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974.602 

Hllf 

1889124 


REYNOLDS   HISTORICAL 
GENEALOGY   COLLECTION 


ALLEN  COUNTY  PUBLIC  LIBRARY 


3  1833  01148  7490 


HISTORY, 


c  olryyvt 


TOWNS 


,?* 


v    •   j 


H ADD AM  and  EAST-HADDAM, 


i'Y  DA  VIP  l)J)mmtA>iB 

-    »^9r-i.  -        *«iTOR  OP  f HE  CHUUC'I  IN  II  ADD  AM. 


#J 


'V 


' 

MIDDLETOWN: 

PBIHTKP  BY  tOO MIS  AND  RICHARDS 

'V 

1J514. 

\    ~ 


1883124 


from  its  mouth,  or  perhaps  from  tlie  bar.  TI1C6C  lands  were  owned 
aud  inhabited  by  Indians,  excepting  Twenty  -miles-island,  now  Lord'3 
island,  and  some  lands  on  the  adjacent  banks  of  the  river  eastward, 
to  which  Capt.  John  Cullick  had  acquired  a  title.  This  title  was 
afterwards  alienated  to  the  grandfather  of  Col.  Jabez  Chapman. 

The  Indians  were  numerous.  A  largo  tribe  inhabited  Eaat- 
Haddara,  which  they  called  Machemoodus,  or  the  place  of  noises, 
from  the  noises  or  earthquakes  which  had  been  heard  there,  and 
which  have  continued  to  the  present  time.  These  were  of  a  fierce 
and  wretched  character,  remarkable  for  pawaws  and  the  worship  of 
evil  spirits.  The  noisea  from  the  earth  regarded  as  the  voice  of 
their  god,  confirmed  them  in  their  monstrous  notions  of  religion.  An 
old  Indian  being  asked  the  reason  of  the  noises,  said,  "  The  Indian's 
god  was  very  angry,  because  the  Englishmen's  God  came  here." 
As  the  lands  above  mentioned  were  purchased  of  four  Indian  kings, 
Sachusquatevemapid,  Keawaytahue,  Turramuggus  and  Nabahuett, 
and  two  Indian  queens,  Sepuunemo-pampcossame  aud  Towkishe, 
other  tribes  doubtless  inhabited  other  parts  of  them. 

The  purchase  was  made  May  20,  1002,  by  Matthew  Allyn,  aud 
Samuel  Willys  for  thirty  coats.  For  these,  not  exceediug  probably 
100  dollars  in  value,  a  deed  was  given  of  all  the  lands  from  Matta- 
beseck  mill  river,  which  is  supposed  to  be  the  rise  of  the  stream  at  I  tad- 
dam  Quarter  called  Miller's  brook,  or  Summer's  creek,  and  from 
the  Straits  on  the  east  side  of  Connecticut  river,  which  in  a  lax  sence 
may  be  considered  as  reaching  down  as  far  as  where  the  dividing 
line  between  Chatham  and  Iladdam  is  now  run;  to  the  lower  end  of 
Pattaquoiink  meadow  at  the  crooks,  which  is  the  cove  meadow  in 
Chester  at  a  large  bend  in  the  river  eastward  from  it ;  extending 
six  miles  easterly  and  westerly  from  the  river.  These  lauds 
were  deeded  to  Matthew  Allyn  and  Samuel  Wyllys,  their  heirs 
and  assigns  forever,  excepting  Capt.  Cullick's  land  already  sold^ 
Thiriy-miles-islaod  aud  40  acres  at  Paltaquounk,  which  the 
Indians  reserved  for  themselves;  together  with  a  right  to  hunt  and 
fish  where  they  pleased,  provided  they  did  not  wrong  or  abuse  the 
English. 

The  purchase  thus  made  was  taken  up  by  twenty-eight  per- 
sons, who  moved  here  cither  iu  1062,  or  very  soon  after,  viz.  Nich- 


oliis  Ackley,  Joseph  Arnold,  Joho  Bailey,  James  Bates,  Daniel 
Brainerd,  Thomas  Brooks,  Samuel  Butler,  William  Clarke,  Daniel 
Cone,  William  Corbee,  Abram  Dibble,  Samuel  Gaues,  George 
Galea,  Johu  Hanuison,  Richard  Jones,  Stephen  Luxford,  Johu  Pa- 
rents, Richard  Piper,  Thomas  Sliayler,  Simon  Smith,  Thomas  Smith, 
Gerrard  Speueer,  John  Spencer,  Joseph  Staqoardj  William  Ventres, 
James  Wells,  John  Webb,  and  John  Wiat.  These  were  generally 
young  men,  who  married  about  the  time  of  the  settlement.  Several 
are  known  to  have  come  immediately  from  Hartford,  and  probably 
most  were  from  that  place  or  its  vicinity.  They  settled  on 
the  west  side  of  the  river,  the  greater  part  in  the  town  meadow, 
from  the  easternmost  point  of  Walkley  hill  down  to  the  town  grave 
yard,  where,  at  the  rise  of  the  ground  on  the  west  side  of  the  mead- 
ow, several  of  their  cellars  Pre  still  visible.  Others  spread  them- 
selves on  the  plain  below  Mill  creek,  and  were  called  the  Lower 
Plantation. 

John  Bates,  Richard  Walkley  and  some  others,  soon  united  with 
the  first  settlers,  and  iu  October  1063,  the  people  were  invested 
with  town  privileges,  and  the  place  was  called  Haddam,  probably 
from  Haddam,  or  Hadham  in  England.  Previously  to  this  time, 
about  tweuty  towns  were  formed  in  the  whole  of  Connecticut ;  I 
say  in  the  whole  of  Connecticut,  because  .New-Haven  Colony  unit- 
ed with  Connecticut  three  years  belore  this,  according  to  the  char- 
ter obtained  from  Charles  II.  in  1UU2. 

Soon  after  the  settlement  of  Haddam,  a  controversy  arose  between 
the  inhabitants  and  the  people  of  Saybrook  and  Lyme  (for  the  latter 
town  was  settled  before  the  controversy  was  issued)  respecting  the 
dividing  line  between  them.  Saybrook  originally  extended  back 
eight  miles  from  the  sea  or  sound,  and  Lyme  six.  To  them  a  grant 
wac  made  of  a  strip  of  land,  four  miles  in  width  on  the  north,  which 
the  deed  from  the  Indians,  held  by  the  people  of  Haddam,  covered. 
Much  dissatisfaction  existed  respecting  it.  Saybrook  proposed  that 
the  contested  land  should  be  divided  equally,  one  half  to  Haddam, 
and  the  other  to  themselves  and  Lyme.  Iu  1(309,  the  Legislature 
ordered  that  such  a  division  should  be  made.  Since  that  time  no 
very  material  alteration  has  taken  place  in  the  bounds  of  Haddam 
on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  excepting  that  the  tract  of  land  at  tin 


HISTORY,  &c. 


PERSECUTED  for  their  religious  tenets  in  their  own 
.country,  the  Puritans  at  length  sought  an  asylum  in  the  American 
wilderness.  In  the  year  1020,  a  part  of  the  church  and  congrega- 
tion under  the  venerable  John  Robinson  arrived  at  Plymouth,  and 
began  the  settlement  of  the  old  colouy  of  that  name.  In  1629,  a 
company  arrived  under  Mr.  John  Endicott  aud  settled  Salem  and 
Charleslown.  The  year  following  several  other  towns  were  settled 
in  Massachusetts.  In  1635  aud  6  people  removed  from  Dorchester, 
Waiertown,  and  Newtoun  in  Massachusetts,  and  planted  themselves 
in  Wethersfield,  Hartford,  and  Windsor  on  Connecticut  river  ;  which 
places  then  included  the  present  towns  of  Glastenbnry,  East -Hartford, 
and  East-Windsor.  The  Inhabitants  of  these  towns  soon  agreed  uporj 
a  constitution  of  civil  government  for  themselves,  and  such  as  should 
be  afterwards  joined  to  them.  This  w  as  the  beginning  of  the  govern- 
ment of  Connecticut.  About  the  time  of  the  settlement  of  the  above 
towns,  a  fort  was  erected  at  Saybrook  under  Gov.  John  Winthrop,  and 
a  settlement  begun  there.  This  town  originally  included  Killingworth 
and  most  of  the  town  of  Lyme,  and  was  a  distinct  government  from 
Connecticut  until  1 644.  Seven  years  after  this,  a  few  families  settled 
at  Mattabescclc,  and  in  lti£3  the  place  was  incorporated  by  the  Gen- 
eral Court  of  Connecticut,  aud  called  Middlctown.  This  town  then 
included  Chatham. 

The  lands  betweeu  Middle  town  and  Saybrook,  were  called 
laods  at  Thirty-miles-island,  from  the  island  north  of  the  centre  of 
the  tract  in  Connecticut  river,  winch  was  thought  to  be  thirty  mile? 


uortliwest  comer  called  Haddam  Quarter,  was  annexed  to  Durham 
ia  Oct.  1773  :  but  on  the  east  side  of  the  river  instead  of  the  line'p 
being  run  on  the  north  six  miles  easterly  from  the  river,  it  is  run 
eight  miles  from  Salmon  river,  and  6  1-4  from  the  river  on 
the  south,  increasing  the  limits  of  the  original  purchase  con- 
siderably more  than  the  extent  of  Haddam  JNeck.  The  mean 
length  of  Haddam  is  about  7  miles,  and  of  East  Haddam  8  3-4.  Had- 
dam Neck  is  4  miles  across  on  the  north,  and  runs  4  miles  south 
■where  it  terminates  in  a  point  between  Connecticut  and  Salmon 
livers. 

About  the  year  IG85,  a  settlement  was  begun  in  Easl-Haddam  at 
the  Creek  row.  Thither  all  the  Gates  removed,  most  of  the  Cones, 
and  some  of  the  Bates's  aud  Brainerds.  The  Ackleys  settled  a  lit- 
tle further  east,  and  some  of  the  Spencers  in  the  edge  of  Had- 
lyme.  The  first  settler  in  Millingtoii  was  Jonathan  Beebe,  about 
1704.  He  settled  near  the  north-east  corner,  by  the  Long  Pond,  a 
pond  of  upwards  two  miles  in  length,  and  half  a  mile  in  breadth,  the 
source  of  Eight-mile  river,  which  empties  itself  into  Connecticut 
river  in  Lyme.  A  few  persons  soon  united  with  him  who  have  no 
descendants  in  East  Haddam.  The  first  settlers  on  the  east  side  of 
the  river  were  s?on  joined  by  the  ancestors  of  the  Booges,  Fullers, 
Percivals,  Holmes's  Chapmsns,  Willeys,  die.  but  excepting  at  the 
Long  Pond,  none  settled  in  Millington  till  about  1732,  3  aud  4, 
*  hen  its  numbers  increased  rapidly.  With  the  early  settlers  in 
Haddam  were  united  the  Dickinsons,  Hubbards  Tylers,  Burrs, 
Kuowles's,  fliggins's,  &c. 

All  the  inhabitants  on  both  sides  the  river,  were  one  society  until 
1700,  when  the  people  living  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  and  south 
and  east  of  Salmon  river,  were  permitted  to  act  as  a  society  by  them- 
selves. In  1  70  1,  the  s-ocieties  did  town  business  separately,  and 
distinct  recoids  were  kept  of  their  proceedings.  But  apprehensions 
arising  that  this  mode  of  doing  business  was  illegal,  and  other  diffi- 
culties prevailing  among  the  people,  the  town  adopted  in  1710  new 
articles  of  agreement,  in  which  it  was  provided  that  the  societies  might 
manage  all  civil  affairs  by  themselves,  elect  one  representative  each 
to  the  general  assembly,  &c.  To  these  articles  the  sanction  of  the 
Legislature  was  obtained.     According  to  them  the  people  appear  to 


have  acted  until  May  1734,  when  the  town  was  divided  agreeably 
to  the  division  of  the  societies  j  and  to  the  west  society,  the  name  o! 
Haddam  was  continued,  while  to  the  east,  the  name  of  East-Had- 
dam  was  given.  At  first  the  towns  respectively  were  allowed  to 
send  but  one  deputy  to  the  assembly  at  public  cost,  but  by  au  acl 
passed  about  176G,  they  were  allowed  to  send  two. 

The  original  township  of  Haddam,  and  of  course  the  towns  into 
which  it  was  divided  lay  within  the  county  of  Hartford,  and  the 
inhabitants  repaired  thither  in  civil  suits.  At  the  formation  of 
Middlesex  County  in  May  ]  785,  both  towns  were  included  in  the 
new  county,  and  as  Haddam  was  the  central  town  it  was  fixed  upon 
saa  half-shire,  while  Mid  die  town  being  a  place  of  considerable  busi- 
ness and  population  was  selected  as  the  other  half  shire.  In  both 
these  towns,  court  houses  and  goals  were  subsequently  erected. 
The  court  house  in  Haddam  is  44  feet  loug  and  23  broad, 
and  two  stories  high,  but  indifferently  built.  The  goals  have  both, 
been  condemned,  and  for  two  years  past  there  has  been  no  goal  in 
the  county.  , 

The  Indians  who  reserved  to  themselves  Thirty  miles-island,  and 
40  acres  at  Pattaquounk,  with  the  right  of  hunting  and  fishing 
where  they  pleased;  remained  in  the  town  for  many  years 
and  Mere  troublesome  to  the  English.  For  40  or  45  yean 
from  the  settlement,  the  people  were  accustomed  to  carry  arms  with 
(hem  to  the  place  of  public  worship,  that  they  might  be  able  to  de- 
fend themselves  in  case  of  a  sudden  attack.  In  I704,a  time  of  general 
alarm  in  the  6tate,  guards  were  kept  in  three  houses  in  East-Had- 
datn.  No  account  however  is  transmitted  to  us  of  their  having 
done  any  serious  mischief  to  the  first  settlers  or  their  immediate; 
descendants.  In  1734,  Haddam  voted  they  would  attempt  to  pur- 
chase Thirty-miles  island  for  the  benefit  of  the  town,  but  no  pur- 
chase was  made.  Within  the  remembrance  of  persons  now  iivmjr, 
several  Indians  dwelt  upou  it,  but   they    arc  now  extinct. 

