three miles from the family homestead. Here he studied
in the same classes with Dr. Edward Beecher, the talented author
of " The Conflict of Ages," and maintained an equal position with
him in school. It was here that his studies first assumed a dis-
tinctive character, and he began to master Latin and Greek, and
to familiarize himself with the Clas.-Nics. Outside of his profes-
sional studies, his course of reading was varied, and of the high-
est order. Before he was twenty years of age, lie had exhausted
all the mental food presented by the various limited libraries of
the locality in which he resided, and was forced to betake himself
to borrowing books from more fortunate possessors. In 1819, he
was prostrated with lung fever, from which for a time his recov-
ery seemed impossible. When he did finally recover, he was so
feeble that close mental or sedentary application was rendered im-
possible, and his course of reading was therefore interfered with
and obstructed for a number of years. In 1821, however, he took
hold of German. His speed in the acquirement of language was
remarkable. We know him to have been a most enthusiastic lin-
guist, and have often been indebted to him fcrt- valuable and curi-
ous information Avith regard to obsolete tongues, whose history
was unknown, save to the closest students. In 1834, he befriend-
ed the exile son of a Polish nobleman, named Rudolph Gutowski,
one of a party who, by a desperate stratagem, escaped from their
o-uards, while on their way to Siberia. This young man became a
member of his family, and from hira he learned the Polish Ian"
guage. In 1847, he became desirous of tracing up the genealogy
of his family, and he made that a particular aim of the remaining
portion of his life. His researches in this direction led him to
make a thorough exploration of the records of Connecticut, and
of that portion of England whence his ancestors came. In this
way he became possessed of a vast amount of curious informa-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1453
tion, which to some future collator, must prove highly valuable
for historal purposes. He was by this means, also, led to trace
back our language to its roots, and to familiarize himself with the
vagaries of its different branches, since ttie days of the Anglise, and
the Saxons. He had thus wholly or in part familiarized himself
with between fifty and sixty languages, many of which have been
out of current use for centuries. Aside from this, he has at differ,
ent periods been an enthusiastic student of Natural History, in its
various forms. At different times, he has pursued the study of
Botany, Geology, Mineralogy, Conchology and Paleontology, fol-
lowing up once branch persistently until he had exhausted it, and
then taking another. In this way he had collected a valuable phi-
lological library, which embodies his peculiar characteristics, and
a cabinet of natural, mineral and fossil specimens, which is be-
lieved to be the most complete of any private collection in this
section. He used to remark that he purchased works and speci-
mens much on the same principle that a farmer will try to buy up
all the land that adjoins his own. In the studies to which he de-
voted the leisure hours he could steal from an extensive practice,
he was a thorough enthusiast.
" Dr. Skilton first learned the principles of medicine from works
which had been studied by his great-grandfather. At an early
period he was doubtful whether he should study for a physician
or a clergyman, but having betaken himself, after the manner of
John Wesley, to prayer, he became convinced that it was his duty
to enter upon the line of life which he did finally adopt. He
passed through the usual course in the Yale Medical College, in
1826-7, having previously studied with a practicing Physician
at Saugerties, in this State, He comnienced his practice in 1827,
in this city. He had therefore just entered upon the thirty-first
year of his practice in this city, when seized with his fatal illness.
The general features presented by the life of a physician — at least
those which come to the knowledge of the public, are monoto-
nous, and to an extent unvaried. Few may know the trials, few
realize the necessities, few comprehend the responsibilities of such
a life. To those whom he has attended during the ' generation
of time' in which he has practiced his profession here, Dr. Skilton
stood in the light of a cherished brother, a noble protector, a kind
and sympathizuig friend. A Christian impulse governed every
action of his life, and regulated his relations with his patients.
Acute sympathy, and that ardent enthusiasm which was a cliarac-
1454 HISTORY OF AlSrCIENT WOODBURY.
teristic of his nature, led him to make their interests his own. He
was faithful in season and out of season. In desperate cases, be
forgot comfort and the claims of nature, and every hour found
him by the sufferer's bedside. In this he was remarkable. Du-
ring the cholera season of 1849, he passed several days at a time
without removing his clothing, snatching a few moments sleep as
he was able to do so. No danger ever deterred him from the per-
formance of his duty. He first became noted here during the
fearful cholera season of 1832, when he frequently had as many as
fifty cases ai a single time. Since then, his list of patients has
been very large — much larger than a single man should have at-
tempted to attend. A peculiarity of his practice was the unyield-
ing obstinacy with which he fought disease, combatting it step by
step, and inch by inch, and never giving over till life was no more.
" Were the subject approachable, we should like to dwell upon
the incidental features of Dr. Skilton's professional career in this
city, but we may not. During the three cholera seasons of '32,
'47 and '52, his cases were exceedingly numerous, and his time
continuously occupied, to the exclusion of all schemes of comfort
and recreation. He had been remarkably successful in obstetric
practice — having attended over three thousand five hundred births.
He made the study of epidemic diseases of all kinds a peculiar
professional duty, and was ver\ fortunate in treating them. At
different periods, he has held various honorable professional posi.
tions. He was a short time since President of the Rensselaer
County Medical Society, was a member of the Troy Lyceum of
Natural History, which always during its existence had his ear-
nest attention, was a prominent member of the American Med-
ical Society, member of the American Association for the Ad-
vancement of Science, and Corresponding member of the State
historical Societies of Connecticut, Vermont and Wisconsin.
"In character, Dr. Skilton was upright and unimpeachable. He
was scrupulously regardful of the rights and feelings of others,
and exceedingly careful to avoid wronging his fellow-men. To
the poor, he was ever kind and benevolent ; the poverty of his
patient was never allowed to stand in the way of his receiving
thorough medical attendance. To all, he was courteous and affa-
ble, suffering much in the way of aggression, but never allowing
himself to be drawn into passionate ebullitions of ill-temper. He
was in every sense of the word, an entire Christian man. In him,
the medical profession of Rensselaer county has lost one of its
HISTORY OF ANUIEXT AVOODBURY. 1455
brightest ornaments, the State street Methodist Church, with
which he had been connected during his residence here, a consist-
ent member, a zealous working Christian, a kind and benevolent
man, — and the community at large a citizen in whom were united
the most desirabte attainments and the most brilliant and admira-
able traits of mental and moral character."
AZARIAH B. SHIPMAN, M. D. *
Dr. Shipman was the son of Daniel Shipman, and one of five
brothers, all of whom were physicians, viz: Parson G., long and
favorably known as an accomplished and skillful practitioner in
the city of Rochester, N. Y. ; Azariah B., the subject of tliis me-
moir ; John O., formerly of Fayetteville, N. Y., and afterwards of
Syracuse, N. Y. ; until suddenly removed by death, in the autumn
of 1866 ; Daniel M., also a successful practitioner in Rochester ;
and Joseph A., who is now practising his profession in Illinois. —
Dr. Shipman was born in Roxbury, Conn., March 22d, 1803.
His father, Daniel Shipman, an early resident of Saybrook, Conn ,
was an intelligent larmer in moderate circumstances, a zealous old
school Presbyterian, and distinguished for his industry and integ-
rity. His mother was Sarah Eastman, a daughter of Dr. Azariah
Eastman, of Roxbury, an eminent physician in his day, who bore
the armor of his profession for nearly seventy years. The maiden
name of the mother of Daniel Shipman was Temperance Frank,
lin, a lineal descendent of the Franklins, and a relative of the il-
lustrious statesman and philosopher.
Soon after Dr. Shipman's birth, his father removed, with his
family, to Pitcher, Chenaago County, N. Y. The county then
was new; most of the inhabitants were poor; and few were the
hands exempted from toil ; for even the necessaries of life were
obtainable only through persevering industry and economy. Mr,
Shipman formed no exception to the rule — his limited means, and
the increasing demands of a growing flimily, not only precluded
extraordinary advantages, but i-equired the assistance of the sons
as soon as they were of sufficient age to render their services
available, Azariah was employed on the farm in summer, and en-
' Condensed from a Biographical sketch by H. 0. Jewett, M. D., of Cortland,
N. Y.
1456 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
joyed such educational advantages as were afforded by a district
school during trie winter niontlis, until after the death of his father,
which occurred in Nov., 1820. By this event, at the age of 17,
he was cast upon his own resources for a livelihood.
Although without money or influential friends, he resolved
upon attaining a profession, and accordingly we find him for a
number of years, laboring in summer and teaching school in win-
ter, meanwhile devoting himself to study whenever time could be
spared from his other duties.
In 1822, he went to Delphi, N. Y., to study medicine with his
eldest brother, Dr. Parson G. Shipman. Applying himself with
earnestness and assiduity, he made rapid progress in his studies,
and in the winter of 1825-6, attended a course of medical lectures
at Castleton, Vt. Tn the autumn of 1826, he obtained, as was
then customary, a license from the County Medical Society, and
commenced i)ractice at Delphi, In Jan. 1828, he married Emily
Clark, daughter of Richard Taylor, Esq., a lady of refined taste
and culture, to whom he remained ardently attached, and who
now survives to mourn the loss of a kind, indulgent and devoted
partner.
In Sept., 1829, he removed to Fayetteville, and entered at once
upon a fair practice, with more than ordinary success. The sum-
mer of 1832, was a season memorable for the advent of the Asiatic
Cholera in this country. Many cases occurred along the line of
the Erie Canal in his vicinity, creating intense alarm among the
population. Dr. Shipman attended most of the cases, became in-
terested in, and made a special study of the disease, and treated
his cases with good success.
In the winter of 1832-3, he attended the lectures of the '• Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania," and the anatomical demonstrations at
the " Jefferson Medical College," at Philadelphia. On his return
from Philadelphia, in the spring of 1833, he located at Cortland,
N. Y., where he encountered older physicians, who, with the usual
tenacity, sharply contested the pretensions of the new comer. A
few suc^-essful operations, however, such as had not before been
performed in that section, brought his name before the public;
and Dr. Shipman was soon recognized, not only as an accomplished
physician, but as the surgeon of that vicinity, and a few years
found him engaged in an extensive and lucrative practice.
In 1844, his reputaticn as a surgeon, and his frequent contribu-
tions to medical literature, having made him generally known to
HISTORY OF AJfCIENT WOOnBlTRY, 1457
the public, Dr. Shipman was, without solicitation on his pnrt, ap-
pointed Professor of Anatomy in the medical department of the
University of Lapoite. Ind. With no time for preparation, he ac-
cepted the appointment, and entered at once upon its duties. In
the foUowina^ year he was elected to the chair of surgery, in the
same institution — a position more in consonance with his taste,
and which he continued to occupy for five consecutive seasons,
laboring with all the energies of his active mind, and acquitting
himself with much honor.
Seeking a wider field for the exercise of his special talent, lie re-
moved to Syracuse, N. Y., where he at once took a high rank
amongst distinguished surgeons, and soon secured a large medical
and surgical practice in the city, and in the surrounding towns.
Soon after the commencement of the late rebellion, Dr. Ship-
man entered the U. S. Service as assistant surgeon in the l7th
Regt. N. Y. Vols. He was on duty a part of this time in the field,
and a part of the time in hospital, at Upton's Hill, through the
summer and {jutumn of 1861. In March, 1862, he was promoted
to the rank of Brigade Surgeon, and placed in charge of a large
Hospital at Newport News. In the winter I 863, he resigned his
commission, and returned to Syracuse, Soon afterwards, how-
ever, he was induced to accept the appointment of reserve sur-
geon, to be called upon in cases of emergency, and was almost
immediately ordered back, to attend the wounded after the severe
battles then being fought by the A.rmy of the Potomac, where he
remained until failing health compelled him again to resign and
return home, nearly ruined in health, after his three years' service,
and depressed in spirits, to tei-mitiate his career, just at that period
which usually marks the full vigor of ripened manhood.
He resumed his practice, and though gradually declining, he
did much professional labor, until the spring of 1868, when it was
apparent to his friends, and probably to himself, that his constitu-
tion was broken, and the season of his usefulness passed. He,
therefore sailed, with his wife, foi- Europe, March 21st, 1868 ; ho-
ping that a change of climate, and relaxation of mind might im-
prove his health and prolong his life. Proceeding first to Paris,
he visited the principal cities of France, Austria and Italy during
the spring and summer months. He spent several weeks at Rome
and Naples, examining and admiring their antiquities and splendid
works of art. Charmed with the scenery around him, and stimu-
lated by a lively interest in everything he saw, he appeared for a
1458 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
time to be rallyincr. But having feasted his eyes upon the majes-
tic ruins and solemn greatness of the " Eternal City," explored
that " piece of heaven fallen upon the earth," and realized his
dreams of Italian sunsets, and the grandeur of Vesuvius at mid-
night, his mind came home to himself, and as the season advanced,
he began to feel that the warm climate of Southern Europe was
prostrating rather than improving his health. Leaving Italy,
he returned to Geneva and Paris, where he remained about five
weeks, scarcely leaving his room, and gradually failing in strength,
until a pulmonary affection under which he was laboring assumed
an acute form, and solicitude began to be felt for his immediate
safety. He was favored with the best medical advice which the
French capital afforded, together with the kind ministrations of
anxious friends. But sympathy and science and skill were of no
avail. He sank rapidly, and died Sept. 15, 1868. His embalmed
remains were brought home to Syracuse, and consigned, with ap-
propriate ceremonies, to their final resting place in Oakwood
Cemetery.
Dr. Shipman received the degree of M. D., first at Castleton,
Vt , and afterwards at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia.
He was for many years a member of the State Medical Society,
having several times represented his county society in that body;
and was four times a delegate to the '' American Medical Associa-
tion." He was an honorary member of several scientific and his-
torid^al societies.
DR. PARSON G. SHIPMAN.
Dr. Parson G. Shipman was born at Roxbury, Litchfield County,
Conn., April 18, 1799. When a lad six years of age he came, with
his father, who removed his family from Roxburj^, Conn., to Pitch-
er, Chenango County, N. Y. He was one of five brothers who
were all physicians. Only two of the number are now living, viz ;
Joseph A., who is practicing medicine in the State of Illinois, and
Daniel M., so well and favorably know^n as an accomplished and
skillful practitioner in this city.
Dr. Shipman was naturally diffident and retiring ; chose not to
appear often in social life. When a boy, he decided on his future
profession, and at the age of twenty-two years, received his diplo-
ma, and commenced the practice of medicine in Delphi, Onondaga
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1459
County, N". Y. He was without money, and had but few influen-
tial friends. He had, however, a strong will, which was unwaver-
ing to duty. His will and conscience were happily blended, and
could not be easily separated. More than this, he had an unwa-
vering confidence in God. Converted at the age of fifteen years,
he never, after his conversion, made any change, or engaged in
any new enterprise, without imploring help and direction from his
Heavenly Father. Possessing these qualifications and relying on
divine aid, he became the popular young physician of Delphi, His
enterpris'ng spirit, however, prompted him to look for a wider
field of usefulness. He came to Rochester with his family in 1337,
opened an office, and soon became a popular and successful practi-
tioner in this city. His increasing practice made liberal demands
upon his time and strength, but every call was answered — in the
morning, in the evening, and at midnight — each case received
prompt attention, whether the patient was rich or poor, residing
in the mansion, or dwelling in the humble cottage. He was an
obliging neighbor, friendly to all, and a perfect gentleman at home
or abroad. Were it not for invading the sanctity of home, we
would speak of him where he appeared to the best advantage, in
his own family circle. We will only say, he was an aflTectionate
companion, and a kind and loving parent.
His failing health for the past year reminded him that his days
would soon be numbered. This only prompted him to arrange
his worldly affairs in such a way that his fiimily would be left with
as little care and anxiety as possible. In the death of Dr. Shipman,
this community have sustained a heavy loss, but nowhere will
that loss be so deeply felt as by the afilicted family. His useful-
ness ended only with his life. He received and prescribed for pa-
tients at his own house, after he was unable to make professional
calls. His confidence in God also continued to the last, never
doubting for a moment that he was accepted in Christ, and we
have no doubt has received the crown which is waiting for all
that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
MRS. MARY ANN WOLCOTT SMITH.
While these pages are passing through the press, Woodbury
has been called to mourn the loss of another of its valuable citi-
zens. Mrs. Smith, wife of Hon. Nathaniel B. Smith, died on Sat-
1460 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
urday, January 20, 1872. She was the daughter of the late Rev.
Samuel Goodrich, Congregational clergyman at Ridgefield, Conn.,
where she was born. Her brothers and sisters, through force of
intellect and character, became widely known and honored. Sam-
uel G. Goodrich, the well-know "Peter-Parley," acquired a world-
wide reputation, and Mrs. Whittlesey, of the Mothers' Magazine,
a national fame and usefulness. No less gifted intellectually than
ihey, and endowed wath uncommon loveliness and grace, she be-
came very early the central attraction of a constantly increasing
circle of friends. Very earnest in all she did, she learned life's
lesson well, and her quick sympathy with others, led her to impart
her wisdom freely to those who sought to profit by it. And thus
she became to many striving souls a counselor, whose words and
thoughts they will long cherish.
She made a public profession of her faith in 1823, and joined
the First Congregational church in the town of her adoption, of
which she soon became an active an influential member, the first
in every good work, the leading member among the females, pre-
siding at their meetings with unusual grace and dignity, and ever
imparting great energy and completeness to all their efforts for
supplying the needy, whether at home, or in the missionary field
far away.
She was one of a circle of mothers who, for many years, met
each week to pray for their families, and for the prosperity of
Zion. This meeting was very dear to her, and she continued to
^ttend it till the weight of years, and the decease of nearly all its
members, rendered its longer continuance impossible, and then,
when the stated time came round, she observed the hour alone, in
her own home. The ancient church, of which she was for so
many years a bright light, may truly mourn the loss of a " mother
in Israel."
Though for some years past partly withdrawn from active life,
through illness, her loss is still deeply felt by the community. But
that loss is wholly ours. To doubt that it is well with her now,
would be almost to doubt the " good news " of the New Testa-
ment itself, so steadfastly did she follow its precepts, and so de-
voutly trust its promises. " Write from henceforth, blessed are
the dead who die in the Lord, for they rest from their labors, and
their works do follow them."
HISTORY OF ANOI E NT WO O DBU H Y 1461
REV. BENNET TYLER D. D, '
"Dr. Tyler was born in the town of Woodbury, (now ]\li(ldle-
bury,) Conn., in the year 1783, and was tlierefore at the time of
his decease in tlie Vsth year of his age. His parents were intelli-
gent, industrious, and Godly people The family, in which he
was the youngest child, was proV)ably a fair representative of the
fjithers' families in this State, three-quarters of a century ago. Of
his father's Christian experience and deat*^, an account was pub-
lished at the time, in the Connecticut Evangelical Magazine. At
the age of seventeen, having pursued studies with Rev. Mr. Hart,
the ministor of the parish of Middlebury, he entered Yale College,
Hon. John C. Calhoun, Rev. Dr. McE^en, Rev. Dr. Pierpont, and
for one year. Rev. Dr. Taylor, were his college class-mates. He
graduated in the fall of 1804, and after a year spent in teaching
the academy in Weston, Fairfield County, he entered on the study
of his profession with Rev, Asahel Hooker, of Goshen, who, in
accordance with the custom of the times, received a class of theo-
logical stndents into his family. Plere he was associated with
Rev, Dr. Humphrey, Rev, Dr. Woodbridge, Rev. Frederick Marsh
and others, not now living, towards all ot whom he felt like a
brother till the end of hi* life. At this period, his constitution,
naturally strong, became much enfeebled by diligence in study,
while neglecting suitable bodily exercise, and a stooping habit
which he had foi'med by bending over the book, or his paper, and
he was obliged to decline seveial calls, to inviting fields of labor,
and devote himself for a year or more to the restoration of his
health,
" When it seemed safe to resume preaching, he entered on the
work in the parish of South Britain, in the town of Southbury,
As his health then was, the circumstance of the parish being unu-
sually small, rather recommended it ; but its distracted condition
might indeed make a settlement there formidable to any minister.
The Lord's Supper had not been administered for six years. The
preceding pastor had been deposed by the Consociation, and with
a small party had set up a seperate church. The aspect of affairs
in the parish had become every way so disheartening that the
churches in the neighborhood had really given up all hope of their
' This account is taken, principally, from the Hartford Courant, printed in
1858, at the time of Dr. Tyler's death.
1462 HISTORY OP ATSrCIENT WOODBURY.
re-organization, and the establishment of the public means of grace
among them. At the earnest entreaties of this people, including
all cLisses, he consented to take up his abode among them. His
health was gradually confirmed, and the first fourteen years of his
ministry were devoted to hearty and zealous labors for their tem-
poral and spiritual welfare. Few men ever preached more in the
same space of time thin Dr. Tyler, while in South Britain, It is
believed by the writer that he preached as often out of the pulpit,
in the school-houses and dwellings of his parish, as in it. At the
same time he taught the sons of his parishioners Latin and Greek,
and in some cases their daughters, the higher branches of an Eng-
lish education. A considerable number of young men also stud-
ied theology under his instruction.
" He left this people on a call to the Presidency of Dartmouth
College, when thirty-nine years of age. He nominated his succes-
sor at their request, who was accepted with unanimity ; and it is
safe to say that his successor could not have found a more harmo-
nious and vigorous church, or more agreeable parish in the State.
" He was connected with Dartmouth College six years from
1822 ; associated with a faculty of excellent men, whom he greatly
respected, and with whom his relations were eminently happy. In
addition to the labors belonging to his department in the college,
for a large share of the time, (owing to the impaired health of the
Professor of Divinity,) he officiated as preacher to the students
and the village church. It was during this period that the revi-
val of 1826 occurred, which is a memorable event in the history
of the college and the village.
" An unanimous invitation of the Second Congregational church
and society in Portland, to enter the pastoral office made vacant
by the removal of the lamented Payson, revived the memory of
his early successful ministry, and confirmed the impression that
had been growing upon his mind, that his talents better fitted him
for usefulness in the pulpit and pastoral work, than in the Presi-
dency of a college.
' • He parted painfully with the Trustees and Professors, some of
whom were venerable for age while he was but a youth — one of
whom yet lives, patiently waiting his turn to be called to the fel-
lowship of kindred spirits — and took up his residence in Portland.
Here he found a large, intelligent, and harmonious church and
people. He had laid upon him heavy demands for study and labor,
but he also enjoyed health and vigor, and cheerfully undertook
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1463
and performed what he found to do. His ministry in Portland
was a success. Scarce a communion season occurred at which
some persons were not received into the church, and, as the fruits
of one revival, he was permitted to gather into the churcli more
than one hundred souls,
" In the fall of 1833, the Theological Institute of Connecticut
was founded, and he was appointed President, and Professor of
Christian Theology. It need not be said that now for a season,
his mind was deeply moved. He could not dismiss this call with-
out deliberation, urged upon him as it was, by men who were his
tried friends from his youth, with whom he had been accustomed
to take counsel. He was happily laboring in a field where the bles-
sing of God had been with him, and the prospect for the future
seemed only fair and proiuising. The institution to which he was
invited was new — unprovided with funds — an experiment. He
would leave a certainty for an uncertainty as regards support.
The result is known. He decided to come to Connecticut ; and
in this place it should be recorded that he never saw an hour after,
this decision was formed, in which he felt any distressing doubts
as to its correctness. So he has recently written. On the ques-
tion touching the wisdom of the course pursued by him in takino-
the stand he did, and connecting himself with the Theological In-
stitute, men will form a different judgment, according to their po-
sitions and sympathies in the theological world. It is just that
the writer (who knows) should say in his behalf, that it was not
only his conviction that the seminary was needed at the time he
assumed the duties of a professor, but that he believed to the last
that it had been instrumental of great good to the church, by the
check it had given to the progress of dangerous errors,
" Of his merits as a preacher, of his theological opinions, of his
writings in the form of books, sermons, tracts, &c., the writer will
not speak, His relatives and friends cheerfully trust his memory
to posterity. They respected him for his talents and wisdom, his
zeal and ardent, though safe, enthusiasm in every work in which
he engaged; but for large and generous charity, for his paternal
interest in their welfare, they loved him with a love that can
never die. He was the Christian grandfather to the children
of his own sons and daughters ; and not only so, but grand-
father to all children that knew him. Though his final sickness
was brief and distressing, yet his mind was clear to the last mo-
1464 HISTORY OF AKC I Elf T W O OD BU RT.
ment, and he died with svords of kindtiess on his lips to all that
carae near his bedside, and with peace in his own soul.
" Who shall live his life again."
" In some accounts which have been printed, errors appear in
relation to his family. He was the father of twelve children, six
of whom, M'ith a widow of 72 years, survive. Rev. J. E. Tyler,
now resident at East Windsor Hill, with whom he has lived since
he resigned his place in the Seminary; Mrs. Greely, widow of the
late Hon. Philip Greely, Jr., Boston ; Mrs. Goddard, widow of
Rev. John Goddard; Edward Tyler, Esq., Cashier of the Suffolk
Bank, Boston ; Mi's. Prof. Gale, and Rev. Josiah Tyler, Mission-
ary in South Africa."
HON. ISAAC TOUCEY.
Isaac Toucey was the son of Thomas Toucey, one of the foun-
ders of the ecclesiastical society of South Britain, in Southbury.
Pie livfcd in a house a little easterly from the present residence of
Bethnel Russell. Thomas Toucey afterwards removed to New-
town, Conn., where the subject of this sketch was born, Nov. 5,
1795; so that he was a grandson of Ancient Woodbury. He
studied law with Hon. Asa Chapman, of Newtown, afterwards a
Judge of the Supreme Court of Errors of this State. Mr. Toucey
commenced the practice of his profession in Hartford, in 1818, and
soon obtained a high rank at the bar. He held the office of State
Attorney for Hartford County from 1822 to 1836. In the latter
year he was elected a representative to Congress, and continued
to represent his district in that capacity for four years. In 1846,
he was elected Governor of the State. During the latter part of
President Polk's administration, Mr. Toucey filled the office of
Attorney General of the United States. In 1850, he was a mem-
ber of the Senate of his native State. In 1851, he was elected to
the Senate of the United States, and held that office through his
term of six years. When Mr. Buchanan became President of the
United States, Mr. Toucey went into his cabinet, and held the
office of Secretary of the Navy during that administration, at the
close of which he went back to private life. In addition to the
public stations which he filled during his long life, there were
others which he was offered and declined. Among these was a
seat on the bench of the Supreme Court of the United Stites.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1465
From bis adraission to tlie bar till his election to U. S. Senate, in
1851, Mr. Toucey was constantly devoted to the duties of his pro-
fession, with the exception of the four years during which he rej)-
resented his distrct in the lower house of Congi-ess.'
ARTHUR B. WARNER,
Son of Sherman B. Warner, Esq., of Southbury, where he was
born. He was educated in Woodbury; studied law with Hon.
James Huntington, and was admitted to the bar of Litchfield
County, in the spring of 1872. He continues in the office of Judge
Huntington, as his assistant, and is also Clerk of Probate for the
District of Woodbury. He thus casts in his lot with us, '' for
better or for worse."
COL. SETH WARNER.
On page 411 of the last edition, the author criticised the inhab-
itants of Roxbury, for the shameful neglect in which they had
allowed tlie remains of Col. Warner to lie. It is not to be sup-
posed that that criticism had any efiect. But the fact is so, that a
moxement was soon after set on foot, vvhich resulted in an appro-
priation by the State of .$1,000, on certain, conditions to be per-
formed by the inhabitants of Roxbury, whicli were fulfilled, and
a beautiful monument of Quincy granite was erected on the Centre
Green, in Roxbury, April 30, 1859, to the memory of the brave
deceased. To this place the remains had been removed, from
theii' ancient resting place in the "Old Burying Ground," about
a mile from the center, on the 20th of the preceding October.
There are historical inscriptions on each of the four raised panels
of the die. Some of the dates differ from those given in the for-
mer edition of this work, which were those given by Mr. Chip-
man, of Vermont, in his work. But the' matter of dates was care-
fully investigated by Ex-Gov. Hiland Hall, of Vermont, George
W. Warner, Esq., of Bridgeport, Conn., a descendent of Col. Seth
Warner, and the writer, and the dates put upon the monurnent are
believed to be correct.
On the east (front) side is inscribed : — " Col. Seth Warner, of
the Army of the Revolution, born in Roxbury, Ct., May 17, lV43,
* Hon. "Wm. D. Shipman, U. S. District Judge.
1466
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
a resident of Bennington, Vt., from 1765 to 1784; died in his
native parish, Dec. 26, 1784." On the north side appears : — " Cap-
tor of Crown Point, Commander of the Green Mountain Boys in
the repulse of Carleton at Longueil, and at the battle of Hub-
bard ton, and the associate of Stark in the victory at Bennington."
On the south side is inscribed : — " Distinguished as a successful
defender of the New Hampshire Grants, and for bravery, saga-
city, energy and humanity, as a partisan officer in the War of the
Revolution." On the west side appears : — " His remains are de-
posited under this monument, erected by order of the General
Assembly of Connecticut, A. D., 1859."
HON. WARREN W. GUTHRIE.
Mr. Guthrie was born in South Britain, Southbury. He is a
great-grandson of Judge William Edmond, late of Newtown.
After receiving an Academic education, he entered the law office
of William Cothren, where he pursued his studies with diligence
and fidelity for three years, when he was admitted to the Litch-
field County bar, in 1855, and immediately opened a law office at
Seymour, Conn. He remained there a year, and had more than
the ordinary success of a young lawyer. Desiring a wider field,
he removed to Kansas, where he has since remained, and is now
in a large and lucrative practice, at Atchison, Kansas. Soon after
his settlement in Kansas, he was elected to the office of Attorney
General, and held it for four years.
Thus the just criticism of the former volume is removed. And
here we close our list of the worthy ones whom Woodbury de-
lights to honor.
CII A PTE II XII.
GENEALOGIES — CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4i
HE recording of the history
of the generaticiis of" men
is always an interesting,
though most laborious work. It recalls us to all that is tender
ancl affecting in the several relations in life. The man who does
not "care who his father was," and has no curiosity to know from
what branch or stock he has derived his existence, in the line back
towards Adam, is a confessed boor, who should be closely watched
in all the transactions with which he is connected. Tlie views of
the writer on this interesting branch of human inquiry, were fully
given in the first volume of this work.
Doubtless many, in looking through this pnrt of the work, will
wonder why theii' family histories have not been recorded. The
answer is brief. Though the author has importuned them for
40
1468 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
eighteen years, they have not furnished the material. Everything
has been introduced that could be obtained. But now the " sum-
mer is past and the harvest ended." Nobody will ever have the
courage to write the history of our town the next two hundred
years.
In writing such extended genealogies as were introduced in the
first volume, with its myriad of facts and dates, it was to be ex-
pected that errors would occur. Where such have been brought
to the writer's attention, they are here corrected. But instead of
writing the genealogies over again, which M^ould require much
space, the writer has simply re-written certain portions of the
genealogies in wliich the corrections occur. So that in giving the
account of any particular family, in this volume, it will be under-
stood that where it differs from the former account, the present
account is the correct one. Any one interested in a particular
family, can, by an examination, make the necessary corrections.
In this part of the author's work, he has been most kindly and
effectively aided by Rev. Benjamin L. Swan, of Oyster Bay, IST. Y.,
one of the most careful and laborious historical and genealogical
investigators in this country. If anywhere the writer has differed
with him, it has been after the most careful investigation of the
facts. At the time the former edition was written, little attention
had been given this branch of inquiry. But since then, it has en-
gaged the time and attention of multitudes, and a much more
just appreciation of the matter has become prevalent. Works of
this kind have become numerous, and, it is believed, the new in-
quiries have been vastly beneficial.
In recording the following families, the author has followed the
plan adopted by the several persons who have furnished him the
family records, and not that plan which he deems best for all fam-
ily records, explained on page 484.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1469
ALLEN FAMILY.'
Samuel Allen was a petit juror at Windsor, Conn., March 5th, 1644.
The inventory of hifi estate was £76 IBs. 8p., as presented in the settlement of
it, Sept. 8th, 1668. He died at Windsor, Conn., April 28th, 1668. It does
not appear whether he was of the same family as Hon. Matthew Allyn, of
Hartford and Windsor, which family had a leadinjj influence in the latter
place, and a high standing in the Colony. The orthocrraphy of the name is
not conclusive upon this point. Deacon Thomas Allen, of Middletown, being
regarded as a brother of Hon Matthew Allyn, and the common form of
spelling used by him, and more usual in English, and equally nearer to the
foreign form, Allyn, which may have been the original name. Nor would
the personal circumstances of the parties be conclusive on the same point.
Stiles, in his History of Ancient Windsor, states from private authority, that
Ann, the widow of Samuel Allen, removed from Windsor to Northampton,
Mass., having three sons, Samuel, Nehemiah and John, and then married
William Hurlburt.
Nehemiah Allyn and Sarah Woodford, are recorded as having been mar-
ried at Northampton, Sept. 21st, 1664. Their son Samuel, was b. Jan. 3d,
1665
The record of marriages at Northampton, between 1685 and 1695, is miss-
ing, but the births of children of Samuel and Mercy Allen, appear in order :
Nehemiah, b. Sept. 21st, 1693 ; Mercy, b. June 29th, 1695 ; N'ehemiah,h. Sept.
19th, 1697 ; Mary, b. Oct. 22d, 1699 ; Hester, b. Feb. 26th, 1704.
At Deerfield, Mass., first appears the death of Hester, dan. of Saimuel and
Mercy Allen, Dec, 18th. 1707. Then follow births of Joseph, their son, b.
Oct. 14th, 1708 ; and Ehenezer, b. April 26th, 1711. One or two intervals in
the family record may have to be supplied from some other town. A name
or two in the examination of records may have been overlooked. An inter-
,val of time occurred after the latest date found at Deerfield, during which the
movements of the family are lost sight of. The birth of the youngest child,
and the death of Samuel Allen, the father, are not found.
The lineage of Mevcy Allen is given in the New England Historical and
Genealogical Register for 1850, (Vol. IV, p. 355), in a notice of the descend-
ants of Dea. Samuel Wright, of Springfield, Mass. His name is first men-
tioned there in 1639, three years after the settlement was commenced. He re-
moved to Northampton in 1655, and died there Oct. 17th, 1665. Of the eight
children of Samuel and Margaret Wright, Judah, the seventh in order, was
b. in Springfield, May 10th, 1662. Judah Wright m. Mercy Burt, Jan. I7th,
1667. They had eight children, the second of whom was Mercy, b. 1669. The
fcither of the distinguished Senator, Silas Wright, who removed from Am-
herst, Mass., to Weybridge, Vt., when his son was an infant, through an
older line of descent, was in the sixth generation of the same family.
' This account is furnished by Mr. Phillip Battell, of Middlebury, Vt.
1470 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
By the records of Litchfield, Conn., it is found that widow Mercy Allen
removed to that place from Coventry, Conn., ahout 1720. She had with
her, Nehemiah, an adult son, and Daniel, Joseph, Ebenezer, Lydia and Lucy,
minor children. She d. Feb. 25th, 1728. The family had land at Litchfield,
a third part of which was conveyed by Daniel Allen, as executor upon his
mother's death, to Joseph, his brother, March 1st, 1729 ; one hundred acres
was conveyed by the latter to his sister Lydia, in 1732, and the same quan-
tity to Paul Peck, Jr., the following year.
Joseph Allen, b. as above, at Deerfield, Mass., in 1708 ; m. Mary Baker,'
dau. of John Baker, of Woodbury, Conn., March, 1737. Their chh. were
Gen. Ethan, b. Jan. 10th, 1738 ; Heman, b. Oct. 15th, 1740 ; Lydia, b. April
6th, 1742 ; Heber, b. Oct. 4th, 1743 ; Levi, b. Jan. 16th, 1745 ; Lucy, b. April
2d, 1747 ; Zimzi, b. Dec. 10th, 1748 ; Ira, b. 1751.
Of this family, most of whom were born in Cornwall, Conn., Lydia, Mrs.
Finch, lived and died^ in Easton ; Lucy, Mrs. Beebe, in Sheffield, Mass.
Heman was in business in Salisbury, Conn., a man of vigorous mind and
solid judgment, only temporarily engaged in the local affairs of Vermont,
Zimzi and Heber were not concerned in public affairs ; the former d. in Shef-
field, Mass., the latter in Pultney, Vt. Levi Allen was pervere and eccentric ;
took the wrong side in the War of the Revolution, and d. at Benington, Vt.,
in 1801. The oldest and youngest of the family exemplified its peculiar
qualities of energy and intellect ; the latter more particularly in private en-
terprise ; but both in the public affairs, momentous and critical of the new
State, alike in personal vengeance, perhaps, in patriotic ardor ; the elder, a
leader of the masses, both in counsel and inaction.
Gen. Ethan Allen m. first, Mary Brownson, of Roxbury Parish, in Wood-
bury, June 23d, 1762. The chh. of this marriage were Lorane, Joseph, Lucy,
Mary Ann and Pamelia, born, it is said, before the family removed to Ver-
mont. His second wife was Mrs. Fanny Buchanan, whom he maimed at
Westminster, Vt., Feb. 9th, 1786. The chh. by this marriage were Ethan
Voltaire, Hannibal and Fanny. The first wife died in Sunderland, Vt. The
second m. Hon. Jabez Penniman, of Colchester, Vt. , and died there about
1832. The dau. Lucy, m. Hon. Samuel Hitchcock, a distinguished man in
Vermont ; Pamelia m. Eleazur W. Hayes, Esq. Both resided and died in
Burlington, Vt. Ethan V. and Hannibal Allen became officers of the United
States army. The latter died at Norfolk, Va. ; the former at the same place,
Jan. 6th, 1845, leaving a son of his own name, who has resided in New York.
Fanny became & nun of the Hotel Dieu, at Montreal, Canada, where she was
distinguished sometimes by visitors from curiosity, for a peculiar dignity of
person, as well as by the prestige of her family. Gen. Ethan Allen d. at
Burlington, Vt., Feb. I2th, 1789."
John, 3d son of the Juror, Samuel m. Mary Hammond, and was killed by
' Mary Baker, b. at Woodbury, March, 1709, was dau. of John Baker, b'
at New London, Dec. 24th, 1681, who was s. of Joshua Baker, b. in Boston,
Mass., in 1642, s. of Alexander Baker, of Boston. See ante., p. 502.
' See Lecture of Prof. Z. Thompson, in Vermont Historical Gazetteer, Vol.
IL, p. 360.
HISTORY OP A NCIENT W O O DB UK Y. 14*71
the Indians at the battle of Bloody Brook, Deerfield, Mass., Sept. 18th, 1675.
His two sons fled to Enfield, Conn., to escape the Indians, prior to 1700. From
this, John, brother of Nehemiah, Hon. H. W. Allen, of Warehouse Point, is
descended.
ATWOOD FAMILY, p. 490.
Mary, dau. of Wheeler Atwood, b. Dec. 9th, 1814 ; m. Julius F. Smith, who
d. March 25, 1868, at Watertown. They had chh. Ma/ry Abi, b. 36th Aug.,
1837 ; Martha Annie, b. Oct. 31st. 1839 ; John Fenn, b. April 3d, 1842 ; and
Truman Julius.
H. W. Atwood, of Brooklyn, N. Y., (p. 494), m. Josephine V. Wood, and
had chh. Hattie E. and Robert E. "
BACON FAMILY.
Nathaniel, son of Jabez. Sen., d. March 4th, 1846, aged 78.
Nathaniel Almoran, s. of Nathaniel, d. Sept. 1st, 1870, aged 72.
Almira, wife of Nathaniel A., d. Sept. 30th, 1867, aged 64.
Mien, d. of Nathaniel A., d. March 18th, 1857, aged 29.
Rebecca, d. of Nathaniel A., d. May 8th, 1864, aged 30.
Rebecca, wife of Daniel, d. Aug. 15th, 1855, aged 81.
Maria, d. of Daniel, d. Aug. 36th, 1859, aged 64.
Julia, d. of Daniel, d. Nov. 3d, 1869, aged 69.
Fanny T.,d.ot Daniel, m. Edmond D. Estilette, Nov. 11th, 1857.
Julia L., d. of Daniel, m. Eugene L. Richards, Nov. 27th, 1861.
Daniel P., s. of Daniel, d. April 30th, 1855, aged 5.
J. Knight, s. of Wm. T., m. Sophia Marsh, Dec. 15th, 1868.
William T., Jr., s. of Wm. T., m. Elizabeth Thompson, May 8th, 1867.
Walter, s. of Wm. T., b Feb. 19th, 1851.
Daniel, a. of William T., b. June 1, 1853.
James, a. of William T.,b. Jan. 15th, 1856.
BATTELL FAMILY.
Thomas' Battell, (spelled by him Battelle) emigrated from England to
Massachusetts ; settled at Dedham, where he m. Mary Fisher, dau. of Joshua
Fisher, Sept. 5th, 1648, and d. Feb. 38th, 1706.
John?, son of Thomas', b. July Ist, 1653 ; m. Hannah Holbrook, Nov. 18th,
1678, d. Sept. 20th, 1712.
John^ ^OM. of John", born April 17th, 1689, m. Abigail Draper, Jan. 9th,
1710, d. Feb. 14th, 1730.
John,* son of John', b. April 20th, 1718, m. Mehitabel Sherman, dau. of
William Sherman, and sister of Roger Sherman, April 26th, 1739.
William*, son of John^ b . Aug. 12th, 1748 ; went from Dedham to Mil-
ford, Conn., m. (1st) Sarah Buckingham, dau. of Josiah and Sarah (Brins-
made) Buckingham.
1472 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBUET.
His children were —
1. William, b. at Milford, March 25th, 1773, and d. unmarried at Torring-
ford, July 8th, 1841.
2. Joseph, b. at Milford, July 21st, 1774 ; settled at Norfolk, and m. Sarah,
daughter of Rev. Ammi R. Robbing, and Elizabeth (Le Baron) Robbing, July
24th, 1805. He d. Nov. 30th, 1841, leaving his wife and nine children. Mrs.
Sarah Battell, his wife, d. Sept. 33d, 1854. The children are all living at this
date, (1870).
8. Josiah Buckingham, b. at Woodbury, March Ist, 1776, m. Sarah Gillett,
of Torrington ; had three dau., all deceased ; he died May 7th, 1843.
4. John Brinsmade, b. at Woodbury, July 21st, 1779, d. in Manchester,
Va., Nov. 7j,h, 1819, unmarried.
5. Sally, b. at Woodbury, May 20th, 1781, m. the Rev. Abel McEwen,D.D.,
of New London. They had seven chh., three s. and four dau. She died
March 9th, 1859.
6. Ann, b. at Woodbury, Feb. 20tli, 1783, m. the Rev. Harvey Loomis, of
Bangor, Maine. They had two sons. She d. July 27th, 1861.
7. Harriet, b. at Torringford, June 7th, 1785, d. Feb. 24th, 1822, un-
married.
8. Urania Phillips, b. at Torringford, May 15th, 1787, d. Jan. 23d, 1814,
unmarried.
9. Charles Isaac, b. July 23d, 1789; resided in Evansville, Ind, ; d. April
12th, 1868, unmarried.
10. Charlotte, b. Feb. 19th, 1796, m. Aaron Austin, has one son living.
(1870).
Willi'iin, father of the above, m a second time, in 1807, Mrs. Martha
Mitchell, his cousin, and dau. of the Rev. Josiah Slierman of Goshen and
Woburn, Mass., and sister of the Hon. Roger M. Sherman, of Fairfield.
Mr. Battell d. Feb. 29th, 1832 ; his second wife d. October 35th, 1829.
BUCKINGHAM GENEALOGY.
I. Thomas, the first of tlie name in this country, belonged to the company
that first settled New Haven. They arrived at Boston, June 26th, 1637, and
the next Spring came to Quinnipiack.
His house-lot was in " Mr. Gregson's Quarter," and about where Mr. Mur-
dock lived. He had a family of four persons, and an estate of £60.
He removed to Milford in the Autumn of 1639, with Rev. Mr. Prudden and
his company, who settled that town. His house-lot there was a little above
the 2d Congregational Church, on the corner where the old Bergen House
stood a few days ago. On the old church records at Milford, his name stands
among the seven who first consented to walk together as a church (the " Seven
Pillars " as they were called) and to these the others were added among
them, Hannah, his wife.
Upon the death of Minister Prudden, he was sent to Boston to procure
another Minister, and d. there 1657.
He left five children : (1). Hannah, b. 1632, m. Welsh ; (2). Daniel, called
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 14*73
Serg. and afterwards " Elder," which office he held 39 years, b. 1G36, d.
1711; (3), Samuel; (4). Mary; (5). Rev. Thomas, of Saybrook, one of the
founders of Tale College, b. 1646, d. 1709.
This is Gov. Buckingham's ancestor :
II. "Elder" Daniel \\SiA. seven children ; (I.) Hannah: {2). Daniel ; {^).
Mary ; (4). Rev Tliomas, of the South Church, Hartford; (5). John ; (6).
Oideon ; (7). Josiali.
III. Gideon was born Oct. 4th, 1675, d. 1719. He married Sarah Hunt,
Feb. 3d, 1 700, and had six children :
(1). Gideon; (3). John: (3). Daniel; (4). Alice, m. Treat; (5). Jonah; (6).
Clement, m. Josephine Hunt.
IV. JosiAH Bap, March 23d, 1718, d. 1784, m. Sarah Brinsmade. He had
five children :
(1). Jmlge Oideon, b. June 22d, 1744, d. Dec. 8th, 1809 ; (2). Isaac, m. Belden,
of Wethersfield ; (;^). Sarah, m. Wm. Battell,h. 1153, d. 1806; (4). Urania,
m. Phillips, of Long Island, Nov. loth, 1785 ; (5). Ann, who died at 20.
BUTLER FAMILY.
Richard Butler was among the earliest Stratford settlers, and had two
dans., Phebe m. Benj. Peet ; and Mary m. John Washborn, of Hempstead, L. I.,
in 1655, and afterwards Thomas Hicks, and thus became ancestress of Ellas
Hicks, founder of the Hicksite sect. There was in Stratford, a Dr. John Butler,
from 1684, till his death in 1695. He was a grantee of lands in Woodbury be-
fore 1697. He was probably son of Dr. John Butler, of Boston, afterwards of
Branford, Conn., where he died in 1680. John, Sen., had sons, John, Richard,
Jonathan and Jonas. There was a Dea. Richard Butler in Hanford, who died
in 1684, and had sons, Thomas, Samuel, Nathaniel, Joseph and Daniel. Their
descendants are numerous. Zebulon and John Butler, who figured in the
troubles in Wyoming Valley, 'was of this race. Benjamin F. Butler, late
Attorney General of New York, was also of this lineage, Capt. Zephaniah
Butler was in the campaign of Gen. Wolfe at Quebec, marching with other
brave soldiers from Woodbury. His son, father of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler,
now member of Congress, was a Captain of the War of 1812, and Gen. Butler
has his commission signed by Madison, as well as the powder-horn of his
grandfather, who fought under Wolfe, marked " Zephaniah Butler, his horn,
Woodbury, Connecticut, ye 27, 1758." This Zephaniah and his brother
Benjamin moved to Nottingham, N. H., and settled there.
Gen B. F. Butler, M. C, gives the writer the following account of his
family :
My grandfather was m. to Abigail Cilley, of Nottingham, d. of Gen.
Joseph Cilley of that town. By her he had children, Benjamin, Susan,
Enoch, Alice, William and John, who was my father.
Benjamin m. Betsey Morrill, at Deerfield, N. H., and d. childless.
Susan was never m., and lived and d. in Nottingham
Enoch m. Abigail Page, settled in London, and had by her two children :
Betsey Morrill, who d. unmarried ; Enoch, who married Sarah Marden, by
whom he had children, Benjamin M. and Clymena, both now living.
1474 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Sarah m. Israel Bartlett, of Nottingham, and had three children : Sarah,
who d. childless ; Hamilton, now living, unmarried ; and a younger brother,
name forgotten, now deceased, childless.
Alice m. Samue! Philbrook, of Washington, N. H., subsequently removed
to the State of New York. She had children : Samuel, who settled in Savan-
nah, and d. leaving one dau., now living; Betsey, who m. Mr. Mapes and
settled in New York ; Franklin also settled in New York ; both the last are
living, having children.
William d. a bachelor.
John m. Sally Bachelder, by whom he had three children, daughters,
Mary, Sarah and Betsey.
Mary m. Theodore Houlton, and d. in Greenville, Me., bearing one child,
Albert, now living.
Sarah m. Jonathan Maloon, and had three children, John, Horace, and
Sarah, the two former now deceased, the latter living. Mrs. Maloon is now
living.
Beysey m. Daniel Stevens, of Nottingham, and had children : Betsey,
Thomas Addis, Amanda, Gliarlotte, Joanna, John and Walter.
Betsey m. Col. J. B Bachelder, still living, having one child Sarah ; Tlios.
Addis m. Sarah Sanborn, and has three children all living ; Amanda and
Charlotte, living unmarried ; Joanna, deceased ; John, still living ; Walter,
still living.
The Avife of John, ancestor, having d. he m. Charlotte Ellison, by whom
he had three children, Charlotte, Andrew Jackson and Benjamin F.
Charlotte m. Horace Houlton, and d. leaving one child, Francis ; Andrew
J. m. Joanna Harris and had one child, now living, Geo. H. Butler, Consul
General at Alexandria, Egypt. Andrew is now deceased. Benjamin F., the
writer, m. Sarah Hildreth, and had three children. Blanche, who married Gen.
Adelbert Ames, U. S. Senator from Mississippi, and two boys, Paul and Ben
Israel, all living.
BOOTH FAMILY.
Richard Booth m. Elizabeth Hawley ; chh. John, m. 1st, June 16, 1678,
Dorotliy (who d. 1710) dau. of Thomas Hawley ; 2d., m. Hannah, wid. of
Robert Clark, she d. 1717. ; chh. Thomas, b. March, 1679 ; Jonathan, Martha,
Ephraim, John, and probably Sarah and Ann ; John Booth, Jr., had a son
John, b. 1726, d. 17"28, p. 510 ; Samuel Booth, who m. Sarah Walker, was son
of Nathan, who was son of Zechariah, who was son of Joseph, who was son
of Richard. He was b. , 1743, p. 510 ; David Booth was son of David,
son of Joseph, son of Richard.
BRINSMADE FAMILY.
John Brinsmade appeared first in Charlestown, 1637, was made freeman,
1638. His wifes name was Mary, who survived him. His children were
Marg, b. July 24th, 1640. She m. John Bostwick. John, b. March 2d, 1643 ;
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
lAll
; ZacJiary, 1647, drowned in 1667. (The only manuscript ser-
Daniel —
mon of Mr. Israel Cliauncey, now extant, is one preached at the funeral
of Zachary. Prof. Fowler owns it). Paul, Sarah, Elizabeth.
Mr. B. removed to Stratford before 1650; was representative 1669 and '71 ;
and d. 1673. His son John d. before 1680, and his brother shared his estate.
Pattl m. Oct., 1678, Elizabeth Hawkins, a daughter of Anthony H., of Wind-
sor (whose wife was Ann, daughter of Gov. Thorn. Wells). Paul had Ann
b. Oct., 1679; John, 1681; Zechariah in 1684 ; Hester, Deboi'ah. Elizabeth
was unmarried in 1673.
Daniel Brinsmade m. Sarah, dau. of Daniel Kellogg, of Norwich. He
d. in Oct., 1702, and his widow m. John Betts, of Norwalk. Daniel and Sarah
Brinsmade had children : Mary, 1684 ; Daniel, 1687 ; Abigail, 1691 ; Samuel,
1694; Ruth, 1700.
Daniel Brinsmade, son of Daniel and Sarah, m. Mercy (or Mary) about
1715. She was b. in 1696, and d. in 1731, Oct. 35. He then m. Hannah
, of New Haven, in 1732. By his first wife he had Mary, b. May,
11\&; Daniel, July, 1118 ; Hannah, May, 1720; AhraJiam, Feb., 1726-7;
Mary m. Israel Munson ; Hannah m. Abraham Hawley ; Daniel m. Rhoda
Sherman ; Abraham m. Mary Wheeler, Jan., 1747-8.
Daniel, son of Daniel and Mercy, m. Ehoda Sherman.
Abraham Brinsmade, son of Daniel, settled at Trumbull, and has de-
scendents there.
Zechariah, son of Paul, m. Sarah Cobbett, of Fairfield, Oct., 1710. They
had 10 children.
CAPEWELL FAMILY.
This family was descended from How Capell, of Hereford,
ants spell the name Capewell.
Arms. — Chequy or. and az., on a fesse gu., three mascles az.
The descend-
1476 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Crest. — A plume of three Ostrich Feathers, two az. and one gu.
Motto. — Fide et fortitudine.
Mark Capewell, father of George and Joseph. Mark Capewell was born
in Dudley, England, and was in the employ of Lord Hanks, in the Glass
Works, and m. Mary Southall, of Birmingham Heath. She was sister to
William and Joseph Southall, of Dudley. Joseph Southall was a Constable
in Dudley, and William was a Nail Manufacturer in Dudley.
Mary Southall, wife of Mark Campbell, was mother to Oeorge, Joseph and
Mark Capewell, who emigrated to this country in 1840, and have resided in
this town since that date, except that Mark Capewell d. Sept. 27th, 1854, and
left two children: Oeorge Joseph 2inA Eliza.
George Joseph, son of Mark, m. in West Cheshire, where he now resides,
and has two children.
Eliza, d. of Mark, m. James Bates of Roxbury, where they now reside, and
have two children.
Joseph Thomas, was b. in England, December 1st, 1818, and married Sarah
Pitt, Aug. 7th, 1838, daughter of John and Ann Pitt. Sarah Pitt was born
June 8th, 1820. Children: Sarah Ann, b. Oct. 7th, 1840. Married July 1st,
1858, Henry S. Conrad. He d. in the U. S. service. She afterwards m. George
Warner of Woodbury, and now resides in Watertown ; John Pitt, b. Aug. 2d,
1842, d. Aug. 28th, 1851 ; Jtilia, b. May 23d, 1844, m. Sept. 14th, 1864, Charles
E. Warner, of Roxbury ; Eynily, b. Dec. 8th, 1845, m. Oct. 22d, 1865, George
L. Beardslee, of Bridgewater ; Ellen, b. Jan. 10th, 1848, m. Dec. 3d, 1870,
Frank J. Atwood ; Joseph Thomas, b. June 10th, 1851, d. July 15th, 1861;
Walter Stanley, b. June 16th, 1853.
John Pitt, father of Sarah Capewell, was b. in England, Dec. 2d, 1791 ;
served seven years in the British army under the Duke of Wellington ; was
wounded by a bombshell, and afterwards got his discharge and emigrated to
this country in Feb., 1848, and d. 19th of Aug., 1870, aged 79 ; Oeorge Au-
gustus, b. Jan. 27th, 1817, m. May 9th, 1836, dau. of Thomas and Harriet
Davis ; Harriet Davis, b. Sept. 25th, 1818, Oeorge Davis, b. June 27th, 1737,
m. Nov. 22d, 1866, Mary E. Judson, dau. of Nathan S. and Flora Judson ;
Caroline Elizabeth, b. Dec. 18th, 1840, m. Jas. Sheldon Stone, Dec. 28th, 1858,
son of Sheldon and Julia A. Stone; Marcus Augustus, b. Jan. 8th, 1843, d.
Jan. 11th, 1843 ; Mary Ann, b. April 30th, 1845, m. April 30th, 1867, Charles
Henry Percy, son of Clement and Louisa Percy ; Martha Louesa, b. Oct. 28th,
1848, d. Feb. 27th, 1862 ; Seymour Landon, b Dec. 14th, 1849 ; Hannah Eliza,
b. Sept. 22d, 1853, d. Feb. 7th, 1857; John Edward, b. June 17th, 1856;
Harriet Amelia, b. March 22d, 1858 ; Frank Eugene, b. Aug. 27th, 1860 ;
James Henry, b. Marah 15th, 1863, d. same day.
CRAFTS FAMILY.
During the early settlement of Massachusetts, two brothers by the name of
Crafts emigrated from Great Britain and settled at Newtown, in the vicinity
of Boston, Mass. One of the brothers died leaving no posterity ; the other
left a number of children, some in Newtown, and some in Boston and its
vicinity. And it is believed from this original stock, all who bear the name
of Crafts within the United States, descended. Of these, Samuel Crafts
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY, 147T
came from Newtown and settled in Pomfret, Conn., in 1686. Joseph, sup-
posed to be the son of Samuel, m. Susannah , and d. Jan. 25th, 1754.
His wife d. Aug. 28th, aged 84.
Joseph had nine sons and six daughters. These children were Susannah,
b. Sept. 23d, 1720, m. Abial Lyon, and d. Sept. 2d, 1748 ; Samuel, b. July 15th,
1722 ; Joseph, b. July 4th, 1724; Mary.h. Nov. 27th, 1725 ; Elizabeth, b Sept.
12th, 1727; MehetaUe,h. March 27th, 1728; Hannah, b. March 8th, 1730;
Joseph, b. March 8th, 1732 ; Benjamin, b. Feb 20th, 1734 ; Griffin, b. Feb.
21st, 1736, d. May llth, 1737; Orijin, b. July 9th, 1738, d. Jan. 20th, 1743;
Ebenezer, b. Sept. 22d, 1738 ; Brands, b. Jan. 27th, 1743 ; Moses, b. April I5th,
1744; Sarah, b. Jan. 5th, 1746, d. Jan. 20, 1750.
Children of Samuel and Judith Crafts: Onffin, b. July 18th, 1748;
Sarah, b. April 13th, 1750. Edward, b. April 19th, 1752, d. March 17th,
1821 ; Samuel, b. May 19th. 1754, d. Jan. 23d, 1755 ; Samuel, b. Jan 15th,
1761 ; John, b. .
Children of Joseph and Crafts : Samuel, John, Royal, Polly and
Susan.
Children of Benjamin and Anna Crafts: Susannah, b. Jan. 2d, 1762, d,
Sept. 21st, 1764; Frederick, h. Oct. llth, 1763; Susannah,}). Nov. 23d, 1765;
Gardner, b. Jan. 1st, 1768 ; Benjamin, b. March 4th, 1770 ; Amia, b. July 5th,
1772 ; Josepfi, b. Oct. I5th, 1774; Hannah, b. July 13th, 1777; Moses, b. July
4th, 1780, d. Aug. ISth, 1780.
Children of Col. Ebenezer and Crafts : Gov. Samuel C, Matilda,
who m. Mr. Corbin ; Augusta, who m. Dr. Paddock, and two dau. who d.
young.
Children of Griffin and Hannah Crafts : Elizabeth, m. Martin Bridge;
Judith, m. Erastus Lathrop ; Sabrina, m. Wm. Campbell ; Mehetcibel, m. A.
Grover ; Erastus and Alfred, ch. by Sarah, his second wife ; infant son d. ;
Sarah Emily, infant, d. ; Samuel.
Dr. Edward Crafts m. 1st Abigail Clark, b 1759, d. Oct. 23d, 1795 ; 2d,
Ann Baldwin, b. 1759, d. June 8th, 1813; 3d, Mellissa Holbrook, b. 1769, d.
Jan. 19th, 1844. Children by first wife: Julia, b. 1781, d. Sept. 16th, 1801 ;
Samuel, b. 1783, d. at sea June 5th, 1810; Pearl, b. 1785, d. Dec. 29th, 1821 ;
Cliatmcey, b. June 1st, 1787, d. Oct. 12th, 1828 ; Laura, b. 1789, d. June 15th,
1805 ; Edward, b. 1790, d. Feb. 20th, 1892 ; Edward, b. 1794, d. Nov. 1826.
Dr. Pearl, son of Edward, m. Sarah Blakeley. Children : Edward B., b.
Jan. 13th, 1814 ; Elizabeth M., b. May 30th. 1816. Married Edward S. Clark;
Julia M., b. Dec. 31st, 1817, d. Oct. I4th, 1818 : Samuel P., b. 1820, d. July
31st, 1822.
Gen. Chauncey, son of Dr. Edward, m. Maria Bacon, Sept. llth, 1811 ; she
was b, Sept. 3d, 1794, d. Aug. 26th, 1859. Children : A dau. b. May 30th
1813, d. same day ; Julia Maria, b. Aug. 20th, 1814, m. Rev. B. Y. Messenger,
Feb. 7th, 1838, d. Aug. 25th, 1839 ; twins b. July 1st, 1816, d. same day;
Charles Bacon, b. July 18th, 1817, m. Cornelia A. Trowbridge, Sept. llth,
1868; Chauncey, h. March 20th, 1820, d. June 18th, 1841; Rebecca Bacon, h.
May 7th, 1822, m. Wm. B. Hotchkiss, June 6th, 1843, Their ch. were Lydia
T. C, b. Ju!y 3d, 1846 ; William Jodah, b. Jan. 6th, 1850 ; Chauncey Crafts,
b. Oct. 28th, 1852 ; James, ; Samuel Pearl, b. March 30th, 1824 ; Fanny
A., b. June 4th, 1826, m. 1st, Samuel W. Andrew, Jan. 4th, 1848, and had
1478 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Samuel W. Andrew, Jr,. b. April 20th, 1849 ; m. 2d, Wm. S. Charnley.
Children : Fanny Adele, b. June 23d, 1856, d. March 1st, 1864 ; Edith, b. Aug.
3d, 1861 ; Oeorge Bethume, b. July 26tli, 1864; Lydia Thompson, b. Dec. 2d,
1828, d. July 35th, 1846.
Edward B.. son of Dr. Pearl, m. Sarah Ann Thompson, Oct. I5th, 1845.
Children : Elizabeth, b. July 35th, 1848 ; Edward, b. Dec. 29th, 1850 ; John Y.,
b. Jan. 8th, 1852, d. Sept. 20th, 1853.
Samuel Pearl, son of Gen. Chauncey, m.'- Sarah A. Thompson, July I3th,
1859. Child : Nellie, b. July 23d, 1860, d. July 9th, 1863.
COLTON FAMILY.
A considerable part of the following Genealogical record was taken from a
manuscript left by Rev. George Colton, of Bolton, Conn., who was a great-
grand-son of George the Ancestor, or Pilgrim.
The record is principally confined to the descendants of Ephraim, the second
son of the Pilgrim, through Benjamin, his fifth son.
The account of this branch, in the original manuscript, is brought down to
the time of George, who was the son of Benjamin, and gives the names of
Benjamin's children, with those whom they married, where the account
ceases.
Three or four generations have since appeared, and the descendants of
Benjamin are numerous. Their names and alliances, as many as could be
ascertained, have been here recorded, taken principally from the recollections
of one who has been familiar with their history. The part thus added occu-
pies about one-third of the succeeding pages. Much difficulty was found in
transcribing some portions of the manuscript of Rev. George Colton, owing
to the apparent endeavor of the author, (no uncommon thing we believe with
writers of that day), to crowd the greatest number of words into the small-
est quantity of space, the faculty of doing which he seems to have possessed
in a good degree, and to have exercised, ad libitum. Consequently many
abbreviations occurred not to be found in the list in Webster's Spelling Book,
and not a little puzzling, making the exercise of copying often slow and per-
plexing.
Such care however has been taken that very few mistakes, it is believed,
have been made, and the copy may be considered mostly correct.
It is much to be regretted, that this history is so defective in regard to
dates and localities, and' yet, imperfect as it is, it will be highly valued by all
who feel an interest in the Colton Family.
George Colton, the first of the family, of whom we have any record,
came from Sutton Cofield, England and settled in that part of the old town
of Springfield, called Long-Meadow, where he is known in the records as
Quartermaster Colton. He came first to Windsor, and married Deborah
Gardner, of Hartford. They had five sons and four daughters, viz : Isaac, b.
Nov. 21st, 1646, d. Sept. 3d. 1770; Ephraim, b. April 9th, 1648, d. 1715;
Mary, b. 1649 ; Thomas, b. 1651, d. 1728; Sarah, b. 1653; Deborah, b. 1655,
d. 1733 ; Hepzibah, b. 1657 ; John, b. 1659. d. 1737 ; Benjamin, b. 1661.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT ■WOODBURY. 1479
Deborah, his wife, d. Sept. 5th, 1689. His second wife was Lydia Lamb,
whom hem, March 1st, 1692. George and Lydia d. the same year, 1699.
Isaac m. Mary Cooper, from Springfield, Mass., by whom he had three
sons and four dan., George, Joseph, Benjamin, Mary, Rebecca, Deborah and
Hannah.
George m. Mary Hitchcock, by whom he had four s. and five dau., Timo-
thy, Oeorge, Isaac, Jonathan, Mary, Sai ah, Rebecca, Elizabeth and Miriam.
Joseph, second son of Isaac, m. Abiline Chapin, of Springfield, Mass., by
whom he had two s. and four dau., Joseph, Gideon, Mary, Hannah, Dinah
and Mary.
Benjamin, third son of Isaac, m. Elizabetli Pynchion, by whom he had
fifteen or sixteen children, some of whom were, Benjamin, Charles, Isaac,
Gideon and William.
Mary, first dau. of first Isaac, m. Daniel Graves.
Rebecca, second dau., m. Joseph Stebbins.
Deborah, third d., m. Morgan.
Hannah, fourth, m. Benjamin Chapin.
Ephraim, second son of the Pilgrim, or Quartermaster, m. Mary Drake, of
Windsor, by whom he had four s., Ephraim, Samuel, Josiah and Job.
Mary d. Oct. I9th, 1681. He m. 2d, Esther Marshall, or Marshfield, March
25th, 1685. Children: Josiah, Benjamin, David, Isaac, Nathaniel, Noah,
Thomas, Esther, Sarah, Margaret and Mary.
Ephraim 1st, s. of Ephraim, m. Magaret Nolle, of Weathersfield, Conn.
Children : Ephraim, John, Samuel, Mary, Deborah, Jerusha, Demaris, Han-
nah ; Ephraim m. Sarah Burt ; John d. young; Samuel m. Mary Store ; Debo-
rah m. Store ; Jerusha m. David Burt ; Hannah m. Stephen Heep.
Samuel, 2d s. of 1st Ephraim, m. 1st, Margaret Bliss, by whom he had a
dau., who m. Capt. Frost, and a s. Samuel, who m. Flavia Colton. Married
2d, Lucy Colton.
Josiah, fourth s. of 1st Ephraim, m. Margaret Pease, of Enfield.
Benjamin, s. of 1st Ephraim, and grandson of the Pilgrim, was ordained
Pastor of the Congregational Church in West Hartford, Feb. 24th, 1713, and
continued his labors there till his death, March Ist, 1759. He m. 1st, Ruth
Taylor. Children : Eli, Benjamin, Rath and Theodosia. Married 2d, Eliza-
beth Pitkin, of East Hartford. Children : Lucina, Elizabeth, Abijah, Esther
and George.
Eli, first s. of Rev. Benjamin, m. Eunice Smith, of Simsbury. Children :
Jonathan, Samuel, Eliakim, Eunice. Eliakim m. Betsey Viets ; Jonathan m.
1st, Alenda Wells, m. 2d, Mirriam Benton ; Eunice m. Joseph Higby.
Benjamin, second s. of Benjamin, m. Anna Whiting. Children : Benja-
min, Anna, Joseph and Ruth.
Joseph m. Esther Belden, d. 7th March, 1800. Children: Joseph, b. 15th
Nov., 1776 ; Anna, b. 28th Oct., 1778 ; Ruth, b. 10th March, 1781 ; Esther, b.
