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HISTORY

TORRINGTON,

CONNECTICUT,

Its First Settlement in 1737,

BIOGRAPHIES AND GENEALOGIES.

REV. SAMUEL ORCUTT,

Author of the History of Wolcott, Ct.

ALBANY:

J. MUNSELL, PRINTER

1878.

TO THE

MEMORY

FIRST SETTLERS OF TORRINGTON

2ri)is aj^orft IS Knscn'Oftr

B Y TH E AUTHOR.

•' Oft did the harvest to their sidle yield;

Their furt Oil' oft the stubborn glebe has broke;
How jocund did they drive their team a-Jield !

How bowed the woods beneath their sturdy stroke '

For them, no more the blading hearth shall burn.
Or busy housewife ply her evening care;

Nor children run to lisp their sire's return.
Or climb his knee, the envied kiss to share.''

PREFACE.

In presenting this work to the public the author has no apology to
make except the pleasure he takes in collecting and putting the ma-
terial in form as a kind of memorial of those who have gone to the
land from which none ever return.

History is but the record of the experiences of the past, and ex-
perience is a teacher to which it is wise to listen.

The person who is indifferent to the past would be indifferent to
the well being of those who are gone, if they were living; for those
who recognize no obligation to father nor mother, nor those gone
before, are too selfish to properly respect the living, while those who
recognize such obligation will always delight in the memory of the
past, and will welcome that which revives such memory.

As to the completeness of the work it may be said, that, had there
been a prospect of a small remuneration, six months more of time
would have been given to it, by which the author could have satisfied
himself, at least, more fully than is the case at present ; although he
is well assured that the amount of information here recorded is greater
than that of most books of the kind published in this country.

The biographical part of the work was undertaken with a defi-
nite intention to set forth somewhat the work done by Torrington
people in other parts of the world as well as in their native town,
and also to avoid somewhat the complaint frequently urged against
the dry details of history.

vi Preface.

The biography of John Brown, after some progress had been made
on it, was delivered to F. B. Sanborn Esq., of Concord, Massa-
chusetts, who being famihar with the subject, and possessing favor-
able opportunities for the work, has done great honor to the old
Hero, and to the town where he was boin, and given to the world
a just and faithful memorial of one whose fame will be celebrated as
long as American history shall live. The biographies of Samuel J.
Mills, and his son Samuel J. Mills Jr., are placed in abbreviated
forms to what was intended, but as they are, they contain as full a
tribute as was consistent, in view of the many of whom it was pur-
posed to make some mention.

The crowded form of the genealogies made it necessary to drop
out much of the descriptive matter which had been prepared ; and
they are not quite as full as was intended, for soon after the printing
began it became evident that the material already collected was more
than abundant, and though in some i'ew items satisfaction had not
been obtained yet it became necessary to drop at once all further
efforts and close the record.

77^1? Jiithor hereby tenders his most sincere gratitude to all the people^
who without exception have seemed anxious to aid the work^ and delighted
in the prospect of its completion.

It is but justice to say, that but for the prompt encouragement
at a certain time, by substantial aid, by one of the citizens of the
town, although some collections for the work had been previously
made, the further prosecution would not have been attempted, and
the book would not have been written by the present author. It is
also true that but for the very generous price paid for one of the
books by the Town, the amount of matter printed must have been
far less or the price of the book considerably increased.

Thus has been done as much as could be in the brief time allotted
and the work is sent on its intended mission of reviving the memory

Preface. vii

of those gone beyond the veil, and strengthening the heart for the
future toils of the present life.

In thus closing all that the author expects to do in making the
history of Torrington, either as a citizen or writer, the shadows
gather, as at the close of day, and but for the hope of the future,
the memory of the work done and the characters which have passed
under review would leave a sadness, like the low plaintive sound
of music from afar, or as if waiting the return of those who have
long been absent, and whose coming, if permitted, would be a joy
unspeakable.

The Author.

ILLUSTRATIONS

STEEL.

CoE Brass Co., - - r - - - - - -loi

Israel Coe, ..__.__.- ^25

Lyman W. Coe, __-----_- 426

Henry Migeon, --------- 522

Elisha Turner, - - - - - - - - -613

Reuben Cook, --------- 679

LITHOGRAPH.

Dr. Samuel Woodward, ------- 1

John Brown, - - - - - - - - "3'5

MiLO Burr, ,- " " ' ^^^

PHOTO ENGRAVINGS.

Union Manufacturing Co., .-.--_ gg

Excelsior Needle Co , - - - - - - - - 107

M. E. Church, - 113

Congregational Church, - - - - - - -121

Naugatuck R. R. Depot, ------- 186

John Brown House, - - - - - - - -318

Dr. R. M. Fowler, 439

Capt. Stephen Fyler, -------- 446

Mrs. Stephen Fyler, -------- 450

Dr. E D. Hudson, S°°

Mrs. E. D. Hudson, 5'°

Dr. James O. Pond, .-.----- 570

Fowler Homestead, -------- 691

Hudson Homestead, -------- 724

WOOD.

Falls at Torrington Hollow, ..---- 79

Wolcottville, --------- 92

Harper's Ferry, -- 4°°

Engine House, - - - - - - - - - 4°'

Orrin L. Hopson, --------- 487

Frederick J. Seymour, - . - - - . - 601

Haystack Monument, 557

Capt. Uri Taylor, - - - - " " " " °'^

Mrs Uri Taylor, 77°

John N. Whiting, -------- 785

HISTORY OF TORRINGTON

CHAPTER I.

THE WINDSOR COMPANY.

LARGE proportion of the early settlers in Tor-
rington, came from Windsor, Connecticut, and were de-
scended from one of the noblest companies of Puritan
pilgrims that came to America. It had been formed
mostly from the western counties of England — Devonshire, Dor-
setshire, and Somersetshire,' early in the spring of 1629, by the ex-
ertions of the Rev. John White, of Dorchester, whose zeal and la-
bors fairly entitled him to the appellation of the " great patron of
New England emigration."

" Great pains were taken," says the historian,^ "to construct this
company of such material as should compose a well ordered settle-
ment, containing all the elements of our independent community.
Two devoted ministers, Messrs. Warham 3 and Maverick, ■♦ were se-
lected, not only with a view to the spiritual welfare of the plantation,
but especially that their efforts might bring the Indians to the know-
ledge of the gospel. Two members of the government, chosen by
the freemen or the stockholders of the company in London, assistants
or directors, Messrs, Rosseter and Ludlow, men of character and
education, were joined to the association, that their counsel and judg-
ment might aid in preserving order, and founding the social structure
upon the surest basis. Several gentlemen, past middle life, with
adult families and good estates, were added. Henry Wclcott,
Thomas Ford, George Dyer, William Gaylord, William Rockwell,

' Trumbull.

^ History of the Town of Dorchester, Mass. History of Windsor, Conn.

3 Rev. John Warham had been an eminent minister in Exeter, England.

^Rev. John Maverick was a minister of the Established Church, and resided about forty
miles from Exeter, England .

2 History of Torrington.

and William Phelps, were of this class. But a large portion of act-
ive, well- trained young men, either just married or without families,
such as Israel Stoughton, Roger Clap, George Minor, George Hall,
Richard Collicott, Nathaniel Dunham, and many others of their age,
were the persons upon whom the more severe trials of anew settlement
were expected to devolve. Three persons of some military ex-
perience, viz : Captain John Mason, Captain Richard Southcote,
and Quarter- Master John Smith, were selected as a suitable appen-
dage, as forcible resistance from the Indians might render the skill
and discipline which these gentlemen had acquired under De Vere,
in the campaign of the palatinate, on the continent, an element of
safety essential to the enterprise."

" These godly people," says Roger Clap, one of their number,'
" resolved to live together, and therefore as they had made choice of
those two Rev. ser^^ants of God, Mr. John Warham and Mr. John
Maverick, to be their ministers, so they kept a solemn day of fast-
ing in the New Hospital in Plymouth, in England ; spending it in
preaching and praying, where that worthy man of God, Mr. John
White of Dorchester, in Dorsetshire, was present and preached unto
us in the fore part of the day, and in the latter part of the day, as the
people did solemnly make choice of, and call these godly ministers to
be their officers, so also the Rev. Mr. Warham and Mr. Maverick
did accept thereof and expressed the same."

This company of 140 persons sailed from Plymouth in England,
on the 20th day of March 1630, in the ship Mary and John of 400
tons burden. Captain Squeb commanding. "So we came," says
Mr. Clap, "by the hand of God, through the deeps comfortably ;
having preaching or expounding of the Word of God, every day for
ten weeks together, by our ministers. On the Lord's day, May the
30, 1630, their good ship came to anchor, on the New England
coast." The original destination was the Charles river, but an un-
fortunate misunderstanding which arose between the captain and
his passengers, resulted in the latter being summarily put ashore at
Nantasket, where they were obliged to seek comfort for themselves
as best they could. After being so discourteously landed by the cap-
tain, they obtained a boat and proceeded up Charles river, to a place
since called Watertown where they disembarked but soon after re-

* Roger Clap's Memoirs. History of Windsor.

The Windsor Company. 3

moved to Mattapan and began a settlement which they named Dor-
chester in honor of the Rev. Mr. White of Dorchester, England.

The fore-thought and provision for the sustenance of such a com-
pany in the new world had been very deficient, and hence much
suffering followed. Roger Clap's picturing of it is very forcible.

" Oh, the hunger that many suffered and saw no hope in the eye
of reason to be supplied, only by clams and muscles and fish. We
did quietly build boats and some went fishing, but bread was, with
many, a scarce thing, and flesh of all kinds scarce. And in those
days in our straits, though I cannot say, God sent us a raven to feed
us as he did the prophet Elijah, yet this I can say to the praise of
God's glory, that he sent not only poor ravenous Indians which came
with their baskets of corn on their backs to trade with us, which was
a good supply unto many, but also ships from Holland and from
Ireland with provisions, and Indian corn from Virginia, to supply the
wants of his dear servants in the wilderness, both for food and rai-
ment. And when the people's wants were great, not only in one
town but in divers towns, such was the godly wisdom, care and pru-
dence (not selfishness but self-denial), of our Governor Winthrop
and his assistants, that when a ship came laden with provisions,
they did order that the whole cargo should be bought for a general
stock ; and so accordingly it was, and distribution was made to every
town, and to every person in each town as every man had need.
Thus God was pleased to care for his people in times of straits, and
to fill his servants with food and gladness. Then did all the servants
of God bless His holy name, and love one another with pure hearts
fervently."

This people remained at Dorchester five years, when, in the au-
tumn of 1635, they determined to remove to Matianuck, afterwards
Windsor, on the Connecticut river.

On the fifteenth day of October (1635), the main body of the emi-
gration, about sixty men, women and children, set forth from Dor-
chester driving their cattle and swine before them on their long and
toilsome journey to the valley of the Connecticut. Their house-
hold furniture, bedding, and winter provisions were sent around by
water, and it is probable that some of the families also took this
means of conveyance. " Never before had the forests of America
witnessed such a scene as this." The compass their only guide
through the bewildering mazes of the unbroken forests, commencing
and ending each day's march with songs of praise, and heartfelt

4 History of Torrington.

utterances of prayer, which sounded strangely amid these solitudes,
they pursued their hazardous undertaking. After a wearisome jour-
ney of two weeks, through swamps and thick forests, over mountains
and hills, across rivers and many streams of water which were passed
often with great difficulty and peril, they reached their place of des-
tination, the Connecticut river ; but before all the company and
their cattle could be transported across the river, the winter closed
upon them. Winter setting in unusually early, the river was closed
on the fifteenth of November, and as yet the vessel containing their
household goods and provisions had not arrived, nor were there any
tidings of it. The rude shelter and accommodations, which had
been provided for themselves and their cattle, proved to be quite in-
sufficient to protect them against the extreme inclemency of the
season. They were able to get only a part of their cattle across the
river, the remainder were left to winter themselves as best they
could, on the browse of the trees, acorns and roots of the forest.
At this time (Nov. 26) a party of thirteen, driven by hunger
and distress, attempted to return to Massachusetts, through the
woods. One of their number fell thiough the ice and was drowned
and the remainder would have perished " but that by God's pro-
vidence, they lighted on an Indian wigwam."' As it was, they
were ten days in reaching the bay. By the first of December
the condition of the infant colonies on the river was perilous in
the extreme. Many were destitute of provisions, those who were
not, were .unable permanently to relieve their neighbors, and the
only alternative was to reach their vessel, which was supposed
to be fast in the ice below. A company of seventy, of all ages
and both sex, now set out in search, intending doubtless to winter
on board the vessel. Shelterless and scantily supplied with food,
they toiled on, day after day, through snows and storms, hoping at
every turn of the stream to discover the wished for relief. Who can
picture the sufferings of that painful march, or their inexpressible dis-
appointment as they approached the sea, in not finding the vessel for
which they were so anxiously looking. But God, in whom they
trusted, was not unmindful of His suffering ones. A small vessel,
the Rebecca, of sixty tons, which had attempted to ascend the river,
to trade, before the winter set in, had become entangled in the ice,
twenty miles from the river's mouth. Fortunately, a storm of rain

* Winthrop's Journal.

The Windsor Company. 5

came, which, though it drenched the sufferers, released the vessel,
which came to their relief, and in five days they reached Boston.
The few who remained in Connecticut through this fearful winter,
suffered much, as did their cattle also, from insufficiency of both food
and shelter. They literally lived on acorns, malt, and grains, with
what food they could gain by hunting, and such as was given them
by the Indians. Their losses were very heavy, that of the Dor-
chester people being as much as £2000 in cattle alone.'

In the month of March, 1636, Connecticut was set apart as a
colony, under a commission, granted by the general court of Massa-
chusetts, " to several .persons to govern the people of Connecticut
for the space of a year next coming." The commissioners named
were Roger Ludlow and William Phelps of Windsor; John Steel,
William Westwood and Andrew Ward of Hartford ; William
Pyncheon of Springfield ; and William Swain and Henry Smith of
Wethersfield.

With the first dawn of spring, April 16, 1636, those brave hearts
who had survived the toils and exposures of the previous winter,
again turned undauntedly their footsteps towards Connecticut. They
comprised the largest part of the Dorchester church, with, as some
say, their surviving pastor, Mr. Warham.^ Their settlement, at
Matianuck, was named Dorchester, in honor of the plantation from
which they had emigrated, which name they retained until 1650 when
it was changed to Windsor.

About the same time also, Mr. Pyncheon and others from Rox-
bury, Mass., settled at Agawam, now the city of Springfield. And
in June following, came the venerable Hooker, with his companions
from Cambridge, Mass., who settled at Suckiaug, now the beautiful
city of Hartford, where a few settlers had " made a goodly beginning
a little before." Wethersfield had been precariously settled in 1634,
by a few who " managed to live " through the trying scenes of
1635-6.3

Such were the trials, exposures, hardships, and sufferings through
which the first settlers of Windsor, the ancestors of many of the

* Winthrop says that those cattle which could not be put over the river, fared well, all
winter without hay.

'See note on page 25, Windsor History.

3 H. R. Stiles's History ol' Windsor, Conn. Trumbull. History of Dorchester. Win-
throp's Journal.

6 History of Torrington.

Torrington people, passed, before they found permanent homes in
America. A like honor is attached to the descendants of nearly all
the early settlers of New England.

A little more than one hundred years after the settlement of
Windsor, like trials, privations, and hardships began to be endured in
Torrington, by its first settlers.

CHAPTER IL

THE WINDSOR PATENT.

(^^5^5^^^ HE general court of Connecticut made, in 1686,
"^ a grant of lands commonly called Western lands, to

the towns of Hartford and Windsor. These lands were
said to lie " on the north of Woodbury and Mattatok,
and on the west of Farmington and Simsbury, to the Massachusetts
line north, and to run west to Housatunock or Stratford river (pro-
vided it be not, or part of it, formerly granted to any particular per-
sons), to make a plantation or village thereon." ^

The title to those lands was in dispute until May, 1726,^ when
the territory was divided, and that part confirmed to Hartford and
Windsor, embraced the towns of Colebrook, Hartland, Winchester,
Barkhamsted, Torrington, New Hartford, and Harwinton, making
an area of 291,806 acres. The territory reserved to the colony
embraced the towns of Canaan, Norfolk, Cornwall, Goshen, Warren,
and about two-thirds of Kent, making not far from 120,000 acres.

In February, 1732, the towns of Hartford and Windsor made a
division of their lands by which the towns of Hartland, Winchester,
New Hartford, and the eastern half of Harwinton were conceded to
Hartford, and the towns of Colebrook, Barkhamsted, Torrington,
and the western half of Harwinton, to Windsor.

An act of the general assembly in May, 1732, authorized the
Windsor Company to divide their lands to the individual owners
according to their tax list of that year, and this list was the basis for
all divisions of land made in the town of Torrington.

The Name of the Town.

Be it enacted by the Governor^ Council^ and Representatives^ in General
Court Assembled^ and by the Authority of the same :

"That the first parcel of land mentioned in said instrument of
partition containing 20,924 acres, and bounded, south, partly on

'Colonial Records, vol. 3, 225.
"Colonial Records, vii, 44.

History of Torrington.

Litchfield and partly on land belonging to said patentees in Windsor,
called the Half Township ; east and north, by land belonging to the
governor and company of the colony of Connecticut, is hereby named,
and shall ever hereafter be called and named Torrington."'

The other three parcels were Barkhamsted, containing 20,531
acres, Colebrook 18,199 acres, and the west half of Harwinton 9,560
acres.

In 1732 the taxable inhabitants of Windsor were divided into seven
companies, each owning a township, taking their company names after
the towns they owned. The Torrington company are specified as
"Matthew Allyn, Roger Wolcott and Samuel Mather, Esq's, and
others, of the town of Windsor, patentees of Torrington." The
number of these persons was one hundred and thirty-six, and their
names and tax list were as follows :

Matthew Allen, Esq., 74

Roger Wolcott, " 123

Capt. Thomas Stoughton, ... 155

Alexander Allyn, 47

Benedict Alford, 35

Abiel Abot, 41

Daniel Bissell, Jr., 32

David Bissell, 115

Nathaniel Barber, 37

Josiah Barber, 124 06

Joseph Barber, 82

Nicholas Buckland, 61

Ephraim Bancroft, Jr., .... 66

Benjamin Barber, 43

Nathaniel Barber, 21 00 o Stephen Fyler,

s.
06

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Isaac Davice, 30 00

Joseph Elmer, 48 09

Joseph Elsworth, 21 00

Joseph Elgar, 26 00

Thomas Egelston, Jr., . . . 18 00

Abigail Eno, 25 07

John Egelston, 77 00

Mr. John Elliot 28 10

Benjamin Egelston, Jun., ... 37 16

Joseph Elsworth, . . 24 15

James Egelston, 07 00

Mr. John Fyler, 77 07

Samuel Fitch, 18 00

Thomas Fyler, 67 02

52 02

Benoni Bissel, 37

Jeremiah Birge, 47

Jonathan Bissel, 41

John C. Cross, 53

William Cook, 34

Nathaniel Cook, 55

John Cook, Jr., 59

Mary Clark, 32

Edward Chapman, 06 00

Jacob Drake, Jr., 03 00

Abraham Dibble, 38 16

Joseph Drake, 81 10

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Ebenez'r Fitch, 41 06

Matthew Grant, 180 10

Josiah Giylord, 52 14

Jonathan Gillet, 38 00

27 00
00

05
10

Isaac Gillet,

Francis Griswold, 52

Daniel Griswold, 82

John Grayham, 47

Samuel Gibbs, 30

Nathaniel Gaylord, 53

Henry Gibbs, 23 00

Joseph Griswold, 119

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» Torrington was a hamlet on the hill called Cookbury Black, in the southern part of
Devonshire, the southernmost county in England. It was also the name of a village on the
Torridge river, a few miles north of Cookbury Black.

The Windsor Patent.

°5
00

05
00

05
10
00

05
00
08
00
00
00
08

Eleazer Gaylord, 36

Thomas Grant's Heirs, 30

Thomas Grant, 19

John Griswold, 52

Nathan GiUet, Jun'r., 18

Benjamin Gibbs, 45

Thomas Hoskins, 40

Anthony Hoskins, 40

Ebenezer Haydon, 63

Mary Hoskins, 37

Elezer Hill, 11

William Haydon, 16

Martha Holcomb, 30

Daniel Haydon, 100

Zebulon Hoskins, 26

Ichabod Loomis, 39

Zachariah Long, 41

Timothy Loomis, 51

Stephen Loomis, 38

Joshua Loomis, 46

Isaac Loomis, 29

Moses Loomis, Jun'r., 26

Job Loomis, 72

Abraham Loomis, 23 02

Rebekah Loomis, 72 04

Jonathan Loomis, 31 00

Dea. Thomas Marshel, .... 100 07

Mr. Eliakim Marshel, 94 12

John Mansfield, 41 i^

John Morton, 24

Edward Moore, 55

Josiah Moore 54

David Marshel, 43

Mr. Will'm Mitchel, 74

Nathanael Mjore, 24

Hannah Newberry, 30

Benjamin Newberry, 25

Rutli Newberry, 07

Joseph Newberry, 71

Jacob Osborn, 44

Benjamin Osborn, 21

"Recorded, March the 4th, Anno. Dom., 1733-4, by
Timothy LooMrs'^ clerk for sd. Torrington proprietors.
The sum total of Torrington list is X6431, 9s, 5d."

04
02

01
00
00
00

05
10
10

Samuel Osborn, Jun'r., 71

John Porter, 04

William Phelps, 91

Joseph Porter, 98

Samuel Pinney, 50

John Phelps, Sen'r., 11

Nathanael Pinney 107

Hez. Porter, 91

David Phelps, . . . , 26

Joseph Phelps, 87

Sergt. Isaac Pinney, 29

Thomas Phelps, 45

Hannah Porter, 06

James Pasco, 24

Jonathan Pasco, 21

Samuel Rockwell, 75

Nathanael Stoughton, 02

Ebenezer Styles, 23

Jacob Strong, 79

Remembrance Sheldon, 51

Thomas Stoughton, Jun'r., . 30

Mary Stedman, 03

John Styles, 22

Isaac Skinner, 40

Samuel Strong, 46

Henry Styles, 71

Elizabeth Thrall, 16

Ammi Trumble, 39

John Thrall, 125

Simon Wolcott, Jr., 21

Jed. Watson, 72

Stephen Winchel, 04

John Wolcott, 81

John Winchel, ... . 53

Robert Westland, 51

Samuel Wilson, 29

John Wood, 36

John Williams, . . 36

Ebenezer Watson, 72

John Wilson, 56

°5

me.

' This Timothy Loomis was an elegant writer, as the Records show. It is a pleasure to
peruse records 144 years old, that can be read as easily as the best printing.

lo History of Torrington.

The Divisions.

The vote to lay out a proportionate amount of land to each pro-
prietor, was passed on the lOth of September, 1732, and on the i8th
of the same month, the committee, appointed for the purpose, pro-
ceeded to draw the lots for the proprietors, it being supposed that
this method was the most equitable of any, and that each proprietor
should be content with what fell to his lot, whether it should be
rocks or soil.

An alphabetic list of the proprietor's names was made as given
above. One hundred and thirty-six numbers written on slips of paper
were placed in a hat ; ' then the first name on the list called and a
number taken from the hat and placed to the name called, and thus
on until the one hundred and thirty-six numbers were taken and
assigned to the names of the list. This done, another list was made
in harmony with the order of the number of each lot, one, two, three,
four, and thus to the last number, and the survey was made accord-
ins to this second list. The lots were laid half a mile in length, and
therefore every rod in width made one acre of land. In the first and
second divisions there was appropriated one acre to the pound of each
owner's list ; in the third, there was not quite that amount.

In the first division there was laid out five acres as a meeting
house plot, and one hundred acres as a ministry lot, and these were
said to be near the centre of the town.

The lots for the proprietors, when completed, were all laid in thir-
teen tiers, except those in the swamp ; one on the south side of the
town running east and west, the other twelve running north and south,
and with the highways, covering the whole area of the town except
the pine timber. The swamp was laid in three tiers of lots running
north and south.

The first division was completed in November, 1734, Roger
Newberry, Joshua Loomis and Nathaniel Pinney being the committee.
The second, voted to be made in March, 1736, was not completed
until October, 1742, John Cook, 2d, Joshua Loomis, Roger New-
berry and Daniel Bissell, Jr., being the committee.

The third division was voted in October, 1742, and was com-
pleted in December, 1750. In this division two hundred and twenty
acres were appropriated for the use of schools in the town. Samuel

' In the third division the word " hat" is used.

The Windsor Patent. ii

Messenger, surveyor, Thomas Marshall and Aaron Loomis were the
committee, and Rev. Nathaniel Roberts drew the numbers for the
lots.

The Pine Timber Division.

The first name, given in the records to this part of Torrington was
spruce swamp. Afterwards it was called the pine timber ; then the
pine timber division, and in 1747 the mast swamp.

The pine timber was of much value and the proprietors found great
difficulty in preserving it from the hands of those who had no owner
ship in it. They appointed various committees to " sue and prose^
cute to final judgment" those who should trespass in cutting it. Tht
trees had grown tall and straight and were very desirable for masts to
sailing vessels, and were cut and floated down the river for that pur-
pose.

There was other timber which the proprietors found important to
be looked after. They directed " that all the pine, whitewood and
white ash timber, above fourteen inches in diameter at the stub, stand-
ing and growing or fallen down, on those places set out for highways
in the third division, be reserved for the use of the proprietors," and
the committee appointed was to sell such timber for the advantage
of the proprietors.

The expenses of the several surveys were collected by a tax levied
from the list of the proprietors.

In the proprietor's meeting of March 6, 1751, it was voted to
"lease out the mill place with the convenience thereunto, for nine
hundred and ninety-nine years." Ebenezer Lyman, Jr., Jacob Strong
and Elijah Gaylord were the committee to lay out the fourth divi-
sion, and Jacob Strong and Aaron Loomis were to draw the lots.

They voted to lay a highway through the swamp from north to
south twenty feet wide, now main street and one from the mill place
east until it should meet the other road.

In laying the lots in the swamp they were to begin at the south
end of the tier on the west side of the road and run north to the end
of the tier. Then begin at the south end, east of the road running
to the north, but the lots extending only to the east branch. The
third tier was laid east of the east branch, from the south end run-
ning north.

CHAPTER III.

FIRST SETTLERS.
Old Deeds.

HE oldest deed recorded of Torrington lands was
dated at Windsor, June 14, 1728, given by Daniel
Gfiswold, to his "dutiful and obedient son" Nathan
Griswold, for a right in undivided western lands.
From this time to the spring of 1735, sixty deeds of rights were
recorded in the Windsor Company's book. Soon after the survey
was made and the lots located, the sales became more numerous, and
were mostly to persons residing in Windsor but in a few cases to per-
sons residing in other parts of the state. These sixty deeds include
nearly, if not all, the land sales by the Torrington company previous
to the rendering of the report of the committee on the first division,
in November, 1734.

The first land cleared and cultivated in the town was located ac-
cording to the following description : — " At a meeting of the pro-
prietors of Torrington held in Windsor, Feb. 10, 1734, voted
Lieut. Roger Newberry be a committee, and he is hereby fully em-
powered in the name of the proprietors to rent out to Josiah Grant
of Litchfield, about four or five acres of land lying in said Torring-
ton which is already broken up, as it lieth bounded south on Litch-
field, and east on Waterbury river, until such time as said proprie-
tors, Dy their vote shall see cause to call it in."

One deed, given by Joseph Ellsworth of Litchfield, dated March
^i, 1734, says lot 77 was a home lot, which meant that it had a
dwelling house on it, and had been the home of somebody. This
lot joined Goshen on the west and was about one mile north of
Litchfield line. Whether Mr. Ellsworth, who was the original
owner, had lived there, or some one else, before the first division was
made, is not known. This, so far as is known, was the first house
put up in the town. In 1738 there was a dwelling on lot 82, half a
mile north of lot 77, and hence there may have been two or three
families living in that part of the town as early as 1734, who removed
into Litchfield or elsewhere before 1737.

First Settlers. 13

First Families.

Ebenezer Lyman, Jr., was the first permanent resident of the town.
In January 1735, his father Ebenezer Lyman, Esquire, of Durham,
bought of Job Loomis, lot 108, containing seventy-two acres. This
lot constituted a part of the farm known ever since, as the Lyman
place, and upon it was built the fort, in the western part of the town.
In June of the same year Ebenezer, Jr., bought the half of three
acres, lot 109 on the corner, and joining lot 108, on the north, and
erected a dwelling, undoubtedly a log house. In this house was born
June 16, 1738, so far as known, the first child born in the town, it
being a daughter and was named Lydia.

On the fourth day of June, 1737, his father in deeding to him the
seventy-two acres, says, this son had lately " moved from Durham
into Torrington," Hence it is evident that he came in the month
of May, and Mrs. Sarah Lyman was queen of the realm, without a
rival except in her little daughter Ruth, about a year and a half old.
In this house, assembled with this family, from one to a half dozen
young men, on the Sabbath, if not more frequently, during the sum-
mer of 1737, while they pursued during the week their toilsome work
of clearing the land to make for themselves homes in the wilder-
ness.

On the 24th day of June, 1 740, Ebenezer Lyman Esq., bought
lot 95, west of his son's lot, containing ninety-one acres, giving for
it and lot nineteen in the second division and the whole right of
Hezekiah Porter, two hundred pounds, and settled on the farm with
his son in 1740, or early in 1741.

Jonathan Coe of Durham, married Elizabeth Elmer of Wind-
sor, September 23, 1737, and brought his bride to Torrington, the
second woman in the town. Mr. Coe had worked in the town two
summers. He bought on the i8th of March, 1737, lot 107, which
he still owned, upon which he had probably erected a dwelling dur-
ing the summer of 1737. This house must have been a log house,'
and stood about eighty rods south of Ebenezer Lyman, junior's, their
farms joining. Here were two dwellings in the wilderness — wilder-
ness in every direction, and almost without end in every direction.
The nearest place that looked like civilization was Litchfield, about

> The lumber, for making framed houses in 1740, must have been brought, through the
forests, from Litchfield or New Hartford.

14 History of Torrington.

six miles distant and but few houses had been erected in that town
before this time, and some of these were at considerable distance from
the center of the town ; one or two being near the southern boundary
of Torrington. At this time there were no families residing in
Goshen ; a few were in Harwinton ; a few in New Hartford ; none
in Winchester.

Abel Beach of Durham bought land in company with Jonathan
Coe, lot 123, containing thirty-one acres, in 1735, where the second
church was built, at Torrington green. He purchased Mr. Coe's
half, September 6, 1737, and owned by this purchase a thirty-one
pound right to all other divisions that might be made. In December,
1737, he bought of Daniel Bissell, the right of Robert Westland with
the lot 82, fifty-one acres, a little south of Dea. F. P. Hill's present
dwelling, it then being a home lot or having a dwelling house on
it. He married Margaret Pickett of Durham, April 5, 1738, and
settled in this town. He may have made his home for a year in the
house on lot 82, as he sold this lot in June, 1739, or he may have
built him a house on lot 123, in the summer of 1737, and settled on
it. The place being known unto this day as the Abel Beach place.

In June, 1739, Daniel Stoughton bought of Abel Beach, lot 82,
with a dwelling house on it, and made his home in the town, pro-
bably in that house. Joel Thrall became a settler during the sum-
mer of 1739, probably on lot 91, the old Thrall place on Goshen
turnpike, most of which he had purchased of the heirs of John Thrall,
and the east half he sold the same year to Ebenezer Coe, then of
Middletown.

Thus did the work begin, and go forward, so that in October, 1739,
in their petition for religious privileges the petitioners say there " are
nine families in the town." It is impossible to say who all these
families were. The petition signed by twenty-five names, says, these
names represent "inhabitants and proprietors." Some of these pro-
prietors were in Windsor, some in Durham, nine families were here.
These families lived here and grew healthy and strong, if they did
not grow in the refinements of literature and cultivated society. How
they arranged the items of the important business of living, will appear
somewhat in the following pages, and although it cannot be described
fully, yet it will be seen that they did it successfully. Joseph Allyn,
who came a little later, worked during the week, rode on horseback
to Windsor, Saturday, and returned on Monday morning, and all
people may be assured that he did not start on such a journey after

First Settlers.

the sun was three hours high in the morning. It is very probable
that most of the supplies came from Windsor, and if not by a weekly
express (which word they did not know in the sense now used), yet
so frequently that with what they obtained in the wilderness, they
lived as comfortably, and enjoyed their fare as well as most people
of the present day.

CHAPTER IV.

RELIGIOUS PRIVILEGES,

The Ecclesiastical Society.

INCE the pilgrims came to America for the pur-
pose of securing liberty in religious privileges, and their
descendants for generations following, regarded these
privileges as among the first things to be instituted and
maintained in every place, we are not surprised to find the people of
Torrington, having effected a settlement of a few families, proceed-
ing in the work of securing the preaching of the gospel, knowing
that without it their enterprise would not prosper. They sent a
memorial to the general assembly, by Daniel Stoughton, in October,
1739, asking to be organized into a society, and that taxes might be
imposed for the "support of a gospel ministry," This memorial was
signed by the following names :

Jacob Strong, Jr., John Cook, 2d,

Ebenezer Lyman, Jr., Hezekiah Griswold,

William Grant,
Jonathan Coe,
Daniel Thrall,
Isaac Higley,
Joseph Beach,
Joel Thrall,
Abel Beach,
Ebenezer Coe,
Nathaniel Barber,
William Cook,

Daniel Stoughton,
Joshua Loomis,
Thomas Stoughton, Jr.,
Jacob Strong,
William Bartlett,
Samuel Bartlett,
Abraham Dibble, Jr.,
Joseph Phelps,
Aaron Loomis,
Samuel Phelps.

Amos Filley,

Torrington was made a town, with town privileges in Oct., [740,
and thereby become an ecclesiastical society, and a tax of two pence
on the pound for the support of preaching, was granted.

In the next spring another tax of two pence was granted, but
in the autumn it was changed to three pence on the pound, for
the purpose of raising a fund towards building a meeting house.

An extra tax to raise five hundred pounds for the settlement of a

Religious Privileges. 17

minister, was also ordered by the assembly, which was a much
larger amount than many ministers received, if the money was any
where near par at that time. Another tax was granted in 1744, and
one in 1750, for the support of the gospel in the town. These
taxes seem burdensome in repetition and amount, but the people
were quite willmg to pay them. The first petition states that some
of the signers lived in Windsor, " but being desirous of having their
lands improved as fast as possible, they were willing to be taxed."
It was not altogether the gospel that they desired, but with it they
could increase the value of their lands ; a kind of thoughtfulness con-
cerning the gospel that has been exhibited very often since that day,
and as well in cities as in new parts of the country. Men have often
admired, and supported the gospel according to the amount of hard
cash it would return them in a business point of view. Some of these
memorialists loved the gospel for the sake of the gospel, but others
were willing to be taxed for the sake of their lands.

No information is given as to the success of this effort to secure
the preaching of the gospel before October, 1741, but as Nathaniel
Roberts was graduated in 1732, and was probably through his theo-
logical studies before 1739, he may have preached here some time
before he was settled as pastor.

The First Church.

The only records of the organization of the church are those
written by Mr. Roberts, the first pastor. '

He introduces the matter and gives the record thus : " Here I
shall observe some things concerning the church in Torrington in y'
county of Hartford.

" I St. It was first planted October 21, 1 741, by Mr. Graham,'
Mr. Humphrey,^ Mr. Leavenworth,-* Mr. Bellamy. 5

" 2d. The first deacon that was chosen was Ebenezer Lyman

' These Records are still preserved and have been of much value in fixing dates in this
book, but the writing was at first so fine that after 135 years it is extremely difficult to
read it, and because of this, several names may not be transcribed correctly.

^ Rev. John Graham, of Southbury.

3 Rev. Daniel Humphrey, of Derby.

4 Rev. Mark Leavenworth, of Waterbury.

5 Rev. Joseph Bellamy, D.D., of Bethlehem.

i8 History of Torrington.

(Sen'r.), and was set apart to the office by prayer, and laying on of
the hands of the pastor of said church, January i, 1742.

'' 3d. The first sacrament that ever was administered in the church
was January 3, 1742, and the communicants who were then members
of the said church ; the number was seventeen ; Dea. E. Lyman and
his wife, E. Lyman, Junr., and his wife, E. North and his wife, J.
Coe and his wife, Jacob Strong and his wife, Abel Beach and his
wife, Nathaniel Barber and his wife, John Cook and his wife, Asahel
Strong."

Thus far he seems to have written at the first entry, after this he
proceeds as follows, drawing a line across the page between each entry.

"The second sacrament was administered March 14, 1742, and
Margaret Thrall y^ wife of Joel Thrall was admitted a member in
full communion with us.

" E. Coe and his wife owned their covenant, and were admitted
members in full communion with us, April 4, 1742.

"3d sacrament was administered May 27, 1742. 4th sacra-
ment was administered November 14, 1742, and then Samuel Damon'
and his wife, Samuel Damon, Jr., and his wife, John Damon and
wife, Noah Wilson and wife were admitted members in full com-
munion with us."

In this manner he continued to record the sacraments and admis-
sions to the church until a short time before his death ; the last entry
being thus :

" 132 sacrament November y*' 13, 1775."

The record of marriages he commences in the same straight-forward
manner.

" Mr. Nathaniel Roberts, pastor of the church in Torrington, was
married November 22, at night, being 3d day of y^ week in y^ year

I7+3-"

"July 8, 1747, I married Isaac Hosford, of Litchfield, to Mind-
well Loomis, of Torrington."

" Margaret Roberts, the wife of Nathaniel Roberts, died October
I, 1747, being y^ 5 day of y^ week." ^

" Mr. Nathaniel Roberts, pastor of y'= said church, was married to
his second wife November y= 7, 1748."

•This name has been spelled Demon, but the old spelling in the deeds is a instead oi e.
" This death is recorded among the marriages as here given. Mr. Roberts kept no record
of deaths.

Religious Privileges. ig

In regard to his own marriages he does not tell what his wives'
names were before marriage, nor where they resided, though he gives
the number of the day of the week on which the marriage occurred.
He calls himself Mr. and not Rev., as he does also Mr. Hun)phrey
and Mr. Bellamy, never using reverend to a minister. Mr. was then
the aristocratic class name, applied to persons only in certain stations
in life.

According to this record, the first marriage ceremony he performed
was July 8, 1747, over six years after he was ordained, and the next
one occurred two years and a half afterwards, and therefore, to all
appearance, marriages were not numerous in Torrington in those days.

The record of baptisms runs in the same style.

"January y= 3, 174 1-2, I baptized a child for Isaac Hygly, and
her name was Susannah."

"August 29, 1742, I baptized a child for Nathaniel Barber, and
his name was Nathaniel." ^

" September y= 12, 1 742, I baptized a child for William Hosford,
on his wife's rights, and his name was William." His wife being
a member of a church, though not of the Torrington church, had a
right to have her child baptized. If neither father nor mother
was a member of a church, the child could not be baptized.

The First Church in Torrington, therefore, was organized
October 21st, under the name, and the only name it bore for over
thirty years of The Church of Christ in Torrington. It did not
have a denominational name until after the death of Mr. Roberts.
It was sometimes called Presbyterian, as many like churches in the
state were, but it had no connection with a Presbytery, nor the Pres-
byterian church.

It was organized at the house of John Cook, the house yet stand-
ing and known as deacon John Cook's. Tradition says that Mr.
Roberts was ordained in Deacon Cook's house. Mr. Roberts says
the church was organized October 21, 1741, and that he, as the
pastor of the church, ordained the first deacon, January i, 1742, or
two months after the organization of the church. It is not probable
that two meetings of such a nature, one to organize the church and
another to ordain the minister, would be held within so shrrt a time
and therefore it is quite clear that the ordination took place at the
time of the formation of the church, and that the meeting was held

' Following the name is a star, which indicates that the child died soon after.

20 History of Torrington.

in John Cook's house, and the services conducted in a regular form
by the ministers named by Mr. Roberts. It is also probable that
Mr. Roberts, being unmarried, was residing with John Cook at
the time, and remained there until his marriage, two years after-
wards. ■>

As to the persons who became members at the organization of the
church no intimation is given that they had been members elsewhere,
but the appearance is that they covenanted together verbally, in the
presence of the ministers named, and were by them declared to be
a church of Christ in Torrington.

When this church was organized there was one in Litchfield formed
nineteen years before ; one in Harwinton three years old, and they
had had preaching three years before its formation ; one in Goshen,
organized the previous year ; one in Cornwall one year old ; one in
New Hartford two years old.

The ministers in Goshen, New Hartford and Torrington were
brothers-in-law ; Mr. Heaton and Mr. Roberts having married the
sisters of Mr. Jonathan Marsh, Jr., of New Hartford, and daughters
of Rev. Jonathan Marsh, of Windsor.

Although the church was organized just before the great awaken-
ing in New England, yet no special religious interest appears to
have existed in Torrington at that time, nor at any time during Mr.
Roberts's pastorate. The membership increased gradually, and mostly
by persons coming into the town. Sometimes a number of persons,
in the same family, on settling in the town, united with the church,
as indicated in the following records.

" May 6, 1744, was our sacrament, and at the same time, Aaron
Loomis, and Deborah, his wife, and Aaron his son, and Mindwell
and Esther his daughters, were all received into our church."

This Esther was only fifteen years old, and this indicates that young
people were received into the church in those days.

"July 7, 1754, then Ichabod Loomis, and Dorothy his wife, "William
Filley and Abiah his wife, Joel Loomis, Isabel, the wife of Abraham
Loomis, and Jerusha and Isabel, daughters of Abraham Loomis were
admitted, members in full communion."

Of most of the persons whom Mr. Roberts recorded, he wrote:
" owned the covenant, and were received into full communion," but
of a few he wrote " were received into full communion," not saying
that they owned the covenant. It is therefore probable that these
latter were received by commendation from other churches. In one

Religious Privileges. 21

case only does he speak of a letter from another church and in that
case he says the person was commended by the Association of which
the church was a member.

The church relation which recognized the right of the baptism
of children under the -^half-way covenant, was accepted by Mr.
Roberts and this church, and no difficulty arose from it until after
his death in 1776.

The First Meeting House.

The first recorded act preparatory to the building of a meeting
house, was the increase of the tax from two to three pence on a
pound. in 1740, the surplus, after paying the minister's salary, was
to be placed in the hands of Capt. Joseph Bird, of Litchfield, to
be " improved by him as best could be " until the inhabitants should
engage in building the house, when it was to be used for that pur-
pose.

In May, 1746, the assembly appointed Ebenezer Marsh and Joseph
Bird of Litchfield, and Nathaniel Baldwin, of Goshen, a committee
to locate a site tor a meeting house and report to the next session of
that body. Upon that report rendered October, 1746, the assembly
resolved " that the place to build a meeting house in said town, shall
be about thirty rods northward of the house of Ebenezer Lyman,
Esq., in the cross highway, which runs east and west, where said
committee have set up a stake with a large heap of stones about it,
the sills of said house to enclose said heap of stones."

In the following winter a frame was erected on this site, thirty
feet square with eighteen feet posts, under the directions of a com-
mittee appointed by the town. At this stage of the house some-
body thought the house too high, and this committee was dismissed
and another appointed who cut down the posts to eight feet in
height. A memorial was then carried to the assembly, which
stopped the proceedings of the town, restored the first committee,
and ordered the house to be built with eighteen feet posts. An
execution was granted against the persons who cut down the
posts of the house and a fine of £21 6s. 5d. imposed upon
them. These proceedings delayed the building of the house more
than a year.

A new memorial was presented in October, 1748, for a change of
the site ; a committee was appointed to look into the matter and
report, which they did in May, 1749, and the place was established

22 History of Torrington.

at a stake within the south line of a lot belonging to John Whiting,
between sixty and seventy rods northward of the place which was
heretofore affixed for a meeting house, so as to include the said stake
within the sills of the said house. "^

The meeting house was built at the place last designated, and was
standing there in October, 1751, when the road was laid running
northwest from the meeting house.

It was a framed building, eigliteen feet posts, and thirty feet square.
How it was covered is spoken of as a mystery, as something about
the house gave it the name of the Hemlock church. It was built
and seated, in the gallery and below, in the simplest manner. It is
said that the seats were made of slabs, flat side up, with sticks for
legs. This is tradition. Deacon John Whiting's account book,
still preserved, tells us that he was engaged at different times for
many years, to 1 781, in repairing the seats to the meeting house.
Therefore it is probable that the seats were not stationary, and from
that reason were soon out of repair.

In this house minister Roberts preached to the end of his life,
some twenty-five years from the time it was built. Here the early
settlers assembled from Sabbath to Sabbath, being seldom absent
when service was held, unless really sick. The sermon was given
forenoon and afternoon ; none in the evening. No prayer meet-
ings during the week, but sometimes preaching service at distant
school houses, yet not much of this in Mr. Roberts's day.

It was not obligatory on the saints of those days to run to church
three times a week in order to keep out of the hands of the evil one
the rest of the week. Their Sunday preaching, Bible reading and
catechism lasted at least six days before it was entirely forgotten. '

It was supposed to be the duty of the hearers of the Word to exer-
cise their powers, to study, investigate and apply, intelligently, the
doctrines, principles and teachings of the sermons they heard, and
not leave it all to be done by the minister. Then the people were
thinkers TiS well as hearers; and the sermons were strong with doc-
trines, principles, rules and laws, intended to set men to thinking.^
It is a blundering mistake, as well as an injustice to the fathers and

' Colonial Records.

2 The author of this work has in his possession a schedule of questions for study, for seve-
ral successive weeks, presented by Rev. Daniel Brinsmade, of Washington, Ct., to the
women of his congregation, in 1760. Many of these questions would trouble a class of
professors of a theological institute to answer.

Religious Privileges. 23

mothers of a century ago, to suppose that, because their heads were
not filled with the reading of a hundred books a year of thin quality
though great in quantity, therefore they were no thinkers, and pos-
sessed but little refinement of sentiment and taste. The intellectual
faculties were brought into vigorous exercise in those days, in regard
to all the great questions of life, though in a different form, as well
as, and as thoroughly as, at the present day.

Hence to go to church was a glory, an honor, an intellectual pri-
vilege, and not a drudgery of which they would gladly rid themselves.
Therefore the church was full, and full morning and afternoon.
Meeting house life was a part of home life. Sympathy of joys and
sorrows was to be found and rendered at the house of God ; and it
was home ; the one great home for all the people.

When, therefore, the first inhabitants had met in that old hem-
lock church thirty-five years, under such circumstances, after
many of the fathers had passed away, and their funerals been attended
in that house, the place where many of their children were baptized,
it may well be supposed to have been a place cherished and hallowed
in the memories of most of the people. That old hemlock church ;
that first church ; on that high hill, cold in winter, breezy and beau-
tiful in summer, looking out to the four corners oi the earth from
old Torrington, was a place long to be remembered.

Where. do the thousands of the living descendants, of the families
who used to meet in that church, now meet for worship ? In all
parts of the United States to the Pacific ocean; in South America,
on the Sandwich islands ; in the Canadas, and in Europe.

CHAPTER V.

IMPROVEMENTS.

The Fort.

*^^^;^ UILDING a fort was a work of necessity for the
iM '-^^/yj, safety of the inhabitants of the town. In October, 1744,
the town voted thirty-five pounds six shillings and six
pence, as one-half of the cost of building a fort. It was
located near Ebenezer Lyman's dwelling, on the west side of the present
road at that place, and was built of chestnut logs split in halves and
standing in the ground, rising to the height of about eight feet. The
object of the fort was, protection to the inhabitants from the ravages
of the Indians, especially the raids of the Mohawks, which were made
for the one only purpose of pillage and destruction. The Connecti-
cut Indians had learned, many years before, to make little trouble for
the settlers. Various narrations are still repeated about the fright of
the people ; the haste with which they fled to the fort, leaving nearly
everything in their homes, and remaining over night and sometimes
several days, in great anxiety as to their own lives and also the safety
of their homes. And for a time the settlers sought homes near this
fort. Several of them owned lots on the east side, but sold them
and bought on the west side and then brought their families into the
town near the fort, and others lived on the west side while they
worked their lands on the east side.

This fear of the Indians was the greatest disturber of the peace of
the people in the new settlements. The dread of the wild beasts,
though no inconsiderable matter, was of little weight compared to the
terror produced at the report of the coming of the Mohawk Indians.
The alarm at the approach of the Indians was given by lighting signal
fires on the hills from Albany eastward as the party advanced. Hence,
if an accidental fire occurred in the direction of the Hudson river it
was taken as an alarm fire, and the people hastened to the fort to
wait until information could be obtained of the cause of the fire.
This state of society came to an end soon after the close of the
French war in 1760. The old fort served its purpose as a refuge in

Improvements. 25

time of need, was a number of times occupied by the frightened in-
habitants, for several days at a time ; then gradually tumbled down,
leaving; nothing but a mound seventy-five feet by one hundred,
which still marks the place of its once warlike standing. There is
said to be another mound about three-fourths of a mile westerly
from the site of this old fort, which marks the place of some fortifi-
cation, either of the Indians before, or by the first settlers of the town,

A school house was built within the fort, in 1745 ;^ the first insti-
tution of learning in the town. In this house religious services were
held several years. It was probably a framed house and of good size,
as the only public building in the town at that time. Town meetings,
very likely, were also held at this house for several years.

Deacon Cook's house, built in 1740 or 1741, was a framed build-
ing ; the frame still standing, it having been re-covered several times.
It is probable that Deacon Lyman's house was a framed building and
those of Asahel Strong and Jacob Strong on the road south of Mill
brook, and Israel Everitt's and others on the road west of Deacon
Cook's, also those of Abel Beach, Aaron Loomis and others on the
present Goshen road, which were built before 1742.^ The site of the
first Grant house is in the lot north of Dea. F. P. Hills' present
dwelling. Joel Thrall's second home, probably, stood some little
distance south of Dea. F. P. Hills' dwelling, was one of the first
houses put up in the town and may have been a log house.

So far as ascertained, the first settler in Torringford was Abraham
Dibble, or his son Daniel, in 1744 or 5, on the second lot laid out
from Harwinton line, the place still known as the Dibble place. The
next settler was Benjamin Bissell, a little north of the Shubael Gris-
wold place on the east side of the street, where Mr. Bissell kept a
tavern a number of years. He came probably in 1745. The third
settler was John Birge, on the present Roswell Birge place. Nehe-
miah Gaylord made his home opposite Benjamin Bissell's, a little
north, in a log house first, probably in 1746. Elijah Gaylord settled
on a farm that included the site of the present Torringford church,
and the burying ground ; his log house standing in the lot southeast
of the present church, in 1747. Shubael Griswold built his house
a little south of Nehemiah Gaylord's in 1754, and made his home

' Rev. J. A. McKinstry in Manual of the First Church. Dea. L. Wetmore in Wolcott-
ville Register, 1875.

* Since writing the above it has been ascertained that nearly all the first dwellings were
built with logs.

26 History of Torrington.

there. He lived on the west side of the town a year or two before
this house was completed and before he was married. In 1752 or
1753, John Burr settled on the place long known by his name, and
Benjamin Matthews came about the same time, with Mr. Burr from
Farmington ; the others were from Windsor. Soon after this came
Dea. Jonathan Kelsey and his son Nathan from Woodbury. Between
1753 and 1760, came Joshua, David, Daniel and Aaron Austin
from Suffield, some of whom settled on West street ; and Aaron
Yale from Wallingford, and some others from Windsor, and Samuel
and Ephraim Durwin from Waterbury.

Apple Trees.

Many of the early settlers having been reared in those parts of the
state where apples had become an important commodity in the en-
joyment of life, were led, in the early stages of the settlement, to
give much attention to the planting of this kind of tree. This is
very evident from the large quantity of apples and cider found here
in 1770, and afterwards. In 1773, there were four cider mills on
the west side, and at least one brandy still. An apple orchard would
not reach any considerable maturity under twenty years, and there-
fore the planting of such orchards must have been one of the first
great enterprises of the town.

Everitt's Mill.

Israel Everitt had a grist mill on Mill brook, on the site which was
afterwards occupied by General Sheldon's tannery, afterwards Raphael
Marshall's. This mill was gone in 1760, and the place is spoken of
as the old grist mill, and Everitt's mill, and therefore it must have
been built very early. In 1739, Mr. Everitt sold a piece of land, in
the hollow west of Deacon Cook's house, upon which was erected a
tannery, and there may have been a run of stone at that place for
grinding grain, but the probability is that Mr. Everitt, soon after 1739,
built the grist mill on Mill brook, and if so it was the first one in the
town.

Wilson's Mill.

One of the great institutions in Torrington for fifty years and more
was Wilson's mill.

At their meeting on June 22d, 1743, after the second division of

Improvements. 27

lands was made, the proprietors voted that " Thomas Stoughton,
Jacob Strong and Ebenezer Lyman, Jr., be a committee to lease a
convenient place for a corn mill in the proprietors' land on Water-
bury river as shall be needful to accommodate the setting of a mill,
to some suitable person that will engage to build a corn mill, between
Lieut. Nathaniel Gaylord's lot and Thomas Stoughton's lot."

The mill was not built at that time, for a vote of the proprietors
passed in January, 1757, says a mill lot should be laid out, and that
this lot with all the privileges thereof should be sold to the highest
bidder. Accordingly the committee, Jacob Strong, Ebenezer Lyman,
Jr., and Elijah Gaylord, sold this lease, in the next March, to Amos
Wilson, " for and during the full term of nine hundred ninety and
nine years, from and after the date of these presents." The land
contained in this lease, on the west side of the river was estimated to
be twenty acres, that on the east side, one acre ; and for this land
and mill privilege, Amos Wilson paid four hundred and fifty pounds,
old tenor ; or fifteen hundred dollars.

In the same month Amos Wilson sold certain parts of this pro-
perty and formed a stock company ; Amos Wilson, Noah Wilson,
Jacob Strong, Ashael Strong, Ebenezer Lyman, Jr., and William
Grant being the stock owners. The mill was built as a saw mill
and continued such only, so far as is known, for several years. An
old account book of Amos Wilson is preserved and shows that much
work was done in this mill. In 1776, is first mentioned the grist
mill, and from that time until 1794, the accounts of the grist mill
are regularly recorded, and then a new grist mill is mentioned. The
owners of this mill changed but seldom. After fifteen or twenty
years Jacob Strong sold to Samuel Everitt, and some time after this
Matthew Grant sold to David Soper. When the grist mill was added,
the proprietors became Amos Wilson, Noah Wilson, Ashael Strong,
and Noah Wilson Jr. Joseph Taylor bought one share of this mill
in 1781.

First Taverns.

One of the first taverns was erected and kept by Epaphras Sheldon
a little north of Ebenezer Lyman's, on the east side of the road.
Mr, Sheldon having received quite a farm from his father and having
purchased several pieces of land, made his home here about 1760,
and was of considerable importance as a new settler, and for thirty
years he was as prominent as any man in the business transactions of

28 History of Torrington.

the town, and in social, military and political positions. His tavern
was the head quarters for most doings of the town. The road run-
ning north and south past his house was the race course for running
horses, and the fields near his house were the parade grounds for
military drill, until after the center of the town became established at
at the green, after the building of the second meeting house.

Ephraim Bancroft, lived a little north of Mr. Sheldon's and also
kept a tavern, but whether it was established as soon as the other is
not ascertained. In these taverns the people often assembled during
the Revolution, to learn the news and to discuss the great questions
then exciting the minds of the people. What anxiety at times filled
the minds of those thus assembled and how sadly many a man went
home from those places, to speak of the sad news to an anxious
mother, and to mourn in a home which once broken couH never be
made whole.

Capt. Abel Beach kept a tavern beginning some time before the
revolutionary war, but at what time he opened his house for public
entertainment cannot be definitely ascertained. Noah North's ac-
count book indicates that Capt. Beach had a tavern as early as 1764,
but he may have kept such a house several years before.

John Burr, of Farmington, bought in 1751 and in 1752, land
amounting to over four hundred pounds monev, and settled in the
town in 1753, on the farm known many years as the Burr place, east
of Burrville, on the hill. Here Mr. Burr was keeping a tavern in
1762, and may have opened such a house some years earlier.

Shubael Griswold built his house on the corner of Torringford
street and what was afterwards the Torrington turnpike, in 1754, and
opened it as a tavern about 1757. His son Thaddeus Griswold, con-
tinued it as a public house many years.

Benjamin Bissell's tavern, stood a little north of Shubael Griswold's,
and was kept as a public house some years before the Revolution ;
and still later David Soper kept a tavern on Torringford street, west
side, near the first meeting house.

CHAPTER VI.

TORRINGTON CHURCH.

'HE Rev. Nathaniel Roberts closed his ministerial
and earthly labors on the fourth of March 1776. The
church under his care had prospered in an ordinary degree
compared with other churches of the same order in its
vicinity, and had been conducted on the broadest principles of doc-
trine and usage for that day. They had a creed and covenant from
the first organization in 1741, as appears from papers still preserved.
The discipline of the church had been as carefully attended to as was
the custom among churches of the time, with the exception of ad-
ministering baptism to children under the halfway covenant. This
practice had caused trouble in many churches but none here while
Mr. Roberts remained.

Rev. Noah Merwin followed Mr. Roberts in his pastorate, being
ordained October 25, 1776. He labored here seven years, but no
account of the prosperity or doings of the church during that time is
at hand, he having; taken all such records with him when he left the
place. There is a paper however, which reveals somewhat of a con-
flicting element in the mind of the second pastor in regard to the
former practices of the church. According to the date of the paper
Mr. Merwin delivered these opinions one year after he was dismissed.
In his declarations he says : "Justifying faith is necessary in order to
enter into covenant with God ;" that the " sacrament of baptism is as
sacred an ordinance as that of the Lord's supper ;" that the "■ church
has no right to prescribe to the ministers who are the proper subjects
for him to administer the seals unto ;" that the church " has no right
to blame a minister for refusing to put to vote anything that is con-
trary to the dictates of his own conscience."

All these opinions were in conflict with the former practice of the
church, hence there was a stirring of both good and bad faith. It is
apparent that the waters were troubled, not to heal but to divide,
as the reason why Mr. Merwin was invited to return, after his dis-
mission, and deliver his opinions. It was not an opinion of the peo-
ple, alone in regard to Mr. Merwin and his services, but in regard

30 History of Torrington.

to certain rules of practice in the church, against which the minds of
a number of the most substantial and faithful members began to be
strongly exercised and in consequence of these divisions of opinion
as to church rules, a disaffection had grown up which caused a de-
ficiency in the treasury of the society as early as 1781, or earlier.
Individua' notes had been given by various persons to meet Mr.
Merwin's claims, and the matter was brought to issue in 1782,
whether the society would pay those notes. Some arrangement was
effected and Mr. Merwin was paid. This rrruch the papers show.
^Tradition tells us that Mr. Merwin being paid in continental money
was unfortunate, in that the revolutionary war closed, peace was de-
clared, and his money was worthless. He asked that the society
should make up his loss, they declined, and he requested to be dis-
missed, which was granted by a regular council November 26, 1783.
The account book of Deacon Whiting shows that Mr. Merwin
preached here much of the time during the summer of 1784, residing
in Cornwall; his preaching services being held in the old church.

Another paper is preserved, which shows that the defection in
the church and society was not originated in regard to Mr. Mer-
win, but through a movement which had troubled many churches
in Connecticut more than twenty years, in regard to church
government and practices. In the present case the objection
raised was that the church in its usages was not strictly Congrega-
tianal, and therefore was indulging practices which were injurious
to the cause of religion. The items were, the halfway covenant,
the authority of a council, and the authority of the minister.
Mr. Merwin held that when advice had been given by the Consocia-
tion, by itself or through a council, if the advice was not received
and obeyed, the Consociation should withdraw fellowship and com-
munion from such church. The two men who were the leaders
toward the so-called strict congregational rules, were Benoni Hills
and Ebenezer Coe ; both, men of sound and discriminating judg-
ment. These brethren gave to the church in a letter dated May
15, 1781, their objections to the practices of the church in regard to
government, and requested letters of dismission. Instead of granting
the request the church proposed several questions in writing to these
brethren, the last of which reads thus: "Wherein does this church
differ from the strict Congregational churches in New England."
The church desired a mutual council ; these brethren declined doing
any thing further. Two years passed with this controversy going

TORRINGTON ChURCH. 3I

on, during which difficulties arose about paying Mr. Merwin, and
the church voted, September 2, 1683, that Benoni Hills and Ebe-
nezer Coe, by leaving us in the manner they have and going to join the
Separates, have dismissed themselves from us, and therefore are no
longer of us. This was done two months before Mr. Merwin was
dismissed.

Nine days before the meeting of the council to dissolve the pas-
toral relations of Mr. Merwin the church voted that, " this church has
nothing to object against the Rev. Mr. Merwin as to his moral cha-
racter or his ministerial performances since he took a pastoral care
and charge over us. Nevertheless taking into consideration the
broken, and divided state of the church and congregation, this church
on the whole think it best that Mr. Merwin's ministerial relation to
us and the society be dissolved, and we desire the same solely on
this account, that we hope it will be for the peace of the society and
the advancement of religion among us, and for Mr. Merwin's com-
fort and more extensive usefulness."

The Rev. Lemuel Haynes was the next minister, commencing
his labors early in the summer of 1785. He was a talented, devoted
man, well and favorably received by his ministerial brethern ; but
African blood flowed in his veins, and there were prejudices existing
in those days sufficient to make trouble as to this matter, if in all other
respects there had been peace in the community. After Mr. Haynes
had preached here a few months there was such rising of courage
and union of disposition as to secure a combination to support the
gospel. Forty-six persons covenanted together, not as a society nor
as a church, but as individuals, that "we will join together in our en-
deavor to procure steady preaching, and to keep up and maintain the
public worship of God among ourselves, with a view to the calling
and settling a gospel minister as soon as God, in his providence shall
open a door therefor." They agreed to pay according to their list,
or by subscription, as should be deemed best. From this last item
it may be seen that a part of the trouble arose from the system of
taxing every tax-payer for the support of the preaching.

The subscribers to this agreement dated October 3, 1785, were

Increase Grant/ William Wilson, Epaphras Loomis,

Nathaniel Barber, Joseph Blake, Samuel Beach,

Elihu Cook, Elijah Barber, Hannah Loomis,

* Lived in the edge of Litchfield.

History of Torrington.

Noah Fowler,
Urijah Cook,
Joshua Leach,
Richard Leach,
Richard Leach, Jr.
Caleb Leach,
George Baldwin,
Jonathan Coe,
Ebenezer Coe,
Amos Wilsoa,
Abijah Wilson,
Joseph Taylor,
Lemuel Loomis,

Asahel Wilcox,
Noah Wilson, Jr.,
Eli Barber,
Guy Wolcott,
Noah Wilson,
Roger Wilson,
Oliver Filley,
Nathaniel Leach,
Caleb Lyman,
John Whiting,
Bushniel Benedict,
Benoni Hills,
Wait Beach,

Elisha Smith,
Abner Loomis,
Richard Loomis,
Moses Loomis,
Moses Loomis, Jr.,
Adna Beach,
Isaac Filley,
Timothy Barber,
Caleb Munson,
John Beach,
Margaret Thrall.

In November of the same year a meeting of these subscribers was
held and they appointed a moderator, clerk and treasurer and col-
lector, in regular order, and voted a tax of " one penny on the pound,
to be paid in money or the following articles : wheat and peas at five
shillings a bushel, rye 3s, 6d, per bushel and Indian corn at 2s, 6d
per bushel."

In the next March they voted that the committee " invite Mr.
Lemuel Haynes to preach with us some time longer." That meant
six months, at the end of which time, September 1786, they voted to
" invite Mr. Haynes to preach to us the winter coming," and ap-
pointed a committee to " see that Mr. Haynes be provided for."

At the same time of the above action, it was voted that " Ensign
Beach set the Psalm," and that Noah Fowler, Seth Munson and
Remembrance North be appointed to assist Ensign Beach in setting
the Psalm." It was abouf this time that singing began to be con-
ducted by a choir sitting in the gallery, about which there were some
conflicting feelings that caused some little commotion in the church
and community, but which soon quieted down, all being convinced
that the change was an improvement.

All the records of the doings of the first society, to this time, 1785,
are missing, and no conjecture as to what became of them is made,
except they were among the records Mr. Merwin took with him and
which he refused to return, after being requested to do so. Such
records would doubtless show much effort on the part of the people
to improve the singing, as was the custom in most churches in
those days. There were a large number of excellent singers in the
society at the time ; families by the dozen in which there were from
three to a half dozen. Some families could have formed a choir,
singing four parts, and have had several singers " to spare for their

ToRRINGTON ChuRCH. ^3 ,

neighbors," if any could be found that were in need. One hundred ,

singers could have been placed in the gallery at one time, that would ^

have done honor lo ordinary singing in church, while a full audience ■ • '

would have been left in the body of the church to do congregational '

singing. This new departure in singing, from the deacon or deacons i

in front of the pulpit, to the gallery, took place in the old church in \ \ ^ J
the spring of 1786. /

During the summer of 1 786 a meeting house was built as individual ^'.^
property and was thus owned about sixteen years, when it was made
over to the Congregational society, then the established legal bridy.
It was located a little north of Captain Abel Beach's tavern, at the
place known for many years afterwards as Torrington green. It was
two story, having two rows of windows on each side ; one side of the
house faced the south. The belfry, built a few years after, with a
high steeple, was on the west end of the building, jutting out from the
body of the house so far that the west door was on the south side of
the belfry. There was a door on the south side of the building, and
one on the east end. One of the conditions on the part of the society
when iMr. Gillett settled here, in 1792, was that this meeting-house
should be finished inside. In the Church Manual by Rev. J. A.
McKinstry, we are told that this steeple was built in 1797, and the
bell put in and the house thoroughly repaired. As to this bell,
tradition says that the inhabitants contributed one hundred silver dollars
which were sent to the maker and the silver put into the bell.

Meetings were held in the autumn of 1786, and the appearance
from several papers is that the company who had hired Mr. Haynes,
removed bodily to the new house as soon as it was ready to be occu-
pied. Under these circumstances a council of churches was called,
both parties uniting in the call, and it met November 28, 1786. In
this meeting an effort was made to prevail with the parties then to
enter into a union of fellowship and effort, but this failed, and the
council, after giving advice, dissolved. The rendering of the council
was that since there was no radical difference between the two
societies in doctrine or law, the way was open for a union, and that
both sides should seek such union in the spirit of the religion they
professed to love; and try to obtain a minister who was in no way
connected with either party as such, and Rev. Daniel Marsh was
named as such a man, and suitable for the peculiar place. Soon
after this, the society at the new church proposed by a committee,
to the society at the old church, to unite in hiring Mr. Marsh to

History of Torrington.

preach, all the time in the new church, or half the time in the new
and half in the old, changing every two weeks, which offer the old
society voted to accept, but for some reason it was not carried into effect,
and Mr. Haynes was invited to preach in the new house during the
winter, and he continued to preach there until August, 1787.
Although the business transactions in religious matters, during two
years, had been conducted in an orderly and civil manner, yet they
were without authority of the society or church. A number of per-
sons made an agreement to support the preaching of the gospel and
the ordinances, and to submit to the decision of a majority of their
number, and although various names had been applied to these persons,
they had assumed no titles or formal organization, until the seventh day
of March, 1787, they put forth certain declarations and principles
and formed themselves into a regular body or society, under the
name of the Strict Congregational society, as opposed to what had
been known and denominated in this town as well as throughout
Connecticut, the standing order. The peculiar feature of this society
was that it proceeded upon the voluntary principle in every respect,
and those who joined it did so by signing the agreement in their own
1 hand, and such, and none others, were to be taxed for the support of
\the society. Every statement of these declarations is according to
the usages and principles of Congregational societies of the present
day. The following persons signed this paper :

John Whiting,
Amos Wilson,
Samuel Norton,
Samuel Beach,
Abner Loomis,
Caleb Lyman,
Abel Beach,
Elisha Smith,
Abijah Wilson,
John Morehouse,
Charles Grant,
John Beach,
Timothy Barber,

Ichabod Loomis,
Richard Leach,
Noah Fowler,
Robert Grannis,
Adna Beach,
Caleb Munson,
Elijah Barber,
Epaphras Loomis,
Benoni Loomis,
Abraham Loomis,
Wait Beach,
Seth Holmes,
Bushniell Benedict,

Ebenezer Coe,
Epaphras Loomis, Jr.,
Abel Beach, Jr.,
Benoni Hills,
Hannah Loomis,
Jonathan Coe,
Eli Barber,
Noah Wilson,
Noah Wilson, Jr.,
Joseph Taylor,
Samuel Morehouse,
Increase Grant,
Nathaniel Leach.

On the twenty-second of June, 1787, fifteen persons who had
been accustomed to meet at the new church, having obtained a state-
ment of articles of faith and declarations, covenanted together and
formed themselves into a Congregational church. The articles were
in the form of that day, the declarations could scarcely be objected

ToRRINGTON ChURCH. 2S

to by any Congregational church of the present day. The persons
so uniting were :

Benoni Hills, Jo^'" Whiting, Hannah Loomis,

Abel Beach, Amos Wilson, Keziah Beach,

Ebenezer Coe, Wait Beach, Mary Hills,

Increase Grant, Timothy Barber, Martha Beach,

Samuel Norton, Mary Loomis, Mindwell Grant.

From a paper drawn, to be presented at the meeting of the council
in November, 1786, and the several proceedings stated above, it is
evident that those who formed the new society and church were
the reliable and faithful members and supporters of the old society
and church. These persons, headed by Dea. John Whiting, Amos
Wilson, Ebenezer Coe, and Benoni Hills, had entertained the idea,
during Mr. Merwin's preaching, and perhaps for many years previous,
that the halfway covenant was not a gospel method of building up
the church. While Mr. Merwin was here they sustained him ; when
he went away they continued to keep up the meetings regularly at
the old meeting house. The disaffected drew away and went to
Goshen to worship. Several society meetings were called in regular
order; and the disaffected came in and voted against nearly alll pro-
positions of those who remained at the old church.' When it became
evident that through the regular society meetings nothing could be
carried forward to sustain the preaching of the gospel, these men,
true to their covenant agreement, prepared the paper, afterwards
signed by forty-six names, and hired Mr. Haynes, around whom
some of the disaffected gathered, with the others, and gave him a com-
fortable support. Mr. Haynes had not preached long, before, instead
of persons going to Goshen to hear preaching, the Goshen people
began to come to hear Mr. Haynes, and it was a matter of some feel-
ing on the part of the faithful in Goshen that their people would go
away from home, and especially to hear that colored man preach.
Although such were the facts, yet the party which claimed to be the
old church, because they held to Mr. Roberts's view of the halfway
covenant, resisted the efforts to sustain Mr. Haynes, and would not
acquiesce with any proposition of union at the new church. The
Separates, therefore were those who continued to sustain the meetings

'At one society meeting, regularly called, the disaffected came a little before the usual
time for commencing the meeting; organized, and voted down the objects for which the
meeting was called, adjourned the meeting and started home, when they met the other party
on their way to ihe meeting.

36 History of Torrington.

at the old church ; hired Mr. Haynes, and afterward built the new
meeting house, but believed that none should be admitted to the
sacraments except those who professed to have become true Christians.

The change of the site of the church was important, since the
northern portion of the town had become quite thickly settled, and
the business transactions were centering more and more at Dr. Hodges'
store and Capt. Abel Beach's tavern ; and the Noppet people were
having Baptist preaching in their part of the town.

It is probable that services were held at the old church frequently,
if not regularly, from the time the new church was opened until the
spring of 1 79 1, although no records to this effect have been seen.
Dea. John Whiting's account book shows that various ministers
preached in the new church between 1787, and 1791 ; among them
Mr. Knapp, Mr. Parmlee and Mr. Brinsmade; the last received
his pay at one time in fifty pounds of iron, valued at nine shillings.

In the spring of 1791 three ministers, Daniel Brinsmade, Ammi
R. Robbins, and Samuel J. Mills were called to advise with both
parties, and if possible effect asettlementof the whole matter, and after
hearing both sides, they delivered a very dignified reprimand to both
parties, but it is very evident that the larger portion of the censure
fell on those who remained at the old church. The effort was
successful, and the articles of faith and the covenant presented, appear
to have been accepted, and from this time it is probable that meet-
ings ceased to be held at the old meeting house.

In the latter part of the winter of i 792, the Rev. Alexander Gillett
was invited to preach a few Sabbaths, and on the eighth of March the
church voted to invite him to become their pastor, and on the twenty-
second of the same month the society passed a vote to the same
effect. This invitation Mr. Gillett accepted and was installed May
23, 1792; Benjamin Trumbull, D.D., and Jonathan Edwards,
Jr., D.D.^ and other ministers taking part in the services.

The success of Mr. Gillett, in drawing all the people around him
in one cooperative brotherhood, was complete. The announcement
of his acceptance of the pastorship was heralded through the parish
with great expressions of joy and congratulation; so much so that
some persons, after the Sabbath services when the acceptance was
announced, rode in various directions, without stopping for meals,
to carry the tidings to those who were not at church that day.

From that time, all strife appears to have been fully forgotten, and
buried without hope of resurrection. The church prospered. Gradu-
ally they gathered the scattered influences and powers, and tried to

TORRINGTON ChURCH. 37

build the walls which had been to a great extent broken down. But
t[i£jL£ould not gather all as they once were, for the Methodist people
had made inroads on the south near Wolcottville, and the Baptists
had started quite a church at Newfield, and the lost ground could
not be recovered. Mr. Gillett seeing what was taking place at the
northeast, poured hot shot from the pulpit, as was the custom then,
which only made more Baptists ; wherefore, he deserted that line of
defence, leaving the gunboats to the Baptists safely moored in the
east branch of the Naugatuck at Newfield, and preached the gospel
of salvation the more earnestly at Torrington green. The work
went forward cheeringly. The meeting house was finished inside at
considerable expense, and the steeple erected according to the best
Presbyterian style, and a bell placed in it,

In 1799, came " the great awakening ; " the first that Torrington '
had ever known in its first church. The seventeenth of November,
1799, was a great day, when thirty-three persons, mostly heads of
families, united with the church ; nine others having done the same
in September, previous, and seven more followed in the next January.

In the winter of 1816 there was another large addition to the
church. In the summer of 1816, that remarkable minister, Asahel
Nettleton, D.D., assisted Mr. Gillett in preaching and holding
meetings for three months or more, and the result was the greatest
religious awakening ever known in that church. His first text
remembered still, by a boy then sixteen years of age, was : " Where-
fore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.'"

' The Rev. John A. McKinstry, in a letter dated June 12, 1844, says of that revival :
" It extended through the parish, and was quite powerful. Even at this period, when first
impressions have gone, that revival is called, ' the revival in Torrington,' there having been
none since of equal extent and power. The subjects of that work, with few exceptions,
have adorned their profession, and some of them have been, and still are, pillars in the
church. The influence of this revival upon the church, and upon the community, was in
a high degree salutary. The work was solemn, and the truths presented, plain and search-
ing. The true character and condition of the sinner was clearly set before him, and he was
shown that his only hope was in the sovereign- mercy of God through a crucified Savior.
The measures adopted were such as were common in this region at that time ; such as the
ministry of the word on the Sabbath, frequent visitation, personal conversation on the sub-
ject of religion, and prayer meetings during the week. In personal conversation, Mr. Nettle-
ton abounded, and many attributed their religious impressions to the truth presented at such
times. At the communion in November, 1816, the first fruits were gathered into the
church, and in the January following, several more were added. The number that joined
at these seasons was about fifty. Others were added at subsequent seasons, but the precise
number cannot be stated. It is reported, however, that the number of conversions was
about seventy." (See memoir of Nettleton, page 80.)

38 History of Torrington.

Again in 1821, did the Rev. Father Gillett see the prosperity of
Zion in the addition of twenty at one time to his church. The
thirty-three years of his labors with this people were years of much
work and a proportionate amount of success, and must have given
him great satisfaction during the closing years of life. He closed his
labors and entered his rest January 19, 1 826, aged seventy-seven years.

Rev. William R. Gould was pastor of this church five years, his
labors being divided one or more years with the church in Wolcott-
ville. He was a good and true minister, but the years had come when
the people were going from the old homes in Torrington to all parts
of the country, and the church and congregation were destined to
grow less instead of increasing.

The Rev. Milton Huxley was stated supply, or preached without
being installed, for the term of nine years, after Mr. Gould. He is
well spoken of, and the church and society kept on its even way
of growing less in numbers by removals from the parish.

The next minister was the Rev. John Alexander McKinstry, who
was ordained pastor October 5, 1842, and continued his labors until
1857. He was a faithful minister; a man of considerable energy
and activity ; a steady worker in the Sunday school ; diligent and
careful in looking after the interests of the church, and in visiting
public schools. While here he commenced collecting material for
the history of the town, but the author of this book has not been able
to obtain any aid from the collections then made except from the
manual of the Torrington church, which has been a convenience of
much value. It was during JVIr. McKinstry's pastorate that the old
meeting house was taken down and another built in its place. Mr.
McKinstry closed his labors here in the autumn of 1857, ^"^ ^^^
settled the next Sabbath after in Harwinton, After this the Rev.
Charles B. Dye preached as a supply, one year ; and following him
the Rev. Sylvanus C. Marvin was obtained, and continued four
years. He is spoken of in high terms of appreciation and remem-
brance. He left in the spring of i865, and settled in Woodbridge
near New Haven, where he still remains.

Rev. Jacob H. Strong was the next minister employed. He
preached his first sermon here Nov. 12, 1865 ; was not installed,
but continued to preach four years. He was an acceptable minister,
and his labors were successful in all respects. It was while he was
laboring here in the week of the Fourth of July, 1869, that the Rev.
John D. Potter held a series of meetings with this church. Of this

ToRRINGTON ChURCH.

meeting Mr. Strong says : " Considerable religious interest succeeded
and there were twenty or more hopeful conversions ; twelve united
with the church."

Some considerable money had been established as a fund for the
society, as early as 1815, when the ministry lot was sold for two
thousand, two hundred dollars, A large proportion of this money
had been used by the society in various extremities, and Mr. Strong
engaged in the arduous task of soliciting money to replace what had
been used and thus keep the fund at its original amount. By great
perseverance, and the earnest efforts of others, he succeeded, and
thereby did a good work for the church and society. It was during
his labors also that the incipient steps were taken which resulted in
the removal of the meeting house from the green to Torrington hol-
low. In the beginning of winter in 1869, Mr. Strong removed to
California, for the health of his family, and the church was supplied
by the Sabbath, for a year or more. In the autumn of 1872, Rev.
Michael J. Callan was engaged to preach and continued about a year
and a half, and considerable religious interest was manifested under his
labors in the spring of 1874, and several united with the church.

The author of this book preached for this church over a year,
commencing in the summer of 1874, and during that time he began
collecting material for this work.

Under the labors of the Rev. Charles P. Croft, this church expe-
rienced in the winter of 1876 and 7, a very general awakening to
religious interests. Not only were there sixty or more conversions
but the spirit of remoulding after the gospel, pervaded the whole
community, and the result was greatly in favor of the perpetuity of
the life of the old church.

Officers of the Church.

Ministers.

Rev. Nathaniel Roberts, ordained Oct., 1741; died March 4, 1776.
Rev. Noah Merwin, ordained Oct. 25, 17765 dis. Nov. 26, 1783.
Rev. Alexander Gillett, ins. May 23, 1792; died Jan. 19, 1826, aged 77.
Rev. William Ripley Gould, ins. Feb. 28, 1827; dis. Feb. 12, 1832.
Rev. Milton Huxley, supply 1833 to 1842.
\ Rev. John A. McKinstry, ord. Oct. 5, 18425 dis. 1857.
Rev. Charles B. Dye, supply one year.
Rev. Sylvanus Marvin, supply four years.
Rev. Jacob H. Strong, " Nov. 12, 1865 to 1869.
Rev. Michael J. Callan, " one year and a half.
Rev. Samuel Orcutt, " one year and a half.
Rev. Charles P. Croft, " autumn of 1876 to

History of Torrington.

Ministers Raised.
Rev. Timothy P. Gillett, Rev. Luther Hart,

Rev. James Beach, Rev. Abel K. Hinsdale,

Rev. Miles Grant.

Ebenezer Lyman,
John Cook,
John Whiting,
Wait Beach,
Abel Hinsdale,
DocT. Elijah Lyman,
Guy Wolcott,
Marvin Barber,
Giles Ward,
Rodney Pierce,
Lorrain Hinsdale,
Frederick P. Hills,
Lyman R. Pond,

Deacons.

chosen 1742, died 1762;

aged 80.

1755. " 1779.

" 61.

1764, " 1820,

" 92.

1794, « 1810,

" 64.

1802, " 1851,

« 86.

1813, " 1819.

1 8 21, dismissed.

1822, died 1840,

aged 44.

1838, " 1845,

«' 76.

1846.

1850, removed.

1869.

•1877.

Members of the Church.
Organized Oct. 21, 1 741.

Ebenezer Lyman, and his wife Experience,
Ebenezer Lyman Jr., and his wife Sarah,
Ebenezer North, and his wife Sybil,
Jonathan Coe, and his wife Elizabeth,
Jacob Strong, and his wife iVIindwell,

Margaret Thrall (Joel),
Ebenezer Coe, and his wife Jane,
Samuel Damon, and his wife.

Abel Beach, and his wife Margaret,
Nathaniel Barber, and his wife Hepziba,
John Cook, and his wife Rachel,
Asahel Strong. [Seventeen in number].

1742.

Thomas Stoughton Jr.,

Margaret Roberts (Rev. N.),
Joseph Beach, and his wife,
Sarah Grant (Wm.),
Nathan Beach,
Elizabeth Thrall (Daniel),

Hannah Loomis (Aaron).

Beriah Hills*' and his wife Mary.*

Samuel Damon Jr., and his wife,
John Damon, and his wife,
Anne Wilson (Noah).

1743-

Hannah Lyman.

1744-

Aaron Loomis, and his wife Deborah,
Aaron Loomis Jr.,
Mindwell Loomis,
Esther Loomis.

1746.

1747-

1 All names marked with a star, " owned their covenant and were taken under the watch and care of the
church," under the halfway covenant, and could have their children baptized, though they were not
" members in full cemmunion."

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iah Apley,
ekicl Apley jr.
s. Keziah Thr
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TORRINGTON ChURCH.

Israel Avered, and his wife Abigail,
Joseph Fowler,
Amos Wilson,

Joshua Phelps,*
Abigail Coe (Thomas),

1749.

John Whiting.
1751.

John Birge.*
1752.

Joseph Drake.*

1753-

Hannah Mott (Jonathan).

1754-

Samuel Cole [Cowles] and his wife Martha, William Filley and his wife Abiah,

Timothy Judd and his wife, Joel Loomis,

David Birge, Isabel Loomis (Abraham),

Mary Curtiss, Jerusha Loomis,

Zebulon Curtiss and his mother Mary, and Isabel Loomis (daughters of Abraham),

his wife Lydia,
Ichabod Loomis and his wife Dorothy,

Elizabeth Marshall (Thomas).

Moses Loomis and his wife Sarah,*
Epaphras Loomis* and his wife,*
Samuel Cowles,

Benjamin Ives,* and his wife R.*

1755-

1756.

Sarah Whiting (John),
Phebe a slave of Joel Thrall.

1757-

Benjamin Whiting* and his wife Esther,* Abner Loomis* and his wife Sarah,*

Elizabeth Loomis (Joel), Abner Loomis Jun.* and his wife,*

Noah North and his wife, William Coe* and his wife.*

1758.
Charles Mather* and his wife Ruth,* Ephraim Loomis,*

John Wetmore* and his wife Elizabeth,* Henry Akins* and his wife.*

1759-
Asahel North* and his wife Ruth,* Mary Coe (Thomas).

Aaron Alverd and his wife,
Noah Brown* and his wife,*

Mary Cowles,

Amasa Marshall* and his wife,*

Martin North* and his wife*,

Abraham Filley,* and his wife,*
Joseph Haskins,* and his wife,*
Ephraim Durwin, and his wife,
Edward Eggleston,* and his wife,*
Jabez Gillett,* and his wife,*

July 6, 1760.

Adam Mott* and his wife.*

1761.

Ebenezer Miller* and his wife,*
Wife of David Brown.

1762.

David Austin,* and his wife,*
Asahel Wilcox,* and his wife,*
Samuel Everet,* and his wife,*
Thomas Curtiss,* and his wife.*

History of Torrington

Henry Akins, renewed cov. and reed, in
Joseph Thrall,* and his wife,*
The wife of Oliver Coe,*

Wife of Matthew Grant,
Eunice Sheldon,
Epaphras Sheldon,
Wife of James Bacon,

Ensign Ephraim Bancroft,
Joel Wetmore,* and his wife,*
Experience Beach (dau. of Joseph),
Robert Coe,* and his wife,*

Aaron Thrall,* and his wife.*

Elijah Barber,* and his wife,*
J. Brown,

Jonathan Coe Jr.,* and his wife,*
Wife* of Joseph Blake,
Abijah Wilson,* and his wife,*
Timothy Judd Jr., and his wife,

Elizabeth Allen (Joseph),
Sarah Whiting,* the younger,
Lene Mott,

John Cook Jr.,*

Caleb Lyman,* and his wife,*

Job Curtiss* and his wife,*

Ebenezer North Junr.* and his wife,*

Elizabeth Agard,

Margaret Roberts dau. of Rev.,

Abigail Allyn,

Ann Wilson (dau. of Noah),

Joseph Taynter* and his wife,*

Bushniel Benedict,

Chloe Barber,

" Ariel," Brace,* and his wife,*

Wife* of Oliver Cotten,
John Beach* and his wife,*

1763.
full, Ebenezer Smith,* and his wife,
Elizabeth Allen.

1764.

Noah Wilson, Jr.,* and his wife,*
Eli Loomis,* and his wife,*
Benjamin Beach,* and his wife.*

1765.

Wife* of Thomas Marshall Jr.,
Wife* of William Grant Jr.,
Reuben Thrall,* and his wife.

1766.

1767.
Samuel Deming.*

1768.

Aaron Cook,* and his wife Lydia.
Wife * of Timothy Osband,
Samuel Beach,* and his wife,*
Abram Filley.

1769.

Samuel Preston,*
George Miller.

1770.

Jerusha Sheldon (Remembrance) ,

Ebenezer Preston,

Wife* of John Curtiss,

Vest Not,

Benjamin Eggleston and his wife,*

1771.

John Young* and his wife,*

1772.

Levi Thrall* and his wife.*

^773-

Friend Thrall.*

1774.

Wife* of Shubal Cook.
1775-

Noah Fowler* and his wife.*

TORRINGTON ChURCH.

The Rev. Noah Merwin, who was pastor from 1776 to 1783, left
no regular records of the church, but is said to have carried the
records with him and did not return them though requested so to do
by the church.

A slip of paper among the church records contains the following
names as having been admitted to membership, the date standing
opposite the last name.

Feb. 27, 1777.

Deacon Wait Beach and Huldah his wife, Ashbel North and his wife Ruth,

Two misses Hurlbut,

Abner Loomis,

Benjamin Whiting and Esther his wife,

Ebenezer Lyman and Anna his wife.

Sarah Whiting,

Axa North,

Lois Wetmore (Samuel),

Hepzibah Loomis.

Lucy Smith (Elisha),
Hannah Thrall (Noah),

Philomela Marshall (Raphael).

May 5.

Nathan Gillett,
Mrs. Nathan Gillett,
Sybil Lyman,
James Beach [Rev.].

Sept. I.
Timothy P. Gillett [Rev.],
Nathan Gillett Jr.,
Luther Hart [Rev.],
Ruth Gillett,
Eleanor Lyman,
Roxalana Hodges,
Abigail Wolcott,
Salome Gillett.

No-v. 17.
Eli Richards,
Sarah Richards,
Zacheus Gillett, '
Guy Wolcott [Deacon],
Abel Hinsdale [Deacon],
Mary Hinsdale (Abel),

Jan. 19.

Joseph Allyn, Jr.,

David Leach,'

Esther Johnson (Jacob),

Hannah Wilson (Noah),

Abigail Stoddard (Ebenezer),

No-v. 4, 1792.

Adah Gillett (Rev. Alexander).

March 4, 1793.

1799.

Rosel Wilson,

Ruth Wilson (Rosel),

Benjamin Phelps,

Lydia Phelps (Benjamin),

Mary Holbrook (Abijah),

Mary Thrall (Levi),

Rebecca Hodges, (widow of Doct.),

Lucy Loomis, (Moses jr.),

Asenath Hinsdale (Elisha),

Mercy Beach (John),

Jemima Loomis (Benoni),

Henry Rcw,

Ebenezer Lyman Jr.,

George Fowler,

Henry Hart,

Sabra Loomis,

Clarissa Loomis,

Hannah Allyn,

Rhoda Lyman,

Sally Wetmore.

1800.

Miriam Wetmore (Pomeroy),
Mehitable Palmer (Harvey).
No-v. 2.
Owen Brown,
Ruth Brown (Owen).

History of Torrington.

May 9,
Lydia Richards (Eli),

Jan. 19.
Rebecca Smith (Joseph),

>{y 3-

Levi Beach.

Doct. Elijah Lyman (Dea.),
Lorinda Lyman (Doct. E.),

May I.
Benoni Gillet,
Phebe Gillet (Benoni),

May 8.
Lyman Wetmore,
Betsey Wetmore (Lyman),
Giles Ward,
Eunice Ward (Giles),
Huldah Cook (Elihu),
Sabra Wilson (Amos Jr.),
Amarilla Eggleston (Curtis),
Anna Foot (Jairus),
Elizabeth Allyn jr.,
Chloe Loomis,

No-v. 4.
James Otis Pond.

Erastus Hurlbut.

Nancy Kimberly, widow,

Joseph Allyn,

Abel Roberts,

Giles Whiting,

Norman Fowler,

Statira Fowler (Norman),

Amos Wilson,

Elzah Cowles,

Chester Bancroft,

Rachel Bancroft (Chester),

Patience Baldwin, widow,

Hannah Loomis, widow,

Jerusha Bancroft (Noah),

Jedidah White (Thomas),

Sibyl Coe (Abijah),

Sarah Leach (Ormel),

Laura Leach (Myron),

Chloe Mott (Ira),

1802.

Eunice Hurlbut (Thomas).

1803.
Betsey Beach (Levi).

1807.

Sally Roberts (Abel),
Philomela Bostwick (Wm.),
Chloe Cowles (Elijah),
Mrs. Sylvanus Holbrook.

1808.

Elizabeth Richards,
Laura Loomis,
Sarah Dutton,
Dotha Johnson,
Maria Marshall.

Sept.
Sarah Wetmore (Joel),
William Marsh,
Rocksey Bissell.

1811.

July 2.
Linus Sage Cook,
Hannah Cook (L. S.).

1815.

No-v. 3, 18 1 6.

Alpha Hodges,
Sibyl Catlin Fowler,
Harriet Childs,
Harriet Whiting,
Anna Wolcott,
Rozalena North,
Phila Marshall,
Ursula Fowler,
Eunice Marsh,
Lucinda Phelps,
Huldah Loomis,
Almira Wolcott,
Flora Coe,
Pamelia North,
Aurelia Palmer,
Hannah Lyman,
Alzada Barber.

Russel C. Abernethy,
Orrel Abernethy (R. C),
George Lyman,
Orphelia Lyman (^Geo.),
Anna Potter (^Nathan),
Israel Coe,
Henry Elkanah Hodges,

Jan. 4.

Rebecca Whiting.

May 3.

Mahitable Jewit,

TORRINGTON ChuRCH.

Jan. 5, 1 8 17.

William H. Whiting,
Samuel Thrall,
Marvin Barber,
Nancy Wetmore,
Almeda Beach,
Mindwell Kellogg,
Henry Wattles.

1818.

Erastus Hurlbut,
Clarissa Hurlbut (Erastus),
Betsey Hurlbut,
Anna Hurlbut.

July I.
Seth Smith,
Ebenezer Hills,
Laurin Thrall,
Dennis Hart,
Norman Coe,
Gilmor Hinsdale,
Chauncey P. Allyn,
Abraham Foot,
Addison Philow,
Eliza Wilson (Amos),

Mary Willey,

Rhoda Fowler (Noah).

IS2I.

Harriet Gates,
Eliza Lyman,
Anna E. White,
Nancy E. Coe,
Hannah Goodwin,
Hannah Beach,
Desire Fowler,
Lois Wilson,
Mariah Wetmore,
Lucretia Palmer,
Electa Loomis.

1822.

Eleanor Wolcott.

Sept. I, 1826.

1827. ,

Aug. 5.
Lorrain Wetmore,

Dea. Lorrain Hinsdale,
Fanny Loomis,
Daniel Richards,
Experience Richards (Daniel),
Mary A. Whiting (Fred P.),

Eliza Cowles (Albro),
Lucy Eggleston,

Fanny C. Wetmore (Lorrain).

Amanda Wetmore,
Amanda Loomis.

1828.

Abel K. Hinsdale (Rev.), missionary of A .

B. C. F. M. at Mosul,
Mrs. Esther Weeks,
Eunice Gould.

1829.

Susan Rowley (Artemas).

1830.

History of Torringto

Rachel Whiting,
Huldah Cook,
Uri Whiting,
Emma R. Palmer,

Sally Wheeler,
Henry Judd,
Alexander Gillett,
Julia Spencer,
Mehetable Palmer,
Fanny Hector,

Lucy Loomis.

Jerusha Loomis (Horace),
Harriet H. Huxley (Rev. M.),

Roxy Hodges.
Sibyl Coe,

Caroline Smith (Isaiah).
Mary Prince (Jairus).
Louisa North (Phineas).

Charles Hotchkiss,
Electa Hotchkiss,
Phebe S. Allen,
Rosanna Parmelee,
Elisha S. Booth,
Elvira Booth,

Mary E. McKinstry (Rev.)

Willard Hodges,
Frederick P. Hills (Dea.),

Rebecca A. Whiting,

Burton T. Cowles,
Norman B. Buel,
Russel L. Pond,
Milo Barber,

1831.

Louisa Wetmore,
Mary Abernethy,
Orphelia Leach.

1832.

Myron Spaulding,
Almira Palmer,
Harriet Sage,
Caroline Sage,
Nancy Coe.

1833-

1835-

Melinda Whiting.

1836.

1837.

Harriet Whiting.
1838.

1840.
1842.

1843.

Harriet Sage (Linus),
Clarissa Whiting (Geo. L.),
Rodney Pierce (Dea.),
Jane Pierce,
Eliza Barber.

1844.

1845-

Lucy E. Hills.

1847-

Aurora J. Hinsdale.

1849.

Angeline E. Cowles,
Helen P. North,
Emma J. Whiting.

ToRRINGTON ChURCH.

Alonzo Whiting,
Frank L. G. Whiting,
Loomis B. Beach,
Warren Goodwin,
Elvira Goodwin,
Miles Hart,

Asa Button,
Beula Dutton,
Levi W. Thrall,
Amelia Thrall,

Delia C. Hodges,

1850. .

Laura Hart (Miles),
Betsey Hart (Alpha),
Wealthy E. Hart (Victory),
Lucy Pond,
Susan Beach.

1851.

Victory C. Hart,
Arthur M. Kimberly,
Laura M. Hodges.

1852.

Elizabeth Cowles (B. T.).

CHAPTER VII.

TORRINGFORD CHURCH.

The Society.

^:3^^s=^>j) REACHING services were held by Rev. Nathaniel
nh Roberts, on the east side of the town, six Sabbaths, in
1754, and also in 1755, and the next year the preaching
was measured by the amount they paid to the society.
The town vote, however, gave them the privilege of having preach-
ing four months that year, and released them from paying for the
support of Mr. Roberts. The meetings at this time were held in the
house of Nehemiah Gaylord and Shubael Griswold.

In 1757, a petition was sent to the assembly, signed by nineteen
persons, asking the Uberty to have preaching such part of the year as
they were able, and to be released from supporting Mr. Roberts.
The number of families in that part of the town at that time is stated
to have been about twenty. The following were the petitioners :

Abraham Dibble, Nehemiah Gaylord, Benjamin Bissell,

Jonathan Kelsey, David Birge, John Birge,

Jonathan Gillett, Ebenezer Winchell, Samuel Durwin,

Joshua Austin, Charles Mather, Thomas Dibble,

Shubael Griswold, Aaron Yale, Ephraim Dibble.

Benjamin Matthews, John Burr,

Nathan Kelsey, Jane Loomis,

At a meeting held in October 27, 1757, a committee was appointed
to hire a minister, and a vote was passed to raise ten pounds for de-
fraying the expense in so doing.

In April, 1759, the town expressed its willingness by vote that four
tiers and a half of lots in the eastern part should be made into a so-
ciety, and in May next, the people asked the general assembly to
incorporate a society to include these tiers and the western tier in
New Hartford ; and if this could not be granted, they asked that the
people might be exempt from paying in New Hartford, and be allowed
to support preaching in the eastern part of Torrington. They en-
treated for the privileges of a society, though they were scarcely able
to support preaching in an honorable manner, if the privilege was
granted them. This request, however strange it may seem, after a
hundred years and more are passed, was denied.

ToRRINGFORD ChuRCH. 49

In October, 1759, they presented another petition with twenty
names, stating that there were then in East Torrington twenty-two
families, and one hundred and sixty-six persons, many of whom were
small children ; and they asked that they might be exempt from public
charges, that they may maintain worship among themselves ; this
request was denied.

The next spring they renewed this petition, to be exempt from
public taxes that they might support the gospel among themselves,
since they could not do both. This petition was long, urgent, and
eloquent, in presenting the circumstances and facts in the case. They
represented "their distance from places of worship; the number of
children and older people who could not go such distances regularly ;
the expense attending the education of their children, clearing new
farms, constructing highways, and the many inconveniences of a new
country, and therefore desired release from public taxes," but they
did not obtain their request.

In 1 76 1 New Hartford gave its consent that four miles of the
west tier of lots might be annexed to East Torrington for the support
of the gospel. After this full consent of both towns, and their earnest
entreaties heretofore, they were under the necessity of petitioning the
assembly at four successive sessions before they obtained their request.
But it was a matter of great importance to them, and therefore they
were not to be easily denied, and the truthfulness of the closing
paragraph of each petition, they most faithfully fulfilled : "as in duty
'bound your petitioners will ever pray."

The society was incorporated in October 1763, under the name
of ToRRiNGFORD^ ; the territory included four and a half tiers of lots
on the eastern side of the town and the western tier in New Hartford,
four miles in length. The half of another tier was afterwards added,
and thus the society continued for many years.

At the first meeting after the incorporation they say : " the in-
habitants of '■ Torringford ' (using the society name for the first
time); being convened together; holden Dec. 21, 1763." They
seem to use that name with satisfaction, and well they might for they
had petitioned long enough, to obtain it ; and then they proceed to
make arrangements for regular meetings and to elect officers for the
year, who were as follows :

' Made from the names of the two towns.

fo History of Torrington.

Dea. Jonathan Kelsev,^ moderator ; Nehemiah Gaylord, clerk of
the society ; Dea. Jonathan Kelsey, Samuel Austin and John Birge,
society committee ; Jabez Gillett, society collector.

This meeting was adjourned one week when they passed several
votes which indicated substantial work as a society.

" Voted to raise money for schooling by rate.

" Voted to raise a penny and half penny upon the pound for school-
ing.

" Voted that those people that live in New Hartford and belong to
this society, shall have their own money to lay out for schooling
among themselves.

" Voted that the society committee shall take the care of, and order
the schooling.

" Voted that we will make some preparations this year for building
a meeting house.

" Voted that we will build the meeting house forty-eight feet long
and thirty-eight feet wide.

'' The vote was then reconsidered and voted to be forty-six feet
long and thirty-six wide.

"Voted that the height of the house be left to the judgment of the
committee.

" Voted to raise thirty pounds to be paid in boards and shingles
within a year from this time for the meeting house.

" Voted that Ebenezer Winchell, Elijah Gaylord, and Lieut. Ben-
jamin Bissell, shall be a committee to order out the getting oi the
boards, and shingles, and to receive them for the meeting house.

"• Voted to raise four pence on the pound in order to support the
gospel amongst us."

Such was the beginning of the Torringford society which has con-
tinued its steady and benevolent work, nearly one hundred and four-
teen years, during which time it has expended, for the support ot
the gospel (or the preaching) alone, on an average, four hundred dollars
a year, or $46,000.

The Meeting House.

When the first meeting house was proposed for the west side of
the town, an agreement was made between the inhabitants, that those
on the east side need not pay towards the building of the house, pro-

' Mr. Kelsey had been deacon in Woodbury and hence is called deacon before any church
was organized in Torringford.

ToRRINGFORD ChURCH. 5I

vided they would relinquish all right as to the location, or site, and a
record of this agreement was entered among the deeds of land, dated in
1748. The names of persons thus agreeing stand as follows: East
side : Abraham Dibble, Benjamin Bissell, Nehemiah Gaylord, Elijah
Gaylord, Gideon Loomis, John Birge, Thomas Dibble. These names
probably represent nearly all the families east of the swamp at that
time.

West side : Noah Wilson, Israel Avered, Moses Loomis, Aaron
Loomis, Jacob Strong, Ebenezer North, Wm. Grant, Joel Thrall,
Asahel Strong, Ebenezer Coe, Isaac Higley, Zebulon Curtiss, Thomas
Stoughton, Joel Loomis, Ebenezer Lyman, Thomas Curtiss, Aaron
Loomis, Jr., Beriah Hills, Jonathan Coe, Nathaniel Barber, Abel
Beach, Joseph Fowler, Joseph Beach, Thomas Marshall, Ebenezer
Lyman, Jr., John Whiting. Why the names of John Cook, Noah
Wilson, and Abel Beach were not on this paper is not clear, for the
agreement was such, as to which none, seemingly could object ; and
therefore, when the east side began to build they had no claim on the
old church for assistance, because of aid previously rendered.

The Torringford society, having made some provision towards
building a meeting house in 1763, voted in Dec, 1764, to "add two
feet to the length and breadth," and arranged to obtain a committee
to "pitch the stake, for a site which would accommodate the whole
society." In June, 1766, they voted to "proceed to build a place
of worship." In April, 1768, they agreed to "raise the house as
they could conveniently," and in September of the same year they
"voted that the annual meeting of the society should be held in the
church," therefore the house was built in the summer of 1768. In
October of the same year, they presented a petition to the general
assembly, showing that the territory of the society embraced about
ten thousand acres of land, of which about seven thousand belonged
to non-residents ; that they had erected a church, which was covered ;
had doors, a floor, convenient benches, and glass windows for the
lower story ; that they desired to settle a minister as soon as they
could ; and that the list of the present inhabitants is only two thou-
sand and eight hundred pounds, and they pray that the assembly
would grant a tax of three pence per acre for three years on all the
land in the society, to provide a settlement for the first settling min-
ister, and if any surplus remains, it should be used toward completing
the church. The petition was granted. This house stood on the

£2 History of Torrington.

highway, on the west side, some fifty rods south of the present church

edifice.

In December, 1783, a committee was appointed to consider and
decide whether the church stands in the right place, and if it did not
to pitch a stake where it ought to stand, and at the same time, tbey
voted to raise means to procure material to finish the inside of the
meeting house. These acts were rescinded afterwards, but in Janu-
ary, 1785, a tax was laid, payable by the first of June, to finish the
house. In obedience to this movement considerable work was done
that summer on the inside of the house but it was not plastered. In
March, 1788, a committee was appointed to settle with David Soper
for plastering the church. In December, 1788, a seating committee
was appointed, and the appointment thereafter was made annually
while they worshiped in that house.

The house was painted in 1792, having neither bell nor steeple.
Repairs went on thus until 181 8, when a stove was placed in the
house. In 1828, liberty was given to alter the front gallery for the
singers. In 1835, the thanks of the society were voted unanimously
to Uriel Tuttle for the use of his organ for the time past, showing
that in instrumental music they were in advance of many churches
of that day, and Charles B. Smith and Frederick Phelps were compli-
mented for their services at the organ, by a vote of thanks from the
society, and thereby, probably, received a larger salary than they ex-
pected.

In 1835, the society voted to build a new house of worship. Long
had that old house served the purpose of the consecrated place of
worship to the one only true God. Father Mills the great and grand
old pastor and preacher was gone to his eternal home. There, in
that pulpit had he stood more than fifty years, regularly on the Sab-
bath, to announce the message of good news, the invitations of the
Son of man, and the ofl^er of endless blessedness, to the congregated
people. His voice, so familiar to thousands of ears, even outside of
his own parish, had ceased, and was gone, forever gone. How they
could thrust that old house aside, with all its sacred memories is a
wonder, but they did it. Every instinctive rising of the soul in re-
membrance of the past, utters its protest, and pleads with " Young
America" to spare that place ; if not for the sake of the grand old
minister, then for the sake of his son, the missionary prince who
had worshiped there; and if not because of him, then for the sake
of the good it had done in the service of that long line of worshipers

ToRRINGFORD ChuRCH. ^^

who, while living, knew no other place of union of prayer, but now
were gone beyond the confines of earthly temples.

But no voice could prevail ; a new house must be built, and built
it was in 1838 and in the early part of 1839, and the society voted
that it be used for public worship after the third Sunday in May. It
required an effort of twenty-five years, with the aid of the general
assembly, to erect and complete the first house of worship, and it
was in use seventy-one years. It required an effort of three and a
half years to locate and finish the second house which has been in
use over thirty- five years. The old church was sold by the piece to
the highest bidder, and therefore some of the fragments may be seen
still in Torringford.

In 1874, the second meeting house was remodeled inside; the old
pews taken out and slips put in their stead ; the gallery closed up,
and a place for the choir arranged at the side of the pulpit. The
pulpit and platform were changed to the most modern style, and thus
it stands surrounded by such interesting and sacred memories.

The Burying Ground.
In December, 1788, the society instructed their committee to take
a lease of the burying ground from Captain Gaylord, and to have it
well fenced the next spring " if that was not done by the people by
spells." This ground was enlarged in 1812, on the east and west
sides. The deaths noted, during a period of seventy-five years, ending
with 1 85 1, were six hundred and fifty-two, or an average of nine a
year ; and the ages of four hundred and three of these were recorded.
Only one person reached the age of one hundred years ; twelve lived
ninety years or more ; and one hundred and twenty -six lived seventy
years.

The Church.

The church in Torringford was deprived of all its records in the
burning of the house of its pastor. Rev. Samuel J. Mills, in 1823,
in which all of his library and papers were consumed, and therefore
the items secured as to its early existence and success are gleaned
from various other sources.

In the summer of 1763, Rev. Mr. Gould appears to have preached
a short time, or rather there was a vote to employ him as though he
were already preaching there. During the year 1764, the society
was very m^ich exercised in securing the site for the church and

54 History of Torrington.

nothing is said by them about preaching only the laying of a tax in
the autumn of that year.

The journal of the Rev. Jonathan Marsh Porter, pastor of New
Hartford at the time, has lately (1877) been deposited in the Con-
gregational Memorial Hall at Hartford, and in this journal, under the
head of admission and dismission of members of the church, occurs
the following :

" Aug. 5, 1764, Samuel Kelsey and his wife were recommended
by acts of this church to Christian communion and fellowship at
Torringford.

" Aug, 13, 1764. Mary Birge of Torringford was recommended by
a vote of y^ church to Christian communion at Torringford.

" Aug. 26, 1 764. Samuel Austin and his wife and y*^ widow of Robert
Austin were recommended to Christian communion at Torringford."

The inference from these items is that these persons were dis-
missed in order to form a church in Torringford ; because they were
not recommended to a church as was the custom of Mr. Porter in
other cases, to write. And further, Samuel Kelsey came from Wood-
bury a few years previous and united with the New Hartford church,
and would not be likely to come back unless a church was to be
organized at home. These six persons were all recommended in
August, 1764, and the probability is, for the purpose of organizing
the church in the September following.

In the spring of 1765, Rev. Ebenezer Devenport began to preach
for this church and society and in July the society appointed a special
committee to act for the society^ in regard to the settling of Wx.
Devenport as pastor ; as though there had. already been appointed a
committee by the church, and if so the church must have been in
existence some time previous. It is most probable therefore that the
church was organized in Sept., 1764.

On Feb. 6, 1769, Mr. Samuel John Mills having preached here,
the society voted to " give Mr. Mills a probationary call to settle in
the work of the ministry amongst us ;" and he was accordingly settled
and ordained pastor June 28, 1769. At this time there was a church
here, recognized by the Litchfield Association, and to which they
commended Mr. Mills.

To Mr. Mills the society voted a " settlement " of two hundred
pounds, to be paid in three years if he settled among them. His
salary was made =£55, the first year, to be increased five pound a year
until it should become seventy pounds, and his fire wood given him

ToRRINGFORD ChURCH. ^^

in addition ; the one-half was to be paid in money, and the other, in
wheat, rye, and Indian corn at the market price.

Under his labors the church' prospered, and with its pastor, and
through him and his son, rose in fame and celebrity, nearly if not
quite equal to any church in the state, especially as being intimately
connected with the beginning of missionary enterprises for foreign
lands.

Special religious interest was manifested in this church in 1773,
and 1782 and 1793. The revival of 1799 was of greatest extent,
and secured greater results of obedience to the gospel than any that
ever occurred in the community.' There were also revivals in 1806 ;
in 1816, when sixty joined the church ; in 1821, when as many more
united ; in 1H27, and 1831, during the labors of Mr. Mills. Before
Mr. Mills's decease, Mr. Epaphras Goodman was ordained as colleague
pastor, and there were added to the church, by profession, in 1834,
twenty-nine; in 1842, twenty-seven; in 1849, sixteen; in 1858,
twenty-nine; and in 1 867, nineteen.

In 1835, the church reported two hundred members and this was
probably the highest number it had attained at any time. In 1849,
Torringford contained one hundred and twenty families and five hun-
dred and thirty persons, and since that time has diminished somewhat,
and therefore the membership of the church has not at any time been
larger than in 1835. The church has been among the foremost in
sentiment and effort in the temperance and anti-slavery reforms, and
has been commendably liberal in its contributions for charitable pur-
poses. There have been over six hundred members of this church,
and among them many good men and women, great in heart and
effort for the ends for which churches are instituted, but it has had
one member raised within its fold, brought to the light and truth of
the gospel by its own instrumentality, of whom the remark is emi-
nently appropriate that for the honor of promoting the cause of
Christ, this church cannot afford to exchange the name of Samuel J.
Mills, Jr., on its roll for that of any other Christian benefactor
America has ever produced.^ But this brightest star in the coronal
wreath of this church represents only one of many others, who once
toiled hard and suffered much in the various relations of domestic,
social, civil, and Christian life, in the community where it was planted.

' See biography of Father Mills.

"Rev. Wm. H. Moore, in Torringford centennial.

56 History of Torrington.

A Sunday school was organized at the house of Father Mills in
the summer of 18 16, showing that the pastor and the people were
ready to accept new as well as old methods of doing good, and this
spirit and enterprise still continue.

This vine of the master's planting has been a blessing from gene-
ration to generation, and has enriched every interest of the people for
time and eternity, and its faith and fruit have blessed the world.

The labors of the Rev. Epaphras Goodman from 1822 to 1836,
were abundant in all good things. " During his pastorate here, he
did much to raise the standard of education, was forward in the re-
formatory movements of the day, cooperated effectively with his
ministerial brethren for the prosperity of religion in the county, and
had the satisfaction of seeing large numbers added to the church."'

Officers of the Church.

Ministers.

Rev. Mr. Heaton, supply in the autumn of 1760, some months.

Rev. Ebenezer Devenport, supply from summer of 1764 one year or more.

Rev. Samuel John Mills, pastor, ordained, . June 28, 1769, . died May 11, 1833.

Rev. Epaphras Goodman, associate pastor, . Mar. 6, 1822, . . dis. Jan. 12, 1836.

Rev. Herman L. Vaill, pastor, . . . July 5, 1837, . . " Sept. 29, 1839.

Rev. Brown Emerson, " . . . . July 21, 1841, . . '' Sept. 24, 1844.

Rev. John D. Baldwin, supply short time and received a call.

Rev. William H. Moore pastor, . . . Sept. 30, 1846, . . " Sept. 26, 1854.

Rev. Stephen Fenn, "... Nov. 16, 1854, . " Sept. 4, 1857.

Rev. Charles Newman, " ... May 18, 1858, . . " Oct. 28, 1862.

Rev. Spencer O. Dyer, supply one year.

Rev. Franklin Noble, pastor, . . . June 7, 1865, . . " Nov. 30,1866.

Rev. Joseph F. Gaylord, supply two years.

Rev. Dana M. Walcott, " one year to 1871.

Rev. Herrick Knight, " from 1872 to 1874.

Rev. George R. Ferguson, " 1875 to 1877 5 went to Africa as a missionary teacher.

Ministers Raised in Torringford.

Rev. Luther Rossiter, son of Newton Rossiter a tanner at Burrville, became an Episcopal

minister, and his life has been spent at the West.
Rev. Orange Lyman, see biography.
Rev. Samuel J. Mills Jr., see biography.
Rev. Jonathan Miller, see biography.
Rev. Harvey Loomis, see biography.
Rev. David Miller, see biography.
Rev. Stanly Griswold, see biography.
Rev. Erasmus D. Moore, see biography.
Rev. Lucius Curtiss, see biography.
Rev. Warren H. Roberts, Episcopal in 1857 see biography.

'Torringford centennial.

TORRINGFORD ChURCH.

Deacons.
Jonathan Kelsey, at Woodbury and here, died in 1792 aged 89'years.
Nehemiah Gaylord,
Abraham Filley.
Ebenezer Miller,
Job Curtiss,

Ebenezer Miller 2d, appointed in 1807,
Elizur Curtiss, "

Ebenezer Rood, "

Thomas Watson, "

Thomas A. Miller, "

Harvey L. Rood, "

William Watson, "

Giles L. Gaylord.
Chester H. Barber.

•

" in 1801 "

80 «

" in 1814 "

79 "

•

" in 1807 "

62 "

1807,

" in 1842 "

78 "

1808,

resigned in 1843

died 1868, aged 85 years.

1826,

" " 1843,

" 1851, « 75 "

1843,

" " 1855,

removed to Winsted.

1843,

died 1 8 61, aged 55 years

1855.

1861.

List of

When

united.

Adams, Mary,

1848.

Addis, Orphenia S., Geo. T.,

Andrews, Emory A., .

1843.

Austin, Nathaniel, .

1818.

Austin, Anna (Nath.), .

((

Austin, Margaret Mills,

1779.

Austin, Lewis,

, ,

1818.

Austin, Rebecca,

((

Bailey, Tamison Blood, . . 1858.

Bancroft, J. K. Hudson, . . "

Barber, John, . . . . "

Barber, Ursula Catlin, . . "
Barber, John C, ... 1832.

Barber, Sarah Miller, . . 1821.

Barber, Chester, . . . 1851.

Barber, Marilla Birge, . , "

Barber, Chester H., . . 1843.

Barber, Maria E. Blake, . . 1845.

Barber, Willard O. . . . 1849.

Barber, Sarah Birge, . . . 185 1,

Barber, Mary E. Wood-ward, . 1 849.

Barber, Sarah B., . . . 1867.

Barber, Janette S. Birge, . . 1 849.

Bates, Mary L. Taylor, . . 1843.
Battell, William.
Battell, Sarah Buckingham.
Beach, Lucy Walling.

Benedict, Lucina L., . . . 1843.
Birge, Sally Barber.

Birge, Simon, . . . . 183 1.
Birge, Experience Hamlin.

Members.

Birge, Sally,
Birge, Luther,
Birge, Roswell,
Birge, AUstyne,
Birge, Eliza M. Heivit,
Birge, Nathaniel,
Birge, Martha A.,
Birge, Sally Barber,
Birge, Celia M., .
Birge, Julia Waterman.
Bissell, Ezekiel.
Bissell, Ruth De-votion.
Bissell, Ezekiel Jr.
Bissell, Lucretia Spencer.
Bissell, Rhoda Bissell.
Bissell, Charlotte Birge,
Bissell, Peter Mills.
Bissell, Sarah Comstock.
Bissell, Harriet Curtiss,
Bissell, Melicent Watson.
Bissell, Mary S.,
Bissell, Lucius,
Bissell, Sarah Patton,
Bissell, Roderick,
Bissell, Fanny Gaylord,
Bissell, Esther Ann,
Blakeslee, Martha E.,
Brace, Mary Ann Loomis,
Brace, Ellen Ann,
Bronson, Char. A. Pond,
Bronson, Mary J. Bissell,
Burr, Tabitha Loomis.

When united.

. 1818.
«

. 1843-
1858.

. 1861.

1827.
. 1858.

1844.
. 1867.

1832.

1851.

1837.
1851.

1844.

1859.

1849.

1866.

1848.

1858.
«

1843.

History of Torrington.

Burr, Mehitable Loomis.

Burr, Martha Beach.

Burr, Fanny Taylor,

Burr, Uri C, .

Burr, Sarah Mix,

Burr, Lucius,

Burr, Sarah J. Woodruff,

Burr, George A.,

Burr, Mary A.,

Burr, Milo,

Burr, Mary Skinner,

Burr, Lavinia E. Hurlbut,

Burr, Hiram,

Burr, Almira Cook.

Burr, F. Ella,

Burr, Rufus,

Burr, Ann S. Hudson,

Burr, Alonzo,

Burr, Franklin,

Burwell, Ellis,

Calkins, Jane A. Birgc,
Carr, Clement.
Carr, Jedediah Pelton.
Clark, Converse.
Clark, Almira Burr.
Cleaveland, S. J. Taylor,
Cleaveland, Mary,
Cleaveland, James C, .
Cleaveland, L. C. Watson,
Cleaveland, J. R. McD.,
Coe, Caroline Brcivn.
Coe, Julia E.,
Collier, Henry.
Colt, Anson.
Colt, Chloe Gi//ett,
Colt, Anson Jr.,
Colt, Henry,
Colt, Chloe Catlin,
Colt, Geo. R.,
Colt, Margaret E. Grisivold,
Colt, Luman,
Cook, Louisa Fuller,
Cook, Jane M. Hand,
Cross, Ann,
Curtiss, Job, Dea.
Curtiss, Eunice Cowles.
Curtiss, Elizur, Dea., .
Curtiss, Naomi Kellog.
Curtiss, Amanda Steele,

When united.

Curtiss, Naomi R.
Curtiss, Julius.

When united.

. 1822.

Curtiss, Lucius, Rev.

1858.

Curtiss, Hermon,

. 1851.

• 1843-

Curtiss, Sophia Stillman,

1834.

1849.

Curtiss, C. Cecelia Stillman,

. 1852.

. 1851.

Curtiss, Eugenia S.,

1850.

1867.

Curtiss, Uri,

. 1801.

Curtiss, Mary Adams,

1817.

1835.

Curtiss, Rufus,

. 1818.

. 1826.

Curtiss, Ursula Foiuler.

1858.

Curtiss, Jabez G.

• i835-

Curtiss, Louisa Wetmore.

Curtiss, Hannah Drake,

1803.

1867.

Curtiss, Wealthy Parsons.

. 1831.

Curtiss, Emily Garnish, .

. 1847.

i8ai.

Curtiss, Hezekiah P.,

• -isss.

. 1847.

Curtiss, Amelia Parsons,

1849.

Curtiss, Ella A.,

1866.

. 1841.

Daily, Harmon,

. 1843

1849.

Daily, Mercy L. Ball,

i860

Daily, Ellen E. Bailey,

. 1843,

Daniels, Sarah R. Talmadge,

1834,

Daniels, Louisa,

. 1867.

Deming, Abigail Loomis.

1858.

Downs, Edwin,

1858

1838.

Durand, Julia G.

1837-

Durand, William,

• 1843

Durand, Loanna P. Barber,

1827

1867.

Eggleston, Mary E. Hayden,

. 1858

1843-

Eggleston, Cynthia A.,

1858

Eggleston, Sophia D.,

Ellsworth, John.

I8I6.

Ellsworth, Anna Birge.

I8I7.

Ellsworth, Philander.

1831.

Elmer, Abiathar.

Elmer, Kezia Bissell.

1858.

Elmer, Peleg, . . . .

183s

1858.

Emerson, Catharine Broivn, .

. 1842

1868.

Engert, Louisa,

1869

I8I6.

I85I.

Fenn, Sarah Roberts,

• 1855

1849.

Filley, Abraham, Dea.

Fogg, Sophia C. Hayden,
Foote, Jane E. Humphrey,
1799 Freeman, Mary.

Freeman, Edward H.,
1805. Frisbie, John.

1831.
1843-

1858.

ToRRINGFORD ChURCH.

When united.

hen united

Fyler, Sybil.

Hewitt, Alice M.,

. 1868

Holcomb, James H., .

1827

Gaylord, Nehemiah, Dea.

Hotchkiss, Laura N.

Gaylord, Lucy Loomis.

Hopkins, Anna Palmer,

. 1865

Gaylord, Joseph.

Hopkins, Harvey P.,

1857

Gaylord, Ruth Bissell.

Hopkins, Lydia Tanner, .

Gaylord, Elizah.

Hopkins, Gertrude W.,

1870

Gaylord, Margaret Taylor.

Hudson, Daniel.

Gaylord, Margaret Bissell.

Hudson, Mary Coe.

Gaylord, Giles L.,

. 1833.

Hudson, Abigail W.

Gaylord, Pamelia Preston, .

1838.

Hungerford, Charlotte Austin.

Gaylord, Sarah Blake, .

. 1848.

Hurlbut, Leonard.

Gaylord, Hubert L.,

1867.

Hudson, Daniel Coe.

Gaylord, Mary L., .

Hudson, Rhoda Foivler.

Gaylord, Nancy.

Hudson, E. D., Dr.

Gibbs, Abigail W. Hudson.

Hudson, Martha Turner.

Gillet.t, Anna Loomis.

Hudson, Charlotte.

Gillett, Loraine Filley.

Hudson, Barzillai,

. 1816.

Gillett, Horace.

Hudson, Content Picket,

((

Gillett, Rachel Austin.

Humaston, Esther,

Gillett, Betsey.

Humphrey, Daniel G.

Goodwin, Harvey.

Humphrey, L. Eno.

Goodwin, Sarah M.,

1867.

Humphrey, Daniel P., 2d,

. 1816

Gould, Rhoda McCoe.

Humphrey, P. P., Dr.,

1836

Griswold, Laura Barber.

Humphrey, Charles G.,

• 1843

Griswold, Jane Woodford.

Humphrey, James D.,

1858

Griswold, Thaddeus,

. 1826.

Humphrey, Chloe Watson,

Griswold, Margaret Gaylord,

((

Humphrey, Henry B. S., .

1858

Griswold, Julia A. Qirtiss,

. 1834.

Humphrey, Dorothy Miller, .

. 1866

Griswold, Sarah Clari,

1857.

Griswold, Isabella Kellogg,

. 1843.

Ingraham, Louisa.

Griswold, Isabella W.,

1866.

Griswold, Anna M.,

Johnson, Levi F.,

I83I

Griswold, Nellie P.,

1867.

Johnson, Maria Morris, .

Gross, Sally Ellsworth.

Johnson, Daniel.

Gross, Harvey H.

Johnson, Jarvis B,, .

1849

Gulliver, Fannie W. Curtiss,

. 1841.

Johnson, Elizabeth Hill,

Johnson, Sarah E.,

1862

Hall, Gideon, .

1827.

Johnson, Levi B.,

. 1867

Harrison, Richard,

. 1868.

Johnson, Emily A., .

Hart, Jane Tuttle.

Johnson, Julia A.,

Hathaway, Msry E. Curtiss,

. 1834.

Jones, Nancy Johnson.

Hathaway, Anna F., .

1866.

Hayden, Augustine.

Kelsey, Jonathan, Dea.

Hayden, Cicero, .

. 183I.

Hayden, Sophia Squires.. .

Lepian, Jane, .

i860

Hayden, Tullius C,

Loomis, Hepziba.

Hayden, Wm. H., .

1843.

Loomis, Sally Burr.

Hayden, Charles H., .

. 1868.

Loomis, Fitch.

Henderson, Ruth Mather.

Loomis, Mary Bissell.

Handerson, C. M. Gillett.

Loomis, MichaeL

History of Torrington.

When united.

When

united,

Loomis, Huldah Loomis.

Miller, Abigail Bristol, .

1816

Loomis, Allen.

Miller, Harry, ....

1842

Loomis, Mary Reed,

. 1810.

Miller, Jane F. G., . . .

Loomis, Aurelia,

1818.

Miller, Luther.

Loomis, Timothy.

Miller, Harriette L., .

1867,

Loomis, Ann Roberts.

Miller, Luther B., .

Loomis, Hannah Curtiss.

Mills, Esther Robbins, Rev.

Loomis, Harvey, Rev.

Mills, Florilla.

Loomis, Ann Battell,

. 1826.

Mills, Samuel J. 2d, Rev.,

1806,

Loomis, Laura Lyman.

Mills, Jeremiah.

Loomis, Timothy 2d.

Mills, Eleanor Witter.

Loomis, Chloe Riley,

1843.

Mills, Laura.

Loomis, Philo A.

Mills, Electa J. Lyman,

1843,

Loomis, Mary A. Wation,

. 1822.

Miner, Drius D.,

1847,

Loomis, Cornelius D.,

1836.

Miner, Mary E. Wadsvvorth, .

((

Loomis, Justice.

Miner, Mary E., .

1867,

Lowrey, Martha A. Miller.

Miner, Charles, ....

1858,

Lyman, David.

Miner, Martha E. Frost, .

Lyman, Mary Broivn.

Miner, John S., .

1867

Lyman, Elijah, Dr.

Miner, Josephine,

1868,

Lyman, Norman, Dr.

Minturn, Hiram.

Lyman, Orange, Rev.

Minturn, Huldah Coivles.

Lyman, John,

. 1802.

Mitchell, Maria Thorbum,

1838,

Lyman, Salome Maltby, .

Moore, Erasmus D., Rev.

Lyman, John B.,

. 1821.

Moone, Mary E. Redfield, Rev.,

1847,

Lyman, David N., .

1831.

Moone, Jane A. North,

1849

Lyman, Sarah E. Stone,

. 1843.

Morse, Catharine Mix,

1848.

Lyman, John N.,

1858.

Murray, Warren Brooker,

1858

Lyman, Rufus.

Newell, Almira F. Palmer.

McCoe, Chloe Phelps.

Newman, Elizabeth G., Re.v.,

1858,

McEwen, Sarah Battell.

Nichols, George, ....

1793,

Marsh, Lydia S., .

. 1843.

Nichols, Elizabeth Monro,

((

Mather, Oliver Soper.

Noble, E. Pleasants, Rev.,

1865

Miller, Ebenezer, Dea.

North, John H., . . .

1735

Miller, Thankful Allen.

North, Esther Gaylord, .

Miller, Loraine Bissell.

North, Esther Maria,

1843

Miller, Ebenezer 2d, Dea.

North, Sarah G., ....

1849

Miller, Dorathy Gaylord.

Norton, James.

Miller, Sarah Catlin, .

1800.

Norton, Harriet.

Miller, Maria,

Miller, Thomas A., Dea., .

Miller, Mary C. Hudson,

Miller, Gaylord B., Dr., .

Miller, Caroline A. Watson,

Miller, John T.,

Miller, Hobart B.,

Miller, Fanny E. Mather, .

Miller, Henry,

1800.

Norton, Harriet.

I82I.

1827..

Obookiah, Henry,

1815,

I82I.

Osborn, Esther Strong.

1849.

1847.

Pardee, Isaac S., .

. i860,

1849.

Pardee, Mary L. Crocker,

1858

1858.

Peet, Minta.

1862.

Perkins, Watrous.

I8I6.

Perkins, Debora Brace.

TORRINGFORD ChURCH.

Phelps, Esther,
Phelps, C. Augusta H.,
Philips, Caroline A.
Pierce, Henry D.,
Pierce, Mary, .
Pond, Philip,
Pond, Nancy, .
Pond, Burton,
Pond, Charlotte Colt,
Pond, Julius R., .
Pond, Martha A. Watson, .
Pratt, Ann A. Root,
Pratt, Catharine L. Jones,
Preston, Betsey Gaylord.

Rand, George D.,
Rand, Martha J.,
Randall, Hannibal,
Reed, Justus.
Reed, Elizabeth Loomis.
Reed, Theodore H., .
Reed, Sarah S. Wilcox,
Reed, Laura E. Birge,
Reed, Hattie A., .
Richards, Enos S.
Rider, Irene A., Mrs.,
Roberts, Pelatiah.
Roberts, Betsey, .
Robinson, Mary.
Rockwell, Dency C,
Rood, Ebenezer.
Rood, Rhoda Loomis.
Rood, Ann.
Rood, Pamelee.
Rood, Eunice.
Rood, Rhoda.
Rood, Calvin.
Rood, Moses.
Rood, Ebenezer 2d, Dea.,
Rood, Aurelia A. Loomis.
Rood, Rufus, .
Rood, Harvey L., Dea.,
Rood, Susan Humphrey,
Rood, Abigail Heivit, .
Rustin, Hiram.

St. John, Merilla Lyman.
Seymour, Polly A. Gross.
Smith, Rhuamah Loomis.
Smith, Melvin,

When united.

When united

. 1829.

Smith, Mrs.,

. . 1839

1843.

Smith, Henrietta JVinchell,
Soper, Rachel Cook.

1849

. 1858.

Spaulding, Silas D.

1868.

Spaulding Julia A. Button.

■ 1843-

Spencer, Jeremiah,

. 1858

((

Spencer, Elisheba Goodman.

. 1838.

Spencer, Eliza Dutton,

1839

1821.

Steele, Eliza Humphrey ^ .

. 1831

. 1858.

Stoddard, Eli, .

1851

1836.

Stoddard, Olive,

. 1843.

Stone Emily Lyman.

Strong, Emerett L. Colt.

Tallmadge, David,

1866. Tallmadge, Sarah, .

" Tallmadge, Hilah, .

1858. Tallmadge, John Adrian,

Tallmadge, James B.,

Taylor, Polly.
i860. Taylor, Ann Wilson.

1847. Taylor, Emory,
1858. Taylor, Ann Mather,

1867. Taylor, Maria,
Tolles, Joseph.

1858. Tompkins, Thomas.

Treadway, Aurelia Gillett, .
1834. Treadway, Aurelia 2d.

Turtle, Ruth Wilson.
1843. Tuttle, Ira.

Tuttle, Mills.

Tuttle, Clement.

Tuttle, his wife.

Tuttle, Lucy,

Tuttle, Uriel.

Tuttle, Cordelia Woodford,

Tuttle, Adah Hudson, .

Tuttle, Chloe Colt, .
1800. Van Allen, Caroline E.,

1836. Wainright, Harriet C. Hayden,

1850. Wakefield, Ann Fyler.

1848. Walcott, Dana Mills, .
1834. Walcott, Elizabeth Billings,

Watson, Levi.
Watson, Abigail Ensign.
Watson, Lucy Olmsted.
Watson, Huldah.
Watson, Julia.
1839. Watson, Wm. Henry,

1832.

<(
<(

1843.
1836.

1833-
«

1858.
1816.

1841.

1849.
1816.
1821.
1868.

1843.

1870.
c<

1849.

History of Torrington.

When united.

When

united.

Watson, Ann Moone, .

. 1822.

Wetmore, Fanny Austin.

Watson, Harvey,

1816.

Wetmore, Sarepta,

1841.

Watson, Sally PFells, .

. 1808.

Wilcox, Elias,

1845.

Watson, Reuel A.,

1831.

Wilcox, Florilla A. lVatso?i,

1816.

Watson, Milo.

Wilcox, Charles,

1866.

Watson, George.

Wilcox, Charlotte Hart,

Watson, Jane Belden.

Wilcox, Maria E., .

Watson, Thomas, Dea.,

. 1823.

Wilson, Mary Roberts,

182a.

Watson, Emellne Curtiss, .

1821.

Wilson, Austa Tallmadge.

Watson, Charlotte E., .

. 1851.

Wilson, Darius.

Watson, Sarah Gaylord,

1813.

Wilson, Clarissa Treadivay.

Watson, William, Dea.,

. 1824.

Woodruff", Julia A. Marsh,

1843.

Watson, Melissa Cadivell,

1857.

Woodward, James G., .

((

Watson, Sarah Jane.

((

Woodward, Catharine M. Steele, .

1848.

Wedge, Parintha.

Woodward, Orpha A. Kellogg,

1851.

Wells, Martha.

Young, Clarinda Lyman,

1850.

Wells, Nancy.

Dissenters.

In early times all persons owning taxable property were taxed for
the " support of the gospel." Soon after the revolutionary war this
law was changed and every man was allowed to choose what society
or denomination he would support. This law to compel men to
support the gospel was brought from the Episcopal church of England,
and was continued so long as England governed this country, but as
soon as the United States became free the state of Connecticut, and
probably others also, changed the law and left every man to choose
for himself, by presenting a certificate to that effect. The law was
in universal force in England in behalf of the Episcopal church, but
in this country none were more forward in opposing the law than
the Episcopalians. In 18 r 8 the law was again changed so that a man
could withdraw, without supporting any denomination. The record
made in Torringford concerning the matter is as follows :

" The certificates of those who have dissented from the established
society of Torringford were received by the society as follows :

1788, Daniel Winchel, Churchman.
1791, Charles Mather, Baptist.
" Thomas Goodman, "
" David Miller, "

" Isaac Goodwin, "
1793, Stephen Brown, Churchman.
1795, Samuel Woodward, "
Josiah Moore, "

Francis Lyman, Baptist.

1795, Elihu Olmstead, Methodist.

1818, Pelatiah Cadwell, no denomination.

1819, Doct. Samuel Fyler,
" Ambrose Fyler,
" Michael Loomis, Jr.,
" Anson Loomis,
" Ashur Loomis,
" William Wilson,
« Curtiss Tuttle,

David Soper [strict] Congregationalist. 1821, Hiram Winchell,

((
((

«
«

TORRINGFORD ChURCH.

1796,

1797.
((

((

1798,

1799,
((

1800,

1802,
«

1803,

1804,
«

1805,
1811,
1815,
1816,
(<

Eleazer Morris, Baptist.

Brigadier Loomis, "

Abraliam Tuttle, "

Roswell Loomis, "

Isaac Goodwin, Jr., Churchman.

Roswell Olmstead, Baptist.

Timothy Humiston, Churchman.

Hannah Olmstead, "

John Brooker, Baptist.

James Cowles, Churchman.

Elihu Barber, Baptist.

Augustin Hayden, "

Solomon Morse, "

John Evans, "

Timothy Eggleston, "

Elias Gilbert, Methodist.

Stephen Fyler, Baptist.

Oliver Loomis, Methodist.

Christopher Wolcott, Churchman.

«
<(

18 1 6, Catlin Bissell, Churchman.
Durand,

Isaiah Tuttle,

Elijah Gaylord,

Elihu Moore,

Anson Little,

Harvey Coe,

Abiather EUmore,

Levi Beach,
1822, Jonathan Ives,
" Leverette Tuttle,

1822, Theodore Lee,
" Russell Burr,
" Charles Andrus,

1823, John Ellsworth,
" Henry Roberts,

1827, John Hungerford, "
" Uri Taylor, '

«
<<

CHAPTER VIII.

BUSINESS CENTERS.

Cook Street.

ROM 1740, for twenty years, much of the business of the
town centered at Dea. Cook's. He was the first town
clerk, and continued in that office thirty-eight years,
and was justice of the peace much of that time, be-
sides serving in several other offices of the town, church and
society. Haifa mile west of his house at Joseph Fowler's is said to
have been some sort of mill or tannery, or both. In February, 1 739,
a stock company was formed of thirteen persons, supposed to have
been for the purpose of setting up a tannery. The proprietors were ;
Thomas Thomas and Thomas Hammond of Wethersfield ; David
Sanford of Milford ; Samuel Phelps of Harwinton ; Dea. Nathaniel
Hosford, Josiah Walker, Daniel Harris, Joel Parmelee, Timothy
Hosford, William Hosford, Abram Kilborn, Isaac Bissell Jr., and
Samuel Kilborn of Litchfield. They purchased the same day, thirty-
six acres at the south end of the second tier of lots including the
water privileges on the north side of the road at this place. Four of
these partners sold their shares to Thomas Thomas, soon after the
company was formed. It is probable that the first corn mill was
here, and afterwards was removed to Mill brook, near Ebenezer
Lyman junior's house. Some of the proprietor's meetings were held
at Esquire Lyman's and his sons. The town meetings were held,
most of the time if not all, at the first meeting house until about 1 790.

The Lyman Street.
In 1770 a highway was laid by town authority, from the first
meeting house south to Mill brook. This road had been traveled as
a highway more than fifteen years, but was not authorized as such
by the town, it being about half way between two highways. On
this road, in 1759, Ephraim Bancroft Jr., erected a house, having re-
ceived sixty-six acres as a present from his father. His house stood
near the site of the present dwelling of Mr. U. C. Andrus. In the
same year, Epaphras Sheldon settled on land given him by his father,

Business Centers. 65

about forty rods east of the Meeting house. He bought a strip of
land running from his own through to this highway, lying south of
and adjoining the Meeting house lot. On this land Mr. Sheldon
built his tavern, which was for twenty years the place for military
display and public resort.^ Dea. John Whiting lived at the north end
of this street, on the west side opposite the Church. Mr. Sheldon's
house was on the east side, a i'ew rods south, and Lieutenant Ban-
croft's house further south on the brow of the hill ; and the site of
Averit's grist mill, in the hollow, a few rods east of the present School
house. On the west side of this street was the Lyman estate, the
Fort and the School house, and about sixty rods west (perhaps more)
was the Brandy still for making cider brandy. Deacon Whiting
kept what would answer to a small country store of the present day,
the only one west of Amos Wilson's at that time so far as is known.
It may not have been dignified with the name of store, but was in
fact quite a place for the sale of wheat, corn, peas and other grains,
and salt, tea, sugar, indigo, and a few of such common articles of
import. About 1773, ^^ ^"•''^ ^ cider mill which was a place of
great resort to talk the news and drink cider, which perhaps was some-
thing better than to congregate, and drink stronger water at the
tavern.

"Leftenant" Bancroft, as called in that day, and General Epaphras
Sheldon were very influential men for many years, and would naturally
draw the public about them, and for this reason in part that street
became the center of business for the town. They were both inde-
pendent as to money, but were as unlike in character as two sub-
stantial men could be. The lieutenant was one of the most reliable
men ; of good judgment, good executive ability without a fuss ;
every body's true friend, and highly esteemed.

The general was a man of many flourishes as his hand writing
faithfully shows. Yet he was not all flourish, but was a man of de-
cided value in the community. He had high blood in him and was
just the man to be a general in time of peace or war. He was clerk
of the town for sixteen years, and had an important part in almost
every public interest of the town. He built a tannery, on Mill
brook, which was continued after his death some years by Raphael
Marshall, and afterwards by Martin Webster. In revolutionary

' Since writing the above it is ascertained that Mr. Sheldon bought land of Ephraim Ban-
croft, just south of Bancroft's house and built his tavern there, where Mr. U. C. Andrus
now resides.

66 History of Torrington.

times, he and Lieut. Bancroft, being military men, supported by the
Wilsons, Whitings, Cooks, Fowlers, Loomises, Griswolds, Tuttles,
Austins and a host of others like them from the east side as well as
the west, were just'the men to carry the town through with high
honor to itself and triumph to the state and nation.

Torrington Green.
When Doctor Elkana Hodges planted his home and store on the
hill north of Torrington green, 1776, he set in motion the laws of
trade that were to control the business transactions of the western
part of the town for fifty years. Captain Abel Beach's tavern could
not compete with that of Gen. Epaphras Sheldon, but Dr. Hodges's
store stripped the south hill as clear as the northwest wind sweeps
the snow from its brow in a furious gale in the winter. First, the
three stores (and perhaps more) of Dea. Whiting, Capt. Amos Wil-
son and Noah North, made a balloon disappearance by taking wings
and lighting on the hill in full subjection to the doctor, for his store
became, very soon, the only store of the west side. Next the Meet-
ing house, after a mighty struggle of moral elements, not quite as
thoroughly modified by grace as could have been desired, yielded to
■ the power of attraction and seated itself at the doctor's feet on the
green. The military parades and public gatherings centered at
Abel Beach's tavern and the New Meeting house and Hodges's store.
Esquire Elisha Smith became town clerk and the business man of the
town in the room of General Sheldon. The post office was esta-
blished half a mile east of the green at Harvey Palmer's house,
on Goshen road before it became a turnpike. The Center school
house stood on the corner near Mr. Willard Birge's present house,
/ and the horse racing was performed on the highway, originally six-
/ teen rods wide, between the School house and the post office. To
j these must be added Dr. Hodges's potash manufactory at his house
\ and a brandy distillery further north. In 1792, the hill at the New
\ Meeting house, was called Brandy hill, whether in consequence of
the distillery north of Dr. Hodges's or another nearer the site is not
ascertained.' The Rev. Alexander Gillett purchased his farm of
Samuel Beach, half a mile north of Dr. Hodges, in 1792, on which
he resided, until his decease. One man who had been of much im-
portance in the town for fifteen years, specially during the Revolu-

^ It is said that Epaphras Loomis brought a barrel of brandy from Windsor to his house
north of Dr. Hodges, and this first gave the name of Brandy hill.

Business Centers. 67

tion, was Daniel Grant, living on the old Grant farm near Goshen
line. The influence of his energetic life was not felt as much in
business centers as all over the town, especially the western side.

Such were the relations of business enterprises and moneyed trans-
actions, when in the spring of 1797, Dr. Hodges was suddenly re-
moved from his active and successful life at the early age of fifty
years. His two sons, Willard and Erastus, one eighteen years of age,
the other sixteen, took his business, except his profession, and carried
it forward with decided success, and to the great advantage of the
community, for many years. The store was continued on the hill
eight or nine years. Then a store building was erected at the green
on the west side by Erastus Hodges and the store on the hill vacated.
Soon after he erected the dwelling house adjoining the store, which
is still standing, and which was at that time the pride of the town.
Another upward step in the life of this diligent young man was the
marrying, on the fifth day of January, i8og, Laura Loomis, daughter
of Richard Loomis, aaid to have been the most queenly woman then
living in the town ; and placed her in this new home, queen of the
situation, but not of his mercantile business. This store drew
around it other enterprises of advantage and honor to the community.
Elijah Cowles of New Hartford set up a hat shop in the corner of
the roads northeast of the store, which in a few years was removed
to the old house a little west of Mr. Burton T. Cowles's present re-
sidence. In about 1822, the Academy was built a little south of Mr.
Hodges's dwelling and was in use a number of years. Afterwards
another store was erected by Russell C. Abernethy,^ who some years
after removed to Wolcottville and was a man of much enterprise and
efficiency in the town. In 1848, the Meeting house, then strong and
substantial, was taken down and a new one erected of smaller dimen-
sions, which remained until 1872, when it was removed to Torring-
ton hollow, where it has been in use since that time. Mr. Alpheus
Hodges, brother of Erastus, remained on the old homestead on the
hill and was a farmer of much influence in the town, and highly re-
spected until his death in 1870. Torrington green is now deserted ;
a fence is placed along the road on the east side ; the sites of the old
church and of Capt. Abel Beach's tavern, and the house, once Mr.
Abernethy's store, are all in the lot east of the highway. One family
alone, that of the late Col. Levi Hodges, of all who dwelt on that

' General Abernethy commenced keeping a store at this place about 1803.

68 History of Torrington.

street is left ; and the only nnan representing the name in the town
is Mr. Levi Hodges, representative to the state legislature in 1877.
At the north end of this street, still residing in the old homestead, is
Miss Adah, daughter of the Rev. Alexander Gillett, now in the
ninetieth year of her age.

Newfield.

Some part of Newfield was settled lafer than any portion of the
town except the pine swamp. Noah North settled in the western
part quite early, with a few others, and the Fylers came into the
eastern part about 1780. The territory embraced in the fourth
school district, before 1800, was called Noppet, taking its name from
Noppet hill, west of Noah North's dwelling. Abel Beach, son of
Capt. Abel, went to this hill hunting, and lost his way, and remained
in the woods over night. He was, afterwards, asked what he did
when he found he was lost. He said, " I laid down by a log and
nopped it," Hence the hill on which he took his nap, was called
Noppet hill, and finally that part of the town was known by the same
name. About 1803, Junia North resolved that the name should be
changed, and gave it Newfield instead, which was accepted without
resistance.

This Junius North, who was always called Juna and later Uncle
Juna, kept a tavern where his son Dea. Frederick now resides, and
was a man of considerable influence. Rev. Mr. Haynes preached
in this tavern, a number of times in 1786 and 7, and thus supplied
the demand for meetings in this part of the town.

There was a small green at Capt. Eli Richards's, opposite the bury-
ing ground, east side of the road, giving the locality some appearance
of a public place. The military drill of the Newfield company was
held at this place before 1800, as this part of the town furnished men
enough, at that time, for a whole company. Charles Dix had a
tannery and shoe shop a little north of Capt, Richards's, before_L793,
/ and sold it to Giles Ward, who continued it some years, Afier-
/ ward Phineas Reed established one north of the Meeting houses, on
! the road to Winchester. Henry Davton built a tannery and shoe
\ shop at Arrow pond, about 1827, which was continued some years.

Orange Soper had a blacksmith shop a little north of the burying
ground, where he continued to work until about 1800, when he sold his
place to Jesse Finch and removed to Vernon, N, Y, There
<vere several other blacksmith shops in Newfield, and they were kept

Business Centers. 69

busy, because in the earlier days nearly all iron used went, first,
through the blacksmith shops. Nails of ail descriptions were made
^these shops, and all the chains and irons used by the tarmers^Jbput
the barns and houses, and farming implements ; also cranes and
hooks in the fire places to aid in cooking, and the hinges on the doors
of the dwellings as well as the andirons in the fire place.

A grist mill was built by David Hart, half a mile north of where_
the Churches were afterwards built, which continued some length of
time. Mr. James Culver was the miller some years. Capt. Salmon
Bronson of Winchester wanted some dried pumpkin ground, and
brought it to the mill. Mr. Culver put in the pumpkin to grind ;
and put in and put in, and none came out. The end of it was, he
was under the necessity of taking up the stone and digging off the
pumpkin with the pick. The late Moses Waugh's wagon shop now
occupies the site, or nearly so, of the old grist mill.

Saw mills, cider mills, and brandy stills flourished in this part, as
well as elsewhere in the town. There was also a mill for turning
wooden bowls, made from whitewood, on the brook half a mile east
of the corners. For a time, these dishes were used by many people
for the purpose of eating. Chauncey Humphrey was saddle and
harness maker here in 1803, when the making of saddles was a much
larger business than the making of harness ; and Theodore Goodwin
was the hat maker at the same time.

The first School house for Newfield district stood on the north
side of the east and west road, so that when the Waterbury turnpike
was made, it went between the two chimneys of this house. It was
built about 1 790, and was large for the accommodation of the School,
and also to answer the purpose of a meeting house, which it did for
some twelve or more years. This same Newfield is said to have
been, for many years, the most populous part of the town.

About 1830, a store was opened at the corners a little south of the
churches, but never attained any considerable business or importance.

Mr. Harlow Fyler lived about one mile east of the Churches and
about 1830, his large farm presented a scene of busy life. His dairy
of sixty to eighty cows rolled out a thousand dollars a year. His
brick yard produced about one hundred thousand of brick a year, and
one year reached two hundred and fifty thousand. He burned char-
coal to a great amount, year after year, and kept one and two coopers
busy making casks for the brass foundery in Wolcottville, and barrels
and tubs of all descriptions. His apple orchards poured out one

yo History of Torrington.

hundred barrels of cider a year frequently and one year it reached
three hundred barrels. Newfield once ran over with apples and
cider ; the cider mills were so numerous that the older people do not
try to tell the number, and several brandy stills were in successful
operation for more than fifty years. x

The Baptist Church./

Newfield derived, also, considerable-celeiwity from its meeting houses
and religious movements. It comprised a large farming community
and a numerous population, and was from two to five miles from any
meeting house. Two causes led to a necessity for a church in this place.
The Meeting house of the first society of the town, remained on the
south hill from four to five miles distant, and although much effort had
been made to remove it further north, the people of the southwestern
part resisted severely. Another cause was the fact that Baptist min-
isters had preached in this region and some of the people had become
Baptists. While, therefore, the troubles were going on in the first
church and society, special eff^ort was made in Newfield, in connection
with the Baptist people of Colebrook, in the summer of 1788, to
ascertain the propriety of organizing a Baptist church. A meeting
was held on the first Saturday in September and the matter considered
in the presence of elders James Bacon and Ashbel Gillett, and dele-
gates Caleb Case and Abel Gillet, as a council. On the following
day, meetings were held and two persons baptized.

The advice of the council, that it was deemed expedient to organ-
ize a church, was accepted and meetings appointed for the 17th of
the same month. The account of that meeting is proper to be given
as recorded in order to show the freedom and openness of the pro-
ceedings. " [Meeting opened by solemn prayer to God for his bless-
ing. Brother Stephen Shepard told his experience, and we all spake
one by one and gave him fellowship, and gave liberty for any body-
to speak for or against his experience or life Then eight others told
their experience and came forward in the same manner." These
were, Stephen Shepard, Aaron Marshall, Silas Fyler, Gideon Smith,
Esther Beach, Chloe Marshall, Bethesda Brunson, and Rhoda Agard.
Joseph Drake, desiring the watch of the church submitted himself to
its disciphne though he did not become a member. About the mid-
dle of the following November, Elder Gillet baptized Ashbel Bron-
son, Remembrance North, Judia West and Sabra North and they
were received into fellowship. On the 8th day of January, 1789, the
church was recognized by sister churches and taken to their fellow-

Business Centers. 71

ship, and the same day Elder Gray baptized Esther Fyler, Jane
Loomis 2d, Hannah Bronson, Olive Agard. Two days afterward,
Noah North, Levi Marshall, Norman Shepard, were baptized, and
on the next day John Fyler, Lemuel Loomis, Elizabeth North, and
Elizabeth Macomb were received into the church. From this time
until June, this religious interest continued, preaching being obtained
by various elders, and baptisms occurring almost weekly. On the
9th of June a council convened and agreed to the request of the
church, to ordain Stephen Shepard as an evangelist, and the services
of this ordination were held the next day in Captain Richards's lot at
eleven o'clock in the forenoon. The elders present were Isaac Root
of Warren, James Bacon of Suffrage, Adam Hamelton of Westfield,
John Hastings of Suffield, and AshbelGillet of Wintonbury. Another
council was convened with this church on the fifth day of October,
1790, and on the next day ordained Epaphras Thompson to the work
of the gospel ministry. Elders present were John Hastings, Suffield ;
Eliakim Marshall, Windsor ; Isaac Root, Warren ; Ashbel Gillet,
Wintonbury ; Calvin Hurlbut, Torrington ; Elisha Ransom, Water-
town ; Jacob Winchell, Springfield.

Elder Shepard continued to preach much of the time in Newfield
until 1793, when he removed his family to Sharon, but preached one-
half of the time in Newfield. The meetings were held frequently at
the School house, and some times at Noah North's.

The Baptist Meeting House,

A paper containing declarations of principles and stipulations of
association for the purpose of building a Meeting house in Newfield,
is dated November lOth, 1803, and states that, " We the inhabitants
of the above named places, subscribers each one for ourselves, being
persuaded that it is our duty which we owe to ourselves, our families,
to civil society, whereof we are members, and above all to our God,
to maintain in some suitable way the public worship of that being in
whom we profess to believe •, and being of various denominations we
congratulate the day which we behold in which the powers above
hath abolished those walls of imposition and prejudice, so that we
mutually agree to provide a convenient building for the accommoda-
tion of a worshiping assembly, do hereby form ourselves into a volun-
tary association by the name of the proprietors of the Free Meeting
house, mutually agreeing to raise a fund for the purpose of building a
Meeting house for the use and benefit of all denominations of Christ-

History of Torrington.

ians upon the following terms." These terms were in harmony with
the statements just made ; and the expenses were to be raised by
stock shares, one hundred and twenty in number at five dollars each ;
the building to be forty-five feet in length, thirty-five in width, and
eighteen feet posts. The following names are on the paper as sub-
scribers, but a portion of the original paper is torn ofl", so that the
amount given by two or three persons cannot be ascertained.

Noah North, Baptist, .

Junia North, " .

Solomon Loomis, "

Elihu Barber, "

Isaac Bellows, "

Abel Beach, " .

Randall Shattuck, "

Levi Munsell,

Mathew Adams, Episcopalian,

Oliver Coe, ....

William Reynolds,

Charles Richards,

Moses Richards, Episcopalian,

Noah Drake, 3d,

Chauncey Humphrey, a free thinker.

$50.00 David Eggleston, .

50.00 Joseph Eggleston,

15.Q0 Billy Eggleston,

75.00 David Miller,

20.00 Bildad Loomis,

15.00 Samuel Rowley,

10.00 Roger Coe.

20.00 John C. Riley.

5.00 Pomeroy Leach.

20.00 Benoni Hills.

15.00 Roger Marshall.

5.00 Thomas Marshall,

10.00 Joseph Hoskins, .

5.00 Fred Case, .

Ichabod Loomis,

20.00
5.00
5.00
3.00

10.00
5.00

15.00
5.00
5.00
5.00
5.00

10.00
5.00
5.00
5.00
5.00
5.00

i. «." if I don't think right I have a Luke Case, ....

right to think again," one saddle, 13.00 Noah Drake, Jr., a free thinker, .

Theodore Goodwin, two felt hats, 2.50. Simeon Richards, .

Jedidiah Eggleston, . . . 10.00 Simeon Richards, Jr., .

Linda Eggleston, . . . 5.00 Ira Grant, ....

Molly Eggleston, . . . 5.00 Moses Drake, ....

Robert Hurlbut, . . . 10.00 David Eggleston, .

In 1 8 19, a subscription was raised to repair the house, and again in
1834 ; and, in 1840, further efforts were made to revive the church
and improve the Meeting house. Soon after this house was built the
people began to remove west and the depopulating movement con-
tinued for many years and it was difficult to keep services regularly,
even from the beginning. On Monday evening July 5th, 1875, this
Meeting house, not having been used for a number of years, and being
in a dilapidated condition was set a fire by irresponsible persons and
burned to the ground. Deacon Frederick North with a few other
members of this church still remain as good examples of Christian
faith and practice.

The Methodist Church. ^

Between 1780 and 1790, Ensign Jonathan Coe, Joseph Haskins
and others, then living just over the Winchester line, near Newfield,
became disaffected with the standing or Congregational order and gave

Business Centers. 73

adhesion to the Methodists, and after this the circuit preachers held
service occasionally at Mr. Coe's house. In the autumn of 1808, a
Methodist camp meeting was held in Canada village, in Goshen, and
Newfield was largely represented there. Methodism, however, took
no definite prominence in Newfield uiitil about 1816, when Rev.
Daniel Coe, a local preacher from Winsted, began to hold regular
services in the Baptist meeting house. Soon much interest was mani-
fested ; meetings were multiplied, and quite a number of persons were
baptized in the brook north of Harlow Fyler's residence. A church
was organized and Capt. Levi Munsill was appointed class leader.
The church increased until it numbered about fifty members, and the
interest became so general that the school children held prayer meet-
ings in the grove during the intermission of school exercises. Capt.
Stephen Fyler and his sons Harlow and Juba, the Munsills, Loomises,
Grants, Thralls, Daytons, and Capt. Asahel Smith and Amasa
Wade of Winchester, and a number of other families warmly es-
poused this cause ; and for some years a thriving society existed.
Besides Daniel Coe, who always manifested a fatherly interest in this
church, David Miller of Torringford was a frequent early preacher.
Afterwards, several other ministers are remembered as having preached
here, viz : Mr. Canfield Cochrane, Billy Hibbard, John Nickerson,

Morris and Aaron Hill, Washburn, Samuel D. Ferguson, John

Beach, Gad N. Smith, Col. James Perry, Joseph Toy, Miles N.
Olmstead and Henry J. Fox. Some of the presiding elders were,
Nathan and Heman Bangs, Laban Clark, John Lucky, Wash-
burn, Martindale, Ferguson and Griswold.

Among the class leaders after Capt. Munsill, were Augustus
Grant, Archibald Dayton and Chauncey Riggs.

Several of these ministers resided in Newfield, the circuit beino- at
first and for many years, a four weeks' circuit, with two ministers
each preaching in the same place once in four weeks. The other
minister living in Burlington ; the four preaching places being Bur-
lington, Newfield, Canada village in Goshen and Cornwall.

The Methodists and Baptists occupied the Old meeting house on

alternate Sabbaths, until a Methodist quarterly meeting occurred on

the Baptist's Sabbath, and was conducted with closed doors, according

to the custom of those days. Some young men insisted on going into

this meeting, and finally broke down the door to effect an entrance.

Much excitement followed. The next quarterly meeting was held

In Harlow Fyler's wagon house, and a great company gathered for

the occasion. This occurred in the autumn of i8?2. A meetin?

10 ^ S

History of Torrington,

of the members of this church was held Nov. 26, 1832, when the
Rev, Heman Bangs, presiding elder, was chosen moderator and Rev.
Charles Sherman, the pastor, was chosen scribe, and they voted that
" we deem it expedient to make an effort to build a Meeting house,"
They appointed a committee consisting of Levi Munsill, Harlow
Fyler, Archibald Dayton, Elihu Barber and Amasa Wade, to fix on
a site and forward the movement as trustees of the society. Two
thousand dollars were fixed as the amount to be raised in order to
make the subscriptions binding. The names and amounts were :

Stephen Fyler, ^
Juba Fyler, V

Harlow Fyler, J
Augustus Grant,
Archibald Dayton,
Ejihu Barber,
Orson Barber,
Joslah Appley,
Levi Munsill,
Uriah Burr,

Moses Drake, .
Amasa Wade, Jr.
Joseph Eggleston,

John Humphrey,

$750.00 Levi Hurlbut, .

Bassett Dunbar, .

200.00 Elkanab Barber,

100.00 Jonah Dayton,

250.00 Henry Ward, .

200.00 Sumner Cooper, .

50.00 Marcus Munsill,

150.00 Luman Munsill,

30.00 Isaac Bronson,

10.00 Homer H. Wade,

60.00 Lyman Bronson,

25.00 Harmon E. Wade,

10.00 Ebenezer Sexton,

10.00

25.00

50.00

10.00

5.00

8.00

5.00

50.00

5.00

10.00

The house was built in 1833, ^^'^ seated with slips instead of the
box pew.

In November, 1833, a subscription of $195 was raised and a bell
purchased at Medway, Mass., and ordered sent by water to Hartford,
but navigation closing, Mr, Harlow Fyler sent his team to Med-
way, for the bell, which had been shipped to Boston to come by
water, and the team went to Boston and brought the bell in time for
the dedication. After a few years of full meetings and general in-
terest, the cause began to decline ; families were removing from the
community, almost yearly, some of them going to the far west. A
debt of four hundred dollars remained on the Meeting house property
which continued to increase although several efforts were made to
pay it, until about 1 850, when it was sold to the Advent society, and
a series of meetings was held by Elders Miles Grant and Matthew-
son. For a time there was much interest manifested ; the Meeting
house was filled on the Sabbath, and some meetings were held in the
Baptist house also, and a Second Advent church organized with
thirty members, but after ten or twelve years the meetings ceased,
most of the members went to Wrightville and the Meeting house
stood unused until 1876, when it was sold and taken down.

Business Centers. ] ^

Now Newfield is lonely, not desolate, but lonely. Ashes are on
the site of the Baptist house, brick and plastering on that of the
Methodist house. A little brick school house stands near, where a
dozen or twenty children meet for education, a small portion of the
year.

" Time, whither dost thou flee?
" I, travel to eternity."

TORRINGFORD.

Shubael Griswold's tavern was probably the first institution of a
public character in Torringford. It is possib.e that it was something
more than a tavern, for he may have kept articles of merchandise
answering to a store, such as teas, indigo, sugar, and farm productions,
as did Amos Wilson, John Whiting, and Noah North, on the west
side of the town. Not long after Mr. Griswold's tavern became
established, Benjamin Bissell opened a house of entertainment a little
further north on Torringford street east side of the road, which was
in full operation in 1776, for it is stated that during the Revolution,
the women of the eastern part of the town, whose husbands and sons
were in the army, asseml)led at this tavern, at certain times, to obtain
information from, or concerning the soldiers and the army. After-
wards David Soper kept a tavern near the first Meeting house, which
he continued a number of years. Another tavern was kept near the
Greenwoods.

William Battell of Woodbury, bought ten acres of land adjoining
Rev. Samuel J. Mills's house, on the south, on the ninth of October,
1783 ; giving for it three hundred and five pounds. On this land
he erected a store building, and in it kept a store for many years.
Mr. Battell was about thirty-five years of age when he settled in
Torringford, and entered upon his mercantile business with energy
and good judgment, as is indicated by the location he chose for him-
self. There was but one store in the town at the time, that being
Dr. Hodges, on the west side, and Torringford was fast becoming a
populous region by immigration and the growing up of the young people
of the families of the first settlers. Dr. Samuel Woodward had re-
cently established his home here as a practicing physician, and the
place needed just such a store as Mr. Battell opened to the public,
and although he was under the necessity of transporting his mer-
chandise to Hartford and New Haven, at first, with ox carts, yet he
succeeded well, and his store became the place of a large amount of
business transactions. He bought and shipped all kinds of farm pro-

76 History of Torrington.

/ duce ; grains, butter, cheese, pork, beef, eggs, and flax, and brought in
I return all the articles usually sold at country stores in those days ; dry

V goods, including silks and satins, imported broadcloths of costly style,
groceries, hardware, drugs, shoes and leather. All the various kinds ot
mercantile goods, that at the present day are found by visiting a dozen
stores, were then crowded into one, and called a country store.
Such a store was not complete without a choice variety of wines,
brandies, and liquors of all kinds ; imported, and of home manufac-
ture, and this was not all ; the people drank liquors by the gallon and
barrel, and some of them made themselves drunk, and wallowed in the
mire like beasts, as well as at the present day. The familiar pretense
that persons did not become intoxicated and stagger in the streets, swear
and fight and run horses and carouse, just like drunken men, is too
shallow to be repeated by intelligent people. It may go for par a thou-
sand years hence, but not quite yet. It was not a peculiarity of one
store nor of one community to sell and use intoxicating drinks, but
was the practice of a great portion of both stores and communities
throughout the United States, before and many years after the year
eighteen hundred. Mr. Battell had also a manufactory of potash,
which was an article of extensive sale in those days.

He sold his store and the ten acres of land and the potash works,
to his sons William and Joseph, the latter being in Norfolk, in 1808,
and probably retired from business life. His son William continued
the store until about 1830.

Nathaniel Smith of Milford and later of Bethlehem, came to Tor-
ringford a young man, and was clerk in the store of William Battell
three years, when he engaged in the mercantile business for himself
in a store at Griswold's corners, where he continued until his death,
in 1854, a period of forty-six years. He married Harriet, the
daughter of Daniel Winchell, and built and resided in the brick
house on the west side of the street at that place. He was appointed
post master in 1812, and held the office without interruption forty-
two years, a case probably without a parallel in this country, and he
was a very upright and careful business man, and highly esteemed
among business men generally, credit in New York and else-
where being of the highest kind, and for a number of years he did a
large business, but Wolcottville began to be the market for farmer's
produce and hence also of mercantile trade, and especially after the
rail road was established. Therefore Torringford, as to commer-
Sf^l \ cial life must decline, while the valleys surrounding it should increase.
Mr. Smith's son, Charles B. Smith, came to Wolcottville as a mer-

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chant, and the business at the old store was not great during the few
last years that it was continued.

Quite an extensive tannery and shoe shop had been conducted in
the early time of Torringford, on the corner where Nathaniel Smith
built his brick house, and here also, he set up, in the rear of his
dwelling, a leach, for the making of potash.

The brick buildino- a short distance south of the Church was used
some years, beginning about i860, by Darius Wilson, as a wagon
and blacksmith shop. He removed to Wolcottville and then west.
Another wagon shop stood half a mile east, and was a busy place a
number of years ; several men being regularly employed in making
wagons, some of which were for the southern market. This shop
was started about 184.0.

The Torringford Farmers' Company.

A people's store was started at or near Greenwoods, at the north
end of Torringford street, in 1838, and was conducted by Ellis Bur-
well.

The capital stock was four thousand dollars, and was held by the
following persons :

Uriel Tuttle, Thomas A. Miller, John C. Barber,

Ellis Burwell, Henry Colt, Anson Colt Jr.,

Barzillai Hudson, Tuttle, Allen Roberts,

Nelson Roberts, Benjamin Tucker, Leonard Tucker,

Barton Pond, Daniel G. Humphrey, Uriel Spencer,

Hiram Burr, Milo Burr, Peleg Elmer.

Uriel Tuttle, president, and Anson Colt Jr., T. A. Miller, Bar-
ton Pond, directors.

All mercantile business has departed from Torringford, and noth-
ing of the olden times is seen but the farmers and the farming,
and the post office at Mr. Stanley Griswold's. The Greenwoods
part of Torringford street was settled later than the southern part,
but became as enterprising and prosperous after the year 1 800,
as anypart of the town. The Haydens kept a tavern many years,
arunfhe Tuttles, Colts, and a number of other families, were as spir-
ited, energetic and successful, and influential as any in the town.
David Lyman settled on East street, during the Revolution, or soon
after, and others became his neighbors on that street.

Holbrook's Mills.
Abijah Holbrook came from Bellingham, Mass., to Goshen, and
in July 1787, bought, in company with Fisk Beach, land of Daniel

yS History of Torrington.

Mills of Goshen, at the place on Naugatuck river afterwards known
as Holbrook's mills, and later as Appley's mills. When Mr. Hol-
brook and Beach made the purchase, there was a forge, or iron works
on the land i an attempt having been made to obtain iron from the ore
found in this region but the quantity obtained was not sufficient to
encourage this kind of enterprise. Mr. Holbrook and Beach built a
grist mill and saw mill, and Mr. Holbrook erected the dwelling that
is now tailing to the ground, a little south of the mill. Its ruins
show that it was once, more than an ordinary house. Mr. Holbrook
was a man of wealth, and a " polished gentleman, far in advance of his
generation in that particular."' Elijah Pond being brother-in-law to
Mr. Holbrook, removed from Grafton, Massachusetts, about 1790,
and engaged in the mill, and other enterprises with this brother-in-law,
and it is thought, they had a purpose or intent to work the foundery in
connection with the iron mine on Walnut mountain. Sylvanus Hol-
brook, a nephew of Abijah, came from Massachusetts, very early in the
present century, and resided some years in the vicinity of his uncle,
and removed to Goshen where he died. He did a mercantile busi-
ness in Baltimore which required his absence from home some months
of each year.

About the year 1800, Capt. Elisha Hinsdale came from Canaan
to this place and engaged in the manufacture of scythes and axes,
and general blacksmithing. Here were made in large quantities, for
those days, the celebrated clover-leaf scythe, and axes, and were
carried on wagons to water transportations. Soon after, or about the
time the Hindsdales came to this place, Josiah Appley became a
resident, and finally the owner of much of the property of the place.
He built a grist mill a little north of Holbrook's on the Hall Meadow
brook.

Abijah Holbrook died in 1812, and in 1814 his widow Mary sold
the homestead, grist millandsaw mill toErastus Lyman and Thearon
Beach of Goshen, for $2, 150, and removed from the place, to western
New York. In 18 16 Elisha Hindsdale sold his lands to his brother,
Dea. Abel, and removed west, and from that day all business inter-
ests in that localitv have taken the down hill course, until onlv one
old mill building is left, and that looks as if ready to tumble down
any day. There are two dwellings that are occupied, which are the
only things that show signs of life except the trees, which grow with

' So writes Dr. James O. Pond of New York.

FALLS AT TORRINGTON HOLLOW.

Business Centers. 79

a thrift almost surprising to Connecticut people. The little grave-
yard, lilled with graves, stands on the bank, of the river, and is very
beautiful because of its quietness, in its almost unbroken solitude,
where the tumult of the great city will never disturb the ashes that
rest there, while the wild birds of the woods will sing their marvel-
ous songs above the dust of some of the noble sons and daughters
of the honored pilgrims.

Hart's Hollow.
About a mile above Holbrook's mills, at a place called Hart's hol-
low, in the edge of the town of Goshen, quite a business was con-
ducted in making clocks, about 1820 ; a number of buildings were
erected and for a time the place assumed considerable importance ;
and as the natural outlet of the place was through Torrington, the
place seemed a part of Torrington, and the inhabitants usually at-
tended Torrington church.

Torrington Hollow,

The first name that is now remembered as designating this part of
the town, was Poverty hollow, a name that never attracted many
persons to any place, although many have known where such a hol-
low was situated. Thus things passed for a time until after the build-
ing of the cotton mill, when it came to be called Cotton hollow ; but
by some mysterious magic, has so far asserted its majesty as to throw
off the Cotton, and now stands in the dignity of Torrington hollow j
the post office, however, has taken to itself the whole honor of the
town, and is known by the one word, Torrington.

In February, 18 13, Elijah B. Loomis, of New York, and Elisha
Loomis and Abner M. Warriner, of Torrington, entered into part-
nership, and built a mill or factory for the purpose of manufacturing
cotton, woolen and other goods, at this place. The factory was
located near the bridge on Goshen turnpike, and was built in 1813.
The next January, other persons entered the partnership under
the name of the Torrington Manufacturing Company, and the firm
consisted of Elisha Loomis, Elijah B. Loomis, Abner M. Warriner,
John W. Walker, Christopher Pierce, James Green and William
Dexter ; the stock being eight thousand dollars.

In the next September it was mortgaged to David Wadhams and
David Thomas of Goshen, to procure capital to insure success in the
making of goods. This business enterprise, like the first woolen mill

8o History of Torrington.

at Wolcottville, does not appear to have had any great success in
making money, for it struggled along some years, under disadvantages,
yet with much apparent effort, but did not prosper. The cot-
ton was spun in the mill, then sent abroad among the farmers to be
woven, and although it brought new work to many homes,
it is doubtful if every one who undertook to weave, made a success
of it, and with all the difficulties attending the work, there would have
been no success but for the high price of the cloth, which sold from
thirty to forty cents per yard.

A store was also put up in connection with the factory or about
the same time, and was conducted by Mr. Green.

In 1827, the cotton factory was sold for debt, and changed hands
several times until it came into the hands of Erastus Hodges, and as
he had found success in nearly every enterprise he had undertaken,
he pushed forward this with money and much energy, and he also
interested himself largely in the making of clocks aboutthe same time.
Norris' North engaged in the clock business, about 1820, and
Mr. Hodges became interested with him, if he was not a part-
ner. The clocks were made at first in Harvey Palmer's old carding
machine, then in a part of Ormel Leach's grist mill, and after that
in a building called the clock factory. Mr. Hodges also took the
store of James Green, placing his sons in it and in the mill, to give
them a start in business life. The store was removed to Wolcott-
ville, previous to 1834, and continued some time by these sons, with
the aid of their father.

In 1835, the brass foundery was started by Mr. Hodges and others,
and the buildings were located below the bridge on the east bank,
where they are now in a falling condition. This business was started
with the purpose of making brass kettles by the battery, or hammer-
ing process ; the preparations for the work were quite ample, and
an agent was sent to Europe to procure men and machinery, and
considerable quantity of machinery was shipped from Europe, but
the vessel was wrecked and all was lost. Calamity and disaster at-
tended nearly every effort in this undertaking, and after a little time
the brass business at this place was purchased by Israel Coe, then of
Wolcottville, engaged in the same enterprise.

After some years, these buildings were fitted for smelting ore, in
hope of obtaining nickel, but the metal was not found to exist in suf-
ficient quantities, or the process of separation was too costly to make
it profitable to continue the work.

Business Centers. 8i

After the business of making clocks was discontinued, a lock fac-
tory was established, in which George D, Wadhams, Mr. Goodwin
and Edmund Wooding were interested, and engaged. When the lock
business was closed, the building was used for making skates until the
skate company removed.

In 1869, Chester L. Smith from Litchfield purchased this pro-
perty, which the skate company had vacated, and commenced the
manufacture of toys. After one year he began the making of sleds
for children, which business he continued with success until his de-
cease in August, 1876. Since then his sons Ralph R. Smith and
Chester L. Smith have continued the same business.

It is stated that there was a grist mill some time before the year
1800, at this place, just below the site of the present bridge, but who
built this mill and how long it continued its good work of making
flour is not known.

Ormel Leach put a run of stone in the saw mill which stood a little
up the stream, northeast of Wrightville, and continued it two or three
years, and then built the mill which is now owned by Mr. Willard
H. Barber at the hollow. This mill has been an important enter-
prise for many years. Mr. Lucius Leach, son of Ormel, owned and
conducted it a number of years, making additions and improvements,
then sold it, with grist mill, saw mill and plaster mill, to Mr. Willard
H. Barber in 1868, who continues the same with the addition of a
new building, for a plaster and cider mill. The old saw mill, a little
below the site of Harvey Palmer's carding mill, has out-lived its
usefulness, and having nearly tumbled down might be taken for fire
wood without any great sacrifice.

Wrightville.

Wrightville, a cluster of a dozen houses, was the outgrowth of the
scythe factory, organized in 1852 as a stock company, mostly of
farmers ; for the purpose of manufacturing scythes and hoes ; with
a certified stock of six thousand dollars ; the stockholders being Uri
L. Whiting, Robert Wright, Albro W. Cowles, Rodney Brace, Geo.
W. Loomis, Daniel A. Grant, Wm. A. Grant, Augustus Grant,
Daniel Brown, Charles Hotchkiss, Frederick A. Griswold, Phineas
N:rth, Rodney Pierce. The officers were Phineas North, president,
with Rodney Brace, Albro W. Cowles, Charles Hotchkiss direct-
ors. A commodious building was erected of stone, and machinery

82 History of Torrington.

for conducting the work in an advantageous manner was placed in
the building. The work began under favorable circumstances, and
to all appearances was in successful prosecution for several years.
Some money was needed above the stock paid in, and in order to
raise this money, the stockholders signed a paper obligating their
personal property over or above the stock they severally owned. This
done the business went on briskly. Much work was done ; scythes
in large quantities were sold. Some few changes in the ownership
of stock took place but not such as to- affect the business in any
respect. Thus things were progressing, when, after a season of good
success in the sale of the goods produced, the company were reported
to be heavily in debt, and work was stopped. Further examination
proved each stockholder liable for several hundred dollars in addition
to the loss of the stock he held. No business transaction ever had
the damaging effect on the western part of the town that this break
down had. Calamities in regard to money have fallen on persons in
all parts of the town, but there are none heard of, concerning which
there is any comparison of bitterness expressed, as about the Wright-
ville scythe manufactory.

The Carriage Shop.

About 1854, Mr. Hiram Pulver, having returned from a success-
ful two or three years' trip to California, established himself in the
carriage making business, at this place, where he has been found dili-
gently and constantly engaged since that time, in making and repairing
carriages and wagons in the most approved style. Such has been his
reputation for thorough work that his business gradually increased
until he found it necessary to remove to more commodious quarters,
and hence erected in 1877, such buildings as were needed in Wol-
cottville, Wrightville, therefore, will be more than ever deserted,
and Wolcottville more busy and prosperous.

Wrightville Church,
Some time in 1865 or 6, the Second Advent people of Newfield,
commenced holding meetings quite regularly at Wrightville, and in
1867 the Meeting house was built. It was a conimodious building,
equal to the needs ot the congregation, and meetings were con-
tinued in it and preaching maintained with considerable regularity
several years. The society was never wealthy, but did what it

Business Centers. 83

could, and since the suspension of the scythe shop Wrightville has
been growing less, and also this church.

BURRVILLE.

Elias Gilbert of New Haven bought land at this place, of David
Soper, in 1812, on the west side of the river. This he sold the
next year to Isaac Gilbert with " bark house and tan-vats " on it.
In 1816, Newton Rossiter bought land of David Soper on the east
side of the river, and in 1817 he bought of Chester Loomis, a ham-
mer shop, which had been owned by Isaac Gilbert, and was probably
built by him. In 1818, Mr, Rossiter bought Isaac Gilbert's tan-
nery, and engaged in the tanning and shoe business extensively,
and hence the name Rossiterville, by which the place was known a
number of years.

In about 1828 or 9, Mr. Rossiter, having exchanged with the
state of Connecticut, his property at this place for western lands, re-
moved west. The old tannery is now owned and used by Mr. J.
M. Burr, as a grist mill and shingle mill.

Bricks were made at first on Torringford street, near the old
Burr tavern, and afterwards two or three kilns were established be-
tween thatplace and the hollow, one of which, near Burrville, is still
continued by Mr. John M. Burr. The Haydens also on Torring-
ford street made large quantities of brick.

While the tannery was in successful progress, Mr. Milo Burr en-
tered upon the work of reducing the pine timber, then covering
the valley at this place, to lumber. For this end he had three saw
mills in full operation a number of years, and the larger part of
his success in life resulted from this lumber trade. Other enterprises
he pursued with much energy, and for the hope of public good, the
enlarging of the place ; but most of these efforts were to his own
disadvantage, while the pine timber brought some compensation of
comfort.

In 1851, he built a dam on the mountain west of the village and
constructed what is well known as Burr's reservoir ; a most beauti-
tiful sheet of water, in the woods among the rocky hills. The place
and scenery are as wild and lonely as any civilized creature could
wish, except as to extent. Once the dam gave way and the rushing
waters came down the mountain gorge with such a noise as to give
warning, and no lives were lost except one little child. The water

84 History of Torrington.

in the reservoir is as clean and clear as is ever secured for family
use, and the people of Burrville can have water with a hundred feet
pressure in their houses at very little cost. On the brook leading
from the reservoir to the village, near the latter, Mr. Milo Burr
built, in 1854, a large building to be used as a manufactory. This
was occupied some time by Mr. Gale, under the first patent for put-
ting up condensed milk, by preserving with sugar. He began this
work at Wolcottville but removed to this place as one reason, be-
cause of the purity of the water here obtained. He removed to
Dutchess county, N. Y., where his enterprise is in most successful
operation, it having become of great importance to the people of large
cities.

On Saturday, May 12, 1877, this building was consumed by fire.

Newton Rossiter, while conducting the tannery kept a small store,
probably in his own dwelling. Afterwards Captain Milo Burr and
Beach Baker removed the store building once used at Greenwoods
street for a people's store to Burrville and Mr. Baker kept a store for
a short time. Nelson Roberts took this store in 1848, and con-
ducted it fourteen years, and then sold if to Lewis Johnson, who re-
mained in it two years, and sold to Mr. E. S. Minor, who is still
the merchant and rail road agent at the place. There is a post-
office at the place ; Mr. John M. Burr, post-master. Mr. James
Tallmadge had a wagon shop here about i860, for a time, when he
removed to Winsted.

Daytonville,

The Organ Factory.

Jonah Dayton, from Watertown, Ct., came to Torrington when
a young man, and bought land of David Soper one mile north of
Wolcottville, in 1809 and 1810, on which he built a house and other
buildings. Upon the farm he then bought, stand most of the dozen
dwellings which now compose the place called Daytonville. The
number of houses does not entitle the place to the name of a village,
but the business transactions which have taken place there warrant
the perpetuation of such honor for many years to come. Mr. Dayton
was a farmer, and in this work made improvements about his home
until about 1831, when he built a saw mill by which his work was
considerably increased. In 1834, his son Arvid Dayton, put up a
building in which he did various kinds of mechanical work a number
of years, and in this shop he built his first pipe organ in 1840. In

Business Centers. 85

1844, a large addition was made to this shop, which has been occu-
pied since that time as an organ factory. In 1846, he built his first
reed organ, and thereby was the first to build organs of this kind,
in America, so far as is known. For twenty years or more he was
busy, employing a number of hands, in making these instruments ;
more than five thousand having been sent out to make melody in the
churches and in the homes of Connecticut and many other states.

Between 1850 and i860, he made many valuable improvements
in organs of this kind but being more attentive to the making of per-
fect instruments than to the retaining the control of his improvements,
he did not obtain patents on his inventions, and freely exhibited these
instruments to the one purpose of selling them. The result was that
other persons, forming companies with large capital, used these im-
provements, greatly to their own advantage without any profit to
him. Many of the most finished workmen, employed in the largest
manufactories in the country learned their trade under Mr. Dayton.
The "Tuner's Gamut" an invention of Mr. Dayton, for tuning
these organs is an instrument in general use, and is acknowledged to
be of very great value in securing perfect harmony in the tones of
such instruments.

One patent he has lately obtained, which has brought him some
appropriate remuneration.

The Rake Factory.

Soon after Jonah Dayton settled on his farm, Bassett Dunbar es-
tablished a shop, a little way up the river, at the old Munn place,
for making hay-rakes, and fork and hoe handles. This business he
continued many years. The name B. Dunbar became familiar
to the people throughout Connecticut, and many other states, by
being branded on the rake heads and hoe-handles, although few
persons had any knowledge of the retired place where so far famed
a man resided. If all the old familiar friends of B. Dunbar
should come and settle in the region of Wolcottville, a large city
would at once occupy the Naugatuck valley. Far away to Ohio
has the name, B. Dunbar, gone, although the man who bore it may
never have crossed the Hudson river. In our day this would be
nothing, for the monthly report of the standing of our school children
goes much further than that, but in that day it was very diff^erent.

After the making of rakes had ended, Samuel De Forest bought
this shop and used it in making German silver spoons, and afterwards
sold it to Lyman Clark, a carpenter and builder, who among other

86 History of Torrington.

edifices, built the second Church at Torrington green, in 1848. Mr.
Clark sold to James Ashborn, who made guitars until the commence-
ment of the late rebellion when the sale of these instruments ended.
It was rented for a time for the making of piano covers, and in 1866,
the Excelsior Needle Company bought it and made needles there
until their business became too extensive for the size of the building,
when they removed to Wolcottville.

This shop is now a saw mill, owned by Frederick Wadhams, with
a circular saw that will turn out six hundred feet of boards an hour,
or will run through a log fifteen feet in length, one foot m diameter
in fifteen seconds, a great change from the old mill which stood
further up the river, which would allow a man to eat his dinner while
the saw made the length of the log.

JuDE Freeman's Mill.

This saw mill stood a little distance above Bassett Dunbar's shop,
and was owned by Jude Freeman, a colored man, many years. He
also owned a large farm on Red mountain on which he resided.
Jonah Dayton was known to say many times that Mr. Freeman could
borrow a hundred dollars as readily as any man in town because he
was as good pay as any body. This mill and mill privilege fell into
the hands of Elkanah Barber, son of Elihu Barber, who continued the
old mill, and added a cider mill and a blacksmith shop, but these are
all gone now except a few old timbers.

Huntington's Carding Mill.

William Huntington from Harwinton established a carding mill,
about half a mile above Daytonville, and a few rods above Elkanah
Barber's saw mill, about 1829, and here he continued to card wool
and dress cloth for many years. This property has changed hands
several times and is now owned by Squire Scoville, and is occupied
as a saw mill.

Cook's Saw Mill.

This mill is below Daytonville, a short distance, and was built
originally by David Soper, Joseph Gaylord, and John Cook, Jr.,
about or before 1800. It is now owned by the Cook families.

CHAPTER IX.

WOLCOTTVILLE.

How IT Became a Village.

)HE first business transaction that led the way of
all others in building Wolcottville as a village, was
the purchasing by Amos Wilson of the proprietors
of the town, the mill privileges, on Waterbury river,
west branch, in March 175 1; the site known since as that of
Wilson's mill. He was then twenty-five years of age ; had been in
the town less than a year ; was the owner of fifty acres of land given
him by his father ; and by this transaction started himself in business
for life. His brother Noah had been in the town seven or eisht
years, and was the owner, at this time, of two or three hundred acres
of land. The next step of progress was the formation of the stock
company and the building of the mill soon after, probably the same
year. The company bought at different times various portions of the
pine timber land, and Noah and Amos Wilson bought for their in-
dividual possession, strip after strip, as the owners were willing to
sell, until a considerable part of the pine timber was under their con-
trol. In October 1752, Amos Wilson married Zerviah Grant,
daughter of William Grant, one of the proprietors of the mill, a
transaction with a foresight to business as well as domestic felicity ;
and made his home west of the mill near the present residence of Mr.
Burton Patterson.

The next enterprise of Amos Wilson was, a store and a shoe
shop. His account book still preserved ' reveals the extent of this
department of usefulness as well as the work done at the mill. The
earliest date in this book is 1759, and the book shows that there had
been another, previous to this, kept by Amos Wilson.

It was this saw mill that was to clear the pine timber from the
swamp and open the way for a beautiful village. This timber was
valuable. Mast swamp has been represented as a worthless piece of
territory, so much so that the committee in laying out the town could

' Mr. John W. Brooks, of Wolcottville, told a peddler if he obtained any old books to
let him see them. Therefore this book is preserved.

88 History of Torrington.

scarcely devise a plan to dispose of it, whereas it was reserved dur-
ing all the other divisions for the reason that it was of such value
that every proprietor demanded his share in proportion to the amount
of his list. For twenty years the proprietors, by various committees
protected the pine timber, and ordered prosecutions in court, even at
large expense, upon any person who should cut it, and for what
reason ? Because it was so worthless ? Any of the old proprietors
would have laughed at the idea. They had houses and barns to
build ; and they knew that pine lumber was far preferable and more
durable than hemlock for such purposes, and to suppose t© the con-
trary is a disparagement of the keen sighted calculations of the fath-
ers of Torrington. Many of the farmers cut this timber as they
needed it ; hired the use of Wilson's mill to saw it ; and worked at
the mill night and day to that end, and then used it at their homes ;
and after this process had been going on fifty years and more,
they sold their lots with what remained on them, some of them as
the deeds show, for sixty dollars and over, per acre. Between
1790 and 1800, Roger Wilson and Roswell Wilson, bought in com-
pany and separately, between twenty and thirty of these lots, paying
the above prices for a number of them.

A highway through the swamp was laid at the time of the first
division, in 1734, half a mile north of, and parallel with the Litch-
field line, and crossed the west branch some distance above Wilson's
mill, passing eastward a little north of the present Congregational
parsonage, and was a traveled road very early. It was, indeed, the
only road through the swamp, for twenty or more years. In 1752,
a highway was laid through the swamp, near the middle, from
north to south, twenty feet wide, which is now Main street. In the
same year another one was laid from the mill place " east, twenty
feet wide until it comes into the other road." That is now Water
street. The other highway, known now as South Main street, was
made at a later date. The first road leading to Waterbury began at the
west end of the bridge above Wilson's mill, and passed down on the
south side of the river, crossing the brook below the park, and was
called the New Haven road. The old Litchfield road came down
the ravine into the New Haven road near this brook. On the east
side of the river a highway was laid in 1752, from the Litchfield line
running north as far as the pine timber division of land. This road
was extended south into Litchfield and became a traveled road quite
early, and several dwellings were standing on it before 1800.

WoLCOTTVILLE. 89

On the New Haven road there were settlers long before any
houses were built in Wolcottville. Paul Peck had his hermit's house
near this road some time before 1776. Samuel Brooker owned his
hundred acres of land in this vicinity, and built his house near the
site of Mr. Charles F. Church's present dwelling, about 1785.
Below this dwelling resided a Mr. Elwell and Solomon Morse. Capt.
Perkins lived in a house on the site of Mr. Frederick Taylor's present
homestead. On the Litchfield road, some distance west from the
New Haven road, were the homes of Thomas Coe, Asahel
Wilcox, Chester Brooker and others. Some of the land along this
New Haven road and near the river has been under cultivation
longer than any in the original town of Torrington. It was in this
vicinity or up the Litchfield road that Josiah Grant resided in 1734,
when he hired four or five acres of land then " broken up on Water-
bury river," within the territory of Torrington. A carding and cloth
dressing mill was built opposite Wilson's saw mill, on the river at an
early period. Joseph Blake dressed cloth at this mill many years,
and is said to have come to the town for this purpose. Amos Wilson's
account with Mr. Blake begins in 1769, and therefore it is probable
that the mill was built before that time. This mill was gone in
1794. It is likely that when it began to decay, Joseph Taylor
built the one that stood near the rock on the south side of the
river some fifty rods below Wilson's mill, and that Joseph Blake
continued to work for Mr. Taylor at this second carding mill, which
became a flax mill, then a turning mill, and was finally consumed
by fire.

Wilson's new grist mill was built in 1794, below and adjoining
the saw mill, where now the Messrs. Hotchkiss planing mill stands ;
and the old saw mill continued some years until rebuilt.

Several dwellings were built very early on the road east of Water-
bury river, opposite the present Valley Park, and in one of these
John Brooker and his wife Jerusha, began house keeping after their
marriage in 1783. They afterwards lived a number of years in the
house said to have been built by Ambrose Potter, a little east of the
foundry, now owned by Turner, Seymour and Company. Mr. John
Brooker built a house where Mr. L. W. Coe's dwelling now stands
in 1803, which was the first frame raised in Wolcottville. Benoni
Leach built a house the same summer opposite Mr. Brooker's, east
side of the Waterbury road, there being a strife as to which house
should be raised first. Mr. Brooker won the day by about a week.

90 History of Torrington.

The night after Mr. Brooker's house was raised, a large company
of men engaged in raising a high pole ornamented with rams horns
and the like, and named the place " Orleans village." This is the
name used in most of the deeds for ten or fifteen years afterwards.
After Mr. Brooker finished his house, he made it his home for a few
years only ; keeping it as a tavern.

Daniel Potter of Johnstown, N. Y., bought in 1804 of Mr.
Brooker and his wife, land where the Coe furniture store now stands,
and built a store building on it and a dwelling ; which buildings were
occupied by his brother Ambrose Potter. When this dwelling was
raised, one of the sides fell, killing one man and hurting a number of
others, which fact was indelibly fixed upon the mind of a young girl,
and hence remembered to the present day. Mr. Potter sold this pro-
perty to Ephraim Sanford of Newtown, Ct., who took possession and
went on with the store, and also bought the tavern, and about a
year after Mr. Sanford was on his way to New Haven with a load of
cheese ; the horses ran away and he was killed. His executors sold
the store to Russell Bull and Frederick Robbins of Wethersfield, in
1808. Mr. Bull, soon after, bought Mr. Robbins's half and con-
tinued the store a number of years. Ambrose Potter built the tavern
on the site of the American House, for his brother Daniel and after-
wards owned and occupied it several years as a a tavern. Between
1804 and 1 81 2, a number of dwellings were erected in the village,
and in 1 8 14 the School house which stood on the east side of Main
street where the present Register printing office stands.

When John Brooker was making plans to build his house which
became a public house, Joseph Taylor was arranging to build a tav-
ern, where the Allen house now stands. His sudden decease in 1802,
delayed the enterprise for a time, but about 18 19, Mrs. Taylor and
, her son Uri Taylor completed the house, and thereafter kept it as a
public house for a number of years. In the winter of 1813, Joseph
Allyn, Jr., bought the water power and privileges, from Wilson's
mill to the flax mill, of the following persons, for two hundred and
eighty dollars. Roswell Wilson, Benjamin Phelps, Norman Wilson,
Lemuel North, Samuel Beach and his wife Keziah Beach, Joseph
Allyn, Jonah Allyn, Roger Wilson and Guy Wolcott. He sold it
in the spring for the same price to Frederick Wolcott of Litchfield,
and Guy Wolcott of Torrington ; deed dated May 3, 18 13. The
Wolcotts purchased another plot, below the first, at the same time ;
and upon this they erected, that year, the woolen mill. They pur-

Woi.COTTVILLE. 9 1

chased several other pieces of land giving the ovi'ners until the next
September to remove the timber. On the day of the raising of the
woolen mill, the Rev. Alexander Gillet being present as well as a
large number of the people of the town, proposed that the name of
the place be changed. In response to which a call was made.
" What shall we call it ? Name it." He answered, " Wolcott-
ville ; " and to this all agreed, and Wolcottville it is.

Its Growth to the Present Time.

In 1813, Nathan Gillett, who married a daughter of Dea, Guy
Wolcott, was residing in the house north of the bridge on the west
side of Main street. This house he built about 1808 or 9, and oc-
cupied it until 181 7 when he removed west.

There were two or three houses built on the north side of the
river, between 1806 and 1810. At the northwest part of the vil-
lage, there were probably, but two or three dwellings before 1800,
within the territory now. regarded as Wolcott^'ille.

In the Ga%etteer of the states of Connecticut and Rhode Is-
land, printed in 1819, we have the following description of this vil-
lage.

" Wolcottville, a village of eighteen houses, has been built
principally since i8o2, and is an active, flourishing place. Its growth
has been chiefly owing to the establishment of an extensive woolen
factory, which now is owned principally by his Excellency, Oliver
Wolcott. It is one of the largest establishments of the kind in the
state ; employing about forty workmen, and manufacturing from
twenty-five to thirty-five yards of broad cloth daily, of an averao-e
value of six dollars per yard. The cloths made have a substantial
texture and are manufactured in a style scarcely inferior to the high-
est finished English cloths."

Barber's History of Connecticut^ published in 1836, says : " Wol-
cottville, the principal village in the town of Torrington, is situated
in a valley near the southern boundary of the town, at the junction
of the two branches of the Waterbury or Naugatuck river, twenty-
six miles from Hartford, forty from New Haven, and seventeen
from the New Haven and Northampton canal at Avon. The vil-
lage consists of about forty dwelling houses, a handsome Congrega-
tional church, a three story brick building used as a house of worship
by various denominations, and also as an academy ; four mercantile
stores, two taverns, a post office, and an extensive woolen factory.

History of Torrington.

((

The engraving shows the appearance of the village from the
Hartford turnpike, looking westward. The Congregational church
stands at the northern extremity of the village, but owing to the
limited extent of the engraving, it could not be introduced. The
brick building used for a house of worship is on the left, over which
is seen the Litchfield turnpike, passing over the heights westward.
The woolen factory is the large building with a spire. This factory
went into operation in 1813. One of the principal owners was the
late Oliver Wolcott Esq., formerly governor of the state ; the village
owes its rise principally to this establishment. A short distance
westward of the factory, an establishment for the manufacture of brass
is now erecting : it is believed to be the only one of the kind at pre-
sent in the United States."^

View of Wolcottville, Torrington, from the northeast.

Wolcottville now contains thirty stores of all varieties, two hotels,
four churches, a town hall, a town clerk's office, a graded school
building, the granite block, containing Wadam's Hall, a large hall for
public assemblies ; one bank, two daguerreian galleries, a post office,
one printing office, issuing a weekly paper, and eight copartnership

* Barber's Historical Collections. Mr. Dawson, editor of the Historical Magazine, one of
the most critical works in the United States, writes to Mr. Barber Sept., 1877 : "Your
Historical Collections are not unknown to me ; and you may rest assured that they are
worthy of you. Their accuracy are very well known, and they will never cease to be re-
ferred to. ^

WOLCOTTVILLE.

manufacturing companies employing a capital of seven hundred thou-
sand dollars.

Its professional men are, four settled pastors, five practicing phy-
sicians, and two lawyers. The graded school has a gentleman as
principal, and six lady teachers.

It has twenty-two hundred inhabitants ; four hundred children in
its graded school, and the dwellings extend further on the streets in
every direction than the old pine swamp did when the town was laid
into lots for the proprietors. There have been about fifty houses
built, yearly for two or three years past, and the enterprise of the
community seems to increase rather than diminish in this direction.

CHAPTER X.

WOLCOTTVILLE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES.

The Woolen Mill.

T is said that James Wolcott, son of Guy Wolcott, having
worked in a woolen mill in Middletown, and learned
much of the business, persuaded his uncle Frederick

iSamS^ Wolcott to build the woolen mill in Wolcottville, and
he was the overseer in the construction of the building. At the
time this mill was built, just before the close of the war of 1813,
American cloths were high and the prospect of this mill as a money
making enterprise was good, but the war closing so soon, opened
the markets to importations, and all manufactories suffered, because
they could not produce as cheap articles as foreign establishments
could do. This mill began its work in the autumn of 1813, the work
comprising spinning, weaving, and cloth dressing, and produced from
the first, as fine quality of goods as were made in the United States.

Dr. Christopher Wolcott, brother of Frederick, was superintend-
ent, or general manager of the mill. He was a very honorable,
upright, faithful man ; an earnest Methodist ; and he brought a
number of men of the same faith with him, such as Mr. North, the
dyer in the mill, afterwards justice of the peace; Thomas Sparks,
who became a Methodist minister after leaving the place ; Alfred
French, also a man of influence ; and a Mr. Stillman, who afterwards
became a Methodist minister. These all, with others, were valuable
men in the community, and the place began, not only to have the
appearance of a village, but to give promise of good character in
morality and religion. The success of the mill in producing goods
of desirable quality and quantity appears to have been satisfactory,
but the sale of the cloths was slow and at moderate prices because
of the influx of foreign productions. The prices at which these
broad cloths were sold ranged from four to eight dollars, as charged
to the proprietors and their special friends.

In 1816 the mill property was mortgaged to Gov. Oliver Wolcott
of Litchfield, for twenty thousand dollars, presuming, and believing,
doubtless, that better times would be realized after a few years.

WOLCOTTVILLE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES. 95

In 1 82 1 the property was mortgaged to secure a note of forty
thousand dollars made to the Phoenix Bank of Hartford, or its branch
at Litchfield.

In 1825 William E. Russell was in charge of the mill as general
manager, aided by Joshua Clapp, a capitalist of Boston, which limited
partnership was continued three years.

In 1829, the bank took the property, and sold it on June 30th,
1830, to James Wolcott and Samuel Groves for six thousand dollars,
and took a mortgage for five thousand in security. Soon after this
Aaron J. W. Goodwin became interested and engaged in the mill.

In 1833, John Hungerford and George D. Wadhams became
stock owners in this mill property, and the enterprise was known
after that as the Wolcottville manufacturing company. In 1836 a
two story brick building was erected as a finishing house, on the site
of the old dye house, or where the Union Manufacturing Company
are now located. About 1839, Benjamin H. Morse of Litchfield,
became a stock owner, and superintendent of the mill. Thus the
woolen mill continued through various changes and disadvantages,
to produce goods of value, and marketable quality until the autumn
of 1844, when the old mill, which had been in use thirty-one years,
was consumed by .fire. The dignity and honor which this first mill
in Wolcottville conferred on the place in 1836, is most faithfully
portrayed in an illustration in the Historical Collections of Connecticut ^
by John W. Barber of New Haven.

After the burning of the mill a division of the property was ef-
fected and a new company formed which took the finishing house
above the site of the mill, and the others remained and put up a new
building on the site of the old mill, Mr. Morse remaining in charge
and being an owner of stock.

This new mill was fitted as a cotton mill, and to superintend the
weaving, Allen G. Brady of East Haddam was employed, and under
his directions the looms were made and the machinery placed in the
mill ready for work. He went to Litchfield station the next year,
1846, and fitted and superintended a mill for the Matatuck Manufac-
turing company, at that place. Benjamin H. Morse was agent for
both of these mills, havmg been employed by the special desire of
William Young, who was a large owner of stock in these mills.
From 1847 ^° '^53? the mill was rented to Mr. Brady much of the
time. In 1851, the company name was changed from the Wolcott-
ville Manufacturing Company, to the Torrington Manufacturing

96 History of Torrington.

Company, and the owners were Herman Powers of Boston, Wm.
H. Richardson, George Odiorne, Allen G. Brady, and others. After
a short time the company sold to Mr. Brady and he in 1853, ^'^^^
to Elizur and David Prichard of Waterbury, who established the
Wolcottville Knitting Company for making drawers, and a variety of
woolen and worsted goods. In 1854, Ostrom and Welton became
owners of much of this mill property. After the knitting company
had run the mill a few years, it stood idle until it was sold to the
Waterbury Hook and Eye Company.

The Turner and Seymour Manufacturing Company.

This company occupy the mill privileges of the first woolen mill
in the place. Before 1863, this property stood idle for a time, which
fact being known to the Waterbury Hook and Eye Company, they
began to consider the feasibility of removing their business to Wol-
cottville. At the same time the Wadhams Manufacturing Company
had stopped work, and the buildings were standing idle. This latter
was a company of more than twenty years' standing. In 1838, it was
first organized under the title of Wadhams, Webster and Company,
" for the purpose of manufacturing gilt and other buttons, or any
articles composed of brass, copper or other metals," and the officers
were, Russell C. Abernethy, president, and George D. Wadhams,
Martin Webster and Laurin Wetmore, directors ; the capital stock
being fourteen thousand dollars. In 1851, after apparently a success-
ful term of twelve years, a new organization was effected under the
name of the Wadhams Manufacturing Company, takings the property
of the old company and adding stock so as to make twenty thousand
dollars. The stock owners were, George D. Wadhams, Phineas
North, Demas Coe, Samuel T. Seelye, H. P. Ostrum, J. F. Cal-
houn, Albert A. Mason, Samuel J. Stocking, William S. Steele,
Ebenezer Wilson and William DeForest. The building of the old
company was called the button shop, and it stood east of Main street
on the old road to Torringford, on the east branch, at what is now
called the iron foundery. After 185 1, it took the name of the papier
machie shop, which indicated the character of an additional part of
the business of the firm ; the making of daguerreotype cases, work
boxes, writing desks, and other articles made in part or wholly of
paper. In the beginning of the war this company closed its business.

Some of the members of the Hook and Eye company at Water-

WoLCOTTVILLE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES. 97

bury, formed a company in 1863, called the Seymour Manufacturing
Company, to be located at Wolcottville ; and these persons were, F.
J. Seymour, E. Turner, L. W. Coe, S. L. Clark, and J. S. Elton.
They, with a capital stock of twenty thousand dollars, purchased the
Wadhams property, or papier machie shop, and continued some of
the kinds of work which had been done there and added others.
They made a specialty of brass window trimmings, including a variety
of articles for hanging window curtains and ornamenting windows.

In 1864, the Turner and Seymour Manufacturing Company pur-
chased the knitting mill, or the old cotton mill property ; the build-
ing standing on the site of the old, or first woolen mill, and trans-
ferred their hook and eye business from Waterbury to this mill.

In 1866, these two firms consolidated under the name of Turner
and Seymour manufacturing company, retaining possession and con-
tinuing work, in both mills. After a short time an iron foundery was
erected adjoining the papier machie building where they have con-
tinued to cast a variety of articles, mostly for household use, includ-
ing American scissors, of several classes or sizes, ends or fixtures for
window curtains, and many other items, varying their work accord-
ing to public demand or invention and use. Their illustrated catalogue
covers one hundred and twenty pages ; many of which pages are a
condensed schedule of articles of the same name but varying in size
or style or adaptability.

The capital stock is one hundred thousand dollars ; and their sales
run from two to three hundred thousand dollars a year. They are
now selling goods at half the price they sold the same article seven
years ago.

The wholesale store of this company is at 81 Reade street. New
York city.

The present officers are Elisha Turner, president, L. W. Coe,
treasurer, L. G. Turner, secretary.

Some description of this firm and the articles they manufactured
was given in The American Commercial Times^ in 1873, ^"0"^ which
the following extracts are taken :

••' The company has two manufactories, one in the very center of
the village, the other some half a mile distant, but both within a
short distance of the rail road. The first named is devoted to the
manufacture of cast and sheet brass goods ; the other to the produc-
tion of a variety of articles in iron and bronze. About one hundred
and fifty hands are employed in the two establishments, and both

98 History of Torrington.

steam and water are used ; the combined force aggregating one hun-
dred and twenty-five horse power. The iron foundery requires the
daily melting of about three tons of the best American iron, which
is cast into a multiplicity of forms, some being of such delicate shapes
as to require the services of the most experienced moulders who can
be obtained.

" In the main factory, situated on the bank of the Naugatuck river,
is a great deal of curious and costly machinery for special purposes,
besides a large number of power presses and drops, with an immense
and valuable stock of steel dies. At the distance of one hundred
and fifty feet from the principal factory buildings stands a generator
for gas, which is forced through the entire establishment by an in-
genious arrangement of pipes in which water by its natural gravitation
regulates the pressure and flow of the gas.

" Among the goods struck from sheet brass we noticed numerous
patterns of window cornices, curtain bands and loops, and furniture
ornaments. These goods are very tasteful in design and perfect in
finish, some being burnished and lacquered, others gilt, silvered or
bronzed. The cost of dies for this class of goods is very heavy.

" In the brass foundery are a number of furnaces and a great variety
of moulds for the manufacture of such goods as curtain fixtures, draw
pulls, coat and hat hooks, brackets, sash lifts, and fasteners, cornice
hooks and eyes, etc. Much artistic taste is displayed in the ornament-
ation of these articles, which are finished in many different shades
of color, by processes which prevent tarnishing by handling or from
atmospheric exposure.

" Many of the above named articles, and a host of others, are cast in
iron, which seems to be quite extensively used in lieu of brass, such
have been the improvements in moulding and finishing, and if it were
not for their liability to break, delicate castings in iron would even
more largely take the place of the more costly metal.

" Another specialty with this concern is what might be termed
upholstery hardware, embracing furniture nails and ornaments, tassel
hooks, curtain-rings, picture hooks, and some two hundred different
styles of nails with ornamental heads, for suspending mirrors, picture
frames and the like ; porcelain and glass, in all colors, are the
materials chiefly used in the manufacture of these nail heads, and
many of them are extremely beautiful.

" The list of goods made from brass wire is very extensive. There
are some twenty-three machines for making hooks and eyes, of which

i::iii«lrl'

D
Z

WOLCOTTVILLE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES. 99

highly useful articles this concern produces the quarter of all that are
manufactured in the country. Millions of curtain rings aremadeatthe
factory, not, as might be supposed, of wire bent and soldered, but
from sheet meial ; circular disks or rings being stamped out and rhen
by ingenious dies rolled into hollow circular tubes, perfectly re-
sembling a solid ring.

" There are many other special machines ; among them one which
makes zinc sockets for sash bolts at the rate of 150 gross per day, by
a single operative. Escutcheon pins, or wire rivets, vest button
rings, screw rings for picture frames, and a host of other useful articles
made from wire are among the manufactures of this establishment.

" In addition to goods of their own production this company are large
importers of articles of a similar description, and are agents for the
sale of many prominent hardware items."

The Union Manufacturing Company.

This company was organized February 18, 1845, with a capital
often thousand dollars, and the same day purchased the brick build-
ing and water privileges, which had been used as a finishing house,
by the old woolen mill company, and entered upon preparations for
the manufacture of woolen goods ; the stock holders being John
Hungerford, president, William R. Slade, superintendent, and secre-
tary ; and from this time forward, this mill appears to have been
moderately successful. In 1849 ^^'^ "^'^^ w^s burned and a building
much larger than the former was erected, and the business conducted
by^F. N. Holly and William R. Slade as the stock owners, and suc-
cess rewarded the efforts and skill with which they conducted it.
In 1856, this building was burned and all that was in it, leaving a
mass of ruins unseemly and discouraging. Another one was soon
erected and fitted for the same business, and the work started anew.
The business was prosperous and in 1859, Jesse B. Rose, Samuel
Workman and Ransom Holly became stock owners, and the owners
thus continued until 1873, when the Messrs. Holly retired and others
became members of the company, in 1867.

The present owners are Jesse B. Rose, Samuel Workman,
George D. Workman, Albert Tuttle and James Iredale. Mr. Rose
came from Plymouth in 1850, and engaged with this company as
foreman of the carding room, and continued in that relation nearly

loo History of Torrington.

fifteen years, when he became a stock owner, and superintendent of
the manufacturing work.

Mr. Samuel Workman came to New York, and thence in 1836,
to this place, having been employed to work in the wool-sorting
apartment in Wolcottville Manufacturing Company, and has contin-
ued in the same work to the present time. When the Union com-
pany started, he engaged with them, and has become largely inte-
rested in the business.

Mr. George D. Workman, son of Samuel, is the secretary, treasurer
and agent of the company, and became stock owner in 1867.

Mr. Tuttle came from Woodbury in 1858, and was employed as
finisher of cloth, in which relation he still continues. He became
stock owner in 1865. Mr. Iredale, formerly from England came
from Massachusetts, in 1865, and became overseer in the "gig-
room," or one department of cloth dressing. He became stock
owner in 1867.

This company commenced with a stock capital of ten thousand
dollars, which was increased to fifty thousand, where it has remained.
The sales of the company amount to two hundred thousand dollars
annually, which indicates prosperity even in moderate times. The
capacity of the mill is much greater than that usually attained. The
main building is one hundred and twenty-two feet by thirty-five, six
stories high, and has an ell part thirty-five by forty feet, three stories
high. There is also a wing attached to the main building that is
eighty-five by thirty feet, one story. The second building is one
hundred by thirty-eight, two stories and a basement and is used for a
drying house. The third building is eighty by thirty-five feet, three
stories high, and is used for office and storage rooms. And besides
the large water power they have three steam boilers with an engine
of one hundred horse power.

At first this company manufactured only plain black doeskin
cloths, and from this they have varied but little until later years.
They now make black doeskins, ribbed, and diagonal goods ; all
single breadth. Seventy-five persons are regularly employed in the
mill, producing on an average about five hundred yards of cloth per
day.

The skill and ingenuity now brought into service in this manu-
factory, a^ well as others of the same kind, are varied and extensive,
and can be only intimated by the fact that the wool goes through
thirty-four distinct processes before it becomes finished cloth.

WOLCOTTVILLE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES. lOI

The contrast between the method of making woolen cloth one
hundred years ago and what is seen in this mill, is quite impressive.
Instead of a woman passing backward and forward eight feet, twice,
for one thread of that length a man performing the same journey,
attends two sets of spindles, and produces six hundred and forty
threads, all done within the time the woman would occupy, and the
man having some leisure time to spare.

The present officers of the company are : Jesse B. Rose, president,
George D. Workman, secretary, treasurer and agent. The directors
are; Jesse B. Rose, Samuel Workman, George D. Workman, Albert
Tuttle and James Iredale.

The Coe Brass Manufacturing Company.

The first effort to make brass kettles in America, by the battery
process, was commenced in Wolcottville in 1834. The old Wilson
mill privilege and property was purchased, and other lands on the
south and west side of the river for a dam and a raceway, and for the
location of buildings. The business was conducted in the name of
Israel Coe, then of Waterbury, but who removed to Wolcottville. An-
son G. Phelps of New York city and John Hungerford were associated
with Mr. Coe, each owning one-third of the stock. The late Israel
Holmes of Waterbury, had an interest in the business and removed
to this village, and was the principal manager of the manufacturing
part of the business. The enterprise included the rolling of brass in
connection with the making of brass kettles. Christopher Pope, an
Englishman, was the prime mover in regard to the making of brass
kettles although he was of no benefit in the end to the business as
introduced here.

Mr. Holmes went to England for the purpose of procuring ma-
chinery and workmen. His efforts in this respect were hindered by
every possible ingenuity and power of those interested in the same
kind of manufacturing in that country, but after a time he sent two
battery-men to Philadelphia, one of whom died the next day after his
arrival. Subsequently he procured others, and thirty-eight men,
women and children, in one vessel, arrived in New York. Con-
siderable trouble was experienced in transporting them, without a rail
road to Wolcottville. When they were landed here, the mill was
not ready for operatives, and thereby the troubles were multiplied.
The men received^ their pay, and having nothing to do, most of them
gave themselves to dissipation and disquietude of disposition. In the

I02 History of Torrington.

mean time Mr. Pope bargained with other parties for a rival concern
and took three of the men with him. This was, at first, thought to
be an injury hut eventuated in advantage as these men proved to be
worthless in this business. However, some of the workmen remained
and the quick eye and ready hand of Wolcottville Yankees soon
secured experts in the making of brass kettles.

The next difficulty which arose was the proportioning or mixing
of the metal so as to form a compound that could be subjected to the
hammering and annealing without cracking, and for some years the
company were under the necessity of importing the metal, ready cast,
for this purpose. In 184.2, Mr. Coe went to England and obtained
the right materials and mixture, and thereafter this difficulty was over-
come. From this time the business in this form would have been
a great success but for the invention by Hiram Hayden of Water-
bury, of a new process, called the rolling or spinning process,
by which a smoother surface, and uniform thickness of the kettle was
secured. This new method soon superseded the battery business,
and hence this part of the Wolcottville enterprise was not very pro-
fitable thereafter.

The rolling mill part of the business was a success until 1837,
when by the general suspension of business throughout the country
many who were indebted to the concern being unable to pay, the
company were in a strait place, and for a time nearly suspended work
in the mill. But finally all claims were paid in full and business re-
sumed and continued with success.

On the nineteenth of May, 1841, the special copartnership of Israel
Coe was dissolved and a joint stock company formed under the name
of the Wolcottville Brass Company, with a capital of fifty-six thou-
sand dollars, of which Israel Coe, Anson G. Phelps and John Hun-
gerford were the stockholders, each owning one-third. Israel Coe
was appointed president, and Lyman W. Coe, secretary and trea-
surer, and Israel Holmes the general manufacturing manager. In
1842, Mr. Coe went to Europe and Mr. Hungerford was appointed
president. In 1843, ^'- Holni^s retired from the company. In
February, 1844, Israel Coe and L. W. Coe sold their interest in the
company to Anson G. Phelps, and Mr. I. Coe then retired from the
brass business. L. W. Coe remained as secretary and treasurer until
1845, when he resigned, and subsequently was elected secretary and
treasurer of the Waterbury Brass Company, of which Israel Holmes
was president. Mr. L. W. Coe then removed to Waterbury where

WOLCOTTVILLE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES. lOJ

he resided until 1863, when he purchased the property of the Wol-
cottville Brass Company, and formed a new company under the name
of the Coe Brass Company.

While Mr. Coe was at Waterbury, in March 1848, Mr. Phelps
sold his interest in this mill to Mr. Hungerford, and Mr. Hunger-
ford, at different times, transferred portions of the stock to C. P.
Marks, John Davol, J. H. Bartholomew and Albert A. Mason, and
others. About 1853, Marks and Davol, being large owners, sold their
entire interest in this property to J. Hungerford, and he and his fam-
ily became the owners of nearly all the stock.

Until 1852, the company-had been moderately successful, but
from that period to 1863, the property steadily declined in value.
This decline was owing in part to the decline of the battery pro-
cess in making kettles, and the great commercial panic, of 1857, in
which the company were large losers by the failure of their cus-
tomers, from which they never fully recovered.

In April 1863, L. W. Coe purchased the entire capital stock,
paying forty thousand dollars, and thereby became possessed of all
its franchise and liable for all its debts. The Coe Brass Company
was formed with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, and the
mill property and real estate of the old company transferred to the
new.

The new company immediately took its position in the front
ranks of the brass wire and German silver business, and has steadily
increased its business, until at the present time it is producing more
pounds of metal than any mill of the kind. It has attained its
former reputation as a water mill of about one hundred and fifty
horse power, but has now in addition, four steam engines with a
capacity of four hundred horse power. Their buildings cover an
area of about three acres ; the whole mill property includes nineteen
acres.

For the past five years it has made a specialty of brass for small
arms, cartridges, and has had extensive dealings with foreign govern-
ments tor such metal. The aggregate of this foreign trade has con-
stituted two-thirds of the productions of the mills.

The annual aggregate of the business of the company now ex-
ceeds one and a quarter million dollars. Its present capital is
three hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars. It employs directly
from two hundred to two hundred and fifty men, and indirectly sus-
tains a large proportion of the population of the town. During the

I04 History of Torrington.

last three years of financial depression in the country, this mill has
been under full operation, and some of the time working over time ;
which fact has not only kept Wolcottville alive, but growing at the
rate of nearly fifty dwelling houses per year.

The annual consumption of wood at this mill is two thousand
cords, and of charcoal fifteen thousand bushels, and of anthracite coal
two thousand tons. The present officers are L. W. Coe, presi-
dent ; Edward Turner, vice president ; Charles F. Brooker, secre-
tary ; Edward F. Coe, treasurer.

The Coe Furniture Company.

Furniture was first manufactured in Wolcottville by Luther
Bissell, begining previous to 1840. All work was then made to
order, and without machinery of any kind except a circular saw and
a turning lathe.

About 1840, a company, consisting of Henry P. Coe, Henry P.
Ostrum and Benjamin Smith, engaged in this line of business
in a shop about forty rods east of Main street bridge on the north
side of the river. After a short time Mr. Smith sold his share
to the two others. About 1850 Mr. Ostrum sold to his partner
Henry P. Coe who continued the business with success several years.
When his sons A. W. Coe and Brothers took the enterprise, before
i860, they took possession of larger buildings on the south side of
the river, and began to add the improvements in machinery by which
their products and sales were greatly increased. This prosperity con-
tinued until 1870, when the Coe Furniture Company was formed,
with a capital of twenty thousand dollars, for the purpose of making
household furniture to be sold mostly at wholesale. The leading
articles are chamber sets, tables, bureaus, chairs, bedsteads and sofas.
They make a specialty of walnut, chestnut and ash extension tables.
They occupy five buildings and a part of the old spoon shop, for
work shop, storage rooms and sales room. Their sales amount to
between thirty and forty thousand dollars a year, having exceeded
this amount in prosperous years. Their goods are shipped to many
of the principal cities of the eastern and middle states.

The Carriage Shop.
The Alvord Carriage Manufactory, built on the east branch of the
Naugatuck, in 1831, was an enterprise of much importance in the
place, for ten years or more. It employed one hundred men and

WOLCOTTVILLE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES. IO5

did probably the largest business of any company in the town at the
time. The officers were : Nelson Alvord, president, and Henry
Hopkins, A. G. Bradford, Charles B. Smith, B. R. Agard, a majority
of the directors. Thousands of carriages and carrying wagons were
made, and sold in the southern states. When the war of the rebellion
came, the end of making of carriages came to this company as well
as many others in the land. Their spacious shop was afterwards oc-
cupied by the Redfield and Price spoon company and the manufacture
of spoons, and German silver and plated ware was continued a number
of years.

The building is now unoccupied e. ^z as a storage room for the
Coe Furniture Company.

WOLCOTTVILLE HARDWARE MANUFACTURING CoMPANY.

This company was organized in 1851, for the purpose of "manu-
facturing, selling and dealing in any and all kinds of wares, goods and
articles composed of iron, steel, wood, brass, or any articles of which
these are component parts," and the company, in their work, occupied
a part of the Alvord Carriage shop.

The stock owners were ; Wolcottville Brass Company, Norman
Cady, Gordon W. Quinby, Elezur D. Harrington, Nelson Alvord,
Geo. D. Wadhams, Henry Hopkins, Charles G. Pond, George N.
Pond, Virgil C. Goodwin, N. B. Lathrop, Darius Wilson, Edwin
W. Mosely, and George P. Bissell.

C. HOTCHKISS AND SoNS.

The owners of the Wilson's mill property' entered into an agree-
ment in May 1794, to build a new grist mill below the saw mill, on
the west side on the site of the old carding mill, but for some
reason it was not placed there, but was located adjoining the old saw
mill. The carding mill referred to was built about 1760, probably,
and in it Joseph Blake did carding of wool and cloth dressing many
years, and then removed his mill to the rock on the south side of the
river opposite the present union woolen mill. The owners of the
new grist mill, which was property now separate from the saw mill,
were Noah Wilson, Amos Wilson, Joseph Taylor, Martha Wilson,
widow of William, Roswell Wilson, Joseph Phelps and Joseph
Allyn. The next year Joseph AUyn bought more of this property,

' For the earlier history of the property, see chapter on Wolcottville.

io6 History of Torringto

and in 1802 Noah Allyn bought Noah Wilson's part. The Wilsons
continued to own the larger part of the saw mill some time after the
new grist mill was built. The owners of the grist mill received their
income from the mill by using, or running the mill a proportionate
length of time. The man that owned one-fourth run the mill eight
days, the one who owned one-eighth run it four days, and thus each
had his turn, and doubtless made the most of his opportunity. When
the woolen mill was started and other buildings in the village as a
consequence, then the old saw mill became of more demand than
ever, and was kept pretty thoroughly at work, although changing
owners quite frequently until the brass company purchased the whole
property, so as to obtain command of the water power and privileges.
After this Albert Leach bought the property and continued the saw
mill some few years. About 1850 Clark B. Downs bought the
property, took down the old grist mill, built another mill for a plaster
mill, and run it for this purpose a few years, then used it to grind
soap stone from the quarry in the southwest part of the town.

In 1857 Dea. Charles Hotchkiss and his son Edward C, purchased
this property and fitted it for their work as builders, under the name
of C. Hotchkiss and Son. This name was changed afterwards to
C. Hotchkiss and Sons in which form it still stands. Mr. Hotchkiss
had been engaged in building, previous to this, in Wolcottville and
the country around, more than ten years, but his mill was two miles
north of Torrington hollow and inconvenient, now he secured this
mill property and arranged it for all the various parts of a complete
business of building dwellings, meeting-houses, mills, and the like
throughout the region. During the twenty years this firm have been
engaged in this business, with what Mr. Hotchkiss had done pre-
viously, they have put up a large proportion of the buildings in the
village, besides doing much work at distances from five to twenty
miles. They have been middling successful, by unremitting, persever-
ing toil, and in the late hard times have been nearly as busy as ever
in their line of work. And although Dea. Hotchkiss, in religious
doctrines, is a little old fashioned yet he can build a dwelling after the
most approved new style oi freewill.

But what changes have taken place since the first saw mill was
erected on this site. The changes in the appearance of the pine
swamp, and in the manners and customs of the people and the in-
troduction of the rail road and telegraph, are not more than the difference
between the machinery of that first saw mill and the one that now

6 '

OO I

2 i

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oi <

O 3

i \

',!l

WoLCOTTVILLE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES. I07

occupies its site. In the late centennial exhibition, nothing was so
wonderful to all nations as machinery hall ; so it is every where in our
land, nothing is more wonderful than the machinery, and of that
which is peculiar, very ingenious and surprising, Wolcottville has a
large portion.

The Excelsior Needle Company.

An invention for reducing steel wire into sewing machine needles
was exhibited in Wolcottville by Orrin L. Hopson and Heman P.
Brooks, in the presence of several agents of sewing machine com-
panies, and upon this exhibition, and further investigation, certain
men became convinced of the practicability of the patent, and there-
fore while the agents, for whose special benefit the exhibition was
made, did not see fit to recommend their companies to purchase the
patent, on account of the great changes which would be required in
machinery, the investigation led to the determination of certain par-
ties in Wolcottville, in connection with the owners of the patent, to
organize a company for the purpose of making needles by this new
process, called the cold swaging process, in distinction from the old,
so called milling process. In reaching this determination, the com-
pany were aware of the risks they took in the matter, but having
confidence in the principle contained in the patent, and being willing
to exercise great perseverance and patience to secure the object de-
sired, made the venture.

Accordingly, the company was organized March 2, 1866, with
twenty thousand dollars capital, and the following persons as direct-
ors : Achille F. Migeon, president ; Charles Alvord, secretary ; and
Elisha Turner, James Wooding, George M. Isbell. The superin-
tendency of the work devolved upon Mr. Isbell until 1869, since
which time that position has been filled by James Alldis.

It required great patience and much inventive genius and mechani-
cal skill to develop and make practical the principle in this patent ;
and this has not been attained to perfection, but only so far as to
produce a needle superior to any other process or company in the
world. This company have already secured several patents on differ-
ent parts of machinery, invented for the purpose of making needles
under this patent, and there is a constant study by the mechanics of
the company, for new applications and constructions to facilitate and
render perfect the use of the patent.

To this patent the company owe their success and prosperity as

io8 History of Torrington.

manufacturers of needles, for it has been the principal element in
enabling them to gain their reputation for producing the best needles
manufactured in this or any country.

In i86g, finding the building they occupied in Daytonville, much
too small for their increasing business, they put up the present
building, and removed their machinery into it in January 1871, hav-
ing increased their capital stock to twenty-five thousand dollars.
It stands a little north of the rail road depot, in the western part of
the village, and is one hundred feet long, twenty-eight feet wide,
two stories high, having two ells, one for the engine and boiler,
the other for office and inspecting room. They have a machine
shop and make and repair all their machinery, which is an item of
great importance to the company as they are constantly improving
the construction of their machinery.

This company has for its customers, all sewing machine compan-
ies except those who make their own needles. The Wheeler and
Wilson company of Bridgeport purchase their needles here; the con-
tract with them for several years having been 150,000 needles per
month.

The company have at the inventory of every year between four
and five millions of needles, or in other words, they carry about
forty thousand dollars worth of stock the year through. The capa-
city of the shop is twenty-five thousand per day. The amount of
sales per year is, one hundred thousand dollars.

The Cold Swaging Process.

The first sewing machine needle was made by Elias Howe ' by
filing a piece of steel wire to the required size and point, and then
with a small round file, worked in the groove, and by this slow pro-
cess produced a needle that answered his purpose, as he thought,
quite well ; but consumers of needles soon became critical and de-
manded a needle approaching perfection, and that could be produced
at a low price.

The next process was to drill a hole in a piece of iron wire of the
size and length required for the shank, and then drive a steel wire
into this shank piece, for the blade of the needle. This was a slow
process and produced a very imperfect needle.

A third method of making such needles was to grind the wire to
the proper size of the blade, on grindstones or emery wheels, which

• The maker of the first practical sewing machine

WOLCOTTVILLE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES. IO9

was no improvement on the other methods. A fourth method was
the turning or milling process. This consisted in passing the wire,
after being cut to its proper length, through a die, and as it came
through, revolving rapidly, it came in contact with a tool or knife,
which removed a necessary amount of material to reduce the wire to
the size of the blade of the needle. This is the method commonly
in use, except the new method by the Excelsior company.

The objection to this last method is that it wastes fifty per cent of
the material, and by far the most superior part of the material.
Another objection is, that the knife used, is a delicate instrument,
and is constantly wearing on the edge, and as it wears, the needles
increase, or are left larger in size ; and beside this want of uniformity
the needles are left very rough, and to remedy this, resort is had to
grinding which also destroys the uniformity.

The want of uniformity, from whatever cause, results in the im-
possibility of making the grooves at the eye of the needle exactly op-
posite, the want of which causes the machine to skip stitches when
in operation, which is fatal to good work.

The cold swaging process, reduces the wire without heating, an-
nealing or grinding or any preparation whatever. The wire being
cut the proper length, so that there shall be no waste, is introduced
between two revolving dies, which are brought together, by steam
power, four thousand times in a minute. The wire may be intro-
duced fast or slow, at pleasure, but it will be reduced every time to
the same size, and cannot by any possibility be made less than the
desired size ; and the needle is left perfectly round and with a smooth
surface. The needle is made in a very short space of time, and the
wire is more thoroughly condensed and its strength greatly increased.

It may be seen at a glance what a saving and perfection are at-
tained by this simple invention, so simple that it seems a wonder it
was not adopted a thousand years ago, for other things even, if they
had no sewing machines.

There are other machines in this shop, which are of great im-
portance, and which have been greatly improved by this company.

The pointing machine is one, and has been greatly improved and
thus now supersedes hand work entirely ; one man with a machine
producing five times the work he could have done before.

The eye finishing machine is another labor saving improvement,
worked out by this company, doing the same work at one-fourth of
the old cost.

no History of Torrington.

The grooving machine has also been wonderfully improved, and
patents of these improvements, as well as on all new principles in-
volved in the machines in use by this company, have been secured.

In the use of this machine and its accompaniments the company
have devoted every energy to the one single business of making
sewing machine needles.

Much credit is due Mr. Burr Lyon, the inspector of the needles
of this company, who has occupied this position nearly from the first
of their work, for the very thorough and successful manner he has
performed the work of his department.

Contractor and Builder.

Henry F. Patterson, a contractor and builder, commenced
building in Wolcottville in 1872. He erected in 1875 an appropriate
three story building and established a lumber yard, to which he has
added two other buildings since. The yard is located in the south-
west part of the village, near the rail road, and the appearances are
that he is ready to build the village in that direction until it should
reach Litchfield. He is brother to Burton C. Patterson, farmer, and
a native of Cornwall, Ct.

The Hendey Machine Company.

Henry J. Hendey and Arthur Hendey, brothers, commenced busi-
ness in July, 1870, in a small shop, built by themselves on Litch-
field street ; their motive power being a small rotary steam engine of
three horse power. The engine was built by one of the brothers,
about two years previous, at odd times, for amusement during winter
evenings. This engine is now carefully preserved as a relic of an-
cient days, a comparison being frequently made between the old and
the new^ or between ancient days and modern.

In this shop eighteen by twenty-four feet they commenced the work
of making and repairing of iron machinery, and in a few months the
work so increased that they employed one man and a boy. On the
first of April, 1871, they removed to a a part of the factory known
as the East Branch Spoon shop, where they continued their work in
an unostentatious, but very successful manner. Very soon the atten-
tion of business men was drawn toward the enterprise, who readily
discovered the promise of success in this line of business, and after
consultation, a proposition was accepted by the proprietors, to organize
a joint stock company, and the Hendey Machine Company was es-

WoLCOTTVILLE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES. Ill

tablished August 22d, 1874. A new steam power factory was built
on a site a little south of the mills of the Coe Brass Company,
and a new steam engine of twenty horse power was placed in it, and
machinery, such as to greatly increase the business of the company.
Here this enterprise has continued to the present time, and is now
one of the most enterprising and successfully managed concerns of
the kind in the country. New additions to the present building,
which is thirty by seventy, two story, and crowded with machinery,
will soon be needed, and erected. Twenty-five men are now employed,
some of them first class, educated, and skilled in the art of iron work-
manship ; and the annual product of goods amounts to $40,000.
The company has agencies, or depots, established in New York,
Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and Baltimore, and has filled an order
of goods for Europe.

The specialty is a patent metal planter and shaper, on which they
have received a medal from the American Institute at New York.
They also attend to the building of all kinds of machinery, from
drawings, models and patterns ; and their machinery has already ac-
quired a world-wide reputation.

The Hardware Company.

This company was organized January I, 1864, with a capital of
twelvethousand dollars, and the stock owners were George B. Turrell,
Franklin Farrell, and Achille F. Migeon. They commenced work
in the old lock shop in Torrington hollow, formerly occupied by
Edmund Wooding, where they continued one year and a half, during
which time they purchased land and water privileges half a mile down
the Naugatuck and erected commodious buildings about one hundred
and fifty feet long, and removed into them in the autumn of 1865.
The leading work at this time was the making of skates of all sizes
and various styles. In February, 1870, the capital stock was in-
creased to fifty-two thousand dollars, and in October of the same
year, they bought of George B. Turrell of New York, a patented
beer cooler, and increased their capital to one hundred thousand dol-
lars. The work of making this beer cooler, has constituted a con-
siderable portion of the business of the company since that time, being
one important branch of business.

On Feb. 13, 1872, they bought the skate manufacturing business
of Frederick Stevens of New York, and increased the capital to

112 History of Torrington.

one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and erected a new three story
building one hundred feet long by forty wide ; thus greatly increasing
the manufacture of skates, and many other articles have been added
to the goods produced of iron, wood and leather.

The company employ, in good times, about one hundred men, using
both water and steam power, and their sales amount to about one
hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year.

Their buildings are located at the northwest corner of Wolcott-
ville, and have been the occasion for the erection of a number of fine
appearing dwellings in that part of the village.

The present officers are ; George B, Turrell of New York, pre-
sident ; Achille F. Migeon, secretary, and J. F. Calhoun, treasurer.

WOLCOTTVILLE SAVINGS BaNK.

This bank was organized in 1868 ; with Francis N. Holly, pre-
sident ; Joseph F. Calhoun, vice president ; Frank L. Hungerford,
secretary and treasurer.

No change has taken place in the officers except that Charles F.
Church, was secretary and treasurer four years, and Isaac W. Brooks
has filled that office since 1873.

The amount of deposits, July i, 1877, was $174,218.89. The
increase in the last four years has been $1 15,965.74. The number
of depositors July i, 1877, was eight hundred and thirty-four. These
items speak in behalf of the prosperity of Wolcottvilleand the town,
with very decided results.

The business office of this bank is in the granite block, in connec-
tion with Brooks Brothers, bankers. The present trustees are :
Francis N. Holly, Eli'sha A. Baldwin, Nelson AUyn, Isaac W.
Brooks, Joseph F. Calhoun, Lyman W. Coe, and Bradley R. Agard.

Brooks Brothers, Bankers.

In June, 1872, John W. Brooks, and his brother Isaac W.
Brooks, of Goshen, established a bank of discount and deposit, in
Wolcottville, under the above title. This is the first institution of
the kind ever started in this town. They occupy the southeast
' corner of the granite block, on Main street ; are doing a good busi-
ness y and have, as private bankers, the full confidence of the busi-
ness community, and by such an institution are supplying a want
which had been seriously felt for many years.

M. E. CHURCH, WOLCOTTVILLE, ERECTED IN 1863.

CHAPTER XL

THE CHURCHES IN WOLCOTTVILLE.

The Methodist Church.

>RS. Ann Taylor, widow of Joseph Taylor, made frequent
statements in the hearing of her daughter, now Hving, to
this effect, that a Mr. Bloodgood was the first Metho-
dist minister that preached in Litchfield county, and that
he was the first that preached in the vicinity of Wolcottville or the
town of Torrington. This Mr. Bloodgood, called, invariably in
those days, " Brother Bloodgood," preached in the house of Abijah
Wilson about 1787-9;' and Abijah Wilson and his wife became
Methodists to the great displeasure of his father, Noah Wilson. In
after years, when Abijah Wilson departed this life, the Rev. Daniel
Coe of Winsted preached the funeral sermon. In that sermon Mr.
Coe, who was well acquainted with the history of Methodism in this
region, confirmed the above statements concerning Mr. Bloodgood,
and his preaching at Mr. Wilson's house, and the adhesion of several
families in this community to Methodism, at that time. This is in
harmony with certain other circumstances which favored the intro-
duction of religious services by this denomination.^ It was when the
troubles existed in the first church in Torrington, and as a conse-
quence, preaching was held only a part of the time in the old meeting
house on the south hill. The Baptists were organizing a church in
Newfield, and the Methodists had held some services at Jonathan
Coe's house near Newfield in Winchester. It would not have been
like the Methodists, nor any body else, to have kept away under such

' The Methodist preachers first visited this county about the year 1787. — Litchfield
Centennial.

^ The first minister sent into the New England states by a Methodist conference was
Jesse Lee in 1789, but some of the Methodist ministers had preached in Connecticut pre-
vious to this date.

In 1790, the appointments for New England were : Jesse Lee, presiding elder j John
Bloodgood at Fairfield; John Lee, at New Haven; Nathaniel B. Mills at Hartford; Jesse
Lee and Daniel Smith at Boston. John Bloodgood joined the conference in 1788, and
may have preached in Litchfield before this date, as a local preacher.

114 History of Torrington.

favoring circumstances. Then were the days when the Methodists
were represented as " wolves in sheep's clothing," and they in turn
spoke of the pastors of the standing order, as hireling ministers,
and educated ministers, but " never converted." Both parties have
learned better manners, and a larger Christian faith since that day,
and though occasionally there may occur at the present day little
spats, they like better trained children keep the matter in their own
families, and do not proclaim them on the house top.

Elder Richard Leach, a Baptist minister living on Litchfield road,
preached in the pine grove, on the eminence now enclosed in Valley
park, before 1800 ; and it is very probable that the Methodist minis-
ters held meetings there before that time, and they certainly did soon
after, and then removed to the School house in the village and the
grove on the eminence along Prospect street.

It is therefore very probable that there was a Methodist class
m existence here not only as early as 1S07,' but possibly twenty
years before, in this immediate neighborhood ; for it is difficult to
conceive of two or three such families as Abijah Wilson's and Capt.
Frisbie's, living in a community, such as was in this vicinity, twenty-
one or more years without a class meeting. Methodists were not of
that kind in those days. It would have been as easy for old Paul
Peck, if he had lived, to have entrapped an alligator in the Pine swamp
as to have caught a Methodist living twenty years without a class
meeting in those early days. It is therefore more than probable that
class meetings were held at Abijah Wilson's, and Capt. Frisbie's and
other places some years before 1800. Regular preaching by this
denomination may have been established at the School house in the
village in 1809 or 10, and from that time greater improvements in
congregations and church enterprises may have been experienced.
In 1808, a Methodist camp meeting was held in Canada in Goshen,
which secured a more prominent influence to that denomination
throughout this region.

The ministers who preached at Mr. Coe's, and afterwards at New-
field, doubtless preached here also. A Mr. Sweet is mentioned as
one of the early ones. Mr. Laban Clark, celebrated for more than
fifty years in his denomination, preached here in 1810. Samuel D.
Ferguson and Elbert Osborn were among the early ones, and two

' See a Memorial Sermon by Rev. T. D. Littlewood, in the Bridgeport Statidard, May
17, 1872.

The Churches in Wolcottville. 115

by the name of Hill, and Gad N. Smith, Mr. Canfield, Mr. Beach.
Col. John H. Perry, a man of military education, became a minister,
and preached here ; became a very influential minister in New York
and Brooklyn ; went as a colonel of a regiment into the army against
the late rebellion ; was promoted to a general's commission ; returned
in safety to his home in Brooklyn. Rev. Ebenezer Washburn is also
mentioned prominently in regard to the prosperity of this denomina-
tion in this community.

The real pastors, however, of Methodist churches in early days,
were the local preachers. The circuit ministers were preachers,
traveling on tours that required their absence from each preaching
place, two, three and four weeks ; and hence the real pastoral work,
or care for the local churches, fell, in a great measure, on the local
ministers and class leaders. Such men as Daniel Coe of Winsted,
and David Miller of Torringford, were the men who preached many
funeral sermons, visited the sick, supplied vacant places with preach-
ing at no cost to any one but themselves ; attended many meetings^
far and near ; helped in devising the plans and ways and moneys for
building churches ; as unknown, and yet well known ; and without
whom many of their churches would never have been or when they
were, would have been scattered to the four winds never again to be
gathered.

Daniel Coe stood on the preacher's stand to exhort at the camp-
meeting in Goshen in 1808, and his first words were : "Wake up,
brethren, wake up," And this watchword has built many a church,
and led scores and thousands of fainting soldiers to final triumph and
victory.

A number of families came into Wolcottville soon after the woolen
mill was started, and united with the Methodist congregation and
church, who proved themselves true and faithful witnesses, and were
of much value to the denomination and to the community in reli-
gious things. But the progress of the enterprise of making woolen
cloths was not an even course of prosperity, and therefore the for-
ward movement in the church was impeded, for a number of years.

The first Methodist meeting house in Wolcottville was built in
1843, R^v. George Taylor being the pastor at the time. It was a
commendable structure considering the money strength of the con-
gregation, and was completed and finally paid for though it took
years of anxiety and earnest effort.

ii6

History of Torringto

The ministers who had preached here to that time are mentioned

in the followinp; order :'

Laban Clark,
James Coleman in i8io,
Arnold Scoville,
Benjamin Griffin,
William Swayne,
Gad Smith,
Samuel Cochrane,
Cyrus Culver,
E. P. Jacobs,
J. J. Matthias,
Datus Ensign,
Ezekiel Canfield,
Nathan Emery,
Smith Dayton,
Ebenezer Washburn,
John Nixon,

David Miller,
Julius Field,
Daniel Brayton,
Elbert Osborn,
Eli Barnett,
John Lovejoy,
Bradley Silleck,
Milo Chamberlain,
David Stocking,
John Lucky,
Richard Hayter,
Morris Hill,
David Osborn,
S. W. Law,
George Taylor,
John M. Reid,
Geo. A. Hubbell,

Robt. Codling,
Wm. B. Hoyt,
S. C. Keeler,
C. T. Mallory,
Otis Saxton,

A. V. R. Abbott,
Benj. Redford,

C. W. Powell,

B. T. Abbott,
J. Vinton,

L. W. Abbott,
S. H. Bray,
T. D. Littlewood,
H. L. Judd,
S. K. Smith.

James M. Smith,

From 1843, ^°'' twenty-two years the prosperity of this church
was steady and prophetic of good. The ministers during this time
were : G. A. Hubbell, Robert Codling, William B. Hoyt, S. C.
Keeler, C. T. Mallory, A. V. R. Abbott, C. W. Powell, B. T.
Abbott and Joseph Vinton. At that time, 1855, the population of
the village had so increased, through the coming into it of manufac-
turing enterprises, it was deemed important to enlarge the old Church
or build a new edifice. After a thorough discussion of this subject
and looking about for money to meet the expenses, it was decided to
build a new house. Plans and specifications were prepared by an
architect and accepted, and a building committee of the following
persons appointed : Luther Bronson, Letsom T. Wooster, James
Wooding, Derick N. GofF and Michael Bronson, The house was
to be eighty feet in length, and fifty feet in width and built of brick.
The corner stone was laid on the 25th day of May, 1865. The
house was built and dedicated, and after summing up all expenses it
was found to have cost twenty-four thousand dollars, and to meet
this, from all sources, was obtained one-half the sum, leaving a debt
of twelve thousand dollars. When this enterprise began some mem-
bers of the congregation were in prosperity in business enterprises,
and had this continued there would have been little trouble, though
the edifice cost twice the amount estimated, but a change came, and

' Mr. Littlewood's sermon.

The Churches in Wolcottville. 117

that change brought such a weight of debt as nearly crushed all
hope. But there was a way out, and that way this struggling church
found. Led on at last by the Rev. T. D. Littlewood, the debt was
proclaimed as provided for, and a day of rejoicing and thanksgiving
held, on the 7th day of April, 1872. The house makes a fine ap-
pearance and is an honor to the self-sacrificing spirit of all who have
aided in making it what it is, and in not suffering it to be sold, even
when there seemed no other way to be pursued.

In the effx)rt to pay the debt as stated, there was an unfortunate
misunderstanding in regard to three thousand dollars obtained of the
M. E. Church Building Fund, which nearly ended in disaster. It
was supposed by the congregation that this money was a donation,
and when it was learned that it was to be refunded, the surprise was
almost a gulf of despair.

It is true to history to mention also, that when it was proposed to
build a new church the older members were satisfied with repairing
the Old Meeting house, while those who had lately come into the
community and who proposed to contribute considerable money, were
in favor of a new house and succeeded in having their way. When
these last three thousand dollars were to be paid, there was scarcely
one left in the place, of those who were forward in voting for the
new building. Hence is seen the fidelity and nobleness of heart of
those who continued to struggle to pay a debt, they all had voted
against making ; and that, too, after they had once supposed the entire
debt cancelled. The Rev. H. Q. Judd was pastor during this last
struggle, and like an old sea captain he steadily sailed to victory and
an open sea, in the year 1875.

The following sketches of a few of the ministers of this denomi-
nation who have been stationed at Wolcottville are secured through
the favor of Rev. Sidney K. Smith, the present pastor of this church.

Rev. Laban Clark, D.D.
Rev. Laban Clark, who preached the first sermon as a Methodist
minister in Wolcottville, in 1810, being then stationed at Litchfield,
was born in Haverhill, N. H., July 19, 1778. His early education
was limited. His parents were rigid Congregationalists and extremely
Calvinistic, and voung- Clark coming in contact with some earnest
Wesleyans, while quite young, imbibed their views, and joyfully ac-
cepted the personal hope of salvation among this people, and ever
afterward was, in theology and church polity, a Methodist. He joined

ii8 History of Torrington.

the New York conference in 1801, having rode on horseback, three
hundred and forty miles, in order to be present at the session of the
conference.

He labored as pastor, or presiding elder, fifty years with marked
success. His preaching was clear and forcible, presenting more con-
stantly, the gospel side, rather than the law side of the great question
of personal salvation. He was constant and untiring in pastoral work
and ever exhibiting a consecration and devotion to his calling, worthy
of a minister of the gospel. In 1848, he made his residence at
Middletown, Connecticut, where he lived respected and venerated, by
all who knew him, until his decease.

He was the principal mover in starting and establishing the Wes-
leyan university at Middletown, Ct., an institution which became
one of the dearest objects of his life work, and over which he watched
with the solicitude of a parent for his most endearing child. He
clung to it with all his characteristic tenacity to the end of his life.
There was, however, no important interest of his denomination which
did not share his sympathy and cooperation. He was active in its
early academic and educational schemes and benevolent plans. He
was one of the founders of the missionary society of his denomina-
tion, which was organized at his suggestion, while he was pastor in
New York, in 1819. His influence in the general conference of his
church was very important for many years. He was an influential
member, and died a patriarch of the New York east conference.
After a long, laborious and successful life career, he died at his home
in Middletown, November 28, 1868, in the ninety-first year of his
age ; a venerable and beloved hero of American Methodism.

Such was the man who, so far as is known, preached the first Me-
thodist sermon in the immediate village of Wolcottville.

Rev. J. Morrison Reid, D.D.
He was a native of New York city, born May 30, 1820 ; and was
the son of John and Jane Morrison Reid. He is now, and has been
a number of years, the secretary of the Foreign Missionary Society
of the M. E. church, located at New York, which is one of the
most responsible positions in that denomination. His personal re-
ligious experience began while he was in his fifteenth year. He
graduated with much honor at the New York university, when in
his nineteenth year, and five years after, or in 1844, when he was
twenty-four years of age, he united with the New York conference ;

The Churches in Wolcottville. 119

was stationed at Wolcottville, as his first charge, and entered upon
his life work as a minister.

Dr. Ried has occupied, as pastor, some of the most important
churches within the bounds of his conference, with great satisfaction
to the people and success to the cause. In 1858, he was elected
president of the Genesee college, in the western part of New York
state, and while holding that position was elected editor of the
fVestern Christian Advocate^ in 1864. Four years afterwards he was
elected editor of the Northwestern Christian Advocate^ at Chicago.
In 1872, he was elected to the high position, which he still holds, as
missionary secretary. Dr. Reid in all departments of labor, pastoral,
educational, editorial and missionary, has had distinguished success,
but especially in the office he now holds, has he shown his eminent
qualifications for the confidence reposed in him by the vast constituency
he serves.

He is a constant, earnest, toiling minister and worker. He is pos-
sessed of a manly presence, a fine voice ; and has an earnest, im-
pressive manner, and therefore has been a very successful advocate
of the great missionary cause, which he now represents.

Dr. Reid in writing to Rev. S. H. Smith in 1877, ^^X^ o^ ^'^ labors
in Wolcottville : " It was my first charge. I went to it from the
principalship of Mechanics Institute school of New York city. The
first Church had just then been built, and the grading around it, and
the blinds and lamps were attended to and obtained by me. The church
was new and not strong in its membership and efficiency, but after
all it was a memorable time for dissipating prejudices which abounded
towards Methodism. I have always thanked God for sending me
there, and I would like to see it now after all these years that are
past. I must some time."

Rev. Horace Q. Judd.

Rev. Horace Q. Judd was born Feb. 21, 1841, in Bethel, Conn.,
and fitted for college at the Hudson River "institute, and enlisted in
the 17th Conn, volunteers April, 1862 ; and served three years,
being in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, and received
an honorable discharge. He united with the New York east con-
ference of the M. E. church in the spring of 1870, and was stationed
at Cornwall Bridge, Ct., and in 1872 was appointed to the M. E.
church in Wolcottville, where he labored with success and honor
three years. He was very much liked in the community generally,

I20 History of Torrington.

and did a special work in behalf of the church, in his persevering
efforts by which the last end of a long and wearisome debt was re-
moved from the church property.

He is now preaching at Watertown, Ct., with the same steady
onward success which has marked his life heretofore.

Rev. Sidney Ketcham Smith, A.M.

Rev. Mr. Smith is now pastor of the M. E. church, in his third
year, in Wolcottville. He was born Mar. 14, 1838, at Huntington,
Long Island, and was the son of Solomon and Abigail Ketcham
Smith, who were farmers and members of the Presbyterian church.
When seventeen years of age he was employed, as clerk, in a silk
Importing house in New York city. He was converted and joined
the old York street M. E. church of Brooklyn, under the labors of
Rev. George W. Woodruff, D.D. He soon felt a deep conviction
to preach the gospel, and whatever his work or engagements this was
the thought of greatest import to him.

In preparing for the ministry he studied at the Wesleyan academy,
Wilbraham, Mass., Wesleyan university, Middletown, Ct., and the
Biblical institute, Concord, N. H., taking the course, however, in an
inverted order. Through the advice of enthusiastic friends he en-
tered at once with slight academic preparation the Biblical institute,
intending to take only a theological course, but during the first term,
in view of youth and want of mental training, he determined to take
also a thorough collegiate course. In seeking advice from the pro-
fessors, one said ; " Leave at once and go to college, we don't want
you here." The other quietly replied, "better remain, now you
are here, brother ; get established in your religious life and theological
views, then go to college and make it your parish. This latter ad-
vice became the controlling rule of his life for the next eight years.
He was graduated at the Biblical institute in 1859; preached one
year as supply at Southampton, L. I., and entered the Wesleyan
university in 1861, and was graduated in 1865.

In the same year he joined the New York east conference and
was stationed at Middlefield, Conn. In September of that year he
married Mary F. Barnard of Marlboro, Mass. His successive appoint-
ments since have been ; Clinton, Simsbury and Wolcottville, all in
this state. Twice he has been compelled through ill health to tem-
porarily relinquish the work of the ministry. During the first period

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, WOLCOT'IVILLE, ERECTED IN 1867.

The Churches in Wolcottville. 121

of rest the parsonage at Middlefield was burned with all his library
and household goods.

He is a very acceptable minister, much esteemed in his own church
and through the whole community, and notwithstanding poor health,
attends to the labors and interests of his parish with as much success
as those do ordinarily, who are perfect in health. He is now closing
his pastorate in the Wolcottville church, having been stationed here
three successive years.

The Congregational Church.

Soon after the Woolen Mill began its manufacturing work, the
Revs. Alexander Gillett and Samuel J. Mills began to deliver
lectures, or short sermons in Wolcottville on

which work they continued a number of years, considering it a part
of their pastoral and ministerial duty thus to do. As the Methodist
brethren had not restrained themselves from coming into their parishes
and preaching, so they judged it not out of order for them to come
into the Methodist parish and give lectures, and especially when a
number of their old church members lived here and near the place.
But these aged ministers were not always to preach. For our sakes
we are sorry, but for their sakes we are glad. What would thai
dignified, learned, serious Father Gillett say if he were to come to
Wolcottville in these later davs ? What would Father Mills say ?
Perhaps to save them, that their hearts might not be sore vexed with-
out comfort, they were taken away that they might not see the doings
of these later days. When, therefore, they were not able to con-
tinue this extra work, regularly. Parson Jeremiah Hallock from Sims-
bury came and preached. Mr. Goodman settled in 1822, in
Torringford, and being younger he helped on the cause in this new
field of religious enterprise.

About 1820, the brick building now standing a little way south of
the American House, was built, and a part of it was to be a union
meetinghouse. Whether any denominations except the Universalist
occupied it is not definitely stated. It was used for a time as an
academy. Thus was the gospel preached in Wolcottville, in one
place and another, by various ministers of different denominations for
nearly twenty years, without having an accepted consecrated house
of worship.

Under such circumstances Capt. Uri Taylor, son of Joseph, led

122 History of Torrington.

the way, others aiding him as best they could, and built the first Con-
gregational meeting house,; and although Capt. Taylor was building
committee on his own responsibility, yet with such men around him
as those who united in organizing the first society he was not alone
in this work. There was one good thing about this method of build-
ing a meeting house, they had no contending parties, and clashing of
judgments, and unending hatred after the house was built. So far as
history tells us, all were well satisfied, the house was paid for, and
was a very proper and comfortable house of worship. Mr. Taylor
gave the site for the house and furnished a large part of the money
needed in the building, and thus did a noble work. He also built the
parsonage in the same way, and passed the whole property, of meet-
ing house and minister's dwelling, into the hands of the society, with-
out any claims except the reservation of one pew in the Church for
his descendants as long as they shall choose, or shall be here to oc-
cupy it.

This being done, the " Village Society in Torrington was organ-
ized on the third day of December, 1829, at the house of Captain
Taylor, and the following persons became members of the society :

Lyman Wetmore, Elijah Phelps, " Israel Coe,

'. Uri Taylor, Samuel Beach, Anson Stocking,

• John Hungerford Jr., Amasa Scoville, Asa G. Adams,

William Leach, Leverette. Scott, Charles S. Church,

Joel Hall, Elizur Barber, Arvid Dayton,

i Daniel S. Rogers, John W. Scoville, Joseph Barritt,

f' George P. Bissell, David Baldwin, Linus Dunbar,

Harmon Cook, Samuel Brooker, George P. Roberts,

George D. Wadhams, William Olcott, ■ Russell C. Abernethy,

Luther Bissell, Amos Wilson, William S. Hungerford.

Lorrain Wetmore, John Cook,

Soon after this society was formed, the Rev. William R. Gould,
then pastor of the Torrington church, was em.ployed to preach a
certain portion of the time for one year, the First society consenting
to the arrangement. This arrangement continued until February,
1832, when Mr. Gould was dismissed by council from the Torring-
ton church, and Wolcottville looked in other directions for preach-
ing. During the year 1831, the Rev. David Miller and other
Methodist ministers were employed the portion of time that Mr.
Gould did not preach here.

On the thirteenth day of August, 1832, the society voted to give
the Rev. Hiram P. Arms a call to settle in the work of the gospel
ministry. But before a pastor could be settled over a church, there

The Churches in Wolcottville. 123

must be a church, and the next orderly thing to be done was to
effect such an organization. This was done, June 11, 1832, ac-
cording to the order of the denomination, by a committee of the
Litchfield north consociation, delegated for the purpose. Twenty-
one persons were recceived by letter and eight by profession of their

faith, as constituting the church as follows :

David Baldwin, Lyman Wetmore.

Mrs. Sarah Baldwin, Mrs. Betsey Wetmore,

Sarah Ann Baldwin, Lorrain Wetmore,

Elizur Barber, Mrs. Frances Wetmore,

Mrs. Polly Barber, Louisa Wetmore,

Mrs. Lucy Bissell, Amanda Wetmore,

Ruth Brooks, Leverett Scott,

Rebecca Goodman, Mrs. Leverett Scott,

Sarah Hungerford, Sarah Wilcox,

Mrs. Charlotte Hungerford, Lydia Kimberly,

Mrs. Elizabeth Eno, Maria S. North,

Mrs. Ursula Frost, Ruhama Smith,

Nancy S. Goodman, George D. Wadhams,

John Hungerford, Mrs. Lucy Wadhams.
Abigail Taylor,

The church being thus organized Rev. Hiram P. Arms was in-
stalled first pastor of this church and society in February 1833,

The importance and success of this church is set forth in very
appropriate language by another as follows :

" During all the years of effort by the people of Wolcottville to
ensure its rapid growth as a business place, a little band of thoroughly
earnest Christians were watching, working and praying, with a long-
tried patience, and a wrestling faith for the establishment of a church
of Christ, and for such help of the Holy Ghost, as would lift up a
standard effectually against the abounding wickedness of the place.
While Christopher Wolcott, the devout and efficient agent of
Frederick Wolcott, in managing the mill, and other kindred spirits
which his position enabled him to bring to his aid, were trying to sow
some good seed, the Methodists were contending nobly for truth and
righteousness as well ; and the older members of this church speak
with becoming respect and affection of their fellow disciples of the
common Master.

••' From the organization of the church, the mutual action of the
church and society has been harmonious, and a commendable zeal,
prudence and liberality has marked their efforts to sustain the ordi-
nances of religion. Without zealous stickling for mere points of

124 History of Torrington.

order in their mutual work, they have accomplished much toward
the civil, social, educational and religious culture of this community,
and their out look upon the opening future is full of hope and pro-
mise. But since the church is an institution of divine appointment,
and since it is by inspiration called the body of Christ ; it is meet
and proper that in its relation to other agencies, it should always have
the precedence without regard to numbers, wealth, or earthly dis-
tinctions. Any society that does not choose to have this rule ob-
served is radically defective in its character as an ecclesiastical society ;
and any church that does not make the fitness of this rule apparent
fails to execute its high commission." '

The settled pastors have been : Hiram P. Arms, Stephen Hubbell,
Samuel Day, Samuel T. Seelye, Ralph Smith, Edward W. Bacon,
and Lavalette Perrin, and the following have been stated supplies :
E. S. Clark, R. M. Chipman, W. L. Adamson, George B. New-
comb, and others. It will be seen that during the forty-four years
of its history, this church has had a settled pastor about twenty eight
and one-half years ; and acting pastor about six and a half years.

" The benefit of the Home Missionary Society, in this state, is
realized, to some extent, in the aid this church received, for several
years from its commencement, making it possible to have a settled
pastor when otherwise it could not j and giving it strength until it
acquired strength of its own.

"The membership of the church has steadily, though slowly in-
creased in numbers, although its forty-four years of effort and labor
have been amidst great national struggles and calamities.

"The Sabbath school, under different forms, with such intervals as
circumstances have made inevitable, has been sustained from the first.
Indeed before there was pastor, church or society, Mrs. Charles
Hungerford maintained such a school, on Sabbath morning and she
attending service after it at Torringford. From that time forward
the school has steadily increased until the numbers in it are nearly
equal to the numbers in the regular service of the congregation.

" The membership of this church has steadily though slowly in-
creased in numbers from the first. There have been seasons of
special religious interest in the community, but no very remarkable
times of refreshing, such as are on the records of other churches,
have been experienced by this church. The following are the years

'Rev. L. Perrin in Centennial sermon, 1876; published.

The Churches in Wolcottville. 125

in which ten or more persons were added to the membership of the
church :

1834, 13. 1858, 21, 1874, 10,

1843. ^5. 1867, 39, 1876, 10.

1852, 34, 1873, 10,

" Other years of its history have indicated more or less of spiritual
vigor, but it has not been equipped and furnished as some churches
are for aggressive work. From its membership of twenty-nine at the
start it has increased to one hundred and seventy-five, at the present
time.

" All the ordinary means of grace have been sustained, and for a
number of years the plan of Sabbath offerings has been successfully
maintained, and thereby the benevolent institutions of the times
receive monthly attention to the noted credit and honor of the congre-
gation ; the average amount is about eight hundred dollars annually.

" The service of song, has quite uniformly been rendered to the edi-
fication and quickening of all true worshipers, and from the be-
ginning of its history this society has been favored with a specially
competent choir, who have cheerfully and faithfully sustained this
important service.

"This church and society have occupied two, and in a qualified
sense three houses of worship. This is a matter usually controlled
by the society, and from the first there have been a few men of
sound wisdom and high toned morality, worshiping with the church,
though not members of it, who have infused energy into all the move-
ments of the society, and enriched its records with many wise and
liberal acts." '

Certain extensive repairs were made on the house of worship, es-
pecially the upper part of it, in 1844, as to render it, in appearance
inside, like a new house, and thus was provided what was practically
the second Meeting house of this society, which served its purpose
satisfactorily, for the term of twenty years.

In 1864, the question of reconstructing the Meeting house and
building or fitting up a conference room was brought before the an-
nual meeting, and this proved to be the beginning " of that protracted,
perplexing, and nobly sustained efFortof the society, which, after long
continued struggles, resulted in the solid, chaste, and truly beautiful
granite edifice now standing as a Sabbath home. Though *the vicissi-

» Dr. Perrin in Centennial sermon.

ii6

History of Torrington.

tudes of the enterprise were many, and made doubly burdensome by
the failure of the contractors, in the early stages of the work, to ful-
fill their engagements, yet it was carried to completion by the force
of unyielding purpose and resolution, to the general satisfaction of
those interested. The contract was taken by a New York firm, for
the sum of nearly nineteen thousand dollars, and when the last bill
was paid the sum had increased to over thirty-two thousand dollars ;
and as in all such cases, those who do most at the commencement,
are quite certain to do most in the final closing up of indebtedness so
in this case ; the first were last. It is, therefore, a beautiful monu-
ment of earnest, wise, and well directed energy in the accomplishment
of a noble Christian object,"' and will be appreciated for many years
to come, by those who shall worship there.

The list of contributors to the new church edifice as given in Dr.
Perrin's centennial sermon is as follows :

Lorrain Wetmore, .

F. N. Holley, .
Ransom Holley,
Elisha Turner, .
Elizur Barber,
Sidney L. Clark,
H. S. Barbour,
N. B. Lathrop,
P. F. Parsons,
Charles Hotchkiss,
E. C. Hotchkiss,
Mrs. C. A. Hungerford,
H. B. Alvord,
Charles Alvord,
J. W. Cook, .
B. R. Agard, .
Chester Brooker,
S. H. Perkins,
George W. Church,
J. A. Newbury,
J. F. Calhoun,
Harmon Cook,
D. L. Hungerford,
John W. Langdon,
J. W. Phelps,
John W. Scoville,
Benham Barber,
Henry J. Allen,
Samuel Brooker,
Willard Weed, .

$5,557.00 Dennis Perkins,

7,015.00 Lewis Cook,

4,715.00 Mr. Millard,

2,950.00 W. S. Lewis,

875.00 N. Alvord, Jr.,

500.00 Nelson Alvord,

1,035.00 Charles F. Brooker,

850.00 A. F. Brooker, .

740.00 Henry Hopkins,

665.00 Samuel Stocking,

350.00 George H. Mason, .

400.00 Erskin Andrus,

400.00 E. Fellows,

635.00 Charles J. Battell,

350.00 T. S. Hanchett,

665.00 Merritt Marks,

450.00 Charlotte Royce, .

200.00 O. Hayward,

425.00 Wm. Bryant,

200.00 J. M. Travis, .

300.00 Samuel Burr,

225.00 Arthur B. Agard,

200.00 L. B. Mowry,

100.00 Amos Gear,

275.00 Baldwin & Farnham,

125.00 Giles A. Gaylord,

200.00 J. M. Camp,

115.00 Eliasaph Scoville,

250.00 D. W. Clark,

1 15.00 J. E. Lewis,

100.00

200.00

250.00

115.00

70.00

230.00

165.00

235.00

50.00

100.00

50.00

115.00

50.00

100.00

190.00

25.00

30.00

25.00

75.00

25.00

50.00

75.00

10.00

Dr. Perrin's sermon.

The Churches in Wolcottville.

127

Hobart Churchill,
Simon Reid, .
Ferdinand Adt,
Louis J. Adt,
Chauncey Mix,
J. G. Brothwell, .
Wait B. Wilson,
C. Ladd & Son,
W. H. Talcott,
Willis Curtiss,
George W. Cook,
E. M. Judd,
A. E. Barber, .
George P. Roberts,
Louisa North,
C. F. Church & Co.,
Joel Scoville,
James E. Noble,
E. A. Baldwin,
G. H. Welch,
J. N. Wetmore,
James H. Patterson,
J. L. Carson,

10.00

E. H.Holley,

50,00

10.00

William Spittle,

30.00

10.00

F. L. Wadhams, .

25.00

10.00

D. McGregor Means,

50.00

30.00

Wm. H. Lacy, Jr.,

50.00

30.00

George H. Fish,

20.00

50.00

E. J. Hopkins,

20.00

100.00

Clark & Wing,

12.50

50.00

E. J. Steele,

25.00

75.00

B. C. & H. S. Patterson, .

115.00

50.00

John Scoville,

30.00

200.00

Theodore Hartman, .

25.00

215.00

W. W. Mix,

15.00

615.00

Daniel B. Joyce,

50.00

100.00

Mrs. R. Dunbar, .

20.00

50.00

Estate E. Eggleston, .

25.00

F. J. Pierce,

5.00

25.00

D. C. Kilbourn,

40.00

290.00

W. W. Birge,

15.00

50.00

Ladies Society, .

125.00

50.00

Mrs. Mary Hodges,

25.00

50.00

25.00

$35,724-50

Rev. Hiram P. Arms, D.D.,

Rev. Stephen Hubbell, .

Rev. Samuel Day,

Rev. Samuel T. Seelye, D.D.,

Rev. Ralph Smith,

Rev. George B. Newcomb, supply.

Rev. Edward W. Bacon, .

Rev. Lavallette Perrin,

Officers and Members.

Ministers.
installed Feb. 7, 1833,

Feb. 29, 1837, .
Sept. 23, 1840,
June 17, 1846, .
March 25, 1656,

Sept. 29, 1869,
July 31, 1872.

dismissed July 6, 1836.

" Sept. 29, 1839.

. " June 4, 1845.

" March 21, 1855.
. " Sept. 29, 1857.

" Oct. 31, 1871.

Ministers Raised.
Rev. Edward Hungerford, Congregational. Rev. John Barbour, Episcopal

Deacons.
Elected.

Dec. 22, 1822. Addison Palmer,

March 10, 1836. Nelson Alvord,

June 29, 1837. Charles Hotchkiss,

Nov. 7, 1 841. Henry S. Barbour,

Oct. 31, 1845. Samuel J. Stocking, .
July 5, 1846.

Original Members.

Elizur Barber,

Polly (Phelps) Barber,

Mrs. Lucy Bissell,

Lorrain Wetmore,.
Silas Humphrey,
Amasa Scoville,
Victorianus Clark,
Leonard Blakeslee,
Darius Wilson,

David Baldwin,

Mrs. Sarah Baldwin,
Sarah A. Baldwin,

Elected.

1851.
June, 1857.
March 3, 1861.
Feb. 15, 1868.

Feb.

1868.

128

History of Torringto

Ruth Brooks,

Rebecca Goodman,

Sarah Hungerford,

Charlotte (Austin) Hungerford,

Mrs. Elizabeth Eno,

Mrs. Ursuala Frost,

Nancy S. Goodman,

John Hungerford,

Abigail Taylor,

Lyman Wetmore,

Betsey Wetmore (Lyman),

Lorrain Wetmore,

Abeling, Julius Wm., .
Abeling, Auguste (Meelisch),
Abernethy, Russell C,
Abernethy Orrel S. (R. C),
Abernethy, Mary (De Forest),
Adams, Asa G.,
Adams Olive (A. G.),
Adams, Diana (Barber),
Adt, Ferdinand, .
Adt, Catherine (Harrmann),
Allen, Laura,
Allen, Wm. H.,
Allen, Mrs. Wm. H., .
Alvord, Nelson,
Alvord, Lavinia (Nelson),
Alvord, Harriet Taylor,
Alvord, Hubbell B., .
Alvord, Mrs. H. B.,
Alvord, Charles, .
Alvord, Almira Burtis,
Alvord, Adelaide, Mrs.,
Andrus, Laura M., .
Andrus, Adeline, .
Andrus, Nancy, . '

Arms, Lucy Ann,
Atwater, Edward A.,
Atwater, Julia Hills,

Bacon, Rev. £. W.,
Bacon, Mary Staples,
Baldwin, David,
Baldwin, Mrs. David,
Baldwin, Sarah Ann,
Baldwin, Amanda Wetmore,
Baldwin, Elizabeth,
Balcomb, Julia Brothwell, .

Frances (Austin) Wetmore (Lorrain),

Louisa Wetmore,

Amanda Wetmore,

Leverette Scott,

Mrs. Leverette Scott,

Sarah Wilcox,

Lydia Kimberly,

Maria S. North,

Ruhama Smith,

George D. Wadhams,

Lucy Wadhams (Geo. D,).

Members.

1874. Barber, Elezur,

1874. Barber, Polly Phelfs,

1835. Barber, Dr. A. E., . .

" Barber, Mrs. Julia A., .

" Barber, Myron Flbert, .

1834. Barber, Walter L., .

" Barber, Hannah yohnsan,

1 85 1. Barber, Mary, .

1869. Barber, Mary E., .

" Barber, Alvin E.,

1833. Barber, Mrs. Athalia, .

1844. Barber, Anna, .

" Barber, Hector,

1841. Barber, Diana Hinman,

■ " Barbour, Henry S.,

1876. Barbour, Parmelia,

1851. Barbour, John H.,
1857. Barclay, Louisa,

1852. Barrett, Joseph,

i860. Bartholomew, Jeremiah H.,

1863. Bartholomew, Mrs. Polly,

1843. Bates, Nathaniel,

1852. Bates, Rowani Thorp,

1869. Beach, Lurandus,

1833. Beach, Mrs. Harriet,

1869. Beach, Content,

" Beach, Mary Leach,

Beecher, James E.,

" Beers, Horace A.,

" Beers, Carrie Warner,

1832. Benham, Jane Ann.,

" Bellamy, Angeline Mitchell,

" Berry, Lucy A., Mrs., .

" Berry, Fannie M.,

1875. Berg, Theodore,

1867. Berg, Mrs. Mary,

I832.
((

1867.
((

1864.

1867.

1868.

1876.

1858.

1849.

1847.

1835-
1875.

1852.

1853.
<<

1867.
«

1836.
1843.
1841.

1842.

1843.

1836.

1843.
1853.
1867.

1873.
((

1843.
1851.
1861.
1873.

The Churches of Wolcottville.

129

Berg, Anne,
Berg, Martha, .
Berg, Emma (Abeling), .
Bissell, Lucy Porter, .
Blakeslee, Leonard,
Blakeslee Mrs. Rumina,
Bolster, Cornelia E.,
Bogue, Mrs. Deborah C, .
Brace, Elizabeth Morgan,
Brace, Mrs. Pearly, .
Bradley, Mary Steele,
Bradley, Elnora M., .
Bradford, A. G., .
Briggs, Ellen, .
Brooks, Ruth,
Bristol), Chester,
Brooker, Mary,
Brooker, Samuel,
Brooker, Huldah D.,
Brooker, Chester,
Brooker, Maria L.,
Brooker, Mehitable Tutt/e, .
Brooker, Marion N.,
Brooker, Francis L.,
Brooker, Julia,
Brooker, Annie G., .
Brooker, Julia Seymour,
Brooker, Ella T.,
Brooker, Arthur S.,
Broo.ker, Maria Seymour,
Brooker, Charles F.,
Brooker, Mary L.,
Broth well, Addie Ho/comb,
Buell, Joseph C,
Buell, Mrs. Mary,
Burr, Samuel, .
Burr, Mary Seymour,
Burr, Lyman S.,
Burr, Mary Fleming,

Calhoun, Joseph F., .
Calhoun, Clarissa Cas'we/l,
Calhoun, Sarah,
Camp, Jabez M., .
Camp, Mrs. Mary, .
Camp, Martha A.,
Camp, Lottie E.,
Camp, Mary F.,
Camp, Wallace H., ,
Carrington, David,

1873. Carrington, Mrs. Mercia,

'• Castle, Nancy McCoe, .

" Castle, Mary E.,

1832. Catlin, Imogene J.,

1842. Chapin, Sarah L.,

" Church, Charles S.,

1865. Church, Oiarlotte Taylor,

1866. Churchill, Lucy J.,
1841. Chipman, Rev. R. M.,
1834. Chipman, Mrs. Mary K.,
1858. Clark,

1876. Clark, Victorianus,

1848. Clark, Mrs. Rhoda B.,

1867. Clark, Elizabeth F.,
1832. Clark, Erwin B.,

1843. Clemens, Hiram,

1834. Clemens, Fidelia Hotchkiss,
1852. Coe, Sybel,

1843. Coe, Israel,
1867. Coe, Nancy Wetmore,
1852. Coe, Russell, .
1862. Coe, Lillie Wheeler,
1867. Cook, Herman,

" Cook, Angeline Dare,

" Cook, John, .