Those  noises  in  EastHaddam  which  caught  the  attention  of  the 
natives  were  not  disregarded  by  the  first  settlers  and  their  assopiates, 
nor  have  they  been  disregarded  by  later  generations.  Seventy  or 
eighty  years  ago,  in  consequence  of  their  greater  frequency  and 
violence,   they  gained    the  attention  of  the  neighbouring  towns,  and 


became  the  subject  of  inquiry  and  discussion  among  the  learned  and 
inquisitive  throughout  the  slate.  They  have  often  been  perceived 
in  a  small  circle,  producing  a  slight  motion  iu  the  earth  and  in  the 
river,  and  have  been  called  Moodus'  uoiscs,  but  when  they  have 
extended  30  or  40  miles  they  have  been  denominated  earthquakes. 
The  earthquakes  felt  in  Connecticut  for  more  than  forty  years, 
have  been  observed  to  be  more  violent  in  East-Haddam,  than  in 
any  other  place.  The  most  violent  of  all  was  on  the  18th  of  May, 
1791,  which  so  agitated  the  earth  as  to  untop  many  chimnies,  and 
excite  consternation  iu  every  family.  There  were  many  shock:., 
some  of  which  were  noticed  at  New- York,  Boston,  and  North- 
hampton. The  next  day.  apertures  and  fissures  were  found  in 
the  northeast  part  of  East-Haddam  first  society,  -which  ascertain- 
ed the  spot  where  the  explosion  took  place.  Since  that  time 
the  noises  have  been  less  frequent  and  violent :  but  as  the 
mineral  substances  producing  them,  remain  iu  the  bowels  of  thf- 
earth,  they  may  be  expected  iu  future. 

The  lands  in  the  pres'eut  township  of  Iladdam  taken  together 
cannot  be  considered  as  good.  Nigh  Connecticut  river  there  arc 
some  good  lands,  easy  of  cultivation,  and  producing  valuable 
crops  of  rye,  corn  and  grass.  The  lands  back,  excepting  in  the  in- 
tervals on  Higganum  middle  and  south  branches,  and  on  Beaver' 
brook,  are  hard  and  gravelly,  and  in  most  cases  too  rough  and  hilly 
for  ploughing.  The  rough  lauds  however,  bear  a  heavy  growth  of 
wood,  of  the  various  kinds  common  iu  this  part  of  the  country  ;  and 
where  they  are  cleared  yield  considerable  pasture.  East-Haddam 
is  a  good  grazing  township,  less  hilly  and  rocky  than  Haddam,  though 
of  a  soil  rather  hard,  especially  in  Millington.  Very  little  wheat 
has  been  raised  in  either  town  for  many  years,  nor  are  rye  and  corn 
raised  to  any  great  extent.  The  price  of  good  land  for  plowing 
and  mowing  in  Haddam,  near  the  river,  is  from  one  to  two  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars  per  acre.  Other  lands  bear  a  proportionable  price 
according  to  their  goodness  and  proximity  to  market.  The  price  of 
land  in  Haddam,  has  doubled  within  twenty  years.  Land  is  not  so 
high  in  East-Haddam,  nor  has  it  had  such  a  rapid  rise. 

For  80  years  after  the  settlement  began  here,  the  inhabitants  were 
employed  almost  wholly  iu  husbandry.     Their  farms  furnished  them 


with  most  of  the  necessaries  of  life,  and  money  for  the  purchase  of 
others,  and  for  the  payment  of  taxes,  was  obtained  by  fattening  cat- 
tle for  the  Boston  market. 

In  1743  a  dwelling  house  was  erected  at  East-Haddam  Landing, 
and  a  market  opened  there  for  produce ;  from  which  time  other 
branches  of  business  began  to  be  introduced.  The  Landing  at 
Iligganum  was  begun  not  long  after. 

For  GO  or  70  years  the  towns  have  been  moderately  concerned  iu 
the  West-India  trade  ;  to  a  greater  extent  in  the  coasting  trade. 
There  arc  now  belonging  to  lladdam,  one  ship,  three  brigs,  three 
sloops  and  five  schooners,  amounting  to  1597  tons:  to  East-Had* 
dam,  one  ship,  two  brigs  and  one  sloop,  amounting  to  C05  tons. 

Fishing  must  have  been  pursued  in  a  degree  from  the  settlement 
as  the  inhabitants  wished  for  fish  for  their  own  use  ;  but  there  was 
scarcely  any  call  for  them  from  abroad,  till  within  50  or  GO  years. 
Connecticut  river  and  the  streams  emptying  in  it,  originally  abound- 
ed with  Salmon,  shad,  and  various  kinds  of  smaller  fish.  The  Sal- 
mon were  so  common  in  tlie  river  dividing  East  Haddam  from  llad- 
dam Neck,  that  it  was  called  Salmon  river  from  that  circumstance. 
This  fish  has  scarcely  been  fouud  in  the  river  for  several  years.  Its 
failure  has  been  commonly  ascribed  to  the  Locks  on  the  river  iu 
Massachusetts  and  the  numerous  saw-mills  on  the  streams  empty- 
ing into  it;  but  it  is  very  questionable  whether  it  is  owing  wholly 
or  principally  to  this  cause,  as  it  is  found  in  other  streams  where 
similar  obstructions  exist.  The  shad  are  the  only  fish  which  render 
fishing  an  important  business,  though  small  fish  remain  in  the  river. 
These  used  to  be  considered  as  hardly  eatable,  but  they  have  grad- 
ually risen  into  estimation,  and  are  now  a  fashionable  dish,  and  com- 
mand a  ready  and  profitable  market.  There  arc  10  or  17  places  in 
lladdam  where  they  are  caught  to  considerable  extent,  and  6  in  East- 
Haddam,  including  Lord's  Island.  In  the  former  town  there  were 
taken  the  last  season  as  near  as  I  have  beeu  able  to  ascertain  130, 
000  ;  and  in  the  latter  32,000.  The  season  was  much  less  favora- 
ble than  usual,  and  200,000  may  be  fairly  estimated  as  an  average 
quantity  for  Haddam,  and  50,000  for  East-Haddam.  The  largest 
draught  of  which  I  have  heard  in  these  towns  was  taken  at  the  Peer 


10 

in  1802,  containing  2300  or  nearly.  At  the  next  draught  between 
180O  and  1900  were  taken. 

Ship  -building  has  been  regularly  carried  on  at  Higganum  Land- 
ing for  bill  a  century,  and  occasionally  at  other  places  on  the  river, 
particular!)  at  Last  lladdam  Landing  aid  Chapman's  ferry.  This 
business  has  furnished  employment  to  many  hands,  and  a  call  to 
farmers  for  materials  for  building.  It  is  to  be  lamented  however 
thai  the  practice  of  giving  ardent  spirits  daily  to  workmen,  which 
has  prcmincntly  prevailed  in  this  business,  has  led  some  to  intem- 
perance and  ruin.  The  practice  has  no  necessary  connection  with 
the  employment,  and  it  is  hoped  that  the  time  is  not  far  distant  when 
this  liquid  poison  will  be  excluded  from  shipyards,  and  all  other 
places,  and  nutricious,  and  wholesome  drinks  substituted  in  its 
stead. 

Much  wood  is  exported  from  these  towns  annually,  the 
greater  part  to  New-York.  From  Higganum  Lauding,  which  is 
the  greatest  wood  market,  2000  cords  were  carried  in  1807.  Hick- 
ory for  several  years  has  been  sold  from  /)  to  (i  dollars  per  cord, 
and  oak  from  3  to  4  dollars. 

The  stone  quarries  in  Iladdnm  bid  fair  to  be  a  permanent  and 
extensive  source  of  wealth.  The  quarry  on  lladdam  JNeck  began 
to  be  improved  In  1702,  and  was  improved  more  and  more  until  the 
commencement  of  the  present  war,  or  rather  of  the  restrictive  system. 
The  principal  openings  are  from  50  to  70  rods  from  the  river,  on  a 
hill  of  considerable  height,  from  which  the  descent  is  difficult.  The 
quarry  on  the  west  side  of  the  river  below  lladdam  street  was 
opened  about  the  )  ear  1704.  It  is  00  or  100  rods  from  the  river, 
and  on  a  hill  less  high  and  steep  than  that  on  the  east  side.  The 
stone  in  both  lie  in  the  same  direction,  which  has  lead  some  to  an 
opinion  that  the  quarries  extend  under  die  bed  of  the  river.  They 
are  usually  a  little  below  the  surface,  and  of  an  iron  grey  colour, 
and  the  seams  run  perpendicular.  Long  slabs  are  split  off,  and  then 
split  or  hrokon  into  any  smaller  tdze  which  is  wished.  They  are  ve- 
ry'excellent  for  building,  curbing  ami  paving.  The  stone  in  both 
quarries,  and  in  various  other  places  in  the  hills  where  the  princi- 
pal openings  have  been  made,  are  immense.     Some  years,  GO  or  90 


n 

Lands  have  bccu  employed  in  them.  The  stone  have  been  carried  to 
various  parts  of  this  state  and  Rhode-Island,  to  Boston,  New-York, 
Albany,  and  Baltimore,  and  application  has  been  made  for  them  as 
far  south  as  Petersburgh  in  Virginia.  They  are  sold  by  the  foot, 
for  curbing  of  4  inches  thickness  from  17  to  21  cents,  for  paving  2 
inches  thick  from  10  to  14  cents. 

The  numerous  Mater-falls  in  Haddam  and  East-IIaddam,  together 
with  the  circumstances  of  the   towns  lying  upon  a  navigable  river, 
and  of  the  spirit   lately  excited  in  the  country,    render  it  probable 
that  at  uo  far  distant  period  they  will  become  manufacturing  towns. 
The  establishment  at    Lord's   Mills   is   begun   with  very   favorable 
prospects.     This  is  on   Salmon   river   nearly   4   miles  from   its    en- 
trance into  Connecticut  river  through  the  Cove.     The  dam  is  7  feet 
high,  and  gives  a  head  of  water  of  !  2  feet,  which  is  equal  in  the  driest 
season  to  two  grist-mill  powers.     The   water  is  takeii  from  the  dam 
in  one  place,  and  is  conveyed  to  a  cotion  factory,  an  oil  and  bark 
mill,  a  woollen  factory,  clothier's   works,  and  to  a  saw-mill  which 
carries  eight  saws,   and 'saws  a  length  of  70  feet.      Au  oil  mill  has 
stood  here  fifty  years.     The  cotton  factory  is  not  completed.     The 
woollen  factory  has  just  begun  its  operations,  and  consumes  wool   at 
the  rate   of   10.000/.  yearly,    which    the  clothier's  works    will  be 
more  than  sufficient  to  full  and. dress.     To  this  establishment  belong 
5  spinning  machines.     The  tide  flows  up  to  the  mills,    and  thus  far 
the  river  is  navigable  for  scows  which  can  come  up  in  Gluices  trader 
the  mills.— -The  stand  at  Usher's  Mills  in  Haddam  is  favorable  for 
a  large  manufacturing  establishment.     Thin  is  situated  1-4  of  a  mile 
west  from  Higganum  Lauding,  on  Iligganum  river,   just  below  the 
junction  of  its  three  branches,  and  fifty  rods  distant  from  its  entrance 
into  Connecticut  river.     In  25  rods   there  is  a  fall   of  water  of  31 
feet,  which  might  be  considerably  increased  by  raising  the  dam.     In 
this  distance,  all  the  water  may  be  used  three  times  over,  in  the  last 
instance  in  which  the  fall  would  be  the  greatest,  there   would  be  a 
sufficiency  of  water  to  carry  two  run  of  stones  the  year  round.     To 
this  spot  or  very  nearly  the  'river  admits  boats.     At  this  stand  there 
are  now  only  a  clothier's  works,  and  carding  machine.     The  cloth- 
oi's  works  full  and  dress  4,500  yards  of  woollen  cloth  annually,  and 


J>2 

dress  1000  yards  of  women's  wear.  The  carding  machine,  cards 
3000  lbs  of  wool  annually.  With  these  is  connected  one  spinning 
machine.  Iliggamim  middle  and  south  branches,  and  Beaver  brook, 
also  Pine-brook  in  Middle  Haddam,  furnish  a  number  of  mill  seats, 
which  arc  partly  or  wholly  unimproved.  Moodus  river,  Eight-mile 
river,  and  Bog. meadow  brook  in  East-Had  dam  have  several  mill  seats. 
The  two  first  pass  over  falls.  The  second  rises  in  the  Round  Pond 
(which  covers  an  area  of  1000  acres)  in  the  uortli  east  part  of  East- 
Haddam,  1st  Society.  About  two  miles  from  the  pond  is  the  fall, 
where  the  water  is  precipitated  down  the  rocks  with  great  violence 
70  feet,  producing  a  noise  sometimes  heard  several  miles.  About 
these  falls  the  Moodus' noises  have  been  most  violent. 

Besides  the  manufactures  above  mentioned,  there  are  in  Haddam 
the  following  manufactures,  mills,  &c.  viz.  1  clothier's  works,  2  card- 
ing machines,  5  grist  mills,  9  saw  mills,  7  tanneries,  1  gin  distille- 
ry, 2  cider  distilleries,  1  brick  yard,  and  1  machine  for  welding 
gun  barrels.  The  gin  distillery  is  calculated  to  consume  30  bush- 
els of  rye  and  corn,  and  make  90  gallons  of  liquor  in  24  hours.  It 
lias  hitherto  failed  of  consuming  so  rruch  as  it  has  not  been  wrought 
through  the  night,  and  the  liquor  has  hardly  equalled  this  proportion. 
The  brick  yard  is  1-2  mile  above  Higganum  Lauding.  The  brick 
are  burnt  on  a  wharf  extended  into  the  river,  so  near  to  which  ves- 
sels and  boats  may  come  as  to  load  from  it.  The  clay  is  taken  from 
the  bank  and  appears  to  be  abundant.  The  brick  are  considered  to 
be  of  a'superior  quality.  The  machinery  for  welding  gun  barrels,  is 
connected  with  the  gun  factory  at  New-Haven.  In  East-Haddam 
there  are  3  clothier's  works,  2  carding  machines,  1  spinning 
machine,  C  grist-mills,  19  saw-mills,  13  tanneries,  3  cider  distilleries 
and  1  nail  factory.  In  the  former  town  there  are  7  merchants'  stores 
and  ti  taverns;  in  the  latter  10  stores  and  2  taverns. 

The  listol  Haddam  in  1718  was  L.3,007-14-8,  in  1813,  3 7,.r>30  dol- 
lars and  0  cents;  for  Haddam  Society  32,107  73,  and  for  Haddam 
Neck  6,422  33.  The  list  of  East  Haddam  in  1718  was  £.4,2^6-4-0, 
in  1813,  59.974  dollars  14  cents,  for  East-Haddam  society  25,953, 
11,  for  Millingtou   20,347    71    aud  for  Hadlj  me  7,G73  32.     The 


13 

expenses  of  supporting  the  pooriu  Haddam  last  year  were  320  dol- 
lars, aDd  iu  Eabt  Haddam  032  dollars. 

In  these  towns  there  are  lour  Terries  across  Connecticut  river,  two 
between  the  towns,  and  two  between  Haddam  and  Haddam  Neck. 
Chapman's  ferry  is  much  the  oldest  aud  has  been  uniformly  private 
property.  East-Haddam  ferry  has  been  improved  with  tome  inter- 
ruptions 65  years.  Id  1811,  it  was  granted  by  the  Assembly  to 
George  Lord  and  Eber  Rutty.  It  now  belongs  to  Mr.  Lord.  Hig- 
ganum  ferry  was  granted  to  Haddam  town  in  May  1763.  Haddam 
ferry  was  granted  to  Calvin  Br ai nerd  aud  Roswel  Braiuerd  at  tlic 
last  session. 