8th Oct., 1783; Benjamin, b. 16th Jan., 1785; Laura, b. 23d Dec, 1786;
Alma, b. 8th June, 1790 ; Sarah, h. ; Whiting, b. 4th Marcli, 1792 ;
Benjamin, b. 30th Oct., 1794, n. April 21st, 1850; James, b. 5th April, 1797.
Laura, b. Dec. 22d, 1786, m. Dr. Samuel Steele, Nov. 6th, 1811. Children :
Laura Sophia, b. March 4th, 1818, m. Wm. E. Woodruff, April 22d, 1841 ;
1480 HISTORY OF ANCIEXT WOODBURY.
Esther M. b. Oct. 9th, 1815; Mary Joanni, b. Nov. 7th, 1830, m. William
Cothren, Sept. 3d, 1849.
Alma m. Joha DeForest, June 16th, 1824, d. 14th Jan., 1868. Had one ch.
Abigail, b. Jaly 15th, 1825, who m. John A. Candee, March 25th, 1845, and
have one son, Edward D., b 35th Feb., 1849.
Joseph, s. of Joseph, m. Sabrina Howe. Children : '1 Mary, ^ Melancthon,
3 Charles, '^N'ehemiah, and 5 Joseph 1 Mary m. Dr. Bdwnrd Brace, of West
Hartford, Conn. Child: John M. G., who m. Mary Crane, of West Hartford.
3 Charles m. 1st, Mary Grant; 2d Ruth Winship 4 Nehemiah was b. Nov.
8th, 1812, m. Harriet Atkins Leach, Feb. '22d, 1»44. Child : Mary Howe, b.
Jan. 5th, 184ft.
Ruth m. lat, Amos Sadgvvick. Children: Joseph Oolton and Sabrina _
Sabrina m. Gilbert Somers Minor ; chh. Frederick M., m. Samantha Frank.
lin. Children : Thomas B., Ellen F., and Beth Franklin. Sabrina F.,
m. Alfred F. Betts. Children : Sabrina F, Gilbert 8., Walter W., and Edipin
M., m. 2d, Daniel Hosmer. Child : Maria, m. Richard Parsons, and has two
children.
Esther m. John Perkins, d May 27th, 1847, and was buried in Woodbury,
aged 63. Her mother, Esther Colton, d. in Woodbury, Aug. 30th, 1826.
Children; i Laura, and ^ Lucy Ann. 1 Laura was b. Jan. 2d, 1805, m.
Marcus DeForest, Jan. 22d, 1822, d Feb. 7th, 1862. Marcus DeForest was b.
July flth, 1794. Children: ^ John Perkins, b. Feb. 23d, 1823; Z George, b.
Jan. 15th, 1825, d. April 2d, 1871 ; S Marcus, Jr., b. Aug 27th, 1826 ; '^Lucy
Ann, b. Jan 13th, 1832. 1 John P., m. Mary Jane Morris, Feb. lOth, 1847.
Children: Emily Morris, b. Nov. 2 ith, 1849; Martha Jane, b. Nov. 18th,
1853; John L'-oh, b, July ii\, 1856, d. July 3l)th, 185:5 ; Mary, b. Aug, 27th,
i860, d. 25th Sept., 1863; Charles Eli. 2 George m. Mary A. Linsley, Oct.
3d, 1849. Child : George L., b. July I3th, 183 4. 3 Marcus, Jr., m. Mary Hine,
of Middlebury, Dec. 29th, 1859. He is a highly respected citizen and success-
ful practitioner of medicine in the town of Middlebury. 4 Lucy Ann m.
David S. Ball, March 12th, I860. Children: Laura Elizabeth, h. Nov. 9th,
1861 ; Th'>m%s Marcus, b. Aug. 27th, 1863 : Lucy Emily, b. Aug. lOth, 1865,
d. Nov. 28th, 187 1 .
Benjamin m. Jerusha W. Porter, of Hadley, Mass. He d. April 21st, 1850,
aged 57. She d. Feb. 27th 1825, aged 28, Children ; 1 Jalia M., b. March
2d, 1819, m. Theodore Judson, March Uth, 1852. He was b. Feb. 7th, 1818.
2 Harriet, b. March 5th, 1830, d. Nov. 19th, 1852, m. Henry Lambert.
Children : Wilaur Colton, b. Dec. 17th, 1846 ; Ma,rgaret Emily, b. March 2d,
1851. Z Benjamin Augustin,h. April 2d, 1821, m. Catherine Williams, Jan. 9th
1851. -^Frederick Pierpont, b. April 20th, 1823, m. Ann Maria Austin, Oct.
22d, 18t5. ChWdven. : B:uijamin S'l/mour, b. May 17th, 184S, d. Aug. 1st,
1851 ; Julia Maria, b. July 16th, 1851.
The author has a large number of additional names in this family, but as
not a single date is furnished, it is not thought best to insert them.
Rev. Willis S. Colton, furnishes the following in regard to his branch
of his family :
(1.) My great grandfather. Rev. Benjamin Colton, lineal descendant of
George Colton, of the north of England, and of Puritan stock, was born in
Long-Meadow, Mass., 1637; graduated at Yale College, 1710. Resettled in
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1481
the Gospel Miuistry, over the Congregational Church, in West Hartford,
Conn., 1713, and d. there in 1759.
His first wife was a dau. of Rev. Mr. Taylor, of Westfield, Mass., and d.
in 1725, pged 28.
His second wife, Mary Pitkin, was a sister of Gov. Wm. Pitkin, of East
Hartford, Ct., she d. in West Hartford, 1761 or '60, at the age of 70. Her
children were the following : 1. Lusina Colton, who d. a maiden lady in West
Hartford, 1817, Dec. 9th, aged 92; 2. Abijah, my grandfather, who d. Aug.
8th, 1815, aged 85. He was for many years a deacon of the Congregational
Church in West Hartford; 3. Elizabeth, who m. Josiah Steele, of same place,
and d. in Vermont, aged 84; 4. George Colton, b. 1735, who became a min-
ister of the Gospel for more than forty years in Bolton, Ct., and d. there June
12th, 1812, aged 77 ; Esther, who m. a Mr. Allen, and her dau. Nancy Allen
was the wife of Mr. Goodrich, father of Prof. Goodrich formerly of Yale
College. >
(2.) The children of Dea. Abijah Colton (my grandfather) were the fol-
lowing : 1. Mary, wife of Ebenezer Faxon, of We'st Hartford, b. March 30th,
1775, d. 1850, at 74. They had three or four children ; 2. Elizabeth, b. Feb.
1777, d. in West Hartford, 1859, aged 82 ; 3. George, b. Jan, 12th, 1779, d. in
Wethersfield, Conn., Feb. I3th, 1858, aged 79. He was educated at Yale Col-
lege; graduated with the Class of 1804 ; studied for the ministry with Dr.
Nathan Perkins ; was a Home Missionary from 1806 to 1808 ; afterwards was
a Presbyterian Clergyman in New .York State, at Westford, Otsego, Oo., and
at Royal ton, Elba, and Wyoming, in Niagara and Genessee Counties, for many
years; 4. Chester, h. Dec, 1783, d. in Ohio, 1851, aged 68, having had two
children; 5. Charles, b. March 5th, 1787, d. 1816, Jan. lOth, aged 2y ; 6. Rod-
erick, b. 1790, d. (I think) in West Hartford, in 1863, aged 73. He had four
children.
(3.) The children of Rev. George Colton, were as follows: 1. John 0., b.
at Westford, N, Y., 1810, March I3th, and d. (Pastor of the Chapel Street
Church, New Haven, Conn.) April 20th, 1840, aged 30; 2. Oscar C, b. April
12th, 1812, a lawyer by profession ; 3. Amelia D., b. Oct., 1814, d. at Lock-
port, N. Y , 1843, aged 84; 4. Horace B , b. Sept. 29th, 1816, d. in the Civil
War, a member of the 139th Penn Vols., at Stafford Court House, Va., near
Fredericksburg, Dec. 1st, 1862, aged 46 ; 5. George H., b. Oct. 1818, d. in New
York (while editing Whig Review) in Dec, 1847; 6. Theron G ,h. July,
1820, now a Congregational Clergyman in Whitewater, Mass ; 7. Julia P., b.
at Royalton, N. Y., Oct., 1824; 8 Henri/ M., b. Nov., 1826, now teaching a
Classical School in New York City ; 9. Willis 8., b. June 25th, 1828, at Royal-
ton, N. H. ; graduated at Yale College in 1850 ; was Rector in that Institution
from 1852 to 1856; was settled in the ministry as Pastor of the Congrega-
tional Church at Wallingford, Conn., Sept. 27th, 1856, and installed as Pastor
of the Church in Washington, Conn., Aug 22d, 1866.
Of my brothers, four are graduates of Yale, one obtained his degree,
though not a graduate, and four have been ministers of the Gospel.
1482 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
COTHREN FAMILY.
[Corrections and additions to page 534.]
7. Jane (Cothren) Fish, b. 15th Augf. 1770, and d. at North Auson, Maine,
Jan. 31, 1869, in the 99th year of her age.
22. William, b. at Farmington, Maine, Nov. 28, 1819, graduated at Bow-
doin College, in 1843, received his second degree there in 1846, and degree o f
Master of Arts, ad eundem, at Yale College in 1847. Removed to Woodbury,
Conn., Nov., 1844, and commenced the practice of law at that place, where
he has since resided. He married Mary J. Steele, of Woodbury, Sept. 3, 1849,
Chh. : William Steele, b. Sept. 1, 1856, d. April 25, 1858. Mary Belle,{Ado]^ted
daughter,) b. Aug. 25, 1862.
23. Charles, b. 16th June, 1822. Grad. Bowd. Coll., 1849. Resides in
Brooklyn, N. Y. Does business in N. Y. City. He m. 1st, Betsey Ann Mitchell,
who was the widow of David C. Hinman, Aug., 7th, 1854, chh. Helen Flm-
ence b. July 28, 1855, d. Sept. 2d, 1856. Sarah May, b. May 31, 1857, d. Aug.
15, 1857. His 1st wife d. Aug. 3d, 1861. m. 2d, Alice Radcliff, Sept. 5th, 1862.
She was born at Saddleworth, England, Sept. 15th, 1832.
24. Nathaniel, b. June 21, 1825. Grad. Bowd. Coll., 1849. Resides Brook-
lyn, N. Y. Lawyer in New York City. Married Elizabeth W. Corlies, Eaton-
town, N. J., April 2d, 1854. She was b. July 13, 1838. Child : Frank, How-
ard, b. July 10th, 1871.
25. George W., b. July 12, 1829. Married Eleanor Hamlin Craig, May 9,
1864. She was b. Jan. 28, 1840. Chh. Mary Steele, b. Oct. 29, 1866, d. March
30, 1870. Eleanor, b. Dec. 25, 1871 — a Christmas present.
26. Weslly R., b. Dec. 15, 1837. Lives in Farmington, Maine. Married
Elizabeth Wendell Hblley, Dec. 19th, 1861. She was born Jan. 20, 1842.
Child : William Holley, b. Sept. 20, 1862.
30. Eunice Cordilia C^othren, b. May 8, 1823. Married Albert F. Brown,
who was b. Sept. 4, 1819, at Brimfield, Mass. They were m. at Byron, Ogle
Co. 111., Dec. 8, 1842. Children : Henrietta Cothren, b. Oct. 6, 1844 ; Edidn F.
b. Jan. 2, 1847 ; d. 13th Jan., 1847 ; CliarlesF. b. May 20, 1849 ; George K, b.
March 21,1851; Esther Julia, b. April 9, 1854; Cora Cordelia, b. April 11,
1858 ; Albert Chester, b. Dec. 25, 1859 ; Sila Perds, b. Sept. 30, 1863.
34. Charles F., m. Mary A. Sage, Jan. 1868.
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODRURY,
148.?
35. Maky Isabella, m. Lieut. Henry P. Ayres, of the 77th Illinois Vols.,
Oct. 12, 1864. — Have had two children ; one, deceased.
9. Peter, p. 532, d. at Woods Hotel, Mass., May 27ih 1864.
20. Emily, p. 523, d. childless in 1852. Capt. David m. Lydia A. Wilson, of
New Bedford, Mass., in 1845.
8. William, p. 522, d. at Martinique, West Indies, instead of at Havana.
Everirreen Bower.
CRANE FAMILY.
Most persons bearing the name of Crane, who have lived in Connecticut,
descended from " Benjamin, of Wethersfield," or " Henry, of Guilford." These
two men were in business together in Wethersfield, as early as 1658, and
may have been brothers ; but there is, so far as now known, no record of
ihe time or place of their birth. Benjamin was born about the year 1630,
and Henry, about the year 1636. Henry left Wethersfield in 1662, or earlier,
and removed to Guilford. He soon after married Concui-rence Meigs, daugh
ter of John Meigs, Sen. ; another daughter, Trial Meigs, married Andrew
Ward, the ancester (maternal) of Henry Ward Beecher.
John Meigs' home lot adjoined the Public Square in Guilford, and is tlie
same now occupied and owned by R. D. Smith, Esq.
About the time of Henry Crane's marriage, the settlement of Killingworth
was projected, and appears to have been stimulated by a great variety of re.
ligious and political disturbances.
Henry Crane, being then young, enterprising, and comparatively poor in
worldly goods, and, withal, a man calculated to lead, rather than to be led
cast his fortunes into this new enterprise. He is recorded as one of the
thirty original planters of Killingworth, in 1665, and soon after permanently
located there. The deed of Uncas, in 1 669, conveying a large portion of the
41
1484 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
lands in the township, is attested by his signature. His whole life, in this
community, till his death in 1711, was one of unselfish devotion to the pub-
lic good. He took an active and leading part in all public affairs, civil and
religious. He was Captain of the militia, magistrate, and a delegate to the
General Court of Connecticut, during twenty-seven sessions, from 1678 to
1703. The confidence reposed in his honesty, wisdom, and sound judgment,
is attested by the frequency with which he was called to serve on committees
and arbitrations involving varied and important questions relating to private
and public affairs.
Henry Crane, ' m. Concurrence Meigs, dau. of John Meigs ' of Guilford,
about 1663 ; she died in Killingworth, Oct. 9, 1708 ; he then married Dec. 26,
1709, Deborah Champion, widow of Henry Cliampion, of Lyme. He died
April 22d, 1711 ; alter Mr Crane's death, she married Richard Towner. Had
children : Wohn, b. about 1664; ^ Elizabeth, b. about 1666, and d. Nov. 22d,
1686 ; ' Mcmj, b. Aug. 23d, 1670 ; * Ph(ebc, b. Dec 24, 1662, who married John
Kelsey, Jr.. June 27, 1697 . " Theophilus, b. Jan. 5, 1675 ; ^ Ahegail, b. April 3,
1676, and died in infancy ; ' Henry, b. Oct. 25, 1677 ; ^ Mercy, b. June 21, 1680,
who married John Hoadley, of Branford, and ^ NatJianiel,^. Aug. 7, 1682, and
d. Nov. 17, 1683.
Of these three surviving sons, John and Theophilus, and the families de-
scendent from them during two generations, remained, for the most part, in
Killingworth, (now Clinton,) but Henry removed to Durham.
John,'' eldest son, married Martha Daggett, of Rehoboth, Mass., May 28th,
1694; he died Oct. I8th,1711 ; had six children: ^ John, b. March 23d, 1695,
who d. leaving no issue, Feb. 15, 1722; "^ Hannah, h. Aug. 28th, 1697, and
married Jos. Seward, Jr. of K., April 26th, 1720; Va«c, b. Feb. 10, 1701 ;
Married Isaac Kelsey, April 2d, 1723 ; ^ Ebenezer, b. May I9th, 1702, and mar-
ried Ann Wilcox, Sept. 6th, 1723, and d. April 13th, 1736 ; ' Concurrence, b.
June 4th, 1709 ; married Jeremiah Stevens, March 9th, 1732, and ^Eleanor, b.
Aug. 25, 1711, married Peter Hull, Sept. 5th 1737.
This John Crane was a man very much after his father's pattern ; enterpri-
sing, intelligent, self-reliant, and in all his aspirations and endeavors, thor.
oughly devoted to the public good. He was a delegate to the General Court
for thirteen sessions ; from 1703 to 171 1 — the year of his death. He received
a Captains commission in 1708, and commanded a company in the expedition
against Canada, in 1711, and died in New York City, in Oct. of that jeax ; ex-
hausted and diseased by the hardships and exposures of that disastrous cam-
paign. The expenses of his funeral in New York were paid by the Colony of
Conn., by vote of the General Court, the same being " nineteen pound, eleven
shillings and sixpence."
Theophilus, " second son of Henry, ' married Margaret Lane, Dec. 5th,
1699; he died Oct. 26th, 1732. Children: ^Nathaniel, b. Jan. 18th, 1701;
^ Theophilus, b. June 25th, 1 703, and died in early Ufe ; ^ Elisabeth, h. Dec. 20th,
1705; married Josiah Baldwin, Jan 29, 17-30; * Jfary, b. March 4th, 1707;
" Margaret,h. Sept. 26th, 1710, d. May 1st, 1714; ^Jemima, b. April 23d, 1713,
married Daniel Lane Jan. 8th, 1736 ; ' John, b. March 21st, 1720.
Henry Crane,' youngest son of Henry,' removed to Durham in 1708, at
the commencement of that settlement, and was one os the most esteemed
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1485
and influential men in that community ; was Justice of tlie Peace from 1728
to 1740, Representative to the State Lejrislature for twenty eight sessions,
from 1718 to 1739. He was chosen deacon of the Church in Durham at its
organization, in 1710, and performed the duties of this office with sifj^nal use-
fulness and acceptance, till the time of his death, in 1741 — and was Captain
of the militia as well.
He married Abigail Flood, of Wethersfield, Jan. 27th, 1703 : he died A\)n\
11th. 1741 ; she died Aug. 31st, 1754, aged 78 years. Had children ; ' iSUas,
b. at Killingworth, Jan. 3oth, 1705 ; ^ Henry, b. in Durham, March 20th, 1711;
'Concurrence, b. March 25th, 1708 ; married Nathaniel Seward; * Abigail, b.
June 6th, 1712, and died June 25th 1724.
SiIjAS,' son of Henry,'' married Mercy Griswold, dau. of Samuel Griswold.
Nov. 27, 1729; he d. Jan. loth, 1763; she d. Aug. 29, 1782. Children: '.-Ifti-
^ai7, b. 'Sept. 1 0th, 1730 ; married Brotherton Seward, of Durham, who re
moved to Norfolk ; "^ Jesse, b. June 5th, 1732 ; married widow Rebecca Sew.
ard, March 3d 1763, and probably had no children; ^ Flood, b. Feb. 12, 1734;
d. June 2, 1743 . * Silds, b. Nov. 9th 1737 ; married Lucretia ; ^ Robert,
b. Feb. 18th, 1739 ; ^EH, b. Nov. 27th, 1742 ; ' Flood, b. Feb. 27th, 1745, who
d. Jan. 6th, 1763; ^ HiddaJi, b. April 30th, 1748, married Gurdon Hull, Nov
10th, 1773 ; ^ Buth, b. Dec. I2th, 1749, who probably never married ; >» Fred,
erick, h. Feb. 24th, 1752, married Ann Babcock, Jan. 1st, 1778; ^^ Nathan, b.
Sept. 18th, 1754, and died in 1771.
Henry,^ son of Henry ,^ lived near his brother Silas, in Durham. Their
father, at the time of his death, was a very large land holder, and these two
sons divided the land by a partition deed, conveying to Henry 358 acres, and
to Silas, 391 acres, besides undivided laud rights. He married Mercy Francis,
of Wethersfield, June 7th, 1832; he died Feb. 1st, 1768; she died, Sept. I9th
1786, aged 77. He had children : ' John, b. March 27, 1733, who died Dec. 12th,
1736 ; ''Elihu, b. June 24, 1735, married Mary Fowler, April 26th, 1759 ; ^Phce-
be, b. Feb. 6th, 1738, married Jonas Bishop, Jan. 20th, 1763 ; * Mary, b. Nov.
24, 1739 ; ' John, b. July 1st, 1741, married Abigail Camp, April 7th, 1762 ;
* Concurrence, b. Nov. 14th, 1744, married John Johnson, July 5th, 1765 ;
' .4ttH, b. Oct. 8th, 1746, married Daniel Hall, Sept. 21st, 1766; ^ Henry, h.
Dec. lltli, 1748, married J erusha Parmelee, June 24th, 1773 ; ^ Enos, b. Aug.
lOtli, 1751, and died Aug. 28th, 1751.
Robert Crane,* son of Silas Crane,^ was married in Durham, by Rev.
Elizur Goodrich, to Mary Camp, dau. of Eleazar Camp, Oct. 31st, 1765. He
removed from Durham to Bethlehem, April 7th, 1769 ; bought the farm of
Hezekiah Hooker, near the Woodbury line ; Mr. Hooker having been one of
the first settlers. His two eldest children, Mary and Robert, were born and
baptized in Durham ; the others in Bethlehem. Children : ' Mary, b. Aug.
7th, 1767 ; "" Robert, b. Nov. 12th, 1768 ; ''Molly, b. May, 1770 and died in May,
1835 ; * Achsah,h. April, 1772, married Augustus Ray, and died at Monticello,
N. Y., Feb. 29th, 1813 ; " Eleazer, b. Dec. 28th, 1773 ; ° Jesse, b. in 1775 and d
when six weeks old ; ' Phinehas, b. Oct. 10th, 1777 ; * Sarah, b. in 1781, mar-
ried Charles Prindle.
Ei.eaz.\r Crane,* son of Robert,* married Anna Prudden, Dec. 9th, 1798 ;
lived in Woodbury and Bethlehem, afterward removed to New Hampshire,
and from thence to Beloit, Wisconsin, where he died, June I4th, 1839. His
1486 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
widow d. in Bethlehem, April 3d, 1859. Children : * Emeliiie, b. Jan. 1st
1800, married William Judson in 1834 ; " Orlando F., b. May 12th, 1802, mar.'
ried Esther Murray, of Morris, and d. in Litchfield, June 30th, 1866 ; ' Sarah
F., b. May 12th, 1804, d. in Beloit, Wis., march, 1847 . " Robert P., b. April 17th
1807, and now lives in Beloit ; ^ Nathan F., b. Dec, 1712, and d. when 18
months old.
Phinehas Crane,^ son of Robert,'' married Irene Nichols, of Woodbury
Jan. 23d, 1800, (she was the dau. of Gideon and Abigail Micbols, both of
whom died in Nov. 1812, of " New Milford Fever.") Phinehas Crane, like
some of his ancestors, was, for a time. Captain of the militia, and, later in
life, a deacon of the Congregational church, which office he held at the time
of his death, Nov. 17th, 1839. His widow d. March 20th, 1856. Children :
'John N., b. March 17, 1801, d. Aug. 10th, 1867 ; "" Famiy C, b. Nov. 28th.
1802, married B. S. Castle, June 13th, 1830 ; ^ Frederick, b. Jan. 8th, 1805,
now living in Wallingford ; * Catharine, b. Dec. 3d, 1806, married John S.
Kassou, Nov. 17ih, 1831 ; ' Gideon, b. Sept. 14th, 1808, d. Dec. 9th, 1836 ;
^ Nancy, b Dec. 12th, 1810, married Gilman E, Hill, March 5th, 1834; ''Abi-
gail, b. March 6th, 1813, married Wilson Burritt ; ^ Mary A., b. Dec. 27tli,
1814, d. Sept. 24ih, 1843 ; ^Phinehas M., b. Jan. 28th, 1819, d. March 15th,
1863; ''^ Robert, b. Dec. 27th, 1820, now living in New Haven; '^ Nathan, b.
Dec. 5th, 1822, died March 24th, 1870.
CASTLE FAMILY.
This family did not reside in Stratford village, but in Stratfield, the border
ground between Fairfield and Stratford. The only traces of the name on the
records of Stratford, or Stratfield, are as follows : — William Castle m. Rebec-
co , Feb. Ist, 1710-11. Children: Tabitha, b. March, 1712-13; Bethia,
b. April, 1714; Rebecca,h. April, 1716; Jabez, b. May, 1718.
CURTISS FAMILY.
Rev. Benjamin L. Swan, of Oyster Bay, N. Y., sends the author the follow-
ing well considered article on the Curtiss genealogy : —
" This family has singularly occasioned the genealogists and histori-
ans various errors. Trumbull, for instance, alledges that of the first set-
tlers of Stratford, ' John and William Curtis, and Mr. Sar^Wl Hawley, were
from Roxbury,' whereas in fact J. and W. Curtis were never in Roxbury, and
Samuel Hawley was born in Stratford — being the son of Joseph, the first set-
tler. Hollister has followed Trumbull, and added more remarkable errors.
' Mr. Fairchild ' was not ' the first magistrate of the town.' ' Joseph Jud-
son ' was one of three sons of William Judson, of New Haven — an original
patentee of Stratford, and instead of ' Samuel Wells from Wethersfield
with three sons,' came John Wells son of Gov. Thomas, with four sous, of
whom Samuel was youngest.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1 48'7
" Even the careful Goodwin has found a stumbling-block in the Curtis
name, for in his genealogical notes, he marries John Wells to Elizabeth,
daughter of John Curtis, of Stratford, and sister of William — a double error,
— for John's daughter would be William's niece — and neither John nor Wil-
liam had any sister — and John Well's wife was Elizabetli Bourne, (who, after
Well's death, married John Willcoxson,) and when Mrs. Ellen Bostick in
her will says, she and Mr. Tomlinson brought from England under promise
to give her a chid's portion (i.e. , adopt her.)
" Mr, Cothren must not wonder, therefore, that with such pioneers in that
line, the account of the Curtis family collected for him, is very erroneous.
After a full correspo.ndence with the Town Clerk of Scituate — himself a Cur-
tis—and with Mr. Savage, (to whom I furnished the results of my investiga-
tion, and who has used them in his Book, correcting under name ' Welles '
tlie error about Elizabetli C, and after thorough examination of all records
in Stratford, and in the Probate Court of Fairfield, in Hartford, &c.,) I can
very confidently offer the following as facts.
" John, Richakd, Thomas and William Curtis, came from England at a
very early date, probably not in the same year. They were all at Scituate,
between 1643 and 1649. John died there, leaving no family. Thomas came
there from York, Maine, and afterward returned, leaving a son in Scituate,
from whom the Town Clerk (in i860) was descended.
"Richard went from Marblehead to Scituate in 1648. His descendants, who
are many, are yet there.
"William appears in Scituate in 1643. His descendants are also numerous.
Observe, of the four Curtises, none of them landed in Scituate, or came there
in 1633, and their posterity remained in Scituate. So much for the Scituate
Curtises.
"Now for the Rosbury name. William Curtis, of Roxbury, not one of the
foregoing, came over in the ' Lion' in 1632. His son, William, it is believ-
ed, came over the year previous, with John Elliot. This son died early ;
' God took him in 1634,' say Roxbury Records. Another son, John, married
.and is believed to have settled in Dover, New Hampshire. Another son,
Thomas, died of consumption. A fourth son, Philip, lived at Roxbury, and
had nine children. His descendants are to be found there still.
" Mr. Cothren will observe that his informant erred, 1st, in giving William
C. of Scituate, the children belonging to William, of Roxbury. 2d. In put-
ting the Scituate Curtises among the passengers per ship Lion— and 3d, in
having a son William born to the Stratford family after 1 632 ; whereas the
William of that family had a child born to him in 1642, when, by that show-
ing, he would have been about 10 years old.
" We come now to the Stratford Curtises. The earliest mention of them on
the Town Record, is in 1652, (excepting the entry of children's births,) and
there we read of 'widow Elizabeth Curtis, mother of John and William.' In
her will, (1658) Mrs. Curtis names Joh^i and William and Mary, daughter of
her son Thomas.
• " There is no evidence of any consanguinity between this family and the
Roxbury and Scituate families, or any of several others— as George, Henry,
Thomas, Zaccheus — who appeared in various parts of New England before
1645. Similarity of names among children might suggest cousinship, but it
1 488 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
is all conjecture. It is not known where Thomas/ son of widow Elizabeth C,
settled, if, indeed, he came from England, I should have looked for him in
Wethersfield Thomas, but the latter seems not to have had any daughter,
Mary. There can be but little doubt that Elizabeth was a widow, when,
with her sons — then nearly or quite adult — she crossed the ocean.
" John Curtis, son of ' Widow Elizabeth,' married Elizabeth, who seems to
have been a Welles, ( for a grandson of Gov. Thomas Welles calls John Cur-
tis ' Lf/ide ') He seems to have had no second wife and died in 1 707, aged
96. His wife died, March, 168^. The Margaret, who died 1714, was not his
wife, but the Margaret (Picket) wife of John Curtis, son of Benjamin, son of
John — therefore grandson of John C, 1st. J. C. and Eli;zabeth, his wife, had
John, born Oct, 1642, died before 1686. He married Hannah Kimberly, i wid-
ow). Israel, b. April, 1644. Elizabeth, b. May, 1647. Thomas, h. 1648-9. He
went to Wallingford. Joseph, b. Nov., 1650, who married Bethiah Bosth.
Benjamin, b. Sept. 1652, married Esther, dau. of Joseph Judson. Hannah, h.
Feb., 1654, married Benjamin Lewis.
William Curtis, brother of John Tst, died in Stratford, Dec. 31st, 1702.
His first wife's name is unknown. His second wife married after 1676, and
after all his children were born, was Sarah Goodrich (nee Marvin) and widow
of William G., of Wethersfield. His children by his first wife are Sarah, b,
Oct., 1642. Jonathmi,h. Feb., 1644. He married Abigail Thompson. Joshua-
b. Oct., 1646. Abigail, b. April, 1650. Daniel, b. Nov., 1652. Elizabeth, h.
Feb., 1654-5. She married a Rose. Ebenever, b. July, 1667. Married Ruth
Porter. Zac/iffrj^, (Zechariah,) Nov., 1659. Married Hannah Porter. Josiah^
b. Aug., 1662. married Abigail, dau. of Joseph Judson. She died 1697. He^
then married Mary.
The children of Josiah Curtis were by his wife Abigail. William, b. Sept.,
23d, 1693.* Anna, b. 1697. Married Zechariah Booth, 1718, and died child-
less in 1733. By this second wife, Mary , he had children, of whom the
following are on Town and Land Records in Stratford.
"Eunice, b. Aug. 1, 1699, married Robert Wells. Abraham, b. 1701, May
10th. Josiah, Jan. 6th, 1702-3. Benjamin, Dec. 25th, 1704. Peter, April,
1707. Mary, July, 1711. Matthew, Dec. 1712. Charles, and Mehitabel.
(twins,) Jan , 1715-6. She seems to have married H. Hooker, in time to leave
a child in 1717, say about 1715 or 17l6. She was probably born in 1695, of
J. Curtis 1st wife, Abigail."
Amendments to Curtis genealogy furnished by Hon. Wm E. Curtis, of
New York City.
Page 531, Line 1. Strike out " Chev " and insert " fess." Strike out " murai
coronets," and insert " crowns or." Strike out " sejant " and to and in.
eluding word "arms" and insert in lieu " in his pp. colors, issueing forth
of his colors or and azure, thereon a fess danceth, or maritted gules
doubled argent."
Page 531, Line 5. Strike out "ducal coronets" and insert "crowns or.''
" " Line 15. After words " Charles 1st," insert "by grant under the
* Mr. Cothren has also Abigail, whom I have not.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODUURY. 1489
Great Seal, reciting that search having been made in the Register and
Records for the true and antient armes belonging to the Crrtis name and
family, and the same appearing by onld seales and other good tcHtiiiiony
and proofs in the custody and keeping of Richard St. George, Clarenci-
eux King of armes to be the proper and autient armes thereof, and
which they did theretofore beare, they were to them and their issue and
posterity in memory thereof, forever ratified and confirmed, accorning to
the law of armes and costome of England.'
" " Lin') 19. After word " Conn " insert " This Wm. Curtis became a
Freeman in Roxbury, Mass., and the land granted to him is in i)art still
owned by his descendants of the name."
Page 534, Line 1. After " 1713" insert " married Elizabeth Birdsie."
" " Line 5. After word " He" insert "married Martha Clark, and"
" " Line 6. After " 1759 " insert " married Estlier Holbrook, July 4th,
1782."
Page 534, Line 8. After the words " County Court," insert " who was born
July I4th, 1787, graduated at Yale College, 1807, married Elizaljeth P.
daughter of Hon. Wm Edmond, Oct. 7th, 1832, and died Feb. 2lst 1858.'"
Page 354, Line 10. After words " New York City" insert "born Sept. 29tli,
1823, who married Mary Ann, daughter of Wm. H. Scovill, of Water-
bury, Sept. 2d, 1851, and has children: William Edmond, b. June 2d,
1855. Henry Holbrook, b. Dec. 15th, 1856. Francis Randolph, b. Oct.
11th, 1858. Eustace Sanford, b. June I3th, 1860. Frederick Kingsbury,
b. Feb. 3d, 1863. Mary Alathea, b. Oct. 2d, 1867.
Salmon Curtis had one other child, Polly Ann, b. April 2d, 1783;
married Capt. Isaac Tomlinson, and had children: Curtis, died in Mis-
souri, 1839; Ann, married Peter Morton, of New York, died 1846, and
Sarah, married Hon. Charles Chapman, of Hartford."
Page 542, Line 26. Strike out words " Cork, Dublin," and insert in lieu "Lon-
donderry."
Page 543. Line 2. Strike out " Daniel," and insert in lieu " Hon. David, son
of second wife."
'• " Line 11. Strike out " Colonel," and insert " General."
" " " 12. Insert " Hon." before word " Benjamin."
" " " 18. Strike out ''July, 10," and insert in lieu " Feb. 16"
Page 533. Eunice Curtis (5'-') m. Abijah Stoddard, son of Rev. Anthony Stod
dard.
Page 534. Joseph (53) m. Mary Stoddard, dau. of Rev. A. Stoddard.
" " Prudence, Curtis, (84 m. William Martin, of Bethlehem Society.
Alfred A. Curtis, of Bridgeport, sends the following Curtis items. The ori-
ginal Curtis Coat of Arms has been in the possession of this branch of the
family since the first settlement of the country.
John Curtis was b. 1611 died 1707. William Curtis, his brother, b. 1621, d.
1702. Elizabeth, first wife of John, died 1682. Margaret, the second wife,
died 1714.
1490 HISTORY OF A3^CIENT WOODRURY.
Children of John : John, b. 1642; Samuel, b. 1644; Elizabeth, b. 1647;
Thomas, b. 1648; Benjamin, b. 1652; Hannah, b. 1654.
Joseph Curtis and Bethiah Booth were married Nov. 9th, 1676.
Joseph Curtis had children : Elizabeth, b. 1677 ; Anna, b. 1679; Ephraim.
b. 1684 ; Joseph, b. 1687 ; Nathan, b. 1689 ; Jonah, b. 1692 ; Bethiah, b. 1695 ;
Eleazer, Ebenezer and Eliphalet (triplets,) b. 1699.
Fphraim Curtis married Elizabeth Stiles, 1707. Children: Stiles Curtis,
b. 1708; Henry Curtis, b. 1709; Anna, b. 1711 ; Elizabeth, 1715; Ephraim,
b. 1717; Martha, b. 1721 ; Edmond, 1725 ; Bathsheba, 1728.
Ephraim Curtis d. 1767, aged 83. Henry Curtis d. 1804, aged 95. Joseph
Curtis d. 1742, aged 82 ; Lewis Curtis, son of Henry D., 1834, aged 89 ; John
Curtis, d. 1707,aged 96.
ADDITIONS TO CURTISS FAMILY.
Oliver S. Waller, p. 537, d. Feb., 1858. Sarah Curtis (161) d. March, 1859.
David H. Curtiss (150) d. Feb., 1860. His w. d. Aug., 1866.
Jamer G. (No 181) m. Jennette Stiles, May 17th. 1860. Children: Henry
8., b. 13th March, 1861. Anna 8., b. 2d May, 1862. Jmnes G., b. 13th Sept..
1863. Nellie E. b. 21st Sept., 1865. Flora, b. 13th Aug., 1866. George, b.
8th Oct., 1871.
David (No. 182, p. 38) m. Edna E. Eussell, I2th June, 1860. Children;
Willie, b. 1st June, 1861. Caroline, b. I8th March, 1862. Catherine, b. 9th
Oct., 1865.
Walter S. (No. 183, p. 351 m. Eugenia E. Averill, 29th Nov., 1865. Child :
Baniel Averill, b. 20th July, 1867.
Horace D. (No. 186, p. 038) m. Hattie Atwater, of New Haven, Conn., Oct.
6th, 1868. Child: Horace Atwater, b. Dec. 17th, 1871.
Cordelia C. (No. 187, p. 538) m. George C. White, Jr., of Brooklyn, N. Y.,
19th Sept., 1867. Children, Flora, b. 28th July, 1868. George Curtiss, b.
27th Oct., 1871.
CANFIELD FAMILY.
Thomas Canfield, Sen., of Milford, Conn., was not one of the early settlers
of the place, but was there in 1640 ; had wife,Phebe, and two sons and eigh*
daughters. His son, Jeremiah, married Alice or Elee. — Both names are on
the records of M. He and his wife both died in N. M. He and his four sons
went to New Milford. Rev. Stanley Griswold, in a century sermon preached
in New Milford, in 1801, says, Canfield's family was the 8th that came into
town, — in 1706. One of those sons, Zorobabel, resided in Bridgewater Soc,
m. and had children, one of which was Lemuel, who m. Sarah Burton, and
had issue as follows;— Daniel, Anna, Burton, '''harles A., Augustine, Lemuel-
Orlando.
Burton, Esq., b. Feb. 28th, 1778, settled at South Britain about 1800, m.
Polly Mitcliell, April let, 1802, and had 'Harriet, b. Dec. 27th, 1802, m. Anson
Bradley, Feb., 1824 ^^ Mitchell Munroe, born March 30th 1809, m. Eliza J.
Averill, Nov. 24th, 1830. = Samuel Munson, b. April 19th, 1820, m. Emeline
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY, 1491
Northrop, March 16th 1843. Harriet Elizabeth, b. Marcli I6tli, 1850, d. Aug.
18th, 1870. Sarah Eleanor Burton d. Jan. 10th, 1868— his wife, Jan. lOth,
1861. Lemuel, M., d. Sept. 5th, 1854.
AvERTLL Burton m. Alice S. Angevine, Sept. 9th, 1 857. Children : Corne-
lia Elizabeth, b. Dec. I8th, 1858. Robert Monroe, b. Feb- 26th 1863. Averill
B., b. Nov. 8th, 1831. Lemuel, b. March 26th, 1787 ; came to South Britain
with his brother and m. Betsey Mitchell, 1807, and d. March I5th, 1817. He
had one son.
Jerome, b. March 26th, 1808, who m. Hannah Smith, Nov. 26th 1828.
Children : Lemuel L. ; Mitchell M. ; Cornelia C. ; Edward J. ; Chandler ;
Emma G. These all removed from the place years ago
Mr. C. — I have endeavored to make out correctly the Canfield family — my
branch of it — brought down to the present time. The earliest name appears
on the m. records spelled Campfield, then Camfield, then Canfield.
Averill B. Canfield.
Deforest family.
It is a tradition in the family, that three brothers of the name of DeForest,
or De la Forest, came to New Amsterdam, now New York, about the year
16o5, viz. Hendrick, Isaac, and . The name of the third brother is in
doubt ; if there was one, his name was probably Johannes, {vide Albany Colo-
nial Records, Vol. II., page 221.) What became of him is not known.
Hendrick d. soon after his arrival, without children.
Isaac settled in New York, was m. in 1641, and d. about 1672-3, leaving
five sons, viz. JoJiannes, b. 1650 ; PMUip, b. 1652 ; Isaac, b. 1655 ; Henry, b.
1657; DaMd, b. 1669.
The descendants of Isaac are numerous. One or more of his sons settled
in or near Albany, and intermarried with the Dutch ; hence the name became
corrupted, and many of his descendants are called DeFrees, DeFrieze, or De-
Frest.
David, youngest son of Isaac, b. in 1669, settled in Stratford, Conn.,
m. in 1696, and d. there in 1721. The following are his descendants in the
male line : Band, b. 1702 : Samuel, b. 1704 ; Isaac, b. 1706 ; Edicard, b.
l7o8 ; Henry, b. 1710 ; Benjamin, b. 1716 ; Isaac and Henry d. without male
issue.
David, son of David, (2,) had sons: Samuel, no male issue; David, Heze-
kiali, Eliliu, Ephraim.
Samuel, son of David, (2,) had sons : Joseph, b. 17?.1 ; Samuel, b. 1739, no
male issue; Nehemiah, b. 1743: David, b. 1745; Josiah, b. 1748.
Edward, son of David, (2,) had, Isaac, b. 1736 : Elisha, b. 1738 ; Edward,
b. 1743 ; Jolin, b. 1745 ; William, b. 1752, no male issue ; Joseph, b. 1758.
Henry, son of David, (2,) had, Henry, b. 1750 ; Timothy, b. 1751 ; David,
b. 1755. Neither of them had sons.
Benjamin, son of David (2,) had Hezekiah, b. 1745 ; NeJiemiah, b. 1748, no
issue; Benjamin,h, 1749; Isaac, h. 1758; Othniel, b. 1761.
1492 HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY.
David, son of David. (3,) had, Eliiid, b. 1769; Samuel; David, uo male
issue; Isaac; Clark, h. 1772.
Hezekiah, son of David, (3,) had, Uriah, no male issue; Hezekiah, b.
1770.
Eliiiu, son of David, (3,) had, Joseph, no male issue; David L., b. 1763 ;
Benjamin, no mail issue ; Bill Clark, no male issue,
Ephraim, son of David, (3,) had, Nathan, b. 1765; Zalmon, b. 1770;
Henry, b. 1778 ; Samuel, b. 1784, no sons; Ephraim B., b. 1787.
Joseph, son of Samuel, (4,) had, Sarhuel ; Abel, b 1761 ; Mills, b. 1763, no
male issue ; Elihu, b. 1777 ; Gideon.
Nehemiah, son of Samuel, (4,) had, William, b. 1773 ; Lockwood, b, 1776 ;
Philo, b. J 7 79 ; Delauzun and Charles.
David, son of Samuel, (4,) had haac N. ; David L. ; Samuel and Joseph.
The first three had no sons.
Isaac, son of Edward, (5,) had Benjamin.
Elisha, son of Edward, (5,) had, Isaac, b. 1768, no male issue ; Daniel, b.
1771 had Albert, who d. without male issue.
Edward, son of Edward, (5,) had James, no male issue.
John, son of Edward, (5,) hdiA, Curtis ; Pliilo, b. 1772; John; Edward;
the two last no male issue ; James had a son James.
Joseph, son of Edward, (5,) had, i William, b. 1787, had sons, Charles P.
and George ; 2 Joseph, b. 1790, had William, Curtis W., Eansford S., John D.,
and Daniel A. ; 3 Mitchell, b. 1797, had sons, Daniel and William; 4 Curtis,
b. 1803, had William, Darwin and Charles.
Hezekiah, son of Benjamin, (7,) had, Philo, b. 1782, and Samuel A., b.
1784.
Benjamin, son of Benjamin, (7,) had, David C, b. 1774; John H., b.
1776; Benjamin, b. 1780; Ezra, b. 1782.
Isaac, son of Benjamin, (7,) had, Alonzo, b. 1788; Lemuel, b. 1788;
Aaron, b. 1790 ; Isaac, b. 1794; Grandison, b. 1797. None but the first had
male issue.
Othniel, son of Benjamin, (7,) had, Linson ; Sidney, no male issue;
Charles.
Eliud, son of David (8,) had, 1 Hiram, h. 1793, had, William, J.; ^Charles,
b. 1796, had Harvey B. ; 3 William, no sons; 4 Samuel, b. 1800, no sons;
5 David L., b. 1804, had John E. and Cyrus B. ; 6 Edward,]). 1806, had
Charles E. and Samuel E.
Samuel, son of David, (8,) had, William, no male issue ; Henry, no male
issue ; Ira.
Isaac, eon of David, (8,) had, 1 David, who had Legrand and David L. ;
2 Harvey, had George and Alanson B. ; 3 Lewis, no male issue ; 4 Isaac J.,
had Josiah and Samuel J.
Clark, son of David, (8,) had, 1 Curtis, b. 1804. who had Samuel C. Ran-
silleB. a.nd William W. ; %Jared, b. 1807, had William iZ". and Giles A. ;
3 William C, b. 1811, had John W., Henry W., Daniel W. and Jsaac; 4
George, b. 1812, had Sylvester, Charles H. and James.
Hezekiah, son of Hezekiah, (9,) \\&(\.,'^ Hiram 0., b. 1794; 2 LeGrand,
b. 1802, who had George B., Charles E. and Stephen C.
David L., son of Elilm, (10,) had, 1 Archibald, b. 1787, no male issue; 2
HISTORY OF ANCIENT AVOODBUllY, 1493
Alfred, h. 1791, no male issue: ^ Boijaniiii, had David L., Benjamin and
Alfred A.
Nathan, son of Epliraira, (11,) had, 1 Henri/, b. 1790, Avho had Edward,
James, Hiram and John ; 2 Samuel J., b. 1793, had George 8. ; 3 Silas Q., b,
\1M,\\^6. aHhert ; 4 J". Hoyt,h. 1806, had Oevrge ; 5 Charles, h. Ir08, had
George and Charles.
Zalmon, son of Ephraira, (11,) had, 1 John W., no male issne ; 2 William
S., b. 1815, had James H.
Henry, son of Ephraim, (11,) had Henry E., b. 1818.
EphUaim B., son of Ephraim (11,) had, 1 William, S., b. 1812, who had
Albert ; 2 Samuel H, b. 1827 ; 3 David C, b. 1822, had Charles H
Samuel, son of Joseph, (12,) had, 1 Marcus, no male issue ; 2 Legrand, no
male issue; 3 William C, liixd^Josei^h and Samuel.
Abel, son of Joseph, (12,) had, 1 Henry, who had William H. and Charles;
2 Mills, no male issue ; 3 Willieim ; 4 M. Delauzan, had Samuel M.
Gideon, son of Joseph, (12,) had, i Lee, who had George and Henry S.;
2 Abel B. ; 3 Cyrus H., had Charles, Heman and James ; 4 Charles A., had
Charles A., A. Henry, Dewitt <J. smd Edward ; ^ Tracy i2., had Cyras H,
Lewis G., Charles L. and Albert W.
William, son of Nehemiah, ^13,) had, 1 Lsaac, who had Thomas and
William ; 2 Lockwood M. ; 3 William, had Edward ; 4 Marcus.
LocKWOOD, son of Nehemiah, (13,) had, 1 W. Wheeler,, b. 1794 ; 2 George
B., b. 1806, and had Benjamin L. and George B ; 3 Henry G., b. 1820, had
Robert W. and Lockwood; 4 James G ,h. 18z2 ; 5 Frederick L., b. 1825.
Philo, 'son of Nehemiah, (13.) had Delauzun, b. 1808, who had George
and William.
Delauzun, son of Nehemiah, (13,) had William B., b. 1811, who had
William A.
Joseph, son of David, (14,) had, l Isaac N., b. 1809, who had Moulton,
Newton, Henry 0., Theodore, Joseph and Charles ; ^ John J., b. 1811 ; ^ James,
G., b. 1817, and had John and Frank.
Benjamin, son of Isaac, (15,) had, 1 Isaac, b. 1791, who had Benjamin,
Andrew and David ; 2 David, b. 1801, had David.
Philo, son of John, (18,) lived in Woodbury, had, 1 Marcus, b. 1794, who
had John P., George and Marcus, and Lucy, who m. David S. Bull ; 2 George,
b, 1804.
Philo, son of Hezekiah, (20,) had, 1 Charles, who had Charles ; 2 David
D., had George H. and Frederick C; ^John; 4 William, \\&d Edward.; 5
George.
Samuel A., son of Hezekiah, (20,) had ' Charles, who had William L. and
Francis E, ; ^ Spencer H.
David C, son of Benjamin, (31,) and founder of the " DeForest Fund" of
Yale College, had a son Carlos M., b. 1813, who had a son David, b. 1847.
John H., son of Benjamin, (21,) had, ' George S., b. 1812, who had Henry
W.; "" Henry A., b. 1814 ; ^Andrew TF., b. 1817, yvh.oh.&d Edward L., Charles
S., and Eu,gene ; * John W., who had Louis.
Benjamin, son of Benjamin, (21.) had, ' John,h. I8O6, who had ErastusL.,
b. 1834 ; ^Samuel S., b. 1811, no male issue ; ^Benjamin, b. 1818.
1494 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
LiNSON, son of Otlmiel, (23,) had, 1 Charles H., b 1821 ; ^Linson, b. 1822,
liad William H.
Charles, son of Otbniel, (23,) had, 1 Charles B., b. 1819, who had Charles
E., Clarence R., Benjamin and William H. ; ^ Benjamin, h. 1821 ; ^Alfred,
b? 18-^2 ; 4 Othneil, b. 1826 ; 5 David, b. 1828 ; 6 Thomas B., b. 1832 ; 7 William
H, b. 1837 ; ^Linson, b. 1839.
FRAZER FAMILY.^
The history of the Frasers, who constituted a clan of the Highland Scotts,
extends far back into the region of antiquitj;. An elaborate history of the
clan, by John Anderson, was published at Edinburgh and London in 1825,
but the limits of this paper will allow of the introduction of a simple pedi-
gree, only, of the family now residing in the city of New York, with a few
collateral relatives. The Frisels or Frasers are first recognized in the array
of those adventurers wlio accompanied the Norman William to the English
shores. The precise time when they extended northward is not well defined.
The first Fraser who is supposed to be found in characters, is Gilbert De-
Fraser, who flourished some time after the year 1100, during tlie reign of
Alexander I. The lands of Hales, in East Lothian, were held by him under
the Earls of Dunbar. He possessed large estates both in Tweeddale and
Lothian. His third son, name not preserved, was father of Bernard of Oliver
Castle, who lived in the time of Alexander H. His son. Sir Gilbert of Oliver
Castle, Vicecomes of Tracquair, lived in the time of Alexander IL and IIL,
and was father of Sir Andrew (his second son) of Caithness, and Sheriff of
Sterling These were styled the " Frasers of Oliver Castle." This Sir
Andrew was father of Simon Fraser of Inverness-shire, who m. the heir-
ess of the earldom of Caithness, and was killed in 1333. His second son,
Hugh, of Ard and Lovat, m. Isabel, dau. of Sir David Wemyss, and d. in
1397. Hugh, second son of the latter, became the first Lord Lovat, and m.
Janet, sister of Lord Fenton. Their second son, Hugh, became the second
Lord Lovat, and m. a dau. of Wemyss of Wemyss. He d. in 1450. Hugh,
second son of the latter, was the third Lord Lovat. He m. Margaret Lyon. Their
first son, TJiomas, was the fourth Lord Lovat. He was m. first, to Janet, dau.
of Andrew, Lord Grey. He d. in 1534, Hugh, first son of the latter, became
fifth Lord Lovatt, m. 1st, Anne Grant, of Grant; 2d, Janet, dau. of Walter
Ross, of Balnagown. He was killed July, 1544. Alexander, second son of
the latter, was the sixth Lord Lovat. He m. Janet, dau. of Campbell, of
Calder, and d. Dec, 1557. He had children as follows, viz. 1. Hugh, seventh
Lord Lovat, b. 1534, who m. Lady Elizabeth Stewart, dau. of the Earl of
Athol, and d. Jan., 1576 or '7 ; 2. Thomas of Knockie and Strichen, who m.
' It was originally intended that the information contained in this article
should have been incorporated with the information concerning Hugh Eraser,
contained on page 732, but it was not received in time.
HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1495
Isabel Forbes, of Corfundie ; 3. James, of Ardocliv ; 4. Anne, who m. John
Fraser. From James, of Ardochy, was descended Anne, who was m. to
Alexander Fraser, (Tacksman), of Drummond. This iady, on account of
great personal beanty, received the appellation of " Fair Anne." She was
second, or perhaps first, cousin to the Gen. Fraser who lies buried at Saratoga.
This Alexander weut to Quebec, accompanied by his son Hugh, a lad twelve
or thirteen years of age, as a volunteer in the 7lst Regiment, a Highland one,
and served under Col. Fraser, eldest son of the twelfth Lord Lovat, who was
beheaded in consequence of tlie part he was supposed to have taken in the
battle at Culloden. In this capacity he was engaged in the action on the
Plains of Abraham, where Wolfe fell. Alexander Fraser was of the Drum-
mond family, and resided at Drummond till he left for Quebec. Both Drum-
mond and Ardochy are situated in the Braes of Stratharick, parish of Bole-
skin, and county of Inverness. The cause of Mr. Fraser's emigration was
his dissatisfaction at the feudal controversies existing in the clan, which was
very numerous and powerful. The remaining branch of the Drummond
family emigrated to Pictou, Nova Scotia, in 1804. Mr. Fraser was offered a
large consideration for his moiety of the lease of Drummond, by " Tack,"
but he chose, however, to make it over to his first cousin, who held the other
half, to dispose of as he should see fit.
In those days, the aristocracy of England owned much of the land in
Scotland. The proprietors were called "Lairds." The term "tacksmen"
was applied to the persons who leased large tracts of those estates from the
original proprietors for a long term of years. Some of this class lived on
these leased estates for many generations, were of the first respectability, and
connected by blood and marriage with the best families in the kingdom, Of
this class was Mr. Fraser's family. He never returned from this country to
Scotland but died in Canada, two years after the British got possession of the
country- He had by his wife, " Fair Anne," one son, Hugh, named above
being the same mentioned on page 732 of " Cothren's History of Ancient
Woydbury." He left his mother at Ardochy, went to Quebec with his
father, entered the counting-house of a relation there of the name of Simon
Fraser, generally known and revered by the Canadians as ■' Bon Homme "
Fraser, and after remaining with him for a few years, he commenced busi-
ness on his own account. At an early age he m Ann, dau. of Robert Jackson,
a native of Londonderry, Ireland, and an artillery officer under Gen. Wolfe,
at Quebec. Mr. Fraser carried on a prosperous business for some years, when
he went to England to increase his stock in trade, leaving his Quebec busi-
ness in the charge of his clerks, who, in his absence, managed it badly. On
his return, his pi-emises, with his entire stock of new goods, took fire and were
entirely consumed. From this misfortune he never recovered. His wife soon
after died, leaving him two sons and one daughter.
Simon, the eldest son, was employed for nearly two years in the counting_
house of " Bon Homme " Fraser, but not liking the business, he left it, re.
moved to the United States, settled at Woodbury, Conn., m. Amy, dau. of
Hezekiah Thompson, Esq., of that place, had children, as will be seen on page
733 of the history before referred to, and was lost at sea between New Turk
and Wilmington, N. C, whither he had gone on business.
Alexander, second son of Hugh Fraser, went to Halifax, Nova Scotia,
1496 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
where, iinder the advice of his relative, the late Hon. James Fraser, he was
apprenticed to learn the trade of a draper. After serving his time, in 1806,
Mr. Fraser sent him to his establishment (Fraser, Thorn & Co.) at Miramichi,
on Baubour Island, where he remained first as clerk and afterwards as part-
ner, till the death of Hon. James Fraser, in 1832. In 1824, he m. an English
lady of the name of Gregg, and has seven sons and two dau., viz. James,
Alexander, Davis H., Wdliam., John, Edward, Robert, Elizaheth and Ann
Four other children died young.
Margaret, dau. of Hugh Fraser, after her mother's death, was adopted
by Mr. and Mrs. Beek, intimate acquaintances of her mother. Mr. Beek was
notary public and collector of his majesty's customs at Montreal, until his
death in 1822. His widow and adopted dau. then removed to Chambly,
where Mrs. Beek died two years after. Margaret then went to Miramichi, in
the fall of 1824, to reside with her brother, and in Oct., 1825, was mar. to
John Fraser. She is now dead. They had three children, viz. \. Margaret
Ann, who died aged twenty-one years. 2. John James, now a barrister at
Fredericton. 3. 5')ra7i Jfl-Mtf, ^tho resides with her father. Hugh Fraser died
in Canada in 1828, aged 82, and his wife at the same place, in 1799, aged 44.
We now return to the relatives of " Fair Anne," of Ardochy. William
Frasar, of Ardochy, her brother, studied law, and entered into a lucrative
practice. He held the appointment of Commissary of Increase, and became
the factor of the leading landholders in the country, particularly those of his
own name, who were then very numerons as large proprietors, and were
deeply engaged in politics. He m. Miss Fraser, of Balnain, first cousin of
Gen. Fraser, who was killed at Saratoga. They had four sons and four dau.
He died and was buried at Halifax, N. S., in 1826 or 1827.
William, his eldest son, m. at Halifax, soon afterward, moved to the
United States, and finally settled at Pittsburg, Penn., where his descendants
are numerous and respectable.
Alexander, second son of William Fraser, went as a medical man to the
East Indies, where he made an ample fortune. He afterwards returned with
his family, consisting of two sons and four dau., and settled in London. The
names of the sons are William and Hugh, both barristers, the eldest of
whom, William, is a leader in his profession, and is also an author of some
note The names of the dau. 2iVQ Jane, Ann, Margaret s^xid Harriet. The
latter was m. to Dr. Benjamin D. Fraser, a son of the late Hon. James Fraser,
of Halifax, N- S. ; she lived only about a year.
Hugh, the third son of William Fraser, went to the East Indies as a mili-
tary man, in the company's service, where, by good conduct and bravery, he
was advanced to various lucrative stations, amassed wealth, attained the rank
of Major-General, and retired on full pay as such in 1828. He has since been
knighted and advanced to the rank of Lieut-General. He m. in India the
dau. of the Dutch Governor of Pondicherry, and by her had several children.
Their names are not known to the writer. Some of the sons are ofRcers in
the East India Company's service. Sir Hugh purchased an estate at Brea-
langwell, in Cromarty-shire, on which he resided. He m. for his second wife
a Scotch lady. He had no issue by her, and died about 1852.
Thomas, fourth son of William Fraser, died young.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1497
The daughters, who were Jane, Ann, Harriet and Marjory, all m. except
Ann, who died in early life.
Alexander Fraseu, of Ardochy, another brother of " Fair Anne," a
merchant at Inverness, where he died at the acre of eighty years, was father
of the late Hon. James Eraser, of Halifax and Miramichi, Nova Scotia. He
arrived first at Halifax and spent some years in one or two of the first mer-
cantile houses there. He ultimately formed a business connection with Mr.
Thorn, at Miramichi, where they continued for twelve years, and, in 17J)8,
formed a copartnership with a house in Liverpool, Eng. ; extended their
business, removed to Halifax, and became one of the first houses in the two
provinces. In 1803, Mr. Eraser m. a Miss DeWolf, of Windso , N. S., a
native of Boston, she having removed with her father and mother, who were
loyalists, to Windsor, about 1784 They were nearly related to the DeWolfs,
at Bristol, Rhode Island. Barney Smith, of Boston, one of whose dan. m.
Mr. Rush, while Minister of the United States at the Court of Russia, was an
uncle of this Miss DeWolf. They had two sons and six dau., three of whom
died unmarried. Rachel, the oldest dau., m. in 1825 the Hon. Major Gore, a
brother of the Earle of Arran, Ireland. He became a Major-General and a
commander of the troops stationed in New Brunswick, and neighboring
provinces. Gen. and Mrs. Gore's eldest dau. m. the Earl of Errol, a Scotch
nobleman, and first cousin of Queen Victoria. The Duchess of Inverness,
who was m. to the Queen's uncle, the late Duke of Sussex, is the sister of
Gen. Gore. She has apartments allotted to her in Kensington Palace, and
when the Earl and Countess of Errol are in London, they also have apart-
ments in one of the Queen's palaces, Several of the Erasers residing in New
York are second cousins to the countess, whose husband, the Earl of Errol,
as above stated, is first cousin to Queen Victoria.
GRISWOLD FAMILY.
Joanna Steele, b. March 36th, 1781, m. March 12th, 1801, OziAS Griswold,
She d. Feb. 17th, 1844. He was b. Aug. 7th, 1772, d. Oct. 22d, 1815.
Children of Joanna Steele and Ozias Griswold : 1. Sally, b. April^th,
1802, m. May lOth, 1827, Solomon Dunham, he was b. April 12th, 1795;
2. Chester, b. Jan. 5th, 1805, m. May 10th, 1827, Ermina Palmer, she was b.
July 2d, 1827, d. Aug. 25th, 1864 ; 3. Allen Steele, b. Oct. 13th, 1808, m. Nov.
18th, 1831), Mary Jane Steele, she was b. Jan. 16th, 1809 ; 4. Thomas Franklin,
b. March 6th, 1813, m. May I2th, 1841, Mary Ann Bishop, she was b. Nov.
15th, I81fi ; 5. Lucy Joanna, b. March I8th, 1815, d. March lOtli, 1816.
Children of Chester and Ermina Griswold : 1. Watson Chester, b. June
24th. li^29, d.22d, 1831 ; 2. Lucy Joanna, b. July 27th, i830,d. Feb, 16th, 1831 ;
3. Thomas C, b. Jan. 9th, 18.S2, d. April 9th, 1835 ; 4. James N., b. March 6th,
1834, d. March 31st, 1835; 5. Sa.rah E., b. Feb. 20th, 1836, m. Oct. 28th, 1856,
Julius Elmore, he was b. Dec. 4th, 1835 ; 6. Warren 0., h. May 26th, 1838, m.
Dec. 16th, 1858, Jane M. Dunham, she was b. Feb. 8th, 1843 ; 7. George A.,
h. Oct. 9th, 1843, d. April 8th, 1867 ; 8. Ellen E., b. Feb. 9th, 1851.
Children of Allen Steele and Mary J. Griswold: 1. Mary J, b. June
1498
HISTORT OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY.
2d, 1833; 2. Samuel A., h. Dec. 14th, 1834, m June 9tli, 1859, Frances P.
Flagg, she was b. Nov. 17th, 1837 ; 3. Charles Steele, h. Jan. 9th, 1837, m. May
I2th, 1858, Lucia I. Bishop, she was b. June 12th, 1840; 4. Henry 0., b. Nov.
21st, 1842 ; o. Seth P.,h. Jan. 27th, 1850.
Children of Thomas Franklin and Mary Ann Griswold ; 1. Seth B., b.
Oct. 22d, 1848, d. Sept. 4th, 1849; 2. Franklin Steele, b. Oct. 6th, 1850; 3.
Charles W., b. May 15th, 1852.
Children of Sarah E. GRiswoLDand Julius Elmore : 1. Mary E., b. Oct.
14th, 1858 ; 2. Lillian I., b. March 13th, 1861 ; 3. Delia ^.,b. Sept. 18th, 1863 ;
4. Alice O., b. Feb. 1st, 1869.
Children of Warren and Jane M. Griswold: 1. Frederick W., b. Aug.
Ist, 1861 ; 2. LenaF, b. May 14th, 1867.
Children of Samuel A. and Frances P. Griswold: 1. Edioaed A.; b.
April 22d, 1865 ; 2. William S., b. Oct. 28th, 1870.
Children of Charles Steele and Lucia L Griswold: 1. Charles A., b.
Sept. 16th, 1860; 2. Gerty B., b. July 3d, 1863, d. July 16th, 1865 ; 3. Joseph
H.. b. May 28th, 1866.
GORDON FAMILY.
-^t^^J^-b
Az. three hoars heads eouped or —
Crest. — In a ducal Coronet or a Stag's head and neck, afFrontee ppr. attired
with ten tynes of the first.
Motto — (above the Crest) — Bydand ; (and below the Shield) Animo Non
Astutia.
Alexander Gordon, and Jane, his wife, left Scotland on the 27th day of
August, 1719. They left with five children, and arrived in Boston, Mass., on
tlie 2d day of Nov., 1719, with three children.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1499
Alexander Gordon d. July 27tli, 1774, aged 104 years. He had a son
Robert. I do not know what became of him. Alexander Gordon was buried
on the Plains, so called. I think I can get more information about them in a
week or two.
D. GORDON.
VoLTJNTOWN, May 14th, 1853.
The above is a copy of a letter from Daniel Gordon to Alexander Gordon,
collector of the following record of the Gordon Family. He was quite an
aged man when he wrote the above, and died soon after.
I aiu inclined to believe that the Robert Gordon, Ist, (that our record be-
gins with) must have been a grandson of the above Alexander and Jane, as
he was about sixty years old when Robert Gordon, 1st, was born.
I think he came to Woodbury from Voluntown. lie lived in the north
part of this town, near Bethlehem line, where he died, and was buried in
Bethlehem.
The following record was collected by Alexander Gordon, 3d, (29) of
Woodbury, Conn. :
Robert Gordon, b. March 14th, 1730, d. March 30th, 1816 ; JeaneKasson,
(his widow,) b. July 16th, 1736, d. Oct. Uth, 1822. They had seven children,
viz. 1 Esther^ {gQnex&iioii hoiw Robert), b. Dec. 23d, 17.57, d. March 7th,
1^26 ; 2 M((,ry^ b. Nov. .5th, 1759, d. March 23d, 1827 ; 3 EliznheM^ b. Dec.
6th, 1761, d. June 12th, 1827; 4 Qeorge^ b. July 30th, 1764, d. Aug. 9ih,
1811 ; 5 AUxander^ b. May 1st, 1767, d. Feb. 22d, 1821 ; 6 Jane^\i. June 1st,
1711, d. Feb. 18th, 1833 ; 7 Olim? b. Nov. 9th, 1774, d. June 8th, 1841.
Esther Gordon,^ (2). She had a dau., Minerva Gordon, who was b. July
16th, 1791, d. July 1822. Both were buried in Bethlehem.
Mary Gordon,^ (3,) m. Seth Martin, 6th June, 1788, of Bethlehem. He
was b. March 8th, 1763. They had seven children, viz: 1 Sally Martin^ b.
March lOth, 1789 ; 2 Gideon^ b. Dec. 12th, 1790, d. Feb. 20th, 1862 ; 3 Polhj^
b. March 21st, 1793, d. Jan. 25th, 1865: 4 Wealthy," b. July Uth, 1795, d.
Feb. 2d, 1868 ; 5 Seth," b. Jan. 3d, 1798, d. March 1st, 1871 ; 6 Charles, b. Nov.
4th, 1800, d. Oct. 6th, 1851 ; 7 Olive, b. Aug. I7th, 1804, d. young. No one
except Gideon, were ever m. of this family.
Elizabeth Gordon,^ (4,) m. Daniel Hannahs, of Bethlehem ; removed to
York State. They had four sons ; may not be in the order as recorded.
1 Cfiauncy Hannah, "; 2 Marvin," ; 3 William," a prominent merchant in
New York City ; 4 Daniel."
George Gordon,* (5,) m. Bethia Leavenworth, of Woodbury, Feb. 1786.
He d. Aug. 9th, 1811. She m. 2d, Nehemiah Judson, of Woodbury, and still
survives him. They had three children, viz ; 1 Althera Gordon," b. Ai)ril 22d,
1788, m. Jeremiah Smith, of Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y. She had no
children ; d. July 29th, 1855 ; 2 William Benry Gordon," b. Dec. 26th, 1790 ;
He m. and had children ; he d. Mnrch 10th, 1859 ; 3 Julia Gordon," b. May 22d,
1797, m. Daniel Brayton, of Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y. She had no
children ; d. in 1865.