1876. Cook, Mrs. Lydia,

1849. Cook, Huldah,
1867. Cook, Anna,

" Cook, Margaret Judd,

1852. Cook, Louisa,

1867. Cook, George W., .
" Cook, Mrs. Gertrude, .
" Cook, Walter H., .

1835. Cook, Mrs. W. H.,
" Cook, Lucy J.,

1873. Cooper, Mrs. Elizabeth,

1849. Curtiss, Ursula,

1872. Curtiss, Worthy, .

1866. Curtiss, Mrs. Alpha,

1852. Day, Mrs. Hannah E.,

1 85 1. Daily, Clarissa,

1868. Daily, Mrs. Lois G., .

1867. Dayton, Urania Marsh,
Davidson, Ira A.,
Dunbar, Rhoda, Huntington,
Dunbar, Adeline L.,

Eggleston, Alexander L.,

1844. Eggleston, Jane,

1844.
1863.
1858.
1867.
1846.
1833.
1834.
1864.

1859.

1835.

1840.
((

1844.

1872.

1867.
<<

1849.

1835.

• 1874-

1834.

1835.

I84I.

. 1842.

1852.

. i860.

, ,

1866.

. 1866.

1867.

. I84I.

•

1835.

. 1883.

•

. 1841.

1842.

•

. 1844.

•

• 1855.

. 1867.

1837.

•

. 1858.

1836.

• 1853-

IJO

History of Torrington.

Eldredge, Horace S.,
Eldredge, Emogene Cook,
Elmer, Ann M.,
Elton, Marilla,
Eno, Elizabeth,
Everest, Eunice, .

Fairchild, Jeremiah,
Fairchild, Mrs. Ruth, .
Fellows, Ephraim,
Fellows, Charles L.,
Fellows, Julia Crippin,
Fenton Harriet Vaill,
Finn, Theresa Hoffman,
Fleming, Jennie Taylor,
Follott, Lewis,
Follett, Ann,
Freeman, Olive Mix,
Freeman, Orinda,
Frost, Mrs. Ursula, .
Fyler, Addie Steele,
Fyler, Mary Vaill,

Gaylord, Charles A.,

Gaylord, Giles A., .

Gaylord, Elizabeth Byington,

Geer, Amos,

Geer, Eunice Allyn,

Geer, Amos M.,

Geer, Mrs. Melissa,

Geer, William,

Geer, Mrs. Mary,

Geer, Eliza (Mrs. Allen),

Goodman, Rebecca,

Goodman, Nancy S.,

Goodman, Henry,

Hammond, Harriett Merrill.
Hammond, George A ,
Hanchett, Thatcher S.,
Hart, Sophia C,
Haywood, Emily Lee,
Hayden, Helen, .
Hill, Mary,
Hills, Hannah, .
Hills, Lottie Ulade, .
Hinman, Mary,
Holly, Eliza Hotchkiss,
Holly, Edward H.,
Holly, Lucinda Branson,

1871.
((

1834.
1852.
1832.
i860.

1844.
1847.
1859.

1874.
u

1876.
1870.
1869.

1843-
<(

1834.
1841.
1832.
Z858.
1872.

1846.
1867.
1869.
1855-

1858.
((

((

1832

1835.

Holly, Mary Sperry, . . . 1865.

Holcomb, Mary Brunt, . . 1869.
Holmes, Israel, .... 1835.

Holmes, Ardelia Coe, . . "

Hoffman, Charles, . . . 1869.

Hoffman, Augusta Conrat, . "

Hopkins, Henry, . . . 1852.

Hopkins, Sarah fVebster, . 1845.
Hopkins, Mary (Mrs. Fowler), . 1866.

Hopkins, Harry P., . . 1857.

Hopkins, Mrs. Lydia, . . . ''

Hopkins, Edward J., . . 1870.

Hopkins, Eleanor Hi//s, . . *'

Hotchkiss, Charles, . . 1859.

Hotchkiss, Electa Brace, . . "

Hotchkiss, Amelia Briggs, . 1864.

Hotchkiss, Ella Osborn, . . 1870.

Hotchkiss, Henry S., . . 1841.

Hotchkiss, Mrs. H. S., . . "

Hubbard, Betsey TVheeler, . 1 843.

Hubbell, Martha Stone, . . 1 839.

Hudson, Daniel C, . . 1838.

Hudson, Mrs. Rhoda, . . "

Hudson, Charlotte, ... "

Humphrey, Silas, . . . 1836.

Humphrey, Mrs. Mary, . . "

Humphrey, Evan, . . . i860.

Hungerford, John, . . . 1832.

Hungerford, Charlotte Austin, . "

Hungerford, Sarah, ... "

Hungerford, Lucinda, . . 1833.

Hungerford, Elizabeth W., . 1834.

Hungerford, Helen L., . . 1852.

Hungerford, Frank L., . . 1867.

Huntington, Elizabeth, . . 1837.

Hurlbut, Clark W., . . 1875.

1842.

Isbell, Evelina Judson,

. 1852.

1858.

1867.

Jankson, Roxy Taylor,

1865.

1836.

Jones, Henry W.,

. 1852.

1867.

Jones, Mrs. Julia H.,

1876.

Joyce, Daniel B.,

. 1876.

1836.

Joyce, Carolina Dayton,

1845.

Judd, Edward M.,

. 1868.

1858.

Judd, Jane Peck,

((

1852.

I85I.

Kellogg, Mindwell,

. 1838.

1867.

Kilbourne, Sarah Hopkins,

1875.

1873.

Kimberly, Lydia,

. 1832.

The Churches of Wolcottville.

13'

Ladd, Jane Byington,
Lake, Arthur S.,
Lake, Jennie Fox,
Langdon, John W.,
Langdon, Mary Spencer,
Langdon, Helen A. (Wheeler),
Lathrop, Sarah Comstock,
Lathrop, Caroline C,
Lathrop, Louisa B. (Chapin),
Leach, Adaline Mott,
Leach, Sarah J.,
Lockhart, Jennett,
Loomis, Ophelia Leach,
Loomis, Sarah F.,
Loomis, Flora A.,
Loomis, Louisa,
Lowry, Martha,
Lyman, Rufuss, .
Lyon, Jennie Johnson,

Marks, Mary Hinman,

Mansfield, Harriet,

Mason, Albert A.,

Mason, Lucy Stanley,

Mason, Mary Frost,

Mason, Kate E. Jeffries, .

Mather, Sarah Rowbottom,

Mawson, Mrs. David,

McCarty, Wm. H.,

McCarty, Jennie yohnson,

McNeil, Robert,

McNeil, Margaret Johnston,

Mills, Henrietta,

Millard, Helen Mott,

Millard, Alfred M.,

Millard, Agnes C, .

Mix, Chauncey, .

Mix, Abigail Jackins,

Mix, Willard,

Mott, Chloe Coe,

Mott, Chloe,

Morse, Harriett Pbippani,

Morse, Martha (Davy),

Moses, Ellen E., . . ,

Munson, Huldah,

Munson, Lucretia Palmer,

Munson, David C,

Munson, Sarah Holcomh,

Newcomb, Mrs. Elizabeth,

1852.

Noble, James E., .

1869,

1872.

North, Maria S.,

1832.

((

North, Louisa Wetmore,

1852.

Norton, Horatio A.,

1840.

Norton, Mrs. Lois, .

1867.

1858.

Olcott, Esther,

1833-

1876.

Oviatt, Mrs. Aloisa,

1842.

1858.

Palmer, Mehitable,

1849.

Palmer, Addison,

1852.

1843-

Palmer, Febe Foivler, .

1842.

Palmer, Hayden D.,

1867.

1852.

Palmer, Mary Munger,

1868.

1858.

Palmer, Julia M.,

1874.

1854.

Palmer, Sarah Be/den, . ,

((

1863.

Parson, Corinthia,

1834.

1865.

Parsons, Phineas F.,

1867.

1869.

Parsons, Helen Brotison,

((

Patterson, Polly Gilbert,

1852.

Patterson, Burton,

1842.

Patterson, Harriet Beach,

1872.

1838.

Patterson, Henry S.,

1867.

I84I.

Payson, Hiram, .

1847.

1867.

Perkins, Sanford H.,

1855.

Perkins, Adaline Barber,

1848

1869.

Perrin, Ann Eliza Comstock,

1872.

1868.

Perrin, Bernadotte,

1874.

Perrin, Catharine (Lester),

Phelps, Mindwell Scoville,

1849.

1865.

Phelps, Augusta E.,

I85I.

((

Phillow, Charlotte,

1843-

1835.

Phippany, Emily,

1833.

1852.

Phippany, William Jr.,

1850.

1867.

Phippany, Louisa,

1848.

1875.

Phippany, Orpha R.,

1855.

1867.

Pitman, Charles A.,

1875.

1863.

Pitman, Sarah George,

1869.

1867.

Porch, William,

1842.

1840.

Preston, Eliza, Van Valkenburg,

1868.

1858.

1848.

1869.

Roberts, Geo. P., .

((

1868.

Roberts, Annis Allyn, .

1834.

Robertson, Daniel, .

1852.

1864.

Robertson, James,

1855.

1867.

Robertson, Mrs. James,

((

Robertson, Laura A., .

1867.

Rose, Harriet Humphrey, .

1876.

1868.

Rynders, Garrett,

1872.

132

History of Torrington.

Sage, Harriet, ....

1834.

Stocking, Emma O. (Wier),

. 1867.

Sammis, Mary Huntington,

. 1836.

Stocking, Frank L.,

1874.

Sanbourn, John,

1854.

Stocking, Charlotte C. (Pierce),

. 1858.

Sanbourn, Mrs. Huldah,

Stocking, Flora,

1852.

Sanford, Joel, ....

1841.

Stocking, Philo H.,

. 1858.

Sanford, Mrs. Charity,

Stone, Mrs. Mary A.,

1852.

Sanford, John T., .

1843.

Sturtevant, Samuel G.,

. i860.

Sanford, Mrs. Sally,

Sturtevant, Mrs. Anna,

Sanford, Morris H., ' .

i860.

Swift, Solomon E.,

1841.

Sanford, Mrs. Elizabeth,

Scheurer, Katy,

1867.

Talcott, Wm. H., .

1864.

Scott, Leverette, .

. 1832.

Talcott, Emma Munson,

• 1853.

Scott, Mrs. Leverett,

Taylor, Abigail Austin,

1832.

Scoville, Amasa, .

• 1834-

Taylor, Emeline Scott, .

• 1843-

Scoville, Mrs. Lucy C,

Thorp, Sarah W., .

((

Scoville, Mrs. Mary,

Thompson, Harriet Green,

• 1874-

Scoville, Mrs. Chloe,

1849.

Tillinghast, Henrietta E., .

1859.

Scoville, John,

. 1852.

Todd, Wm. P., .

. 1866.

Scoville, Maria Cat/in,

((

Travis, Eliza Brooker,

1873-

Seelye, Maria Gay/ord,

• 1849-

Tubbs, Nathan, .

. 1841.

Seelye, L. Clark,

1852.

Tuttle, Catharine,

1849.

Settle, Sabrah Thrall, .

. 1848.

Seymour, James H.,

1867.

Wadhams, Dothia,

• 1833.

Seymour, Florilla Hudson,

■ 1839.

Wadhams, George D.,

1832.

Seymour, Lura Taylor,

1850.

Wadhams, Lucy Eno,

Seymour, Charlotte (Church),

. 1867.

Wadhams, Eliza Thompson,

1855.

Skinner, H., ....

1847.

Wadhams, Sarah Goodivin, .

• 1873.

Smith, Rubama, .

. 1832.

Walling, Catharine Foote, .

1863.

Smith, Albert H., .

1852.

Webster, Marilla M., .

. 1848.

Smith, Phebe A.,

. 1842.

Weed, Willard,

1867

Smith, Eliza,

1864.

Weed, Harriett Clark, .

. 1869

Slade, Eliza Green,

. 1852.

Weed, Mary, ....

1867

Spencer, Henry C, .

Weed, Emma,

. 1871

Spencer, Mrs. H. C, .

((

Welch, Susie Agard,

1874

Squire, Samuel W., .

1841.

Wells, Margaret Johnson,

((

Squire, Mrs. Caroline A.,

Weston, Margaret Fleming,

1864

Stearns, B. B., ...

1867.

Wetmore, Lyman,

. 1832

Stearns, Mrs. B. B.,

((

Wetmore, Mrs. Bessey,

Steele, William S., .

1839.

Wetmore, Lorrain,

Steele, Caroline Jones, .

Wetmore, Frances Austin,

Steele, Elijah J., .

. 1867.

Wetmore, John, .

. 1869

Steele, Hannah Skiff,

Wheeler, Asa, ....

1843

Steele, George B.,

Wheeler, Mrs. Kezia, .

Stimpson, Cornelia W.,

1834-

Wheeler, Ansel,

1869

Stocking, Anson,

• 1833.

Wheeler, Harriett ^oybniow,

Stocking, Mrs. Flora,

Wheeler, Martha Chidsey,

Stocking, Samuel,

Wheeler, Frank M., .

. 1874

Stocking, Marcia,

Wheeler, Nellie M. (Holly), .

Stocking, Samuel J.,

. 1851.

Whiting, Mrs. Anna C,

. 1867.

Stocking, Mary Felloius, .

1858.

Whiting, Francis Hungerford,

1852.

The Churches of Wolcottville. 133

Wilcox, Sarah, . . . .1832. Wilson, Mrs. Clarissa, . . 1839.

Wilcox, Harnett, . . . 1833. Wilson, Caroline E., . . . 1850.

Wilson, Amos, . . . . " Wilson, Mary Wheeler, . . 1843

Wilson, Mrs. Eliza, ... " Woodford, Isabella Sidde/I, . . 1875.

Wilson, Darius, .... 1839. Woodford, George E., . . 1876.

The Episcopal Church.

Services were held, occasionally in Wolcottville, in accordance
with the usages of the Protestant Episcopal church, previous to
1842 ; the ministers so officiating were the rectors of Christ church,
Harwinton, and of St. Michael's of Litchfield. In that vear the Rev.
Henry Zell began to officiate regularly in one of the district school
houses in the village, and to minister to the Episcopalian families
residing, in the town.

In February 1843, ^ l^g^l notice was given to all persons desirous
of organizing a parish to meet for that purpose, in the brick Academy.
The meeting was held according to the notice ; the Rev. Dr.
Frederick Holcomb in the chair, and the organization effected, and
the following constitution adopted,'

The society took the name and title of Trinity church. Its pur-
pose was declared to be the worship of Almighty God, agreeable
to the forms, usages, doctrines, and discipline of the Protestant
Episcopal church in the United States of America.

The following persons were the original incorporators of the society :

Samuel Bradley, Henry B. Richards. Samuel Workman,

James Gaunt, Rodney Brace, Charles B. Smith,

M. W. Fyler, James Ashborn, Nelson Alvord,

'Article ist. The officers of this society shall be two wardens, three vestrymen, a clerk,
and a treasurer, to be appointed annually on Easter Monday or on some other day in Easter
week, and the appointment of officers shall always be by ballot.

Article 2d. The names of the members of the society shall be registered in a book and
this enrollment shall constitute the legal evidence of membership in the society agreeable to
the provision of the civil law, which enrollment together with all votes, assertments and all
other important transactions by this body, whether civil or ecclesiastical, shall be entered and
properly attested by the clerk.

Article 3d. As the society is designed to be formed on the principle of voluntary contri-
bution for the support of the gospel, no tax shall be levied on its members except at a
special meeting, the object having been specified in the previous warning, nor then except
by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at such special meeting, which shall always
be more than one-half of the whole number of votes in the society.

Article 4th. This constitution shall not be altered except by a majority vote at an annual
meeting, the alteration having been proposed in writing at least six months before formal
action is had upon it.

134

History of Torrington.

James R. Coe,
Benjamin H. Morse,
James H. Seymour,

Edward Atkins,
Charles Cooper,
Demas Coe,

Janna B. Phelps,
James Ogleby,
Allen G. Brady.

The officers of the parish elected on the day of its organization
were: James Gaunt and Benjamin H. Morse, wardens ; James R.
Coe, Charles Cooper, Samuel Bradley, vestrymen ; Demas Coe,
treasurer; Benjamin H. Morse clerk.

This society continued to worship in the brick Academy during the
summer of 1843, and until their house of worship was completed in

1844-

In the latter part of the year 1843, •'^ ^^^ deemed wise and proper
to move in the direction of building a house of worship, and a sub-
scription was circulated, dated December 20th, 1843, ^"^ ^^^ ^^^~
lowing names and amounts were secured :

Demas Coe,
B. H. Morse,
Charles B. Smith,
Charles Cooper, .
Daniel Robertson,
Henry Coe,
Samuel Workman,
L. W. Coe,
Charles Hollis,
Trumbull Ives,
Janna R. Phelps,
James Palmer,
Uri Taylor,
F. L. Taylor,
Daniel Scoville,
Albert Bradley,
Nelson Alvord,
Eunice Taylor,
H. B. Richards,
Albert A. Mason,
F. M. Holley,
R. F. Ensign,
Robert Palmer,
Benham Barber,
James H. Seymour,
Linus Johnson,
Lyman Wetmore,
Lucius Foot,
Charles Scoville,
Rodney Brace,
Collins Holcomb,
Edmund Wooding,

)i25.oo. Ralph Palmer,
125.00. S. P. Burr,
100.00. Edwin B. Webster,
125.00. Solomon Marsh,
50.00. O. S. Seymour,
50.00. Mrs. Parmalee,
30.00. William Payne,
30.00. J. G. Beckwith,
25.00. Wm. Phippeny, .

25.00. Wm. ,

25.00. G. P. Cowles,
25.00. J. M. Thompson,
12.50. Wm. F. Baldwin,
37.50. Daniel B. Bulkley,
20.00. Charles Mansfield,
25.00. Oliver S. Hills,
50.00. Cash,
25.00. C. & G. Mason,
20.00. George Pond,
20.00. Benj. F. Smith,
10.00. Luther Bissell,
20.00. [. W. Cook,
25.00. Wm. H. Webster,

5.00. Lyman Clark,
10.00. Abijah Munn,
5.00. Joseph Allyn,
10.00. Alexander Gillett,
Martin Brooker,
Chester Brooker,
Edward Pierpont,
Amos Gilbert,
Samuel Brooker Jr.,

5.00.

5.00.
25.00.

5.00.
10.00.

5.00.
30.00.
20.00.
10.00.
20.00.

5.00.
10.00.
10.00.

5.00.
10.00.

5.00.

3.00.

5.00.

5.00.
26.00.
20.00.

5.00.

3.00.
10.00.
10.00.

5.00.

5.00.
15.00.

3.00.
10.00.
10.00.
10.00.

5.00.

5.00.
10.00.

The Churches of Wolcottville. 135

Samuel Williams, . . . S-OO. Wm. S. Pond, . . . 5.00.

Edward Atkins, . . 10.00. John W. Scoville, . . 5.00.

Daniel Burns, . . . 3.00. Willis Hubbard, . . 10.00.

Richard Henisee, . . 3.00. Cash, ..... 50.00.

Elkanah Barber, . . . 5.00.

Besides the above amounts, six hundred dollars were obtained from
other places, largely from Waterbury, making in all about two thou-
sand dollars.

In 1844, the edifice of wood now standing on the corner of Water
and Prospect streets was completed and consecrated by Bishop
Thomas C. Brownwell, December 4th, 1844.

On January 6th, 1845, ^^^ Rev. Henry Zell was elected rector
of the parish, which election he accepted with an annual salary of
five hundred dollars a year.

When the House was consecrated there remained some debt against
it, and to remove this an effort was made in the summer of 1846,
which seems to have been successful. The same subscription book
was passed the second time and some of those who had given liberally,
repeated the amount, some doubled the amount, and likeother churches
in Wolcottville, they received help from neighboring churches, for
the following record is made :

Offerings

at Stratford,

$30.00.

Offerings

at Christ church Brooklyn,

97.00

" Stamford,

20.00.

" Dr. Tyng, .

30.00

" Norwalk,

30.00.

" Dr. Lewis,

20.00

'■ Trinity, N

:w Haven,

110.00.

" Bridgeport, .

10.00

" Ascension,

20.00.

" New Milford,

32.00

" St. Pauls,

(< a

58.00.

" Southport, .

44.00

Several subscriptions are donated by men of considerable fame,
such as James E. English of New Haven and George D. Morgan of
New York.

At Easter 1848, Mr. Zell resigned and during the succeeding
year the rectorship remained vacant, the Revs. Enoch Huntington,
Abel Nichols and George L. Foot officiating.

The Rev, David P. Sandford became rector on Easter day
April 8th, 1849; there being then forty families in the parish, and
eleven communicants. This relation Mr. Sanford held one year,
when he resigned, and the Rev. S. V. Berry was in temporary charge
of the parish a little more than a year. In August 1851, the Rev.
J. S. Covell became rector and continued until October, 1855.

The Revs. Ezra Jones and C. B. Seymour, officiated nearly a
year each, in succession, when the parish was united with Christ
church, Harwinton, as one cure for one year, the Rev. James Mor-

136 History of Torrington.

ton being the rector. On the tenth of October 1858, the Rev. J.
S. Covell was recalled to the rectorship and remained until 1863,
when he removed to Huntington, Ct.

The Rev. David P. Sanford served his second term of office in
this church commencing in April, 1864, and resigning September
13th, 1868. During this time the house of worship was considerably
improved ; a recess, chancel and robing room were constructed, a
vestry room was added, stained glass put into the windows and other
improvements were made upon the building.

In 1868, the Rev. Benjamin Eastwood became the rector, and re-
mained until 1874, when he removed to Rhode Island. In June
1874, the Rev. Henry B. Ensworth became rector elect, but re-
signed in the next December, and removed to Brooklyn, N. Y.
He is now pastor of St. Mark's chapel New York.

The Rev. Henry M. Sherman became rector of the parish Sep-
tember ist, 1876, and is laboring with much energy and success in
all departments of his office. The house of worship has been re-
modeled to some extent inside, and repaired so as to have quite a new
and very agreeable appearance. Prophecy does not belong to history
but it is quite evident that if the present energy and strength of this
church are continued it will not be long before it will have a new
house of worship.

The present strength of the parish, as represented in figures re-
ported to the diocesan convention of 1876, is one hundred fami-
lies, one hundred and one communicants, and one hundred and
fifteen members in the Sunday school.

The Catholic Church.

The first Catholic priest who preached in Wolcottville was Father
James Fitten, a native of Rhode Island, who preached in 1835, in
the brick building south of the bridge.

In 1842, the Rev. John Brady, who was then stationed in Hart-
ford, began to visit the scattered families of the Catholic faith in this
community, once a year, holding services in Richard Hennessey's
house on the west hill. At that time there were only five or six
families, and a few single persons, to whom he ministered. Father
Brady has long since gone to his reward in a future life, having per-
formed many missionarv journeys, without the help of rail roads, to
minister to his scattered parishioners. The Rev. Father Lynch
stationed at Bridgeport, succeeded Father Brady and visited occa-

The Churches of Wolcottville. 137

slonally, this people about one year. He is also gone to hi? heavenly
home. He died in Bridgeport, respected by members of all Christian
denominations. During these first years of occasional visits of min-
isters, parents frequently carried their children to Hartford to receive
the sacrament of baptism.

Durino; these periodic visits the priests usually made their home at
Mr. Hennessey's house.

When the Catholic population had considerably increased the Rev.
Father O'Neil of Waterbury was appointed to minister to them, and
he continued so to do, about five years. When he first came, ar-
rangements were made, and he thereafter held services in the brick
Academy building in Wolcottville. This was the third denomination
that held meetings in that old Union meeting house and graduated
into commodious churches. Father O'Neil was the first who visited
regularly, twice a year, the Catholic people of the town. He also is
gone to his future happy home. The Rev. Father James Lynch of
Birmingham followed him in the work of the ministry here. The Rev.
Father Gillie, the first priest stationed at Winsted, ministered to the
Catholics of Wolcottville, once a month, and held service in Wad-
ham's hall. When he was removed Rev. Father Quinn took his
place for a short time.

Rev. Father Thomas Hendrican, now bishop of Rhode Island,
was next in charge at Winsted, and he visited Wolcottville as a mis-
sion nearly four years. To him succeeded in the space of a few
years, Revs. Richard O'Gorman, Michael Mangin, Daniel Mullen,
Philip Sheridan, and Father Leo, each doing his work earnestly for
the improvement of his people.

In 1 85 1, Fath^ Michael O'Neil purchased the lot opposite the
Congregational church on Main street, as a site for a church build-
ing, and although Father Quinn's labors intervened, yet Father James
Lynch was the first to move in the matter of taking collections for
the payment of this lot. He collected over four hundred dollars, and
had the lot deeded to the Bishop O'Riley, as was the custom at the
time, but that deed with all others in the state has been transferred
to the incorporated body according to an act, authorizing the organ-
ization of Roman Catholic churches.

Rev. Father Mangin commenced building the Church in the autumn
of 1859, ^'""^ completed it in July i860, and paid all debts against the
property, amounting to about three thousand dollars. This building
was considerably enlarged in 1866, by Father Leo, at an expense of
fifteen hundred dollars or more.

138 History of Torrington.

About the time the Church was built there was considerable preju-
dice manifested toward the Catholics, and against the building of the
Church, and whether there were threats made or not, the Catholic
people felt it necessary for a time to station a watchman at the Church
during the nights, to give the alarm if an attempt should be made to
burn the building. This was a decided mistake, if any occasion was
given for such fear, for if religious liberty is good, then it is as good
for one as another, and it is not good unless it will apply to all the
heathen even, as well as Christians. The Catholics are a Christian
people. But all the disposition, if ever there was any, to hinder the
success of the Catholic church in the town is thoroughly removed,
all persons knowing that it is far better for them, as well as all other
people, to go to church, hear the gospel and obey it, than to neglect
such duty and privilege. It is also true that the Catholic people know
that there is no occasion for fear, so long as they do as they hereto-
fore have done, respect the rights of others as well as their own, and
that they are now held in respect by those who differ widely from
them, in religious belief.

Father Leo, O. S. F., attended this mission about thirteen years.
He built an addition to the Church, and otherwise beautified it inside
and outside. In 1870, he purchased from the Coe Brass company
six acres of land, near the Redfield and Rice manufactory, on the
east side of the east branch of the Naugatuck river, for the purpose
of a cemetery. This cemetery was consecrated by the Right Rev.
Bishop McFarland, while Rev. Father Anaclete, O. S. F., was
pastor of this place, and superior in Winsted. The cemetery is well
laid out and kept in proper order ; and the monuments of the Migeon,
and Whealon families are very beautiful, and a noble honor to the
departed, and ornament to the community. By way of incident it
may be mentioned that Father Brady of Hartford, the first missionary
to this place, baptized all the children of Mr. Henry Migeon, and
that the first child that Bishop Hendrican ever baptized was Maggie
Farrell, now Mrs. John Heeley of this village.

The first resident pastor of this church was Rev. Father Isaiah,
O. S. F., and who still continues in that office. He was appointed
by Bishop McFarland, and made his residence here in October 1874.
He purchased the Patterson property on Prospect street, which is
fitted up in good style and makes a very pleasant pastor's residence.

The parish now numbers one hundred and twenty families, seven
hundred parishioners, six hundred communicants, and one hundred
and fifteen children and youth in the Sunday school. The annual

The Churches of Wolcottville. 139

revenue of the church is about fifteen hundred dollars, which is all
expended at home except five per cent for the bishop's salary.

The officers of the corporate body are the bishop, the vicar-general,
the pastor and two trustees, elected annually by the congregation.
The following laymen have been so elected : Edward Kelly, Andrew
Harty, Richard Carroll and William Grant.

The corporate name is, St. Francis of Assisium church, and the
by-laws, by which it is governed, were established by the vote of the
trustees in 1866.

It will be seen by these items that this church has had a steady
success according to the increase of numbers in the community of
those who adhere to its faith. In 1842, there were five or six families
in the town, or about thirty persons, now they number seven hundred ;
an average increase of twenty per year. The industry and spirit of
citzenship of this people, in this town, are recognized even by
strangers. There are no Irish shanties or dirty looking houses in the
village or town ; all live in good painted houses, with pleasant yards,
and no stranger could guess, in which part of the village the Catholics
live any more than which part the Methodists, or Congregationalists,
or Episcopalians occupy. This is owing in part to the attention
which the business men of the place give to this matter ; aiding all
persons to have pleasant homes, and also, to the enterprise of all the
citizens in securing this end. Hence Wolcottville is a beautiful vil-
lage, with no dark spots on it, and this beauty is rapidly increasing to
the great honor of all its citizens.

Father Isaiah.

Father Isaiah, the present pastor of this church, was born April
24, 1842, in the village of Scanno, in the province of Acquila, Italy.
His early schooling was obtained under the care of the priest of his
native village. When fourteen years of age he was received upon
examination in Latin, Italian, and other studies, into the Passionist
congregation in the city of Acquila, for the purpose of devoting
himself continuously to religious observances. When fifteen, he
was received into the first order of St. Francis ; a ministerial order
acknowledged by the Roman Catholic church. To this course of
life his father never gave consent, but still did not impose severe
obstacles. His christian name was Dominic Piscitelle, but on en-
tering this order it was changed to Brother Isaiah, and the other
name entirely lost, and he entered upon his novitiate year of study.

140 History of Torrington.

The next year he went to St. Angel, near the Adriatic sea, where
he remained three years and finished his philosophical and classical
course. He was then removed to the city of Salmona, or the city of
Ovid, where he commenced his theological studies. After being
there but a short time, he was drafted for service in the army of
Italy, and escaped on foot one hundred miles to the city of Rome,
which city still remained under the political power of the pope.
Here he finished his theological course, but being under twenty-five
years of age he was not eligible to the office of the priesthood except
by special decree of the pope. This was secured by his superiors,
and he was accordingly ordained. Consequent upon this ordination
his name was again changed and became Father Isaiah, according to
the order of the priesthood in that church. Four months after this
he was sent by his superiors to America, and arrived in New York,
in September, 1865. He went to Buffalo and entered upon the
study of the English language preparatory to the exercising of his
professional orders in this country. After one year he was sent to
Winsted, Ct., where he remained two years, and thence to St. Bona-
venture convent in the western part of Pennsylvania as superior for
one year. After being engaged in that part of the country, in dif-
ferent parishes, he was sent in October, 1874, to Wolcottville, and
settled as pastor of this church. He is well accepted by the people
of his own parish ; is exerting a beneficial and elevatmg influence
over them, and is truly respected by the entire community.

CHAPTER XII.

EDUCATION.

HE first settlers located in the southwest part of the town,
and in that part was the first school ; the School house
standing on the Lyman farm near Mill brook, and near
the Fort, and was built in or about 1745. The settle-
ment of that part of the town during ten years from the building of
this house was quite rapid, so that in 1756, there were two hundred
and fifty inhabitants in the town, and most of them were in that part
of the town. Hence that^SdhooLhouse was soon filled with boys a.nd
girls, whoJiaye^smce perforrned.very important parts in the history of
the town. Their descendants have since planted their homes in
almost every part of the United States, and have honored education_^
wherever they have dwelt. Two young ladies, descended from this
district, kept a select school, of extensive reputation, in the city of^
Montreal, Canada, quite a number of years.

There is a School house still within twenty rods of the site of the
old one, down by the side of the brook, where from twelve to twenty
children study a far different series of books than were studied one
hundred and thirty years ago; but the object is the same, fitting for
life, and immortality. At this house attend the children of one of
the Whiting families, the only representative of all the families who
dwelt there in 1745.

The records of the first society of the town for fifty-five years are
lost, and as that society had supervision over all schools within its
bounds, during that time, the account of the efforts made for the
education of that generation cannot be very complete.

The second school was, probably, that of the Brandy hill district,
and the house (if any separate house was erected) stood near Dr.
Hodges, store or Abel Beach's tavern ; most probably, some little
distance north of Dr. Hodges. This school was removed to near
the site of the present school house, a little north of Mr. Gillett's old
homestead. Aunt Adah Gillett, still living, honored and esteemed by
all, and in her ninetieth year, and the daughter of Rev. Father Gillett,
informs that when her father settled there, that school was full of

142 History of Torrington.

young people, numbering seventy or eighty scholars, many of them
grown up young men and women.

The third school was in the Wilson district, the house standing at
the forks of the roads near Joseph, and afterwards, Gilbert Allyn's
homestead. In this house, in 1771, Isaac Bool was the school
master, according to records in Capt. Amos Wilson's account book ;
and the records are so made as to indicate that this man's principal
business was teaching school. Here, too, for many years attended
a crowd of young men and women, in the winter time, to complete
their course of education, and here they graduated. It was all that
they could do in education, and doing it, they did well. From this
district the people did not scatter so widely and generally as those of
the Lyman district ; they stayed by the stuff, especially did they (the
families of the Wilsons and AUyns), stay by mast swamp, where they
were very efficient in preparing the way for the flourishing village
that now occupies its once lordly standing. James Wolcott, one of
the boys of this district, went to Middletown and learned the trade
of making woolen cloths, then persuaded his uncle Frederick Wol-
cott, to build the woolen mill ; and this is the secret of how that
mill came to be built. ^

As near as can be ascertained the fourth school district formed was
in the valley between Brandy hill (from Abner Loomis's north) and
the old Noppet hill, the School house standing a little way northeast
of the Hotchkiss saw mill, north of the bridge over the brook. When
the eastern part of Newfield became more fully settled, about 1790,
the School house near the old Thrall place was abandoned and the
new house built at Newfield corners ; or what was then, on the road
from the Capt. Richard's place to the Fyler neighborhood.

This Newfield district was for a time the most populous section
of the town, and was called the third district in 1830. The School
house was the largest, probably, in the town, having two spacious fire
places and chimneys. There were two doors, the east one for the
girls, the west for the boys, and a " walking-stick " stood at each
door. If a pupil desired to go out during school hours, and the stick
stood at the door, he said nothing but went out taking the walking-
stick with him, and until that stick came back, no other scholar on
that side of the house could go. There was no recess, except at
noon, for dinner.

'Authority ? Aunt Adah Gillett.

Education. 143

The seats were slabs with sticks for legs ; and some times when
these seats were not in use in the house the boys and girls made them
serve the purpose of sleds for riding down hill on the snow crust.

When school was out at night, the boys were required to bring in
snow and make a snow bank around each fireplace so that the fire
should not roll out on the floor and set the house on fire.

The pupils were not punctual in attendance at nine o'clock or any
fixed time. As soon as a few had arrived in the morning the teacher
began the exercise of reading, which was a large part of the school
exercises, using the Bible jn a large number of cases as the reading
book. The geography was used also as a reading book. Writing was
a leading exercise, occupying a large portion of time. When the
writing commenced, the teacher began the mending of goose quill
pens, which constituted a large part of his manual labor, until the
exercise closed, and the pupil who had attained to the high mechanical
skill of making a pen was a hero, and was allowed special privileges,
particularly when pens were wanted. Upon a direct look of a young
lady across the room, he was allowed to go over that way and mend
the pen and thus aid the teacher, to be sure, who could not mend
pens as fast as they became poor.

Geography was studied in this school from 1800, but what was a
little peculiar was the holding of night-schools, for the study of
arithmetic. Spelling was an important study; and exercises in
curious words, and sentences, were frequent as a kind of elocutionary
training of which the following is a specimen : " Say, hu-der, hen-
pen, say, hu-der, brass-clip-per, nip-per, at-las, pe-lia, Williams, en-
der, ven-der, o-ver, cu-ler, de-lom-i-lom-i-ter."

Another exercise is also given as taxing the memory as well as the
ability to spell and pronounce ; a portion of which seems to have
gone to Winchester, and fell into the hands of that master of stories,
Mr. John Boyd.'

A — there's your A.

BO — there's your Bo, and your Abo.

MI — there's your Mi, and your Bo-mi, and your A-bo-mi.

N A — there's your Na, and your Mi-na, and your Bo-mi-na, and your A-bo-mi-na.

B L E — there's your Ble, and your Na-ble, and your Mi-na-ble, and your Bo-mi-na-ble,

and your A-bo-mi-na-ble.
B U M — there's your Bum, and your Ble-bum, and your Na-blebum, and your Mi-na-

ble-bum, and your Bo-mi-na-ble-bum, and your A-bo-mi-na-ble-bum.

' Annali of fVinchester, 220.

144 History of Torrington.

B L E — there's your Ble, and your Bum-ble, and your Ble-bum-ble, and your Na-ble-bum-

ble, and your Mi-na-ble-bum-ble, and your Bo-mi-na-ble-bum-ble, and your A-bo-

mi-na-ble-bum-ble.
B E E- — there's your Bee, and your Ble-bee, and your Bum-ble-bee, and your Ble-bum-

ble-bee, and your Na-ble-bum-ble-bee, and your Mi-na-ble-bum-ble-bee, and your Bo-

mi-na-ble-bum-ble-bee, and your A-bo-mi-na-ble-bum-ble-bee.

The catches in the repetition of these syllables, was the item of
attraction, in addition to the puzzle of remembering and speaking the
words without mistake, or a slip of the tongue.

Miss Eunice Coe is said to have been the first teacher in this
School house, she being then about twenty years of age. She was
the daughter of Jonathan Coe, Jr., and was born in Torrington, but
lived over the Winchester line with her father at the time of her
teaching. She married in 1793, Abiel Loomis, and lived and died
in Winchester.

In 1799, Harlow Fyler, then but four years of age, was sent to
this house to school, one day, to make the number of scholars one
hundred, the highest number ever attained.

The Middle district was in existence as early as 1784, when
Amos Wilson delivered several hundred feet of boards at the School
house and charged them accordingly. That house stood as near
as can be ascertained at the corner near Mr. Willard Birge's
dwelling, but some years after stood at Torrington hollow east side
of the river, and was the building now falling to the gronnd, standing
on the south side of the old foundery building, at that place.

A Sixth district was organized before 1795, and included the
southwest corner of the town, and had also a large school.

In 1796, these districts were newly arranged and numbered as
follows :

First. Lyman District, the northeast corner at Levi Thrall's, now
Willard Birge's.

Second. Brandy Hill, house near Mr. Gillett's.

Third. Newfield, extending east to Still river nearly, and south
to Caleb Leach's, and within half a mile of Daytonville.

Fourth. Wilson's.

Fifth. Southwest.

Sixth. The Center, or Middle.

A school house was afterwards built for the Center district at Levi
Thrall's, at the corner of the roads.

Four districts now compass nearly all that the six did in 1800,

Education. 145

there being in them about ninety scholars instead of five hundred and
more then, including summer and winter ; for when the schools were
so full in the winter, the smaller children were not allowed to go.

TORRINGFORD SiDE OF THE ToWN

In December 1761, the inhabitants in society meeting voted to
raise one penny and a half on the list to hire schooling, and ap-
pointed Lieut. Benjamin Bissell, Ebenezer Winchell and Nehemiah
Gaylord, school committee.^ The next December, they voted to
raise the same amount, " a penny half penny on the pound, to hire
schooling," and in 1763, the same. The next year they voted to
have '^ two months' schooling the winter ensuing."

In 1 771, after they had built a Church, though it was not com-
pleted, and had settled a minister, they gave a little more attention to.>^
education, and VoteU that the " north end, above the long causeway, be
one district for schooling, the ensuing year, and to improve their own
money," and that " all below the long crossway, be one district."
They laid a tax as usual, the one-half to be used for winter school
the other half for summer school. " Voted that Mr. Daniel Hudson
be school committee and collector for the north district, and that
Sergt. Ebenezer Winchell, Lt. John Strong and Mr. Josiah Moore
be a committee for the south district."

In October 1772, they made three districts. Besides the north
and south, as the year previous, they voted that " Great hollow and
East street as far north as Amos Miller's be one district," " Voted
that the middle district lay out two-thirds of their money in a man's
school, and that the children who go to a man's school shall not go
to the woman's school." In the autumn of 1774, four districts were /
made, and in December they voted, " that there be a school house /
built in the middle district, near Capt Bissell's house or horse-house ;
and that Capt. Strong, Capt. Bissel!, Lt. Griswold and Sergt. Ebe-
nezer Winchell be a committee to build said house."

In 1770, they voted a tax of four shillings on the pound, for school-
ing, which large sum was probably owing to the depreciated currency
with which the tax was to be paid, but even then it is difficult to un-
derstand the change to such an extreme, and especially when in 1781,
it was only one and a half penny on the pound. In 1 782, the society
was divided into four districts, by a " parallel line to the town, across

' Old Society records.

146 History of Torrington.

the society," the tax one penny and a half. It was frequently voted
in the meetings for society business, that the children who went in
the winter " should not go in the summer," and this was the practice
on the west side, although there are no accounts of such votes. The
changing of the districts continued every few years on the east side
as on the west. There seems to have been no way to shorten dis-
tances nor to enlarge the houses, nor equalize the money, nor to ar-
range other items, so as to meet the wants of all. In 1786, a vote
was passed that the school money should be divided to the districts
equally according to the number of scholars in each district between
four and sixteen years of age.

The law concerning the business transactions in behalf of schools
having been changed, the parish met in 1795, and thereafter, as a
school society, and voted the usual tax, some years from six to eight
mills and some times one cent on a dollar, it being more frequently
seven and eight mills. Such amounts of tax, alone for schooling, at the
present day would make wild confusion in the town. The present
tax for schooling purposes, is about four and a half mills on the dollar,
but the state appropriation and other funds returns a part of this sum
to the town treasury.

There are now three districts in Torringford ; the south, center
and north districts.

Academies.

There have been four academies in the town. Soon after Rev.
Epaphras Goodman was settled in Torringford, he leased a large room,
which had been used for other purposes, fitted it, and opened a select
school, for advanced pupils, both boys and girls. Such was the en-
thusiasm with which the people entered into this enterprise that Mr.
Goodman was compelled to employ an assistant, Mrs. Faxon, which
gave still greater ambition to the enterprise. The whole society was
awakened to the effort, and erected a brick building, long known as
the Torringford academy, and in this building Mr. Goodman con-
tinued the school while he remained at this place. He employed
students and graduates from Yale and other colleges, and inspired the
whole enterprise with his indefatigable devotion to the advantages of
education.

When Dr. E. D. Hudson settled in Torringford he cheerefully
added his influence and energy to the institution and it became a
boarding school as well as an academy for the community. There
have been as high as twenty students at a time, from the cities and

Education. 147

other states, in attendance on this school. The influence of this
school was not only felt on the whole community but gave so much
of a spirit of love of literature and learning as has not yet disappeared
from the place.

In regard to this subject and Mr. Goodman's part in it the Tor-
ringford Centennial thus speaks.

" The Academy in which he taught was erected in 1823, and stood \
a few rods north of the Old church on the opposite side of the street. .
After being unoccupied several years, it was removed in 1849, ^^^
rebuilt as an academy and conference house, and stands opposite the
Church. The intelligence of the people, and their appreciation of
education may be shown not only by the fact that they have furnished
a large number of competent teachers,' men and women, of public
and private schools, but also by the number of those who have
obtained a liberal education, or engaged in professional pursuits.
Torringford has raised, in addition to several successful business
men, twelve college graduates, five lawyers, ten ministers, eight
minister's wives, two editors, and twenty-five physicians ; and some of
these educated men have not only been eminent in their profession,
but have filled prominent civil, political, and judicial stations."

Torringford, in connection with the whole county of Litchfield,
had a large number of men and women of native talent, and whether
they were in professional life or engaged in the more common pur-
suits of industry, they have promoted, and developed this spirit of
education in establishing institutions of learning in different parts of
the nation, and encouraging general intelligence.

The part which this society had in rearing and sustaining the
mission school was such as, of which any community, of the time,
might well boast.

The Torrington Academy.

This institution was erected by the joint efi^ort of several men,
interested in the higher advantages of education, in about eighteen
hundred and eighteen or nineteen, and was located at the green, near
Erastus Hodges, or a little south of the Second Meetinghouse. The

' Nathaniel Gaylord kept what was termed a grammar school, for a number of successive
winters, about 1806, and school keeping became a passion, and often over twenty went out
to teach in the same season ; and Torringford school teachers enjoyed a high reputation in
the adjoining towns as well as at home.

148 History of Torrington. !

Rev. Herman L. Vaill, while studying theology at Goshen, in 1821, j

was one of the earliest teachers in this house. The school was con- !
tinued with some intervals some twenty-five or thirty years, after 1
which the building was purchased by the late Sheldon Barber and
placed at the corner of the roads near his house and used for a work i
shop. ;

The Brick Academy, a three story building in Wolcottville south '
of the bridge on Main street, was built as a Union meeting house and j
academy, and was used for both purposes quite a number of years.
It has been occupied as a manufactory, a store, and a Masonic Hall.

The Academy on Church street, built about 1859, ^^^ been merged
into the Union Graded school of the village.

Wolcottville Public Schools.

In 1798, the Torringford school society voted that John Brooker
and Isaac Edgarton might have the use of their own money for school-
ing ; i. <'., they were at an inconvenient distance from the school
houses, and therefore might employ a teacher in their own neighbor-
hood. John Brooker then lived in the house, still standing a little
east of the papier machie shop, and Isaac Edgarton in the same
neighborhood, or perhaps further south. The society was very careful
that this money should be used as designed, for the year previous
they voted that John Brooker, Isaac Edgarton and Zebulon Curtiss
might have the use of their own money, if they lay it out in schooling
their children in other schools and bring a certificate to that eff^ect,
and the same requisition was made each year. The nearest schools
were the west district of Torringford and the school in Litchfield, half
or three-fourths of a mile south of the present village of Wolcottville.

In 1808, the school society voted that Mrs. Sally Sanford and
Porter Bissell be annexed to the district in Litchfield. Mrs. Sanford
then lived near the Coe Furniture store on Litchfield street.

In 1 8 10, the society voted that " all living west of Eliphalet Eno's
and belonging to the west district have the use of their own money,"
showing that no district had yet been formed in what is now the
village.

In 1812, they stated that the "families of Eliphalet Eno, Heze-
kiah Eno, Jonathan Ives, Widow Ives, Shelburn Ives, Trumbull
Ives, and John Cook and sons, are to be annexed to the village dis-
trict," but the district was not formed until the next year, when

Education. 149

they voted the village to be a district, and Uri Taylor was ap-
pointed the committee and collector, and this was probably the first
officer of any kind Wolcottville ever had.

There are no votes for taxes in the village district, which look like
paying for a school house, and the house having been built in 181 4.
or 1815, it is quite probable that it was built by volunteer subscrip-
tions and work, and that Uri Taylor took a large part of this stock,
as he did in the First Meeting house and parsonage. This house
stood on the site of the present Register office on Main street. Miss
Fannie C. Austin, now Mrs. Laurin Wetmore, taught school in
this house, in 1817 or 18, it being before it was enlarged. As the
village increased and more room was needed, this house was length-
ened, to nearly double its original size. Some time after, a brick
School house was built on Litchfield street, which is still standing a
little above the railroad, and is used as a dwelling; another was built
on what is now George street, which is also used now as a dwelling ;
and another was built on Church street, west side of the rail road.
The one on George street was two stories and the second story
was occupied some time as a higher department, or grammar school.

In 1859, Dea. L. Wetmore gave a valuable and appropriate lot
on Church street opposite his own residence, as a site for a school
building, and on this a two story house was erected soon after, and
was called the Academy, but was used as the higher department of
the several schools of the village, Lucius Clark was principal of the
school on George street when the new building was erected. He
removed his department into the new building and taught there a
term or two. The following persons succeeded him as principal of
the academy and having the oversight of the other schools in the
village : A. E. Barlow, A. B., now, and for many years past, professor
in Amherst college ; C. B. McClenn, E. A. Paddock, MissHotch-
kiss, H. M. Morrill A.B., D. M. Means, A.B., and Charles L.
Fellows. About 1863 and 4, there was a strong desire in the com-
munity to consolidate the schools, but certain parties who seemed
opposed to all real improvements, opposed the plan with great
energy. The contest went on for several years, those persons hav-
ing large money interests in the manufacturies were most of them in
favor of the Union graded school. At the time and soon after the
revival of enterprise in the brass mill in 1863, a number of families
came in from Waterbury where they already had a free, graded
school, and their efforts, with those who favored the'plan in Wolcott-

150 History of Torrington.

ville, were successful and the consolidation was effected. Then the
academy building was rearranged and large additions to it built and
the present commodious edifice secured. The enterprise of public
school education in this village, has had but faint support as a whole,
until very recently, and now the most that has been attained is a
building, partially fitted, but sparingly furnished with apparatus for the
work of common school education.

It might be a question worthy of entertainment whether a school
of such efficiency and grade of studies as would retain in it, boys and
girls from twelve to sixteen years of age, instead of their being sent
abroad to obtain a knowledge of those branches, almost universally
believed to belong to proper common school education should be
maintained here. It was a great work to reorganize and enter upon
a graded system of teaching as was done under the supervision of
Henry M. Morrill, late judge of the court of the city of Waterbury.
He taught four years, studying law with Esq. H. S. Barbour, and
secured much efficiency in the schools, but the work was only com-
menced. Some considerable advancement has been made since the
beginning, but the spirit that opposed the building of the house, has
opposed for years, the paying for it until very recently a tax was laid
to meet the demands, and that same spirit will oppose the furnishing
of books and apparatus for the school, as is the ordinary method of
such schools, and that same spirit does send small children by the
dozen to sit in their seats the whole day without a book or slate or
scrap of paper with which to work, unless private benevolence fur-
nishes them.

The following persons have been teachers in this school during the
school year ending July i, 1877 :

Mr. Charles L. Fellows, principal, of Wol- Miss Mary Miller, of Winsted.

cottville. Mrs. Sarah Coe Fellows, of Wolcottville.

Miss Gertrude Fenn, of Terryville. Miss Bell A. Waterman, of Torringford.

Miss Sarah B. Norton, of Goshen. Miss Sarah C. Calhoun, of Wolcottville.

Miss Linda Woodford, of Avon. Miss Hattie Griswold, of Auburn, Indiana.

School Funds.

Besides the usual state funds, common with other towns, Torring-
ton has had a small local fund amounting to several hundred dollars.

The school plot, appropriated in 1752, by the proprietors, in the
third division containing two hundred and twenty acres, was sold, or
leased for nine hundred and ninety-nine years, in 1772, to Matthew
Grant, for ^^93, 14^. This money, as near as can be ascertained, was

Education.

151

merged into the bequest of Daniel Grant under the one name of that
fund.

The Daniel Grant Fund.

This was a bequest by Daniel Grant of Torrington in his last
will, of certain lands, to be sold, or devoted to the support of schools
in the town. These lands were in the town of New Hartford and
were supposed at the time to be worth one thousand dollars, but the
precise amount realized has not been ascertained.

College Graduates.

Jonathan Miller,

of Torringford,

Yale,

Stanley Griswold,

Yale,

Joseph Miller,

Williams,

Charles I. Battell,

Yale,

Harvey Loomis,

Williams,

Orange Lyman,

Williams,

Samuel J. Mills Jr.,

Williams,

Rufus Woodward,

Yale,

John B. Lyman,

((

Williams,

Lucius Curtiss,

Williams,

Hudson Burr,

((

Yale,

John T. Miller,

Yale,

Warren H. Roberts,

Kenyon, O.,

Timothy P. Gillett,

of Torrington,

Williams,

James Beach,

Williams, about

William F. Hodges,

Yale,

Abel Knapp Hinsdale,

Yale,

Willard Hodges,

Yale,

Alfred North,

Brown University,

Elisha Smith Abernethy,

Yale,

Rev. Edward Hungerford,

Wolcottville,

Yale,

Rev. John H. Barbour,

((

Trinity,

Wm. Stone Hubbell,

Yale,

I78I.

1786.

1799.

1808.

1809.

i8i6.

1825.

1835-
1853.

1854.
1856.
1804.
1804.
1811.

1833-

1845-
1857

1825.

1851.

1873-
1858.

CHAPTER XIII.

PROFESSIONS AND SOCIETIES.

Physicians in Torrington.

R. Thaddeus Austin, son of Andrew Austin of Tor-
ringford, was born in 1783; studied medicine under
[aI Dr. Samuel Woodward; practiced in Fayetteville, N.
^ C, and died Sept. 12th, 181 2, aged 29 years. He was
much respected by the profession.

Dr. Erastus Bancroft. (See Biography.)

Dr. Oliver Bancroft, son of Lt. Ephraim and Esther (Glea-
son) Bancroft, was born July 22, 1757, in Windsor, and removed
with his parents to Torrington, when two or three years of age. He
became a physician and settled in Newtown, Ct., where he continued
to practice in his profession until advanced in years. He was less
than medium height, energetic and quick of action ; and is said to
have been much respected and loved as a physician and a citizen.
He died at Newtown.

Dr. Reuben Bancroft, son of Ephraim and Jemima (Loomis)
Bancroft of Torringford, w^s born Aug. 3, 1794; studied medicine
under Dr. Elijah Lyman, and settled in Oxford, Chenango co.,
N. Y.

Dr. Charles R. Bissell, son of Roderick and Fanny (Gaylord),
Bissell of Torrington was born May 18, 1831 ; studied with his
brother at Bethlehem and began practice in Berkshire county, Mass.
He removed to Colorado, Rocky mountains, where he was judge of
the court some years ; was one year auditor of the state; removed
to Central City, Colorado.

Dr. Eliphaz Bissell, son of Eliphaz and Elizabeth (Birge),
Bissell of Torringford, was born in 1779 ; studied medicine under
Dr. Samuel Woodward ; settled and practiced as a physician in Ver-
non, Oneida co., N. Y. ; died by drowning in 1829, aged fifty
years. He had the reputation of being a talented man.

Dr. Gaylord G. Bissell, son of Roderick and Fanny (Gaylord)
Bissell of Torringford, was born Feb. 13, 1824 ; studied medicine

Professions and Societies. 153

under Dr. Beckwith of Litchfield ; practiced at Bethlehem, and
afterwards spent seven years in the Rocky mountains ; was judge of
a high court in Montana, and for a considerable time was mayor of
Virginia city, Montana ; and removed to practice medicine at
Lovillia, Iowa.

Dr. Hezekiah Bissell, son of Eliphaz, brother of Dr. Eliphaz,
of Torringford, was born in 1792 ; studied medicine under Dr. Sam-
uel Woodward ; practiced in Wooster, Ohio, and was for some time
judge of a high court in that state.

Dr. John Bissell, son of Ebenezer, was born in Torringford
about 1770, became a physician and settled in Onondaga co., N. Y.,
and in old age removed to Chicago, 111., where he died in Sept. 1856.

Dr. William Bostwick, came from Farmington into this town
as early as 1798, and took the place of Dr. Hodges on the west side
of the town. In June 1799, he purchased one acre of land across
the road west of Levi Thrall's, on which he built the house, which
is the old red house still standing. This property he sold in 1807, to
Dr. Elijah Lyman, and removed to Vermont, and some time after,
in attempting to cross Lake Champlain with a sleigh on the ice, was
drowned.

The births of three of Dr. Bostwick's children are recorded on the
town records.

Dr. Albert M. Calkins, a practicing physician in Wolcottville.
(See Biography.)

Dr. Jairus Case, a native of Simsbury, settled in Torringford,
after Dr. E. D. Hudson left, but soon after removed to Winsted
and engaged in other pursuits for a time, then removed to Granby.

Dr. Samuel Childs, son of Timothy Childs, was born in the
southwest corner of the town, became a physician and practiced some
few years in Litchfield, then removed to New York city, where he
resides in wealth and retired life. Mr. Israel Coe met Dr. Childs
in Europe in 1842, and traveled with him several days. The doctor
was a man of intelligence and cultivation and of considerable standing
in New York.

Dr. Sherman W. Chipman, D.D.S., born in Waterbury ; studied
with Austin B. Fuller, New Haven ; graduated at the Pennsylvania
Dental college, February 28, 1874 ; came to Wolcottville, Decem-
ber 1875, and is a practicing dentist.

Dr. Elisha Clark, son of Abel Clark of Torringford, studied

medicine under Dr. Samuel Woodward, and had nearly completed

his course when he was taken away by disease of the lungs in 18 10.

1^4 History of Torrington.

Dr. Erskine Curtiss, son of Truman and Wealthy (Parsons)
Curtissof Torringford, studied medicine under Dr. Harvey B. Steele
of W insted, and engaged in the practice of medicine in New Hartford,

Dr. Isaac Day, a native of Colchester, was a practicing physi-
cian in Torringford, and in July 1777, was appointed surgeon's
mate in Col. Samuel Webb's regiment in the Revolution. He
died in Torringford Sept. 16, 1779, aged 29 years.

Dr. Parleman Bradley Fowler, a practicing physician in
Bethlehem, Ct. (See Biography.)

Dr. Remus Marcus Fowler, a practicing physician of Wash-
ington, Conn. (See Biography.)

Dr. Warren R. Fowler, a practicing physician of Washington,
Conn. (See Biography.)

Dr. Samuel Fyler, son of Ulysses Fyler of Torringford, was
born Feb. 11, 1782 ; studied under Dr. Samuel Woodward, com-
menced practice at Hilton Head, S. C, and died there, age^39
years.

Dr. Horace C. Gillett, son of Horace and Rachael (Austin)
Gillett, was born in 1806 ; studied medicine under Dr. Charles
Woodward, received the degree of M.D. from Yale college, be-
gan practice in South Windsor about 1828, and subsequently re-
moved to Chicago. His name appears in the Roll of Honor ot
surgeons in the late war, in Yale Catalogue for 1866.

Dr. Penfield Goodsell, boarded a time with Capt. Amos Wil-
son, and on October 26, 1791, married Nancy Beach; was, ap-
parently, a practicing physician a short time in Torrington.

Dr. Edward W. Hatch was born in Blandford, Hampden Co.,
Mass., Aug. 31, 1818. His parents were Timothy Linus and Sarah
Walker (Shepard) Hatch. He was graduated at the Berkshire Medi-
cal college, Pittsfield, Mass., in the class of 1842. He came to
Torringford in 1843, ^"^ practiced here as a physician about two
years, the last settled physician in that part of the town. Dr. Hatch
removed to New Jersey, and married Miss Nancy C. Boies, daughter
of David Boies, Esq., of Blandford. He practiced as a physician in
New Jersey until December, 1849, when he removed to Meriden,
Ct. He was appointed trustee of the State Reform school by the
legislature of 1858, and in July, 1859 ^as appointed by the trustees
superintendent of that institution, in which office he became very
celebrated as one of the very best managers of such institutions in a
Christian and enlightened sense.

Professions and Societies. 155

In 1853, ^^ united with the First Congregational church in Meri-
den and was an earnest interested Sabbath school man to the close
of his life. He was well known as an earnest advocate of total ab-
stinence ; was one of the executive committee of the Connecticut
Temperance Union, and one of the Board of Directors of the Con-
necticut Industrial school for girls, established at Middletown. Dr.
Hatch was a warm and earnest advocate of the Union all through the
late rebellion. He died suddenly at his home in Meriden.

Dr. Augustine Hayden, son of Capt. Augustine and Cynthia
(Fyler) Hayden, was born Sept. 28, 1770 ; studied under Dr. Wm.
Abernethy, of Harwinton ; practiced medicine in Chatham, N. Y. ;
died at the residence of his son in Franklinville, N. Y., March 28,
1838, aged 68 years. He continued in practice until his constitution
failed, and after that was often called to consult with other physicians
as to difficult cases.

Dr. Samuel Hayden, brother of Dr. Augustine, was born in
1772; studied in Yale college but was not graduated. It is thought
he studied medicine with Dr. Moses Hayden of Conway, Mass. He
commenced practice in Windham, Pa., became eminent, was much
sought in counsel, and followed the profession until disabled by the
infirmities of age.

Dr. Thatcher S. Hanchett, physician in Wolcottville. (See
Biography.)

Dr. Elkanah Hodges, a practicing physician and merchant in
Torrington, (See Biography.)

Dr. Erasmus D. Hudson, a practicing physician in Torringford
and of New York city. (See Biography.)

Dr. Philander P. Humphrey, son of Daniel G. and Eliza
(Burr) Humphrey of Torringford, was born about 1822; studied
with Dr. Hubbard of New Hartford, and after some practice in New
England, removed to St. Paul's, Minnesota, near which place he and
all his family, except one son, were murdered by the Indians in the
massacre of 1862.

Dr. George O. Jarvis, practiced medicine and married here ; re-
moved to Colebrook, and thence to Portland, Ct. (See Biography.)

Dr. Elijah Lyman, a practicing physician in Torrington and
Warren. (See Biography.)

Dr. Norman Lyman, a practicing physician in Glastonbury and
Warren. (See Biography.)

Dr. William Marsh was raised in Torrington, west side ;

156 History of Torrington.

studied medicine with Dr. Elijah Lyman ; practiced medicine a time in
Goshen ; was a man of considerable ability, but said to be somewhat
peculiar ; died young.

Dr. Allen G. Miller, brother of Willard, studied with Dr.
Samuel Woodward, and Dr. William Abernethy of Harwinton ;
settled in Mansfield, O., and died July 30, 1849, ^g^^ 55 y^^rs.

Dr. Gaylord B. Miller, was born May i, 1797 ; studied with
his brother Dr. Allen G. Miller, and practiced with him at Mans-
field, O., and died July 18, 1828, aged 31 years.

Dr. Gaylord B. Miller, son of Deacon Thomas A, and Mary
C. (Hudson) Miller, was born July 4, 1831 ; studied with Dr.
James Welch of Winsted, and attended lectures at Woodstock,
Vt., Ann Arbor, Mich., and Pittsfield, Mass., commenced practice
in Harwinton in January, 1852, and removed to Grand Rapids,
Mich., in January, 1864.

Dr. Willard Miller, son of Dea. Ebenezer and Thankfull
(Allen) Miller of Torringford, was born Jan. i, 1788 ; studied with
Dr. Samuel Woodward ; settled at Vernon, N. Y., and died of
fever, at Johnstown, N. Y., May 11, 1825, aged 25 years. He
was on a visit to see a lady to whom he expected to be married.

Dr. Alfred North, raised in Torrington ; a practicing physi-
cian in Waterbury, Conn. (See Biography.)

Dr. Jeremiah W. Phelps, some years a practicing physician in
Wolcottville. (See Biography.)

Dr. James O. Pond, a physician in Hartford county and in New
York city. (See Biography.)

Dr. Bela St. John, a practicing physician in Wolcottville.
(See Biography.)

Dr. Joel Soper, a native of Windsor, was a practicing physician
in Torringford a few years.

Dr. Hiram Watson, son of Thomas and Melicent (Wetmore)
Watson was born Jan. 21, 1802 ; attended lectures at Harvard
university in 1825; studied with Dr. Charles Woodward ; practiced
in East Windsor, until June 1854, when he removed to New York
city, where he resided two years, and then removed to Detroit,
Mich., where he engaged in manufacturing, and in dealing in west-
ern lands.'

Dr. Erastus Darwin Whiting, son of Selah and Sabra Aber-

' Wation Genealogy , p. 29.

Professions and Societies. 157

nethy Whiting, was born in Vernon, N. Y., Dec. 19, 1811, and came
to Torrington, with his father's family the spring he was three years
old. He attended the Harwinton academy two years, after which
attended Rev. Mr. Cooly's private school in Granville, and then spent
a year in the academy at Westfield, Mass. He commenced his
studies in medicine with Dr. Andrew Abernethy, his uncle, attended
his first course of medical lectures at P'airfield, New York, where he
became acquainted with Emily Bradley, whom he married Nov. 2,
1837. He was graduated in medicine at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1834 ;
practiced medicine in Wayne, Ashtabula co., O., two years, where
he was urged by the citizens to remain, but he removed to Atlas,
Pike CO., III., in the spring of 1837. He remained in the practice of
medicine in Pike county twenty-three years, and then removed to
Taylor's Falls, Min., where he engaged in the lumber bnsiness, which
he continued fifteen years. He has been a representative in the state
legislature three times ; traveled one season in Europe, going over
most ot it ; and returned, and for several years has lived a retired
life, having a competency of this world's goods.

Dr. Samuel Woodward, a physician in Torringford. (See Bio-
graphy.)

Dr. Samuel B. Woodward, a practicing physician of Wethers-
field, Conn., and physician in chief of the Mass. Lunatic Asylum.
(See Biography.)

Dr. Elijah Woodward, son of Dr. Samuel. (See Biography.)

Dr. Henry Woodward, a practicing physician in Middletown,
Conn. (See Biography.)

Dr. Charles Woodward, a practicing physician in Windsor and
Middletown, Conn. (See Biography.)

Women as Physicians.

There were of such women, two in the town, who became very
celebrated, and who did a most noble and honorable work, both for
the comfort and honor of women.

Mrs. Jacob Johnson, wife of an early settler in the southwestern
part of the town, married in 1773, was celebrated as a midwife or
accoucheure, and for remarkable success as such, never having lost
a patient, in some hundreds of cases. She rode on horseback, keep-
ing ahorse for the special purpose, and traveling night or day, far and
near, until Granny Johnson became as thoroughly known and trusted

158 History of Torrington.

in her profession, as any physician that was ever in the town. She
kept an account of the number of cases she had, and the success of
the patient, and the new comers, and of these last there is at least
one still living in the town.

In the midst of her usefulness, and of life, she was taken away by
death, and then it became a great inquiry, who " will take the place
of Granny Johnson ? " and in the time of need one was at hand.

Mrs. HuLDAH Beach, wife of Dea. Wait Beach ; she that was
Huldah Loomis, daughter of Aaron Loomis, Jr., was the successor
of iVlrs. Johnson. Her mother was Hannah Hills, daughter of
Benoni Hills of Massachusetts and Torrington. Mrs. Beach
became as successful and celebrated as Granny Johnson ; perhaps
more so as she continued in life to advanced age, and was employed
in her profession, as long as she could ride, and attend to the
invitations given her. She was a remarkable woman, having
a fine personal appearance, of decided dignity, yet marked kindliness.
Her intellectual strength and ability was perceptible to every one,
and hence she commanded great respect in all classes of society,
and won the confidence of the people, so that but few calls were
made on any other physician, in her profession, on the western side
of the town. She also rode far and near ; having calls in Win-
chester, Goshen and Litchfield.

It has been imagined that since, within the last twenty-five years,
women have been educated as physicians, that a new era had arrived ;
but in this there is only the restoration of one of the lost arts, and a
very decent and proper one it is ; but where is the womanly courage,
and the noble devotion, in women themselves to occupy such
positions, to the ennoblement of women in this age ?

Lawyers in Torrington.

Joseph Miller, son of Dea. Ebenezer and Thankful (Allen)
Miller, was born in Torringford Oct. 29, 1779; was graduated at
Williams college in 1799 ; studied law at Litchfield, and began prac-
tice in Fairfield ; removed to Winsted about 1806, where he prac-
ticed until 1834; was a member of the constitutional convention
in 1818, and represented Wincester in the legislature two or three
times about 1830 ; removed to Richland, Michigan, in 1834, and de-
voted himself to agriculture. He was a member of the legislature
of that state in 1840 and 1841, and died June 29, 1864, aged 85.

Professions and Societies. 159

He delivered an oration in Torringford Feb. 22, 1800, commemora-
tive of Washington.

Charles T. Battell, son of William and Sarah (Buckingham)
Battell, was born in Torringford, July 25, 1789 ; was graduated at
Yale college in 1808 ; studied law at Catskill, N. Y., and spent the
earlier years of his professional life in the western part of that state.
He removed to Indiana in 18 19, and lived first at Springfield, and
was a member of the legislature in 1821, and 1822; resided at
Evansville, Ind., from 1823 to 1866, and while there he filled with
honor important public positions, and among them judge of the
state circuit court. He spent the last two years of his life at
Cleveland, O., where he died April 12, 1868, aged 78.

Thomas Grant, son of Matthew and Rosanna (Lee) Grant,
was born in Torrington in 1806 ; became a lawyer, and commenced
practice in Oneida county, N. Y., and afterwards went to California
where he died.

Hudson Burr, son of Rufus and Ann S. (Hudson) Burr, was
born in Torringford, Jan. 23, 1830. He was graduated at Yale
college in 1853 ' ^^^ teacher of languages in Maryland Military
academy, from September 1853, *-'"^ y^^^i ^"^ then removed to
Bloomfield, III., December 1854. He was assistant circuit clerk
for McLean county four years and commenced the practice of law
in July 1859. ^^ enlisted in the ninety-fourth regiment, Illinois
volunteers, in August, 1862, and was commissioned adjutant of the
regiment, in May, 1863, was commissioned captain and assistant
adjutant general in May, 1 863, and was in the army of the frontier and
the army of Tennessee. After the war he engaged in the practice
of the law in the city of Bloomington, in the firm of Williams and
Burr, and in 1866 and 7, was city attorney in that city.

John T, Miller, son of Dea. Thomas A. and Mary C. (Hud-
son) Miller, was born Feb. 28, 1832, in Torringford, was graduated
at Yale college in 1854. He studied law in Grand Rapids, Mich.,
and in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and began to practice law at Grand
Rapids, Mich., in March, 1859.

Henry S. Barbour was born in Canton Conn., August 2d,
1822. His father was Henry, the son of Jonathan a revolu-
tionary soldier. His mother was the daughter of Solomon Humph-
rey, also a revolutionary soldier. She was sister to the Rev. Herman
Humphrey D.D., president of Amherst college about twenty years.
Her mother was first cousin to Capt. John Brown, the martyr of
Harper's Ferry fame.

i6o History of Torrington.

He attended some years the academies of Amherst and East
Hampton, Mass., and studied law with Roger H. Mills, Esq., of
New Hartford, and in the Yale law school.

In 1849, he came to Wolcoltville and commenced the practice of
an attorney at law, and was successful in business and highly esteemed
in the community. He was elected to various offices in the town ;
judge of probate, town clerk and treasurer nineteen years, and other
offices, and was sent to the legislature two terms and was senator
from the fifteenth district in 1870. He was also elected deacon of
the Congregational church ; and was a diligent laborer in the Sun-
day school. He is remembered with much pleasure and cordial
good feeling by the people of the town.

In 1870, he removed to Hartford, and entered into the practice of
law with his brother Herman N. Barbour, since deceased. He was
largely influenced to this removal for the purpose of the better edu-
cation of his children.

Florimond D. Fyler, son of Harlow and Sibyl R. (Tolls)
Fyler, was born in Newfield in this town Dec. 11, 1834. He at-
tended school at the Wesleyan academy in Wilbraham, Mass., two
years. He then accepted the offer to accompany the Illinois state
scientific survey, under Prof. C D. Wilber, in 1859, ^"^ having
completed the work returned to Torrington. His health being quite
poor at this time he was compelled to abandon the purpose of a
higher course of education ; and he commenced the study of law in
the office of Judge Gideon Hall at Winsted, where he continued
as his health would allow until the spring of 1864, when he attended
Yale law school that term. He was admitted to the bar, in 1864,
and returned to Yale law school and studied one year and received
the degree LL.B., July, 1865. In September, 1865, he located in
Winsted as an attorney at law. He was a member of the legislature
in the May session of 1872.

He was elected by the legislature of 1877, judge of the district
court of Litchfield county for four years from July i, 1877.

Carson Fyler Drake, son of Chester P. Drake, wa"s born
Aug. 29, 1857 ; was graduated at Yale law school in June 1877,
and was admitted to the bar soon after graduation, being under
twenty-one years of age. His mother was the adopted daughter of
Harlow Fyler of Newfield. He is assistant librarian in the law
library at New Haven, where he and his father's family reside.

William F. Hodges, son of Dr. Elkanah Hodges, was born

Professions and Societies. i6i

Aug. 24, 1789; was graduated in Yale college in 1811 ; studied,
and became a lawyer, and entered upon his profession in Alabama,
where he died Oct. 10, 1837, aged 48 years.

NoADiAH Bancroft, son of Noadiah and Jerusha (Loomis)
Bancroft, was born April 12, 1786 ; became a lawyer and settled in
his profession in Massachusetts.

Frank L. Hungerford^ son of John and Charlott (Austin)
Hungerford, attended the University of Vermont three years ; then
went to Cambridge law school where he graduated. He was ad-
mitted to the bar, and practiced law two years in Wolcottville, then
settled in New Britain in the law practice where he is successfully
prosecuting his profession.

Gideon H. Welch, son of James M., and Eliza (Higgins)
Welch of New Haven, was born Sept. 22, 1844 ; and was grad-
uated at Yale college in 1868, and in Yale law school in 1870.
He came to Wolcottville in August 1870, and made his arrange-
ments for the practice of law in this place, and was admitted to the
bar in September. He served as city clerk in New Haven while in
his last year in the law school. His law practice, together with
the service he renders as town clerk, and in various other rela-
tions as scribe, school visitor, and treasurer keep him very steadily
at work winter and summer, and almost day and night.

Edward A. Kunki.e, was born at East Hartford, Ct., Nov. 5,
1850 ; was student at Frienwalde and Hittstock college, and Berlin
university, Prussia. He entered as law student in office of Judges
Elisha Johnson and Thomas McMannus of Hartford, in 1869, and
afterwards in 1872, in office of Francis Fellows and Sons of Hart-
ford, and admitted to practice at law, December term, 1872, of the
supreme court for Hartford county. He settled in Wolcottville in
the practice of law in the spring of 1877.

The Masonic Lodge.

The charter of the Seneca Lodge, of Free and Accepted Ma-
sons, was granted June 13, 1817, and the persons who petitioned
for the charter, and became the chartered members were the follow-
ing :

Chauncey Humphrey, Harvey Palmer,

Samuel Hurlbut, Aaron Smith,

Leonard Hurlbut, Amos Bradley,

Drake Mills, Hugh Kearney,

l62

History of Torrington.

William Crum,
Lemuel Hurlbut
Truman S. Wetmore,
John McAlpin,
Daniel Phelps, Jr.,
William Bunnel,
Stephen Fyler,
Joseph D. Humphrey,
Charles Andrus,
John Wetmore, ad.,
Elisha Hinsdale,
Rapheal Marshall,
Russell C. Abernethy,

Edward Taylor,
Samuel Bradley,
Norman Wilson,
Israel Coe,
Christopher Pierce,
James Green,
Miles Beach,
George Lyman,
Norman Fowler,
Alanson H. Kimberly,
Joseph R. Judson,
Phineas Reed,
Ichabod Loomis.

Asahel Smith,

The lodge was organized and its first meeting held at the house
of Stephen Fyler, in Newfield, where they continued to meet a little
over six years. It was desired at [that time to have the lodge meet
at Wolcottville, but the law of boundaries between the different
lodges, at that time, made it necessary to go to Newfield, because
that place was ten miles distant from any other lodge. In July,
1823, Mr. Harlow Fyler^brought home his bride, and soon after a
lodge meeting was held at his father's house, where he and his bride
were living. This lady, still living, describes her impressions of that
night when she heard the " thunder of the rolling cannon balls and
the strange noises " as if the air was full of judgments come to tear
down the house. She says, only one or two lodge meetings were
held there after she became a resident. Whether the Masons
dreaded her frown, or whether the laws of boundary were soon
changed is not reported, but in the autumn of that year, ihey re-
moved to Wolcottville to Capt. Samuel Bradley's Hall in his hotel,
now the American House. Here they remained two years, when,
having fitted a room over what is now the store of Walter S. Lewis
they removed into it, calling it Seneca Hail. Here they remained
until Dec. 20, 1833, when they returned to Capt. Bradley's Hall.
There was no communication of this lodge from June 1833 to De-
cember 1836, after which they renewed and continued them, until
1840, and then surrendered the charter to the Grand Lodge. In
i860, upon the petition of the following persons, the charter was re-
turned :

Samuel Burr,
Russell C. Abernethy,
Rev. J. F. Covell,
Allen G. Brady,

Henry J. Allen Sr.,
William H. Moore,
George B. Fish,
Uri Taylor,

James Palmer,
Isaac C. Palmer,
Edward Pierpont,
James Ashborn.

Professions and Societies. 163

They then fitted a room in Capt. Bradley's brick building, and
named it Masonic Hall, the whole building for a time wearing the
honor of the name. From this place they removed in April 1863,
to Lathrop's Hall, where they continued five years, and then located
in a well furnished room, Masonic Hall, over the hardware store
of Messrs. Agard and Church, where they still remain.

The active life of Seneca Lodge has been quiet, honorable and
harmonious in its internal society enjoyments and work, and as to
external life, no great excitements or oppositions or emoluments have
been experienced. There was a time when the first, or old Torring-
ton church was quite disturbed by the fact of one of its members
being a mason, but the trouble was quieted in a most admirable way.

The financial and social standing in the lodge is very creditable
and satisfactory. The only charter members now living are Israel
Coe of Bloomfield, N. J., and George Lyman of Wadsworth,
Ohio.

The whole number of persons who have been members of this
lodge, from the first, is three hundred and fourteen.

The first officers were: Truman S. Wetmore, W. M. ; Russell C.
Abernethy, S. W. ; John McAlpin, J. W. ; Aaron Smith, Treas.;
Daniel Phelps Sr., Sec; Carlton Humphrey, S. D. ; Alanson Kim-
berly, J. D.; Ichabod Loomis, Tyler.

The present officers are : J. W. Brothwell, W. M. ; Charles
Alldis, S. W. ; James Bell, J. W. ; James Alldis, Treas. ; O. R.
Luther, Sec; John D. Bishop, S. D. ; Herman W. Huke, J. D. ;
Albert L. Tuttle, Tyler.

The following persons united with the lodge after its organization
at Newfield and before the surrender of the charter :

Josiah Smith, .... 5817. Geo. O. Jarvis, . . . 581J

Orrin Moses, .... " Walton Case, . . . . "

Elijah Starkweather,

Eleazer Hawley, ... " Alfred French, .... 5819.

Ansel Wilson,

Norris Coe, .... " Edward Lesler, . . . . "

Fisk Beach, " William North, ... "

Adna Beach, Jr.,

Stephen Fyler, Jr.,

Benjamin Ely, .... " Seth Wetmore, . . . . "

James C. Cleveland,

Benjamin Jenkins, .

Daniel Tuttle, . . . .5818. Carlton Humphrey, ... "

Henry Walters, . . . " Roderick Bissell, .... 5820.

Bassett Dunbar, .

5817.

Geo. 0. Jarvis,

((

Walton Case,

Abiel Taylor, .

Alfred French, .

Anson Loomis,

Edward Lesler,

William North,

John Cook, 3d,

George Bissell,

Seth Wetmore,

((

Luman Hinman,

Norman Hawley, .

5818.

Carlton Humphrey,

Roderick Bissell, .

((

Joshua Hewitt,

«
«

((

164

History of Torrington.

Horace Ramsey, .

. 5820.

Homer Higley,

James M. Boyd, .

Jesse Williams,

((

Prescott Pond,

Nehemiah Johnson, .

Levi Holmes,

James Grant, .

((

Timothy Cotton, .

Thomas L. Marshall,

Oliver Coe, .

Roger Coe,

William Russell,

. 5821.

Joseph Lewis, . . ' .

Henry, . . . .

Sanford Palmer,

( i

Anson Colt,

Roman Watson,

Anson Wheeler, .

((

Abner Loomis,

((

Selah Frost,

. 5822.

Alvin Loomis, .

((

Nathan W. Hammond,

. 5823.

Ethel North, .

Henry Whitman,

Edward Pierpont,

((

George W. Buell,

((

James P. Collins,

Roswell Birge,

((

James H. Seymour, .

((

Uri Taylor, .

((

Norman Kellogg,

5824.

Joshua Burton,

((

S. R. Fielding,

<•

The following have

united with

the charter.

William Phippany,

. 5860.

Clark B. Downs,

Rufus W. Gilbert,

Charles McNeil,

Nelson Alvord, Jr.,

Francis M. Hale,

Dexter W. Clark,

Andrew Roberts,

Edwin A. Berry, .

((

S. G. Sturdevant,

Edward C. Hotchkiss, .

William J. Palmer, .

((

Julius A. Blakeslee,

•

S. H. Perkins,

Geo. H., .

William Phippany,
Newton, .
Benjamin Darling,
John Grant,
Jeremiah Page,
William Bissel),
Ephraim W. Wolcott,
Norman Coe, .
John Hungerford,
Eno Sperry,
Levi Rogers,
Thomas Sparks,
William North, .
Thomas Moses,
Nathaniel Smith, .
Elijah T. Cummings,
Harlow P. Page, .
George D. Wadhams,
Laban M. Oliver, .
Philip Leddy, .
Samuel Burr,
Edward R. Warner, .
Franklin Hodge, .
Heman L. Cummings,
Daniel Richards, .
Robert Palmer,
Abel Clark, .
James Palmer,
Samuel Foust,
Benjamin F. Smith, .
George W. French,
James H. Scofield, .
Aaron Gilbert,

5825.

((
<(
((

«
«

5826.

«
«

5828.
5829.
5832.

5839-
((

the lodge since the restoration of

Cornelius Bellamy, .
Rev. Charles W. Powell,
Wm. T. Spencer,
Henry M. WoodrufF,
Joseph F. Calhoun, .
Willard H. Barbour,
Lyman Hall,
D. C. Munson,
James Humphrey,
Nelson Roberts, .
M. H. Sanford,
O. R. Fyler,
M. F. Barber, .
J. Moran, .
McKenzie_Millard,

5860.

5861.

5862.

5863.

• i

Professions and Societies.

Nelson W. Coe,
John Ashborn,
E. H. Smith, .
J. H. Balcom,
Charles W. Smith, .
William Butler, .
L. T. Wooster,
Hayden D. Palmer,
Henry E. Hotchkiss,
Edward Leopold, .
Dwight F. Peck,
J. Garner Brothwell,
Rev. David P. Sanford, .
John Huke,
James M. Mott,
Levi W. Thrall, .
John Smith,
D. N. Goff, .
Heman P-. Brooks, .
George B. Cook, .
Albert F. Brooker, .
A. L. Tuttle,
S. L. Clark, .
Lyman A. Colt,
Alson Sanford,
Joseph Sykes,
Lewis G. Logan,
Elisaph Scovill,
Louis Adt,
George P. Chapman,
R. N. Brothwell,
Oswald Klasche, .
Virgil R. Bissell,
Henry A. Church,
George V'rgil, .

F. J. Seymour,
Wm. H. Lacy, Jr., .
C. P. Drake,
Henry R. Morrill, .
A. P. Smith,

John Workman,
Andrew Workman,
J. E. Lewis,
Wm. H. Brothwell,
H. J. Hendee,
Charles Benedict, .
Burr Lyon,
Charles R. Welton,
M. Fowler,

G. W. Cooke,

F. L. Hungerford,

5863. J. H. Jeffrey,

" A. W. Sperry, .

" Ferdinand Adt,

" Hubbard Waldo,

" John Adt, .

" Samuel Hodgton,

5864. James McKenzie,
D. Alonzo Smith,
W. C. Hillard, .
Charles F. Brooker, .
J. M. Travis,
Geo. H. Fish, .
L. G. Turner,
David Lanagan,

« W. A. Church, .

5865. C. H. F. Hoffman, .
« J. F. Gibbs, .

" Lorrain Appley,.

" Rev. Benj. Eastwood,

" Rodney L. Smith,
" Horace A. Beers,

" John Maxwell,

Fred O. Hills, .
Charles Houldsworth
Truman P. Clark,
Nathan R. Tibbals,
Joseph W. Brothwell
John F. Saxty, .

F. L. Wadhams, .
Solon G. Dunbar,.

" Wm. Engert,

" James L. Carson,

" E. T. Coe, .

5866. J. W. Phelps, .
Robert E. Ensign,

G. S. Weeks, .

" Jas. M. Farnham,

" S. Karrman,

5867. James Alldis,

" F. F. Fuessenich,

« E. F. Weston,

" Henry Ashley, .

« H. S. Eldridge,

" E. S. Minor,

" Nathan A. Tuttle,

" Henry H. Rowley,

" Achille F. Migeon,

" John M. Burr,

" Lyman Dunbar,

" La Van B. Smith,

" C. R. Bailey, .

165

5867.
«
«

5868.
«

«
«
«
«
«
«

(I
«
«

5869.
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5870.
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i66

History of Torrington.

L. B. Munson,
J. A. McDonald,

B. S. Eastwood,
Wm. H. Garner,
John D. Bishop,
Theodore Hartman, .
Samuel Tatro,
Charles Alldis, .
William J. Morris,
Charles M. Ladd,

C. H. Volkman, .
H. F. HofFman,

L. Rudolph Prentice,
James Bell,
Henry S. Patterson,
Clemence Hoffman, .
Harvey Barnes,

5871. L. M. Jones,

" James F. Cady,

" T. S. Hanchett,

" George H. Cook, .

" Charles Rhodes,

" Andrew T. Finn, .

5872. Henry Barnes, .

" Thomas J. Alldis,

'' Frederick Devoe,

" Burrall Riggs,

" Ernest T. Huke,

" William Devoe,

" Frank A. Cook,

5873. O. R. Luther,

" Herman W. Huke,

" John Davey,

5873-

«
«

5874-
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5875-
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5877-

Bands of Music.

There was a band of martial music organized, and continued
some years at Torrington, and held its meetings some ot the time at
Torringford. It is said that Torrington first society appropriated
money at different times to encourage music by this band, some-
where about 1820, or earlier.

A large band of thirty-five persons was organized in Wolcottville
in the autumn of 1832; persons from all parts of the town, and
were taught by Mr. Jewitt, who resided in Simsbury. The follow-
ing are the names of some of the members of this band :

Arvid Dayton, Dexter Clark, Thomas Moses, Ebenezer Ed,
wards, Mr. Harding, Goodwin Dana (overseer in the woolen mill),
Harmon Dayton, Prescott Pond (played the bassoon, was in the old
Torrington band), William North (son of Norris North the clock-
maker at Torrington hollow), Joseph North, Judson Smith (was in
the old Torrington band), Justus Dayton, William Durand, Charles
B. Smith, Henry Colt, Lorenzo Moses, Oliver Hills.

Cornet Band.

The Wolcottville Cornet Band was organized in June i860, and
consisted of the following persons :

William Dayton,
George Workman,
John Workman,

Edwin Alvord,
Mark Bronson,
Lewis Briggs,

William Bariclau,
H. E. Hotchkiss,
C. L. Fellows,

Professions and Societies. 167

C. H. Seymour, Robert Wait,' William Smith,

Andrew Coe, J. G. Brotliwell, Dexter W. Clark,drum mj.

Elisaph coville, John Ashborn,

William Dayton was elected leader of this band, George Work-
man secretary and treasurer, and C, B. Merrills of Waterbury en-
gaged as teacher, and under his instruction the first meeting was held
July 6, i860, and the progress was so rapid that the baud made its
first public appearance in October of that year, playing for a torch
light procession of "Wide Awakes."

In the spring of 1861, the band contributed its share toward stir-
ing up the patriotic hearts and zeal of the citizens, playing for war
meetings and the like, and in July 1861, the following named mem-
bers of the band, enlisted as members of the band of the fourth regi-
ment (afterward the first artillery) Connecticut volunteers :

J. G. Brothwell, Mark Bronson,

Lewis Riggs, H. E. Hotchkiss,

Charles H. Seymour, D. W. Clark,

Edwin Alvord, died at Richardson, Va., Folk Berthold.
March 25, 1862.

The following resident musicians soon after enlisted :

Justin Dayton, band master ; Miletus Huxford, Thomas Robert-
son, who died at Cold Harbor July 9, 1862, while a prisoner ; Rob-
ert Barclay, Edward Leach, Chauncey Leach, and Warren B.
Murray. The fourth regiment band, rendezvouzed at Wolcottville
while recruiting, and consisted of twenty-four men, who were mus-
tered into service at Hartford July 22, 1 861, and joined the regi-
ment at Hagerstown, Md., on the 24th of the same month.

In the mean time William Dayton kept up the organization at
home.

John Ashborn also enlisted as a musician of the fourth Pennsyl-
vania cavalry band and was discharged at the same time of the ist
artillery band.

This band having been changed to the first artillery regiment, was
discharged by act of congress, disbanding volunteer bands, at Har-
rison's Landing, Va., August 12, 1862, having been in the service
nearly thirteen months. Upon their return home the Wolcottville
band was reorganized, and in December 1872, Henry E. Hotchkiss
chosen leader. This organization was continued until the autumn
of 1871, when the men being, most of them, very actively engaged

' Robert Wait soon resigned and Folk Berthold was elected to fill the place.

i68 History of Torrington.

in business enterprises, the playing was by mutual consent discon-
tinued for a time ; the band at this time consisting of the following
persons :

Henry E. Hotchkiss, leader, Morris Cook,

J. G. Brothwell, Joseph Jeffries,

James Alldis, William Bishop,

E. S. Steel, Fred Matthews,

William Dayton, Herman Huke,

Joseph Brothwell, L. B. Smith,

William Brothwell, A. E. Workman.

The present Wolcotville band was organized March 27, 1873,
and the following were the members :

Henry E. Hotchkiss, leader, C. H. Johnson,

Frank W. Buttler, George Lewis,

L. B. Smith, John D. Bishop,

Joseph H. Jeffiies, Joseph W. Brothwell,

Eugene Hotchkiss, William F. Bishop,

Herman W. Hake, Ed. A. Lacey,

A. E. Workman, Fred. L. Matthews,

Frank Oberhausen, William T. Davey,

William H. Brothwell, Thomas Hendy,

John A. Jeffries, Morris H. Cook.

The officers are, Joseph W. Brothwell, president ; A. E. Work-
man, vice president ; Wm. H. Brothwell, secretary and treasurer ;
L. B. Smith, assistant leader; and H. E. Hotchkiss, director.

Upon the organization of the new band, the members of the old
one dissolved, and turned over their band property to the new one,
and it has had but few changes since. The following named persons
have removed from the town : Morris H. Cook, Fred. L. Matthews,
Thomas Hendy, Ed. A. Lacy, and Frank Oberhausen, and the fol-
lowing have been added to fill their places : Owen Cummings, Jr.,
Michael Spain, G. Sturman, Mr. Baldwin and Gustav Epstien.

A large number of men have been connected with these bands at
various times, besides those whose names appear in the above lists,
but it being impossible to make the lists complete they are given as
they stood at certain periods.

CHAPTER XIV.

TOPOGRAPHY, ECONOiMIC AND SCIENTIFIC GEO

LOGY.

'HE town of Tonington rests on four hills, and the vallej^s
between them. The eastern boundary of the town lies
nearly on the ridge of the eastern hill, which descends
westward about one and a half miles to the valley
of the eastern branch of the Naugatuck, and that of Still river in
the northern part of the town. The western hill or Chestnut ridge lies
on the southwest corner of the town, and slopes northward and east-
ward to the west branch of the Naugatuck, and extending south
throuo-h the town of Litchfield. The third hill lies west of Still
river, and east of the east branch of the Naugatuck, in the shape of
the letter V, on the north side of the town ; the top part of the letter
representing the Winchester line, the point of the mountain sloping
south, extends to Daytonville, and this plateau includes Walnut,
Observation and Shawngum hills. The fourth hill is oblong in shape,
lying between the two branches of the Naugatuck ; the southern end
being called red mountain,' and extends north to Winchester. The
western branch of the Naugatuck rises in Norfolk ; enters Torring-
ton near the northwest corner of the town, runs in a southeasterly
direction and passes into Litchfield a little east of the center of the
town on Litchfield line. The east branch of the river rises in Win-
chester ; runs in a southeasterly direction until it unites with the west
branch near the southern boundary of the town. Still river rises
about one and a half miles north of Wolcottville, runs northeasterly
to Winsted in Winchester.

At the south end of Red mountain, which ends quite abruptly, is
a valley about one mile wide from east to west, extending south in-
to the old town of Litchfield where the hills again close up to the
river, three miles below Wolcottville. Since the change in the
southern boundary of the town, Torrington includes a large part of
the valley below the old boundary of Torrington line. The highest

' Before Torrington was settled, a white man reported that he shot an Indian on this
mountain. The reason he gave was, that when he saw the Indian he knew if he did not
shoot the Indian, the Indian would shoot him. Therefore he shot first, and killed him
and hence the name, Red mountain.

lyo History of Torrington.

point of land in the town is Walnut mountain in Newfield, it being
one thousand three hundred and twelve feet above the ocean level, and
about six hundred feet above Wolcottville, in iVIain street. Observa-
tion mountain near Burrville, is one thousand two hundred and sixty-
one feet above ocean level. Chestnut hill in the southwest part of
the town is very nearly as high as Walnut mountain ; the difference
being fifty feet. Torringford is not quite as high as Chestnut
hill. The view from either of these hills is very picturesque and
entertaining. From Chestnut hill, looking north and east, the view
is extended to about twenty-five miles across valleys, and amid a
number of spurs of mountains or high hills ; from Red mountain the
view is down the valley of the Naugatuck, and over Litchfield, Har-
winton and New Hartford hills ; from Torringford the view is ex-
tended in every direction, and is far superior in extent, variety, and
pleasantness of landscape, and it is no wonder, that that man, so capa-
ble of appreciating the view. Father Mills, when he first saw it,
should have exclaimed, "Here let me live and here let me die."
Another view is from Perkins's hill, in the edge of Harwinton, look-
ing over Torrington and parts of Winchester, Goshen and Litch-
field, and presents, perhaps, the most perfect, quiet landscape scenery
of fields and patches of woods, spread as upon smooth canvas, grad-
ually rising from the Naugatuck valley to the horizon, that can be
found in the state. This remark is made in regard to scenery limited
to the distance of from fifteen to twenty-five miles. The view from
Pratt's hill in Winchester is much more extended, but reveals the
roughness of the country, while that from Perkins's hill is as one con-
tinned artificial plane ascending to the horizon.

It is very probable, therefore, that the town has of itself, and in
connection with the adjoining towns, more interesting and entertain-
ing scenery than any other in the state.

The valleys are represented by the Naugatuck river ; the east
branch and Still river forming that through which the rail road passes
to Winsted, which was originally called the Shawngum valley, after
an Indian or an Indian tradition. The valley from Newfield to Day-
tonville is on the east branch of the Naugatuck. The west branch
passes from near the northwest corner in a southeasterly direction,
and the hills on the west side, most of the distance, are steep and
rocky, and covered with woods ; on the east side there are some cul-
tivated fields, and along the valley is a little good land. Two brooks
run down from Goshen to the west branch and are found very en-
tertaining for visitors in the summer.

Topography and Geology. 171

Mill brook rises in the southwestern part of the town, runs
easterly, then north, then easterly and enters the west branch of
the river at Torrington hollow. On the bank of this stream, at
Ebenezer Lyman's, stood the fort and the first school house, and a
little way below them, the first grist mill ; and afterwards, on the
same site a tannery. At Harvey Palmer's, now Albro Cowle's is a
cascade or waterfall of much interest, beauty and wonder. When
the late Henry Migeon was apprised of this scenery, he took his
family and a photographer, and went to the place, encamped for the
day, and gave to theplace the name of little Switzerland^ and ob-
tained several pictures of the scenery. Along this stream above Mr.
Cowle's dwelling, is a road called Lover's lane, which is a very
pleasant drive in the summer, and even in the winter, and the running'
of the brook over the stones and down the rocks, among the great
trees which form an almost unbroken shade, gives a beauty and ro-
mance to the road by which it received its name, so far as is known.
On the bank of this stream, near the most secluded and shady spot,'
an aged, and rather eccentric woman made her home. Having re-
ceived as a gift, an old weaver's loom, she had it transported to
this place and covered, and in it she lived one summer, keeping a half
dozen chickens, and selling the eggs, and thus mostly supporting
herself ; and when winter came she was so unwilling to leave the
place, saying that being alone in the world, there was no place like
home, that the neighbors refitted an old cellar place near the old
loom, where she remained until near the middle of the winter, and
was then taken in care by the town. Now, also, her house is left
desolate, and the remains bear a close resemblance to those by the
score in other parts of the town, which were once fine houses, occu-
pied^y prosperous and energetic inhabitants. This was probably the
humblest dwelling ever arranged in the town, but its occupant may
have a far different station in another state of being. God's poor
shall not want for a house by and by.

The west branch is a brook rising near Goshen, and crossing the
old Matthew Grant farm in two streams, but which uniting at the
old Abijah Barber place, runs southeast, past the nickel mine and
unites with Mill brook, before entering the Naugatuck. On this
stream, near Matthew Grant's house, was a mill or tannery or both.

Wist pond lies mostly in Goshen, but partly in Torrington, a little
west of Squabble hill, and from it the water runs east and enters the
Naugatuck at Drake's mill. On this stream, near the pond, David
Hart built a grist mill, run it a ievf years, and then sold it a short
time before the year 1800.

1/2 History of Torrington.

There is much beauty and wildness along the streams of the
town. The beds of the two branches of the river, and all the brooks^
of the town, are rock, or boulders of varied sizes, except between
Daytonville and Burrville, where it is difficult often to tell by any
motion of the water which way it runs,
/"x^" When the town was first settled, these hills and valleys were
' covered with forests of large trees and and much underbrush. The
evergreen, lofty pine and hemlock, covered the valleys of the
pine swamp and green woods ; also the hemlock was found along the
streams, and on some of the hills, but especially along the west
branch of the Naugatuck. This order of tree furnished a beautiful
/ verdure, a grateful and healthful fragrance, and no inconsiderable
i material for commerce •, such as masts for ships, boards, timber, shm-
gles and bark for tanning. From the hill-tops and slopes, the lordly
maples stood as monarchs, furnishing for more than a hundred years,
great quantities of sugar and molasses, without which, many a boy
would have eaten his meals of dry bread •, and in the days when great
fireplaces and chimneys were in common use, this maple wood was
a source of great comfort and cheerfulness to the domestic and social
circlg^ While the maple logs burned with a charming light in the
fireplace, the old people told their marvelous stories of Indians, wolves,
wildcats and witches, until the boys fell asleep in the corner, the state
of atmosphere often being uncomfortably warm on one side, and cold
on the other ; and late in the evening when the boys were ordered
to bed (they did not carry them then) they obeyed hesitatingly
lest there might be another story they should not hear.

Next to the maple in size and loftiness was the chestnut tree,
which flourished quite extensively in nearly every part of the town,
and was of great value for 4t-s~4i4*it--*ad_tijTlljisr. The hickory and
butternut trees (indigenous) grew in many portions of the territory ;
sometimes in groves or clusters, and were invaluable in the mechanic
arts, while they produced considerable quantities of choice fruit, which
were greatly relished when served with good cider and appjea...

The white oak of good quality occurred somewhat rarely and was
very valuable when obtained. The white ash, black birch, cherry,
basswood, white wood or tulip tree, abounded more or less in various
parts of the town, and afforded valuable material for various mechani-
cal purposes.

The black oak, the red ash and red oak ; the white birch and
beach interspersed the other varieties on the low grounds, which with

Topography and Geology. 173

the pretty larch, tamarack and hackmatack were valuable only for
firewood.

The forests in every part of the town were richly adorned with the
several varieties of Kalmicr^ or laurel, with their dark leaves, and
gaudy party-colored flowers in their season, and were so thick as
often to form jungles impassable by man or beast. These with the
Cornus^ or boxwood, its branches loaded with beautiful flowers,
and its auxiliary Aronia^ or shad flower, and bush honey suckle nearly
complete the list of the trees which covered the whole area of the
town and constituted the glory of the native forest of Torrington.

The lower order of shrubs and plants exist in great profusion
and variety on the hills and in the valleys, ravines, and gorges,
and contribute much to the interest of the region. In addition to
their flowers and perfume, they possess important hygienic and medi-
cinal properties. Much of the distinguished salubrity of the town
and longevity of its inhabitants may be attributed to the hygienic in-
fluence of 4ts^lants, shrubs and trees. Its grasses are of a superior
quality for stimulation and nutrition, and^a'bundant in quantity.

Valuable medicinal plants abound, viz : Sanguhiar'ia (blood-root),^
Eupatorium (bone-set), Prunus Virginiana (wild cherry), Macrotys
(cohosh) Leontodon (dandelion), Sambucus (elder), Spirea (hardback),
hellebore^ Jsclepias{m\\]ii~\VGe.d), Mintha (pepper-mint), Hedeoma{'ptnny-
royal), Phytolacca (poke-weed), Chimaphila (princess-pine), Pyrus
(quince), Salvia (sage), Aralia (sarsaparilla), Solanum (bitter-sweet),
Laurus (sasafras), Ictodes (skunk cabbage), Convallaria (solomon seal),
Aultheria (wintergreen), Rhus glabra (common sumach) Rhus vernix
(poison sumach) Acorus (sweet flag), Hamamelis (witch hazel).

The autumnal display of flowers and colored leaves of plants and
trees is truly gorgeous and wonderful. The richest word picturing
can give but a faint idea of the great beauty and variety, from the
top of the tallest tree to the least creeping vines upon the earth.

Geologic Formations.

The formation of the town is almost exclusively diluvial. The
alluvial deposits are limited to the Great swamp, valley of Still riv.er_
and Greenwoods, and consists of sediments of the rains and melted
snows, which take up and carry into the valleys, the finest and richest
pojtian-^f^-th#~SQiL_ Diluvium occurs in the formation of the larger,
portion of the area of the town, and constitutes the surface of the
hills and higher lands ; and its relations_and^ causes jxe_subjects of

174 History of Torrington.

varied speculations. The prevalent theory is that the diluvial soil is
the product of disintegration of its rocky base ; and that its composi-
tion over the primitive granitic and gneiss foundations, indicates the
"rock theory." Composed as it is of silicons material, clay, potash,
magnesia, iron, coarse stones and pebbles, etc., it has been deemed,
by many, as poverty stricken, or possessing no sustentation for man
or beast. Yet for agricultural purposes and products, with industrial
and scientific culture, with admixture of fertilizers, its character for
productiveness is hardly surpassed by the alluvial soil. The vigorous
growth of forest trees and apple orchards, afford unmistakable indica-
tions of the native strength of the diluvium with appropriate fertilizers.

The hills of Torrington are a continuance of the Hoosac range
of the Green mountains of western Massachusetts and Vermont, and
their altitude furnish some of the most pleasing and entertaining
prospects that can be imagined, or that is often realized.

The hidden mineral resources of Torrington hills have yet, mostly
to be discovered and unearthed. That such exist in richness of
quality cannot be doubted. The indications of their existence are
so numerousand conclusive, and the evidences so demonstrably mani-
fest that the practiced observer is at a loss to understand why it is
that they have not already been revealed.

A summary of the representative minerals of this town, which
have been studied, classified, and to some extent furnished to the
state cabinet, affords some little idea of what may be realized, in
some not far off future day. The exhibit of specimens of copper,
is rich and very promising. Specimens of almost pure ore
(amorphous), others vitrified, and crystalized, of various colors, have
repeatedly been obtained at the summit of Occident hill (Chestnut
hill), and afford presumptive evidence of the existence of a rich cop-
per ore bed in that locality. Tradition says that before the revolu-
tionary war an English miner discovered this ore bed ; made
considerable excavations ; obtained valuable products, which he
shipped for England, he going in the same vessel, and that the ves-
sel and himself were lost at sea.

The copper is found in a mica slate ledge and associated with
quartz distinctively. Some of the specimens are carbonates and of
beautiful green crystals. The yellow or copper pyrites are also found.

Marked indications of the existence of iron are abundant in this
town, but the efforts to obtain it in paying quantities have been so
slight, or other disastrous circumstances attending the efforts, that

Topography and Geology. 175

success has not crowned this mining enterprise. The sulphuret
ot iron (or iron pyrites), abound to some extent in the northern part
of the town, but very little effort has been made to develop those
treasures so as to know whether the results would be economical or
not.

Nickel has been found and mined to some considerable extent
in the hill and on a line continuous and north of the designated cop-
per mine locality ; blended with copper, iron, and supposed cobalt.
A copper nickel bed exists in the prevailing quartz and mica slate
rock of the hill about half a mile west of the site of the second Meet-
ing house, or Torrington green ; and is owned by Mr. Willard
PI. Barber who has taken some trouble and been at considerable ex-
pense latterly to ascertain the value of the mine. The ore is abun-
dant ; and a few years since extensive buildings were htted at
Torrington hollow, where considerable effort was made and expense
incurred to make the enterprise a paying one but that end was
not reached. Another attempt is now being made by a gentleman
from Hartford, and to all appearance it promises success. After the
first process of smelting the result consists of iron, copper and nickel.
The last is obtained by the chemical destruction of the two former.

The existence of silver in the Torrington hills has been indicated
by specimens found in disintegrated quartz and mica slate rock which
have been carried down the hills by rains and melted snow. A little
distance north of Wolcottville, and west of the railroad at the foot
of Horse mountain, a mining shaft has been sunk to some consid-
erable depth, for silver ore, and although silver was obtained, yet
the effort to obtain it did not prove economically successful.

Gneiss and granite rock constitute the firm foundations and
form of Torrington hills. They exhibit interesting combinations, forms,
and qualities, and occur in extensive plateau, or table rock and
enormous boulders, as in Torringford ; or in spurs of mountain
range, upheavals, abrupt terminal and grotesque ledges, forced and
stratified gneiss rock, on the north and west sides of the town. /^"^

Several varieties of the granite rock occur in the town, much of
which may be utilized for building and architectural purposes. The
variety in which the feldspar constitutes a leading ingredient, is
designated as white granite ; is a beautiful material for building
purposes, and is extensively quarried at Plymouth, Ct. Another
variety is constituted by quartz rock, hornblend and epidote blended,
which is much preferred by many for its grayish aspect, great dura-

176 History of Torrington.

bility, and capability of a fine polish. A variety also occurs in which
the feldspar is of a beautiful flesh color, similar to what occurs in the
Scotch and California granite, though not in quality or quantity for
any ecortomical purpose. An uncommon and curious variety oc-
curs on the way from Wolcottville to Burrville, midway between
these places, constituted by the feldspar being of a deep red color.

Steatite, or soap stone, designated by its grayish color, smooth
soapy feel, and capability of being cut, or wrought with sharp instru-
ments without injury to them, makes its appearance mostly on Chest-
nut hill, in the southwestern part of the town. One quarry of this
stone, nearly on the top of that hill, was worked to a considerable
depth, and with fair remunerative success, a few years since, and the
cutting of the stone was conducted in Wolcottville, at the old Wil-
son's mill. About a mile east of this, near the old Captain Amos
Wilson place, this stone crops out in considerable proportions.

The extensive clay beds, which exist in the northeastern section
of the town, have been utilized in the manufacture of brick, to a
greater extent and more remuneratively, than any other native ma-
terial which the town affords. These clay beds being of primitive
formation, afford opportunity for interesting study, and for economi-
cal purposes are almost an anomaly. This material for brick is of a
superior quality, because of the rich color it has by oxidation, and the
extreme hardness of the brick in consequence of the iron which is
combined in the clay beds. The evidence of the primitive origin of
these beds is their proximity to primitive rock, and the impacted
round pebbles (silicious substance), small stones of brown hematite,
granite boulders and jasper.

These beds extend over a considerable area, and have been
worked many years, by the Hudsons, Haydens and Burrs.

Many varieties of the quartz rock abound in the town ; some of
them of uncommon richness and beauty. During the period of more
than a century since Torrington hills were first inhabited until the na-
tional centennial, the economical, the psychological, and the scientific
wealth which this old township affords, have been little known and
studied, by a people who have been more than ordinarily character-
ized for industry, schools, intelligence, and moral and scientific at-
tainments. It is self-evident that the muck rake inspiration has
been the inciting one, to such a degree, that great nature's constant and
silent work and beautiful productions from her scientific labtiratory,
have been viewed, when viewed at all, as of very little account in

Topography and Geology. 177

the duties and privileges of the present life. The getting of money,
has been, and still is in a great measure, the one great object of
pursuit, while the magnificent gems of nature, which adorned the
breast plate of Moses and Aaron, and which symbolize the heavenly
gates of wisdom, purity and simplicity, have been unheeded and left
by the wayside embedded in impurities.

Of these gems, we find X.\\t jasper^ the chalcedony^ the sardonyx the
amethyst^ the beautiful malachite^ the apatite^ of bluish white crystals,
the agates^ the jet black tourmaline crystals, the epidote^ white and
grass-green crystals, the laminated mica white, milky, smoky, and
rose colored quarts ; and also, flesh colored and deep red feldspar ;
chalcedony, of several varieties ; opal, semi-opal, of many colors and
forms. The jasper occurs, of fine quality, takes a beautiful polish,
and has been set for signet rings. Of all the gems thus far discovered
in Torrington, those of the chalcedonic species excel in colors and
beauty. They were discovered by Dr. E. D. Hudson in his miner-
alogical surveys, occurring in quite large boulders, on the slope of
the Torringford hill, towards Still river, directly west from the Tor-
ringford Meeting house. They were interspersed along the side hill
over a considerable area, and firmly impacted in the earth with here
and there an encrusted, sharp point exposed to observation. When
they were unearthed, they presented no attractive appearance ; had
a disintegrated ragged exterior ; were oblong, and from three to four
feet in length, and some eighteen inches in diameter. Not until
some ragged point had been detached by the hammer, was the species
of the mineral discovered to be purely chalcedonic. Heavy blows of
the sledge hammer, soon revealed in the very heart of the boulder,
nature's secret laboratory, and her magnificent crystaline products of
many colors, of the most gorgeous tints, which no human skill could
imitate. So rich an exhibit of the purest crystals of carnelian as
these boulders disclose, rarely occur. They were of light pink, flesh,
and deep blood red colors ; regular crystals of dazzling luster ; also
botryoidal [grapeform)^ and stalagmites of yellow, green, and white
colors.^

The chalcedony occurs in white and translucent uncrystalized
masses ; some of it, the agate variety, makes beautiful watch seals,
signet rings, sleeve buttons and the like ornaments.^ In these boulders.

'See Prof. Shepard's Report of Geological Sur-vey of Conn., and State Cabinet of Minerals.
^ Dr. Hudson has several sets of jewelry, made for members of his family, to memorial-
ize the gems of his native town. They are unique, greatly admired and valuable.

lyS History of Torrington.

beautiful specimens of the chrysoprase variety of apple green color
occur ; also heliotrope, of green and red blended ; the sard and sar-
doynx, deep red, bluish red, and yellow. The garnet mineral in
beautiful crystals, and hornblend abound in the primitive rocks of the
tow^n, especially near the nickel mine, where many fine specimens
have been found in the bed of the brook a little north from the ex-
cavations.

The phenomenal manifestations of the formation of mountain
range, hills, solidified and stratified rocks, downs, and valleys of
the town are wonderful and affx)rd an interesting field for study. To
contemplate the irresistible forces, which must have existed, suffi-
ciently to rend these rock-bound granite hills ; to heave up their ever-
lasting foundations, and force upward through their solid structure,
laminated masses or veins of pure quartz, is sufficient to fill the mind
with awe and wonder. It becomes evident that the Still river
and the Naugatuck river, never excavated those valleys through
which they course ; neither did they form the downs, or conical sand
hills, which mound-like exist in those valleys and various parts of the
town. The upheavals which Torrington hills have suffered, in
common with every portion of the earth, and the marked results of
some overwhelming deluge, floating its mountain glaciers over the
hills are distinctly indicated. The angles and bends of the stratified
laminated gneiss rock of Torrington, and the more solid granite table
of Torringford, plowed and furrowed by the huge boulders, which
were carried upon and over them by glaciers, and deposited on the
north brow and very summit of that hill, aflx)rd demonstrable evidence
of their origin, and of their geological formation.

These mammoth granite boulders ; the peculiar and interesting
chalcedonic boulders along the western slope of Torringford hill, far
from their original locality ; the vast primitive clay beds, full of
debris, on its north brow, lead to the irresistible conclusion that
Torrington was once the scene of an overwhelming deluge ; com-
pletely submerged ; that vast bodies of ice floated over it, freighted
with rocks which had been detached from their native beds and left
isolated upon its topmost hills, and that the current or drift was from
the north to the south.

The enormous boulders of sienitic granite which have lain, tor
ages, strewn and isolated far distant and high above all like forma-
tions; some near to and in the diluvial clay beds of that hill, and

Topography and Geology. 179

others mounted on its highest elevations, indicate the chaotic state
which existed during the physical formation of western Connecticut,
and the hills of Litchfield county.

One of those monumental rocks, is of unusual interest on account
of its size, shape, position, and location upon the summit of Torring-
ford hill, at an altitude considerably greater than that of any other
within several miles distance, except in Winchester and Newfield
mountain range, which is separated from Torringford by a deep valley.
It is shaped like a cone, or great hay-stack. It rests upon the table
rock with some loose stones around and beneath it, and is in its greatest
diameter about twenty feet, and about twenty-five feet in height.
It can be seen from many portions of Torringford and from great
distances ; and has stood as a monument, during untold ages, mutely
pointing northward to the locality whence it was rudely detached.
It stands about a half mile due west from the Torringford parsonage.
The revelations which geology furnishes are well calculated to make
men humble themselves before the Creator and Ruler of the universe.
Magnificent and glorious are these granite hills, and the wonderful
revelations thev make.

"Who great in search of God and nature grow,
They l>est the wise Creator's praise declare."

CHAPTER XV.
TORRINGTON ROADS.

The Highways.

(^^^^^5 HE original town was mapped on the hills and valleys
^ v^^ '" ^^^ shape of a rhombus, the sides being about six

miles in length and running twenty-one degrees east
and north of north and west, as stated in the ori-
ginal survey. It is found however, by actual survey to vary less
than this, from the cardinal points. The lots of land, were laid in
twelve tiers ; one running east and west parallel, and a half a mile
distant from, the southern boundary, and eleven running north and
south, with highways between them.

The first highway was on the eastern boundary four rods wide,
and is called Torringford East street, and is open and worked nearly
the whole length of the town. The second is one-half a mile from
the first and is called Torringfprd street, and is ten rods wide, and
open the whole length of the town, and connects with South street
to Winsted. It is the most picturesque and pleasant road, as a whole,
in the town. The third is half a mile west of the second and is
called Torringford West street and is open nearly if not quite all the
way, though in some parts not much used.

And thus were laid eleven highways, running north and south,
parallel, the last or most western, being half a mile east of the
Goshen east line. Another highway was laid from Torringford
street half a mile from Harwinton line, running west and parallel to
the southern boundary of the town, ten rods in width. These were
the original highways^ including what is now Main street and
Water street, in Wolcottville, and were laid before the lots or farms
were laid, and hence were never any part of the adjoining farms.
The roads were taken out or reserved by the proprietors, as their own
property, in the right of soil and all timber growing upon them. This
was the original intention, and this the proprietors claimed in law
and equity until they delivered the books to the town in 1785, or

ToRRINGTON RoADS. l8l

fifty-three years after they took charge of these lands. In conse-
quence of there having been some difference of opinion as to these
highways, it is proper to insert here the proceedings of the last meet-
ing of the proprietors as a legal body. Committees had been ap-
pointed by the proprietors' meeting, and continued as standing
committees, to prosecute any person who should make encroach-
ments on the highways, or any who should cut timber on these high-
ways, and also to sell parts of these highways.

The Last Meeting.

" Att a meeting of the proprietors of y^ town of Torrington, held
in Torrington October the iith day A. D., 1785.

" Voted that Mr. Benj. Phelps be Moderator of said meeting.

" Voted that the proprietors impower the town of Torrington to
exchange their highways, or sell highways for highways, or make
up lands where wanted, if any in equity, or any ways to act and
transact, as is necessary and best, as we ourselves could do legally
in these matters.

"Voted that moneys due to y^ proprietors, either in money or notes,
the proprietors' committee shall render an account to y^ town or town
committee, and give up what remains when s^ committee are called
to account therefor.

"Voted that the afores'' committee appointed by the proprietors, re-
main to act and transact until the town appoint a committee to act
in their room.

"Voted that y^ proprietors committee be allowed and excepted as
now brought in.

" Voted that y^ proprietors book and accounts be delivered into
the hands of y^ town.

"The meeting then being dissolved."

This shows that the proprietors held then the absolute right of
soil, and the power to sell for the purpose of highways even or any
other^ and that these powers were transferred by vote to the town, so
that whatever power had been vested in them was thereafter pos-
sessed by the town.

The proposition thus made, the town accepted and in 1785, ap-
pointed a committee to " exchange highways where it is necessary,
and to lease out according to their discretion, and also full power to
move ofF encroachments where they judge needful."

1 82 History of Torrington.

From 1785 to 1826, some forty years, the town acted upon the
right to sell or dispose of highways as the committees appointed
deemed expedient and equitable.

In April, 1826, the town took action upon a suit brought by Elihu
Barber against Stephen Fyler and John Birge, who as a committee
for the purpose, had sold a piece of road to the said Barber. The
action taken was, that the selectmen should obtain advice with Mr.
Fyler and Birge, as to the legality of the sale. At the same time
the selectmen were directed to " bring a petition to the next general
assembly of this state, either by themselves or in connection with
other towns in this vicinity, to establish the sales of highways, here-
tofore made by this town." The selectmen obeyed this request and
the assembly took the following action :

" Resolved by this assembly, that all sales and conveyances, here-
tofore made by the town of Torrington, or by their selectmen, or
committee appointed for that purpose, of any original highways, or
parts of highways, or reservations for the purpose of highways, laid
out or reserved in the original survey and laying out of said town by
the proprietors thereof, in those cases, and those only where such
sales, deed or conveyances have been made as aforesaid, to persons
who at the time of such sales or conveyances, were the owners of the
land adjoining such highways or reservations, so sold or conveyed, as
aforesaid, and all payments made in consideration of such sales, and
conveyances, be deemed and taken to be good and valid to all intents
and purposes.

" Said town of Torrington be and hereby are fully authorized to
sell and convey any such original highway, or reservation, or parts
thereof, remaining unsold as are or may be unnecessary to be used
for public highways, giving the right of preemption to the adjoining
proprietors."^

Against this enactment, and these claims of ownership by the pro-
prietors, and the town, for more than one hundred and forty-five
years, there have been no decisions of the courts so far as is known,
and therefore the absolute right of soil inheres or remains in the town.

These original highways were never laid through the farms for the
only purpose of highways, as in the case of most towns, but were
reserved for highways, or any other purpose to which the proprietors
of the town might direct.

» Pri-vate Laws of Conn., vol. 2, passed May, 1826.

TORRINGTON RoADS. 1 83

If these items are facts, then the town owns, not only the right of
soil, but all timber growing on them naturally or planted on them,
and all grass, and all the valuable stone, boulders and rocks originally
belonging to, or lying on these original highways, and until the pro-
per courts shall judge otherwise, it is difficult to see how persons can
properly claim any of these items on or in these roads, except by
suffrage of the town. The one fact that a suit was pending in the
court, in 1826, when the legislature rendered its judgment as to the
right of property in these roads, and thereby, apparently, that suit
was brought to a close, is clear evidence that the courts have no au-
thority to override the old law and practice of the town.

The Turnpikes.

The charter for the Torrington turnpike, from Jared Mills in
Canton to Litchfield, was granted in May, 1800, and the road was
surveyed the following summer. Hon. Herman Swift, Sylvester
Gilbert and Samuel Forbes, were appointed by the assembly to lay out
the road and make report of their doings. The petition for the road
was signed by eighty-five names, quite a number of whom were of
Torringford, very few from the west side of this town. Col. Aaron
Austin of New Hartford, was agent for the company and he did very
much to secure the success of the road.

The charter was surrendered in 1861, and therefore the road was
in use as a turnpike nearly sixty years. In 1801, the town voted a
tax of five mills on a dollar to pay the owners for the land taken by
the turnpike, but refused to build the bridge over Waterbury river,
for the turnpike company, and the question was carried to court, and
decision rendered against the town, and they appealed to a higher
court, and it was decided against them, whereupon they built the
bridge. This turnpike proved to be of great advantage to the town,
probably much more than it ever was to the stockholders.

In 1800, Abijah Holbrook and others sued in the county court
for a highway, that should go along the west branch near his house,
or Holbrook's mills, and connect with other roads so as to form a
through road from Norfolk to Plymouth, and thence to water naviga-
tion. Mr. Holbrook was interested in the iron forge, and was mak-
ing efforts to work the iron mine on Walnut mountain in Torrington,
but the town opposed, and the road was not built then, but by the
efforts of Israel Coe and others some years after, the road was made

184 History of Torrington.

just where Mr. Holbrook desired it, but he no longer needed high-
ways on the physical earth.

The Waterbury turnpike was surveyed through in 1 801, or in the
spring of 1802, and was soon after completed ; the directors were:
William Leavenworth of Waterbury ; Noah Bronson of Litchfield ;
Stephen Fyler of Torrington and Reuben Rockwell of Colebrook.
It came up the old Plymouth road, and went through Newfield to
Winchester.

In 1803, the town by vote, instructed their representatives to op-
pose in the assembly, the petition of Abijah Catlin and others, for a
highway from near Torringford Meeting house, through Harwinton
and Bristol, to Southington.

In 1802, they opposed in the county court, the making of a high-
way from Cornwall through Goshen, Winchester and Torrington to
New Hartford.

The Goshen and Sharon turnpike, was made mostly in 1805, and
the town, seeing no other way, voted at once, that they would build
and maintain bridg-es over the following streams, for that road : " The
Stream east of Messrs. Cook and Soper's saw mill, the east branch
of Waterbury river northwesterly of said saw mill, Waterbury river
near Roger Loomis's dwelling house, and the stream near Harvey
Palmer's, provided the turnpike company agree to have no further
claim on the town for bridges on said road."

In 181 3, a report by a committee appointed for the purpose, was
made to the town, concerning a road to be laid from Torrington
Meeting house (Erastus Hodges) to Litchfield north line, and in the
same year there was a petition before the assembly for a turnpike
road from Winsted to Litchfield, and this town instructed its repre-
sentatives not to oppose it in the assembly.

About this time the town was almost crazy on roads. It does not
appear that the vote in town meeting was ever against any turnpike,
but against building the bridges for the turnpikes.

In 1807, the town started out anew on building and repairing roads ;
made a thorough division into districts; collected and arranged the
tax lists on every district of roads ; made new assessment of taxes,
and stirred up quite a business in road making. But it was not all
voluntary, for the town had been complained of in court, and some-
thing must be done, but when the work began to move, they scarcely
knew where to stop.

The expenses for roads have been and are heavy because of the

TORRINGTON RoADS. 185

washing by sudden showers and heavy rains, and the melting of snows,
and in the carrying away of bridges.

The Naugatuck Rail Road.

Mr. Alfred Bishop, then of Bridgeport, first proposed a rail road
in the Naugatuck valley, and after consultation with various parties
of leading men who might be interested in such an enterprise, the
matter was laid before the legislature of Connecticut, and a charter
granted in the year 1845, which was altered and amended in 1847
and 1848. The following were the persons named in the grant as
directors :

Timothy Dwight, of New Haven, Philo Hurd, Bridgeport,

Green Kendrick of Waterbury, Alfred B. Brittain of Bridgeport,

Thomas Burlock of Derby, George L. Schuyler of New York.
William P. Burrall, Bridgeport,

The first proposition was a road from Bridgeport to Waterbury,
the capital stock $800,000, but afterwards it was made $1,200,000,
to go to Winsted. This amount of stock was afterwards increased
for furnishing the road with engines, cars and coaches, or rolling
stock, to $1,500,000. An organization of the company was ef-
fected in February 1848, and a contract made with Alfred Bishop,
to build the road complete, and receive in pay $800,000 cash and
$400,000 in bonds.

The first officers of the road were : Timothy Dwight, president ;
Ira Sherman, secretary ; and Horace Nichols, treasurer.

The profile and survey of the road was prepared, and presented to
the directors on March 14, 1848 ; which was adopted, and in the
following April the work was commenced. The contract stipulated
that the road should be built in the most thorough and durable man-
ner, with a heavy H rail, similar to that used on the Housatonic
road, which Mr. Bishop had just completed.

When the building of the road was assured, application was
made to the business men along the line of the road, to take stock in
the road and thus aid in securing money to build it. This they de-
clined for the reason, probably, that they had no faith in any returns
from such investment, but offered a bonus, or to give to the company a
sum of money instead of taking stock. Mr. Bishop named the sum
of $100,000 but consented to take $75,000, which was raised and
delivered to the company. In raising this sum, and rendering special
aid in the construction and completion of the road, Mr. Philo Hurd,

a,
u

h
H
O
o

TORRINGTON RoADS. 187

who was the general agent in all this work, mentions the following
men, as having been of great service to the road : At Winsted,
John Boyd, Mr. Bearsley, M. and J. C. Camp, Wm. L. Gilbert,
George Dudley.

At Burrville, Milo Burr. At Wolcottville, Geo. D. Wadhams,
John Hungerford, F. N. Holley, and Wm. R. Slade. At Thomas-
ton, Seth Thomas, gave $15,000 or more.' At Waterbury, Dea.
Aaron Benedict, and his son Charles, M. & W. C. Scofield, Green
Kendrick, John P. Elton, Brown brothers, William Phylo, Almon
Terrell, Scofield Buckingham, Charles B. Merriman, Norton J.
Buell, Israel Homes. AtNaugatuck, Milo Lewis, William B. Lewis,
J. Peck, William C. De Forest, Mr. Goodyear, Josiah Culver.
At Seymour, Dwight French & Co., George F. De Forest, S.
Y. Beach, Gen. Clark Wooster.

At Ansonia, Anson G. Phelps, Thomas Burlock. At Derby
and Birmingham, John J. Howe, Edward N. Shelton, Henry At-
water. Fitch Smith, Abraham Hawkins.

Two men are mentioned by Mr. Hurd as having been very
influential throughout the valley, in behalf of the road ; George D.
Wadhams of Wolcottville, and Israel Holmes then of Waterbury,
but for some years also, of Wolcottville.

On the fifteenth of May 1849, the first fifteen miles of the road
was ready for the transaction of business ; on the eleventh of June
the road was open to Waterbury ; on the twenty-third of July it was
opened to Plymouth, and on the twenty-fourth day of September
1849, ^^^ whole road was completed. Mr. Bishop the contractor
having died in June, the completion was thereby delayed a few days.

The first time table was issued on the 14th of May 1849, ^"^ ^^^
the fourth of July 1849, ^ regular excursion train was run, and
that time table mentions the following places, beginning at Inchliff's
bridge and passing Waterville, Waterbury, Naugatuck, Pines
Bridge, Humphreysville, Ansonia, Derby, Baldwin's Platform, Junc-
tion, Bridgeport."

On the twenty-third of July, a time table was issued, the train
starting at Plymouth.

On November 15, same year, a time table was issued, naming the
following stations : Winsted, Rossiterville, Wolcottville, Harwinton,

'The amounts would have been given, but the books are not in possession of the com-
pany but kept in New York.

i88 History of Torrington.

Plymouth, Waterville, Waterbury, Naugatuck, Humphreysville,
Ansonia, and Derby.

No particular change from the first plan of the road was made,
except at the south end where instead of crossing the Naugatuck
river at Derby and going direct to Bridgeport, they ran down to the
New York and New Haven road, and on that to Bridgeport, as at
present.

The directors in their first report (1849) ^^Y '■ "" T^^Q road com-
mences at Winsted, in Litchfield county, about nine miles from the
north line of the state, and terminates in the town of Milford, near
the Housatonic river, about twelve miles from New Haven, and five
from Bridgeport, at which point it intersects with the New York and
New Haven rail road. It is fifty-five miles in length, and passes
through the villages of Winsted, Wolcottville, Thomaston, Water-
ville, the city of Waterbury, Union City, Naugatuck, Seymour,
Ansonia, Derby and Birmingham, besides several other intermediate
stations."

Wolcottville in 1836, contained about forty dwellings, and be-
tween that time and 1850, there were, probably, not over ten more
erected, as that was a period of very little growth. When the rail
road was being constructed in 1848, the capital stock employed in
Wolcottville in all manufacturing enterprises was about one hundred
thousand dollars, and the annual sales of products amounted to about
four hundred thousand dollars. The transportation of products, was
estimated by Geo. D. Wadhams, John Hungerford and B. H. Morse,
to be thirty-two thousand tons. In 1853, ^^^ directors, in their re-
ports say: "Wolcottville is fifty-two miles distant from Bridge-
port. At this place there have been erected during the past year
thirty-five dwellings and ten manufacturing establishments and stores.
The new manufacturing establishments are ; a papier mache, a
carriage, a hardware, a sawing and planing, a scythe, a woolen
knitting, and a lock manufactory ; also a tannery. The increased
value of real estate at this place is estimated by its citizens at seventy-
five to one hundred per centum."

At the same time they say of Winsted ; " the additional manu-
facturing capital invested here since opening the road is about
$160,000, and over one hundred buildings have been erected during
the same period."

Of Waterbury the same report says : " there have been erected
at this place, during the last three years, from four hundred and fifty

TORRINGTON RoADS. I 89

to five hundred dwellings, and the mercantile business of the place
has nearly quadrupled, and real estate has advanced from four to five
hundred per cent."

Besides this increase of business and the value of real estate in the
village, the rail road has brought within the reach of every farmer in
the town a market for all the milk he can produce. Some com-
plaint is made as to prices realized from the milk, and from this cause
some have given up the business, yet it is a significant fact that a
number of the most enterprising, successful farmers in the town are
selling their milk by the rail road.

While the country all along the line of the road has been greatly
benefited, it is pleasing to know that the road, as a business enter-
prise, has been a success, and in every way an honor to the country
and the men who have conducted it. There has been no repudiation
of bonds, nor of bills, nor damages from the first day to the present
time. The president of the New York and New Haven rail road,
not long since, pronounced it, " one of the best managed roads in the
country." It must have been or it would have been a lame, one
horse affair, instead of being one of the most prompt and energetic
institutions in the state.

The extra expense in repairs on this road, above that of many
others, absorbs annually a large per cent of the income. The road
is built in a narrow valley, and the hills on either side much of the
distance are very precipitous, and the water rushing down these steeps,
often carries every thing before it. The clouds some times lower
down below the tops of the adjacent hills and empty their waters as
in a flood, and bridges and heavy masonry are carried away, as float-
ing chips, as was the case in 1875, between Thomaston and Water-
bury. And also on another occasion when the bridge was carried
away at Pine brook, a little distance above Thomaston. On this oc-
casion the workmen on the road above the bridge closed work at six
o'clock and went down the road over the bridge to Thomaston,
soon after a heavy shower came along above the bridge, and carried
away a part of the abutment of the bridge, the bridge remaining in its
place. When the up train came to Thomaston the workmen took
a baggage or freight car, which when they came to the bridge went
into the river and nine out of the sixteen men in the car were drowned.
Great precaution is taken to have track walkers examine the road
after showers, but in this case the shower was so confined to a short
distance on the road and that between the stations, that no appre-

190 History of Torrington.

hension was entertained, of any injury to the road. That shower
was very unusual, as it fell within the distance of one mile on the
road and in three or four hours, the flood of water was gone and the
river assumed its natural low water mark. In consequence of this
abruptness of these rocky hills, the scenery along the road is wild and
picturesque. At High rock, especially, it is exceedingly wild and
grand -, equalling in all respects, except height, that of many cele-
brated places. At Wolcottville the valley widens a little and the
rise of the hills both east and west is not steep but gradual and
free from rocks, forming the most beautiful and convenient site for
a city, of any location in the valley. It is but due credit to say,
therefore, that the management of this road has been upon honor
and with a careful eye to expenses as well as incomes.

The receipts of the road in 1849, were $52,292.04, a little more
than half the amount of the interest on the capital stock for one year.
In 1850, it was $145,261.59; in i860, $241, 330.54; in 1870,
$589,928.62 ; and in 1876, $501,604.86. At Wolcottville the re-
ceipts of the first month were $250, but since that time have reached
over $6,000, in a single month, but does not average this amount,
nor half of it probably.

It is for the honor of Torrington, as well as every town on the
line, that this road has been a success and is still enjoying the same
distinguished honor; and it is also an honor, that this success has
been attained and is maintained, only by great effort and the most
skillful management on the part of the officers of the road.

The present officers : E. F. Bishop, son of the first president, is
president ; Horace Nichols, secretary and treasurer ; George W.
Beach, superintendent; Samuel Wilmot, auditor.

Directors : W. D. Bishop, R. Tomlinson, and E. F. Bishop of
Bridgeport ; J. G. Wetmore of Winsted ; A. L. Dennis of Newark,
N. J. ; Henry Bronson and J. B. Robertson of New Haven ; R.
M. Bassett of Derby, and F. J. Kingsbury of Waterbury.

The company are completing the work of laying the new steel
rail the whole length of the line.

If the road has been a successful enterprise it must have had com-
petent and honorable men engaged in its business transactions in
order to secure such an end, for if either of these conditions had been
wanting the end could not, and would not have been realized.

It will be interesting, therefore, to look over briefly the business
life of some of the leaders in this enterprise.

TORRINGTON RoADS. I9I

Alfred Bishop.

Alfred Bishop, first president of the Naugatuck rail road, de-
scended from Rev, John Bishop, minister in Stamford, and was the
son of William and Susannah (Scofield) Bishop, and was born in
Stamford December 21, 1798. At an early age he commenced his
self reliant career as a teacher in the public schools. After teaching a
short time he went into New Jersey, with the intention of spending his
days in farming. While thus employed, he made personal experi-
ments with his pick axe, shovel, and wheel barrow, from which he
estimated the cost for removing various masses of earth to different
distances. In this way he prepared himself for the great work of
his life, as canal and rail road contractor. Among the public works
on which he was engaged, and which constitute the best monument
to his name, are the Morris canal in New Jersey, the great bridge
over the Raritan, at New Brunswick ; the Housatonic, Berkshire,
Washington and Saratoga, Naugatuck, and New York and New
Haven rail roads.

He removed from New Jersey to Bridgeport, Ct., where he spent
the remainder of his life. It is not claiming too much for him to say
that Bridgeport owes much to his enterprise and public spirit. Mr.
Bishop readily inspired confidence in his plans for public improve-
ments, and at his call the largest sums were cheerfully supplied.

But in the tnidst of his extensive operations, and while forming
plans for still greater works, he was suddenly arrested by his last
illness. From the first he felt that it would prove fatal ; and now,
still more than while in health, he displayed his remarkable talents
in arranging and planning all the details of a complicated operation.
In the midst of great physical suffering he detailed with minuteness
the necessary steps for closing all his extensive business arrangements,
laying out the work for his executors, as he would plan the details of
an ordinary contract for a rail road. He then, in the same business
like manner, distributed his large estate. One-quarter of it he dis-
posed in gratuities, outside of his own family, partly to his more dis-
tant relatives, partly to his personal friends who had been unfortunate,
and partly to strictly benevolent uses.

Mr. Bishop married Mary, daughter of Ethan Ferris of Green-
wich and had three sons, all born in New Jersey. William D.
Bishop a graduate of Yale, and president of the New York and New

192 History of Torrington. i

Haven rail road ; Edward F. Bishop a graduate of Trinity college,
Hartford, lives in Bridgeport and is president of the Naugatuck rail
road. Henry Bishop resides in Bridgeport.

Philo Hurd.

Philo Hurd was born in Brookfield, Ct., in 1 795, and was the son
of a farmer. He is a man of strong physical constitution and energy,
which he has been heard to say, he gained " by inheritance, and by
holding the plough among the rocks on the hills of Connecticut."
He engaged in mercantile pursuits tor a number of years, in New
York city, in the state of Georgia, and in the city of Bridgeport.
While conducting business in Bridgeport he was elected sheriff of
the county, and before his time in this oiEce had expired Mr. Alfred
Bishop invited him to engage in making rail roads.

He commenced his rail road work on the Housatonic, in completing
the road. He was afterward engaged nearly a year and a half on the
New York and New Haven rail road, assisting Professor Twining in
locating parts of that road, and in giving deeds and arranging the pre-
liminaries to that road.

In the autumn of 1844, he came up the Naugatuck valley on an
exploration tour, to inspect the localities, and inquire as to the feasi-
bility of building a road in this valley. His report was so favorable
that application was made for a charter, which was granted, and Mr.
Hurd went through the entire valley with the engineers, as overseeing
agent in locating the road and making the profile and survey.
Then he went through again, surveyed and measured the land taken
by the road, gave every deed, settled every claim, of man, widow,
orphan or child, who owned any of the land, whether those persons
resided on the road, in Michigan or in California. He has said that
it seemed to him, that he " had slept, or taken a meal of victuals in
nearly every house from Bridgeport to Winsted, and that in all this
work he never had any serious difficulty with any person."

This last item is remarkable, and proves without a doubt that Mr.
Hurd must have been a man of unusual good nature, and that he had a
kindly way of doing business, and that he succeeded in showing that
the road was for the benefit of every person on the line, as has been
proved to be the fact, in the development of the enterprise, or he
would have had serious trouble somewhere. Mr. Hurd speaks with
decided emphasis of the assistance rendered him by Mr. George D.

TORRINGTON RoADS. 1 93

Wadhams of Wolcottville, as being equal to that of any man in the
valley, except Israel Holmes, then of Waterbury.

In the construction of the road, Mr. Hurd bought all the material
along the line, paid all the men employed, and saw every thing
completed and delivered into the hands of the directors.

The one great thing that made the work comparatively easy was,
" the people wanted the road." In 1853, ^^^ ^'^^^ ^^^ been so
prosperous, and Mr. Hurd's work so acceptable that the company
made him a present of $1,000.

By the time the Naugatuck road was finished Mr. Hurd had be-
come thoroughly a rail road man and very naturally kept in the
work. He went to Indiana and was engaged some time in finishing
the rail road from Indianapolis to Peru. Scarcely was he through
with that when he was invited to engage on the Hudson river road.
Gov. Morgan was president of that road and Mr. Hurd was made
vice president. In this office and work he continued some few years.

When Robert Schuyler failed and the Hudson river road became
somewhat in trouble Mr. Hurd accepted the presidency of the Har-
lem rail road, where he continued about three years.

At this time his health failed. He went to Florida and returned
no better : went to St. Paul's, and returned no better. He then
packed his trunk for a longer journey ; sailed for Europe, went to
Nice, Italy, and there in a short time entirely recovered, and has
never since had pulmonary difficulty.

After returning home he engaged a short time on the Delaware,
Lackawana, and Western rail road, and, after this, with a few items
in regard to other roads, ceased to be a rail road man.

He resides at Bridgeport, spending the winters at the south, and is
still an energetic, cheerful, and agreeable gentleman.

Horace Nichols.

Horace Nichols was born in 18 12, in the town of Fairfield,
Conn., and was a clerk some years in Bridgeport. He became the
treasurer of the Housatonic railroad in 1840, and has held that office
since that time.

When the Naugatuck road was started he was elected secretary
and treasurer, and has continued therein, a faithful, honorable but
prompt and energetic officer until the present time. He is unosten-
tatious, scarcely allowing a notice to be made of him in print ; con-

194 History of Torrington.

stant in his attention to business, and therefore greatly successful, and
merits and receives the esteem of all with whom he is associated.

George W. Beach.

George W. Beach was born in 1833, in Humphreysville, now
Seymour, then in the town of Derby, Ct. His father Sharron Yale
Beach was of the Wallingford branch of the New Haven family, and
still resides at Seymour. Soon after the rail road was opened, or
about 1850, George W., entered the service of the company in the
capacity of clerk at the depot, and also filling any place or attending
to any transactions on the road, to which he might be directed. In
this position, having a natural tendency to observation, he readily
became in a good degree, familiar with the work, and the men, and
the methods of executing the work of the road. In 185 1, he was
placed as second clerk in the office at Waterbury, but was frequently
sent to various places on the line of the road, and hence, has been
agent at nearly every station on the road. This very naturally gave
him an acquaintance with the people, and the interests centering at
every station, and the requirements necessary to adapt the road to the
work it had to do as a whole, and as related to each station.

In 1855, he was appointed agent at Naugatuck, in which position
he continued until April 1857, when he was called to the conductor-
ship of a morning and evening passenger train. While in this capacity
he took charge of the general ticket agency, and thereby became
more familiar with the general travel on the road, the running of the
trains, and the efficiency of the men and the machinery of the road.
In 1861, he was transferred as agent to Waterbury, the point of
greatest business on the road.

In September 1868, Charles Waterbury, then superintendent of
the road, died, and Mr. Beach was appointed, in the following
November, to this position ; which office he has held to the present
time, and in which position he has become extensively and favorably
known to the people along the line of the road and throughout the
state.

Mr. Beach is an unpretending, plain, business man, a good specimen
of the last quarter of the nineteenth century. In his quiet way he
will direct fifty men in repairing a break or a bridge on the road with
the least noise, and have the work done and the trains running, in
the shortest time possible, for such work.

ToRRINGTON RoADS. I95

A peculiar qualification of Mr. Beach for the precise position he
now occupies is that of fore-thought, and fore-sight. It would not
do in such a position to say " I did not think about it." And then
when one in such a position thinks he must see at once whether
the think is practicable and also remunerative. Several occur-
rences on this road have illustrated these statements within the last
ten years.

He is a member of the first Congregational church of Waterbury,
where he resides ; is superintendent of the Sunday school of that
church. He is well known as one of the state committee of the Y.
M. C. A., and was one of the few delegates to the convention in
New York, which organized the Christian Commission^ for the relief
of the soldiers during the late war. He represented the town of
Waterbury in the legislature in 1870 and 1871.

Alfred Beers.

Alfred Beers, son of Jonathan Beers, was born at Canaan, Ct.,
Sept. 26, 18 1 7, where he resided with his parents until about five
years of age, when they removed to Lewisboro, Westchester county,
N. Y. He continued, after the old style, to work with his father
until he was twenty-one years of age, but during which time he had, by
various methods and efforts learned the trade of boot and shoe maker.

At the age of twenty-three he married Mary E. daughter of Capt.
Leander Bishop, of Rye, N. Y.

Mr. Beers resided a time in Shrewsbury, N. J., and removed
thence to Bridgeport and commenced work as a conductor with the
Naugatuck railroad company in March, 1851 ; in which position he
has continued to the present time ; a term of over twenty-six years.
During this time he has served under all the superintendents who
have been employed on the road ; Philo Hurd, W. D. Bishop,
Clapp Spooner, Charles Waterbury, and George W. Beach. The
distance he has traveled while in this work has been about one
million miles, or the same as forty times around the world ; and has
conducted about two millions of passengers over the road in safety
having never lost the life of a passenger, nor having one seriously
injured. But in one respect he had the advantage of his brother,
in the matter of safety, his train running in the middle of the day,
and his brother's at morning and evening ; and the only serious ac-
cidents which have occurred on the road were two, both on the up
train, each in the evening, after a heavy shower of rain.

196 - History of Torrington.

Mr. Beers, having been so long connected with the road as con-
ductor, has become the personal friend (and almost personal
property) of every body from Long Island sound to the Old Bay
state, and in traveling it is a matter of about as much satisfaction and
sense of safety to the public, to see the old conductor, as it is to
knovi^ there is a steam engine ahead of the train. Indeed his silver
vi^edding in connection with the road ought to have been celebrated
two years ago, and thereby given expression to the joyful fact that
in regard to these " bans hitherto, no man hath put asunder."

Mr. Beers has six children ; three sons and three daughters.

His eldest son Leander J., is conductor on the Shore Line rail road,
and runs from New Haven to New London ; his second son Charles
W. is mail agent on the Housatonic rail road ; and his third son,
Alfred B., is an attorney at law, and now judge of the city court of
Bridgeport. He enlisted in the late war as a private, served three
years; re-enlisted with the declared determination to do what he
could to the very last to put down the rebellion. He came out of
the contest unharmed, and with a captain's commission. Mr. Beers's
daughters are married ; two residingin Bridgeport and oneinLitchfield.

He has four grandsons, all of them doubtless if not on the rail road
are traveling in the " way they should go."

Mr. Beers resides and is one of the vestrymen of St. Paul's church
of East Bridgeport, and warden of the borough of West Stratford.
He is also one of the assessors of the town of Stratford, and also
grand juror.

Amos S. Beers.

Amos S. Beers was born in 1827, in South Salem, New York
state, and was the son of Jonathan Beers, a farmer. He worked on
his father's farm until seventeen years of age, when he went to New
Canaan, where he served his time, three years, as a shoemaker.
From this place, he went to New York city where he remained as
clerk in a shoe store two years.

He engaged in the service of the Naugatuck road in 1854, as fire-
man, remaining nine months and then left that service. In 1855,
he was appointed conductor and has thus continued to the present
time, a period of twenty-two years, and has thereby, as well as his
older brother, become, if not a part of the incorporate body politic, a
fixture, so important and so familiar to all the people, that his absence
from his train, would require a definite explanation from high au-

TORRINGTON RoADS. I97

thorities to satisfy the inquiry of the public. He has at different times
run his train years in succession without losing a trip.

He understands his business and attends to it, without fear or favor,
and yet in the demeanor of a true gentleman as well as officer. At-
tentive in an unusual degree to the sick and disabled who are com-
pelled to travel, he is decided and thorough in securing perfect order
and decorum on his train, at all times.

In the accident which occurred a little above Thomaston, on the
eleventh of May 1876, by which a coach heavily loaded with pas-
sengers, was thrown into the river, by the breaking of an axle, he
manifested such presence of mind in rescuing every person in safety,
as to secure the approbation of all on the train, and also received a
present of an elegant gold watch from the company. As to this ac-
cident he has been heard to say that as he was standing on the plat-
form and saw the coach (the last in the train) go down the banks,
although the breaks were already on, ''it seemed to him that the
train would never stop." Very likely ! persons have sometimes
lived ages in a moment.

He also knows the road on which he travels and looks ahead.
Going down on a morning train, after a shower in the night, he said
to his engineer, " when you reach such a place, before passing the
curve, stop, and I will look at the track." The train stopped ; and
in the waiting the passengers began to be uneasy and wonder what
crazy fit had come over the engineer, or the conductor, or some
body. The conductor passed around the curve and there lay a land
slide covering the whole track. If they had proceeded as usual,
the whole train must have gone into the river, and a coroner's jury
would have rendered death to a score or more, caused by a land
slide.

Behind a clear intellect is often wanted a heart to feel for humanity.
Men often see the danger, but having no human sympathy, rush on,
and a great calamity is the result. A rail road conductor needs a
heart as well as a clear head ; and also he needs courage to ignore
the jeers of a thoughtless company who would be the first to condemn
him if an accident occurred.

The Naugatuck rail road hitherto has been very fortunate in its
conductors.

Mr. Beers's eldest son, Herbert S. Beers, is conductor on the New
Haven and Ansonia rail road.

His son Willie H. Beers, is shipping clerk for the Gilbert Clock
factory at Winsted.

198 History of Torrington.

HiLAN M. Rogers.

HiLAN M. Rogers, was born in Michigan January 10, 1838.
His father, Orlando Rogers, was born at North East, Dutchess county,
N. Y., in 1810, and died at Bridgeport, Ct., in 1871. His grand-
father, Joel Rogers, was born at Fishkill, N. Y., in 1769 or 70, and
removed to North East, Dutchess co., about 1775, with his father,
Isaac Rogers, who was born in New Jersey, and removed to Fishkill.
Mr. H. M. Rogers enlisted in the twentieth regiment Connecticut
volunteers, in 1862, and was under General Hooker at the battle
of Chancellorville and under General Mead at Gettysburg, and
followed the rebel army to the Rapidan. His regiment was soon
transferred to the army of the Cumberland, and was under General
Sherman in his grand march through Georgia to the Atlantic and
northward. At Bentonville, N. C, he was wounded with a minie
ball through the right thigh, March 19, 1865, in Sherman's last
battle. He was sent to the hospital in Goldsborough, N. C, and
thence to Newbern, from there to Fort Schuyler, and arrived at New
Haven the night before the news of President Lincoln's assassination.
He was discharged from the New Haven hospital in the latter part
of June following.

Mr. Rogers engaged as clerk in the service of the rail road in 1865,
and was located at Ansonia, where he remained three years, but act-
ing as agent on the road in different offices. In 1868, he took charge
of the station at Seymour, where he remained until May 1870, when
he was made agent at Wolcottville where he has remained since.

Edward Kelly.
Edward Kelly came to Wolcottville in 1849, and commenced
work on the rail road as track repairer, and continued in that work
one year. He then became baggage master and freight agent at the
depot, in which position he continued until 1 871, a term of twenty-
one years. Since that time he has held the position of truck and
express man, and is about as well known as any other man about
Wolcottville. Regularly and as faithfully as the days come and go
he is on his truck or express wagon delivering goods, and although
he is servant of all yet he rules the town according to the law of a
certain book he carries, as thoroughly as though he were King
Edward the First.

CHAPTER XVI.

INTEMPERANCE AND TEMPERANCE.

^HE opinion or judgment of the early settlers of Torring-
ton was, in common with all the early settlers of New
England, that spirituous and malt liquors possessed pro-
perties of beneficence to the human race ; that the race
had always thus judged, and that it was not only consistent, but also
in accord with the highest wisdom, thus to use them. Intoxication
was regarded as not only a wrong use, but a criminal use of a bene-
ficent gift to man. Under these opinions, liquors of these kinds were
trom the first brought to this country, and were, so far as skill and
ability would allow, produced in this country, for the benefit of
society. The early fathers of Connecticut, judging thus, that a
proper use was both Christian and wise, proceeded to enact laws to
restrain and prohibit men from the wrong, or excessive use of these
drinks, and proposed to treat the excess in this matter, the same as
any other excess should in their judgment be treated.

Hence the general court of Connecticut, enacted, in 1650, only
fourteen years afier the first settlement was made in the colony, the
following restrictions of the sale of these liquors :

Innkeepers.

" For as much as there is a necessary use of houses of common
entertainment in every commonwealth, and of such as retail wine,
beer and victuals, yet because there are so many abuses of that law-
ful liberty, both by persons entertaining and persons entertained, there
is also need of strict laws and rules to regulate such an employment.'

'The need of houses of entertainment is seen from the following law made in 1650 :
" It is ordered by this court and authority thereof, that no master of a family shall give en-
tertainment or habitation to any young man to sojourn in his family but by the allowance
of the inhabitants of the town where he dwells under penalty of twenty shillings per week.
And it is also ordered, that no young man that is neither married nor hath any servant,
nor is a public officer, shall keep house of himself without the consent of the town for and
under pain or penalty of twenty shillings a week." — Col. Rec, i, 538.

200 History of Torrington.

"It is therefore ordered by this court and authority thereof, that no
person or persons licensed for common entertainment shall suffer any
to be drunken or drink excessively, viz : about half a pint of wine
for one person at a time, or to continue tippling above the space of
half an hour, or at unseasonable times, or after nine o'clock at night,
in or about any of their houses on penalty of five shillings for every
such offence. And every person found drunken, viz: so that he be
thereby bereaved or disabled in his understanding, appearing in his
speech or gesture, in any of the said houses or elsewhere, shall for-
feit ten shillings, four pence ; and for continuing above half an hour
tippling, two shillings six pence ; and for tippling at unseasonable
times, or after nine o'clock at night, five shillings, for every offence
in these particulars, being lawfully convicted thereof; and for want
of payment, such shall be imprisoned until they pay, or be set in the
stocks, one hour or more, in some open place, as the weather will
permit, not exceeding three hours at a time : Provided, notwithstand-
ing, such licensed persons may entertain sea-faring men or land
travelers in the night season when they come first on shore, or from
their journey, for their necessary refreshment, or when they prepare
for their voyage or journey the next day early [if there] be no dis-
order amongst them ; and also strangers and other persons in an
orderly way may continue [in] such houses of common entertain-
ment during meal times, or upon lawful business what time their
occasions shall require.

" And it is also ordered that if any person offend in drunkenness,
excessive or long drinking, the second time they shall pay double
fines ; And if they fall into the same offence the third time they
shall pay treble fines ; and if the parties be not able to pay their
fines, then he that is found drunk shall be punished by whipping to
the number of ten stripes, and he that offends by excessive or long
drinking, shall be put into the stocks, for three hours, when the
weather may not hazard his life or limbs j and if they offend the
fourth time they shall be imprisoned until they put in two sufficient
sureties for their good behavior."'

From these provisions of law it will be seen that drinking intoxi-
cating liquors made people drunken from the earliest days of the
settlement of the colony, and hence the oft repeated remark that the
people who used to drink liquors, did not get drunk, is historically
untrue, and that too, in the best of communities. Nearly every man
and woman who came early to this colony was a professed Christian,
and yet there were " so many abuses of that lawful liberty," that is,
so many that " be drunken or drink excessively " that laws were enacted

' Colonial Records, vol. I, p. 533. Some of the provisions of this section were enacted
in the court May 25, 1647.

Intemperance and Temperance. 201

to restrain men from drunkenness. Not to restrain them from drink-
ing, for that was thought to be proper and advantageous to health.

It may be further seen that drunkenness or excess in drinking, or
"to continue tippling" and lounging about the tavern or inn, was a
disgrace and dishonor that the community could not, and would not
suffer to exist, and whatever may be said of the temperance principles
of those days, they had one principle that they thought something of,
namely, that drunkenness should not stalk abroad at noon-day,
and its profanity and obscenity be a matter only of jest and sport for
young and old through all the streets.

Another item is worthy of notice ; that the seller and drinker were
both punished ; they had both committed a trespass against the com-
munity, and there was manliness enough in the people to see that
both were properly, and if need be, severely punished : " And if they
offend the fourth time they shall be imprisoned until they put in two
sureties for their good behavior."

Such were the ideas of the people of Connecticut in regard to
intemperance, nearly one hundred years before Torrington was settled,
and seventy-five years afterward as well, and there was some virtue
in law, in those days. And they went further still, and ordered that
no " innkeeper, victualer, wine drawer, or other, shall deliver any wine,
nor suffer any to be delivered out of his house, to any which come
for it, unless they bring a note under the hand of some one master of
some family and allowed inhabitant of that town." And fearing
that some interested persons might take advantage of some part of
these statements, they added : " neither shall any of them sell or draw
any hot water to any but in case of necessity, and in such moderation
of quantity as they may have good ground to conceive it may not be
abused,"'

In 1659, it was further ordered, " that if any person be found
drunk, and convicted so to be, in any private house, he shall pay
twenty shillings for every transgression of this nature, unto the
public treasury, and the owner of the house where the person is found
and proved to be made drunk shall pay ten shillings."^

As early as 1670, the use of cider and the sale of it, became a
subject of restriction among the new settlers ; it had been prohibited

' Col. Rec, vol. I, 535.
" Ibid, p. 333.

202 History of Torrington.

in sale to the Indians in 1660, and in some respects was prohibited
much earlier than that.

It is therefore historically true that cider and malt and distilled
liquors, however pure, have produced drunkenness all along the life,
or the existence of the American nation, and they have ever been,
as a beverage, to say the least, a terrible curse, a burning, blighting
shame on every community, and destroyers without equals, in any
considerations under the sun.

It was under this impression, that these drinks, as such, were
beneficial to the community, that the early settlers of Torrington
planted their thousands of apple-trees, and built their cider mills and
brandy stills. Torrington soil grew apple-trees with great rapidity
and thrift and hence in thirty years after the building of the Fort, the
town was flooded with apples and cider, and cider brandy. In 1775,
there must have been from twelve to fifteen cider mills in the town
at a low estimate, and one brandy still. Not long after this Abner
Loomis erected another still. Dea. Whiting's account book indicates
the making by his mill about one hundred barrels a year for ten years
from 1773. Noah North's, about the same. The number of in-
habitants in 1774, was 843. There was made then, on a small esti-
mate, one barrel of cider a year, to every man, woman and child in
the town. Thrall's brandy still was no small afFair, and Abner
Loomis's was such that he boasted of its mighty producing power. A
barrel of brandy was brought from Windsor to the hill, a little north
of Dr. Hodge's home, and thereby that hill from Capt. Abel Beach's
north, was called Brandy hill ; but when Abner Loomis's still
had acquired its majority years, the hill on which his house stood was
called Brandy hill. It should have been Brandy hill junior, or
number two. When a frame was raised for a house on the corner
north of Rev. Alexander Gillett's house, a jug of brandy was thrown
from the top of the frame, on a heap of stones and thus consecrated
that hill to the shrine of Brandy.

A tradition says the first brandy distilled in the town was effected
by a woman (on some emergency of sickness or calamity), then living
on the farm now known as the Palmer farm, a mile and a half north-
east of Wolcottville, and that it was made in a common iron dinner
pot. A number of old account books, preserved, all, so far as they
show the progress of intemperance, or the regular use of intoxicating
drinks as a beverage, agree as to one tiling ; the free use of cider

Intemperance and Temperance. 203

from 1760, emerged into the free use of brandy about 1790: the
difference seeming to be gallons of brandy in the place of barrels
of cider. Hence brandies and imported wines, and other distilled
liquors, constituted an important part of the sales in all the stores
during fifty and more years. And this kind of merchandise bore
fruit, such as the night after the rasing of John Brooker's house in
a place called The Horns, but named that night Orleans village,'
and such scenes as at the anti-slavery mob in Wolcottville in January,
1837. Without this liquid fire, no such scenes would ever have dis-
graced this beautiful valley, nor these charming hills. Nor is it quite
elegant to suggest that it was because of some " rough fellows from
Harwinton " and some wild cat " fellows from Goshen," who made
the row ; nor Arabs from the desert.

When Joseph Taylor was elected to the office of ensign in the
military company, about 1 790, he gave a dinner, as was enjoined on
all persons elevated in those days to such distinguished offices. Five
hundred took dinner the first day in the yard at his house, and those
who could not attend that day came the next morning. He provided
for the occasion a barrel, forty or more gallons of liquor, and the
next morning, in order to treat those who took breakfast, he sent and
bought nine gallons more.

And other fruits there have been of this cider graduation into
brandy, some of them so shameful that no pen has the courage to
write them, and if written none but a bloated face could read them
without a blush of horror.

The young man who, of all in the town, started in life with the
most money and the fairest prospects, before the year 1800, built a
tavern and kept it, and died in the poor house. He was not a be-
sotted drunkard, but even the selling of liquors, tends to poverty.

A long list of idiotic children appeared in the town in the midst
and towards the latter part of the brandy period and were an expense

' The night after the raising of Brooker's house was made hideous by the carousals of the
crowd who had gathered from far and near to share in the frolic. Persons still living
speak of it as absolutely fearful, from the noise, profanity, and rowdyism which prevailed.
A little later, when the tavern was opened, a company of guests from Litchfield, after
ordering supper, drinks, and other supplies to their full desire, being somewhat inspired by
what they had received, took the landlord to a third story window, and put him out, head
foremost, and held him by the heels until he promised to make no charges for their enter-
tainment.— Rev. Dr. Perrin''s Centennial Sermon, page 12.

204 History of Torrington.

to the town for a long list of years. Set this down to the account
of brandy.

More than a hundred of the finest sons, of a noble ancestry in this
town, have gone to the close of life's short day, under a cloud : put
it down to brandy ! And what sorrow, shame, ruin and death has it
not perpetrated in* this town ?

The climax in the production of cider was reached about 1830,
when one farmer from his own orchards made three hundred barrels
and more ; since that day cider has been in a glorious decline.

The time was, also, when there were in great and small from one
to two score brandy stills in the town, and quite a number of these
are still standing. Let the traveler, as he passes the farm houses in
the back parts of the town look around, and if he sees a small out
house, alittle distance from thedwellings, ordown by the brook, with a
chimney rising from the roof, put it down as one of the olden time
brandy stills, and ride on ,• the times he will be mistaken in his judg-
ment will not be worth counting.

About the year 1800, there were eleven taverns in the town ; five
in Torringford, two in Newfield, and four in the southwestern part
of the town ; two large brandy stills, and two stores where liquors
were freely sold ; and in 18 10, there were two more taverns, and one
store added, making eighteen houses for the public and free sale of
intoxicating drinks.

Tobacco and Intemperance.

Tobacco is so intimately allied, in its qualities, effects and social
relations, with intemperance, that it may properly be denominated,
its forerunner. All persons who use tobacco do not drink intoxicat-
ing drinks, but so many do, and so many use tobacco first and then
come to strong drink in consequence of the appetite created by the
tobacco, that the weed may very properly be said to be the forerun-
ner of the drinking, and certainly of the two the drinking is the more
cleanly and elegant habit until men get into the ditch. It is there-
fore important for every temperance person, or every person who
values temperance principles, to weigh well and seriously, whether
the use of tobacco is not a responsibility so high as to preclude all
possibility of a safe investment in the matter.

The history of intemperance is very far from complete with the
subject of tobacco left out.

The deleterious effects of the use of tobacco were recognized by

Intemperance and Temperance. 205

the fathers in the early settlement of the colony. In the May session
in 1647, the court considered the subject and made the following
order :

" Forasmuch as it is observed that many abuses are committed
by frequent taking tobacco, it is ordered that no person under the
age of twenty years, nor any other that hath not already accustomed
himself to the use thereof, shall take any tobacco until he have
brought a certificate, under the hand of some who are approved for
knowledge and skill in physic, that it is useful for him, and also that
he hath received a license from the court for the same. And for the
regulating those who either by their former taking it, have to their
own apprehensions made it necessary to them, or upon due advice are
persuaded to the use thereof. It is ordered, that no man within this
colony, after the publication thereof, shall take any tobacco publicly
in the street, nor shall any take it in the fields or woods, unless when
they be on their travel or journey at least ten miles, or at the ordinary
time of repast commonly called dinner, or if it be not then taken, yet
not above once in the day at most, and then not in company with
any other. Nor shall any inhabitant in any of the towns within, this
jurisdiction, take any tobacco in any house in the same town where
he liveth, with and in company of any more than one who useth and
drinketh the same weed, with him at the time ; under the penalty of
six pence for each offence against this order, in any of the particulars
thereof, to be paid without gain saying, upon conviction by the testi-
mony of one witness that is without just exception, before any one
magistrate."

Thus did the fathers indicate their judgment against the use of
tobacco, and if the law they enacted could have been carried into
effect in the practice of the people, it is very possible that a large
proportion of the drunkenness which has been experienced would
have been avoided, for the perpetual and universal use of tobacco by
those who drink liquors as a beverage, is such an acknowledged his-
torical fact, and that with these, the use of tobacco began first, that
the voice of history is, if tobacco had not been used, vast multitudes
of drunkards would never have been drunkards. Tobacco and strong
drinks are not only associated together in men's mouths, but in a
large degree in the public markets. Where liquors are sold there,
always nearly, tobacco is sold, and those who drink liquors are always
expected to smoke or use tobacco, and those who use tobacco with
a few exceptions, comparatively, will drink liquors. Then also the
accompaniments of tobacco selling and using are in a large degree
the same as those around liquor selling. Very few places used for
the one purpose of selling liquors can be found without indecent

2o6 History of Torrington.

pictures of women, posted so as to be gazed at while the deadly
poisons are swallowed. It is also well known that during twenty
years past, the brands of tobacco most sought after have been those
put up in boxes, on the inside of the covers of which were the highest
perfected pictures of gay women, scantily dressed.

Then again, it is almost an impossibility for a lad, or young man to
learn to use tobacco without learning to swear, or use profane lan-
guage. It is a legitimate consequence that the tongue, having become
physically unclean, should become morally the same with comparative
ease.

According to the best information obtained tobacco was very little
used during the first thirty years after the commencement of the
settling of the town. The account books which reveal the sale of
tobacco, inform us that the demand for this commodity began to
prevail about the year, 1770, and then demand for cider increased.
Men having smoked until thirsty, drank cider to quench the thirst ;
and thus smoking and drinking became a prevailing custom. At
first there was very little of the chewing of tobacco ; this was rather
the consequent of the smoking and drinking.

When the men had fallen into the prevailing habit of smoking and
drinking; filling their dwellings with the clouds of smoke and the
perfumes of both, the women, out of a proper inclination to take part
in social entertainments, and partly out of self defence, began to take
part in the smoking, as well as the drinking ; and thus whole families,
of men and women engaged, especially on social occasions, in smoking
tobacco as well as drinking cider and stronger drinks. Some women
chewed tobacco as well as the men, nor was this all, the use of
tobacco was followed by the use of snufF, especially by the women,
until many voices retained no natural sound. It used to be said that
such people talked through their noses, but the fact was that the nose
became so closed, and thus became a kind of sounding board, for
throwing out a dull, snufFy sound, that was as unmusical as it was
unnatural, and hence many persons could not sing because of the use
of snufi^.

Another consequence of the use of tobacco and snufi\, was the use
of opium. The men, after the free use of tobacco and cider, resorted
to brandy and strong drinks ; the women to the eating of opium ;
and hence fifty years ago, there was probably a score of times more
opium taken, for narcotic eff^ects than at the present day, in propor-
tion to the number of the people in the rural parts of the country.

Intemperance and Temperance. 207

The raising of tobacco has been a prolific source to the introduction
of the habit of using it. Considerable tobacco has been raised in
Torrington, and that of a very good quality, as reported by those
who deal in it, but at present very little is here produced ; the reason
being, not the diminishing of the use of it, but the increase in its pro-
duction in other parts of the country.

Temperance Reform.

The earliest record that has been obtained concerning any reform-
atory movements in the town on this subject, are recorded in a
book, kept for that purpose by the Torringford temperance societies,
and in this book the various stages of the reform are represented in
the declared objects of the societies, and the pledges which were cir-
culated and signed at different periods during thirty years. This
representation is in accordance with the temperance movement
throughout the town, and the state and nation.

The active reform movement began here in 1827, headed by Rev.
Mr. Goodman, although the community had been awaking to the
subject because of the sermon delivered by the Rev. Dr. Porter of
Washington, Ct., in r8o6 and Dr. Lyman Beecher's lectures, on the
prevalence of intemperance, delivered about 18 12, and other public
discussions of the subject.'

In Torringford the first society for the promotion of temperance
was organized in 1827, and the first article gives the following rea-
sons for the movement : "That intemperance is an evil of alarming
magnitude, in our country ; which every friend of religion, of hu-
manity, and of his country, should labor to suppress and prevent.
That among the causes of this vice are the common use of ardent
spirits as an auxiliary to labor, or an alleviation from pain ; the com-
mon practice of presenting it to friends and guests as a necessary ex-
pression of hospitality or civility, and the practice of drinking it on
public occasions, in social circles, and on every occasion of slight

'A temperance movement started, and a pledge was signed in May, 1789, in the town
of Litchfield, repudiating the use of distilled liquors, by thirty-six gentlemen; and among
the names annexed to it, were those of Julius Deming, Benjamin Tallmadge, Uriah Tracy,
Ephraim Kirby, Moses Seymour, Daniel Sheldon, Tapping Reeve, Frederick Wolcott, and
John Webb {^Litchfield Centennial). The next movement of this kind was in Saratoga
county, N. Y., in 1808. In 1826, the American Temperance Union was organized in
Boston.

2o8 History of Torrington.

indisposition." Such were the plain, decided and fearless charac-
terizations of intemperance as a vice, and declarations put forth by
the Torringford people from the first ; and then they state their judg-
ment as to what should be done in regard to this great question.
"That entire abstinence from the use of ardent spirits, except for
medicinal purposes, is a practice we should therefore rejoice to see
adopted by the sober and conscientious part of community, as it
would have, in our opinion, a powerful tendency, both to prevent and
suppress the evil in question."

The second article states : " We will consider it our duty to pro-
pagate these sentiments, and to discourage the evil practices re-
ferred to."

This was all the pledge they had in this first society, and to which
thirty-nine names of the leading men of the community were attached,
headed by the Rev. Mr. Goodman,

In June, 1829, they made a little advance in their statements of
the evils and cure of intemperance and pledged themselves that : " We
will abstain from the use of distilled spirits, except as a medicine in case
of bodily infirmity ; that we will not allow the use of them in our
families nor provide them for the entertainment of our friends, nor
for persons in our employment, and in all suitable ways we will dis-
countenance the use of them in the community." This pledge was a
great and radical change from the usual customs and practices of
those times, and after forming such a pledge the question readily
arises, how many signed such an instrument? The answer is as
wonderful as is was good, just eighty^ all leading and influential men
of the community. Eighty heads of families (apparently) resolve, in
the midst of all the old practices and customs, to that day, not to allow
the use of these drinks, as such, in their homes, nor provide them for
friends or guests. Eighty families in a farming community like Tor-
ringford was a sweeping work with but few if any parallels in the
country. But this was only the beginning for Torringford ; they
invited speakers to address their society meetings, making them pub-
lic, or for all to hear, and these speakers were of their own citizens,
Griswold Woodward, Dr. Samuel B. Woodward, Rev. Mr. Arms
of Wolcottville, and others, and also speakers from Norfolk, Hart-
ford and many other places. They voted also, that the children of
the several school districts should be encouraged to sign the pledge
with the consent of their parents. The Rev. Mr, Goodman was
invited to "hold religious meetings at the several school houses of the
place as often as consistent, for the purpose-of diffusing information on the

Intemperance and Temperance. 209

subject of temperance." In 1834, they resolved to offer the pledge
to the youth of the several schools in the society, the result being
that of securing a large number of names. At this place in the re-
cords we discover the name of Dr. E. D. Hudson who at once,
after settling in Torringford, entered into this work most heartily.
The next year the society passed a vote to present the pledge to
every person, not now a member, for signatures. This was making
clean work of it ; and from this time meetings were held which were
called monthly meetings; and delegates were frequently sent to the
county meetings, while reports of the progress of the enterprise were
frequently made at the Torringford meetings ; so that a lively
interest was felt and continued from year to year. In these meetings
it was a custom to call on those persons who were trying to reform
as well as others, to report as to their success in fulfilling the pledge.
There was one case as to whom there seems to have been some
doubt, and when called to make report as to whether he had drank
any during the past month, gave uniformly the answer, " No more
than usual." In 1836, they discussed the duty of all temperance
persons to sign the total abstinence pledge, and in 1839, the pledge
was revised and made a little more definite in its terms and re-signed
by two hundred and thirty persons, and under this banner they worked
in the great cause some four or five years.

The next form that the work took in this region was the Wash-
ington temperance society, about the days of the so called Wash-
ingtonians, or reformed drunkards. The pledge of Torringford
society states that " we pledge ourselves that we will not use, as a
beverage, any spirituous or malt liquors, wine or cider." This pledge
doubtless tried the taith of some and others went away backward to their
own hurt, but the Torringford people went forward, perfectly willing
to deny themselves if thereby good might be secured to others, and
two hundred and fifty signed this total abstinence pledge. Under this
new banner against wine and cider the strength and courage of the
people were fully tested, and the victory was never fully proclaimed
as triumphant, though but for just this specific agitation there might
have been hundreds of drunkard's graves filled which now must re-
main empty, forever.

In 1852, another clause was added to the pledge prohibitory of
traffic in intoxicating drinks, since which time various temperance or-
ganizations have been fostered and encouraged, more especially in
Wolcottville, where there is now one society of the sons of temper-
ance holding regular meetings.

CHAPTER XVII.

SLAVERY AND ANTI-SLAVERY.

iHE spirit and institution of African slavery were introduced
to this town by the early settlers, who came from those
parts where this system had been upheld and practiced
nearly a century. The first slaves introduced into the
colonies were sold from a Dutch vessel, which landed twenty at
Jamestown in Virginia in 1620, and slavery soon came into existence
in nearly every part of North America, and Indians were enslaved as
well as negroes. The son of King Philip (Indian) was sold as a
slave.

Slavery has existed more than three thousand years, but negro, or
African slavery, as a distinctive class condition, came into existence
about 14J5, along the coasts of the Mediterranean sea ; and after
that, grew into a traffic, of kidnapping and selling for gain. And
even this trade began to decrease before the discovery of America,
but after the discovery there arose a demand for this kind of slaves
in the tropical climate of the new world, and the traffic revived and
grew to the enormous proportions acknowledged by the history of the
last century. Slavery existed in Mexico before the discovery by
Columbus, but it was a very mild form compared with that after-
wards practiced in the United States.

In 1553, negro slaves were first sold in England, and for one
hundred years slavery and the slave trade were accepted in England
almost without a voice of protest. The Quakers, who arose about
1660, made the first formidable opposition to the system and to this
kind of commercial enterprise. The puritans, therefore, who came
to America had scarcely thought of slavery as improper or wrong,
either in regard to the master or the enslaved, although they enacted
severe laws against stealing men.' Also the laws concerning children
and of apprenticeship in England, and those enacted at first in the
New England colonies were not far below, in severity, the laws after-
ward made concerning slavery, and slavery at that day was but little

« " If any man stealeth a man or mankind, he shall be put to death." — Col. Rec, i, 77.

Slavery and Anti-Slavery. 211

more than an apprenticeship.^ Hence it was no great transition from
apprenticeship to slavery ; and they both run well together more than
one hundred years. It required no act to permit slavery in the
colonies because it was thought to be an unquestioned right, if any
one deemed it expedient or advantageous to exercise it.

The first act of the Connecticut court appears in 1660; "It is
ordered by this court, that neither Indians nor negro servants shall
be required to train, watch or ward, in this colony."^ The next law
of the kind was made in 1677, and provided that Indians who were
bound to service and ran away, when captured their masters might
sell them to be " transported out of the colony." Thus gradually,
without political purpose or forethought, slavery became a practical
reality in the colony, so that in 1680, there were thirty persons held
in servitude by it. And although increased thereafter, it was at a
slow ratio and never attained any considerable proportions in the state.
In 1790, there were 2,759 slaves ; the largest number ever attained ;
at which time the state passed a law providing for gradual emancipa-
tion, and in 1840 there were but seventeen left in the state.

The records of the first church in Torrington show that among
others who united with the church in 1756, was Phebe, colored
servant of Joel Thrall ; this person was probably a slave. After
this another slave woman was in the town held by the wives of Dea.
John Whiting and William and Matthew Grant. These women
were sisters and their father, Mr. Foster of Meriden, gave this
woman to them. In later years these families hired Jude Freeman
to keep this woman by the year, and there was considerable talk
about the propriety of turning the old woman " out to pasture "
when she could do no more work. But she had a good home, for
Jude Freeman was a noble man, though colored.

' [13.] If any child or children above sixteen years old and of sufficient understanding,
shall curse or smite their natural father or mother, he or they shall be put to death, unless
it can be sufficiently testified that the parents have been very unchrlstianly negligent in the
education of such children, or so provoke them by extreme and cruel correction that they
have been forced thereunto, to preserve themselves from death or maiming.

[14.3 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son of sufficient years and understanding,
viz : sixteen years of age, which will not obey the voice of his father, and that when they
have chastened him, will not hearken unto them, then may his father and mother, being
his natural parents, lay hold on him and bring him to the magistrates assembled in court,
and testify unto them that their son is stubborn and rebellious and will not obey their voice
and chastisement, but lives in sundry notorious crimes, such a son shall be put to death

' Col. Rec, I, 349.

212 History of Torrington.

About 1787, Abijah Holbrook came from Massachusetts and
settled in Torrington as a miller. He had two slaves which he after-
wards made free according to the following paper ; liberty for so
doing having been secured of the town authorities at the time ; the
slaves being " about twenty-eight years old," and " desirous of being
made free,"

Abijah Holbrook's Letter of Emancipation.

Know all men by these presents that I, Abijah Holbrook of Tor-
rington, in the county of Litchfield and state of Connecticut, being
influenced by motives of humanity and benevolence, believing that
ail mankind by nature are entitled to equal liberty and freedom ; and
whereas I the said Holbrook agreeable to the laws and customs of
this state and the owner and possessor of two certain negroes which
are of that class that are called slaves for Ijfe : viz, Jacob Prince a
male negro, and Ginne a female, wife of said Jacob ; and whereas
the said negroes to this time have served me with faithfulness and
fidelity, and they being now in the prime and vigor of life, and appear
to be well qualified as to understanding and economy to maintain
and support themselves by their own industry, and they manifesting
a great desire to be delivered from slavery and bondage :

I therefore the said Abijah Holbrook, do by these presents freely
and absolutely emancipate the said Jacob and Ginne, and they are
hereby discharged from all authority, title, claim, control and demand
that I the said Holbrook now have or ever had in or unto the persons
or services of them the said Jacob and Ginne, and they from and
after the date hereof shall be entitled to their liberty and freedom,
and to transact business for themselves, in their own names and for
their own benefit and use.

To witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
i8th day of August A. D. 1798.

Abijah Holbrook.'

It has been said so many times, that a multitude have believed it,
that the Connecticut people freed their slaves not because of motives
of humanity but for financial reasons only. This paper is a clear
refutation of this saying. These slaves, healthy and '' in the prime
and vigor of life," were worth, or would have been to Mr. Holbrook,
one hundred and fifty dollars per year, for the succeeding twenty

' Land Record, vol. 6.

Slavery and Anti-Slavery. 213

years, or a good three thousand dollars, above all costs. It is very
evident to the fair minded, therefore, that what Mr. Holbrook says
was strictly and religiously true, that, "influenced by motives of
humanity and benevolence ; believing that all mankind are entitled
to equal liberty and freedom," I " do emancipate the said Jacob and
Ginne." By this emancipation paper Torrington was practically
freed from slavery, but the spirit was left to do its work of darkness
for years to come. As the terrible fire in the forests leaves only
blackness and falling trees for years to come, so the touch of slavery in
every land leaves nothing but blackness, and the falling of great men
as sacrifices to the violated laws of an undying humanity.

Anti-Slavery.

In England the Quakers, though few in numbers, continued to
oppose slavery, though unsupported by other denominations or any
leading public men until 1789, when Thomas Clarkson and William
Wilberforce began their efforts for the suppression of the slave traffic.

The question had already become a topic of discussion and reli-
gious sentiment in the American colonies, and some of these colo-
nies remonstrated against the slave trade, but the mother country
supporting it, they were powerless. The first societies formed in
this country were abolition^ and were not confined to the northern
states. The first was organized in Pennsylvania in 1775, Benjamin
Franklin, president. The New York society was formed in 1785,
John Jay president and Alexander Hamilton his successor. Similar
associations were also formed in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware,
Maryland and Virginia. The anti-slavery societies, was the second
movement against slavery in the United States.' These abolition
societies continued gradually to multiply, and exerted a beneficial in-
fluence through the country. In 1827, the general convention met
in Baltimore, the capital of a slave state. To this convention dele-
gates or communications were sent from the following abolition
societies; New York, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania with four branches,
Tennessee, West Tennessee, Ohio, Massachusetts two branches,
Maryland with five branches, Loudon county Virginia, North Caro-
lina with forty branches, and Delaware.^

It will be seen by these statements that the sentiment, both politi-

' Nenv American Cylcopedia, Wm. Jay's Miscellanaeous Writings on Slavery.
»Ibid.

214 History of Torrington.

cal and religious, of the abolition of slavery, was received and propa-
gated, more than fifty years, by nearly the whole country, and there
was no voice against it ; and no one dreamed that it could be a
matter jof heated discussion.

In 1828, a society was organized in Virginia, as an anti-abolition
society, and this was the first formal opposition to abolition exhi-
bited in the United States. These anti-abolition sentiments soon
spread through the country, especially through the southern states,
and became a political power. It is frequently said that the New
England states rid themselves of slavery for financial reasons, and
/ not otherwise. It should be remembered that the subject was dis-
cussed only as a religious and moral subject more than fifty years, and
that freely throughout the United States, in the pulpits and every-
where, before it became a political or financial question in any defi-
nite or general sense. Also the New England and some of the
middle states had all provided for gradual emancipation before 1828,
when it became a financial and hence a political question ; and this
indicates clearly, that the motives were those of humanity and free-
dom, as Mr. Holbrook of Torrington said in 1798, that the slaves
were made free in these states. When this work of freedom was
all completed in the north, but not in the south, then arose the ques-
tion of the right to discuss the subject, because it had a political
bearing ; and all the pro-slavery sentiment in the north grew up, or
was made to grow, in the interest of a political party, and that party
working preeminently for sectional interests, in the hope of the one
single end of party success. This was the definite shape this sub-
ject assumed about 1832. All sentiment in the north against free
discussion was manufactured for this one end and has been continued
for the same, by those who were in the secret of the managing power.
Freedom, free discussion and free obedience to conscience, were the
great objects for which all New England was settled, but now a de-
mand for a radical change was made, which must if successful
inevitably end all these objects, and subject the people to a worse
tyranny than ever England thought of imposing.

In i8i9-'20 the opponents of slavery made a strong resistance to
the admission of Missouri to the Union as a slave state, and were
defeated. This event was followed by a period of profound repose
in regard to the whole subject. The publication, by Benjamin
Lundy, a Quaker, of a small journal at Baltimore entitled Genius
of Universal Emancipation^ was almost the only visible sign of op-

Slavery and Anti-Slavery. 215

position to slavery until William Lloyd Garrison established The
Liberator in Boston, January i, 1B31, that is, three years after the
agitation began in the southern states, for the suppression of anti-
slavery societies, (vi^hich were doing nothing) and the extension of
slavery. On Jan. i, 1832, the first anti-slavery society, on the
basis of universal emancipation, was organized in Boston, by twelve
men, Arnold BufFum, a Quaker, being president. The American
Anti-Slavery Society was formed in Philadelphia in December 1833,
Arthur Tappan being its first president. This society and its auxil-
iaries expressly affirmed that congress had no right to abolish slavery
in the slave states, and asked for no action on the part of the national
government that had not, up to that time, been held to be constitu-
tional by leading men of all parties in every portion of the country.
They rejected all use of carnal weapons, and announced their
weapons to be " such only as the moral opposition of purity to moral
corruption, the destruction of error by the potency of truth, and the
abolition of slavery by the spirit of repentance."

In opposition to the southern demand that all discussion should
cease, and acquiescence to their wishes be granted, the anti-slavery
societies began to multiply and send forth their publications.

Such is the simplest outline of historical facts to the time when
Torrington began to take part in the subject of anti-slavery. Litch-
field county, at the time, was a ruling county in the state, in several
respects, and as anti-slavery principles took deepest root in the
strongest minds as well as to find a lodgment In the lesser, a number
of persons in the county were invited to meet in Wolcottville in
January, 1837, for the purpose of organizing a county society.

When the friends of the cause began to look around for a place
for the meeting of the convention, they found every church, public
and private hall, closed against them, and heard whisperings of threat-
nings against any who might have the noble daring to encounter the
pro-slavery element of the village and of the town. At this juncture
a barn was offered for the use of the convention, and it was
promptly accepted, and fitted for the occasion.' It was not the
first time that strangers found the shelter in a barn, " because there
was no room in the inn." In that barn the friends of impartial liberty
and justice, gathered in goodly numbers ; some of them the most
reliable and respectable citizens ot Litchfield county. The barn

'That barn has since been removed, refitted, and is now owned by Dr. Wood.

2i6 History of Torrington.

was filled ; the floor, scaffolds, hay-mow and stables. It was an in-
tense cold day in January, and there was much suffering from the
severity of the weather. The convention was called to order, and
Roger S. Mills of New Hartford, appointed chairman. The Rev.
Daniel Coe of Winsted, offered prayer. After appointing a com-
mittee to nominate permanent officers, the convention was addressed
by the Rev. Nathaniel Colver, agent of the American society, and
others. The county society was then organized and the following
officers appointed : president, Roger S. Mills : vice presidents, Erastus
Lyman of Goshen, Gen. Daniel B, Brinsmade of Washington, Gen.
Uriel Tuttle of Torringford, and Jonathan Coe of Winsted ; secre-
tary, Rev. R. M. Chipman of Harwinton ; treasurer. Dr. E. D.
Hudson of Torringford. While thus peacefully engaged, though
suffering with the cold, and counseling together for the relief of the
oppressed and the elevation of humanity, a furious mob was collect-
ing in the village, and elevating their courage for their deeds of
violence by the intoxicating cup. A class of men from the adjoin-
ing town, as well as from Torrington, had gathered for the very pur-
pose of disturbing this meeting if it should attempt to exercise the
liberties of religious and civil citizens. This mob, after parading the
streets, making hideous and threatening noises, gathered around the
barn, and by their deafening shouts, the blowing of horns and the
ringing the alarm of fire by the bell of the Congregational church,
and the display of brute force, broke up the meeting, which hastily
took an adjournment. Then the old puritan spirit was manifested
by the Torringford people, who offered the use of their meeting-
house to the convention, and it repaired to that place, and continued
the session two days. The opposition in Torringford though violent
was undemonstrative for lack of the mob element and rum ; and
partially from the fact that the fury of the mob had run its race in
Wolcottville. When the convention left the barn, the shouts,
thumping of pans and kettles, and the furious ringing of the church
bell, characterized pandemonium broken loose. When the people
were leaving Wolcottville in their sleighs, the entire village seemed
to be a bedlam. That good man, Dea. Ebenezer Rood, was
set upon in his sleigh, to over turn him and frighten his horses.
This excited his righteous indignation, and in a voice of defiance he
shouted to them : " Rattle your pans, hoot and toot, ring your bells,
you pesky fools, if it does you any good," then put his horses on a
run and cleared himself from the gang.

Slavery and Anti-Slavery. 217

When the meeting assembled in Torringford it was inspired with
new life, energy and courage. The beacon fires of liberty and free-
dom blazed much higher than they would but for the violence mani-
fested in the village. Deacon Rood's spirit of defiance to the mob,
took possession of the whole company, and every man and woman,
enlisted in the cause, gloried in the name of abolitionist, and
felt annointed for the work of preaching " deliverance to the captives
in chains." Such was the beginning of anti-slavery agitation, and
times, in the town where John Brown, " Ossawattomie Brown,"
was born.

This society, moved now, as well by the sense that despotism had
come to their own doors, and threatened the very sacredness of
church and homes, as by the thought of freedom for the slave, pro-
ceeded to hold monthly meetings throughout the county. These
meetings were held in barns and sheds, in groves and houses, and
any where that the people would assemble for such a purpose. It
raised funds by systematic method ; distributed tracts, books, and pa-
pers. The state Charter Oak Society was organized in 1838,
and employed lecturing agents, who besides lecturing, solicited sub-
scribers to the anti-slavery papers, and scattered anti-slavery litera-
ture.

They were opposed everywhere, and yet moved on in their work
as though every body knew they were right. They were called all
sorts of opprobrious names ; were proscribed and derided, as " nig-
ger friends," "disturbers of Israel." Some were unceremoniously
excommunicated from the churches, for no crime but speaking
against slavery ; the very thing that many of the fathers had done
for a hundred years without objection having been made. All ar-
gument with anti-slavery men started with the Bible, where the
Quakers started nearly one hundred years before, and this brought
the question into all the churches as well as committees.
Some withdrew from the churches because they deemed it sinful to
hold fellowship with those who voted to uphold a system, acknow-
ledged to be guilty of more crime than any other system in the
land.

The opposition had but one argument ; namely, it offended the
South; slavery was for their interest. This argument had been
gradually obtaining adherents, from the time the Constitution of
the United States was adopted. Before that some of the southern
states was as much anti-slavery as any in the North. When the

2i8 History of Torrington.

South changed, the spirit of proscription began to rise in the North.
Hence in the first meeting house in Torrington, there was no slave
pew, nor nigger pew^ but in the second one there were two.
These pews were located in the gallerv over the stairs, boarded up
so high, that when the colored people sat in them, they could see no
part of the congregation, and could be seen by no one in the assem-
bly. Jacob Prince, after being made a freeman by his master, Abi-
jah Holbrook, joined the church in Goshen, and then being placed
in such a seat, and treated in other ways by the same spirit, refused
to go to church, because, as he said, he was not treated as a brother
and thereafter held prayer meetings in his own house on the Sab-
bath. Wiiereupon the Goshen church proceeded to, and did ex-
communicate him for neglect of duty. This same Jacob is said to
have been as fine a looking man, head and features, as nearly any one
in the town, except the color of his skin.

Two such pews were in the old church in Torringford, but the
Rev. Samuel J. Mills (whether as a rebuke to the spirit of cast or
not is not known) always seated Henry Obookiah, Thomas Hooppo,
and other tawny brethren of the Sandwich Islands, when they visited
him from the Cornwall Mission school, in his own pew, in the front
of the congregation, quite to the dissatisfaction of some even of that
congregation.

A Remarkable Occurrence.

In the early stages of the anti-slavery struggle. Miss Abbey Kelley,
a young and educated Quakeress of superior talent, and most esti-
mable character, " felt the spirit moving her " to take part in the
public discussion of the subject, and came into Connecticut. Dr.
Hudson was then the general agent for the Connecticut Anti-Slavery
Society, and she called on him and made known her purpose to speak
whenever opportunity offered. Dr. Hudson kindly extended to her
the hand of fellowship in the good cause, and welcomed her to the
thorny field, and to the home of his wife Martha Turner Hudson,
to whose companionship he committed her, and secured respectable
audiences for her at Torringford and other places in adjacent towns.
This movement was very disturbing to pro-slavery and conservative
orthodoxy. It occurred after Father Mills's death and after Rev.
Mr. Goodman was dismissed. From many pulpits in Litchfield
county she was proclaimed as " that woman Jezebel who calleth her-
self a prophetess to teach and seduce my servants." The watchman
of Torringford uttered a cry of distress and requested the women and

Slavery and Anti-Slavery. 219

their lords to meet him at the Academy, to receive his testimony and
instructions concerning the sphere of woman. (" Women obey your
husbands.") The assemblage was large ; the women filled one side
of the room, and the men the other, facing them. The minister
presided, and after solemn preliminaries and the reading of St. Paul's
epistle, adapted to the occasion, he discoursed vehemently upon the
duties of woman, her proper sphere ; and the unwomanly, and un-
warrantable work of woman as a public teacher ; or to address pro-
miscuous audiences and thus depart from the good old ways of ortho-
doxy. When he had barely closed his address, as if Providence
approved his testimony, the decayed timbers in the deep cellar of the
Academy, which sustained the floor, suddenly gave way on the
woman's side of the house and the entire floor, and all the women
were precipitated into the cellar, in one general mass of tangled con-
fusion, the whole accompanied by screams, groans, and cries ; one
woman exclaiming, " O Lord forgive us for having attended such a
wicked meeting ; " a noise almost equal to that of the mob at the
anti-slavery meeting at Wolcottville.

Whether the minister of the occasion concluded that the women
then had attained their appropriate sphere, is not related in the nar-
ration, but the men, after the dum-astonishment had passed away,
hastened from on high to drag out their wives, sisters, daughters and
mothers, with bruised limbs, torn garments and dissatisfied counte-
nances ; and hastened to their homes, glad to have escaped without
encountering any worse sphere of action, though this was not exactly
satisfactory. What precise effect this little episode had on the min-
ister's mind, or whether he became celebrated as defining woman's
sphere, or whether he afterwards expanded that lecture into a book,
is not revealed in the book of Torringford chronicles.

Prior to the anti-slavery agitation, the inhabitants of Torrington
and of Litchfield county, and the state of Connecticut as well, had
suffered a calamitous, moral shock; a sort of aesthetic, volcanic up-
heaving, by an affair which occurred at the Foreign Mission school
at Cornwall. This school had been established and mainly sustained
by Congregational churches, for the purpose of educating the Indians
and Sandwich Islanders as missionaries to their own people. Two
young ladies of Cornwall, belonging to the most respectable and best
educated families, became so perverted in their aesthetic tastes, as to
choose and dare to marry two of the tawny brethren, with the idea
of becoming missionaries among the native tribes. The effect was

220 History of Torrington.

quite shocking ; almost pestilential. Every class of society was
thrown into spiritual convulsions. The mission school was threat-
ened with demolition. Those sons of the forest who had been so
wicked as to fascinate the belles of Cornwall and make trophies of
them were compelled to depart sans ceremonie. The school was soon
after closed or rather driven out of existence, not because it was not
doing a good work, but because two of the pupils had married two
girls, which girls wanted to marry them.

These items are but a faint illustration of the excitements, hard
feelings, desperate threatenings and silly arguments that were enter-
tained concerning slavery and anti-slavery. No attempt is here made
to picture the contest. No human language would be equal to such
a task ! If the late war of the rebellion could be fully described,
there would be, in that description, some features of the terrible curse
set forth somewhat appropriately ; but even then, the half would not
be told. Now most people see it, and acknowledge the same. No
effort is here made to sum up on this great subject. Only a few
items are given as historical facts concerning the efforts on the one
side in behalf of slavery, and on the other the spirit and courage of
those who believed slavery to be a sin against God and humanity.

One thing is strange, that after the terrible sufferings, hardships
and distresses through which the pilgrim fathers and their early de-
scendants passed, for the one object and end of religious and political
freedom, that any body should have supposed that the American
people could have been compelled, by any means whatever, to put
their necks under the yoke of slavery and submit to its dictates !

CHAPTER XVIII.
TORRINGTON IN WAR TIMES.

The American Revolution.

'HE number of inhabitants in Torrington in 1774, was
eight hundred and forty-three, of which there were only
one hundred and thirty-two men, and one hundred and
thirty-four women over twenty years of age, leaving five
hundred and seventy-seven persons under twenty years of age, and
in a great measure dependent on the older people for sustenance, care
and protection. Besides this, the country was new, and the obtain-
ing of food and comforts was much more difficult than it would have
been under other circumstances. It is important to bear these things
in mind, as we attempt to estimate the struggle through which the
inhabitants passed in order to obtain their political independence.

The two military companies in 1774, included one hundred and
sixty-nine men, or all the men in the town over twenty years of age,
and thirty-seven under that age. When hostilities commenced at
Conqord, in this same year, these companies were not called on to
go to Boston, but were notified to be in readiness at a minute's warn-
ing. In the autumn session of the assembly of that year, an act was
passed offering a sum of money to every member of the military com-
panies of the state that would train twelve half days in the spring of
the next year ; and the officers were required to report to the justices
of the town, and they to the assembly and draw the pay. The fol-
lowing are the reports made from Torrington. The report was
made by the cleric of the company and addressed :

"To Captain Amos Wilson, 5th Company of the 17th Regiment in the
colony of Connecticut ; and to John Cook, and Epaphras Sheldon, Esqrs.,
Justices of the peace, etc.

"This may certify that the following persons in pursuance of the late act of
law of the colony, passed October last, respecting the military ; each one has
trained in his own person according to order as follows:

Half days. Half days.

Lieut. Epaphras Loomis, . . 12. Sergt. Eli Loomis, ... 7,

Sergt. Wait Beach, . . .12. " Benj. Beach, ... 12.

" Noah Wilson, ... a. " Joseph Blake, . . .8.

222

History of Torrington.

Corp'l Abijah Wilson, .

Elijah Barber,

Caleb Lyman,

Ariel Brace, .

Dr. Ebenezer Smith,
Private William Wilson, .

' Ashbel Bronson,

* Joshua Leach,
' Ashbel North, .
' Abel Beach, Jr., .

* Asahel North, .
' Asahel Wilcox, .
' Benj. Eggleston, .
' Caleb Leach,

* Ebenezer North, Jr. .

* Ebenezer Lyman,
' Abel Thrall, .
' Ambros Marshall,
' Asahel Strong, Jr.,

* Epaphras Sheldon,
' Elijah Loomis, .
' Ephraim Loomis, .
' Epaphras Loomis, Jr.,
' Elisha Smith,
' Ephraim Bancroft,
« Friend Thrall,
' George Miller, .
' George Allyn,
' Joseph Eggleston,
' Joseph Thrall,
' John Curtiss,

* John Beach,
' Josiah Whiting, Jr., .
' Israel Averitt, Jr.,
' James Leach,
' John Youngs,
' James Beach,
' Joseph Beach, Jr.,
' Levi Thrall,
' Noah North,
' Noah Fowler,
« Noah Thrall,
' Noadiah Bancroft,
' Noah Beach,

Half days.

12.

Private Roswrell Coe,

II.

Roger Wilson,

12.

Samuel Beach, .

12.

lO.

((

Shubael Cook,

12.

Thomas Marshall,

lO.

. 12.

Timothy Barber, .

. 12.

Urijah Cook,

12.

((

Wm. Grant, Jr , .

. II.

12.

John Cook, Jr.,

. 12.

Oliver Cotton,

II.

12.

((

Daniel Benedict,

12.

lO.

((

Daniel Loomis,

12.

Jacob Johnson, .

. 12.

Joseph Thompson,

• ^*.-

12.

Lott Woodruff, .

12.

. 12.

Noah North, Jr., .

12.

Isaac Hull,

12.

. 12.

((

Isaiah Tuttle,

. 12.

12.

Oliver Bancroft,

12.

John Whiting, Jr.,

12.

Christopher Whiting,

12.

Joel Miller, .

12.

Benoni Loomis,

12.

Abner Loomis, Jr.,

12.

Charles Thrall,

12.

. 12.

((

Abel Stannard,

12.

John Miner,

12.

((

Ephraim Loomis, Jr.,

. 12.

II.

Joseph Drake, Sr.,

12.

• 9-

Solomon Agard,

12.

II.

((

Roger Loomis, .

12.

. 12.

Ebenezer Leach, .

• 3-

David Alvord, .

12.

Joseph Holmes,

12.

Daniel Murry, .

12.

Pardon Thrall,

12.

((

Remembrance Loomis,

Aaron Marshall, .

12.

Richard Loomis,

II.

John Richards,

• 4-

12.

((

Joseph Taylor, .

12.

Daniel Grant,

12.

Joel Roberts,

12.

Daniel Grant, Clerk.

John Cook, | ^^^,,.^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^^

Epaparas Sheldon, >

Amount £24 6j. 6J.

Received payment Hartford, July, 1775.

Capt. Amos Wilson.

Epaphras Sheldon."

ToRRINGTON IN WaR TiMES,

223

The ToRRiNGFORD Company.
To Capt. John Strong of the 9th Company of the 17th Regiment.

Half days.

Sergt.

Jesse Cook,

12.

Private

John Birge Jr.,

II.

((

Charles Mather,

II.

Stephen Taylor,

12.

Augustus Haydon,

. 12.

<( -

Isaac Austin,

II.

((

Isaac Goodwin,

12.

Nathaniel Barber,

Clerk,

Zachariah Mather,

12.

Elisha Kelsey,

12.

Corpl.

Daniel Stow,

12.

Asaph Atwater,

• 9-

Daniel Hudson,

10.

David Norton,

((

Daniel Dibble,

10.

Daniel Winchell,

12.

Roswell Olmstead,

• 7-

Return Bissell,

12.

. <<

John Gillett, .

John Marsh, .

II.

Musician

Timothy Soper,

II.

t (

Jesse Spencer,

12.

Abraham Filley, .

Ebenezer Rood,

• 9-

Ulisus Fyler,

II.

Hezekiah Bissell,

II.

Nathaniel Frisbie,

10.

((

Jonathan Kelsey,

10,

Private

Benj. Bissell Jr.,

12,

Ichabod Stark, Jr.,

Samuel Austin,

12.

Levi Austin,

II.

((

Cyrenus Austin,

12.

Samuel Averitt,

Joseph Gaylord,

12.

Thomas Matthews,

12.

((

Elisha Bissell, .

II.

Timothy Kelsey,

12.

Nathaniel Austin,

12.

John Standcliff,

12.

Abel Clark,

12.

Oliver Bissell,

12.

Comfort Standcliff Jr.,

12.

John Spencer,

12.

Asa Loomis,

. 12.

Seth Coe,

12-

((

Joseph Austin,

12.

Simeon Birge,

12.

Thomas Goodman, .

• 9-

Joseph Loomis,

12.

Dan Austin,

12.

Samuel Kelsey Jr.,

12.

Silas White,

10.

Andrew D. Austin,

10.

((

Timothy Gilhtt, .

10.

Daniel Kelsey,

12.

Timothy Loomis,

12.

Benj. Gaylord,

12.

John Burr Jr.,

12.

((

Job Curtiss,

. 8.

Cotton Mather,

• 9-

«<

Amos Miller,

Ebenczer Bissell, .

II.

John Squire,

Eliphas Bissell,

. 12.

Samuel Austin, 2d,

Ezekiel Bissell Jr.,

12.

Abner Ives,

Roger Sheldon,

. 12.

David Soper,

Reuben Burr,

12.

Michael Loomis,

12.

<«

Enos Austin,

12.

Nehemiah Gaylord,

12.

John Cook, )^- rtn a r. ^^j

p^. .>.,„.„ c f Justices of the Peace. Amount £19, 6s. 6d.

£.PAPHRAS SHELDON. )

Received payment,
John Cook,
Epaphras Sheldon.

Capt. Shubael Griswold, as captain, was in the war of the Re-
volution, as early as 1775, in the northern campaign, as the follow-

224 History oFj^jTorrington.

ing receipts will show. These receipts are preserved in the pocket
of the book in which he kept his journal in the French war, and
which he used many years afterwards, as an account book.

" Crownpoint, July 4, 1775.

Elisha Andrus: Sir. Please to let Benjamin Gaylord have five shil-
lings, lawful money worth of your stores. Shubael Griswold, Capt.^''
" Crownpoint, July 26, 1775. Mr. Andrus, Suttler, Sir: Please to let
Edward Fuller have of your stores, three shillings lawful money, by order of

Shubael Griswold, Copt.''
"Crownpoint, August 4, 1775. To Mr. Bemus, Suttler: Please to let
Edward Fuller, have of your stores six shillings, lawful money.

Shubael Griswold, Capt."

"Crownpoint Sept. 28, 1775.

Received of Mr. Jothem Bemus, sixteen shilling and three pence, york
money, which I desire Capt. Griswold to pay out of my wages, and you will
oblige, Sir Your's Bushniel Benedict."

" To Capt. Shubael Griswold: Sir. This is your order to pay Elisha
Frisbie of Torrington, two pounds money, out of what is due to me for my
wages in last year's campaign, it being for value received.
Dated, Farmington the 13th day of March, 1776.

David Haydon.'*
James Cowles.

It is quite evident that a number of Torrington men were in this
campaign with Capt. Griswold.

The following paper found in the State Library explains itself, to
the credit of Torrington :

" To John Lawrence, Esq., Colony Treasurer for the State of Connecticut :
Sir, these are to certify that there were forty-one soldiers, that went into the
service out of the town of Torrington, in the year 1775, whose heads were all
put into the common lists and county rates made thereon, 18/ per head, which
by a late act made and provided, they are all abated ; therefore Sir, we desire
that the same may be credited to our collector, Elisha Smith, the whole thereof
amounts to the sum of thirty-six pounds, l8i lawful money, etc.

These from your most humble servants.
Dated, Torrington 7lh of .April 1777.

John Cook, ~\

Epaphras Sheldon. Vjiutices of the Peace.

John Strong. J

Amos Wilson, j ^,j,,,„,„ ,»

T^ r, > o elect men.

hPHRAiM Bancroft, j

In 1775, Goshen sent thirty-nine soldiers. New Hartford fifty-five,
Cornwall twenty-nine, Harwinton thirty-two.

Early in August 1776, the aspect of affairs at New York was so
threatening, that at the urgent request of General Washington, the
governor and council of Connecticut, ordered the whole of the

TORRINGTON IN WaR TlMES. 225

Standing militia, west of the Connecticut river, with two regiments
on the east side of the river, to march to New York city. This or-
der took two companies from this town.

This year the militia of the state were called out five times.
The defence of New London was met by the eastern part of the
state ; and that of the western boundary in the autumn, by the west-
ern towns. Therefore the Torrington companies may not have
gone more than in the call to New York.

For the comfort of the militia, when they should go into the ser-
vice, the assembly directed that each town should provide one tent tor
every ^1,000 on the list, and Torrington standing ^5,816.15^, was
required to provide five, if not six tents. Hence, Dea. John Cook,
then town treasurer, paid one order to the widow Mary Birge, by
the hand of her son John Birge, for tent cloth, amounting to five
pounds and six shillings, and also, paid Capt. John Strong, one of
the selectmen, seven pounds and sixteen shillings lawful money, for
tent cloth.

In May 1776, the necessity for regular soldiers who should remain
in the army became more apparent, and the assembly made the regu-
lar pay of a private forty shillings, and that of corporals and musicians
forty-four shillings, and sergeants forty-eight. In December of the
same year, to raise an army for the following two years, ten pounds
were offered as a premium or bounty, and the same pay continued ;
and in 1779, the authorities of this town paid as high as thirty pounds
for one soldier, for three vears or during- the war.

Capt. Epaphras Sheldon, of this town, was appointed cap-
tain in the second, of the six battalions ordered in June 1776, to be
"raised and marched directly to New York, and there join the Con-
tinental army." The other officers of this company were ist lieu-
tenant, John Rockwell; 2d lieutenant, Abner Wilson; ensign,
Charles Goodwin. In this company were probably two of the sons
of the captain viz :

Epaphras, aged twenty years, served his time, returned home,
and after many years removed to Hannibal, Oswego county, N. Y.,
where he died in 1850, ninety-four years of age.

Remembrance, nineteen years of age, was taken prisoner by the
British at Fort Washington ; was poisoned by the water and died in
January, 1777.

Wait, son of Capt. Epaphras, served in the war, and must have
entered the army when fourteen or fifteen years of age ; returned,
lived in this town and died in 1849, ^g^*^ eighty-four years.

226

History of Torringto

The captain lived in this town until 1809, when he removed to
Winchester, where he died in 18 1 2, aged eighty years.

Elijah Loomis, son of Ichabod, was probably in this company
and died a prisoner.

Capt. Shubael Griswold was appointed captain in December,
1776, with the following officers in his company: Jonathan Mason
ist lieutenant ; Theodore Catlin, 2d lieutenant; Jesse Buell ensign.
The men were enlisted from Torringford, Litchfield and Cornwall.
The pay roll of this company is reported, in the state library, as lost ;
yet Capt. Griswold made an extra roll, which he placed in the
pocket of his journal, where it remained to the present, in spite of
three generations of children, and more than a hundred years of wear
and tear. It is well preserved, and beautiful to behold, except some
hawk-eyed pictures, which have been scribbled on it either by sol-
diers in the army, or those of the household.

The company marched to Sawpits where it joined the army.

The Marching Roll of Capt. Griswold's Company, March 4, 1777.

From Torrington.
John Burr,
Seth Coe,
Charles Roberts,
Ambrose Fyler,
Jonathan Miller,
Asaph Atwater,
John Birge,
Isaac Filley,
Timothy Loomis,
Ebenezer Bissell,
Return Bissell,
Daniel Winchell,
Frederick Bigelow,
Cotton Mather,
Benjamin Frisbie,
Thomas Skinner,
Nathaniel Barber,
Timothy Kelsey,
Thomas Matthews,
Stephen Rossiter,
Elisha Kelsey.

From Litchfield.
Stephen Smith,
Gideon Philips,
Abel Catlin,
Simeon Ross,
Timothy Gibbs,
Benjamin Stone,
Ashbel Catlin,
Calvin Bissell,
Benjamin Palmer,
John Way,
Abner Baldwin,
Philemon Wilcox,
Solomon Linsley,
John Woodruff,
Enoch Sperry,
Dyer Cleaveland,
Enos Bains,
Solomon Hurson,
Harris Hopkins,
Timothy Linsley,
Joel Taylor,

John Bissell,
Solomon Woodruff,
Philo Woodruff,
Simeon Gibbs,
BeJah Benton.

From Cornwall.
John Mebbins,
Samuel Burton,
Josiah Hopkins,
Asahel Leet,
Solomon Johnson,
Henry Philemor,
Samuel Emmons,
Israel Dibble,
Thomas White,
Elisha Damon,
Jernas Wadsworth,
Joshua Hartshorn,
Noah Harrison,
Asa Emmons,
Jonathan Bell,
Simeon North.

The Torringford and Cornwall men marched eighty-five miles,
and the Litchfield men seventy-five, before reaching the army, on
which account the former received seven shillings and one pence,
each, and the latter six shillings and three pence, as traveling ex-

TORRINGTON IN WaR TiMES. 227

penses. Tradition says this company was in the northern campaign,
going to Crown point and Montreal, taking Fort St. Johns, and re-
turning in the winter, and this agrees with the reports preserved by
the state.

Capt. Medad Hills was appointed captain in December, 1776,
and raised his company from Goshen, Torrington and Winchester,
with the following officers : Timothy Stanley, lieutenant ; and John
Dowd, ensign, Capt. Hills resided in Goshen, near the Torrington
line, and is celebrated for the guns which he made during the war
more than for the battles he fought ; for the reason that his guns
have been seen more than his battles have been heard of, although
he was a brave and honored soldier. He is said to have been in com-
mand of two companies at the taking of New York city, by the Brit-
ish and to have conducted himself and men to the honor of his
country in that perilous time.

The several volunteer companies of the state this year, were put
into one regiment and the assembly appointed Noadiah Hooker, col-
onel ; James Root, lieut. col., and Medad Hills, major. Mr. Hills
was afterwards appointed colonel.

The following persons being detached [drafted] in 1777, and paid
their fines, each, five pounds of money :

Asahel Wilcox, Samuel Beach,

Joseph Taylor, William Wilson,

Isaiah Tuttle, George Baldwin,

Moses Loomis, Jr., Moses Loomis, for his son, second time,

Epaphras Loomis, Jr., George Baldwin, 2d draft,

Roger Wilson, Noadiah Bancroft,

Ephraim Loomis, Pardon Thrall,

Thomas Marshall, Ashbel North,

Noah Fowler, [Samuel] Cummings,

Arial Brace, Benjamin Beach.

In addition to these, Capt. Epaphras Loomis reported the fines of
nine others in 1777. Twenty-three others gave their notes for these
fines, and paid the notes in 1779, "£115, amounting in all to two hund-
red and sixty pounds. These funds were used by the town in giving
extra pay to those who did go, and in hiring other soldiers. Capt.
Epaphras Loomis's company received of this, forty-six pounds.

Benjamin Phelps, in January, 1779, " paid two hundred dollars
for a fine for his son Jonathan, being detached and not going ; £60.''

In 1779, the town treasurer paid the following sums for men as
soldiers.

228

History of Torrington.

"Paid Samuel Roberts for his service in the army £6, \os. Paid an order
in favor of Noah North for his hiring a man in the service, £io ; to Capt.
Amos Wilson for his hiring a man, etc., £io ; to Urijah Cook for his hiring
a man, etc., £io ; to Ebenezer Leach for his service in the army, <£io ; to
Daniel Grant for money paid for clothing £43, js, 6d ; to Samuel Kelsey for
his service in the army ; to Bushniel Benedect for cartouch box, £4, 4/ ;
to Daniel and Abraham Loomis for their hiring a man into the army £10 ;
to Jabez Gillett for two soldier's blankets, £18 ; to Daniel Waller for his hir-
ing a man etc., after he was detached, £10 ; to Dea. Miller for two blankets
for the soldiers £16 ; to Daniel Dibble for a soldier's blanket, £9 ; to Ambrose
Fyler, a continental soldier, £13 ; to Jabez Gillett for a pot detached for the
state use £12, l 2/, ; to Abner Loomis, to hire John Dear to go into the service
in Phelps's boy's room, who paid his fine, £60."

In 1780, the treasurer received fines as follows: By CoL Sheldon,
from Ulyses Fyler, Samuel Clark, Clement Tuttle, William Wilson,
and James Ferguson $216. By Maj. Strong, a fine from Stephen
, $240.

In 1 78 1, the following moneys were received. By several notes
given for fines by those who were detached £^5 each, £35. Also by
Ebenezer Bissell as fine £ro. Sundry other notes, £5, \']s.

In 1 78 1, the treasurer of the town paid the following for services
in the army.

To Jesse Whiting for three months tour, .....

" George Baldwin for cloth blankets, pork, etc., ....

" Nehemiah Gaylord, Jr., for hiring Brigadore Loomis a tour,

" Elisha Kelsey for six months tour, ......

" Eliphalet Hough, six months tour for Sam. Cummings, .

" Roger Marshall for six months tour, ......

" Timothy Loomis for hiring a man six months tour,

" Andrew Ely for six months tour, ......

" Benjamin Gaylord for a six months tour, ....

" Asahel Strong conductor of teams, ......

" Stanley Griswold for part of three months tour,

" Capt. Noah Wilson for wheat for the soldiers, ....

" John Ellsworth for service as a soldier, ....

" Nathan Sanders for his apprentice in service one summer, .

" Barber Moore for a six months tour, ....... 30,12,0

" Elijah Bissell for six months tour, . . . . . . . 36, 0,0

" Ebenezer North for one iron pot for service, . . . . . .1,80

" Nathaniel Kelsey, Jr., for part of three months tour, .... 10, o, o

" Elisha Smith and Samuel Austin, receivers and packers of beef and other

provisions, 38, 2, o

" Zachariah Mather, Wait Beach and Abijah Wilson for clothing and trans-
porting to New Milford, ........ 25, 3, 6

" John Standcliff for a six months tour, ....... 20, o, o

" John Ellsworth for part of a six months tour, ..... 20, o, o

£. s. d.
10, 8, o

4, 9> 6
34,10, o
34,10,0
29, 5, 6
10, 8, o
20, o, o

37, 4,0
20, o, o

18, 0,0
10, 0,0

^, S,°

5,14,0

37, 4, o

TORRINGTON IN WaR TiMES. 229

£. .1. d.

To Jared Palmer for part of a three months tour, 5,14,8

" Noah North for hiring a six months tour, ...... 20, o, o

" Ensign [Benj.] Whiting tor part of three months tour, . . . . 8, 8, o

" Daniel Benedict was voted, ao,oo, o

The following are some of the actions taken in town meeting in
support of the Revolution ;

Dec, 1777. "Voted that Abner Marshall, Capt. Noah Wilson, Mr.
Ebenezer Coe, Sargt. Aaron Austin, and Capt. Shubael Griswold shall be a
committee to look into the matter, in respect to fines and to do justice and equity
to them that were fined."

" Voted that Capt. Abel Beach, Capt. Ebenezer Coe, Capt. Noah Wilson,
Mr. Aaron Austin, Capr. Benjamin Bissell and Lieut. Nehemiah Gaylord, shall
be. a committee to get clothing for the Continental soldiers according to an act
of Assembly, and that the committee give prizes as they judge just and reasonable."

At a meeting of the town held Jan. 6, 1778, " to try the minds
of the town, whether they would approve and adopt the articles of
confederation." " Voted article by article and adopted the ist, id,
3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th articles, and approved the same by a very clear
majority.

"Voted the 8th article upon condition that if that article is to be understood
onlv to mean that our lands and buildings, etc., are to be estimated according
to their value for a rule to proportion the United States by and to find what
each state ought to pay and then left with each state legislature to have liberty
to tax the people in their own way to raise such sums of money as may be
ordered from time to time by congress, then we are in the affirmative, but if
it is to be understood that our taxes are to be raised by lands and buildings and
improvements only and that must be the mode, then we are in the negative by
a clear majority.''

This point of objection was well taken and indicates the sensitive-
ness of the fathers, as to the authority of the general government to
levy taxes directly upon the people. This was one cause of the war
in England under Cromwell, and was one great cause of the Ame-
rican Revolution, and the people were too thoroughly educated on the
subject to take this authority from one party (the king of England)
and put it into the hands of another (the American congress). Poli-
tics, in those days meant something. They were not mere party
squabbles, but questions of law, government and freedom.

" Articles, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth, are approved bv a
very clear majority."

" Voted that the selectmen let those families, whose husbands are in the
service, have what salt they judge reasonable." " That the widow Preston
have given to her gratis one bushel of salt, when it comes, as a free gift from
the town."

230 History of Torrington.

" Voted that Nathaniel Barber Jr., Samuel Kelsey Jr., Clerk Roberts, Am-
bros Fyler, Ebenezer Scovill, Ebenezer Leach, who are now in our service to
fill our quota, and all those men who will enlist or are detached, have given
them twenty shillings a month for each month they are in the service, until the
first day of January next, except those who take the benefit by law provided to
support their tlimilies "

"Voted that Lieut. Ebenezer Miller and Ensign Elijah Gaylord, Capt. x'lbel
Beach, and Mr. Caleb Lyman be a committee to divide to each family the
town salt according to the number of inhabitants in the town "

In March 1778, they "voted that Capt. Noah Wilson, Capt.
Abel Beach, Capt. Ebenezer Coe, Capt. Benjamin Bissell, Mr.
Aaron Austin and Lieut, Neheiniah Gaylord, shall be a committee
to provide for those families that are left and whose husbands are in
the army, as the law directs." " Voted to appoint a committee to
provide the clothing for our quota, and that the committee divide
into six districts, and that each district provide their equal proportion,
and that Lieut. Ebenezer Miller, Mr. Daniel Hudson, Mr. Asahel
Strong, Mr. Abner Loomis, Ensign Daniel Grant and Mr. Ashbel
North be a committee to divide and procure their equal proportions
of clothing."

In December, 1778, another committee was appointed to procure
clothing, consisting of George Baldwin, Dr. Elkanah Hodges, Ens.
Benjamin Whiting, John Wetmore, Ezekiel Bissell Jr., and John
Birge.

In September, 1779, a special town meeting was called for the
purpose and they directed the select men with the committee, to
borrow money if necessary, to provide clothing and provisions for
soldiers' families.

In the next December, at the regular meeting they decided that
" Daniel Dibble, Reuben Burr, Noah Wilson, Jr., and Ens. Wait
Beach, be a committee to take care of the soldiers' families the year
ensuing." And at the same time they appointed Nehemiah Gaylord,
Jr., Michael Loomis, Elisha Smith, Caleb Lyman, Hewit Hills, Eli
Richards, a committee to procure clothing for the soldiers for the
year ensuing.

On December 4th, 1780, when war matters were looking gloomy,
and further call had been made for soldiers, the town appointed
Lieut, Jesse Cook, Ens. Daniel Grant, Lieut. John Burr, Sergeant
Benjamin Beach, Mr. David Soper, and Mr, Ashbel North, a com-
mittee to procure men for three years, or during the war to fill one
quota of the Continental army ; and to leave the matter with the
committee now appointed, to get the men as reasonable as they can

ToRRINGTON IN WaR TiMES. 23 I

and for whatever they do the town will be responsible, and will
satisfy their contract with those they hire, and satisfy all reasonable
expenses."

In this year and in 1781, it required a great effort to procure the
number of men required of the town, and the votes passed were of a
very stringent and thorough character so as to meet the demands
made; extra taxes were levied; authority to borrow money given ;
Daniel Grant was kept in the saddle collecting taxes almost the year
round ; ' three special town meetings were held in 1781 ; the town
was divided into classes or districts and every district must furnish
the men adjudged to be its proportion ; and the very language in
which the acts are expressed indicate the extremity to which they
were driven. Their town meetings were like councils of war rather
than any thing else ; and on one occasion continued (June 2), in the
old Torrington meeting house until after dark and they adjourned to
the house of Ephraim Bancroft to have light to see to record the
transactions. The great question was how to get men without op-
pression and injustice, for they say to the committee, '■'■ to make out
the town quota, in the most equitable way and manner as they possi-
bly can, to do equal justice," for the drafts fell so heavy that there
was danger of rebellion, and if not who could be found to arrest a
man ; take him from his already suffering family and drag him into
the army. One resolution has the ring of defiance ! " voted that it
the militia officers neglect to detach three weeks (against the order)
the town will defend from cost that may arise therefrom." That
is, they must and would have a little time to do the work assigned.
This was not all ; when the men were procured, the demands for
provisions must be met. "Voted that the civil authority and select-
men, divide the town into four equal classes by the lists and draw
lots which class shall pay the first month's beef, and so on for the
four months." This means that the authorities took a man's ox or
cow, whether he would or not, and sent it to the army, that those sons
and fathers already there might not starve. For any such thing
taken, the town always paid a full price, but every ox and cow was
wanted in the town and were not for sale.

The year 1782 came, and with it another call for men from this
town the number being eleven.

" Voted that the four classes as set out last year he assigned to procure eleven
men for one year as follows, viz : that the first class be divided into three

See Biographical sketch.

232

History of Torrington.

classes, each to procure one man ; the second class remain as they were last
year, to procure two men ; the third class to be divided into three classes, each
to procure one man ; the fourth class to remain together to procure three men ;
and that the selectmen first divide and set out by the list ot 1781, into four
classes or equal parts, as set out last year, and then divide as aforesaid."

These eleven, were state men, and others must be procured.

" Voted that the committee above mentioned be a committee to hire what
men are wanted to fill our quota aforesaid of the Continental army as well as
the state men."

This was the last draft they had to meet and well it was, for
they could not have procured many more soldiers, unless the women
had volunteered.

In all the votes of the town there appeared no hesitancy, but
great cheerfulness in meeting all requirements, as 10 the army and
the care of the soldier's families at home, in hope of final and lasting
success in freedom.

Not an intimation is given on the town records of any person be-
ing disloyal to the American cause, and as far as can now be judged
those who took the oath of fidelity to this cause, beginning in
1777, include all the voters in the town at that time, and onward as
they became of age or came into the town. That list is a noble
showing for the town.

Epaphras Sheldon, as colonel, entered complaint against Mat-
thew Grant Sen., in May 1777, as an officer in the militia, that he
neglected and hindered in the exercising of the militia, and he was
summoned before the assembly, but he took the oath in the next
September.

Taxes during the Revolution.

They were very high, and on account of the scarcity of money
extremely difficult to pay ; and the actual suffering, consequent, was
very considerable.

The town tax in 1775 amounted to X27, u, 7^<5^ for the west side,
and £14,3^,2^, for the east side, or both, £/\.i^^s, g^d. In 1777, the
two assessments made amounted to £181, 12^, lO^; or more than four
times that of 1775. In 1779, they amounted to X308, 45, 2^. In
1780, the amount in figures was £3054, is, 10^, which they could not
have paid if the figures represented hard money, but they meant Con-
tinental money, which was abundant, but worth very little. In [781,
the twoassessments amounted to £506, 5^,3!^, in state money, which

TORRINGTON IN WaR TiMES. 233

money was then becoming the reliable currency, gold]and silver being
almost unknown, practically.

In the collection of these taxes, Daniel Grant became a celebrated,
and almost indispensable man, because of his success in obtaining the
money, and also in making it as easy as possible for the people. In
many cases the persons could not raise the money, it being entirely
beyond their ability. Mr. Grant would take a cow, sell it according
to law, buy it himself; leave the cow with the family, taking a note
for three years, at the expiration of which time he was to receive the
cow with the first calf. This was a great favor to these helpless
families. Mr. Grant is said to have made some money In this mat-
ter, and if so it was well earned. He was the banker of the town.
He accepted wheat and clothing for the army, and attended to the
exchange, by which the claims for money were satisfied by other
articles, and when others could not raise the money needed, he did
it, and took such property (lands or goods) as could be spared ; and
did the work' with such remarkable equity, that the town by vote in
town meeting, committed almost the whole matter to him during
the last four years of the war. No higher praise could be bestowed
on one man under like circumstances. At the first there were other
collectors appointed, especially one for the east side ; toward the last
he was the only one appointed, and in the collection of money
levied by congress, through the state, he was chosen " grand col-
lector " showing the confidence placed in him and his ability to man-
age the matter to the satisfaction, and as far as could be, to the
comfort of all.

And finally, many of the notes he took for property were never
collected, and in his last will he gave a farm to the town for the pur-
pose of schooling (see his biography).

The Women of the Revolution,

They stayed at home. Ah, did not their hearts go with their sons
and husbands to the battlefield, for seven long years ? Did they not
suffer more in their anxieties, sympathies and privations at home
than the men in the field ? What meant the gathering of the women
once a week at the taverns of Col. Epaphras Sheldon and Capt. Ben-
jamin Bissell to get some news from the war, but that, there was
much suffiering and hard fare at home ? But this was not all. In
1776, when the two militia companies were called away in August,
who gathered the crops during the next two months ? The women

234 History of Torringto

and the children, for the men were nearly all gone ; one aged lady
who heard much of these times said lately, " every body went."
Who was it that did without tea, and cooked the dinners without
salt, and made pies without sugar, or even molasses, except they
themselves obtained it from the maple trees of the forest, but the
women whose hearts were growing sadder every year, and many of
them, were those whose eyes were dim already, because they should
see no more those sons, some of them were mere children in years,
who had gone to the war never to return ? Who was it but the mother
of Noah Beach's children who for weeks during the war had no
bread in the house for herself and children, but griddle cakes made of
buckwheat bran, of which her son said years after, " if they were
baked from morning until four o'clock in the afternoon they would
be so sticky that he could not swallow them ? "

Who spun the wool and wove the cloth, made into the blankets,
for which the town was credited nine and ten pounds e^ch, in money
by the state, but the wives of Deacon Miller, Jabez Gillett, Daniel
Dibble, and many others of the same noble heart and courage ?
Who pulled the flax, beat off the seed, spun the linen and wove the
cloth to make the soldiers' tents but such women as widow Mary
Birge and fifty others who were as patriotic as any general in the
army. ? <

In the early part of 178 1, the French army passed through this
town on their way to join Washington's army near New York, and
encamped on Torringford street.'

There was a company of troopers or soldiers on horses, formed
in this town in 1779 or 80, who took active part in the revolutionary
service, as the records show that they received pay for such service
in the same proportion as the other militia companies. Two horse
pistols are still preserved, and are in the hands of Mr. George Allyn,
that were a part of the equipment of this company. They were
made by Medad Hills, and bear his inscription.

•Jeremiah Spencer, born in Bolton, Ct., February 5, 1770, was taken by his parents
with five other children to Wyoming. In the summer of 1776, the father died of small
pox. The two older sons were killed in the battle of Wyoming July 3, 1778, and the
mother and four surviving children fled from the scene of desolation, on foot for Bolton,
where they arrived at the end of five weeks, Jeremiah then in his ninth year, making the
whole journey on foot, without hat, coat or shoes. He removed to Torringford about 1803,
where he lived until his death. He joined the church on profession, July 4, 1858, in his
eighty-ninth year, and died Oct. 22, 1863, in his ninety-fourth year.

TORRINGTON IN WaR TiMES. 235

Officers and Soldiers.

Gen. Epaphras Sheldon was lieutenant under Col. Oliver
Wolcott and afterwards was made major, colonel and general after
the war.

Capt. Shubael Griswold was lieutenant in two campaigns in
the French war in 1758 and 9, and was captain in two campaigns in
the Revolution.

Capt. John Strong was captain of the militia and was probably
in two or three campaigns.

Capt. Amos Wilson enlisted a company, went to the war but was
taken ill by sun stroke and returned home.

Capt. Epaphras Loomis, probably, was elected to Capt. Amos
Wilson's position, in the commencement of the war, and as captain
of the Torrington company was in several campaigns with the militia,
and was afterwards appointed captain of an enlisted company.

Capt. Noah Wilson was the first captain of a military company
in the town, and he resigned and his brother Amos was elected in
his place, and as near as can be ascertained, Amos resigned soon after
the commencement of the war, and was not in the service long.

Noah Wilson may have gone in the call for the militia in 1775.

David Lyman served in the army some time, was honorably dis-
charged to run a grist mill in New Hartford for the supply of the re-
volutionary troops ; resided in Torringford a number of years before
his death. He is said to have been known by the name of General
Lyman.

Capt. Jabez Gillett was in the service.

Dr. Isaac Day, of Torringford, was appointed surgeon's mate in
the regiment of Col. Webb, in 1777.

Dr. Oliver Bancroft was in the army.

Dr. Elkanah Hodges was probably in the army with the militia
two or three terms when they were called out, as he received pay as
others.

Dr. Samuel Woodward was in the army, but probably with the
militia.

Capt. Seth Coe was a soldier in the Revolution, enlisting when
but seventeen, and remaining through the war, and was probably made
captain in the war.

Levi Watson was at Danbury when it was burned by the British.

Thomas Watson was in the state service, which he entered at

236

History of Torrington.

the age of fifteen, and joined the Continental army when but nine-
teen.

Shubael Griswold Jr., was an officer in his father's company in
the Revolution, and afterwards became general of the militia at
East Hartford.

Pardon Abbott, from Rhode Island, was a soldier in the Revolu-
tion ; drew a pension many years ; lived in the old house on the little
hill below the nickel furnace in Torrington hollow.

AsAHEL Strong was conductor of teams.

The following persons are known to have been in the Revolution
for various lengths of time •, some in the militia and some of them in
the regular army :

Oliver Coe,
Oliver Coe Jr.,
Dr. Oliver Bancroft,
Nathaniel Barber jr.,
Bushniel Benedict,
Daniel Benedict,
Simeon Birge,
Elijah Bissell,
John Dear,
Noah Drake Sen.,
Andrew Ely,
John StandclifF,
John Ellsworth,
Ebenezer Scoville,

Ambrose Fyler,
Benjamin Whiting,
Benjamin Gaylord,
Jesse Whiting,
Stanley Griswold,
Henry Whiting,
Shubael Griswold Jr.,
Eliphalet Hough,
Joseph Hoskins Sen.,
Samuel Kelsey,
Elisha Kelsey,
Nathaniel Kelsey,
Samuel Kelsey Jr.,
David Lyman,

Epaphras Loomis Jr.,
Wait Loomis,
Elijah Loomis,
Richard Leach,
Ebenezer Leach,
Roger Marshall,
Barber Moore,
Jared Palmer,
Abel Roberts,
Samuel Roberts,
Clerk Roberts,
William Williams,
Stephen Rowley,
John Williams.

The War of the Rebellion.

The flag of the Union was fired on at Fort Sumter, April 14, 1861,
and on the 21st of the same month this town issued a call for a special
meeting to be held on the 27th following, " for the purpose of making
an appropriation from the treasury of the town to furnish arms and
clothing to those who might volunteer and be mustered in at the call
of the president of the United States." At the appointed time the
meeting voted the sum of four thousand and five hundred dollars, to
be drawn and appropriated to the designated end by a committee, the
following named persons being that committee : Bradley R. Agard,
Francis N. Holly, William R. Slade, Thomas A. Miller, and Harvey
L. Rood.

Such was the prompt, decided and substantial manifestation of the
town in favor of sustaining the Union of the United States, and the
principles of national freedom. At the annual meeting in the next

TORRINGTON IN WaR TiMES. I37

October, they made further provisions for soldiers' families, and for
any persons who should enlist ; and on Monday July 28, 1862, at a
special meeting the town voted one hundred dollars bounty to each
soldier accepted in the service from the town, before the twentieth
of the next August. Before that time expired another meeting was
called and the sum of one hundred dollars continued ; and an addi-
tional fifty dollars offered to those who should enlist, under the call
for 300,000 men for nine months. On the thirtieth of August, of
the same year, after a draft had been ordered the town offered two
hundred dollars bounty to those who should enlist from the town to
obviate the necessity of carrying the draft into effect, and $7,000 were
appropriated for this end.

On the 27th day of July, 1863, a meeting was held, called for the
purpose of voting three hundred dollars bounty to " such of the citi-
zens of this town who may be drafted," but no vote to this effect
was passed, and two subsequent meetings were held before a final
decision was reached in regard to certain matters of interest, when
the vote passed to pay every man who should be drafted two hundred
dollars, and every man who should be drafted and furnish a substitute,
one hundred and fifty dollars, and the selectmen directed to hire so
•much money as should be necessary to execute the vote.

When five hundred thousand men were called for in July, 1864,
the town voted five thousand dollars to fill the required number of
soldiers, and in the next month the town gave authority for the select-
men to borrow so much money as might be necessary for the purpose
of filling the quota of the town, and gave them power to " use said
money in such measures as they shall deem best for the object."
Therefore the selectmen were entrusted with nearly the whole matter,
which indicates the very great confidence of the town in them, and
the great pressure the drafts were making upon the people of the
land.

All of this may be thought to be well enough and that when men
are trying to get out of the fight themselves they can afford to sur-
render a little money to accomplish that end, but this town showed
its true spirit of honor when, after the war closed, they voted one
hundred dollars to those soldiers who had not received a bounty, or
the wives and widows of such soldiers who had been taken prisoners
or who had died in the service.

Such is an outline of the acts of the town for the purpose of sus-
taining the nation's honor in the hour of severe and very great trial,
in the hope of perpetuating to the generations to follow the great boon

238 History of Torrington.

of liberty for which the fathers in the Revolution struggled so marvel-
ously and successfully, but, to portray the real character of the late
war as it affected the people of this town as well as others, and follow
the desolations, privations and sorrows consequent upon the mis-
fortune of those who by the calamities of war " crossed the dead
line," would require a book of itself, and such a book, even, would
be only a faint echo of the past. Were it proper and consistent with
the circumstances of the author of this book, he would most gladly
give a month's time, to secure some significant memorial to the noble
men of this town, who left all, risked all, suffered much, and espe-
cially those who laid down their lives, for their homes, their friends,
and their country ; but he is compelled to leave the matter in the one
effort of trying to make the catalogue of names as complete as it is
in his power of doing.

First Regiment Heavy Artillery, C. F.

Sanford H. Perkins, capt., Co. I, May 23, 1861 ; promoted maj., 14th C. V., June 7, 1862.
Albert F. Brooker, ist lieut., Co. I, May 23, 1861 ; promoted capt., Co. B, May 23, 1862.
Edward H. Mix, 2d lieut., Co. I, " " " ist lieut., Co. C, resigned

Feb. 6, 1862.
Collis S. Hough, sergt., Co. I, May 23, i86i ; re-enlisted as veteran, Dec. 17, 1863.
David W. Smith, corporal, Co. I, May 23, 1861 ; discharged May 23, 1864, term expired.*
King Walbridge, " " " "

Charles Huxford, " " « "

Frank R. Brooker, private,
Wilbur W. Birge, «'
Edward C. Castle, "

<< (C

« «

<( (( « <( <l

(t « « <( (<

<( << 'I I '< « «

" disability, Sept. 23, 1861.

" May 23, 1864, term expired.

Clement Griffin, " " " " died, Nov. 23, 1862,

Asahel C. Johnson, " " " " re-enjisted as veteran, Feb. 5, 1864.

James H. Mott, " " " " discharged May 23, 1864, term expired.

Hayden D. Palmer, " " " " re-enlisted as veteran, Dec. 30, 1863.

Eber N. Stocking, " ■' " " discharged, disability, Sept. 23, 1861.

Elisha J. Steele, private, " May, 23, 1861 j re-enlisted as veteran, Dec. 30, 1863.

Charles W. Smith, " " " « '« " " " Nov. 16, 1863.

Henry M. Stocking, " « " «' " " « " " " "

Lambert W. Steele, " « « ' " « " " Dec. 10, 1863.

Recruits, Company I.
John Keaton, private, Co. I, April 12, 1862; re-enlisted as veteran, April 19, 1864.

Second Regiment Heavy Artillery C. V.

Dr. Jeremiah W. Phelps, ist ast. surgeon, Sept. 5, 1862; resigned, Sept. 15, 1862.
Jonathan A. Wainwright, chaplain, Sept. 8, 1862; resigned, Jan. 20, 1863.
Wilbur W. Birge, sergt. maj., July 28, 1862 ; promoted to ist lieut., Co. F, Feb. 6, 1864.
William T. Spencer, ist lieut., Co. C, July 22, 1862; promoted capt. of Co. K, Aug.

II, 1863.
Morris H. Sanford, 2d lieut., Co. C, July 21, 1862; promoted ist lieut., Aug. 11, 1863.
George K. Hyde, sergt., Co. C, Aug. 25, 1862 , promoted 2d lieut., Co. G, Feb. 6, 1864.

TORRINGTON IN WaR TiMES.

239

« «

(( <<
(< <(

July 28, 1862.
Aug. II, 1862.

" died, Alexandria, Va., April i, 1863.

<( (C

« <c

Orsamus R. Fyler, sergt. Co. C, Aug. 9, 1862 j promoted 2d lieut., Co. I, Feb. 6, 1864.

David C. Munson, corporal, Co. C, Aug. 4, 1862.

Albert P. Newberry, corporal, Co. A, Aug. 4, 1862; died in Va., April 14, 1864.

David J. Thorp, corporal, Co. C, July 28, 1862; killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June I, 1864.

Martin L. Judd, corporal, Co. C, Aug. 11, 1862.

William H. Hyde, corporal, Co. C, July 24, 1862; discharged, disability, Aug. 8, 1863.

John Wilcox, Co. A, died from wounds, June 16, 1864.

Andrew J. Brooker, Co. A, died from wounds, Oct. 12, 1864.

Hicks Seaman, musician, Co. C, July 28, 1862.

Andrew E. Workman, musician, Co. C, Aug. 4, 1862.

Milo F. Barber, private, Co. C, Aug. 11, 18625 discharged, disability, April 18, 1864.

Anson F. Balcom, " " " '« «' " died, wounds Va., Sept. 19, 1864.

Edward M. Balcom, private, Co. C, Aug. 11, 1862.

John R. Blakeslee, "

Virgil R. Bissell, "

Giles A. Come, "

Orrin H. Cooke, "

Alfred Calkins, «

army.
Edward M. Dunbar, "
Joseph Durocher, "

Orlando D. Evans, "
John Friend, "

Cornel A. Hammond, "
Frederick O. Hills, "
William H. Hart, »

Harlow S. Johnson. "

1864.
James Jukes, "

John De Lowry, "

Dennis Murphy, "

McKenzie Millard, "
James Moran, "

Charles E. Morse, "

Carrel F. North, «

Alonzo Smith, "

David J. Thorp, "

George C. Thompson, "
Wright Waterhouse, "
Henry M. Woodruff, "
Lucien N. Whiting, "
Harrison Whitney, "
Milo Young, "

died at home, disease contracted in

died, Feb. 28, 1863.

Aug. 6, 1862.

July 24, 1862J discharged, Nov. 9, 1862.

Aug. II, 1862.

" " " died in hospital, Va., June 24, 1864.

" " " died at Baltimore, Md., Sept. 23,

honorably discharged.

« it

« «

« i<

Aug.

4, 1862.

Aug.

7, 1862.

Aug.

II, 1862

Aug.

14, 1862

(■

July

25, 1862.

((

'« " " killed at Cold Harbor, June i, 1865.

July 23, 1862.
July 28, 1862;

Aug. II, 1862 J died in hospital, N. H., July 22, 1864.
Aug. 4, 1862.

it tt It

Aug. II, 1862; died in hospital, May 14, 1865.
Charles G. Mason, private, Co. E, July 30, 1862.
Hubbard E. Tuttle, " " " Aug. 6, 1862.

Lant Ryan, corporal, Co. K, Aug. 12, 1862.
Asahel N. Perkins, private, Co. K, Augi. 7, 1862; died, wounds.

Patrick Farrell, " " « « « « honorably discharged, June I, 1864.

Enoch G. Warhurst, " '« " Aug. 6, 1862.

Patrick Peacock, " '< " « " " honorably discharged.

240 History of Torrington.

Co. C Recruits. j

Newton A. Calkins, private, Co. C, Dec. 9, 1863. 1

John Delowry, " " " Jan. 2, 1864. '

William H. Hart, " « " Dec. 28, 1863.

Andrew Harris, " " " Dec. 23, 1863. \

James M. Hayes, " " " Dec. 15, 1863 j died in Va., July 24, 1864. i

Patrick Kenedy, " " " Feb. 1 1, 1864.

Lewis A. Luddington, " " " Jan. 5, 1864.

Jeremiah McCarthy, " « " Dec. 28, 1863 ; killed Va., Sept. 19, 1864.
Patrick O'Conner, " '< " Dec. 15, 1863.

Henry W. Ostrum, " " " Dec. 28, 1863.

George W. Pitrce, " " «• Dec. 15, 1863; killed. Cold Harbor June i, 1864.

Albert M. Scoville, " " " Dec. 28, 1863 j died, Va., Oct. 19, 1864.
Horace A. Thompson, private, Co. M., Feb. 12, 1864.
George H. Wheeler, private, Co. M, Feb. 12, 1864.

. i
Second Regiment Infantry, C. V. j

Henry G. Colt, private, May 7, 1861 j honorably discharged Aug. 7, 1861. |

George M. Evans, " " « " « " " " '

Third Regiment Infantry, C. F. \

Allen G. Brady, It. colonel. May 14, i8bi ; honorably discharged Aug. 12, 1861.
William G. Brady, sergt. major. May 14, 1861; " " Aug. 12, 1861, I

Joseph P. Reed, private. May 14, i85i ; Rifle Co. F, honorably discharged Aug. 12, 18 61. I

George M. Evans, private, Nov. 2, 1861 ; Cav. Co. D, re-enlisted as vet., Dec. 17, 1863.

First Regiment Cavalry Recruits, Co. G. '.

Nelson Hodges, private, Nov. 30, 1863.
Cornelius Horgan, " Dec. 22, 1863. !

Eighth Regiment Infantry, Co. C.

Henry H. Riggs, corporal, Sept. 25, 1861. <

Thomas J. Hubbard, corporal, Oct. 5, 1861 ; re-enlisted veteran, Dec. 24, 1863.

William H. McCarty, private, Sept. 25, 1861 ; discharged, disability March 4, 1863.

John Collins, private, Co. F, Sept. 4, 18635 substitute or drafted. ;

James Churchill, private, Co. I, Sept. 4, 1863; " " "

John Hern, '• Co. F, Sept. 4, 1863 ; «' '« " ;

William Matice, " Co. I, Sept. 4, 1863. j

Frank Miller, " Co. A, Mar. 29, 1864. !

Henry C. Woodward, private, Co. I, Feb. 25, 1864. ■

Tenth Regiment. 1

Simon Lathrop, Co. A., killed N. C, Dec. 14, 1862. ]

Eleventh Regiment Infantry, C. F. Recruits. [

John C. King, private, Mar. 30, 1864; not taken upon the rolls June 30, 1864. ti

Lewis Dayton, Co. D, killed Sept. 17, 1862.

Thomas Lackey, private, Co. H, Mar. 30, 1864.

James McGrath, " Apr. i, 1864.

George Sinclair, " Co. K, Apr. i, 18645 trans. U. S. navy, Apr. 29, 1864.

TORRINGTON IN WaR TiMES. 24I

Michael Welch, private, Co. K, Mar. 30, 1864.

Henry Williams, " Co. K, Apr. i, 1864.

Lewis E. Walling, " Co. E, died during the war.

Thirteenth Regiment Infantry, C. F.

Hurlbifit C. Hayes, corporal, Co. B., Jan. 11, 1862.

Charles F. Cleaveland, private, Co. B, Dec. 22, 1861 j died Apr. 8, 1862.

Edward M. Dunbar, " " " Dec. 2, 1861 ; discharged, disability, June 30, 1862.

Edward A. Foot, " *' " Jan. 11.

Frederick E. Hawley, " " " Dec. 22, 1861 ; discharged, disability, Feb. 28, 1863.

Dennis Hegany, " " " Dec. 22, 1861 ; re-enlisted as veteran, Feb. 8, 1864.

George E. Hewlett, " " " Dec. 22, 1861 j transf. to ist. La. Regt., Aug. 8, 1862.

Edward Murphy, " *' " Feb. 20, died Apr. 7, 1862.

Michael Higany, " " " Feb. 20, re-enlisted as veteran, Feb. 29, 1864.

Henry A. Hurlbut, Co. G., honorably discharged.

Fourteenth Regiment Infantry^ C. F. Co. C.

William Bradshaw, Co. A, died Aug. 16, 1864.

Edward Carroll, private, July 8, 1862; deserted April 30, 1863.

Fourteenth Regiment Infantry, C. F. Recruits.

Frederick Cheever, private, Co. D, Sept. 17, 1863 ,• substitute or drafted.

Nicholas Deane, " Co C, Sept. 7, 1863 ; " " " supposed prisoner.

Feb. 6, 1864.

Ferdinand GrosslofF, " Co. D, Sept. 17, 1863 j deserted to the enemy April 30, 1864.

John Fitzpatrick, " Co. E, " " " honorably discharged.

Thomas Rumble " Co. A, Sept. 11, 1863; supposed prisoner Oct., 1863.

George Smith 2d, " Co. H, Sept. 8, 1863.

John Suffang, " Co. C, Sept 8,1863.

Sixteenth Regiment.

Christopher C. Johnson, Co. E, died in Andersonville prison.

Seventeenth Regiment Infantry, C. F.

Allen G. Brady, major, Aug. 29, 1862; discharged, disability, Oct. 2i, 1863.

Twenty-Second Regiment Infantry, Co. E.

Riley Dunbar, private, Sept. 20, 1862; honorably discharged July 7, 1863.

Twenty-Third Regiment Infantry, C. F.

Henry Barber, Co. A, honorably discharged.

John Deloury, private, Co. A, Aug. 30, 1862 j honorably discharged Aug. 31, 1862.

Andrew Barrett, " Co. H, Aug. 22,18625 " " ^"g- 3i> 1863.

Twenty-Eighth Regiment Infaritry C. F .
Lucius E. Bissell, corporal, Co. F, Sept. i, 1862.

Lafayette Bailey, private, " " Aug. 21, 1862 ; honorably discharged Aug. 28, 1863.
Erwin W. Curtiss, " " " Sept. i, 1862; died May 27, 1863.

Lewis E. Dailey, " " " Sept. i, 1862; honorably discharged Aug. 28, 1863.

242 History of Torrington.

Twenty-Ninth Regiment Infantry, C. V.

Henry S. Freeman, private, Co. H, March 2, 1864.

Edward Freeman, Co. C, died in Texas Oct. 13, 1855.

George Wright, private, Co. I, Dec. 31, 1863.

Thirtieth Regiment Infantry, C. F.
Thomas W. Browne, private, Co. F, March 28, 1864; not taken on the rolls June 30, 1864.

Colored Drafted Men and Substitutes, assigned to Fourteenth Regiment R. I.

Heavy Artillery.

Richard Harrison, private, Co. D, Sept. 9, 1863.

Nelson Harrison, " Co. D, Sept. 9, 1863.

Hannibal Randall, " Co. D, Aug. 22, 1863 ; died place unknown.

John N. Smith, Co. B, 21st Mass., died during war.

Harvey F. Bellamy, Co. B, 21st Mass.

Russell P. Fellows enlisted at Bristol in Co. K, i6th regiment early in the war, was taken

prisoner April 20, 1864.
Harvey Fellows enlisted in Co. C, 25th regiment, was taken prisoner but was exchanged.

CHAPTER XIX.

THINGS THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN LEFT OUT.

[MUSEMENTS have been sought by young and old in
all generations and nations ; the only difference being
simply as to the kind indulged in. Among the sports
engaged in for many years in Torrington, were hunting
matches ; in which the animals and birds killed were counted at a
certain rate and the side which counted the less number were ob-
ligated to pay for a good dinner, and treat all round. On one occa-
sion there was a hunt and the count was to be on the heads of the
animals killed. Miles Beach being on one side, went into the corn-
field and caught one or two hundred mice and brought the heads,
claiming that a head was a head, and should be counted. In this
transaction, whether he was much of a sportsman or not, he de-
monstrated that he was a good mouser.

On another occasion of a hunt, the tails of the animals were to be
counted. One man shot at a squirrel, cut off his tail and carried it
to the rendezvous, where it counted all the same, while the squirrel
went on his way in new fashion.

Wild Cats.

These animals seem to have exercised the minds of either the
young men or the old men or the children, to an extent quite sur-
prising. During some years before 1800, the town voted fifty cents
bounty for a wild cat's head, and at that rate the treasurer of the
town paid for a considerable number of them, but, either to keep ^
some lazy fellows hunting, so as to keep them from worse employ-
ment, or to make believe there were wild cats, or to put the real
wild cats out of the way, so that the young fellows would not be
scared in going home nights after seeing the girls, the town offered
in 1^02, one dollar a head bounty, and in 1806, it offered two dol-
lars a head.

A little above Daytonville, on the road to Newfield, east of the
road is a strange looking hollow called Wild Cat hollow, and it is well
named if the name indicates a place where wild cats could hide.

244 History of Torrington.

The formation is by the upheaval of the rocks, and large stones
thrown in according to no rule of masonry.

A Prosecution for Profanity.

" To Ebenezer Norton, Esq., his majesty's justice of the peace, for Litchfield

county in Conn.

Benjamin Whiting, grand juror for said county of Litchfield for the time
being, and other informing officers for said town and county, on their oath, in
the name and behalf of our sovereign lord the now king ; complaint and infor-
mation make against Matthew Grant of Torrington in said county for breach
of law, for that he, the said Matthew, being at the dwelling house of Epaphras
Sheldon Esq., and at Mr. Ebenezer Goes, in Torrington, on or about the 21st
day of January last, past, and several of his majesty's subjects being present,
the said Matthew did at the aforesaid place, in a very tumultuous and angry
way and manner, did with a loud voice sware, bv God vainly, rashly and in a
passion and profanely, and used those vain words following, viz : * The south
end of Torrington is as bad as hell, and that the Wilsons would all go to hell,
and that they would go to the devil,' and many other rash and profane words,
did then and there express in a very wicked way and manner ; all which the
complainers say, was contrary to the peace of our sovereign lord the king, and
the law of this colony ; and pray that the said Matthew Grant may be pro-
ceeded with as the law directs, made and provided in such cases.

Dated at Torrington this 5th day of March, 1773.
Joseph Allen, ^ ' Benj. Whiting, ) ^^^^^

Joseph Tanter, V Evidence for the king. Noah Wilson, >■ .

Benjamin Beach, ) Isaac Goodwin, ) ^ ^'

Ephraim Bancroft, ] Constables.
Jabez Gillett, j of Torrington."

On the back of this paper is written the order for Mr. Grant's
arrest, dated September 23, 1773, or six months after the complaint
was made, by which time the hot excitement had probably cooled
down a little.

Items taken from Mr. William Whiting's account book :

" Memorandum. Be it remembered that in August, in the old of the
moon, and the sign in the heart, is the time to cut bushes to kill them and not
fail."

" Memorandum of the day that Mr. Nathan Gillett set out for New Con-
necticut [Ohio] to the town of Morgan." [Year 1801.]

In those days when a family removed to the then far west it was
a topic of general conversation, and prayers were offered for them
in church, and many persons noted the day the family started, and
for fifty years could tell the day, without having made any memo-
randum. But about 1815 to 20, such removals became so common
that memory failed to note the day every one started. One woman

Things not Left Out. 245

now living, remembers seeing the emigrant wagons on Litchfield
turnpike, day after day, moving on slowly toward Litchfield and the
west, there being some times half a dozen of these wagons in com-
pany, covered with white canvas ; old fashioned lumber wagons,
with no springs ; some drawn by horses, some by oxen, some
by cows. Hundreds of families were on the road from six to eight
weeks in soing from Connecticut to Ohio.

" Memorable day this 8th dav of May 1803. There was a snow midleg
deep. Peach trees were all in bloom. It froze very much two nights.
Young men sav it will kill the fruit, old men say it will not, and now we
wait for time to bring forth."

As to the result we are not informed, which is much to be re-
gretted.

" List for the year A. D. 1797- Six acres plough land ; fifty-five acres of
cleared pasture, twentv-seven acres of bush pasture ; forty acres of wood land."

This is very much in proportion, as many farms are at the present
day, after the changes of eighty years.

" February 20th, A. D. 1802. This day Ira Loomis took a cow for three
years, and at the end of three years is to return the cow and the oldest calf"

Squabble Hill.

At the foot of a certain hill lived a family long ago, in a house,
now all gone, which family had so much trouble within itself, so
many squabbles, that the hill has been known ever since by the
name of Squabble hill, and as in all such cases is a steep hill to

climb.

Laconic Correspondence.

Mr. John Alvord, possessed a somewhat remarkable character,
not for industry and wealth, but as having read up, surprisingly, the
history of the ancient philosophers, and as having a great admiration
for those ancient worthies. While living in Winsted the following
correspondence transpired between him and Doctor Woodward of
this town :

" Mr. John Alvord,

Sir : In looking over my old notes, I find one signed, John Alvord, dated
Jan., 1808 ; ten years ago last January. You sir, are one of the philosophers
and wise men of the day. 1 ask if it is not time to pay it. If you conclude
it is not, I muse be compelled to submit the matter to other wise men.

Yours,

Sam Woodward."

246 History of Torrington.

"Dr. SamL Woodward,

Sir : I this day reed, a line from you, stating that you held a note against
me, etc. You was also pleased to rank me with the ' philosophers and wise
men' of the day. I esteem it a high honor to be ranked with the philosophers
and wise men even of the present day, which fall far short of the philosophy
of ancient times. We do not expect to wear the ring of Guyges, or the cap
of Fortunatus at the present day. Philosophy is good, and wisdom is profita-
ble to direct, but neither will pay debts without money. I have three or four
times this summer been invited into the company of those wise men you speak
of, which has drained me of every cent in money I had, and almost every
resource, and what to do in the present case I cannot tell.

If sir, you are determined ' to submit the matter to the wise men' you spoke
of, I think there is no need of crossing the Styx in search of such ancient
worthies as Minos, Aechus and Rhadamaiithus, they were judges of higher
matters. But there are a number of the sons of your old friend and honored
master, Aesculapius, who I think may be ranked with the wisest of men at the
present day. There is one resides in this place. As you pass by the forge of
Vulcan, you go a little beyond the leather mill, and just at the left hand of A.
B. C. college, resides one who / think mav be ranked with the wisest of men
at the present day. If sir, you will leave your note with him, or any of his
brethren in office, I will pay it as quick as I can, and confess judgment if you
desire it. Yours,

John Alvord."

The Whipping Post.

This method of penalty was continued to a later day in Torring-
ton, than in some other towns, but was resorted to largely, in cases
of stealing. Mr. Israel Coe, as constable, whipped two men about
the years 18 17 and 18 ; one for stealing a piece of broadcloth at the
woolen mill, the other for stealing a silver spoon at Capt. Samuel
Bradley's.

" At a justice court holden at Torrington in the county of Litchfield, on the
15th day of January, 1830, in presence of R. C. Abernethy, justice of the
peace for said county holding the same. Nelson Fyler of said Torrington was
brought before said court by virtue of a warrant issued by the said R. C.
Abernethy, * * on complaint of Luther Cook, grand juror of said Torrington,
charging the said Nelson Fyler that on the 14th day of Januaiy, 1830, at Tor-
rington aforesaid, did feloniously take, steal and carry away one certain gold
finger ring with a stone set therein of the value of five dollars, the proper estate
of Ransom Hine of said Torrington, against the peace and contrary to the
form of the statute in such case made and provided, and the s.iid Nelson Fyler
being put to plead, for plea says he is not guilty in manner and form as in such
complaint is alleged. And this court having heard the evidence, as well on
the part of the state as of the said Nelson Fyler, find that the said Nelson Fyler,
is guilty in manner and in form as in said complaint is alleged, and also find
that the said ring was, when stolen, of the value of two dollars fifty cents. It
is therefore considered and adjudged that the said Nelson Fyler pay a fine of
five dollars to the treasurer of the town of Torrington, together with the costs

Things not'^Left Out. 247

of the prosecution, taxed at nine dollars and tliirty cents, and also pay to the
said Ransom Hine, seven dollars and fifty cents, being treble the value of said
ring stolen, as aforesaid, and the said Nelson Fyler neglecting and refusing to
pay said fine and costs, shall be punished by whipping four stripes on his naked
body and pay the cosis of prosecution, and stand committed till this judgment
be complied with Russell C. Abernethy, Justice of the Peace."

The warrant for execution granted and delivered to William
Leach constable the same day ; but tradition says the prisoner was
whipped, but on his way to prison escaped from the constable.

This is said to have been the last case of whipping in the town.

Wasps.

Thomas Marshall, living near Winchester in Newfield, while
gathering hay in the field usually worked without his pantaloons,
keeping on only one garment, the old fashioned frock. In raking
hay the old man frequently scolded his sons for leaving the hay, and
would gather such as they left. One day the boys discovered a
wasp's nest, and threw some hay on it and left it. Mr. Marshall pass-
ing near it saw it, and going to it put both arms around it and began
to walk away. The wasps made war on his legs with great vigor
and no amount of fleetness, or persuasive influences could dispell
them until they had nearly killed him.

This was not the end of the matter, for he proclaimed that if he
could find who did it he would whip, him severely. After some
time he obtained this information, but finally gave the boy his choice
to take a severe whipping or pay a fine of five dollars by doing the
churning of their large dairy, at ten cents a churning, until the whole
should be paid. The son knowing too well already, his father's
ability to use the whip, chose to do the churning on the terms pre-
scribed, although it took him nearly six months to pay the bill.

Honest Oxen.

Samuel Beach was a peculiar man, never answering a straight for-
ward question, but talked shy in regard to everything. He lived
west of Wolcottville, half a mile. On a certain occasion, he sold a
yoke of oxen to Mr. Jerome of New Hartford, as honest and orderly
oxen, and Mr. Jerome paying him for them, left them until he
should come for them. After he had sold them Mathew Grant
came along, and Mr. Beach told him he had sold his oxen. " How
much did you get ?" In reply Mr. Beach told him, Mr. Grant

248 History of Torrington.

said, "you sold them too cheap, I would have given ten dollars more."
" I'll be boun for it," said uncle Sam, that's too bad. Well if Mr.
Jerome don't take them you may have them." Upon this Mr.
Beach made two great pokes and put them on the oxen. When
Mr. Jerome came for them he inquired : " How is this Mr. Beach,
you sold the oxen as orderly." ''Well," said uncle Sam, '■'I'll be
boun for it, they wear masa great pokes, masa great pokes ; and if you
don't want them you can have the money." Mr. Jerome took his
money, and Mr. Grant had the cattle.

This same Mr. Beach sold some pork in Goshen, agreeing that
the hogs when dressed should weigh two hundred pounds. When
he delivered them they weighed a little over a hundred each, and he
was asked, " how is this Mr. Beach, your pigs were to weigh two hun-
dred a piece." " I said, take one with another, they would weigh
two hundred."

Under no questioning or remarks could any one get a straight an-
swer from him, as efforts were made upon bets to that effect. The
summer of 18 16, was very cold and the hay crop was very light,
and in the spring of 1817, there was much anxiety about getting the
stock through until grass should grow. In the midst of this anxiety
uncle Sam Beach was taken quite ill, and sent for Doctor "Ban"
who after examining him said ; " Well, uncle Sam, I can do you no
good, you will have to go now." His quick reply was; " I'll be
boun for it, I've got hay enough to carry my cattle through."

A minister stayed at his house one night and in the morning asked
him, if he had any request for which he desired prayers. Yes, said
uncle Sam, " pray that I may get the Castle lot ;" a lot of land he
had long desired to get.

Support the Church or go to Jail.

" To Phineas North of Torrington in the county of Litchfield collector of
society taxes in the first society in said Torrington Greeting.
By authority of the State of Connecticut, you are hereby commanded forth-
with to levy and collect of the persons named in the annexed list or rate bill
herewith committed to you, each one his several proportion as herein set down
ot the sum total of such list, being a tax of assessment granted and agreed upon
by the inhabitants of the said first society of Torrington, regularly assembled
on the 15th day of August A. D., 1791, being a tax of one cent and five mills
on the dollar, on the list of said society in the year 1790 ; the other being a
tax granted and agreed upon by the said inhabitants regularly assembled on the
7th day of November, A. D., 1791, being a tax of three pence on the pound
on said list of 1 790. Said taxes were granted and agreed upon for the purpose
of defraying the necessary charges arising in said society^ and to deliver the sums

Things not Left Out. 249

you shall so levy and collect unto the committee of said first society of Tor-
rington on or before the first day of March next, and if any person or persons
shall neglect or refuse to make payment of the sum or sums whereat he or they
are respectively assessed and set in said list or rate bill, you are to distrain the
goods or chattels of such person or persons and the same dispose of as the law
directs, returning the overplus (if any be) to the owner or owners, and for
want of goods and chattels whereon to make distraint you are to take the body
or bodies of the persons so refusing and him or them commit unto the keeper of
the gaol of said Litchfield county within the said prison who is hereby com-
manded to receive and safely keep him or them until he or they pay and satisfy
the said sum or sums assessed on him or them as aforesaid, together with your
own fees unless the said assessment or some part thereof be legally abated.
Dated at Torrington the 25th day of January, A. D., 1792.

Elisha Smith, 'Justice of the Peace."

A Sleigh Ride in the Summer.

Joshua Leach, being a little eccentric, agreed to work through hay-
ing for Raphael Marshall, at a certain price, on condition that Mr.
Marshall should take him in his sleigh to the meeting house green,
a distance of about two miles, when they were done haying ; to which
he agreed. Accordingly Mr. Marshall put his fine horses before a
double sleigh, and several strings of bells on his horses, and sat on
the front seat bundled in over coat, mittens and buffaloes, and Mr.
Leach sat on the back seat with overcoat and mittens on, and bun-
dled in buffalo skins. It being a warm day, many people came to
see the ride, and there was much amusement on the occasion, and
since that day it has been repeated with much interest as a ridiculous
performance done for amusement.

Weddings.

Weddings were often occasions for noisy, rude, and tumultuous
engagements, and sometimes the proceedings became destructive to
property, and disgraceful to civilization and a Christian community,
but generally when the proceedings were extreme, the matter was
overlooked because there were so many respectable or influential men
engaged in it. On such occasions, men, younger and older, would
collect about the house in the night at nine, ten and twelve o'clock,
and by blowing of horns, rattling of pans, and firing of guns, make
such a noise as to be heard two and three miles, and such as to make
night hideous, and the home wretched with fear ; and such kind of
enjoyment was sometimes continued until the company were treated
to a round or two, or three of brandy, and until window lights were

250 History of Torrington.

broken, and the people of the house glad to sacrifice almost anything
out of fear, to be relieved from the presence of such a company.

When Ezekiel Appley was married several dozen men gathered
about the house with usual noises. The provisions for the wedding
guests were on the table in the back kitchen until the ceremony
should be over when they were to be placed on the table in the front
room. During the marriage ceremony some of the men crept in at
the window and passed all the provisions out, and the men out doors
carried them into the woods at some distance and there ate them,
leaving not so much as a crumb for the guests in the house. This
they called sport, and a good joke. And it is customary to speak of
those men who did such things as having been brought up so well
and as having such good manners !

When Asa Loomis of Torringford was married in June 1778, the
young men banded together to steal the bride and carry her away
and keep her until the bridegroom should pay for a supper and brandy
all. round. The day of the marriage Mr. Loomis was to take his
bride home, on horseback, the usual method of traveling. After
starting with his. bride, he was overtaken, by one after another, of
young men on horseback, until a dozen or two had collected about
him as if to accompany him on his journey. On a given signal, the
horses were put into the utmost confusion in front of, and about the
one the bridal pair were riding. Just then Trumbull Ives, having
been appointed, seized the bride, drew her to the saddle of his own
horse, and rode away with all possible speed. The bridegroom was
a little too expert, in tangles, and escaped the net laid for him and
gave chase for his bride, while the multitude followed with the pur-
pose of aiding the man with the bride to make his escape ; but their
plans failed in part, for the bride was not taken out of Torringford,
but to the tavern, where supper and liquors were ordered and the
bride detained until the bridegroom paid the bill. This was not the
end of the matter ; Mr. Loomis sued the whole company, a long law-
suit followed ; all the individuals were fined, and it was many years
before all the fines were paid and the matter ended.

Jokes.

Many of the early settlers possessed intellectual qualities corres-
ponding to their manly forms and vigor of physical constitutions, and
for want of literary attainments and occupation of the mind, their
intellectual vigor took the form of oddities, jokes and daring feats of

Things not Left Out. 251

physical endurance. They prided themselves in their witty sayings,
in their muscular toughness, and in how much work they and their
wives and children could do and not break down.

This spirit of glory, made them venturesome in the storm, in the
cold and heat, in places and times of danger, and very often they
subjected themselves to needless hazard and endurance for the
purpose of gaining renown, and distinction. They would not indulge
pride in dress, that to their minds would be a sin, but would encourage
a double or treble proportion in human muscle and think it quite
innocent. It is said that one mother wove an immense number of
yards of tow and linen cloth, the summer before her son was born,
and the wonderful exhibition of this power of endurance, has been
spoken of until this day, with honor to the woman, although it nearly
cost her her life, and her husband thought he might well glory in the
marvelous strength of his dearly beloved ; all the dearer because she
could weave a thousand yards a year and receive the money for it.
This was not a peculiar case, only the woman was peculiarly smart.

Another illustration is given by the Rev. Grant Powers in his Cen-
tennial Address in Goshen in 1838. " There arose a spinning match
among the young married ladies, at the house of Nehemiah Lewis.
The trial was at the foot-wheel, in spinning linen. The conditions
were previously defined, and agreed to, viz : They might spin during
the whole twenty-four hours if they chose. They were to have their
distaffs prepared for them, and their yarn reeled by others. Upon
the first trial, at Lewis's house many did well. The wife of Stephen
Tuttle spun five run, which was equal to two and a half days' labor,
when on hire. Several others spun four run each ; but Mrs. Tuttle
came off victor. But this aroused the ambition of some of the
unmarried ladies, and Lydia Beach, the daughter of Dea. Edmund
Beach of East street, was the first to come forward, and take up the
gauntlet. She spun from early dawn to nine o'clock in the evening.
She had her distaffs prepared, her yarn reeled, and her food put into
her mouth. She spun in this time, seven run ; three and a half days'
labor, and took the wreath from the brow of Mrs. Tuttle. Upon
hearing of the exploit of Miss Beach, the wife of Capt. Isaac Pratt,
of the south part of the town, came upon the arena. Between early
dawn and the setting of the sun, she had actually spun six run, but
at this moment, her husband interfered, and peremptorily forbade her
proceeding further. She sat down, and wept like a child, when she
ought to have rejoiced, that she had such a husband, in whose eyes

252 History of Torrington.

her future health and happiness were more precious than the brief
applause which might arise from success in that contest.

" The hand of Miss Lydia Beach was sought in marriage by the
young and aspiring Jesse Buell, son of Capt. Jonathan Buell, and she
was led to the hymenial altar, while her garland was yet fresh upon
her brow ; but the doting husband was destined to see it wither down
to the grave, for Lydia never enjoyed health from the hour of her
triumph."

The testimony concerning this breaking down of young people
by hard work, is ample and fully verified by the oldest people now
living, and much of it was through pride, or ambition to gain renown
by physical endurance.

Two young men in Torringford looking out of doors about nine
o'clock in the evening in the winter, when the snow was nearly two
feet deep and the weather severely cold, proposed to go to Harwinton
meeting-house and back, barefooted, and they performed the journey,
a distance of three or four miles, and then retired for sleep.

Dear Postage.

It is said that when postage on a letter was twenty-five cents, to
be paid by the receiver, a man traveling through Wolcottville stopped
at a tavern, fed his horse and procured dinner. The dinner did not
suit him, consisting as he thought of too large a proportion of pork
and beans. Some two weeks after the landlord received a letter,
paying for it twenty-five cents, and opening it found only the words :
'^ pork and beans." Some two weeks after he received another, for
which he paid an equal sum, while it contained the same words.
After about two weeks more a third came in the same handwriting,
whereupon he concluded to let Uncle Sam keep his "pork and beans."

There having been formal complaint entered against the signer of
the following paper, he saw fit to make the humble and gracious
reply as follows :

" To the Church of Christ in Torrington.

As a complaint is against me, and as I understand that there is more en-
tered for being a contentious person, I reply.

As it respects intemperance I do not wish to palliate or deny that I have
given occasion to it. As to the other charge, I am innocent of the crime with
which I am charged. I ask brethren and sisters to cast a mande of charity over
my failings ; and I ask your forgiveness.

In return I pledge you my continued prayers.

Wm. Marsh."

Things not Left Out. 253

Estimate of Money.

A man called Old Whitney was at the raising of the Baptist church
in Newfield, and when the men were putting up the timbers in the
top of the frame a pike pole fell with the end having the pointed iron
in it, first, and this iron grazed Whitney's nose so as to split it ; mak-
ing quite a wound in the end of it. Whitney looked up and cried
out, in a somewhat excited manner : " You can't be too damn care-
ful up there, I would not run such a risk again iov five dollars."

Levi Holmes was a blacksmith at Newfield four corners. He
was six feet tall, large frame, and was a powerful man. A stranger
passing his shop one day inquired the way to Goshen. Mr. Holmes
gave him the directions very definitely as to the different roads to be
taken, so that he could go without further directions. After talking
a little, the man started down the road towards Winsted. After
getting on some distance, Mr. Holmes started after him, and step-
ping into the road before the man said : " You inquired the road to
Goshen." " Yes," said the man, " I wanted to know which way went
to Goshen, that's all." "Well," said Holmes," you inquired the way
to Goshen, and now you shall go to Goshen, or I'll drop you." The
man considered the road to Goshen the safest just then.

Ben Eggleston, as he was called, was a character in Newfield. On
one occasion he went to the saw mill a little below this same bridge,
in the evening while the Marshall boys were sawing lumber, and as
he came into the mill, which had a floor of only loose boards with
large spaces between, the old man began to repeat with emphasis to
the boys ; " Be careful boys, be careful ; dangerous place here,
dangerous place." Scarcely had he uttered the words of caution to
others before down he went, through the floor into the water, close
by the water wheel. One of the men called to the other, "shut the
gate quick, or uncle Ben will never make any more hob nails."
The gate was shut and the men took the lantern and went down to
see what the result was and as they came near the wheel uncle Ben
was just scrabbling up the bank, dripping with water ; and in a very
confidential resolute tone said : " Say nothing boys ; say nothing
boys ! "

He went to hear a Universalist minister preach in Newfield, and
took his seat directly in front of the preacher, and while the minister
was preaching, he kept moving nearer and nearer, and looking him
directly in the face. When the minister had become quite engaged

254 History of Torrington.

in setting forth iiis 'doctrine uncle Ben addressed him in a very serious
manner: " Do you believe what you preach? "

At another time a Baptist minister was preaching, and became very
much in earnest portraying the wickedness of the people, when uncle
Ben remarked : " Lay it on heavy, we are a wicked people here."

Ethan Eggleston, son of uncle Ben, was a great hunter and not
much of a worker. He would stand along the brook and watch a
muskrat hole all day as patiently as any monument, and with as little
motion, to get a shot at the animal, and he was a dead shot, too.

On a certain day he did not get up as usual, but his sisters know-
ing the rule that he must not be disturbed, let him lie until nearly
twelve o'clock, when one of them ventured to open the door to his
room, when lo, there he was lying at full lengtff on the bed, with his
old musket in one hand and a horse pistol in the other, both aimed
at a rat hole in the corner of the room where he had seen a rat early
in the morning. But few men possess such patience and bravery !

Marriage a Hundred Years ago,

Mr. Increase Grant, also called deacon, lived in the edge of Litch-
field, and became a member of the Torrington church about 1786,
and not far from that time (perhaps a few years sooner) married Mind-
well (Lyman), widow of Jacob Strong. A jointure was signed by
them before marriage by which she was to acquire none of his pro-
perty, and he none of hers ; only he was to have the use of her's and
she was to have her living ; which at the present date seems to have
been a sharp bargain on his part. After a few years she left him and
went to her home, and after a time, they both being members of the
same church, the matter became a topic of much discussion, and
finally a charge was brought against her, because she did not live
with her husband, for this and nothing else.

Upon this Samuel Everitt, son-in-law to Mindwell, testified under
oath, that while Mr. Grant lived with his wife in her house, they
seemed to live in harmony, but soon after they removed to his
house, Mr. Grant told him that he was uneasy with his wife, on
account of her being too free to treat her grand children when they
came to his house, with victuals and drink. This complaint he
made several times before he heard any complaint from his mother-
in-law. Upon this Mr. Everitt purchased flour and put it in her
house, agreeing to keep her in flour as she might need to make her
grand children cakes and the like, in hope that that would end the

Things not Left Out. 255

difficulty. Living in Colebrook, he had no opportunity to know how
matters went, until he heard his mother-in-law was in a very low
state of health, alone at her own house, where he made her a visit,
and by the use cf medicines and care several days she revived so as
to be able to go with him to see Mr. Grant. The interview was
peculiar ; he seemed anxious only to get rid of her, and wanted Mr.
Everitt to take her to his house in Colebrook (far away) but she
seemed anxious to remain near him " where she could attend him if he
should be sick, and where he could do something for her if she
should be sick."