At  what  time  the  first  military  company  was  forme'd  in  Haddam 
I  have  not  had  the  means  of  ascertaining.  The  first  captain  so  far 
as  I  can  learn,  was  George  Gates,  Esq.  one  of  the  proprietors. 
About  the  time  of  the  formation  of  East-Haddam  society  a  company 
•was  formed  there,  aud  commanded  by  Joshua  Braiuerd,  one  of  the 
first  settlers  of  that  town.  From  Haddam  company  a  uew  company 
was  formed  about  the  year  1730  at  Higganum,  and  from  this  in 
May  1771  Puucet  company  was  formed.  The  people  on  Haddam 
Neck  were  probably  detached  from  the  first  or  town  company  iu 
Haddam,  when  Middle  Haddam  society  was  formed  in  1740  ;  and 
the  people  at  Haddam  Quarter  from  Higganum  company,  wheu  they 
were  united  to  Durham  in  1773. 

The  lists  below  contain  the  names  of  those  who  have  successively 
commanded  these  companies. 

H.  Town  Company.  Joseph  Selden, 

George  Gates,  Esq.  James  Hazelton, 

James  Wells,  Esq.  Dea.  Eliakim  Braiuerd, 

Dea.  James  Braiuerd,  John  Ventres. 

Caleb  Cone,  Oliver  Wells,  Esq. 

Thomas  Shayler,  Joshua  Smith, 

John  Fisk,  David  Dickiuson, 

Gideon  Braiuerd,  Samuel  Shayler, 

James  Wells,  Mnj.  Huntington  May, 

Thomas  Shayler,  Arnold  Tyler, 


14 


Cul.  John  Braiueid, 
Stephen  Dickinson, 
Gideon  Higgins. 
UigS  ttnum  Company, 
Nathaniel  Sutliff. 
Abraham 'Brooks, 
.Tabez  Brainerd,  Esq. 
Charles  Seers, 
John  Smith, 
David  Brainerd, 
Col.  Daniel  Brainerd,  Esq. 
litman  Brainerd, 
John  Brainerd, 
Noadiah  Cone, 
Johu  Clarke, 
Curtis  Smith, 


Daniel  Brainerd. 
James  Walk  ley, 
Amos  Smith, 
Puncet  Company. 
Stephen  Smith, 
Aimer  Smith, 
Samuel  Hubbard, 
Edmund  Porter, 
Jeremiah  Hubbard, 
Jonathan  Burr, 
Samuel  Slannard, 
James  Thoriias, 
David  Spencer, 
Samuel  Hubbard, 
Abraham  Hubbard, 
Sylvester  Brainerd. 

The  regiment  to  wlw'ch  the  above  companies  belong,  has  been  uri- 
iier  the  command  of  Hezekiah  Brainerd,  Esq.  and  Abraham  T)ler« 

Middlt -Ilad.lam  Compau}  has  been  commanded  by  17  difler- 
ent  captains,  of  whom  Dea.  Ebenezer  Smith,  Thomas  Selden,  Ansel 
Brainerd,  KHas  Selden,  and  Daniel  Brooks  belonged  to  Uadriam 
Neck.  Abner  Porter  nud  Arnold  Hazel  ton  have  commanded 
companies  of  cavalry.  A  company  of  volunteers  was  formed  in  J  lad- 
dam  in  the  last  war,  and  commanded  by  Samuel  Brooks  and  Dea. 
Nehemiall  Brainerd,  Esq. 

The  military  Company  formed  at  East  Haddam  and  commanded 
by  Joshua  Brainerd,  at  his  resignation  was  divided  into  two  ;  from 
these  two  a  company  was  formed  at  Millington  in  1737  or  8  and 
commanded  by  Samuel  Olmsted,  which  was  also  divided  imo  two 
at  his  resignation,  though  he  was  re-elected  captain  of  the  1st  of  them. 
Hadlyme  company,  belonging  to  East-Haddam  part  of  Hadlyme, 
was  formed  from  East  Haddam  1st  company,  about  1740  or  50. 
A  company  of  cavalry  has  long  existed,  composed  partly  from  bast- 
Haddam,  and  partly  from  Colchester.  This  compan)  in  1812  vol- 
unteered to  the  State.  The  commanders  of  the  above  companies 
have  been  as  follows— 


15 


E.  II.  lit  or  South  Company. 
John  Chapman, 
John  Holmes, 
Matthew  Smith, 
Jabez  Chapman,  Esq. 
Daniel  Cone,  Esq. 
Bezaliel  Brainerd, 
Dea.  James  Gates, 
Matthew  Smith, 
Maj.  Daniel  Cone, 
Col.  David  D.  Spencer, 
Elijah  Ackley, 
Gen.  E.  Champion,  M.  C. 
Jeremiah  Smith, 
Robert  Cone, 
Samuel  P.  Lord, 
Richard  Green, 
Joseph  Church, 
Samuel  Crowe!, 
E.  II.  North  Company. 
Samuel  Olmsted, 
Stephen  Cone, 
Thomas  Gates, 
Daniel  Gates, 
Caleb  Chapman, 
John  Percival,  Esq. 
Joshua  Braincrd, 
Gen.  Dyer  Throop,  Esq. 
Jonathan   Olmsted, 
Jonathan  Kilbonrn, 
Jehiel  Fuller, 

Levi  Palmei-, 

Abncr  Hall,  Esq. 

Dea.  Caleb  Gates, 

Elisha  Cone, 

Darius  Gates, 

Col.  Jonah  Gates, 

Darius  Braincrd, 


William  Palmer. 
Millington,  1st  or  N.  Company. 
Samuel  Olmsted, 
Joseph  Arnold, 
William  Clmrcli, 
John  Willey, 

Enoch  Brainerd, 

Aruasa  Duttun, 
John  Arnold, 
Noadiah  Emmons, 
Nathaniel  Lord, 

Maj.  Nathaniel  Emmons, 

Aaron  Fox, 

Oliver  Church, 

Diodate  Lord, 

Hezekiah   Loomis, 

Manly  Bcebe. 
Milling  ton  South  Company. 

Jared  Spencer, 

John  Mc.  Call, 

Aaron  Cleaveland, 

Jonah  Cone, 

William  Cone, 

Ebenezer  Duttou, 

Nathan  Jewett, 

John  Chapman,  Esq. 

Joseph  Gates, 

Robert  Anderson,  ■ 

Amos  Randal, 

Col.  Josifih  Griifio, 

Diodate  Jones, 

Samuel  Morgan, 
Gardner  Gallop,, 

Uriah  Spencer, 

David  G.  Otis, 

Maj.  Jonathan  Eeckwitk, 

Barali  Bcckwitb. 


10' 


Madlymc  Company. 

Dea.  Christopher  Holmes, 

Ephraim  Fuller, 

Ebenezer  Spencer, 

John  Shaw, 

Col.  Eliphulet  Holmes,  Esq. 
Zachariuh  Hungcrford, 
Abraham  Willey, 
Ebenezer  Holmes,  Esq. 
Jabez  Comstock, 
Charles  Spencer, 
Neuton  Marsh, 
Benjamin  Crosby, 
Robert  Hunger  ford, 
Cliauncey  Beckwith, 
Calvin  Comstock, 
Ozias  Holmes. 
Cavalry  Company.     ' 
Daniel  Brainerd, 


Samuel  Gales, 
Ichabod  Olmsted, 

Chamberlain,! 

James  Green, 
Jonathan  Deming, 
Daniel  Bulkley,f 
Ephraim  Ackley, 
Roger  Bulklcy,f 
Col.  Uriah  Carrier,! 
Solomon  Spencer, 

Judd, 

Nathaniel  Ackley,-| 
David  Deming,f 
William  Wright, 
George  Bulklcy,f 
Richard  Lord, 
Nathan  Williams.f 


The  persons  marked(f)  in  the  list  of  captains  of  cavalry  did  not  be- 
long to  East  Haddam.  A  volunteer  company  here  in  the  last 
war  was  commanded  by  William  Cone  and  Ebenezer  Emmons. 

There  belonged  to  the  companies  in  Haddam  according  to  returns 
made  the  last  fall,  including  officers,  the  following  numbers,  viz.  to 
Haddam  town  company  63,  to  Higganum  64,  Puucet  40,  and  to  that 
part  of  Middlelladdam  company  living  on  Haddam  Neck,  26. 
To  these  may  be  added  24  blonging  to  a  state  corps,  and  8  to  a  company 
of  cavalry,  making  in  all  234.  Eor  East-Haddam  South  company 
there  were  returned  at  the  same  time  20,  for  2d  or  North  do.  54, 
Millington  North  20,  South  24,  lladlyme  31.  The  company  of 
horse  belonging  half  to  East-Haddam  had  a  little  time  since  45 
members,  and  the  number  probably  does  not  differ  much  from  this 
now.  About  20  privates  belong  to  a  state  corps.  Besides  these 
there  is  a  volunteer  company  commanded  by  Jeremiah  Smith  of 
33  members,  making  in  the  whole  29J  or  5. 


17 

In  all  the  wars  which  have  agitated  this  country  for  a  century 
and  an  half,  the  inhabitants  of  these  towas  must  have  been  concern- 
ed. The  fears  which  they  entertained  of  the  Indians,  were 
doubtless  increased  by  the  wars  which  were  carried  on  between  them 
and  the  English  from  time  to  time.  The  last  French  war  is  in  the 
remembrance  of  individuals  now  living  ;  in  which  great  alarm  was 
excited  in  the  colonies,  not  only  from  the  power,  but  the  religious 
character  of  our  enemies.  Numbers  from  Haddam,  and  East-Haddam 
were  called  into  actual  service,  and  several  died  by  sickness  in 
camp,  or  fell  in  battle.  The  war  of  the  Revolution  is  in  the  remem- 
brance of  many  more.  Its  justice  and  importance  were  generally  ac- 
knowledged, and  the  people  improved  opportunities  of  taking  oaths  of 
fidelity  to  the  United  States;  but  the  privations  and  sufferings  occa- 
sioned by  it  are  indescribable.  Continuing  nearly  eight  years  a 
large  portion  of  the  inhabitants  capable  of  beariug  arms,  were  called 
into  the  service  of  their  country  ;  some  endured  the  greatest  distress 
from  want  and  fatigue  in  the  army,  others  from  the  treatment  receiv- 
ed in  captivity  and  prison  ships,  and  others  lost  their  lives  5  while  the 
people  at  large  felt  the  evils  arising  from  the  suspension  of  regular 
business,  and  the  imposition  of  heavy  taxes.  The  present  Avar  ope- 
rates greatly  against  the  interest  of  these  towus,  as  their  employ- 
ments are  directly  connected  with  navigation.  Of  its  justice  many 
arc  not  satisfied,  and  few  if  any  advocate  its  expediency,  while  the 
cry  of  all  the  righteous  ascends  to  God  for  the  speedy  restoration 
of  peace. 

It  is  not  possible  to  ascertain  precisely  the  number  of  inhabitants 
iu  Haddam  for  mauy  years  after  the  settlement,  nor  indeed  of  Had-" 
daai  and  East-Haddam  after  the  division  of  the  original  township. 
There  may  have  been  30  families  at  the  incorporation  in  1G68.  If 
we  suppose  these  to  have  thribled  iu  30  years  by  natural  iucreuse 
and  the  accession  of  settlers  from  abroad,  and  that  one  third  of  the 
whole  at  the  close  of  this  period  lived  in  East-Haddam,  it  will  give 
60  families  for  Haddam  society  in  1700,  and  30  for  East-Haddam. 
Iu  a  tax  bill  for  the  former  society  in  1718,  62  uames  are  mention- 
ed, aud  at  the  call  of  a  minister  in  1739,  there  were  71  voters;  in 
both  which  cases  the  families  were  probably  somewhat  more  mime* 
*3 


18 

reus.  In  the  present  society  of  Haddam,  Hie  number  of  deaths  au- 
uually  from  1  756to  60  wasbut  n  small  fraction  over  8;  for  10  years 
past  it  has  been  nearly  29.  From  this  it  may  be  fairly  calculated, 
admitting  that  more  die  in  proportion  than  formerly,  (hat  the  popu- 
lation of  Haddam  Society  is  thrice  as  great  as  it  was  50  years  ago, 
and  the  same  is  doubtless  true  of  Haddam  Keek.  The  fact  has 
been  very  different  in  Easl-Haddam.  As  that  was  more  suitable 
for  farming  than  Haddam,  it  peopled  much  faster  after  the  settlement 
began.  There  were  71  taxable  persons  there  in  1718.  For 
40  or  50  years  its  inhabitants  have  not  greatly  varied.  There 
were  in  Haddam  according  to  the  census  in  1800,  2307  in- 
habitants, in  1S10,  2205;  there  are  now  in  the  town  2300,  1111 
males  and  1159  females.  In  East-Hnddam  there  were  in  lbOO, 
2805,  in  1810,  2537.  In  this  town  there  are  now  2283  inhabitants, 
1087  males  and  1196  females.  The  following  table  will  show  the 
number  of  dwelling-houses,  families,  and  inhabitants,  males  and 
females,  in  the  different  societies,  or  parts  of  societies  in  these  towns. 


Haddam  Society, 

Ifaddam  Neck, 

E.  Haddam,  1st  Society 

Millington, 

Hadlymc,  E.  H.  part, 

Total, 


J).  H.  [Famines  IiiU-.b. 

Male, 

F  malesj 

340 

390 

1951 

967 

984 

47 

62 

349 

174 

175 

167  |  196 

1017 

472 

545 
503 

172  j  190 

991 

4S8 

53 

55 

275 

127 

148 

779  1  893   4583 

l       1       1 

2228 

2355 

19 

These  towns  are  healthy.  The  ah-  and  water  arc  uncommonly 
pure.  Such  diseases  as  are  incident  to  children  have  often  prevail- 
ed, but  the  cases  have  been  few  in  which  diseases  have  spread  to 
any  considerable  exteut  among  the  people  at  large.  In  the  "  Life 
of  David  Brainerd"  mention  is  made  of  the  prevalence  of  a  mortal 
sickness  in  Iladdam  in  1732.  The  dysentery  raged  here  in  1758, 
on  Haddara  Neck  in  1760,  in  the  town  district  in  1800;  the  typhus 
fever  prevailed  here  the  last  year  in  June,  and  in  21  days  carried 
off  W  persons,  most  of  whom  were  heads  of  families.  In  East-IIad- 
dam  1st  Society,  (he  throat  distemper  prevailed  in  1775  and  6,  at- 
tended with  the  dysentery,  in  the  former  year  more  than  40  died, 
and  in  the  latter  more  than  50,  including  those  who  died  in  the  army. 
The  typhus  fever  raged  there  the  last  spring,  especially  about  the 
Landing.  With  these  exceptions,  and  perhaps  a  few  more  of  which 
I  have  not  been  informed,  the  towns  have  been  healthy. 