Alexander Gordon," (6,) m. for his first wife, Nancy Burritt, of Bethle-
hem, who d. Aug. 25th, 1808 ; was buried in Bethlehem. They had four
42
1 500 HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. *
children, viz: 1 Sopkronia Oordon^ b. Dec. 30th, 1799, at Ellsworth, d. April
2d. 1863; 2 Susan Ann, ^ b. Aug. 8th, 1803, m. William Everett, of Ellsworth,
Ct. Had four children. She d. April 19th, 18f)6; 3 William Chauncy
Gordon,^ b. July 4th, 1804, d. June 1 Uh, 1840, m. Martha Greenleaf, of Ithaca,
N. Y. Had one child, he d. at Ithaca, N. Y. ; 4 Charles Gordon,^ b. June 7th'
1806, d. Oct. 17th, 1822, buried at Bethlehem.
Alexander Gordon," (6,) m. for his second wife, Laner Marvin, daughter
of David and Sylvia Everett Marvin. They had four children, viz : 5 Edwin
Everett Gordon," b. Jan. 15th, 1811, m. Sara A. DeGrafif, of Albany, N. Y. Had
no children, he d. at Mayfield, N. Y., Jan. 27th, 1851, was a Physician ; 6.
Robert Gordon," b. July 18th, 1812, m. Mary Elizabeth Hoyt, of New Canaan,
Ct. ; had one child, d. May 9th, 1854, at Bedford, N. Y., he was a Shoemaker ;
Q Alexander G^o/'do??.,' b. March I3th, 1814, m. Maria Holley Cogswell, dau_
of Stephen and Susan Whittlesey Cogswell, of New Preston, Ct., Oct. 15th,
1889. She was b. Sept. 14th, 1816. They had seven children. He is a Tan-
ner and Currier, lives in Woodbury. Ct ; 8. John Marvin Gordon,^ b. June
27th, 1816^ m. Ann B. Sneath Miner, a widow, daughter of John and Eliza-
beth Sneath, of New York City. They had three children. She d. in 1857 >
he d. July 24th, 18*'>6, was buried in Greenwood, L. I., in Lot No. 2,965, Syca-
more Avenue, Blossom Path.
Jane Gordon," (7,) m. Bristoll Hall, Dec. 29th, 1791, formerly of Bethle-
hem. They had ten children, viz : 1 Timothy Hall,^ b. Dec. 3d, 1792, m. Sally
Knox, Jan. 9th, 1813. Had eight children, seven living in 1868, lived in
Tully, N. Y. ; 2 Olive Eall,^ b. Aug. 20th, 1794, m. Eussell Knox, in Feb.,
1815, had eleven children; 3 Cyrus Hall,^ b. Nov. 25th, 1796, m. Almira
Walker. She d. in 1835, he d. in Oct., 1866, at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin;
4 Betsey Hall, b. Aug. 20th, 1798, m. Joseph Beach, March 16th, 1828. She
d. Aug. 9th, 1823 ; 5 Chauncy Hall^ b. Sept. 3d, 1802, m. Matilde Hotchkiss,
was a Home Missionary at Redwood Falls, Minn, in 1868 ; 6 John C. Hall,^ b
Nov. 1st, 1804, m. Lucetta Rose ; 7 Nancy Hall^ b. Aug. 2ist, 1809, never was
m., lives in Phelps, N. Y. ; 8. George L. Hall, ^ A. young ; 9 Clarinda Hall,^ b.
Nov. 13th, 1812, d. March 4th, 1831 ; lo George L. Hall,^ b. Oct. 28th, 1815^
m. Ellen M. Cleaver, is a Congregational Clergyman.
Olive Gordon," (8) m. Elijah Brown. They had children: 1. Truman
Beeman Brown, ^ h. Aug. 3, 1804, m. Amanda Smith, Oct. 10th, 1831. She
was born Feb. I4th, 1811 ; lives in Auburn, N. Y. 2. Susan Diana Brown^,
b. Sept. 18,1806, m. Ludowick Tabor. 3. Nancy M. Brown^,h. Aug. 28,
1808, m. a Mr. Conklin. 4. Ada Jane Broicn^, b. Dec. 11, 1810, m. Avery
Babbitt, of Auburn, had three children, who died young. She d. June 1st,
1864. 5. Olive H. Brotcn^, b. March 14, 1813, m. Edgar Smith, Baptist Cler-
gyman, are living in Auburn N. Y. 6. Clarinda Kasson Brown^, b. Sept. 3,
1814, m. Charles Smith, a Baptist Clergyman, and a brother of Edgar Smith.
Gideon Martin^ (10) m. Saniantha Ingersoll, of Bethlehem, Nov. 6, 1830.
They had three Children, viz: Mary Mm'tin, b. Aug. 6, 1831, m. George
Smith, of Morriss. Had twin daughters, and five sons. 2. Henry I.
Martin, b. March 33, 1833, lives in Bethlehem. 3. Elizabeth Martin, b. Jan.
14, 1836, m. Jarvis E. Ellis, of Waterbury, Nov. 31st, 1859.
William Henry Gordon,^ (81) m. Maria Cheever, had three children, viz :
HISTORY OF ANOIEXT AVOODBURY, 1501
1. Frederick William Gordon, b. Jan., 1819, d. Dec. 3, 1851. 2. George Chee-
mr Gordon, b. May, 1827. 3. Catherine M. Gordon, b. March, 1832.
Children of Susau Ann Gordon (24). 1. Helen Sophronia Everett, b. Aug.,
1829, m. Enoch Everett, of Ellsworth. Slie d. Sept. 14th. 18Gf.. Left two
sons. 2. Sarah Amelia Enerett.h. July, I8:;3. 3. Mary Ely EcerM,h. Oct.
1st, 1836, m. Charles Swift, of Cornwall, Conn. 4. Martha Lavinia Everett
b. Sept. 19th, 1841. She died in 1842.
Child of William Chauncey Gordon, {2o), Sarah Eoselia Gordon, h. '^e^i.
19, 1834, d. Sept. 12, 1868.
Child of Robert Gordon' (28), Julia Maria Gordon, b. March 22, 1845, m-
William J. Clark, (jf Woodbury, Oct. 26, 1870.
Children of Alexander Gordon (29). 1. William Augustus, b. Dec. 28, 1840
m. Sara E. Blake, dau. of J. P. and Enieline Blake, of Waterbury, Ct , Sept.
8, 1862. 2. Maria Cogswell Gordon, b. May 15, 1845, d. Feb. 28, 1854. 3. Al-
exander Gordon, Jr., b. Nov. 16, 1847. 4. Susan Laner Gordon, b. April 29,
1851, d. Oct. 31, 1861. 5. George Cogswell Gordon, b. June 30, 1854. 6.
Charles Robert Gordon, b. Jan. 5, 1858, d. Oct. 26, 1861. 8. Eewin Stephen
Gordon, b. Sept. 20, I860.
Children of John Marvin Gordon (30) 1. Elizabeth Smeath Gordon, b.
June 14, 1847, m. Everett E. Dunbar, Feb. 14, 1867, d. July 23, 1868. No
Children. 2. Charles Chauncy Gordon, b. July 30, 1850, lives in Sharon,
Conn. 3. Ann Smeath Gordon, b. Aug., 1867, d. in infancy.
Children of Truman Beeman Brown, (41). 1. Charles Gordon Brown, b.
April 7, 1833. 2. Alice Adell Brown, b. July 29, 1837, m. a Mr. Croel. Live
at Seneca Falls. 3. Henry Jeiy Brown, b. May 16, 1843, d. March 27, 1867.
Child of Olive H. Brown, (45). EUza Smith, d. Nov. 25, 1861, aged 22 years
6 months and 6 days.
Children of William Augustus Gordon, (59). 1 . Caroline Maria Gordon,
b. Jan. 7, 1865. 2. Susan Cornelia Gordon, b. Feb. 9, 1868. 3. Alexander
Irving Gordon, b. Dec. 22, 1870.
Children of Mary Ely Everett, (55). 1. Harry Gordon Swift, b. Feb. 19,
1869. 2. William Everett Swift, b. Jan. I, 1871.
GRAHAM FAMILY.
[Corrections and additions.]
LoYE Graham, spoken of on p. 547, m. 1st, John Brinkerhoff, who died soon
after his marriage, leaving no children. She m. 2d, Rev Jonathan Lee, the
1st minister of Salisbury, Conn. She was his 2d wife. They had children :
Chauncey, Love, and Walker.
Rev. Chauncey Lee graduated at Yale College in 1784. and was made a
D.D. by Columbia College afterwards. He was for thirty years a minister at
Colebrook, Conn. Love Lee m. Rev. Aaron C. Collins. Walker Lee m. and
had children.
William Hackaliah Preston Graham had three children: 1. Maria, who
has deceased. 2. Elizabeth, who m. Thomas H. Pease (2d wife) of New
3 502 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Haven, bookseller. She d. March, 1849, leaving a son, Sahnon Graham Pease _
From her earliest years she was distinguished for uncommon gifts and graces.
3. WUliam Preston, now residing in Boston, Muss.
HINMAN FAMILY.
Rev. Benjamin L. Swan furnishes tlie following items concerning the Hin-
man Faijiily : —
HiNMAN There is no trace of tliename at Stamford. It is not among lists
of the original or immediately succeeding settlers, nor does Hiintington (Hist,
of Stamford) give the name in any of his lists from the Records. Edward
Hiuman's name first appears in Stratford in 1651, in wliich year he has a
grant from the town of a home lot. He died in Stratford, Nov. 26, 1681. The
children of Edward and Hannah Hiuman, were Sarah, b. Sept., 1653, m.
Wm. Roberts; Titus, b. Jan. 1655; Samuel, h.J&n. 1658; Benjamin,\).¥e\>.
1662 ; Hannah, b. July 1666 ; Mary, b. 1668 ; Patience, b. 1670 ; Edward, b.
1672.
It does not appear how Titus could have married a Coe, of Stamford, for
long before he was marriageable, that name had become extinct in Stamford-
Robert had gone to Stratford and died there, having had a dau. Hannah born
in Stratford in 1651. But as she is not named in his will, in 1659, she had
probably died young. Robert Coe, the elder, with all the rest of his family,
had gone to Hempstead, L. I. Probably Titus H. found a wife over there
among the Coes of Long Island.
Edward Hinman, Jr., youngest son of Edward Hinman 1st, married Han-
nab , who was b. Aug. 14, 1678, and d. at North Stratford, (Trumbull,)
Aug. 25, 1777, 99 years old. She died on her birth day. Twenty years be-
fore her death, she affirmed that in a dream one told her she would die on
her 99th birth day, (Old Style). Repeatedly, afterward, she said the same
thing, and in fact on the day predicted she died.
Edward Hinman, Jr. and Hannah, had many children. 1. Josiah, b. Nov.
5, 1700. 2. Hannah, b. March 3, 1702-3. 3. Zechariah, b. Jan. 27, 1704-5.
4. Samuel, b. Jan. 6, 1705-6. 5. Just'os, b. Dec. 28, 1707. 6. Ebenezer, b.
Oct. 5, 1709. 7. Sarah, b. Oct., 1711. 8. Jo?m, b. Nov. 4, 1713. 9. Rachel,
b. Dec. 4, 1715. 10. Eunice, h. Aug. 16, 1717. 11. Amos, b. Oct. 18, 1720. 12.
Charity, b. June 6, 1723.
Of these children, I find in Trumbull Records, Justus^, who married Han-
nah, and had Mary, Oct. 1739 ; Elizabeth, Jan. 1742-3 ; Sarah, Dec. 1749 ; Ma-
chel, Feb. 1752 ; Mary, Feb. 1757.
John*, who m. Eunice , and had Jo7ui, Feb. 1748 ; David, Feb. 10,
1750 ; Jonas, March 1752.
By 2d wife, Anna Nichols, m. Aug. 15, 1754, had Eunice, June 1755 ; Mar-
tha, Aug. 1757 ; Ann, May 1760 ; Isaac, April 1762.
Amos*, m, Abigail , and |had Josiah. Dec. 1747; Elijah, Feb. 1749;
Patience, Nov. 1750 ; Justus, July 1752 ; Rachel, March 1754 ; Enoch, March
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1503
1756; Samuel, Marcli 1758; a son unnamed, Jan. 1760; Phcbe, May 1763;
Mart/, May 1764; Abigail, Aug. 1770.
By all which it appears that Samuel, son of Edward and father of Lemuel
was not " the ancestor of cdl " the Fairfield County Hinmans," by far.
Zechariah Hinman, grandson of Edward, Jr. (but I know not by which
sire) m. Mary (Booth), and had Mary Bootli, b. May 1772.
Elijah Hinman, son of Amos, m. Mercy Hoyt, and had a dau., bap. Dec.
1776, {name not given).
JosiAH Hinman, son of Amos, m. Phebe Summers, Jan 16, 1773, and had
AUjah, Nov. 1776; Elijah Summers, May 1777; Eunice, Oct. 1779; Ruth
Anne, Jime 1783 ; Patience, March 1786.
John Hinman, son of John and Eunice, married Anna, and had Orilla,
(probably Aurelia,) Aug 1785.
Justus Hinman, (son of Amos,) m. Abigail Summers, of Stratfield, Feb. 1,
1774.
Jonas Hinman (son of John and Eunice,) m. Katy Fairchild, May 16,
1779. They had Joseph Curtiss, Aug. 1780. (Her mother was a Curtis) ;
Polly, July 1783; Sally, July 1786; James, Dec. 1738.
/Samuel Hinman, (son of Amos and Abigail,) m. Hannah Seeley, Nov.
1786.
Isaac Hinman, son of John and Anna,) m. Charity Edwai-ds, Jan. 2, 1785.
Enoch Hinman, (son of Amos and Abigal,) m. Hannah Stratton, Jan 3,
1783.
Hon. Charles Adams, of Litclifield, furnishes the following items : —
Deacon Scovill Hinman, mentioned on page 561, had children : Myra, b.
Feb. 27, 1793, lived one day; Peter, b. July 12, 1784, d. Oct. 4, 1775 ; Serena,
b. Aug. 33. 1786, d. Jan. 29, 1833 ; M-astus, b. Nov. 32, 1798, d. about 1835 ;
Herbert, h. Dec, 20, 1800, d. Feb. 26, 1829 ; Giles, b. Aug. 22, 1S03, d. Nov. 30,
1804; Jane Cunningham, b. May 6, 1806, d. June 10, 1828; Charles Wm.,h.
May 22, 1808, d. April 17,1845; Julia Maria, b. Dec. 7, 1810, d. Sept. 13,
1869 ; Mary, b. May 34, 1813, d. April 7, 1856 ; Augusta, b. April 19, 1816, d.
July 16, 1031 ; Henry S., b. April 7, 1819, d. Oct. 30, 1848.
All the above were born in Woodbury except the last two, who were born
in New Haven.
Jane C. and Julia M. were m. to Charles Adams, of New Haven, (now of
Litchfield). Mary m. Rev. Hiram A. Graves, of Boston, Charles m. Rhoda
A. Mills, of New Havon. Henry m. Hester Foster, of New Haven.
The wife of Deacon Hinman was Deborah Minor, dau. of Deacon Josiah
Minor, who was born March 9, 1774.
Of the children of Deacon Josiah Miner, mentioned on page 689 : Hannah,
m. Rollin Mallory ; Ann, m. Philo Judson, father of Rev. Philo, who resides
at Rocky Hill. On page 599 you have her name Emma Minor, instead of
Ann. Her 2d husband was Deacon Seth Minor.
Thankful, m. Reuben Hotchkiss. Deborah, m. Scovill Hinman.
Captain Elisha Hinman, b. March 9th, and baptized March lOth, 1734, was
son of Capt. Andrew Hinman, of Woodbury, grandson of Capt. Titus, and
great-grandson of Edward Hinman, the Pilgrim, of Stratford.
1504 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
He was a seaman by profession, of an accomplished character. He settled
at New London, Ct., in early life, where he married, lived and died. In the
Revolutionary War he commanded the frigate Alfred. In this ship he made
several successful cruises, and toolt many valuable prizes.
" He was one of the fortunate naval officers who gained laurels for them-
selves and many valuable prizes for the country, by their skill and bravery>
during the Revolution, in that unequal contest at sea.
After Capt. Hinman left the service, he entered into mercantile pursuits at
New London for a time, and for several years commanded the Revenue Cutter
at New London. He m. Abigail Dolebeare, daughter of George Dolebeare, of
New Loudon, March 1st, 1777.
Capt. Hinman died Dec. 39, 1816.
His wife died Aug. 29, 1805.
Their children were: 1. Mary Sherwood, b. Jan. 6th, 1778, m. Ebenezer Di-
mon, of Fairfield, Conn., for many years Sheriff of Fairfield County, and d.
May 25, 1853.
2. Hannah, b. Oct 11th, 1780, m. James Day, May 19th, 1811, and d.
3. Elisha, Jr., b June 29th, 1784, and d. April 7th, 1835.
4. Ann Welsh, b. July 29th, 1786, now living at Fairfield, Conn., the widow
of Cyrus Kellogg. She had no children.
The children of Mary Sherwood, wife of Ebenezer Dimon, were : 1. Eliza-
heth Huntington, vf\\o m. Thomas B.Osborne, resided at Fairfield, Conn., and
had three children : Arthur D. Osborne, now of New Haven, Conn. ; Thomas
Fitch, deceased ; Mary Elizabeth, wife of Henry B. Harrison, of New Haven,
Conn.
2. Mary 8., who m. Day O. Kellogg, of Troy, N. Y., and d., leaving tliree
children : Oeorge D., Theodore and Bay 0., Jr.
3. Samuel 8., who d. in May, 1854, unmarried.
4. David, now a physician at Auburn, N. Y., unmarried.
5. Theodore, now a physician at Auburn, N. Y., m. Sarah Williams, dau.
of Judge Williams of Utica, N. Y., and has three children: Theodore W.,
Oeorge, and James Wager.
6. Oeorge D., who d. Sept. 16, 1833, at Fort Crawford, Prarie du Chein, Wis.,
while a Lieutenant in the regular army, unmarried.
7. Abigail Hinman, who d. unmarried at Fairfield, Jan. 31, 1843.
8. Oliver, who was a lawyer in Boston, Mass., for several years ; then stud-
ed for the ministry three years at Andover, and was settled as a minister at
Keosauqua, Iowa, where he lost |his health, and died at New London, Conn.,
Aug. 2-2d, 1855.
9. Harriet ^AqU in infancy.
The children of Hannah who married James Day were : 1. James Ingersoll,
late of Stonington, Conn., now of New Orleans, La. He is married and has
several children.
2. Abigail, who married John P. Brown, of Medway, S. C, and has several
children.
3. Mary Sherwood, who married Dr. McEwen, of Stratford, Conn., now de.
ceased, and at present resides in New York City.
4. Thomas Dams, formerly a merchant in St. Louis, Mo., now in New York
City.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY, 1 505
HICOCK FAMILY.
[Additions and corrections from page 564.]
Joseph Hicock, Jr., m. Rutli Fairchild. Samuel Hicock, baptized Sept.
1687, was brother, not son of Joseph Hicock. This Samuel m. Eleanor Bost-
wick. On page 565, nine lines from the bottom, erase the words : — "m. Phi-
loman Trowbridge, 1773," and insert them after the Eunice mentioned in the
1st line of page 566. The name Ithel, on page 564, should be Ithiel, wherever
it occurs.
Frances Amelia, sister of George A. Hickox.of Litchfield, Conn., m. Caleb
Jewett, of Cortlandville, N. Y., Jan. 27, 1855 ; died at Buffalo, N. Y., Nov. 2,
1856, giving birth to a daughter. Frances Hickox, b. Oct. 26, 1856, d. Jan.
15, 1858. George A., Hickox, Editor of the Litchfield Enquirer, m. Mary Cath-
erine Brisbane, of Charleston, S. C, April 22, 1856, and has two children :
William Biishaiie, b. March 18th, 1663, and Franees Eliot, b. April 1. 1864.
3. Eleanor m. Nehemi;ih De Forest, and had Charlea, who died in Bridge-
port about six years ago. (Charles wiis half brother of William).
HILL FAMILY.
[Additions to page 567.]
JONATHAK HrLL, father of Charles Hill, b. in Bethlehem. March 25th,
1769, m. Sarah Judson, dau. of Jonathan Judson, of Woodbury, Feb. 9th,
1792, removed to Livingston County, New York, about the year 1818. He d.
at Lima, N. Y., Jan. 6th, 1849, in his 80th year. His wife died there April 4,
1847, aged 75 years. Had children :
1. Clarissa Maria, b. Nov. 13, 1792, married Bushnell, d. May 8, 1837.
2. Louisa Sophia, b. Nov. 13, 1792, d. in infancy.
3. Frederick Bennett, b. April 21st, 1794, m. Bushnell, d. in Canada West.
Sept. 2, 1846.
4. Charles Judson, b. April 13, 1796, settled in Rochester, N. Y., Nov., 1816,
5. ButJi Ahna,h. May 28, 1798, m. Bushnell, settled in Livingston Co.,
N. Y. Died March 2d, 1844.
6. Erastus, b. April 30, 1802, settled in Livingston County, N. Y., after-
wards removed to Kalamazoo, Mich., where he died June 10th. 1870, greatly
respected, leaving a widow and children.
7. Pvlly, b. June 29, 1804, m. Johnson, Feb. 20th, 1828. Settled in
Western New York. Died at Honeyage Falls, Nov. 11th, 1841.
8. Truman Curtiss, b. Jan. lOth, 1807. Graduated at Union College, and
entered the ministry. Married Miss Howland, May 24th, 1840. Died at his
residence, near "Kalamazoo, Mich , Aug. 25, 1864, leaving a widow and chh.
9. George Gilbert, b. April 23d, 1814. Married Sarah Backus, Dec. 29, 1836.
10. Julia Sophronia,h. Jan. 1, 1820. Died in infancy.
Charles J. Hill, b. at Woodbury April 13th, 1796. Married Salome Mor-
gan, of Brimfield, Mass., Jan. 15, 1823. Settled in Rochester, 1816. Com.
menced the mercantile business at Rochester. 1818, with Andrew N. F. Leav-
itt, of Bethlem, under the firm of Leavitt & Hill, who built the fiist brick
dwelling-house in Rochester, in 1822, which now numbers 75,000 inhabitants-
1506
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
In 1831, C. J. H. entered the merchant milling- business, in which he is still
engaged — for the last twenty years, under the firm of " C. J. Hill & Son."
Have children: 1. Charles Benedict, b. Aug. 8th, 1826, now of the milling
firm of C. J. Hill & Son, m. Catherine Elizabeth Clarke. Has children : Effie
Heaton, Charles Judson, Emily Hill, Walter Phelps, Weltha Hill.
2. Cornelia, died in infancy.
3. Weltha Btmcell, b. March 20, 1831 ; unmarried.
4. Harriet Hempsted, b. Aug 9th, 1834. Married Edward J. Owen, Attor-
ney at Law, New "York City, where she d., with her first child, June, 1863.
5. Emily Williston, b. Aug. 22d, 1842. Married Edward H. Pierce, Attorney
at Law, Boston, May 5th, 1869, where she now resides. One child : Hattie
Hill
HOLLISTER FAMILY.
Sable, between a greyhound conrant, bendways, and a dolphin hauriant, in
base ararent, 3 roses gules ; on a chief of the second, 2 slips of strawberry,
fructed proper.
Crest — an arm in armor embowed between 2 sprigs of strawberry, as in
the arms, and holding a branch of holly proper.
Motto—" Fuimus, et sub Deo Erimus."
The history of the origin of the name of Hollister, given on page 583, though
furnished the writer by a very painstaking and accurate genealogist, turns out
to be erroneous, as well as some subsequent particulars in the same account-
Hon. Grideon H. Hollister, of Bridgeport, Conn., late Minister to Hayti, while
collecting the materials for his valuable History of Connecticut, engaged the
services of the late Payne Kenyon Kilbourne, of Litchfield, a careful inves-
tigator, to make full examination of the records, the result of which was
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1507
that he was able to obtain a perfect pedigree, from John Hollister of Weth-
ersfield, to the John Hollister who, in 1608, was Lord of the Manor of Stincli-
comb and Burleigh, with many particulars in regard to the generations of
the family, their residences, and final resting places. In the various changes
which Mr. Hollister has made in his places of business, including his resi-
dence abroad, those data have, for the most part, been lost, and cannot be in-
troduced here. He informs the writer, tliat the name, Hollister, is derived
from two French words, which mean holly-land, or tlie place where the holly
tree abounds, and that there is, in Gloucestershire, Eng., a hamlet called Hol-
lister.
Rev. Benjamin Ij. Swan, of Oyster Bay, N. Y., has sent the following cor-
rections in this genealogy : —
HoLLiSTEii, page 585. Gideon, ^^ son of Thomas, was not he who came to
Stratford. He married Rachel , and settled in Glastenbury, where he d-
in 175-}. Gideon, of Stratford, was son of Stephen. (See Goodwin's Histori-
ical Notes).
John Hollister, freeman in Weymouth, 1643, resided in Mass , 1044.
Nov. of same year, in Westfield, Conn. Hadley, 1659, m. Joanna, dau. of
Richard Treat, 1st, and died, April, 1665, leaving widow Joanna and children :
John, b. 1642, Thomas, Stephen, Joseph, Lazarus, b. about 1656, d. Sept.'
1709, (Probably not in that order,) and dau., Mary wife of John Wells, of
Stratford, Elizabeth, oarah, who m., 1674, Rev. Hope Atherton, of Hatfield,
and 1678 or 9, Timothy Baker, of Northampton. Joseph and Lazarus died
childless. Joltn, Jr. married, Nov. 20, 1667, Sarah, eldest dau. of William
Goodrich 1st, (not W. J. Jr., who had no children till 1681, and no Sarah at
all). Children : John, b. Aug. 9th, 1669 ; Thomas, Jan. 14, 1672 ; Josc^ih, July
8, 1674; Sarah, Oct. 25,1676; Elizabeth, March 30, 1678; David, Nov. 21,
1681 ; Ephraim, March 15, 1684; Charles, July 29, 1686 ; Elizabeth, (no date,)
(probably the first Elizabeth died youngj and this latter one married Dr.
Steele).
Stephen Hollister, son of the first John, m. Abigail, b. 1659, dau. of
Matthias Treat, A. D. 1683. His children were: Jonathan, (says Savage,)
probably correct; Jerusha, (says Goodwin,) b. Jan. 7, 1684; Stepjhen, b. Nov.
12, 1686, died 1706; Abigail, b. Aug. 16, 1688; Ann, b. March 16, 1690; Ger-
shom,h. Aiiril2, 1692; Samuel, h. 1694; Eunice, b. 1696 ; Oideon, b. 1698;
Daniel, h. 1700; Nathaniel, h. 1702. By second wife, Elizabeth, widow (oi:
daughter) of Jonathan Reynolds, he had Stephen, b. Sept. 12 1709, and died
Oct. 2, 1709. (This widow Elizabeth could not have been the widow of
Jonathan Reynolds, who died 1673, for his wife could not have been born
later than 1638, and would be too old in 1709. (May not Savage have been
Toisiniovme^—widoiD for daughter — because J. R's daughter Elizabeth, born
1667, would meet the conditions better).
Gideon, b. 1698, son of Stephen Hollister, married Rebecca Shennan. You
will have noticed (on your page 586) the typographical error, 1823 for 1723.
The marriage is on Stratford Record. Gideon Hollister married Rebecca
Sherman, Maich, 1722-3. They had Sarah, bap. Jan. 172|. She had bap. Oid-
eon, Sept., 1725.
1508 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Gideon Holister was drowned in Pequonnock River (Head of Bridgeport
Harbor) May 10, 1725, a little more than four months before his son's birth.
(Hollister's settlement in Stratford may have been influenced by the fact
that his sister, Ann, had married Robert, son of Joseph Booth, of Stratford,
and Ma^y Hollister vhis cousin) m. Joseph Shelton, of Stratford).
G. H. and his wife Rebecca owned the covenant in Stratford church Jan.,
12, 172t. She joined in full communion March 21, 1725.
On a careful examination of the records of Stratford, the author has dis-
covered, to his full satisfaction, that the account given of this Rebecca on
page 586 is erroneous, and that she was not a descendant of Capt. John Sher-
man. She was the dau. of Daniel Sherman, by his wife, Rebecca Wheeler,
of Stratford, and was born there. Daniel Sherman, was son of Samuel Sher-
man, Jr., who was the son of Hon. Samuel Sherman, the emigrant to Strat-
foM.
HUNTINGTON FAMILY.
1. Simon, as tradition has it, was the ancestor of all, or nearly all of the
Huntiugtons in this country. He was b in England and m., probably, Marga.
ret Baret, of Norwich or its immediate vicinity, Eng. He d. while on the
voyage to this country of small pox, in 1633, and his body was consigned to
its ocean grave. He had five children, among whom was — 5. Simon, b.
according to the Norwich records, in England, in 1629, and was about four
years of age when the family came to this country. He settled in Norwich,
Conn., became a leading citizen there, a deacon in the church and represent-
ed the town in the General Court. He m. Oct., 1653, Sarah, dau. of Joseph
Clark, of Windsor and Saybrook. He moved to Norwich in 1660. He died^
28th June, 1706, aged 77. Shed. 1721, aged 88. He had 10 children, among
whom was— (3) Daniel, b. in Norwich, Conn., March 13, 1675-6, m. 1st, Abi-
gail, dau. of Thomas and Mary (Rudd) Bingham, who was b. 4th Nov., 1679,
by whom he had five children. She d. Dec. 25th, 1734. He m. 2d, Rache.
Wolcott, of Windham. He d. in Norwich, I3th Sept., 1741. His 3d child
by his 1st w. was Daniel, b. in Norwich, March 24th, 1711. He graduated
at Yale, 1783, and m , Sept. 25, 1740, Sybil Bull, of Milford. She d. Oct. 12,
1744. He m. 2d, Rebecca Huntington, July 24, 1746. She d. March 7, 1774.
Rev. S. B. Huntington has two different dates for this death. On page 87 of
his Huntington Genealogy, he has it April 15, 1798. On page 87 he has it as
above. He d. July 26, 1756. He had five children, all born in Norwich, the
2d of whom was — (5) Dr. Daniel, b. Oct. 2, 1744. He studied medicine with
Dr. Joseph Perry, of Woodbury, and commenced its practice in that town
about the year 1767. He became a man of some distinction in his profession,
and in the 1st Church, of which he was a deacon. He was the first Postmas.
ter in Woodbury, which office he held from 1797 to 1814.^ He d. Feb. 19,
1819. He m. Sybilla Tomlinson. She was b. Sept. TO, 1750.
' To this point the account of this family has been taken from Rev. E. B.
Huntington's " Memoir " of the Huntington Family
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUUY. 1 509
Children: Si/Mlla, b. January 1, 1770, m. David Stiles C'urtiss, father of
Daniel Curtiss, Esq. She d. Dec. 30, 1838. He d. Jan. 22, 1846. Abigail, b.
Dec. 18, 1770. So the record says — two births in one year. Both lived to be
bap. in 1781, with the remaining four children : Daniel, b. Sept. 7, 1772 ; Cyn-
thia, b. April 1, 1774 ; Isaac, b. July 20, 1776 ; Riissel, b. Jan. 18, 1779, d. Sept.
14, 1794; Aka, bap. June 10, 1787, m. Proctor, of Philadelphia, Pa.,
April 21. 1822. Children : William H. and Nathaniel L.
James Huntington, Esq., Attorney at Law, at Woodbury, is descended
from the first Simon through another line.
HURD FAMILY.
A little care is necessary to avoid confusion here. John Hurd, among the
first settlers of Meriden, came so early to Stratford, that he represented the
town in 1619. He had either a brother or a son Adam, probably his brother,
because both Adam's, son Johij and John's son John, were m. in Dec. 1662.
These two Johns are sometimes styled " cousins," on the record, which would
make Adam a brother of the elder John. But again, Adam's sou John is
styled nephPAD of the other John, which implies brotherhood of their fathers,
although the two terms of kinship are carelessly exchanged.
On Dec. 10, 16(52, John Hurd, Jr., (so called) son of Adam, m. Ann, widow
of Joshua Judsou, and he had Sarah, Dec. 1664 ; Joseph, Feb. 1666 ; Benja-
min,Yob. 1667; Ebenezer, Nov. 1668. Euth, Feb. 1670; Jb/m, Aug. 1673.
This John the son op Adam is he who went to Woodbury.
The other John son of John, m. Dec. 15, 1662, Sarah, dau. of John Tliomp-
son, and from 1664, to 1679, had eight children. John, Sarah, Hannah, Isaac,
Jacob, Mary, Esther, Abigail, but of these I suppose you have no need.
HULL FAMILY.
I examined the Derby Records for Mr. Savage and drew oiF the Hull gene"
alogy, of which he has made use in his work.'
John Hull, (who seems to be the John of New Haven, 1657, and son of
Andrew) appears in Stratford, 16G1. In 1670 he voted in Pagusset (Derby)
as an inhabitant, although the birth of his sons, in 1672, is recorded in Strat-
ford. (This may be explained by reference to the case of Thomas Wheeler
before the Court at New Haven, 1663, by which it seems that Stratford claim-
ed jurisdiction and levied ministers rates at Pagusset, so that Hull's record
might be left at Stratford).
Upon Stratford Record are the following named children of John Hull: —
John, b. March 1662, d. 1753 at Derby; Samuel, Feb. 1663-4, m. Deborah
Beers Fairchild ; Mary, Oct. 1666 ; Joseph, Feb. 1668-9, d. 1744, great-great,
grandfather of Commodore Hull ; Benjamin, April 1672.
On Record at Derby; Richard, Oct- 1674; Ebenezer , 1678, drowned in
the Naugatuck in 1722; Jeremiah, 1679. Andrew, 1685.
' Furnished by Rev. B. L. Swan.
1510 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Joseph Hull of Derby, son of John m. in 1691. Mary Nichols, dau. of Ca-
leb Nichols, of Woodbury, (see Nichols,) and had Samuel, 1692; Joseph, 2d'
1694; Calsa, 1695; Andreio, 1697; Mary, 1699; Sarah, 1701; Abijah 1703;
Nathan, 17o9.
His wife d. in 1733. In 1735 he m. Hannah Prindle, and died in 1741.
Joseph Hull 2d, son of Joseph son of John, m. Sarah , and had Sarah,
1726; Joseph, 3d, 1727: Elizabeth, 1731 ; Anna, 1736.
Joseph Hull, 3d, m. Mrs. Elizabeth Clarke, May 1750 ; they had Joseph, 4th,
Oct. 1750; General William, 1752; Samuel, 1755; Isaac, Levi, and David.
Joseph Hull, 4th, b. 17o0, d. 1826, in his 76th year, had Isaac, (Commodore).
JUDSON FAMILY.
.[Additions and corrections.]
JuDSON, Jeremiah, (page 588, No. 21, V.,) among his children is Merci/
instead Martha. She married Solomon Burton in 1687.
Joshua Jxjdson, (4) son of William, m. Ann, (who, Goodwin is confident
was a dau. of John Porter, of Windsor.) They had children : Joshua, b-
Dec, 1658 ; Samuel, b. Aag., 1660, and Ann, who must have been older than
the sons — perhaps born 1656— for she married Arthur Perry about 1675.
Joshua Judson died 1661, aged 38 In 1662 his widow married John Hurd,
Jr., and had by him six children.
Jeremiah Judson's 1st wife was Sarah, dau. of Nathaniel Foote. They
were married in 1652. She died 1673, aged 41. She was the mother of all
his children. His second wife, Katharine, m. Nov. 8, 1675, was widow of
Thomas Fairchild, Sr. She was also his second wife. Her maiden name
was Craig. J. J. went to London to marry her in 1662. The bond executed
by him to secure her a title to his real estate in Hartford, is on record
in Hartford. Descendants of Jeremiah Judson are in Stratford (old Mill Hill)
and in Bridgeport.
11. No. 7 in your list of Joseph's children, (p. 588) viz : Joshua, b. Dec. 3,
1658, is by mistake. He was Joshua's son, not Joseph's. The latter had but
one Joshua, a twin with Ruth, and he died young.
Page 593. Capt. James Judson, No. (61) married Nov. 12, 1751, Mary Ed-
wards, dau. of Thomas. (North Stratford — Trumbull.)
P. 592. Polly Judson m. Solomon Stoddard. Kezia m. John Bassett, of
Kettletown, (Southbury). Mary m. Birdseye Curtiss, of Newtown.
JOHNSON FAMILY.
[Additions and corrections.]
Page 600. It was Moses Johnson himself, not his son Moses, who came
to Stratford and signed the Woodbury compact. Moses, Ebenez&i\ (who went
to Derby,) and John, who d. in 1659, are understood to be sons of Peter, of
Fairfield.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1511
Moses Johnson m. about 1676, Mary, dau. of Robert Rose, of Stratford.
Children: Eebecca, b. April, 1677, died young; Zeruiah, b. April 30, 1682;
Rebecca, b. 1684; John, b. April 18, 1686 ; Sarah, b. Aug. 5, 1688 ; Mary, b.
April\,20. 1690; Elizabeth, Oct. 18, 1691; Moses, b. May 13, 1694; Solomon,
Jan. 5, 1695-6.
That Moses Johnson, Senior, married again is plain, from the mention of
Mary, " his aged widow," in 1747.
JENNER FAMILY.
Page 602. John Jenner was in Stratford before 1650, but left in a few
years : went to Long Island ; had by his wife, Alice thought to be dau. of
Robert Pigg, of New Haven: Mary, b. Oct., 1648 ; Thomas, b. April, 1651,
and others.
Samuel, of Woodbury, descended from, or rather may have been son of
Thomas. Another Thomas, of Charlestown Mass., had a son Samuel, but he
was b. in 1669, and would be but 18 or 19 years old when Woodbury Samu-
el's first child was born.
KNOWLES FAMILY.
Page 604. Eleazur Knowles was son of Thomas, of New Haven. Thomas
Knowles was of New Haven, 1645 ; died before 1648 ; leaving wibow Eliza-
beth and sons Eleazur and Thomas. The widow married, in 1650, Nicho-
las Knell, whose dau. Elizabeth, b. 1653, m. John Mitchell. What became of
Thomas K., brother of Eleazer, does not appear.
The following was received from Hon. Liberty Knowles, of Potsdam, N. Y.
" You may find my name on page 605 — 8. Liberty. — You have given my
eldest brother a girl's name, Ellen. My father gave him the first syllable of
his name, El., reserving Eazer for his youngest son, b. at Grenville, N. Y.
Feb. 1787. My father removed to Greenville, (then Lotana,) March 1st, 1786,
and d. there 1814 where El and Eazar still live. Liberty was educated at
Williams College, Mass., opened a Law office at Potsdam, June 14th, 1809 .
m. Melinda Raymond, of Richmond, Mass., Feb., 1812 ; had children : Cathe-
rine, b. Nov. I2th; Henry L., b. June 23d, 1815, educated at Union College,
N. Y., took his father's place in Law business, 1838 ; William L., b. Feb. 26,
1818, educated at University of Vt., commenced Law practice at Potsdam,
1845 ; Augustus L., b. May 11, 1821. d. Oct, 19th, 1824.
" Many a leisure hour has been agreeably spent in reading of old Wood-
bury and its descendants. We trace the Knowles line to the grandfather of
Eleazar, of Stratford, who, with sixty-nine others, sailed in a new ship from
New Haven for Liverpool in Jan., 1646, and were never heard of. He left a
wife and two sons — one son d. young, the other removed to Stratford, m.
Jane Porter. Children, two sons : Eleazer and Thomas. E. was amongst the
first settlers of Woodbury.
1512 HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O D B U R T .
KASSON FAMILY.
Page 604. There is an error in the date of the marriage of Geore M. Kas-
son to Lucretia M. Turner. It shouhl be April 7, 1830.
After Elizabeth H., on the same page, insert William A., b. Feb. 20, 1854.
KIRTLAND FAMILY.
The family of Kirtland is of Scotch descent ; and among the first thirty-six
settlers of Saybrook, in 1635, was John Kirtland, who came from Silver-
street, London. He had a son John, who was the father of Daniel, who was
the father of the noted missionary, Rev. Samuel Kirkland, who was born in
1701, graduated at Yale College 1720, under the name of Kirtland. John
Kirtland m. his 1st wife in Saybrook, March 3, 1708 ; m. 2d, Lydia Baldwin. '
John Kirtland, first settler, who came from Essex County, Eng., about
1633, m. Lydia, dau. of Lieut. Wm. Pratt. His son John m. Lydia Belden.
His grandson, Ezra, b. Oct., 1728, went from Saybrook to Bridgeport, 1748, m-
Olive Wakeley 1752, and had two sons, Ez.-a and Zebulon, and d. 1800. His
wife d. 1803. Ezra, b. 1753, was m. 1791, to Sarah Wheeler; had seven
children, he died 1799; she died 1837. Their first son d., aged 19: Wheeler,
b. Aug., 1780, moved to Woodbury, m. Phebe Minor, dau. of deacon Matthew,
and had seven children. He died 1822, his wife d. 1845. Wheeler, d. 1823,
aged 17. Cornelia m. John Finch, New York City, 1832— both dead. They
had three children. John K., Matthew M., Cornelia T. Sarah m.Geo. C. Mi-
nor, 1829, and had two children ; family all dead. Chas. W. Kirtland m. Eliza-
beth Ann Stiles, 1854. Reside at Woodbury. Lewis m. Mary Ann Tracy,
1851, she and child d. He resides at Minneapolis, Minn. Benjamin d. 1844
aged 23. Eliza m. Hiram B. Piatt, 1840. He d. 1863. They have four chil-
dren ; 3Iaggie, Fannie, Ida and William. Reside at Waterbury.
LAMBERT FAMILY.
[Additions.]
Henry Lambert m. Amelia C. Moses, Nov. 1, 1854. Children : 1. Jesse Peck,
b. Feb. 14, 1859, d. Oct. 20, 1859. 2. CJiarles L., b. May 29, 1861.
George D. Lp.mbert, m. Ellen A. Judson, Oct. 18,1858. Child: Frank
Judson, b. Oct. 19th, 1862.
Henry A Lambert m. Sarah G. Corliss, Sept. 3, 1S67. Child: Wallace
Corliss, b. May 28, 1869.
Elizabeth L. Lambert m. Truman Abrams, Sept. 5th, 1854. Children: Ella
Lambert, b. June 27, 1855 ; Eddie A. b. June 22, 1857.
Willis Lambert (p. 611) d. June 7, 1871. Eliza, his wife, d. Oct 4, 1865.
' Davis' Hist, of Wallingford.
HISTORY OF ANCIBNT WOODBURY. 1513
LEA.VENWORTII FAMILY.'
On page 612 is an account of the origin of the Leavenworth family in tliis
country. It was taken principally from the " Leavenworth Tree " preserved
in the family, supposed to be correct, and by them specially requested to be
inserted. Later investigations, by Deacon Pliilo M Trowbridge, and by Rev.
Benjamin L. Swan, have shown that there are many inaccuracies. The au-
thor would have re written the article, with all the lights before liim, except
that his friend. Gen. E. W. Leavenworth, of Syracuse N. Y., has been for
for many years engaged in perfecting a complete list of the family in this
country, and being now on the eve of publishing it, it would be ungenerous
to anticipate him by publishing some of his materials in advance of him,
■when he has been at so much pains and expense in preparing his list for the
use of his family name.
The following corrections and additions, by Rev. Mr. Swan, are added to
set the author right so far as he attempted to give the history of the family
in liis former work :
Leavenworth.
Thomas Leavenworth, of Woodbury, died in 1683. His inventory was
made Aug 20, 1683. Property £225 28. Id. He left a widow, Grace, who
June 11, 1684, executes a document yet on record in Hartford. The Court,
in distributing his estate, mentions three children, without giving their
names— two sons and a daughter. The sons are not then 2l years of age,
nor the dau. 18 years old. The sons prove to be Thomas and John. I think
the widow married David Jenkins as his second wife. Jenkins went from
Woodbury to Stratford in 1694. He had by former marriage Alice b. 1678,
who died in Stratford in March, 1708-9, and Mary, who married Thomas
Leavenworth 2d. In 1715, Thomas L. 2d gives bonds for maintenance of
David and Grace Jenkins.
Thomas L. 2u, first appears in Stratford in an old account book of Joseph
Booth, 1695, (tanner and shoemaker,) agreeing to make for Booth two pairs of
shoes per week for his board, 2s. 2d. per pair.
In January, 1697-8 T. L. 2d '' owns covenant " in Stratford, and in Febru-
ary 6, 1697-8, is received to fall communion,
In 1696 he acquires land in Stratford by exchange with John Judson, of
Woodbur^'. There seems also to liave been a nephew or brother of Thomas
Leavenworth 1 st in,Woodbury, for in October 12, 1 702, the inventory of " John
Leavenworth, sometime of Woodbury," is presented in Fairfield Probate
Court, and administration is granted to Thomas Leavenworth of Stratford,
" cousin to the deceased." Finally, by order of Court, the property, £47, Ifis.
8d., is divided between the abovesaid " Thomas L, and his brother John."
In 1728, Thomas L. 2d is mentioned as Dr. Thomas L.,of Ripton, (Uini-
tington). John Leavenworth, brother of Thomas 2d, is, in 1705, styled
" blacksmith, in Stratford." He had a son Ebenezer, bap. in 1706, (June.)
' See History of Waterbury, Conn., page 515, and foot note, for corrections
in part, and for other branches of the family.
1514 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Thomas Leavenworth ' (son of Thomas Sen., of Woodbury, who d. 1683)
married Mary, dau. of David Jenkins. They lived in Eipton Parish (New
Huntington). The children (partly on record and partly derived from his
will of July 6, 1748,) were: James b. Sept. 1, 1699, d. 1759 ; David, b. Oct. 13,
1701, d. 1725, (m. Sarah— . She joined Woodbury church 1734. He in 1727.)
leaving sons, Nathan and Ehenezer, (named in grandfather's will,) ; Ehenezer,
b. April 7, 1706, d. 1734, unmarried. Estate distributed to brothers and sis-
ters. Jo/i/i, b. Nov. 3, 1708, bap. in Stratfield. There is a discrepancy of two
years in his age, as given at death; Mark, (Rev.) b. 1711' m. Feb. 1740, Ruth
Peck, and Dec. 1750, Sarah Hull, of Derby; Zebulon, m. Esther, who d. 1793.
He d. 1778 ; joined Woodbury church 1742 ; Thomas^ ; Sarah, b. Oct. 6, 1723,
m. Abner Perry ; Edmond, b, 1725, d. 1785 aged 60. His widow, Abigail, d.
1804, aged 81 ; Mary, m. Joseph Perry ; Hannah m. Nicholas Moss.
All the foregoing are named in Thomas L.'s " will, except Ehenezer, who
was already dead 14 years.
James, son of Thomas Leavenworth "^ , m. Hester Trowbridge, of New
Haven, Aug., 1720. They lived in Stratford, and he d. in Aug., 1759. They
had Mehetable, b. July, 1721 ; Tamar, b May, 1737; Samuel, b. Feb., 1729 ;
Daniel, b. March, 1731 ; Ann, b. April, 1733; Mary, b. Aug. 1735 ; Jam,es, b.
July, 1737 ; Esther, b. Jan., 1740 ; Ehenezer, b. Sept., 1743, d. young.
You will see that the heads of all your classified families are children of
Thomas L.", except Ehenezer, of the 5th family, and he was son of David,
who was son of Thomas', and d. 1725.
MALLORY FAMILY.
Mallory, page 615. Peter Mallory signed New Haven Plantation Cov-
enant, 1644. He had children ; Rebecca, b. May 18, 1649 ; Peter, b. July 27,
1673; Mary,h. Oct., 1655, d. ; Mary, Nov. 38, 1656, Dodd says Sept. 38);
Thomas, b. April 16, 1659; (Dodd says Sept. 15,); Daniel, h.^oY. 25, 1661;
John, b. May 10, 1664, (Dodd says 1663,) ; Josejyh, b. 1666 ; Benjamin, b. Jan.
4, 1669. (Dodd says 1668,) ; Samuel, b. March 10. 1673; Wtlliam, b. Sept. 3,
1695, (Dodd says Sept. 2). The differences between Savage and Dodd (His.
tory of East Haven, where the Mallorys lived) is marked. Dodd, who was
a careful investigator, and was on the spot, is to be preferred.
Peter^ Mallory, son of Peter, m. Elizabeth Trowbridge, dau. of James 1st,
of New Haven, May 27, 1678, had : Peter, b. April, 1679, d. ; Caleb, b. Nov. 3,
^1681 ; Peter, b. Aug. 1684 ; Elizabeth, b. April 27, 1687 ; Judith, b Sept. 2,
1689 ; Benjamin, April 3, 1692 ; Stephen, b. Oct. 12, 1694 ; Ebenezcr, Nov. 29,
1696 ; Zechariah, b. May 3, 1699 ; Abigail, b. Aug. 5, 1701 ; Zipporah, b. Dec.
15, 1705 ; (Zipporah m. March 18, 1731 Jeremiah Tomlinson, of North Strat-
ford) ; Peter, b. March 1, 1708 (settled in North Stratford, had Andrew, 1744).
(13 in all.)
Thomas, son of Peter Mallory 1st, m. March 36, 1684, Mary Umberfield,
(dau. or sister of John 1st, of New Haven,) and had Thomas,^ b. Jan. 1, 1685 ;
Daniel, Jan. 3, 1687.
Thomas Mallory,' son of Thomas, son of Peter, removed to Woodbury.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1515
If he died July 21, 1783, he was not 101 years old — but (allowing 11 days for
difference between Old and New Style,) 98 years 6 mo. 9 days of age, and m.
Jan., 1706, Elizabeth Bartlett, (probably dau. of John Bartlett, who came to
Stratford 16781 They had Mary, b. 1707 ; Thomas, b. 17(i9 ( ? ) ; Bartlett b-
1710; Aaron, b. 1712 ; John, Jesse, b. 1715, (you say 1717, and may have ac-
cess to more correct record).
Page 617. John MALLORY,b. 1739, (who m. Esther Barnes,) was son of Ben-
jamin, of Stratford, who was son of Peter Jr., of New Haven. (Thomas and
Benjamin were second cousins).
Page 618. Caleb Mallort, b. 1736, was also a son of Benjamin, of Strat-
ford. El'le Mallory, p. 618, is a contraction of Elijah, son of Benjamin, b
1738.
I can give you all Benjamin's record if you need. He lived in Ripton Par-
ish, and m. Eunice Butler, of Wethersfield, Dec. 22, 1715, and had 13 chil-
dren. There seems to have been, in most of the Mallory stock, a marvellous
productive vitality.
MARSHALL FAMILY.
[Corrections and additions by Henry P. Marshall, Esq., of New York.]
Edward Marshall came from Barbadoes. (There is no evidence, says
Henry P. Marshall, that he was in any way related to Jarvis Marshall.)
Reference to your numbers 11-IV, no children— the children named in your
book were the children of Hermann, 12-V.
17-1, 3idd to children Cornelia EUswoi'th. Henry, before given, should be
Henry Rutgers.
18-11. Frederick A. m. Ann Quarles, of Kenosha, Wis., d. July 18, 1854.
Buried there. He d. at Woodbury, 26th Feb. 1866, 51st year.
20-IV. Walter P. m. Frederica Ellsworth.
MARTIN FAMILY.
[Additions.]
"I do not wonder," says Mr. Swan, referring to the former account, " at
your incredulity about this family."
As to William, who settled in Woodbury, I doubt his having had a mid-
dle name (Seaborn). Middle names, so far as I remember, were unknown in
New England before the 2d quarter of last century. Had he been born on
the voyage from England, the parents would have called him Seaborn, alone,
if at all, as Seaborn Colton, and others. 2. I doubt his ever having been an
inhabitant of Stratford. He is not named in the records of any kind or in
any list of men, up to 1730— indeed at all, excepting in the Brand Book.
W^illiam Martyn, of Wethersfield, \s mentioned in 1670. That fact identifies his
origin, not with New Haven, but Wethersfield — where he was, and of which
he was, in 1670. I feel no doubt of his having been the son of Samuel, of
43
1516 HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O D B U R T .
New Haven first, and afterward of Wetliersfield, of whose children, doubt-
less, Wethersfield records would give an account.
3 I doubt the marriage of William Martin with Abigail, dau. of JonatJian
Curtis of Stratford, in 1685.
Jonathan Curtis, son of William, had a dau. Abigail, b. Oct. 1671, (by his
wife Abigail, (dau. of John Thompson), who, after J. C's death m. Nocholas
Huse). This daughter Abigail could not have m. Martin in 1685, because, first,
in 1693, she, as Abigail Curtis, receipts for her share of her father's estate,
and of her deceased brother William's estate. 2. She did after Oct. 1692,
probably November, m Ebcvzer Blackcinan as his 2d wiie In 1734, Jona-
than^ son of Jonathan', and his " sister Abigail Blakeman," adjust property
left by " our father Jonathan Curtiss."
That surely decides the matter and sweeps away all the romance of that
early marriage (p. 622.)
MEIGS FAMILY.
[Additions.]
Dr. John Meigs, of Bethlehem, Conn., son of John Meigs of East Guil-
ford, b. April 29, 1725, m. Rebecca Clark, Jan. 21, 1744, d. 1770. Children:
Dr. Abner Meigs, b. 1749, d. 1834 ; Rebecca; Br. Phineas ; Jesse; Irene;
Rev. Benjamin. C, graduate of Harvard College in 1809 ; missionary to Ceylon.
Died there 1830.
Dr. Abner Meigs, son of Dr. John Meigs, b. in Bethlehem, Conn., moved
to Claremont, New Hampshire, m. Sarah Church, a descendant of the famous
Capt. Church, of Conn. Children : Br. John Meigs, b. in Claremont about
1774, d. in Lyndon, Vt., 1823; Hevian, b. in Claremont, June 9, 1781, d. in
Lyman, N. H„May 21, 1857; Lorenzo, of Malone, N. Y., d. about 1856 ; An-
son ; Church, b. Oct. 9, 1788, d. without issue, March 9, 1849; Sarah; Re-
becca.
Heman Meigs, son of Dr. Abner Meigs, b, 1781, m. Lydia Hunt, of Tun-
bridge Vt. b. 1785 d. May 7, 1842. He died Miiy 21, 1S57. Children : Church,
b. Dec. 16, 1804, d. in Malcolm, Iowa, July, 1865 ; Chastina, b. May 17, 1807 ;
m. Welcome McGaflfey, of Lyndon, Vt. ; JoJin, (M. D.) b. Feb. 16, 1810; Le-
loJiia b. July 28, 1815; m. Benjamin Franklin, Paddleford; Josephine,}). 5\\ne
14, 1830, m. David Kibbey.
John Meigs, M. D., (son of Heman Meigs,) of Stanstead, P-rovince of Que.
bee b. Feb. 16, 1810, m. Elizabeth Caroline Thorndyke Granniss, Jan. 4, 1843,
dau. of William Granniss, of Stanstead. Children : Alice Lydia, b. April
26, 1846 ; Elizabeth Sumner, b. May 20, 1853.
MOSELY FAMILY.
[Additions.]
P. 619. This family name was, until about 150 years ago, Maudesley, or
Modesly — finally changed to Moseley.
HISTORY OF ANCIKKT WOODBURY. 1517
The first settlers in New England of tlie name were Henry, who came over
in the Hopewell, 1635. Oct. 24, and John, freeman of Dorchester, Mass., U'd'J,
probably came earlier, for he had a son born 1638. He had wife, Cicely, and
sons Jolm. and Thomas, pcrlia]is also Joseph, and dau. Elizabtth. He died 1661.
His son John settled in Windsor, and d. 16!)0.
Thomas, of Dorchester, son of John 1st, m., Oct. 35, 16.">8, Mary, dau. cf
Thomas Lawrence, of Hingham, had John, 1659 (V)d. 1661; Mary, Dec. 31
1660, d. Dec. 1661 : Increase; Thomas, March, 1667, d. April 1749 ; Elizabeth
Feb. 19, 1668-9 ; Unite, May 5, 1671 ; Ebinczer, Sept. 4, 1673 ; John, Ajiril 9*
1676 ; Nathaniel, Oct. 28, 1678; Joseph, April 17, 1681.
Thomas Mosely 1st d. Oct. 22, 1706, mentioning in his will Increase!^ son
of his son Increase^ deceased. The latter, viz: Increase 2d, would seem to
liave been father of him who was b. at Norwich, May 18, 1712.
MITCHELL FAMILY.
[Additional history.]
Since the publication of the former volume, several gentlemen have inte-
rested themselves in collecting genealogical information in relation to this
family name, which inclades some of the same and considerable additional
information to that then published. Among these investigators are Hev. B.
L. Swan, of Oyster Bay, N. Y., and Dr. Chauncey L. Mitchell, of Brooklyn,
N. Y. There was also a re-union of the descendants of Deacon Eleazar
Mitchell, at South Britain, Oct. 5, 1858, on which occasion much additional
information was brought out. The information thus obtained will be intro-
duced in its order, beginning with that furnished by Rev. Mr. Swan, so that
the reader on comparing the former with the present account, will be able to
find all that is at present known of the early history of the name, while
much valuable information in other branches will be I'ound in Huntington's
History of Stamford, Conn.
Matthew Mitchell, who arrived at Boston from Bristol, Eng., Aug., 16'
1635, was accompanied by his sons, David and Jonathan. Savage, says," per.
haps more " children, and it is quite certain thai he had daughters, bora
either before or after his coming to New England. Savage himself men.
tions Susanna and Hannah, as named in Matthew's will, 1646. (5 V). Han-
nah m. Robert Coe, an early settler in Stratford. He died 1659, leaving four
children, of whom Hannah, the eldest, m. Titus Hinman. The widow mar.
Nicholas Elsey, af New Haven. It is also quite certain that Samuel Sher-
man, Sr., m. Sarah, dau. of M. Mitchell. (Savage's reasons against the oc-
currence of this marriage in England, seem valid.) An interesting collateral
proof of this is found in some marginal notes in an old Bible, (now owned by
Mrs. David Judson, of Old Mill Hill, Stratford,) and once the property of Mrs.
Samuel Sherman. It contains several entries of names of both families It
is presumable also that either another daughter should be added, or that Su-
sanna m. a Butterfield, for Lyon Gardner, 1636, says of a skirmish between
Mitchell and some attendants Vho were getting hay at Saybrook, and the
1518 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Pequot Indians, that they took " one of the old man's sons and roasted him
alive." The name of the young man killed was Samuel Butterfield. Other
authorities (Mather among them) say, that in 1636 " he* had a son in law slain
by the Pequot Indians," making Butterfield the son in law of Mitchell.
David Michell, son of Matthew, seems to have been older than hia brother
Jonathan. The latter, Mather represents as " about 11 years of age " in
1635, and again, he was born in " 1624." But, with usual inconsistency, he
represents him at his death, July 9, 1668, as in the "forty -third " year of his
age. It is an incident deserving mention, that when Jonathan was a student
in Cambridge College, Mass., his brother David, in great distress about his
soul, applied to him for advice, and Jonathan's reply, seems not only to have
given his brother relief, but it was afterwards published in London, and, says
Mather, was " reckoned one of the most consummate pieces in the methods of
addressing a troubled mind."
David Mitchell m. Sarah, dau. of Thomas Wheeler. So his son Na-
than, in 1724, (then of Litchfield,) said in Stratford Land Records ; but wheth"
er her father were Thomas, of New Haven, or Thomas of Mil ford, or Thomas'
of Fairfield, does not appear. He was, I presume, of Milford. Their chil-
dren, the order of whose ages and dates of birth are lost, were :
1. Matthew, who was b. probably about 1653, for he m. Mary, dau. of
John Thompson, of Stratford. She was b. in 1655, and d. in 1711. There is
an interestsng legend concerning her father and mother, but too long for in-
sertion here. Matthew's children, I have as you have them in your history
(Vol. 2d, p. 634).
2. Nathan, who went to Litchfield . Of him I have no account, but pre-
sume that George C. Woodruff, Esq., can give his family record.
8. Abraham, in A. D. 1700 describes himself as of "Windham, (Hartford
County,") and, referring to a transaction in 1695, declares his father then de-
ceased. In 1696, A. M. gives land to " my son Nathan." In 1694 and 1695
A. M. is described as " of Stratford — planter." Of his family there are no
details on record in Stratford.
4. Daniel, who in 1689 describes himself as son of David, m. Susanna,
dau. of Hon. Samuel Sherman, Jr. She was b. in 1670. He may therefore
have been born in 1666, or 1668. Her mother was a Titterton. No children
are recorded to them before Mary ' born Feb. 27, 1700-1 ; Elizabeth, b.
Sept 9, 1703, bap. Nov. 5, by Mr. Charles Chauncey, ofStratfield; Elnathan
bap. Nov. 5, 1704, by Mr. Charles Chauncey, of Stratfield.
5. Martha, dau. of David Mitchell, m. Nathan Baldwin, of Milford.
6. Grace, dau. of David, m. William Pixley, Nov. 1701. She was probably
therefore b. about 1680.
7. (?) Elizabeth, who joined Stratford Church 1692, 1 suppose to have been
also David's dau., but have no proof. Daniel and his wife Susanna, and his
sister Grace joined Stratford Church under the half way covenant, Jan. 11,
1697-8, and in April followiBg, joined in full communion.
Matthew Mitchell had a cattle brand in Stratford Brand Book, up to 1673-
Abraham and Daniel to 1687.
' Mitchell.
HISTOEY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1519
April 15, 1688. Mistress Mitchell, with Henry Wakelyn Robert Clarke,
Mistress Curtis and Widow Hard, having brought " letters from Woodbury,"
unite with Stratford Church.
Was Mistress Mitchell the widow of David, who perhaps had removed with
Matthew to Woodbury, and in 1688 returned?
A "John Mitchell (adult) " was baptized in Unity (Trumbull) Nov. 7, 1736.
It is quite possible that he was a son of Daniel. In l7o9, one John Mitchell,
of Ripton (Huntington) joins the Episcopal Church in Stratford, (where, then
the Ripton churchmen had to worship,) and he has baptized the following :
Mary. bap. in Episcopal Church, October, 1739, Ephraim, October 1745. John,
February, 1743. J. W's wife was " Sarah ." '.
This seems to be the same John who was bap. in Unity, in 1736.
John Mitchell, Sk., of Woodbury, m. Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas
Knell, of Stratford, an early settler, whose name is perpetuated in " Knell's
Island," opposite Stratford, and at whose death in April, 1675, the unusual en-
try is made, " Mr. Nicholas Knell, that aged benefactor to his country." In
1650 he m. Elizabeth, widow of Thomas Knowles, and dau. of Gov. Francis
Newman, of New Haven. By Knowles, who died before 1648, she had Elea-
serand Thomas.
By Mr. Knell she had John, Oct. 1651, d. soon ; Mixabeth, May, 1653 ; Isaac,
Feb., 1655 ; John, Dec, 1657. (This may be in place under Knowles).
Page 636 Vol. 3, Hist, of Woodbury :
Peter Mitchell m. Elizabeth Lamson, of Stratford, Sept., 1747. She was
daughter of William Lamson, of Stratford. He came from Maiden, Mass.
was b. 1694, d. 1755. His wife, m in 1717, was Elizabeth Burch. She d. in
1775. She was dau. of Jeremiah Burch, or Birch, who m. Elizabeth, dau. of
John Wheeler, a, Milford man, but of Woodbury in 1704. P. M. and E. L.
were married in the Episcopal Church.
From David Mitchell's son JoJin, descended, in the fourth generation the
late Professor Elisha Mitchell, of the University of North Carolina.
MATTHEW MITCHELL.
collated by dr. C. L. MITCHELL.
Matthew Mitchell, referred to in Vol. I, p. 163, was of Southouram, Parish
of Halifax, Yorkshire, England. He was a man of sterling Christian char-
acter, respectable social position, and possessed of considerable if not large
wealth.
April 16th, 1616, he married Susan Butterfield, of Ovenden, in the same
parish. She is named by Richard Mather in his journal, as one of the pas-
* Mr. N. Mitchell, of Fairfield, Conn., wrote the author in 1866, as follows :
" I have found David Mitchell's will to his sons, and they are Matthew, John,
Abraham and Daniel, and four daughters. David Mitchell d. in 1085, and
Nathan Mitchell m. in 1738. So it seems ?ilniost impossible he could be Da-
vid's son, but must have been a grandson."
1520 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
senofers on board the ship James, and was therefore the companion of her
husband, when he came to this country.
His children were as follows :
Abigail, baptized in Southouram, April 26th, 1618. She probably died in
infancy.
David, baptized in Southouram, Nov. 14th, 1619. His descendants are
given in Vol. I, p. 164.
Sarah, baptized in Southowram, Oct. 14th, 1621. Came to this country
with her mother, married the Hon. Samuel Shei-mau, " from whom are de-
scended nearly all of the name of Sherman who have resided in Ancient
Woodbury, including Senator Sherman and Gen. W. T. Sheiman."
Martha, the fourth child of Matthew, was baptized in Southouram, Oct-
36th, 1623, and died the month following, Nov. 22d.
Jonathan, the fifth child, was baptized in Southouram, Dec. I9th, 1624.
Cotton Mather says he was afflicted, during the tenth year of his life, " by a
sore fever, which settled in his arm with such troublesome effects, that his
arm grew and kept a little bent, and he could not stretch it out right till his
dying day. His parents, with much diflficulty and resolution, carried him to
Bristol, to take shipping there, while he was not yet recovered of his illness."
(See Mather's Magnolia and Huntington's Stamford, for further history.)
Susan, the sixth child, and bearing her mother's name, was baptized in
Southouram, Oct. I4th, 1627. She survived her father and was named in
his will.
3Iatthew, the seventh child, was baptized in Ovenden, July 5th 1629, and
died three months after Oct. 4th, 1629.
Hannah, the eighth child, was baptized in Northouram, June 26th, 1631-
She was living at Stamford at the time of her father's death, and is one of
those named in his will.
Matthew Mitchell, before leaving his home in Yorkshire, appears to have
been much with the Rev. Richard Denton, curate of Coley Chapel, of the
parish of Halifax, under whose instructions he is supposed to have been, and
with whose views, political and religioi\s, he coincided.
On the 24th of Feb., 1622, he witnessed the will of Susan Field, widow'
whose daughter Jane was married to John Mitchell. It is not improbable
that this John Mitchell was his brother, and the writer, Mr. Somerby, of
London, states in this connection that " the Mitchells were a family of good
standing, and their arms ' sable, a chevron between three escallops argent,'
are painted on the roof of the chancel of Halifax church."
Accompanied by his wife and five children, he embarked at Bristol on Sat-
urday, May 23d, 1635, with Rev. Richard Mather, (grandfather of Cotton
Mather,) Rev. Richard Dentpn, and about one hundred other passengers, on
board the ship James, 220 tons, commanded by Capt. Taylor. His family-
consisted at this time of his wife Susan, and his children, David, Sarah Jon-
athan, Susan and Hannah, aged respectively fifteen, thirteen, eleven and four
years.
He took also with him a considerable number of cattle, the care and pro-
visioning of which became a serious trouble, in consequence of a month's de-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1521
lay in the departure of the ship after all were on board, and the subsequent
long passage of fifty-five days.
Although they embarked on the 23d of May, they did not finally leave Mil-
ford Haven till the 22d of June. On the evening of Sunday, Aug. IGth,
they anchored off Boston, and landed the next morning, Aug. 17th, after a
voyage unusually tedious from calms and heat, and dangers from storms ,
It is no small indication of his good judgment, that not only were none of his
family or his cattle lost, but that he brought them all to their destination in
better condition than when they left Bristol.