Finding how the matter stood Mr. Everitt bound himself in writ-
ing to see his mother-in-law taken care of, and Mr. Grant bound
himself to pay a certain sum towards her support. It was after this,
and while her health was very poor that the complaint was made
against her before the church. He was a member of the same
church, but no complaint was entered against him.

The church took action in the matter and withdrew fellowship
from her, which only made the matter worse, because some good
people could not see that she had done wrong. The church then
asked advice of the Rev. Ami R. Robbins of Norfolk and Rev.
Samuel J. Mills of Torringford as a committee, or council, and their
report was rendered September 18, 1794, and as this report reveals
a number of prevailing religious notions of that day, it is here given
in full. And it is important to remember that probably there could
not have been selected, two men of larger benevolence and good will
towards the erring or unfortunate than these, and therefore the report
is as liberal as the times would possibly allow.

"To the Church of Christ in Torrington.

Beloved Brethren : We the subscribers, being invited by you to hear and
advise in a maiter of discipline, respecting Mrs. M. Grant, a sister in your
church ; after duly attending to the case, find it peculiarly complicated and
difficult. We think you do well to seek for counsel and assistance in a matter
so uncommon and delicate. We feel in some measure, embarrassed what ad-
vice to give. But according to the light we at present have, and unless we
should obtain further knowledge and light in the affair, it appears to us that the
said Mrs. Grant, notwithstanding her peculiar trials, cannot be fully justified ;
but has departed from that meekness and Christian spirit which becomes the
followers of the meek and lowly Jesus; particularly in indulging angry and pas-
sionate conduct and expressions, tending to irritate and provoke her husband,
and that however unjustifiable his conduct may be, yet that does not wholly ex-
culpate her. We think that it would be proper, and suitable for her to make
suitable reflections ; acknowledge she hath given occasion to her brethren and
sisters of the church, of stumbling and to be dissatisfied. And upon her man-

256 History of Torrington.

ifesting a becoming spirit, and desiring to walk with this church, in fellowship,
we think they may and ought to restore her with meekness and love. But if
she should refuse to make such reflections, and in all respects justify her con-
duct, we think the church cannot consistently receive her; and considering the
matter so peculiar and extensive in its operations we feel rather incompetent,
without further light, to advise any further, but are of opinion that it is the
duty of the church, to call in the aid and assistance of an ecclesiastical council,
for ' in the multitude of councillors is safety,' and thereby endeavor to obtain
further advice and direction as to their duty in this unusual and difficult affair.

a. r. robbins.

Samuel John Mills."

At this stage of the case, Rev. Mr. Gillett, as her pastor, asked
Rev. Samuel J. Mills to see Mrs. Grant and learn what course to
pursue, and give him advice. Mr. Mills's letter is preserved, and is
a good representation of the ideas of those days concerning the re-
sponsibilities of church relations, and is, therefore, here given:

" Rev. and dear Brother : I have had opportunity with Mrs. Grant and
find that her leaving the deacon at the time she did was conceived by her to be
real duty ; that her recovery turned upon it under providence That had she
not done it, she would [have] been wanting to herself and criminally negligent.
That she did not then foresee the consequences that such a step which then
she thought to be duty, and still thinks so, was to issue in a total separation.
She supposed her retiring for a short time was no breach of the marriage cove-
nant ; that she might still perform the duties of a wife, after all, and he the
duties of a husband ; that the fault is not on her side, that things are now cir-
cumstanced as they are. She feels not however that she is free from fault. She
is sorry that she threatened to sue the peace against him, and is willing to
humble herself for it. She supposes no provocation ever so great would justify
it. She is greatly grieved at being the occasion of grieving the church and
giving an handle to any whereby to reproach the cause of Christ. She begs
the compassion of God's church and people, and stands ready publicly to re-
flect on herself so far as she can be convinced she ought to do it. I feel
unable to direct or advise further in the matter than I already have. The
cause of religion, the honor of the Christian church you are very sensible is of
more consequence than the honor or peace of any individual. If such a settle-
ment can be made as may secure religion from suffering, it must be an object
to be desired. If such settlement cannot be made, which on the whole may
give tolerable satisfaction, then further measures must be pursued.

Sensible of the embarrassments you, and the church labor under, and desirous
to contribnte my mite I use this freedom.

This from your affectionate Brother,
To Rev. Mr. Gillett, Saml. J. Mllls.

To be communicated if you
think expedient.
Torringford, Sept. 20, 1794."

In the effort to have this matter settled Rev. Father Mills wrote
a sort of confession, which is preserved in his hand writing, which

Things not Left Out. 257

he thought might be something like what might answer under
the circumstances. This Mrs. Grant accepted, and also added in
her own hand writing more than was suggested.

" I, the subscriber, Mindvvell Grant, a member of the church of Christ in
Torrington, sensible that the church are dissatisfied with me on account of the
separation that has taken place between Dea. Grant and myself, and that they
are apprehensive that I have not been innocent as to measures which have led
on to this unhappy event, whereby religion is wounded, and the peace of the
church disturbed ; take this opportunity publicly to acknowledge myself a poor,
imperfect creature, and to own that under my weak state of body, and weakness
of mind, with which I w as attended at one time and another, I no doubt mani-
fested on certain occasions an unsuitable temper ot mind ; said and did things
which under other circumstances I should not have said or done. I am far
from justifying myself in all my conduct, or supposing that I can be excused
from blame. Particularly would I reflect on myself for that expression in re-
gard to swearing the peace against Deacon Grant ; and for whatever else I
have said or done, whereby 1 have given just occasion for offense to any."

The following was added in her own hand.

** I ask the forgiveness of God and this church, and of all others who are ag-
grieved, and request the prayers of my Christian brethren and sisters to God,
that I henceforth conduct as a true and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, and
adorn the solemn vocation by which I have been called.

MiNDWELL Grant.
N. B. I stand ready also to return again to my husband as soon as a suitable
door opens for that purpose. M. Grant.''

"The above confession made and accepted Sept. 28, 1794.

Test. Alex. Gillet, Pastor.*'

Whether right or wrong, the time has gone by when a wife may
not swear the peace against her husband however dangerous a char-
acter he may be, without incurring the censure of the church and
good people; and the time is also gone when the church is held re-
sponsible for not settling every little or great difficulty, that it is im-
possible for human beings to settle; but what seems very strange is
that it does nor seem to have occurred to any of the people at that
time, that there was a duty for the church to stand by a defenceless
and helpless victim, if such might have been the case, and take re-
proach, if reproach should come by defending the right. If this
woman's life was endangered, which is not questioned in any of these
papers, then the church should have protected her to the extent of
its ability in a civilized country. It is not stated that Deacon Grant
was a brutal man, but a paper is preserved with a number of names
of citizens attached, attesting to his good character, but life may be
endangered by neglect, which when known to the person, in a

258 History of Torrington.

Christian view is equally criminal with overt acts, and it is very evi-
dent that she thought her life in danger, and Father Mills does not
seem to have doubted it.

/There was a disposition in those days in men to lord it over their
'wives and families and many a woman has had double work, and
stinted allowance of food dealt out to her by her lord who growled
about the house like a bear j and perhaps the matter was so common
that it was judged to be right.

A certain man in this town, well known as having but little energy
to provide for his family while his wife worked like a slave, was often
/Complaining of his dispepsia and feeble state of health, and his frequent
(remark to his wife was in the morning after breakfast : " Now Betsey
you need not cook but a small piece of pork for dinner, for I am
feeling very poorly and cannot eat much," and then at dinner he
would eat all the pork himself, leaving his wife and children to do
the best they could on potatoes and broth. According to the very
best authorities, tyranny in the family, by the lord thereof, was a
common vice for ages in New England as well as in Old England.
The claim that the husband is the head of the wife in government,

Cis generally met at the present day with silent disgust, while the idea
that he is the head to provide for, to care for, to protect and defend,
"is commonly accepted and honored.

Another case in this town affords some illustration of the old ideas
of matrimony and the arbitrary conduct of the husband.

Thomas Marshall, the first of the name in the town, married
Elizabeth Tudor Oct. 9, 1725 ; she being of French descent and of
a wealthy family, brought quite a sum of money to Mr. Marshall,
when he was married. They lived very unhappily many years, and
in 1762, agreed to a separation, Mr. Marshall giving a certain bond
to Dea. John Whiting, binding himself to pay to his wife, " twenty-
six shillings quarterly" for her support.

In 1766, she brought a complaint of non-fulfillment of this bond,
and a petition, to the assembly, to authorize the collection of the
money inasmuch as he had paid only five pounds and three shillings
in the four years. The legislature ordered that the specified sums
should be paid to her and that Mr. John Whiting should prosecute
to obtain said sums if they were not paid ; the arrearages amounting
at that time to over fourteen pounds.

In 1767, another petition was prepared by Epaphras Sheldon in her
behalf, a copy of which, being sent to John Whiting, according to

Things not Left Out. 259

law, is preserved, and which shows that only four pounds had been
paid during the previous year; and asking that some other man be
appointed in the place of John Whiting as he wholly neglected the
matter. In this matter Dea. John Cook and Epaphras Sheldon were
witnesses before the assembly, and among other things Mrs. Marshall
testified : " A nice little sum I brought him when I was married."

When Mr. Marshall found that the matter was likely to go into
other hands for collection than Mr. Whiting's he changed his course
entirely, and certified to the legislature that he would not pay the
money only on condition that his wife should return to her home
and duty ; and upon his manifesting a willingness to have her return,
the legislature rescinded their former decree, and let the woman do
whichever she might choose, go home or starve in old age.

Here, this woman was, really, sent out of her home, and kept out,
by the husband, who enjoyed all the comforts of that home, much
of which had been secured by her money, and during five years or
more she worked in various ways to obtain a living, she being nearly
seventy years of age, and then was left by the legislature to go back
to the place where she proved she had been most shamefully treated.

But what could she do, the4aws then, and they are but little better
now, protected the husband in most arbitrary assumptions and ^
tyrannical rule in the home, and the public sense was against any /
claims of a wife except submission to the rule of her husband. Un-
der such circumstances it is not surprising that many women of the
finest and best mental qualities rejected the relations of married life
and thereby retained their money and independency.

Government in the Family.

It is customary to make invidious comparisons between the gov- '
ernment of the family in the olden time and at the present day, and
conclude that the world is growing worse, at least in this respect,
instead of better. The manners taught children in the public schools
are frequently repeated as testimony to the superior training of those
days over the present. Now, it was a very proper thing, and for-
tunate that those who received no training at home, but "sit in the
corner and keep still," and "be seen and not heard" and whose
" wills had been broken," so they were mere mummies, and who had
been taught to " keep their mouth shut " except when they said,
" what ? yes ! no ! Mam I Dad ! old man ! old woman I" besides

26o History of Torrington.

the nick-names all round, should be taught so much as to take their
hats off when meeting people on the highway.

It is well known that a large proportion of the men were so timid
and bashful, for want of a little training in manners, and how to be-
have in good society that they sought to keep out of such society,
and to find a lower kind, where they would not be laughed at, and
where oddities and doggerel words and language brought a premium.

One of the great lawyers of this nation, tells the story that he was
taught when a boy in the yankee part of the nation, that he wasn't
any body ; he should be " seen and not heard," and sit in the chim-
ney corner ; that when through college and his law studies, he was
so diffident from the effects of this teaching that he could scarcely
muster courage to commence his professional business, and that he
had suffered untold distress, thousands of times, even through all his
life from this same cause ; and yet his name has gone all through the
land, in honor, as a lawyer.

One of the Christian laymen, who became celebrated in New
Haven county, from 1800 to 1830, wrote in his journal, that he
" had been kept under so at home that when twenty-one years of
age, he did not dare to speak to any body of his very great desire to
obtain a liberal education," that if he could have done so, some way
would probably have opened for that end, and he should not have
suffered as he did all his life, the mortification of the want of such
education.

Much of the civilities between young women and young men
(they did not have young ladies and young gentlemen, but" gals and
boys"), were of the rudest kind, and such as they picked up of them-
selves, and as a whole were rather demoralizing than elevating,
as the consequences fully reveal, much of which is far beyond the
delicacy to be retained in a book. A young man in Torringford,
about the time of the Revolution, invited a young lady to go with
him to a party ; she declined the invitation, and some years passed
until she and the same young man met at an evening party, and at
the close of the entertainment the young lady had no way to return
home, and the young man offered to take her home on his horse,
which offer she accepted. When they had journeyed about half the
distance, the young man dropped his riding whip, and proposed to
alight and get it, the young lady said she could obtain it with less
trouble than he, and jumped from the horse with much politeness to
pick it up and remount, but as soon as she was safely landed, the

Things not Left Out. 261

young man threw the pillion she rode on to her, and putting his
horse on a run left her to travel home in the snow, some mile or
two, thus settling the account of the mitten some years before.

It might be that this transaction occurred before the young people
were taught such excellent manners in public schools.

We have heard so much about the well trained and well governed
young men of seventy years ago that we are poorly prepared to learn
that it was some forty or more of those same model young men who
crept in the window at Ezekiel Appley's wedding, and stole all the
provisions prepared for the occasion, and took all into the woods and
ate it ; having, to be sure, the very great politeness of returning the
dishes the next day ; and the family were thankful that they did no
further damage. And it was some thirty of these model fellows in
Torringford, who stole Asa Loomis's bride and attempted to escape
from the town with her but failed, and went to the tavern, and had a
grand supper and liquors and refused to give up the bride until the
bridegroom should pay the bill. How is it now ? On the third day
of October 1877, a marriage occurred in Wolcottville, and was held
in the church, and by voluntary good will an elegant audience was
in waiting ; the organ played its sweet music (instead of horsefiddles,
old muskets and the like, of olden time) ; the house was decorated
in magnificent style with the flowers of numberless gardens and
conservatories from far and near, making the occasion one of beauty,
joy and happiness. On the eleventh day of the same month another
wedding occurred in the Episcopal church, the first being in the
Congregational, and the house was decorated in most beautiful style,
by the voluntary good will of a score of young people, and the
presents to the bride were such as to make the occasion a joy as long
as her remembrance continues. And these are not isolated cases,
but the like of which occurs frequently in very humble cottages, in
the most rural parts of the country, only on a less extensive scale.

But it is said the children do not conduct as they used to do.
Indeed they do not.

There lived a family in this town about sixty years ago, that was a \
family of good standing, of considerable property and energy of
character, and the children have performed very honorable parts in
life since. The story is told as a real fact that on a certain morning,
while the father was on his knees praying, the old bunting ram came to /
the door, which was standing open, and the boys seeing him, made
certain motions to him which always provoked his fury, and the animal

262 History of Torrington.

made for the old man and hit him a solid bunt. This took the old gentle-
man rather by surprise, and he sprang from his knees as if electrified,
and remarked, "damn that ram," then kneeling again, finished his
morning prayers. It would be no risk to venture a thousand dollars
that no family could now be found in the town, that would treat a
father, and religion, with such disrespect.

At Torrington center, or green, fifty years ago, some of these
model boys who could take off their hats in the highway, and keep
still in the house in the presence of company, used to exhibit some
of the perfection of those days around the old academy (new then)
during singing school nights, where year after year it was almost
impossible to conduct the school. During one season, after a variety
of enterprising, ingenious tricks for disturbance, they one evening
arranged to give the singers pretty thorough attention. Hence
during the day the windows were all nailed down with a purpose.
When the audience was well in the exercises of the evening some
very long goosequills filled with wet and dry powder for the purpose,
were placed under the doer and set afire. They went into the house,
and around the house, everywhere filling the house with powder
smoke and perfumes ; and they kept coming, one after another, as if
intelligent and yet knov/ing nothing, but to dash on, here and there
and everywhere, and at the same time red pepper was thrown down
the stove pipe hole on the stove, which created much suff^ering in the
efix)rt to breathe. A rush was made, for the door, but it was braced
shut by great benches and logs outside, which it was impossible to
remove from the inside. Then gasping for breath they flew to the
windows only to find them nailed down, and no refuge was left but
to smash the window glass and get breath.

In Goshen the same thing was done in the presence of the select-
men of the town, the society's committee, the constables and justices
of the peace, who were all assembled to protect the singing school,
and yet it was broken up and no body could be found who did it.

If anything half so annoying were to take place to-day, the state
militia would be called out at once if needed to put an end to it.
,^ The difference between the past and the present methods of family
government seems to be, less, much less of the rod ; more love for
children and parenti,^ and hence, more respectful and heartfelt obe-
dience, instead of slavish dread of the lash, and hence many more
young people now become devoted to religious life, benevolent en-
terprises, and moral culture. The oft repeated complaint about the

Things not Left Out.

263

degeneracy of family government in the present age is a scare-crow
humbug of the stupidest kind.

Deacon Guy Wolcott's sons were among the most intelligent,
enterprising, and industrious in the town, but were celebrated for
being the most sedate and quiet at home, while abroad, or out in
company, they were as full of sport and enjoyment as any body. At
home they were not allowed to have such enjoyment, being trained
in the strictest manner, and therefore they made up lost time when
they escaped the watch of the parental eye, and where was there a
family of any snap in them, but that did the same under like circum-
stances. And there was another deacon's family still more unfortu-
nate than Guy Wolcott's.

In early times when there were few carts in the town Priest Mills
went to Dea. Gaylord's to borrow a cart, and making his request
known, the deacon said, he would consent if Miah [his son Nehe-
miah] would, but he guessed it wanted a band. Nehemiah said he
would consent, if Jo would, but he guessed it wanted a gripe., and
Joseph said he would consent if his father would, but he guessed it
wanted a spike. Mr. Mills went home without the cart, and meet-
ing a neighbor said : " I've been to Deacon Band's, Miah Gripe's,
and Jo Spike's to get a cart, but I could not get one." Ever after
that the deacon and his sons were called Deacon Band, Miah Gripe
and Jo Spike. But it is hazardous to enter upon the list of nick-
names, for they are so many, and some of them of such a character
as to ruin the reputation of any book, to say nothing about the re-
putation of the town, that the most discreet part of the battle is to
retire from the field of observation, and suffer oblivion, if the old
fellow would but do it, to hide forever, the stars of speech, that have
been the sport of generations, now all gone.

In nothing was the people of this town peculiar, so far as is known,
for they followed in the spirit of education, customs, manners,
speeches, and the various uses of language and citizenship in a free
country, as the people of other parts of the state, and New England ;
and as city fashions and manners and customs are the style at the
present time, the next historian of the town may have the pleasure
of recording the peculiarities of city life for the amusement and know-
ledge of country people.

CHAPTER XX.

LISTS OF NAMES,

Representatives in the State Legislature.

1762,

May.

Oct.

1763,

May.

Oct.

1764, May.

Oct.

1765,

May.

Oct.

1766,

May.

Oct.

1767,

Jan.

May.

Oct.

1768,

May.

Oct.

1769,

Jan.

May.

Oct.

1770,

May.

Oct.

1771,

May.

Oct.

1772

May.

Oct.

Mr. John Cook.

One vacancy.

Mr. Jonathan Coe.

One vacancy.

Mr. John Cook.

Mr. Epaphras Sheldon.

None from Torrington rec.

Mr. John Cook.

Mr. Jonathan Coe.

One vacancy.

Mr. John Cook.

Mr. Jonathan Coe.

Mr. John Cook.

One vacancy.

Mr. John Cook.

Mr. Noah Wilson.

Mr. John Cook.

One vacancy.

Mr. John Cook.

One vacancy.

Mr. John Cook.

Mr. Noah Wilson.

Mr. John Cook.

One vacancy.

Mr. John Cook.

Mr. Noah Wilson.

Mr. John Cook.

One vacancy.

Mr. John Cook.

One vacancy.

Mr. John Cook.

Mr. Noah Wilson.

Mr. John Cook.

One vacancy.

Mr. John Cook.

Mr. Noah Wilson.

Mr. John Cook.

One vacancy.

Mr. John Cook.

One vacancy.

Mr. John Cook.

Mr. Noah Marshall.

Mr Ephraim Bancroft.

Capt. Amos Wilson.

Mr. John Cook.

Mr. Ephraim Bancroft.

1773, May. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon.

Mr. John Cook.
Oct. Mr. John Cook.

Mr. Epaphras Sheldon.

1774, Jan. Mr. John Cook.

Mr. Epaphras Sheldon.
May. Mr. John Cook.

One vacancy.
Oct. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon.

Mr. Noah Marshall.

1775, March. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon.

Mr. Noah Marshall.
April. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon.

Mr. Noah Marshall.
May. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon.

Mr. Noah Marshall.
July. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon.

One vacancy.
Oct. Mr. John Cook.

One vacancy.
Dec. None from Torrington.

1776, May. Mr. Ephraim Bancroft.

Capt. Shubael Griswold.
June. No representatives recorded.
Oct. Capt. Shubael Griswold.

Mr. Ephraim Bancroft.
Nov. Mr. Ephraim Bancroft.

Capt. Shubael Griswold.
Dec. Mr. Ephraim Bancroft.

Capt. Shubael Griswold.

1777, May. Col. Epaphras Sheldon.

Capt. Sliubael Griswold.
Aug. Col. Epaphras Sheldon.

Cape. Shubael Griswold.
Oct. Mr. Abner Marshall.

Mr. John Cook.

1778, Jan. Mr. Abner Marshall.

One vacancy.
Feb. Mr. Abner Marshall.

One vacancy.
May. Mr. Abner Marshall.

Mr. Aaron Austin.
Oct. Capt. Shubael Griswold.

Mr. Aaron Austin.
Dec. Capt. Shubael Griswold.

Mr. Aaron Austin.

1779, Apr. None given from Torrington.

Lists of Names.

265

1779

. May.

Oct.

1780

, Jan.

Apl.

May.

Oct.

Nov.

I78I,

Feb.

May.
Oct.

1782,

Jan.

May.

Oct.

1783,

Jan.
May.

Oct.

1784, Jan.

May.
Oct.

1785,

May.

Oct.

1786,

May.

Oct.

1787,

May.

Oct.

1788,

May.

Oct.

1789,

Jan.

May.

Oct.

1790,

May.

Oct.

Dec.

Mr. Noah North. 1790, Dec.

Mr. Abner Marshall. 1791, May.

Col. Lpaphras Sheldon.

Mr. Noah North. Oct.

Col. Epaphras Sheldon.

Mr. Noah North. 1792, May.

Col. Elipiiaz Sheldon.

Mr. Noah North. Oct.

Capt. Shubael Griswold.

Mr. Nojh North. '793, May.

Mr. Noah North.

Capt. Shubael Griswold. Oct.

Capt. Shubael Griswold.

One vacancy. '794' May.

Mr. Noah North.

Capt. Shubael Griswold. Oct.

No representatives recorded.

Col. Epaphras Sheldon. '795i May.

One vacancy.

Col. Epaphras Sheldon. Oct.

Mr. Abner Marshall.

Mr. Abner Marshall. '796, May.

Mr. Aaron Austin.

Mr. David Grant. Oct.

Mr. Eliphalet Eno.

No representatives recorded. '797, May.

Mr. Noah North.

Mr. Eliphalet Eno. Oct.

Col. Epaphras Sheldon.

Doct. Samuel Woodward. 1798, May.

Col. Epaphras Sheldon.

Doct. Samuel Woodward. Oct.

Mr. Eliphalet Eno.

Mr Noah North. '899, May.

Capt. Jabez Gillett.

Mr. Daniel Grant. Oct.

Mr. David Soper.

Gen. Epaphras Sheldon. 1800, May.

Mr. Samuel Woodward.

Capt. Amos Wilson. Oct.

Doct. Samuel Woodward.

Mr. Elisha Smith. 1801. May,

Doct. Samuel Woodward.

Mr. Noah North. Oct.

Mr. Eliphalet Eno.

Capt. Amos Wilson. 1802, May.

Capt. Shubael Griswold.

Gen'l Epaphras Sheldon. Oct.

Mr. Eliphalet Eno.

Mr. Elisha Smith. '803, May.

Mr. Eliphalet Eno.

Mr. Elisha Smith. Oct.

Mr. Eliphalet Eno.

Mr Elisha Smith. 1804, May.

Capt. Shubael Griswold.

Mr. Elisha Smith. Oct.

Doct. Samuel Woodward.

Mr. Elisha Smith. 1805, May.

Doct. Samuel Woodward.

Mr. Elisha Smith. Oct.

Mr. Eliphalet Eno.

Mr. Elisha Smith. 1806, May.

Mr. Eliphalet Eno.
Mr. Epaphras Sheldon.
Mr. Shubael Griswold.
Mr. Epaphras Sheldon.
Mr. Eliphalet Eno.
Doct. Elkanah Hodges.
Mr. Eliphalet Eno.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr. William Battle.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr. Shubael Griswold.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr. Shubael Griswold.
Mr. Seth Wetmore.
Mr. William Battle.
Mr. Seth Wetmore.
One vacancy.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr. William Battle.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr. William Battle.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr. Jabez Gillett.
Mr. Epaphras Sheldon.
Mr. Jabez Gillett.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr. Jabez Gillett.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr Jabez Gillett.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr. Jabez Gillett.
Mr. Wait Beach.
Mr. Ebenezer Miller.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr. Jabez Gillett.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr. Nathaniel Austin.
Mr. Wait Beach.
Mr. John Gillett.
Mr. Phineas North.
Mr. William Battle.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr. William Battell.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr. William Battell.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr. William Battell.
Mr. Phineas North.
Mr. Jabez Gillett.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr. Jabez Gillett.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr. Jabez Gillett.
Mr. Phine.is North.
Mr. William Battell, Jr.
Mr. Elisha Smith.
Mr. William Battell, Jr.
Phineas North.
William Battell.
Elisha Hinsdale.
William Battell.
Elisha Hinsdale.

266

ISTORY OF

ORRINGTON.

1806,

May.
Oct.

1807,

May.

Oct.

1808,

May.

Oct.

1809,

May.

Oct.

I8I0,

May.

Oct.

I8II,

May.

Oct.

I8I2,

May.

Aug.

Oct.

I8I3,

May.

Oct.

1814,

May.

Oct.

1815,

Ja.n.

May.

Oct.

I8I6,

May.

Oct.

I8I7,

May.

Oct.

I8I8,

May.

Oct.

I8I9.

1820.

I82I.

1822.

William Battell, Jr.
Elisha Hinsdale.
William Battell, Jr.
Elisha Smith.
Normjn Griswold.
Elisha Smith.
William Battell.
Elisha Smith.
William Battell.
Elisha Smith.
William Battell.
Elisha Smith.
William Battell.
Lyman Wetmore.
John Gillett, Jun.
Lyman Wetmore.
John Gillett, Jr.
Lyman Wetmore.
Thaddeus Griswold.
Elisha Smith.
Norman Griswold.
Elisha Smith.
William Batell.
Elisha Smith.
Thaddeus Griswold.
Elisha Smith.
Thaddeus Griswold.
Lyman Wetmore.
Thaddeus Griswold.
Erastus Hodges.
Thaddeus Griswold.
Erastus Hodges.
John Gillett, Jr.
Lyman Wetmore.
Wm. Battell.
Lyman Wetmore.
John Gillett, Jr.
Lyman Wetmore.
John Gillett, Jr.
Abel Hinsdale.
Uriel Tuttle.
Russell C. Abernethy.
William Battell.
Russell C. Abernethy.
Thaddeus Griswold.
Russell C. Abernethy.
Thaddeus Griswold.
Lyman Wetmore.
William Battell.
Lyman Wetmore.
John Gillett, Jr.
Lyman Wetmore.
John Gillett, Jr.
Abel Kinsdale.
William Battell.
Elihu Cook.
John Gillett, Jr.
Elihu Cook.
John Gillett, Jr.
John Gillett, Jr.
Abel Hinsdale.
Matthew Grant.

1822. Samuel Woodward.

1823. Levi Munsell.
[ohn Gillett, Jr.

1824. Levi Munsell.
Isaac H. Dibble.

1825. Russell C. Abernethy.
Isaac H. Dibble.

1826. Erastus Hodges.
Uriel Tuttle.

1827. Erastus Hodges.
William Battell.

1828. Russell C. Abernethy.
William Battell.

1829. Noah Drake, Jr.
Horace Gillett.

1830. Noah Drake, Jr.
Horace Gillett.

1831. Asaph Gillett.
Griswold Woodward.

1832. Erastus Hodges.
William Battell.

1833. Martin Webster.
Levi Munsell.

1834. Noah Drake.
Cicero Hayden.

1835. Ralph Deming.
Noah Drake, Jr.

1836. Zaccheus W. Bissell.
Giles Whiting.

1837. Giles Whiting.
John Gillett.

1838. Lorrain Thrall.
Israel Holmes.

1839. Elkanah H. Hodges.
Anson Colt, Jr.

1840. Luman Munsell.
Anson Colt, Jr.

1 841. Uri Taylor.
Luman Munsf;ll.

1842 Uri Taylor.

No other recorded.

1843. Griswold Woodward.
Asaph Gillett.

1844. Asaph Gillett.
Griswold Woodward.

1845. Lyman W. Coe.
Dennis Coe.

1846. Lorrain Hindsale.
Nelson Roberts.

1847. Lorrain Hindsale.
Nelson Roberts.

1848. Jannah B. Phelps.
Frederick P. Whiting.

1849. Jannah B. Phelps.
Homer F. Thrall.

1850. Albert Bradley.
Henry S. Baibour.

1851. Lewis Whiting.
John W. Cooke.

1852. Edmund A. Wooding.
Leverett Tuttle.

1853. Noah Drake.

Lists of Names.

267

1853. L. Thompson.

1854. Noah Drake.
Henry Hopkins.

1855. N. Roberts.

C. A. Winship.

1856. George P. Bissell.
Lewis A. Thrall.

1857. George P. Pissell.
Lewis A. Thrall.

1858. Thomas A. Miller.
Samuel J. Stocking.

1859. Thomas A. Miller.
Andrew Roberts.

i860. Harlow Fyler.

Francis N. Holley.

1861. Harvey L. Rood.
George L. Whiting.

1862. B. R. Agard.
Roderick Bissell.

1863. Alonzo Whiting.
Henry G. Colt.

1864. Lauren Wetmore.
James Ashborn.

1865. Henry S. Barbour.
Elijah Woodward.

1866. O. R. Fyler.
W. H. Barber.

1867. Roger C. Barber.
Elisha Turner.

1868. Joseph F. Calhoun.
Thomas A. Starks.

1869. Charles Hotchkiss.
Edward B. Birge.

1870. J. W. Phelps.
Luther Bronson.

1871. E. C. Hotchkiss.
John M. Burr.

1872. F. J. Seymour.
Wait B. Wilson.

1873. Charles McNeil.
James Alldis.

1874. Charles McNeil.
Charles F. Church.

1875. Charles F. Brooker.
Edward C. Hotchkiss.

1876. Charles McNeil.
John W. Gamwell.

1877. Levi Hodges.
Achille F. Migeon.

Town Clerks.

Dea. John Cook, 1740 to 1779, 38 yrs.

Gen. Epaph. Sheldon, 1779 ^° '79S> '5 ''

Esqr. Elisha Smith, 1795 to 1813, 18 "

[ohn Gillett,

!i3 to 1823,

Russell C. Abernethy, 1823 to 1827, 4 "

John Gillett, i827toi83i, 4"

Russell C. Abernethy, i83itoi8 35, 4"

John Gillett, 1835 to 1837, 2 "

Russell C. Abernethy, 1837 to 1838

John Gillett, 1838 to 1844,

Francis N. Holley,

Giles A. Gaylord,

Henry S. Barbour,

Gideon H. Welch,

Fred. F. Fuessenich,

1844 to 1850,

1850 to 1851, I

1851 to 1870, 19
1870 to 1877, 7
1877.

I yrs.

6 "

1777. Epaphras Sheldon.
Amos Wilson.
Ephraim Bancroft.
Shubael Griswold.
Elijah Gaylord.

1778. Noah Wilson.
Shubael Griswold.
Abner Loomis.
Noah North.
Jabez Gillett.

1779. Ephraim Bancroft.
John Strong.
Noah North.

1780. Epaphras Sheldon.
Abner Loomis.
Daniel Hudson.
Noah North.
David Soper.

Selectmen.'

1781.

1782.

1783.

1784.

Epaphras Sheldon.
Abner Loomis.
Amos Wilson.
Jesse Coolc.
Jabez Gillett.
Amos Wilson.
Jabez Gillett.
Abner Loomis.
Shubael Griswold.
Daniel Grant.
Amos Wilson.
David Soper.
Noah North.
Jabez Gillett.
Abner Loomis.
Elisha Smith.
David Soper.
Daniel Grant.

■'1' In consequence of the loss of the First Book of Records of the town meetings, the
list before 1777, could not be given. The record of town clerks before that date was ob-
tained from the town treasurer's book.

268

History of Torringtok.

1784. Austin Haydon.
Abijah Wilson.

1785. Amos Wilson.
Austin Haydon.
Elisha Smith.
David Soper.
Thomas IVIarshall.

1786. Elisha Smith.
David Soper.
Austin Haydon.
Thomas Marshall.
Eikanah Hodges.

1787. Eikanah Hodges.
Zachariah Mather.
Abijah Wilson.
Samuel Austin,
Stephen Fyler.

1788. Abijah Wilson.
Zachariah Mather.
Caleb Lyman.
David Soper.
Stephen Fyler.

1789. Wait Beach.
Jabez Gillett.
Asahel Miller.

1790. Wait Beach.
Daniel Dibble.
George Miller.

1791. Eikanah Hodges.
William Battell.
Seth Wetmore.
John Gillett.
Ebenezer Lyman.

1792. Eikanah Hodges.
William Battell.
Seth Wetmore.
John Gillett.
Ebenezer Lyman.

1793. Eikanah Hodges.
William Battell.
Seth Wetmore.
]ohn Gillett.
Ebenezer Lyman.

1794. Elisha Smith.
Nathaniel Austin.
Seth Wetmore.
Joseph Gaylord.
Fhineas North.

1795. Seth Wetmore.
Joseph Gaylord.
Nathaniel Austin.
Elisha Smith.
Phineas North.

1796. Elisha Smith.
Daniel Dibble.
Phineas North.
Joseph Gaylord.
Stephen Fyler.

1797. Elisha Smith.
Daniel Dibble.
Stephen Fyler.
Jabez Gillett.

1797.
1798.

1799.

1802.
1803.
1804.
1805.
1806.
1807.
1808.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
1813.
1814.
1815.
1816.
1817.

Joseph Phelps.
Guy Wolcott.
Nathaniel Austin
Phineas North.
Michael Loomis.
Noah North.
Elisha Smith.
John Gillett.
Noah North.
Elisha Smith.
John Gillett.
Noah North.
Elisha Smith.
fohn Gillett.
Phineas North.
Elisha Smith.
John Gillett.
Phineas North.
Elisha Smith.
John Gillett.
Phineas North.
Elisha Smith.
John Gillett.
Phineas North.
Elisha Smith.
John Gillett.
Phineas North.
Elisha Smith.
John Gillett.
Phineas North.
Elisha Smith.
John Gillett.
Phineas North.
Elisha Smith.
Phineas North.
Thaddeus Griswold.
Phineas North.
Thaddeus Griswold.
Lyman Wetmore.
Lyman Wetmore.
Thaddeus Griswold.
William Whiting.
Lyman Wetmore.
Thaddeus Griswold.
William Whiting.
Lyman Wetmore.
Thaddeus Griswold.
William Whiting.
Matthew Grant.
Norman Griswold.
Elihu Cook.
Matthew Grant.
Norman Griswold.
Elihu Cook.
Matthew Grant.
Norman Griswold.
Elihu Cook.
Elihu Cook.
Norman Griswold.
Matthew Grant.
Elihu Cook.
Daniel G. Humphrey.

Lists of Names.

269

1817. Noah Drake, Jr.

1818. Elihu Cook.

Daniel G. Humphrey.
Noah Drake, Jr.

1819. Elihu Cook.

Daniel G. Humphrey.
Noah Drake, Jr.

1820. Isaac H. Dibble.
Aaron Smith.
Barzillai Hudson.

1821. Benjamin Phelps.
Barzillai Hudson.
Asaph Gillett.
Isaac H. Dibble.

1822. Asaph Gillett.
Isaac H. Dibble.
Benjamin Phelps.
Barzillai Hudson.

1823. Asaph Gillett.
Barzillai Hudson.
Benjamin Phelps.
Uriel Tuttle.

1824. Benjamin Phelps.
Barzillai Hudson.
Levi Munsell:
Uriel Tuttle.
Levi Munsell.

1825. Benjamin Phelps.
Barzillai Hudson.
Uriel Tuttle.

1826. Levi Munsell.
Uriel Tuttle.
Russell C. Abernethy.
Uri Taylor.

1827. Russell Abernethy.
Uri Taylor.
Griswold Woodward.
Noah Drake, Jr.

1828. Noah Drake, Jr.
Uri Taylor.
Martin Webster.
Griswold Woodward.

1829. Noah Drake, Jr.
Demas Coe.
Martin Webster.
Griswold Woodward.

1830. Noah Drake, Jr.
Martin Webster.
George Bissell.
Giiswold Woodward.

1831. Erastus Hodges.
Martin Webster.
Levi Munsell.
Demas Coe.

1832. Horace Gillett.
Erastus Hodges.
Demas Coe.
Levi Munsell.

1833. Erastus Hodges.
Horace Gillett.
Noah Drake, Jr.
Demas Coe.

1834. Trumbull Ives.
Russell C. Abernethy.
Griswold Woodward.
Noah Drake, Jr.

1835. Noah Drake, Jr.
Trumbull Ives.
Edmund A. Wooding.
Cicero Hayden.

1836 Griswold Woodward.
Noah Drake, Jr.
Cicero Hayden.
Edmund A. Wooding.

1837. Griswold Woodward.
Lorrain Thrall.
Milo Burr.

Marcus Munsell.

1838. Lorrain Thrall.
Uri Taylor.
Marcus Munsell.
Jannah B. Phelps.

1839. Frederick P. Whiting.
Uri Taylor.

Noah Drake, Jr.
Jannah B. Phelps.

1840. Uri Taylor,
Frederick P. Whiting.
Jannah B. Phelps.
Noah Drake, Jr.

1 841. Barzillai Hudson.
Uri Whiting.

1842. Barzillai Hudson.
Uri Whiting.

1843. Barzillai Hudson.
Uri Whiting.

1844. Barzillai Hudson.
Nelson Alvord.
Asaph Gillett.

1845. Barzillai Hudson.
Asaph Gillett.
Nelson Alvord.

1846. Barzillai Hudson,
Nelson Alvord.
Frederick P. Whiting.

1847. Barzillai Hudson.
George P. Bissell.
Frederick P. Whiting.

1848. Barzillai Hudson.
George P. Bissell.
Frederick P. Whiting.

1849. George P. Bissell.
Anson Colt.

1850. Frederick P. Hills.
Barzillai Hudson.

1851. Barzillai Hudson.
Frederick P. Hills.
Harmon Cook

1852. Frederick P. Hills.
Barzillai Hudson.
Harmon Cook.

1853. Frederick P. Hills.
Barzillai Hudson.
Harmon Cook.

s \

270
1854.

1855.

1856.

1857.

1858.

1859.

i860.
I86I.
1862.
1863.
1864.
1865.

MiSTORY OF TORRINGTON.

Barzillai Hudson.
Frederick P. Hills.
Ephraim Fellows.
Harmon Cook.
Horace Loomis.
Elijah Woodward.
Harmon Cook.
Horace Loomis.
Elijah Woodward.
Frederick P. Hills.
George P. Bissell.
Elijah Woodward.
Harmon Cook.
Levi Hodges.
Clark B. Downs.
Harmon Cook.
Levi Hodges.
Charles Hotchkiss.
Levi Hodges.
Harvey L. Rood.
Harmon Cook.
Bradley R. Agard.
Alonzo Whiting.
Harvey L. Rood.
Bradley R. Agard.
Alonzo Whiting.
Harvey L. Rood.
Bradley R. Agard.
Alonzo Whiting.
Harvey L. Rood.
Bradley R. Agard.
Alonzo Whiting.
Harvey L. Rood.
Bradley R. Agard.
Alonzo Whiting.
Harvey L. Rood.

1866. Bradley R. Agard.
Roger C. Barber.
Alonzo Whiting.

1867. Bradley R. Agard.
Roger C. Barber.
Alonzo Whiting.

1868. Bradley R. Agard.
Alonzo Whiting.
James G. Woodward.

1869. Bradley R. Agard.
Julius Wooding.
John M. Burr.

1870. Bradley R. Agard.
[ulius Wooding.
John M. Burr.

1871. Bradley R. Agard.
John M. Burr.
Lyman R. Pond.

1872. Lyman W. Coe.
Edward B. Birge.
Julius Wooding.

1873. Samuel Brooker.
Wait B. Wilson.
Edward B. Birge.

1874. Bradley R. Agard.
Joseph Newbury.
John W. Gamwell.

1875. Bradley R. Agard.
Joseph A. Newbury.
|ohn W. Garnwell.

1876. Bradley R. Agard.
Joseph A. Newbury.
John W. Gamwell.

1877. Bradley R. Agard.
Elijah Woodward.
Joseph A. Newbury.

Freemen.
" A list of the names of persons admitted to be freemen of the
state of Connecticut, in the town of Torrington, with the time when
they were respectively sworn, after the Declaration of Independence
of the United states" (town record).

1777. Epaphras Sheldon.
Ashbel North.
Abner Loomis.
Noah Gleason.
Elisha Smith.
Bushniel Benedict.
Epaphras Sheldon, Jr.
Benjamin Bissell.
Joel Loomis.
Ebenczer Lyman.
Amos Wihon.
John Cook, Esq.
[oseph Drake.
John Cook, Jr
Shubael Cook.
Jabez Gillett.

1777. Matthew Grant.
Noah Fowler.
Benjamin Whiting.
Abel Beach.
Levi Thrall.
Shubael Griswold.
Jotham Ives,
[ohn Birge.
Simeon Richards.
Jonathan Coe.
Abner Marshall
Benjamin Phelps.
Ebenezer North.
Samuel Beach.
Ebenezer North , Jr.
Ebenezer Coe.

Lists of Names.

271

1777. Elijah Barber.
John Wetmore.
Moses Loom's.
John Whiting.
Benjamin Beach.
Joseph Beach.
Abraham Loomis.
Abel Beach, Jr.
Abijah Wilson.
John Curtiss.
Salmon Agard.
Asahel Strong.
Ephraim Bancroft, Jr.
Elkanah Hodges.
Issachar Loomis.
Epaphras Loomis.
Nathan Kelsey.

Eli Loomis.
Peter Parker.
David Soper.
John Strong.
Caleb Lyman.
Ephraim Bancroft.
Daniel Hudson.
Asahel Wilcox.
John Burr, Jr.
Noah Wilson.
James Bacon.
Noah North.
Timothy Loomis.
Noah Wilson, Jr.
Joseph Allyn.

1778. Daniel Dibble.
Asaph Atwater.
Asa Foot.
David Norton.

1779. Jonathan Kelsey.
Michael Loomis.
Roger Wilson.
William Wilson.
Noah Beach.
Fitch Loomis.
Thomas Matthews.
Daniel Winchel.
Samuel Cummins.
Elisha Bissell.
Seth Coe.

Joseph Frisbie.
Simeon Birge.
Joseph Loomis.
Silas Fyler.
Pardon Thrall.
George Frazier
Ambrose Marshall.
John Stancliff.
David Goff.
Ephraim Loomis.
Thomas Ellsworth.
Andrew Austin.
Urijah Cook.
Richard Leach.
Elisha Frances.

1779.

1780.

1781.

1782.

1783.

1784.

1785.

1786.

1787.

1788.

1789.
1790.
1791-

Caleb Leach.
Asahel North.
Aaron Marshall.
Isaiah I'uttle.
Bela Camp.
Thomas Marshall.
John Richards.
William Grant, Jr.
Samuel Cummins.
George Baldwin.
Elijah Hurlbut.
Stephen Taylor.
Asa Loomis.
Richard Loomis.
Oliver Bissell.
William Phelps.
Seth Wetmore.
Eliphalet Austin.
Asahel Miller.
Jedidiah Cummins.
Samuel Woodward.
Simeon Moore.
Moses Loomis.
Elihu Cook.
Joseph Phelps.
Richard Leach, Jr.
Daniel Deming.
Benoni Hills, Jr.
Joseph Taylor.
Joseph Holmes.
William Whiting
Daniel Thrall.
Penfield Goodsell.
Benoni Leach.
Norman Griswold.
William Pierpont.
John Fyler.
Samuel Wetmore.
Ebenezer Miller, Jr.
Nathan Kelsey, Jr.
Guy Wolcott.
Harvey Whiting.
Elijah Bissell.
Joel Loomis.
Epaphras Loomis.
John Strong, Jr.
Return Bissell.
Raphael Marshall.
Rozel Wilson.
Ashbel Bronson.
Seth Holmes.
Jonathan Phelps.
Lemuel Loomis.
Elihu Barber.
Eli Barber.
Noadiah Bancroft.
Phineas North.
David Leavenworth.
Jabez Beardsley.
Charles Dix.
Abner Coe.
William Shatiuck,

Ill

History of Torrington,

1794. Nehemiah Gaylord.
John Brooker.
Roger Marshall.
Remembrance North.
Stephen Hart.

1795. Russell Burr.
Thaddeus Griswold.
Lyman Wetmore.
David Williams.
Oliver Coe.
Harvey Palmer.

Eli Loomis.

1796. Daniel Potter.
Alexander Loomis.
Miles Beach.
Pomeroy Wetmore.
Ira Loomis.
Joseph Allyn, Jr.
Giles Whiting.
James Yale.
Roger Loomis.
Barzillai Blake.
Ebenezer Stoddard.
Roger Foot.
Samuel Foot.
Augustus Humphrey.
John Barber.

1797. William Battell.
Daniel C. Hudson.
Caleb Johnson.

1798. Anson Stone.
Elijah Strong.
Timothy Humiston.
George Miller.
Ambrose Potter.
Nathaniel Hayden.
Henry Miller.
Seymour Bradley.
Philo Eggleston.
Jesse Blake.
Rozel Loomis.

1799. Luke Hayden.
Zacheus P. Gillett.

1800. Hezekiah Durand .
John Gillett, Jr.
Aaron Loomis.
William Bostwick.
Oliver Allyn.
Cyrus Loomis.
Seth Treadway.
Epiiraim Loomis, Jr.
Solomon Loomis.
Bildad Loomis.
Elias Loomis.
Samuel Rowley, Jr.
William Reynolds.
Benjamin Phelps.
Pomeroy Leach.

1801. Job Coe.
Curtiss Eggleston.
Benjamin Agard.
Isaac Edgerton.

1801. Abel Beach, Jr.
Wait Loomis.
Elisha Bissell.
Moses Richards.
Elijah Gaylord.
Horace Gillett.

1802. Daniel Richards.
David Eggleston.
David Miller.
Jeremiah F. Miller.
Allen Burr.
Timo'hy Loomis, Jr.
Uriel Tuttle.
Thomas White.
Amasa Ives.
Elijah Goodwin.

Ira Grant.
Nathan Gillett, Jr.

1803. Salmon Burr.
Chester Loomis,
Orange Soper.
Jedediah Eggleston.
Amos Wilson, Jr.
Samuel Beach, Jr.
Isaac Bellows.
Willard Hodges.
Erastus Hodges.
Erastus Ives.
Norman Fowler.
Beniamin Lindsley.

1804. Levi Munsell.
Artemas Phillow.
Asaph Gillett.
Bela Hinman.
Moses Rood, Jr.
Thomas Hurlbut.
Shelburn Ives.
Hezekiah Eno.
James Eggleston.

1805. Elisha Loomis.
Anderson Cone.
John Rood.
Abel Roberts.
James Rowley.
Ebenezer Rood, Jr.

1806. Isaac H. Dibble.
Aaron Rood.
Elihu Moore.
Luman Loomis.
Moses Drake.
Lazarus Ball.
Robert Hurlbut.
Ormel Leach.
Elijah Pond.
Ethan Eggleston.
Ezekiel Apply.

1807. Levi Beach.
Aaron Smith.
Rolland Wilson.
Harmon Wilson.
John Beach, Jr.
Charles Richards.

Lists of Names.

273

1807. Jannah Phelps.
Julius Beach.
William Wilson.
Gilbert AUyn.
Ebenezer Turrell.
Benjamin Cowles.

1808. Nathaniel Gaylord.
Luther Cook.
Peter M. Bissell.
Anan Beach.
Miles Spencer.
Asa Shattuck.

1809. Elisha Bissell.
David Shattuck.
Selah Whiting.

1810. John Cook, Jr.
Aranda Birge.
Bassett Dunbar.
Russell Dayton.
Uri Whiting.
Hezekiah Hayden.

1811. George Lyman.
Leverett Birge.

1812. Nathaniel Smith.
Uri Taylor.
George Bissell.
Abiel Taylor.
Lemuel North.

1813. Joel Atkins.
Catlin Bissell.
Pelatiah Bissell.
David Birge.
Clement Carr.
Cicero Hayden.
Alvan Loomis.
Allyn Loomis.
Noah North.
Levi Shepard.

1814. Charles Andrus.
Elijah Woodward.
Griswold Woodward.

1815. Homer F. Thrall.
Ariel North.
George W. Thrall.
Willard North.
Linus Sage.
Alpheus Hodges.
Norris Coe.
Demas Coe.
Norman Wilson.
Daniel Tuttle.
Giles Gaylord.
Chester Birge.
Asa Loomis.

1816. Abijah Osbon.
James Wolcott.
Henry E. Hodges.
Rodney Brace.
Joseph Miller.
Abijah Munn.
Samuel Seymour.
Samuel Fyler.

18 1 6. Fitch Bissell.
Lewis Austin.
Stephen Fyler, Jr.
Prescott Pond.
Ambrose Fyler.
William H. Whiting.
Cyrus Bissell.
Anson Loomis.

Elias Gillett.
George Roberts.
Reuben Fyler.

1817. Warren Loomis.
Alanson H. Kimberly.
Harlow Fyler.

Jubal Fyler.

Orlen Loomis.

Hiram Loomis.

George Chase.

Elisha Apley.

Lewis Murray.

Henry Roberts.

Harlem Brace.

Henry Dayton.

Anson Colt, Jr.

Truman Brace.

Riley Griswold.

Arthur Loomis.

Allyn Miller.

Edwin Bissell.

Pelatiah Cadwell, Jr.

Elizur Wolcott.
Elijah M. Gaylord.

David Winchell.
Moses Bancroft.
Thomas Hurlbut.

Hezekiah Drake.
Rufus Drake.
Israel Coe.
Horace Loomis.
Julius Watkins.
1818. Michael Loomis, Jr.
Leverett Tuttle.
Newton Rossiter.
Daniel C. Humphrey, Jr.
Riley Lyman.
Horace Bancroft.
Trumbull Ives.
Joseph Tolls.
Hiram Winchell.
Ira Parker.
Stephen Griswold.
Henry Gaylord.
Chester Clark.
Samuel Addis.
Ebenezer Winchell.
Phelps McCoe.
Horace Mather.
Chester Bancroft.
Joseph Holcomb.
Reuben Loomis.
Riley Cook.
Martin Webster.

274

History of Torrington.

1818. John Ellsworth.
James Leach.
Samuel Thrall.
Luman Hinman.
Marvin Barber.
Augustus Grant.
Joseph Eggleston.
Myron Leach.
Rial Burr.

Milo Burr.
Jeremiah Bown.
William Leach.
Porter Bissell.
Henry F. Osborn.
Ira Mason.
John Cook, 4th.
Joseph Lewis.
Austin Moses.
Alfred French.
Henry Wattles.
Rufus Moses.
Horace Loomis.
Dudley Sulivan.
Erastus Bancroft.
John Cook, 3d.
Chester Johnson.
Ira Hoyt.

Christopher Pierce.
Amasa Scoville.
Randal Covey.
Abijah Coe.
Elijah Pond, Jr.
Silas White.
Ransley Birge.
Samuel H. Foot.
Matthew Grant.
Samuel Deliber.
Warren Bancroft.
Eaton Ellsworth.
Nathan Thrall.
Sylvanus Cook.
Julius Scoville.
Sylvester Coe.
Curtis Tuttle.
Levi Holmes.
Benjamin Curtiss.
John Taylor.
Luman Carr.
Ambrose Thorp.
Roderick Bissell.
Spencer Garrett.
Samuel Bartlett.
Truman Seymour.

1 819. Amos Northrop.
Heman Childs.
Asa Hull.
Curtiss Tomlinson.
Sanford Palmer.
William H. Hurlbut.
Elihu Barber, Jr.
Israel Gross.

James Grant.

18 1 9. Pelatiah Roberts.
Grandison Loomis.
Timothy Cotton.
Levi Dutton.
Joshua Leach.

1820. Truman Merrill.
Elisha Loomis.
Leonard Bissell.
Welcome Clemence.
Jeremiah Page.
Benjamin Eggleston.
James H. Seymour.
Artemas Rowley.
Cyrus North.
James Whiting.
Charles Woodward.
George O. Jarvis.

1821. Horatio Grant.
Leverett Scott.
Asahel Coe.
Frederick P. Whiting.
Dennis Hart.
Frederick Rowe.
Albro Cowles.
Roswell Birge.
Christopher Perkins.
Jabez Gibbs.
Chauncey Shattuck.
Joel Wright.
Reuben Smith.
Miles Beach, Jr.
Leonard Griswold.
Rufus Patchen.
Lauren Roberts.
Daniel Richards.
Uriel Johnson.
Ralph Dunbar.
Abner Loomis.
Henry Allyn, 2d.
Luther Birge.
William E. Russell.

1822. Asahel Howd.
Joshua Thrall.
George D. Wadhams.
Marcus Munsill.
Willard Barber.
Lucretius Moore.
Miles Apley.

Henry Trowbridge.
George Beach.
Abram Loomis.
Lorrain North.
Lemuel Loomis, Jr.
Seth Smith.
Hiram Phelps.
David White.
Andrew Kingsley.

1823. Marvin Henderson.
Norman Coe.
Truman Baldwin.
Eben M. Hills.
Lorrain Hinsdale.

ISTS OF

AMES.

275

1823. Alvan Looinis.
John Grant.
Henry Deary.
John Ostrum.

1824. William Greer.
Jonah Dayton.
Lyman Baldwin,

De Witt C. Dickinson.
James H. Hubbard.
Thomas Cook.
William H. Masters.
Minard Van De Bogert.
Albert Bradley.
Noel Merrill.
Joel Ball.
Harry Bissell.
Ira Johnson, Jr.
Abel S. Leach.
Frederick Spencer.
Elizur Johnson.
Phineas North.
Chauncey Allyn.
Herman Wilson.
Hiram J. White.
Lauren Wetmore.
Jedediah Munn.
Martin Sage.

1825. Ralph P. Judd.
Randall Shattuck.
Lyman B. Squires.
Darius Moore.
Harvey Goodwin.
John H. Tuttle.
Charles Pierpont.
Hiram Burr.
Amos Ward.
Charles M. Lines.
Charles Clark.
William Bissell.
George Boothe.
Enoch Sperry.
Frederick North.

1826. Harvey Ford.
Samuel Scott.
Ansel Cook.
David Fletcher.
Elijah L Cummins.
Theodore Leach.
Heman Wadhams.
Elkanah Barber.
Wm. W. Munson.
Gilman Hinsdale.
Edmund Phillow.
Henry Thompson.
Lewis Miller.
Converse Clark.
Thomas More.
Benjamin Dealing.
Addison Palmer.
Hiram Barber.
William Baldwin.
H. Alvord.

1827. Lorrain Moss.
Garwood H. Beckwith.
Abner W. Jenkins.
Leonard H. Goodwin.
George P. Bissell.
Wells Fyler.
Alanson Mitchel.
Edward Calkins.
Joshua Brad.

Albert Grant.
Ira Thrall.
Eliphalet Smith.
Luke Thrall.
Norman Leach.
Eber Coe.
Nathaniel Birge.
Stephen Smith.
William Phipany.
Jairus Case.

1828. Emery Taylor.
Luman Munsell.
Norman Apley.
Rufus Burr.
John C. Barber.
Eber Gibbs.
Stirling Woodruff.
Otis Burnham.
Allyn Roberts
Edward Denny.
Harman Cook.
Harry Miller.
Hiram A. Pettibone.
Samuel Spencer.
Tudor Pease.
Russell Brooker.
Thomas A. Miller.
Henry Colt.

Elisha S. Abernethy.
Levi Loomis.
Horace C. Gillett.
James Perry.
Sebo Beach.

1829. Aurora Morey,
Hiram Rustin.
Justus Loomis.
Rufus Eggleston.
Charles Johnson.
Orson Barber
Allyn Burr.
Willard Birge.
Bennett Palmer.
Ranson P. Ellsworth.
Anson Williams.

1830. Frederick B. Wadhams.
Homer Fowler.
Sheldon Barber.
James Harris.

Nelson Alvord.
George M. Goodwin.
Marcus Eggleston.
Asa E. Perkins.
Simeon Loomis.

276

History of Torrington.

1830. Giles L. Gaylord.
Lorrain Smith.
Augustus J. Taylor.
Horace Rowley.
Chester Bristol.
Lemuel Munson.
Linus Johnson.
Lewis Whiting.
Seth S. Treadway.
William R. Gould.
Riley Dunbar.

1831. David Evans.
Lewis Sperry.
Anson Hine.
Sylvester Hurlbut.
Robert Pelton.
William Durand.
Silas D. Spaulding.
Nelson Allyn.
Henry Hungerford.

1832. Samuel A. Groves.
Henry Judd.
James F. Harding.
Miletus Huxford.
Charles Smith.
Hiram Munsell.
Hiram Bronson.
Caleb Cone.
William B. Spencer.
Dennis Dudley.
John Frisbie.
Joseph Allyn, 2d.
Wait B. Wilson.
Orrin Hi Hard.
Edwin Hodges.
James Raymond.

1833. Luther Miller.
Joel Hall.
Harvey H. Gross.
Charles Treadway.
Henry D. Denison.
Merritt White.
George Watson.
David Davids.
Joseph A. Newberry.
Elkanah Fox.
Ebenezer W. Beach.
Oliver E. Gross.
Levi Hurlbut.
Elkanah H. Hodges.
Lucius Dunbar.
Tullius C. Hayden.
Russell Tiffany.

1834. Ebenezer Sexton.
Oliver Hamlin.
Lucius Leach.
Alfred G. Morgan.
Asa G. Adams.
Aaron S. W. Goodwin.
Charles S. Church.
Arvid Dayton.
George L. Whiting.

1834. Lewis A. Thrall.
Shaylor F>ler.
David Tallmadge, Jr.
Albert Loomis.
James O'Brian.
Prosper Merrills.
John L Bissell.
Jesse York.
Horace Thompson.
Stephen York.
Harmon Dayton.
Dennis Phillow.
Abel K. Hinsdale.
Richard Sperry.

1835. William Wedge.
Henry H. Newell.
Philo A. Loomis.
Timothy W. Loomis.
Charles M. Munson.
Ephraim Loomis.
Benj. F. Waugh.
Levi T. Munsell.
Ransom A. Dunbar.
Asa R. Hamlin.
Milo Winchell.
Alonzo Whiting.
Starr Holcomb.
John W. Scoville.
John Clark.

Julius Daily.

1836. Elijah Starkweather.
Alpha Rood.
Edmund Wooding.
Eber Rinck.
Lucius Bissell.
David W. Pond.
Joseph Barrett.
Hart H. Belding.
Nelson Caul.
Lewis Carrington.
Nelson Roberts.
Calvin Rood.
Henry A. Peet.
Collins Holcomb.
Joseph C. Hall.
Frederick Phelps.
John M. Thompson,
Alexander McKenzie.
Nathan B. Phelps.
Lorrain B. Rood.
Spencer A. Terrel.
Jerome A. Johnson.
George W. Gross.
George Canfield.
Fitch R. Babcock.
Linus Scovill.
George Scovill.
fames Walling.
Thomas M. Starks.
Rufus Cone.
George Leach.
Alexander A. Gillett.

Lists of Names.

277

1836. Richard W. Griswold,
Oliver S. Hills.
Charles H. Judd.
Joel Scoville.
Gilbert Mason.

Joel Loomis.
Ebenezer Edmons.

1837. Frank L. Whiting.
George H. Birge.
Lorrain Tibbals.
Joseph Scott.
Samuel Winchell.
George Dunbar.
Larandus Beach.
Lyman Andrews.

1838. William F. Hungerford
Elias E. Oilman.
Edward Mott.
William H. Pond.
Charles S. Mason.
Lucius H. Foot.
Frederick L. Taylor.
Stanley Griswold.
Henry Jackson.
Charles Mansfield.
Frederck W. Brown.
Wolcott Cook.

Ansel Cartright.
■ William B. Wilson.
Peleg Elmore.
Samuel Bradley, Jr.
Levi Hodges.
Julius J. Phelps.
William H. Leach.
William F. Foot.

1839. William W. Waugh.
Roswell C. Loomis.
David W. Carrington.
John M. Cook.

Buel Austin.
George H. Mason.
Lewis Cook.
Reuben B. Cook.
Giles M. Smith.
William S. Pond.
Allyn A. Clark.
Timothy E. Miller.
Nelson Hart.
Caleb Daniels.
David N. Lyman.

1840. Harvey L. Rood.
Horatio Wilson.
Henry Hayden.
Milton Huxley.
Emory Morris.
Daniel Robertson.
Luman Chapman.
Addison Johnson.
Emory Loomis.
William F. Strong.
Smith A. Harris.
James H. Perry.

1840. James H. Tuttle.
Samuel W. Squires.
John F. Balker.
Charles T. Daniels.
Elliot C. Tallmadge.
Jonah Allyn, 2d.
Lester K. Gaines.
George P. Cowles.
George W. French.
James Scofield.
George W. Pona.
Aaron Penniston.
Herbert F. Combs.
Aralzaman Carr.
Lyman L. Clark.
Ira Mott.

Erastus Lyman.
George Addis.
Hyman Buel. .
David Combs.
James Grant.
Charles Cooper.
James Gardner.
Patrick Dellahant.

1841. Edwin C. Drake.
George F. Seymour.
Albert M. Westlake.
Miles Grant.
Richard Hennisee.

1842. Ransom W. Castle.
James Dunwell.
Nathan Tubbs.
Bishop Squires.
George Waugh.
Charles L. Clark.
Peter Ranney.
Joseph L Morris.
Gerry Winchell.
Martin Dunbar.
William W. Webster.
Lucius Andrews.
William Chapman.

1843. Rollin Fyler.
Uri C. Burr.
Charles T. Bancroft.
Walter M. Hungerford.
Joseph Eaves.

Frank R. Ensign.
Warren R. Curtiss.
Charles F. Scofield.
George H. Bowne.
William B. Jones.
William A. Grant.
Justus Dayton.
Matthew H. Grant.
Daniel A. Grant.
Crawford Ladd.
Chester Cadwell.
Ralph Palmer.
Benjamin H. Morse.
George Woodward.
Joseph Huntington.

278

History of Torrington.

1843. Larenson Wilson.
Horace Cook.
Cornelius D. Cook.
Samuel Day.
Marshall Grilley.

1844. Chester R. Adkins.
Warren Roberts.
Charles Dayton.
Scott Baker.
Chailes HoUis.
Lucijs B. FoUett.
William D. Aldrich.
Tho;nas Long.
Lewis W. Thrall.
Samuel Sperry.
Luther L. Leach.
John W. Rood.
Chester Smith.
Corridon L. Dutton.
Francis M. Hale.
George W. Church.
Elijah Woodward.
Philander P. Humphrey.
Rufus Rood.

Nelson Alvord, 2d
Stephen Gladding.
Samuel Weeks.
Samuel Burr.
Amos Parsons.
William L. Boughton.
James B Tallmadge.
Henry B. Baker.
William La Fogg.
Hiram Lyman.
Ira Hoyt, Jr.
Theodore llobbins.
Edward Hubbard.
Daniel Brown.
Julius R. Pond.
Lorrain Curtiss.
Homer Johnson.
Austin N. Hungerford.
Albert Sedgwick.
Midian N. Griswold.

1845. Harvey Dayton.
Chester Drake.
Hiram Cobb.
John R. Sedgwick.
Henry Hurlbut.
William O'Rourke.
Ariel North.

1846. Charles G. Pond.
William Cooper.
Asa Wattles.

Eli B. Barnes.
George O Smith.
Jerome Webster.
Elijah Witherell.
Frederick J. Seymour.
Frederick Perkins.
James C. Hayden.
Daniel Burness.

1846. Frances King.
George N. Blakeslee.
Newton Morse.
Giles W. Smith.

Ira Brasee.
Andrew E. Hull.
Gaylord G. Bissell.
Hermon Loomis.
John Youngs.
Edward Hill.
Corydon Shepard.
William R. Loomis.
Edward Curtiss.
Elias H. Rood.

1847. James G. Woodward.
Samuel T. Seelye.
Lorenzo E. Gore.
Daniel Kerby.
Rufus W. Gillett.
Ashbell G. Bradford.
Cornelius Winship.
Henry P. Ostrum.
Julius F. Blakeslee.
Henry L. Smith.
Albert P. Barber.
Edward H. Tuttle.
Charles Gale.
Anson B. Rice.
Orrin Potter.
Lathrop Messenger.
Ambrose Curtiss.
Charles Pilgrim.
Charles Catljn.
Edward Root.
William H. Moore.
McKenzie Millard.
Robert Wright.
Warham Curtiss.
Francis Burr.
James Green.
Harlem W. Brace.

1848. Joseph F. Calhoun.
George W. Loomis.
Sheldon Beach.
Charles N. North.
Giles D. Aden.
Cornelius SkitF.
Benjamin Warner.
Cyrus Hubbard.
David Beach.
George A. Hubbell.
Henry Davis.
William M. Bennett.
Lucius Burr.
James Roberts.
John G. Titus.
Oliver Titus.
Charles Grant.
Russell Perkins.
Rodman O. Pilgrim.
Lemuel E. Coe.
Chauncey Porter, Jr.

Lists of Names.

279

1848. Alpheus H. Chickering.
Mahlon W. Bancroft.
Luke Barber.

John N. Whiting.
Truman Barber.
Jolin Bennett.
John C. Gillett.
Marcus Dayton.
Joseph Rood.
Dana L. Hungerford.
Abiel Taylor.
Isaac M. Simons.
Gillett Burr.
Warren C. Clark.
George Piatt.
Lyman R. Pond.
Martin V. Drake.
Squire Scoville.
John A. McKinstry.
Russell Millard, Jr.
John Parker.
Jesse B. Rose.

1849. Albert H. Smith. ^
Edward Thorp.
George Hurlbut.
Henry P. Johnson.

1849. ^^' ^- Cheeseborough.
Stephen Chase.

1850. Nathan Benjamin.
Jeremiah W. Phelps.

Joseph B. Whiting.
Edward Rice.
Lewis S. Smith.
Harvey E. Bailey.
Frederick Bailey.
Franklin Abbott.
William Moses.
Henry Kimberly.
James Birge.
Eli Welden.
Fayette Smith.
Charles W. Cook.
Benjamin N. Beardslee.
Alfred Brown.
Moses Weed.
John Scoville.
William Busby.
Norman Goodwin.
Willard O. Barber.
Samuel J. Stocking.
Alfred Starr.
Alexander Francis.

Marriages.
Recorded by Rev. Nathaniel Roberts.

Agard, Abigail, to Joshua Parsons of Farmington, April 29, 1762.

" Elizabeth, to Benoni Hills, Oct. 28, 1773.

" Hezekiah, of Litchfield, to Abigail Damon, Dec. 17, 1751.

" Mary, to Oliver Coe, Oct. 7, 1762.

Sarah, to Friend Thrall, Nov. 23, 1774.

David, to Elizabeth Wetmore, Sept. 8, 1774.

Ephraim, to Jemima Loomis, Nov. 2. 1775.

Esther, to Roswell Coe, April 22, 1766.

Elijah, to Mary Hills, July 10, 1766.

Thomas, of Goshen, to Jerusha Loomis, Oct. 24, 1754.
" William, Jr., to widow Brown, June 16, 1768.

Bartholomew, Sarah, to Zacharia Leach, Sept. 4, 1769.

Alvord,

Bancroft,
((

Barber,
cc

Beach,

«
<c

Blake,

Brace,

Brown,

Celsey,

Coe,

«
«

Abel, Jr., to Esther Peck, March 12, 1774.
Benjamin, to Abiah Loomis, Aug. 31, 1763.
Hannah, widow, to Daniel Webb, Nov. 9, 1761.
Joel of Winchester, to Abiah Filley, Oct. 18, 1757.
Joseph, Jr., to Ede Cook, Jan. 4, 1776.
Margaret, to Abijah Wilson, Oct. 5, 1767.
Rebecca, to Samuel Hurlbut, Dec. i, 1768.
Wait, of Goshen, to Huldah Loomis, July 9, 1767.
Joseph, to Marana Grant, Aug. 27, 1767.
Ariel, to Deborah Loomis, Oct. 15, 1772.
Widow, to William Barber, June 16, 1768.
Sarah, to Joseph Frisbie, Oct. 8, 1767.
Eunice, to Joseph Hoskins, Jr., Aug. 20, 1761.
Jerusha, to John Lucas, of Goshen, Dec. 5, 1763.
Mary, to Asahel Wilcox, Sept. 13, 1762.
Oliver, to Mary Agard, Oct. 7, 1762.
Robert, to Chloe Thrall, Dec. 26, 1764.
Roswell. to Esther Bancroft, April 22, 1766.
Thomas, to Lois Cowles, Oct. 23, 1755.

28o

History of Torrington.

Cook,
Cowles,

Damon,
Eno,
Everitt,
FiUey,

Fowler,
((

Frisbie,
(<

Gaylord,

Gillet,

Grant,

«
«

HiUs,
«

Hosford,
Hoskins,
Hurlbut,

Jewell,

Judd,

Kent,

Leach,

Lee,

Lewis,

Loomis,

<(
«

«
«

Lucas,

Lyman,
(<

«
«
«

Mather,

Edee, to Joseph Beach, Jan. 4, 1776.
Rachel, to David Soper, Jan. 26, 1764.
Amasa, to Lucy North, Feb. 26, 1766.
Eunice, to Job Curtiss, Jan. 31, 1769.
Jerusha, to Ebenezer North, Feb. 16, 1769.
Lois, to Thomas Coe, Oct. 23, 1755.
Martha, to Thomas Curtiss, Jan. 7, 1762.
Mindwell, to Timothy Judd, Jan. 15, 1767.
Samuel, to Sibyl North.

Abigail, to Hezekiah Agard, of Litchfield, Dec. 17, 1751.
Abigail, to Martin North, April 2, 1760.
Samuel, to Mindwell Strong, May 27, 1762.
Abiah, widow, to Joel Beach of Winchester, Oct. 18, 1757-
Mary, to John Curtiss, June 5, 1769.

William, to Dinah Preston, of Winchester, Jan, 13, 1759.
Mary, to Issachar Loomis, Dec. 10, 1765.
Noah, to Rhoda Tuttle, Feb. 10, 1774.
James, of Litchfield, to Mary Gillet, May i, 1754.
Joseph, to Sarah Celsey, Oct. 8, 1767.
Suse, to Zechariah Mather, April 20, 1769.
Mary, to James Frisbie, May i, 1754.
Martha, to David Jewell, Dec. 6, 1773.
Marana, to Joseph Blake, Aug. 27, 1767.
Sarah, to Abner Loomis, July 29, 1757.
Zerviah, to Amos Wilson, Oct. 18, O. S., 1722.
Benoni, to Elizabeth Agard, Oct. 28, 1773.
Mary, to Elijah Barber, July 10, 1779.
Isaac, of Litchfield, to Mindwell Loomis, July 8, 1747.
John, of Litchfield, to Mary Loomis, Dec. 10, 1765.
Joseph, Jr., to Eunice Coe, Aug. 20, 1761.
Samuel, to Rebecca Beach, Dec. i, 1768.
Phebe, to George Miller, June 29, 1775.
David, to Martha Grant, Dec. 6, 1773.
Timothy, to Mindwell Cowles, Jan. 15, 1767.
Elizabeth, to Ebenezer Moss, June 10, 1760.
Hezekiah, to Sarah Bartholomew, Sept. 14, 1769.
Joseph, of Goshen, to Prudence Curtiss, Jan. 8, 1750.
Nehemiih, of Goshen, to Esther Lyman, Dec. 30, 1767.
Abiah, to Benjamin Beach, Aug. 31, 1763.
Abner, to Sarah Grant, July 29, 1757.
Deborah, to Ariel Brace, Oct. 15, 1772.
Dorothy, to Eli Loomis, Nov. 18, 1762.
Eli, to Dorothy Loomis, Nov. 18, 1762.
Hannah, to Caleb Lyman, Sept. 28, 1768.
Huldah, to Wait Beach, July 9, 1767.
Isabel, to Benjamin Phelps, Oct. 16, 1755.
Issachar, to Mary Fowler, Dec. 10, 1 7 65.
Jemima, to Noah North, March 25, 1756.
Jemima, to Ephraim Bancroft, Nov. 2, 1775.
Jerusha, to Thomas Barber, of Goshen, Oct. 24, 1754.
Lucy, to Elisha Smith, Nov. 23, 1773.
Mary, to John Hoskins, Dec. 10, 1765.
Mindwell, to Isaac Hosford, July 8, 1747.
Sarah, to Josiah Whiting, Nov. 2, 1775.
John, of Goshen, to Jerusha Coe, Dec. 5, 1765.
Caleb, to H-annah Loomis, Sept. 28, 1768.
Ebenezer, to Ann Young, Oct. 20, 1774.
Esther, to Nehemiah Lewis, Dec. 30, 1767.
Lydia, to Stephen Tuttle, March 23, 1768.
Ruth, to Asahel North, Jan. 26, 1757.
Sarah, " the younger, " to Joel Wetmore, Nov 23, 1763.
Zachariah, to Suse Gaylord, April 20, 1769.

Lists of Names.

281

Marsh,
Marshall,

Miller,

North,
<{

Parsons,

Peck,

Phelps,

Prciton,

Roberts,

Sheffield,

Smith,

Soper,
((

Stark,

Strong,
((

Taylor,
Thrall,

Tuttle,
<<

((

Webb,
Wet more,
(<

Whiting,
>(

Wilcox,

Wilkinson,

Wilson,
«

Young,

Ambrose, of Litchfield, to Elizabeth Taylor, Oct. 30, 1754.

Thomas, Jr., to Desire Tuttle, Jan. 30, 1764.

George, to Phebe Hurlbut, of VVetiieiifield, June 29, 1775.

Ashbel, to Ruth Lyman, Jan. 26, 1757.

Ebenezer, Jr., to Jerusha Cawles, Feb. 16, 1769.

Lucy, to Amasa Cowles, Feb. 25, 1766.

Martin, to Abigail Eno, April 2, 1760.

Noah, to Jemima Loomis, March 25, 1756.

Sibyl to Samuel Cowles, April 14, 1756.

Joshua ot Farmington, to Abigail Agard, April 29, 1762.

Esther, to Abel Beach, Jr , March 12, 1774.

Benjamin, to Isabel Loomis, Oct. 16, 1755.

Dinah, ot Winchester, to Wm. FiUey, Jan. 13, 1759.

Rev. Nathaniel, to Margaret, dau. of Rev. J. Marsn of Windsor, Nov. 22,

1743-
Rev. Nathaniel, to Esther Loomis, Nov. 7, 1848.

Eunice, to Jesse Wilkinson, May 17, 1771.

Mary, to Daniel Thrall, March ii, 1773.

Elisha, to Lucy Loomis, Nov. 25, 1775.

David, to Rachel Cook, Jan. 26, 1764.

Timothy, to Deborah Stark, June, 1766.

Deborah, to Timothy Soper, June, 1766.

Asahel, Jr., to Marv Young, Dec. 2, I773.

Mindwcll, to Samuel Evert, May 27, 1762.

Elizabeth, to Ambrose Marsh of Litchfield, Oct. 30, 1754.

Chloe, to Robert Coe, Dec. 26, 1764.

Daniel, to Mary Sheffield, March 11, 1773.

Elizabeth, to Joseph Thrall, March 23, 1758.

Friend, to Sarah Agard, Nov. 23. 1774.

Joseph, to Elizabeth Thrall, March 23, 1758.

Levi to Mary Whiting, Nov. 15, 1770.

Desire, to Thomas Marshall, Jr., Jan. 30, 1764.

Rhoda, to Noah Fowler, Feb. ic, 1774.

Stephen, of Goshen, to Lydia Lyman, March 23, 1758.

Daniel, to widow Hannah Beach, Nov. 9, 1761.

Joel, to Sarah Lyman the younger, Nov. 23, 1763.

Elizabeth, to David Alvord, Sept. 8, 1774.

Josiah, to Sarah Loomis, Nov. 2, 1775.

Mary, to Levi Thrjll, Nov. 15, 1770.

Asahel, to Mary Coe, Sept. 13, 1762.

Jesse, to Eunice R^pberts, May 17, 1 771.

Amos, to Zerviah Grant, Oct. 16, O. S., 1732.

Abijah, to iVIargaret Beach, Oct. 5, 1767.

Noah, Jr., to Hannah Young, Nov. 24, 1763.

Ann, to Ebenezer Lyman, Oct. 20, 1774.

Hannah, to Noah Wilson, Nov. 24, 1763.

Mary, to Asahel Strong, Dec. 2, 1773.

By Rev. Alexander Gillet.

Agard,

Apley,

AUyn,
«

Bates,

Baldwin,

Barber,

BeJch,

Blake,

Bronson,

Bumpers,

Clark,

Benjamin, to Rhoda Loomis, April, 7, 1796.
Ezekiel, to Sally Rood, Feb. 28, 1803.
Joseph Jr., to Sabra Loomis, Mir. 18, 1801.
Oliver, to Lucy Loomis, May 7, 1 801.

,to Polly Kimberly of Winchester, May 31, 1795.
Samuel, Goshen, to widow Mary Loomis, June, 1792.
Abijah, to Mary Loomis, March 19, 1795.
Abel, to " Rocksey " Taylor, March 30, 1797.
Jesse, to Merilla Loomis, Nov. 29, 1798.

Salmon, to Mary Wheaton, both of Winchester, Oct. 3, 1800.
Gladding, to Sarah Judd, in winter of 1792.
Two, Jan. 21, 1799.

282

History of Torrington.

Coe,

Deming,

Drake,

Eggleston,

Fay,

Foot,

Gillet,
«

Hall,

Hills,

Hodges,

Hudson,

Hurlbut,

Johnson,

Kimberly,

Loomis,
«

«
(t
((

Lyman,

Marshall,

Miller,

Munsell,

Philluw,

Richards,

Smith,

Scone,

«'Stor"

Strong,

Thorp,

Thrall,

Watson,

Weltun,

■Wilson,
<(

Wright,

Abijah, to Sibyl Baldwin, of Goshen, Oct. i8, 1792.
Job, to Lois Richards, Feb. 2.4. 1801.
Ichabod of Bristol, to Rebecca Loomis, April 4, 1797.
John Eason, to Prudence Miner, Dec. 2.2, 1796.
Edward, to widow Dinah Judd, of Winchester, March, 1802.
Thaddeus, to Esther Lucas, both of Winchester, Oct. 17, 1793.
Jared of Goshen, to Anne Wilson, June 19, 1797.
Nathan, Jr., to Aingail Wolcott, May 26, 1803.
Timothy P., Rev., to Sally Hodges, Nov. 29, 1808.
Zacheus Phelps, to Clara Humphrey of Goshen, Dec. 27, 179^-
David M., of Wallingford, to M.ndwell Beach, Oct. 30, 1799.
Sech, to Amy Lucas, both of Winchester, Nov. 28, 1798.
Erastus, to Laura Loomis, Jan. 5, 1809.
Daniel Coe, to Mary Loomis, Feb 16, 1797.
Joseph, of Vt., to Rhoda Lyman, Feb. 14. 1803.
Caleb, to Polly Beach, Dec. 20, 1798.
Jacob Jr., of Goshen, to Nancy Pond, June 11, 1797.
Ale.Kander, to Submit Spencer, June, 1 792.
Asa, to Margaret Loomis, May, 15, 1799-
Isachar, to Hephziba Loomis, May 6, 1802.
Ira, to Polly Thrall, July 25, 1793'
Joel, to Prudence West, May Z3, 1792.
Wait, to Sarah Stone, Nov., 1796.
Ebenezer, Jr., to Clarissa Loomis, Nov. 4, 1802.
Levi, to Polly Gridley, April 19, 1795.
David, to Hannah, Nov. 29, 1794.
Levi, to Rachel Marshall, Dec. 8, 1799.
Artemus, to Louisa Loomis, Dec. 11, 1800.
Moses, to Naomi Hurlbut, Jan. i, 1800.
Theodore, of Goshen, to Rhoda Wilson, March, 18, 1795.

, of Harwinton, to Sarah Hurlbut, Dec. 30, 1800.
Anson, to Phebe Miller, April 26, 1796.

Josiah, to Patty Green, of Sharon Mountain, Sept. 29, 1793.
Samuel, Southington, to Jane Loomis, Oct. 14, 1792.
Augustus, to Sibyl Taylor, Feb. 19, 1795.
Thomas, New Hartford, to Mele Wetmore, Jan. i, 1797.
Jesse, Jr., of Goshen, to Olive Wilson, Jan. 6, 1801.
Capt. Amos, to widow Hannah Loomis, March 20, 1793.
Amos, Jr., to Sabrah Griswold of Winchester, Mar. 25, 1801.
Timothy, of New Hartford, to Triphena Bancroft, May 31, 1798.

Marriages

Sept.

28,

1820,

Nov.

16,

Oct.

12,

Oct.

18,

Oct.

21,

^3,

Dec.

((

Feb.

14,

I82I,

Feb.

Mar.

II,

Oct.

3'>

1820,

Nov.

20,

27,

23,

29,

((

30.

Dec.

13,

Recorded on Town Records.

Webster Martin and Permela North, by Lyman Beecher.

Elkannah Ingraham, of Norfolk, and Highla Turrell.

Gaylord Hayes and Mary Humphrey.

Cyrus Hubbard, Harwinton, and Aurania Eggleston.

Rufus Curtiss and Ursula Fowler.

Jeremiah Bowne and Hannah Ball.

John Hungerford, Jr. and Charlotte Austin.

Cyrus North and Lavinia Holmes.

Thomas Sparks and Betsey Granger.

Chester Barber, Harwinton, and Marilla Birge.

Rufus Patchin, Derby, and Clarissa McKenly.

Daniel G. Humphreys and Eliza Burr.

Willard North and Lucinda Pelton.

Orlean Loomis and Ruba North.

Ira Cole, K.enr, and Lavina Thrall.

Hiram Griswold, Goshen, and Harriet Whiting.

Chauncev B. Mix, Northfield, and LucindaFreeman.

Amos Wilson and Elizabeth Birge,

Lists of Names. 283

Dec.

13.

1820,

Feb.

1821,

Mar.

29.

((

Apr.

27.

((

May

21,

Oct.

14,

^5,

Nov.

18,

Dec.

Oct

Mar.

19,

1822.

June

((

May

Nov.

28,

Aug.

28,

Dec.

25.

((

Jan.

1823,

Jan.

12,

Apr.

27,

June

J"iy

Aug.

21,

((

27,

Sept.

20,

((

Oct.

((

18,

26,

Feb.

1824.

Dec.

Mar.

22,

Apr.

26,

((

21,

((

Feb.

17.

((

Mar.

II.

May

10,

II,

Aug.

31.

((

Sept.

^9,

Oct.

3»

26,

((

Sept.

12,

Dec.

22,

Jan.

1825,

Jan.

10,

Oct.

1824,

Mar.

17,

1825,

Oct.

Nov.

-J

Oct.

16,

Nov.

i»

May

3, :

1826,

May

10,

Dec.

II,

((

Sept.

20,

Sept.

24,

Sept.

28,

((

Uriel Burr and Esther Curtiss.
William Brown and Polly Hubbard.
Hiram Loomis and Abigial Ward.
Chester Johnson, Harwinton, and Maria Gates.
James Jones and K'ancy Freeman.

Minard Van De Bogert and Hilpah Tuttle, Barkhamsted.
Rial Johnson, Harwinton, and Flora Willey.
Norman Griswold and Laura Birge.
Josiah Miller and Harriet Moore.
Sylvester Spencer and Lucind-. Phelps.
Darius Willson and Clanissa Treadway.
Midian Griswold and Lucy North.
Abel S. Leach and Caroline Gillet.
Thaddeus Griswold and Margaret T. Gaylord.
Samuel Thrall and Harriet Wilson.
George Beach and Mary Deliber.
John Watkins and Nancy Bissell.
Pitts Goodwin and Jerusha Fvler.

Salmon Hunt, Canaan, and Clarissa Bradley of Torrington.
John Bonnelly and Candace Haydon, both of
Lyman Leach, Litchfield, and Julia Allyn, of
John Taylor and Fanny Strong, both of Torrington.
John Grant, Torrington, and Cynthia Pine, of Southold, L. L
Lyman Pond, Litchfield, and Lucy Spencer of Torrington.
HarloAf Fyler and Sibyl Tolls, both of Torrington.
Oliver Skinner, Torrington, and Charity Fox, Hebron.
Patrons Perkins and Deborah Brace, both of Torrington.
John Smith, Winchester, and Esther French, '*
Daniel Richards, Litchfield, and Experience Leach, Torrington.
John R. Pitkin and Sophia Thrall, Torrington.
Reuben Chasc- and Lucy Curtiss, *'

George Bissell and Sarah Woodruff, Torrington.
John GiUett, Jr., and Mary Woodward,
Giles A. Gaylord and Esther Austin.

William Parmelee, Goshen, and Ann Eliza White, Torrington.
Miles Beach and Charlotte Bancroft, Torrington.
Horace Loomis and Permelia Loomis, "

Henry Aliyn and Ruba Whiting, Torrington.
Emery Taylor, Bristol, and Harriet Mather, Torrington.
Ephraim W. Wolcott and Rhoda Leach, Torrington.
Roderick Bissell and Fanny Gaylord, Torrington.
Levi Crampton, Goshen, and Elizabeth Munn, Torrington.
Charles Pierpont and Candace Leach, Torrington.
David 1. Fuller and Maria Porter, Watertown.
Hiram Gibbs and Eliza Bascom, Torrington.
Nathan W. Hammond and Harriet Merrill, Torrington.
Jannah Demming, Barkhamsted, and Lydia Thorp, Torrington.
Elkanah Ingraham, Colchester, and Louisa Turrill.
Sylvester Coe, Torrington, and Caroline Brown, Canton.
Daniel li. Kimberly and Lydia Brooks.
Converse Clark, Saybrook, and Almira Burr, Torrington.
Hiram Winchell and Olive Goodwin, Torrington.
Ephraim Fellows, Cornwall, and Sabra Roberts, Torrington.
James Smith, Lexington, N. Y., and Deidama Cornish, Simsbury.
Gerry Grant and Louisa Whiting, Torrington.
1826, John H. North, Cornwall, and Esther W. Gaylord, Torrington.
Lewis Murry and Mary Leach, Torrington.
Henry Roberts and Betsey Tiffany, Barkhamsted.
Franklin Hedge, Torrington, and Mary Chamberlain, Middletown.
Artemas Rowley and Susan Evans, Torrington.
Nathan Cobb, Torrington, and Eliza Colyer, Burlington.
Frederick Forbes and Sophia demons, Torrington.

284

History of Torrington.

Nov. 12, 1826, Russell Brooker and Jennett McKenzie, Torrington.

Thomas Moses and Ann M. BIsscll.

Joshua Leach and Anna Stodard, Torrington.

Chester Bristol, N. J., and Mindwell Phelps, Torrington.

Ral[ih Judd and Urania Cadwell, Torrington.

Harvey Ford, Winchester, and Mary Ann Drake, Torrington.

John Whiting, Colebrook, and Rachel Loomis, Torrington.

Lewis Leffingwell, Goshen, and Maria Miller, Torrington.

Gilman Hinsdale and Amanda Ward, Torrington.

Ahnson Loo-, is, Winchester and Sally Richards, Torrington.

William E. Russell and Emily Bradley, Torrington.

Rufus Burr, Winchester, and Anna S. Hudson, Torrington.

Harvey Spier and Mary A. Taylor, Torrington.

Norman Coe and Nancy Whiting, Torrington.

Jonathan Whiting, Ma<;3 , and Maria Moore, Torrington.

Herman Northrop, Winsted, and Fanny White, Torrington.

Ithiel Emmons and Almira Leach.

David Sammis and Harriet E. Gibbs, both, of Goshen.

Oliver E. Gross and Amanda Root Hazen, Torrington.

Horace Loomis and RoxaUna Loomis.

Warren Bancroft and Laura Fierpont.

Albro W. Cowles and El'za Tallmadge.

Jabez Gibbs and Almira Ball.

James Whiting and Amelia Allvn, Torrington.

William Leach and Julia Foot, Torrington.

Jonathan Willey and Lena Haydon, Torringron.

Laurin Wetmore and Fanny Austin, "

Jeremiah H. Phelps, N. Y., and Sarah Leach, Torrington.
8, 1829, Robert Pelton and Alma Eggleston, Torrington.

Thomas A. Miller and M iry C. Hudson, Torrington.

Reuben Hall, Wallingford, and Keziah Beach, Torrington.

John Oitram and Eliza J. Colby, Goshen.

Frederick B. Wadhams and Cornelia Phelps, Torrington.

George D. Wadhams and Lucy S. Abernethy, "

Timothy Henisee, Torrington, and Milly Johnson, Litchfield.

Burton Pond, Bristol, and Charlotte Colt, Torrington.

Abel S. Wetmore, Winchester, and Lucy Hill, Torrington.

Luther Emmons, Cornwall, and Mary Willey, "

Stephen Smith and Charlotte Moses, Torrington.

Seth Coe and Dorcas Kies, Middletown.

Orson Barber and Roxy A. Eggleston, Torrington.
Jan. 20, 1830, Jesse Pritchard, Mass , and Eliza Gdlett, Torrington.

Leverette Tuttle and Chloe Colt, Torrington.

Bennett Palmer and Morilla Eggleston, Torrington.

Asahel Coe, Walby, and Maria Wetmore, Torrington.

Lorenzo Bellamy and Eleanor Freeman, Torrington.

Frederick North and Harriet Hoyt, Torrington.

James Southwick and Lois Curtiss.

Justus Colton, Mass., and Emiline Phelps, Torrington.

Henry Judd, Litchfield and Hannah Beach, Torrington.

Jay Benham, Waterburv, and Salina Brace, Torrington.

Joseph Catlin Hall, and Almira Ann Willey.

Ninus Waterman and Charlotte Freeman, Torrington.

Amos Freeman, Torrington, and Sarah E Pomens, Mass.

Hiram Barber and Roxy Ann Burdick, Torrington.

Lewis Beach, Goshen, and Almira White, Torrington.

Spencer Turrel and Jenette Canfield, Torrington.

Abiel Canfield and Bede Kenna, Torrington.

Nathaniel Birge and Olive Peck, Torrington.

Seth S. Treadway and Abigail M. North, Torrington.

Anson Balcom and Margaret McKenzie.

Henry A. Perkins, N. Hartford, and Rachel M. Bissell, Torrington.

Nov.

15.

Dec.

13.

((

May

1825

May

10,

June

26,

Jan.

1827

Jan.

((

Mar.

i?,

((

Mar.

20,

May

24,

May

10,

Apri

30.

((

Aug.

26,

Sept.

19.

Sept.

24,

1827

Oct.

14,

((

21,

Nov.

12,

Jan.

28,

1828

Feb.

17.

Mar.

17,

Apr.

16,

((

Aug.

19.

Oct.

Sept.

12,

Nov.

II.

Apr.

1829

Apr.

May

19.

((

Aug.

10,

Sept.

Dec.

25.

Sept.

21,

((

Oct.

Nov.

^4'

Oct.

'9.

((

14,

Nov.

15.

Dec.

Jan.

20,

1830

Feb.

10,

Mar.

30,

((

June

28,

((

14,

Apr.

28,

Nov.

10,

{(

20,

Oct.

14,

((

Aug.

18.

Jan.

Dec.

Feb.

27,

183I,

Mar.

10,

31.

((

May

((

22,

((

June

14,

Lists of Names. 285

July

II,

183

Aug.

Sept.

20,

Oct.

0
->

Sept.

25.

Oct.

30,

T A

(31, Lurandrus Beach, Dover N. H., and Harriet Burr, Torrington.

Justus p. Lewis, O., and Polly Ellsworth, Torrington.

James B. Wiiite, Winchester, and Sally HuJburt, Torrington.

Charles C. Beers, Goshen, and Emma R. Palmer, Torrington.

William Hoyt, Wateibury, and Lucy Leach, Torrington.

William Smith and Adelia Bowton, Waterbury

David F. Daniels, Pieston, and Laura Sperry, Torrington.

Henry S. Abbey, Buftalo, and Elizabeth Smith, "

Sylvester Hurlbut and Mary Hills, "

" 15, " Joseph Grey, Haddam, and Emiline H. Morgan, '•
Sept. 25, " Joseph Shires and Laura Leffingwell, *•

Feb. 16, 1832, Marain Barber and Eliza Whiting, "

Daniel S. Rogers and Desire B. Fowler, "

George Goodwin and Sally Weeks, "

Nelson Allyn and Speedy Birge, "

Albert B. Wilcox and Mary Munson, "

Ebenezer Goodwin, N. Hartford, and Hannah Pond, Torrington.

Joseph Shaw and Artemisia Merrill, Torrington.

James H. Hurlbut and Elizabeth Brown, Torrington.

Julius Daily and Lois Wilson, Torrington.

James Wallen and Clarrissa Johnson, Torrington.

Phineas North and Louisa Wetmore, "

John W. Scoville and Martha Wilson, "

Wilson Munson, Bristol, and Lucretia Palmer, Torrington.

Benhani Barber, Harwinton, and Mary Wilson, "

W^ait B. Wilson and Caroline Birge, Torrington.

Wagar W. Lyman, N. Y., and Adah Shattuck, "

Joseph B. Lewis, Winsted, and Cardelia CummJngs, "

John Freeman and Lucina Prince, Torrington.

Sheldon Barber, and Sally E. Hodges, "

Elisha Loomis and Ophelia Leach, "

Hezekiah H. Brace and Mary Ann Loomis, Torrington.

Mansfield Bunnell, Plymouth, and Sophrona A. Miller, Torrington.

Jeremiah D. Root and Hannah W. Pond, Torrington.

Sylvanjs H Pease, Somers, and Emaline Roberts. Torrington.

William B. Wjlson and Austria Tallmadye, Torrington.

Harleigh Skinner, Winchester, and Caroline Root, BristoL

Ebenezer Edmunds and Sarah C. North, Torrington.

Elias Hatch, Winchester, and Cornelia Foot, "

Isaac W. Riggs, Middlebury, and Ann Hoyt, "

Albert Hill, Bristol, and Angeline E. Tiffany, "

Charles S. Church and Charlotte A. Taylor, ''

Ebenezer W. Beach apd Lucy Walling, "

Hiram Johnson, Canaan, and Elizabeth Apley, "

William Olcott, Harwinton, and Sarah Ann Mather, Torrington.

Milain Packard, Mass., and Lucy E. Merriman, Torrington.

Samuel Brooker and Julia A. Seymour, Torrington.

Lorrain North and Harriet Ford, Torrington.

Morgan Dudly, Winchester, and Almira Wilson, Torrington.

Ansel Cook and Sophronia Eggleston, Torrington.

Merrill White and Ro.\y M. Leach, Torrington.

Sterling Woodruff and Minerva 1. Bradly, Torrington.

Willard Birge and Julia Ann Merrill, Torrington.

Addin Ph-elps and Maria Phelps, Harwinton.

Albro M. Humphreyville and Harriet Andrews.

Chauncey Hayden, Vt., and Aurelia Dibble, Torrington.

Albro Gris'wold and Florilla Cook, Torrington.

Riley Dunbar and Rhoda Huntington, Torrington.

Almonson A. Buckland, E. Windsor, and Sarah Northrop, Torrington.

Henry Newell and Almira Palmer, Torrington.

Noah Benedict and Harriet A. Curtiss, Winchester.

Francis Magrannis, Hartford, and Beulah Phelps, Harwinton.

J. cu.

iU,

'°i-f

April

17,

10,

June

May

31,

July

Aug.

((

Sept.

Aug.

Sept.

20,

((

Oct.

10,

17,

21,

27,

Dec.

10,

Feb.

1833,

Jan.

Apr.

13,

((

Mar.

27,

Apr.

24,

June

16,

July

Aug.

18,

Sept.

t
->

Oct.

((

16,

Nov.

24,

Nov.

28,

((

28,

(fc

Oct.

10,

Jan.

1834,

Dec.

1833,

May

18,

((

23,

Sept.

Nov.

1833,

Oct.

25,

1834,

Oct.

26,

((

28,

Jan.

1835,

30,

Feb.

17,

Nov.

286 History of Torrington.

Nov. 22, 1835, Samuel Stocking, Warerbury, and Oriel Case, Torrington.

Apr. 13, " J"'^i Snyder and Laura Johnson, Torrington.

May 3, " Levi H. Edwards and Sally Fairbanks, Torrington.

Apr. 22, " Peter A. Gibbs and /'\nn E. Gaylord, Torrington.

Aug. 22, " Edgar Loomis and Harriet Smith, Tonington.

Dec. 25, " Samuel Forest and Ann Pickering, Torrington.

" " " Dennis Chatfield, Waterbury, and Mary Jane JVIatthews, Torrington.

Jan. 18, 1836, William Munn and Jane E. Long, Torrington.

" 13, " Edwin Hodges and Jane E. Hickox, Stratford.

Feb. 2, " Willis Crampton, Farmington, and Pluma Loomis, Torrington.

Sept. 13, 1835, Gilbert Mason, N. London, and Mary A. Dayton, "

May 3, 1836, William B. De Forest, Waterown, and Mary L. Abernethy, Torrington.

'' 4, " Joseph H. Barrett and Maria Stocking, Tonington.

Apr. 25, " Samuel Wellman, Bethlehem, and Mary McKenzie, Torrington.

May 22, " Herman Cook and Angelina Dare, Torrington.

June 5, " Eugene Pardee, Ohio, and Eleanor A. Taylor, Torrington.

Sept. 14, " Sextus Barnes and Abagail Olmstead, Torrinuton.

Nov. 2, '' James H. Seymour and Florilla Hudson, Torrington.

Feb. 29, '• Augustus E. Bissell, Ga., and Millicent W. Watson, Torrington.

Nov. 23, " Sidney Hayden, Barkhamsted, and Florilla E. Miller, Torringten.

" " " Jerome B. Woodruff, Litchfield, and Melinda B. Whiting, Torrington.

Nov. 27, " Harmon Daly and Mercy Ball, Torrington.

Apr. 19, 1837, Eber N. Gibbs and Abagail W. Hudson, Torrington.

June 14, " OrviUe Perry, N. Haven, and Elizabeth A. Webster, Torrington.

July 13, " Daniel Beckley and Lucy Ann Merrill, Windsor.

" 20, " Hiram Rider and Irena Austin.

Oct. 14, " Dr. Gustavus G. Field, Guilford, and Laura A. Morse, Torrington.

" I, " John S. Preston, Harwinton, and Betsey Gaylord, Torrington.

Nov. 12, " Newton Potter and Caroline Dayton.

May 13, 1838, Smith Harris, Winchester, and Huldah Loomis, Torrington.

Oct. 3, 1837, James Gaunt, and Emma Forrest.

Mar. 4, 1838, Charles Benham and Lois H. Bran.

May I, " Martin Brooker and Maria Seymour, Torrington.

July I, " Elias E. Oilman and Charlotte L. Hudson.

Nov. 14, " Joseph Fenn and Rhoda Cook, Harwinton.

Mar. 10, 1839, Seth B. St. John and Emily Cartright.

April 28, " Henry Freeman and Julia A. Phelps, Torrington.

" 28, " Caleb F. Daniels, Norwich, and Sarah R. Tallmadge, Torrington.

May 20, " Joshua B. Trowbridge, Danbury, and Amelia Knapp, Canaan.

July 18, " Merritt S. White, Canaan, and Eliza A. Masters, Torrington.

" 31, " Charles N. Henderson, N. Hartford, and Caroline M. Gillett, Torrington.

Sept. 16, " Gilbert G. Wheeler and Betsey A. Wheeler, Torrington.

Oct. 8, " Milo R. Crane, Sandisfield, and Cordelia S. Waugh, Torrington.

" 29, " Moses Drake and Ruby Lcomis, Torrington.

Nov. 17, " Edward Hill, Charlotte, and Eliza Combs, Torrington.

Mar. 18, 1840, Truman A. Curtiss, New Hartford, and Laura Woodward, Torrington.

May 20, " Thomas A. Starks and Flora P. Drake, Torrington.

Aug. 18, " Benoni Bennett, N. Y., and Ursula A. Cook, New York.

Oct. 12, " Henry R. Seymour, Colebrook, and Ann P. Gross, Torrington.

" 28, " Eli Terry and Harriet A. Peck.

Dec. 9, " James Jones and Emily Truman, Torrington.

Jan. 3, 1841, Eli Phelps and Mary Bishop

Mar. II, " Frederick Tibbals and Nancy Holmes.

July 7, •' Theron Bronson and Maria R. Munsell.

Aug. 22. " George S. Addis and Sarah O. Gross, Torrington.

Sept. 12, " Emory Loomis and Laura Lyman, Torrington.

June 30, " Norman A. Wilson, Harwinton, and Harriet L. Griswold, Torrington.

July 4, " Hezekiah .Johnson, Harwinton, and Flora Mott, Torrington.

Aug. 23, " Henry P. Coe and Mary E. Bissell, Torrington.

Sept. 2, " Stephen C. Warner, Naugatuck, and Letitia Combs, "

Oct. I, " John C. Barber and Sarah Miller, Torrington.

Oct. 20, " Joseph Woostcr, Goshen, and Adah Roberts, Torrington.

Lists of Names.

287

Nov. 3, 1S41, Lyman W. Coe and Eliza Seymour, Torrington.

<' " " Bradley R. Agard and Mary Ann Church, Torrington.

Nov. 28, '■ Charles S. Mason, and Rosetta Bissell, Torrington.

Dec. 27, " Norris Buckley, and Marian Hart.

May 3, 1842, Joseph C. Le Gentt, Winchester, and Elizabeth Wilson, Torrington.

Sept. 5, " Francis Caswell, Plymouth, and Mary Ann Dunbar, Torrington.

" 22, " Julius Scoville, Litchfield, and Emily Dayton, Torrington.

Nov. 3, " Luther Bronson, Winchester, and Flora M. Grant, Torrington.

•' 13, '* Zebulon Merrill, N. Hartford, and Caroline Loomis, "

" 4, " Ira Huyt, and Helen Roberts, Torrington.

Oct. 17, " Henry S. Champion, Winsted, and Mary A. Gillett, Torrington.

Dec. 4, " Orson Barber, and Martha Stark, Torrington.

" 18, " Aaron Burbank, and Abigail Treadway, Winsted.

" 20, " Elmore D. Squires, N. Y., and Lucinda C. Leach, Torrington.

Jan 22, 1843, George Leach, Torrington, and Mary J. Rouse, Litchfield.

Feb. 3, " William Durand, and Lorana P. Barber.

June 12, " J'jhn S. Bincrott, E. Windsor, and Juliett Hudson, Torrington.

" 28, " Norris North, and Eliza Coe, Torrington.

Aug. I, " Charles S. Freeman, and Lucy A. Freeman, Torrington.

" ao, " A. P. Kline, N. C and Susan Church, Torrington.

Sept. 13, " Leroy Milliman, Winsted, and Harriet Dunbar, Torrington.

" II, 1842, Edmund Wooding, Bristol, and Maria A. Brook?, Torrington.

" 13, '' Lucius F. Leach, and Adaline M Beardsley, Torrington.

Oct. 2, " Joseph Gould, Winchester, and Rhoda P. Coe, Torrington.

Mar. 19, 1843, Virgil Wilson, Harwinton, and Mary G. Wheeler, Torrington.

Apr. 4, '' George Piatt, Sharon, and Ledelia Curtiss, Goshen.

May 15, " George P. Roberts, St. Louis, and Annis M. Allyn, Torrington.

Apr. 17, " Mason W. Fyler, Winsted, and Martha W. Munson, Torrington. •

Sept. 27, " Benjamin Peterson, and Laura A. Freeman, Torrington.

Oct. 2, " Chauncey B. Mix, and Abigail Jackins, Torrington.

Nov. 22, " Orson Brooks, Waterbury, and Louisa Johnson, Torrington.

Dec. 25, " Myron Stone, and Polly A. Smith, Litchfield.

" 26, " George H. Carter, Sharon, and Julia Harrison, Milton.

Mar. 3. 1844. Silas Pardee, Bristol, and Mary Brockett, Waterbury.

Apr. 18, " Jonathan Rossiter, Harwinton, and Huldah A. Wetmore, Torrington.

July 14, " Squire Scoville, Litchfield, and Martha M. Dayton, Torrington.

Sept. 18, " George P. Cowles and Charlotte L. Abernethy, Torrington.

Oct. 29, " Julius Rogers, and Sarah Leach, Torrington.

" 23, " George H. Browne and Heloise Bancroft, Torrington.

Nov. 26, " David Richardson, Prospect, and Anne Fyler, Torrington.

Jan. 9, 1845, Caleb C. Tracy, Washington, tnd Car line Bowne, Torrington.

'' 8, " Marshall I. Grilley and Amanda W. Leach, Torrington.

Feb. 9, " Theodore Robb ns, Norfolk, and Clarissa Hurlbut, Torrington.

Nov. 6, 1844, Roderick A. White, Truesbury, and Elizabeth Hungertord, Torrington.

" 12, " Amos Gilbert and Sarah Hollis, Torrington.

Jan. I, 1845, David Booth, Naugatuck, and Emeline Scott, Litchfield.

Mar. 30, " Hiram W. Hubbard and Betsey Wheeler, Torrington.

Apr. 6, " George R. Waugh and Anne Williams, N Britain.

" 21, " Joseph Allyn and Esther M. Westlake, Torrington.

" 22, " James B. Tallmadge, and Esther G. Burr, "

June I, ' Horace Prime and Drusilla Freeman, Torr'ngton.

July 15, " Lewis S. Svveetand Eliza A. Hurlbut, Torrington.

Aug. 14, '< William H. Judd, Norfolk, and Marrillia W. Cone, Torrington.

Sept. 8, " J^j''" ^- Gulliver and Frances W. Curtiss, Torrington.

" 8, " Henry O. Bjogue and Julia M. Weed, Torrington.

" 30, " Frederick Giiiwold, Litchfield, and Elizabeth Loomis, Torrington.

Oct. 23, " Matthew R. Hart, Goshen, and Adaline Chase, Winchester.

Nov. 4, " Daniel A. Grant and Elmira Eg^leston, Torrington.

" 9, " Horace L. Cook and Ruth E. Hoyt, Torrington.

Jan. I, 1846, Charles F. Scoville and Clarissa Spencer, Litchfield.

" i> " Frances M. Hale and Lydia A. Grant, Torrington.

" II, " Benjamin Crosk, Torrington, and Adeline Thompson, Waterbury.

288 History of Torrington.

Jan. 1 8, 1846, George H. Mason and Lucy Bissell, Torrington.

" 18, " Hosea Case and Angeline Roberts, "

Apr. 6, " Samuel C. Hubbard and Merrilla Wells.

May 24, " James S. Bird, Bethlehem, and Fanny M. Northrop, Torrington.

Aug 22, 1838, Daniel Robertson and Mary Jane Seymour, Torrington.

June 21, 1846, Chester Brooker and Piiebe A. Smith, Litchfield.

July I, " Ezra D. Pratt, Cornwall, and Aurilia A. Rood, Torrington.

Sept. 29, " George B. Morse and Jane L. Mix, Torrington.

Oct. 12, " Lewis Bristol, Biookheld, and Mary A. Long, Torrington.

" 12, " Lorenzo E. Gone and Clarinda Wilcox, Torrington.

Nov. 3, ♦' Auguat^s Menill, New Hartford, and Adeline Wooding, Torrington.

Dec. 6, " Christopher Senior, New Britain, and Elizabeth Hollis, Torrington.

Dec. 23, *' Doct. J. W. Phelps and Charlotte A. Hayden, TorrL-igton.

" 27, " Augustus F. Pope and Abba L Spencer, Torrington.

Jan. 7, 1847, Enoch Jahnson and Adaline Palmer, Torrington.

" 12, " John C. Woodruff, New Hartford, and MariUa Clark. Winchester.

Feb. 28, " Francis Clark, Winsted, and Mary L Perkins, Winsted.

Apr. 5, " Augustus Adams, Ohio, and Anna Barber. Torrini;ton.

" 4, " Abner M. WiUon, Vernon, N. Y., and Mary L. Scoville, Torrington.

May 26, " Rufus W. Gillett and Charlott M. Smith, Torrington.

Sept. 19, " Cornelius A. Wiriship and Helen A. Kimberly, Torrington.

Aug. 22, " Charles Pilguin and Elizabeth M. Smith, Torrington.

Sept. 19, " Edward R. Hubbard, Winsted, and Tryphena S. Palmer, Litchfield.

Oct. 2, " Charles F. Bancroft and Emma Eaves, Torrington.

" 3, " William Harrison and Almira Freeman, Torrington.

" 17, " James Gilbert, Waterbury, and Lucy M. Royce, Norfolk.

" 27, " Martin V. Drake and Sally A. Drake, Torrington.

(No Date. Erastus Simons, Colebrook, and Rosetta M. Simons, Torrington.

Dec. 24, " Burr Manville, Waterbury, and Jemima I. Forest, Torrington. 1

" 26, '■ James Asiiborn, Litchfield, and Lucinda Smith, Torrington.

Jan. II, 1848, Moses M. Weed, Barkhamsted, and Deborah S. Maltby, Torrington.

'• 30, " Henry Bernard, Winchester, and Joan C. Stone, Litchfield.

Apr. 3, " Richard Gingeil, Norfolk, and Lucia W. Whiting, Torrington. '

" 9, " Burwell Riggs, Torrington, and Emeline Kendall, SufHeld. 4

May 7, " Hiram Lyman and Julia M. Ostrum, Toriington.

July 2, " George Blakeslee, Torrington, and Marian Davis, Newtown.

" 4, '■ NeLon Alvord, Torrington, and Adaline Skiff, New York. '.

May 4, " A. G. Bradford and Maria Scott.

" 17, " Edward Root and Jane Barbour. j

July 12, " Lewis G. Burgess and Eliza L. Hurlbut, Winchester. '

" 25, " Elcada Plerpont and Polly Carrington, Torrington. ';

Aug. 29, *' McKenzie Millard and Ellen E. Munn, "

Oct. I, " Burritt Tuttle and Catharine Bissell. '

" 17, " Harvey L. Rood and Susan M. Humphrey, Guilford.

Nov. 5, " James Smith and Harriet Maine, Torrington. '

" 19, " George W. Church and Eveline B. Lathrop Sheffield. '

" 30, " Jonathan Coe, Winsted, and Betsey Wetmore, Torrington. ;

Dec. 31, " Selden Beach, N. Y., and Mary A. Dunbar, "

July 8, 1849, Cyrus Hubbard and Harriet Taylor, Torrington. \

" " *' Orson Moss, Litchfield, and Eliza Beach, Mass. ■

Jan. 16, " Charles Catlin and Anna B. Churchill, Torrington.

Feb. 27, " Harvey Da) ton, Torrington, and Anna A. Castle, Harwinton. !

May 9, " Andrew A. Hull, Burlington, and Sirah J. Burr, Torrington. ;

" 27, " John L. Wilcox and Chloe L. Strickland, Warren. j

" " " Hiram Pulver and Jane A. Kimberly, Torrington. "

Apr. 10, '• George R. Clark and Susan R. Grant, " ;

" 19, " Merrill Treat and Henrietta M. Taylor, " f

May, " Horace H. Bunce and Anna Curtiss, " *

" 14, " William L. Merrill, Waterbury, and Ellen Cleveland, Torrington. .

" 22, '' Francis D. Farley, Mass , and Rhoda Rood, Torrington. j

June 23, " Henry L. Smith and Amanda Mitchell, " <

Sept. 30, " Charles Atwater, Waterbury, and Amanda Merrill, Naugatuck. ,1

Sept

^3.

849.

Oct.

»5.

■ (

(»

17,

((

Nov.

Mar.

23.

1850,

May

((

^3.

((

July

13.

Oct.

i»

17,

25.

Nov.

17,

((

Jan.

•"J

1851,

14,

(£

Apr.

((

> i

20,

((

May

June

25,

July

13,

.7 T
-->

((

Sept.

II,

Oct.

i9>

Nov.

27,

((

Dec.

3ij

((

Feb.

1852,

Mar.

30,

((

23.

Apr.

-9.

May

((

23,

June

July

June

3'-.

Sept.

li,

((

Oct.

24,

25,

Nov.

25,

((

25.

((

Dec.

16,

((

Jan.

1853.

Apr.

13.

((

25.

May

24,

22,

July

10,

((

June

30.

July

Aug.

22,

((

17,

Oct.

26,

((

Lists of Names. 289

Lucius Emmons, Litchfield, and Almeda 1. Leach, Torrington.
Robert C. Martin, Goshen, and Laura L. Browne, "

Russell L. Pond and Francis L. Rouse, Torringon.
Doct. R. S. Olmstead, Brooklyn, and Charlotte A. Hungerford, Tor.
Thomas Tibbals, Norfolk, and Charlotte Sperry, Torrington.
Henry Hurlbut, Torrington, and Helen B. Swan, Springfield.
Henry D. Robbins, Norfolk, and Caroline Cones, Salsbury.
Horace \V. Barber, Harwinton, and Jannette S. Birge, Torrington.
John A. Wainwright, Wisconsin, and Harriet C. Hayden, Torrington.
Alfred Brown anJ Alicy Leach, Torrington.
James Wadhams and Ledelia Piatt, Torrington.
Dr. J. B. Whiting and Frances A. Hungerford, Torrington.'
Timothy guintin and Mary Thorne, Torrington.
Levi Caton, N. Hartford, and Fidelia Hart, Torrington.
William Brown and Roxanna Scott, Goshen.
Cornelius SkitF, Wmsted, and Ann E. Millard, Torrington.
John H. Adams and Catharine Jajkins.
Luther L. Leach and Huldah M. Hart, Torrington.
Penfitld Burr and Ellen C. Birge, Torrington

Emery E. Taylor, Glastonbury, and Sarah J. Dutton, Torrington.
Julius F. Blakeslee and Lucina Pelton, Torrington.
Chester Callcnder, Salsbury, and Rosetta Brunt, Torrington.
Lewis R. Butler, Harwinton, and Pearly A. Brace, Torrington.
John C. Foote, Goshen, and Jane E. Humphrey, Torrington.
Sanford H. Perkins, N. Britain, and Adaline Barber, Torrington.
Bradley Bellamy and Angeline E. ^Jitchell, Torrington.
George W. Elmer, Winchester, and Julia Johnson, Torrington.
Robcit B. Hughs and Adaline M. Hall, Torrington.
John A. White, Seymour, and Annis C. Brown, Harwinton.
Luther G. Hinsdale and Julia A Wooding, Torrington.
Burwell Carter, Ansonia, and Achsa Tailmadge, Torrington.
Franklin Abbott, Ansonia, and Angeline E. Cowles, Torrington.
Talden Stump, Winsted, and Almira Gibbs, Goshen.
Warren M White, New York, and Flora M. Skiff, Torrington.
George W. Chapman, Winchester, and Susan R. Starks, Torrington.
Morris E. Munger, Winsted, and S. A. Hart, N. Hartford.

Samuel J. Stocking and Mary L. Fellows, Torrington. ,

Lewis Bue!l and Eunice Wooding, Toirington. I

David Westover, Litchfield, and Emily M. Pond, Torrington. |

Edwin Leach and ^ ienna T. Spencer, Torrinjton. J

Joseph W. Loveland, Plainville, and fosephine J. Beach. )

Timjthy Root, Plainville. and Mary J. Goodwin, Torrington.
James L. Dean, Torringtjn, and Alvira McKee, Waterbury.
Cereno J. Wymin, Nova Scotia, and Elizabeth J. Coe, Torrington.
Amariah S. Austin, Litchfield, and Mary E. Hine, Plymouth.

Henry Kimberly, Goshen, and Lucy Hurlbut, Torrington. i

Ralph P. Moore and Catharine P. North, " '

Norman Buell, Litchfield, and Hannah Spencer, " I

Albert H. Smith, Salsbury, and Antha Crampton, '' '

Charles H. Perkins and f'harlotte Buell, Harwinton.

Alanson A. Woodruff, Litchfield, and Charlotte A. Phillis, Torrington.
Cornelius Reinders and Elizabeth Whiting, Torrington.
Omar C. Stocking and Louisa M. Pierce, "

Nonidan B-;nnett and Mary J. Hart, "

Lewis H Todd, Plymouth, and Sarah A. Fellows, Torrington. ;

Levi O. Smith, New Britain, and Martha E. Hollis, Torrington. 1

Francis H. Parker, Massachusetts, and Sabra Thrall, "

Orrin H. Cook, Winsted, and Margaret A. Judd, " !

John C. Reese, Philadelphia, and Hannah Shipley, " !

[ohn C. Gilett, and (ane M. Winchell, Torrington.
Baldwin Reed, Sharon, and Mary J. Rrice, Harwinton.
Edward Peters, New Hartford, and Maria Casey, New Hartford. i

290

History of Torrington.

Dec. 10. 1853, George Hurlbut, and Edis Hamilton, Torrington.

Jan. 1,1854, Giles D. Allen and Mary A Williams, "

Oct. 9. 1853, Albert Riggs, and Frances C. Williams.

Feb. 19, 1854, John L. Beach, Plymouth, and Mary E. Leach, Torrington.

Hicks Seaman, Colebrook, and Cbloe A. Mott, "

Elias E. Gilman, Haitland, and Sarah Coe, "

Samuel Sperry and Lucinda A. Hart, "

Rodney Brace and Arzeline Case, "

Hudsjn J. Hazen, Waterbury, and Elizabeth M. Kimberly.

George W. Bullin, Watertown, and Marietta Weldon, Torrington.

Hudson Burr and Lucy Pelton, Torrington.

Alvin E. Barber and Julia Birge, Harwinton.

George Curtiss, Northtield, and Emeline P. Whiting.

Hugh Lawton and .'Mice Penvvorthy.

Frederick Cober and Catharine Hartstone.
21, 1855, William O. Rourk and Mary Cragan, Torrington.

Frederick Grieder and Maria C Cun, Torrington

Andrew M. Belcher, R. L, and Mary J. Johnson, Torrington.

Henry J. Wilmot, N. Hartford and Lucia E. Hotchkiss, Naugatuck.

John B. Lyman, N. Hartford, and Laura Curtiss, Torrington.

John M. Gardner, Cornwall and Roxey L. Wh'.ting, Torrington.

Andrew Mallahan and Elizabeth O'Connel, Torrington.

William M. Bennett and Diantha Smith, Torrington.

WiUard O. Barber and Mary Ellen Woodward, Torrington.

George A. Goudale, N. Britain, and Mary A. Caldwell, Torrington.

Patsey Duggin and Mary E. Bennett, Torrington.

Nathan W. Tubbs and Harriett M. Webster, Torrington.

John Murphy and Margaret Hickey, Torrington.

Lyman Mather and Roxey Cone, Torrington.

Samuel Hawkins and Louisa E. Blakeslee, Torrington.

Uri L. Whiting and Hannah L. Oviatt, Torrington.

Merritt Bronson, N. Hartford,. and Mary Jane Bissell, Torrington.

Charles R. Welton and Caroline A. Chandler, Torrington.

Willard H. Barber and Jane C Wilson, Torrington.

Walter S. Lewis and Mary J. Wooding, Torrington.

Warren B. Murray and Aurelia A. Blakeslee, Torrington,

Egbert Van Dusen and Martha Reed, Torrinaton.

George H. Bowns and Sarah E. Birdsell, Torrington.

Joseph Deming, Colebrook, and Charlotte J. North, Torrington.

Theodore D. Beardsley, Monroe, and Emma J. Whiting, Torrington.

Edward C. Hotchkiss and Amelia C. Briggs, N. Y.

Oscar E. Shepard, Mass., and .Mary Hurlbut, Torrington.

Harvey R. Fellows and Caroline E. Morris, Torrington.

J. M. Holmes, Waterbury, and Helen J. North, Torrington.

Seth B. St. John, Sharon and Saloma, M. Lyman, Torrington.

Michael Dwyer, Torrington, and Mary Grant, Litcfiheld.

Chauncey Leach and Adeline S. Mott, Torrington.

Phineas Mix, Harwinton, and Mary Session, Torrington.

Roger C. Barber and Elizabeth Goodwin, Torrington.

Dr. John W. Gamwell, III., and L. Jennie North, Torrington.

Thomas J. Hubbard and Esther E. Chase, Torrington.

Pliny M. White, Winchester, and Lucy A. Hamilton, Torrington.
[57, Frederick Thompkins and Caroline A. Blackeslee, "

Patrick Carrull and Ellen Malay, Torrington.

Andrew S. Baldwin, Kansas, and Mary E. Burr, "

Michael Casey and Marcella Nooney, Torrington.

Calvin Aldrich and Fidelia E. Marble, "

Harliiw S. Johnson and Alma Jane Hamlin, Torrington.

Edward J, Langdon, Berlin, and Mary Ann Rogers, Hartford,

John B. Babcock, Goshen, and Maria Gieen, Salsbury.

I'each J. Downs and FVancis M. Brown, Torrington.

William Davis, Jr., Goshen, and Sarah E. Thrall, Torrington.

26,

Jan.

30.

Feb.

27,

Apr.

9»

May

29,

June

12,

Dec.

II,

((

Nov.

29,

((

Dec.

31,

((

31.

May

^S,

Jan.

21,

185

((

^7,

Mar.

((

28,

Apr.

10,

((

16,

({

May

^3,

((

^9,

July

((

^~9,

Aug.

10,

((

Sept.

^3.

Oct.

28,

z8,

Nov.

((

29,

Dec.

z3,

Jan.

185

Feb.

Mar.

12,

19.

Apr.

20,

28,

Sept.

17,

Nov.

14,

19.

Dec.

14,

((

3'.

Jan.

18;

II,

24,

Feb.

20,

Mar.

Apr.

27,

1857,

May

23-

June

July

((

June

15.

((

Aug.

17,

((

Sept.

13.

((

14.

((

18,

«(

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((

Nov.

27,

Dec.

Dec

1857,

(■

Jan

I85S,

Sept.

((

14,

26,

((

Nov.

16,

Dec.

Jan.

1859,

31,

((

Feb.

'4,

13.

April

16,

((

22,

June

22,

July

27,

Oct.

((

10,

12,

27,

Jan.

i860,

21,

((

22,

21,

Feb.

20,

■ c

26,

^7,

Mar.

19,

((

31,

Apr.

24,

May

23,

June

July

Oct.

((

25,

Nov.

28,

Jan.

I86I,

((

14,

20,

Apr.

27,-

May

30,

Lists of Names. 291

David C. Munson, Litchfield, and Sarah A. Holcomb, Torrington.
Alfred B. Smith, Winchester, and Christina J. Christie, Watertown.
M ircus Brockway, New Britain, and Adeline M Pond, Torrington.
John S. Harris, Naugatuck, and Mary Morton, Naugatuck.
William Moses and Rogenia M. Cone, Torrington.
Silas D. Crossman and Harriet P. Drake, Goshen.
Lewis L. Johnson and Mary Malory, Torrington.
Patrick Doyle and Catherine Kirby, "

David Strong, Chatham, and Maria C. Colt, Torringtou.
Dana L. Hungerford and Caroline Grace, "

Frederick f. Bailey and Catharine A. Snow, "

William M. Hyde and Eliza M. Ostrum, "

Richard W. Roberts and Mary E. Johnson, "

Jacob Klonowski and Margaret Ryan, "

John M. Wadhams, Goshen, and Myrantha D. Gillett, Torrington.
Alonzo Smith and Martha Hai^ht, Torrington.
William Ford and Susan M. Wilson, Torrington.
Oscar Moses Canton and Amelia Moses, Torrington.
Edwin F. Townsend, Wis., and Mary Jane Wadhams, Torrington.
Rev. Jonathan A. Wainwright, N. Y., and Caroline H. Hayden, Tor.
Edwin Welden, Torrington, and Mary Ann Smith, Bristol.
Henry H. Barber, Litciifield, and Hannah E. Johnson, Torrington.
Charles M. Johnson and Amelia Griswold, Torrington.
Edward M. Balcom and Jane Mason, Torrington.
Charles O. Baldwin, Harwinton, and Sarah Burr, Torrington.
Hobart B. Milier and Fannie E. A^ather, Torrington.
James Ashborn and Maria L. Cook, Torrington.
Thomas Do\Ie and Fanny McKallan, Litchhcld.
Theron S. Carroll, Bristol, and Eglrgene Stevens, Bristol.
John S. Johnson and Harriet L. Freeman, Torrington.
Julius Garrett, N. Hartford, and Sarah E. Wedge, Litchfield.
Dr Jeremiah W. Phelps and Mindwell M. Beardslee, Torrington.
Martin L. Judd, Torrington, and Harriet F. Sanger, Mass.
Charles L. Hill and Charlotte M. Slade, Torrington.
Wolcott Little and Mary C. Hart, Torrington.
Bronson B. Turtle, Naugatuck, and Mary A. Wilcox, Litchfield.
Sidney G Lant, L. L, and Mary E. Barber, Torrington.
Anson F. Balcom and Harriet King, Torrington.
John Kearney and Catharine Tray, Torrington. '.

George D. Bentley, Goshen, and Sarah L. Blakeslee, Torrington. j

William O. Mora and Margaret Hagenv, Torrington. i

Alexander M. Brooker, Litciifield, and Sarah J. Leach, Torrington. i

Noah Benedict and Julia Williams, Torringtou. ^

Thomas Pusey, and Sarah Long, Torrington. I

George W. Pierce and Carrie M. Westlake, Torrington.

George Brooks, Goshen, and jMary Main, Torrington. '

John D. Coe and Sarah Ann Berry, Toriington.
Fowler S. Fenn and Margaret E. Coe, Plymouth.

Selah Steele, Winchester and Eliza Humphrey, Torrington. j

Hiram T. Coby, Plymouth, and Urena Shevalier, Goshen. I

Hurlbut C. Hayes and Ann E. Turner, Torrington. ,

George D. Read and Julia A. Sawyer, " j

Salmon Root, F. Haven, and Caroline Matthews, Plymouth. j

Freeman Yale, Canaan, and Julia Taylor, Torrington. I

Florimond D. Fyler and Abigail A. Steele, *' j

Frederick J. Pierce, Cornwall, and Mary E. Reed, Torrington.
Asahel L Lyon, Bridgeport, and Louisa Whiting, "

James Beach, Iowa, and Caroline J. Wilson, "

Garrett Lynch, Litchfield, and Catharine Downs, Litchfield.
Stephen L. Wright and Sarah Dingwell, Plymouth.
Joseph M. Watson, N. Y. city, and Julia A. Wooding, Torrington.
Nathan S. Bronson, New Haven, and Charlotte A. Pond, "

292 History of Torrington.

3, 1861, Frederick Renier, Hartford, and Emeline F. Thrall, Torrington.
Charles H. Seymour and Mary E. Judd, Torrington.
Uriel Burr and Fanny Taylor, Torrington.
Carlton C. Fyler and Louisa R. Barber, Torrington.
Henry H. Riggs, Harwinton, and Emma J. Smith, Torrington.
James McDonald and Margaret Dewire, Torrington.
Charles McNeil, Litchfield, and Seraphina Warner, "

Andrew Bowns, Torrington, and Almira Gillett, Goshen.
1862, Ge-jrge Murphey, Norfolk, and Mary A. Wilson, Torrington.
Samuel Terry, Simsbury, and Annette Goodwin, "

Leroy W. Wetmore and Lucy Ann Hill, Torrington.
Jay E. Johnson and Mary A. Starks, "

George M. Mason, Torrington, and Mary M. Catlin, Litchfield.
Lewis B. Follett, Ansonia, and Sarah Smith, Torrington.
Samuel Burr and Mary Robe;tson, Torrington.
Henry B. S. Humphrey and Henrietta L. Rogers, "
Milo and Emogene E. Webster, Torrington,

Carrell F. North and Amelia F. Smith, "

Wellington A. Rowse and Caroline M. Johnson, Goshen.
Robert Wright, Torrington, and Amelia Sanders, Canaan.
Thomas Hayes and Bridget, Dewire, Torrington.
James Humphrey, Goshen, and Emily T. Pendleton, Norfolk.
James F. Beach, Winchester, and Harriet A. Starks, Torrington.
Lorenzo Cleaveland and Maria B. Churchill, Torrington.
James Whelan and Ana Fannin^', Torrington.
Willis Bartholomew, Mass., and Triphena Blausett, Sheffield.
Charles Wm. Lake and Emily Sadley, Torrington.
Lewis G. Logan and Mary M. Hammond, Torrington.
Dexter W. Clark and Fanny E. Langdon, Torrington.
Charles S. Barber and Ellen Jones, Harwinton.
Lewis Riggs and Charlotte S. Johnson, Torrington.
Nelson Hodges and Delia Johnson, Torrington.
Riley B. Johnson and Louisa Bronson, Torrington.
William H. Dayton and Clara B. Case, Torrington.
William H. McCarthy and Jennie E. Johnson, Torrington.
Nelson Harrison and Sarah A. Jones, Torrington.
Homer C. Allen and Eliza Geer, Torrington.
George R. Colt and Margaret E. Griswold, Torrington.
Edward L. Thrall and Julia A. Morris, Torrington.
Auj;u3tus Pope and Mary J. Cook, Torrington.
William S. Marvin and Lucy A. Kelsey, Torrington.
Charles N. Balconi, Torrington, and Nancy Baughn, Winchester.
Milo Cleveland, Harwinton, and Cynthia A. Eggleston, Torrington.
Enos N. Marshall and Laura J. Loomis, Torrington.
Theron D. Luddington and Frances J. Palmer, Goshen.
Tlieodore H. Reed and Laura E Birge, Torrington.
Michael Dooley, N. Hartford, and Catharine Fitzgerald, Torrington
Patrick Moran, Litchfield and Bridget Carr, Torrington.
Gregory Connor and Ellen Conway, Torrington.
Edward A. Atwater, Cheshire, and Julia L. Hills, Torrington.
John Ashborn and Lucella H. Gardner, Torrington.
John L. Bissell. and Mary Messenger, Torrington.
Charles L. Fellows, and Julia E. Crippen, Torrington.
William H. Reed and Emma E. Mason, "

Henry G. Candee, Naugatuck, and Sarah M Scovill, Litchfield.
Oliver P. Coe, Litchfield, and Annie Ashborn, Torrington.
James C. Cleveland and Sarah Judd, New Hartford.
Nelson W. Coe and Caroline E. Workman, Torrington.
Dwight Burr and Margaret E. Hamlin, "

Levi J. Couch and Mary J. Robertson, "

Lucius Clark, Canaan, and Sarah J. Wright, "
John W. Cook and Cornelia Beach, Torrington.

June

1861,

J"iy

21,

((

Aug.

14,

IS.

((

31,

((

Nov.

Dec.

25>

((

3'.

Jan.

1862,

23,

Feb.

i^,

18,

Mar.

16,

18,

Apr.

^3'

July

17,

Aug.

17,

((

Sept.

Oct.

^9.

Nov.

((

23.

Dec.

18,

^5.

((

28,

Feb.

14,

((

26,

((

Mar.

((

30.

((

Apr.

20,

May

Aug.

• (

18,

19.

((

28,

((

29,

Sept.

Oct.

28,

Dec.

((

16,

((

16,

Nov.

18,

((

Feb.

1864,

Mar.

(;

((

16,

i?.

29,

t«

Apr.

((

17,

17.

20,

((

37,

((

May

22,

35.

June

19.

((

July

Sept.

Oct.

((

19.

((

30.

Nov.

30.

16,

22,

Lists of Names. 293

Nov. 3z, 1864, Hobert E. French, Seymour, Mary E. Todd, Torrlngton.

Dec. 10, " Mathew Ryan, Litclifield, and Catharine Troy, "

«' 28, " William B. Bryan, Wasliington, and Loretta Gear, "

" 29, " Albert C. Norton, Waterbury, and Roxy A. North, "

Jan. 8, 1S65, Patrick Slater and Margaret Bradshaw, "

Henry F. Bellamy and Julia E. Johnson, "

John Moir, Stamford, and Matilda Hoffman, "

William Condray and Lucy Grant. Salsbury.

Andrew T. Finn, Milford, and Theresa Hjffman, Torrlngton.

David W. Smith and Hattie M. Todd, "

John Terry and Susannh A. Adams, "

Ansel E. Wheeler and Hattie Johnson, '•

Earnech Forrest, New Britain, and Harriet A. Beardsley, Torington.

Edward H. Robinson, Ruckville, and Alice B. Smith, "

Cornelius Hammond and Ellen Sweeney, Torrlngton.

John H. Wadhams, Illinois, and Mary G. Felton, Torrlngton.

James H. Mott and Sarah J. Bronson, "

Michael Hayes and Minifred Cahalan, Torrlngton.

Maurice Joy and Margaret Whalon, "

Stephen E. Calkins, New Jersey, and Jane A. Birge, Torrlngton.

John N. Lyman, Cornwall, and Lydia C. Messenger, Torrlngton.

George W. Weldon, Winsted, and Sarah J. Hull, Torrlngton.

Benjamin F. Page and Frances M. Smith, Litchfield.

Lant and Honora Donovan, Torrlngton.

Alonzo Barber, Harwinton, and Mary E. Cleaveland, Torrlngton.

James Moran, Mass., and Dorothy A. Vary, Torrlngton.

Orsamus K. Fyler and Mary E. V.iill, Torrlngton.
1866, James S. Workman and Maria L. Clark, "

John M. Pitcairn, New York city, and Frances E. Clark, Litchfield.

Nathan B. Phelps and Carrie M. Bancroft, Torrlngton.

Edward F. Leopold, New Haven, and Carrie J. Huke, Torrlngton.

Henry N. Princle, Goshen, and Ellen Dugan, "

John T. Ambler and Rachel M. Wedge, Warren,

John A. Moore, Colebrook, and Irene H. North, Torrlngton.

Henry H. Smith, Burlington, and Ellen L. Hart, *'

Jonas G. French and Fannie M. Nettleton, Milford.

Charles W. Smith and Emma A. Leach, Torrington.

George B. Colgrove and Mary E. Hurlbut, Amherst.

Henry D. Pierce, Ohio, and Charlotte D. Stocking, Torrington.

Theron S. Waugh, Morris, and Alice S. Welton, Bethlem,

David Strong and Emerette S. Colt, Chatham.

Seymour Eldridge, Goshen, and Emmogene Cjok, Torrlngton.

Edward H. Herring and Tamzen C. Welch, Torrington.

Eli Hoyt and Frances Cable, Torrington.

Edward T. Hopkins and Gertrude E. Waterman, Torrington.

Hiram M. Stark and Irene Drake, Torrington.

David Shoars, Winchester, and Mary Bailey, Torrington.

Cassimtr H. Bronson and F. Augusta Palmer, "

Lather A. Weldon and Mary E. Palmer, "

William W. Hart and Lydia E. Waugh, "

W. H. K. Godfrey, Waterbury, and Addie E. Coe, Torrington.

Frederick Barber and Jennie Resley, Torrington.

Abel Griswold and Lucy M. Kimberly, Hartford.

Patrick McElhone and Margaret J. Cleary, Goshen.

Henry E. Hotchkiss and Jennie M. Brady, Torrington.

Henry P. Hendey and Clara A. Feussenich, "

Sherman J. Cables and Jane Johnson, "

Edwin B. Sanford, Litchfield, and Charlotte Downs, Torrington.

William H. Garner, Derby, and Martha Workman, «

S. W. Abbott and Louisa Wadhams, Litchfield.

John R. Blakeslee, Torrlngton, and Emma E. Hart, Unionville.

Henry C. Franklin, Merlden, and H. Louisa Smith, Torrington.

16,

Feb.

Mar.

^3.

Apr.

24>

June

12,

Aug.

((

10,

13.

16,

30.

Sept.

II,

20,

Ocr.

15,

IS,

Nov.

10,

16,

((

18,

((

23.

Dec.

14,

Jan.

186

■"J

10,

16,

((

18,

31,

Mar.

18,

Apr.

12,

May

((

June

^^,

Aug.

24,

29,

Sept.

18,

Oct.

24.

((

^4,

((

31,

Nov

^5,

Dec.

Nov

29,

15,

Dec.

24,

30,

^4,

294 History of Torrington.

R. Allen Hathaway, Meriden, and Frances J. Parker, Texas.
Burton W. Hart and Kitchen .
Davis Peck and Sarah A. Morris, Burlington.
Curtiss V. Wedge, Litchfield, and Alice E. Johnson, Torrington.
William H. Farnham, Morris, and Christine G. Robinson, New Britain.
John W. Foley, Mass., and Winnifred Killune, Boston.
Roswell Thompson and Helen A. Scoville, Harwinton.
Henry M. Taylor, Hartford, and Lizzie Foster, Winchester.
Lewis Goodwin, Hartford, and Emma S. Cole, Warren.
Frederick Freeman, Torrington, and Julia Sayles, \^ inchester.
Nathan A. French and Sarah J. Abbott, Litchfield.
John G. Brothwell and Addie M. Holcomb, Torrington.
William Jeffrey, England, and Hannah Lawton, Goshen.
Jesse B. .'lose and Harriet E. Griswold, Torrington.
Tracy B. Thompson, Bethlem and Addie E. Brewer, Mass.
Edward C. C stle and Fannie M. Staples, Conn.
Lyman Dunbar, Torrington, and Catharine King, Mass.
Melvin H. Granger and Addie Abbott, Conn.
Patrick A. Smith and Mary A. Moran, Hartford.

Frederick L. Robertson, Torrington, and Sarah J. Pritchard, Waterbury,
Sidney S. Boyd and Mary Swift, N. Y.
George W. Beardsley, Mass., and Charlotte C. Royce.
Samuel L Reed and Delia Kimberly, Torrington.
Edward W. Russ and Ella J. Johnson, Torrington.
Samuel R. Tucker and Marietta Weldon, N. Britain.
Rollin Wilson and Augusta Evans, Torrington.
Theodore W. Austin and Elizabeth A. Oviatc.
George F. Waterhouse and Emeline E. Stearns.
Eugene Lynch and Margaret Battus.
Gei>rge W. Wheeler and Eliza E. Turk.
J. Wolcott Wheeler and Jennie E. Cowles, Torrington.
Frederick Devoe and Abbie J. Phelps, Torrington.
Nathan R. Tibbals and Mary J. Mott, Torrington.
Henry H. Rowley and Chloe L. Grant, Torrington.
Samuel Carpenter and Mary J. Walling, Torrington.
Garrett Reinders and Elizabeth Smith, Torrington.
James Burr and Eliza King.
James Cullim and Johannah Dewyre.
Andrew Alender and Elizabeth Scott.
John A. Beach and Mary J. Barber.
, 1868, George H. Fish and Carrie A. Sperry.

Orlando M. Carr and Flora R. Grant, Torrington.
Robert Palmer and Ellen A Bogart, Torrington.
John W. Reid and Ella J. Lobdell.
Charles Carter and Sarah Sayles.
Henry Nobut and Elizabeth Mason.
David M. Grant and Paulina Benedict.
Lewis S. Barnes and Ella C. North, Torrington.
Richard Harrison and Mary Van Allen, Torrington.
Patrick Leahy and Honora Gearey, Torrington.
Albert M. Scott and Sarah E. Van De Bogart, Torrington.
Hiram Coleman and Fidelia Hotchkiss, Torrington.
Timothy Dalton and Bridget Cleaiy.
Charles Judd and Marinda Waugh.
James Gibson and Margaret Wall.
Patrick O'Connor and Mary A. McDonald.
Michael Walsh and Ellen Murphy.

Ransom P. Ellsworth and Eliza M. Castle, Torrington.
Philip Dewyre and Mary Gary.
Paul Rogers and Mary Beach, Torrington.
8, " Henry Carter and Mary J. Jackson.

18, " Wilber Hayden and Augusta L. Abbott, Harwinton.

Jan.

1867

((

Feb.

14,

18,

i8.

24,

((

Mar.

Apr.

((

28,

((

May

((

May

iS»

((

16,

({

18,

30,

June

IS,

((

20,

Aug.

19.

Sept.

((

22,

((

Oct.

((

13.

((

16,

^5,

Nov.

((

12,

26,

((

27,

Dec.

((

24,

((

25.

((

26,

31,

Jan.

22, 1

[868,

30.

Feb.

((

I',

((

May

((

16,

17,

((

3i»

30,

Apr.

24,

June

15,

18,

((

J-^iy

Aug.

II,

<»'

14,

Sept.

Oct.

((

Lists of Names. _ 295

Oct. 18, 1868, Patrick Whealan and Mary Fanning, Torrington.
James McKenzie and Nellie Feussenich.
Adam Dillon and Julia Freeman, Torrington.
Elmar R. Alcott and Addie Johnson, Torrington.
Warren W. Wilcox and Emily S. Kenecttle.
George Welden and Julia Bentley.
Charles McKenzie and Lucy J. Cook, Torrington.
William A. Stone and Hattie M. Alderman, Torrington.
Dwight Trask and Emma Robbins.
John Hogan and Catharine Carroll.
Urwin C. Stone and Kjte L. Walling.
1869, Wilbur W. Birge and Julia Waterman, Torrington.
Henry C. Church and Delia Chase.
Nathan W. Harden and Alice A. Munger.
Andrew E. Workman and Helen M. Taylor.
John Mclnerney and Mary Geary.
William H. Tuttle and Jane M. Beaney.
Eugene Brown and Emily Dayton.
Wilber A. Guild and Jenette J. Kitchen.
Henry M. Selden and Mrs. F. C. Stone.
Vincent Belden and Susan E. Perkins.
G. W. Vail and Ella M. Smith.
James M. Chatfield and Christina Robertson.
Hugh McDonald and Maria Dewyre.
Edward Carroll and Aurelia Carroll.
Thomas Butler and Catharine Dewyre.
Henry F. Pomeroy and Carrie E. Birge.
George P. Bissell and Mary Moses.
Julius Glusteker and Louisa Friend.
Edson W. Davis and Anna M. Griswold.
Charles Walton and Caroline Van Allen.
Lewis McCrary and EU.n Aables.
Francis M. Holly and Lucinda R. Hayden.
1, 1870, James Leakey and Catharine Bomberry.
John L. Humphrey and Maria L. Grant.
Hurlbut L. Hayes and Phebe A. Slater.
Adam Biggel and Anna Hewett.
Henry C. Franklin and Sarah L. Smith.
Ernord Benson and Margaret Dewyre.
Willis Carter and Ellen Sayles.
Arthur Hendee and Fannie E. Brimble.
Andrew G. Kitchen and Eliza Hart.
G. Seymour Weeks and Eliza H. Glazier.
James McDermet and Bridget ^Lihan.
Andrew J. Ford and Mary C. Hubbell.
Louis Ruel and Harriett- S. Palmer.
Patrick Halpine and Anne Flahly.
Joseph Brothwell and Adelia M. Piatt.
James H. Preston and Elizabeth Van Valkenburg.
Lewis Goodwin and Lurinda Sperry.
Frederick L. Wadhams and Sarah M. Goodwin.
Seaman R. Fowl r and Mary J. Hopkins.
H. Nelson Barrows and Jane Johnson.
Thomas E. Sanford and Lorinda R. Smith.
Erastus Eggleston and Ellen Drake.
Chester A. Woolworth and Mary E. Athurton.
Lawrence Neary and Mary Barns.
Frederick H. Hart and Sarah J. Fancher.
John Egan and Margaret McDonald.
Lazerne H. Burt and Annie E. Bryant.
Charles Edward Seymour and Harriet E. Reed.
William A. Sherman and Louisa Belden.

19,

24,

((

25.

Nov.

((

^5.

25.

Dec.

30.

((

Jan.

20,

1869,

«t

24,

-9.

Apr.

1869,

May

15.

((

24,

((

27,

t i

Sept.

((

12.

((

i9»

^5.

((

Oct.

20,

19,

Nov.

13,

((

Dec.

•t
">

((

12,

Dec.

Jan.

1870,

((

25.

^9.

Feb.

10,

Mar.

15.

((

17,

Apr.

20,

.May

((

15.

((

17,

20,

23.

June

19.

J"iy

21,

30.

((

Aug.

Sept.

((

Oct.

15,

16,

((

Nov.

10,

11,

296

History of Torrington.

Nov. 13, 1870, Patrick Cahill and Catharine Donahue.
James Hayes and Mary Horan.
Hubert T. Hart and Sarah L. Saunders.
I, 1871, Albert W. Camp and L. Augusta Fenn.
Albert F. Bradley and Emma J. Stiles.
Lewis Riggs and Julia A. Thrall.
Edward S. Andrus and Lucy E. Pond.
William F. Bishop and Mary E. Pond.
Peter Keltenback and Charlotte Gramm.
William E. BucJily and Adaline R. Starks.
William Guerin, and Sarah O'Conner.
Albert Allen, and Emeline Marsh.
Andrew D. Noony, and Susan E. Hayden,
Joseph Hirtile, and Theresa iiohm.
William C. Willard, and Alice C. Treat.
Frederick Wilcox, and Lucy Hodges.
William Hurlburt and Mary Burn.
F. H. Kellogg and Jerusha Kellogg.
Henry F. Goodwin and Mary Reader.
George Weldon and Alice Burnett.
M. B Pratt and Annie A. Lowe.
Nelson Beavier and Sarah R. Curtiss.
Charles Aldiis and Alice F. Matthews.
Elihu Dayton and Etta Dayton.
Patrick Harty and Johanna Shay.
Charles Kelly and Harriet Preston.
Cornelius Donohue and Maria Dewyre.
Lucius Emmons and Laura H. Tuttle.
Christie Siebert and Lizzie Law.
Clinton E. Lyman and Maria E. Wilcox.
Thomas J. AUdis and Sarah H. Barbour.
Edward Smith and Eralzal A. Berry.
James Learbey and Catharine'Harmon.
Samuel Bishop and Phebe McCabe.
Henry A. Weir and Emma O. Stocking.
Eaton J. Gross and Ella A Curtiss.
James A. Stewart and Alice Munger.
Albert Burr and Mary F. Van Vaulkenburg.
Charles E. Brown and Ella J. Brooker.
Lucius P. Drake and Adelia J. Brace.
Frederick R. Matthews and Sarah A. Workman.
Patrick Fieley and Ellen Gearu.
Frank M. Wheeler and Helen A. Langdon.
Frank A. Stone and Martha Gilbert.
Edwin E. Rose and Maria E. Hamilton.
John T. Farnham and Ellen L. Cook.
John Kelly and Bridget Carey.
James Leahy and Catharine Hannor.
1873, Joshua Gaylord and Mary E. Williams.

Charles Goreshank and Amy S. Chamberlain.
Garett Rcinders and Margaret McGhee.
Timothy Canty and Mary J. Slater.
Mortimer B. Hefferman and Bridget Carroll.
Dwight iNL Allen and Eva C. Johnson.
Herbert C. Humphrey and Miranda Lattimer.
William Barford and Sarah J. Curtiss.
William Flemming and Jemima C. Taylor.
William S. Bierce and Emerette D. Prindle.
Thomas Quinn and Anna Dewyre.
John Mara and Hanora Bray.
John Burns and Mary McCarthy.
George H. Atkins and Mary E. Glazier.

((

19.

20,

Jan.

1871,

((

24.

• <

((

Feb.

18,

((

^4,

Feb.

Apr.

May

((

22,

23.

«(

June

11,

July

^7,

20,

((

Aug.

19,

((

S-jpt.

26,

Oct.

15.

Nov.

«,

((

12,

((

18,

((

29,

Jan,

1872,

((

Mar.

24,

((

27.

Sept.

((

19.

((

23.

Oct.

i»

((

■^l,

• (

((

29,

((

Nov.

21,

((

26,

((

Dec.

25.

((

May

26,

Jan.

»,

1873,

Feb.

((

i5»

^s.

Mar.

^5.

((

27,

Apr.

20,

((

May

((

20,

Lists of Names. 297

June 4, 1873, Henry K. Chatfield and Frances D. Southy.
" " " Horace Burr and Sarah J. Andrews.

Charles Whitney and Marion M. Brooker.
Alfred H. Wallace and Rosa A. Palmer.
Edmund E. Fenn and Mary E. Ransom.
Gideon H. Welch and Susan C. Agard.
Edward T. Coe, and Lillie A. Wheeler.
James Howe, and Kate Dewyre.
George W. Lewis and Jennie E. Pond.
John M. Hopson and Isabel Smith.
George Peck and Alvira Pierpont.
Patrick Darcy and Hannah Murphy.
Charles G. Root and Mary F. Griswold.
Thomas Kearnan and Bridget Mara.
Albert F. Brooker and Alice M. Cooper.
Samuel B. Wheeler and Mary E. Baldwin.
John H. Thomas and Mary Khank.
George A. Brimble and Grace Snell.
Henry T. Sharp and Emma Robbins.
Andrew G. Kitchen and Eliza Hart.
Charles C. Lester and Catharine Perrin.
Dr Forest Pittibone and Charlotte V. Matthews.
John Champion and Hannorah Carey.
Thomas Looby and Alice Mara.
Edwin Bierce and Laura E. Bennett.
Oscar E. Gladwin and Mary E. Cook.
John Depree and Sarah E. Thomas.
George S. Clark and Alvira E. Daines.
Herbert H. Logan and Annie M. Newton.
Maurice Cook and Margaret E. Doyle.
George Capell and Martha Wilson.
Thomas G. Nichols and Ella S. Coe.
George A. Burr and Mary "A. Grant.
Francis L. Foote and Julia M Johnson.
John O. Connell and Maria Madden.
John W. Gamwell and Frances M. Barber.
Joseph W. Ryan and Catharine Murphy.
Henry Kirley and Elizabeth M. Smith.
Herman F. Hoffman and Clara M. Brown.
John Sharp and Ann Fanning.
Harvey Barnes and Imogine Catlin.
Ale,xander Kelsey and Ellen Kerney.
John W. Fox and Hattie Fitzpatrick.
Solon B. Johnson and Maitha Allyn.
Frank W. Butten and Emma E. Crippen.
Julius S. Klein and Anna M. Birj.
Clemence E. Hoffman and Alice D. Knowles.
William W. Downer and Julia J. Evans.
William T. Davey and Matilda 0. Morse.
Frank L. Oberhawser and Mary Carny.
Samuel A. Andrews and Mary A. Burr.
James A. Brannan and jSIary A. Dewyre.
James Gleason and Anna Carey.
Cornelius Maahan and Johanna Fitzgerald.
Richard Fitzgerald and Julia Bradshaw.
George W. Hawver and Clara J-. Granger.
Henry J. Allen and Mary E. Walling.
Thomas Batters and Mary O. Brien
George E. Gilbert and Cornelia H. Sand.
Dennis Kelly and Bridget Donovan.
William O'Donnell and Mary Welch.
Louis Eitel and Louisa Engert.

Sept.

Oct.

28,

((

Oct.

((

12,

1 6,

21,

Nov.

lO,

13,

((

25,

Dec.

10,

Jan.

14, 1874,

Mar.

i->

17,

28,

Apr.

May

14,

14.

14,

((

Jan.

Sept.

Oct.

((

13,

20,

((

21,

((

21,

24,

Nov.

((

23.

26,

Dec.

31,

((

Jan.

18,

((

Apr.

12,

((

29,

May

2'3,

18,

19,

26,

((

June

((

19,

((

Sept

15,

((

Oct.

9»

14,

((

Dec.

((

13,

.£

Nov

• 6,

((

15,

12,

((

23,

((

25,

298

History of Torrington.

Nov. 27, 1874, Julius L. Jorra and Caroline M. Parsons.

" 30, " Wallace Blakeslee and Alice C. Glazier.

" 30, " Albert Korrman and Etta Rank.

Dec. 4, •' George D. Pond and Mary A. Dayley.

" 14, " Myron H. Hill and Elizabeth M. Barrett.

•' 21, " Amos F. Butler and Ella A. Cook.

" 25, " Thomas C. Hendry and Josephine E. Feussenich.

Baptisms.

Baptisms by Rev. Nathaniel Roberts.

Agard, Hezekiah,
Agard, James,

Mehitable, October 25, 1752.

Ann, December 23, 1753.

Salmon, September 16, 1 744. •

Elizabeth, April, 12, 1747.

Chloe, January 23, 1749.

Sarah, May 6, 1753.

Joseph, September 14, 1746.

Mary, December 31, 1858.

Elizabeth, July 4, 1762.

Joseph, May 19, 1765.

Chauncey, December 20, 1767.

Jonah, June 3, 1770.

Henry, June 6, 1773.

Eunice, September 1750.

Israel, July 19, 1752.

David, May 8, 1763.

Daniel, July i, 1764.

Hannah, July 4, 1762.

Esther, May 23, 1764^

Anna, January 6, 1766.

Eldad, June 18, 1769.

Samuel, July 13, 1755.

Lucy, December 29, 1765.

Luman, January 18, 1767.

Olive, January 22, 1769.

Nathaniel, August 29, 1742.

Nathaniel, February 19, 1744. '

Elijah, May 11, 1746.

Timothy, November 6, 1748.

Chloe, April 7, 1 751.

Lois, July 8, 1753.

Keziah, November 16, 1755.

Susa, February 19, 1758.

Eli, March 29, 1761.

Ziba, Jemima, twins, August 14, 1763.
Barber, Nathaniel, Jr. Uriah, Oct. 22, 1769.
Barnes, Benjamin, Miriam, November 3, 1768.

John, Patience, twins, September 27, 1767

Samuel, December 5, 1742.

Rebecca, May 26, 1745.

Mary, September 6, 1747.

John, May 6, 1750.

James, December 3, 1752.

Noah, September 14, 1755.

Martha, January 21, 1759.

Silas, March 6, 1748.

Levi, December 23, 1764.

Ezra, November 2, 1766.

Miriam, April 22, 1770.

Agard, John,
Allyn, Henry,
AUyn, Joseph,

Avered, Israel,
Austin, David,
Bacon, James,

Baldwin, Samuel,
Barber, Elijah,
Barber, Nathaniel,

Barnes, f Widow,
Beach, Abel,

Beach, Barnibas,
Beach, Benjamin,

Lists of Names.

299

Beach, Benjamin,
Beach, Joel,

Beach, Joseph,

Beach, John,

Beach Wait,

Benedict, Bushnell,

Benedict, Elisha,

Benton, Josiah,
<( (<

Bissell, Benjamin,

Bissell, Ezekiel,
Birge, David,

Birge, John,

Blake, Joseph,

Buel, Joseph,
Burr, Ariel,
Burr, John,

Coe, Asahel.
Coe, Ebenezer,

Coe, Jonathan,

Coe, Jonathan Jr.,
Coe, Oliver,

Coe, Reuben,
Coe, Robert,
Coe, Thomas,

Coe, William,
Cook, Aaron,

Cook, John,

Benjamin, April 30, 1775.
Hezekiah, October 16, 1768.
Jeremiah, June 7, 1772.
Experience, September 18, 1743.
Dinah, May 29, 1750.
Dinah, November 10, 1751.
Abel, April 30, 1775.
Miles, May 9, 1773.
Anna, June 13, 1773.
Elisha, August 24, 1760.
Lucinda, April 3, 1767.
Statira, January 28, 1770.
Joseph, ]\Iarch 23, 1752.
Elisha, March 10, 1754.
Lorenzo, April 22, 1756.
Keziah, May 8, 1763.
Elizabeth, June 3, 1754.
Eunice, April 22, 1756.
IMary, November 17, 1751.
Isaac, February 2, 1755.
Simeon, May 3, 1757.
Hannah, September 30, 1764.
Levi, August 2, 1772.
Seth, April 10, 1768.
Jesse, August 6, 1769.
Sarah, July 14, 1770.
Barzillai, February 28, 1773.
Joseph, July 29, 1753.
Jared, June 19, 1774.
Tabitha, August 4, 1754.
Russell, January 26, 1762.
Chloe, September 30, 1764.
Luther, December 23, 1764.
Eunice, May 2, 1742. s_
Mary, September 9, 1744. '
Roswell, September 28, 1746.
Elizabeth, September 18, 1743.1
Jerusha, April 6, 1746.
Martha, January 8, 1749.
Eunice, December 8, 1750.
Lucretia, June 22, 1755.
Lovina, April 10, 1768.
Roger, June 11, 1775.
Abner, June 19, 1763.
Oliver, December 23, 1764.
Mary, September 12, 1766.
Justus, January 10, 1768.
Samuel, August 24, 1755.
Joel, July 21, 1765.
Zechariah, December 11, 1757.
xibigail, January 15, 1759.
Levi, July 6, 1760.
Lois, June 6, 1762.
Mary, June 23, 1765.
Eunice, August 31, 1766.

September 1 1, 1768.
Seth, May 7, 1758.
Abigail, September 31, 1769.
Ruth, September I, 1774.
John, September 4, 1743..
Eunice, March 9, 1746.
Francis, October 25, 1747.

300

History of Torrington.

Cook, John,

Cook, John, Jr.,

Cook, Joseph,

Cook, Shubel,
Cotton, Oliver,
Cowles, Samuel,

Cowles, Samuel, Jr.,
Culver, Ephraim,
Curtiss, Job,

Curtiss, John,

Curtiss, Solomon,
Curtiss, Zebulon,

Damon, John,

Deming, Samuel,
Dibble, Thomas,
Dowd, David,
Durwin, Samuel,
Drake, Joseph,

Eggleston, Benjamin,
Eggleston, Edward,

Everts, Samuel,
Filley, Abraham,

Filley, William,
Fowler, Joseph,
Fowler, Noah,
Frisbie, James,
Frisbie, Theodore,
Gaylord, Justice,

Gaylord, Nehemiah,

Gaylord, Timothy,
Giles, Warren,

" Hubael," May 28, 1749.

Sarah, November 4, 1750.

Edie, December 3, 1752.

Urijah, October 20, 1754-

Susy, November 14, 1756.

Hannah, April 23, 1758.

Elihu, May 5, 1761.

Mary, March 17, 1765.

Deborah, June 3, 1770.

John, February 2, 1772.

Esther, July 13, 1757.

Anna, May 14, 1759.

Lucinda, July 24, 1774.

Esther, January 15, 1775.

Abigail, June 17, 1753.

Lois, May i, 1757.

Zilpha, June 20, 1762.

Noah, October 21, 1759. ,

Ephraim, February 20, I743.^

Zebulon, April 29, 1770.

Ura, September 18, 177 i.

Jeremiah, July 26, 1770.

Huldah, March 8, 1772.

Junia, Februaiy 28, 1774.

Lorrain, September 24, 1775-

Solomon, December, 1762.

Job, July 7, 1745.

John, April 17. 1748.

Lydia, March 8, 1752.

Elizabeth, June 12, 1743.^/

Samuel, July 15, I744.t/''

Samuel, December 6, 1767.

Huldah, June i, 1755.

Lent, November 22, 1753-

Asa, June i, 1760.

Ersula, May 10, 17 52.

Elizabeth, February 17, 1754.

Sarah, June 27, 1756.

Joseph, December 6, 1758.

John, September 26, 1770.

Linda, February 16, 1772.

Esther, July 4, 1762.

James, June 17, 1764.

Ezekiel, June 18, 1769.

Philo, June 16, 1771.

Mindwell, May 8, 1763.

Samuel, June 4, 1769.

Isaac, June 6, 1762.

Jesse, September 9, 1764.

Levi, March 31, 1767.

Rhoda, April 29, 1769.

Remembrance, August 11, 1754.

Noah, September 3, 1750.

Warren, July 29, 1775.

James, January 26, 1762.

Luman, January 26, 1762.

Justice, "I . , ^ /•

-V . ' V twms August 24, 1760
Jemima, J o -r; /

Nehemiah, December, 1754.

Naomi, May 3, 1757.

Ruth, November 4, 1753.

Zebulon, July 3, 1774.

Lists of Names.

301

Gillet, Jabez,
Gillet, Samuel,
Goodwin, Isaac,
Grant, Matthew,

Grant, William,

Grant, William Jr.,

Griswold, Shubael,
Higley, Isaac,
Hills, B-^riahj

Hills, John,

Hills, Medad,
Hills, Beth,

Hoskins, Joseph,

Hosford, Isaac,

Hosford, William,
Ives, Benjamin,
Hough, Ebenezer,
Judd, James,
Judd, Timothy,

Judd, Timothy Jr.,

Judd, Zehiel,
Kelsey, Nathan,
Leach, Richard,

Lee, E ,

Lemberton, Obed,
Loomis, Aaron,

Ann, May 8, 1763.
Samuel, August 25, 17^4.
Huldah, September 18, 1774.
Matthew, February 26, 1764.
Phebe, February 2, 1766.
William, January 10, 1742. >'
Daniel, February 5, I744--
jNIerana, July 6, 1746.
Ira, October 20, 1765.
Triphena, July 3, 1768.
William, October 4, 1772.
Ira, August 5, 1774.
Phebe, June i, 1755. y

Susannah, January 3, 1741-2. ^
Mary, .March 20, 1748.
Benoni, December 24, 1749.
Lois, February 2, 1752.
Chauncey, February 17, 1754-
Bela, August 22, 1756.
Roger Eno, March 4, 1759.
Zimri, April 23, 1763.
Huldah, August 9, 1767.
lohn, "I . - ,,

Esther,r^'"='J""'='^' '766.
Lauren, August 21, 1768.
Huit, September 9, 1753-
Elisha, June 11, 1766.
Elisha, September 31, 1769.
Rachel, April 12, 1762.
Theoda, May 20, 1764.
Theoda, June 29, 1766.
Roswell, September 31, 1769.
Alexander, July 3, 1774.
Mindwell, September 4, 1748.
Aaron, January 13, 1752.
William, September 12, 1742.
Levi, August 26, 1754.
Anna, December 8, 1750.
Rebecca, March 22, 1752.
Ozias, July 7, 1754.
Salmon, April 11, 1756.
Selah, March 10, 1758.
Oliver, June 28, 1761.
Orange, August 21, 1763.
Selah, April 21, 1764.
Thomas Curtiss, February 7, 1768.
Asa, September 30, 1770.
Elnathan, July 3, 1768.
Lois, April 28, 1771.
Mindwell, May 22, 1774.
Lois, February 12, 1769.
Nathan, JSIay 16, 1762.
Nathaniel, May 20, 1744.-
Abigail, January 26, 1746.
Joshua, "1 . T o

Caleb [f"""5' J""« '^' '748.

Tabitha, October 6, 1751.
Jonas, October 4, 1752.
Richard, September 29, 1754.
Mary, April 12, 1747.
Nathaniel, Feb. 3, 1754.
Lemuel, May 20, 1744. v

302

History of Torrington.

Loomis, Aaron,

Loomis, Aaron, Jr.,
Loomis, Abner,

Loomis, Abraham, Jr

Loomis, Abram,

Loomis, Ebenezer,
Loomis, Epaphras,

Loomis, Ephraim,
Loomis, Eli,

Loomis, Gideon,
Loomis, Ichabod,

Loomis, Isachar,

Loomis, Joel,

Loomis, Moses,

Lyman, Ebenezer, Jr.,

Lyman, Caleb,
Lyon, Jonathan,
Mather, Charles,

Matthews, Benjamin,
Marshall, Amasa,
Marshall, Noah,

Marshall, Thos., Jr.

Huldah, March 6, 1748.
Deborah, January 13, 1752.
Lucy, April 25, 1756.
Aaron, February 6, 1746.
Hannah, December 14,1746.
Abner, December 4, 1757.
Richard, January 15, 1759.
Sylvia, Jauuary 27, 1760.
Triphena, November 13, 1763.
Louisa, August 30, 1772.
, Benoni, March 5, 1758.
Mary, December 30, 1759.
Abraham, August 5, 1764.
Naomi, September 10, 1769.
Alexander, July i, 1770.
Ebenezer, June 6, 1756.
Remembrance, March 4, 1759.
Jerusha, March 8, 1761.
Lorrain, June 15, 1764.
Wait, November 24, 1765.
Ava, July 19, 1767.
Mary, March 6, 1775.
Ephraim, August 27, 1758.
Lemuel, November 4, 1764.
Dorothy, February i, 1 7 67.
Eli, May 27, 1770.
Margaret, May 16, 1773.
Cyrus, September 24, 1775.
Russell, June 2, 1754.
Joanna, April 22, 1756.
Elijah, November 18, 1753.
Thaddeus, March i, 1767.
Sybil, July I, 1770.
Joseph, January 18, 1767.
Mary, June 30, 1769.
Ira, September 16, 1770.
Elizabeth, September-, 1753-
Hephziba, March 26, 1758,
Joel, October 5, 1760.
Sarah, June 6, 1756.
Jemima, July 16, 1758.
Moses, October 5, 1760.
Sybil, May 27, 1742.x,
Esther, August 1 1, 1745.
Caleb, May 15, 1748.
Ebenezer, June 3, 1750.
Rhoda, July 21, 1754.
Medad, March 18, 1770.
Susannah, October 23, 1757.
Charles, June 18, 1758.
Charles, May 8, 1763.
Anna, August 28, 1765-7.
Eunice, July 12, 1761.
Noah, November 10, 1754.
Ambrose, June 6, 1756.
Elias, February 28, 1758.
John, June 17, 1759.
Roswell, August 16, 1761.
Sarah, July 19, 1767.
Raphael, July 28, 1765.
Reuben, Dec. 14, 1766.
Harvey, July 10, 1768.

Lists of Names.

3^3

Marshall, Thos., Jr.,

Miller, Aaron,
Miller, Ebenezer,

Miller, George,

Moore, Simeon,

Mott, Adam,

Mott, Jonathan,
Meet, Lent,

North, Ashbel,
North, Ebenezer,

North, Eben., Jr.,
North, Martin,

North, Noah,
Norton, Samuel,

Orvis, Eleazer,
Osbon, Timothy,

Parmely, Lieut.,
Pettibone, Isaac,
Pettibone, Lieut.,
Phelps, Benjamin,

Preston, Ebenezer,
Preston, Samuel,

Phelps, Joshua,
Roberts, ]np\

Sarah, July I, 1770.

Levi, April 26, 1772.

Roswell, Jan. 9, 1774.

Thankful, April 27, 1755.

Jonathan, January 26, 1762.

Elizabeth), August 11, 1765.

Phebe, January 15, 1757.

Joel, February 28, 1758.

Asahel December 38, 1760.

Ruth, June 26, 1763.

David, June 23, 1765.

Joseph, May 31, 1767.

Sarah, October i, 1769.

Chloe, August 28, 1757.

Philander, June 15, 1759.

Simeon, April 12, 1761.

Eldad Barber, October 30, 1763.

Azubel, 1-/^1 r ^r,

, . ,' ytwms, October 16, 1768.
Lucmda, J ' ' '

Elizabeth, March 30, 1761.

Ira, May 20, 1754.

Lodema, June 18, 1769.

Simeon, December 23, 1753.

Samuel, Sept. 31, 1769.

Josiah, " "

Mary, « "

Roxellana, November 25, 1759.

Phineas, August, 1762.

Lemuel, December 20, 1767.

Asahel, May 23, 1743. *■'

Ebenezer, June 9, 1746.

Achsah, October 2, 1748.

Sarah, December 3, 1752.

Prudence, April 29, 1770.

Martin, September 13, 1761.

Abigail, May 23, 1764.

Lucinda, August 2, 1767.

Noah, August 15, 1757.

Remembrance, June 7, 1763.

Samuel, July 12, 1747.

Abijah, March 26, 1749.

Levi, May 28, 1754.

Samuel, August 24, 1755.

Justin, October 16, 1768.

Susannah, July 15, 1770.

Highly, June 14, 1772.

Seba, June 19, 1775.

Seth, April 3, 1768.

Roswell, August 24, 1760.

John, August 12, 1750.

Jerusha, May 16, 1757.

Joseph, March 30, 1759.

Isabel, June 21, 1761.

Jonathan, June 19, 1763.

Jemima, May 5, 1765.

Daniel, November i6, 1766.

Benjamin, June 18, 1769.

Rebecca, Sept. 18, 1774.

Martha, July 11, 1773.

Salmon, «• " "

Hannah, May 6, 1753.

Judah, September 28, 1763

304

History of Torringtcn.

Roberts, Joel,

Roberts, Nath., Rev.,
Roger, Zephaniah,
Richards, Joel,
Sheldon, Remem.,
Smith, Ebenezer,

Strong, Asahel,

Strong, Jacob,

Taintor, Joseph,

Taylor, Zebulon,

Thompson, Samuel,
Thrall, Aaron,

Thrall, Daniel,
Thrall, Friend,
Thrall, Joel,

Thrall, Joseph,

Thrall, Reuben,

Thrall, Samuel,
Tuttle, Isaiah,

Tuttle, Timothy,
Tuttla, Stephen,
Wetmore, Joel,

Wetmore, John,

Wetmore, Noah,
Whiting, Benjamin,

Esther, July 17, 1768.
John Loomis, April 25, 1774.
Margaret, June 21, 1752..
Isaac, March 5, 1 87 1.
Chloe, April 28, 1765.
Russell, Feb. 23, 1772.
Ebenezer, August 4, 1763.
Hannah, Sept. 8, 1765.
Jesse, January 11, 1767.
Joseph, July 24, 1774.
Miles, Oct. 29, 1775.
Asahel, April 22, 1750.
Hannah, December 12, 1758.
Dorcas, March 2, 1758.
Chloe, December 25, 1763.
David, June 5, 1768
Mindwell, August i, 1742.^
Experience, August 13, 1743.''
Abagail, Feb. 2, 1746.
Experience, April i, 1750.
Elizabeth, September 14. 1755.
Mary, July 15, 1757.
Benoni (adopted) June 4, 1770.
Joseph, April 26, 1772.
Mary, December 12, 1773.
Zebulon, June 17, 1744. v
Zebulon, July 10, 1748.
Sarah, September 10, 1749.

Roger, March 11, 1767.

Sabra, March 7, 1769.

Olive, June 6, 1773.

Rachel, November 6, 1743.-

Martha, August 21, 1767.

Lois, September 5, 1773.

Augustus, March 13, 1774.

Aaron, June 6, 1742. >.

Chloe, April 7, 1745.

Reuben, March 29, 1747.

Levi, June 18, 1749.

Friend, July 19, 1752.

Noah, May 5, 1754.

Margaret, February, 1756.

Pardon, June 16, 1759.

Daniel, June 5, 1763.

Nathan, April 29, 1769.

Amy, April 5, 1772.

Joseph, May I, 1 774.

Alexander, March 27, 1768.

Erastus, July 3, I774'

Caroline, July 13, 1755.

Uriah, July 31, 1774.

Louisa, December 10, 1775.
Timothy, July 13, 1755.

Stephen, August 9, 1772.

Olive, March 10, 1765.

Ebenezer Lyman, December 28, 176b
Melicent, January 19, 1772.
Elizabeth, October 15, 1758.
.Seth, March 30, 1761.

Samuel, March 20, 1764.
Junia, March 30, 1 761.
William, September 9, 1759.

Lists of Names.

305

Whiting, Benjamin,
Whiting, John,

Whiting, Sarah,
Wilcrx, Asahel,

Wilcoxon,

Wilson, Abigail,
Wilson, Abijah,
Wilson, Amos,

Wilson, Asahel,
Wilson, Ann,
Wilson, John,
Wilson, Noah,

Wilson, Noah Jr.,

Young, John,

Esther, September 18, 1763.
Benjamin, February 33, 1766.
Sarah, December 8, 1750.
Josiah, August i6, 1752.
Mary, July 14, 1754.
Rebecca, February 2, 1757.
John, July 30, 1758.
Harvey, November 2, 1760.
Jesse, February 6, 1763.
Seth, September 29^ 1765.
Giles, January 20, 1771.
Roger, March 28, 1773.
Phila, July 2, 1769.
Mary. June 4, 1769.
Abiathar, May 13, 1 77 1.
Asahel, May 2, 1773.
Asenath, September 17, 1775.
David, July 13, 1755.
Zenas, May 7, 1768.
Solomon, November i, 1772.
William, November 4, 1753.
Ruth, December 22, 1754.
Royce, August 8, 1758.
Roswell, October 8, 1758.
Roswell, May 19, 1765.
Sarah, April 10, 1763.
Climenia, July 28, 1771.
Huldah, October 2, 1768.
Edie, January 6, 1745.
Abijah, January 5, 1747.
Abiel, January 8, 1749.
Ann, November 3, 1751.
William, September 15, 1754.
Charlotte, October 7, 1Z64.
Two daughters, January 11, 1767.
Edie, February 12, 1768.
Triphena, February, 19, 1769.
Dilenda, June 16, 1771.
Mary, June 5, 1774.
Hannah, December 15, 1771.
Elizabeth, August 29, 1773.

List of Post Masters and Date of Appointment.

Nathaniel Smith, April i, 181 3.
Nathaniel Smith, February 4, 1826.
Nathaniel Smith, May 29, 1837.

Torringford.

Rufus W. Gillett, December 20, 1854.
Harvey P. Hopkins, Jan. 12, 1857.
Stanley Griswold, May 18, 1874.

Harvey Palmer, March 26, 18 14.
Harvey Palmer, Dec. 30, 1818.
Harvey Palmer, May 9, 1837.
Albro W. Cowles, July 13, 1841.
Warren Goodwin, Jan. 27, 1848.
Cornelius A. Winship, May 11, 1850.
William H. Coe, April 14, 1855.

Torrington.

Dudley Davis, Feb. 23, 1857.
Lucius Leach, Jan. 10, 1859.
Henry Barnes, March i, 1869.
Casimer H. Bronson, April 29, 1869.
Martin B. Pratt, July 22, 1872.
^'Royal E. Hayes, March 30, 1874.
Abner H. Wadhams, Sept. 18, 1876.

3o6

History of Torrington.

JVohottmlU

Samuel Bradley, May 13, 1837. Joseph F. Calhoun, May 16, 1861.

Orrin B. Freeman, May 22, 1841. Orsamus R. Fyler, June 12, 1866.

Russell C. Abernethy, Jan. 8, 1845. Orsamus R. Fyler, March 2, 1867.

Henry B. Richards, July 5, 1851. Orsamus R. Fyler, Feb. 6, 1873.

Russell C. Abernethy, July 5, 1853. Orsamus R. Fyler, Feb. 3, 1877.

Burr-ville.

Nelson Roberts, July 27, 1849. John M. Burr, June 20, 1861.

BIOGRAPHIES.

Gen. Russell Catlin Abernethy,

Son of Doctor William Abernethy of Harwinton, was born Feb. 9,
1780. In the record which he made of his own family on the town
records, he says he was from Washington, Ct., when he came to
Torrington. He had been clerk in a store in New Preston village
where he learned his trade as a merchant. He married Orrel,
daughter of Elisha Smith, Esq., Sept. 17, 1803, and about the same
time started a store near the Meeting house, at Torrington green ;
Mr. Hodges's store being at that time on the hill north of the green.
He continued this store until about 1830, when he gave up the mer-
cantile business, removed to Wolcottville and engaged in manufac-
turing enterprises, and interested himself more than previously in the
general interests of the town. In removing from l^orrington, he
took down his dwelling house which stood a little north of the green,
and transported it to the village, locating it where it still remains,
across the street from the Congregational church, north, and which
is now owned and occupied by Mr. J. F. Calhoun. As near as
can be ascertained he was justice of the peace about thirty -five years,
continuing in the office until 1850, when having arrived at the age
of seventy years he was thereby disqualified for holding the office
longer, and in that office maintained the honor of a faithful admin-
istrator of law, and an honorable, upright citizen. He was town
clerk a number of years, the competition for that office seeming to
be between him and John Gillett about twenty years, each being
elected several years, and then the other, the change being made a
number of times, but finally Mr. Gillett won the race by several
years. General Abernethy was quite a military man, being well
qualified for such position by his personal appearance and character,
and the town had more pride in him in this character than any other,
though he was highly respected in all others. His personal appear-
ance was very symmetrical ; being of good height, full form and
erect. His manners were always those of a gentleman, inherited by

3o8 History of Torrington.

family descent, and cultivated always, as being the proper bearing of
a citizen, and especially a public man of business, but in consequence
of this courteousness of manner, he was judged by a certain class,
to be seeking for public iavor at the expense of principle and sub-
stantial character, and thereby did him most decided injustice. Such
judgment is founded upon the supposition that a man of true princi-
ple and honorable character must have the manners of a boor, flout-
ing his personal prejudices and ill temper against everything and
everybody, like a spoiled child who was never taught to curb its
own resentment or ill feeling. Not so with the well bred man, who
considers that the community has some demands on him in render-
ing it cheerful, animating, and elevating, and therein such fulfill the
law of the great teacher, to live for others, not alone for themselves.
The general's manner was the same at home as elsewhere, and there-
fore exhibited the real spirit and character of the man, and he had
his reward in part, although he did not do it for the reward ; for, pro-
bably, but few men in the town at the time received as much cordial
good feeling', from the community as he, and at the present time, he
is spoken of with special admiration by nearly every one.

In military service he rose to be major general of the state militia,
and as such, was the delight of the community and the county. His
soldierly bearing on horseback, his prompt, energetic, and elegant
manners as a commanding officer, were pleasing and animating to
those who served under him, and to the multitude who assembled on
training days to witness the parades.

It is evident from these facts that there is an inherent sense in
most persons, that good manners are not only agreeable but of much
importance, and when cultivated as a duty, and an ennobling princi-
ple, carry with them a power for good so invaluable, that every citi-
zen should seek to promote them by all possible ability and cultivation.
This is the more evident as the oldest people take great pleasure in
speaking of those persons who manifested these qualities most pro-
minently in their lives. Mrs. Genera! Sheldon and Ulysses P'yler,
of the olde:" people, are spoken of in this respect with much enthu-
siasm. There were doubtless many others, but those who knew
them well are also departed. General Abernethy manifested more
specially the ideal old time gentleman more fully, probably, than
any other of as recent a date as he, and such examples give some
idea of what many of the pilgrim fathers were in regard to this noble
quality.

Biographies. 309

Rev. Hiram P. Arms, D.D.,

Was born at Windsor, Ct., June i, 1779; a descendant in the fifth
generation of William Arms of Deerfield, Mass. He was fitted for
college under John Adams, LL.D., at Philips academy, Mass., and
after graduation in 1823, studied theology under the instruction of
Profs. N. W. Taylor, D.D., E. T. Fitch, D.D., and J. W. Gibbs,
LL.D., and was ordained pastor of the Congregational church at
Hebron, Ct., June 30, 1830 ; dismissed October 10, 1832, to ac-
cept a call to Wolcottville, where he was installed February 6, 1833.
Here he labored with ordinary success three years and was dismissed
July 6, 1836, to accept a call to the First church in Norwich Town,
Ct., where he was installed August 3, 1836. Here he has continued
to labor to the present time, receiving frequent and unmistakable
evidences of affection and respect from his people.

On February 20, 1873, being then seventy-three years of age, he
resigned the active duties of his pastorate, but continued to reside
among his people as pastor emeritus. During his active pastorate he
received to membership in the church five hundred and sixty-nine
members.

On resting from the active duties of the ministry, his people gene-
rously gave him a life annuity amounting to near twelve hundred
dollars, which was invested in the Continental Life Insurance com-
pany, on the failure of which his people continue generously to pro-
vide for his wants.

He has been twice married ; first to Lucy Ann Wadhams of New
Haven, September 12, 1824. She died July 3, 1837. His second
wife was Abby Jane Baker of New York, to whom he was married
September 12, 1858, who is still living.

Seven children are living ; five sons and two daughters, all married,
and he is honored in counting in his own family twenty grand child-
ren. The evening of his life he is passing pleasantly, in a quiet home,
among a kind and affectionate people, and this evening, it is believed,
is but the prelude to the morning that shall be.

Rev. John D. Baldwin
Was born in North Stonington September 28, 1806; studied at New
Haven, but was not a graduate ; studied theology at New Haven ;
was licensed by the New Haven West association in 1833; was

3IO History of Torrington.

ordained pastor at West Woodstock, September 3, 1834, and dis-
missed July 25, 1837 ,• was pastor of North Branford from Jan. 17,
1838 to July 3, 1844. He preached in Torringford at intervals in
1845, ^"^ received a call to settle, February 28, 1846, which he de-
clined. He was pastor at East Putnam from April 2g, 1846, to
September 17, 1849, when a bronchial difficulty compelled him to
retire from the ministry.

He represented Killingly in the legislature of 1849, and as chair-
man of the committee on education introduced the measure which
established the Normal school, and was one of the three commis-
sioners who located and organized it. In 1849 ^^ became owner
and editor of the Hartford Republican; in 1851, became editor of
the Boston Commonwealth^ afterwards the Telegraphy and held his posi-
tion until the summer of 1857. Early in 1859, ^^ purchased the
Worcester Daily and Weekly Spy^ which he owned many years. He
was elected to congress from Massachusetts in November 1862;
was twice rechosen, serving six years, and then declined re-election ;
but returned to Worcester and engaged still as a journalist. Two
funeral sermons delivered by him have been printed. He furnished
articles for the Christian Spectator^ and the North American Review.
A volume of his productions, entitled Raymond Hill and Other Poems^
was published by Ticknor and Fields. His work, Pre-Historic
Nations^ was published first in London and then in New York.

Dr. Erastus Bancroft,
Son of Noadiah and Jerusha (Loomis) Bancroft, was born Oct.
27, 1782. He studied medicine with Dr. Elijah Lyman, and as a
student was not considered peculiarly forward or ready in acquiring
the knowledge of medicine, but made ordinary progress. He com-
menced practice in Wolcottville in 18 17, and very readily secured
much confidence in his practice, and though Dr. Jarvis followed
Dr. E. Lyman, in 18 18, Dr. Bancroft secured so much of the
patronage of the town, that there seemed to be but little need of
others, and Dr. Jarvis removed to a larger field. Dr. Bancroft
proved himself a skillful and successful physician ; especially so in
the treatment of fevers. He was a man of much common sense,
relying, not upon old formulas, because thev were old or because
they were written, but would have his own thinking in spite of pre-
judices, whims, religion or the "devil." He was the personification
of neatness, always dressed in his ruffled bosom shirt and other things

Biographies. 311

to match. When he rode in his carriage he sat erect, and stylish,
as if ready for any emergency. He was not large in person but very
energetic, active, and of quick decision and application. He occupied
a small building as his office on the south side of the bridge on Main
street, east of the street, near the river ; the building has been re-
moved and the office of Mr. Ladd's livery stable occupies the site.

Dr. Bancroft's good sense took the form of skepticism as to the
prejudices, v^^himsand notions of the people, and he used, sometimes,
to indulge himself in laughing at them, when among his most trusted
friends. He repeated a number of times, a mistake he made when
he began to practice, which he said was the making of his fame, as
a physician, among the people. He had made a prescription for a
patient, in the western part of the town, and supposed the case of no
danger and but little importance. In the night he was sent for in
great haste, and he obeyed the summons without delay. He found
the patient in a very critical condition, and recognized at once that
it was the medicine he had given through mistake and not the disease.
He applied his skill with great earnestness, remaining with the patient
some twelve hours and succeeded in the restoration. This was re-
ported as a wonderful cure, " and so it was," said the doctor, " damn
it, I liked to have killed her."

Another case he had attended some years, sometimes giving a
little medicine, but generally concluding that all the trouble was in
the want of energy of the person. This he had tried many times to
stimulate, and to prevail upon the woman to go at the work of the
house, and thus forget, and dispel the imaginings of her own mind,
but all was to no purpose. On being called again, he examined the
case carefully, saw nothing only as before, and suddenly took a pail
of water and threw the whole of it on the woman, and rapidly left,
it being dangerous to stay longer. The woman speedily recovered
her health.

The doctor was gentlemanly, considerate, and attentive, yet abrupt,
peculiar, queer, and sometimes severe to the extent of justice. From
him the cynics and fault finders sometimes, received their just due ;
he frequently putting in the words, " devil" or '* damn it," spoken
very rapidly and as if unknown to himself, but sometimes very ap-
propriately, if ever allowable.

A description of the doctor is given in a book called The Shady
Side^ under the name of Dr. Gale, which some of the doctor's oldest
acquaintances say is a good representation of him. The scene is

312 History of Torrington.

laid at the minister's house where there was real illness, and where a
number of persons are represented as calling to give their advice and
" set matters right."

" Dr. Gale entered as the deacon's wife departed. Finding his patient in
tears, he turned abruptly back to the kitchen, and ordered Polly to ' call the par-
son.' A rough man was Dr. Gale ; tempestuous often, yet sensible. Christ-
ian principles he did not profess, but humane feeling he seldom lacked.

' Parson Vernon ! ' said he, ' I give it up.' You may get your wife home
to her father's as soon as possible, if you mean to have her well. / can't cure
her^^r^. Your religious folks haven't a grain ol sense to spare. A pretty fool
I make of myself, to come here and order sedatives, and rely on quiet, when
some old woman, who was made without nerves, will bolt in, and upset it all! '
And the doctor went off in a bluster.

Mrs. Nobles had stopped to report her interview to Mrs. Elton, and the
two ladies stood a'j the gale as the doctor returned with quickened step. They
stopped him to ask if there was any thing more alarming at the parsonage. He
growled a ' no need of any thing more,' which they construed into vexation
with his patient. Whereupon, they proceeded to lament that ministers should
take for their wives, such feeble, inefHcient women ; and, especially that Millville
should be so unfortunate in this respect.

The doctor was in no gentle mood, and he gave them a blast which they were
sorry to have provoked. 'Feeble women!' said he; ' feeble women ! What
makes 'em so ! They've a right to be feeble, with a vengeance! Wonder any
of 'em live ten years ; pulled about hither and thither, and kept on short al-
lowance ! You expect her to do half enough to earn her husband's salary, with
your confounded societies ! It's contrive, and cut, and stitch ; and then you set
her to praying, and talking, and reforming ; and she must be dragged out here
and there ; and at home, there's no peace for the calls and the tea-drinkings,
to say nothing of the fault findings. Mrs. Vernon, now, is not inclined to be
sickly. Good, fresh constitution, but she's worn and low, and you don't give
her any chance to get up."

* But,' interposed Mrs. Nobles, 'you'll allow, doctor, that Mrs. Vernon is very
nervous ? '

'Nervous,' said he, contemptuously, 'I wish the women knew what they
mean by that. '

Mrs. Elton ventured, ' if she had more hopefulness and courage, doctor.'

' You don't know her,' said the doctor, less fiercely. ' She's none of your
milk-and-water ladies. She has all the hope and courage there is in the house ;'
and he turned away. Looking back, however, with a sudden thought ; another
explosive burst of words followed. ' If I'd been a minister {tio dtitiger), but
if I had, I'd ha' lived a bachelor all my days, before I'd ha' married a wife
for the parish. * "

Mrs. Eliza Curtiss Bassett,
Daughter of Dea. Job and Eunice (Cowles) Curtiss, married Rev,
Archibald Bassett, who was born in Derby, March 21, 1772 ; was
graduated at Yale college in 1796 ; was ordained pastor at Winches-
ter, May 20, 1801, and dismissed, Aug. 27, 1806 ; was pastor at

Biographies. 313

Walton, Delaware county, N. Y., from 1807 to 1810, and resided
there preaching in the region and helping his brethren in revivals, as
opportunities were afforded, and died, April 29, 1859, aged ^7 yell's-
She died Jan. 19, 1868.

Owen Brown,
Son of Capt. John and Hannah (Owen) Brown, married Ruth,
daughter of Gideon Mills at Simsbury, Feb. 11, 1793. He was a
tanner, and settled in his business in Norfolk, Ct., and removed
to^^rrington in the spring of 1799, and purchased and settled on
the place now known as the John Brown place. The dwelling
house was built in 1776, and is still standing, but unoccupied. It
was a well built and thoroughly finished house, at the time, being
ceiled with pine lumber, the beams projecting below the ceiling, but
planed smooth or cased, so that the whole interior was in its day a
very comfortable, and good class of dwelling.

The house is located in the western part of the town, three miles
from Wolcottville, on a road very little traveled ; six miles from
Litchfield, and ten from Winsted. The farm is not of an average
good quality, for the town, is pleasantly located, but very secluded
from j)ubric travel. The special reason why Mr. Brown bought it,
seems to have been thjit^as a farm it was cheaper than many others,
and had on it a brook that he thought would answer for tanning pur-
poses. On this brook, west of the house some distance, on the north
side of the east and west road he built his tannery and shoe shop, all
of^which are now gone. Here he worked at his trade six years, ac-
quiring considerable reputation, and sustaining high honor as a tanner
and business man.

Owen Brown was the fifth in descent from the pilgrim, Peter

Brown who came to America in the Mayflower in 1620, and

inherited the puritan character in its genuine traits and purest forms.

He was a man of keenness of perception and remarkable wit and
good humor. His brother John, was deacon of the church in New\
Hartford many years and was highly esteemed in his office, and as a j
Christian man. Judge Frederick Brown, another brother, was a man ^
of the same noble character, clearness of intellect, and was judge of
the court a number of years in Hudson, Ohio.

Owen Brown possessed great firmness of religious character and
yet great kindness of heart. He never was absent from church as
illustrated in a remark as he was about to leave the town he made to

314 History of Torrington.

Deacon Hinsdale ; " We have met fifty-two times a year, but may
not meet many more," He removed to Hudson, Ohio, in 1805, and
after being there a year or two came back on business, and spent the
night at William Whiting's, a near neighbor. In the morning when
ready to leave he said : " Neighbor^Whiting, we have loved each other
i,s brothers and I want our families to know each other when we are
cold." They shook hands and parted in tears. Mr. Brown was a
great reader, and thinker, and he often entertained the young men
while sitting in his shoe shop, by requesting them to read such pieces
as he selected, and by giving them statements of what he had read.
While making shoes, he often prevailed with Oliver Bancroft to read,
^ and it was this reading in Mr. Brown's shop that led him to the love
of literature, and to become a printer at Hartford where he spent an
honorable life.

Mr. Brown was a very upright, honest man as to business transac-
tions. This, many had occasion to know as his occupation led him
to dealings with many persons, both near home and at a distance.

From Torrington he removed to Hudson, Ohio, where he reared
his children ; among them he that was to be the hero of the nation,
1 Capt. John Brown, of Kansas and Harper's Ferry fame. In Hudson,
\Owen Brown lived the same noble, useful, and honorable life.

In reply to a question by the author of this book the Rev. Doctor
Fairchild, president of Oberlin college, wrote as follows :

r " Owen Brown, father of Capt. John, was a trustee of Oberlin college from

T- •~K,j 1835 to I 844, and then resigned in consequence of his growing infirmities.

^ — •, He was much esteemed by his associate members for his practical wisdom and

staunch integrity. He was a man of few words because a painful habit of

stammering made it ahnost impossible for him to speak, but every word was

valued.

His residence was at Hudson, the seat of Western Reserve college. One

of his daughters, Florilla, afterwards wife of Rev. S. G. Advie, graduated here,

and went with her husband to Osawatomic, Kansas, in the days of the -first

settlement of Kansas, and died there in 1865. A son of Owen Brown was

/ also a student here, several years. John Brown himself, once performed a

Q. I service tor the college in surveying and reporting on lands given to the college

mP I in Western Virginia by Gerrit Smith.

(©msf

iBlB.©'

MEMOIR OF JOHN BROWN.

Though there have been so many men of this name in all parts of
the world which the Anglo-Saxon race inhabit, it will readily be
known which one of them merits the great space given him in these
pages. We tell the story of a man who made his plain name known
all over the world, and who will be remembered, when it may be
that Torrington and all its history shall be forgotten, save the single
fact, that a hero was born there.

John Brown, of Kansas and Virginia (born at Torrington, May
9^1800, died at Charlestown, West Va., Dec. 2, 1859), was the
grandson and namesake of Captain John Brown of West Simsbury,
a revolutionary officer, who died in the army of Washington. He
was also the sixth in descent from Peter Brown who came over in
the Mayflower in 1620. Of the English ancestors of this Peter Brown,
little is known. He was unmarried when he landed at Plymouth in
January, 1621, but within the next thirteen years he was twice mar-
ried, and died (in 1633) leaving four children. This we learn from
that most unquestionable authority, the History of Plymouth Plant
atlon left behind him in manuscript, by William Bradford, who
succeeded Carver in 1621, as governor of the colony, and died in
1657. Writing about 1650, Bradford savs : " Peter Brown married
twice. By his first wife he had two children, who are living, and
both of them married, and one of them hath two children; by his
second wife he had two more. He died about sixteen years since."
It is supposed that his first wife was named Martha, and that Mary
and Priscilla Brown were her daughters, and the two who are men-
tioned by Bradford as married in 1650. In 1644 they were placed
in the care of their uncle John Brown, a leading citizen of Duxbury,
where also Peter Brown settled a few years after landing at Plymouth.
John Brown did not come over with his brother, but a few years later,
and out-lived him many years. Peter Brown died in 1633, and his
inventory of estate was presented on the 14th of October that year.
He settled ^£15 on his two daughters by the first marriage, Mary and
Priscilla, and left the remainder, no very large sum, to his widow and
her children. Of these Peter Brown, born in 1632, was the younger.

This cccount of John Brown has been prepared by F. B. Sanborn, Esq., of Concord
Mass., expressely for this work.

3i6 History of Torrington.

He was the ancestor of John Brown, and removed from Duxbury to
Windsor, Conn., at some time between 1650 and 1658, where he
married Mary the daughter of Jonathan Gillett.

Peter Brown the Pilgrim, is said to have been a carpenter, but
from what part of England he came is not known. His home in
Duxbury was but a few miles from Plymouth, and not far from the
hill where Miles Standish built his house, and where the Standish
monument is now seen. Brown was, no doubt, one of the soldiers
of Standish, in his miniature campaigns against the Indians. He was
probably one of the Separatists (often called Brownists from another
person of that name) who lived for some years in Holland with
Brewster, Bradford and thegood minister of Leyden, John Robinson,
of whose life and character Bradford gives such graphic sketches.
The picture drawn of the Leyden pastor might serve very well for
Captain Brown himself, as we knew him in his Kansas and Virginia
expeditions, when he had his small band of chosen men about him,
and was their pastor as well as their commander. Bradford says of
John Robinson — and so might it have been said two hundred and
forty years later of John Brown :

His love was greate towards them, and his care was all ways bente for their
best good, both for soule and body; for besides his singular abilities, in divine
things (wherein he excelled), he was also very able to give directions in civil!
affairs and to foresee dangers and inconveniences; by which means he was
verv helpful to their outward estates, and so was every way as a common father
unto them. And none did more offend him than those that were close and
cleaving to themselves, and retired from the commone good ; as also such as
would be stiff and rigid in matters of outward order, and invey against the
evills of others, and yet be remiss in themselves, and not so careful to express a
vertuous conversation.

Peter Brown the Pilgrim never lived in Salem, as has sometimes
been said, nor any where in New England, save in Plymouth, and
afterwards in Duxbury. His son Peter, who emigrated to Wind-
sor, Conn., lived to be nearly sixty years old, and died at Windsor,
March 9, 1692, leaving an estate of X409 to be divided among his
thirteen children. Of these children, John Brown, born at Windsor,
Jan. 8, 1668, married Elizabeth Loomis in 1691, and had eleven
children. Among these were John Brown (born in 1700 and died in
1790), who was the father and the survivor of the revolutionary,
captain, John Brown, of West Simsbury. He lived and died in
Windsor, married Mary Eggleston, and Captain John Brown, just
mentioned, the grandfather of our hero, was his oldest son, born Nov.

Biographies. 317

4, 1728. He married Hannah Owen, of Welsh descent, in 1758.
Her father was Elijah Owen of Windsor, and her first ancestor in
this country was John Owen, a Welshman who married in Windsor
in 1650, just before young Peter Brown came there from Duxbury.
A few years afterwards an Amsterdam tailor, Peter Miles or Mills,
came over to Connecticut from Holland, settled in Bloomfield, near
Windsor, and became the ancestor of John Brown's grandmother,
Ruth Mills, of West Simsbury. Thus three streams of nationality,
English, Welsh and Dutch, united in New England to form the
parentage of John Brown.

He vyas jhe oldest son of Owen Brown, who was one of the
eleven children of John Brown, the revolutionary captain and of
Hannah Owen his wife. This large family was brought up in severe
poverty by the mother, who lived to see most of her children well
established in life. One of them became a judge in Ohio, another,
John Brown of New Hartford, was a man much esteemed in that
town, and for many years deacon of the church there. One of the
daughters was the mother of Dr. Humphrey, for some years president
of Amherst college. Owen Brown was bred to the trade of tanner
and shoemaker, the same which he taught his son John. He followed
this trade while living in Torrington, which was his home for only
five or six years. He was born and bred in Simsbury (what is now
CantjDn),,_was married there to Ruth Mills, daughter of the old
minister. Rev. Gideon Mills, on the iith of February, 1793 ; then
removed to Norfolk, where his oldest child was born, July 5, 1798,
and from there came to Torrington one year later. He lived in the
old house, still standing, "a mile northwest of the meeting house,"
which is represented in the accompanying picture. In this house
John Brown was born, at the date already mentioned, and there his
brothers Solomon and Oliver Owen Brown were born, in 1802 and
1804. In 1805 Owen Brown migrated, with his children and others
of his family, to the Western Reserve of Ohio, and settled in the
town of Hudson, of which he was one of the principal settlers. In
that wilderness John Brown spent his childhood and youth, though
his early recollections extended also to his home in Connecticut.
This will appear from a very curious paper written by him two
years before his death, in which he mentions many incidents
of his childish years. Although it has several times been printed,
it is due to the reader, who may never have seen it, that a paper

3i8

History of Torrington.

so valuable in itself, and so characteristic of the writer, should here
be reprinted. It first appeared in Redpath's Life of Brown, published

BIRTH PLACE OF JOHN BROWN, TORRINGTON, MAY 9, I 80O.

in Boston in i860, having been placed in Mr. Redpath's hands by
Mrs. George L, Stearns of Medford, Mass. The lad to whom it was
addressed was then about twelve years old, and the letter was evi-
dently written for his amusement and instruction, with no thought
that it would ever become public. As first printed, and as here re-
produced, it is spelled, punctuated, and italicized exactly as Captain
Brown wrote it. If it thus indicates, what was probably true, that
Brown could spell no better than Claverhouse, and was as regardless
of " stops and marks " as any old Roman stone-cutter or Greek
scribe, it also shows what a piquant and forcible style he used, both
in speech and on paper. It was after hearing this paper read that
Miss Osgood, of Medford, remarked, " If Captain Brown had not
been called, in the providence of God, to a very different work, what
charming stories he could have written for young children !" The
original manuscript fills six pages of closely written letter-paper,
without division into paragraphs. It was written during the summer
when Hugh Forbes was drilling a small company of his men for the
Virginia campaign, in the western part of Iowa.

Biographies. 319

Fragment of an Autobiography.

Red Rock, Iowa, 11;/^ Ji^h' '^57-
Mr. Henry L. Stearns

My Dear Young Friend

I have not forgotten my promise to write vou ; but my constant care, &
anxiety have obliged me to put it off a long time. I do not flatter myself that I
C(2n write anv thing that uill very much interest you: but have concluded to
send you a short story of a certain boy of my acquaintance : & for convenience
and shortness of name, I will call him John. His story will be mainly a narra-
tion of follies and errors ; which it is to be hoped you mnj avoid ; but there is
one thing connected with it, which will be calculated to encourage any young
person to persevering effort: & that is the degree of success in accompliihing his
objects which to a great extent marked the course of this boy throughout my
entire acquaintance with him ; notwithstanding his moderate capacity ; & still
more moderate acquirements.

John was born May 9th 1800, at Torrington, Litchfield Co, Connecticut ;
of poor but respectable parents : a decendant on the side of his father of one of
the company of the Mayflower who landed at Plymouth 1620. His mother
was decended from a man who came at an early period to New England from ,
Amsterdam, in Holland. Both his Father's & his Mother's Fathers served in \
the war of the revolution : His Father's Father ; died in a barn at New York
while in the service, in 1776

I cannot tell you of any thing in the first Four years of John's life worth
mentioning save that at that early age he was tempted by Three large Brass
Pins belonging to a girl who lived in the family & stole them. In this he was
detected by his Mother; & after having a full day to think of the wrong: re-
ceived from her a thorough whipping. When he was Five years old his Father
moved to Ohio ; then a wilderness filled with wild beasts, & Indians. During
the long journey which was performed in part or mostly with an ox team ; he
was called on by turns to assist a boy Five years older (who had been adopted
by his Father & Mother) & learned to think he could accomplish smart things
iajij'iiing_jthe_Covvs ; and riding the horses. Sometimes he met with Rattle
Snakes which were very large ; & which some of the company generally managed
to kill. After getting to Ohio in 1805 he was for some time rather afraid of
the Indians, & of their Rifles; but this soon wore off: & he used to hang
about them quite as much as was consistent with good manners ;-& learned a
trifle of their tdk. His Father learned to dress Deer Skins, & at 6 years old
John was installed a young Buck Skin — He was perhaps rather observing as
he ever after remembered the entire process of Deer Skin dressing ; so that he \
could at any time dress his own leather such as Squirel, Raccoon, Cat, Wolf \
or Dog Skins ; & also learned to make Whip Lashes : which brought him some
change at times ; & was of considerable service in many ways. — At Six years /
old John began to be quite a rambler in the wild new country finding birds &
Squirels, & sometimes a wild Turkey's nest. But about this period he was
placed in the school of adversity : which my young friend was a most neces-
sary part of his early training. You may laugh when you come to read about
it; but these v/trz sore trials to John : whose earthly treasures were very /ezo
& small. These were the beginning of a severe but mueh needed course of
discipline which he afterwards was to pass through ; & which it is to be hoped

320 History of Torrington.

has learned him before this time that the Heavenly Fatlier sees it best to take
all the little things out of his hands which he has ever placed in them. When
John was in his Sixth year a poor Indian boy gave him a Yellow Marble the
first he had ever seen. This he thought a great deal of; & kept it a good
while ; but at last he lost it beyond recovery. // took years to heal the wound;
Sc I think he cried at times about it. About Five months after this he caught a
young Squirrel tearing off his tail in doing it ; & getting severely bitten at the
same time himself. He however held to the little bob tail Squirrel ; & finally
got him perfectly tamed, so that he almost idolized his pet. This too he lost ;
by its wandering away ; or by getting killed : & for a year or Two John was
in mourning; and looking at all the Squirrels he could see to try & discover
Bob tail, if possible. I must not neglect to tell you of a very bad l£ foolish
habbit to which fohn was somewhat addicted. I mean telling lies : generally
to screen himself from blame ; or from punishment. He could not well endure
to be reproached ; & I now think had he been ofteijer encouraged to be entirely
frank ; by makingfrnnkness a kind of atonement for some of his faults ; he would
not have been so often guilty of this fault ; nor have been obliged to struggle so
long in after life with so mean a habit. John was never quarelsonie ; but was
excessively fond of the hardest Iff roughest kind of plays ; & could never get
enough [of] them.

Indeed when for a short time he was sometimes sent to School the opportu-
nity it afforded to wrestle & Snow ball & run & jump & knock off old seedy
i wool hats ; offered to him almost the only compensation for the confinement,
& restraints of school. I need not tell you that with such a feeling & bur litde
chance of going to school at all : he did not become much of a schollar. He
would always choose to stay at home & work hard rather than be sent to
^ school ; & during the warm season might generally be seen barefooted tff bare-
^-^ headed: with Buck skin Breeches suspended often with one leather strap over
his shoulder but sometimes with Two. To be sent off through the wilderness
alone to very considerable distances was particularly his delight ; & in this he
was often indulged so that by the time he was Twelve years old he was sent off
more than a Hundred Miles with companies of cattle ; & he would have thought
his character much injured had he been obliged to be helped in any such job.
This was a bovish kind of feeling but characteristic however.

At Eight years old John was left a Motherless boy which loss was complete
& permanent, for notwithstanding his Father again married to a sensible, inteli-
gent, & on many accounts a very estimable woman : yet he never addopted her
in feeling: but continued to pine after his own Mother for years. This op-
perated very unfavourably uppon him ; as he was both naturally fond of
females ; & withall extremely diffident; & deprived him of a suitable connect-
ing link between the different sexes; the want of which might under some
circumstances have proved his ruin.

When the war broke out with England, his Father soon commenced fur-
nishing the troops with beef cattle, the collecting & driving of which afforded
him some opportunity for the chase (on foot) of wild steers & other cattle
through the woods. During this war he had some chance to form his own
boyish judgment of men tif measures: & to become somewhat familiarly ac-
quainted witji some who have figured before the country since that time. The
effect of what he saw during the war was to so far disgust him with military
affairs that he would neither train, or drill ; but paid fines; & got along like a
Quaker untill his age finally has cleared him of Military duty.

Biographies 321

During the war with England a circumstance occurred that in the end made
him a most determined Abolitionist: & ]ed_ him to declare, or Szvear :
_Es_e£njiljML^^nihJ^\3yGV\' . He'was staying for a short time with a very gen-
tlemanly, landlord-once a United States Marshall who held a slave boy near his
own age very active, intelligent and good feeling; & to whom John was under
considerable obligation for numerous little acts of kindness. The muster made
a great ^et_oX John : brought him to table with his first company ; & friends;
called their attention to every little smart thing he s^id or did : & to tlie^Jact of
his being more than a hundred miles from home with a company of cattle alone ;
while the negro boy (who was fully if not more than his equal) was badly
cfothed, goorlyjed; ^ lodged in cold weather ; IS beaten before his eyes with
Iron Shovels o^" any other thing that came first to Jiand. This brought [ohn
to reflect on the wretched ; hopeless condition, o^ Fatherless & Motherless
sjave children : for such children have neither Fathers nor Mothers to protect,
& provide for them. He sometimes would raise the question is God their ,J
Father ?

.-\t the age of Ten vears an old friend induced him to read a little history ;
& offered him the free use of a good library ; by ; which he acquired some
taste for reading : which formed the principle part ot his early education: &
diverted him in a great measure from bad company. He by this means grew
to be very fond of the company, & conversaiion of old Sc intelligent persons,
He_ji€-vcr attempted -to dance in his life ; nor did he._ev_en learn to know one ':-^C\
of a pack o^ cards from another. He Jearned nothing of Grammer; nor did ^-^
he get at school so much knowledge ot common Arithmetic aj the Four ground
rules. This will give you some idea of the first Fifteen years of his life; dur-
JngAvhich timeTieliecame very strong & large of his age & ambitious to per-
form the full labour of a man ; at almost any kind of hard work. Byxeading
the lives of great, wise & good men their sayings, andvvriTings ; he grew to
. adislike^of vain & U-\vo\ous conversation iS persons ; & was often gi early obliged
by the kind manner in which older & more inteligent persons treated him at
their houses: & in conversation; which was a great relief on account of his
extreme bashfulness. r ^'^^^-j-'*^

He very early in life became ambitious to excel in doing anything he under-
took to perform. This kind of feeling I would recommend to all young per-
sons both jnale iS fejnale : as it will certainly tend to secure admission to the ^
company of the^pnore inteligent ; & bearer Dortion of every community. By [■^
_alLine.ans endeavor to excel in some lauaatle pursuit. ' —

I had like to have forgotten to tell you of one of John's misfortunes which
set rather hard on him while a young bov. He had bv some means perhaps
by git't of his father become the owner of a little Ewe Lamb which did finely
tiJUl was^about Two TJiirds grown ; & then sickened & died. This brought
another protracted mourning season : not that he felt the pecuniary loss so much
for that was never his disposition; hut-so— strong & earnest were his-atach
OaeiLtfr.

John had been taught from earliest childhood to "fear God and keep his"\
commandments ; '' & though quite skeptical he had always by turns felt much
sexious_dou.bLas_Lo his future well being ; & aboutthis time became to some ex- I
tejit a convert to Christianity & ever after a firm believer in the divine authen-\ /~\
ticity of the Bible. With this book he became \'ery familiar, & possessed a ) 7^
most unusual memory of its entire contents.

Now some of the things I ha\e been telling of; were just such as I would
41

322 History of Torrington. |

recommend to you : & I w'^ like to know that you had selected these out ; & i

adopted them as part oi your own plan of life ; & I wish you to have sof/ie de- \

finite plan Many seem Vi have none ; & others never stick to any that they r~\ j
do form. This was not the case with John. He followed up wiih' t'enaatj^j^J '
whatever he set about so long as it answered his general purpose : & hence he^ -^
rarely failed in some good decree to effect the things he undertook. This was ''^^
_5CL-much— the case that he habitually expected to succeed in his undertaki-ngsX
With this feeling should be coupled ; the consciousness that our plans are right \
in themselves. 1

During the period I have named John had acquired a kind of ownership to j

certain animals of some little value but as he had come to understand that the
title of 7uinors might be a little imperfect: he had recourse to various means in 1

C-\) prder to secure a more independent ; & perfect right of property. One of those
^^ means was to exchange with his Father for something of far less value. Another |

was trading with others persons tor something his Father had never owned.
Older persons have some times found difficulty with titles.

F'rom fifteen to Twenty years old, he spent most of his time working at the
Tanner & Currier's trade keeping Bachelors hall ; & he ofiiciating as Cook ;
& for most of the time as forman of the establishment under his father. Dur-
ing this period he found much trouble with some of the bad habits I have j
mentioned & with some that I have not told you off: his concience urging him
forward with great power in this matter: bi^t his close attention to liusiness_s^
success in its management ; together with the way he got along with a conipany j
of men, & boys; made him quite a favorite with the serious & more inteligent '
portion of older persons. This was so much the case ; & secured for him so j
many little notices from those he esteemed ; that his vanity was very much fed ]
by it: & he came forward to manhood quite full of self-conceit ; & sclf-confi- j
dent; notwithstanding his f;<r//*^/^?^ bashfulness. A younger brother used some- I
times to remind him of this : & to repeat to him this expression which you may"
somewhere find, "^■^.King against whom there is no rising up." The habit so j
early formed of being obeyed rendered him in after life too much disposed to I
speak in an imperious & dictating way. From Fifteen years & lapward he felt j
a good deal of anxiety to learn ; but could only read & studdy a llllle ;__bDth |
for want of time; & on account of inflammation of the eyes. He however '<
managed by the help of books to make himself tolerably well acquainted with •
common arithmetic ; & Surveying ; which he practiced more or less after he j
was Twenty years old. ^^■aX '

At a little past Twenty years led by his own inclination & protnptcd also by '

his Father, he married a remarkably plain ; but neat industrious & economical j

girl; of excellent character ; earnest piety; & good practical common sense ; ■

about one year younger than himself. This woman by her mild, frank, & ■

more than all else: by her very consistent conduct; acquired & ever while ■

she lived maintained a most powerful ; Sc good influence over him. Her plain
but kind admonitions generally had the right effect ; without arousing his haughty j

obstinate temper. John began early in life to discover a great liking to fine !

(Cattle, Horses, Sheep, & Swine ; & as soon as circumstances would enable him \

he began to be a practical Shepherd: it bdng a calling for which in early life j

he had a kind of enthusiastic longing: wiih the idea that as a business it bid
fair to afford him the means of carrying out his greatest or principle object. I
have now given you a kind of general idea of the early life of this boy ; & if i
I believed it would be worth the trouble ; or afford much interest to any good '

Biographies. 323

feeling person : I might be tempted to tell you something of his course in after
life ; or manhood. I do not say that I will do It.

You will discover that in using up my half sheets to save paper • I have writ-
ten Two pages, so that one does not follow the other as it should. I have no
time to write it over; h but for unavoidable hindrances in traveling I can
hardly say when I should have written what I have. With an honest desire
for your best good, I subscribe myself. Your Friend

J. Brown.

P. S. I had like to have forgotten to acknowledge your contribution in aid
of the cause in which I serve. God Allmighty bless you ; my son. J. B.

Upon this Autobiography a few remarks may be made. It was
sent to the son of his friend, the late Major Stearns of Medford,
Mass., who, as chairman of the Massachusetts Kansas committee,
had become acquainted with John Brown in 1857, ^"*^ '^^*^ done
much to promote the objects he then had at heart. When it was
written, though Brown was then engaged in preparations for his at-
tack on slavery in Virginia, nothing was known of that scheme by
Major Stearns or by any of Brown's A4assachusetts friends. The
contributions made by Harry Stearns and by others "in aid of the
cause in which I serve," were given to help the oppressed pioneers
of Kansas whom Brown was then defending. But k^ seems by this
account of John Brown's childhood and youth, that his hostility to
slavery began before 1815, when he was in the habit of driving cattle
long distances in Ohio, for army supplies, during the war with Eng-
land which began in i8i2. One of the first important events of
that war was the surrender of Gen. Hull of Massachusetts, with his
whole force, to the British near Detroit in 18 12. Owen Brown, as
a beef contractor, was with Hull's army at or just before the surrender,
accompanied by his son John. The boy, then but twelve years old,
circulated among the American soldiers and officers and overheard
many of the conversations in camp concerning Gen. Hull and his
position. He saw much of Gen. Cass, then a captain under Hull,
and it is to him, no doubt, that allusion is made as one of those
" who have figured before the country since that time." Long after-
ward (in 1857), ^^ ^'^^^ "^^ ^^'^^ ^^ overheard such mutinous con-
versation from Cass, McArthur, and other officers as would have
branded them as mutineers, if he could have reported it to the Wash-
ington authorities, and he had an ill opinion of Cass ever after, on
account of this incident. He believed that Gen. Hull was forced
into the false position which led to his surrender by the ill conduct
of his subordinate officers.

324 History of Torrington.

The town of Hudson, and the region about it was the part of Ohio
familiar to John Brown's boyhood, and the nature of his life at that
time is well described in the preceding pages. He thus entered early
upon that long course of special training for his future warfare. A
most important part of this discipline was his outdoor habit of life,
and his intimate acquaintance with all that passes in wood and field,
by day and night. This life in the open air, to which he was bred
from infancy, gave him a hunter's digestion and the keen senses of
an Indian warrior. He was remarkably clear sighted and quick of
ear, and so acute of smell, that he could perceive the frying of dough-
nuts at a distance of five miles, as he once told me. The life of a
shepherd — an open air calling — was one, as he says, " for which in
early life he had a kind of enthusiastic longing." When he became
a shepherd in after years his eye was so discriminating that if a strange
sheep got into his flock of two or three thousand, he could select
the intruder without difficulty. The surveyor's art, in which he
became expert, was another calling that kept him constantly in the
\ open air. " As happens usually to men of romantic character," said
Emerson in 1859, '''' ^'^ fortunes were romantic. A shepherd and
herdsman, he learned the manners of animals, and knew the secret
signals by which animals communicate. He made his hard bed on
the mountains with them ; he learned to drive his flock through
thickets all but impassable. If he kept sheep, it was with a royal
mind." Or as Emerson had written in earlier years of another char-
acter, equally romantic :

" He trode the unplinted forest floor, whereon
The all-seeing sun for ages has not shone;
Where feeds the moose and walks the surly bear,
And up the tall mast runs the woodpecker,
Through these green tents, by eldest nature dressed.
He roamed, content alike with man and beast.
Where darkness found him he lay glad at night,
There the red morning touched him with its light.
The timid it concerns to ask their way.
And fear what foe in caves and swamps can stray.
To make no step until the event is known.
And ills to come as evils past bemoan,
Not so the wise ; no coward watch he keeps,
To spy what danger on his pathway creeps,
Go where he will, the wise man is at home,
His hearth the earth, his hall the azure dome ;
Where his clear spirit leads him, there's his road.
By God's own light illumined and foreshowed."

Biographies. 325

John Brown early learned to submit himself to God's guidance in
all things. He experienced religion at the age of sixteen years, and
^Ttfiat time joined the Congregational church in Hudson. Not long
after his mind turned towards the ministry as a profession and he
began to study with that in view.

Precisely when this took place I have not learned, but it was the
occasion of his first return to Connecticut after his emigration with
his father in 1805. Whether he then revisited Torrington is un-
certain, but upon making the long journey to New England, perhaps
in company with his father, he went to take the advive of a parish
minister who had married an aunt or cousin of Owen Brown, Rev.
Jeremiah Hallock, then settled at Canton, Ct. By hirr, John Brown
was advised to fit for college at the school pf his brother, Rev. Moses
Hallock in Plainfield, Mass. The school was at that time famous
for graduating ministers and missionaries, and the poet Bryant had
been a student there some years before. Plainfield is the next town
to Cummington, where Bryant was born, and is not very far from
Amherst college, where John Brown's uncle. Rev. Dr. Heman 1
Humphrey, was soon after made president. No doubt the lad's hope'
was to fit himself at Plainfield and then enter Amherst college —
working his way by his own effx)rts, as so many young men have
since done. But he was attacked with inflammation of the eyes,
which soon became so serious that he was forced to give up study,
and go back to his father's tan-yard m Hudson, from which he had
set forth for college. The time spent by him at the Plainfield school
was short, and there are few reminiscences of him at that period, but
something may be cited. In December, 1859, Heman Hallock, the
youngest son of Rev. Moses Hallock, wrote to his brother Gerard
Hallock, then editor of the New York 'Journal of Commerce^ as
follows :

" Your youngest brother does remember John Brown, who studied at our
house. How long he lived there, or at what period, I do not know. I think
it must have been at the time of my visits to Plainfield, when I was or had
been at Amherst academy,' perhaps in 1819 or 1820 I have the name 'John
Brown' on my list of father's students. It is said that he was a relative of
Uncle Jeremiah Hallock's wife, and that Uncle J. directed him to Plainfield.
He was a tall, sedate, dignified voung man, from twenty-two to twenty-five
years old.'- lie had been a tanner, and relinquished a prosperous business for

' Afterwards Amherst college.

= This shows that he appeared older than his years, for he was really only nineteen and
perhaps not so much.

326 History of Torrington.

the purpose of intellectual improvement. He brought with him a piece of
sole leather about a foot square, which he had himself tanned, for seven years,
to re-sole his boots. He had also a piece of sheep skin which he had tanned
and of which he cut some strips, about an eighth of an inch wide, for other
students to pull upon. Father took one string and, winding it around his
fingers, said with a triumphant turn of the eye and mouth, ' I shall snap it.'
The very marked yet kind immovableness of thf; young man's face, on seeing
father's defeat, father's own look, and the position of people and things in the
old kitchen, somehow gave me a fixed recollection of this litde incident."

John Brown set the whole nation a similar task to do in later
years. The cord that fastened the fortunes of the slave to the destiny
of the country was placed by him in the hands of the whole people.
Detendexs of slavery and of th^ " Union as it was," tried to snap it,
but they failed, and the " marked but kind immovableness" of John
Brown's face looked down upon their failure, while his soul went
marching on. The anecdote was characteristic of the man, as are
most of the stories current about him.

Soon after Brown's return to Hudson frorn Massachusetts, he
married his first wife, Dianthe Lusk, who is mentioned, though not
by name, in the autobiography. The marriage took place June 21,
1820, and was terminated in August, 1832, when the wife died in
childbirth. There were six other children of this marriage, the
eldest of whom, John Brown, Jr., was born July 25, 1821 ; Jason
Brown was born January 19, 1823, Owen Brown, November 4,
1824, Ruth (now Mrs. Henry Thompson), February 18, 1829, and
Frederick Brown, December 21, 1830. The last named son was
killed at the fight of Osawatomie in Kansas, August 30, 1856. The
others, who were all in Kansas then with their father, are still living,
and Owen is the last survivor of the company which invaded Virginia
in October, 1859. By a second marriage with Mary Anne Day,
of Meadville, Penn., in 1833, John Brown became the father of
thirteen children, seven of whom died in childhood, two were slain
, at Harper's Ferry, and foTir survive. These are Salmon Brown,
born October 2, 1836; Anne, born September 23, 1843; Sarah
born September 11, 1846; and Ellen, born September 25, 1854.
In all, therefore, John Brown was the father of twenty children, of
Xwhom ten grew to manhood, and eight are still living.

Having begun thus early to "give hostages of fortune," as Lord
Bacon says, John Brown devoted himself with diligence to his occu-
pation, for the support of his young family. He was a tanner and
f\ \land-surveyor at Hudson until 1826, when he removed to Richmond,

Biographies. 327

near Meadville, in Pennsylvania, and there carried on the same voca- \_
tions. He remained there until 1835, then removed to Franklin
Mills, Portage county, Ohio, and there mingled speculation in land
with his tanning. He lest heavily^in the panic of 1837, and in 1839
he seems to have given up tanning, and entered upon a new pursuit,
that of wool-growing and wool-dealing. In that year he drove a herd lL. \
^cattle from Ohio to Connecticut and returned in July, 1839, with - '
a few sheep, the nucleus of his great flock. In 1840 he returned to
Hudson, where his father, Owen Brown, senior, still lived, and there
engaged largely in sheep-raising. His partner at first was Captain.
Oviatt of Richfield, a neighboring town, and in 1842, Brown re-
moyed_to^Ri ch field, 4vii ere he lived for two years, and where his";
daughter Anne (who was with him just before the attack on Harper's
Ferry) was born. Here, too, hejost four children in less than three ,
weeks — Sarah aged nine j Charles, almost six ; Peter, not quite three
and Aus^iiTjayear old. Three of these were carried out of his house
at one funeral, and were buried in the same grave, in September,
1843. The next year he left this fatal spot, and settled in Akron,
not far off; whence he removed, in 1846 to Springfield, in Massa-
chusetts. It was while tending his flocks in Ohio, with his sons and ^ — ^
daughters about him, that he first communicated to them his purpose ^ V
of attacking slavery by force. From that time forward, a period of j «^~^
tw^ntjTyeafs, he devoted himself, not exclusively but mainly, to that/^
iindertaking, in which he sacrificed his life. At this point, therefore, '^
it will be well to pause a moment and see what manner of man John/ -v^^.
Brown had shown himself to be in the ordinary affairs ofjife. ^^^

He was industrious in whatever he undertook, upright and scru-
pulous in his business transactions, but with a touch of eccentricity,
which showed itself particularly, his friends thought, in his deeds of
""charity. While living in Pennsylvania he declined to do military,
duty, and paid his fine rather^han encourage war by learning the art, ;
resolving, as Thoreau said in 1859, "■ thaLhe would have nothing to
do with any war unless it were a war for liberty." He caused the
arrest of an offender of Pennsylvania, who had done him no injury,
but was, as Brown thought, a plague to the community, and while
he was in prison. Brown supplied his wants, and supported his family
until the trial, out of his own scanty earnings. One of the ap-
prentices in his tan yard at that time, bears testimony to the singular
probity of his life. He refused to selLhis leatjier until jhe last ilropX
of jnpisture had been dried out of it, saying that he " did not mean )

72S History of Torrington.

to sell his customers water by the pound, and reap an unjust gain."
'' I have known him from boyhood through manhood," said Mr.
Qviatt of Richfield, '^ and, he has always been distinguished for his
truthfulness and integrity ; he has ever been esteemed a very con-

,jScientious man." Another Ohio acquaintance, who first knew him
in 1835, says, " Soon after my removal to Akron, he became a client
of mine, subsequently a resident of the township in which the town
ot Akron is situated, and during a portion of the time, a member of
a Bible class taught by me. I always regarded him as a man of more
than ordinary mental capacity, of very ardent and excitable tem2pTZ-
ment, of unblemished moral character ; a kind neighbor, a good
Christian, deeply imbued with religious feelings and sympathies. In_
a business point of view, his temperament led him into pecuniary
difficulties, but I never knew his integrity questioned by any person

' whatsoever." He brought up his children to read the Bible daily, and
it was the book of all others with which he was most familiar. " He

;had such a perfect knowledge of it," says his daughter Ruth, " that

'when any person was reading it, he would correct the least mistake.
When he would come home at night, tired out with labor, he would,
before going to bed, ask some of the family to read chapters (as was
his usual course, night and morning), and would almost always sav,
' Read one of David's Psalms.'" He was a singer himself, and
taught his children to sing psalms and hymns. Among those sung
most frequently about his fireside altar were, " Blow ye the trumpet
blow," *■' I'll praise my Maker with my breath," "• With songs and
honors sounding loud," and "Ah, lovely appearance of death." Bun-
yan's Pilgrim and Baxter's Saint's Rest were constantly read in his
family, but the Bible took precedence of every thing. In his will
he bequeathed a Bible to each of his children, and grandchildren, and
wrote to his family a few days before his execution, '' I beseech
you every one to make the Bible your daily and nightly study.

ijuch was the man, of the best New England blood, of the stock
of the Plymouth Pilgrims, and bred up like them " in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord," who was selected by God, -and knew him-
self to be so chosen, to overthrow the bulwark of oppression in Ame-
rica. His prayers and meditations from childhood had been leading
him towards this consecration of himself to a great work, and from
the year '839 till his death he had no dearer purpose in life than to
fulfil this mission. He seems to have formed a definite plan of attacking
slavery in one of its strongholds, by force, as early as 1838^ bjjt his

Biographies. 'TH 3'^9

purpose was modified in detail afterward,/ and, no doubt, changed i

from time to time, as the circumstances of the country changed. It

is quite probable that, in early life, John Brown, like many other

Americans, anticipated an uprising of the slaves themselves in large \

numbers, such as had taken place in St. Domingo, during the French i

Revolution. Mr. Elizur Wright,''of Boston (already mentioned as a 1

schoolmate of John Brown at Tallmadge in Ohio), informs me -that ;

old Squire Hudson, for whom the town so called in Ohio was named, 1

and who was the leading man in that section where Brown spent his i

boyhood, was not only an abolitionist fifty years ago, but that he :

favored forcible resistance by the slaves. Mr. Wright says that he s

met Squire Hudson, one day in September, 1831, coming from his ^

post-office, and reading a newspaper which he had just received, ;

and which seemed to excite hitii very much as he read it. As Mr. j

Wright came within hearing, the^old Connecticut Calvinist was ex- '

claimmg^' Thank God for that ! I am glad of it. Thank God they

have risen at Fast !" Inquiring what the news was. Squire Hudson ;

replied, " Why the slaves have men down in Virginia, and are fightingjjCLVO^-v-'-' . :

for their freedom as we did for ours. I pray God they may get it."^ '^" ^~-^^ i

Thisjwasjh^J^Tious '•'■ Southampton tnassacre " of Ajjgust 23, 1831,

in which Nat Turner, with six fellow slaves, raised a revolt in South- \

ampton county, on the edge of the Dismal Swamp in Virginia, and i

had killed more than fifty whites, without the loss of a single follower, j

when his band was dispersed on the 25th of August. Turner him- /

self escaped arrest for eight weeks longer, but was finally captured .

October 30, 1831, tried November 5, and hanged November II, '

almost exactly twenty-eight years before John Brown's execution,

December 2, 1859. If the Ohio neighbors of John Brown in 183 1 '■

thanked God for Nat Turner's revolt, no wonder that he too should -

have expected- and favored an armed insurrection. What he did '

. . . . 1

actually engage in, after meditating upon his plans for so many years, j

was something very different, namely, a partisan warfare, led and . '

controlied - by white men, with the purpose and hope of abolishing/

slavery, stat_ej)y state, without th_e_hprrors of massacre and insurrec- • \

tion which attended the uprising of Turner in Virginia, and,Qf the Hay- ;

tian negroes in 1791, and which would have followed the remarkable

plot of Denmark Vesey in South Carolina in 1822 had that well-laid I

scheme not been frustrated by its discovery, before the time fixed for

the outbreak. It was the peculiarity of John Brown's final plan,\

that he concealed its purpose for years, and until the moment of its

330 History of Torrington.

execution ; that he had so carefully thought out its details as probably
to insure its success, had he not been providentially led to strike
the first blow in a place where complete success was impossible;
and that its execution would have been found as free from the
traditional horrors of slave insurrections as the best antecedent ar-
rangements could make it. In fact, it was not an insurrection in
any sense of the word, but an invasion or foray, similar in its charac-
ter to that which Garibaldi was to make six months later in Sicily
for the overthrow of the infamous Bourbon tyranny there. The
Italian hero succeeded, and became dictator of the island he had con-
quered ; the American hero failed for the moment, and was put to
death. But his soul went marching on, and millions of his country-
men followed in his footsteps two years later, to complete the cam-
paign in which Brown had led the forlorn hope. As usual, the forlorn
hope was sacrificed, but by ^thek- death the final victory was won.

In 1838, when Brown formed his plans for attacking American
slavery, and even in 1858, when he had organized an armed force
to carry them out, his scheme would have seemed mere madness to
most persons. But Brown had the spirit of his ancestors, the Pilgrim
Fathers, and entered upon his perilous undertaking with deliberate
resolution, after considering what was to be said for and against it,
as did the Pilgrims before they set forth from Holland to colonize
New England. Governor Bradford, one of their bravest leaders
and their historian, has recorded the arguments for attempting the
voyage to America, in words which will apply, with very little change,
either in spelling or of spirit, to the adventure undertaken two cen-
turies and a half later, by Peter Brown's stalwart descendant, " the
last of the Puritans."

" It was answered,'' says Bradford in his History " that all great and honour-
able actions are accompanied with great difficulties, and must be both enterprised
and overcome with answerable courages. It was granted the dangers were
great, but not desperate ; the difficulties were many, but not invincible. For
though there were manie of them likely, yet thev were not certain ; it might
be sundrie of the things feared might never befall ; others, by provident care
and the use of good means might in a great measure be prevented ; and all of
them, through the help of God, by fortitude and patience might either be borne
or overcome. True it was that such attempts were not to be made and under-
taken without good ground and reason; not rashly or lightly as many have done
for curiosity or hope ot gaine, etc. But their condition was not ordinarie; their
ends were good and honourable ; their calling lawful! and urgente ; and there-
fore they might expecte the blessing of God in their proceeding. Yea, though

Biographies. 331

they should loose their lives in this action, yet might they have comforte in the
same, and endeavors would be honourable."

The world now sees how "honorable" the "endeavors" of
Bradford and of John Brown were, and what momentous conse-
quences have followed. For events in history, as all who read history
know, have their importance measured by final results, rather than
by their apparent magnitude at the moment. The passage of the
Rubicon by Caesar (about which Lucan makes so much ado, and
Plutarch tells one of his striking anecdotes), would have had no
significance but for the victories that followed it and placed the ad-
venturous general at the head of the Roman empire. And again,
the assassination of Caesar, startling and dramatic as it was, had ac-
tually no historical result, and only serves to mark the date of transi-
tion in Rome from one form of government to another. The short
campaign of John Brown in Virginia not only possesses the dramatic
interest that belongs to a striking event, but will always be worthy of
note as the beginning of that forcible attack upon a form of slavery and^
a political power which within twoyears afterward convulsed the whole
world with its consequences. It was the first decisive act of an in-
evitable tragedy, and such were its romantic features that, in the
lapse of time, it will no doubt be gravely expounded as a myth to
those who shall read American history some centuries hence. There
seems to be no reason why John Brown, any more than William
Tell, should escape this skeptical and generalizing spirit, which trans-
forms history and even biography into a record of natural science.
" King Arthur," says a recent Welch writer v/ho resolves history
into astronomy, "is the Great Bear, and perhaps this constellation,
being so near the pole, and visibly describing its circle in a small
space, is the origin of the famous Round Table." Will there come
a time when the Underground rail road shall be regarded as typical of
some geologic transition, and the foray at Harper's Ferry pass for the
legendary symbol of a chemic reaction ?

John Brown was, indeed, no mythical nor in any respect dubitable
personage. It was his fortune to play a great part, but no son ot
Adam was ever less theatrical in his aim, or more ilitensely practical
in his result. An idealist in spirit, he was a realist in activity, and
accomplished the grandjask assigned to him with a plain, forthright\
sincerity which comports little with the romantic circumstances of
his life and death. He was easily and naturally great,

" And, as the greatest only are,
In his simplicity sublime."

;^^2 History of Torrington.

His character needs, therefore, only to be honestly set forth ; not
to be adorned with epithets and compliments. The chronicle of his
life is his best monument ; let us now resume this, for the sake of
pointing out some of the steps by which he prepared himself for the
last scene of this life, that drew upon him the eyes of all mankind. He
did not hasten forward towards the achievement of what he had un-
dertaken, until the fulness of time had come, and he had furnished
himself with such military and general knowledge as he deemed re-
quisite to the execution of his plan. He kept it steadily before him
for twenty years, educated himself and his children for it, and made
it as much a part of his household discipline as were his prayers at
morning and evening. Mr. Emerson, indeed, in his speech at Salem,
a month before Brown's death, fixes a much earlier date than I have
given for the beginning of his enterprise against slavery in Virginia.
"It was not a piece of spite or revenge, — a plot of two years or of
twenty years — but the keeping of an oath made to heaven and earth
forty-seven years before. Forty-seven years at least, though I in-
cline to accept his own account of the matter, at Charlestown,
which makes the date a little older, when he said, ' This was all
settled millions of years before the world was made.' Mrs. Brown
told me in i860, that she had known his design and been pledged to
aid it for more than twenty years; and John Brown himself had said
in 1857, early in my acquaintance with him, ' I always told her that
when the time came to fight against slavery, that conflict would be
the signal for our separation. She made up her mind to have me go
long before this, and, when I did go, she got ready bandages, and
medicine for the wounded.'"

In 1846, while in the midst of his occupations as a wool-grower
and wool-dealer, John Brown came back to New England for a (cw
years, and took up his abode at Springfield, in Massachusetts, not
very far from the first Connecticut home of his ancestors in Wind-
sor. He went there to reside as one of the wool dealing firm of
Perkins and Brown, and as the agent of the sheep-farmers and wool-
merchants^of northern Ohio, whose interests then required, as they
thought, an agency to stand between them and the wool-manufac-
turers of New England, to whom they sold their fleeces. The Ohio
wool-growers fancied that they were fleeced as well as their
flocks, in the transactions they had with the manufacturers, who
would buy wool before it was graded, pay for it at the price of a low
grade, and then sort it so as to bring themselves a large profit, exclu-

Biographies. ^33

sive of the process of manufacturing. John Brown undertook to
prevent this, and with this view, initiated a system of grading wools
before they passed into the manufacturers' hands. The system after-
ward prevailed and was successful, but the manufactcrers were too
powerful then for the western farmer. They bribed his clerk (as he
always believed), to change the marks of his wool, so that what they
paid for as a low grade, was really one degree better. This transac-
tion led to several law suits, one of which was tried in Boston in the
winter of 1852-3 (after Brown had withdrawn from business in
Springfield and retired to the Adirondac woods), and it went against
him. The next year he won a similar suit, which was tried in a
New York court, and Brown always believed he should have won
in the Boston case, had it been tried upon its merits, and not settled
by a compromise between the counsel. It is worth noting that the
judge who held the court at Boston was Caleb Gushing, who was
just then invited by Franklin Pierce to leave the supreme bench of
Massachusetts and become attorney-general of the United States,
and that the counsel against Brown was Rufus Choate.

While in Springfield John Brown lived in a house in Franklin
street, a little north of the Boston and Albany rail road. His wool
warehouses were close by the rail road, and at one time contained a
great stock of Ohio wool, which had accumulated on his hands while
he was at variance, as to price and grade of wool, with his New
England customers. Wishing to make a market for his stock, and be-
lieving that he could sell it in Europe to advantage, he went abroad •
in 1848-g, and traversed a considerable part of England and the con- I
tinent, on business connected with his merchandise, but also, with an/
eye to his future carrtpaigns against slavery. He visited wool-markets
and battle fields in impartial succession, and took notice of the tricks of
trade and the maneuvers of armies with equal interest. He was then
noted among wool dealers for the delicacy of his touch in sorting the
different qualities, and his skill in testing them when submitted to
him. Give him three samples of wool, one grown in Ohio, another
in Vermont, and a third in Saxony, and he would distinguish one
from the other in the dark, by his sense of touch. Some Englishmen,
during his sojourn abroad, put this power of Brown's to the test, in
an amusing manner, one evening, in company with several English
wool dealers, each of whom had brought samples in his pocket.
Brown was giving his opinion as to the best use to which certain
.grades and qualities should be put. One of the party very gravely

334 History of Torrington.

drew a sample from his pocket, handed it to the Yankee farmer, and
asked him what he would do with such wool as that. Brown took
it, and had only to roll it between his fingers to know that it had not
the minute hooks by which the fibres of wool are attached to each
other. "Gentlemen," said he, "if you have any machinery in Eng-
land that will work up dog's hair, I would advise you to put this into
it." The jocose Briton had sheared a poodle and brought the fleece
in his pocket, but the laugh went against him when Brown handed
back his precious sample. His skill in trade was not so great, and
after trying the mrkets of Europe, he finally sold his Liverpool con-
signments of wool at a lower price than it would have brought in
_Springfield. This ill-success, and the expenses of his venture, finally
ruined his business, and in 1849 ^e gave it up and went to live for
some years at North Elba, where he was buried.

In Springfield, from 184610 1849, J^^'^ Brown had the reputation
of "a quiet and peaceable citizen and a religious man." The late
Chief Justice Chapman, who said this of him in 1859, ^^^^ wrote at
the same time ; " Mr. Brown's integrity was never doubted, and he
was honorable in all his dealings, bu: peculiar in many of hi? notions,
and adhering to them with great obstinacy. Rev. Mr. Conklin, who
was settled in the North Congregational church, and who separated
himself in a great measure from other ministers in Springfield, be-
cause he thought them culpably indifferent to the sin of slavery, was
intimate with Brown, and they sympathized in their anti-slavery
ideas. His bookkeeper tells me that Brown and his eldest son (John
Brown Jr.), used to discuss slavery by the hour in his counting room,
and he used to say that it was right for slaves to kill their masters
and escape." This son, it may be mentioned, came with some of
the other children to reside in Springfield before his father took up
his abode there. The sons went on Sundays to the little African
church, and there formed the acquaintance of a colored man, Thomas
Thomas by name, a fugitive slave from the eastern shore of Mary-
land. Learning something of Thomas's history and observing his
upright and courageous character, they engaged him to work for their
father when he should come to take charge of the wool business in
Springfield. This soon happened, and John Brown sent for Thomas,
and directed him to begin work -at the wool warehouse, as a porter,
the next morning. " How early shall I come ?" " We begin work
at seven," was Brown's answer, " but I wish you would come round
earlier, for I want to talk with you." Thomas went to his work the

Biographies. j^S

next morning, between five and six ; found Brown (who was always
an early riser) waiting at the counting room for him ; and there re-
ceived, instead of directions for his day's work, an invitation to join
in Brown's enterprise for the liberation of the slaves, which was
briefly explained to him, and in which Thomas agreed to join.
Meantime he was to work in the warehouse, and did so during the
three years that Brown remained in Springfield. During that time
he was sent by Brown to look up Madison Washington, the leader
of the courageous slaves of the vessel Creole, whom Brown wanted
as a leader among his colored recruits. But Washington, when
found, proved to be an unfit person for such a responsible place.'

It was in the hope of enlisting and drilling these colored recruits
for this company of liberators, that Brown went to live in North
Elba, among the colored men to whom Gerrit Smith had given land
among the Adirondac woods in 1848. Mr. Smith (who con-
tinued to be Brown's friend from their first acquaintance in 1849,
until his death in Virginia), had inherited from his father landed
estate in more than three-fourths of the counties of New York. In
Essex county, among the Adirondac mountains and lakes, he
owned thousand of acres, and these he off'ered to give away in farms
of suitable size to such colored men as would live upon the land,
clear it, and cultivate it. On his return from England in 1849,
Brown heard of the ofi^er, and soon presented himself, for the first
time, at the hospitable house of Mr. Smith in Peterboro, where he was
ever after a welcome visitor. By this time a small colony of colored
people had gone to North Elba to clear up the forest land given them
by Mr. Smith, and were braving the hardships of their first year in
the cold backwoods of northern New York. Brown introduced
himself to Mr. Smith and made him this proposal: "I am some-
thing of a pioneer, having grown up among the woods and wild
Indians of Ohio, and am used to the climate and the wav of life that
your colony find so trying; I will take one of your farms myself,
clear it up and plant it, and show my colored neighbors how such
work should be done ; will give them work as I have occasion, look
after them in all needful ways, and be a kind of father to them." The
landlord readily consented to have such a tenant, and Brown soon

' Thomas Thomas still lives in Springfield, and is now (May, 1877), ^^ he has been for
some years, the keeper of an eating house near the rail road station. He retains the most
loyal affection for John Brown, and it is from his own lips that I have had some of the above
facts concerning Brown in Springfield. •

2^6 History of Torrington.

removed his family from Springfield to North Elba, where they re-
mained for the greater part of the time between 1849 ^"^ 1862, and
where they lived when John Brown was attacking slavery in Kansas,
in Missouri and in Virginia, Besides the other inducements which
this rough and bleak region offered him, he considered it a good place
of refuge for his wife and younger children, when he should go on
his campaign, a place where they would not only be safe and inde-
pendent, but could live frugally and both learn and practice those
habits of thrifty industry which Brown thought indispensable in
the training of children When he went there his youngest son,
Oliver, was ten years old, and his daughters, Anna and Sarah,
were six and three years old. Ellen, his youngest child, was born
afterwards.

In 1849, ^^^ great current of summer and autumn travel, which

now flows through the Adirondac wilderness every year, had scarcely

begun to set that way. There were in North Elba few roads,

schools or churches, and only one or two good farms. The life of a

settler there was wild pioneer work; the forest was to be cut down,

I and the land burnt over; the family supplies must be produced

; mainly in the household itself. The men made their own sugar from

\ the maple trees, which grew everywhere ; and the women spun and

Wove garments for both sexes, out of the wool that was sheared from

the family flock of sheep; cows and especially sheep were the wealth

of the farmer. As Colonel Higginson mentions, the widow of Oliver

Brown, after his death at Harper's Ferry in 1859, was considered

not to be absolutely penniless, because Oliver had left her five sheep,

valued at ten dollars. Winter lingers in these forests for six months

-of the year, and in the short summers, neither wheat nor Indian corn

will come to maturity ; the crops are grass, oats and potatoes,

a few vegetables, and the fruit of the woods and meadows.

In the summer, for a few months, this wilderness is charming.
The mountains rise, grand and beautiful on all sides; the untamed
forest clothes their slopes and fills up the plains and valleys, save where
the puny labors of men have here and there rescued a bit of fertile
land from its gloom. On such spots the houses are built, and
around them grow the small cultivated crops that can endure the
climate. The wild fruits are in abundance, the woods (when I first
saw them in 1857) were full of game, and the streams and lakes of
fish. But the mode of life is rude and primitive, with noelegance, and
little that we should call comfort. Many of the dwellings are log cab-

Biographies. 337

ins, and in the whole to\ynship of North Elba, there was then scarcely
a house worth a thousand dollars, or one which was finished throughout.
Mrs. Brown's house, in 1857, ^^^ ^^^ "^^^ plastered rooms, yet
two families lived in it, and at my second visit, in February, i860,
two widowed women besides, whose husbands were killed at Har-
per's Ferry. I slept on both occasions in a little chamber partitioned
off with a rude frame-work, but not plastered, the walls only orna-
mented with a few pictures ; and in winter the snow sifted tlirough
the roof and fell upon the bed. I arrived at nightfall, on my second
visit, closely pursued from the shore of Lake Champlain by a snow-
storm, which murmured and moaned about the chamber all night,
and in the morning I found a small snow-drift on my coverlet, and
another on the floor near my bed.' This house had been built by
John Brown about 1850, and the great rock beside which he lies
buried, is but a i^ew roJs from its door.

One of the first things that Brown did in this wilderness was to
introduce his favorite breed of cattle there, and to exhibit them for a
prize at the annual cattle show of Essex county in September 1850.
They were a grade of Devons, and the first improved stock that had
ever been seen at the county fair. The agricultural society in its an-
nual report for 1850, said "The appearance upon the grounds of a
number of very choice and beautiful Devons, from the herd of Mr.
John Brown, residing in one of our most remote and secluded towns,
attracted great attention, and added much to the interest of the fair.
The interest and admiration they excited have attracted public atten-
tion to the subject, and have already resulted in the introduction of
several choice animals into this region." The same result on a much
grander scale, was observed ten years later, when John Brown ex-
hibited, at the world's fair, specimens of a choicer and bigger breed of
men than had been seen lately in Virginia or New England. " We
have no doubt," added the Essex county farmers, " that this infl,uence
upon the character of our stock will be permanent and decisive."
Let us hope the same for our country and its men.^

'The new-born babe of Oliver Brown (the captain's youngest son, who had been killed
at Harper's Ferry four months before) died in the house that night, and the poor young
mother did not long survive.

^Writing on the 30th day of September, 1850, to an inquiring correspondent, John
Brown said : " None of my cattle are pure Devons, but a mixture of that and a particular
favorite stock from Connecticut, a cross of which I much prefer to any pure English cattle
after many years experience, of different breeds. I was several months in England last season,
and saw no one stock on any farm, that would average better than my own."

22^ History of Torrington.

Another word may here be said, before leaving this period, of
Brown's journey in Europe in 1848-9. Some letters of his from
Europe are still in existence, and it is hoped they will soon be pub
lished. The only other record of his European experiences, so far
as I know, is that noted down by me from conversations in 1857-8,
in which he told me about what he chiefly noticed abroad, the agri-
cultural and military equipment of the countries he visited, and the
social condition of the people. He thought a standing army the
greatest curse to a country, because it drained away the best of the
young men, and left farming and the industrial arts to be managed
by inferior persons. The German farming, he said, was bad hus-
bandry, because the farmers there did not live on their land, but in
villages, and so wasted the natural manures, which ought to go back
without diminution to the soil. He thought England the best
cultivated country he had ever seen ; but as we were driving away
one morning in 1859, ^''oni the country seat of Mr. John JVl. Forbes
at Milton, near Boston, he told me that he had seen few houses of
rich men in England so full of beauty and comfort as this, in which
he had passed the night.' He had followed the military career of
Napoleon with great interest, and visited some of his battlefields.
We talked of such things while driving from Concord to Medford,
to visit Mr. Stearns, one Sunday in April, 1857. ^^ ^'"'^" ^^^'^ ''^^^
that he had kept the contest against slavery in mind while traveling
on the continent, and had made an especial study of the European
armies and battle-fields. He had examined Napoleon's positions,
and assured me that ths common military theory of strong places was
unsound ; that a ravine was in truth more defensible than a hill-top.^
So it is, for an army of heroes, as Leonidas demonstrated at
Thermopylae ; but for ordinary warfare, we may believe that
Napoleon was right. Brown often witnessed the evolutions of the
Austrian troops, and declared that they could always be defeated
(as they have since been in Italy and elsewhere) by soldiers who
should maneuver more rapidly. Tiie French soldiers he thought
well drilled, but lacking individual prowess ; for that he gave the
palm, and justly, to our own countrymen. He returned from Europe

' Probably he saw few of the castles and seats of the nobility and the richer gentry, which
are certainly superior to what is seen in New England.

' As we passed through West Medford he pointed out several such defensible ravines.

Biographies. 339

more in love than before with American institutions, and more than
ever convinced that slavery must be destroyed. Hejcame^back poor,
for his mercantile ventures had failed ; it was not destined that he
should grow rich, as he had hoped, and thus be able to aid the op-
pressed from his abundance. Ever afterwards he accepted cheerfully
the narrow path of poverty, but gave all his spare time to the work
he had at heart.

There is a phase of John Brown's life concerning which much has
been said, without at all 'exhausting the subject, his efforts in behalf
of the fugitive slaves who had taken refuge in the north, long before
the troubles in Kansas began. These efforts were especially active"^
after the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, when the poor )
refugees were in danger of being hunted down, even in New England, /
and sent back to the bondage from which they had freed themselves
by courage or cunning. In Januarv, 1851, while Brown was
nominally a resident of the Adirondac woods, he was at his old home
in Springfield, and there formed an organization among the colored
people, many of whom were fugitives, to resist the capture of any
fugitive, no matter bv what authority. The letter of instructions
given by Brown at that time to his Springfield " Gileadites," as he
called them, still exists in his handwriting, and has been once or twice
printed. It deserves to be cited here, as an authentic document,
throwing much light on the character and purposes of Brown at that
time, nearly nine years before his campaign in Virginia. Here it is,
without the signatures of the forty-five men and women who in
Springfield had enrolled themselves as liberators or " Gileadites."

" WORDS OF ADVICE.

*' Branch of the United States League of Gileadites. Adopted January 15,
1851, as written and recom7nended by John Brown.

" 'union is strength.'

" Nothing so charms the American people as personal bravery. The trial
for life of one bold and to some extent successful man, for defending his rights
in good earnest, would arouse more sympathy throughout the nation than the
accumulated wrongs and sufferings of more than three millions of our submissive
colored population. We need not mention the Greeks struggling against the
oppressive Turks, the Poles against Russia, nor the Hungarians against Austria
and Russia combined, to prove this. No jury can ie found in the Northern
states that would convict a man for defending his rights to the last extremity.
This is well understood by Southern Congressmen, who insisted that the right of
trial by jury should not be granted to the fugitive. Colored people have more

340 History of Torrington.

fast friends amongst the whites than they suppose, and would have ten times
the number they now have were they but half as much in earnest to secure
their dearest rights as they are to ape the follies and extravagances of their
white neighbors, and to indulge in idle show, in ease, and in luxury. Just
think ot the money expended by individuals in your behalf in the past twenty-
years. Think of the number who have been mobbed and imprisoned on your
account Have any of you seen the Branded Hand ? Do you remember the
names of liOvejoy and Torrey ?

" Should one of your number be arrested, you must collect together as quickly
as possible, so as to outnumber your adversaries who are taking an active part
against you. Let no able-bodied man appear on the ground unequipped, or
with his weapons exposed to view ; let that be understood beforehand. Your
plans must be known only to yourself, and with the understanding that all
traitors must die, wherever caught and proven to be guilty. ' Whosoever is
fearful or afraid, let him return and part early from Mount Gilead.' (Judges,
vii chap, 3 verse; Deut., xx chap., 8 verse.) Give all cowards an oppor-
tunity to show it on condition of holding their peace. Du not delay one. moment
after you are ready ; you zvill lose all your resolution if you do. Let the first blow
he the signal for all to engage, and when engaged do not do your work by halves ;
but make clean tuork with your enemies, and be sure you meddle not with any
others. By going about your business quietly, you will get the job disposed of
before the number that an uproar would bring together can collect ; and you
will have the advantage of those who come out against you, for they will be
wholly unprepared with either equipments or matured plans ; all with them will
be confusion and terror. Your enemies will be slow to attack you after you
have done up the work nicely; and, if they should, they will have to encounter
your white friends as well as you, for you may safely calculate on a division of
the whites, and may by that means get to an honorable parley.

" Be firm, determined, and cool ; but let it be understood that you are not to
be driven to desperation without making it an awful dear job to others as well
as to you. Give them to know distinctly that those who live in wooden houses
should not throw fire, and that you are just as able to suffer as your white
neighbors. J/ter effecting a rescue, if you are assailed, go into the houses of your
most prominent and influential white friends with your wives, and that will effect-
ually fasten upon them the suspicion of being connected with you, and will compel
them to make a co7nmon cause with you, whether they would otherwise live up to
their profession or not. This would leave them no choice in the matter. Some
would, doubtless, prove themselves true of their own choice ; others would
flinch. That would be taking them at their own words. You may make a
tumult in the court room where a trial is going on by burning gunpowder freely
in paper packages, if you cannot think of any better way to create a momentary
alarm, and might possibly give one or more of your enemies a hoist. But in
such case the prisoner will need to take the hint at once and besiir himself; and
so should his friends improve the opportunity for a genera] rush.

" A lasso might possibly be applied to a slave catcher for once with good

effect. Hold on 10 your weapons, and never be persuaded to leave them, part

with them, or have them far away from you Standby one another, and by your

friends, while a drop of blood remains ,- and be hanged, if you tnust, but tell no

tales out of school. Make no confession.

Biographies.

341

AGREEMENT.

"As citizens of the United States of America, trusting in a just and merciful
God, whose spirit and all powerful aid we humbiy implore, we will ever be
true to thejiag of our beloved country, always acting under it. We whose names
are hereunto affixed do constitute ourselves a branch of the United States League
of Gileadites. That we will provide ourselves at once with suitable implements,
and will aid those who do not possess the means, if any such are disposed to
join us. We invite every colored person whose heart is engaged in the per-
formance of our business, whether male or female, old or young. The duty of
the aged, infirm, and young members of the League shall be to give instant notice
to all members in case ot an attack upon any of our people. We agree to have
no officers except a treasurer and secretary pro tern, 'until after some trial of
courage and talent of able-bodied members shall enable us to elect officers from
those who shall have rendered the most important services. Nothing but wisdom
and undaunted courage, efficiency, and general good conduct shall in any way
influence us in electing our officers."

Then follows, in the original manuscript, a code of laws or regula-
tions, such as John Brown, with his methodical, forward-looking mind,
was in the habit of drawing up whenever he organized anv branch of
his grand movement against slavery. Some features of this organiza-
tion strikingly resemble that formed by him in Canada, in May, 1858
(the Constitution of which was captured, among his papers at Har-
per's Ferry), especially the agreement that " we will ever be true to
the flag of our beloved country, always acting under it." This was
reproduced in the" Provisional Constitution of 1858," the forty-sixth
article of which reads thus : —

" Art, XLVL These articles are not for the Overthrow of Government.
The foregoing articles shall not be construed so as in any way to encourage the
overthrow of any State Governinent, or of the General Government of tiie
United States, and look to no dissolution of the Union, but simply to amend-
ment and repeal, atid our fag shall be the same that our fathers fought under in
the Revolution."

This devotion to the flag and the principles of the Revolution, th^
latter as set forth in the Declaration of Independence, was fixed and \
constant in Captain Brown's mind, as it had been in the hearts of
his two grandfathers who fought under Washington. He did not
believe in the possibility of dissolving the Union, would not willingly
hear it discussed, and once said to me with the most serious emphasis,
weighing every word as he uttered it (such was his manner), "I be-
lieve in the Golden Rule and the Declaration of Independence. I
think they both mean the same thing; and it is better that a whole
generation should pass ofF the earth, men, women, and children, by

342 History of Torrington.

a violent death, than that one jot of either should fail in this country.''^
He acted consistently on this principle, though a man of peace from
his youth up, and inclining to the Quaker habit of not bearing arms
in time of peace. Writing to his wife at North Elba, from Spring-
field, about the time he formed his "league " there, in 1851, he
says: " Since the sending off of Long (a fugitive) from New York,
I have improved my leisure hours quite busily with colored people
here, in advising them how to act, and in giving them all the en-
couragement in my power. They very much need encouragement
and advice, and some of them are so alarmed that they tell me they
cannot sleep, on account of either themselves or their wives and
children. I can only say I think I have been enabled to do some-
thing to revive their broken spirits. I want all my family to imagine
themselves in the same dreadful condition." Such was the practical
way in which he made his exegesis of that text so often on his lips
and in his heart: "Remember them that are in. bonds as bound
with them." No occasion was offered of putting in practice his di-
rections for resisting the seizure of fugitives in Springfield, such as
occurred soon after in Worcester and Boston, nor does it appear that
Brown was present at any of the fugitive slave trials which disgrace
the anmls of Massachusetts, though he was with difficulty prevented
by his friends in New York, in May, 1854, from going to Boston to
head a movement for the rescue of Anthony Burns.

The career of John Brown in Kansas is the most romantic chapter
in the history of that state, and the services he rendered to the cause
of freedom there were very important. It will be remembered that
the great question in Kansas for four or five years was whether the
new territory, to which the south wished to extend slavery, should
be settled by anti-slavery men or by slave holders and their negroes.
John Brown at once saw here was an opportunity for him. Re-
solved as he was and long had been, to attack slavery in its own
stronghold, he yet recognized the necessity of first checking its
growth. He therefore made his arrangements very early to establish
himself and his stalwart family in Kansas. The repeal of the Mis-
/ souri compromise, which opened the broad prairies west of the Mis-
/ souri river to slavery, was finally consummated on the 25th of May,
V1854. At that time John Brown had seven sons and one son-in-law
living; the youngest so."!, Oliver, was a boy of fifteen, while Watson
was but eighteen. These, with Salmon Brown, who still survived,
were children of the second marriage, and were neither of them mar-

Biographies. 343

ried at this date. Of the four sons of the first marriage who were
then living, two were married and one, Frederick, was engaged to be
married, Ruth, the eldest daughter, had married Henry Thompson,
a sturdy farmer of New Hampshire origin, who lived near the Brown
farm at North Elba. He was in sympathy with Brown's great pur-
pose, and readily consented to join the family in Kansas.

In the wintej:_o£ 1854-55 the four older sons of John Brown,
John, Jason, Owen, and Frederick, living in or near Akron, Ohio,
made their arrangements to settle in Kansas, then just opened to
emigrants, and they did establish themselves the next spring in Ly-
kins county, about eight miles from Osawatomie, a town afterwards
made famous by their father's defence of it, August 30, 1856. John
Brown himself did not go to Kansas till the autumn of 1855, and in
the preceding summer, shortly before he set out to join his sons
there, he was again in Massachusetts, and saw some of his old friends
in Springfield, — among them, Thomas, the Maryland fugitive, who
had engaged with him in the great work nine years before. He ex-
pressed his belief that the struggle for the liberation of the slaves
was soon to come on, but does not seem to have made, at that time,
any special effort to enlist men for service in Kansas. Probably with
his characteristic caution, he meant first to explore the ground and
see what was necessary, and what could be done. Nor did he re-
ceive any of the money which, in 1855 and 1856, was raised in
Massachusetts for the benefit of the free state men in Kansas, to the
amount of |i 00,000 and upward. H^jvas aided by a subscription
in central New York, to which Gerrit Smith contributed, but the
amount was not large, and he and his family, for the most part, carried
on their Kansas campaign at their own charges. Before going to ^
Kansas he carried back his family, who had been in Ohio with him, ■
to his farm .at North Elba, where they remained for several years j ^f~ )
after his death.

From a paper in Brown's hand writing, found at North Elba after
his death, the biographers of the Brown family have taken these
particulars of their first setting forth as pioneers towards the state
which now holds the memory of these men so dear :

"In 1854 the four eldest sons of John Brown, named John, Jr , Jason,
Owen and Frederick (all children by a first wife), tlien living in Ohio, de-
termined to remove to Kansas. John, Jr., sold his place, a very desirable little
property, near Akron in Summit county. Jason Brown had a very valuable
collection of grape vines, and also of choice fruit trees which he took up and

344 History of Torrington.

shipped in boxes at a heavy cost. The other two sons held no landed property,
but both were possessed of some valuable stock (as were also the two first named)
derived from that of their father, which had been often noticed by liberal pre-
miums, both in the state of New York, and also of Ohio. The two first
named, John and Jason, had both families. Owen had none. Frederick was
engaged to be married, and was to return for his wife.

In consequence of an extreme dearth in 1854, the crops in northern
Ohio were almost an entire failure, and it was decided by the four
brothers that the two youngest should take the teams, and entire stock,
cattle and horses, and move them to southwestern Illinois to winter, and
to have them on early in the spring of 1855. This was done at a very
considerable expense, and with some loss or stock to John, Jr., some of
his best stock having been stolen on the way. The wintering of the animals
was attended with great expense, and with no litile suffering to the two youngest
brothers ; one of them, Owen, being to some extent a cripple from childhood,
by an injury of the right arm ; and Frederick, though a very stout man, was
subject to periodical sickness for many years, attended with insanity. It has
been stated that he was idiotic ; nothing could be more false.' He had sub-
jected himself to a most dreadful surgical operation but a short time before
starting for Kansas, which had well nigh C05t him his life ; and was but just
through with his confinement, when he started on his journey, pale and weak.
They were obliged to husk corn all winter, out of doors, in order to obtain
fodder for their animals. Salmon Brown, a very strong minor son of the family,
eighteen years old, was sent forward early in 1855, to assist the two last named,
and all three arrived in Kansas early in the spring."

In such patriarchal fashion did the Browns enter the land which
they were foreordained to defend. These young men were of the
true stuff, worthy sons of such a sire. As Owen Brown said to me,
many years afterwards, so the world will say, " I never could dis-
cover any symptoms of cowardice in any of those boys." All were
active, enterprising persons, fond of labor, inured to hardship, and
expecting, as their father had taught them, to earn their living with
the toil of their own hands. The narrow circumstances of the
family made it quite necessary that these young men should support
themselves somewhere. Love of freedom, love of adventure, and
a desire for independence in fortune combined to tempt the young
men, while the older brothers acted from a sense of duty. The
other men of the family, some with their wives, emigrated from time
to time, and though the whole nine, including Captain Brown, were
never in Kansas together, yet for a long time the father, with six
sons and his son-in-law, was there, and they all rallied to the defense
of Lawrence in May, 1856. John Brown himself went to Kansas
in the fall of 1855, having already, in the spring of that year, taken
his wife and infants back to their home in the Adirondac mountains.

• He doubtless suffered from epilepsy.

Biographies. 345

Late in June, 1855, he was present at an anti-slavery convention in
Syracuse, New York, where money was raised to assist him in
arming his family in Kansas. He writes to his wife, under date of
" Syracuse, June 18, 1855," as follows:

" I reached here on the first day of the convention, and I have reason to
bless God that I came ; for I have met with a most warm reception from all,
so far as I know ; and, except by a few sincere, honest peace friends, a most
hearty approval of my intention of arming my sons and other friends in Kansas.
I received to day donations amounting to a little over sixty dollars ■ — twenty
from Gerrit Smith, five from an old British officer ; others giving smaller sums
with such earnest and affectionate expressions of their good wishes as did me
more good than money even. John's two letters wer>: introduced, and read
with such effect by Gerrit Smith as to draw tears from numerous eyes in the
great collection of people present. The convention has been one of the most
interesting meetings I ever attended in my life; and I made a great addition to
the number of warm-hearted and honest friends."

Five months after this letter was written, John Brown was quietly
settled at Osawatomie. He had purchased arms with the money
given him at Syracuse, rifles and revolvers, and artillery sabres, with
which they mustered to defend Lawrence in December, 1855.
Brown and four of his sons drove up to the Free State Hotel in
Lawrence at that time, " all standing, tall and well armed, in a lumber
wagon, about the side of which stood rude pikes, made of bayonets
fastened to poles." This was his first appearance in arms among the
settlers of Kansas. These men, by no means all heroes, soon dis-
covered that their new champion had other views than they. He
was no squatter, but even then " his soul went marching on." He had
come there to aid his sons and their neighbors against the Missouri
marauders ; but that was not his main purpose. He saw that Kansas
was the battle ground between slavery and freedom, and he wanted
the warfare on the riglit side to be something more than defensive.
He longed to attack slavery on its own ground, and there destroy it. ]
The time, he thought, had come to carry out his darling scheme, and
he made many enemies among the timid " free-state men " by striving
to do so.

In the disturbances of 1856 he was very prominent, particularly at
the fights of Black Jack and Osa.watomie, in both of which he won
a victory over numbers far superior to his own force. He had en-
listed a small band of true men, and with these, from May to Sep-
tember, he ranged the Kansas prairies at intervals, executing justice
on the oppressors of the people. It was a portion of his band that

34^ History of Torrington.

committed the so-called Potawatomie murders in May, 1856,
but Captain Brown himself was not then present, although he after-
wards fully justified the act. It has often been said that he took part
in this deed, but that, he assured me more than once, was not the
fact. Although he often told his friends the story of the fight at
Black Jack on the 2d of June, 1856, it does not appear that he has
left any written account of it. It was one of his most famous en-
counters, and did much to make his name feared by his enemies the
slave holders.

On the 20th of May 1856, the town of Lawrence had been
pillaged and partially destroyed by several hundred Missourians under
the command of Sheriff" Jones. On the 23d Brown took the field
with a small force, and on the night of the 25th some of his party
committed the so-called Potawatomie murders, without Brown's
knowledge at the time, but with his subsequent approval. This
affair exasperated the border ruffians of Missouri, who again made
an incursion into that part of Kansas where the Brown family lived,
and succeeded in capturing the two eldest sons, John Brown Jr. and
Jason. The leader of this raid was one Henry Clay Pate, a Vir-
ginian, who put heavy irons on his captives, and after keeping them
in camp for a day or two, handed them over to a body of United
States dragoons who marched them in chains to the northward, where
they were imprisoned at Lecompton, after having endured many hard-
ships on the march. They were lodged in prison at Lecompton on
the 23d of June, about four weeks after their arrest, and at this time
John Brown Jr. was insane from the sufferings he had undergone,
while in the hands of the United States troops. He was at first
pinioned with a rope, one end of which was held by a mounted dragoon
with whom he was obliged to keep pace, as the company marched
rapidly under a hot sun. On reaching Tecumseh, the captives were
chained two and two, about the ankles, with a common trace chain,
padlocked at each end, and tightly clasped around the ankle. In this
condition they were marched thirty miles one day. When Captain
Brown first visited me at Concord in March T857, ''^ss than a year
after this, he brought with him the chain his son had worn in this
march, and told the story at a public meeting in the Town Hall there.
His own words, describing the arrest, were as follows : " On or about
the 30th of May 1856, two of my sons, with several others, were
imprisoned without other crime than opposition to bogus legislation ;
and most barbarously treated for a time, one (Jason) being held about

Btographies. 347

one month, and the other (John) about four months. After this
arrest, both of them had their houses burned, and all their goods
consumed by the Missourians. In this burning all the eight (I and
my six sons and mv son-in-law) suffered loss, and one had his oxen
stolen in addition. My son John was so affected in his mind by the
cruelties he endured while wearing this chain, that he became a
maniac."

Hearing of the capture of his two eldest sons, though not then aware
of what indignities they had endured, John Brown with his men started
in pursuit of the Virginian Captain Pate, who, after giving up his
prisoners to the dragoons, had encamped, with fifty men, on a small
stream called the Black Jack creek, near Hickory Point, within the
present town of Palmyra. This place is in the southeast corner of
Douglas county (of which Lawrence is the chief town), and is about
halfway between Lawrence, which the pro-slavery men sacked on
the 20th of May, 1856, and Osawatomie, which they sacked on the
7th of June following. Pate had been encamped there a day or two,
among the "black-jack" oak trees which give a name to the stream,
when Captain Brown came up with him, on Monday the 2d of June,
1856. Brown's company consisted of tvyenty-seven men besides
himself,'and the names of twenty-six of these have been carefully
preserved.^ He divided them into two parties, and commenced the
attack with the one party, while the other moved round to get a
better position. Pate was posted in a strong position, on the slope
of a ravine, and with a slight defence of wagons in front of him. By
the division of his forces, however, Captain Brown got him between
two fires, and without much exposing his own men, harassed the
enemy with rifle shots, wounded several, and drove a part of them
down into the ravine. Brown began the attack with spirit, directing
his men to lie down in the grass so that only their heads and shoulders
were exposed to the enemy's fire, and to shoot deliberately, taking
good aim, and not throwing away their fire. In this way the fight was
kept up for two or three hours, during which about half of Pate's

They were Samuel T. Shore, Silas More, David Hendricks, Hiram McAllister,-

Parmely, Silvester Harris, O. A. Carpenter, Augustus Shore, Townsley (of Pota-

watomie), William B. Hayden, John McWhinney, Montgomery Shore, Elkana Timmons,
T. Weiner, August Bondy, Hugh McWhinney, Charles Kaiser, Elizur Hill, William David
B. L. Cochran, Henry Thompson, Elias Basinger, Owen Brown, Frederick Brown Salmon
Brown, Oliver Brown. The twenty-seventh man's name was forgotten by Captain Brown
who gave me this'list.

348 History of Torrington.

force had run away or been disabled, while two-thirds of Captain
Brown's company were in good fighting condition. Just at the time
Captain Brown's son Frederick, a wild, odd youth, who was after-
wards killed at Osawatomie, left the horses he was guarding in the
rear, and came upon the top of the hill overlooking the ravine,~be-
tween the two parties of his father's men, brandishing a huge sword
and shouting, " Come on ! come on ! the sword of the Lord and
Gideon ! I have cut off all communication, come on ! " Dismayed
at the supposed reinforcement, the pro-slavery men now ran away
faster than ever and Captain Pate thought it necessary to send a flag
of truce. This he did by hoisting a white handkerchief and sending
a lieutenant to inquire what all this firing meant. Captain Brown
met the lieutenant and said, " Are you the captain of this company ? "
"No." "Then stay with me and send your companion to call the
captain out ; I will talk with him and not with you." Thus sum-
moned. Captain Pate himself appeared, saying that he was an officer
acting under orders of the United States marshal of Kansas, and he
supposed they did not intend to fight against the United States. He
was going on in this way when Brown interrupted him, saying —
" Captain, I understand exactly what you are, and do not want to
hear any more about it. Have you any proposition to make to me ?"

"Well, no — that is" —

" Very well ; I have one to make to you ; you must surrender
unconditionally." There was no resisting this demand, for Brown,
taking his pistol in hand, returned with Pate to the camp leading four
men with him to receive the surrender of the twenty-two men still
left under Pate's command. They did surrender at once, though
only eight of Brown's men were in sight at the time, and the twenty-
three gave themselves up without conditions to Brown and his eight.'
Twenty-one of these prisoners were unwounded, and might have
kept up the fight. They surrendered themselves, their twenty-three
horses, guns, ammunition, wagons, etc., and were marched off as
prisoners by Brown, who encamped with them on Middle Ottawa
creek near Prairie City, and about two miles from the present town
called Baldwin City. Here he fortified himself, and received some

' The names of "the eight who held out to receive the surrender of Capt. Pate and
twenty-two men," as given to me in April, 1857, by John Brown, were these; Charles
Kaiser, Elizur Hill, Wm. David, Hugh McWhinney (seventeen years old), B. L. Cochran,
Owen Brown, Salmon Brown, Oliver Brown (seventeen years old). Four of the nine were
Browns therefore, and three of these were afterwards at Harper's Ferry.

Biographies. 349

reinforcements — among them, John E. Cook, who was afterwards
one of his lieutenants at Harper's Ferry.