The  number  of  deaths  in  Iladdam  society  for  ten  years,  counting 
back  from  the  1  V_j.li  of  April  last  was  286;  the  number  of  deaths  on 
Iladdam  Neck  for  10  years  past,  counting  back  from  1st  of  January 
was  38,  in  East-Haddam,  1st  Society  125,  in  Millington  131,  in 
Hadlyme  E.  H.  part  34:  in  all  014  ;  in  Iladdam  324,  in  East- 
Haddam  290.  These  sums  give  01  4-10  as  the  average  number  of 
deaths  annually  iu  these  towns,  which  is  not  1  to  74  persons. 
Among  the  236  who  have  died  iu  Iladdam  Society  there  were  12 
above  00,  15  others  above  80,  and  31  above  70.  Iladdam  Neck 
and  East-Haddam  could  probably  produce  a  proportional  number 
of  aged  persons  among  those  who  have  died  in  them. 

For  many  years  all  the  people  from  the  original  township  of 
Iladdam  brought  their  dead  to  Iladdam  town  grave-yard  for  inter- 
ment. The  people  from  the  cast  side  in  attempting  to  bring  across 
a  corpse  were  prevented  by  the  state  of  the  ice,  and  they  dug  a 
grave  and  buried  it  at  the  plare,  which  from  that  circumstance  be- 
came a  burying  yard  for  East-IIaddain,  and  is  known  by  the  name 
of  the  Cove  grave-yard.  In  1734,  the  burying  ground  was  laid 
out  near  the  Rock  Landing  for  the  people  of  Haddam  Neck ;  the 
burying  ground  at  Higganum  in  17 41,  that  at  Puncet  iu  1761,  and 
that  at  the  Lower  part  of  town  in  1782.     Iu  1705  the  people  of 


20 

East-IIaddam  voted  to  continue  the  improvement  of  the  Cove-bury- 
u*>.  around.  The  grave-yard  in  the  upper  part  of  Iiadlyme  was 
laid  out  in  ]  723,  that  at  the  Lous  Fond  Hi  1 720,  lhat  at  Bashan  about 
17G0,  that  near  Green  Hungerford's  do.  that  in  the  upper  part  of 
the  town  in  17  18,  tliat  at  Iiadlyme  Meeting-House  in  1750,  that  at 
Sain'i  Beckwith'sdo.thatnear  Millingloa  Mceling-House  about  1 764, 
lhat  near  Eight-mile  river  in  1  7G0,  that  near  Capt.  Jeremiah  Smith's 
in  1774,  lhat  at  East-IIaddam  Meeting-House  in  1783.  A  burying 
ground  began  to  be  improved  at  East-IIaddam  Landing  in  1773, 
one  near  Oliver  Warner's  in  1793,  and  that  by  Simeon  Chapman's 
in  1802. 

There  was  but  one  school  Kept  in  the  present  limits  of  Haddam 
for  70  years.  Until  1709  what  schooling  there  was,  was  kept  in  a 
private  house.  At  that  time  the  inhabitants  voted  to  build  a  school 
house  18  feet  by  16  which  was  erected  near  the  dwelling  house  of 
Capt.  Samuel  Clark.  In  1  723  a  new  school  house  was  built  near 
the  town  grave-)  aid.  In  1732  a  vote  was  passed  that  the  school 
should  be  kept  three  months  at  the  school-house,  and  theu  moved 
successively  into  different  parts  of  the  town.  There  are  now  ia 
Haddam  13  district  schools,  12  In  Haddam  society,  and  1  on  Had- 
dam Neck.  There  was  but  one  school  iu  East-IIaddam,  till 
about  1729  or  30.  There  are  now  19,  S  in  the  1st  Society,  7  in 
IMillington,  and  4  iu  Iiadlyme  north  of  Lyme  line,  though  two  of 
these  arc  furnished  in  part  with  scholars  from  Lyme.  The  names 
of  these  schools  and  the  number  of  scholars  sent  to  them  the  last 
winter  are  as  follows,  in  Haddam,  the  town  school  94,  Higganutn 
83,  Puncet  40,  Lower-part  of  town  75,  Candle  .wood  hill  35,  south 
school  id  Lower-part  of  town  07,  Turkey  hill  33,  YYalkley  hill  19, 
Beaver  meadow  20,  Little-city  30,  South-western  41,  North-western 
27,  Haddam  Nerk  72,  total  of  Haddam  047.  In  East-Haddam, 
1st  Society,  are  Middle-district  school  02,  Landing  78,  South  43, 
South-east  45,  Bashan  43,  Upper  district  48.  North-west  GO,  and 
the  factorydistrict  school,  which  was  formed  the  last  winter  from  the  ' 
north  west,  making  in  all  379.  In  MMIington  there  arc,  Middle  dis- 
trict school  09,  North  western  32*  Western  51.  South  western  40.* 


21 

South  50,*  East  45  *  North-east  32,*  total  319.  In  Hadlymc  there 
are, 'the  Center  school  31,  North  east  16,  South-east  7,  K.  H.  part, 
west  15  do.  making  G9.  The  whole  number  of  children  belonging 
to  East-Haddam,  instructed  iu  the  district  schools  the  last  winter, 
is  767. 

The  above  schools  excepting  two  or  three  in  Haddam  and  one  in 
East-Haddam  1st  society  are  usually  taught  by  men  in  the  winter, 
and  by  women  iu  the  summer.  In  some  instances  districts  have  in- 
quired after  cheap  instructors  rather  than  good  ones,  while  in  others 
a  wiser  course  has  been  pursued  ;  and  it  is  but  justice  to  acknowledge 
that  schooling  in  both  towns,  is  iu  a  state  of  improvement. 

A  Library  company  was  formed  in  Haddam  in  1  701,  and  a  collec- 
tion of  books  procured  :  but  through  delects  in  the  constitution,  the  li- 
brary was  soon  neglected,  and  in  1808  the  company  was  dissolved. 
The  literary  society  owns  80  volumes,  which  may  be  the  beginning  of 
a  good  library.  The  company  in  Middle-Haddam  was  formed  in 
December  1793  and  possesses  238  volumes.  East-Haddam  company 
was  formed  in  1794,  and  has  now  206  volumes.  Millingtoa 
library  company  is  dissolved.  The  company  iu  HiTtllyme  formed 
in  1790,  has  117  volumes. 

About  17  persons  in  Haddam  and  24  in  East-Haddam  have  been 
publicly  educated  ;  a  large  proportion  of  whom  have  gone  into  the 
ministry,  and  some  have  attained  to  eminence. 

George  Gates  and  Daniel  Brainerd  were  probably  magistrates  be- 
fore the  formation  of  East-Haddam  society.  The  following  lists 
contain  the  names  ofahosc  who  have  been  justices  since  that  period. 
How  many  of  these  had  their  commissions  before  the. division  of  the 
original  towu  is  not  exactly  known. 

Justices  in  Haddam.  Jabez  Brainerd, 

James  Wells,  Joseph  Brooks, 

Hezekiah  Brainerd  Assistant  Dca.  Nehemiah  Erainevd, 

Col.  Hezekiah  Brainerd,  Dr.  Hezekiah  Brainerd,  a 
Joseph  Wells,  judge  of  County  Court. 

*  These  numbers  are  given  according'  to  the  judgement  of  on»  of  the 
Overseers. 


22 


Cornelius  Higgles, 

Den.  Fzra  Brainerd, 

Col.  Daniel  Brainerd, 

Edward  Selden, 

Dr.  Srnilh  Clark, 

Stepheu  Tibhils, 

Oliver  Wells, 

Dr.  Levi  Ward, 

Dea.  Jonathan  Huntington, 

Reuben  R.  Chapman, 

Linus  Parmalee,  jun. 

Justices  in  East-IIaddam. 

Thomas  Gates, 

Samuel  Olmsted, 

Jabez  Chapman, 

Stephen  Hosmer, 

Dea.  Daniel  Cone, 

Dr.  Thomas  Adams, 

Gen.  J.  Spencer,  Assistant. 

DaDiel  Brainerd, 

Gen.  D.  Throop,  first  judge 
of  the  County  Court  for 
the  County  of  Middlesex. 

Col.  Jabez  Chapman,  a  judge 


of  County  Court. 
Samuel  Estabroolt, 
Dea.  Israel  Spencer, 
Dea.  Samuel  Huntington, 
Timothy  Gates, 
John  Chapman, 
Dea.  John  Percival, 
Isaac   Spencer,  jun.  J.  P. 
Col.    Eliphalet  Holmes,  s 

judge  of  County  Court. 
Thomas  Mosely,  M.  D. 
Col.  Jonathan   O.  Moseley 

Member  of  Congress. 
Timothy  Gates,  jun. 
Ebenezer  Holmes,  ** 
Abner  Hall, 
Jared  Spencer, 
John  Brainerd, 
Col.  Josiah  Griffin, 
Israel  Cone, 
William  Cone, 
Sylvester  Chapman, 
Isaac  Chapman. 


While  delicaey  forbids  any  remarks  upon  the  living,  it  is  pleas- 
ing to  observe  concerning  the  justices  who  have  deceased,  and  who 
had  in  their  day  no  inconsiderable  share  of  business  iu  these  towns, 
and  of  influence  in  (he  state  ;  that  many  of  them  were  no  less  dis- 
tinguished for  their  piety  than  for  their  good  sense,  and  general  reg- 
ularity of  conduct.  The  first  Hezekiah  Brainerd,  under  the  dis- 
advantages of  education  commou  iu  his  day,  acquired  extensive 
knowledge.  Early  called  also  by  divine  grace,  he  gave  himself  up 
to  the  practice  of  religion.  He  used  to  keep  days  of  private  fas- 
ting to  promote  his  spiritual  welfare,  was  much  in  prayer  and  had 
particular  evidence  that  his  prayers  wore  heard,  and  enjoyed  strong 


23 

and  abiding  consolation  and  hope.  His  mental  and  moral  worth 
soou  attracted  public  notice,  and  he  was  raised  to  the  station  of  an 
assistant  in  the  colony  of  Connecticut,  which  station  he  held  till  his 
death.  On  a  proposition  to  establish  a  court  of  Chancery  in  the  state, 
he  was  selected  as  the  Judge,  though  the  court  was  never  organized. 
He  died  at  Hartford,  during  a  session  of  the  Assembly,  May  24, 
1727,  aged  40,  and  was  buried  in  the  old  burying  ground  in  that 
place.  Happy  effects  of  his  prayers  and  labors  were  left  upon  his 
children.  His  third  son  was  the  celebrated  David  Brainerd,  mis- 
sionary to  the  Indians  from  the  Honorable  society  in  Scotland  for 
the  propagation  of  christian  knowledge,  and  pastor  of  a  congrega- 
tion of  christian  Indians  in  New  Jersey,  whose  life  as  drawn  by  the. 
elder  President  Edwards  has  excited  the  admiration  of  the  pious 
both  in  Europe  and  America.  With  superior  intellect,  it  discov-% 
ers  the  greatest  humility,  self-denial,  zeal  and  benevolence.  His 
fourth  sou  was  John  Brainerd,  the  successor  of  David  in  the  pasto- 
ral office,  who  was  considered  by  his  acquaintance  as  equally  pious, 
though  not  so  much  distinguished  for  talents.  Others  of  the  family 
were  respectable  both  for  their  piety  and  abilities. 

Gen.  Joseph  Spencer  married  a  daughter  of  the  Worshipful  Mr. 
Brainerd,  and  in  several  respects  resembled  his  father-in-law. 
From  the  native  strength  of  his  mind,  and  diligent  improvement 
of  the  means  of  information  in  his  power,  he  became  well  versed 
in  those  branches  of  knowledge  which  were  important  in  the  stations 
•  he  was  called  to  fill.  For  35  years  he  was  Judge  of  Probate  fm 
the  district  of  East-Haddam  and  Colchester.  In  1758,  he  went 
into  the  northern  army  in  the  capacityof  a  Major  under.  Col.  Nathan 
Whiting,  and  the  two  following  years  as  a  Lieutenant  Colonel,  iu 
the  last  French  war ;  and  acquired  the  character  of  a  brave  and 
good  officer.  Iu  177J>,  in  the  war  of  the  revolution,  he  was  ap- 
pointed a  Brigadier,  and  in  1776  a  Major  General,  in  the  army  of 
the  Uuitcd  States.  He  resigned  his  commission  two  years  after. 
In  1779  he  was  a  member  of  Congress.  In  1700  he  was  elected 
into  the  Council,  and  held  a  seat  iu  it,  excepting  when  a  member 
of  Congress,  till  his  death.  His  civil  and  military  offices  were  an 
honorable  testimony  to  his  abilities.     These  however,  did  not  con- 


24 

siitutc  Ms  greatest  glory,  lie  loved  the  pure  doctrines  and  obeyed 
the  pure  precepts  of  the  gospel,  Few  have  given  clearer  evidence 
of  a  change  of  heart.  He  early  made  a  public  profession  of  reli- 
gion, and  served  many  years  as  a  deacon  in  the  church  iu  Milling, 
lou.  He  died  as  might  be  expected  iu  the  full  faith  of  a  blessed 
insurrection. 

Happy  will  it  be  if  such  men  are  raised  to  office  in  future;  able 
men,  who  fear  God,  men  of  truth,  hating  covteousness. 

Tm?  jfiist  Setiw£B8  of  those  towns  possessed  the  common 
*p'uit  of  the  puritans,  and  were  careful  to  transmit  it  to  their  de- 
scendants. iVluch  of  the  industry,  frugality,  simplicity  and  pie- 
iy,  which  have  characterized  preceding  generations,  were  the  effect 
of  their  exertions,  prayers,  and  examples.  Within  the  memory  of 
persons  living,  an  individual  could  scarcely  be  found  who  habitually 
neglected  public  worship,  or  a  family  which  neglected  morning 
and  evening  devotion.  And  though  there  is  occasion  to  lament 
lltat  iniquity  now  abounds  and  the  love  of  many  waxes  cold,  what 
religion  remains,  has  been  communicated  through  the'same  instru- 
mentality. No  person  in  either  town  has  ever  been  convicted  of 
a  capital  crime  ;  but  three  persons  iu  Haddam  have  been  left  to 
commit  suicide,  and  but  two  in  Easl-IIaddam. 

In  dividing  the  laud  the  proprietors  of  the  original  township 
reserved  one  right  for  him  who  should  be  their  first  minister,  and 
one  right  for  the  support  of  the  ministry  forever,  the  benefits  of 
which  last  appropriation  are  experienced  iu  both  towns  at  the 
prcseut  time,  though  a  part  of  it  either  by  the  depreciation  of  cur- 
rency, or  imprudent  management,  has  been  lost. 