His first residence in this country was at Charlestovvn, near Boston, where
he remained through the winter of 1635-6 ; a winter marked with much suf-
fering from the scarcity that prevailed throughout the country, and a sickness
of more or less severity, from which no member of his family was exem})t.
Early in the spring of 1636 he removed to Concord, Mass,, and during his
brief stay here, he lost much property by fire.
As soon as the season was sufficiently advanced to make traveling safe, he
set out with his young family and his cattle and with a few pioneers, for
meadows reported to be on a river about 100 miles to the west. The way
was through a wilderness covered with forest, unmarked by any trace of hu-
man industry, with nothing to give food, shelter or protection in case of need.
In company with Col. Pynchon and others, he arrived at what is now known
as Springfield, about or before the month of May. Here the celebrated com-
pact was signed, the original of which still exists, and which bears the auto-
graph of every responsible member of the company.
Owing p(!rhaps to a defective title, for we find few of the original emi-
grants remaining, and that their successors made a new purchase from the
original Indian owners ; or to the information they received, that the land
selected was overflowed at certain seasons by a rise in the river, he left im -
mediately for Saybrook. He arrived at the mouth of the (Connecticut, proba-
bly, in the summer, certainly before the month of October. This removal
was the most unfortunate possible, occurring about the time of the first irrup-
tion of the Pequot Indians. Here his cattle and goods were destoyed, to the
value of several hundred pounds sterling, several men in his employment
killed, his wife's brother, Samuel Butterfield, cruelly tortured to death, and
the whole colony kept in constant peril of their lives. Col. Gardiner, who
was commissioned to build a fort at this point, refers re2)eatedly to " Old Mr.
Mitchell," who suffered this and the succeeding year from the depredations
of the Indians, and whose intercession, with that of others, induced him to
forbear hanging a man, whose cowardice had made him liable to such p\in.
ishment. Col. Gardner, makes no mention of the aid contributed by Matthew
Mitchell, yet ttiis was of such importance that his " extraordinary charges
for the public service at the fort," were recognized and publicly acknowl-
edged by the Court at Stratford, a few years later.
" Old Mr. Mitchell " being referred to in Gardner's account of an excursion
from the fort on the 22d of February, shows that he remained here duiing
the winter of 1636 and 7, but early in the spring we find he has returned up
the river, and settled at Wethersfield.
After the irruption of the Pequots in 1636, the condition of the settlers
1522 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
along the Connecticut became one of extreme danger, and committees were
appointed, who were to meet at Hartford on the 1st of May, " to deliberate on
subjects on which the very existence of the colonies depended." Mr. Mitch-
ell was elected one of those who were to represent Wethersfield, in this vi-
tally important meeting. He here made his first permanent settlement in
America, and became one ot the most extensive land owners in that commu-
nity. The historian, Trumbull, names him as one " of the principal charac-
ters wlio undertook the great work of settling Connecticut, and were the civil
and religious fathers of the colony — who formed its free and happy Consti-
tution, were its legislators, and were some of the chief pillars of the church
and commonwealth ; " and elsewhere speaks of him as " one of the chief
men who settled Wethersfield." While here " his estate was doomed to suifer
still more serious (than on Saybrook) from frequent Indian raids." ' He also
took a decided part in the difficulties which sprung up in the church, and
which finally led to its transference from the " Connecticut colonies " to the
" New Haven plantation." The minister. Rev. Richard Denton, with a ma-
jority of the church members, generously surrendered to the minority, and
withdrew. Being joined by some of the best men in the place, including Mr-
Mitchell, they went again into the wilderness, and founded Stamford. Mr.
Mitchell's land in Wethersfield was " subsequently divided into four farms,
and was taken by the Graves, Gershom Bulkley, John Hollister, and Robert
Roser." Huntington says " he was a man of independent character, and be-
came obnoxious to a Mr. Chapin. In the contest he excited the displeasure
of the Court. His townsmen chose him their Recorder, but the Court would
not ratify the election. He nevertheless discharged his duties, and was fined,
as was the rest of the town that elected him."
Originally, the settlement of Stamford, or Agawam as it was then called,
consisted of twenty-eight men, with their families. Here, with the excep"
tion of their minister, Mr. Mitchell's name heads every list, from which it is
fair to infer for him a corresponding position in the estimation of the com-
munity. He was also the first of the five selected by his townsmen " to ar-
range and administer their affairs." In a second election, made the following
year, his name is still placed in the same honorable position. In the import-
ant and very delicate questions of laying out house-lots, " and ordering the
manner of assigning them," the infant colony confided the matter to Mat-
thew Mitchell and Francis Bell. In the almost vital affair of obtaining a
grist-mill, the arrangement for building the dome was made with Matthew
Mitchell and Mr. Ogden. He paid nearly three imes as much towards the
purchase and survey of the land as the next largest purchaser. He was the
first of the two nominated by his townsmen, of whom one was to be appoint-
ed by the General Court, " as a magistrate with Senatorial rank in the Legis-
lative body." The other nominee was Thurston Raynor, who had formerly
been a member of the Court, and it is not surprising that the Judges prefer-
red their former associate to a stranger who had never lived in New Haven.
At a subsequent time, Mr. Mitchell was a Representative, and also held the
position of Associate Judge in the " Plantation Court." Mather says that
'' his house, barn and goods were here again consumed by fire."
* Huntington's Stamford.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1623
Some have supposed that Matthew Mitchell went with Richard Denton and
others to Hempstead, in 1644. But his name is not found in the list of those
who went to Hempstead. It is more than probable that the disease which
terminated his life the following year, was already so far advanced as to pre.
vent his traveling or taking any part in public affairs. He died in Stamford,
in 1645, of stone, aged about fifty-five years.
His history shows him to have been a man of great enterprize, unbounded
resolution, clear and cool judgment, and of earnest and positive character.
Too conscientious to live patiently under laws requiring a form of worship
which lie thought wrong, and equally impatient under colonial decision that
seemed needlessly arbitrary, his staunch uprightness always commanded re"
spect, and his unswerving justice invited confidence in times when trials de-
monstrated character.
HISTORY OF JONATHAN MITCHELL,
Compiled from Mather's Magnalia, Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit,
and other sources.
BY. DR. C. L. MITCHELL.
Jonathan Mitchell, son of Matthew and Susan (Butterfield; Mitchell,
was a native of Halifax, England. The records of Halifax show the date of
his baptism to have been, Dec. 19th, 1624, and he was probably born about
the I5th of the preceding November.
His parents were both pious, of good social position, and possessed of con-
siderable wealth. Like many others of that period, they were driven by per-
secution to seek in exile the liberty of conscience denied them at home. In
company with the Rev. Richard Mather and others, they embarked at Bristol,
May 23d, 1635, and landed in Boston, Aug, 17th, of the same year. The win-
ter following was spent at Charlestown, from whence they removed to Con-
cord, early in the spring of 1636. In May of this year, a journey of a hund-
red miles through an unexplored forest, brought them to what was subse-
quently called Springfield. The fall and winter were passed at Saybrook, at
the Fort, which they left in the spring for Wethersfield, where they arrived
during or before the month of April, 1637. In 1640 they removed to Stam-
ford, of which place, they and a few others were the original settlers. Here
Matthew Mitchell, the father, died in 1 645, leaving two sons, David and Jon-
athan, and three daughters, Sarah, Susan, and Hannah.
Under the tuition and example of his parents, the religious impressions of
Jonathan were very deep, while he was still quite young. Before leaving his
home in England, at the age of ten years and a few months, he was afflicted
with a severe illness, from which he was but partially recovered when they
set out, and his helplessness greatly increased the difficulties of the journey
from Halifax to Bristol. Long afterwards, in referring to this illness, and
probably also to the fearful experiences of the family in New England during
his youth, he writes, " Thus the Lord sought to make me serious, by steeping
my first entrance into years of understanding, and into the changes of life,
1524 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
and my first motions to New England in eminent and special sorrows." The
hurricane which came near wrecking their sihp ; the sickness of the whole
family the winter after their landing ; the loss of property by fire in the fol-
lowing spring ; the destruction of their cattle by the Pequots in the subse.
quent autumn ; the cruel death of his uncle, Samuel Butterfield, under the
torture of the savages ; further losses by Indian raids <he year following at
Wethersfield, and again by fire after the removal to Stamford ; culminating
in the long, painful and fatal illness of his father ; these " eminent and special
sorrows," tended eventually to develop the beautiful and noble character that
was so loved and admired by the Christian men of his time.
Pioneer life in a wilderness presents few opportunities or incentives to ed-
ucation, but there was something in the life and manner of the boy, that im-
pressed men with his remarkable capacity, and led them to urge upon his
father the importance of giving him the advantages of collegiate instruction.
Of this number was the Rev. Richard Mather, his friend and companion from
Bristol, who, at a future time, had the pleasure of seeing, as one of the re-
sults of his " earnest advice," this person's labors worthy of his own constant
journeys to his " Monthly Lectures," and of seeing " the most considerable
fathers of the country treat him as not coming behind the chiefest of them
all." He entered upon his studies in September, 1642, Avhen he was about
eighteen years of age, and three years after passed a rigid examination, and
was admitted to Harvard College. His studies were now pursued with the
same vigor and indefatigable industrj^ which had previously characterized
him, and under the example and ministry of the Rev. Thomas Shepard, of
Cambridge, his Christian life grew rapidly and symmetrically. In reference
to the friendship of this eminent pastor he writes, " Unless it had been four
years living in Heaven' I know not how I could have more cause to bless God
with wonder, than for tliese four years," spent at the University. His rapid
progress in learning, in all the departments then taught, led to his being
early distinguished as a scholar, and elected a Fellow of the College. Nature
had amply endowed him with a clear and comprehensive intellect, a sound
judgment, peculiarly free from the influence of personal considerations, a
rich imagination, and a capacity for long continued and intense study. Nor
was his character less remarkalole for humility, gentleness and sincerity, uni-
ted with boldness, earnestness, and sturdy resolution. He was eventually
styled, and not unjustly, " The Blessed Mr. Mitchell," " The Honor of Cam-
bridge," "The Glory of the College."
His remarkable faculties of mind and heart, with his extraordinary learn-
ing and purity, had given him a reputation throughout New England, and he
had no sooner graduated than several of the most important churches sought
to secure his services. The church at Hartford desii'ed to make him the suc"
cessor of the famous Hooker, and he there preached his first sermon, June
24th, 1649. His text was from Heb., xi, 27. " He endured as seeing Him
who is invisible." The effort was by no means satisfactory to himself, but the
people judged differently, and immediately gave him a call, with a promise
of money for a library, and the privilege of remaining a year longer at the
University, if he desired. He was unable to accept the offer, because Mr.
Shepard and the prominent citizens of Cambridge had previously induced
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUUY. 1525
him to promise tliat he would return unfettered by any engaoeuient. His
first sermon in Cambridg-e was preaduid August 12th, l(i49, after hearing
which, Mr. Shepard told him that Cambridge was the place where he ought
to spend the remainder of his life. Being afterwards told by some of his
people that Mr. Mitchell's preaching was highly appreciated, he said, " My
work is done." This good man soon went to his rest, and " by the unani-
mous desire of Cambridge," Mr. Mitchell was put in his place. The ordina-
tion took place August 21 st of the same year. Just at this time he became
dangerously ill with the small pox, a humiliating disappointment, because it
prevented his fulfilling the important duties which he had assumed. He was
the same year elected a Fellow of the College, and appointed Tutor.
Soon after his settlement in the ministry, he was called to meet one of the
severest trials that can test the patience, wisdom, faithfulness and charity of
a young pastor. President Dunster, the President of the College, and for-
merly his tutor, and a member of the church, declined to present his children
for baptism, and wrote sermons against the baptizing of any children what-
ever. A violent opposition was excited, parties were formed, and a bitter
strife engendered. The party opposed to the pastor was led by a man distin-
guished for his learning, high social position, unquestioned Christian charac-
ter and great personal influence. Mr. Mitchell entered into the controversy
with extreme reluctance, and many misgivings as to the result. He treated
the subject, not as a debater, but as a sincere seeker after truth. The con-
clusion was entirely in favor of the points he advocated, and with none but
friendly feelings between him and his opponents. He wrote an elegy on the
death of President Dunster, " honorable alike to the writer and the subject."
This question however continued to be discussed in the churches, and in 1662
a Synod was called to meet in Boston, chiefly for its consideration. The
brunt of the discussion fell on Mr. Mitchell, and the resulting report adopted
by the Synod, was drawn up mainly by him. " Had the meek, charitable,
and amicable spirit that signalized this good man, been expressed by all good
men as much as it was by him, a great part of the ecclesiastical diflFerences in
the world had been evaporated." One of his antagonists on this occa.«ion,
who was greatly his superior in years, the venerable President Chauncey, in
the height of the controvery said, " I know no man in this world that I
would envy so much as worthy Mr. Mitchell, for the great boldness, learning)
wisdom and meekness, and other Christian qualities of an excellent spirit
with which the Lord Jesus Christ hath endowed him." In preparing for the
pulpit, his subject was exhaustively treated and carefully written out, but he
preached without notes or reference, after the text. His voice was musical,
flexible and clear ; his manner simple, sincere and earnest ; and his delivery
animated and expressive, rising at times to the highest order of eloquence.
" His auditories counted it a feast to hear him, and regretted that they were
so soon to be dismissed, for the people were never weary of hearing."
With all his duties, as tutor at the College, his elaborate church and other
ministrations, the time daily devoted to private prayer, meditation and self-
examination, he fully performed his duties a» a pastor in visiting his people,
' for whose souls he watched as one that must give an account.' He delivered
monthly lectures, which drew large numbers of people from the neighboring
1526 HTSTORT OF ANCIENT AVOOUBURY.
towns, as well as from his immediate vicinity. Churches, far and near, in
their difficulties, applied to him for help in their councils, and though gene-
rally younger than most present, he was more relied upon than any other for
right decisions. " The aged, able and venerable ministers, paid a strange
respect unto him." In the year 1662, " To prevent contentions and heresies,
laws were passed abridging the liberty of the press," and General Daniel
Gookin and the Rev. Dr. Mitchell, were appointed the first " licensers of the
press."
His connection with the church at Cambridge continued eighteen years,
during which period he went over a great part of the system of divinity,
made an exposition of the book of Genesis and part of Exodus, and wrote
many valuable treatises on the first four chapters of John.
Being himself a scholar, he dearly loved scholarly men, and sought the in-
terests of the University with which he was connected, with so much assi"
duity that he was styled "the father of the college." The value of his ser-
vices was recognized in the charter of Harvard College, grunted by the Eng-
lish Government in IGoO, in his being appointed one of the seven trustees.
During his college life, and subsequently, in the ministry, in mingling with
his people, and in the meetings of clergymen, he diligently and earnestly
prosecuted his Master's work, and he was culled to his rest in the midst of his
labors. After preaching from the text, " I know that thou wilt bring to death
and unto the house appointed for all living," he was seized with a fever
which terminated his life, July 9th, 1668.
Cotton Mather says, that he " never knew a death that caused so great
mourning and lamentation generally. He was greatly loved and honored
throughout all the churches, as well as in Cambridge, and admired by the
most competent judges of real worth."
Morton, who was contemporary with Mr. Mitchell, says: "He was a per-
son that held very near communion with God ; eminent in wisdom, piety,
humility, love, self-denial, and of a compassionate heart ; surpassing in pub-
lic spiritedness ; a mighty man in prayer ; and eminent at standing in the
gap ; he was zealous for order and faithful in asserting the truth against all
oppugners of it."
Dr. Increase Mather, who was personally and intimately acquainted with
him, says : " He was blessed with admirable natural as well as acquired parts.
His judgment was solid, deep and penetrating ; his memory was strong and
vastly capacious. He wrote sermons very largely ; and then used, with en-
largements, to commit them all to his memory, without once looking into the
bible after he had named his text, and yet his sermons were scriptural.
His publications were a letter of counsel to his brother, written while he
was at College ; an Election sermon, which he was called to preach before
the highest officers of the State in 1667 ; a Letter concerning the subjects of
Baptism, 1675 ; a Discourse of the Glory to which God hath called believers
by Jesus Christ, printed at London after his death, with the letter to his
brother affixed, and reprinted at Boston in a duodecimo volume in 1733.
He left a valuable record of the members of his church, in a folio M. S.,
which was found in 1815, by the Rev. Dr. Holmes, in Mr. Princes collection,
deposited in the Old South Church, in Boston. A small volume of his mauu-
HISTORY OF ANCIEXT WOODBURY. 1527
script sermons, preached in 1650, in the hand-writing of Capt. Jonathan Dan-
forth, was presented to the Mass. Hist. Hoc, in 1813.
Mr. Mitchell married Margaret Shepard, the second wife of his preeeceasor,
and had four sons and several daughti-rs. Two of the sons were graduates
at Harvard College. Samuel, in 1681, and Jonathan, 1687. The former was
a Fellow of the College and died young ; the latter died in 1695. The sons
laft no posterity. His daughter, Margaret, was married, June 13th, 1683, to
Maj. Stephen Sewall, of Salem, and was the mother of seventeen children.
In this line, descendants of Mr. Mitchell still remain.
Children of Minott7and Eliza L. Michell : 1. Joseph Silliman 8, b. 11th
Feb., 1809. 3. William MinotS, b. 39th May, 1811, was graduated at
Union College, died 15th March, 1849. Practiced law in the city of New
York. He was a man of extraordinary genius, and although he died
young, had already obtained an eminent position in his profession ; m. 1st,
Sarah Elizabeth Silliman, dau. of W. Silliman, Esq., of New York, 9th Dec,
1834. She d. May 39th, 1841. Children : I. Minott,9 b. Sept. 30, 1837. Mar.
ried Alniira G. Smith, April 9th, 1861. Children : 1st, Sarah Elizabeth^ b.
10th Aug., 1863. 2d. Ida Louisa iO b. Dec. 31, 1566.
II. Eliza Louise,9 born Aug. 15, 1839. Married William Cleveland Hyde
b. Dec. 15,1863. Children: 1st. Harv/ Cleveland Hyde,h. March 31, 1864
2d. William Minott Mitchell, b. Oct. 9th, 1865. 3d. Edicard Rutherford, h,
Aug. 38th, 1867. 4th. Edith, b. Feb. 3d, 1870.
William Minott Mitchell,8 m. 3d, Mary Delia Silliman, sister of his first
wife, 11th Sept., 1843. Children :
III. Delia Silliman.S b. od Feb., 1844, m. Meredith L. Jones, of Scranton
Penn. Children: 1st. Isabelle, b. Aug. 10, 1866, d. Jan. 11, 1868. 3d. Annie,
b. Jan. 3l8t, 1870.
IV. William Silliman, b. Oct. 10, 1845.
V. Isabella, b. 39th Oct., 1847, m. Edward A. Palmer, May 28, 1868.
VI. Wilhelmina, b.36th May, 1849. (Posthumous).
Chaxjncey L. Mitchell,8 b. 20th Nov. 1813, practising medicine in Brook-
lyn, N. Y., at one time Professor of Physiology and Obstetrics in Castleton
Medical College, was graduated at Union College ; twice m. Ist, to Caroline
Laura Langdon, dau. of Hon. B. F. Langdon, of Vermont, Oct. 20th, 1843, d.
July 13th, 1855. Children: 1. Charles Langdon, b. 28th March, 1845, was
graduated at Yale College and at Andover Theological Seminary. 2. Eliza
Leeds, b. 14th Dec, 1847.
2d, m. Frances E. Wright, dau. of Hon. Benjamin Wright, of Rome, N. Y.,
Jan. 14, 1847.
JosiAH Sherman 8 Mitchell, practising law at White Plains, N. Y., b.
Feb. 3d, 1816, twice married, 1st, to Elizabeth Anderson, dau. of Hon. Jo-
seph H. and Mercia Anderson, Feb. 9th, 1843. She d. Oct. 17th, 1856. Chh :
I William Anderson,9 b. 13th Dec, 1842, was graduated at Columbia Col-
lege, and at the Medical Department of Yale College, m. Natalie Madalena
Sayen, June 7th, 1866. Child : Harry Sayen Mitchell.lO b. March 28th, 1868,
II. Anna Caroline.9 b. 26th Sept., 1848.
2d, m. Margaret Louise Dusenbury, dau. of David Dusenbury, Esq., Jan.
9, 1862. Child : Charles Halsey, b. 23d Nov., 1864.
1528 HISTORY OF ANCIEXT WOODBURY.
James Minott Mitchells b. 13 May, 1829, died 17tli March, 1832.
Caroline Minott Mitchell.S b. lith May, 1829, m. David Auderson>
son of Hon. Joseph H. Anderson, of N. Y., Dec. 3d, 1846. Children : 1. Joseph
HalseyP b. May 9tli, 1848. .2. Dacid Minott,^ b. Oct 9th 1855.
Joseph Halsey Anderson ,9 m. Harriet Eells, Sept., 1868. Children: 1st,
Annie Coe, lo b. Feb. 2d, 1870. 2d, Caroline, ^^ Jan. 10th, 1871.
Ann Eliza Mitchell,8 b. 28th Oct., 1818, m. Frederick A. Coe, Esq., son of
Rev. Noah Coe, of Ct., Aug. 16, 1841. He practised law in New York ; died
Jan. 9th, 1870. One child : Caroline Mitchell^ b. Aug-. 16, 1843, d April 30,
1846.
Charles Halset Mitchell,8 b. iSth Feb. 1824, was graduated at the
New York University, practising lawin the City of New York, m. Isabella
R. Hull, dau. of Judge John Hull, of New Jersey, July 21st, 1859. Children :
1. Margaretta Hull,^ b. May 6, 1860. Anne Minott, 9 Dept. 26, 1862. 3. Eliza
Leeds,^ b. Jan. 28, 1867, d. Aug. 29, 1867.
Justus Mitchell d. 24th Feb. 1806.
Descendants of Chauncei/ Boot Mitchell.
Children :
I. Elizabeth Thomson, b. 18th Oct., 1808, m. Dr. William S. Stanley. No
children.
II. Martha M. b. May 2, I8l0, m. Isaac Depew, Dec. 26th, 1832. Five chil-
dren : Chtmncey Mitchell, b. April 23d, 1834, graduated at Yale, 1856. Was
two terms in the State Legislature of New York. Secretary of State. Ap-
pointed minister Resident to Japan, but declined. Appointed County Clerk
of Westchester County, and resigned. Appointed Commissioner of Taxes
and assessments for the City of New York. Appointed commissioner of emi-
gration for the State of New York ; practicing law as an Attorney for the
New York Central and Hudson River R. R. Co. 2d. Wm Beverly, b. May 8,
1837, m. Helen Ganson, dau. of John S. Gai:^on, of Buffalo, Feb., 1st, 1865-
Two children :
1st, Ganson, b. Feb., 1866. 2d, Chauncey, b. May, 1867.
3d. Lawrence I., b. Sept. 6, l839. 4th. Katharine, h. Sept, 8, 1843, m. Dr.
Albert Strang, of New York, Sept. 2., 1868. 5 Annie M., b. Dec. 6, 1844, m.
Wm. H. Paulding, June 20, 1865. Two children: 1st. Annie M., b. Aug. 2d,
1866. 2d. diaries G. b. Dec. 11, 1868.
III. William Ogden, b. June 6, 1812, d. June 1, 1831.
IV. Lucia Johnston, b. Aug. 19, 1814, m. Dr. William Govan, July 6,
1844, three children: 1st. Ann Matilda, b. April 20, 1847. 2d. Wm. Stark,
b. Feb. 3, 1850, d. Aug. 23, 1855. 3. Minott Mitchell, b. July 12th, 1852:
Descendants of Sherman Mitchell, son of Rev. Justus. One child :
Martha, b May 23d, 1807, m. Joseph Silliman, of New Canaan. Two Chh. :
1st. Joseph Fitch, b. Feb. 7, 1840, m. Caroline Hoyt, Oct 17, 1866, three chh. .
1st. Joseph Mitchell, b. Sept. 29th, 1867. 2d. James Hoyt, b. Oct. 20, 1868.'
3d. Martha, b. Sept. 13th, 1870.
2d, Justus Mitchell, b. Jan. 25, 1812.
In the Woodbury branch of the family, the foUovring items have been fur-
nished. Deaths : — Eliza W., wife of W. D. Atwater, in 1852 ; Beuben Mitch.
TIISTOKY OF A NCI K XT AV O O ]) 15 U R Y . 1529
ell, in 1853 ; Susan, in 1855 ; Nancy, in 1858 : Susanna, in 1859 ; Minott M.,
in 1860; Fraiik, in 1861 ; Ruth, IStJG.
Marriaa:es :— Asahel W Mitchell m. Franci'S Cogswell, in 1858, Married,
2d, Harriet S. Allen, in 1862. Children: Asahel W. Jr., b. Oct., 1805.
List of Descend n:ts of D.cA. Eleazak Mitcheli.,
Born Nov. 27, 1732. 7 Children ; Simeon-, b. Sept. 5, 1750 d. June 'J, 1814 ;
Eunice, b. May 25, 1762 ; Warren, b. Jan. 15, 1776, d. Jan. 30, 18-12 ; Anna,
b. April 30, 1768, d. Nov. i;^, 1807; Benjamin, b. June 30, 1770, d. Aug. 13,
1771 ; Olive, b. April 11, 1774, ; Benjamin, h. April 22, 1777, d. Sept. 3, 1842.
Simeon ni. first, Hannah Johnson, of South Britain, April, 16, 1783 ; she
was b. F'eb. 10, 17G7, d. Jan. 28, I79n ; m. seccud, Anna Strong, of Southbury,
Dec. 25, 1791. Anna was born Oct. 17, 1763, d. April 10, 1828. 3 Children:
Polly, b. Dee. 7, 1783 ; Olive, b. Dec. 8, USr,, d. Sept. 21, 1857 ; Betsey, b. Aug.
30, 1788, d. June 25, 1810.
Eunice m. Wait Hinman of Southbury, Jan. 29, 1784. He was b. Aug. 8,
1761, d. April 8, 1834. 2 children : Josiak, b. May 23, 1786, d. June 4, 1858 ;
Olive E.,h. Sept. 28, 1797, m. (ilover Laird,, Jan. 14, 1854.
Warren m. Milly Kimberly, of Southbury, Nov. 19, 1788. She was b.
Feb. 19, 1771, d. March 17, 1S53. 4 children: Cyrus, b. July 11, 1790 ; Sally,
b. March 12, 1-795; Anna, b. May 11, 1799, m. x\nson Bradley, Oct. 6, 1819, d.
July 29, 1821 ; Nconcy, b. March 26, 180;;.
Amos m. first, widow Ruth Curtis, dau. of Dea. Josiah Minor, of Wood-
bury, Feb. 19th, 1795. She died Oct. 1. 1801 ; m. second, Ruth Judson, 1803,
who still survives. He was killed by falling from a bridge tEat crosses the
Pomperaug, at the junction with the Housatonic. 3 children : Eleazar Styles^
b. June 10, 1789, died Feb, 5, 18U0; Harriet, b. Aug. 10, 18u0, d. Sept. 21,
1801 ; Betsey Harriet b. Aug. 5, 1807, d. Nov. 11, 1826.
Olive m. Seth N. Wheeler, of Southbury, Feb. 19, 1795. He was b. Jan.
28, 1772, d. Dec. 31, I84l. 4 children; Betsey, b. Oct. 22, 1798. m. Peter E.
Oakley, Dec. 20, 1818, d April 13, 1831 ; Eunice M., b. May 15, 1803, d Jan.
14. 1632 ; Sarah Maria, b. May 8, 1807, d. Feb. 22, 1815 ; Ann, b. Aug. ,
1812, d. Jan. 1, 1827.
Benjamin m Hannah Pierce, of South Britain, March 1, l8ol. She was b.
Oct. 24, 1780, d. Dec. 31, 1847. 8 children : Erastus, b. Sept. 11, 18U2 ; Elea-
zor, b. Oct. 6, 1804 ; Anson P., b. Aug. 5, 1807 ; Phehe Ann. b. June 28, 18u9,
d. Feb. 12, 1828; Oliver, b. Sept. 5, 1813 ; Laura, b. April 15, 1817, d. June
11, 1834; Julia A, b. June 10, 1822, d. March 6,1850; Beunet, b. May 14,
1829, d. June 3, 1839.
Third Generation.
Polly Mitchell m. Burton Caufield, of New Milford, April 1, 1802. He
was b. Feb. 22, 1778, d. Jan. 10, 18 18. 3 children ; Harriet, b. Dec. 27, 18(»2 ;
Mitchell M., b, March 29, 1809; Lemuel Munson, b. April 19, 1820, d. Sept. 5,
1854.
Olive Mitchell m. Joel Crane, of Newark, N. J., June 20, 1804, lived in
Southbury till May, 1818, when they removed to Vermillion, Erie Co., Ohio.
He was b. Jan. 20, 1779, d. Aug. 3, 1844. 5 children : Simeon M., b. March
1630 HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
24, 1805; Mary Anna, b. Oct. 21. 1807 ; William, b. April 20, 1810, d. Aug.
29, 1810 ; Wm. Hobart, b. May 14, 1813 ; Chas. Edward, b. June* 30, 1815, d.
Oct 2. 1827.
Betsey Mitchell m. Lemuel Canfield, of New Milford, 1807. He was b.
March 26, 1787, d. March 15, |1807. 1 child: Jerome Canfield, b. March 26,
1808.
JosiAH HiNMAN m. first, Sally Basset, May, 1808. She was b. May 1, 1786,
d. April 17, 1850, Married second, widow Eliza Church, April 24, 1856 10
Children: Charles, b. Feb. 14, 1809; Van Vactor, b. Sept. 6, 1812, d. Oct. 7,
1839 ; Flora, b. Dec. 16, 1814 ; John Henry, b. April 26, 1816 ; Delia, b. April
2, 1818; Hobart, b. July 28, 1820; Ross, b. Aug. 14, 1822; m. Mary Thomas,
New Haven ; George, b. Sept. 14, 1824 ; Preston, b. April 3, 1827 ; Mary Ann,
b. May 17, 1832.
Cyrus Mitchell m. Charlotte Pierce, Dec. 23, 1812. Residence South
Britain. 5 children : Anna J., b. Dec. 26,1814; Betsey, b. Sept. 22,1817;
Mary C, b. Feb. 17, 1820 ; Nelson W., b. May 29, 1825 ; Cyrus L., b. Sept. 8,
1828.
Sally Mitchell m. Ebenezer Johnson, of Southbury, Oct. 22, 1813. He
wash. March 3,1791. Resides Southbury. 2 children: Henry Justus, b.
Nov. 8, 1814 ; Eliza Ann, b. Nov. 19, 1819.
Eunice M. Wheeler m. Mattliew E. Mitchell, of Washington, Jan I5th,
1823. 2 children : Sa.rah Maria, b. April 11, 1834; Betsey Ann, b. April 16,
1827.
Erastus Mitchell m. Judith A. Downs, Jan. 6th, 1829. Residence South
Britain. 2 children ; Ann Eliza, b. March 13, 1830, d. Oct. 12, 1848; Laura
A., b. April 12, 1835.
Eleazor Mitchell m. Cornelia Merwin, of Bridgewater, Jan. 18, 1829.
Residence South Britain. 7 children : An infant son d. Nov. 22, 1829 ; Law-
rence, b. Feb. 27, 1832 ; Benjamin Bruce, b. July 11, 1835, d. May 11, 1843 ;
David M., b. Jan. 8, 1837, d. March 24, 1838 ; Mary, b. July 6, 1839, d. Feb. 2,
1842 ; Mary, b. Sept. 3, 1844 ; Benjamin B., b. Dec. 5, 1846, drowned Sept. 4,
1854; David Merwin, b. Oct 16, 1841.
Amos P. Mitchell m. first, Thalia Painter, of Roxbury, who d. Aug. 14,
1849, aged 41. He m. second, Maria Tyler, of Middlebury, May 30, 1850.
Residence South Britain. 6 children: Josephine, b. April 23, 1839; William,
b. May 30, I84l,d. Aug. 15, 1841 ; Henry B., b. Jan. 25, 1842; Oeorye, b.
March 13, 1846 ; William, b. March 13, 1849 ; Julia Tyler, d. May 11, 1852.
Oliver Mitchell m. Mary Griffin, of Hampden, Feb. 22, 1837. Resi-
dence South Britain. 1 child : Benjamin Oriffln, b. Jan 4, 1838.
Julia A. Mithell m. Merwin Waller, of New Milford, Oct. 15, 1845. 1
child : Edwin Mitchell Waller.
Fourth Oeneration.
Harriet Canfield m. Anson Bradley, Feb. 1, 1824. He was b. May 10,
1796. Residence South Britain. 5 children: Lemuel 6'., b. Dec. 1, 1826, d.
Oct. 10, 1829 ; Burton C, b. Jan. 9, 1830, m. Anna, b. Feb. 10, 1832 : Sarah,
b. Dec. 6, 1835 ; Eliza, b. Sept. 21, 1839.
Mithell Munroe Canfield m. Eliza J. Averill, Nov. 24, 1880. She was
HISTORY OP ANCIENT AVOODBUKY. 1581
b. June 28, 1811. Resides South Britain. 2 children: Acer'dl Burton, b.
Nov. 8, 1831 ; Henry Monroe, b. Aug. 15, 1841.
Lemuel M. Canpild m. Emeline Northrup, of Seymour, Ct., Mardi 10,
1843. She was b. in March — 1845. Residence South Britain. 2 children :
Harriet Elizabeth, b. Mar. 15, 18.30 ; SaraJi Eleanor, b. April 29, 1852.
Simeon Mitchell Crane m. first Eliza A. Ingram, Sept. 5, 1826. She
was born July 17, 1812, d. July 7, 1836. He m. second, Olive Rockwell, Sept.
3, 1838. She was b. Sept. 29, 1820. Residence Florence, Erie Co., Ohio.
10 childen: Charles Edward, b. Nov. 27, 1827, residence Green Bay ; Samuel
Ingham, b. Dec. 20, 1832, d. 1859 : George Mitchell, b. July 1, 1835; Anna
Louisa, b. Feb. 6, 1840, m. Henry W. Hyde, April 30, 1857 ; Mary Minerva
b. July 3, 1842, d. Dec. 29,18.50; Joel Rockwell, b. Dec. 1, 184.5; Olive A.',
Laura A., b. Aug. 8, 18-51,; Mary Eliza, h. Oct. 22, 18.54; Burton Delos, b.
April 7, 1858.
Mary Anna Crane m. Dr. G. G. Baker, Nov. 25, 1824. He was born Dec.
19, 1793. Residence Norwalk, Huron Co., Ohio. 1 child : Sarah Louisa, b-
Dec. 26, 1827, d. Aug. 16, 1849.
Wm. Hobart Crane m. Harriet Chandler Oct. 27, 1841. She was b. July
17, 1819. Residence Vermillion, Erie Co. Ohio. 2 children: Henry Herbert,
b. June 5, 1843 ; Ellen Eliza, b. Sept. 1, 1846.
Jerome Canpield m. Hannah Smith of Hanover, N. H., Nov. 28th, 1828-
Residence Brooklyn, N. Y. 6 children : Lemuel Smith m. Emily Johnson,
June 1857 ; Mitchell Jerome, deceased; Cornelia C. ; Edward Jerome, deceas.
ed ; Chandler P. ; Emma Gertrude, deceased.
Charles Hinman m. Rachel Russel. Residence Oxford, Ct. 2 children •
Martha R. m. Spencer Bray ; Sarah.
Flora Hinman ni. Burr Dickerman, Nov. 25, 1835. Residence Armenia,
New York. 6 children: Harriet, b. Dec. 2, 1836; Sarah, b. May 5, 1839.
Seth, b. Jan. 10, 1842, d. March 25, 1845; Milo, b. March 2^5, 1844 ; Seth, b.'
Jan. 2, 1847, d. Dec. 2, 1849 ; xilice, b. Oct. 5, 1852.
John W. Hinman m. Mary Kelsey, of Milford. 1 child : Harry Garirood.
Delia Hinman m. Wm. Wallace. Residence Anamosa, Jones Co., Iowa..
2 children : Louisa ; Isabella.
George Hinman m. Lucretia Hewitt. Residence New Haven, Ct. 2 chh :
George ; Mary.
Preston Hinman m. Harriet Beecher. Residence New Haven, Ct. 1
child: Frank.
May Ann Hinman m. John Downs. Residence New Haven, Ct. 1 child •
Minot.
Mary C. Mitchell m. Curtis B. Bowns, Oct. 22, 1839. Residence South
Britain. 2 children : Elizabeth A; Catherine M., d. Jan. 1800.
Nelson Warren Mitchell m. Edna E. Piatt, Feb. 28, 1849. Residence
South Britain. 2 children: Edward Leroy, 1). Sept. 29, 1851; Anna Char-
lotte, b. Feb. 3, 1856.
Henry J. Johnson m. Lucinda Clark, Sept. 1839. Residence Southbury
2 children: Charles, b. and d. Jan 5, 1811 ; Emily MUrliell, b. April 28. 1842,
d. Sept. 5, 1842.
Eliza A. Johnson m. Rev. (jeo. P. Praldeii, Oct. 4, 1839. RfrJidciicc Wa-
44
1532 HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O D B U B T .
tertown, Ct. 5 children : Edward Payson, b. June 8, 1841, d. April 14, 1843 ;
Henry Johnson, b. March 16, 1843; Theodore, b. March 14, 1847; TheopMl
Mitchell, b. July 7, 1849 ; Lilian Eliza, b. Dec. 3, 1852.
Sarah Maria Mitchell m. Dr. N. C. Baldwin, Oct. 31, 1841. Residence
South Britain. 3 children : Mary, h. Dec. 1847 ; Wilber, deceased.
Betsey Ann Mitchell m. first, David C. Hinman, of New Haven ; sec"
ond, Charles Cothren, Aug. 1854. Residence Brooklyn, New York. 4chh:
Edward C. Hinman, b. Dec. 4, 1848; three dau., all deceased.
Lawrence Mitchell m. Esther Holbrook, Jan. 24, 1855. Residence New-
town, Ct. 1 child : Frank Holbrook, b. Feb. 4, 1856.
Fifth Generation.
Averill B. Ganfield m. Alice S. Angevine, Sept. 9, 185Y. She was b-
Sept. 0,1835. Residence South Britain. 1 child: Cornelia Elizabeth, h-Tiec.
18, 1858.
Samuel I. Crane m. Sophia f'harlotte Buck, April 26, 1854. Residence
New York. 2 children , Charles Herbert, b. April 1, 1856 ; George Edward,
b. Sept. 9, 1858.
Hannah Hickock, dau. of Dea. Mitchell's second wife, m. Rev. Zephania
Smith. Residence Glastenbury, Ct. 5 children : Zephania ; Lncretia ; Law
rilla, deceased ; Julia E. ; Abigail H.
From South Britain the following additions have been received : —
Sally Mitchell, w. Eben Johnson, d. Jan 24, 1869.
Betsey Mitchell, (Cyrus M's dau.,) d. Nov. 18, 1870.
Nelson W. Mitchell's children : 1st, Edward Leroy, b. Sept. 29, 1851 ;
2d, Annie Charlotte, b. Feb. 3d, 1856 ; 3d, Charles W., b. March 12, 1861.
Gyrus Leroy M's family : m. Sarah Hunt June 23d, 1859. Children : Ist,
Walter L.,\). April -28th, 1862: 2d, Frederick M'arren,h.'Dec. 18th, 1863;
3d, Robert Cyrii^, b. Mar. 6, 1869.
Erastus Mitchell d. Feb. 9th, 1869.
Ann Ehza Mitchell d. Oct. 19. 1848.
Laura A. Mitchell m. A. B. Downs Nov. 26, 1861 . She d. Aug. 18, 1862.
Mary Ann Mitchell d. June 18, 1866.
Oliver Mitchell m. Emeline Ganfield Oct. 23d, 1867
Josephine A. Mitchell m. Herman Perry June 16th, 1864. 1 child: Ma7'y
Jane Perry, b. June 20, 1869.
Henry P.Mitchell m. Phebe Stoddard Nov. 14th, 1865. 2 children:
Thalia Esther, b. Sept. 19th, 1866 ; Martha, b. Aug. 12th, 1868.
Wm. E. Mitchell m. Elizabeth A. Nickerson, Nov. 9th, 1870.
Julia T. Mitchell m. S. P. Averill March 2d, 1870. 1 child : Ada M., b.
Dec. 20, 1870.
Lawrence Mitchell m. Esther Holbrook Jan. 24th, 1855.~ 3 children:
Frank H, b. Feb. 4th, 1866 ; Nellie E., b. June, 1860 ; Jessie P., b. May, 1864.
Mary Mitchell m. Dr. A. E. Winchell, Oct, 10th, 1865. 1 child: Mary
Helen, b. Sept. 16th, 1866.
D. M. Mitchell m. Hatte J. Lemmon Dec. 29th, 1869. 1 child: .Be«ja-
mt/i J/., b. Oct. 27th, 1870.
HISTORY OF AXCIENT WOODBURY. 1533
MINOR FAMILY.
There was an ancient account of this family, which the writer was not able
to obtain in time for the former edition. He has it now. It is very quaint
and curious, and is introduced below entire :
" It is more praiseworthie in noble and excellent things to know somethino-,
though little, than in mean and ignoble things to have a perfect knowledge.
Amongst all those rare ornaments of the mind of man, heraldic hath had a
most eminent place, and hath been held in high esteem, not only at one time
and in one climate, but during all times, and through those parts of the
world where any ray of Humanitie and Ci^^litie hath shined, for without it
all would be drowned in the chaos of disorder. Neither is she so partial,
that money shall make the man. For he ought not to be accounted a perfect
Herauld, except that he can discern the difference betwixt a coat armoriall,
obtained by valour, or purchased by money. Seutwn Gentilmm PaUudamen-
tum Cistatamis — honorable not mercenary, as appears by the coat of the
Miners. The reason (as Garcilaseo Sayeth, page 432) is this. Edward, the
third, going to make warre against the French, took a progress through
Somerset, and coming to Mendippi Colles minerary, Mendippi Hills in Som-
ersett, w^here lived Henry, a miner, whose surname was Bullman,) his name
being taken rather a denominatione soci et ab officio, who with all careful-
ness and loyaltie, having convened his Domestics and menial Servants, armed
with Battle Axes, proflfered himself and them to his master's service, making
up a complete hundred. Wherefore he had his coat armorial (Gules) signifying
Minius, red — another demonstration of the original of the surname, a Fesse
id est cingulum militare, because obtained by valour, betwixt three plates ar.
gent, crest, a battle axe armed at both ends, another demonstration of the
arms, for there could be no plates without Mines. It is folly to suppose such
a surname as Minor to have any coat of arms, it being contrary, yea, contra-
dictory in terms, that Minor can obtain paternal coats or achievments, unless
it be presupposed that Major was his father. Bartas, a French Herauld, says
Miner is a word contracted in Dutch, MIN-HEIR, that is my master or Lord,
and gives his reason for the plates to be dollars or pieces of Eight, abund.
ance of which will make Hollander, (albeit born upon a dunghill) to be titled
Min-heir, but ye crest reason aforesaid, and Chronologie proves the first, and
albeit Heraulds diifer in the Describing (says Fordon, page 342) of this sur.
name, Miner, and time, with the various dialects of several counties have
almost made it to be another name, yet if ignorance would strive to eradicate
Ancestrie, it can not do it in this coat, the name and colours making so much
proof with the place (says Baker). 1st, the place where the original came
from ; Mendippi Colles Minerary. 2d, by the field, Minius. 3d, by the charge
Minerall. 4th, by the circumstances and actions upon record, relative to the
crest, being a battle-axe armed at both ends Minerall. Herauldry is a thing
not of yesterday, or which may be otherways found out, being already con.
descended upon by all nations, and as it were established. Jure Centium,
among the Greeks, Romans. Germans. Frencb, Spaniards, English, Scots,
Danes and Hungarians, &c. Fridon, the great Antiquarian, sayetli that the
15a4 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
King'js Secretary returned the foresaid Henry Miner a compliment for liia
Loyaltie in these words. Oceamis qtcamms magniflury multiqtie torrentes
sint ei stipcndary. Non de dignatur recipere minares Eiviloso id est. The
Ocean (though great rivers pay him tribute) disdains not also to receive the
Lesser, if Loyal Brooks, which by one only urne pour themselves into its
bosom.
This Henry died in the year 1359, leaving behind him Henry, Edward-
Thomas and George Miner, of whom little is to be said, save as only that
Henry married one Henrietta Hicks, daughter of Edward Hicks, of Glouces-
ter, of whom as appears by the paling of their arms, are the Hicks of Bevers-
ton Castle, in Glocester, descended, and had issue, William and Henry.
William married one Hobbs of Wiltshire, and had issue, Thomas and
George. Henry, the 3d son, served Richard the second, in the year 1384.
Thomas, in 1399, married one Miss Gressleys, daughter of Cotton, in the
Countie of Stafford, and had issue, Lodovick, George and Mary. Lodovick
married Anna Dyer, daughter of thomas Dyer, of Stoughton, in the Counti®
of Huntington, and had issue, Thomas, born 1436 (and after that twins, being
twenty-two years after ye birth of the said Thomas, and the twins, George
and Arthur, who both served the House of Austria, the younger married (as
Philipe Comi-ns relates) one Henrietta de la Villa Odorosa. Thomas mar-
ried Bridget, second daughter to Sir George Hervie de St. Martins, in County
Middlesex, and died 1480, leaving his son William and daughter Anna Miner
in tutorage to their mother Bridget, whom she resigned to her father, and
turned to a Monasterial life in Dutford, where she remained during the re.
mainder of her life. William married Isabella Hartope de Frolibay, and lived
to revenge the death of the two young Princes murdered in the Tower of
London, upon their inhuman uncle, Richard the 3d. It was said of this
William Miner, that he was Flos Militiae, the flower of chivalrie. He left
behind him ten sons. William, George, Thomas, Robert, Nathaniel and
John ; the rest are not recorded. The two last went, over to Ireland, in 1541,
when King Henry the 8th was proclaimed 1st King of Scotland. Nathaniel
married one Fitzmorris neigh Caterburgh, in the province of Leineter, in Ire-
land, John married Joselina O'Bryan, daughter of Teig O'Bryan, of , in
County of Clare, whose posteritie remain there in the name of Miner, bear,
ing the same coat. George married and lived in Shropshire, Thomas in He.
reford. William, the oldest son, had issue, Clement and Elizabeth Miner,
and was buried at Chow Magna, the 23 day of February, Anno Domini 1585,
and lies interred in the Priests' chancel, about four feet from the wall, with
this inscription :
HERE , , E T H ,,,,,, M
MYNER ,,, OF ,,, PSH
OBYT IRMFERRU, MDLXXXV.
This and no more is legible upon the stone, with the coat expressed in the
margin (at the }■ signe) but Ijy the Records and Registry of said church
it is evident that his name was William Myner, they both a greeing in the
same date and place, and must needs have been the head of the same family,
as by the i)aternal coat of arms clearly appear.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O 0 D B l" K V . 1535
Clement, Ms son, succeeded his father in Heritage, and married, and had
issue, Clement, Thomas, Elizabeth and Mary Miners, and departed this life
the olst of March, 1640, and lies interred in Chow Magna, in the County of
Somersett. Clement, the eldest brother, married Sarah Pope, daughter of
John Pope, of Norton, Small Reward, in the County of Somersett, and had
issue, William and Israel. This Clement was buried at Burslington, County
of Somersett, and Thomas, his brother, is now (in 1683) alive at Stonington,
Connecticut Colony, in New England, Anno Domini 1683, and has issue,
John, Thomas, Clement, Manassah,' Ephraim and Judah Miners, and two
daughters, Marie and Elizabeth. William Miner, eldest son of Clement Mi.
ner, 2d, married Sarah, daughter of John Batting, of Clifton, in Gloucester-
shire, and lives, Aniio Domini 1683, in Christmas street, in the city of Bristol,
and has issue, William and Sarah. Israel, the second sou", married Elizaljeth,
daughter of Thomas Jones, of Burslington, in County of Somersett, and had
issiie, Clement, Thomas, Sarah, Jean and Elizabeth, Anno Domini 1683.
And now, having done with the description Genealogtcall, I hope that TOY
TIC, etc., etc.
i egdaba naian Tima, aug. ugabo.
And if I have used any old or ancient words, yea, words differently now
Syllibicated, I may excuse myself with Quintialiaum Verbosa restuetate repe-
tites non solume maquis assentores aliquam non sine de lulatonat, and for the
ingenuous reader I am not that every Peasant should venture his sick-brained
opinion iipon this essay, knowing well that asy neminem habet inimicume
praetor iguorautum, but if he will take counsel (an illegible Greek quotation
here follows, translated by the author to mean, " If thou hast no taste for
learning, meddle no more with what thou understandest not,") and keeping
himself silent, he may pass for a wit, while on the contrary, his too much
garrulity shows his nakedness as much as Prester John, who describes him-
self fromes Logues of Solomon, or Fishulf from a seth : but I shall be very
much beholden to the learned reader, who, if he can give more satisfaciion
in the essay, would, for the honor of antiquitie (who now lies in profundo
Democratis Putio) mind the Errata chronologically, and see if he can derive
the surname from a longer time, it being supposed that Henry Miner's name,
before the King's progress into Somersett was Bullman, but how cer ain,
however, I know not, but leave it to some other, whose experience and learn-
ing exceed mine. Desiring notliing more than that Heraldie should be re-
stored to its pristine splendour and truth, and not be abused by every com.
mon painter and plasterer, who, before he will lose a fee, will fansie a coat of
arms to the loss of their estates and goods, and sometimes their very names.
Quid non mortalium pectora coginis aure Sacra Fames V
Emblemata ad voluutatem Domini Riges sunt portanda et non alius andi
Heraldrie, stands in need of the dose gaperapsusys, and now I will con-
clude with Ralph Brooks, Esquire, and York Heraldie.
' Manassah was younger than Ephraim and Judah ; the latter came from
England with their father and older brothers, but Manasseh was born in
this country, and is the ancestor of the Stonington Miners.
1536 HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O D B TJ K Y .
To make these names alive again appear,
Which in oblivion well nigh buried were,
That so your children may avoid the jarres,
Which might arise about their ancestors ;
And the living might those titles see
With which these names and houses honored be.
Yet I have hope of more acceptance from
Those future times that after we shall come.
For when beneath the stroke of death I fall,
And those that live these lines examine shall,
Detraction dying, you that do remain
Will credit me and thank me for n\y pains.
Very — si quid nodisti rectius
Candidas imperti — sinon utere mecum.
This coat of the Miners of Chow, I attest to be entered at Bath, in Somer-
sett, by Clarenceux, the 4th of King James the first, which visitation is in
custody of me, 1606.
Alex. Cunningham.
Note. — The original essay (of which the forgoing is a copy) was sent over
from England to the first Thomas Miner, sojne years after he emigrated to
this country, and was preserved by the descendants of Manassah Miner, who
still occupy the Homestead in Wicketegnack, till within a few years, when it
was deposited with the Connecticut Historical Society for preservation.
Children of Thomas Miner :
1. Jo?m, moved to Stratford, then to Woodbury.
2. Thomas, of whom we find no record.
3. Clement, married and settled in New London, where some of his de-
scendants now live, and from whom the Lyme Miners sprung.
4. Ephraim settled in Stonington.
5. Judah, record says, went East
6. Manassali settled in Stonington, ancestor of the North Stonington Mi-
ners. 7. Joseph. 8. Samuel. 9. Ann. 10. Marie. 11. Eunice. 12. Eliz-
abeth. 13. Hannali.
Page 643. Elizabeth, w. of John Minor, and dau. of Richard Booth, was
b. Sept., 1641, and d. Oct., 1732. Page 644. John Minor (5 (16) ) m. Sarah,
dau. of Robert Rose, of Stratford.
On page 644 is recorded, '' 20 V. Grace^ (dau. of Capt. John Minor, b. Sept.
20, 1670, m. Grant." She was the grand-daughter of Thomas Minor,
the emigrant, by his wife, Grace Palmer, dau. of Walter Palmer. Grace
Minor was m. to Samuel Grant, Jr., of Windsor, Conn., Ap. 11, 1688.- Thus
the above blank is filled. She thus became the ancestress of Gen. Ulysses S.
Grant, the President of the U. S.
The generations upward run thus : — Gen. Ulysses Simpson Grant, son of
Jesse Root, and Hannah (Simpson) Grant, b. April 27, 1822, son of Capt. Noah
and Rachel (Kelley) Grant, b. Jan., 1794 ; son of Noah and Susanna (Delano)
Grant, b. June 20, 1748; son of Noah and Martha (Huntington) Grant, b..
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1537
July 12, 1118; son of Samuuel Jr. and Grace (Minor) Grant, dau. of John
Minor, of Woodbury, b. Dec. 16, 1692 ; son of Samuel and Mary (Porter)
Grant, b. April 30, l6o9 : son of Deacon Matiliew and Priscilla Grant, of
Windsor, Conn., b. Nov. 12, 1631.
" Besides the Grant blood, there is intermingled in the veins of the Gene-
ral, by successive marriages, the blood of some of the best Connecticut fami-
lies— the Huntingtons, the Lathrops, the Porters, the Minors, the Putnams, —
all strong names, and significant of good training and sterling growth.""
Mr. Trowbridge thinks that Ann, No. 147 p. 649, should read £}i7im m.
Philo Judson.
Rhoda (187) m. Seth Bacon. Samuel (142) m. Molly Handy.
Burke Minor, (299) b. Aug. 16, 1809, m. Eliza Turner, Sept. 3, 1834. She
was b. May 24, 1815, Child : Catherine Eliza, b Sept. 9, 1842.
Charles M. Minor, b. Dec. 12, 1817, m. Harriet X. Ketchell, Aug. 23, 1841.
Children : Arthur, L. b. Jan. 23, 1853, d. Dec. 7, 1865 ; Charles H., b. April 1,
1855, d. July 20, 1870.
NICHOLS FAMILY.
[Addition.]
P. 657. Four Nichols appear originally in Stratford.
1. Francis, who died 1650 leaving small estate. He had three sons : John,
Isaac and Caleb. The two latter settled in Stratford. The former, John,
came to Fairfield, from Watertown, about 1653, and by wife Grace had
Isaac, Sarah and JoJin The father, John, d in June, 1655, and the widow
had Samuel soon after his death. She mentions him with Sarah and
John, in a deed given her son Isaac. Savage infers that three daughters men-
tioned in inventory of the husband's estate, were by former wife, as they are
not named in the widow's deed to Isaac. The sou John d. mimarried, 1676.
The son Isaac was brought up by his Uncle Isaac, in Stratford, and settled
there. Widow Grace, the mother, who had m. Richard Perry, and in 1659
was his widow, gives land in that year to her son Isaac, " now apprentice
with his Uncle Isaac, in Stratford." This younger Isaac is commonly styled
Isaac', Nichol's " cousin," to distinguish him from Isaac^, Jr., son of " Uncle '
Isaac.
Isaac Nichols^ Jr.,son of Isaac 1st, m. Mary — , and hud Francis, June 1676.
Richard, Nov. 1678, m. Comfort Sherman 1702. Joseph, Nov. 1680, m. Mary
Curtis 1704.
Isaac Nichols', (cousin) son of John and Nephew of Isaac 1st, m., Aug. 15,
1672, Esther Clarke, (dau. of John, of New Haven,) and had Orace, June
1673. Alice, Oct. 1674 John, Oct. 1676, and Samuel, Dec. 1678, and went to
Derby.
Page 658. The Samuel who was in Woodbury 1687, was Caleb Nichols'
fift)i child, born 1658. (See above, Caleb N.)
Same page. Robert Nichols, of Roxbury Society, 1759, was son of Abra-
^ History of Connecticut during the recent War, p. 756.
1538 HIBTOKY OF AX CI EXT WOODBURY.
liam N., Jr. and Abigail (Walker). Abraham, Jr., was son of Abraham N.
and Rachel (Kellogg), and Abraham was sou of Caleb.
Robert was born in North Stratford or Unity, (Trumbull,) Feb. o, 1734.
Isaac Nichols 1st, had wife "Margaret," or " Margery," (whom I suppose
to have been a sister of William Washborne, of Stratford and afterwards of
Oyster Bay, L. I., for John, the son of William Washborne, calls Isaac Nich-
ols " Uncle." (To be sure, Washborne may have married a sister of Nichols.)
They had children : Maryi, 1647, married Rev. Israel Chauncy, ] 667. 8arali'i>
1649, m. Stephen Burrit, 1673. JosiaM, 1651, m. Hannah Hawley (who after
his death in 1691, m. John Wolcott for his second wife.) Isaacs, 1654. Jow
athan^, 1655, m. Hannah Hawkins in 1681. EpJiraim^, 1657, m. Esther, wid'
of Ebenezer Hawley. (She was previously widow of William Ward, of Fair-
field, and after Nichol's death, about 1690, m. Eliphalet Hill, four husbands).
Patience'^, 1659. Temperance^, 1662. Murcjery^, Nov. 1663. BenjaminW,
1665. Elizeobethn, 1668, m. Rev. Joseph Webb, of Fairfield.
Caleb Nichols, brother of Isaac 1st, m. Anna, dau. of Andrew Ward, of ■
Fairfield, und had, /5'ff?r^7<l, Dec. 1650, (Savage errs in saying 1651). She m.
Moses Wheeler, Jr. Aime'ji, March, 1652. (Savage errs in saying 1653). Es-
ther, Feb. 1653. (Savage errs in saying 1655). JosepM, Dec. 25, 1656. Sam_
uel5, March 1658. Andretc^, Nov. 1659. Abramt, Jan. I76i. Abigails, Feb.
166|, m. Wm. Maktin.* Hannali^, Aug. J 667, unmarried in 1706. Caleblo,
Feb. 1668-9. Phebe^^, bap. 1670, m. Isaac Kuell. John^^, bap. 1676, and his
will adds, Mary'^'i.
PARKER FAMILY.
Parker has always been a common name in New England. We find Abra-
ham, Amariah, Edmund, George, Jacob, James, Joseph, Matthew, Nicholas'
Robert, Thomas, two or more Williams, and as many John8,appearing in as
many of the different settlements in Massachusetts and Connecticut, at an
early day. Abraham was the first of the family in this country. It is sup
posed he came from Wiltshire, England. He first settled in Woburn, Mass.
where he m. Rose Whitlock, Nov. 18, 1644.f
1. William was early in Hartford and Saybrook, and had 3 children. The
4th child, 2 John, was b. Oct. 8, 1648, m., Nov. 8, 1670, Hannah, dau. of Wm.
Bassett. He was among the early planters in Wallingford, and settled at
Parker's Farms, about two miles West of the village, which first gave the
name to that locality. He d. ,1711. His w. d. June 7, 1726. They had
10 children. The 5th, 3. Joseph, m. Sarah Curtis, June 7, 1705. They had
10 children. The 4th child, 4. Thomcos, b, June 7, 1709, m. Abigail Dutton,
Aug. 30 1748, and settled in Woodbury, Conn., 1756. He d. in 1788. Chh. :
5. Thomas, b. April 3, 1749. 6. Amasa, b. Feb. 28, 1751, graduate of Yale,
* Here is Martin's wife — the true Abigail — 21 years old when she was m.,
in 1685.
* t DaviB' Hist, of Wallingford.
HISTORY OP A N C I E N T "\V O O D B U R V . 1 53d
m. Thankful Andrews, Aug. 28, 1771. 7. Peter h. Marcli 11, 1753, removed
to the State of New York. 8. Ahir/ail, b. Aug. 28. 1755. 9. Ahner removed
*o the State of N. Y. 10. Joseph was a physician in Morrig, Conn. 11. Dun-
iel m. Miriam Curtis, Nov. 18, 1762.
The following has been furnished by Dr. .John Meigs, of Vermont :
Thomas Parker, who removed from Wallingford to Woodbury in 1756,
was born June 7, 1728, and m. Abigail Clark. He d. 15th Feb. 1788, in his
60th year. She d. .July 14, 1808. The children of Thomas and Abigail were :
1. Thomas, b. April 3, 1749, d. April 15, 1822. 2. Amasn, b. Feb. 28, 1751,
m., Aug. 28th, 1771, Thankful Andrews. Woodbury Records say Diadema
Parmelee, 30th Nov. 1771, Eunice dau. of Amasa and Diadema Parlver, b. 19th
Sept., 1772. 3. Peter, b. March 11th, 1753, m , Nov. 24th, 1774, Esther Clajk-
4. Abigail, b. Aug. 28th, 1755, m. David Root, Sept. 29, 1773. 5. Just'is, b"
March 6, 1758, m. . Shed. 29th Oct. 1799. 6. Joseph, b. 21st April, 1760,
m. . He was father of Frederick S. and Joseph Parker, of New Haven. 7.
Sarah, b. Oct. 10, 1763, m. Daniel Richards, of Milton, l2th April. 1782. 8.
Abner, bap. 14th April, 1765. 9. Rebecea, bap. 21st June, 1767, m. Joseph
Smith, of Newburg, 20th March, 1785. 10. David, bap. March 6, 1770.
Peter removed to Washington County, New York, but not till after 1781-
The children of Peter and Esther Parker were : 1 . JoJin Clark Parker, b.
Nov. 9th, 1775, m., March 21, 1804 Susan Mason. 2. Rebecca Parker, b. July
28th, 1777, m. Dr. Ira Hall. 3. Esther Parker, b. June 25tli, 1780, m. Na.
thaniel Hall. 4. Luther Parker, b. Dec 26th, 1781, m. Martha Curtis. 5.
William Henry, b. July 31st, 1787, m. Harriet Bliu. His 2d wife was Mary
Ann Wheeler.
1. John Clark Parker was a Lawyer in Granville, Washington County,
N. Y. The children of John Clark and Susan Parker were : 6. John Mason
Parker, b. June 14th, 1805, ni., Sept. 1835 Catherine Punipelly. March 1.
1854, m. Stella Pumpelly. 7. Edrcard William Parker, h. Aug. 11th, 1807,
m. Oct. 1834, Mary B. Carpenter. Married, for 2d w. March 29th 1850, Jane
B. Goodrich. 8. William Henry Parker, b. Aug. 23d, 1809, m. 1st, March
22d, 1837, Ruth Robinson ; m. 2d, Nov. 24th, 1846, Catherine Denton. 9. *§?>
san Parker, b. Jan. 26th, }813. 10. Geo. West Parker, b. Sept. 5, 1815, m.,
Sept. 6th, 1842, Emily M. Smith.
The children of John M. and Catherine Parker were : Charles Edward Par-
ker, b. Aug. 25th 1836 ; Francis Henry, b. July 1st, 1838 ; John Pumpelly, b.
Sept. 17th, 1842. died. Norman Pumpelly, b. Dec. 15th 1845. Died.
The children of Edward W. and Mary Parker were : Harriet, b. Aug. 17,
1835, d. Sept. 29th, 1836 ; Edward John, b. March 27th, 1837 ; George Henry,
b. Sept. 28th, 1839. Died. Henry W., b. April 22d, 1841 ; Harriet Maria, b.
April 4th, 1843.
Children of EdAvard W. and Jane, his 2d w. were: Mary G., b. Nov. 2.
1852, died; Cornelia Mason, b. Sept. 30, 1855; William Horace, b. Feb. 9th,
1858, died.
The children of William Henry (son of John C.,) and Ruth Parker, were :
John Edmund, b. Jan. 25th, 1838 ; William Robinson, b. Feb. 2l3t, 1846, died
Sept. 12th, 1846.
1540 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
The children of William H. and CAtherine were : Ruth Robinson, b. J/arch.
5th, 1851 ; Catherine Denton, b. May 21st, 1853, d. Dec. 29th, 1857 ; Susan,
b. Feb. 28th, 1854; Jessie Elizabeth, b. July 2lst, 1856<d. March 6th, 1860 ;
William Henri/, b. Aug 23d, 1858, d. March I4th, 1860 ; Edward Mason, h.
June 27th, 1860.
The children of George W. and Emily Parker were : George Mason, b.
June 22d, 1844; William SniitJi, b. Sept. 29th 1847, d. April 17th, 1850; Ed-
%card JDix, b. Oct. 5, 1853 ; Jessie Emily, b. Sept. 18th, 1861 d. May 8, 1863,
Gilbert Dolloff, b. Oct. 1st, 1866, d. Sept. 15th, 1867; Charles Francis, b. Dec.
7th, 1868.
The children of Luther (son of Peter) and Martha Parker were : Samuel
Curtis, h. Dec. 19th, 1806, m. Rosetta Sylvester; Esther IIall,h. April 7th
1809, m. Hiram Brown ; Rebecca Lovisa, b. Oct. 18th, 1812, m. Elias H. Hedg-
es ; Tlieda Clarke, b. May 15th, 1819, m. Wm. S. Hedges.
The children of William Henry (son of Peter) and Harriet, were : William
b. March 4th, 1822, m. Fanny Green; Caroline, b. Aug. 8tli, 1820, m. Edward
Crosby ; Harriet Eliza, b. Sept. 1834, m. Wm. H. Meyers.
Children of Wm. H. and Mary Ann, were : Fanny Henry, b. March 3d,
1842.
The children of William and Fanny (Green) Parker, were : Henry Green,
b. Oct 10th, 1858; Mary, b. Dec. 21st, 1862; William Henry, b. June 23d,
1865 ; Wellie, b. April 5th, 1867.
6. JoH>f Mason Parker, LL.D., graduated at Midd. College, 1828, resi-
ded in Owego, N. J., was Lawyer, Editor and member of Congress, and
Judge of the Supreme Coiirt.
7. Edward William Parker, Cashier of Bank, White Hall New York.
8. William Henry Parker, Midd. College, 1830, Professor of Mathemat-
ics and Nat- Philosopy, since 1848, Treasurer of the College since 1855.
10. George W. Parker, Midd. College 1835, Lawyer in New York City.
11. William Parker removed from Hartford, had children born at Say-
brook, viz : Sarah, b. 1637; John, Feb. 21, 16 41; Ruth, June 15, 1643 ; WU-
liam, Jan. 1845 ; Jose^ih, Feb. 1647 ; 3fargaret ; Jonathan, 1652 ; David, 1656 5
Deborah, 1658. Elder William died at Saybrook, 1686. Margaret, his wife,
1680.
Taomas Parker, son of the first Thomas, of Judea Society, Woodbury,
m. Jerusha Clark, March 26, 1770. She d. July 1, 1809 ? He d. April, 1822.
Children: 1. Esther, h. Macrh 17,1771, m. Isaac S. Foot, j Dec, 1793. 2,
Susannah, b. m. Gideon Foot, 14th March, 1797. 3. Abigail, d. Jan. 29.
1812, m. Jonathan Hine, 22d Nov. 1797, m. 2d, Gideon Foot. 4. JerusJta d.
unm., 4th July 1829, aged 49. 5. Trnman, b. Feb. 28, 1773, m. Rhoda War-
ner, Feb. 21, 1798. She was b. April 29, 1775. 6. Justus, b. May 6, 1758, m.
1st, Elizabeth Hunt ; m. 2d Patty Burrell, Nov. 4, 1801. 7. Thomas, d. Dec.
5, 1826, m. Betsey Weller, June, 1813. 8. Philo, d. Sept. 26, 1826, m. Sally
Minor.