The victory of Brown at Black Jack roused the pro-slavery men
in Missouri and in Kansas to fury, while it stimulated the freemen
of "Kansas to new efforts. Both parties mustered in large force
near Palmyra, and on the 5th of June a battle seemed imminent.
But Col. Sumner, who afterwards, as General Sumner, distinguished
himself in the civil war, came down with a force of United States
cavalry and put a stop to hostilities. He also sent for Captain Brown,
as soon as he heard where he was, desiring an interview. Brown
left his entrenched camp on the Ottawa, and came into the camp of
Col. Sumner, who requested him to give up Captain Pate and the
other prisoners. Brown demurred, unless they were to be tried for
highway robbery, of which, he said, they had been guilty. Col.
Sumner told him they had not been properly arrested, and must be
discharged, but he did not allow the United States marshal, who
was present, to arrest Captain Brown, and he required the armed men
on both sides to disperse. He also reprimanded Pate for having as-
sumed, without proper authority, to range through the country and
make arrests ; but he allowed him and his men to receive back their
arms, which were the property of the United States, and were im-
properly in their possession. Brown and his men returned home, such
of them as had homes to go to, and for a ftw weeks after June 7,
there were no serious disturbances. But it was impossible for Brown
and his sons to devote themselves quietly to farming as they were
requested to do. Their houses had been burnt, their farms pillaged,
and two of them held as prisoners. John Brown Jr., was not dis-
charged from arrest until about the middle of September. In telling
the story of this summer of 1856, to the Massachusetts legislature,
on the 18th of February, 1857, when it was proposed to make a
state appropriation in aid of the Massachusetts men settled in Kansas,
John Brown said :

"I with my six sons and a son-in-law, was called out, and traveled, most
of the way on foot, to try and save Lawrence (May 20 and 2M, and much of
the way in the night. From that date, neither I nor my sons, nor my son-in-
law, could do any work about our homes, but lost our whole time until we
left in October ; except one of my sons, who had a few weeks to devote to the
care of his own and his brother's family, who were then without a home.'

' Brown added, with that prosaic love of details which he had ; " I believe it safe to say
that five hundred free state men lost each one hundred and twenty days, which, at §1.50
per day, would be, to say nothing of attendant losses, §90,000." This would make the
services of the eight Browns worth just $1,440 during that period. They were really worth
millions.

2S^ History of Torrington.

From about the 20th of May, hundreds of men, like ourselves, lost their whole
time, and entirely failed of securing any crop whatever."

They secured the harvest of freedom in Kansas, however, and
that was worth more than any other crop, that season. And to no
man so much as to John Brown was this result due. He was present
wherever danger threatened and, whenever he was permitted to do so,
he warded off the danger, or punished the perpetrators of crime. He
vi^as near Topeka on the 3d and 4th of July 1856, when the free
state legislature was dispersed by federal dragoons, and was ready
then, if others had consented, to resist the arbitrary action of the
federal government. In August, he joined the forces of Gen. James
A. Lane in northern Kansas, having first carried his wounded son-in-
law, Henry Thompson, into Iowa to be taken care of. Returning
from Iowa about the lOth of August, with Gen. Lane, he proceeded
with him to Lawrence and to Franklin, where there was some skir-
mishing, and, from the middle of August to the last of September he
was in the field with his company, fighting the Missourian invaders
of Kansas. By this time his name had become a terror to them,
and wherever they were attacked, they believed he was in command.
In an appeal to the citizens of Lafayette county, Missouri, urging
them to take horses and guns and march into Kansas, David R.
Atchison, formerly United States senator from Missouri, wrote as
follows, under date of August 17, 1856 :

" On the 6th of August, ihe notorious Brown, with a party of three hundred
abolitionists, made an attack upon a colony of Georgians ' murdering about two
hundred and twenty-five souls, one hundred and seventy-five of whom were
women, children and slaves. Their houses were burnt to the ground, all their
property stolen, horses, cattle, clothing, money, provisions, all taken away from
them, and their plows burned lo ashes.

August 12th, at night, three hundred abolitionists, under this satne Brown,
attacked the town of Franklin, robbed, plundered and burnt, took all the arms
in town, broke open and destroyed the post office, captured the old cannon
"Sacramento" which our gallant Missourians captured in Mexico, and are now
turning its mouth against our friends

August 15th, Brown with four hundred abolitionists, mostly Lane's men,
mounted and armed, attacked Trcadwcll's settlement in Douglas county, num-
bering about thirty men. They planted the old cannon 'Sacramento' towards
the colonv and surrounded them."

' At Battersville, eight miles soutli east of Osawatomie, on an Indian reservation. John
Brown was at this time in Nebraska. " Preacher Stewart" really commanded the Free
State men.

Biographies. 351

No doubt Brown had his share in some of these attacks, which
drove some troublesome pro-slavery marauders out of Kansas, but
which led also to a formidable invasion from Missouri, under Atchison
and Gen. John W. Reid. The former was routed by Gen. Lane
on the 31st of August, and returned to Missouri ; the latter also re-
turned, after a bloody fight with John Brown at Osawatomie, which
Reid captured and burned, but which he could not hold on account
of the loss inflicted on him by Brown. It was in this fight that
Brown received the name of " Osawatomie," by which he was known
for some years afterwards. One of his questioners at Harper's Ferry,
after his capture in 1859, said, " Are you Osawatomie Brown ?" '' I
tried to do my duty there," replied the old hero. He not only did
his duty in the fight, but soon afterwards wrote an account of it,
which is so exact that it deserves to be quoted here.

The Fight of Osawatomie.

Early in the morning of the 30th of August, the enemy's scouts approached
to within one mile and a half of the wesiern boundary of the town of Osa-
watomie. At this place my son Frederick (who was not attached to my force)
had lodged, with some four other young men from Lawrence, and a young man
named Garrison, from Middle Creek.

The scouts, led by a pro-slavery preacher named White, shot my son dead
in the road, whilst he — as I have since ascertained — supposed them to be
friendly. At the same time they butchered Mr. Garrison, and badly mangled
one ot the young men from Lawrence, who came with my son, leaving him
for dead.

This was not far from sunrise. I had stopped during the night about two
and one-half miles from them, and nearly one mile from Osawatomie. I had
no organized force, but only some twelve or fifteen new recruits, who were
ordered to leave their preparations for breakfast, and follow me into the town
as soon as this news was brought to me.

As I had no means of learning correctly the force of the enemy, I placed
twelve of the recruits in a log-house, hoping we might be able to defend the
town. I then gathered some fifteen more men together, whom we armed with
guns ; and we started in the direction of the enemy. After going a few rods,
we could see them approaching the town in line of battle, about one-half a
mile off, upon a hill west of the village. I then gave up all idea of doing
more than to annoy, from the timber near the town, into which we were
all retreated, and which was filled with a thick growth of underbrush, but
had no time to recall the twelve men in the log-house, and so lost their assistance
in the fight.

At the point above named I met with Captain Cline, a very active young
man, who had with him some twelve or fifteen mounted men, and persuaded
him to go with us into the timber, on the southern shore of the Osage, or
Maraisdes-Cygnes, a little to the northwest from the village. Here the men,
numbering not more than thirty in all, were directed to scatter and secrete

352 History of Torrington.

themselves as well as they could, and await the approach of the enemy. This
was done in full view of them (^who must have seen the whole movement), and
had to be done in the utmost haste. 1 believe Captain Cline and some of his
men were not even dismounted in the fight, but cannot assert positively. When
the left wing of the enemy had approached to within common rifle shot, we
commenced firing ; and very soon threw the northern branch of the enemy's
line into disorder. This continued some fifteen or twenty minutes, wliich
gave us an uncommon opportunity to annoy them. Captain Cline and his men
soon got out ot ammunition, and retired across tlie river.

After the enemy rallied, we kept up our fire ; until, by the leaving ol one
and another, we had but six or seven left. We then retired across the river.

We had one man killed — a Mr. Powers, from Captain Cline's company —
in the fight. One of my men, a Mr. Partridge, was shot in crossing the river.
Two or three ot the party, who took part in the fight, are yet missing, and may
be lost or taken prisoners. Two were wounded, viz: Dr. Updegraff and a
Mr. Collis.

I cannot speak in too high terms of them, and of many others 1 have not
now time to mention.

One ot my best men, together with myself, was struck with a partially spent
ball from the enemy, in the commencement of the fight, but we were only
bruised. The loss 1 refer to is one of my missing men. The loss of the
enemy, as we learn by the different statements of our own, as well as their
people, was some thirty-one or two killed, and from forty to fifty wounded.
After burning the town to ashes, and killing a Mr. Williams they had taken,
whom neither party claimed, they took a hasty leave, carrying their dead and
wounded with them. They did not attempt to cross the river, nor to search
for us, and have not since returned to look over their work.

I give this in great haste, in the midst of constant interruptions. My second
son was with me in the fight, and escaped unharmed. This I mention for the
benefit of his friends.

Old preacher White, I hear, boasts of having killed my son. Of course he is
a Hon.

John Brown.
Lawrence, Kansas, September 7, 1856.

In his address before the legislature in the State House at Boston,
Feb. 18, 1857, Siown added some particulars concerning his son's
death. He said : '' I have not yet told all I saw in Kansas. I once
saw three mangled bodies, two of which were dead, and one alive, but
with twenty bullet and buckshot holes in him, after the two murdered
men had lain on the ground, to be worked at by flies, for some
eighteen hours. One of these young men was my oiun son." He
was not found by his father until the evening of that day, after the
retreat of the Missouri men. His death was a murder and his mur-
derer was Martin White a preacher, who was then serving as a soldier
in what he called "the law and order militia," that is, the Missouri

Biographies. 2S3

forces, which, upon entering Kansas, were made a part of the pro-
slavery territorial militia, by order of Secretary Woodson, himself a
Missouri man, who was for a (ew days acting governor of Kansas.
On the I 2th of September, the new governor, Geary of Pennsylvania,
ordered this invading militia to disband and disperse, but thev did not
obey, until they a^ain had a taste of John Brown's quality as a com-
mander. Martin White was afterwards a member' of the pro-slavery
legislature, and during the session at Lecompton he boasted of the
killins: of Frederick Brown. On his wav home from the session he
was himseif waylaid and shot, according to Mr. Redpath. This was
in the winter after the fight at Osawatomie. The number of the
pro-slavery men in arms at Osawatomie on the 30th of August was
about four hundred, while John Brown had just fortv-one men in his
company. On the 21st anniversary of this fight, in 1877, a monument
to Brown and his men was consecrated at Osawatomie, and the principal
speech on the occasion was made by Hon. John J. Ingalls, a senator
of the United States, from the state of Kansas.

On the 7th of September, 1855, as the above letter shows, John
Brown was at Lawrence. He went from there to Topeka, soon
after, and was on his return from there to the neighborhood of Osa-
watomie, when another Missouri army invaded Kansas and came up
to destroy Lawrence. On Sunday the 14th of September, at a time
when many of the armed men of Lawrence were absent on an expe-
dition to Hickory Point (where they captured a fort on this same
Sunday), the people of the town were alarmed by the news "that 2800
Missourians were marching down upon Lawrence with drums beating
and with eagles upon their banners." The acttial number, as reported
by Gov. Geary, who visited their camp at P'ranklin, on Monday the
15th was 2700, and their leaders were Gen. John W. Reid, David
R. Atchison, B. F. Stringfellow, etc., — the same who had led the
invasion three weeks before. The whole number of fighting men in
Lawrence that Sunday did not exceed 200, and many of them were
unarmed. But Brown was there and soon made himself known.
He was asked to take command of the defences of the town and
though he declined, he did in fact command. Between four and five
o'clock in the afternoon he assembled the people in the main street,
and, mounted on a dry -goods box in the midst of them, he made this
speech, which is reported by one who heard him :

' From Lykins county.

4.5

354 History of Torrington.

Gentlemen: It is said there are two tliousand five hundred Missourians down
at Franklin,' and that they will be here in two hours. You can see for your-
selves the smoke they are making by setting fire to the houses in that town.
Now is probably the last opportunity you will have of seeing a fight, so that
you had better do your best. If they should come up and attack us, don't yell
and make a great noise, but remain perfectly silent and still. Wait till they get
within- twenty-five yards of you ; get a good object ; be sure you see the ihind-
sight of your gun ; then fire. A great deal o\ powder and lead and very pre-
cious time, is wasted by shooting too high. You had better aim at their legs,
than at iheir heads. In cither case, be sure of the hind-sights of your guns. It
is from the neglect of this that I myself have so many times escaped ; for, if
all the bullets that have ever been aimed at me had hit, I should have been as
full of holes as a riddle."

After this fitting speech, which reminds one of John Stark at Bun-
ker Hill and Bennington, Brown sent his small force to the few
forts and breastworks about the town, and ordered all the men who
had the far-shooting Sharpe's rifle — then a new weapon — to go out
upon the prairie, half a mile south ot the town, where by this time the
invading horsemen could be seen, two miles off. After a halt for
reconnoitering purposes, the enemy made an advance upon Brown's
left, and came within half a mile of his advance guard, just as the sun
was setting. Under cover of the dusk some of them came nearer,
but the discharge of a few Sharpe's rifles, and the approach of a
brass twelve pounder cannon, which Brown ordered up to support
his riflemen, caused the enemy to turn their horses and retreat, with-
out any further attempt to take the town. Captain Brown's own
modest accouiit of this affair, in which he saved Lawrence from de-
struction, is as follows :

"I know well that on or about the 14th of September, 1856, a large force
of Missourians and other rufRans, said by Gov. Geary to be two thousand seven
hundred in number, invaded the territory, burned Franklin, and while the
smoke of that place was going up behind them, they, on the same day, made
their appearance in full view of, and within about a mile of Lawrence ; nnd I
knozo of jio reason why they did not attack that place, except that about one luin-
drcd free state men volunteered to go otit, and did go out on the open plain
before the town, and gwc the?n the vffer of a fght ; which, after getting scat-
tering shots froin our men, they declined, and retreated back towards Franklin.
/ sazo that zvhole thing. The government troops at this time were at Lecomp-
ton, a distance of twelve miles only from Lawrence, with Gov. Geary ; and
yet, notwithstanding runners had been despatched to advise him, in good time,
of the setting out and approach of the enemy (who had to march some forty
miles to reach Lawrence), he did not, on that memorable occasion, get a single
soldier on the ground until the enemy had retreated to Franklin, and been gone
for more than five hours. This is the way he saved Lawrence."

* A small town five miles southeast of Lawrence.

Biographies. ^^^

Being asked who commanded the Lawrence men, Brown at first
evaded the question, as if he did not understand it ; when asked a
second time, he repHed, "No one — that he had himself heen re-
quested to take comm'ind, but refused, and only acted as their adviser."
It was bv his advice^ however, that the town was saved. When that
was achieved, its deliverer was hunted out of Kansas by the very troops
of the federal government which had neglected to prevent the Missouri
invasion. He left Lawrence for northern Kansas before the 20th of
September, traveling with his four sons, and with a fugitive slave
■ whom he picked up on the way. The old hero was sick, as he often
was, and travelled slowly ; appearing to be a land surveyor on a
journey. He had a light wagon in which he rode, with his surveyor's
instruments ostentatiously in sight ; a cow was tied behind the wagon,
and inside, covered up in a blanket, was the fugitive slave. Som.etimes
he pitched his camp at night near the dragoons who were ordered to
arrest him, but who little suspected that the formidable fighter was
so near them in the guise of a feeble old man. At Plymouth, not
far from the Nebraska border, Mr. Redpath, in one of his journey's
through the territory, found him lying ill in a log hut, while his four
sons were camped near by. A few hours after, the dragoons, hearing
he was so near them, came up to arrest him, but he had crossed the
border into Nebraska, and was out of their reach. He went forward
till he came to Tabor in Iowa, not far northeast of Nebraska City,
and there remained among friends for two or three weeks, in Octo-
ber and November. In the latter month he reached' Chicago, and
made himself known to the National Kansas Committee, which then
had head quarters in that city. Afterwards he traveled eastward, to
Ohio, to Peterboro, N. Y., where he visited his friend Gerrit Smith,
to Albany and Springfield, and finally to Boston, where I first saw
him in the early part of January, 1857.

As John Brown, in the autumn of 1856, passed northward through
Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa, retreating slowly and painfully out of
the land he had so stoutly defended, he_ieft ..behind him thexecent
gcave of one of his six sons, murdered at Osawatomie. Another son
had been a prisoner and a maniac, driven wild by his hardships ; a
third son^was shockingly wounded, and so was Henry Thompson,
the husband of his beloved eldest daughter, Ruth. His whole fam
had been stripped of their little property, and the father himself was
'destitute. So scanty was his wardrobe that he wore at Osawatomie
on the 30th of August the same garments that he had almost worn

2S^ History of Torrington.

out in the fight of Black Jack on the 2d of June. He had been
waging war at his own cost and risk ; and though the anti-slavery
men of the north had given money by the hundred thousand dollars,
to aid the Kansas farmers in their fight with slavery, scarcely a dollar
of this had reached the man who could best have used it. But he
had made himself known to his countrymen for what he was, and
began to draw to him that admiration and love which has now become
his portion forever. Afflictions, though neither light, nor for a moment,
were working out for him, as the Apostle promises, '•'a far more ex-
ceeding and eternal weight of glory." Of this he had himself some'
intimation, vouchsafed him, doubtless, by that Infinite Wisdom, which
has ordered and foreordained all that eternity can bring to pass.
'^ After brother John's return from Kansas," said Jeremiah Brown, "■ he
called on me in Ohio, and 1 urged him to go home to his family and
attend to his private affairs ; saying that I feared his course would prove
his own destruction, and that of his boys. He replied that he was
sorry I did not sympathize with him ; that he knew he was in the
line of his duty, and must pursue it, though it should destj"oy him and
his family ; that he was satisfied he was a chosen instrument in the hands
of God to luar against davery." This faith had sustained him in
Kansas, and it was to sustain him in his more perilous work hereafter.
When John Brown first called on me in Boston, in January 1857,
bringing a letter of introduction from my brother-in-law, Mr. George
Walker of Springfield, he was in his 57th year, and, though touched
with age and its infirmities, was still vigorous and active, and of an
aspect which would have made him distinguished anywhere among
men who know hew to recognize courage and greatness of mind.
At that time he was close shaven, and no flowing beard, as in later
years, softened the force of his firm, wide mouth and his positive chin.
That beard, long and gray, which nearly all his portraits now show,
and by which he will be recognized hereafter, added a picturesque
finish to a face that was in all its features severe and masculine, yet
with a latent tenderness in them. His eyes were a piercing blue-gray.
not very large, looking out from under brows

" Of' dauntless courage and considerate pride."

His hair was 'dark brown sprinkled with grav, short and bristling, and
shooting back from a forehead of middle height and breadth ; his nose
was aquiline, his ears were large, his frame angular, his voice deep and
metallic, his walk positive and intrepid, though somewhat slow. His
manner was modest, and in a large company even diffident ; he was by

Biographies.

357

no means fluent of speech, but his words were always to the point, and
his observations original, direct, and shrewd. His mien was serious
and patient rather than cheerful ; it betokened the " sad wise valor"
which Herbert praises ; but, though earnest and almost anxious, it was
never depressed. In short, he was then, to the eye of insight, what
he afterwards seemed to the world, a brave and resolved man, con-
scious of a work laid upon him, and confident that he should ac-
complish it. His figure was tall, slender and commanding, his bearing
military, and his garb showed a singular blending of the soldier and
"the deacon. He had laid aside in Chicago the torn and faded sum-
mer garments which he wore throughout his campaigns, and I saw
him at one of those rare periods in his life when his clothes were new.
He wore a complete suit of brown broadcloth or kerseymere, cut in
the fashion of a dozen years before, and giving him the air of a re-
spectable deacon in a rural parish. But instead of a collar he had on
a high stock of patent leather, such as soldiers used to wear, a gray
military overcoat with a cape, similar to that afterwards worn in the
Confederate army, and a fur cap. He was, in fact, a Puritan soldier,
such as were common enough in Cromwell's day, but have not often
been seen since. Yet his heart was averse to bloodshed, gentle, ten-
der and devout.

It was my privilege, and for a young man of twenty-six certainly
an undeserved good fortune, to make Captain Brown acquainted with
famous men who then allowed me the honor of their friendship. I
took him to the hospitable home of Theodore Parker, in Exeter place
Boston, where he met William Lloyd Garrison and Wendell Phillips ;
I introduced him to that chivalrous man, the late Dr. Howe ; and a
few months later I brought him to Concord and made him acquainted
with Emerson, Thoreau and Alcott. Upon all these men he made
a profound impression, which several of them have since declared to
the world, when his fame seemed to need the voice of a friend, and
before the echoes of his renown silenced the murmurs that the act
of a hero so often awakens. I find among my papers a letter of Dr.
Howe's sent me from New York early in 1859, when Howe and
Theodore Parker were about sailing on that voyage from which only
one of them returned. It was intended to introduce Brown to our
friend Mr. John VI. Forbes, but, for some accidental reason was
never so used, and has never been published. Here it is :

358 History of Torrington.

" New York, Feb. 5, '59.
" Dear Sir :

It you would like to hear an honest, brave, keen and veteran backwoods-
man disclose some plans for delivering our lands from the curse of slavery,
the bearer will do so.

I think I know him well ; he is of the Puritan militant order. He is an
enthusiast, yet cool, keen and cautious. He has a marivr's spirit. He will
ask nothing of you but the pledge that you keep to yourself what he may say.

Faithfully yours,

John M. Forbes, Esq. S. 6. Howe."

"He will ask nothing of you, but the pledge that you keep to your-
self what he may say." This was, in fact, the attitude of John
Brown towards his friends after he returned to the eastern states
from his first Kansas campaign, but should they be moved by what
he said to give him money, or to enlist in his company, for perpetual
and active warfare upon slavery, he welcomed the recruit and ex"
pressed his thanks to the contributor. In 1857, when I first saw
him, although his Virginia plans were already formed, and had been
for many years, he said nothing of them, but talked of Missouri and
Kansas, His immediate purpose was to raise a troop of horse, a
hundred men, who might retaliate upon Missouri slave-holders for
the raids they had been making into Kansas. ^C '-' -

In 1859, when Dr. Howe wrote to Mr. Forbes, Brown had dis-
closed to a few of us, his Virginia scheme, in all its main features
though not with full details. But the Missouri plan and the Vir-
ginia plan were at heart the same, their object being to make slave
holding unsafe, and to give the slave a chance to fight for his free-
dom under rigid discipline, and not in the wild tumult of an insur-
rection. This very policy of John Brown's was adopted in 1861 by
Gen. Fremont, in 1862 by Abraham Lincoln, and in 1863-4, by
Secretary Stanton, after pressure from Gov. Andrew of Massachu-
setts and other earnest men in all parts of the north. It was the
policy that finally overcame the rebellion, and put an end to the long
civil war. John Brown led the way in this policy, and the great heart
of the people, wiser in its impulses than the statesmen in their coun-
cils, early responded to the appeal that John Brown had made.
Nothino; else than this made the name and fate of Brown the watch-
word and rallying song of our armies. Hardly had the civil war
begun in good earnest, when a regiment of Massachusetts soldiers
with a son of Daniel Webster at their head, came marching up
State street (where, ten years before, fugitive slaves were dragged

Biographies. 359

back to bondage^ under the flag of the United States), startling the
echoes of Boston with the new song :

John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave,
John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave,
John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave,
But his soul's marching on.

Glory, glory, hallelujah !
Glory, glory, hallelujah !
Glory, glory, hallelujah !
His soul's marching on.

John Brown's knapsack is strapped upon his back,
And his soul's marching on.

He's gone to be a soldier in the army of the Lord,
His soul is marching on."

The words were wild and rude, nobody knew whence they came,
nor from what pious soul the devout, militant melody first sounded
forth; but there they were, the rough, earnest words, the martial air,
wedded in one strain of popular music and sung by a million voices.
It was the requiem and the resurrection hymn of a hero, sounding
from the roused heart of the people, as the forest murmur rises when
mountain winds stir the branches of oak and pine on a thousand hill-
tops of New England.

But I am anticipating the course of history, just as my brave old
friend did. His special errand to me, in 1857, and to the Massa-
chusetts Kansas committee, of which I was then secretary, was to
provide at once for the defence of Kansas by carrying the war into
the enemy'scountry. During the month of January, and indeed, in a
few days after he reached Boston, he formed the acquaintance of the
men there whom he wished to consult, of iMr, George L. Stearns, Dr.
Cabot, Theodore Parker, Amos A. Lawrence, Judge Russell, Dr.
Howe, Mr. Garrison, and all who were then conspicuous in maintain-
ing the cause of the Kansas pioneers. His desire was to obtain control
of some two hundred Sharpe's rifles, belonging to the Massachusetts
committee, with which to arm a force of a hundred men for the pur-
pose of defending Kansas and making excursions, if necessary into
Missouri and other slave states. Keeping his Virginia plan in mind,
he yet did not communicate it to any person in Massachusetts for
more than a year; only taking pains to say that with the arms,
money, and clothing that he might get for his company, he should
act on his own responsibility, without taking orders from any com-

360 History of Torrington.

mittee. With this understanding, and having great confidence in
him, the Massachusetts committee, on the 8th of January, 1857,
gave him an order for taking possession of the two hundred rifles,
with their belongings, then stored at Tabor, in the southwestern
part of Iowa. This order did not authorize him to make any use of
the arms, though it appropriated five hundred dollars for his expenses in
getting possession of them ; and it was not until April 1 1 , three months
later, that a vote was passed allowing Captain Brown to sell a hun-
dred of the rifles to free state inhabitants of Kansas. At the same
time another sum of live hundred dollars was voted him, to be used
" for the relief of persons in Kansas." The arms thus placed at
his disposal were a part of those afterwards carried by him to Haiper's
Ferry, and, as the true nature of the transaction by which they came,
honestly, into his possession for use in Virginia, has never been well
understood, it may here be explained.

In the winter of 1855-56 a large subscription was collected in
Boston by Dr. Samuel Cabot and others, expressly for the purchase
of arms" for Kansas settlers. With this money a hundred Sharpe's
rifles and some other arms were purchased by Dr. Cabot and for-
warded to Kansas early in 1856. These, however, were no part of
the arms of Captain Brown, which were purchased by the Massa-
chusetts State Kansas Committee in the autumn of 1856, and for-
warded, through the National Committee, having its head-quarters at
Chicago, by the Iowa and Nebraska route to Kansas. The two
hundred rifles never seem to have got farther than Tabor, where they
were lying when Captain Brown made his exit from Kansas by that
route, in November. On reaching Chicago, soon after, he appears
to have made application to Messrs. George W, Dole, J. D. Web-
ster (afterwards General Webster, of General Grant's stafi^), and
Henry B. Hurd, the Chicago members of the National Committee,
for the custody of the rifles at Tabor. This application was not
granted, perhaps because the committee distrusted Captain Brown, per-
haps because they recognized the Massachusetts committee as owners
of the arms. The Chicago committee did afterwards, however, lay
claim to the control of these rifles ; and one reason for the Massa-
chusetts vote of January 8, 1857, above alluded to, was to place
them in the hands of a man who had shown his ability to protect
whatever was in his custody. Before taking actual possession of
them, Captain Brown attended a full meeting of the National Com-
mittee at the Astor House in New York, January 22-25, ^^S7-> ^^^

Biographies. 361

the purpose of securing an appropriation from that committee for his
company of minute-men; and, in order to settle the question, which
of the two committees controlled the rifles at Tabor, he made a re-
quest for those arms as a part of the appropriation. This request was
vehemently opposed by Mr. Hurd of Chicago, who expressed great
anxiety lest Brown should make incursions into Missouri or other
slave states. Mr, F. B. Sanborn, who represented Massachusetts
at the Astor House meeting, as proxy for Drs. Cabot and Howe,
supported the application of Captain Brown, which was viewed with
favor by a majority of the meeting. As a final compromise, it was
voted that the rifles at Tabor should be restored to the Massachusetts
committee, to be disposed of as they should think best ; and that an
appropriation of several thousand dollars, in money and clothing,
should be made to Captain Brown's company by the National Com-
mittee. This left the Massachusetts committee at liberty to use
their own property as they saw fit, and they then gave Captain
Brown undisputed possession of the arms, subject, however, to
future votes of the Boston committee. In point of fict, though
this was not known to the committee till a year later, the rifles were
brouc^ht from Tabor to Ohio in the year 1857, ^"^ remained tJiere
till they were sent to Chambersburg by John Brown, Jr., in July,
1859, for use at Harper's Ferry. During the year 1857, '•he expen-
ditures of the'Massachusetts committee for the relief of the famine in
Kansas were very large ; and, as advances of money were made by
the chairman (Mr. George L. Stearns, a wealthy merchant of Bos-
ton), much in excess of the current receipts, it was finally voted to
give him, in reimbursement, most of the property and assets in the
hands of the committee. Among these, of course, were the two
hundred rifles, and it was with the consent of Mr. Stearns as owner,
but without the consent of the committee, that Brown, in 1859,
carried these rifles to Virginia.

John Brown remained in Boston and its vicinity during the greater
part of January and February, 1857, ^"^ ^^^ there again in the early
weeks of March and of April. On the i8th of February, as above
mentioned, he made the speech, from which quotations have been
cited, before a committee of the state legislature to urge that Massa-
chusetts should vote an appropriation of money in aid of the emigrants
from the state who had settled in Kansas. It was one of the itvi
speeches made by him in Massachusetts that year, and was mainly
read from his manuscript. In March he made his first visit to Con-

362 History of Torrington.

cord, where he addressed a large audience in the Town Hall, and
spoke without notes, in a very impressive and eloquent manner.
Among his hearers were Mr. R. W. Emerson and iVIr. Henrv D.
Thoreau, who had met him the preceding day, under circumstances
that it may be interesting to mention, since both these gentlemen
were his warm admirers, and took up his cause when he had but few
champions among the scholars of Massachusetts. Mr. Thoreau's
noble appeal in his behalf, given at Concord on Sunday evening,
October 30, 1859, ^"^ repeated at the Tremont Temple in Boston,
November ist, was the earliest address in his praise to which the
Massachusetts public listened, as it still is the best ; and it was soon
followed by Mr. Emerson's famous mention of Brown in a Boston
lecture as one who had "made the gallows glorious, like the cross,"
and by his speech at the Tremont Temple relief meeting, November
18, 1859, at which John A. Andrew presided.

The first occasion of John Brown's visit to Concord was to speak
at the public meeting just mentioned, in March, 1857, which had
been called at my request. On the day appointed. Brown went up
from Boston at noon and dined with Mr. Thoreau, then a member
of his father's family, and residing not far from the rail road station.
The two idealists, both of them in revolt against the civil government
then established in this country, because of its base subservience to
slavery, found themselves friends from the beginning of their ac-
quaintance. They sat after dinner, discussing the events of the
border warfare in Kansas, and Brown's share in them, when, as it
often happened, Mr. Emerson called at Mr. Thoreau's door on some
errand to his friend. Thus the three men first met under the same
roof, and. found that they held the same opinion of what was upper-
most in the mind of Brown. He did not reveal to them, either then
or later, his Virginia plans ; but he declared frankly, as he always did,
his purpose of attacking slavery, wherever it could be reached ; and
this was the sentiment of his speech at the evening meeting, when
he told the story of his Kansas life to the grandsons of the men who
began the war of the Revolution at Concord bridge. He spoke of
the murder of one of his seven sons, the imprisonment and insanity
of another ; and as he shook before his audience the chain which his
free-born son had worn, for no crime but for resisting slavery, his
words rose to thrilling eloquence, and made a wonderful impression
on his audience. From that time the Concord people were on his
side, as they afterwards testified on several occasions. He was again

Biographies. 363

in Concord for several days in April, 1857, and on this visit was the
guest of Mr. Emerson for a day ; from whose house he drove across
the country to Air. Stearns's house at Medford, one pleasant Sunday
morning in that April. The journals of Emerson, Thoreau, and,
two years later, of their friend Bronson Alcott, will bear witness to
the impression made by Captain Brown on these three founders of a
school of thought and literature.

In the latter part of March, 1857, Captain Brown, in company
with Martin F, Conway, afterwards a member of congress from
Kansas, and myself, representing the Massachusetts committee,
met by appointment at the Metropolitan Hotel in New York, and
proceeded in company to Easton, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Andrew
H. Reeder, a former governor of Kansas, was living, for the purpose
of inducing him, if possible, to return to Kansas, and become the
leader of the free state party there. The journey was undertaken at
the request of the Massachusetts committee, of which both Brown
and Conway had been agents. It resulted in nothing, for Governor
Reeder was unwilling to leave his family and his occupations at Easton
to engage again in the political contests of Kansas. Captain Brown
had quite a different conception of his own duty to his family, as
compared with his duty to the cause in which he had enlisted.
Although he had been absent from home nearly two years, he re-
frained from a visit to North Elba, where his family then were, until
he had arranged all his military affairs in Boston, New York, and
Connecticut ; and he finally reached his rough mountain home late in
April. He found his daughter Ellen, whom he had left ?.n infant in
the cradle, old enough to hear him sing his favorite hymn, " Blow ye
the trumpet, blow !" to the old tune of Lenox. "■' He sung all his
own children to sleep with it," writes his daughter Anne, " and some
of his grandchildren too. He seemed to be very partial to the first
verse; I think that he applied it to himself. When he was at home
(I think it was the first time he came from Kansas), he told Ellen
that he had sung it to all the rest, and must to her too. She was
afraid to go to him alone " (the poor child had forgotten her father
in his two years' absence), " so father said that I must sit with her.
He took Ellen on one knee and me on the other and sung it to us."

It was on this visit to North Elba that John Brown carried with
him the old tombstone of his grandfather. Captain John Brown, the
revolutionary soldier, from the burial place of his family in Canton,
Connecticut. He caused the name of his murdered son Frederick,

364 History of Torrington.

who fell in Kansas, to be carved on this stone, with the date of his
death, and placed it where he desired his own grave to be, beside a
huge rock on the hillside where his house stands, giving directions
that his own name and the date of his death should be inscribed there
too, when lie should fall, as he expected in the conflict with slavery.
That stone now marks his grave and tells a story which more costly
monuments and longer inscriptions could not so well declare.

Although Capt. Brown spent the winter of 1856-57 in New Eng-
gland, he did not by any means forget or neglect his family at North
Elba, but busied himself in securing for them an addition to the two
farms in the wilderness on which his wife and his married daughter,
Mrs. Thompson, were then living. Several of his Massachusetts
friends, chief among whom were Mr. Amos A. Lawrence and Mr.
Stearns, raised a subscription of $1,000 to purchase one hundred and
sixty acres of land for division in equal portions between these farms.
Mr. Stearns contributed $260 to this fund, and Mr. Lawrence about
the same amount ; these two gentlemen having made up the sum by
which the original subscription fell short of $1,000. The connec-
tion of Mr. Lawrence with this transaction, and his personal acquaint-
ance with Brown in 1857, were afterwards held to imply that he
had some knowledge of Brown's plans, which was not the case.
The subscription thus raised was expended in completing the pur-
chase of the tract in question, originally sold by Gerrit Smith to the
brothers of Henry Thompson, Brown's son-in-law, but which had
not been wholly paid for. In August, 1857, as the agent of Messrs.
Stearns and Lawrence, I visited North Elba, examined the land, paid
the Thompsons their stipulated price for improvements, and to Mr.
Smith the remainder of the purchase money ; took the necessary
deeds and transferred the property to Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Thomp-
son, according to the terms arranged by Captain Brown in the pre-
ceding spring. At this time neither Gerrit Smith, nor Mr. Stearns,
nor myself had any knowledge of Brown's scheme for a campaign in
Virginia. But that he was preparing for it at that time is clear from
certain arrangements he had made in Connecticut in this same spring
of 1857.

It was at this date that John Brown engaged Mr. Charles Blair of
Collinsville, to make for him the thousand pikes which he carried to
Harper's Ferry in 1859. At the senatorial investigation of 1859-
60, Mr. Blair told the story, and it is curious enough to be given
here, somewhat abridged. Mr. Blair testified (January 23, i860):

Biographies. 2^5

"I knew the late John Brown who was recently executed under the laws of
Virginia. I made his acquaintance in the early part of 1857, in the latter part
of February or the fore part of March. He came to our place, Collmsville,
as I suppose, to visit connections who lived in our town. He himself was
born, as I have understood, at Torringford, ten miles from there, and some of
his relatives lived in a town ten miles from our village. He spoke in a public
hall one evening, and gave an account oi some of his experiences in Kansas,
and, at the close of the meeting, made an appeal to the audience. After
stating the wants of many of the free settlers in Kansas, their privations
and need of clothing, etc., he made an appeal for aid, for the purpose of fur-
nishing the necessaries of life, as he declared. I think there was no collection
taken up for him at that time. On the following morning, he was exhibiting
to some gentlemen who happened to be collected together in a druggist's store,
some weapons which he claimed to have taken from Captain Pate in Kansas.
Among them was a two edged dirk, with a blade about eight inches long and
he remarked that, if he had a lot of those things to attach to poles about six
feet long, thev would be capital weapons of defence for the settlers of Kansas
to keep in their log-cabins, to defend themselves against any sudden attack that
might be made on them.'

" He turned to me, knowing, as I suppose, that I was engaged in edge-tool
making, and asked me what I would make them for ; what it would cost to
make 500 or 1,000 of those things, as he described them. I replied,
without much consideration, that I would make him ^00 of them for $1.25
apiece; or, if he wanted 1,000, I thought they might be made for a dollar
apiece."

Brown at once contracted for 1,000 of these pikes at one dollar each,
and Mr, Blair made them for him, doing a part of the work in the spring
of 1857, and the rest in the summer of 1859, just before the attack
on Harper's Ferry. They were all along intended to be put in the
hands of freed slaves, for the defence of the log forts which Brown
proposed to build in Virginia, Missouri, Kentucky, or wherever his
attack should finally be made. They were sent by Mr. Blair to
Chambersburg, Pa., early in September, 1859, were taken to the
Kennedy farm, and a portion of them were carried by Brown's men
across the Potomac to arm the slaves with. They were paid for in
the early summer of 1859, w'*^^ money given to Brown by Gerrit
Smith and George L. Stearns.

Notwithstanding; the success attendins; some of his efforts in New
England in the spring of 1857, J°^" Brown failed to raise at that
time a sufficient sum of money to equip and support his company of
mounted minute-men, and he left Massachusetts, late in April, much

' I remember Brown's showing me this knife of Pate's, which he was then in the habit
of carrying in the leg of his boot, in order that it might not be unpleasantly obvious. It
was what is jocularly known as an " Arkansas toothpick."

366 History of Torrington.

saddened by this failure. Before leaving Boston he wrote a brief
paper headed " Old Brown's Farewell to the Plymouth Rocks, Bun-
ker Hill Monuments, Charter Oaks, and Uncle Tom's Cabins,"
in which he says he had been trying, since he came out of Kansas,
" to secure an outfit, or, in other words, the means of arming and
thoroughly equipping his regular minute men, who are mixed up with
the people of Kansas ;" but that he goes back " with a feeling of
deepest sadness that, after having exhausted his own small means,
and with his family and his brave men suffered hunger, cold, naked-
ness, and some of them sickness, wounds, imprisonment in irons,

with extreme cruel treatment, and others death, he cannot

secure, amidst all the wealth, luxury, and extravagance of this
' Heaven-exalted ' people, even the necessary supplies of the common
soldier." He had formed an elaborate plan for raising and drilling
such a company of men, and, without the knowledge of his Massa-
chusetts friends, had engaged an English Garibaldian, Hugh Forbes,
whom he found giving fencing-lessons in New York, to go out with
him to Western Iowa, and there train his recruits for service in the
field against slavery. Disappointed in raising the money he had ex-
pected. Captain Brown was obliged to cancel his engagement with
Forbes, who, as the event proved, was a very useless and embarrass-
ing person. Forbes had traveled from New York to Tabor in Iowa,
in July and August, 1857, and returned early in November, angry
and disappointed, to New York, whence he soon began to write
abusive and threatening letters, denouncing Brown, and speaking of
his plans in a way that surprised Brown's Massachusetts friends, who
had never heard of Forbes before, and who knew absolutely nothing
of the grand scheme for invading Virginia. It may be that this
quarrel with P'orbes impelled Brown to impart his plans more fully
to his Massachusetts friends, or a few of them ; at any rate, he did
so impart them, early in the year 1858, and in a manner which will
be hereafter related.

It is to this period of Brown's life that the incident belongs which
Mr. Redpath alone has commemorated, and which some have
doubted — his single interview with Charles Sumner in the spring of
1857. ^'^- Redpath says:

" I visited Senator Sumner in his house in Hancock street to introduce John
Brown, then known only as a Kansas captain who had done some service in
driving back the Southern invaders. The classical orator and the guerilla chief
then met for the first time, and, I believe, for the only time in their lives. Each

Biographies. 367

was impressed with the character of the other, and they talked long and earnestly
about the struggle in the Far West.

This I recall ; but 1 wrote down a single sentence only that each of them
uttered on that topic.

'No,' said Brown, 'I did not intend ever to settle in Kansas unless I
happened to find my last home there.*

' In that case,' rejoined Sumner, * vours, like mine, would be a long home.'

The senator was suffering from the blows of ihe assassin Brooks, of South
Carolina, at this time, and lay on his bed during the whole of the interview.

The talk turned on the assault. Suddenly the old man asked iVlr. Sumner:

' Have you still the coat ?'

' Yes,' replied Sumner ; ' it is in that closet. Would you like to see it?'

' Very much, indeed,' returned the captain.

Mr. Sumner rose slowly and painfully from his bed, opened a closet door
and handed the garment to John Brown. I shall never forget that impressive
picture. Mr. Sumner was bending slightly, and supported himselt by resting
his liand on the bed, while Captain Brown stood erect as a pillar, holding up
the blood-smeared coat and intently scanning it. The old man said nothing,
but his lips were compressed and his eyes shone like polished steel."

In the autumn of 1857, John Brown was in Western Iowa, and
wrote from there to his friend Theodore Parker, on the ilth of
September, enclosing an address to soldiers of the United States
army on the subject of slavery, which was written by Brown's drill
master, Hugh Forbes, and was intended to be, as Brown tells Parker,
" the first number of a series of tracts," for distribution when his
great work should really^ begin. It was a dull and heavy paper, like
most that Forbes wrote, and probably Parker caused Brown to know
what his opinion of it was. In the same letter. Brown says : " My
particular object in writing is to say that I am in immediate want of
^500 or $1000, for secret service and no questions asked. I want
the friends of freedom to 'prove me one herewith.' Will you bring
this matter before your congregation, or exert your influence in some
way to have it, or some part of it, raised and put in the hands of
George L. Stearns Esq., Boston, subject to my order t '' Similar
letters were sent to Mr. Stearns and to me, but it was not easy in
that autumn, when business was greatly depressed by the panic of
1857, to raise money for so indefinite an object. I find that I sent
him some money, which he received on the 3d of October, and
others contributed something. But no movement was made before
winter, nor did he disclose to us his purposes. In January, 1858,
however, he suddenly left Kansas without the knowledge of his
friends there, and appeared, in the beginning of February, at the
house of Frederick Douglass in Rochester, New York. From there
he wrote, February 2, 1858, to Theodore Parker, George L. Stearns,

368 History of Torrington.

F. B. Sanborn, and Thomas Wentworth Higginson, asking them to
aid him in raising a small sum of money to carry out "an important
measure in which the world has a deep interest," This he tells Mr.
Parker, is his only errand at the east, and he goes on ; ''I have
written some of our mutual friends in regard to it, but none of them
understand my views so well as you do, and I cannot explain with-
out their committing themselves more than I know of their doing. I
have heard that Parker Pillsbury, and some others in your quarter,
hold out ideas similar to those on which I act, but I have no personal
acquaintance with them, and know nothing of their influence or
means. Do you think any of our Garrisonian friends, either at Bos-
ton, Worcester, or in any other place, can be induced to supply a little
straw " if I will absolute make 'bricks? I must beg of you to con-
sider this communication strictly confidential, unless you know of
parties who will feel and act and hold their peace. "^

Brown's letters of the same date and for a few weeks after, to
Col. Higginson and to me, were of a similar tenor, though rather
•more explicit, but they conveyed no distinct intimation of his plans.
He wrote to Higginson, February 2, from Rochester: "I am here,
concealing my whereabouts for good reasons (as I think), not, how-
ever, from any anxiety about my personal safety. I have been told
that you are both a true man and a true abolitionist^ and I partly be-
lieve the whole story. Last fall I undertook to raise from five hun-
dred to one thousand dollars for secret service^ and succeeded in
getting five hundred dollars, I now want to get, for the perfecting
of by far the most important undertaking of my whole life, five hun-
dred to eight hundred dollars within the next sixty days. I have
written Rev. Theodore Parker, George L. Stearns, and F. B. San-
born, Esquires, on the subject, but do not know as either IVIr.
Stearns or Mr. Sanborn are abolitionists. 1 suppose they are." On
the 1 2th of February he wrote again in response to a remark in
Higginson's reply about the Underground rail road in Kansas : " Rail
road business on a somewhat extended scale is the identical object
for which I am trying to get means. I have been connected with
that business, as commonly conducted^ from myl)oyhood, and never let
an opportunity slip. I have been operating to some purpose the past
season, but I now have a measure on foot that I feel sure would
awaken in you something more than a common interest, if you
could understand it. I have just written my friends G. L. Stearns

' Weiss's Life of Theodore Parker, vol. ii, pp. 163, 164.

Biographies. 369

and F. B. Sanborn, asking them to meet me for consultation at
Peterboro, N. Y. I am very anxious to have you come along, certain
as I feel that you will never regret having been one of the council."
It was inconvenient for any of the persons addressed to take the long
journey proposed, and on the 13th, I wrote for myself and Mr.
Stearns, inviting Brown to visit Boston, and offering to pay his traveling
expenses. To this request Brown replied, February 17th: " It would
be almost impossible for me to pass through Albany, Springfield, or
any of those parts, on my way to Boston, and not have it known ;
and my reasons for keeping quiet are such that, when I left Kansas,
I kept it from every friend there ; and I suppose it is still understood
that I am hiding somewhere in the territory; and such will be the
idea until it comes to be generally known that I am in these parts.
I want to continue that impression as long as I can, or for the present.
I want very much to see Mr. Stearns, and also Mr. Parker, and it
may be that I can before long ; but I must decline accepting your
kind offer at present, and sorry as I am to do so, ask you both to
meet me by the middle of next week at the furthest. I wrote Mr.
Higginson of Worcester to meet me also. It may be he would come
on with you. My reasons for keeping still are sufficient to keep me
from seeing my wife and children, much as I long to do so. I will
endeavor to explain when I see you." This letter was written from
Rochester.

Mr. Stearns being still unable to accept this second and pressing
request from Brown for a meeting at Peterboro, I determined to go,
and invited Colonel Higginson to join me at Worcester on the 20th.
In fact I made the journey alone, and reached the place of meeting
on the evening of Washington's birthday, February 22d. A few
friends of Brown were there gathered, among them another Massa-
chusetts man, Mr. Edwin Morton of Plymouth, now of Boston, but
then residing in the family of Mr. Gerrit Smith as tutor and private
secretary. In the long winter evening which followed, the whole
outline of Brown's campaign in Virginia was laid before the little
council, to the astonishment and almost the dismay of all present.
The constitution which he had drawn up for the government of his
men, and such territory as they might occupy, and which was found
among his papers at the Kennedy farm, was exhibited by Brown, its
provisions recited and explained, the proposed movements of his men
indicated, and the middle of May was named as the time of the at-
tack. To begin this hazardous adventure he asked for but eight

370 History of Torrington.

hundred dollars, and would think himself rich with a thousand. Being
questioned and opposed by his friends, he laid before them in detail
his methods of organization and fortification ; of settlement in the
South, if that were possible, and of retreat through the North, if
necessary ; and his theory of the way in which such an invasion
would be received in the country at large. He desired from his
friends a patient hearing of his statements, a candid opinion concern-
ing them, and, if that were favorable, then that they should co-ope-
rate with him and persuade others to do so. This was the important
business which he had to communicate on the anniversary of Wash-
ington's birthday.

After what has passed in the last twenty years, no one can picture
to himself the startling effect of such a plan, heard for the first time
in the dismal days of Buchanan's administration, when Floyd was
secretary of war, and Jefferson Davis and Senator Mason omnipo-
tent in congress. Those who listened to Captain Brown had been
familiar with the bold plots and counter-plots of the Kansas border,
and had aided the escape of slaves in various parts of the South.
But to strike at once at the existence of slavery, by an organized
force, acting for years, if need be, on the dubious principles of guer-
illa warfare, and exposed, perhaps, to the whole power of the country,
was something they had never contemplated. That was the long
meditated plan of a poor, obscure, old man, uncertain at best of
another ten years' lease of life, and yet calmly proposing an enter-
prise which, if successful, might require a whole generation to
accomplish. His friends listened until late at night, proposing ob-
jections and raising difficulties, but nothing shook the purpose of the
old Puritan. To every objection he had an answer ; every difficulty
had been foreseen and provided for ; the great difficulty of all, the
apparent hopelessness of undertaking anything so vast with such
slender means, he met with the words of scripture, " If God be for
us, who can be against us ? " and ••' Except the Lord keep the city,
the watchman waketh but in vain."

To all suggestions of delay until a more favorable time, he would
reply, " I am nearly sixty years old ; I have desired to do this work
for many years ; if I do not begin soon, it will be too late for me."
He had made nearly all his arrangements ; he had so many hundred
weapons, so many men enlisted, all that he wanted was the small
sum of money. With that he would open his campaign with the
spring, and he did not doubt that his enterprise would pay. But

Biographies. 371

those who heard him, while they looked upon the success of Brown's
undertaking as a great blessing and relief to the country, felt also that
to fail, contending against such odds, might hazard for many years
the cause of freedom and union. They had not yet fully attained the
sublime faith of Brown when he said, " A few men in the right, and
knowing they are right, can overturn a king. Twenty men in the
Alleghanies could break slavery to pieces in two years."

On the 23d of February, the discussion was renewed, and, as
usually happened when he had time enough. Captain Brown began to
prevail over the objections of his friends. At any rate, they saw that
they must either stand by him, or leave him to dash himself alone
against the fortress he was determined to assault. To withhold aid
would only delay, not prevent him; nothing short of betraying him to the
enemy would do that. As the sun was setting over the snowy hills of the
region where we met, I walked for an hour with the principal person
in our little council of war, leaving Captain Brown to discuss re-
ligion with an old captain of Wellington's army who, by chance, was
a guest in the house. My companion, of equal age with Brown, and
for many years a devoted abolitionist, said, '' You see how it is ; our
old friend has made up his mind to this course of action, and cannot
be turned from it. We cannot give him up to die alone ; we must
stand by him. I will raise so many hundred dollars for him ; you
must lay the case before your friends in Massachusetts and perhaps
they will do the same. I see no other way." For myself, I had
reached the same conclusion, and I engaged to bring the scheme at
once to the attention of the three Massachusetts men to whom Brown
had written, and also of Dr. S. G. Howe, who had sometimes favored
action almost as extreme as this proposed by Brown.

I returned to Boston on the 25th of February, and on the same
day communicated the enterprise to Theodore Parker and Colonel
Higginson. At the suggestion of Parker, Brown, who had gone to
Brooklyn, New York, was invited to visit Boston secretly, and did
so the 4th of March, taking a room at the American House, in Hano-
ver street. He registered himself as "J. Brown," instead of writing
out the customary "John " in full, and remained for the most part
in his room (No. 126) during the four days of his stay. Parker was
one of the first persons to call on him, and promised aid at once.
He was deeply interested in the project, but not very sanguine of its
success. He wished to see it tried, believing that it must do good
even if it failed. John Brown remained at the American House until

2J2 History of Torrington.

Monday, March 8th, when he departed for Philadelphia. On the
Friday, Saturday and Sunday intervening, he had seen at his hotel
Mr. Parker, Dr. Howe, Mr. Stearns, Mr. Wentworth Higginson
and two or three other persons. He did not think it prudent to show
himself at Mr. Parker's Sunday evening reception, on the 7th of
March, as he had done when he was in Boston the year before ; and
therefore he wrote Mr. Parker a letter which I carried to him that
afternoon, and which shall here be copied entire :

To Rev. Theodore Parker, Boston.

Boston, Mass., March -jth, 1858.

My Dear Sir, Since vou know 1 have an almost countless brood of poor
hungry chickens to " scratch for," you will not reproach me for scratching
even on the Sabbath. At any rate, I trust God will not. 1 want you to under-
take to provide a substitute for an address you saw last season, directed to the
officers and soldiers of the United States army. The ideas contained in that
address, I of course like, for I furnished the skeleton. I never had the ability
to clothe those ideas in language at all to satisfy myself ; and I was by no
means satisfied with the style of that address, and do not know as I can give
any correct idea of what I want. I will, however, try.

In the first place it must be short, or it will not be generally read. It must
be in the simplest or plainest language, without the least affectation of the
scholar about it, and yet be worded with great clearness, and power. The
anonymous writer must (in the language of the Paddy) be " afther others, "
and not " afther himself at all, at all." If the spirit that communicated Frank-
lin's Poor Richard (or some other good spirit) would dictate, I think it would
be quite as well employed as the " dear sister spirits " have been for some years
past. The address should be appropriate, and particularly adapted to the
peculiar circumstances we anticipate, and should look to the actual change of
service from that of Satan to the service of God. It should be, in short, a
most earnest and powerful appeal to men's sense of right and to their feelings of
humanity. Soldiers are men, and no man can certainly calculate the value and
importance of getting a single " nail into old Captain Kidd's chest." It should
be provided before hand, and be readv in advance to distribute, by all persons,
male and female, who may be disposed to favor the right.

I also want a similar short address, appropriate to the peculiar circumstances,
intended for all persons, old and young, male and female, slave-holding and
non slave holding, to be sent out broadcast over the entire nation. So by
every male and female prisoner on being set at libertv, and to be read by them
during confinement. I know that men will listen and reflect too, under such
circumstances. Persons will hear your anti-slavery lectures and abolition lectures
when they have become virtuallv slaves themselves. The impressions made
on prisoners by kindness and plain dealing, instead of barbarous and cruel treat-
ment, such as they might give, and instead of being slaughtered like wild rep-
tiles, as they might very naturally expect, are not only powerful but lasting.
Females are susceptible of being carried away entirely by the kindness of an

Biographies. 373

intrepid and magnanimous soldier, even when his bare name was but a terror
the dav previous. '

Now, dear sir, I have told you about as well as I know how, what I am
anxious at once to secure. Will you write the tracts, or get them written, so
that I may commence ' Colporteur ?'

Very respectfully, your friend,

John Brown.

P. S. If I should never see you again, please drop me a line (enclosed to
Stephen Smith, Esq., Lombard St., Philadelphia), at once, saying what you will
encourage me to expect. You are at liberty to make anv prudent use of this
to stir up any friend. Yours for the right,

J. B.

Probably Brown was not aware how hard was the task imposed
by these masterly directions in the art of writing. It does not appear
that Parker, who was then overweighted with work, ever under-
took to write the tracts desired, or that they were written by any one
else. Only one such was ever printed. It may be worth mentioning,
that Parker sent Brown from his library on this Sunday, the report
of McClellan on the European armies, which was then a new book,
and was thought likely to be of service to Brown. At the same
time Brown praised Plutarch's Lives as a book he had read with great
profit for its military and rnoral lessons, and particularly mentioned
the life of Sertorius, the Roman commander who so lono- carried on
a partisan warfare in Spain. He wished to get a few copies of Plu-
tarch for his men to read in camp, and inquired particularly about
the best edition.

Although Brown communicated freely to the persons above named
his plans of attack and defence in Virginia, it is not known that he
spoke to more than one person in Boston of his purpose of surpris-
ing the arsenal and town of Harper's Ferry. Both Dr. Howe and
Mr. Stearns testified before Mason's committee, in i860, that they
were ignorant of Brown's plan of attack ; which was true so far as
the place and manner of beginning the campaign were concerned.
It is probable that in 1858, Brown had not definitely resolved to

» A Kansas paper said in 1859 : " At the sacking of Osawatomie, one of the most bit-
ter pro-slavery men in Lykins county was killed. His name was Ed. Timmons. Some-
time afterwards, Brown stopped at the log-house where Timmons had lived. His widow
and children were there, and in great destitution. He inquired into their wants, relieved
their distresses, and supported them until their friends in Missouri, informed, through
Brown, of the condition of Mrs. Timmons, had time to come to her and carry her to her
former home. Mrs. Timmons fully appreciated the great kindness thus shown her, but
never learned that Captain John Brown was her benefactor. "

374 History of Torrington.

seize Harper's Ferry, since, when he spoke of it to the person referred
to, he put it as a question, and did not seem to have made up his
mind to a course of action so immediately hazardous. He then
argued that it would strike great terror into the whole slaveholding
class to find that an armed force had strength enough to capture a
place so important and so near Washington ; and it was to inspire
terror, rather than to possess himself of the arms there, that he then
proposed to capture the arsenal. It is believed that Theodore
Parker was aware of this half-formed plan of Brown's, but it was not
communicated to his men until a year and a half later, or just before
the attack was actually made. Charles Plummer Tidd, one of
Brown's men, who escaped from Harper's Ferry, afterwards enlisted
in a Massachusetts regiment under the name of Plummer, and died
under Burnside in North Carolina, is authority for this statement.
He told me that when Brown called his small company together in
October, 1859, on the Maryland side of the Potomac, and disclosed
to them his plan for the capture of the town, they all declared that
it would be fatal to attempt it, and refused to take part in it ; even
his own sons, except Owen, being unwilling to follow their father
to what they said would be certain defeat and death. But Brown
had now decided upon his course, and adhered to it inflexibly ; he
would make the attack with a single man, if only one man would
obey him. His sons, finding their father so determined, and know-
ing how impossible it was to change his purpose, first gave in their
adhesion ; they believed it to be a fatal scheme, but they would not
desert him. Gradually all the others came round to the same opin-
ion, and the attack was made with precisely the result that Brown's
followers had predicted. It is probable that Tidd's statement was
true in substance, if not literally.

On the departure of Brown from Boston in March, 1858, the five
persons mentioned — Parker, Howe, Higginson, Sanborn and
Stearns — formed themselves into a secret committee to raise for him
the money (now set at $1,000) which it was agreed should be raised
in New England. Each of the five was to raise $100, and as
much more as he could. Dr. Howe having hopes of securing a larger
subscription from his friend Mr. George R. Russell. Mr. Stearns
was made treasurer of the committee, and the small sum judged
necessary for beginning the enterprise was nearly made up, either in
money or pledges, before the ist of May, at which time Brown was
on his way from Iowa to Ohio, with the arms that had been stored

Biographies. 375

in Iowa, and with some of his men. He was to enlist others in
Canada about May 8th, and to strike his first blow in the latter part
of the same month. On the 28th of April, Brown was in Chicago ;
on the 2d of May at Chatham, in Canada. But, meanwhile, a for-
midable obstacle had appeared. Hugh Forbes interposed again,
writing from Washington, and threatened to disclose the whole plan
to the republican leaders, and even to the government.

In these letters of April and May, Forbes insisted that Brown's
enterprise should stop, that Brown himself should be dismissed as the
leader of the movement, and Forbes be put in his place ; and these
demands were accompanied by a threat of making public the whole
transaction, so far as it had gone. To increase the difficulties of the
situation, Forbes had evidently learned, from some quarter, of the
countenance given to Brown, since the 1st of March, by his Boston
committee. On the 2d of May these letters were submitted to this
committee, Howe, Parker, Sanborn and Stearns being present, and
Higginson being informed of them by mail. Parker, Sanborn and
Stearns at once said that the blow must be deferred till another year,
and in this opinion Howe partially coincided. Higginson thought
otherwise, and so did Brown, who declared that he would go for-
ward, in spite of Forbes and his threats, if the money promised him
should be furnished. Here, however, another difficulty sprang up.
Forbes, early in May, carried out his threat so far as to inform Sen-
ators Hale, Seward and Wilson, and Dr. Bailey, in general terms, of
Brown's purposes, and Wilson wrote to Dr. Howe, earnestly pro-
testing against any such demonstration. As the rifles which had been
purchased by the Massachusetts Kansas committee and intrusted to
Brown by them were still, so far as Senator Wilson and the public
knew, the property of that committee (though really, as has been
explained, the personal property of Mr. Stearns, the chairman), it
would expose the Kansas committee, who were ignorant of Brown's
later plans, to suspicions of bad faith, if those arms were used by him
in any expedition to Virginia. This awkward complication seems
to have decided Dr. Howe in favor of postponing the attack, and both
he and Mr. Stearns, as members of the Kansas Committee, wrote
to Brown that the arms must not be used for the present, except for
the defence of Kansas. Brown saw that nothing further could then
be done, and yielded, though with regret, to the postponement.
About the 20th of May, Mr. Stearns met Brown in New York, and
arranged that hereafter the custody of the Kansas rifles should he

376 History of Torrington.

Brown's, as the agent of Stearns, the real owner, and not of the
nominal owners, the Kansas committee. On the 24th of May, a
meeting of the Boston secret committee, with one of the principal
friends of Brown's plan outside of New England, Mr. Gerrit Smith —
took place at the Revere House in Boston — Parker, Howe, Sanborn
and Stearns being present, as before ; and it was agreed that the exe-
cution of the plan should be postponed till the spring of 1B59. I
the meantime a larger sum of money — from two to three thousand
dollars — was to be raised, and Brown was to throw Forbes off his
track by returning to Kansas and engaging in the defence of the free-
state men on the border. The alleged property of the Kansas com-
mittee was to be so transferred as to relieve that committee of all
responsibility, and the secret committee were, in future, to know
nothing in detail of Brown's plans. Brown was not himself present
at this Revere House meeting, but came to Boston the next week,
and was at the American House May 31st. Here he met all the
committee, Higginson included ; and, in the two or three days that
he stayed, the Revere House arrangement was completed. He re-
ceived the sole custody of the arms which had belonged to the Kan-
sas committee, and five hundred dollars beside ; was to go to Kansas
at once, but after that to use his own discretion ; and, though still
believing the postponement unwise, he left New England in good
spirits the first week in June.

He reached Kansas June 26th, with about ten men, and in a week
or two after was on the border, near the scenes of the Marais des
Cygnes murders of May 19th, which he has described in one of his
later letters soon to be cited, but written after he had made his incur-
sion into Missouri, six months afterwards, and brought off some
fugitive slaves. In the summer he was occupied with the defence of
Kansas once more, and with plans for his next year's campaign in
Virginia.

On the 28th of June, he wrote me from Lawrence a short letter
addressed to " F. B. Sanborn and Dear Friends at Boston^ IVorcester^

and , " and containing this passage: "I reached Kansas with

friends, on the 26th inst. ; came here last night, and leave here to-
day for the neighborhood of late troubles. It seems the troubles are
not over yet. ... I do hope you will be in earnest now to carry out,
as soon as possible, the measure proposed in Mr. Sanborn's letter
inviting me to Boston this last spring." (This was the raising or
money for a campaign in Virginia in 1859, after the Kansas fighting

Biographies. 377

had ended.) " I hope there will be no delay of that matter. Can
you send me by express, care of E. B. Whitman, Esqr., half a dozen
or a full dozen whistles, such as I described, at once?" These
whistles were for use in making signals among his men when in night
attacks, or amid woody or mountainous regions in the day-time, and
he had both spoken and written to me about them before. They
were to be "such as are used by boatswains on ships of war;"
and Brown thought them of great service. *•' Every ten men ought
to have one at least." He had also requested me to procure for him
*' some little articles as marks of distinction," — badges, medals, or
the like — to be given to his men in token of good conduct. Hap-
pening to be at Dr. Howe's house in South Boston one day in the
spring of 1858, the doctor (who was a chevalier of the GreekLegion
of Honor, for services rendered in the Greek Revolution of 1 820-27),
had shown me his cross of Malta and other decorations, given by
the Legion to its members, and some of these seemed to me exactly
what Brown would want. I therefore made rude sketches of them
and showed these to Brown, who selected the Maltese cross and one
or two other designs, as suitable for his badges, but I doubt if they
were ever used for that purpose.

How well Brown looked after Kansas matters will be seen by the
following letter, a very long one for the old soldier to write :

" Missouri Line (on Kansas Side),
zoth July, 1858.
F. B. Sanborn, Esq., and Friends at Boston and Worcester: I am
here with about ten of my men, located on the same quarter section where the
terrible murders of the igih May were committed, called the Hamilton or
Trading Post murders. Deserted faims and dwelHngs lie in all directions for
some miles along the line, and the remaining inhabitants watch every ap-
pearance of persons moving about, with anxious jealousy and vigilance. Four
of the persons wounded or attacked on that occasion are staying zvilh me.
The blacksmith Snyder, who fought the murderers, with his brorher aud son,
are of the number. Old Mr. Hargrove, who was terribly wounded at the
same time, is another. The blacksmith returned here with me, and intends to
bring back his family on to his claim, within two or three days. A constant
fear of new troubles seems to p'evail on both sides the line, and on both sides
are companies of armed men. Any little affair may open the quarrel afresh.
Two murders and cases of robbery are reported of late. [ have also a man
with me who fled from his family and farm in Missouri but a day or two since,
his life being threatened on account of being accused of informing Kansas men
of the whereabouts of one of the murderers, who was lately taken and brought
to this side. I have concealed the fact of my presence pretty much, lest it
should tend to create excitement ; but it is getting leaked out, and will soon be

378 History of Torrington.

known to all. As I am not here to seek or secure revenge, I do not mean to
be the first to reopen the quarrel. How soon it may be raised against me, I
cannot say, nor am I over-anxious. A portion of my men are in other neigh-
borhoods. We shall soon be in great want of a small amount in a draft or
drafts on New York, to feed us. We' cannot work for wages, and provisions
are not easily obtained on the frontier.

I cannot refrain from quoting or rather referring to a notice of the terrible
afFair before alluded to, in an account found in the New York Tribune of May
31st, dated at Westport, May 21st. The writer says : 'From one of the
prisoners it was ascertained that a number of persons were stationed at Snyder's,
a short distance from the Post, a house built in the gorge of two mounds, and
flanked by rock walls, a fit place for robbers and murderers.' At a spring in
a rocky ravine stands a very small open blacksmith's shop, made of thin slabs
from a saw-mill. This is the only building that has ever been known to stand
there, and in that article is called a ' fortification.' It is to-day just as it was
the 19th May, — a little pent-up shop, containing Snyder's tools (what have
not been carried off") all covered with rust, — and had never been thought of
as a ' fortification ' before the poor man attempted in it his own and his
brother's and son's defense. I give this as an illustration of the truthfulness of
that whole account. It should be left to stand while it may last, and should be
known hereat'ter as Fort Snyder.

I may contitiue here for some time. Mr. Russell and other friends at New
Haven assured me before I left that, if the Lecompton abomination should pass
througli congress, something could be done there to relieve me from a diffi-
culty I am in, and which they understand. Will not some of my Boston
friends 'stir up their minds' in the matter.? I do believe they would be
listened to.'

You may use this as you think best. Please let friends in New York and at
North Elba" hear from me. I am not very stout, have much to think of and
to do, and have but little time or chance Br writing. The weather of late has
been very hot. I will write you all when I can.

I believe all honest, sensible Free State men in Kansas consider George Wash-
ington Brown's Herald of Freedom one of the most mischievous, traitorous
publications in the whole country.

July 2.id. Since the previous date, another free state Missourian has been
over to see us, who reports great excitement on the other side of the line, and
thai the house of Mr. Bishop (the man who fled to us) was beset during the
night after he left ; but, on finding he was not there, they left. Yesterday a
pro-slavery man from West Point (Missouri) came over, professing that he
wanted to buy Bishop's farm. I think he was a spy. He reported all quiet

' The allusion here is probably to Brown's contract with Charles Blair of Collinsville,
the blacksmith who was to make the thousand pikes. Brown had engaged them in 1857,
and had paid in that year five hundred and fifty of the thousand dollars which the pikes
were to cost when finished. In 1858, Brown had not been able, for lack of money, to
complete the payment, and was afraid his contract would be forfeited and the money already
paid would be lost. He therefore communicated (as I suppose) the facts in the case to Mr.
Russell, who was then the head of a military school at New Haven, and had some assur-
ance from him of money to be raised in Connecticut to meet this Connecticut contract.

' His wife and children.

Biographies. 379

on the other side. At present, along this part of the line the free state men
may be said in some sense to ' possess the field,' but we deem it wise to ' be
on the alert ' Whether Missouri people are more excited through fear than
otherwise I am not yet prepared to judge. The blacksmith (Snyder) has got
his familv back ; also some others have returned, and a few new settlers are
coming in. Those who fled or were driven off will pretty much lose the
season. Since we came here, about twenty-five to thirty of Governor Den-
ver's men have moved a little nearer to the line, I believe.

August 6th. Have been down with ague since last date, and had no safe way
of getting off my letter. I had lain every night without shelter, suffering from
cold rains and heavy dews, together with the oppressive heat of the days. A
few days since. Governor Denver's officer then in command bravely moved his
men on to the line, and on the next adjoining claim with us. Several of them
immediately sought opportunity to tender their service to me secretly. I, how-
ever, advised them to remain where they were. Soon after I came on the
line, my right name was reported, but the majority did not credit the report.

I am getting better. You will know the true result of the election of the 2d
inst., much sooner than I shall, probably. lam in no place for correct general
information. May God bless you all.

Your friend,

John Brown.

Inclose in envelope directed to Augustus Wattles, Moneka, Linn County,
Kansas ; inside direct to S. Morgan."

Some of the incidents and allusions in the above letter need to be
further explained. The " Hamilton murders " are better known in
border story as the Marais des Cygnes Massacre, a tragedy which
Whittier has celebrated in verse. Near the river named by the old
French voyageurs of Louisiana "■' The Swan's Marsh " [Marais des
Cygnes or du Cygne)., in Southern Kansas, was a little settlement of
northern farmers. As they were planting their fields and fencing
them in May, 1858, an unprovoked assault was made on them by a
party from Missouri, under the lead of three brothers named Hamilton,
from Georgia ; five farmers were killed and five wounded. The
murderers were not Missourians, but men from farther south, who
had been in Kansas but v/ere driven out in some of the contests of
1856—57. They marched over in an armed band from Missouri,
gathered up their victims from the prairie farms and the lonely roads,
or took them from their cabins, formed them into a line, and shot
them down by a platoon discharge. Then the invaders gave out
word that they meant to shoot all the free state settlers in Linn
county in the same way. The farmers mustered for defense, in a
band of two hundred, near the Missouri line, and detailed a company
of mounted men to stand guard, or to ride up and down the line and
keep watch of the Hamiltons and their band. When Brown reached

380 History of Torrington.

the spot a month later, he put his own men on guard, and the
settlers went back to their work. The governor of Kansas, Denver,
also sent armed men, perhaps United States troops, to keep the
peace, and it is to these that Brown alludes as having offered to serve
under him. Brown went to the spot where the massacre took place,
assuming the name of " Captain Morgan " for the occasion, fortified
himself, and gave out that he was there to fight or be peaceable as
the other side might choose ; " they could make him as good a
neighbor or as bad as they pleased." Gradually his secret came out
and the terror of his name frightened the enemy away ; the Hamil-
tons left the neighborhood, and the trouble there ceased. But Brown
himself fell sick and was obliged to take shelter for a few weeks with
his friend Wattles, at Moneka. I wrote to him early in July a letter
which reached him there, and to which he replied as follows :

OsAWATOMiE, Kansas, lotb September,
1858.
Dear Friend, and other Friends — Your kind and very welcome letter of
the llth July was received a long time since, but I was sick at the time, and
have been ever since until now ; so that I did not even answer the letters of
my own family, or any one else, before yesterday, when 1 began to try. I am
very weak yet, but gaining well. All seems quiet now. I have been down
about six weeks. As things now look I would say that, if you had not already
sent forward those little articles,' do not do it. Before I was taken sick there
seemed to be every prospect of some business very soon ; and there is some
now that requires doing ; but, under all the circumstances, I think not best to
send them.

I have heard nothing direct from Forbes for months, but expect to when I
get to Lawrence. I have but fourteen regularly employed hands, the most of
whom are now at common work, and some are sick. Much sickness prevails.
How we travel m^ij not be best to write. I have often met the ' notorious '
Montgomery,^ and think very favorably of him.

It now looks as though but little business can be accomplished until we get
oar mill into operation. \ am most anxious about that, and want you to naine
the earliest date possible, as near as you can learn, when you can have your
matters gathered up. Do let me hear from you on this point (as soon as consist-
ent), so that I may have some idea how to arrange my business. Dear friends,
do be in earnest ; the harvest we shall reap, if we are only up and doing.

\-^th September, 1858. Yours of the 25th August, containing draft of Mr.
S. for fifty dollars is received. I am most grateful for it, and to you for your
kind letter. This would have been sooner mailed but for want of stamps and
envelopes. I am gaining slowly, but hope to be on my legs soon. Have no
further news.

Mailed, September 15th. Still weak.

Your friend,

' The boatswain's whistles.

» This was James Montgomery, one of the bravest partisans on the Kansas border, and
during the civil war colonel of a black regiment in South Carolina.

Biographies. 381

The money which I sent to Brown, as above acknowledged, was
probably contributed by Gerrit Smith, who, first and last, gave Brown
or sent him more than a thousand dollars. Most of the smaller sums
which Brown received during the years 1858-59, I suppose, passed
through my hands, while the larger sums were paid to him directly
by Mr. Stearns or other contributors. Most of the correspondence
on this Virginia business also went through my hands ; it being
Brown's custom to write one letter to be read by the half dozen
persons with whom he desired to communicate -, and this letter
generally (by no means always) coming to me in the first instance.
My custom was to show it to Mr. Parker and Dr. Howe, when
they were at home, then to send it to Mr. Stearns, who sometimes
forwarded it to Colonel Higginson or some more distant correspondent,
and sometimes returned it to me. It appears that both the letters
just quoted came back to me in October, 1858, and were by me
forwarded to Higginson on the 13th of that month.

Colonel Higginson expressed the hope that the enterprise would
not be deferred longer that the spring of 1859, ^"^ made some con-
tribution to the fund, as also did Mr. Parker and the other members
of the secret committee. No active movement to raise money was
undertaken, however, until the winter and spring of 1859.

In December 1858, Brown wishing to show by experiment in
Missouri what he could do in Virginia, crossed the border from Kan-
sas with a few men, and brought away a party of slaves, with whom
he traveled in January and February, 1859, from the border of
southern Kansas, through Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan,
to Detroit, where he arrived March 12th, and landed his fugitives
safely in Canada. In the latter part of March, 1859, ^^ ^^^ ^^
Cleveland, where he sold publicly the horses he had brought from
Missouri. While still in Kansas he wrote this striking letter for
publication in the New York Tribune and other friendly newspapers :

John Brown's Parallels.

Trading Post, Kansas, January, 1859.

Gentlemen : You will greatly oblige a humble friend by allowing the use of
your columns while I briefly state two parallels, in my poor way.

Not one year ago eleven quiet citizens of this neighborhood, viz : William
Robertson, William Colpetzer, Amos Hall, Austin Hall, John Campbell, Asa
Snvder, Thomas Stilwell, William Hairgrove, Asa Hairgrove, Patrick Ross,
and B. L. Reed, were gathered up from their work and their homes by an
armed force under one Hamilton, and without trial or opportunity to speak in

382 History of Torrington.

their own defense, were formed into line, and all but one shot — five killed
and five wounded. One fell unharmed, pretending to be dead. All were left
for dead. The only crime charged against them was that of being free state
men. Now, I inquire what action has ever, since the occurrence in May last,
been taken by cither the president of the United States, the governor of Mis-
souri, the governor of Kansas, or any of their tools, or by any pro-slavery
or administration man, to ferret out and punish the perpetrators of this crime?

Now for the other parallel. On Sunday, December 19, a negro man called
Jim came over to the Osage settlement, from Missouri, and stated that he
together with his wife, two children, and another negro man, was to be sold
within a day or two, and begged for help to get away. On Monday (the fol-
lowing) night, two small companies were made up 10 go to Missouri and forci-
bly liberate the five slaves, together with other slaves. One of these companies
I assumed to direct. We proceeded to the place, surrounded the buildings,
liberated the slaves, and also took certain property supposed to belong to the
estate.

We however learned before leaving, that a portion of the articles we had
taken belonged to a man living on the plantation as a tenant, and who was sup-
posed to have no interest in the estate. We promptly returned to him all we
had taken. We then went to another plantation, where we found five more
slaves, took some property and two white men. We moved all slowly away
into the territory for some distance, and then sent the white men back, telling
them to follow us as soon as they chose to do so. The other company freed
one female slave, took some property, and, as I am informed, killed one white
man (the master), who fought against the liberation.

Now for a comparison. Eleven persons are forcibly restored to tlieir natu-
ral and inalienable rights, with but one man killed, and all ' hell is stirred from
beneath.' It is currently reported that the governor of Missouri has made a
requisition upon the governor of Kansas for the delivery of all such as were
concerned in the last-named ' dreadful outrage.' The marshal of Kansas is
said to be collecting a posse of MissTuri (not Kansas) men at West Point, in
Missouri, a little town about ten miles distant, to 'enforce the laws.' All pro-
slavery, conservative, free state, and doughface men, and administration tools,
are filled with holy horror.

Consider the two cases, and the action of the Administration party.

Respectfully yours,

John Brown.

On the 4th of March, 1859, ^ wrote to a friend thus : " Brown
was at Tabor (Iowa) on the 19th February, with his stock in fine
condition, as he says in a letter to G. Smith. He also says he is
ready with some new men to set his mill in operation, and seems to
be cominp; east for that purpose. Mr. Smith proposes to raise one
thousand dollars for him, and to contribute one hundred dollars him-
self. I think a larger sum ought to be raised, but can we raise so
much as this ? Brown says he thinks any one of us who talked with
him might raise the sum if we should set about it ; perhaps this is so,
but I doubt. As a reward for what he has done, perhaps money

Biographies. 383

might be raised for him. At any rate he means to do the work, and
I expect to hear of him in New York within a few weeks. Dr.
Howe thinks J. F. and some others, not of our party, would help
the project if they knew of it."

Following up this last suggestion, I sounded several anti-slavery
men of wealth and influence in the spring of 1859, ^"^ ^'^ obtain
some subscriptions from persons who were willing to give to a brave
man forcibly interfering with slavery, without inquiring very closely
what he would do next. But on the other hand I found that Brown's
manly action in Missouri had made some of our friends more shy of
him. When he reached Boston in May, he was invited to dine one
Saturday at the Bird Club, and there for the first time met Senator
Wilson, afterwards vice-president, who has thus described the inter-
view : "The last of May, 1859, ^ "^^^ Jo^^n Brown at the Parker
House in Boston. There were a dozen persons present ; Brown
came in with somebody, and was introduced to quite a number of
gentlemen there. I was introduced to him, and he, 1 think, did not
recollect my name. I stepped aside. In a moment, after speaking
to somebody else, he came up again, and said to me that he did not
understand my name when it was mentioned. He then said, in a
very calm but firm tone, ' I understand you do not approve of my
course ;' referring, as I supposed, to his going into Missouri and
getting slaves and running them off. It was said with a great deal of
firmness of manner, and it was the first salutation after speaking to
me. I said I did not ; I believed it to be a very great injury to the
anti-slavery cause ; that I regarded every illegal act, and every im-
prudent act, as being against it. I said that, if this action had been
a year or two before, it might have been followed by the invasion of
Kansas by a large number of excited people on the border, and a
great many lives might have been lost. He said he thought differ-
ently, believed he had acted right, and that it would have a good in-
fluence." If Brown had known Senator Wilson as well as he did
that Kansas friend who reproved him for the same cause, he would
have gone further, and given the senator the same answer j " Brown
called in to see me, in going out of Kansas in 1859, and I censured
him for going into Missouri and getting those slaves. He said, ' I
considered the matter well ; you will have no more attacks from Mis-
souri. I shall now leave Kansas ; probably you will never see me
again. / consider it my duty to draw the scene of the excitement to some
other part of the country.'' " In this aim he certainly succeeded.

384 . History of Torrington,

Even Dr. Howe who had been concerned in the Greek revolution,
the French revolution of July, 1 830, and the Polish revolution of
1 83 1, was distressed, on his return from Cuba in the spring of 1859,
to rind that Brown had actually been taking the property of slave-
holders with which to give their escaping slaves an outfit, and for a
time withdrew his support from the veteran, who chafed greatly at
this unexpected rebuff. I have an impression that Dr. Howe, on
his way home from Cuba (whither he accompanied Theodore Parker
in February, 1858), had journeyed through the Carolinas, and had
there accepted the splendid hospitality of Wade Hampton and other
rich planters ; and that it shocked him to think he might have been
instrumental in giving up to fire and pillage the noble mansions where
he had been entertained. If so, it was a generous relutance which
held him back from heartily entering again into John Brown's plans j
nor did he after 1858 so completely support them as before, although
he never withdrew from the secret committee, and continued to give
money to the enterprise. Parker never returned to Boston, but died
in P'lorence May, i860. He contributed nothing after 1858, nor
did Higginson give so much, or interest himself so warmly in the
enterprise after its first postponement.

All this would have made it more difficult, during 1859, to raise
the money which Brown needed, had it not been for the munificence
of Mr. Stearns, who, at each emergency, came forward with his in-
dispensable gifts. After placing about twelve hundred dollars in
Brown's hands in the spring and summer of 1859, he still continued
to aid him in one way and another, until almost the day of the out-
break, which was delayed by the slowness of Brown's own move-
ments during the spring and summer of 1859. ^ ^"^ ^^^^ '" °^^ °^
my letters, dated "Concord, June 4, 1859 •" " Brown has set out
on his expedition, having got some eight hundred dollars from all
sources except from Mr. Stearns, and from hi.Ti the balance of two

thousand dollars ; Mr. S being a man who, ' having put his hand

to the plow, turneth not back.' Brown left Boston for Springfield
and New York on Wednesday morning at 8 : 30, and Mr. Stearns
has probably gone to New York to-day to make final arrangements
for him. Brown means to be on the ground as soon as he can, per-
haps so as to begin by the 4th of July. He could not say where he
should be for a few weeks, but letters are addressed to him, under
cover to his son John, Jr., at West Andover, Ohio. This point is
not far from where Brown will begin, and his son will communicate

Biographies. 385

with him. Two of his sons will go with him. He is desirous of
getting some one to go to Canada and collect recruits for him among
the fugitives, with Harriet Tubman or alone, as the case may be."
This letter shows I had then no thought that the attack would be
made at Harper's Ferry, nor had Mr. Stearns, to whom I was then
in the habit of talking or writing about the matter every few days.
I have no doubt he knew as much as I did about the general plan.
On the 1 8th of August, Brown sent me word from Chambersburg
that he was again delayed for want of money, and must have three
hundred dollars, which I undertook to raise for him. On the 4th of
September I had sent him two hundred dollars, of which Dr. Howe
gave fifty and Gerrit Smith a hundred ; on the 14th of September,
I had all but thirty-five dollars of the remaining hundred, Colonel
Higginson having sent me twenty dollars. I think the balance was
paid by Mr. Stearns. On the 6th of October — ten days before
the attack was made — I wrote to Higginson, " The three hundred
dollars desired has been made up and received. Four or five men
will be on the ground next week, from these regions and elsewhere."
These facts were all known to Mr. Stearns, who within a fortnight
of the outbreak was in consultation with Mr. Lewis Hayden, and
other colored men of Boston, about forwarding recruits to Brown. I
think he paid some of the expenses of recruits, but am not certain.

To the unthinking public, slavery had never seemed more secure,
or more likely to continue for centuries, than in this very year 1859.
But Brown and his friends believed that it could be overthrown ;
that it must be overthrown, and that speedily, else it would destroy the
nation. Brown did not contemplate insurrection, but partisan war-
fare, at first on a small scale, then more extensive. Yet he did not
shrink from the extreme consequences of his position. A man of
peace for more than fifty years of his life, he nevertheless understood
that war had its uses, and that there were worse evils than warfare
for a great principle. He more than once said to me, and doubtless
said the same to others, " I believe in the Golden Rule and the De-
claration of Independence ; I think they both mean the same thing ;
and it is better that a whole generation should pass off^the face of the
earth — men, women and children — by a violent death, than that
one jot of either should fail in this country. I mean exactly so sir."
He also told me that "• he had much considered the matter, and had
about concluded that forcible separation of the connection between
master and slave was necessary to fit the blacks for self-government."

386 History of Torrington.

First a soldier, then a citizen, was his plan with the liberated slaves.
" When they stand like men, the nation will respect them," he said ;
*' it is necessary to teach them this." He looked forward, no doubt,
to years of conflict, in which the blacks, as in the later years of the
civil war, would be formed into regiments and brigades and be drilled
in the whole art of war, as were the black soldiers of Toussaint
L'Ouverture and Dessalines, in Hayti. But in his more inspired
moments he foresaw a speedier end to the combat which he began.
Once he said, " A few men in the right, and knowing they are
right, can overturn a mighty king. Fifty men, twenty men, in the
Alleghanies, could break slavery to pieces in two years." Within
less than three years from the day he crossed the Potomac with his
twenty men, Abraham Lincoln had made his first proclamation of
emancipation. Before six years had passed, every one of the four
million slaves in our country was a free man.

The Virginia Campaign.
Until the troubles in Kansas in 1856-7, the world knew nothing
of John Brown, After that time he was well known, though not
always kept in mind, until his final adventure in Virginia, and the
remarkable scenes at the close of his life fastened the attention of
all men, and made his name as familiar to our countrymen and to
foreign nations, as are those of Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
And it was on the banks of Washington's own noble stream, the
Potomac, and among regions familiar to the great Virginian, that this
son of Connecticut achieved his highest renown. Robert Harper,
an English carpenter from the neighborhood of Oxford, who gave
his name to the romantic spot since known as " Harper's Ferry,"
was a contemporary of Washington, though somewhat older. It was
then (in 1747), a part of Lord Fairfax's broad Virginia manor, be-
tween the Potomac and the Rappahannock, in which Washington, at
the request of his friend and patron Fairfax, first began work as a
land surveyor. Without waiting for the formality of a survey, Robert
Harper, who saw the advantages of the situation, determined to buy
out the squatter's cabin and claim which then occupied the locality,
paying fifty English guineas for such rights as could be possessed
under squatter law. In the year 1748, while Washington was ex-
ploring and surveying the Shenandoah valley. Harper went to Lord
Fairfax's hunting lodge at Greenway Court (not far off), and obtained
a patent for the lands he had purchased. Probably the first survey

Biographies. 387

of this tract was made by Washington, who also is said to have
selected the Ferrv, in 1794, as the site of a national armory. The
scenery of this region has been described by Jefferson in his Notes on
Virginia^ written shortly before the death of Robert Harper in 1782,
and presenting the view as it shows itself from Jefferson's rock,
above the present village of Harper's Ferry. '^' You stand, on a very
high point of land ; on your right comes up the Shenandoah, having
ranged along the foot of the mountain a hundred miles to find a
vent ; on your left approaches the Potomac, in quest of a passage
also. In the moment of their junction they rush together against
the mountain, rend it asunder, and pass off to the sea. The scene
is worth a voyage across the Atlantic. Yet here are people who
have passed their lives within half a dozen miles, and have never
been to survey these monuments of a war between rivers and moun-
tains which must have shaken the earth itself to its centre."

Around this junction of the two rivers, in the sixty years that
followed the death of Washington, had grown up a village of three
or four thousand inhabitants. On the northern side of the Potomac
rise the Maryland Heights almost perpendicular to the river's bank,
and some thirteen hundred feet above it. The Loudon Heights, across
the Shenandoah, are lower, but both ridges overtop the hill between
them, and make it untenable for an army, as was more than once
demonstrated during the civil war. Yet this hill itself commands all
below it, and makes the town indefensible against a force occupying
that position. Therefore when John Brown, on the night of Sun-
day, October 16, 1859, entered and captured Harper's Ferry, he
placed himself in a trap where he was sure to be taken, unless he
should quickly leave it. His purpose, beyond question, was to hold
the village but a ^ew hours, make such disposal as he should think
best of the government armory and arsenal there, with its tens of
thousands of muskets and rifles, get together the principal persons of
the whole neighborhood to be detained as hostages, and then to
move forward into the mountains of Virginia, keeping open such com-
munication as he could, with the mountain region of Maryland and
so with the northern states. His first mistake (and he made many
in this choice of his point of attack and his method of warfare) was
in crossing the Potomac at a place so near the cities of Washington
and Baltimore, which are distant but sixty and eighty miles respect-
ively from the bridge over which he marched his men. This bridge
is used both by the Baltimore and Ohio rail road and by the travelers

388 History of Torrington.

along the public highway ; and the only approach to it from the
Maryland side is by a narrow road under the steep clifF, or by the
rail road itself. On the Virginia side there are roads leading up from
the Shenandoah valley, and both up and down the Potomac. Har-
per's Ferry is indeed the Thermopylae of Virginia. Robert Lee, the
Hector of the Southern Troy, came here with, soldiers of the national
army to capture John Brown, in 1859 > ^^ came here again and re-
peatedly as commander of the Southern armies, during the five years
that followed. His soldiers and their opponents of the Union army
canonaded, burnt, pillaged and abandoned the town, which has
never recovered from the ruin of the war. The armory workshops
are abandoned, both those beside the Potomac, where Brown fought
and was captured, and those beside the Shenandoah, where his com-
rade Kagi fought and was slain. The fine houses of the officers
who directed the armory work before the war are turned over to the
directors of a school for the colored people, young and old, almost
the only thing that flourishes now at Harper's Ferry. The popula-
tion of the two or three villages crowded together there is but little
more than half what it was in 1859.

Brown's attention was turned toward Harper's Ferry and the Vir-
ginia counties within easy reach, not only by the natural advantages
of the place, and its historical associations with the heroes of Vir-
ginia, but also by the number of slaves held there. In the village
itself there were few^ but in Jeff'erson county there were four thou-
sand slaves and five hundred free blacks, while the white population
was but ten thousand ; and within a range of thirty miles from the
Ferry there were perhaps twenty thousand slaves, of whom four or
five thousand were capable of bearing arms. Brown may well have
supposed that out of this population he could obtain the few hundred
recruits that he desired for the first operations of his Virginia cam-
paign ; and could he have succeeded in fortifying himself in the Blue
Ridge, as he proposed, it is quite possible he would have had these
recruits. A colored clergyman, who heard him unfold his plan in
1858, at a secret meeting of colored people in one of the western
cities, reports this version of what he then said: "I design to make
a few midnight raids upon the plantations, in order to give those who
are willing among the slaves an opportunity of joining us or escap-
ing; and it matters little whether we begin with many or few. Hav-
ing done this for two or three times, until the neighborhood becomes
alarmed and the generality of the slaves encouraged, we will retire to

Biographies. 389

the fastness of the mountains; and, ever and anon, strike unexpected
though bloodless blows upon the Old Dominion ; in the mean time
sending away those slaves who may desire to go to the North. We
shall by this means conquer without bloodshed, awaken the slaves to
the possibility of escape, and frighten the slaveholders into a desire
to get rid of slavery." It was the possibility of success in such a
plan, that so alarmed the slaveholders of the whole South, and caused
Vallandigham of Ohio to say, as he did a few days after Brown's
capture, "Certainly it was one of the best planned and best executed
conspiracies that ever failed."

Had Brown gone forward as he proposed, he might have secured
a foothold for his operations, and it is possible that he could not only
have made slavery insecure, and emancipation desirable, but grad-
ually have extended forcible emancipation over a large part of the
South. That this was a perilous undertaking. Brown and his men
well knew, but they did not believe it hopeless. Thus young Jerry
Anderson, who was killed by the side of his captain in the engine-
house at Harper's Ferry, wrote to his brother in Iowa less than three
weeks before the outbreak, in terms of great confidence.

" Our mining company will consist of between twenty five and thirty, well
equipped with tools. You can tell Uncle Dan it will be impossible for me to
visit him before next spring. If my life is spared, I will be tired of work by
that time, and I shall visit my relatives and friends in Iowa, if I can get leave
of absence. At present, I am bound by all that is honorable to continue in
the course. We go in to win, at all hazards. So if you should hear of a
failure, it will be after a desperate struggle, and loss of capital on both sides.
But that is the last of our thoughts. Everything seems to work to our hands,
and victory will surely perch upon our banner. The old man has had this
operation in view for twenty years, and last winter^ was just a hint and trial of
what could be done. This is not a large place, ^ but a precious one to Uncle
Sam, as he has a great many tools here. I expect (when I start again travel-
ing) to start at this place and go through the state of Virginia and on south,
ju5t as circumstances require ; mining and prospecting, and carrying the ore

with us I suppose this is the last letter I shall write before there is

something in the wind. Whether I will have a chance of sending letters then
I do not know, but when I have an opportuuity, I shall improve it. But if
you don't get any from me, don't take it for granted that I am gone up till
you know it to be so. I consider my life about as safe in one place as an-
other."

This letter shows the smallness of the force with which Brown

^In Missouri, December 1858, whence he carried oft' a dozen slaves safely to Canada.
" Harper's Ferry. •

390

History of Torringtom.

intended to begin his work. He would gladly have raised a hundred
men (or more) for his first operations, but he was quite ready to com-
mence with thirty, hoping to increase their number by recruits from
the freed slaves and accessions from the North, both white and
black. He had several persons at the North engaged to enlist and
forward recruits, the most active of these being his son, John Brown,
Jr., then living at West Andover, Ohio. During the summer of
1859, John Brown, the younger, had visited Boston, and there made
arrangements for receiving recruits from Massachusetts.

Only one of the six colored recruits from Massachusetts reached
Harper's Ferry before the attack, and even he took no part in the
fight. The others were delayed at home, from one cause or another,
until the enterprise had failed. The same thing happened with rej
gard to a few other recruits enlisted by John Brown, Jr., or under
his direction, while a few persons, who had been counted on to join
the expedition, at last refused or hesitated to do so. Had it been de-
layed, as some of the party expected, until the following spring, it is
possible that the number of men would have been increased to fifty ;
but probably no more than fifty were at any time pledged to join in this
particular expedition. Probably it would have been unsafe to trust
more persons with the secret, which was so often on the point of being
disclosed, yet never really became public. It would appear from a
letter of John Brown, Jr., dated September 8, 1859, ^^^"^ ^^ ^^^ ^'^^
informed, until early in September, that the attack would be made
in October. " I had supposed," he writes to Kagi, " that you would
not think it best to commence opening the coal banks before spring,
unless circumstances should make it imperative. However, I sup-
pose the reasons are satisfactory to you."

The actual force with which Captain Brown undertook his Vir-
ginia campaign consisted of twenty-three men, including himself;
but four of these never crossed the Potomac, nor had they all been
mustered together on the Kennedy farm or elsewhere. Six of them
were colored men, of whom three were fugitive slaves. In the fol-
lowing list those who did not cross the river are marked with an as-
terisk, and the names of the colored men are in italics. Of the whole
number only one, Owen Brown, now survives. Ten of them were
killed or died of their wounds in Virginia, seven were hanged, and
six escaped. Six of the white men were members of the Brown
family or connected with it by marriage, and five of these died in
Virginia. The list is as follows :

Biographies.

391

1. John Brown, commander-in-chief; 2. John Henry Kagi, adjutant, and
second in command; 3. Aaron C.Stevens, captain; 4. Watson Brown,
captain ; 5. Oliver Brown, captain ; 6. John E. Cook, captain ; 7. Charles
Plummer Tidd, captain ; 8. William H. Leman, lieutenant ; 9. Albert Haz-
lett, lieutenant ; 10. Owen Brown,* lieutenant ; 11. Jeremiah G. Anderson,
lieutenant; 12. Edwin Coppoc, lieutenant ; 13. William Thompson, lieuten-
ant ; 14. Dauphin Thompson, lieutenant ; 15. Shields Green; 16. Danger-
field Nezvby ; 17. John J. Copeland ; 18. Oshorn P. Anderson; 19. Lewis
Leary ; 20. Stewart Taylor; 21. Barclay Coppoc;* 22. Francis Jackson
Merriam ;* 23. John Anderson.^

It will at once be seen that this company was but the skeleton of
an organization, which it was intended to fill up with recruits gath-
ered from among the slaves and at the North ; hence the great dis-
proportion of officers to privates. According to the general orders
issued by Brown, dated at Harper's Ferry, October 10, 1859, ^
week before his capture of the town, his forces were to be divided
into battalions of four companies, which would contain, when full,
seventy-two officers and men in each company, or two hundred and
eighty-eight in the battalion. Provision was made for officering and
arming the four companies of the first battalion, which, in the event
of Brown's success, would have been filled up as quickly as possi-
ble. Each company was to be divided into bands of seven men,
under a corporal, and every two bands made a section of sixteen
men, under a sergeant. Until the companies were filled up, the
commissioned officers seem to have been intended to act as corporals
and sergeants in these bands and sections, and they did so during the
engagement at the village and the operations in Maryland and Vir-
ginia.

Brown's first appearance in the neighborhood of Harper's Ferry, for
the purpose of organizing his attack upon the place, was on the 30th
of June, 1859, when he went down from Chambersburg in Penn-
sylvania to Hagerstown in Maryland, accompanied by his lieutenant,
Anderson. They spent the night at a tavern in Hagerstown, and
there passed for Yankees going through the mountains to search for
minerals On the 3d of July Brown was at the Ferry with Ander-
son, and his sons Watson and Oliver, and they spent that night at a
tavern in Sandy Hook, a hamlet on the Maryland side of the Potomac,
about a mile below. On the 4th of July they went up the river
road towards the house of Mr. John C. Unseld, a Maryland slave-
holder, who lived in Washington county about a mile from the Ferry
on one of the mountain roads. Between eight and nine o'clock that

39^ History of Torrington.

morning, as Mr. Unseld was riding down to the Ferry, he met the
party strolling along the edge of the mountain. Falling into conver-
sation with them, in the country fashion, he learned that the old man
was named Smith, that these were his sons, Watson and Oliver
Smith, and that the shorter youth was named Anderson. " Well,
gentlemen," said the Marylander, " I suppose you are out hunting
minerals, gold and silver, perhaps." " No," said Brown, " we are
out looking for land. We want to buy land ; we have a little
money, and want to make it go as far as we can. How much is
land worth an acre hereabouts ?" Being told that it "ranged from
fifteen dollars to thirty dollars in that neighborhood," he said, " That
is high ; I thought I could buy for a dollar or two an acre. " No,"
said the Marylander, "not here ; if you expect to get land for that
price, you'll have to go farther west, to Kansas, or some of those
territories where there is congress land. Where are you from !"
" The northern part of New York state." " What have you fol-
lowed there ?" " Farming," said Brown ; but the frost had been so
heavy of late years it had cut off their crops, they could not make
anything there, so he had sold out, and thought they would come
farther south and try it awhile.

Having thus satisfied a natural curiosity, Mr, Unseld rode on,
and as we may suppose, took his morning dram among his Virginia
acquaintances. Returning, some hours afterwards, he again met
Mr. Smith and his young men not far from the same place. " I
have been looking round your country up here," said he, "and it is
a very fine country, — a pleasant place, a fine view. The land is
much better than I expected to find it ; your crops are pretty good."
As he said this he pointed to where the men had been cutting grain,
some white men and some negroes at work in the fields, as the cus-
tom is there. For in Washington county there were few slaves even
then, and most of the field work was done by whites or free colored
men.' Brown then asked if any farm in the neighborhood was for
sale. " Yes, there is a farm four miles up the road here, towards
Boonsborough, owned by the heirs of Dr. Booth Kennedy ; you can

' In walking up the valley road to the Kennedy farm in May 1875, a distance of nearly
five miles, I saw scarcely any negroes cultivating the farms, and but one colored woman
who was working out-doors; while I saw and talked with several white men plowing or
planting their own land. It was not very different from this in 1859, for, out of 31,000
inhabitants of Washington county then, only 1435 were slaves, while 1677 were free col-
ored persons.

Biographies.

393

buy that." " Can I rent it ?" said Brown ; then turning to his com-
panions he said, " I thinic we had better rent awhile, until we get
better acquainted, so that they cannot take advantage of us in the pur-
chase of land." To this they appeared to assent, and Mr. Unseld
then said, " Perhaps you can rent the Kennedy farm ; I do not
know about that, but it is for sale I know." Brown then turned to
his sons and said, " Boys, as you are not very well, you had better
go back and tell the landlord at Sandy Hook that Oliver and I shall
not be there to dinner, but will go on up and see the Kennedy place ;
however, you can do as you please." Watson Brown looked at An-
derson and then said, " We will go with you." " Well," said the
friendly Marylander, '' if you will go on with me up to my house, I
can then point you the road exactly." Arrived there he invited them
to take dinner, for by this time it was nearly noon. They thanked him,
but declined, nor would they accept an invitation to " drink some-
thing." "Well," said Unseld, "if you must go on, just follow up
this road along the foot of the mountain ; it is shady and pleasant,
and you will come out at a church up here about three miles. Then
you can see the Kennedy house by looking from that church right up
the road that leads to Boonsborough, or you can go right across and
get into the county road, and follow that up." Brown sat and talked
with Unseld for a while, who asked him " what he expected to
follow, up yonder at Kennedy's ? " adding that Brown " could not
more than make a living there." " Well," said Brown, " my
business has been buying up fat cattle and driving them on to the
state of New York, and we expect to engage in that again." Three
days later, the genial Unseld, again jogging to or from the Ferry,
again met the gray-bearded rustic, who said, " Well, I think that
place will suit me ; now just give me a description where I can find
the widow Kennedy and the administrator," which Unseld did. A
few days after, he once more met the new comer, and found Mr.
Smith had rented the two houses on the Kennedy farm, the farm
house, about theee hundred yards from the public road on the west
side, where, as Unseld thought, " it makes a very pretty show for a
small house," and " the cabin," which stood about as far from the
road on the east side, " hidden by shrubbery in the summer season,
pretty much."' For the two houses, pasture for a cow and horse,

' It was at this cabin, since torn down, that Brown kept his boxes of rifles and pistols,
after they reached him from Ohio. The pikes from Connecticut, a thousand in number,
were stored in the loft or attic of the farm house, where Brown and his family lived.

394 History of Torrington.

and firewood, from July rill March, Brown paid thirty-five dollars,
as he took pains to tell Unseld, showing him the receipt of the widow

Kennedy.

How was it possible to doubt or mistrust a plain Yankee farmer
and cattledrover who talked in that way, and had no concealments,
no tricks, and no airs ? Evidently the Marylander did not once mis-
trust him; though he rode up to the Kennedy farm nearly every
week from the middle of July till the first of October. " I just went
up to talk to the old man," said he to Senator Mason, when telling
the story before the senate committee, " but sometimes, at the
request of others, on business about selling him some horses or cows.
He was in my yard frequently, perhaps four or five times. I would
always ask him in, but he would never go in, and of course I would
not go in his house. He often invited me in ; indeed, nearly every
time I went there he asked me to go in, and remarked to me fre-
quently, ' we have no chairs for you to sit on, but we have trunks
and boxes.' I declined going in, but sat on my horse and chatted
with him." Before the 20th of July he saw there " two females,"
who were Martha, the wife of Oliver Brown, and Anne, the eldest
unmarried sister of Oliver, then a girl of not quite sixteen years.
" Twice I went there," says Unseld, "and found none of the men,
but the two ladies, and I sat there on my horse — there was a high
porch on the house, and I could sit there and chat with them — and
then I rode ofF and left them. They told me there were none of the
men at home, but did not tell me where they were. One time I
went there and inquired for them, and one of the females answered
me, ' they are across there at the cabin ; you had better ride over
and see them.' I replied it did not make any difference, and I would
not bother them, and I rode back home."

I quote all this gossip because it pictures, as no description of mine
could, the quiet and drowsiness of this woodland, primitive, easy-
going, hard-living population, amid the hills and mountains of Mary-
land, where John Brown spent the last three months of his free life,
and gathered his forces for the battle in which he fell. It is a region
of home-keeping, honest, dull country people ; and so completely
did Brown make himself one of its denizens, that he was accepted
as part and parcel of it, even when plotting his most audacious strokes.
His wifedid not visit him there, but his daughterand daughter-in law —
a bride of the year before, a widow, a mother, and in her grave with
her infant beside her when the next winter's snows were falling —

Biographies. 395

made his cabin cheerful, and softened with feminine tenderness
and tact the roush features of their rustic life. Osborn Ander-
son, who spent the last three weeks before the attack at the
Kennedy farm, has pictured the impression made upon him, one of
the despised people of color, by the circle in which he found himself:
"All the men concerned in the undertaking were on hand when I
arrived, except Copeland, Leary, and Merriam ; and when all had
collected, a more earnest, fearless, and determined company of men
it would be difficult to get together. I saw evidence of strong and
commanding intellect, high toned morality, and inflexibility of purpose
in the men, and a profound and holy reverence for God, united to
the most comprehensive, practical, systematic philanthropy and un-
doubted bravery, in the patriarch leader. There was no milk and
water sentimentality, no offensive contempt for the negro while
working in his cause ; the pulsations of each and every heart beat in
harmony for the suffering and pleading slave. Every morning when
the noble old man was at home, he called the family around, read
from his Bible, and offered to God most fervent and touching suppli-
cations for all flesh I never heard John Brown pray, that he

did not make strong appeals to God for the deliverance of the slave.
This duty over, the men went to the loft [of the farm house], there

to remain all the day long We were, while the ladies remained,

often relieved of much of the dullness growing out of restraint, by
their kindness. We were well supplied with grapes, paw-paws,
chestnuts, and other small fruits, besides bouquets of fall flowers,
through their thoughtful consideration."

Just before Brown expected to begin his campaign, he sent back to
their mother in the Adirondac wilderness his daughter and daughter-
in-law, under the escort of his son Oliver, who accompanied them
as far north as New York. The father soon sent after them this
touching and most characteristic letter, which he then thought might
be the last he should write to his wife and family :

Chambersburg, Pa., October \, 1859.

Dear Wife and Children all, I parted with Martha and Anne at Har-
risburg, yesterday, in company with Oliver, on their way home. 1 trust,
before this reaches you, the women will have arrived safe. I have encourage-
ment of having fifty dollars or more sent you soon, to help you to get through
the winter ; and I shall certainly do ^7// in my power for you, and try to com-
mend you always to the God of my fathers.

Perhaps you can keep your animals in good condition through the winter on
potatoes mostly, much cheaper than on any other feed. I think that would
certainly be the case if the crop '\?, good, and is secured well zwdk in time.

I sent along four pair blankets, with directions for Martha to have the first

39^

History of Torrington.

choice, and for Bell, Abbie, and Anne to ^asi lots for a choice in the three
other pairs. My reason is that I think Martha fairly entitled to particular
notice."

To my other daughters I can only send rx\y blessing just now. Anne, I want
•^ou, first of all, to become a sincere, humble, earnest, and consistent Christian ;
and then acquire good znd^ efficient business habits. Save this letter to remember
your father by, Annie.

You must all send to John hereafter anything you want should get to us, and
you may be sure we shall all be very anxious to learn everything about your
welfare. Read the Tribune carefully. It may not always be certainly true,
however. Begin early to take good care of all your animals, and pinch them
at the close of the winter, if you must at all.

God Almighty bless and save you all ! Your affectionate husband and
father.

Oliver Brown was not then twenty-one. His next older brother,
Watson, was just twenty-four, and had been married for three years
to Isabel Thompson, whose brothers, William and Dauphin Thomp-
son, like her husband and brother-in-law, were killed at Harper's
Ferry. In letters to his wife at various dates from September 3d to
October 14th, Watson Brown wrote thus :

" I received your letter of September 1 4th, the night the girls got home, which
I was very glad to get. Oh, Bell, I do want to see you and the little fellow
[the young child born in the father's absence] very much, but I must wait.
There was a slave near here whose wife was sold off south the other day, and
he was found in Thomas Kennedy's orchard, dead, the next morning. Cannot
come home so long as such things are done here. . . .

We are all eager for the work and confident of success. There was another
murder committed near our place the other day, making in all five murders
and one suicide within five miles of our place since we have lived there ; thev-
were all slaves, too. . . . Give my regards to all the friends, and keep up good
courage ; there is a better day a-coming. I can but commend you to yourself
and your friends, if I should never see you again. Your affectionate husband.

Watson Brown."

On Friday, October 14, Watson Brown, waited at Chambers-
burg until it was late enough to escort the two latest recruits, John
Copeland and Lewis Leary, from the Pennsylvania line, near Mid-
dletown, through Maryland to the Kennedy farm, a work which
must alwavs be done by night, if the recruits were negroes. He
reached the farm at daybreak on the 15th, bringing the two recruits
and accompanied by Kagi. On the i6th he and his brothers, Oliver
and Owen, received their orders from Captain Brown for the night

» Martha was the wife of Oliver, and was to be confined in March. Bell was the wife
of Watson, and the sister of William and Dauphin Thompson; Abbie was the wife of
Salmon Brown, who stayed at home with his mother.

Biographies. 397

attack. Owen Brown, with Merriam and Barclay Coppoc, were to
remain at the farm as a guard till morning, when, upon the arrival
of horses and men from the Ferry, they were to move the arms by
wagon-loads to an old school -house, now destroyed, about three
miles from the Ferry, on the Maryland side. This place had been
selected a few days before by Captain Brown, and it was in fact
seized and held by Owen Brown during most of the 17th, while the
fighting was going on across the Potomac. Watson Brown, with
Stewart Taylor, was to hold the bridge across the Potomac, and
Oliver Brown, with William Thompson, the bridge across the
Shenandoah, a duty which they performed until the morning of the
17th, when the village of Harper's Ferry was fully in possession ot
Brown and his men. It was Watson Brown who stopped the train
for Washington, on the Baltimore and Ohio rail road, not long after
midnisht on the i6th. Both Watson and Oliver were with their
father early in the afternoon of the 17th, when he repulsed the sharp
attack of the Virginia militia, after intrenching himself in the engine
house, where he was captured on Tuesday morning, the i8th.
Shortly before noon on Monday, Watson was sent out with a flag
of truce, in company with Stevens and one of Brown's hostages,
named Kitzmiller ; was fired upon and severely wounded, but re-
turned to his father, while Stevens was captured.

Edwin Coppoc, writing to Captain Brown's wife from his cell in
Charlestown a month afterward, said :

" I was with your sons when they fell. Oliver lived but a very few moments
after he was shot [during the charge of Monday afternoon.] He spoke no
word, but yielded calmly to his fate. Watson was shot at ten o'clock on
Monday and died about three o'clock on Wednesday morning. He suffered
much. Though mortally wounded at ten o'clock, yet at three o'clock Monday
afternoon he fought bravely against the men who charged on us. When the
enemy were repulsed, and the excitement of the charge was over, he began to
sink rapidly. After we were taken prisoners he was placed in the guard-house
with me. He complained of the hardness of the bench on which he was
lying. T begged hard for a bed for him, or even a blanket, but could obtain
none. I took off my coat and placed it under him, and held his head in my
lap, in which position he died without a groan or struggle.'"

' When in 1875 I visited Harper's Ferry, I found that it was not known there which ol
the bodies buried by the Shenandoah was that of Watson Brown, and which was Ander-
son's. Oliver Brown was not buried at all, but thrust roughly, after death, into a barrel,
and carried away to the medical college in Winchester. It is said that his body was there
dissected and treated with insult. At any rate, an attempt made by their mother to obtain
the bodies of her two sons, in December, 1859, for burial at North Elba, was unsuccessful.
They have monuments at North Elba, near their father's but their bodies do not lie beside his.

39^ History of Torrington.

Before the attack on Harper's Ferry, one of Brown's captains,
John E. Cook, of Connecticut, had visited the house of Colonel
Lewis Washington, great-grandson of George Washington, and
learned where to put his hand upon the sword of Frederick the Great
and the pistols of Lafayette, presented by them to General Washing-
ton, and by him transmitted to his brother's descendants. With
that instinctive sense of historical association which led Brown to
make his first attack upon slavery in Virginia and amid the scenes of
Washington's early life, this liberator of the slaves had determined
to appear at their head wielding Washington's own sword, and fol-
lowed by freedmen who had owed service in the Washington family.
He therefore assigned to Stevens and to Cook, as their first duty
after Harper's Ferry should be taken, to proceed to Colonel Wash-
ington's plantation of Bellair, about four miles south of the Ferry,
seize him, with his arms, set free his slaves, and bring him as a
hostage to the captured town ; and he even went so far as to direct
that Osborn Anderson, a free black, should receive from Washing-
ton the historical weapons. The order was executed to the let-
ter, and before daybreak on Monday morning Colonel Washington
was a prisoner in the hands of Brown,' who belted on the sword of

' The interview between Brown and Colonel Washington (who was one of the military
staff of the governor of Virginia, and thence derived his title) is worth describing in the
words of Washington himself. " We drove to the armory gate. The person on the front
seat of the carriage said, ' All's well,' and the reply came from the sentinel at the gate
'All's well.' Then the gates were opened, and I was driven in and was received by old
Brown. He did not address me by name, but said, 'You will find a fire in here, sir ; it is
rather cool this morning.' Afterwards he came and said, ' I presume you are Mr. Wash-
ington. It is too dark to see to write at this time, but when it shall have cleared off a
little and become lighter, if you have not pen and ink I will furnish them, and shall require
you to write to some of your friends to send a stout, able-bodied negro. I think after a
while, possibly I shall be able to release you, but only on condition of getting your friends to
send in a negro man as a ransom. I shall be very attentive to you, sir, for I may get the
worst of it in my first encounter, and if so, your life is worth as much as mine. My par-
ticular reason for taking you first was that, as an aid to the governor of Virginia, I knew
you would endeavor to perform your duty; and apart from that I wanted you particularly
for the moral effect it would give our cause having one of your name as a prisoner.' I sup.
posed at that time, from his actions, that his force was a large one; that he was very strong.
Shortly after reaching the armory I found the sword of General Washington in old Brown's
hand. He said, ' I will take especial care of it, and shall endeavor to return it to you after
you are released.' Brown carried it is his hand all day Monday ; when the attacking party
came on, Tuesday morning, he laid it on the fire engine, and after the rescue I got it.''
Colonel Washington survived the civil war, in which he took no part, but is now dead.
His widow lives in Charlestown, and has sold this sword, with other mementos of Washington,
to the state of New York.

Biographies. 399

Washington and wore it from that time until his own capture, twenty-
tour hours after. When Virginia awoke on that October morning,
the haughty commonwealth, mother of presidents and of slaves, be-
held a gray-bearded old man, wearing the sword of Washington,
standing amid the broken fetters of Virginia slaves, with a town of
three thousand Virginians, white and black, at his mercy. At no
time during the civil war, even when the national government was
pouring soldiers into the South by hundreds of thousands and eman-
cipating the slaves by millions, was there greater fear and commotion
among the slaveholders than when they first learned of Brown's suc-
cess at Harper's Ferry.

How simply and in what a plain country fashion Brown made his
famous foray ought to be related ; since, like all he did, it was in
keeping with his primitive and ideal character. At the Kennedy
farm house, about eight o'clock on the evening of Sunday, the i6th
of October, — a cold and dark night, ending in rain, — Brown mus-
tered his eighteen followers, saying, " Men, get on your arms ; we
will proceed to the Ferry." His horse and wagon were brought to
the door of the farm house, and some pikes, a sledge-hammer, and a
crowbar were placed in the wagon. Brown " put on his old Kansas
cap," ' mounted the wagon, and said, " Come, boys ! " at the same
time driving his horse down the rude lane into the main road. His
men followed him on foot, two and two, Charles Plummer Tidd, a
Maine farmer who had joined him in Kansas, and John E. Cook
taking the lead. At a proper time they were sent forward in ad-
vance of the wagon to tear down the telegraph wires on the Mary-
land side of the Potomac. The other couples walked at some
distance apart, and in silence, making no display of arms. Now and
then some of them rode beside Brown. When overtaken by any
one, the rear couple were to detain the stranger until the party had
passed on or concealed themselves, and the same order was given if
they were met by any one. The road was unfrequented that night,
and they passed down through the woods to the bridge across the
Potomac without delay or adventure. Upon entering the covered
bridge, they halted and fastened their cartridge-boxes, with forty rounds
of ammunition, outside their coats, and brought their rifles into view.

* This was a fur cap with a patent-leather visor, which had been bought for him in
Chicago in December, 1856, as he came from Kansas to Massachusetts. He wore also a
gray overcoat with a cape, a soldier's overcoat which had seen equal service. No shepherd-
king or peasant-captain ever went forth to war more plainly clad.

400

HlSTORV OF ToRRINGTON.

Kagi and Stevens were at this time at the head of the company, Tidd
and Cook having tarried in Maryland to cut the u^ires. As they
approached the Virginia side, the watchman who patrolled the bridge
met them and was arrested by Kagi and Stevens, who took him with
them to the armory gate, leaving Watson Brown and Stewart Taylor
to guard the bridge. The rest of the company proceeded with Brown,
in his wagon or on foot, to the armory gate, which was but a few
rods from the Virginia end of the bridge. There they halted, at
about half past ten o'clock, broke open the gate with the crowbar in
the wagon, rushed inside the armory yard, and seized one of the two
watchmen on duty. Brown himself, with two men, then mounted
guard at the armory gate, and the other fourteen men were sent to
different parts of the village. Oliver Brown and William Thomp-
son occupied the bridge over the Shenandoah, and there arrested a
few prisoners. Kagi, with John Copeland, went up the Shenandoah
a half mile or more to that part of the armory called "the rifle
works," where he captured the watchmen, sent them to Brown,
and occupied the buildings. Edwin Coppoc and Albert Hazlett
went across the street^from the armory gate and occupied the arsenal,
which was not in the armory inclosure.

HARPER. S FERRY.

All this was done quietly and without the snapping of a gun ; and
before midnight the whole village was in the possession of Brown
and his eighteen men. He then dispatched Stevens, Cook, and
others, six in all, on the turnpike towards Charlestown to bring in

Biographies.

401

Colonel Washington and some of his neighbors, with their slaves, as
has been already said. This was done before four o'clock in the
morning. In the mean time, at 1:30 a.m., the rail road train from
the west had reached Harper's Ferry, and a negro porter, who was
crossing the bridge to find the missing watchman, was stopped by
Watson Brown's guard. Turning to run back and refusing to halt,
he was shot and mortally wounded by one of the bridge guard, which
was now increased to three. This was the first shot fired on either
side, and was three hours after the entrance of Brown into the vil-
lage. Shots were fired in return by some of the rail road men, and
then no more firing took place until after sunrise. Before sunrise
the train had been allowed to go forward, Brown and one of his men
walking across the bridge with the conductor of the train to satisfy
him that all was safe, and that the bridge was not broken down.
The work of gathering up prisoners as hostages had also been pushed
vigorously, and before noon Brown had more than twice the number
of his own force imprisoned in the armory yard. None of his own
men were killed or captured until ten or eleven o'clock on Monday
morning, when Dangerfield Newby, the Virginia fugitive, was shot
near the armory gate. Shortly afterward Stevens was wounded and
captured, Watson Brown was wounded, and William Thompson
was captured. For from nine o'clock (when the terrified citizens of
Harper's Ferry found a few arms and mustered courage enough to
use them) until night, the Virginians, armed and officered, had been
surrounding Brown'? position, and before noon had cut off his retreat
into Maryland. During the four or five hours after daybreak, when
he might have escaped from the town, he was urged to do so by
Kagi, by Stevens, and by others ; but for one reason or another he
delayed his movements until it was too late. For twelve hours he
held the town at his mercy ; after that he was firmly caught in the

trap he had entered, and

the defeat of his foray was
only a question of a few
hours' time. He drew
back his shattered forces
into the engine-house near
the armory gate, soon after
noon, but neither his men
at the rifle works, nor those
at the arsenal across the

ENGINE HOUSE.

402 History of Torrington.

street, nor his son Owen, on the Maryland side of the Potomac, could
join him. He fought bravely, and so did Kagi and his few men on the
bank of the Shenandoah, but the latter were all killed or captured
before the middle of the afternoon, and at evening, when Colonel
Lee arrived from Washington with a company of United States
marines, nothing was left of Brown's band except himself and six
men, two of whom were wounded, in his weak fortress, and two
unharmed and undiscovered men, Hazlett and Osborn Anderson, in
the arsenal not far off. His enterprise had failed, and apparently
through his own fault.

His own explanation of this failure is characteristic : it was fore-
ordained to be so. " All our actions," he said to one who visited
him in prison, " even all the follies that led to this disaster, were
decreed to happen ages before the world was made." He declared
at the same time that had he betaken himself to the mountains, he
could never have been captured, " for he and his men had studied
the country carefully, and knew it a hundred times better than any
of the inhabitants." He ascribed his ruin to his weakness in listen-
ing to the entreaties of his prisoners and delaying his departure from
the captured town. " It was the first time," somebody reports him
as saying, "that I ever lost command of myself, and now I am pun-
ished for it." But he soon began to see that this mistake was lead-
ing him to his most glorious success, a victory such as he might
never have won in his own way. A month after his capture he
wrote thus to his old school-master in Connecticut : " I have been
a good deal disappointed, as it regards myself, in not keeping up to
my own plans ; but I now feel entirely reconciled to that, even ;
for God's plan was infinitely better, no doubt, or I should have kept
to my own. Had Samson kept to his determination of not telling
Delilah wherein his great strength lay, he would probably have never
overturned the house. I did not tell Delilah, but I was induced to
act very contrary to my better judgment ; and I have lost my two
noble boys, and other friends, if not my two eyes. But God's will,
not mine, be dons." Thus his thoughts took recourse, as often
before, to the story and the fate of Samson, whose last victory over
the enemies of Israel was more than paralleled by the short and de-
feated campaign of John Brown in Virginia.

The story of Brown's capture, of the slaughter of his men, of his
own fearless bearing and heroic sayings during his captivity, and of
his final martyrdom, '' making the gallows glorious like the cross,"

Biographies. 403

all this is too familiar to be told here. It has become a part of the
world's history and literature, a new chapter added to the record of
heroism and self-devotion, a new incident in the long romance which
has been for three hundred years the history of Virginia. It was
little to the honor of Virginia then ; but so heavy has been the
penalty since visited on that state and her people, that we may omit
all censure upon what was done. God has judged between them
and John Brown, and His judgment, as always, will be found not
only just but merciful, since it has removed from a brave and gene-
rous people the curse of human slavery. It was for this result, and
this alone, that Brown plotted and fought, prayed and died, and even
before his death he saw that his prayers would be answered.

Through his grandfather, the revolutionary captain, John Brown
was related to Dr. Humphrey, once president of Amherst college,
and to the Rev. Luther Humphrey. They were his cousins, and to
the latter, not long before his execution. Brown wrote one of those
remarkable letters which did so much, during his six weeks' impri-
sonment, to change the public opinion concerning him into that
which now prevails. His conversation with Senator Mason at Har-
per's Ferry and his speech to the court after his conviction are better
known than this letter (which, indeed, has seldom been printed), but
neither of them gives a nobler image of the " plain heroic magnitude
of mind" with which he accepted his fate and explained his course
of life. The letter also contains some touches of autobiography
which add to its value. It is as follows :

Charlestown, Jefferson Co., Va.,
\gth November, 1815 9.
Rev. Luther Humphrey :

My dear Friend, Your kind letter of the 12th instant is now before me.
So far as my knowledge goes as to our mutual kindred, I suppose lam the first,
since the landing of Peter Brown from the Mayflower, that has either been
sentenced to imprisonment or to the gallows. But, my dear old friend, let
not that fact alone grieve you. You cannot have forgotten how and where
our grandfather fell in 1776, and that he, too, might have perished on the
scaffold, had circumstances been but a very little different. The fact that a man
dies under the hand of an executioner (or otherwise) has but little to do with
his true character, as I suppose. John Rogers perished at the stake, a great
and good man, as I suppose; but his doing so does not prove that any other
man who has died in the same way was good or otherwise.

Whether I have any reason to " be of good cheer" (or not) in view of
mv end, I can assure you that I feel so ; and I am totally blinded if I do not
really experience that strengthening and consolation you so faithfully implore
in my behalf. The God of our fathers reward your fidelity. I neither feel

404 History of Torrington.

mortified, degraded, nor in the least ashamed of my imprisonment, my chain,
or near prospect of death by hanging. I feel assured " that not one hair shall
fall from my head without the will of my heavenly Father." 1 also feel that
I have long been endeavoring to hold exactly " such a fast as God has chosen."
See the passage in Isaiah which you have quoted.' No part of my life has
been more hippily spent than that I have spent here, and I humbly trust that
no part has been spent to better purpose. I would not say this boastingly ;
but " thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory through infinite grace."

I should be sixty years old, were T to live to May 9, i860. I have en-
joyed much of life as it is, and have been remarkably prosperous; having early
learned to regard the welfare and prosperity of others as my own. I have
never, since I can remember, required a great amout of sleep; so that I con-
clude that 1 have already enjoyed full an average number of working hours with
those who reach their threescore years and ten. I have not yet been driven
to the use of glasses, but can see to read and write quite comfortably. But
more than that, I have generally enjoyed remarkably good health. I might go
on to recount unnumbered and unmerited blessings, among which would be
some very severe afflictions, and those the most needed blessings of all. And
now, when I think how easily I might be left to spoil all I have done or sufi^ered
in the cause of freedom, I hardly dare wish another voyage, even if I had the
opportunity.

It is a long time since we met ; but we shall come together in our Father's
house, I trust. Let us hold fast that we already have, remembering we shall
reap in due time, if we faint not. Thanks be unto God, who giveth us the
victory through lesus Christ our Lord. And now, my old, warm-hearted
friend, goodby ! Your affectionate cousin,

loHN Brown.

A few days before this letter to his cousin Humphrey he had
written to another old. friend, " I wish I could tell you about a few only
of the interesting times I here experience with different classes of
men, clergymen among others. Christ, the great captain of liberty
as well as of salvation, and who began his mission, as foretold of
him, by proclaiming it, saw fit to take from me a sword of steel after
I had carried it for a time ; but he has put another in my hand (the
sword of the Spirit) ; and I pray God to make me a faithful soldier

' The reference here is to the familiar text in the fifty-eighth chapter of the prophet, who
may be said to have foretold Brown as clearly as he predicted any event in Hebrew history ;
" Is not this the fast that I have chosen ? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the
heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke .' Is it not
to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy
house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself
from thine own flesh .''... Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer ; thou shalt
cry, and he shall say, H''.re I am. . . . Thou shalt raise up the foundations of many gene-
rations ; and thou shalt be called, The Repairer of the breach, The Restorer of paths to
dwell in."

Biographies. 405

wherever he may send me." In explanation of this passage it is to
be said that during Brown's imprisonment he was often visited by
Virginian clergymen and itinerant preachers, desirous of praying with
him and of converting him from his errors. One of these afterward
said that when he offered to pray with Brown the old man asked if
he was willing to fight, in case of need, for the freedom of the slaves.
Receiving a negative reply, Brown then said, " I will thank you to
leave me alone ; your prayers would be an abomination to my God."
To another he said that he " would not insult God by bowing down
in prayer with any one who had the blood of the slave on his skirts."
A Methodist preacher named March having argued to Brown in his
cell in favor of slavery as " a Christian institution," his hearer grew
impatient and replied, " My dear sir, you know nothing about
Christianity ; you will have to learn its A, B, C ; I find you
quite ignorant of what the word Christianity means." Seeing that
his visitor was disconcerted by such plain speaking, Brown added,
" I respect you as a gentleman, of course ; but it is as a heathen
gentleman." To these interviews he has alluded in some of his
letters of that period, and to a lady who visited him in prison he
said, " I do not believe I shall deny my Lord and Master, Jesus
Christ, as I should, if I denied my principles against slavery. Why,
I preach against it all the time ; Captain Avis knows I do ; " whereat
his jailer smiled and said, " Yes."

A citizen of Charlestown, named Blessing, had dressed Brown's
wounds while in prison, and had shown him other kind attentions,
for which Brown, who was very scrupulous about acknowledging
and returning favors, desired to make him some acknowledgment.
On one of the last days of November, therefore, in the last week of
his life. Brown sent for Mr. Blessing, and asked him to accept his
pocket Bible, as a token of gratitude. In this book, which was a
cheap edition in small print, much worn by use. Brown had marked
many hundred passages (bearing witness more or less directly against
human slavery) by turning down the corner of a page and by heavy
pencillings in the margin. On the fly leaves he had written this :

To }no. F. Blessing, of Charlestown, Va., with the best wishes of the un-
dersigned, and his sincere thanks for many acts of kindness received. There
is no commentary in the world so good, in order to a right understanding of
this blessed book, as an honest, childlike, and teachable spirit.

John Brown.

Charlestown, zgth November, 1859.

4o6 History of Torrington.

He had written his own name as owner of the book on the op-
posite page, and immediately following it was this inscription :

"The leaves were turned down by him while in prison at Charlestown.
But a small part of those passages which in the most positive language condemn
oppression and violence are marked."

Except a codicil to his will, and a note to his wife inclosing

it, the very last paper written by John Brown was this sentence,

which he handed to one of his guards in the jail on the morning of

his execution :

Charlestown, Va., December z, 1859.
I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will
never be purged away but with blood. I had, as I now think, vainly, flattered
myself that without very much bloodshed it might be done.

A week before this. Brown's friend and supporter in his Virginia
campaign, Theodore Parker, had written from Rome, to Francis
Jackson in Boston, the same declaration, to the truth of which history
has fully borne witness. " A few years ago," wrote Parker, on the
24th of November, 1859, "it did not seem difficult first to check
slavery, and then to end it, without any bloodshed. I think this
cannot be done now, nor ever in the future. All the great charters
of humanity have been writ in blood, I once hoped that of Ame-
rican democracy would be engrossed in less costly ink ; but it is
plain now that our pilgrimage must lead through a Red sea, wherein
many a Pharaoh will go under and perish." So it happened, and not
only the Pharaohs, but the leaders of the people perished. Standing
on the battle-field at Gettysburg, just four years after the date of
Brown's letter to Humphrey (November 19, 1863), Abraham Lin-
coln pronounced that immortal eulogy on those who "gave their
lives that the nation might live," in which he called upon his hearers
to resolve " that these dead shall not have died in vain ; that this
nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that gov-
ernment of the people, by the people and for the people, shall not
perish from the earth," — echoing in this last period the very words
of Parker, so often heard in prayer and sermon from his Boston pul-
pit. Not long afterward Lincoln himself fell, the last great victim in
the struggle, as John Brown had been its first great martyr. Hence-
forth their names will be joined and their words will be remembered
together, the speeches of the condemned convict at Charlestown and
of the successful statesman at Gettysburg going down to posterity as

Biographies. 407

the highest range of eloquence in our time. But those brave men
whom Lincoln commemorated in his funeral oration went forth to
battle at the call of a great people ; they were sustained by the re-
sources and by the ardor of millions. When I remember my old
friend, lonely, poor, persecuted, making a stand with his handful of
followers on the outpost of freedom, our own batteries trained upon
him as the furious enemy swept him away in the storm of their ven-
geance, I see that history will justly exalt his fame above that of all
the soldiers in the civil war.

It was the mission of John Brown to show our nation the full
height and depth of her crime and punishment. It was not till the
tragedy of Harper's Ferry and Charlestown, that the inevitable was
clearly seen to be inevitable. Lying in his blood, and the blood of
his sons, in that fatal town where the blood of his murderers, north-
ern as well as southern, has since been so freely shed to atone for his,
the brave old soldier of the Lord uttered the oracles which this nation
must hear, though she had not sought them. " You had better, all
you people of the South, prepare yourselves for a settlement
of this question. It must come up for settlement sooner than
you are prepared for it, and the sooner vou are prepared for it,
the better for you. You may dispose of me very easily ; I am nearly
disposed of now. But this question is still to be settled — this negro
question, I mean. The end of that is not yet." Simple words,
yet full of the pith and marrow of truth. Long before, he had writ-
ten, " I expect nothing but to endure hardness, but I expect to win
a great victory, even though it be like the last victory of Sampson."
And this American Sampson, " a Nazarite unto God from the womb
to the day of his death," died in that " last victory," which he hoped
for, and pulled down in utter ruin our whole house of idols.

" O dearly bought revenge, yet glorious !
Living or dying thou hast fulfilled
The work for which thou wast foretold
To Israel, and now liest victorious
Among thy slain, self-killed,
Not willingly, but tangled in the fold
Of dire necessity; whose law in death conjoined
Thee with thy slaughtered foes, in number more
Than all thy life had slain before."

Mr. Alcott, the Connecticut Pythagorean, who met John Brown
in Concord in 1859, g^ve this description of him at one of his Bos-
ton conversations in 1865 :

4o8 History of Torrington.

" The only time I saw the Captain, — for so he was then named, — was at
a lecture of his, given at our Town Hall. He spoke with the directness that
so became him on the Kansas troubles, modestly alluding to the part he had
taken in those encounters. Our people heard him with tavor He impressed
me as a person of surpassing sense, courage and religious earnestness. A man
of reserves, yet he inspired a confidence in his integrity and good judgment.
He seemed superior to any legal traditions, able to do his own thinking, was
an idealist, at least in matters of state, if not on all points of his religious faith.
He did not conceal his hatred of slavery, much less his readiness to strike a blow
for freedom at the fitting moment. I thought him equal to anything he should
dare, the man to dothe deed necessary to be done with the patriot's zeal,
the martyr's temper and purpose. And as I looked, it was plain that Nature
was interested in his purpose, and had intimated hers in his person. Though
but little above medium height, he seemed tall as he rose to speak, and there
was something thunderous about his brow that Brackett has caught in his bust.
His eyes were remarkable for their depth of grey bravery, as if the lion lay
couchant there, and ready to spring at the least rustling, yet they were kindly
in repose, though dauntless and determined. I am accustomed to divine men's
tempers by their voices ; his was vaulting and metallic, suggesting reserved
force and indomitable will. In short, his countenance and frame throughout
were surcharged with unmistakable power. At a later date, he cultivated the
flowing beard which gave him the soldierly air and port of an aposde. Not far
from sixty then, he seemed alert and agile, resolute and ready for any crisis.
I thought him the manliest of men, and the type synonym of the Just. Per-
haps I felt more disposed to magnify his claims upon my admiration on learn-
ing that he came from my native state.

The public murder of John Brown upon a Virginia gallows, fol-
lowing closely after his capture of Harper's Ferry, was the first act
in the long tragedy, of which the public murder of Lincoln was the
final catastrophe :

" Bloodily closed what bloodily began.
With slaughter of that far-foreseeing man ;
Whose spirit, from the scaffold where he died.
Armies and senates could inspire and guide."

Nor is it without the deepest reason, in the fitness of things, that the
great heart of the people, in all nations, responding to the voice of
Nature, joins the names of Brown and Lincoln in the same throb of
gratitude. An American lady, who had known intimately both these
martyrs of liberty, was spending a few weeks, soon after the eman-
cipation of the Russian serfs, in Moscow, that citadel of ancient op-
pression. Entering a poor man's shop one day to purchase the icon
or picture of some Russian saint, and giving the shopkeeper to un-
derstand that she was an American, he drew her with enthusiasm
into a recess of his dingy rooms, where a lamp was continually burn-
ing before rude pictures of his American saints, John Brown and

Biographies.

409

Abraham Lincoln, placed side by side for his daily worship. He had
been a serf, one of the millions whom the noble edict of Alexander
set free. Along with the czar and his patron saint, he paid religious
honors to the two American emancipators, the echoes of whose good
fame had reached him, blended sweetly in one lofty note, as they
came borne across seas and lands, from the Potomac to the Moskwa.
It was their deeds, not their words, that reached the ears of the
Russian serf, yet how imperishable are the very words of Brown!
"What avail all your scholarly accomplishments and learning, com-
pared with wisdom and manhood ?" said Henry Thoreau, speaking
of John Brown, at the commemoration in North Elba, July 4, i860.
" To omit his other behavior, see what a work this comparatively
unread and unlettered man wrote within six weeks. He wrote in
prison, not a History of the World, like Raleigh, but an American
book which, 1 think, will live longer than that. What a variety of
themes he touched on in that short space ! There are words in that
letter to his wife, respecting the education of his daughters which
deserve to be framed and hung over every mantelpiece in the land."
It seems fitting to include in this biography not the short passage
thus mentioned, but his whole last letter, which deals with graver
matters :

John Brown's Last Letter to his Family.

Charlestovvn Prison, Jefferson Co. Va., Nov. 30, 1859.

My dear/y beloved Wife, Sons and Daughters, Every One : As I now begin
probably what is the last letter I shall ever write to any of you, I conclude to
write to all at the same time. I will mention some little matters particularly
applicable to little property concerns in another place.

I recently received a letter from my wife, from near Philadelphia, dated
Nov. 22, by which it would seem that she was about giving up the idea of
seeing me again. I had written her to come on if she felt equal to the under-
taking, but I do not know that she will get my letter in time. It was on her
own account chiefly that I asked her to stay back. At first I had a most strong
desire to see her again, but there appeared to be very serious objections ; and
should we never meet in this life, I trust that she will in the end be satisfied it
was for the best at least, if not most for her comfort.

I am waiting the hour of my public murder with great composure of mind
and cheerfulness, feeling the strong assurance that in no other possible way
could I be used to so much advantage to the cause of God and of humanity,
and that nothing that either I or all my family have sacrificed or suffered will
be lost. The reflection that a wise and m.-rciful, as well as just and holy, God
rules not only the affairs of this world, but of all worlds, is a rock to set our
feet upon under all circumstances — even those more severely trying ones into
which our own feelings and wrongs have placed us. / have now no doubt but
that our seetning disaster will ulti?nntely result in the most glorious success. So,
my dear shattered and broken family, be of good cheer, and believe and trust
in God with all your heart, and with all your soul, for he doeth all things well.

4IO History of Torrington.

Do not feel ashamed on my account, nor for one moment despair of the cause,
or grow weary of well doing. I bless God I never felt stronger confidence in
the certain and near approach of a bright morning and glorious day than I have
felt, and do now feel, since my confinement here. I am endeavoring to return
like a poor prodigal as I am, to my Father, against whom I have always sinned,
in the hope that he may kindly and forgivingly meet me, though a very great
way off.

O, my dear wife and children! would to God you could know how I have
been travailing in birth for you all, that no one of you may fail of the grace of
God through Jesus Christ ; that no one of you may be blind to the truth and
glorious light of his Word, in which life and immortality are brought to light.
I beseech you, every one, to make the Bible your daily and nightly study, with
a child-like, honest, candid, teachable spirit of love and respect for your husband
and father. And I beseech the God of my fathers to open all your eyes to
the discovery of the truth. You cannot imagine how much you may soon need
the consolations of the Christian religion. Circumstances like my own, for
more than a month past, have convinced me beyond all doubt of my own
great need of some theories treasured up when our prejudices are excited, our
vanity worked up to the highest pitch. O, do not trust your eternal all upon
the boisterous ocean without even a helm or compass to aid you in steering! I
do not ask of you to throw away your reason ; I only ask you to make a candid,
sober use of your reason.

My dear young children, will you listen to this last poor admonition of one
who can only love you ? O, be determined at once to give your whole heart
to God, and let nothing shake or alter that resolution. You need have no fears
of regretting it. Do not be vain and thoughtless, but sober-minded ; and let
me entreat you all to love the whole remnant of our once great family. Try
and build up again your broken walis, and to make the utmost of every stone
that is left. Nothing can so tend to make life a blessing as the consciousness
that your life and example bless and leave others stronger. Still, it is ground
of the utmost comfort to my mind to know that so many of you as have had
the opportunity, have given some proof of your fidelity to the great family of
men. Be faithful unto death ; from the exercise of habitual love to man it can-
not be very hard to love his Maker.

I must yet insert the reason for my firm belief in the divine inspiration of
the Bible, notwithstanding I am, perhaps, naturally sceptical ; certainly not
credulous. I wish all to consider it most thoroughly when you read that
blessed book, and see whether you cannot discover such evidence yourselves.
It is the purity of heart, filling our minds as well as work and actions, which
is everywhere insisted on, that distinguishes it from all the other teachings, that
commends it to my conscience. Whether my heart be willing and obedient
or not, the inducement that it holds out is another reason of my convictions oi
its truth and genuineness ; but I do not here omit this my last argument on the
Bible, that eternal lite is what my soul is panting after this moment. I mention
this as a reason for endeavoring to leave a valuable copy of the Bible, to be
carefully preserved in remembrance of me, to so many of my posterity, instead
of some other book at equal cost.

I beseech you all to live in habitual contentment with moderate circumstances
and gains of wordly store, and earnestly to teach this to your children and
children's children after you, by example as well as piecept. Be determined
to know by experience, as scon as may be, whether Bible instruction is of
divine origin or not. Be sure to owe no man any thing, but to love one
another. John Rogers wrote to his children, "' Abhor that arrant whore of

Biographies. 411

Rome." John Brown writes to his children to abhor, with undying hatred
also, that sum of all villanies — Slavery Remember, he that is slow to
anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh
a city. Remember also, that they, being wise, shall shine, and they that turn
many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever.

And now, dearly beloved family, to God and the work of his grace I com-
mend you all.

Your affectionate husband and father.

John Brown,

And here too should stand, though earlier in date, that famous
speech of Brown's in court, November 2, 18 "59. He was not
allowed to address the people before his execution, December 2, 1859 •

John Brown's Last Speech.

I have, may it please the Court, a few words to say.

In the first place, I deny every thing but what I have all along admitted —
the design on my part to free the slaves. I intended certainly to have made a
clean thing of that matter, as I did last winter, when I went into Missouri, and
there took slaves without the snapping of a gun on either side, moved them
through the country, and finally left them in Canada. I designed to have done
the same thing again, on a larger scale. That was all I intended, I never
did intend murder, or treason, or the destruction of property, or to excite
or incite slaves to rebellion, or to make insurrection.

I have another objection : and that is, it is unjust that I should suffer such a
penalty. Had I interfered in the manner which I admit, and which I admit
has been fairly proved (fori admire the truthfulness and candor of the greater
portion of the witnesses who have testified in this case) — had I so interfered
in behalf of the rich, the powerful, the intelligent, the so-called great, or in be-
half of any of their friends, either father, mother, brother, sister, wife or
children, or any of that class, and suffered and sacrificed what I have in this
interference, it would have been all right, and every man in this Court would
have deemed it an act worthy of reward rather than punishment.

This Court acknowledges, as I suppose, the validity of the law of God. I
see a book kissed here which I suppose to be the Bible, or, at least, the New
Testament. That teaches me that all things ' whatsoever I would that men
should do unto me, I should do even so to them.' It teaches me further, to
' remember them that are in bonds as bound with them.' I endeavored to act
up to that instruction. I say, I am yet too young to understand that God is
any respecter of persons. I believe that to have interfered as I have done, as
I have always freely admitted I have done, in behalf of His despised poor, was
not wrong, but right. Now, if it is deemed necessary that I should forfeit my
life for the furtherance of the ends of justice, and mingle my blood further with
the blood of my children, and with the blood of millions in this slave country
whose rights are disregarded by wicked, cruel, and unjust enactments — I sub-
mit ; so let it be done.

Let me say one word further.

I feel entirely satisfied with the treatment I have received on my trial. Con-
sidering all the circumstances, it has been more generous than I expected. But
I feel no consciousness of guilt. I have stated from the first what was my in-
tention and what was not. I never had any design against the life of any per-
son, nor any dispositiou to commit treason, or excite slaves to rebel, or make

412 History of Torrington.

any general insurrection. I never encouraged any man to do so, but always
discouraged any idea of that kind.

Let me say, also, a word in regard to the statements made by some of those
connected with me. I hear it has been stated by some of them that I have in-
duced them to join me- But the contrary is true. I do not say this to injure
them, but as regretting their weakness. There is not one of them but joined
me ot his own accord, and the greater part at their own expense. A number of
them I never saw, and never had a word of conversation with, till the dav they
came to me, and that was for the purpose I have stated.

Now I have done.

No, brave and generous old friend ! when you uttered those words
you had not **• done," you had only begun. " On the day of his
translation " said Thoreau, " I heard, to be sure, that he was hung,
but I did not know what that meant ; I felt no sorrow on that account.
But not for a day or two did I even hear that he was dead^ and not
after any number of days shall I believe it. Of all the men who were
said to be my contemporaries, it seemed to me that John Brown
was the only one who had not died. I meet him at every turn. He
is more alive than ever he was. He has earned immortality. He
is not confined to North Elba nor to Kansas. He is no longer
working in secret. He works in public, and in the clearest Hght that
shines on this land." And what a work he has accomplished
already, in the few brief years since his body was carried from the
scaffold in Charlestown to its resting place beside the great rock at
North Elba ! Like " the rock Etam," upon which Samson dwelt,
his grave became his strong hold,- while " his soul went marching
on." Those who, unlike Thoreau, had mourned his death, now
finding him risen and triumphant, were ready to chant, with Milton's
Hebrews, after that "last victory of Samson" which Brown had
foretold for himself.'

" All is best, though we oft doubt
What the unsearchable dispose
Of highest wisdom brings about.
And ever best found in the close.
Oft He seems to hide his face.
But unexpectedly returns,
And to His faithful champion hath in place
Borne witness gloriously, whence Gaza mourns,
And all that band them to resist
His uncontrollable intent ;
His servants he, with new acquist
Of true experience, from this great event.
With peace and consolation hath dismissed,
And calm of mind, all passion spent."

' See page 95.

Biographies. 413

THE BURIAL OF JOHN BROWN.

BY WILLIAM E. CHANNING.

That day, I mind it well, we buried him.

There, in our heart of hearts ! From city's wall,

From depth of deepest woods, came up the moan,

The weariness, the wail, all that was grief.

Or could be, in a world all pain and woe.

Gone and forever gone ! the good, the just.

The patriot fervid, he who lived — to die.

As he had lived to act, — for the oppressed, the weak.

A shining stone shall be engraved for him,

Thereon a martyr's name, the last and best,

Not Rose, not Lancaster, but " For the Slave,"

Hapless and helpless, for his breaking heart,

He stood, truest and best, that hero-soul,

Old Ossawatomie !

Slow tolled those bells !
Slow and how far away, and yet too near !
Where grey Monadnoc lifts a forest front
Over low Jeffrey's pass, sunk in the vale,
(Or what seems such, to them who climb that mount),
And wide guonaticut, the Indian's stream,
And those White hills that bend their brows in heaven
By seas and farthest lands, and sky and shore.
Slow tolled the weary peal, John Brown is dead !
Gone — in his prime of good and thought, and hope.
Stabbed to his heart so foully by the men.
Who wore the Southern Madness in their souls.
Yes ! like a falling star, thro' twilight's depth,
He sank in Heaven, his words were like the hues
Some gentlest eve imprints with Zephyr's touch,
And overlays the ripples of the stream,
In her last glory soothing earth to tears.
And yet that knell, his form this fatal hour,
Is swinging on the scaffold !

" Never I planned.
To kill or ravage, torture or destroy,
Not in rebellion, not to slay their foes
Incite the slave, solely to loose his cords.
'Do unto me as ye would have me do.
And in my bonds be bound, even as myself,'
By that, as far as in me I have done,
God hath not parted persons in his law.
Father! if by thy will, I came to be
What now I am, if ever in my heart.
From my first recollection, still I felt
Thy guiding hand, be still to me, the same,

414 History of Torrington.

This lovely hour all gentleness and peace,

Ere the faint dawn has painted the dim slcy,

And all her beauty sleeps upon the world.

I am at peace with all men, in my heart

I feel the quiet of thy mnrn, O give

Me strength of hope, and power of faith to meet

This sacrifice, I make for man, myself

A poor and sinful creature, worn and weak.

Unfailing God, our friend, O give me strength.

Truly uplift in love, renew my prayer,

Father ! pardon what I have done amiss,

These deeds were sad, they wore a troubled look.

Yet for that principle alone, of right,

I forward moved, then sanctify these acts.

May they upon the future, throw their light.

As yonder rising orb who paints the morn.

With beauteous tints of life ; let them awake

The hearts of a great people, who have moved

Too sluggishly in freedom's cause, and let

My name if vain, unnoticed, be the word

To lift a struggling race, and free the Slave !

O God ! my Savior, my redeemer too.

Receive me to thyself, now that the day

Has dawned, when I must die, and those I leave

That poor and scattered remnant on the hills,

Of my contentment something breathe in them.

And let their weeping souls be filled with light,

And from their breaking hearts be heaven in view.

Seeing that they, who try for duty, so to live.

However weak, and so to die for it,

May with thee be received — "

Mild was that morn, and peaceful was the day.
When forth from his last prison, stepped this man,
Who made the Union sacred, and renewed
By heavenly deeds, the early patriot's faith, —
Forth from his cell, a wounded dying saint,
Far from his home, far from his loved-ones aid,
But closest in their hearts. — with step unshaken.
And firmly went he forth ! and as he went,
A poor devoted slave, a mother stood.
One of the race that Christ came down to love.
Bearing upon her breast, an infant-slave.
There, by the prison-gate, his blessing craved.
Softly, with angel-voice, he blessed her there.
One of his children, for whose good he lived.
His mind on heaven, his heart still loving earth !

Then, forth, that tread of soldiers with bright arms.

Biographies. 4ir

Rifles in long derision at his side,
Flashed on December sunshine, like a pall
O'er all that speechless world, cutting the cold
And hard rapacity of civil lines

Across God's sky of light, — on, with his cheerful thoughts.
That patriot fared, and sitting on the bier,
That soon should hold his silent form, he said :
" This is a country beautiful, and first
With pleasure have I seen it now." Serene,
And clear, modest and sensible.
He passed along, eyeing in peace the hills.
That urge the steep Potomac on its flight.
By old romantic wood and cliff" tower tall, —
Blue as the skies above them, far away
O'er drear Virginia's vales, — soft russet shades
The earth, and some few trees, leafless this day.
Recalling in their grace more vernal bliss.
O had the might been present in that hour ! •

To lift his sinking form and bear him on
With the dark race he fondly rushed to save !
O had the soul, the power acquitted then.
Its future to the world ? (his name is graved.
First on the Capitol, his figure shines
Above the highest, who holds the nation's heart) ;
And now he asked : " Why are not all within the field,
Not only soldiers, but the citizens ?"
Faithful to freedom in this cruel hour.
Why were ye faithless, heavens ? Shall yon chill sky.
Wherein December's sun gleams sadly forth,
Fail to prefer one pitying look on him,
Who dies to liberate the down-trod race.
From stripes and crime, and legal butcheries,
Inexpiable, untold woes, the stake, the lash, —
Not tears, not pity, mercy, no remorse.
In those who stand around, to slay this man,
(They called him brave ; " That was my mother's lesson),"
So mild and pure, an infant without guile ! —
'Twas o'er, 'twas done, the noble, generous soul.
Now more than martyr, met a felon's doom. —

He went
To death ! — death for a multitude, whose hearts
Were wrung with time-worn suffering, all one pang,
And torn, like desolation's corses chill.
Across some mountain-chain, where hungry wolves
Gnaw the sliil quivering flesh, and reek their thirst
On hearts, quick with life's pulses, went to death,
After those words spoke on Judea's mount,
The text of love, no wild revenge or hate:
" I could have moved.

4i6 History of Torrington.

But there were prisoners, within my charge,
I did not fire, this came we for alone,
But this, no more, to free the Slave, 'tis right,
The poorest and the weakest, these we aid."

He stood, he could not fly,
His children fell, that loss was on his soul.
He spared the lives of them, who sought his own.
Weak as a dying infant spake great words,
Soft as an angel's voice, they clearly fall ;
" I think my friends ! you wrong both God and man,
And such as interfere in this respect.
Must act for right, to break man's galling chains,"

They answered, — " Yes,"
They felt it in their hearts, knew in their minds,
A voice sprang back from the dark centuries' folds,
" Father forgive them, they know not what they do."
They could have wept, bound up the brave man's wounds.
And set him on a throne, a hero's throne.
And triumphed him to Alabama's shores.
Or where the hot Caribbean melts her wave
Of fire and silver on the Texan's coast,
O'er Carolina's sands and rice-bound marsh,
And proud Virginia, once of Washington.

That could not be !
God's hand was on the hour, — it must not be!
Never since human breath had moulded sound.
Or given words to sense, more awful truths.
Were stretched across the strands of Fate, than those,
Trom that poor, simple, dying, tender soul.
It could not be ! by camp and tower, and ford.
By crashing cannon tearing down the glen,
In the lone forest, up dark mountains hoar,
On sea and land, and giaves on earth and wave,
Sons, fathers falling, doomed without a shrift,
Unburied not unknelled, came forth that voice
From the cold armory of Harper's vale,
A prophecy of woe, " Prepare, prepare.
The soonest — best, the settlement will come.
The end's not yet," a voice of woe and war, —
Where thro' their valleys dash the liberal streams,
And at day's dying hour, the purple hills
Smile in their forests at the bounteous heavens.

His seat, is vacant now
The son is gone ; his mother folds her hands,
Her hair is gray, " Yes, he was mine, 'tis just !
I gave him for the slave, that hour was God's,
The negro's blood was ours, he died for him,
(All that I loved sat in his empty chair).

Biographies. 417

Died for the mother weeping o'er her child,
Torn from her bleeding arms ; the scourging lash
Striping her naked flesh, because she wept
For her young infant's life, sold on the block —
Sold ? God in heaven, yes, for her, he died !"
(Their barren fields dry shrinking in the sun,
The city's pomp is o'er, the grass grows green
Along the siient mart, the drooping flag
Fades in the hot glare of that Southern tomb).

Here, in these quiet fields, John Brown came forth.
Cradled in peace and modest competence;
In pleasant Torrington, drew first his breath,
Where swift a gleaming wave, darts Naugatuck,
And the calm hills stretch off to Wolcott's side,
Soft in their laurel clumps 'neath towers of pine,
Birthplace of kindred thought all purely reared.
Where mellow Alcott spake and fetched that strain
Of sweet, melodious converse. O ye hills !
And groves, and charming greensward meads,
Of rural Torrington, never had yet,
A more devoted soul emerged to life.
Among the baffling shades that sepulchre.
This large, afflictive, unwound web of time,
Than him, I vainly speak of.

From your force,
A child, he drew perpetual courage.
Full rich in the love of a good mother.
To life's adventure saintly and resigned.
Taught to serve truth, seek God and do the right !
Yes ! must there move all blessings in this air
Of dear Connecticut, o'er her green fields.
Her lone romantic hills, her torrents bold.
And yonder wave-fringed town, whence busy Yale
Pours forth such learned rivers, o'er the States.
And still, it stands, the home where he was born, —
The homely house, domestic in its style.
As he, who there first felt the wrench of time.
With sloping roof behind, with windows quaint.
And lavish chimney from its centre flung,
Shaming the villa's brick. And here he played,
A merry boy beneath the low stone wall.
Or saw the sunset fade across the lines
That suit yon happy fields. Here, as a child,
Along the meadows, where the streamlet glides,
No future condescension could reveal
The boding years, and yet remain these things ;
But he, who saw them so unconsciously
Of days in store, he may not come again.
When even the weeds and tall, neglected grass,

4i8 History of Torrington.

whisper their fitful surmise to the breeze,
That overtops their dreams ! Widely the day,
On this uncumbered horizon tails in
From those blue skies, a house standing so free.
In its society of light and air.
What tho' its casements rattle in the blast.
Immortal deeds within them sprang to life !
Not long his hours among his household gods,
For, far away, where bold Ohio's stream,
Pours down her volume, past Kentucky's vales,
And further yet, and in maturer years.
He spent his strength upon that prairie fight
For bleeding Kansas, when Missouri's crimes
Burnt thro' a freeman's heart and lit its flames.
There, came the sorrow o'er him, theie his race
Fell at the Southern rifle, there he fought.
And with superior calmness, or swift guile
Such as a woodman's creed sweetly allows.
Thus preached a hero's truth, saintly if strong.
Wise Ossawatomie !

He knew not that, —
The day in Harper's vale. Never he heard,
Those pealing strains ascend from camp and town,
"We're marching on," unknown, unheard-of lived,
Where the dark Adirondacs fling the pine.
Up the unsounded ramparts of their chains.
And lakes, whence the wild waterfall alone,
Whirls thro' the steep-cut flume a curdling hymn.
There, as a settler on the silent lands,
Within his heart musing of many things.
His children near, their mother by his side,
(She, who walked truly with him to the end.
Soothed his affliction, staunched his wounds with love).
There, in that tranquil Elba, might have lived, —
And all that is, not been ?

Most vain that thought !
Before him lay the laws, the swift reward,
The spy, the bribe, the scoft", hunted from town
To town, bearing a charmed life, for death
Grimly prepared. And still that voice, a cry
From breaking hearts, more wretched than his own.
That simple, childlike, lielpless, loving race, —
Enough, he heard it still !

No, no, not rest,
He knew no rest, sleeping or waking none !
Holding his plough across the fresh- broke swards,
When fell his children in the prairie-fight.
Or at the good man's burial from the church.
In storm or calm, in danger or repose,

Biographies. 419

"Do ye for us, as we should do, for you.

We are the poor, oppressed, and you — the strong."

Nor aid he sought, nor force of arms nor men,

But in his daring heart, and soldier's brain,

Matched to heroic will with earnest prayers,

And those few watchful souls who knew this man,

As one, a bride, upon a summer morn.

To some sweet sacrifice of all her dower.

Devoted to the death for him she loves,

He went, not all alone !

That race kept with him.
The oppressed, the weak, those who him needed.
The souls went too, of all the martyred good.
Who died for men, stars that adorn the Past,
And light the sky of ages, lamps of fame!
And one whom he had worshiped from his birth.
The Savior ! Those too, him half-way welcomed.
Fluent and loud, fixed pioneers of speech.
Who poured forth abolition, and preferred
Scant reconcilement in all human souls.
To close companionship. And women.
Of tried passion, who surprised man's fortitude,
And off their silvery lips loosed the shrill breath
Of liberty into war's clarion keen.
Shaping man's rancor.

With this host he passed, —
All that was acting on life's stage, he passed :
Or crowding street, or miscellaneous wain.
Towering with luxuries, the Mill whose bleach.
Was spun from bloody thread ; the Court, the Church,
Where never yet, that name of Slave was breathed.
He knew them well, twas the loud treacherous world.
He oft had dreamed of, masking Human Right,
(Pouring envenomed death, thro' life and love)
Till one man touch the cords and hunch the bark,
With loud acclaim. United Liberty !

He came, he touched the cords, 'tis done !
The chain is snapt; the vessel leaves the shore.

420 History of Torrington.

William Battell
Came from Woodbury about 1784, and settled as a merchant at
Torringford, where he lived and died. His business career was one
of honor and success until 1808, when he sold his store to his sons
Joseph and William, and gave his attention to farming and a quiet
independent life until his death, Feb. 29, 1832. As illustrative of
the careful manner in which he commericed his business transactions
at Torringford, it is said that Dr. Woodward went to his store to
buy a skillet and Mr. Battell would not trust him, and that the
doctor in later life, frequently laughed about it, as quite a joke.

Mr. Battell became extensively and favorably known throughout
the county and the state and in his store did a large business for
many years, being in competition with Doctor Hodges' store on the
west side of the town, and being nearer Hartford had quite the ad-
vantage over the west side. He was entrusted largely in public of-
fices and the business responsibilities of the town, and in all was not
only regarded as competent but of superior judgment and executive
ability ; a kind of dignity and honor being still coupled with his
name as a citizen that marks him with pre-eminence among the citi-
zens of the town and also of the county. This store was the chief
place of resort and public gat'r.ering for the news until about 18 10,
when Nathaniel Smith's store took the lead.

In those times it was deemed wise and entertaining to amuse com-
pany by jokes, and by taking advantage of sayings and doings of in-
dividuals to create merriment, and in this Father Mills was not far
behind the chief of all of them. Having occasion, as every body did
in those days, to go to the store for some rum he took a teakettle
instead of a bottle, in which to carry it home. Mr. Battell said,
*' why did you bring a teakettle ?" said Father Mills, "I did not
know but that it might want boiling down a little." Such a suggestion
is thought to have more pertinency at the present day than when
Mr. Battell kept store ; but it is also believed that the more water
to-day, the less the poison.

For further account of Mr. Battell's store, see page seventy five.

Joseph Battell,
Son of William and Sarah (Buckingham) Battell, was born in Mil-
ford, July 21, 1774. The family removed soon after to Woodbury
and thence to Torringford, where he was engaged in his father's store

Biographies. 421

except the time devoted to schooling. In 1792, at the age of eighteen
years, he went to Norfolk, Ct., and commenced business as a mer-
chant, for himself, where he continued forty-six years, being very
successful, and becoming extensively and honorably known at the
south and west, as well as at home. He was one of the earliest and
most liberal donors to the American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb,
and to the Connecticut Retreat for the Insane, of which he was a
director. He was a trustee of Middlebury college, and received the
honorary title of Master of Arts from that institution. He often re-
presented Norfolk in the legislature.

He married Sarah, daughter of Rev. Ammi R. Robbins, first
pastor of the church in Norfolk. The first year of their married
life, they adopted as a son, her nephew William Lawrence, who
married Caroline A. Rockwell of Colebrook, and resided at North-
ampton, Mass., where he died Feb. 22, 1867, aged 65 years. They
subsequently had nine children : Joseph, Philip, Sarah, Irene, Urania,
Anna, Robbins, John, Ellen. He died Nov. 30, 1841, aged 67.
She died Sept. 23, 1854, aged 75 years. Their son Joseph was
graduated at Middlebury college in 1 823, Philip at the same institution
in 1826, and Robbins at Yale in 1839. Their daughter Sarah married
Rev. Joseph Eldridge, D.D., who was ordained pastor of the church
in Norfolk, April 25, 1832, which office he held until his decease in
1875. Irene married Rev. William A. Larned, who was ordained
pastor of the church in Millbury, Mass., in May, 1834, and dis-
missed in October, 1835 ; was associated with Rev. N. S. S. Beeman,
D.D., and Rev. E. A. Kirk, in teaching in a theological institution
at Troy, N. Y., three years, and was professor of rhetoric and
English literature in Yale college from the autunm of 1839 until
his decease in February, 1862. Urania married Hon. James Hum-
phrey, who began the practice of law in Louisville, Ky., in 1836 ; re-
moved to Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1838, and followed his profession in
New York city nearly thirty years in the eminent law firm of Butler,
Barney and Humphrey ; was sent to the legislature, and was elected
to congress in 1858 and 1864, and died while a member of congress
in June, 1866. Ellen married Rev. Azariah Eldridge, D.D., pastor
of the North Congregational church in New Bedford, Mass., from
1847 ^'^ 1856 ; pastor of Fort street Presbyterian church, Detroit,
Mich., from 1858 to 1865, and preacher at the American chapel at
Paris, France, from 1866 to 1868.

422 History of Torrington.

Mrs. Ann S. Battell Loomis,

Daughter of William and Sarah (Buckingham) Battell of Torringford,
married Rev. Harvey Loomis in i8ii. She died, July 27, 1861,
aged 78 years ; the same age of her sister iVIrs. McEwan. See
biography of Mr. Loomis.

Rev. James Beach
Was born in Winchester June 10, 1780, but when one year old his
parents removed to Torrington where he was brought up. He was
the son of John and Mercy (Bassett) Beach of Torrington. His
years of childhood were spent on the old homestead of his grandfather,
Capt. Abel Beach, near Torrington church. He united with the
church September i, 1799, at the same time with Rev. Timothy P.
Gillett and the Rev. Luther Hart, having entered into the experimental
part of religious life that year during the revival under Mr. Gillett.
His exercises of mind, during several days previous to his obtaining
hope of acceptance through Jesus, the Savior, were very great and of
great discouragement. He walked the fields in meditation ; read his
Bible with much earnestness, sought the counsels of those in whom
he had confidence as Christians, and for a time seemed in great
doubt as to any intentions of good in the Divine Being, towards him.
But light came and the day was one of decided joy and hope ; and from
that day he was very decided in his religious convictions, and very
earnest and continuous in his efforts to make known the hope of the
gospel. He graduated at Williams college ; studied theology under
Rev, Asahel P. Hooker of Goshen, 1804-5 » ^n^ ^^^^^ ^ brief can-
didacy was called to and ordained pastor of the First Congregational
church of Winsted, Conn., on a salary of three hundred and fifty
dollars a year, with an advance of funds to purchase a dwelling,
repayable in yearly installments.

He was sound, dignified, and conservative ; faithful in his paro-
chial duties ; especially in his pastoral visits and his supervision of
the schools. The faithfulness of his ministry was attested by re-
peated revivals and the exemplary lives of most of the converts.
He was dismissed from his pastorate at his own request, January 26
1842, but continued his residence in Winsted until his death on the
lOth day of June, 1850, at the age of seventy years.

His character and standing in the ministry are happily portrayed in
the following sketch by Rev. Dr. Eldredge of Norfolk, an adjoining
parish.

Biographies. 423

" Rev. Mr. Beach had been settled in the ministry at Winsted many years
when I came to reside at Norfolic. I immediately formed his acquaintance, and
soon came to look on him with filial affection and confidence, feelings that I
continued to entertain towards him to the end ot his lite.

Mr. Beach was endowed with strong intellectual powers. His bias was more
towards the practical than the merely speculative. This tendency, combined
with a" calm temperament, fitted him to be a wise counselor, and a most useful
member of our ecclesiastical association.

His disposition was social and genial. He was a pleasant man to meet. He
had a considerate regard for his ministerial brethren, in respect to their feelings
and reputations; rejoiced in their successes and their usefulness. I never saw
him out of temper, never heard him utter a harsh or censorious remark. He
never thrust himself forward, but was more disposed to stand back and make
room for others.

I heard him preach but a few times. His sermons were full of truth clearly
and plainly expressed. In their delivery he was earnest but never impassioned,
perhaps more of emotion would have improved them. His prayers in public,
especially those on special occasions, such as ordinations, and the like, were
very remarkable for their ease, their felicitous adaptation in all respects to the
circumstances of the case, and the happy introduction of spiritual quotations ;
and at the same time remarkable for their exemption from everything of the
nature of effort at display, and for their simple tone and humble earnestness.

My recollections of Father Beach, as I used to call him, are very dear to me.
I loved him in life, and lamented him in death, and feel that I owe it to his
kindness and his encouragement and advice in no small degree, that I have so
long remained where I am.'"

He married, October 28, 1806, Hannah Clarissa Baldwin, born
in Goshen, Conn., March 10, 1784, daughter of Isaac and Lucy
(Lewis) Baldwin. They had three daughters. His widow survived
him two years and died May 7, 1852.

Gen. Allen G. Brady,

Son of James W. and Mary S. Brady of Middlesex county, Mass.,
was born February 13, 1822. He was engaged a time in a cotton
mill in East Haddam, and came to Wolcottville in 1845, ^° superin-
tend the work in the cotton mill, then just erected on the sire of the
first woolen mill. He directed in the making, fitting and putting in
of the looms and machinery of this mill, and getting it started in the
manufacture of cotton cloth. He then went to Litchfield station,
and succeeded in starting a mill there of the same kind, which be-
came the Mattatuck Manufacturing Company.

Mr. Brady was engaged in the manufacturing business in connec-
tion with this mill in Wolcottville much of the time fifteen years, as

' Over forty years as pastor.

4^4 History of Torrington.

agent, superintendent, contractor and owner, and then became largely
engaged in the manufacture of shirts, drawers and collars, in Wol-
cottville, with a branch manufactory in Georgetown, Ct., and a large
store at 55 Murray street New York city, under the firm of A. G.
Brady & Co.

He was also engaged with Ostrum and Welton in the papier
mache business where the cap shop now stands, and afterwards pur-
chased that entire business, continuing the manufacture of ornamen-
tal pocket knife handles, table knives, porte monnaies, and such like
articles.

When the war broke out he accepted for three months the com-
mission, oflieut. col. of the third regiment of Conn, volunteers, from
Gov. Buckingham, and took charge of the regiment May 9, 1861.
He was in the army of the Potomac during that time, received an
honorable discharge and returned home.

He then, with head quarters at Stamford, organized company B,
seventeenth regiment, and was appointed captain of the company and
major of regiment the same month.

The regiment went to Baltimore and stayed a time, then joined
the eleventh army corps and was in the battles of Chancellorville and
Gettysburg, in the first of which, the colonel was killed and the
next officer wounded and the command devolving upon Major Brady,
he held this position during the battles, and was wounded July second
at Gettysburg. After the battle of Chancellorville Mrs. Brady re-
ceived the following telegram.

" Mrs. A. G. Brady, Wolcottville. Major — well — Monday last;
bore himself most gallantly in fight. Wm. H. Noble Col. 17th
Reg't C. V."

Being wounded so as to be disabled he had leave of absence thirty
days and came home, after which he was ordered to the officers'
hospital at Annapolis, Md., where he received appointment as major of
the 20th U. S. Veteran reserved corps ; was afterwards ordered to
the command of his regiment, head quarters at Baltimore, where he
continued some months ; was then ordered with his regiment to
Point Lookout, Md., where soon after he was made provost marshal
general of St, Mary's district where he had command of the camp
over a year, remaining there until the last prisoner of war was re-
leased after the close of the war in 1865. He was breveted major
general, and remained in the regular army until 1867, since which
time he has been engaged mostly in mercantile business.

mjJn/ln^U Jj-vuvd

utt

<Ky

Biographies. 425

Adelbert M. Calkins, M.D.,

Was born February 16, 1846, in Green River, Columbia connty,
N. Y., and was the son of Stephen E. Calkins, who was a practic-
ing physician about ten years in Winsted, then came to Wolcottville
in 1861 ; practicing here until 1864, when he removed to Vineland,
and thence to Athens, Green county, N. Y., where he still resides.
His wife Loisa died in Wolcottville and he married Jane Birge of
Torringford.

The son, Adelbert M., studied medicine with his father some time
and then attended the Hanaman Medical college, Philadelphia, where
he was graduated. He enlisted as a private and was mustered into
the service in 1862 ; was wounded in the battle, and after partially
recovering was transferred to the veteran reserve corps, and promoted
to assistant surgeon in the hospital, in which relation he continued
until the close of the war. In consequence of his wound he is a
pensioner. After the war, he practiced medicine in New York city
something more than five years, and then came to Wolcottville in
1873, where he has continued his practice to the present time.

He married Barbaretta Smith in October, 187 1, a native, and re-
sident of New York city.

Israel Coe,
Son of Abijah and Sibyl (Baldwin) Coe, was born in Goshen, De-
cembef 14, 1794. At the age of thirteen, by an accidental discharge
of a gun, he lost his right arm. He received his education in the
common schools with two years additional in the Winsted academy
under the instruction of Curtiss Warner, a most excellent teacher.
After tfiis he taught school two seasons.

In 1813, when seventeen years of age, he went into the employ
of the Torrington Cotton factory under the agency of Job Sheldon,
remaining there as clerk until the company failed. After this the
factory was conducted by Wadhams and Thompson, and Mr. Coe
was agent for them until they failed.

He married Nancy, daughter of Lyman Wetmore in September,
1817, and between this time and 1820, became somewhat promi-
nent in the town, serving it as constable and collector. In 1821, he
removed to Waterburv, purchased a hotel and kept it until 1826,
when he sold the same, and engaged in the employ of the late Aaron
Benedict as an agent for the sale of gilt buttons, and afterwards be-

426 History of Torrincton.

came a partner in the business under the name of Benedict and Coe.
In 1834, he sold his interest to Gurdon W. Burnham thus opening
to him the door to become a millionaire.

While in Waterbury he served as constable and collector two or
three years, and represented the town in the legislature in 1824, and
1825, being the youngest member in that body in 1824.

In 1834, he removed to Wolcottville, and purchased the Wilson's
mill property and other lands about it and built the first brass mill,
on the site of the present one, in the name of Israel Coe, under the
copartnership law of the state, Anson G. Phelps and John Hunger-
ford and Mr. Coe being the three equal partners in the business.

In 1844, he sold his interest to Anson G. Phelps and removed to
Detroit and engaged in the bankina; and lumber business in that city
until 1853, when he removed to New York, and went into business,
in 1856, with a partner who robbed him of all he had, which was
nearly as bad as the losing of his arm.

He removed to Bloomfield, N. J,, in 1867, where he Still resides.

In Wolcottville he established the manufacture of brass kettle
battery, the first of the kind in this country, which, probably, would
have been a great success but for the invention of machinery for
spining kettles instead of the old process.

In 1843, he represented the fifteenth district in the state senate.

In 1874, after he was eighty years of age, he was elected by both
parties, a justice of the peace for five years, and was also appointed by
the legislature of New Jersey, commissioner of deeds for five years.

Mr. Coe, being nearly eighty-three years of age possesses his
faculties of body and mind to a remarkable degree ; can write a very
neat, plain hand that would do honor to a person fifty years of age
and in the possession of both hands, but as he writes with his left
hand, at such an age, it is very noticeable. He is quite familiar with
Torrington history for the last seventy years, and thereby has aided
the author of this book to straighten some tangles which otherwise
would have appeared unseemly and dissatisfactory.

Lyman W. Coe,
Son of Israel and Nancy Wetmore Coe, was born January 20, 1820,
at Torrington hollow ; received a common school education, and at-
tended the High school at Waterbury, Morris academy, and the
school of W.W, Andrews or South Cornwall. He be^an as clerk in
Waterbury where he remained uiuil the spring of 1834, when he

^W"^

.^^^^^^wltf^^^-;

'^f"-^.

Biographies. 427

came to Wolcottville and engaged in the store of Wadhams, Coe
and company for two vcars, then went to Terryville into the store of
Lewis McKee and company, merchants, and the first Cabinet Lock
manufacturers in the country ; was with them three years in all,
being at home and connected with the manufacturing at the brass
mill one year. He left there in the spring of 1841, and was ap-
pointed secretary of the Wolcottville Brass Company which office
he retained until ihe summer of 1845, when he resigned. He then
took charge of a brass wire mill at Cotton hollow which then be-
longed to the Waterbury Brass Company, and in the spring of 1846,
removed with his family to Waterbury and was appointed secretary
and treasurer of the Waterbury Brass Company and the business at
Cotton hollow was removed to Waterbury. He was connected
with this brass company from its formation in 1845, ^^ May, 1863,
and during that time was its general financial and business manager.

In the spring of 1863, he resigned at Waterbury and bought all
the stock of the Wolcottville Brass Company and removed his family
to this place; formed a new company under the name of the Coe
Brass Company with a capital of $100,000. This company has been
quite successful and ranks among the first in the brass business in the
amount of its productions and extent of its manufacturing ability ;
having four steam engines of an aggregate capacity of four hundred
horse power and a water power of two hundred horse, but which is
not always reliable for that amount, and a capital of $325,000.

Mr. Coe married Eliza Seymour Nov. 3, 1841, and has three
children, all living and married. His business has required him to
make several tours in Europe, of three or four months time, so that
he has become familiar with that kind of journeying sufficiently to
publish a book of ocean guide as well as railway.

He was elected to the legislature in the lower house in 1845, from
Torrington and in 1858, from Waterbury and to the senate from the
fifth district in 1862, and in the fifteenth district in 1876, and has
been elected in 1877, for two years from the fifteenth district. He
is one of the most prominent and reliable men in all public enter-
prises and interests of the town.

Rev. Lucius Curtiss,
Son of Dea. Elizur and Amanda (Steele) Curtiss, was graduated at
Andover and New Haven ; was licensed by Andover Association
in Mass., in 1845 ' ^^^ ordained pastor of the first church in

4^8 History of Torrington.

Woodbury, July 6, 1846, and dismissed, June 6, 1854 ; was pastor
at Colchester, twelve years, to 1868 ; then preached a time in Ripon,
Wisconsin, from which place he removed to Hartford, Ct.

Arvid^Dayton,

Son of Jonah and Polly (Flint) Dayton, was born in 18 14, in
Daytonville, in Torrington, where he has resided to the present
time.

From his earliest years he was a great lover of music ; his mother
was noted as having a marvelous ability to remember the poetry of
songs and to sing them. When young he was very successful in
making music by various instruments, and it was very much by his
exertion that the fiist band was organized in Wolcottville.

Mr. Dayton began to build pipe organs in 1840, but soon after
turned his attention to reed instruments, in the making of which
he has been engaged ever since ; and he is really the inventor of a
large proportion of the improvements that have been made on this
kind of instrument in this country.

In order to understand what these improvements are, and how
they effect the spirit of music in the country, and how much these
improvements have advanced the science of music, it will be both
advantageous and interesting to look over a brief epitome of the

History of the Organ.

The Pandean pipe, composed of hollow reeds of different lengths,
and so arranged that all could be blown at once, seems to have been
the basis from which, by successive discoveries in a period of three
thousand years, has been perfected the magnificent instrument which
alone renders the highest measure of harmony possible. The pro-
gress made, however, was for many centuries very slow. The
Pandean pipes were first blown by human breath, then by some kind
of bellows, next by a reservoir of air condensed by means of the
pressure of water, perhaps, for so we interpret the hydrauUcon of
Ctesibius, in the third century before Christ. The number of pipes
was increased and thev were made of brass instead of reed. It was
not, probably, till after the commencement of the Christian era that
keys were added on which the performers beat, and thus opening the
valves, admitted the air into the pipes.

The earliest record we have of the use of the organ as an instru-
ment of church music is in the seventh century, when Pope Vitalian

Biographies.

429

is said to have introduced some of them into the churches of the
west of Europe.

In 755, the Greek emperor, Constantine Copronymus, sent one
as a present to King Pepin. In the latter part of the ninth century,
organs had become quite common in England, most of the cathedral
churches having them. In 951 Elfeg, bishop of Winchester, pro-
cured one for his cathedral, which exceeded in size any in England,
or probably any on the continent. But large and cumbrous as this
was, it was a very imperfect instrument. Its compass, though equal
in this respect to any then in Europe, or to any built for two hundred
years later, did not exceed twelve or fifteen notes. Its keys were
broad and large, and the player smote them with his fists. It was
not till the twelfth century that half notes were introduced by some
of the Venetian organ builders ; and soon after the first attempt was
made to introduce a system of concord, in such a way that each key
in the proper compass on being struck called forth not only its own
note, but by connection with other pipes also, its fifth and eighth
above.

In 1 143, the steam organ, or calliope, seems to have been antici-
pated, for William of Malmesbury records that a new musical in-
strument had been invented in which a wind " forced out by the
violence of boiling water, passing through brass pipes, sends forth
musical tones."

It was not till 1470 that pedals or foot keys were attached to the
organ, and its power thus increased one-third. This was the inven-
tion of a German named Bernhard. Other improvements were
added in great numbers in the 15th century, and the organ, though
clumsier and ruder than now, began to assume much of its present
appearance.

In the time of the parliament and of Cromwell, many of the organs
in the churches in England were destroyed, the more rigid of the
Roundheads regarding them as instrument of iniquity, and after the
restoration, there being few good organ-builders in England, a number
of foreign artists came in.

From the close of the seventeeth century to about 1830, the
organ received few improvements ; pipes of tin, zinc, or tin and lead,
and wood were substituted for brass, and the arrangements of the
pipes, the registers, or stops, and the connection of the several
partial organs into two, three or more sets, or groups, for the player's
convenience, were the most important of these changes.

430 History of Torrington.

Since 1830, however, the instrument has been so modified and
improved that it is hardly the same in anything save its external
appearance, as the organ of a century ago. The voicing of the pipes
has been greatly modified, and the variety, richness, compass and
sweetness of its tones thereby increased ; the valves and other arrange-
ments for the passage or cutting ofF the air from the pipes instan-
taneously have been perfected, which with many other improvements
introduced have made the grand and noble instrument approximate
moie nearly to its predestined purpose, of giving utterance, under
the hands of a skillful player, to the sublimest and most impressive
musical compositions.

It has been until recently a necessity that the great range of
musical expression could only be attained at a very high cost. The
number, size and material of the pipes, and the great variety of me-
chanical contrivances necessary for their harmonious manipulation
and the production of the best results from them, have rendered it
inevitable that even a small pipe organ of good tone and moderate
compass should cost from one thousand to two thousand dollars,
while the larger and more complete instruments have ranged from
three thousand to one hundred thousand or more dollars.

To reduce this cost, and yet furnish an instument whose compass
power, and sweetness of tone should be equal or superior to that of
the best low priced organs, has been the problem whicli musical in-
strument manufacturers have sought for thirty-five years past to
work out. The piano was greatly improved, and the hope was at
one time entertained that in it might be found the instrument sought
for, but it soon became evident that admu-able as was this instrument
for parlor purposes, it was not adapted to accompany sacred music,
especially in hails, chapels or churches.

Attention was next called to reed instruments, and their tone and
character being greatly modified by drawing the air through the reed
instead of forcing through, as had been previously done, there seemed
more promise of success in these. At first, however, there were
serious obstacles to be overcome.

Mr. Jeremiah Carhart, born in Dutchess county New York in
1815, began about 1845, ^^ rnake some improvements on this kind
of instrument, and had some considerable success. He voiced the
note by curving the reeds, and made many other improvements on
the reeds and reed board.

In 1855, Mr. Arvid Dayton, having then been engaged in the
manufacture of reed organs about nine years invented a new plan of

Biographies. 431

reed board which has proved to be the greatest improvement in reed
organs, that has been effected, and all of this kind of instruments are
made now upon his plan of reed board. This invention consisted in
arranging the reed board so as to have two and a half sets of reeds,
or three sets, three and a half or four, all to operate with one set of
valves y\\?i\'\ug dampers placed over each half set to be raised by stops,
so that either set or half set, can be played alone or all at the same
time as the performer may desire. Between 1850 and i860, Mr.
Dayton made several valuable improvements on reed organs ; being
engaged regularly in the manufacture of such instruments to a con-
siderable extent, without having obtained any patent for any of his
improvements. He also invented a new principle for tuning organs,
known as the Tuner s Gamut^ which is very extensively used through-
out the country for tuning reed instruments ; such tuning being an
easy matter compared to the old method. This improvement,
further, consists in having, what organ builders now call a double
reed board, made two stories high, or having one set of reeds directly
over the other, or several partial or full sets in the same way, all
operated by one set of valves. This is the greatest improvement
that has ever been made on reed instruments and is the only real
difference between melodeons and organs, and the only thing to regret
is that Mr. Dayton did not obtain a patent, and thereby secure to
himself some permanent advantage from the invention ; in which
case he would probably now be manufacturing organs on an extensive
scale. He has already, with his limited means, manufactured and
sold about five thousand instruments, and is still making improvements.
It will be interesting to know that the great law suit between Mr.
Riley Burdett of Erie, Pa., and Mr. Jacob Estey of Brattleboro, Vt.,
in February 1876, was in regard to the principle in the reed board
which Mr. Dayton had used some twenty years, and of which he was
the inventor. Mr. Burdett had worked in Mr. Estey's shop some
years, and then commenced making organs for himself, at the west,
on a large scale. Having made some slight changes, involving no
new principles, he obtained a patent on a reed board, and then brought
a suit against Mr. Estey for trespass on his patent. Under such cir-
cumstances" Mr. Dayton became the principal witness in order to show
that he had invented and used the same principle more than twenty
years. The following extract from the speech of Hon. William M.
Evarts, delivered in the United States circuit court in February and
March, 1876, shows the importance of Mr. Dayton's testimony.
He says : ;

432 History of Torrington.

"In Bratcleboro, March 26, 1873, there was considerable testimony taken
and then we came to Wolcottville, April 23, 1873, and April 24, 1873,
which your Honor sees is but a single sitting, or two consecutive days, and
therefor the first time iVlr. Dayton appears and gives evidence; and in chose
two days' examination, this whole series of reed boards, etc., was completed ;
all of them I think, and manifestly that occupied all the time that was given to
the subject then. * * * Now we have then, before we introduce number 21,
a claimed state ot knowledge, contrivance and attention to the necessity or value
of certain improvements in the reed organ, and entire competency of mechanical
skill and of musical knowledge [in Mr. Dayton] to produce, effectively, what-
ever the invention or the experiments of Mr. Dayton, should have led him to.
It is not therefore like finding a result in an unexpected quarter, not at all. He
had worked along with his own lights and his own knowledge, and his own
mind, in his own shop and made no parade about it, nor did he think very
highly of himself in respect of it, and reached all these results that are now
paraded in this patent and (he application for it by Mr. Burdett as such
wonders."

The following extract is from the Hon. Edmund Burke's speech
in the same case as Mr. Evarts 5 Mr. Burke being one of the most
celebrated lawyers on patents, in the United States ;

" Defendant's [Mr. Estey] exhibit No. 21, is a conclusive answer to com-
plainant's claim. Number 21, [an organ] was invented and made by Arvid
Dayton, of Wolcottville, Conn., one of the most early, original and ingenious
inventors and improvers of the reed organs, who has ever appeared in this
country, as the evidence in this case proves beyond a reasonable doubt. He
was the first to in\ent and make the Reed board containing two full sets and a
partial set ot reeds o.^ the different sets opening into the same valve-opening.
He was the first to give the partial set an inclined position in the reed board,
and the first to introduce into the reed organ the method of tuning described
in the complainant's patent. . And it may further be briefly remarked in con-
nection with Mr. Dayton, that the testimony shows that he was a prominent
and distinguished pioneer in the reed organ industry of this country, when it
first began to assume form and importance. Exhibit 21, has precisely the
combination and arrangement of mechanical instrumentalities, as are described
in the specification, and recited in the claims of the complainants patent. So
far as the sub-bass is concerned, exhibit 24, made by Mr. Dayton, nineteen
years ago, is the first reed ir.strument in which it is known to have appeared,
and in many respects it is a remarkable instrument, containing all the combina-
tions of musical capabilities ; reeds, air passages, valve openings, tracker-pin."5,
keys, etc., contained in the infringing organ. It was one of the earliest pro-
ductions in the art ot organ making, and the thoroughness, if not the beauty of
the work is demonstrated by the fact, that it never has been repaired, nor even
tuned, from the time it was sold by Mr. Dayton eighteen years ago until the
present time; a noble testimonial to the genius and the fidelity of its inventor
and maker, Arvid Dayton. It made good inusic, having been played upon in
the presence of the ezaminers, the counsel of both sides, and others. It is be-
lieved that tew il any other reed organs have ever exhibited such a remarkable
endurance ; a thorough test of the workmanship and of the materials used in
its construction."

Biographies. 433

Rev/Spencer O. Dyer

Was born in Plainfield, Mass., October 4, 1827; did not pursue a
collegiate course; studied divinity with Rev, J. Cunningham, of La
Porte, Indiana ; was^licensed for the Presbytery cf St. Joseph's, In-
diana, April 8, 1857 ' ^^^ ordained pastor at Becket, Mass., April
21, 1858, and dismissed June 17, 1862; was stated preacher in
Torringford one year, to Nov. 1863 ; was acting pastor at North-
ampton one year, and acting pastor at Upton, Mass., from 1865, a
number of years.

Rev. Brown Emerson

Was born in Harvard, Mass., August 1 1, 1807; was graduated at
Yale college in 1833 ; studied theology at New Haven and An-
dover ; was licensed by Middlesex Union association, Mass., in May,
1836; was ordained pastor at West Boylston, Mass., August 3,
1837, and dismissed November 6, 1859 ' ^^^ pastor at Torringford
three years from 1841 to 1844, and at Dracut, Mass., four years, at
Northumberland, Pa., two years, at Montague, Mass., three years,
at Westminster, Mass., from 1859 ^° 1862; removed to South
Jersey, and supplied a small Presbyterian church ; was stated preacher
at Burlington, Conn., two years, closing there in 1869, and went
to New Hartford. Several of these changes were caused by ill
health.

Rev. Stephen Fenn

Was born in Plymouth, Conn., October 6, 1824 ; was graduated at
Yale college; studied theology two years at Andover, where he was
graduated, August 2, 1854; was licensed by New Haven Central
association, July 6, 1853; was ordained as pastor at Torringford,
November 16, 1854, and dismissed September 4, 1857, was pastor
in Watertown four years from 1868.

Rev. George Reid Ferguson

Was born in Whately, Mass., 1829. He was son of Rev. John Fer-
guson, of Scotland, England, and later, pastor at Whately, Mass., and
was graduated at Amherst in 1849; studied one year at Andover,
and was ordained in i860, as an evangelist at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
He preached at Northeast and Millerton until 1874 ; then taught
school at Lakeville, Ct., and commenced preaching at Torringford
in May 1875, and in the autumn of the same year removed his

434 History of Torrington.

family thither, and continued to labor acceptably among this people
two years.

He preached his last sermon at that place August 5, 1877, and
sailed with his family for Wellington, Cape of Good Hope, South
Africa, under an engagement as a teacher, under the directions and
patronage of the Dutch church, at that place. He left the very birth
place of Samuel J. Mills Jr., and follows the same track on the
great ocean, to the same continent, only goes still further south, as a
missionary, to the same land.

Mrs. Sophia (C. Hayden) Fogg,
Daughter of Cicero and Sophia (Squires) Hayden, married Rev.
George W. Fogg, July 18, 1859. He was born in Virginia; joined
the Kentucky conference of the M. E. church, in 1828, and was
stationed that year on Logan district ; was sebsequently stationed at
Bowling Green, Salt river district, Elizabethtown, Mt. Sterling,
Birdstown, Newport, Covington, Louisville and Shelbyville ; was a
few years disabled by ill health ; traveled on agencies ; manumitted
several slaves, and was employed some time in gathering emigrants
to Liberia; joined Florida conference in 1847, ^^^ ^^^ been
stationed at Tallahassee, Gadsden, Apalachicola, Albany, Ga., St.
John's, Fla., and at Fernandina, Fla. He owned a residence at Mt.
Pleasant, Fla.

Noah Fowler,

The youngest child of Joseph, was the first of the Fowlers born
in Torrington, and long lived to enjoy his birthright inheritance. He
inherited a manly form, good intellectual abilities, and received for
his day a fair education, and a thorough puritanical religious training.
He was a great reader, and an original thinker ; and sought to know
the great principles of truth, and of religious and civil liberty. He
married Rhoda Tuttle, daughter of Capt. Levi Tuttle, of Fair
Haven, Ct.

She was a woman of good mind, and such disposition as made her
a valuable help mate and proper companion of the man she married.
He inherited considerable landed property from his father, which he
sold, and purchased a farm next to Dea. Cook's, on tht; west, which
is still known as the Fowler place, where he reared his lari^e family,
which was ever industrious and comfortably prosperous. His children
all grew to manhood except one ; and one other died at the age of
twenty-three, and they formed honorable alliances for life ; living

Biographies. 435

independently and usefully in the world. It was customary for this
family to be together on Thanksgiving day, if no other day in the
year. All of the members of the family were noted singers, and
when the Thanksgiving dinner was over the whole family would rise
and stand, and sing the old fugue tune Ocean, with the following
words :

" With songs and honors sounding loud

Address the Lord on high,
O'er the heavens he spreads his clouds

And waters veil the sky.

He gives the grazing ox his food,

He hears the raven's cry;
But man who tastes his finest wheat

Should raise his honors high.

He sends his showers of blessings down,

To cheer the plains below ;
He makes the grass the mountains crown,

And corn in valleys grow.

His steady councils change the face

Of the declining year.
He bids the sun cut short his race.

And wintry days appear."

The annual gathering of such a family under such earnest religious
influences and considerations, gave an inspiration to character, and
threw around the home such sacred and pleasant remembrances, as
that the children could never escape and as would give a charm to
life, wherever it might be placed.

This family were ever the steadfast friends of Mr. Roberts, the
first^minister. They were educated to endorse the traditional, Cal-
vinistic doctrines and faith, but after Rhoda Tuttle Fowler fell a
victim to it, in a religio-Calvinistic mania, which continued many
year?, the views of some of the family were essentially modified.

Noah Fowler and Dea. John Cook fell into a difference of opinion
about the time Mr. Haynes was preaching in the first meeting house,
or when meetings began to be held in the first house at the green ;
and this is the way the story runs. Dea. Cook, in the early state
of the church, was considered the leading man, next to the minister
in conducting the services of worship as well as most other services,
and after so many years, the deacon very naturally concluded that
all things should move according to his judgment. The deacon had
also been the justice of the peace for many years, and in those times

436 History of i orrington.

such officers usually had the whole town " under their thumb." At
the time spoken of a proposition was made to organize the singing
in the church according to the new improvements then gaining
ascendancy. The deacon had been accustomed to set the psalm, or
in modern language, lead the singing, standing always just in front
of the pulpit. It was proposed to have a choir, seated in the gallery,
and arrangements were made accordingly, and Noah Fowler was ap-
pointed as leader of the choir. Deacon Cook very severely opposed
this, as a worldly, irreligious, wicked thing, and an infringement on
his rights, and a disrespect to his former services. When the time
of singing came, the choir rose with Mr. Fowler at their head as if
to lead. Just then, Dea. Cook rose, and cried aloud, " Noah Fowler
1 forbid you to set the psalm !" What the result was that sabbath is
not stated, but when the next sabbath came the deacon had the seats
of the choir filled with young men to the exclusion of the singers,
and for that day the singing was silenced. The minister, who was
in favor of the improvement, administered a severe reproof, after which
the intruders retired and the singing was led from the gallery ; but
the deacon did not submit until after failing in a civil suit on the
subject, which he finally withdrew. Such was the experience ninety
years since, proving that all the difficulties with church singing have
not been confined to later years, and that it is not always the sole
fault with the choir. Noah Fowler's family made only twelve in
that choir, and had it not been that there were a dozen such families
in the parish, there might have been a lack of singers, but as it was
the singing was sustained the year round.

Mr. Fowler lived to the respectable age of seventy-four years ;
and his widow to the advanced age of ninety years. The fragrance
of their names, has hallowed the home where they lived and died,
for a hundred years.

Warren R. Fowler, M.D.,

Was the eldest child of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, and was
born March 2, 1775.

He earlv manifested a studious mind and love of books, and having
attained a good common school education, with considerable culture
attained at home, was invited, when eighteen years of age, to become
a student of medicine in his office, by Dr. Daniel Sheldon, then one
of the most noted physicians in Litchfield county. This place he
accepted, and more than fulfilled the expectations of his preceptor in

Biographies. 437

his acquirements of the science, and competition with students of
wealthy parentage and superior advantage. His success was crowned
by the approval of Dr. Slieldon, and a license from the county medi-
cal society to practice medicine. This was then the highest medical
authority in the state ; the medical school at Yale college not having
been established.

Upon invitation he settled at Washington, Ct., in 1796. Here
he followed closely his profession in which he made decided progress
and was accordingly honored by the people. His personal appear-
ance, dignity of demeanor, self possession ; and his discrimination,
critical and cautious observations, and firm decision, made him a suc-
cessful and popular physician. He was ever modest ; paying due
deference to his superiors in age and practice, and considerate to his
inferiors. He was studious, and improved his leisure hours by reading
all the medical literature he could command. His inaugural diserta-
tion on Hypochondriasis, indicated his vigor of mind and discriminating
study. His standing in the county and state medical societies was
honorable, and Yale college conferred upon him the degree of medi-
cal doctor. He read several essays before the medical societies ;
one regarded at the time as particularly valuable, on the " use and
abuse of alcoholic stimulants." He was a strong advocate of tem-
perance, in opposition to the prevalence of intemperance generally,
and particularly in all professions.

He was appointed a medical censor of Litchfield county. His
puritanical nurture and training were never compromised ; religious
observances were conscientiously maintained and whenever he was
called to visit a patient on Sunday, as a convenience, he invariably
postponed the visit until another day.

He inherited a musical voice, and love of singing, and every Sunday
was in his place in the choir, to do duty and improve the opportuni-
ties of the house of worship, and was verv active in promoting edu-
cation in all forms, for which in some respects, Washington became
noted. He also educated several young men to the medical profes-
sion ; particularly two of his brothers and his two sons. His sisters
also shared in his efforts in the progress of intellectual culture.

His manner of traveling was on horseback, that being not only
the accustomed mode but the swiftest.

In 1826, he was attacked violently with malarial typhus-fever and
departed this life in the fifcy-fifth year of his age, and in the prime of
his useful and honored life.

438 History of Torrington.

Norman Fowler,

The second son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, did not
inherit the qualities and vigor of mind, and literary proclivities, which
characterized most of the members of that distinguished family. Yet
he was a respectable husbandman and citizen ; a regular attendant
at church, and believer in the Calvinistic creed ; a federalist and re-
publican in politics. He was trained a farmer; resided with his
parents, and at their death inherited the old homestead, where he re-
sided until his decease. He married Statira Blake, a very worthy
woman, by whom his limited dairy was made highly reputable for its
superior quality. His industry and morals were praiseworthy ; his
reading was mainly the Bible, published sermons, and the Litchfield
Enquirer^ for which he was a subscriber of long continuance.

At and near the time of his decease he was the only surviving one
of the old pillars of the church at Torrington Center, or green.
When the meeting house, where his old pastor Alexander Gillett
had been minister thirty years, was about to be torn down and re-built
at the hollow, his spirit was bowed within him, and this reminding
him so much of the departure of the old land marks^ and that his wife,
son and both daughters had deceased before him, made his closing
days truly solitary and mournful.

He retained his faculties to a remarkable degree and died at the
age of ninety-five years, greatly esteemed and respected.

The following extract of a letter written by the Rev. John A.
McKinstry of Ohio, a former pastor in Torrington, was written to
Mr. Fowler, and received the day after his death, was read at his
funeral ; and is worthy of a place here, as showing the esteem this
pastor had for this worthy patriarch :

" Mr. Norman Fowler :

Venerable and most respected friend. By a letter just received from Mr.
Alonzo Whiting, I am informed that you still remain to represent the circle of
older people in the days of my ministry in Torrington What memories come
back at the mention ot your endeared name, of your honored mother and be-
loved sister, and those honored companions. I feel almost alone, and how
truly so must it be with my beloved friend, Mr. Fowler. The tears start as I
write; I feel that I would love to grasp your hand, and say, may God bless
you in your last days, and give you a glorious rest when your pilgrimage is
ended. I trust that a kind Father in Heaven tempers the storms that beat on
your whitened and thinned locks, and when e'er long, you shall fall on sleep,
you may find it a blessed sleep, from which none ever wake to weep. A
kind Heavenly friend has mercifully preserved me and mine since we left New
England.

REMUS M. FOWLER, M. D.-

Biographies. 439

And now, dear friend, whose presence has often cheered me in the sanctu-
ary and in the parsonage, may we meet again, and if not in this world, as seems
impossible, in that better world where partings are unknown. With a great
deal oi love from myself, wife and family, I am your's most truly,

and affectionately,

J. A. McKlNSTRY.

At the time of the expedition of Mr. Fowler's only son, Homer,
to Florida, the family distress was great, in consideration of the dan-
ger atteiiding it ; the following expostulatory acrostic was written
by his aunt Sibyl :

"Homer you go ! Ah, must you go ?
One of the last of blue-eyed Fowlers, say ?
(My will subdued is hushed with passion's glow),
Eternal Power, guard him to Florida ;
Return him safe ; regard the mourner's tear !
For Jesus sake, he's the only son ;
O, hear the humble prayer and ever near.
With mercy guide him, till his journey's done !
Let thy wings be his cover and defence ;
Each day 4nd night, thine eye make darkness flee,
Raise him to life in thine own Providence.
With this request I lowly bend,
My hope, my trust alone in thee "

George Fowler,
The third son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, was born Dec.
5, 1 778, and inherited an active mind and temperament, and possessed
a commendable spirit of enterprise. He was apprenticed when
young, to learn the tanners' trade, and when he had completed his
apprenticeship, went, by invitation to Burlington, Vt., to avail him-
self of the facilities which the forests of that region afforded for the
tanning business. That malarial region proved inimical to him, and
he was suddenly stricken down by fever ; and Lake Champlain ever
performs the mournful requiem over his mouldering dust which re-
poses in its embrace.

Remus Marcus Fowler, M.D.,

A twin brother of Romulus J. Fowler, and son of Noah and Rhoda
Fowler, is still livmg, and is in his eighty-fifth year. He resides at
Washington Ct., and possesses much vigor of intellectual powers,
and frequently makes professional journeys over the hills of Litchfield
county. He inherited, in a marked degree the physical, intellectual
and moral qualities of his worthy ancestors, and Is very much like

440 History of Torrington.

the old stamp of character, while in his profession he has kept along
with the times with much energy of intellect, and skill in practice.

After having acquired a good English education and having some
experience in teaching, he entered the office of his brother Warren
as a medical student, where he enjoyed special privileges and practical
advantages, and after a due course of study was examined and li-
censed by the Litchfield County Medical Society. He soon after
settled in New Marlboro, Mass., where he won the respect and con-
fidence of the people, and of the profession in Berkshire county.
Here he had an extensive and laborious practice, always riding on
horseback in making his professional visits.

He married Harriet W, Childs of Litchfield, bv whom he had two
daughters, and in 1824, she died. In 1826, on the sudden and
mournful event of the decease of his brother Warren, he was per-
suaded to leave his field of work in Massachusetts, including the
class of students then under his care j his nephew E. D. Hudson
being one, and settle as successor to his brother in Washington,
where he has had a long and successful course in his profession, and
where he has been highly esteemed by all classes of the people to
the present time.

In 1834, he married Mary Miller of Torringford, by whom he
had two children, one son and one daughter. Dr. Fowler has been
a prominent and leading man in the medical profession of Litchfield
county, and quite extensively known throughout the state. The
honorary degree of medical doctor was conferred on him by Yale
college. Besides being a member of the county and state medical
societies he was also a member of the American Medical Association,
and delegate to the New York State Medical Society. He has been
a discriminating, cautious and successful practitioner, and his medical
career and life work have been very honorable to himself and to all
his friends.

He participated actively in free masonry, and stood high as a
Knight Templar.

He has been a devout man in religion and morals, a good singer,
and always at his place at church and in the choir when he consist-
ently could.

He was a living epistle of temperance, and never drank intoxicat-
ing drinks as a beverage j his pleasant remark, in declining to drink,
has always been that he was not old enough.

The anti-slavery cause and warfare received his hearty approval and
cooperation.

Biographies. 441

His fund of anecdote was equal to all occasions and topics of con-
versation and discussion, and these were greatly to the amusement
and entertainment of those who listened.

Parleman Bradley Fowler, M.D.,

Was the royal son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler and the idol
of the family. Their hearts were bound up in the lad. He possessed
those qualities of soul and intellect, which gave, in the expression
of his countenance and the movements of his bodily presence, the
high born nobleness of his character, and the purity of soul he pos-
sessed. There are some characters so transparent, and so undis-
guisable that every body but those who are intellectually and
spiritually disqualified, can easily discern the real soul life within.
Such was this young man.

He diligently improved every advantage within his reach, for edu-
cation. Having gone through with these, he tried a clerkship in a
store, but found this so distasteful to his natural aspirations that he
abandoned it and^sought pothers. He taught school some time, and
then entered upon a course of medical studies with his brother Dr.
Warren R. Fowler of Washington, Ct., where he honored himself
and his friends by his manly life, and success in his studies, and was
licensed to practice medicine by the Litchfield County Medical
Society in 1803. He then settled and practiced medicine in Bethle-
hem, Ct., eleven years, when by exposure he became the victim of
(petechial) epidemic spotted fever which prevailed so fearfully in
Litchfield county and New England in 1813, and died while in the
vigor of early manhood, in the thirtieth year of his age. His fall
was deeply and extensively lamented as a public calamity. He was
much esteemed by the Kev. Dr. Backus of Bethlehem for his moral
and professional worth, and public spirit and character. His brother
Warren grieved at his untimely death, and lamented over the short-
ness of his career as a physician.

Raphael Fowler,
The fifth son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, was born in
1787 ; and inherited more than ordinary qualities of mind, and vigor-
ous constitution, and in longevity he exhibited the fame of his family.
His father, being a practical man of great industry and usefulness,
desiring to see his sons well schooled and trained in some useful,
productive pursuit, apprenticed him to acquire the art of shoemaking.

442 History of Torrington.

When he had served his term of years, and made himself master of
the trade, he went westward, to Whitesboro, N. Y., and settled in
business. He then married Hannah Byard, a good woman, member
of the Presbyterian church of that place. He was an extensive
reader, and acquired a fund of general intelligence, and was an es-
teemed member of the community.

He reared a large family of children ; sons and daughters, and
with them removed to Michigan, where, having been respectably
educated, they became honorably allied by marriage ; held important
positions in business, and became inhabitants of Ohio, Illinois, Iowa,
Michigan and Georgia.

At the advanced age of eighty-three years, he suddenly deceased
Jonesville, Michigan.

Romulus Julius Fowler,

The son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, was a twin brother of
Dr. Remus Marcus Fowler. With the most affectionate and assidu-
ous care of a devoted sister, he grew up into the stature of a noble
and manly youth. He possessed the finest and noblest qualities of
mind and physique^ and evinced a spirit more exalted and etherialized
than is exhibited by ordinary mortals. He gave early indica-
tions of great intellectuality and goodness; and was altogether a too
shining mark to escape the shafts of the destroyer. He deceased in
the year 1806, in the fourteenth year of his age.

Sibyl Catlin Fowler,
Daughter of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, was born Aug. 7,
1787, and in intellectual endowments was the shining one of the
P'owler family. She was never married and therefore, as might be
expected was regarded as queer and unsocial, although she could
entertain a company as could but icvj women in her day. She was
fair and comely, and possessed an amiable disposition, and manifested
very early qualities of superior character and refinement. When
quite young, if she found herself in the society of those who were
not entertaining, she would quickly withdraw to the reading of some
book, or into the garden or field to entertain herself in the study of
the flowers or insects or other wonderful works in the natural world.
What to many would have been time wasted, was to her knowledge
that refined the intellect and purified the heart, and fitted her to live
in time and eternity ; and therefore was she deemed, by some, quite
eccentric.

Biographies. 443

As she ripened in years she improved every advantage of schools,
of reading, and of self culture, aided by the contributions of her
brothers who were more highly favored in having access to books
and literature. Her natural aspiration after knowledge, and enthu-
siastic industry to obtain it, enabled her to acquire more than an
ordinary amount of scientific knowledge, and of general literature.
The revelations of nature she seemed to receive by intuition, and
with great delight. Her poetical genius was inspired by every object
around her, whether on the hill or in the vale, or amid the flowers,
the fields, the woods or in her home. There was a spirit of joy to
her in all the wonderful things in the great world she inhabited.

Her aspirations were intellectual, spiritual and pure, as manifested
in the following utterances :

" My native land with mountains crowned,
Huge rocks and caverns deep, —
Whose wide-spread shores, old ocean bound
Where does thy genius sleep !
Thy beauteous vales and streamlets clear,
Why do they not inspire
The breast of Poet — Painter — Seer,
To steal that sacred fire ?
From fair Italia's orange grove.
And sculptured marble dome, ■
Come from that land of song and love,
Melodious spirit come." — Addressed to EoLus.

" Daring flight on fancy's wing
As Phoenix soars on high.
Now while winds are murmuring,
I am sad, and sigh.

Eolonian harpings mingling slow

Lays its pinions fluttering
While a requiem whispers low

I can't loUow where jou go.

Never, never does it say

(Solemn sound) till that great day,
Last of days, shjll we then meet?

O, that thought is passing sweet
With our righteousness complete."

Her mind was analytical and philosophical, which characteristics
she inherited from her father. She often denominated the place of
her residence " Orthodox hill " for the reason of its bein^ near the
residence of Dea. Cook wliich had been the ecclesiastical rendezvous
from the beginning of the town history. While she revered her

444 History of Torrington.

uoble ancestors, she received with weighty consideration and modi-
fication their puritan Calvinistic faith and doctrines, which had caused
a very serious mental affliction to her mother. The fourth com-
mandment, given to the Jews as a distinctive people, she regarded as
shadowing the Christian state of spiritual rest, as inaugurated by the
spirit and example of Jesus and his apostles.

On one occasion, she was stopping with the family of Esq. B., in
Torringford, and the Rev. Mr. McE., of New London, on exchange
of pulpits, was there also. The family were up late on Saturday evening,
and on Sunday morning, breakfast being late, there was considerable
tumult in the preparations for meeting ; when she addressed the
minister with the inquiry : " Mr. McE. do you think those persons
justified who stoned the man to death for picking up sticks on the
Sabbath day ^" He replied with some confusion, that he thought
they were, and asked, " don't you think they were ?" " If I did,"
said she, " I would retire from this scene to a solitary place." The
lesson there ended. To her " consistency was a jewel ;" but because
she spoke out such things many thought her queer. She was
constitutionally modest and retiring, but was nobly endowed with
moral courage to set her face against every species of enslavement,
by church or state, or the covering of iniquity with a cloak. Moral
and religious complicity and cowardice were rebuked by her with all
the severity and sarcasm of which she was capable.

The specialty of woman's liberty and rights, was not agitated in
her day, -excepting the duty and right as urged by Miss Abby Kelly,
to plead in public meetings the cause of their enslaved sisters in the
United States ; and the Debating Society of Torringford academy
having resolved to discuss the question : " Who have the strongest
intellectual powers, the men or the women ? " sent a request to her
to send in a contribution on the subject. Her response was as follows :

" Gramercy ! royal gentlemen, and lords of creation !
Before we're beat, we'll sound a retreat and take our lowly station ;
But have a care ye men of war j in flying we may wound ye,
For by our art and not by strength, we surely shall confound ye,
But if in a domineering mood, ye still presume to query,
We'll make the sign of Katharine, and point you to Siberia."

She did not survive to behold the fulfillment of her prophecy,
accomplished already in our day, when women authoresses, public
speakers and lecturers should become as acceptable and popular as men.
It was, when for a woman to appear and speak in public ; when it

Biographies. 445

was deemed a scandal, and she was denounced as a " brazen faced
Amazon," a " Jezebel," by the clergy and their orthodox, pro-slavery
friends, who preached and lectured women down into their "appro-
priate sphere," that she stood in her place, and gave her testimony
and adherence to the right. For moral reasons, she was not afraid
to give her judgment against popular vices and errors. At a social
gathering, during which the tobacco pipe, and snufF box were freely
used, she quickly retired and soon reported the following lines :

" When smoke arises from my pipe

Thus to myself I say:
Why should T anxious be for life

Which vanishes away.
The social snufF box may convey

The same idea, just;
As if it silently would say,

Let us mingle, dust with dust."

She died at the old homestead March 15, 1855, ^g^^ ^5 years.

Ursula Fowler,

The youngest child of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, was born
in 1796, and was a woman of more than ordinary powers of mind.
Her physical organization was slight, compared with other members
of the family, and her temperament being strongly nervo-sanguineous,
which rendered her exceedingly susceptible of nervous excitement,
she had a morbid fear of thunderstorms, which at times was
very prostrating to her system.

She was a great reader of history, poetry, and religious literature, and
having a good memory retained very much of what she read, in the
detail, as to events, dates, and sentiments, and also a general outline
of all her reading. Her perceptive and reasoning faculties were large,
and her conversational powers entertaining and instructive.

In her later years, when physical disability confined her mostly to .
the home, clergymen and literary characters, both young and old,
delighted in her society and friendship, because of the elevating
thought and genial sentiments which seemed ever to possess her mind
and heart, and her Christian and philanthropic spirit was ever active,
and manifested itself in behalf of all mankind.

In 182 1, she married Rufus Curtiss, son of Uri Curtiss of Tor-
ringford, a respectable farmer and lumberman. He was also fond of
literature, and appreciated her remarkable genius. They had one
child, a son, who inherited his mother's temperament and genius, but

446 History of Torrincton.

whose brief life closed at Stockbiidge, Mass., in 1850, aged 30
years. Her husband died at Wolcottville in 1834, aged 39 \ears.
Thus bereft, she took refuge with her nephew Dr. Hudson, several
years, and finally with her niece Mary Hudson Rummell of Florence,
Mass., where she deceased in June, 1873, ^a^^ 11 Y^ars.

Capt. Stephen Fyler,

Son of Silas and Catherine (Drake) Fyler, was born in Windsor in
1755, and married there, Polly Collier in July, 1778. He spent some
time in Torrington previous to settling here and before he was drafted
as a soldier. How long he was in the Revolution is not known, but
he drew a pension many years, and probably served in the war after
his marriage and until the close of the contest. He settled in New-
field, about 1 78 1, where he spent his life as a farmer in clearing
away the forests and bringing the soil under cultivation. He was
an energetic, hard working man. He planted orchards, the remains
of which are still to be seen ; had saw mills, a cider mill, brandy still,
and a brick yard where he made thousands of brick, and his son
Harlow after him. He built also a dish mill probably about
1790, where he produced dishes of a variety of sizes, made mostly
from whitewood. This mill stood in the ravine south of Samuel
Rowley's house, and was a manufactory of celebrity, because nearly
every boy and girl as well as older person ate from wooden trenchers
in those days, and would be likely to know the mill where they were
made. Of these wooden dishes it is said that many people ate from
them and had no others in their houses ; and when earthen dishes were
introduced they were thought to be heavy and inconvenient, and for
this opinion there was some reason. In the management of tough
beef-steak, the day for which has not yet entirely departed, the fork
could be pressed through the steak into the trencher and thus hold
securely the unsubdued ox until a piece should be severed with the
knife.

Among the variety of these dishes was the wooden bowl which
being filled with corn meal pudding (which when cold was cut in
small pieces), was set on the centre of the table, and the family gath-
ered around, all ate from the same dish, and were usually taught how
to do it with due propriety.

Next after the wooden dishes came the age of pewter ; giving pewter
plates, platters, spoons, and peivter mugs for cider ; and of all these

STEPHEN FYLER,

Biographies. 447

articles of use it is said, that at times they had rest, but the cider mug,
never.

Mr. Fyler was a successful farmer, having a farm of better aver-
age quality than many in that section of the town.

He was captain of a military company, raised in Newfield after the
Revolution.

He also commenced keeping a dairy and making cheese, which
his son Harlow carried to greater proportions in after years.

He died in 1836, in the eighty-second year of his age.

Mr. Fyler was one of the first men in the northern part of the
town, who objected to the compulsory method of supportingthe gos-
pel, and as soon as the Baptist church became established in 1789,
he united with it, and honored the profession of religion in a well or-
dered life. He is said to have been one of the three first democrats
in the town. Dr. Woodward and Noadiah Bancroft being the others;
and to these soon were added, or they may possibly all have become
such at the same time, Maj. Isaiah Tuttle, Eliphalet Eno, and Dan-
iel Dibble.

Some years afterwards (before the war of 181 2), when the dem-
ocratic party had become established, although the number of its
adherents was small in Connecticut, there was established a demo-
cratic newspaper at Litchfield, edited by Sellick Osborn, who, because
of something he had published about a Mr. Deming in connec-
tion with the old law of voting, had been indicted for libel, and was
brought to trial, Stephen Fyler being one of the twelve persons
to try the case. When the jury compared their judgments it was
found that eleven were in favor of conviction, and one, Mr. Fyler,
in favor of clearing him, inasmuch as there was no evidence to es-
tablish the fact of libel. The eleven agreed among themselves,
finally to go in and render a verdict of guilty, which they did, but when
the clerk put the inquiry " so say you all ?" Mr. Fyler replied that
he had not agreed to the verdict. This made a great sensation, and
the court ordered the further consideration of the case. This was at
the commencement of the term, and the consideration being con-
tinued from week to week the eleven men became very indignant
witli Mr. Fyler, and one by the name of Bacon from Woodbury,
said, the next time he came to court he would bring his gun and see
if the jury could not agree. Tiie jurors not being allowed to hold
conversation with persons other than themselves on the subject, and
it being well known who was standing out, the [ew democrats in the

44^ History of Torringto

place became intensely excited, and Judge Seymour's father and one
Ozias Lewis, when they met Mr. Fyler out of court, could only say :
'■'•stick !'' and stick he did during the whole term.

When it was announced by the judge, that the jury were discharged
from the further consideration of the case, the few democrats then
in attendance were so elated that they took Mr. Fyler on their shoul-
ders and carried him in triumph from the court room to the hotel.
Osborn was at once discharged from prison. This trial is said to have
been one of the most celebrated that ever occurred in Litchfield, because
of the spirit of malice and persecution manifested on the one side,
and the bravery and honesty of one man standing up boldly for the
right.

Harlow Fyler,

Son of Stephen and Polly (Collier) Fyler, was born December 21,
1795. He inherited a part of his father's homestead, where he re-
sided over seventy-eighty years. He purchased land of his father's
heirs until he possessed all the homestead in connection with his
brother Juba, and then continued to buy land adjoining until he
owned^eight hundred acres or more, and much of it as good as any
in Newfield. He was a man of great energy and business enter-
prise, and pursued all honorable methods of obtaining success as a
farmer.

He first attended to the cultivation of his lands in such a manner
as to improve the soil and make the business profitable as to money.
He kept from fifty to eighty cows, making butter in the spring and
autumn and cheese in the summer, and in this arrangement he carried
at one time nine hundred and ninety-nine pounds of butter to New
Haven. About 1830, the dairying business became a great enter-
prise, and as a consequence land became very valuable, worth much
more per acre than before 1800, but since that time the market
value has declined half and two-thirds, and much of it is left to grow
up to woods, some parts which were beautiful fields, fenced with
heavy stone walls, are now heavy forests.

Mr. Fyler had a brick-kiln and clay bed near his house from
which he sold one hundred thousand brick a year, some times much
more. He burned in one kiln two hnndred and fifty thousand at one
time and furnished of them sufficient to build the rubber factory at
Naugatuck.

He also burned charcoal, some thousands of bushels a year, and
one year delivered twenty thousand bushels to the brass mill at Wol-
cottville, and also delivered wood from year to year at the same mill.

Biographies.

449

He employed one and two men as coopers to make barrels, tubs,
pails, casks and the like ; supplying casks for the brass mill many
years.

In conducting these items of business it was necessary to keep a
number of men employed the year through, and to keep them at
work he took contracts in repairing roads ; making new roads,
bridges, brick school houses, and other buildings of brick, at con-
siderable distance as well as near his house. He built a brick house
for himself, which though now in good repair is standing unoccupied.

The principal product of the farm was grass. Corn, rye, buck-
wheat and potatoes were produced in sufficient quantities for home
consumption, usually not much more, except that of rye. Wheat
never did well in that region, and the barberry bushes blasted the oats
so that but little could be produced of that kind of grain. Clover and
herds grass grew so thick and tall as to fall to the ground before it could
be cut, and very often one man could not mow a quarter of an acre
a day, and onlv very strong men could continue to mow from day to
day without change of work. The old people say, work was so
hard in those days that many men failed before they were thirty years
of age and could never do hard work thereafter. Some men never
did hard work, or if any, a very little at great intervals ; they would
not, but others undertook double portions, and their strength being
unequal to their ambition they failed before their race, apparently,
was half run ; of such were Noah North, Remembrance North, and
Stephen Fyler, Junior, and many others in the town.

The production of maple sugar was an item of much work in the
spring of the year. Troughs were made of basswood ; pails or
buckets not beino; used, and the sap was boiled in the woods, very
frequentiv, and the boihng continued some times through the night.

Mr. Fyler had many acres of apple orchard, from which he made
in good years about three hundred barrels of cider a large proportion
of which he made into brandy in his own still. His father had a
still before 1800, also his neighbor, Capt. Eli Richards and many
others. The making of cider by Mr. Fyler was, as by many others,
continued with intervals into November and December. The apples
were so abundant that they were thrown into piles in the field and lay
there until the snow fell and were drawn home on sleds and made
into cider.

Mr. Fyler did much in support of the Methodist church of New-
field during twenty or more years, and received in return, as far as

450 History of Torrington.

this world goes, just what many others, in all ages have received, and
at last seems but little disappointed that it should have been just as
it was, for so is human nature. This kind of reward has been so
common among all denominations and in all communities as to need
no explanation here.

In all this variety of enterprises, and the perpetual toil, never
to be shunned only at the hazard of ruin, consequent upon it,
and the perpetual annoyances and disasters which will inevitably
come in a farmers life, what success could he have had but for the
aid and charm, and hard work, of his constant and efficient wife,
Sibyl R. (Tolls) Fyler ? Those who understand not the work of a
farmer's house, should go into that long kitchen, prepared for making
cheese and butter, then go into the cheese room over that kitchen,
twenty feet squre, with shelves on every side, sufficient to support,
in curing two hundred cheese ; and know that in the process of
curing, every one must be turned and moved two or three times a
week. Then look at the spinning and weaving, and making of
garments for a family of eleven besides the hired help. If help is
hired in the house as well as out, as must have been the case, how
much careful guidance must have been required to save from destruc-
tion at least ten or twenty dollars a day. How glad also when all those
" little tots " are in bed safe at night, and how glad when they are
again up and well. Such is the outline of one family history. Four
children died young : one son is now in the Black hills after gold :
another occupies the seat of judge of the county court ; the youngest
son, after coming out of the war injured for life, is allowed to be post
master at Wolcottville. The father, now in his eighty -second year,
resides in Winsted with his faithful wife and dutiful daughter.

Mrs. Polly (Collier) Fyler

Was born in 1758, probably in Windsor, or that part of it called
Wintonbury. Her family were not of the original settlers of Wind-
sor but came to that town much later, but the family has taken de-
cided high position in the state. She was a woman of decided energy
of character, clearness of perception and discriminating judgment and
is a good representative of the women of her day, and as such it is a
great favor to have her likeness with the style of dress very common
in her day, and which with that of her husband represents the New
England style about the year eighteen hundred, and thirty years follow-
ing, very faithfully.

Mrs. POLLY FYLER.

Biographies. 451

Mrs. Fyler, like many of her neighbors, had the care of a large
family, in connection with the business and the men employed in
the various kinds of work on a large farm, and therefore her life was
no easy play spell, but one of continued and often severe toil. Un-
der such circumstances she continued her cheerful and constant
efforts for the comfort and success of her home, almost three score
years and ten, closing her dutiful, well spent, and honored life in the
ninetieth year of her age.

Rev. Joseph T. Gaylord

Was born in Norfolk, Conn., Nov. 4, 1836 ; was graduated at Yale
college in 1863, and at Union Theological seminary in 1866; was
licensed by the Association of New York and Brooklyn in April
1866 ; began to preach in Torringford in January 1867, where he
was ordained without charge, November 7, 1867, and he served un-
til January 1869.

Rev, Alexander Gillett

Was born August 14, 1849 (O- S.), in Granby, Ct., and was theson
of pious parents, and was trained in the knowledge of divine truth by
his devout grandmother. At the age of thirteen he was the'^subject
of serious impressions during a revival which then prevailed in several
towns in Hartford county, and these impressions, though they seem
subsequently to have declined, never entirely left him.

He early exhibited a great fondness for books, especially for his-
tory, and at the age of fourteen years began his preparations for col-
lege, under the Rev. Nehemiah Strong, his pastor, and completed it
under the Rev. Roger Veits, an Episcopal clergyman, and a mission-
ary of the society for propagating the gospel in foreign parts. He
was admitted a member of Yale college in June 1767, at an ad-
vanced standing, and was graduated in September 1770. It was not
until the summer of 1769 that his mind seems to have become fully
settled in regard to the doctrines of the gospel, and not until about
the close of 1770, that he was the subject of any religious experience
that he himself believed to be genuine, and in May 1771, he united
with the church in Turkey Hills (Granby).

After leaving college he taught a school for a year or more at
Farmington, and probably, studied theology during that time, under
the direction of Rev. Timothy Pitkin. He was licensed to preach
by the Hartford Association, at Northington, on the 2d of June 1773
and on the 29th of the next December was ordained the first pastor

452

History of Torrington.

of the church in Farmingbury, now Wolcott, where he continued to
preach nearly eighteen years.

Mr. Gillett was married in December 1779, to Adah, third daugh-
ter of Deacon Josiah Rogers of Wolcott, who was descended from
Thomas Rpgers who came in the Mayflower, and of John Rogers
the martyr in England.

Owing in part to a difficulty in his church of long standing, involv-
ing no delinquency on his part, his pastoral relation to them was, at
his own request, dissolved in November, 1791, and in the following
May he was installed pastor of the first church in Torrington, and
was received with much rejoicing on the part of the whole parish.
On settling here, he purchased a farm a little more than a mile north
of the church, where he resided until his death, and where his only
surviving daughter Miss Adah Gillett, still resides, being in the
ninety-third year of her age. The old house is still standing and the
pastor's study is the same as it was fifty-one years ?go at his decease.
His papers and books are there the same, and even the money in the
drawer of his writing desk is there still, and will abide so as long as
his daughter survives. The house being over one hundred years old,
gives signs of wearing out, but the maple trees along the road
in front of the house, set there after he purchased the place, are now
only in their strength and grandeur, and give an ancient nobleness
to the old homestead that is very gratifying to the passing stranger or
old friend.

Mr. Gillett's ministry was attended with much more than the or-
dinary degree of visible success. At Wolcott he was privileged to
see large numbers added to his church as the fruit of several revivals,
one especially in 1788, in which he was aided by the Rev. Edmund
Mills (brother of Samuel J.), and during the period of his ministry
at Torrington there were three seasons of deep religious interest
among his people, the results of which were equally benign and ex-
tensive.' He also frequently aided neighboring ministers in revival
seasons, preaching frequently during the week holding meetings in
neighborhood school houses, and visiting from house to house ; and
sometimes he accompanied other ministers in going abroad for the
purpose of holding revival meetings such as Edmund Mills, Samuel J.
Mills, a Mr. Miller, Dr. Griffin of New Hartford and others.

Mr. Gillett had much of the missionary spirit and long before the

' Mr. Gillett's account of the revival of 1799, he published in the E'vangelical Magazine
of 1800.

Biographies. 453

Connecticut Missionary Society was organized he had made several
tours in the eastern part of the state, and in 1789 or 90, he made a
missionary tour oi several months in the new settlement of Vermont,
under the approbation of the association of New Haven county, and
almost entirely at his own expense ; his pulpit being supplied a part
of the time by his brethren in the vicinicy. At a later date he went
several times, by appointment from the Connecticut Missionary So-
ciety, into those destitute regions on the same errand of good will to
man, and was known extensively as having much pleasure in, and
adaptability for such work.

By the still remaining members of the old Torrington church he
is remembered with the kindest and most respectful feelings ; with-
out a thought of any act to tarnish the most sacred memory of him.
He was always seen on Sunday mornings coming to church on foot,
with umbrella and overcoat, the latter on his arm in all warm weather
no matter how high the thermometer. Having preached the morn-
ing sermon he frequently closed with the remark, " having thus at-
tended to the doctrines of the text, we will consider the applications
this afternoon," and thus the morning and afternoon sermons were
nearly always connected, or part of the same subject.

Mr. Gillett was a composer of poetry and music as well as ser-
mons.

In a note book called Rudiments of Mus'ic^ published by Andrew
Law, A.M., about 1790, there are fourteen tunes with his name as
composer ; and he seems to have made no hymns except as adapted
to a certain tune, or to make a tune for the hymn.

The following hymn is characteristic, and a good sample of his
compositions of the kind.

GLOOM OF AUTMN.

Hail ! ye sighing sons of sorrow,
View with me the autumnal gloom ;
Learn from hence your fate to-morrow :
Dead perhaps 5 laid in the tomb.

See all nature fading, dying !

Silent all things seem to mourn ;

Life from vegetation flying '

Call to mind my mouldering urn.
Oft an autumn's tempest rising,
Makes the lofty forest nod ;
Scenes of nature, how surprising!
Read in nature, nature's God.

454

History of Torrington.

See our sovereign, sole creator,
Lives eternal in the skies ;
While we mortals yield to nature.
Bloom awhile, then fade and die.

Nations die by dread Belona,

Through the tyranny of kings,

Just like plants by pale Pomona

Fall to rise in future springs.

Mournful scenes, when vegetation
Dies by frost, or worms devour.
Doubly mournful when a nation
Falls by neighboring nations power.

Death my anxious mind depresses.

Autumn shows me my decay ;

Calls to mind my past distresses.

Warns me of my dying day.

Autumn makes me melancholy,
Strikes dejection through my soul ;
While I mourn my former folly
Waves of sorrow o'er me roll.

Lo ! I hear the air resounding

With expiring insect cries :

Ah ! to me their moans how wounding,

Emblem of my own demise.

Hollow winds about me roaring ;
Noisy waters round me rise ;
While I sit my fate deploring
Tears are flowing from my eyes.

What to me are autumn's treasures

Since I know no earthly joy ;

Long I've lost all youthful pleasure;

Time must youth and health destroy.

Pleasure once I fondly courted,
Shared each bliss that youth bestowes ;
But to see where then I sported
Now embitters all my woes.

Age and sorrows since have blasted

Every youthful, pleasing dream ;

Quivering age with youth contrasted :

O how short their glories seem.

As the annual frosts are cropping
Leaves and tendrils from the trees,
So my friends are yearly dropping
Through old age or dire disease.

Former friends, oh, how I've sought them !

Just to cheer my drooping mind ;

But they're like the leaves of autumn.

Driven before the dreary wind. .

Spring and summer, fall and winter
Each in swift succession roll :

Biographies. 455

So my friends in death do enter

Bringing sadness to my soul.
Death has laid them down to slumber ;
Solemn thought; to think that I
Soon must be one of their number;
Soon, so soon with them to lie.

When a few more years are wasted ;

When a few more suns are o'er ;

When a few more griefs I've tasted,

I shall fall to rise no more.
Fast my sun of life's declining
Soon 'twill set in endless night ;
But my hopes are past repining ;
Rest in future life and light.

Cease this fearing, trembling, sighing ;

Death will break the awful gloom ;

Soon my spirit fluttering, flying.

Must be borne beyond the tomb.

The following letter of Rev. Frederick Marsh, will be interesting
both as regards Mr. Gillett and as being from the minister of an ad-
joining town.

Winchester Conn., May zjt^, 1856.

Dear Sir : My first knowledge of the Rev. Alexander Gillett was in New
Hartford, during the great revival in 1798 and 1799, when he occasionally
came there with Mr. Mills, Mr. Miller, and others to assist Dr. Griffin. My
particular acquaintance with him commenced soon after coming to this place in
1808. From that time, as our parishes were contiguous, until his decease in
1826, our relations became more and more intimate, and I can truly say that
he ever treated pe with paternal kindness. Besides the ordinary ministerial
exchanges and intercourse, he used to visit us and preach in seasons of special
religious interest.

In his person Mr. Gillett was rather above the medium stature and size, ot
a full habit, broad shoulders, short neck, and large head. His position was
erect, except a slight forward inclination of the head. His face was broad and
unusually square and full, illuminted by large, prominent eves, the whole indi-
cating more of intellect than vivacity. His ordinary movements were grave
and thoughtful. In his manner he was plain, unostentatious, and at the great-
est possible distance from all that is intrusive. He was courteous and kind,
swift to hear, and slow to speak, apparently esteeming others better than him-
self, and in all his intercourse exhibiting a delicate sense of propriety.

As a man of intellectual ability he held a decidedly high rank. He had an
aversion to every thing superficial. Ever fond of study, he went thoronghly
and deeply into the investigation of his subject, whatever it might be. He was
an admirable linguist, and above all excelled in the knowledge of the Bible ;
not merely in his own language, but in the original. As a scholar he was char-
acterized by great accuracy. I have heard an eminent minister, who fitted for
college undet his instructions, say that he never found any tutor so accurate and
thorough in the languages as Mr. Gillett. He was also very familiar and ex-
tensively acquainted with history ; and he studied history especially as an ex-
position of prophecy.

456

History of Torrington.

But the crowning attribute of his character was his devoted piety and high
moral excellence. While great simplicity and godly sincerity characterized his
habitual deportment, it was still only by an intimate and extended acquaintance
with him, and by observing his spirit and conduct in trving circumstances, that
one could gain anything like a full view of this part of his character. During
seventeen years of familiar intercourse with him, my mind became constantly
more impressed with the depth of his piety ; his unreserved consecration to
God, his self sacrificing devotedness to the cause of Christ and the highest in-
terests of his fellow-men. Among the most striking elements of his religious
character were meekness, humility, and a conscientiousnes, and apparently im-
mutable regard to truth and duty.

In social life, Mr. Gillett's constitutional reserve and defect of conversational
powers, rendered him less interesting and useful than might have been expected
from such resources of mind and heart as he possessed. Ordinarily he said
little in ecclesiastical meetings. Patiently listening to all the younger members
chose to say he would remain silent, unless some gordian knot was to be untied,
or some latent error to be detected, and then he would show his opinion to
good purpose. With individuals and in private circles, where religious or other
important topics became matter of conversation, he would often talk with much
freedom and interest.

In his ministerial character and relations there was much to be admired and
loved, and some things to be regretted. It mav readily be inferred from what I
have already said in respect to his intellectual powers and attainments, his piety,
his studious habits and devotedness to his appropriate work, that his sermons were
of no ordinary stamp. And thus it really was. He presented divine truth with
great clearness and point. Hence his preaching took strong hold of congrega-
tions in times of revival. Often in closing his discourse by an extemporaneous
effusion, he would turn to some one class of hearers, and urge upon them his
subject in its practical bearings with a tenderness and earnestness that were quite
overcoming.

But as his delivery was rendered laborious and difficult by an impediment in
his speech, he could not be called a popular preacher. Those who regarded
the manner more than the matter of a discourse, would pronounce him dull.
But he was a skillful and faithful guide to souls; and his labors were abundantly
blessed not only to the people to whom he ministered but to others.

Of pastoral labor Mr. Gillett performed less than many of his brethren. His
constitutional diffidence, his incapacity for entering into free and familiar inter-
course with people generally, and his love for study, probably all combined to
produce in him a conviction that he eould accomplish the greatest good by
making thorough preparation for the pulpit, for occasional meetings, and seasons
of prayer, rather than devoting much of his time to pastoral visits.

On the whole, he was an able, laborious, faithful and successful minister ;
ever bringing out of his treasure things new and old, edifying the body of
Christ, enjoying the confidence and affectionate regard of his brethren, and
exhibiting uniformly such an example of consistency in his profession as to
leave no room to doubt either his sincerity or piety.

I remain, dear sir, fraternally and truly yours.'

Frederick Marsh.

The Rev. Dr. McEwen of New London has recorded the follow-
ing concerning this good man :

Sfrague'i Annals.

Biographies. 457

In 1782 the Rev. Alexander Gillett was installed the pastor of the church
in Torrington ; a man of middle age ; having been pastor of the church in the
parish ot Farniingbury, afterwards the town of Wolcott. He graduated at Yale
college, 1770. Though he sought not public notoriety, he was a man of strong
mind, a good classical scholar, and a profound theologian. He published a
small volume of six sermons, on the subject of regeneration ; which indicate in
the author, method, accuracy and orthodox sentiment. In the pulpit, as else-
where, his manner was serious, earnest and affectionate. The sermons were
written and elaborated. A slight impediment he had in his speech ; yet so
lucid, instructive and rich in doctrine and piety were his discourses, that he was,
especially to the substantial and heavenly minded part of the population, an
acceptable preacher. He loved his ministerial brethren, and stood high in their
estimation.

Soon after his first settlement, while making his visits to become acquainted
with the people of his charge, a single man, he entered a house, and was
conversing with the family, a little girl of eight years, came in to see the
new minister. He took her on his knee, told her she was a nice girl, and
added, " who knows but that you will be my wife !" This was not pro-
phecy in form, whatever it might have been mentally. The event proved
that the conjecture or hint of the man, had in it something oracular. At
Torrington he bought a farm, having on it, a full sized, old fashioned
house. Whatever of management and labor pertained to the farm, he gave
exclusively to the family. But one large chamber he made his sanctum. It
was accommodated with a large, old fashioned fireplace." In this, every morning,
even through dog-days, he made a blazing fire, raising when necessary the
windows. His philosophy was, that in hot weather, a fire in the morning
purified the air, and by increasing the circulation of it, made it cooler. Few
ministers have spent more hours in their studies than Mr. Gillett. He read
and wrote extensively, and all this with the addition of much thinking. Who-
ever knew the man, the state of mind which he manifested habitually, and the
great object for which he lived and acted, cannot doubt, that in that room,
prayer was a constant exercise. This seriousnesss was no pretense. It was
above all suspicion from which such an imputation would originate. Still the
even tenor of his life admitted of a variety of exercises ; yea demanded it. He
thought too accurately not to know that theology and nothingelse, would kill a man,
while in the fesbleness of the flesh. No man whom 1 ever knew, had his
necessary diversions so much within himself They were found almost exclu-
sively in that room. Expedients for !;ceping the air within their limits pure and
healthful, and agreeable, were important. The occupant of that large chamber
was one of the most independent men in the world. There he wrote music ;
and thera, if any one who was accustomed to see him abroad will believe it, he
played on a bass-viol Though he thought farm work, and mechanical and
mercantile labor, unsuitable for a minister, still there was one craft from which
it was remote and in which accommodation from it would not be had, which
he designed to practice. It was that of book binding. In that room he bound
his own books, rebound his old ones, and did jobs of this sort for other people
of the vicinity. One work was accomplished here which required resolution,
toil and perseverance- When past the age of forty years, this lonely minister
commenced the study of the Hebrew language, and made himself a proficient
in it. We have heard of the patience of Job. Had Job alone, aided not by
men but by books only, commenced the study of Hebrew, and mastered it as

45^ History of Torrington.

triumphantly as did Alexander Gillett ; and that, in an atmosphere not made
congenial by literature, but tempered by the wood fire ; in the record which
canonized the patriarch, this test of patience might have been given."

Rev. Timothy P. Gillett

Was born June 15, 1780, in Farmingbury, now Wolcott, being the
eldest child of Alexander and Adah (Rogers) Gillett. He was
fitted for college by his father, partly in connection with Rev. Luther
Hart, and in 1799, became specially interested in a religious life,
during the revival of that year, and united with the Torrington church.
He entered Williams college in 1800, when he was twenty years of
age and was graduated in 1804. He then taught school in Cornwall,
and then in the academy at Williamstown until in 1806, when he
was appointed tutor in Yale college which position he held one year
and a half.

Samuel J. Mills, Gordon Hall, and James Richards were then
under graduates in that college, and Mr. Gillett has stated to members
of his congregation that they were accustomed to hold prayer meet-
ings in his room, and to consult in regard to the duty of carrying the
gospel to the heathen. He never lost the interest thus awakened in
foreign missions, but was an earnest advocate of the cause, and a
warm friend of the American board. During his tutorship he studied
theolot^y under President Fitch, and was licensed as a candidate for
the gospel ministry, by the Litchfield North Association September
-20, 1806. In the winter of 1807-8, having resigned his tutorship,
Mr. Gillett supplied the pulpit for two Sundays at East Haven, and
was then invited to preach in the vacant pulpit of the church at
Branford. He received, shortly after, a call to settle with them in
the gospel ministry, on a salary of five hundred dollars, and the privi-
lege of cutting firewood on the society's lands, until from continued
ill health or infirmity, he should be no longer able to perform the
duties of a minister among them. This invitation was accepted and
he was ordained June 15, 1808, pastor of the church, on his twenty-
eighth birth day.

Mr. Gillett married Sally, daughter of Dr. Elkanah Hodges, Nov.
29, 1808, v;ho still survives him, beingin the ninety-first year of her
age. He died at his residence in Branford, November 5, 1866, in
the eicrhty-seventh year of his age, and the fifty-ninth of his ministry.

Mr. Gillett was noted for his steady, faithful Christian and minis-
terial life. He was not equal to his father in classic learning, but

Biographies. 459

was well versed, and true to the theology of his day and church, and
his preaching presented good practical advice, seasoned with the sub-
stantialness of full and unconditional submission to the Divine law.
It was one of the most prominent traits of his character that he made
all of his literary pursuits subservient to the momentous business of
his holy calling. He daily consecrated his time and talents to the
service of Christ. In his pastoral life he was sedate, yet cheerful,
and kindly in his attention to all ; speaking fewer words than many,
but such as became the office he served in, and the profession of a
follower of the Revealer of truth, and in all things was a good exem-
plification of the education and training he had received under his
father's roof.

Mrs. Sally (Hodges) Gillett,

Daughter of Dr. Elkanah and Rebecca (Whiting) Hodges, was born
March 29, 1787, and married Rev. Timothy P. Gillett Nov. 29,
1808. Her husband was pastor at Branford, Ct., over fifty-eight
years, during which she was liis faithful and cheerful companion,
winning for herself as well as her husband great esteem, and Christian
love and respect. Her husband departed this life in 1866 ; she still
survives, making her home with her nephew Willard Hodges of
Rochester N. Y.,and is in her ninety-first year. (See Biog. of Rev.
T. P. Gillett.)

John Gillett,

Son of John and Abigail (Catling Gillett, married Mary daughter of
Dr. Samuel Woodward Feb. 2, 1824, or when he was forty- eight
years of age. He was a farmer in Torringford street. He lived a
very quiet life for one who had as much to do with public matters as
he, and always seemed to prefer the company of his books, and news-
paper, of which he always had quite a number, to that of outside
society. He was clerk and treasurer of the town many years, and
also represented the town in the state legislature. His duties as town
clerk compelled him to be present at the election meeting and this
always grated his feelings terribly, as he thought he ought not to be
present when he was being voted for as a representative. In these
days such modesty seems a little singular and affected, but it was very
genuine and honest, for so many were taught in those days. If a man
is now called upon to be a standard bearer we cannot see why he
should hide his face as if ashamed.

Early in his life his father and himself were owners of wild lands

460 History of Torrington.

in Ohio, on the Western Reserve and he acted for the owners
of lands there who were living in Connecticut. This led him to
make a trip to Ohio nearly every year, and in those days the only
means of travel was on horseback, the entire distance. The only
road west of Buffalo was simply marked trees through the woods.

Mr. Gillett possessed the entire confidence of every one who knew
him, particularly his neighbors who sought his advice and council on
all occasions, and his nearest neighbors, those who knew him best,
judged him to be a most upright and good man. In such a life he
was greatly assisted by his noble wife, who although not a member
of any church, was an unselfish Christian woman.

Rev. Epaphras Goodman'

Was born in West Hartford in 1790; was graduated at Dartmouth
college in 1816 ; studied theology with the Rev. Nathan Perkins,
D.D., and studied at Yale Divinity seminary. He was licensed
by Hartford North Association in 1820 ; his doctrinal opinions were
in harmony with those taught at Yale Taylor school. After
making a missionary excursion of a few months during which he was
ordained as an evangelist Jan. 3, 1821, in Charlestown, S. C, he was
invited in 1821, to Torringford, to preach as a candidate for a colleague
pastorate with Rev. Samuel J. Mills, and was installed as such March
6, 1822.

He had a name significant of his internal man ; he was a good man ;
of which his life was a living epistle to his fellow men. He was an
industrious analytical student, always seeking after the why and where-
fore of theories and practices. His perceptions were large and active.
He was logical and rigidily conscientious, and practical in his ap-
plication of every precept. His preaching, though not eloquent and
exciting, was educating, edifying and inspiring, and conducive to
thought, and the establishing of permanent character ; and thereby
well calculated to build up and mould society into wise and graceful
proportions. He was instrumental in gaining for Torringford society
a name, a life, an intellectual, and a moral influence above that of
any other in all that region. Having good executive ability, he was
very consistent in his every day walk and conversation ; very eco-
nomical ; studiously so, in order that he might practice the larger
benevolence. He was a living epistle of good judgment and fidelity
to the gospel he preached.

' Manuscript of Dr. E. D. Hudson of New York.

Biographies. 461

Soon after his ordination, he married Harriet Whitman of West
Hartford ; an estimable lady, possessing an amiable disposition, and
superior intellectual, moral and spiritual culture ; who culminated into
an invaluable helpmate to him in all of his counsels and works. Soon
after the commencement of his labors in 1822, he leased a large room
which had been used for a store house ; fitted it for, and opened a
select school, for advanced pupils, boys and girls. This enterprise
was so enthusiastically sustained by the Torringford people, that he
was induced to continue it, and to employ a talented sister, Mrs. Faxon,
to relieve him somewhat, and to allow him liberty to attend to his
pastoraFduties at any time. The impetus given to education by his
movement was marvellous, and redounded very much to his credit.
The society became thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the enter-
prise, and erected a brick building, long known as the Torringford
Academy. In this building he employed students and graduates from
Yale and other colleges for some years. The academy became ex-
tensively^famous, and young men and women of the society, and
from distant parts were there trained for teachers, for entering college,
for scientific studies and professional pursuits. Mr. Goodman was
the living and abiding animus of this noted enterprise, for with his
dismissal and departure Ichabod was written upon its door posts.

Every moral reform found a cordial response in his moral and
spiritual perceptions, wisdom and goodness, and received his uncom-
promising advocacy and support, for the welfare of society, the
prosperity of the church, and the elevation of moral and Christian
character. Protracted meetings, conventions of churches, and reli-
gious revivals were zealously and laboriously encouraged and sus-
tained by him, and the fruits were abundant. His interest in the
cause of missions was manifested in decided and energetic activities.
He invited his parishioners to set apart, for mission support, agricul-
tural fields in different parts of the parish, to be cultivated by gra-
tuitous labors and the fruits to be sold and the avails cast into the
treasury of the Lord. These gathered items frequently amounted
to no inconsiderable sum.

Extensive orchards were set out by the early settlers ot this parish,
which were very productive of fruit ; the consequence thereof was,
that enormous quantities of cider and cider brandy were manufac-
tured and stored in the large cellars, made capacious for such pur-
pose. During the revolutionary war there was a patriotic call for
the precious fluids, but subsequently they were extensively made.

462 History of Torrington.

sold and used for home consumption. Drinking and drunkenness
(not besottingly) was common to all classes, occupations, and pro-
fessions ; doctors, lawyers and clergymen. ^ The spirit of the can-
teen and cider brandy barrel, was the inspiring one in every
community in the land. Alarm began to be felt by individual
philanthropists.^ Mr. Goodman resolutely entered into the warfare,
and " lifted up his voice like a trumpet," against the besotting evil,
which was undermining and threatening to destroy every thing of
good report. As intemperance like a flood had seriously invaded the
pulpits and the churches, as also the healthfulness and prosperity of
the people, it was a joyful thing to him that his church and society
made a general response to his appeals, and rallied to the reform.
The church voted to dispense with fermented wines at its commun-
ion, and substituted the unfermented juice of the " fruit of the vine."
There were some members of both church and society ; men of
property, military honors, and politicians, greatly wedded to their
cups and customs, who took great umbrage at such an innovation
upon their appetites and social enjoyments. Mr. Goodman was
often importuned by members of other churches and societies to
negotiate exchanges with the neighboring ministers, who were timid
or indisposed to meddle with the subject of reform, and after the
regular services, to deliver a lecture. Thus his influence extended
beyond his own parish.

The advocacy of Moral Reform, in New York, and generally,
as directed by the ladies and the Rev. Mr. Dowell, received the
countenance and hearty support of Mr. Goodman and his wife. The
cause of African colonization, having been clothed in the " livery of
heaven," and having been unwittingly sustained by the philanthropic
missionary, Samuel J. Mills, enlisted for a season, the sympathies
of Mr. Goodman, until the trumpet voice of William Loyd Garrison,
exposing American slavery and its organized aider and abettor the
American Colonization Society^ and its auxiliaries, opened his eyes
and alarmed his conscience. Then he immediately set his face
against the colonization scheme, and became an apostle to the anti-

' See an account given by Dr. Ebenezer Porter of Washington, Conn., in 1806. Sermon.

= Dr. Lyman Beecher had preached his six sermons against the evils of intemperance.

3 This society was supported at the rime by the South, as the best method of removing
free colored people, and thereby strengthening the bonds of slavery. But the Colonization
Society has now become the greatest friend to the colored man.

Biographies. 463

slavery cause, in which he was zealously affected, although he did
not survive to see the day of the abolition of American slavery.

In 1833, he and Dr. E. D. Hudson (who at that time had settled
in Torringford as the physician) associated to open and estab-
lish an educational, moral, physical training, and hygienic insti-
tution, a Family School for boys. This school was zealously
patronized by the most eminent men of Hartford, New Haven,
New York, Philadelphia, and other parts of the northern and
southern states.

Thus he continued his labors and spared not, in Torringford,
until 1836, when the church and society became financially weakened
by disaffected conservative, anti-reform members, somewhat dis-
heartened concerning a location for a new meeting house, when he
felt constrained to offer a resignation of his charge, which was sorrow-
fully accepted by the church and society. With his departure,
educational, moral, religious, and general enterprise went into a
decline, and the spirits that sustained the good man, have fled forever.

He was settled two years in Dracut, Mass., and was remembered
there as an earnest, faithful, and beloved pastor. The year after
his dismissal there, he resided in Andover, Mass., and was employed
as an agent of the American Protestant Society. In 1840, he went
to Cincinnati, bought the IVatchman of the Valley^ and published,
and edited it until 1850. About 1847, ^^ assisted in forming the
first Congregational Association in southwestern Ohio. Very soon
after, he assisted in forming the Western Reform Book and Tract
Society. In 1851, he went to Chicago, and during one year had
the editoral charge of the Christian Era^ and during most of that
year supplied the pulpit of the first Congregational church. During
the next two or three years, he was the western secretary of the
American Missionary Association, and disbursed its home missionary
funds. He subsequently edited a short time the Free West., a weekly
anti-slavery paper, published in that city.

He died at Chicago, June 12, i852, aged 72 years.

Daniel Grant,
Son of William Grant, was born Dec. 28, 1743, and I'ved on
his father's homestead with his brother Matthew until his death.
He was a man of careful and diligent industry, but took no promi-
nence in the town until the comi-iencement of the revolutionary

464 History of Torrington.

war. Soon after the beginning of those troubled times, he was
elected collector of town taxes on the west side, in which position
he manifested such skill and business tact, both in collecting the
taxes, and also in favoring the people, that he was appointed collector
for the town, and was continued in this office through the war.
During the war, he was practically the banker of the town , taking
grains and cattle and exchanging them in such a way as to meet the
demands of the general government, and of the state, and thus keeping
up the credit of the town, and greatly aiding the nation to obtain its
freedom (see chapter on the Revolution).

It is probable that there have been but few men in this town who
have possessed greater financial ability than this man, and very likely
but few who possessed such ability ever used it to more honor to them-
selves and the town. He was a man of decided character and reso-
lution, and yet to all appearance was governed by a decided sense of
justice and right, and beyond that he could not be moved. He and
his brother Matthew living in the same house, had some differences
of judgment, and the result was that all friendly communication ceased
between them ; they did not speak to each other. There was no
words ; no perpetual disturbance ; each thought the other wrong and
there the matter ended. Daniel was tax collector ; he would put his
brother's tax bill through the key hole in the door into Matthew's
room, and Matthew would return the money by the same "• Express."

In the collection of taxes he was obliged to levy on property and
sell it, as there was no other way. Mr. Grant took such property
and sold it, and very often bought it himself, and would then take a
note for it of the family and leave it to be redeemed. When he sold
cows, as was the case often, he would take a note for the cow, for
three years, at the end of which time he was to receive the cow and
the first calf. This was the usual method of letting cows, in those
days, as several account books clearly show.

It is said that when Daniel Grant died, he required of his executors
that such of these notes as he then held should be burnt ; but that
the collectable ones were not burned. It is further said that these
notes amounted to a bushel basket full.

No complaint is heard as having been expressed concerning any
severity of Mr. Grant as tax collector, but all reports give him great
credit of honor and fidelity to the people, as well as to the law.

In his last will, he gave to the town a farm in New Hartford, for
the benefit of schools, and this remains yet as the Daniel Grant fund.

He died in 1787.

Biographies. 465

Matthew Grant, Jr.,

Son of Matthew and Phebe (Foster) Grant, married Rosannah Lee,
Sept. 29, 1795, a girl brought up by John Cook of Torrington.
He lived on the old Grant homestead and was an energetic farmer,
of the very highest reputation for integrity and uprightness of charac-
ter. His word was not only as good as law, but was implicitly relied
on by all the people ; so much so that he is said to have frequently
took money from the bank without giving any note or using any
check, or other paper. The common remark was that " no man's
word was worth as much as Matthew Grant's." He was a great
friend to Parson Gillett, and the parson thought every thing of
him as a man of the highest moral integrity. He was a man of
kindly feelings and benevolent disposition towards those who had less
money than he had, and this trait of character, more than any thing
else, nearly proved his ruin financially. Persons who went to him
for help in time of need have heard him say many times : " I have
not the money, but I can get it for you," and in a few days they
received the money. He built the large and very substantial house
now the residence of Dea. F. P. Hills, at a cost of eight thousand
dollars, and the report has obtained currency that this house nearly
ruined him, as to money, but this eight thousand was but an item
compared with other losses. He signed papers v/ith Esq. Holmes
a relative, for a farm in Vernon, Oneida Co., N. Y., the farm being
worth fifteen thousand, a large portion of which he had to pay and
finally to take the farm. On this farm he placed his son Gerry,
who conducted it with energy, having at one time one hun-
dred cows as his dairy ; but he signed paper for his brother in
California for some thousands of dollars, and sent the money ; the
brother did not get the money and soon died and Gerry lost the
whole. This farm "finally fell into the hands of Alpheus Hodges,
who had lent money on a second or third mortgage. Mr. Grant
lent money, and signed paper for other parties in large sums as well
as small, many of which were a total loss, and which helped to bring
him to straitened circumstances in the later part of his life, though
he did not come to want. He was a drovier, and being a large stout
man, of heavy voice, he could be heard at a great distance in driving
cattle. His son said he could always tell when his father crossed
the North river with a drove of cattle, for as soon as he had crossed
the river he could begin to hear him halloo to the cattle. In buying
cattle he would ask the price and if too high would go on without

466 History of Torrington.

making an offer for them. Many persons have followed him miles
to persuade him to make an oifer.

He bought the ministry lot giving some $2,200, which still con-
stitutes a fund in the First Society. His father bought the school
lot in 1774, giving X94, which coiistituted a school fund.

Matthew Grant Jr., was a man of great value to the town and
the First Society, and when he departed this life was greatly missed.

Elder Miles Grant

Was born in Torrington, Conn., December 13, i8ig. Until
twenty-one years of age he spent most of his time in hard farm labor,
excepting winters, when at school. At eighteen he commenced
teaching school in Winchester centre ; the next winter he taught
in Wolcottville ; and afterward in Winsted of the same state, for
several years, where he was very successful. In the Annals of
fVinchester^ published by the Hon. John Boyd, the following is
stated of him :

" Elder Miles Gianr, for some four or five years taught the west village dis-
trict school, with an ability ar.d success never excelled in our annals. To the
sincere regret of parents and scholars, and of the whole community, a sense of
duty constrained him to leave a calling for which lie was eminently fitted, and
to devote himself to the Master's service in another sphere of labor. Highly
esteemed and loved as a minister of the gospel, he has no more cordial friends
than his Winsted pupils, now in the active stage ot life, who owe to him a
training far beyond what is ordinarily secured in a district school."

He was also employed for some time as a teacher at Amenia
seminary, and at Jonesville academy, N. Y.

His father, Ira Grant, was a noted hunter, and in early days his
son. Miles, was quite well educated in hunting and fishing ; but at
twenty-one years of age he became convinced that these were cruel
sports, and quit them entirely — and for more than thirty years has
not used a gun or a fishing-rod.

In early life he had some religious impressions, but drove them
off and became a skeptic. As such in December, 1842, he went to
hear H. A. Chittendon lecture on the Prophecies of Daniel, in the
Methodist church in Winsted. Those lectures convinced Mr.
Grant of the truth of the Bible. He was happily converted, and
became very active in Christian exercises. He continued in the
business of teaching until the spring of 1850, when he felt it his duty
to commence preaching the gospel of Christ. This he did and has

Biographies. 467

continued to do until the present time. His ministerial labors have
been richly blest. He has been the instrument of persuading many
to become Christians. He is a firm believer and advocate of the
doctrine of Bible holiness. During his ministry he has been an
evangelist, excepting the interval between 1855 and 1858, when he
was pastor of a church in Boston. In 1855 he was elected editor
of the World's Crisis^ a religious weekly, published in Boston, and
with the exception of a few months has held that office to the pre-
sent time.

The Elder has some peculiarities which should be noticed in this
sketch of his life.

1. He was converted into the belief that the second coming of
Christ is an event near at hand. This he still firmly believes and
preaches earnestly.

2. Soon after his conversion he became satisfied that the Bible
did not teach that the finally impenitent would be tormented eter-
nally, but, after their resurrection and judgment, they would die
" the second death," and never live again ; and that only the right-
eous would have eternal life.

3. About the same time he was also convinced that the Scriptures
do not teach the natural immortality of man, but that he lies in a
dreamless sleep, unconscious, between death and the resurrection ;

and that " if the dead rise not, then they also which are fallen

asleep in Christ are perished."

4. He also believes the Bible teaches that the future home of the
saints will be on the " New earth," which is to be the present one
purified and restored to its original state, as it was before the first
man sinned. These views led him to take a decided stand ao-ainst
Spiritualism and its leading defenders, with whom he has held some
seventy or eighty public discussions. He has also written and pub-
lished much against the system, and is well known as its fearless
opponent.

5. His habits of life. Another peculiarity of Elder Grant, which
is worthy of special note, is his mode of living, perfect health, and
remarkable power of endurance. He is often heard to say that if he
accomplishes no other good in the world, he hopes to be able to
demonstrate that these qualities depend very largely upon the treat-
ment of our stomachs. He does not claim that all should do as he
does, but thinks a large amount of sickness, pain, sorrow, remorse.

468 History of Torrington.

and misery v/ould be removed from the human family, if his mode
of iiving were universally adopted.

For over twenty years he has been a rigid vegetarian — using no
meat, butter, tea, coffee, tobacco or any intoxicating drink. In early
life he used tobacco, cider and brandy freely, tea and coffee and rich
food. Then he had frequent headaches, and hardly a day passed
without more or less indisposition and ill-feeling ; now these ailments
are all gone. He has not had a sick headache for upward of twenty
years.

For more than twelve years, he has eaten but two meals a day.
His hours of eating are eight and half-past two o'clock. He eats no
pies and cake, or pastry of any kind ; uses no salt, sugar, or any
other seasoning on any food, excepting a little milk or cream. He
enjoys his food exceedingly, but is never faint or hungry between
meals. The following is his complete list of articles of food : Un-
leavened bread, oatmeal pudding, beans stewed till soft, baked or raw
apples (sweet preferred), other fruits in their season, raw eggs, pop-
corn, sometimes dates, figs, raisins, and nuts, squash, the sweet and
common potato. He says he feels the best, and can do the greatest
amount of work, when he confines himself to the unleavened bread,
oatmeal pudding, beans, sweet apples, eggs and milk. He does not
allow himself to eat a meal in less time than half an hour. He for-
merly ate in five or ten minutes. He uses no drink with his food.
He never eats anything between meals.

He always sleeps with an open window, takes a sponge bath every
morning; retires as soon as convenient after nine o'clock, and aims
to be in bed about seven hours.

As a result of this mode of living. Elder Grant is able to perform
a great amount of business without fatigue. He can preach fifteen
times a week, do all his work as editor, and feel as fresh at the close
of each day's labor as at the beginning. He travels from ten to fif-
teen thousand miles a year in his ministerial labors through the East-
ern, Middle, and Western Slates, but never seems tired. He claims
it is because of his plain diet, accompanied by the blessing of the
Lord. He has not eaten a meal for several years without his un-
leavened bread. He thinks no one is getting through the world
more pleasantly, or with less friction than himself. He says
he is a '' happy man ;" and from long acquaintance, we have no
reason to doubt his saying. His pursuit certainly, is a cheerful one.
He is most thoroughly convinced that his mode of living adc'.s largely

Biographies. 469

to his enjoyment, and that should he live as most do, he would soon
lose his health, vigor, power of endurance, and much of his present
sweet enjoyment. He never has any " blue Monday," though he
may preach three times on the Sabbath, attend as many prayer-
meetings, baptize, administer the sacrament, and converse most of
the intervening time during the day. When everybody else is tired
he appears still in vigorous condition,^

Hon. Stanley Griswold,

Son of Capt. Shubael and Abigail (Stanley) Griswold, was born No-
vember 14, 1763, and was graduated at Yale college in 1786. For
a time he was a lieutenant, under his father as captain, in the war of
the Revolution. Having completed his theological studies he was
ordained pastor at New Milford in 1790, where he remained twelve
years. During this time he preached several discourses which were
published. One delivered at New Milford in 180O; a discourse
occasioned by the death of the Rev. Nathaniel Taylor, 1800 ; on
the subject, overcome evil with good, preached at Wallingford before
a numerous collection of the friends of the constitution, Thomas
Jefferson president and Aaron Burr vice president of the United
States in 1801 ; and one on the subject " The good land we live in,"
preached at Sheffield in 1802.

About the year 1804, he left his native state and established a
patriotic and spirited weekly paper at Walpole in New Hampshire.
In his position he exhibited much talent and literary acquirements,
and obtained considerable celebrity, there being, at that time, (ew
ably edited newspapers in the United States. From this situation in
1805, he was removed to the territory of Michigan, having received
from Mr. Jefferson, then president, the apppointment of secretary of
that territory- After this he was appointed by Governor Huntington
of Ohio, a senator in congress, to fill a vacancy. He afterwards
received the appointment of territorial judge, for the territory of
Illinois. While occupying this position, he died at Shawneetown, in
1815.

Mrs. Fannie W. (Curtiss) Gulliver,

Daughter of Dea. Elizur and Amanda (Steele) Curtiss, married Rev.
John P. Gulliver D.D., September 8, 1846. He was ordained

^National Agriculturalist, Phrenological yournal, 1 87 3.

47° History of Torrington.

pastor of the Broadway church, Norwich, Ct., October i, 1846, and
dismissed, October 25, 1865 ; was pastor of the New England
church, Chicago, from February 21, 1868 ; was president of Knox
college, Galesburg, Illinois, a number of years ; is now pastor of the
first Presbyterian church in Binghamton, N. Y. Dr. Gulliver stands
among the first class ministers of New York state.

Dr. Thatcher Swift Hanchett,

Son of Ephraim and Nancy (Swift) Hanchett, was born in Canaan,
Ct., November 8, 1838. His father was born at Salisbury, and his
grand-father Israel lived in Salisbury. The father of Israel, received
a grant of land, from the king, in Salisbury, which included originally
the ore beds of that region.

Dr. Hanchett's father was of the firm of Hanchett, Huntino-ton
and Day, of Canaan mountain, manufacturers of anchors, engine
axles, and bar iron. He removed to North Canaan where Thatcher
S. attended school until he was fourteen years of age.

The doctor's mother was the daughter of Ebenezer and Lucy
(Thatcher) Swift of Barnstable Mass.

When he was fourteen, his father removed as manufacturer to
East Douglass, Mass., where young T. S. attended the academy
five or six years. When twenty-one, he began to study medicine
with Dr. Homer Darling in East Douglass, where he continued a
year and a half, and then entered the medical department of Harvard
university in 1 861. After remaining there one year he entered the
United States navy, on board the United States steamer Wamasutta,
in capacity of hospital steward, and on his tour was in the south
Atlantic blockading squadron off the coast of Georgia.'

On his return to Massachusetts, he received an honorable dis-
charge and re-entered the university, and remained another lecture
term. He then spent a year in the office of Dr. A. W. Bennett of
Uxbridge, Mass. He then took a lecture term in Bellevue hospital.
New York city, and graduated at that institution in the spring of
1864. While in the city he was connected with Marion street
Lying-in asylum.

' Dr. James Thatcher, was a physician of considerable celebrity, having published several
works on the practice of medicine. He was Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and
Sciences, and of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and honorary member of the Georgia
Medical Society.

Biographies. 471

He was employed one year by Dr. William Welsh of Norfolk,
Conn., as assistant physician, and rode one year with him.

In the spring of 1865, he settled in Wolcottville as practicing
physician ; Dr. Erastus Bancroft and Dr. Jeremiah Phelps, being
the physicians of the place at the time. Here he has had much suc-
cess in his profession, is highly esteemed ; is a man of energy, and
devotes all his energies to his profession.

Rev. Luther Hart,

Son of David and Hannah (Hudson) Hart, was born in Goshen,
July 27, 1783, and when three years of age he came into Torrington
with his father and family to reside and remained here until he com-
menced his collegiate studies. In the great revival under Mr. Gillett's
labors in 1799, he became personally interested in a Christian life
and united with the Torrington church, at the age of sixteen years,
in connection with Rev. James Beach and Rev. Timothy P. Gillett.
He was fitted for college by Rev. Alexander Gillett, and in 1803
entered Yale college, and at once took a high rank, and at his grad-
uation in 1807, he received one of the highest honors of the institu-
tion.

After a year devoted to teaching at Litchfield, South Farms, he
studied theology with Rev. Ebenezer Porter at Washington, Conn.,
and afterwards graduated at Andover, Mass., and was licensed to
preach by the Essex Middle Association of Mass. In Sept., 18 11,
he married Minerva, daughter of General Potter of Plymouth, where
he received a call, and was ordained the previous year, the sermon on
the occasion being preached by his tutor, Rev. Ebenezer Porter.
This marriage connection is said to have contributed greatly to his
comfort and usefulness. Great accessions were made to the church
in 1812, 1824, 1827, and 1831. About five hundred were added
during his ministry. In 181 8, he aided in the publication of doctrinal
tracts, also in the establishment of the Christian Spectator^ and con-
tributed largely to both. On the i8th of April 1834, he was seized
with lung fever, which at first was not deemed alarming, but on the
25th terminated fatally. He passed away in the triumph of faith.

Rev, Noah Porter of Farmington, preached his funeral sermon,
and it was published in the Christian Spectator. The Rev. Laurens
P. Hickok of Auburn, N. Y., says of Mr. Hart: " One of his marked
characteristics was an indescribable expression of cheerfulness and
hearty good will, diffusing its sweet savor wherever he was, so that

472 History of Torrington.

his presence and society were always sought. He had a quick and
keen discernment of men and things. His intercourse with his
church and people was very frank and familiar, yet with a large
amount of reserved dignity and seriousness. His sermons were
serious, pungent and discriminating, and abounded less in long drawn
argument, than in condensed, sententious thoughts, and concise
declarations. His voice was full and melodious ; and a well qualified
judge now living in Torrington, who has heard him preach quite a
number of times pronounces him " one of the most eloquent men he
ever heard speak in the pulpit."

He died at Plymouth April 25, 1834, aged 51 years. His only
son Luther Potter, died August 28, 1829, aged five months.

To aid variety by course fine art,
I'll venture measured lines on Luther Hart :'
A genuine song, with nobler aim
Than rhyme or dulcet tone can ever claim,
At Jesus' feet he lays his sacred lyre,
To Jesus praise, his loftiest strains aspire.
And that dear name sets all his soul on fire.

In seventeen eighty-three, his cradle rocks,
'Mid Goshen hills, and snows, and Boreas' knocks.
The hopeful boy in school-room soon appears.
And runs in learning's ways beyond his years.
In early youth begins a nobler race.
With Christ to guide and lead to higher place.
From Yale to Andover now ardent turns :

With love to God and man his whole soul burns, *

Till Plymouth wisely calls him to her side.
And he as wisely takes her for his bride :
Another bride, in usual sense, he finds
In this new home ; to both, his love now binds.
And binds with strong and silken cords till death :
In eighteen thirty-four l\e yielded his breath.

Dear man ! a heavier groan earth seldom hears.
Than when he fell. No mimic sorrow now !
His wife ; his flock; his cleric brethren all :
His country; state; feel one great common grief.

No more we see that straight and slender form,
And face like female's delicately fair,
But manly too, with forehead broad and high,
And look so kind, so winning, yet too pale.
From thought intense, if not from midnight lamp.
Did we not sometimes tremble, while we loved
The wit and wisdom fresh from fount so deep ;

' Rev. Cyrus Yale, in Centenial Anniversary of Litchfield county.

Biographies. 473

Yea bottomless ? Did we not often fear

The working of that strong and sprightly mind

Would sure break down its tenement so frail ?

How soft his voice ! yea, musically soft

For social, or for holier pulpit use j

As if an extra sweetness it had gained

From daily concert with angelic friends,

Drawn down by sacred songs so like their own.

What frank and Hart-y words, as oil flow out

From lips now playful, now anon more grave,

To please or teach, alike the young and old :

His high, chief aim, to win their souls to Christ.

At home, abroad, with poor and rich alike,

He' ne'er forgets the business of his Lord.

His sermons, full of thought, in flowing style,

With new and forceful illustrations graced.

And preached in way and manner quite his own,

Were never opiates to youth or age.

But suited to the need and taste of all.

What lecturer could equal Mr. Hart,

At sacred concerts, all the region round !

His wizard-wand could summon Jeduthun

Of yore, with daughters three and sons fourteen

Before you, as in ancient choir they stood,

For songs, with haips and cymbals in God's house j

The inference plain ; let child and parent now

Praise God together in the choral song.

At once he stood, ambassador for Christ,
And eloquently urged the listening crowd
To be forthwith all reconciled to God;
His look, and voice, and action all accord
With his high message, and a soul on lire ;
Sudden, he stops j assumes a kindlier look,
A more familiar, more persuasive tone,
.A.nd beautifully simplifies the way
To heavenly bliss. The goodly city shines
Before the breathless throng j all eye, all ear;
NVhen pointing to the Christian's glorious home
The impassioned man in substance says, '■^Look there ,•
Mark well the gates of entrance; twelve in all;
No matter which you enter; only pass
Within the city walls, and you are safe.
Now, name these gates ; repentance, faith and love,
And other Christian graces up to twelve;
Then choose between them ; one includes them all.
Come then to Christ with penitence, or faith ,•
Or come with love, or with humility;
Each grace implies the whole; and some find one,
And some another plainer to themselves ;
While each gives title clear to that sweet home."

474 History of Torrington.

Rev, Lemuel Haynes^

Was born in West Hartford, Conn., July i8, 1753. His father was
a pure African, and his mother a white woman of respectable ances-
try in New England. He bore the name of neither father nor
mother, but probably of the man under whose roof he was born.
Tradition says that his mother, in a fit of displeasure with her host
for some supposed neglect, called her child by his name. He was
abandoned by his parents in earlv infancy, and was thus an orphan,
not by the bereaving hand of God, but by the cold neglect of those
who ought to have been his most affectionate guardians. He says of
his early years : " When I was five months old I was carried to
Granville, Massachusetts, and bound out as a servant to Deacon
David Rose, until I should become twenty-one years of age. He
was a man of singular piety and thereby I was taught the principles
of religion. His wife, my mistress, had peculiar attachments to me,
and treated me as though I was her own child. I remember it was
a saying among the neighbors, that she loved Lemuel more than her
own children." Deacon Rose was a farmer, and on this farm Lem-
uel lived, performing the hard work, common in those days, to that
position in life.

His opportunities for education were confined to the common
school and the chimney corner, until he engaged in the preparation
for the ministry, at the age of twenty-six years. He studied Latin
with the Rev, Daniel Farrand of Canaan, Connecticut, and Greek
with the Rev. William Bradford of the parish of Wintonbury, and
made great proficiency in each in a few months. His license to preach
was dated Nov. 29, 1780, and was signed by Revs. Daniel Farrand,
Jonathan Huntington and Joseph Huntington, and his first sermon
was preached at Wintonbury from the words, " The Lord reigneth,
let the earth rejoice." Soon after being licensed he was invited to
preach in Middle Granville, among his acquaintances and neighbors,
and of his preaching at this time the author of his Memoir thus
speaks: "The writer of this narrative, though a resident in a diff-er-
ent parish in the town, and having opportunity to hear him in com-
paratively few instances, owes more under God to Lemuel Ha\ nes
than to any other minister among the living or the dead. In his
sermons he uniformly left the impression of the majesty of God, the

' Memoir by Timothy M. Cooky, D.D., published in 1837.

Biographies. 475

importance of immediate repentance, the awful solemnity of the judg-
ment day, the attractive loveliness of Christ, and the pleasantness of
wisdom's ways." His delivery was rapid, his voice charming, his
articulation uncommonly distinct, enabling him to present his argu-
ments in "a perennial stream of transparent, sweet, animated elocu-
tion, but with great simplicity and striking effect." He continued
his ministerial labors in this place, with good success five years.