Public  worship  appears  to  have  been  observed  on  the  Lord's  day 
from  the  first  settlement.  For  a  time  (lie  people  met  in  a  private 
house.  In  1073  and  4  they  built  a  meeting  house  28  feet  long  uud 
24  broad,  not  far  from  the  spot  where  the  dwelling  house  of  Capt. 
Samuel  Clark  now  stands.  In  1700,  it  has  been  mentioned,  a  so- 
ciety was  formed  in  East-IIaddam.  A  new  meeting  house  was  erec- 
ted in  Ilmldaro  in  1721,  where  the  court  house  stands,  44  feet  long 
and  3(j  broad.  The  present  meeting  house  after  much  difficulty 
about  the  spot  where  it  should  be  set.  was  built  iu  1770  and  71,  05 


25 

feet  by  45,  and  was  dedicated  Oct.  24  of  the  latter  year.  Ou  that 
occasion  the  late  pastor  delivered  a  sermon  (which  was  published) 
from  Haggai  2.  9.  The  glory  of  this  latter  house  shall  be  greater 
than  of  the  former,  sailh  the  Lord  of  hosts ;  and  in  this  place 
will  I  give  peace,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

As  no  church  records  exist  in  Haddam  earlier  than  1756,  it  is 
impossible  to  determine  with  certainty,  when  the  church  was  orgau- 
ized.  It  has  been  spoken  of  as  organized  at  the  ordination  of  Mr. 
Hobart  in  1  700.  But  it  is  scarcely  credible  that  a  christian  people 
should  have  remained  so  long  without  the  enjoyment  of  gospel  or- 
dinances. Several  circumstances  incline  me  to  believe  that  it  was 
organized  at  a  much  earlier  period. 

The  first  preacher  here  of  whom  any  mentiou  is  made  in  the  old 
records  of  the  towu  was  Mr.  Jonathan  Willaube.  He  continued  but 
a  little  time. 

In  1 008,  Mr.  Nicholas  Noyes  was  improved  as  a  candidate,  and 
continued  with  the  people  13  or  14  years,  though  it  is  said  he  was 
not  ordained.  He  belonged  to  a  family  which  came  from  Wiltshire 
in  England,  and  was  uephew  to  the  Hev.  James  Noyes  fust  minis- 
ter in  Newbury  Mass.  and  cousin  to  the  Rev.  Mose3  Noyes  of 
Lyme,  and  the  Rev.  James  Noyes  of  Slonington,  the  first  ministers 
of  those  two  towns.  He  graduated  at  Cambridge  in  1007.  During 
his  continuance  in  Haddain  it  is  reported  that  the  difficulty  arose 
iu  the  church,  (which  if  true  proves  that  a  church  then  existed  here) 
that  led  the  brethren  to  apply  to  Mr.  Noyes  of  Lyme  for  advice  ; 
to  whom  by  mistake  he  superscribed  a  loiter  intended  for  his  tenant. 
After  leaving  lladdam  Mr.  Noyes  was  ordained  with  the  greatest 
unanimity  at  Salem  Mass.  November  16,  1683.  He  was  there  du- 
ring the  prosecutions  for  witchcraft  and  was  very  instrumental  in 
carrying  them  forward,  au  error  which  he  afterwards  frankly  and 
justly  acknowledged.  He  preached  the  election  sermon  iu  1698, 
and  was  greatly  distinguished  for  learning,  religion,  aud  usefulness. 
The  following  character  was  giveu  of  him  in  the  Boston  news-paper 
after  his  decease,  and  is  preserved  in  (lip;  Massachusetts  Historical 
Collections,  vol.  6.  p.  280. 
*.1 


2e> 

"Salem  Dec.  13,  1 707  died  the  very  reverend  and  famous  Mr, 
Nicholas  Noyes  near  70  years  of  age,  and  in  the  35th  of  his  or- 
dained ministry  at  Salem.  He  was  extraordinarily  accomplished 
for  the  work  of  the  ministry  whereunto  he  was  called,  and  wherein 
he  found  mercy  to  be  faithful,  and  was  made  a  rich,  extensive  and 
long  continued  blessing.  Considering  hi*  superior  genius,  his  preg- 
nant wit,  strong  memory,  solid  judgment,  his  great  acquaintance  in 
human  learning  and  knowledge;  his  conversation  among  his  friends 
so  very  entertaining  and  profitable ;  his  uncommon  attainments  in 
the  study  of  divinit},  bis  eminent  sanctity,  gravity  mid  virtue, 
his  serious,  learned  and  pious  performances  in  the  pnlpit,  his  more 
than  ordinary  skill  in  the  prophetical  parts  of  scripture,  his  wisdom 
and  usefulness  in  human  affairs,  and  his  constant  solicitude  for  the 
public  good :  it  is  no  wonder  that  Salem,  and  the  adjacent  part  of 
the  country,  as  also  the  churches  university  and  people  of  New- 
England  justly  esteem  him  as  a  principal  part  of  their  glory.  He 
was  born  at  Newbuiy_,  December  22d,   1 017  and  died  a  Bachelor." 

Mr.  John  James  preached  here  as  early  as  lbS6;  how  long  he 
continued  is  not  known.  It  is  supposed  that  he  was  from  Wales. 
He  had  no  inconsiderable  share  of  learning,  and  sustained  a  fair 
reputation  for  piety  ;  but  was  distinguished  for  the  greatest  singu- 
larities. Some  very  ludicrous  anecdotes  ftre  transmitted  concerning 
lnm,  and  are  widely  circulated  in  the  country.  He  settled  in  the 
ministry  at  Derby. 

The  Hev.  Jeremiah  ITobnrt  came  to  Iladdam  in  1690,  or  91. 
"He  was  the  son  of  lite  Rev. Peter  Ilobart.  who  was  first  minis- 
ter at  llingham  in  the  county  of  Norfolk  in  England,  and  by  rea- 
son of  the  persecution  of  the  puritans,  removed  with  his  family  tofc 
New-England,  and  was  settled  in  the  ministry  at  llingham  in  Mas- 
sachusetts." He  received  his  education  at  Harvard  College,  where 
he  graduated  in  1050.  He  was  settled  a  while  at  Topsfield  Mass. 
and  then  at  Hempstcd,  Long-Island,  "  which  place  he  left  in  conse- 
quence of  numbers  turning  quakers,  and  others  becom'ng  so  irreli- 
gious that  they  would  do  nothing  to  the  support  of  the  ministry." 
The  people  here  made  proposals  to  him  Aug.  24,  1691  ;  which  he 
accepted.     As  he  had  been  consecrated  to  the  ministry  before,  the 


27 

people  appear  to  have  recognized  him  as  (heir  minister  without  & 
formal  installation.  But  difficulties  arising  afterwards,  ihey  voted 
in  April  1695,  that  they  did  not  consider  themselves  asunder  the 
charge  of  Mr.  Hobart  as  pastor  ;  and  that  with  consent  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  and  approbation  hf  neighbouring  chinches  they  would 
embody  in  church  way  and  order  according  to  the  gospel."  At  the 
request  of  Mr.  Hobart  and  bf  the  inhabitants,  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed by  the  Assembly  to  inspect  the  difficulties  in  lladdam.  Iu 
conformity  with  this  appointment,  Robert  Treat,  Depot)  Governor, 
Daniel  Wiiheral  and  John  Hamlin,  Assistants,  and  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Timothy  Woodbridgo,  Noadiah  Russel,  and  Gurdou  Saltonstall 
met  here,  Nov.  25,  1093.  After  passing  various  resolves  with  a 
view  to  restore  harmony,  they  declared,  "  That  upon  their  delibe- 
vate  consideration  the  agreement  between  Mr.  Hobart  and  them 
was  both  in  point  of  taw  and  equity  valid,  and  binding  to  each  par- 
ty." They  advised  the  people  to  call  Mr.  Hobart  to  the  full  execu- 
tion of  the  office  of  a  pastor  among  them  ;  which  affivice  seems  at 
length  to  have  been  accepted,  as  he  was  installed  Nov.  14,  1700. 
Of  his  character  very  little  is  known  He  became  the  subject  of 
infirmities  several  years  before  his  death  ;  but  was  able  to  attend 
public  worship  in  the  fore-noon,  Lord's  day,  Nov.  0,  1715,  and  re- 
ceived the  sacrament,  and  died  at  the  intermission,  sitting  in  his 
chair,  in  the  85th  year  of  his  age.  His  wife  was  a  daughter  of  the 
"  Rev.  Timothy  Whiting,  minister  of  the  gospel,  first  at  Boston  in 
Lincolnshire,  and  afterwards  at  Lynn  in  Massachusetts."  She  died 
at  Hartford.  By  her  he  had  three  daughters,  one  of  whom  was 
married  to  a  Mr.  Wade  of  Lynn,  Elizabeth  was  married  to  Heze- 
kiah  VVyllys  the  first  secretary  of  the  Wyllys  family,  and  died 
aged  88,  having  sustained  a  very  pious  and  benevolent  character  : 
Dorothy  was  married  first  to  Mr.  Daniel  Mason  of  Lebanon,  by 
whom  she  had  one  child  Jeremiah,  and  then  to  Hezekiah  Brainerd 
the  Assistant.     She  died  March  11,  1732,  aged  55. 

Mr.  Phineas  Fisk,  was  the  colleague  and  successor  of  Mr.  Hobart. 
He  was  the  son  of  Dr.  John  Fisk  of  Milford,  and  graduated  at 
Yale  College  in  1704,  being  of  the  third  class  which  received  the 
honours  of  that  institution.     In  1700  he  was  elected  a  tutor,  and 


23 

discharged  the  duties  of  the  tutorship  seven  years.     In  March  foL 
lowing  his  eleclion,  the  venerable  Rector  Pierson,  miuister  of  KiN 
lingworth,  died  ;  the  senior  class  was  removed  to  Milford  and  placed 
under  the  tuition  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Andrew,  Rector  pro  tempore  ; 
while  the  other  classes  were  removed  to  Saj  brook,   and  put  under 
the  special  care  of  Mr.  Fisk,  who  in  connection  with  a  fellow  tutor, 
instructed  and  governed  them  with  the  greatest  wisdom  and  fidelity. 
Fart  of  a  manuscript  volume  written  by  him  is  in  my  possession, 
containing  a  general  view  of  the  sciences,  which  he  probat  I)  u>ed 
for  the  purpose  of  refreshing  his  mind  while  au  instructor  at  College, 
While  the  churches  in  the  stale  were  looking  to  this  institution  for 
pastors,  he  was  the  happy  and  hououred  instrument  of  preparing  a 
rjumbi  r  in  part   for   their  work,  aud  rendered   immense  service  lo 
the  cause  of  literature  and  religion  in  the  rising  colony  of  Connecti- 
cut.    President  Stiles  in  a  sermon   at  the  interment  of  the  Rev. 
Chauucey  Whittlesey  of  New-Haven,  who  had  been  a  distinguish- 
ed tutor,  speaks  of  I\Jr.  Fisk  in  high  terms  as^n  instructor,  and 
declares  him  to  have  been   a  pillar  of  the  College  and   to  have  had 
great  renown  in  his  day.     Dr.    Trumbnll  also  speaks  of  him  as  au 
excellent  tutor  and  as  having  made  fine  scholars.     He   became  a 
licentiate    before   he    left    the    tutorship,    and    preached    in    Had^ 
dam.     He  was  ordained  September  16th,    1714.     His  talents  were 
solid  rather  than  brilliant,  and  he  was  regarded  as  a  sound,  rather 
than  a  popular  preacher.     The  election  sermon,  which  he  delivered 
in    1726,  discovers  good  sense  and  a  thorough  acquaintance  with 
scripture.     He  was  a   man  of  piety  and    wisdom,  sound   in   faith, 
pleasant  and  familiar  iu  his  intercourse  with  his  people,  and  plain  in 
reproof.     He  was  beloved  and  respected  in  life,  and  his  memory  ia 
blessed  in  this  place  and  its  vicinity  to  this  day.     He  died  October 
17th,  1738,  in  the  56th  year  of  his  age,  and  24th  of  his  ministry,  and 
richly     deserved    the    character    given    on   his  monument   of    a 
"learned,  faithful  and  zealous  minister."     His  wife  wasLydia  Pratt 
of  Saybrook,  who  died  iu  the  triumphs  of  faith,  July    14th,  1765, 
aged  33.     By  her,  he  had  seven  children  :  Lydia,  who  was  married 
to  the  Rev.  Moses  Barilcit  of  Chatham,  and  died  November  1777 
ear  .70  ;  Mary,  who  was  nrarried  to  Colonel  Hezekiah  Braiuerd, 


and  died  March  3d,  1708,  aged  85  ;  Anna,  who  died  young  \  Abigail, 
who  was  married  lo  the  llcv.  Chiliab  Brainerd  of  Easlbury,  and  after 
his  decease,  to  ihe  Kev.  Mr.  Merrick  ol  Wilbrahaui,  Mass.  and 
died  in  1807  aged  89;  Elizabeth,  who  was  married  to  the  Rev. 
Nehemiah  Brainerd  of  Easupury,  and  died  December  4th,  1793, 
aged  73;  Jemima,  who  died  young;  and  Samuel,  who  was  pub- 
iickly  educated,  and  was  a  tutor  of  eminence.  The  following  auec- 
dote  may  serve  as  a  specimen  of  his  accuracy  as  a  scholar.  While 
he  was  tutor,  President  Clap,  whose  reputation  as  a  mathematician 
and  an  astrouomer,  was  deservedly  very  high,  in  calculating  the 
course  of  a  comet,  drew  the  conclusion  that  it  would  strike  the  earth, 
and  was  filled  with  fearful  apprehension  of  the  consequences.  He 
repaired  to  Mr.  Fisk,  who  by  showing  him  the  calculations  he  had 
niade,  at  once  detected  his  error,  and  relieved  his  mind.  He  be- 
came a  candidate  for  the  ministry,  but  never  settled,  being  cut  off 
by  death  July  13th,  1740,  aged  25. 

In  July,  1739,  Mr.  Aarou  Cleaveland  was  orcein ed  over  the 
church  and  people  of  Hadilam.  He  was  a  native  of  Mystic,  now 
Mcdford,  Mass.  and  graduated  at  Cambridge  1735.  At  his  settle- 
ment little  opposition  was  made  to  him  ;  but  difficulties  arose  af- 
terwards, partly  oa  the  subject  of  support,  and  partly  from  the 
Zeal  and  fervency  with  which  he  preached  fiom  impressions 
received  under  the  instructions  of  the  celebrated  George  Whit- 
field ;  and  he  was  dismissed  in  1746.  He  possessed  popular 
talents,  was  engaging  in  conversation,  and  persuasive  in  his  pub- 
lic addresses.  A  large  portico  of  the  people  very  much  lamented 
his  dismission  and  an  attempt  was  made  to  re-settle  him.  After  hie 
departure  from  Haddam,  he  was  minister  successively  at  Maiden, 
Mass.  Halifax  Nova-Scotia,  and  at  Lewistowu,  in  Delaware,  at  the 
last  place  as  an  Episcopalian.  In  a  journey  to  visit  his  family,  re- 
Biding  in  New-England,  he  was  taken  sick  and  died  at  Philadel- 
phia, at  the  house  of  his  old  friend  and  acquaintance  Dr.  Franklin, 
and  his  body  Mas  carried  back  to  Lewistowu  and  buried. 