5. Truman, m. Rhoda Warner. She d. April 5, 1859, aged 84. He d. July
13, 1859, aged 86. Children: 9. Daniel S. b. May 20, 1799. 10. Laura, b.
June 18, 1802, m. James Thompson, Jan. 24, 1826. 11. Norman, b. March 4,
1805— killed by Norwalk Railroad accident. May 6, 1853. 12. Rufm, b. Feb-
21, 1809.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT W U O I) R U R Y . 1 541
13. Jason, b. April 10, 1811, m. Harriet Thompson, March 4, 1S44, d. April
8, 18Y1. On the occasion of his death the author wrote the following :
Saturday afternoon our quiet community experienced a shock. The start-
ling announcement was made that our friend and neighbor, Mr. Jason Par-
ker, had suddenly died. A few hours before, in full health and strength, he
had gone with his assistant to his farm, some two miles from the village, to
put up the fences and burn some brush, when the tire became unmanagable,
and, in consequence of the extreme heat of the day, the heat of the fire, and
his efforts to extinguish it, he fell exhausted, and almost immediately died,
departing this life at the age of sixty years. In the death of Mr. Parker, tlie
First Congregational church, of which he had long been a consistent and use-
ful member, a large circle of friends, to whom he was endeared by more than
the ordinary ties of consanguinity and friendship, and the community at
large have met with an irreparable loss. To the poor he was a constant bles-
sing. His hand and his heart were ever open to relieve the needy. And the
blessings of the poor have long been upon him. Without children of his own ,
he has adopted those of others, and been the dispenser of all the ennobling
charities, and paternal kindness and sympathies of the charmed circle of a
haj)py home. Charged by the community with various offices of public trust,
he has been faithful in them all, and discharged them to the full acceptance
of those whom he served. Beginning life without means, and by careful in-
dustry and integrity, gaining a competency and an honorable position in the
community, he was well gifted to sympathise with, and assist others in the
struggle of existence. Of peculiarly even temperament, and purity of life,
his example was ever potent for good. In all the relations of life he fully ex-
emplified the virtues and generosities of that noblest work of God, an honest
man. The good die early. A good man has passed away and left a void
that may never be filled. This, and the many other deaths that have lately
occurred here, speak to us with emphatic voices. In these oft recurring
deaths, the First Society is greatly afflicted. We are cast into mourning,
and may well inquire why God has so afflicted us. C.
6. Justus. Children : 16. Elizabeth A. m. Nehemiah Pope, 6th Dec. 1824.
Their chh. Elizabeth, m. 1st, Abner Mansfield ; m. 2d, Wm. Bassett. Frede-
rick m. Harriet Buckingham. Julius m. Josephine Stephens. Clarina m.
Ist, Charles Daskum ; m. 2d, Stephen Gunn. George 8. m. Harriet Minor ^
Benjamin m. Ellen Pierce. Jolni m. Jane Nichols.
17. Sheklen, b. . 18. Frederick, b. m. Sarah, child Edwin.
19. Charles m.. Sarah Johnson, child Walter. 20. William m. Sarah
21. Susan H. m. David B. Davidson, 16th Aug. 1846, child David. 22. Jen-
nette m. James M. Bronson, of Roxbury, 30th Nov. 1844, as his 2d wfe,
Betsey m. Edward 0. Tyler, June 10th, 1839. children : William and Charles
Y. Thomas m, as above. Children : 24. AUgail. 25. Marcus and others.
8. Philo m. Sally Minor. Children : 26. Orley M., bap. 1821, and 27. Ed-
win M.
9. Daniel S., b. May 20, 1799, m. Olive J. Ransom, Dec. 11, 1827. Chh.
28. Mary Jane b. , m. William P. Thompson. 29. Eliza Ann, b. ,
m. Merit Thompson. 1 dau. 30. Susan M. b. , m. John Betts.
11. Norman m. Eunice Thompson, Oct. 12, 1826. He d. May 6, 1863. She
1 542 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY,
d. Dec. 21. 1870. Chh. : 31 George DeWitt. b. Nov. 18, 1827, d. Jau. 8, 1829.
32. Norman Llewellyn, b. Nov. 6, 1829, m. Jan. 1st, 1855, Mary E. Smith.
Children : Norman S)nith, b. May 3, 1858. Malcolm Oreame, b. June 16, 1869.
Infant, b. Jan., 1872. 33. Helen Elkabeth, b. March 31, 1837, m. Hon. James
Huntington, June 11th, 1868. Mr. Huntington m. for his first wife Eebecca
Huntley Hurd,at Honesdale, Penn., Jan. 6, 1863. Shed. Feb. 28, 1865. They
had a dau., Rebecca Annistine, b. Feb. 18th, 1865. 34. Isabella Amelia, h.
Jan. 28, 1840, d. June 1, 1841.
12. RuFUS, b. Feb. 21, 1809, m. Selina Merwiu, April 28, 1839. Children :
John, Mary and William. 13. Noble, b. Sept. 28, 1818, m. Julia Ann Van
Buskirk, Mov. 1841. Child : Arabelle.
14. Jarvis, b. March 29, 1819, m. Elizabeth J. Fox, April 8, 1858. Children :
Eh'oda Grace, b. March 8, 1861, d. Sept. 21, 1861. May, b. May 1, 1864, d.
May 10, 1864. Truman E., b. Aug. 28, 1 866.
16. Shelden m. C. Barnes. Children : Mary B., Justus, Adella and others.
Live in Rockland, Mich.
20. WiLLLVM. Children : William', Charles, Justus, George, Jason.
35. Abel, m. . Children: Currence, b. May 26, 1765. Lydia, bap. 6th
March, 1768. Abel, bap. Feb. 14, 1773. Elizabeth, bap. June 19, 1774. Eu-
nice, bap. June 28,1778. Lydia, mother of the above, bap. April 13, 1763.
The following items the author does not readily connect with their appro-
priate places in the family. The relatives may. Mehetabel, dau. of Heze
kiah Parker, b. 1st Aug., 1725. Marcus L., Lorenzo M., and Antoinette W.^
bap. 1825. Thomas Newell, George Willis, Mary Elizabeth, Abigail Esther,
bap. 1825. Thomas Newell Parker, d. Dec. 26, 1826, and Charles Parker
of Washington, and Deborah Isbell, were m. 15th March, 1822.
PRESTON FAMILY.
[Additions.]
Page 663. Jehiel. His Mother (wife of William, of New Haven) was
Mary, dau. of Robert Seabrook, one of the original proprietors of Stratford.
His dau. Sarah m. Thomas Fairchild as his 1st wife, and his dau. Alice m.
Thomas Sherwood, and his dau. Ann. m. Thomas Wheeler.
Jehiel Preston m. his cousin Sarah, dau. of Thomas Fairchild. She was
born Feb. 164i. They had (as per Record) Samuel, July, 1663. Joseph, July
1666, and a dau. Mary, with whom Samuel, in 1702, divides land once their
father Jehiel's. Samuel, son of Jehiel, d. in 1707, in which year DanielJack-
son, of Stratfield, who m. Jehiel's dau. Mary, calls " Samuel Preston, deceas-
ed," "my brother." Mrs. Mary Jackson d. Avig., 1734. Samuel, son of Je.
hie], calls Mary Preston, in 1702, " sister," and in 1707, refers to Daniel Jack-
son and Mary," my sole heir, whicli would imply that lie himself was unmar-
ried or childless. Temperance Preston joined Stratford church in 1686. Was
she Samuel's wife ?
Hackaliah Preston m. his cousin Emma, dau. of Thomas Fairchild, of Strat-
ford, April 20, 1676.
1543 A HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
SHERMAN FAMILY.
Arms. Sherman, (London and Devonshire; descended from
the Shermans of Yaxley, co. Sutfolk,) or, a lion rani]), sa. betw.
three leaves vert; on the shoulder an annulet for dift". Cresf A
sea-lion sejant, per pale or and ar. guttee de poix, finned of the
first; on the shoulder a crescent for diff. M(>f'o—Con{[nev death
by virtue.
The name of Sherman is by no means a common one in Eng-
land, though it has been highly respected and honored. Sir Hen-
ry Sherman was one of the executors of the will of Lord Stanley,
Earl of Derby, county of Lancaster, dated 23 May, 1521. Wil-
liam Sherman, P]sq., purciiased Knightston, in the time of Hen-
ry VIIL A monument to Wm. Sherman, is in Ottery, St. Ma-
ry, 1542. John Sherman, and his son both died in the same
place, in 1617. John (above named,) married Dorothy, sister of
John Drake, Esq., of Arke. William Sherman, of Ottery, St.
Mary, (county of Devon,) had a daughter Catherine, married to
(lilbert Drake, of Spratsays, Devon.
•• Fr.Jii/ree of iS/t'^rtiKiii, of Vnxli t/.'' — From Davy's manuscript
collections relating to the county of Suffolk, (England,) deposited
in the British Museum.
1. Thomas Sherman, (1st,) of Yaxley, county Suffolk, married
Jane, daughter of John Waller. Gent., and had nine children,
viz., Tho7n(is, Richard, John, Henry, Richard, Francis, James,
Anthony, and a daughter who married Lockwood.
2. Thomas Sherman, (3d,) also of Yaxley, married Elizabeth,
daughter of Anthony Yaxley, Esq., of Mellis. He was living in
1561. His children were — Thomas, Elizabeth, Anne, Jahn, Rev.
Richard, Owen, William, Margaret, and Faith.
(3.) Thomas Sherman. (3d,) Gent., of Yaxley, and Stuston,
(afterwards of Ipswich,) married a daughter of Thwaytes, of
Hardingham, in Norfolk. His will is dated March !), 1G18, and
was proved in 1619. To his wife Margaret, he gave a life-lease of
his dwelling-house, after which it should go to his son John. To
his son Thomas, he gave a house and lands in Swilland. His son
^Sawiwe/, his •' daughter Mary Tomlinson," his "daughter Car-
J 043B HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
penter," his " brother Alexander Sherman, kite of Tyhenham, in
Norfolli, deceased," and his two daughters, Margaret and Barba-
ra, are also mentioned in his will, i have good reason to believe
that the John and Samuel of this family were none other than
the Rev. John Sherman, of W atertown, Mass., and the Hon.
Samuel Sherman, of Wethersfield, Conn.
3. John Sherman, second son of Thomas Sherman, (^d,) and
brother of Thomas Sherman, (3d,) married Anne, daughter of
William Cane, and had eight children, viz., Faith, \Yilli<im, Thom-
as, Eleanor, Jane, Milicant. Elizabeth, and Anne. He resided in
Newark, Leicestershire.
4. William Sherman, eldest son of the preceding, married Ma-
ry Lascelles of Nottinghamshire. He was aged thirty-one yeais
in 1619. His son John, came to America, in lti34, and settled
in Watertovvn, Mass., near his cousin of the same name, fiom
whom he is distinguished in history as Cup/nin John Sherman.
5. Captain John Sherman, married Martha Palmer, and had
live children, viz., Martha, Sarah, Joseph, Grace, and John He
died January 25. 1690. Martha, his widow, died February 7,
1700.
6. Joseph Sherman, (eldest son of Captain John,) married
Elizabeth Winship, Nov. 18, 1673. They had ten children, viz.,
John, p]dvvard, Joseph, Samuel, Jonathan, Ephraim, Elizabeth,
Wi/lidvi, Sarah, and Nathaniel. He died January 20, 1730-'31.
7. William Sherman, married (1 ) Rebecca Cutler, of Charles-
town, Mass., and had one son who died in infancy. He married
(2.) Mehetable, daughter of Benjamin Wellington, of Watertown_
Mass., Sept. 13, 1715. Their children were, William, of New
Milford, Mary, Roger, Elizabeth, Rev. Nathaiel. of Bedford,
Mass., Rev. Josiah, of Woburn, (Mass.,) Goshen, and Woodbridge,
(Conn.,) and Rebecca.
8. Hon. Roger Sherman, (son of William and Mehetable,) was
born at Newton, Mass., April 19, 1721. At the age of twenty
years his father died, and the care of a large family thus early
devolved upon him and his elder brother. In 1743, he removed
to New Milford, and became a partner of that brother in the
mercantile business. Two years after, Roger was appointed coun-
ty surveyor; and in 1754, he was admitted to the bar of Litch-
field county. While a resident of New Milford, he also became
a justice of the peace, deacon of the church, representative, and
justice of the quorum. Removing to New Haven, in 1761, he
1543C HISTORY OF A X O I E N T W O O D B U U Y .
was soon chosen an assistant, and appointed a judge of the supe-
rior court, which office he held for twenty tliree years. He was a
nioniher of Conaress for nineteen years, and was a signer of the
declaration of independence. He was a member of the council
of safety, member of the convention which formed the Constitu-
tion of the United Stat<^s, and United States Senator. He died
July 2n. ITO:^ aged seventy-two. Mr. Sherman's first wife was a
daughter of Dea. Joseph Havtwell. of Stougton; his second wife
was a daughter of Benjamin Pi-escott, Jr.
Hon. Roger Minott Sherman. LL. D., was a son of the Rev.
Josiah Sherman, (above named.) and was a nephew of the Hon.
Roger Sherman. He was Itorn in Woborn, Mass., in 1773, and
graduated at Yale College in 17^)2, in which institution he was
for three years a tutor. In ]79(i he was admitted to the bar, and
soon commenced the i^ractice of the law in Fairfield, where he
resided until his death. Dec. 30, 1844. He was frequently a mem.
ber of both branches of the legislature, and was subsequently a
judge of the superior court. Judge Sherman was one of the
most accomplished and eminent men in the state.
Tn 1634, Hon. Samuel Sherman. Rev. John, liis brothei-, and
Capt. John, his first cousin, came to this country from Dedham,
E^sex CO., England. Samuel m. Sarah Mitchell, who came with
him from England, and settled at Stratford. Conn. The other
two finally located at Watertown, Mass.
Rev. John Sherman wash. Dee. 26, 1613, at Dedham, Eng. :
graduated at Immanuel College, Cambrige; left college a Puritan,
and came over to America in 1634. as above stated. He preach-
ed his first sermon at Watertown. Mass., under a tree, soon after
his arrival in this country. In a few weeks he went to 'Sew Ha-
ven, Conn., and preached in several places. He received a call
to settle at Milford. but declined from modesty, and perhaps
from other causes. He finally settled at Watertown, Mass., on
the death of Mi'. Phi]li]is. By his first wife he had six ch. He
m. Miss Mary Launce for his second wife, and " had no less than
twenty children."^ Thirteen of these d. without issue, before
their father. Five of the others were sons, viz., Bezaleel, Dan-
iel, Samuel, John, b. March 17. 1659, and James; and eight were
daughters, viz., Abigail, b. 3d, I'ith mo.. 1647; Mercy Allen;
Mary, b. Mar. 5, 1656; Grace, b. Mar. 10, 1658; Elizabeth; Abiah;
I. Mather's Magnalia, pp. 465, 466, 467.
1 543D HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Hester, cl. Aug. 25, 1688, and Barron. Rev. Jolin Shennan's
will is dated Aug. 6, 1685, and in it are named these thirleon
children; Bezalcel and Abigail, who ni. Samuel Willard, having
d. Iiefore their father, but left ch. He d. Aug. 8, 1685. aged 71.
John, Abiah and Esther d, without oh., after their fiither. Mer-
cy m. Samuel Barnard, of VVatertown, Mass. James became a
minister at Sudbury, and John Sherman, Es(|.. of Hi-imtield. wns
his son. Widow Mary Sherman, w. of Rov. John. d. March 9,
17()9-'10.
Capt. John Sherman, cousin of Rev. John, and of about tlie
same age. also settled in Watertown, Mass. He m. Martha Pal-
mer and had ch., Martha, b. 21st of r2th mo.. 1640. m Fi'aiiois
Bowman, '26th of 7th mo., 1661; Sai'ah, b. 17th of Uth mo..
1647, d. June 17, 1667; Josei)h. b. Uth of 3d mo., 1650; Grace,
b. 20th of 10th mo., 1655, and John, who was killed in the Nar-
raganset tight, and left no issue. t'ajit. John d. Jan. ::i5, 1690.
His widow Martha, d. Feb. 7, 1700.
Joseph, son of Capt. John, m. Elizabeth VVinship. Nov 18,
1673, and had ch., John, b. Jan. 11, 1674; Edward, b. Sept. 2,
1677; Joseph, b. Feb. 8, 1679; Samuel, b. Nov. 28. 1681; Sam-
uel, b. Nov. 28, 1682; Jonathan, b. Feb. 24, 1683-4; Ephraim,
b. March 16, 1685; Ephraim, b. Sept. 20, 1686; Elizabeth, b.
July 15, 1687; William, b. June 28, 1692, (father of Roger, tiu'
signer of the declaration;) Sarah, b. June 2, 1694; Nathaniel, b.
Sept. 19, 1696. He d. Jan. 20, 1730-3].
John, son of Joseph, m. Mary Bullen. He d. Oct. 31, 1756.
His wife d. May 5, 1761. Ch., Mary, d. num.; Joseph, Ephra-
im, John, Grace, Elizabeth and Samuel.
Edward, son of Joseph, m. Sarah Parkhurst, Oct. 16, 1700,
and had ch., Sarah, b. May 29, 1701, m. Andrew Wilson, June
7, 1722; Abigail, b. June 10, 1704; Joseph, b. Sept. 10, 1706;
Edward, b. March 9, 1708-9; Jonathan, b. Feb. 2, 1711-12.
William, son of Joseph, m. 1. Rebecca Cutler, of Charlestown.
Mass. Ch., William, who d. aged about sixteen months; 2. m.
Mehitable Wellington, of Watertown, Mass., dau. of Benjamin,
who was son of Roger Wellington, from England, Sept. 13, 1715.
Ch., William, of New Milford, b. March 20, 1716-17, m. Sarah
Terrill, lived in New Milford and d. without issue; Mary, m.
John Brattle, of Dedhani, and had five ch.; Roger, signer of the
declaration; Elizabeth, m. James Buck, of New Milford, and
had eight ch.; Rev. Nathaniel, minister at Bedford, Mass., and
1543E HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
uftervvarcls. May, 1768, settled at Mt.Carmel; Rev. Josiah, minister
at Wobnrn, Mass., Goslien and Woodhridge, Conn., father of
Hon. Roger Minot Sherman, and Rebecca, who m. Joseph Hart-
well, of New Milford.
Rev. Josiah. mentioned above, gratinated at Nassau Hall, in
1754, received the lionorary degree of A. M. at Harvard, 1758.
and at Yale, 1763. After having been settled at Wol)urn, Mass.,
about fifteen years, he was installed at Milford, Any. 2:^, 1775.
dismissed June 21, 1781, settled next at Goshen, and remained
there till 1788, He died at Woodhridge, Nov. 24, 1789. Hem.
Martha Minot, dan. of Hon. James Minot, of Concord, Mass..
Jan. 24, 1757. She was b. Feb. 1, 1738. Her father, a very
distinguished man, b. Oct. 17. 1694, was the son of James Minot,
Esq., a graduate of Harvard, in 1675, b. Sept. 14, 1653, Avhowas
the son of Capt. John Minot, of Dorcester, Mass.. b. April 2,
1626, who was the son of Elder George Minot, who was b. Aug.
4, 1594. All of the name of Minot in this country are supposed
to have descended from the latter. He was the son of Thomas
Minot. Esq., of Saffron-Walden, Essex, England. He was among
the first pilgrim emigrants to Mass., and the first settlers to Dor-
cester. " His death," say the records, "was much lamented by
thp town, whose weal he sought and liberties defended."
Rev. Josiah studied divinitv with Rev. Dr. Bellamy, of Bethlem
and Rev. John Graham, of Southbury. He was a very accepta-
ble preacher. His elocution was distinct, though fluent and rap-
id. His voice was excellent — his mind discriminating. His elo-
quence was often pathetic, sometimes very powerful, and always
such as to command the respect and attention of his audience.
His wife died in 1820, at Durham, N. Y. Their children were. 1.
Hon. Roger Minot, LL. D., b. May 22, 1773. d. Dec. 30, 1844,
m. Elizabeth, dan. of Dr. William Gould, of New Haven, and
sister of Judge James Gould, of Litchfield. She was b. 1784.
and d. 1848. He was one of the most brilliant and successful
lawyers that Connecticut has ever produced. As a man, a jurist,
and a Christian, he was ]n-eeminent. 2. Martha, b. Dec. 8, 1758,
who m. Rev. Justus Mitchell, had four children, and died at
White Plains, N. Y., Oct. 24, 1829; 3. Elizabeth, b. March 26,
1761, m. John Mitchell, Esq., of Woodbury, and d. about 1816.
Their only son, a physician, settled in Green county. N. Y. 4
Mary, b. Feb. 3. 1763; 5. Susanna, b. Apr. 7. 1765, m.
Baldwin, and 6. Josiah, of Albany, N. Y.
1 543F HISTORY OF ANCIENT \y 0 O D B U R Y .
By the foregoing accounr of Capt. John Sherman's descend-
ants, it appears that Rev. Josiah, and consequently, hi^s son, Hon.
Roger M, were descendants of Capt. John, of Watertovvn, and
not of Rev. John, of the same ]ilace. This is as they themselves
understood the matter. The aged Roger Sherman, of New Ha-
ven, son of the "signer," also gave the author in 1S50 the same
information, and ho is not likely to lie mistaken. The records
of Watertown also attest the same fact, altiiough Lambert, Allen,
Trumbull and Mather, make Rev. Josiah the great-grandson of
Rev. John, of Watertown.
Thus it will be seen that Roger Minot's father was the fourth
in descent from Capt. John.
Natlumiel, son of Joseph, m. Mai-y Livennore. of Watertown,
May 31. 1726. Children. Mary, !). Dec. 9, [r>iy\ Betsey, b. June
14, 1738; Martha, b. Feb. 16, "lyiO-MO.
Roger, son of William, and •' Signer of the Declai'.-ition." m. I.
a dan. of Dea. Joseph Hartwell, of Stoughton. Children. John,
William, Isaac and Chloe. His wife died Oct. 19, 1760, agiHi
34; m. 2. May 12, 1763, a dan. of Benjanun Prescott, Jr., son
of Rev. Benjamin Prescott, formerly minister at Salem. Children,
Rebecca, Elizabeth, Roger, of New Haven. Oliver. Melietable,
Martha and Sarah. Oliver never married. All the others niai-ricd
and had issue. Three of these children were Jiving July 25^ 1850.
Roger, of New Haven, Mehetable. widow of Jeremiah Evarts.
and Sarah, the wife of Hon. Samuel Hoar, of Concord, Mass.
Hon. Samuel Sherman,^ brother of Rev. John, of Watertown.
came from Dedham, England, when about 18 or 19 years of age.
He afterwards removed to Wetherstield, Conn., thence to Stam-
ford, and thence to Stratford, where he died. An account of his
life has already appeared in these pages. He married Sarah
Mitchell, sister of Rev. Jonathan Mitchell, of Carabi-idge, Mass.
Nearly all of the name who have resided in " Ancient Wood-
bury," were descended from him. He was, at the date of the
settlement of Woodbury, undoubtedly the most distinguished
man connected with the enterprise. He came to this country in
1634, and, previous to the date of the new plantation, had been
a leading man in the Colony. He had assisted in the settlement
of several other towns, and now undertook a like duty for Wood-
bury. He had been a member of the Court of Assistants, or Up-
per House of the General Court, and Supreme Judicial Tribunal,
for five or six years from 1663, and had held various offices of
lo43G HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
public trust and honor. He is referred to in ancient documents,
as the '• Worshipful Mr. Sherman." In 1666, as stated above,
he was one of the 'commissioners "• for Stratford luid Woodbury."
It is not certain that he ever resided here, although he took a
tiist-class •' accommodation " in the grant of the General Court.
If he did not i)ersonally move to Woodbury, he evidently caused
his lands to be im])roved in accordance with the articles of the
settlement. They are " recorded to him " on the 26th dav of
May, 1675, and on the 26th day of June, 1679, it is further re-
corded, that "Mr. Sherman having injoyed and improved his
accommodations, to this 22d day of June, 1679, according to the
grant of y** town, has now an absolute and positive record to hini
of the same according to law." He died previous to Oct.,
1684, and his sons, Matthew and John, agreed on a division of
said lands. He may have I'esided here, but it is probable, that
being advanced in years, and comfortably settled in Stratford, he
continued to reside there, till he " was gathered to his fathers."
He furnished one son, John, for the tirst company, and subse-
quently, two others, Samuel and Matthew, for other companies
of emigrants to our town. The fame of his son John, is more
particularly the property of the town than the other two. He
was distinguished not only at home, but also in the colony. He
was justice of the quorum, or associate county judge, for forty-
four years from 16«4; a representative of the town seventeen ses-
sions, and speaker of the Lower House in May and October, 1711,
and May and October, 1712. He was town clerk twenty-five years,
and captain in the militia, a high honor in those days. He was
the first Judge of Probate for the District of Woodbury, frotn its
organization in 1719, for ni)ie years. The district then comprised
all of Litchfield county, and Waterbury in Mew Haven county.
He was an Assistant, or member of the Upper House, for ten
years from 1713. His children were,
i5 I. Samuel," b. June 19, 1641, remained at Stratford.
3 II. Theophilus,' b. Oct. 28, 1643, remained at Stratfoid.
4 III. Matthew,^ b. Oct. 24, 1645, remained at Stratford, m.
Hannah , d. in 1698.
1^ IV. Edmoud,- b. Dec. 4, 1647.
21 V. John,^ b. Feb. 8, 1650-1, came early to Woodbury.
7 VI. Sarah,2 ^ ^eb. 8, 1653 -4.
8 VII. Nathaniel,- b. March 21, 1656-7, remained at Stratford,
d. in 1712. leaving wife, Abigail.
1543H HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
i VIIL Benjamin/^ b. March 29, 1662.
10 IX. Daniel/ b. April 15, 1665.
SamneF (2) ni. Mary Titterton, dau. of Daniel, June 19,
1665. Children,
11 I. Mary,='b. May 7, 1666.
'i II. Daniel,' b. March 23, 1668-9.
13 III. Susanna,-^ b. July 22, 1670.
14 IV. Sarah/ bap. May, 1673.
15 V. Grace, =»b. July 8, 1676.
16 VI. Elizabeth,-^ b. Jan. 1, 1678-9.
Edmond^ (5) d. in 1683. Children by hi.^ wife Susanna,
as follows:
17 1. Bezaleel,* b. Apr. 11, 1675-6, d. in Stratford, 1717.
Children mentioned in his will, Ebenezer, Edniond and Susan-
nah.
18 II. Sarah, ^ bap. Aug., 1678.
19 III. Samuel,^ b. Jan. 8. 1678-9.
20 IV. Edniond,' b. March 20, 1680, m. Jane Cornwall, Mar.
6, 1706.
21 V. Matthew,' b. Jan. 8, 1683, had sons, Lemuel and David.
Dea. John^ (6) m. Elizabeth , d. Dec. 13, 1730. She
d. Oct. 1, 1744. He was a leading man both at Strat-
ford and Woodbury, was town clerk in the latter place.
Children,
22 I. Ichabod,' d. in old age, unm.
23 II. Hannah,' bap. July, 1680, ni. Chittenden.
I III. Samuel,' b. Aug., 1682.
25 IV. Elizabeth,' bap. Oct., 1684, m. Roger Terrill, July 23,
1713.
f^ V. John,' bap. June, 1687.
27 VI. Sarah,' bap. Jan., 1688-90, m. Benjamin Hinman,
Dec. 18, 1718.
28 VII. Mary,' bap. March, 1691-2, m. Kev. Anthony Stod-
dard, Jan. 15, 1715-16:
29 VIIL Susanna, bap. Nov., 1693, m. Daniel Noble, June 4,
1722.
Benjamin'^ (9) remained at Stratford. Children,
30 I. Job,' who had John, Joel, Nathan and Ephraim. The
last named had sons, Amos and Peter. Amos was father of Ho-
mer B. Sherman, of Eoxbury.
31 II. Nathaniel.'
HISTOEY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY. 15431
33 III. Enos.^
33 IV. Benjamin.^
M V. Samuel.^
35 VI. Timothy.^
36 VII. James."
DanieP (12) m. Rebecca Wheeler, of Stratford, Dec. 29.
1694. Children,
g I. Samuel.*
38 II. Benonia.*
39 III. Ebenezer.*
Dea. SamneP (24) m. Mary Knowles, Dec. 22, 1709, d.
Feb. 25, 1757. Children,
40 I. Kezia,* b. Nov. 10, 1710, d. March 1, 1738.
41 II. Hannah,* b. Dec. 25, 1712, m. Jonathan Atwood.
J "-• Rhodr. ' } 'Wins, b. Sept. 21, HU, „. p^,„ ^;^ '
44 V. David,* b. Aug. 1, 1718, d. 1719. ^^ \['
tl VI. David,* b. March 15, 1721. ,_-"'"' ^
fa VII. Samuel,* b, June 26, 1722. ''" v
47 VIII. John, b. July 9, 1727.
John'' (26) m. Emm, dau. of Hachaliah Preston, July 22,
1714, d. 1727. Children,
48 I. Jerusha,* b. Sept. 15, 1716, m. Joseph Judson, Nov. 26,
1741.
49 II. Damaris,* b. Feb. l4, 1719, m. Nathan Judson, July
10, 1745.
?? III. Daniel,* b. Aug. 14, 1721.
ci TA7 Af ^.1 4 ) d. Oct. 19, 1744.
II J7- ^^^atthew,* / ^^^. ^ ^^^^^^ j^.^^^
52 V. Mary,* \ ' ' d. Mar. 29, 1724.
53 VI. Mary,* b. July 17, 1726.
SamueP (34) liad children,
54 I. Lemuel.*
^ II. Elijah,* settled in Woodbury.
56 III. Isaac*
Samuel* (37) had sons,
57 I. Justin.'^
II 11. Jotham,-^ of Newtown, Conn.
Reuben* (42) m. Martha , who d. March 9, 1750. He
d. May 3, 1792. Children,
.59 I. Elizabeth/^ bap. Nov. 1'8, 1742. m. John Cnrtiss.
] 543 J HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
60 II. Kezia/ bap. March 3, 1745, m. Joseph Keeler.
61 III. Esther,^ bap. Feb. 1, 1747, m. Benjamin Rusco.
62 IV. Daniel,^ bap. May 9, 1773, [ . . j j^ ,
63 V. Sarah,'^ bap. Oct. 8, 1775, j 'ifioptea chuaien.
David* (45) m. Hannah , d. Nov. 10, 1799. Children
^ I. Matthew/ b. 1753.
65 II. Elizabeth,"^ b. March 2, 1755, ni. Simeon Cole, removed
to Canada.
66 III. Solomon,^ b. Nov. 15, 1756, d. young.
67 IV. Susanna,-^ b. July, 21, 1758. d. Dec. *23, 1776.
68 V. Lucy,= b. May 1, 3 760, d. May, 1779.
i§^ VI. Solomon,M3. Jan. 13, 1763.
™ VII. Aaron,'' b. Sept. 12,1764.
71 VIII Eldad,'^^ , • , . .,. .^.^
72 IX. Bildad,-^ [ twins, b. Aug. 2., 1.66.
Eldad died March 12, 1813; his wife died April 4, 1811, no is-
sue. Bildad m. and had John, Bradley, Judson W., who resides
at Angelica, N. Y., Lucy, Nancy and Emily.
73 X. Gideon,^ bap. April, 23, 1769, m. Susanna Dorman.
Children, 1. Erasmus,'^ b. 1802, d. 1827; 2. Lucy/ b. 1803;
3. George,* b. 1805, d. 1836, unm.; 4. Edna," b. 1807, d. 1838,
num.; 5. Mary Jane," b. 1811, d. 1819.
Samuel* (46) m. Sarah , wbo d. April 16, 1803. Ch.,
74 I. Mary,' b. Aug. 11, 1751.
75 II. John,' b. Jan. 4. 1753, ni. Abigail ; children, Sa-
rah, b. April 11, 1774; Ichabod, b. April 28, 1776.
76 III. Ichabod,' b. April 15, 1755, d. April 27, 1775.
77 IV. Esther/ b. Feb. 6, 1763.
Judge Daniel* (50) was. perhaps, the most distinguished man
that had arisen in town previous to his day. He was a descend-
ant of Samuel Sherman of Sti'atford, who emigrated to this
country, from England, in company with his brother. Rev. John
Sherman, and his nephew, Capt. John Sherman, ancestor of Hon.
Roger Sherman, " Signer of the Declaration of Independance."
He was a justice of the quorum for twenty-five years from 1786.
For sixteen years, he was Probate Clerk of the District of Wood-
bury, and Judge of that court for thirty-seven years. He repre-
sented Woodbury in the General Assembly 65 sessions, retaining
the unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens. This is by far the
longest period any one has ever represented the town. He was
also Speaker of the Lower House. When the Federal Constitu-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1543K
tion was referred to the several States for ratification, lie was sent
as a member of the constitutional convention of the State held at
Hartford, and voted in favor of ratification. He was a man of
commanding powers of mind, of sterling integrity, and every
way qualified for the various public trusts confided to his care.
He died at a good old age, full of honors, and was followed to his
grave by the affectionate remembrances of the inliabitants of the
town, among whom he had so long lived.
From him through his son Taylor, No. 83 of this genealogy, are
descended, William Tecumseh Sherman, General of the armies
of the United States, now on the retired list, and revered by the
nation as one of the most illustrious of its living heroes, and his
brother. Senator John Sherman, now (1886) acting Vice-Presi-
dent of the United States. He has recently been elected to a
fifth term in the United States Senate, commencing March 4.
1887. He was first elected to the Senate in the Spring of 18(31 —
only a month before the firing on Fort Sumpter — and he has been
a senator ever since, except during the years in which he was ren-
dering the country even more responsible and onerous service, as
secretary of the treasury. Before he entered the Senate chamber
he had represented Ohio in Whig national conventions, had pre-
sided over her first Republican convention, had sat as representa-
tive in-fmrr consecutive congresses — and as the candidate for the
Republican Speaker in the memorable winter of 18.59-60, had
made sure of securing no insignificant part in the cast of the tre-
mendous drama, that was even then in rehearsal. How well Sen-
ator Sherman played his part the present generation need not be
told. Now, at the age of 62, in the ripe maturity of his powers,
this eminent and useful Senator receives at the hands of his
State the well-earned renewal of its mandate. Ohio and the coun-
try are to be congratulated,.
Judge Daniel d. July 2, 1799. His wife. Mind well, d. May 8,
1798. Children,
78 I Hannah,'' b. June 4, 1745. -
79 II. Emm,5 b. May 2, 1747, d. in 1749.
80 III. Sarah,^ b. Sept. 17, 1749, d. in 1798, unm.
81 IV. Emm,'^ b. March 23, 1753, m. Warner.
83 V. Daniel," b. April 20, 1756, d. Feb. 13, 1809. Children.
Clarissa, Louna. John, Polly, Peter and Lamson.
83 VI. Tayler,'' had Charles, Daniel and Betsey. Hon. Charles
lived and died in Ohio: had child)-en.
1 043L HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Elijah* (55) m. 1. Nanny Northrop, May 22, 1778, who
died April 2, 1818. He m. 2 Betsey Turney, in 1819,
and d. Jan. 5. 1844, aged 90. Children,
84 I. JohnN.,'b. Dec. 28, 1779.
8.5 II. Betsey,^ b. Sept. 22, 1781, d. Oct. 8, 1798.
i?,« III. Elijah,^ b. April 23, 178:5.
1^^ IV. Isaac, -^ b. May 28, 1787.
88 V. Anna,-^ b. Dec. 24, 1789, m. Joel Pierce, May 9, 1814,
d. March 13, 184G. She had ch., one of whom was Mariette, the
wife of G. W. Bishop, now of Sharon, Conn.
89 VI. Samuel,'^ b. Oct. 23, 1792, m. Julia, dan. of Jehiel
Preston, d. Sept. 11, 1884, no issue.
90 VII. George,' b. July 23, 1794; d. Oct. 22, 1798. '
91 VIII. Eebecca/ b. Oct. 1, 1796, .m. Chester Foot.
92 IX. Amy,' b. Oct. 29, 1798; d. Jan. 13, 1813.
93 X. Sally,' b. March 27, 1801, m. Daniel Abbott.
94 XI. Rev. Charles,' b. Oct. 22, 1803, m. Jerusha Rogers,
Nov. 19, 1828, d. at Troy, N. Y., March 10, 1844. He had one
eh., Uenrietta J.
Jotham,' (58) ch.,
9.> I. Beers," settled in Newtown, Conn.
96 II. Rufus,** settled in Brookfield, Conn
97 III. Samuel," settled in Brooktield, Conn.
isl] IV. Lewis,^ settled in Newtown, Conn.
Matthew' (64) d. March 25, 1813. His wife Ehzabeth d.
the day previous. Children,
99 [. Judson," had Hiram,' Albert^ and Edward.'
100 II. Leman, Esq.." b. Dec. 17, 178G, m. Nancy, dan. of
Jesse Minor, Esq. He d. Oct. 21, 1831, leaving his wife and two
children, Sarah and Fannie: Sarah m. Meloy, and resides
in Waterbury.
101 III. Susanna," bap. March 30, 1789; d. young.
102 IV. Lucy," bap. March 30, 1789; d. young.
103 V. Harvey/ bap. Aug., 29, 1790; d. March 30. 1813, unm.
104 VI. Diodema," bap. Nov. 14, 1792, m. Nathan Bowers.
Solomon' (69) m. 1. Cressey, who d. in 1802; m. 2.
Ford. Children,
105 I. Eunice." b. May 19. 1789, m. Samuel Bristol, resides in
Wakeman, Ohio.
106 II. Cyrus," b. Jan. 9. 1792, m. Mercy Peck. Ch.. 1. Jen-
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1543M
nette, d. num.; 2. Eiith Ann, m. Porter of Waterbury; 3.
Julia, m. in 1853, Nelson Bristol of Wakenian, Ohio.
107 III. Hannah," b. March 10, 1793; d. July 3, 1819.
108 IV. Sarah, « b. March 20. 1795, m. — - Whittlesey of
Ohio.
109 V. David,"^ b. March 3, 1790. m. Julin, Johnson of Ply-
mouth, resides in Penn.
112 VI. Ruth,« b. Jan. 19, 1798, m. N. Iline of Bethlem, re-
sides in Ohio.
111 VII. Reuben, « b. March 5, 1799, d. in Virginia, unm.
112 VIII. Pollv,«b. April 10, 1804, ra. Gleason, went,
west.
113 IX. Eliza,« b. Feb. 25, 1800.
114 X. Wjlliam.*' b. July 31, 1807. Resides in Bedford, Pa.,
has children.
Aarou'^ (70) m. Anna Curtiss, Feb. 19, 1795. He d. Oct.
16, 1822, and his wid. d. Feb. 18, 1847. Children,
115 I. Betsey" b. March 28, 1790, m. Marshtield P. Matther,
Nov. 6, 1821.
110 II. Susan," b. May 15, 1798, ni. Thomas Bull, Esq., Feb.
19, 1824.
117 III. Ann," b. Sept. 20, 1800; d. Oct. 10, 1822.
118 IV. Fauny,^ b. Jan. 3, 1803, m. John Summers, Feb. 23,
1829; d. Aug. 8, 1851, leaving children, Cornelia and Elvira.
119 V. Augusta," b. Sept. 11. 1805, m. Nathan B. Fairchild,
May 0, 1832.
120 VI. Julia," b. July 28. 1807; d. Oct. 29, 1826.
121 VII. Monroe Curtiss, b. Apr. 28, 1810, m. 1. Cornelia
Hurd of Indiana: m. 2. Ruth E., dau. of Dea. Reuben H. Hotch-
kiss; has children.
122 VIII. Caroline," b. Feb. 3, 1813, m. Shelton Smith.
123 IX. Bennet Aaron," b. Sept. 8, 1817. m. Emily M., dau.
of the late John Strong, Esq., June 7, 1852.
Capt. John N.,^ (85) m. Mary, sister of Hon. Seth P.
Beers. He died Aug. 1, 1815; his wid. died Oct. 1, 1839.
Children,
124 I. George P.," b. Nov. 11, 1811, m. Harriet A. Brown of
Bethlem, She d. Aug. 13, 1850, aged 39. He has two ch. liv-
ing, Harriet and Henry.
125 II. John N.," m. Margaret L., dau. of Josiah Hotchkiss,
July 11. 1838; had one child who is deceased. He d. June 1, 1840.
J e543N" HISTORYOF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
126 III. Rev. Heury Beers.® is an Episcopal clergyman, and
resides at Bellville, N. J.
Elijah^ (86) m. 1. Oct. 14, 1805, Fanny, dau. of Lient.
John Strong. She d. Aug. 19. 1848; he m. 2. Polly Beard Camp,
Jan. 1, 1850. His ch. are,
127 I. Catherine A.,« b. May 24, 1807, in. William C. Cogs-
well, Sept. 5, 1838, and has two ch., Mary A. and F, Isabella.
128 II. Margaret S.,* b. April 28, 181(J, m. John McKenney,
May 24, 1837. He was b. in Manchester, Conn., Sept. 8, 1812,
and d. in Woodbury, Feb. 5, 1845. Ch., Amelia W. and Henry S.
Isaac* (87) m. Rosetta Root, Oct. 28, 1807. She d. May
29, 1850. Cbildren,
129 I. Betsey M.,« b. June 2, 1810, m. Ira Thomas, and hag
eh., Hortensia M.,^ Horatio S.,' Serina R.' and Clementine S.'
130 II. Joseph R.,* b. June 5, 1812, m. Lncretia Tolles, April
14, 1839, resides in New York.
131 III. Julia,® b. April 30, 1814, m. George E. Hall of Beth-
lem, now resides west: has ch., J. Sherman, Charles Henry and
Mary Jane.
132 lY. Anna C,® b. Nov. 8, 1816, m. William Abernethy,
and had one child, Henry W. She d. Jan. 7. 1840.
133 V. Rebecca,* b. Sept. 22, 1819, m. Thomas W. Gillette,
Sept. 2, 1840, resides in New Haven.
Lewis,® (98) of Newtown, had,
134. I. Justin,' removed to Wakeman. Ohio; was among the
tirst settlers of that town.
135 II. Philo,' removod early to Wakeman.
136 III. Sylve.ster,' b. April, 1790. Settled in Bridgewater
soc. New Milford; m. Mercy, dau. of Andrew Peck, and had, I.
Lewis G., b. April 14, 1813, removed to Woodbury, m. Jennet,
dau. of Lauren Jud.son. Ch., Margaret A., b. April 4, 1837:
Sylvester, b. Oct. 30, 1839; Emily, d. young; George, d. young;
Julia, b. Jan. 18, 1853. If. Flora, b. April 5, 1813, m. Dayton
Trowbridge, resides in Bridgewater. III. George M., b. April,
1822, m. Julia Glover of Bridgewater, resides in N. Y. lY. Em-
ily, m. David W^ooster, of Bridgewater.
137 lY. Anna,' m. Isaac Brisco.
138 Y. Sabra,' m. Daniel Booth.
139 YI. Esther.' m. Ebenezer Terrill.
140 YII. Marcia,^ m. Sherman Beers.
Daniel Sherman, of Roxbury society, m. Mary . He was
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 15430
brother of Ebenezer Sherman, of Stratford, whod. in 1763. They
were probably descendants of Hon. Samuel, but tlie connection
is not found. Ch. of Daniel, were, Abigail, b. March, 1747;
Ann, b. Nov., 1749; Ebenezer, b. Nov. .>, 1752; Philo, b. July
29, 1760; Mary, b. Apr. 27, 170:}.
Note to Page 1543 F — Hon. George F. Hoar, now (1880) U,
S. Senator from Massachusetts, is a descendant of the above Sam-
uel and Sarah (Sherman) Hoar. William M. Evarts, now U. S.
Senator from New York, is descended from the above Jeremiah
and Mehetable (Sherman) Evarts. Hon. Chauncey M. Depew.
Prpsident of the New York Central and Hudson River R. R., is
a descendant of Rev. Josiali Sherman, brother of Roger, the
" Signer," through his daughter, Martha, who married Rev.
Justus Mitchell, mentioned on page 1543E.
Note to Page 154:3N — Mary Peck Sherman died March
21, 1877. Sylvester Sherman died October 5, 1867. Geo.
M. Sherman d. July 4, 1865. Emily (Sherman) Wooster d. in
1876. Had 2 ch. Ornam,' s. of Lewis of Newtown, b. Dec. 10,
1792. Had 2 ch., Samuel and Charles. Sylvester, s. of Lewis G.
m. Annie Roberts, 1 ch., Frank F. Julia, dan. of Lewis G., m.
Arthur D. Warner, a lawyer of Woodbury.
Joseph R. Sherman d. May 29, 1871. His son Adolphus F.
Sherman, b. Feb. 24, 1840, d. July 12, 1867.
SHERMAN FAMILY.
[Additions.]
The personal investigations made by Rev. Henry Beers Sher-
man have added valuable material to this genealogy. Edmond
Sherman came over from England before 1636. with his sons
Edmond, Samuel and John. He was a cloth-worker, and a man
of means. He came from Dedham, Essex Co., England, where
Rev. H. B. S. found one of the church windows of stained-glass,
bearing his initials, as having been his gift, and the record show-
ed that one of the buttresses of the church was erected at his ex-
pense; but still more interesting was it to see the pupils of a free
school (endowed by him and still in operation) attending the
church in procession. So far back as 1560. the pedigree of Sher-
man was as follows: From the Parish Records. Dedham, Eng.,
1 544P HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Edmoud Sherman married Ann Pellett, Apr. 30, 1560. They
had Edmiuid,^ who, Sept. 11, 1584, .married Ann Clark. They
had 1. Richard, (wlio married Elizabeth , ""and had Anna,
Nov., 1613, and Friscil/a, 1618.) 2. Ed mond (older than Rich-
ard) who married Judith Angier, May 26, 1611, and had John,
bap. Jan. 4, 1614. Edmond, bap. Ju^ie 18, 1618, and JSamnel,
bap. July 12, 1618. Of these, Edmond or Edmund, (as all of like
name spelled it then.) returned with his father to England in
1636 or 7, and their descendants still live in Dedham, England^
and the same business is still carried on among them.
John Sherman, (Rev. John). Mr. Savage's personal research-
es and batter information, correct Mather's account of Mr. Sher-
man. He was of Trinity College, not Immanuel. He was not
obliged to leave College without a degree, as a College Puritan.
Mr. Savage saw his subscription on taking his degree, 1630 and
1633. J. S. came to New England, April. 1634, in the '" Eliza-
beth," from Ipswich, Eng., and arrived in Boston in June. He
did not go to New Haven in a few weeks, but resided in Water-
town nearly a year, and was dismissed May 29, 1635, to form with
others a new church on the Connecticut River. In 1640 he sold
his house and lot in Wethersfield, and removed to Milford, and
was representative in 1643. In 1647 he removed to Watertown,
Mass. His first wife was Mary , who died Sept., 1644, by
whom he liad Mari/, b. probably in 1639. Bezakel, (bap. at Mil-
ford) Nov. 15, 1640. (gradu. at Harvard 1661). David, March
22, 1642. Samiud, April 14, 1644, d. Sept., 1644. His second
wife was Mary Launce, regarding whom Mather committed ex-
traordinary blunders. Thus — she was not a granddaughter of
Earl Rivers, and did not have 20 children. Fourteen children by
both marriages are all whose names have been discovered on re-
cord, and one more is supposed to have been lost by wear of the
record, 15. The remainder Mather is supposed to have gotten by
confounding together the list of Rev. John's children with those
of his cousin, Capt. John, who was Town Clerk of Watertown,
Of the first wife's children, Munj m. Daniel Allen about 1658,
Bezaleel, whom one authority says d. before 1685. He d. before
1697, and a letter of Higginson to his son at Madras, 1697,
implies that B. S. had lived thn-c, and that his family were
yet there. Of the second wife's children, AbicjaU mar-
ried, August, 1661, Rev. Samuel Willard. M(t)\y^ (of second wife
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1545
says Savage) married, May 27, 1679, Ellis Barron, Jr. Mercy m. Samuel
Barnard, April 4, 1700. (Compare /Savage article " Sherman.")
Samuel Sherman, son of Edmoud 1st, was born in Dedham, England
July 1618, bap. July 12, 1G18, settled first in Wetliersfield, Conn., then in
Stamford, and last and permanently in Stratford, where he died. He m. Sa-
rah Mitchell, dau. of Matthew, but not before he came from England, for
then he was but 16 years of age. Mr. Sherman was in Stamford 1640-1, as
one of the original proprietors. He appears first on Stratford Records in
1650. The record of his children's births, however, is complete in Stratford
Record from 1641, the date of his oldest child's birth. And Huntington, who
says he thinks no record of a birth has escaped him on Stratford Records
from 1640 to 1700, finds no entry of a child to Mr. Sherman. Yet his first
foi;r children at least must have been born there. The explanation probably
is, that not imtil he felt himself permanently settled in Stratford, did he
carry the names and births of his family to jjublic Record. They were as
carefully taken from Stratford Record, Vol. 1. 1. Samuel^, b. Jan 19th, 1641,
m. Mary Titterton, 1665, and Abigail (nee Thompson, and widow saccessively
of Jonathan Curtis and of Nicholas Huse. 3. TheopJiilus, b. Oct. 28, 1643, I
find no trace of his m. nor of his death. He convej^ed land in Stratford in
1675. 3. Matthew, b. Oct. 21, 1645. 4. Edmond, b. Dec. 4, 1647, m. Susanna,
dau. of Richard Hardy, of Stamford, about 1670-1. 5. John, b. Feb. 8, 1661,
went to Woodbury. 6. (Sa/'a/i, b. Feb. 6, 1653, m. Josiah Rossiter, of Guil-
ford, about 1675. 7. Nathaniel, b, March 21, 1656-7, m. June 3, 1680, Mary
dau. of Benjamin Phippeny, of Boston, had a dau. Comfort, who m. Richard
Xichols. Nathaniel was a Locksmith. 8. Benjamin, b. March 29, 1662, m.
June 1683, Rebekah, dau. of Benj. Phippeny, who m. Richard Nichols. 9.
David, b. April 15, 1665, m. Mercy , was dea. in Litchfield Church, d.
1753.
Samuel Shermans, son of Samuel, m., June 19, 1665, Mary, dau. of Dan-
iel Titterton, of Stratford. In August, 1695, he m. Abigail, widow of Nicho-
las Huse, and previously widow of Jonathan Curtis. She was dau. of John
Thompson. Samuel Shermon2, was a nason by trade. Mr. Sherman's children
were by his first wife. They were : 1. Mary, b. May 9, 1666, probably died
young. 2. David, b. March 23, 1668-9. He m. Rebecca Wheeler, Dec. 1694.
Page (9,) (children of Samuel Shermans continued.)
3. Susanna, b. 1670, m. Daniel Mitchell. 4. Sarah,h. Nov. 1673, d. young.
5. Grace, b. July 1676, m. Daniel Sention (St. John), of Norwalk. 6. Eliza-
heth, b. Jan. 1678-9, m., Nov. 1702, Isaac Clark. 7. Sarah, b. Dec. 16, 1681,
m., Jan 1706-7 Samuel Beers, of Newtown, Conn. Abigail, b. Aug. 4, 1688.
m. Dec. 1708, James Beebe, of Danbury, Conn.
I think Mary, as well as the first Sarah, must have died young. In 1719,
the heirs of his estate are Daniel Sherman, Daniel Mitchell (husb. of Susan-
na,) Daniel Sention (husband of Grace,) James Beebe, ihusband of Abigail,)
Isaac Clark, (husband of Elizabeth ) and Samuel Beers, (husband of Sarah.)
Matthew Sherman, Son of Samuel let, m. Hannah . He d. in 1698.
He was one of the original members of Stratfield church, 1695. She also.
They had David, 1692, m., June 1718, Dinah Rise, of Wallingford. She d.
April, 1732. He married twice afterward. Hannah, 1694, m. in Jan. 1716-7^
1546 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY.
David Beach. Jahez, 1697, bap. in Stratfield, lived in Stratfield, had son Sol-
omon bap. there.
Edmund Sherman, son of Samuel 1st, m. Susanna, dan. of Richard Hardy
of Stamford. After death of E. S. she, in 1694 had become wife of one Ray.
nor. They had, Bezaleel, b. Jan. 1st, 1673-4, d. 1717, m. widovsr Jane Cornwell,
March 1706-7. Samuel, b. Jan. 8, 1677-8. Edmond, b. March 29, 1779-80.
Matthew, b. Jan. 8, 1683-3, m. Dec. 1710, to .
With reg-ard to Sarah, whom you add, " bap. 1678. There are no baptis-
mal Records of infants in Stratford, and only here and there one of adults in
Stratford till after 1700. I never met with Sarah's name on any record, but
cannot correct it. There was room for her to come in, in 1676.
Bezaleel, son of Edmond Shermon, m., March 1706-7, widow Jane Corn,
wall. They had, Susanna, 1707. Bezaleel, Oct. 1717, and the father d. the
same year. I find no other children recorded to them.
Matthew Sherman, son of Edmond and Susanna, m. — , Dec. 1710. He had
Ahifjail, ha,^. in Stratfield, March 1711-2. Bebecca, b. in Stratfield, July 1713.
I find no others recorded to them, and am strongly convinced that the Lemuel
and David given to him (page 683) belong to his uncle Matthew, who d. in
1695, who had a David at least.
Page 683. John, son of Samuel Sherman 1st. I have nothing to add to or
alter your account of him.
Sarah, dau. of Saniiiel Sherman 1st, m. John Rossiter, of Guilford, about
1675. They had, 1. <Sara7t, 1677, died 1678. 2. Elizabetli, 1Q79,M&y IQ. 3-
J<?«i«/i, 1680, May 30. 4. Samuel, Jan. 28, 1682, died soon. 5. TimotJiy, June
5, 1683. 6. John, Oct. 13, 1684, died young. 7. 8a9miel, 1686-6, Feh. 8. David,
April 1687, died 1688. 9. Jonathan, April 3, 1688. 10. Nathaniel, Nov. 10,
1689. 11. Sarah, Feb. 25, 1691. 13 Patience, April 6, 1693. 13. Joanna,
April 33, 1693, died 1703. 14. Mary, Sept. 3, 1694. 15. Theophilm, Feb. 13,
1696. 16. Susanna, Jan. 13, 1697. 17. Ehenezer, Feb. 4, 1699. 17 children
in 32 years ! ! ! !
N.^THANiEL Sherman, b. 1657, son of Samuel, m., June 1681, Mary, dau.
of Benjamin Phippeny, of Boston. Mr. Sherman was a Locksmith. In
Nov., 1707, he m. a second wife, Mrs. Abigail Hanford, of Fairfield. Child,
ren : By 1st ^vife, only one is recorded to him, viz : Comfort, b. probably 1683,
m. in 1703 Richard Nichols , son of Isaac N. Jr. By his second wife, Abigail,
Nathaniel Sherman had, Sarah, Sept. 3, 1708, m. John Lewis, Dec. 1737. Pe-
ninah, April 5, 1710. Naomi, May 13, 1713, m. John Lewis, Dec. 1731.
Benjamin Sherman b. 1661-2, son of Samuel 1st, m., June 1683, Rebe.
kah, dau. of Benjamin Phippeny. of Boston. He died 1741, aged 80. She
died, Aug. 1739, aged 75. Their grave stones are in good preservation.
Their children were: 1. Abigail, b. April 10, 1684, d. unmarried, 1743. 3.
Wilrnitt, Jan. 31, 1688, named for Rebecca's mother, who was " Wilmot Phip-
peny." 3. Job, b. April 7, 1690, m. Sarah Seeley, may 38, 1713, had Ann,
1714. 4. Nathaniel, b. Dec. 1, 1692, m. Ruth Curtis, Dec. 1730 (d. 1726,) m.
Eunice Patterson, May 1728. 5. Martha, b. Dec. 30, 1695. 6. Mary, b. Feb.
24, 1696-7. 7. Enos, b. April 15, 1699, m. Abigail Walker, Jan. 1735, had
Walker, iTPi'l; Olive, 1736. 8. Benjamin, A.^n\ 1703, m. Obedience, (widow
of Nathan Fairchild) Nov. 29, 1740, had Benjamin, l74l ; Beeca, 1743. She
HISTORY OP AKCIENT WOODBURY, 1 547
■was Obedience Mallory, m. Edmund Curtis, 1723, m. Fairchild, 1727. !). Sam-
uel, 1705, bap. in Stratfield. 19. James, b. March 170G-7, m. Sarah
Oooke, Jan. 17, 1733-4. He had Adonijah, 1734 ; Billee, 1736.
David, " Ensign, " Lieut., " Captain," (not Daniel,) son of Samuel Sher-
man 1st., settled in Stratfield, was dea. of the church there. He married
Mercy , (whose family name has been the object of abundant enquiry.
Goodwin and Savage thought her a dau. of Jeremiah Judson, but Iris dau.
Mci'v.y m. Solomon Burton in 1687. And there is not another disposable girl
of the name on record in the second generation in Stratford.)
Dea. David Sherman died 1753. He and his Avifo were dismissed 1695 to
unite, as original members, with the Stratfield churcli (now Bridgeport Fi^et.^
They had: 1. Tamar, bap. March 1695-6, m. Henry Rowland 1718. 3. Abi-
ah, bap. Oct. 1697. 3. Eunice, bap. Jan. 1699-00. 4 Esther, bap. April 1703.
5. Mercy, bap. May 1704. 6. Prudence, bap. Oct. 1706, m. Robert Denison
April 1733. 7. Elnathan, bap. May 1709, with wife joined Stratfield church
by renewing covenant, Feb. 1750-1, and had bap. Eunice, April 1781 ;
AUjafi, March 1756. 8. Melietabel, bap. May 1711. 9. Dorothy, bap. Aug.
1714. 10. Jerusha, m. 1744, Joseph Seoley.
Thfere is an error on page 680. " Mary m. John Brattle," should read Me-
hetabel m. John Battell, of Dedham.
To the children of Daniel (13) p. 684, should be added IV. Rebecca, who
rn. Gideon Hollister.
To the children of Samuel (37) p. 684, should be added III. Beers, IV. Cyrus.
No. 136, p. 688, Lewis O. b. April 4, I8l3. Flora, b. April 5, 1815.
Deacon Elijah Sherman, (86) p. 687, d. Oct. 33, 1854. His dau. Margaret
S. (138) m. Dr. Stephen B. Fairchild, formerly of Newtown, the same day.
The deacon requested the ceremony to be performed before he died, and his
wishes were gratified.
Hon. John Sherman, U. S. Senator of Ohio, has furnished the principal
pan of the following account of his branch of the family, to the writer.
One branch of the Sherman family is descended from Taylor Sherman,
No. 83 of your Sherman family. He was m. in 1787 to Elizabeth Stoddard,
(dau. of Israel, S., No. 16 of your Stoddard family,) and lived and died as a-
Lawyer and Judge, in Norwalk, Conn. He died May 4, 1815. His widow
came to Ohio, and died in Mansfield, Aug. 1st, 1848. Their children are as
follows: 1. Charles Robert, b. Sept. 26, 1788. 2. Daniel, b. March 36, 1790.
3. Betsey, b. Dec. 7, 1791.
Charles R. m. in Norwalk, Conn., Mary Hoyt, May 8, 1810. Soon after, he
removed to Lancaster, Ohio, where he became distinguished as a Lawye •, and
especially as an advocate. He held several important offices, and in 1833 bel
came Judge of the Supreme Court of Ohio, in which position he acted until,
on the 34th day of June, 1839, when, while on the Bench at Lebanon, 0., he
sickened and Died. He was buried at Lancaster. His widow died at Mans,
field, Sept. 33, 1852. Their children were : 1. Charles Taylor, b. Feb. 3, 1811 ,
m. Feb 2, 1841, with Eliza Williams, of Dayton, and have five children. A
Lawyer at Mansfield, O.
2. Mary Elizabeth,}). April 31st, 1812, m. Oct. 39, 1829, with Gen. W.J
Reese, and have five children, one of whom is married. Live in Lancaster, 0.
45
1548 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
3. James, b. Dec. 10, 1814, m. Sophia Couiiell, Oct. 11, 1842. Have three
children. Merchant in Fort Fort Des Moines, Iowa.
4. Amelia, born Feb. 11. 1816, m. Robert McComb, Aug. 3, 1832. Have
seven children, one of whom is ui. and has a child. Farmer in Mansfield.
5. Julia Ann, b. July 24, 1818, m. June 5, 1838, to John G. Willock, of
Lancaster. Died April 3, 1842. having one child.
7. William Tecumseh, b. Feb. 8, 1820, grad. at West Point. Served in
Mexican War as Capt. and Brev. Major. Married, May 1, 1850, with Ellen
B. Ewing, dau. of Hon. Thomas Ewing, of Ohio. Children : Maria Ewing
Sherman, b. Jan. 28, 1851. Mary Elizabeth Sherman, b. Nov. llth, 1853-
William Tecumseh Sherman, b. June 8th, 1853, d. Oct. 3, 1863. Thomas Ew-
ing Sherman, b. Oct. 12, 1856. Ellen Mary Sherman, b. Sept. 5, 1859. Ea-
chel Ewing Sherman, b. July 5, 1861. Charles Oelestine Slierman, b June 11,
1864, d. Dec. 4, 1864. Phileman Tecumseh Sherman, b. Jan. 9, 1867.
Gen. Sherman, at a late New England dinner, gave the following account
of his family :
" I learned from books alone, that in 1634, fourteen years after the Pilgrim
Fathers Ip.nded at Plymouth Rock, three persons by the name of Sherman
reached the Boston coast [applause] : the Rev. John Sherman ; his cousini
John Shemian, who was styled the Captain ; and his brother, Samuel Sher-
man. The Rev. John Sherman and the other cousin settled at Watertown,
Mass., and it ie related of the Rev. John Sherman that he preached a sermon
under a tree there. Samuel Shermaii, a young man, about 14 years of age.
and adventurous, emigrated to Connecticut. Samuel Sherman was the an-
cestor of my branch of the family, and settled at Stratford, Connecticvit, and
lived there fifty years after reaching his home. He married and had chil-
dren, and his second son, John Sherman, adopted the legal profession-
[Laughter.] That John Sherman had another son John, who had a son Dan.
iel Sherman, a man of note in his day, a cotemporary of Roger, and a mem-
ber of the Council of Safety and the Legislative Assembly. His youngest
child, Taylor Sherman, settled at Norwalk, Conn., was Judge of the Probate
Court, and was one of those who lost property by Arnold's descent upon the
coast of Connecticut. He also was one of those who inherited part of the
land which the State of Connecticut donated in the Western Reserve, and
was one of those who went to the West to arrange a treaty with the Indians.
In 1808 he returned to Connecticut. He went out again in 1808 and made a
partition of the fireJands. His son, my father, then a young man of 30 years,
married Mary Hoyt at Norwalk, Conn., in 1810, and their families still live
there. My father went to Lowcastle, Ohio, followed by my mother and her
child, on horseback. That child was my brother, Judge Charles Sherman of
Ohio. I was the sixth child. Our father died and left ue all very bare.
[Laughter.] But friends came up and assisted us, and we all reached matu-
turity, and we all married, and the number of children we had I really can-
not keep on counting. [Cheers and laughter.] Gentlemen, the^Shermans are
a numerous family, and I may safely assert that they all obeyed the Divine
commandment— they went forth, increased and multiplied [laughter], and I
hope they have done their share toward replenishing the earth. [Laughter
and cheers.]"
7. Lumson Parker, b. Oct. 13, 1821, m. at Cincinnati. 0., Mary Gichell.
Has one child. IJve in Fort. Des Moines, Iowa.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT W O O I) I? U U Y . 1549
8. John, b. May 10, 1823, m., Aug. ?A, 1848, S. C. Stewart, dan. <it .ludge
Stewert. Live in Mansfield. Now Senator of Ohio.
9. Susan Denman, b. Oct. 10, 1825, m., Nov. 7, 1844, Hon. T. VV. Bailley^
now Supreme Judge of Ohio. Have two children. Reside in Mansfield.
10. H&yt, b. Nov. 1, 1827. Now Banker in Fort Des Moines, Iowa.
11. Famiy Beeeher, b. May 3, 1829, m.. May 9, 1855, fliarles W. Mmilton,
of Mansfield.
(2.) Daniel, removed early to Huron Co., O., and resided there ever since.
Farmer, m., July, 1813, to Abby Guthrie. He died April 23, 1820 : ni. 2d to
to Laura Hubble, 3, 1824. Has children : 1. BcUey, b. Nov. 5, 1814 ; ni.. May
1835, to C. B. Hall, of Vermont, and has several children. 2. WUliuia. 1). .)an.
20, 1817, unmarried. 3. Rairiet E., b. April 4, 182.5 ; m. S. D. Fish, of .Mon-
roeville, and have children.
(3.) Betsey, m. July 10, 1820, Jacob Parker, of Mansfield, 0., (Late Judge
of Com. Pleas). She died April 25, 1851. Had three children : C/u</rl<>tte,h.
28th Sept., 1833, m. John Wood, of Mansfield, and have children: Cluwles
W., b. 11th Sept., 1828, unmarried. In Fort Des Moines, Iowa; Elhahith, b.
24th May, 1831, m. Dr. Mowry, and d. April, 1855, childless.
Homer B., son of Amos Sherman, (see No. 30, p. G83,) b. Dec. 7, 1797, m.
Laura, dau. of Stephen Crane, of New Milford, Dec. 1818. Children ; 1.
Fredericlc L., b. Nov. 18, 1819. He took an active part in recruiting for the
late war, and was very effective in many capacities. He was appointed As-
sistant Provost Marshall of Conn., Nov. 17, 1862, and Enrolling Officer for
Roxbury and Bridgewater, May 28, 18G3, both of which offices he filled with
loyal vigor and success. 2. Mary J., b. Nov. 10, 1821, m. Stephen Wells, of
New Milford, Oct. 1847; have two dau. 3. George T.,h. Feb. 10, 1824, m.
Mary Robbins, of Cold Spring, N. Y., Oct. 1844. Children: Wrry, b. Oct.
1845. 4. Laum C, b. June 15, 182G.
1. Fred. L. m. Lydia E. dau. of Joel Bishop of Washington, Nov. 16. 1843.
Children: Homer W., b. June 17, 1846, d. April 20, 1870. Hornce M., b. July
6, 1847 ; resides in New York city.
STILES. FAMILY.
[Additions.]
Stiles, Francis, is not named in any Stratford Record, and there seems to
be no reason for thinking he ever came to that town. Savage notes the re-
corded birth of a child to Francis, at Windsor, Aug. 3, 1645. He also thinks
Francis Stiles died at Windsor, not later than 1G53. Very likely he may
have been an original patentee or proprietor of Stratford, but, like William
Jiidson, came not himself to dwell there. Several of his sons however, set-
tled in Stratford. Robert Clark m. Sarah, widow of F. Stiles, some yoare be-
fore 1665.
Thomas Stiles, (brother of Francis, and son of Tliomas, of England,) was
an original patentee of Flushing, L. I., 1G45, and his descendats w(ire there.
Ephr.\im Stiles, eldest son of Francis, m., July 8, 16G9, Ruth, widow of
Obadiah Wheeler, b. 1G45, d. June, 1714. aged 69, in Stratford. His second
wife m. after 1G80 ; was Bathsheba, dau. of Henry Tomlynson, b. Jan. ]6Gi'-l.
1550 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKV.