" Among the pious youth in Granville, was Elizabeth Babbit, who, in her
deep religious anxiety, was greatly aided in her search after salvation by the
counsels and prayers of Mr. Haynes. She possessed a refined education for
that dav, and was employed as a teacher of youth in the centre of the town.
After considering all the proprieties in the case, she, with becoming delicacy,
made him the overture of her heart and hand, as his companion for life. By
such a proposal he regarded himself as highly honored, and they were married,
September 22, 1783, at Hartland, by the Rev. Samuel Woodbridge.'

Mr. Haynes commenced preaching-in Torrington sometime in the
summer of 1785, was ordained on the 9th of November, of the same
year, and continued his labors about two years. By his plain, pointed
yet eloquent preaching the house was soon filled with attentive
hearers. Of his success in winning, even, those who were opposed
to his being employed to preach here, the Rev. Milton Huxley says :
"There is a man of my acquaintance who feels that he owes much,
under God, to the preaching of Mr. Haynes at Torrington. He
was disaffected that the church should employ him, and neglected,
for a time, to attend the meetings. At length, curiosity conquered
prejudice so far that he went to the houseof God, and from designed
disrespect, sat with his hat on his head. Mr. Haynes gave out his
text, and began with his usual impassioned earnestness, as if uncon-
scious of anything amiss in the congregation. ' The preacher had not
proceeded far in his sermon,' said the man, *■ before I thought him
the whitest man I ever saw, my hat was instantly taken off and
thrown under the seat, and I found myself listening with the most
profound attention.' That day was a memorable era in the life of this
man. Through the influence of the spirit of God, he was aroused
from his stupidity, convinced of his guilt and ruin, and led to look to
Christ Jesus for salvation. He became a man of prayer and unex-

' Mrs. Haynes, was born at Dighton, Miss., Feb. 28 1763, and died, Feb. 8, 1836, aged
73. She possessed an amiaole character as a wife, and mother, and a Christian. Nine
children survived her, and one daughter was deceased. There were three sons ; one a farmer,
one, Lemuel, was a physician in the state of New York, the other, William, was a lawyer
in Massachusetts. All of the children were successful in life and an honor to their pa-
rents.

476 History of Torrington.

ceptionable piety, and if now living, an elder in the church at the
West." Tradition in Torrington speaks of him as a "man of great
shrewdness and wit, and yet as being very earnest, and laboring with
great seriousness, in the ministerial office." His journal says : "Tor-
rington, July 26, 1785. Set out on my journey to the state of Ver-
mont, accompanied by Mr. L. Loomis." This journey he probably
made after he had preached some months here, and on his return, or
soon after was ordained. Hence the whole time of his labors here
comprised nearly two years and a half.

"March 28, 1788, he went to Rutland, having received a cail to the pas-
coral office in the west parish," where he was installed. Here his labors were
ordinarily successful, until 1803, when there were one hundred and three ad-
ditions to the church, and in 1808 there were one hundred and nine. By his
faithfulness as a minister and his clear, pointed and practical preaching he pre-
pared the way tor the great and jovful ingathering of many souls.

During the later of these years, he preached a sermon in the
presence of, and had some correspondence with the Rev. Hosea
Ballou a Universalist minister. The sermon was printed in many
papers in this country and in Europe, and gave him considerable fame
as a controversialist. In such a field his ready wit and undisturbed
good nature were weapons of great power.

It may be difficult for some to see the consistency of his very free
indulgence in wit with a uniform and pervading piety. In the view,
however, of those who were intimately acquainted with him, it did
not detract either from his Christian or ministerial character. More-
over, it is probable that in the circumstances which surrounded him,
the cunning and obtrusive skepticism, the bold and blasphemous in-
fidelity of the times, not only allowed but called for the free exercise
of such intellectual talent.

Mr. Haynes was a strong advocate for an educated ministry and
often expressed his great regret that he had not enjoyed the inestim-
able privilege of a regular course of study. A young clergyman, in
conversation on this subject, sincerely remarked, that he thought
ministers without learning succeeded well, and that ignorant ones
usually do the best. " Won't you tell me then, sir," said Mr. Haynes,
"how much ignorance is necessary to make an eminent preacher ?"

Mr. Haynes having served the church thirty years in Rutland was
regularly dismissed on the 29th of April 18 18 by a council. The
finding of the council closed with these words : " We do cheerfully
recommend the Reverend Lemuel Haynes as a tried and faithful
minister of Jesus Christ."

Biographies.' 477

Soon after Mr. Haynes's dismissal he received a call to preach at
Manchester in the same state. Here he continued to labor until 1822
when he removed to Granville, New York, where he passed the
eleven last years of his pilgrimage, preaching to that people. He was
cared for in great kindness by his parish to the end, and closed his
earthly career with great hope and assurance of immortality and eternal
life. He died Sept. 28, 1833, in his eighty-first year.

Dr. Elkanah Hodges,
Son of George and Susannah Hodges of Taunton, Mass.-, was born
in 1747, and came from Woodstock, Conn., to Torrington on horse
back in 1772, or a little before. He at once commenced the prac-
tice of medicine, making his home at Noah North's or in that part of
the town. One of his account books that is preserved is a ledger,
which he dated, January 2d, 1773, ^""^ *^" ^^^^ ^^Y dated several
pages in the book, copying from another as follows: D. B. A. P.
I., i. e., Day Book A. Page one, and then giving the amount : thus
practicing a thorough system of book keeping unusual in those days.
Every thing in this ledger indicates that he was a well bred, well edu-
cated gentleman of very decided business tact, talent and habits,
which representation comports with the whole of his ^fter life, so
far as ever heard.

In 1776, he purchased the farm and home, known ever since
as the Hodges place on what was then called Brandy hill, a
little north of the second meeting house, and soon after commencod
a store in his dwelling, which he kept many years in a building in the
rear of his dwelling; the buildings are still standing. This store
soon became the place of trade and resort for the western part of the
town, and was regarded as, and called Torrington center.

He married first Roxalany, daughter of Ashbel North, and had
the small pox himself, and his wife took it from him and died in less-
than a year from the marriage, and second, Rebecca, daughter of
Dea. John Whiting, by whom he had a number of children.

Dr. Hodges practiced medicine twenty-five years in this town ;
was highly esteemed and respected by the people, and in all relations
m life was a valuable man. It is said by some that in the later years
of his life, he did not do much riding in his profession, and this may
have been as Dr. Goodsell was then residing on the west side of the
town, as a practicing physician.

His store was a very successful one and the establishment he con-
ducted to make potash was also successful ; and his attention to

478 History of Torrington.

these enterprises must have been quite constant, and increasing from
year to year, but the doctor was a man of such energy and order in
his business as to be able to do the work of two or three men, under
ordinary circumstances.

He became a large land holder and was supposed to be one of the
wealthiest men of his time in the town.

He was quite an active man in town matters and in the ecclesias-
tical society, though not a man that desired to be in office.

An entry in his ledger, is the only item yet seen that determines
when the second meeting house (the one at Torrington green) was
raised; and that with other items is worthy of a place on record.

The articles which I, E. Hodges, gave toward building the meeting house
in Torrington.
May zo, 1785.

Two gallons of rum to the framers 5^. .
One old cheese 5 lbs, 3</, . . . . .

One pound of tea for the women when they raised said house,
Two pounds of nails to nail the lap studs,
1786, May 18, 20 lbs ten pennv nails, .....
7 " '" 10^. .

3 " " u. \d. . . .

To my purchasing the nails and bringing them from New
Haven for the meeting house, ....

" Nov. 2d 6^ lbs butts at 9^. .

Another item in the doctor's ledger tells us when the school house
at Samuel Beach's (afterwards Priest Gillett's) was built, the only
record in the town so far as is known as to this fact.

December 6, 1788. Articles I, E. Hodges, tound for the school house
at Samuel Beach's.

£, s. d.
1000 feet of pine boards delivered to Samuel Beach, . . .200

Four pounds of chalk \d, ....... 1 ^

Sash stuff, delivered to E. Smith, some time ago, . . . . 80

.Three squares of 7 by 9 window glass, ..... 16

One iron slice, .........60

One hundred nails, ........ 10

He also gives the following which shows something of the relative
value of cider and brandy.

"November 15, 1777, Esq. Epaphras Sheldon debtor to four barrels of
cider, for which I am to have seven quarts of home made brandv for each
barrel."

In 1782, he received six quarts of brandy per barrel for fifteen
barrels.

Dr. Hodges's name is on some of the lists of committees of the town
during the revolutionary war ; and in 1780, he received from the

£ /.

0 10

Biographies.

479

treasurer of the town dSl 15J, which may have been for services in
accompanying the military company of the west side, when called to
the field for the defence of the country.

As a physican, it is said, Dr. Hodges was confided in almost with-
out question of doubt, and as a citizen his judgment was always ac-
cepted as wise and safe, and when he departed this life he was sincerely
lamented. He died suddenly from the result of an ulcerated tooth.
May 21, 1797, aged 50 years.

Erastus Hodges, Esq^,

Son of Dr. Elkanah Hodges, was born in 1 781, in Torrington, where
he always resided. He was educated mostly in his father's store,
and his father dying when he was but sixteen, he and his older
brother Willard, under the guidance of their mother, continued the
store until he was twenty-one. Soon after he was twenty-one, in
1803, Mr. Abernethy commenced his store near the meeting house at
Torrington green, but the Hodges brothers remained on the hill
north.

It did not take the keen eye of Erastus long to see that Abernethy
had the advantage of being at the foot of the hill ; and he and his
brother having dissolved partnership, he built a store building near
the site of the present dwelling of Mr. Levi Hodges, and established
his business there in about 1807. Soon after, he erected the
dwelling house now standing, which at that time was a new style
of house, thoroughly built in every respect, and was the pride of the
town. Soon after, when Dea. Guy Wolcott built his new house,
it is said there was considerable controversy as to whether it would
be more complete, and thoroughly built than Mr. Hodges's, but it is
doubtful whether there has been, ever, a house on the west side of
the town more thoroughly built and in better proportion and style, ex-
cept Mathew Grant's which is now owned and occupied by Dea. F.
P. Hills, near Goshen line.

On the 5th of January 1809, Mr. Hodges married Laura Loomis,
daughter of Richard, who was the most queenly woman in the town
at the time, and who was a most fitting partner for him, and a
woman much esteemed in the town, through all her life.

Mr. Hodges became, by his success in business, general enterprise
and fidelity of character, one of themost influential men in the town ;
so much so that it was frequently remarked by one man on the west
side at a certain period, that there were but three men in the town,

480 History of Torrington.

Squire Smith, Squire Hodges and Priest Gillett. This was about
1820. He was justice of the peace many years 5 and was sent to
the assembly one year, but this required him to leave his business too
much, for he was a most thorough businessman. One circumstance
illustrates his character in business. When Wolcottville began to
draw the trade from the stores on the hills, a certain man desired to
buy two small fish-hooks, and Mr. Hodges looking for them, discov-
ered that he had none in the store, upon which he said " I will have
them in about one hour." The man replied, you will have to send
to the village for them, and it will not pay to send so far for four
cents worth of fish-hooks, I can get them some time when I am
down there. No said Mr. Hodges, if you go there for the fish-hooks,
you will go there for other things, besides, it is my business to keep
in my store what is needed here to accommodate the people. This
is one secret of his success, his business must and should be attended
to, as a business matter. Thoroughness, carefulness and energy in
business was an innate quality of his mind, and to this bundles of pa-
pers and account books still testify.

The stability of his character, and that also of his brother Alpheus,
was of invaluable price in the community, and especially so when it is
remembered that his social qualities were such as to infuse his own
character, rather than to be influenced by that of others. His quiet
good nature and candid judgment, always secured confidence and good
will, and the thoroughness with which he watched and provided for
the wants of the people, in his store, secured to him the business
transactions from many miles out of the town, and thus his store be-
came extensive in its control of the market in the region, and he
became in some considerable degree, the head of the mercantile
business for some considerable extent of country. His bills of import
by shipping indicate that that trade was carried on, in part, in behalf
of other stores in neighboring towns, as well as his own. To such
an extent did his store become the center of trade about 18 14, that
there was much effort made to build a road direct from his store to
Winchester and Litchfield, but the hills were such obstacles in the
way, that the work was not executed, although favorably considered
several times by town votes.

Mr. Hodges was a leader of enterprise, and never was he led but
once, and that, when he went into the brass kettle business, wherein
he is said to have lost about sixty thousand dollars, and this was pretty
nearly at the close of his business life.

He was, really, one of the great men of the town.

Biographies. 481

Israel Holmes

Was born in Waterbury Dec. 19, 1800. He received an ordinary
common school education, and was himself a teacher of the school
in the west centre district m Waterbury, when quite young. He
afterwards became the prmcipal clerk in the store of J. M. L. and
W. H. Scoville, and while engaged in the business of these gentle-
men, was sent by them to England, in 1829, to procure workmen
for their button factory and the brass business.

In 1 83 1, Holmes and Hotchkiss built the brass mill afterwards
occupied by Brown and Elton. Mr. Holmes was desirous of con-
necting wire making with brass rolling, but could find no person in
this country who had any knowledge of the business. Foreseeing
the importance of the interest connected with the successful intro-
duction of this new branch of manufacture into the country, he made
a second voyage to England in 1831, and returned with men and
machinery enough to make a beginning, though small but viewed in
its results, of great importance to Waterbury and to the country.

In 1834, Mr. Holnies came to Wolcottville as a partner in the
first brass company in this place, to be the manager of the work of
that mill, and the same year made his third voyage to England, and
procured workmen and machinery tor the manufacture ot brass kettles
in Wolcottville, by the only method then known. This was the
origin of this branch of business in the United States.

As a citizen of Torrington Mr. Holmes was an influential, and
active man in educational and improving enterprises ; and as such
was well known and esteemed throughout the Naugatuck valley, and
largely through the state. He represented this town in the legisla-
ture, and also in after years the town of Waterbury.

In 1845 he returned to Waterbury and as president of the Water-
bury Brass Company, occupied himself in building and putting in
operation their works in the east part of the town, and afterwards,
their West Mill.

He also superintended the erection of a brass mill in Bristol, and
was afterwards actively engaged as superintendent of the brass-rolling
mill of Holmes, Booth and Hayden of which corporation he was
president.

Mr. Holmes was a modest unassuming man, yet possessed of fine
talents, directed to the promotion of all noble enterprises of that day.
Mr. Filo Hurd, who was superintendent of the construction of the

482 History of Torrington.

Naugatuck rail road, gives him the credit as being the man of the
most intelligent views, and helpful counsel to that work of any along
the line of the road.

Mr. Holmes sometimes amused himself in writing poetical pieces,
when peculiar circumstances or occasions moved him. The follow-
ing were written while he resided in Wolcottville.

Written on the death of President Harrison :

He's gone to his home like a well ripen'd sheaf,
The ear in its fullness, and sere in the leaf;
The angels have borne him with joy to the skies,
The portals of heaven have closed on their prize.

He's gone like the waters in brightness that flow,
While verdure and flowers clothe their banks as they go,
Till forth to the deep in their grandeur they roll —
He's gone to the ocean the home of the soul.

He's gone ! and the nation in sackcloth is drest —
We pour out our tears round the place of his rest ;
Columbia's children now linger and weep
O'er the tomb of her friend, in death now asleep.

He's gone like the sun at the dying of day.
When shades veil the earth as his light fades away;
Our sighs, like an orphan's, are heavily drawn,
While Speaks the cold marble, he's gone, he is gone.

2.
Thou art gone to the grave, and a nation deplores thee.

And mourns the dread summons that calTd thee away.
Thy country, afflicted, in sadness weeps o'er thee —

Her millions their tribute of sorrow now pay.

Thou art gone to the grave when the sun of thy glory
Shone fairest and brightest on the land of thy birth,

Thou hast left no dishoner bedimming thy story.
Not a stain on thy mem'ry to darken its worth.

Thou wert call'd to the grave from loftiest station.

Whilst anthems of gladness in our vallies yet rung,
Whilst shoutings all joyful were loud through a nation,

And the vows of thy office yet vyere warm on thy tongue.

Thou art gone to the grave; but back from thy tomb,

Thy wisdom, reflected, pure, gentle and bright,
Shall shine on the future, dispelling its gloom,

As the bright sun declining lends the stars his own light.

Thou art gone to the grave ; while on earth we deplore thee.
Thy spirit ascending, high soaring in air,

Biographies. 483

Shall meet kindred spirits who've flown there before thee,
Who'll spread their glad pinions to welcome thee there.

Thou art gone to the grave ; but thy days were all bright j
To thy country thou gav'st them, reserving but few ;

Thy spirit untarnished hath talcen its flight —
In sorrow and sadness we bid it adieu.

Race over the Connecticut Course.*
"A wake thou, my muse! nor thy silence prolong,
Let thy notes all be joyous, all cheerful thy songs,
Sing the race of two horses, of bottom and speed
One of the people's own horses of subtreasury breed ;
Sing too of their riders, vain riders were they,
Eaeh one had his motives, his skill at the play ;
Honest Bili^they named this, crafty John 3 they called that
One a dun colored nag, t'other black as your hat.
Sly Matty the fox'* seized crafty John's mane.
And glorious old Tip 5 held honest Bill's rein.
'Twas a fine April morn when they brought the nags out.
And thousands were there their coming to shout.
Crafty John was envelop'd from crupper to bit,
With a richly wrought cov'ring — and oh what a fit,
Emboss'd on its folds were dominions and thrones,
And the flags of all nations excepting our own.
The bright shining crescent of the Grand Turk was there.
And there sitting rampant was the huge Russian Bear.
Not a despot on earth to whom slaves kneel and cower,
But had their hieroglyphics, his symbols of power;
No borrowed escutcheons on Bill's mantle shone;
The stars of the Union blaz'd there all alone.
No kingly fantastics to add to his weight,
To excite the knaves wonder, or fools captivate.
Both nags in fine spirits and confident mood.
Neck to neck, side by side at the standing post stood.
The riders approach'd — and O what a sight?
Sly Matty in robes so dazzling and bright.
Bespangled all over with silver and gold
His retinue too, O the half is untold.

There were knights and squires, lords, would-be-court knaves,
And servants in livery and gaily drest slaves.
. Some like princes enrob'd some in plainer costume.
From a dunghill cock's feather, to an ostrich's plume.

' Published in the Litchfield Enquirer, April 23, 1840.
' Wm. W. Ellsworth, ffOiig, running for governor.
^ John M. Niles, Democrat, running for governor.)}
* Martain Van Buren, running for presidency,
'Gen. Harrison, running for presideney.

484 History of Torrington.

Old Tip was surrounded by a log cabin guard

Some were old Continentals with their faces all scar'd,

Some were grey headed fathers, the boast of the land,

Sending dignified grace to the true hearted band.

And thousands of honest hard working men too,

Clustered round the nag Billy and Tippecanoe;

Men preferring their bread, and their country's good hap

To glory, gilt saw dust, or treasury pap.

Now the bell rings to mount, the riders advance.

Old Tip looks complacent, sly Matty askance;

Hark a voice? clear the road, for the saddler's make room,

'Tis the voice of Tom Benton, sly Matty's head groom.

The saddle byjove, 'twas a queer looking thing,

Like a huge life preserver at each end of a string.

This was the subtreasury crater itself,

Where they lock from the people their ill-gotten pelf.

Some said crafty Johnny could never sustain

Such weight, but would fail and be beaten again ;

But the weight was all fudge — 'twas all in your eye

With no more than was there crafty Johnny could fly.

Bill Prince and Sam Swartout had cleared with the clink

Leaving just enough to rattle and jink.

The space that was left, Benton filled with his breath }

As a drowning man does when he is threatened with death.

Though the thing look'd so large yet the whole altogether

Would scarcely outweigh a buzzard's tail feather.

They buckled it on, John pricked up his ears.

As proud as an ass with empty panniers,

Sly Matty approached — kneel down crafty John."

Like a camel he knelt and sly Matty got on.

Rise up, my good fellow, my trusty cat's paw,

John rose and Matt looked like a three tailed Bashaw,

guoth Matty, now hark, John mind — do you hear ?

You stumbled and faltered, and was beaten last year ;

Do you see my long spurs ? but held in his hand,

The torn constitution and laws of the land.

Scarce enough of them left to be understood.

Yet he folded them up as well as he could ;

And these were his saddle, and t'was thrown on aright,

With the girth of the union, t'was buckled on tight.

With an unruffl'd brow, and a hearty good will.

Looking cool as a farmer just starting for mill,

Tip mounted his nag and thus addressed Bill :

No long exhortation shall I now stop to make.

The cause is the people's, their interest the stake ;

No matter to us if we're beat — none at all —

I've my log cabin left, and you've a warm stall.

But the people expect the top notch of your speed.

And truly friend Bill, of this there's great need.

I've no spur nor a whip, save the twig I've just broke

From the wide spreading boughs of the old Charter Oak.

Biographies. 485

None other you need save your own honest pride,

The people remember, be your spur and your guide.

Both riders now ready, ride out of the crowd.

As they came alongside each gracefully bowed —

Good morning my Tippy, quoth Matt, this is kind,

To give you the race, I'm somewhat inclined.

'Twould give me such pleasure to chat through the day,

But John is a devil, you know in his way,

He is so hard on the bit and so cussedly fast.

That our confabulation I fear me won't last.

Old Tip nodded thank ye, and said in reply,

You're so civil, kind Matty, to keep up I will try.

Crafty John was now ready, and ready was Bill,

But sly Matty lingered his goblet to fill,

His golden goblet (what a democrat whim)

Tom Benton now brought him filled up to the brim.

Here's a health, my old Tippy — take a glass of champaigne,

" Much obliged but on cider I will try it again."

The starting Bill struck — old Tip loos'd the run,

And away Billy flew over the hill and o'er plain.

The way he cleared Hartford the county and all.

Was a caution — just so he will do it next fall.

The Middlesex border Bill reached in short space,

The roads were there rougher and he slacked his pace.

How strange the misfortune that happened to John ;

He gallop'd 'tis true, but he could not get on.

He stepp'd fast enough but 'twas straight up and down,

Like a horse in the circus when rode by a clown.

Some were sadly surprised, some said, never mind.

He'll soon take a leap and leave Billy behind.

At length he cut dirt, like a colt in fright.

But 'twas side ways and all ways but right.

With much tribulation, they hustl'd him through,

And Middlesex reached, he pricked up anew.

Sly Matty encouraged, says John this will do.

By Jove we're in sight of old Tippecanoe;

We're gaining — we're up — neck and neck, side to side.

Now go it my Johnny, or I'll strip off your hide.

O the way the fire flew — but Johnny outsped

And he entered New Haven 1 8 lengths ahead.

He entered New Haven — stop, faith I'd forgot.

His fore feet were there, but his hind legs were not.

Ah Matty, ah Johnny, what reverse in your fate

Ju;-t now you were leading at a wonderful rate.

What spell has come over you, why that up and down gait ?

As a ship fast aground with her canvas all spread.

Rises up with the swell, but moves not ahead ;

Or a wave on the tread mill, tho' the whirl goes around

Tho' his own foolish self still holds the same ground.

Old Tip now came up and pass'd short way ahead.

But saw Matty's trouble and turned him and said.

486 History of Torrington.

What's the matter dear Matty come spur up y'r gait,

Has Johnny the bots, till he's well shall I wait ?

Go to h-U with your waiting, the state too if you choose,

A few wooden nutmegs is not much to lose.

Honest Bill heard Mat's blessing and whirling around,

Cleared the counties remaining with ease at one bound.

Thus covered with glory and long before night

Honest Bill and old Tip came in from the fight.

There was joy and glad shouting with the old and the young,

And honest Bill's praises and old Tip's were sung.

Old Tip now dismounted, his saddle unloosed,

The bridle took ofiFand Billy unnoos'd,

Good bye, my friend Billy, now go to your stall,

Have an eye on your oats and remember next fall.

As an old continental marches with his knapsack.

Old Tip slung his saddle across his own back

Midst shouting and greeting shook hands with each friend.

And was off to plant corn on his farm at North Bend.

But where is sly Matty and his nag crafty John,

So proud in the morning so fierce to get on ?

We left them in trouble where two counties meet.

Where John had the colic or some ail in the feet.

Alas for sly Matty, there still they remained.

When old Tip had got in not an inch had they gained.

Up and down up and down still in the same track

Pitching forward and plunging, but falling aback.

Many people were there, it was sport for the wags,

One cried out, sir, Mr. Saddlebags —

I say Mr. Quixote, if a stranger may guess

You have got the wrong nag there if you're riding express.

Is your harness all right? aint your girth rather slack ?

Maybe that ere saddle is galling his back ?

Matry call'd loud for help, and like Andre of old.

When at Tarrytown caught offered silver and gold.

They bended him here, and hemmed him in there,

Till Matty poor Matty gave up in despair.

Now alighting from Johnny, and seizing his bit,

He read him a farewell in words that were fit.

Go, thanks to my spurs thy lank sides are well stained

Go, spavin'd and ringbon'd, broken winded and sprained

Go, since you prefer it to treasury corn,

Go, feed amongst briers and thistles and thorn,

But my spurs shall go with you, take that, and aye that.

Go, brouse like an ass on the salt river flat.

Rev. Abel Knapp Hinsdale.

Was born in Torrington, united with the church in Torrington in
1828, and was graduated at Yale college in 1833, and at Auburn
Theological Seminary in 1838. He was ordained a minister of the

ORRIN L. HOPSON.

Biographies. 487

gospel, and set apart as a missionary by the American Board to the
Independent Nestorians, Jan. 18, 1840. While soliciting funds for
the American Board, he married Sarah Clark of Derry, New Hamp-
shire. They had two children ; the first died quite young, the second
lived about fifteen months.

He died at Mosul, Mesopotamia, Dec. 26, 1842, after which his
widow was engaged in instructing the children of the missionaries at
Constantinople about ten years, when she returned to her native
country, but lived only about two years after her return.

Rev. Burke Aaron Hinsdale, A.M.,
Was born at Wadsworth, Medina Co., Ohio, March 31, 1837, and
was the son of Albert Hinsdale who was born in Torrington, and re-
moved west with his father Capt. Elisha Hinsdale.

He was educated at the Elective institute, now Hiram college, O.,
and received the degree A.M. in 1871, from Bethany college. West
Va,, and from Williams college, Mass. He entered the ministry of
the Christian church (called also Disciples) in 1861 ; was pastor in
Solon, O., 1864-66 ; was pastor in Cleaveland from 1866 to 1868 ;
assistant editor of the Christian Standard^ 1866-69; professor of
history and English literature in Hiram college in 1869-70, and be-
came president of this college in 1870, performing the duties of pro-
fessor of philosophy, history and biblical literature, and where he con-
tinues to the present time. He is also assistant editor of the Christian
^uarterly^ Cincinnati. Mr. Hinsdale is the author, also, of the
Genuineness and Authenticity of the Gospels^ published in 1873 ; The
Evolution of the Theological and Doctrinal Systems of the Ancient
church being in preparation for the press ; and he has contributed
much to periodical literature. Also an essay on common school
education published by order of the Northeastern Ohio Teacher's As-
sociation.

Orrin L. Hopson
Was born in the town of Wells, Rutland county, Vt., June 23, 1814.
He learned the trade of machinist or tool maker, and worked at this
trade a number of years in Vermont, and afterwards in Connecticut.
While in Vermont he devised or invented a peculiar style of
spectacle cases, and engaged in a joint stock company for the manu-
facture of them, and they became very popular, but a Meriden com-
pany took up the same line of manufacture, put the price of the
article much lower, and Mr. Hopson not having a patent for his in-

488 History of Torrington.

vention, the Meriden company took the trade and became very
prosperous with it.

Mr. Hopson came to Connecticut and engaged in the pin shop at
Oakville near Watertown, about 1856, as die maker, and after a few
years he removed to Waterbury, and engaged as tool maker, where
he was engaged when he and Mr. Brooks first entertained the idea
of pointing wire by the cold swaging process.

In 1862, Mr. Hopson and H. P. Brooks, having secured a patent
for a wire buckle, for which there was a large demand in consequence
of the rebellion in the southern states, commenced the manufacture
of these buckles at Waterbury. Immediately a great need was ex-
perienced, of some machine for pointing the tongues of these buckles,
and they conceived the idea of doing this by the cold swaging pro-
cess, and at once tested the principle by constructing a machine,
which proved a success in a small way. This being done they en-
tertained the idea of applying the principle to the pointing of various
kinds of wire rods, and sewing machine needles : and many other
articles, made of the best steel as well as iron. They soon disposed
of their buckle business with the limited amount of machinery, to
the Waterbury hook and eye company, and turned their attention to
the development of the cold swaging machine. After many disap-
pointments and failures as to the construction of such an instrument,
and the incurring of great expense, they succeeded in producing a
practical and effectual machine for pointing iron rods and made their
first sale to Messrs. Washburn and Moen of Worcester, Mass., of
one machine with the right of the patent in their own mill, for the
sum of three hundred dollars.

After this they entered upon a series of experiments in regard to
the sewing machine needle. One of these experiments took place at
the hook and eye shop in Wolcottville in the presence of several
gentlemen, experienced manufacturers of the village. Soon after
this a company was organized, who purchased the exclusive right for
the United States, tor manufacturing sewing machine needles by
this, th" cold swaging process. The company at once entered upon
the work before them, and very wisely retained the inventors as
partners in the company to secure their aid in the development of
this new, untried and but very little understood process. The sew-
ing machine needle was required to be very perfect, since it was
driven wholly by machinery and was a very delicate piece of steel
wire. After much patience, and perseverance in making machinery.

Biographies. 489

during which many experiments were tried, and some inventions and
patents were secured to aid in this process, a machine was constructed
that did produce the most perfect needle Icnown for sewing machines ;
and the business of the company became reasonably remunerative.

Having disposed of the right for making needles by this process in
the United States, the inventors proceeded to England where after
obtaining the patent for the country, they tried to sell it. The
English manufacturers refused to use the machine, giving as the
main reason, the fear that their workmen would destroy the machine
through the supposition that it would take away their means of sup-
port. After some months of effort, they succeeded in selling one
machine for the sum of twelve hundred and fitty dollars, it having
cost three thousand dollars to effect the sale. Upon this the invent-
ors came home supposing they had seen about the end of their
machine in the old world.

About four years later, one of the English manufacturers being in
this country saw the machine at work at Messrs. Washburn and
Moen's mill, saw the practical working of the invention and at once
gave an order for a machine. It was made and sent to him, but he
did not succeed in working it. He wrote to the inventors that if
they would come to England and make it effectual, they would take
an interest in it and introduce it to the wire mills in the kingdom.
In order to manage the sale of the patent to advantage and without
trouble, Mr. Hopson purchased the right of Mr. Brooks, and pro-
ceeded to England. After putting the machine in order, and securing
its successful working, he sold the half interest in the patent for
England, to be used in wire mills only, to Messrs. Richard, Johnson
and Nephew, who were wire manufacturers of Manchester. This
firm have had much success, and have introduced the machines into
nearly all the large wire mills in the country.

Such is the history of one little invention, which during a series of
changing vicisitudes for ten years was made a success, and has re-
sulted in some reasonable compensation to the inventors for the time
spent and the effort made, although at one time the hope of recover-
ing the money spent in England was a poor substitute for a fortune.
[See the description of the Excelsior Needle Company.)

Mr. Hopson removed his family to Wolcottville about 1871,
where, besides giving attention as a director of the Needle Company,
he kept a flour and feed store until the spring of 1877, when having
been confined considerably during the winter by illness he gave up
the store. When the warm weather came his health very much

490 History of Torrington.

improved and he was about the village almost daily, appearing to
possess quite good health. But this was mostly in appearance.
After a serious illness of about two weeks at his residence in the
village he died August 29, 1877.

Rev. Stephen Hubbell
Was born in Wilton, Ct., April 22, 1802. At the age of fifteen
he was placed under the tuition of Hawley Olmsted, a graduate of
Yale, and just opening the academy in Wilton, where he remained
its distinguished and successful teacher several years. After spending
nearly five years in this academy, he taught school in what was then
called Saugatuck but is now known as Westport ; thus earning be-
forehand, half the funds needed to defray the expenses of his college
course. He then went to Yale college where he was graduated in
the class of 1826.

In the following year he entered the Theological seminary at New
Haven, where he remained three years. After this he supplied the
pulpit of Mt. Carmel Congregational church six or eight months
and on the i8th of May, 1830, was ordained pastor of that church
and congregation. This pastorate, eminently pleasant and pros-
perous, was terminated at his own request at the end of six years.

He was installed as pastor of the Wolcottville church, Feb. 29,
1837, and commenced his labors under circumstances that promised
success to the cause he represented and comfort to himself, but
scarcely had he commenced his work before the approaching hard
times began to afi^sct his parish in its manufacturing enterprises, and
this, with other attending adverse events led him, after being here a
little over one year, to ask for a dismission from the pastoral relation,
but the decision of the council was against the dismission. He re-
mained until Sept. 29, 1839, when he was regularly dismissed.

His third pastorate contuiued twelve years in East Avon, Ct., and
yielded valuable and encouraging results but was abruptly closed on
account of the displeasure entertained by the parish against the book
Shady Side written by his wife. Instead of being stimulated to
higher and nobler attainments in the future, the parish determined to
execute judgment, for the supposed offence, upon the minister's
family.

In August 17, 1853, ^^^ passed directly from his dismission at
Avon to his installa:ion at North Stonington, where for the space of
almost seventeen years, he was enabled, apparently, to do the most
and best service ot all his toiling years in the ministry.

Biographies. 491

From this place he passed to Long Ridge, in Stamford, Cr., which
was a smaller field of labor than any in which he had previously
served, but the interests of which he cordially espoused. Having a
characteristic aversion to the system of stated supplies, he thought
it best to be installed in this place though the hope of remaining
many years was not great. The elements of the congregation were
of an unusually mixed character, and the tide of business enterprises
and family relations were all moving from the place rather than
flowing toward it.

Here he managed to procure aid from the kindred of himself and
wife to repair the house of worship and beautify its interior; and by
this the external circumstances and condition of worship were very
much changed in the place.

Here he continued to labor with much earnestness and unceasing
effort, hoping that some signal change of internal life might be seen
and realized to the great comfort and advantage of the community,
but while all of his hopes were not realized, such were the apparent
improvements that the remembrance of these labors are not without
some consolation in his retired years.

From this place he returned to Mount Carmel, the place where
he began his ministerial and pastoral life, where he has built him a
snug home and where he finds some congenial employment, and
takes comfort in " reviewing the precious past, and anticipating the
glorious future."

Mrs. Hubbell.

This summary of changes in the career of this pastor's life would
be very incomplete without special mention of his family. He mar-
ried on October 30, 1832, Martha, daughter of Noah Stone, M.D.,
of Oxford, Ct. Her mental culture and moral training had been the
best kind both as to home influences and institutions of learning. In
her new sphere, young as she then was, the result of her piety and
her intellectual culture, to wield the pen of a ready writer in behalf
of the great principles and precepts of the great Teacher, soon began
to manifest themselves under varied circumstances and in regard to
many objects of attention peculiar to such a relation to the commu-
nity. She always had some definite theme on which her thoughts
were philosophically running, and drawing practical applications,
durino; the intervals and fragments of time when the cares of the
family and the claims of social life would allow her attention to be
thus devoted. Being naturally fond of reading and thinking, and

49^ History of Torrington.

having been trained in such employments from childhood, she was
always adding to her store of knowledge, and to her ability to ex-
press herself precisely and gracefully upon any subject on which she
engaged in conversation or writing. Soon her narratives began to find
place in public print; in the weeklies and monthlies; and then she
wrote a number of volumes for Sunday school reading, which were
published and gave good satisfaction.

It was during the pastorate of her husband at East Avon, that she
wrote and published that book. Shady Side^ which made such a stir in
the parish that he felt constrained to resign his pastorate, but which
sent her name far and near as an authoress, and brought her great
tribute of thanks and gratitude for the good service it was doing for
the ministry among the churches. It is stated as the mature judg-
ment of many of the leading ministers of New England, that no one
thing ever transpired which did so much to awaken a proper consider-
ation and understanding in the minds of the public toward the
ministers' families, as the writing of this book, and this opinion, with
many grateful feelings, were frequently expressed to the authoress
and her husband.

The book as a whole was regarded as a fair representation of
society in New England at the time. Some few thought the pic-
ture overdrawn on the dark side, while many thought it not a shady
side but a very correct representation of real life as generally ex-
hibited in communities such as described, under circumstances of
financial difficulty.

As a literary production it was so acceptable that the authoress
was solicited for other volumes on kindred topics by publishers and
persons of distinction both in America and Europe. Forty thousand
copies of the book were very readily sold ; and still it was called for,
being sold by the Carters of New York. At Wolcottville the book
was not very kindly received, though most every body read it.

Had the health of Mrs. Hubbell been good, and continued, other
books of equal value might have been received from her pen that
would have had the same beneficial influence in favor of the great
principles of Christianity ; honesty, truthfulness and a life of consist-
ency by professed Christians.

Mrs. Hubbell's health gradually declined and her wasting disease
brought her useful career to a close at life's high noon, at the age of
two score and two years.

Of the two children of this family who survived to mature years
the following is the brief record.

Biographies. 493

Mary Elizabeth Hubbell
Was born at Mt. Carmel, Dec. 5, 1833. She was naturally gifted
in intellectual qualities ^nd under the careful training of her parents
and the schools she attended, she became fitted for, and accepted the
position of principal teacher in a young ladies' school in Baltimore,
Ind., the year before her decease. Twenty and a half years was the
limit of her life. Her writings of prose and poetry remain to justify
the tribute paid to her by her mother :

"Child of genius and of song ;
Child, too, of God."

Rev. William Stone Hubbell
Was born in Wolcottville, April 19, 1839. He was graduated at
Yale college in the class of 1858. In the autumn of 1857, he en-
tered the junior class of the Theological seminary at Andover, and
remained there two years, when he enlisted as a private in the 25th
Ct. infantry \ was promoted to be 2d lieutenant in the 21st; had a
brilliant career to the end of the war, when he was commissioned
brevet-major, and returned to spend his third year at Andover. He
has been six years the successful pastor of the Franklin St. church
in Sommerville, Mass. In the autumn of 1865, he married Carrie,
daughter of Alfred Southmayd, Esq., of Middletown, Ct., and has
two daughters and two sons.

Rev. Stephen Hubbell married at Albany, N. Y., his second wife
Harriet Thompson, daughter of Ezra Hawley, Esq., of Catskill,
May II, 1859.

Amid the changes, bright and drear which have come to him all
along his ministry, his beloved and loving family has been the great
comfort and crowning joy of his life.

Daniel Hudson,*
And Mary Coe, " his wife," were among the pioneer settlers of the
town of Torrington, Litchfield Co., Conn. They came into the
parish ofTorringford in 1868, and were constitutents of that society
and church in establishing the pastorate of the Rev. Samuel J. Mills
over that people in 1769. He was born in Bridgewater, Mass., in
1738, and she in Middletown, Middlefield Society, Ct., in 1745.
Both of them were of genuine Puritan extraction in their physiques^
spirits, morals, religion and deeds.

' Manuscript of Dr. E. D. Hudson of New York.

494 History of Torrington.

Daniel Hudson, ancestor of all the Hudsons of New England,
came from England, probably Lancastei shire,' with his wife, sons,
and daughters, to Boston, between the years 1625 and 1630,"^ and
settled in Lancaster, now Leominster, Mass. His son William was
made a freeman in Boston in 163 1 ; and allowed to keep an ordinary
(tavern) in 1640. His son Daniel, who settled in Bridgewater and
married Mary Orcutt, and had Daniel who married Mary Fobes,
who had Daniel Hudson in 1738, who when twenty-one years of
age, went with his cousin Barzillai,^ westward to Middletown, Ct.

Robert Coe of Norfolkshire, England, born in 1596 ; and his wife
Anna, came to New England in 1634, and settled successively at
Watertown, Mass., VVethersfield and Stratford, Ct. Mary Coe was
the daughter of Capt. David Coe and Hannah Camp, his wife, of Mid-
dletown ; grand daughter of Joseph Coe and Abigail Robinson, his
wife ; great grand daughter of John Coe of Stratford ; and great,
great grand daughter of Robert Coe, England.

The ancestors of Daniel Hudson and Mary Coe were of the first
respectability, yet were not saints of the highest order; in asmuch
as their moral perceptions became darkened, and their characters
tainted by the spirit of slavery, "that sum of all villainies;" for the
record reads that slaves of Capt. David Coe, "were married with
his consent." As "Jacob served Laban, seven years, for his daughter
Rachel to wife;" it doth appear that Daniel Hudson served Capt.
David Coe, for his daughter Mary; for in his will, the reading is:
"I give and devise to the heirs of my daughter Mary Hudson .£32-
iSj.; the reason why I give them no more is, that my son Hudson,
had the improvement of my lands, eight years, which I judge to be
their full proportion to the rest of my daughters."

Daniel Hudson and wife Mary, went westward, at that time
a tiresome journey, on horseback and with an ox cart; through the
dark wilderness, following the bridle path and the unmade south road
(in distinction from the north road through the northern part of
Winsted) which, by order of the general assembly, a committee had
laid out in 1762, running through the south part of New Hartford,
and following a bridle path through the northern part of Torringford
street, at the house of Rev. Mr. Gould (now Hayden's); thence
north- westerly past the hostelry of John Burr, on the brow of the

■ Divers of this name are here.

' The emigration records of those years cannot as yet be found.

3 Barzillai settled in Hartford ; originated and printed the Connecticut Courant.

Biographies. 495

steep hill ; thence down the declivity to Still River swamp (Burrville) ;
thence up the mountain gorge to Winchester. On that road, and
on its west side, mid-way between the Gould place and landlord
Burr's Hotel, they pitched their tent, and erected a small one story
house for temporary residence. Subsequently they built a two story
lean-to house on a site nearer the Burr estate. There they became
possessed of an extensive farm, the most eligible and feasible for
tillage and grazing of that region.

The site and scenery were beautiful and unsurpassed, location
healthy, the air invigorating, the water pure, cool and delicious, and
every prospect pleasing and inspiring. Here they dwelt, toiled and
prospered; reared and nurtured a family of nine children, seven
daughters and two sons, all of whom grew up healthy, hardy, indus-
trious, intelligent, useful and enterprising members of society, and
who inherited a goodly portion of puritanic principles and character.
The homestead remained in the family ninety-two years, so long as
there was a Hudson to live in Torringford !

In those days of the wilderness of Torrington, and the incipient
enterprise of Daniel Hudson and Mary Coe, when they were depend-
ent for every comfort and implement of husbandry, upon their good
sense and unmitigated, wearing labors of mind and body, then and
there their puritan characters, energy of life, indomitable spirit and
courage were manifested with that of others, indicating the coming
celebrity of Torringford. The trees were cut down, clearings made,
seeds, shrubs, fruit-trees and vines put into the earth, and which
produced rich harvests. In due time the farm was well stocked with
cows and sheep, for dairy, wool and mutton. Grass of a superior
quality, Indian corn, rye, peas, beans, barley, oats and flax were
profitable crops. The lands, though of diluvial formation, with a
deep and extensive underlying base of granite table-rock, cropping out
into occasional ledges with huge boulders of the same, incidentally
strewn upon the soil, possessed good strength, and were originally
heavily timbered with sugar maples, hickory, ash, beech, oak, chest-
nut, cherry, tulip and box trees, and adorned with the kalmia or
mountain laurel, while the intervales were full of tall pines, hem-
locks and tamaracks with their verdure waving to the winds most
gracefully. So picturesque was the landscape scenery, and so in-
spired was the Rev. Samuel J. Mills with its grandeur when he came
there to settle that he was exercised to exclaim, " Here let me live,
and here let me die."

The household scenes of Daniel Hudson and Mary Coe furnished

49^ History of Torrington.

an instructive and indicative horoscope of the future of that family in
prosperity, physical comforts, health, longevity, morals, religion and
intelligence. The active physical and moral energies of the parents,
and their numerous daughters and two sons, manifested in the various
industries, utilities and responsibilities, gave promise of certain success
and honor in life. All clad in homespun and homemade garments ;
the father and sons in butternut colored or plain, the mother and
daughters in plaid or striped short gowns and petticoats, seldom with
costly shoes, except on extra occasions, offered a scene which re-
spectable society of modern times may feel to despise, but in regard
to the prudence and wisdom of which it might be health to the eyes
of many people to see.

The advantages of the sparse and indigent public schools, were
appreciated, being eagerly improved by most of the young people
until they were past their years of minority. After a time there
were added home institutions, night schools, and self education ; and
with these, religious instruction through the catechism and the Bible,
were interspersed with a constancy and fidelity that did honor to
parents and teachers of such a faith as the descendants of the puri-
tans. Mr. Mills exercised great interest and influence in the intel-
lectual and religious nurture of the children ; and they were an
increasing multitude in those days. The children always loved his
presence and mirthful sayings. On one occasion when she that Is
Mrs. Clarissa Hudson Tuttle, was very small, and the teacher de-
sired to exhibit every child, she was called up to repeat the verse :
" In Adam's fall we sinned all ;" Mr. Mills exclaimed : " No, no ;
my child," for " in Cain's murder we sinned furder."

Family religious observances were very regular and the presence
of every member of the family rigorously required. At the setting
of the sun every Saturday, all secular affairs ceased instantly, and
exclusively ; even to the cracking of a nut. Books were scarce
and expensive, and almost exclusively religious ; such as the Bible,
psalms, Westminster Catechism, Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress^ some
book of sermons, Scott's Commentaries^ and the Connecticut Courant ;
and even this last named, is thought to have been more religious in
those days than at present. All the members of the family were re-
gular in theirattendanceat church. Thefathergoing on horseback, the
mother seated behind him on a pillion ; the girls and boys on foot ;
and with staid faces, suppressed glee and solemn demeanor they
traveled the unmade and rough roadway two miles to church every
Sunday. As shoes were a very expensive article of dress, particularly

Biographies.

497

so for a large family, it was customary for girls and boys to carry
these articles in their hands until they came near the church and
then to put them on, to " tread the courts of the Lord's house," thus
reversing the ancient requirements. In their religious faith and creed,
they were like father Mills and the church, thorough bred Calvinists.
Their children and children's children constitute good standards, into
which to engraft a more enlightened faith and practice of Christian
humanity and civilization.

Daniel Hudson was a strong federalist in politics, and was greatly
exercised when JefFersonian democracy began to influence the public
mind, and to loose the bands of ecclesiastical and federal church and
society ; and to favor what were deemed heretical sects and op-
posing creeds, and faiths, which were anathematised as wicked en-
croachments upon the orthodox " bodies corporate."

Notwithstanding some peculiarities of creed and faith, the puritan
characters and exemplary lives of Daniel Hudson and Mary Coe as
well as many others were manifestly invaluable legacies to Torring-
ford, for its ultimate growth, progress and reputation, as affording a
pleasant " habitation to dwell in." Their children all grew up to
manhood and womanhood ; became respectably allied, and affiiliated
in every reform and progress of human civilization, and their de-
scendants are scattered, and honorably known, in various parts of the
United States.

Daniel Coe Hudson.
In Memor'iam^ by Dr. E. D. Hudson.

Daniel Coe Hudson, the eldest son of Daniel and Mary (Coe)
Hudson, resided several years on a farm located half a mile west of
Mast swamp, on the south side of the road, at the beginning of
the (occidental) ascent to the homesteads of Dea. John Cook and
Joseph Fowler, Esq. He married Mary Loomis, . daughter of
Epaphras and Marv (Hills) Loomis; a woman of good repute for
her excellent ways, and loving kindness ; she being the sister of
Deacon Lorrain Loomis, so noted for his intelligence, and rare
benevolence. They had one son (Daniel), a very promising child,
but who, when seven years of age, was suddenly stricken down with
diphtheria and died in 1805. His mother had, one year previously,
deceased by typhus fever, when only twenty-eight years of a2;e.

Thus overwhelmed by his bereavements he left that malarial^lzce
63

49^ History of Torrington.

and returned to his native (Orient) hill of Torringford, and pur-
chased the estate of John Burr, hostelry, which adjoined his father's
estate. The two possessions were mainly cooperatively improved by
the father, and his two sons, in respectable farming and dairying.
They were also extensive manufacturers of brick, of reputable quality,
from the large crop-out clay beds on their lands, which are sufficiently
ferruginous, to effect a beautiful red color, hardness and great dura-
bility by calcination and their oxidation.

For his second wife he married Rhoda Fowler, daughter of Noah
and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler ; a woman of rare qualities of character ;
dignity of demeanor, gentle and amiable disposition, wisdom, inde-
pendence and discretion. By an eminent critic, she was pronounced
''a perfect and exemplary character." They had two sons and three
daughters who were nurtured, baptized, disciplined and thoroughly
educated under the ministering care and watchfulness of Mills and
Goodman, all of whom proved to be worthy scions of their puritan
ancestry. They stood in their lot and place in every Christian,
philanthropic work ; were ardent lovers and cultivators of music ;
great readers, and noted school teachers.

The location and habitation of Daniel C. Hudson was of unsur-
passed attractiveness. Its commanding view, from the immediate
brow of the northern terminus of Torringford hill, to the north, east
and west ; of green woods, valleys, farms, woodland templed
hills, hamlets, and mountainous back ground, presented a panoramic
picture of great beauty and grandeur. The geological formations,
which constitute the hill bases, crop out in extensive granite table
rock, with its glacial marks of the ancient of days ; the towering
ledges, and huge granite boulders deposited upon their extreme
summits, inspire the mind with wonder and adoration. This habita-
tion of Daniel C Hudson, the place of nativity of all of his children,
is one of the oldest, and first in Torringford, built by John Burr, in
the quaint, old style of lean-to architecture ; and is greatly ex-
posed to the cardinal points and cardinal winds (and winds not car-
dinal if any there be); and also to salubrious summer breezes;
though in later years, rock maple, Lombardy poplars, locust and
apple trees have been planted, and which afford protection and pictur-
esqueness to its decaying and desolate state. This ancient home
being the only vestige of the Hudsons, the place of the nativity of
the memorist, the only surviving son of the " house of Hudson " he
wakes with miser care o'er this dear old home, and would perpetuate,
or catch, and treasure up its shadowy lineaments, even in its dissolu-

Biographies. 499

tion, and impress his image upon tlie ^ cradle of his infancy, the
sanctified spot of his boyhood sports and events ; the goodbye herit-
age of Daniel Coe Hudson and Rhoda Fowler, his wife, and
their children.

Daniel Coe Hudson, Jr.,
The younger son of Daniel Coe, and Rhoda (Fowler) Hudson, was
a vivacious youth, ardent in temperament, fond of reading, and of
music and good society. He was reared under the best influences,
in the interest of enterprising society and high toned morals; and to
dwell with his parents, and assist in agriculture, and the manufactur-
ing of brick. He also devoted some attention and service to a branch
of commerce. He had a passion for music, which he cultivated to
his own physical hurt. He also was interested in horticulture, and
exerted a beneficial influence for the improvement of orchards, the
production of prime fruit, the suppression of cider making, drinking,
and growing intemperance. The promise of his life was fair to be-
come an honorable and philanthropic member of community, but
in one of his commercial business excursions, he was attacked vio-
ently with pneumonia, by which he was grievously stricken down
in March, 1832, in the twenty-third year of his age, at Trenton,
Ohio.

Barzillai Hudson,

The youngest son of Daniel and Mary (Coe) Hudson, was a native
of Torringford and was a respectable citizen and farmer. He dwelt
several years in the small house which was built by his father at the
time he settled in Torringford. He associated with his father in the
cultivation of his farm, and after his father's decease had the exclu-
sive possession of che estate. Many years prior to that event he
dwelt in the house with his father. He cooperated with his brother
in the cultivation of both estates and in the manufacture of bricks
for mutual interest, to a limited extent. He was a respected public
functionary and held important positions and trusts in the town of
Torrington, and was constrvatively interested in moral, educational
and religious enterprises.

He married Content Pickett of Windsor, a very industrious woman
and valuable helpmeet. They had four children, all daughters.

'See the cut of the deserted, decaying home, and Dr. E. D. Hudson the onlv immediate
representative of the name, photographed in 1871.

500 History of Torrington.

With his decease the name of Hudson, enrolled with those of the
earliest settlers, became extinct in Torrington. The old home with
all its thrilling associations, became the possession of strangers. Not
a vestige of that sacred habitation remains, to memorize the perils of
the pioneer settlers, who felled the forest trees ; who tilled the native
soil ; who built there their blest abode, where their voices uttered
both prayers and songs of praise to their Great. Preserver and Bene-
factor.

Daniel Wyatt Hudson,
Son of Dr. Erasmus D. and Martha (Turner) Hudson, and grandson
of Daniel Coe Hudson, was born at Torringford (then owned bv Dr.
E. D. Hudson) December lo, 1833. He had good native genius,
which was nurtured with much care and faithfulness. He was early
placed under the care of a private teacher, who had charge of a family
boarding school for boys, from various parts of the country ; which
was instituted and supervised by his father and Rev. Mr. Goodman.
He early displayed great talent for music. When four vears old
he would unite with a musical coterie^ and carry a part independently
in perfect harmony. In 1H41, his father being sent on a mission to
the states of Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, took him, his mother and
elder brother, with him with the purpose of giving him and his elder
brother the advantages of education in Oberlin ; but not liking
the law and no grace influence that ruled in that institution, he re-
turned them to schools in Northampton, Mass. With his love for
books, he manifested a desire to learn the art, and make it his
business, to make books. With a view to this, he entered the house
of Drake & Parsons in Hartford ; but before finishing his education
there, he was seized, suddenly, bv an illness which was very dis-
tressing and protracted, and issued in the termination of his youthful
days, in January, 1855, when twenty-one years of age. He was
baptized when very young into the spirit and cause of anti-slavery,
temperance and Christian humanity ; in which his integrity was never
compromised. With his decease the house of Hudson lost the given
name of Daniel which had had a regular descent from Daniel of
Lancaster, England, of about 1590.

Erasmus D. Hudson, M.D.,

Son of Daniel Coe and Rhoda (Fowler) Hudson, was born in Tor-
ringford Dec. 5, 1806, in the old house built by John Burr as his
hostelry and inherited from his paternal and maternal ancestry a strong

,imm

^^^

^, A, JitAMJ^^oy^ huJ5.

Biographies. 501

constitution and length of days ; in sixty-nine years having never
suffered personal sickness one day except ocean sickness while cross-
ing the Atlantic, and disability a short season when a boy, from a
fractured leg. His temperament was ardent^ nervo sanguineous ; his
mind, action and disposition peaceful and conscientious ; but took
great pleasure in the discussion of popular, moral and scientific sub-
jects. While quite young, during an excited discussion held, respect-
ing the intrusion of the Methodists into the pastoral field of Father
Mills, he had the temerity to ingeniously make the query : " why
the Methodists had not the same right as. any body to hold meetings
there ? " which obtained for him the appellation of little Methodist.
His physical activity was commensurate with his mental ; for he was
always alive to every work of art and of agriculture to which he
could lend a helping hand and was frequently entrusted with responsi-
blities too weighty for his years, but which were efficiently fulfilled.
He took pleasure and pride in executing such trusts ; and this dis-
position has attended him to such a degree that like Unc/e John^ a
character in the Caxtons^ he has had the credit of "carrying every
body in his breeches pocket," and therefore it was very natural for
him to become quickly enlisted in every philanthropic enterprise and
humane reform.

His father was a respectable, industrious man and citizen of kind
impulses ; a hardworking farmer, and manufacturer of brick, and had
very little taste or time for literature, beyond the ordmary reading of
the day. His mother's intellectual and pvschological inheritance was
of a superior order, to which her children are ever indebted, and
wherein they have every reason to feel honored. Her spirit, wisdom
and counsels were great, and everywhere influential, and to her blessed
influence the doctor attributed the indebtedness of the world for any
and all the good he may have been instrumental in doing, during his
whole life. His father's resources being limited, rendering the exer-
cise of rigid economy important, made it necessary for him to avail
himself of all the physical powers which every member of his family
could contribute to his farming, dairy, and manufacturing interests ;
hence while his sons and daughters were early sent to the public
school, which was of a more than ordinary character in Torringford,
when they became of sufficient age to render some service, they were
retained at home during the summer season of the year. In the
autumn and winter seasons the doctor was allowed to devote his time
exclusively to mental culture, which he seems to have done with great

502 History of Torrington.

regularity and assiduity. After the Rev. Epaphras Goodman was
settled in Torringford as colleague to Father Mills, he opened a private
school for a limited number of pupils, and the doctor became one of
them ; and in this school which had become an academy he finished
his academical studies. He was also a regular pupil of the Sabbath
school and Bible class, by which, with home instruction, he became
well versed in the Assembly and Westminster catechisms and Bible
literature and at the age of ten years, during a revival of religion, he
with many others was baptized by the Rev. Father Mills.

To Rev. Mr. Goodmaru, and Mrs. Jeremiah Mills, a literary, en-
terprising and eminent woman, the doctor was greatly indebted for
their inspiring encouragement, particularly to Mr. Goodman, for his
instructions in mental and moral discipline, decision of character, and
noble daring for the right ; for being naturally timid, and of peaceful
disposition, while his moral sense was strong, he needed that stimula-
tion to develop the powers within him. His large conscience would
have made him a bigot, an unmerciful inquisitor, had he not been
largely endowed with an over balancing degree of benevolence, so
.that Christian humanity has ever guided him with eager earnestness
in the paths of justice, love and truth.

At the age of sixteen years in 1823 his father was induced, at con-
siderable sacrifice, to relinquish all claims to his time and services,
and allow him to go forth, with his good wishes, dependent wholly
upon his own intellectual, moral and physical resources, to sail with
God's help the surging seas of life, and armed with the credentials
furnished by Goodman, endorsed by Father Mills and others, con-
cerning his scholarship, moral integrity, and character, he departed
from home, and friends, and went to Massachusetts and taught a
school. He was then invited by his mother's brother. Dr. Remus
M. Fowler, to enter his office and commence the studv of medicine,
at New Marlboro, Mass., which invitation he accepted. Soon after
he had the good fortune to make the acquaintance of Prof. John P.
Batchelder, M.D,,deanof the Berkshire Medical college, and professor
of surgery and physiology ; who offered him any amount of credit if
he would matriculate for the entire course of four years of study and
graduate at that college. He accepted this proffered kindness with
alacrity and entered that institution at Pittsfield, Mass.

A distinguishing excellence of the instruction he received from
Mr. Goodman, was the requirement to make a written report every
Monday morning, of his sermons preached the previous Sunday,

Biographies. 503

which he fulfilled by abbreviated notes, and that practice proved in-
valuable by enabling him to take more copious notes of medical
lectures, than any other student in college. Stenography was not
practiced at that time as now. During vacations, he continued his
studies, and taught school. During the last year he attended the sick
at their bedside, and thus improved the valuable clinical advantages
afforded him in the practice of Prof. Batchelder and Dr. Fowler.
In 1827, after four years of unremitted toil, he finished his regular
course of studies ; received the honorary degree of medical doctor,
at the Berkshire Medical college; endorsed by Edward Dorr Griffin,
LL.D.^ president of Williams college, of which latter institution the
former was a department. He was also elected a member of the
Berkshire Natural History Society, in which science he took a lively
and honorable interest.

He then breathed a new life; and while enjoying the freshness of
that life, married, by a joyous good fortune, Martha Turner, daughter
of Isaac Turner, Esq., of New Marlboro, Mass., of polished manners,
and noble sense; oneof the excellent of the earth. By special invi-
tation he visited, and settled at Wintonbury, now Bloomfield, Connec-
ticut in the practice of medicine. There his professional talent and
skill were immediately called into active and unremitting exercise,
in the treatment of the low types, and virulent forms of disease, typhus
and typhoid fevers, which had decimated the people of that malarial
and miasmatic region, in which his success was very honorable.
He soon grew into rank and position with physicians of the first class,
with whom he became associated in councils and medical associations.
He was made a member by unanimous vote, of the Hopkins Medical
Association, of Hartford county; the most exclusive, and scientific
body of physicians of that county, and of the state ; composed of the
studious and leading men, as Todd, Coggswell, Sumner, Brigham,
Woodward and others, in which he took an active part in essays, and
the discussions of medical subjects. He was a member of Hartford
County Medical Society, and elected fellow of the Connecticut
Medical Society, and was appointed physician and surgeon to the
Connecticut State Emigrant Hospital, located in Wintonbury.

Scarcely had he become settled in Wintonbury, as a physician, be-
fore he was approached, and importuned to prepare an essay on the
use of alcoholic liquors as a beverage, and open the agitation of the
subject of temperance in that valley of fruitful orchards, grainfields,
distilleries and habitual drinking in every class of society. Here his

504

History of Torrington.

moral courage was early tested and he had the temerity to accede to
the request, which he deemed to be his essential duty to society, in
every manner of consideration. He thus became the pioneer agitator
in 1828, in the great temperance conflict and reform which followed,
but found the movement to be at his own peril in the matters of pro-
fessional patronage, and pecuniary consideration. He very soon
found himself surrounded by opposing influences, threatening to com-
pel him in his dependent circumstances, to take a ticket of leave.
Here suddenly his eyes were opened to the slavery of the mind and
speech, and his puritan blood, so recently all quietly coursing, quick-
ened in every vein. He had ingenuously put his hand to the plough,
for a philanthropic and noble work, and was not of a mould to look
back, to regret this act, although forsaken and denounced by those
who had early welcomed him, as a beloved physician, let the plough
share of temperance drive deep and thorough. Soon prominent in-
fluences began to gather round him. The Hon. Francis Gillett,
who had just emerged from his collegiate course, affiliated with the
doctor. A temperance society was organized, and some time after
a Connecticut State Temperance Society. Dr. Hudson and Mr.
Gillett were to visit adjoining towns to address meetings. Although
leading religious and political influences were hostile or apathetic to
the cause yet it prospered greatly, and triumphed for a considerable
season ; the fires of distilleries remained extinguished, and many stores
and taverns became temperance houses.

Dr. Hudson took an active part in revivals of religion ; attended
conferences of churches ; and his home became the rendezvous for
every one engaged in the interest of general reform, education and
Christian philanthropy. He was frequently importuned to change his
residence, and locate and practice his profession in more promising
and lucrative fields, but steadily declined until the battle he had en-
listed in was won. Afterwards when an urgent and important re-
quest came from his old minister and preceptor, and home friends, to
return to his native town and old home, it was too pathetic for him
to resist, although the field for professional business was limited.
Doctor Samuel Woodward, the old physician of his father's family,
and attendant on him in his misfortune of a broken leg, when a bov,
was retiring from practice, and made an opening in Torringford,
which seemed opportune for him ; and in turn he became consulting
physician to the aged doctor, and attended him in his declining years
and ultimate sickness.

Biographies. 505

Soon after he had settled in Torringford, in consideration of the
remarkable salubrity, hygienic state, and retiracy of the region, and
the intelligence and moral character of the inhabitants of the com-
munity, he with Mr, Goodman established a family boarding school
for boys, whose parents were residents of the large cities. They re-
ceived some twenty such into their respective families ; and having
secured as teacher a college graduate, Mr. Goodman took charge of
the moral training, and the doctor of the physical, and thereby all
forces were united for the success of the enterprise. In the moral
reform of the day, Mr. Goodman was far in advance of his brethren
the clergy generally, but in which he and the doctor were yoke
fellows, and did a great and noble service for mankind, to which the re-
cords of the Torringford temperance efforts bear abundant testimony.
As the doctor had ventured on this subject in Windsor, so had Mr.
Goodman in Torringford, but in the latter place the people generally
had followed with unanimity, cordiality, and relinquishment of long
entertained habits, the equal of which is probably not to be found in
any other town in the state.

In addition to professional and literary enterprises when opportunity
afforded, the doctor made scientific excursions with his pupils in the
study of mineralogy, for which Torrington and Litchfield furnished
an unusually large field, and he contributed to the state survey by
Prof. Shepard and Dr. Percival important collections and numerous
interesting specimens^

In that era of our country's history, in addition to the temperance
reform and revivals of religion, the subject of American slavery began
to be considerably agitated, and it is well to be borne in mind that
that agitation had its foundation, always in an awakened moral sense
and the quickening influence of divine truth. Wherever the Chris-
tian life and sense could be aroused to the claims of the enslaved,
these anti-slavery principles grew as if nourished in rich soil. As
these brethren began to manifest themselves against slavery from the
pulpit, in public and private discussions, they found some of their
friends and patrons withdrawing their friendship and support, and
especially so when Dr. Hudson began to take an active part in the
discussions. In 1836 the alienation of opposers to temperance and
anti-slavery became so demonstrable as to cause the dismissal of Mr.
Goodman from his pastoral charge, and the financial crisis in 1837

•See their report to the Legislature, and the State Cabinet.

5o6 History of Torrington.

so far affected their school enterprise as to induce them to abandon
it, and Mr. Goodman removed to Dracut, Massachusetts.

The agitation concerning slavery had spread to many towns in the
county of Litchfield, and found favor with the more actively philan-
thropic men and women, who assembled at Wolcottville in a barn,
tor the lack of any other obtainable place, in the face of a furious mob,
and organized a county society. Soon afterwards a state anti-slavery
society was organized at Hartford in the City Hall, which was dis-
persed by a mob and driven to hold their other sessions in the tem-
perance hotel of S. B. Treat, on State street. A paper, to be called
the Charter Oak^ was decreed and published, and Doctor Hudson
was invited to become the general agent of the society and regular
contributor to its monthly issue; which invitation he accepted.
Hence he laid his profession upon the altar of humanity and justice^
and in 1838 entered the lecturing field with the expectation that all
of Christendom would rally to such a philanthropic cause with one
accord, and the work would spedily triumph. He expected that the
clergy and the army of recent converts which had appeared in the
revivals of religion would rally to such a cause with alacrity; that ^//
who truly loved the philanthropic teachings of the Son of man could
by no means be persuaded to stand aloof from it. He was accompanied
in his first tours by the Rev. Nathaniel Colver, a Baptist clergyman,
agent of the American anti-slavery society of New York, who, in his
very pleasant way, frequently introduced the doctor to his Baptist
brethren as "an upland Baptist." They were directed to commence
their work in Fairfield county, the very Georgia of Connecticut, full
of drunkenness, and of those who had obtained their great gains from
slavery. They visited the various towns of the county from their
northern entrance to the sea, and encountered the fierce and blood-
thirsty opposition and mobs at every step, which sheared their horses,
pelted meeting houses, halls and private dwellings, where they were
holding meetings and stopping, with stones, clubs, and the like. The
mob blew up one meeting house and one private dwelling with gun
powder, where they were holding meetings'. The opposition was
so fearfully great that Mr. Colver retired from the field and settled as
pastor in Boston, leaving the doctor single-handed. He was there-
after commissioned by the society to make the entire state his field
of labor.

The doctor adopted a thorough system of evangelization in the

Un the town of Wolcott, in 1839, they burned the church to the ground.

Biographies. 507

work, for on entering a place, his first visit was to the clergy ; and
with the Bible as his text-book, his appeals were made to the Christian
sense of clergymen and the membership of the churches with a rea-
sonable expectation that they would be noticed with respect, and re-
ceive their support. They not only turned a deaf ear but treated
him with the most cold-hearted contempt, with intimations of mob
violence ; men of the baser sort being used as tools by those who
were interested by every other relation financial and political, religious,
social and domestic to the peculiar institution. Wherever he went,
in the face of the most dangerous, disheartening and sickening op-
poosition he sought to drive an entering wedge, knowing and pro-
claiming that the day would come when the people must consider the
subject or lose their freedom. He enlisted every philanthropist pos-
sible to circulate papers and tracts on the subject, and sought to pre-
pare the way for future effort and access to those who might be wil-
ling to hear and investigate. His communications to the Charter Oak
were no unmeaning rebukes or ill timed exposures of the corrupted
clergy and churches by the unholy institutions. His entire efforts
were purely Christian, sustained by a practical use and application or
the great Christian principles, law of love, of justice, judgment, truth
and equity.

Under such efforts the cause prospered in his hands ; societies
were multiplied ; anti-slavery literature circulated ; funds were contri-
buted ; additional laborers were temporarily supplied ; here and there
a clergyman dared to lift his voice," against the sin of slavery, though
generally at his peril. In spite of the current of opposition, obloquy
and outrage, the cause was making such progress as to create an
alarm, on the part of slave holders, their aiders, abetters and apolo-
gists. Abolitionists were too invincible ; too strongly fortified with
the panoply of truth and righteousness to be put down ; and what
was more, they were commanding a large portion of the active living
Christian philanthropy and energies of the churches. Then the
spirit of slavery in the church and ecclesiastical bodies, commenced
anew its tactics, to divide the abolitionists and conquer them, by
raising the issue of slavery as an evil, not sin per se ; that they could
not "join with Garrison infidels, woman lecturers, petticoat govern-
ment, Amazons and Jezebels ;" and by such methods did affect the
community largely ; and for a time, divided the strength of the an-
ti-slavery people. That cry proved to be what it had been predicted
a false and pro-slavery issue. Doctor Hudson pushed on the work •
though entreated, and admonished, threatened and finally proscribed

5o8 History of Torrington.

by the executive committee of the Connecticut society, which had
ever highly commended him ; but were deceived by the clerical appeal !
The doctor was dismissed ; but immediately appointed lecturing agent
of the American Anti-slavery Society with headquarters at New York
and correspondent of the National Anti-slavery Standard^ the organ of
the society.

After continuing his labors in Connecticut another year, he was
sent with Charles C. Burleigh to labor one year in Ohio, Indiana
and Michigan. His wife and two sons accompanied him, and were
located at Oberlin, for advantages, which he had supposed were there
to be obtained ; and when his mission expired they returned to North-
ampton, Mass. He was next sent to the states of Maine and New
Hampshire ; attending conventions, forming anti-slavery organiza-
tions ; in 1843, was joined to a corps of lecturing agents, to hold
meetings, and attend a series of conventions, of two and three days'
session, in the state of Massachusetts, and some portions of Con-
necticut and Rhode Island.

In 1844, a series of one hundred consecutive conventions were
appointed to be held in the state of New York, and two sets of
lecturing agents were assigned to hold meetings in the various towns,
cities, and villages, in the county in which the convention was to be
held to secure the attendance of the people, and sustain the conven-
tions, which were of two and three days' sessions, and Dr. Hudson
was designated to this work. In 1845, Abby K. Foster, Elizabeth
Hitchcock, and the doctor were assigned to do duty, lecturing, hold-
ing meetings, and attending a series of county conventions in the
state of Pennsylvania and Delaware, which they assiduously performed.
In 1846, the doctor was assigned to labor in the border counties of
southern New York, where little work had been attempted. Lewis
Hayden, now holding an honorable position in the General Court of
Massachusetts, a fugitive slave from Kentucky, accompanied him to
be initated into the work. In 1847, his labors were mainly in the
northern part of central New York, in conventions and local meet-
ings. In 1848, they were in Connecticut and western Massachusetts,
continuing until in 1849 and 1850, when his nervous system became
so wrought upon, prostrated and partially exhausted, a serious mis-
fortune befalling his son, that he decided to retire from the lecturing
field, continuing to sustain a lively working interest in the great
cause until after the proclamation of emancipation was issued, and
American slavery was abolished. He was one of the executive com-

Biographies. 509

mittee of the American society who decreed the continuance of the
society and its organ, the Anti-slavery Standard.

In 1850, Doctor Hudson, in considering the proposition of re-
newing his profession concluded to adopt as a specialty, Reparative
Surgery, for general and special physical disabilities and deformi-
ties, caused by injuries or disease, and commenced his operations
at Springfield, Mass., where he remained until 1855 j when by the
solicitations of Drs. Parker, Mott, Van Buren and other leading
surgeons of New York, he removed to that city and instituted an
office business. The object of this practice is to radically restore
functional impairments, caused by disease, and joints and long bones,
dislocated diseases, fractured and ununited, also to compensate for
mutilations by amputation, or resections, with representative prothetic
apparatus, and appliances which he devised, had constructed and
adapted under his special and personal attention, by ingenious artisans
in his employ \ and to fulfill every special object for the compensa-
tion of lost parts, and reparation of injured, diseased and deformed
parts. He espoused and treated philosophically the first cases of
ankle and knee joint amputations which were performed in this
country, so as to render those mutilations of the least possible loss
and disability to the subjects ; and wrote monographs in support of
that improvement of surgery. He also invented apparatus for cases
of resections of the arm, elbow and shoulder joints, and wrote and
published a monograph to " save the arm," by resection, which was in-
strumental of saving scores of arms injured by gun shot, in the war
of the rebellion. He was commissioned, by the surgeon general of
the United States army, to have charge of the mutilated, disabled and
deformed cases assigned to the military hospital at Central Park,
New York ; and of other hospitals, where the wounded soldiers and
sailors of the army were sent. The soldiers who had survived hip
joint amputation, and resections, were exclusively assigned to the
care and treatment of Doctor Hudson, by special orders of the sur-
geon general of the U. S. army. Doctor Hudson made extensive
reports of surgical cases of amputations, resections and distortions to
the surgeon general ; and also contributed casts, profiles, and photo-
graphs of surgical cases for the army medical museum at Washington,
D. C. He also contributed to the surgical literature of the war de-
partment, monographs on sundry topics ; on amputations, resections,
Symes amputation at ankle-joint, and other subjects under various
surgical subjects, which have been commended and placed in the
army library at Washington, and complimentally acknowledged by

ijio History of Torrington.

the surgeon general as valuable contributions. He contributed the
histories of some six hundred cases of amputations of the thigh,
knee-joint, leg, and ankle-joint, to the making of the surgical report
of the United States sanitary commission, which were highly com-
mended by foreign and United States medical and surgical journals.

The apparatus which he has from time to time devised and pre-
scribed for amputated limbs, of both inferior and superior extremities ;
for resections of shoulder, elbow and hip-joints ; for ununited fractures
of thigh, and leg, to create reunion ; for hip disease ; dislocation of
knee and ankle joints ; ruptures of the tendons of the knee ; for
diseased and curved spine, paralysis of the leg, foot and arm ; for
lead palsy of wrist and hand ; for club feet with or without dividing
the tendons ; for deformities, and diseased bones of legs, and thighs ;
chronic affections of knee and ankle joints ; and other cases of much
interest, have proved eminently successful, and have been accepted
and approved as the most useful and important surgical devices of
modern surgery.

In 1877, ^^' Hudson received the prize medal, and minor medal,
and diploma of the Universal Exposition at Paris, for the superiority
of his apparatus ; also on the same great occasion, a medal and
diploma, awarded by the conference of the International Sanitary
commission of all nations, " for the services he had rendered to the
cause of universal humanity," In 1876, he was invited to contribute
surgical apparatus to the department of the surgeon general, United
States armv, in the government building at the International Exhibi-
tion, Philadelphia, and received the award of the medal and diploma
of the centennial commission of the United States.

In 1872, Doctor Hudson made a European tour through Ireland,
Eno^land, Scotland, Holland, Germany, Switzerland and France, in-
dustriously improving all opportunities to observe natural scenery,
the condition of the human family, progress of civilization, and
Christian humanity. He is still prosecuting his work with untiring
application and energy, interested withal in every work of Christian
philanthropy, and the progress of an enlightened human civilization.

Mrs. E. D, Hudson,

Martha Turner, wasthe daughterof Deacon Isaac and Martha (Hum-
phrey) Turner, of Marlboro, Berkshire county, Massachusetts ; a
highly respectable family of Puritan ancestry. In 1 827, she allied
herself in marriage to Dr. E. D. Hudson, then a fresh graduate
medical doctor, of the Berkshire Medical college, and nephew of

C/ZiQe^'l/AtZ c/u4^€.^ ^^^i/diX'n,

Biographies. 511

Dr. R. M. Fowler, who was at that time her father's family phy-
sician. She was every way fitted to be his companion ; eminent in
character ; possessing good intellectual endowments and culture ;
associated in wealth and high toned moral, social, and psychological
excellence, she was well qualified, as the sequel proved, for the posi-
tion she was to occupy in life. Although constitutionally cautious,
and apprehensive, yet she possessed a so well balanced mind, that
whatever good work for human progress, comfort and happiness, in
physical, intellectual, moral and genuine Christian reform, presented
itself to her general perceptions, she conscientiously, lovingly and
uncomplainingly devoted herself to it with the utmost self-sacrifice.
Her spirit was ever gentle, and amiable ; her mind ingenuous, and
without compromise. Her physiognomy was comely, always admired
for its thoughtful, benevolent, social and kind expression, ever
accompanied by a pure melodious voice. She was a gracious wife,
aff^ectionate and devoted mother ; a generous and hospitable house
keeper ; and always united hand to hand, heart to heart and head to
head with her husband in his profession ; and the temperance, reli-
gious and anti-slavery reforms, and weighty moral warfare of the day ;
when one's life became the test of character. Then was the day to
face the hostile multitude, and to array one's self on the side of truth
and share the wretched crust, ere it was popular to be just. She was
among the first to take such a stand in the anti-slavery warfare not-
withstanding the obloquy thereby incurred. One noble woman of
the society of Friends, was moved to stem the popular prejudice,
dogmas and anathemas; and the odium of society, church, clerical
appeal, and of the black laws of Connecticut, and plead deliverance
for the slave, sister, mother and child, and then Martha Turner
Hudson was the first of the women of Connecticut to extend a
welcome hand to Abby Kelly, to take her to her home, and
accept a seat by her side in public assemblies, and stay up her hands
in that hour of grave trial and peril. Then she proved herself a
moral heroine in the face of popular coldness, moral cowardice and
clerical rebuke.

Although she was greatly beloved by the people of Torringford
and the church, yet her consistency to maintain the right in truth and
justice, refusing to strike hands with the supporters, aiders and
abetors of slavery, and slave holders ; the church, led and instigated
by a minister not a member thereof excommunicated her and her
husband, for no reason except that they declared all slave owning

512 History of Torrington.

and holding a sin per se ; and demanded of the church that it should
wash its hands clean of this sin ; cut loose from its affiliation with
every church and ecclesiastical body which gave support to this sin j
and refused to recognize the church as Christian ; and to receive
letters of credence from it, until it should bear unequivocal testimony
against the sum of all villianies, American slavery. For these and
other moral reasons she and her husband were recorded and published
as excommunicated from the church ; thereby rendering the mem-
bers as a church, liable to action in a civil court, for high damages.
To write excommunicated on a church record opposite the names
of persons still living, without due process in discipline and proof of
moral delinquency, is a proceeding not sufferable under the existing
laws of the land. Had the church seen fit to drop the names of these
persons as absent members, as it did in many other cases the matter
would stand far different ; but this was not the case, and no notice
was ever given to the parties of the fact of the excommunication.

Mrs. Hudson's self possession, calmness and intrepidity in any
emergency of great affliction, were commendable and eminent. At
all times in her husband's professional business, and in his fearless
moral warfares, and in her dear family circle under afflictions, her
spirit was ever staved and buoyant, equal to the occasion.

In religious revivals, church and maternal meetings she was a
constant attendant an active participant and intelligent worker, and
all enterprises of education, Sunday schools, Bible classes, and the
general welfare of society received her cordial support.

John Hungerford

Was born in Southington, Ct., in 1787 ; resided a time in Harwinton ;
married a Miss Elizabeth Webster of Albany ; came to Wolcott-
ville soon after the first woolen mill was built, and started a store
south side of the bridge on Main street, the red building, second south
of the brick academy building where he continued a iQ-w years,
then occupied what is now the Coe furniture rooms, during the time
he was building the store now occupied by Workman and Weeks,
where he continued until 1836, when the store was united with the
woolen mill and he became largely interested in the manufacturing
business. He built the store building now occupied by Agard and
Church, and in it his son Walter kept store until 1852 or 3, and he
removed the dwelling built by John Brooker, and on its site built the
house, now the residence of L. W. Coe. When that first mill was
burned in 1844, he united with F. N. Holley in forming the Union

Biographies. 513

Manufacturing Company, and started what is the present woolen mill.
Previous to this he had become one of three equal stock owners of
the brass mill, in which he took more and more interest and finally
purchased the whole of that property. From these items, the in-
ference is very clear that Mr. Hungerford was during thirty years a
leading business man of the place, and during considerable of the
time one of the most prominent of such ; and it is pleasing to add
maintained an honorable, upright and benevolent character to the
last. Steadily did he pursue the path given him to tread, and care-
fully managed the interests entrusted to his stewardship until 1856,
when he departed this life for the great future. The next year the
great financial crisis came, but his family, left with a large amount
of business responsibility, struggled through to success and victory.

Rev. Edward Hungerford,
Son of John and Charlotte (Austin) Hungerford, was born at Wolcott-
ville, Sept. 20, 1828, and attended school at Norfolk, Ellington and
Hartford in his preparatory course for higher institutions. He en-
tered Yale college in 1846, but, in consequence of ill health, passed
one year out of study, graduating in 1851 ; and spent the following
winter in Lowville, Ky., studying chemistry under Prof. B. Silliman.
In the autumn of 1852, he went to Germany and entered the uni-
versity of Gottingen, and in the pursuit of higher studies remained in
Germany nearly four years, and after devoting a short time to travel,
especially in Italy, returned to Wolcottville, in 1856. In his studies
abroad he had devoted himself more especially to natural science,
and on his return was appointed in the autumn of 1856, to the geo-
logical survey of Iowa, on which work he continued until the sum-
mer of 1857, when receiving an appointment to a professorship in
the university of Vermont, at Burlington, he repaired to that place
and entered upon his work. In 1859, ^^ married Maria Buell of
Burlington.

In consequence of financial embarrassments of the university he
retired from the professorship, purchased a place in the country with
the intention of devoting himself to favorite studies, but his interest
and activities soon became engaged in Christian work in various parts
of Vermont.

Being introduced to this work thus unintentionally he was led on
by gradual stages until his plans of life were entirely changed and he
was ordained to the gospel ministry m 1871, and was settled as pastor

514 History of Torrington.

of the Center (Congregational) church in Meriden, Ct., in February,
1872, where he still continues with good success. Besides various
sermons published in the secular papers, there have been published
of his writings, an article on glacial markings on the summits of the
green hills, in the Ainerican 'Journal of Science ; Chr'ntianity and Bud-
dhism^ in the New Englander ; Centennial sermons on the Center
church in Meriden 1877.

George O. Jarvis, M.D.,

Was born July 14, 1795, and was the son of John Jarvis of New
Canaan, Conn. He taught school two years and pursued the study
of medicine with Dr. Freeman S. Wetmore of Winchester, Ct.
He also attended lectures at Yale college. In 18 17, he received
license to practice medicine from the Connecticut Medical Society,
and commenced his professional labors in the town of Torrington,
taking the place of Dr. Elijah Lyman who had just removed to
Warren. While here he married Philomela, daughter of Raphael
Marshall, by whom he had six children ; four daughters, of whom
three are deceased, and two sons, one of whom, Charles, resides in
Portland, Ct., the other. Dr. George C. Jarvis, is a physician in
Hartford.

While in this town Dr. Jarvis was prosecuted for malpractice
after treating a case of fracture of the thigh bone. It was proved in
court that the boy having the fracture was thrown, with the box
containing the limb, from his bed to the floor, and therefore the
doctor was acquitted. After a it.'fj years' stay in Torrington he re-
moved to Colebrook and continued there until 1840, when he re-
moved to Portland, Conn., where he died of a combined attack of
erysipelas and diphtheria, Feb. 3, 1875, after an illness of about one
week, having been in active professional life fifty-eight years. He
received the degree of M.D. from Yale college in 1846.

In the report of the proceedings of the Annual Convention of the
Connecticut Medical Society, in a memoir it is said of him :

In his intellectual capacity, Dr. Jarvis was above the average man. His
intuitions were active, his logic clear, and his judgment correct. He had strength
of will, fixity of purpose, and energy of action. He was decided and positive
in his opinions, but not without good and sufficient reasons for entertaining them.
His inventive turn of mind, and a faculty of adjusting means to ends, gave him
an inclination to the practice of surgery ; and at one period a considerable
portion of the surgical business of his section came into his hands. His attention
to some cases of fracture about the year 1843 led to the invention of his appa-
ratus known as the "Jarvis Adjuster" for the reduction and treatment ot fractures

Biographies. 515

and dislocations. This invention met the approval of i-.iany of the first surgeons
of the country, and was introduced largely into public iiospitals.

In 1845, the doctor went to Europe with his invention, spending six months
in introducing it to the notice of the profession in England and on the continent.
It was well received ; and he was awarded, by the society for the promotion
of arts and commerce, the largest gold medal which to that time had been given
to an American citizen. The presentation was made by Prince Albert, then
the president of the society. Dr. Jarvis was entitled to be proud of this dis-
tinguished honor.

Rev. Harvey Loomis,

Son of Joseph and Rhoda (Starks) Loomis was born in Torringford
in 1786; was graduated at Williams college in 1809 ; studied theo-
logy with his pastor Rev. Samuel J. Mills, and with Rev. Ebenezer
Porter of Washington, Ct. ; was licensed, and went under a com-
mission of the iMaine Missionary Society to Bangor, Me., where he
gathered a church of which. he was ordained pastor November 27,
181 1, and died there in that office January 2, 1825, aged forty years.
He published a sermon preached before the Maine Missionary
Society in 1832. During his pastorate one hundred and seven mem-
bers were added to the church by profession and forty by letter.

Rev. David B. Lyman'
Was born in New Hartford, Ct., July 28, 1703, and was a son of a
farmer, David Lyman, who was son of David of Bethlehem, who
married Mary Gitteau, of Huguenot descent.

He was graduated at Williams college in 1828 ; studied theology
at Andover seminary ; married Sarah Joyner, of Royalton, Vt., and
sailed soon after, as a missionary of the American Board, to the
Sandwich islands where he was engaged many years as principal of
the Missionary High school for the natives at Hilo, Hawaii.

He had seven children.

Frederick Schwartz Lyman, born at Hilo, in 1837, married Isa-
bella, daughter of Levi Chamberlain, one of the earliest missionaries
to the Sandwich islands, and was in 1870 circuit judge of Hawaii;
residing on his plantation in Kau, Hawaii.

David Brainard Lyman born at Hilo in 1840, removed to the
United States, June i860, was graduated at Yale college in 1864,
and at Harvard Law school in 1866, and became a practicing attor-
ney in Chicago, 111. Rufus Anderson Lyman, was the lieutenant
governor of the island of Hawaii in 1870.

■ Lyman Genealogv, I 34.

5i6 History of Torrington.

Francis Ogden Lyman, born at Hilo in 1847, removed to the
United States in 1866, entered Harvard college in 1867; and was
one of the famous boat club in the race at Oxford in 1869.

Elijah Lyman, M.D.,

Was the son of David and Mary (Brown) Lyman of New Hartford,
Conn., born August 16, 1773. ^^ studied with Dr. Samuel Wood-
ward, and commenced practice as a physician in Warren. In 1807,
he purchased the house and lot of Dr. William Bostwick in Torring-
ton near Levi Thralls (now Willard Birges), and settled here as a
physician. In 1813, he was elected deacon of the Torrington
church, and was a man of great excellency of character and moral
worth, and was highly esteemed as a physician and citizen. He was
noted for his success as a physician, in the treatment of the spotted
fever in 1812 and 13, which prevailed at that time to a fearful ex-
tent in the town. In 18 18, he sold his place and removed to War-
ren, where he died November 5, 18 19, aged forty-six years.

Dr. Lyman's grand mother was Mary Gitteau daughter of Francis
Gitteau, a distinguished physician of Woodbury, who was banished
from France during the persecutions of the Huguenots in connection
with St. Bartholomew's day, and his mother was a relation of Owen
Brown the father of Capt. John Brown. [See genealogies.)

Dr. Norman Lyman
Was born in Torringford, Litchfield Co., Ct., September 6, 1787.
He early distinguished himself at school, by his great proficiency in
his studies. He was at school one year, after which, by his unassisted
application, he prepared himself for entering the junior class in
college. After obtaining his profession, he found time, under the
cares of a family and the pressure of a large professional business, to
prosecute his classical and mathematical studies, until he attained the
full college course, and made himself one of the most perfect scholars
of his time. At the age of twenty-four he was licensed to practice
medicine, by a board of censors ; and in 1813, by the recommenda-
tion of the president and fellows of the Connecticut Medical Society,
received the honorary degree of doctor of medicine from Yale college.

Dr. Lyman was endowed with faculties of mind which fitted him for emi-
nence in his profession. He possessed great powers of memory ; so much so,
that, when he commenced the study of the Latin and Greek languages, he com-
mitted to memory the whole grammar andsinall dicdonaries of these languages.

Biographies. 517

His memory was as retentive as it was strong ; for in reading the Greek
Testament, with a Latin translation, he so read it that he could recite the whole
Testament in the Latin, Greek, and English languages, to the time of his death,
and was so familiar with the Latin and Greek classics, that he could recite
whole pages, often putting to the blush those who had received a full collegiate
education, by his accuracy in classical literature. His strong and retentive
memory enabled him to gather all the different systems and theories of medical
writers, and the most successful treatment of diseases, from the earliest annals
of medicine to the present time. He practiced successfully, about seventeen
years in Glastonbury, Connecticut, and afterward tor more than twenty years
in the town of Warren, Ct., making more than thirty-seven years in which he
had been constantly engaged in the ordinary duties of his profession. He
married Eunice Smith of Litchfield, September 12, 1812, by whom he had
six children.

Rev. Orange Lyman
Was born July 26, 1780, in Torringford or in New Hartford, a
short time before his father removed to Torringford, He was one
of a family of seven sons and one daughter, two of his brothers being
physicians of special note and character. He was the son of David
Lyman, a puritan of double quality, through his ancestry from Eng-
land and the Huguenots of France, The days of his youth were
spent under the pastoral care of the Rev. Samuel J. Mills, by whom
the sterling worth of a true Christian character was never depreciated.
He was graduated at Williams college, and studied theology under
Rev. Dr. Porter of Catskill, New York, and became a Presbyterian
minister. He married Sept, 13, 18 14, Maria, daughter of Stephen
Dewy, of Sheffield, Mass, Her brother was a classmate of Mr. Ly-
man's and was afterwards professor in Williams college, many years,
and was also professor in the Rochester university, N. Y.

Mr. Lyman was a man of great energy of character, sterling worth and emi-
nent piety. He enjoyed the acquaintance, friendship and confidence of a very
large number of the best men of his time. Prompted by a desire to do the
greatest amount of good, and having a fondness for rural life, he chose the life
of a pioneer in the work of the ministry, and from the time when the west
meant western New York state, afterwards northeastern Ohio, and in the even-
ing of his life, northern Illinois, he was always one in the fo rein ost ranks of the
onward moving armv. He possessed a rare fund of anecdotes, always appro-
priate, of which he made good use in social company, and especially with some
old classmate or cherished friend around the cheerful fire in the great fire place
in the new country. His wife, one of old Berkshire county's most gifted
daughters, was a joy in his house in the fullest sense ; and his home, though
some times onlv a log house, was always graced by her presence and presented
the charms of a refined New England home. He died at the age of seventy-one,
beloved and respected by all who knew him.

His children were five sons and two daughters.

5i8 History of Torrington.

George Lyman,
The fifth child and second son of Caleb and Hannah (Loomis) Ly-
man, was born in Torrington, on the old Lyman place August I,
1790, and is therefore now, 1877, ei?;hty-seven years of age, and re-
sides in Wadsworth, Medina county, Ohio. The Wadsworth Me-
morial szy 9, of him : " Capt. George Lyman came to Wadsworth in
1817. He was the first township clerk and one of the earliest school
teachers. In 182 1, he went to Canton, where he was engaged in
teaching, three years, and then returned to Wadsworth and engaged
in the manufacture of fanning mills and in mercantile business, and
by his energy and enterprise he did much toward the business pros-
perity of the place in its early history."

Capt. Lyman has been a worthy son of his native town and of his
noble ancestors.

The following account of his removal west will be interesting to
those who never made the journey, under like circumstances :

In I 8 16, he sold his interest in his father's estate, and determined to find a
home in Ohio, where Joseph Loomis and Benjamin Agaid of Torrington had
already settled. Accordmgly, having one horse and a one horse wagon, and
Guerdon Hilliard one horse, a team was arranged with which to drive to Ohio.
They started on Thursday, the 25th of February, 1817 ; reached Albany on
Saturday afternoon and put up at a tavern two miles west of the town to stay
over the Sabbath. During the next two days there was a great fall of snow.
On Tuesday they started, drove a few miles, bought a sleigh, put the wagon
on it and continued their journey until the snow disappeared, when they left
the sleigh and went on with the wagon. They reached Buffalo, on Friday
about noon, where they learned that there was good traveling on the ice on the
lake. Saturday morning they started early, in company with two other teams
with wagons, following the beaten track which was hedged in on either side
with large pieces of ice, making about forty miles that day, and drove to the
land, to a tavern for the night. On Sabbath morning the other teams went on,
but Mr. Lvman and his traveling companion " would not so profane that holy
day.'" On Monday they started, but soon found the ice getting very smooth
and fearing danger, thev went to the shore and inquired the propriety of keep-
ing on the ice. They were told that there was no danger, if they kept out from
the shore, unless the wind should change. They continued on the ice until
within sight of Erie, when looking ahead they saw that beyond a tew rods from
them there was no ice. They then turned toward the shore, about forty rods
distant, but had gone only five or six rods when the horses' feet began to break
through the ice. The men jumped from the wagon and loosened the horses
from the wagon, by which time the horses were both under water except their
heads, in which position they kept them by holding them by the bridles, and
keeping their heads on the unbroken ice. About a dozen sailors standing at
Erie and seeing their trouble came prepared to help thein. Putting a rope
around the neck of one of the horses they choked him until he floated when

' So he wrore to the author in 1875.

Biographies. 519

they slipped a plank under him and pulled him upon the ice, and then the other
in the same way. They drew the wagon to the shore by hand and led the
horses, though one of them fell through and was drawn out in the same manner
as before. The cost of this Lake Erie horse bath, was two gallons of whiskey
at one dollar per gallon, the drinking of whiskey on such occasions being a part
of religious as well as profane counesv, in those days. They arrived at the
town ot Hudson in the fourth week from the starting, and the next week they
reached the homes of Mr. Loomis and Agard, in Wadsworth. He soon
bought land and built upon it a log house, and with the help of Mr. Hilliard
cleared five acres planting it with corn and potatoes. The clearing consisted in
girdling the large trees and cutting and burning the small stuff.

On the fifteenth of June he started, on horseback, to return to Torrington
for his family, coming through Pennsylvania in his journey, and traveling only
six days in a week making about forty miles a day. Arriving at his native town
he made preparations to start with his family, for the west, the first of Septem-
ber, but just before the time came his little daughter fell and broke her wrist,
which delayed the journey about one month. They started finally, with a good
two horse wagon and three good horses and arrived at Albany on Saturday after-
noon, and put up at the tavern a little west of the city where he stayed while
on his first journey. On the same evening there put up at the same place two
men with a team, apparently, much better than that of Mr. Lyman's, and a
buggy for their ladies to ride in. This party continued their travel on the
Sabbath, but Mr. Lyman rested on that day, and on Monday went on and as
he traveled the same road he frequently heard of this second party, and on
Friday about noon he passed thein. On the next Sabbath they passed where
he was spending that day in rest, but the following Thursday he passed them
again, and they on the following Sabbath passed him ; but on the next Thursday
he passed them and saw them no more and concluded that he lost nothing by
resting on the Sabbath day. At Buffalo he put his goods on a boat for Cleve-
land, but in consequence of poor roads the progress was slow. In one place
he was from eleven o'clock in the forenoon until after sundown in traveling
four miles, and others who inade the trial did not get through this place in a
day. When he reached Cleveland he found his goods safely stored in the
captain's dwelling house, as there were no store houses there at that time, ard
having loaded his goods on his wagon, and drove two miles and put up for the
Sabbath, it being Saturday evening. His home was thirty miles directly south
of Cleveland and here he arrived on the next Thursday night, his wagon having
been turned over with all the goods, onlv three times during the tour days' travel.
In summing up this larter part of his journey, he says, " You may guess what
kind of roads we had in Ohio in those times." He says also, " there was not
an acre of land in Wadsworth with all the timber cleared from it in the spring
of 18] 8, when Mr. Agard cleared two acres of all the girdled timber. There
had been a line marked through the centre of the town on the south part of
Medina county but not a tree cut on that line for fifteen miles west of Wads-
worth."

Rev. Noah Merwin
Was raised in Durham, Ct., was graduated at Yale college in 1773,
and was ordained pastor of the church in Torrington in 1776, where
he labored seven years. He was a very different man from his prede-
cessor Nathaniel Roberts, and the times, being those of the Revolution,

520 History of Torrington.

were times of trouble and much suffering under privations. He was
a man of ability and of dignity in the ministerial office, as is evinced
from his views given before the church, on the subject. His wife
was the only daughter of a wealthy layman, and had spirit and energy.
She is said to have taken upon herself the entire charge of household
matters (for which he must have been grateful) upon the agreement
that the salary should support the family, and that she fulfilled her
engagement. It is said, also; that there was some strife between
Mr. Merwin, Daniel Grant and Dr. Hodges, as to who should be
the wealthiest man ; and if so, then they three should have footed
the bills. It is quite probable that there was some feeling all around,
that did not arise from the gospel, and thereby trouble arose until
Mr. Merwin desired to be dismissed and the church acquiesced, in
1783. During the year 1784, Mr. Merwin preached here much of
the time, and was installed pastor at Washington, Ct., in 1 785, where
he labored ten years, with good success, and died in 1795.

He married Lucy Pierce, an only child of a wealthy farmer in
Cornwall. She was a fine, dignified appearing woman, and in Wash-
ington, Ct., was called Madam Merwin. She married as her second
husband Daniel Brinsmade of Washington, and after his death, re-
turned to Cornwall v^here she died. Mr. Merwin's eldest daughter
married Dr. Ebenezer Porter ; no children. His second daughter
married Timothy Stone of Cornwall. His third daughter died at
Cornwall not married. His fourth daughter married Daniel B.
Brinsmade of Washington, Ct.'

Mrs. Sarah (Battell) McEwen,
Daughter of William and Sarah (Buckingham) Battell, was born
May 29, 1781, married Rev. Robert McEwen, D.D., Jan. 21, 1807.
He was ordained pastor of the first church in New London, Oct. 22,
1806, and continued in that office a successful and extensively known
minister of the gospel until his death Sept. 7, i860. She died March
9, 1859, ^§>^^ 7^ years.

Rev. John A. McKinstry
Was born in Springfield parish, now the town of Chicopee,
Massachusetts, April 19, 181 1. When quite a youth, desirous of
increasing his knowledge of the English branches, he attended the

DOC? '

* See account of Torrington church.

Biographies. 521

academy at Amherst, Mass., for two winters, where he enjoyed the
privilege of attending lectures in the college, to which students of the
academy had access.

When sixteen years of age he engaged in teaching the district
school near his residence, during the winter. When eighteen years
of age, his father, pastor of the church at Chicopee, died, and he
himself was very ill with fever which disqualified him for his accus-
tomed labors on the farm, for a season. While engaged as a teacher
in the state of Delaware, during a revival, in 1832, he became
savingly interested in Christ, as he hoped, and united with the
Presbyterian church at St. George's, Delaware.

On his return to New England he consulted Dr. Jenkins^ pre-
sident of La Fayette college and concluded to take a full course of
study, and then resumed his study of the languages in 1833 ; and in
1834 entered Amherst college, from which he was graduated in
1838. With encouragement from his mother and other friends
he entered the Theological institute at East Windsor Hill,
Conn,, making arrangements to teach school near the institute. On
the tenth of October, 1840, he was licensed to preach the gospel,
by the Tolland Association, at Ellington, Ct., the place where his
great grandfather was installed as the first pastor, more than a century
before. He preached his first sermon at Somers on the following
Sabbath. At the close of his theological course in 1841, he accepted
an invitation to supply the pulpit a few Sabbaths at Ellsworth, a
society in Litchfield county, where he had preached during a vaca-
tion. While fulfilling this engagement he was invited to preach at
Torrington. He commenced preaching here on the last Sabbath of
November. 1841, and on the fifth of October, 1842, was ordained
pastor of that church and society, the Rev. Bennett Tyler, D. D.,
preaching the sermon.

On the twenty-third of August, 1843, ^^ married Mary Elizabeth
Morton, of Whitely, Mass., a graduate of Mt. Holyoke seminary,
class 1840.

After a pastorate of fifteen years he received an invitation to become pastor
of the church in Harvvinton, Ct., which he accepted. He preached his fare-
well sermon in Torrington on the last Sabbath in September and was installed
in Haruinton, on the first day of October, 1857, Rev. Nahum Gale, D.U.,
of Lee, Mass., preaching on the occasion. His introductory discourse in his
new field was delivered on the succeeding one after his farewell in the old one.
In Torrington he labored with success and acceptability to the people, taking
great interest in the Sunday school, and all other enterprises of religious and

522 History of Torrington.

social improvement, and is still remembered with great kindness by the people
of that parish.

In his new field he had a good degree of success but certain elements which
it was hoped, would be harmonized did not yield, and during the sixth year of
this pastorate he tendered his resignation, which was accepted, and he was to
close his labors at the end of his sixth year as pastor, and eix months subsequent
to his resignation.

Previous to his dismission he had received an invitation from the Theological
institution of Connecticut, to engage in the interests of that institution. Interested
in the seminary as a graduate, and for several years as a trustee, he accepted
the appointment devoting himself to this work for six months. Before this
service was ended he received an invitation from the first Congregational church
in Richfield, Summit county, Ohio, to preach for them. He commenced his
labors in that place on the second Sabbath of August, 1864, and where he
still continues.

By the ordering of a kind hand, he has been in constant service since his
first entrance upon the ministry ; having been laid aside by illness not to ex-
ceed six Sabbaths during the thirty-four years of labor.

Henri Migeon
Was born Sept. n, 1799, in Haraucourt, department of Ardennes,
near Sedan, France, and was the son of Jacques Migeon, a strong
friend and personal acquaintance of General Lafayette, the great
friend of America. Mr. Migeon was a self made-man. Although
his advantages for early schooling were limited, yet he was a thorough
student of his own inclinations, and devoted himself to the study of
the sciences ; and especially as connected with the manufacture of
woolen cloths in his native country ; and also to general literature.
He was employed for a time by a woolen house, as traveling agent in
the sale of their goods in his native country. By such a course of
life he became a proficient in the methods of the production of such
cloths, and this being known to General Lafayette, he warmly re-
commended the youno; man to go to America where his skill and
labor would find, not only a large field for occupancy, but larger re-
muneration and reward. Upon his decision to come to this country.
General Lafayette furnished him with a letter of introduction and
commendation to the mayor New York city, Mr. Hone, through
whom he was favorably introduced to leading manufacturers of woolen
cloths in the country, in 1828.

After a stay of some months in America, Mr. Migeon returned to
his native country, bearing expressions of gratitude from leading citi-
zens here, to General Lafayette, for sending to them a man of such
ability and advantage to the interests of that branch of enterprise in
this nation, whereupon General Lafayette sent an autograph letter to
Mr. Migeon's father as follows :

Biographies. 523

"Paris, July 8, 1829.

Sir : It is with great pleasure that in renewing our ancient acquaintance. I
am able to congratulate you upon the return of your excellent son. I have re-
cicved news bv him from the hiends to whom I have written, viz: Mr. Hone,
one of the most respectable gentlemen in the state ot New York, expresses
his thanks for the introduction of Mr. Migeon to him, and hopes he will soon
return. A friend of the manufacturer informs me that he is regarded with sen-
timents of esteem and approbation in his employment. Mr. Hone also in-
forms me that the respectable agent ot the manufactory is much attached to
him. I am persuaded that these expressions of approbation and friendship
will be agreeable to you, and also to all his family. I beg of you to accept
the assurance of my distinguished consideration.

Lafayette.'"

Upon Mr. Migeon's return with his family to New York, in 1829,
several places opened before him for employment, among them was
that of Wolcottville by Governor Oliver Wolcott, and he finally de-
termined to go to Milbury, Mass., having received greater pecuniary
inducements from there. But this decision quite disappointed Gov-
ernor Wolcott, and he continued at intervals to write to Mr. Migeon
on the subject; several letters concerning the matter being preserved
and dated in 1831 and 1832, From Milbury he removed to New
York.

The first time Mr. Migeon was in Wolcottville he came from
New York to Litchfield in the stage, arriving there about dark, and
as the stage came no further than Litchfield, determined to proceed
on foot to Wolcottville.

The road from Litchfield to Wolcottville wound among the hills,
through lonely forests and deep valleys, and it being a very windy
night various disturbing noises were heard from every direction, and
Mr. Migeon being in a strange country, among a people whose lan-
guage he did not well understand, and possessed naturally of a nervous
temperament, he was very much disturbed in his feelings of safety
especially as he remembered that he had with him all the capital he
possessed in the world.

In after life he often alluded to this journey as being one of great
terror to him, and stated his thankfulness that he met no person that
night, for if he had he feared that in his nervous state of mind
he might have shot any body as a robber although they might have
been the best friends in the world.

In 1836, after having been engaged in the woolen mills some few
years with Mr. Groves, he purchased his house and lot, which he

'The original letter is deposited with the Connecticut Historical Society, at Hartford.

524 History of Torrington.

retained until his decease and which still remains in the possession of
the family.

During the financial pressure in 1837, Mr, Migeon, removed to
New York to prosecute business for himself. He had invented a
method of refinishing broad cloths ; an invention which enabled a
great saving, and one which entirely revolutionized the trade in cloths,
since before that time damaged cloths were regarded as nearly worth-
less. Mr. Migeon established his new enterprise in New York and
was eminently successful in it. The value of this invention was so
much appreciated that he received a prize medal of gold from the
American Institute. He continued in this business a number of
years, during nearly all of which time his family resided in Litchfield,
Conn., where he had purchased the Governor Wolcott place, the
ample grounds of which evidenced his fine taste and fondness for
horticulture.

In his work in New York, after a few years, he associated with
him in business two of his nephews, John and Eugene Lenoir, enter-
prising young men, who, with their young wives, were on the ill
fated steamer Arctic in 1853, on their way home from France after
a visit. The steamer has not been heard from since, an event that
is remembered by this family with peculiar interest and sadness.

This event so disarranged Mr. Migeon's business relations that,
having up to this time, accumulated money so that he judged he
might retire from business, he sold the establishment to his son and
son-in-law, and made Wolcottville his permanent home. Here he
purchased considerable lands, and entered upon improvements such
as have been, and will be for many years to come an ornament and
honor to the village. Many of the trees along the streets near his
late residence were planted by him, and are now in a thrifty state,
and if cared for as they are likely to be, will be an ornament a hun-
dred years to come. One of the finest avenues in the village which
he had done so much to improve is justly named after him.

Mr. Migeon was an enthusiastic citizen in favor of his adopted
country. Born in the time of the French revolution •, his father an
actor in that revolution and a special admirer and friend of Lafayette,
who had strong leanings towards republican principles and institu-
tions, he became thoroughly educated to republican freedom, and
after being in this country a short time became familiar with political
opinions aud took his position with the old whig party, and therein
became a great admirer of Henry Clay. When Mr. Clay was north
on a certain occasion Mr. Migeon made him cloth for a fine suit of

Biographies. 525

clothes, and some years after, when Mr. Clay was in New York at
a great dinner, Mr. Migeon being present reminded him of the suit.
" Yes," said Mr. Clay, " they still hang in my wardrobe not worn out."
In satisfying his patriotic zeal Mr. Migeon found much pleasure for
a number of years in aiding the children in the celebration of the
Fourth of July in Wolcottviile by giving each child fire crackers.
When the hard times came he gave them the price of a pack,
thinking the money might be of more advantage to tlie families. In
1876, he distributed coins of the United States, from the mint, with
the date of that year, to each child of the public school to be kept in
remembrance of that day. To the more advanced classes he gave
pieces of more value, and on that occasion made the following re-
marks, which have remained in the possession of the principal.

" Mr. Fellows, principal, and young ladies and gentleman scholars of the
Wolcottviile academy.*

On this memorable epoch of our centennial, and Fourth of July, 1876, I
am happy to see you all on such an occasion, as it affords me opportunity to
congratulate you all upon the result of your studies and good behavior during
this your last term of scholarship ; in consideration of which I beg you to
accept from me a small piece of silver as a souvenir. After the report of your
excellent teacher, which I see in the Wolcottviile Register, I thought it due to
those who are best noted in that report, to call them out by name that they
may first receive said souvenir.

H. Migeon."

WoLCOTTviLLE, July 4, 1876.

Mr. Migeon was well read in the general literature of the day, and
in all practical applications of science was greatly interested. His
personal appearance was that of familiarity with business life ; dis-
criminating judgment ; self-reliant and courageous, but with due
deference to the rights and privileges of others.

He retired from business early in life, and the remainder of his
days were far from being unprofitably occupied. A fine cabinet of
mineralogical and fossilliferous specimens gave evidence of his esthetic
disposition. He also made an extensive collection of ancient coins
and other antiquities, for the reception of which he built a little
museum to his house. xMr. Migeon was favored in forming the
acquaintance of many public and distinguished men, in consequence
of his frequent journeyings, he having crossed the Atlantic about
forty times, and his reminiscences of them were very entertaining.
He was presented at the court of Napoleon Third, during the height
of that emperor's power and prosperity.

• The school was at first an academy.

^26 History of Torrington.

The following was published in the Courier des Etats Unis^ the
leading French paper of this country :

" Mr. Henri Migeon, one of the oldest French residents of the United
States, died at his residence at Wolcottville, Conn., Dec. 24, 1876, in the
seventy-eighth vear of his age. Mr. Migeon was born in Haraucourt, Depart-
ment of the Ardennes, France ; came to America in 1829, with letters of
recommendation from General Lafayette. His residence in this country was
a long life of industry and probity. He was the first to introduce machinery,
which with his skill greatly promoted the manufacture of cloths in Massachu-
setts and Connecticut. He died Inved and honored by all those who knew
him both in business and social relations. His liberality was proverbial, and
there was not a philanthropic or patriotic object to which he did not contribute
generously."

During the late French war with Germany, he actively promoted
the rising and contributed large sums, specially for the relief of the
suffering near Sedan, where his daughter Madame Baudelot resides.
Her house was protected by the American flag, and was the daily
resort of many persons, both as fugitives, and the almost starving
people of the vicinity. This sympathy for his native region he con-
tinued until his decease, keeping a deposit of money in that country
the interest of which was regularly appropriated to such ends. The
same thoughtfulness for the needy was manifested in his own com-
munity during many years. Mr. Migeon married Marie Louise,
daughter of Francois Baudelot of Haraucourt, France. Her father
was a distinguished man in his time for science and patriotism, in
1792, he was mayor of Vendresse, and took all the available men to
cut down the forests of Mazaim to blockade the passage of the ene-
mies. His eldest son was decorated on the field of battle by Napoleon
First, who himself placed the cross of chevalier, the legion of honor
upon him, in recompense for his bravery. His second son was the
originator of the idea of utilizing the gases of furnaces as fuel, which
formerly were allowed to escape. This invention is now in univer-
sal use. He also invented the beer cooler which is celebrated

the world over.

iMrs. Mio-eon was a noble and honored companion of her husband.
Although raised in comparative affluence, yet during the first years
of their residence in this country, though placed under straitened
circumstances, she cheerfully rendered all possible assistance to
him, and by their united efforts, comfort and enjoyments crowned
their closing years. While returning from France in the steamer
Lafayette on June 30, 1871, she died on the ocean; her remains
being brought to Wolcottville and interred.

Biographies. 527

Rev. Jonathan Miller,

Son of Dea, Ebenezer and Thankful (Allen) Miller, of Torringford,
was born Nov. 26, 1761 ; was graduated at Yale college in 1781 ;
was ordained pastor at Burlington, Nov. 26, 1783, and died there in
that office July 21, 1831, aged seventy years.

He preached a concio ad clerum in 1812, which was published.
He also published the substance of forty sermons in the Connecticut
Evangelical Maga-zine.

He possessed a clear, strong, active mind, and was fond of study ;
was a discriminating and instructive preacher, and held a prominent
place among his brethren. The overflowing fountain of good feeling
in his soul seconded always by the utmost sincerity and agreeable
frankness in look and language, more than compensated for some
lack of refinement, and a sort of noble contempt of etiquette. If his
composition lacked polish and embellishment, it had the more valuable
qualities of solid, sterling matter, logically arranged and clearly ex-
pressed. He might plead also the fashion of the times, for any want
of elegance in his large amount of rapid writing, for the pulpit and
the periodical press. Mr. Miller was of medium height and dark
complexion. His large, round fleshy face of high color ; his short
neck and broad shoulders ; his compact and corpulent form, joined
to a great flow of animal spirits, and to social powers of high order,
were admirably suited to disappoint the phrenologist. About the
time of passing his grand climacteric, his hard worked mind suddenly
and seriously failed. A colleague was provided, after which he rarely
attempted any public service. It was delightful, as the powers of
his intellect waned in subsequent years, to witness the abounding of
his love to God and man, more and more.

Rev. David Miller,

Son of David and Clarissa (Moore) Miller, was born in Torringford
Nov. 24, 1793. He taught school in early life in Virginia ; entered
the itinerant ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church. New York
conference, in 1816 ; was ordained deacon in 1818, and elder in
1820, and labored in the following pbces ; in 1816, Granville,
Mass.; 1817-18, Durham, Ct. ; 1819-20, Stratford ; 1821, Pittsfield,
Mass. ; 1822, Goshen, Ct. ; 1823, Winsted ; 1824-25, Salisbury ;
1826, Granville, Mass.; 1827-33, I'^cated at Windsor; 1834,
Burlington; 1835-36, Stratford; 1837-38, Derby; 1839-40, Sag

5^8 History of Torrington.

Harbor, L. I,; 1841-42, Burlington; 1843-44, New Britain;
1845 -50, chaplain at states prison at Wethersfield ; 1 850-51, Gashen ;
1852, Pleasant Valley and New Hartford ; 1855, was presiding elder
of Hartford district in New York East conference, and in this office
he died at Bristol Dec. 21, 1855, aged sixty-three years.

Mrs. Marcia (Whiting) Miller,

Daughter of Hervey and Olive (Barber) Whiting, married Rev.
David Miller in 1816. She died April 20, 1863, aged 71. [See
biography of Mr. Miller.)

Rev. Samuel J. Mills,
Son of John and Jane (Lewis) Mills, was born in Kent, Ct., May
17, 1743, and was the fifth child and fourth son In the family.
His father was a native of Windsor and his mother of Stratford.
The family was somewhat celebrated for its proclivity to ministerial
life. Two of his uncles and one cousin were ministers. Jane, a
sister of Samuel J., married Rev. Joel Bordwell, long the pastor at
Kent ; Sarah, another sister, married Rev. Jeremiah Day of New
Preston ; Edmund Mills, a younger brother, was a well known min-
ister in Massachusetts ; and the widowed mother married Rev. Phile-
mon Robbins of Branford, when she was sixty-six years of age, and
lived to be eighty-six, dying in 1798.

Samuel John Mills (for so he wrote his own name very frequently,
although there is no John in the name on the original family record),
was thoroughly schooled in the religious principles and practices of
the age of his youth as is evident from the remark he made while
walking with a friend by the house in which he was born, " Yonder : "
said he, " did my father direct my little brother to go night and morn-
ing, and call upon God; and yonder, behind that other object did he
charge me to go and perform the same service." After spending
some of his years in work upon his father's farm, he was fitted for
college under the instruction of the Rev. Joel Bordwell, the pastor of
his native place, and was graduated at Yale college in 1764, at the
age of twenty -one, and outlived all his classmates. He was licensed
by the Litchfield South Association at Kent, Feb. 7, 1766, having
pursued a course of theological studies during the two preceding
years, with his pastor Rev. Joel Bordwell. In the spring of 1767,
iVlr. Mills was preaching as a candidate at Wilton, Fairfield county,
and on the fifth of March that society "voted to call Mr. Mills;

Biographies. 529

fifteen in the negative." This invitation was not accepted and on
the first of the next July they renewed the invitation, by "a great
majority," says the record, only fourteen in the minority ; and in
October they repeated the call, only fourteen in the minority. Still
the invitation was not accepted, and in February the society made
another effort, appointing a large committee to call upon him and if
he could not be obtained, to seek another candidate."' But they did
not prevail, Mr. Mills evidently being determined not to become the
pastor of a divided people, and yet his excellence was so apparent
that the people of that place persisted in giving him a call about once
a quarter during a whole year.

From the records of the Litchfield Association, it appears that
according to their rules Mr. Mills offered himself, Sept. 20, 1768,
for examination in order to being approved of for ordination in the
work of the gospel ministry over the church and people of Torring-
ford and was examined and approved and recommended to them as a
meet person, qualified to settle with them in that work, and probably
began to preach in that place about that time. In February, 1769,
the people of that parish gave him a probationary call, and in March
a call to settle. They offered him a settlement of two hundred
pounds, to be paid in three years in annual instalments, and a salary
of fifty-five pounds to be increased five pounds yearly until it reached
seventy pounds, to be paid one-half in money and the other half in
wheat, rye and Indian corn at the market price, and his firewood.
Mr. Mills accepted the call and the society appointed Shubael Gris-
wold, Elijah Gaylord, Jabez Gillett and John Strong tavern keepers
for the ordination, and the consociation of Litchfield county met at
the house of Nehemiah Gaylord on Tuesday June 27, and examined
the candidate, and on Wednesday June 28, 1769, he was ordained to
the work of the pastorate among this people, there being eleven
ministers present and thirteen delegates, the Rev. Jonathan Lee,
moderator. Rev. Daniel Farrand, scribe, and Rev. Joel Bordwell of
Kent preaching the sermon.

At this time Torringford had been settled about twenty-five years,
the forests much of them had been cleared away, several mansion
like framed houses had been erected, the meeting house was stand-
ing, though in an unfinished state, and the general community was
composed of such a number of families, of such substantial charac-

» Wilton Records.

530 History of Torrington.

ters and qualities of mind, to whom to preach should inspire the
energy, intellect and heart of any man, at any time and any where,
and Mr. Mills knew that he had a strong parish and a noble people,
for he had sufficient discernment to judge intelligently on such a
matter, and hence he began his ministry with great courage and re-
solution as being assured of success in his high calling and of doing
much good to his fellow men, for without such endowments of mind
he would never have made the record he did, and this inbred victory
and strength went with him through life. He was not at a loss to
know what to do or whither to go to find some work to do, but was
always pushing on, as if already too much work was laid before him
and he must hasten or some part of the harvest field would suffer
loss, and hence the perpetual inspiring, new life in his soul, grasping
the world of nature as intellectual food, and throwing out light and
life until every man, woman and child, and all classes and conditions,
all circumstances and places felt the inspiration of his inward, yet
outgoing, conquering victory over sin and death, through the might
of the gospel which he preached. Such was the beginning of this
man of God who went out on one mission, determined on having
but one, and in that one to devote all of life, all of powers and
faculties, all of sentiments and sensibilities, and aspirations and in-
terests for two worlds or for thousands, if there might be as many,
that the great end sought should not fail for lack of oneness and
purpose on his part, and, as Alexander conquered, he conquered, as
Napoleon triumphed he triumphed, and as Wellington rested, so he
rested, at the end, before he was glorified.

This oneness of purpose with high courage and love for the work,
was the secret of his great success, and that also of his son, the
missionary prince.

Mr. Mills, after preaching two years in this parish, married Esther
Robbins of Canaan, Nov. 19, 1771, a woman of most amiable quali-
ties, and possessing very appropriate qualifications for the position
which she so honorably filled many years. She was the great angel
of comfort, strength, support, guide and help to her husband and
family, and standing; in such relations and rendering such aid, she did
the highest work that woman can do in the life that now is, which
work is equal to anything that man can do, only that the man takes
the heaviest of the work and the hardest of the toil while the woman
takes the lighter and easier part. Mrs. Mills was honored, loved
and appreciated while living, and greatly missed and lamented when

Biographies.

53^

gone. She died Dec. 30, 1809. The following extract reveals
still further the character and life of this truly noble woman :

" I remember very well Mr, and Mrs. Mills and their family, for I lived
near neighbor when young and in after life lived in their family some years.
Mrs. Mills was slight built, fine cut features, mild and lovely in appearance ; a
perfect lady. I can hear her gentle ' how do you do Fanny,' even now, spoken
when I was a little girl and used to go in there. She was a true Christian ; a
thorough student of the Bible, and practiced daily what she studied, and to her
was intrusted the principal management of the family, owing to her husband's
many duties and his perfect confidence in her skill and ability for the responsi-
bility. Her influence was everywhere that of a refined Christian woman.
She was sometimes called stingy but that was not true. She gave as the Bible
teaches. To the needy she was very generous, but was not always inclined to
give to the rich. She was a close calculator, and necessarily so, for her hus-
band was a careless giver, giving to any one who asked, yet he had the utmost
confidence in her judgment on such occasions, and when she would gently re-
monstrate saying, ' I don't believe it is best this tiine' he would reply ' I believe
you are right ma'am, 1 think you are right ma'am !'"

Such was the impress of this woman in her home, inwrought
there by her marvelous sweetness of spirit, wonderful skill and Chris-
tian love that the inspiration still abides on the community, and will
for many years to come. Everywhere she is spoken of in the same
spirit of admiration and sweet remembrance, and every year, by
strangers from afar as well as neighbors in the old parish, is her
grave stone the witness, by the moistened eye and quivering lip, of
the far reaching influence of her life, in her home and in her hus-
band's parish. Nearly seventy years after she ceased to toil on earth,
is the fragrance of her life a balm for the consolation and inspiration
of great numbers who through seas of conflict are following her to
the land of fame and eternal peace ; yes, even the far off* islands of
the sea, to the ends of the earth have heard of the fame of the
mother of Samuel J. Mills^ 'Junior.

Mr. Mills's pastorate extended through many years of peculiar difficulties and
trials as connected with the history of the community and the country. While
the southern part of Torringford parish had been settled twenty-four or five
years yet much of the northern portion had been but recendy taken up, and the
settlers were in their log houses, clearing away the forests, and were not under
circumstances to render that support, materially to a minister and parish, as
would have been advantageous, even in a cominunity where such wants were
few. Five years only had passed, in which but little had been accomplished
except the preparations to live and commence his work, when the rumblings
of the war chariots of the Revolution began to be heard, and the fearful con-
flicts which were to continue seven long and dreary years, were introduced ;
and when that exhausting conflict was past, there came another wave of disin-
tegration of religious society, that was worse than the war to dishearten the

532 History of Torrington.

minister, regarded by a large proportion of the people as the " prevailing infi-
delity of the age," during which the constitutional law of the commonwealth in
regard to the support of the gospel ministry was changed, and a number of the
most able and influential members of the community withdrew their allegiance
to the standing order of religious societies and gave heed to anything they chose,
save only that it was outside of the old forms. A growing dissatisfaction with
the established forms of church support and rule had been experienced from
1741, until it culminated in the change of the state constitution in 1784, and
from that time it took new force, assumed new prerogatives, and marched on
with greater rudeness toward the established order, until it reached its second
triumph in full denominational equality in the new constitution of 18 18. The
parties both misunderstood each other, and neither understood themselves.
The spirit and principles of freedom which drove the pilgrims from the old
world to the new, was destined to overthrow the order of the churches which
had reigned more than a hundred years, almost without an objection, as cer-
tainly as effect followed cause, but the fathers of 1790 saw it not, nor knew
the power that was moving in the midst of them although they had planted and
cherished it from the first. The law of freedom that would uphold a puritan
in withdrawing from the established church in England would uphold an Epis-
copalian, or one of any denomination, in withdrawing from the established
church in Connecticut or America ; but this was not generally perceived, and
when it began to be felt the faithful church member was greatly grieved and
dissatisfied.

On the other hand the dissenter to the established order scarcely knew the
power that moved him or what he wanted save his own choice and judgment
about something connected with religious life. He was called " infidel/' or
"free thinker" and accepted the name, and then joining himself to another
denomination did double duty, supposing he had escaped some grievous op-
pression, scarcely knowing what. In Newfield in this town this was peculiarly
illustrated in 1803, when a man dissenting from supporting the old church,
subscribing towards the building of a new church, signed himself " a free
thinker," and explained the ineaning by saying: "that is, if I think wrong at
first I have a right to think again." It is very evident that this man did not
know what he thought, only that he wanted to enjoy his inherited right to think
for himself, and least of all does it appear that he was infidel.

Of those who withdrew from the support of the Torringford church Dr.
Samuel Woodward was the most prominent, but several others were decidedly
of the first class of mind. Dr. W jodward was called "infidel," but was as
far from rejecting the Bible as anybody in Torringford. Yet he did object
with a muhiude of others, many of whom did not withdraw from the society,
to the fatalism preached in those days as the highest honor to an omnipotent
Jehovah, and as a matter settled in theology, which no man had a right to
question. Instead of being infidel, it is stated that he was at one time at least,
so exercised in religious things that he was almost incapacitated for the regular
performance of his professional duties, and to the close of life manifested the
greatest respecc for and confidence in true Christian life. But in those days a
man could not object to the formulated statements of doctrine, without being
called " infidel, freethinker," or worse names, for there were worse used, that
had no more foundation in truth than these, when applied as they frequently
were, to the most trifling objections to theological stateinents. There were
then two causes, which led directly to the withdrawing of quite a number of

Biographies. ^^3

substantial men from the support of the Torringford church ; the interpreta-
tions of freedom, as maintained in political economy, applied to the privileges
o^ religious life ; and under this application there grew up a decided objection
to some of the doctrines taught by the standing order. Through all these pecu-
liar difficulties Mr. Mills moved with steadiness, fidelity, and a large degree of
conservative social kindness, but never wavering a single moment from the doc-
trinal line on which he started, but if anything, held closer thereto, as if very
life depended upon the questions against which objections were made ; nor
did the community here (as well as everywhere', become fullv settled in its
relations to ecclesiastical privileges until i8i8, and soon after which Mr. Mills
was supplied with a colleague. Notwithstanding the times and circumstances
which surrounded Mr. Mills in his labors, the church prospered more than
many that surrounded it in neighboring towns, and came to have a name more
illustrious than most others in the county or in the state.

It is said that there was some considerable revival in 1773, 1782,
and 1793 ' ^"^ ^^^^ °^ ^799? ^^^ ^^'7 remarkable and brought with
it permanent and lasting blessings to the people, and prosperity and
increased strength to the church, for after it the withdrawing from
the support of the society almost entirely ceased for many vears.^
There were also revivals to some considerable extent in the years
1816, 1821, 1827, and 1831.

* The following account of that revival was given by Rev. Father Mills, in the E'van-
gelical Magazine in July, 1800.

"In the latter end of August, 1798, unusual religious appearances commenced in this
place, especially among the young people. They met weekly by themselves. Their num-
ber constantly increased, until it was found that a private room would not contain them.
They then repaired to the meeting. house, where they prayed, sang, and conversed on re-
ligious subjects. An event so extraordinary excited a spirit of general inquiry throughout
the society, and several weeks, and. even months passed away, while as yet one was scarce
able to decide whether any deep or powerful impressions were on their minds or not, unless
in a very few instances. In the meantime an unusual solemnity appeared on the counte-
nances of the people in general. And those who, antecedently to all this, had been much
in prayer to God for a day of his divine power, " thanked God and took courage." Of
course, conference meetings of a more general nature were appointed, and crowds were wont
to assemble at such seasons. Thus things passed on, with but few instances of hopeful con-
versions, until about the middle of the following winter. While our hopes and our fears
had thus long been very sensibly excited by turns, as appearances varied, at this memorable
period, it pleased the Great Head of the church, in a very peculiar manner, to show forth
his presence and power in the midst of the people. So extraordinary a season for weeks, and
we may say for months, we never witnessed. An answer to the inquiry whether the Lord
was indeed among us or not, was now attended with no difficulty. The minds of many
were greatly agitated, and unusual attention was paid to means of instruction. In the time
of this extraordinary visitation, a goodly number of the people obtained hope of their recon-
ciliation to God.

Having made this general statement, I shall now descend to some particular observations.

I. It is worthy of particular notice, that the work has been carried on with remark-
able regularity. Little or nothing has been discovered of wild enthusiasm or disorder.

534 History of Torrington.

Mr. Mills as a Man.'
On this topic the Rev. Abel McEwin, D.D., who in his child-
hood and youth saw much of Mr. Mills, because living in an adjoin-
ing parish writes :

"In person he was tall, large with well proportioned limbs; in attitude and
action graceful. His face, large and round, in which was set a pair of bold,
yet benignant eyes, was at once attractive and impressive. His gait, though
stately was natural and easy. His finest appearance out of the pulpit was on
horseback. He was a good judge and a better manager of a horse. Dressed

The subjects of the work have been as able and ready in any stage of it, to inform of
the ground of their distress, as a patient to tell what part of his body was in pain. This,
perhaps, may account for it, in a measure, that there has been so little open opposi-
tion to the work. Such as wished to censure and reproach it, were confounded.

It may be observed —

II. As to the nature of the work, that it has been such, in the course and issue of it, as
wonderfully to display divine power and grace, and to bring out to view the human heart.
The subject of it, in the first stages of their concern, have generally been filled with surprise
and astonishment at themselves and their past lives ; and seeing themselves in danger, have
formed resolutions, and entered on measures to amend their situation. When led to a
more full discovery of their own hearts, and to an increasing conviction of the impossibility
of ever obtaining relief in their own w.iy, they have felt very sensibly disturbed. They
have been ready to plead in their own defence, while they dared to do it, that they could do
no more than they could — that they never made their own hearts — and that it was out
of their power to change them. They have contended also against God for showing mercy
to others, while they were left — and even for giving them existence. But as their con-
victions increased, they became sensible of the dreadful obstinacy of their own hearts, and
found themselves growing worse and worse, till finally all hope disappeared, except what
arose from the sovereign grace of God — from the consideration that he could, and that he
would, have mercy on whom he would have mercy. They found their hearts so much
opposed to God, to his law, and to the gospel, as to see that nothing short of divine power
could ever subdue them. In the midst of all this, their proud and obstinate spirits would
rise against that very sovereign grace which secured them from despair, and contained their
only remaining hope of escaping divine wrath. But no sooner were they led to a discovery
of the justice of God in their condemnation — to see and to feel that the law was right and
holy, and hell their proper place — than they found their mouths shut, and their complaints
at an end. They have readily acknowledged that God would be glorious in executing sentence
against them. Thus have they been brought to resign themselves cheerfully, without any
reserve, into the hands of God, to be disposed of as may be most for his glory — rejoicing
that they were, and might be, in the hands of such a holy, just, and wise God, let their
future situation be what it might. There have been among them such like expressions as
these — ' The character of God has appeared inexpressibly beautiful, even in the view of his
pronouncing sentence against me ;' ' I wish that others might praise God, though I should
perish.'

It has been no uncommon thing for the subjects of the work, whose chief distress and

• The paintings of Mr. and Mrs. Mills were burned with their house in 1822, and there-
fore no portraits could be obtained for this work.

Biographies. ^25

in clothes of good material, well cut and adjusted ; his legs and feet decked with
white topped boots and spurs ; a white wig upon his head in ringlets not lacking
powder, over his broad shoulders, and crowned with a large smooth beaver;
in one hand a polished cane, in the other the bridle, he sat in the saddle, the
boys thought, the generalissimo of Connecticut clergymen. On one occasion
I rode at his left hand, his aid-de-camp. Familiarly he accosted adults and
children of all classes by the way. At length, with all the presence of horse
arid man he reigned up to a house and called. A young lady presented her-
self: "Daughter," said he, "give us a good noggen of cold water."

Dr. Charles Woodward M.D., who lived many years next door to him, says :
" he had a stalwart form and I think the most remarkable physique I ever be-
held."

anxiety antecedently arose from a sense of their being in the hands of God, unexpectedly to
find themselves rejoicing in that very consideration — contemplating the glory and happi-
ness of God as an object of higher consequence, and more precious, than their own personal
salvation; and all this, while as yet they have had no idea of having experienced any saving
change of heart. They have in various instances apparently rejoiced in God's supremacy,
and in being at his disposal, calmly leaving their case to his wise and holy decision, and
have conversed in a language to which they never before was accustomed, and have gained
the favorable opinion of others, while they have had no such thought respecting themselves.
Instead of this, jealousies have often been excited in their minds, on finding themselves so
calm and peaceful, that God had left them — that their concern was over, and have wished
it to return again. And when at length, reflecting on their views and feelings, or by con-
versing with others, they have ventured to entertain some feeble hope about themselves, it
has been in various instances of short continuance. Within the course of a few days, or
perhaps a shorter period, they have had such an overwhelming sense of the extreme sinful-
ness and corruption of their own hearts, as to be ready to conclude it to be utterly impossi-
ble that they should have any grace. This may account for a remark frequently made by
themselves, and circulated by others, that they had given up their hope.

In consequence of becoming reconciled to the divine character, law, and sovereignty, to
which before they were so much opposed, the character and work of Christ have been wont
to appear unspeakably glorious and beautiful, as magnifying the divine law, and opening a
way for the acceptance of sinners in such a manner as glorifies God, and exalts the grace
and work of Christ, and lays them prostrate at his feet.

The great and essential difference between their former and present views and feelings,
has very sensibly affected their own minds as well as the minds of others, especially in those
instances in which they had antecedently distinguished themselves by their opposition to the
doctrines of decrees, divine sovereignty, the absolute dependence of the creature on God, and
his universal providence, and the duties of unconditional submission and disinterested affec-
tion. To find themselves now attached to those very doctrines and duties, and lamenting
their former blindness, has served to excite peculiar admiration and gratitude.

III. It may, perhaps, be proper to notice that the Great Head of the church has by no
means confined himself in the display of his grace to persons of any particular rank or age.
Children and young people of both sexes, and heads of families of different ages, and, in one
or two instances, such as were far advanced in life, are among the number who hope, though
they once were blind, that now they see. The impressions were such on the minds of the
children, in different schools, as led them to lay aside their customary diversions, and some-
times to pass their intermissions in prayer, reading, or religious conversation among themselves.
Such as were capable, requested it as a privilege that they might be allowed at school to

536 History of Torrington.

Rev. Luther Hart, who was well acquainted with him says : " His
personal appearance was of no little advantage to him as a preacher.
With a large frame and well proportioned, tall, erect, and with a
countenance expressive of intelligence and mildness, he stood before
his congregation as if he had been the personification of dignity itself.
His features too in all their diversified changes, were a striking index
of the successive emotions excited in his breast by the theme he was
discussing, and by the combined influence of his looks, his whole
manner and the nature of the truths he proclaimed, he exerted under
God a three-fold power on the understanding and moral susceptibilities
of his auditors."

The impression his personal appearance made upon all classes was
very remarkable, and what Dr. Charles Woodward said, thousands
of others could have said with great propriety : " The most remarka-
ble physique I ever beheld."

read in their Bibles. Several of the scholars obtained hope respecting themselves, some under
twelve years of age, but the greatest number between twelve and eighteen.

IV. The uniformity every where observable as to the views, and exercises of the work
is a circumstance particularly to be noticed, both antecedent to their obtaining relief as well
as afterwards. Most generally, let any person become informed in respect to a single in-
stance, of the views and feelir.gs of a sinner under concern, and of his consequent exercises
and different views and apprehensions, and he would for substance learn what others could say.
The same excuses, pleas, cavils, and objections, against the doctrines and precepts of the
gospel while under conviction, and the same kind of submission, when brought to a cheer-
ful surrendery of themselves to God, which were found in one case were to be looked for in
another. To find persons who never conversed, one with the other, communicating the
same ideas, has been very striking to many. And it ought to be particularly observed here,
that this is not the case merely in neighborhoods or societies, but in distant and different
quarters, wherever the work has spread, amongst those who never saw nor heard of each
other. The observations already made respecting the nature of the work in this society,
apply with equal truth to other societies, so far as can be known, both far and near. All are
made to drink into one spirit, and to speak one language. After all —

V. It is by no means pretended that the wheat is wholly free from a mixture of tares, or
that all who entertain hope of themselves are really friends to Christ. The parable of the
sower may doubtless be applied in a greater or less degree ; and -it is to be feared that more
or less will finally wither away. Sufficient to such is the evil thereof It is very gratify-
ing to the friends of Zion that there are so few instances of this nature, where apparent
evidence of a change of heart has been exhibited. One observation farther.

VI. It is conceived, and it is thought no more than proper to acknowledge it, that the
measures which have been adopted by the state for the spread of the gospel — the address
from tile general assembly, recommending a more careful observation of the Sabbath — the
regulations respecting schools — together with the various late publications — have been
employed under Providence to promote and spread this great and glorious work which God
hath already wrought, and is still accomplishing."

Biographies. 537

A lady still living, who was brought up near neighbor to him, and

whose family was very intimate with that of Mr. Mills, has attempted

many times to describe him but always ends by saying, "when I used

to see him while I was very young, I always thought of him as God."

" In person he was tall and strongly built. His bearing was dignified, and on
horseback his appearance was commandiug. His eyes were large and expres-
sive and his voice was rich and tull. His prominent natural traits were a
childlike simplicity, drollness, impulsiveness, tenderness and a large hearted
benevolence. He was sound in the doctrines and devoted to his flock. As a
speaker, he was at times memorably eloquent, and swayed his hearers power-
fully by the wit or pathos of his discourse. He had a glowing interest in the
evangelizing enterprises which sprung up about the opening of the present cen-
tury, and was one of the pioneers in the missionary work in Vermont. He
enjoyed the confidence and respect of his brethren, and was one of the editors
of the Connecticut Evangelical Maga7ii7ie. "Father Mills of Torringford ;"
his name confers honor on the place where he served so long and so faithfully
in the gospel ; and a grateful people may well celebrate the centennial of his
settleinent."'

Mr. Mills as a Pastor.

While possessing unusual dignity of personal appearance his great-
ness of soul rendered him capable of meeting in the kindest and most
gentle manner any and all classes of persons under all circumstances
in such a manner as to attract them to himself and to the cause he
represented, and to leave the impression on every mind of his very
deep sincerity as a gospel minister, and his great desire to do good to
all men. If in the impression he made on others there was one
thing more prominent than another, it was his very great anxiety^ and
eagerness to lead men from the danger of a sinful life to safety under
the light of the gospel, and so fully was this true that the uncon-
verted seemed almost anxious to help him and willing to become the
subjects of saving grace, so as to relieve the concern which he felt
in their behalf and to cause him to rejoice. Every body was made
to feel this by his constant manner of life and conversation. Going
out one morning on horse back he met a young lady also on horse
back, and addressed her with a sweetness, and melodiousness of voice
that no one could imitate : " Good morning my daughter, I started
out this morning to see if I could find any body that was anxious
about their souls ;" giving a very deep and full emphasis to the last
word. Nearly seventy years have passed since those words were
spoken, but they are fresh in the mind of her who was then the
young lady, and she can repeat them in the same measured style and

' Torringford Centennial, p. 27.

S2^ History of Torrington.

somewhat of the same emphasis with which they were originally
spoken. They have been living characters upon the tablet of
memory as the hand writing upon the wall of the ancient king's
palace, growing none the less since that day. This was the great
theme : Souls and salvation! He took a great interest in the pios-
perity of the people, and sympathized with them, " as bound with
them" in their misfortunes and sorrows ; he was jo)ful with them ;
was witty, amusing, and full of anecdote, and curious representations ;
but, he seemed never to lose sight of, and never willing that others
should entertain the impression that he could deviate from, the one
great object and mission of his life, to save men from the second
death. His common address to all the young was, my daughter^ my
son^ with a modulation of voice as though he was really the father
of every one of them, and had all the responsibility as such to lead
them from earth to heaven.

As illustrative of these statements, the following letter of his,
written about the year 1800, to Rev. Alexander Gillett, with whom
he seems to have had some previous arrangement or plan as to some
meeting to be held elsewhere than at home. It was written on a
part of a sheet of paper and is preserved among the papers of the
Torrington church.

"Dear Brother. It is time for every one, even for the whole world to
awake from their slumberings. A little more sleep, a little more folding the
hands, will not answer. It ought not to answer. I have never done any thing
yet worth being born for. I have sometimes thought, had I never been born*,
the world would have lost nothing. After all I do not know as I can go next
Wednesday ; possibly I may. You must come on. It I can go I will ; If
not I will exchange with him on the Sabbath, or with you both, any way that
will best commode. Yours, S.-^ml. J. Mills."

From every source the testimony is the same and direct as to this
one thing that in the parish, in the home, and everywhere he carried
with him the one great thought of saving the people from the way
of sin and death. His sympathies were with the people j with the
poor and suffering, and he scarcely knew any limit to benevolence
where relief to the suffering was the object. At a certain time in
the winter it came to his mind that a certain poor woman in the
parish might be in want of food, and taking his saddle bags he filled
them with provisions and went to her house in the morning and told
her he had come to take breakfast with her. ^' Well," said she -'you
are welcome to such as I have, but I have nothing but roast potatoes."
" That will do," said he, and after sitting down and eating, he brought

Biographies. 539

in what he had with him, finding thus that he had not come any too
soon.

A poor woman of the neighborhood was present one day while his
wife was setting the table, and as she put on a loaf of bread and left
the room, he seizjd it, handed it to the woman and told her to cover
it with her apron and carry it home. Mrs. Mills came in soon after
and asked what had become of that loaf of bread, and he replied,
" Madame, are you sure you put any bread on the table ?"

A worthy man in the parish, of Arminian views, refused to pay his
rate for the support of the pastor, and for this he was arrested, bound,
and placed on a horse that he might be carried away and dealt with
according to the law. But just then Father Mills came up, his great
heart swelling with emotion, and exclaimed ^' Untie him, untie him ;
take him ofF, take him off;" and the man was released.

A colored man came to his back door on an errand and Mr. Mills
said to him, " Why did you come to the back door ? When you
come to my house, come to the front door, for we shall all go into
heaven by one door."

Rev. Abel McEwin, D.D., says : " In hospitality he was not sur-
passed. Food and fuel, and provender for horses, were without stint.
The host was generous in all things ; especially in fruit, both to
himself, and in the distribution of it to others. One autumn the
boys stole his peaches. In a sermon soon after, he reported a visit
which he made in a neighboring town, where the people complained
that the boys stole peaches. Hearing this he said he expressed his
surprise and abhorrence of such conduct. The reply was ; " But
Mr. Mills, don't the boys steal peaches in Torringford ?" " Dear
me," said he, " what could I say, I could not tell a lie ; I was obliged
to say, yes."

^Ir. Mills as a Preacher.

To preach the gospel seems to have been his greatest joy and
delight, and to this work he devoted his life. On this topic, the
Rev. Noah Porter, D.D., writes:

"Some things in Fatlier Mills were too prominent for even a stranger, who
had the slightest personal acquaintance wiih him, soon to forget. His tall, well
proportioned form and dignified bearing gave him a princely air. His voice,
too, so deep toned and mellow, was very commindiiig. He was often tender
in his addresses, and even in his remarks in conversation on evangelical subjects:
and was often mehed to tears, thou2;h rartly, if ever, interrupted by emotion
in his utterances. Such tenderness in so gigantic a frame, and £0 powerful
intellect, was exceedingly winning and impressive. His sermons abounded in

540 History of Torrington.

anecdotes and other illustrations taken from common life, drawn out in collate-
ral and rather homely style, and adapted to the comprehension and habits of
a plain, agricultural people, shut out from the busy world ; such as were the
people of his charge. Yet if I do not mistake, his sermons were not commonly
loose or immethodical ; but on the contrary, were closely argumentative, and
powerfully convincing. This was particularly the case on subjects pertaining
to the sovereignty of God, which were leading topics in " the Litchfield county
Divinity " that was so often talked of in his day, as having been connected with
the revivals for which the county was distinguished.

Mr. Mills, I believe, spent much of his time among his people, preaching from
house to hous'.' ; had few books and read but little; drew his discources from
the resources of his own mind, enlightened by the word and spirit of God, and
in consequence was able to give to every one a portion in due season."*

The Rev. Abel McEwin, D.D., of New London, writes Decem-
ber 1 8, 1848:

" Rev. Samuel J, Mills was of the same age of my father ; they lived in ad-
jacent parishes and were intimate friends. In my childhood and youth, I saw
much of Mr. Mills at his home and at my own home.

"The mind of Mr Mills was peculiar, In him we;-e combined strength of
intellect, comic powers, and deep sensibility. As a sermonizer he was eccen-
tric, ever original. Drollery undesigned, and sometimes perhaps designed
which would have marred the service oi any other man, in his were not merely
effective, but turned to serious account. People who hearing his ordinary dis-
courses, inadvertently laughed inside or out, often wept before he closed. He
was always grave ; his hearers could not always conceal their amusement. His
brethren sometimes admonished him that liis sayings were too ludicrous for the
pulpit; yet they all received him as a lover of truth and of souls, and as a dex-
trous, faithful and powerful preacher. The pious Jeremiah Hallock denomi-
nated him • the godly Mr. Mills.'

" My wife, before marriage, belonged to a family in his neighborhood. After
our settlement in a distant part of the state, we made frequent visits to her for-
mer home. Soon after our arrival, we were greeted by our venerable friend.
The prime object of the call was, after the salutation, to ask me whit I had
lately preached. I must give an outline of two or three sermons. This, on
his part, and mine was merely to give him opportunity to detail twice or thrice
as many of his. The report though laconic, was graphic. Usually after my
return home, the clues which he had drawn from his texts, the plans of his
discourses, and the Millsish illustrations, so haunted me that I could do little
else, until I had attempted to make two or three sermons out of the exotics
which he had pitched into my mind. Once our arrival in Torringford was in
April, a time of mud and a great scarcity of forage. Before I alighted from
the carriage, he was present on horseback. ' Come,' said he, ' I have a lec-
ture in West street ; and the people are now waiting. Where is a horse for
Mr. McEwin?' We were soon on our way, and the services were in due
time performed. Returned to the house of our friends, he went to my wife
and said ; ' It was kind, very kind ot your husband, before he took his tea, to
go and help mc out of the lurch ; it was worth a stack of hay.' "

• Sprague's Annals, I, 672.

Biographies. 541

"The famous Roger Griswold heard Mr. Millspreach at Litchfield.
On his return to New London county he said to me : *• I heard a
man preach at Litchfield ; Mr. Mills ; I never heard of him
before, I know not what the clergymen think of him, but I must say
that I never heard the man in the pulpit or out of it, so eloquent as
he was in one of his sermons.' Some time after this, I said to Mr.
Mills; 'yousawour Judge Griswoldat Litchfield,' ' Yes,' he replied,
*- 1 looked down among the judges, and I did not want any one to tell
me which Judge Griswold was.' I added, ' Mr. Mills, as you are an
elderly man, and I am young, I will venture to tell you what he said
of your preaching. He said that in one of your sermons you was
more eloquent than any man he had ever heard in the pulpit or out
of it.' He replied instantly, 'I know which sermon it was. Monday,'
he added, '|I went with Mr. Huntington to dine with the court. They
said, the judges are coming ? I was determined not to be introduced
to him ; so I placed myself by the side of the door, and, as he en-
tered, seized his hand and said ; Judge Griswold how do you do ? I
am glad to see your face and eyes. With a grasp as hard as mine,
the judge replied ; Mr. Mills, how do you do ? I am glad to see
you.'

" The English language did not seem to be copious enough for the
old gentleman's eccentricity. He coined words, and he used current
language with a very equivocal meaning. He was sent bv the clergy
of Connecticut on a summer's mission to Vermont. When he re-
turned, he was asked what sort of a jaunt he had. ' Fatiguing,
fatiguing,' was his reply ; ' it was so tremendolous hot.' ' Hot
in Vermont ? " said the inquirer. ' Hot ? yes, and mosquitoes.'
' Mosquitoes in Vermont ? ' ' Yes, a great many of them would
weigh a pound.' ' O, no, Mr. Mills, not a pound.' 'Yes,' said
he, ' I can testify that a great many of them would weigh a pound.'
A neighbor called on him one morning, and to him Mr. Mills said :
' I have been to work to day like a dog.' ' Not like a dog, ' re-
sponded his friend. ' Yes,' said he, ' like a dog ; but of dogs there
are many kinds ; and one sort never go a step beyond where they
are driven.' His oddity was not affectation. He was ludicrous
without design, and without consciousness of the fact. His very
griefs he sometimes expressed in terms and by figures which made
those who sympathized with him laugh. He and his wife lost their
first infant child. Then the second was taken away. Some female
friends came in to express their sympathy. One of their number
commenced their condolence ; ' You lost your first child.' ' Yes,'

542 History of Torrington.

he replied with a gush of tears, ' and now the fat is all in the fire
again.' .

*'To find subjects for sermons and to plan them was his pastime.
Though this exercise appeared in him like play, the result of it showed
the work of a man. Writing a sermon after the frame of it was set
up, did not agree with his constitution. He could preach on any
emergency. Well was it for him that he could make passing events
or objects that met his eye serve for illustrations. ' Once,' said he,
' I went up to B to preach ; my pocket was full of written ser-
mons. But one text which I had never used would employ all my
thoughts. I culled over all my manuscripts ; but God would have
me take that new text : ' Wherefore do the wicked live ?' I went
into the pulpit all raw and dark. My doctrine was, the wicked live
for the benefit of the righteous. As I went on to illustrate, I looked
out at the window and said, ' the wicked live to cut down these great
hemlock trees for the righteous. Much as ever,' 'said he, have the
people of B forgiven me to this day.'

"He was passionately fond of music, though he could sing but in-
differently himself. Sacred music was a feast of fat things to his
soul. He must have in his parish, during the three winter months,
a singing school headed by a skillful master. At the close of this
term, he appointed what he called a singing lecture. On one of these
occasions, he invited his neighbor, Dr. Lee of Colebook, a writer of
music, to preach. His text was ; 'and it came to pass when the
spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took a harp and played
with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the evil spirit
departed from him.' At the close of the discourse, according to the
custom of the old pastor, he presented himself in the pulpit. 'This,'
said he 'is true doctrine, I have come into this meeting house a great
many times, and I saw that the devil was here. I wished to begin
service, but I did not like to introduce the worship of God, while
the devil was in the people. 1 took up the Psalm book and read ;
but I could see him skipping about from pew to pew in the galleries ;
but the instant the chorister got up and blew the pitch pipe, he quit,
and all was sobriety and decorum among the young people and child-
ren.'

" I have seen this man in the days of affliction. He was an affec-
tionate father ; but he loved Christian missions better than his own
children. About to leave his neighborhood after a visit, I was stand-
ing with him upon the broad street j a horseman rode up and handed

Biographies. 543

to him a letter. He broke the seal and read a few lines ; stopped -,
and, with the letter in one hand and spectacles in the other, his face
filled with astonishment and consternation, he said, 'Samuel is dsad.
This beats all. When Obookiah died, I thought that beat every-
thing ; but this beats that.' At this time the rider took out a watch
and handed him saying, 'this was his watch.' The patron of mis-
sions gave place to the father. He took the watch, and with streaming
tears and a voice choked with grief his lament burst forth: 'Samuel
is dead ; I shall never see Samuel again ; he is in the bottom of the
sea ! '

"This surviving parent lived to a great age. In the last stage of his
life his house was burnt and a new one built. I made my last call.
He was sitting among the shavings, watching the workmen who were
finishing the interior of the building. His eyes were dim j his memory
had failed. When I accosted him, he took my hand, but I perceived
he did not recognize me. In his hand he had Woodbridge's small
geography. He gave it to me, and our conversation began. ' Did
you ever see that book sir?' 'O yes, it is Woodbridge's Geography,
ym children use it.' ' The world, sir, is round, is it not ?' ' Yes
sir.' 'Rolls over does it not ?' ' Yes sir.' 'Is it not a miracle
that when we get on the downward side, we don't fall off?' ' No
sir, if we should fall off, that would be a miracle ; because the law
of gravitation would be counteracted, which draws us to the center
of the earth.' 'True sir,' said he 'but I don't know who you
are.' I told him my name. It was in vain. ' You, sir, recollect my
father,' said I ; ' Robert McEwin of Winchester ?' ' Much as ever,'
he replied. I pulled another cord. I have been much at your house
in early life. I was a companion of Jerry, and Flora, and Samuel. You
married me. My wife was S. B. I have often preached for you. I
live at New London.' He rose up, girded his huge arms around
me, laid his broad chin on my shoulder and wept."

A grand daughter used to relate the following as coming under her
knowledge. While preaching on a theological topic, which greatly
displeased some of the congregation, one of the prominent men rose
in the audience and exclaimed " Mr. Mills, you make machines of
us all, you do," and stamped out of the church in the midst of the
service.

As showing his great love for the preaching of the gospel, he con-
tinued to desire to preach when his mind had become unreliable.
In his last attempt he forgot his text after having started quite well

544 History of Torrington.

in the sermon, and turning to Rev. Mr. Goodman said, " My son I
have forgotten my text." Mr. Goodman repeated it and he went on
a little time and said '' I must stop." Thus closed the preaching of
one who had moved the hearts of thousands by his eloquence.

The following extract is from the funeral sermon of Father Mills,
by Rev. Luther Hart of Plymouth.

"Father Mills!" why this is an appellation designating the wonderful man
that has greeted my ears ever since my earliest childhood, and inspired affection
and reverence at every successive repetition. With hundreds of others, I
have cause to remember him with deep emotion on more accounts than one.
It was he that some thirty years ago, in discoursing on the distinguishing grace
of God, was the instrument in God's hand of showing me the perversity of
my heart, by waking into action its latent enmity against divine sovereignty.
And if ever my poor soul bowed at the feet of Christ, it was in connection
with his faithful and affecting disclosure of that humiliating doctrine.

I exceedingly lament that I am not able, on this solemn occasion, to give
as minute an account as will probably be expected, of a minister who for
many years, and for many reasons, attracted more attention than perhaps any
other clergyman in this region, and whose praise is still in all the churches.

When I entered into the ministry, his sun had already declined in the far
west. He belonged also to a different association, and a different circular
meeting, so that I had little opportunity to enjoy his society. And had I been
familiar with him during the last ten years, I should have seen little of those
commanding traits which once so eminently distinguished him as a man, and a
minister, in the days of his undecayeu vigor. It is long since he entirely forgot
me and almost every other person he did not see daily. Much important
matter respecting him might have been afibrded me by numbers of his people
who formerly hung on his lips with deliglit, had I had time to apply to them
for the requisite information. But notwithstanding my conscious incompetence
to delineate satisfactorily the life and character of the venerable Mr. Mills, I
venture with not a little diffidence to submit the following sketch. Concerning
Mr. Mills's personal piety I never heard but one opinion. He was eminently a
man of prayer. His habitual deportment was grave and solemn, peculiarly
accordant with the dignity of the sacred office. His conversation related
almost exclusively to subjects connected with the kingdom of Christ. With
worldly afi-airs, whether domestic or cixil, he had little concern. His thoughts,
affections, conversations, and labors were chiefly, nay, almost exclusively, de-
voted to matters of infinitely higher moment. He was pre-eminently a pro-
fessional man. Some other pastors have been among their people more, and
have been more sociable and familiar; but what one has ever been more ready
to visit the sick, the sorrowful and the poor ; and to administer religious in-
struction, Christian consolation, or temporal relief, according to the various
wants of his people, and his own ability to supply them.? At the side of what
sick-bed did he neglect to perform the appropriate office of an ambassador of
the Lord Jesus Christ? By the dwelling of what broken-hearted widow was
he accustomed to pass, without at least coming up to her door to impress in a
few words on her heart for her instruction or comfort, some weighty truth
which she could scarcely ever forget? And what child of misfortune and

Biographies. 545

want ever applied to him for relief of real necessities, and went from his door
without abundant reason for leaving many thanks behind ?

He had constitutionally, a remarkable susceptibility to impressions from a
view of the wants and woes of mankind. Bu: there was something beyond
nature in all this. His uncommon benevolence towards the needy was not so
much an instinct as an enlightened, evangelical sympathy. And 1 know not
where to look for a brighter practical exemplification than he furnished, ot the
import of the sacred injunction, ' Be ye kind to one another, tender hfnrled*
His house was the abode of hospitality alike to the friend and the stranger;
and his heart the seat of good will to his people and the world.

On no subject did jic seem to meditate and converse so much as upon re-
vivals of religion, and the ultimate diffusion of the light of the gospel among
all nations. The beauty of the church in the millcnium, the peace and happi-
ness of the world which it will secure, and the consequent glory of the son ot
God, filled his eye, fired his soul, animated his prayers, and led him not only
to advocate and rejoice in the great benevolent operations of the present age,
but cheerfully to give up a beloved son as an instrument to facilitate the arrival
of that blessed period by traversing the distant forests of the west, and by en-
countering the perils; alas to that dear missionary ; the perils of the deep.
And when the tidings of the death of that son, who fell a sacrifice to the cause
of humanity, were brought to his ears, there was witnessed as noble a demon-
stration of personal piety in the striking expressions of resignation which he
poured forth from his heart, as there was of paternal grief in the tears that
gushed from his eyes.

His popularity as a preacher, and his great influence with his ministerial
brethren, instead of generating elation and arrogance, were connected with an
uncommon degree of self distrust and humility. While others were ready
to applaud his talents and ingenuity, he was meditating on his own sinful-
ness and ready to smite on his breast with the abashed and abased publican.
And here I cannot do better than to recite two or three sentences from
a note received last Saturday from your pastor, informing me of the de-
cease of our reverend friend. '• Of himself," says the letter, " he often
remarked with emphasis, that he could not find the man on the face
of the earth to whom he could say, ' stand by thyself, J am holier than
thou.' No subject would seem to awaken his apparently torpid sensi-
bilities, as he drew near the close of life, like the mention of Christ's kingdom
from the efforts now made for its advancement. And his sense of his own
unworthiness seemed to arise chiefly from the reflection that he had done no
more in this service when in the vigor of life. On asking him at my last in-
terview with him, if he felt ready and willing to depart, his characteristic re-
ply was, ' No objections.'

What he was as a preacher, it is less necessary for me minutely to describe,
because very many of us often heard him while in full vigor, and none can be
ignorant of his high eminence in the pulpit. Still it may be interesting to ad-
vert a few moments, to some of the peculiar traits to which that eminence was
in a great degree owing. His mind was more distinguished by the clearness
of its perceptions, and the quickness of its operations, than by its comprehension
or profoundness, although it was not deficient in these respects. It was culti-
vated less by extensive reading than by independent reflection. His was an
uncommonly original mind. In his views of truth, he depended on nothing
but the word of God ; and with the whole of it, and especially with the his-
torical parts of it, he had a more minute and familiar acquaintance than any

546

History of Torrington.

other minister within my knowledge, one individual only excepted. A large
proportion of the texts which he selected were short, and such as most other
ministers would have overlooked as containing nothing worthy of special atten-
tion ; and the plans of his sermons were at once exceedingly simple and strik-
ing, and yet such as with all their excellence, almost no other man would have
though: of Still they were not far fetched nor forced. His inferences,
whether derived from the Bible and constituting the main points of discussion,
or derived from the body of the sermon itself and constituting its close, while
they would have been made by almost no other preacher, were when stated by
him obviously just in the estimation of the merest child.

His original manner of treating subjects sometimes seemed to border on
oddity, and his expressions were too often of a nature to awaken a smile, and
sometimes to excite our laughter. This it must be admitted was a defect.
But we have good reason to believe that when momentary levity was excited,
it was never an object at which he aimed, but the undesigned effect of the
presentation ot his own thoughts in his own peculiar manner. Or, if he ever
aimed for a moment at the ludicrous, it was but for a moment. With a con-
summate knowledge of the intimate relations between the passions of laughter
and weeping, it was often the case that no sooner did he perceive that he had
awakened a smile than by a sudden transition to some rcle\ant but unexpected
reinark, he caused the assembly to be at once bathed in tears.

He excelled most men also in the power o'i deicription ; and this was of great
service to hiin in the pulpit. When he described God, or the creature, the saint
or the sinner, heaven or hell, so vivid were his own apprehensions of the sub-
ject set forth, so ready was his imagination to stretch its pinions and soar, and
such was ills command of language ; not indeed the most classical and refined,
but fullv adequate to express the precise shade of the thought that glowed within
him, that whatever he undertook to portray was as distinctly apprehended by
his hearers, as if he had delineated all that he had in view on canvass immedi-
ately before their eyes.

He derived great advantage from his skill in illustration. In this happy art,
the vast body of the ministers in his day were lamentably deficient. Ttiey had
little to do with reference to the common business of life, and the analogies
found in the physical world, in order to impart to their hearers clearer notions
of spiritual things. They did not so extensively as is the case at the present
dav, allude like their Lord and Master to the field of nature, and the every
day occurrences of common life and thus familiarize the mind to religious
truths through the medium of resemblances which natural objects sustain
to them. Theology was not only made a distinct science that bore
no relations to any other, and was incapable of borrowing useful exem-
plifications from any other. But Mr. Mills was a diligent student of nature,
a careful observer of men and things ; and never was he more successful in the
pulpit than when, for the purpose of conveying notions of sacred truth to the
minds of his audience, he seized upon some analogy derived from some familiar
occurrence, or from some object palpable to the senses. If the justice of God
in his dealings with men was to be illustrated or defended, he reasoned from
what all admit to be equitable in human courts and human families. If God's
long suffering and compassion towards guiltv men were to be set forth in an af-
fecting manner, then he would depict before the assembly the obstinacy of a
wayward child and the parent all in tears expostulating, beseeching, hoping and
waiting long for the ultimate return of the young offender to duty. Multitudes
of us can never forget how in other year.s, he held and charmed us, and caused

Biographies. 547

our tears to flow by the vivid representation of these and thousands of other
simple bur striking analogies, for the purpose of giving us clearer conceptions of
the character and dealings of God, the wonders of redeeming mercy, or the
recklessness of the hard hearted, obstinate perishing sinner.

Another thing which contributed to his eminence in the pulpit was, if I mis-
take mt, the habit of speaking extemporaneously. How early in his ministry
he commenced this practice, I have not been able to learn. Owing to the
failure of his memory, he was necessitated to write out his sermons, during
several of the last years of his labors ; and when he resorted to this course,
there was evidently less animation, originality and force than he had long been
accustomed to exhibit. But when for a long series of years before, he only
sketched the leading topics of his discourses on paper, having wrought out all
the subordinate matter in his mind and treasured it in his memory, and stood
before the listening throng, and gave them tlie whole influence of his e/es, and
receiyed in return the kitidling influence of his gaze, and his attention was
untrammelcd by his notes, so that he could allow both excitement and range to
his imagination, then it was that he disclosed the full majesty and power of his
noble mind ; then it was that the genuine Samuel John Mills was seen and felt
to be a great man in Israel. Nor am 1 alone in this estimate of him as a com-
manding speaker and preacher. There are hundreds before me, who from
their own recollected emotions, excited by his instructive voice, are ready to
concur with me. And p.nhaps it is proper for me to say, it has long been
currently reported as a declaration of the late distinguished Governor Griswold,
that if eloquence consists in completely enchaining the attention of an audience,
Mr. Mills was the most eloquent preacher he had ever heard, "

It is doubtless true that the great theme in his conversation was
revivals of religion, and he delighted in being present in such meet-
ings, and participating in the preaching, and particularly because it
was judged in those times to be very essential to a successful revival,
as is indicated in his account of the revival of 1799, to preach most
earnestly the doctrines of God's " Sovereignty and distinguishing
grace," and that these were best calculated to break and humble the
sinners' heart, so that he would be capable of valuing the mercy of
God as offered to those who were appointed to be saved. It is quite
evident that if in any one point of doctrine Mr. Mills excelled this
was it, and he preached it with all its objectionable features. It did
not matter to him how angry men became under such preaching, for
he charged them with being angry with God ; not with the interpre-
tations the minister gave but with God, and that it was a very strong
evidence of their very great hardness of heart and the greater need
that they should be humbled under just such arbitrary dictation of
the Almighty ; and he also believed that such manifestation of re-
sistance was indicative of hope of final conversion. One example,
as given by Dr. Charles Woodward, is illustrative, and is confirmed
by his own account of the revival, and from many other sources.

548 History of Torrington.

••' A young woman who offered herself for admission to the church
in 1818, said at her examination, that she had thought little of God
until she was awakened, when her feelings against his government
rose to such a degree that, if possible, she would have torn him from
his throne ; and from that the transition was so great that she beheld
him in every thing, and was willing to be damned, if he decreed it.
Mr. Mills pronounced the experience ' glorious. ' "

A woman now living uniting with the church about the same time
was asked as she now says, " If she was willing, if it should be for
the glory of God, to go to hell forever ? " Upon an affirmative
answer, from which her heart revolts with a shudder to the present
day, she was judged acceptable, and received. Another person who,
nearly at the same time, became much exercised as to a religious
life, when the feeling of rebellion against partial grace subsided, she
became persuaded that she had committed the unpardonable sin ;
that she had " grieved the Holy Spirit," and that was the end of it,
and thus she has remained to the present time, although her life is as
exemplary as any person in the town.

It is a matter of rejoicing that the first Congregational council that
was held in America, while standing on old Piymouih rock, voted
unanimously that it did not hold the doctrine of " fatalism."

The only remark necessary in these days is that Father Mills's
heart was vastly larger than this point in his theology.

Mr. Mills as a writer, it is evident even from his account of the
revival, given, was very able and competent in regard to any question
of theology or of grace, as held in those times ; and could make as
close, clear and definite discriminations and observations, as religious
thought demanded or allowed, and hence had he directed the energy
of his mind to theological discussion as he did to the saving of men,
he might have had a lasting name in that direction.

Rev. Samuel J. Mills, Jr.,
Was born April 21, 1783, in Torringford society, and was the seventh
child of Rev. Samuel J. Mills, pastor of the Torringford church
more than fifty years, and who was a very remarkable man in many
respects, being great in goodness and love for the salvation of man.
Young Samuel's mother was noted also for symmetry of character,
excellency of judgment, and largeness of Christian love and sympathy
toward all men, and it might be expected that such a scion, reared
under such favoring circumstances would eventuate in some great

Biographies. 549

and noble end. Torringford is a very advantageous place to be
reared and educated in, if nature's grandeur may have any pouter to
mould and fashion the mind and enlarge the heart of the intelligent
beings to whom the infinite has subjected all created things. From
the old parsonage where this man was born, the view extends in every
direction over the surrounding country to the distance of between ten
and thirty miles, revealing a large portion of the intervening valleys
and hills, and this scenery was the topic of frequent remark by the
father; it having been that which charmed him the first time he was
in the place ; and it is very possible that this scenery had much to
do in fixing upon the mind of young Mills that enlarged interest
which he afterwards manifested, for the salvation and well being of
the whole world. The childhood and youth of this man were chiefly
spent under his father's roof amid these surroundings in the possession
of the most faithful instructions which were of the best kind, both as
to intellectual and heart cultivation. When quite a child, his mind
exhibited no common sensibility to the concerns of relio[ion, and was
easily and some times deeply afi^ected with the importance of them,
and the advantage to be secured by a careful attention to the teach-
ings of the divine word. These impressions however were not as
carefully cherished as they probably would have been but for the
prevailing opinion of that day that nothing availed toward salvation
without first experiencing a marvellous and almost miraculous change
of heart, which change young people were supposed, as a general rule,
to be nearly incapable of properly entertaining. But when, in 1798,
the religious interest in his father's parish began to be recognized by
special meetings and an unusual attendance on their meetings by the
community, he being at the age of fifteen, was moved, with many
others, by the anxious inquiry whether the great provisions of the
gospel were likely to avail any thing in his behalf. The inquiry was
not whether he would accept the abundant provisions of the gospel
for the salvation of all men but whether the very limited provisions
of salvation included hirn^ as well as some others." To ascertain
the right to answer this inquiry almost drove him to distraction and
infidelity. In regard to this point his Memoir gives some light.

" But such were his views of his own sinfulness, so severe his distress, and so
bitter his opposition to God, that he would someiimes ' break out in expressions
of unyielding rebellion.' With nothing was his dissaiisfaction more painful,
than the discriminations of the divine favor in showing mercy to those who were
around him, while he himself was apparently left lo obduracy and ruin. He
had beheld many of his companions in years and in sin, together with an elder

550 History of Torrington.

brother, a sister and a niece of his mother, all residing under the same roof,
and all that remained o\ his father's family, rejoicing in hope, and united to the
visible church, while he himself obtained no relief from his agony, but remained
in 'the gall of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity.' Such was his state of mind
for many months, and such it continued, when the revival began to decline,
and when it was gone. Two full years he remained in this dismal frame of
mind, still refusing to bow at the footstool of mercy ; and to adopt his own
sentiment, * at heart still cursing the day in which he was born.' " '

This language is peculiar yet in perfect accord with the doctrines
held at that time. Here he is represented as greatly distressed two
years, because he obtained no evidences that he specially was included
in the number of the elect, while others received those evidences, and
yet he is represented as ^' refusing to bow at the footstool of mercy."
The question was not whether he was willing or not, but whether
there was any " footstool of mercy " for him to bow to, for, if he was
not of the elect, then there was no such place for him, and his will-
ingness to curse the day he was born was the soundest wisdom pos-
sible. This was seen by Dr. Spring, and hence he says (page i6),
" It is far from being indispensable to our cordial acquiescence in
God's character and government, to be persuaded that we are inter-
ested in his mercy." This was the precise quiistion, Did the mercy
of God include Samuel J. Mills Jr..'' He had no assurances that it
did and hence he said to his mother : " O that I had never been
born ! O that I had never been born ! For two years I have been
sorry God ever made me." All the theological discussions in the
universe could not change the soundness of this logic ; and it was not
until months after, that Mr. Mills, by taking a very different view of
the mercy of God ; until he by dwelling upon the goodness of God
as sufficiently large so as to include him, at all risks, that he dared
entertain a hope of salvation. And this case was not an isolated one,
for that which he experienced many others passed through in that
revival in 179B and 9, according to the account given by Father
Mills, wherein it is indicated that the dread horrors of despair abode
upon the trembling penitent for months, because he could not tell
whether he was included in the covenant of mercy or left out ; and
it was also thought that the genuineness of the conversion depended
on the greatness of the horrors experienced.

After nearly three years of dreadful suffering in mind, this youth,
not quite eighteen years of age, became a trusting arid obedient servant
of the gospel of promise^ and henceforward walked in hope.

Memoir by Re-v. Dr. Spring, p. 12.

Biographies.

5S^

When Mr. Mills entered into this hope, he was attending school
at Litchfield ; and the first intimation his father had of any change
arose from an observation he made that '■^ he could not conceive of any
course of life in xvhich to pass the rest of his days^ that would prove so
pleasant^ as to go and communicate the gospel salvation to the poor heathen^

Thus did the spirit and ambition to help a ruined world, take
possession of this young man's heart and life, as soon as he appre-
hended the benefits of the gospel in his own personal well being, and
from that time onward, ever, they were his guiding stars until his life
work was ended.

"It is somewhat remarkable, that from this same hour, he never once lost
sight of this great thought. Though but a youth of seventeen, he discovered a
zeal in the missionary cause, an eagerness in the pursuit of missionary intelli-
gence, and an enlargement of though: in his plans to become acquainted with
the true state of the unevangelized world, which left little doubt that he was
chained to this purpose by a superior power.

It was a heart yearning over the miseries of perishing millions, that first led
him to think of acquiring an education with a view to the gospel ministry.
Having consulted his parents, and unfolded all his purpose, which should God
permit, was no less than to devote his life to the cause of missions in foreign
lands ; and having received their approbation and their blessing, he resobcd on
measures for changing his course of life. The spirit of God came over him
like Elisha in the field. While toiling at the plough, was his heart touched with
compassion tor the heathen world, and he bid adieu to his farm, to obtain an
education on purpose to carry the gospel to millions who perish for lack of
knowledge. Thus in a retired field in Litchfield county, was the King of Zion
beginning that grand course of operations which have produced such a mighty
revolution in the American churches, and which bear so intimate a relation to
the progressive glories of his kingdom. Having put his secular concerns into
other liands, and having previously connected himself with the church, under
the pastoral care of his father, Mills became a member of Williams college, in
Massachusetts, in the autumn of 1805. As a scholar, he was of respectable
standing, but as a youth who "v.alked with God,'' and whose uniform deport-
ment evinced that he was devoted to interests superior to his own, he shone as
a light in the earth.

Ardent and matured as his piety was at more advanced periods, it may be
said of him, that he began his career very much as he ended it. At this early
period his piety was of that strong, yet fervent; that unostentatious, yet practi-
cal and efficient kind, that gave the highest evidence that he was a child of
God. Engaged in pursuits, in which many a godly youth is allured from duty,
by the glare of science and the love of fame, he not only retained his integrity,
and made sensible progression in holiness, but by a deportment so circumspect
and kind, that even the enemies of religion could not but respect him ; and bv
a consistency and sweetness of character, which gave so much lustre to vital piety,
that his friends felt the reproach of his example, did he become the means of
conversion, steadfastness and zeal, and will be long remembered as a distin-
guished blessing to the seminary of which he was a member."

SS'^

History of Torrington.

There are some characteristics here revealed that are worthy of imi-
tation, and history reveals the satisfying fact that whenever and wherever
followed they always bring their reward of usefulness, success and
honor. Having committed himself to a life for the purpose of spread-
ing the gospel news, there was to him no honorable way to be pur-
sued but to fulfill the engagement to the utmost of his ability as if
assured all the time of certain success, and yet not caring as to the
success in regard to personal honor if only duty should be done.
Such negation of self while moving as if inspired by the highest am-
bition or honor is the richest glory of man, and is the spirit that
makes martyrs for country and religion and every thing in life. To
him there was no charm in anything except it was in the line of life
which he had chosen and to which he had devoted all his powers,
and to be unfaithful to such an engagement was a thing too humiliat-
ing to be entertained by one destined to a life in a future state of
being.

Then also if the life he had engaged in, had any foundation in
realities as he himself and thousands of others professed to know, it
was reasonable that he should pursue that life with as much energy,
and determination and forethought, as any business engagement that
could be presented to the necessity or ambition of men. This re-
veals the secret of his life -, one perpetual onward movement in the
same line, as though there could be no other possible way for him
to move, and as though he never once stopped to think, whether
there could be any other way, and yet as knowing all the time that
life to him would be an utter failure except he should attain the end
for which he had started.

It is not surprising therefore to learn that, " to him nothing had
charms so powerful as the glory of his Redeemer and the salvation
of men. The conversion of a sinner from the error of his way, the
deliverance of one immortal being from the indescribable consequences
of sin, was to his benevolent mind enough to compensate a thousand
fold for the loss of all the laurels of a Caesar. While he was a
member of college, there was a revival of religion in the institution,
of which he was the chief instrument ; and afterwards there were
not a few of his fellow students in the ministry, who owed their
hopes of heaven, and their usefulness on earth, to his instrumentality.
Nor should it be forgotten that quite many of those beloved men
whom the American church has been permitted to send into the se-
clusions of the wilderness of this country, as well as those who went

Biographies. ^^2

to plant the standard on the banks of the Ganges and the Indus, long
remembered his instrumentality in their conversion and missionary
zeal. His cotemporaries at the college delighted to linger on the
recollection of his excellence ; and could never forget how the sal-
vation of the dear youth with whom he was associated, the revival
of pure and undefiled religion, and the desolations of the heathen
world, were themes that often drew tears from his eyes and persuasion
from his tongue, as he visited from room to room, and walked from
grove to grove.

As illustrative of the epergy and zeal with which he pursued his
relitrious life the followins: extracts from his journal are yiven.

"June 25, 1806. I hope I shall I'avc an oppoituniiv to retire and address
the Throne of grace to day without molestation. O tlat God would be with
me, and assist me in the performance of duty ! It will be a stupid time indeed,
if the Lord docs not pour down liis spine and convince me of my unworthi-
ness and dependence. O how unworthy we are at this institution to partake
of the crumbs that fall from our Master's table ! Blessed be God, he has, as I
trust, wrought a good work upon the hearts of some, and is forcing conviction
and light upon the minds of others. I hope nothing may retard the progress
of this most glorious work.

Thursday, 26. Attended conference this evening, composed principally of
the Freshman class. A very good meeting Many very solemn; K — much
cast down. It was very evident God was striving with some of his disobedient
creatures. The work is the Lord's, and he is abundantly able to carry it on.
Arise, O Lord, thou and the ark of thy strength. It seems to me I never
longed so much for the Sabbath as 1 do now. I am afraid the impressions of
my classmates will wear off. But all thii gs are possible with God.

Saturday, 28. Think I feel something ut a praying frame this morning.
O for more fervour, more engagedness, more activity, in the cause of the
blessed God ! I hope this may be a sweet day to my soul. Think I see
something of my unworthiness.

Sabbath morning, 29. Have some view of my dependence upon God and
of my awful stupidity. I pray God to be with ine to-day, and keep me from
injuring his cause, and preserve me in a praying frame, y// noi)/i,jmt returned
from meeting — an uncommon time with me — think I have never been so
carried above this world before; never found myself so nigh the cross. Come
Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, give me, unworthy me, a spirit of prayer! O
humble me — keep me at the foot of the cross. Grant that I may always feel
uneasy when 1 wander from that delightful place! Grant that I may make ic
my hoine there, and never wound my Redeemer in the house of his friends !

November 10. [After vacation] I have been in town two weeks. Pro-
fessing Christians not so much alive as they generally were last term. O that
God would revive us again ! that his saints might rejoice, and that immortal
souls might be ransomed from eternal death. O that he would make his
children feel their dependence, and bring them to cast themselves at his foot-
stool. All our strength is from the Lord ; I hope he will not cast us ofF
forever, but carry on his work as best pleases him. We are brought very low;
and if the Lord look not upon us, where is our hope? Where can wc look
but to the holy hill."

554 History of Torrington.

The revival referred to was not extensive, but the part which Mr.
Mills took in the work, and the peculiar, earnest interest which he
manifested for the good of others, is quite appropriately presented by
one of his most valued classmates, who afterwards was successfully
engaged in the ministry. '' During the last term of his first year,
there was a revival of religion in college, which commenced in his
class. It was then my opinion, and I believe the general opinion,
that Mr. Mills was principally instrumental in the hands of God, in
producing the blessed work. Certain it is, that no one was so much
resorted to as he by those under serious impressions. He was singu-
larly devoted and engaged, a little before the revival commenced, and
while it lasted. Nor did he, after it had ceased, relapse into that
state of apathy and indifference so common with many, and to which
there are so many temptations in college. It may well be said of
him, that he walked with God, and I trust his footsteps were seen
long after he left the college."

It is important to the understanding of some parts of his subse-
quent history, to observe the invariable tendencies of his mind
toward the grand objects of benevolence to which his life was so
sacredly devoted, and upon this another extract from his journal
while in college will throw some light on this subject.

" O that I might be aroused from this careless and stupid state,
and be enabled to fill up my life well ! I think I can trust myself
in the hands of God, and all that is dear to me, but I long to have
the time arrive, when the gospel shall be preached to the poor Africans
and likewise to all nations"

Here is exhibited the onward moving of an unyielding mind of a
philanthropist, almost unequaled among men except under special
Divine inspiration, grasping with marvelous eagerness for the instru-
mentalities by which to lift a degraded world to affluence, righteous-
ness and holiness. Said ]ie to a brother of kindred spirit in the
ministry, " Brother, though you and I are very small beings, we must
not rest satisfied until we have made our influence extend to the re-
motest corner of this ruined world." This was the real man, though
one of the most modest of men, yet this was the largeness of his
heart and his purpose in the exercise of his responsibility as an in-
telligent being. Simply to becoine a missionary himself, and live and
die in pagan lands, surrounded with all the evidences of successful
labor, was with him a very small matter. His charities were the
most exalted, and his plans most sublime, and he knew how to labor

Biographies. ^^^

for an interest, distant enough to bring nothing to himself, and form
a purpose to feel and act efficiently for more than two-thirds of the
human race, never baptized by the Christian name. If it be asked,
why this man, knowing so much less of the needs and conditions of
the heathen, stretched out his liands to such a mighty work, the
answer comes from thousands of years gone by, why should Moses,
a stranger forty years, go back to Egypt to lead the people to de-
liverance, or why should John the Baptist preach in the wilderness
more than others ?

Mr. Mills and Foreign Missions.

From the very first dawn of hope of his own interest in saving
grace, Mr. Mills's mind was directed to the heathen world, and from
that hour his interest in its behalf continued to increase, and to the
work of their enlightenment his life seemed consecrated. It was
this that led him to leave his farm and enter school and college, and
while laboring in the revival in college in behalf of those immediately
around him the great study of his mind was for those far away in the
shadow of death, and under impressions his mind was directed more
and more to the design of propagating the gospel among the heathen
in foreign lands, by means of missionaries from this country. And
it is remarkable that his mind, then that of but a youth in college,
should have been directed in those channels, which the missionary
enterprises of the western world have followed ever since.

"The dawn of a missionary spirit had begun to appear in some of
the American churches before this period. To those who have ob-
served the signs of the times there is no doubt but that a new era
had dawned on the otiier side of the Atlantic before the cominw in
of the eighteenth century. In the year 1792, the first missionary
society was established by Carey, Fuller, Pcarce, and Ryland, at
Kettering, in England. In 1795, the London Missionary Society
was instituted, and from tliat period missionary institutions have been
increasing in number throughout the four quarters of the globe.
America began gradually to participate in the sacred spirit. Aside
from an establishment formed by the Moravians in 1734, and a
branch of the society in Scotland for propagating Christian knowledge
among the Indians in North America, which was instituted at Boston,
in 1787, the honor of commencing the first missionary exertions in
the United States belongs to the general assembly of the Presbyterian
church. At their first session, as early as the year 1789, that body
passed an order requiring the churches under their care to take col-

S5^ History of Torrington.

lections for a missionary fund ; and in 1802, they established a stand-
ing committee of missions, which has been in successful operation
since that time. The New York missionary society was instituted
in 1796 ; the Connecticut missionary society in 1798 ; the Massa-
chusetts missionary society in 1799 ; and the New Jersey missionary
society in 1801.

Hitherto, however, the attention of the western world had been
exclusively directed to domestic missions, among the new settlements
and Indians. To the eye of the few who watched its growth, it was
obvious that the germ of this tree of life had been gaining strength
and activity, but it was not destined to shoot out its branches to the
river, and its boughs to the ends of the earth, until the period at
which we have now arrived. That she had a distinguished part to
act in the conversion of six hundred millions of our guilty creation
abroad, beyond her destitute at home, was a thought that had never
till nov.' sunk into the bosom of the American church. Why was it
so? Surely no nation possessed greater advantages for disseminating
religious truth, whether we rcgaid resources or men ; and no nation
was under greater obligations to make many and great obligations
for this exalted object. Why should the nations of Europe, in the
midst of all their conflict and blood, have been sending their sons
through different continents and to the islands of the sea, while
America, this land of freedom, peace, wealth, and privilege, circum-
scribes her exertions to a handful of men within her own territory ?

In tracing the progress of the missionary spirit in this coimtry, in
respect to foreign missions, we have little else to do than follow the
leading events of Mr. Mills's life from his first year in college to the em»
barkation of the American missionaries for Calcutta, under the
direction of the American Board of Commissioners, in the year 1812.
As already intimated his devotion to the missionary cause was early
and invincible. It was not, however, until he became a member of
college that his spirit in regard to missions came to view. Then the
subject took a definite form in his mind, engrossed the meditations
of his serious hours, took deep hold of his feelings, and became the
burden of his prayers and heart. It seems to have been a peculiar
visitation of the Spirit of God that turned all the solicitude and affec-
tion of his heart to this subject. He reflected lung and prayed much,
before he disclosed his views and when he determined to unburden his
mind, by conversing with two or three of his more intimate fellow stu-
dents, it was in a manner that deserves to be related. He led them into
a meadow at a distance from the college, to a retirement, probably

H
O
<1

E-i

Biographies. 557

familiar to himself, though little exposed to observation or liable to
be approached, where, by the side of a large stack of hay, he devoted
the day to prayer and fasting, and familiar conversation on this new^
and interesting theme ; when, much to his surprise and gratification,
he found that the spirit of God had been enkindling in their bosoms
the flame which had so long been burninp; in his own. It will not
be surprising to learn, that from this hour, this endeared retreat was
often made solemn by the presence, and hallowed by the piety of
these dear young men.' It was to this consecated spot they repaired
to cherish the high born influence, and dedicate themselves re-
newedly to Christ in this blessed cause; to spend many a precious
day in humiliation, fasting and prayer, and there to offer to a present
God those early and fervent supplications to which may be traced
the institution of foreign missions in the new world. "^

When Mr. Mills had made known his mind, and had found these
companions in the spirit of the missionary work for heathen lands ;
and when they had fully devoted their lives to this work, he commu-
nicated the intelligence to his parents and family at home. These
tidings greatly affected the heart of his affectionate mother, and to
find comfort with a sister-in-law, Mrs. Austin, she took the letter
and repaired to her house and read it. Here she gave free expres-
sion to the feelings of her ht-art and while walking back and forth in
the house, the tears falling as if she were heart broken, she exclaimed,
" But little did I know when I dedicated the child to God what it
would cost and whereunto it would end." It has been said that his
mother had dedicated iiim to the service of God as a missionary, but
it does not appear that she had any idea of the service of a mission-
ary to foreign lands. She intended him for the ministry, and possi-
bly for the ministry in new parts of this country, but as there is a
living witness to the occurrence at the house of her sister-in-law, and
to the surprise she then manifested that her son might be taken far
away to a strange land, it is evident that she was now realizing that
the cost to her heart was far greater than she had ever imagined it
might be. " How little did I know what it was going to cost," was
her repeated exclamation. The spirit and enterprise of foreign
missions were scarcely known through the country until brought to
the attention of the people by these young men ; for when they
formed themselves into a society for inquiry concerning missions,

* These young men were San)uel J. Mills, Jr., Gordon Hall, and James Richards.
'Memoir, p. 27.

^^S History of Torrington.

the movement was judged to be the offspring of an over heated zeal
that would soon cool and be forgotten, and none probably were more
surprised at the idea than his mother alchough she looked upon it as
the call of God, while others laughed that the heathen should be
noticed in the call of God.

The mind of Mr. Mills had now received a new impulse, and his
paramount object was to devise measures to carry the plans which
had begun to present themselves in some definite shape, into immediate
execution. Having, as he supposed, accomplished what he could
for the cause in Williams college, he feh that institution, and became
a resident graduate a few months at Yale college. His ostensible
object was the study of theology, but his real object was to ascertain
whether there were not some kindred spirits in that institution, who
could be excited and encouraged to participate in this glorious enter-
prise. While here he became acquainted with Obookiah, a youth
from the Sandwich Islands, whom Rev. Edwin W. Dwight had
found in the streets of New Haven and taken him in charge with the
purpose of instructing him in letters as he was greatly desirous of ob-
taining an education. By a pleasing coincidence of circumstances,
Mr. Mills, on his arrival at New Haven became the companion of
Mr. Dwight and was deeply interested in this youth. He soon con-
ceived the plan of educating him as a missionary to his native islands,
and took him in the course of the winter to his father's at Torringford
and afterwards to Andover, patiently instructing him in the knowledge
of what is useful in this life, and momentous to the life to come. It
was in consequence of the design to educate this youth as a mission-
ary that the plan of a missionary school was conceived and finally
established at Cornwall, Ct.

The following spring Mr. Mills became a member of the Theo-
logical seminary at Andover, soon after which his mother died,
which was a sore bereavement to him. Hearing of her sickness he
hastened home and coming up the old road to Torringford, past the >
burying ground, he saw her newly made grave, and stopped to visit
it. ''Here," he says, "I gave vent lo the most impassioned woe."

In i8i I, he and others formed at Andover the Society of Inquiry
concerning missions; from which as early as 1829, over thirty had
gone out as missionaries under the American board.

In i8i2and 1813, he made a missionary tour through some of the
southern and western states in company with the Rev. John F. Scher-
merhorn of the Dutch Reformed church, and in 1814 and 1815, he

Biographies. 559

made a second tour, accompanied by the Rev. Daniel Smith of
Natchez, going as far as New Orleans and returning through the
western parts of Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia. Five or six
hundred miles of this route was a mere wilderness. In New Orleans,
in March, 1815, he found no Bibles for gitt or for sale, but being
particularly entrusted by the Philadelphia Bible Society with the dis-
tribution of a quantity of French Bibles, he readily appropriated them
according to directions, and they were received with great eagerness
by the people.

In connection with the efforts then being made in regard to Bible
distribution Mr. Mills is credited with exerting much influence to
hasten the organization of the American Bible Society, an institution
which has done and is doing a marvelous great woik in publishing
and distributing Bibles.

Mr. Mills was ordained as a missionary with Messrs. Richards,
Bardwell, Poor, Warren and Meigs, on the 21st of June, 1815, at
Newburyport, Mass.

In 1816, he secured the formation of the African school, under
the care of the Synods of New York and New Jersey, to fit colored
young men to preach and become missionaries.

It appears that at this time Mr. Mills was very much interested in
and devoted to a plan of his own proposing, of a missionary tour into
South America, with a view to explore the country, and prepare the
way for missionary enterprise in that interesting part of the world.
He made overtures of this nature to the American Board, and the
plan for such a tour was once in a very considerable degree matured,
but it was found necessary to abandon it for a time.

While some of his plans were ripening for execution, he spent the
summer and autumn of 1816, in the city of New York, where he
devoted himself to inquiries into the moral condition of the poor, with
a particular view to supply them with Bibles and tracts. His judg-
ment of the importance of this work, and of the moral state of society
in the cicies, are seen somewhat in his journal kept at the time, and
indicates that there was a great necessity for such a work as he at-
tempted to do.

His Interest in Africa.

From the very first of Mr. Mills's meditations on missionary in-
terests, his mind was directed toward the African race ; and after-
ward more and more, the civil, moral, and spiritual degradation of

560 History of Torrington.

the children of Africa, both in this land of civilization and Christianity,
and their own native regions of darkness, lay with continual weight
upon his mind, and particularly after his first visit to the middle and
southern states. Those to uhom he unbosomed himself on this sub-
ject, could easily perceive that he was actuated by a power of feeling,
and a confidence of faith, and a disinterestedness of desire, that pre-
pared him to compass sea and land, to perform any labor, to endure
any losses, to sustain any sacrifices in the prosecution of his design,
and, if it were necessary, to die in the service of Africa. With the
piety of the Christiaii, and the wisdom of the statesman, he early
suggested, as one of the means of accelerating this work ot benevo-
lence, the establishment of a school, to quality young men of color
for preachers and teachers to the African race. While he was linger-
inw in New York and New Jersey, in the summer and autumn of
1 8 16, he suggested and matured this plan. In his itineration through
the states, he had been preparing the minds of many gentlemen of
influence to favor such an establishment, and had received from them
so much encouragement, that he was heard to say, that if only a
treasury was opened at the north, it would be filled irom the slave-
holding states.' By very wise methods the subject was brought before
the synods of New York and New Jersey, and the school was estab-
lished and successfully conducted several years. The agency of Mr.
Mills in giving existence to this institution was very afl:ectionately
acknowledged by the board of directors in their report to the synod in
18 1 8, soon after the tidings of his decease.

That portion of the report reads as follows : " But while the board refer to
these encouraging events, they cannot pass over one •.• liich has filled them and
many of the friends of Zion with sorrow. They allude to the death ot him
to whom, though his modesty and retiring nature concealed his agency from
the world, the praise really belongs of originating the African school, as well as
several other institutions, which rank among the most important and beneficial
in our country, who died in the service ot Africa. The name of Samuel J.
Mills ought to be known to the churches, and to be had in grateful remembrance,
while worth is honored, and humble, ditinterestcd, laborious piety is btloved.

For a mind teeming with plans to extend the Redeemer's kingdom, wholly
devoted to that single object, and incessantly eng<iged to rouse others to the
same spirit, they fear they shall not soon look upon his like again. When

» This was while the abolition societies were encouraged in several of the southern states,
and before the change of sentiment morally and politically in that part of the nation had
taken place.

Biographies. 561

Africa has lost such a friend, her helpless and wretched state is more than ever
to be pitied. Who will catch his falling mantle, and rise up to plead the cause
of a poor outcast race !"

Soon after the organization the board of direcrors for this school,
Mr. Mills accepted an appointment as their agent, to solicit dona-
tions in the middle states, and in this work was very successful.
Soon after this, in January, 18 17, the American Colonization Society
was organized in Washington, D.C., and if there was one object to
which Mr. Mills considered himself chiefly devoted, it was the in-
terest and success of this society. Wherever he went, this object
was kept in view ; and the hope of doing something to promote it,
was one of the reasons which induced him to take the tour of the
states. While engaged in the different states he manifested his won-
derful skill to collect facts and to influence men with arguments and
draw them to his views.

In the commencement of their operations, no small degree of em-
barrassment was felt through want of information as to the most
eligible places for the establishment of a colony. With a view to
obviate this embarrassment, it was resolved to commission persons
of suitable qualifications to explore the western coast of Africa.
This commission, replete as it was with responsibility, was put into
the hands of Mr. Mills. No sooner had he accepted it, than he saw
the importance of having a colleague to share the burden with him
in his arduous mission, and he selected the Rev. Ebenezer Burgess
then late professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in Bur-
lington college, in Vermont.

All things being arranged, the day before sailing, in writing to his
father he said : " My companion and myself engage in this mission
with perfect cheerfulness. I hope we feel that unless the Lord is
with us, all is in vain. If the colonization plan be of God, sooner
or later it will prosper ; if not approved by him, let it fail." He left
America on the 1 6th of November, 181 7, and after a short and
perilous voyage, arrived in England in December.

Having tarried in England a time he proceeded to Africa, where
he spent over two months in visiting different localities and made his
selection, where now Liberia rests as a nation.

Mr. Mills's work was well nigh done. Few men apparently were
more matured for "the glory of the revealed" than he. For several
of the last weeks of his life particularly he enjoyed peculiar mani-
festations of the Divine glory and favor. While in waiting for a

562 History of Torrington.

passage to England, it was his happiness to be the guest of the Rev.
Samuel Brown, an English missionary from the Methodist connec-
tion, a man of an excellent spirit, and who "knew the heart of a
stranger." Both Mr, Brown and Mr. Burgess were led to take
notice of the spirituality of Mr. Mills during that period, and even
to make it the subject of private remark. At their stated seasons of
prayer, these brethren expressed great delight when the duty devolved
on him to lead in the devotions, and great satisfaction in his peculiar
nearness to God, and his sweet and delightful views of another
world. To adopt the sentiment of his colleague, "Notwithstanding
my own apprehensions while in Africa, there was something in Mills,
while we were at Sierra Leone, which left the impression on my
mind that he was ripe for heaven, and would go before me."

Having finished his inquiries in Africa, and become convinced that
he could do no more to promote the objects of the American Society,
as there was no American ship in the vicinity, he improved the only
opportunity for leaving the coast before the rainy season set in with
violence, and took passage for London, in the brig Success, on the
22d of May, 1818. It was a delightful evening when he took his
final leave of Africa. The sun was just going down, and the moun-
tains of Sierra Leone appeared in great majesty and beauty. As he
stood on the quarter-deck, taking a last glance at unhappy Ethiopia,
his bosom began to heave with the thoughts of home. "We may
now," said he to his colleague, "be thankful to God, and congratu-
late each other that the labors and dangers of our mission are past.
The prospect is fair, that we shall once more return to our dear
native land, and see the faces of our beloved parents and friends."
To all human appearance it was. ^

The health of Mr Mills before he left the United States was
slender, having a stricture on the lungs, and a dangerous cough. In
England he complained much of the humidity of the atmosphere,
though on the Atlantic, and during his residence in Africa, he enjoyed
excellent health. On the evening of June 5th, two weeks after he
sailed from Sierra Leone, he took a heavy cold, became ill, and
expressed some apprehensions of a fever. The ordinary antidotes
were employed with apparent success. An irregular fever, however,
lodged about him, sometimes attended with severe pains in his head.
It was soon evident that he began to decline.

On Saturday the 13th, he sat up a part of the day, but was in
Considerable pain, and very restless.

On Lord's day the 14th he had little or no fever, and was very

Biographies. 563

composed and much refreshed. He conversed freely on religious
topics, and could not rest satisfied without it. In the afternoon and
evening he was in some pain, his thoughts were confused, and a
distressing hiccough came on, which filled all his fellow passengers
with alarm.

On Monday the 15th, he had a restless night; the hiccough was
painful and almost incessant. On Tuesday morning the hiccough
abated ; he slept, with short intervals of wakefulness, and, though
his strength was gradually declining, he knew those around him, and
gave correct answers to all enquiries. About noon he spoke with
some freedom, and his sentiments were full of piety and trust in God.
Between two and three in the afternoon his hiccough ceased. There
was no convulsion ; no deep groan. He gently closed his hands on
his breast, as if to engage in some act of devotion, and, while a ce-
lestial smile settled upon his countenance, and every feature expressed
the serenity and meekness of his soul, he ceased to breath.

Thus in the fifty-fifth year of his age, did this beloved man of God
close his life of distinguished piety and usefulness, and leave Africa
and the world to mourn. As the sun was going down, all on board
assembled with great seriousness, when, with painful solemnity, and
tender supplications to the God of heaven, his body was deposited
beneath the mighty waters, there to rest until that great day when
the sea shall give up the dead which are in it.

The Republic of Liberia

is a " Free^ Sovereign^ and Independent State^ and is so acknowledged
by the leading nations of Europe and by the United States ; and, in-
cluding its aboriginal inhabitants, the African Republic now contains
a population of more than half a million of the children of Africa,
living under a government modeled after that of the United States.
Within the limits of the republic three missionary boards of the United
States have, for many years, annually, expended in their mission work
more than fifty thousand dollars.

Now, a civilized people is there ; the English language is there ;
the mechanic arts are there ; a growing commerce is there ; churches
and Sunday schools are there ; other schools, and a college are there;
five missionary boards in this country have missions there ; connected
with those as clergymen and Christian workers, over one hundred
and thirty of the emigrants, or their children, sent by the Colonization
Society are there ; all the means and appliances necessary to the

564 History of Torrington.

growth and permanency of a powerful nation are there, and the
prospect for Liberia is not only hopeful, but very promising as a
nation.

Such is but a brief picture of one of the societies and objects for
which Samuel J. Mills put forth his peculiar energy. A summary
of the American Board, and the American Bible Societies would be
equally honorable and praiseworthy. It is not claimed that Mr.
Mills was the prime mover in the organization of these societies, but
that he, as possessing great foresight, as to the moral, religious, and
civil needs of humanity, gave all his energy and faith to these enter-
prises in the day when they first began to move the minds of Christians.

Rev. William H. Moore

Was born in East Lyme, Aug. 24, 1820, and was graduated at Yale
college in 1841 ; studied theology at New Haven, from 1843 ^^
1846 ; was licensed by the New Haven west association Aug. 13,
1845. He was ordained pastor at Torringford, Sept. 30, 1846, and
dismissed Sept. 26, 1854. He edited the Examiner at Norwich,
from Aug. 1854 to Sept., 1855; was pastor at Newtown from Nov.
12, 1856 to Sept. 30, 1862; at which time he entered the service
of the Connecticut Home Missionary Society, as secretary, and still
continues in that office.

Mr. Moore is a man of great energy and perseverance in his work,
and has effected very much in combining the influences and powers
of the Congregational churches of Connecticut, in sustaining the or-
dinances and preaching of the Gospel in the weaker churches
throughont the state. He has also taken a prominent part in es-
tablishing the Memorial Hall at Hartford.

Rev. Charles Newman

Was born in Egremont, Mass., April 9, 1831 ; was graduated at
Williams college in 1851 ; was graduated at Andover theological
seminary in 1857; was licensed by Andover association Feb. 10,
1857 ; was ordained pastor at Torringford, May 18, 1858 and dis-
missed Oct. 28, 1862, and commenced labor as acting pastor at
Lanesboro, Mass., in Oct., 1863.

While in Torringford two of his discourses were published ; one
delivered at the funeral of Charles Roberts, in June, 1858, and the
other at the funeral of Dea. Thomas A. Miller and his wife, in
1861.

Biographies. 565

Rev. Franklin Noble

Was born at Washington, D. C, May 25, 1837 ; was graduated at
Williams college in 1856 ; studied at Union theology seminary ; was
licensed by the Presbytery of the district of Columbia, March 5,
1861 ; was ordained pastor of a Presbyterian church in Sandusky, O.,
April 30, 1862 and dismissed July I, 1864 ; was pastor at Tor-
ringford from June 7, 1865 to Nov. 30, 1866, and took charge of
the Atlantic avenue mission, Brooklyn, N. Y., Dec. i, 1866, in
which the church of the Covenant was organized March 10, 1868.

Noah North,
Son of Ebenezer North, was born in January, 1733, in Farmington,
and came to Torrington when about ten years of age ; married Jemi-
ma Loomis March 25, 1756, and settled on a farm across the road
from Solomon Loomis's house, half a mile south of the Newfield
burying ground, and was among the first settlers in that part of the
town.

He began an account book as he says in " 1760" and seems to
have had a small store in his dwellino- where he exchanged various
commodities of farm and mechanical produce, and some imported
articles as tea, indigo and sugar, and by which he paid for labor in
many forms as the accounts show. For ten years he employed
numbers of laborers in various kinds of work, such as, " cutting wood,
logs and timber, rolling logs, picking brush, mowing, reaping, making
hay, plowing, hoeing corn, threshing," and the like. He had a saw
mill and sold considerable lumber and sawed boards of various kinds
of wood for individuals. In 1770, if not before, he had a cider mill
and sold thereafter many barrels of cider a year, and received pay for
the use of the mill for others to make their own cider.

In 1767, his business transactions had attained to quite formidable
proportions. His sales were large in wheat, rye, and other grains,
butter, cheese, tallow, pork and considerable sugar, although this last
commodity was sold in small quantities, mostly, one, two and three
pounds. Indigo was quite an item of sale, because many families
colored their own linen and tow yarn, to make streaked and checked
cloth for summer clothes, and also woolen yarn in a variety of colors
for stockings and mittens, and for women's dresses ; most of the
plain woolen cloth for men's wear being dyed at the carding mill, or
fulling mill. The quantity of venison he sold is quite surprising,

^66 History of Torrington.

especially when it appears that he uses the word in Its definite sense,
meaning deer meat, for when he sells bear meat he says so. He does
not appear to have been a great hunter, for he was too busy at all
times of the year to spend much time in hunting.

He sold various kinds of linen and woolen cloths ; raised the flax
and the wool and engaged different families to spin and weave, and
paid for this work from his store. This shows how much of the
labor of women (for they did the spinning and much of the weaving)
went directly for the support of the family ; and in this they gloried,
having an ambition to be help mates, even in toil, when occasion re-
quired, and to do something besides reading novels.

Mr. North was quite a mechanic, making plows, oxyokes and
bows, and doing various kinds of carpenter work. He charges the
dressing of skins ; deer skins, fawn skins and sheep skins, but does
not appear to have had a full tannery.

Much has been reported of the small amount of money in circu-
lation in those days, yet it is impossible to conceive how the busi-
ness transactions of more than forty families could be conducted at
such a store, as exhibited in this book of Mr. North's for ten years
without one-fourth of the money that one ordinary mechanic's family
would use in one year at the present day, even in hard times. What
patience it must have required to live in those times; patience, so
long, that the thought of it, pains the imagination, as with mental
backache. If, at that time, summer clothes were wanted, provision
must be made the year before they were wanted. The flax seed
must be sown, then they must wait for it to grow, then pull it and
thrash it ; spread it on the meadow to rot, take it up and store it
until the winter or spring and then dress it, and deliver It to the
women to be spun, then go into the woods and procure bluebeach,
or other kinds of bark, boil it and make a dye; color some of the
yarn and the rest bleach ; the process securing to the mother's hands
as decided a color as the yarn would get, wearing off about the
time the cloth would be worn out, then weave the yarn into cloth
and make the garments. At the present day if we need garments,
we go to the store and buy them ready made, even a whole outfit
for a gentleman or lady, and go to the centennial, the same day.

Alfred North, M.D.,

Son of Phineas and Louisa (Wetmore) North, was born October 5,
1836, In Torrington. He went to Norfolk to school when twelve

Biographies. 567

years of age, thence to Goshen, thence to East Windsor, and thence
to Brown university, where he was graduated in 1857. I" i860, he
entered the college of physicians and surgeons in New York city
where he graduated three years afterwards, and then served two years
as resident surgeon in the New York hospital, and one year in the
New England hospital for disabled soldiers. He then became attend-
ing surgeon in the army of the United States hospital at Frederick
city Maryland, where he remained two years, or until the close of the
war.

Since that time he has been engaged in Waterbury as a practicing
physician ; taking a prominent place in the profession ; having quite
an extensive practice, and in which he has secured an extensive,
favorable reputation both as physician and surgeon.

Dr. North is descended from one of the oldest and most energetic
families in Torrington and Wethersfield, and the same is true of his
maternal ancestry, and hence the inheritance of his own physical and
intellectual energy, application and success.

Paul Peck,
Probably a descendant of the Deacon Peck family of Hartford,
made his home beside the Naugatuck river a little below the present
site of Wolcottville, very early, probably, before any settlement was
made in the town of Torrington. His cabin was built on the east
side of the hill, now in Valley Park, wherein he dwelt with his
dogs as his companions, and the wild beasts for his neighbors, except
when the Indians made him a call. With the exception of planting
a little corn on the river flats, and attending perhaps to a small
amount of gardening, he devoted his days to hunting.

One tradition says that Paul Peck shot the Indian on Red
mountain, by which act the mountain received its name. If so
Paul Peck was hunting in these regions before Torrington was first
surveyed and laid into lots, for in the first survey the name Red
mountain is used. Northwest of Burrville was a hunter's lodge,
said to have been Paul Peck's, well known to the early inhabitants
of that region, and near it has since been found a bear trap with the
letters on it, P. P., which were the initials of this hunter. Another
trap has been found near Orson Barber's, and one or two have been
dug up near his hut below Wolcottville. Another hunter's lodge is
supposed to have been established on the hill, a mile and a half south-
west of Wolcottville, where the old cellar place was still to be seen

568 History of Torrington,

not long ago. It is said also that Peck used to encamp with the
Indians on Sucker brook in Winchester.

At one time, while he was following the tracks of three deer, on
the hill north of Burrville pond, he saw another track come into the
trail, and he knew it to be a panther's. After traveling to a certain
position Peck hid himself and watched for his prey. Soon he saw
the panther coming on the back track with a deer on his back, and
at a certain point of elevation, he lay down the deer, looked in every
direction as in triumph, then returned on his hunt for another deer,
which he soon captured and brought to the same place and lay it
with the first. When he had brought the third deer, laying it with
the other two, and stepping upon them, lifting his head high in
triumph, and looking abroad for intruders, Paul thought it was his
turn, and raising his trusty gun he piled the panther, dead upon the
three deer, making a successful day's hunt.

When the Revolution came the patriotism of his heart was stirred,
equally as though he lived in a splendid mansion. On hearing of
the invasion of Danbury, Ct,, by the British in 1777, he hastened to
that place with his often trusted gun, and arriving in season to have
some part in resisting the invasion, he took his position, independently
in the battle, where he remained, never retreating, doing the best
service he could with his gun until he was shot by the enemy.
Brave as a wild hunter, in the forests, true to his country in the time
of her peril, he is remembered with much interest and kindly feeling
by the people of the surrounding region.

Rev. Lavalette Perrin, D.D.,

Son of Aaron and Lois (Lee) Perrin, was born May 15, 18 16, at
Vernon, Ct,; was graduated at Yale college in 184.0 ; and in Yale
seminary in 1843, and was ordained pastor at Goshen, Ct., Dec.
13, 1843, where he remained fourteen years, performing the duties
of his office with great satisfaction to his people. Impaired health,
or general prostration of vital forces, led him to ask a dismission
from this parish, which the consociation granted, but to which the
church never consented.

After a rest of nearly two years, during which he preached at
various places as a supply, not consenting to be a candidate, he
accepted the invitation of the Congregational church at New Britain,
and was installed there February, 1858. Here his labors were very
acceptable to the people until 1870, when his health again became

Biographies. 569

so impaired that rest became an imperative necessity. The church
were uiiwiUing to release him, but the council granted it. He went
to Europe, visiting Scotland, France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany,
England, and Ireland ; a tour of some five months. During this
journey he fully recovered his health, and since that time has pos-
sessed better health than in any former period at his lite.

In the early part of the summer he received and accepted an
invitation to become the pastor of the church in Wolcottville, and
was installed July 31, 1872, where he is still laboring with success,
and very constant application as a pastor.

He has acted as one of the editors of the Religious Herald^ at
Hartford, several years, and has been a prominent agent in the recent
effort to establish a Congregational Memorial Hall at Harttord, which
effort has been, to a considerable extent, successful.

He has a very interesting family.

Dr. Jeremiah W. Phelps

Was born at Norfolk, February 29, 1824, his father having died in
the preceding January, leaving a daughter two years older than this
son. His mother was married a second time to John P. Warner, of
Norfolk, in 1840. Most of his early life was passed at Winchester
Centre with his uncle, Lemuel Hurlbut, until nineteen years of age,
when he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. J. H. Cockey,
then of that place, but now of Rye, New York. Having attended
medical lectures at Castleton, Vermont, where he graduated in 1846,
he commenced the practice of medicine in Colebrook, but remained
there only three years, when he removed to Wolcottville. Here he
remained but a short time and removed to Chicago, 111., from which
he returned to Wolcottville in 1851.

Since that time the doctor has remained here in the active duties
of his profession, with the exception of two years and a half spent
in his profession in New Haven. In 1871 he went to California to
attend the United States Medical Convention, and was present at the
first meeting of the California State Medical Society, of which he
was made an honorary member. He is also a member of the Rocky
Mountain Medical Society, which was organized during the meeting
of the California Medical Convention. He is also a member of
several medical societies in the Eastern states, and is a successful,
and highly esteemed physician of Torrington.

570 History of Torrington.

J. O. Pond, M.D.

The ancestry of Dr. Pond were among the early settlers of New
England. His father Elijah Pond was the youngest of a family of
nine sons and two daughters. All these, except one who was drowned
when sixty-tour, lived considerably over seventy years, some over
ninety. Elijah Pond was the son of Ezra, 4th in descent from Daniel
Pond, the first progenitor of the name, as we believe, in this country.

Daniel Pond appeared in Dedham, Norfolk Co., Mass., early in
1652. Ezra Pond, son of Robert, and grandson of Daniel Pond,
was born about i6g8 in Wrentham now Franklin, Mass., passed his
long life there, and was for many years town clerk. He was one of
the founders ot the 2d church in Medway, and acquired a fine estate
and a respectable standing in community. His numerous progeny
settled in Wreniham, and the neighboring towns and adjacent states.

His youngest son Elijah continued a resident of Wrentham until
1785. Early in 1761, when about twentv-one years of age, he
married his first wife, Margaret, daughter of Eleazer Metcalf, by
whom he had a son and three daughters. The oldest dauo;hter died
in childhood ; the son Lewis, and the other two daughters, Olive
and Esther, attained maturity and removed to the state of Vermont,
where they married and had all of them, large families of children.
The record of his first wife's death is not ascertained.

Dec. i8th, 1777, he married his second wife, Mehitabel, daughter
of Dr. Silas Pratt. She was born Oct. 21, 1733, and died of dysentery
at Torrington, Sept. 8th, 1815. When married she was twenty-
four years old. She was a most noble, modest, aff'ectionate and de-
voted wife and mother.

Elijah Pond became possessed of the homestead and extensive
lands of his father while he resided in Wrentham and before his
father's death. Here, for a number of years, he was employed in a
flour mill and the peaceful pursuits of husbandry. While here, at the
Concord and Lexington alarm, April 19th, 1775, on the eruption of
the British soldiers from Boston, he commanded a company of minute
men that went to Roxbury and Dorchester heights, to watch and
resist their hostile incursions. After remaining in the vicinity some
two weeks without collisions with the enemy, they returned.

About 1785, Capt. Pond sold his possessions in Wrentham in
parcels to several individuals, and removed to Grafton on the Black-
stone, in the county of Worcester, where he purchased a flouring

JAMES O. POND, M. D.,

327 -W. 23d St.. ISr. Y.

Biographies. 571

mill and lands of a gentleman by the name of Leland. His residence
in Grafton was about nine years, whence in the fall of 1794, at the
solicitation of his brother-in-law, Abijah Holbrook, he removed to
Torrington on the Naugatuck river.

During his residence in Wrentham (Franklin) and Grafton, all his
children by the second marriage were born ; first, a son that died in
infancy ; second, James, born Sept. 11, 1779, died in infancy ; third,
Nancy, who married Jacob Kimberly, had a large family of children,
and died at St. Johnsville, New York, 1862; fourth, Ferdinand,
born 1782, and^died of measles, 1815 ; from infancy he was utterly
helpless by reason of spasmodic contraction of the muscles of the
entire body ; fifth, Abijah Holbrook born 1785, and died of dysentery,
at New Haven, 1806; sixth, James Otis, born Aug. 21, 1790 ;
seventh and eighth, Prescott and Preston, twins, born Sept. 22, 1792,
(Prescott died at Wolcottville, Nov. 22, 1855 ; Preston at Twins-
burg, Ohio, May 2, 1830) ; and ninth, Elijah, born June, 1794, and
died at Concord, Penn., July, 1865.

Mr. Pond's residence at Torrington was in a small village on the
Naugatuck or Waterbury river, affording water power for several
mills and other machinery. It was formerly a rustic, pleas int little
village of ten or twelve families ; but at present is very much dilapi-
dated and deserted, affording an impressive contrast to the thrift and
life of seventy years ago.

A district school at which the children of the village received their
early education, was situated on the road leading from Torrington to
Winchester, at a distance of one and a half miles. Here the child-
ren of Mr. Pond received their primary instruction in the mysteries
of reading, spelling and writing.

James Otis having suffered many months from pain in the head,
when fourteen years of age, passed a summer at Branford on the
sea side, for the benefit of his enfeebled health. Believing that a
marine atmosphere was favorable to his improvement, a situation was
obtained on board a vessel that plied as a packet, between New
Haven and New York. He made several trips through Long Island
Sound, much to his vigoration and benefit, after which he returned
to Torrington, and commenced a preparatory study for college.

He received instruction at Morris'sacademy, at Litchfield, and from
several private teachers, among them, the late Rev. Frederick Marsh
of blessed memory. About 1 806-7, young Pond returned to New
Haven, and entered, as a clerk, the grocery store of the gentlemen

572 History of Torrington.

who owned the packet, in which some year or two before, he had
obtained the recovery of his health. During the period of his resi-
dence in New Haven, there occurred a season of special attention to
the subject of religion in the First Congregational church, under the
pastoral care of Rev. Moses Stuart, afterwards professor of sacred lite-
rature in the Theological seminary at Andover. James Otis had never
seen a time like this, had never witnessed the movement of the Holy
Spirit on the heart, developing a state of depravity and corruption,
which he did not before believe could exist, and the discovery gave
him exquisite distress. Whether through the assiduity, skillful labors
and earnest admonitions of the pastor, during the many weeks of his
anxiety, he repaired to the fountain which alone could cleanse his
moral pollution, is not quite certain, but during these weeks of his
anxiety and after a continuance of fifteen or eighteen months in the
grocery store, he returned to Torrington. Here on every hand he
found himself surrounded by profound religious insensibility and de-
clension. The contrast between the religious condition here and
that of New Haven, instead of inducing an apathy, the natural result
of worldly intercourse, seemed in this case, to arouse to more energy
of action. He held frequent conversations on the subject of religion
with an intimate companion, and they together made many visits to
their pastor. Rev. Alex. Gillett, for conversation and instruction, and
the young man became deeply impressed, but at length relapsed into
insensibility and indifference; James Otis did not lose his religious
interest, but in the summer following the spring of his return from
New Haven in 1808, made public profession of faith in Christ, and
united with the Congreoational church in Torrington.

In a region sparsely populated, like that containing the village in
which was his parental home, and in which were centred many dear
associations, it could not be expected that he should find many friends
or associates. Yet here were a few valuable friends, and one in
particular who was able to give moral and religious counsel, such as
would be suited to encourage a young man to withstand the difficulties
in his pathway of duty. Of this friend, a revered officer in the church,
long since gone to his rest, he has often thought both in his sleeping
and waking moments, and trusts that the influence of his example
and precepts will not soon be eradicated from his memory.

P'rom 1808 to 181 1 he devoted his studies to improving his know-
ledge of mathematics and English grammar, and also to the acquire-
ment of the Greek and Latin languages. With the study of grammar

Biographies. 573

and the languages he was highly gratified. At that period (1811)
Dr. Elijah Lyman was the only physician in Torrington proper.
He was a well-educated, scientific practitioner, possessing in com-
parison with his fellow physicians around him, a library large and
well-selected. His locality was at the foot of the hill, and between
it and the little stream crossing the road that leads from the church
to Wolcottville. Here were assembled some five or six young
gentlemen, pursuing the study of medicine, full of hilarity and strangers
to the cares and anxieties of mature life. Among them James Otis
entered his name and commenced the study of that profession, which
for more than sixty toilsome years, has been the object of his pursuit.

These young men, although diligent students, were pleasant com-
panions, and would relax with great good nature and facility from the
rigors of study to thoughtlessness and amusement, as though they
were the chief objects of pursuit. They boarded with various families
in the vicinity and assembled at the doctor's office in the morning.
One of their number, a little more pedantic than his associates, was
accustomed to enter the courtyard with the salutation, — "• Es ne in
salutem, hodie, Domine ?" or with some phrase of equal elegance
and gravity. But he and his preceptor are now gone, and all that
company, a single one excepted, with the years beyond the flood.

The natural result of reflection on the loss of friends is to cast a
sombre shade over the affections, were it not compensated with the
hope that they have gone to "■a better country, even a heavenly."

After Mr. Pond h;.d been a student in the office of Dr. Lyman
about two and a half years, he accepted an invitation to teach a select
school for two or three months ending in the spring of 18/4, in Canton,
after which he returned to the oflice of Dr. Lvman, and continued
his studies till the subsequent autumn, when he entered the Medical
institution of Yale college. Two of his fellow students in the office
of Dr. Lyman matriculated at the same time with himself. The
annals of that period inform us, that it was expected each room of
the medical department would furnish closets and other accomodations
for four students, but the arrangement of a portion of the building
was such that three rooms could be most conveniently occupied con-
jointly. Here, therefore, instead of twelve, eight young medics
initiated their occupancy for the term. They consisted of the three
friends from the office of Dr. Lyman, and five strangers ; but pleasant
acquaintance soon resulted and continued, as circumstances favored,
for many subsequent years. Indeed, the entire period spent in this

574 History of Torrington.

institution was, on many accounts, the happiest portion of his life.
His application to study and lectures was devoted and his intercourse
with the professors and many of the students, very pleasant and
profitable. The reminiscence of these experiences impresses the
mind vividly and in many of their details they contrast strongly with
the events of mature life.

The examination which followed the termination of the course
occupied several days, and was manifestly not wholly unattended
with forebodings of disappointment, as the rejoicings at its close
clearly showed. Supplied, at length, with a parchment initiating
him into the fraternity, claiming the right to be called doctor, and
well furnished with professional dignity and hope of future professional
distinction, on the 5th of April, 18 15, he left his Alma Mater for
his parental home.

Here was a circle in which he was affectionately welcomed and
most cordially congratulated ; but it was not the field in which to
display that professional knowledge which had cost him so much
time and study to acquire. It behooved him therefore, to use his
diligence to obtain a situation, where, with industry, he might
reasonably expect employment and remuneration for service rendered.

But such a situation, at that time, it was by no means easy to
find. Many reasons combining, however, to urge him forth in quest
of one, mounted on horse-back, then the most common mode of
locomotion for a single individual, he set forth and made his way by
the river towns and villages, into the interior of New York. His
peregrinations and investigations embraced nearly every prominent
village of the interior, and occupied a space of several weeks. The
receptions and courtesies with which he was everywhere greeted, were
cordial and pleasant, yet at no point were the prospects sufficient to
induce him to make atrial to obtain practice. It was a happy relief,
in his discouragement and destitution, to know that in his father's
family he could receive asylum and sympathy, and he therefore re-
turned to Torrington and was informed that in Granby was an eligible
location for a physician. Thither, therefore, with little delay, he
made his appearance, and after investigation, selected the pleasant
village of Salmon Brook, in Granby, as a situation where he made
effort to obtain professional business.

He was fortunate in forming a few influential personal acquaintances
especially of an intelligent married gentleman without children, a
merchant retired on account of ill health. In this family he was

Biographies. 575

fortunate in obtaining board. Both the gentleman and lady exerted
a salutary influence in his favor, and he soon began to receive pro-
fessional calls, which rendered him buoyant and cheerful.

Here, more than at any other point, were concentrated the life
and intelligence of the town ; here was an academy or select school ;
here the rising generation was much more numerous, and here, also,
were held the communications of a masonic lodge, with many of
whose members he formed acquaintance, and by whose eulogy of the
order he was induced to join fellowship with the institution.

And now, after a residence of some six months, and at a period
when his prospects began to brighten and give promise of ultimate
success, he received a delegation of three, the most prominent gen-
tlemen from the neighboring parish of East Granby, four miles from
Salmon Brook, with a cordial and respectful invitation to remove to
their village and enterprise a trial under better auspices than were
afforded here. This was not only intrinsically a surprise, but particu-
larly so, as he had, before taking station at Salmon Brook, visited and
examined its facilities and advantages for a young physician, and
would have made trial for success, had he not been received with
coldness and discouragement by the inhabitants. But now a respect-
able delegation appearing before him, presenting a unanimous invitation
from the parish to become their physician, placed the case in a more
favorable aspect, and he felt almost sure that his interest required him
to return a favorable answer. He informed the delegation, that
although he was inclined to think favorably of the proposition, yet as
it involved interests vital to himself, he hoped they would allow a
few days in which to consider the case more maturely before returning
a decided answer.

This being conceded, he lost no time in informing his friends, and
in making arrangements for removal to his projected new location.

Now, fully prepared to call on the delegation with an answer of
acceptance, he was received with hearty congratulation and welcome.
The next object, a place to board, was readily obtained in the family
of his predecessor. Dr. Potter, who, a few months previous, had died
of consumption. The family consisted of the widow and her four
children, situated on the cross street connecting the two parallel
streets before described. This having been the location of a former
physician, well known to the inhabitants, was as eligible and promi-
nent as the village afforded. He removed his effects from the family
in Salmon Brook, where he had been so pleasantly domiciled, with
feelings of regret. A mutual friendship and attachment were ever
after maintained.

576 History of Torrington.

Dr. Pond now considered himself fairly initiated into the com-
mencement of a respectable practice. Though not at first lucrative,
it gradually became sustaining. But, withal, he felt much need of
friendly encouragement, and an atmosphere of cheerfulness. One,
depending on the favor and patronage of the public for support, is
placed in an eligible position for observing the developments of human
nature, and will often need a commendable share of forbearance and
charity to sustain his equanimity.

Having formed the acquaintance of a number of intelligent young
gentlemen who were freemasons. Dr. Pond became a member of St.
Mark's Lodge, and in process of a few months, by unanimous request
delivered an oration before the masonic body, on their celebration of
the anniversary of St. John the Baptist, 24th June, 1819, at Salmon
Brook, and on the following election of the lodge, he was chosen
Master, and was reelected three consecutive years.

The meetings were monthly and tended to enlarge the circle of
acquaintance and friendship.

The tone of religious interest in the community at that period, was
not very high and scarcely up to the standard of the adjacent churches.
A limited number were members of the Congregational church, but
they were the best and most reputable part of the community and
were sometimes called to withstand the aggressive movements of
Universalism and infidelity.

Dr. Pond presented his letter from the church in Torrington to
the church in Turkey Hills, and immediately identified himself with
its interests. A weekly prayer and conference meeting was generally
sustained and sometimes with considerable interest, but ordinarily
supineness and indifi^erence countervailed its religious influence. The
circle of the doctor's professional acquaintance enlarged, until he
could number among them, as special and reliable friends, Everest
of Canton, Todd, of Farmington, Bestor, of Simsbury, Pierson, of
Windsor, Pease, ■ of Suffield and Sumner, of Hartford. Besides
meeting with these gentlemen in professional consultation, he was
accustomed to see them and many others in the county medical so-
ciety. He was also repeatedly sent a delegate to the medical con-
vention of the state, where the facility was still enlarged for
professional improvement.

The financial and commissariat affairs of the state prison were
entrusted to three commissioners called " overseers." Dr. Pond
became acquainted with these gentlemen, and from his own, and the

Biographies. 577

influence of friends, he obtained the appointment of physician to the
prison. This was an event of no small importance to him, confer-
ring as it did, distinction and affording remuneration, though small,
then very acceptable. His business gradually extended around, until
it reached in many instances, the adjoining villages of Rainbow,
Scotland, The Falls and Salmon Brook, and he was at length prompted
to gratify his long deferred desire of entering into family relationship.
He therefore consummated his engagement with Miss Pluma Merrell,
daughter of Daniel Merrell, of Canton, and removed her to his home
in Turkey Hills.

She was a woman of superior mind and of religious proclivities,
ever ready to enter into schemes of active benevolence, and particu-
larly prominent in the society formed for the reformation of erring
females in New York and in efforts in the Sabbath school. Mrs.
Pond became the mother of two children, a daughter (the mother of
two sons and a daughter in New York city), and a soa in business,
with a family of two daughters and a son, in New Jersey.

In 1825, Dr. Pond was elected to the state legislature with a con-
siderable degree of unanimity.

Politics was a subject which did not primarily occupy the attention
of Dr. Pond. As a candidate of this election he was not consulted;
he did not, however, deny that his vanity was somewhat stirred in the
result. ■

Much of the business of the ensuing session of the legislature being
entrusted to committees, the doctor was appointed upon four, of
two of which he was chairman. The consideration of many of these
subjects occupied considerable time, and often elicited much in-
terest in the investigation.

The session was a pleasant one, comprising among the members
many former acquaintances, especially a young personal friend, re-
presentative from Waterbury, since a member of the senate. Allu-
sion is made to Hon. Israel Coe, many years an enterprising
manufacturer in Connecticut, whose business called him to a resi-
dence of some few years in Europe, but who is now, in the vale of
years, retired to Bloomfield, N. J., where he exercises the office of
a magistrate. Through all these years their friendship has been un-
suspended, and it is fain believed it will not cease in that better land.

Among the prisoners at Newgate was one of the few remaining
aborigines of New England, a taciturn, inoffensive fellow, assigned
to the shoe-making department. His crime was manslaughter, and

578 History of Torrington.

his sentence, imprisonment for life. He had ah^eady been incar-
cerated many years ; his forlorn, imploring look could not fail to ex-
cite sympathy and commiseration. On learning his history since
his imprisonment, which was one of uniform submission and obedi-
ence, it became a question whether the demands of justice, or the
law of humanity should be sustained. The keeper and the guard,
with a number of individuals acquainted with this case, united in a
petition to the legislature for his release. Dr. Pond submitted this
petition to the house, and advocated its favorable consideration, and
the petition was granted.

On the announcement of the news to the simple hearted Indian, that
he was once more free, and could again breathe the free air of heaven,
his joy and gratitude knew no bounds, and he wept like a very child.
Dr. Pond could scarcely repress the swelling of his own heart in
sympathy. If we are sometimes permitted to witness such occcur-
rences in the midst of depravity, can we wonder that there should
be joy in heaven over a sinner that repents?

The physicians of Connecticut of sixty years ago, were a social,
friendly body, accustomed to hold meetings for mutual improvement
and amusement. The county meetings were periodical, and, in
Hartford county, attended with a good degree of punctuality.
Members resorted to them as a relaxation from the toil and anxieties
of professional occupation and a retreat, where the responsibilities,
inseparable from a country practice, could be temporarily thrown off
and where the genial countenance of a fellow physician gave assur-
ance of readiness to rejoice at the narration of success in an im-
portant operation, or the favorable issue of a dangerous case of
epidemic, or as readily condole in professional trouble and in a certain
sense, obey the apostolic injunction to bear one another's burdens.
Reading one or more papers on some medical or kindred subject
was not an unfrequent occurrence and occasionally elicited consi-
derable interest and discussion.

Formerly it was the practice to hold semi-annual meetings of the
state medical convention, at which the graver interests of the pro-
fession were considered. This body consisted of three to five de-
legates elected from each county according to size. Of this body it
was justly considered an honor to be chosen a member. Their
sessions continued from two to three days and were held alternately
at Hartford and New Haven.

Early on a May morning 1827, reading the news of the day, Dr.

Biographies. 579

Pond cast his eyes on the transactions of the state medical conven-
tion and was surprised to see his own name announced as a candidate
for the honorary degree of doctor of medicine, at the ensuing com-
mencement of Yale college in Sept. This to a physician would be
considered an announcement of interest, applied to any individual of
his acquaintance, but applied to himself, it would be likely to stir his
feelings of gratitude and literary ambition and especially when it is
considered that such men as Todd, Peters, Woodward, Sumner,
Nathan Smith and other distinguished men, constituted the body
conferring the honor. What individuals assumed the initiative in
this compliment to Dr. Pond is unknown to him to this day.

The relatives of Dr. Pond were numerous, but none of them so
situated in contiguity to him as to be of the least available benefit.
The same was true with nearly all those of Mrs. Pond. But there
were intelligent friends of the latter residing in New York, with
whom was sustained a friendly intercourse, both by visits and cor-
respondence. These friends often expressed a desire that the doctor
would take residence in the city. This expression so entirely ac-
corded with the desire both of Doctor and Mrs. Pond, that thev at
length subjected its feasibility to a deliberate and careful investiga-
tion, the result of which was a fair probability of successful issue.
Arriving at such a conclusion, they began so to shape their affairs
as to secure its consummation.

The intimate friends of Dr. Pond in Turkey Hills were not nu-
merous but they were intelligent and valuable. On becoming ac-
quainted with the doctor's intention to remove to New York, they
manifested more feeling than was expected which stirred in response,
a deeper feeling in his own heart, than he was before aware existed
there. Particularly was this the case with the young, pious, intelli-
gent pastor of the little church of the parish. It was discovered that
he had placed more confidence in his phvsician as an influential friend
than wisdom would dictate, since, however well inclined to subserve
his interest, unforseen change of circumstances may destroy his power
to do so.

Having arrived at a conclusion to remove to New York in the
spring of 1827, Mrs. Pond with her two little children, accepted
the invitation of her parents to take temporary residence with them,
until the doctor could prepare for them in the city. He hired an
office in the immediate neighborhood, where on the 6th avenue, he
subsequently occupied a house many years. Having arranged his

580 History of Torrington.

office, erected his sign and rendered himself generally conspicuous,
he assumed a position of readiness to prescribe for the real or imagi-
nary ills of citizen or denizen. Few, however, gave him opportunity
to exercise his skill in restoring health to body or soundness to limb.
For many consecutive months, he had at his disposal, more leisure
than occupation. The doctor, however, did not pass his time in
idleness. In the intervals of reading, he formed a number of valu-
able acquaintances.

After a few weeks' residence in the city, he was casually introduced
to a young gentleman, a merchant in Maiden lane, a resident of
Hudson street. This gentleman had received a polished education
and his demeanor was very courteous and affable.

In the course of conversation it was stated that a small Presbyterian
church had recently been organized and was worshiping in the base-
ment of one of the public school buildings. He gave the doctor a
warm invitation to visit them at their place of worship, on the ap-
proaching Sabbath. He accepted the invitation and found a small
congregation, assembled on plain seats, with an extemporized desk
for the preacher. The entire service of this little Christian body,
made a favorable impression on the mind of Dr. Pond. Following
its close were mutual recognitions which seemed very cordial.

The gentleman by whose invitation the doctor attended the service,
was prompt to introduce him to the pastor and many members of the
church, and with an easy frankness that banished constraint, and
made one feel the freedom of his own domicil. Thus pleasantly
introduced, though to a weak and infant church. Dr. Pond continued
to worship with them for a number of weeks, until he felt identified
with the congregation. In the meantime he was elected to the
eldership, which was urged upon his acceptance with a degree of
pertinacity, he did not feel warranted to resist. He therefore pre-
sented his letter from the country and embarked in their enterprise.

The pastor was a married gentleman of perhaps thirty-five years
of age. He had conciliated the affections of his church, and indeed,
harmony and Christian love appeared to pervade the entire congre-
gation.

They were destitute of a suitable place of worship. The trustees
held many meetings to devise the way by which they could build a
house. While this was in progress, a Presbyterian church in Pro-
vost street, destitute of a pastor, pecuniarily and numerically feeble,
but possessing a very convenient church building and a fine organ,
communicated a cordial invitation to the little church to unite with

Biographies. 581

them and amalgamate into one body. The inception of the measure
appeared like a providential interposition, and was received with unan-
imous approval. Arrangements of union having been adopted with
favorable auspices, on the morning of the following Sabbath, the
united body assembled at their house of worship, desirous to
acknowledge, with gratitude, that " hitherto had the Lord helped
them," and that His hand had led them — and for the encouraging
attitude in which they were placed, to indulge the hopes of prosperity
for the future.

Soon It became obvious to those who were critical in their obser-
vation, that the pastor was becoming less spiritually minded, less
deeply interested in the prosperity of the church, and ere long this
condition became too obvious to the most charitable to be denied.

In the early part of the seventeenth century, Simon Fraser, a na-
tive of the highlands of Scotland, of classical education, but corrupt
and reckless principles, was installed thirteenth Lord Lovat. For
numerous acts of treason against the reigning dynasty of England, he
was after long concealment apprehended, transported to London and
after a trial of ten days in the house of lords, was convicted, at-
tainted and decapitated on Tower Hill at eighty years of age. For
some reason, not explained, about 1827-8, the title of nobility, it
was said, was restored and advertisements inserted in various papers
for the appearance of the heir. This development stirred up the
enquiry of their pastor, who ascertained from records in his own
possession that himself was the legal heir to the lordship of Lovat.
This discovery completely addled his brain and secularized his affec-
tions, entirely disqualifying him for the discharge of all clerical duties.
Yet in this condition he did not submit his resignation, nor request
the church to unite with him in petition to the presbytery to dissolve the
pastoral relation, but requested leave of absence for six months, in
which to prosecute his investigations in England. This'request was
granted, though with misgivings of propriety.

A substitute was procured who discharged his duties nobly ; but the
attraction of cohesion was weakened, and the energies they exerted
were heartless and devoid of that vigor which hope inspires. The
material composing the church, however, was excellent, and full of
those Christian principles which distinguishes the f<;llowers of Christ
from other men ; but their dawning hopes were being tried from a source
so unexpected, that it was feared, instead of increase, an unavoidable
disintegration would commence before the return of their pastor.

The motto of their church seal was " Nil desperandum, Christo

582 History of Torrington.

duce," and they still expressed confidence in this sentiment ; but they
could not necessarily discover the foot-prints of Christ in a course
necessary to sustain this church in all the difficulties in which it was
now involved. Notwithstanding discouragement, their number re-
mained nearly intact till the return of the pastor from England. His
report to the church was that the title of nobility of which he claimed
to be the legal heir, was restored, but that it was involved in litiga-
tion, and that the estates formerly belonging to the title, were not yet
restored.

In this condition, he presented his resignation of the pastorate, and
united with the church in a petition to the presbytery for a dissolution
of the pastoral relation. The process is unpleasant, and not unlike
a case of divorce.

Then followed a period of a few months, in which there was a
struggle for life, but which ended, as everyone foresaw, in dissolu-
tion. They scattered as sheep having no shepherd : yet, as con-
venience and other motives operated, they united with churches
around them. Dr. Pond and a few others from the disorganized
little church, landed with a small number who had procured the hall
of a hotel, where they held sweet communion and worshiped God
for a series of mouths. The entire number of church members
amounted to nineteen.

This small number was constituted " the West Presbyterian
church," and their names, with other memorials, were afterwards
deposited under the southeast corner stone of the church building.
Of this little church. Dr. Pond was constituted an elder.

The church was commonly known as " the Carmine street
church." In this location they continued and prospered many years,
and their membership increased to a multitude. At length the spirit
of migration came over them, and they left their location in Carmine
street, and obtained an eligible site in 4.26 street, near 5th avenue,
where they erected an expensive church building, and have culmi-
nated into one of the most powerful churches in the city.

Some years after the disorganization of the Provost street church,
the former pastor called on Dr. Pond and informed him that, after
long and extensive litigation, he had obtained the title of nobility,
but not the estates to sustain it. He appeared care-worn and in need
of sympathy.

Late in 1846, with the violation of many tender attachments. Dr.
Pond applied to the session of Carmine street church, for a letter of

Biographies. 583

dismission to unite with the church in Houston street, believing that
his Christian influence would be more useful in a feeble church,
needing numerical and pecuniary aid, than in a cultivated one, full
of members, with ample means of support.

He remained. a member of Houston street church through the
pastorates of Rev. Dr. S. Haines, Rev. R. S. Storrs Dickenson, and
Rev. S. Ralston Smith. In the minsitry of the last named clergyman,
the church was disbanded, and the building sold to cancel debts
which had long crippled its energies.

A surplus of a little less than two thousand dollars was entrusted
to Dr. Pond and two others, with which, in their discretion, to aid
feeble churches.

Nearly the entire church with the ex-pastor at their head, accepted
the kind invitation of the Reformed Dutch church in 6th avenue,
opposite Amity street, to occupy their house, at intervals not occupied
by themselves. Here they continued, held by mutual attachments,
until, after some months. Dr. Smith received a call from Broome
street church, which, being accepted, was the signal for a general dis-
persion. Many united with the church in whose building, through
their Christian courtesy, they had for months been worshiping. Dr.
Pond remained with them with warm attachment, for about two
years, and until, in the spring of i860, he purchased a house and re-
moved to it, in West 23d street. Here, through Divine mercy, he
continues to the present time, 1877.

The doctor next presented his letter from the Dutch church, to
Chelsea Presbyterian church, West 22d street. Rev. E. D. Smith,
D.D., pastor. Here he continued his membership, until the disso-
lution of the church in 1870.

Dr. Smith is possessed of more than a common degree of eloquence
and talents. From ill health, he was obliged to tender his resignation
more than a year previous to the dissolution of the church.

At the suggestion of Dr. Smith, Rev. Mr. Rowell was installed
colleague pastor, for about two years.

Soon after tlie dissolution of Chelsea church. Dr. Pond removed
his church relationship to the North Presbyterian church, 9th avenue
and 31st street. Rev. Thomas Street, D.D., pastor, who on account
of the ill health of his family was dismissed in 1873, and in the same
year, Rev. S. B. Rossiter was installed fourth pastor, and continues
to the present time, 1877. The church has prospered under his
ministry, and he is a highly popular pastor.

584 History of Torrington.

At the time of Dr. Pond's introduction to the little church worship-
ing in the basement of a public school building, his medical business
was very small, but as his personal acquaintance became more inti-
mate in the congregation, the members employed him as their
physician. It is interesting to one concerned in an event, to witness
how, in concatenation, one cause may operate on a second, and
sometimes a third or more, to secure a result in one's favor. One
disposed to recognize the hand of Providence in some results of per-
sonal interest, rather than the agency of his own sagacity, may often
have opportunity to do so, in reminiscences of his own history.

In the summer following the spring of Dr. Pond's removal to the
ciiy, he formed the acquaintance of a young physician of fine educa-
tion, who afterwards became a professor and a voluminous writer of
celebrity. He had, for some days, been in medical attendance on a
laborer, who, from a punctured wound in the foot, died of tetanus.
The doctor obtained permission from some of the relations, to per-
form an autopsy, and requested Dr. Pond's presence. At the hour
appointed, the physicians and an attendant repaired to the room of
the deceased (the attic of a two-story house). The doctor, proceed-
ing to the examination, made a crucial incision of the abdomen, and
removed some of the viscera, I think the stomach, when a loud
knock at the door interrupted and disconcerted the doctor. He went
to the door, and holding it ajar, mildly expostulated with the intruder,
who, in an obstreperous manner, demanded what he was doing. The
doctor informed him that he was performing a necessary duty and
would soon be done, and that no indignity or disrespect was intended
or should be shown. At length, the irascible Hibernian was per-
suaded to withdraw.

The doctor returned to his post mortem examination, but scarcely
had a half hour passed, before their ears were assailed by confused
vociferations from the stairway, and immediately there emerged from
the same a mixed mass of humanity, male and female, with a pre-
ponderance of the latter, armed with bludgeons, pokers and fire
shovels.

If their imaginations had been excited to fury by the glowing re-
presentations of friends, what must have been their feelings from the
ocular exhibition before them !

The lives of the doctors, for a while, were in imminent peril. The
doctor who had been the attending physician, lost no time in making
his way toward the door and stairway, exculpating himself with
adroitness.

Biographies. 585

They next fell upon the assistant who was an Irishman, and
therefore too well acquainted with his danger to remain a moment
longer than necessity compelled. He wriggled his way toward the
door and down the flight of stairs with all convenient expedition.
Dr. Pond was now the only remaining victim of vengeance. It had
been circulated in the crowd that he was not the principal offender ;
that at the worst he was but ''^ particeps c?'imifiis." However this
might modify, it would by no means avert personal violence ; but an
unexpected incident afforded him a much needed protection. A
woman, whose child the doctor had recently attended through a
dangerous illness, came forward in the crowd, and exclaimed, " he
is a good doctor, and ye shall not harm a hair of his head." Not-
withstanding her fiendlike surroundings, the woman appeared to the
doctor like a guardian angel.

Often has Dr. Pond in his lonely thoughts reverted to this scene
of danger, and always with gratitude to the brave and friendly woman
who protected him in this time of peril. The doctor did not embrace
this opportunity to form new acquaintances in this amiable group,
but with all convenient expedition, left these dear friends to finish
up their business in their own way. Making his way to the sidewalk,
he was astonished to witness the immense mob which filled the street
many rods each way from the house. The city watch, then the ap-
pellation for police, formed a line in tront of the house, and another
in front of the physicians who made the examination. The reader
may be at a loss to perceive what should be a cause adequate to stir
up such a mob. In answer it may be stated, that the prejudice per-
vading even the enlightened class fifty years ago, was vastly different
from the liberal and scientific views which now prevail. Then,
among the lower class of catholic Irish, a post mortem examination
was considered an offence little less than a heinous crime. Hence
the outrage of sentiment among them.

The increase of the mob became fearful, and its dimensions almost
beyond precedent. In addition to the police, the mayor called out
a military force of cavalry and infantry. Bishop Du Bois, the Roman
catholic prelate, issued a pastoral, imperatively enjoining upon people
of his denomination to deport themselves peaceably, disperse and
resort to their homes.

The tumult gradually subsided without the perpetration of any
open outrage, the poor, persecuted doctor, however, dared not occupy
his own bed for many successive nights.

586 History of Torrington.

By report the house was haunted for years, to the serious loss of
the proprietor in rent.

After three days, in^the lull of the storm, an immense procession
attended the funeral. By an absurd arrangement, the viscera of
the deceased were carried in front of the procession, as a rebuke to
the offending doctors. Thus, at length, subsided one of the most
remarkable popular agitations of the day.

A period ensued, which, with leisure and opportunity, was embraced
to extend the doctor's professional acquaintance, and improve it to
advantage. He united with a literary club of limited membership,
holding weekly communications for the relation, discussion and treat-
ment of cases in -practice. The meetings were held in alternation
at the dwellings of the members. It is believed that these meetings
were of signal mutual benefit in practical knowledge, to the members
of the entire club.

At irregular periods of long distance (never oftener than three
months) the club indulged in a supper given by a member, at which
discussions took a winder range. Any literary subject was legitimate,
provided it were not immoral. Occasionally, a paper on some pro-
fessional subject was read, and then subjected to criticism and dis-
cussion. Also, each member, in rotation, assumed the editorial duty
of producing one number of a medical magazine, which consisted of
a single sheet of foolscap, in manuscript, issued monthly. This
sheet afforded both instruction and amusement, and was always ex-
pected with interest. It was ordinarily made up, in part by contri-
butions from the members. The editor's duty consisted chiefly in
securing the completeness of the sheet.

At one meeting of the club, for which a repast was provided by a
distinguished member. Dr. Pond was expected to present some poetical
effusion, of which task he acquitted himself as follows:

Excellences of the Onion. {Bombastic,^

Ye piping Nine, ye song-inspiring train,

Ye dwellers fair in old Parnassus, deign

Your potent influence, inspire my soul,

That I your lofty numbers may control :

Or, as in nitrous oxyd, steep my brain.

That I your thrumming lyre, in lofty strain,

With bold, adventurous hand may brush, on theme

Which ne'er was subject of a poet's dream j

On theme, tho' grand, no poet ever sung;

The Onion i beauties rare, that urge my song.

Biographies. 587

In days of yore, when erst the Hebrew race

In land of Nilus fix'd their dwelling-place;

Ere Moeris or Sesostris fill'd the throne,

The Onion's gustful qualities were known.

Emancipated from old Egypt's land.

And scap'd oppression from the tyrant's hand,

How lung'd the chosen tribes again to bear

The yoke of bondage, and afBictifn's care;

How long'd, their lives in servitude t'employ.

So they their fragrant Onions might enjoy.

This od'rous root from embyro minute.

Its proud cerulean germ does upward shoot ;

The crescent trunk no petals vain supply

With gaudy umbrage ; no, it scorns to vie

With sage or crocus, poppy, dill or fennel,

Or any plant that grows in plain or dell.

With native beauty, the majestic cone

Canspicuous shines in grandeur all its own.

Full on its summit, with superior grace

And broad rotundity sedate, the environs place

A crown assumes, not such as monarchs wear.

Beset with shining gems, and diamonds rare,

Oft setting heavy on the wearer's head,

Inducing frenzy and a restless bed ;

Nor like the olive, bay or oaken crown

Which orators and warriors of renown

And poets fam'd, and sage civilians wear,

Bestow'd for wisdom and for talents rare ;

But chaste, unostentatious and demure,

And stor'd with seed prolific, here secure.

The foliated, smooth and bulbous base,

As if it scorned its lowly native place,

Heaves out its swelling sides of sheeny red.

So that it scarcely makes the earth its bed.

O, noble root! how fit it is the fair, '

Should for thy growth bestow their willing care;

Should weed thee, hoe thee, and with dext'rous toil,

With their soft hands extract thee from the soil.

Now fit for use, from epidermis freed.

Or from th' external folds, if there be need.

And smother'd, fried, or from the boiling pot,

Plac'd on the gen'rous board, all smoking hot.

Can aught — ye Nine — of culinary fare,

However zested, with this root compare }

Can aught to equal tone or pleasant height

Th' olfactory or lingual nerves excite ?

Say not that odors from the citron grove

' In Wethersfield, on the Connecticut, large quantities of this vegetable were formerly
cultivated by young ladies, probably in greater amount than in all the state beside.

588 History of Torrington.

That rife on oriental Zephyrs move,
Or flavor of the orange, grape or pine
That ripen in a tropic sun, are fine ;
Say naught is fine, when in a parallel
The onion's sav'ry qualities we tell.
Fair was the subject, and the artist fair '
Who trac'd with magic skill thy beauties rare ;
Who, to preserve the mem'ry of thy name.
Gave symmetry and grace and living fame,
And, with a spell, few vers'd in painting know,
Bade semblance in perpetual verdure grow.

In the year preceding the visitation of the cholera, in the summer
of 1832, the professional business of Dr. Pond had increased to a
degree that required a horse and carriage to enable him to perform it.
As the fell destroyer appeared in the city the latter part of June, the
citizens were filled with consternation.

A physician, for the first time to meeting a patient with a dark,
anxious, pinched countenance ; damp, cold, corrugated skin, raucus
voice, and other forbidding appearances, might well be filled with ap-
pre'hension.

Like this ; in most cases, however, lighter and milder, being easily
controlled, was the experience of Dr. Pond for many consecutive
weeks.

If prompt and suitable attention was given to the first aberration
from a state of ordinary health, especially in case of a diarrhoea, with
or without pain in the abdomen, the graver disease of which it was a
precursor was ordinarily averted. In some cases, however, these
premonitory symptoms were so very brief, that the physician did not
see his patient before commencing or confirmed collapse had been
ushered in.

The recollections of a series of weeks of Dr. Pond's experience
during that fearful period of his life, are among a few painful im-
pressions on the memory that will never be obliterated while !ife
continues. During the prevalence of that epidemic, the medical
calls on Dr. Pond were very numerous, especially in the night. It
may be stated that from the 4th of July to the 24th of the following
August, no night passed in which there was not at least one call for
medical advice. It may be imagined that the amount of sleep must
have been small in proportion to the demands of nature. Added to

' After the recitation of this ode, a resolution was passed to present the doctor with a
painting of his subject. The artist selected was a lady.

Biographies. 589

the deprivation of sleep was the solicitude inseparable from the care
of a disease novel and fearful in its character. As the malady pro-
gressed, its developments, in addition to what have been already
enumerated, were profuse alvine evacuation of an appearance like
rice water, followed by great prostration, cramp of the bowels and
of the upper and lower limbs. Ordinarily there was great scantiness
or entire suppression of the secretion of the kidneys. The pulse was
nearly always small and weak. The intellect was clear, the thirst
tormenting, and if freely indulged almost certainly followed by
copious vomiting. When patients were seen under such circum-
stances, the result was ominous,

A case in point may be detailed. The doctor was urgently re-
quested to visit a poor Irish laborer who lived in a low, damp cellar,
dark and comfortless. No appendage appeared in the apartment ex-
cept a woman and three or four children, and as many rickety chairs.
The poor man was on a low bed in a dark corner of the room,
tossing, sighing and vomiting. Mike was in a deep relapse of cholera.

At this time there was in the ofRce of Dr. Pond a young gentle-
man, son of Col. Barber of Connecticut, pursuing the study of
medicine. He took an interest in the case of poor Mike, and gave
his personal assistance to relieve him if possible from his collapse.
Appliances of medicine internally, and of heat to the surface, were,
after persevering patience followed by some signs of reaction ; the
alvine evacuations became less frequent and less copious, the eyes
began to emerge from their deep retreat in the sockets, and to assume
their natural position, the blue and cadaverous appearance to give
place to a natural expression, and the action of the heart to fill the
artery at the wrist. In short, the patient began to assume the appear-
ance of a man^ which was by no means the case two short hours
before. A calm sleep now supervened and operated like a cordial.
He soon recovered and returned to his ordinary labor.

A few weeks subsequent, he stopped the doctor's horse on the
street, and said he had five dollars of which he urged the doctor's
acceptance, stating that when he got more he would give it to him.
The doctor informed him that in his case he had made no charge as
his family at that time needed it more than he (the doctor) did, but
that when he became fully able, he might pay. Mike showed his
gratitude and kindness of heart by commending the doctor's skill and
procuring his professional employment by his friends.

The doctor's student, after his graduation, removed to Milwaukee,

590 History of Torrington.

Wisconsin, where he settled and was almost immediately elected a
member of the legislature of the state, and speaker of the house, over
which he presided with great dignity.

Let it be noticed, that amidst the consternation and delirium of
fear which everywhere prevailed during this season of cholera, the
familiar notes of the hand-organ could be heard in the streets, and
we are inclined to believe that its influence may have been even
salutary, tending to divert attention from the morbid and depressing
influence of terror on the mind.

Shortly following Mike's case came a multitude of others that ur-
gently demanded the professional service of Dr. Pond, and amidst
this hurry, and his greatest need of help, he was deprived of the valu-
able assistance of his intelligent student. His relatives in Connecticut,
under the influence of the all-pervading fear of contagion, imposed an
imperative demand for his return home. Single-handed, therefore,
the doctor was henceforth compelled to discharge his duty.

Among many interesting cases that came under the professional
care of Dr. Pond, was one of an intellectual young gentleman of
lofty aspirations for the future in life ; his attack was violent and far
advanced in collapse. On the doctor's second visit, he found that
the entire family, filled with terror, had left the poor young man to take
care of himself and die alone. The doctor administered his medicins
and spent what time was in his power to bestow, in nursing him.
At his third visit, which was not long after the second, the doctor
found him still alone, but the struggle had ended ; the young man
now lay before him an inert mass. He, who but recently was so
buoyant and cheerful, so full of hope for the future, had now closed
his eyes on time and all its interests. The doctor adjusted the body
of the young man properly on the bed, covered it with a linen sheet,
and left the room with feelings of sadness.

Closely following the solitary death of this young man, was the
case of a widow woman, whom the physician in attendance wished
Dr. Pond to see with him, in consultation. The relatives of the
patient had all deserted the house ; the patient being in a state of
advanced collapse, it was the united opinion of the physicians that
there could be but one result, and that, not long delayed. A re-
markable feature in the history of this case was, that as death overtook
her in her solitary condition, her head was turned quite on one side.
The body remained in this position two days, as could be plainly
seen through a window in the apartment.

Biographies. 591

Although painful spasms, excessive thirst, irrepressible vomitting
and profuse dejections, might at the same time harrass and weary the
patient, yet in all this trouble the mental functions were clear and
unembarrassed, although there was often a strange manifestation of
apathy in the result.

The abatement of this terrible scourge on our city afforded an
opportunity, not unlike the passing over of a tornado, to appreciate in
some measure the desolation it had left behind.

Of the various benevolent societies of which Dr. Pond was a
member, may be mentioned the Association for Improving the Con-
dition of the Poor of which he was one of the committee for draft-
ing the constitution, as well as chairman of a Ward Advisory
committee for a series of years. This is a society, of its kind, the
most benevolent in the city.

For many years he was an acting trustee of the New York Public
School Society, a trustee, and member of the finance committee of
the Atlantic Savings Bank, and a member and physician of the New
England Society. He was also a member and first president of the
New York Medical Association, and one of the founders and fellows,
and for twenty-nine consecutive years, treasurer of the New York
Academy of Medicine. For the faithful discharge of Dr. Pond's
official duties, the Academy, upon his resignation of the treasurer-
ship, passed a series of commendatory resolutions, which were pub-
lished in the medical journals of the city, and a copy beautifully
engrossed and framed presented to the doctor.

It may be stated with more distinctness, that the children of Capt.
Elijah Pond by his first marriage were, Tryphena, born at Franklin
in 1762, died in childhood ; Lewis, born at Franklin in 1764, died
at Whiting, Vt., in 1831 ; Olive, born at Franklin in 1771, married
Simeon Keith, removed to Vermont, had two daughters, died in 1839 ;
Esther, born at Franklin in 1773, r^'^rried Aaron Harrington, removed
to Vermont, had five sons and seven daughters ; Lewis, son of Lewis
and grandson of Capt. Elijah Pond, born at Whiting, Vermont, in
1808, removed to New Bedford, Mass., where he resided many
years ; he has recently removed to live with his son. Dr. Fred Lewis
Pond, at Aurora, 111. The latter is the proprietor and physician of a
large and successful hospital establishment at Aurora.

Benjamin F. Pond, only son of Dr. James O. Pond, was one of
a company formed in New York of about ten young men, that went
to California for mining purposes, at the commencement of the gold
excitement.

592 History of Torrington.

The party commenced operations in the mountains under many
discouragements. Soon there commenced a disintegration in their
company which continued until it gradually dwindled to two individu-
als, one of whom was Benj. F. Pond. These two continued to pro-
secute the object for which the company was formed until they
obtained from those rugged mountains gold amounting in value to
several thousand dollars each ; at length they ceased to delve the
earth for gold. From the mountains Mr. Pond made his way to
Sacramento city and other inhabited towns and entered into various
kinds of business, with various phases of success.

In San Francisco, he formed the acquaintance of a young gentle-
man by the name of Henry Wetherbee with whom he entered into
mercantile and shipping business. They owned a line of ships that
traded between San Francisco and Australia. Of one of these ships,
the Julia Ann, Mr. Pond was the commander. On her return
passage from Sydney (Australia) to San Francisco, when twenty-seven
days at sea, in mid ocean, in a dark night, the ship, under full sail,
ran upon a sunken coral reef, incorrectly laid down, on the chart.
The ship and cargo were a total wreck, and five out of fifty-six on
board, were lost. The returning light of the morning, revealed their
standing to be a submerged coral reef, with land in the low distance,
about ten miles away. They had but a single boat remaining and it
was seriously damaged. How to transport this large number of in-
dividuals to terra firma, with the only means in their possession, be-
came a problem of interesting solution. Their necessity was
imperative. In addition to their boat, which would hold but a small
number, they constructed a raft of materials from the ship and by
diligence and perseverance, succeeded in transporting all safely to the
shores of a desolate island or group of islands, where they remained
eight weeks and from which they were rescued in a providential
manner. An interesting narrative of the wreck and various incidents
connected with it, was written by her commander, Capt. B. F. Pond.
Notwithstanding the heavy loss on the ship and cargo, beyond what
was covered by insurance, Capt. Pond was fortunate in being able
to return to his parental home with so large a sum as between twenty
and thirty thousand dollars.

After deliberate investigation, he became a partner in a cotton
manufactory, Bloomvale, Dutchess county, and on the death of his
partner, a few years subsequent, sole proprietor of the business.

While in Bloomvale, he married Miss Carrie, daughter of Mr.
Henry Frost of Poughkeepsie.

Biographies. 593

A favorable opportunity at length presenting, he sold his property
in Bloomvale and has become an active proprietor in a stock com-
pany, denominated the " Pond Manufacturing Company," Tenafly,
New Jersey ; which has become a lucrative enterprise. The child-
ren of Capt, and Mrs. Pond are two daughters and a son and they
have been afflicted by the loss of a son and daughter.

Harriet Lemira, only daughter of Dr. Jas. O. Pond, was born in
Connecticut and removed to New York city, with her parents in
childhood. Her education therefore, which was liberal, was almost
wholly received in the city. She married her third cousin Samuel
Metcalf Pond, son of Hon. Samuel Metcalf Pond of Maine. He
was industrious and persevering in business, until he fell a victim to
that ruthless disease, the consumption of the lungs, which annually
consigns so large a portion of our race to the land of silence. He
died April, 1875, and was buried in Woodlawn cemetery, leaving
two sons and a daughter.

Capt. Elijah Pond, some account of whose children, and other de-
scendants, has been given in this sketch, was a man whose domestic
proclivities and retiring disposition did not incline him to seek that
notoriety which is so common a trait in town and hamlet in our
land. His kindhearted, simple disposition prepared him to expect
and receive more happiness in the bosom of his large family, than
from all other sources. Mr. Pond did not make open profession of
experimental religion, yet such were the influence of religious train-
ing and the Puritan atmosphere from which he emigrated, that the
truths of Christianity were indelibly impressed upon his mind. He
imbibed them as principles, by which, to some good extent, his course
in life was guided. Hence may be seen why he inculcated upon the
minds of his family, lessons from the shorter catechism, and the habit
of attending public worship on the Sabbath, and why, also, he en-
joined the commitment to memory, by his children, of the Decalogue
by Moses.

Mr. Pond, according to town records of Wrentham (now Franklin),
was born 1738, but from domestic records 1740. He died at Tor-
rington, June, 1831.

His trust for salvation was in the atoning righteousness of a
crucified Saviour, appropriated by faith, as we firmly believe.

Mr. Pond's physical formation and development were excellent,
such as with temperance and regular habits (and these he invariably
observed) to secure good health and longevity.

594- History of Torrington.

His thorax was capacious, his shoulders broad, his height over
five feet and ten inches, his countenance florid and clear.

Rev. Nathaniel Roberts,

Was born in 1704, in Simsbury, and was graduated at Yale college
in 1732; and it is most probable that he studied theology with Rev.
Jonathan Marsh of Windsor. He was ordained October 21, 1741,
pastor of the Torrington church, having preached here, probably,
nearly a year previous to being installed, and it is very likely he was
the first and only candidate the new church had, as quite a number
of the settlers were from his part of ancient Windsor. It is said also
that Moses Loomis married his sister or near relative. He married
Margaret, daughter of Rev. Jonathan Marsh of Windsor, and pur-
chased and settled on the farm now owned and occupied by Mr.
Alonzo Whiting about half a mile north of the site of the first
church, the house of worship where Mr. Roberts preached as long
as he lived. By this marriage he was brother-in-law to Rev. Mr.
Marsh of New Hartford and Rev. Mr. Heaton of Goshen. His
wife Margaret died Oct. i, 1747, and he married Esther, probably,
daughter of Aaron Loomis, Nov. 7, 1748. Her father was one of
the first settlers of the town on the farm next north of Mr. Roberts,
now owned by Mr. Willard H. Barber. The Rev. Mr. Marsh of
Windsor died Sept. 8, 1747; his daughter iMrs. Roberts died Oct.
I, same year, and her mother died Dec. 8, of the same year ; which
seems a little remarkable. When the church was organized, and
Mr. Roberts ordained it consisted of seventeen persons, but others
soon united and it gradually increased in membership and importance
until some years after his decease, and was a church of considerable
importance and strength at his death. There were no revivals under
his ministry, and in 1741 and 2, when there was considerable religious
awakening throughout New England, this society was too small to
be affected by it.

Mr. Roberts was an eccentric man, characterized in the general
by sincerity, honesty, and uprightness, and a little humor peculiar to
himself. He was not an intellectual preacher, nor a great scholar,
but sought by more practical lessons to guide the people in the way
of shunning evil and doing some good. His religious life and teach-
ing consisted more in avoiding and escaping evil, or as he would put
it, "the devil," than in doing positive good, and this was the type of
religion in that age, and was of great value so far as it went j a revival

Biographies.

595

of this kind at the present age would be hailed with joy. He believed
in harmony with his age, in a personal devil, who went about not
always as a roaring lion ; and a burning hell, and the wrath of a holy
God, and hence to avoid the last and keep out of the power of the
two former he gave his counsels as a minister.

His preaching so much against the devil and his works was ob-
served by the young who made some sport about it. On one Sabbath
Joel Loomis, a young man sitting in the gallery at the side, and near
the pulpit, scratched with a pin every time Priest Roberts said devil
in his sermon, and reported the number of times, as beiiig very large.
This fact reached Mr. Roberts's ears before the next Sabbath and he
guarded himseU accoidingly while preaching the next sermons, and
as he closed, he turned and looking direct at the young man who was
sittmg in the same seat as the Sabbath before and said ; " There,
young man, I have preached two sermons to-day and have not men-
tioned the name of your father once."

His motto was, " have nothing to do with the works of the devil,"
which would be advantageous to many besides ministers if well
followed. On a certain spring Mr. Roberts had tapped his maple
trees, but the weather proved unfavorable for several days until
Sabbath morning when it became warm and very pleasant and the
sap filled nearly all the troughs beyond all ordinary days. On Mon-
day morning Mr. Roberts was seen going from tree to tree turning
the sap out on the ground, with great vigor and decision, when the
neighbor inquired ; " Parson Roberts, what are you doing .? why do
you throw away your sap so .? Ah ! said he, "■ I'll have nothing to
do with the works of the devil j nothing but sap, sap all day Sunday !
I'll have nothing to do with the works of the devil," and on he went
pouring out the sap, supposing that the devil made the sap run
abundantly on the Sabbath for the purpose of tempting him, and he
was so wary of his snares that he purposed not to be caught in that
trap even though it was a sugar one.

It may be proper in this connection to relate an occurrence that
took place in connection with the Torrington church, which illustrates
the doctrines and opinions held on the subject of the human person-
ality of the devil, and his real appearance on earth. A man by the
name of Culver, while engaged in the field for Caleb Lyman, was
addressed by a stranger, a colored man who came along the road,
with the inquiry, if he was satisfied with his employer and the wages
he was then receiving ? To which he replied that he was quite well

59^ History of Torrington.

pleased but that if he could do better he should be glad to do it.
Upon this the stranger promised to obtain work for him with much
better wages, if Culver would write his name in a book which the
stranger carried ; and advised him as he had no ink to prick his arm
with a pin and write his name with the blood. This Culver did, and
the stranger fixed a day, at a future time, when he would call for him
and take him to his new work, and urged it upon his mind to be sure
and be ready at the day specified. The stranger then went on his
way, and Culver after reflecting on the subject became much exer-
cised as to the transaction ; left his work and followed the man to
find if possible where he went to, and if others had been engaged as
himself for work. After diligent search for several days, and nothing
could be heard of the man, neither as to where he came from nor
whither he went. Culver gave the report that he had sold himself to
the devil and on a certain day he must be ready to go with him
without fail.

The church became interested in the matter ; much talk was had
on the subject ; a day of fasting and prayer was appointed to be held
on the day that was set for Mr. Culver's departure with the stranger,
and at the appointed time the church assembled with the unfortunate
man who seemed to think his last day of happiness had come. Mr.
Culver was placed in the gallery of the church and a very strong
man at the head of the stairs, armed with a heavy club, and another
man of equal ability and armor at the foot of the stairs, to de-
fend the innocent and beat ofl^ the devil, if he should come
according to agreement. ' The fast was held, and when the sun
had set, and therefore the day gone, the two strong men accom-
panied Mr. Culver to his home and left him safe and delivered from
the devil. From that day to this Torrington people have neither
heard nor seen anything of Culver. No one ever knew what be-
came of him. This story is well authenticated by the oldest people
in such number as to preclude any doubt, and it was published in a
Litchfield paper about forty years since, when there were many liv-
ing witnesses to the occurrence.

This personality of the devil, with ability to appear in all forms and
shapes and for any and all purposes under the sun, to do that which

• Jacob Strong is said to have been one of the men who stood at the stairs. He died in
1776, and therefore the occurrence took place in Mr. Roberts's pastorate and in the old
church.

Biographies. 597

was both good and bad, was most fully received in the early history
of the colonies, as is attested by many court records still preserved
in the Connecticut State Library ; a considerable number of which
are by far too immodest to be written in a book.

There was a very dry season during Mr. Roberts's pastorate and
a day of fasting was appointed and the people were to assemble at
the church to pray for rain. At the appointed time minister Roberts
took his over coat on his arm and started for the church. Some one
asked him why he took his overcoat. " I tell you I shall fetch her!"
" I tell you I shall fetch'er," and before he reached home it did rain
heavily.

On a Sabbath Parson Roberts was returning from church, and
when about half way from home he came upon three large bears
which climbed a tree by the side of the road. He hastened home,
obtained his gun ; returned and shot two of them, the other escaping
into the woods.

After the parson was married, there came an alarm of the coming
of the Indians, and his wife being a slight woman with poor health,
he took her on his back and carried her to the fort, a distance of over
a mile, with ease and safety.

Parson Roberts was quite a farmer, but his peculiarities were seen
as well on the farm as in the pulpit. He had one lot of about three
acres that he devoted year after year to the raising of geese ; keep-
ing large numbers of them most of the time, and the lot held its name,
the goose lot, until a few years since, when tobacco took the place
of the geese.

In his later days Mr. Roberts had a spell for doing some import-
ant work and quietly said to some one, " don't invite grandpa Hills,
he'll eat mor'n he'll arn," Mr. Hills (Benoni) heard of it and went
but took his dinner, and at the close of the work, he said, " well Mr.
Roberts I didn't eat more than I earned "

He had one daughter, and Doctor Bellamy's son came to see her
having on his father's boots. When Mr. Roberts met him he said
"who be you," and he replied, " I am Doctor Bellamy's son." " Ah,"
said Mr. Roberts, " I thought I knew the boots."

It is said that he had a troublesome case of discipline in his church
and the man was generally believed to be guilty, but after repeated
trials the testimony was insufficient to convict him, and at the
closing prayer he made this remarkable reference of the case to a
higher tribunal. '•* We believe O Lord, this man is verily guilty,

59^ History of Torrington. ,

but we fail to detect his wickedness. If, as we fear, he is guilty, we
pray thou wilt bring him to repentance, or permit him to sin more, j
that we may be able to deal with him according to his deserts."

In the scenes introductory to the American Revolution, he was a
conspicuous patriot, and was very much dissatisfied with the premier i
of Great Britain. In one of his public prayers, he is reported to have I
offered this prayer : " Great God, we pray thee remove that Lord j
North from office, by death or otherwise." He did not, however, j
live to see the great triumph of his country, for his ministry and life j
were terminated in 1776.

Rev. Warren H. Roberts,

Was the son of Pelatiah and Sarah Roberts, born in the town of
Torrington, Litchfield county. Conn., in 1826. At an early age he
manifested a strong desire to obtain a thorough education and prepare
for a professional lite, but being entirely dependent on his own un-
aided effort, was not able to enter upon this course at so early an age
as he desired.

He prepared for college at the Wesleyan academy in Wilbraham, I
Massachusetts, and graduated at Kenyon college, Ohio, in 1856.
Was ordained a deacon in the Protestant Episcopal church by Bishop 1
Mcllvaine of Ohio, at the time of graduation.

Was ordained to the priesthood by the same bishop in 1857. Was
made a Bachelor in Divinity by Kenyon college.

The ministry of Mr. Roberts embraces a period of a little over I
twenty years, most of which has been spent in the principal cities of
Illinois and Indiana. For a short time he was rector of one of the
churches in the city of Pittsburgh, Pa.

More than five hundred persons have been brought into the church
through his ministry. He has held many prominent and responsible
offices in the church, having represented the diocese of Illinois three i
times, and the diocese of Indiana once in the Triennial conventions '
of the Episcopal church in the United States. He is now a member ^
and president of the standing committee of the church in the diocese
of Indiana, and rector of St. John's church in the city of La Fayette j
in the same diocese. I

He married Irene Sophia, daughter of Ralzamon Loomis of j
Charlestown, Ohio, Oct. 28, 1853. ^^^ ^^^ been a great help to ;
him in his ministry, being a woman preeminently fitted for the posi-
tion of the wife of a clergyman. 1

Biographies. 599

Nelson Roberts,
Son of Henry and Chloe (Bunn) Roberts, was born Sept. 22, 18 14 ;
and worked on his father's farm in Torringford until twenty years of
age. He then taught a district school one term and then attended
the seminary at Amenia, Dutchess county, N. Y., three terms. On
returning to Torringford he taught school in the north district, where
he had resided all his life. Proving himself a good disciplinarian, a
quality sometimes needed, he continued to teach with success that
school nine consecutive winter terms. The school then numbered
from sixty to eighty scholars, and many of them grown to manhood.
Of his remembrance of this school Mr. Roberts says : " Since then
my fellow citizens have shown their confidence in me by appointing
me to positions of trust, but this is not as satisfying to me as to
know that many of those boys who attended school at the old school
house in " Green Woods street" have made successful and honora-
ble men. In 1841, he married Charlotte daughter of Ralzamon
Lomis of Charlestown, Ohio, but formerly of Torringford. He
continued as a farmer until 1849, when he engaged in the grocery
and dry goods trade at Burrville and remained there fourteen years.
During the war, he was engaged two years in the milk condensing
business in Penn. At the close of the war he returned to Conn.,
residing about one year in Wolcottville and three in Winsted, and in
1870, he removed to Vineland, N. J., and has been engaged mostly
in raising fruits for the New York market.

In 1846, he was elected representative to the legislature from Tor-
rington, and was reelected in 1847 ^""^ i" ^^55' In 1866, he was
elected state senator for the 15th senatorial district.