After  Mr.  Cleavelaud's  dismission  several  candidates  were  im- 
proved in  Haddam  ;  but  none  was  settled  until  June  1749,  when 
Mr.  Joshua  Elderkin  of  Windham  was  ordained.     He  graduated 


30 

at  Yale  College  only  the  year  before,  and  waa  not  probably  very 
well  studied  in  Divinit)  ;  his  lieallb  was  poor,  which  together  with 
low  spirits. prevented  his  discharging  fully  the  duties  of  his  office. 
The  people  became  dissatisfied,  and  it  was  mutually  agreed  between 
him  and  them,  to  submit  their  difficulties  10  the  South  Consociation 
of  Hartford  County,  to  which  lladdam  then  belonged;  and  he  was 
d  it  missed  in  1753.  He  returned  to  Windham,  and  went  into  other 
business,  though  it  is  said  he  resumed  preaching  before  his  death. 

The  late  pastor  of  this  people,  the  Rev.  Eleazer  May,  was  the 
son  of  Deacon  llozekiah  May,  of  Wethersfield.  He  took  his  first 
degree  at  Yale  College,  1752,  and  was  ordained  June  30ih,  1756. 
His  gifts  and  labours  are  fresh  in  the  minds  of  the  inhabitants.  He 
died,  respected  by  his  people,  April  14th,  1803,  in  the  7  1st  year  of 
his  age,  and  47th  of  his  ministry.  His  worthy  consort,  who  was 
Miss  Svbbil  Huntington  of  Lebanon,  died  October  6th,  1798,  aged 
63.  They  had  ten  children,  all  of  whom  excepting  Captain  John 
May  are  still  living, »ud  are  widely  dispersed  over  the  country. 

The  present  pastor  was  ordained  April  12.  1804. 

Some  of  the  deacons  of  this  church  were  ordained.  Their  names, 
time  of  election,  deaths,  and  ages,  so  far  as  ascertained,  were  as 
follows  ; 


Elected. 

Died. 

Aaged. 

Daniel  Brainerd, 

Esq, 



April     1,  1715. 

74- 

Thomas  lsrouks, 



April     6,  1734. 

79. 

Joseph  Arnold, 



April     8,  1752. 

86. 

James  Brainerd, 



Feb.     10, 1742. 

73. 

Thomas  Bsooks, 

about  1742. 

82. 

Elisha  Cone, 

Do. 

March  6,  1809. 

99. 

Elijah  Brainerd, 

July  12.  1759. 

May      9,  1764. 

58. 

Col.  Hcz.  Brainei 

d,  Es 

:q. 

t-\b.  14,  1761, 

Dec.  14,  1774. 

67. 

Joseph  Smith, 

Nov.  27,  1771. 

April.  22,  1790. 

79. 

Nehemiah  Itraiuerd,  Esq. 

about  1784. 

Nov.     8,  1807. 

66. 

Elkkim  liraiiH-ii 

1, 

Do. 

Jonathan  1  hint  mu  ton, 

E:,q 

.    April  1806. 

David  Hubbttml, 

May  louG. 

Dea.  Cone  officiated  steadily  40  years,  and  was  very  faithful, 
particular!}  in  his  efforts  to  maintain  public  worship  after  I  he  dis- 
cission of  Mr.  Cleavelaud,  and  agaiu  after  that  of  Mr.  Eldeikio. 


Greatly  esteemed  by  others  for  his  simplicity,  integrity  and  piety  ;. 
lie  enjoyed  himself  the  consolation  ol  a  good  conscience,  and  closed  a 
good  old  age  iu  peace. 

Previously  to  Mr.  May's  ordination  it  is  uot  known  how  many 
belonged  to  the  church.  At  that  lime  there  were  103  members,  37 
nudes  and  GO  females.  He  admitted  234  persons  and  baptized  077. 
At  my  ordination  there  were  107  members,  38  males  and  09  females  : 
since  that  time  120  have  been  admitted,  and  270  baptized.  The 
present  number  of  communicants  is  102,  50  males  and  1 12  females. 
Iu  53  years  463  different  persons  have  belonged  to  the  church. 

The  fund  belonging  to  lladdam  society  is  1 1  I  7  dollars  22-100 
money  at  interest,  and  parsonage  lands,  which  at  a  moderate  esti- 
mate, are  worth  2000  dollars.  The  Tate  Airs.  Elizabeth  Braiuerd 
relict  ol*  Dr.  Hezekiah  Brainerd  Esq.  willed  to  the  Society  500  dol- 
lars more. 

The  inhabitants  gave  to  Mr.  Noyes  a  house  built  for  Mr.  Willaubc, 

the  right  of  laud  reserved  for  the  first  minister,  and    40/.  as  a  sala- 

C 
ary,  payable  in  produce.     They  assisted  Mr.  HoWart  m  building  a 

house,  allowed  him  Go/,  salary,  and  for  a  part  of  the  time  at  least, 
furnished  him  with  wood.  They  did  the  greater  part  towards  the 
building  of  a  house  for  Mr.  Fish,  and  the  purchase  of  a  homester] : 
gave  him  a  right  of  50/.  in  the  commons,  and  several  lots  of  land; 
the  use  of  the  parsonage,  35/.  salary  for  the  first  year  and  45  for  the 
two  next,  which  was  afterwards  increased  till  it  arrived  to  70/. 
*  They  sometimes  gave  him  more.  Mr.  Cleaveland's  settlement  was 
500/.  in  bills  of  credit,  and  150/.  salary  for  the  first  year,  which 
was  increased  10/.  yearly  till  it  arrived  to  200/.  Ail  ounce  of 
silver  was  then  reckoned  at  24  shillings.  The  people  voted  to  give 
Mr.  Elderkin  1G00/.  settlement,  silver  to  be  reckoned  at  31.  an  ounce, 
and  500/.  salary,  to  be  increasing  20/.  a  year  till  it  amounted  to  COO/. 
There  was  a  new  proposal  about  the  salary.  Mr.  May's  support 
was  1G0/.  settlement,  and  50/.  salary  for  the  (irsi  year,  increasing 
4/.  a  year  till  it  became  70/.  with  the  use  of  the  parsonage.  II<. 
finally  received  90/.  with  the  parsonage.  The  stipend  of  the  pres- 
ent minister  is  500  dollars  yearly. 

The  church  in  Midule-IIaddam  is  composed  partly  from 
lladdam,  and  may  be  properly  considered  in  this  place.     This  wo 


3*2 

formed  Sept.  24.  1740.  The  people  met  for  public  worship  at  first 
iu  the  dwelling  house  of  Esq.  Dart.  The  old  meeting  house  stood 
within  Chatham  bounds.  Their  new  and  convenient  house  is  also, 
in  Chatham.  At  the  time  of  forming  that  church,  Benjamin  Bow- 
ere  a  native  of  Billeriea  and  graduate  of  Harvard  College  1733. 
was  set  over  it  in  the  Lord.  He  was  a  serious,  exemplary,  and 
useful  minister.  He  died  May  11,  1761  in  the  46th  year  of  his 
age  and  21st  of  his  ministry.  His  first  wife  was  Miss  Sarah  New- 
ell of  Maiden  Mass.  by  uhom  he  had  8  children,  1  of  whom  sare 
living.  His  second  wife  was  the  widow  of  Stepheu  Hosmer  Esq. 
of  East-Haddam. 

Mr.  Benjamin  Boardman  succeeded  him  Jan.  5.  1762.  He  was 
born  at  Middletown,  and  educated  at  New-Haven  where  he  gradua- 
ted in  1758  and  was  afterwards  a  tutor.  He  had  more  taleuts  than 
prudence.  Rash  and  violent  in  his  temper,  he  was  ill  qualified  to 
preach  the  gospel  of  Christ.  Much  difficulty  arose  betweeu  him 
and  his  people,  and  he.  wan  dismissed  in  Sept.  1 763.  He  was  installed 
iu  the  south  church  in  Hartford. 

Mr.  David  Selden,  the  existing  pastor,  was  ordained  Oct.  19. 
1785. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  deacons  in  this  church;  those  prin- 
ted iu  italics  belonged  to  Haddam  Neck  : 


Elected. 

Died. 

Aged 

Ebenezer  Smitlt, 

Nov.  18,  1740. 

Feb.  11,  1752. 

81. 

Gideon  Arnold, 

Do. 

March      1772. 

— 

Benjamin  Harris, 

March  14,  1748. 

April  11,  1775. 

75. 

Darnel  Arnold, 

Nov.  27,   1771. 

May  27,  1774. 

43. 

Ezm  Rrainerd,  Esq. 

Do. 

David  Smith, 

June  1,  1774. 

Nov.  25,  1795. 

$2. 

Dr.  Tliomus  llrunicrd, 

Dec.  10,  1795. 

Selden  Gates, 

July  27,  1810. 

The  male  members  at  the  formation  of  this  church  were  13,  of 
whom  7  belonged  to  the  Neck.  The  whole  number  of  members 
now  is  92,  34  males  and  53  females.  Of  these  12  males  and  20 
females  live  in  the  bounds  of  Haddam. 

Mr.  Bowers'  support  wag  40/.  salsry,  his  settlement  is  not  gsrer- 


33 

tained.  Mr.  Boardman's  settlement  was  200/.  and  his  salary 
at  first  65/.  then  73/.  and  20  cords  of  wood,  aud  at  length  95/. 
without  wood.  Mr.  Sehlen's  settlement  was  200/.  his  salary  was  for 
two  years  50/.  for  two  more  70/.  and  since  has  been  80/. 

It  has  bf.fn  ALREADY  noticed  that  East  lladdam  was  formed  into  a 
separate  society  from  lladdam  in  1700.  The  first  meeting  house 
there  was  prepared  for  use  about  five  years  after ;  it  stood  in 
the  middle  of  the  street  near  the  dweHingdiou.se  of  Isaac  C.  Ackley, 
and  was  32  feet  square.  The  second  meeting  house  was  finished  ia 
June  1723;  it  stood  on  a  rise  of  ground  about  80  rods  south  of  the 
present  meetingdiouse  aud  was  55  feet  by  40.  The  present  commo- 
dious aud  well  constructed  edifice  was  opened  Thanksgiving  day, 
Nov.  27,  1794.  It  is  64  feet  long  and  44  broad,  with  a  projection 
of  18  feet  by  4,  and  cost  about  0000  dollars. 

-  On  January  6,  1704,  East-IIaddam  church  was  formed,  and  Mr. 
Stephen  llosmer  was  chosen  to  be  their  pastor.  He  was  ordained 
the  3d  of  May  following...  He  belonged  to  Hartford,  and  graduated 
at  Cambridge  1099.  He  was  respectable  for  talents,  excelled  in 
prayer,  aud  was  exemplary  in  all  his  conduct.  He  preached  the 
election  sermon  in  1720.  He  died  June  16,  1749,  aged  70;  having 
faithfully  served  his  people  45  years.  His  wife  who  was  Miss  Sa- 
rah Long  of  Boston,  died  September  30th  of  the  same  year.  They 
had  three  sons  aud  two  daughters,  who  are  all  gone  to  the  grave. 

Mr.  Joseph  Fowler  succeeded  Mr.  Hosmcr,  May  Hi,  1751.  He 
was  born  at  Lebanon,  and  graduated  at  New-Haven  1743.  He 
was  a  respectable  and  godly  minister.  He  died  June  10,  1771,  in 
the  49th  year  of  his  age,  and  20th  of  his  ministry.  His  wife  wa3 
Miss  Sarah  Metcalf  of  Lebanon,  who  departed  this  life  June  1,  1779., 
aged  61.  They  had  eight  children,  4  of  whom  are  living. 
Mr.  Elijah  Parsons  was  ordained  October  28th,  1772. 
Some  of  the  deacons  in  East-Haddam  as  well  as  lladdam  were 
ordained.     Their  names,  time  of  election,  &c.  were  as  follows  : 


Elected. 

Died. 

Ago*. 

Thomas  Gate.-;, 

1704, 

April  20,  1734, 

70. 

Daniel  Cone, 

do. 

June  15,   1725, 

CO. 

Daniel  Brainerd, 

1725, 

Feb.  ?.K,  1743, 

/  1 

M 


Isaac  Spencer, 

173-1, 

Ecb.  10,  1751, 

72. 

Jeremiah    Gates, 

1741, 

Nov.     1,  1761, 

65. 

Ifbadiah  Bfaineruj 

174.3, 

Sept.  30,  1746, 

50. 

Daniel  Cone,  Esq. 

1746, 

May,  27,  1776, 

83. 

James  Gates, 

1762, 

moved  to  Richmond,  Mass 

Samuel  Huntington,  Esq, 

'    1770, 

March  20,  1707, 

71. 

Thorn h  Fuller, 

yOo. 

moved  to  Hartford. 

Jo* j 1 1  IVrcival,  Esq. 

1782, 

Jan.  22,  1813, 

80. 

Caleb  Gates, 

1795, 

Epliraitn  Gates, 

1806. 

At  the  formation  of  the  church  there  were  eight  male  members. 
The  whole  number  who  have  belonged  to  the  chinch  from  the  be- 
ginning is  530.  The  members  at  this  time  are  77,  27  males  and  50 
females. 

The  settlement  of  Mr.  Hosmer  is  not  ascertained  ;  his  salary  was 
a  part  of  the  time  70/.  and  a  part  of  the  time  90/.  Mr.  Fowler's 
settlement  was  2000/  old  tenor  bills,  and  his  salary  193  1-2  ounces 
of  silver,  or  bills  of  equal  value,  with  the  interest^  the  parsonage 
money,  15  cords  of  wood,  and  the  use  of  the  parsonage  lot.  Mr. 
Parson's  support  is  200/.  settlement,  100/.  salary,  with  the  use  of 
the  parsonage. 

The  fund  of  East-IIaddam  is  400  dollars  in  money  at  interest, 
3,000  dollars  in  Hartford  Bank,  and  a  parsonage  of  300  dollars 
value.  Capt.  Jonathan  Olmsted  has  willed  500  dollars  to  the  socie- 
ty, to  be  given  at  his  decease. 

An  Ecclesiastical  Society  was  formed  in  the  east  part  of  East- 
Haddam  in  October  1733,  and  called  Millingtoo.  The  people 
met  lor  religions  worship  in  the  dwelling  house  of  Jonathan  Chap- 
man until  some  time  in  1713,  when  their  meeting  house  was  prepar- 
ed for  use.     This  is  50  feet  by  40. 

Mr.  Timothy  Symmcs  of  Scituate  Mass.  was  ordained  Hoc.  2, 
1730,  and  the  church  not  improbably  organized  at  the  same  time; 
He  took  his  first  degree  at  Cambridge,  1733.  In  the  great  revival 
of  religion  which  spread  in  New -PJngland  a  few  years  after  his  or- 
dination, his  feelings  were  extravagantly  raised,  and  he  prosecuted 
his  work  with  a  zeal  not  according  to  knowledge.  This  gave  rise 
to  difficulties  which  ended  in  his  dismission  in  the  close  of  1743. 