After Stiles death, in 1*714, she m. a Curtis. Her grave-stone strangely omits
the name of her last husband, and reads " Bathsheba Curtis, formerly wife of
Ephraim Stiles," aged 74, d. 1*735. Mr. Stiles d. in June, 1*714. His will
was made 1712. He had Elizabeth, Feb. 18, 168*7, m. Ephraim Curtis, 1707,
had 12 children; Sarah, Nov, A, 1693, m. Thomas Welles, Aug. 1710, had
nine children ; Phebe, March 25, 1696, m. David Judson, Oct., 1713, had 10
children, of whom Ruth, b. 1726, m. Benjamin Stiles, of Woodbury, p. 699, (72).
Bensamtn Stiles, son of Francis (p. 696, Benjamin (11) seems to have d.
in Stratford. " Benjamin Stiles, aged 60, April, 1711." This places his birth
in 1651.
Samuel Stiles, son of Francis, m., Dec. 31, 1664, Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas
Sherwood.
I think Savage errs in supposing him dead before 1682, for he is named —
Samuel of Woodbury, 1699-1708 — sometimes as " Ensign Samuel Stiles,"
" brother of Ephraim. "
Hannah, dau. of Francis Stiles, m. Edward Hinman of Stratford. He d.
Nov. 21, 1681. They had Sara7i,h. Sept. 1653, m. Wm. Roberts; Titus, h.
Jan. 1655; Samuel, b. Jan. 1658; Benjamin, b. Feb. 1662; Hannah, b. Jiily,
1666; Mary,h. 1668; Patience, b. 1670, m. John Burroughs; Edioard^, b.
1672, had 12 children in Stratford. It was his wife, Hannah, who lived to
99 years, and foretold the day of her death.
Mary, dau. of Francis Stiles, (b. not later than 1640,) m., about 1 660, Hope,
son of William Washborne, of Stratford, and then of Hempstead, L. I. Hope
Washborne removed from Stratford to Derby) upon the settlement of that
town. He was however for some years with his father, in L. I., at Oyster
Bay, &c. His children recorded in Stratford are, Sarah, b. Dec. 1661 ; John,
b. May 1666; William:, b. March 1669 ; Samuel, b. March 1671 ; E-pJiraim, b.
Aug. 1673. Savage adds Mary and Jane.
S.ARAii, dau. of John Stiles, (p. 695, m., about 1650, John Stewart, of Spring-
field. In 1691 she m. John Sacket, of Northampton.
Isaac Stiles, (son of John), p. 696-(7,) m. Hannah, dau. of Robert Rose, ©f
Stratford. (R. R., Senior, came from Ipswich, Suffolk Co., England, in the
ship Francis, 1634, ha\'ing among other children Robert, aged 15. Robert
Rose, Jr., came to Stratford before 1648, and there had wife Rebecca , and
children; Mary, 1655; Rebecca, 1667 ;■ Eliza'icth, 1659; Dorcas, 1661; Sarah,
1664: Mercy, 1673 ; Hannah, 1666. Mary m. Moses Johnson, of Woodbury.
Sarah m. John Minor, Jr., of Woodbury, and Hannah m. Isaac Stiles, Jr.)
Isaac Stiles, son of John, is termed Jr., for what cause does not appear —
but it implies another Isaac, of whom I find no mention. By his wife Han-
nah, who outlived him, he had, 1. Sarah, b. 1677, m. Perry, of Derby.
2. Deborah, b. Jan. 1682, m. John Shether, of Killingworth. 3. Jonathan,
b. March 10, 1688-9. Isaac, (who may have come between Deborah and Jon-
athan), m. Abigail Adams, of Milford, Feb. 1618-9, and had William, Jan 23,
1719-20.
John and Joseph, whom you name, I do not find on Stratford Record as
children of Isaac. Jonathan, son of Isaac, went to New Jersey. He was on
Stratford Record — wife Rebecca and children : Joseph, 1706 ; John, May,
1709 ; Thomas, Dec. 1711 ; Beherca,'^^^^. 1719; Ephraim, Feb. 1723-4. Isafic
Stiles d. in Jan. 1714-5.
HISTORY OF A NO I EXT WOODRUUY. l")5l
Isaac Stiles, eon of Isaac, (at bottom of yoiir i)age 700) is the above-named
hvisband of Abigail Adams, who Avas liis first wife, and who seems to have d.
before 1724, for in that year his wife ' Sarah " was dismissed to Rijrton
church, from Stratford.
SHIPMAN FAMILY.
Daniel Shipman, b. May 13, 1773. Sarah Eastman, b. Aufj. 11th, 1774.
Parson G. Shipman, April 18, 1799. Azaiiah B. Shipman, March 32d, 180:3-
John 0. Shipman, Jan. 5,1805. Eleanor W. Shipman, Feb. 11, 1807.
Daniel M. Shipman, March 29, 1810. Joseph A. Shii)man, Dec. lo, 1812.
Richard E. Oct. 1815.
Marriage. Daniel Sliipman and Sarah Eastman, Dec. 27, 1797.
Deaths. Daniel Shipman, March 3d, 1820, aged 49 years 6 months and 10
days.
Sarah Shipman, his wife, Oct. 27, 1S42, aged GS years 2 month and 10 days.
Sarah A. Wallace, dan. of Daniel and Sarah Slupman, May 16, 1863, aged
49 years 6 months and 1 day.
John O. Shipman, Sept. 24, I860, Azariah B. Shipman Sept. 15, 18<i8, in
Paris, France.
Parson G. Shipman, January 19, 1871, aged 71 years 8 months and 29 days.
Parson G. Shipman's family. Parson G. Shipman b. April 18, 1799. Sa-
rah Fairchild, Nov. 9, 1802. Eliza Shipman, April 2f 1824. Henry Ship-
man, May 3, 1828. Helen Shipman, Aug. 8, 183©. Sarah Shipman, July 20,
1834. Elizabeth L. Way, July 1, 1832. Sarah Eastman Shipman, Eeb. 25,
1855. Daniel Shipman, July 15, 1857. Elizabeth Shipman, Dec. 4, 1858.
Parson G. Shipman, Feb. 25, 1861. Eleanor Weller Shipman, April 25, 1863.
Jane Evans Shipman, Oct. 29, 1865. Azariah B. Shipman, 7, 1868. John
Orville SMpman, June 13, 1870.
Marriages. Parson. G. Shipman and Sarah Fairchild, July 3d, 1823.
Parson G. Shipman and Elizabeth L. Way, May 10, 1854.
Eliza A. Shipman and Francis Jewell, June 22, 1847.
Helen Shipman and Ruf us K. Chandler' Feb. 4, 1857)
Deaths. Henry Shipman, son of P. G. and Sarah Shipman, June 25, 1831,
aged 3 years 1 month and 22 days.
Sarah Shipman, dau. of P. G. and Sarah Sliii)man, March 20. 1835, aged
8 months.
Sarah Shipman, wife of P. G. Shipman, May 28, 1853, aged 50 years G
months and 19 days.
Daniel, son of P. G. and Elizabeth Shipman, Jan. 10, 1858, aged G months
and 1 day.
Helen Chandler, dau. of P. G. and Sarah Shipman, March 5, 18G4, aged 33
years 7 months and 3 days.
Parson G. Shipman, Jan. 19, 1871, aged 71 years 8 months and 29 days.
Lydia Daniels, sister of Daniel Shiimian, was born July 13, 17G3: d. in
Mulnott, U. C, July 19th, 1861.
Sak.vji E. Sini'M.\N.
1552 HISTORY OF AiSCIENT WOODBUKY.
Marriages. Arad, son of Arad and Martha Evans, of the town of Paris,
Oneida Co., N. ■Y.,m. Eleanor W. Shipman, Sept. 24, 1836.
Births. Martha Jane Evans, b. June 34th, 1837, at Cazenovia, N. Y.
Daniel Shipman Evans, b. June 15th, 1830, Cazenovia, N. Y.
John Orville Evans b. Feb. 7, l8o7, at Fayetteville, N. Y.
Edwin Henry Evans, Dec. 4, 1889, Fayetteville, N. Y.
Deaths. Martha Jane Evans, June 18, 1843.
Edward Henry Evans, Oct 1st, 1841.
Married. Jolm Orville Evans m. Carrie Beard, Nov. 15, 1865.
Sarah Ammarilly Shipman, m. Sept. 1836, to William H. Wallace, of Ro-
chester, N. Y.
Births. Henry William Wallace, 1838. Matthew Thornton Wallace, 1841-
Dr. John Orville Shipman m. Rachel Green, of Chenango Co., N. Y. Dr.
Daniel Madison Shipman, m., 1st, Sarah Townsend. Children : Mary Antoi'
nette and Sarah m. 2d, Mary Yelverton. Children : Henry and Louisa. Dr.
Joseph A. Shipman m. Hannah Hunter in 1841. Children: Martha Janei
Madison, Mary, Orrille and Henry. The last two are dead.
STRONG FAMILY.
. [Additions.]
On page 708 it is said that Ehenezer Strong was " probably the son of Adino
Strong, Sen., b. before his removal to Woodbury." Further investigations
render this supposition to be a truth. Ebenezer was the oldest son of Adino,
b. Sept. 37, 1704. His 2d w., Mary Smith, was b. I3th Feb. 1707. This has
been stated to the writer by Rev. Benj. W. Dwight, of Clinton, N. Y. The
conclusive evidence, however, is found in the wills of Adino and his wife,
Eunice, where he is especially mentioned as the first born. Mr. Hermon
Perry, of Southburj^, searched out these wills.
Children of Ebenezer and Mary Strong. L, Elizaleth, b. Nov. 37, 1739, m.
Asa Johnson. Children : Justus, Asa, Amos, and a dau. who m. David Sau-
ford. 2. Eunice, b. 14th Aug., 1731, m. David Birce. Children : Eunice, m.
Phineas Barnes ; Comfort, m. John Edwards ; Currence, m. John Piatt ; Mer-
cy m. Wm. Piatt ; Betty d. young ; Patience m. Samuel Botsford.
3. Dorcas, b. Oct. 13, 1733, m. Amos Bronson.
4. Charles, b. June 26, 1735, m^ Betty Hinman, dau. of Andrew Hinman.
Children: 1. Benjamin, vemoYed to Coos. 3. Lucrctia, m. Oliver Chatfield;
3. Anna, m. Simeon Mitchell ; Betty, m. Thomas Ames, removed to Coos ;
Andreio m. Sarah Hopkins, removed to Bangor, Me. ; 4 and 5. Mary and Ol-
ive, (twins) ; Mary m. Deacon Frederick Perry. Children : Betsey, Charles,
Sophia and Andrew ; 6. OUtc, m. Al5ner Clark, of Northampton, and re-
moved to Ohio. Children by 3d wife : Charles and Harmon — removed to
Western New York. 5. Josiali, b. 5th Jan., 1737, m. Mary Baldwin, of
Woodbridge. 6. Molly, b. I4th Oct. 1740, d. unm. ; 7. Ebenezer, b. 8 June,
1743, m. Patience Hinman. Children : Ephraim, m. Hale, of Glaston-
bury, Behecra, who m. Nathaniel Bacon. 8. Mercy, b. loth Sept., 1745, m.
Sylvester Wooster — removed to Herkimer Co., N. Y.
HISTORY OF A N (• I E S" T W f O Ii H r R Y . 1553
STODDAED FAMILY.
Charles S. Woodward, Esq., a great-grandson of Rev. Anthony Stoddard,
has furnished me the following additional matter, including some repetitions
of the items contained in the former edition for the sake of greater clearness
in tracing the connections of the family :
Issue of Rev. Anthony Stoddard. Rev. Anthony Stodd.vrd, b. Aug. 9,
1678, d. Sept. 6, lY6o, graduated at Harvard, 1697. Settled as minister at
Woodbury, Conn., where he continued sixty years. He m. 1st, Prudence
Wells, dau. of Robert and Elizabet Goodrich Wells, of Wethersfield, Conn.
Oct. 20, 1700. Prudence was born 1682, died May, 1714, aged 32 ; m. 2d,
Jan. 31, 1715, Mary Sherman, dau. of Edmoud and Susannah Sherman,
who died Jan. 12, 1720, aged 29. Children: 1. Marii, b. June 19, 1702,
m. J'oseph Curtiss, son of Stephen and Sarah Minor Curtiss, b. Oct. 20,
1700. 2. Solomon, b. Oct. 12, 1703, died May 23, 1727, of sickness called
'•great fever." 3. Eliakwi,h. April 3, 1703, d. 1750. He m. Joanna Curtiss,
dau. of Ensign John and Johanna Curtiss, in 1729. 4. EUsha, b. Nov. 24,
1706, d. 1766. He m. Rebekah Curtiss, dau. of Stephen and Sarah Minor
Curtiss. Rriiel, b. Aug. 7, 1708, d. May 30, 1727. John, b. March 2, 1710.
7. Prudence, b. Oct. 12, 1711, m. Mr. Glover, and settled in Newtown Conn. 8.
Gideon, b. May 27, 1714, m. in- 1734, Olive Curtiss, dau. of Peter Curtiss, and
grand-daughter of Israel and Rebecca Curtiss. 9. Esther, b. Oct. 11, 1716,
m. Preserved Strong. 10. Ahijah, b. Feb. 28, 1718, m., April 4, 1739, Eunice
Curtiss, dau. of Ensign John and Johannah Curtiss. 11. Elisfbcihyh. Nov.
15, -719, _m. Daniel Munn. They had one child. Elizaheth , vf\io m. Lewis
Beers. '
iFSue of Eliakim and Joanna Curtiss Stoddard. , 1. Lieut. John, b., Jan 26,
1730, d. June 22, 1795, m. Mary Atwood, April 15, 1751. She was dau. of
Lieut. Jonathan and Hannah Sherman Atwood, born April 20, 1733 and d.
Jan. 16, 1802, residence Watertown, Conn. 2. Israel, b. Jan. 28, 1732, d. Aug_
8, 1794. He m. July 4, l7o9, Elizabeth Reade. 3. Anthony, b. Oct 21, 1734,
d. 1735, m. Pliebe Reade, sister of Elizabeth, wife of Israel 2. 4. Joanna, b_
July 16, 1738, m. Reuben Squires. 5. Prudence, b. Sept. 24, 1740, m. John
Marchant. 6. Eliakim, b. July 25, 1742', d. in infancy. 7. SetJt, b. Dec. 2,
1744, m. Hannah Noyes, of Sharon, Conn. 7. Abigail, h. Aug. 2, 1747, d.
Dec. 17, 1803, m. Oct. 17, 1765, Israel Woodward, b. March 17, 1740. d. Nov.
22, 1814. 9. Eliakim, b. Dec. 11, 1749, d. in Canada.
Issue of Lieut. John and Mary Atwood Stoddard. 1. Sa/ji-'<o/i .h. Oct. 25,
1752, d. Nov. 1, 1809, m. 1st, Susannah Nettleton, who d. April 24, 1779 ; m.
2d, Amy Goodwin, who d. Sept. 16, 1827. 2. Abiram, b. Oct. 25, 1756, d. Oct.
25. 1776. 3. Wells, b. July 1, 1759, d. Nov. 11, 1838, m Sarah Hickcox, who
d. June 3, 1841, aged 80. 4. Phebe, b. Feb. 19, 1761, d. Sept. 25, 1827, m. Dec
2, 1779, Josiah Hickcox, who was b. Sept. 9, 1760, d. Sept. 20, 1786. 5. Jo?m,
h. .July 1, 1763, d. Feb. 24, 1821, m. Sarah Woodward, dau. of Nathan and
Sarah Hickcox Woodward, who was b. Sept. 17, 1766. 6. Suhnit, b. March
17, 1766, d. Sept. 7. 1775. 7. Joanna, b. Feb. 19. 1767, d. June 5, 1847, m.
Eri Parker. 8. Mary, b. June II, 1771. d. in 1845. m. 1st, Randall Judd, pa-
rente of Lewis Judd. late of Woodljurv. He d. 2d. Nathaniel Curtis. 9.
1554 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Sarah, b. May 13, 1773, d. May 20, 1831, m. James Williams, b. May 13, 177&'
d. at Cherry Valley, N. Y., Dec. 20, 1809. 10. Israel, b. Feb. 15, 177G, d. April
4, 1859, m. 1st, Polly Wilson; 2d, Mary Wilson, both of Harwinton,
Conn. 11. Eliakim, b. Aug. 10, 1779, d. Feb. 28, 1860, m. 1st, Lois Matthews,
b. April 23, 1781, d. Dec. 13, 1842 ; 2d, Nancy Adsit, July 13, 1843. She was
b. Dec. 20, 1794, d. Oct 29, i860.
Issue of Israel and Elizabeth Reade Stoddard: 1. Phebe, b. Nov. 25, 1760,
d. in 1775. 2. Asa, b. Sept. 4, 1762, d. in Dayton, Oliio April 11, 1842, m. Ar-
menal Prindle, who d. at Woodbury Nov. 8, 1825, aged 63. 3. James, b.
May 14, 1765, d. in Washington, Conn., 1805, m. Mary Judson, by whom he
had five children. He was a Physician. 4. Elizabeth, b. June 17, 1769, d.
Aug. 2, 1848, at Mansfield, Ohio, m. Taylor Sherman, son of Hon. Daniel and
Mindwell Sherman. He was a lawyer, resided at Norwalk, Conn., where he d.
May 4, 1815.
Issue of Abigail Stoddard Woodward: 1. Rev. Israel Beard Stoddard, b.
Dec. 4, 1767, Congregational minister, d. at Wolcott, Conn., Nov. 17, 1810, m.
Sally, dau. of Rev. John Smalley, of New Britain, Conn. 3. Pamela, b. April
15, 1770, d. Dec. 18, 1830, m. Chester Belden, resided at Hudson, N. Y. S.
Abigail, b. May 19, 1772, d. at Watertown, Conn., Sept. 21, 1850, unmarried.
4. Anna, b. Dec. 4, 1774, d. at Watertown, Conn., April 21, 1862, m. Young-
love Cutler. March 19, 1805, who d. April 39, 1^16. Children: Dotha Stone
Cutler, b. Dec. 23, 1805, d. at Watertown, Conn., Jan. 26, 1826 ; Hon. Leman
Woodward Cutler, b. Dec. 13, 1807, m. Oct 31, 1831, Mary E. Holcomb, dau.
of Rev. Frederic Holcomb, D. D., residence, WatertoAvn, Conn, 5. Asa, b.
Aug. 34, 1779, d. June 1st, 1864, m. April 6, 1801, Hannah Hickcox, dau. of
Josiah andj Phebe Stoddard Hickcox, b. April 6, 1781, d. April 14, 1851, resi-
dence, Watertown, Conn. They had one son, Charles Stoddard Woodward,
b. Oct. 10, 1804, m. Jan. 20, 1852, Maria L. Andrew, of Litchfield, Conn, b.
March 6, 1830. Children : Charles Asa, b. April 12, 1855 ; Andrew Jackson,
b. July 3, 1857.
Issue of Phebe Stoddard Hickcox: 1. Hannah, b. April 6., 17S1, m. Asa
Woodward. 3. Samuel, b. Jan. 17, 1783, d. Oct. 39, 1839, m., about 1805, Hul-
dah, dau. of Col. Aner Bradley, of Watertown, Conn. Issue, one son, . Sam-
uel Josiah, b. Oct. 20, 1806, d. at New Orleans Oct. 18, 1832, unmarried. :;;.
Josiah, b. Feb. 13, 1786, d. Jan. 10, 1787.
Issue of Asa and Armenal Prindle Stoddard : 1. Henry, born in Woodbury,
Conn , March 18, 1788, was a Lawyer, residence, Dayton, Ohio, where he d.
Nov. 1, 1869 ; m. 1st, Harriet L. Patterson, Dec. 4, 1821. She d. Oct. 1, 1822,
leaving one son, Asa P. b. Sept. 21, 1822. Henry m.,Aug. 27, 1833, Susan C.
Williams. Children: Henry, b. Jan. 2, 1835 ; John W., b. Oct. 1, 1837 ; Eb-
enezer Fowler, b. July 16, 1845. 3d w. d. April 4, 1861. 3. Elizabeth, b. Oct.
23, 1789, d. April 30, 1861, m. Ebenezer Fowler; one son, Henry S. Fowler,
residence, Dayton, Ohio. 3. Ann M., b. Nov. 31, 1792, m. Sheldon T, Gibbs;
one daughter, Mary Ann, residence, Dayton, Ohio.
Issue of Elizabeth Stoddard Sherman: 1. Charles Robert Sherman, b. Sept.
26, 1778, at Niorwalk, Conn.; d. June 24, 1839, m.. May 10, 1810, Mary Hoyt, of
Norwalk, Conn. He studied Jaw in the office of his father and of Judge
Chapman, of Newtown ; was admitted >to the bar in 1810, and soon after re'
HISTORY OF AXCIENT WOODBURY. 1555>
moved to Lancaster, in Fairfield County, Ohio. 3. Daniel Sherman, b. March
26, 1790, d. in Monroeville, Ohio, Nov. 12, 1864. 3. Elizabeth Sherman, h.
Dec. 1, 1791, d. at Mansfield, Ohio, April, 1851, ni. Jacob Parker, who d. Dec-
31, 1858 ; three children only are living.
Issue of Charles Robert and Mary Hoy t Sherman: 1. Charles lat/lor, h-
Feb. 3, 1811, -residence Mansfield, Ohio. -2. Many Elizabeth h. in Lancaster,
Ohio, April 21, 1812. 3. James, b. Dec, 12, 1814, d. at Cincinnati, Ohio, July
10, 1864. 4. Amelia, b. Feb. 1816, d. Jan. 9, 1863, residence, Mansfield Ohio.
5. Julia Ann, b. Jnly 24, 1818, d. April 7, 1842. 6. William Tectmseh, b.
Feb. 8, 1820, ni. in Washington, D. C, May 1, 1850, Ellen Boyle, dau. of Hon.
Thomas Ewing, of Ohio, has six children and is now General of the United
States Army. 7. Sampson Parker, b. Oct. 13, 1821 ; a banker, Des Moines
Iowa. 8. John, b. in Lancaster, Ohio, May 10, 1823, m. Aug 31, 1848, M. L.
Cecelia Stewart ; now Senator in Congress of L'nited States. 9. Susan Dea-
■man, b. Oct. 10, 1825, m. Nov. 7, 1848, Hon. Thomas W. Hartley. Ex-Governor
and Supreme Judge State of Ohio, residence Cincinnati, Ohio. 10. Hoyt, b.
Nov. 1, 1827. Lawyer and banker, residence Des Moines, Iowa. 11. Fran
ces Beecher, b. May S, 1829.
On page 534, "Cnrtiss Family/"' the following correction should be made,
viz : Joseph Cnrtiss, son of Stephen and Sarah Minor Curtiss — he was b. Oct.
20, 1700, d. June 5, 1727, m. Mary Stoddard, b. June 19, 1702, d. May 27 1727.
She was daughter of Rev. Anthony Stoddard and left two children. 1. Pru-
dence, h. J wne 1724, m.Wm. Martin, settled in Bethlehem, Conn. Reared a
numerous family. One of her sons, Samuel Stoddard Martin, m. Olive Minor
and resided on the homestead many years. 2. Thaddeus, bap". April 24, 1726,
m. Stoddard, and removed to Rutland, Vt. about 1761. Six children : 1-
Mary, bap. April 8, 1750. 2. Sarah, bap. Sept. 24, 1752. 3. Thaddeus, bap-
^ept. 29, 1754. 4. Mary, bap. July 11, 1756. 5. Elizabeth, bap. Feb. ]9, 1758.
6. Prudence, bap. May 25, 1760.
Mr. Elijah W. Stoddard (I believe he sails under the title of Rtcerend) in
his genealogy of the Stoddard family, published in i860, p. 45. Speaking of
the late Col. Henry Stoddard, of Dayton Ohio, mentioned on page 714, chose
to make the following false and slanderous remark, with what good purpose
cannot be seen. " In Cothren's ' Ancient Woodbury,' references are made to
Henry above, which, as I learn, ' are very incorrect as to dates, fyrts and infe-
rences, and were in no part furnished by him, and were not known to him
till read in the printed copy of the book." The author has to say, that all
the dates a.n(i. facts were furnished him by Col. Stoddard, and he has no^w in.
his possession the original manuscript. He had been for a great number of
years, indeed from his very youth, residing in the West, and the writer had
no other means of obtaining the farts and dates except from himself. It is to
be remarked here, that this statement is not to be so much wondered at,
when one examines the account of the Woodbury Stoddard families in this
Mr. Stoddard's Genealogy, and notes the manifold and Inexcusable l)lunders
and inaccuracies contained in it.
Col. Henry Stoddard remained to the end of his life a friend to the writer
never finding any fault with anything in the Woodbury History. He always
was liberal in donations towards any ^Voodbury local object. As an instance,,
he contributed $50 towards the erection of our " Father's Monument."
sl556 H I S T O E Y OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
He was b. in Woodbury, March 18, 1788, and d. at Dayton, Ohio, Nov. 1,
1869. Went into a store when 16 years of age, (1804,) remained five years*
(1809,) when he commenced the study of the law, and was admitted to the
bar in 1813. In 1816 he went West. He commenced the investigation of
the Amos Stoddard matter in 1837, which eventuated in his great and suc-
cessful lawsuit before the Supreme Court of the United States. He retired
from the active practice of 1:he law in 1844, giving his attention only to the
Amos Stoddard matter, his own private business, and the business of a few
of his old country clients, whose affairs he had managed for 25 or 30 years,
and who would not be thrown off. Age and its infirmities came creeping on-
hqwever, and for the last six years of his life, he had not been away from his
home.
An extract from a Dayton paper will show the appreciation of Col. Stod-
dard'by his fellow-citizens : —
" Another of the pioneers of the Dayton Bar is gone. Henry Stoddard, Sr. ,
the oldest lawyer in Dayton, died at his residence in this city, yesterday, at
one o'clock. P. M. Although advanced in years and of feeble health, the an-
nouncement of his death will be received by his many friends with surprise.
On Friday last he was as well as iisual ; on Saturday, though not so well, his
indisposition was not such as to seriously alarm his family, but early on Sun.
day morning there was an alarming change for the worse, which continued
until tlie last.
" The deceased was a son of Asa Stoddard, who died, at an advanced age,
in this city in 1842. The family of Stoddard are descendants of Rev. Ah-
thony Stoddard, whose grandfather, Anthony Stoddard, a citizen of London,
emigrated to this country and settled in Boston, Mass., more than two hundred
years ago. It is large, and comprises many men of eminence and worth, among ,
whom are Senator Shennan, of Ohio, and his distinguished brother, General
W. T. Sherman.
" Henry Stoddard, Sr., was bom at Woodbury, Connecticut, on the 18th
day of March, 1788, and at the time of his death was in the 82d year. In his
25th year he was admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut, and
four years after he emigrated to the West, and settled in Dayton, then a vil.
lage of six hundred inhabitants. He made the journey from the East on
horseback, in "company with Judge George B. Holt, who, since the death of
Mr. Stoddard, is tlie oldest member of the Dayton Bar.
" Mr. Stoddard was eminently successful as a lawyer, and by his ability
and exertions as such, early acquired a competency, upon which, after an ac-
tive and well spent life, about twenty years ago, he retired from practice and
devoted his time to his own affairs and to the care of his estates.
" As a lawyer, Mr. Stoddard was remarkable for the care with which his
cases were prepared, and for the learning and ability displayed during their
trial. His strict integrity and determined character enabled him to acquire
a large practice, and for many years after he had retired from the active du-
ties of his profession, he received from a number of his old clients in this
county such earnest entreaties to attend to their legal business, that their
deatli only relieved him from what he looked upon as a duty. For many
years before his death, Mr. Stoddard was an earnest and consistent Christian,
.a member and one of the founders of the First Presbvterian Church of this
II I S T O R Y OF A N CI E X T "VS' O O D B U R Y . 1557
city, and contributed liberally toward its support. For all charitable objects
his hand was open, and his abundant means enabled him to accomplish much
good.
'* It is with unmixed sadness we chronicle the loss to our community of one
of its most prominent members, and the Bar of its oldest, and for many yeara
its leading practitioner. But we mourn not for him. He had passed the al .
loted time of three score years and ten, and will now enjoy the rest, he has
earned by a long and virtuous life."
Col. Stoddard m. 1st, Harriet L. Patterson, Dec. 4, 1821, who d. Oct. 1, 1822,
leaving children : Asa P., b. Sept. 21, 1832. He m. 2d, Susan C. Williams,
who d. April 4, 1861. Children : Henry, b. Jan. 2, 1835, m. Sallie L. Kemper.
€hildi-en: 1. Henry, h. Aug. 11,1860. 2. Carleton, h. Dec. 21,18^1. 3. Frank,
b. Sept. 13, 1863. 4. Rebecca L., b. Nov. 4, 1866.
John W., b. Oct. 1, 1837, m. May '7. 1861, Susan Kiefer. Children: 1. Su-
san K,\>. April 1, 1863, d. Aug. 2, 1868. ^.-Charles Grimes, b. Jan. :;!. ISOn.
3. Daniel Keifer, b. July 39, 1869, d. July 1st, 1870.
Misa, Jane, b. March 25, 1843.
Ebenezer Fowler, b. July 16, 1845. Entered Yale College Sept. 1863. m. Nov.
10, 18()8, Elizabeth W.Lowe. Child: Marian nti P7««yw, b. Sept. 30, 1869,
«l. April 6, 1870.
Dea. Gideon Stoddard'', (11) p. 7''5, had three moi'ecliildreuthan he is cred-
ited with on that page, viz : Chloe, b. Nov. 30, 1764, m. Samuel Martin: Ruth,
b. May 30, 1768, and Oliver, b. in 1771.
SEDGWICK FAMILY.
Gen. Robert Sedgwick was m. in England, emigrated to this country, and
was one of the early settlers of Charlestown, Mass. He d. at Jamaica, W. I.-
May 24, 1656. His wid. Johanna d. later than 1657. Children : 1. Sam. bap.
1639. 2. Hannah, bap. 1641. 3. William, bap. 1643. 4. Robert. 5. Sarah.
3. William, of Hartford, Conn., m. Elizabeth Stone, dan. of Rev. Samuel
Stone, second minister of Hartford, Conn. Had one child. 4. Samuel, b. 1667.
This child Samuel (4) m. Mary Hopkins, of Hartford, granddau. of Ste -
phen Hopkins, one of the early settlers of that town 1689. Capt. Samuel
Sedgwick d. March 24, 1735, in his 69th year, and was buried in West Hart-
ford burial ground. His wid., buried in the same place, d. Sept. 4, 1743. aged
73. Children : 4. Samuel, b. Aug. 22, 1690. 5. Jonathan, b. March 39, 1693.
«. Ebenezer, b. Feb. 25, 1695. 7. Joseph, b. May 16, 1697. 8. Stephen, b. Mar.
17, 1701. 9. AUrjail, b. Feb. 33, 1703. 10. Mary,^. July 1, 1705. U. Will.
lAM, b. June 39, 1707. 12. Elizabeth, b. Dec. 10, 1708. 13. Thankful, b. Nov.
3, 1710. 14. Mercy, b. Jan. 18, 1713. 15. Benjamin, b. Nov. 7, 1710.
William, (No. 11,) of Hartford, Conn., m. Mirriam Hopkins, widow of
Elias Hopkins, of Hartford, and dau. of Capt. Daniel Webster, of Hartford,
May 14, 1761.' Elias Hopkins was son of Consider Hopkins, of Hartford, b.
' Capt. Daniel Webster was great-grandson of John Webster, one of the
first settlers of Hartford, Conn., and one of the early Governors of Connec-
ticut,— in the line of his son Robert Webster, and grandfather of the late '
1558 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
in 1726. William Sedgwick d. 1771, aged 64. His wid., after two other ia-
termarriages, d. Sept. 17, 1819, aged nearly 90. Children: 16, William, bap.
June 6, 1762. 17. Timothy, born Dec. 7, 1763. He d. Oct. 2, 1833, a^ed
nearly 70.
17. Timothy m. Lucy Sedgwick, Oct. 4, 1787. She was b. Oct. 17, 1771,
She d. Dec. 12, 1858. Children : 18. Hannah m. Timothy C. Steele, Jan. 1,
1809. Shed. Feb. 19, 1868. 20. Nancy, h. Feb. 15, 1791, m. Timothy An-
derson, Jan. 26, 1815. 21. Timothy Jr., b. June 30, 1793, m. 1st, June 12,
1820, Amni Mix, who was b. 22d March, 1777. She d. Feb. 2, 1866 ; m. 2d. Ma-
rivaE. Holmes, May 23, 1867. 22. Hiram, b. Sept. 16,1795, m. Almira S.
Merriam, Ap. 29, 1819. 23. Pamela, b. Feb. 28, 1798, m. Horace Wells, Dec.
24, 1823. 24. Levi, b. Aug. 11, 1800, d. June 10, 1868, m. 1st, Lucy Ensign,
Oct. 12, 1825. She d. Sept. 1, 1830, aged 26. Mar. 2d, Sarah Lewis, who d.
Sept. 6, 1853, aged 51. Children: George Ensign, d. Dec. 28, 1849, aged 21.
Thomas, d. Dec. 9, 1850, aged 18. Willard Whiting d. June 15, 1856, aged IS.
Levi A., d. Sept. 11, 1861, aged 31.* 25. William, July 12, 1803, d. March 11,
1864 ; m. 1st, Louisa Brace, March 20, 1828. She d. April 6, 1854 ; m. 2d,
Anne Louisa Barber, Feb. 1, 1855. 26. Mary, b. Jan. 31, 1806, m. Harry Grood-
win March 15, 1832, d. April 4, 1843. 27. Amos, b. May 6, 1808, d. Dec 5.
1866. 28. Lucy Ann, b. July 28, 1810, d. Oct. 23, 1815.
25. William, m. 1st, Louisa Brace, March 20, 1828. She was b. June '-il,
1803. Children : 29. Helen Louise, b. June 11, 1829. 30. John Webster, b. July
24, 1831. 31. Timothy, b. July 20, 1833, m. 2d, Annie Louisa Barber, Feb. 1,
1855. Children : 32. William Thompson, b. Dec. 9, 1855.
30. John Webster m. Mary Annie Wood, May 18, 1858. Children : 87.
EUa Aclele, b. June 11, 1859. 38. Clarence Wood, b. Sept. 1, 1863.
31. Timothy, m. Mary Elizabeth Wentworth, June 14, 1855. Children:
33. George WentwortJt h. Aug. 22, 1856. 34. Louisa Brace, b. Dec. 22, 1858.
35. Mary Emma, b. Nov. 24, 1861. 36. Edward Timothy, b. Oct. 5, 186.'".. d.
April 4, 1867. Mrs. S. d. Oct. 1868.
From the first Gen. Robert Sedgwick, in direct lineage, are descended Oen.
Charles F. Sedgwick, of Sharon, Conn., now and for many years State's At-
torney for Litchfield County, and Major Geo. John Sedgwick, of the United
States' Army, who fell a patriotic sacrifice in the war of the Rebellion in de-
fence of the country he loved so well. He was removed by six generations from
Major Gen. Robert Sedgwick, who struck such sturdy blows for the rights of
the people while marching under the banners of Cromwell. He was b. in
Cornwall Hollow, Conn., I3th Sept. 1813. He was killed at Spottsylvania by
a sharp-shooter, while on a reconnoisance. He was borne to his home at
Cornwall Hollow, and a public funeral offered by the Legislature, which was
declined by the family, with thanks. No military salute was fired above his
grave, but, as the body was lowered to its last resting place, a peal of thun-
der, like the roar of distant artillery, reverberated along the heavens, sound-
ing his requium. And the tired soldier rested. Miss Catharine Sedgwick.
the authoress, is of the same lineage.
Noah Webster, LL D., author of the Dictionary. Charles Webster, brother
»f the latter, m. 1st, Betsey Woodruff. Children : Charles and Nelson. Mar.
2d, Mrs. Joanna Wilkinson, b. 3d Jan. 1776. Children: Elizabeth A., b. Nov.
lO, 1811, and Hon. John W. Webster, of Waterbury, b. Jan. 19, 1817.
HISTOKY OF ANCIKNT WOODBURY. 1559
STEELE FAMILY.
Argent a bend chequy sable and ermine between two lions" heads erased
gules ; a chief azure. Crest — Out of a ducal coronet or, a demi ostrich with
wings endorsed, gules.
Quite a full account of the Woodbury Steele family, was given in the first
volume. Since then a full history of the name in this country has been pub.
lisiied by Mr. Daniel Steele Durrie, of Albany, N. Y., to which those desiring
a full account of the name are referred.
Mr. John Steele was the first of the name in this country. His name ap-
pears ^^rs^ in connection with Dorchester, one of the earliest settlements of
the colony of Massachusetts, in the year 1630, ten year.s only after tlie arrival
of the Pilgrim company in the Mayflower.
Next he is found to have been one of the proprietors of Cambridge,
(first called Newtown.) in 1632. Two others, George and Henry Steele, were
also proprietors at the same time. Mr. John Steele, having been made free-
man by the Court in 1634, was elected a representative from Cambridge, in
1635 ; Cambridge being designed to be the capital of the colony, as it was
isoon after the seat of the University.
During this period, however, the numerous arrivals at Cambridge, and the
want of pasture lands in the vicinity, induced a portion of the people, inclu-
ding a number of their chief men, with the Rev. Mr. Hooker, their pastor, to
geek another location. Another inducement for their removal was, a dislike
of some regulations, which were thought to circumscribe their rights as free-
men. The proposed enterprise met with strong opposition, but at length its
advocates obtained the consent of the majority, and Mr. Jolm Steele, in the
autumn of 1635, led [the pioneer band through the rugged, pathless wilder-
1 560 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
nesB, to a new locatioia on the Counecticut river. As leader and magistrate,
he appears to have conducted the expedition safely and wisely. Arriving-
late in the season, they had to endnre all the trials and hardships of a severe
winter, with the labors of clearing the forests, constructing their rude dwel-
lings, securing food, and of protecting themselves from cold and wet, the rav-
ages of vdld beasts, and the warlike savage. Bravely persevering, while
other expeditions during the same season failed, and many ijerished, they
succeeded. And in the ensuing summer came the main portion of their com-
pany— men, women and children, with their minister — to their new home.
Here, on the margin of the river, near the head of its navigable waters,
and through much toil, patient endurance, aud trust in an Almighty arm for
success, they laid the foundations for a new toimi, afterwards named Hartford ;
and of a new Colony (Connecticut) the third of the colonies of New England.
And here the subject of this narrative, as a faithful head of a family, as an
active member of the church, as a magistrate, as one of the principal mem-
bers of their legislative, judicial, colony Court, aided in establishing a
community, the duration, wisdom, and happy influence of whose institutions
have been, with few exceptions, the glory of the State. During twenty-three
years elected to the principal Colony Court, he was present at eighty-eight, at
least, of its sessions, and engaged in its legislative and judicial decisions, and
for four years its Secretary, or Recorder. For nearly twenty years he was
also BBCorder of the town of Hartford, and for a time Recorder of Farmington.
His closing years were passed in Farmington, where he was a member of
their church. His residence in Hartford was on the Main street, just Noi-th
of the present Atheaeum. His will bears date Jan. 30, 1663-4. He died
Nov. 25, 1665.
A very complete pedigree, from the first John Steele down to the Wood-
bury branch, was inserted, in the former edition. But as Mr. Durrie, in his
exhaustive examination, was able to discover some additional dates, a few of
the generations will be repeated to include these, and the latest information.
1. John Steele,' b. in Essex Co., Eng., came to New England about
1631-2. Settled 1st at Newtown — now Cambridge, Mass. — removed to Hart-
ford, Conn., and thence to Farmington, Conn. He m. 1st, Rachel , prob-
ably in England. She d. in 1653 ; m. 2d, Mercy, wid. of Richard Seamer, or
Seymour, at Farmington, Conn., d. Nov. 25, 1665.^ Had 8 Children : among
whom was — 2. John, Jr.^ m. Mercy Warner in 1645, d. before his father, in
1653-4. After his decease, his widow m. Thomas Hill. She was dau. of
Andrew Warner, who came from Cambridge to Hartford in 1635-6. They
had six childi-en, the last of whom was,
3. Samuel', b. March 15, 1652, m. Sept., 1680, Mercy, dau. of Major Wm
Bradford; he d. 1710. She d. 1720. He resided in Hartford, Conn.; had five
sons and two dau., of whom was — 4. Thomas*, b. Sept. 9, 1681 ; m. May 10,
1709, Susanna Webster; he d. 1757. She d., Nov. 27, 1757. Resided in West
Hartford, Conn. Had eight children, of whom the second was 5. SamueP, b.
March 11, 1712 ; m. Dec. 20, 1739, Elizabeth Merry; 2d, Martha S ; he d.
Sept. 12, 1779. Had fifteen children, the fifth of whom was Allyn— pp. 691-
^ Durrie has it 1655, p. 7., a mistake of ten years.
H I S T O K Y OF ANCIENT W O O D 15 U K Y . 1661
692. The remainder of the pedigree is full from this point, except such items
as have originated since 1852.
Page 693. Roderick S. Woodruff' m. Clara Shear, of New York C'ity, Nov.
28, 1871. 80. Henry, d. July 29, 1869. Mary Louisa Steele, m. Henry D.
Atwater, of New York City, Oct. 10, 1866. He was b. May 23, 1836.
Thomas Sedgwick Steele, m. Annie E. Smith, Nov. 10, 1868. She was b.
March 8, 1844.
82. (Jharles A. Steele, m. Jane E. Parmelee, Sept. 11, 1839.
Hannah Sedgwick Steele, p. 693, d. Jan. 19, 1868. Julia A,, dau. of (.ieorge
T. Steele, (No. 83, p. 693,) b. Nov. 1, 1848, m. Samuel D. Bull, May 24, 1870.
Lucy J., (p. 693) m. Austin Curtiss, Sept. 18, 1861. Have one child : ("has
Henry, b. Oct. 14, 1864. Fraiires L., (p. 693) m. Frederick T. Stone, Oct. 18*
1871.
THOMAS FAMILY.
Page 722. John Thomas was the father of Jeremiah Thomas who first set-
tled on the summit of the liill known as Good Hill, on the main road from
Woodbury to Roxbury. Jeremiah Thomas first settled on that ]3art of Rox-
bury known as the lower road, a little west of where the Baldwin family now
reside. His sous all died unmarried save Deacon Charles, who inherited all
the real estate, but was to pay so large legacies to the daughters in cash, he
was obliged to dispose of a considerable portion of the real estate, to do it ;
retaining a homestead, which has been handed down through three succes-
sive generations of sons, and is now owned by George W. Thomas, youn-
gest son of Capt. Charles Thomas. Deacon Charles, son of Jeremiah, mar-
ried Mary Btirgess, (instead of Barges, as you have it in the history,) of Bran,
ford. The Burgesses now residing in Washington are a branch of this family.
Deacon Charles' children were : 1st, Deacon John, who married Parnel Wel-
ler, and died without issue. 2d, Jeremiah, who married 1st, Sai-ah Judson,
by whom he had twelve children ; he moved to Spencertown, N. Y., but soon
after returned to Salisbury, Conn., where he died. Two of his sons entered
the profession of Law, one settling in the State of N. Y., the other in Ohio.
3d, Mary, married 1st, Noah Dudley, by whom she had one son ; 2d, Seth
Mitchell, by whom she had one daughter and two sons, one of which now re-
sides at Montrose, Penn.,at the advanced age of 87 years. 3d, Deacon Icha-
bod Ward. 4th, David, who died in infancy. 5th, David, who married Abi-
gail Case ; his children were Benajah C, Polly, Abigail, Calvin, who held the
office of Quartermaster in the war of 1812 : John, who received the apiioint-
ment of Postmaster in the town where he resided ; Sally and Anna. David
moved from Connecticut to Vermont, and from there to Jefferson Co. N. Y.,
and from there to Northern Ohio, where many of the descendants now re-
side, while many others are scattered over the different States. 6th, Charles
married Jerusha Weller, and had three children ; Charles and Jerusha (twins)
and Mary. Joshua, the twin, died immarried at the age of 21, first victim in
Roxbnry of the scourge known as the New Milford fever. Charles married
1st, Susanna Warner, by whom he had three children : Charles W. who recei v-
1562 HISTORY OF ANCIENT \V O O D B U R T .
^ed the degree of A. B. from Yale College, and is now a Methodist clergymaa
in Texas ; has held the office of Presiding Elder in his conference ; Daniel
W., who went south and died at the age of 25 : Elvira C, who now resides at
West Haven, Ct.,ni. 2d, Jane Miller, by whom he had two children : Jerusha
J., who is married and now lives in West Haven, Conn. : and George W.,
■who is also married, and now lives at the old homestead in Roxbury, and haa
a family of five children — two sons and three daughters. 7th, Annis, who
married Abel Bronson. 8th, Sarah, who married Thomas Warner. 9th, Su.
sanna, who married Stephen Terrill. 10th, James, who died in childhood.
Capt. Charles is still lining, at the advanced age of 80 years, and is now at
West Haven, Ct., with his daiighter, a pleasant, genial old gentleman. Capt.
Charles' mother, Jerusha Waller, did not die, as recorded in the former edi-
tion, but lived after her husband's death for more than twenty years, and died
at the old homestead, at the advanced age of 04 years.
THOMPSON FAMILY.
[Additions.]
Thompson, Ambrose, (page "737) was son of John and Micable Thompson,
who were among the first settlers at Stratford, and had numerous descend-
ants. Their own history had a decided romance about it. His wife was Sa-
rah, dau. of John Welles, 1st, of Stratford. (I cannot explain his having
children baptized, in two instances, in Woodbury, for he lived in Stratford,
and all his children are recorded there.) He would seem to have been visit-
ing Woodbury on these occasions.
Daniel Thompson was son of Daniel, son of Ebenezer, son of* Ambrose.
Henry Thompson was son of Daniel, son of Eben', son of Ambrose.
Doctor Ebenezer, I suppose to be also a descendant of the same line, but
cannot positively connect him now.
William Augustus was born in Greenwich, Fairfield County, State of
Connecticut, the 11th of December, 1787. When six months old, was taken
by his grandparents on his father's side, to Woodbury, in Litchfield County,
and brought up, and educated by them, principally under the tuition of
Matthew Minor, a ripe scholar and a graduate of Yale. When 18 years of
age, he commenced the studj' of law with his uncle, Charles Thompson, and
continued with him until February, 1809, when he went to the City of New
York, and finished his legal studies, under the supervision of John Anthou,
Esq., a distinguished Lawyer of that city.
On the 10th of May, 1809, in the May Term of the Supreme Court of the
State, he was admitted to the Bar to practice as an attorney.
After having taken the oath of office as an Attorney, a pleasant incident
occurred. On his way back to his seat, he was accosted by an elderly gentle-
man, who happened to be sitting near his seat, who asked him if he was the
son of Wm. A. Thompson, of Woodbury, in Connecticut ? To which he re-
plied that he was. " Well,'' replied the elderly gentleman, " your father and
I were school boys together. I am most happy to see you, and I wish you
HISTORY OF A NCIE XT WOODBURY. 1563
to go with me to mj office, No. 14 Broad Street, iu the city of N Y.," only a
few doora from the old City Hall, where Cieueral Washington was sworn in
*is the first President of the United States. This elderly gentleman proved
to be Col. John A. Graham, a distinguished and eminent criminal Lawyer,
and an urbane and polished gentleman. His partner having died only three
weeks before, leaving several suits pending, he was in need of a young At-
torney to attend to these suits, and to prepare them for trial — and Wm. A.
was pleased with an opportunity to commence business, and improved the
opportunity of a copartnership for two years with Col. Graham.
Shortly after the copartnership with Col. Graham had expired. Col. Aaron
Burr, the late Vice President of the U. S , returned from Europe, and settled
down in the practice of Law at Xo. 9 Nassau st., N. Y., and needed a young
man to aid him in his business, which, on account of his previous high repu.
tation as a Lawyer, had become, in a few days, overwhelming. Timothy
Green, an old friend of Col. Burr, having learned the Colonel's necessity, and
bdng acquainted with W. A., recommended him us a suitable person for a
partnership in his business — which the Colonel approved of, and continued it
for several years.
In 1822 he was elected a member of the Legislature of the State. While
there, he introduced a new and safe principle into Banking Institutions, giv-
ing great confidence and credit to the circulating medium, never before at-
tained, and which has since been adopted by all the respectable Banking Insti-
tutions in the United States.
It consisted in requiring all Banking Institutions, before they commenced
operations, to appoint the Governor, Comptroller, and the Attorney General of
ithe State, Trustees, and to deposit in their liands $ 1 20 of good securities
for every dollar they intended to issue, and that all the bills of the bank
should be counter-signed by a Deputy Comptroller, before they were put
into circulation. He also procured the bill Incorporating the Merchant's Ex-
change to be passed.
His speech on a bill relating to the Education of the Indiana, is novel and
interesting. It will be found in the " National Advocate " of the 34th of Jan-
■oary, 1823.
In the Assembly, on the bill Incorporating the Merchants Exchange Co., of
the city of N. Y., Mr Thompson said "that in compliance with the request of the
gentleman from Allegany, (Judge McCall,^ he rose to explain to the members
of the House the objects contemplated by the bill, and also to state, that it is
now presented for consideration, with such provisions and amendments as
corresponded with the views and wishes of the whole Committee to whom it
had been committed, composed of the delegation from the city of New York .
"The object of the bill," said he. "is to enable the applicant.s to purchase
ground, and erect thereon an edifice, in some proper and convenient place in
that city for the accommodation and convenience of mercantile and commer-
cial men, to be a place of general resort for all persons, either native born or
foreigners, who are anywise engaged in commercial pursuits. Buildings of
a similar kind Ijave been erected in all the principal commercial cities of Eu-
46
1564 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
rope, and are considered amongst the greatest ornaments and conveniences of
those countries. In Liverpool, a city with which we hokl a great commercial
intercourse it is, he believed, called the ' Merchants Exchange ; ' the one in
London is called the ' Royal Exchange ; ' and are considered amongst the
principal conveniences and advantages of those places. My Honorable friend
on the right," said Mr. Thompson, " desires to be informed of the necessity of
such an immense appropriation as One Million of Dollars. My answer is
that the ground on which the building is to be erected, being in a business
section of the city, must be purchased at a very high price, and it is contem-
plated that the building itself will be of a stupendous and magnificent struc.
ture, calculated to adorn and beaiitify the great and growing metropolis of
this free and prosperous country — and like the Acropolis of Athens, and the
Pantheon of Rome, to be a lasting monument of the taste, geniiis and glory
of the age in which we live. An Exchange, or a suitable building for the
transaction of business, has long been needed by the citizens. And for my.
self," said he, " I am happy to see men of sufficient public ambition, like
those named in this bill, associated for so laudable and praise-worthy a pur-
pose, as the one expressed in the memorial to this Honorable Body. I there-
fore hope,' said he, ' as every member of this House must feel a considerable
share of pride and ambition in relation to every thing that regards the
style and structure of the public edifices of his country, and particularly
those of a durable and lasting character, in which the genius and taste of his
countrymen are displayed, that he will not hesitate to freely give his assent to
the passage of this bill."*
As a memento of his early acquaintance and friendship with Cooper, our
distingiiished countryman and Novelist, at the request of his mother, Mr. P.
ciiused a law to be passed, adding the name Fennemore to his name, as she
desired that the name of Fennemore should go down to posterity, with the
unfading reputation of her distinguished son — James Fennemore Cooper.
Adaline Augusta, m. Joseph M. Palmer, one of the most eminent t^nd
distiugushed Lawyers in the State of Maryland, as the Law Reports of that
State for many years will readily show. He died 4th April, 1870, at the ad-
vanced age of 87 years.
Julia Margaret, b. June 11, 1795, m. Doctor Rice, a distinguished Phy-
sician, and d. 1st March, 1839, at Thompsonville.
Caroline Rebecca, b. 28th Jan., 1802, m. James Hillhouse Raymond, of
New Haven, 11th June, 1813. He was a graduate of Yale College, studied
Law, and commenced the practice of his profession in the State of Maryland.
He was a ripe and indefatigable scholar, and wrote and published several
books of merit on the different branches of legal science. At the request of
the Legislature of that State, he wrote an essay on the subject of fi;ee and
slave labor, for which he was highly applauded, and pecuniarily rewarded by
the State.
Cornelia Ann, b. 4tli Jan., 1801, m. Jonathan Stratton^of Sullivan Co.
* This bitilding fronts on Wall Street, with twelve stone coliunns of forty-
feet in height, three and a half in diameter, and cost $4,000 each.
HISTORY OF A N C I K N T W O O D 15 r R Y. 1 '>G5
He was a prominent ciTizmi of the County, and was twice a member of the
Legislature.
Children of Wm. Augustas : John H. ThompS'in was born the Tth .lay of
Feb., 1813, in th'. City of New York, and died July 2r)tli, 1817, wliile beiu^
educated for the Medical profession.
Wallace Thoiupmn was born on the 5tli day of Jan.. 1815, and died at Sa-
marang, in the Island of Java, the 11th day of Aug. 1889.
Alfred TJiompson was born the ISth day of October, 1816. He Wiis .-du-
cated for the legal profession, but was oljliged to abandon it, to take ••luirg-e
of the family estate.
Ewniee Bwight Thompi^oii was born the 12tli day of Aug., 1822, in tlie City
of New York, and m. Garet S. Van wagoner, a Lawyer, of Patterson. X. J. '
Jan. 25th, 1844.
Had two children : 0. 8. and Looim Vanina^/oner.
Frances Amy Thompson was born the 3d day of May, 1824, in the Citv ot
New York, and m., Marcli 8th, 1854, Doctor J. S. Chapman, a graduate of tlie
Medical College of Maryland, and soivof tlie Rev. W. H. Chapman, of Vir"
ginia.
She had two children : Nina and Josephiiw,, botli b. in the City of New
York.
Josephine Thompson, was born the 21st day of August, 1826, in tlie City
of New York, and married Doctor Justo del Risco, of the City of Puerto
Princepe, in the Island of Cuba. He came to the City of New York and gradu-
ated at the Medical College of the city, after which lie went to Paris, and
perfected liimself in the study of Surgery, in which branch of his profession
he has since gained distinguished honors.
Cornelius 8. Vanwagoner, Jr., was born in the City of New York, on the
8th day of Nov., 1844.
Maria Louise Vanioagoner was born in the City of Patterson, N. J., on tlie
6th day of Sept., 1846.
Florence del Risco was b. in the City of Puerto Princepe, Island of Cuba,
on the 30th day of Oct., 1824.
Justico, Arthur and Josephine del Risco, were born |in the City of Puerto
Princepe.
TROWBRIDGE FAMILY.
[Additions.]
Page 740. William (?.,) of New Haven, did not marry 1st a Sullivant, and
2d a Lamberton — but Capt. George Lamberton, of New Haven, who was lost
in the fatal ship. Jan. 1646, had a dau. Elizabeth, who m., Oct. 17, 1654,
David Sillivant, (Silliman,) and on New Haven Records. William Trow-
tridgem. March 9, 1657, Elizabeth, widow of Daniel Sillivant.
It was William Jr., that experienced the storm and famine, instead of Will-
iam Sen. 5. Willirim m. Thankful, dau. of Rev. Wm. Stow, of Middletown.
Page 741. Doct. Israel L. should read Isruu- L.
Henry Aikin, (p. 743,) moved from Middletown to Norfolk, Conn., lived
1 566 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
with his son Lemuel, d. in 1818, a^ed 86, and was interred in the old
cemetery in that town.
23. John, (p. 742,) d. Nov. 11, 1855. His wife Mahala d. April 6. 1855.
TUTTLE FAMILY.
[Additions.]
William Tuttle, from whom the Tuttles i» Woodbiiry and Southbury
are descended, emigrated from England in 1635 and settled at New Haven in
1639. In the year 16.51, in company with several others he hired a vessel,
put his effects on board, and sailed for Delaware Bay. Upon reaching Man-
hattan, they were intercepted by the Dutch, treated with great indignity, and
compelled to return. At the next session of the Commissioners, William
Tuttle and Jasper Crane, for themselves and associates, presented a highly
wrought statement of their grievances, and demanded severe measures of
redress. After the Delaware expedition, William Tuttle remained in New
Haven until his decease, which took place in 1673. He possessed considera-
ble wealth, and was also a man of influence, as appears from the fact that the
prefix "master" was attached to his name, a term of distinction very spar-
ingly used in those days. He had eight sons and four daughters, and six of
the former and three of the latter married , and had families. Their descend-
ants may now be found in almost every State in the Union, and among them
are many who have acquired an extended reputation for distinguished ability.
The descendants of William, through his daiighters, are almost if not quite
as numerous as those of his sons. His daughter Elizabeth married Richard
Edwards, and was the grandmother of Jonathan Edwards.
William's youngest son, Nathaniel, settled in Woodbury about 1680, and
died Aug. 26, 1721.
NEWTOiir Tuttle, the great-grandson of Nathaniel, the first settler in
Woodbury, was born in the then parish, now the town of Southbury, in the
year 1768. On the 10th of Sept., 1786, he married Ruth Pierce, great-grand,
daughter of Deacon John Pierce, and settled in Southbury as a farmer. But
his thoughts and energies were not confined within the limits of his farm,
and during the intervals of business, he ardently availed himself of such
means of information as were within his reach. About the year 1794, he be-
came a convert to Methodism, and was one of the founders of the first society
of that denomination in the town. A short time after he was licensed to
preach, and continued to ofl&ciate until his decease. The first Methodist so-
ciety in the town was organized upon George's Hill, so-called, and continued
to worship there until about 1832. Mr. Tuttle had the pastoral charge of
this society for many years, and frequently officiated in other places.
As his sons became old enough to go into business for themselves, be pro-
vided each with a farm, taking the burden upon himself, and in no case al-
lowing them to become indebted to others. In more than one instance he
gave up his own homestead to a son, and at great inconvenience to himself
sought another residence. Nor did his parental solicitude cease after he had
HISTORY OF AN OIK NT WOODBRUY. 1567
(Started his children in life — he continued to watch over and advise with them
ae long as he lived, and so elevated was his character, that not one of
them would have deemed it prudent to have disregarded his wishes. During
his life he became interested in some manufacturing enterprises, which he
carried on in connection with his farm. He transacted a large amount of
public business, and his services were in frequent requisition as administra-
tor and executor in the settlement of estates, and as guardian for minor*;. It
was his custom to take his wards into his own family, and treat them as his
children. A man of lofty character and rigid, perhaps stem ideas of iluty,
he expected those placed under his charge to conform to the same stanilard
he had set up for himself. His widow used to relate, that at one tium he
was appointed guardian for a refractory boy, who had been the terror of a
whole neighborhood. She begged her husband not to take this boy into the
family, for fear his example might be inj urious to their own children. But
she was overruled, the boy came, and, with no coercion beyond the influence
and example of his guardian, turned out to be one of the best behaved boys
she had ever seen. If any disagreements arose among his neighbors or
friends, he constituted himself a peace-maker, and his efforts were always
successful. The late Chief Justice Hinman used to say, that he had met
with but few persons who possessed so strong a mind and as well-regulated
a judgment as New1;on Tuttle.
He represented the town of Southbury in the General Assembly in IS'M
and 1828, and died on the 12th of December, 1833. His wife survived him
and died in July, 1850. aged eighty-three years.
Johnson Tuttle, No. 66, p. 726, b. Feb. 28d, 1797, farmer, resides in
Southbury, Conn. Married, Jan. 31, 1818, Esther Hinman, who was born
Feb. 6, 1800. Had one child : Jennette E., who was born Sept. 'A, 1811. Far-
mer, resides in Newtown, Conn., had two chUdren : Johnson Tuttle Piatt, b.
Jan. 12, 1844, m. Sept. 3d, 1867, Mary Jay Pettee, of Mass., who was b. June
7, 1846. Occupation, Lawyer: resides in New Haven, Ct. LL.B Harvard
University, 1865 ; Theron E. Piatt, b. May I6t]i, 1848; occupation farmer, re-
sides in Newtown, Coun.
The following is a continuation of the genealogy of the family of Aaron
Tuttle, No. 35, p. 725, and Rebecca Woostw-. Aaron died Sept. 15, 1836, aged
76 years. Rebecca, his wife, died Oct. 4, 185.5, aged 83 years. They had 11
children : Olin, Cyrm, Anna, Daniel, Betsey, Mary B., William L., Darid N.
Marry, Silas, Aaron.
Olive, b. Jan. 14, 1791, m. Daniel Rigly March 11th, 1813; d. Nov. 28th,
1824, aged 34 years, had five children : Ezekiel, David, Abigail, Elkanali, Wil'
Ham T.
Cyrus, b. Jan. 1793, m. Hezekiah Riggs, had no children. He d. July 20,
1870, aged 77 years. Time of her death unknown.
Anna, b. 1795, m. Isaac Benham, had three children : Willy rm, .Tared, Bet-
sey Ann.
Daniel, b. Sept. 4th, 1797, m. Sally Piatt, Oct. 7, 1818, had sev.-n children ■
Rthecca, Ruby, Melissa, Sarah, Elizer, Aaron, Edmund A.
Betsey, b. Jan. 31, 1800, m. Samuel W. Treat, Dec. 5th, 1822, had four chil-
dren : George, Maoy Ana, Olive, Jane.
Aaron m. Anna Abbott, had three chldren : Janies, Jerome, C'ele.'itia.
1568 HISTOilY OF ANCIENT WOOIMiUEY.
William m. Emerett Manvill, had four cliildren : Cyriis, Mary, Emeret, Et
len. Wm. d. in 1865.
David N. m. Euphemia Dockerty, had three children : Washing O., Oeorge<
David. He was the youngest son ; was Captain of a Company in the late
Rebellion, and was killed by a rebel bullet at Donaldsonville, Louisiana.
David N., the father, died Jan. I6th, 1870.
Henry, b, Jan. 30, 1809, d. Nov. 30, 18o2, aged 24 years, m. Harriet Muu.
son, had one child : Harnett.
Silas, b. June 26, 1812, m. Susan Allen, Sept. 1st, 1833, had three children :
Julia 8., m. Algernon O. Beach, Feb. 20th, 1861. Had one child, Frances
Emily, d. March 26, 1866 ; Emily Aiigiista, Mary Ellen.
David, b. Sept., 1814, d. Oct. 27, 1871, aged 56 years, m. Eliza Munson, has
three children : Frank, Helen, Flora.
I cannot give the names or number of the grand-children of all of the sons
and daughters of Aaron and Rebecca Tuttle. I have only named that of my
own grandfather, he being in the eighth generation in the direct line from Wil-
liam Tuttle, who emigrated from England in 1635. I will however say, that
my brother Daniel has one great-grandchild that is in the 9th generation in
the direct line. I am riot able to give full dates, as I should like to do.
Yours respectfully, Silas Tuttle.
Greorge F. Tuttle, Esq., of N. Y., furnishes the following: —
Wm. Tuttle, of New Haven, and wife Elizabeth and three chh : John, Ann
and Thomas, aged respectively 3i, 2^ and 3 months, sailed from London in the
ship Planter, in April, 1635. Wm. Tuttle was at that time 26 years of age-
and his wife was three years his junior. They landed in Boston the same
year, and he removed to New Haven in 1639. In the meantime two more
children were born, namely David and Jonathan. The rest of his twelve
children were born in the New Haven Colony. The following is a list of his
children, and their births and marriages, Jo7m, b. 1631, m. Catharine Lane ■.
An7i,}3. 1633; Thomas, b. 1635, m. Hannah Powell; Jonathan, h. 1637, m.
Hannah Powell ; Jonathan, b. 1637, m. Rebecca Bell ; David, b. 1639, d. child-
less; Joseph, b. 1640, m. Hannah Munson ; Sarah, b. 1642, m. John Slauson ;
FlizabetJt, b. 1645. m. Richard Edwards; Simon, b. 1647, m. Abigail Beach ;
Benjamin, b. 1648 d. imniarried ; Mercy, b. 1650, m Samuel Brown ; Nathan-
iel, b. Feb. 24, 1652, m. Sarah Howe.
Nine of these twelve children had families, and I have gathered several
hvindred names of each of the nine. John and Thomas remained in New
Haven. Jonathan removed to North Haven in 1670, and was one of the
first settlers there, and many of his descendants still remain in that town.
The town records were destroyed several years ago, which makes the task of
tracing his descendants more difficult. Joseph settled in East Haven, Conn.
Two of his sons removed to Morris Co., New Jersey, and were the progeni-
tors of a niimerouB and highly respectable family in that State. Sarah set-
tled with her husband in Stamford, Ct. Elizabeth was the mother of Rev.
Timothy Edwards, D. D., 64 years minister of East Windsor. He was her
only son. Timothy had a son Jonathan, who was President of Princeton
College, and the most celebrated theologian that America ever produced-
Jonathan Edwards, Presdent of Union College, was his son. Timothy Dwight,
HISXq^Y OF AXCIEXT WOODBURY. 1569
President of Yale College, was the elder Jonathan's grandson. Col . Aaron Burr,
Vice President U. S., was also a grandson of the 1st Jonathan Edwards.
Theodore Woolsey, recently President Yale College, is a great-o-randson. A
very large nnmber of distinguished men descended from Elizal)eth and Rich,
ard Edwards. William Tuttle was a leading man in Ntfw Haven, much em-
ployed in public affairs. All of his children married in the leading familie.<»
and the blood of Wm. Tuttle still remains the best blood in Connecticut.
Col. Brown, of Waterbury, (Brown & Elton,) is a direct descendant of Mary
Tuttle and Samuel Brown. Joseph Tuttle, President of Wabash College,
descends from Joseph and Hannah Munson ; as does the Rev. James M. Tut
tie, D.D., a very eminent man in the Methodist Epis. Church. Every branch
of William's descendants has given birth to a large numljer of clergymen.
Bishoji Tuttle, of Montana, is descended from Simon and Abigail Beach
His wife is also a Tuttle, her mother being 2d cousin to the Bishoii. I havt^
made considerable collections in every one of these nine families, and the,
subject grows in interest every day.
In the same ship in which Willium arrived in Boston in 163o, there came
•Richard Tuttle, wife and son, and John Tuttle and son. Richard settled in
Boston, and became a wealthy and distinguished man there, and all the Tut-
tles in Eastern Massachusetts for several generations were descended from
Richard and from John, who settled in Ipswich. Whether these were related
to William, is not certainly known. Another John Tuttle arrived a few years
laier at Boston, and was one of the company that made the first settlement
in Dover, New Hampshire. There are many descendants, and a geneological
account of them has been compiled by Charles W. Tuttle, of Boston, Mass.
There is a tradition among the Dover Tuttles that John was a brother of
William, of New Haven.
John Tuthill came to New Haven with William, and was .soon ai)pointeil
by the Court, to take charge of their new settlement on the East end of Long
Island. It is asserted by some writers that this John Tuthill was brother to
William, and there is some foundation for the assertion. This family has
continued to spell the name Tuthill, and are thus distinguished from all the
other families of the name in the country. The wife of Wm. Henry Harrison
was of this family. Many years ago I stopped at the house of one of her
sens, " John Scott Harrison, a little below North Bend, and was hospitably
entertained He told me his family had always held their Tuttle relations in
high esteem. Judge Tuthill, of Iowa, is compiling the genealogy. The de-
scendants of William are probably more numerous than all the others com-
bined, and Charles W. Tuttle, of the Dover family, wrote me, they are " the
most distinguished." It is marked by honesty and worth of character, as
well as capacity.