Soon after going to Vineland, in 187 1, he was elected a member
of the county board of '■'■ Chosen Freeholders " a board having charge
of much county business, and has been elected to this office every
year since.

In 1872, he was made chairman of the township committee (Select-
men) and has been reelected to that office every year since.

While in Burrville his first wife died in 1858, and in 1859, ^^
married her sister Chloe A. Loomis, a graduate of the Granville
Episcopal Female Seminary, of Ohio.

Mr. Roberts has two sons, children by his first wife, who reside
in Winsted. Harvey L., was chosen representative from that town
to the legislature in 187 1, and in 1873, was elected state senator for
the 15th district.

6oo History of Torrington.

Jesse B. Rose,

Son of Bela and Mary (Brockett) Rose, was born in the town of
Wolcott, Ct,, on Pike's hill, afterward more familiarly known as
Rose hill, Jan. lo, 1821 ; the place being one of those so numerous
in the state from which a most interesting and charming view is had
in every direction. The grandfather of Mr. Rose was from Bran-
ford, Ct., and his ancestors from Massachusetts, where they were
among the early settlers and influential people. Mr. Rose's father
was a farmer of moderate means, all obtained by his own exertions
in unremitting toil ; and in this toil the young Jesse B., had shared
to a large extent before he reached the age of sixteen years, at which
age his advantages for education in the public schools closed.

At this time upon the direction of his father he went to Water-
bury and engaged in the employ of Mark Leavenworth, in work
about the home and what time could be spared he worked in Mr.
Leavenworth's button shop. To indicate how small an occurrence
changes the life path of an individual, whether for weal or woe, un-
known, it is proper to relate why Mr. Rose did not continue in the
button shop. It was in the hard times of 1837, and Mr. Leaven-
worth was in straitened relations as to his business, and in arranging
some money matters which were troublesome, he sent Jesse to
Litchfield with horse and carriage, directing on his return to drive the
horse to the shop where he (Mr. Leavenworth) could use him. The
journey was performed ; the horse driven to the post at the shop and
tied according to orders, and Jesse went in and having delivered his
message stood waiting for further orders while Mr. Leavenworth ex-
amined the papers brought to him. Li a little time Mr. Leavenworth
said: " What did you drive the horse here for.?" " Because you
directed me to." " I told you to leave him at the house, its a lie,"
said Mr. Leavenworth. Quietly Mr. Rose replied, "Mr. Leaven-
worth, you told me to drive the horse down here so that you could
use him," and then retired from the room, but did not go to Mr.
Leavenworth's house to do the work that evening as had been his
custom on other days. Mr. Leavenworth sent his men after Mr.
Rose in various directions but he was not to be found. The next
day he went home, and before night seeing Mr. Leavenworth's
carriage coming he fled to the woods where he remained until even-
ing and then returned home. His mother said, " where have you
been, we have been looking for you all round. Mr. Leavenworth's

^^^ /vi^^^^^^

Biographies. 6oi

man has been to prevail with you to return." He said " I'll never
work where they say I tell a lie." The next day his father said rather
sternly, " Jesse, if you will not work for Mr. Leavenworth, you
must find some other place ; whereupon Jesse B. tied all his goods
in a pocket handkerchief and leaving home, never to return as a resi-
dent, directed his steps to Bristol which was about five miles distant.
What he should do, what kind of employment he might find, or
where he might find lodgings even for a night, he knew not, but the
world was before him, he loved, and felt ambitious to work and
secure his own living and therefore was neither discouraged nor
gloomy although he telt lonely in the world. At Bristol he applied
at the woolen mill, and engaged himself as an apprentice until he
should become twenty-one years of age.

Immediately after he became twenty-one, he was employed in a
woolen mill at Naugatuck as foreman of the carding room, where he
remained nearly two years, and was afterwards employed in Terry-
ville, Bristol and Plymouth Hollow, in the same department. He
came to Wolcottville under the employ of W. R. Slade, in the
Union Manufacturing company, and after working here about six
months the mill was consumed by fire, but was soon rebuilt. He
occupied the position of foreman of the carding room until 1859,
when he became a stock owner, and superintendent of the manufac-
turing work, on the mill. In 1873, ^^ ^^^ chosen president of the
company, still having supervision of the work. He was elected repre-
sentative to the legislature in 1877. He has now been in Wolcott-
ville nearly thirty years, and is one of the principal stock owners in
the woolen mill, and it is doubtful if all his goods could be tied up in
a pocket handkerchief as when he first went to Bristol. So much
for steady persevering industry.

Frederick J. Seymour,
Son of Samuel and Lucy (Taylor) Seymour, was born Oct, 14, 1825
in Wolcottville, where he still resides, and where he has been inti-
mately connected with manufacturing enterprises which have given to
Wolcottville some of its impulses to prosperity. He has been in-
terested thirty years in the manufacture and production of metals and
metal goods, as a specialty connected with the production of brass and
german silver wares. He was engaged with the Waterbury brass
company, continuously from the year 1847 ^° 1862, and during the
later years of that time held the position as superintendent.

6o2 History of Torrington.

Early in 1862, under President Lincoln's call for 300,000 volun-
teers, he gave up this position for the purpose of raising a company
of men for the service in the fourteenth regiment, C. V. ; was elected
first lieutenant, and in August of the same year the regiment to which
his company belonged was ordered to the front as part of the xVIorris
brigade of French's division of Sumner's corps, of the army of the
Potomac, and participated in nearly all the engagements of that event-
ful year. He was promoted to be. captain of Company G, of the
same regiment for good conduct at the battle of Antietam, his com-
mission bearing date of the anniversary of that celebrated battle. In
December of 1862, and after the battle ot Fredericksburg, he was
attacked by typhus fever, which after partial recovery, was followed
by fever and ague, and was recommended for discharge by the medi-
cal director of the division to which his regiment belonged, and on
the 24th of December, was honorably discharged for disability.

After returning home, and after recoveiing his health to a consid-
erable extent he began to look about for some business enterprise in
which to engage, and although he had a standing invitation to return
to the Waterbury company, yet he concluded to enter upon some
enterprise for himself, or where he should have a more special interest.
Hence in the spring of 1863, he became the pioneer of certain manu-
facturing enterprises in Wolcottville, which have been followed by
great advantage and prosperity to the place as well as to individuals.
At that time Wolcottville was in a state of almost unbroken sleep,
if not approaching decay, property of every description being at its
lowest mark. Almost every manufacturing enterprise in and around
the village had closed, and several had closed in bankruptcy ; the
woolen mill and brass mill held on, but the latter held by doing
almost nothing.

The VVadhams manufacturing property was purchased in April by Mr.
Seymour, and the Seymour Manufacturing Company organized, and the manu
facture of upholstery, hardware, and other metal goods of a similar character
was commenced. In 1866, this company was consolidated with the company
then known as the Turner and Clark Company, and later and during the same
year consolidated with and absorbed the Judd Manufacturing Company of New
Haven, and the name of the company became the Turner, Seymour and Judd
Company, and tliis again in 1873 was changed to the Turner and Seymour
Company.

It was during Mr. Seymour's investigations of the manufacturing interests in
Wolcottville, and in consequence of them that the attention of Mr. L. W. Coe
was turned to, and his purchase of the brass mill property finally made ; the
consequences of which, because of the success of that enterprise, have been very
advantageous to the community.

Biographies. 603

Mr. Seymour has been actively engaged in business during a notable period
in the history of the development of manufacturing enterprises in this country,
and has made many improvements in metals and appliances for working metals,
among the most notable is the improved machine for spining metals ; nearly all
sheet metal shell work used in this country for chandeliers and lamps beitig made
upon these machines, nearly forty being now in use. He has secured many
patents on improvements, some of them having been used with success, others
superseded bv later inventions ; and of the study of these improvements there
seems to be no end.

Rev. Henry Martyn Sherman,

Son of Charles H. and Lydia (Crowfoot) Sherman of Bridgeport,
was born June 26, 1838. He prepared for college at West Port
academy, a classical school of South Port, Ct. He then took a
theological course of study at the Berkeley Divinity school at Mid-
dletown, Ct., and was ordained deacon in the Episcopal church. May
25, 1864, and priest March 8, 1865. His first charge was in
Colchester, Conn., where he organized a parish and built a church.
After laboring there six years he became rector of Trinity church at
TarifFville where he remained also six years and built a church. He
became rector of Trinity church in Wolcottville September i, 1876,
and is successfully and energetically prosecuting the work for which
he was ordained.

Elisha Smith, Esq^,

Was born in Farmington, Ct., August 14, 1751, and came to Tor-
rington when about twenty-one years of age. He married Lucy,
daughter of Aaron Loomis Jr., Nov. 25, 1773, and made his home
with his father-in-law ; his wife, probably, inheriting most of the
homestead ; the house standing on the east side of the road. He
afterwards built, on the west side of the road, the house still standing ;
it being the present town house. It was a commodious, and ample
farmer's house, and still proclaims somewhat the dignity it possessed
when its builder and first occupant resided in it.

Probably no man has enjoyed higher honors and had them con-
tinued longer to him, in this town, than Elisha Smith Esquire. He
was elected representative the first time in 1786, and the last time in
1812, one year before his decease, and he was continued in that honor
a large proportion of the intervening years, twenty-six in number.

It is said that when his name was left off the ticket in 181 3, tears
expressed the sadness of his heart at the inevitable decline of his sun

6o4

History of Torrington.

of honor and association, which so long had been at its noon, with so
clear a sky.

He was town clerk eighteen years, to the time of his decease.
He was justice of the peace about the same number of years as town
clerk, and served in many other positions of public trust, during the
last thirty-seven years of his life, beginning particularly in the revo-
lutionary war.

Luring the time of the laying out and constructing of the turnpikes through
the territory, the town was in litigation with the turnpike companies, and against
other road projects, and Elisha Smith was the chosen agent of the town in
nearly if not quite all those cases, showing that in such matters no man was re-
garded as well qualified as he to defend, and secure the rights of the town.
This was a great compliment to his knowledge of legal matters as well as the
command he had of the confidence of the people. Nor was it because squire
Smith was so conservative that he was chosen as the fit agent to keep the town
from spending a dollar towards improvements, that he was thus selected, for he
is said to have been one of the most enterprising and spirited men of his day,
and this is corroborated by the style and appearance of his own dwelling and
farm.

Taken as a whole he was one of the most intelligent, reliable, and service-
able men the town ever had, and in return it did well in bestowing upon him
its confidence and honor to a greater length of time than any other citizen in
the territory.

His useful and honored life closed January 9th, 1813, at the age of sixty-two
years.

His widow, Lucy (Loomis) Smith survived him thirty-four years, dying in
1847, at the house of her son-in-law in Wolcottville, General Abernethy, aged
ninety-one years. She was a remarkable woman ; noble in character, benevo-
lent in her disposition, possessing a great memory, even to the close of life, and
an agreeable personal appearance. General Abernethy called her his Dictionary
for if he failed to remember, or wanted to know of things in the past history
of the town or country, he went to her, and with such unfailing success as to
merit the appropriated name. She was the youngest ot those tour daughters ot
Aaron Loomis fr., who married so remarkably well ; their husbands all being
honored with public office, and possessed reliable, disiinguished characters, and
whose names were Caleb Lyman, Wait Beach, Rial Brace and Elisha Smith.
And of these daughters it may properly be said there was not " a black sheep
in that flock," neither as to character, nor as to " luck" in marriage.

Charles B. Smith,

Son of Nathaniel and Harriet (Winchell) Smith, was born in i8ro ;
and educated, and trained in his father's store to be a merchant. He
possessed well balanced and noble qualities of mind, and a fine per-
sonal appearance. He also possessed musical talent and during many
years, as a young man, presided at the organ in the old Torringford
meeting house and a few years in the new house, and thereby greatly

Biographies. 605

aided the Rev. Mr. Goodman in the Sabbath services of the house
of the Lord. About 1840, to '42, Mr. Smith came to Wolcottville
and engaged in mercantile business for himself, in the old store on
the south side of the bridge ; now the Coe furniture building, where
he continued in business.

He also devoted much attention to raising of sheep on his farm in the edge
of New Hartford, and also considerable attention to cattle. He or his father
purchased of a Winsted farmer one of the first or the first Devonshire cow that
was brought to this part of the country ; and this cow, after remaining on this
farm a few years was purchased by John Brown (the hero of Harper's Ferry)
and taken to \* estern or nortliern New York, to improve the stock of that region.
After the death of Mr. Smith's father, he also continued that farm for the
purpose of raising sheep and cattle. (Capt. John Brown purchased many
sheep and cattle) of Mr. Smith. On the post in the barn now standing
in the rear of Mr. Nathaniel Smith's brick house, now owned by Stanley
Griswold, is the following record made by Capt. Brown of the sheep
he bought probably at onetime ; 35 rams, 104, 50 ewes, 128 ; 80 ewes (pro-
bably of another sort) 158 ; the whole amounting to $385. On another post
there is another column of figures amounting to 762, but whether these mean
animals or dollars is not shown ; in either case the sum was considerable ; and
reveals somewhat the extent of farming done by Mr. Smith.

He was also employed as agent to buy woo! in the United States for a manu-
facturing company in Rhode Island This business took him from home
some two or three months in a year, and thereby he became familiar with the
wool growing business throughout this country and Europe. Hence he im-
ported sheep from Europe, and was constantly improving the quality and
quantity of wool on his own farm, and selling sheep to wool growers in many
parts of the country, specially the southern and western states.

In consequence of this, John Brown, while engaged in the wool business, was
accustomed to call on Mr. Smith, once, twice and sometimes thrice in a year,
to buy wool and sheep for the west and other markets. These visits are well
remembered by Mrs. Smith, who says the old captain was a marvelously
" persevering man, always on the go, never still, never idle. He would be up
at four o'clock in the morning or earlier, and ofi^ to the lot to examine sheep ;
be out all day in rain or fair weather : never stopping for anything, scarcely
his meals, and frequently not even those." Three or four hours of sleep
seemed sufficient for him, and he was ready for a marvelous amount of " go
and come" or nervous endurance,

Charles B. Smith was a man of good business ability, of unusual enterprise as
a farmer, and of noble and honorable character.

He died March 31, 1861, leaving a widow and three daughters, but one of
the daughters is still living.

Jeremiah Spencer

Was born in Bolton, Ct., Feb. 5, 1770, and died in Torrington Oct.
22, 1863, and was consequently 93 years 8 months and 17 days old.
In the winter of 1775 and 6, his father removed to Wyoming, taking
with him six of his eight children, Jeremiah among the rest, there

6o6 History of Torrington.

being but one younger than he. In the summer after their removal
the father died of small pox.

On the 3d of July 1778, occurred the terrible battle and massacre
of Wyoming, in which the two eldest sons were killed, leaving the
widow with four children, who left the house at mi Jnight, when the
alarm reached them, hastened to the river, and, with many others,
made the best possible speed for Harrisburg, where the eldest daughter
was taken sick, by which they were delayed about two weeks, after
which they started on foot for their old home in Bolton, crossing the
Delaware at Easton, the Hudson at Newburg, and on the fifth of
September reached the Connecticut at Higley's ferry, having been
over five weeks on the journey, the whole of which Jeremiah per-
formed without hat, coat, or shoes.

Mr. Spencer was in his ninth year when they were driven from
Wyoming, and though not in the battle, nor a witness of it, he was
old enough to retain a vivid recollection of the trying scenes through
which he passed, and during the more than sixty years which he spent
in Torrington, he loved to repeat to interested listeners the tale ot
his sufferings on that long and dismal journey, though his lot was
pleasant compared with that of the people who came directly through
the wilderness, or " shades of death,'' as it was emphatically called
for many years.

He joined the church in Torringford on the fourth day of July
1858, just eighty years from the day he left Wyoming. He was kind
and aftectionate in his family, pleasant and affable in his intercourse
with the world, upright in his dealings ; in short an humble, sincere
Christian, and an honest man.

Dr. Bela St. John,
Was born in Wilton, Fairfield countv. Conn., iMay 19, 1827. His
ancestors were among the first settlers of Norwalk, Ct., are traced
back to William the Conqueror. As a family thev have been noted
for their firmness to their convictions of what was right, even though
the right was with the minority. It is said of the doctor's father that
when criticised at a church meeting because he alone advocated and
voted for some measure, he replied, if I am wrong I ought to be
alone, if right I am not ashamed to be alone.

The doctor early manifested a pleasure in taking care of the sick
and relieving human suffering, but from circumstances over which
he had no control, he was, in 1851, compelled to relinquish the study

Biographies. 607

of medicine and enter upon the practice of dentistry, with the late
Doctor H. V. Porter. In 1857, '" Danbury, Ct., he made the first
set of teeth on a rubber plate ever made in Fairfield county, and in
i860, he made the first set made in Litchfield county. He has lately
secured a patent for a new plate and tooth, said by all dentists to be
the best thing yet invented, and for which patent he is offered a
liberal price.

In 1856, he entered the office of the late Dr. William E. Buckley
in Danbury and began the study of homeopathic medicine, and after-
wards attended lectures at the New York Homeopathic Medical
college. When he came to Wolcottville homeopathy was a big
word, and only a thing to be laughed at, there being only two persons
in the village who used strictly homeopathic medicines. So much
prejudice existed in the community that during the first year or two,
persons on different occasions refused to go tor the doctor when re-
quested 10 do so by their sick neighbors. Others said, if he came
into their yards or houses they would kick him out, and various ex-
pressions of the kind ; all indicating only the opposition to that system
of practice. It was a frequent occurrence for persons to go to the
sick and inform them and their friends of the dangerous course they
were pursuing in trusting to a homeopathic physician, and in one case
the doctor was dismissed by a neighbor without the knowledge of the
patient or his family.

But quietly and devotedly the doctor has pursued his profession
until he has a large proportion of the practice throughout the region,
and the general sentiment in regard to this system of practice is greatly
changed from that of ten years- ago.

Rev. Jacob Hurd Strong,

Was born December 26, 1828, in the town of Haddam, Ct., in the
ecclesiastical society of Middle Haddam, and was the son of Dea.
Anson and Clarissa (Hurd) Strong. His paternal grand father was
David Strong of East Hampton, Ct., and his maternal grandfather
was Jacob Hurd of Middle Haddam.

In his sixteenth year he was received to the communion of the
Congregational church of his native place, and at seventeen, he com-
menced his preparatory course, fitting for college at Brainard academy
in his native town. He commenced this course having the purpose
of becoming a minister of the gospel, and completed this preparation
at Monson academy, Mass., in the summer of 1851, and in the

6o8 History of Torrington.

autumn following entered the Freshman class in Williams college.
Here he was graduated in 1854. In the following autumn he be-
came connected with the Theological Institute of Connecticut, then
located at East Windsor hill, where he was graduated in July 1857.
Mr. Strong was licensed to preach the gospel by the Franklin
association at West Hawley, Mass., May 14, 1856, a little more
than a year before completing his theological course. In September,
following his graduation at the seminary, he was invited to preach at
New Preston, in the village society, where he was ordained pastor
December 23, 1857. Soon after, an unusual religious interest pre-
vailed in the community, and as the result twenty-seven were re-
ceived to the church on profession during the year, of all ages from
fourteen to fifty.

He continued pastor of this church until May 1862, when this relation was
dissolved by the consociation. In August following he received an invitation
to preach at Oxford, where he was installed February 1 i, 1863, where he con-
tinued until 1865 ; it being during the war of the rebellion. He preached his
first sermon in Torrington November 12, 1865, where he was not installed
but continued as acting pastor until 1869. During his labors here, on the
week of fourth ot July, Rev. J. D. Potter held meetings with him and his church
five days, and considerable religious interest followed ; and as the result, twelve
united with the church. Mr. Strong succeeded in raising by subscription two
thousand dollars, to replace that amount, which had been used of the perma-
nent fund of the society.

As the result of mutual advice, the incipient steps were taken, during his labors
here, for removing the church edifice to Torrington hollow, where it is now
located. On the last week in September, 1869, Mr. Strong left his parish
accompanied by his wife and youngest .child, to go to California, not knowing
but that he might return, and resume his labors. During the next six months
he resided in Oakland, Cal., and preached as he had opportunity in different
places. In March the next, was invited to preach in Soquel, Santa Cruz Co.,
located on Monterey bay. Here he was installed over the Congregational
church, August 7, 1870, where he remained until the first of July, 1875.
Having resigned this relation, he removed to Santa Cruz, a distance of three
miles where he conducted a classical school until the next spring In April
1876, he went to Ferndale, Humboldt county, and organized in that place a
Congregational church and society, and engaged in earnest labor in a rapidly
increasing community. The health of his wife has very much improved, and
he thinks it a kindly divine Providence that guided him and his family to that
climate, and the good work which he is enjoying in that land far away from
the home of his early days.

Joseph Taylor,

Son of Ebenezer Taylor of Litchfield, came to Torrington a short
time before his marriage in 1775. His father-in-law Noah Wilson
gave him and his wife five acres of land near the river, on the west

Biographies. 609

side, a little distance above the old saw mill ; the site now occupied
by an old barn, at the foot of Allyn, and corner of High streets.
Mr. Taylor was an active, energetic, successful farmer and business
man, and made himself well known throughout the town, as such,
in regard to all public matters. He identified himself with the Tor-
rington church about the time of the building of the second meeting
house ; was elected to office in the military company atter the Revo-
lution. He purchased a share in the Wilson's mill, and engaged
more specially in the lumber business and clearing the pine swamp,
and probably had an interest in the first and second carding machines
on the river. He and his wife owned considerable land in the pine
swamp at the time of his decease, some of which was partially cleared
in the neighborhood of the bridge on Main street, and he had made
some preparations for building a tavern on the site of the Allen House,
and most likely had made preparations for building the house occu-
pied by his son-in-law Rockwell about 1805 or 6.

When the Torrington turnpike was surveyed in 1800, he was, pro-
bably, the most thorough, and capable business man in the vicinity
of what is now Wolcottville, and for this reason was sought for and
employed by the turnpike company to build that road. It was while
engaged on this road, blasting rocks that he was killed by a blast,
which closed his energetic and useful life. Great energy and per-
severance seem to have characterized his father's family. Two of
his brothers and one sister went to Wyoming before the Revolution,
and one, Benjamin, enlisted in that war. The original certificate of
dismission of Benjamin Taylor from that service, signed by George
Washington is in the possession of Charles F. Brooker of Wolcott-
ville, and reads as follows :

"By his excellency, George Washington, Esq., general and commander-in-
chief of the forces of the United States of America : These are to certify that
the bearer hereof Benjamin Taylor, soldier in the second Continental regiment,
having faithfully served the United States from Jure, 1777, to lune 1783, and
being enlisted for the war only, is, hereby discharged from the American army.
Given at head quarters, the 9th of June, 1783.

Go. Washington.

By his excellency's command ; J. Trumbull, Jun., Sy. registered in the
books of the regiment, G. Cuitiss, adjutant.

The above B. Taylor has been honored with the badge of merit, for six
years faithful service. H. Swift Colo."

That was a sad d.^.y for the community around the old pine swamp
when Joseph Taylor was killed. The mantle of business fell on
Ann Wilson Taylor, and she was equal to the work which became

6io History of Torrington.

a necessity. Enterprising, energetic and of a business turn of mind,
she tooic the work where Mr. Taylor left it ; bought the John
Brooker tavern and kept it as such, several years, then she and her
son Uri, resumed the work her husband had commenced, and built
a tavern, the first that stood on the site of the present Allen House,
and made it their permanent home.

Mrs. Ann Taylor,

Daughter of Noah Wilson, was born in 1751, and married Joseph
Taylor in 1 775, and was a woman of very decided intellectual ability,
and moral character. She inherited from her father, that steady,
straight forward, persevering character, that so definitely marked his
whole life, and having been trained in the puritanic ideas of religion
she continued in them to her latest day. The keeping of the Sab-
bath was a law never to be broken by her, and some of her grand-
children can tell of her requirements of them in this direction. Her
memory was very tenacious and correct as she often demonstrated by
acting as a concordance to the Bible, as she could direct where to
find almost any passage in that book, and she could tell, it is said,
most of the public occurrences that had transpired in the town from
its first settlement, remembering what she had heard as well as what
she had seen. She related many times to her daughter who is still
living, in the possession of very excellent memory, also, when the
Methodist ministers first began to preach at her brother's house,
Abijah Wilson's, about 1787 or 8, and when the Baptists began still
earlier to preach in the pine grove below Wolcottville, coming from
Litchfield for this purpose.

Her brother William died very suddenly and she suspicioned that
he had been taking mercury, as the cause of some peculiarity in his
illness in the last twenty-four hours. Upon this she obtained the
doctor's prescription, which being in characters she could not read,
and then rode to Litchfield where she found a druggist that read it,
and her suspicions were fully verified. He did rot know that he
was taking such medicine, and accidentally, or thoughtlessly, sat in a
carriage while making a call a little time on a very damp day, and
took cold in consequence, and his tongue swelled greatly, and he
lived only about twenty-four hours after it.

Her husband had bought a yoke of oxen about a year before he
died, and she knew that but a short time before his decease he went
to pay the note. Some few months after his death the note was pre-

Capt. URI TAYLOR.

Biographies. 6ii

sented, without even any endorsement on it, and she refused to pay
it, giving as a reason that there must be something wrong about it. In
those days it was necessary to have witnesses to a note to make it
legal, and upon examining this note carefully she judged that one
witness's name had been cut off, upon which suspicion she made in-
quiry as to who signed the note, and after some weeks ascertained
that the name of one witness was cut off; and this was probably
done in order to cut off the indorsement. She then employed a
lawyer who advised her to let the note come into court. The holder
of the note surmised what the plan was and that the witness could
be found whose name was cut off, and he abandoned the case and
left the country. Such was the business ability and persevering
energy of this woman.

When therefore her husband was departed the responsibility of the
care of a considerable property, and business enterprises fell to her
effort, and she was equal to the work placed before her. She did not
stand in amazement repeating the forlorn expression, " What can a
woman do under such circumstances ?" but took the work where
her husband left it, and went through with it for a number of years,
and then her son Uri became the leader, being qualified by the
practical education received both by father and mother, and thus a
name of honor and benevolences is theirs and will be for generations
to come.

As to the disastrous consequences to physical life and moral char-
acter, of so much effort of mind and physical endurance the only
answer necessary to be given is that she lived to be nearly eighty-
seven years of age, possessed a quiet, contented spirit, and clear and
valuable intellectual powers to the last. She died in 183S.

Capt, Uri Taylor,

Son of Joseph and Ann (Wilson) Taylor, was born July 22, 1786,
and was sixteen years of age when his father was killed by accident.
His only brother was two years younger than himself, and henc^
much care and responsibility fell upon him, as to his mother's family,
and the business enterprises his father was engaged in at the time of
his decease. Under the direction of his mother the plans of his father
were carried forward with decided energy and success, and when he
became of age, he moved forward in the same line of progress and
improvement for the village and the town. From 1812 to 1830,
there was probably no man that did as much directly for the improve-

6i2 History of Torrington.

ment of the village as he, both as to work and cheerful good will,
and also the use or giving of money. He was one of the first officers,
if not the first one, of the village school district, and it is most pro-
bable that the first school house was built mostly at his expense,
about 1 8 14. He built several dwelling houses and sold them as pur-
chasers came into the place, and also put up buildings at the require-
ment of others. About 1819, he with his mother erected the hotel
called, the Taylor House ; now the Allen House-, and in it conduct-
ed the hotel many years. His mother and he had kept the tavern
at the John Brooker house south of the bridge from about 1806, until
the erection of the new one, and therefore were not new hands at the
business.

About 1827, perhaps earlier, he commenced the work which re-
sulted in giving to Wolcottville its first church edifice and parsonage.
For these he furnished the ground ; assumed the responsibility of
building ; accepting such contributions of material and labor as the
friends of the enterprise were able to furnish ; then completed the
buildings and after a short time, during which a legal society was
organized, turned over the property to rhe society with the one re-
servation of a seat for his descendants, during a certain length of time,
two or three generations. The society is still fulfilling its part of
the agreement.

Mr. Taylor was known far and near in consequence of his public
position as hotel keeper, and was regarded with much favor by the
general public. In 1841 and 2, he was a representative to the legis-
lature, and was honored at other times by elections to offices in the
town, of responsibility and honor, and was regarded as a benevolent,
kindly disposed, but energetic business man.

In politics he was a federalist and whig, until about 1852, when he
became a democrat, and in the anti slavery times he was free and
earnest in his denunciations of the abolitionists, whom he opposed
with a hearty relish ; nor did it please him in the least that the church
he with so much cordial good feeling had built was some times used
by those who would speak against slavery. He had, it is said, several
talks with John Brown, in which the excitement ran high. Brown
was the cooler of the two and more than a match as to argument,
but Taylor was very decided, and very emphatic in his fears as to the
consequences such agitation would bring upon the country, and the
last talk he had with Brown, when driven to extremity he exclaimed,
*' why Brown if you go on in this way you will end your days on the

'.^;o>';^\>SK'.

Biographies. 613

gallows," and so it was, and in so dying his name has become
honored as a hero, beyond that of almost any other American citizen.

By this remark it is clear that Captain Taylor was not slow to
discern and understand the mind of the American public, and that
his conservative principles had their foundation in conscientiousness
and fear of consequences, rather than in the want of a benevolent dis-
position, but John Brown knew no such caution or fear, for with him
only one question merited consideration ; what was right must be
done even if one should hang for it.

Captain Uri Taylor did much for his own village and town, was
much respected, and is still kindly remembered by the community
generally.

Elisha Turner,
Was born at New London, Ct., Jan. 20, 1822, and received a
common school education and attended the academies of Suffield and
Colchester.

Received his business education in a dry good store at New London
and went into business for himself before he was twenty-one years
of age, and had considerable interest in the whale fishing some years.
In consequence of poor health he sold his business at New London
and removed to Waterbury in the spring of 1846, and conducted the
dry goods trade two years, when with others, in 1848, he started the
hook and eye business under the name of the Waterbury Hook and
Eye Company, in which he was the president and financial manager,
and continued as such to the removal of the company to Wolcottville
in 1864, and the formation of the new company called Turner and
Clark Manufacturing Company, which js now the Turner and Sey-
mour Company.

Mr. Turner has represented the town in the legislature and has
always been prominent in all public enterprises and responsibilities
of high moral character, and is a most reliable and substantial citizen.

Major Isaiah Tuttle,

Was born in North Haven, May 23, 1752, and came to Torrington
about 1772, on the west side of the town, where he married Ruth,
daughter of Capt. Amos Wilson. After the birth of three children
he removed to Torringford Society, northeast corner, when it was
a wilderness, and built a house, and commenced clearing the lands.
It is said that before removing his family to this part of the town he

6i4 History of Torrington.

spent some time here, preparing for his family, and that he was obliged
to keep fires at night to keep the wolves at a distance, as they were
inclined to be troublesome.

Previous to burning the brush on the land, he set an orchard,
which he bent to the ground and covered with earth to prevent the
fire from burning them. The orchard is still in a bearing condition.

Major Tuttle was a hard working man and acquired quite a landed
property ; owning lands in the towns of Torrington, Winchester,
New Hartford and Barkhamsted. He erected the first house in that
corner of the town, now owned and occupied by his granddaughter,
Mrs. O. L. Hopkins. In 1803, he built a large two story house,
opposite the original one, which with a portion of the land of the old
homestead, was inherited by his son Leverette Tuttle, and in turn
was inherited by his grandson John L. Tuttle, who now owns and
occupies the homestead.

Major Tuttle was noted for his wit and hospitality ; many of his
sayings are quoted still by the old people.

From the Winchester Annals^ the following is illustrative. " A
hardy race were these South street pioneers, from Still river bridge to
Major Isaiah Tuttle's, who sifted their corn meal for hasty pudding,
'through a ladder.'" The major remarked that by working bare-
footed in the stubble fields, their heels became so hard and flinty
that if they happened to tread on the feet of their cattle it would
make them bellow.

"Apropos of the major; the horse-tamer, who could ride any thing but
chain-lightning ; was with his bovs felling timber on the top of the rid^e of
mountains. 'Ihev felled a tail tree, so that one-third of its length extended
over a precipice of some twenty or thirty feet. The major ordered his eldest
son to go out on the trunk and cut away the tTp. Uriel went out and after
striking a few blows came back with a swimming head. Daniel was sent out to
finisii the job, but soon came back equally dizzv. After blazing away in his
characteristic manner at his bovs for their want of pluck the major took his axe
and went out himself, and chopped away, until the top of the tree unexpectedly
yielded. He was standing with a foot on each side of the chopping, and as the
one on the top section yielded he lost his presence of mind, and instead of
grasping the main body of the tree, threw his arms around the falling section
and went down with it. The boys, hastening around the precipice, came to
the landing place of the lop of the tree, and found the major bruised and
wounded, but on his feet, wiping away with green leaves the blood that was
flowing into his eyes and mouth from a wound in his forehead. ' Father, said
one of the boys, you have had a terrible fall.' 'Yes! yes!' said the major,
' a terrible fall ! Adam's fall was nothing to this ! ' "

Major Tuttle had a ten year old bull in the lot with other cattle,

Biographies. 615

which he ordered his son and hired man to drive out of the lot, and
put him elsewhere. They went and after chasing him around in the
field for a long time gave it up and reported to the major that they
could not get him out. He said he was very sorry he had a son and
hired man who could not get a bull out of a lot ; he would try what
he could do with the critter. He took with him a dish of salt, and
on his way cut two large clubs. When he reached the lot, having
let down the bars on his way, he gave the cows some salt, the bull
seeking his share as well, and watching his opportunity the major,
with a single leap, sprang to the back of his bullship, which in fright
started for dear lite on a run, making a hideous bellowing as he sped
across the lot ; while the major, with a club in each hand, tanned his
bulls hide vigorously, and by hitting him on the side of the head as
was proper, guided him across the field under full sail and out into
the highway.

This somewhat indicates the spirit and energy of the major, and
also of his descendants. They were prompt, energetic, spirited,
courageous, and the end is not yet.

General Uriel Tuttle,

Son of Isaiah and Ruth (Wilson) Tuttle, was born in Torrington in
1774, and spent his life at the north end of Torringford street, as an
energetic, industrious, successful farmer. He was a man of large in-
fluence, not only in the town, but throughout the county, and con-
siderably so through the northern portion of the state.

The following extract from a letter written on the death of Gene-
ral Tuttle, by his neighbor, Dea. Thomas A. Miller, to the Repub-
lican^ is a proper tribute to the character of this good and great man :

" Of the numerous virtues, and enlarged philanrhropy of General Tuttle,
those only who were intimately acquainted with him can form a jubt appreci-
ation. His eye was quick to perceive, his heart to feel, and his hand to relieve
the wants of his fellow men. He was ready to enlist in any effort for the
amelioration of suffering humanity. Possessed of an indomitable energy of
character, he would surmount and overcome the most formidable obstacles.

He was one of the first to enlist in the temperance reform, and threw his
influence into that cause at a time when nothing was gained but obloquy and
reproach. He ever remained firm and undaunted in this cause, until his death ;
for only a few hours before he was stricken down by the hand of death, he was
engaged in devising plans for the advancement of this reform.

His efforts and untiring zeal in the cause of emancipation are too well known
to the public in this state to need a delineation. Those who stood with him
in the time which tried men's souls know as no others can the value of his
counsels and self-denying labors. For many years and until his death he was

6i6 History of Torrington.

president of the Litchfield County Anti-Slavery Society, and at the time of his
death, the president of the State An'.i-Slavery Society.

His house was literally a place of refuge for the panting fugitive, and his
purse and team were often employed to help him forward to a place of safety.
No man watched with more interest the advance of t^iis cause, in this and other
lands, or longed more ardently for its ultimate success. But his work is done.
That voice so often raised in behalf of suffering humanity is hushed in death ;
that heart which was wont to beat quick for the down trodden and crushed bond-
man has beat its last ; those hands which were prompt to relieve the wants of
the distressed, are palsied in death.

While we sympathize with the afflicted family, and while we deplore our
loss, and the loss which every philanthropic cause has sustained, let us who sur-
vive be incited to do with our might what our hands find to do."

Rev. Herman L. Vaill,

Was born in Litchfield, Dec. 7, 1794; united with the Congrega-
tional church there in May, 1816 ; was disabled by ill health from a
collegiate course ; began the study of divinity under Rev. Joseph
Harvey, D.D., of Goshen, in 1821 ; was licensed by the Litchfield
South Association, Oct. 15, 1822; was ordained pastor at Milling-
ton, April 6, 1825, and dismissed April i, 1828 ; was pastor at East
Lyme eight years, and came to Torringford and was settled pastor
two years, being dismissed Sept. 29, 1839. He was afterwards settled
at Seneca Falls, N. Y., three years. He was obliged thereafter to
decline several invitations to settle, because of enfeebled health, and
returned to Litchfield county in 1848, and preached at Milton two
years, after which he preached only occasionally until his decease.
His widow resides in Litchfield.

George D. Wadhams,

Son of Seth Wadhams of Goshen, was born in Cornwall in 1800,
and became clerk for R. C. Abernethy at Torrington green, some
time during his minority and came to Wolcottville, about 1825, and
entered the store with John Hungerford as partner, where Workman
and Weeks now are, where he continued many years in the mercantile
business. In 1836, this store was united with the woolen mill and
Messrs. Hungerford and Wadhams became partners of the mill com-
pany, and the former giving his time to the work of manufacturing,
the latter gave his time to the store, and other enterprises of business
but did not long continue with the woolen mill company. Mr.
Wadhams was an enterprising, energetic business man and citizen,
and his plans and methods of business would have brought him better

Biographies. 617

remuneration if they could have been executed fifty years later or in
a large city, for all his work was thorough and honorable but much
of it on too large a scale for the limited returns he could realize in
so small a community. He built the house now owned and occupied
by Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, and after residing in it some years sold it to
Israel Coe, and afterwards built the dwelling, now the residence of
Ransom Holly. By his directions and counsels a stock company
was organized and the first button shop ot the place built ; which
was afterwards, the papier machie shop, in which business he was
still stock owner. He was engaged in several other manufacturing
companies, as stock owner and officer ; in all of which he seems to
have been, and is so spoken of by many, an honorable, upright,
generous hearted man. Mr. Wadhams also built the granite block,
an ornament to the village, in which is the Wadhams Hall, and in-
asmuch as the community are enjoying and will be for many years
the benefits of that hall at the expense of Mr. Wadhams it would be
a matter of decided exhibition of want of gratitude if that hall should
be called anything but Wadhams Hall.

Mrs. Caroline H. Hayden Wainwright,

Daughter of Cicero and Sophia (Squires) Hayden, married Rev.
Jonathan A. Wainwright, M.D., of Montpelier, Vt., Sept, 8, 1858.
He was ordained deacon by Bishop Horatio Potter, in Trinity
church, New York city, June 27, 1858, and became assistant of the
rector of the Church of the Transfiguration in that city ; resigned
that position, Sept. 8, 1858, and took temporary charge of St. John's
church near Fort Caswell, N. C. ; served at that military post one
year, when he became rector of St. John's church, Wilmington, N.
C. ; where he was ordained priest on Ascension day. May 17, i860;
held that position until Nov., 1861. From that time until Sept.,
1862, he had no settled charge, but officiated on Sundays at Milton
and Bantam in Litchfield. He was elected chaplain of the 19th
Regt. Conn. Vols., or 2d Conn. Heavy Artillery, and resigned
that office, March, i, 1863. He became rector of St, John's
church, Salisbury, Conn., March 27, 1863, which position he re-
signed in 1 87 1. He is now president of St. Paul's college in Pal-
myra, Mo.

Lauren Wetmore,
Son of Ebenezer L. and Elizabeth (Miller) Wetmore, married
Fanny C. Austin in 1827. He has been an active, energetic busi-

6i8 History of Torrington.

ness man, and an enterprising, progressive citizen, encouraging every
moral, philanthropic, and elevating enterprise. He joined the first
temperance society organized in Litchfield county, when he was
about twenty-three years of age, and is still forcibly and heartily
proclaiming total abstinence and no license principles through the
village paper, the Wolcottville Register. ^

He united with the church and worked in it with success and
acceptability to the people. Joined the abolitionists about 1837, and
worked in this cause amid difficulties and at considerable cost. As
the conflict increased and the cause of human freedom seemed more
and more imperilled, he lost confidence in the church, believing it
to be a pro-slavery organization, and left it, very much to the regret
of many of his friends, but doubtless very much to his own comfort of
moral rectitude. He has resided in his native town all his life
except eighteen years spent in mercantile business in the city of New
York, and is in full vigor of intellect and his natural strength but
little abated though now in his seventy-fifth year. He remembers
well the eclipse of the sun in June, 1806, though he could not at
that time comprehend the fearful apprehensions of the' good fathers
concerning such events. Of the district school when he attended
it, he says.

*' It was small in summer and large in winter ; sixty or more, in the latter
case, of boys and girls, many of them sixteen and eighteen years of age, onlya
few of whom formed a grammar class and remained after school hours to re-
ceive instruction, as it was judged that the regular hours of the sehool should
not be dissipated by the intrusion of the almost needless study of grammar.
Morse's descriptive geography, with a very stinted allowance of maps, met with
more general reception than grammar and a few more applied themseKes to
this branch of learning. Dabol's arithmetic was the only mathematical series
known in the school In reading, the American Preceptor and C 'lumbian
Orator comprised the series unless some of the smaller readei-s were given the
New Testament as the intermediate between the spelling book and the Precep-
tor. Dilworth's and afterwards Webster's spelling books were the standards,
but few persons having heard of or seen any othcis. Of the fine arts, writing
was the chief, drawing being a punishable offence, as it was never indulged in
except tor mischief. To excel in writing was an honor not easily won, and
in this I remember Gerry Grant as the most distinguished. Of all those who
used to crowd into the old school house only one or two arc left, the others
are gone beyond the shadows, whither all must soon follow."

Besides giving adheretice to all moral reforms, Mr. Wetmore is a strong, ac-
tive supporter of educational interests, and has devoted much time and money,
and is doing the same still, in behalf of the high school of Wolcottville. For

'See Register Dec. 1875.

Biographies. 619

this institution he gave the lot on which it is located, and is continually exerting
his influence for an efficient, thorough and advantageous system of public in-
struction.

Capt. Noah Wilson,
Son of Dea. John Wilson, of Windsor, was born in 1715, and
married in Windsor, Ann, daughter of William Cook, one of the
original proprietors of Torrington lands. Noah received from his
father about fifty acres of land and his wife about as much more from
her father, from the first division and probably more afterwards. He
and his wife joined the Torrington church in the spring of 1742, or
about two years after Deacon John Cook, and was probably the first
settler between deacon Cook's and the pine timber, now Wolcottville.
His brother Amos probably lived with him ten or more years before
marriage. Amos bought the mill privileges, but soon after Noah
took one-fourth of the property, Amos retaining the same amount
and others the rest. Noah seems to have attended more to his farm
and farm work, and buying land, and his sons bought land, almost
everywhere, in the town but specially in Mast swamp, and his
daughter Ann bought land and sold land in various parts of Mast
swamp, with her husband, Joseph Taylor.

Noah Wilson was not a speculator in lands ; he bought to keep,
and it would not have hurt his feelings much if he had owned half of
the town. Not that he would wish others driven away, but he liked
land, and liked to clear it, and see it improved, and let Amos do the
work of the merchant.

He was probably the first military captain in the town, but resigned
and his brother Amos was elected to fill his place before the Revolu-
tion.

Noah Wilson was a true blue puritan in principles and character ;
steady on the same track ; so much so that it almost takes one's
breath to think of it. True to the pilgrims' idea of the Bible, so
that any one in the town knew just what principles he held in religion,
and what he would do when those principles should be put to the test
as well as he himself knew. He was so sedate, so regular in all his
doings, so strict in religious principles, that the youngsters called him
" His Majesty."

Under such circumstances, it may easily be seen how afflictive it
was to him when his son Abijah became a Methodist, and one of the
first Methodists in the state, probably about 1776 or 7. But the
devoted Christian life of Abijah and his noted good wife, somewhat

620 History of Torringto

modified the old gentlemen's opinions of the Methodists, and their
doctrines.

He closed his earthly career March 9th, 1796, aged 81 years.
Such is an outline of the life of one of many of the early settlers and
the strict followers of the doctrines of the Bible as taught and re-
ceived by the New England people during the first century and a half
after its settlement. Whatever notions may be entertained as to the
errors of interpretation given to Bible statements in those days,
or any errors of practical life, there is certainly great pleasure arising
from the consideration of such fidelity, integrity, and nobleness of
character as was produced in those times. In this respect the present
age does not surpass that of a hundred years ago.

Amos Wilson,

Son of Dea. John and Mary Marshall Wilson, was born in Windsor
in 1726, and came to Torrington a young man and united with the
Torrington church in 1752, worked here ten or more years before
his marriage to Zerviah, daughter of William Grant, in 1762. He
settled on a farm given him by his father, one mile west of the then
pine swamp, where he resided until his death. He was a man of great
industry, and could " turn his hand " to almost any kind of work or
business enterprises of that day, as is evident from his account book
still preserved.

Before his marriage he and his elder brother Noah entered into
the enterprise of building the saw mill, known ever after as Wilson's
mill, and wherein he and '^his brother did a great amount of hard,
heavy work, both night and day during many years. How many
days and years of cold and wet and heat, they endured, about that
saw mill and in the woods " getting out logs," and afterwards in the
grist mill also, cannot now be numbered nor imagined, but they were
very many and the endurances very great. And thus the land was
cleared for a beautiful village and for generations who might follow.
The work was hard, unceasing, and brought small remuneration.

Amos Wilson kept articles for sale as a merchant, probably, in
his dwelling house, such as tea, sugar, indigo, silks, buttons, cloths
and such things as were not raised in the town as well as the native
productions of the soil.

He was a man of considerable influence in the ecclesiastical society and in
the church, at the time the second meeting house was built. He furnished
material tor that house nearly two years before it was opened for service, and

Biographies. 621

did much to secure its final completion. All through the church difficulties he
sustained the side that finally built the new house and maintained steady public
worship. He was thorough and straightforward in religious as well as business
life. When Mindwell Grant did not live with her husband, and the church
people were much exercised about it, Amos VV'ilson did not try to satisfy him-
self with a great amount of talk, but preferred charges against her, and believed
in doing something, and he made the church do sometliing, and thereby the
matter was peaceably settled. When Dea. Abel Hinsdale became a member
of the Masonic order, Amos Wilson stopped going to church, and refused
fellowship with such a deacon, and a church that would keep such an one ; but
when the deacon on oath before a justice of the peace declared that there was
nothing in the Masonic oath, that was contrary to the character of a true
Christian, so far as he could judge, Mr. Wilson was satisfied, and that matter
ended peacefully, and in edification to all.

The following is the only paper of the kind given during the Revo-
lution, that has been found :

"Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Captain General and Commander-in-Chief of
the English colony of Connecticut, in New England, in America.

To Amos Wilson, Greeting:
You being by the General Assembly of this Colony, appointed to ht captain
of a company now ordered to be raised in this colony, and to join the conti-
nental army, reposing especial trust and confidence in your fidelity, courage and
good conduct, I do, by virtue of the laws of this colonv, me thereunto enabling,
appoint and empower you, the said Amos Wilson, to be captain of said com-
pany ; you are therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a
captain in leading, ordering and exercising said company in arms, both inferior
officers and soldiers, in the service aforesaid, and to keep them in good order
and discipline, hereby commanding them to obey you as their captain, and
yourself to observe and follow such orders and instructions as you shall from
time to time receive from me, or the commander-in-chief of said colony, for
the time being, or other your superior officer, according to the rules and
discipline of war, ordained and established by the continental congress, pursu-
ant to the trust hereby reposed in vou.

Given under my hand, and the public seal of said colony, at Hartford, the zoth
day of June, anno do mini, 1776.

Jon'th Trumbull.
By his honor's command,

George Wyllys, Sec^y.

Dea. John Whiting,

Son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Parmelee) Whiting, was born in
Wallingford, now Meriden, Nov. 23, 1726, and came to Torrington
about 1750. His house stood across the road west of the first meet-
ing house in the southwestern part of the town. He was descended
from one of the most noted men who came among the number called
Pilgrim Fathers to America, the Rev. Samuel Whiting of Boston in

622 History of Torringto

Lincolnshire, England, and later of Lynn, iVlass. His father was the
third deacon of the first church in Meriden.

Dea. Whiting was a man of great energy, steadiness of purpose,
and of great faithfulness to the Christian church, as is clearly shown
by the fragmentary records still preserved. He was elected in 1764,
the third deacon of the first church in the town, and continued in that
office until his death, fifty-six years. In the time of the great
division and troublein the first church he continued to support the
church and gave all his effort to keep the meetings at their regular
times; and then aided in building the second church and sustaining
the meetings until the whole matter was amicably settled under Mr.
Gillett as pastor.

He was the treasurer of the town several years after the decease
of Dea. Cook, and was treasurer of the society, and for a number of
years attended to the securing of preaching and paying for it, when
it seemed almost every year, that the church would be closed.

The deacon was a man of much work and very careful in keeping
accounts, and very precise as to every farthing, for or against himself,
being as particular to pay every penny as to be paid.

He kept an account with his sons and daughters, the same as
though they were strangers, so as to make the final settlement equita-
ble between them. On January 10, 1771, he says: "Then de-
livered to my daughter Mary, the wife of Levi Thrall, in movables
and household furniture at money price, sum total, X49, igs. iid.^
i/., i. e., it lacked only three farthings of fifty pounds, yet he did not
say fifty pounds. When he gave his daughter Rebecca her portion
six years after Mary received hers, he says the goods were valued as
when Mary had her things ; the high prices of 1778, made no differ-
ence in his estimation of goods delivered to his children. This prin-
ciple of equity he seems to have carried out in all his dealings.

He had a slave girl Tilly who worked for his daughter Sarah,
some months, and he charged Sarah two shillings a week for this
help, but afterward credited Sarah with all the work she had done for
her father, and the balance was largely in Sarah's favor.

He was a man of rigid character, yet that character had high and
noble qualities.

Daniel Grant, one of the wealthiest and finest men as a citizen in
the town, wanted to marry his daughter, but the deacon would not
give his consent; his reason announced was, "he did not like the
blood." He may have prided himself a little on " blood " for there

Biographies. 623

was no blood in Torrington that went in a more direct line back
through the kings of England and France to William the conqueror,
than that of the Whitings.

Dea. Whiting died Feb. 21, 1820, in his 94th year.

Dr. Samuel W^oodward/
Was born in Watertown, Conn., Nov. 8, 1750, and was one of the
nine children of Israel and Abigail Woodward, the average of whose
ages was eighty-five years. His father was a farmer and educated
his children to some useful vocation and enterprise, and Samuel was
apprenticed to an elder brother, to the trade of a shoemaker and
tanner, until he should be twenty-one years of age ; for in those days it
was thought to be no disparagement tea young man's character to be
energetically engaged in some employment that would render a good
and independent living. When his term of service had expired, the
employment being distasteful to his mind, he being studiously in-
clined, he abandoned it and entered upon a course of study during
the summer and teaching school winters, to fit himself for entering
college with a view of becoming a clergyman, agreeably to the
wishes of his pious mother. He entered Yale poUege in 1776, and
made honorable proficiency in his studies. When the British troops
attacked New Haven, and the college was transferred to Glastonbury ;
the excitement and distraction became very great, in consequence of
which, and in consideration of advanced age, he entirely relinquished
his collegiate course. From that time he gave his mind to the study
of medicine, and entered the office of Dr. Hastings, of Washington,
Conn. ; and subsequently of Dr. Daniel Sheldon, of Litchfield,
where he completed his studies.

Doctor Woodward commenced the practice of medicine in Tor-
ringford, in 1779, where he continued twelve years, and then re-
moved to his native place. After remaining in Watertown two
years he returned to his original field of practice which soon became
extensive, arduous and lucrative. He married Polly Griswold, of
Torringford, Feb. 10, 1782, by whom he had six sons and three
daughters, all of whom are deceased.

Doctor Woodward was possessed of a fine physique, vigorous con-
stitution, and great powers of endurance ; so much so that he scarcely

» Contributed by E. D. Hudson, M.D., of New York city, in memoriam.

624. History of Torrington.

knew a day's illness, until a few years before his decease. He had
a well organized and developed brain ; strong intellect, quick per-
ceptions, good sense, sound judgment, independent thought and ex-
pression. His moral faculties were equally worthy and philanthropic
for his day. To temperance, industry, intellectual and moral
culture, and practical religion, he rendered homage and in public
and private schools, and the academy of Torringford, which have
sent forth so many teachers, missionaries, clergymen, lawyers and
physicians, the influence of his character was always a quickening
power. He drew more young men unto him to learn the healing art,
than any other physician in Litchfield county having had over forty
students of this kind. He was a self educated man and physician,
always seeking for the light of science in the arts. On the lid of an
electric machine which he gave me as a token of his regard for my
attention to his chronic ailments, a copy of prophecy was pasted ;
viz: " Men shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."
He was a well read physician and surgeon for his day ; when the ad-
vantages for scientific acquirements were very limited, and much of
success in the practice of medicine was attained only by critical and
attentive observation and experience ; in consequence of which, as
it was well known, much of the practice of medicine, with the less
critical and unthinking minds, was pretty much a routine. As a
characteristic of Doctor Woodward's independence of mind power of
analysis, and natural resources for special occasions, it may be men-
tioned, that, at the time when malignant typhoid pneumonia, known as
spotted fever, prevailed as an epidemic most fearfully and fatally in
Torrington and various parts of New England, and which for a time
baffled the most skillful physicians. Dr. Woodward quickly perceived
the strange, low and virulent type of the disease and immediately
abandoned the routine treatment of pneumonia, and all depleting
remedies, and resorted to stimulants, and vigorous supporting reme-
dial agencies, with such signal success as gave to him deservedly an
extended reputation.' In a later period of his practice, he was
called to visit a patient in an adjoining town, in consultation with a
young and worthy physician, who had enjoyed distinguished privi-

' A woman now living says that Dr. Woodward told in her father's house how he learned
to treat this disease. A young girl was attacked with the disease j the mother was much
frightened and sent for the doctor, but perceiving the girl was cold in her extremities she
began to give her brandy, and make hemlock tea, in the effort to get her into a perspiration.
When the doctor came the patient was doing so well that he said, " that learned me how
to treat spotted fever." — Ed.

Biographies. 625

leges of education, and graduate^d at one of the modern medical
colleges. After consultation Dr. Woodward prescribed so pecu
liarly, as to greatly surprise the young doctor, who asked for his
authority for such a prescription. The reply was graphic and sum-
mary: '' the authority of Samuel Woodward." Such decision and
self reliance characterized the man as to inspire his patients and every
class of men, to repose unlimited confidence in him. On one occa-
sion, of a bad case of compound fracture of the leg, an eminent
surgeon of a neighboring town was sent for; mean time Doctor
Woodward, called for the immediate exigency of the case was
greatly indignant that any one should suppose him incompetent for
the case, and at once assumed the responsibility and put up the limb
with such successful results as was highly creditable to his skill as a
surgeon.

To all the physical and civil interests and aspects of the town, he
was ever attentive, and contributed his judgment and leading in
fluence. At a time when almost the entire interval of alluvial de
posit, of Torrington and Winchester high hills from Wolcottville to
Winsted, along the banks of Still river, was an everglade, a fenny,
dense bush and miry bog, dangerous for man or beast to enter,
Newton Rossiter, then an enterprising and extensive tanner, currier,
and shoemaker, being located at what is now Burrville ; and having
to transport hides and leather from, and to New Haven, over abrupt
and toilsome hills, projected a road through this morass, along the
river, from Winsted to Wolcottville, for his own, and the public
benefit. The project was deemed impracticable and Utopian, by the
inhabitants of the town who regarded the lands wholly unreclaimable.
The opposition, headed by Dr. Woodward, raged intensely. In town
meeting where it was voted down, he heatedly declared it a " fool-
hardy idea, and that if it were built, no living creature could or
would travel it save snakes, polecats, woodchucks and foxes." The
project was forced and executed by private enterprise ; was useful
and appreciated. Since then the Naugatuck railroad has been built
in that valley, and " men ride to and fro " upon it ; the signal of the
steam whistle reverberates over Torrington hills ; the telegraph
wires communicate knowledge. If father Mills, and Dr. Wood-
ward, could awake from their sleep, and see, hear and understand
these wonderful changes, they would exclaim as Mr. Mills was wont
to do : "I am astonished ! I am amazed ! I am confounded ! I am
speechless ! "

626 History of Torrington.

To whatever cause Dr. Woodward allied himself, he became a
power. His native strength of organization, and acquired abilities
shone forth conspicuously with great effect. He was ingenuously
and nobly above all intrigue. " In politics, he was a democratic re-
publican ; ever zealous of rulers, and an unflinching advocate of the
rights of the people." He was one of the exceptional few of Litch-
field county, to adopt the principles of what was designated as the
"Jeffersonian democracy" immediately after the close of the war
with Great Britain, for which he was ever a strong and persistent
advocate. In thus doing, and in the face of his numerous patrons
and friends, who were unflinching federalists, of the Cromwellian
stamp, he exhibited great fearlessness, and an independent mind and
character, with distinguished ability. He was equally vigorous, con-
cise and graphic in his writings for the press, as in his speeches.
Many respected him through fear, for he was no ordinary opponent
to confront.

Dr. Woodward was for his day a great man ; a physician beloved,
and a philanthropist. Although he was regarded with much doubt
by the federal and orthodox Calvinists, and with whisperings of in-
fidelity^ yet he was a man who feared God, and loved his fellow men.
And when in unmeasurable usefulness, and at an advanced age, be-
cause of chronic physical disease, he was compelled to retire from
the practice of medicine, and eventually to yield up his life, the
people mourned for him as a father to the whole community, and
could not be comforted, " because he was not ; " and after forty
years, his place is vacant, as a house without inhabitant, as a desert
without the healing fountain, as a land without its Washington.

He deceased on the twenty- sixth day of January, 1835, aged eighty-
four years and two months. He was attended as his physician and
surgeon by the writer of this sketch, during the later days of his
life -, and who was the subject of Dr. W's, surgery for a fractured
leg, while a youth ; and who had intimate opportunities to know him
and his character, and who most cheerfully avails himself of this
opportunity to make this small contribution to the honor of the phy-
sician, surgeon and friend of his youth, and one of the great, the noble,
and true men.

Mary Woodward,
The only daughter of Dr. Samuel and Polly (Griswold) Woodward,
was born September 20, 1783. She was possessed of many of the

BrOGRAPHIES. 627

Strong mental and physical characteristics of her father and had ex-
cellent intellectual capacity ; was amiable in disposition and manners,
and studious in her habits, and havino; received a good education,
moved in the best society, being in no wise the least of that remark-
able household. Many noble families there have been in the town
of Torrington, but of all of them, few equaled the one where this
young lady was the joy and pride of brothers ; the comfort of parents ;
and possessing sterling good sense, great wisdom of thought and pow-
er of discrimination, a symetrical and dignified personal appearance,
she commanded great respect and consideration and was as perfectly
a lady, as her elder brother was a gentleman, and no way inferior in
native talents. She remained unmarried until considerably advanced
in years, when she married John Gillet, an intelligent, stable and
highly respected bachelor, and farmer, with whom she had always
been acquainted, he having been reared in her immediate neighbor-
hood.

Samuel B. Woodward, M.D.,^
Was born June 11, 1787, and was the eldest son of Dr. Samuel and
Polly (Griswold) Woodward of Torringford, and inherited the physi-
cal and mental powers of his father; if anything different, was
an improvement in elegance of stature and demeanor. Under the
limited facilities for obtaining an education in his own community,
his father instructed him principally, and prepared him for the medical
profession. He studied medicine, with other young men in the of-
fice of his father, three or four years, when he was licensed to prac-
tice medicine, thereafter assisted his father for a time in order to
acquire some knowledge of clinical medicine.

In the year 1808, he settled in Wethersfield, Hartford county;
and soon became popular as a man, and a physician, and gained an
extensive and lucrative practice. He had the honor of the degreeof
doctor of medicine, conferred by the State Medical Society, before
the present medical department of Yale college was instituted.

Dr. Woodward's physical conformation, stalwart frame, physiog-
nomy, dignity of carriage, great urbanity of manners, and benevo-
lence, were very imposing, and prepossessing, and secured for him
popular favor, while his studious, thoughtful and analytical qualities
of mind, inspired general and unqualified respect and confidence in
him as a beloved physician. He was by nature a noble gentleman.

'Manuscript of Dr. E. D. Hudson, of New York, 1875.

628 History of Torrington.

He early associated with the choicest, most talented, and scientific
physicians of the valley of the Connecticut, and of the state ; and be-
came an honored cotemporary with them in their scientific pursuits
and practice of medicine.

With such men as Eli Todd, Mason F. Cogswell, Thomas
Miner, William Tully, and Eli Ives, he was in moral, philanthropic
and medical rapport^ though many of them were greatly his seniors
in years. It was their custom to hold stated monthly meetings of
what was denominated as the Hopkins^ Medical Society^ every mem-
ber becoming such, by a unanimous ballot ; to read essays, discuss
the character, types, and causes of any prevailing or local disease ;
also the properties, powers and availability of various remedial
agencies. Pharmacy received a good share of their attention, which
by their analytical studies and personal experiments was scientifically
advanced ; the improvement, in the present practice of medicine re-
flects their wisdom and philanthropy. Dr. Todd had an immediate
and special concern for the insane ; and made nervous and brain
affections the subject of weighty consideration, and untiring research.
In that important study and humane desire. Dr. Woodward con-
tributed his warmest sympathy and mental efforts. They intro-
duced the subject to the State Medical Society, and urged the prac-
tical advantage and necessity of a public institution for the special
study and treatment of insanity.

Their appeals were cordially accepted and adopted, and both were
appointed on a committee to devise the ways and means to accom-
plish the worthy object. The Connecticut Retreat for the
Insane, at Hartford, and its immeasurable good and scientific re-
sults, testify to the wisdom and beneficent works of these men.

In 1832, Dr. Woodward left Wethersfield, abandoned his general
practice of medicine, accepted the honorable appointment of super-
intendent and physician-in-chief, of the Massachusetts State Lunatic
Asylum, at Worcester ; wherein he devoted his great talents exclu-
sively to the treatment and well being of the insane. His annual
reports of the cases in that institution, his medical and moral treat-
ment of its inmates were very creditable to his head and heart, and
were valuable auxiliaries to medical science.

He also manifested great interest, and exercised commendable
zeal and influence on behaif of inebriates and idiots, for their treat-
ment, and evolution by legitimate means ; and to establish an
asylum for the one class of unfortunates, and a school for the other.

Biographies. 629

As a testimonial of the regard which was entertained for his profes-
sional and moral worth, the " old Bay state " has deposited a marble
bust of the man in the lunatic asylum. In 1846, he retired from
professional duties, because of impaired health, and made his resi-
dence at Northampton, where he deceased in 1850, aged sixty-three
years.

In religion. Dr. Woodward was a Christian democrat ; a philan-
thropist of a most worthy pattern; not regardful of sectarism, yet
respectful to all lived faiths^ manifested in love to God and good will
to men. His life being almost exclusively devoted to science and
philanthropy, gave him very little time to bestow upon politics and
parties. Yet on one or two occasions he was elected to the state
senate, when as usual he magnified his office for the public good.

Such in brief was the character and life of Dr. Samuel B. Wood-
ward, one of the sons of the town of Torrington ; a son in whom
all other of her sons may justly feel a pride.

Dr. Elijah Woodward, M.D.,^

Was -born April 25, 1789, and was the second son of Dr. Samuel
and Polly (Griswold) Woodward. He inherited a constitutional
tendency to lung affection, from some source, which disease made
sad havoc for many of the members of Dr. Woodward's family.
He was possessed of a fine intellect, and was an accomplished young
man ; a student with his father, in medicine, and was very promising.
He received a license to practice medicine, and assisted his father to
some extent, though his health was precarious and threatening.

In 1817, when he was twenty-eight years of age, he was violently
attacked with haemoptysis, and tubercular ulceration of his lungs,
which proved fatal. It was a sorrowful event to his father, and family,
and his numerous, sympathising friends in Torringford.

Griswold Woodward, ^

Was born in Torringford, February 3, 1 791, and was the son of Dr.
Samuel and Polly (Griswold) Woodward.

He received a good English education, and being inclined to
agricultural pursuits, was allowed to devote himself to the farm and

' Manuscript of Dr. E. D. Hudson of New York, 1875.

630 History of Torrington.

the farming interests of the family home. He became a good and
reputable farmer of the town. During the winter seasons he fre-
quently taught school, and always manifested much interest in the
promotion of education, both in the common school and the aca-
demy, for which latter Torringford became quite noted.

He was much respected, and was elected to various ecclesiastical,
civil, military, and political positions which he filled with honor.
At the commencement of the temperance reform he was one of the
foremost advocates ; making public addresses ; attending meetings in
different parts of the county, and was the first man in his community
to abandon the practice of furnishing liquors during harvest time,
paying his men additional wages in the place of the cost of the
liquor, showing that it was not a matter of money but of beneficence
to humanity. His name is mentioned with much respect throughout
the town.

RuFus Woodward, A.M.,^

Was born in Torringford July 16, 1793, and was the son of Dr.
Samuel and Polly (Griswold) Woodward.

He gave early promise of more than ordinary intellect, and of be-
coming the ornament to the paternal household. His father, with
great appreciation and pride of so bright a son, gave to his education
greater attention and effort than to any of the other sons, and secured
to him a collegiate education at Yale, where he was graduated in
1 8 1 6 with the principal honors of that institution. He was appointed
tutor in the college in 1818, which position he filled with great credit
until 1822, when on account of his failing health he was compelled
to resign.

He was an apt scholar, of rare attainments and great moral worth ;
and was on the way to distinguished preferment, when the insidious
foe of his house indicated that he was a marked victim. For the
purpose of regaining his health and escaping if possible the fell de-^
stroyer, and progressing in his literary pursuits, he made a voyage
across the Atlantic, spent a season of travel in Europe, England and
Scotland. He there became prostrated and died among strangers ;
though not without numerous sympathizing friends, in Edinburgh ;
in the autumn of 1823, in the thirtieth year of his age ; " when the
genius of Columbia sped over the ocean wave, to meet, and weep
with Scotia's bard in McFingal's cave." His remains were respect-

^ Manuscript of Dr. E. D. Hudson of New York, 1875.

Biographies. 631

fully deposited in the cemetery of the protestant kirk of Edinburgh,
where rests the dust of John Knox, and where a marble slab com-
memorates the short but brilliant life granted to him.

In St. Cuthbert's church yard in Edinburgh on a tablet set in the
wall close by DeQuincy's grave is the following inscription. " In
memory of RuFUs Woodward, born at Torringford, Connecticut,
i6th of July, 1793 ; graduated at Yale college 18 16 ; visited Europe
to pursue his studies and restore his health, 1823. Died at Edin-
burgh 24th Nov. 1823. His friends here who cheered his last hours
and committed his remains to this grave knew and recognized him
as the amiable American stranger."'

The early fall of this man was a great loss to the world. Society,
literature, science, philanthropy, and the good of men suffered greatly
when he departed this life. There was great sorrow and heaviness
of heart in the old home on Torringford hill when it was known
that the son Rufus, would return no more to that sacred hearthstone.

The several essays and reviews which he contributed to the
Christian Spectator^ together with his other literary productions,
characterize his intellectual powers as those of critical philosophical
analysis, vivid, entertaining and instructive description, and great love
of literary research. He was of the college class of 18 16 ; of which
William C. Fowler, LL.D., was one, and of whom he published a
sketch in the Christian Spectator.

Dr. Henry Woodward^

Was born in Torringford May 26, 1795, and was the son of Dr.
Samuel and Polly (Griswold) Woodward.

When a youth he exhibited unusual mental abilities and personal
qualities. At sixteen years of age he was induced to enter a store
to assist in trade, which soon proved irksome and repulsive to his
mind. He left the store and commenced the study of medicine un-
der his father's instruction; and after a time continued the same
under his brother, Dr. S. B. Woodward of Wethersfield, until he
received his degree of doctor of medicine at Yale college. He after-
ward entered into a co-partnership of medical practice with his brother
during a limited period, when he removed to Middletown, as a suc-
cessor to Dr. William Tully, who was about to leave that city.

' Hartford Daily Courant, Oct. 1 1, 1872.
'Manuscript of Dr. E. D. Hudson, New York, 1875.

632 History of Torrington.

He became highly respected as a physician and citizen, and soon
acquired an extensive practice and considerable celebrity. He was
very highly esteemed by the noted of the profession, and early re-
ceived the honorary degree of doctor of medicine by the State Medi-
cal Society. He possessed and exercised that frankness of speech
and firmness of character which characterized his father, which,
with his active benevolence and philanthropy, rendered him a very
useful member of society. He was a member, vestryman and war-
den of the Episcopal church.

He was cut down in early life, in his growing usefulness by dis-
ease of the lungs and rapid phthisis, that insidious foe to others of
his father's family, in 1832, in the thirty-seventh year of his age.

Dr. Charles Woodward'

Was born in Torringford, August 16, 1798, and was the son of Dr.
Samuel and Polly (Griswold) Woodward. He received most* of his
education by the instruction of his father and at the Torringford
academy ; and afterward studied medicine with his brother. Dr. S.
B. Woodward. He then received his degree of doctor of medicine
from the medical department of Yale college. In 1822, in his
twenty-fourth year, after having spent some time with his father in
practice, he went to Windsor, Ct., and settled. There he encoun-
tered the opposition of physicians, much his seniors in age and prac-
tice, who had been trained in the practice of the expectantia system^
quite inefficient for the successful treatment of the type of most of
the acute diseases incident to that malarious region.

His discriminating sense, studious habits, great fortitude, attentive-
ness and sympathy won for him a good business, a commanding
ascendancy over his competitors and respect of his professional breth-
ren, with whom he maintained an honorable standing. He was an
earnest, active member of the Hopkins Medical Society, for the ad-
vancement of medical seience, and an honored fellow of the state
Medical Society.

Dr. Woodward remained in Windsor ten years when he removed
to Middletown to fill the place made vacant by the death of his
brother Henry, to whose practice he succeeded with great credit.

Dr. Charles Woodward, probably, inherited more of the tempera-
ment and prominent traits of character of his father than any other

'Manuscript of Dr. E. D. Hudson, of New York, 1875.

Biographies. 6^3

member of the family. He possessed great decision of character,
self reliance and adherence. His religious views and practice were
similar to his father's ; and in politics he was an active and promi-
nent member of the democratic party. He was for several years in
succession, alternately a member of the state legislature and senate.
He continued in the practice of medicine until nearly the time of his
decease in 1872, in the seventy-fourth year of his age.

Luther H. Wood, M.D.,

Son of A. F- Wood, druggist of New Haven, was graduated in
Sheffield Scientific school at Yale college, in 1867, and in the medi-
cal school of the same institution in 1869. He settled in Wolcott-
ville in the autumn of 1872, having previously practiced in Monroe
and Southington, and has devoted himself entirely to his profession
in which he has had much success.

George Wolcott,

Son of Guy and Abigail Wolcott, was born in Torrington, July 26,
1826, and was one of a family of twelve children. At the age of
sixteen, he removed with his father's family, to Tallmadge, Summit
county, O., in 1822. His father died the next August, leaving him
in care of the farm, assisted only by his youngest brother, where he
continued until the spring of 1828. Desiring to engage in business
for himself he went to Wadsworth, O., where he purchased on
credit, one hundred acres of wild land at four dollars per acre, and
commenced clearing it himself. He married Aug, 6, 1828, Mar-
garet Hine, of Tallmadge, O., who was born in North Milford, now
Orange, Ct. The second day after marriage he took his wife to
his new home, beginning married life in a log house with only one
room and a chamber. The same autumn he took a contract to fur-
nish plank for a large bridge, sawing the lumber himself by night, as
the mill was used by others during the day time, and for this work
received fifteen dollars, the first money realized after engaging in
business for himself.

In 1832, he bought half of a saw mill and engaged in the manu-
facture of fanning mills, which enterprise proved successful. In
1836, he sold his possessions at Wadsworth, and made arrangements
for finding a home and facilities for water power farther west.
Leaving home in March, 1837, he went into Indiana and established
his enterprise near the southern line of Johnson township. La Grange

634 History of Torrington.

county, on the middle branch of the Elkhart river. Here he put up
a log house and laid the floors, leaving the rest to be completed by
the neighbors, while he went after his family. This is the place
now called Wolcottville, Indiana. Returning with his family he
reached his new home September 28, in the fore part of the day, the
weather being cold and rainy, and found his house in the same un-
finished condition, without doors, windows and fire-place, as when
he left it. He left Mrs. Wolcott ^nd her five children at the nearest
neighbor's, Mr. Taylor's, while he and the three hired men, whom
he brought with him, gathered stones to build a temporary chimney
back, so that fire could be built for the night. This being accom-
plished blankets were substituted for windows and doors ; beds put
up to accommodate eleven persons, and the family were settled in
their western home. By a few days' work the house was made
comfortable and Mr. Wolcott proceeded to business " by clearing a
piece of land for a mill dam and pond and constructed a race halt a
mile long. In 1838, he built a saw mill, appropriating a part of it
for a temporary grist mill, putting one run of stone for custom work.
In 1839, he built a store and a frame barn, and put a few goods into
the store.

In 1845 ^^ '^"•'^ ^ large grist mill with three run of stone, bring-
ing the machinery from Ann Arbor, Michigan, on wagons with
horses and oxen, a distance of one hundred and sixty-five miles, and
occupying from ten days to three weeks in the journey. He ground
the first grist November 9th, which made it a day to be celebrated.
This same year he built another saw mill. In 1847 ^^ built a new
store, putting into it a full stock of goods, and thereby was conduct-
ing seven different branches of business ; milling, sawing, coopering,
blacksmithing, mercantile, ashery and farming.

Having succeeded thus far he turned his attention to another en-
terprise. Being anxious to give his children a better education than
could be obtained in the district schools he sent to Governor Slade,
president of the National Educational Society that met at Hartford,
Conn., to send a teacher as governess in his family. The governor
sent from one of his classes Miss Susan Griggs, of Westfield, Ver-
mont, a lady of culture and true Christian refinement. She taught
one year in the family, during which time he had received frequent
requests to grant other children to receive the benefit of her instruc-
tion. The next year hq put up a building suitable for such a pur-
pose, and school commenced November 23d, and the institution

Biographies. 635

took the name of Wolcottville Young Ladies Seminary. After-
wards young men were admitted. Soon after this he built a board-
ing house with rooms for students to board themselves and also to be
boarded in the institution, and rooms for a steward and matron.

All the money used by Mr. Wolcott in these enterprises were
from his own resources. He also gave largely for the support of the
gospel, and was in the true sense of the word the poor man's friend.

He died March 31, 1857, aged fifty-one years, leaving a wife and
six children.

GENEALOGIES.

< • • » >

ABERNETHY, William, was a native of Scotland, and came to Branford
and thence to Wallingford. The name of his first wife was Sarah, that of his
second Elizabeth. He was an active energetic man. Children :

1. Elizabeth, b. Oct. 15, 1673. 5. Samuel, b. Jan. 10, 1683, d. Mar. 14,

2. William, b. Jan. 23, 1675. 1723-

3. Sarah, b. Oct. 10, 1677. 6. Daniel, b. Sept. 3, 1686.

4. Mary, b. Mar. 29, 1679. 7- Susannah, b. July 18, 1689.

2. William, son of William of Wallingford, m. Mary , and lived

in Wallingford. He d. Feb., 1728, and she d. Jan. i, 1757. Children:

8. Mary, b. April 30, 1700. ning May 12, 1727, a. 19.

9. Jemima, b. Aug. 20, 1702. 13. Caleb, b. Feb. 11, 1710, m. Lois Gay-

10. Sarah, b. Dec. 15, 1704. lord.

11. Ann, b. June 7, 1706. 14. Susannah, b. April 28, 1712, m. Sam-

12. John, b. Feb. 27, 1708, killed by light- uel Yale.

13. Caleb, son of Wm. and Mary Abernethy, m. Lois Gaylord of Wal-
lingford, Sept. 26, 1733. Children:

15. William, b. July i, 1734. 18. Mary, b. Dec. 9, 1739.

16. Mary, b. Nov. 23, 1736. 19. Jared, b. Oct. 31, 1741.

17. John, b. July 2, 1738.

15. Dr. William, son of Caleb and Lois (Gaylord) Abernethy, studied
medicine and settled in Harwinton, as a physician and m. June 20, 1762,
Honor, daughter of Abijah Catlin, the first of the name in Harwinton. Dr.
Wm. Abernethy was a successful, much esteemed and honored physician in
Harwinton, where he d. Nov. 26, 1802, aged 68 years. His widow Honor,
d. Sept. 14, 181 1, aged 66. Children:

20. Honor, b. Aug. 28, 1763, m. Daniel 26. Andrew, b. April 23, 1776, d. June 2,
Catlin. 1782.

21. Lorain, b. Sept. 25, 1768, m. Abel 27. Huldah, b. Feb. 21, 1778.
Peck. 28. Russell Catlin, b. Feb. 9, 1780, m.

22. Capt. Wm. Conant,b. May 25, 1770, m. 29. Andrew, b. June 28, 1782, m.

23. Lucretia, b. June 8, 1772, m. Timothy 30. Sabrah, b. June 3, 1785, m.

Clark. 31. Horace, b. June 14, 1787, d. Feb. 12,

24. Roswell, "lb. June 20, ~| m. 1788.

25. Rosseter, J 1774, /d. young.

28. Gen. Russell, son of Dr. William and Honor (Catlin) Abernethy,
was in Washington, Ct., some time before coming to Torrington, He m.
Sept. 17, 1803, Orrel, daughter of Elisha Smith Esq,, who was at that time
one of the prominent officers of the town. Mr. .■\bernethy became one of the
most prominent and higlily respected men the town ever had. (^See biography^
His wife Orrel d. May 26, 1835. He d. Sept. 16, 1861, a. 81 years. Ch. :

32. Elisha Smith, b. Oct. 24, 1805. Wm. B. DeForest May 3, 1836, d. in

33. Lucy S., b. Sept. 7, 1807, m. George New Haven in 1877.

D. Wadhams, Dec. 25, 1829, d. in Wol- 35. Charlotte Leaming, b. Oct. 2, 1820, m.
cottville. George P. Cowles Sept. 18, 1844, resides

34. Mary Lucretia, b. Mar. 27, i8iz, m. in Ansonia.

638

History of Torrington.

32. Elisha Smith, son of Gen'], m. Charlotte Huginsof New Haven, He
entered Yale when 16 years of age and graduated, and studied law and became
a lawyer, resided some years in Bridgeport where he died 1869. Children:

Helen, m. Oviatt, lives in Bridgeport. Agastus.

Russell, d. in the West. Charlotte, d. young.

Augustus, rec'd diploma M.D., at Yale 1864, is a physician in Bridgeport.

AGARD, James, lived in Litchfield, probably not far from the Torrington
line, as his children were baptized in Torrington, there being a settled minister
at Litchfield during the time. Children :

1. Abigail, b. , m. Joshua Parsons of dau. who m. Chauncey Humphrey of
Farmington, April 29 1762. Winchester.

2. Salmon, b. Sept. 9, 1744. 4. Chloe, b. Dec. 4, 1748.

3. Elizabeth, b. Mar 19, 1747, m. Benoni 5. Sarah, b. April 9, 1753, m. Friend
Hills of Torrington Oct. 28, 1773, l^ad a Thrall, Nov. 23, 1774.

2. Salmon, son of James, m. and lived in the southeasterly part of Newfield
where he died, not far from 1800. It is said, the family removed west soon
after the death of the father. Children :

6. Salmon, b. ; removed west. 9. Rhoda, b.

7. James, b. 10. Olive, b. And probably others.

8. Benjamin, b.

Benjamin, son of Salmon, m. Rhoda daughter of Issachar Loomis of Tor-
rington, April 7, 1 796, lived in Torrington and Colebrook, and left there in 1816
with his brother-in-law, Joseph Loomis and removed to- Wadsworth, Medina
'o., Ohio. Going in the winter, and after some distance on their way, they
took the wheels from their wagons and put them on sleds, with boxes on top with
their goods, and traveled most of the way in that manner, on the snow, to
Wadsworth. He bought a large tract of land in the northeast part of the town,
and cleared a large farm. He was a very careful farmer, of great prudence
and economy in saving everything, and keeping everything in order ; always
holding an abundant supply of grain for the next year, for fear the next year
might not render a sufficient supply.

12. Alvin, was the eldest son of Benjamin, b. in Torrington Jan.
14, 1797, d. July 29, 1837. He was an industrious farmer, of very
diffident and retiring disposition, but little known even by his neighbors. He
was a man ot much reading, intelligence and observation. For many years he
kept a complete meteorological record, on a plan of his own, noting the tem-
perature at 6, 12, and 6 o'clock, the direction of the wind, and the fall of
rain and snow. He married Lucy, daughter of Salmon Warner.

13. AuRELius b. March 6, 1799, M.D., of Sandusky City.

14. Rhoda b. July 23, 1802.

15. Roman Loomis, b. Dec. 3, 1804 ; b. in 1805 ; married
a Miss Wright. He was a worthy citizen, and a member of the Congrega-
tional church. He died June 3, 1846. No descendants of the Agard family
remain in Wadsworth.

Bradley R., son of Luman Agard of Litchfield, m. Mary A., daughter of
Charles S. Church, Npv. 3, 184I ; and is one of the prominent and reliable
men of the town. He has been first selectman many years and has served the
town in other offices with unusual acceptance. Children :

1. Arthur B., b. June 3, 1846. ville.

2. Susie Church, b. Oct. 16, 1852, m. 3. Charlie G., b. June 29, 1863.
Gideon H. Welch, a lawyer in Wolcott- 4. Ollie F., b. Dec. 10, 1867.

Genealogies. 639

ALLEN, Hiram, came from Hebron to Torrington about 1825. He had
been m. to a Miss Tinker, a relative of Col. George P. Bissell's mother. He
taught school on the Guinea road, near Harwinton line. He m. a Barber and
d. Apr. 3, 1826, a. 63. Child:

1. William, b. Dec. 26, 1790.

1. William, son of Henry and (Tinker) Allen, m. Hannah Johnson,

Nov. 26, 1816, and lived in Hebron. His wife Hannah was born May 27,
1798, in New London. Children :

2. William, b. Jan. 20, 1818, was a phy- Pennfield in New Britain.

sician and practiced medicine in Meriden, 7. Adaline L., b. Sept. 30, 1828, m. ist

d. in 1850. Alfred L. Burt of New Britain ; 2d Milo

3. Edwin, b. Sept. 12, 18 18, d. an infant. Shattuck of Manchester, Ct.

4. Harriet N., b. July 16, 1821, d. when 18. 8. Hannah E., b. May 13, 1830, d. an in-

5. Nancy E., b. Jan. 27, 1823, m. C. M. fant.

Burt in 1841 ; lived in New Britain, Ct. 9. Henry J., b. May 26, 1831, in Man-

6. Caroline A., b. .May 27, 1826, m. Lemuel Chester, Ct.

9. Henry J , son ni' William and Hannah (Johnson) Allen, m. Ellen Robin-
son of New Britain, Nov. 14, 1853, and came to Wolcottville in 1859, and
bought of Charles F. Church the Allen House property, where he has kept a
hotel ever since. Children :

10. Henry J., b. Feb. 20, 1855, in New Britain.

Britain. 12. Hattie B., b. Oct. 5, 1867, in Wolcott-

11. Nellie H., b. Dec. 14, 1857, in New ville.

10. Henry J. Jr., son of Henry J. and Ellen (Robinson) Allen, m. Mary-
Walling, Dec. 16, 1875 ; resides with his father. Child:

13. Emma Mary, b. Nov. 30, 1876.

ALLYN,' Hon. Matthew, came from Braintree, Essex county, England,
probably, with his sons, and settled at Cambridge, Mass., in l63^ ; removed
to Connecticut, 1635 ; may have lived a short time in Hartford, and after-
wards settled in Windsor. He m. Margaret in England. He d.

Feb. I, 1670. Children:

I. Hon. John, m. Hannah, dau. of Henry 2. Thomas.

Smith of Springfield and died at Hartford. 3. Mary, m. Benjamin Newberry of Windsor.

2. Thomas, son of Matthew and Margaret Allyn, m. Oct 21, 1658, Abigail,
daughter of Rev. John Warham, first pastor at Windsor. He d. in Windsor,
Feb. 14, 1695-6. Shed. Children:

4. John, b. Aug. 17, 1659, d. Oct. 4, 1659. Wolcottt, Jan. 6, 1686, descendants nu-

5. Matthew, b. Jan. 5, 1660. merous.

6. Thomas, b. Mar. 11, 1663, m. Martha

CoL. Matthew, son of Thomas and Abigail (Warham) Allyn, m. Jan. 5,
1686, Elizabeth, daughter of Hon. Henry Wolcott and granddaughter of Henry
Wolcott the first of the name in Windsor. .She inherited from her grandfather
an estate situated in the parishes of Tolland and Ledyard Lauran, in Somerset-
shire, and at Willington, called Long Forth, in England. The rents of these
lands, held by her husband in her right, were disposed of by him in his will,
1740, to their three living sons, and the four sons of his son Thomas, deceased.
His estate was £1,806. On his tombstone in Windsor is the following: The
Hon. Col. Matthew Allyn, Esq., who was many years the council and judge

' There was from the first two spellings of this name but the ^/len family was not related
to the Allyn family. The Allen family came from Enfield and settled in East Windsor.
The Henry All)n family came with Mr. Warham 's company, in 1636, to Windsor. Another
Scotch family by the name Allyn came fifty or more years later.

640

History of Torrington.

of the superior court, for the colony of Connecticut, d. Feb. 17, A.D. 1758,
in ye 98th year of his age. Mrs. Elizabeth Allyn, consort, d. June 4th, A.D.
1734, ^^ y^ 69th year of her age.

" And here their bodies sleep in dust
Till the resurrection of the just."
Children :

7. Matthew, b. Aug., 1687. 10. Thomas, b. 1696.

8. Peletiah, b. May 3, 1689. 11. Henry, b. Dec. 16, 1699.

9. Jusiah, b. March 9, 1692. 12. Theophilus, b. Aug. 26, 1702.

10. Capt. Thomas, son of Matthew and Elizabeth ( Wolcott) Allyn, m.

Elizabeth . Besides being a prominent military man he was one of

the responsible and active men in the first society. He d. Dec. 11, 1738,
a. 42. Children :

13. Thomas b. Nov. 7, 1725, m. Sarah 15. Eunice, b. June 7, 1730, m. Epaphras
Phelps. Sheldon, April 30, 1752.

14. Theophilus, b. Nov. 23, 1726, m. Tri- 16. Jonathan, b. March 5, 1733.
phena Wolcott. 17. Joseph, b. June 3, 1737.

17. Joseph, son ot Thomas and Elizabeth Allyn, m. Elizabeth Filley, at
Windsor, and removed to Torrington and settled on a farm nearly a mile
west of Wolcottville, on which he lived until his death. This farm consisted,
at his decease, of about two hundred acres of land.

His wife Elizabeth united with the Torrington church December 11, 1763.
She d July 15, 1810, aged 72 years. He d. April 14, 1831, aged 94 years.
Children :

18. Elizabeth, b. June 23, 1762, never 22. Henry, b. May 20, 1773.
married, d. Nov. 23, 1843, a. 81. 23. Oliver, b. Dec. 15, 1775.

19. Joseph, b. May 14, 1765. 24. Hannah, b. Sept. 26, 1778, never mar-

20. Chauncey, b. Dec. 2, 1767, d. may 20, ried, d. Dec. 12, 1836, a 58.
1784, a 17. 25. Gilbert, b. Oct. 11, 1780.

21. Jonah, b. May 23, 1770.

19. Joseph, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Filley) Allyn, m. 1st, Phebe
Smith, March 28, 1793. She d. Sept. 21, 1798. He m. 2d Sabra Loomis,
March 18, 1801. She d. Nov. 20, 1833, a. 56. He lived a little east of
his father's homestead, and was an active, energetic farmer, until nearly the
time of his decease. He d. October 12, 1841,3. 77 years.

21. Jonah, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Filley) Allyn, m. Laura Root of
Burlington, Ct., abont 1826, and lived with his brother Gilbert some years,
when he removed to and lived on Gilbert's farm on the Litchfield turnpike. Ch. :
26. Jonah, b 1827, d. young. 27. Laura Caroline, b. 1831, d. young.

22. Henry, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Filley) Allyn, m. Betsey Palmer
of Windsor, July 26, 1798. He lived some years about a mile north ot west
from his father's home, on the north side of the road on the hill, where the re-
mains of a chimney arc to be seen ; the place having been long known as the
" old chimney lot." He was a tall, broad shouldered, powerful man. He d.
Nov. 25, 1843, a. 71 years. His widow Betsey, d. March 3, 1859, a. 84
years. Children :

28. Henry, b. July 17, 1799. 32. Leonard, b. Nov. 24, 1807, removed to

29. Julia, b. July 4, 1801, m. Lyman the state of" New York, where he married
Beach of Litchfield, April 7, 1823, and Laura Bowen.

removed to the town and county of Greene, 33. Jonah, b. May 27, 1811, m. and re-
N. Y. > moved to Missouri and afterwards toTexas.

30. Chauncey, b. July 7, 1802, d. Oct. 18, 34. Amorit, b. Aug. 23, 1812, m. Riley
1851, a. 49, not m. ; built the house across Cook'hnd resides in Wolcottville.

the road a little east of his father's home. 35. Annis, b. Feb. i, 1814, m. Geo. P.

31. Elizabeth, b. Jan. 4, 1804, never m. Roberts.

Genealogies. 641

23. Oliver, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Filley) Allyn, m. Lury Looinis,
May 7th, 1801, and settled on the Sarah Higley farm on the hill half a mile
north of west from his father's homestead. Two of his deeds were dated, the
one in 1799, the other January 30, 1800. His life came to a close while
hunting the cows at evening during a thunder storm. Not returning home as
expected, search was made for him late in the evening with lanterns but with-
out success. In the morning he was found dead in the lot ; supposed to have
died of a fit or something of the kind. He d. Aug. 27, 1831, a. 56 His
widow Lury d. April 2, 1843, a. 68 years. Children:

36. Amelia, b. July i, 1S03, m. James 39. Phebe Smith, b. June 8, 1813, never
Whiting, April 10, 1828. m. , she collected in part her family gene-

37. Horatio Nelson, b. March 11, 1805. ^logy* guing to Windsor and making dili-

38. Joseph, b. May 29, 1809. I^Toiun Rec.) gent searchj d. May 9, 1862, a. 49 years.

25. Gilbert, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Filloy) Allyn, m. Mrs. Phebe
Chamberlin. He was an efficient and active man in behalf of the interests of
the town and community for many years. He d. Nov. 18, 1850, a. 71.

28. Henry Jr., son of Henry and Betsey (Palmer) Allyn, m. Rheuba,
daughter of Giles Whiiing, Feb. 17, 1824, lived in different parts of Torring-
ton, and removed to Windsor, where he d. Children :

40. Giles. 43. Henry.

41. Chauncey. 44. Charles.

42. Sophia.

37. H. Nelson, son of Oliver and Lurv (Loomis) Allyn, m. Speedy, dau.
ofL. Hamlin Birge June 7, 1832. She was born July 16, 1812. He resides
on a farm half a mile west of Wolcottville, a beautiful and picturesque location,
as are nearly all the residences on the road running west from the \illdge the
distance of two miles. A part of (his farm he bought as an out lot or an un-
occupied lot, and settled on it as the first resident. It was covered with bushes,
briers and weeds wherever the rocks and stones left room for a weed to grow,
but it has become, under the energetic hand of iis owner, a productive and
desirable homestead. It is to be doubted however, whether the success of the
farm had been as great, but for the fact that there was as much energy in the
house as on the farm. Children :

45. Ellen Eliza, b. April 14, 1833, d. Feb. B. Johnson of Cornwall, may 25, 1875,
27, 1844, a. II years. and has a son Satiford Allen b. March

46. Alonzo Nelson, b. April 6, 1838, d. 25, 1876; Mr. Johnson is a lawyer and
Aug. 30, 1839, a. one and a half years. formerly editor at Lilchtield, and a farmer.

47. Edward, b. 1840, d. Feb. 19, 1844, a. 50. Sarah Elizabeth, b. March 25, 1876, d.
3 years. a, 7 weeks.

48. Mary Ellen, b. Sept. 24, 1844, d. Sept. 51. Cornelia Dellie, b. Aug. 27, 1850.

14, 1862, aged 19 years. 52. Charles Edward, b. Jan. i, 1852, d.

49 Martha Eliza, b. Oct. 2, 1846, m. Solon Jan. 17, 1874, a. 21 years.

38. Joseph, son of Oliver and Lury (Loomis) Allyn, m. Esther dau. of
Samuel VVestlake, April 17, 1845 ; settled on the farm at the foot of the hill
where he lived until his death, and where his widow and her sons still reside.
He was a man of considerable public spirit and enterprise, taking special in-
terest in the enlargement and beautifying the Torrington burying ground.
During the last few years of his life pior health did not allow him to perfect
the work about the burying ground as he had purposed, and when he went the
work stopped. When Mrs. .■^llyn was a girl and working by the week, she re-
ceived one dollar and twenty-five cents a week which was the usual wages. Work-
ing hours ranged in the summer from half past four in the morning until bedtime

642 History of Torrington.

in the evening, and the work was hard woric. The wedding coat of Joseph,
the first Allyn in the town, is still to be seen in the possessi. n of this family,
also a pair of revoluiionary horse pistols, made by Medad Hills. Children :

53. Frederick A., b. Feb. 17, 1846. 55. J. Eugene, b. Aug. 28, 1859.

54. George A., b. Feb. 27, 1850.

APPLY, EzEKiEL, was a revolutionary soldier and settled at Holbrook's
mills about 1800. He had children, Josiah, John, Ezekiel, David, Eunice,
Charlotte, and Betsy ; the last who m. Hiram Johnson, and lives in Goshen,
East street with her son George. She had also Laura, and Caroline. Tlie
Apply families were well known many years through their grist mill and other
enterprises of labor, as mechanics and farmers, but all arc removed from the
town.

ASHBORN, James, m. Maria L. daughter of Luther Cook Feb. 14, 1859.

He d. Dec. 7, 1876. Children:

I. Luther, b. Dec. 8, 1859, d. Jan. 20, 2. Charles, b. Mar. 12, 1861.
1876.

ASHLEY, Henry, son of John Ashley, was b. in Sheffield, Mass., May
27, 1832, and enlisted in the army in October 1863, where he remained one
year, and came to Wolcottville in the spring of 1864. He m. Mary L dau.
of Samuel S. Rider of Sheffield, Mass.. Oct. 12, 1864. She was born Feb.
14, 1843. He is a carpenter, engaged in the shop with C. Hotchkiss and sons,
and resides on Migeon avenue.

ATWATER, Asaph, a native of Southingtoji, m. Lucy Ann Dibble, May
27, 1772, both of Torrington at the time of marriage. Children rec. in Tor-
rington :

1. Mehitible, b. March 4, 1773. ^- Benaroy, b. March 20, 1779.

2. Thomas, b. March 7, 1774. 7. Enos, b. Feb. 14, 1783.

3. Mehitible, b. Sept. 11,1775. ^- A daughter, b. Aug. 4, 1785, not named,

4. Asaph, b. Aug. 15, 1776. and probably died in infancy.

5. Lucy, b. Jan. 28, 1778.

AUSTIN, x'\aron, with his wife and several sons came from Suffield, Ct.,
to Torringford about 1755 or 6, and some of them settled on West street.
Some of his sons were probably married when they came here. Joshua, David,
Daniel and Aaron are mentioned in the deeds as among the early settlers.
These may not all have been sons ot the first Aaron.

The wife of Aaron died Oct. 28, 1794, a. 73, Aaron d. Feb. 9, 1801, a.
84. The following are said to have been sons of the first Aaron :

1. Aaron. 3. Samuel.

2. Nathaniel.

There was another Samuel Austin who m. Ruth Gillett of Torringford,
Nov. 14, 1765, and had the following children:

Mindwell, b. Aug. 25, 1766. Ruth, b. Feb. 12, 1769.

Sarah, b. Mar. 6, 1768. Clymena, b. Mar. 15, 1772.

1. .Aaron, son of .Aaron, lived a short time in Torringford, removed to
New Hartford, became judge of the court and an iiiflueniial man. Children :

4. Euseba, b. Apr. 7, 1758 ; became a 6. Roswell, b. Mar. 23, 1765, m.

physician. Strong, removed to Ohio.

5. Eliphalet, b. June 8, 1760, m.

2. Nathaniel, son of Aaron, m. 1st Anne Bidwell of Windsor Sept. 28,
1775, she d. May 7, 1793 ; 2d Margaret Mills, iiicce of Rev, Sam. J. Mills,

Genealogies. 643

He lived on Toringford West street, and d. Sept. 4, 1844, a. 92. Hiswidow
d. Oct. 8, 1851, a. 90, Children by 1st wife:

6. Nathaniel, b. Aug. 20, I78£, m., removed 9. Anne, b. Nov. 24,1787, d. Feb. 28,

west and d. at Ravena, Ohio. 1868, a. 81.

8. Joab, b. Mar. 15, i 785, removed to O. ; 10. Abigail, b. Jan. 26, 1790.

d. Nov. 10, 1839, a. 54. II. Clarissa, b. Mai. 26, 1793.

By 2d wife :

12. Lewis, b. ; removed to Austinburg, O. ; Wolcottville.

d. Mar. 10, 1872, a. 77. 15. Fanny, b. in 1802, m. in 1827 Laurin

1 3. Rebecca, b.j m. Ransom Coe of Charl/^s- Wetmore.

town, Ohio. 16. Esther, b. ; m. Giles A. Gaylord.

14. Charlott, b.; m. John Hungerford of

3. Samuel, son of Aaron, ist, m. Mary Bissell of Torringford Oct. 18,
1774 ; and after some years removed to Ohio. Children :

17. Polly, b. Apr. 8, 1776. Gillett.

18. Cyrenius, b. Mar. 5, 1779. 20. Samuel, b. Sept. 15, 1783.

19. Rachel, b. July 29, 178 1, m. Horace 21. Bissell.

5. Eliphalet, son of Aaron Austin of New Hartford, m. Sibyl Dudley of
Torrington ; removed to Ohio, bought one-third of a township of land, and
was called alter his name Austinburg, he being the first settler in the town. He
d. Jan. 28, 1838, a. 77. Children:

22. Elizabeth, b. May 25, 1780, m.j removed 23. Roswell, b. July 21, 1781 ; removed to
west. Austinburg with his father.

AUSTIN, Theodore W., son of Nelson Austin, of Goshen, was b. Aug.
5, 1838. He m. first Esther S , daughter of Stephen Roberts of Goshen,
Sept. 27, 1854. She was b. Feb. 17, 1837, and d. Feb. 2, 1867. He m.
second Lizzia A., daughter of Marcus Ovidtt of Torrington, Oct. 16, 1867,
and removed to Wolcottville in the spring of 1872, where he continued in the
livery business until spring of 1873, when he removed to Plymouth, Ct. His
wife Lizzia A., was b. May 8, 1841, and d. Nov. 4, 1876. Children :

1. Wilbert N., b. June 23, 1859. 3. Elmer Grant, b. Jan. 15, 1869.

2. Emma L , b. Dec. 28, 1863.

B.'^LDWIN, Junius, son of Stephen and Hannah (Burgess) Baldwin, of
Goshen, was b. Sept. 15, 1807; d. of typhoid fever June 10, 1861, a. 54.
Hem. Julia A. P., daughter of Dennis Hallock, of Cairo, Greene Co., N. Y.,
Sept. 14, 1828. She was b. Sept. 19, 1803. He was a farrner and resided
in North Goshen. Children :

1. Eliza Hannah, b. Aug. i, 1829, m. 8, 1841. These three d. of scarlet fever.
Daniel Kimberly. 5. Caroline Lucretia, b. Nov. 13, 1840, d.

2. Lydia Lucedia, b. Sept. 29, 1832, d. June Sept. 12, 1861.

23, 1841. 6. Junius Dudley, b. Dec. 26, 1843, d. Apr.

3. Junius Dudley, b. Dec. 5, 1835, d. June 18, 1861.

18, 1841. 7. James Burgess, b. Sept. 14, 1846, m.

4. Stephen John, b. June 15, 1838, d. June

7. James B., son of Junius and Hannah (Burgess) Baldwin, m. Martha E.,
daughter of George Merriman of Litchfield, May h, 1868. Children :
8. Charlie Hodges, b. June 25, 1870. 9. Ralph Merriman, b. June 17, 1874.

B.'\CON, James, m. Hannah . Children recorded in Torrington :

1. Hannah, b. June 6, 1762. 4. Eldad, b. Dec. 17, 1768.

2. Esther, b. April 2, 1764. 5. Rachel, b. Aug. i, 1772.

3. Ann, b. June 5, 1766, d. next day. 6. James, b, Sept. 23, 1775.

644

History of Torrington.

BANCROFT, John/ perhaps son of John, of Lynn, Mass., was at
Windsor, in 1645 ; m. ilannah Dupper, Dec. 3, 1650, he d. Aug.6, 1622. Ch :

1. John, b. Dec, 1651. 4. Hannah, b. April 6, 1659.

2. Nathaniel, b. Nov. 19, 1653. 5. Sarah, b. Dec. z6, 1661.

3. Ephraim, b. June 15, 1656.

3. Ephraim, son of John and Hannah (Dupper) Bancroft, m. Sarah Stiles,
May 5, 1681 ; lived in Windsor. Children:

6. Ephraim, b. Feb. 8, 1682. 10. Benjamin, b. May 10, 1694.

7. John, b. Feb. 8, 1685. 11. Daniel, b. July 16, 1700.

8. Sarah, b. Feb. z6, 1687. 12. Thomas, b. Dec. 14, 1703.

9. John, b. Dec. 19, 1690.

6. Ephraim, son ot Ephraim and Sarah (Stiles) Bancroft, m. Frances Phelps,
March 17, 171 5. Children:

13. Sarah, b. 30, 1715. 17. Hannah, b. July 23, 1723.

14. Ephraim, b. Oct. 17, 17 1 7, d. 'young. 18. Eliza, b. July 13, 1725.

15. Ephraim, b. Mar. 12, 1719. 19. Ruth, b. ; d. Jan. 28, 1728.

16. Isaac, b. Aug. 17, 1720. 20. Ruth, b. Sept. 7, 1729.

15. Lieut. Ephraim, son of Ephriam and Frances (Stiles) Bancroft, m.
Esther Gleason of Enfield Dec. 6, 1739. He settled in Torrington about
1759, on the lot which his father drew in the first division ; the lot joining
Ebenezer Lyman's on the north, his house standing on the east side of the road
a few rods north of Gen. Epaphras Sheldon's. He kept a tavern during the
Revolution and years afterwards. He was a man ot quiet disposition ; clear,
discriminating judgment, and was very much esteemed and respected, and when
he died, Esqr. Benjamin Whiting said "no man in this society can fill Lieut,
Bancroft's shoes " (see chapter on Business Centres, Lyman Street, and War
of Revolution 1. Mr. Bancroft's wife was a high-spirited woman ; would not
let her children play with other neighboring children. Children :

21. Tryphena, b. Aug. 10, 1740. Burke, Vt.

22. Alice, b. Mar. 4, 1742, d. 1750. 25. Ephraim, b. Feb. 6, 1749, d. July 6,

23. Esther, b. Dec. 23, 1744, m. Roswell 1750.
Coe, April 22, 1766. 26. Ephraim, b. Feb. 24, 175 i, m.

24. Ruth, b. Dec. 13, 1746, m.

Barber, vifho was a tailor and removed to

27. Noadiah, b. Dec. 13, 1753, '"•
18. Oliver b. July 22, 1757, m.

26. Ephraim, son of Lieut Ephraiin and Esther (Gleason) Bancroft, m.
Jemima, daughter of Moses Loomis Nov. 2, 1775, and settled on a farm, then
new, east side of the road a little north of Esqr. Benjamin Whiting's, where he
lived until his death. He was a man of genius in making farming implements,
and in putting up buildings. He died by a fall from the scaffolding over the
barn floor, in 1808 or 9. His widow died about 1834. or 5. Children:

29. Miles, b. July 27, 1776, d. April 5, shop. He became a printer, learning his
1795, by eating maple sugar.

30. Tiyphena, b. Feb. 5, 1779, m. Wright
of New Hartford, had one dau., Huldah ;
m. 2d. Seymour Bradley.

31. Jemima, b. May 30, 1781, m. David
Grant, of Litchfield, removed to Che-
nango Co., N. Y., and became wealthy.

32. Huldah, b. Aug. 12, 1784, d. July 2,
1788.

33. Oliver, b. June 9, 1787 ; he first ac-
quired a taste for literature, by reading
books and papers in Owen Brown's shoe

trade with Hudson & Goodwin at Hartford;
was a great reader and had a great memory ;
was never married.

34. Moses, b. Aug. 27, 1789; lived on his
father's homestead, where he died, not m.

35. Horace, b. Sept. 30, 1791, m.

36. Dr. Rueben, b. Aug. 3, 1794; became
a physician, settled in Plymouth, Ct., a
time, then removed to (Jhenango Co., N.
Y., where he became a celebrated physi-
cian. Is deceased.

'Written sometimes Bancraft. — Hiil, IVindsor.

Genealogies.

645

27. NoADiAH, son of Lieut. Ephraim and Esther (Gleason) Bancroft, m.
Jerusha, dau. of Capt. Epaphras Loomis, Sept. 7, 1780. He lived on his
father's homestead on the Lyman street; a farmer, and a man of energy and
spirit. Children :

37. Erastus, b. Oct. 27, 1782, d. young.

38. Luman, b. Mar. 23, 17845 was a shoe-
maker; settled in Harwinton and d. about
1871.

41. Dr. Erastus, b. Oct. 31, 1790.

42. Chester, b. , m. Harriet, dau. of
Richard Loomis, lived in the town a time
then removed to Winchester.

39. Noadiah, b. Apr. 12, 1786, became a 43. Warren, b, lived and died in this town,
lawyer and settled in Mass. 44. Charlotte, b. , m. Miles Beach ;

40. Jerusha, b. May 19, 1788, m. Miles lives in the town.

Wilcox, a blacksmith, and removed to 45. Clarissa, b. m. Seymour; d.

Chenango Co., N. Y. April 25, 1875 (.?)

28. Dr. Oliver, son of Lieut. Ephraim and Esther Gleason) Bancroft, was
a revolutionary soldier and was in the battle of Monmouth, N. J. He became
a physician, settled in Newtown, where he was a practicing physician many
years, and where he died. Children :
42. Lurandus. 43. A daughter, never m.

35. HoR.ACE, son of Ephraim and Jemima (Loomis) Bancroft, m Damaris

Thompson of Mansfield, Ct., and lived on the old homestead of his father. Ch. :

4.4. Helois, "I . , Beach, lived on the homestead a time,

TT , y twms d. young. , .,11 jl u. f~-

45. Helen, J •' ° then so. d the home and bought a farm in

46. Mahlon, b. Sept , 1827, d. 1852. Goshen, where he and his wile died. He

47. Horace, b. Dec. 9, 1830, m. Elizabeth was a peddler and a s.nart man.

41. Dr. Er.-^stus, son of Noadiah and Jerusha (Loomis) Bancroft, m.
Amanda, dau. ot Capt. Sa iiuel Bradley ; was a physician in Wolcottville over
50 years. {See Biography.) Children:

48. Charles, b. d. in 1876, and both were buried in one

49. Caroline, b. ; m. Nathan Phelps; they grave; leaving a son and a daughter.

BARBER, Elizur, son of Issachar Barber of Harwinton, was b. Sept. 4,
1798; m. Polly Phelps Oct. 25, 1825, She was b. Aug. 7, 1799. He
owned and lived some years on the farm now owned by Frederick Taylor
below Wolcottville, then came to Wolcottville where he still resides. Children :

1. Adaline E., b. Sept. 9, 1826, d. Dec. 4. Sarah E., b. Oct. 14, 1833, d. June 18,
9, 1828.

2. Adaline M., b. Nov. 9, 1828, m. San-
ford H. Perkins, Sept. 11, 1851, who d.

1 8 34.

5. Charles E., b. June 7, 1835, d. March
8, 1836.

6. Mary E., b. Nov. 13, 1837, m. Sid-
ney G. Law, Oct. 27, 1859; had Addie
E., b. June 9, 1861, d. Aug. 6, 1861 ;
Freddie H., b. July 13, 1862; Nellie M.,
b. April 4, 1865; Carrie, b. Aug. 24,
1869; Laura Julia, b. Dec. 31, 1873.

7. Charles P., b. Feb. 20, 1840, d. Dec.
II, 1^63.

8. Myron E., b. Oct. 21, 1843, m. Eliza-
beth Young, June 12, 1873; had Eliza-
beth Young, b. Oct. 10, 1875.

BARBER, Thomas, the first in New England, came to Windsor, with Mr.
Francis Stiles's party m 1635. He was made freeman in 1645, and was a
soldier in the Pequot fight. He removed to Simsbury, where he contracted to
build the first meeting house. He married Jane , October 7, 1640. Ch. :

1. John, bap. July 24, 1642. 4. Samuel, bap. Oct. i, 1648.

2. Thomas, bap. July 14, 1644. 5. Mary, bap. Oct. 12, 1651, m. Hale.

3. Sarah, bap. July 19, 1646. 6. Josiah, bap. Feb. 15, 1653.

Dec. 9, 1874; had Frank B., b. Nov.
20, 1852, who m. Nellie Hartwell, May
20, 1874, lives in Springfield, Mass.;
Edson A., b. Dec. 18, 1858; Alfred H.,
b. Sept. 17, i860.
3. Elvin E., b. April 7, 1831, is a physi-
cian, practiced a time in Wolcottville
then removed to Bethel, Ct., where he
resides. He m. Julia A. Birge, Nov. 29,
1854; had Lizzie M., b. Nov. 21, i860,
Minnie B., b. July 4, 1864.

646 History of Torrington.

6. JosiAH, son of Thomas and Jane Barber m. Abigail, daughter of Na-
thaniel Loomis, Nov. 22, 1677, lived in the south part of Windsor, near the
river. Children :

7. Abigail, b. March 12, 1678. 10. Jonathan, b. June 4, 1694.

8. Josiah, b. 1685. 11. Aaron, b. July 20, 1697

9. Nathaniel, b. Apr. 6, 1691. 12. Rebecca, b. Apr. 11, 1698.

9. Nathaniel, sen., son of Josiah and x^bigail (Loomis) Barber, m. Mary
Filley July 2, 171 i. He was one of the original proprietors in Torrington,
but never resided in this town, but remained in Windsor. Children :

13. Mary, b. Aug. 6, 1713. 16. Abigail, b. Dec. 11, 1720.

14. Josiah, b. Mar. 6, 1714. 17. Azuba, b. Oct. 31, 1725.

15. Nathaniel, b. Dec. 5, 1717.

15. Capt. Nathaniel, son of Nathaniel and Mary (Filley) Barber, m.
Hepziba Loomis, Sept. 13, 1739. He removed to Torrington among the
first settlers and lived in southwest part of the town, across the road from Mr.
Charles S. Munger's present dwelling. (So said Uncle Luman Loomis.) This
was the first family of the name in the town. He d. Mar. 8, 1788. His
widow d. March 26, 1793. Children:

18. Hepziba, b. March 9, 1740, d. Jan. 2, 23. Chloe, bap. April 7, 1751, m. Abner
1760. Loomis, as 2d wife.

19. Nathaniel, bap. Aug. 29, 1742. d. 24. Lois, bap. July 8, 1753.

Mar. 9, 1743. 25. Keziah, bap. Nov. 16, 1755, d. May

20. Nathaniel, bap. Feb. 19, 1744, m. 22, 1774.

21. Elijah, bap. May 11, 1746, m. 26. Susa, bap. Feb. 19, 1758.

22. Timothy, bap. Nov. 6, 1748, m. and 27. Eli, bap. Mar. 29, 1761.

lived west of Luman Loomis's present 28. Ziba, \ bap. Aug. "1 Jemima m. Be-
dwelling. 29. Jemima, J 14,1764,/ noni Loomis.

20. Nathaniel, 3d, son of Nathaniel and Hepzeba (Loomis) Barber, m.
Mercy SpofFord of Salisbury, March 17, 1769. He d- March 31, 1782, a.
37. Children :

30. Uri, b. June i, 1769. 32. Zimri, b. May 29, 1773.

31. Levi, b. June 11, 1771. 33. Eli, b. Apr. 22, 1775.

2 1. Elijah, son of Nathaniel and Hepzeba (Loomis) Barber, m. Mary,
daughter of Beriah Hills, July 10, 1766, and lived near Luman Loomis's late
residence. He had a son Elijah James, who built the house, the late residence
of Luman Loomis, which house is 96 or 7 years old. Child :

34. Luman [Toivn Rfc), b. Nov. 12, 1766.

BARBER, Abijah, son of Joseph and Zain Barber, was born July 15, 1767.
Some of his brothers and sisters were Joseph, Elisha, Friend, Elihu, Roswell,
Sina, Susannah, Jemima, Huldah, m. Henry L. Meade, post master at Bethle-
hem, N. Y. Most of these lived a time with their parents at Bethlehem, N.
Y., where the father Joseph, d. about 1795, and the motlier Zain, d. Feb.
1817. Abijah Barber came to Torrington, before he was twenty-one years of
age, and m. Mary, daughter of Issachar Loomis, Feb. 16, 1797, and settled
on the farm of his father-in-law. He was an industrious successful faimer, and
d. May 5, 1832, a. 65. His widow d. Jan. 18, 1839, a. 70. Children:

1. Marvin, b Aug. 6, 1796, m. 28, 1877, a. 75.

2. Millard, b. June 28, 1798, m. 4. Hiram, b. Oct. 31, 1804.

3. Alzada, b. Sept. 22, 1801, not m. d. Jan. 5. Sheldon, b. May 13, 1807.

I. Dea. Marvin, son of Abijah and Mary (Loomis) Barber, m. first Re-
becca Whiting; 2d, Elizabeth Whiting, Feb. 16, 1832. He was elected deacon

Genealogies. 647

of the Torrington church in 1822; is well spoken of as such. He d. in 1840,
a. 44; his widow m. Augustus Grant, Nov. 9, 1847. Children by his first wife:

6. Marvin.

By his 2d wife :

7. Charles M., b. May 22, 1833. Eighmie, Jan. 19, 1872; lives in Pough-

8. Milo F., b. Aug. 28, 1835, m. Sarah J. keepsie, N. Y.

2. Millard, son of Abijah and Mary (Loomis) Barber, m. in Pennsylvania;
removed to Illinois, where he d. April 5, 1874. Children :

9. Robert. II. Mary.

10. Martha. 12. One that d. about 14 years of age.

4. Capt. Hiram, son of Abijah and Mary Loomis Barber, m. He d.

Feb. 26, 1877, a. 72.

5. Sheldon, son of Abijah and Mary (Loomis) Baiber, m. Sally E.,
daughter of Willard Hodges, April 10, 1833, and sctiled on the old Aaron
Loomis farm, owned for a time by Willard Hodges, where he lived until his
death Jan. 15, 1877. He was a very hard working, successful farmer, owning
many hundreds of acres of land at his death. His widow d. Nov. 5, 1865.
Child :

13. Willard H., b. Oct. I, 1835.

7. Charles M., son of Marvin and Elizabeth H. (Whiting) Barber, m.
Emily M., daughter of Benjamin Price of Goshen, Nov. 24, 1859 ; lives on
the homestead of the late Capt. Hiram Barber. Children :

14. Mary Elizabeth, b. July 30, 1864. 16. Elizabeth Hyatt, b. Dec. 15, 1868, d.

15. Lucretia Jane, b. March 17, 1866. July 15, 1869.

13. Willard H., son of Sheldon and Sally E. (Hodges) Barber, m. Jane
E. daughter of Wait B. Wilson, Nov. 11, 1855, and lives on his father's home-
stead. Children :

17. Aduna J., b. March 16, 1859. 20. Carrie J., b. Feb. 28, 1864.

18. Allan W., b Aug. 18, 1861. 2X. Jennie C, b. May 28, 1865.

19. Winfield, b. Feb. 16, 1863. 22. Sheldon, b. March 12, 1867.

4. Elihu, son of Joseph and Zain Barber was born April 19, 1787, came
to Torrington from Harwinton, m. ist, Jemima North, x^pril 19, 1787 ; was
a man of great physical strength and endurance and a hard worker, acquired
considerable property ; built the house in Newfield where his son Orson now
resides, and afterwards removed to West H.irtford, where he d. Oct., 1832,
a. 69. His wife Jemima d. Dec. 4, 1818 ; he m. 2d, Sally Goodwin, of
Litchfield.

He is said to have been drawing a load of rye from the field with a yoke of
oxen, and going down a steep hill, the yoke dropped from one of the oxen,
whereupon he took up the yoke and carried it in the place of the ox, down the
hill safeiv- In the time of the temperance movement, about 1830, Rev. Mr.
Gould called on him and asked him to give his influence to the reform by
signing the pledge. He replied that he could not sign the pledge but that he
was trying to reform He used to drink quite bad but had got down to a
quart a day, and that was doing as well as he dared venture on the start.
Children :

1. Mary b. June 22, 1793, rn. Oliver Loomis.

Loomis, Feb. 4, 1814. 4. Elkanah, b. June 25, 1803, m.

2. Elihu, b. Feb. 24, 1798, m. 5. Orson, b. Nov. 6, 1805, m.

3. Jemima, b. April 16, 1800, m. Ephraim

648 History of Torrington.

2. Elihu, son of Elihu and Jemima (North) Barber, m. ist Sally Demlng
of Wethersfield ; 2d Mary Cartwright ; 3d Emily Clark of Avon ; lived in
West Hariford ; d, Feb., 1857. Children by 2d wife;
6. Mary, d. young. 7. Elihu, d. young.

By 3d wife :

8. Roxanna, d. young. 10. Emily, m. Seth Griswold.

9. Lucy Ann, d. young.

4. Elkanah, son of Elihu and Jemima (North) Barber, m. Cynthia Tubbs ;
lived a short distance above Daytonville on the east branch ; m. 2d Electa
Tubbs; d. in 1865. Children by 1st wife :

II. Truman. 12. Nathan.

By 2d wife:

13. Maria. 14. John.

5. Orson, son of Elihu and Jemima (Norih) Barber, m. 1st Roxy Ann
Egglesion in 1829, who was b. May 16, 1811, d. June 29, 1840, a. 29.
He m. 2d Martha Starks, Dec. 4, 1842, who was b. Aug. 9, 1823. He lives
on his father's homestead near Ncwfield corners, on the old Capt. Eli Richards
place Children by 1st wife :

15. Elihu D., b. Aug. 28, 1831, d. May 16. Louisa R., b. May 15, 1840, m. Carlton
27, 1839, a. 7 yrs. C. Fyler, Aug. 15, i85i.

By 2d wife :
17. Francis M., b. April 29, 1854, m. John W. Gamwell, Nov. 23, 1874.

BARBER. Chester, son of Simeon and Sarah (Peck) Barber, of Harwin-
ton, m. Marilla, dau. of John Biige, Feb. 6, 1821 ; and purchased the Elihu
Olmstead place, on Torringford East street, east side (or in New Hartford)
and settled on it in 1822, where he still resides. His wife Marilla, d. Jan. 7,
1862, aged 64. Children :

1. Chester H., b. Sept. i, 1822, m. 3. Sarah M., b. Sept. 28, 1835, '^- Chris-

2. Willard O. b. Sept. 15, 1825, m. topher Colt, Oct. 27, i860.

1. Chester H., son of Chester and Marilla (Birge) Barber, m. Maria, dau.
of Allen Blake of Winchester, May 1, 1844. She was b. Apr. 16, 1822.
Mr. Barber lives on his father's homes'ead and is a successful farmer as well as
his father before. Mrs. Barber's mother, Mrs. Mabel (Beach), Blake, resides
with this family.

2. Willard O., son of Chester and Marilla (Birge) Barber, m. ist Sarah,
dau. of Allen Birge of Harwinton Oct. 16, 1850. She d. Mar. 12, 1853.
He m. 2d. Mary E., dau. of Griswold Woodward, May 23, 1855. Children
by 1st wife :

4. Sarah B., b. Mar. 7, 1855, ■"• Charles 5. Willard V., b. June 17, 1858.
Waterman o t' WolcottviUe. 6. Erwin W., b. Nov. 22, 1867.

B.ARBOUR, Henry S, son of Henry and Noamy (Humphrey) Barbour,
b., m. Pemala J., dau. of |ehu M. Baiholomew, Sheffield, Mass., Nov. 2^,
185 1. After settlement at Wolcottville, he built and occupied the house
now occupied by Dr. Hanchett, until he removed to Hartford where he still
resides. {See Biog.) Children :

1. John H., b. May 28, 1853, he was in the Protestant E. church, and in the

fitted tor college at Riverdale, N. Y., and charge of Grace chapel, Hartford,

was graduated at Trinity college, Hart- 2. Edward W., b. May 2, 1857, d. May

ford in 1873, and at Berkeley Divinity 28, 1861.

school in 1876, and was ordained deacon 3. Lucy A., b. May 6, 1863.

Genealogies. 649

BARNES, Harvey, was b. in Cornwall, Feb. i8, 1838, and came to
Torrington, in 1852, and engaged in the lock factory of James Wooding;
afterwards worked for Lucius Leach several years, then some time for Henry
Ostrum in Wolcottville ; then engaged with the Union Hardware Company in
1864, at its beginning, and has continued with it to the present time. He m.
Imogene L, daughter of Samuel Cadin of Harwinton ; lives on Migeon avenue.
Child :
I. Clara Eliza, b. July z, 1876.

BATTELL, John, came from France to America and settled at Dedham,
Mass., and d. Sept. 30, 1713, leaving a son John, b. in 1689, m. Abigail
Draper Jan. 17, 1710, d. Sept. 14, 1729, leaving a son John who was b. April
30, 1717, m. Mehitable Sherman, sister of the patriot Roger Sherman, signer
of the declaration, and d. Nov. 18, 1800. Children:

I. William, b. Aug. 12, 1748, and others.

1. William, son o\ John and Mehitabel (Sherman) Battell, emigrated from
Dedham to Milford, Conn , and m. Sarah Buckingham in 1753. He was in
Woodbury some years, and came to Torringford, about 1784 ; bought land
and built a store and entered into the work of a merchant. He m. second in
1807, Mrs. Margaret Mitchell, his cousin and daughter of the Rev. Josiah
Sherman of Goshen, and Woburn, Mass., and sister of the Hon. Roger M.
Sherman of Fairfield, Conn. Mrs. Battell d Feb. 29, 1732 {^See Biography), his
second wife d. Oct. 25, 1829. Children:

1. William, b. March 25, 1773, was a 5. Sally, b. Mar. 29, 1781, at Woodbury,
merchant at Torrington, taking his father's m. Rev. Abel McEwen, D.D., of New
store from 1808, about twenty years j was London.

a man of considerable influence, and much 6. Nancy, b. Feb. 20, 1783, at Woodbury,
respected in the town. m. Rev. Harvey Loomis, of Bangor,

2. Joseph, b. July 21, 1774, at Milford, Maine, had two sons.

merchant in Norfolk. (^^ee Biography.) 7. Harriet, b. June 7, 1785, at Torringford,

He d. Nov. 30, 1841, leaving family. d. Feb. 24, 1822, unm,

3. Josiah B., b. March I, 1776, m. Sarah 8. Urana P., b. May 15, 1787, at Torring-
Gillett, of Torringford, had three daughters ford, d. Jan. 23, 1814, unm.
deceased. 9. Charles L, b. July 23, 1789, at Tor-

4. John B., b. July 21, 1779, at Wood- ringford, d. unm.

bury, d. in Virginia, Nov. 7, 1819. 10. Charlotte, b. Feb. 19, 1796, m. Austin.

EE.'^CH, Dea. Wait, son of Edmund, son of Dea. John of Wallingford was
b. in Goshen, Oct. 25, 1747. He came to Torrington and m. Huldah, dau.
of Aaron Loomis, Jan. 9, 1767. He was an important man in the ecclesias-
tical society, and in the town ; possessed very good judgment, was active on
various town committees during the Revolution ; was highly esteemed, and
greatly missed when he departed this life. He was elected deacon in 1794,
which office he held until his death in 1710, aged 64. Children :

1. Aaron L., b. Dec. 9, 1767. 5. Huldah, b. Oct. 27, 1775.

2. Miles, b. Aug. 20, 1769, d. Aug. 25, 6. Amanda, b. Aug. 24, 1778.
1769. 7. Unartia, b. June 13, 1781.

3. Nancy, b. Aug. 23, 1770. 8. Wait, b. May 6, 1785, d. Feb. 22, 1795.

4. Miles, b. March 17, 1773. 9- Malinda, b. June 28, 1787.

I. Dea. Aaron L., son of Dea. Wait Beach, m. Elizabeth Weeks lived in
Salisbury, when he d. April, 1827. Children:
10. Aaron, b. Ang. 11, 1789, m. Salisbury, Vt.

II. Hannah A., b. Sept. II, 1793; m. Dr. 13. Uriel E., b. July 4, 1806, d. at Salis-
Samuel Shumway, d. Oct. 1859, at Essex, bury, Vt.

N. Y. 14. Wait E., b. lives at Keeseville, N. Y.

12. Flavel M., b. May 20, 1797, d. at

650

History of Torrington.

4, Miles, son of Dea. Wait, m. Huldah Grant of Litchfield. He d. Aug.
16,1827. His widow removed to her dnughtcr's at Bridgehampton, where
she d. Children :

16 /^Imeda, b. Oct. 24, 1795, m. William to Bridl-ehampton, N. Y.

H. Whiiing. 18. Edmund.

16. Lewis, b. March 14, 1797, d. young. 19. Miles, b. March 16, 1800.

17. Hannah, m. Heniy Judd, and remuved

10. Aaron L., son ot Dea. Aaron L. Beach, m. Dec. 29, 1810 ; had four
children, b. at Charlotte, Vt. Children :

20. Aaron L., b. Oct. 21, 1811, d. March 22. Charles G., b. Aug. 13, 1815, resides
13, i860, at Aurora, Ohio. in Wis.

21. Adelia, b. Aug. 31, 18 13, m. Dec. 13, 23. Samuel E., b. Dec. 14, 1817, resides in
1859, resides at St. Albans, Vt. Williston, Vt.

19. Miles, son of Miles, m. Charlotte, daughter of Noadiah Bancroft, April

26, 1824, who was b. Dec. 8, 1802. Children:

24. Emeline, b. April 25, 1825, m. Harmon 25. Loomis B., b. Dec. 3, 1827.

Loomis, and had Emma, b. July, 1855, 26. Mary, b. Mar. 8, 1827, d. in 1862, a. 32.

and Wilbur, d. young. 27- Jonathan, d. young.

BEERS, Amos S., was b. in Lewisboro, Westchester Co , N. Y , March
15, 1827 ; m. Susan Olmsted of New Canaan, Ct , Nov. 1848. She d. in
March, i860, in Waterbury, and he m. second, Rachel H. Thompson, of
Hartford, in 1864, and in 1866, he made his residence in Winsted, Ct., where
he still resides. He has been conductor on the Naugatuck rail road twenty-
three years. Children by 1st wife.

1. Herbert S., b. in 1849. 3. Edward J., b. in 1857.

2. Willie H., b. in 1854.

Bv zd wife :
4. Anna May, b. May 20, 1867.

BIRGE, Daniel, came from Dorchester, Mass., with Mr. Warham, of
whose church he was a member, and had a home lot in Windsor, Feb. 6, 1640.
He m. Elizabeth, dau. of William Gaylord, Oct. 5, 1641. He d. 1851 : his
widow m. Thomas Hoskins of Windsor. Children:

1. John, b. 1642, d. 1643. fall of a tree.

2. Daniel, b. Nov. 24, 1644. 5. J«hn, b Jan. 14, 1 649.

3. Elizabeth, b. July 28, 1646, d. soon. 6. Joseph, bap. Nov. 2, 1651, d. July 18,

4. Jeremiah, b. May 6, 1648, killed by the 1705.

Joseph, one of the first of Litchfield, was probably of this family.

5. John, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Gaylord) Birge, m. Hannah Watson,
Mar. 28, 1678. He d. Dec. 2, 1697 ; she d. July 24, 1690. Children:

7. John, b Feb. 4, 1679. 9. Jeremiah, b. Sept. 22, 1682.

8. Hannah, b. June 17, 1682. 10. Mary, b. Sept. 9, 1688.

9. Jeremiah, son of John and Hannah (Watson) Birge, m. Mary Griswold
Jan. 1, 1718. He d. in 1775. He was an original proprietor of Torrington
but did not reside here. Children :

11. Jeremiah, b. Dec. 23, 1718. 1-5. Ann, b. Oct. 28, 1726.

12. Mary, b. Aug. 23, 1721. 16. Peletiah, b. Sept. 8, 1730.

13. John, b. Apr. 25, 1723, m. and settled in 17. Hannah, b. Mar. 18, 1731.
Torringford. 18. Mindwell, b. Mar. 24, 1733.

14. David, b. May 16, 1725, m. 19. Lucy, b. Sept. 23, 1736.

13. Capt. John, son of Jeremiah and Mary (Griswold) Birge, m. Mary
Kellogg. He is said to have been the third settler in Torringford. His father
gave him and his brother David each a farm, but not large ones. He is said

Genealogies. 651

to have come to this town before his marriage, but this is not certain. He first
built a log house in which he resided, half a mile south of Shubael Griswold's,
or near the south end of Torringford street. Children :

20. Mary, b. Oct. 31, 1752, m. Silas White. 24. Roswell, went into the Rev. army, came

21. John, b. Mar. 15, 1753. home and died when seventeen.

22. Simeon, b. Dec. 26, 2756. 25. Anna, m. Ellsworth.
Z3. Isaac.

14. David, son of Jeremiah and Mary (Griswold) Birge, m. Elizabeth

, and settled on Torringford street a little south of his brother John's

home. Children :

26. Elizabeth, b. Mar. 21, 1754, m. Eliphaz 27. Daughter, m. Catlin of Harwinton, bad
. Bissell. a daughter Eunice.

2 1. John, son of John and Mary (Kellogg) Birge, m. Lydia Hopkins of
Canaan, Mar. 23, 1779 ; lived on south end of Torringford street, where his
descendants still reside. Children :

28. Polly, b. Feb. 22, 1781, m. Dea. Garrish, removed to Hudson, Ohio.
Richard Bristol, lived in Harwinton. 32. Hopkins, not m. was in business in the

29. Aranda, b. Sept. i, 1782, m. southern states, returned as far as New

30. John, b. May 4, 1785, m. Betsey Hiven. where he d.

Loomis ; lived in Bristol, Ct., and had ; 33. Mariila, b. j m. Chester Barber, Feb. 6,
Juliette, Mary and Nathan. 1821.

31. Chester, b. July 23, 1788, m. Sally

22. Simeon, son of John and Mary (Kellogg) Birge, m. Experience Ham-
lin, October, 1783, and lived on his father's homestead. He d. June 8,
1854, a. 97. His wife d. March 16, 1844, a. 83. Children :

34. Hamlin, b. Aug. 25, 1784, m. 39. Sally, b. Jan. 26, 1794, m. Gideon

35. Experience, b. April 7, 1786, d. Feb. Hammond, of West Port, N. Y.
26, 1803. 40. Roswell, b. Feb. 5, 1796, m.

36. Ransley, b. Feb. 17, 1788, d. not m. in 41. Luther, b. Oct. 28, 1797, m. settled in
Ga.; was merchant. Farmington, 111.

37. Clarissa, b. April 28, 1780, m. Calvin 42. William S., b. May 5, 1800, m. ; lives
Hammond ; rem. to West Port, in N. Y. in Texas.

38. Betsey, b. Feb. 7, 1792, m. Anson 43. Nathaniel, b. July 23, 1802, m.
Little, of New Hartford, removed to 111. 44. Infant, b.; d.

29. Aranda, son of John and Lydia (Hopkins) Birge, m. first Sally Barber,
of Harwinton, April 12, 1810. She was b. Sept. 11, 1787 ; d. March 12,
181 2. Hem. second Laura Barber, July 20, 18 14. She was b. August
16, 179V She m. as her second husband Norman Griswold in 1821.
Aranda Birge d. May 27, 1819; Mrs. Laura Griswold, d. May 13, 1840. (Jh. :

45. George H., b. March 28, 181 6.

34 Hamlin, son of Simeon and Experience (Hamlin) Birge, m. Betsey
Dutton. He resided in different parts of the town, and for a time near Hotch-
kiss mill on the west branch. Children :

46. Willard L., b. Jan. 7, 1808. 48. Experience, b. July 16, 1812.

47. Caroline, b. Dec. 28, 18 10.

40. Roswell, son of Simeon and Experience (Hamlin) Birge, m. Amanda,
dau^ihter of Harvey Whiting. June 23, 1826, lives on his father's homestead
on Torrinofbrd street. Children:

49. James R , b. March 5, 1828. 52. Edward B., b. Jan. 16, 1854, m.

50 Jane, b, J.in. 4, 1830, m. S. E. Calkins, 53. Allstine M., b. Jan 14, 1836, m.

in Athens, N. Y. 54. Sherman, b. Oct. 4, 1838, d. July 5,

51. CandaceE,b.Mjrch3.i832,m. Penn- 1839.

field Burr, and removed to ill. ; d. June 55. Wilber, b. June 17, 1840, m.

7, 1854.

6^2

History of Torrington.

43, Nathaniel, son of Simeon and Experience (Hamlin) Birge, m. Olive
Peck of Torringford, and lives on Torringford street, east side a little way
north of his brother RoswelPs. Children :

56. Jenette. i;8. Martha.

57. Maryette.

45. George H., son of Aranda and Laura (Barber) Birge, m. Mar. 14,
T838, Sallie B., dau. of Norris B. Barber of Harwinton ; lived on his father's
farm, a little north of his grandfather. She was born July 26, 1816, d. Oct.
19, 1877. He d. Oct. 30, 1877. Children:

59. Laura E., b. Apr. 22, 1843, m. Theo- Harvey B., b. Mar 18, 1868; George H.,

dore H. Reed, Mar. 29, 1864, d. Jan. 15, b. Nov 20, 1869.

1871; had Ellen E., b. Dec. 16, 1865; 60. Celia M., b. Aug. 4, 1849.

46. WiLLARD L , son of Hamlin and Betsey Dutton, m. Nov, 9, 1833,
Julia A. dau. of Bissell Merrill. She was b. Apr. 15, 18 1 5. He resides on
the Levi Thrall place ; is a farmer and dealer in cattle. Children:

61. Willard H., b. Mar. 20, 1841 ; was East Hampton, Mass.

killed by the bursting of a cannon at Wol- 63. Luther M., b. Feb. 20, 1848, d. eleven
cottville July 4, 18^6. months of age.

62. Carrie E., b. June 3, 1843, m. Henry 64. Lida J., b. June 6, 1857.
F. Pomeroy, Dec. i, 18705 resides in

52. Edward B , son of Roswell and Amanda (Whiting) Birge, m. Anna E.
Miiler of New Hartford, Nov. 24, 1863 ; lives on the farm with the father.
Children :

65. Merton E., b. No-u. 10, 1864. 66. James E., b. Sept. 5, 1866.

53. Allstine, son of Roswell and Amanda (Whiting) Birge, m. Eliza M.
Hewitt, Sept. 26, 1869; lives half mile south of his father's, east side of the
street. Children :

67. Wilbur Hewitt, b. July 19, 1863, 68. Lizzie Amanda, b. Oct. 8, 1864,
drowned with his sister in the brook Feb. drowned Feb. 14, 1867.

14, 1867, in each other's arms.

55. Wilbur, son of Roswell and Amanda (Whiting) Birge, m. Julia A ,
dau. of Isaac P. Waterman of Torringford April i, 1870 ; li\es in Wolcott-
ville ; clerk in Charles McNeil's drug store.

BIRNEY, Robert, the present owner and occupant of the far.m known as
the Demas Coe place situated within the limits of Wolcottville, was b. May
19, 1842, and spent his earlier years in the town of Southeast, Putnam county,
N. Y. He came to New Hartford, Ct., in 1859, and united with the Baptist
church there the same year. He was among the first who responded to the
first call for troops to defend the national capital and was among the last to
leave the service when the war was ended, having been mustered into the U-
S. service May 7th, 1861, and his second discharge dating May 15, 1865.

He removed to Wolcottville in 1871, and since that time has been engaged
in farming. He had an active part in consolidating the several school districts
in the village and their reorganization as a graded school, serving as first district
committee under the new order of things.

He m. Mary A. Henderson \ov. 28, 1859. She was b. in Montreal,
Canada, Oct. 18, 1842. Her parents removed from Canada to New York
citv where they resided until 1856, when they removed to New Hartford
where she united with the Baptist church in 1859. Children:
Nellie E., b. Dec. 6, 1861. Mary J., b. Sept. 2, 1870.

Ina B., b. Sept. 2, 1866. Grace H., b. Mar. 21, 1876.

Emma L., b. Dec. 10, 1867.

Genealogies. 6^^

BTSSELL, John, who came to Windsor is the only one known to have
come to this coiinlrv. Tradition asserts that this John, with a brother
Thomas, came from Somersetshire, England, to Plymouth, in 1628. The
latter died at Plymouth or returned to England. The family is probably of
Huguenot descent, many of whom fled to England to escape the persecutions
which followed the massacre of St. Bartholomew's day in 1572. John came
to Windsor about 1640. He was the first settler on the east side of the Con-
necticut. He died Oct. 3, 1677, a. 86 years; his wife died May 21, 1641.
Children :

1. John, b. in England. 4. Samuel.

2. Thomas, b. in England. 5. Nathaniel, b. Sept. 24, 1640.

3. Mary, b. in England, m. Jacob Drake, 6. Joice, b.; m. Samuel Pinney, Nov. 7, 1665.
Apr. 12, 1649.

I. John, jr , son of John, married Izreel Mason, of Saybrook, June
17, 1658 ; she d. Mar. 29, 1665 ; of a second wife married in 1669, there is
no reliable record. He d. in 1693. Children:

7. Mary, b. Feb. 22, 1659. 12. Ezekiel, b. Apr. 30, 1673, ^- "^^'' ■^'"

8. John, b. May 4, 1661. bany Oct. 17, 1709.

9. Daniel, b. Sept. 29, 1663. 13. Ann, b. Apr. 28, 1675. m. Capt. Daniel

10. Dorothy, b. Aug. 10, 1665. White, of Windsor.

11. Josiah, b. Oct. 10, 1670. 14 Jeremiah, b. June 22, 1677.

9. Daniel, son of John and Tzreel (Mason) Bissell, m. Margaret Dewey, of
Westfield, Oct. 27, 1692. He d. Dec. 9, 1738 ; she d. Nov. 27, 1712.
Children:

15. Daniel, b. Oct. 31, 1694. 18. Ezekiel, b. Sept. 6, 1706.

16. Margaret, b. Mar. 19, 1698. 19. Ann, b. Jan. 6, 1709.

17. Mary, b. Nov. 17, 1701, m Nathaniel
Gilbert, of Colcester.

II. Josiah, son of Jacob and Izreel (Mason) Bissell, married widow Miriam
Hayden Dec. 10, 1703 ; she d. July 8, 1747, a. 66. Children:

20. Josiah, b. Nov. 17, 1714. 21, 1776, a. 63.

21. Amelia, b. , d. at Reading, Dec. 22. Benjamin, b. , 1719-20.

18. Ezekiel, son of Daniel and Margaret (Dewey) Bissell, m. Ruth, dau.
of Rev. Ebenezer Devotion of Windham, Dec. 13, 1742 ; removed to Sufficld,
and in 1757, to Toriingford. He was a cooper and farmer, and purchased
one hundred and forty acres of land at first, in 1757, and afterwards added to
it until he owned about five hundred acres upon which he settled his four sons ;
Hezekiah on the homestead; Ezekiel next north ; Eliphaz next, and Ebenezer
next; all the dwellings on the west ride of Torringford street, nearly a mile
north of the present meeting house. Children :

22. Ebenezer, b. Oct. 25, 1743, m 1827, a. 77.

23. Eliphaz, b. Oct. II, 1744, m. 28. Margaret, b. June 14, 1754, m.

24. Ezekiel, b. March 14, 1746, m. Hinman, and Capt. Elijah Gayiord.

25. Margaret, b. Oct. 28, 1747, d. Dec. 3, 29. Ann, b. Jan. 30, 1756.

1747. 30. Hezekiah, b. Sept. 7, 1758, m.

26. Ann, b. Sept. 3, 1748, d. Sept. 6, 1748. 31. Keziah, b. Dec. 29, 1762, d. Sept.

27. Ruth, b. April 17, 1750, d. Nov. 22, 23, 1819, a. 57.

22. Ebenezer, son of Ezekiel and Ruth (Devotion) Bissell, m Roberts; set-
tled on a part of his lather's farm on Torringford street Children :

32. Pericles, b. ; d. a. 21 years. Y., d. Sept. 1856, had Marcus, Byron and

33. John, b. ; a physician, settled in Onon- Frederick ; all lived near Syracuse.

daga Co., N. Y. 35. Peletiah, b. ; d. at Volney, N. Y. ; had

34. Elizur, b. ; m., settled in Syracuse, N. Lucius and Erasmus.

654

History of Torrington.

23. Eliphaz, son of Ezekiel and Ruth (Devotion) Bissell, m. Elizabeth,
daughter of David and Elizabeth Birge of Torringford. Children :

36. Eliphaz, b. ; m. [See Biography).

37. Catlin, b. ; lived in Torringford, and d. 39. A daughter, b.
in 1 8 17. 40. A daughter, b.

38. Hezekiah, b. ; d. in Texas, in 1837

24. EzEKiEL, son of Ezekiel and Ruth (Devotion) Bissell, m, Lucretia
Spencer, Dec. 9, 1779. He d. in Torringford, Oct. i, 1834, a. 88 years.
Shed, in 1833. Children:

41. Ezekiel, b. Canton, N. Y,

42. Theodocia, b. June 24, 1784, m. Wm. 45. Fitch, b. Aug. 19, 1791, d. at Zanes-
Smith, in Potsdam, N. Y. ville, N. Y., July 26, 1849.

43. Apollos, b. Jan. 11, 1786, not m. ; d. 46. Cyrus, b. Dec. 9, 1793, ^- ^^ Hartford,
in Charlotte, Vt. Wis., June 3, 1857.

44. Samuel, b. Jan. 14, 1789, m. went to 47. Roderick, b. July 17, 1796, m.

30. Hezekiah, son of Ezekiel and Ruth (Devotion) Bi.-sell, m. Margaret
Mills, lived near his father's homestead, and d. Jan 30, 1792. Children:

48. Luman, b. ; d. young. 50. Henry, b. ; lives at Austinburg, O.

49. Peter Mills, b. ; m. removed to Austin- 51. Lucretius, b. ; m. dau. of Joseph Loomis
burg, Ohio ; had Piatt, lives at Kent, Ct. and lived at Austinburg, O.

34. Elizur, son of Ebenezer and Bissell, m. and settled in Syracuse,

where he d. Sept., 1856. Children:

52. Marcus, b., lived near Syracuse. 54. Frederick, b., lived near Syracuse.

53. Byron, b., lived near Syracuse.

36. Dr. Eliphaz, son of Eliphaz and Elizabeth (Birge) Bissell, m. Diantha
Norton, Dec. 29, 1806. He d. in Conn, in 1829, Csee Biog.J Children:

55. Samuel. 57. Charles.

56. Henry.

41. Ezekiel, son of Ezekiel and Lucretia (Spencer) Bissell, m. and removed
to Madrid, N. Y., where hq d. in 1833.

58. Frederick, a lawyer at Dubuque, Iowa,
had RoUin, Ralph of St. Lawrence Co.N.Y.

47. Roderick, son of Ezekiel and Lucretia (Spencer) Bissell, m. Fanny,
daughter of Elijah Gaylord, May 11, 1824; lived in the old homestead of his
father and grandfather in Torringford. Was an active, influential man, with
more than an ordinary spirit of enterprise and general information. He d.
Feb. 10, 1875, a. 78 years Children:

59. Gaylord, M.D., b. Feb. 1825, m. Emily nie Bell, b. Aug. 8, 1864; Anna E., b.
Tallmadge Nov. 7, 1849; resides at Lov- Oct. 24, 1867, d. Feb. 14, 1875.

ilia, Iowa, has a son Edwin R. (See B'og.) 62. John Edgar, b. Mar. 15, 1833, m. Leah

60. Charles R., b. May 18, 183 I ; m. Anna Byerly Sept. I 5, I 870, lives at Frederick,
Henn, 1866, a physician in Colorado. [See lovsa

Biog.) 63. Esther Ann, b. Apr. 19, 1835.

61. Mary Jane, b. Mar. 4, 1829, m. Merritt 64. Virgil R., b. Dec. 80. 1841, m. Nettie
Bronson Nov. i, 18555 ^^^ Edgar M., Owens, lives in Lovilia, Iowa.

b. Aug. 9, 1862, d. Feb. 25, 1876; Fan-

22. Benjamin, son of Josiah, an.l first cousin to Ezekiel, who settled in
Torringford, ni. Mary Strong and came to Torringford in 1745,' ^^^ ^^s the
second settler in Torringford. His house was on the east side of the street a
little north of Shubacl Gri^wold's house. Here Mr. Bissell kept tavern quite a
number of years

' So says the Biistll GeniaUgj,

Genealogies. 6^^

He died Sept. 12, 1790, a. 71. His widow died Aug. 17, 1806, a. 86.
Cliildren :

65. Benjamin, b. at Torrington. a. 75; not m.

66. Mary, b , m. Samufl Austin, 69. Elisha.

Oct., 1778. 70. Lorain, b. March 6, 1755, m. Ebenezcr

67. Oliver, b. , d. Oct. 18, 1828, a. Miller, Dec. 6, 1802.

86. 71. Martha, b. , m. Daniel WincheU.

68. Return, b. , d. Nov. 25, 1832, 72. Elijah.

65. Benjamin, Jr., son of Benjamin and Mary (Strong) Bissell, m. Silence
Winchell, April 21, 1778 ; d. at Harwinton, June I, 1829. Children :

73. Porter, b. March, 22, 1779. jc,. Benjamin, b. Nov. 7, 1782.

74. Almira, b. Sept. 22, 1780. 76. Horace, b. Nov. 18, 1786.

69. Elish.a, son of Benjamin and Mary (Strong) Bissell, m. Rhoda dau. of
Ebenezer F. Bissell. He d. June 6, 181 2, a 58. Children:

77. Edwin, b. Aug. 1795. 79. Rhoda, b. July 12, 1800.

78. Esther, b. Sept. 27, 1797, 80. Henry, b. Nov. 8.

72. Elijah, son of Benjamin and Mary (Strong) Bissell, m. Rachel dau. of
David Soper, Jan. 22, 1789. He died Feb. 23, 1825, a. 63. Children:

81. Elijah, b. 28, 1791, d. in Ohio. 86. Mary.

82. Hannibal C, b. April 10, 1793, went 87. George,
to Ohio. 88. Rachel.

83. Leonard, b. , went to Georgia. 89. Lucius.

84. Edward, b. ; went to Detroit. 90. George L.

85. Nancy.

73. Porter, son of Elijah and Rachel (Soper) Bissell, m. Mary Tucker.
Children :

91. George P., b. May 14, 1803, d. Aug. 98. Elizabeth, b. April 23, 1816, d. May
30, 1804. I, 1847.

92. Ann W., b. Nov. 21, 1804. 99. Mary E., b. June 17, 1818.

93. George P., b. March 27, 1806. 100. Lucy, b. June 25, 1820.

94. Martin, b. Feb. 26, 1808. loi. William, b. Feb. 7, 1822, d. Feb. 22,

95. Lebeus P., b.Jan. 8, 1810; a merchant 1825.

at Rockville, Ct. 102. Catharine, b. Oct. 27, 1823, d. Oct.

96. John, b. Oct. 18, 1811. 31, 1849.

97. Rosetta F., b. Nov. 27, 1813.

93. Col, George P., m.; lived on the Hczekiah Eno place, and he and his
wife d. and were buried in the same grave in 1876.

BISSELL, Benjamin, m. Betsey daughter of Chester Brooker, Oct. 24, 1749.
Children :

1. Ellen G., b. Dec. 9, 1850, m. Dec. 25, 4. Ruth M., b. Nov. 16, 1861.
1871, Lewis Brague, has j Lewis, b. Dec. 5. Andrew J., b. May 16, 1864.

25, 1872; Paul, b. June 25, 18745 d. 6. Melissa P., b. April 15, 1866, d. March

March 10, 1875 J Mabel, b. Jan. 22, 6, 1874.

1876. 7, Grace A., b. Feb. 6, 1868.

2. Mary J., b. Sept. I, 1857. 8. Benjamin B., b. Sept. 17, 1871.

3. Jennie B., b. Nov. 17, 1859. 9. John C, b. March 2, 1873.

BLAKE, Joseph, came to Torrington, about 1760, probably from Middle-
town, and was engaged in the carding mill across the river opposite the Wilson's
saw mill, and afterwards in the one (hat stood near the rock opposite the present
woolen mill. He m. Aug. 27, 1767, Manara, dau. of Wm. Grant, who d.
in Wolcottville. Children :

1. Seth, b. Dec. 7, 1767. 4. Barzillai, b. Nov. 5, 1772.

2. Jesse, b. July 2, 1769, d. May 22, 1773. 5. Jesse, b. Dec. 14, 1776.

3. Sarah, b. Nov. 22, 1770. 6. Lorrain, b. Dec. 27, 1778.

656

History of Torrington.

Barzillai, son qf Joseph, m. Ruth Murry, Sept. 27, 1798. Children.
7. William, b. Sept. 25, 1799. 8. Ruby, b. Dec. 20, 1800.

Elijah, probably brother to Joseph, m. Sarah Hamlin, Nov. 27, 1779,
then both of Middletown, Ct. He was a tanner at Griswold's corners, Tor-
ringford Children :

1. Sally, b. Dec. 12, 1780, in Torringford, 5. Harry, b. June 29, 1788.
d. June 17, 1793. 6. Ithiel, b. Aug. i, 1790.

2. Polly, b. Sept. 15, 1782. 7. Allen, b. May 19, 1792.

3. Elijah, b. June 26, 1784. 8. Sally, b. Dec. 16, 1794.

4. Jonathan, b. Aug. 17, 1786. 9. Maria, b. Oct. 18, 1797.

BOSTVVICK, Dr. William, and his wife Philomela, and family resided in
the town about ten years. He built the house afterwards owned by and the
residence of Dr. Elijah Lyman. Children recorded in Torrington :

1. Wm. Frederick, b. June 8, 1798. 3. Harmon B., b. Mar. 23, 1805.

2. Eliza Potter, b. Feb. 6, 1800.

BR.'^CE, Arl^l, fourth son of Henry Brace Sen., miller and carpenter of
West Hartford, baptized Aug 7, 1748, came to Torrington previous to 1771.
He received by his father's will, 1789, "twenty pounds hard money." He
m. Deborah dau. of Aaron Loomis, Jr., of Torrington, and bought of Reuben
Thrall, land of the first division, lot 126, 43 acres, deed dated I 77 1, and was
the farm, probably where he lived many years, on Goshen turnpike, next house
east of Mr. V\ illard Birge's present dwelling. He d. She d. Mar. 13, 1839,
a. 87. Children :

1. Jared, b. Dec. 7, 1773, went to Camden, Merriman of T., removed to Litchfield
Oneida Co., N. Y., d. July 13, 1818, a. thence to Cheshire, Ct., where she d. Sept.
44. 7, 1 8 14

2. Willis, b. Aug. 31, 1779, d. in Torring- 6. Harlan, b. Aug. 1787, m.

ton with lockjaw from a cut on his toe, 7. Rodney, b. May i, 1790, m. Jerusha
Apr. 12, 1810. Egglestun of T., no children, d. Oct. 10,

3. Rial, b. July 8, 1781, went to Camden, 1862, a. 72.

N. Y., d. May 4, 1859, a. 80. 8. Lucy, b. Mar. 12, 1793, m. Alanson

4. Truman, b. Aug. 11, 1783, d. in 111., Morris in 1812, and lived on the home-
Jan. 18, 1855, a. 72. stead.

5. Semantha, b. Dec. 10, 1784, m. Reuben

6. Harlan, son of Rial and Deborah (Loomis) Brace in. Parlia Johnson of
Harwintown. He was a cooper and lived in Torrington hollow. He d.
Nov. II, 1857, a. 70. Children :

1. Electa, m. Charles Hotchkiss. 4. Parlia Ann, m. Lewis Butler, of Harwinton.

2. Rhoda, m. David Evans. 5. Wallace, works at skate shop.

3. Lois, m. Charles Benham, of Naugatuck.

BRADLEY, Capt Samuel, son of Nehemiah, of Litchfield, m. Chloe
Rossiter, of Harwinton, and kept the hotel, now the American House, many
years. Children :

1. Amanda, m. Dr. Erastus Bancroft. 4. Albert, m. a Miss Hunt, kept the

2. Clarissa, m. Salmon Hunt, removed Allen House a time, then the American
to Bridc;eport, where both died. House.

3. Emeline, m. Wm. Bisseli, removed 5. Caroline, d. in Wolcottville.
to Massachusetts, where both died. 6. Samuel.

BRADLEY, Seymour, and Tryphena Grant North, both of Torrington,
m. May 30, 1791. Children:

1. Ralph, b. June 17, 1791. 4. Laura, b. July 24, 1796.

2. Almeda, b. May 13, 1793. 5. Seymour, b. Mar. 15, 1798.

3. Elvira, b. Dec. 10, 1794.

Genealogies. 6^y

BRADY, Gen. Allen G., son of James W., and Mary S. Brady of Mid-
dlesex county, Mass., wash. Feh. 13, 1822. He m. Lucinda, daughter of
Daniel and Clarissa Chandler of Hartford, Conn., July 10, 1842. He was
engaged a time in East Haddam, in a cotton mill and came to Wolcottville, in
184^, to superintend the cotton mill, then just erected on the site of the old
woolen mill, in which business he continued many years. He has now a dry
goods store and shirt manufactory. {See Biogr^phy.^ Children :

1. William Edgar, b. April 22, 1843. 4. James Wolfe, b. Jan. 13, 1851, d. Nov.

2. Mary jane, b. July 12, 1845, m. Henry 22, 1854.

E. Hotchkiss, Dec. i, 1866. 5. Lucinda Estella, b. Oct. 24, 1862.

3. Amanda Jane, b. July 11, 1847, d. Sept.
30, 1848.

I. William E., son of Allen G. and Lucinda (Chandler) Brady, m. Mary
daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth A. Campbell of Fayetteville, N. C, Dec.
28, 1868. He served as sergeant major in the late war and thereby became
acquainted with this lady and persuaded her to come to his Wolcottville home.
He is engaged with his father in the dry goods store on Main street, south of
the bridge. Children :

6 Mary E., b. Jan. 23, 1871, in Wolcott- 7. Lizzie M., b. Aug. 31, 1875, Fayettville,
ville. N. C.

BROOKER, John, is found in Guilford, Ct., in 1695, and his wife Mary.
This is the first trace found of this family in this country. There was a George
Brooker in Boston, in 1635, ""^'^^ removed to Virginia. It is probable that
this John Brooker was in Boston, some little time before he came to Guilford,
as he continued to transact business with leading men of that city, until his de-
cease. He is said to have been ol East Guilford, (now Madison) and his six
children are recorded in Guilford, but the seventh is not. He bought land in
Killingworth (now Clinton), in 1708 ; bounded easterly on Indian river near
the town plot, with "dwelling house, barn, orchard and other privileges" for
£100. He was a shipwright and followed this business apparently until his
decease. In his will dated 1742, he provides that: "Whereas I have had
former dealings with sundry merchants in Boston, viz: Simeon Stodard, John
Eyre, Thomas S<)lvage, Sen., Thomas Salvage, Jr., Charles Chauncey, Francis
Foxcroft, Edward Proctor and William Keen, accounts of my executors being
made up with them, each of them shall have a share in what I leave in propor-
tion as above said." The remainder of his property, after paying all cliims,
he divides to his four sons or their children, saving nothing about his two
daughters nor his son Edward. The inventory of his property amounted to
£472,17.11. He united with the old church in Killingworth (now Clinton)
in 171 I, and his wife Mary in 1714. He does not mention his wife in his
will and hence she was probably not then living. Children :

1. John, b. July 9, 1695, m. 4. Edward, b. Jan. 7, 1701.

2. Orton, b. Jan. 2, 1698. 5. Sarah, b. Jan. I, 1703.

3. Mary, b. July 5, 1699, m. John Nettle- 6. Abraham, b. March — , 1705.

ton, Dec. 20, 1720. 7. Jacob, b.; mentioned in his father's wilL

I. John, son of John and Mary Brooker, m. Sarah Grinnell, April 29,
17 I 7. He settled in Say brook, Conn., where he died, suddenly, his will being
dated Feb. 21, 1732. He seems 10 have been merchant or ship builder, from
the unsettled accounts brought against the estate. His widow Sarah of Saybrook,
m. John Marvin Feb. 10, 1747, and lived in Lyme, Ct., until 1767, when they
removed to Guilford or Surrey in New Hampshire. They had five children :

658

History of Torrington.

8. John, b. July l, 1718; " eldest son " 11. Sarah, b. ; mentioned in her grand-
chose his uncle Abraham his guardian, father's will.

Jan., 1784. 12.. P.itience, b. j mentioned in her grand-

9. Sumuel, b. ," second son," father's will, m. Gideon Allen, Jr., Feb.
chose his mother his guardian, June, 1784. 10, 1752.

10. Mary, b. ; mentioned in her grand-
father's will.

2. Orton, son of Abraham and Mary Brooker, was in Killingworth,
(Clinton), and sold land to his brother Abraham, Feb. 1, 1739 ; "twenty-six
rods of land with mansion house standing thereon."

6. Abraham, son of John and Mary Brooker, m. Mary -; his m.

being recorded in Killingworth, but he remained in Madison until 1735, when
he settled in (now) Clinton, near his father, and is Crtlled " Merchant" in the
deeds. He was taken ill suddenly and made his will, dated April 10, 1739,
which was proved April 16, 1739. By his will he gave to each ot his sons
Isaac and Abraham, £100 ; and aher providing for his widow, he gave the
remainder to be distributed equally among his two sons and three daughters.
His estate after payingdebts amounted to £1,780 (^Probate Records of Guilford) ;
a good estate in those days for a young man to leave, his widow m. Matthew
McCure, April 15, 1740; and they relinquished all property in favor of
Abraham's children. Children mentioned in his will:

13. Isaac, b. Dec. 22, 1730. 16. Abraham, b. Aug. 17, 1736. [Killitig-

14. Mary. -worth Records.)

15. Sibyl. 17. Elizabeth, b. Oct. 7. 1738.

7. Jacob, son of John and Mary Brooker, m. Judith . The birth

of one child only is recorded in Killingworth. On a grave stone in Clinton,
which must be his, is inscribed : "•■' In memory of Jacob Brooker, who died
April 28, 1844, a. 47 years. The memory of the just shall live." Close by
his grave stone is another standing with only two words engraved thereon :
"Judith Brooker." Child recorded.

18. Jacob, b. April 28, 1744; the date of his father's death ; d. early.

13. Isaac, son of Abraham, Jr., and Mary Brooker, m. Tamar ; and

lived in Killingworth (Clinton), on Chestnut hill. He deed land in Hartford
county, to the amount ol £5 50.) Children recorded in Killingworth :

19. Sarah, b. June 3, 1764, m. John 21. Tamar, b. July 15, 1769, m. Rufus
Nettleton. Crane, of Killingworth.

20. Chloe, b. Feb. 29, 1767.

16. Abraham, son of Abraham and Mary Brookei', married Tamar Murry,
of Guilford, Oct. 12, 1758. His father died when he was but three years of
age, and his mother and five children, probably, remained in what is now
Clinton, some years. Some of the land left by his grandfather on Chestnut
hill, fell to him ; which he sold in May 1759, when he was living in Bran-
ford. His marriage is recorded in Branford where he was probably living at
the time. His wife died in Branford. He died in Wolcottville. Children:

22. John, b. Mar. 29, 1759, settled in Tor- Imogene I., b. Apr. 2, 1848, m. Feb. 18,
rington. 1875, Harvey Barnes, of Wolcottville, and

23. Mary, b. Dec. 18, 1760. has dau. Clara Eliza, b. July 2, 1876.

24. Tamar, m. Rufus Crane, who lived a 25. Chloe, m. John Scoville.
time in Winchester ; his daughter Betsey 26. Sally, m. Asher Scoville.

Eliza, b. Jan. i, 1796, m. Bradley Catlin 27. Samuel, b. 1774, settled in Torrington.

of Harwinton in 1X18, and had one son 28. Polly, m. Roberts.

Samuel, b. Oct. 9, 1820, who m. Mary 29. Eliza, m. William Wilson.
M. Frost May 22, 1845. Their child

Genealogies.

659

22. John, son of Abraham and Tamar (Murray) Brooker, came to Tor-
rington when a young man and married Jerusha, daughter of Noah Wilson
Feb. 18, 1783. He first resided in a house across the river opposite the pre-
sent Valley Park, and afterwards purchased some land and built on it the house
still standing a little eastward of the iron foundery, where he resided a number
of vears. In 180^, he built the first house in Wolcottville, on the site of the
present residence of Mr. L. W. Coe, He removed to Mount Washington,
Mass. Children :

30. Edee, b. Mar. 19, 1783, m

Merryfield ; went to Ohio.

31. Warren, b. Sept. 29, 1786, d. Sept. i,
1787.

32. Lucy. b. Sept. 25, 1789, m.

Ensign ; went to Ohio.

27. Samuel, son of Abraham and Tamar Murray, came to Torrington,
while a young man and m. Mary Cook of Harwinton. He purchased a farm,
then lying in Litchfield, a little south of Wolcottville, where he lived and d.
His house stood near the site of Mr. Charles F. Church's present dwelling.
He was a successful farmer. His wife Mary, d. in 1852. He d. in 1856, a.
82 years. Children :

33. Riley, b. Mar. 28, 1791 ; lived in Mt.
Washington.

34. Sallv, b. 1793, rn. Nobles in

N. Y.'

35. John, lived in town of Rye, N. Y.

34. Warren, b. July 27, 17; d.

35. Russell, b. Dec. 29, 1802, removed to
Litchfield, Medina county, O., where he
still resides.

36. Ursula, b. Oct. 17, 1804, m. Selah
Root.

37. Marv, b. July 16, 1807, d. July 23,
18 12.'

38. Chester, b. Sept. 26, t8lo, m.

39. Samuel, b. April 13, 1813, m.

40. Martin, b. April 5, 1816, m.

38. Chester, son of Samuel and Mary (Cook) Brooker, m. first Huldah D.
Smith, March, 1831, who d. April 30, 1845, a. 36 ; serond Phebe A. Smith,
June 16, 1846, who d. Nov. 11, 1859, a. 38 ; third Mehetable Griggs, Oct.
24, i860, who d. .^pril 11, 1876, a. 61. He is a farmer ; lives in the edge
of Litchfield. Children by ist wife.

Miller, Aug. i, 1862, and d. June 16,
1864, a. 24 ; no children.

41. Betsey A , b. May 27, 1832, m. Ben-
jamin Bissell.

42. Andrew J., b. Sept. i, 1840, m. Maria

By 2d wife :

43. Marion M., b. April 17, 1847, m.
Charles Whitney, Sept. 2, 1873, ^^^
Mary, b. Sept. 17, 1877.

44. Julia, b. Oct. 10, 1848.

45. Frances L., b. Nov. 23, 1850.

39. Samuel, son of Samuel and Mary (Cook) Brooker, m. Julia M., dau.of
Samuel Seymour, May 10, 1834; is a farmer, and resides on Litchfield street
near the rail road.

46. Charles S., b. May 19, 1853.

47. Adelaide U., b. Aug 31, 1855, '^•
Frank McNeil, Aug. 31, 1876, had Addie,
b. Sept. 5, 1877, d. Sept. 11, 1877.

48. Annie T., b. July 2, 1858.

49 Maria, b. Apr. 23, 1835, *^- ^P*"- '3'
1859.

50 Albert Frederick, b. Mar. 10, 1837, m.

51 Helen Eliza, b. Oct. 10, 1839, m Charles
Pierpont.

52 Mary Jane, b. Sept. i, 1841, m. William

H. Davol.

53 Frank Russell, b. Mar. 31, 1843.

54 Alice Josephine, b. Dec. 25, 1847.

55 Arthur Seymour, b. Feb. 3. 1850.

56 Ella Taylor, b. Feb. 23, 1852, m. Charles
Blown of Brooklyn, N. Y.

40. Martin, son of Samuel and Mary (Cook) Brooker, m. Sarah Maria,
dau. of Samuel Seymour May 3, 1838 ; was a farmer and resided on Litchfield
street. He d. Feb. 24, 1874, aged 58 years. His widow d. April 3, 1876,
aged 60 years. Children:

66o

History of Torrington.

57 Eliza Seymour, b. May lo, 1840, m. 60 Edward Martin, b. Nov. 20, 1850, d.
Joseph Travis. J""s 10, 1853.

58 Emma Maria, b. Aug. 17, 184a, m. 6i Mary Lura, b. Oct. 22, 1853.
Stephen Oviatt, Nov. 21, i860. 62 Sarah Maria, b. Aug. 9, 1856, d. Sept. 3,

59 Charles F., b. Mar. 4, 1847. 1872, aged 16 years.

BROOKS, Charles, of Durham, m. Mehitable, eldest dau. of Joseph
Norton.

Joseph, son of Charles and Mehitable (Norton) Brooks, was b. in Durham,
about 1753 j ^""^ "^- Amanda, dau. of Cyprian Collins.

Harvey, son of Joseph and Amanda (Collins) Brooks, was b. Oct. 26,
1779, and m. Polly Taylor, April 24, 1803. She was the dau. of John and
Mary Taylor of Litchfield. This wife of )ohn Taylor was the dau. of Capt.
Isaac Pratt, of Goshen. Harvey Brooks d. Feb. 17, 1873, a. 93 years.

Watts H., son of Harvey and Polly (Taylor) Brooks, was b. July 24, 1808,
and m. Mary, dau. of John Wadhams, Jr., April 3, 1834. She d. Sept. 5,
1872. He resides on his father's homestead ; the old Capt. Pratt place in
South Goshen. Children :

1. John W., b. Jan. 19, 1836, m. 3. Mary E., b. April 30, 1842.

2. Isaac W., b. Nov. 8, 1838, resides in 4. Amanda C, b. May 8, 1849.
Wolcottville 5 is secretary and treasurer of

the Wolcottville Savings Bank.

1. John W., son of Watts H , and Mary (Wadhams) Brooks, m. Marana
L., dau. of Dea. Lewis M. Norton, of Goshen, Nov., i860.

BROWN, Owen, son of Capt. John and Hannah (Owen) Brown, m. ist,
Ruth, daughter of Gideon Mills, at Simsbury, Feb. 11, 1793, and made his
residence a short time in Norfolk, Conn., where he had a tannery and shoe shop.
He purchased a farm and dwelling house in Torrington and settled on it in the
spring of I 799, and erected a tannery and shop ; the place being now known
as the "John Brown house." Here he resided over five years engaged in his
trade ; then removed to Hudson, Ohio, where, after some years his wife Ruth
died, and he married Lucy (Drake) Hinsdale, widow of Harmon Hinsdale.
He died about 1852 or 3, at the a. of 87 years. {See Biog.) Children re-
corded in Torrington :

1. Anna Ruth, b. July 5, 1798, in Norfolk. 4. Oliver Owen, b. Oct. 26, 1804, in Tor-

2. John, b. May 9, 1800, in Torrington. rington.

3. Salmon, b. Apr. 30, 1802, in Torrington.

2. Capt. John, son of Owen and Ruth (Mills) Brown, married istDiantha
Lusk, June 21, 1820, at Hudson, O. She died Aug 8. 1832. He m. 2d,
Mary A. Day, at Meadville, Pa. {See Biography. ) Children by 1st wife :

5. John, b. July 25, 1821, at Hudson, O.,
m. Wealthy C. Hotchkiss July 1847
lived in Ashtabula Co., O.

6. Jason, b. Jan. 19, 1823, at Hudson, O.
m. Ellen Sherboudy, July, 1847.

7. Owen, b. Nov. 4, 1824, Hudson, O.
he escaped from Harper's Ferry.

8. Frederick, b. Jan. 9, 1827, at Rich-
mond, Pa.; d. Mar. 11, 1831.

By second wife :

12. Sarah, b. May 11, 1834, at Richmond,
Pa., d. Sept. 23, 1843.

13. Watson, b. Oct. 7, 1835, at Franklin,

9. Ruth, b. Feb. 18, 1829, m. Henry
Thompson, Sept. 26, 1850.

10. Frederick, b. Dec. 21, 1830, at Rich-
mond, Pa. ; murdered at Oswattomie by
Rev. Martin White, Aug. 10, 1856.

11. An infant son, b. Aug. 7, 1832; was
buried with his mother three days after
his birth.

O.; m. Isabella M. Thompson, Sept. 1856;
wounded at Harper's Ferry, Oct. 17, while
bearing a Hag of truce ; d. Oct. 19, 1859.

Genealogies. 66i

14. Salmon, b. Oct. 2, 1836, at Hudson, O.; 18. Austin, b. Sept. 14, 1842, Richfield, O.;
m. Abbie C. Hinckley Oct. 15, 1S56, d. Sept. 27, 1843.

lived at North Elba. 19. Anne, b. Dec. 23, 1843, Richfield.

15. Charles, b. Nov. 3, 1837, at Hudson, 20. Amelia, b. June 22, 1845, Akron, O.;
O., d. Sept. II, 1843. d. Oct. 30, 1846.

16. Oliver, b. Mar. 9, 1839, at Franklin, 21. Sarah, b. Sept. 11, 1846, Akron, O.
O.J m. Martha E. Brewster, April 17, 22. Ellen, b. May 20, 1848, Springfield,
1858 5 was killed at Harper's Ferry, Oct. Mass.; d. April 30, 1849.

17, 1859. 23. Infant son, b. Apr. 26, 1852, Akron,

17. Peter, b. Dec. 7, 1840, Hudson, O.; d. O.; d. May, 17, a 21 days

Sept. 22, 1843. 24. Ellen, b. Sept. 25, 1854, Akron, O.

BRONSON, Luther, son of Solomon of Winsted, was b. Feb. 7, 1821 ;
m. Flora M. Grant, Nov. 3, 1842. Children:
I. Casimer H., b. Aug. 29, 1845; m. Au- 1870.

gusta Palmer, Oct. 23, 1866; lives in 2. Stella A., b. April 3, 1851.

Waterbury ; has Clara Abel, b. Dec. 25,

BURR, Benjamin, was an early settler of Hartford, and was one of the
original proprietors there in 1639. His wife's name was Anne, her maiden
sir name not .found. He died in Hartford March 31, 1681. His will was
dated June 2, 1677, and m it he gave his son Samuel all his lands and buildings
at Greenfield, in Windsor, and his son Thomas his house and land in Hart-
ford. He also gave a small sum to each of his daughters Mary and Hannah.
His inventory amounted to £234-12-6. His widow Anne and son Thomas
were executors of his will. Anne his widow d. Aug. 31, 1683. Children :

1. Samuel, b. before his father came to 3. Mary, b. ; m. Christopher Crowe of Windsor,
Hartford. ' Jan. 15, 1656.

2. Thomas, b. Jan. 26, 1645. 4. Hannah, b. ; m. Hillyer of Windsor.

I. Samuel, son of Benjamin and Anne Burr, was made a freeman at Hart-
ford in May, 1658. He m. Mary, daughter of John and Elizabeth Baysey of
Hartford. She d. before her husband and he d. Sept. 29, 1682, leaving an
estate of £541-10-1 1., which was considered a large estate at that time, and
was distributed to his children as follows ; to Samuel then aged 19, £160 ; John
aged 12, £101 ; Mary aged 9, £80; Elizabeth aged 7, ^lESo ; Jonathan aged

3. £100. Children :

5. Samuel, b. about 1663, m. 8. Elizabeth, b. 1675.

6. John, b. 1670, m. 9. Jonathan, b. 1679, "^' Abigail Hubbard,

7. Mary, b. 1673, m. Daniel Clark, 1693. and settled in Middletown.

6. John, son of Samuel and Mary (Baysey) Burr, m. Sarah and

settled in Farmington. His children as given may not be in the order of their
birth, but are taken from Farmington records. Children :

10. John, m. 16. Ebenezer, ] b. July 9, 1712.

11. Stephen. ' 17. Thankful, / b. " " " m. Ephraim

12. Noadiah, m. Nov. 5, 1731, Hannah Brown, of Farmington.
Gilbert. 18. Lucy, bap. March 21, 1714.

13. Sarah, m. Joseph Gillett. 19. Gideon, b. Nov. 16, 1715, settled in

14. Nathaniel, settled in Farmington. Goshen.

15. Eunice, m. Samuel Case of Simsbury. 20. Mariam, m. Nathaniel Case.

10. John, son of John and Sarah Burr, m. Mary, daughter of Caleb Root,
of Farmington, Nov. ic, 1722. Children:

21. Salmon, b. Sept. 25, 1723. ford.

22. John, b. May 28, 1726, m. 24. Ruth, b. Oct. 26, 1732.

23. Mary, b. June 14, 1729, d. in Torring-

22. John, son of John and Mary (Root) Burr, m. Tabitha Loomis of

662 History of Torrington.

Windsor, Dec. 17, 1747 ; purchased land in Torringford, east of Burrville,
in 1752, and settled on it probably that spring; the place being known many
years as the Burr hosiery or tavern and afterwards the Daniel Coe Hudson
place. Here John Burr spent his life in clearing the forests and preparing
the way for his children and the future generations. He was a man of import-
ance taking an active part in the interest of the town and community in those
early times when every body worked hard and had but little. Children:

25. John, b. July 19, 1750, in Farmington. children : Justice, George Russell, Timo-

26. Reuben, b. Jan. 13, 1752. thy, William, Hiram, Lucina, Flora, Al-

27. Tabitha, b. June 23, 1754, d. Apr. 2, mira ; ail went to Ohio except Hiram,
lygp who went to Illinois.

29. Jehiel, b. Apr. 11, 1757, m. and lived 30. Chloe, b. Sept. 27, 1764, m. Ira Fuller
in Winsted and had children: Erasmus, of Vermont, no children.
Rozel, Halsey, Dency. 31. Tabitha, m. Foot, had 2 children.

29. Russell, b. Oct. 19, 1761, m. and had

25. Lieut. John, son of John and Tabitha (Loomis) Burr, m. Joel Mark-
ham of Torrington Dec. 13, 1770 ; and sometime after 1781, removed west
with his family. Children;

32. Theodore, b. Aug. i6, 1771, went west. 35. John, b. Sept. 13, 1776, went west.

33. John, b. May 2, 1773, d. Aug. 26, 1775. 26. Arnold, b. Dec. 10, i 778, went west."

34. Joel, b. Aug, 7, 1775, d. Oct. 17, 1775. 37. Horatio, b. Aug. 30, 1781, went west.

26. Reuben, son of John and Tabitha (Loomis) Burr, m. ist Mehitable
Stanley of Torrington, July 2, 1772. She d. Sept. 29, 1793, and he m. 2d
Martha Wilson Aug. 20, 1784. Children:

38. Reuben, b. Aug. 15, 1773, m. and 44. Urial, b. May 19, 1795, •"•
went to Amsterdam N. Y. 45. Milo, b. Jan. i, 1797, m.

39. Salmon, b. May 26, 1775, ^- 4^- F^nny, b. Dec. 4, 1798, not m., d. Mar.

Doolittle, settled in Winsted. 1873-

40. Mehitable, b. Nov. 22, 1777, m. ; re- 47. Eliza, b. Jan. 16, 1801, m. ist.

moved to Watertown, Ct., had children. Humphrey, and lived near Dea. Roods;

41. Allyn, b. Feb. 15, 1780, m., lived and he d., and she m. 2d Steele.

d. in Winchester, had two children. Her son and wife and two children were

42. Chloe, b. May 15, 1786, m. Henry murdered in Kansas by the Indians.
Roberts of Torringford. 48. Harriett, b. Jan. 13, 1803, m. Lurandus

43. Sally, b. Aug. 4, 1789, m. Asa Loomis. Beach and lived in Lawrence, Mass.

44. Uriel, son of Reuben and Martha (Wilson) Burr, m. 1st Esther, dau.
of Uri Curtiss, Dec. 13, 1820. She was born Sept. 13, 1797, and d. Dec.
10, 1831, and he m. 2d, widow Fanny Taylor, Aug, 14, 1861, and is living
a little east of Burrville. Children :

49. Uri, b. Jan. 15, 1822. removed to Kansas, has children : Alice,

50. Esther G., b. June 28, 1824, m. James Cora, Hattie, Fisher, Chester, Edith,
Tallmadge, a wagon-maker of Burrville Freddie, Infant.

and Winsted, Apr. 22, 1845 , had child- 54. Son, b. June 14, 1837, d.

ren ; Henrietta, b. Aug. 15, 1847, Alice 55. Sarah A., b. Aug. 10, 1838, m. Charles

Olive, b July 8, 1854. O. Baldwin, of Harwinton, Jan. i, 1859;

51. Lucius, b. Dec. 9, 1826, m. lives near her father's and has children;

52. Harriett, b. Feb. 12, 1830, d. Dec. 10, Charles A., b. Sept. 11, i86o; Alfred, b.
1831. Jan. 27, 1864; C.irrie L., b. July 25,

53. Mary E., b. Dec. 16, 1832, m. Andrew 1867 ; John, b. Sept. 15, 1869 ; Burr, b.
S. Baldwin ofHarwinton, Jan. 24, 1857; Sept. 30, 1872.

45. Mild, son of Reuben and Martha (Wilson) Burr, m. Mary Skinner of
Winsted Mar. l, 1825, and purchased timber lands where Burrville stands,
and in 1827, built the house in which he resided and where his son, John M.,
now resides. He engaged in the lumber business, cutting the pine timber in

^!^c; ^^ 7-r.

Genealogies. 66^

the vicinity, and reducing it to lumber ; owned several hundred acres of land ;
had two and some of the time three saw mills in use in this busint-ss. The
tannery which he bought of Newton Rossisier, was run a time by Martin
Webster and afterwards a Mr. Bai<er bought it, and continued it some years.
Mr. Burr built a dam, making a reservoir on the mountain west of Burrville ;
built several other buildings and was an enterprising, energetic, hard working
man. He was a great anti-slavery man, working hand in hand with such men
as Gen. Uriel Tuttle. He repeatedly said he obtained his education by going to
school one day, and letting his broiher go the next, while he remained at home.
Children :

56. Mary Ann, b. May 25, 1827, d. Sept. 58. John Milo, b. Mar. 8, 1833, m.

28, 1828. 59. Martha Ann, b. Nov. 25, 1836, d. Jan.

57. James Milo, b. Jan. 30,'i830, d. Feb. 22, 1843.
26, 1832.

49. Uri, son of Urial and Esther (Curtiss) Burr, m. Sarah Mix, April 9,
1846 ; is.a farmer and lives on the old Burr homestead east of Burrville. Child :

60. Hattie Emogene, b. April 7, 1854.

51. Lucius, son of Urial and Esther (Curtiss) Burr, m. Sarah J. Woodruff
Sept. 4, 1851 ; and lives on the old Jabez Gillett place on Torringford street.
Children :

61. George A., b. Oct. 19, 1852, m. Mary 62. Mary A. b. Sept. 26, 1856, m. Samuel
A. Grant, Oct. 21, 1874, and had two A. Andrews Sep. 15, 1875.

children.

58. John M., son of Milo and Mary A. (Skinner) Burr, married Lavinia
A. daughter of Samuel Hurlbutof Winchester, April 23, 1855, and resides on
his father's homestead, where he is making impr6venients, in harmony with his
father's spirit of enterprise and work. Child :

63. John Hurlbut, b. Sept. 17, i860; is at 64. Olive P. Harden, b. Oct. 30, 1855, has
school at Hartford. resided in this family eight years.

BEACH, Richard,' an early settler of New Haven, signed the fundamental
compact there in 1639, married about 1640, the widow of Andrew Hull. He
removed to Stratford, and thence to New London, in about 1667. Children :

1. Mary, b. June, 1642. 3. Azariah. b. July, 1646.

2. Benjamin, b. Oct., 1644. 4. Mercy, bap. May 21, 1648.

3. Azariah, son of Richard and widow (Hull) Beach, married

and settled in Killingworth. Children :

5. Richard, b. Oct. 19, 1677. 7. Benjamin, b. Jan. 14, 1682.

6. Thomas, b. Oct. 5, 1679.

7. Benjamin, son of Azariah Beach of Killingworth, m. Dinah Birdsey of
Stratford, and settled with his brother Richard in Durham, and d. previous to
1712. Children:

13. Joseph, b. Oct. 24, 1710, settled in on the church records in Durham. He
Torringcon. settled in Torrington.

14. Abel, b. Feb. 9, 1712, being the first bap.

13. JOSEPH, son of Benjamin and Dinah (Birdsey) Beach and brother of

Capt. Abel, m. Experience , and lived in Durham where three of his

children were baptized. He removed to Torrington. Children :

' Manuscript of Gad Andrews, of Soutbington.

664 History of Torrington.

15. Mirriam, b Dec. 5, 1734. 20. Dinah, b. in T., May 6, 1750, d. May

16 Hannah, b. May 17, 1736. 31, 1750.

17. Phebe, b. Apr. 4, 1738. 21. Dinah, b. in T., Nov. 2, 1751.

18. Benjamin, b. Mar. 25, 1740. 22. Joseph, b. July 26, 1753.

19. Experience, b. in T., Sept. 10, 1744.

18. Benjamin, son of Joseph and Experience Beach, m. Abiah dau. of
Aaron Loomis, Aug. 31, 1763.

23. Levi, b. Oct. 24, 1764, d. Oct. 19, 1768.

1768. 26. Mirriam, b. Nov. 19, 1769.

24. Ezra, b. Oct. 26, 1766. 27. Levi, b. Feb. 6, 1772.

25. Mirriam, b. Sept. 9, 1768, d. Nov. 12,

22. Joseph Jr., son of Joseph and Experience Beach, m. Edce, dau. of
Dea. John Cook, Jan. 4, 1776. Shed. April 29, 1776, and hem. 2d Jerusha
Phelps, Aug. 19, 1779. Children:

28. Elah, b. Oct. 14, 1780. 30. Horace, b. Mar. 3, 1786.

29. Ahira, b. Oct. 20, 1784.

14. Captain Abel, son of Benjamin and Dinah (Birdsey) Beacli, bough:
land in Torrington, in 1737, and probably worked in the town with Jonathan
Coe, arid others during the summer of 1737. He m. Margaret Pickett,
of Durham, April 5, 1738, and established his home in Torrington. Mr.
Beach settled on the hill a little south of the site of the second meeting house.
He began very early to keep a tavern which he continued until his death, and
which was continued by his son John many years afterwards. During the
Revolution he boarded British prisoners, and in many ways was a noted man
in the town. His house was the resort of all business meetings of the Eccle-
siastical Society for many years ; the ministers stopping there when on change
of pulpits, after 1 786.

His captain's commission was given by William Pitkin, Esq., " captain
general of His Majesty's colony of Connecticut," dated, Oct. 27, 1766. He
therefore was nearly the first appointed to this office in this town ; it being under
the reign of " George the Third, king ot Great Britain "

He died Oct. 3, 179^, a. 84. His widow Margaret, d. Aug. 30, 1803,

a. 89. Children :

31. Benjamin, bap. Oct. 5, 1738 d; an 35. Margaret, b. Sept. 3, 1747, m. Abijah
infant. Wilson, Oct. 5, 1767, removed to 'Win-
32. Abel, b. Dec. 18, 1740, m. chester (see Wilson).

33. Samuel, b. Dec. 2, 1742, m. 36. John, b. May 2, 1750, m.

34. Rebecca, b. May 23, 1745, m. Capt. 37. James, b. Nov. 24, 1752.
Samuel Hurlbut, Dec. I, 1768, removed 38. Noah, b. Sept. 13, 1755, •"•

to Winchester, and raised an important 39. Martha, b. June 3, 1759, m. Burr.

family for that town.

\ 32. Abel, son of Capt. Abel and Margaret (Pickett) Beach, m. Esther Peck,
of Plymouth, March 12, 1774, and lived in Torrington, a little north of the
2d meeting house on the Beriah Hill's place. His wile Esther, d. Dec. 12,
181 5, a. 75 years. He d. in Nov., 1836, a. 96 years. Children :
40. Sarah, b. July 4, 1776, m. Pomeroy 41. Esther, b. Aug. 20, 1780, m. Ezra
Leach, Sept. 24, 1797. Weeks.

V 33. Samuel, son of Capt. Abel and Margaret (Pickett) Beach, m. Kcziah
and settled first on the place afterwards owned by Rev. A. Gillctt, and next on
the Abijah Wilson place, afterwards, the Geo. P. Robert's place. Children :

42. Keziah, b. Oct. 10, 1768, d. Feb. 8, 44. Rhoda, b. May 8, 1776.
1776. 45. Keziah, b. Aug. 16, 1779.

43. Mindwell, b. Dec. 16, 1770. 46. Samuel, b. Aug. 21, 1781.

Genealogies. 665

36. John, son of Capt. Abel and Margaret (Pickett) Beach, m. Mercy
Bassett, June 9, 1774, "on the sea side" and lived in Winchester, until 1781,
when he returned to Torrington, and lived on his father's homestead the re-
mainder of his life. He d. April i, 1824, a. 76. His widow Mercy, d. in
May 22, 1832, a. 76. Children:

47. Abel, b. Jan. 3, 1775, removed to 50. John, b. Feb. 26, 1783, d. May 7, 1817.
Ohio. 51. Adah, b. March 12, 1787, m. Asahel
48 Mary, b. Aug. 19, 1778. Loomis and removed to Black river
49. James, b. June 10, 1780, became a country, N. Y., and acquired a good pro-
minister in Winchester. [See Biog.) perty.

38. Noah, son of Capt. Abel and Margaret (Pickett) Beach, m. Sarah
Bradley, of Winchester, Feb. 19, 1778. He lived a little north of his brother
Abel's home on the road that runs northeast of Wrightville. Children:

52. Mary, b. July 7, 1779, d. April 4, 1798. 55. Susanna, b. Feb. 21, 1786, d. March,

53. Sarah, b. March 7, 1781. 1786.

54. Julius, b. Oct. 27, 1783. 56. Anan.

46. Samuel, son of Samuel and Keziah Beach, m. Content Hall, and lived
on his father's homestead a little west of Wolcottville. Children :

57. Lurandus, lives in Lawrence, Mass. 61. Laura.

58. Clarissa. 62. Charlotte, d. young.

59. Augustus. 63. Jemima, d. young.

60. Frederick. 64. Catharine.

47. Abel,' son of John and Mercy (Bassett) Beach, m. Roxy Taylor, of
Torrington, March 30, 1797, and rnmoved to Wadsworth, Ohio, in 1823. It
is said of him in the l4^adiWorih Memorial, that : " He was a man of great
mirihfulness and wit.'' He was tithing man for years in Torrington, giving
better satisfaction, as he said, to the youngsters, than any other man, as he never
attended church. Children:

56. Sylvia, of defective mind and lost in the 58. Orlando, b. Dec. 14, 1802, m. Julia
woods in Ohio, in 1824, and was never Pardee, lived in Wadsworth, O. His sec-
found, though great search was made by ond wife was Susan, daughter ot Judge
hundreds of people. Philo Welton, a native of \^ aterbury, Ct.

57. George, b. in 1799, m. Mary Delaber, He is still living in Wadsworth. He nas
removed to Wadsworth in 1822, and was one dau. Eliza, who is married and has
a farmer. He removed to Clinton, Iowa. several children.

49. Rev. James, son of John and Mary (Bassett) Beath, m Hannah Clar-
issa Baldwin, of Goshen, Oct 28, 1806. She was born Mar. 10, 1784, only
child of Isaac and Lucy (Lewis) Baldwin. He was settled pastor, and d. at
Winsted June 11, 1850. (^^ee Biography.) She d. May 7, 1852. Children:

59. Lucy Baldwin, b. Aug. 20, 1807, m. E. Curtiss of N. Y.; had Clinton J., b.

Henry H. Hyde, and had children : James Aug. 21, 1870; Mary, b. July 10, 1872 ;

LSeach, b. Nov. 14, 1831, d. a member of Helen C, b. Nov. 28, 1875; Harry, b.

Yale college Jan. 8, 1850 ; Henry Bald- Oct. 24, 1876, d. Nov. i, 1876.

win, b. Feb. 15, 1834; Lucy B., b. Aug. 2. Augusta, b. Apr. 3, 1845, m. Oct. 17,

20, 1841 ; Mary, b. Sept. 4, 1839, d. Jan. 1871, Franklin A. Rising, of N. Y.,

4, 1840. had Franklin C, b. Jan. 18, 1873 '■> Mary

60 Hannah C, b. Mar. 20, 1809, d. Oct. B., b. Dec. 6, 1875; 3. James B., b.

26, 1815. Oct. 15, 1876, d. Nov. 13, 1849; 4.

61. Mary, b. Dec. 16, 1814. m. Caleb J. Anna B., b. Aug. 2, 1850, d. Mar. 24,
Camp; had children; i. Mary M., b. 1852; 5. Ellen B., b. Aug. 1 6, 1 855.
Mar. 4, 1842, m. Oct. 23, 1866, Herman

' " IVadsworth Memorial,^'' Ohio.

666 History of Torrington.

54. JuLTUS, son of Noah and Sarah (Bradley) Beach, married Jerusha
Weeks, ot" Litchfield, April, 1806. Children:
62. Eliza, b. Apr. 30, 1807.

CABLE, Amos, was b. in Blanford, Mass , June 18, 1801, m. Diantha
C. Jones, of Sharon, Ct. She was b. Nov. 25, 1801. Children:

1. Lucinda, b. Sept. 25, 1823; lives at 5. Frances, b. Aug. 20, 1851.

Great Barrintiton, at the Berkshire House. 6. Helen, b. Feb. 10, 1853, m. Lewis Mc-

2. Sherman, b. Sept, 13, 18 — . Cary and has Lottie, b. Oct. 16, 1874;

3. Mary, b. Sept. 25, 1836. Alice, b. Aug. 30, 1875.

4. Lewis, b. Feb. 25, 18 — .

CADY, Joshua, b. July 2, 1771, m. Lemantha Cadwell, Oct. 19, 1799,
she was b. Sept. 30, 1780. Children recorded in Torrington:

1. Horatio Nelson, b. March 10,1800. 3. Alonzo, b. Sept. 8, 1804.

2. Anna Brace, b. April 3, 1802.

CALHOUN, Joseph F., was born in 1819, in Cornwall, Ct. ; came to
Wolcottville in 1847, and engaged in the manufacture of brass kettles for the
brass mill company ; in 185 I engaged with the Wadhams Manufacturing Com-
pany, as secretary, and has continued in the manufacturing business in connec-
tion with various companies to the present time He is now secretary of the
Union Hardware Company. He has been justice of the peace twenty-three
years ; judge of probate since 1870, and a member of the legislature in 1858.
He m. Clarissa A. Caswell, of Glastonburv, in 1848, and owns and occupies
the Gen. Abernethv homestead in Wolcottville. Children :

I. Sarah, b. Sept. 3, 1852; is a teacher in 2. John, b. March 11, 1865.
the high school. 3. Clara L., b. March 7, 1867.

CARR, Clement, of Torrington, m. Jedidah Pelton, of Chatham, May
18, 1785. Children recorded in Torrington:

1. Lemuel, b. Sept. 29, 1785. 3. Florilla, b. July 25, 1792.

2. Stillman, b. Jan 15, 1788, d. Jan., 1790.

Carr, Robert, m. Mary Preston, Dec. 29, 1785 ; both of Torrington.
Children recorded in Torrington :

1. Polly, b. Dec. 10, 1786. 3. Lois, b. Nov. 4, 1790.

2. Ruth, b. March i, 1788.

CARTER, Ithiel, son of Jacob and Dorcas (Tyler) Carter, m. and removed
from Wolcott to Warren, thence to Torrington. Children recorded in
Torrington, Ct. ;

1. Julius, b. July 5, 1786. 4. Martha, b. Aug. 4, 1790.

2. Lucius, b. Sept. 2, 1787. 5. Lois, b. Feb., 1792.

3. Ezra, b. April i, 1789. 6. Sarah, b. Aug. 18, 1793.

CHILDS, Timothy, m. Nancv, dau. of Seth Wadhams, of South
Goshen. He purciiased the farm with the new house on it that Gen.
Epaphras Sheldon had owned in the southwest corner of the town. He
was an eccentric, energetic business man and larmer. He was a drover
and brought into the town many cattle from the west. .A story is related of
this family that is illustrative offamily government in those times. The father
being displeased with his daughter thought it necessary to inflict chastisement
by way o\ whipping, and started to execute the purpose. The daughter, then
nearly grown to womanhood, ran down stairs and ran round the big chimney,
the lather following, she keeping out of the reach of the parent. Soon he began
to weary, and then to scold in a scripture wav • " Children obey your parents,"
"children obey your parents." Upon which the daughter, having been trained

Genealogies.

667

to scripture precepts also, replied : "Fathers provoke not your children to
wrath.'' History docs not tell us how long the father continued the chase after
that fleet child. Children:

hundred.

3. Samuel R , M.D., practiced a short time
in Litchfield, removed to New York city,
m. a wealthy lady j became quite an in-
fluential man in politics ; was one who
originated the plan of the Croton Aqueduct
to convey water to New York city, and
his name is engraved on the Croton Tablet
at High Bridge, as one of the commis-
sioners in the construction of that great
and noble enterprise. In 1842, Mr.
Israel Coe met him and traveled in com-
pany with him several days in Europe.
He was a man of decided intellectual
ability and honorable character.

4. Edward.

I. Stephen, went west.

a. Col. Heman W., m ; lived some time on

the homestead ; removed to New York

city, where he became a man of much in-
fluence in political circles ; went to the

legislature several times, and bid fair to

rise to the highest positions, when his early

decease closed all earthly acquirements.

He was in his early days a natural and very

successful school teacher. He very seldom

resorted to the rod, having dignity and

genality in such degree as to be able to

control any school with ease, and honor

to himself and to all the pupils. He

taught in Litchfield, when he had ninety-
nine pupils and went to a neighbors and

borrowed a baby to make the number one

CHURCH, Samuel, of Southington, m. Nov. 30, 1774, Mary, daughter
of Nathaniel Jones and his wite Sarah Merriman, of VVallingford ; and resided
in Southington village, on a place known as the Levi Hart tavern stand, many
years, and was considerably noted in the town. His ancestry has not been ob-
tained. Children :

1. Samuel, b. Dec. 5, 1775. 5. May, b. Aug. 29, 1784, d. Mar. 18, I786.

2. John, b. Nov. 15, 1777, m. 6. Mary, b. July 4, 1786.

3. Rollin, b. Sept. 25, 1779. 7. Harvey, b. Oct. 26, 1788.

4. Harvey, b. Oct. 26, 1782, d. Sept. 23, 8. David, b. Aug. 20, 1791.
1786. 9. Nathaniel, b. Nov. 15, 1794.

2. John, son of Samuel and Mary (Jones) Church, m. Elizabeth, daughter
of Samuel Andrews of Southington, Nov. 27, 1800, and lived in Southington
village, where he followed the trade of a tinner until he came to Wolcottville,
about 1830. He lost, it is said, two very inreresting daughters in Southington,
Sylvia, and Harriet.' He engaged as a tinner with his son Charles S., in
Wolcottville where he deceased July 15, 1845. Children :

10. John, ^ b. Apr. 30, i8oi,d. Apr. 28, 15. Adaline, b. Mar. 10, 1809, m. Alvin

I 1843. Betsey m. Skid- Tyler, lives in Fountain Green, 111.

Betsey, | more, lives in Bridgewater, 16. Charles S, b. Apr. 26, 1811, m.

J Conn

12. Henry, b. Mar. 12, 1803, lives in Og-
densburg, N. Y.

13. Sylvia, b. Mar. 12, 1805, d. Sept. 12,
1824, aged 19 years.

14. Harriet, b. Mar. 21, 1 807, d. Oct. 7,
1826, a. 19 year

17. Edward, b. Aug. 17, 1813, d. Oct. 7,
1 838, a. 21 years.

18. Mary, b. Jan. 7, 18 1 6, m. Bradley R.
Agard.

19. Susan, b. Jan. 28, 18 18, m. Aaron
Cline.

20. George, b. June 2, 1822, m.

16. Ch.arles S., son of John and Elizabeth (Andrews) Church, m Char-
lott, daughter of Capt. Uii Taylor, of Wolcottville, Nov. 28, 1833. He was
a tinner and made wares for supplying peddlers in various parts ot the country.
Children :

21. Charlotte T., b. Dec. 11, 1834. the Wolcottville new cemetery.

22. Charles F , b. May 8, 1836, m. 24. Henry A., b. Mar. I g, 1841, m.

23. Harriett J., b. Apr. 23, 1839, d. Oct. 25. Nellie E., b. Mar. 29, 1843.
20, 1841, and was the 2d or 3d buried in 26. Uri T., b. May 21, 1845.

1 Mr. Gad Andrews of Southington.

668 History of Torrington.

zo. George, son of John and Elizabeth (Andrews) Church, m. Eveline V,
Lathrop, Nov. 20, 1848. He is partner in the hardware store of Agard and
Church, and resides on Prospect street. Child :
27. Albert, b. July 30, 1849, d. Sept. 2, 1850.

22. Charles F., son of Charles S. and Charlotte (Taylor) Church, m.
Catharine A. Carrington, of Waterbury, May 21, 1861, and resides on South
Main street, Wolcottville. He is president and engaged in the Hendey Machine
Company. Children :
27. Albert H., b. Feb. 22, 1862. 28. Elton C, b. Sept. 25, 1866.

24. Henry A., son of Charles S. and Charlotte (Taylor) Church, married
1st, Emma L. Benham, of New Haven, Sept. 29, 1869, and resided in New
Haven. She deceased Dec. 20, 1871, and he married, 2d, Ella Walsh, of
Sheffield, Mass., Nov., 1875

26. Uri Taylor, son of Charles S. and Charlotte (Taylor) Church, mar-
ried Charlotte H. Sevmour Oct. 28, 1868, and resides on Waterbury road
two miles south of Wolcottville. He is a farmer. Child:
29. Harry S., b. Aug. 15, 1871, d. Aug. 6,

1872.

CLARK, Dexter W., son of Wilkins Clark, was born April 13, 1834, in
Shelburn, Franklin county, Mass., came to Wolcottville in Feb. 1856, and en-
gaged in McNeil's drugstore, where he has continued since that rime with the
exception of being in the late war about three months. He m. Fannie E.
Langdon. Child :
I. Henry Langdon, b. Dec. 25, 1867.

COE. According to Burke's Heraldry, all the members of this family, of
distinction, resided in Norfolk county, England.

Robert, the first in America, sailed from Ipswich, and probably came from
Norfolk, this being his nearest shipping port. He came in the ship Frances,
in the year 1634. His age was 38, that of his wife Ann, 43, his son John 8,
Robert 7, and Benjamin 5. He settled in Watcrtown, Mass , in 1634, where
he was made a freeman Sept. 3d, of that year. In 1635 or 6 he removed to
Wethersfield, Ct., and thence, in 16150, to Stamford or Stratford. In 1662,
he removed to Hempstead or Jamaica on Long Island, and in New York
jurisdiction ; was made sheriff in 1669, which office he held until 1672.
Children :

1. John, b. about 1626, in England. 3. Benjamin, b. about 1629, in England.

2. Robert b. about 1627, in England.

1. John, son of Robert and Ann Coe, came to New England in 1634 with
his parents, and to Wethersfield and Stratford, and was of Newtown, L. I.,
in 1655, and of Greenwich, Ct., in 1660, and that year was one of the pur-
chasers of Rye, N. Y. He was captain and was appointed a magistrate by
Connecticut ; was representative to the general court of Ct. from Newtown in
1664. He was of Stratford in 1685. Children:

4. John. 7. Samuel.

5. Robert. 8. David.

6. Jonathan.

4. John, son of John, 1st, married in Stratford Dec. 20, 1682, Mary, dau. of
Joseph Hawley of Stratford. She was born July 16, in Siratford. His four
oldest sons settled in Durham where they had families. He died April 19,
1741. Children :

Genealogies. 669

9. Robert, b. Sept. 21, 1684. 14. Sarah, b. Mar. 26, 1696.

10. Joseph, b. Feb. 2, 1686. ' ' , 15. Ephraim, b. Dec. 18, 1698.

, II. Hannah, b. April 14, 168^. \(^V^^-''^ 16. Catharine, b. Sept. 23, 1700.

"^ 12. Mary, b. Aug. 11, i69l.-<^>."' 17. Abigail, b. Nov. 11, 1702.

13. John, b. Dec. 5, 1693. 18. Ebenezer, b. Aug. 18, 1704.

9. Robert, son of John and Mary (Hawley) Coe, married Barbara Parmele
and settled in Durham, Ct. His wife Barbara died in Bristol Sept. 26, 1774,
in her 86th year. He was commissioned as ensign in train band in 1718.
He purchased land in Torrington, deed dated 1736-7. Children:

— 19. John, b., 13, 1710, settled in Tor. 24. Hannah, bap. April 1721.

20. Martha, b. Mar 21, 1713. 25. Robert 2d, bap. June 1723.

21. Ebenezer, b. Aug. 21, 1715, settled in 26. Thomas, bap. June 25, 1727.
Torrington. 27. Reuben, bap. Dec. 22, 1728.

22. Mary, b. Apr. 11, 1717. 28. William, bap. June 7, 1730.

23. Robert, b. June 11, 1719, d. young. 29. Rachel, bap. Oct. 22, 1732.

19. JoN.ATH.^N, son of Robert and Barbara (Parmele) Coe, married Eliza-
beth Elmer, of Windsor, ' Sept. 23, 1737. At the time of his marriage he is
said to have been of Torrington^ ; indicating that he had been in the town
during the summer, and at work in such a way as to make his residence here.
He settled on a tarm adjoining Ebenezer Lyman's on the south where he lived
about thirty years. He was one ol the first petitioners for sociL-ty piivileges,
and seems to have been a very good citizen ; one of the original members of
the first church ; a man esteemed and honored. He removed to Winchester,
ill 1 768, having spent thirty-one years in Torrington. His wife, Elizabeth,
d. June 28, 1794, a. 84 years ; he d. April 23, 1795, a. 84 years. Children :

30. Oliver, b. in T., Sept. 3, 1738, m. 35. Martha, b. in T., Jan 15, 1749.

31. Robert, b. in T., March 28, 1740, m. 36. Ebenezer, b. in T., Dec. 2, 1750, d.

32. Jonathan, b. in T., Aug. 20, 1742, m. Oct. 18, 1784.

33. Elizabeth, b. in T., Sept. 15, 1743. 37. Lucretia, b. in T., June 9, 1755, "^•

34. Jerusha, b. in T., March 27, 1746, m. Daniel Murray, March 18 j 1776, d. in
John Lucas of Goshen Dec. 5, 1763. J^ns, 1792.

30. Oliver, son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Elmer) Coe, m Marv Agard,
of Torrington, Oct. 7, ij6i. In 1765, or soon after, he settled on a farm
deeded to him by his father, in Winchester, near Torrington line, where he
resided until his death Dec. 31, 1775, at the age of 37. He served in the
continental army under Captain Sedgwick and Colonel Hinman, at Ticon-
deroga, in 1775 ; vvas discharged Nov. 20th ; was taken sick on his way home
near Lake George ; procured a horse on which he reached home Nov. 28th,
and was confined to his bed with the camp or typhoid fever, until his death
five weeks afterward. He left a widow and six children, all of whom were
sick with the same disease. These facts are gathi-red from a memorial to the
assembly by his administrator, asking a reimbursement of the expenses of his
sickness and death, on which a grant was allowed of £14 6 s.^ Children :

38. Abner, b. April 12, 1763, m. and re- removed to Jewett, N. Y.

moved to Vt. 42. Mary, b Dec. 6, 1769, m. Dr.

39. Oliver, b. Nov. 7, 1764, m. Abraham Camp of Mt. Morris, N. Y.

40. Mary, b. Sept. 2, 1766, d. Sept. 13, 43. Job, b. April 22, 1772.
1766. 44. James, b. May 31, 1774.

41. Justus, b. Sept. I, 1767, m. Ruth Bailey,

31. Robert, son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Elmer) Coe, m. Chloe,
dau. of Joel Thrall, of Torrington, Dec. 26, 1764, and settled on a farm near

' Not of Durham as in lytnchesttr Annals. 2 lown Rec. 3 H^inchcster Annals., 51.

670

History of Torrington.

his brother Oliver's in Winchester. He sold this farm to his brother Jonathan,
and removed to the western part of Winchester, and thence to Unadilla, New
York,' where he died in 1830, a. 90 years. His wife Chloe, d. about 1810,
and he m. a second wife. Children :

45. Joel, b. May 4, 1765, removed to Ox- separately, because some of them returned
ford, Chenango Co., N. Y. to Torringcon.

46. Armanda (son), b. July 3, 1767, d. 48. Ariel, b. Oct. 31, 1772, removed to
young. Coventry, N. Y.

47. Abijah, b. Oct. 23. 1769, m. Sibyl 49. Roswell, b. Feb. 5, 1780, went west.
Baldwin in 1792. This family is treated

32. Ens. Jonathan, son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Elmer) Coe, known as
Ensign Jonathan Coe, reinoved with his father and mother in 1768, on the
farm until then occupied by his brother Robert Coe. He m. April 11;, 1767,
Eunice daughter of Dea. John Cook of Torrington. He removed to Winsted,
in 1796, where he d. August i, 1824. His wife Eunice d. April 12, 1818.
Ensign Coe has been considered the lather ot the Methodist denomination in
the town of Winchester ; having been, probably, the earliest adherent and a
consistent and earnest supporter of that order through his life. Children:

50. Lavinia, b. in T., Feb. 11, 1768, m. Woodruff of Barkhampsted.

Asahel Miller, Oct. 26, 1788. 55 Huldah, b. Jan. 3, 1779, ^- Major

51. Jonathan, b. in T., Mar. 23, 1770, m. Lloyd Andrews, May 16, 1796, who was

52. Eunice, b. Mar. 23, 1772, m. Abiel cousin to Dea. John Whiting.
Loomis, Jan. 20, 1793. 56. David, b. Feb. 11, 1781.

53. Roger, b. July 27, 1774, m. 57, Daniel, b. Feb. 2, 1783.

54. Rhoda, b. Mar. 27, 1777, m. Eben 58. Eben, b. July 9, 1785.

39. Oliver Jr., son of Oliver and Mary (Agard) Coe, m. Sarah, daughter
of Thomas Marshall of Torrington, Dec. 1, 1791. He m. second Chloe
Spencer daughter oi Thomas. He owned and lived on the Henry Drake farm
in Winchester, near the Torrington line, from 1805, to 1814, when he re-
moved to Hudson, Ohio. He served on several tours of duty in the revolu-
tionary war, and on the breaking out of the Indian war again enlisted for three
years. He d. in Hudson, Ohio, August 14, 1825, a. 61 years.* Children :

59. Norris, b. May 16, 1792, m. Chloe 61. Artemisia, b. Dec, 1799, "^- George
Hubbell. Chase.

60. Demas, b. Jan. 11, 1794, m. Eliza Ward.

51. JONATHAN 3d, son'of Jonathan, 2d, and Eunice (Cook) Coe, m. Char-
lotte, daughter of Thomas Spencer, Oct. 3, 1792. She d. July 15, 1842, a.
70 years. He m second Huldah (Spencer) Wetmore, widow of John Wet-
more, second, and sister of his first wife. She d. July 10, 1845 ; he m. third
Mrs. Betsey (Miller) Wetmore, of Wolcoitville. He d. in Winsted, May 31,
1849 ; she d. Sept. 18, 1850, a. 80 years. Children:

62. Jehial, b. Oct. 5, 1794. 67. Sylvia, b. Aug. 12, 1806, m. Samuel

63. Chloe, b. Feb. 24, 1797, m. Chauncey Boyd.

Eggleston. 68. Huldah, b Apr. 6, 1809, m. Erastus S.

64 Wealthy, b. Mar. l, 1799, m. Nelson Woodford.

Wilson. 69. Jane, b. Aug. 14, 1812, m. Henry

65. Charlotte, b. Aug. 24, 1801, d. Feb. Hinsdale.

15, 1814. 70. Ruth, b. Apr. 5, 1814, m. Abel A.

66. Msahel, b. Apr. 4, 1804. Smith.

56. David, son of Jonathan, 2d, and Eunice (Cook) Coe, married Prudence

' Annals of IVinchester, $Z. 2 ylnnals of IVinchtsttr, 53 ; Town Rec.

Genealogies. 6yi

Ward, Mar. 15, 1804. She died Feb. 23, 1823, a. 42 years. He married,
2d, Esther Wright. He d. June 12, 1834. Children :

71. Samuel Ward, b. June 15, 1806, m. office-bearer in the M. E. church from

Aug. 16, 1831, Abigail B. Sanford ; she early manhood. His children were Chas.

died Dec. 23, 1838, and he married 2d, Betts, David Ward, Francis Abby, Wilbur

May 10, 1841, |ulia M. Starks. In com- Fisk.

piny with Luman Hubbell and E. S. 72. Emery, b. Mar. 17, 1809, m. May 7,
Woodford, he engaged in trade at Win- 1837, Almira Griswold, and had children,
sted about 1830, and continued the busi- Sarah, Jane, Edward, Griswold.
ness untill his death, Sept. 20, 1868, and 73. Sally, b. June 24, 1811, m. Alvin Gil-
was largely identified with the public in- bert.

terests of the town, filling with ability 74. David Fletcher, b. June 30, 1819, d.

many offices of trust and honor; justice, Sept. 7, 1823.

town clerk, senator, and judge of pro- 75. Prudence, b. July i, 1828, d. Sept. II,

bate. He was also a faithful member and 1829.

5?. Rev. D.'^niel, son of Jonathan 2d and Eunice (Cook) Coe, married
Oct. 17, 1803, Mrs. Anna (Sweet) Keyes, daug'iter of Rev. John Sweet ; she
d Nov. 29, 1818; and he married, 2d, Lucy Hall, Jan. 20, 1820. He died
Jan. 12, 1847. Children:

76. Caroline, b. Sept. 20, 1804, m. William Loomis.

Carrier. 79. Col. Nelson Daniel, b Nov. 8, 1811.

77. Clarissa Anna, b. Apr. 16, 1807, m. 80. Rev. Jonathan, b. June i, 1815.
Shadrach Manchester. 81. Rev. James Roger, b. Mar. 30, 1818.

78. Louisa, b. Apr. 11, 1809, m. Oliver H.

57. Eben, son of Jonathan, 2d, and Eunice (Cook) Coe, married Eliza
Hirkman Dec. i, 1806. He d. Sept. 10, 1818. Children:

82. Julia, b. Aug. 26, 1807, m. Voorhies. 84. Eliza, b. Dec. 23, 181 1, m. Porter of

83. Samuel Mills, b. Feb. 21, 1809, d. Dec. Cleveland, O.

26,1809. 85- Charles, b. Oct. 25, 1816.

60. Demas, son of Oliver and Sarah (Marshall) Coe, m. Eliza Ward, April
15, 18 19. She was b. Nov. 29, 1800, and is still living. Mr. Coe lived
some years in the west part of Wolcottville. Children :

86. Lewis, b. July 8, 1820, d. Feb. 22, 90. Elizabeth [.. b. Nov. 12, 1829, m. C.
1840, and was the first interment madein J. Wyman Nov. 25, 1852, April 10, 1871.
the new Wolcottville burying ground. 91. Edward L., b. April 8, 1835, "^- Char-

87. Sarah, b. Aug. 22, 1821, m. Elias E. lott R. Robb Nov. 28, 1865, d. Aug. 2,
Oilman Jan. 3'-, 1854, and resides in 1877.

Winsted. 92. Amos Ward, b. June 15, 1841, d.

88. Burell F., b. Aug. 12, 1823, d. Nov. March 28, 1844.

25, 1842. 93. James .M., b. Feb. 21, 1845, m. Lucie

89. Oliver, b. March 18, 1827, d. Sept. 26, E. Sparks, Jan. 17, 1867.
1828.

62. Jehiel, son of Jonathan, 3d, and Charlotte (Spencer) Coe, married,
Sept. 4, 1816, Amanda Betsey Case, born in Simshury. She died, and he
married, 2d, Mrs. Harriet E. Sage, Sept. 25, 1856. Children :

94. Charlotte, b. Dec. 21, 1817, m. Lem- Carrie Capron of New York.

phier B Tuttle. 97. William GiUmore, b. Sept. 10, 1829,

95. Luke Case, b. June 13, 1821, m. Sarah m. Martha A. Williams, and 2d, Jean-
J. Andrews. nette T. L-e.

96. Spencer Wallace, b. Oct. 15, 1827, m. 98. Mary Jane, b. June 20, 1831.

66 As.^hel, son of Jonathan, 3d, and Charlotte (Spencer) Coe, married
Louisa Hak- of Glastonbury, July 31. 1803. They removed to Pennsylvania,
settling finally at Lock Haven. Children :

99. Anna, b. Oct. 2, 1827, m. E. S. Wood- 100. Jonathan Hale, b. Mar. 6, 1831, d,i832.
ford. loi. Vvilliam Hale, b. Jan. 25, 1843.

672

History of Torrington.

79. Col. Nelson, son of Rev. Daniel and Anna (Keyes) Coe, m. Maria
H. Seymour, Feb. 5, 1834. He d. Nov. i, 1856. Children :

102. Lucy Ann, b. Nov. 18, 1834, m. 104. A son, b. 1838, d. same day.
Rufus E. Holmes. 105. Daniel Sidney, b. Aug., 1840.

103. James Nelson, b. Oct. 20, 1836, m. 106. Ellen Maria, b. March 31, 1845.
Kate R. Goddard.

80. Rev. Jonathan, son of Rev. Daniel and Anna (Keyes) Coe, m. in Bridge-
water, Mass., Oct. 15, 1844, Sarah Wales Whitman; b. March 30, 1815.
She d. Sept. 5, 1848 ; and he m. 2d, Susan L. Whitman, sister ot his first wife,
Jan. I, 1850. He was a graduate of Trinity college, Hartford, a minister of
the Protestant Episcopal church and first rector of St. James' church, Winsted.
He died of a rail road accident at Athens, New York, about 1867. Children :

107. James Herbert, b. July 22, 1845. ill. Robert Henning, b. Oct., 1852, d.

108. William Watson, b. Nov., 1846. 112. Reginald, b. July 22, 1854.

109. Harriet Whitman, b. Sept. 2, 1848, d. 113. Mary Cleaveland, b. July 22, 1856, d.
Sept. 4, 5848. 1857.

no. Alien Whitman, b. Aug. 27, 1851, d. 114. Anna Caroline, b. Oct., 1858.
April, 1852.

81. Rev. James R., son of Rev. Daniel and Anna (Keyes) Coe, m. Oct.

4, 1848, Mary Cleaveland, b. Dec. 23, 1830. He was a minister of the Pro-
testant Episcopal church. Children :

115. Anna Higley, b. Aug. 10, 1849. 118. Charles Cleveland, b. June 13, 1855.

116. Sarah Whitman, b. Jan. 13, 1851. 119. Mary Cleaveland, b. Dec. 17, 1857.

117. George Jarvis, b. May 7, 1853.

2 1. Ebenezer, son of Robert and Barbara (Parmcle) Coe, of Durham, m.

Jane , and settled in Torrington, a little later than his brother Jonathan;

his house standing where Mr. x'\lonzo Whiting's spring house now stands, and
hence just across the highway from Priest Roberts. In after years the remark
was made ot him that there was no inan in town as well off as Capt. Coe. He
was one of the leading men in forming the strict Congregational church, and
building the second meeting house. Children :

120. Eunice, b. April 29, 1742, m. Joseph Wilcox, Sept. 13, 1762.

Hoskins, Jr., Aug. 20, 1761. 122. Rozel, b. Sept. 20, 1746, m. Esther

121. Mary, b. Sept. 7, 1744, m. Asahel Bancroft.

12 2. RoswELL, son of Ebcnczcr and Jane Coe, m. Esther Bancroft, April
22, 1766. He kept a tavern a number of years a little south of the crossing
of the roads on Goshen turnpike, near Alonzo Whiting's. He began for him-
self it is said, with more property than any other young man of his day, but
with the keeping of a tavern, and signing notes for other people, which he
finally had to pay. he lost all his property and d. poor. He and his wife d.
in the old Dea. Whiting house and were buried in the same grave. They had
no children.

47. Abij^h, son of Robert and Chloe (Thrall) Coe, m. Sibyl, daughter of
Israel Baldwin, of Goshen, Oct. 18, 1792, and settled in Goshen, East street,
a blacksmith, where he reinained until 1810, when he came to Torrington,
near Wist pond, where he resided until the decease of his wife. She d. April

5, 1848. He d. in Wolcottville, April 8, 1852. Children:

123. Chloe, b. Mar. 5, 1793, m. Ira Mott Sophia C, b. Dec. 24, 1816; Flora, b.

in 1813, and lived in Winchester. He Dec. 22, 1818, Asahel, b. March 27,

d. Mar. 20, 1846, she d. in 1877. They 1820, d. Dec. 30, 1825 ; Ira, b. April 5,

had: Edward W., b. Jan. 24, 1814; 1822, d. April 8, 1824; Emerson, b.

Genealogies.

673

Nov. I, 1824, d. at sea, Feb. 8, 1845 ; 127. Norman, b. May i, 1801, m.

Ellen, b. Aug. 17, 1826; Wakeman, b. 128. Eliza, b. Nov. 27, 1803, m. Chauncey
June 21, 1830; Chloe Ann, b. Nov. 16, Spencer 1827, and d. Aug. 26, 1830.

1834; Adeline, b. Feb. 21, 1827. They had: Homer, b. Aug. 14, 1828.

124. Israel, b. Dec. 14, 1794, m. 129. fiber Norton, b. March 7, 1806, m.

125. Flora, b. Feb. 17, 1797, m. Anson 130. Sibyl, b. June 29, 1808, d. unm. Sept.
Stocking, May 15, 1825. They had: 11, 1864.

Flora E., b. June 22, 1827 ; Omer C, b
Oct. 14, 1828, Fanny M., b. Dec. 4,
1830; Phila H., b. April 2, 1836; fiber
N., b. Feb. 14, 1838.
126. Asahel, b. Jan. 28, 1799, m.

131. Orrel, b. Nov. 25, 1 8 10, m. Samuel
J. Stocking, Mar. 22, 1835, d. Dec. 8,
1850.

132. Harvey, b. Jan. 3, 1817, d. Aug.,

1839, in Alabama.

124. Israel, son of Abijah and Sibyl (Baldwin) Coe, married Nancy Wet-
more Sept. 17, 1817. She was born July 19, i 796, and died Aug. 30, 1838.
He married, 2d, Huldah De Forrest Oct. 16, 1839. (^See Biogrtiphy.)
Children :

133. Lyman, b. Aug. 14, 1818, d. Apr. 5, 138. Cornelia, b. Feb. 18, 1828, m. Israel

1819

134. Lyman W., b. Jan. 20, 1820, m.
13J. Russell A., b. Nov. 10, 1821, d. Nov.
24, 1867, in Detroit, unmarried.

136. William H., b. Jan. 17, 1824, m.

137. Sarah M., b. April 27, 1826, m. Je-
dediah Hibbard, at Detroit, May 9, 1850.
He was born Sept. 13, 18 14, and d. Feb.
8,1856. Their children : Nancy Wet-
more, b-. April 14, 1851, d. Aug. 30,
1853 ; Charles, b. June 23, 1853 ; Rus-
sell Abernethy, b. Mar. 9, 1855, d. Oct.
17, 1868.

126. As..\HEL, son of Abijah and Sibyl (Baldwin) Coe, married Maria
Wetmore, June 2, 1830. She was born May 14, 1805. He resided some
years in Wolcottville, being engaged with Geo. D. Wadhams and Webster, in
the button business, and in 1838 removed to Waverly, 111, He had five sons in
the late war, all of whom returned home uninjured. They went with Gen.
Sherman through Georgia. Children:

Holmes 2d, in Detroit, May 22, 1848.
He was born Aug. 10, 1823. He with
his family, spent several years after 1863,
in England in business engagements.
Their children : Martha Cornelia, b.
July 17, 1850; Samuel Judd, b. Jan. 14,
1853, d. July 4, 1855; William Coe, b.
Aug. 25, 1854; Franklin (Jarter, b. Aug.
21. 1859; Charles Leland, b. Oct. 16,
1863, in England J Frederick Nelson, b.
Nov. 12, 1864, in England; Walter
Wetmore, b. Oct. 13, 1866, in England.
139. Adelaide E., b. Apr. 26, 1833.

140. Charles W., b. March 8, 1831; m.j
in the late war.

141. Edward B., b. Feb. 22, 1833; in the
war; d. at Cheyenne, April i, 1876.

142. Lauren W., b. July 25, 1835, m. ; in
the late war.

173. Louisa M.,b. April 18, 1838, m. John
M. Van Deren, Springfield, HI., Sept. 8,
1864.

144. William, b. Nov. 13, 1841 ; in the
late war.

145. Alfred, b. April 4, 1843; in the late
war.

146. Israel, b. Aug. 19, 1847.

147. Sarah Eveline, b. Oct. 31, ,1849,

127. NoRM.^N, son of Abijah and Sibyl (Baldwin) Coe, married Naney
Whiting Aug. 26, 1827 ; removed to Alabama, where he resided some years,
and thence to Grenada, Mississippi, where he d. Oct. i, 1859. Children:

148. Irwin P., b. July 15, 1828.

149. Edwin M., b. May 23, 1830.

150. Norman, b. Feb. 22, 1834, d. June
27, 1854.

251. fiber, b. Sept. 5, 1835, d. June 20,
1836.

152. Eliza M., b. Oct. 30, 1837, in Ala-
bama.

153. Flora Janette, b. Sept. 3, 1841, in
Alabama, d. in Miss., Sept. 10, 1856.

129. Eben Norton, son of Abijah and Sibyl (Baldwin) Coe, married Sarah
85

674

History of Torrington.

Townsend Apr. lo, 1837. She was born Mar. 4, 1820. He died in Ala-
bama Dec. 16, 1857. His wife Sarah died Mar. 13, 1849. Children:

154. Ellen Cornelia, b. April 9, 1838. 156. Marion Napoleon, b. Aug. 5, 1847.

155. Martha Frances, b. Aug. 22, 1840. 157. William Harvey, b. Feb. 28, 1849.

134. Lyman Wetmore, son of Israel and Nancy (Wetmore) Coe, m. Eliza,
daughter of Samuel Seymour, of Wolcottville, Nov. 3, 1841, and has resided
some years in Waterbury, but since 1863, in Wolcottville, and is a prominent
man in the town, counfy, and state. {See Biography.) Children :

148. Adelaide Eliza, b. Oct. 29, 1745, m. Oct. 9, 1873.

W. H. K Godfrey of Waterbury, where 160. Ella Seymour, b. Feb. 24, 1854, m.

they reside. Had: Mary, b. July 16, 1876. Oct. 21, 1874, Thomas J. Nichols, of

159. Edward Turner, b. June i, 1846, at- Brooklyn, N. Y., son of Charles M. and

tended school at Mr. F. W. Gunns Wash- Sarah M. (Green) Nichols. Mr. T. J.

ington, Ct., and at Mr. Wm. H. Russell's, Nichols is engaged as clerk with the Tur-

military school New Haven; m. Lelia ner and Seymour company.

dau. of Amos Wheeler of Wolcottville,

136. William H., son of Israel and Nancy (Wetmore) Coe, m. Deborah S.
Archer, at Waverly, 111., Nov. 11, 1846. She was b. Sept. I,.i824, Children:

161. Frederick Archer, b. Aug. 12, 1847. 163. Charles Henry.

162. Franklin Lyman, b. Apr. 8, 1850, d. 164. William Augustus.
Aug. 30, 1867, at Appleton, Wis.

140. Charles W., son of Asahel and Maria (Wetmore) Coe, m. Phebe
Crawford in Iowa. Children :
165. Louisa M., b. Oct. 26, 1857. 166. Franklin, b. Oct. 12, 1859.

142. Lauren W., son of Asahel and Maria (Wetmore) Coe, m. Martha
E. Jarins, Aug. 31, 1858. She was b. July i, 1837. Child:

167. Russell J., b. July 22, 1859.

28. William, son of Robert and Barbara (Parmela) Coe, of Durham, and
being a younger brother of Jonathan and Ebenezcr, came to Torrington some
years later than they, and purchased in 1752, twenty-eight acres of land in the
southwestern part of the town. Whom he m. is not known ; the town records
giving the names of only two children. He and his wife united with the
Torrington church in 1757, and afterwards removed to Torringtord where he
d. in 1 766. Children :

168. Seth, b. Dec. 21, 1757, m.

169. William, b. March 23, 1764, nothing is known about him.

168. Capt. Seth, son of William Coe, was in the Revolution eight years,
enlisting when seventeen years of age, leaving his mother a widow. After the
war he settled in the southeast corner of the town on a farm, still known by
his name. He drew a pension many years, living to be quite aged, and was
always ready to tell stories to the young people about the war. He m. first

Hopkins, second Elmer, sister of Abialliar. Children by

1st wife :

170. Lucianna, b.; m. Scoville.

By 2d wife :

171. Luranna, b., never m. 173- Marilla, b.

172. Henry, b. Sept. 2, 1792, m. 174. Sylvester, b.

172. Henry, son of Seth and (Elmer) Coe, m. Sophrona, daughter

of Alexander Elmer, March 16, 1815, and lived on his father-in-law's farm
until 1836, when he removed to Wolcottville, where he had purchased fifty

Genealogies. 675

acres of land and built him a house, on South Main street, where he lived until

his death, Jan. 4, 1862. Children :

175. Henry P., b. Aug. 3, 1877, "i- ^st 178. Oliver P., b. Apr. 25, 1828, m.

Mary dau. of Porter Bissell, 2 , and 179. Laurana, b. Dec. 20, 1830, d. Jan. 18,

removed to Clayton, 111., and has five 1833.

child. en. 180. James £., b. Jan. 16, 1834, went to

176 Sophrona E , b. Sept. 16, 1820, d. Chicago, where he m. and has five

Mar. 16, 1836. children.

177. Jane E., b Nov. 20, 1824, m. Samuel 181. Nelson W., b. Jan. 2, 1837.

A. Healy of Torrington, lives Canton, Ct.

178. Oliver. P., son of Henry and Sophronia (Elmer) Coe, m Annie Ash-
born, Sept. I, 1864, who d. July 14, 1874. He m. second Lucy A. Upson,
of Wolcott, Oct. 19, 1876. He is foreman in the Coe Furniture Manufactory.
Children :

182. William Henry, b. Aug. 13, 1865, d. July 19, 1871.

Sept. 18. 1866. 185 Sophronia Isabel, b. Feb. 17, 1872.

183. Mary Elizabeth, b. June 12, 1867. 186. Oliver Elmer, b. Apr. 20, 1874.

184. Harry Elmer, b. Oct. 28, 1869, d.

181. Nelson W., son of Henry and Sophronia (Elmer) Coe, m Caroline
E., daughter of Samuel Workman, Sept. 19, 1862, lives on North Main street.
Children ;

187. Frank E., b. ; d. young. 189. Frank E., b. Feb., 1872.

188. Grace F., b. June, 1866.

COLT. The name of Dution Colt appears often in English history. He
was dispossessed of his estate for opposing popery, and afterwards regained it
by valiant service for his countrv, and war granted one of the coat of arms of
the Colt family. He was probably son of Sir Oliver Colt. We read during
the 15th century, also, of Sir Thomas, Sir Henry and Sir George Colt. It is
yrobable the line of descent is as follows:

Sir Peter, a peer in Enghnd, son of Sir John Dutton Colt.

John, son of Sir Peter Colt.

John, son of John.

John, son of John, who was born in England about the year 1625, came
from Colchester, England, during the troubles of George I, at the age of eleven
years. In 1638 he removed from Dorchester, Mass., to Hartford, with a col-
ony that came thither during that year. He afterwards married Skin-
ner and settled in Windsor. He probably married for a 2d wife, Mary
Fitch, daughter of Joseph Fitch, from whom he received land in Windsor for
love and good will. He was one of the early settlers on the east side of the
river, and was much troubled with the Indians. In 1665, he subscribed six
shillings to raise the minister's salary. He lived to the age of 105 years.

John, son of John and Mary Fitch Colt, was born in 1658.

Benjamin, son of John Colt, born in Conn., in 1700, was one of the early
proprietors of Harwinton, though probably he never lived there himself In
1735, he deeds, "for the natural love and good will I do have for my son
John, all my land in Harwinton."

John, married Mercy Higley and lived about one-half mile east and then
one-half mile north of the present church in Harwinton. Children :

1. Jonathan Higley b. Oct. 13, 1735. 5. Ruth, b. Dec. 14, 1742.

2. Anna, b. May 6, 1737. 6. John, b. March 16, 1745.

3. Mary. b. April 5, 1739. 7- Ann, b. Nov. 17, 1747.

4. John, b. Feb. 19, 1741. 8. Dorothy, b, Sept. 10, 1753.

676

History of Torrington.

I. Jonathan Higley, son of John and Mercy (Higley) Colt, married Oct.
12, 1761, Mary Tutile of Harwinton, born Mar. 22, 1741, and died Oct.
17, 1822. Children :

9. John, b. Sept. 9, 1762. Hopkins.

10. Eliphalet, b. Feb. 12, 1764, m. Huldah 16. Sarah, b. Oct. 3, 1776 ; m. Darius Wil-
Adams, settled in Otis, Mass., removed son. Had a son Darius who m. Clarissa
and d. in Ohio in extreme old age. Treadway.

11. Anson, b. July 19, 1766. 17. Pollythi, b. Dec. 20, 1778; m. James

12. Allen, b. March 4, 1769, m. Polly Wilson, lived in Paris, Canada.
Webster, had several children: Allen, 18. Huldah, b. Aug. 7, 1780, m. Silas
Polly, Nancy and others. Gridley, had Eliza, Sally, Belinda, Silas

13. Truman, b. Jan. 13, 1771. Riley.

14. Milicent, b. Jan. I., 1773 ; m. 1st, Ruel 19. Electa, b. April i 5, 1785; m. and set-
Gridley, 2d Abel Gridley. tied in Western New York.

15. Rhoda, b. Jan. 11, 1775; m. Benjamin

9. John, son of Jonathan Higley and Mary (Tuttle) Colt, m. Ruth Gilbert,
Dec. 7, 1785, and lived in Harwinton ; she d. June iith, 1792 ; he m. 2d,
Chloe Bull, June 5, 1793- Children by 1st wife:

20. Belinda, b. Sept. 7, 1786, m. Edward m. Almira Strong.

Bartholomew, and is still living and in her 21. John, b. Dec. 23d, 1788, m. Mary
92d year. Her son, John Bartholomew, Grimes Dec, 1819.

Children by 2d wife:

22. Gilbert, b. April 19, 1794. lotte, b. Feb. 12, 1835; Yi. Mary, b.

23. Lyman, b. March 22, 1796. April 8, 1837; vii. Lyman, b. Feb. 12,

24. Riley, b. Dec. 4, 1797. 1^39 > viii. Caroline, b. Jan. 20, 1841 ;

25. Wolcott, b. July II, 1801, m. Sept. ix. Adaline, b. March 5, 1842 ; viii. Julia,

10, 1826, Polly Tomkinsj Their b. Sept. 12, 1844; x. Martha, b. April
children were: i. James W , b. June 30, 1848; xi. Ruth, b. Dec. 7, 1849.
20,1827; 11. Charles, b. March 3, 1829; 26. Elias, b. Aug. 4, 1803.

III. John Riley, b. Jan. ist, 1831 ; iv. 27. Elias, 2d, b. Feb. 14, 1807.
Cornelius, b. Feb. ist, 1833; v. Char-

13. Truman, the filth son of Jonathan Higley and Mary (Tuttle) Colt,
m. Anna Forbes, and settled in East Han, had two children :

28. Willis, b. , traveled south and residedin New Haven, and later in New

d. in New Haven. Children: i. Edwin, York. Children: i. William Tomlinson; 11.

m. lived and d. in Stockton, Cal. ; 11. Frederic Sherman; iii. Mary Henrietta;

Francis, m. S. B. Jerome ot New Haven ; iv. Charles Frederic; v. Sherman Pres-

III. Orilla: Sarah, m. R. S. Stillman of cott ; vi. Charlotte Jannett ; vii. William

North Haven; Anson T., b. June 30, 1822, Edward; viii. James Bennett.
m. Dec. 31, 18 — , Mary Ann Tomlinson,

II. Anson, the third son of Jonathan Higley and Mary (Tuttle) Colt, m.
Feb. 23d, 1792, Chloe, daughter of Jabez and Ann Gillett.

He came from Harwinton to Torringford when twentv-one years of age,
and was married when twenty-six. He built, first, the second house south of
the present Torringford church on the same side of the road, also the shop
standing near; he afterwards lived in the large two story house standing where
James Woodward's house now stands, 6ne-half mile north of the church.
About the year 1813 he removed to Greenwoods, and after living in the one story
brown house three years, built, in 1816, the substantial house now occupied by
George Colt. Here they lived and fulfilled well the mission assigned them,
and were gathered to their heavenly home at a ripe old age, Mrs. Colt retain-
ing her mental faculties perfectly to the age of 96 yeai's. In visiting their rela-
tives and friends in Windsor and Otis, Mass., the journey was performed on
horseback, the mother taking a child on a pillow, and the father taking a younger

Genealogies. 677

one on a pillow in front of his saddle. He died Oct. 28th, 1848, aged 82
years. Children:

34. Nancy, b. Jan. 15, 1793, ™- Ralzinion Cornelius, b. June 19, 1831, d. March
Loomis, July 1 1, 18 19, removed to Char- 26, 1834. Marcellus, b Oct. 28, 1833;
lestown, Ohio, making the journey with d. May 22, 1857; Charlotte Ann, b. May
oxen and cart in 40 days {See Loomis 6, 1840; m. May 30, 1861, to Nathan
Family). She d. Jan. 30, 1S76. Bronson, who was b. Nov. ao, 1837.

35. Anson, b. fan. 11, 1795. She d. Dec. 7, 1871. Children : i. Alice,

36. Chloe, b. Feb. 12, 1797, m. Feb. 14, b. Aug. 23, 1862; 11. Henry B., b.
1830, to Leverett Tuttle. {See luttle Sept. 6, 1864, d. June 8, 1865 ; in.
Family. Joseph S., b. Aug. 22, 1866, d. June

37. Henry, b. Nov. 25, 1800. 17, 1870, iv. Wilbur N., b. Nov. 29,

38. Charlotte, b. Feb. 21, 1803, m. Burton 1870; d. June 11, 1876.
Pond, Oct. 5, 1829, and had children: 39. Cornelia, b. Dec. 20, 1843.

35. Col. Anson, son of -^nson and Chloe (Gillett) Colt, married Sept.
12, 1824, Mary Ann Newberry Barber. H3-traveled south in the mercantile
business while a young man, and settled as a farmer on the opposite side of the
street to his father He possesssed sound mind, good judgment, and business
ability. He died .Aug. 16, 1865. Children:

40. Christopher, b. May 14, 1829 ; m. Sept. May 23, 1862; 11. James C, b. March

28, 1851, Francis Chidsey who d. Aug. 17, 1869.

15, 1S58 ; he m. 2d Sarah Barber, Oct. 41. John Anson, b. April 3, 18365 d. July

29, i860. Children : i. John B., b. 23, 1859.

37. Henry, son of .•\nson and Chloe (Gillett) Colt, married Chloe Catlin
Oct. 19, 1829. He also traveled south, trading in dry goods, and afterwards
settled on his father's homestead where he lived, honored for his piety and in-
tegrity, and died Nov. 22, 1876 Children :

42. Henry Gillett, b. Nov. 2, 1832; m. 1843; had Julia Maria, b. July 6, 1866.

Nettie Grisvvold (b. June 24, 1 849), Mar. 45. Emerette S., b. Nov. 21, 1 841; m.
'9> 1874 ; lives in Winsted. Children: David Strong, June 7, 1 866. Children:

Ella Chloe, d. Dec. 19, 1874; Florence Frederick Clark, b. May 12, 1867. Ar-

A., b. Jan. 7, 1876; Henry L5ne, b. July thur David, b. Apr. 7,18705 d. Feb. 2,

15- i**77- 1871 ; HerbertGillett,b. Dec.2o, 1871 J

43.^ Maria C, b. Sept. 6, 1834; m. David Walter Colt, b. June 15, 1875; d. Jan.

Strong, b. Aug. 17, 1825; Sept. 14, 15,1877.

1857; d. Feb. 2, 1865, had John Henry, 46. Luman Catlin, b. Jan. 20, 1849; m.

b. Sept. 1st, 1859; d. Aug. 20. i860. Oct. 11, 1870, Mary Virginia Tutile, b.

44. George Kellogg, b. Oct. 26, 1838; m. Dec. 2, 1850; lives in Winsted, has Chas.

Dec. 24, 18635 Margarette E. Griswold, Henry, b. Sept. 24, 1872.

daughter of Richard Griswold ; b. Feb. 4,

COOK, Capt. .Aaron, was b. in Plymouth, England, about 1610, and was
at Dorchester, Mass., in 1630; and received a grant of land, voted him, July
5, 1636, in Windsor. He in. as supposed, a daughter of Henry Smith, of
Springfield, son-in-law of William Pyncheon. From V\indsor he went to
Northampton, where he was a representative, and thence to Hadley, which
town he also represented at the Mass. Gen. Court. " Mr. Cooke was a man
of great energy, and a devoted friend of the regicide judges, GofFe and Whalley ;
while they were in this country, they resided in his neighborhood ; his first
wife was a dau. of Thomas Ford ; his second, was Joan, dau. of Nicholas
Denslaw ; he had a third and a fourth wife, and d. in the year 1690." (///>/,
Dorchester.^ Children :

1. Nathaniel; no record. 6. Samuel, b. Nov. 21, 1650.

2. Joanna, b. Feb. 21, 1640. 7. Elizabeth, b. April 7, 1653.

3. Aaron, bapt. Feb. 21, 1640. 8. Noah, b. June 14, 1657 (old ch. Rec,

4. Miriam, b. Mjrch 12, 1642. Windsor.)

5. Moses, b. Nov. 16, 1645.

678

History of Torrington.

I. Nathaniel, son of Capt. Aaron Cook, m. Lydia Vore, June 29, 1649 ;
was made freeman, May 16, 1650. He and his wife were members of the
Windsor church. He died May 19, 1688 ; his widow Lydia, d. June 14,
1698. Children :

9. Sarah, b. June 26, 1650. 13. Abigail, b. March i, 1660.

10. Lydia, b. Jan. 9, 1652, d. Oct. 24. 14. John, b. Aug. 3, 1662.

11. Hannah, b. Sept. 11, 1655. 15. Josiah, b. Dec. 22, 1664.

12. Nathaniel, b. May 13, 1658.

14. John, son of Nathaniel and Lvdia (Vore) Cook, m. and lived in Wind-
sor. Children :

16. John.

16. Dea. John, was son of John, the son of Nathaniel (certified by the
late Herman Cook, of Wolcotiville). This Dea. John Cook, was an original
proprietor in Torrington, and is called invariably John Cook, 2d, or junior.
He was one of sixteen men, appointed by the towns of Hartford and Windsor,
to locate the corner monuments of Torrington, and the other five towns, which
were included in Hartford and Windsor's " western lands." Dea. Cook's
initials were on stones at the southeast corner of Torrington. The record of his
family h^s not been obtained. He d. in 1751. His widow Edee, d. in
Torrington, Oct. 29, 1781. Child:

17. John, b. in 1718.

17. Dea. John, son of Dea. John Cook, of Windsor, came to Torrington,
in 1740, and was m. to Rachel Wilson, sister to Noah and Amos, June 22,
I 741. His father gave him the farm lot, 56, of the first division on which he
built so tar as is known the first framed house in the town, probably in the
spring of 1741, and in this house he lived until his decease ; and the place is
still known by his name ; the frame of the house is still standing but has been
recovered, and is in good repair. In this house the first church was organized
and the first minister ordained, October 21, 1741. Dea. Cook was much
honored, and apparently greatly respected as long as he lived. Dea. Cook's
mother Ede, d. in Torrington, Oct. 29, 1781. He d. April 8, 1779. -^'^
widow d. April 8, 1789. Children:

18. Rachel, b. May 2, 1742, m. David Beach, Jr., Jan. 4, 1776.
Soper Jan. 26, 1764. 25. Urijah, b. Sept. I, 1754, m.

19. John, b. Aug. 29, 1743, m. 26. Lucy, b. Oct. 2, 1756, m. Moses Loomis,

20. Eunice, b. March 5, 1746, m. Ensign Jr., Aug. 8, 1782.

Jonathan Coe, Jr., April 15, 1767. 27. Hannah, b. March 3, 1758, m. Simeon

21. Francis, b. Sept. 18, 1747, d. Dec. 23, Moore, Jan. 21, 1784.

1750. 28. Elihu, b. Feb. 18, 1760, d. Feb. 20,

22. Shubael, b. April 21, 1749, m. 1760.

23. Sarah, b. Oct. 31, 1750, m. Levi 29. Elihu, b. March 29, 1761, m.
Hurlbut July 26, 1777. 30. Mary, b. Nov. 10, 1764, d. Nov. 14,

24. Edee, b. Nov. 28, 1752, m. Joseph 1784.

19. John, son of Dea. John and Rachel (Wilson) Cocjk, married Deborah
Palmer, of Windsor, May 25, 1769. She died Aug 25, 1775. He married
2, Bethiah Winchel, Feb. 2, 1777. He died Jan. 16, 1823, She died Mar.
5, 1823. Children by first wife:
31. Deborah, b. Nov. 25, 1769, d. Oct. 14, 32. John, b. Dec. 2, 1741, d. Feb. 29,

1774- 1775-

By second wife :

33. John, b. May 27, 1779. 35. Luther, b. Sept. 21, 1783.

34. David, b. Jan. 31, 1781.

^^^^^..

G (^^"-^-^^

Genealogies.

22. Dea. Shubael, son of Dea. John and Rachel (Wilson) Cook, married
Sept. 17, 1773, Sarah Bassert Gillcit of Windsor. He removed in 1792 to
Winsted and settled on the Daniel Tuttle farm, adjoining Torringford line on
South street. About 18 iq he removed to a house on the south side of Green-
woods turnpike, in which he died Dec 27, 1824, aged 75. His wife died in
1827, aged 79. In 1802, he was chosen deacon ol the Congregational church,
which office he filled with great fidelity and acceptance, until his death. Dea.
Cook was a man of warm and cheerful piety, poor in this world's goods, but
rich in Christian attainments, and in the love uf his brethren.' Children:

36. Rosinda, b. Mar. 17, 1774, in Tor., 38. Ede, b. in 1783, d. single, Feb. i, 1818,
m. Asher Loomis of Windsor, where she a. 35.

d. in 1805. 39. Reuben, b. Sept. 10, 1786, a manufac-

37. Reuben, b. ; d. young, scalded. turer in Winsted.

25. Urijah, son of Dea. John and Rachel (Wilson) Cook, married Submit
Tuttle Feb. 8, 1779. ^^ removed to Winchester in 1788, and in 18 19, he
removed to Barkhamsted where he died June 28, 1832, aged 73. His wife.
Submit, died Dec. 16, 1844, aged 88. He was a farmer ; a zealous theolo-
gian and federalist. Children :

40. Anson, b. Oct. 4, 1779, m. 44. Rachel, b. Jan. 7, 1790, m. Hamlin

41. Lois, b. Mar. 25, 1781, m. Giles Rus- Russell.

sell. 45. Huldah, b. Feb. 9, 1795.

42. Sally, b. March, 28, 1782, d. unm. 46. Philo, b. Sept. 28, 1798, d. in Bark-

43. Rhoda, b. Jan. 7, 1790, d. April 29, hamsted, 1858.
1807.

29. Elihu, son of Dea. John and Rachel (Wilson) Cook, married Huldah
Yale Jan. 6, 1787. Children:

47. Huldah, b. Feb. 14, 1788. 49. Ophelia, b. Jan. 3, 1794.

48. Roxy, b. Oct. 28, 1790. 50. Riley, b. Jan. 14, 1797.

33. John, son of John and Bethiah (Winchell) Cook, married Lydia Loomis

of Harwinton, 19, 1806. He died Sept. 7, 1863, and his wife Lydia

died Feb. 7, 1861. Children:

51. Herman, b. Feb. 2, 1807. 52. Lewis, b. Sept. 23, 1817.

34. David, son of John and Bethiah (Winchell) Cook, married Hannah L.
Beach Dec. 21, 1806. They removed to Charlotte, Vt., where he died, Sept.
24, 1857, and his widow, Hannah L., died May 9th, 1870. Children:

53. Mary A. b. Aug. 20, 1808, m. Frank- 54. Charles B., b. Mar. 24, 1814, m.
lin Barber, Mar. 23, 1835, and had Ar- 55. Harriet P., b. July 12, 1816.
thur C, b. Jan. 4. 1837; Ellen M., b.
June 3, 1843 > Cljarles H., b. Feb. 10,
1847.

35. Luther, son of John and Beihiah (Winchell) Cook, married Louisa
Fuller, of Kent, Feb. 9, 1815. He died Nov. 19,1855. His widow, Louisa,
died Dec. 2, 1863. Children:

56. John W., b. March 12, 1818. Ashborn, Feb. 14, 1859.

57. Maria L., b. Sept. 26, 1833, m. James

39. Reuben, son of Shubael and Sarah B. (Gillett) Cook, m. Apr. 15,
18 I I, Ruth, dau of Eldad and Rebecca Shepard, born in Hariland Apr. 27,
1787; removed to Winsted in early life, and became a manufacturer of bar
iron. Shed. Jan. 8, 1841, and he died Mar. 16, 1872. Children:

> Sec Hist. Ifiruhtsttr.

68o History of Torrington.

58. Jerusha, b. Mar. 17, 1812, m. Jan. 62. Julia, b. Dec. i, 1820, d. Jan. 22, 1837.
1856, Daniel Spring. 63. John R., b. Feb. 18, 1813, m. Mar-

59. Sarah, b. June 9, 1813, m. Shepard S. ietta A. Phelps of Norfolk, Oct. 15, 1845 ;
Wheeler 5 d. Feb. 8, 1855. she d. Jan. 21, 1861, and he m. 2d Sept.

60. Charles, b. Oct. 15, 1815, m. Sept. 29, 1863, Jane M. Dickinson of New
1837, Mary Jane Lewis of Suffield, had, Britain, who d. July 25, 1873, and he
1. Jane Elizabeth, b. in 1838, d June 1842; m. 3d July 13, 1875, Mrs. Helen M.
% Rollin Hillyer, b. Aug. 24, 1844, m. Wickham of Winsted. He d. Nov. 10,
June 1866, Minnie Graves of New Mil- 1876. Children : i. John Phelps, b.
ford 5 shed. Oct. 20, 1868, leaving Min- Jan. 25, 1849, m. Mar. 3, 1877, Eliza-
nie Graves, b. June 1867, and Eliza Jane beth L. Norton of Norfolk; 2. Eliza
b. Sept. 30, 1868. He m. 2d Rose Phelps b. Feb. 15, 1857; 3. Marietta,
Terry of Hartford, April 16, 1873. b. June 5, 1861, d. at Chicago, July 12,

61. Harriet, b. i\Iay 29, 1818, m. Sept. 7, 1864.
1853, Eli R. Miller.

40. Anson, son of Urijah and Submit (Tuttle) Cook, m. Dec. 31, 1806,
Amelia Hinsdale, who d. May 15, 185 I, a. 70. He was a millwright, and
was an industrious, quiet, upright, good man. He d. Dec. 17, i860, a. 81.
Children :

64. James, b. Mar. 9, 1809. (Stillman)^Cross. Children: Edward, b.

65. Rhoda A., b. Dec. 16, 1810. Dec. 20, 1841 ; 2. Frederick M., b.

66. Sherman T., b. Mar. 22, 1813, m. Nov. Mar. 28, 1843 '■> 3- Cornelia E., b. Sept.
27, 1839, Cornelia E. Jaqua, b. Oct. 16, 15, 1850 ; 4. Emma A., b. Oct. 3, 1853.
1817. She d. by a railroad accident 67. Anson Russell, b. Dec. 12, 1814.
about 1858, and he m. 2d Mrs. Lucia 68. Laura, b. May 24, 1818.

50. Riley, son ot' Elihu and Huldah (Yale) Cook, married Emerette Allyn ;
lived on his father's homestead until his death. May 9, 1865. Children :

69. Frank, b. Jan. 13, 1839, d. Dec. 2, mour Eldredge of Goshen Jan. 21, 1866.

1845. 72. Ella, b. Aug. 28, 1850, m. A. F. Bat-

70. Albert, b. July 30, 1842, d. Jan. 2, ler, Dec. 21, 1876.

1846. 73. Frank, b. Sept. 30, 1852.

71. Emogene, b. Nov. 18, 1849, m. Sey-

51. Herman, son of John and Lydia (Loomis) Cook, m. Augustine Dare,
May 22, 1836. Children:

74. Lucy J., b. May 18, 1843. 76. John E., b. March 24, 1846.

75. Mary E., b. Sept. 17, 1844.

52. Lewis, son of John and Lydia (Loomis) Cook, m. Eliza A. Mills of
Canton, March 25, 1844.

54. Charles B., son of David and Hannah (Beach) Cook, m. Harriet M.
Breckenridge, Oct. 5, 1836; 2d Mary A. Callender, Jan. 13, 1864. He
resides in Charlotte, Vt. Children :

77. Mary C, b. Jan. 2, 1865. 79. Harriet B., b. April 24, 1872.

78. Charles D., b. June 21, 1867.

56. John W., son of Luther and Louisa (Fuller) Cook, m. Cornelia, dau.
of Caleb Beach, of Winchester, Nov. 22, 1864. Children:

80. Louisa J., b. Feb. 27, 1868, d. Jan., 8, 81. Charles W., b. Nov. 5, 1770.
1870.

COWLES, Elijah, was b. in New Hartford, Sept. 6, 1776, and was the
son of John Cowles who lived and d. in New Hartford. He m. Cliloe
Woodruff, in New Hartford, March i, 1799. She was b. Sept. 5, 1778.
He came to Torrington about 1800, and established himself as a hatter on the
Goshen road a little above Harney Palmer's, where he continued his trade many
years. While he made hats his wife made bonnets, the latter being made of

Genealogies. 68 i

rye straw and leghorn, and for the leghorn she received fifteen dollars each.
Mr. Cowles d. Feb. 6, 1855, a. 78 years. His widow Chloe d. Oct. 24,
1859, a. 82 years. Child :

1. Albro W., b. Dec. 17, 1799.

1. Albro W., son of Elijah and Chloe (Woodruff) Cowles, m. Eliza, dau.
of David Tallmadge, March 5, 1828, and lived on the old homestead an'd the
Harvey Palmer place which he bought. He d. Feb. 14, 1866, a. 66 years.
His widow is still living, one of the old members of the Torrington church and
highly esteemed. Children :

2. Burton Tallmadge, b. April 30, 1829, m. 4. Jane E., b. June 2, 1847, an adopted

3. Angeline Eliza, b. Nov. 28, 1831, m. dau. m. Wolcott Wheeler of Litchfield
Franklin Abbott of jMiddlebury March 30, Nov. 7, 1867; has William H., b. Oct.
1852. 30, 1868.

2. Burton T., son of Albro and Eliza (Tallmadge) Cowles, m. Eliza H.,
dau. of Moses Waugh, Dec. 23, 1851, and resides on the old homestead.
Child :

5. Willard Albro, b. Sept. 17, 1858.

COWLES, S.'^MUEL, came from Farmington, before 1753, probably in con-
nection with Timothy Judd and Ebenezer North. He was, probably, brother
of Timothy, Joseph, Lemuel and Daniel Cowles, who settled in Canaan, about
1740. He probably removed to Canaan. ' Children baptized in T. :

1. Abigail, bap. June 17, 1753. 3. Zilpha, bap. June 20, 1762. He had

2. Lois, bap. May i, 1757. other children before coming to T.

Samuel, son of Samuel and Martha Cowles, m. Sibyl, daughter of Ebenezer
North, April 14, 1756. He removed to Norfolk. Children:

4. Lois, b. Apr. 25, 1757. 6. Zilpha, b. June 7, 1762.

5. Noah, b. Oct. 17, 1759.

CUMMINGS, Samuel, m. Margaret, daughter of Rev. Nathaniel Roberts,
Sept. 28, 1778. Children recorded in Torrington :

1. Rama, b. Sept. 6, 1778. 4. Reuben, b. Sept. 4, 1786.

2. Nathaniel, b. July 6, 1780. 5. Zilpha, b. Oct. 17, 1788.

3. Esther, b. Nov. 20. 1782. 6. Lovell, b. Apr. 17, 1791.

CURTISS, Capt. Zebulon, came to Torrington with Ebenezer North and
purchased land with him on the west side of the town in 1741, where he re-
sided, probablv, twenty years or more. His sons settled in Torringford. His
wife Lydia d. June 22, 1776. Capt. Thomas Curtiss, probably the father of
Zebulon, d. Jan. 20, 1752. Children:
I. Job, b. July 5, 1745, m.; hid: Zebulon, 2. John, b. March 10, 1746.

bap. Apr. 29, 1770, Un, bap. Sept. 18, 3. Lydia, b. Dec. 24, 1751.

1771.

2. John, son of Zebulon, m. Mary Fillcy, June 4, 1769.

4. Jeremiah, b. April 8, 1770. 7. Lorrain, b. Sept. 18, 1775.

5. Huldah, b. Feb 17, 1772. 8. Thomas, b. Apr. 3, 1778.

6. Junia, b. Feb. 16, 1774. 9. Mary, b. Dec. 26, 1779.

Solomon, had a son Solomon bap. Dec. 1762.

DAV7, John, m. Emma Smith in 1852 ; is a shoe merchant in Wolcott-
ville. Children :

1. William T. 5. Florence C.

2. Fred. 6. John S.

3. Eliza A. 7. Kitty.

4. Emily E. 8. Grace.

682 History of Torringto

DAYTON, Marcus, b. Apr. 4, 1827, m. Jenette Starkwell Sept. 26,
18152. Children:

1. Albert M., b. Sept. 19, 1854, m. Anna 5. Ella Jenette, b. Nov. 2a, 1857, m.
Dayton, Sept. 20, 1876, lives in Win- Heniy Beach, Feb. 14, 1876.

Chester. 4. Alice Irene, b. Nov. 16, 1859, d. May

2. Etta Jane, b Nov. 8, 1855, m. Elihu 16, 1861.
Dayton, of Winchester.

DELEBER, Samuel, b. May 31, 1785 married Minerva, daughter of

Raphael Marshall, June 19, 1806. She was born May 30, 1789. Children:

1. Mary K., b. Oct. 17, 1808. 4. Lucius, b. April 12, 1815.

2. Raphael, b. Fen., i, 1810. 5. Samuel, b. July 18, 1819.

3. Daniel, b. June 24, 1812.

DIBBLE, Abraham, born May 15, 1684, was the son of Thomas who was
the son ot Thomas Dibble, an early settler at Dorchester and at Windsor.
Abraham Dibble was an original proprietor in a thirty-eight pound right, and
the second lot ot land laid out in the town in the southeast corner, was his, and
on this lot his son Thomas settled in the spring of 1745, ^""^ ^^^^ father came
later, and was a man of much importance in those early days ot Torringford.
Abraham married Hannah Hosford Aug. 18, 1809. Children:

I. Abraham, b. May 4, 1711. 6. Martha, b. Dec. 25, 1719.

a. Hannah, b. Dec. 2, 1712. 7. Daniel, b. Nov, 5, 1721.

3. Ann, b. Dec. 16, 1714. 8. Hannah, b. My 6, 1724.

4. Mary, b. Sept. 24, 1716. 9. Abigail, b. March 30, 1728.

5. Thomas, b. July 12, 1718.

5. Thomas, son of Abraham and Hannah (Hosford) Dibble, married
Hannah Woolworth ofSufReld, Dec. 22, 1843, and was the first settler in Tor-
ringford, making his home there in the spring of 1745. His house stood on
Torringford street at the south end on a little hill, the site being still known as
the Dibble place, Here Thomas Dibble broke the silence of the forests w^ith
the first sound of the axe, and put up his log house and introduced civilized life
to that region which was afterwards called Torringford Society. Here he
toiled the few short years allotted him, finishing his life work Aug. 20, 1758,
and his remains were the first to be committed to the dust in the Torringford
burying ground. Children :

10. Daniel, b. Oct. 20, 1744, in Windsor, 11. Ebenezer, b. June 21, 1750.

and hence as his father was the first set- 12. Hannah, b. Jan. 11, 1753.

tier in Toiringford, he itiust have come 13. Thomas, b. iNjay 25, 1757, d. Dec. 2,

thither in the spring of 1745. '759-

10. Daniel, son of Thomas and Hannah (Woolworth) Dibble, m., ist,

Anna .Nov, 17, 1768, who d. Feb. 14, 1786; 2d, Ruth Phelps of

Windsor, Jan. 8, 1788, and she d. Feb. 23, 1834, a. 84. He was killed by
being thrown out of a wagon coming down the Eno hill towards Wolcottville,
July 13, 1821,3. 77. Children:

14. Mehitable, b. Jan. 28, 1770, m. Harvey 17. Isaac Hayden, b. Oct. 31, 1781, not
Palmer, Nov. 25, 1795. m. ; d. on the homestead April 23, 1834,

15. Aurelia, b. March 5, 1772, m. a. 52.

Hayden of Windsor. 18. Lucretia, b. Jan. 17, 1784, m. Janna B.

16. Miriam, b. Mar. 22, 1776, m. John P. Phelps, had son Fredeiick, who m. in
Wetmore, Nov. 25, 1795. Lit«.hheld, and d. early.

DOOLITTLE, David, m. Taphath. Ciiildren recorded inTorrington :

1. Eli, b. July 15, 1773. 3. David, b. Oct. 3, 1777.

2, Lydia, b. July 23, 1775.

DRAKE. The family of Drake has been distinguished in England, from

Genealogies. 683

the earliest ages by a long array of noblemen, soldiers, navigators, clergymen,
martyrs and authprs. Among the many noble families of the name, in Great
Britain, the familv who held their seat at Ashe, were ever prominent and
from them it is supposed the Drakes of New England were descended

Of this familv was John, one of the council of Plymouth, England, a member
of the original company established by King James in 1606, for settling New
England. Several of his sons came hither and settled, viz: Richard, who
came over with two or more sons, and nine daughters, and settled at Hampton,
N. H. ; and John, who came to Boston, in 1630, and afterwards settled at
Windsor. From these are descended all of the name in America'

1. John, son of John, member of Plymouth council, in England, was among
the earlv settlers in Windsor, and of him the Windsor Records say : " August
17, 1659, John Drake senior, d. accidentally as he was driving a cart loaded
with corn to carry from his house to his son Jacob's, the cattle being two oxen,
and his mare. In the highway, against John Griffin's, something scared the
cattle, and they set a running, and he laboring to stop them by taking hold on
the mare, was thrown down on his face and the cart wheel went over him,
broke one of his legs, and bruised his body, so that he was taken up dead,
being carried into his daughter's house, had life come again, but d. in a short
time, and was buried on the 1 8th of August, 1659." " Old widow [Elizabeth]
Drake, d. Oct. 7, 1681, at 100th year of age, having lived a widow, 22
years." Children :

1. Job. 3. Jacob.

2. John.

2. John, son of John the emigrant, m. Hannah Moore, Nov. 30, 1648, was
one of the first settlers at Simsbury ; inventory presented Sept. 12, 1689;
Simsbury property £393, 15s ; Windsor property £223. 2S. Children:

4. John, b. Sept. 14, 1649, settled in Dan- 9. Simon, b Oct. 28, 1659.
bury. 10. Lydia, b. Jan. 10, 1661.

5. Job, b. June 15, 1651. 11. Elizabeth, b. July 22, 1664.

6. Hannah,) b Dec. 8. 1655. 12. Mary, b. Jan. 29, 1666.

7. Enoch, J 13. Mindwell, b. Nov. 10, 1671.

8. Ruth, b. Dec. 8, 1657. 14. Joseph, b. June 26, 1674.

7. Enoch, son of John and Hinnah (Moore) Drake, m. Sarah Porter, Nov.
II, 1680, lived in Simsbury. Children:

15. Sarah, b. May 31, 1681. 18. Hannah, b, Oct. 6, 1695.

16. Enoch, b. May 5, 1683. 19. Nathaniel, b. (in probate record).

17. Samuel, b. July 27, 1688.

16. Enoch, son of Enoch and Sarah (Porter) Drake, m. Elizabeth Barber,
April 20, 1704 ; she d. April 2, 1717 ; he m. 2d Lydia Cook, who d. May

18. 1718 ; he m. 3d Dorcas Eggleston, May 6, 1719- Children:

20. Enoch, b. Jan. 12, 1705. 27. Hezekiah, b. Jan. 17, 1722.

21. Llizjbeth, b. Feb. 3, 1708. 28. Dorcas, b. Sept. 11, 1723.

22. Eunice. 29. Dudley, b. Aug. 30, 1725.

23. Lois, b. June 15, 1710. 30. Lydia, b. Nov. 15, 1727.

24. Noah, b. June 13, 1714. 31. Ebenezer, b. Nov. 28, 1729.

25. Hannah, b. March 29, 1717. 32. Isaac, b. July 13, 1733.

26. Jerusha, b. June 14, 1720.

24. Noah, son of Enoch and Elizabeth (Barber) Drake; m. Hannah
Skinner, Oct. i, 174I ; lived in Simsbury. Children:

I See Hist, of JVindmr.

684 History of Torrington.

33. Noah, b. May 30, 1743, ^- June 13, 37. Lucy, b. May, 8, 1754, m. Silas Fyler,

1743. Feb., 1779

34. Hannah, b. 1743, m. Zacheus Munsell. 38. Noah, b. Sept. 10, 1758, m. Anne

35. Noah, b. May 5, 1744, d. July 21, Parsons.

1744. 39. Armira, b. Jan. 15, 1762, m. Aaron

36. Moses, b. May 23, 1751, m. Abigail Loomis, d. in 1814.
Hubbard.

36. Moses, son of Noah and Hannah (Skinner) Drake, m. May 3, 1783,
Abigail Hubbard, of Wintonbury, and settled in the edge of Winchester, where
Hewett Hills afterwards lived. He d. July 4, 1831, a. 80 years: his widow
x'\bigail, d. Nov. 29 1849, a. 91 years. Children :

40. Abigail, b. Feb., 1784, m. ist Stephen 44. Ira, b. 1792, d. March 8, 1794.
Wheadon. Winchester. 45. Lucy, b. April 18, 1796, m. ist Hins-

41. Chloe, b. Jan., 1786,01. Grove Weslin, dale, 2d Owen Brown, d. in Hudson, O.,
went to Ohio. Sept. 17, 1876, a. 80.

42. Moses, b. Feb. 14, 1788, m. 46. Huldah, b 1806, m. William Ford,

43. Roxa, b. March, I , 90, not m. d. a. 17. went to Ohio.

38. Noah, son ot Noah and Hannah (Skinner) Drake, m. Anna Parsons,
who was b May 7, 1764. He settled in Newfield, a little west of Silas Fyler's
farm. Children:

47. Noah, b. 1784, m. ; d. Nov. i, 1874, a. 49. Rufus, b. 1791, m. ; d. April 15, 1874,
91. a. 83.

48. Hezekiah, b. March 7, 1789, m.

42. Moses, son of Moses and Abigail (Hubbard) Drake, in. Lucy Shepard,
of Somers, lived on his father's homestead. Children :

50. Roxana F., b. March 5, 1817, d. Sept. 53. Delia C, b. March I, 1824, m. Levi
6, 1869, a. 52 ; m. David Norton, Goshen, Hodges.

went to 111. 54. Sherman, b. Jan. 2, 1826, d. Aug. 18,

51. Marantha, b. Oct. 5, 1818, m. ist 1828.

Alexander Gillett, 2d John M. Wadhams 55. Henry, I b. June 9, ) Helen m. F. El-
of Goshen. 56. Helen,/ 1829, m. / more, went to O.

52. Martin, b. Jan. 10, 1822, m.

47. Noah, son of Noah and Anna (Parsons) Drake, m. Polly, dau. of
Stephen Fyler; lived in north part of Newfield ; quite a land owner and farmer.
Children :

57. Mary Ann. b. Dec. 31, 1805, m. Har- 58. Flora P., b. Oct. i, 1817, m Thomas
vey Ford, June 26, 1825 ; had Nelson D., A. Starks.

and Reuben F.

48. Hezekiah son of Noah and Anna (Parsons) Drake, m, Lucy Covey,
Feb. 21, i8r4 ; she d. May 28, 1861, a. 70. He lives with his dau. Mrs.
Martin Drake, and is in his eighty-third year. Children :

59. Edwin C, b. Nov. 9, 1819, m. Betsey in the north pjrt of the town.
Carrier, Dec. 24, 1845; removed to New 61. Chester P., b. Feb. 8, 1824, m.

York state, had children. Lucia W., b, April 29, 1827, m. Sterling

60. Sally A., b. March 20, 1822, m. Martin E, Elmore, Sept., 23, 1845; had Edgar
V. Drake, Oct. 27, 1847 ; lives on the S., b. Dec. 24, 1846; Lucy J., b. April 5,
hill north of the old Noah Thrall place, 1849.

49. RuFus, son ot Noah and Anna (Parsons) Drake, m. Children :

62. Lucius M., b. Aug. 24, 18 17. 64. Frances W.

63. Lorrain N.

52. Martin, son of Moses and Lucy (Shepard) Drake, m. Sally Drake, Oct.
27, 1847. Children :
65. Mary, b, Feb. 1 1, 1 853, an adopted dau. 66. Lucy Barnum, b. Jan. 7, '867, an

m. Stanley Pulver, Oct. 1, 1872, lives in adopted dau.

Terryville.

Genealogies. 685

55. Henry, son of Moses and Lucy (Shepard) Drake, m. ist Harriet
Elmore, Dec. 25, 1850, who d. Sept. 28, 1872 ; m. 2d, Mrs. Lucia (Drake)
Elmore, Dec. 25, 1877. Children :

67. Ella S., b. Nov. 8, 1851, m. Roger 68. Eddie M., b. June 9, 1854, d. a. 5 years.
Starks, Nov. 29, 1877.

61. Chester P., son of Hezekiah and Lucy (Covev) Drake, m, Caroline
(Moore) Fyler, Dec. 24, 1846, lived in New Haven. Children :

69. Carlton Fyler, b. Aug. 29, 1857 ; gra- Nov 6, i860.

duated at Yale law school in 1877. 71. W. Sherman, b. Sept. 10, 1864.

70. Willie Moore, b. March 12, i860, d.

6z. Lucius M., son of Rufus, m. Harriet, dau. of John Knccttle, of Lowell,
Mass., June 4, 1843. Children :

72. Henrietta A., b. April i, 1844, d. May 1858.

!• 18+8. 75. Lucius P , b. Sept. i, 1852.

73. Hannah F., b. Sept. 4, 1847. 76. Mary M., b. Nov. 5, 1856.

74. Rufus N., b. Dec. 2, 1850, d. Feb. 5,

75. Lucius P., son of Lucius M., m. Adelia, dau, of Wallace Bruce, Oct.
2, 1872. Children :
77. Luella A., b. March 29, 1873. 78. Gertrude A., b. Nov., 1874.

DRAKE, Joseph, of T , m. Elizabeth Barber of Windsor, Mar. 7, 1751,
and settled as one of the first in ihe western part of Newfield, half a mile west
of the corners near the burying ground. Children :

1. Ursula, b. Jan. 21, 1752. 4. Hannah, b. Mar. 12, 1761.

2. Elizabeth, b. Feb. i, 1754. 5. Loranda, b. Nov. 18, 1765.

3. Sarah, b. May 13, 1756. 6. Julianna, b. Mar. 28, 1769.

By 2d wife :
7. John Eson, b. Sept. 10, 1777.

DUNBAR, Bassett, m. Mary Munn and lived on the Munn place at Day-
tonville. Children :

1. Riley. 4. Allen, lives in Ohio.

2. Esther, m. Palmer, lived below Wol- 5. Betsey, m. in New York state.

cottville. 6. Mary.

3. Lucius, went to Ohio. 7. Abijah.

1. Riley, m. Rhoda, dau. of William Huntington. Children:

8. Solon G., m. Mary Evans. 10. Addie L.

9. Adelaide, d. young. 11. Edward M.

R.ALPH came to Torrington about the time his brother Bassett Dunbar.
Children :

12. Hiram. 18. Albert.

13. Nelson. 19. Emeline.

14. Mary Ann. 20. Frederick.

15. Lyman. 21. Walrer.

16. Morton. 22. Minerva.

17. Harriett.

DURWIN, Samuel, from Waterbury was in the town as early as 1749 ;
his farm joined New Hartford.

DOWNER, WiLLi.AM J., son of William J. Downer of Colchester, of
Spanish descent, was born Dec. 27, 1818, and married Elizabeth A. Watson,
of Canaan, Ct. ; she was born Nov. 25, 1819. They were married May 2,

1841 ; settled in Wrightville in 1865, where they still reside. Children ;

686 History of Torrington.

1. William Watson, b. Feb. 27, 1842, m. 4. Helen Elizabeth, b. Sept. 13, 1851, d.
ISIrs. Julia J. Evans. May, 19, 1852.

2. Edwin Martin, b. Oct. 3, 1845, "'• ''^^s 4. Delia Elizabeth, b. March 10, i860.
in Auburn, N. Y.

t^" EGGLESTON, Edw.^rd, son of John and Esther (Mills) Eggleston, of
Windsor, married Esther, daughter of Thomas Eggleston, and resided in Wind-
sor, on Broad street, west side, opposite the present St Gabriel's church. His
1/ father John was grandson of Bigot Eggleston, who came in Mr. Warham's
company to Dorchester, Mass., and thence to Windsor in 1635 ; Edward was
b. Jan. 31, 1707; d. in 1758 ; his estate in Torrington amounted to £120.
Children :

I. Edward, b. April, 1736. 4. Timothy, b. Apr. 7, 1746.

^ 1. Benjamin, b. Mar. 16, 1743. 5. Ason, b. May 11, 1747, d. six days after.