35 


1889124 


Mr.  Hobait  Estabrook,  a  son  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Estabrook  oi 
Canterbury,  who  graduated  at  New-Haven  1730,  was  ordained  in 
Midingtou,  Nov.  20.  17-15.  He  was  a  steady,  judicious  and  faith- 
ful minister,  and  is  remembered  with  respect  aDd  affection  by  bin 
people.  He  died  Jan.  28,  1766,  in  the  50th  year  of  his  age  and 
20th  of  his  ministry.  His  first  wife  was  Miss  Hannah  Williams,  of 
Manslield,  by  whom  he  had  two  daughters  that  died  young.  His 
second  wife  was  Jerusha  Chauncey,  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Isaac 
Chauucey  of  Hadley,  Mass.  by  whom  be  bad  four  children  :  two 
of  them  are  living.     She  died  June  17,  1770  aged  62. 

Mr.  Diodate  Johnson  received  ordination,  July  2,  1767.  He 
was  a  son  of  the  Rev.  Stephen  Johnson  of  Lyme,  was  educated  at 
Yale  College  where  he  took  his  first  decree  in  176-1,  and  was  a 
tutor.  Endowed  with  superior  genius  and  learning,  and  animated 
with  fervent  love  to  the  souls  of  men,  he  entered  iheMninistry  with 
the  fairest  prospects  of  usefulness.  These  prospects,  however,  were 
soon  eclipsed  in  the  mysterious  providence  of  God.  A  consumption 
closed  his  life,  Jan.  15,  1773,  at  the  age  of  23.  lie  was  sitting 
in  his  chair  reading  the  prayer  to  Doddrige's  Rise  and  Progress, 
entitled  "  A  Meditation  and  Prayer,  suited  to  the  case  of  a  dying 
Christian,"  when  struck  with  death. 

Mr.  Eleazer  Sweetland  was  ordained,  May  21,  1777.  He  was 
a  native  of  Hebron,  and  graduated  at  Dartmouth  College,  1774. 
He  died,  March  25,  1787,  aged  36,  having  sustaiued  the  character 
of  a  serious  and  good  man,  leaving  a  wife  and  three  children,  who 
removed  soon  after  from   Millington. 

Mr.     William  Lyman  was  ordained  Dec.  13,  1787. 

The  deacous  in  this  church  have  been  as  follows  : 

Elected.  Died.  Jived. 


Samuel  Emmons, 





Daniel  Gates, 



. 

Gen.  Jos.  Spencer,  Esq. 

Nov.  20,  1767, 

Jan.  13,  1789, 

75. 

Samuel  Dutton, 

July    4,  1771, 

Dec.  30,  1790, 

87. 

Ebenezer  Dutton, 

Feb.  26,  1778, 

moved  to  Lebanon 

Benjamin  Fuller, 

do. 

Nathaniel  Cone, 

May  — ,  1789, 

April  15,  1790, 

7* 

Barzillai  Beckwitb, 

June    4,  1790, 

Isaac  Spencer, 

April  1,  1796, 

3G 

As  Mr.  Symmes  carried  away  the  records  of  the  cliurch,  it  can. 
not  be  ascertained  how  many  members  there  were  at  his  settlement, 
nor  how  many  he  admitted.  Mr.  Estabrook  admitted  44,  Mr. 
Johnson  20,  and  Mr.  Swcetland  45.  Dr.  Lyman  has  admitted  106. 
There  belong  to  the  church  now  70  persons,  13  males  and  53  fe- 
males. 

The  society  pave  Mr.  Symmes  300/.  settlement,  and  100/.  salary, 
aud  his  wood.  His  salary  was  afterwards  increased.  Mr.  Esta- 
brook's  support  was  300/.  settlement  and  200/.  salary,  silver  being 
computed  at  32  shillings  per  ounce.  Mr.  Johnson's  settlement  wa» 
200/.  and  his  salary  00,  which  was  to  be  increased  to  80/.  He  gave 
back  his  settlement  to  the  society.  This  the  society  gave  as  a  set- 
tlement to  Mr.  Sweetland,  whose  salary  was  90/.  Dr.  Lyman  receiv- 
ed a  settlement  of  200/.  and  at  first  a  salary  of  90/.  aud  20  cords  of 
wood.     His  salary  is  now  500  dollars  and  25  cords  of  wood. 

The  fund  of  Millington  is  526  dollars  53-100  parsonage  money, 
and  200  dollars  a  donation  from  Mr.  Samuel  Gates.  Mr.  Simeon 
Chapman  has  willed  a  farm  to  the  society,  which  is  to  go  into  their 
hands  upon  the  death  of  his  children. 

A  Society  was  formed,  from  East  Haddam  society  and  Lyme 
3d  society  in  Oct.  1742,  and  called  Hadlyme.  About  two-thirds 
of  this  society  are  in  East  Haddam.  Their  meeting-house  was 
erected  the  year  after,  and  is  40  feet  by  35. 

The  church  was  gathered  June  26,  1745,  aud  on  the  18th  of 
September  following,  the  llev.  Grindall  llawsou  was  installed  their 
pastor.  He  was  born  at  Mendon,  Mass.  received  the  degree  of 
bachelor  at  Harvard  1728,  and  was  settled  several  years  at  South- 
Hadley,  Mass.  He  Avas  a  plain  preacher,  gifted  in  prayer,  re- 
markably sociable,  aud  had  an  uncommon  talent  in  reconciling 
parties  at  variance..  He  died  March  29,  1777,  in  the  70th  year  of 
his  age  aud  ]/2d  of  his  ministry  in  Hadlyme.  His  wife  was  Doro- 
thy Cbauncey,  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Isaac  Chauncey  of  Iladley. 
She  died  Nov.  15,  1780,  aged  70  years.  They  had  seven  child- 
ren, all  of  whom  died  before  them,  excepting  one  who  is  still  liv- 
ing- 
Mr.  Joseph  Vail  was  ordained,  February  9th,  1780. 


37 

The  following  persons  have  #been  deacons  in  this  church.     Those 
iu  Italic  characters,  lived  iu  East  Haddam. 


Samuel  Button, 

movei 

1  to  Mrllington,  where 
re-elected. 

;  he  was 

Samuel  Crosby, 







Christopher  Holmes, 

Jan.  18,  1750, 

April  12,  1792, 

77. 

Col.  Samuel  Selden, 

March  19,  1756, 

Nov.  — ,  1776, 

— 

Israel  Spencer,  Esq. 

March  29,  1780, 

Nov.  18,  1813, 

81. 

Jabez  Comstock, 

April  3,  1792, 

Oct.  10,  1807, 

84. 

Israel  S.  Spencer, 

Oct.  1,  1801, 

Israel  Dewey, 

June  3,  1803, 

May  19,  1806, 

52. 

Col.  Selden  commanded  a  body  of  men  iu  1 77G  called  six  months' 
men,  was  taken,  and  died  in  captivity  at  New-York.  He  was  a 
worthy  man  and  good  officer. 

There  were  ten  male  members  iu  this  church  at  its  formation. 
From  the  beginning  218  persons  have  been  members  of  it,  77  liave 
been  admitted  by  the  present  paslor.  The  commuuicants  at  this 
time  are  38,  9  males  aod  29  females;  four  of  the  males  and  15  of 
the  females  live  in  East-IIaddam. 

Mr.  Rawson's  support  was  300/.  old  tenor  for  settlement,  and 
150/.  salary  for  the  first  year,  which  was  increased  5/.  yearly  till  it 
amounted  to  170/.  The  people  gave  him  100/.  also  in  labor  towards 
building  him  a  house.  Mr.  Vail's  support  is  200/.  settlement,  70/. 
salary  and  12  cords  of  wood. 

The  people  living  in  East-IIaddam  part  of  the  society  have  a  fund 
to  the  amount  of  about  340  dollars. 

The  churches  in  Connecticut  were  regulated  in  their  discipline 
by  the  Cambridge  Platform  before  Haddam  was  setlled.  This  con- 
tinued as  a  directory  until  the  adoption  of  Say brook  Platform  iu 
1708.  At  this  time  Haddam  church,  and  East  Haddam  church, 
with  other  sister  churches  iu  the  state,  became  consociated.  Middle- 
Haddam,  Milliugton,  aod  Hadlyme  churches  were  either  consociat- 
ed  at  their  formation,  or  shortly  after.  These  churches  all  belonged 
to  the  south  consociation  of  Hartford  county  until  two  or  three 
years  after  the  formation  of  Middlesex  county,  wheu  with  the 
churches  in  Saybrook,  Lyme,  Killiogworlh,  aud  the   societies  of 


38 

X'.ast-ilaiiipfon  and  Wcst-Chcatcr,  they  became  u  new  consociation. 
The  ministers  of  these  various  churches, are  the  Middlesex  associa- 
tion. 

"  Tlu:  Confession  of  faith"  which  the  Platform  contains  is  the 
same  with  the  Westminster  confession,  which  is  adopted  by  the  pres* 
byteriau  churches  m  Scotland,  and  those  which  are  distinctively 
culled  prcsbyterian  in  the  United  States,  exception;  that  some 
things  respecting  church  discipline  and  divorce  are  omitted,  and  a 
few  expressions  amended.  Tluis  altered  it  was  adopted  by  a  gene- 
ral synod  of  the  chinches  in  New-England  at  Boston  in  1 680. 
"The  Heads  of  agreement"  are  the  same  that  were  entered  into  at 
a  meeting  of  prcsbyterian  and  congregational  ministers  at  the  Savoy 
in  London  in  1G0O,  and  contain  some  happy  concessions  on  points 
of  minor  importance,  for  the  purpose  of  harmony  among  the  friends  of 
Christ.  "  The  Articles  of  church  discipline"  were  drawn  up  at 
Say  brook.  The  principal  thing  wherein  these  differ  from  what  had 
been  before  generally  received  and  practised  was  this,  says  Presi- 
dent Clap,  "  That  whereas  the  Cambridge  Platform  bad  said  in  gene- 
ral terms,  that  councils  should  consist  of  the  neighbouring  churches  ; 
and  some  question  had  arisen  who  should  be  esteemed  the  neigh- 
bouring churches,  and  what  number  should  be  called  in  particular 
cases;  these  reduced  it  to  greater  certainty,  that  councils  should 
consist  of  neighbouring  churches  in  the  county,  they  forming  them- 
selves into  one  or  more  consociations  for  that  purpose."  They  are 
not  considered  as  altering  the  relative  powers  of  ministers  and 
churches,  nor  as  giving  any  novel  or  dangerous  power  to  one  church 
or  body  of  churches  over  another;  but  as  pointing  out  what  the 
powers  of  ministers  and  churches  are,  or  rather  as  showing  how 
these  powers  may  be  discreetly  and  profitably  exercised.  So  at 
least  they  have  been  explained.  At  the  fust  meeting  of  the  conso- 
ciation of  New-Haven  county  at  Bradford  in  1709,  at  which  some 
of  the  compiles  of  the  articles  were  present;  it  was  declared  as 
their  sense,  "  That  the  articles  were  no  more  than  a  recognition  of 
the  obligations  which  the  Gospel  of  Christ  brings  distinct  societies 
of  christians  under,  to  afford  each  other  mutual  advice  and  assis- 
tance, when  desired." 

The  ha?f-way  covenant,  as  it  is  usually  styled,  was  once  introduced 


39 

into  the  church  io  Haddam  :  but  it  was  soon  rejected.  It  has  bees 
laid  aside  several  years  in  practice  in  Middle-lladdam.  It  was 
never  introduced  iuto  East-Haddtfm,  nor  into  Millington  chinch. 
Iu  Hadlyme  it  was  rejected  at  the  call  of  Mr.  Vail.  This  cove- 
nant was  at  first  introduced  under  the  idea  of  favouring  such  weak 
christians  as  had  conscientious  scruples  about  their  fitness  to  approach 
the  Lord's  table,  but  it  has  been  found  by  experience  to  have  opeu- 
ed  the  door  for  many  to  profess  religion  and  get  their  children  bap- 
tized, who  have  felt  themselves  under  no  increased  obligations  to 
perfect  holiness,  and  to  train  up  their  children  for  God.  It  is  now 
very  general!)'  viewed  by  serious  people  as  unscriptural. 

At  an  early  period  children  were  taught  the  catechism  on  the 
Lord's  day  in  Haddam,  and  probably  in  East-IIaddam,  as  the  prac- 
tice was  not  only  approved  by  christians,  but  recommended  by  the 
Legislature.  This  laudable  practice  is  recently  introduced  iuto  many 
places. 

There  was  but  one  religious  denomination  in  Haddam,  till  about  50 
or  60  years  ago,  and  but  one  in  East-IIaddam  till  a  period  much  later. 

At  the  first  mentioned  period  a  few  persons  began  to  hold  meet- 
ings by  themselves  in  the  Lower  part  of  the  town,  who  were  called  new- 
lights  or  separates.  In  1785  they  formed  themselves  into  a  congre- 
gational society  ;  and  iu  1792,  they  professed  themselves  baptists. 
They  built  their  meeting  house  the  year  following,  which  is  32  feet 
by  25,  one  story.  The  communicants  here,  with  the  communicants 
of  the  same  denomination  in  East-Hampton,  constitute  one  church. 
This  is  the  largest  branch,  and  consists  of  CI  members,  18  males 
and  43  females.     Of  these,  3  males  and  5  females  live  in  Chester. 

The  methodists  in  the  western  part  of  the  town  arose  in  1  791,  2, 
and  3,  built  their  meeting  house  in  1795,  which  is  41  feet  by  29. 
The  number  of  communicants  among  them  is  30,  of  whom  23  live 
in  Haddam,  10  males  and  18  females;  the  rest  in  North  KiTlingwbrtli 
There  are  some  of  this  denomination  in  other  parts  of  the  town. 

A  disagreement  about  the  spot  where  the  new  meeting-house  should 
beset  produced  a  separation  in  East-IIaddam  society.  The  people 
who  left  the  society  were  organized  as  an  episcopal  society,  April 
27,1791.  Their  house  of  worsnip,  was  erected  iu  1792,51  !(.<■». 
long  and  37  broad,  with  an  end  gallery.     It  is  well  built,  and  stsm  !- 


40 

ing  on  an  eminence  commands  an  extensive  prospect.  Mr.  Solo 
mou  Blakesley  was  set  over  this  people  as  a  deacon  in  1792,  and  in 
full  orders  the  year  succeeding.  The  communicants  are  20,  9  males 
and  1 1  females. 

About  1739  or  90,  a  few  baptists  arose  in  Millington;  there  are 
also  in  that  society  a  few  people  of  the  methodist  persuasion. 