You may perhaps feel some curiosity to know my own line. It is from
Simon Tuttle and Abigail Beach. They had a son Deacon Timothy, who em-
igrated from Wallingford to Cheshire, and built the first frame house in the
latter town — in which house four generations of his descendants were born
and lived. Deacon Timothy had a son Ephraim, who married Hannah Paine-
They had a son Ephraim, who married Ist, Mary Hull, a sister of Gen. An
drew Hull, and grand aunt of Andrew Hull Foote, Admiral U. S. Navy.
\610 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Oapt. Lucius Tuttle, a brother of my grandfather Ephraim, married Hannah
Hull, a Bister of my grandmother, Mary Hull. Andrew Hull Tuttle, a son of
Capt. Lucius, moved to North Carolina, and some of his grandchildren were
killed in the Confederate service, as were some of the other branch on the
Union side. Mary (Hull) Tuttle had but one child, Uri (my father). She
died when he was three years old, and he removed to New Haven when he
was about 20, married, and had a large family of children. So much for my-
self.
I thank you for the list of names who would give information. With seve-
ral of them, we have been for some time in correspondence. I will write to
the others.
I would now like to ask if you can tell me what family John Tuttle belongs
to, to whose memory the citizens of Waterbury erected a monument. Seve.
ral years ago he lost his life in attempting to rescue two young girls from a
burning building. The circumstances are related in Barber's " Historical
Collections of Connecticut."
Your very valuable genealogical notes are received. I am very muclw
pleased with the verses by your grandmother, and will endeavor to embody
them in our work.
Nathaniel, of Woodbury, son of William, of New Haven, had eight chil-
dren. I have the names of 7, as follows : Mary, bap. May 1683. Ephraim, b,
July 20, 1683. Hezekiah, Sergeant, /saw, Feb. 3, 1697. Temperance, Nov.
24, 1684. Ann and Aaron.
Nathaniel was married to Sarah Howe, Aug 10, 1683. He died Aug. 10,
1721.
TOMLINSON FAMILY.
More research is needed in the records of this name, particularly in New
Haven, regarding Thomas Tondinaoa, who took the freeman's oath there in
April, 1644. What became of him? Were Henry and he hrotherz? Did
TJujinas leave any family in New Haven"? Was William, (whom the Derby
people gave in 1671 50 acres of land, if lie will settle thereon by March, 1673.)
a son of Charles ? or of Henry ?
Derby Records need examination for the children of Jonas (son of Henry
Tomlinson, of Stratford,) who settled there so early at least as 1676, probably
indeed was among the first company of settlers.
Also examine there for the children of William Tomlinson, mentioned
above. In 1696 (June), Sarah Tomlinson, in Derby, married Andrew Smith.
John, Isaac, Abraham, Samuel, William, Jr., are also on Derby Records. How
many of them belong to Jonas and how many to William ?
" EUxahi'th Tomlinson of Derby," covenants and is bap. in Stratford Oct. 8,
1693. Was she s. d&ii. oH Jonas? Can you draw from the Town Clerk of
Derby any facts regarding these parties'? The Derby Town Records were
beautifully written and are very easily examined. The Church Records are
miserably defective.
Henry Tomlinson appeared in Milford in 1652. (Perhaps earlier.) Hig
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1671
wife Alice was dismissed to Stratford church in Oct. 1 653, (though a clerical
error on the Milford Church Record styles her wife of UoheH Tomlinmn, bj
mistake, insead of Henry). His children were: 1. Jonas; 2. Margaret, m.
Jabez Harger, of Stratford and Derby. 3. Mary, m. Pierson. 4. Tahi-
tha, m. Edward Wooster as his second wife. These were beYore he came to
Stratford. From Edward W's son Abraham, by his first wife, Oen. David
Wooster descended. *
5. Phe})6, b. in Stratford, Aug. 14, lOoG, m. Thomas Wooster.
6. Agur, " " Nov. 1, 1658, d. 1728, aged 70.
7. BatTisheba," " Jan. 3, 1660-1, m. Ephraim Stiles.
8. Abraham, " " d. May, 1662.
Henry Tomlinson died March 16, 1681. His widow, Alice, in 1088 m. John
Birdsey, Sen., as his 2d wife. She outlived Mr. B. eight years, and d. 1698.
Henry Tomlinson's estate is given in the Probate Record as £509.
Of his "children, Jonas settled in Derby, had wife Hannah, named in his
will of 1692. Had children : Agur Tomlinson., son of Henry, m., Dec 13,
1681, Elizabeth, dau. of Jeremiah Judson. She was b. Feb. 1658. In Oct.
1692 he m. Sarah, widow of Ephraim Hawley, and daughter of Samuel,
youngest son of Gov. Thomas Welles. By his wife Elizabeth he had Alice,
d. in Oct. 1684. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 11, 1684. By his 2d wife, Sarah, he had
Zethariah, b. Oct. 1693. Mrs. Sarah Tomlinson d. in June 1694, and in April
1702, Mr. T. m. wid. Abigail brown.
Zechakiah Tomlinson, (son of Agur; m. Hannah, dau, of Joseph Beach,
of Stratford. She was b. Feb. 1702-3, and d. 1740, aged 37. About 1742 or
'43 Zecli. Tomlinson m. for his 2d wife Mary, widow of Daniel Homes. She
d. in Oct. 1749. They had, Agur, Sept. 13, 1720 ; Sarah, Sept. 1722 ; Joi^eph,
Nov. 13, 1724; Beach, Dec. 1726; Zachariah, March 1729-30; Gideon ,^&rc\i
1730-1 ; Ahrahajn, April 1733 ; Henry, July 1735, d. Dec. 1738 ; dau. (unna-
med) Aug. 1737. d. same day ; Henry, April 1739, d. Feb. 1740. By 2d wife
he had Mary, bap. Nov. 1744.
Agur (.Dr.), son of Zechariah Tomlinson, m. Mary , wlio d. 1802. He
d. 1774.' They had Cat€e,h&^. June 1746; Hezekiah, (Dr.) bap. Dec. 1747;
Hannah, bap. Feb . 1749-50 : ^^?/?', bap. April 1752, d. young; J/ory, bap.
July 1753 ; Agur, Sept. 1754, d. young; Henry Agur, bap. Dec. 1755 : Mary
bap. Sept. 1758; Ann, bap. June 1760; William Agnr, bap. June 1763: Mary
Alice, July 176fi, d. 1771.
Joseph Tomlinson, son of Zechariah, m. . He d. 1774. aged 49
years 11 months. Had bap. Stephen, Oct. 1749 ; Elizabeth. Oct. IV^S, m. Phil-
ip Wells, father of Tomlinson Wells, of Litchfield ; Hannah, Dec. 1763, m.
Othniel DeForest ; Katy, Aug. 1771.
Beach Tomlinson, (son of Zechariah,) m. Charity, (dau. of .Josiah) Shel-
ton, in Oct. 17.^2. She d. in Ripton 1809, aged 72. Had Jb«iaA, July 1753 ;
Henry, March 1755 ; Agvr,1 17,57, who m. Sarah Curtis. She d. 1790 : Oid-
eon, 1774, bap. in Huntington ; Dnrid, 1779, bap. in Huntington.
Zechariah (son of Zechariah,) Tomlinson, m. Amy , had Sarah. Oct.
8, 1753. _
Sarah, (dau. of Zechariah) Tomlinson, m. Nov. 1748, Hezekiah Thomp-
son. He died in Sept. 17.50. They had Zechariah, b. Oct. 1749; Sarah, h.
Feb. 1750-1, after his death. The widow m. in 1757, Thomas Alcott.
1572 HISTORY OF AJfOlENT WOQDBITRY.
Gideon, (son of Zechariah) Tomlinson, m. Oct. 1767, Mary, widow of
Wells. She d. June 6, 1758, in childbed, aged 36. He then m., Jan. 17, 1760,
Hannah, dau. of Col. Jabez Huntington, of Windham. She d. in 1769, aged
37. Capt. Gideon Tomlinson d. in 1766, aged 35. By Ist wife he had Mary,
b. June 6, 1758, d. with her mother, same day. By 2d wife he had Jabez
Huntington, b.4)ec. 24, 1760.
Capt, (rideon Tomlinson was present at the taking of Ticonderoga and of
Montreal. A sermon preached from Ephesians, vi, 11, by Rev. Izrahiel Wet-
more, in Stratford, May 1759, to Capt. Tomlinson and his Company, on their
departure for the northern campaign, is still preserved in the Wetmore
family
Jabez Huntington Tomlinson, son of Gidon, m. June 1780. Rebecca,
dau. of Joseph Lewis, of Stratford, and had Gideon, b. Dec. 31, 1780; Gov.
of Conn. Rep. in Congress, Senator in Congress, LL.D. ; Hannah, b. Jan. 10.
1784 ; Nancy, b. Jan. 23, 1785 ; Sarah Lewis, b. Feb, 27, 1789; Huntington,
father of Gideon, now resident in Stratford ; George, bap. July, 1796.
Abraham (son of Zechariah) Tomlinson, m. 1st Rebecca dau. of Rev.
Hezekiah Gold, of Stratford. She d. 1774; m. 2d, Anne dau. of Samuel Ful-
8om. By 1st wife he had Jen/sha, Sept. 1756 ; Alexander, Jan. 1759, d. 1759;
/Sarah ; May 1760; Rebecca, Aug. 1762; Hiddah, May 1766, d. unm. in old
age; Henry Abraham, Jan. 1768, d. 1785; David, Nov. 1769; Mary, J ^n.
1772, d. 1861 unm.; Charles, Sept. 1774.
By 2d wife, A. T. had Elizabeth, Jan. 1778 ; Anna, Aug. 1783.
Mrs, Abby J. Hubbard, wife of Hon, J. H. Hubbard, of Litchfield, has fur-
nished the following account of her branch of the family. A part of the
names and dates are a repetition of the preceeding account of Mr. Swan, but
is introduced entire to show more clearly her connection with the main branch
of the family.
Heny Tomlinson, or (Tomline,) was one of the first settlers of Stratford.
His wife's christian name only is recorded, Alice.
Their children were: Jonas, settled in Derby ; Margaret, b. 1642, m. Jabez
Hardyear, 1662 ; Mary, m. a Pierson ; Tabitha, m. Edward Wooster 1669, (an-
cestor of Gen. David Wooster) ; Abraham, d. May 30, 1662 ; Phebe, m. Thom-
as Wooster, (who d. in Derby 1713;) Agivr, b. 1658; Bathsheba, b. Jan. 1661,
m. Ephraim Stiles.
Henry Tomlinson d. March 16, 1680-1, His wife afterwards m. John Bird.
sey 1st, as his 2d wife, and d. 1698.
Agur Tomlinson 8d, son of Henry and Alice, and b. Nov. 1658, m. Dec. IS,
1681, Elizabeth Judson, dau. of Jeremiah J. Their children were: Elizabeth,
b. Aug, 11, 1684. Mrs. Elizabeth J. Tomlinson d. before 1692, and Agur Tom-
linson m. Sarah, widow of Ephraim Hawley, and dau. of Samuel Wells, son
Gov. Thomas Wells. They had one child: Zechariah, b. Oct. 1693. Mrs.
Sarah Wells Tomlinson d. in 1694, and Agur Tomlinson m. 3d Abigail Brown,
He d, in 1727.
Zechariah Tomlinson, son to Agur, m. 1719, Hannah Beach, dau. of Jo.
aeph Beach, and Abiah (Booth), his wife. Joseph Beach was son to John
Beach, first of the name in Stratford, Their children were : Agnr, b. Sept.
IZ, 1720 ; Sarah, b. Sept. 1722 ; Joseiph, b. Nov. 13, 1734 ; BeacK '^ ^^^- 1726 ;
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1573
Zechariah, b. March 1730; Gideon, h. 1731, d, 1766 ; Abrrrham,h. April 1733;
Henri/, b. July 1735 d. ; a dau. d. 1787 ; Henry, b. April 1739.
Mrs. Hannah Tomlinson d. Oct. 1740, and Zephaniah Toiuliuson afterwards
m. Mary, widow of Daniel Homes, and dau. of John Moss. They had one
child : Mary P.. b. Nov. 1744. Mrs. Mary Tomlinson d. 1749.
Agur Tomlinson, 1st son of Zechariah and Hannah, and b. at Stratford
1720; Sarali ; Joseph, b. at Stratford, Jan. 18, 1734, m. Elizabeth or Betty
Curtiss, an only dau. Their children were: Stephen, b. Oct. 1749, d. _young ;
Phebe, m. Capt. Moore; Curtiss, m. widow Martin; Josepli, m. Sally Curtiss •
Elizabeth, b. Oct. 1757, m. in April, 1776, Philip Wells, of Stratford; Sallys
TO.. Samuel Mills; Hannah, h. Dec. 1763, m. Capt Hovey ; Katy, b. Aug
1771, m. a Shelton.
Beach, b. 1726, son of Zechariah and Hannah Tomlinson; Zecharinh ; aon
of Zechariah and Hannah; Gideon, son of Zechariah and Hannah, and b.
1731, m. 1757, Mary Wells, and had in 1758, one dau., Mary. Mrs. Timilin-
son d. and Mr. T. then m. Hannah, dau. of Jabez Hmitington, of Windham,
Ct., and had one son : Jabez Huntington, b. Dec. 34, 1760.
Gideon Tomlinson was a Captain at Ticonderoga and Montreal. His death
occurred 1760.
Jabez Huntington Tomlinson, son of Gideon and Hannah, ni. June
1780, Rebecca Lewis, had two sous: Gideon, b. Dec. 31, 1781, who was Gov-
of Conn., and Hnntington, who settled in Stratford.
Abraluim, son of Zechariah and Hannah Tomlinson, and b. April, 1733, m.
Dec. 1754, Rebecca Gold, dau. of Rev. Hezekiah Gold. Their children were :
Jerusha, b. 1759; Alexander, \). 1759, d. ; Sarah, b. 1760; Rebecca, b. 1762;
Henry A., b. 1763; Hvldali, b. 1766; Bamd, b. 1769; Mary, b. 1772, d ;
Gha.rles,\i. 1774.
Abraham Tomlinson m. 1777, Anna Fulsom, and had two children : Eliza-
beth, b. 1778 ; Anna, b. 1782.
Henry, son of Zephaniah and Hannah Trowbridge ; Mary, dau. of Zecha-
riah and Hannah Trowbridge.
Ann Fulsom, second wife to Abraham Tomlinson, was a near relation of
Cloriana Fulsom, a lady of very great beauty, who m. 1771, a Scoth Noble-
man, Lord Sterling. ^
Curtiss Tomlinson, who lived in Huntington, was the father of John Tom-
linson, M. D., who early removed to Harrodsburg, Ky., and was the father of
the late Mrs. Carity Tomlinson Belknap, wife of the Secretary of War.
Elizabeth Tomlinson, dau. of Joseph, was b. Oct. 1757, m. to Philip Wells,
1776. Philip Wells d. Dec. 33, 1818, aged 65. Elizabeth, his wife, d. Nov.
27th, 1848, aged 92. Children : Hezekiah m. Eunice Blackney ; Sally m.
Marsh ; Philip m. Nancy Watson ; Betsey m. Cyrus Northrop ; Tomlinwn m.
Electa Smith ; Sophia m. McMahon ; John m. Jane Vanderbergh ; Joseph m.
Anna Marsh ; Stephen unmarried.
Tomlinson Wells was m. to Electa Smith June 16, 18'23. Children:
Philip ; Abhy Jane m. John H. Hubbard ; Virginia M ; Frank, who served
as Capt. in the 13th Conn. Vols., from its enlistment until it was mustered
out, a period of four years and four months, and with but one exception a lon-
ger time than any other known officer served in one Conn, Regiment during
the war.
1574 HISTORY OF ANOIBNT AVOODBURY.
Abby Jane Wells wae m. to John H. Hubbard, Sept. 1865. Children : John
Tomlinson ; Philip Parley, Anna Electa, twins ; Frank Welles
Betsey Wells, who m. Cyrus Northrop, had children : Caroline, who m.
Wm. Mygatt, Oxford, N. Y. ; Sarah, m. Col. Wm. J. Starr, New Milford ;
Smily, m. Earl Bostwick, New Milford ; Joel m. Catharine Canfield, New Mil-
ford ; Sophia m. Eli Mygatt, New York ; Catharine m. James Hine, M.D. New
Milford, from whom I have received much information regarding the Tom-
linson family, as well as other family records.
I find, in looking over old records, that John HoUister Ist, (page 585 An-
cient Woodbury,) ra. Joanna Treat, dau. of Richard Treat, one of the first
eettlers of Wethersfield, sister of Robert Treat, for thirty years Governor of
the colony of Conn.
Their dau. Mary 2d, m. John Wells, of Stratford, son of John Wells and
grandson of Thomas Wells, one of the early Governors of Conn.
Thomas Wells, the son of John and Mary Hollieter, m. Sarah Stiles, who
m. Bathsheba Tomlinson (Page 696.)
Hezekiah Wells, son of Thomas and Sarah Stiles, was father of Philip
Wells, who m. Elizabeth Tomlinson.
Thus I find that we are descended from the Tomlinson family, on the Wells
side, too, as well as from the Stiles family.
There is shown us an old well in Stratford in which my grandmother,
Elizabeth Tomlinson, descended on the stones, coming up in the same way,
bringing her child, about two years old, who had fallen into the well. The
well was eighteen feet deep before reaching the water where the child was
found, playing on a large stone. It being "town meeting day," no one could.
be found to go down. I fear her descendants do not inherit her courage.
William R Tomlinson, Esq., of Oxford, furnishes the following : —
Family of Russell Tomlinson. Esq.,, of Woodbury. Russell Tomlikson
was b.' Dec. 2S, 1764. Agnes Cortelyou, of New Utrecht, L. I., was b. March
Ist. 1764, m. April 25, 1779. Their children were: Sarah, b. March 14, 1780;
Isaac, b. May 26, 1782 ; Petei-, Nov. 18, 1784 ; Simon, b. May 22, 1787 ; James,
b. Au^. 18, 1789; Betsey, b. April 29, 1792 ; Rimsell, b. March 37, 1801 ; James
C, b. March 4, 1806.
James was drowned in the Housatonic river, April 22, 1804; Esq. Russell
d. June 22d, 1809.
Family of Peter, son of Russell Tomlinson, Esq. : Esther Hulbrook, wife of
Peter, was b. Sept. 27, 1783. Their children \wfixe:Willard,\). Aug 22, 1820 ;
Peter and Edicin, b. Dec. 17, 1823.
Willard d. Dec. 7, 1832; Peter, son of Russell, d. July 11th, 1842; Esther,
wife of Peter, d. Feb. 10, 1859.
Family of Simon, son of Russell Tomlinson, Esq. Charity Hurd, his wife,
wash. Julys, 1780. They were m. Aug. 28, 1806. Their children were:
Agnes, b. Jan. 22, 1808; WillioinR.,\). Sept. 15, 1809 ; Catherine A., b. Oct. 5,
1811 ; Charles H., b. May 1, 1813; George, b. Sept. 29, 1814; Mariett, b. Feb.
2, 1816 ; Sarah, b. Sept. 22, 1818.
Simon d. Aug. 25, 1818 ; Sarah T., d. April 1842.
Family of Sarah, dati. of Russell Tomlinson, Esq. She m. David Tomlin-
HISTORY OF AKCIK.VT WOODBURY. 1575
«on, of Derby, Sept. 26. 1799. Childrpn : Eliza, b. May 4th, 1801 ; Mary,
b, March 5, 1803; David, b. Sept. 1, 1804; Augusta, b. Nov. 12, 1806; Jane,
Not. n, 1808; Charles, b. Nov. 6, I81(i ; Betsey, b. Sept. 21, 1812; Sarah, b.
Dec. 5, 1814; Isaac, b. May 24, 1817 ; Simon, b. April 11, 1820.
Charles and Eliza are dead ; dates unknown.
Family of Isaac, son of Russell Tomlinson, Esq. Grace, dau. of Reuben
Lum, his wife ; Jennett, m. Sherman Prescott, of New Haven ; James m. Milly
Miles, of Derby ; Mary m. Anson T. Colt, of New Haven ; Peter, m. — Can-
field, of Derby ; Betsey m. — Canfield, of New Haven ; Isaac d. when a child.
Betsey, dau. of Esq. Russell, in. Charles Bacon. No children.
Family of Russell Tomlinson, Jr.., who ra. Sarah Burwell, of Brookfield.
Mary Tomlinson.
Family of James C, son of Russell Tomlinson, Esq., who m. Laura Tom.
linson. : chh. : Agnes; Elizabeth; John R. : Mary A.; Willard ; Edward;
Isaac ; Laura. Births I do not find. Laura, the youngest, is dead.
The wife of James was a Tomlinson, and the husband of Sarah was a Tom-
linson. Relationship not traced.
The following items are taken from the Woodbury Records : —
Henry Tomlinr^ou d. March 16, 1680-1. His s. Abraham d. May 8". lSti2.
Isaac Tomlinson m. Sybilla . She d. May 2y, 1774. He d Hec. 19,
180G aged 84. 2d wife Mary d. loth Sept., 184S, aged 83. C'hil.i : S<im-
uel, b. July 9. 1759, d. 35th May. 1809. Wid., Jerusha, d. April 1, 1m<4, aged
49 ; Daniel, b. 29, 1761 ; Mary Ann, b. Feb, 11, 1763, d. of small poi
March 29. 1777 ; Sarah, b. May 12, 1765.
Dr. Abraham Tomlinson m. Mary Gypson, Nov. 11, 1760. Children : BUly
b. Nov. 9, 1761.
Deacon Samuel Tomlinson m. Comfort Hurlbut, of Roibury, Nov. 1, 1758.
Lydia, wife of Capt. Isaac Tomlinson, d. May 29, 1774. Hannah Tomlin-
son m. Benjamin Ingraham, Feb. 18, 1742. Samuel, son of Jonas Tomlinson
bap. Dec. 1687. Samuel Tomlinson m. Jerusha Martin, Jan. 17, 1783. Isaac
Tomlinson m. Jemima Bacon, April 1784. David Tomlinson m. Lorena Ba-
con, 1784. Child : David, b. March 4, 1788. Caleb Tomlinson m. Mary South-
worth, of Southbury, Sept. 1, 1747. Benjamin Tomlinson m. Sarah Turner,
Jan. 31, 1770. Child: James, bap. Feb. 12, 1771. Martha Tomlinson m. N».
thaniel Holbrook, Jime 19, 1791. Children of Timothy and Eunice ( Booth)
Tomlinson. (He d. Jan. 2, 1821. She d. Nov. 25, 1821 :) Timothy, b. March
19, 1792 ; Samuel, b. Nov. 28. 1796 ; Joseph, b. Sept. 12,1898.
Children of Abijah Tomlinson : Moses, b. March 4, 1764 ; Levi, bap. March
2, 1766 ; Sarah, d. Nov. 27, 1768. Truman Tomlinson m. Nancy Perry, June
22, 1806.
Sybel Tomlinson, b. Sept. 10, 1750 ; Isaac, father of Harriet 2d, w. of Hon.
Noah B. Benedict, b. Aug. 31, 1752 ; Russell, (see preceding page) b. at Squan.
tuck, (Derby.) Dec. 23, 1754 ; Timothy, b. in Derby, June 18, 1757 ; Samuel, b
July 9, 1759 ; Dand, b. May 29, 1761 ; Mary Ann, b. Feb. 11, 1763. d. March
1777; Sarah, b. May 12, 1765, m. Dr. Phinias Meigs, and became mother of
Rev. Benjamin C. Meigs, the celebrated missionary to Ceylon. Dr. Phinias
M. d. Dec. 19, 1806. aged 45.
1. Timothy Tomxinson, above, m. Nancy Hibbard. Child; Samusl.m.Jen.
ISVe HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODI'.URY.
nette Patterson, of Roxbury. Children : ElisJm P. ; Sarah J., who ni. Rob-
ert C. Partree, Jan. 5, 1848, and has children: Homer A., and Betsey, whom.
John Wesly Judson. Samuel T. d. Dec. lO; 1860, aged 64. 2. Joseph, who m.
Alma Partree. Child : John D., who d. June 20, 1854, while a member of Yale
College, aged 21 ; George. The mother d. before the father. Hed. Sept. 13.
1857, aged 60. 3. Isaac d. unmar. 4. Nathaniel vci. Elvira Davis, lives in
Michigan, and has five children. Caroline Tomlinson m. Leman A. Warner.
April 10, 1844. Eliphalet Tomlinson m. Polly Logau, Oct. 12, 1824. Agnes
Tomlinson m. Charles Wagner, March ,S0, 1828. Maryette Tomlinson m.
Harry Johnson. April 2, 1831. Bennet Tomlinson m. Martha Hurd, Dec. 2S,
1634. Sylva Tomlinson m. Erastus Burr, Oct. 1, 1839. Sarah Tomlinson m.
Charles B. Benton, 28th Oct., 1840. Amos B. T. m. C. Upson, 1 Jan. 1844-
Wm. T. m. Sarah J. Hine, 2d Jan. 1848.
WHEELER FAMILY.
[Additions to p. 747.]
John Wheeler^ was son of Thomas, of Milford. He m. Nov, 6, 1662, Sara-h.
dau. of Thomas Sherwood. They had Sarah, Feb. 24, 1663-4; Mary, Aug.
26, 1666 ; Elizabeth, Feb. 1669 ; Mercy, bap. Jan. 19, 1671 ; Thomas, May 25,
1673 ; Ruth; Dinah, m. Ephraim Tuttle ; John. Elizabeth, b. 1669, m. June
1 696, Jeremiah Burch.
Lieut. Samuel Wheeler, p. 751, was a descendant of Moses Wheeler, one
of the first settlers in Stratford.
WARNER FAMILY.
[Additions.]
The first Dr. Ebenezer Warner, according to his headstone in the burial
ground, d. April 26, 1760. The inscription reads : — " In memory of Ebenezer
Warner, Captain and Doctor. He deceased April 26, 1760, aged 78 years."
Susannah, wid, of Dr. Ebenezer Warner 2d, d. Oct. 19, 1782, in her 64th year.
Gideon, son of Dr. Ebenezer Warner 3d, wasb. Aug. 15, 1762. Curtiss War
ner m. Eunice Castle, dau. of Israel Castle. He d. July 13, 1836. She d. Jan.
23, 1829.
WALKER FAMILY.
[Additions to page 745.]
Joseph (7) m. Abigail, dau. of Rev. Peter Prudden, Nov. 14, 1667. They
had Robeii,, b. in Milford May 1668, m. Ruth Wilcoxson, Aug. 1695. He d.
HISTORY () F A N r I E N 1' W O O O B I J li Y
5TT
1743. Sajv(/t, b. in Stratford Jan. 1*^69-70: Abi(jidl,\) in Stratford Feb. 18,
I67i; Mary, b in Stratford Dec. 18, 1680.
Armilla Walker, w. of Reuben Walker, (p. 746,) duu. of Dea. Matthew
Minor, b. Feb. 1783, and d. Jan. 18, 1858. Their son (p. 743) J(«eph F. b.
Dec. 11, 1806, m. 1st Maria S. Burnham, Jan. 10, 18:31. She was b. Oct. 30»
1804, and d. Nov. 4, 1832, aged 29. He m. 2d Esther II. Cogswell, Aug. 20,
1833. She was b. June 11, 1814. Children; 1. Frederick A.,h. March 11,
1835. 2. William B.,h. Jan. 12, 1837. 3. Maria B., b. March 1, 1845, m.
Walter E. Way, Sept. 16, 1861, and d. Aug. 5, 18(53. Child: Freddie W. Way^
b. Aug. 12, 1862. His grandfather, Joseph F. Walker, is his guardian till he
shall be 21 years of age, both father and mother being dead ; his father hav-
ing d. May 27, 1866, aged 27 years. 4. Hattie U. b, Sept. 11, 1844 ni. William
J. Clark, Oct. 11, 18(54, d. Dec. 11, 1866, and was buried Dec. 11, 1866— a co-
incidence of dates Child : Sarah P. b. Aug. 4, 1865.
Fredericl a. Walker, (1) b. March 11, 1835, went South (to La.) in 1856 ;
returned 1861 on account of the War. Mar. 1st Sarah P. (dau. of Silas and
Laura Clark) Sept. 18, 1861. Ch : Edward C. Walker, b. July 25, 1862.
Sarah P. Walker, wife, d. Nov, 5, 1864.
F. A. Walker m. 2d, Fannie A. Thompson, (from Ala.) Oct. 7th, 1868, dau.
of Wm. P Thompson. Children: Harriet C, b. Nov. 9, 1869; Mary M., b.
Nov. 14, 1871.
Elizabeth, (No. 10, p. 74.5,) m. Deacon Samuel Bull. They had no children.
It is related of Joseph Walker No. 32, p. 745, that he froze to death in the
month of June 1816 — known as the " cold season." He was 85 years of age^
went to bring the cows, and was found chilled to death. This was at Peacham,
Vt.
CHAPTER XIII
STATISTIC! S.
N several accounts, the artist raar be cred-
ited with having hit upon the proper in-
itial letter for this chapter, without hint
from the author. He has, aaiong other
things, represented the "old store," where
the " stores " for the Revolutionary army
were received. The writer was informed, years ago, by the old
people, w liose memory reaches back as far as the revolutionary
period, that they had often seen, during those momentous years,
long rows of barrels, filled with beef and pork, reaching, in
multiplied series from the store to the Episcopal Church. No one
thought then of stealing any of the patriotic supplies.
The statistics which follow, are simply additional to those com*
meucing on page 766.
COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
Josiah G. Minor, from 1865 to 1871.
SENATORS.
Abraham Beecher, Bethlehem, 1855.
Frederick W. Lathrop, Roxbury, 1858.
Joshua Bird, Bethlehem, 1859.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODRURY.
15V9
Elisha Wheeler, Southbury, 1863.
Henry W. Peck, Bethlehem, 1865.
Daniel Curtiss, Woodbury, 1866,
Earle Buckingham, Washington, 1867.
SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Capt. John Sherman, 1*712-13.
Charles B. Phelps, 1852.
JUDGES OF PROBATE.
Chosen.
Charles B. Phelps, Ap. 1850,
Lewis Judd, " 1858,
Thomas Bull, " 1860,
James Huntington, " 1861.
Retired.
July 4, 1858.
" " 1860.
" " 1861.
CLERKS OF PROBATE.
Alonzo N. Lewis,
Appointed Jan. 5, 1858.
Charles B. Phelps,
((
July 5, 1858.
James Huntington,
i(
July 9, 1859.
Charles Betts,
a
Ap. 17, 1860.
George H. Peck,
((
July 11, 1861.
Lncien Parker,
<(
Mar. 17, 1865.
Frederick A. Walker,
n
Oct. 11, 1867.
Arthur D. Warner,
n
Ap. 13, 1869.
TOWN CLERKS.
Chosen. Retired.
Lewis Judd,
Oct.
1852, Oct. 1858.
Robert Peck,
Oct.
1858, Oct. 1867.
Willis A. Strong,
Oct.
1867.
ROLL
OR ]
REPRESENTATIVES.
1854 Truman H. Jud
son,
David S. Bull
1855 Lewis Judd,
Truman Minor,
1856 Asahel W. Mitchell,
Benjamin Fabrique,
1857 George B. Lewis,
Elijah D. Judson,
* Judgf' Phelps having become disqualified by age to hold the office, Mr. Judd,
who was not a lawyer, was elected, with the understanding that Judge Phelpe
should continue to discharge the duties of the office during his life, which he
did.
47
1580 HISTOKY OP ANCIENT WOODBU'RY.
1858 David H. Curtiss, Walker S, Seeley,
1859 Anthony C. Strong, David C. Bacon,
1860 Charles Millard, Philo M. Trowbridge,
1861 Nathaniel B. Smith, Joseph F. Walker,
1862 Charles H. Webb, Willis A. Strong,
1863 Benjamin Fabrique, Thomas Root,
1864 Timothy G. Bacon, Benjamin Fabrique,
1865 Daniel Curtiss, John Abernathy,
1866 David C. Porter, Henry S. Curtiss,
1867 Nathaniel Smith, John Churchill,
1868 John Churchill, Horace D. Curtiss,
1869 Edwin Roberts, Robert Peck,
1870 Geo. P. Crane, Joseph T. Capewell,
1871 Walter S. Curtiss, Charles Isbell.
1872 Charles C. Mitchell, Nathan Warner.
LIST OF POSTMASTERS — (continued)
Appointed. Retired.
George P. Allen, June, 1853, July 1, 1861.
William E. Woodruff, July 1,1861, Ap. 1,1867..
Frederick A. Walker, Ap. 1,1867, Oct. 19, 1867.
Stanley E. Beardsley, Oct. 19, 1867, Ap. 26, 1869.
William E. Woodruff, Ap. 26, 1869.
LIST OF GOVERNORS — (continued,)
Henry Dutton, - - - from 1854 to 1855.
William T. Minor, - from 1855 to 1857.
Alexander H. Holley, - from 1857 to 1858.
William A. Buckingham, from 1858 to 1866.
Joseph R. Hawley, - from 1866 to 1867.
James E. English, - - from 1867 to 1669.
Marshall Jewell, - - from- 1 e6 9 to 1870
James E. English, • - - from 1870 to 1871.
Marshall Jewell, - - from 1871 to
WOODBURY LISTS.
1853 $1,127,123 1860 $1,084,570 1867 $1,228,690
1854 1,141,541 1861 1,188,788 1868 1,267,691
1855 1,138,892 1862 1,170,479 1869 1,271,856
1856 1,127,011 1863 1,170,718 1870 1,248,858
1857 1,069,182 1864 1,200,795 1871 1,122,275
1858 1,055,544 1865 1,264,907
1859 1,079,121 1866 1,306,377
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
1581
LIST OF WOODBURY JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
Silas Chapiu, Robert Peck,
Garwood H, Atwood, Reuben J. Allen
Nathaniel Smith,
Cornelius J. Minor,
Scovill Nettleton,
Benjamin Fabrique,
Joseph T. Capewell,
John W. Judson,
John W. Rogers,
Wm. C. Botsford,
Henry Dawson, Jas. Huntington,
Henry H. Peck, Thomas F. Judson,
Edwai'd J. Hubbard, Eli Sperry,
Reuben B. Martin, Jesse B. Burton,
Truman S. Minor, David S. Bull.
John Churchill, Willis A. Stronar.
REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS — (Additional List.)
Avery, Roger
Alfred, Samuel
Atwood, Elijah, Jr.
Averill, Col. Perry
Brewster, Morgan
Barney, Fred.
Backus, Electus
Baker, Jacob
P. 779, Prownsou ;
should Brownson
Brownson, Abraham
Jr.
Fields, Geo.
" John
Fielor, Geo.
Glazier, John
Green, Freeman
Gillis, Abraham
Gibbs, Timothy
Hinman, Nathan
Hill, Billiams
flollister, Preston ;
killed on the expe-
dition to Canada.
Hurlbut, Asahel
" Zula
" Jubillia
" Aaron
Judson, Lt Joseph ;
d. of small pox, 26th
Ap. 1777
Kenick, John
Kid, Jeremiah
Lewis, Ebenezer
Leavenworth, Lt. Eb-
enezer ; died of
small pox 18 Mar.
Linch, Michael
.1778, aged 44
Long, Robert
Lincoln, Patrick
Liberty, James
Minor,' Titus
'* Elnathan
Moody, Gideon W.
Porter, William
Penny, Joseph
" James
Pierce, Samuel
Rarasdale, Ezra
.Koot, Ezekiel
Rowe, Abraham
Stoddard; killed at
Sharp, Peter
the battle of Ben-
nington
Seeley, John,
Tyler, Levi
Tiff, Major
" John
Ufford, Job
Walker, Nathan
Williamson, Joseph
Weller, Benjamin
Whittlesey, killed at
the massacre of
Wyoming.
WASHINGTON REPRESENTATIVES.
A
1854 Cyrus E. Sterling,
1855 Guy C. Ford,
1856 Powell Hickox,
1857 Geo. W Cogswell,
1858 Garry Newton,
Rufus Smith,
Joel Morehouse.
Samuel J. Averill.
Powell Hickox.
Geo. C. Hitchcock.
1582
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY
1869 Joseph E. Hatch,
1860 Isaac L), Patterson,
1661 Orestes Hickox,
1862 Joseph Watson,
1863 Seth S. Logan,
1864 Seth S. Logan,
1865 Romulus W. Ford,
1866 Henry J, Church,
1867 Wm. Beardsley,
1868 "William Odell,
1869 John B. Newton,
1870 S. H. Welton,
1871 Joseph N. Frost,
1872 Geo. S. Cogswell,
George K. Logan.
Robert B. Limburner.
Sidney H. Lyman.
Nelson Ford.
Charles C. Lemmon.
Willington Watson.
Abel Bristol.
Levi Morehouse.
B. P. Beach,
James D. Barton,
Henry S. Wharton.
Samuel H. Clark.
Geo. S. Humphrey.
Sherman Piatt.
WASHINGTON PROBATE JUDGES.
Ithiel Hickox, 1852 to 1855. Henry J. Church, 1860 to 1868.
Daniel G. Piatt, 1855 to 1857.
Ithiel Hickox, 1857 to 1860.
J. B. Newton, Jr. 1868 to 1870.
H. H. Morehouse from 1870 to
SOUTHBURY
REPRESENTATIVES.
1854
Ely Pierce.
1863
Anthony B. Burritt.
1856
Elisha Wheeler.
1864
Reuben Pierce.
1856
William Guthrie.
1865
Henry W. Scott.
1857
Charles Hicock.
1866
Samuel J. Stoddard.
1858
Almon B. Downs.
1867
Wm. T. Gilbert.
1859
Anthony B. Burritt.
1868
Ely Pierce.
1860
Ely Pierce.
1869
John C. Wooster.
1861
Nathan C. Munson.
1870
Samuel W. Post.
1862
Almon B. Downs,
1871
Chas. S. Brown.
1872
Ezra Pierce.
BETHLEHEM
REPRESENTATIVES.
1854
Benjamin T. Lake.
1863
Marvin S. Todd.
1855
Wm. A. Hayes.
1864
Abraham Beecher.
1856
Henry Catlin,
1865
Edwin L. Thompson.
1857
Leonard L. Hotchkiss. 1866
Henry Davis.
1858
L. H. Guild.
1867
Henry J. Martin.
1859
Sidney Peck.
1868
Hen-y Catlin.
1860
Samuel L. Bloss.
1869
Marshall E. Beecher.
1861
Marvin S. Todd.
1870
Warren H. Taylor.
1862
Henry W. Peck.
1871
Gideon D. Crane.
1872
George S. Guild.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
1683
ROXBURY REPRESENTATIVES.
1854
Harvey Thomas.
1863
1855
Jonah T. Davidson.
1864
1856
Charles Barnes.
1865
1857
Herraon B. Eastman.
1866
1858
Ell Sperry.
1867
1859
David Pierce.
1868
1860
Charles Beardsley.
1869
1861
Geo W. Morris,
1870
1862
Elliot Beardsley.
1871
1872
Edwin E. Prindle.
Albert L. Hodge.
Albert L. Hodge.
Henry L. Randall.
Charles Barnes.
Geo. A. Northrop.
Elliott Beardsley.
Chauncey A. Beers.
C. E. Trowbridge.
Cyrus E. Prindle.
ROXBURY JUDGES OF PROBATE.
Myron Downs, from 1851 to 1857. Herman B. Eastman, 1860 to
Charles Beardsley, 1857 " 1860.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH ROLL OF MEMBERS — (continued.)
1854.
Maria, w. of Nathaniel Preston,
Sept. 3.
1855.
Elizabeth, w. of Rev. R. G. Will-
iams, Aug. 31.
Merlin Upson, Sept. 27.
Emily, w. of Merlin Upson, Sept.
27.
1856.
Sarah, w. of T. M. Thompson,
March 2.
Harriet L. w. of Jason Barker,
May 4.
Aurelia, w. of Henry Lambert,
May 4.
Edward Whitlock, May 4.
Henry A. Lambert, " "
Jason Parker, Sept. 7.
Walter Curtiss, " "
Emily A. Curliss, " "
Rebecca J. Hurlburt, " "
Mary J. Summers, " "
Lucy A. w. of D. S. Bull, " "
Elvira W. Somers, " "
1857.
Mary J. Gorman, Jan. 4.
Ellen C. Curtiss, Jan. 4.
Mary C. Ames, March 1.
1858.
Pbebe May, Jan. 17.
John B. Bunnell, Jan. 17.
Mary Z. w, Henry P. Summers,
Feb. 7.
Mary A. Banks, May 2.
Cordelia Curtiss, "
Martha Finley, "
Martha J. Hitchcock, "
Mary E. Minor, "
Susan L. Minor, "
Betsey Orton, "
Margaret L. Strong, "
Perry W. Lake, Sept. 5.
Ammi F. Hull,
1584
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUBY.
1859.
Deborah Cadwell, July 3.
Dea. Judson Blackman, Nov. 5.
1860.
Lucretia M. w. of Joseph Sher-
man, June 3.
Adolphus F. Sherman, June 3.
Sabrina F. w. of 'Horatio S.
Thomas, July 15.
1861.
Ira Thomas, Jan. 4.
Betsey, M. w. of Ira Thomas,
Sept. 5.
Christina, w. of Wentz,
Sept. 8.
Hortensia, N. w. of Elara B.
Burton, Sept. 8.
Clementine S. w. of John Daw-
son, Nov. 8.
Sarina R. w. of Lewis Dawson,
Nov. 8.
1862.
George C. Bradley, Jan 12.
Sarah M. w. of Geo. C. Bradley,
May 11.
Jemima E. Young, May 11.
Maria, wid. of John Leaven-
worth, May 11.
Julia E. Benedict, May 11.
Emily S. Hull,
P. B. Hulse, July 3.
Margaret Stewart, July 6.
Mary Young, "
Caroline M. w. of Barlow Rus-
sell, Sept. 1.
Elizabeth L. w. of Rev. W. T.
Bacon, Sept, 1.
1863.
Sarah Barnes,
1865.
Rebecca T. Bacon, March 5.
Nathaniel Smith, May V.
Helen R. Thomas, Sept. 1.
1866.
Nathaniel M. Strong, Jan. 1
Mary O. Martin, "
Susan R. w. of Rev. Charles Lit-
tle, March 2.
Helen L. Sedgwick, March 2.
Sherman Ford, March 4
John Dawson "
Floyd F. Hitchcock; "
Geo. M. Lockwood, May 6.
Sarah M, Hitchcock, "
Jane Minor, "
Charlotte Minor, "
1866.
Emily E. Hitehcock, July 1.
Harriet Leonard, "
William T. Bacon, Jr. "
Charles K. Smith, "
Charles E. Strong, "
Josephine A. Dawson, "
John O Martin, "
Harriet E. Strong, Sept. 6.
Eliza A. w. of Floyd F. Hitch-
cock, Sept. 6.
Verenice Munger, Sept. 6,
William H. Williams,
Eliza J. w. of do. "
1867.
Charles C. Nettleton Jan. 6.
Sallie R. w of Chas. C. Nettle-
ton, Jan. 6.
Ellen F. Minor, May 6.
Mary Upson, "
Eunice E. w. of Walter S. Cur-
tiss. May 6.
James Tyler, June 30.
1868.
Benjamin S. Russell, May 3.
Harmon Warner, "
Delia, w. of H. Warner, "
Henry Bryan, "
Frederick T. Strong, "
John H. Minor "
John W. Nichols,
Horace Minor, "
Geo. M. Allen,
Elizabeth T. w. of Wm. T Ba-
con, Jr. May 3.
Julia S. w. of Alfred F. Betts,
May 3.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUBT. 1585
Katie M. Woodruff, May 3. Louisa K. Noyes, Dec. 31.
Harriet M. Drakeley, '' 1870.
Harriet J. Lemmon, " Alraira,wid. of Joseph Broth well,
Ciarinda w. of Horace Hard, " j^a. 2.
Augusta, w. of Geo. M. Allen, Mary Ann, w. of Grandison
July 5- Beardsley, March 4.
Charlotte H. w. of Rev. Horace gilas H. Marray, Mav 12.
Winslow, Sept. 3. Sylvia A. w. of Silas H. Murray,
Mrs. Fanny R. Pettibone, Sept. 3. 'May 12
1869. Mrs. M. Gydes, Dec. 20.
Lydia, w. of Ebben Wheeler, Louisa J w. of William J. Wells,
Jan. 3. ^^^- ^^^
Ellen C. Lathrop, June 3. IS"^!-
Edwin M. Betts, " Carrie C, Noyes, May 7.
Harriet F. w. of Horace D.'Cur- J'llia A. w, of Hinman, "
tiss Jan. 3. Charlotte S. w. of D. S. Lem-
Julia M. wid. of Johnson, "^on, July 2.
Oct. 8. 1872.
Jennett A. Tuttle, Oct 8, Lillian, w. of John Warner,
Agnes, w. of Rev. Gurdon W. Jan. 7.
Noyes, Dec. 31. Frances Julia Curtiss, Jan. 7.
LIST OF THE PRESENT INHABITANTS OF WOODBURY.
This list includes all those who were living when Mr. William
A. Gordon took the census of the town for Government in 1870.
The census of 1860 was taken by Mr. Lewis B. Candee, when the
total population was 2,050. The families are grouped togther,
the fathers and mothers, first, united by a brace, and the children
in the order of their birth so far as practicable. The writer could
not always tell by the copy furnished if the regular order of birth
was followed or not. But it will make little practical difference.
CENSUS OF WOODBURY, 1870.
Whole population 1884, of which 55 are colored.
A.
Allen, George M. )
Abbott, Ezra )
*' Almira )
Allen,
, Gilbert
a
Elizabeth
Abernethy, W. P. )
« Lucy, j
((
Harriet
u
Ira
" Susan,
(I
Sarah
" Arthur B,
Allen, Abner )
" Betsey A. f
«
George P.
((
Julia
" Minnie C.
" James H.
((
Wm. H.
(t
Lovina A,
Augusta
George H
Catherine
Ellen
Joseph
Almira
George
1586
HISTORY OF ANC lENT W O ODBURY.
Allen, Emily U.
" Mary J.
" Catherine
" Henry M.
" Reuben J.
" Chauncey
Andrews, Geo. N.
Anthony, Samuel )
« Sarah \
Alvord, Edwin )
" Susan M. \
" Hattie M
" Clark
Atwater, Laura A.
Atwood, Abiram A.
" Catherine M.
" Eugene F.
" Ernest
" Garwood H.
" Henrietta E.
" Henrietta E.
" Elizabeth H.
" Frederick S.
" Sarah
Atwood, Elijah )
" Pamela J
" Roderick )
" Althea \
" Edson S.
" Mary
" Herbert
« Ella
" Noble )
" Alma E. \
" Susan E.
" Nellie M. .
'• Dora S.
« Lovell N.
" John A. )
" Lydia A. j
" Nancy
" Jason
" Frank J.
" Chauncey )
" Martha f
" Bernice
" Burr B. )
" Mary C. j"
" Elisha
Atwood, Francis A. )
" Marilla S. f
« Ida
" Martha
" Burton
" Infant
" Nancy M,
" Lewis H. )
" Harriet \
" Alanson
*' Alice
" Wheeler
" Louisa
" Burnett
" Horace S. )
" Maria H. f
" Samuel )
" Lucinda C. )
" Maria J.
" Clorunda L.
" Katie
4
" Preston
" Electa A.
" Frederick B.
" Ermina F.
" Betsey
Banks, Lucinda
" Mary A.
Barnes, Reuben )
" Naomi \
" Seraph
" Colton R.
Bull, Thomas )
" Susan \
" Elizabeth A.
" Julia A.
B.
Bull, David S. )
" Lucy A. f
" Elizabeth M.
" Thomas
" Emily
Botsford, Heman )
" Harriet )
" Carrie O.
" Ferris
" Mary
" Lucy
" Philo
Bacon, David C.
" Susan M J
" John
" Augusta
.\
" Timothy C. )
" Catherine S. f
" Simeon W. )
" Harriet M. )
« David C.
" Esther W.
HISTOBY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
1587
Bacon, George H.
" Sylvester K. )
" Zemira L. f
» Wm. A. )
« Sylvia i"
" Caroline A.
» Wm. H.
Brothwell, Almii*a
Wra. C.
" Joseph J.
Blake, Eraeline C.
" Ruth J.
Blakesly, Edgar
" Nelson
" Gilbert
" Betsey
" Edgar
Beecher, Harriet L.
Brophy, Patrick
" Mary
*' William
Beardsley, Grandison
" Mary A.
" Stanley E.
" Alice
" Everett
" Willis
Brooks, Wm.
Bourt, Hezekiah
Barnard, Hiram H.
Bartholomew Netttie
E.
Briggs, Rosamond
'• Daniel
Betts, Ralph N".
" Anna
*' James S.
" David )
" AnnaM. \
" Sarah M.
" Charles )
" Jane i
ward E. )
laline C. \
Bradley, Edward E.
" Ad:
" Robert P.
" Clmrles S.
" Jessie P.
" Frank
" S. N.
" Sarah H.
Bartram, Pollev
Cornelia J. Bassett, Samuel
" C. Edward
" Frederick W.
" Marcus D.
" Elizabeth E.
» Otis W.
" Alfred F. )
" Julia S f
" Walter W.
" Edwin M.
*' Perry
" Harriet
" Jennie
" William
Botsford, Wm. C. ]
" Annette )
" Charles )
" Cornelia \
" George
Bradley, Enos L.
" Sarah S,
" William
" James B.
" Samuel E,
" Amerdo H.
" George H.
" Franklin N".
" Frederick
» Phineas S.
" Sarah S.
Benhara, Enos )
" Emily J. 5
" Bennett )
" Harriet E. ]
" Emma
" George
*' George
Benedict, Abel )
" Eunice \
. " Sophia E.
" Edward H.
» Julia E.
Birch, Alfred
" Maria
" Martha J
Burton, Nathan B, )
" Jennet M. j"
" Ira M.
" Frank W.
» Elam B
•' Hortensia M,
" Jesse H.
" Adelaide P.
" Mary E.
" Jesse B. )
" Sarah J \
" Wm, B.
" Nathan R.
.1
1588
HISTORY OF ANCIESTT WOODBURY,
Burton, John W- )
" Helon O. f
" Edna G.
:\
" Joseph )
♦' Meliss J
Brownson, Rob't S
Emma G
Bodycut, Thomas )
Jane \
" Georgiana
Baker, Philip
Bishop, Leman
" Edward N. )
" Henrietta )
" Riley [
" Elizabeth, f
" Elma H.
" Maria
" Noah )
" Abigail f
Bristol, Hannah M.
Bid well, Mary B.
Bough ton, John
" • Dotha A.
Abby M,
Bunnell, Sabra
" Watson A,
Baldwin, Horace C. j
" Elizabeth D I
" LydiaL.
" Eunice
» Samuel )
" Eunice )
" Nancy
Bassett, George
" Susan M.
Frank C.
Ella L.
" Herraie
Bryan, Frank P.
„ Henry
Bolster, Levi )
" Mercie J
" Mercie H.
" Nancy C.
Bolks, Fred
" Berns
" Sarah H.
" Henry J.
) Broas, Sarah
\ " Henry D.
Bailey, William )
" Mary J. \
« Ella M.
Bates, Calvin )
" Emeline M. \
" Wra. R.
" Edwin C.
" Robert W.
" George W. •
" Julia^A.
" Elden
" F'rederick
) Buckingham, Nels'n
[ " Hannah B.
" Lewis
" Henry )
" Mary J
*• Nettie
" Jane
" Henry
" Carrie
" Lacy
Blackman, Chas. A.
" Lucinda
" Harriet
" Charles
) Blackman, George
Annette J
" Maria P.
" Augusta
" Lillie E.
" Nathan'l B.
" Brewster J.
" Flora A.
" Julia
" John E. )
" Harriets, f
" Augusta
" Addie
" Samuel
" William
Bennett, Geo. D. )
'' Lucinda F. \
" Charles
Bell,
" Betsey A.
Thomas
William
Barto, Marshall )
" Charlotte \
" Charles
" George
" Dora
" Charles, Jr.
" Ella
" Chauncey )
) " Julia \
[ " Wm. H.
« Willis L.
" Emma J.
" Nettie
Boylan, Michael )
" Catharine j
" Bartholomew
" Michael
" John
" Margaret
" Peter
" Nettie
Buell, Frederick
" Sarah A.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOOD E UK Y,
1589
Buell, Francis
" William
*' Lillie
Bonsy, Orra
" Roxana
^" Orra L.
" Clarinda
" Nellie
Brown, George )
" Hannah )
" Mary A.
Barnes, John M.
" Leslie S
Breckinridge, Charles
" Louisa N.
" Arthur J.
Barnes, Vincent W. )
*' Caroline \
Carrie G.
Martha E.
Albert
Frederick
Frank H.
Lydia B.
Charles
Curtisp,
Daniel )
Julia F. f
Emily A.
Ellen C.
Edward J.
Frances
Elizabeth
Walter S.
Eunice E.
Daniel A.
Horace D. )
Harriet A. j
Horace A.
James G. |
Jennette M. j"
Henry S,
Anna
James G. Jr.
Nellie E.
Flora,
Walter J.
David )
Edna E.|
Willie,
Caroline
Catharine
Jane
Mary M.
John I
Maria I
c.
Curtiss, Elizabeth L,
" Benjamin S, \
" Martha J. j
«' Charles S.
" Jennie W.
" Benjamin Jr.
I " Elnathan
Capewell, George A. j
'' Harriet A. i"
I " Seymour L.
I" " John
" Harriet
" Frank
[ « George D, )
" Mary E. j"
" Joseph T. I
" Sarah j
" Ellen
" Walter S.
Churchill, John [
" Caroline j
" Harriet C.
" Nathan P.
Cothren, William )
" Mary J. j
" Mary Belle
Cogswell, Wm. C.
" Maria J.
" Mary A.
Castle, Bethel S. I
" Fanny C. f
" ChaunceyN. I
" Sarah A. \
" Chauncey J.
Clark, Charles, Jr.
" Emma,
" Amos E.
" Harriet
Lira )
Silas
Laura
Sarah P.
Wm. J.
' Polley
■ Sila
' Susan B.
Crane, Betsey
« George P. I
" Cordelia S. j
" Henry R.
" George H,
" Stephen H. I
" Emma B. f
" Horace
Candee, Betsey E.
♦' Frank B.
" Abigail
" Edward D.
1590
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Candee, Harry
" Eliza
0.1
Camp, George I
" Margaret \
Cramer, John |
" Roxy j"
" Everton R.
Conlan, Thomas )
" Catherine j
Cad well, Deborah
" Walter
Cued, Albert
Conner, Catherine
Corning, Mary
Chapman, Albert W. i
Ellen J, I
" William
" Annie
CoUety, James
" Catherine
" James, Jr.
Chamberlain, Fileno
Cartright, Orson j
" Margaret j
Comber, James I
" Mary j
" James
" William
" Thomas
" Margaret
" Catherine
" Sarah
" Emma
" William
" Thomas
Cosier, Mary E.
Cozier, Charles )
" Mary j
" Lillie
" Edwin
" Eugene
" Margaret
Carpenter, Isabella
I « Enos L.
" Jane L.
" Egbert L.
Carr, George j
" Margaret i
" Geo. F.
" Mary E.
" Lucy B.
Carroll, Patrick I
" Mary i
" John
" Hannah,
" Margaret
" Ellen
'' Patrick
" Deimis
" Martha
" Infant
Cady, Erastus
" Emily
" Jennie
Callender, Levi I
" Sarah M. j
" Alice G,
" Susan M.
Canfield Robert A. )
" Rachel |
Cowles, David )
" Ella M. f
» Oliver j
" PhebeM.j
» Edward )
" Esther A, i"
'« Julia H.
" Eugene A.
" Caroline L.
D.
Drakeley, Louisa Downs, Calvin H.
" Robert J. " Minerva A
* " Julia E.
" Olive
" Millicent
" Laura M.
" Harriet M. Dawson, Henry )
" Lucius " Sarah \
" Holiister *' Catherine
" Jane
" George " William
" Mary P,
.}
Dawson
, Alice
u
Emma
((
John
((
Clementine
>(
Frank )
{(
Ellizabeth j
((
Carrie
u
Nancy
C(
Louis
HISTORY OF ANC lENT W OODBURY
1591
Dawson, John P. ) Dascum, Charles
" Jane f
Doran John
** John " George
[
Dayton, William
" Mary Jane '
" Josephine " Emma
" Annie
" Mary A.
DeForest, Marcus
" Lillie C.
" Geoi'ge ) " Charles
" Mary A. f " Almira
E.
" Carrie A.
" Howard C.
" George A.
Dewes, William
Dickerson, Frank
" James B. }
" Mary f " Hannah
Deming, Sarah
'• Nellie L.
" Mary
Ditter, Mary
Douglas, Levi S.
}
" John H. " Sarah A.
Diamond, Bridget
" Almira " Hattie
" Frederick
Doolittle, Betsey
" Estelle Davis, Marguerite
DeWolf, Geo. W.
" Wm. C. ) Dunee, Thomas
" Julia M. j"
' Sarah
" Sarah J. Doulan, Margaret
" Georgiana
" Helen
" Lillie
F.
Forbes, Loren ) *' Charles
" Harriet f " Lillie
Fisher, Josephine
" Mary W. " Infant
Fairclough, Thomas
" William
" Harmon
}
Fanning, Michsel )
" Ann )
Fabrique, Benjamin, " Hannah
" Hannah
" Margaret
Fox, Julia W. " Myra
" James
" Richard
" Mary
«' Philo )
" Asenath j" " John J.
" Ellon
;
" Martha
Frost, Alonzo C. )
" Sarah )
Fardough, Levina
' Thomas " Jay
" Joseph P. " Fileno
French, Julia
Flowers, George " Charles
■
Ford, Frank R.
" Fannie
" Addie B.
Fowler, William )
" Martha E. \ " Susan
" Infant
" Ellen
♦♦ Frederick F.
1592
HISTORY OF ANCIBNT WOODBURY.
Gordon, Alexander
" Maria H.
" Alexander
" Julia M.
" Geo. C,
" Edwin S,
" William A. )
'' Sarah E. j
" Carrie M.
" Susan C.
Garroty, Ellen
" John P.
Green, James
" Fanny S.
Gee, John
" Thomas
" Joseph
" Henry
" Julia G.
" Russell O.
Gilraan, Benjamin )
" Fannie )
" William W.
" Benjamin T.
Gibson, Asahel R. )
" Eliza f
" Walter H.
" Catherine
" William
G.
Gibson, Esther
" Ellis
" Julia
« Fred. W. )
" Eliza r
" Asahel B.
" Mary J.
" Eliza A.
Galpin, Patty
" Cyrus
" Daniel B.
" Eliza II.
" Martha
" Thomas C. )
" Sarah J. j"
'* Wellington
» Stephen F. )
" Sarah f
" Hanford J.
" Sarah A.
" Mary
" Sarah E.
" Lorenzo
" William
" Julius H.
" Anna S.
" Ellen E.
Hotchkiss, Eliz. M.
" Leonard L. )
" Louisa M. )
" Hubbard A.
Hard, Horace )
» Clarinda \
H.
Hurd, Marcus A
" Eunice M,
" Eva J.
" Minnie C
::[
Truman
Albert S.
Asahel T.
Harriet C.
Galpin, Infant ^*
» Charles L \
" Susan A, f
" George L,
" Leslie
" Lillie
" Charles
" Minnie
" Julia
Gleason, James )
" Mary j
" Catherine
" Mary
Gyde, Alfred
" Mrs M.
Gorman, Michael )
*' Ann j
" James
Geeder Adolphus
Geer, Henry )
" Mary D. j
" Julia
Goodsell, Chas. M.
Griswold, Dotha
Gillett, Mary
Glazier, Hannah
Hurd, Sally
D.)
E. \
Albert
Mary E.
Grace L.
Anna
Minnie J.
Frederick S
Hurd, Sarah
" Elliot
HISTORY OF ANCIENT W
Hogan, Henry
" Josie
Hitchcock, George )
" Jane A. ) Harvey, Robert
" Margaret J.
" Emily E.
" Howard L.
Susan M.
Julia
Mary C.
Floyd F. )
Eliza A. ]■
Charlotte
Louisa )
Charles M.
Caroline F.
George W.
Remus F.
Hart, Charles
" Lucy
Hall, John T. )
" Harriet f
" John S.
" Charles
Hylan, John
" Catherine
" William
" Thomas F.
Harrison, Mary
Harwood, Andrew
[
Harrison, Sarah J.
Hoyt, John R. )
" Caroline )
" Wm. N.
" Clara E.
> " John H.
Hubbard Cyrus
Hard, Lucius )
" Lucinda j
' Lydia A.
OODBURY. 1593
Hatch, Mark )
■ " Emily \
Howe, Sarah
Houston, Martha
Holmes, Miles )
" Lucinda j
" Mary
Holdworth, Thomas )
" Flora f
Ella
Charles
" George
" Frederick
Hazen, Catherine
» Eliazur )
" Sarah f
" Charles H.
" Minnie
Hurlbut, Seth
Hull, Bradford J.
" Catherine
Higgins, Edward)
" Mary ) Hill, Emma
" Catherine " Charles
" Richard T.
Hayes, Jeriel
HoUister, Seth ) " John S.
" Wealthy R. |
" Lora "
Ephi
« Julia
Hogan, John
" Johanna
" Ellen
raim )
Eliza J. (■
Henry N.
Mary L.
Hezekiah C.
Susan
F. )
,aM. \
" Ammi
" August;
" William P,
" John
Hennessey, Mary
" Charles
" Otta
Pau
Hodges Mary B.
Isbell, Sally
Charles
Harriet J.
Isbell, Willard A.
" Irene
Isbell, George
" Mary
1694
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUET.
Isbell, Jared S. |
" Polly A. j
" Betsey L.
IsbeU, George L.
" William S.
" Mary P.
Isbell, Mary S.
" Ernest L.
Judson, George N. )
« Caroline E. \
" Margaret C.
" Susan L.
" Sarah M.
" Roderick B. \
" Sarah A. j
" Carrie M.
" Tracey B.
" Ackerman E
" Mariiaret
1
Sally
Silas C.
John W. )
Betsey T. [
Nellie M.
Fletcher W.
Hermon W.
Eliza J.
Emma
Charles
Frank
Judson, Ida
" Burton ]
" PoUey L I
" Henry C.
« Ralph N.
" Willis W.
" Mary M.
" Albert N. |
" Harriet \
Jones, Robert )
" Eliza j
" Sarah
" Harvey
" Charles
" Royal D.
" Emily
" Susan
Judson, Elijah D.
" Minerva F.
" Vincent D.
" Isabel C.
\
Judson, Olive C.
" Henry [
" Nancy J
" Noah,
" Ruth P.
" Theodore )
" Julia M. j
" Martha E.
" Frank
Nathan S,
Flora A.
Truman H.
Sarah P,
}
Jeffrey Henry L.
Jabut Samuel,
Judd, Emily.
K.
Kirtland, Chas. W. ) Knowles, David W.
" Elizabeth j " Cnrrance J.
" Edith
" Leman B.
Knox, Anson S. (
" Sarah A. <
" George A.
" Frederick
Lambert, Willys Lambert, Hnry '
" Charlotte M. " Aurelia
Maria J.
Margaret E.
Charles
Linsley, Mary
" James H
" Harriet M
" Sarah M.
" Wilbur
.}
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
1595
Linsley, Wilbur C. Lathrop, George }
" Emily J. f
Lounsl^ury, Luc's J. ) " Ellen C.
" Esther J
" Harriet " Erastus >
" Franklin " Fanny j
Lewis, George B. )
" Charlotte L. [
" Betsey
" John
" Emma
Lemmon, Daniel S. )
Leach,
, Alva )
" Flora
((
Charlotte j
<(
Betsey A. ]
Ci
Charles
ti
Alva A. )
Agn
ir B.
u
Edwin S.
a
Lucy A. )
Luddiu]
gton, Anna
Leavenworth, Alma
u
Daniel E. )
Lombei
•, Chester
((
Almira
a
Sarah j"
M.
Lavou,
Lydia
Minor
•, Judson
Minor
, Nellie
Mitchell, Charles C. }
(1
Louisa M. j
((
Erastus )
((
Charles D. )
a
Wallace
((
Melinda \
u
Lillic A. i"
a
Susan
(1
Wm. E.
i.
William
u
Jane
u
Howard S.
(<
Ellen
U
Horace
'•
Charlotte
a
Charles J. )
u
Asahd W. )
ii
Maria
it
Clarissa T. |
u
Harriet S. \
It
David S.
ii
AsahelW.Jr.
u
William
u
Josiah G. i
Mary \
"
Harriet
Martin
, Mary Ann
Caroline E.
(C
((
Truman S. )
a
Mary 0.
a
Henry )
li
Margaret )
li
Harriet E.
u
Air ha' \
11
Arthur T.
i(
John 0.
u
Mary J.
Emily L.
Julia B.
C(
Frederick S.
((
u
Alth -a
((
(i
Ill uben B, )
u
Sohwnon B.
[ "
Susan W. )
u
Frederick M.
i "
Frances A.*
Susan W, Jr.
(t
Saraantha C.
\ '
Fannie J.
l(
Wm. B.
u
Ellen F.
u
Jesse
11
Seth
Markh!
am, Sylvia A. /
Alvira M. f
((
Cornelius J.
I
(1
Sarah
li
Mary
\
Svlvanus A.
jr.
(1
Wesley )
a
Fanny
u
Wm. W.
u
DoraE. j"
^i
Elvira J.
a
Albert
u
Julia
48
1596
Monroe, Admir H. ) McKay, Carrie
*' Susan
" Infant
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Maxfield, William )
" Rosetta J
" Emma J.
Munger, Nelson B.
Chauncey J. [Millard, Charles )
Mary
Susan
Marshall, Julia
" Julia P.
" Jerusha
Munson, Reuben
" Charles [
" Charlotte j
" John N.
" Abner
Morriss, Ann
" Jerusha
«' Hobart H.
" Sarah M.
Abigail j
Charles A. )
Sophia )
Emma E.
Mansfield, Chas. M. )
•' Alma j
" George [
" Nancy [
" Nellie
Infant
" Ann
David S. )
" Eliza M. j"
" Serino P.
« Walter E.
" Ralph
" Wilbur D.
" Isabella E.
Maher, Patrick
Margaret
William
James
[ "
" Frank
" Sophronia
" Mary
" Kate
Miramble, John
McKay, Wra. C. ) " Caroline
" Rosamond f
" Ann Eliza Manchester, Alice
Wm. H.
Sarah
Mack, Ellen
N.
Abigail f
" Nathan B.
" Abram
Mallory, Fannie
" Willis J.
Manvill, Henry
" Horace
McCaffrey, Nancy
Munn, Nathaniel
Polly
" Myron B.
McDivit, Abigail
Murray, Silas H. )
" Sylvia A. j
« Eva M.
" LulaA.
" Ida J.
Miller, Mary
" Eliza J.
" Maria
" John
" Rosanna
" Joseph
Nichols, Philander ) Nichols, Florence H.
" Philinda f
" Martha J. " Edward
" John W
" Mary M.
" Clara M.
" Matthew
Nichols, Edward F.
" Esther E.
" Edward
" Charles
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY, 1597
Nettleton, Augusta
Noyes, Gurdon W. ) Noyes, Mary
" Agnes f " Charles J.