3. Joseph, b. Aug. 10, 1744.

I. Edward, Jr., son of Edward and Esther (Eggleston) Eggleston, came to
Torrington and married Elizabeth Curtiss Dec. 4, 1760. She died Nov. 27,
1801. He died Sept. 28, 1807, aged 71. Children :

6. Esther, b. Mar. 5, 1762. 9. Ezekiel, b. Mar. 13, 1769.

7. James, b. May 17, 1764. 10. Philo, b. Apr. 7, 1771.

8. Eunice, b. Oct. 30, 1766, d. Nov. 11, 11. Curtiss, b. Apr. 4, 1774.
1801.

^ 2. Benjanin, son of Edward and Esther (Eggleston) Eggleston, came to
Torrington and married Hannah Agard, of Litchfield, Jan. 5, 1769. He set-
tled in south part of Newfield on west side of Walnut mountain. Besides cul-
tivating a little land he was a tinker and smith, mending and recasting pewter
dishes and spoons of all kinds ; mending articles made of copper. He also
made copper buttons of various descriptions for boys and young men ; made
nails for shoes and other uses. Children :

12. John, b. May 9, 1770, d. March 6, 16. Jedediah, b. Dec. 30, 1777, never m.
1791, a. 21. 17. Jonathan, b. Sept. 12, 1780, m. and

13. Linda, b. Dec. 17, 1772, never m. lived m Vt.

14. Ann, b. Sep. 30, 1773, m. Perry Hub- 18. Molly, b. Nov. 21, 1782, never m.
bard. 19. Ethan, b. Jan. 7, 1785, never m.

15. Judah, b. Oct. 9, 1775, removed to N. Y. 20. Benjamin, b. Apiil 16, 1788, m.

3. Joseph, son of Edward and Esther (Eggleston) Eggleston, m. Susanna
Mason, of Litchfield, Mar. 23, 1775. He settled in Newfield a little south of
his brother Benjamin ; was a farmer and laborer. Children :

21. David, b. April 29, 1776. 24. Nabby, b. June 15, 1789.

22. Timothy, b. Oct. 21, 1779. 25. Eunice, b. Aug. 31, 1791.

23. William, b. June 21, 1787. 26. Anson, b. July 15, 1794. *

7. James, son of Edward and Elizabeth (Curtiss) Eggleston, m. Jemiah
Phelps, of Tor. Dec. 24, 1789. Children:

27. Jerusha, b. June 21, 1791.

II. CuRTiss, son of Edward and Elizabeth (Curtiss) Eggleston, m, Amarilla
Fowler, June 27, 1 799. The births of three children are recorded in Torring-
ton. He removed to Hiram, O. Clnldren:

28. Norman F., b. July 17, 1800. 31. Amarilla.

29. Elizabeth, b. July 7, 1803. 32. Rhoda, m. Roswell Parsons of Charl-

30. Amanda, b. Feb. 11, 1805, m. Geo. ton, O.

Pitkin of Mullville, Utah. 33. Esther, m. Geo. Wood of Mulville, Utah.

i^ 20. Benjamin, son of Benjamin an.l Hannah (.^gard) Eggleston, m. Sophia
daughter of John Atkins of Vermont, May 12, 1816. He resided in Newfield

Genealogies. 687

and worked by the day for farmers and others most of his life. He d. March
5, 1852, a. nearly 64 years. Children:

34. Elmira, b. June 22, 1818, m. Daniel Blackwell's Island, N. Y., Sept. i, 1864.
A. Grant, Nov. 6, 1845. 39 Sophia J , b. Oct. 9, 1833, m. Samuel

35. Lucia A., b. Aug. i, 1821, d. Feb. 19, Cluud of" Missouri where she resides, and
1853, not m. has children : Dewitt, Wilbur, Horatio

36. Mary A., b. Sept. 4, 1824, m. Henry E., Louis, Walter, Norval and Lucia.
Rouse, resides in Missouri. 40. Horatio G., b. Nov. 22, 1835 ; was in

y^ll- Candace G., b. May 5, 1827, m. Joseph, the army and d. in the hospital at Alex-
son of" Rev. Frederick Marsh of Win- andria, Va., Mar. 7, 1864 The bodies of
Chester, where she resides, having children : these two sons, Philander and Horatio G.,
Joseph, Henry, Ellen, Parnell, Jane, and were broujiht toKew Haitford and buried
Mary. in 1 ne grave and on their grave-stone is
38. Philander, b. Feb. 19, 1830; was in inscribed, "The only sons of a widowed
the army of the late rebellion and d. at mother."

21. David, son of Joseph and Susanna (Mason) Eggleston, m. Sina Benton,
of Harwinion, Dec. 15, 1796. Children:

41. Barnabas, b. M.ny 7, 1797. 46. Alma, b. Oct. 3, 1806.

42. John, b. Feb. 28, 1799. 47. Alexa, b. Nov. 2, 1808.

43. Barbarina, b, Dec. 2, 1800. 48. Frederick B., b. Mar. 13, 1801.

44. Aurinda, b. Oct. 28, 1802. 49. David M., b. Dec. 13, 1813.

45. Anna, b. Aug. 28, 1804.

ELDRIDGE, H. Seymour, son of Orson B. Eldridge, was b. in Salisbury,
July 10, 1838, and m. Emogene, daughter of Riley Cook, June 21, 1866.
He has a market on Main street. Children :

I. Archer Wentworth, b. Sept. 20, 1873, 2.. Florence Yale, b. Nov. i, 1875.
d. Mar. 22, 1874.

ELLIOT, Thomas A., came to Wolcottville in June, 1862, m. Sept. 1863,
Sarah J. Buell of Litchfield ; is a merchant. Children :

1. Jennie E., b. Dec. 5, 1865. 3. Susie A , b. Nov. 17, 1870.

2. George, b. Oct. 15, 1868.

ELMER, Alexander, b. in Windsor, came to Torrington, bought 400 acres
of land part in Tor. southeast part, m. Elizabeth daughter of Thomas Pitkin
of Huntington. He d. nearly one hundred years of age. He lived in New
Hartford just over the line. Children :

1. Abiel. 4. Oliver, removed to "Vermont.

2. John, m. Bull of Harwinton, went 5. Lucretia.

to Ohio. 6. David.

3. Betsey, m. Wm. Wood of South Wilbra- 7. Sophronia, b. Aug. 3, 1795, m. Henry
ham, d. in Hartford in 1872, a. 81 or 2 Coe, Mar. 16, 1815.

years.

ENO, James, settled at Windsor, in 1646, and m. 1st Anna Bidwell, Aug.
18, 1648, and 2d Elizabeth Holcomb, Aug. 5, 1658, and 3d Hester Eggleston,
April 29, 1680. He d. in 1682. Children:

I. Sarah, bap. June 15, 1649. 3. John, b. Dec. 2, 1652, m.

■z. James, b. Oct. 30, 1651, m.

2. James Jr., son of James and Anna (Bidwell) Eno, m. Abigail Bissell,
Dec. 26, 1678. Hed. July 16, 1714; his widow d. in March, 1728, Ch. :

4. James, b. Sept. 23, 1679. 9. John, b. Jan. 5, 1693.

5. Ann, b. Apr. 10, 1682. 10. Samuel, b. July 7, 1696.

6. William, b. Dec. 15, 1684. 11. Susjnnah, b. May 15, 1699.

7. Abigail, b. Mar. I, 1686. 12. David, b. Aug. 12, 1702.

8. Mary, b. May 5, 1691.

10. Capt. Samuel, son of James and Abigail (Bissell) Eno, m. Eunice

688 History of Torrington.

Marshall, Dec. 24, 1735, who d. May 7, 1792, a. 83. He d. Aug. 17,
1778, a. 82. Children:

13. Eunice, b. Mar. 14, 1737, d. Mar. 23, 16. Daniel, b. Apr. 12, 1742.
1737. 17- Asbel, b. Aug, 2, 1744.

14. Samuel, b. Mar. 19, 1738. 18. Eunice, b. Oct. 5, 1746.

15. Eliphalet, b. Mar. 29, 1740. 19. Moses, b. Aug. 13, 1752.

15. Eliphalet, son of Samuel and Eunice (Marshall) Eno, came to Tor-
rington and purchased a farm on the hill a mile east of Wolcottville, on which
he settled and where he lived until his death, a farmer of considerable reputa-
tion. He m. Sarah, daughter of Dea John Whiting, Aug. 31, 1789. He d.
Sept. 14, 1833, a. 93 years 5 mo. 16 days. His widow Sarah d. June 10,
1838, a. 88 years 6 mo. 12 days. Child :
20. Eunice, b. Nov. 23, 1794, m. Abiel Taylor, May 4, 1813.

Hezekiah, son of Lieut. Daniel, was nephew to Eliphalet, and settled on a
farm east of his uncle's. He was b. July i, 1783 ; m. Betsey Griswold ; had
no children. He d. Oct. 14, 1830, a, 57. Child :
I. George P. Bissell, an adopted son, who his wife d. and were both buried in one

m. lived on the homestead, and he and grave in 1876.

EVANS, David, son of Benoni Evans, was born in Conway, Mass., May
6, 1809, and removed, while young, with his father to Southington, Conn.,
from whence he came to Torrington in November, 1824, and engaged in
learning the shoe maker's trade with his uncle, Martin L. Sage, at the place now
called Drake's mills. David Evans married Rhoda C, daughter of Harlem
Brace, May 10, 1839. He purchased the place of his uncle Sage and has re-
sided 'there ever since, and is a shoe maker still, well thought of by all the peo-
ple. Children :
I. Orlando D., b. June 15, 1844; he en- 1863, aged 19.

listed in the late war in 1862; went to 2. Alfred M., b. Apr. 19, 1846, d. July

Alexandria, Va., returned to New Haven, 15, 1859, aged 13.

where he d. in the hospital Feb. 28,

Jesse, son of Benoni Evans, was b. in Mass., went with his father to South-
ington, Ct., when but three years of age ; came to Torrington when 18, and
learned the tanner's and shoe mikcr's trade He m. Elvira Goodrich ot South-
ington in 1835. Children :

3. Augusta, b. 1837, m. RuUin Wilson, in 1872, live in Burrville ; have son
live in Winsted. George Jesse, b. Aug. 1873.

4. George M., b. 1840, m. Sylvia E. Case

EVERITT, Israel, and his uife Abigail came from Wallingford, and was
ainong the first settlers in Torrington, and sef.L'd near the Fowkr place, his
second house, then a grand one. built in 1761, is still standing and is owned by
Richard Henncssee. He was a miller and built the first corn mill in the town
as near as can be ascertained. His son Samuel was a miller also, and bought
part of the Wilson's mill. He married the daughter of Jacob Strong and some
time afterwards removed to Colcbrook, Ct. The births of three children are
recorded in the town :

1. Hannah, b. May 7, 1747. 3- Eunice, b. April, 16, 1755.

2. Israel, b. June 16, 1752.

2. Israel, son of Israel and .Abigail Evcritt, m, Abi Fylcr of Ncwfield, Sept.
26, 1782, and after some years he and his family removed to Ballston, N. Y.
Children:

Genealogies. 689

4. Israel, b. June, i8, 1783. 7. Abi, b. Dec. 28, 1792, m. Arvin Miller,

5. Josiah, b. Nov. 14, 1785. in 1819; d. in Tyringham, Mass.

6. Fyler b. April 7, 1787.

FELLOWS, Ephr.'MM, son of Ephraim, and grandson of Ephraim, all of
Canaan (but originally from Stonington), was born Aug. 31, 1803. He mar-
ried Sabra, daughter of Abel Roberts, Nov 2, 1825, and resided in Cornwall
until 1850, wlien he settled in Torrington on the Abel Roberts place where
he still resides. His wite, Sabra, d. Apr. 18, 1872, aged 69. He m., 2d, Lucia
(Vaill) Taylor Nov. 20, 1875. Children:

1. Mary L., b. May 3, 1827, m. Dea. Sam- 3. George W., b. June 3, 1832, m.
uel J. Stocking, June 9, 1852. 4. Harvey R., b. Aug. 15, 1834, m.

2. Sarah A., b. Oct. 3, 1829, m. Lewis H. 5. William H., b. Nov. 5, 1836, d. young.
Todd, June 30, 1853, and bad Alice M., 6. Russell F., b. Dec. 15, 1838, d. in rebel
b. Aug. 15, 1854; Charles H., b. Nov. prison, Florence, S. C, Nov. 20, 1864.
II, 1856 i Rosa M., b. Apr. 8, i860; 7. Charles L., July 31, 1842, m.

Estella A., b. Jan. 5, 1863 5 Emma A., 8. Lucy E., b. Aug. 28, 1844, d. May 4,

b. July 4, 1865; Dora W., b. Jan. i, 1861.

1869.

3. George W., son of Ephraim and Sabra (Roberts) Fellows, m. Ellen S.
Todd of East Plymouth Aug. 1, 1852, and resides in Forestviile, and is en-
gaged in the clock shop. Children :

9. Wilbur R., b. Sept. 2, 1853. 11. Addie, b. Apr. 20, 1864.

10. Edith L., b. June 8, 1858.

4. Harvey R., son of Fphraim and Sabre (Roberts) Fellows, m., 1st,
Caroline A., dau. Lewis A. Morris Apr 24, 1856. He m., 2d, Sarah Coe,
of Winst-jd, Sept. 5, 1872. Children by 1st wife.

12. Frederick L., b. May 17, 1858. 13. Willie, b. Jan. 23, 1865.

5. WiLLi.'^M H., son of Ephraim and Sabra (Roberts) Fellows, m. Rhoda
Sackett of Thompson, O., May 19, 1857. He resided a time in Ohio, until
his health failed when he came home and died May 22, 1861. His widow d.
June 25, 1865.

7. Charles L., son of Ephraim and Sabra (Roberts) Fellows, m. Julia E.
Crippin May 25, 1864, He is principal of Wolcottxille High School, and
has been some four years ; has taught school twelve years. Children:
14. Edwin Russell, b. May 27, 1865. 15. Herbert Clinton, b. Dec. 4, 1871.

FENN, Isaac Camp, son of John and Betsey (Camp) Fenn, was born in
Middlebury, Jan. 1821. He m. Oct. 4, 1843, Laura, dau. of Eli Curtiss, of
Northfield. She was b. Feb. 10, 1826. They settled in Torrington hollow,
soon alter their marriage, where he was engaged some years as a lock maker.
He was occupied, to a considerable extent, in the latter part of his life as a
farmer and gardener. He d. Nov. 5, 1875. She d. March 9, 1877. Children:
I. Augusta Laura, b. Aug. 7, 1846, m. 2. Frederick Eli, b. Dec. 13, 1862.
Albert W. Camp, Jan. 12, 1871, and re-
sides in Northtield.

FERGUSON, James, m. Martha Squire, both of Durham, Jan. 9, 1767.
Children :

1. Samuel, b. May 20, 1767. 3. Joseph, b. Feb. i, 1771.

2. James, b. March 2, 1769.

FirCH, Luther and Lydia Fitch. Children:

1. Wm. Beecher, b. Feb. 11, 1801. 3. Julia Bethia, b. Feb. 5, 1805.

2. John Mills, b. May 20, 1803.

690

History of Torrington.

FILLEY, Wm., m. Abiah , joined the church in Torrington, July 17,

1754, and after some years removed to Winchester, Ct. He d. and his wife
Abiah, m. Joel Beach, and lived in Winchester afterwards Children :

1. William. 4. Mary, m. John Curtiss, of T., June 5,

2. Abraham. 1769.

3. Abiah, m. Adam Mott, Jr., of Win- 5. Marcy.

Chester. 6. Remembrance, bapt. in T. Aug. 1 1, 1754.

FOWLER. Crusader to Holy Land Knight, and Baron. Coat of
Arms. Shield: — Two Lions, rampant: Owl, perched upon the Shield^ and
head partially reversed. Watchfully. Motto : Sapiens qui vigilant.

In " Weever's Funeral Monuments" of Monumental Remains at Islington,
near (now) London, the following occurs. "Here Lyeth John Fowler, 1538.
and Alis Fowler, wife of Robert Fowler, who d, 1540. Divers of this family
lie here interred, — the ancestors of Sir Thomas Fowler, Knight and Baron,
living 1630."

St. Thomas, in the county of Stafford was long the chief seat oi the Fowler
family, descended from Sir Richard Fowler of Foxlev, county of Buckingham ;
a crusader in the time of King Richard first (^aboul A. D. i 180}, who because
of his extraordinary vigilance in saving the Christian camp from a nocmrnal
surprise, received the honor of knighthood on the field of battle, by his royal
master ; who, savs tradition, caused the crest which Sir Richard then wore,
(a hand and lurej, to be changed to the vigilant owl. Alter Sir Richard Fowler
there were a number of his descendants who bore the honored name of knights
and barons.

I. Mr. William, the only one bearing the honorable prefix " Mr." of the
New Haven company, was the ancestor of all the Fowlers of Milford, New
Haven, Guilford and Windsor. He settled in Milford ; was chosen judge in

1639. He had had a classical education and was a man of prominence and
influence in his native land, and was therefore well qualified for the honor and
responsibility conferred upon him as judge in the new world. He d. Jan. 25,
1660. His will was executed in 1661. Children, all born in England:

2. William, lived at New Haven; was exe- and had a numerous family of children,
cutor of his father's will. His descendants Prof. Wm. Fowler of Durham, graduate
dwell in Milford, Lebanon and Haddam. of Yale college, is one_of them.

3. Dea. John, removed from Milford to 4. Ambrose, removed from Milford to Win-
Guilford in 1648 ; where he m. jMary sor, Conn., in 1640.

daughter of George Hubbard of Guilford

4. Ambrose, son of Judge William, of Mliford, removed to Windsor, in

1640, and became a member of Mr. Warham's church.' He m. Jane Alvord,
in 1645. Children :

5. Abigail, b. in 1646, m. Morease Sikes, 8. Samuel, b. Nov. 1652.

of Springfield, Mass. 9. Hannah, b. Dec, 1654, m. James Sex-

6. John, b. in 1648, m. Mercy Miller, of ton, Westfield, Mass.
Northampton, Mass. 10. Elizabeth, b. Dec, 1656.

7. Mary, b. in 1650, m. Fearnot King. 11. Ambrose, b. in 1658.

8. Samuel, son of Ambrose and Jane (.'^Ivord) Fowler, m. Abigail Brown,
of Windsor, in 1683 ; removed to Westfield, Mass., in 1689. Children:

» Hist, of l^indiDr.

i ''

ipiiiisi

iiff

Genealogies.

691

18. Hester, b. in 1695.

19. Sarah, b. in 1 698.

20. Isabel, b. in 1700, m. Ezra Strong, of

Northampton.

21. Elizabeth, b. in 1704.

22. Mindwell.

12. Sannuel, b. in 1683.

13. Mercy.

14. Jonathan, b. in 1685, m. Catharine
Marshall, of Windsor.

15. Abigail, b. in 1687.

16. Mary, b. in 1689.

17. Hannah, b. in 1693.

II. Ambrose, son of Ambrose and Jane (Alvord) Fowler, m. Mary Baker,
Sept. 1693; removed to Westfield, Mass. Children:

23. Ruth, b. 1694, m. John Seward, Jr., children.

1718- 26. Joseph, b. July, 1703, settled in Tor-

24. Mary, b. 1696, m. Samuel Hanchett, of rington.

Westfield and removed to Durham. 27. David, "I b. Feb., 1708, both d. same

25. Samuel, b. Oct., 1700, m. Mary , 28. Noah, J day.

of Durham in 1742, and d. same year; no

26. Joseph, son of Ambrose and Mary (Baker) Fowler, m. Ruth, dau. of
Samuel Baker, of Branford, April 2, 1734. He was born in Westfield, Mass.,
went to Durham ; m. Ruth Baker, and setded there, and had six children;
five daus all born in Durham, and one son b. in Torrington. In 1748, he
sold his estate in Durham, and removed with his family to this town and settled
on a farm, a quarter of a mile west ol" Dca. John Cook's, in the hollow, south
side of the road, west side of the brook. This farm ot fifty-two acres, he pur-
chased, with a " mansion dwelling thereon." That house is still standing, and
is the oldest one standing in the town, that has not been "re-covered so far as is
known. This farm they occupied until some time after Noah, their youngest
child, was m. when what were left of the family at home removed to what is
still known as the Fowler place. Children:

33. Hannah, b. in 1742, m. Paul Roberts
of Winsted, had a daughter Sarah who m.
Caleb Leach of Tor.

34. Sarah, b. in 1744.

35. Noah, b. Sept. 24, 1750, in Tor.

29. Phebe, b. in 1735, never m.

30. Noah, b. in 1736, d. young.

31. Ruth, b. in 1738, never m.

32. Mary, b. in 1740, m. Issachar Loomis,
Dec. 10, 1765, lived in Torrington ; d.
Sept. 16, 1800.

35. Noah, son of Joseph and Ruth (Baker) Fowler, m. Rhoda, daughter
of Capt. Levi Xuttle of East Haven, Feb. 10, 1774. He purchased the farm
first settled by Jacob Strong near Dea. John Cook's, and made it his home ;
and it is known to this dav as the Fowler place. He d. in 1824, a. 74 years,
and his wife d. a. 90 years. {See Biographies.^ Children :

36. Warren R., b. Mar. 2, 1773, {See Biog.)

37. Amarilla, b. Feb. 6, ijiG, m. Curtiss
Eggleston and removed to Hiram, Ohio.

38. Norman, b. Apr. 9, 1777, m. Statira
Blake.

39. George, b. Dec. 5, 1778.

40. Rhoda, b. in 1781, m.
Hudson.

41. Parleman B., b. in 1783

42. Desire, b.

m I7J

3»

Baldwin; removed to Marcy, N. Y., had
children: Fowler, m. had no children;
Sabra A., never m. ; Laura, m. Eldridge
Farwell of Holly, had children. Fowler,

Laura, Gertrude A., Susan, Florence,
Horace.

43. Raphael, b. in 1787.

44. Sibyl Catlin, b. in 1790, unm. {See
Biog.)

45. Remus Marcus, ") b. 1793, Romulus
Daniel Coe 46. Romulus Julius, / an intelligent youth

d. a. 14.
47. Ursula, b. in 1796, m. Rufus Curtiss of
Torringford ; had one son, Warren R.,
who d at Stockbridge, Mass., a. 30, unm.
She d. at Florence, Mass., June, 1873,
greatly esteemed and honored. Mr. Cur-
tiss d. at Wolco_ttville, Sept. 1834.

m. Canfield S.

36. Warren R., M.D., son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, studied
medicine in the office of Dr. Sheldon, of Litchfield ; m. Polly Hanford of

692

History of Torrington.

Washington, Ct., where he settled as successor to Dr. Hastings. (See Bio-
graphy.) Children :

48. Henry Hanford, a physician. 49. George, a physician.

38. Norman, son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, m Statia Blake of
Stockbridge, Mass , and lived on the old homestead, on the brow of " Occident
hill." The years of his life were lengthened to ninety-five, and being a man
of good judgment and of a clear sense of right and honorable life he became
extensively and favorably known and greatly respected in his closing years.
He d. in 1871, a. 95. Children:

50. Desire, m. had no children. 52. Phebe, m. Addison Palmer, May 23,

51. Homer, d. in Florida, unm. 1839, had three children.

39. George, son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, served an apprentice-
ship, with a tanner, and engaged in business in Burlington, Vt., where he died
unmarried in 1803.

41. Parleman, B., M.D., son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, was a
favorite in his father's family and greatly beloved. He studied medicine with
his brother Warren R., and was settled, and practiced medicine in Bethlehem.
He m. Polly Lemon, of Washington, and in the prevailing epidemic, so fatal,
in 1813, he d. a. 33, greatly lamented. Children:

53. Romulus, who early entered Yale He gave great promise of a man of un-
college, was taken suddenly ill and d. usually good qualities.

43. Raphael, son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, learned the shoe-
maker s trade ; removed to Whitesboro, N. Y., and m. Hannah Byard.' He
removed to Meridian, N. Y., thence to Jonesville, Mich., where he d. Nov.
1870, a. 83. She d. Sept. 1874. Children:

54. Parleman, d. young. 59. Harriet, m. Walter Thompson, Clayton,

55. Raphael. Mich., no children.

56. Sarah, m. Wm. I. Carroll. 59. Martin.

57. Ursula, m. Alexander Beach, of Jones- 60. Noah,
ville and has a dau. Mary Fowler. 61. Thomas.

58. Hetty, m. S. K. hartley, of Norwalk, 62. Hannah, m. George B. Earle, of Daven-
Ohio, and has children ; Otto K., Leon, port, Iowa, and has child j Stella May.
Hugh.

45. Remus M., M.D., son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, studied
medicine with his brother Warren R., settled and practiced in his profession
at New Marlboro, Mass. He m. ist Harriet M., dau. of Timothy Childs,
of Litchfield, Ct. She d. at New Marlboro, Nov. 1824, a. 31, a very good
woman. He removed to Washington, Ct., as successor to his deceased brother
Warren R., in 1826, and m. 2d Mary Miller, dau of Wm. Miller, of Tor-
ringtord, and formerly of Hesse Castle, Germany, prisoner of Burgoyne's
army. He is now (1875), in active practice as a physician at the age of 82.
His wife is a " smart house keeper at the age of 83." Children :

63. Nancy Maria, m. Dr. Ford, d. April thence to Chicago, 111.

29, 1868, a. 47, no children ; buried at W. 65. Stanley G., m ; no children, removed to

64. Jane, b. 1820, m. Woolsey Leavitt, of Denver, Col., is editor of the Denver
Washington, had children j William, Ne-jvs.

Nellie, and removed to Portage City, Wis., 66. Harriet M., not m.

48. Henry H, M.D., son of Warren and Polly (Hanford) Fowler, m.
Betsey Ann Frisbie of Branford, removed to Bristol, Indiana. Children:
67. George, m. ; has children. 68. William.

1 See Records Fresh. Church,

Genealogies.

693

49. George, M.D., son of Warren and Polly (Hanford) Fowler, studied
with his father and became a physician, m. Louisa, dau. of Archibald Camp-
bell of Pawling, N. Y., removed to Indiana, where he d She m. Rev. John
Pierpont, since deceased at St. Luke's Hospital under a surgical operation.
Children :

69. Archibald Campbell, graduated at Union college, was surveyor in the U. S. A.

55. Raphael, son of Raphael and Hannah (Byard) Fowler, m., and re-
moved to Galva, Illinois. Children :

70. John. 72. Robert, in Orleans Co., N. Y.

71. William, in Iowa. 73. Martin.

59. Martin, son of Raphael and Hannah (Byard) Fowler, removed to
Snapping Shoals, Ga., m. Sarah Webb. Children:

74. Mary H. 77. Varney.

75. Emma. 78. Robert.

76. Flora.

60. Noah, son of Raphael and Hannah (Byard) Fowler, settled in Atlanta,
Ga., and m. Flora McKean. Children :

79. Georgia. 83. William Raphael.

80. Alice Mary. 84. Byard.

81. Hattie. 85. Grace.

82. Jennie. 86. Lizzie Duncan.

61. Thomas, son of Raphael and Hannah (Byard) Fowler, m. Julia Breck-
enridge of Litchfield, Mich., resides in Jonesville, Mich., was an officer in the
war of the rebellion. Child :

87. \\ illiam.

65. Stanley G., son of Remno M, and Mary (Miller) Fowler, graduated
at law school, Yale college; m., removed to Chicago, 111.; editor ol Railway
Gazette; removed to Denver City, Col, ^dnor o( Denver Sunday News. No
children.

69. Archibald C, M.D , son of Dr. Georgeand Louisa (Campbell) Fowler,
graduated at Union college, xN. Y, studied medicine, was assistant surgeon in
the U. S. navy during the rebellion, then settled in general practice at
Brighton, Mass. He was married and had one child. He died in 1870.

FREEMAN, JuDE, lived on Red mountain ; owned considerable property ;
was much respected, and lived a very honorable life. Children :
2. Luke. 3. Laura, and others.

2. Luke, son of Jude Freeman, m. Jane Bradley, once a slave. He

d. in 1844. His wife d. previously. Children:

4. Eleanor, m. Lorenzo Bellamy and had a
family.

5. George, d. in WolcottviUe.

6. Alvira^ \ b. Oct. \ Alvira m.

y 1807, V Almira m. William

7. Almira, J j Harrison.

FUESSENICH, Leon.ard, of Duren,
family in May, 1853. Children :

1. Leonard. 4

2. Anna M. 5,

3. Helen F.

By 2d wife :

8. Julia Ann, d. in WolcottviUe.

9. Hiram, went west.

10. Charles.

11. Harriet, m. John Johnson of Torring-
ford.

Prussia, came to America with his

Clara.
Frederick F.

6. William F.

7. Mary M.

8. Josephine E.

6q4 History of Torrington.

5. Frederick F., son of Leonard, came with his father's family to America,
and came to Wolcottville, in 1857. He has been engaged in the drugstore of
IVIr. Charles McNeil, twelve years, and is much respected as a citizen. He m.
Lizzie C. Blake, of Essex, Ct., Oct. 4, 1876, and resides on the Litchfield
road.

FYLER, Lieut. Walter, was at Dorchester as early as 1637, and came
to Windsor in 1635, ^'^ house being within the Palisado ; the well being still
to be seen on the place of the Misses Stiles. He was deputy lo the general
Court in 1647, and from 1661 to 1663. He was juror in 1637, '42 and '44.
He d. Dec. 12, 1683. In his will he gave the use of his estate to his widow,
Jane, during her naturallife, and alsoXloo, in cash to bestow upon another
husband, or to reserve it to herself to bestow upon whom she pleased. He gave
his grandson, Thomas (son of Zerubbabelj, £20 ; and his other three grand
children £5 each ; estate i£3i8,6/ \od. His widow, Jane, died in 1690.
Children :

I. John, b. at Windsor, Sept. 12, 1642; ly^Si leaving a large estate, no children.

graduate of Havard in 1666, m. twice, d. 2. Zerubbabel, b. Dec. 23, 1644.

2. Zerubbabel, son uf Walter and Jane Fyler, m. Experience, dau. of El-
der John Strong, of Northampton, May 27, 1669. After living a time in
Windsor he removed to Stony river in Suffield, but soon returned to Windsor
where he d. Oct. 2, 1714, leaving a good estate. Children :

3. Thomas, b. Jan. 25, 1670. 1680.

4. Jane, b Jan. I, 1672. 10. Samuel b. Sept. 26, 1681, at Suffield.

5. Zerubbabel, b. Oct. 31, 1873, d. early. 11. Abigail, b. Apr. 8, 1683, at Suffield.

6. Zerubbabel, b. Dec. 25, 1674. 12. Stephen, b. Mar. 27, 1688, d. Feb. 21,

7. John, b. Mar. 2, 1676, went to Suf- 1760.

field, d. Aug. 10, 171 5. 13. Ebenezer, b. Dec. 2, 1690, d. Dec. 16,

8. Samuel, b. Jan. 5, 1680, d. June 5, 1690.

1680. 14. Experience, b. Dec. 25, 1691.

9. Abigail, b. Jan. 5, 1680, d. June 9, 15. Elizabeth, b. June 2, 1694.

6. Zerubbabel, son of Zerubbaljel and Experience (Strong) Fyler, m.
Rachel, daughter of Jeremiah Gillett, of Simsbury, (an. 3, 1706, and was a
farmer in Windsor, where he d. Jan. 29, 1761. His wife d. Jan. 28, 1768.
Children :

16. Rachel, b. Sept. 29, 1706. 19. Samuel, b. in 171 5, m. Oct. 11, 1739,

17. Experience, b. Feb. 7, 1707. Ann Stoughton was a farmer in Windsor.

18. Silas, b. in 1710. 20. Jeremiah.

•' 18. Silas, son of Zerubbabel and Rachel (Gillett) Fyler, m. Catharine Drake,
of Windsor, in 1747. They lived in Windsor, where all their children were
born, until the spring of 1779, when he came to Newfield, in Torrington, and
began to clear his land and put up a house. He was taken ill at Chauncey Hill's
where he was boarding, and d, in a fit April 12, 1779, a. 69 years. The
farm he purchased was that now owned by Thomas A. Starkson the road from
Newfield to Burrville. His widow.settled on this farm, with some of her child-
ren, but afterwards removed to Colebrook, where she d. in March, 1809, in
her 80th year. Children :

21. Abi, b. 1748, m. Israel Everitt, Sept. 25. Stephen, b. May 27, 1755, m.
26, 1782, d. at Ballston, N. Y. 26. John, lb. 1760, m.

22. Catharine, b. in 1750, m. Samuel 27. Bethesda, J m. Asbel Bronson.
Rowley in 1770. 28. Sabra, b. April 24, 1764, m. Junius

23. Silas, b. 1752, m. North, Feb. 25, 1785.

24. Jane, b. 1754, m. Ephraim Loomis, 29. Roman, b. Aug. 12, 1769, m.
Oct. 30, 1783.

Genealogies. 695

23. Silas, son of Silas and Catharine (Drake) Fyler, m. Lucy, daughter of
Noah Drake, Feb. — , 1779. She was b. May 8, 1754- He was a farmer ;
lived nearly two miles northeast of Newfield churches, and d. in Sullivan, N. Y.,
I 81 2. Children:

30. Lucy, b. Feb. 26, 1780, m. Orange 32. Shaylor, b. Dec. 9, 1786, m.
Soper, 1797. 33. Erastus, b. Oct. 2, 1789.

31. Silas, b. May 31, 1782, m.

25. Capt. Stephen, son of Silas and Catharine (Drake) Fyler, m. Polly
Collier, July 1778. She was born Jan. 15, 1758. He was a soldier in the
Revolution, and drew a pension a number of years. He came to Newfield,
about 1781 ; was a farmer, and generally respected and honored by the com-
munity. He was captain of a military company of Newfield, aher the Revo-
Ijtion. He was an energetic, hard working man. He d. July 15, 1836, a.
81. His widow Polly, d. June 12, 1847, a. 89. Her mother, Mary Collier,

second husband Coman. He d. and she lived a time in Newfield,

and d. Nov. i, 1821, a. 86. Children :

34 Stephen F., b. Mar. 6, 1780, at Windsor. Their children: Frederick Beach, a far-

35. George, b. Feb. 10, 1782, at Tarring- mer living at Hunter, N. Y. : George
ton, removed to Burke, Vt. Beach, lives at Catskill, N. Y. : has served

36. Polly, b. March 13, 1784, m. Noah two terms in the state senate: Marcus
Drake, 3d, Nov. 1804. Beach lives at Hoboken, N. Y. : is a

37. Catharine, b. July 16, 1786, m. Na- man of wealth.

than Rowley, Feb. 3, 1810, removed to 39. Reuben, b. July 9, 1791, d. unm. Jan.

Tyringham, Mass.; no descendants re- 19, 1821.

maiiiing. 40. Juba, b. Aug. 5, 1793 ; never m. ; was

38. Roxy, b. Oct. 22, 1788, m. Fisk Beach a farmer with his brother Harlow; in his
Feb. 24, 1814. He was born March will he gave all to his brother Harlow;

26, 1788. ' She d. in Winchester, March was a great story teller, d. June 22, 1869.
13, 1823. He d. in Hunter, N. Y. 41. Harlow, b. Dec. 21, 1795.

26. loHN, son of Silas and Catharine (Drake) Fyler, m. Esther, dau of
James Bacon, Dec. 27, 1783. She was b. Apr. 12, 1764. He removed to
Colebrook where he died Dec. 20, 1839, a. 80. She d. Oct. 17, 1829, aged
65. Children :

42. Sally, b. Sept. 25, 1785, m. Elisha 44. Horatio N., b. Feb. 27, I799,"d. unm.
Smith, of Winsted. at Colebrook, May 28, 1823. Studied

43. John C, b. April 15, 1787, left home law with Charles M. Johnson of Pine
Nov. 1809, for Pleasant Valley, Poughkeep- Plains, N. Y. : his health failed, he went
sie, N. Y., and has not been heard from south, returned and d. ; was greatly lamcn-
but once since. ted as a young man of much promise.

27. Bethesday, dau. of Silas and Catharine (Drake) Fyler, m. Ashbel
Bronson, removed to Elizabethtown, N. Y. Children :

45. Sylvia. 47. Rhoda.

46. Ashbel. 48. Roman, b. April 24, 1764.

29. Roman, son of Silas and Catharine (Drake) Fyler, m. 1st Hannah Bar-
ton, Feb. 8, 1793. She d Nov. 15, 1794, a. 25. He m. 2d, Mrs. Sally
(Bray) Lyman, in 1797. He lived in Newfield, joining his brother Silas, on
the same street. In 1794, he built, in company with Reuben Marshall, the
Washington Hatch house at Winchester centre, in the north wing of which they
kept store, while Mr. Fyier kept a tavern in the body of the house. About
1800, he removed to Burke, Vt. Children :

49. Orsamus Roman, b. Nov. 4, 1793. 54. Marcus W., b. 1805, lived in Killingly.

50. Barton Nichols I b. Oct. 17, "Id. unm. 54. Calvin L., b. 1808.

51. A dau. J 1795. Jd.atb. 55. Minerva, b. 1810, d. 1811.

52. Alfred Bray, b. Jan. 17, 1799. 56. Carlton C, b. 1812, d. a young man.

53. Horace R., b. 1801, livedin Vt.

6^6

History of Torrington.

31. Silas, son of Silas and Lucy (Drake) Fyler, m. March 7, 1807, Hylah
Taylor, who was b. July 11, 1786, She d. Feb. 20, 1855, at Sullivan, Madi-
son Co., N. Y., Silas d. at Sullivan, April 16, 1841. Children:

57. Silas T., b. July 4, 1809. 60. Jerusha M., b. Dec. 11, 18 I 8, m. Wm.

58. Harriet, b. Jan. 28, 1812, d. Jan. 9, Mecomber, March 10, 1841, who was
1816. Feb. 29, 1820, d. Sept. 8, 1865.

59. Hylah Ann, b. Feb. 11, 1816, m. John 61. Clarrissa C, b. Nov. 16, 1824, tn.
F. Prosser, Feb. 20, 1838, who was b. Stephen D. Lamatter, March 7, 1844.
Jan. 12, 181 6.

32. Shaylor, son of Silas and Lucy (Drake) Fyler, m. Mary Hurlbut,
June, 1819. They removed to Sullivan, Madison county, N. Y. He d.
Oct 12, 1850. Children :

62. Sheldon H., b. Aug. 6, 1820, m. 64. Mary, b. Sept. 25, 1824, m. Abijah

63. Roman, b. Aug. 28, 1822, m. Elizabeth Hubbard, April, 1845, d. Nov., 1845.
M. Brink, March 24, 185a, no children.

33. Erastus, son of Silas and Lucy (Drake) Fyler, m. Abigail Smith, May
15, 1816, at Sullivan, N. Y. She was b. in Mass., May 15, 1795, and d.
Sept. II, i860. He removed to Sullivan; d. at Parish, Oswego Co., N. Y.,
Dec. 24, 1856. Children:

65. Flora, b. April 3, 1817, d. young. Davey, Sept. 11, 1842.

66. Lorenzo S., b. June i, 1818, m. 69. Hannah M., b. March 13, 1826, m.

67. Harriet, b. June 17, 1820, m. Edward Jesse A. Slawson, Sept. 26, 1847.

C. Spicer, Jan. 9, 1848. 70. Eliza F., b. Nov. 12, 1828, m. Reuben

68. Lucy, b. April 11, 1822, m. Henry A. W. Slayton, June 26, 1850.

34. Stephen, son of Stephen and Polly (Collier) Fyler, m. Almira Wilson,
Sept. 3, 1803. She was b. Mar. 15, 1780. He settled in Burke, Vt. He
was a man of energy and resolution ; talked loud and as though he was angry.
He returned to Winchester on South street, near Torringford, where he lived
as a farmer until his death, Apr. 21, 1853. His widow, Armira, d. Dec.
27, 1856, aged 87 years. Children:

71. Hilaman, b. Aug. 8, 1804, m. 73. Albro, b. Feb. 29, 1808, m.

72. Sophronia, b. Oct. 9, 1806, m. William 74. Mason, b. Oct. 7, 1801, m.
San ford.

35. George, son of Stephen and Polly (Collier") Fyler, m. Prudence Den-
nison of Burke, Vt., in June 1808. Children :

75. George Dennison, b. Feb. 5, 1810, m. 79. Catharine, b. June 25, 1816, m. Hiram
Hannah Bundy lived at Burke, a farmer. Perkins iMar. 13, 1838, had Emily b.

76. Elhanan W., b. July 23, i8ii,m. Dec. 4, 1838, who m. Harvey L. Roberts ;

77. Adaline, b. Nov 18 1 3, m. Levi Mun- and Oscar F., b. Dec. 27, 1840, who m.
sill, Jr , in 1843, lived in Torrington; no Goldsmith and has three children,
children, d. at Winchester. 80. Octavia, b. Feb. 10, 1818, m. Willard

78. Maria, b. Oct., 1815 ; m. Dr. Redding Bundy, Sept. 1843, lives in Vt.

of Vermont, who died soon, had a dau. 81. Alfred, b Mar. 23, 1823, d. a young
Octavia who lives with her uncle Elha- man.

nan, in Bridgeport, Ct.

41. Harlow, son of Stephen and Polly (Collier) Fyler, m. ibt Prudence E.,

daughter of Crosby, Nov. 26, 1818. She was b. at Chatham, July i 795,

d March 6, 1819 ; m. 2d Sibyl R Tolles, daughter of Joseph and Rosannah
(Peck) Toltes, July 6, 1823. She was b. at Montague, Mass., Sept. 22, 1802.
Mr. Fyler resided on the old homestead undl 1874, when he removed to Win-
sted, so as to be near one of his sons, and find some help and comfort in that
fact in his last years. {^See Biogrnphy.^ Children:

Genealogies. 697

82. Juba, b. Dec. lo, 1824, d. Dec. 13, 86. Chnrles H., b. Sept. 2, 1831, d. June
1824. 23, 1832.

83. Carolina Moore, b. Dec. 13, 1824. an 87. Charles H., b. Mar. 16, 1833, d. June
adopted daughter, m. Chester P. Drake, 10, 1834.

Dec. 24, 1846. 88. Florimond D., b. Dec. 11, 1834, m.

84. Harlow, b. Oct. 3, 1827, d. Oct. 8, 89. Carlton C, b. Dec. 31, 1837, m.
1827. 90. Orsamus R., b. Jan. 17, 1840, m.

85. Jenette E., b. May 27, 1829, not m. j
went to school at Wilbraham, lives with
her father at Winsted.

42. Sally, daughter of John and Esther (Bacon) Fylcr, m. Elisha Smith,
Dec. 3, 1812 He was deacon of the first church in Winsted, and d. Jan. 9,
1861. Children:

91. Amelia, b. Aug. 30, 1S13, m. Alex- 94. Sarah, b. Dec. 11, 1825, m. Sept. 8,
ander P. Cleaveland, Mar. 30, 1835. 1858. Rev. Henry A. Russell, Cong.

92. Miles, b. July 6, 1817, m. Matilda clergyman.
Baldwin, Dec. 3, 1839.

93. Zebina, b. Aug. 9, 1820, d. Nov. 25,
1841.

49. Orsamus R., son of Roman and Hannah (Barton) Fyler, did not marry,
but was a man of much energy and character. He was first inventor of a clock
to run eight days in a short case, so far as i<nown. He manufactured whet-
stones in Vermont ; and afterwards became interested in selling the Quinabaug
whet-stone. He was a man oi unusual intellectual powers; studied specially
geology and chemistry ; became familiar and well versed in most scientific sub-
jects, and was a perfect gentleman in manners and social life. He educated a
young lady at Wilbraham, Mass., expecting to marry her. She went South to
teach, met a young southerner and m. him. It was afterwards known that she
met the young man before going south and went there tj marry him instead ot
teaching. This transaction so turned Mr. Fyler, against the ladies that he not
only resolved not to marry but disliked to hear any talk about them. He d.
May 115, 1867, and his remains were interred in the Fyler burying ground.

57. Silas T., son of Silas and Hylah (Taylor) Fyler, m. Lydia M. Eggles-
ton, Aug. 8, 1832. She was b. Aug. 16, 1812, They reside in Sullivan,
Madison Co., N. Y. Children :

95. Silas B., b. Aug. 3, 1835, m. Galen M. Hardy, April 16, 1859, who

96. Alice M., b. July 2, 1839, m. Rev. was b. Dec. 27, 1830.

62. Sheldon H., son of Shaylor and Mary (Hurlbut) Fyler, m. Marian
Richards, Oct. 29, 1845. She was b. June 28, 1825. Thev resided in
Michigan city, Ind. Children :

97. Ellen C, b. July 23, 1846, m. Frederick 100. Angle M., b. Oct. 30, 1852.

W. Taylor, March 23, 1867, wJio was c. loi. Ida, b. April 11, 1855, d. March 12,
Sept. 21, 1845. 1859..

98. Jane A., b. Nov., 1848, d. Sept, 1S49. 102. Willie, b. Aug. 3, 1858, d, March

99. Frederic, b. Dec. 2, 1850, d. Nov. 15, 11, 1859.

1851. 103. Label M., b. May 23, i860.

66. Lorenzo S., son of Erastus and Abigail (Smiih) Fyler, m. 1st Cordelia
Wiltse, Sept. 12, 1841. She d. May 22, 1864. Hem. 2d Catharine Wilise,
March 1, 1865. He removed to state of New York, thence to Rosco, 111.
Children :

104. Edwin W., b. Nov. 5, 1843, m. 107. Infant, b. Oct. 21, 1859, d.

105. Warren E., b. March 26, 1S46. 108. Mary F., b. Nov. 27, 1862.

106. Dewitt C, b. March 8, 1850.

698

History of Torrington.

71. HiLAMON, son of Stephen and Almira (Wilson) Fyler, m. Charlotte
Hamilton, of Goshen, April 23, 1850. No children; lives in Winchester,
on Torringford street, a little north of his father's homestead He is a man of
good abilities ; lectured on phrenology in the southern states ; was the first in
this region, so far as he knows, who taught juveniles to sing by note and keep
time ; had three such schools in Waterbury, in which he had great success ;
taught public school several winters. His favorite study has been, for many
years, agricultural chemistry.

73. Albro, son of Stephen and Armira (Wilson) Fyler, m. Jane E. Kennie
of Colebrook, June 23, 1850, and lives near his father's homestead. Children:
109. Charles S., b. June 12, 1851, m. iii. Martha W., b. Nov. 12, 1854.

no. Sarah A., b. Nov. 23, 1852, m. Ed-
mund Muason, lives in Winsted ; has
children.

74. Mason, son of Stephen and Armira (Wilson) Fyler, m. Martha Mun-
son of Wolcottville. Went to California about 185 1. Child:

112. Ellen, m. Beardsley and resides in Winchester.

76. Elhanan, son of George and Prudence (Dennison) Fyler, m.; was a
successful paper manufacturer in Maine ; returned to Winsted and engaged in
the manufacture of condensed milk ; removed to Bridgeport ; bought a; resi-
dence on the Black Rock road ; was the original contractor for the building of
the air line rail road. He also built a rail road in Kansas. He is an honorable
upright man. Child :

113. George.

88. Florimond D., son of Harlow and Sibyl R. (Tolles) Fyler, m. Abbie
A., dau. William S. , and Caroline A. (Jones) Steele, of Wolcottville, Nov.
28, i860, and resides in West Winsted, near his father and mother, to give
a litde care to them in their declining years He has taken considerable in-
terest in the genealogy of his family, and thereby there is a much better repre-
sentation of that family in this work than otherwise would have been. He has
a natural mind for scientific study, and m the state scientific survey of Illinois,
made considerable geological collections, and also gave some attention to other
departments of science (See Lawyers).

89. Carlton C, son of Harlow and Sibyl (Tolls) Fyler, went to school
at Wilbraham, Mass., m. Aug. 15, 1861, Louisa R., dau. of Orson Barber, of
Newfield. His business engagements have been in various parts of the
country. He went to the Black hills in March, 1876, among the first who
went there, where he is still engaged. Children :

115. Carlton P., b. Aug. 9, 1863. 117. Walter Stephen, b. March 15, 1873.

116. Sheridan B., b. Sept. 20, 1824.

90. Orsamond R., son of Harlow and Sibyl R. (Tolles) Fyler, went to
school at Wilbraham academy ; m. Mary E., dau. of Davis Vaill, of Wolcott-
ville, Dec. 14, 1865. She was b. in Cornwall, Oct. 3, 1844. He enlisted
and was mustered into the service of the U. S., Sept. Ii, 1862, a private of
Co. C, 19th regiment, infantry ; transferred to Second Heavy artillery, and
was located in the defences of Wasnington, eighteen months. In Dec , ig63,
was sent home to recruit men to complete the regiment ; was made color
seargent while in camy Dutton in Litchfield ; was mustered as 2d lieutenant,
March 4, 18^)4, at Robert E. Lee's residence on Arlington Heights; joined
Grant's army of the Potomac, May 19, 1864 ; was in the engagements of
North Anna river. Cold Harbor, in front of Petersburgh, Weldon rail road,

Genealogies. 699

and at Winchester, Va., under Sheridan, Sept. 19, 1864, where he was
wounded in the left limb below the knee, which resulted in making him lame
for life. After about four months he reached Wolcottville, where for one year
he was unable to move about with comfort. He then engaged for a short
time in a flour and feed store, when he was appointed post master, in 1866,
and reappointed in 1870, by Gen. Grant, which offiee he still holds. Child :

118. Gertrude B., b. Sept. 21, 1868.

95. Silas B., son of Silas T. and Hylah (Taylor) Fyler, m. Eunice K.
Fancher Oct 29, 1856, who was b. Oct. 22, 1836. He resides in Sullivan,
Madison county, N. Y., is a successful farmer. Children:

119. Silas W., b. Jan. 13. i860, d. Sept. 121. Silas H., b. May 9, 1867.

5, 1862. 122. Preston H., b. Sept. 29, 1871.

120. Cora B., b. July 30, 1863.

104. Edwin W., son of Lorenzo and Cordelia (Wiltse) Fyler, m. Josephine
A. Hinman, Sept. 28, 1869. She was b. Feb. 2, 1849, and d. June 15,
1874. He m., 2d, Eliza Smith of N. Y. Children :

123. Albert L., b. Sept. 14, 1870, d. Jan. 124. Frederick E., b. April 2, 1872, d.
23, 2875. May 2, 1872.

By 2d wife :

125. Walter, b. Feb. 4, 1877, in Camden, N. J.

109. Charles S., son of Albro and Jane E. (Kinnie) Fyler, m. Augusta
Thrall of Bloomficld, Ct. Children :

126. Oliver C, b. July 13, 1874. '^S. Walter A., b. July 18, 1877.

127. George F, b Dec. 15, 1875.

FYLER, Jeremiah, brother of Silas, who settled in Newfield, m, Jerusha
Kelscy, of Hartford, and lived in Windsor. Children:

1. Jerusha, b. Jan. 30, 1739. 8. Paris, b. April 26, 1754.

2. Clymena, b. Feb. i, 1742. 9. Norman, b. May 13, 1756.

3. Roj;er, b. May 3, 1743. 10. Annie, b. Oct. 12, 1758.

4. Rachel, b. June 19, 1745. II. Ambrose, b. Jan. 15, 1751 ; settled in

5. Cynthia, b. Dec. 17, 1747. Torringf'urd, was a revolutionary soldier.

6. Silvia, b. March 29, 1750. 12. Horace, b. Jan., 19, 1765.

7. Ulysses, b. Jan. 1 1, 1752, m. and settled
in Torringtord ; a very fine citizen ; a real
old fashioned gentleman.

GAYLORD, Dea. William, probably one of the passengers of the Mary
and John, in 1630, was one of the first deacons of the Dorchester church. He
signed with Dea. Rockwell the first land grants in Dorchester ; was deputy

and selectman in 1635 and 6 ; removed to Windsor. He m , and d.

July 20, 1673, a 88. His wife d. JuiiC 20, 1657. Children :

1. Elizabeth, b. in England, m. Richard 3. Walter.
Birge, Oct., I 641. 4. Samuel.

2. William. 5. John.

2. William, Jr., son of William, m. Ann Porter, Feb. 24, 1644 ; lived in
Windsor, and d, Dec. 14, 1656. Children:

6. Anne, b. April 24, 1645. ^°- Hezekiah, b. Feb. 11, 1652, d. 1678;

7. Hannah, b. Jan. 30, I 646, m. Cran- no issue.

dall. II. Josiah, b. Feb. 13, 1654.

8. John, b. Jan. 27, 1648. 12. Nathaniel, b. Sept. 3, 1656.

9. William, b. Feb. 25, 1650.

yoo History of Torrington.

12. Nathaniel, son of William and Anna (Porter) Gaylord, m. Abigail,
dau. of Thomas Bissell, Oct. 17, 1678, who d. Sept. 23, 1723. Children:

13. Nathaniel, b. Nov. 23, 1681. 18. Elizabeth, b. July 28, 1693. m Samuel

14. Abigail, b. March 13, 1684, m. John Giiswold.

Griswold. 19- Ruth, b. April 10, 1700, m. Nathaniel

15. Joiiah, b. Feb. 24, 1686. ' Griswold.

16. Thomas, ] b. June | d. June'21, 1 690. 20. Esther, b. April 8, 1702, m. Benj.

I 20, 1690, V m. Sarah Buck- Griswold.

17. Joseph, J J land. 21. Rachel, m. Jonas Barber.

15. JosiAH, son of Nathaniel and Abigail (Bissell) Gaylord, m. Naomi
Burnham, May 7, 1713 ; resided in Windsor. Children:

22. James, b. May 14, 1714, d. June 22, 26. Nehemiah, b. June 15, 1722.
iyi4. 27. Elijah, b. Sept. 13, 1725.

23. Naomi, b. Nov. 3, 1715. 28. Giles, b. Dec. 19, 1728, d. Feb. 17,

24. Sarah, b. Dec. 11, 1717. 1736-

25. Josiah, b. Jan. 7, 1720.

26. Dea Nehemiah, son of Josiah and Naomi (Burnham) Gaylord, m. Lucy
Loomis, "a very pious woman" Nov. 10, 1748, who d. Sept. 2, 1800, a- 74.
He d. in 1801, a. 80. He was elected deacon of the Torringford church
probably in 1764, when the church was organized. He was in Torrington,
two years or before he was m., and during that time probably built a log house
as did his brother Elijah. In 1761, Mr. Gaylord built his frame house, still
standing in good repair ; the date being engraved on the thumb piece ot the
door latch. The house was very nicely finished inside, with the old style
panneling below the windows and about the beams and stairway and chimney,
and the lumber was of the purest kind possible from the pine swamp. The
house was large, and from that reason, meetings were held in it much ot the time
until the building of the meeting house, and also was school " kept" in it some
years. Deacon Gaylord's name is prominent in the transactions of the society
and he probably served as deacon forty-five years, and was gathered to his^
heavenly rest to wait until the coming of Father Mills, and a great company ot
those he had served in the high and honorable office of deacon. Children :

29. Lucy, b. Apr. 14, 1750, m. Zachariah 31. Nehemiah, b. Oct. 14, 1754) "^■
Mather, lived in Torringford. 32. Naomi, m. Asahel Kellogg of Canaan.

30. Joseph, b Feb. 15, 1752, m.

27. Capt. Elijah, son of Josiah and Naomi (Burnham) Gaylord, m. Margaret
Taylor, of Windsor, Nov. 11, 1749, and settled on the farm lying east and
north of the present meeting house. His first, a log house stood on the east
and west road about twenty rods southeast of the present meeting house. His
first framed house stood in what is now the door yard of Richard W. Griswold.
He was a man of considerable prominence in the society and community many
years. He gave land for a burying ground; the deed dated Oct. 1789, but
quite a number of burials had taken place in the yard or lot, before he executed
the deed. It is one of the most beautiful places for such a ground of which
there can be any conception. The Bolton hills east of the Connecticut are in
full view, with a beautiful intervening country ; to the northwest the view
reaches the hills of Massachusetts ; to the west and southwest those ot Cornwall,
Litchfield; and Northfield ; to the southeast those of Brisiol and Southington,
Capt. Gaylord, m- a second wife who was the mother of the following children :

33. Margaret Taylor, b. May 23, 1791, m. 34. Giles A., b. Aug. i, 1793, m.
Thaddeus Griswold. 35, Elijah Milo, b. Dec. 5, 1795.

Genealogies. 701

GTLLETT, Jonathan, Senr., came with his brother Nathan to Dorchester,
Mass., with Rev. Mr. Warham in 1630, and removed to Windsor, with the
first emigration. His first three children were b. before he came to Windsor,
and the dates of their birth are wanting. Children:

1. Cornelius, rr. 6. Samuel, b. Jan. 22, 1642.

2. Jonathan, m. Mary Kelsey of Hartford. 7. John, b. Oct. 5, 1644.

3. Mary. 8. Abigail, bap. June 28, 1646.

4. Anna. b. Dec. 29, 1639. 9. Jeremiah, b. Feb. 12, 1647.

5. Joseph bap., b. July 25, I 641. 10. Josias, bap. July 14, 1650.

1. Cornelius, son of Jonathan, m. Priscilla Kelsey and settled in Windsor.
He d. June 26, 17 — . Children :

11. Pr'scilla, b. Jan. 1659, d. young. 15. Hester, b. May 24, 1671.

12. Priscilla, b. May, 1661, m. Grimes. 16. Sarah, b. Jan. 3, 1673, m. Webb.

13. Abigail, b. Sept. 20, 1663, m. 1st, 17 Joanna, b. April 22, idjd, m. ist,

Loomis, 2d, Birge. Allyn, 2d, Bancroft.

14. iMary, b. Aug. 12, 1 658. 18. Daniel, b. July i, 1679.

18. Daniel, son of Cornelius and Priscilla (Kelsey) Gillett, m. Mary Eno,
Jan. 28, 1703. He d. Aug. 16, 1753, a. 75. His widow, Mary, d. Dec.
17, 1773, aged 92. Children:

19. Daniel, b. Nov. 17, 1703. m. Bull, ancestor of Dr. Isaac Bull of Hartford.

20. .Vlary, b. July 9, 1705, m. Anthony 24. Hannah, b. Dec. 21, 1719, m. Thomas
Hoskms. Moore.

21. John, b. Sept. 11, 1707, m. 25. Margaret, b. Dec. 21, 1723, Timothy

22. Ann, b. March 12, 171 i,m. Samuel Phelps.

Barber. 26. Dorothy, b. May 15, 1726, m. Samuel

23. Eunice, b. Feb. 21, 1717, m. Isaac Cook, Nov. 25, 1747.

21. John, son of Daniel and Mary (Eno) Gillett, m, Elizabeth Drake Sept.
30, I 73 I ; lived on his father's homestead in Windsor, and d Dec. 25, 1800.
His widow, Elizabeth, d. Jan. 5, 1802. Children:

27. Elizabeth, b. Sept. 26, 1732, m. Eli 31. Ann, b. Aug. 16, 1740, m. Josiah
Palmer, 2d Thrall. Moore.

28. Lucy,b. Nov. 23, 1735, '"• Sam'l Allyn. 32. Prudence, b. May 22, 1743, m. Watson

29. John, ( b. July 30, 1738, m. Loomis.

50. Jabez, f 33. Daniel, b. Nov. 22, 1748.

29. John, son of John and Elizabth (Drake) Gillett, came to Torrington
in 1761, m. Abigail, dau. of Benj. Catlin., of Harwinton, Aug. 30, 1770, and
made his home in Torringford ; was a man of high moral character, and of
honorable standing in the community ; one of the many substantial families
of that society. He d. Jan. 15, 1826, a. 87 years, and hir widow, ."Abigail, d.
May 13, 1835, aged 84 years. Children:

34. Abigail, b. May 6, 1771, m. Orson 36. Benjamin C, b. Aug. 20, 1782, d. in
Moore, of Windsor, Jan. 5, 1796; who Wilmington, N. C, July 27, 1837, a. 55.
d. in 1798, leaving a dau. Harriett, m. He was a cabinet maker and then a
2d Samuel Stoughton, and d. in Harttord merchant 5 a man of great integrity and
in 1849. a. 78. honor; never m.

35. John, b. Mar. 30, 1776, m.

30. Capt. Jabez, son of John and Elizabeth (Drake) Gillett, came to Tor-
rington in 1761, and m. Ann Loomis of Windsor, June 15, 1762, and settled
the satne year in Torringford, and joined the Torrington church under the
haltway covenant, that same year. He was captain in the Revolution ; was
representative a number of years ; and was an active man in the interests of the
town and the society. His wife .'^nn, d. May 13, 1795, and he m., 2d, Lau-

702 History of Torrington.

rana Roberts, of Windsor, Jan. l i, 1798. He d, Apr. 29, 1818, aged 80
years. Children :

37. Ann, b. Dec. 11, 1762, m. Oliver 41. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 10, 1773, never m.,
Phelps of Harwinton. d. in 1835, a. 60.

38. Chloe, b. Jan. 23, 1765 ; m. Anson 42. Aurelia, b. Apr. 24, 1776, m. Seth
Colt. Treadway, and lived to be over 90 years

39. Roxanna, m. Hezekiah Durand. of age.

40. Esther, b. Mar. I, 1771, m. Uri Cur- 43. Horace, b. Oct. 6, 1779.
tiss.

35. John, son of John and Abigail (Catlin) Gillett, m. Mary, daughter of
Dr, Samuel Woodward, Feb. 2, 1824. Children:

44. Rufus W., b. April 22, 1825, m. 45. John C, b. June 5, 1827, m.

43. Horace, son of Jabez and Ann (Loomis) Gillett, m. Rachel Austin,
June. I 80 1. He had the principal management of the Connecticut Land Com-
pany's possessions in Ohio, and surveyed, laid out and distributed to the pro-
prietors. He was justice of the peace and represented Torrington in the state
legislature. He d. Oct. 11, 1867, a. 88 years ; his wife Rachel, d. Sept. 10,
1849. Children:

46. Electa, b. May, 1803, d. June, 1810. 49. Harriet E., b. June 12, 1815, d. June

47. Horace C, b. Feb. 6, 1806. 26, 1823.

48. Caroline, b. May 3, 1811, m. Charles 50. Samuel J., b. Aug. 3, 1S17.
N. Henderson July 29, 1837, had seven

children.

44. RuFus Woodward, son of John and Mary (Woodward) Gillett, m.
Charlotte M., daughter of Nathaniel Smith, of Torringford, May 26, 1847.
He removed to Detroit, Mich., in May, 1862, where he has been engaged in
the flour, grain, and shipping business, and has been moderately successful. His
early life was on the farm in Torringford, and afterwards was clerk in the store
of Gen. Frederick Phelps, at Litchfield ; afterwards owned and operated the
store in Torringford so long kept by Nathaniel Smith ; in 1856, became secre-
tary and treasurer of the VVolcottville Brass Company, where he remained until
he removed west. His shipping business in Detroit, aggregates some three mil-
lions of dollars a year. His old friends in his nati\e town place his character
at par, with some little margin yet to be filled out. Children :

51. Mary W., b. Feb. 19, 1849, m. Henry 52. Charles S., b. Nov. 10, 1850, d. Oct.
K. Lathrop, Jr., of Detroit where she 18, 1876.

resides. 53. Harriet W , b. May 11, 1854.

47. HoR.-^CE C, M.D., son of Horace and Rachel (Austin) Gillett, m.
Sarah A. Watson, Oct. i, 1834. He practiced medicine in East Windsor,
and in 1863, removed to Chicago, 111., and in 1875, to St. Charles, Kane Co.,
Ill , where he still resides.

GILLETT, Z.ACHEUS, son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Griswold) Gillett, m.
1st Ruth Phelps, Dec. 15, 1743: 2d widow Sarah Dean, of Wolcott, Ct.,
Dec. 17, 1778. He resided in Granby until 1773 or 1774, when he removed
to Wolcott. He d. while on a visit to Granby, Jan. 7, 1793. His grand-
father was Nathan, Jr., and his great grandfather Nathan came ro America
with his brother Jonathan and settled in Windsor, and afterwards in Simsbury.
Children :

1. Zacheus, b. Nov. 11, 1745. 4. Ruth, b. Sept. 29, 1751.

2. Ava, b. Oct. 4, 1747, d. Sept. 3, 1748. 5. Mary, b. Aug. 4, 1753, m. Josiah Atkins,

3. Alexander, b. Aug. 14, 1749. of Wolcott, Ct.

Genealogies. -yoj

6. Nathan, b. Sept. 29, 1755. 10. Rachel, b. Nov. 28, 1764, m. Noah

7. Elizabeth, b. March 30, 1758, m. Uzza Norton, of Wolcott.

Elkanah Smith, of Wolcott. 11. Timothy, b. July, 21, 1770, d. April

8. Benoni, b. July, 23, 1760. 22, 1780.

9. Anne, b. Jan. 3, 1763, m. George Cor-
nish, d. March 13, 1793.

3. Rev. Alexander, son of Zacheus and Ruth (Phelps) Gillett, m. Adah,
dau. of Dea. Josiah Rogers, of Wolcott, Dec. 3, 1778. He preached in
Wolcott and Torrington, and d Jan. 19, 1826, in the 77th year of his age
and the 53d of his ministry. His wife Adah d. May 10, 1839, a. -]■].
Children :

12. Rev. Timothy Phelps, b. June 15, 15. Adah, b. Oct. 10, 1787, still living and
1780, m. Sally Hodges. in her 91st year.

13. Asaph, b. Oct. 15, 1782, d. Aug. 21, 16. Elias, b. June 11, 1792, d. Oct. 26,
1846, a. 64. 1871, a. 79.

14. Esther, b. May 26, 1785, d. Dec. 30, 17. Marianna, b. Jan. 13, 1796, d. Nov. 4,
1834, a. 50. 1S15, a. nearly 20.

6. Nathan, son of Zacheus ard Ruth (Phelps) Gillett, m. Lucy, dau. of
Dea. Aaron Harri'on, of Wolcott, Ct., April 16, 1779 ; resided in Torring-
ton about nine yeais, after Rev. Alexander settled here, then removed to Ohio.
Children:

18.

Nathan, b. March 7, 1781.

22.

Lydia.

19.

Asa.

23.

Jerusha

20.

Anna.

24.

John.

21.

Salome.

25.

Lucy.

13. Asaph, son of Rev. Alexander and Adah (Rogers) Gillett, m. Eliza-
beth Smith, of Wolcott, settled in Torrington, a litde south of Drake's Mills,
where he d. Aug. 21, 1846, a. 64. He was highly esteemed and honored in
the town. His widow d. July 30, 1864, a. 75. Children:

26. Ellen M., b. Oct. 14, 1810, d. July 17, S. Champion Oct. 19, 1842, d. June 3,
^814- i854,a 34, leaving children, Alexander G.,

27. Alexander A., b. Apr. 21, 1815, m. b. July 19, 1843; Henry G., b. Dec. 6,
Marantha B. Drake Oct. 24, 1839, d. 1845; Nathan A., b. July 24, 1852;
Jan. I, 1851, a. 36. John S., b. Apr. 23, 1852.

28. Mary Ann, b. Oct. 16, 1819, m. Henry

18. Nathan, son of Naihan and Lucy (Harrison) Gillett, m. Abby, dau.
of Dea. Guy Wolcott, May z6, 1803, and built and occupied the house on
Main street, west side, near the river bridge in Wolcottville. In this house
the daughter, Mrs. Witter says she saw Rev. Father Mills, Dr. Lyman Beecher
and Rev. Dr. Nettleton ; the latter held a meeting here one evening. He re-
moved to Ohio in 1817, on the Western Reserve, and d. in Middlebury, O.,
in 1841 or 2. His wife, Abby, d. Aug. 3, 1830. Children:

29. Eliza M., m. Dr. Titus Chapman, 34. Mary Ann, b. Feb. 27, 181 3, m. Edgar
had children. T. Chapman, no children.

30. Catharine W., b. Nov. 7, 1805, m. 35. Amanda, b. April 10, i8i 6, m. Sidney
John Nash, and had 5 children, one of Bass of Ct., had three sons, one fell at the
whom m. Rev. Frank Hemingway. battle of Atlanta, Ga.

31. Charlotte, b. Sept. 6, 1807, m. Elijah 36. Abby, b. Dec. 18, 1818, in O., m. ist
Mason, had six children. Arthur, 2d Wm. Witter.

32. Lucretia, b. Sept. 10, 1809, m. Alfred 37. Annis, b. d. an infant.

Witter. 38. Oliver W., b. May 22. 1823, m. had 3

33. Alexander Wolcott, b. May 19, 1812, children,
wras drowned when about two years of age.

32. LucREriA dau. of Nathan and Abby (Wolcott) Gillett, m. Alfred

704 History of Torrington.

Witter Sept. 26, 1827. Mr. Witter was b. Aug. 10, 1800, in Washington,
Mass. They reside in Connellsville, Pa. Children:

I. Erastus Witter, b. July 3, 1828, m. children.

May 29, 1856, Leora Varney; had 4 7. Alfred W. Witter, b. Sept. 3, 1 841, d.

children; lives in Missouri. Oct. 14, 1864, filled a soldier's grave.

a. Eliza M. Witter, b. Mar. 18, 1830, d. 8. Abigail D. Witter, b. July 8, 1844, d.

Sept. 8, 1834. Dec. 6, 1871, in Connellsville Pa.

3. Emily A. Witter, b. Apr. 23, 1833, m. 9. Lucie A. Witter, b. Feb. 17, 1S47, m.
May 31, 1852, Rev Almon Tiunman of D. K. Miller of Pittsburg, Sept. 19, 1873,
Indiana, had seven children. d. Oct. 10, 1873.

4. Walter Witter, b. Aug. 22, 1835, d. 10. George A. Witter, b. Oct. 30. 1849,
Sept. 22, 1835. m. Emma Rizer Sept. 16, 1875, reside

5. Alice L. Witter, b Sept. 7, 1836, m. in Ottumwa, Iowa, have one child.
John K. Rizer, of Pittsburg, Pa., July 11. iMary E. L. Witter, b. Oct. 30, 1853;
4, i860, d. Feb. 21, 1866, no children. m. Rev. J. W. Warner Dec. 12, 1871,

6. Flora E. Witter, b. Mar. 23, 1839, m. has two children.
James Matthews Oct. 30, 1858, had six

GOODSELL, Dr Penfield, came to Torrington before 1792. He m.
Nancv Beach, of Torrington, Oct. 26, 1791. Children recorded in Torrington :

I. Aurelia, b. March 21, 1792. 2. Penfield, b. Sept. 16, 1796.

GOODWIN, Isaac. Children :

1. Hannah, m. Meirills. Isaac.

2. Isaac, m. ist, Assenath Hills, 2d, .'Ihoda 3. Anna, m. Ives.

Hills, had Orson, Benani, Allen, Ellen, 4. Rhoda, m. Philo Mills.

Martha, Assenath, Abijah, Ellen, and 5. Elijah, m.

5. Elijah, m. Anna Hubbard. Children :

6. Olive, b. March, 7, 1799, m. Hiram Weeks, no children.

Winchell, no children. 9. Elijah F., b. Dec. 4, 1809, d. Jan. 18,

7. Leonard H., b. May 27, 1804. 1812.

8. George M., b. Dec. 4, 1807, m. Sarah

7. Leonard, m. Lucy A. Hamlin in 1828. Children:

10. Annette, b. Sept. 11, 1829, m. Samuel Aug. 12, 1858, and Carrie, b. Aug. 9,
Terry, June 6, 1861. 1865.

11. Caroline E., b. June 3, 1833, m. Roger 12. Hubbard L., May, 11, 1835.
C. Barber Nov. 20, 1856: had Ida, b.

8. George M. m. Children:

13. Lewis, m. three times. 15. Frederick, m. Lucy Pond.

14. William, m. Octava Buell. 16. Sarah, m. Frederic Wadhams.

12. Hubbard L, m. Harriet S. Bissell May 2, 1867. Children:

17. Angle E., b. Sept. 3, 1868. 19. Leonard H., b. Aug. 24, 1872.

18. Lena E., b. April 7, 1870. 20. Leveme E., b. April 17, 1875.

GRANT, Matthew,' was one ot the original company who came in the
ship, Mary and John, to Dorchester, in 1630 ; was a freeman there in 1631 ;
removed to Windsor among the very earliest ; was second town clerk there,
also the first and for many years the principal surveyor ; was a prominent man
in the church ; evidently was just and exceedingly conscientious in all of his
public and private transactions and duties ; as a recorder, he often added notes
explanatory or in correction, 10 the records, which have considerable value to
the investigator of the present day ; he was the compiler of the Old Church
Record so often quoted in the history of Windsor ; in short, he was a pious

' Great ancestor of U. S. Grant, president of the United States.

Genealogies. 705

hardworking, conscientious Christian man, and a model town clerk. His first
wife's name is unknown ; he m. 2d, Susannah Rockwell in Windsor, May 29,
1645. "Matthew Grant, recorder" d. Dec. 16, 1681. His wife d. Nov.
1665-6.' Children by first wife.

1. Prissilla, b. in Eng., Sept. 14, 1626, m. 3. Samuel, b. Nov. 12, i63i,at Dorchester.
Michael Humphrey, Oct. 1647. 4- Tehan, b. Feb. 3, 1633, " "

2. Josiah, b. in England. 5. John, b. April 30, 1642, at Windsor.

3. Samuel, son of Matthew and Prissilla Grant, m. Mary Porter, May 27,
1658. He settled in East Windsor on the little eminence in the rear of the
East Windsor, Theological Institute, which Matthew, the father, speaks of in
1675-6, in the old church records, as being the only place in the meadow
which was not covered with water in the great flood of 1638-9. Children :

6. Samuel, b. April 26, 1659,= m. for 2d 9. Josiah, b. March 19, 1668.
wife Grace Minor who became the mater- 10. Nathaniel, b. April 14, 1672.
nal ancestor of President Grant. 11. Mary, b. Jan. 19,1678.

7. John, b. April 24, 1664. 12. Abigail, b. Jan. 19, 1678, m. Dr. Samuel

8. Matthew, b. Sept. 22, 1666. Mather, April, 1704.

8. Matthew, son of Samuel and Mary (Porter) Grant, m. Hannah Chap-
man, Oct. 29, 1690. He lived and d. in Windsor, but was one of the Windsor
company that owned the town of Torrington. In the first division he had one
hundred and eighty acres, or a half a mile square, adjoining Goshen, and is the
farm now owned by Dea. F. P. Hills. It was the largest lot, (number 86),
measured to any one individual in that first division. On this lot his son
William settled. Children :

13. Matthew, b. Oct. 22, 1691, d. April 19, 17. Mary, b. Apr. 17, 1702.
1710, a. 18 years. 18. Rachel, b. Apr. 17, 1704.

14. Daniel, b. Feb. 2, 1692-3. 19. William, b. June 7, 1706.

15. Hannah, b. Mar. 5, 1694-5. 20. Sarah, b. July 17, 1700.

16. William, b. Jan. 3, 1700, d. May, 1701.

19. William, son of Matthew and Hannah (Chapman) Grant, m. Sarah
He removed to Torrington and settled on the farm allotted to his

father in the first division, sometime (probably) before October, 1739. -^^
possessed that quality of mind which has characterized the family in nearly all
the descendants, that of fixedness of purpose and judgment. He d. Nov. 10,
1786, a. 80 years. His widow Sarah, d. March 19, 1791. Children:

21. Bathsheba, b. Oct. 26, 1728. 26. William, b. Nov. 27, 1741, m.

22. Matthew, b. Feb. 8, 1730, m. 27. Daniel, b. Dec. 28, 1743, never m.

23. Zerviah, b. Nov. 13, 1431, m. Amos [See Biog.)

Wilson, Oct. 26, 1752. 28. Manara, m. Joseph Blake.

24. Sarah, b. June 8, 1735.

25. Tryphena, b. Jan. 16, 1737, m. Sey-
mour Bradley.

22. Matthew, son of William and Sarah Grant, came to Torrington,
when a boy, with his father, and grew up at hard labor in clearing away the
forests, preparatory to the cultivation of the soil. He married Phebe Foster,
of Wallingford, Nov. 18, 1762, She was sister to Dea. John Whiting's wife,
who was a Foster from Wallingford. He lived on his father's homestead un-

^ If^indior History.

2 U. S. Grant, president of the U. S., is descended from this family.

7o6

History of Torrington.

til his decease. She died Nov. 7, 1777. He died Jan. 14, 1794, aged 64
years. Children :

29. Matthew, b. Sept. 4, 1763, 31. Augustus, b. Aug. i, 1773, d. Nov.

30. Phebe, b. Nov. 22, 1765, m., Esq. 1777-
Holmes, who removed to Vernon, N. Y.

26. William, 2d, son of William and Sarah Grant, m. Lois Foster, of
Wallingford, Nov. 18, 1762, at the same time with his brother who married
her sister Phebe. He settled on a farm adjoining the " Ministry lot," near the
center of the town, and afterwards bought the forty acres, the Torringford
part of the ministry lot, where he lived and died. She died Oct, 25, 1777.
He died Sept., 18 17, a 76, in Vernon, N. Y. Children:

32. Ira, b. June 30, 1765, d. from the kick 33. William, b. Feb. 20, 1771.
of a horse, Oct. 16, 1772. 34. Ira, b. Oct. 2, 1773, m.

29. Matthew, son of Matthew and Phebe (Foster) Grant, married
Rosannah Lee, Sept. 29, 1795 ; a girl brought up by John Cook of Torring-
ton. He lived on the old Grant homestead. Children:

35. Gerry, b. May 23, 1778, m. book-keeper in New York many years;

36. Horatio, b. April i, 1800, went to Cal- went to California and soon after died,
ifornia in about 1850, and was living 39. Thomas, b. Feb. 18, 1806, m., became
therein 1870. a lawyer and commenced practice in

37. Albert, b. June 20, 1802, d. Feb. 18, Oneida Co., N. Y., and died in Califor-
1804. nia.

38. Albert, b. June 20, 1804, m., was a

33. William, 3d, son of William and Lois (Foster) Grant, m. Candace,
dau. of Seth Hills, Jan. 8, 1793. He lived near the old meeting house plot
east of the Naugatuck river. He and family removed to Vernon Sept. 10,
1825. Candace, his wife d. Mar. 15, 1849. Children:

40. Lois Foster, b. July 6, 1793. Amelia, m. Vogel.

41. Harriet L., b. July 8, 1795. Louisa.

42. Lewis C, b. May 26, 1797.

34. Ira, son of William and Lois (Foster) Grant, m. Susannah Munsell
Mar. 10, 1796. Children :

43. Augustus, b. Jan. 29, 1797, m. 45. Miles, b. Dec. 13, 1819. (See Bio-

44. Flora, b. Aug. 28, 1803, d. young. S''''fky-)

35. Gerry, son of Matthew and Rosannah (Lee) Grant, m. Louisa, dau.
of Wm. Whiting, Nov., 1825. He removed to Vernon, Oneida Co., N. Y.,
and thence in 1852, to Applcton, Wis., where he d. He had one daughter
who died young.

43. Augustus, son of Ira and Susannah (Munsell) Grant, m. Aurelia, dau.
of Anderson Cone. Shed. May 16, 1825, aged 27 years, and he m., 2d,
Roxanna Clark Aug. 29, 1826, who d. Mar. 11, 1847, a. 52 years. He m.
3d, widow Eliza Barber. He was a farmer, and was a partner in the Scythe
manufactory in Wrightville, where he lost much of his property. Children :

46. Flora M., b. July 8, 1820, m. Luther 47. Matthew A.,^ j, \J^^

Bronson of Winchester; resides in Tor- 48. M illiam A., V b. Sept. 23, 1821. '^J^\
rington hollow. 49. Daniel A., J

By 2d wife :

50. Susan R., b. Sept. 18, 1831, m. George
R. Clark, and removed to Erie, Pa., and
d. leaving a son George.

Genealogies. 707

47. Matthew, son of Augustus and Aurclia (Cone) Grant, in. Chloe Cobb
of Colebrook, Sept. 12, 1844; lived on the Ira Grant farm fifteen years, then
removed to Burrxille, where he resides. Cnildren :

51. Louisa C, b. Jan. 18, 1846, m. Henry Burr; lives in Wolcottville ; has Grant,
Rowley of Winsted, d. Nov. 15, 1875, b. July 28, 1873; Frank, b. Nov. 11,
no children. 1876.

52. Mary A., b. May 4, 1854, m. George 53. Calista L, b. Nov. 1 6, 1859, d. in 1862.

48. William A , son of Augustus and Aurelia (Cone) Grant, m. 1st Lu-
cina M. Shattuck of Torringford ; she was b. Dec. 23, 1823, d. Oct. 3 i, 1856,
and he m. 2d Elizabeth L. Wadhams, of Goshen, who was b. Aug. 9, 1830.
Children by ist wife:

54. Marcia L., b. Mar. 11. 1847, m. John Humphrey and resides in Wolcottville.
By 2d wife :

55. Adah B., b. Apr. 21, 1865.

49. Daniel lit., son of .Augustus and Aurelia (Cone) Grant, m. Elmira, dau.
of Benjamin EggL-lston, Nov. 6, 1845, ^"'^' resides in VVrightville. Children:

56. Howard A., b. Feb. 27, 1847, d. Sept. M. Carr and resides on the old Riel Brace
10, 1876. farm halt'a mile west of Torrington hollow.

57. Flora R., b. Jan. 30, 1850, m. Oriando

GRISWOLD,' Edward and Matthew, were brothers, and resided in
Kenilvvorth, Warwickshire, England, where another brother Thomas, also
lived. Edward and Matthew came to .'\merica in 1639, in a vessel sent out by
Mr. William Whiting, and in company with the Rev. Ephraim Huit, and
several other members of his congregation, who settled at Windsor. Matthew,
m. Anna, dau. of Henry Wolcott, Oct. 16, 1646, and resided a time in
Windsor, then removed to Saybrook, as agent for Gov. Fenwick. He sub-
sequently purchased a large estate in Blackhall, a pleasant part of Lyme, Ct.,
which has now been the seat of the Griswold family for inore than two cen-
turies. Of this family were the two governors 'Griswold. Children:

I. Henry, b. Jan. 21, 16 — . 2. George.

Edward, brother of Matthew, b. in England, in 1607, m. while young

Margaret ; and after his arrival in America, he settled in a part of

Windsor called Poquounnoc. He afterwards became one ot the first settlers at
Killingworth, Ct. In March, 1663, he was appointed one of a committee to
lay out the undivided lands in Massaco (Simsbury), to such inhabitants of
Windsor, as desire or need them. In Killingworth, he was a commissioner and
a large land holder. Hij first wife, Margaret, d. in Killingworth, .'^ug. 23,
1670; he then m. widow Sarah (of James) Bemis, of New London. Children:

1. Edward, b. in England. 7. Mary, b. Oct. 5, 1644, m. Timothy, son

2. Francis, b. in hngjand. of Wm. Phelps, March 19, 1661.

3. George, b. in England. 8. Deborah, b. June 28, 1646, m. Samuel,

4. John, b. in England, d. in 1642. son of Wm. Ruel, went to Killingworth.

5. Sarah, b. in England, m. Samuel, son of 9. Joseph, b. March 2, 1647.

Wm. Phelps, 2d Nathaniel Pinney. 10. Samuel, b. Nov. 18, 1649, d. July 6,

6. Ann, b. in America, bap. June 19, 1672.

1642. 12. John, b. Aug. 15, 1652.

9. Joseph, son of Edward and Margaret Griswold, m. Mary Gaylord, July
14, 1670, and lived in Windsor. He d. Nov. 14, 1716, a. 67. Children:

1 Hittory of fVindtor, Ct,

7o8

History of Torrington.

13. May, b. March 16, 1670, m. Joseph 15. Francis, b. July 11, 1683.
Gilbert. 16. Matthew, b. Feb. 25, 1686.

14. Joseph, b. Jan. 22, 1677. 17. Abigail, b. Aug. 11, 1689.

14. Joseph, Jr., son of Joseph and Mary (Gaylord) Grisvvold, married

Deborah . Children:

18. Joseph, b. May 31, 1700. 23. Abel, b. Feb., 1714.

19. Shubael, b. May 2, 1701. 24. Deborah, b. Mar. 10, 1716.

20. Jonah, b. Apr. 12, 1704. 25. Lois, b. Aug. 29, 1721.

21. Roger, b. Jan. 30, 1708. 26. Deborah, b. Jan. 26, 1723.

22. George, b. Feb. 1710. 27. Joseph, b. Jan. 6, 1725.

19. Shubael, son of Joseph and Deborah Grisvvold, m. Phebe Cornish Nov.
3, 1723. He d. Mar. 6, 1733. Children:

28. Shubael, b. Dec. 18, 1724, settled in 30. Phebe.
Tor. 31. Sarah.

29. George.

28. Shubael, son of Shubael and Phebe (Cornish) Grisvvold, came to Tor-
rington, a young man, and worked here several years, and built his house in
the spring of 1754, and m. Abigail Stanley, of Litchfield, June 8, 1754.
This house was probably the first framed house built in Torringford street.
Tradition says the siding of this house was all taken from one tree, which stood
near the present site of the printing office in Wolcottville. The siding was not
sawed from the log, but rived, and shaved, and the boards were about four
inches wide This siding is still on the house and is in a good state of preser-
vation. When this house was built, there was an Indian tent standing in the
door yard, where it remained some years. The house was partly finished for
some years, and meetings were held in the unfinished part. He kept a tavern,
and also sold tea and coffee, indigo and other articles of household consump-
tion. Shubael Griswold was a leading, and important man in Torringford.
He died Feb. 23, 1807, aged ']']. His wife Abigail d. Apr. 16, 1783, aged
52. Hem., 2d, widow Catlin, who m., 3d, John Gillett. Children:

32. Phebe, b. April 17, 1755, rn. Andrew 34. Shubael, b. July 26, 1761, m.
Austin. 35. Stanley, b. Nov. 14, 1763. (See Biog.)

33. Mary, b. July 17, 1757, m. Dr. Samuel 36. Norman, b. July 7, 1767.
Woodward. 37. Thaddeus, b. May 12, 1771.

34. Gen. Shubael, son of Shubael and Abigail (Stanley) Griswold, m.
Sarah Pitkin, of Hartford, and was a merchant and farmer in East Hartford;
became quite prominent as a citizen, and rose to a high position as a military
man. He d. in East Hartford, July l l, 1823, a. 62. His widow, Sarah, d.
Nov. 26, 1829. Children :

37. Sidney, not m. ; was connected with 39. Sophia, m. Barnard, d. in

the New York Tribune some years. state of N. Y.

38. Frederick, d. in Paris.

37. CoL. Thaddeus, son of Shubael and Abigail (Stanley) Griswold, m. ist
Esther, daughter of Elijah Phelps, Feb. 1788. She d. May 11, 181 1, a. 39.
He m. 2d Sally Wallace of Litchfield, April, 1813. She d. Sept. 25, 1821,
a. 36. Hem. 3d Margaret T. Taylor, June 1 1, 1822, who d. June 29, 1870,
a. 79. He lived on the old homestead all his life. He d. Aug. 7, 1854, a.
84. Children :

40. Abigail S., b. Aug. 15, 1797, m. Trum- 42. Richard W., b. July 21, 1815, m.
bull Ives; d. May, 1846. 43. Stanley, b. Mar. 4, 1817, m.

41. Edward T., b. July 19, 1804.

41 Edward T., son of Thaddeus and Esther (Phelps) Griswold, m. Anna

Genealogies. 709

M., daughter of Charles Tappan of Boston. He resided in Boston, where he
d. Jan. 10, 1838,3. 33. Child:

44. Charles, a colonel in the 53 Mass. regi-
ment in the late war ; was killed at the
battle of the Wilderness, Va., a. 29.

42. Richard W., son of Thaddeus and Sally (Wallace) Griswold, m. 1st
Julia A., dan. of Dea. Isaac Curtiss, April 16, 1838. She was b July 7,
1818, and d. Feb. 13, 1856. Hem. 2d Sarah, dau. of Michael Clark,
of Sandisfield, Mass., Dec. 31, 1856 He purchased the Elijah Gaylord farm,
and after some years built him a new house, where he resides. Children :

45. Margarette E., b. Feb. 4, 1843, "^- ^- K.ellogg, Oct. 4, 1870; resides in
George K. Colt, Dec. 31, 1865 ; has Julia West Winsted.

M., b. July 6, 1866. 47. Mary Frances, b. Jan. 6, 1851, m.

46. Irving R., b. Feb. 22, 1845, m. Hattie Charles G. Rood, Nov. 12, 1873.

43. Stanley, son of Thaddeus and Sally (Wallace) Griswold, m. Isabella,
dau. of Ira Seymour, of New Hartford, Nov. 12, 1840, and owns the old
homestead, but resides in the Nathaniel Smith house across the road, north side
of the old turnpii<e. He is an independent farmer, having several hundred
acres of land upon which he is constantly making improvements. His farm is
well stocked with the highest bred Devonshire cattle. If his old neighbor
Charles B. Smith, with his large flock of fine bred sheep, was in the old home-
stead, Torrington would still be famous in agricultural enterprise. Children :

48. Edward Stanley, b. Oct. 15, 1842, d. 1869; Mr. Davis is a graduate of Middle-
March 6, 1846. town college; resides in Oneida, N. Y. ;

49. Wellington S., b. Oct. 11, 1844, d. had Isabella, Stanley W., and Herbert.
April 18, 1846. 52. Ellen P., b. Nov. 21, 1853; a teacher.

50. Isabella W.,. b. Sept. 21, 1846, is a 53. Virginia, b. Nov. 25, 1858, d. Sept. 30,
school teacher of much success. i860.

51. Hannah M., b. Nov. 29, 1849, has 54. Corinth, b. Sept. 6, 1861.
taught ; m. Edson W. Davis, Dec. 6,

HAMLIN, Asa, came from Somers, Ct., m. Abigail Loomis, lived in
Torrington hollow, and Wolcottville. He d. about 1870, in Winsted.
Children :

1. Laura, b. July 11, 1834. 4. Margarett, b. Aug. i, 1844, m. Dwight

2. Maryette, d. young. Burr, Oct. 30, 1864; had: Orrin H., b.

3. Alma Jane, b. May 14, 1840. Jan. 25, 1866.

HANCHETT, Dr Thatcher S., was b. in Canaan, Ct., Nov. 8, 1838,
m. Emma E., daughter of John C, and Caroline (Morgan) Hayes of New
London, June 13, 1868. She was b. in New London May 3, 1845 ; was at
Music Vale institute, in Salem, Ct., under Prof. Whittlesey two years, and was
pupil three years under Prof Eben. Tourjee, teacher of music in Providence,
R. I. Dr. Hanchett has been a practicing physician some years (^See Biography.)
Children :
I. Anna Thatcher, b. Apr. 22, 1871. 2. Thatcher Hayes, b. Aug. 24, 1876.

HART, David, son of Nathaniel and Alice (Hall) Hart, m. Hannah, dau.
of John Hudson, of Southampton, L. I., in May, 1781. This David Hart
was the sixth generation from Stephen Hart one of the early settlers of Hartford,
His wife Hannah, being a young woman, living at Southampton, during the
Revolution, on a day when she had dinner ready a company of British soldiers
came in and were about to eat all, when she very decidedly said : " you are
British soldiers, you have an officer with you, and of him I demand protection

yio History of Torrington.

for myself and house." Upon this the officer gave the order to retire, and the
family ate their own dinner. David Hart resided in Meriden ; removed to
Goshen, in 1776, and in 1786, removed to Torrington, east side of Wist pond,
where he built a grist mill. Soon after 1800, or about that time, he removed
to a place called Hart's hollow in the town of Goshen, where his descendants
still reside. Some parts of his grist mill were removed and placed in another
mill at Newfield. Mr. Hart d. Sept. 13, 1845, a. 89. His wife Hannah, d.
Oct. 14, 1835. Children :

1. Luther, b. July 27, 1783; a minister. 4. Alpha, b. Sept. 17, 1788.
(^See Biog.) 5. Polly, d. a. 16 months.

2. Henry, b. Feb. 28, 1785, m. Ann Street.

3. Miles, b. Dec. 10, 1786, m. Laura Clark
Jan. I, 1820.

HARRISON, William. Children :

1. George, b. 1847, d. Nov. 29, 1848. 5. Frances, b. Sept. 7, 1855.

2. Hiram, b. Jan. 29, 1850, d. May 29, 6. Augusta, b. Aug. 14, 1858.

1865. 7. Ida, b. Aug. 26, 1859; d. Feb. 6, 1876.

3. Stanley, b. Mar. 29, 1 841. 8. Amy Jane, b. Feb. 4, 1862, d. Oct. 5,

4. Augustus, b. July 9, 1853, d. June 25, 1862.
1855.

3. Stanley, son of William and Almira (Freeman) Harrison, m. Jane dau,
of Benjamin Chatfield. Children:

9. Emma J , b. Sept. 22, 1869. 11. Hubert E., b. Aug. 12, 1871;.

10. Frederick S., b Dec. 20, 1870. 12. Eugene W., b. Feb. 25, 1877.

HAYDEN,' William, came to Dorchester, Mass., with the first settlers, in
1630; was made a freeman in 1634; served under Capt. Mason in the
famous Pequot fight in 1637. He received land in the first distribution made
in Hartford, in 1639, and sold the same with dwelling house thereon Feb. 9,
1643, at about the same time he bought lands in Windsor. In 1669 he deeded
all his lands in Windsor, and buildings thereon, to his son Daniel, who prob-
ably had not left the old homestead. His wife d. in 1655, and he married in
Fairfield, widow Wilcoxson. He d. at KillingworthSept. 27, 1669. Children:

1. Daniel, b. Sept. 2, 1640. 3. Mary, b. June 6, 1648, m. Judah Everts

2. Nathaniel, b. Feb. 2, 1642. of Guilford.

1. Daniel, son of William, m. Hannah Wilcoxson, both ofWindsor, Mar,
17,1664. Shed. Apr. 19,1722. He d. Mar. 22, 1713, a. 73. Children:

4. Daniel, b. Oct. 5, 1666. 8. William, b. Jan. i, 1676.

5. Hannah, b. Nov. 9, 1668, m. William 9. Samuel, b. Feb. 28, 1678.
Phelps, Jan. 4, 1693. 10. Ebenezer, b. Dec. 14, 1681.

6. Nathaniel, b. March 23, 1671, d. in 11. Maiy, b. Sept. 28, 1686, d. Oct. 31,
infancy. 1708.

7. William, b. April 27, 1673, d. June 11,
1675.

9. Samuel, son of Daniel and Hannah (Wilcoxson) Hayden, m, Anna
Holcomb, both of Windsor, Jan. 24, 1704; shed. June 13, 1756, aged 81
years. He d. Oct. 12, 1742, aged 64 years. Children:

12. Anna, b. May 2. 1706, m. 16. William, b. Mar. 13, 1714.

13. Samuel, b. Oct. 7, 1707. 17. Sarah, b. Sept. 17, 1716, m. Lyman of

14. Nathaniel, b. June 18,1709 Goshen.

15. Joseph, b. Nov. 17, 171 1.

' fVindtor Hist. Hjnman.

Genealogies.

711

13. Samuel, son of Samuel and Anna (Holcomb) Hayden, m. Abigail Hall

of Somers, Nov. 7, 1737. Children:

18. Samuel, b. Oct. 27,1738,(1. Dec. 14,1743.

19. Augustine, b. Aug. 24, 1740, settled in
Torringfbrd.

20. Moses, b. Sept. 30, 1742.

21. Abigail, b. Dec. 21, 1745, m.

Wetmore of Tor.

22. Samuel, b. Jan. 17, 1748, settled in
Winsted. d. in 1838, a. 90.

23. Aarorif b. May 4, 1750.

24. Luke, b. Jan. 7, 1752, d. Mar. 22,
1756.

25. Seth, b. Apr. 2, 1756.

19. Augustine, son of Samuel and Abigail (Hall) Hayden, m. Cynthia,
dau. of Jeremiah Fyler, and sister of Ambrose Fyler, who lived in Torring-
ford, and cousin to Stephen Fyler, who settled in Newfield. He settled in
Torrinoford, on the place previously occupied by Rev. Mr. Gould and known
as the Havden homestead. He was a hard working, influential man. Children :

26. Augustine, b. Sept. 14, 1770.

27. Samuel, b. Feb. 18, 1772.

28. Luke, b. Aug. 30, 1773.

29. Nathaniel, b. March 30, 1775.

30. Cynthia, b. July 31, 1776, m. Theophi-
lus Humphrey of Canton.

31. Jerusha, b. April 21, 1778.

32. Seth, b. Jan. 19, 1780, killed by the
catholics in Mexico.

33. Hezekiah, b. Oct. 12, 1781.

34. Levi, b. April i, 1783.

35. Amelia, b. 1784, m. Thaddeus Squires,
of Granville, Mass.

36. Cicero, b. Nov. 23, 1787.

37. Tirzah, b. April 19, 1789, m. Seth Bar-
ber, of Canton.

38. Nancy, b. 1790, m. Solomon Mead,
Tioga Co., N. Y.

39. Betsey, b. 1792, d. in 1794.

26. Dr. Augustine, son of Augustine and Cynthia (Fyler) Hayden, m.
Asenath Hammon, of Suffield, Ct., and settled as a physician in Chatham, N.
Y., where he followed his profession many years. He d. at Franklinville, N.
Y., March 28, 1838, a. 68. Children: '

40. Augusta, b. Feb. 14, 1800, m. Owen 42. Wadsworth. b. May 4, 1809, m. Lucre-
Terry, of Franklinville, N. Y. tia Taylor, of Franklinville, N. Y. ; had

41. Augustus, b. May 28, 1805, m. Mary two children. He and his wife d. in Wis.
Jewell, of Franklinville, N. Y.

27. Dr. S.amuel, son ot Augustine and Cynthia (Fyler) Havden, became a
physician, settled in Windham, Pcnn., where he m. Dorcas Young, in March
1810, and continued his profession until advanced age. Children:

48. Nancy, b. Oct. 10, 1823.

49. Emily, b. Aug. 11, 1826.

50. Ellen, b. June 23, 1829.

51. Joseph, b. Sept. 25, 1833.

52. Cicero, b. July 4, 1839.

43. Samuel Fyler, b. April, 181 1.

44. Cynt.-.ia, b. April 15, 181 3, m. Dr.
Hinckley, Dec, 1833.

45. Clark, b. Feb. 17, 1815.

46. Frances, b. Sept. 2, i8i7,m. Augustine
Barber, 1836.

47. Samuel Fyler, b. Aug., 1820, d. July
24, 1835.

28. Luke, son of Augustine and Cynthia (Fyler) Hayden, m. Ruth Hum-
phrey, of Canton, and settled in Barkhamsted. Children :

53. Ruth, b. 1806, d. 1815. 58. Julia, b. Feb. i, 1815, m. House,

54. Minerva, b. Feb. i, 1807, m. Jared of Milwaukee.
Thompson, of Milwaukee. 59. Luke, b. Dec. 10, 1818.

55. Marietta, b. Nov. 26, 1810, m. Salmon 60. Martha, b. Sept, 25, 1820.
Howd, 1830. 6i. Cicero, b. Aug. 7, 1823.

56. Julius, b. Aug. 24, 181 1, went to 62. Catharine, b. March 21, 1826.

Atlanta, Ga.

63. Sarah, b. June 20, 1829.

57. Sidney, b. March i, 1813, m. Florilla 64. Franklin, b. Dec. 29, 1833.
Miller, of Torringford.

712 History of Torrington.

29. Nathaniel, son of Augustine and Cynthia (Fyler) Hayden, m. Sally
Ransom, of Barkhainsced, and settled in Hartford. Children :

65. Ransom, b about 1800. 6g. Austin, b. about 1810.

66. Betsey, b. about 1802, m. Beach. 70. Almira, b. about 181 3.

67. Nathaniel, b. about 1804, m. and settled 71. Emily, b. about 1815.
in Dover, O. 72. Addison, b. Dec, 1817.

68. Sarah, b. about 1806.

32. Seth, son of Augustine and Cynthia (Fyler) Hayden, m. Sylvia Jenks,
of Leyden, N. Y., and settled in western N. Y. Children :

73. Louisa, b. 1808, m. Alpheus Taylor of 77. Gay, b. 1819, m. ; a settler in Oregon.
Milwauiiee, and settled in Berlin, Wis. 78. Charles, b. 1822.

74. Cornelius, b. 1812, m. Alexander Alby, 79. Cicero, d. a. 3 years.
Madison, O.

75. James, ■) b. Feb. 20, "I d. in Boston in

76. John, j 1815, J 1856.

36. Cicero, son of Augustine and Cynthia (Fyler) Hayden, m. Sophia
Squires of Granville, Mass., Aug. 17, 1810, and lived on the old homestead.
Children :

80. Tullius C, b. Aug. 20, 1811. 85. Augusta, b. July i, 1823, m. Jeremiah

81. Sophia, b. Sept. 29, 1814, m. Rev. Geo. Phelps, M.D.

W. Fogg. 86. Harriet, b. Aug. 31, 1828, m. Jeremiah

82. Amelia, b. Oct. 21, 1816. Wainwright, M.D.

83. Henry, b. Mar. 5, 1819. 87. Caroline, b. Oct. 10, 1831, m. Rev.

84. Helen, b. Nov. 15, 1821, d. July 4, Jeremiah Wainwright.
1822.

80. Tullius C, son of Cicero and Sophia Hayden, m. Susan C. Chidsey,
of Canton. Children:

88. S. Ella, artist and teacher, m. A. D. 90. Hattie F., artist and teacher.
Nooney. 91. Charles H., a law student and teacher.

89. Cicero, d. young.

HIGLEY, Isaac, came from Simsbury to Torrington, among the first settlers,
before 1740. His farm was on the hill west of the late Joseph Allyn place.
He m. Sarah Porter, Feb. 13, 1735, ^^° '^- J^'y ^9' ^753- ^^ ™- ^'^
Sarah Loomis, Feb. 24, 1757. Children:
I. Sarah, b. Nov. 23, 1735; not m. ; she 2. Susannah, b. Dec. 8, 1741.

sold the farm to Oliver Allyn Jan. 30,

1800.

HILLARD, William C, son of William Hillard, of Preston, Ct.,b. Oct.
29, 1843; came to Wolcottville, in 1866 ; m. Alice Eunice, daughter of
Merritt and Henrietta (Taylor) Treat, May 22, 1871. Mr. Hillard is a
druggist. Ch. :

1. Caroline E., b. Sept. 4, 1872.

2. An infant, b. Apr. 2, 1876, d. Apr. 4,
1876.

\ HILLS, Benoni, was burn at Northampton, Mass., in 1700. His father d.
before and his mother soon after his birth. He was m. Dec. 19, 1723, and
settled in Suffield, where he remained a little more than one year and removed
thence to Durham His first child was born in Suffield, and the eight follow-
ing were born in Durham, and removing thence, about 1740, his two last were
born in Goshen. In August, 1747, he purchased thirty-seven acres of land in
Torrington, a little north of Capt. Abel Beach's house, with a frame standing
on it. Half of this land with the frame on it he gave to his son Beriah, who

Genealogies. 713

soon after settled on it. In 1764 or 5, Benoni Hills rented a house of Abel
Beach, and in 1765, he bought the same of Mr. Beach. This house stood a
little north of his son Bcriah's, where he resided until within a few years of his
death, when he removed to Winchester. In Torrington he was well known
and much respected for his uprightness of character, and sensible, but pleasant
adinonitions to the young. While sitting in Dr. Hodges's store he several times
remarked to the clerks: "Boys, it is best to be pretty middling honest."
Some years before his death, he selected two rough stones of mica slate, and
shaping them to his liking, engraved on one of them, " Benoni Hills ; this is
thy house ;" and on the other, ".O eternity, death is come." To which has
been added : "June 24, 1793 ; B. H., aet. 93." Working upon these stones
seems to have been the special enjoyment of his leisure hours. He took them
with him from Torrington and gave special directions to have them placed
over his grave, where they now stand, in the old Winchester graveyard. His
wife born June 3, 1700, d. Oct. 21, 1776. Children:

1. Hannah, b. Oct. 5, 1724, m. Aaron 7. Mary, b. Sept. 25, 1754, m. Epaphras
Loomis, June 6, 1743. Loomis, Sept. 9, 1755.

2. Zimri, b.Dec. 16, 1725, d. June4, 1760. 8. Seth, b. Sept. 13, 1736, m.

3. Beriah, b. Aug. 31, 1727, m. 9. Rachel, b. July 8, 1739, '^- J°^' Soper.
^4. Medad, b. April 27, 1729, m. 10. Bela, b. Aug. 24, 1741, d.May 29, 1756.

5. Mary, b. June I, 1731, d. Jan. 28, 1732. 11. Ann, b. June 11, 1743, m. Luman

6. John, b. Dec. 13, 1732, m. ; d. in Beach, had one dau. ; d. in Norfolk, Jan.
Charlotte, Vt., Feb. 16, 1808, leaving 2 26, 1777.

sons and 4 daughters.

3. Beriah, son of Benoni Hills, m. Mary and settled in Torrington

in the spring of 1748, a little north ot Capt. Abel Beach's, where he remained
until after the year 1769, when he removed to Winchester, north of Stephen
Fyler's, near Torrington line. He was appointed several years to read the
Psalm in the old meeting house in Winchester, and d. Mar. 25, 1778. His
children were all baptized in Torrington. Children :

12. Mary, bap. Mar. 20, 1748, m. Elijah 16. Bela, bap. Aug. 25, 1756.
Barber, July 10, 1776. 17. Roger Eno, bap. Mar. 4, 1759.

13. Benoni, bap. Dec. 24, 1749, m. 18. Zimri, bap. Apr. 23, 1763.

14. Lois, bap. Feb. 2, 1752. 19. Huldah, bap. Aug. 9, 1767.

15. Chauncey, bap. Feb. 17, 1754, m.

4. CoL. Medad, son ot Benoni Hills, m. Sarah ; was a goldsmith '

in Goshen, and made muskets tor the state in the Revolution, and also served
some time as an officer in the army. He was a large land holder in Winches-
ter and resided there a time in the Norris Coe house. His wife Sarah died
Feb. 18, 1802, a. 70. He d. Apr. 9, 1808, a. 79. Children:

20. Seth. 22. Hevk'itt, bap. in Tor., Sept. 9, 1753, m. )i

21. Lucy, m. Daniel Baldwin, of" Goshen; 23. Rebecca, m., and had Rueben.
had children, Theodore, Seth, Collins, 24. jNliles, b. Aug. 31, 1766, m.

Erastus, Abigail, Lucia. /

6. Capt. John, son of Benoni Hills, m. Jerusha, about 1754, and resided
in Goshen until a short time before 1776, when he removed to Winchester and
lived near the Hurlbut cemetery. He was a gunsmith by trade. He sold his
place in 1781 and afterwards removed to Charlotte, Vt., where he died Mar.
15, 1808, aged 76. Children:

25. Jerusha, b. Nov. 26, 1755, m. Abel 27. Zimri, b. Oct. 2, 1762,111. Mille Catlin
Wetmore, May 12, 1774. Jan. 17, 1782.

26. Lorrain L., b. Feb. 6, 1758, d. Oct. 14, 28. Esther, "tb. June
1763. 29. John, J I, 1766., d. July 21, 1766.

714 History of Torrington.

30. Lorrain, b. May 30, 1768, d. Mar. 7, 33. Lewis, b. Sept. 8, 1775.

1772. 34. Roger, b. Jan. 9, 1779, d. Oct. i,

31. Claraman, b. Oct. 5, 1770. 1780.

32. Olive, b. July 23, 1773.

8. Dea. Seth,' son of Benoni Hills, m. Abigail Soper, in 1760, and lived
T in Goshen, until near 1765, when he settled in Winchester, his farm bordering
on Torrington. He was first deacon of the church in Winchester and first
representative of that town. He served as wagon master in the Saratoga cam-
paign ; was present at Btirgoyne's surrender, and assisted in clearing the field af
the dead and wounded after the battle. He sold his homestead and in the
winter of 1793, went to Vernon, Oneida Co., N. Y., a place. then without a
white inhabitant, save two or three who went with him, where he cut down
four acres of heavy forest, on which to build his future home, and in the follow-
ing autumn, with the assistance ot his son Ira, then a lad of sixteen, burned,
cleared and fitted it for seed. He removed his family thither in the winter of
1799, and at the age of sixty-four, began the settlement of a new puritan town.
He d. in Vernon, June 3, 1826, a. 99 years. Children:

35. Statia, b, July 6, 1762, m. ist John 38. Candace, b. June i, 1772.
Marshall, of Torrington, March 30,1780; 39. Hannah, b. May 19, 1776,

2d Andrew Everitt, in 1799. 4°- Seth, b. April 20, 1779, removed to

36. Jesse, b. May 17, 1764., Vernon.

37. Elisha, b. May 8, 1766, d. June 11, 41. Ira, b. June 22, 1782, removed to Ver-
1766. non.

13. Benoni, son of Beriah and Mary Hills, m. Elizabeth Agard, Oct. 23,
1773, and made his residence in Winchester. One of his daughters m. Chauncey
Humphrey. Children:

42. Theodosia, b. Feb. i, 1775. 44. Amanda, b. June 18, 17S0, in Torring-

43. Elizabeth, b. Oct. 20, 1776. ton.

15. Chauncey, son of Beriah and Mary Hills, lived on his father's home-
stead, bordering on Torrington line until about 1802, when he removed to
Litchfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y.

20. Seth, son of Medad and Sarah Hills, m. and removed to Vernon,
where he d. in 1826. Children:

45. Edmund. 47. Fanny.

46. Anna.

\J 22. Hewitt, son of Medad and Sarah Hills, m. and settled in Winchester,
in 1788, where he owned a large farm and was a prominent business man.
His house was on Blue street near Torrington line. He was a representative
to the assembly between 1790 and 1800, and filled at various times, most of
the town offices. He lived a time in Winsted, and removed to Vernon, N
Y., about 1305. Children:

48. Lucy, m. Thomas Spencer, Jr., May 50. Eliza, m. Isaac Bronson.
*7> 1795- 5'- Louisa, m. Stephen Wade, March

49. Mary, m. Abijah Bronson, Nov. 16,
1797.

y 24. Miles, son of Medad and Sarah Hills, m. 1st Abigail, dau. of John
Wilcox, of Goshen ; 2d Anne Butrick, March 9, 1794. He lived in Goshen,
where he d. March 10, 1815, aged 49 years. His widow d. Oct. 12, 1830.
Children :

1/ a>^

,1802.^ I

' See Hilt, (f^inchtsttr.

Genealogies.

715

52. Levi, b. May 39, 1795, m. went to 56. Mary A., b. Sept. z, 1804, m. Frede-

Georgia, thence to Lisbon, 111., where he

died, leaving a family.

53. Medad, b. June 17, 1797, d. Sept. 15,

1803.

^54. Abigail, b. July 17, 1799, m. Nelson T.

Loomis, Nov., 1827, lived in Cornwall

and then in VVinsted ; had Sarah L. b.

Vfune 26, 1829; Frederick L., b. Aug.

^ cL«^^-' ^^34-

1, 55. Eben, b. Oct. 8, 1801, removed to Ver-

rick P. Whiting, Feb. 15, 1826.

57. Frederick P., b. Sept. I, 1808, m.

58. Lucy A., b. March 18, 1810, m. Abel >^
S. Wetmore of Winchester, Nov. 24,1829,
had Julia A., b. Aug. 18, 1830; John
N., b. March 8, 1833; Ellen E., b. Oct.

29, 1834; Leroy W., b. Sept. 23, 1836;
Miles H., b. Sept. 6, 18405 Samuel A.,
b. Sept. 25, 18425 Hubert, b. Feb. 21,
1847.

non and then to Lisbon, 111 , had Caroline, 59 Elisha, b. May 23, 1812, m. in Vernon,

Hubert, Frederick B , Melissa, Mary A., had a family.

Eben L., Sarah L., and Luther B. 60. Roxy, b. Oct. 6, 1 8 14, d. Dec. 15, 1 8 1 6.

57. Dea. Frederick P , son of Miles and Anne (Butrick) Hills, m., 1st,
Lucy E., dau. of John Wetmore of Winchester, Sept. 11, 1833, lived in Win-
chester until April 1846, when he settled on the Matthew Grant farm on
Goshen turnpike where he still resides. He is a successful farmer ; has been
deacon of the Torrington church many years; has been selectman of the town
a number of years, and has filled other positions of honor and trust with honor
to himself and the town. His wife, Lucy E., died Dec. 26, 1858, aged 52.
He married, 2d, Mrs. Harriet B (Frisbie) Bailey of Litchfield, Dec. 7, 1859.
Children by 1st wile:

61. Lucy A., b. Sept. 7, 1841, m. Leroy
W. Wetmore, Feb. 12, 1861, and d. Aug.
24, 1871. Her husband d. Nov. 27, 1872.

HINSDALE, Barnaeas, of Hartford, was an original proprietor of lands
in Harwinton, to the amount of -£120, and when Harwinton was laid out, six
lots were appropriated to his heirs and one of these was Jacob Hinsdale, one of
the first settlers of that town. Barnabas had, apparently, six children, but six
names are found :

1. Daniel. 3. Mary.

2. Amos. 3. John.
2. Jacob, settled in Harwinton. 4. Martha.

2. Jacob, m. Hannah Seymour and settled in Harwinton on lands inherited
from his father. Children:

4. Jacob, b. , probably in Hartford and

hence the date is not on Harwinton Re-
cords.

5. Hannah, b. , m. William Cook,

Mar. 7, 1759, and d. Mar. 28, 1775.

7. Ezra, Jan. 5, 1740, m. Sarah Hopkins,
had 8 children.

8. Stephen, ") b. Mar. 1 m. Rhoda Judd.

9. Samuel, / 22, 1743,/
10. George, b. April 15, 1745.

1 1. Sarah, b. Mar. i,

1747-

5. Lois, b. Feb. 27, 1737.

6. Stephen, b. Nov. 16, 1738, d. Nov. 7,
1741.

4. Jacob, son of Jacob and Hannah Hinsdale, m. Mary Brace of Harwin-
ton May II, 1758 ; he removed with his family to Canaan, probably soon
after 1773, and he is said to have had ten children, but six are recorded in
Harwinton. Children :

12. Jacob, b. April 18, 1759.

13. Elisha, b. Feb. 28, 1761, m.

14. Elias, b. Apr. 20, 1763.

15. Abel, b. July 19, 1765.

16. Rhoda, b. Feb. 27, 1770.

17. Whiting, b. Oct. 17, 1773.

18. Sherman.

19. Eliazur.

And two others.

13. Captain Elisha, son of Jacob and Mary (Brace) Hinsdale, enlisted at

ji6

History of Torrington.

Canaan, in the continental army and served principally on the Delaware; was
under the command of LaFayette ; wintered at Valley Forge. After three
years' service he left the army completely broken down in health, but hoping
to do something he learned the jeweler's trade, serving his apprenticeship at
Litchfield, tradition says, when the elms were planted in that village. He re-
covered his health and learned the trade of a blacksmith.

In the year 1799, Capt. Elisha and his brother Dea. Abel, settled in Tor-
rington, on the Naugatuck about three miles north of Torrington hollow, at a
place once called the axe factory, and later the tannery, and Appley's mills.
Here the Hinsdales made the celebrated " clover leaf" scythes and axes, and
did general blacksmithing, until 18 16, when having obtained with his brother,
land in the western reserve, he removed with his wife and vounger children to
Ohio, and the year following settled in Norton, now Summit county. He
made the journey to the west with a wagon, drawn by two yoke of oxen in
eight weeks. He d. at Norton, June 22, 1827, a. 66 years. His first wife,
x^ssenath Barnes, d. in Torrington, in 1800. In 1801, he m. Elizabeth
Holcomb, who d. in Wadsworth, Ohio, in 1846, a. 77. He was captain of
a company in Torrington and representative in the legislalature, and in Ohio
was justice of the peace. Children by 1st wife:

20. Horace, b. 1776, in Canaan, d. May 31,

I6I6, a. 32.
21. Elisha, b. in Canaan, removed to Ohio,
thence in 18 31 to Michigan where he d.
Feb. 4, 1S56, a. 65. His widow, Orpha

25. Assenath, m. Edward Spicer, d. July 8,
1835,3. 50, and their dau. Elizabeth is
living, wife of Charles Mattin.

26. George, b. in Ohio, d. a. 25, Mar. 31,
1842.

dau. of Giles Whiting of Torrington is 27. Albert, b. July 18, 1809, in Tor., son

of Elizabeth Holcomb, went to O., with
his father and in 1836, he removed from
Norton to Wadsworth, where he still re-
sides, a respected farmer and citizen. He
m. Clarinda, dau. of Judge William Eyles,
who removed from Warren, Ct., to O., in
1814. Their children are: i. Assenath,

b. Oct. 2, 1834, d. a. 13 ;

II.

Burke

still living near Adrian, Mich. They had
two sons: Whiting still living; Elisha
deceased.

22. Herman, removed to Ohio, d. at
Hudson, Sept. 31, 1831, a. 42. He m.
Lucy Drake of Torrington, who d. in
1876. He stood second to no citizen of
Hudson as a man of upright character.
His only son L. M. Hinsdale d. a. 44, in
1876. His daughter Mrs. Fidelia Cray
d. in 1876, and his three daughters, Mrs.
Bissell, Mrs. Brown, and Mrs, Hall, all
widows, are still living.

23. Julius, d. in Ohio, Aug. 24, 18 18, a. 23.

24. Sherman, removed with his father to O.,
d. Aug. 30, 1859, a. 59, in Wellington,
O. His descendants have removed further
west.

15. Dea. Abel, son of Jacob and Mary (Brace) Hinsdale, came with his
brother Capt. Elisha, to Torrington, and engaged with him in the scythe manu-
factory and blacksmithing. He m. Mary, daughter of Rev. Joshua Knapp,
of Winchester, who was b. Dec. 8, 1772, and d. in Torrington, Oct. 10, i8f;i.
He was elected deacon of the Torrington church in 1802, and held the office
until his death April 9, 1851. He is very highly spoken of by the older people.
Children :

Aaron, b. Mar. 31, 1837. {See Biog.)
III. Roldon O., b. Mar. 27, i84o^m. ;
resides in Wadsworth, O., a farmer; iv.
Louisa, b. Apr. 23, 1844, d. greatly la-
mented Sept. 8, 1876, a. 32; v. Wilbert B.,
b. May 23, 1850, m. graduate of Hiram
college and is teaching in W. Richland, O.

28. Lophelia, b. July 27, 1795, d. Sept. 25,
1863, in Tor.

29. Lorrain, b. Sept. 19, 1801, m. Aurora
J. Slater, Feb. 28, 1 847. b. in New Britain,
Mar. 30, 1 8 17, no children ; live in Win-
chester.

30. Gilman, b. Dec. 26, 1803, m. Amanda
Ward, Mar. 23, 1827; live in New
Britain ; had Mary Louisa, b, Jan. 30,
1830.

31. Abel Knapp, b. Oct. 6, 1807; was a
missionary. (See B'tog.)

Genealogies. 717

HODGES.* There was a Captain Hodges at Boston as early as 1633. It
is supposed, from several reasons that Captain Hodges of Boston and William
Hodges, who was enrolled in the militia in Taunton, Mass., in the year 1643,
were the same individual. He died in Taunton, April 2, 1654. Children:

I. John, b. about 1650. 2. Henry, b. 1652.

I. John, son of William of Taunton, Mass., m. Elizabeth Macy, May 15,
1672. He resided in Taunton, where some of his descendants were residing in
1853, and was successful in the accumulation of property. He died probably
about 1745. Children:

3. John, b. April 5, 1673. 7- George, b. Nov. 27, 1685, d. in Norton,

4. Nathan, b. April 2, 1675. Mass., Aug. 10, 171 3, a. 27.

5. Samuel, b. May, 20, 1678. 8. Ebenezer, b. March 13, 1687.

6. William, b. June, 6, 1682. 9. Nathan, b. Oct. z£, 1690.

6. William, son of [ohn and Elizabeth (Macy) Hodges, m., 1st, ,

2d, Clapp, and lived on his father's homestead. He d. June 23, 1766,

aged 84. Children :

10. George. 13. Elijah.

II. Abigail. 14. Abijah.

12. Job. 15. Mary, m. Chandler.

10. George, son of William and Hodges, m. Susannah and lived

in Taunton and Norton, Mass., and Woodstock, Conn. He was a man of
more than ordinary mind and influence. He died in 1786 aged 78. Child-
ren :

16. George, b. in Norton, Jan. 26, 1789. 20. Leonard, removed to Vt.

17. Silas. 21. Susannah, m. John Richardson of

18. Elkanah, b. 1747. Woodstock Conn.

19. Daniel.

18. Dr. Elkanah, son of George and Susannah Hodges, came from

Woodstock to Torrington, and became eminent as a physician and merchant.
He m. 1st Roxalany, dau. of Ashbel North, Jan. 14, 1777, and she d. Feb*
1 3' 1777- 2d, Rebecca, dau. of Dea. John Whiting, March 26, 1778.
His farm and house were on the hill a litttle north of the meeting house at
Torrington Centre. An ulcerated tooth caused his death, March 21, 1797, a.
50. His widow Rebecca, d. July 13, 1839, a. 82. (See Biography^
Children :

22. Willard, b. Dec. 16, 1778, m. 26. William Franklin, b. Aug. 24, 1789,

23. Erastus, b. March 9, 1781, m. was graduated at college, studied

24. Roxalany, b. April 27, 1784, m. Rev. law, went to south and d. in Alabama,
Amasa Jerome, of New Hartford, and d. Oct. 10, 1837, a. 48 years; not m.

Feb. 12, 1856, leaving a number of child- 27. Alpheus, b. May 4, 1792.

ren. 28. Henry Elkanha, b. Oct. 3, 1794.

25. Sally, b. March 29, 1787, m. Rev.
Timothy P. Gillett, of Branford. She is
living and in her 90th year.

22. Willard, son of Dr. Elkanah and Rebecca (Whiting) Hodges, m.
May 28, 1811, Ruth Mansfield of Harwinton. She was b. July 2, 1779.
He continued in business as a merchant, with his brother Erastus, after his
father's death, in the old store on the hill, until about 1809, when they dissolved
partnership and he bought the Aaron Loomis place on which he lived and
died. He had a large farm including the old priest Robert's place ; was a

' Genealogical Record of the Hodges Family.

yiS History of Torrington.

kindly disposed man, possessing many agreeable qualities. His brief life closed
June 8, 1817, atthe age of 38 years. His widow survived him and was
known as a woman of decided religious character, good sense, entertaining to
the young; and was much esteemed. The school house being near her farm
and orchard, she gave the school children one of the best apple trees in the
orchard, which they were to use as their own. The apples were very beautiful,
having red cheeks, and were often placed in rows along the writing desks in
the school house, adding beauty to the place as well as enjoyment in the eating.
She departed this life Jan. 15, 1863, a. 64. Children:

29. Sally Emeline, b. March 8, 1812, m. 30. Eunice W., b. Jan. 19, 1817, m. John
Sheldon Barber, April lo, 1833. M. Wadhams, of Goshen, Oct. 30, 1837,

30. George Elkanah, b. Sept. 19, 1814, d. d. Aug. 7, 1855.
Feb. 8, 1815.

23. Erastus, son of Dr. Elkanah and Rebecca (Whiting) Hodges, m.
Laura, dau. of Richard Loomis, Jan. 5, 1809. He was one of the most pro-
minent, successful and respected citizens of the town. (See Biograph-^, and
Torrington as a Business Centre.) He d. June 13, 1847, a. 66. His wife,
Laura, d. Dec. 7, 1839, a. 52. Children :

31. Edwin, b. June 26, 1810. 34. Levi, b. Jan. 26, 1817, m.

32. Elkanah H., b. Jan. 12, 1812. 35. Willard, b. May 25, 1820, m.

33. Roxa, b. May 7, 1814, never m. d. 36. Laura M., b. July 25, 1827, not m. ; d.
June 22, 1838, a. 24. Aug., 1864.

27. Alpheus, son of Dr. Elkanah and Rebecca (Whiting) Hodges, was
never m. ; lived on his father's homestead and conducted his farm many years.
He possessed a quiet and agreeable disposition, good judgment ; and was much
respected in the community. He d. Dec. 27, 1870.

28. Henry E., son of Dr. Elkanah and Rebecca (Whiting) Hodge's, m.
Betsey Fowler, of Guilford, and was a merchant Taylor in New Haven, where
he d.' March 13, 1859. Child :

37. Caroline, an adopted daughter.

31. Edwin, son of Erastus and Laura (Loomis) Hodges, m. Catharine
Hickox, of Mass. He had a store in Torrington hollow, where he also was
engaged in the manufacture of clocks ; was also interested a time in the cotton
factory ; removed to, and kept a store some years in Wolcottville ; and in later
years removed to Kansas. Children :

38. Roxa Elvira, d. June 24, 1840, a. 3 yrs. 40. George, lives in Elkhorn, and is a

39. Laura, m. Charles Bricton of Elkhorn, druggist.
Wis., and had three children.

32. Elkan.'\h H., son of Erastus and Laura (Loomis) Hodges, m. Mary
Purdv. He removed to San Francisco, Cal , where he d. in March, 1862.
Child :

41. A child, d. young.

34. Col. Levi, son of Erastus and Laura (Loomis) Hodges, m. Delia, dau.
of Moses Drake )r., Sept. 24, J 844, and lived on the homestead of his father,
and was a farmer. He possessed very amiable qualities and was much re-
spected and honored by all classes of citizens ; was a strong supporter of the
church and all humane and benevolent enterprises; a straight forward, upright,
and honorable citizen. When he departed this life, the people mourned as for
a brother, whose place as a citizen would remain vacant in all the years to
come. He d. Dec. 27, i860. Children:

Genealogies. 719

42. Lucy, b. Dec. 24, 1846, m. Frederic 43. Erastus, b. Jan. 20, 1848, d. Mar. 12,
Wilcox of Portland, Ct., May 25, 1871, 1S65.

and resides in Waterbury ; Mr. Wilcox is 44. Levi, b. May 12, 1849, m.

a druggist. They have : William H., b. 45. Helen, b. June 20, i860.
July 6, 1874, and Levi, b. Jan. 19, 1876.

35. VViLLARD, son of Erastus and Laura (Loomis) Hodges, was graduated
at Yale college in 1845 ; engaged in business in New York city a short time
and then settled on a farm near Rochester, N. Y., where he still resides. He
m. Jane A. Bradley, of Fairfield, Herkimer county, N. Y., Aug. 28, 1848.
He has served several terms in the legislature of New York state, and is well
reported as a farmer of enterprise and intelligence. Children :

46. Guerdon H., b. May 8, 1850, d. Mar. 48. Roxy Jane, b. Oct. 6, 1855.

7, 1S62. 49. Amy Martha, b. Aug. 19, 1858.

47. Alpheus C, b. Feb. i, 1853, ^^^ spent 50. Mary Louise, b. Apr. 16, 1861.
three years in Yale college. 51. Fannie L., b. May 21. 1863.

44. Levi, son of Levi and Delia (Drake) Hodges, m. Lucy M. H., dau.
of Dr. Henry F. Fish, of Waterbury, Feb. 15, 1873, and resides with his
mother on his father's homestead, and is a farmer. He is the only one of the
name residing in the town ; is much respected; has represented the town in
the legislature. Children :

52. Lucy Helen, b. May 13, 1875, May 20, 33. Elkanah, b. April 27, 1877.
1876.

HOLBROOK, Abijah, came from Bellingham, Mass.; was son of Asa
Holbrook, who, in his advanced life, came to Torrington and died here. He
m. Mary, dau. of Dr, Silas Pratt, of Mass., and sister to Elijah Pond's wife.
Her mother, Mrs. Pratt, came to Torrington and d. here. Mr. Holbrook,
having slaves and other property, was considered wealthy. He built a flouring
mill and saw mill, and it is thought had some hope of working the iron mines
supposed then to exist in Torrington. He had children but no account of
them has been obtained. His widow m. Judge Hopkins of Mount Morris, N.
Y. She sold her property at Holbrook's mills in 1814.

HOLBROOK, Sylvanus, and wife, Betsey, had children recorded in Tor-
rington :
I. Huldah, b. June 27, 1804. 2. Uri, b. March 11, 1806.

HOLLEY, Francis N., son of Newman and Sarah (Stiles) Holley, was
born May 13, 1807, in Salisbury, Ct. , and m., 1st, Eliza A. Hotchkiss May
27, 1846; she was born May 29, 1824, died May, 1866. Hem., 2d, Mrs.
Lucinda R. Hayden, dau. of Charles Bronson of Waterbury, Dec. 22, 1869.
Mr. Holley came to Wolcottville about 1837, and engaged in the woolen mills.
When this the first mill was burned in in 1844, he and John Hungerford formed
the Union Manufacturing Company and bought the old finishing house and es-
tablished what is now the woolen mill and engaged in the manufacture of doe-
skin cloths ; in which business he continued with good success until 1872, when
he sold his interest in that mill. He has served the town in various offices with
credit and honor and maintained the high esteem of its citizens, and though
living in retired life is benevolently interested in the prosperity of the town.
Children by 1st wife:

1. Edward H., b. July 17, 1848, m. Nellie 3. Harriet, b. May 31, 1857, d. June 17,
M. Wheeler of Wolcottville, May 4, 1857.

1876; resides in East Bradford, Pa. 4. Horace, b. April 17, i860.

2. Francis A., b. Aug. 29, 185 1, d. Sept.
9, 1853.

720 History of Torrington.

Mrs. Holley's children by her first husband, Edmund J. Hayden, are :
5. Helen E. Hayden, b. March 29, 1861. 6. Edmund Hayden, b. Nov. 13, 1865.

Ransom, brother to Francis N., was born in Sahsbury Aug. 8, 1813, and
was the son of Newman Holley who was connected with the iron works in
that town. Mr. Holley came to Wolcottville in 1859, ^"*^ became a partner
in the woolen mill with his brother, and remained in business until 1872, when
he and his brother sold their interest in that property. He married, 1st, Mary
M., dau. of C. S. Sperry of VVaterbury, in 1864. She died in May 1874,
and he married, zd, June 10, 1875, Laura Ward, adopted dau. of ex-Gov. A.
H. Holley of Connecticut. He is well and favorably known as a business
man ; resides on Main street next north of the post office, the house built by
George D. Wadhams, but Mr. Holley has refitted it and beautified the grounds
so that it is one of the most beautiful in the village.

^ HOLMES, David, m. Chloe, dau. of Asahel Strong ; had a large family,
removed to Russell, Mass.

Joseph, m. Lydia Curtiss Sept, 9, 1778, both of Torrington. {Town Rec.')
Children :

1. David, b Apr. 27, 1779. 3. Jerusha, b. Apr. 25, 1783.

2. Rufus, b. Apr. 29, 1781.

Seth, m. Phebe Grant Mar. 31, 1785. Child :
Marens, b. May 5, 1786.

Levi, a blacksmith, a man of great physical power ; learned his trade with
A, Dea. Abel Hinsdale.

Levi, son of Lebeus of Goshen, m. Hancey Ward, and d- at Norfolk in
1876 ; had a dau. Hancey who m. Tibbies of Norfolk.

HOPKINS, Harvey P., of Warren, Ct., m. Lydia Tanner in 1844 ; set-
tled on Torringford street about 1857 ; bought the farm of Rufus W. Gillett,
where they still reside. Children :

1. Edward T. 4. Ella A.

2. Arthur E. 5. Albert H. '

3. Frank N.

I. Edward T., son of Harvey P. and Lydia (Tanner) Hopkins, m. Ger-
trude Waterman and resides in Winsted. Child :
I. Grace W.

HOPSON, Orrin L., was born in the town of Wells, Rutland county,
Vt., June 23, 1814. His father, John C. Hopson, was at the battle ofPlatts-
burgh, but not under fire in the war of 1813. His grandfather, Samuel, of
Wallingford was in the battle of Quebec, when Gen. Wolfe was killed. Mr.

0. L. Hopson, m. Susan Caroline Wilson at Whitehall, N. Y., July 7, 1837,
and resided some years in Waterbury ; from which place he removed to Wol-
cottville in February 1872 ; having previously become a partner in the Ex-
celsior Needle Company. Children :

1. Marion Pamelia, b. Aug. 18, 1838, m. 2. William Fowler, b. Aug. 30, 1849, rn.
1st, Merritt C.Ives, Dec. 1855; 2d,George Mary Allen of New Haven, May 10,
Partree. Dec. 1867. Child by ist hus- 1871, where he residesj and is a de-
band: John C, b. Mar. 5,1860: Child- signer and engraver. He has a son Or-
ren by 2d husband: Susan H., b. Jan. rin L., b. Apr. 12, 1875.

26, 1871, d. July 21, 1871; Lewis H.,
b. Sept. 3, 1872 J Marion E., b. Sept. 4,
1875.

Genealogies. 721

HODGKINS, Samuel, from, probably, Essex, England, arrived at New
Haven, previous to 1641, and was traditional brother of John of Guilford,
Conn. After the first hundred years it became customary to write the name
Hotchkiss. The ancestors of the Wolcottville family are as follows: Samuel,
of New Haven, Ensign Joshua, of New Haven, Dea. Stephen, of Cheshire,
Dea. Gideon, of Watcrbury now Prospect, Asahel of Prospect, and Dyer, of
Naugatlick.

HOTCHKISS, Dea. Charles, son of Dyer Hotchkiss, of Naugatuck, was
b. Feb. 23, 18 I I, and came into Torrington, in June, 1841. He purchased
the water privileges and erected a saw mill and two dwelling houses at the place
known many years as Hotchkiss' mill, and more recently as Drakes mill, about
two miles north of Torrington hollow. In 1851, Mr Hotchkiss removed to
Wolcottville, and in 1857, sold his mill property above Torrington hollow and
purchased the old Wilson's mill property in the village and established what is
now the shops and lumber yard of Hotchkiss and Sons, builders. A large
proportion of the buildings in Wolcottville, have been built by Mr. C. Hotch-
kiss and this firm, and they are, at the present time, very busy in the same
line of work. Their work has been extended into the adjoining towns of
Litchfield, Goshen, Norfolk, Harwinton and Northfield. Mr. Hotchkiss has
served as deacon of the Congregational church sixteen years, and therein has
been a good representative of his ancestors Dea. Stephen, and Dea. Gideon.
He m. in Feb. 1833, Electa Susannah, daughter of Harlan Brace. Children :

1. Edward C, b. Nov. 5, 1833. 5. Albert G., b. Aug. 4, 1844.

2. Lucia E., b. Nov. 25, 1835, m. Henry 6. Fidelia, b. Aug. 21, 1846, m. Hiram
Wilmot, and d. Feb. 28, 1863. Clemence June 14, 1868 and has Charlie,

3. Chauncey G., b. Nov., 1838, d. a. 5 yrs. b. May, 1869. and Eva, b. Feb., 1870.

4. Henry E., b. Feb. 5, 1841. 7. Eugene, b. May 18, 1854.

I. Edward C, son of Charles and Electa S. (Brace) Hotchkiss, m. Amelia
Briggs, of Saratoga, N. Y., April 9, 1856. He is a builder in the firm ot C.
Hotchkiss and Sons ; has been to the legislature twice, and is a successful,
honored business man. Children :

8. Edward H., b. Oct. 29, 1861. 10. Minnie E., b. Nov. 5, 1866.

9. Josephine A., b. Nov. 29, 1864.

4. Henry E., son of Charles and Electa S. (Brace) Hotchkiss, m. Jennie,
daughter of Allen G. Brady, Dec. i, 1866. He is a builder of the firm of
C. Hotchkiss and Sons. Cliildren :

11. Hattie Electa, b. Oct. 26, 1867. 13. Jennie Elizabeth, b. Oct. 19, 1871.

12. Mary Lucinda, b. Oct. 17, 1869. 14. Clara Isabel, b. July 25, 1875.

5. Albert G., son of Charles and Electa S. (Brace) Hotchkiss, m. Ella
Osbond of Naugatuck, June, 1869, and resides in Springfield, Mass., and is a
machinist in a needle shop. Child :

15. Walter, b. Oct., 1871.

7. Eugene, son of Charles and Electa S. (Brace) Hotchkiss, m. Amanda,
dau. of Henry Berry, Dec. 9, 1874 ; works with his father and the firm as
builder. Child :

16. Ella A., b. Nov. 25, 1876.

HOSKINS, Joseph, perhaps of Litchfield, m. Eunice dau. of Ebenezer Coe,
Aug. 20, 1761, and settled just over the line from Newficld, in Winchester,
about 1769, but three of the children were baptized in Torrington church. He
served as trumpeter in the cavalry detachment that went from Litchfield

722 History of Torrington.

county to Long Island in the Revolution, whose gaunt appearance, rusty equip-
ments, and pacing horses excited the ridicule of Washington's army, until their
good service in the battle and retreat from Brooklyn Heights made them better
acquainted. He was a kind hearted, jovial man as was indicated by his life long
sobriquet of " Uncle Jo." He d. in Winchester in Dec. 1818, a. 88 years.
Children :

1. Rachel, bap. April 12, 1762, m. Laura- 5. Alexander, b. Aug. 31, 1773, lived a
nus Palmer. short time in Winchester then removed to

2. Theodore, bap. May 20, 1764, d. young. Vernon, N. Y.

3. Theodore, bap. April, 1766, lived in 6. Loranda, b. Dec. 19, 1778, m. Ichabod
Winchester. Loomis, Nov. 22, 1 803.

4. Roswell, bap. Aug, 30, 1769. 7. Gustavus, b. March 4, 1784.

Elisha, probably brother to Joseph, m. Delight Holmes, Dec. 24, 1766.
{Town Rec.') Children : "^

8. Benjamin, b. Nov. 27, 1767. 12. Tamma, b. Jan. 5, 1775.

9. Elisha, b. June 18, 1769, d. July 26, 13. Luther, b. Jan. 5, 1777.
1771. 14. Calvin, b. Sept. 24, 1778.

10. Ladema, b. May 17, 1771. 15. Delight, b. Jan. 8, 1782.

11. Elisha, b. Jan. 16, 1773.

HOYT, Ira, son of Nathaniel and Anna Hoyt, was born in Danbury, Jan.
13, 1787, and married, 1st, Anna Plumb of Litchfield, in 1808, and, 2d, Anna
Shove, dau. of Levi and Abigail Shove of Warren, Oct. 1821. He was a
blacksmith, and lived in Warren, Litchfield and Torrington. In the last named
town he lived on the Waterbury turnpike a mile south of Newfield and kept
the toll gate many years. His first wife died May, 1821,3. 35. He removed
to Halsey Valley, Tioga Co., N. Y., where he died Jan. 2, 1864, aged 77.
Second wife still living. Children :

1. Harriet, b. March 30, 1810, in Warren, unm., and living in New York city.

m. Frederick North, June 14, 1830. 4. Ruth E., b. April 8, 1817, in Tor., m.

2. Ann, b. July 4, 18 I 2, in Warren, m. 1st, Lewis Smith, resides in Constantia, N. Y.
Isaac Riggs, and 2d, James Haggadom, in 5. Zeri, b. Nov. 8, 1818, d. in N. Y. city,
1856, resides in Spencer, N. Y. in 1871.

3. Charles, b. Dec. 12, 1814, in Litchfield,
By 2d wife.

6. Ira, b. Sept. 1822, m. ist, Helen Rob- 8. Maria Lucy, b. June, 1832, m. George
erts, and 2d Lydia Hollenback, in 1864, Taylor In 1854, resides in Halsey Valley,
lives in Halsey Valley N. Y. N. Y.

7. Alonzo, b. Feb. 2, 1826, d in 1831. 9. Warren Jerorne, b. Sept. 17, 1834.

9. Warren Jerome, son of Ira and Anna (Shove) Hoyt, m. Jenctte H.,
dau. of Matthew Manchester of Torrington, Aug, 30, 1853. He removed
Middlebury and thence to Halsey Valley, N. Y., where he resides. Children;

10. Ella M., b. June 23, 1854, in Middle- 12. Vesta C, b. Oct. 16, 1857.
bury. 13. Seth S., b. June 14, 1862.

11. Addie M., b. Dec. 29, 1855, in Halsey
Valley.

1. HUDSON, Daniel, wife, two daughters, and sons William and Daniel,
came to America in one of the ships which arrived at the New England colony
in 1629 or 1630, possibly with the Dorchester company. Daniel Hudson
and family settled in Lancaster, now Leominster, Mass., in 1630. He, his
wife and daughters were killed there by the Indians in 1697. Children :

2. William. Two daughters.

3. Daniel.

2. William, son of Daniel, ist, m. Experience, dau. of John Willis, was

Genealogies.

723

made freeman in Boston in 1631. He afterwards removed to West Bridge-
water, where he d. without children.

3. Daniel, Jr., son of Daniel, ist, removed to South Bridgewater, Mass.,
and married Mary, dau. of William Orcutt, in 1697. Children:
4. Mary, b. 1701, m. Isaac Lazell, in 1719. 5. Daniel, b. 1704.

He. d. 1750. 6. William, b. 1707.

5. Daniel, 3d, son of Daniel and Mary (Orcutt) Hudson, m. Mary, dau.
of John Fobes, and removed to Middletown, Ct. He died in 1775, aged 71.
His widow, Mary, died in 1786. aged 81. Children:

7. Mary, b. 1727, m. Dea. Nathan Alden, 10. Daniel, b. 1738, removed to iVIiddle-
1750. town, Conn.

8. Abigail, b. 173c, m. John Howard, 11. Nathan, b. 1740.
1752. 12. John, b. 1743.

9. Reliance, b. 1735, m. Samuel Billings,
1756.

6. William, son of Daniel and Mary (Orcutt) Hudson, m. Sarah, dau. ot
John Fobes, 1737. She d. 1789 ; he 1796, a. 87. Children :

13. Sarah, b. 1738, m. John Ward of Mid- 17. Edward, b. 1745, went to New Brain-
dletown, Ct., 1768. tree.

14. Silence, b. 1740, m. Ebenezer Soule of 18. Marah, b. 1747, m. Asaph Soule of
Plympton, 1764; d. 1835,3. 94 yrs. 8m. Plympton, 1767.

15. Barzillai, b. 1741, removed to Hartford, 19. Asa, b. 1749.
Ct. 20. Eli, b. 1 751.

16. William, b. 1743.

10. Daniel, son of Daniel and Mary (Fobes) Hudson, removed from
Bridgewater, Mass., to Middletown, Ct., and m. Mary, dau. of David Coe,
July, 1766.'-^ She d. Dec 8, 1787, aged 42. He m., 2d, Dorothy Hubbard
of Glastonbury, Dec. 10, 1788, who d. May 4, 1807. He m., 3d, Abigail
Watson of Torringford He d. Aug. 1821, a. 83. His widow, Abigail,
d. in Mar. 1834. Children:

21. Hannah, b. 1767, m. Phineas Elmer of Kinsley of Bridgewater, Mass., had chil-
Wintonbury. dren, went^to Ashland, N. Y.

22. Rhuda, b. 1768, removed to Torring- 26. Adah, b. Feb. 8, 1778, m. Gen. Uriel
ford in 1 768, one of the early settlers, m. Tuttle of Torringford, had John Hubbard
David Birge of Torrington. Tuttle.

22. Molly, b. May i, 1770, m. Zenas Wil- 27. Barzillai, b. Aug. 13, 1780. '

son of Torrington, had children, removed 28. Clarissa, b. June 7, 1782, d. Dec. 5,

to Concord, O. N., Chardom. 1782.

23. Grace, b. Apr. 17, 1772, m. Ozias 29. Sarah, b. Nov. 18, 1783, d. Jan. 17,
Bronson, went to Amsterdam, N. Y. (See 1784.

Annals of Wincheiter.^ 30. Clarissa, b. Dec. 29, 1785, m. Daniel

24. Daniel Coe, b. Apr. 24, 1774. Tuttle of Torringford, had children. She

25. Eunice, b. Feb. 5, 1776, m. Benjamin is now living (1878).

11. N.^THAN, son of Daniel and Mary (Fobes) Hudson, m. Betty, dau of
Capt. Joseph Gannett, 1767 ; who d. in 1777, a. 28 ; m. 2d, Anna Gibbs,
of Sandwich, 1777. He d. in 1834, a. 93. His wife, Anna, d. in 1831,
aged 81. Child:

31. Betty, m. Rev. Wm. Briggs in 1799.

12 John, son of Daniel and Mary (Fobes) Hudson, m. Bethiah, dau. of
Dr. Isaac Otis, in 1769. He d. in 1819, a. "]■]. His widow d. in 1825, a.

78. Children:

1 See Middletown Records.

724 History of Torrington.

32. Mary, b. 1770, John Q^Keith 1792. 38. Melzar, b. 1784, m. Lucinda, dau.

33. Mehitable, b. 1772, m. Jonathan King- of Mark Phillips in 1818, had a family,
man, 1793. 39. Susannah, b. 1788, m. Martin Whit-

34. Otis, b. 1774, a bachelor. man 1810.

35. Hannah, b. 1777, m. Cyrus Edson 1797. 40. Isaac, b. 1791, m. Molly, dau. of John

36. Daniel, b. 1779. Wade, 1819, and had a family. (See

37. Abigail, b. 1782, m. Jonathan Snell History of Bridgc-zuater, Alass).
1809. 41. Bethiah, m. Nicholas Wade, 1823.

24. Daniel C, son of Daniel and Mary (Coe) Hudson, m. Mary, dau.
of Capt. Epaphras Loomis, Feb. 16, 1797. She d. July 22, 1804. He m.
2d Rhoda Fowler, dau. of Noah Fowler, Jan. 24, 1805. He bought and
settled on a farm (the old Burr Hostlery) adjoining his father's homestead, on
the northwestern brow ol Torringford hill. (^See Biography.) He d. July
1840, a. 66. His widow, Rhoda, d. May 20, 1850, at Springfield, Mass.
Child of ist wife :

42. Daniel, b. Mar. 9, 1798, d. Mar. 16, 1805.
By 2d wife :

43. Erasmus Darwin, b. Dec. 15, 1806. Elias Oilman of West Hartland, and Win-

44. Daniel Coe, b. Jan. 16, 1808, d. while sted. She d. Oct. 12, 18525 no children.
on a business tour, unm. at Trenton, Ohio, 47. Mary Loomis, b. Mar. 31, 1818, m.
March 10, 1832, of pneunomia, a. 24. Henry Rummell of Wolcottville ; re-

45. Flora HoUister, b. May 6, 1811, m. moved to Florence, Northampton, Mass. ;
James H. Seymour of Wolcottville. had George, Frank, Philip and Charlotte.

46. Charlotte L., b. Oct. 21, 1813, m. Dea.

OW^^r^ 27. Barrillai, son of Daniel and Mary (Coe) Hudson, m. Content, dau-
^ A(^of '^iuidtby Pickett, of Windsor, Ct., Jan. 26, 1803. He d. in i860, a. 80.
"' Children :

48. Ann Squires, b. Oct. 21, 1803, m. d. the same day and were buried in the
Rufus Burr of Winsted, and removed to same grave.

Bloomington, 111., had : Alonzo, Hudson, 50. Abigail Watson, m. Dea. Eben. N

Franklin, Adeline, Luman, John, Helen, Gibbs, of Farmington, had George E. and

Annette, Delphine. Mary E.

49. Mary Coe, b. April 12, 1806, m. Dea. 51. Juliette King, m. John S. Bancroft of
Thomas A. Miller of Torringford, had : South Windsor, Ct., had Mary, and Julia
Gaylord B., John T., Hobart B., all resid- Hudson.

ing at Grand Rapids, Mich. He and she

42. Dr. Erasmus D., ' son of Daniel C, and Rhoda (Fowler) Hudson*
studied medicine with Dr. R. M. Fowler, was graduated, M. D., at the Berk-
shire Medical college, Mass., December, 1827 (see Bzog.). Children:

52. Romulus Fowler, b. April, 1828, in 34. Erasmus Darwin, b. Nov. 10, 1843, in
New Marlboro, Mass. Northampton, Mass.

53. Daniel Wyatt, b. Dec. 10, 1853, in
Torringford.

52. RoMULus, F., son of Erasmus D., and Martha (Turner) Hudson, m.
Elizabeth Hutchings, of Lowell, Mass. Resided a time in Hartford, associated
in Exchange Bank. Removed to New York, in 1865, and was associated with
A. G. Paine & Co., a Woolen Goods House. No children. His wife
Elizabeth, d. Feb. 1873. -^^ '"• ^d, Caroline Troocshlut, of New York.
Nov., 1873.

53. Daniel W., son of Erasmus D., and Martha (Turner) Hudson, learned
book binding at Hartford. In 1854, he had a protracted and painful sickness.

1 A Malacca ca:i; was brought to this country by D.iiiiei HuJson, in 1630, which has been transmitted
through the Daniels of ths fainily, and is now in possesiion of Dr. E. 1). HuJson, awaiting some Daniel
Hudson to prove title to it.

Genealogies.

725

of which he died January 25, 1855, a. 21. His remains were interred in
Springfield Cemetery, Mass. (Hudson Lot).

54. Dr. Era-mus D. Jr., son of Erasmus D.,and Martha (Turner) Hudson,
graduated A. B., at the college of the city of New York, and also M.D., at
the college of physicians and surgeons, of the same city. Passed through a prac-
tical course of nearly two years in surgical, and medical wards, at the Bellevue
Hospital, New York ; and became a practicing physician and surgeon in the
city, and professor ot the theory and practice of medicine in the Female Medical
college and New York Infirmary in New York. He was an extensive con-
tributor to Johnson's Cvclopedia, and has also contributed several popular essays
on medical subjccrs. He m. Laura A., dau. of Samuel Shaw, M. D., of Plain-
field, Mass. She was a graduate ot Vassar college. Children :

55. Samuel Fowler, b. ^lay 18, 1872. 57. Darwin Shaw, b. Aug. 31, 1876.

56. Helen Turner, b. Aug. 8, 1874, ^■
March 7, 1877, interred in cemetery lot,
Springfield, Mass.

HUNGERFORD, John, was born in Southington, Ct., in 1787 ; lived
a time in Harwinton ; m. ist Elizabeth Webster, of Albany, N. Y. ; came to
Wolcottville, about 1813, and commenced a store south of the bridge. His
wife Elizabeth, d. June 12, 18 19, and he m. Charlotte Austin, June 5, 1820,
and spent his life in Wolcottville, as a merchant and manufacturer, and died
in 1856. {See Biography.) His widow still survives, cheerful and courageous,
and has been of much advantage to the author of this work, in regard to the
history of several families of Torringford, specially that of Father Mills.
Children bv 1st wife :

2. Elizabeth W., b. April 19, 1817, m.
Roderick White, M.D., and lived in
Simsbury.

resides in Brooklyn, N. Y., and has daus.
Sarah, Lotrie and Hattie.
9. Frances A., b. Oct. 17, 1833, m. Dr.
J. B. Whiting, lived in Wolcottville, d.
June, 1823.

10. Ellen L.,

I. John T., b. June 4, 1S15, m. Susan
McQuarter in Georgia, in which state he
was a merchant.

Children by 2d wife :

3. Walter M., b. Feb. 6, 1822, m. Miss.
Swift, of Dutchess county. N. Y., and kept
the store on the corner, now occupied by
Agard and Church until after his father's
death. In 1874, he romoved to Mount
Pleasant, Iowa ; his children are : Mary,
Frances, Morton S., Charles B., Harrie S.

4. Austin N., b. Oct. 20, 1824, m. Sarah
Prinile, of Rochester, N. Y. ; d. Nov.,
1873, leaving son Harrie Prindle

5. Charlotte, b. April 15, 1825, d. Oct. 15,
1826.

6. Edward (Rev.), b. Sept. 10, 1829, m.
Maria Buell, of Burlington, Vt. ; preaches
in Meriden, Ct. (see Bic^.), has, Linnie,
Charles L., Frederic B., Catharine.

8. Dana L. R., b. April 19, 1827, m.

Caroline Grace, of Hartford, and is a

merchant in New York.
8. Charlotte A., b. July 13, 1831, m.

Roger Olmstead, M.D., of New Haven j

HUNTINGTON, Joseph, of Harwinton, m. Rachel Preston of Litchfield,
June 10, 1773. Children :

I. Lucy, b. .March 8, 1775, 0:1 Wednesday, 2. Rachel, b. Aug. 4, 1776, on Sunday, m.
m. Blazo, and removed to Vt. Fraud and removed to Vt.

II. Helen,

"] m. George Foot,
I of Detroit in
b. July I i860, and has,
1-13.1837, y George H.,
Lottie A., Fre-
deric J.
d. Jan. 7, 1838.

12. George D., b. Aug. 25, 1840, d. Aug.
25, 1840.

13. Uri T., b. Dec. 14, 1841, m. Delia
Hyde, of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; d. in March,
1870 J was a merchant.

14. Frank L., b. Nov. 6, 1843, ^- Sarah
Churchill, Dec, 1868, and has son William
C. J is a lawyer in New Britain.

726

History of Torrington.

3. Joseph, b. July 8, 1778, on Wednesday, 5. William, b. April I3, 1782, m.

when young went to Montreal, Ca. 6. Phebe, b. Aug. 19, 1787, when young

4. Rhoda, b. Nov. 27, 1780, m. went to her sisters in Vermont where she

Tryon and d. in N. Hartford. was taken ill and d.

5. William, son of Joseph and Rachel (Preston) Huntington, m. in Har-
winton, Elizabeth Vincent, of Martha's Vineyard. He was a carpenter by
trade, but had a carding mill in Harwinton. He came to Torrington — ^ —
and built a carding mill on the East branch a little distance above Daytonville
which he conducted some years. He afterwards lived in Wolcottville, where
he d. Children :

7. Mary, m. David Sammis and removed to i 3. Susan, m. Dr. William Porter of Bridge-
Warsaw, Wyoming Co., N. Y., has ch. port, where she resides.

8. Solon, m. Harriet Summers of N. Y., 14. Joseph, d. unm. in Warsaw, N. Y.
resided in Oneonta, N.Y. He is a farmer 15. Ellen, m. Rev. J. E. Yates, resides m
and of considerable success and wealth. Elizabeth, N. J. She is quite well known

9. Rhoda, m. Riley Dunbar of Wolcottville. in literary circles, especially as the authoress

10. Phebe, m. Henry Pardee of Waterbury,
resides in Oneonta, N. Y.

11. Elizabeth, m. Hiram Yager of Oneonta.

12. Collis P., m.; is president of Central
Pacific rail road.

of the poem Tour Mission, which has be-
come celebrated through the lamented
President Lincoln. She is continuing her
literary labors in producing poems foj
magazines and various periodicals.

IVES, Abner, of Wallingford, m. Anna Ferguson of Haddam, May ll,
1768, and settled in Torringford, on the place still known as the old Ives place,
a little way east of his brother's home, where he died. Children :

1. Eunice, b. March 10, 1796, m. Gay-
lord of Goshen.

2. Jesse, b. Oct. 16, 1770, m. Polly
Phelps, and removed to northern N. Y.

3. Abner, b. Sept. 29, 17725 lived some
time in this town and went to Whites-
town, N. Y.

4. Anna, b. July 11, 1774.

5. Amasa, b. Oct. 18, 1776, m.

6. Catharine, b. Aug. 11, 1778.

7. Charlotte, b. Feb. 25, 178 1, m. Beebe
Wadhams of Goshen and had, Caroline,
Henry, Beebe, Julius, Willard, and Albert.

8. She'lbourn, b. Feb. 2. 1783.

9. Nancy, b. July 8, 1785.

10. Dimedia, b. Aug. 6, 1787, not m.; d. in
this town.

11. Trumbull, b. Oct. 24, 1789.

JoTHAM, of Wallingford, brother of Abner, m. .Anna Foster of Walling-
ford, May 10, 1769, and settled in Torringford, east of Wolcottville, on what
is known as the Elijah Phelps place. He d. about 1823. Children:

12. Joel, b. May 13, 1770, removed to 14. Erastus, went to Black river country,
Black river country, N. Y. N. Y.

13. Anna, b. Sept. 26, 1771.

5. Amasa, son of Abner and .Anna (Ferguson) Ives, m. and lived some
years west of Wolcottville where Mr. Birney resides.

II. Trumbull, son of Abner and Anna (Ferguson) Ives, m. Abigail S.,
dau. of Thaddeus Griswold, and lived on his father's homestead,

JOHNSON, Jacob (probably son of Israel or .Abner of Wallingford), m.

Esjher She was a professional doctrcss ; a very noble woman; d.

in Torrington. He removed with his family to Johnstown, N. Y., a little
after i 800. Children :

1. Caleb, b. May I, 1774.

2. Thankful, b. Oct. 16, 1776.

3. Stephen, b. May 9, 1778.

4. Charity, b. Dec. 25, 1779.

5. Jacob, b. Feb. 8, 1782.

6. Adolphus, b. April 25, 1784, d. Dec. 6,
1787.

7. Susanna, b. April 23, 1786.

8. Abner Adolphus, b. Jan. 11, 1788.

9. Jerusha, b. Nov. 24, 1789.

Genealogies. 727

1. Caleb, son of Jacob and Johnson, m. Mary Beach Dec. 20,

1798. Children :

10. Frederick, b. Dec. 15, 1799. 12. Caleb, b. Apr. 10, 1804, in Johnstown

11. James W., b. Dec. 27, 1801, in Johns- N Y.

town, N. Y. 13. John Beach, b. Sept. 26, 1806, in Tor.

JOHNSON, Levi F., was b. in Cheshire, Ct., Jan. 10, 1791, in. Mary
M. Morris of N. Y. state in 1812. She was a slave, and her father bought
her time when she was eighteen years of age. She is nearly 92 years of age.
Mr. Johnson is much respected, and has been sexton of the Torringford society
over fifty years, and is now in his 88th year. Children:

1. John S., m. in 1833 Huldah Peterson, man, hjd 11 children, d. in 1862.
had 2 children. 4. Jarvis B., m.

2. Hilligar J., m. in 1833, Artimicia 5. Miles, m., d. Feb. 22, 1842.
Thompson. 6. Sarah E., d. Mar. 30, 1843.

3. Daniel V., m. about 1840 Elizabeth Free-

4. Jarvis B., son of Levi F., m. Elizabeth Hills in 1844. Children:

7. Sarah E., b. 1845, d. 1866. 14. William H., b. 1863.

8. Emily A,, b. 1847. 15. Nellie F., b. 1868.

9. Celia M., b. 1849, d. 1863. 16. Alice L., b. 1872.

10. Julia Ann, b. 1852. Hannibal Randall, son of Mrs. Johnson,

11. Daniel H., b. 1854. b. 1 841, went to the war, d. at Fort Jack-

12. Fannie M., b. 1856. son, La., Aug. 24, 1864.

13. Fatie J., b. 1859.

JONES, Lewis M., was b. in Burlington, Ct., fuly 16, 1835 ; came to
Wolcottville, in 1871 ; m. Christina M. Lankton, and lives on Migeon avenue.
Child :

I. Grace Mabel, b. Oct., 1874.

JONES, David, of Shrewsbury, England, m. Eliza Norton, Sept., 1855 I
came to Wolcottville, in 187 1 ; is a shoemaker. Children:

1. Eliza, b. Nov. 22, 1856. 4. Walter D., b. July, 1866.

2. James H., b. Mar., 1862. 5. Clara B., b. Sept., 1875.

3. John C, b. Aug., 1864.

JUDD, Timothy, of East Middleto\*n, m. Lois Curtiss, at Farmington,
Nov. 6, 1 744, where he resided some years. He was in Tor. as early as i 754,
when his son Ozias was baptized here and remained until after 1770. He had
eight children baptized here. He removed to Tyringham, Mass., where he
d. April 29, 1785, a. 64, He uniied with the church in Torrington, May
10, 1754. Children :

1. Timothy, b. Sept. 21, 1745. 7. Selah, b. Mar. 2, 1758, d. Apr. 9, 1758.

2. Arunah, b. Dec. 16, 1747, m. Sarah 8. Oliver, b June 10, 1761.

Spring; removed to N. Y. 9. Orange, b. Aug. 14, 1763, bap. in Tor-

3. Lois, b. Jan. 13, 1750, d. July 18, 1777. rington, Aug. 21, 1763.

4. Rebecca, b. Mar. 15, 1752, m. Anjos 10. Selah, b. Apr. 10, 1765.
Spring. II. Thomas Curtiss, Feb. 4, 1768.

5. Ozias, b. July 3, 1754. 12. Asa, b. Sept. 23, 1770, d. Aug. 24, 1777.

6. Salmon, b. Apr. 9, 1756, d. Apr. 26, 1756.

1. Timothy, son of Timothy and Lois (Curtiss) Judd, m. Mindwell Cowles,
of Torrington, Jan. 15, 1767. Four of his children were baptized in
Torrington. He removed to Sandisfield, and d. there April 7, 1819. His
wife d. in Otis, March 2, 1802. Children:

728

History of Torrington.

13. Elnathan, b. Mar. 18, 1768. 16. Mindwell, b. Oct. 22, 1773.

14. Mary, b. Aug. 29, 1769. 17. Timothy, b. Nov. 30, 1775, ^- Nov.

15. Lois, b. Feb. 20, 1771, m. Jared 28, 1834.

Thompson. 18. Sylvester, b. May 3, 1782.

5. OziAS, son of Timothy and Lois (Curtiss) Jiidd, m. Sarah Wilson (she
may have been of Torrington, dau. of Asahel) ; lived in Stockbridge ; d. in
1806, leaving one son who removed to state of N. Y.

8. Oliver, son of Timothy and Lois (Curtiss) Judd, m. Triphena Heath,
Sep. 25, 1780; was deacon in Sandis more than forty years.

9. Orange, son of Timothy and Lois (Curtiss Judd, was b. in Torrington,
m. Abigail Deke at Sandisfield, Feb. 4, 1784. He removed to Leroy, Genesee
Co., N. Y., about 1812, and d. there in 1844. His children were all born in
Mass. Child :

9. Ozias, b. June 12, 1791, m. Rebecca cal, agricultural chemistry at Yale college j
Wright, Jan. i, 18 17, removed to Niagara, entered the office of the American yigricui-
thence to Lockport, thence to Oberlin, O., /«;7'i7 in New York, in 1853, as editor;
to educate his children ; returned to Lock- became proprietor of that paper in 1856,
port, and afterwards removed to Kansas. in which he has had unusual success. He
His son Orange, b. July 26, 1822, was has given a large sum as an endowment,
graduated at Wesleyan University, Ct. ; to the university of Middletown where he
and afterwards pursued a course of analyti- resides.

KELSEY, Dea. Jonathan, of Woodbury, settled in Torringford, about
1753. ^'^ wife's name seems to have been Ruth. He was a man of much
value in the society, church and community, and d. April 13, 1792, a. 86 years.
A complete list of his family has not been obtained ; all the descendants having
disappeared from the town, so far as known Children:

1. Nathan, m. 3. Esaias, d. Sept. 21, 1759.

2. Jonathan, m. Rachel Loomis, of Wind- 4. Samuel, m. ist Mary , who d.

sor, Nov. 12, 1767; d. Sept. 15, 1776, May 10, 1770; 2d Betsey HoUister, of

a. 37 years. Glastenbury, Oct. 25, 1774.

1. Nathan, son of Jonathan and Ruth Kelsey, m. Sarah Judd, of Farmington,
Dec. 10, 1760 ; lived in Torringford. Children :

5. Nathan, b. Feb. 19, 1762. 8. Amos, b. March 8, 1767.

6. Lois, b. Sept. 8, 1763. 9. Rozel, b. June 7, 1768.

7. Noah, b. June 13, 1765.

KIMBERLY, Henry, of Goshen, m.,Dec. 6, 1824, Sylvia, dau. of Jared
Curtiss of Onondaga Co., N. Y., and settled on the Parmelee farm west side
of Wist pond, in Goshen, where he d. Jan. l, 1855, with heart disease. Ch.:

1. Edward, b. April 17, 1826, m. Mary killed by a horse in California, Sept. 2,
Clark, of Cornwall, Oct. 1849, resides in 1855.

Goshen. 6. Uri, b. July 14, 1834. m.

2. AndrcA', b. Nov. 26, 1827, d in Iowa, 7. Daniel, b. Dec. 21, 1836.

Jan. 13, 1856. 8. Sylvia, b. Oct. 25, 1840, m. Elmer Bun-

3. Henry, b. May 20, 1829, enlisted in the nell, Oct. 10,1860, resides in Broome Co.,
late war 5 was killed by a shell at the N. Y.

battle of Fort Darling, May 14, 1864. 9. Ledelia, b. June 26, 1842, m. Samuel

4. Sherman, b. May 14, 1831, m. D. Reed, Sept. I, 1867.

5. Arthur Mills, b. Oct. 21, 1832, was

3. Henry, son of Henry and Sylvia Kimberly, m, Lucy Hurlbut of Tor.
Children :

10. Emily, b. Aug. 15, 1854. la. Andrew T., b. Feb. 23, i860.

11. Charles H., b. April 10, 1857.

4. Sherman, son of Henry and Sylvia (Curtiss) Kimberly, m. Loretta

Genealogies.

729

Pendleton of Norfolk, April 27, 1856, resides on his father's homestead at
Wist pond. He lived a number of years on the town farm of Torrington
which he conducted with success and a good name. Children :

13. Nellie Maria, b. July 8, 1858. 15. Kerrel, b. Oct. 1873.

14. Ellora May, b. Aug. 16, 1866, in Tor.

6. Uri, son of Henry and Sylvia (Curtiss) Kimberly, m. Maria Davison of
Iowa, where he resided. He enlisted in the late war and was killed by a min-
nie ball, Sept. 19, 1864, at the battle of Winchester, Va. Children :

16. Henry William, b. March 2, 1861. 17. Delia Alice, b. Jan. 13, 1863.

7. Daniel, son of Henry and Sylvia (Curtiss) Kimberly, m. Jan. 28, 1856,
Eliza H., dau. of Junius Baldwin. He enlisted in the late war Aug. 28, 1 861,
tor three years, and before his time was out re-enlisted for three more ; was
wounded and d. in the hospital at Hampton, Va , July 5, 1864. Children:
18. Julia Sylvia, b. Oct. 10, 1857. 19. Carrie Ledelia, b. Feb. 8, 1861.

KUNKLE, Edward A., a practicing lawyer in Wolcottville, wasb. in 1850;
m. Emily R. Estlow in 1871. Children:
I. Emily C, b. Sept. 10, 1872. 2. Frederick W., b. Oct., 1875.

L.ATHROP, Norman B., son of Chauncey Lathrop of Victory, Cavuga
Co., N. Y , was born Dec. 18, 1820. He was engaged four years as book-
keeper, in the wholesale commission house of Howe, Mather & Morgan of
Hartford. He came to Wolcottville in Mar. 1846, and established a . store ;
the firm being Lathrop & Bradley, in what is now the Coe furniture building.
He has been in the mercantile business most of the time since ; is now in his
own store ; the Lathrop block on Main street. He m. Sarah Comstock of
Hartford, Sept. 1, 1847, She was b. in Kent, Ct., Jan, 30, 1823. Children:

1. Frank P., b Nov. 17, 1853. 4. Mary C, b. Mar. 7, 1869.

2. Edward C, b. Jan. 20, 1856. Willard Mix, b. Feb. 14, 1844, has lived

3. Caroline C, b. Sept. 12, i860. in this family sixteen years.

LEACH, Richard, came from Ashford, Winham county, Ct.^ and was b.
in 1709, and d. in Torrington, in 1805, a. 96. Children :

1. Caleb. 3. Ebenezer.

2. Richard. 4. Nathaniel.

1. Caleb, son of Richard, m. first Experience , who d. April 21,

1770; 2d Fowler. Children:

4. Benoni, b. Apr. 12, 1770. 7. David; became a Baptist minister in N. Y

5. Oramel. 8. Jesse ; removed west.

6. Caleb ; removed to Chicago. 9. Myron.

2. Richard, son of Richard, m. Mary, daughter of Jacob Strong, March
23, 1775. His wife Mary, d. April 19, 1791, and he m. 2d, Elizabeth Ly-
man, of New Hartford, Jan. 12, 1792. He was a revolutionary soldier ; d,
in Lyons, July 6, 1827, a. 72; his widow Elizabeth, d. in 1847. Children:

10. Pomeroy, b. Dec. 6, 1775. '4- Richard, b. May 10, 1784.

11. Jacob, b. Dec. 8, 1777. 15. Lyman, b. Dec. 14, 1786.

12. Polly, b. May 28, 1780. 16. Betsey, b. Mar. 3, 1789.

13. Percy, b. Sept. 3, 1782, d. same day. 17. Miles, b. Apr. 7, 1791.

3. Ebenezer, son of Richard, m. Lettice Ferguson, of Torrington. Ch. :

18. Washington, b. Nov. i, 1785. 20. Desdemony, b. Dec. 20, 1788.

19. Lorinda, b. July 6, 1785.

4. Nathaniel, m. Eiinic Marshall, Nov. 19, 1779. Children :

21. Eunice, b. Nov. 29, 1780. 23. Hannah, b. Aug. 5, 1785.

22. Olive, b. Nov. 10, 1782. 24. Nathaniel, b. Feb. 12, 1788.

5. Oramel, son of Caleb, m. Sarah, daughter of Noah Beach ; lived on the
hill where Sheldon Johnson now resides. Children :

25. Mary, m. Lewis Murry. 27. Laura, d. in 1873.

26. Candace, m. Childs Pierpont. 28. Lucius, b. Nov. 29, 18 11.

9. Myron, son of Caleb, m. isi Laura Loomis, zd Almeda Loomis ; is
livirrg and in his 92d year. Children :

29. Roxa, lives in Vermont. 30. Laura, m. White of Cornwall.

By 2d wife :

31. Amanda, m. Grilly. father on the hill northeast of Torrington

32. Luther, m. hollow.

33. Julia, m. Henry Johnson, lives with her 34. Almeda, m. Lucius Emmons.

10. PoMEROY, son of Richard and Mary (Strong) Leach, m. Sarah, dau. of
Abel Beach Jr., Sept. 24, 1797. She d. with cancer Feb. 22, 1838. He d.
Feb. 12, 1852. Children:

35. Almena, b. Sept. 16, 1798. 37. Almira, b. May 13, 1804.

36. Abel, b. May 22, 1800. 38. Orphelia, b. May 12, 1806.

23. Lucius, son of Oramel and Sarah (Beach) Leach, m. Adaline Beardsley ;
resides in Torrington hollow. Children :

39. George T., d. in 1867. 40. Jennie M.

LEWIS, Walter S., son of Capt. Charles Lewis of New Haven, was born
Feb. 21, 1833 ; brother of Wm. B. Lewis of New London and of Henry C.
Lewis of Clinton, Ct. Walter S. came to Wolcottville Dec. 1849, engaged
as clerk in dry goods store; is now a prosperous merchant of Wolcottville.
Hem. Mary J. Wooding, Nov. 29, 1855.

LOOMIS,' Joseph, was probably b. about 1590. He was a woolen draper
in Braintree, Essex county, England; sailed from London April 11, 1638, in
the ship Susan and Ellen and arrived at Boston July 17, 1638. He came to
Windsor, probably in the summer or autumn of 1639, and is generally sup-
posed to have come in company with Rev, Ephraim Huet, who arrived at
Windsor Aug. 17, 1639. The Windsor records mention that he bought land
in that town Feb. 24, 1640. His wife d. Aug. 23, 1652. He d. Nov. 25,
1658. Children :

1. Joseph, b. in England, and was freeman and a representative.

in 1654. 5. Thomas, b. in England, was freeman in

2. A daughter, m. Nicholas Olmstead. 1654.

3. Elizabeth, b. in England, m. Josiah Hull 6. Nathaniel, b. in England.

May 20, I 641, and removed to Fairfield. 7. Mary, b. in England, m. 1st, John Skin-

4. John, b. in England, admitted to Wind- ner, 2d, Owen Tudor, Nov. 13, 1651.
sor church, Oct. 11, 1640, was deacon 8. Samuel, b. in England.

0 6. Nathaniel, son of Joseph of England, m. Elizabeth, dau. of John Moore,
Nov. 24, 1653. He was freeman in 1654, and admitted to the church May
3, 1663, and d. Aug. 19, 1688. Children:

9. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 7, 1655, m. John 11. Abigail, b. March 29, 1659, ^- Josiah
Lee, Dec. 27, 1682. Barber, ofSimsbury, Nov. 22, 1677.

10. Nathaniel, b. March 20, 1657. 12. Josiah, b. Feb. 17, 1661.

' See History 0/ tfindior, also Genealogy of Loomis family, by Prof. Loomis, of Yale college.

Genealogies. 731

13. Jonathan, b. March 30, 1664. 18. Ebenezer, b. March 22, 1765.

14. David, b. Jan. 11, 1668. 19. Mary, b. Jan. 5, 1680.

15. Hezekiah, b. Feb. 21, 1669. 20. Rebecca, b. Dec. 10, 1682.

16. Moses, b. May 15, 167 1.

17. Mindwell, b. July 20, 1673, m. Jonathan
Brown, Oct. I, 1696.

14. David, son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Moore) Loomis, m. Lydia
Marsh, Dec. 8, 1692. Children:

21. Lydia, b. Oct. 21, 1693. 26. Elizabeth, b. Sept. 26, 1704

22. David, b. Dec. 2, 1694. 27. Richard, b. June i, 1707, d. Dec. 7,

23. Aaron, b. Sept. 5, 1696. 1726.

24. Hepzibah, b. Dec. 2, 1698. 28. Hannah, b. Aug. 2, 1709.

25. Eliakim, b. July 27, 1701.

•323. Aaron, son of David and Lydia (Marsh) Loomis, m. Deborah Eggleston,
Feb 5, I 719, and settled in Torrington first on a farm a little southwest of Charles
S. Munger's present dwelling, in a house by the creek. After a few years he
sold this farm and purchased one now occupied by Sheldon Barber, where he
d. Children :

29. Deborah, b. April 10, 1720. 37. Richard, b. Oct. 17, 1732, d. May ic,

30. Grace, b. April 28, 1721, m. Stephen I7S3-

Loomis, June 9, 1743- 38. Eli, b. Feb. 18, 1734.

31. Aaron, b. Jan. 30, 1723. 39. Issachar, b. May 28, 1736.

32. Mindwell, b. March 16, 1724, m. Isaac 40. Naomi, b. May 10, 1738.

Hosford, of Litchfield, July 8, 1747. 41. Abiah, b. April 22, 1742, m. Benjamin

33. Moses, b. Sept. 12, 1726. Beach, Aug. 31, 1763.

34. Abner, b. Nov. 26, 1727. 42. Lemuel, b. May 8, 1744, bap. in Tor-

35. Esther, b. June 30, 1729. rington. May 20, 1744, d. June 6, 1761.

36. Ephraim, b. April i, 1731.

3 I . Aaron, 2d, son of Aaron and Deborah (Eggleston) Loomis, m. Hannah,
dau. of Benoni Hills, June 6, 1745. ^^ lived about twenty rods south of the
present town house, on the east side of the road. He was a farmer. He d.
Sept. 16, 1776, a. 53. His widow Hannah, d. March 28, 1812, a. 87.
Children :

43. Aaron, b. Jan. 9, 1746, d. Feb. 23, 46. Deborah, b. Jan. 4, 1752, m. Rial
1746. Brace, about 1771 or 2.

44. Hannah, b. Dec. 6, 1746, m. Caleb 47. Lucy, b. April 20, 1756, m. Elisha
Lyman, Sept, 28, 1768. Smith, Nov. 25 1773.

45. Huldah, b. Mar. 2, 1748, m. Wait
.Beach July 9, 1767.

33. MosES, son of Aaron and Deborah (Eggleston) Loomis, m. Sarah Rob-
erts of Simsbury, Nov. 3, 1752, and settled on what was afterwards called
Brandy hill, where Samuel Reed now resides. His wife is said to have been
near relative to Priest Roberts. He and his brother Abner, purchased a piece
of land half a mile long from east to west, or from one highway to the other.
He took the west half and Abner the east; their houses were about twenty
rods distant from each other. His wife, Sarah, died May 3, 1800, aged 71.
He died Aug. 8, 1803, aged 76. Children:

48. Sarah, b. Nov. 28, 1755, m. Josiah 50. Moses, b. June 18, 1760.
Whiting, removed to Mass.

49. Jemima, b. July 9, 1758, m. Ephraim
Bancroft Nov. 2, 1775.

34. Abner, son of Aaron and Deborah (Eggleston) Loomis, m. Sarah ■

July 28, 1757, who d. May 19, 1784. He in., 2d, Chloe, dau. ofNathaniel
Barber, June 9, 1785, who d. Dec. 3, 1836. He settled near his brother

732

History of Torrington.

Moses. He was a farmer and a distiller of brandy. He d. Jan. 18, 1809,
a. 81. Children:

51. Abner, b. Nov. 22, 1757, d. Sept. 11, 56. Lovisa, b. Aug. 28, 1772, d. young.
1776. 57. Lovisa, b. Sept. 27, 1779, ^- Artemus

52. Richard, b. Dec. 25, 1758. Phillow, Dec. 11, 1800.

53. Sylvia, b. Jan. 6, 1760, m. John Whit- 58. Chloe, b. May 14, 1788, d. Sept. 9,
ing March 23, 1779. 1816.

54. Tryphena, b. Nov. 10, 1763, m. Seth 59. Julia, b. Dec. 20, 1790, d. July 6, 1817.
Whiting, April 16, 1789.

55. Naomi, b. Aug. 26, 1769, d. Sept. 29,
1839, a. 70.

Oj 36. Ephraim, son of Aaron and Deborah (Eggleston) Loomis, m., ist,
Ruth Hosford of Litchfield, Oct. 31, 1756. She d. May i, 1764. He m.,
2d, Jane Campbell of Canaan, Oct. 18, 1764. He d. Apr. 4, 18 12. Ch :

60. Ephraim, b. July 12, 1758. 62. Amy, b. April 28, 1764, m. Rice,

61. Ruth, b. Mar. 11, 1762, m. Job Rowley of Chenango Co., N. Y.
of Bloomfield.

By 2d wife :

63. Aaron, b. May 25, 1766. 67. Bildad, b. Feb. 12, 1773.

64. Solomon, b. Jan. 23, 1768. 68. Rebecca, b. Sept. 26, 1774, m. Ichabod

65. Jane, b. Dec. 10, 1769, m. Samuel Deming, Mount Pleasant, Penn.
Thorpe, of New Hartford, and d. April 69. Elias, b. Nov. 13, 1776.

4, 18 12.

66. Silas, b. April 12, 1771, m. Polly
Cowdy, removed to Waterbury, Vt.

38. Eli, son of Aaron and Deborah (Eggleston) Loomis, m. Dorothy, dau.
of Ichabod Loomis, Dec. 18, 1762. He lived on a farm afterwards owned
by Henry Allyn, on the hill half a mile east of Mr. Lyman R. Pond's present
dwelling. Children :

70. Dorothy, b. Nov. 10, J766, m. Asahel 73. Margaret, b. Sept. 7, 1772, m. Arah
Barber, of Harwinton, near 1791. Loomis, May 15, 1799, d. Sept. 28, 1841.

71. Lemuel, b. Oct. 17, 1764. 74. Cyrus, b. June 30, 1775, removed to

72. Eli, b. Jan. 11, 1770, removed to Ver- Vernon, N. Y.
non, N. Y.

39. IssACHAR, son of Aaron and Deborah (Eggleston) Loomis, m. 1st Mary
Fowler, Dec. 10, 1765, who d. Sept. 16, 1800 ; 2d Hepzibah, dau. of Joel
Loomis, May 6, 1802. She d. May 13, 183 i. He d. Feb. 11, 1804, a. 68.
He was so very small at birth that he was put into a tankard' and the cover
was shut upon him. He grew to be a man weighing over two hundred pounds.
He resided on his father's homestead, now occupied by Mr. Sheldon Barber,
his grandson. Children :

75. Joseph, b. Jan. 19, 1767. 77. Rhoda, b. Feb. 27, 1777, m.

76. Mary, b. Nov. 19, 1769, m. Abijah
Barber, March 19, 1795.

50. Moses, 2d, son of Moses and Sarah (Roberts) Loomis, m. Lucy, dau.
of Dea. John Cook, Aug. 8, 1782. He resided on his father's homestead
until his death, Nov. 2, 1812. His wife Lucy, d. Oct. 29, 1809. Children:

78. Luman, b. July 13, 1783.

79. Sarah "Sally," b. Aug. 3, 1789, m.
Uri Whiting, of Torrington.

* A tankard held about three quarts.

Genealogies. 733

52. Richard, son of Ahner and Sarah (Grant) Loomis, m. Rachel Higbee,
May 30, 1780. He lived on the farm now owned bv Mr. Charles S. Munger,
on Torrington hill, southwestern part of the town. He d. Aug. 9, 1826.

80. Clarissa, b. Oct. 29, 1780, m. 86. Harriet, b. Oct. 7, 1894, m. Starr Clark,

Lyman. removed to Oneida Co., N. Y.

81. Levi, b. June 3, 1783, removed to 87. Huldah, b. May 18, 1797, m. Levi
Canada. Hills, April 28, 1818.

82. Chester, b. April 20, 1785, removed to 88. Abner, b. Jan. i, 1799, removed to
Canada. Oneida Co., N. Y., m. and d. there.

83. Laura, b. May 28, 1787, m. Erastus 89. Amoret, b. Dec. 15, 1802, d. with
Hodges. spotted fever, Aug. 4, 1809.

84. Richard, b. Aug. 2, 1789. 90. Electa Spofford, b. April 9, 1807, m.

85. Rachel, b. Feb. 29, 1792, m. Chester Dr. Asahel Grant. She d. Aug. 4, 1831.
Bancroft.

T 60. Ephr.aim, 2d, son of Ephraim and Ruth (Hosford) Loomis, m., ist,
Jane Fyler, Oct. 30, 1783, who d. Mar. 30, 1789; 2d, Zerviah Hill, July 20,
1789. He lived in Newfield, a quarter of a mile south of Dea. Frederick
North's present dwelling, on the west side of the road, his farm joining his
brother Solomon's. He d. in 1825, a. 67 years. Children :

90. Reuben, b. Oct. 9, 1785, removed out of Leach, of Smithville, ChenangoCo., N. Y.
the state to Mt. Pleasant, Pa. 95. Ruth, b. Aug. 9, 1793, m. Savif-

91. Oliver, b. May, 29, 1787, m. Mary thll. She d. in Chenango Co., N. Y., in
Barber, Feb. 4, 1 8 14, lived in Winsted, 1848. ^

she d. March 21, 1870, had no children. 96. Ephraim, b. July 16, 1796. ^ ^

He was a much esteemed citizen. 97. Charles Grandison, b. March 28, 1798,^

92. Ephraim, b. Feb. 28, 1789, d. 1789. lived and d. in Litchfield.

93. Asahel, b. April 8, 1790, m. Adah 98. Roman, b. Aug. 6, 1800, went to Che-
dau. of John Beach, April 29, 1812, and nango Co., N. Y.

d. in Black river country, N. Y., Jan 21, 99. Caroline, b. Oct. 9, 1807, m. Zebulon
1863. Merrill, Nov. 15, 1842, lived in New

94. Zerviah, b. May 16, 1791, m. Jesse Hartford.

63. Aaron, son of Ephraim and Jane (Campbell) Loomis, m. Annis Drake
of Windsor, Feb. 12, 1789, he m , 2d, Alma Loomis. Children:

100. Aaron, b. May 16, 1790. 103. Annis, b. June 23, 1797, not m.

loi. Jane, b. March 11, 1392. 104. Alvin, b. Dec. 22, 1800, no family.

102. Laura, b. Feb. 17, 1794, m. Myron
Leach, Jan. 5, 1809.

64. Solomon, son ot Ephraim and Jane (Campbell) Loomis, m. Elizabeth
Olcott of New Hartford, Aug. 31, 1791. He lived in Newfield at little west
of Dea. Frederick North's present dwelling, had a large farm and was a suc-
cessful farmer. He d. Mar. 15, 1848, a. 80. His widow, Elizabeth d. July
7, 1857. Children :

105. Orlen, b. March i, 1792, m. Ruby 108. Levi, b. May 8, 1806, d. March 2,
North, went to South America. i^53> never m.

106. Hiram, b. Nov. 28, 1794. 109. Candace, b. Nov. 6, 1807, d. in 1834,

107. Horace, b. Nov. 14, 1796. never m.

67. BiLDAD, son ot Ephraim and Jane (Campbell) Loomis, m. Delia Porter.
No children. Owned and lived on the place now occupied by Warren Wil-
cox, about halt a mile south westerly from his brother Solomon, about a mile
northeast of Wrightville on the northeast road. The house and buildings
stand about twenty rods from the road north.

69. Elias, son ofEphroim and jane (Campbell) Loomis, m. Mary Rood.
He d. May 2, 1831, in New Hartford. His widow, Mary, d. Oct. 15, 1837.
Children :

734 History of Torrington.

no. Miles, b. Oct. 3, 1799. 112. Luther, b. Nov. 8, 1806.

III. William, b. Jan. 1804.

71, Lemuel, son of Eli and Dorothy (Loomis) Loomis, m. Abigail Parsons
Oct. 17, 1793. He lived in the house west of the late Joseph Allyn's on the
hill, north side of the road, where Henry Allyn afterwards lived and d. He
was a weaver by trade — never wealthy — but a good citizen and a well
meaning man. Children :

113. Pluma, b. Aug. 10, 1794, m. Willis 117. Lydia, b. Aug. 4, 1802, not m., d.
Crampton of Farmington Feb. 15, 1836, May 25, 1848.

and d. 1858, and the family removed to 118. Abigail, b. April 28, 1805, m. Asa

Farmington. Hamlin, d. 1840.

114. Rueben, b. Feb. 11, 1796, m. Abigail 119. Huldah, b. Dec. 20, 1806, m. Smith
Burnham Nov. 1820; no children; she lives HarrisMay 13, 1838, d. 1859.

in Torrington hollow. 120. Lucinda, b. Dec. 6, 1809, not m., d.

115. Almeda, b. Aug. i, 1797^ tn. Myron May 31, 1865.
Leach and d. in 1847.

116. Lemuel, b. April 3, 1800, not m., d.
in Tor.

75. J9SEPH, son of Issachar and Mary (Fowler) Loomis, m. Clymena Tay-
lor, removed to Wadsworth, Ohio, in 1816, was the first justice of the peace
in that town ; d. Aug. 15, 1835, a. 68. He had two sons and several grand-
sons. (See Wadsworth Memorial.)

78. LuMAN, son ot Moses and Lucy (Cook) Loomis, m. Amanda Thrall
June 7, 1807, who d. Apr. 12, 1835. ^^ \\\ed. on the Elijah Barber place
a little west of his father's home, and d. in 1875. Children:

121. Albert, b. July 10, 1811, m. Emily 122. Lucy, b. July 15, 1817, m. Asa Lyon
Curtiss Nov. 10, 1841, no children ; d. 1835, d. June 28, 1837, at New Haven.

Apr. 26, 1875.

90. Reuben, son of Ephraim and Jane (Fyler) Loomis, m. Sally Westland
of Windsor, Ct. ; removed to Mount Pleasant, Pa, where he d, Nov. 10,
1849 She d. Aug. 4, 1866. They had several children.
^ X 96. Ephraim, son of Ephraim and Zerviah (Hills), Loomis, m. Jemima,
dau. of Elihu Barber, Feb. 15, 1817; lives on the Newfield road about three
miles north of Wolcottville ; a farmer of considerable success and influence.
Child: ^ ^:

123. Emery, b. Mar. 7, 1819, m. Laura b. May 1846, who m. Enos M. Marshall
Lyman, Sept. 12, 1841, had Laura Jane, Mar. 16, 1864.

/ 97. Charles, son of Ephraim and Zerviah (Hills) Loomis, m. Emma
Burgess Nov. 7, 1827 ; d. in Litchfield, in 1852. Children :

124. Emily, b. Jan. 29, 1830, m. Perry 126. Abigail, b. 1834, m. George Cramer,
Odell, Winchester. Winchester.

125. Cornelia, b. 1832, m. William John-
I son, Winchester.

.yv^^ 106. Hiram, son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Olcott) Loomis, m. Abigail

Ward Mar. 29, 1821. Children:

(f'J'' 127. Elizabeth, b. July 22, 1822, m. Fred- 128. George Ward, b. Jan. 27, 1827, m.

^ ' erick Griswold, Sept. 30, 1845. Harriet Gilman Oct. 26, 1853.

107. Horace, son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Olcott) Loomis, m Pamelia
Loomis, who d.; 2d, Roxalena Loomis, who d.; 3d, Jerusha Saxton, who d.
in 1855. Hed. in 1869. Children:
129. Harmon, b. Sept. 16, 1822, m. Erne- 130. Orlan, b. Mar. 4, 1828, m. Drusilla

line Beach July 15, 1848, had Emma A., Green 1854, South America.

who m. Nathan A. Champion, and Wil-

ber.

Genealogies.

735

LOOMTS, Abraham, son of Daniel, of Windsor, was b. Dec. 13, 1696,
in. Isabel Eggleston, Feb. 5, 1718, came to Torrington ; settled a little north
of Dr. Elkanah Hodges. Children:

1. Jerusha, b. Apr. 21, 1722, d. Jan. 16,

1757-

2. Abraham, b. Oct. 17, 1724, m. Mary
Taylor, lived in T. and Winchester.

3. Isabel, b. Oct. 26, 1729, m. Benjamin
Phelps, Oct. 16, 1755.

4. Capt. Epaphras, b. Nov. 13, 1732, m.

2. Abraham, son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Eggleston) Loomis, m. ist

Mary Taylor, of Litchfield, Feb. 10, 1757, who d. May 29, 1773 ; m. 2d

Mary Wetmore, of Winchester, Nov. 12, 1775. He d. March 6, 1788.
Children :

5. Jemima, b. July 4, 1734, m. Noah North,
Mar. 25, 1756.

6. Benoni, b. Sept. 28, 1738, d. Feb. 27,
1742.

7. Remembrance, b. Sept. 30, 1743, d.
Jan. 18, 1745.

12. Alexander, b. June 15, 1770, m. Submit
Spencer, June 3, 1792.

13. Jerusha, b. Sept. 4, 1780.

8. Benoni, b. Feb. 27, 1758, m.

9. Mary, b. Dec. 15, 1760.

10. Abrahrm, b. July 25, 1764.

11. Mabel, b. June 26, 1766.

4. Capt. Epaphras, son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Eggleston) Loomis, m.
Mary Hills, of Goshen, Sept. 9, 1755, ^^o d. Feb. 12, 1813, a. 78. He d.
at Winchester, Sept. 10, 1812. He was in Revoluton and several of his sons.
Children :

14. Epaphras, b. Mar. 31, 1756, m. Phebe
Brown, Dec. 5, 17775 served in the
Revolution; d. 1850, at Hannabal, N. Y.

15. Remembrance, b. Feb. 27. 1759, d.
Jan. 16, 1779, a British prisoner at Mil-
ford, Conn.

16. Jerusha, b. Feb. 6, 1761, m. Noadiah
Bancroft, Sept. 7, 1780, d. Oct., 1827.

17. Dea. Lorrain, b. June 9, 1764, m.
Abigail Rainsford, 1789, removed to Win-
chester.

18. Wait, b. Nov. 23, 1765, m. Sally Stone,
1796. He vi'as in the Revolution.

19. Arah, b. July 7, 1767, m. Margaret
Loomis, May 15, 1799; d. at Winsted.

20. Ira, b. Sept. 19, 1770, m. Polly Thrall,
July 25, 1793 ; d. in Ohio.

21. Rachel, b. May 29, 1772, d. March 6,

1774-

22. Mary, b. March 15, 1775, m. Daniel
Coe Hudson, Feb. 16, 1797.

8. Benoni, son of Abraham and Mary (Taylor) Loomis, m. Jemima, dau.
of Nathaniel Barber, March 9, 1786, who d. Oct. 6, 1828. He d. Feb. 20,
1820. Children:

26. Elisha, b. July 27, 1798, m.

27. Pamelia, b. Jan. 18, 1804, m. Horace
Loomis, April 21, 1824, who d. Sept. 23,
1824.

23. Warren, b. Nov. 9, 1787, m. Esther
Sutliff, of Plymouth ; d. in 1839.

24. Roxalena, b. March 27, 1791, m.
Horace Loomis, Jan. 29, 1828.

25. Horace Allyn, b. Aug. 3, 1793, m.
Hannah Judson ; went to Ohio.

26. Elisha, son of Benoni and Jemima (Barber) Loomis, m. Ophelia Leach,
April 3, 1833. He bought the Guy Wolcott place and lived there until his
death, Feb. 21, 1869. Children:

28. Sarah Fidelia, b. April 22, 1834. 30. Flora Amelia, b. Feb. 15, 1843.

29. Louisa Ophelia, b. Sept. 7, 1837, m. 31. Elisha Earle, b. Aug. 2, 1846.
Thomas Fitz Simons, Aug. 16, 1862, d.

Aug. 6, 1863.

LOOMIS, Ichabod, son of Ichabod, of Windsor, m. Dorthy Loomis, Jan.
25, 1738, came to Torrington ; d. 1773. Children:

1. Dorothy, b. July 5, 1740, m. Eli Loomis, Lewis, removed to Winchester, d. July
Dec. 18, 1762. 31, 1785.

2. Ichabod, b. Jan. 17, 1743, m. Mindwell 3. Abiel, b. Sept. 13, 1748, d. suddenly.

736

History of Torrington.

4. Elijah, b. Nov. 6, 1753, served in Revo- 6. Elizabeth, b. March 13, 1760, d. young,
lution, d. a prisoner. 7. Roger, m. Abigail Bartholomew.

5. Daniel, b. Nov. 28, 1756, m. Ann
Phelps, d. in Hampden, N. Y.

LOOMIS, Isaac, son of Isaac (who was the brother of Abraham, who settled
in Torrington), and Hannah (Eggleston) Loomis, m. Sarah Gillett, March 10,
1743. Children:

1. Sarah, b. March 12, 1744, m. Moses 4. Isaac, b. Aug. 11, 1750.
Rood, Jan. 15, 1768. 5. Hannah, b. Jan. 16, 1753.

2. Rhoda, b. July 11, 1746, m. Ebenezer 6. Asa, b. Feb. 29, 1756, m.
Rood, Sept. 6, 1770. 7. Joseph, b. June 26, 1758, m.

3. Michael, b. Oct. 13, 1747, m.

3. Michael, son of Isaac and Sarah (Gillett) Loomis, m. Huldah Loomis,
of East Windsor, Oct. 9, 1777. Resettled in Torringford, where Christopher
Colt now resides. Children :

8. Chester, b. July 5, 1778, d. March 26, 9. Chester, b. June 25, 1780.
1779.

6. Asa, son of Isaac and Sarah (Gilllett) Loomis, m. Priscilla Austin, June
II, 1778, lived on West street in Torringford. Children:

10. Abigail, b. July 16, 1779, m. George 15. Polly, b. May i, 1792, not m. ; d. June
Deming. 12, 1820.

11. Belinda, b. May 30, 1781, not m. d. 16. Austin, b. Sept. 14, 1794, m.

1840. 17. Aurelia, b. April 17, 1799, m. Charles

12. Beulah, b. Oct. 30, 1783, not m. d. Nov. L. Curtiss, Feb., 1825, resides at Charles-
24, 1 8 10. town, O.

13. Asa, b. March 3, 1786, m.

14. Wealthy, b. Aug. 3, 1788, m. Nancy
Woodruff.

7. Joseph, son of Isaac and Sarah (Gillett) Loomis, m. Rhoda Stark.
Children :

18. Lavinia, b. 1784, m. Lucretius Bissell, 22. Clarissa, b. 1793, m. Chauncey B. Cur-
d. in Austinburg, O., 1855. tiss, d. in 1851, Charlestown, O.

19. Rev. Harvey, b. 1786; m. 23. Sophia, b. 1796, m. Horace Cook; d. in

20. Ralsamon, b. Aug. 24, 1788, m. 1838, in Elkhart, Ind.

21. Philomela, b. 1790, not m. d. 1818. 24. Willard, b. 1798, not m. ; d. 1S23.

13. Asa, son of Asa and Priscilla (Austin) Loomis, m. Sally Burr, removed
to Charlestown, Ohio. Children :

25. Eliza Ann, b. June 7, 1807, m. Andrew 31. Abigail, b. April 15, 1822, m. Lozon
Haymaker, Charlestown, O. Bostwick, Edinburgh, O.

26. Lewis, b. May 11, 1809, m. Charity 32. Cornelius, b. May 19, 1825, m. Milly
Hough, April 3, 1833, Charlestown, O. Moore, Charlestown, O.

27. Beulah, b. July 27, 181 1, not m. ; d. 33. Uriah B., b. March 18, 1828, m. ist,
July 10, 1864 Elizabeth I. Boly ; 2d, Mary Hart.

28. Martha, b. Sept. 19, 1814, m. Orrin 34. Milo, b. Nov. 27, 1831, d. 1832.
Sanford, Charlestown, O. 35. Addison, b. June 4, 1835, m. Miriam

29. Mary, b. March 22, i8i7,m. Robinson Warner, 1863, Clermont, Iowa.
Hinman, Edinburgh, O.

30. Harriet, b. June 7, 1819, m. Henry Y.
Woodruff.

16. Austin, son of Asa and Priscilla (Austin) Loomis, m. Elizabeth Hough'
He d. in 1857, at Atwater. Children:

36. Homer A., b. Sept. 29, 1823, m.; lived Mary D. Mansfield, 1849; 2d, Mary L.
in Coldwater, Mch. Barr, Burr Oak, Mich.

37. Dr. Harvey, b. Sept. 27, 1824, m. ist,

Genealogies.

737

38. Elvira, b. 1827, m. Dr. Clebrom Pal- 40. John S. M., b. July 3, 1837, m. Ange-
miter, 1846, Ligonia, Ind. line Fowler, i860, Kendallville, Ind.

39. Almira, b. 1829, m. George Clark,
1851, Louisville, Ky.

19. Rev. Harvey, son of Joseph and Rhoda (Stark) Loomis, m. Nancy
Battell {See Biog. of Mr. and Mrs. Loomis.) Children :

41. Charles Battell, b. Nov. 12, 1812, m. 44. Ann C, b. Jan. 18, 1818, d. March 6,
1st Emilia Coulomb, July 13, 1832, who 1820.

d. Mar. 6, 1855, m. 2d, Mary Worthing- 45. Joseph W., b. Aug. i, 1819, d. March
ton, July 18, i860, Brooklyn, N. Y. 25, 1820.

42. Harvey, b. Jan. 19, 1815, m. Martha 46. Henry M., b. May 21, 1823, d. April
Maria L'Huilier, of Geneva, Switzerland, 8, 1824.

where he d. Aug. 14, 1857.

43. Joseph W., b. July 24, 181 6, d. Feb. i,
1818.

20. Ralsamon, son of Joseph and Rhoda (Stark) loomis, m. Nancy Colt,
July II, 18 19, removed to Charlestown, Ohio, making the journey in forty days
with an ox team. Children :

47. Charlotte, b. April 29, 1820, m. Nelson 49. Frederick, b. Oct. 11,1823, "i- '^t,
Roberts, Sept. 24, 1841. Elizabeth Wilson, Sept. 13, 1848 ; m. 2d,

48. Henry, b. Sept. I, 1821, not m.j d. Jan. Harriet Wilson, Oct. 28, 1852. He d.
21, 1849. Aug. 31, 1861.

LOOMIS, Timothy, son of Timothy of Windsor, came to Torringford
and settled a little way south of Augustine Hayden's. He d. Feb, 13, 1832, a.
82. Children:

1. Anna, b. Nov. 2, 1774. 6. Guy, b. Feb. 7, 1784.

2. Sarah Talcott, b. July 27, 1776. 7. Wells, b. Jan. 17, 1786.

3. Roxa, b. April 14, 1778. 8. Ruhamah, b. May 9, 1790.

4. Timothy, b. Nov. 14, 1779. 9- Orrel, b. June 18, 1792.

5. Allen, b. Sept. 2, 1781, m. Mary Reed,
Jan. 19, 1806.

LOOMIS, Joel, son of David of Windsor, settled in Torrington, a short
distance east of the John Brown house. He was nephew to the first Aaron
in Tor., was born June 2, 1721, m. June 4 1752, Elizabeth Brown, who
was probably a near relative t ) Owen Brown. Children :

1. Elizabeth, b. Sept. 25, 1753. 3. Joel, b. May 22, 1760.

2. Anna, b. Sept. 17, 1756. 4. Hepziba, m. Issachar Loomis.

3. Joel, son of Joel and Elizabeth (Brown) Loomis, m. Prudence West
May 23, 1792. Children :

5. Betsey, b. Apr. 15, 1793. 7. Harlow, b. May 30, 1798.

6. Ansell, b. July 3, 1795. 8. Riley, b. Aug. 13, 1800.

MARSHALL, Capt. Saiviuel, was in Windsor and had a lot in the Pali-
sado in 1637; was a deputy in the same year and a magistrate in 1638. He
m. Mary, dau. of Lt. David Wilton, May i, 1652. Children:

1. Samuel, b. May 27, 1653. 6. Mary, b. May 8, 1667.

2. Lydia, b. Feb. 18, 1655. 7. Eliakim, b. July 10, 1669.

3. Thomas, b. April 23, 1659. 8. John, b. Apr. 10, 1672.

4. David, b. July 24, 1661. 9. Elizabeth, b. Sept 27, 1674.

5. Thomas, b. Feb. 23, 1663.

5. Dea Thomas, son of Samuel and Mary (Wilton) Marshall, m. Mary
Drake, Mar. 3, 1686, in Windsor. He was an original proprietor in Tor-
rington, but did not settle here. He d. in Windsor Nov. 8, 1735. Children:

738 History of Torrington.

10. Thomas, b. Jan. 14, 1686, d. Aug. 26, 17. Noali, b. Apr. 24, 1703. v
1689. 18. (Rev.) Daniel, b. 1705.

11. Mary, b. Feb. 21, 1689. 19. Benjamin, b. Aug. 8, 1707.

12. Samuel, b. July 23, 1691. 20. Eunice, b. May 3, 1709, m. and took

13. Thomas, b. Feb. 6, 1693. upon herself to preach Baptist doctrine.

14. Rachel, b. Apr. 12, 1696. She was ordered to desist and not com-

15. Catharine, b. Apr. 11, 1699. plying, was, although pregnant at the

16. John, b. April 3, 1701. time, thrown into jail. — Windsor Hist.

12. Samuel, son of Thomas and Mary (Drake) Marshall, m. Abigail
Plielps July 12, 1706 ; lived in Windsor. Children:

21. Samuel, b. Aug. 17, 1717. 27. Amasa, b. Jan. 17, 1729, settled in Tor.

22. Rev. Eliakim, b. March i. 1719. 28. Joseph, Rev., j b. Feb. 17, 1731.

23. Abigail, b. March 6, 1722. 29. Mary, ( " "

24. Noah, b. April 29, 1723, settled in Tor. 30. Assenath, b. May, i, 1733.

25. Rachel, b. Feb. I, 1725. 31. Aaron, b. May 11, 1735, settled '" Tor.

26. Abner, b. Feb. 9, 1727, settled in Tor.

13. Thomas, son of Dea. Thomas and Mary (Drake) Marshall, m. Elizabeth
Tudor Oct. 9, 1725. He settled in the southwestern part of Torrington on a
farm next south of the old Jonathan Coe place, some time before 1755. His
wife was of French descent ; had some considerable property when she was
m., and was a woman of high spirits, in which qualities probably Mr. Mar-
shall was not much lacking. They agreed to a separation for a time, but after
about two years revoked the decree. He d. Feb. 4, 1772, and his widow d.
Feb. 8, 1790, aged 90 years. Children:

32. Thomas, b. Oct. 13, 1726, d. young. 34. Job, b. April 22, 1736.

33. Gad, b. Feb. 18, 1732. 35. Thomas, b. Aug. 24, 1738.

24. Noah, son of Samuel and Abigail (Phelps) Marshall, came to Torrington
a young man, m. Sarah Taylor, of Litchfield, Nov. 15, 1753. He d. F"eb.
3, 1777. Children :

36. Noah, b. Sept. 8, 1754. 39. John, b. April 30, 1759.

37. Ambrose, b. April 12, 1756. 40. Roswell, b. June 10, 1761.

38. Oliver, b. Nov. 23, 1757, d. Jan. 10, 41. Sarah, b. May 12, 1767.
1777.

26. Abner, son of Samuel and Abigail (Phelps) Marshall, m. Hannah
Marshall, of Windsor, Jan. 4, 1759. Hannah, his wife, d. June 24, 1800.
Children :

42. Hannah, b. Oct. 8, 1759, in Windsor. 46. Julinus, b. Jan. 7, 1767, d. Jan. 23,

43. Abner, b. Nov. 17, 1761, in Tor. 1767.

44. Roger, b. Aug. 2, 1763. 47. Abigail, b. July 13, 1769.

45. Nancy, b. Jan. 19, 1765.

27. Amasa, son of Samuel and Abigail (Phelps) Marshall, came to Tor-
rington a young man and m. Jane Leeming, of Middletown, Feb. 27, 1759.
Child:

48. Eunice, b. June i, 1761.

31. Aaron, son of Samuel and Abigail (Phelps) Marsliall, came to Tor-
rington a young man and m. Chloe Agard, Dec. 4, 1777. She d. Dec. 24,
1795. Children:

49. Chloe, b. Oct. 4, 1779. 50. Assenath, b. Aug. 5, 1786.

35. Thomas, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Tudor) Marshall, m. Desire
Tuttle, Jan. 30, 1 764. She was b. May 16, 1743. His father gave him a
farm in Newficld, adjoining Winchester line, in 1761, and he settled on this

Genealogies.

739

farm, and established the first large dairy in Newficld, and perhaps the first in
the town. He was a man of peculiarities like many men in his day, but must
have been more than ordinarily enterprising, and energetic. He was among
the first settlers in Newficld, and was a man of considerable influence in that
part of the town. His wife. Desire, d. Aug. 14, 1808, and he m. 2d, widow
Sarah Butler, of Harwinton. He wrote in his account book, " In 1 799, 1 made
78 barrels of cider; in 1803, 80 ; in 1807, 120." "In 1805, Isold my new
milk cheese at ten cents a pound." He d. instantly of dropsy of the heart May
5, 1810. Children :

51. Raphael, b. May II, 1765. m. 1800, when he removed to Vernon,

52. Reuben, b. Nov. 29, 1766, m.; was a N. Y.

merchant at Winchester some years, they 56. Roswell, b. Dec. 30, 1773, m. Sophia

removed to Granville, Mass. ; d. Feb. 13, Bass; lived in Colebrook, and d. Nov. 23,

1814. 1845.

53. Harvey, b. June 29, 1768, m. Anna 57. Seth, b. Dec. 2, 1775, m. Susan Frisbie,
Frisbie, of Burlington, Ct., living many of Burlington, Ct., and lived in Culebrook

years in Colebrook, removed to and d. in
Hartford, leaving sons and daus.

54. Sarah, b. June 10, 1770, m. Oliver
Coe, Dec. i, 1791, had : Norris, b. May
I, 1792, m. Chloe Hubbell ; Demas, b.
Jan. II, 1794; Artemisia, b. Dec. 5,
1799, m, George Chase. Mrs. Sarah, d.
April 17, 1816.

55. Levi, b. April 19, 1772, m. Polly
Gridley ; lived in Winchester until about

many years j removed to Painesville, O.

58. Rachel, b. June 19, 178 1, m. Dec. 19,
1799, Capt. Levi Munsill, and resided on
her father's homestead and d. there Jan.
16, 1842, a very excellent woman. Their
children were : Marcus, Sarepta, Luman,
Hiram, Levi T., and Maria R. ; all resided
in Winchester.

59. Susannah, b. Aug. 14, 1783.

51. Raphael, son of Thomas and Desire (Tuttle) Marshall, m. Philomela,
dau. of Daniel Grant, b. .'^pril 17, 1769 He was a farmer and tanner on the
Gen. Sheldon place on Lyman street ; and was an energetic, influential citizen.
His wifePhilad. Aug. 13, 1812, and he m. 2d, Mrs. North, widow of Phineas
North, Esq., and d. in Colebrook, Nov. 3, 1822. Children:

59. Minerva, b. May 30, 1789, m. Samuel 63. Daniel, b. Oct. 20, 1800, d. Apr. 25,
Deliber, d. Feb. 17, 1842. 1804.

60. Maria, b. July 27, 1791, m. Henry 64. Raphael G., b. July 1802, d. July,

Skilton Morris; d. Aug., 1865.

61. Sarah W., b. Aug. 29, 1794, m. Rev.
Alpheus Geer, of Waterbury ; d. in Brat-
tleboro.

62. Philomela, b. April 18, 1798, m. Dr.
Geo. O. Jarvis ; d. May 12, 1875.

65. Aurelia, b. Sept. 16, 1 804, m. Homer
Higley, of Winsted, d. Nov. 11, 1870.

66. Lorinda, b. March 16, 1808, m. Nelson
Hall, of Waterbury ; resides in New Haven.

McCARTY, William H., son of William W. of Wassaic, N. Y., was b.
March 5, 1842, in Tolland, Mass. He enlisted at Wolcottville, Aug., 1861,
in Co. C, 8th Ct. Served until Mar. 4,- 1863 ; and was honorably discharged
by reason of wounds received at the battle of Antietam, Md. ; was in the battle
of Roanoke Island in 1862, of Newbern, N. C, Mar. 14, 1862, and at the
siege of Fort Macon, N.C., and in the battle of South Mountain, Sunday, Sept.
14, 1862, and at Aniietam where he was wounded Sept. 17, 1863, and lay in
the hospital six months, when he was sent home. He went as a private, came
home a sargeant. He has been engaged in the brass mill thirteen years. He
m. Jennie E. Johnson Aug. 9, 1863, and resides on Migeon avenue. Ch. :
I. Albert A., b. Jan. 25, 1865. 2. Gertrude M., b. May 28, 1869.

McNeil, Henry L, son of Elias, was born at Binghamton, N. Y., May
30, 1815, m. at Litchfield, Ct., Oct. zi, '.840, Martha J., dau. of Col, Wm,

740 History of Torrington.

O'Dell of Litchfield, and settled in Wolcottville in Sept. 1830. He d. Aug.
20, I 868. Children :

1. William Henry, b. 1840, d. 1853. clerk at the bank of Brooks Brothers, and

2. Edward Lincoln, b. May 1854, d. Nov. the Wolcottville Savings Bank.
1859. 4. Catherine Lucena, b. Dec. 19, 1858.

3. Charles Leverette, b. Sept. 28, 1 855 ; is

Charles, son ot Elias, was b. at Litchfield, Feb. 25, 1829. He commenced
the drug busineis in Wolcottville in 1850, in which he siill continues. Hem.
Emeline Loveland Feb. 5, 1851. She was b. at Watertown, Ct., Feb. 19,
1832. Children:
I. Frank, b. July 13, 1852. 2. Merritt, b. Sept. 13, 1865.

MATHFR, Zachariah, m. Lucia Gaylord Apr. 20, 1769. {Tor. Rec.^
Children :

1. Polly, b. Sept. II, i'JI'2-. 4. Naomi, b. Nov. 27, 1777.

2. Lucinda, b. May 6, 1775. 5. Sibyl, b. July 24, 1781.

3. Lucy, b. June 2, 1776. 6. EliEabeth, b. Dec. i, 1783.

MATTHEWS, Thomas, m. Hannah Harris Apr. 16, 1775. Child :
I. Sarah, b. Dec. 17, 1776. (^Tor. Rec.)

MIGEON, Henri, was b in Haraucourt, France, Sept. 11, 1799, and m.
Marie Louise, dau of Francois Beaudelot of Haraucourt, France, and came to
America in 1829, and was a successful business man, and a resident of Wol-
cottville. His wife, Marie Louise, d. June 30, 1871. He d. Dec. 24, 1876,
aged 76 years. {See Biog.) Children:

1. Pauline, m. Hiram W. Hayden, of Fairfield, Ct., children, William H., Achilla
Waterbury, and had children, Edward S., Migeon, Louise B., Elise.

Leonia M., Florentine H. 5. Achille F., b. Feb. 7, 1834, in Millbury,

2. Arcine, m. Henry Munson, of East Mass.

Bloomfield, Ontario co., N. Y ., had Adele 6. Adele R., b. in Wolcottville, m. Francis

B., Ada, Eliza T. V. Beaudelot, of Haraucourt, France,

5. Florentine, b. in 1826, in Sedan, France, where she resides, and has, Louis, Nelly,

m. Frederick J. Seymour. Leon G.

4. Eliza Josephine, m. George B. Terrill, of 7. Louise Justine, b. in Wolcottville.

5. AcHiLLE F., son of Henri and Marie L. (Beaudelot) Migeon, attended
school at Rev, John Catlin's in Northficld, Ct., and then a time at the Academy
at Litchfield, then at the Hamden Military school, and was graduated at the
Irving Institute at Tarrytown, N. Y. He was then engaged at the Middlesex
woolen mill, at Lynn, Mass, learning the business of manufacturing woolen
cloths ; aft'jr which he entered his father's re-finishing shop in New York, and
some time later became a partner, and continued there until 1863, when he
purchased the Wadham's property in Torrington hollow, and is owner ol stock
in the skate shop, needle shop, brass mill, and has an interest in the gold mines
at Helena, Montana, where he is at present giving his personal attention. He
m. Elizabeth, dau. of Almon Farrell of Waterbury, Sept. 1. 1858 ; resides on
Migeon avenue. Children :

8. Virginia Beaudelot, b. Nov. 12, 1360; 9. Clara Louise, b. March 2, 1864.
is at school in New York.

MILLER, George, was an early settler in the northern part of the town,
had quite a family and sf^ems to have been a fine man. He d. Feb. 13, 1775.
Children :

1. George, b. March 7, 1755, m. 3. Joel, b. Jan. 10, 1758.

2. Phebe, b. Jan. 23, 1757. 4. Asahel, b. Oct. 24, 1760.

Genealogies. 741

5. Ruth, b. Nov. 19, 1762. 8. Sarah, b. July 12, 1769.

6. David, b. Feb. 23, 1765, m. 9. Hannah, b. Sept. 14, 1772.

7. Josiah, b. April 12, 1767.

1. George, son of George and Sarah Miller, m. Phebe Hurlbut June 29,
1775. Children :

10. Phebe, b. April 13, 1776. 11. George, b. July 2, 1777, d. same day.

4. AsAHEL, son of George and Susan Miller, m. Lovina Coe, of Winches-
ter, Oct. 26, 1788. Child :

12. Joel, b. June 26, 1790.

6. David, son of George and Sarah Miller, m. Hannah Smith Jan. i, 1795.

Children :

13. Huldah, b. Sept. 15, 1795. 16. Hannah £., b. Oct. 8, 1805.

14. Fanny S., b. Nov. 3, 1797. 17. David S., b. April. 2, 1808.

15. Elihu R., b. Sept. 28, 1801.

MILLER, William, m. Polly Cotton in 1783, and may have been an older
son of George and Sarah Miller. Children :

1. Daniel, b. Jan. 5, 1785. 3. Joseph, b. March i, 1790.

2. Nancy, b. Feb. 5, 1787. 4. Polly, b. April, 1791.

MILLER, Ebenezer, came to Torringford a young man, and afterwards m.
Thankful Allins of Middletown, Feb. 16, 1761. Children:

1. Jonathan, b. Nov. 26, 1761. 8. Samuel, b. Sept. 2, 1773.

2. Ebenezer, b. Jan. 7, 1764. 9. Joshua, b. Mar. 8, 1775.

3. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 11, 1765, d. Oct. 10. Henry, b. Oct. 11, 1776.

"> 1767. II. Experience, b. May 5, 1778, d. June 3,

4. Abigail, b. May 24, 1767. 1778.

5. Thomas A., b. Sept. 13, 1769. 12. Jose.nh, b. Oct. 29, 1779.

6. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 8, 1770. 13. Beula, b. Mar. 21, 1782.

7. Thankful, b. June 9, 1772.

2. Ebenezer, son of Ebenezer, m. Dorothy Gaylord of Middletown, Feb.
7, 1787. Child :

14. Willard, b. Dec. 31, 1787.

10. Henry, son of Ebenezer, Sr., m. Abigail Bristol Dec. 3, 1799. He
d. Feb. 28, 1861. Shed July 11, 1863. Children:

15. Sophronia A., b. Nov. 17, 1800, m. 19. FloriUa E., b. Feb. 23, 1814, m. S.
Bunnell, Apr. 24, 1823. Hayden Mar. 23, 1836.

16. Lewis B., b. Dec. 12, 1804, m. 20. Minerva, b. Feb. 8, 1816, d. June 21,

17. Harvey, b. Mar. 11, 1807, m. Jane F. 1871.

Stanley, Aug. 27, i838. 21. Martha A, b. June 19, 1S21, m. J.

18. Luther, b. Dec. 5, 1810, m. C. Lowry, Aug. 11, 1842.

16. Lewis B., son of Hcnrv, m. Jane Trumiiull, who d. Aug. 25, 1863 ;
in., 2d, Harriets. Hewitt, Nov. 25, 1865. Children:

22. Eleanor, b. Jan. 20, 1845, m. E. G. 23. Luther E., b. April 20, 1850.
Richardson, Aug. 30, 1870.

By 2d wife :

24. Lewis B., b. Aug. 30, 1869, d. Sept. 15, 1869.

23. Luther E., son of Lewis B. Miller, m. Alice Hewitt Nov. 24,1869. Ch :

25. Henry L., b. Jan. 11, 1871. 26. Charles H., b. Oct. 8, 1872.

MILLER, William, a Hessian soldier, taken prisoner, was brought to Tor-
ringford in the Revolution ; and after a few years he ni., bought him a lot of

742 History of Torrington.

land and built a house on it at the corner of West street and the Torrington
turnpike where he lived and died. Children :

1. Daniel, removed from the town 3. Joseph, removed from the town.

2. Polly, m. Dr. Remus M. Fowler.

MILLS, Peter, ancestor of the Wintonbury Mills family, was the son of
Peter Vander Water Menlen, native of Holland, Europe. His name was
changed at his own request, by the general assembly to that of Peter Mills.
He was b. in 1666, and m. Joanna Porter, July 21, 1792, and resided near
the east part of what is now Bloomfield, where he followed through the active
part of his life the trade of a tailor. He d. in 1754, ^- ^^ years. Children:

1. Peletiah, b. April 27, 1693, was an at- 4. Peter, d. April 28, 1700.

torney at Bloomfield. 5. Peter, b. April 12, 1701 ; the father of

2. Gideon, b. Feb. 3, 1694, graduate, at numerous descendants.
Yale, 1737, settled in the ministry at 6. Daniel, b. May 22, 1706.

Simsbury and West Simsbury. 7. John, b. Feb. 14, 1708 ; settled in Kent.

3. Jedediah, b. March 23, 1697, graduated
Yale, settled at Huntington.

7. John, son of Peter and Joanna (Porter) Mills, m. Jane Lewis, who was b.
in Stratford, in 1712, and settled in Kent, a farmer. He was drowned in the
Housatonic river June 7, 1760. His widow, Jane, m. Rev. Phileinon Robbins,
of Branford, where she resided until his death, in 1781, when she returned to
Kent, where shed, in 1798, a. 86. Children:

8. Lydia, b, Nov. 2, 1734, m. Jeremiah 14. Sarah, b. April 5, 1747, m. Rev.
Fuller, d. July 4, 1755. Jeremiah Day, of New Preston, d. Aug.

9. John, b. Jan. 23, 1736, d. at Windsor 25, 1767. It is said that she was visited
unm. March 24, 1762. by the Rev. Peter Starr as well as Mr.

10. Lewis, b. Oct. 18, 1738, m. Day, when a young lady but that she chose

11. Peter, b. Oct. 14, 1741, m to walk by day-light rather than star-light.

12. Samuel, b. May 17, 1743, m. 15. Edmund, bap. June 16, 1751, preached

13. Jane, b. April 5, 1745, m. Rev. Joel in Sutton, Mass.
Bardwell, Kent, Sept. 6, 1759, d. May 2,

1829.

12. Rev. Samuel J., son of John and Jane (Lewis) Mills, m. Esther
Robbins, of Canaan, Nov. 19, 1771 ; he then being settled past or at Tor-
ringford, where he remained until his decease, May 11, 1833, lacking five
days of ninety years of age. His wife Esther, d. Dec. 30, 1809. Children :

16. Infant dau. d. 20. Jeremiah Fuller, b. in 1777, m.

17. Infant son, d. 21. Florilla M., m. Col. James Ripley, of

18. Infant dau. d. Cornish, N. H.

19. Infant son, d. 22. Samuel John, b. April 21, 1783, never m.

20. Jeremiah F, son of Rev. Samuel J., and Esther (Robbins) Mills, m.
Eleanor Weller, of Roxbury, and was a farmer in Torringford some years,
then removed to New Haven, where he d. Oct. 6, 183-?, a. 56. His wife
Eleanor, was b. in 1785, and d. in New Haven, Feb. 29, 1831,3. 46.
Children :

23. Ellen Louisa, never m. in Salisbury, Ct., 1836-7 ; studied theology

24. Rebecca Florilla, m. Charles Dickson, at Princeton, N. J., 1837-8; taught a
of Groton, Mass., and d. a few years since private school in Burlington, N. J.,
in Kansas, leaving a family. 1838-9; was at Andover, 1839-41;

25. Julia Sherman, m. Rev. Samuel C. ordained Sept. 1 5, 1841 ; sailed from New
Damon, of Mass., Oct. 6, 1841 ; had five York, March 10, 1842, and reached
children : Rev. Mr. Damon was b. in Honolulu, Oct. 19, 1842. From that
Holden, Mass., Feb. 15, 18 15, graduated time to the present he has labored in that
at Amherst in 1836; taught the academy place under the auspices of the American

Genealogies. 743

Seaman Friend's Society of New Yorli. 26. Henrietta Esther, m. Jonathan Walcott,

In this Bethel chapel he has preached 35 of Natick, Mass. Both have d. leaving

years; during which time he has edited three children : one dau. ; E. H. Walcott,

The Friend, a monthly paper, the oldest druggist in Natick, Mass. ; and Dana W.

periodical published in the Pacific. He Walcott, a minister in N. J.

and Mrs. Damon have enjoyed good health, 27. Margaret Augusta, m. in Honolulu in

and of their five sons, four are living; 1851, Josiah Fuller, and has two sons and

three settled on the island, and one a one dau.

graduate of Amherst is now traveling in z8. Samuel John, d. at Natick, unm.

Europe.

MINER, Charles W., son of Darius Miner of Cornwall, m. Martha E.
Frost of North Haven, Nov. 12, 1851. He purchased and settled on the old
Nehemiah Gaylord farm on Torringford street, in the spring of 1855, where
he d. in 1867. Children :
I. J. Stanley, b. Aug. 15, 1852, d. Sept. 7, 2. Charles H., b. Mar. 28, 1858.

1875. 3- Ellsworth S., b. Nov. 20, i860.

Darius D., son of Darius Miner of Cornwall, in. Mary E. Wadsworth Oct.
10, 1842, of the same town, and settled in Torringford in March, 1844, on
the Ebenezer Bissell place. Children:
4. Edward S., b. June 18, 1844, m. 5. Mary Ellen, b. Jan. 20, 1850.

4. Edward S., son of Darius D., m. Josephine Clinton, of North Haven,
Oct. 10, 1867. He is a merchant at Burrville. Children:

6. Stiles W., b. June 8, 1871, d. Feb. 2, 8. Nellie D., b. Aug. 7, 1874.
1873.

7. Mary L., b. Aug. 6, 1873, d. Aug. 25,
1873.

MOORE, Simeon, and his wife Hannah, were early in the town. {Tor.Rec.)
Children :

1. Benjamin, b. Mar. i, 1756. 4. Simeon, b. Mar. 20, 1760.

2. Chloe, b. Aug. 17, 1758. 5. Eldad, b. Oct. 10, 1762.

3. Philander, b. Feb. 18, 1759.

4, Simeon Jr., son of Simeon and Hannah Moore, m. Hannah Cook, Jan.
21,1784. (tor. Rec.) Children:

6. Polly, b. Nov. I, 1784. 8. Wealthy, b. Mar. 24, 1789.

7. Lovina, b. Apr. 16, 1786, m. Elijah 9. Simeon, b. June 8, 1791.
Benedict. 10. Hannah, b. Jan. 15, 1794.

MORRIS, Alanson, son of David and Lois (Loomis) Morris, m. in
181 2, Lucy, dau. of Rial Brace of Torrington. Mr. Morris came to Tor-
rington about 1816, being a cabinet maker, but bought the farm next east of
Willard Birges, at the corners, where he farmed it 53 years. His wife, Lucy, d.
Apr. 20, 1871. He resides with his son Lewis, in Wolcottville, being in his
ninety-first year. Children:

1. Alanson Lewis, b. Dec. 3, 1814, m. 2. Rial Emery, b. Jan. 28, 181 9, tn.

I. Alanson L., son of Alanson and Lucy (Brace) Morris, m. Lucy Ann,
dau. oflsaac Hart of Litchfield, Sept. 17, 1835, settled in Wolcottville and is
a watchmaker and silver smith. Children :
3. Henry Lewis, b. Aug. 23, 1836, m. Thrall, who d. May 17, 1866; m. 2d,

Mary E. Haight, Aug. 1858; had Alice Lewis Riggs Dec. 13, 1871.

and Lizzie. 4. William Julius, b May 9, 1845, m. Ann

2. Caroline Amanda, b. April 19, 1838, m. Eliza Way ; lives in Wolcottville.
Harvey Fellows Jan. i, 1871 ; had Fred- 5. Mirtha Semantha, b. Feb. 28, 1848, m,
erick and Willie. Charles Huxford; has John Wilour, b.

3. Julia Ann, b. Apr. 10, 1844, m. Edward Mar. 3, 1872.

744 History of Torrington.

2. Rial E., son of Alanson and Lucy (Brace) Morris, m. Sarah Mills of
Burlington, and d. Feb. 28, 1861, aged 42. Children:

6. Mary E., d. Dec. 19, 1863, a. 19.

7. Albert, removed to Wisconsin, m. had
a family.

MONGER, Charles L., son of Julius Munger, of Litchfield, was b. Jan.
18, 1819, m. Lucy C. Colby, Nov. 21, 1841. She was b. Feb. 20, 1823.
In 1859, he purchased and settled on the Richard Loomis farm, a little north
of the old Israel Everitt place. Children :

1. Lemuel I., b. Feb. 22, 1843. 4. Alice L., b. May 9, 1854, m. James A.

2. Mary C, b. Nov. 7, 1844, m. Hayden Stewart, Oct. i, 1872.
Palmer, Feb. 26, 1865. 5. Harriet N., b. Nov. 28, 1856.

3. Lyman C, b. June 9, 1848, d. June 11, 6. Lucy J., b. Sept. 15, i860.
1855. 7. Edith A., b. Jan. i, 1865.

MUNN, Jededlah, son of Jedediah and Hester (Squire) Munn, was bap-
tized in Woodbury, Feb. 12, 1751, where his father resided. His grandfather
Samuel, from Milford, Ct., was one of the -original settlers of Woodbury. He
settled in Torrington, about 1792, on the place afterwards owned and occupied
by Bassett Dunbar, in Daytonville, or the northern part of Wolcottville. He
m. Molly . He d. May 28, 1805. Children :

1. Clara, b. Feb. 26, 1787, in Southbury. 3. Ransom, b. Jan. 8, 1793, in Torrington.

2. Abijah, b. Feb. 14, 1790, in Southbury, 4. Betsey, b. Apr. 6, 1796.
m. dau. of James Eggleston, and lived on 5. Jedediah, b. Jan. 23, 1799.
his father-in-law's place western part of

Wolcottville.

MURRY, Daniel, came from Guilford, Ct., to Torrington, and m. 1st
Lucretia Coe, March t8, 1776, who d. June 5, 1792 ; and he m. 2d, Hannah
Clark. He was a farmer in Newfield. Children :

1. Ruth, b. Sept. 7, 1776. 4. Daniel, b. April 4, 1785.

2. Warren, b. July 8, 1779. 5. Ammi, b. July 30, 1787.

3. Truman, b. Oct. 6, 1782. 6. Riley, b. Jan. 9, 1792, d. July 11, 1816.

By 2d wife :

7. Lewis, 1 1 .« 1

8. Lucretia, r-^^'-^'^ 19,1795-

4. Daniel, son of Daniel, m. Roxalany North, March 25, 1810; lived in
Winchester, near Long lake. Children :

9 Philomela, b. July 7, 1811. 13. Lucretia, b. Dec. 5, 1820.

10. Frederitk, b. July 28, 1813. 14. Sabra, b. July 4, 1823.

11. Flora, b. Sept. 4, 1815. 15. Prudence, b. Sept. 14, 1826.

12. Jenette, b. April 2, 1818.

I. LYMAN, Richard, the patriarch of all the Lymans of English descent in
America,' was b. in High Ongar, Essex Co., in England. He m. Sarah, dau.
of Roger Osborne, of Halstead, in Kent. Richard Lyman and family em-
barked in the sliip Lion, William Pierce, master, for New England, taking
their departure from the port of Bristol. He was one of the first settlers and
original proprietors of Hanford. He d. in August, 1640, and his name is
inscribed on a stone column in the rear of the Centre church of Hartford,
erected in memory of the first settlers of the city. Children :

' Lyman Genealogy^ p. JJ.

Genealogies.

745

2. William, buried at High Ongar. 6 Richard, bap. Feb. 24, 1617.

3. FhiUis, bap. Sept. 12, l6llj came to 7. Sarah, bap. Feb. 8, idio.

N- E- 8. Anne, bap. April 12, 1621, d. young.

4. Richard, bap. July 18, 161 3, d. young. 9 John, bap. 1623.

5. William, bap. Sept. 8, 1616, d. in Nov., 10. Robert, b. Sept., 1629.
1616.

6. RiCH.ARD, Jr , son of Richard and Sarah (Osborne) Lvman m. Hcpziba,
dau. of Thomas Ford of Windsor. Richard resided some time in Windsor;
remo\ed to Northampton. He d. June 3, 1662, a. 45. Children:

11. Hepziba, b. at Windsor. 15. Eliza, m. Joshua Pomeroy.

12. Sarah, m. i566. 16. John.

13. Richard, b. in Windsor. 17. Joanna, b. 1658.

14. Thomas, b. about 1649, removed to 18. Hannah, b. 1660.
Durham.

14. Dea. Thomas, son of Richard Jr., and Hepziba (Ford) Lyman, re-
moved with his parents to Nonhamptcn, about 1656, where he m. in 1678,
Ruth, widow of Joseph Baker. He removed in 1708 or 9, to Durham. He
was one of the early settlers ; one of the first deacons of the church, and a
representative of the town several sessions. He d. July 15, 1725, a. 75. Ch. :

19. Tliomas, b. in 1678, had 3 children. 22. Elizabeth.

20. Mindwell, b. in 1680, m. John Harris, 23. Koah, b. in 1686.

no children. 24. Enoch, b. Jan. 18, 1691.

21. Ebenezer, b. in 1682.

2 1. Dea. Ebenezer, son of Thomas and Ruth (Baker) Lvman, m. Ex-
perience Pomeroy, Jan. 2, 1706. He removed to Durham, several years after
his father, no: later than 1719, and lived near the north Ime of Durham on the
west or lower side of the Durham road formerly called " Crooked Lane." He
removed about 1740, to Torrington, having been preceded by his son Ebenezer,
some three years. He and his son and their wives were among the first mem-
bers of the church in Torrington, at its organization, Oct. 21, 1741. Ebenezer
senior was elected first deacon of the church Jan. 1, 1742. He was representa-
tive from Durham, in 1737, and was justice of the peace in the same town.
He d. Feb. 15, 1762, a. 80. His widow Experience, d. Nov. 14, 1769.
Children :

25. Moses. Oct. 29, 1741, Jacob Strong, Jr., and

26. Experience, b. in Northampton, April settled in Torrington.

17, 1708, d. Sept. 30, 1708. 31. John, b. in 1717, m. had 8 children.

27. Ebenezer, b. in N., Sept. 20, 1709. 32. Hannah, bap. in Durham June 30, 1723,

28. Stephen, b. in N., Aug. 14, 1711. m. Asahel Strong of Torrington, d. Feb.

29. Experience, b. in N., Dec. 25, 1712. 19, 1771.

30. Mindwell, b. in N., July 13, 1714, m.

27. Eben£zer, 2d, son of- Dea. Ebenezer and Experience (Pomeroy) Lyman,

m. 1st Elizabeth, dau. of Noadiah Seward. She d. and he m 2d, Sarah ,

about 1734. He removed to Torrington and settled on land given him by his
father, the deed bearing the date of June 4, 1737. This farm was on Tor-
rington hill, in the southwestern part of the town, about one hundred rods south
of the first n'.ceting house, on the west side of the road. The only record of
him in the Durhmn History, is the baptism of '•' Ruth, dau of Ebenezer Lvman
and his 2d wite, Nov. 30, I73v" Hence, according to the dales this Ruth
muse have been the eldest child. "He'd, suddenly, April 1, 1753, a. 44,
Children :

33. Ruth, b. Nov. 25, 1735, f"- Ashbel 34. Lydia, b. June 16, 1738, m. Stephen
North, Jan. 26, 1757. Tuttle, March 23, 1758.

746

History of Torrington.

35. Sarahjb. July 5, 1740, m. Joel Wetmore, 38. Caleb, b. May 5, 1748.
Nov. 13, 1763. 39. Ebenezer, b. March 17, 1750.

36. Sibyl, b. May 25, 1742. 40. Rhoda, b. July 12, 1753, m. Mr. Hay-

37. Esther, b. Aug. 5, 1745, m. Nehemiah den, and settled in Windsor.
Lewis, Dec. 30, 1767; some ot her de- 41. Mary, ni. Benjamin Tuttle.
scendants live in Bridgeport.

38. Caleb, son of Ebenezer and Sarah Lyman, m. Flannah, dan. of Aaron
Looinis, Jr., Sept. z8, 1768. She d. in 1797, and he m., 2d, Mrs. Delight
Marsh. He lived on the homestead of his father until his death. Children :

42. Medad, b. Nov. 14, 1769. children have a prosperous school in Mon-

43. Sibyl, b. June 8, 1778, m. treal, Canada.

Beach, and settled in Washington, Ct. 45. Eleanor, b. March 25, 1784, m. also

44. Rhoda, b. Nov. 7, 1782, m. Joseph Joseph Hurlbut, who d. suddenly in Mass.,
Hurlbut, of Charlotte, Vt., Feb. 14, 1803, while on his way home from Torrington.
had one dau. who m. Haight, her 46. George, b. Aug. i, 1790.

Children by 2d wife:

47. Hannah, m. Rev. Alvan Ingersoll, Jan. George, b. Feb. 13, 1 8 30 5 Mary C, b.
II, 1825; Mr. Ingersoll, preached some July 18, 18325 Charles Finney, b. Feb.
years in Ohio, then settled in Rochester, 5, 1835, was ist lieut. in the late war,
N. y., where he d. Dec. 23, 1864. His d. Dec. 13, 1861, a. 26; Emily L., b.
children were, Sarah L., b. Nov. 24, 1825 ; May 6. 1839.

Jonathan Edwards, b. Nov. 16, 1827;

39. Ebenezer, 3d, son of Ebenezer and Sarah Lyman, m. Ann Young, Oct. 20,
1774, and lived in Torrington until after 1790, when he removed to Vermont,
where he d. Mar. 7, 18 I 3, a. 63. Ann, his widow, d. Mar. 14, 1813, seven
days after her husband. His five children were born in Torrington. Children:

48. Phineas, b. June 24, 1776. Wadsworth Feb. 28, 1808 ; d. at Platts-

49. Roxalany, b. Oct. 15, 1777. burg Jan. 2, 1863, a. 74.

50. Ebenezer, b. July 16, 1779, m. Clarissa 52. Amanda, b. Sept. 22, 1790, m. Russell
Loomis, and d. Mar. 13, 1813, one day Harrington at Burlington, Vt., Mar. 17,
before his mother and six days after his 1810, and had children, Charles, Juliette,
father, a. 34. Donald, •' Marrien," and Edward.

51. Laura, b. Oct. 17, 1788, m. George

42. Medad, son of Caleb and Hannah (Loomis) Lyman, m., ist, Eliza

Rich, 2d ; became a lawyer, removed to Vermont and d. about 40

years of age. Children:

53. Jledad, removed to Ohio. 55. George.

54. Eliza, removed to Ohio, m. 56. Riley, b. in Tor., Dec. 13, 1789.

Barnum.

Child by 2d wife :

57. Hannah.

46. George, son of Caleb and Hannah (Loomis) Lyman, m. Feb. 22, 1812,
Ophelia, daughter of Elihu Cook, b. Jan. 3, 1794, and in 1817, removed to
Wadsworth, Medina Co., Ohio. Children :

58. Emily C, b. Dec. 15, 1812, m. Dr. 59. Cornelius N., b. in Ohio, May 14, 18 19 j
John Brown, son of Judge Frederick is a physician in Wadsworth, O. ; m.
Brown of Wadsworth, Ohio. She d. Feb. Caroline Beach.

23, 1828, leaving no children.

56. Riley, son of Medad and Eliza (Rich) Lyman, m. Nov. 24, 1818,
Christina Case of Simsbury, Ct., b. Sept. 23, 1799; where he resided a farmer
for some years. He d. in Torrington, Sept. 6, 1847. Children :

60. Erastus, b. Oct. 5, 1819. Tuttle, 1851, and d. in Thomaston, Oct.

61. Hiram, b. Oct, 18, 1823. 4, 1857.

62. Adeline £., b. Apr. 2, i83i,m. Burritt 63. Edward, b. Oct. 4, 1835.

Genealogies. 747

60. Erastus, son of Riley and Christina (Case) Lyman, never m.; d. in
Wolcottville, Jan. 20, 1847.

61. Hiram, son of Rilev and Christina (Case) Lyman, m. Julia M. Ostrom,
of Wolcottville, May 7, 1848. She was b. Dec. 22, 1824, and d. April 30,
1858. He m. 2d Eliza M. Booth, of Wolcottville, Nov. 23, 1859, who was
b. Jan. 13, 1832. He' resides in Thomaston. Children;

64. Eva S., b. Jan. 10, 1851, m. Charles 65. Mary A., b. Mar. 16, 1857.
B. Holt, Nov. 30, 1871.

63. Edward, son of Riley and Christina (Case) Lyman, m. ist Ellen
Marian Potter, of Milton, Ct., Nov. 25, 1857 ; whod. in New Haven, Sept.
29, 1865 ; 2d Henrietta E. Blood, of Bridgeport, Ct., May 27, 1867 ; who
d. in New Haven, March 18, 1869 ; 3d, Caroline H. Brinsmade, of New
Haven, May 10, 1870, who was b. June 2, 1844- Mr. Lyman is engaged as
constructing engineer and draughtsman, in New Haven. Children :

66. Wilbur Seeley, b. Feb. 22, 1863. 68. Ralph Brinsmade, b. June 21, 1874.

67. Charles Harry, b. March 27, 1871.

LYMAN, David, son of David and Mary (Gittau) Lyman of Woodbury,
m. Oct. 20, 1773, Mary Brown, a relative of the martyr, Capt. John Brown.
He served some time in the army of the Revolution, known as General David ;
then was honorably discharged to run a grist mill in New Hartford, for the
supply of the revolutionary troops. In the latter part of his life he resided in
Torringford, where he d. July 29, 1813. Mary, his widow, d. July 22, 1822.
Children :

69. Elijah, b. Aug. 16, 1774. 73. Daniel, b. Apr. 15, 1784, d. July 20,

70. David, b. June 14, 1776, d. Feb. 24, 1846, a. 67.

1850, a. 74. 74. Norman, b. Sept. 6, 1787, d. Oct. 20,

71. John, b. Oct. q, 1778, d. July 20, 1865, 1850, a. 65.

a. 87. 75. Mary, b. Aug. 18, 1789, m.

72. Orange, b. July 26, 1780, d. July 16, Pardee, and resided in Torringford.
1850, a. 71. 76. Samuel, b. Feb. 8, 1793, not m.

69. Dr. Elijah, son of David and Mary (Brown) Lyman, m. Lorinda
Smith. He was a practicing physician in Torrington some ten years, then re-
moved to Warren, Ct., where he d. Nov. 5, 1819, a. 46. Children:

77. Elijah Smith, b. Apr. 26, 18 12, a phy. 78. Lorinda.
sician in Sherburne, Chenango Co., N. Y.

70. David, son of David and Mary (Brown) Lyman, m. Rhoda P. Belden.
He was a farmer in New Hartford. Children :

79. David Belden, b. July 28, 1803, was 82. Edward, b. Aug. 5, 1810, residence,
graduated at Williams college in 1828; Tallmadge, O.

m. Nov. 3, 1 83 1, Sarah Joiner, of Royal- 83. Luther T., b. Oct. I, 18 14, residence,

ton, Vt , and sailed, shortly after as a Cleaveland, O.

missionary of the American Board, to the 84. Rhoda, b. Nov. 22, 1816, residence,

Sandwich Islands, where he was living Newton Falls, O.

in 1870, as principal of the Missionary 85. James, b. Feb. 14, 1818.

High school for the natives at Hilo, 86. Benjamin, b. July 8, 1819, residence,

Hawaii. Jackson, Iowa.

80. George, b. April 18, 1806, residence, 87. Gaylord P., b. Sept. 6, 1821, residence,
Cleaveland, O. Middlebury, O.

81. Elijah, b. Feb. 6, 1808, residence. Tall- 88. Julia A., b. May, 22, 1822, m. Alex,
madge, O. Clark.

71. John, son of David and Mary (Brown) Lyman, m. Salome Maltby,
and is a farmer in New Hartford. Children :

748

History of Torrington.

89. Rev. Jolin Bennett. 95. Laura F.

90. Wm. Maltby. 96. David Newton.

91. Clarinda Mary. 97. Sulomon.

92. Salome. 98. Justin.

93. Marcella. 99. Rufus.

94. Emily.

72. Rev. Orange, son of David and Mary (Brown) Lyman, was a Presby-
terian minister, m. Maria, daughter of Stephen Dewy of Sheffield, Mass. (^See
Biography.') Children:

100. Stephen D., b. June 23, 1815, is a 103. Thomas, b. Mar. 19, 1824, resides

lawyer in Iowa. near Chicago.

loi. Cornelius, b. July 20, 1818, d. a. 5 104. Eurotas, b. Jan. 12, 1827, d. in 1837.

years. 105. Mary E., b. Aug. 6. 1829, d. in 1831.

102. Henry Martin, b. Oct. 27, 1821, a 106. Edward, b. July 3, 1833, d. in 1837.

farmer in 111.

73. Daniel, son of David and Mary (Brown) Lyman, m Jerusha Merrill,
March 12, 1812, lived in New Hartford, and d. Aug. 20, 1846. Children :

107. Frederic, b. Mar. 19, 1813, m. in New 112. James D., b. Oct. 23, 1823, lived in
Hartford. Torringford, m. 1st, Rhoda Marsh, Nov.

108. Henry M., b. Sept. 23, 1814, m. ; 1853; 2d, Mary E. Stone in 1859.
lived in O. 113. Jane M., b. Feb. 15, 1826, m. June,

109. Jerusha, b. Nov, 4, 1816, d. in 1819. 1847, Rev. Wm. W. Baldwin, Wilming-
lio. Julia, b. Nov. 7, 1818, d. in 1829. ton, Ct.; 8 children.

III. Judson G., b. Nov. 21 , ] 820, a graduate
of Williams college, Baptist minister in
Huntington, Ct.

74. Norman, M.D., son of David and Mary (Brown) Lyman, m. Eunice
Smith, of Litchfield, resided in Glastonbury and Warren, Ct. (See Biog.^
Children :

114. Sidney. 117. Mary, b. 1823. d. 1841.

115. George S., b. Aug. 31, 1818. 118. Jonathan H., b. 1826, d. 1852.

116. Edward P., b. April i, 1821. 119 Eunice, b. 1828, d. 1841.

MUNSELL, Zacheus, son of Calkins, who was son of Jacob the first at
Windsor, was b. Aug. 17, 1845 ; m. Hannah Drake, May 4, 1768; joined
the Shakers, with his whole family. The Munsells are said to have descended
from Sir Philip de Munsell, who came from Normandy, to England, with
William the Conqueror. Among the children of Zacheus was Levi, b. Sept.
9, 1775, and came to Torrington, when eight years of age to li\e with Junia
North. Moses and Noah Drake were his ur.cles. He attained the military
rank of captain. Capt. Levi Munsell m. Rachel, dau. of Thomas Marshall, Dec.
19, 1799, and occupied many years the farm of his father-in-law. Cape.
Thomas Marshall, in Newfield. He was a hard working, good citizen, an
earnest devoted Methodist, a class leader and a chorister. Was a justice of the
peace ; a representative two years and was elected the third time, but being
taken ill suddenly, d. and was buried on the day the legislature convened May 1,
1833, a. 58 years. His widow d. Jan. 16, 1842, a. 61. Children:

1. Marcus, b. Oct. 13, 1800, m. 5. Levi Tuttle, b. July 9, 1813, m. June

2. Sartpta, b. Dec. 28, 1803, d. unm. 1877. 20, 1842, Adeline, dau. of George and

3. Luman, b. Dec. 31, 1806, m. Prudence (Dennison) Fyler, of Burke, Vt.

4. Hiram, b. May 28, 1809, d. not m. Aug. She d. Dec. 27, 1872, a. 60, he lived on
9, 1841, on the Mississippi river at Plumb the homestead until about i860, then he
point bend, and was buried in Osceola, removed to Winciiester.

Arkansas. 6. Maria Rachel, b. April 26, 1819, m

Genealogies. 749

July 7, 1841, Theron Bronson, of Win- 1866; Wilber M., b. June 9, 1848;

Chester. He d. Jan. 20, 1873, a. 64. Maria L., b. Jan. 31, 1853, d. Feb. 28,

Children : Edward H., b. July 31, 1842; 1856 ; Elliot B., b Aug. 7, 1858 ; Carrie

Henry T., b. Jan. i, 1845, d. Nov. 25, M., b. Jan. 17, 1863.

I. MUNSILL, Marcus, son of Capt. Levi and Rachel (Marshall) m.
Charlotte Eno of Colcbrook, Nov. 12, 1829. He lived in Torrington and
Winchester ; was elected deacon in 1858. His wife d. May 3, 1867, aged
65. Children :

7. Frances, b. Sept. i, 1834, d. June 11, B., b. Jan. 6, 1864; Marcus, b. Oct. 12,
1835. 1868; Clifford L., b. Apr. 28, 1874, d.

8. Samuel Mills, b April 21, 1837, resides Mar. 7, 1876.

at Winchester; m. Aug. 9, 1859, Mary 9. Anna Maria, b. Dec. 9, 1838, m. Sept.
Jane, dau. of Gail Borden of Texjs. Child- 26, 1866, Benjamin W. Pcttibone of Win-

ren : Esther E., b. June 10, 1862; Gail Chester; d. Mar. i, 1873.

3. LuMAN, son of Capt. Levi and" Rachel (Marshall) Munsill, m. Sept. 5,
1843, Abigail P. Bronson, and lived in Winchester, where he d. Apr. 25,
1877, a. 70. His wife d. May 13, 1874, a. 56. Children:

10. Elbert Marshall, b. Sept. 20, 1844, m. May 6, 1866, Martha E. Eggleston and
June 1875, Ella G. Germond and has has, Elbert M., b. Aug. 18, 1871.
Warren A., b July, 1876. 12. Ella Adelle, b. Aug. 7, 1853.

11. William Luman, b. Jan. 24, 1848, m.

MUNSON, Augustus, son of Lieut. Levi Munson of Wallingford, was b.
in Wallingford Aug. 21, 1781. While young he came with his father's fam-
ily to Harvvinton, and when a young man came to Torrington, where he m.
Huldah, dau. of William Wilson Dec. 4, 1803. He d. in Wolcotcville Nov.
29, 1840, a. 59. She d. Feb. 18, 1864, a. 80. Children :

1. William W., b. Mar. 22, 1805, m. Lu- 5. Charles M., b. July 18, 1813, m. Jan.
cretia Palmer in 1832, and d. in Winsted 5, 1843, Elizabeth Fellows of Phila., d. in
June 21, 1850. Feb. 1857.

2. Mary M., b. Aug. 16, 1806. m. May 30, 6. James P., b. Mar. 11, 1816, m. Oct.
1830, Albert B Wilcox, of Bristol, where 1839 Ellen Barrows of Cincinnati, O., d.
they reside. in Winsted Sept. 25, 1848.

3. Lemuel H., b. Aug. 18, 1808, m. Clar- 7. Martha W., b. July 3, 1S19, m. Apr. 17,
inda Bull of Winsted Sept. 30,1833; re- 18^3, Mason W. Fyler of Winsted, d.
sides in Waterbury. Mar. 13, 1846.

4. Lewis A., b. May 31, 181 1, m. Oct. 13, 8. John C., Nov. i, 1823, m. April 1850,
1863 ; Anna Yarington of Carbondale,Pa., Mary Clark of New Haven ; d. in Water-
reside in Bristol. bury Mar. 23, 1874.

NORTH, Ebenezer, came from Farmington " Great swamp" in the spring
of 1741, and purchased in company with Zebulon Curtiss, two farms a little
south of the old Matthew Grant place, where he settled, but in the autumn of
that year he sold his part of these farms to Mr. Curiiss. His wife's name is
written " Sibbillia" on the town records. He is said, aho, to have come from
Rocky hill, in Wethersfield. He d. Aug. 5, 1789, in the 86th year of his age.
His wife, Sibyl, d. Nov. 17, 1794, in the 91st year of her age. Children:

1. Ashbel, b. Oct. 3, 1731. 6. Asahel, b. May 13, 1743, in Tor., never

2. Noah. b. Jan, 10, 1733, m. m.;d.ini8o3.

3. Martin, b. Dec. 13, 1734, m. May 5, 7. Ebenezer, b. June 27, 1746, m.

1805. 8. Achsah, b. Aug. 14, 1748, m. John

4. Sibyl, b. Sept. 4, 1736, m. Samuel Cowles, Videto, Jr., Dec. 12, 1780, lived in Win-
Apr. 14, 1756, and removed early to Chester.

Norfolk. 9, Sarah, b. Dec. i, 1752, m. Lebeus

5. Lucy, b. May I, 1739, m. Amasa Cowles, Holmes of Goshen,
and settled in Norfolk.

750

History of Torrington.

1. AsHBEL, son of Ebenezer and Sibyl North, m. Ruth, daughter of Ebenezer
Lyman, Jr., [an. 2, 1757. He was a farmer on what is i<nown as the old
Phineas North place, and was an enterprising man. He d. July 9, 1800, a.
68. His widow Ruth, d. Feb 7, 1812, a, 77 years. Children:

10. Roxalany. b. Nov. 24, 1759, m. Dr. 11. Phineas, b. July 19, 1762, m.

Elkanah Hodges, Jan. 14, 1777, took the 12. Lemuel, b. Dec. 14, 1767,(1. Mar. 3,

small pox and d. within a month from her 1787.

marriage.

2. Noah, son of Ebenezer and Sibyl North, m. ist, Jemima, daughter of Abra-
ham Loomis, March 25, 1756, and settled on a farm in Newfield, known by
his name ever since. His wife Jemima, d. Dec. 17, 1767, and he m. 2d,
Elizabeth Humphrey, iVIay 29, 1771, who d. Aug. 5, 1822, a. 78 years. He
was a very important man in that part of the town. In religion he was a puritan
of the strict and thorough kind. In going to the barn Sunday afternoon, his
grandson Cyrus accompanying him slid across a little piece ot ice. The old
gentleman obtained a whip and proceeded to whip him severely, and the boy
was heard at some distance crying and saying : " I won't do it again, I won't
do it again." To which the old gentleman was heard to say : " I don't mean
you shall." This was done as a religious duty rather than a matter of passion
or want of love for the child. Children :

13. Noah, b. June 12, 1757, d. April 28, 17. Mary, b. Dec. 19, 1767, m. Hezekiah
1789 a 23. West, a Baptist minister, and removed to

14. Juna, b. Sept. 24, 1760. Penn., where she d. Sept., 1827, a. 52.

15. Remembrance, b. Oct. 13, 1762.

16. Jemima, b. April 7, 1766, m. Elihu
Barber.

3. Martin, son of Ebenezer and Sibyl North, m. ist Abigail Eno, April

2, 1760, and had four children ; 2d, , had son. He removed to

Colebrook. Children by ist wife:

18. Martin, b. June 10, 1761. 20. Lucina, b. June 6, 1767.

19. Abigail, b. April 3, 1764. 21. Rufus, b. Dec. 24, 1769.

By 2d wife :
22. Noah, d. early.

7. Ebenezer, son of Ebenezer and Sibyl North, m. Jerusha, dau. of Samuel
Cowles, Sen., Feb. 16, 1769. He removed to Colebrook, and d. there Dec.

17. 1832. Children:

17, 1773 ; removed to

23. Enos, b. Nov.
Colebrook.

22. Prudence, b. Nov. 16, I759,m. Jonathan
Saxton, son of Jonathan from Enfield,
and had Jerusha, b. in 1800 ; Anna, i8o2j
Milo, in 1804 ; Norman, 1807 ; Ebenezer,
181 1 ; Melissa, 1814.

II, Phineas, son of Ashbel and Ruth (Lyman) North, m. Chloe Skinner,
Dec. 3, 1787, She was b. April 17, 1767. He was a farmer and lived on
the place that still bears his name. He had a genius of mechanical skill ; made
several brass clocks by hand, with high cases, which would run 9 and 10 days,
and keep the day of the month. One owned by Judge F. D. Fyler, of Winsted,
bears date 1794- Children:

24. Lemuel, b. Sept. 23, 1790, m. in
Wadsworth, Ohio, where he d. April,
1832.

25. Roxalany, b. Dec. 27, 1796, m. James
Humphrey, of Norfolk, May, 1819, d
183s, leaving children.

26. Parmelia, b. March 2, 1801, m. Martin
Webster, of Tor., Sept., 1820, d. March
31, 1831.

27. Phineas, b. Feb. 9, 1803.

28. Alfred, b. Sept. 17, 1807.

Genealogies.

751

14. Junius, son of Noah and Jemima (Loomis) North, m. Sabrina Fyler,
Jan. 25, 178^, and settled on the north and south road east of his father's, and
where his son Frederick now resides. He kept a tavern many years ; was an
active, stirring man ; and was called by all, "Uncle Juna." His wife d and
he m. 2d, Sally Covey, Jan., 1807. He d. Nov. 14, 1828, a, 68 years.
Children :

zS. Roxalany, b. Nov. z, 1785, m. Daniel 33. Sabrina, b. Aug. 15, 1794, d. May 22,

Murry, March, 1810, and in after years 1 875, a. 81, not m.

removed to Winchester, where she is still 34. Junius, b. April 30, 1796 ; removed to

living, and in her ninety- second year. Ohio, m.

29. Triphena, b. March 14, 1787, d. April 35. Lura, b. Oct. 7, 1798, m. Midian
10, 1867, a. 80, not m. Griswold, of Litchfield, March 19, 1822;

30. Ariel, b. Aug. 13, 1788, d. Sept. 22, had a son Midian.

18 1 8, a. 30 years 5 not m. 36. Lauiin, b. July 21, 1800, m. Harriet

31. Ruby, b. July 28, 1790, m. ist Orrin Ford, and had children : Mary, Ellen,
Loomis, Nov., 1821, 2d, Moses Drake, Henrietta.

and d. May 16, 1875, a. 85 years. 37. Frederick, lb. Aug. "I

32. Willard, b. June 5, 1792, m. 38. Philomela, / 12,1803, J d.Apr.30,1804.

15. Remembr.ance, son of Noah and Jemima (Loomis) North, m. Elizabeth,
Lee, Sept. 21, 1786. He d. Aug. 10, 1802. Children:

39. Noah, b. Sept. 4, 1787. 43. Betsey, b. April 20, 1795.

40. Lury, b. May 21, 1789. 44. Cyrus, b. May 6, 1797.

41. Prudence, b. March 28, 1791. 45. William, b. Oct. 5, 1799.

42. Mary, b. June 14, 1793.

27. Phineas, son of Phineas and Chloe (Skinner) North, m. Louisa Wet-
more, Oct. 10, 1832. He lived on his father's homestead until his death. He
was an energetic farmer and business man. He built a house in VVolcottville
and was ready to move into it ; was taken ill and in a few days d. May 7,
1867. His widow occupies the house he built in the village. Children:

46. Helen, b. Sept. i, 1833, m. Sept. I, 47. Alfred (Dr.), b. Oct. 5, 1836, m.
1856, James W. Holmes, of Waterbury,
and d. June I 3, 1866.

32. Willard, son of Junius and Sabrina (Fyler) North, m. Lucina .

Child :

48. Arvid, b. March 19, 1824.

34. Junius, son of Junius and Sabrina (Fyler) North, went to Ohio and
married. Children :

49. Mary. 53. Eliza.

50. Junius. 54. Orson,)

51. Rhuby. 55. Orton,f ^^'"^-

52. Amelia.

Dea. Frederick, son of Junius and Sabrina (Fyler) North, m. Harriet, dau.
of L-a Hoyt, June 14, 1830, lives on his father's homestead. He was elected
deacon of the Baptist church in Newfield many years since ; is a farmer and
a man much respected.* Children :

56. Charlotte J, b. May 13, 1831, m. has children, Almira b. Aug. 1867,
Joseph Deming of Culebrook, Mar. 12, Waruga F.

1856, and had children. 62. Ann M , b. March 27, 1845, ^- Ed-

57. Cjtharine, b. Aug. 29, 1833, m. ward Y. Clark, of Washington, Ct., Oct.

58. Carrel F., b. June 29, 1835. 22, 1870, has Freddie N.

59. Junius D , b. June 17, 1839. 63. Frederick A., b. April 10, 1846, is prin-
60 Roxa A., b. April 23, 1842, m. Elbert cipal teacher in high school in 111.

Norton of Goshen, Dec. 31, 1865. 64. Lyman H., b. Feb. 4, 1849.

61. Irene H., b. Oct. 14, 1843, '"• John 65. Ruble O., b. May 30, 1851.
A. Moore of Colebrook, Mar, 3, 18 56,

- 1

yc2 History of Torrington.

OLMSTED, RoswELL, came from Windsor and settled in New Hartford,
Torringford parish, near Torrington line. Children:

1. Lucy. 3- ^I'li"-

2. Two other daughters. 4- Stanley.

3. Elihu, m. Susan Phelps of Harwinton, lived in the edge of New Hart-
ford, but in Torrington society. Children:

4. Roswell, b. Jan., 1808. 7- ^''^a, b. Feb., 1815.

5. Lucius, b. Feb. 17, 1811. 8. Julius, b. March, 1819, d. in 1847.

6. Sally, b. Dec, 1813.

5. Lucius, m. Catharine E. Brown of Westficid, Mass. Children:
9. Esther J. Wright, lives in Harwinton. 10. Charles E., b. Jan. 1844.

Second wife :
II. Lizzie J., b. June 14, i860.

OSBORN, Timothy, m. Susannah Higley, both of Torrington, Feb. 28,
1761. Children recorded in Torrington:

1. Justice, b. Dec. 3, 1765. 3. Isaac Higley, b. Apr. 12, 1772.

2. Susannah, b. Mar. 10, 1770.

OVL'\TT, Marcus, son of Luman and Rhoda (Norton) Oviatt, of Goshen,
was b. Jan. 15, 1807, m. Deziah, daughter of Stephen Norton, oi Goshen,
Feb. 12, 1829. He was a farmer and lived in Goshen, until 184-, when he
removed to VVatertown, and from thence in 1853, to Torrington hollow where
he d. Oct. 10, 1854. Children :

1. Erastus, b. Dec. 21, 1829, d. in Torring- Whiting, Oct. 28, 1855, and lives in Iowa,
ton, Feb. X2, i860. 4- Everett, b. Mar. 9, 1838.

2. Stephen, b. Apr. 21, 1832. 5. Elizabeth, b. May 8, 1841, m. Theodore

3. Hannah, b. Jan. 7, 1835, m. Uri W. Austin, Oct. 1 6, 1867.

2. Stephen N., m. Emma Brooker, daughter of Martin, Nov. 22, i860.
Children :

6 Carrie N., b. Aug. 31, 1861. 7. Charles S., b. Jan. I, i860.

4. Everett, m. Hetty Jones, Jan. i, 1861;. Children :
8. Clarence, b. Feb. 4, 1866. 9. Willis, b. Jan. I, 1868.

PALMER, Nicholas, was early at Windsor ; m. Joan , who died

Apr 16, 1683. He d. Aug. 30, 1689. His children apparently were b. in

Windsor. Children :

.. Mary, b. May 3, 1637. 3. Timothy, bap. Mar. 20, 1641.

2. Hannah, bap. Oct. 11, 1640. 4. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 7, 1644.

3. Timothy, son of Nicholas and Joan Palmer, m. Hannah Buel Sept. 17,
1663 ; who d. Sept. 26, 1704. He d. Aug. 20, 17 13. Children :

5. Timothy, b. Aug. 25, 1664. 10. Sarah, b. Apr. 12, 1675.

6. Hannah, b. Oct. 3, 1666. 11. Samuel, b. Sept. 7. 1677.

7. Mary, b. May 14, 1669. 12. Martha, b. Dec. 29, 1679, «i- young.

8. Sarah, b. Feb. 25, 1671, d. young. 13. Benjamin, b. Feb. 24, 1682.

9. John, b. Apr. i 3, 1673.

9 John, son of Timothy and Hannah (Buel) Palmer, m. Sarah Mudge

Jan. 14, 1695. Children :

14. John, b. June 11, 1696. 16. Samuel, b. Apr. 5, 1712.

15. Benjamin, b. Dec. 23, 1703, d. young. 17. Benjamin, b. Oct. 11, 1707.

14. Caft. John, son of John and Sarah (Mudge) Palmer, m. Deborah
Filley Sept. 12, 1723, who d. Jan. 29, 1797, a 92. He d. Apr. 11, 1794,
a 98. Children :

Genealogies. 753

18. John, b. Feb. 7, 1724. 23. Ezekiel, b. May 17, 1737.

19. Mary, b. Sept. 10, 1728. 24. Jonathan, b. May 31, 1740.

20. Jthiel, b. Jan. 12, 1730, d. Oct. 10,1756. 25. Benjamin, b. Apr. 10, 1742.

21. Eli, b. Oct. 13, 1733, m. Elizabeth Gillett. 26. Deborah, b. June 21, 1746.

22. Joel, b. May 14, 1736.

22. Joel, son of Capt. John and Deborah (Filley) Pahner, m. Ann Hayden,
July 23, 1761. Children:

27. Ann, b. May 16, 1762. 32. Martin, b. Feb. 19, 1773.

28. Naomi, b. Oct. i, 1763. 33. Rubah, b. July 5, 1775.

29. Latimer, b. Feb. 4, 1766. 34. Hczekiah H., b. Jan. 19, 1781.

30. Joel, b. July 26, 1768. 35. Horace, b. Mar. 5, 1783.

31. Harvey, b. Nov. 30, 1770.

31. Harvey, son of Joel and Ann (Hayden) Palmer, learned the trade of
cloth dressing, in Windsor, and came to Torrington a short time before his
marriage. He m. Mehitable daughter of Daniel Dibble, of Torringford, Nov.
25, 1795. Not long afier this he built a house a little west of Torrington hol-
low, now owned by Mr. Burton T. Cowles, where he established himself as a
clothier. His carding mill stood on the stream east of the house by the present
bridge and his cloth dressing house was opposite his dwelling on the north side
the road. His first fulling mill was down in the hollow above the present saw-
mill dam. He went down steps cut in the rocks, to it, and afterwards it was
removed to the bridge above the falls. He was post master, keeping the office
in his house about thirty years. He was also assessor of the town, and was
active in public matters ; was a good citizen, much respected. Children :

36. Anna, b. Nov. 8, 1796, m. Seymour 41. Arlaline, b. Aug. i, 1808, m. Enoch
Hopkins of Warren; had: Harvey P., Johnson; had: Ellen and Emma, lives
and Lucretia, who m. Stodard ; in O.

lives in Carol McHenry, Hi. 42. Emma R., b. Jan. 9, 1812, m. Charles

37. Eliza, b. July 5, 1796. m. PreKott C. Beers. Sept. 28, 1831, left one child
Pond. Anna, who is adopted by her Aunt Lu-

38. Aurelia, b. Oct. II, 1800, d. Jan. 23, cretia.

1834. 43. Frances A., b. Feb. 7, 1814, m. Henry

39. Addison, b. Sept. 7, 1702. H. Newall; lives at Great Bend, Pa.;

40. Lucretia, b. June 6, 1806, m. VVm. W. had : France?, Gertrude and Lene.
Munsun, Nov. 21, 1832, no chilJren 44. Mehitable D., b. Sept. 17, 1 3 1 6, m.
living. She is a widow, living in Brooklyn, Elihu H. Dwighf, lived in Long Meadow,
N. y. Mass., d. Dec. 18, i860.

39. Dea. AoDisorj, son of Harvey and Mehitable (Dibble) Palmer, m. 1st
Phebe, daughter of Norman Fowler, May 22, 1839. She d. Jan. 26, 1868,
and he m. 2d Mrs. Ann P. (Lucas) Wadhams, Oct. 27, 1869. She had
three sons, Willard, Henry and Edward. Dea. Palmer lived one year on his
father's homestead, then sold it, and bought the Norman Fowler place, which
he still owns. He was elected deacon, in Wolcottville, in 1852, and is much
respected in the town. He now resides in Goshen. Children by his istwite.

45. Homer F., b. Feb. 22, 1840, d. a. 4 yrs. 46. Frances A., b. Nov. 30, 1846, m. Cas-

46. Hayden D., b. June 26, 1841, m. samer Bronson, Oct., 1866; lives in

47. INLiry E., b. Mar. 15, 18-15, m. Adel- Waterbury ; has Clara,
bert Welden, Oct., 1866, lives in Water-
bury.

46. Hayden, son of Addison and Phebe (Fowler) Palmer, m. Mary, dau.
Charles S. Munger, in 1863. He enlisted in the late war in the Fourth Conn.,
was promoted to a lieutenant and served four years ; was slightly wounded by
a shell at Petersburg. He and his family now reside in Farmington, Russell
Co., Kansas, and is clerk of the district court of the county.

7^4 History of Torrington.

PATTERSON, Burton C, came from Cornwall with his mother and
brother Henry S. Patterson, and settled on a farm across the street from the
Amos Wilson place, owning the latter also, and is a farmer. He m. 1st,
Hattie M. Beach, of Goshen, Feb. 8, I 872, who d. Oct. 18. 1874,3 30; m.
2d, Anna M. Merwin, of New Haven, May 18, 1875. Children :
X. Silas B., b. March 15, 1873. 2. Son, b. March 9, 1877.

PARSONS, Phineas p., son of Samuel B. Parsons, of Northarnpton, Mass.,
was b. Oct. 8, 1835, and m. on the first of May, i860, Helen A., dan. of
Charles Bronson, of VVaterbiiry. She was b. Feb. 27,1839. Mr. Parsons
was engaged as secretary and treasurer, with the Waterbury Brass Co., until
1865, when he removed to Wolcottville and engaged with the Coc Brass Co.,
in the same relations which he had resigned at Waterbury. After occupying
this position for a few years he resigned and became interested in the Coe
Furniture Co. For the last four years he has been a traveling agent of the
Waterbury Brass Co. He resides in the western part of Wolcottville, on High
street, where he has a commodious house, and very pleasant grounds around
the house. It is one of the desirable locations in the village. Children -.

1. Edmund Hayden, b. May 13, 1861, in 3. Elizabeth Sparks, b. Aug. 27, 1868, in
Waterbury. Wolcottville.

2. Frank Roberts, b. Jan. 7, 1863, in 4. Florence Russell, b. March 16, 1872, in
Waterbury. Wolcottville.

PERRIN, Rev. Lavalette, D.D., son of Aaron and Lois (Lee) Perrin,
was b. May 15, 1816, at Vernon, Ct. He m. June 4, 1844, Ann Eliza,
dau. of W'illiatn and Polly (Keeler) Comstock, of Ridgcfield, b. Nov. 29,
1826, at Peekskill, N. Y., resides in Wolcottville ; is pastor of the Congre-
gational church. Children :

1. Bernadotte, b. Sept. 15, 1847; was 2. Catharine, b. Dec. 8, 1850.

graduated at Yale college in 1869; studied 3. Addison, b. Sept. 27, 1852.

theology in Yale seminary one year ; then 4. Giles Griswold, b. Jan. 19, 1856, d.
engaged in a select school in Hartford, a March 13, 1856.

year, from which he went into the high 5. William Aaron, b. Dec. 18, 1858, d. Jan.
school of Hartford, where he was elected 30, 1863.

associate principal, with leave of absence
one year. He has been in the German
universities one year and a half.

PHELPS, Benjamin, came to Torrington a young man and m. Isabel, dau.
of x^braham Loomis, Oct. 16, 1755, and may have settled on what is known
as the Phineas North place. His wife d. Dec. 15, 1784. Children:

1. Jerusha, b. May 2, 1757. 5- Jemima, b. Feb.' 6, 1765.

2. Joseph, b. Mar. i6, 1759. 6. Daniel, b. Nov. 9, 1766.

3. Isabel, b. June 15, 1761. 7. Benjamin, b. June 15, 1769.

4. Jonathan, b. May 17, 1763.

2. Joseph, son of Benjamin and Isabel (Loomis) Phelps, m. Rebecca Leav-
enworth, Oct. 27, 1804. Children:
8. Sally, b. Sept. 6, 1805. 9. Joseph N., b. Nov. 29, 1806.

4. Jonathan, son of Benjamin and Isabel (Loomis) Phelps, m. Sylva Beach
Jan. 20, 1785. He d. Sept. 27, 1791. Ciiildren:

10. Anna, b. Oct. 8, 1785. 12. Almira, b. Sept. 22, 1789.

11. Luman, b. June 26, 1787. 13. Jerusha, b. Sept. 13, 1791.

7. Capt. Benjamin, son of Benjamin and Isabel (Loomis) Phelps, m. and

Genealogies. 755

lived on the Phineas North place, and was a prominent man in the town some
years. Cliildren :

14. Hiram, accidentally killed by a pistol shot i6. Emeline, m. at Hartford.

at Torrington hollow. 17. Cornelia, m. Frederick Wadhams, of

15. Lucretia, m. Sylvester Spencer, of Litch- Goshen, removed to Ohio.
field.

PHELPS", Elijah, from Windsor, lived in Torringford. Children:

1. Polly, m. Titus Ives. 3. Elijah.

2, Caleb, not m., d. in Torringford. 4. Esther, m. Col. Thaddeus Grisv/old.

J.'iNNAH B., came to Torringford with his brother Elijah, and m. LucretiaDib-
ble Nov. 26, 1812. Children.
I. Frederick, b. Dec. 15, 1714, and perhaps others.

Abraham from Windsor, lived on West street, Torringford, near the Ives
place, and d. young. Children :

1. Chloe, m. Patrick McCoe. m. Addis; Rhodam. Gould; Fanny m.

2. Mindvvell, m. Chester Bristo. Lemuel Cook; Charlotte m. Charles Rey-

3. Rhoda, m. Patrick McCoe, had Nancy, nolds, lives in Winsted.
m. Castle; Phelps, d. young ; Sally

PHELPS, Dr, Jeremiah W., m., ist, Augusta C. Havden, Dec. 25, 1846,
who d. in 1858 ; m., 2d, iUrs. Mindwell M., widow of Dr. Peter Beardsley,
July, 1859. Children :
I. Jeremiah W., b. Dec. 29, 1866. 2. Frank S., b. June 7, 1872.

PHILLOW, Artemas, m. Lovisa. dau. of Abner Loomis, Dec. 11, 1800,
and lived in a house that stood a litile north of Esq. Smith's or the present town
house. He is said to have had fifteen children, but all of their names have
not been obtained. They v/ere a pleasant family ; iVIr. Phillow being a very
humorous man, and the young ladies good looking and quite agreeable. They
removed to Illinois. Seven children were recorded on the town records.
Children :

1. Lura, b. Oct. 9, 1801. 7. Onpha, b. Nov. 9,, 1808.

2. Edmund, b. Oct. 6, 1802. 8. Loomis.

3. Dennis, b. Dec. 5, 1803. 9. Nelson.

4. Addison, b. Nov. 27, 1804. 10. Lucretia.

5. Emily, b. Dec. 16, 1805. II. Mary Ann.

6. Adeline, b. April 30, 1807.

POND, Lyman Russell, son of Lyman and Lucy (Spencer) Pond, m.
Oct. 17, 1849, Frances S., dau. of Norman B. Rouse, of Torrington, and re-
sides on the homestead of his mother and grandfather Asa Spencer, in the
southwestern part of the town. He is descended from the Branford Pond
family. Children :

1. Lucy E., b. Dec. 24, 1850, m. Edward 4. Frances G., b. April 16, 1859.
S. Andrus, Feb. 5, 1871, and has ch., 5. Frederick R., b. Jan. 9, 1862.
Julia I.,b. Jan.4, 1872, HattieL.b. Nov. 6. Willis L., b. April 19, 1864.
9, 1873. 7. Miles A., b. Dec. 8, 1866.

2. Norman R., b. May 27, 1853. 8. Lewis H., b. June 14, 1868.

3. Mary E., b. Oct. 17, 1856. 9. Elijah R., b. May 5, 1S72.

POND, Prescott, m. Eliza, dau. of Harvey Palmer ; lived in Wolcottville.
Children :

1. William, d. in Ohio. 4. Charles, living in Newington.

2. George, d. in New Britain. 5. Adaline, m. Brockway, lives in

3. Emily, m. Westover, of Litchfield. 111.

756

History of Torrington.

POND, Preston, m. Esther Wheadon Apr. 27, 1814. Child:
I. Lucia, b. March 5, 1815.

POTTER, Ambrose, brother of Daniel from Farmington, m. Abigail

Seward April 8, 1805, both said to have been of Torrington at the time.
{Tozvn Rec.^ Cliildren:
I. Adelia, b. June 14, 1805. 1. Lucius F., b. Aug. 27, 1808.

POTTER, Daniel, said to have been from Farmington, m. Mealy Johnson
Jan. 24, 1792. He removed to Johnstown, N. Y., but in connection with
his brother built the first store building in Wolcoitville south of the bridge on
Main street, and the first house where the American House now stands, and
another dwelling on Litchfield street. He also atterwards purchased a farm or
more in the southwest part of the town.

PULVER, Hiram, son of Cornelius M^ Pulvcr, of Copake, Columbia Co.,
N. Y., b. Dec. I, 1824, learned his trade in Salisbury, m. 1st Mary S. Hub-
bard, of Salisbury, March 9, 1847. She d. in 1848. He m. 2d, March 18,
1849, Jane, daughter of David R. Kimberly of Wolcoitville, formerly of Guil-
ford. He lived in WolcottviJle, some two years after his 2d m., and then
went to California, in 185 i, when he remained over two years at first mining,
afterwards at his trade and did quite well. On returning home he established
himself at Wrightville, in the trade of carriage and wagon making. Children
by 1st wife :

1. Stanley, b. Dec. 18, 1842 m. Mary, dau.
of Martin Drake, Oct. 2, 1872, and re-
sides in Ancram, Columbia Co., N. Y.

By 2d wife :

2. Albert Henry, b. Dec. 22, 1851. 4. Hudson J., b. Dec. 24, i860.

3. Helen Frances, b. Jan. 5, 1856, d. July 5. Frank Augustus, b. Apr. 22, 1866.
15, 1864.

R.'\Y, Timothy, m. Lovicy Richards, Sept. 15, 1784, and lived in New-
field. Children :

1. Rachel, b. Dec. 26, 1784. 3. Lovicy, b. June 20, 1788.

2. Abigail, b. Nov. 23, 1786. 4. Abner, b. Apr. 9, 1791.

REED, George Daniel, was b. in Cornwall, and came to Torringford, where
he bought a farm which he kept nearly two years, and then sold it and bought
the Frank Whiting place and afterward he bought the George Whitirg place,
on the west side of the town near Luman Loomis's place; m. ist, Eliza Davison,
2d, Irene Malory, 3d, Julia Sawyer. He resided in Torrington, two or three
years and then settled on the George Whiting farm, where he d. in 1873.
Children by ist wife :
I. Samuel Davison, b. Nov. 14, 1846. 2. Franklin Harvey, b. Mar. 14, 1847.

By 2d wife :

3. Edward Daniel, b. June 11, 1852.

By 3d wife :

4. Ida Estelle, b, Sept. 17, 1861.

I. Samuel D., son of George D. and Eliza (Davison) Reed, m. Ledelia,
daughter of Henry Kimberly, of Goshen, Sept. i, 1867, and lives on his father's
homestead. Children :

5. Fannie Walker, b. Mar. 26, 1869. 8. Holly Elbert, b. Feb. 19 1872.

6. Edith Mills, b. M.iy 25, 1870. 9. Harry Julian, d. July 30, 1877.

7. Mabel Eliza, b. Oct. 2, 1871.

Genealogies. 757

3. Edward D.,son of George D., and Irene (Malory) Reed, m. Nellie Eno,
of Simsbury, Feb. 7, 1873. She wash. Aug 22, 1855. He is a farmer and
resides on his father's homestead with his brother. Child :
10. Nellie Irene, b. Feb. 20, 1864.

RICE, Franklin, son of Alexander Rice of North Bridge, Mass., was b.
Oct. 6, 1834, m. Mav 4, 1859, Sophia, dan. of Asa Spaulding of Strafford,
Conn. She was b. Dec. 7, 1838. Mr, Rice came to Torrington Jan. i8,
1864, and entered upon work in the scythe shop in Wrightville. Children:

1. Ellis Alexander, b. July 16, i860, d. 3. Hattie Elizabeth, b. Feb. 11, 1864.
Aug. 18, i860. 4. George Levi, Sept. i, 1868.

2. Franklin Ellsworth, b. Nov. 17, 1862, 5. Cyius Wm., b. Oct. 26, 1872.
d. Aug. 4, 1863. 6. Charles D., b. Nov. 30, 1876.

Daniel and .Anna Rice. Child :

I. William, b. Oct. 26, 1798.

ROBERTS, Henry, was born in Windsor, Conn., in 1758, and m. Mary
Latimer Apr., 1784; who was b, at Windsor Mar. 24, 1765. The tradition
of this family is that it is of French descent ; that it left France at the lime of
the St. Bartholomew massacre ; that the name was De Roberts, with the ac-
cent on the last syllable, and from England they came to Boston and thence to
Windsor. Mr. Roberts with his wife and one child settled in Torringford, in
the Green woods, as then called, in 1786, where he cleared and worked a farm
and where he died April 7, 18 13. His widow Mary died Aug. 1854, aged
89 years. Children :

1. Henry, b. Aug. 31, 1785, at Windsor. 5. Sarah, b. Sept. 5, 1793, d. Dec. 10, 1794.

2. Mary (Polly), b. Feb. 12, 1787, in Tor- 6. Pelatiah, b. Oct. 24, 1795, d. 1868, m.
ringford, m. Wm. Wilson, and had Al- Sarah Judd, of Canaan, had 7 children,
mira, Henry, Horatio, Lorenson, Eliza- Rev. W. H. Roberts is one.

beth. She d. Jan. 11, 1871, a. 83. He 7. Sylvester, b. Feb. 12, 1797, d. May 5,

d. July 8, 1873, 3- ^7- iS45> f"- Mrs. Amelia Cook of Win-

3. Barzillai, b. April 19, 1789, m. Chester, had one child.

4. George, b. June 30, 1791, m. Eliza 8. Willard, b. Nov. 9, 1804, m.

Judd of Canaan, had children, Willard, Dayton, of Tor., d. in West Virginia, in

Mary, Edward, Ann. He. d. Dec. 20, 1874 or 5.

1869. She d. Sept. 21, 1870.

1. Henry, son of Henry and Mary (Latimer) Roberts, m Chloe Burr Oct.
14, 1805, and lived on his father's homestead. His wife, Chloe, d. in March,
1826. He d. Sept. 5, 1865, aged 80 years. Children:

9. Allen Burr, b. Sept. 24, 1806, m. children, Henry R., b. Feb. 19, 1833;

10. Sarah, b. July 8, i8c8, m. Enos F. Rich- Luman, b. Sept. 26, 1835; Byron, b.
ards, Dec. 24, 1832, and removed to Sept. 29, 1837; Frank, b. July 2, 1842;
Wisconsin, where he d. Sept. 18, 1872, Horton, b. May 24, 1844; Robert, b.
and his wife Sarah, d. March 13, 1863, June I4» 1846.

their children were, Henry A., b. May 12. Nelson, b. Sept. 12. 18 14, m.

16, 1834J Hobert A., b. Aug. 7, 1636; 13. Adah, b. April 22, 1820, m. Joseph

Wilbert B., b. June 7, 1741 ; Ema £ , Wooster of Goshen, Oct. 20, 1840, and

b. March 26, 1848; Ellen E., b. 11, had children, Charlotte L., b. Jan. 17,

1849; d. in 1849; Charles L., b. Aug. 1845 ; Joseph F., b. Feb., 16, I 850 ; Nel-

22, 1850. lie S., b. S. b. Jan. 7, 1857; Jennie A.,

11. Emeline, b. Jan. 15, 181 1, m. Sylvanus b. Jan. 2, 1859.
Pease, of Winsted in July 1832, and had

3. Barzillai, son of Henry and Mary (Latimer) Roberts, m. Almira
Humphrey in 1812, and removed to Ohio where he d. in 1872, and his wife,
Almira, d. Feb. 17, 1871. Children:

758

History of Torrington.

14. Harriet M., b. Jan. 29, 1813, m. Lovehndin O ,in 1839, d. Oct. 22, 185 3.
Erastus N. Graham, d. July 31, 1844. 16. Milo, b. Feb. 15, 1818, m. Sarah J.

15. Cyrus H., b. Oct. 13, 18 15, m. Julia Norton in 1843, lives in New Hartford.

9. Allen B., son of Henry and Chloe (Burr) Roberts, m Marrha Cook,
of Torringford, Nov 9, 1840. Children:
17. Chloe, b. July 21, 1843. 18. Allen J., b. Aug. 28, 1845.

12. Nelson, son of Henry and Chloe (Burr) Roberts, m., ist, Charlotte,
dau. or Ralsamon Loomis of Charlestown, O., Sept. 24, 1841. She d. June
I, 1858. He m., 2d, Chloe, sister of his first wife, June 6, 1859. He re-
sides in Vineland, N. J. (^See Biog.) Children by ist wife:

19. Harvey L., b. Oet. 20, 1843, ^- ^°- Frank, b. Apr. 12, 1849.

19. Harvey L., son of Nelson and Charlotte (Loomis) Roberts, m. Emily,
dau. of Hiram and Catharine (Fyler) Perkins.

ROBERTS, Joel, lived in Torringford. Ciiildren :

1. Nama, b. Sept. 26, 1760. 4. Chloe, b. Apr. 15, 1765.

2. Samuel, b. Jan. 26, 1762. 5. Joel, b. June 16, 1772.

3. Judah, b. Sept. 13, 1763.

ROBERTS, Abel, was b. Nov. 27, 1762, in Middletown. His brother
Squire Roberts, was a prominent man in Middletown. Abel Roberts came to
Torrington a young man, after having been a soldier some time in the Revo-
lution, where his health failed. He taught school in Torrington ; m. Sally,
dau. of Roger Loomis, May 11, 1789. He went to Schenectady and taught
school some years in that part of New York state. In 1801, he returned to
Torrington; bought a home near what was then called the centre district, and
where his son-in-law, Ephraiin Fellows, now resides. When he was quite
aged he taught school in the school house opposite his own dwelling. He d.
Jan. 20, 1834. His widow d. Feb. i, 1850. Children:

1. Harvey, b. Oet. 25, 1791, he was a 4. Sabra, b. Nov. 2, 1802, m. E. Fellows,
printer, and d. May 1827 at Hartford. Nov. 2, 1825.

2. William T., b. Mar. 5, 1794, d. June, 5. Flora E., b. Dec. 26, 1810, d. June 12,
1822, lung difficulty. 1832.

3. Laura, b. Feb. 5, 1798, d. Nov. 8, 1839,
lung difficulty.

ROBERTS, Rev. Nathaniel, from Simsbury, m. ist, Margaret, dau. of
Rev. Jonathan Marsh, of Windsor ; she d. Oct. 1, 1747, 2d, Esther, dau. of
Aaron Loomis, Nov. 7, 17^8. He d. March 4, 1776. (See Bhgrapby.)
His widow Esther, d. Feb. 6, 1783, a. 54. Child:
I. Margaret, b. June 5, 1759, m. Samuel Cumings.

George P., was b. in Litchfield, South Farms, in 1811 ; was in Torrington
a little time, then engaged in the lumber business in St. Louis, Mo., and while
thus engaged he in. Annis M Allyn, of Wolcottville, May 15, 1842, and re-
mained there some twenty-three years. He engaged on the Pacific and St,
Louis rail road, and sold the first ticket on that road ; was afterwards made
paymaster on the road which office he held about twenty years, or until he re-
turned to Wolcottville, in 1865, where he purchased the old Samuel Beach
place west of the village ; enlarged his dwelling and fitted up the barn and other
buildings in good style and seemed to have every thing ready for living when
he closed his earthly life Feb. 16, 1875. ^'^ ^^'^^ ^ member of Dr. Potts's
church in St. Louis and a regular worker in the Sunday sciiool. Children :
I. Mary Jane, d. 2. George A., b. 1847, d. Apiil 12, 1863.

Genealogies. 759

ROGERS, HiLAN M., son of Orlando Rogers, was b. in Michigan Jan. lo,
1838. So far as is known his ancestors were : Isaac Rogers who removed from
New Jersey to Fishkill, Dutchess Co., N. Y., where his son joe) was b. about
1770. Joel Rogers removed to Nonh East, Dutchess Co., about 1775, and d.
there in 18515. Orlando Rogers, son of Joel, was b. at North East in 18 10,
and d at Bridgeport, Conn., in 1871. Mr. Hilan M. Rogers m. |ofephine,
dan. of Geo. A. Hoyt of .-^nsonia, Jan. 26, 1870, and resides in Wolcottville ;
is ticket agent at Naugatuck depot, and has a coal yard at the same place. Ch. :
William H., b. Oct. 16, 1872.

ROOD, MosES, m. Sarah Loomis Jan. 5, 1768 ; both of Torrington, and
settled in Torriagtord. Children :

1. Sarah, b Oct. 26, 1768. 5. Hannah, b. Feb. 16, 1779.

2. Amos, b. Jan. 3, 1772. 6. Moses, b. June 12, 1681.

3. Lydia, b. June 12, 1774. 7. Aaron, b. Nov. 17, 1784.

4. Mary, b. Oct. 17, 1776. 8. Lorrain, b. May 27, 1787.

Ebenezek, m, Rhoda Loomis Sept. 6, 1770, both of Torrington. Children :

3. Isaac, b. Sept. 10, 1771, d. away fiom 9. Anne, b. May 28, I780, m. Elisha

home. Wetmoie, d. in Ohio.

6. Rhoda, b. Apr. 6, 1774. 10. Eunice, b. July 24, 1783.

7. Ebenezer, b. Mar. 27, 1776, m. 11. Amanda.

8. John, b. May 10, 1778, m. Abigail 12. Calvin.
Hewitt.

7. Ebenezer, son of Ebenezer and Rhoda (Loomis) Rood, m. Aurelia A.
Loomis. She was b. Nov. 8, 1788, and d. Nov. 14, 1843. He d. Apr. 26,
1851. Children:

13. Harvey L., b. Oct. 31, 1818, m. 15. Rufus, b. Apr. 10, 1822. d. Nov. 13,

14. Ann A., b. Mar. 15, 1820, m. Ezra D. 1874.

Pratt of North Cornwall about 1846, had 16. Ebenezer H., d. in infancy.
Dwight M., and Hattie J. 17. Ebenezer H., b. Sept. 29, 1825.

13. Harvey L, son of Ebenezer and Aurelia (Loomis) Rood, m. Susan
M. Humphrey of Guilford, N. Y., Oct. 15, 1848. Children:

18. Charles G. Rood, adopted son, m. Mary 1873.

F., dau. of R. W. Griswold, Nov. 12, 19. Anna J. Rood, adopted dau.

17. Ebenezer H., son of Ebenezer and Aurelia (Loomis) Rood, m. Melissa
Budd of Farmington, 111., Dec. 15, 1849. Children:

20. Ellen. 24. Hattie.

21. Isabel. 25. Dwight.

22. John. 26. Melissa.

23. Ida.

RICHARDS, Capt. Eli, came from Wethersfield, and settled in Newfield,
kept a tavern ; was a prominent man in that part of the town, a number of
years. Child :
I. Elizabeth, b. Apr. 16, 1785. One dau.

is said to have m. a lawyer in Winchester.

He may have had. other children.

RICHARDS, John, m. Rachel . Children :

I. Samuel, b. Aug. 5, 1776. 2. Alpheus, b. Aug. 26, 1778.

ROSE, Daniel, of Branford, Ct., removed to Wolcott, where he d. Ch. :

1. Hannah, b. 1773. 5- Chandler.

2. Sally. 6. Rensselaer.

3. Bela. 7. Betsey, b. 1791.

4. Daniel.

760

History of Torrington.

3. Bela, son of Daniel, m. Mary Brockett and lived and d. in Wolcott.

He lost both hands in a wool picking machine in Plymouth hollow. Children :

8. Charles. 13. Daniel, ir..

9. Augustus, b. May 28, 1812. 14. Jane, m. Moses.

10. Rebecca, m. Asahel Thomas. 15. Henry, m. Harriet Seeley.

11. Mary, m. John Payne. 16. Bela, m. Amanda ToJd.

12. Jesse B., b. Jan. 10, 1821.

12. Jesse B., son of Bela and Mary (Brockett) Rose, m., 1st, Perlina Hart,
2d, Mrs. Harriet Griswold of Goshen. Children :

17. Edwin C, b. May 17, 1844, ^- Mattie 19. Willie A., b. Aug. 22, 1852.

E. Hamilton Nov. 26, 1870 j had Edwin His second wife has a son Frederick H.
H., b. April 19, 1872. Griswold b. May 4, 1862.

18. Wallace A., b. Dec. 16, 1848, d. Feb.
16, 1850.

ROSSITER, Newton, a tanner in Burrville, m. Maria , and about

1827 or 8, removed to Ohio. Children :

1. Luther, b. June 19, 1813. 4. Charlotte, b. Mar. 23, 1819.

2. Amos H., b. Mar. 20, 1815. 5. Adaline, b. Feb. 11, 1821.

3. Harriett Newell, b. Mar. 10, 1817. 6. Gilbert, b. Feb. 9, 1823.

ROWLEY, Samuel, came from Windsor, Ct., and m. Catharine, daughter
of Silas Fyler, in 1770 He was b about 1745, ^"^ settled half a mile east of
the Newfield meeting houses ; his house is still standing a little south of Harlow
Fyler's homestead. Children :

1. James, b., paobably in Winchester, d. in farmer and surveyor, no children.
Winchester. 7. Sabra, b. Apr., 1782, m. John Merchant

2. Samuel, b. May 22, 1772, m. at Ballston, N. Y.

3. Jairus, b. Apr. 6, 1774, m. Rachel Acatt. 8. Pamelia, b. Mor., 1784.

4. Melinda, b. 1776, m. Daniel Olcott. 9. Nathan, b. Apr. 2, 1786. m. Catharine

5. Rachel, b. Oct. 12, 1777, m. Abner Fyler, Feb. 3, 1810, had two children who
Perkins, Apr. 30, 1806. d. young. He and his wife d. nearly the

6. Stephen, b. Feb. 9, 1780, m. Roxy same time at Tyringham, Mass.
Whiting, Dec. 23, 1808. He was a

2. Samuel Jr., son of Samuel and Catherine Fyler Rowley, m. Mary Mer-
rill, Feb. 26, 1801, and settled in Winchester, in 1806, near Colebrook line,
and d. in i85'4. Children:

10. Calvin, d. in Illinois. 13. Edwin, twin.

11. Eliza, m. Orrin Freeman of Winchester. 14. Edwin, twin, of Colebrook.

12. Lucia J., of Colebrook in 1858, d. in 15. Mary, twin, m. Miller.

111., about 1859. 16. Maria, twin, m. Darwin Smith.

S.AGE, Martin L , of Berlin, came to Torrington, about 1823, m, Huldah
Sanford of Rocky Hill ; was a tanner and shoemaker. Removed to Ohio,
about June, 1829, had son Luther, b. in Torrington, removed with his father
to Huntington, Lorain Co., O. ^

Linus, lived where David Evans does,' and then built the little house now
occupied by Loomis Beach. He d. where Henry Allyn lived on the hill west
of George Allyn's. Children:

1. Harriet. 3. Charles.

2. Caroline. 4. Homer.

SCOVILLE, Stephen, of East Haddam, bought sevcntv-five acres of land
in Harwinton and gave it to his son Ezckicl. on account of his love and good
will, October 9, 1735. This Ezekiel Scoville m. Mindwcll Barber, of Windsor,

Genealogies. 761

Oct. 23, 1740, and lived on the land given him by his father, in Harwinton,
and had the foliowing children. Children :

1. Mindwell, b. Sept. 26, 1742, m. Eli 5. Joseph, b. July 21, 175 1, m. Abigail, dau
Wilson, March, 15, 1 762. ot Dei. John Wilson.

2. Ezekiel, b. Jan. 5, 1744, m, Rebecca 6. Sarah, b. July 6, 1754.
Thompson, Aug. 4, 1766. 7. Mary, b. May i, 1757.

3. Keziah, b. Feb. 28, 1746, m. 8. Hannah, b. Oct. 7, 1762.

4. Dau. b. Oct. 10, 1748.

3. Ezekiel, son of Ezekiel and Mindwell (Barber) Scoville, m. Rebecca
Thompson, of Harwinton, Aug. 4, 1766. Children:

9. Daniel, b. April 27, 1767. 14. Joseph T., b. June 6, 1777, m.

10. Abner, b. May 4, 1769. 15. Conant, b. May 27, 1779, m.

11. Ashcr, b. Sept. 17, 1771, m. Sally 16. Roswell, b. March 11, 1782, m. Anna
Brooker, of Torringcon. Ames.

12. Ezek:e!, b. Jan 17, 1773, m. Sabra, 17. Chloe, June 6, 1784, m. Ammon
dau. ot Daniel Wilson. Wilson.

13. Steplien, b. June 8, 1775, m. 18. Levi, m. Statira Johnson.

9. Joseph, son ot Ez.-kicl and Mindwell (Barber) Scoville, m. Abigail, dau.
of Dca. John Wilson, of Harwinton, Oct. 20, 1771. Children:

19. Abigail, b. May 12, 1772. 22. Mary, b. July 4, 1779.

20. Jose|>h, b. June 8, 1774, m Lucina 23. Mindwell, b. Dec. 13, 1781, d. April
Coe, Torringtoid. 7, 1784.

21. John, b. 1777, m. 24. Champion, b. June 12, 1784, m.

12. Ezekiel, son of Ezekiel and Mindwell (Thompson) Scoville, m. S^bra,
dau. of Daniel S. Wilson, of Harwinton, settled on a farm below Wolcottville,
now owned by Frederic L. Taylor ; removed to Camden, Ostego Co., N. Y.,
with most of his family. Children:

25. Russell, m. 30. Linus, m. Jane Snow, of Ashford.

26. Fanny, m. Jeremiah Bailey, in Camden. 31. Sabra, m. Warner Penfield, in Camden.

27. John Wilion, m. 32. Riley.

28. Joel Warner, m. Lovicey . 33. Sidney, lives in Woodbury.

29. Nelson. 34. Watson, m. in Camden.

2 1. John, son of Joseph and Abigail (Wilson) Scoville, m. Chloe Brooker ;
was a merchant in Wolcottville. Children:

35. Mindwell, m. ist, Dr. Peter Beardsley, wlio d. and she m. id. Dr. Jeremiah W. Phelps.

25. Russell Wilson, son of Ezekiel and Sabra (Wilson) Scoville, removed
with his father to Camden, m. Harriet Preston, Dec. 5, 1830, d. April 10,
1844 ; had five children.

27. John W., son of Ezekiel and Sabra (Wilson) Scoville, m. Martha, dau.
of Amos Wilson Jr., Oct. 17, 1873. He d. March 4, 1832. Children:

36. Charles Wilson, b. Mar. 26, 1836, m. 40. Frank Russell, b. Aug. 13, 1844.

37. George Warner, b. Oct. 31, 1837, 41. Mary Irene, b. Sept. 19, 1846, d. Mar.
removed to III., m. and had three ch. 29, 1862.

38. Martha Jane, b. Dec. 13, 1839, m. 42. Wai ner Penfield, b. May 4, 1852, m.
John N. Wetmore of Winchester. Eva A. Newbury, June 7, 1876, and has

39. John Riley, b. Aug. 5, 1841. Grace M., b. Oct. 18, 1877.

36. Charles W., son of John W. and Martha (VVilson) Scoville, m, March
4, i860, Mary S., daughter of Chaunccy Potter of Harwinton. She was b.
Aug. 16, 1844, d. Aug 29, 1876. Children:

43. Jenn'e May, b. May 8, 1861.

44. Addie Sophia, b. Jan. i, 1865, d. Apr.
29, 1871.

762 History of Torrington.

40. Frank R., son of John W. and Martha (Wilson) Scoville, m. Lettie
E,, daughter of Junius Scoville, 111., Jan. 26, 1869. She wash. Oct. 12,
1830. Children:
45. Charles Junius, b. June 19, 1870. 46. Bertha Jane, b. July 14, 1872.

SEYMOUR, Samuel, b. in Watertown, Ct., m. Mchitable Dayton of
Watertown. Some of his children were : i,Saniucl; 2, James H.; 3, Truman:
Samuel, Jr., came to Wolcotcville a young man, and m. Lura, dau. of Joseph
Taylor, in 1812. He was a carriage maker; d. in Watertown. His widow
is still living, and to her the author of this book is much indebted for informa-
tion concerning many things, that otherwise could not have been written. Ch.:

1. Julia, b. May 22, 1813, m. Samuel 4. Eliza, b. May 25, 1820, m. Lyman
Brooker May 1834. W. Coe, Nov. 3, 1841.

2. Maria, b. Oct. 21, 1815, m. Martin 5. Frederick J., b. Oct. 24, 1824, m.
Brooker.

3. Mary, b. Mar. 14, 1818, m. ist Daniel
Robertson, 2d, Samuel Burr.

2. James H., son of Samuel, Sr., m. Flora H. Hudson in 1835. He was
a carriage maker; d. at Wolcottville Nov. 5, 1872. Children:

6. Charles H., b. Apr. 26, 1837, m. 1st Mary win J., b. Feb. 10, 1871.

Judd, 2d Mrs. Susan Isbell, Jan. 3, 1869, 7. Charlotte H., b. Mar. 5, 1843, m. Uri
has Alice E., b. Oct. 11, 1865 ; and Ed- Church in 1868.

3. Truman, son of Samuel, Sr., m. Clarissa Bancroft ; lived in Wolcottville.
Child:

8. George.

5. Frederic J., son of^ Samuel and Lucy (Taylor) Seymour, m. Florintine
M. Migeon Aug. 28. 1849 ; resides in Wolcottville. {See Biog.') Children:

9. Frederick H., is a law student in De- 11. Russell A., d. Nov. 14, 1856.
troit, Mich. 12. Kittle £.

10. Marie L.

SHELDON, Remembrance, of Windsor, had children :

1. Elisha, b. Feb. 29, 1710. 3. Ep.iphras, b. Sept. 4, 1726.

2. Jerusha, b. Nov. 27, 1722. 4. Remembrance, b. Oct. 23, 1728.

3. Epaphras, son of Remembrance, of Windsor, m. Eunice Allyn, April
30, 1752, and lived in Windsor. She was sister to the first Joseph Allyn, in
this town. Ciiildrcn :
5. Epaphras, b. Aug. 2, 1753, settled in Tor. 6. Allyn, b. July 30, 1755, d. Feb. 4, 1762.

5. Gen. Epaphras, son of Epaphras and Eunice (Allyn) Siicldon, came to
Torrington. about 1769, and m. Hannah Lyman, of Goshen, Nov. 17, 1774,
and built his hous?, across the road cast from Eben.'z?r Lyman's, a little north
where he kept a ta\crn until he bi.iilt a large dwelling tor a tavern at the south-
west corner of the town, afterwards owned by Timothy Childs. Gen. Sheldon,
was one of the most prominent business men in the town in his time; became
general of the state militia. Mrs. Sheldon was a very fine looking, intelligent
woman ; always called in her later days. Lady Sheldon. Children:

7. Daniel, b. Aug. 13, 1781. 10. Allyn, b. July 20, 1786.

8. Samuel Lyman, b. Nov. 16, 1782. II. Will am, b. Dec. 12, 1788.

9. Esther, b. March i, 1784. 12. Henry, b. Oct. 27, 1791.

SHELDON, Job, was agent in the cotton factory in Torrington hollow. He
had a family and removed to New Milford.

Genealogies. 763

SHELTON, William P., son of William N., and Harriet Shelton, of
Woodbury, m. Mahalia A. Saiiford, of Roxbiiry, Aug. 12, 1861, and settled
on the Child's place, in the southwest corner of the town, in 1865, where he
still resides. Besides attending to the farm he is engaged in the cabinet busi-
ness at Litchfield. His widowed mother resides with him. This house is
located on a hill of considerable eminence, and with the maple trees, one
hundred and twenty-five in number, standing on each side of the highway, is
one of the most imposing appearing country homesteads in the countrv. The
trees are not full grown, but shade the road from fence to fence, and but illus-
trates, what might be the piciuresque appearance of the whole town, if the in-
habitants had spirit and ambition to this eftjct ; and every farmer would be the
richer if he did his part of such a work. Child:

I. Edward M., b. Oct. 3, 1868.

SHERMAN, Rev. Henry M.artyn, son of Charles H. and Lvdia (Crow-
foot) Sherman, was b. June 26, 1838, at Bridgeport, and m. Maria L, dau.
of John Baker, of Bridgeport, April 30, 1868. She was b. May 24, 1837;
and attended school at the Young Ladies seminary at Bridgeport. He is pastor
of the Episcopal church and resides on Migeon avenue. Children :
I. Margaret Lydia, b. Dec. 24, 1870. 2. Mary Benson, b. April 22, 1873.

SMITH, Nathaniel, was b. in Milford, Ct., in 1785, and came to Tor-
ringtord, in 1806, and was clerk in-the store of William Battell two or three
years. He went into mercantile business for himself at Torringford in the store
which he built and which is still standing on the northeast corner of the old
turnpike and Torringford street, in 1809, and continued in business in the same
5tnre until his death June 26, 1854, a period of forty-six years. He m. Har-
riet, dau. of Daniel Winchell in 1809, Shed, at Wolcottville, in Nov., 1861,
a. 79 years. He was appointed post master in 1812, and held the office with-
out interruption forty-two years, a case, probably, without parallel in this country.
Mr. Smith was a very upright and careful business man. Children :

1. Harriet. 3. Charlotte.

2. Charles B., b. 1810.

2. Charles B., son of Nathaniel and Harriet (Winchell) Smith, m. Eliza-
beth, daughter of Eli Ensign, of Sheffield, Mass., Dec. 18, 1839. She was b.
March g. 1814. He was a merchant in Wolcottville, and d. March 31,
l86i. {See BiogrnphyS) Children:

4. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 3, 1840; is a music 6. Isabell, b. Sept. 10, 1851, m. Oct. 21,
teacher in Great Barrington, Mass. 1873, John M. Hopson of Bridgepert,

5. Alice B., b. Apr. 25, 1842, m. Edward afterwards editor of the Vallev Index of
Robinson of Rockville, Ct., had son Waterbury ; she d. June I, 1876.
Charles L., b. Nov. 19, 1866, d. June

I, 1867.

SMITH, Elisha, Esq., was b. in Farmington, Ct., Aug. 14, 1751, and
came to Torrington a young man and m. Lucy, dau. of Aaron Loomis, Nov.
25» '773- He was for many years one of the most prominent men in the
town. {See Bwg.) He d. Jan. 9, 18 13, aged 62. His widow d. at Gene-
ral Abernethy's in Wolcottville; a fine woman, of noble character, and posses-
sed great memory. She d. in 1847, a. 91. Children :

1. Elisha, b. July 19, 1775, d. Aug. 9, 1776. 3. Almira, b. Jan. 12, 1780, d. April 21,

2. Orrel, b. Jan. 30, 1778, m. Russell C. 1781.
Abernethy, Sept. 17, 1803.

764 History of Torrincton.

SMITH, Aaron', lived a little north of Elisha Smith's, but whether related
to that family or not is not known. Children :

1. Hannah. 3. Aaron.

2. Elizabeth. 4. Dennis.

SMITH, Rev. Sidney K-, son of Solomon and .Abigail (Ketcham) Smith,
was b. at Huntington, Long Island, March 14, 1838. He is pastor of the
M. E. church, in his third year, and resides on Prospect street. (^See Biog^
He m. Mary Frances, adopted dau. of William F. and Lydia VV. (Uovvej
Barnard of Marlboro, Mass., Sept. 13, 1865. Children.

1. William Barnard, b. June 22, 1866. 4. Mary Louise, b. March 29, 1S77.

2. Frank Sidney, b. Nov. 9, 1868. Helen Gertrude Ketcham, b. Oct. 12, 1856,

3. Ernest Ketcham, b. Oct. 28, 1873. has lesided in this family twelve years.

SMITH, Ch.'^rles R., son of James H. Smith of Litchfield, m. Mary, dau.
of Ira Thrall, Feb 29, 1872, and resides on the homestead ol' his wife's father,
in the southwest part of the town. Child :

1. Julia, b. April 22, 1873.

SMITH, Alonzo D., was b. in New Britain, Ct., May 22, 1836 ; came
to Wolcotiville in 1849 ; m., ist, Manha Haight, who d. in 1872, and hem.,
2d, Sarah Losee in 1874 ; has been engaged with the Union Hardware com-
pany since 1865. Child by ist wh^e :

Estelle F., b. Nov. 3, 1859.

SMITH, Ebenezer, m. Hannah . Children :

1. Ebenezer, b. Apr. 18, 1763. 6. Miles, b. Sept. 11, 1775.

2. Hann.ih, b. July 21, 1765. 7. Saiah, b. Nov. 8, 1777.

3. Jesse, b. Oct. 28, 1766. 8. Koiman, b. Auir. 7, 1782.

4. Ira, b. Jan. 14, 1769. 9. Dolly, b. Nov. 20, 1787.

5. Joseph, b. Oct. 29, 1773.

SOPER, John, m. Phebe Moore, Jan. 30, 1730, and lived in Windsor,
Ct. Children :

1. Phtbe, b. Sept. 19, 1731. 5- David, b. Dec. 15, 1738, settled in Tor.

2. John, b. May 15, 1733. 6. Abigail, b. May 6, 1741.

3. Joel, b. Feb. I, 1734, settled in Tor. 7. Timothy, b. Aug. 12, 1742, settled in

4. Elizabeth, b. Oct. 31, 1736. Tor.

3. Dr. Joel, was a physician and practiced a short time in Torringford,
then removed 10 Vernon, Oneida Co., N. Y.

5. David, son of John, of Windsor, settled in Torringford a few rods north
of the first meeting house, where he kept a tavern quire a number ofycars, and
was a man of considerable busine:s abilhy ; bought and sold land ; built saw
mills and had considerable influence in the town. He m. Rachel, dau. ot Dea.
John Cook Jan. 26, 1764. Children:

8. Olive, b. July 23, 1768. Bissell Jan. 22, 1789.

9. Rachel, b. April 12, 1772, m. Elijah 10. Naomi, b. May 9, 1774, d. July 2, 1774.

SPENCER, Asa, from New Hartford, lived first in Torrington hollow,
where Mr. Wait Wilson now resides, but afterwards removed to a vacant house
with about one acre of land on Torrington hill, near where Mr. Lyman R.
Pond now resides. This house and land were never claimed by any one, and

by law became the property of the Spencer family after the expiration ot

years' possession. Children :

Genealogies. 765

1. Miles, d. n. 62, not m. now over 85 years of age.

2. Thedj, m. Hemy Pond. 4. Roxv, never m.

3. Foliy, m. 'J'rum.iii Hare of Colebrook or 5. Millicent, m. Solomon Barker, lived east

Norfolk. Her dau., Lucy Hart, m. of Wolcottville, where she died.

Wilcox, and went witii him as a missionary 6. Lucy, m. Lyman Pond.

to the Sandwich Islands, where they re- 7. Frederick, b. 1802 or 3, removed to Nova
mained 35, or 6 years and returned, and Scotia, d. Jan. 7, 1877 ^- 74-

botii died a few days after they reached 8. Julia, d. in 1849.
Colebrook. The widow Folly Hart, is

SPERRY, RicH.^RD, m. Rachel Ray, March 10, 1807; lived a little west
of the Lyman place. Children :

1. Laura, b. Feb. 20, 1808. 5. Lucy, b. March 31, 1818, m. Ira Thrall.

2. Lewis, b. March 24, 1809. 6. Lovise, b. May 27, 1820.

3. Albert, b. May 4, 18 11. 7. Samuel, b. Dec. 20, 1822.

4. Homer, b. May 31, 181 5.

ST. JOHN, Dr. Bela, m. Marv A. Hodges, Georgetown, Ct., Dec. 29,
1850. Child:

I. Abbie Etta.

STARKS, Thomas A., son of Roger Starks, of Winchester, m. Flora P.,
dau. of Noah Drake, Jr., May 20, I 840, and settled on her lather's homestead,
it being the old Silas Fyler place, in Newficld. Children :

1. Octavia, b. Oct. 19, 1840, m. John 5. Roger S., b. Aug. 23, 1845, "^- ^lla
Andrews; lives in Torringford, and has S. Drake, Nov. 8, 1877.

children ; Mattie, Wilber, Ernest. 6. Adaline R., b. April 21, 1847, m. Feb.

2. Hiram M., b. Nov. 5, 1841, m. Mrs. 7, 1 872, W illiam Beckley ; lives in South
Irene H. Drake, Sept. 6, l865; lives Norfolk.

next house west of his father's hoine. 7. Lucius, b. Oct. 21, 1848, d. Jan. 13,

3. Harriet A., b. Feb. 7, 1X42, m. Franklin 1848.

B. Beach, Dec. 25. 1863; lives in Win- 8. Jennie L., b. May 28, 1851.
Chester; has Lizzie and Arthur. g. Flora P , b. Feb. 14, 1854.

4. Mary Ann, b. May 25, 1843, m. Emery 10. Thomas B., b. Jan. 4, 1857.

J Johnson, Feb. 18. 1862, lives in Wallens 1 1. Lincoln F., b. June 17, i860.
Hill, north of Winsted ; has Alton J.

STEELE, George and John, brothers, b. in Essex, England, came to New
England, about 1631 or 2; settled first at Newtown, now Cambridge, Mass.;
removed to Hartford, Conn. George was made a proprietor of lands at Hart-
ford, in 1639. He was made a freetnan in Cambridge, in 1634. ; he d in ihe
year 1663, as is said "very old." There is no record of his wife but that
thcv had four children :

1. Elizabeth, m. Thomas Watts of Middle- Henderson, had a daughter.

town. 3. Richard, m. ; d. in 1 639, had children.

2. A daughter, b. in 1640, m. Harrison or 4. James, m.

4. James, son of George Steele of Hartford, m. Anna probably daughter of
John Bishop, of Guilford. She d. in 1676. Children :

5. Sarah, b. 1656, m. Samuel Borman, Jr., 8. Mary, m. Hall.

Feb. 8, 1682. 9. Elizabeth, d. unm.

6. Lieut. James, b. 1658, m. Sarah Bar- 10. Rachel, m. ist, Edward Allyn, 2d
tholomew. Demming.

7. Jolin, b. 1660, m.

7. John, son of James and Anna (Bishop") Steele, m. Melatiah, daughter of
Major William Bradford, of Plymouth. Children:

II. "John, b. 1693, d. 1712. 13. Bethia, m. May 17, 1709, Samuel

12. Ebenezer, b. 1695,01. Shepard.

766

History of Torrington.

12. Ebenezer, son of John and Mclatiah (Bradford) Steele, m. Susannah
-, of West Hartford ; removed to Killingworth, and purchased lands

Feb. 23, 1723, d. in 1746. Children

14 John, m. Christina , Feb. 4, 1785. 19. Melatiah, b. 1732, d. Apr. 23, 1760,

15. Mary, m. John Dodd. not m.

16. Daniel. 20. Capt. Bradford, b. Sept. 22, 1734, m.

17. Susanna, m. Reuben Flowers, July 14, Mary Perkins of Derby.
1747. 21. Elisha, b. about 1737, ni.

18. Huldah, m. Nathaniel Flowers, Sept.
30, 1745-

21. Elish.^, son of Ebenezer and Susannah Steele, m. Mary Merrills, .April
12, 1760 ; lived in Derby, and his wife d. at Hadley, Mass.; m. 2d, Eunice,
widow of Lieut. Pritchard. Children :

22. Mary, b. Jan. 25, 1763. 25. Lucy, b. May 28, 1769.

23. Candace, bap. Jan. 6, 1765. 26. Elisha, b. Feb. 3, 1771, lived in Water-

24. Clarissa, b. Feb. 9, 1766, m. Pomeroy ; bury and d. in 1792.
lived in Hadley, JSlass. 27. Norman, b. 1780.

27. Norman, son of Elisha and Mary (Merills) Steele, m. Hannah Spencer.
She was b. in 1778. He d. in 1822, a. 42. She d. about 1822, a. 42. Ch. :

28. Clarissa, d at the age of 12. 32. Edwin, lost at the ag". of 1 8.

29. Elisha, b. in 1803, m. Elizabeth Hines 33. Norman, b. 1813, m. Sarah Hitchcock,
of Waterbury, had Mary Ann and Henry, June 4, 1846, had Frederick P., Herbert
d. in 1875. A., and Anna E. H.

30. Mary, b. 1805, m. William H. Jones 34. Ann P., b. Oct. 18, 1814, m. Lewis
in 1825, had Sarah, Stafford, Norman S., B. Folletr, Oct. 18, d. Oct. 18, 1856, had
Caroline A., William H., and John E. Susan Maria.

31. Susan, b. 1807, m. Joseph T. Marr, d. 35. William Spencer, b. 1816, m.
in 1840, had Helen, Marion and Louise.

35. William Spencer., son of Norman and Hannah (Spencer) Steele, m.
Caroline Amelia Jones Nov. 8, 1837, and came to Wolcottville in 1839, and
was engaged in the Wadhams button shop, as overseer of the work until his
decease. He d. Jan. 22, 1857. Children:

36. Abbie A., b. Oct. 16, 1838, in Water- which he was firing into Petersburg, Va. ;
bury, m. Florimund D. F)ler, Nov. 28, was buried at Fortress Monroe.

1860J he is a lawyer, resides in Winsted. 39. Elisha J., b. June 29, 1843, m.

37. Mary, b. Dec. 19, i>'39, in Torrington, 40. Edwin S., b. Oct. 4, 1846, d. Feb. 14,
m. Willis A. Bradley, July 14, 1859, had 1855.

Carrie Isadorc, b. June 28, 1861. 41. Albert D., b. Aug. 11, 1848, d. Aug.

38. William L., b. Sept. 6, 1841, d. July 21, 1848.

14, 1864, a. 23, from wounds received by 42. George B., b. May 15, 1852.
the premature discharge of a cannon by

39. Elisha J., son of William S. and Caroline A. (Jones) Steele, m. Sophia
S. SkifF, Jan. 25, 1864. He resides in Wolcottville. Children:

43. Jennie A., b. July 30, 1866. 45. William S., b. Feb. 20, 1876.

44. Abbie A., b. Dec. 7, 1870.

42. George B., son of William S. and Caroline A. (Jones) Steele, m. Alice
Diamond, May 15, 1872. Children:
46. Flora, b. June 16, 1873.

STOCKING, Samuel J., m. Orrel, dau. of Abijah Coe, March 22, 1835.
She d. Dec. 8, 1850. He m. 2d, Mary L. Fellows, June g, 1852. Children :

1. Eliza Ann, b. June 22, 1837, d. March 4. Emma O., b Nov. 26, 1850.
30, 1852. 5. Frank L., b. Aug. 11, 1855.

2. Charlotte C, b. Nov. 27, 1839. 6. Martha E., b. Nov. 7, 1857.

3. Harvey M., b. March 23, 1843.

Genealogies. 767

Anson, m. Flora, dau. of Abijah Coe, May 15, 1825. He d. in 1857.
Children:

7. Flora E., b. June 22, 1827. 10. Phila H., b. April 2, 1836.

8. Omar C, b. Oct. 14, 1828. II. Eber N., b. Feb. 14, 1838.

9. Fanny M., b. Dec. 4, 1830.

STODD.ARD, Ebenezer, came to Torrington a young man and m. Abigail
Strong, May 6, 1785 ; lived in the southwest part of the town, south of Joseph
Fowler's. Children :
I. Phena, b. March 18, 1786. 2. Anne, b. May 8, 1787.

STOWE, Daniel, lived a few years in Torrington. Children :

1. Prudence, b. Sept. 17, 1769. 3. William, b. June 9, 1773.

2. Daniel, b. Aug. 10, 1771. 4. Polly, b. Sept. 7, 1775.

STOUGHTON, Daniel, came from Windsor, was b. Aug. 13, 1699, and
was probably, son of Capt. Thomas, son of Thomas Sen., the first of Windsor.
He m. Joanna Allyn, Sept. 3, 1730, who d. Sept. 30, 173';, in 39th year.
He was a prominent man in the organization of the Ecclesiastical Society.
Children :

1. Chloe, b. July 16, 1731. 3. Roxalena, b. Oct. 13, 1734.

2. Daniel, b. March 6, 1733.

STRONG, Jacob, son of John and Elizabeth (Warriner) Strong, m. Nov.

10. 1698, Abigail, daughter of Nathaniel Bissell, of East Windsor, Ct. His
ancestois were John, b. in 1626, son of John Strong, who came with the
Windsor company in 1630. He was a farmer and d. at East Windsor, in
1750, a. 76 years. His wife Abigail, d. March 25, 1749. Children :

1. Abigail, b. Feb. 24, 1699. 6. Nathaniel, b. Sept. i, 1712, d. Dec. 5,

2. Mindwell, b. July 19, 1701. I795> 3. 83.

3. Jacob, b. Feb. 6, 1704, m. 7. Asahel, b. May 7, 1715, m.

4. Ann, b. Jan. 8, 1708, m. Supply Strong 8. Timothy, b. 1719, lived and d. in East
of' Litchfield. Windsor.

5. Eunice, b. Aug. 17, 1710, m. Ebenezer
Thomas of Lebanon.

3. Jacob jr., son of Jacob and Abigail (Bissell) Strorg, came to Torrington,
in 1739, ''"'^ "^- Mindwell, daughter of Dea EbenczcrLyman, of Torrington,
October 29, 1741, and settled on the farm known for many years as the
Fowler place. He first built a log house, and afterward, the house now stand-
ing. Mr. Strongd. Sept. 5, I 776, a. 72, and afier his death Noah Fouler bought
the farm and occupied it all his life and his son Norman after him. Ctiildren :

9. Mindwell, b. July 28, 1742, m. Samuel 12. Experience, b. Mar. 28, 1650.

Everitt. 13. Elizabeth, b. Sept. 10, 1755, d. Jan. 2,

10. Experience, b. and d. Aug. 13, 1743. 1756.

11. Abigail, b. Jan. 27, 1746, m. May 6, 14. Mary, b. July 2, 1757, m. Richard
1^85, Ebenezer Stoddard. Leach March 23, 1775.

7. Asahel, son of Jacob and Abigail (Bissell) Strong, m. Hannah, daughter
ofDca. Ebenezer Lyman, March 20, 1749. Hannah Lyman was great aunt
to Dr. Lyman Beccher. His wife Hannah, d. Feb. 19, 1 771. He d. Nov.
I 5, 1776, a. 61. Children :

15. Asahel, b. Apr. 28, 1750. 18. Chloe, b. Dec. 4, 1763, m. David

16. Hannah, b. Nov. 30, 1753, m. John Holmes of Tor. removed to Winchester
Minor of Winchester. and thence to Russell, Mass., had a large

17. Dorcas, b. Feb. 28, 1758, m. Hezekiah family.

Beecher of Bethlehem. 19. David, b. May 31, 1768.

768

History of Torrington.

15. AsAHEL, son of Asahcl and Hannah ([yman) Strong, m. Martha, dau.
of Daniel Barber of East Windsor, Feb. 5, 1776. He was a farmer and re-
moved to Chailotte, Vt., and thence to Chesterfield, N. Y. His descendants
are scattered through central New York in great ntiinbers. He d. at Peru,
Clinton Co., N. Y., Jan. 6, 1831, a. 80. His wife d. July 21, 1820. Ch.:

ao. Philo, b. Nov. 26, 1776. 24. Selina, b. Jan. 7, 1787, m. Rev.

21. Erastus, b. Dec. 24, ijj2,d. Feb. 1834. Zacheus Palmer.

22. Theodosia, b. Aug. 5, 1781, m. Thomas 25. Mary Young, b. May 22, 1793, m.
Arthur. Hiram Foot.

23. Sophia, b. Feb. 23, 1785, m. Rev.
Daniel Haskell.

19. David, son ot Asahel and Hannah (Lyman) Strong, m. Esther, dau.
of Reuben Miner of Winchester, Aug. 28, 1794. He removed in 1802 to
New Paltz, Ulster Co., N. Y., where he and his wife died. Children:

26. Edwin Miner, b. in Winchester, July in New York, and was an alderman.
^5» '795- -^- Emerette, b. at New Paltz.

27. George D., b. in New Paltz, m., lived

STRONG, Col. John, was b. in Windsor, June 24, 1733. His father
was John Warhani Strong, ot Windsor, first cousin to Jacob and Asahcl Strong,
who were among the first settlers on the west side ot Torrington. Col. Strong
m. Sarah Strong, .Aug. I, 1758. She was b. Maich 8, 1740. He was
captain of the Torringtord military company, and as such was in the revolu-
tionary war, prob.iblv, several tours, and may have been commissioned as
colonel in a volunteer regiment, but the certainty of this is not ascertained. He
was a man ot great ofHciency in the town during the war, as well as being in
the active service in the army. His wife Sarah, d. Nov. 22, 1765. and he m.
2d, Mrs. Mercy (Root) Newell, of Farinington. She d. Sept 9, 1784, and
hem. Nov. 28, 1786, Anne Beccher, b. Oct. 20, 1746, sister of David
Beecher, of New Haven, who was the father of Rev. Dr. Lyman Beecher.
She d. June 5, 1801, without children. Hed. at Farmington, Nov. 16, 1816.
Children :

1. Eleanor, b. Jan. 22, 1759, d. Feb. 28, Henry, who d. in New York about 1840,
1762. without children.

2. John, b. May 28, 1760, m. Abigail 4. Return, b. May 4, 1764, m. Jeanette,
Prior, lived in Norfolk, Ct., where he d. dau. of Capt. Richard L. .Still, M.D., of
without children in 1846, a. 86. He left Windsor. He was a merchant in New
his property $2,500 to the town treasury, York, and died without children. She d.
still called the '-Strong Fund." in 1805.

3. Sarah, b. Nov. 24, 1761, m. Henry 5. Warham, b. Oct. 27, 1765.
Hinsdale, d. Nov. 8, 1801, leaving son

By 2d wife :

6. Eleanor, b. April 17, 177 1, m. Joel 10. Oliver, b. April 15, 1779. ^- ur.m.
Root, a dry goods merchant at New 11. Edmund, b. April 28, 1781.

Haven. Siie d. in 1853. 12. Mercy P., b. April i 5, i 784, m. Roswell

7. Stepiien, b. Nov. 6, 1772, d. April 2, Austin, of Austinburg, O., previously of
1828. New Hartford, Ct. She d. Apiil 18,

8. Elijah, b. Nov. 17, 1774, d. April 22, 1823, a. 39. He d. in 1868.
1828.

9. Pomeroy, b. April 9, 1777, d. Sept. 13,
1861.

T.ALLM.ADGE, David, son of Ichabod, was b. Dec. 31, 1775, ni. in
1796, Rebecca Bailey, b. Jan. 3, 1780, and removed to Winsted, Ct., where
all of his children were b. He was a firmer, and removed to Torrington in
1825, and settled at Torrington Centre in the old Capt. Beach house, where

Genealogies.

769

he resided three years and returned to Winsted, one year, then went to Tor-
ringford where he resided until near 1850, when he removed to Barkhamsted
March 1, 1853, a. 78. She d. Aug. 27, 1862, a. 82. Children :

9. Hiram, b. Mar., 1814, d. in 1816, by
falling into scalding water.

10. Luther, b. Mar. i, 18 16.

11. Sarah P., b. Feb. 11, 18 19, m. Caleb
Daniels, and is now living with her sister
in Plainville, Ct.

iz. Achsa, b. July 31, 1821, m. Burwell
Carter, of Wolcott, resides in Plainville, Ct.

13. James B., b. May 25, 1823, m. Esther
G. Burr, Apr. 22, 1845, was a wagon
maker in Burrville and Winsted, had :
Henrietta, b. Aug. 15, 1847 ; Alice Olive,
b. July 8, 1854.

1. Priscillj, b. Mar. i, 1797, m. Truman
Scov-ille of Winsted, now living in
Wmdsor.

2. Hylah, b. Feb. 4, 1799, d. with croup in
1806.

3. Electa, b. Mar. 9, 1801, m. Asa Reynolds
of Windsor where she resided.

4. Eliza, b. Oct. 5, 1803, m. Albro W.
Cowles of Torrington, March 5, 1828.

5. Elliot, b. March 27, 1805.

6. Hyljh, b. July I, 1807.

7. David, b. Sept. 24, 1809.

8. Austin, b. May 20, 1811, m. William
B. Wilson of Torringford ; resides in Shir-
ley, Mass.

5. Elliot, in. Emcline Tiffany of Nortlifi'.ld, resides in Barkhamsted.

7. D.AViD, m. Emcline Buell, of Litchfi;.'ld, resides in East Litchfield, near
station.

10. Luther, went to New York state where he m. and d. by a log rolling
over him, Nov. 1852.

13. J.'MviEs, m. Esther Burr, of Torringford, resides in Winsted, Ct.

TAYLOR, Stephen, of Windsor, m. ist Sarah Hosford, Nov. i, 1642 ;
m. 2d, Elizabeth Newel, Oct. 25, 1649, who d. Dec. 14, 1717; he d. Sept.
1668. Children:

1. Stephen, b. March 11, 1644.

2. Samuel, b. Oct. 8, 1647.

3. John, b. March 22, 1652.

4. Thomas, b. Oct. 5, 1655.

5. Abigail, b. March 19, 1657.

6. Mary, h, June 18, 1661.

7. Mindwell, b. Nov. 5, 1663.

8. Nathaniel, b. Mdy 24, 1668.

3. John, son of Stephen and Sarah (Hosford) Taylor, m. and lived in
Windsor. Children:

9. Samuel, b. April 11, 1691.
10. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 11, 1694.

11. Ebenezer, b. Sept. 11, 1697.

12. Zebulon.

II. Ebenezer, son of John and Taylor, m. Eleanor and came from

Windsor to Litchfield, Ct. Children :

13. Ebenezer, b. July 14, 17-21.

14. Eleanor, b. May 5, 1723.

15. Ruliamy, b. June 26, 1725.

16. Tahan, b. June 14, 1727.

17. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 24, 1729.

18. Joel, b. Sept. 3. 1732.

19. Alary, b. June 27, 1735.

20. Mabel, b. Aug. 28, 1739.

13. Ebenezer, Jr, son of Ebenezer and Ek-anor Taylor, m. Zerviah Culver,
Jan. 17, 1750 ; lived in the town of Litchfield. Children:

21. Jonathan, b. Oct 6, I 750, m. ; went to 24. Benjamin, b. March 10, 1756 ; went to
Wyoming. Wyoming.

22. Ebenezer, b. Jan. 23, 1752; went to 25. Moses, b. Jan. 13,1758.
Wyoming. 26. John, b. Oct. 4, 1760.

23. Joseph, b. Nov. 29, 1753, ^■

23. Joseph, son of Ebenezer and Zerviah (Culver) Taylor, of Litchfield,
came to Torrington a short time before his marriage and married Ann, dau. of
Noah Wilson, Aug. 31, 1775. He was a prominent man in the com-
munity until his death in 1802, aged 49 years. {See Biog.') His widow d.
aged 87 years. {See Biog.) Children :

770

History of Torrington.

27. Sylvia, b. Feb. 5, 1779. and nearly opposite the present Allen

28. Roxy, b. Nov. 11, 1779, m. Abel House, and afterwards removed to Penn.,
Beach, had Joseph Taylor, b. April 29, 1806.

28. Jerusha, b. Aug. 12, 1782, m. Chester 29. Uri, b. July 22, 1786, m.

Rockwell of East Windsor Feb. 28, 1805, 30. Abiel, b. July 4, 1788, m.

and resided a time in WolcottviUe in 31. Lura, b. 1792, m. Samuel Seymour,
the first house built north of the bridge

29. Capt. Uri, son of Joseph and Ann (Wilson) Taylor, m. Abigail Aus-
tin of Torringtbid ; an excellent woman, and with her husband took much
interest in the building and establishing the Congregational church. Children :

32. Frederick, d. early. 34- Frederick L., b. Dec. 6, 1815, m.

33. Charlotte, m. Charles S. Church, Nov.
a8, 1833.

30. Abiel, son of Joseph and Ann (Wilson) Taylor, m. Eunice, only dau.
of Eliphalet and Sarah (Whiting) Eno, May 4, 1813, and lived on his father-
in-law's homestead. He d. Feb. 14, 1838, a. 39 years. His widow Eunice
d. Nov. 4, 1863, aged 68. Children :

35. Eleanor Ann, b. Sept. II, 1813, d. Apr. 38. Henrietta, b. June i, 1822, m. Merritt
12 1814. Treat; lives in WolcottviUe.

36. Eleanor Ann, b. Mar. 8, 1815, m. 39. Abiel Eno, b. Aug. 14, 1827, m. Flora
Eugene Pardee of Wadsworth, O. Hocumb ; lives on a part of the old home-

37. Roxy Eunice, b. Nov. 12, 18 19, m. stead.
Henry I. Jackson of New Milford Nov.

1838, resides in WolcottviUe.

32. Frederick L., son of Capt. Uri and Abigail (.Austin) Taylor, m. Erne-
line, dau. of Levcretie Scott of Torrington, May, 1856. She d, Feb, 20, 1875,
and he m., 2d, Mrs. Annis M., widow of George P. Roberts, Jan. 31, 1877.

TAYLOR, Stephen, brother to Capt. Elijah Gaylord's wife, came from
Windsor and settled on Torringford west street where he d. Children :

1. Prudence, m. Ebenezer Carr, had several 8. Desdemona, d. not m.

children removed to Black river country. 9. Elijah, m. Northway, removed.

2. Ruth. 10- John, m. Fanny Strong.

3. Ruth. II- Stephen, d. young.

4. Ruth, d. not m. a. 41. 12- Truman, d. a. 20.

5 Abigail, not m., d. in Windsor. 13. Lucy, m. Manley.

6. Hannah.

7. Hannah, m. Tutile of Water-
town, had Lucius and Lucy.

10. John, son of Stephen, m. Fanny Strong in 1823; lived on the Fitch

Loomis place, d. Feb. 26, 1834, a. 37 Children:

14. John N., b. Dec. 40, 1825, lives near Woodruff, who d. in the late war, she
Hartford. rn. 2d, Nelson Alvord.

15. Mary Louisa, b. May 30, 1827, m. Ad- 17. Frances U., b. July 12, 1833, m. Fred-
matha Bates of Salisbury. erick Burns, of Winsted.

16. Harriet E., b. Feb. 13, 1829, m. Henry 18. John U., b. Aug. 5, 1834, d. young.

THR.'\LL, Timothy, b. July 25, 1641. and m. in Windsor, Deborah
Gunn, Nov. 10, 1659. She d. Jan. 7, 1694 ; Timothy, Sen , d. June, 1697 :
"Old Goode Thrall," his inother, d. July 30, 1676. Children:

1. Debora. b. Aug. 19, 1660. 6. John, b. June 5, 1671.

2. Timothy, b. Dec. 7, 1662. 7. Martha, b. May 31, 1673.

3. Mehltable, b. March, 1664. 8. Thomas, b. Aug. 5, 1675.

4. Elizabeth, b. Mny i, 1667. 9. Samuel, K p^^ ^^ ^^g^^

5. Thomas, b. July 10, 1669, d. Aug. 12, 10. Abigail, / ' ' '
1672.

Mks. URI TAYLOR.

Genealogies. 771

6. Sergt. John, son of Timothy Tlirall. Jr., and Deborah (Gunn) Thrall,
m. Mind well Moses, Jan. 6, 1697. Lived in Windsor, was an original pro-
prietor of Torrington lands, having a £125, 15 s., right ; he being the third
in amoLint of wealth, of the proprietors. He d. April 18, 173 2. Children:

11. John, b. Oct. 13, 1699. 16. Daniel, b. Dec. 13, 1712; removed to

12. Moses, b. April 29, 1702. Tonington.

13. Aaron, b. Sept. 27, 1704, d. July 7, 17. Joel, b. May 27, 1716; removed to
1731. Torrington.

14. Amy, b. Jan. 10, 1706. 18. Charles, b. July 30, 1718.

15. Joseph, b. May 13, 1710; removed to 19. Jerusha, b. Sept. 2, 1722.
Torrington.

1 5. Joseph, son of John and Mindwell (Moses) Thrall, of Windsor, had one
son only, so far as is known. He does not appear to have come to Torrington
with his brothers Daniel and Joel, but his son came. Child :

20. Joseph, b. July 8, 1734.

16. Daniel, son of John and Mindwell (Moses) m. Elizabeth. Children:

21. Daniel, b. probably in Windsor. 23. Caroline, b. May 31, 1755.

22. Elizabeth, b. Dec. 11, 1739- 24. Martha, b. June 19, 1757.
22. Rachel, bap. Nov. 6, 1743.

17. Joel, son of John and Mindwell (Moses) Thrall, m. Margaret ,

probably of Windsor. He settled in Torrington, about 1739, on what is
known still as the Thrall place on Goshen turnpike, half a mile east of the
Goshen line, the old chimney is still standing. Here he probably kept a tavern
and his son Pardon after him. He raised a large family ; was an influential
man as a farmer ; not a member of the church which was strange for his day.
He d. Oct. 15, 1777. Children:

25. Joel, b. Apr. 15, 1739. 31. Noah, b. Apr. 3, 1754.

26. Aaron, b. May 29, 1742, m. 32. Margaret, b. Jan. 9, 1756, m. Charles

27. Chloe, b. Mar. 5, 1745, m. Robert Coe. Thrall, probably her cousin of Windsor,

28. Reuben, b. Feb. 20, 1747, m. and had: Jerusha, b. June 22, 1774}

29. Levi, b. June 11, 1749, m. _ Rhoda, b. Apr. 22, 1776.

30. Friend, b. June 9, 1752, m. 33. Pardon, b. Feb. 10, 1759, m.

20 Joseph, son of Joseph of Windsor, settled in Torrington on a farm near
the southwest corner of the town, known as the Nathan Tlirall and Ira Thrall
place ; has been a celebrated dairy farm. He d. Aug. 5, 1776. His widow
d. May 3, 1800. Children:

34. Daniel, bap. June 5, 1763. 36. Joseph, b. Apr. 20, 1770.

35. Nathan, b. Apr. 4, 1769, m. 37. Amy, b. Mar. 7, 1772.

2 1. Daniel Jr., son of Daniel and Elizabeth Thrall, m. Keziah Brooks, of
Springfield, June 2, 1785. Children :

38. Nancy, b. July 25, 1787. 42. Samuel, b. Feb. 6, 1797, m. Minerva

39. Sarah, b. July 28, 1789. Hamilton of Goshen and removed west.

40. Keziah, b. Feb. 12, 1791. 43. Joshua, b. July 21, 1799, m. Allyn,

41. Lavina, b. Jan. 13, 1793. lived in Wokottville.

26, Aaron, son of Joel and Margaret Thrall, m. Mary Doud, of Goshen,
Feb. 12, 1766. Children :

44. Roger, b. March 21, 1767. 45. Sabra, b. April 3, 1769.

28. Reuben, son of Joel and Margaret Thrall, m. Ruth Bancroft, of Tor-
rington, Aug. II, 1765. Child:

46. Alexander, b. March 19, 1768.

29. Levi Thrall, son of Joel and Margaret Thrall, m. Mary, dau. of

772 History of Torrington.

Dea. John Whiting, and lived at the corners of the Goshen road and the one
thyt goes to the site of the Torrington meeting liouse, now owned by Willard
Birge. Children :

47. Augustus, b. Oct. 9, 17735 removed to 49. Loriain, m.

Missouri. 50. Amanda, b. Match 17, 1785, m. Lu-

48. Mary, b. Feb. i, 1776, m. Ira Loomis. man Loomis.

30. Friend, son of Joel and Margaret Thrall, in. Lois Barber, May 27,
1773; she d. July 5, 1773. Child :

51. Lois, b. June 26, 1773, d. Oct. 17, 1773-

31. Noah, son of Joel and Margaret Thrall, m, Fowler, and settled

on a farm in the north part of the town and west part of Newfield, stiil known
by his name, where he d. Children :

50. Harriet, d., never m. 53. Sophia, m. John Pitkin, vi'ho d. in Ver-

51. George Worthy, d., never m. mont.

52. Homer Fowler, d., never m.

32. Pardon, son of Joel and Margaret Thrall, resided on his father's home-
stead some years; then sold his household goods at auction, and when the sale
closed he took a bottle, stood on a bench and said "this is the last drink I
shall take among you ; remember this is the old Pardon Thrall place." He
went west.

35. Nathan, son of Joseph, m. widow Sylvia Phelps Feb. 1800; lived
near the southwest corner of the town. Children:
52. Luke, b. May 22, 1800, m. lived on 53. Ira, b. Sept. 12, 1802.

the homestead j a son Charles lives in 54. Anna, b. Jan. 31, 1805.

Litchfield.

49. Lorrain, son of Levi and Marv (Whiting) Thrall, in. Sarah Dutton.
He built the house, now the iiome o.''Mr. Willard Birge. Children:
55. Lewis A., b. Feb. 28, 1813, m. 56. Levi W., b. Apr. 21, 1815.

53. Ira, son of Nathan and Sylvia (Phelps) Thrall, m. Lucy Sperry Oct.
19. 1836. He and his brother divided their father's farm, and he built a house
a little s uih from the old one, on the opposite side ot the road, where he lived
until his decease Feb. 9, 1863. Children :

57. Edward L., b. Sept. 6, 1837, m. Julia Smith Feb. 29, 1872, lives on her father's
Morris, of Wokottville, and lived on his homestead.

father's homestead, d. May 1866. 59. Frank I., b. June 7, 1856, resides in

58. Mary, b. Feb. 18, 1841, m. Charles R. Litchfield.

55. Lewis A., son of Lorrain and Sarah (Dutton) Thrall, m. Nancy E.,
dau. of Jacob N. Blakcslee of VVatertown, Ct., Sept. 8, 1833, who was born
May 20, 1815 ; resides in Guilford, Ct. Children:

60. Sarah E., b. Aug. 13, 1835, m. Wm. New York, was three years in the late
Davis of Goshen. war; has Lewis H., b. May 22, 1869;

61. Mdaline J., h. Sept. 23, 1837, m. Clark Mary B., b. Mar. 22, 1872.

Davis of Goshen. 63. Hiram L., b. Sept. 10, 1848, m. in

62. Edwin A., b. Jan. 22, 1842, m. Apr. 1870 Sarah .Munson, lives at Thomaston,
23, 1868, Mary Hopkins; is a jeweler in has Willie and Carrie.

56. Levi W., son of Lorrain and Sarah (Duiton) Thi all, m., ist, Amelia
Beccher, who d. Oct. 26, 1868; 2d, Antoinette F. F. Cowles June 25, 1869,
lives at Guilford ; had Sarah B., Martha A., Lorrain, Levi, Beecher J., Henry
L, Charles W., Anna A., Walter J.

TURNER, Henrv, b. in Salisbury June 27, 1822, m. Polly Ann, dau. of

Genealogies. 773

John L. Harris of Ancram, Columbia Co., N. Y., June 1846. He is a scythe
maker by tracic and came to Wrighuillc July 1864, and engaged in his trade
at the factory then in opcraiion in the- place. Cliildren :

1. Wm. Henry, b. in Salisbury, Feb. 20, 3. Ella Jane, b. Oct. 26, 1852.

1845, m. and lived in Troy, N Y. 4. Lillie A., b. Oct. 24, i860, d. Sept. 9,

2. Alice Augusta, b. May 29, 1848, m. 1864.

Njth.in Barden and has 3 children, Carrie, 5. Virginia Birdella, b. Sept 8, 1863.
Ida, George.

TUTTLE, Major Isai.ah, son of Jchicl and Charity (Todd) Tuttle, was
b. May 25,1752. His grandfather was Josiah.son of Samuel, son of John, who was
son of William the first of the name in New Ha\en. He came toTorrington about
1772, and m. Ruth, dau. of Capt. Amos Wilson, Mar. 22, 1774 Three
children were b. while he lived on the west side of the town. He erected the
first house in the northeast corner of the town, now owned and occupied by
his grand dau., Mrs. O. L. Hopkins. In 1803 he built a new house near the
other in which he resided until his death. He kept tavern in the old house
and also in the new ; was a hard working, much respected man. He d. Dec.
28, 1831. His widow d. Apr. 21, 1838. Children:

1. Uriel, b. 1774, d. Feb. 7, 1778. Saphron ia, m. Henry Bacon ; Uriel.

2. Lovisa, b Oct. 25, 1775, m. 8. Rhoda, b. May 21, 1791, m. Abner

Meniman, had 4 children. Walter.

3. Bede, b. May 31, 1777, m. Elijah 9. Carolus, b. March 19, 1793, m. 1st,
Strong, had 4 children. Mary Andrews, 2 Polly Simcox, had

4. Uriel, b. Oct. 13, 1779, m. Juliett, m. Saniual Austin ; Cornelia, m.

5. Zerviah, b. May 22, 1782, m. Albert Thomas j Lucius, m.; Mary, m.

Forbes. Philip King ; Adah M., m. Dr. Bathirst;

6. Daniel, b. Oct. 27, 1786. Catharine M., m. Martin Ballou; Emily,

7. Sarah, b. March, 13, 1789, m. Julius m. Mason; McCline ; Ann;

Burr; had Luci-n.i, m. Arvus Chapman; George; Charles.

Elizabeth, m. Dr. Converse; Alpha; 10. Leverett, b. Dec. 6, 1796, m.

4. Gen. Uriel, son of Isaiah and Ruth (Wilson) Turtle, m. Adah Hudson
Feb. 25, 1801, who d. Mar. 25, 1866. General Tuttle was a man of large
influence, much celebrity and of high estimation through the anti-slavery times.
He d. Apr. 4, 1849. Child:

11. Hubbard, b. Dec. 5, 1801, d. Dec. 31,
1830, unm.

6. Daniel, son of Isaiah and Ruth (Wilson) Tuttle, m. Clarissa Hudson.
Children :

12. Fanny M., b. June, 25, 1806, m. Char- 15. Lamphier B. b. July 18, 1817, m.
les, Selden, 1836, d. Dec. 20, 1844. Charlotte Coe, Sept. 14, 1841 ; had

13. Catharine, b. Feb. 3, 1810, m. Lucius Charles Coe, b. July 9, 1842, d. April 17,
J. Woodford, in 1833, had George E., 1846.

b. March 1836, m. Rosa A. Fyler, had 16. James H., b. Jan. 11, 1819, m. Corde-

Frank and Kate. lia Woodford, May 25, 1841, had Hub-

14. George H , b. May 30, 18 I 5, m. Mary bard E., b. Oct. 30, 1842; James R., d.
E. V. Dawkins, March 28, 1843, had Sept. 23, 1861.

Edward E., b. Aug. 18, 1845, d. July 9, 17. Ruth O., b. July 4, 1823, d. Nov. 4,
1864; Clara S., b. May 30, 1854, m. 1859.

Wm A. Fennelle ; Jennie E., b. Feb. 8,
1857.

10. Leverette, son of Isaiah and Ruth (Wilson) Tuttle, m. Chloe Coir. Ch.:

18. Ellen M., b. Dec. 14, 1830, m. Orrin Nellie, b. July 28, 1858, d. Feb. 11,

L. Hopkins, June 16, 1851; had Mary 1862; Frank, b. June 24, 1868.

L., b. June 8, 1853, m. A. Bunnell, Feb. 19. John L., b. July 24, 1835, m. Annie

13, 1873, had Nellie J., b. May 16, 1877; G. Bemis, Jan. 3, 1859, she was b. Aug.

774 History of Torrington.

31, 1836, had Alice B., b. Dec. 14, 1859, 20. Charlotte C, b. Dec. 16, 1837, m.
d. March 31. 1862; Fannie D., b. June James A. Manchester, ^lay 16, 1857,

18, 1863; Edward L., b. Sept. 22, 1866. had Cara A., b. Aug. 18, 1858.

TUTTLE, Albert, son of William and Mary (Sanford) Tuttle, of Wood-
bury, m Harriet E. Saxton, Sept. 15, 18-^5, and was engaged in the Cuniss
woolen mill of Woodbury, fourteen years, as finisher of broad chths. He
came to Wolcottville in 1858, and engaged as finisher of cloths in the woolen
mill, in which company he is now a partner, and overseer of the finishing de-
partment. The ancestors of this familv are, his father William, son of Andrew,
son of Isaac, son of Nathaniel, all of Woodbury. Nathaniel, b. in New Haven,
was the son of William who came from Devonshire, England, in the ship
Planter, in 1635, and settled in New Haven. Child :

I. Nathan Andrew, b. Oct. 23, 1849; is has in his possession one of Phineas

engaged as finisher in the woolen mill with North's eight day, high case clocks, in

his father. He is a lover of old relics, and a very perfect state of preservation.

TYLER, Charles C, son of Alvin and Adaline (Church) Tyler, m.
Webster, and settled in Fountain Green, 111, where all his children were born.
Children :

1. Adaline Hannah, b. Nov. 21, 1861, d. 3. Charles S., b. Aug. 13, 1867.
Oct. 3, 1862. 4. Mary F., b. Nov. 10, 1869.

2. Jesse, b. Nov. 2, 1863, d. March 28, 5. Albert W., b. Oct. 20, 1872.
1864. 6. Clark L., b. Aug. 29, 1875.

VARY, Nathan E., son of Lyman Vary of Bristol, was born July 13,
1850, and came to Wolcottville in April 1876. He is a watch maker; his
place of business is in Lathrop's block on Main street. He m. Carrie E., dau.
of Leonard St. John of Hartford, Mar. 7, 1873 ; resides on east Main street.

WATSON, Thomas, son of Levi and Abigail (Ensign) VVatson of New
Hartford, was b. Oct. 15, 1763, m. Jan. 1, 1797, Melicent Weimore, dau. of
Joel and Sarah (Lyman) Wetmore. He was a soldier of the Revokrion, both
in the militia and continental army, under Col. Zebulon Butler, for which
service he was in the enjoyment of a pension at the time ot his death. He
lived in the town of New Hartford until April 1821, when he removed to
Torriugford and lived on the Nehemiah Gaylord place, which was their home
twenty-seven vears, his wife dying there Sept 19, 1848, aged 76 years. In
October 1848, he returned to his former residence to spend the remainder of
his days with his son Thomas, in whose house he d. Jan. 23, 1850, aged 86
years. He was an industrious, successful farmer. Children :

1. Roman, b. Sept. 27, 1797, not m.; a New York, residing there two years, thence
merchant in New Orleans and a farmer to Detroit, Mich.

at RoseviUe, 111. 4. Milicent W , b. Dec. 29, j8o8, m. Feb.

2. Thomas, b. Feb. 6, 1800; m. farmer in 29, 1836 Augustus E. Bissell of Torring-
New Hartford, afterwards removed to ford. He engaged as a produce and for-
Winsted. warding merchant in Detroit, Mich.

3. Hiram, b. Jan. 21, 1802, m. Elizabeth 5. George, b. Mar, 12, 1812, m Sept. 10,
S. Ellsworth, was a physician, practiced 1833 Jane Belden, removed to RoseviUe,
medicine in E. Windsor, Ct., removed to 111., a farmer.

WARD, Dea. Giles, came from Soiners to Torrington, and was elected
deacon of the Torrington church in 1838, and d, in 1845, a. 76. He lived
in Newfield, where he owned the grist mill and did considerable business, Ch. :

1. Harvey. 3. Eunice, m. Pinney ; lived in Lud-

2. Giles. lowville, Mass.

Genealogies. 775

WATTLES, Henry, m. Susan A. Osborn, Feb. lo, 1818. Children re-
corded in Torrington :

I. Mary A., Feb. 10, 1818. 3. Charles, b. Jan. 14, 1820.

a. Wm. H., b. Feb. 14, 1819. 4. Sarah, b. May 10, 1825.

WELCH, Gideon H., son of James M. and Eliza (Higgins) Welch, of
New Haven, was b. Sept. 22, 1844 ; came to Wolcottville, in 1870, and m.
Susie Church, daughter of Bradley R. Agard, of Wolcottville, Oct. 8, 1873.
He resides on Litchfield street.

WELLS, Harrison H., son of Thomas Wells of Chittenden county, Vt.,
came to Wolcottville, about 1849, purchased the American House about 1865,
continuing the same as a hotel. He m. Rhoda, daughter of Major Charles
Partrce of Waterbury, Ct. Child:

I. Carrie A., b. 1858.

WESTL.AKE, Samuel, son of Samuel, who came from Orange or Rock-
land Co., N. Y., to Winchester, was b. March 24, 1780, m. 1st, Clarissa,
dau. of Christopher Whiting, of Winchester. She d. Jin. 27, 1815 ; 2d,
Catharine, Mather, came from Winchester to Torrington hollow, where he
resided. He was a shoemaker. Children by 1st wife :

I. Clarissa, b. Feb. 23, 181 3, not m., lives
in Winchester.

By 2d wife :

2. Cornelia, b. Jan. 12, 1817, m. Geo. 7. Harriet, b. Feb. 4, 1829, d. 19 y. of a.
Stimson, of Herkimer Co., N. Y. 8. Charles, b. July 1831, d. 4 months of a

3. Albert, b. Dec. 4, 1818 ; went to Ken- 9. William, b. Jan. 22, 1 834, d. 2 y. and
tucky. 8 months.

4. Esther, b. Sept. 12, 1820, m. Joseph 10. Sarah, b. July 31, 1838, m. Solon
AUyn, April 17, 1845. Douglas, went to Ohio.

5. Mercia, b. Oct. 16,1822, d. 16 y. of a. 11. Carrie, b. April 2, 1841, m. Geo. Pierce,

6. John, b. Oct. 14, 1824, d. 16 y. of a. of T.

WESTON', Ephraim P., was b. May 22, 1836, in Jefferson Co , N. Y.,
and m. Margaret Fleming, Feb. 2, 1857, in Kinderhook, N, Y. He was a
millwright and worked at his trade until he came to Torrington, in June, 1835,
and engaged with the Union Hardware Co , at Torrington hollow, and has
continued with that company until the present time. He is now general
superintendent of the work of the mills, and resides on Migeon avenue.
Children :

1. Ida, b. June, 1859, d. a. one month. 3. Frederic P., b. July 11, 1869.

2. Franklin F., b. Jan. 18, 1868.

X WHITMORE,' Thomas, was b. in England, western part, in 1615, and
came to America, in 1635, embarking according to tradition at Bristol. The
first mention of his name in the Colonial records is in the Wethersfield town in
1639-40. He subsequently removed to Hartford, where he m. Sarah, dau.
of John and Ann (Wijlocks) Hall, of Hartford, Dec II, 1645. He was
representative to the general court in 1654, and 1655, and d. Dec. 11, 1681,
a. 66. Children :

I. John, bap. Sept. 6. 1646. Josiah Atkins of East Hartford; removed

a. Elizabeth, b. 1648, m. Oct. 8, 1673, to Middletown.

* If^etmtrt Genealogjt.

776

History of Torrington.

3. Mary, b. 1649, m. Nov. 13, 1668, John 10. Nathaniel, b. Apr. 21, 1661, m. Dorcas
Stow of Middlctown. Allen.

4. Sarah, b. 1650, d. July 14, 1655. 11. Joseph, b. Mar. 5, 1663, m. Lydia

5. Thomas, b. Oct. 19, 1652, m. Feb. 20, Bacon.

1685, Elizabeth Hubbard. 12. Sarah, b. Nov. 27, I 664, m. John Bacon.

6. Hannah, b. Feb. 13, 1653, m. Nathaniel 13. Mehitable, b. June 10, 1669, m. An-
Stow, Sen. drew Bacon.

7. Samuel, b. Sept. 10, 1655, m. 14. Benjamin, b. Nov. 27, 1674.

8. Izrahiah, b. Mar. 8, 1657, m. Rachel, 15. Abigail, b. Nov. 6, 1678, m. Samuel
dau. ot Rev. Samuel Stow. Bishop.

9. Beriah, b. Nov. 2, 1658, m. Margaret, 16. Hannah, b. Jan. 4, 1680, m. Nath.

dau. of Rev. Samuel Stow. Bacon, 3d.

7. Samuel, son of Thomas and Sarah (Hall) Whitmore, m. Dec. 13, 1687,
Mary, dau. of Nathaniel Bacon, Sen. He removed to Middlcfield society, in Mid-
dletown, in 1700. His wife, Mary, d. May 24, 1709. He d. April 12,
1746, aged 90. Children:

17. Mehitable, b. Nov. 14, 1689. 21. Thomas, b. Aug. 26, 1698.

18. Samuel, b. March 13, 1692. 22. Uanicl, b. May 9, 1703.

19. Mary, b. June 29, 1694. 23. Bcthiah, b. Jan. 22, 1707.

20. Benjamin, b. May 17, 1696. 24. Jabez, b. May 14, 1709.

18. Samuel, son of Samuel and Mary (Bacon) Wetm:re, m. June 21,
1722, Hannah Hubbard, b. July 21, 1700. He left Midcikficld on elcciion
day 1771, being in his eightieth year, and removed to Winchester wiiere he
settled on a farm which has remained in the possession of his descendants to
the present time. tie d. Dec. 30, 1773, ''g^'^ ^'- ^'^ wife Hannah d. June
4, 1794, aged 94. Children:

25. Samuel, b. Dec. 24, 1723. son of Nathaniel Bacon Nov. 16, 1758,

26. Hannah, b. Dec. 18, 1725, m. and d. in Torrington, in 1803, a. 69.

Graves. 31. Lois, b. Mar. 6, 1736, m. Jan. 7, 1772,

27. John, b. Oct. 27, 1727. John, son of Caleb Wetmore.

28. Noah, b. April 16, 1730. 32. Joel, b. Mar. 9, 1738.

29. Mehitable, b. Aug. 5, 1732, m. Capt. 33. Millicent, b. Sept. 15, 1739.

Asa Upson of New Cambridge (Bristol), 34. Mary, b. July 23, 1741, m. 1st Abra-
Aug. 14, 1776. ham Loomis, 2d Baldwin.

30. Sarah, b. March 31, 1734, m. James,

25. Dea. Samuel, son of Samuel and Hannah (Hubbard) Wctinore, m.
Feb. 6, 1752, Anna Roberts, of Durham, b. March 16, 17?3. He removed
with his father to Winchester. His wife Anna, d. Sept. 22, 1804, a. 81.
He d. March 2, 1809, a. 86. Child:

35. Abel, b. in Middletown, April 6, 1753.

27. John, son of Samuel and Hannah (Hubbard) Wetmore, m. May 19,
1757, Elizib-'th Learning, of MidJIeiown, and settled in Torrington, where
they united with the church in 1758, under the half way covenant. He was
killed Aug. 27, 1795, while riding on horseback, on the highway, by the falling
of a tree during a heavy thunder storm. Children :

36. Elizabeth, bap. Oct. 15,1758, m. David 38. Samuel, bap. Match 20, 1764; removed
Alvord, of Winchester; had Persis and in 1800, to Vernon, Oneida Co., N. Y.,
Ursula. d. in 1824.

37. Seth, m. and lived in Winchester.

28. Rev. Noah, son of Samuel and Hannah (Hubbard) Wetmore, m. Submit,
dau. of Ithiel Russell, of Branford. He graduated at Yale College in 1757 ;
studied for the ministry ; was ordained in Nov , 1760 ; and appears to have
resided a short time in Torrington, his dau. Junia, being baptized here. On
the 25th of Nov., 1770, he was settled as the first pastor of the Congregational

Genealogies. 777

church, at Bethel, Fairfield Co., where he ministered until 1784. In April,
1786, lie was called to the first Presbyterian ciiurch at Brook Haven, Long
Island, where lie labored as pastor until his death, March 9. 1796, Children :

30. [unia, bap. March 30. 1761. and had charge of the New York hospital,

40. Ireni, b. Sept. 11, 1762, m. Dr. David thirty or more years, being greatly respected
Woodhull, of Setauket, L. I. by the medical professicn.

41. Hannah, b. Jan. 22, 1765, d. Nov. 29, 43. A;ipolos, b. Dec. 14, 1771.

1795. 44- Samuel Ith'el, b. Dec. 30, 1774, m.

42. Noah, b. May 4, 1767, m. ; had family ; Liberty, dau of Dr. Benjamin Young
removed to New York city about 1808, Prime, whose family is quite celebrated.

32. Joel, son of Samuel and Hannah (Hubbard) VVciniore, came
from Middlctown, to Torrington, when twenty-four years of age, and m.
Nov 23, 1763, Sarah, daughter of Ebenczcr Lyman Jr. He and his wife,
owned the Covenant March 10, 176;, and were taken under the watch of the
church. He d. in Torrington, Feb, 1814, a. J^. His widow, Sarah, d. in
1832, a. 92. Children :

45. Olive, b. Mir. 10, 1765, m. Ezra Hay- Watson. She d. Sept. 19, 1848; he d.
den of Windsor, July 13, 1786. Jan. 23, 1830.

46. libenezer Lyman, b. in 1766, bap. in 48. Jolin l'i>meroy, b. in Norfolk, June 15,
Torrinyton, Dec. 28, 1766. 1770.

47. Millicent, b. in T., Jan. 10, 1772, m. 49. Sarah, b. in Torrington, m. Giles
Jan. I, 1797, Capt. I'homjs Waison ol Whiting.

New Hartford, son of Levi and Abigail

37. Major. Seth, son of John and Elizabeth (Learning) Wetmore, m. Lois,
daughter of Col. Ozias Bronson, of Winchester, Dec. 9, 1779; six of his
children are recorded in Torrington and he probably resided here until after
1795, when he removed to Winchester, and thence, after some years, to Cana-

joharie, N. Y., wiiere he d. April 16, 1836. Cliildren :

50. John, b. Oct. 7, 1780. 54. Alphonso, b. Feb. 5, 1793, '^- '^^ St.
51 Seth, b. Oct. 3, 1784, d. at Lake Louis, Mo., in 1849.

Pleasant. 55- Salmon, b. Sept. 2, 1793.

52. Abigail, b. Mar. 27, 17S7, d. at Eagle 56. Pythagoras, b. Apr. 12, 17985 a lawyer
village, N. Y., Oct , 1858. at Canajoharie.

53. Artemesij, b. Nov. 7, 1789, d. at Cana- 57. Lois M , b. June 15, 1800, d. in Ken-
joharie, N. Y., July, 1813. tucky, July, 1851.

By 2d wife in Canajoharie:
58. Lucy Elizabeth, b. May 9, 1802. 59. George Clinton, b. June, 1809.

38. S.AMUEL, son of John and Elizabeth (Learning) Wetmore, m. Hannah
Griswold, May 15, 1788 ; and settled in Winchesier. Children:

60. Selina, b. Mar. 13, 1789. 66. Samuel, b. 1801.

61. Learning (son), b. Feb. 14, 1791. 67. Hannah, b. 1804.

62. Ruby, b. June 27, 1793. 68. Harriet T., b. 1806.

63. Almeda, b. 1795. 69. Hurlbut G., b. 1808.

64. Candace, b. 1797. 70. Clarissa, b. 1811.

65. Calvary, b. 1799.

46. Ebenezer. L., son of Joel and Sarah (Lyman) Wetmore, m. Elizabeth
Miller, Sept. 1795 ; settled in a house on east side of the road a little way
north of Charles S. Munger's present home, and afterwards, on the west side
of the road on the hill further north than his first dwelling. He afterwards
removed about 1836, to Wolcottville, taking his house with him, and located
it on Church street, it being the one now occupied by his son Laurin Wetmore.
He spent a long and virtuous life in his native town and d. March 3, 1848, a.
81 ; his widow d. Sept. 18, 1850, a. about 80. Children:

778

History of Torrington.

71. Nancy, b. July 19, 1796, m. Israel Coe, lived in northern part of Goshen a farmer,
d. Aug. 30, 1838. He d. Feb. 2Z, 1875, a. 71, had: Elizabeth,

72. Lauren, b. July 9, 1801. b. June 9, 1834; has been a music teacher

73. Maria, b. May 14, 1805, m. Asahel some fifieen years ; Elisha A., b. Nov. 19,
Coe. 1837 ; a merchant in Wokottville.

74. Amanda, b. Jan. 25, 1808, m. Elisha 75. Louisa, b. in 1810, m. Phineas North.
Baldufin of Goshen, d. May 23, 1833,

48. John P., son ot Joel and Sarah (Lyman) Wetmore, m. Nov. 25, 1795
Miriam Dibble, of Torrington, b. Marcli 28, 1796, d. July 26, 1806, a. 32 ;
m. 2d Mirah Atwater, of Burlington, Vt. He removed to Burlington, Vt.,
where he resided many years, removed thence to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
where he d. Aug. 22, 1853, in his 84ih year. Children:

76. Delia, b. in T.,JuIy 29, 1797, m. Wm. 84. Frederick P., 2d, b. Oct. 30, 18 13, m.
Atwater. Nov. 28, 1844, Sarah M. Whitman, at

77. Frances, b. in B., Nov. 28, 1799, m. East Haddam, C'c.

William Moulton, Feb. 1827. 85. Henry A., b. in B., Feb. 18, 1816, m.

78. Julia, b. in B., Mar. 6, 1802, m. Maria Bradley, 1845.

Knapp, 1842. 86. Harriet M , b. Oct. 25, 1818, m. Phi-

79. Emeline, b. in B., Feb. 28, 1804, d. lander Robins in 1838.

April 19, 1805. 87. William L., b. Jan. 3, 1821, m. Louisa

80. Adeline, b. in B., Dec. 4, 1805, m. A. Lee Pelly.

Mile Laflin Feb. 16, 1832. 88. Clarissa A., b. Mar. 4, 1823, d. Feb. 4,

81. Mariana, b. in B., Apr. 22, 1808, d. 1826.

Sept. 3, 1809. 89. Russell C, b. Oct. 4, 1826, d. July 10,

82. Sally Ann, b. in B., Mar. 15, 1810, d. 1845.
Sept. 17, 1810.

83. Frederick P., b. in B., Aug. 3, 1811,
d. Feb. 13, 1813.

72. Dea. Lauren, son of Ebenezer L. and Elizabeth (Miller) Wetmore,
m. Fanny C. .'\ustin, in 1827, resides in Wokottville. (6"^^ Biog.')

WHITING,' Rev. Samuel, was the second son of John Whiting, mayor of
Boston, in Lincolnshire, England, where he was b. Nov. 20, 1597. He
graduated at Cambridge university, England, where, by the efforts of his pious
tutor, his mind was directed to the subject of religion. On leaving college he
became a domestic cliaplain to Sir Nathaniel Bacon and Sir Roger Tovvnsend,
in which capacity he served three years, when he remoxed to Lynn in the
county of Norroli<, where he spent another three years as colleague to the Rev,
Mr. Price. At length compLints were made to the bishop of Norwich, of his
non-conformity, and he was prosecuted in the higli commission court, and
being convinced that he should find no rest in that country, formed the purpose
to remove to New England.

His wife, a lady of the finest intellectual and moral qualities, decidedly
favored the enterprise, notwithstanding the voice of her friends was against it.
He sold his whole estate'saying, " I am going to sacrifice unto the Lord in the
wilderness, and will not leave a hoof behind."

He came in the ship with Wiieelright, who had been his neighbor, in the
beginning of April 1636, and arrived May 26, 1636, having been so sick dur-
ing the voyage that he preached but once. He was settledi as pastor, in Lynn,
Mass., on the 8th of November 1636; was made freeman December 7th fol-
lowing. Mr. Whiting was twice married. By his first marriage he had three
children, two sons, who died in England, and one daughter who was married

' This family is traced in history back to 1333.

Genealogies. 779

in New England to Mr. Welde. His second wife was the daughter of the
Rt. Hon. Oliver St. [ohn of Bradfordshirc, who was chief jusiicc of England,
in Cromwell's reign, and whose second wife was Cromwell's cousin. She d.
Mar. 3, 1678, after having lived with him 47 years. By this marriage he
had four sons and two daughters. Three of his sons lived to maturity. He
d. Dec. I I, 1679, in the 83d year of his age. Cotton Mather in his Mngnnlia
devotes ten pages to a biography of this Rev. Samuel VVhiiing. Children by
2d wife :

1. Samuel, b. in 1633; graduated at Har- 3. John, graduated at Harvard college in
vard college, in 1653; settled in Bilerica 1661, was intended for a physician but
in 1658, and d. tiiere Feb., 1713. went to England, became a preacher in the

2. Elizabeth, m. Rev. Jeremiah Hobart, estabiislied church.

who was minister at Haddam, and d. there 4. Joseph, b. in 1641; graduated at Har-
a. 84. vard college.

4. Joseph, son of Rev. Samuel Whiting, m. Sarah, dau. of Deputy Go-
vernor Thomas Danforth, and his wife Mary Wiihington. He supplied his
father's pulpit for a time and was ordained in 1680, and about 1682 removed
to Southampton, Long Island, where he was settled as minister, and where he
preached until his death, April 7, 1723, a. 82 years. When Cotton Mather
wrote his Mw^///7//V7, in 1698, he says of him " he is a worthy and painfu
[searching] minister of the gospel." Children :

5. Samuel, b. July 3, 1674. 9. Joseph, 3d, b. Jan. 14, 1681, d. in a

6. Joseph, b. Nov. 22, 1675, d. in 3 days. few weeks.

7. Joseph, 2d, b. May 8, 1 677, d. 10. John, b. Jan. 20, 1682, graduated at

8. Thomas, b. may 20, 1678, d. in a few Harvard college in 1700; was minister at
■ days. Concord, Mass., where he d. May 4, 1752^

5. Samuel, son of Rev. Joseph and Sarah Danforth Whiting, went to South-
ampton, L. I., with his parents ; m. and raised a family of children ; among
them were the following children :

II. Joseph. 12. Stephen.

11. Joseph, son of Samuel, and his wife, m. Abigail , and

settled in Stamford, Conn., where he was in business in 1724. His wife
Abigail, d. in Stamford, in 1733. He m. second, Jan. 25, 1734, Hannah
Beach. Children :

13. Sarah, b. 1724, d. 1724. lingford. He practiced medicine in that

14. Samuel. place over fifty years and d. Nov. 24,

15. JonJthan. 1818, a. 80. Shed. Aug. 28, 1836,3.

16. Sarah, 2d, b. March 9, 1744, m. Dec. 93. They had six children.
18, 1771, Dr. Aaron Andrews, of Wal-

12. De.^. Benj.^min, son of Samuel, and his wife, m. Rebecca Parmalee,
May 30, 1723. She was b. in 1700. His m. was recorded in Wallingford.
He settled in Meriden, and was elected the third deacon of the church in
November, 1748. In 1734, he bought three full "rights" of land in Tor-
rington, the most of it in the first and second divisions he gave to his sons John
and Benjamin. Children :

17. John, b. May 7, 1724, d. an infant. I7S7» Denison Andrews, brother of Dr.

18. John, b. Nov. 23, 1726; settled in Aaron Andrews who m. Abigail's cousin
Torrington. Sarah. Denison Andrews lived in Meriden

19. Sarah, b. April 23, 1729. where he d. June 30, 1807, a. 77. She

20. Benjamin, b. Oct. 12, 1731 ; settled in d. Oct. i, 1796, a. 60, They had 15
Torrington. children.

21. Rebecca, b. April 24, 1734- 23. Samuel, b. Aug. 27, 1740. '

22. Abigail, b. Sept. 7, 1736, m. May 11,

780 History of Torrington.

18. Dea. John, son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Parmelce) Whiting, m.
Sarah Foster of Wallingford Jan 18, 1750. and settled in Torrington where
he lived to an advanced age. He was a man of great energy of character and of
devotion to the Christian church. Sarah, his wife, died Dec. 14, 1813, in
the 84th year of her age. He died Feb. 21, 1820, in the g4th year of his
age. Mary Foster, mother of Sarah (Foster) Whiting, d. in Torrington at
the house of her daughter Sarah, Apr. 5, 1776, in the 73d year of her age.
Dea. Whiting came to Torrington soon after he was twenty-one years of age,
or in the autumn of 1747 or spring of 1748 ; and built his house opposite of
what became the site of the first meeting house on the west side of the road.
Children :

24. Sarah, b. Dec. i, 1750, m. Eliphalet 28. John, b. July 24, 1758.
Eno, d. Dec. 14, 1813, a. 63. 29. Hcrvey, b. Oct. 27, 1760.

25. Josiali, b. Aug. 15, 1752, removed to 30. Jesse, b. Feb. 4, 1763.
New Mailborouyh, Mass., and d. Aug. 31. Seth, b. Sept. 25, 1765.

13, 1811, a. 58. 32. Huldah, b. Sept. 25, 1768, m. Daniel

26. Mary, b. July 10, 1754, m. Levi Thrall, Phelps, of Winchester.
Nov. 15, 1770. 33. Giles, b. Jan. 8, 1771.

27. Rebecca, b. Dec. 6, 1756, m. for 2d 34. Roger, b. March 15, 1773, d. April 8,
wife. Dr. Elkanah Kodges. 1774-

28. John, son of Dea. John and Sarah (Foster) Whiting, m. Silvia Looniis
Mar. 23, 1779, and a few years afterward removed to Colebrook, Ct., where
his descendants are still living. Children:

35. Abner, b. May 24, 1779. 36. Ira, b. Nov. 28, 1780.

29. Hervey, son of Dea. John and Sarah (Foster) Whiting, m. Olive
Barber Sept. 5, 1790, and after some few years he settled in Torringtord, He
was in the revolutionary army. Children :

37. Mircia, b. Dec. 15, 1790, m. Rev. 38. Candace, b. Dec. 4, 1792.
David Miller, in 1816 {Hee his Biog.) 39. Amelia, b. July 28, 1 795.
She d. April 12, 1863, a. 71.

30. Dea. Jesse, son of Dea. John and Sarah (Foster) Whiting, m. Hannah
Smith, Sept. 10, 1784. Removed 10 Norfolk, and thence to Guilford, N. Y.,
in 1810 ; where he d. April 22, 1845, a. 83 years. His wife, Hannah, was
b. 1765, and d. Jan. 23, 1852, a. 86 years. Children:

40. Julius, b. Dec 31, 1784, in Torrington. 43. Miles W.

41. Hannah, m. Hewitt Miles of Norfolk. 44. John F.

42. Alson. 45. Eiastus B.

31. Seth, son of Dea. John and Sarah (Foster) Whiting, m. Triphena
Loomis, April 16, 1789, and removed to Colebrook, a few years afterward.
His sons were of such size that they were called the " race of giants." Ch. :

46. Sarah, b. July 18, 1790, in T.

33. Giles, son of Dea. John and Sarah (Foster) Whiting, m. ist Sarah
Mars-hall. She d. Aug. 5, 1803, a. 34. He m. 2d, Sarah Wetmore, Dec.
26, 1804, who d. Jan. 16, 1853, a. 71. He resided on his father's farm a
number of years, then removed to Minister Roberts' farm where his son Alonzo
now resides. He was an active man in the ecclesiastical society ; held several
ofHces in the town ; and was a prominent farmer in the community for many
years. He was a strong man, well proportioned, weighing over two hundred
pounds. His last illness was but two or three days' duration, and the peculiari-
ties of his disease unknown to the physicians. He d. Feb. 8, 1851, a. 80
years and one month. Children by 1st wife :

Genealogies. 781

47. Orphella, b. July 8, 1791, m. Elisha 51. James,) b. Aug. 10, 1798. Nancy m.
Hinsdale and after some yeaib removed to 52. Nancy, j Norman Coe, and removed
Akron, O. to Watervalley, Mississippi, where she d.

48. Lucia, b. Oct. 21, 1792, m. Griswold Oct. 29, 1870, a. 72, leaving several ch.
Woodward, of Torringfurd. 53. Hariiet, b. May 29, 1800, m. Hiram

49. Marcus, b. Feb. 9, 1794. d. Jan. 6, Griswold and resided in Goshen where she
1832, a. 36. d. Feb. 29, 1832, a. 31, leaving a dau.

50. Florilla, b. May 31, 1796, m. Rozel Sjrah and a son Thomas.

Benson and removed to Ohio where she 54. Rheuba, b. Mar. 28, 1802, m. Henry
d. June 2, 1839, a. 42. Allyn, Feb. 17, 1824.

By 2d wife :

55. Lewis, b. Apr. 21, 1807. 56. Alonzo, March 28, 1814.

40. Julius, son of }esse and Hannah (Smith) Wh'uing, m. Liicinda Payne
Nov. 9, 1807. She was b. Jan. 2, 1786; d. Aug. 4, 1848. He d. Dec.
29, 1842. He lived in the lown of Guilford, N. Y., where he had the first
raising of a house without liquors to drink, providing instead, a supper. Ch.:

57. Franklin S., b. Oct. 15, 1808, d. Feb. Spencer in 1840, had two children, both
22, 1834 dead.

58. Hiram M., b. May 10, 1810, d. Jan. 61. Jenison J., b. Jan. 9, 1818, m.

19, 181 I. 62. Mary L., b. Mar, 13, l8^9, d. Oct. 15,

59. Hram L., b. Oct. 26, 1811, d. Sept. 1822.

19,1849, 63. Joseph W., b. June 23,1821, d. Mar. 3,

60. Lucia, b. Sept. 7, 1815, m. Rev. F. A. 1843.

44. John F., son of Jesse and Hannah (Smith) Whiting, m. Roxanna Dick-
inson. Children :

64. Caroline. 66. Mary Ann.

65. Emetine. 67. Eugene.

45. Dea. Erastus B., son of Jesse and Hannah (Smith) Whiting, m.

Mills Sept. 20, 1821. He d. May 8, 1857. She d. July 26, i860.

Children :

68. Edwin M., b. Apr. 3, 1823. m. Sept. 69. Lucy J., b. Sept. 28, 1824, m. Wm. M.
17, 1846, Emeline 1\ Ives, had Erastus A., Hovey, had Frank and Charles.

Lucretia A , Cora E., Mary A., Jesse E. 70. Joseph A., b. Jan. 3, 1832.

46. James, son of Giles and Sarah (Marshall) Whiiing. m. .Amelia P ,
dau of 01i\er Allyn, Apr. 16, 1828. They li\cd on his lather's homestead
about twelve \ears. then bought and settled on the old Ebenezer Lyman farm.
He d. Dec. 25, 1874, aged 76 years. Children.

71. Lucia W., b Mar. 12, 1829, m. Rich- dore D. Beardslee of Monroe, Ct., in 1856,
ard Gingell of Norfolk, Apr. 3, 1848, where they settled ; child, Fr.ink.
children, Robert, James, John and Edwin. 74. Edward W., b. Nov. 25, 1835.

72. Harriet L., b. Oct. 1831, m. Wm. Lee 75. Oliver A., b. Dec. 1837, d. April 1863,
Acher in 1850, removed to Washington a, 26.

Co., Pa.; children, Mary A., Elizabeth J., 76. Nelson H., b. 1839.
Nancy L., and Hatiie Bell. 77. James H., b. May 8, 1841.

73. Jane E., b. Apr. 15, 1833', m. The

leo-

55. Lewis, son of Giles and Sarah (Wetmore) Whiting, m. Hannah G.,
dau. of John Wetmore of Winchester. He traveled before his m. in the south-
ern states fourteen years, mostly in Florida, being engaged in mercantile pur-
suits. After returning from the south he settled on his farm nearly half a mile
south of his father's homestead, where he labored with success about twenty-
eight years At this time his health somewhat failing, he sold his farm ; bought
a house in Torrington hollow where he lived in a pleasant and comfortable
home until his death, Dec. 8, 1875. He was a man ofquiet, dignified bearing.

782 History of Torrington.

respectful to all ; hopeful and cheerful under several years of poor and failing
health, and closed his life as he had lived, in hope ; leaving only his widow,
Hannah G.

56. Alonzo, son of Giles and Sarah (Wetmore) Whiting, m. Rebecca
Nash, dau. of John Wetmore, of Winchester, Nov. 11, 1846, and lives on his
father's homestead, the old Nathaniel Roberts' farm, the house having been
somewhat remodeled and appearing as good as new, but standing on the same
site as the old Roberts' house. He keeps a dairy of fifty or more cows, and
is one of the prominent, successful farmers of the town. Child:

78. Adaline Sperry, b. June 28, 1858 ; an adopted dau.

59. HiRAM L-, son of lulius and Lucinda (Payne) Whiting, m. Sarah A.
Holt, March 8, 1838. Children:

79. Elizabeth, b. Feb. 11, 1840. 80. Adelaide, b. Jan. 12, 1843.

61. Jeni on, J., son of Julius and Lucinda (Payne) Whiting, m. Sarah }.
Spauldiug, Oct. 10, 1840 ; is a dry goods merchant in VVinsted, Ct. His wife
Sarah J., d. March, 1869. He m. 2d, Mary Phelps, Feb. 23, 1870. She
was b. Dec. 16, 1836, in Norfolk. Children:

81. Wilhrd N., b. Aug. 8, 1844, d. Aug. 83. Frank H., b. Oct. 11, 1855, d. May 3,
II, 1848. 1869.

82. Ella J., b. May 20, 1849, d. Sept. 7, 84. Charles J., b. April 22, 1859, d. April
1854. 25, 1864.

74. Edward W., son of James and Amelia P. (Allyn) Whiting, m. Hannah
J., dau. of John Lee, of Washington Co., Pa., Dec. i, 1864. She was b.
March 20, 1845. He resides on his father's homestead ; or the old Ebenezer
Lyman place in Torrington. Children :

85. Francis Lee, b. Feb. 22, 1866. 86. Jane Ann, b. May 5, 1868.

77. James H., son of James and Amelia P. (Allyn) Whiting, m. Alice,
dau of Rev. Mr, Northrop, of Flint, Mich., where he resides as a hardware
merchant. Child :

87. Florence.

20 Ensign Benjamin, son of Dea. Benjamin and his wife Rebecca
(Parmelee) Whiting of VVallingford, was b. Oct. 12, 1731. He m. Esther,
dau. ofEliasaph Merriinan of Wallingford (now Meriden). She was b. Dec.
2, 1734. When his father deeded him ninety-two acres of land in 1755, he
was living on the land which has remained in the possession of the family ever
since. Children :

63. Christopher, b. Aug. 3, 1757. in Winchester; she d. March 4, 1835, a.

64. William, b. Sept. 4, 1759, m. 71. She had six children, Lucy, Hannah,

65. Esther, b. Sept. 13, 1763, m. Capt. Alvah, Mary G., Nancy, Samuel, John.
John Nash of West Hartford, and settled 66. Benjamin, b. Dec. 11, 1765, m.

63. Christopher,' son of Benjamin and Esther (Merriman) Whiting, m.

Mary, dau. of Wilcox, Jan. 9, 1782, and settled on the old road

froiTi Winsted to Winchester, north of Sucker brook bridge, and built and oc-
cupied a house there until his death July 6, 1812, a. 54. He was an indus-
trious, unassuming, worthy citizen. Children :

> ff^inchiittr Historjf liy.

Genealogies. 783

67. Lorrain, b. Dec. 19, 1782, m. 71. Esther Merriman, b. Sept. 13, 1794.

68. Riley, b. Jan. 16, 1785, m. 72. Norman, b. Aug. 5, 1796, d. Aug. 5,

69. Clara, b. March 11, 1787, m. Samuel 1815, by the kick of a horse.
Westlake, and d. Jan. 27, 1815.

70. Luman, b. May 5, 1792, m. Anna
Hayden.

64. William, son of Benjamin and Esther (Merriman) Whiting, m. Lucinda
SopcrofNcw Hartford, May 9, 1784, and lived on his fa'.hcr's homesicad.
His wife Lucinda was born May 5, 1763. He was a great friend of Owen
Brown, and the last time they met it was as the meeting and parting of David
and Jonathan. He was an industrious, much respected, good man. Ch. :

73. Selah, b. Feb. 13, 1786. 77. Louisa, b. Dec. 18, 1801, m. Gerry

74. Uii, b Aug. 6, 1788. Grant, removed to Vernon, N. Y., thence

75. William Hart, b. Jan. 9, 1794. to Appleton, Wis.

76. Frederick Parmalee, b. Feb. 18,1800.

66. Benjamin, son of Benjamin and Esther (Merrirnan) Whiting, m. Rebecca
Swift, May 24, 1791. He lived in Winchester, until 1812, when he removed
to Austinburg, Ashtabula Co., O. Children:

78, Myron, b. Jan. 3, 1795. ^° Benjamin, b. Dec, 30, 1801.

79. Milo, b. Feb. 26, 1798. 81. Melissa.

67. Lorrain, son of Christopher and Mary (Wilcox) Whiting, m. May i,
1806, Polly Malory, b. in Winchester, May 24, 1784. He built a brick
house on Wallcn's hill, in Winsted near Barkhamsted line, in which he resided
until his death, Sept. 6, 1833, a. 51. His widow d. Jan. 10, 1851, a. 66
years. Children :

82. Algernon Sidney, b. Mar. 7, 1807, m. Sophronia C. Wheelock.
June 20, 1822, Lurltta M. Sage. 90. Nelson, b. Feb. 25, 1823,

83. Laura, b. Jan. 22, 1809, m. Feb. 7, 91. De Witt Clinton, b. Aug. 29, 1824, d.
1828, Martin Johnson. Nov. 27, 1846.

84. Chloe Amelia, b. Oct. 17, 1810. 92. Polly Malory, b. Feb. 19, 1826.

85. Ursula Jenette, b. Apr. 20, 1812, m. 93. Sarah J.ine, b. Apr. 29, 1827.
Oct. 8, 1833, John Camp. 94. Sylvia Ann, b. Dec. 4, 1828.

86. Orson, b. July 5, 1813. 95. Edward Gaylord, b. Feb. 27, 1832.

87. Laurin Christopher, b. Feb. 22, 1819.

88. Hiram Chjtterton, 1 b. Mar. 29, 1821.

89. Homer Wilcox, J m. July 30, 1850,

68. Riley, son of Cliristopher and Mary (Wilcox) Whiting, m. L^rania
Hoadlcy, Feb. 9, 1806. He engaged in the clock making business in Winsted,
in which lie continued until his death, which took place at Jackson\ille, 111.,
Aug. 5, 18^5, at the a. of 51. His widow, 111. E. D. Calloway, and d. Dec.
8, 1855. Children:

96. Emily, b. May 23, 1807, m. Aug. 17, 98. Lemuel Hoadley, b. Dec. 11, 1815, d.

1826, Dr. Lyman Case. Dec. 25, 1815.

96. Mary, b. June 11, 1810, m. Feb. 3, 99. Riley, b. Sept. 25, 1820, m. Aug. 28,
1835, James Litchfield. 1843, Clarissa J. Webster.

97. Urania, b. Sept. 9, 1812, m. May 26,
1840, Thomas Wilder.

70. LuMAN, son of Christopher and Mary (Wilcox) Whiting, m. Anna,
dau. of Samuel Hayden, and occupied his father's homestead in Winchester,
until he removed 10 Ashtabula Co., O., about 1815.

73. Selah, son of William and Lucinda (Soper) Whiting, m. Sabra
Abernethy, of Harwinton, April 6. l8og, and resided in several places and
removed with his family to Atlas, Pike Co., 111., where he d. Oct. 13, 1837,
a. 50 years She d. Feb. 7, 1875, a. 88 years. Children:

784

History of Torrington.

100. William A., b. March 30, 1810, in 103. Selah A., b. Nov. 21, 1816, d. Feb

Tor., m. 20, 1867.

loi. E. Darwin, b. Dec. 19, 1811, m. 104. John W., b. March 24, 1820, d. Aug.

Emily Bradley, Nov. 2, 1837. 21, 1863, in 111.

102. Sabra L., b. Sept. 13, 1814, m. had 105. Catharine, b. May 7, 1823, d. Oct.

James and Frederick, and d. July 26, 1830 20, 1837, in 111.

in O. 106. Charles B., b. Dec. 7, 1827.

74. Uri, son of William and Liicinda (Sopcr) Whicing, m. Sally, dau. of
Moses Loomis, and lived on his father in-la a- 's place on Brandy hill where he
d. She d. March 31, 1874, a. 84. Children:

107. George L., b. 1814, d. June 14, 1864, 109. Mariette L., b. March 17, 1818, m.
a. C2. Julius Wooding, ot" Wulcottville.

108. Frank L., b. Feb. 14, i8i6,m. Julia 110. Uri L., b 1822, m. Hannah Oviatt, d.
Bray, lives in Winchester, has Uri E., and July 30, 1874, a. 51.

Marietta.

75. William H., son of William and Lucinda (Soper) Wt iting, m. Almcda
B;ach, Fe;-). 4. 1817, who was b. Occ. 24, 1796, liv.-d in the jo'in Bro.vn liouse.
He u. in Torrington, May 22, 1842, a. 48. She d. May 11, 1863, a. 67.
Children :

III. Melinda B., b. July 28, 1818, m. 112. Jennette, b. Oct. 6, 1820, d. in Wash-
Jerome B. Woodruff J lives in Washing- ington, D. C.
ton, D. C. 113. William D., b. Feb. 4, 1830.

76. Frederick P., son of William and Lutinda (Soper) Whiting, m. Mary
A., dau. of Miles Hills, Feb. 15, 1826, and has lived on the old homestead
since. The house, now over one hundred years old is in good condition ; the
farm having remamed in the same family over one hundred and torty years, or
from the first settlement of the same, and the town. Mr. Whiting is siill young
for his age, possessed remarkable memory and therefore has been of invaluable
service to the author of this book, and to the people who may read it. His
wife, Mary, d. Djc. 13, 1876. Children:

114. John Newton, b. July 27, 1827, m. d. Oct. 4, 1874; had children: Louise

115. Roxy, b. April 3, 1830, m. John M. H., b. July 16, 1868; Frederic W., b.
Gardner, or Cornwall, lives in Goslien had May 24, 1872, d April 8, 1874; Aschel
son b. April 9, 1865 ; and Mary E., b. L , b. Aug. 26, 1874.

May 13, 1866. 117. Lucian, b. Nov. 15, 1840, m. Mary

116. Loise, b. Feb. 23, 1836, m. Jan. 7, E., dau. of Joseph North, ot Cornwall and
1861, Asahel L. Lyon, ot Bridgeport, who resides in Cornwall, Ct.

100. William A., son of Selah and Sabra (Abernethy) Whiting, m. ; lived
in Atlas, Pike Co., 111. Children :

118. Kate, b. May 10, 1838. 120. Emily, b. Aug. 19, 1843.

119. Marion, b. Sept. 5, 1840. 121. Edward, b. May 3, 1852.

104. John W., son of Selah and Sabra (Abernethy) Whiting, m. and lived
in 111. Children :

122. James A., b. Dec. 31, 1850. 124. Helen, b. Feb. 4, i860.

123. Frederic D., b. Nov. 3, 1855.

106. Charles B , son of Selah and Sabra (.Abernethy) Whiting, m. Flavia
Blanding, b. March 21, 1840; lived in St. Paul, Minn., and d. March 20,
1877. Children:

125. Floyd, b. Sept. 17, i860. 127. Sanford B., b. Sept. 15, 1868.

126. Edith A., b. July 16, 1863. 128. Charles S., b. Mar. 14, 1871.

Genealogies. 785

113. William D., son of William H., and Almeda (Beach") Whiting, m.
Sarah P. Spcrry, at Goshen, March 27, 1853 ; resides in Milldale, Ct. Ch.:

129. Lewis D., b. Mar. 10, 1854 in Cheshire. 132. Frances E., b. May 29, 1862, in Tor.

130. George W., b. Aug. 10, 1856, " 133. Edward H., b. Aug. 6, 1865, in Goshen.

131. Nettie S., b. June 9, 1858, "

114. John N , son of Frederick P. and Mary A. (Hills) Whiting, m. Laura
A., daughter of Miles Hart, of Goshen, Nov. 5, 1851, lives on his father's
homestead. Children :

134. Ella M., b. Aug. 4, 1852, killed by 137. Helen L., b. Jan. 28, 1859.
accident, Oct. 9, 1862. 138. Hubert H., b. Jan. 28, 1861, d. Aug.

135. Charles F., b. June 27, 1853, '^- ^^'^- 9) 1862.

8, 1864. 139. Mary E., b. May 9, 1870, d. Oct. 23,

136. George M., b. Apr. 19, 1856. 1870.

WILCOX, AsAHEL, m. Mary, daughter of Ebenezer Coe, Sept. 13, 1762.
Children :
I. Sarah, b. Dec. 8, 1762. 8. Abiathar, b. Aug. 24, 1777.

a. Luther, b. Dec. 15. 1764. 9. Ebenezer, b. Dec. 6, 1779.

3. Huldah, b. Dec. 23, 1766. 10. Obadiah, b. Dec. 23, 1781.

4. Mary, b. May 7, 1769. 11. William, b. July 21, 1784, d. Apr. 8,

5. Abiathar, b. Mar. 31, 1771, d. Apr. 18, 1797-

1774. 12. Miles, b. Mar. 8, 1787.

6. Asahel, b. Mar., 1773. 13. Edmond, b. Aug. 4, 1789.

7. Asenath, b. Sept. 3, 1771;.

WILCOX, RuLOF D., of Goshen, was b. Mar. 22, 1804, m. Sarah E. Cook
of Winchester, Nov. 3, 1834. She was b. June 24, 1806. Settled in Tor-
rington in .-^pril 1862. Children:

1. William W., b. Aug. 20, 1833. 5. Caroline M., b. Aug. 25, 1844, m. Jan.

2. Warren W., b. Jan. 6, 1837. 10, 1866, Edgar Phelps, lives near Drake's

3. Martha A., b. Oct. 12, 1839, m. 1858, mills; has Frederick R., b. Dec. 18,
Newton Phelps, lives in Winchester. 1872; and a dau. b. Jan. 5, 1876.

4. Lucy J., b. Jan. 2, 1841, m. Henry
Phelps, lives in Torrington hollow.

1. William W., son of Rulof, m. Elizabeth Marvin'Sept. 10, 1857. She
was b. Jan. 16, 1838. They came to Torrington in 1859, on the old Sage
place, near Drake's mills. Children :

6. George F., b. Feb. 12, i86r. 7. William W., b. June 6, 1864.

2. Warren W., son of Rulof, m. Emily Knccttle Oct. 2, 1868. She was

b. July I I, 1844 ; lives on the Bildad Loomis place. Child:

8. Perry Lee, b. Dec. 10, 1870.

WINCHELL, Ebenezer, of Tor., d. Jan. 2, 1778.

WINCHELL, Daniel, m. Martha Bissell, of Tor., June 15, 1779. Ch. :

1. Thankful, b. Oct. 20, 1781, removed 5. David, b. July 4, 1791, is living in Ran-
and m. in O. dolph, O.

2. Harriett, b. Nov. 30, 1783, m. Nathan- 6. Ebenezer, m. Maria Yale of Canaan,
iel Smith of Torringford, about 1806. had Jane, m. John GiUett of Water-

3. Oliver, b. Jan. 31, 1786, removed to bury; Henry m. and d. in Winsted. He
Ohio. d. in Torringford.

4. Daniel, b. May 20, 1788, d. in Ohio, 7. Hiram, m. Olive Goodwin, d. at Ran-
killed by a horse. dolph, Ohio.

WILLIAMS. David, of Colchester, m. Rhoda Beele of East Haddam, Jan.
31, 1790 ; lived in Torrington several years. Children:

1. Memoris, b. July 1, 1791. 3- David, b. May 13, 1796.

2. Matilda, b. May 24, 1793. 4- Dorancy, b. Sept. 22, 1798,

786 History of Torrington.

WILLIAMS, John, a soldier in the Revolution, m. Abigail Cowles June
20, 1780. Child.
I. Huldah, b. Nov. 10, 1780.

WILSON, Robert, was an early settler at Windsor though not among the
first. He m. Elizabeth, dau. of Dea. Edward Stebbins. He removed to
Farmington where he d. July 21, 1655. His widow m. Thomas Cadwell.
Children :

1. John, b. at Windsor.

2. Samuel, b. 1653, at Farmington; and
possibly others.

2. Samuel, son of Robert and Elizabeth (Stebbins) Wilson, m. Mary
Griffen May i, 1672, who d. Aug. 3, 1697. He lived in Windsor. Ch. :

3. Isabel, b. Feb. 24, 1673. 6. Mary, b. Aug. 7, 1679.

4. Samuel, b. May i, 1675, d. young. 7. Abigail, b. March 3. 1684.

5. Samuel, b. Nov. 21, 1678, d. July 31, 8. John, b. May 24, 1686.
1689.

8. Dea. John, son of Samuel and Mary (GrifFen) Wilson, m. Mary Mar-
shall June 16, 1709, who d. Feb. 11, 1772, a. 82. He lived in Windsor
and was one of the proprietors of Torrington and d. Aug. 10, 1774, aged 89.
Children :
9. Mary, b. July 16, 1710. 13. Joel, b. April 17, 1718.

10. John, b. Nov. 7, 171 1, went to Har- 14. Rachel, b. June 6, 1720, m. John
winton. Cook, June 22, 1741.

11. Hannah, b. Oct. 19, 1713. 15. Amos, b. Jan. 13, 1726.

12. Noah, b. Feb. 12, 171 5. 16. Phineas, b. March 16, 1728.

12. Capt. Noah, son of John and Mary (Marshall) Wihon.m. Ann Cook
and settled in Tor. in 1742, {See Biog.) Hed. Mar. g, 1796. Children :

17. Ann, b. Apr. 6, 1741, d. June 14, 1741. 22. Ann, b. Oct. 28, 1751, m. Jos. Taylor.

18. Noah, b. Sept. I 3, 1742. 23. William, b. Sept. 14, 1754.

19. Edee, b. Jan. 4, 1745, ^- ^P""- ' ^> 174^- ^4- J^^rusha, b. Aug. 16, 1758.

20. Abijah, b. Dec. 18, 1746. 25. Edee, b. Jan. i, 1768, d. Feb. 13, 1768.

21. Abiel, b. Dec. 19, 1748, d. Oct. 4, 26. Clymency, b. Oct. 17, 1770.

1749-

13. Capt. Amos, son of John and Mary (Marshall) Wilson, m. Zerviah,
daughter of Wm. Grant, Oct. 26, 1762. Zerviah, his wife d. May 3, 1776.
He m. 2d Damaris Bailey, Aug. 19, 1777. She d. Jan. 22, 1792, a. 48.
Children :

27. William, b. Oct. 1753, d. June, 1754. 30. Roswell, b. May 14, 1765, m. ; had no

28. Ruth, b. Dec. 17, 1754, m. Isaiah children.

Tuttle, 1774. 31. Rhoda, b. Nov. 5, 1768, m. Theodore

29. Roger, b. Aug. 2, 1756. Smith.
29. Rosvkfell, b. Oct. i, 1758, d. Nov. 2,

1758.

By 2d wife :

32. Amos, b. Aug. 14, 1778.

18. Noah, son of Noah and Ann (Cook) Wilson, m. Hannah Youngs,
Nov. 24, 1764; ramoved to Black river country N. Y. Children:

33. Charlotte, b. Aug. 26, 1764. 34. Cracenda, b. Mar. 28, 1771.

20. Abijah, son of Noah and Ann (Cook) Wilson, m. Margaret Beach,
Oct. 5, 1767; removed to Winsted. Children :

Genealogies. 787

35. Zenus, b. Jan. 22, 1768, d. Apr. 15, 38. Rynnoi, b. June 18, 1774.
1769. 39- O-^re'. b- Jan. 5, 1777.

36. Zenus, b. Apr. 11, 1769. 40. Abijah, b. June 8, 1779.

37. Solomon, b. Feb. 8, 1772, d. Nov. 26,
1775-

23. William, son of Noah and Ann (Cook) Wilson, m. Martha Beach,
Aug. 6, 1783, d. Sept. 19, 1786. Children:
41. Huldah, b. Jan. 31, 1784, m. Augustus 42. William, b. July 24, 1785.

Munson, Dec. 4, 1803.

29. Roger, son of Amos and Zerviah (Grant) Wilson, m. Hannah Marshall,
of Nevvfield, where he resided. He was a very active business man. He had
twelve children, the record of whom is mislaid and cannot be found so as to be
inserted here.

32. Amos, son of Amos and Zerviah (Grant) Wilson, m. ist, Sabra Gris-
wold, 2d, Mrs. Elizabeth Birge. Children:

43. Harmon. 47- Martha, \ b. Jan., ^ m. John Scoville.

44. Harriet, m. Samuel Thrall. >■ 1814. |- m. Frederick Bar-

45. Lois, m. Julius Dailey. 48. Mary, j J ber.
4b. Wait B., b. March 2, 1811.

42, William, son of William and Martha (Beach) Wilson, m. ist, Eliza
Brooker, 2d, Polly Roberts, of Torringford, and lived at Burrville.

43. Harmon, son of Amos Wilson, 2d, m. Laura Beardsley, March 22,

1838- Children:

49. Susan M., b. April 16, 1840, m. Jan. 50. Mary A., b. Feb. 22, 1842, m. Jan. I,

I, 1858, Wm. E. Ford, had: i. Walter 1862, Geo. Humphrey, had j Myrtle E.,

B., b. March 26, 1859; 11. Lizzie J., b. b. March 3, 1867.

July II, 1866. III. Minnie E., b. July 51. Azel B., b. J m. 31, 1846, m. Hessie

26, 1868. Lake, Nov. 5, 1876.

46. Waite B., son of Amos Wilson, 2d, m. Oct. 10, 183 i, Caroline J.,
dau. of L. Hamlin Birge, b. Dec. 28, 1810. Children:

52. Jane C, b. May 12, 1857, m. Willard Beach, Jan. 14, 1861, had, George W.,
H. Barber. Edward, Caroline.

53. Caroline J., b. Dec. 12, 1843, m. James

WILSON, Darius, was b. in Harwinton Dec. 5, 1799 ; lived there until
1821, when he removed .to Torringford and in October ot the same year m.
Clarissa Treadway of Tor., and remained there until 1837, when he removed
to Wolcottville. Here he followed the trade of blacksmith, became a man of
influence in the community ; was elected deacon of the Congregational church
in 1846, and in 1859 removed to Altona, Knox Co., 111., where he still re-
sides. Children :

1. Charles, b. Dec. 20, 1826, d. Mar. 1864. 3. Corydon C, b. July 5, 1833, m. Anna

2. Caroline E., b. Apr. 24, 1830, m. W. Preston of Altona, 111., had children;
A. Jones in 1851 ; had children Lizzie, Frank, Arthur, Cora, Charles.

Walter, Winthrop, Bertie and Carrie.

WOLCOTT.' This family is one of great antiquity and respectability.

Henry, who came to America was the son of John Wolcott of Golden
Manor, and was baptized in the adjoining parish of Lydiard St. Lawrence,
Dec. 6, 1578. He m. Jan. 10, 1606, tlizabeth, dau. of Thomas Sanders of
Lydiard St. Lawrence. She was b. in 1589. He held a fair position among

1 Hist. IVindsor. The spelling of this name has many form*.

788

History of Torrington.

the gentry of England. He embarked with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three
sons, Henry, George, and Christopher, in company with Rev. Mr. VVarham,
of whose congregation they were members, and on the 30th of May, 1630,
arrived at Dorchester, Mass. Henry VVolcott's name appears on the first list
of freemen made in Boston, Oct. 19, 1630. In 1635, he removed with Mr.
Warham's church to Windsor, in Connecticut, of which he became a "chief

corner stone."

His honorable and useful life closed on the 30th day of May 1655. Children:

1. John, bap. Oct. I, 1607, in England 3. Henry, b. Jan. 21, 161 1.

where he was living in 1631, and appar- 4. George, became a freeman in Ct., May
ently never emigrated to America. 21, 1657, m. Elizabeth Treat.

2. Anna, carre over with her sister and 5. Christopher, d. unm. Sept. 7, 1662.
youngest brother, after the family had be- 6. Mary, m. June 25, 1646, Job Drake of
come settled, and m. Oct. 16, 1646, Mr. Windsor.

Matthew Griswold. 7. Simon, b. about the year 1625.

3. Henry, 2d, son of Henry and Elizabeth Wolcott, was admitted a free-
man at Boston April l, 1634, and was then a member of the church at Dor-
chester, removed to Windsor in 1636, and m. Sarah, dau of Mr. Thomas
Newberry, Nov. 8, 1640. He was a large importing merchant. Children:

8. Henry, b. Jan. 6, 1643. 12. Hannah, b. Mar. 8, 1654, d. Sept. 4,

9. John, b. Feb. 28, I 644. 1683.

10. Samuel, b. Oct. 8, 1647. 13. Josiah, b. July 22, 1658.

11. Mary, b. Dec. 7, i65i,m. James Russell, 14. Sarah, b. July 5, 1659, m. Walter
Esq., d. at Charlestown, .Mass. Price and d. at Salem.

7. Simon, son of Henry and Elizabeth Wolcott, was made a freeman in
1654. Hem. Joanna, daughter of .^aron Cook, March 19, 16^7, who d.
April 27, 1657, a. 18. He m. 2d Martha Pitkin, of East Hartford, who is
spoken of by her son the governor, " as a gentlewoman of bright natural talents,
which were well improved by her education in the city of London." He d.
Sept. II, 1687, a. 62. His widow m. in 1689, Mr. Daniel Clarke, and d.
Oct. 13, 1719, a. 80 years. Children:

15. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 19, 1662, m. Daniel 19. Daniel (no date).
Cooley, d. Jan. 30, 1707. 20. Henry, b. May 20, 1670.

16. Martha, b. May 17, 1664, m. Thomas 21. Christopher, b. July 4, 1672, d. Apr. 3,
Allyn, d. Sept. 7, 1687. 1693.

17. Simon, June 24, 1666. 22. Mary, b. 1674, d. 1676.

18. Joanna, b. June 30, 1668, m. John 23. William, b. Nov. 6, 1676.
Cotton. 24- Roger, b. Jan, 4, 1679.

24. Governor Roger, son of Simon and Martha (Pitkin) Wolcott, m.
Sarah, daughter of Lieut. Job Drake, Dec. 3, 1702. His home was in East
Windsor, and he was governor of Connecticut. He d. May 7, 1767, in the
89th year of his age. His wife Sarah, d. in 1750. Children :

25. Roger, b. Sept. 14, 1704. 33. Josiah, b. Feb. 6, 1719, d. Jan. 19,

26. Elizabeth, b. Apr. 10, 1706, m. Roger 1802, a. 84.

Newberry of Windsor. 34. Erastus, ] ] d. May 12,

27. Alexander, b. Jan. 20, 1708, d. Oct. 8, I b. Feb. 8, [ 1722.
1711. 35. Epaphras, f 1721, | d. Apr. 3,

a8. Samuel, b. Jan. 9, 1710, d. Dec. 27, J J i733-

1717. 36. Erastus, b. Sept. 21, 1722.

29. Alexander, b. Jan. 7, Jyia-K^jng 37- Ursula, b. Oct. 30, 1 714, m. Matthew

30. still b. Dec. 10, 1712. / ■ Griswold, East Lyme.

31. Sarah, b. Jan. 31, 1715, d. Jan. 5, 38. Oliver, b. Nov. 20, 1726.

igir. 39. Mary Ann, b. Jan. I. 1730, m. Thomas

32. Hepzibah, b. June 23, 1717, m. John Williams, Esq., Brookline, Ct.
Strong of East Windsor.

Genealogies.

789

29. Dr. Alexander, son of Gov. Roger and Sarah (Drake) Wolcott, m,
1st, Lydia Atuater, and 2d, Mary Richards of New London, April 3, 1745,
and resided in East, now South Windsor. Children :

40. Jeremiah, b. Nov. 14, 1733. 46. George, b. Oct. 17, 1753, '"•

41. Alexander, b. 1735, d. 1736. 47. Christopher, Dr., b. Oct. i, 1754, m.

42. Esther, b. Stpt. 16, 1746, d. Oct. 9, 48. Mary, b. Aug. 7, 1756, m. Elihu Gris-
1746. wold ot W.

43. Simon, Dr., b. Aug. 9, 1746. 49. Alexander, b. Sept. 15, 1758.

44. Esther, b. July 17, 1749, m. Samuel 50. Guy, b. Aug. 7, 1760, m., settled in
Treat. Tor.

45. George, b. May 23, 1751, d. Oct. 17, 51. Elizabeth, b. Jan. 13, 1765, m. Elizur
1751. Wolcoct of E. W.

50. Dea. Guy, son of Dr. Alexander and Mary (Richards) Wolcott, m.
Abigail Allyn oF Windsor, Oct. 5, 1 78 1. She was b. Oct. 5, 1765, and d.
in Torrington. He settled here as early as 1789. on a farm a mile and a half
west of Wolcottville ; the place still being known by iiis name. He and his
family were of considerable prominence in the town through various business
enterprises ; he himself was a farmer. He was elected deacon of the Tor-
rington church in 1821, and in 1822 removed to Tallmadge, Ohio, where he
bought a farm, settled on it and lived only a year after so settling. Children :

59. Almira, b. May 21, 1799.

60. Amanda, b. Nov. 15, 1802, d. in Tor.
a. I 5 years.

61. George, b. July 26, 1805, m.

62. Allyn, b. March 12, 1809.

52. Infant, d. at Windsor.

53. Abigail, b. July 2, 1785, m. Nathan
Gillett, May 26, 1803. {See Gillett.)

54. Guy, b. Oct. 13, 1787, m.

55. James, b. Nov. 3, 1789, m.

56. Elizur, b. July 17, 1792, m.

57. Frederick, b. Jan. 13, 1795, m.

58. Anna, b. May 16, 1797.

54. Gur, son of Guy and Abigail (Allyn) Wolcott, was engaged in business
in Torrington ; bought one-eighth of the Wilson's saw mill in 1811 ; in 1817
went to Tallmadge, Ohio, and bought a farm. He m. Annis, dau. of Dea.
Lemuel Porter Apr. 24, 1821, and d. Dec. 2, 1865, aged 78 years. Children :

63. Eleanor, b. (no dates) m. Lucius W.
Hitchcock, settled in Akron, Ohio.

64. James O., b. April 8, 1823 ; a farmer;
a thorough student, and a close observer ;
he believed the farmer could rank with
the best of professional men in mental
attainments. He m. ist, Jane Lewis,
Nov. 4, 1846; 2d, her sister Ellen ; he d.
Dec. 29, 1876, a. 54, leaving a wife and
five children.

65. Elizabeth, b. May 25, 1824, d. at Mt.
Holyoke seminary May 14, 1845, a. 21 j
she was in her last year in the seminary.

66. Charlotte, b. Sept. 3, 1827, m. Oct.
12, 1851, D. E. Fenn, ofTallmadge, O.,
where they reside, and have three children,
one son and two daughters.

67. Lemuel, b. Aug. 18, 1831, m. Harriet

with the church when 13 : entered Wes-
tern Reserve college in 1850, remained
2 years; entered junior class at Yale;
was graduated in 1854; studied another
year in New Haven; was tutor at Wes-
tern Reserve, two years; in autumn of
1857, entered Andover Theological semi-
nary ; soon after his health failed and re-
turned home m. Fannie Pierce, Nov.
27, i860, d. Dec. 20, 1873, leaving a wife
and 4 daus.
70. Franklin, b. Feb. 20, 1837, m. Hen-
rietta Brooks, in May 1864, settled in
Nebraska, removed thence to Weeping
Water, Nebraska, where he resides, with
wife and two daughters.

Treat, Nov. 5, 1855, d. Nov. 10, 1876,3. 71. Ellen, b. Oct. 16, 1854, d. April 5,

45. He was a farmer, and left 3 childden. 187 I, a. 26, she was a graduate of Lake

68. Eleanor, ( b. July 14, 1833. d. a. i y. Erie seminary; m. S. W. Peet of Ver-

69. Elizur, J b. July 14, 1833, united mont and settled at Weeping Water.

55. James, son of Dea. Guy and Abigail (Allyn) Wolcott, was a stirring,
energetic young man ; learned ihe trade of making woolen cloths, and persuaded
Mr. Frederick Wolcott to build the woolen factory in Wolcottville, and was

79^ History of Torrington.

engaged in this mill many years. His dau., Mrs. Smith Gilbert, resides in
Maumee City, Ohio.

56. Elizur, son of Dea. Guy and Abigail (Allyn) Wolcott, m. Esther Lewis
of Wolcottviile, Conn. ; was afterwards a partner in a carpet factory at Thomp-
sonville, Conn., where, after many years, he died.

61. George, son of Dea. Guy and Abigail (Allyn) Wolcott, m. Margaret
Hine of Tallmadge, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1828 ; and after some years settled in La
Grange Co., Ind., at a place now called Wolcottviile. He died in 1857, a.
51 years. {See Biog.) Children:

72. Ann L., b June 9, 1829, m. Timothy Cooper, b. Aug. 10, 1864; Anna B.
Hudson Jan. i, 1850. He was b. Apr. Cooper, b. Apr. 25, 18655 Fannie J.
15, 1823. Their children : Rowena E. Cooper, b. July I, 1866; Jennie Cooper,
Hudson, b. Nov. 8, 1852; Carlton W. b. Apr. 18, 1871.

Hudson, b. Sept. 4, 1856; Lillian A. 76. Elton R., b. Sept. 13, 1836, m. Emily

Hudson, b. May 22, 1859; Genevieve J. Jones, Nov. 21, 1864.

Hudson, b. Apr. 5, 1871. 77. Marshall F., b. Oct. 21, 1838, m. Fan-

73. Abby, b. Jan. 6, 1831. nie L. Perry, May 9, 1866. Their chil-

74. Almyra, b. Dec. 16, 1832, d. young. dren : Alfred P., b. July 6, 1867 ; George

75. Rowena, b. Aug. 16, 1834, m. John F. E., b. May'21, 1869, d. Junei, 1869;
Cooper, Oct. 17, 1861. He was b. Aug. Frank B., b. Aug. 9, 1871.

1, 1834. Their children : Willie W.

WOODING, Edmund A., was b. in Woodbridge, Ct., and belonged to
an old family of that town; came to Torrington hollow, in 1824; engaged
first in the cotton factory ; then a few years in manufacturing clocks, and after-
wards with his son James in the lock factory. He m. ist, Betsey Green, of

East Haddam, who d. and he m. 2d, Pond. He d. Feb. 27, 1864, a.

63. Children by ist wife:

I. Edmund, m. Ann Brooker, and had son 2. Julius, m.

Frank, a merchant at A. T. Stewarts, 3. James, removed to Vineland, N. J.

New York. 4. Anson, is a farmer in Michigan.

By 2d wife :

5. Adaline, m. Augustus Merrills, of New 7. Mary, m. Walter S. Lewis, of Wolcott-
Hartford. ville.

6. Julia A., m. 3d, Wm. Fowler; lives in
New York.

2. Julius, son of Edmund and Betsey (Green)* Wooding, m. Mariette L.,
dau. of Uri Whiting, of Torrington, and has been a merchant some twenty-
five years in the city of New York ; lives on Migeon avenue. Child :

I. Lousia G., b. Dec. 19, 1838, m. Charles
E. Knapp, merchant of New York, and
has son, Edgar Frost, b. May 8, 1866.

WOODWARD, Henry, from England, settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts,
about 1636, and united with the church there previous to 1639. In 1659,
he removed to Northampton, where he "was killed in his grist mill'' by light-
ning, April 7, 1685. His wife, Elizabeth, d. in Northampton, August 13,
1690. Children:

1. Experience, m. Medad Pomeroy, Nov. 3. Thankful, m. John Taylor, Dec. 18,
21, 1661. 1662.

2. Freedom, bap. at Dorchester, in 1642, 4. John, an only son.
m. Jedediah Strong, Nov. 18, 1662.

4. John, son of Henry and Elizabeth Woodward, lived in Northampton
until after the death of his father, when he removed to Westfield, and after that

Genealogies. 791

to Lebanon, Ct. He m. Anna Dcw}', of Wcstfield, daughter of Thomas
Dewy of England, one of the early settlers of Windsor. Children:

5. Elizabeth, b. Mar. 17, 1672, m. Stephen 8. Henry, b. Mar. 18, 1680.
Lee of Westin, 1691. 9. Thomas, b. Apr. 22, 1682.

6. John, bap. Apr. 2, 1674. 10. Israel, b. Feb. 6, 1685.

7. Samuel, b. Mar. 20, 1676, d. Oct. 20,
1676.

10. Capt. Isr.ael son of John and Anna (Dewy) Woodward, m. Abigail
Beard of Huntington, and removed to that part of Waterbury, since called
Watertown, about 1750. They lived in the married state 6g years and d. at
the advanced ages of 93 and 96 years. Children :

11. Nathan. 1 5. Elijah.

12. Abel, b. Apr. i, 1737. 17. Anna, m. Asa Curtiss.

13. Israel. 18. Eunice, m. Wait Scott.

14. John. 19. Abigail, d. an infant.

15. Asa, m. Esther Roberts. 20. Samuel, b. Nov. 20, 1750.

20. Dr. Samuel, son of Israel and Abigail (Beard) Woodward, settled as a
physician in Torringford, and m. Mary, daughter of Capt. Shgbael Griswold,
Feb. 10, 1782. Dr. Woodward purchased land and built his dwelling op-
posite Elijah Gaylord's, and a little north of the Torringford second meeting
house.

In his social intercourse with his neighbors, and as a physician the doctor
was ever kind, thoughtful, very gentlemanly ; candid in all that he said and did,
so that everybody had the utmost confidence in him, respect for him and hun-
dreds loved him as a father, because he had cared for them so tenderly and
successfully when they were sick. {See Biography.') His wife Mary, d. Mar.
28, 1834, a. 76 years. He d. Jan. 26, 1835, a. 85 years. Children:

21. Mary, b. Sept. 20, 1783, m. John 25. Griswold, b. Feb. 3, 1791.
Gillett. 26. Rufus, b. July 16, 1793.

22. Laura, b. June 29, 1785, d. young. 27. Henry, b. May 26, 1795.

23. Samuel B., b. June 11, 1787. 28. Charles, b. Aug. 16, 1798.

24. Elijah, b. April 25, 1789. 29. Laura, b. Dec. 5, 1801.

25. Griswold, son of Dr. Samuel and Mary (Griswold) Woodward, m.
Lucia, dau. of Giles Whiting, and lived on his father's homestead and was an
active, upright, and influential man in the communitv. He was a leader in
the temperance movement, his name occurring frequently in the records of
temperance meetings, on committees and as addressing the meetings. He is
said to have been the first man in the communitv to refuse to provide liquors
for hired men in the harvest field, and this he did not do to save a little money,
because he paid the men extra wages ; more than the liquors would have cost
if provided ; and bv such examples the communitv was almost swept clean
from the use of intoxicating drinks for a time. Children :

30. Laura, b. Sept. 3, 1817, m. ist, Truman 32. Elijah, b. Aug. 9, 1822, m.

A. Curtiss, and 2d, John B. Lyman. 33. James G., b. Mar. 4, 1826, m.

31. George W., b. Sept. 3d, 1820, not m. 34. Mary E., b. Aug. 5, 1833, m. Willard
lives with his brother Elijah. O. Barber.

32. Elijah, son of Griswold and Lucia ("Whiting) Woodward, m. Orpha
A., daughter of Dea. Horace Kellogg, of New Hartford, Nov. 6, 1850. She
was b. Sept. 29, 1830. They live on the old Woodward homestead. Ch. :

35. Virgil H., b. Sept. 22, 1851, m. Alice 37. Ellen Anna, b. June 21, 1854.
Pendleton, March 10, 1877. 38. George E., b. July 18, 1856.

36. Anna, b. Nov. 15, 1852, d. Jan. 30, 39. Martha Y., b. Sept. 4, 1858.
1853.

79^ History of Torrington.

33. James G., son of Griswold and Lucia (Whiting) Woodward, m. Sept.
22, 1847, Catharine Steele, who was b. July 3, 1824, in New Hartford.
Children :

40. Charles G., b. Jan. 27, 1849. 42. James W., b. Dec. 25, 1858.

41. Newell S., b. Aug. 29, 1852. 43. Frank B., b. Nov. 25, i865.

41. Newell S., son of James G. and Catharine (Steele) Woodward, m.
Kate M. Skinner, of Winsted. Children:

44. James Phelps, b. Nov. 25, 1874. 46. Frederick Wellington, b. Nov. 25, 1877.

45. Mary Emma, b. Jan. 20, 1876.

WORKMAN, Samuel, arrived in New York, in 1836, and was engaged
soon after to come to Wolcottville, and engaged in the wool sorting department
of the woolen mill, which work was then and for sometime, done in the upper
part of the store building now occupied by Agard and Church as a hardware
store. When the Union Manufacturing company was formed Mr. Workman
went with it, and in 1859, became a stock owner retaining charge of the de-
partment in which he first began his labors. Children :

1. Anna F. 4. James S.

2. George D. 5. Carrie.

3. John.

3. John, son of Samuel Workman, m. Sylvia E., daughter of John Ham,
of Salisbury, Oct. 23, 1861; is a dry goods and grocer merchant in the firm
of Workman and Weeks, in the old woolen mill store. Children :

6. Josephine, b. Mar. 14, 1866. 7. Jennie G., b. Sept. 5, 1867.

4. James S., son of Samuel Workman, m. Maria L.,dau. of Allen A. Clark,
Jan. I, 1866, and is a merchant tailor in the Coe furniture block. Ch. :

8. Samuel Clark, b. June 11, 1871.

ERRATA.

Capt. Epaphras Sheldon, p. 225, should be Capt. Epaphras Loomis.

Dennis Coe, p. 266, should be Demas Coe.

In biography of Daniel Wyatt Hudson, it should read, born in the parsonage at Torringford,

then owned by Dr. E. D. Hudson.
Page 669, No. 19, John, should be Jonathan.
Page 671, No. 91, m. Kohh.

INDEX.

Aables, Ellen, 295.
Abbey, Henry S., 285.
Abbott, Augusta L., 294.
Ad die, 394.

A. V. R , 116.

B. T., 116.
Abiel, 8.

Franklin, 279, 289.
Pardon, 236
Sarah Jane, 294.

S. W., 293.
Abeling, Auguste, 128.

Julius W., 128.
Abernethy, Dr. Andrew, 137.

C. L., 287.
Elisha S., 151, 275.
Lucy S., 284.
Mary. 46, 128.
Mary L., 289.
Orrel, 45, 128.
Russell C, 45, 67, 96,

122, 128, 162, 163,
246, 247, 266, 267,
269, 306, 307, 479.
Sarah, 156.

Dr.Wm., 155, 156,307.
Academies, 146, 147.
Academy, the brick, 148.
Academy, Torrington, 67,

147-
Adams, Augustus. 288.

Asa G., 122, 128, 276.

Diana, 128.

Mary, 57.

John, 309.

John H., 289.

Matthew, 72.

Olive, 128.

Susannah, 293.
Adamson, Rev. W. L., 124.
Addis, George, 277, 286.

Orphenia S , 57.

Samuel, 273.
Aden, Giles D., 278.
Adkins, Chester R., 278.
Adt, Catharine, 128.

Ferdinand, 127, 128,
165.

John, 165.

Louis, 165.

Louis J., 127.

Advent church at Newfield,

74-
Advie, Rev. S. G., 314.
Agard, Abigail, 279.

Arthur B., 126.

Benjamin, 272, 287.

Bradley R., 105, 112,
126, 163, 236, 267,
270, 287.

Elizabeth, 42, 279.

Hezekiah, 279, 298.

James, 298.

John, 298.

Mary, 279.

Rhoda, 70.

Salmon. 222, 271.

Sarah, 279.

Susan C, 297.
Alcott, A. Bronson, 357,

363-
Aldrich, Calvin, 290.

Wm., 278.
Alender, Andrew, 294.
Alldis, Charles, 165, 296.

Thomas J., 165, 296.

James, 107, 163, 165,
168, 267.
Allen, Albert, 296.

Dwight M., 296.

Giles D., 290.

Homer C, 292.

Henry J. ,126, 162, 297.

Laura, 128.

Phebe S., 46.

Wm. H., 128.
Allyn, Abigail, 42.

Alexander, 8.

Amelia, 284.

Annis M., 287.

Chjuncy, 45, 275.

Elizabeth, 42, 44.

George, 222, 234.

Gilbert, 273.

Hannah, 43.

Henry, 274* 2.83, 298.

Jonah, 277.

Joseph, 14, 27, 43, 44,
90, 105, 134, 244,
281, 287, 298.

Joseph, Jr., 90,272,276.

Julia, 283.

Allyn, Martha, 297.

Matthew, 8.

Nelson, 1 12, 276, 285.

Noah, 106.

Oliver, 272, 281.
Akins, Henry. 41, 42.
Alford, Benedict, 8.
Alvord, Aaron, 41.

Adelaide, 128.

Almira, 128.

David, 222, 279.

Edwin, 166, 167.

Charles, 107, 126, 128,
133.

Harriet, 128.

Hubbell B., 126, 128,
275.

John, 245, 246.

Nelson, 105, 126, 127,
128, 134, 268, 275,
278.

Lavinia, 128.

Nelson, Jr., 126, 164.
Ambler, John T., 293.
Anaclete, Rev. Father, 138.
Anderson, Jerry's letter, 389.

Jeremiah G., 391.

John, 391.

Osborn P., 391.
Andrews, Emery A., 57.

Harriet, 285.

John A., 362.

Lyman, 271.

Samuel, 297.

Sarah J , 297.

W. W., 426.
Andrus, Edward S., 296.

Erskin, 126.

Charles, 63, 162, 273.

U. C, 64.

Laura M., 128.
Anti-Slavery, 213; meeting,
215, 216 ; at Tor-
ringford, 217.
Appley, Elisha, 272.

Elizabeth, 285.

Ezekiel, 250,272, 281.

Josiah, 74.

Lorrain, 165.

Miles, 274.

Norman, 275.

100

794

Index.

Arms, Rev. Hiram P., 122,
123. 124, 127, 208 ;
biography, 309.

Lucy Ann, 128.
Arrow pond, 68.
Ashborn, James, 86, 133,
162, 267, 288, 291.

John, 165, 167, 292.
Ashley, Henry, 165.
Atchison, David R., 350, 355.
Atwater, Asaph, 27, 223,
226.

Charles, 288.

Edward A., 128, 292.

.Henry, 187.

Julia, 128.
Atkins, Edward, 134, 135.

Geo. H., 296.

Joel, 273.
Austin, Aaron, 26, 183, 229,
23c, 264, 265.

Amariah S., 289.

Andrew D., 223, 271.

Anna, 57.

Buel. 277.

Charlotte, 282.

Cyrenus, 223.

Daniel, 26, 223.

David, 26, 41, 298.

Enos, 223.

Eliphalet, 271.

Esther, 283.

Fanny C, 149, 284.

Irena, 286.

Isaac, 223.

Joseph, 223.

Joshua, 26, 48.

Lewis, 97, 273.

Levi, 223.

Margaret, 57.

Nathaniel, 57, 223, 265,
268.

Rebecca, 57.

Robert, 54.

Samuel, 2d, 223.

Samuel, 50, 54, 228,
268.

Thaddeus, Dr., 152,
294.
Avered, Israel, 298.
Averitt, Israel, Jr., 222.

Samuel, 223.

Babcock, Fitch, 276.
Bacon, Rev. E. W., 124,
I2>', 129.

James, 42, 271.

Mary, 128.
Bailey, C. R., 165.

Lafayette, 241.

Tamison, 57.
Bains, Enos, 226.

Baker, Abby Jane, 309.

Henry B., 278.
Balcomb, Julia, 128.'
Balcom, Anson F.. 239.

Edward M., 239.

J. H., 165.
Baldwin, Abner, 226.

Amanda, 128.

Clarissa, 423.

David, 122, 123, 127,
128.

E. A., 112, 127.

Elizabeth, 128.

George, 32, 227, 228,
230, 271.

Lyman, 27.

Nathaniel, 21.

Patience, 44.

Sarah, 123.

Sarah A.. 123, 127, 128.

Truman, 274.

William, 275.

Wm. F., 134.
Balker, John F., 277.
Ball, Almira, 284.

Joel, 275.

Lazarus, 272.
Bancroft, Charles T., 277.

Charlotte, 283.

Chester, 44, 273.

Ephraim,42, 64, 65,66,
152, 222, 224, 264,
267, 271.

Dr. Erastus, 152, 248,
274,471 ; biog., 310.

Jerusha, 44.

J. K., 57.

Moses, 273.

Noadiah, 161,222,227,
271, 310, 447.

Oliver, 222, 235, 236.

Dr. Oliver, 152.

Rachel, 44.

Dr. Reuben, 152.

Warren, 274, 284.
Bands of music, 133.
Band, went to the war, 167.
Bangs, Rev. Heman, 74.
Baptisms, 19.
Baptists, 37.
Barber, Abij.ih, 171.

Adaline, 289.

Athalia, J 28.

Alvin E., 128.

Anna, 128.

Alzadj, 44.

Dr. A. E., 127, 128.

Benham, 126, 134.

Chester, 57.

Chester H., 57.

Chloe, 42.

Diana, 128.

Barber, Eli, 32, 34, 271.

Elihu, 63, 72,76,271.
Elihu, Jr., 274.
Elijah, 31, 34, 42, 222,

271.
Eliza, 46.
Elizur, 122, 123, 126,

127, 128.
Elkanah, 74, 86, 135,

275.
Hannah, 128.
Hector, 128.
Henry, 241.
Hiram, 275.
Jenette S., 57.
John, 57, 272.
John C, 57, 77, 275.
John W., 95.
Mrs. Julia A., 128.
Maria E., 57.
Manilla, 57.
Marvin, 40, 274.
Mary, 128.
Mary E., 128.
Milo, 46.
Milo F., 239.
M. F., 164.
Myron Elbert, 128.
Nathaniel, 16, 18, 19,

31, 40, 51,223, 226,

230.
Nathaniel Jr., 236.
Orson, 74, 275, 567.
Polly, 123, 127, 128.
Roger C, 267, 270.
Sarah, 57.
Sarah B , 57.
Sheldon, 275.
Timothy, 32, 34, 35,

o 2,2.

Walter L., 128.
Willard H., 81, 164,

175-
Willard O., 57.

Ursula, 57.
Barbour, Henry S., 128, 159,
266, 267.

H. L., 126, 127.

H. S., 150.

Herman N., 160.

John H., 128.

Rev. John, 127.

Rev. John H., 151.

Parmelia, 128.
Barclay, Louisa, 128.

Robert, 167.
Bariclau, Wm., 166.
Barlow, A. E., 149.
Barnes, Harvey, 165.

Henry, 165.
Barrett, Andrew, 241.

Elizabeth M., 297.

Index.

795

Barrett, Joseph, 122, 128.

Joseph H., 283.
Bartlett, Samuel, 16, 27.

William, 26, 57.
Bartholomew, Jeremiah H ,
128.

J. H, 10.1.

Pully, 128.
Bassett, Rev. Archibald, 312.

Mrs. E. C, 312.

R. M., 190.
Batchelder, Dr. John P., 502.
Bates, Mary L., 57.

Nathaniel, 128.

Rowani, 128.
Battell, Charles I., 151.

Charles T., 159.

Joseph, 76 ; biography,
420.

Sarah, 57, 520.

Wm., 57,76, 159, 265,
266, 268, 272.

Wm. Jr., 265, 266.
Beach, Capt. Abel, 14, 16,

^8, 33. 34, 36, 40,
51, 66, 67, 68, 141,

202, 230, 270, 422.
Abel Jr., 34, 222, 271,

272.
Adna, 32, 34.
Adna, Jr., 163.
Almeda, 45.
Anan, 273.
Baker, 84.
Betsey, 44.
Benj., 42, 231, 227,

230, 244, 271-
Content, 128.
David, 278.
Ebenezer W., 276.
Edmund, 251.
Esther, 70.
Experience, 42.
Fisk, 77, 163.
George, 274.
George W., biography,

194.
Hannah, 45
Harriet, 128.
Mrs. Huldah, 158.
James, 151, 222.
Rev. James, 40, 43,

471 ; biography, 422.
John, 32, 34, 42, 222.
John Jr., 272.
Joseph, 16,40, 51, 271.
Joseph, Jr., 222.
Julius, 273.
Levi, 44, 63, 272.
Loomis B., 47.
Lucy, 47, 57.
Lurandus, 128, 277.

Beach, Lydia, 251.

Martha, 35.

M.iry, 128.

Mercy, 43.

Miles, 162, 243, 272.

Miles, Jr., 274.

Rev. Mr., 115.

Nancy, 154.

Nathan, 40.

Noah, 222, 233, 271.

Samuel, 31, 34, 42, 90,
122, 222, 227, 247,
270, 272.

Sabra, 275.

Sheldon, 278.

S. Y., 187.

Thearon, 78.

Wait, 32, 34, 35, 40,
43, 158, 221, 228,
230, 265, 268.
Beardsley, Jabez, 271.

M., 187.
Beckwith, Dr., 153.

Garwood H., 275.

J. G., 134.
Beecher, James E., 128.

Dr. L., 207, 462.
Beers, Alfred, biog., 195.

Alfred B., 196.

Amos S., biog., 196.

Carrie, 128.

Charles W., 196.

Herbert S., 197.

Horace A., 128, 165.

Jonathan, 196.

Leander J., 196.

Will.e H., 197.
Belding, Hart H., 276.
Bell, James, 163, 165.
Bellamy, An^eline, 128.

Cornelius, 164.

Harvey F., 252.

Joseph, 17.
Bellows, Isaac, 72, 272.
Benedict, Aaron, 425.

Benj., 229.

Bushniel, 32, 34, 42,
224, 228, 236, 270.

Charles, 165.

Charles M., 187.

Daniel, 222, 236.

Lucina L., 57.
Benham. Jane Ann, 128.
Benjamin, Nathan, 279.
Bennett, Benoni, 286.

Dr. A. W., 470.

John, 279.

Laura E., 297.

Mary E., 290.

Nonidan, 289.

William M., 278, 290.
Benton, Belah, 226.

Berg, Anne, 129.

Emma, 129.

Martha, 129.

Mary, 128.

Theodore, 128.
Berry, Edwin A., 164.

Fanny M., 128.

Lu:y, 128.

Rev. S. v., 135.
Berthold, Folk, 167.
Bigelow, Frederick, 226.
Biographies, 307.
Bird, Capt. Joseph, 21.
Birge, AUstyne, 57.

Aranda, 272.

Celia M., 57.

Chester, 273.

David, 41, 48.

Edward B., 267, 270.

Eliza M., 57.

Experience, 57.

Geo. H., 277.

Jeremiah, 8.

John, 25, 41, 48, 50,
51, 181, 225, 226,
230, 270.

John Jr., 223.

Julia, 57.

Leverette, 273.

Luther, 57, 274.

Marther, 57.

Mary, 225, 234.

Nathaniel, 57, 275.

Ransley, 274.

Roswell, 57, 164, 274.

Sally, 57.

Simeon, 236.

Simon, 57, 223, 271.

Speedy, 285.

Willard, 66, 144, 275.

Willard H., 416.

W. W., 127, 368.
Bishop, Alfred, 185, 187;
biography, 191.

E. F., 190, 192,

John D., 163, 165, 168.

Leander, 195.

W. D., 190, 191, 195.

Wm., 168.
Bissell, Benj., 25, 28, 50, 51,

75, 145, ^3°, ^33,

270, 299.
Benj. Jr., 223.
Benoni, 8.
Calvin, 226.
Catlin, 63, 273.
Dr. Charles R., 152.
Charlotte, 57.
Cyrus, 273.
Daniel, 10, 14.
Daniel, Jr., 8.
David, 8.

796

Index.

Bissell, Eben'r, 223,226, 228.
Edwin, 273.
Elijah, 228. 236, 271.
Eliphaz, 223.
Dr. Eliphaz, 152, 1 53.
Elisha, 223, 271, 272.
Esther Ann, 57.
Ezekiel, 57.
Ezekiel, Jr., 223, 230.
Fanny, 57.
Fitch, 273.
Gaylord G., 278.
Dr. Gaylord G., 152.
George, 163, 273.
George P., 105, 122,
167, 269, 270, 27s,
295.
Harriett, 57.
Harry, 275.
Henry, 192.
Hezekiah, 223.
Dr. Hezekiah, 153.
Isaac, Jr., 64.
John, 226.
John L., 276, 292.

Dr. John, 153.
Jonathan, 8.

Leonard, 274.
Lucius, 57, 276.

Lucius E., 241.
Lucy, 123, 129.

Mrs. Lucy, 127.
Lucretia, 57.

Luther, 104, 122, 134.

Mary S., 57.

Milicent, 57.

Oliver, 223, 271.

Peletiah, 273.

Peter M., 57, 273.

Porter, 148, 274.

Return, 223, 226, 271.

Rhoda, 57.

Roderick, 57, 152, 163,
267, 274.

Rosetta, 287.

Roxa, 44.

Ruth, 57.

Sarah Comstock, 57.

Sarah Patton, 57.

Virgil R., 165, 279.

William, 164, 275.

Zacheus W., 266.
Black Jack, 345, 346, 349-
Blair, Charles, testimony con-
cerning John Brown,
365.
Blake, Barzillai, 272.

Jesse, 272.

Joseph, 31,42,89, 221.
Blakeslee, John R., 239.

Julius A., 164.

Leonard, 122, 127.

Blakeslee, Marther E., 57.

Rumina, 129.
Bloodgood, Rev. John, 113.
Bogert, Minard Van De, 274.
Bogue, Deborah C, 129.
Boies, David, 154.

Nancy C , i 54.
Bolster, Cornelia E., 129.
Bool, Isaac, 142.
Booth, Elisha S., 46.

Elvira, 46.

George, 275.
Bordwell, Joel, 529.

Rev. Joel, 528.
Bostwick, Philomela, 44.

William, 272.

Dr. William, 153, 516.
Botanic productions, 173.
Boughton, William L., 278.
Bowne, George H., 277.

J-, 4^-
Noah, 41.

Boyd, James M., 164.

John, 187.

Sidney S., 294.
Brace, Ariel, 42, 222, 227.

Elizabeth, 229.

Ellen Ann, 57.

Mary Ann, 57.

Harlan, 272.

Harlan H., 278.

Pearley, 129.

Rodney, 81, 133, 134.

Truman, 273.
Brad, John, 275.
Bradford, A. G., 129, 278.

Wm., 315.

Rev. Wm., 474.
Bradley, Albert, 134, 266,
274.

Amos, 161.

Clarissa, 283.

Elnora, 129.

Emily, 157.

Mary, 129.

Samuel, 133, 134, 162,
I 63, 306.

Samuel [r., 277.

Seymour, 272.
Bradshaw, Margaret, 293.

Wm., 241.
Brady, A. G., 162.

Allen G., 95, 96, 134,
240,241 ; biog., 423.

Rev. Father, 138.

Rev. John, 136.

Wm. G., 240.
Brandy hill, 66.
Brandy, its effects, 204; still,
Abner Loomis's, 202.
Brass Foundcry at Cotton hol-
low, 80.

Bray, Hannora, 296.
Brick making, 83.
Briggs, Ellen, 129.

Lewis, 166.
Brinsmade, 520.

Daniel, 23, 36.

Daniel B., 520.
Bristoll, Chester, 129, 276.
Brittain, Alfred B., 185.
Bronson, Ashbel, 70, 222,
271.

Bethesda, 70.

Casimer H., 305.

Charles A., 57.

Henry, 190.

Hiram, 276.

Isaac, 74.

Luther, 1 16, 267.

Lyman, 74.

Mark, 166, 167.

Mary J., 57.

Michael, 116.

Noah, 184.
Brooker, A. S., 126.

Albert F., 165, 238.

Alexander M., 201.

Andrew J., 239.

Annie, 129.

Arthur S., 129.

Charles F., 104, 126,
129, 165, 267.

Chester, 89, 126, 129,

134-
Ella T., 129.
Francis L., 129.
Frank R., 238.
John, 63, 89, 90, 148,

203, 272.
Julia, 129.
Huldah, 129.
Maria, 129.
Maria L., 129.
Marion N., 129.
Martin, 134.
Mary, 129.
Mary L., 129.
Mehitable, 129.

Russell, 275.

126,

Samuel, 89, 122
270.

Samuel Jr., 134.
Brooks, 171, 172.

Brothers Bankers, 112.

H. P., 488.

Heman P., 165.

Isaac W., 112.

J. W., 87.

John W., 112.

Ruth, 123, 128, 129.
Brothwell, Addie, 129.

J. G., 127, 165, 167,
168.

Index.

797

Brothwell, Joseph, 168.

J. W , 163.

Joseph W., 165.

R. N., 165.

Wm., 168.

William H., 165.
Brown, Capt., 318.

Daniel, 81, 278.

David, 41.

Frederick, 3 I 3.

Frederick W., 277.

Jason, 326.

Jeremiah, 274, 356.

Capt. John, 159.

John, 217, 313, 314,
316, 317, 516; me-
moir of 3155 birth
place, 318 ; letter to
a young friend, 3185
Emerson's lines ap-
plied to, 324; his
children, 326 ; testi-
mony to his early
character, 32S ; spirit
of pilgrims, 330 ; key
to unlock the fetters
of slavery, 331 ; and
the wool growers, 333;
settlers at North El-
ba, 334 5 his Devons,
337 J studies battle-
fields, 338 ; words of
advice, League of
Gileadites, 339; in
Kansas, 342 ; Owen,
Jason and Frederick,
removed to Kansas,
343 ; his company of
warriors, 347 ; the
fight at Osawatomie,
351 ; fight at Law-
rence, 353 ; his " soul
is marching on," 359;
favorite hymn, 363 ;
money raised in Mass.,
364; contract for
pikes, 365 ; meets
Senator Sumner, 366 ;
startling proposition,
370; his letter to
Theodore Parker,

372 ; Kansas rifles
375 ; his kindness to
Mrs. Timmons, 375 ;
meets Boston friends,
375 J his letter to F.
B. Sanborn, 377, 380;
his whistles, 377 ;
parallels in A'. T.
Tribune, 38 1 ; meets
Senator Wilson, 383;
Virginia campaign,

386 ; at Harper's
Ferry, 390, 391 ; at-
tacks Harper's Ferry,

397, 398. 399; 1*^""
to Rev. Luther Hum-
phrey, 403 ; A. B.
Akott's description of,
408 ; last letter to his
family, 409 ; last
speech, 41 1 ; the
burial of, a poem, 41 3.

John Jr., 326, 361,
390 ; insane, 346.

Oliver, 336, 337, 391.

Oliver O., 317.

Owen, 43, 313, 327,

344, 39°- 39'-
Osowatomie, 217, 351.

Peter, 315, 316.

Priscilla, 315.

Ruth, 43.

Solomon, 317.

Stephen, 6i.

Thomas W., 242.

Watson, 391 ; letter
from, 396.
Brownwell, T. C, 135.
Bryant, William, 126.
Buchanan, President, 370.
Buckingham, Governor, 424.

Scorield, 187.
Buckland, Nicholas, 8.
Buckley, Wm. E., 296.
Buel, Hyman, 277.

Norman B., 46.
Buell, George W., 1 64

Jesse, 251.

Jonathan, 251.

Joseph C, 129.

Maria, 513.

Mary, 129.

Norton J., 187.
Buf^um, Arnold, 215.
Bulkley, Daniel B., 134.
Bull, Russell, 90.
Bullin, Geo. W., 290.
Bunnel, Wm , 162.
Burdett, Riley, 43 I.
Burgess, Rev. Ebenezer, 561.
Burke, Edmund, legal argu-
ment, 431.
Burleigh, Charles C. ,508.
Burlock, Thomas, 185, 187.
Burnham, Otis, 275.

Gordon W., 426.
Burns, Daniel. 135.
Burness, Daniel, 278.
Burr, Aaron, 469.

Allyn, 274, 275.

Almira, 58.

Alonzo, 58.

Ann S., 58.

Burr, F. Ella, 58.

Fanny Taylor, 58.
Francis, 278.
Franklin, 58.
George A., 58.
Hiram, 58, 77, 275.
Hudson, 151, 159.
J. M., 83, 84.
John, 26, 28, 48, 226,

230. 494. 498. 500-

John, Jr , 223, 271.

JohnM., 165,267,270,
360.

Joshua, 164.

Lavina, 58.

Lucius, 58, 278.

Lyman L., 129.

Marther, 58.

Mary, 58, 129.

Mary A., 58.

Mehitable, 58.

Milo, 58, 77, 83, 84,
269, 274.

Reuben, 223, 230.

Rial, 274.

Rufus, 58, 159, 275.

Russell, 63, 272.

Salmon, 272.

Samuel, 126, 129, 162,
164, 226, 278.

Sarah, 58.

Sarah J., 58.

S. P., 134.

Tabitha, 57.

Uri C, 58, 277.

Uriel, 74.
Burr's Reservoir, 83.
Burrall, Wm. P., 185.
Burrville, 83.
Burwell, Ellis, 58, 77.
Burying ground, Torringford,

53-
Business centers, 64.
Butler, Frank W., 168.

William, 165.
Button shop, 96.
Byard, Hannah, 442.

Cabot, Dr., 359, 360.
Cadwell, Peletiah, 62.

Peletiah Jr., 273.

Chester, 277.
Cady, James F., 165.

Norman, 105.
Calhoun, Clarissa, 129.

J. F., 96, 112, 126,

129, 146, 267, 278,
306, 307.

Sarah, 129.

Sarah C, i 50.
Calkins, Dr. A. M., 153;
biography, 425.

798

Index.

Calkins, Alfred, 239.

Edward, 275.

Jane A., 58.

Newton A., 240.
Callan, Rev. M. J., 39.
Gallic, Rev. Father, 137.
Camp, Albert W., 296.

Bela, 271.

Hannah, 494.

J. C, 187.

J. M., 126.

Jabez, 129.

Lottie E., 129.

Mary, 129.

Mary T., 129.

Martha, 129.

Wallace H., 149.
Camp meeting in Goshen, 1 14.
Canfield, Rev. Mr., 114.

George, 276.
Carding mill, 105; Hunt-

ingtons, 86; Joseph

Blake's. 89.
Carhart, Jeremiah, 430.
Carr, Aralzaman, 277.

Clement, 58, 273.

Jedediah, 58.

Luman, 274.
Carriage shop, 104; Wright-

ville, 82.
Carring, David W., 277.
Carrington, David, 129.

Lewis, 276.

Mercia, 129.
Carroll, Edward, 241, 293.

Richard, I 39.
Carson, J. L,, 127, 165.
Cartridge, Anson, 277.
Case, Fred, 72.

Dr. Jairus, 153.

Jairus, 275.

Luke, 72.

Waltun, 163.
Castle, Edward C, 238.

Mary E., 129.

Nancy, 129.

Ransom W., 277.
Catlin, Abel, 226.

Asahel, 226.

Charles, 278.

Imogene, 129.

Theodore, 226.
Caul, Nelson, 276.
Chamberlain, Levi, 515.
Chapin, Sarah L., 129.
Chapman, Chief Justice, 334.

Edward, 8.

George P., I 65.

Luman, 277.
Chase, George, 272.
Chestnut Ridge, 169, 170.
Cheever, Frederick, 241.

Childs, Harriet, 44, 440.

Heman, 274.

Dr. Samuel, 153.

Timothy, 153.
Chipman, Mary P., 129.

Rev. R. M., 124, 129,
216.

Dr. S. W., 153.
Chittendon, H A., 466.
Choate, Rufus, 333.
Church, Charles F., 89, 127,
267.

Charles L., 129.

Charles S., 122, 276.

Charlotte, 129.

Geo., 163.

Geo. W., 128, 278.

W. A., 165.

Henry A., 165.
Church, the first in Tor., 17
members fiist, 18
first organized, 19
hemlock, 22, 23
Torrington, 29, 30
Torringford, 48; Tor-
ringtord organized, 53,
54; Wrightville, 82
Congreg'itional, 34
in Wolcottville, i 21
organized, 123 : Bap-
tist at Newfield, 70 ;
Methodist, at New-
field, 72 ; Episcopal,
its constitution, 133;
its origin, 133; Catho-
lic, I 36 i St. Francis,
139.
Churchill, Hobart, 127.

James, 240.

Lucy J., 129.
Clap, Roger, 2.
Clapp, Joshua, 95.
Clark, Abel, 153, 223.

AUyn A., 277.

Almira, 58.

Charles, 275.

Charles L., 277.

Chester, 273.

Converse, 58, 275, 283.

D. W., 167.

Dexter, 166.

Dexter W., 164.

Rev. E. S., 124.

Dr. Elisha, 153.

Erwin B., 129.

John, 276.

Rev. Laban, 114, 116;
biography, 117.

Lucius, 149.

Lyman, 85, 86, 134.

Lyman L., 277.

Mary, 8.

Clark, D. W., 126,

Rhoda R , 129.

S. L., 97, 165.

Samuel, 228.

Sarah, 487.

Sidney L., 126.

Truman P., 165.

Victorianus, 127, 129.
Clay, Heniy, 523.
Clay beds, 176.
Cleaveland, Charles F., 241.

Dyer, 226.

James C, 163.
Clemence, Welcome, 274.
Clemens, Fidelia, 129.

Hiram, 129.
Cleveland, J. R. McD., 58.

James C, 58, 163.

L. C, 58.

Mary, 58.

S. J. Taylor, 58.
Clockmaking, 80, 81.
Cobb, Hiram, 278.
Codling, Robert, 1 1 6.
Coe, Abigail, 41.

Abijah, 274.

Abijah and Sibyl, 425.

Abner, 271.

Andrew, 167.

Asahel, 274.

Caroline, 58.

Daniel, 73, 115, 216,
494.

Rev. Daniel, 113, 114.

Demas, 96, 134, 266,
269, 273.

E. T., 165.

Ebenezer, 14, 16, 18,

32. 34. 35. 40, 51,
229, 230, 244, 270,
275.

Edward T., 104.

Miss Eunice, 144.

Harvey, 63.

Henry, 134.

Henry P., 104, 286.

Israel, loi, 102, 122,
129, 153, 162, 163,
273; biog., 425.

J., 18.

James R., 134.

Jane, 40.

Job, 272.

John, 494,

Jonathan, 13, 14, 15,

32. 34, 40, 51. 72,
2i5, 264, 270.

Jonathan, Jr., 42, 144.

Joseph, 494.

Julia E., 58,

Lemuel E., 278.

LlUie, 129.

Index.

799

Coe. L. W., 89, 97, 102, 103,
104, 112, 134, 266,
512; biography, 426.
Mary, 41, 434.
Nancy, 46, 129.
Nancy E., 45.
Nelson W., 165.
Norman, 164, 274.
Norris, 163, 273.
N. W., 104.
Oliver, 42, 72, 164,272.
Robert, 42, 494.
Roger, 72, 164.
Roswell, 222.
Russell, 129.
Seth, 223, 226, 235.

271.
Sibyl, 44, 46, 129.
Sylvester, 274.
Thomas, 89.
Wm., 41.
Wm. H., 305.
Brass Co., loi, 103.
Furniture Co., 104
Cold swaging process, 108.
Cole, Ebenezer, 30, 31.
Culeman, James, 116.
College graduates, 151.
CoUicott, Richard, 2.
Collier, Henry, 58.
Collins, James P., 164.

John, 240.
Colonization society organ-
ized, 561.
Colver, Rev. Nathaniel, 216,

506.
Colt, Anson, 58, 164, 269.
Anson, Jr , 77, 266.
Chloe, 58, 284.
George R., 58.
Henry, 77,275.
Henry G., 240, 267.
Luman, 58.
Lyman A., 165.
Margaret E., 58.
Combs, David, 277.
Henry F., 277.
Cone, Anderson, 272.
Caleb, 276.
Giles A., 239.
R-jfus, 276.
Council, Eccl., called, 33.
Conway, Martin F., 363.
Cook, Aaron, 42.
Angeline, 129.
Ann, 58.
Anna, 129.
Ansel, 275.
Cornelius D., 278.
Elihu, 31, 266, 268,

269, 271.
Frank A., 165.

Cook, George P., 165.

George W., 127, 129.
Gertrude, 129.
Hannah, 44,
Harmon, 122, 126,269,

27c, 275.
Herman, 129.
Horace, 278.
Huldah, 44, 46, 129.
Jane M. Hand, 58.
Jesse, 223, 267.
John, 18, 19, 20, 26,

40, 51, 122, 129,

148, 163, 222, 223,

224, 225.
John, Jr., 8, 42, 86, 222,

270, 272.
John Esq., 170.
Dea. John, 25, 64, 221,

259, 264, 267, 434,

435. 465 497-

John E , 349, 391.

John M., 277.

J. W., 128, 134, 266.

John, 2d, 10, 16.

John, 3d, 163, 274.

John, 4th, 274.

Lewis, 1 26. 277.

Linus S., 44.

Louisa, 129.

Louisa Fuller, 58.

Lucy J., 129.

Luther, 246, 273.

Lydia, 129.

Margaret, 129.

Mary E., 297.

Morris, 168.

Nathaniel, 8.

Morris H., 168.

Orrin H., 239.

Reuben B , 277.

Riley, 273.

Shubael, 42, 222, 270.

Sylvanus, 274.

Thomas, 275.

Urijah, 32, 222, 228,
271.

Walter H., I29.

Wm., 816.

Wolcott, 277.

Mrs. W. H., 129.
Cook's saw mill, 86; street, 64.
Cooke, G. W., 165.
Cooly, Rev. Mr., 157.
Cooley, Rev. Timothy, 474.
Cooper, Charles, 134, 277.

Elizabeth, 129.

Sumner, 74.
William, 278.
Copeland, John A., 391.
Cornwall Mission school,
218, 219.

Cotton, Oliver, 42, 222.
Timothy, 164, 274.
Cotton Hollow, 79.
Covell, Rev. J. F., 162.

Rev. J. S., 13s, 136.
Covey, Randal, 174.
Cowles, Mlbro, 81, 171, 274.
Albro W., 305.
Angeline E., 46.

Benjamin, 273.

Burton T., 46, 67.

Chloe, 44.

G. P., 134, 277-

James, 63.

Elijah, 44, 67.

Eliza, 45.

Elizabeth, 47.

Mary, 41.

Samuel, 41.
Croft, Rev. Charles P., 39.
Cross, John C, 8.
Crum, \'^ illiam, 162.
Culver, James, 69.

Josiah, 187.
Cummings, Eljah T., 164.

Herman L., I 64.

Owen Jr., 168.

Samuel, 227.
Cummins, Elijah J., 275.

Jcdidiah, 271.

Samuel, 271.
Curtiss, Alpha, 129.

Amanda, 58.

Amelia, 58.

Benjamin, 274.

C. Cecelia, 58.

Edward, 278.

Elizur, 57.

Elizur, Dea., 58.

Elizur and Amanda,
426.

Ella A., 58.

Emily, 58.

Dr. Erskine, I 54.

Erwin W., 241.

Eugenia S., 58».

Eunice Cowles, 58.

Hannah, 58.

Hermon, 58.

Hezekiah P., 58.

Job, 42, 57, 223.

John, 42, 222, 271.

Job Deacon, 58.

Julius, 58.

Lorrain, 278.

Louisa, 58.

Lucius, 151.

Rev. Lucius, 56, 58 ;
biography, 426.

Mary, 41, 58.

Naomi, 58.

Naomi R., 58.

8oo

Index.

Curtiss, Rufus, 58, 445.

Sophia, 58.

Thomas, 41, 51.

Truman, 154.

Ursula, 58, 129.

Uri, 58, 445.

Warham, 278.

Warren 277, 425.

Wealthy, 58.

Willis, 127,

Worthy, 129.

Zebulon, 41, 51, 148.
Gushing, Caleb, 333.

Daily, Clarissa, 129.

Ellen C, 58.

Harmon, 58.

Julius, 276.

Lewis E., 241.

Lois G., 129.

Mercy L., 58.
Damon, Elisha, 226.

John, 18, 40.

Samuel, 18, 40.

Samuel, Jr., 40.
Dana, Goodwin, 166.
Daniels, Caleb, 277.

Charles, 277.

Louisa, 58.

Sarah R., 58.
Darcy, Patrick, 297.
Darling, Benjamin, 164.

Dr. Homer, 470.
Davenport, Rev. Ebenezer,

54, 56.
Davey, John, 165.
Wm. T., 168.
Davids, David, 276.
Davidson, Ira A., 129.
Davis, Dudley, 305.
Henry, 278.
Isaac, 8.
Jefferson, 370.
Davol, John, 103.
Day, Hannah, 129.

Dr. Isaac, 154, 235.
Rev. Jeremiah, 528.
Rev. Samuel, 124, 127,
278.
Dayton, Archibald, 73, 74.
Arvid, 84, 122, 166,
276 ; biography, 428 ;
melodeon factory, 84,
85.
Charles, 278.
Harmon, 166, 276.
Harvey, 278.
Henry, 68, 273.
Jonah, 27, 74, 84, 85,

86.
John and Polly, 428.
Justin, 167.

Dayton, Justus, 166, 277.

Lewis, 240.

Kussell, 273.

Urania, 129.

Wm., 166, 167, 168.
Daytonville. 84.
Dealing, Benjamin, 275.
Deane, Nicholas. 241.
Dear, John, 228, 236, 252.
Deary, Henry, 275.
Deeds, oldest, 12.
De Forest, Geo. F , 1 87.
De Forest, Samuel, 85.
De Forest, Wm., 96.
Dellahant, 277.
Delliber, Samuel, 274.
Delowry, )ohn, 240, 241.
Dcming, Abigail, 58.

Daniel, 271.

Ralph, 266.

Samuel, 42.
Dennis, A. L., 190.
Denisoti, Henry D., 276.
Denny, Edward, 275.
Devoe, Frederick, 165.

William, 165.
Dexter, Wm., 79.
Dibble, Abraham, 8, 16, 25,
48, 51.

Daniel, 223, 228, 230.

^ 233, 268, 271, 447.

Ephraim, 48.

Isaac H., 266, 269, 272.

Thomas, 48, 5 i.
Dickinson, De Witt C, 275.
Dish mill, 69.
Dissenters, in Torringford,

62.
Divisions of land, 7, 10 j pine

timber, 1 1,
Dix, Charles, 68, 271.
Dole, George W., 360.
Douglas, Frederick, 367.
Dowd, John, 227.
Dowell, Rev. Mr , 462.
Downs, Clark B., 106, 164,
270.

Edwin, 58.
Drake, Carlton T., 160.

Chester, 160, 165, 278.

Edwin C, 277.

Hezekiah, 272.

Jacob, Jr., 8.

Joseph, 8, 41, 70, 222,
270.

Moses, 72, 74, 272.

Noah, 72, 236, 266.

Noah, Jr., 72, 266, 267,
269.

Rufus, 273.
Dudley, Dennis, 276.

George, 181.

Dunbar, Adaline L., 129.

Bassett, 74, 163, 272.

Edward M., 239, 241.

George, 277.

Lyman, 165, 394.

Linus, 122.

Lucius, 276.

Martin, 277.

Ralph, 274.

Mrs. Ralph, 127.

Ransom A., 276.

Rhuda, 129.

Riley, 241, 276.

Solon G., I 65.
Dunham, Nathaniel, 2.
Dunwell, James, 277.
Durand, Hezekiah, 272.

Julia G., 58.

Laura P., 58.

William, 58, 166, 276.
Durocher, Joseph, 239.
Durwin, Samuel, 26, 41,

48.
Dutton, Asa, 47.

Beuly, 47.

Corridon L., 278.

Sarah, 44.
Dwight, Timothy, 185.
Dye, Charles B., 38, 39.
Dyer, George, I.

Rev. Spencer, O., 56;
biography, 423.

Eastwood. Rev. Benj., 136,

165.
Eaves, Joseph, 177.
Edmons, Ebenezer, 277.
Education, chapter on, 141. .
Edwards, Ebenezer, 166.

Jon'th, D. D , 36.
Edgarton, Isaac, 148, 272.
Eggleston, Alexandra L., 129.

Alma, 284.

Amarilla, 44.

Benj ,42,222,253,274.

Benj., Jr., 8.

Billy, 72.

Curtiss, 272.

Cynthia A., 58,

DaviJ, 72, 272.

Edward, 41.

Ethan, 254, 272.

James, 8, 272.

Jane, 129.

Jedediah, 72, 272.

John, 8.

Joseph, 72, 74, 222,
274.

Linda, 72.

Lucy, 45.

Marcus, 275.

Mary E., 58.

Index.

8oi

Eggleston, Molly, 72.

Philo, 272.

Rufus, 275.

Sophia D., 58.

Timothy, 63.

Thomas, Jr., 8.
Eldridge, Rev. Azariah, 421.

Emogene, i 30.

Hoiace L., i 30, 165.

Rev. Joseph, 321, 422.
Elgar, Joseph, 8.
Elliot, John, 8.
EUmore, Abiathar, 58, 63.

Kezia, 58.
Ellsworth, Anna, 58.

Eaton, 274.

John, 58, 63, 228, 236,
274.

Joseph, 8, 12.

Philander, 58.

Ransom P., 275.

Thomas, 27 i.

Wm. W., 483.
Elmer, Ann M., 130.

Joseph, 8.

Peleg, 58, 77, 277.
Elton, MariUa, 130.

John P., 187.

J. S., 97.
Elwell, Mr., 89.
Ely, Andrew. 228, 236.

Benjamin, 163.
Emerson, Catharine, 58.

Rev. Brown, 56; biog.,

433-

R- W., 357, 362.
Emmons, Asa, 226.

Samuel, 226.
Engert, Louisa, 58, 165.
English, James E., 13^.
Eno, Abigail, 8.

Eliphalet, 148, 265,447.

Elizabeth, 123, 128,130.

Hezekiah, 148, 272.
Ensign, Frank R., 277.

Robert E-., 165.

R. F., 134.
Estey, Jacob, 431.
Ensworth, Rev. H. B., 136.
Epstein, Gustav, 168.
Estimate of money, 253.
Evans, David, 276

Geo. M., 240.

John, 63.

Orlando D., 239.
Evarts, Hon. Wm. M., legal

argument 431.
Everest, Eunice, 130.
Everitt, Israel, 25, 41, 51.

Samuel, 27, 41, 254,

255.
Excelsior Needle Co., 86.

Fairchild, Jeremiah, 130.
Farnam, James M., 165.
Farmer's Company, Torring-

fbrd, 77.
Farrand, Rev. Daniel, 474,

529.
Farrell, Franklin, ill.

Maggie, 138.

Patrick, 239.
Faxon, Mrs., 146.
Fellows, Charles L., 130,
149, 150, 166.

Ephraim, 126, i 30, 270.

Francis, 161.

Harvey, 242.

Julia, 130.

Russell P., 242.

Mrs. S. C , 150.
Fenn, Gertrude, 150.

Sarah, 58.

Rev. Stephen, 56 J biog-
raphy, 433.
Fenton, Harriet, 130.
Ferguson, Rev. Geo. R., 56,

433-

James, 228.

Rev. John, 433.

Rev.S. D., 114.
Ferris, Ethan, 191.
Fielding, S. R., 164.
FiUey, Abraham, 41, 42, 57,
58, 223.

Amos. 16.

Isaac, 32, 226.

Oliver, 32.

Wm., 20, 41.
Finch, Jesse, 68.
Finn, Andrew T., 165.

Theresa Hofiman, 130.
Fish, Geo. B., 162.

George H., 127, 165.
Fitch, Ebenezer, 8.

Rev. E. T., 309.

Samuel, 8.
Fitten, Father James, 136.
Fitzgerald, Johanna, 297.
Fitzpatrick, John, 241.
Fleming, Jennie, 130.
Fobes, Mary, 494.
Fogg, Sophia C, 58.

Mrs. Sophia C, biogra-
phy, 434.

Rev. Geo. W., 434.

William L., 278.
FoUett, Ann, 180.

Lewis, I 30.

Lucius B., 278.
Foot, Abraham, 45.

Anna, 44.

Asa, 271.

Edward A., 241.

Rev. Geo. L., 135.

Foot, Lucius H., 134, 277.

Roger, 272.

Samuel, 272.

Samuel H., 274.

William F., 277.
Foote, Jane E., 58.
Forbes, J. M., 338, 357,
358.

Samuel, 183.
Ford, Harvey, 275.

Thomas, 1.
Fort, the, 24.

Foster, Abby R., 508, 511.
Foust, Samuel, 164.
Fowler, Desire, 45.

George, 43 ; biography,

439-
Homer, 275.

Joseph, 41, 51, 64.

Noah, 32, 34, 42, 222,

227,270; biography,

434-

Norman, 44, 162, 272,
438.

Dr. Parleman B., I 54 j
biography, 441.

Raphael, biog., 441.

Dr. Remus M., 154,
502 ; biography, 439.

Rhoda, 45, 438, 498.

Romulus J., biography,
442.

Sibyl C, 44, 438 ; bio-
graphy, 442.

Statira, 44.

Ursula, 44 ; biography,

445-
Warren R., 154, 441 ;

biography, 436.

Fox, Elkanah, 276.

Francis, Elisha, 271.

Frazier, George, 271.

Freeman, Edward, 242.

Edward H., 58.

Jude, 86, 211.

Henry S., 242.

Mary, 58.

Nancy, 283.

Olive, I 30.

Orrin B., 306.

Orinda, i 30.
French, Alfred, 94, 163,
274.

Dwight, 187.

George W., 164, 277.
Friend, John, 239.
Frisbie, Benj., 226.

Capt , 1 14.

John, 58, 276.

Joseph, 27 I.

Nathaniel, 223.
Fritcher, David, 275.

101

8C2

Index.

Frost, Selah, 164.

Ursula, 123, 128, 130.
Fuessenich, Fred F., 165,

267.
Fuller, Austin B., 153.
Fyler, Addie, 130.

Ambrose, 62, 2z6, 230,

236, 273.
Esther, 71.
Florimond D., 160.
Harlow, 69, 73, 74,
144, 160, 162, 167,
273 ; biography, 448.
John, 8, 71, 271.
Juba, 273.
Mary VaiU, I 30.
Nelson, 246.
Orsamus R., 164, 239,

267, 306.
M. W., 133.
Mrs. Polly, 450.
Rollin, 277.
Ruben, 273.
Dr. Samuel, 62, 154,

273-
Shaylor, 276.

Silas, 70, 271.

Capt. Stephen, 8, 63, 73,
74, 162, 181, 182,
268 ; biography, 446.

Stephen Jr., 163, 273,

449-
Thomas, 8.

Ulysses, 154, 222, 228,

308.

Wells, 275.

Gaines, Lester K., 277.
Gale, Dr., 311, 312.

Rev. Nahum, 521.
Gamwell, John W.,267, 270.
Gardner, James, 277.
Garner, William H., 165.
Garrison, Wm. L., 215, 357,

359. 463.
Gates, Harriet, 45.
Gaunt, James, 133, 134.
Gaylord, Benj., 223, 224,
228, 236.
Charles A., 130.
Eleazer, 9, 11, 25, 50,

5»» 59. 230-
Elijah, 63, 267, 272,

273, 529.
Elizabeth, 130.
Fanny, 283
Giles, 273.

Giles A., 126, 130,267.
Giles L, 27, 56,57,59.
Henry, 273.
Hubert L., 59.
Joseph, 59,86,223,268.

Gaylord, Josiah, 8.
Lucy, 59.
Margaret, 59.
Mary L., 59.
Nancy, 59.
Nathaniel, 8, 27, 147,

273.
Nehemiah, 25, 48, 50,

51. 57. 59. '45. 223.
228, 230, 263, 272,
529.

Parrelia, 59.

Rev. Joseph F., 56.

Rev. J. T., biog., 551.

Ruth, 59.

Sarah, 59.

Wm., I.
Gear, Amos, 126, 130.
Geary, governor ot Pa., 353.
Geer, Amos M., 130.

Eliza, 130.

Eunice, 130.

Mary, I 30.

William, I 30.
Gems, precious, 177.
Geologic formations, 173,

174.
Geology, chapter on, 169.
Gibbs, Abigail W., 59.

Benjamin, 9.

Eber, 275.

Henry, 8.

J. F., 165.

J. W., 309.

Jabez, 274.

Samuel, 8.

Simeon, 226.

Timothy, 226.
Gilbert, Amos, 134.

Aaron, 164.

Elias, 63, 83.

Isaac, 83.

Sylvester, 183.

Rufus W., 164.

Wm. L., 187.
Gillett, Adah, 43, 141, 452.

Alexander, 46, 68,
276.

Amelia, 292.

Anna, 59.

Asaph, 266, 268, 272.

Benoni, 44.

Betsey, 59.

Elias, 273.

Hon. Francis, 504.

Horace, 59, 266, 272.

Horace C, 275.

Dr. Horace C, 154.

Isaac, 8.

Jabez, 41, 50, 228,234,
2.35. -44. 265, 267,
268, 270, 529.

Gillett, John, 223, 265, 267,
268, 307 J biography,

459-
John, Jr., 266, 272.

Jonathan, 8, 48, 316.

Loraine Filley, 59.

Nathan, 9, 43, 91, 244.

Mrs. Nathan, 43.

Nathan, Jr., 272.

Phebe, 44.

Rachel, 59.

Rev. Alex., 36, 37, 38,
39. 66,90, 121, 134,
141, 202, 256, 257,
471, 572 ; biography,

451-
Rev. T. P., 40, 43,151,

223, 422, 4715 bi-

ography, 458.

Rutus W., 278, 305.

Ruth, 43.

Salome, 43.

Zacheus, 43, 272.
Gilman, Elias E., 277.
Gitteau, Mary, 515, 516.
Gladding, Stephen, 278.
Gleason, Noah, 270.
Gneiss and granite rock, 175.
Goff, D. N., 116, 165.

David, 271.
Goodman, Henry, 130.

Nancy, 128.

Nancy S., 123, 130.

Rebecca. 123, 128, 130.

Rev. E., 50, 56, 121,
146, 147, 207, 208,
218, 460, 500, 502,
544 J family school,
505.

Thomas, 62, 223.
GoodscU, Dr., 154, 271,477.
Goodwin, A.J. W., 95, 276.

Charles, 225.

Elijah, 272.

Elvira, 41.

George M., 275.

Hannah, 45.

Harvey, 59, 275.

Isaac, 62, 63, 223, 244.

Isaac, Jr., 63.

Leonard H., 275.

Sarah M., 59, 295.

Theodore, 69, 72.

Virgil C, 105.

Warren, 47, 305.
Goodyear, 187.
Gore, Lorenzo, 278.
Gould, Eunice, 45.

Rhodj, 59.

Rev. W. R., 39, 53,

494-
Wm. R., 38, 122,276.

Index.

803

Government in the family,
259, 260, 261, 262,
263.
Graham, John, 8, 17.
Granger, Melvin H., 394.
Grannis, Robert, 34.
Grant, Albert, 275.

Augustus, 73, 74, 81,

271.
Charles, 34, 278.
Daniel, 67, 151, 222,
228, 230, 231, 233,
265,267, 520; biog.,
463.
Daniel A., 81, 287.
Elder Miles, 40, 74,

277 } biog., 466.
Flora M., 287.
Horatio, 274.
Increase, 31, 34. 35,

254.
Ira, 72, 272.
James, 164, 274, 277.
John, 164, 275.
Josiah, 12, 89.
Mindwell, 35.
Matthew, 8, 27, 150,
171, 211, 232, 244,
247, 248, 266, 270,
274.
Matthew Jr., biography,

465.
Matthew H., 277.
Sarah, 40.
Thomas, 89, 159.
Wm., 15, 42, 51, 139,

211, 271, 277.
Wm. A., 81.
Wm. Jr., 222.
Wm. St., 87.
Zerviah, 87.
Gray, Elder, 71.
Green, James, 79, 80, 162.
Greenwoods, 77.
Greer, William, 275.
Griffin, Clement, 238.
Edward D., 503.
Rev. Or , 452.
Grilley, Marshall, 278.
Gristmill, 171 ; at Newfield,
69 ; in Torrington
hollow, 81.
Griswold, Anna M., 59,
295.
Daniel, 8.
Francis, 8.
Frederick, 287.
Frederick A., 81.
Harvey H., 59.
Hattie, 150.
Hezekiah, 16.
Hon. Stanley, 56, 469.

Griswold, Isabella, 59.

Isabella W., 59.

Jane, 59.

John, 9.

Joseph, 8.

Julia A., 59.

Laura, 59.

Leonard, 274.

Margaret, 59.

Midian N., 278.

Nathan, 12.

Nellie P., 59.

Norman, 266, 268, 271.

Richard W., 277.

Riley, 273.

Roger, 5, 41.

Sarah, 59.

Capt. Shubael, 25, 28,
48, 75, 223, 224,
226, 229, 235, 264,
265, 267, 270.

Shubael, Jr., 236.

Stanley, 77, 151, 228,
277, 305.

Stephen, 273.

Thaddeus, 28, 59, 266,
268, 272.
Gross, George W., 276.

Harvey H., 276.

Israel, 274.

Oliver E., 276.

Sally, 59.
GrosslofF, Ferdinand, 241.
Groves, Mr., 523.

Samuel, 95, 523.

Samuel A., 276.
Guerin, Wm., 296.
Gulliver, Fanny W., 59.

Mrs. Fanny W., 469.

Rev. Dr., 469.

Hale, Francis M., 164, 27S.
Hall, Gideon, 59, 160.

Gordon, 458.

Joel, 122, 276.

Joseph C , 276.

Lyman, 164.
Halley, F. N., 236.
Hallock, Gerard, 325.

Rev. Jeremiah, 121,

325-

Rev. Moses, 325.
Halfway Covenant, 29, 30.
Hamlin, Asa R., 276.

Oliver, 276.
Hammer shop, 83.
Hammond, C. A., 239.

George, I 30.

Harriett, 130.

Nathan W., 164.

Thomas, 64.
Hampton, Wade, 384.

Hanchett, Dr. T. S., 130,

155, 165; biog., 470.
Harding, James F., 276.

Mr., 166.
Hardware Mfg. Co., iii.
Harper, Robert, 386.
Harrington, Elizur D., 105.
Harris, Andrew, 240.

Daniel, 64.

James, 275.

Smith A.. 277.
Harrison, General, 483.

Nelson, 242.

Noah, 226.

President, a poem on,
482.

Richard, 59, 242.
Hart, Betsey, 47.

David, 69, 171.

Dennis, 45, 274.

Henry, 43.

Jane, 59.

Laura, 47.

Miles, 47.

Nelson, 177.

Rev. Luther, 40, 43,
422, 544 J biog., 471.

Sophia C., 130.

Stephen, 272.

Victory C, 47.

Wealthy E., 47.

Wm. H., 239, 240.
Hartman, T., 127.

Theodore, 165.
Hart's hollow, 79.
Hartshorn, Joshua, 226.
Harty, Andrew, 139.
Hatch, Dr. E. W., 154.
Hathaway, Anna F., 59.

Mary E., 59.
Hawkins, Ab-aham, 187.
Hawley, Eleazer, 163.

Frederick E., 241.

Norman, 163.
Hayden, Augustine, 59, 63,
223.

Dr. Augustus, 155.

Austin, 268.

Charles H., 59.

Cicero, 59, 266, 273.

Daniel, 9.

David, 224.

Ebenezer, 9.

Helen, 130.

Luke, 272.

Henry, 277.

Hezekiah, 273.

Hiram, 102.

James C, 278.

Dr. Moses, 155.

Nathaniel, 272.

Dr. Samuel, 155.

8o4

Index.

Hayden, Sophia, 59.

Tullius C, 59, 276.

Wm., 9.

William H., 59.
Hayes, Hurlbut C., 241.

James M., 240.

Royal E., 305.
Haynes, Rev. Lemuel, 31,

32. 34, 35> 36, 435;
biography, 474.

Hay ward, O , 126.
Haywood, Emily, 130.
Hazlett, Albeit, 391.
Heaton, Rev. Mr., 20, 56.
Hector, Fanny, 46.
Heeley, Mrs. John, 138.
Heganny, Dennis, 241.
Hendey, Arthur, no.

H.J., 165.
Henderson, C. M., 59.

Marvin, 274.

Ruth, 59.
Hendey, Henry J., no.

Thomas, i 68.

Machine Co., 1 10.
Hendrican, Rev. Bishop, i 38.

Rev. Father, i 37.
Hennisee, Richard, 135,

136, 137, 277.
Hern, John, 240.
Hewlett, George E., 241.
Hewitt, Joshua, 163.
Hickok, Rev. L. P., 471.
Higany, Michael, 241.
Higginson, Col. 336.

T. W., 368, 369, 370,
372.
Highways, 180, 181, i8z;
through mast swamp,
88.
Higley, Isaac, 16, 19, 51.

Homer, 164.
Hill, Edward, 278.

Eleazer, 9.

Mary, i 30.
Hillard, Orrin, 276.

W. ( ., 165.
Hills, Benoni, 30, 31, 32,

34, 35. 7i. 158-
Benoni, Jr., 271.
Beriah, 40, 51.
Eben M., 274.
Ebenezer, 45.
Fred O., 166.
Frederic O., 239.
Dea. F. P., 14, 25, 40.

46, 269, 270, 465,

479-
Hannah, i 30, 158.
Hewitt, 230.
Lottie, I 30.
Lucy E., 46.

Hills, Mary, 35.

Medad, 227, 234.
Oliver, 166.

O. s., 134,277-

Hine, Anson, 276.
Ransom, 246.
Hinman, Bela, 272.

Luman, 163. 274.
Mary, 130.
Hinsdale, Dea. Abel, 40, 43,

78, 266, 314.
Abel K., 40, 45, 151,

276.
Albert, 487.
Asenath, 43.
Aurora J., 46.
Capt. Elisha, 78, 162,

265, 266, 487.
Oilman, 275.
Gilmore, 45.
Lorrain, 40, 115, 266,

274.
Rev. A. K., biog., 486.
Rev. Burke A., biog.,

487.
Hodges, Alpha, 44.

Alpheus, 67, 273, 465.

Delia C, 47.

Dr., 75, 141, 153, 155,

160, 202, 420, 459,

520 J biography, 477.
Edwin, 276.
Elkanah, 66, 67, 230,

235, 266, 268, 271,

276.
Erastus, 80, 266, 269,

272, 307, 480; bi-
ography, 479.
Franklin, 164.
Henry E., 45.
Laura M., 47.
Levi, 67, 68, 267, 270,

279.
Mrs. Mary, 127.
Nelson, 240.
Rebecca, 43.
Roxa, 43, 46.
Sally, biog., 458. 459.
Wm. F., 151, 160.
Willard, 46, 67, 151,

272.
Hodgton, Samuel, 165.
Hoft'man, Augusta, 130.
Charles, 130.
Clemence, 1 65.
G. H. F., 165.
H. F., 165.
Holbrook, Abijah, 77, 183,
184, 212, 570.
Mary, 43.
Sylvanus, 78.
Mrs. Sylvanus, 44.

Holbrook's Mills, 77.
HoUis, Charles, i 34.
Holcomb, Collins, 134,
276.
Rev. Dr. F., 133.
James H , 59.
Joseph, 273.
Martha, 9.
Mary, 130.
Starr, 276.
Holley, E. H , 127, 130.

Francis N., 99, 112,
126, 134, 187, 267,
512.
Lucinda, 130.
Mary, 130.
Ransom, 99, 126.
Hollis, Charles, 278.
Holmes, Ardelia, 130.

Israel, loi, 102, 130,
187, 193, 266 J bio-
graphy, 481.
Joseph, 222, 271.
Levi, 164, 253, 274.
Seth, 34, 271.
Hone, Mr., 522.
Hook and Eye Co., 96.
Hooker, 5.

Rev. Asahel P., 422.
Noadiah, 227.
Hooppo, Thomas, 218.
Hopkins, Anna, 59.
E. J., 127.
Edward J., 130.
Eleanor, I 30.
Gertrude W., 59.
Harris, 226.
Harry P., i 30.
Harvey P., 59, 305.
Henry, 105, 126, 130,

267.
Josiah, 226.
i-ydia, 59, 130.
Mary, 130.
Sarah, I 30.
Hopson, Orrin L., 107, 488 ;

biog., 487.
Horgan, Cornelius, 240.
Hostord, Isaac, 18.
Nathaniel, 64.
Timothy, 64.
Wm., 19, 64.
Joseph, 72.
Joseph, Sr., 236.
Thomas, 9.
Zebulon, 9.
Hoskins, Anthony, 9.
Joseph, 41.
Mary, 9.
Hotchkiss, Amelia, 130.

Charles, 46, 81, 126,
127, 130, 267, 270.

Index.

805

Hotchkiss, Dea. Charles, 106.

C. & Sons, 105, 106.

Edward C, 106, iz6,
164.

Electa, 46, 130.

Ella, 130.

Eugene, 168.

H. E., 166, 167, 168.

Henry L., 130.

Mrs. H. L.j 130.

Laura N., 59

Miss, 149.
Honest oxen, 247.
Hough, Collis F., 238.

Eiiphalet, 228, 236.
Houldsworth, C, 165.
House, first in town, 12, 25.
Howd, Asahel, 274.
Howe, Dr., 377, 384, 385.
Howe, Elias, 108.
Howe, Dr. S. G., 357, 359,

371, 372, 373> 374-
Howe, J. J., 187.
Hoyt, Wm. B., 116.

Ira, 274, 278.
Hubbard, Betsey, 130.
Cyrus, 278.
Dr., 155.
Edward, 278.
James H., 275.
Thomas J., 240.
Hubbell, George A., 278.
Martha, 130.
Mary E., 493.
Mrs. Stephen, biog., 491.
Rev. Stephen, 124, 127,
393; biography, 490.
Rev. Wm. S., 151, 495.
Hudson, Abigail W., 59.

BarziUai, 59, 77, 269,
270 j biography, 499.
Charlotte, 59, 130.
Content, 59, 145, 223,

230, 267, 270.
Daniel, 59 ; biography,

293.
Daniel Coe, 130, 272;

biography, 59, 497.
Daniel Coe, Jr., bio-
graphy, 499.
Daniel Wyatt, biog.,

500.
Dr. E. D., 59, 146,

^53' 155. 177. 209.
216, 218, 463, 497,

499 i biography, 500 ;
as agent of anti-slavery
society, 506 ; adopts
as a profession, repar-
ative surgery, 509 ;
receives a prize medal,
510.

Hudson, Mrs. E. D., biogra-
phy ; 510.

Martha, 59.

Manha T., 218.

Rhoda, 59, 130.

Squire, 329.
Huke, Ernest T., 165.

Herman, 168.

Herman W., 163, 165.

John, 165.
Hubbard, Willis, 135.
Hull, Asa, 274.

Andrew E., 278.

Isaac, 222.
Humphrey A., 272.

Carlton, 163.

Charles, G., 59.

Chauncey, 69, 161,72.

Chloe, 59.

Daniel, 573.

Daniel G., 59, 77, 269,

155-
Daniel P., 59.
Dorothy, 59.
Evan, 130.

Rev. Heman, 159, 325.
Henry V. S., 59.
James, 164.
James D., 59.
John, 74
[oseph D., 162.
L, 59.
Mary, 130.
Dr. P. P., 59, 155.
Philander P., 278.
Silas, 127.
Solomon, 159
Hungerford, Austin, 278.

Charlotte, 13, 59, 123,

128.
D. L., 126.
Elizabeth, 130.
Frank L., 112, 130,

161, 165.
H., 276.
Helen L., 130.
John, 63, 95, 99, loi,

102, 122, 123, 128,

130, 164, 187, 188,

426; biog., 512.
Lucinda, 130.
Mrs. C. A., 126.
Rev. Edward, 129, 151;

biog., 513.
Sarah, 123, 128, I 30.
Walter M., 277.
W. S., 122.
William, 277.
Hunting matches, 243.
Huntington, Elizabeth, 130.
Joseph, 277.
Rev. E., 135.

Huntington, Rev. Jonathan,

474-

Rev. Joseph, 474.
Hurd, Henry B., 360.

Philo, 185, 187, 195,
481 ; biog., 192
Hurlbut, 43.

Annie, 45.

Betsey, 45.

Clarissa, 45.

Elijah, 271.

Erastus, 44, 45.

Eunice, 44.

Henry, 278.

Henry A., 241.

Lemuel, I 62.

Leonard, 59, 161.

Levi, 74, 276.

Robert, 72, 272.

Samuel, 161.

Sylvester, 276.

Thomas, 272, 273.

William H., 274.
Hurson, Solomon, 226.
Huxford, Charles, 238.

Miletus, 167, 274.
Huxley, Harriet H., 46.

iMilton, 38, 39, 277.
Humaston, Esther, 59.
Humiston, Timothy, 63, 273.
Hyde, George K., 238.

Wm. H., 239.

Ingalls, Hon. J. J., 353.
Ingraham, Louisa, 59.
Innkeepers, 199.
Intemperance, chapter on,
199J early laws
against, 200, 201.
Iredale, James, 99, 100, loi.
Isaiah, Rev. Father, 138 ;

biography, 139.
Isbell, Evelina, 130.

Geo. M., 107.
Ives, Abner, 223.

Amasa, 272.

Benj., 41, 201.

Erastus, 272.

Jonathan, 63, 148, 270.

Shelburn, 148, 272.

Trumbull, 134, 148,
269, 273.

Widow, 148.

Jackson, Henry, 277.
Jankson, Roxy, 130.
Jarvis, Charles, 514.

George O., 155, 163,
310, 274; biography,

514-
John, 514.
Jeffrey, J. H., 165.

8o6

Index.

Jeffries, John A., i68.

Joseph, 168.
Jenkins, Abner W., 275.

Benjamin, 163.
Jerome, Mr., 247, 248.
Jokes, 250.
Jones, Rev. Ezra, 135.

Henry W., 130.

Julia H , I 30.

L. M., 165.

Nancy, 59.

William B., 277.
Johnson, Addison, 277.

Asahel C, 238.

Caleb, 272.

Charles, 275.

Chester, 274.

Christopher C, 241.

C. H., 168.

Daniel, 59.

Dotha, 44.

Elisha, 161.

Elizabeth, 59.

Elizur, 275.

Emily A., 59.

Esther, 43.

Harlow S., 239.

Homer, 278.

Ira, Jr., 275.

Jacob, 222.

Mrs. Jacob, 157.

Jarvis B., 59.

Jerome A., 276.

Julia A., 59.

Levi B., 59.

Levi F , 59.

Levi^is, 84.

Linus, 134, 276.

Maria, 59.

Nehemiah, 164.

Rial, 283.

Sarah E., 59.

Solomon, 226.

Uriel, 274.
Judd, Charles H., 277.

E. M., 127.

Edward M., I 30.

Henry, 46, 276.

Rev. H. Q., 117; biog.,
119.

Jane, 130.

Martin L., 239.

Ralph P., 275.

Timothy, 41.

Timothy, Jr., 42.

William H., 287.
Judson, Joseph R., 162.
Juktrs, James, 239.
Joyce, Carolina, 130.

Daniel B., 127.
Joyner, Sarah, 515.

Kansas committee, 375.
Kagi, John Henry, 391.
Kearney, Hugh, 161.
Keeler, S. C, 116.
Kelley, Abby, 218.

Edward, i 39, 198.
Kellogg, Norman, 164.

Mindwell, 45, I 30.
Kelsey, Daniel, 223.

Elisha, 223, 226, 228,
236.

Jonathan, 26, 48, 50,

5''. ^23. ^71-
Nathan, 26, 48.

Nathan, Jr., 271.

Nathaniel, 228, 236.

Nelson, 271.

Samuel, 54, 228, 236.

Samuel, Jr., 223, 230,
236.

Timothy, 223, 226.
Kendrick, Green, 185, 187.
Kenedy, Patrick, 240.
Kennedy, Dr. Booth, 391.
Kerby, Daniel, 278.
Kilborn, Abram, 64.

D. C, 127.

Sarah, 130.

Samuel, 64.
Kimberly, Alanson, 163,273.

Arthur M., 47.

Lydia, 123, 128, 130.

Nancy, 44.
King, John C, 240.
Kingsbury, F. J., 190.
Kingsley, Andrew, 274.
Klasche, Oswald, 165.
Knapp, Mr., 36.
Knight, Rev. Herrick, 56.
Kunkle, Edward A., 161.

Lacy, Ed. A , 168.

William H., Jr., 127,
165.
Lackey, Thomas, 240.
Laconic correspondence, 24c.
Ladd, Charles M., 165.

Crawford, 277.

Jane, 131.
Lafayette, General, letter,

522.
Lake, Arthur L., 131.

Jennie, 131.
Lanagan, David, 165.
Land first cleared, 12.
Lane, James G., 3^0.
Langdon, Helen A., 131.

John W., 126, 131.

Mary, 131.
Lamed, Rev. Wm. A., 421.
Lathrop, Caroline, 131.

Louisa B., 131.

Lathrop, N. B., 105, 126.

Sarah, i 31.

Simon, 240.
Lawrence, Amos 'A., 359.

Wm., 421.
Lawyers in Torrington, 158,
Leach, Abel S., 275.

Adaline, 131.

Albert, 106.

Benoni, 89, 271.

Caleb, 32, 222, 271.

Chauncy, 167.

David, 43.

Ebenezer, 222, 2-28,
230, 236.

Edward, 167.

George, 276.

James, 222, 274.

Joshua, 32, 222, 249,
274.

Laura, 44.

Lucius, 81, 275, 305.

Luther L., 278.

Myron, 274.

Nathaniel, 32, 34.

Norman, 275.

Ophelia, 46.

Ormel, 80, 274.

Pomeroy, 72, 272.

Richard, Jr., 32, 34,
114, 236, 271.

Sarah, 44.

Sarah J., i 31.

Theodore, 275.

Wiliam, 274, 122, 247.

William H., 277.
Leary, Lewis, 391.
Leavenworth, David, 271.

Mark, 17.
Leddy, Philips, 164.
Lee, Rev. Jesse, 113.

Rev. Jonathan, 529.

Theodore, 63, 529.
Leet, Asahel, 226.
Leman, Wm. H., 391.
Lenoir, Eugene, 523.

John, 523.
Leo, Rev. Father, 137, 138.
Leopold, Edward, 165.
Lep'an Jane, 59.
Lesler, Edward, 163.
Lewis, George, 168.

J E.. 126, 165.

Joseph, 164, 274.

Nehemiah, 251.

W. B , 187.

Walter S., 126, 162.
Lines, Charles, 275.
Lindsley, Benjamin, 272.
Linsley, Solomon, 226.

Timothy, 226.
Little, Anson, 63.

Index.

807

Littlewood, Rev. T. D., 114,

117.
Lockhart, Jennett, I 31.
Logan, Lewis G., 165.
Long, Thomas, 278.

Zechariah, 9.
Loomis, Aaron, 11, 16, 30,
25, 40, 51.

Aaron Jr , 40, 51, 158.

Abiel, 144.

Abner, 34, 41, 43,

164, 20Z, 228, 230,

217, 270, 274.

5\bner Jr., 41, 222.
Abraham, 20, 34, 228,

271, 274.
Albert, 276.
Alexander, 272.
AUyn, 60, 273.
Alvin, 164, 273, 275.
Amanda, 45.
Ann, 60.

Anson, 62, 1 63, 273.
Aaron, 272.
Asa, 223, 250, 271,

273.
Ashur, 62.
Aurelia, 60.
Arthur, 273.
Benoni, 34, 222.
Bildad, 72, 272.
Brigadier, 63.
Capt. Epaphras, 41, 221,

222, 225, 227, 23s,

271.
Chester, 83, 272.
Chloe, 44, 60.
Clarissa, 43.
Cornelius D., 60.
Cyrus, 272.
Dea. Lorrain, 497.
Daniel, 222, 228.
Deborah, 40.
Electa, 45.
Eli, 42, 221, 271.
Elias, 272.

Elijah, 222, 226, 236,
Elijah B., 79.
Elisha, 79, 272, 274.
Elizabeth, 41, 316.
Emory, 277.
Epaphras, Jr., 225, 236.
Ephraim, 31, 34, 41,

222, 227, 271, 276.
Ephraim Jr., 222, 227,

272.
Esther, 40.
Fanny, 45.
Fitch, 59, 271.
Flora A., 131.
Geo. VV., 81,278, 297.
Gideon, 51.

Loomis, Grandison, 274,

Hannah, 31, 34, 35,40,

44, 60.
Harvey, 151.
Harvey, Rev., 60.
Hepziba, 43, 59.
Hermon, 278.
Hiram, 272.
Horace, 270, 273, 274.
Huldah, 44, 59.
Ichabod, 9, 20, 34, 41,

72, 162, 163.
Ira, 245, 272.
Isabel, 41.
Isaac, 9.
Issachar, 27 I.
Jane, 48.
Jane 2d, 71.
Jemima, 43, 565.
Jerusha, 41, 46.
Job, 9.
Joel, 20, 41, 290, 271,

277.
Jonathan, 9.
Joseph, 223, 271.
Joshua, 9, 10, 16.
Justice, 60.
Justus, 278.

Laura, 44, 60, 67, 479.
Lemuel, 32, 71, 271,

274.
Levi, 272, 275.

Louisa, 131.

Lucy, 43.

Luman, 272.

Mary, 35, 59, 60, 497.

Mary A., 60.

Michael, 59, 62, 223,
230, 268, 27 I.

IMichael, Jr., 62, 273.

Mindwell, 40.

Moses, 32, 41, 51, 227,
271.

Moses, Jr., 9, 32, 227.

Mrs. Ann S., 422.

Nancy, 46.

Olen, 273.

Oliver, 63.

Ophelia, 131.

Philo A., 60, 276.

Rebecca, 9.

Remembrance, 222.

Reuben, 273.

Rev. Harvey, 56; biog.,

514-
Richard, 32, 67, 222,

271.
Roger, 184, 222, 272.
Roswell, 63, 272, 277.
Sabra, 43.
Sally, 59.
Sarah F., 131.

Loomis, Simeon, 275.

Solomon, 72, 272, 565.

Stephen, 9.

Timothy, 9, 60, 223,
226, 228, 271.

Timothy, Jr., 272.

Timothy W., 276.

Wait, 236, 272.

Warren, 273.

William R., 278.
Lots, how laid out, 10.
Lover's lane, 171.
Lowry, John De, 259.

Martha, 131.

Martha A., 60.
Luddington, Lewis A., 240.
Luther, O. R., 163, 165.
Lyman, Caleb, 32, 34, 42,
222, 230, 268, 271,
518.

David, 40,77, 235,236,

David Brainard, 515.
David M., 277.
David N., 60.
Ebenezer, 13, 15, 27,

40.43. 51, 171. ^^2>

268, 270.
Ebenezer, Esq., 13, 21,

25, 64.
Dr. Elijah, 40, 60, 152,

1.53. 155. S'4. 572;

biography, 516.
Eleanor, 43.
Eliza, 45.
Elijah, 310.
Erastus, 216, 277.
Francis, 62.
Frederick S , 515.
George, 42, 162, 163,

273; biography, 518.
Hannah, 40, 44.
Hiram, 278.

John, 60. *

J. B., 60, 151.
John N., 60.
Lorinda, 44.
Mary, 60.
Dr. Norman, 60, 155,

156, 516.
Ophelia, 45.
Rev. David B., 515.
Rev. Orange, 56, 60,

15I' 517.
Rhoda, 43.

Rutus, 60, 131.

Rufus Anderson, 515.

Riley, 273.

Salome, 60.

Sirah E. Stone, 60.

Sibyl, 43.

Lyman street, 64.

8o8

Index.

Lusk, Diantha, 326.
Lyon, Buir, iio, 165.

Jennie, 131.
Lynch, Garrett, 291.

Rev. Father, 136, 137.

Macomb, Elizabeth, 71.
Mallery, C. T., 116.
Mangin, Rev. Michael, 137.
Mansfield. Charles, 134, 277.

Harriet, 131.

John, 9.
Marber, Mary E., 57.
Marks, C. P., 103.

Mary, 131.

Merritt, 126.
Marriage 100 years ago, 254.
Marsh, Daniel, Rev., 33.

Ebenezer, 21.

Eun'ce, 44.

Rev. Frederick, 455,

John, 223.

Jonathan, 20.

Lydia S., 60.

Solomon, 134.

William 44, 156; his
letter, 44, 252.
Marshall, Aaron, 70, 222,
271.

Abner, 229, 264, 265,
270.

Amasa, 41.

Ambrose, 222, 271.

Chloe, 70.

David, 9.

Eliakim, 9.

Elizabeth, 41.

Levi, 71.

Maria, 44.

Noah, 264.

Phila. 43, 44, 514.

Raphael, 65, 162, 249,
271, 514.

Roger, 72, 228, 236,
272.

Thomas, 9, 11, 42, 51,
72, 222, 227, 247,
258, 268, 271.

Thomas L., 164.
Mason, Albeit A., 96, 103,

13'. '34-
Charles G., 239.

Charles S., 277.
George H., 126, 277.
Gilbert, 277.
Ira, 274.
John Capt., 2.
Jonathan, 226.
Kate E., 131.
Lucy, 131.
Mary, 131.
Masonic Lodge, 161.

Mast swamp, 87, 88.
Mather, Charles, 41, 42, 62,
223.

Cotton, 223, 226.

Horace, 273.

Samuel, 8.

Oliver Soper, 60.

Sarah, 131.

Zachariah, 223, 228,
268.
Matthews, Benj., 48.

Fred., 168.

Fred. L., 168.

Thomas, 223, 226, 271.
Matatuck Mt'g. Co., 95.
Matice, Wm., 240.
Masters, William H., 274.
Maverick, John , Rev., i, 2.
Marvin, SylvanusC, 38, 39.
Maxwell, John, 165.
McAlpin, John, 162.
McCarthy, Jeremiah, 240.
McCarty, Jennie, 131.

Wm. H., 131.
McClen, 149.
McCoe, Chloe, 60.

P.:elps, 273.
McDonald, J. A., 165.
McEwen, Rev. Abel, 456,

534, 539, 540.
Sarah Battell, 60 ; bio-
graphy, 520.
McFarland, Rev. Bishop,

138.
McGrath, James, 240.
McKenzie, Alexander, 276.

James, I 65.
McKinstry, Mary E., 46.
Rev. J. A., 25, 37, 38,
39. 438; biography,
520.
McManus, Thomas, 161.
McNeil, Charles, 164, 276.
Margaret, I 31.
Robert, 131.
Means, D. M , 149.

McGregor, D., 127.
Mebbins, John, 226.
Meeting house, first, 21, 22;
second, 335 rebuilt,
67 ; removed, 39 ;
Baptist in Newfield,
71 ; the First Metho-
dist, in Wolcottville,
115, 116; Second
Cong., Wolcottville,
list of contributors,
126.
Merrill, C. B., 167.
H. M., 149.
Noel, 274.
Prosper, 276.

Merrill, Truman, 274.
Merriman, Charles B., 187.
Messenger, Lathrop, 278.

Samuel, II.
Metcalf, Eieazer, 570.
Methodists, 37; ministers

1 1 5.
Merwin, Rev. Noah, 29,
30, 31, 32. 39, 35,
43; biog., 519.
Mill brook, 171.
Migeon, Achille F., 107,
III, 112, 165, 267.
Henty, 138, 171 j ^liog.

522.
Jacques, 522.
Militia companies, 221, 222,

22 7.
Millard, Agnes C, 131.
Alfred M., 131.
Helen, 131.

McKenzie, 164, 239,
27S.
Mill, Everitts, 26 ; place,
lease of, 1 1 j Wil-
son's, 26, 27.
Miller, Abigail, 60.

Dr. Allen G., 156.
Allyn, 273.
Amos, 145, 223.
Asahel, 268, 271.
Catharine A., 60.
David, 56, 62, 72, 73,

115, 272.
Rev. David, 56, 122 j

biography, 527.
Dorathy Gaylord, 60.
Ebenezer, 41, 57, 60,
230, 234,265; biog-
raphy, 527.
Ebenezer Jr.^ 57, 271.
Fanny E., 60.
Frank, 240,

Dr. Gaylord B., 60, 156.
George, 60,222, 272.
Harrictte L., 260.
Harry, 60.

Henry, 60, 272, 275.
Hobart B., 60.
Jane F. G., 60.
Jeremiah, 272,
Joel, 222.

John T., 60, 151, 159.
Rev. Jonathan, 56, 151,
226 J biography, 527.
Joseph, 151, 158, 273.
Lewis, 275.
Loraine, 60.
Luther, 60, 276.
Luther B., 60.
Mrs. Marcia, 528.
Maria, 60.

Index.

809

Miller, Mary, 150.

Mary C., 60.

Sarah, 60.

Thankful, 60.

Thomas A., 57, 60, 77,
156, 159, 236, 267,
275.

Timothy E., 277.

Dr. Willard, 156.
Mills, Daniel, 78.

Drake, 161.

Rev. Edmund, 452, 528.

Eleanor, 60.

Electa J., 60.

Florilla, 60.

Gideon, 313.

Henrietta, 131.

Jared, 183.

Jeremiah, 60 .

Jeremiah, Mrs., 502.

John, 528.

Laura, 60.

Nathaniel B., 113.

Peter, 317.

Roger H., 160.

Roger S., 216.

Ruth, 317.

Rev Samuel J., 36, 52,
54. 55. 56, 60, 218,
255. ^56, 45^. 462,
496, 502, 515, 517,
530, 531; biography,
528.

Rev. Samuel f., Jr.,55,

56, 151. 434, 45^-
561 ; biography, 548.

Miner, Charles, 60.

Darius D., 60.

John, 222.

John S., 60.

Josephine, 60.

Martha E., 60.

Mary E., 60.
Ministry lot, 10.
Minor, E. S., 84, 165.

George, 2.
Minturn, Hiram, 60.

Huldah, 60.
Mitchel, Alanson, 275.
Mitchell, Maria, 60.

Wm., 9.
Mix, Abigail Jackins, 131.

Chauncey, 127, 131.

Edward H., 238.

Willard, 131.

W. W., 127.
Moore, Birber, 228, 236.

Darius, 275.

Edward, 9.

Elihu, 63, 272.

Erasmus, 60.

Rev. Erasmus D., 56.

Moore, Josiah, 9, 62, 145.

Lucretius, 274.

Mary E., 60.

Rev. Wm. H., 56, 162,
biog., 564.

Nathaniel, 9.

Simeon, 271.
Moran, J., 164.

James,«239.
More, Thomas, 275.
Morey, Aurora, 275.
Morehouse, John, 34.

Samuel, 34.
Morgan, Alfred G., 276.

Geo. D., 135.

Governor, 193.
Morrill, Henry M., 150.

Henry R., 165.
Morris, Eleazer, 63.

Emory, 277.

Joseph L., 277.

William J., 165.
Morse, Benj. H., 95, 134,
277._

Catharine, 60.

Charles E., 239.

H. B , 188.

Harriet, 131.

Martha, 131.

Newton, 278.

Solomon, 63, 89.
Morton, John, 9.

Mary E., 521.

Rev. James, 135.
Mosely, Edwin W., 105.
Moses, Austin, 274.

Ellen E., 131.

Lorenzo, 166.

Orrin, 163.

Rufus, 274.

Thomas, 164, 166.
Moss, Lorrain, 275.
Mott, Adam, 41.

Chloe, 44, 131 .

Dr., 509.

Edward, 277.

Hannah, 41.

Ira, 277.

James H., 238.
Mowry, L. B., 126.
Mullin, Daniel, I 37.
Munn, Abijah, 134, 273.
Munn, Jedediah, 275.
Munsell, Hiram, 276.

Luman, 74, 266, 275

Levi, 72, 73, 74, 266,
268, 272.

Levi T., 276.

Marcus, 74, 269, 274.
Munson, Caleb, 32. 34.

Charles M., 276.

D. C, 164.

Munson, David C, 131, 239.

Huldah, 131.

L. B., 165.

Lucretia, 131.

Sarah, i 3r.

Seth, 32.
Murphy, Dennis, 239.

Edward, 241.
Murry, Daniel, 222.

Lewis, 273.

Warren, 60.

Warren B., 167.

Naugatuck R. R., 185
Needle Co., 107.
Nettleton, Asahel, D.D., 37.
Newberry, Albert P., 239.
Benj., 9.
Hannah, 9.
Joseph A., 9, 126, 270,

276.
Roger, 10, rz.
Ruth, 9.
Newby, Dangerfield, 391.
Newcomb, Elizabeth, I 31.

Rev. Geo. B., 124, 127.
Newell, Almira F., 60.
Newfield,a business place, 68.
Newman, Elizabeth G., 60.
Rev. Charles, 56; biog,
564.
Newton, Henry H., 276.
Nickel ore, 175.
Nichols, Rev. Abel, 135.
Elizabeth, 60.
George, 60.

Horace, 185, 190; bi-
ography, 193.
Nigger pews, 218.
Niles, John M., 483.
Noble, E., 60.

Rev. Franklin, 56, 265.
James E., 127, 131.
Noppet, 68.
North, Alfred, 151.
Ariel, 273, 278.
Asahel, 41, 43, 222,

271.
Ashbel, 222, 227, 230,

270.
Axa, 45.

Carrel F., 239, 292.
Charles N., 278.
Cyrus, 274.
Dr. Alfred, biography,

565, 566.
Ebenezer, 40, 51, 228,

270, 565.
Ebenezer, Jr., 42, 222,

270.
Elizabeth, 71.
Esther, 60.

8iO

Index.

North, Esther Maria, 60.
Ethel, 164.
Frederick, 68, 275.
Helen P., 46.
John H., 60.
Joseph, I 66.
Junia, 68, 72.
Lemuel, 90, 273.
Lorrain, 274.
Louisa, 46, 127, 131.
Maria S., 123,128,131.
Martin, 41.
Mr., 94.

Noah, 28, 41. 66, 68,
71. 72, 75. 202. 228,
229, 265, 267, 273,

449- .
Noah, biog., 565.

Noah, Jr., 222.

Norris, 80.

Pamelia, 44.

Phineas, 81, 96, 248,
265, 268, 271, 275.

Roxalena, 44.

Remembrance, 32, 70,
272, 449.

Sabra, 70.

Sarah G., 60.

Simeon, 226.

William, 163, 164, 166.

Willard, 273.
North Elba, 336.
Northrop, Amos, 274.
^Jorton, David, 223, 271.

Dr. Alfred, 156.

Harriet, 60.

James, 60.

Mrs. Lois, 131.

Samuel, 34, 35.

Sarah B., I 50.
Not, Vest, 42.

O'Brian, James, 276.
O'Connor, Patrick, 240.
O'Gorman, Rev. Richard,

137.
O'Rourke, William, 278.
Oberhausen, Frank, 168.
Obookiah, Henry, 60, 218.
Observation mountain, 169,

170.
Officers of the church, Tor-

ringford, 56.
Ogleby, James, 134.
Olcott, Esther, 131.

Wm., 122.
Oliver, Labar? M., 164.
Olmstead, Elihu, 62.

Hannah, 63.

Hawley, 490.

Roswell, 63, 223.
O'Neil, Rev. Father, 137.

Orcutt, Mary, 494.

Samuel, 39.
Orleans Village, 90, 203.
Osband, Timothy, 42.
Osborn, Abijah, 273.

Benj., 9.

Esther, 60.

Henry F., 274.

Jacob, 9.

Rev. Elbert, 114.

Samuel, 9.
Ostrum, Henry P., 96, 104,
278.

Henry W., 240.

John, 275.
Ostrum & Welton, 96.
Oviatt, Aloisa, 131.
Owen, Elijah, 317.

Hannah, 317.

John, 317.

Paddock, E. A., 149.
Page, Harlow P., 163.

Jeremiah, 164,274.
Palmer, Addison, 127, 131,
275.

Almira, 46.

Aurelia, 44.

Benj , 226.

Bennett, 275.

Emma R., 46.

F. Augusta, 293.

Febe, 131.

Harvey, 80, 81, 161,
171, 184, 272, 305.

Hayden D., 131, 165,
238.

Isaac, 162.

James, 1 34, 162, 164.

Jared, 229, 236.

Julia !\I., 131.

Lucretia, 45.

Mary, 131.

Mehitable, 43, 46, 131.

Ralph, 134, 277.

Robert, 164.

Sarah, i 31.

Stanford, 164, 274.

Wm, J., 164.
Pardee, Isaac S., 60.

Mary L., 60.
Parker, Dr., 509.

Ira, 273.

Peter, 271.

Rev. Theodore, 367,
368, 369, 371, 374,
384.
Parmelee, foel, 64.

Mr., 36.

Rosanna, 46.
Parsons, Amos, 278.

Caroline M., 297.

Parsons, Corinthia, 131.

Helen, 131.

P. T., 126.

Phineas, I 31.
Pasco, James, 9.

Jonathan, 9.
Patchen, Rufus. 274.
Pate, Henry Clay, 346.
Patentees of Torrington, 8.
Patterson, Burton C.,87,1 10,

131-
Henry S., no, 127,

131, 165.

Harriet, 131.

James H., 127.

Polly Gilbert, I 31.
Payne, Wm., 134.
Payson, Hiram, 131.
Peacock, Patrick, 239.
Pease, Tudor, 275.
Peck, J., 189.

Paul, 89, 114; biog.,
S67.
Peet, Henry A., 276.

Minta, 60.
Pelton, Mary G., 293.
Pellon, Robert, 276.
Penniston, Aaron, 277.
Percival, Dr., 505
Perkins, Adaline, 131.

Asa E., 275.

Asahel N., 239.

Christopher, 274.

Debora, 60.

Dennis. 126.

Frederick, 278.

George H , 164.

Rev. Nathan, 460.

Russell, 278.

Sanford H., 126, 131,

164, 238.
Watrous, 60.

Perrin, Ann Eliza, 131.

Bernadotte, 131.

Catharine, 131.

Rev. Lavallecte, 127,
568 ; biog., 568.
Perry, James, 275.

James H., 277.
Pettibone Hiram A., 275.
Phelps, Augusta E., 131.

Anson G., 101, 102,
187, 426.

Benj., 43, 90, 181,227,
269, 270, 272.

C. Augusta, 61.

Daniel, Jr., 162, 163.

David, 9.

Dr. J. W., 126, 156,

165, 238, 279, 471 ;
biog., 569.

Elijah, 122.

Index.

811

Phelps, Esther, 61.

Frederick, 52, 276.

Hiram, 274.

Jannah B., 266, 269,
273.

John, 9.

Jonathan, 271.

Joseph, 9, 16, 268, 271.

Joshua, 41.

Julius J., 277.

Lucinda, 44.

Lvdia, 43.

Mind well L., 131.

Nathan B., 276.

Samuel, 16, 64.

Thomas, 9.
M illiam, 9, 271.
Philemor, Henry, 226.
Philip, King. 210.
Philips, Caroline A., 5i.

Gideon, 226.

Wendell, 357.

Wm , I.
Phillow, Addison, 45.

Artemas, 272.

Charlotte, 131.

Dennis, 276.

Edmund, 275.
Phippany, Emily, 131.

Louisa, 131.

Orpha R., 131.

William, 134, 164, 275.

Wm., Jr., 131.
Physicians, 152 ; women as,

157-
Pickett, Content, 499.
Pierce, Christopher, 79, 162,
274.

F. J., 127.

Geo W , 240

Henry D., 61.

Jane, 46.

Lucy, 520.

Mary, 61.

Rodney, 40, 46, 81.
Pierpont, Charles, 274.

Edward, 134, l6z, 164.

William, 27 I.
Pilgram, C^iarles, 278.

Rodman O., 278.
Pine timber, 88.
Pinney, Isaac, 9.

Nathaniel, 9, 10.

Samuel, 9.
Pitman, Charles A., 131.
Pitman, Sarah, 131.
Plymouth Company sailed, 2.
Pond, Adeline M., 291.

Barton, 61, 77.

Charles D., 278.

Charles G., 105.

Charlotte, 6i.

Pond, Daniel, 570.
David W., 276.
Dr. James O., 78, i 56,

570.
Elijah, 78, 272, 570.
Elijah, Jr., 274.
Ezra, 570.
George D., 297.
George N., 105.
George W., 277.
Julius R., 61, 278.
Lucy, 47.
Lucy E., 296.
L. R., 40, 270.
Martha A., 61.
Nancy, 61.
Philip, 61.
Prescott, 164, I 56, 273,

571-

Preston, 571.

Russell L., 46.

William H.. 277.

Wm. S., 135, 277.
Pope, Christopher, loi.
Porch, William, 131.
Porter, Chauncey, Jr., 278.

Dr. Ebenezer, 207, 462,
520.

Hannah, 9.

Hez., 9, 13.

Joseph, 9.

Rev. Dr , 517.

Rev. Ebenezer, 471,

515-
Rev. Jonath. M., 54.

John, 9

Rev. Noah, 471, 539.
Post office, 66.
Potash, Dr. Hodges, 66.
Potter, Ambrose, 89, 90,
272.

Anna, 45.

Daniel, 90, 272.

Dr.. 572.

General, 471.

Orrin, 278.

Rev. J. D., 38.
Poverty hollow, 79.
Powell, C. W., 116.

Rev. Charles W., 164.
Powers, Herman, 96.

Rev. Grant, 251.
Pratt, Ann A., 61.

Catharine, 61.

Isaac, 25 I.

Martin B., 305.

Silas, 570.
Prentice, L. Rudolph, 165.
Preston, Betsey, 61.

Ebenezer, 42.

Eliza Van Valkenburg,
131.

Preston, Samuel, 42.
Pritchard, David, 96.
Proprietors of Tor., 8, 9,

10 ; number of, 10 ;

lots in tiers, 10;

meeting, 11 ; last

meeting, 181.
Prosecution for profanity,

244.
Pulver, Hiram, 82.
Prince, Mary, 46.
Pyncheon, Mr., 5.

guartz rock, 176.
^uinby, Gordon W., 135.
Quinn, Rev. Father, 137.

Race over the Connecticut

course, 48 3.
Rake factory, 85.
Ramsey, Horace, 164.
Rand, George D., 61.

Martha J., 61.
Randall, Hannibal, 61, 242.
Ranney, Peter, 277.
Raymond, James, 276.
Rebellion, the war of, 236.
Red mountain, 169.
Reed, Elizabeth, 61.

Hattie A , 61.

Joseph P., 240.

Justus, 61.

Laura E , 61.

Phineas, 68, 162.

Sarah S., 61.

Theodore H., 61.
Reid, John W., 353.

Rev. J. M., biography,
118.

Simon, 127.
Register office, 149.
Remarkable occurrence, 218.
Republic ol Liberia, 563.
Revival, 37.

Revolution, American, 221 5
officers in, 225, 2265
officers and soldiers,
235, 236 ; taxes dur-
ing, 232 ; women of,
272.
Reynolds. Wm. 72, 272.
Rew, Henry, 43.
Rhodes, Charles, 165.
Rice, Anson B., 278.
Richards, Capt., 142.

Charles, 72, 272.

Daniel, 45, 164, 272,
274.

Eli, 43, 68, 71, 230.

Capt. Eli, 449.

Elizabeth, 44.

Enos S., 61.

8l2

Index.

Richards, Experience, 45.
Henry B., 133, 134.
James, 458.
John, 22i, 271.
Lydia, 44.
Moses, 72, 272.
Sally, 284.
Simeon, 72, 270.
Richardson, Wm. H., 96.
Rider, Irene A., 61.
Riggs, Henry H , 240.
. Chauncey, 73.
Lewis, 167.
Riley, John C , 72.
Rinck, Eber, 276.
Roads, chapter on, 180.
Robbins, Esther, 530.
Frederick, 90.
Rev. A. R , 421.
Rev. Philemon, 528.
Theodore, 278.
Roberts, Abel, 44, 236,
272.
Allen, 77.
Allyn, 274.
Andrevi', 164, 267.
Angeline, 288.
Annis, 181.
Betsey, 61.
Charles, 226.
Clerk, 236.
George, 273.
George P., 122, 127,

131.
Henry, 63, 273.
James, 278.
Joel, 222.
Lauren, 274.
Margaret, 40, 42.
Rev. N., 16, 18, 19,
20, 22, 39, 48, 435,
519 ; biog., 594.
Nelson, 77, 84, 164,
266, 267, 276, 306 J
biography, 599.
Pelatiah, 61.
Rev. Warren H., 56 ;

biograpliy, 598.
Sally, 44.
Samuel, 236.
Warren, 278.
Warren, H., 151.
Robertson, Daniel, 131, 134,
277.
J. B., 190.
James, 131.
Laura A., 131.
Mrs. James, 131.
Thomas, 167.
Robins, A. R., 36.
Robinson, Mary, 61.
Rockwell, Caroline A., 421.

Rockwell, Dency C , 61.

John, 225.

Reuben, 184.

Wm., I.
Rogers, Dea. Josiah, 452.

D. S., 122.

Hilan M., 198.

John, 452.

Levi, 164.

Pelatiah, 274.

Thomas, 452.
Rood, Abigail, 61.

Alpha, 276.

Ann, 6i.

Aaron, 272.

Aurelia A., 61, 288.

Calvin, 61, 276.

Ebenezer, 57, 61, 223.

Ebenezer, Jr., 272.

Elias H., 278.

Eunice, 61.

Harvey L., 51,61, 236,
267, 270, 277.

John, 272.

John W., 278.

Lorrain B., 276.

Moses, 61.

Moses, Jr., 272.

Pamelee, 61.

Rhoda, 61.

Rufus, 61, 278.

Susan, 61.
Root, Edward, 278.

James, 227.
Robbins, Rev. Ammi R.,

255, 256.
Rose, Harriet, 131.

Jesse B., 99, loi ; biog.,

.599-
Ross, Simeon, 226.
Rossiter, Newton, 83, 84,

273-
Rev. Luther, 56.

Stephen, 226.

Rossiterville, 83.
Rowe, Frederick, 274.
Rowley, Artemas, 274.

Henry H., 165

Horace, 276.

James, 272.

Samuel, 72.

Samuel, Jr., 272.

Stephen, 236.

Susan, 45.
Royce, Charlotte, 126.
Ruel, Louis, 295.
Rumble, Thomas, 241.
Rustin, Hiram, 61, 275.
Russell, Geo. R., 374.

Judge, 359.

William, 164.

Wm. E., 95, 274.

Ryan, Lant, 239.
Rynders, Garrett, 131.

Sacrament, the first, 18.
Sadley, Emily, 292.
Sage, Caroline, 46.

Harriet, 46, 132.

Linus, 273.

Martin, 275.
Sammis, Mary, 132.
Sanborn, F. B., 315, 361,
368, 369.

John, 132.

Mrs. Huldah, 132.
Sanders, Nathan, 228.
Sanford, Alson, 165.

Charity, 182.

David, 64.

Elizabeth, 132.

Rev. David P., 135,
I 36.

Ephraim, 90.

Joel, 132.

John T., 132.

Morris H., 132, 238.

Sally, 132, 148.

Thomas E., 295.
Saxty, John F., 165.
Sayles, Julia, 294.

Ellen, 295.
Scheurer, Hattie, 132.
School Funds, 150, 151.
School house. Centre, 66 ;

Newfield, 69; the first.

School houses, 141, 142.
Schools in Torringtord, 145.
Schools, West side, 141, 142,
143 ; districts, 144 ;
Wilson's district, 141,
142 J sixth district,
144; Brandy Hill
district, 142 ; New-
field district, 142,
143; Lyman district,
142 ; middle district,
144; Wolcottville,
public, 148, 150.
Schuyler, Geo. L., 185.
Scofield, Charles F., 277.
James, 277.
James H., 164.
W. C, 187.
Scott, Joseph, 277.

Leverette, 122, 123,

128, 132274.
Mrs. Leverette, 128.
Samuel, 275.
Scoville, Albert M., 240.

Amasa, 122, 127, 132,

274.
Arnold, 116.

Index.

813

Scoville, Charles, 134.

Chloe, 1 32.

Daniel, 134.

Ebenezer, 330.

Elisaph, 126, 165, 167.

George, 276.

Joel, 127, 277.

John, 127, 132.

John W., 122, 126,
276.

Julius, 274.

Linus, 276.

Lucy C, 132.

Maria, 132.

Mary, 132.

Sarah M., 292

W. H., 481.
Scythe factory, 81, 82.
Seaman, Hicks, 239.
Sedgwick, Albert, 278.

John R., 278.
Seelye, L. Clark, 132.

Maria, i 32.

Sam'l T., 96, 124, 127,
278.
Separates, the, 35.
Settle, Sabrah, 132.
Setting the psalm, 32.
Sexton, Ebenezer, 74, 276.
Seymour, C. B., 135.

Charles E., 295.

Charles H., 167.

Charlotte, 132.

Eliza, 426.

Frederick J., 97, 165,
267, 278 ; biography,
601.

George F.. 134, 164,
274, 277.

James H., i 32.

Judge, 448.

Lura, 132.

O. S., 134.

Polly A., 61.

Samuel, 273.

Truman, 274.
Seymour Mtg. Co., 97.
Shady Side, 311.
Shattuck, Asa, 273.

Chauncey, 274.

Randall, 72, 275.

William, 271.
Shawngum mountain, 169.
Sheldon, Dr. Daniel, 436,

437-

Epaphras, 26, 28, 42,
64, 65,66, 221, 222,
223, 224, 225, 228,
232, 235. 244, 258,
259, 264, 265, 267,
270.

Epaphras Jr., 270.

Sheldon, Eunice, 42.

Mrs. Gen., 308.

Jerusha, 42.

Remembrance, 9.

Roger, 223.
Shepard, Corydon, 278.

Levi, 273.

Norman, 71.

Prof., 505.

Stephen, 70, 71.
Shelton, Edward N., 187.
Sheridan, Philip, i 37.
Sherman, Rev. Charles, 74.

Rev. H. M., 136, 601.

Wm. A., 295.
Shoars, David, 293.
Silver ore, 175.
Sinclair, George, 240.
Sinj;ing, 32, 33.
Skiff, Cornelius, 278.
Skinner, H., 132.

Isaac, 9.

Thomas, 226.
Slade, Wm. R., 99, 187,

236.
Slave, Jacob Prince, 212;

Ginne, 21 1.
Slavery, chapter on, 210; in
England, 210; in
Connecticut, 21 1; in
Torrington, 21 1.
Slaves, emancipation of, 212.
Sleds, children's, 81.
Sleigh ride in summer, 249.
Smith, A. P., 165.

Aaron, 163.

Albert H., 132.

Alonzo, 239.

Aaron, 161.

Asahel, 73, i 62.

Benj., 104, 164.

Benj. F., 134.

Caroline, 46.

Charles, 275.

Charles B., 52, 76, 105,
133. 134. 166, 604.

Charles W., 165, 238.

Chester, 278.

Chester L., 81.

D. Alonzo, 165.
Daniel, 1 1 3.
Daniel W., 238.

E. H., 165.

Ebenezer, 42, 222, 304.
Eliphalet, 275.
Elisha, 32, 34, 66, 132,

222, 228, 230, 249,
265, 266, 267, 268,
270, 281 ; biog., 603.

Fitch, 187.

Rev. Gad N., 114.

George, 2d, 241.

Smith, George O., 278.

Gerrit, 335, 364, 365,
369.

Gideon, 70.

Giles, 278.

Giles M., 277.

Henrietta, 61.

Henry L., 278.

James, 288.

John, 165.

John N., 242.

John, quarter master, 2.

Josiah, 163.

Judson, 166.

L. B., 165, 168.

Lorinda R., 295.

Lorrain, 276.

Lucy, 43.

Melvin, 61.

Nathaniel, 76, 77, 164,
273.

Orrel, 307.

Patrick A., 294.

Phebe, 132.

Ralph R., 81.

Rev. Ralph, 124, 127.

Rebecca, 44.

Reuben, 274.

Rodney L., 165.

Ruhama, 123, 128,
I 32.

Rev. S. K., 118 ; bio-
graphy, 1 20.

Sarah L., 295.

Seth, 45, 274.

Stephen, 226, 275, 284.

Wm., 167.

John, 286.
Society, strict congregational,
34; Torringtord peti-
tion for, 48, 49.
Soldiers at Crown point, 224.
Soper, David, 27, 28, 52, 62,
75. 83, 84, 86, 223,
230, 265, 267, 268,
271, 281.

Dr. Joel, 156.

Orange, 68, 272.

Rachael, 61.

Timothy, 223.
Southcote, Capt. Richard, 2.
Spain, Michael, 168.
Sparks, Thomas, 94, 164.
Spaulding, Julia A., 61.

Myron, 46.

Silas, 276.

Silas D.,, 61.
Spencer, Elisheba, 61.

Eliza, 61.

Frederick, 275.

Henry C, 132.

8l4

Index.

Spencer, Jeremiah, 234;
biography, 605.

Jesse, 223.

John, 223.

Lucy, 283.

Miles, 273.

Mrs. H. C , 132.

William, 276.

William T., 164, 238.
Sparry, A. W., 165.

Eno, 164.

Enoch, 226, 275.

Lewis, 276.

Luiinda, 295.

Richard, 276.

Samuel, 278.
Spicer, Julia, 46.
Spittle, William, 127.
Spooner, Clapp, 195.
Squabble hill, 171, 245.
Squire, Caroline A., 132.

John, 223.
Squires, Bishop, 277.

Lyman B., 275.

Samuel W., 132, 277.
St. John, Dr. Bela, 156;
biography. 606.

Marilla, 61. '
Stanclitf, Comfort, Jr., 223.

John, 223, 228, 236,
271.
Stanford, M. H., 164.

Rev. D. P., 165.
Stannard, Abel, 222.
Stark, Deborah, 281.

Ichabod, Jr., 223.
Starkweather, Elijah, 163,

276.
Starks, Thomas A., 267.

Thomas M., 276.
Steadman, iVIary, 9.
Stearns, B. B., i 32.

Mrs. B. B., 132.

Geo. L., 318, 359, 361.

3<'4. 365. 367> 368,
369, 372.
Steatite, 176.
Steele, Caroline, 132.

Dr. H. B., 154.

Elisha J., 127, 132,
138.

Eliza, 61.

George B., 132.

Lambert W., 238.

Wm. S., 96, 132.
Stevens, Aaron C, 391.

Eglegene, 291 .

Frederick, ill
Stiles, Ebenezer, 9.

Emma J., 296.

Henry, 9.

John, 9.

Simpson, Cornelia W., 132.
Stocking, Anson, 122, 132.

Charlotte, 132.

Eber N., 238.

Emma O., 132.

Flora, I 32.

Frank L., i 32.

Henry M., 238.

Marcia, 132.

Mary, 132.

Philo H., 132.

Samuel J., 126, 127,
132, 267.
Scoddart, Abigail, 43.

Anna, 284.

Ebenezer, 272.

Eli, 61.

Olive, 61.
Stone, Anson, 272.

Benj., 226.

E. Hodges, 67.

Emily, 61.

Mary, I 32.

Dr. Noah, 491.

Timothy, 520.
Store, William Battell's, 75.
Stoughton, Daniel, 14, 15,16.

Israel, 2.

Nathaniel, 9.

Thomas, 8, 27, 5 i.

Thomas Jr., 9, 16, 40.

Stowe, Daniel, 223.

Stringfellow, B. F., 353.

Strong, Asahel, 18, 25, 27,

40, 51, 222, 228,

230, 236, 271, 304.

Elijah, 272.

Emerette L., 61.

Jacob, 9, II, 15, 16,
18, 25, 27, 40, 51.

Rev. Jacob H., 38, 39,
606.

John, 145, 224, 225,
228, 235, 267, 271,
529.

John Jr , 271.

Mindwell, 254, 255,
259.

Samuel, 9.

William F., 277.
Stuart, Rev. Mose', 572.
Sturdevant, Anna, 132.

S. G., 164.

Samuel, i 32.
Sturman, G , 168.
Sulfang, fohn, 241.
Sulivan, Dudley, 274.
Sumner, Col., 349.
Support the church or go to

jail, 248.
Surveys, expenses of, 11.
Swamp, spruce, 1 1 j mast, 1 1.

Swan, Helen B., 289.
Sweet, Mr., 1 14.
Swift, Hon. H., 183.

Solomon E., 132.
Sykes, Joseph, 165.

Talcott, Emma, 132.

W. H., 127, 132.
Tallmadge, David, 61.
David Jr., 276.
Elliot C., 277.
Hilah, 61.
James B., 61, 278.
James M., 84.
John A., 61.
Sarah, 61.
Tannery, Burrville, 83; first
one, 64; Torringford,
77 ; at Newfield, 68 ;
on mill brook, 65.
Tanter, Joseph, 244.
Tatro, Samuel 165.
Tavern, Benj. BisaelTs, 75 ;

Hayden's, 77.
Taverns, the first, 27.
Tax, settlement of a minister,

16, 17.
Taylor, Abiel, 163, 273.

Abigail, 123, 128, 132.
Augustus J., 276.
Ann, Mrs., 61, 90 ;

biog., 610.
Ann M., 61.
Capt. Uri, 121, 122;

biog., 611.
Edward, 162.
Emeline, 132.
Emery, 61, 275, 289.
Eunice, I 34.
Frederick L., 89, 134,

277.
Joel, 226.
John, 274.

Joseph, 27, 32, 34, 89,
90, 105, 222, 227,
271, 606 ; great din-
ner, 203.
Maria, 61.
Nathaniel, 469.
Polly, 61.
Prof. N. W., 309.
Rev. Geo., 1 15.
Stephen, 223, 271.
Uri, 63, 90, 134, 148,
162, 164, 266, 269,
273.
Temperance pledge, 208 ;

reform, 207.
Terrell, .'\lmon, 287.
Ferrill, Spencer A., 276.
Thatcher, Dr. James, 470.

Index.

815

Things not left out, chapter,

243.
Thompson, David, 391.

Epaphras, 71.

Geo. C, 239.

Harriet, 493.

Henry, 350, 364.

Horace A., 240.

Joseph, 222.

J. M., 134.

L , 267.

Wm., 391.
Thomas, Thomas, 64.
Thoreau, Henry D., 357,

362.
Thorp, Ambrose, 274.

David J., 239.

Sarah W., i 32.
Thrall, Aaron, 42.

Abel, 222.

Amelia, 47.

Charles, 222.

Daniel, 16, 271.

Elizabeth, 9, 40.

Friend, 42, 222.

George W., 273.

Hannah, 43.

Homer F., 266, 273.

Ira, 275.

Joel, 14, 15, 18, 51,
210.

Joseph, 42, 222.

Joshua, 274.

Laurin, 45, 266, 269.

Levi, 42, 144, 153, 222,
270, 516.

Luke, 275.

Margaret, 32, 40, 43.

Noah, 222.

Nathan, 274.

Pardon, 222, 227, 271.

Phebe, 41.

Reuben, 42.

Samuel, 45, 274.
Tibbals, Lorrain, 277.

Nathan R., 165.
Tiffany, Russell, 276.
Tillinghast, Henrietta, 132.
Timmons, Mrs., 373.
Titus, John G., 278.

Oliver, 278.
Todd, Wm. P., 1 32.
ToUes, Joseph, 61, 273.

Sibyl R., 450.
Tompkins, Thomas, 61.
Tomlmson, Curtiss, 274.

Horace, 276.

John M., 276.
Tompson, Henry, 275.
Topography of" Torrington,

171-
Torringford, a business place,

75 ; first settlers, 25 ;
incorporated, 49 ;

meeting hojse, 50.
Torrington, named, 8 ; com-
pany, 8 ; Green, 66,
67; hollow, 795 Mfg.
Co , 79, 95.
Travis, Eliza, 132.

J. M., 126, 165.
Treadway, Aureit, 61.
Charles, 276.
Seth, 272.
Seth S., 276.
Treat, S. B., 506.
Trees, kinds of, 172.
Trowbridge, Henry, 274.
Trumbull, Ammi, 9.
Benj , D.D., 36
John, 9.
Tubbs, Nathan, 132, 277.
Tucker, Benj., 77.

Leonard, 77.
Turner, Elisha, 97, 104, 107,
126, 267.
Isaac, 503, 510.
L. D., 165.
Martha, 503, 510.
Turner & Seymour Mfg. Co.
96, 97; kind of goods,
98.
Turnpike, Goshen and Sha
ron, 184; Waterbury.
184.
Turnpikes, 183.
Turrell, Ebenezer, 273.
Geo. B., 111,112.
Tuttle, A. L , 165.
Abraham, 63.
Adah, 61.

Albert, 99, loo, loi.
Albert L., 163.
Anson, 63.
Capt. Levi, 434.
Catherine, 132.
Chlue, 61.
Clarissa H., 496.
Clement, 61, 228.
Cordelia, 61 .
Curtiss, 62, 274.
Daniel, i 63, 273.
Edward H., 278.
Huber E , 239.
Ira, 61.
Isaiah, 63, 222, 227,

447-
James H., 277.
John H., 274.
Leverette, 63, 266, 273.
Lucy, 61.

Mrs. Stephen, 251.
Nathan A., 165.
Rhoda, 434, 435.

Tuttle, Ruth, 61.

Uriel, 52, 61, 77, 216,
266, 268, 272.
Tyler, Rev. Bennett, 521.

Union Mfg. Co., 99, 100.

Vaill, Rev. H. L., 56, 148.
Valleys, 170.

Van Allyn, Caroline E., 61.
Van Buren, Dr., 509.

Martin, 483.
Village society in Wolcolt-

ville, 122.
Vinton, Joseph, 116.
Virgil, George, 165.
Volkman, C, 165.

Wade, Amasa, 74.

Amos, 74.

Harmon E., 74.

Homer H., 74.
Wadhams, David, 79.

Dothia, 132.

Eliza, 132.

F. L., 127, 165.

Frederick, 86.

Frederkk B., 275.

Geo. D., 81, 95, 96,
105, 122, 123, 128,
132, 164, 187, 188,
193, 274.

Heman, 275.

Lucy, 123, 128, 132.

Lucy A., 309.

Sarah, 132.
Wadliams Mfg. Co., 96.
Wadsworfh, Jernas, 226.
Waight, Benjamin F., 276.

William W., 277.
Wainwright, Harriet C, 61.

Jonth. A., 238.
Wiit, Robert, 167.
Wakefield, Ann, 61.
Walbridge, King, 238.
Walcott, Rev. Dana M., 56,
61.

Elizabeth, 61.
Waldo, Hubbard, 165.
Waler, Daniel, 228.
Walker, John W., 79.

George, 356.

Josiah, 64.
Walling, Catharine, 132.

James, 276.

Lewis, 241.
Walnut hill, 169, 170.
Walters, Henry, 163.
War, the Rebellion, 236;
regiment, heavy ar-
tillery, 238 ; 2d reg.,
heavy artillery, 238.

8i6

Index.

Ward, Amos, 275.

Eunice, 44.

Giles, 40, 44, 68.

Henry, 74.
Warren, Edward R., 164.
Warham, Rev. John, i, 2.
Warriner, Abner M., 79.
Warhurst, Enoch G., 239.
Washburn. Rev. E., 115.
Washington, Col., 398, 401.

General, 224.
Wasps, 247.

Waterbury, Charles, 195.
Waterhouse, Wright, 239.
Waterman, Bell A., 150.
Watkins, Julius, 73.
Watson, Abigail, 61.

Ann, 62.

Charlotte E., 62.

Dr. Hiram, 156.

Ebenezer, 9.

Emeline, 62.

George, 62, 276.
Harvey, 62.

Huldah, 61.

Jane B., 62.

Jed, 9.

Julia, 61.

Levi, 61, 235.

Lucy, 61.

Millissa, 62.

Milo, 62.

Reuel A., 62.

Roman, 164.

Sally, 62.

Sarah, 62.

Sarah Jane, 62.

Thomas, 57, 62, 156,
225.

Wm., 57, 62.

William H., 61.
Wattles, Asa, 278.

Henry, 45, 274.
Waugh, George, 277.

Moses, wagon shop, 69.
Way, John, 226.
Webb, Col., 235.
Webster, Edwin B., 134.

Elizabeth, 512.

J. D, 360.

Jerome, 278.

Marilla, 132.

Martin, 65, 96, 266,
269, 273.

William, 277.

W. H., 134.
Weddings, 249.
Wedge, Parintha, 62.

William, 276.
Weed, Emma, 132.

Harriet, 132.

Mary, 132.

Weed, Willard, 126, 132.
Weeks, Esther, 45.

G. S., 165.

Samuel, 278.
Welch, Dr. James, 156.

Gideon H., 127, 161,
267.

Michael, 241.

Susie, I 32.
Wells, Margaret J., 132.

Marther, 62.

Nancy, 62.
Welsh, Dr. Wm., 471.
Welton, Charles R., 165.
West India, 70.
Westlake, Albert M., 277.
Western lands, 7.
Weston, E. F., 165.

Margaret F., 132.
Wethersfield, settled, 5.
Wetmore, 45, 123, 128.

Bessey, i 32.

Betsey, 44, 123, 128.

Fanny, 62.

Fanny C, 45.

Francis, 123, 128, 132.

Freeman S., 514.

J. G., 190.

J. N., 127.

Joel, 42.

John, 41, 230, 271.

John 2d, 162.

Lauren, 45, 122, 123,
126, 127, 128, 132,
149, 267, 275.

Lois, 43.

Louisa, 46, 123, 128.

Lyman, 44, 96, 122,
123. 128, 132, 134,
266, 268, 272, 425.

Miriam, 43.

Nancy, 45, 425.

Pomeroy, 272.

Sally, 43.

Samuel, 271.

Sarah, 44.

Sarepta. 62.

Seth, 163, 265, 268,
27 I.

Truman S , I 63.
Whealon, Mr., 138.
Wheeler, Anson, 164.

Asa, 132.

Frank M., 132.

Geo. H., 240.

Harriet, 132.

Kezia, I 32.

Martha, 132.

Nellie M., 132.

Sally. 46.
Whipping post, 246.
White, Anne E., 45.

White, Jedediah, 44.

Rev. John, i, 2, 3, 274.

Merritt, 276.

Silas, 223, 274.

Thomas, 226, 272.
Whiting, Alonzo, 47, 267,
270, 276.

Anna C , 132.

Benjamin, 41, 43, 229,
230, 236, 244, 270.

Christopher, 222.

Clarissa, 46.

Dr. Erastus D., 156.

Dea. John, 30.

Emma J., 46.

Francis K., 132.

Frank L. G., 44.

Frederick P., 266, 269,
274.

George L., 267, 276.

Giles, 44, 266, 272.

Harriet, 44, 46.

Harrison, 239.

Hervey, 271, 528.

Henry, 236.

Hiram J., 275.

James, 274.

Jesse, 228, 236.

John, 22, 32, 34, 35,
36, 40, 41, 51, 65,
66, 75, 211, 222,
258, 259, 271.

Josiah, Jr., 222.

Lewis, 266, 276.

Lucien N., 239.

Mary A., 45.

Melinda, 46.

Rachel, 46.

Rebecca, 45, 46.

Sarah, 41, 43.

Sarah, Jr., 42.

Selah, 273.

Uri, 46, 269, 273.

Uri L., 81.

Wm., 244, 268, 271,

314-
Wm. H., 45, 273.

Whitman, E. B., 377.

Henry, 164.
Wilbur, Prof. C. D., 160.
Wilcox, Asahel, 32, 41, 89,
222, 227, 271.

Charles, 62.

Charlotte, 62.

Elias, 62.

Florilla A., 62.

Harriett, 133.

John, 239.

Maria E., 62.

Philemon, 226.

Sarah, 123, 128, 133.
Wild-cat hollow, 243.

Index.

817

Wildcats, 243.
Wi^ley, Mary, 45.
Williams, Anson, 275.

David, 272.

Henry, 241.

Jessie,, i 64.

John, 9, 236.

Mary E., 296.

Samuel, i 35.

Wm., 236.
Wilson, Abijah, 32, 34, 42,
113, 114, 222, 228,
268,271, 303.

Abner, 225.

Capt. Amos, 27, 32, 34,
35. 41, 44. 65. 66,
75. 87, 89, 105, 122,
133, 142, 144, 154,
221, 224, 228, 235,
264, 265, 267, 268,
270.

Amos, Jr., 272.

Ann, 40, 42.

Ansel, 163.

Agusta, 62.

Caroline, 133.

Caroline J., 291.

Clarissa, 62, 133.

Darius, 62, 77, 105,

127, 133-
Ebenezer, 96.

Eliza, 45. 133.

F. J., 267.

Hannah, 43.

Harmon, 272, 275.

Horatio, 277.

John, 9.

Larenson, 278.

Lois, 45.

Mary, 62, 133.

Noah, 18, 27, 32, 34,

51,87, 105,106,113,

221, 228, 229, 230.

235. -44. 264, 267,

270, 271.
Noah, Jr., 32, 34. 42,

230, 271.
Norman, 90, 162, 273.
Roger, 32, 88, 90,222,

227, 271.
RoUand, 272.
Roswell, 43, 88, 90,

105, 271.
Ruth, 43.
Sabra, 44.
Samuel, 9.

Senator ot Mass., 375.
Wait B., 127, 270,

276.
William, 31, 62, 222,

227, 228, 271, 273

Wilson's mill, 87, 88, 89,

105, 106.
Winchell, Gerry, 277.
Daniel, 62, 271.
Milo, 276.
Daniel, 62, 76, 223,

226.
David, 273.
Ebenezer, 48, 50, 145,

273.
Hiram, 62, 273.
John, 9.
Samuel, 277.
Stephen, 9.
Windsor Company, i ; an

act to divide, 7.
Windsor Patent, 7.
Winship, C. A., 267, 278.
Winthrop, Governor, 3, 5.
Westland, Robert, 9.
Witherell, Elijah, 278.
Wolcott, Abigail, 43.
Almira, 44.
Anna, 44.
Christopher, 63, 94,

123.
Eleanor, 45.
Elizur, 273.
Ephraim W., 164.
Fiederick, 90.
Gov. Oliver, 94, 523.
Guy, 32, 40, 43, 90,
91, 94, 263, 268,
271, 479.
Henry, i.

James, 94, 95, 273.
John, 9.

Oliver, 91, 92, 235.
Roger, 8.
Simon, Jr., 9.
Wokottville, first house built
in, 89 ; first store in,
90; how it became a
village, 87; in 1819,
in 1836, 91 ; its
growth, 91 ; named,

91 ; number of in-
habitants, 93; view of,

92 ; Brass Co., 102;
Hardware Mfg. Co.,
104; knitting Co.,
95 5 Mfg. Co., 95 ;
Savings Bank, 1 12.

Women physicians, 157.

Wood, John, 9.

Woodford, George E., 133.

Isabella, i 33.

Linda, 150.
Wooding, Edmund, 81, iii,
134, 269, 276.

Edmund A., 266.

James 107, 116.

Wooding, Julius, 270.
Woodruff, Henry M., 164,
239.

John, 226.

Julia A., 62.

Lott, 222.

Philo, 226.

Rev. Geo. W., 120.

Solomon, 226.

Sterling, 275.
Woodward, Catherine M., 62.

Charles, 274.

Dr. Charles, 1 54, 156,

157. 536.
Elijah, 157, 267, 270,

273, 278.
Dr. Henry, 157.
Dr. S., 62, 152, 153,

154, 157. 265, 266,

420. 447. 459. 504.

516.
Dr. Samuel B., 157.
George, 277.
Griswold, 208, 266,

269.
Henry C, 240.
James G., 62, 270.
Orpha A., 62.
Rufus, 151.
Dr Samuel, letter to J.

Alvord, 245 ; biog.,

623.
Samuel B., 208.
Woolen mill built, 94.
Wooster, Gen. Clark, 187.

L. T., 116.
Workman, A. E., 168, 239.
Andrevy, 165.
Geo. D., 99, 100, loi,

166, 167.
John, 165, 166.
Samuel, 99, 100, loi,

133-
Wooster, L. T., 165.

Wright, Elizur, 329.

Geo., 242.

Joel, 274.

Robert, 81, 278.
Wrightville, 81.

James, 272.

Rev. Cyrus, 471.

Yale, Aaron, 26, 48.
Young, Clarinda, 62.

John, 42, 305.

Milo, 239.

John, 222, 278.
York, Jesse, 276.

Stephen, 276.

Zell, Rev. Henry, 133, 135.

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