" Louisa K. .^ ,
" Carrie C. Northrup, F. B. i
*' Edward M. '' Sarah C. i
" Herbert L. ' Althea
" Agnes L. Nettleton, Euajusta E
Sarah B.
" Hezekiah C. ) " Mary J.
" Harriet j
" Sarah M. Nettleton, Chas. C,
Orton, Truman )
" Martha M. |
'« Fred. C.
" Betsey
" Sarah
Osborn, James M.
" Nellie
" Frederick M.
" Benjamin
•' Almon )
*' Salina (
Sally R.
o.
Osborn, Juliette
Newell
*' Charles
'• William )
" Mary O. |
" John M.
" Lucinda
Aaron )
Polly I
Sidney E.
Frances
Lucy
Daniel
" Jerusha
Sarah
" Nancy
" Lamson
John
Scovill
Norton, Omar E.
" Mai-garet H.
" Fred. A.
Oelsmar, Gustavus
Oakley Loretta
Oliver, Adeline )
'' Emma )
Osbea, Jeremiah )
" Catherine f
" John
" Edward
" Mary
" Constantine
'' Jeremiah
Preston, James
" Eliza
" Wm. L.
Pulford, Verona
Page, Mary B.
[
Purdy, Daniel
" Ellen
" Fannie
Pierson, Wm.
Ponell, Betsey
" Walter
Peck, Caroline
Patterson, Samuel
" Harriet
" Mary K.
Wm. B.
" Mary
Peck, Johnson A.
" Isaac )
*' Anna \
" Nancy M.
Peck, Henry H. ,
" Abigml \
" Frank B.
" Albert C. )
" Grace A, \
Par melee, Edwin S. |
" Mary )
" Jennie
" Harriet
" Mary, Jr.
" Bruce L, }
«' Martha J. f
1598 HISTOKY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Parmelee, Fanny A. Potter, Charles
Parker, Daniel S. '
Eunice
Helen
Jason }
Harriet S. f
Orley M. )
Bela
Rhoda
Alice
1
" Harriet J.
" Julia E.
" Samuel B.
" George W.
Partree, Robert C.
" Sarah J.
" Mary J.
Post Edgar
\ Pangman, Susan
Frederick Pierce, Nathan
Samuel " Susau E.
Julia
Homer " Susan Esther
Maria A
Catherine M
Elizabeth M.^^
Edwin P. ^ i-octor, Alza
" Nathani'l C. )
" Elizabeth f Peet,
" Geo, N.
Sally
James E.
Porter, David C.
" Mary E.
Potter, Edwin )
" Annis [
" Frank
William
Mary D.
Perkins, John
Percy, Chas. H. )
*' Mary A. )
" Clement )
" Louisa t
Eli S. )
Abigail L. \
" Harriet E.
" Julia A.
Pitt John
'' An
Quick, Michael
•' Bridget
" Mary E.
" Julia E.
Rogers, John J.
" Jeruslia
Rodman, Jaines
" Lucy
' James D.
Root, Thomas >
'■ Polly j
*' Homer A.
Q.
Quick, Michael
" Thomas
" William
" Anna M.
R.
Quick, Williftra )
" Bridget f
" Anna
Rolinson Rodney G ) Russell, Benjamin S. )
" Maria \ " Sarah H^ \
" Carrie
Randall, Robert T. )
" HenriettaW. j
" Columbus W.
Reynolds, Betsey
Wm. H.
Dwight B.
" Stiles C.
" John B.
" Anna M.
" Infant
[
Robinson, Lewis W. }
" Ruth Ella ) Russell, Barlow
" Infant " Caroline
Roswell, John )
" Emeline \
" Mary E.
" George E.
" Sarah E.
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY. 1509
Roswell, Emory J. > Richards, Marcena
" Laura ) " John T.
Lottie " Charles
Richards, Wra. G, ) Reeder, John
" CelestiaM. j"
Roberts, Edwin )
" Electa " Jane A. \
" William " Nellie
" Mary " Frederick
" D wight
" Edith
Roberts, James
" Maria A
" Ella M.
" William J.
" Sarah J.
" Charles H.
Rowley, Chas, M.
" Margaret L.
Riggs, Fred
Sherman, Cyrus
" Mary
" Bennet A, )
" Emily M. f
John
" Roger
S.
Seeley, Florence A.
" Mary A.
Seymour, Mary
Strong, Stoddard
" Solomon
" Eliza
" Joseph R
" Lucretia M
::[
Stoddard, Cyrus A. )
" Maria H, \
" Wealthy A,
" George A,
" Eliza
" Charles
" Martin )
" Eliza i"
" Edward C. )
" Ellen S. j
Seeley, Walker S. )
" Mary A. j"
" Delia
" Eliza M.
" Martha J.
" Seth
" Harriet A.
" Anthony C. )
" Julia j"
" Willis A.
" Fred T.
" Isaac I
" Maria S. [
" Nathaniel L. )
'< Mary B. [
" Nathaniel M.
" Flora
" William
" Charles P. [
" Elizabeth A. \
" Charles E.
Seeley, Eli )
" Mary j
Sherwood, Henry
Short, Jonathan
Sanford, Spencer B. ]
" Adeline J. i
'' Frank S.
" Ellen L,
" Edith J.
Satchwell, Charles )
« Mary f
" Elizabeth
Ellen
Stewart, Margaret
" William
" Henry
" Celia
SchafFer, Adam j
" Henrieta j
" Wm. H.
Senior, Arthur
" Charles
" Catherine
" Clarence
" Emma
1600
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
Smjth, Nathaniel B.
" Mary Ann W.
" Nathaniel )
" Emily G. J
" Mary
" Dudley
" Cornelia
" William P.
" Charles K.
" Lyman >
" Caroline )
" Sarah E.
" Minnie A.
•' Moses C.
" Charlotte
" Frederick A.
" Samautha
" Alonzo A.
" Fanny L.
" Frank B.
" Sarah R.
" Mark
" Marcus D. )
" Charlotte \
" Herbert B.
" Frank
" Mary J.
" Percy L. )
" Sarah A. f
" Henry C.
" Horatio N. )
" Ellen M. \
" Elijah F.
" George F.
" Elizabeth R.
" Willie
" Charles
) Smith, George G.
f " Betsey A.
" Mary E.
" Julia
" George S.
" Cornelia
Scovill, Sydney
" Lucretia M
" Margaret
William
" Edward
" Alice
" Walter
" Emma
" Anna
" William
" Mary Eliza
.\
Shelton, Wm. N
" Frances
" Millie A.
^.s ;
Stone, Abernethy B.
" Frances A. •
" Ella M.
" Nettie P.
James S.
Caroline
Mary E.
Nellie L.
Fanny M
Ursula
Stevens, John M. )
" Antoinette j
" Justus N.
" John J.
Scott, Samuel B, )
" Mary E. J
« Mary E.
" Ida M.
Stocks, Wm.
Sperry, Eli
" Marilla L.
" Anna J.
Sperry, Anna A.
Alfred B.
Frank D.
Chauncy P.
" Emily M,
Summers, Eli )
" Amelia )
" Henry P. )
MaryZ. f
Shelden )
" Mary \
" George M. |
" ParthenaE. f
" Abby G.
" John E.
" Aner
" Nancy
" David C. >
" Minerva B.f
" Marion D.
" David L.
Skelley, Michael F. )
" Esther \
" John P.
" Edwin T.
" Mary A.
" George M.
" Hugli T.
Salmon, John )
" Augusta )
*' Henry A,
Saxton, George )
" Caroline f
sereno )
Fuiia A. )
Serene
Ji
Lawrence
Elizabeth
Squires Jo. W. )
" Elizabeth P.f
" Eliza
" Harriet E.
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY
1601
Terrill, Daniel )
" Lucy E. j
" Anna
" Catherine
" Margaret A.
*' Caroline
" Susana E.
" Laura W.
" Catharine C.
" Ellen A.
" Bartlett
" Nathan
" George D.
" Mary,
" Charles T.
" George
" Nathan S.
» Cornelia S.
" Mary B.
" Martha F.
" Dolly
" EliB. I
" Esther J. j"
" Andrew
" Harriet
" Henry
" Lillie
Tomlinson, Jennette
" Homer S.
Tyler, Josephine
" George [
" Maria A. \
" Mary
" Charles
" James
" Harriet
" Mary
Tierney, Andrew
T.
Trowbridge, Edm'd I
^Esther L. \
Fanny C.
" Philo M. I
» Sarah E. A. j
Turney, Abel
i " Sarah A.
Teeple, George L.
" Ophelia
Town, Mary T.
" Eli M
" Mar
M )
Tuttle, Wm. R. )
) " Sarah E. \
f " Polly
" Martha P.
" Marvin E.
" Caroline
Thomas, Ira
" Betsey M.
" Hortensia M
" Sabrina F.
" Sherman L.
" James R. \
" Margaret \
" William
" Edward
" Alice
" Walter
Berlin )
lly f
Polly
Frank
Janet
Thomas, Nelson )
" Almira f
" George
" Martin
" Emily
« Julia
" Flora
" Elizabeth
" William
" Mary
" Herbert
Tabor, Daniel )
" Fanny )
Tucker, Charles
" Harriet
" Edwin
Treat, Bryan A. )
" Sarah f
" Charles C.
" Emma A.
" Stephen A,
Todd, Dwight )
" Abby G. \
" Robert S.
Thompson, Tho.M.
" Sarah
" Ellen
" James )
" Laura j
" Susan
" Marv E.
«' F re A.
" Celia E.
*' Augusta
" Lewis L.
1602
HISTORY OP ANCIENT WOODBURY
Thompson, Wm.
" Mary J.
" Maria J.
" Charles T.
" Fred. W.
" ClifFord
" Francis
" Sarah A.
" Eliza A.
" Carrie J.
Taylor, Imraogene
Upson, Merlin ")
" Emily |
Walker, Josph F.
" Esther R.
«' Wra. B.
" Frederick A
" Fanny
" Harriet C.
" Mary M. C.
" Nancy
" Edward
P. ) Taylor, William S.
Sally
Hester Ann
Charles
Finetta
Ellen
Esther
Edwin
Walter
Emogene
Daniel S. )
Mary J. j
Frank D.
u.
Upson, Mary C.
W.
Ward, Thomas
" Catherine M.
" Henry
" Ellen
; « Charles N. )
" Mary j
" Wallace
Taylor, Sidney F.
Daniel
Arthur
Frederick
Lewis
Harriet A
Wm H.
Isabella
Bernard
Martha
Ida
J
*' James
" Eliza
" Ann E.
*' Louisa
}
Woodward, Charles I
" Maria L. J Wheeler, Ebenezer >
" Charles A. « Harriet E. f
,aE. )
" Andrew J.
Whittlesey, Deming )
Huldah i"
" Chas- T.
" Wilson D.
Ward, John T. >
" Mary B. j
" Truman E,
« Ann S
" Sarah
Woodruff, Wm. E. )
" Laura S. )
" Catherine M.
" Roderick S. [
« Clara )
Warner, Nathan )
" Jennette M j"
" Antoinette H.
" Catherine M,
" Morgan F. )
" Leonittie )
" Clarence
" Sylvias.
" John ■)
" Lillian j
" George B.
" Frank P.
" Martha N.
" Samuel N. )
" Sarah Jane j
" Anna M.
" W
" Elizabeth
" Elijah B )
" Betsey E. j
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBUKY.
1603
Warner, Betsey M. Wheaton, Shelden S. ( Welton, Harriet
' Lillie " Jane ( " Janet
" Cora " Nellie
vVovT T*sjn(*
Warner,SylvanusA.)^ell8, William J. ) •^' ' '
AvthehaAJ u Louise J. C " Fred. A.
; 5,^''"etM u Carrie J.
Elizabeth A. u ^juie Winton. <'zar
William N.
Laura J.
Bertha J.
Arthur B.
Webb, Charles H
" Jennette M
" Caroline L,
Wheeler, Eben
" Lydi
" Lula
" John
" Jennie
la ;
.}
Ellen
Lillie
J iilia
P^.ank
Whitney, Cornelia Wilsey, Ambrose H.I
Wiltshire, Charles
" Sarah
" Harriet
" Bennet
Wood worth, George
Wooster, John B.
" Esther
" ILrrietL.
V, iUiamE.
P21sie
Lncy
S; neer
knieline
Young, Jemima
Y.
COLORED PERSONS.
Cam,
, William
Cam, Mary Jane
Freeman,
Roderick
a
Susan
" Anna
a
Hiram
u
John
11
Hiram Jr.
Chatfield, George
li
Mary
u
Oosby B. )
ILmnah j
U
Martha
" Charles )
IC
a
Reuben
" Mariette f
((
((
Willis
Walter
a
Marshall )
•' Walter
«
Morriss
u
Amelia j"
" John
u
Merritt
u
Edward
" Litant
Chatfield, Robert
il
Roderick
Cam
, Charles
) " Charles, Jr
,Fi
reemnn,
, William C.
a
Betsey Ann
[ " Nathaniel
u
Elizabeth
a
Geoi'ge
« \\ illiam
ll
Edward B.
((
Emeline
il
Harriet
1604
HISTORY OF ANCIENT "WOODBUBY.
[awley,
Aaron
[
Freeman, Charles
Jackson,
, Ad aline
U
Ellis
" Aaron
i(
Julia
" Elizabeth
a
Mary A.
(C
George
" Anna
u
Andrew
" William
Nichols,
Edward
((
Orrin
\
Freeman, George
Phillips,
Leman
11
Mary A.
^i
Chloe
<4
John
Jackson, Julia
a
Edward
reeman, Ella
" Henry F. )
u
Harriet
^' Eliza 1
^PPEISTDIX.
A few articles and items which reached the author too late for
insertion in their appropriate places, are here appended, together
with a table of errata.
COLTON FAMILY.
[Additions.]
The name of Charles Colton, son of Joseph, who was s. of Jo-
seph Sen., appears on p. 1480. He m. 1st, Mary Grant. They had
one child ; Homer Grant. She d. in 1835, and her child about two
months later, aged two months, He m. 2d Ruth VVinship. Chil-
dren : 1. Clarence TF., b. Dec. 29, 1839. He has been an instructor
of youth for quite a number of years, and was, for about a year,
assistant Principal of the Parker Academy, Woodbury. He is now-
preparing for the ministry at the Berkeley Divinity School at Mid-
dletown. Conn. 2. Henry K., b. June 28, 1843. He ra. the widow
of a Presbyterian minister in Spartansburg, S. C, about a year and
a half ago, and has one dau. 3. Charles B,., b. March 27, 1845.
Now resides in Germany.
CURTISS FAMILY.
[Corrections.]
The description of the " coat of arms " of this family, as used
in this country, is not correctly described on pages 531 and 1488.
The true description is as follows^ viz :
Azure a fess dancettee between three crowns, or —
Crest — A lion in his proper colors, issuing forth of his colors or
and azure, supporting in his right paw a shield azure, thereon a
fess dancettee or, mantled gules, doubled argent.
Motto — Saepere aude.
1606 HISTORY OP ANCIBNT WOODBURY.
Page 1489, Line 12, "1713" should read "1704. Same page,
18th line, "1832" should read "1823." Same page, line 11 from
the bottom, "July 10th" should read " Feb. 4th." Page 1490,
line 23, "Eugenia" should read "Eunice."
HON. DAVm F. HOLLISTER.
Mr. Hollister was born in Washington, Conn., March 31, 1826.
He fitted for College under the instruction of William Cothren, in
Woodbury, entered Yale College, and graduated in 1851. He
immediately commenced the study of law in Mr. Cothren's office,
was admitted to the Litchfield County Bar in 1852, and immedi-
ately opened an office at Salisbury, Conn., where he practiced for
a time with good success. But seeing a more inviting field at
Bridgeport, he removed thither, where he still resides, in the full
practice of his profession. Soon after he settled at Bridgeport, he
was elected Judge of Probate for that District, which office he
held for several years. Upon the passage of the U. S. Internal
Revenue law, he was appointed Collector of the 4th Collection
District of the State, which office he still continues to fill.
REV. ALONZO NORTON LEWIS, A.M.*
Mr. Lewis was born in New Britain, Conn,, Sept. 3, 1831, and fit-
ted for College in Farmington, at the celebrated school taught by
Dea. Simeon L. Hart. He was educated at Yale College, and also
studied Law at the Law School of that Institution. He was succes-
sively Principal of the Litchfield Academy, New Hartford High
School, Naugatuck High School, and for six years Superintendent of
Public Schools and Principal of the High School in the City of Wa-
terbury. He completed his Law studies in the office of Hon.
Charles B. Phelps, and was admitted to the Bar in Litchfield, Oct.
7, 1857. In 1858 he went South, where he became Principal of
the Blind Department of the N. C. Asylum for the Deaf and
Dumb, and the Blind, in Raleigh. Just before the tide of Seces-
sion swept over the South, he returned to Conn., where he again
engaged in Teaching, and in the study of Theology. April 14,
* Received too late for insertion in proper place.
niSTOEY OF ANCIENT WOODIiUIlY. IGOV
1866, he was ordained Deacon, in St. Paul's Clnirch, Woodbury,
and Priest in St. John's Church, North Haven, Murch 7, 1868.
From 1866 to 1870, he was minister and Rector of Christ Church,
Bethleliem, and Principal of the Parker Academy, in Wocfdbury,
a Boarding School for Boys. 1870 to 1872, he was Rector of the
Church of the Messiah, Dexter, Maine. He now (1872) resides
in New Haven, where he is temporarily engagc.l in literaiy pur-
suits.
POETICAL ADDRESS*
TO THE RETURNED SOLDIERS, AT TOWN HALL, WOODBURY, WKDNHS-
DAY EVENING, AUG. 16, 1865.
BY ALONZO NORTON LEWIS.
•-•-•
King SoJomon, known as the wisest of men,
Found " three things," nay "four," too deep for his ken.
Without stopping: to name them, (you know what they were,)
There is one thing, to-night, 1 can't get thro' my hair !
It is this : why a man, without laurels and scars
Was chosen to welcome you home from the wars.
(Or rather receive, in behalf of the fair
These guests, who, to night, are our pris'ners of war.)
It should have been one, who, in Freedom's dread van,
Has stood up at the front, and not " sent a man ! "
It should have been one, who, in Battle's fierce ire
Himself has received the baptism of fire !
Such an one am not I : — the rod's peaceful whack,
Not the cannon's deep boom and rifle's shrill crack,
Has rung on my ear thro' the four weary years
That have shrouded the Nation in mourning and tears !
To " teach young ideas," not soldiers, to " shoot,"
Has been my employ — I ought, then, to be mute.
While you, whose grim faces are bronzed by the sun
Of the South, where battles and forts have been won.
Describe what you've seen — tell what pou have done !
But why was /chosen to welcome you here
To all these fair faces, to all this good cheer f
I have it — 'tis this! Since the sex men call " weak,"
In public, by Paul, are forbidden to speak,
They have hit upon me, not for my heroism,
But because, when you went, I — staid at Jiome with 'em !
* An extract from this Address was given on p. 1286. By request we give
it entire in the Appendix.
1608 HISTORY OF A NCIENT W O ODB UR Y.
I envy you, soldiers, your welcome to-night ; —
Fair cheeks have grown fairer ; eyes dimmed have grown bright
At your coming — yes ! one and all welcome you here,
Afxd would (if 'twere proper,) most heartily cheer
In the midst of my speech — not at what I'm reciting,
But for you — your bold deeds — your marching, and fighting ;
Of which we, your admirers, are proud, and delight in !
Yes ! soldiers — brave veterans of " Company I ; "
I dare to assert, (what none can deny,)
Of all the battalions that rushed to the fray,
There were none that knew better to fight and obey.
There were none that loved better the Battle's dread noise.
Than the " Second " — especially Woodbury Boys !
' 'Tis well, on a festive occasion like this
To think of the loved ones whose faces we miss.
Black bonnets and dresses are worn here to-night
For those who went in, bnt came not from the fight !
Tall pine-trees are rustling, magnolias wave
Over many a hero and soldier-boy's grave !
From the " Father of Waters " to Potomac's strand,
Ay ! down to the banks of the far Rio Grande,
The soil of the South is dotted with graves
Of nameless, yet noble and canonized braves !
O Liberty ! throned in thy temple on high.
Say — is it not sweet for one's country to die ?*
Say — PoLLvf and OrtonJ — (if spirits can hear,)
Was the gift that ye laid on the Altar, too dear ?
Is a land like our own snatched from ruin's abyss
No joy to your souls in the region of bliss?
And say, O Columbia ! canst thou forget
Till the sun in the West forever shall set,
The brave "boys in blue" who fell in the strife
Where a Nation in arms was struggling for life ?
No ! Justice forbids it — a thousand times No !
While grass shall grow green, and water shall flow,
We'U. cherish, brave martyrs, your glorious names.
And your story shall ever be Freedom's and Fame's !
* " Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori ! "
f Died at Alexandria.
X Died of wounds received at the Battle of Winchester.
HISTORY OP AXCIENT AVOODRURY. IGOO
The following lines, recited by Rev. Wm. T. Bacon, editor t>t
the Derby Transcript, at the dedication of tlie Soldier's Monu-
ment, Sept. 1871, were received too late to appear in the appro-
priate place ;
At my desk, 'mid a pother of things of all kinds,
Democratic, Republican, all sorts of minds ;
Books, papers, types, devils, all the people are muss'd witli,
And everything else that an editor's curs'd with —
Came this note from your President, reading — "So, so,
Mr. Poet, we want you to ' hoe out a row ! ' "
" To hoe out a row " — in this.beautiful place ? —
These vallies, these hills, all this grandeur and grace ?
This sky looking down here, as no where on earth '? —
And all the swift thoughts that the picture gives forth 't —
To hoe out a row liere 1 Methinks, then t'were well
It be well hoe'd. How well hoe'd, that others must tell.
To " hoe out a row ? " Methinks some here have stood.
And " hoe'd out a row," where the harvest was Uood !
Clouds gather, war thunders, the fife-wake and drum,
And pale — quivering lips whisper " foeV and " they come ; "
The onset, the grapple, the shout, and the yell.
The rattle of cannon and scream of the shell ;
And all the mad hell of such horrible fray-
Stop, boys, we'll not dwell on such theme here to day.
But we'll speak of their memories softened by time.
We'll speak of our hrave, and for them weave the rhyme :
Of those brows, glory wreath'd, where light never shall fade,
But shine on, like the stars, on that flag they obeyed
Ah, the mother's fond thought of her long-absent boy.
The father's proud hope, and the young maiden's joy ;
The picture she bears through the wearisome day,
And her dream, through the night, of her lad far away.
O, how hallow'd that image that memory keeps.
Of her hero, she thinks of with pride while she weeps !
1610
HISTORY OP ANCIENT "WOODBURY.
When History shall write of those names, which, like stars.
Shine out on the world from its holiest wars ;
When a just fame shall trumpet their memories forth,
Who have lived, and have died, as the salt of the earth ;
Then our dead shall be treasured on scroll and in lay.
Till earth's last sun has set, and the stars fade away !
[Pern Rock at Nonnewaug Falls.]
INDEX OF NAMES.
Abeniethy, Doct. Roswell,
345, 466, 479.
Abernethy, J. J., 466, 477.
Allkn Pasiily, 1469.
Allen, Gen. Ethan, laS, 273,
412, 506.
Allen, Col. Ira, 475.
Ambler Family, 501.
Andrew, Rev. Samuel R.,
305, 466, 478, 1354.
Andrew, Samuel W., Esq.,
466, 478.
Andrew, Charlotte R., 1075.
Andrews, Dr. Sam. A., 466.
AndroBs, Sir Edmond, 76.
Atwood Family-, 490, 1471.
" Dr. Jonathan, 66, 35,
466, 490.
Atwood, Rev. Anson S., 466,
477, 495.
Atwood, Dr. Garwood H.,
323, 351, 466, 477, 499, 597.
Atwood, D. S., Esq., 495.
Curtiss, 477.
Henry C, 466.
Burr B., 1281, 1390.
Atwater, Rev. Jaeon, 1400.
AvEBiLL Family, 484.
" Augustin, Esq., 487.
B.
Bacon Family, 516, 1471.
" Jabez. 351.
" Daniel, Esq., 328, 427.
Bacon, Rev. Wm. T., 354, 466,
477, 518, 965, 969, 1019, 1046,
1609.
Backus, Rev. Azel, 253, 478,
466.
Backus Fred P., 477.
Babbitt, Rev. P. T., 292, 467,
478.
Bakeb Family, 502.
" Renxember, 156.
'■ Capt. Remember, 183,
273, 427, 1471.
Baker, LaFayette C, 1373.
Battell Family, 508.
Baldwin, Dr. N. C, 467.
Rev. Wm., 467, 478.
Banks, Rev. Geo. W., 1404.
Bellamy Family", 507.
" Rev. Joseph, 241,
245, 249, 467, 478, 1059.
Bellamy, Jonathan, Esq., 467,
474.
Bellamy, Hon. Joseph H., .355,
467, 477.
Bellamy, Rev. David, 568.
Benedict, Rev. Noah, 301,303,
466, 1033.
Benedict, Hon. Noah B., 306,
357, 466, 478. 486.
Benedict, Col Thos., 466.
Bennett, M,D., 475.
Beaumont, Petre, 165.
Beers FAsnLy, 513.
" Hon. S. P., 426, 466,97.3,
142;?.
Beers, Zechariah, 286, 359,
466.
Bedient, Dr. Butler, 74, 466.
Beecher, Rev. J. W. 598.
Berry, Rev. J. D., 297, 467.
Bishop, Dr. Reuben, 466.
Bissell, Dr. G. G., 467, 479.
Blakeley' Family, 504.
Blakesley, Sammis, Esq., 466.
Blakeman, Dr. W. N., 467.
" Rev. Adam, 903.
Botsford, Chas., M.D., 466.
Boardman, Rev. Dan., 105.
Rev. Charles A. ,270,
466.
Booth Family, 508, 1474.
Henry, Esq., 467, 477.
" Harvey M., 468.
Bostwick, Hon. Isaac W.,467.
Bradley, Maj. James M., 1276.
Edward E., 1392.
Bmnsmade Family', 511, 1474.
Rev. Daniel, 262,
467, 478.
Brinsmade, Zechariah, 166.
" Hon. Daniel N.,
322, 354, 467, 476.
Brinsmade, Wm. B., 477.
Bronson Family, 504.
" Dr. Abraham, 137.
Rev. Tillotson, 291,
467, 478, 732.
Brownson, Dr. Ira V., 467.
Dr. . 467.
Brown, Rev. Garret G., 467,
477.
Brown, Garret G., 1422.
Brownell, Rev. Grove L., 314,
467, 478.
Buckingham Family, 1472.
Bull Family, 511.
•' Dea. Samuel, 78
" Maj. Thomas, 187, 204.
207, 466.
Bull, Hon. Thomas, 467.
" Rev. Edmond C, 292,
467.
Burhans, Rev. Daniel, 292,
467.
Burnhara, Mjg. Walter, 12:37.
4:1)
BuRBiTT Family, 510.
" Dr. Anthony, 358,
467.
Burritt, Dr. Anthony B.. 359.
467.
Bulkley, Rev. Peter, 120.
Butterfield, Rev. O. B., 2.3(i,
466.
Bushnell, Rev. Horace, 467,
478.
Bushnell, Rev. George, 467.
BuTLKR Family, 1473.
C.
Calhoun, Rev. Geo. A., 467.
Rev. Henry, 467.
" Dr. John, 187, .36:3,
467.
Campfield, Rev. Robert B.,
271, 468.
Camp, Rev. Joseph, 4()7, 476.
Canfield Family, .529, 1490.
" Rev. Thomas, 276,
280, 467, 476, 478.
Canfield, Orlando, 477.
Castle Family, 528. 1486.
Dr. Silas, 467.
Catlin, Dr. Conant, 361, 467,
479.
Catlin, Dr. Lyman, 467, 479.
Dr. Wm. C, 467, 479.
Capewell Family, 1475.
Cazier, Rev. Matthias, 467.
Chittenden, Fred., Esq., 467.
Churchill, Rev. John, 315, 4t;7.
479, 1020, 1067.
Church Family, 526.
" Hon. Samuel, 475,
527.
Church, Hon. John R., 475.
" Leman, Esq., .475.
" Nathaniel, 527.
Clark, Rev. Daniel A., 230, 467
" Rev. John. 467,
" Rev. Jehu, 467.
" Amos, 187.
" Dr. Reman, 467.
" Geo. H., 982.
Cliauncey, Rev. Israel, 32, 33,
129, 124, 1.33.
Cheravoy, Philemon, 165.
Cheesbrough, Dr. R. M.. 467.
Cochrane Family, 519, 1482.
Wm. Sen., 521.
Wm. Jr., 521.
" Samuel, 525.
COLTON Family. 1478, 1605.
Rev. Willis S. 1062.
1407.
Cothren, David, 523.
I.VDK.V OK NAMKS.
Cothren, Capt. Wm,. 5-2:1
William, Esq., ;«3.
338, 339. 340, 341, 3fil. 478,
479, 524, 958, 'ItJO, 973. 1011,
1037, 1040, 1U42, 1048, 1283,
1284, 1287, 1294, 1300, 1308,
1348, 1365, 1374, 1385, 1426,
1446.
Cottiren. Hon. M. M., 525.
Couch, Rev. Paul, 256, 467,
478.
Cognwell, Win., Esq., 467.
Fred. W.. 467, 478.
Co veil. Rev. J. S., 297, 468.
Cotton. Rev. Josiah, 478.
Coxe, Rev. Ricluu-d, 292, 468.
Crane Family, 1483.'
Crane, Dr. Rol)'t, 467, 479.
L>r. Joel, 468.
Crafts Family, 526, 1476.
" Gen. Chauncey, 527.
CuRTiss Family, 531^ 1486,
1605.
Curtiss, Capt. Wm., 35, GO.
" Agur, 187.
" Lt. Israel, 61, 77, 119.
" Rev. Lucius, 306, 323,
467, 479, 1316.
Curtiss, 1 1011. Daniel, 1398.
Curtis, Hon. Holbrook, 534,
543.
Curtis, Will. E., Esq., 534.
Chapman, Hon. Asa, 515, 667.
Hon. Charles, 515,
667, 978, 142:3.
Cramer, Moll, 159, i;581.
D.
Davies, Rev. Thomas, 293,
295, 433, 468, 475.
Davies, Thomas, J., 468.
■' Prof. Chas. J., 468.
" John, 468.
" Dr. Thomas, 468.
Day, Rev. Jeremiali, 270, 468,
478,
Day, Rev. Jeremiali, D.D.,
270, 429, 466, 468.
Day, Thomas, LL.D., 270,430,
468, 476.
Day, Tut. Mills, 468, 476.
" Prof. Henry N., 468, 477.
" Charles, 477.
Downs, Dr. Myron, 468.
David, 282.
"■ Captain Ebenezer,
174, 187.
Doolittle, Ben,1amin, 1007.
Dean, Rev. Oliver S., 1413.
Dowdnev, Rev. John, 292,
297, 468.
Davidson, Rev. David B., 468,
478.
Deforest, Dr. Marcus, Jr., 468.
Dundonald, Earl of, 520.
Dunning, Capt. Elis, 476.
Dutton, Hon. Henry, 988.
" Lt. Henry M., 1311.
Drakeley Family, 539.
Dutcliers,"^ulolf, 158.
Deforest Family, 1491.
E.
Eastman Family, 541.
" Dr. Azariah, ;i63,
364, 468.
I Eastman, Dr. Josiah R.. 325.
365, 468, 542.
I Eastman, Dr. John R., 468.
Richard H., 468.
Easton, Hon. Rufus, 468.
Edmonds Family. 542.
" Robert, 187.
Hon. Wm., 201, 434,
468, 476.
Edmonds, David, Esq., 468,
476.
Everitt, Hon. Daniel, 174, 176,
187, 434, 468.
Farrand Family, 544.
" Capt. Nathaniel,
326.
Farrand, Jonathan, 176, 187.
Wm. P., 46, 476.
Pairchild, Dr. S. B., 366, 468.
Fanslier, Dr. S\!vanus, 364,
468.
Fenn, Dr. Aaron W., 468.
'■ Fred. J., Esq., 468.
Flint, Rev. Seth, 291, 468.
Foote, Rev. George L., 293,
468.
Foote, Dr. , 4()8.
Dr. E. T., 614.
Lucius H., 1392.
Fo.x, Hurry H., 1218.
Foster, Dr. Isaac, 321.
Ford, Dr. Seth P., 468.
Fowler, Dr. Parmelon B.,
365, 468.
Fowler, Dr. Warren R., 365,
468, 479.
Fowler, Dr. Remus M., 365.
468, 479.
Fowler, Dr. Henry, 468.
Fraser Family, 1494.
" Wm. A., Esq., 468,
733.
Fraser, Hugh, 732.'
" Simon, 732.
Frisbie, Rev. Wm. Henry,
297, 468.
Fuller, Rev. Samuel, 392, 468.
I Fulford, Abraham, 73.
I Fenn, Col. A. H., 1304.
G.
Galpin Family-, 544.
" Rev. Samuel, 469.
: •' Dr. Lemau, 469.
I Gilbert, Rev. Sturges, 291,
297, 469.
I Gilbert, Rev. Raphael, 299,
! 469.
Glover, Rev. Beunet,291, 469.
Goodeiiough, Rev. A., 1405,
I 1414.
j Goodrich, Hon. Sam. G., 1427.
I Goodsell, Dr. Thomas, 469,
I 479.
Goodsell, Dr. Isaac, 469, 479.
Graham Family, 545.
Rev. John, 222, 223,
468, 476, 546.
Graham, Rev. J., Jr., 478.
Griswold Family, 1497.
I Gordon Family'. 1498.
Grant, Ulysses S., 1266.
Gunn, Fred. W., 1410.
I Graham. Dr. Andrew, 176,187,
' 226, .366, 468, 547.
j Graham, Hon. John A., 226,
! 441, 469, 549.
Graham, Rev. Chauncey, 469,
475.
Graham, Dr. Isaac Gilbert,
441, 548.
Graham, Col. John L., 226,
553, 475.
Graham, Capt. John Hodges,
552.
Graham, John Lorimer, Jr.,
554.
Graham, Nathan B., Esq. ,554.
" James Lorimer, Esq.,
555.
Gray, Rev. Cvrus W., 267,469.
Gunn, Fred. W., 272, 477.
Garrow, Dr. John L., 469.
Gridley, Dr. Horatio, 469.
Guthrie, Hon. Warren W.,
1466.
H.
Hannah, James, 176, 187.
Hall, Dr. Chas. A., 732.
" Hon. Hiland, 1373.
" Rev. Wm. K., 10.38, 1052.
Harriman, Rev. Fred. D., 292,
470.
Harrison, Rev. Fosdick, 256,
281, 470, 478.
Hastings, Dr. Seth. 385, 469.
Prof. Thomas, 469.
Dr. Seth, Jr., 470.
Orlando, Esq. , 470.
Eurotas, Esq. 470.
Hartwell, Sam. E., Esq., 367,
470.
Hart, Rev. Seth, 478.
Hawley, Dr. Benjamin, 188,
368, 470.
Hawley, Wm. Esq., 368, 470,
476.
Hawley, Moses, Esq., 322.
Hard, Dr. David B. W., 469,
479.
Hayes, Rev. Gordon, 267, 469,
478.
Hayes, Charles G., 478.
HicocK Family, 564, 1505.
" L.vman, 477.
" Capt.Nathan, 176, 187.
" Simeon, 476.
IIinman Family, 556, 1502.
" Noah, Esq., 469.
" Sergt. Edward, 5.56.
" Edward, Esq., 176,
187, 369, 469.
Hinman, Hon. Edward, 370,
469.
Hinman, Hon. Timothy, 476,
479.
Hinman, Gen. Ephraim, 367,
469.
Hinman, Hon. Royal R., 370,
469, 476.
Hinman, Col. Joel, 442.
Hon. Joel, 442, 469,
1430.
Hinman, Capt. E., 442, 469.
Hon. Curtis, 469.
Hon. \^ m., 469.
"■ Col. Ben.jamin, 166.
169, 174, 183, 237, 371, 469.
INDEX OF NAMES.
Ill
Hinman, Gen. Robinson S.,
373, 469.
Hinman, Simeon, Esq., 373,
47fi, 479.
Hinman, Simeon, 476.
Siierman, Esq., 476,
479.
Hinman, Capt. Wait, 150.
" Capt. Adam, 166
Elijah, 187.
Titus, 561.
Cyrus, 476.
Hitclicocli, Hon. Sam. J„ 444,
469, 477.
Hitchcock, Rev. Solomon G.,
287, 291, 292, 469, 478.
Honor, Roll of, 1313.
Hooker Pajiilt, 569.
Asahel, 476.
Hill Family, 567, 1505.
" Hon. Charles J., 470.
HoLLiSTKU Family, .583, 1506.
" Lt. John, 58;3,
'• Gideon H., Esq., 369.
470, 477
Hollister, David F., 470, 478,
1606.
HoTCHKiss Family, 579.
Dr. , 470.
John, 332.
Hubbell, Peter, 150, 167.
Comfort, 187. -
Hull Family, 577, 1509.
" Ebeuezer, 187.
" Hon. Andrew C, 444,
469.
Hull,'Rev. Leverett, 444, 469.
Hull, Gen. Elias, 444, 46S.
" Dr. Zeph., 366, 469.
" Dr. Titus, 367, 469.
" Dr. Laurens, 433, 469.
" Rev. Charles, 469.
Hubbard, Edvi'ard J., 1432.
HuRU Family, 570, 1509.
■' John, 66.
" Capl. David, 176.
" Samuel, 187.
" David, 187.
" Dr. Curtis, 469.
" Dr. Nelson L., 469.
" Dr. Theodore C, 469.
" Dr. Fred. W., 469.
" Monroe, Esq., 469.
HuRLBUT Family, .580.
" . Joseph, 2S9.
HuTHwiTT Family, 568.
Huntington Family, 1508.
Hon. James, 14.33.
Dr. Daniel, 368, 470.
Huxley, Dr. Asahel M., 368,
470.
Isliam, Rev. Austin, 281, 470,
1049, 1413.
Ingerso'l, David B., Esq., 4".
Indian Relics, 978.
Ives, Rev. Reuben, 291, 478.
J.
Jbnnek Family, 602, 1511.
JoHNsoiv Family, 600, 1510.
John J., 80.
" Amos M., Esq., 470.
Jone . Rev. Isaac, 297, 470,
476
Judd. i.'cv. Reuben, 261, 470,
478.
Judd, Bethel, D.D., 291, 470,
478.
Judd, Rev. Wm. H., 292, 470.
" E. A., 1018.
JUDSON Famu.y, 587, 1510.
" Lt. Joseph, 35, 54. 61,
74, 116, 128, 588
Judson, John, 61.
" WiUiam, 587.
" Gen. David, 470, 476,
595.
Judson. Rev. Adonirani, 448,
470, 4(6, 596.
Judson, Rev. Adoniram, D.D.
575. 596.
Judson, Rev. Ephraim, 448,
470, 476, 595.
Judson, Rev. Philo, 445, 470,
478, 597. 992.
Judson, Rev. Albert, 446, 470,
477. 598.
Judson, Rev. Gould C, 470,
598.
Judson, Rev. Everton, 447,
470, 477, 599.
Judsou, Rev. Samuel, 445, 470.
" Rev. Ben. B., 470, 599.
'• Philo M., Esq., 475.
" Dr. Elnathan, 596.
" Isaac E., 476.
'• Gen. Herbert, ,598.
" Dr. Oliver A., 600.
" William F., 600.
" Dr. Frederick J., 470,
477. ;
Judson, Charles A., 470. [
" Charles G. 1190. i
" David, Jr., 470. j
" Curtiss, 476. j
" George H., 470. i
" Israel, 476. |
K. I
Kasson Family, 603, 1512.
Keese, James D., Esq., 385,
470.
Kellogg, Col. Elisha S., 1213. I
Kirliy. Hon. Ephraim, 332, I
450, 470, 479. ;
Knowles Family, 604, 1511. I
Dr. Thomas, 385,
470. ;
KiRTLANB, Family, 1512. j
Lacey, Capt. Thaddens, 176.
LaFayette, Gen., 213.
Lambskt Family, 607, 1512.
Willis, 1433.
Langdon, Rev. John, 256, 470,
478.
Langdon, Dr. Timothy, 470,
Lawrence, Rev. Amos E., 236,
1401.
Lkavenworth Family, 612,
1518.
Leavenworth, Capt. David,
196.
Leavenworth, Isaac. Esq.,
470.
Leavenworth, Dr. Alston, 470.
Dr. Thomas. 470.
" Rev. Thaddens,
292, 471.
Leavitt Family, 614.
" Rev. Freegrace, 614.
" Rev. .Jonathan, 614.
" Harvey F., 615.
! Leavitt. Sheldon, 615.
I " Sheldon C, 476, 615.
Lemmon, Dr. Sheldon, 470,
477.
i Lewis, Rev. Alonzo N., 1000,
1007, 1286.
LiNSLEY Family, 606.
! Little, Rev. Charles, 10^2,
1362.
Logan, Rhoda, 272.
I Looniis, Rev. Arelus G., 257,
I 471.
I Loouiis, Lt. Henry W., 1188.
Lyman, Rev. Ephraim, 267,
470, 1406.
Lyon, Hon. Matthew, 320.
471.
Lucas, Rev. William. 292, 471.
1
M.
I Marshall Family, 631,
151.^
! Marshall, Rev. John K.,
184, 288, 289, 291, 387,
! 471, 47S.
I Martin Family,620, 1513.
I •' Win. Seaboru, 621,
622.
Martiij, Samuel. 623.
! " E. T. Tliroo[>, 630.
I " Henry, Esq.. 6;i(l.
" Hcnr.v Hull, 47.i,63n.
j Martin, Capt. Andrew, 198.
I " Ottleh, 99.
I Mallory Family, 615,
! 1514.
j .Vlaliory, Hon. Garrick,
I •471.477.
i Mason Rev. Stephen, 2G7,
j 471.
Mason Ebenezer P.. 471,
1 477.
j Masters, Nicholas S., Esqr.
! 452, 471.
Masters, Dr. Samuel S.,
38rt, 471.
Meios Family, 1516.
Meigs, Dr. .John, 386, 471.
" Dr. Pliiiieiis, 387,471.
Meigs, Dr. Ahin-r, 471.
'• Kev. Bei ja;niu C,
471, 477. 968, 1444.
Merwiii, Riv. No.ili, 262,
471, 478.
Miivou Family, 642, 1533.
" Capt. John, 35, 36,
37, 5n. 51, 54. 58, 71, 77,
79, 643.
Minor, C .1. I-Heph, 98,
139. 644.
Minor, D> .. .•>nuiiic . 153,
154.
Miner, Ca)it. M.ittn. w. 174.
" DfH. ('lemcnt. 187.
" licv. .Jclin, 233, 234,
^71, 476, 651.
Minor, Hon. .M.itti o ,x , Jr.,
%89. 471, 476, 655.
Minor, Dr. G'rry 11.. 471.
479, 652
INDEX OF NAMES.
Minor, Samuel, Esq., 390,
471, 478, 988.
Minor, Charles S., Esq.,
471, 4 8, 652.
Minor, Israel. Esq., 471,
657.
Minor, H. J., Esq , 475,
655.
Minor, Rev. Sherman, 645,
" Hon. Joel, 648.
■' Rev. Latnsou, 648,
'' Josiah H., Esq., 477,
649.
Minor, Rev. Timothy, 650.
" William. Esq., 653.
" Wm. T., Esq., 475,
975, 1444.
Minor, Hon. Simeon H.,
1443.
Minor, Henry, 1434.
" Dea. Matthew, 1364.
" Rev. Thomas, 476,
653.
Minor, Dr. Thomas, 475,
653.
MrrcHELL Family, 633,1517
" Rev, Jonathan,
633.
Mitchell, Abi.iah, 187.
" Eleazur, 94, 176,
Rev. Elisha, 452,
471,477, 641, 1435.
Mitchell, John Esq., 471,
470.
Mitchell, Rev. JuBtns, 452,
471, 476, 641.
Mitchell, John G., Esq.,
471.
Mitchell, Hon. Henry, 471.
" Euos G., 471.
" Dr. Henry, 635.
" Capt. Garwood,
637.
Mitcliell, Mitchell S., 639.
" MourdantS,, 639.
" Minot, Esq., 641.
'• Chauncey R., Esq.
641.
MosELEY Family, 619,1516.
" Hon. Incjrease,
174, 176, 187.
Moselev, Ooi. Increase, Jr.,
174, 176, 187,809.
Mo.seley, Dr. John, 471.
Montrose, Duke of, 545.
Monell, Jolui J. Esq., 677.
" .Mary E., 471.
Moody, Rev. Martin, 292,
471.
Morris, Dr. John E., 479.
MuNN Family, 618.
" Dr. Samuel, 72.
" Dr. Daniel, 389, 4>1.
" Dr. Nathan, 389, 471.
Murray, Rev. Rulus, 202,
453, 471,
Murray, Philo, Esq., 388.
Murray, Rev. William H.
n., 1406.
Munsoii, Rev. Fred. E.,
458, 471.
Mnnson, Hon. Harris B.,
471.
McEwen, Rev. Abel, 677.
N.
Nichols Family, 657, 1537.
North, Dr. Loomis, 390,
471.
Noyes, Rev. Gurdon W.,
1027, 1029, 1038.
Nowcomh, Rev. 11. S., 1056,
1401.
0.
Orton Family, 658.
" Dr. Samuel, 321,392,
471, 476, 660.
Urton, Hon. Ph'lo, 660.
'• Dr. John, 392i471,
661.
Orion, Dr. Samuel, Jr., 392,
471, 661.
Orton, Dr. Henry T., 392,
472, 661.
Orton, Dr. David J., 392,
472, 661.
Orton, Dr. James, 392, 472,
661.
Orton, Rev.SamuelG., 661.
" Samuel D. Esq., 661.
" Walter J., 1259.
OsBOKN Family, 658.
" Shadrach, 36, 193,
390, 472.
Osborn, Timothy, 187.
P.
Palmer, Jo. M., Esq., 395,'
472.
Parker Family, 1538.
Parker, Rev. Daniel, 472,
478.
Parker, Dr. Joseph, 472.
" Col. Amasa, 453,
472, 477.
Parker, Hon, Ama«a J.,
475. .
Parsons, Rev. Benjamin,
271,472.
I'armely, J. E., Esq., 472.
1542.
Preston Family, 662, 1542.
'• Hon. John, 662.
Rev. Wm., D, D.,
662.
Preston, Hon. William, 62,
292, 472, 662.
Preston, Haokaliah, 62.
'' Hon. Nathan, 155,
332, 393, 472, 476, 664.
Pre>ton, Jehiel, 78.
" Rev. William, 472,
477, 665.
Percy Family, 674.
Perry Family, 666, 1543.
" Rev. Josef)h, 475,
667,
Perry, Dr. Joseph, 321,
332, 392, 472, 478, 666.
Perry, Dr. Nathaniel, 392,
472, 479, 668.
'• Nathaniel P., 475.
" Col. Henry, 454.
472, 667.
Perry, Hon. Nathaniel, 393,
472, 668.
Perry, Rev. Philo, 292,
472, 666.
Perry, Rev. Phillips, 292,
472.
Perry, Rev. Benuet, 472,
667.
Pettigree, Alexandre, le.^.
Phelps, lion. Charles B.,
286, 312, 394, 472, 632,
1005, 1445.
Peet, llarvev P., LL. D ,
472, 477.
Peck, Dr. John, 472.
Pierce Family, 699.
" Joseph, 176.
" Justus, 176.
" Amos, 476.
" Dea. John, 174.
" John, 476.
" « Rev. George E., 455,
477, 472, 670.
Pierce, Cyrus, 476.
Pitclier, Hon. Nathaniel,
472.
Porter Family, 668.
" Rev. Ebenezer, 268,
478.
Prindle, Rev. Chauncev,
472, 478.
Pon.l, Rev. Sam. W., 472.
" Rev. Gideon, 472.
Powell, Dr. William, 472.
Powers, Dr. Peter, 472.
Prime Family, 674.
" Kcv. Benjamin, 472,
476, 674.
Prkntice Family, 072.
" Dr. Curtiss, i72, 673.
Prentice, Rev. Tliouias H.,
472, 673.
Prentice, Kev. Charles,
455, 472, 476, 073.
Prentice, Rev. Charles T.,
475.
Prentice, Prof. David, 472,
477, 673.
Prudden, Rev. George P.,
231, 472, 479.
Putnam, Rev. Charles S.,
292, 472.
Purves, Rev. John, 1450,
R.
Ravmoud, Rev. Moses, 472,
4'77.
INDEX OP NAMES,
Read, Dr , 472.
" Ruv.Hollis, 271,472.
Richmond, Edmund, Esq.,
472.
Robinson, Kev. Cluirles E.,
1071.
Rogers, Rev. Robert C,
2!»2, 472.
Root Family, 674, 1543.
" Kev. .ludsou A., 472,
477.
S.
Saufbrd, Hon. John, 473.
" Henry Shelton,
473, 479, 14o6.
Santbrd, Kev. David P.,
292.
Sigournej', Mrs. Lvdia H.,
981.
Swan, Kev. Bi-nj. S., 8fc2.
Stewart, Hon. Isaac W.,
897, 980.
Sayre, I^ev. James, 289,
291, 473
Sackett, Dr. , 473.
Scott, Kev. Joseph, 292
297, 473, 478.
Scott, Rev. James L., 293,
473.
Scoville, Joscpli A, 473,
665.
Sciseeau, Henrie, 16-").
Seelye, Dr. Thomas T., 397.
Shove, Ui-. Harmon W.
398, 473, 479.
Sheltou, Gen. Geo. P., 473.
Sheldon, Dr. Daniel, 396,
472, 475.
Sherman Family, 679,1544.
" Hon. Sainnel, 35,
60, 679, 682.
Slierman, Hon. John, 61,
79, 155, 683.
Sherman, Matthew, 61.
" Hon. Daniel, 151,
176, 187, 190, 213, 321,
473, 685.'
Sherman, "■Father" Elijah,
290, 299.
Sherman, Kcv. Hcimy B.,
29', 292, 473, 687.
Sherman, Taylor, Esq. ,473.
" Rev'. Cliarle.-, 473,
686.
Sherman, Hon. diaries,
475, 685.
Sherman, Kev. Jogiah, 680,
681.
Sherman, Hon. Roger, 680,
682.
Sherman, Hon. Roger M.,
681.
Sherman, Kev. John, 679.
" Capt. John, 680,
681.
Shiptnau, Rev. Tliomas L.i
231, 473, 478, 1041, 1070.
Shipman Family, 1551.
" Dr. Azariah B., 1455.
" Dr. I'arson G., 1458.
Skeel Family, 709.
" Sergt. ThoniHS, 80.
Skilton Family, 711.
" Dr. Henry, 396,
473,711.
Skiltou, Dr. Avery J., 473
712. 1450.
Smith Family, 677.
" Hon. Nathaniel, 155,
327, 398, 473, 477, 479,
677.
Smith, Hon. Nathaniel B.,
405, 473, 677.
Smith, Hon- Nathan, 461,
473, 479, 677.
Smith, Hon. Truman, 463,
473, 477, 592.
Smith, Hon. Ferrv, 461,
473. ^
Smith, Phineas Esq. 47;i,
477, 677.
Smith, Hon. Kalpli D., 473.
" Dr. Abraham L., 473.
'• Rev. Deliverance,
^ 473, 475.
Smith, Rev. A. B., 1056,
1400.
Smith, Emily G., 1221.
". Mary Ann W., 1459.
" Rev. Noah, 236, 473,
678.
Smith, Kev. Sylvester, 300.
" Rev. Levi, 478.
" Kev. Zepliani;di H.,
567.
Smith, Ebenezer C., 477.
" Elihu, 187.
'• Widt.r, Esq., 475.
Snow, Rev. T. W., 297, 473.
Sprague, Hon. Leman B.,
398, 473.
SquiKK Family, 709.
Stanton, Rev. Ben. F., 256,
473.
Stanlon, Kev. Thomas, 59.
Skdgwick Family, 1557.
Stekll Family, 688, 1559.
'• Hon. John, 6S8.
" Dr. Samuel, 692.
'' Rev. Julius, 473,
477.
Steele, Ke\-. Nathaniel, 473,
476.
Stephens, Ann S., 473, 977,
990.
Stewart, Kev. Kliilunder,
473.
Stiles Family, 693, 1549.
" Rev. Ezra, D. D.,
693, 695, 698.
Stiles, Beniamin, £lsq., 322,
395, 473,' 475, 699.
Stiles, Beniamin, Jr., Esq.,
395, 473," 699. 475,
Stiles, David J., is, Z7.
" Nathan, 47il.
Stoddaki) Family, 713.
1553.
" Rev. Anthony,
66,79, lo3, 135, 137, 14n,
157, 472, 478, 714, 1032,
1275, 1:^79.
Stoddard, Mnj. Amos. 456,
472,714.
Stoddard, (.'ol. Henrv, 459
473, 714.
Stoddard, Dr. Israel, 459,
^ 473, 475.
Stoddard, Jonathan Esq.,
719.
Stoddard, Capt. Gideon,
176, 187.
j Stoddard, Rov. .ludfon B.,
i 719.
I Stoddard, Capt. Nathan,
i 205.
j Sto<ldard, Thomas, 7'.io.
" William, 720.
! " Kev. Elijah W.,
j 717.
I Stoddard, Dr. Abiram, 717.
' " Dr. \Vdliani,717.
" Kev. Goodwin.
I 717.
Stoddard, Kev. Eliakiin,
I Stoddard, Rev. Solomon.
! 713.
! Strong Family, 701, 1552.
I " Eider John, 701.
[ " Rev. Nathan, 473.
I 475, 703.
I Strong, Rev. Joseph, 475,
I 703."
Stromr, Hon. John, Jr.,
397,473,477,707.
Strong, Rev. .Nathan, Jr.,
475, 703.
Strontr, Rev. liem-v 1'., 3o4,
_^ 473, 47.S.
StrotiiT, Timothy, 187.
" " Hon. Henry, 475.
Swift, Rev. Zephaniah.
281, 473.
Slade, Hon. Willi:, in, 475.
T.
Taylor, Jonathai', 7<.
Tekuill Family, 721.
'' Hon. Ilazanl B.ii-
ley, 475, 722.
TerrdI, Hon. T. Lee, 47:.
722.
Thompso.n Family. 727
1562.
Tliompson, Hezckiah,Esq.,
155, 174, 176, 232, 405,
473, 730.
Thompson, lion. William
A., 463, 473, 476, 733.
INDEX OF NAMES.
Thompson, Charles, Esq.,
473, 735.
Thompsou, Rev. James,
292, 474, 476, 734.
Thomfison, Dr. Samuel,
474, 476, 735.
Thompson, Dr. Ebenezer,
405, 474, 737.
Thompson, Charles C, 518,
736.
Thompson, Egbert A., 478.
'' Thomas M.., 478.
" Hon. Smith, 730.
" Anthony, 728.
" Rev. Caleb, 740.
Thayer, Dr. Nathaniel, 474.
Thomas Family, 722, 1.561.
Throop, Enos T.,730.
Toucey, How. Isaac, 1464.
" Thomas, 178.
T«MLiNsoN Family, 1570.
" Dr. Abraham,
406, 474, 476.
Toralinson, Dr. Jos., 474.
" Kov. George, 474,
477.
Trowbridge Family, 737,
1565.
Trowbridge, Dr. Joseph,
474, 744.
Trowbridfce, Dr. Thomas,
739.
Trowbridge, Dr. Josiah,
740.
Trowbridge, Otis, Esq.,
740.
Trowbridge, Dr. Israel L.,
741.
Trowbridge, Samuel, Esq.,
741.
Trowbridge, Philo M.,1285.
TuTTLE Family, 723, 1566.
" Nathan, 724.
" Rev. Isaac H., 297,
474.
Tyler, Rev. Beanet, 235,
474, 476, 1461.
Varce, Rev. J. H., 1414.
W.
Walker Family, 744, 1031.
1576.
" Rev. Zechariah,
33, 48, 51, 66, 121, 124,
130, 131, 133, 134, 474,
744, 1383.
Walker. Sarah, 9 0.
" Gideon, E-q., 174,
176, 187.
Walker, Reuben, 312.
Wakeley Family, 754.
" Abel, 209.
Wadhams, Rev. Noah, 269,
270, 475.
Watson, Rev. Wm., 297,
475.
Watson, Hon. James, 463,
475, 476.
Washington, Gen. George,
150, 324.
Warner Family, 752, 1576.
" Dr. Ebenezer, 1st,
74, 294, 406, 474, 753.
Warner, Dr. Ebenezer, 2d,
474.
Warner, Dr. Ebenezer, 3d,
474.
Warner, Dr. Ebenezer, 4th,
474.
Warner, Dr. Benjamin,
474, 753.
Warner, Dr. Benjamin, Jr.,
753.
Warner, Lt. Ebenezer, 99.
" Dr. Reuben, 474, 753.
" Dr. Abner, 474.
" Dr. John, 474.
" Col. Seth, 183, 201,
273, 287, 407, 474, 753,
1373, 1465.
Warner, Dr. Ephraim, 474.
" Curtiss, 476.
" Arthur B., 1465.
Whitlock. Lt. Frederick,
1214.
WuUman, Benj., 1239.
Williams, Gen. Win., 990.
" Rev. Robert G.,
1.348.
Winslow, Rev. Horace,
1051, 1353.
Woieott, Rev. John M.,
1401.
Wright, Rev. Epliraiin,
1404.
Woodruff, Rev. Curtiss T.,
1008.
Warner, George W., Esq.,
474, 478.
Warner, Lyman, p]sq., 474.
'• Tiionia*, Esq., 174,
176, 187.
Ward Family, 755.
" Hon. Levi, 474.
Waller Family, 754.
Weeks, Rev. Dr. 314.
Webb, Dr. Cha.'i. U., 406,
474, 479.
Weller, Lt. Thomas, 283.
Weltou, Rev. Jos. D., 291,
474,
Welton, Rev. Willard, 297,
474.
Wheeler Family, 747,
1576.
Wheeler, Benjamin, Esq.,
474.
Wheeler, Rev. Ulysses M.,
292, 474.
Wheeler, Dr. Lemuel, 406,
474.
Wheeler, Rev. Russel, 297,
474.
Wheeler, Lt. Thomas, 22.
" Dr.Obadiah, 186.
Whittlesey Family, 756.
" Rev. Samuel,
270, 474.
Whittlesey, Hon. Elisha,
465, 474, 476.
Whittlesey, Elisha, Esq.,
474, 758.
Whittlesey, Hon. Freder-
ick, 474, 477, 759.
Whittlesey, Charles C,
Esq., 474, 477.
Whittlesey, Dr. Henry N.,
474.
Whittlesey, Rev. William,
762.
Whittlesey, Rev. John,762.
" ' Frederick A.,
Esq., 763.
Whitrlesov, Stephen, Esq.,
756.
Whittlesey, Rev. Samuel,
756.
Whittlesey, Ambrose, Esq.,
756.
Whittlesey, Rev. Chaun-
eey, 757"
Whittlesey, Rev. Samuel,
757.
Whittlesey, Rev. Joseph,
474, 477.
Whittlesey, Luman, 477.
" John, Esq., 322.
" Luman, 760.
Whittemore, Rev. Wil-
liams H., 231, 474, 479.
Wildman, Rev. Benjamin,
199, 227, 228, 474, 478.
Williams, Dr. William C,
474.
Wigdon, Rev. Samuel, 298,
475.
Wyatt Family, 754.
Woodward, Rev. Fred. B..
474.
Wood, Rev. Elijah, 230,
474.
Wright, Rev. Wort hington,
303, 474.
Woo Ibury, definition of,
45.
Wlioaton, Rev. Nathaniel
S., 474, 477.
Wheatou, Rev. Salmon,
474, 477.
ERRATA AND ADDITION?;.
A few errors which escaped attention wliile the work was passin<T^hron<jh
the press are here corrected, and a few additional facts presented, wliicli in
these closinfif hours of the work have been brought to the attentic n of the
author. There are some minor errors in ortliography, &c., whicli the reader
will easily correct for himself. If he will take a pencil and note the follow-
ing coriections r n the appropriate pages, he will not be incommoded further.
Page '83, tenth line from the top, for " Harle," read " Hazle" Plain.
Page 900, eighth line Irom bottom, for ' 1866," read " G66."
Page 982, seventeenth line from top, for " no," read " not."
Page 988, nineteenth line from top, for " the," read " these."
Page 1194, nineteenth line from the bottom, for " where," read " whcni."
Page 1325. fourteenth line from top, for ' 1802," read " 186;3."
Page 12o2, tenth line from the bottom, for '• Harder," read " Harbor."
Page 1280, in foot note, for " Brofut," read " Crofut."
Page 1295, two lines from the bottom, for " Kurd," read " Hard."
Page 1813, first line at top, for " Krank G.," read " Frank J."
Page 1810, twenty-first line from bottom, for" Fngliah," read "English "
Page 1813. ninth line from the bottom, for " Harry," read " Harvey."
Page 1814. sixteenth line from top, for " Alum," read " Abram."
Page 1315, seventh line from top, for " Brasbear," read •' Brashear."
Page 1319, fourteenth line from top. for " explanation," read " e.^clama-
tidu."
Page 840, eleventh line from top, for " Hatchet's," read " Hatcher'.-*."
Page 1878, tenth line from bottom, for " Hilard," read " Hiland."
Page 18 ;4, tenth line from top, the same correction is to be made.
Page 1876, line sixth from top, for ' width." read "length."
The cut on i^age 1875 is that of the Stoddaid Parsonage, built in 1700.
Page 1419, twenty second line from top, take out .words " and one " where
they are repeated. Same page, twenty fourth line from top, for " Martin,"
read " Mountain."
Page 1419, tenth line from bottom, for " Bulser," read " Bubser."
Page L423 — The cut is a representation of the "amalgamated hickory and
white oak tree" mentioned on page 1382.
Page 1432, ninth line from bottom, for " Bethlehem," read " Morris."
Page 1443, seventeenth line from top, the name should be " Hon. Simeon
H. Minor," instead of " Simeon H." simply.
Page 1445, eighth line from bottom, for " Butler," read " Bartlett."
Page 1469, ninth line from top, for "nearly," read " near."
II ERRATA AND ADDITIONS.
Page 1470, thirteenth line from top, for " Zimzi," read " Zimri."
Same correction in the 18th line.
Same page, I9th line, for " pervere," read " perverse."
Page 1743, ninth line from top, for " 1700," read 1703."
Page 1475, third line, for " Sarah," read " Samuel."
Same page, ninth line from top, for " Norwich," read " Norwalk."
Same page, fifteenth line from top, for " Oct., read " aged."
Page 1480, twelfth line from bottom, for " Wilaur," read " Wilbur."
Page 1481, line 13th from bottom, for "1843," read "1848." For "84,"
read " 34."
Same page, ninth line from the bottom, for " Mass.," read " Wisconsin."
Same page, sixth line from bottom, for " N. H.," read " N. Y." For " Rec-
tor," read "Tutor."
Same page, 4th line from bottom, for " Wallingford," read " Wethersfield."
For, "27," read "17."
Page 1484, line 15th from top, for " 1662," read " 1672."
Page 1485, line 19th from top, for 1748," read " 1747."
Same page, 23d line from bottom, for " 1832," read " 1732.
Page 1487, sixth line from top, for " when," read " whom.'
Page 1489, eighteenth line from top, for " 1832," read " 1822."
Next line, for " 354," read " 554."
Page 1497, line 6th from bottom, for " N.," read " H."
Same page, 4th line from bottom, for "26," read " 16."
Page 1498. line 14th from top, for " 28," read " 29."
Page 1499, line 28th from top, for " Marien," read " Martin."
Same page, 9tli line from bottom, take out " and still survives him."
Page 1501, line 17th from top, for " Eewin, read " Edwin."
Same page, 19th line, for " Smeath," read " Sneath."
Same correction three lines further down.
Page 1502, first line from bottom, for " Fnoch," read " Enoch."
Page 1503, line 18th from bottom, for " 1738," read " 1788."
Same page, 6th line from bottom, for " 599," read " 597."
Page 1504, lines 13 and 13, transpose the dates of death.
Same page, 17th line, for " 19," read " 10."
Page 1508, 9th line from bottom, for " S," read "E."
Page 1509, 2d line from top, for " Meriden," read " Windsor."
Same page, 4th line from bottom, for " Fairchild," read " Fairfield."
Page 1510, 3d line from top, for " Calsa," read " Caleb."
Same page, 17th line from bottom, for " J. J.," read " T. F."
Page 1512, line 13th from bottom, for "Hiram," read "Niram."
Page 1514, line 19th from bottom, for " 1673," read " 1653."
Page 1515, line 22d from top, for " Hermann," read "Hermanus." Take
out, same page 3 lines lower down, the " d," and in the next line put the
words " Buried there," after the words " 51st year."
Page 1516, tenth line from top, for " Blackman," read " Blakeman."
Same page, 21st line, take out " died there in 1830." He died in 11th street
New York City a few years ago.
Page 1518. Later information makes the following corrections necessary.
ERRATA AND ADDITIONS. Ill
viz : " 2 Nathan," mentioned on the 25th line, was not the son of David,
mentioned on the loth line, but was the son of " 3 Abraham," mentioned on
the 27th line, and so all the words after " Davd Mitciielt-," on the 15th
line, to the words " of Milford," belong to " 3 Abraham," (27th line.)
Page 1519. " John Mitchell, Sen.," mentioned in the 13th line, was son of
" David Mitchell " mentioned on the 15th line of page 1518.
Page 1520, fourth line from bottom, insert the word " eight," after the
word " eleven."
Page 1527, 18th line from top, for " 15G6," read " 18G6."
Same page, two lines below take out " b."
Same page, line 10th from bottom, for " 1847," read " 1857."
Same page, two lines from the bottom, for " David," read " Daniel."
Page 1528, 14th line from the top, for " Dept.," read " Sept."
Same page, tenth line from bottom, for " 20th," read " 2d."
Same page, 5th line from bottom, for " Jarnes," read " James."
Page 1543, line 15th from bottom, for " 1004," read " 1694."
Same page, 12th line from bottom, for " June 1," read " June 6."
Same page, 1st line from bottom, for " W." read " M."
Page 1529, 12th line from bottom, for " Anson," read " Amos."
Page 1530, line 21 from top, for " Nov. 19," read "March 19."
Page 1543, line 5th from bottom, for " 1604," read " 1694."
Page 1545, eleventh line from top, for " Stratford," read " Stamford."
Same page, 21st line from bottom, for " Litchfield," read " Stratfield."
Page 1546, twelfth line from bottom, for " John," read " James."
Page 1549, third line from top, for " 1844," read " 1848."
Same page, tenth line, insert " June " before " 3."
Same page, 16th line, for " 1833," read " 1823."
Page 1550, seventh line from bottom, for " 1618," read " 1718."
Page 1553, 1st line from bottom, for " He d.," read " married."
Page 1554, fifteenth line, for " Stoddard," read " Woodward."
Page 1558, eighteenth line from top, for " Harry," read " Harvey."
Page 1561, third line from bottom, for " Joshua," read " Jerusha."
Page 1575, 12th line from bottom, for " 1898," read " 1798."
Page 1567, 27th line from top, for " Sept. 8, 1811," read " Dec. 1, 1818."
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