There  has  never  been  in  Iladdam  nor  East -Haddam  so  far  as  I 
can  learn,  a  general  revival  of  religion.  The  great  revival  of  religion 
in  JN"ew-Engl;uid  70  years  ago  reached  the  towns,  but  produced  no  ex- 
tensive effects.  God  has  usually  taken  his  elect  here  and  brought 
them  singly  unto  Zion.  In  1802  there  was  some  awakening  in  East- 
Haddam,  in  1806  about  40  persons  were  thought  to  experience  the 
special  grace  of  God  in  Haddam.  In  Middle-Haddam  and  Milling- 
ton  there  have  been  gentle  refreshings  from  the  presence  of  the 
Lord.  In  Iladlyme  there  have  been  several  seasons  of  more  than 
common  attention  to  religion  within  a  few  years,  and  a  seriousness 
there  is  at  this  time  happily  progressing  ;  the  young  especially  are 
remembering  their  Creator,  and  giving  to  God  the  dew  of  their 
youth.  While  the  saints  in  these  towns  have  never  seen  such  Peu- 
tacostal  days  as  have  been  wituessed  in  some  places,  they  have  seen 
enough  to  lead  them  to  bless  God  and  take  courage. 

A  review  of  the  circumstances  of  our  fathers  is  calculated  to  ex- 
cite solemn  and  pious  emotions  in  the  mind.  God  cast  out  the  hea- 
then before  them  and  planted  them,  that  they  might  keep  his  statutes. 
The  mercies  and  corrections  visited  upon  them,  teach  us  his  good- 
ness, truth  and  faithfulness.  Their  fear  of  his  name,  their  observ- 
ance of  public  and  family  worship,  and  various  good  works,  call  up 
on  us  to  imitate  their  example  ;  while'their  sepulchres  remaining  with 
us  to  tins  day,  admonish  us  of  our  approaching  dissolution.  It  is 
all-important  that  we  should  not  forget  the  great  and  good  things 
done  for  those  who  have  gone  before  us,  nor  suffer  the  privileges 
transmitted  to  us  to  perish  iu  our  hands,  but  give  them  with  large 
increase  to  our  descendants.  By  gi eater  attention  to  agriculture 
our  farms  may  be  rendered  more  productive ;  by  pursuing  more  ex- 
tensively other  branches  of  business  already  introduced  (should  the 
times  become  favourable)  and  by  an  increase  of  manufactures,  the 
wealth  of  the  towns  may  be  greatly  promoted,  and  abundant  employ- 


4i 

Went  and  comfortable  support  furnished  to  all.     For   the  great  masa 
of  children,  the  district  schools  must  ever  be  the  principal  means  of 
education.     That  the  full  benefit  of  these  may  be  experienced  it  is 
indispensable   that  school   societies  should  not  only  select  suitable 
persons  for  overseers,  but  for  committees;  men  who  will  introduce 
instructors   of  competent  abilities  and  virtuous  characters,  able  and 
disposed  to  imbue  the  tender  minds  of  children  with  the  rudiments 
x  f  human  science  and  of  the  oracles  of  God.     To  such  it  is  the  in- 
terest as    well  as  duly   of  the  districts    to  give    honorable  wages. 
Were  new  libraries  to  be  established  in  some  instances,  and  old  ones 
increased    in    others,   a   happy   effect    might   be  expected.     Of  all 
the  means  of  good  to  society,  and  to  individuals  however,  the  Sab- 
bath with  its  attendant  ordinances,   is   unquestionably  the  greatest. 
Jts  influence  in  informing  the  mind,  softening  ihe  manners,  introducing 
order  into  all  the  concerns  of  life,  ami  in  preparing  the  soul  lor  hea- 
ven, is  beyond  calculation.     It  is  not  supposed  indeed  but  men  may 
externally  regard   the  Sabbath   without   being    christians.     This  is 
evinced  by  many  and  lamentable  examples.     To  enter  the  kingdom 
of  heaven  we  must  be  born  again  ;  exercise  repentance  towards  God 
and   faith    towards   our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  deny   ungodliness  and 
worldly  lusts,  and  live  soberly,  righteously,   and  godly    in   this  pres- 
ent world.     But  God  is  pleased  to  sanctify  his  people  through  (lie 
truth;  and  by  keeping  Sabbaths  on  the  earth,  he   mecteus  them   for 
the     rest    reserved     for  them    in    heaven.     It  will  not   do  to   neg- 
lect the   Sabbath;  nor  can   we  with  any  reason  complaiu  of  the  ex- 
penses  occasioned  by  its  institutions,    or   labors  in  attending  them, 
when  these   things  have   been  borne  and  done  by  those  who  have 
gone  before  us,  in  worse  circumstances  than    our  own.     liut  it    is 
not  for  ourselves  only  that  we  act.     Our  children  are  intrusted  to 
our  care;  and  unless  we  speak  to  them  of  the  things  of  the  kingdom  of 
God,  when  we  sit  in  our  houses,  and  when  we  walk  by  the  w  iy,  when  we 
Jie  down  and  when  we  rise  up,  pray  with  and  for  them  to  God,  aud 
sat  before  them  good  examples;  we  cannot  rationally  expect  that 
they  will  fill  our  places  with  wisdom  and  dignity,  when  we  shall  be 
cold  in  death.     Amazing  and  solemn  are   our  obligations.     As  men 
sucl  citizens,  as  ministers  and  magistrates,  as  churches  and  societies, 


,;>'. 


AN  APPENDIX, 


CONTAINING  THE  GENEALOGIES  OF  THE  FAMILIES  IN  1IADDAM 

AND  EAST-HADDAM  :    TAKEN  PARTLY  FROM  THE  OLD 

RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWNS,   AND   PARTLY  FROM 

THE  INFORMATION  OF  AGED  PEOPLE. 


jf\.LL  that  is  attempted  in  these  is  to  bring  them  down  to  the  re- 
collection of  persons  living,  who  may  if  they  see  cause,  continue  them. 

The  names  of  the  first  settlers  are  printed  in  capitals,  the  names 
of  their  sons  and  later  settlers,  in  Italics.  Where  persons  are  known 
io  have  died  young,  or  lo  have  died  unmarried,  the  figure  1  is 
annexed  to  their  names ;  figure  2  is  aun<  xed  to  those  who  are  known  to 
have;  moved  to  other  places  ;  figure  3  to  such  as  married  and  died 
"without  issue;  and  figure  4  to  such  as  have  no  male  descendants 
here,  or  male  descendants  from  sons.  The  letter  f.  is  frequently 
used  as  an  abbreviation  for  father. 

The  families  ol  one  half  of  the  first  settlers  are  extinct,  or  gone 
from  these  towns.      The  genealogies  of  the  others  will  now  be  given. 

Nicholas  Ackley  died  in  liaddam.  His  sons  moved  to  the 
east  side  of  the  river,  who  were  Nicholas,  John,  Samuel,  Benjamin, 
James,  Nathaniel  and  Thomas.  Nicholas  was  the  father  of  Nicho- 
las; John  ol  Jolm2  and  Benjamin  ;2  Samuel  of  Samuel. 1  Simeon, 
Stephen,!  Elijah,  Isaac,  Bezaleel2  and  Nathaniel ;  Benjamin  of 
Hezekiah,  Benjamin,  Joel  and  John;  James  of  Jamcs,2  iN"icholas,2 
Nathaniel,  Gideon  4  an. I  Bcnajah ;  Nathaniel  of  Nathaniel],  Hen- 
ry, Ephraim  and  Warren  ;  and  Thomas  of  Job  and  Thomas. 

Joseph  Aunoijj  was  the  father  of  Joseph  Arnold  a  deacon,  of  Jo- 
siah,  Jonathan,  John  and  Samuel.  Joseph  was  f.  of  Joseph  1  and 
Simon,  and  Simon  of  the  late  Joseph  ;  Josiuh  was,  father  of  Samu- 
uel,4  Josiah.4  David  and  J.unes;4  and  David  of  David,2 
Francis,!  Seth,  Samuel,  Josiahl  and  Jamcs2.  Jonathan  was  f.  of 
Samuel  who  was  lost  when  three  years  old  in  the  vroods  west  of  Tur- 
key hill,  of  Jonathan  who  settled  in  the  ministry  in  New  Jersey, 
and  of  another  Samuel,  f.  of  Jonathan,  1  Samuel  and  James.  John 
was  the  f.  of  Dr.  John  who  settled  in  IMiddlelowu  ;  of  Joshua  a  phy- 
sician on  liaddam  Neck,  and  f.  of  John,  Joshua,!  Jucobl.nnd  Jo- 
seph ;  of  Gideon  a  deacon  in  Middle-Haddam  church  and  f.  of  Dan- 
iel a  deacon  in  said  church,  of  Gideon  a  deacon  in  East  Hampton, 
ofJabez  and  Jacob:  of  Ebenezer  f.  of  the  late  Col.  Arnold  of 
Durham.  Samuel  settled  in  Easl-Haddani  and  was  lather  of  Jo- 
seph, Samuel  a  candidate,  Enoch,2  Josiah,2  and  John. 4  Joseph  was 
f.  of  Joseph,  Ephraim,  <\.c. 

John  Bailey  was  the  father  of  Benjamin  and  John.  Benjamin 
was  f.  ofJolin,4  Benjamin4  and  Nathaniel,  the  two  first  of  whom 
were  deaf  and  dumb,  but  able  to  do  business  and  had  families;  Na- 
thaniel was  f.  of  Daniel2  and  Ezekiel.4  John  was  the  f.  of 
John,  Ephraim,  Jonathan-!  and  David.!  John  was  the  f.  of  John, 
Nathau:2  Jeremiah,4  Amos;l   James2   and    William;  Ephraim  of 


44  * 

feplnaini,.]  Jacob,  Gideon, Stephen,. Jabcz,  Caleb,  Abljali,  1  William*, 
01iver2  and  Ephraim. 

Danifl  Braineki)  a  deacon  and  justice,  was  born  at  Braintree 
iu  the  county  of  Essex  in  England,  and  brought  when  eight  years 
old  to  Hartford,  where  lie  lived  in  the  Wyllys  family  till  of  age. 
After  he  settled  in  Haddara,  his  mother,  at  that  time  a  widow,  wrote 
to  him,  and  spelt  her  name  Brainweod,  which  renders  it  probable 
that  that  was  the  original  name.  His  sons  were  Daniel  who  settled 
in  East-Haddam,  and  was  a  deacon  there.  James  a  deacon,  Joshua 
who  settled  iu  East-Haddam,  William  who  settled  on  iiaddam  Neck, 
Cakb.Elijah  and  Hcsekiah,  the  Assistant.  Daniel  was  the  f.  ol  Daniel, 
Noadiah  a  deacon,  Stephen  2  and  Bezuleel.  Daniel  was  the  1.  of 
Daniel,  Esq  ;  Noadiah  of  Noadiah  1  and  Jared  ;  and  Bezaliel  of 
Daniel,2  Bezaliel  ami  Epoch.  James  was  the  f.  of  James,  Gideon, 
Altijah,  Daniel, 2  Zecliarinh,!  J»phlhah,l  Othniell  and  lieber. 
James  was  the  I.  of  Benjamin, 4  Jedediah  Ac. ;  Gideon  of  Gideon, 
Dea,  Eliakim,  Arc. ;  Abqah  of  Utliniel.2  Simon,  Ax.  Joshua  was 
f.  of  Joshua,  Daniel, 2  Eleanor,  Jeremiah  and  Timothy.  Joshua  was 
f.  of  Joshua,  Amasa,  &c. ;  Eltazer  of  Adonijah  and  Asa  ;  Jeremiah 
of  jeremian  ;1  and  Timothy  of  Timothy .2  IVWium  was  f.  of  Wil- 
liam, Samuel,  Chiliab  a  minhter  at  Eastbury,  Josiah  and  .Nathan. 
William  was  f.  of  Jonathan  and  William  :1  Samuel  of  Samuel,] 
\VilUu<n,3  Jeremiah,  Ax.;  Josiah  of  Josiah,  Chiliab,]  Ac  ;  and  Na- 
than of  Nathan,  John,  Ax.  Caleb  was  the  I.  of  Caleb,4  Jacob, 
joshua,2  Obadiah2  au.l  Naihanicl.3  Jacob  was  f.  of  Bushuel,l  Ac. 
Elijah  was  f.  of  Joseph,  Elijah,  a  deacon,  Jabez,  Esq.  and  Phiuehas. 
Joseph  wa*  f.  of  Increase,  Joseph,]  and  Josiah  ;2  Elijah  of  Elisha,4 
Elijah,  Ac.  Hczekiah  was  f.  of  Col.  Ilezekiah,  Esq.  Nehemiah 
minister  at  Eastbury,  David  the  missionary,  John  bis  ^accessor,  and 
Israel.! 

Thomas  Brooks  had  an  only  son  Thomas,  a  deacon,  who  was  f. 
of  Thomas  also  a  deacon,  of  Abraham,  Jabez  and  Joseph,  Esq.  Tho- 
mas was f  of  Charles,  Thomasl  and  David. 4 

William  Clakkk  was  father  of  Daniel  and  Thomas.  Daniel 
was  the  f.  of  William,  Joseph,  Daniel  and  John,  William  was 
f.  of  Pelatiah,  Benajah  and  Uriah  ;1  Daniel  of  Daniel,4  lleze- 
kiah4  and  James ;  and  John  of  John. 4  Thomas  was  f.  of 
Thomas,2  Jooalhau,4  Davidl  and  Israel. 

Daniel  Conk  was  father  of  Daniel  a  deacon,  Jared,  SlephcnmA 
Caleb  ;  the  three  first  of  whom  settled  iu  East-Haddam.  Daniel 
Cone  was  f.  of  Dea.  Daniel  Esq.  George,  Joseph  and  Jared.  Dan- 
iel was  f.  of  Jeremiah,!  Jonah,  William,  Maj.  Daniel  and  Oliver  ;1 
George  of  Syjyamis,2  George,  Elieyxrl  and  Zachariah  ;  Joseph  of 
Joseph,/!  B.ujaminl,  Solomon,4  Martin,2  Asl*bel2  and  Jeremiah  ;2 
and  Jared  of  Matthew,2  Nehemiah  and  Daniel.2  Jared  was  the 
f.  of  Stephen  and  Thomas  :  the  former  of  whom  was  the  f.  of 
Elisha  and  Tboraa9,2  and  the  latter  of  Joel,  Noadiah,  Josdma  and 


Obadiah.4  Stephen,  was  f.  of  Stephen, 2  John!  and  Reuben. 2  Ca- 
leb vrsuf.  of  Caleb,4  Joseph, JNoah,!  Elisha  a  deacon,  Simon  1,  Dau- 
ie!2  and  Bariah.4 

Geo.  Gates,  Esq.  removed  in  his  old  aj»e  to  East  Iladdam  and 
lived  with  Ids  sons.  These  were  Joseph,  Thomas,  Esq.  John,\ 
George,']  Daniel,  and  Samuel.  Joseph  was  t.  of  Joseph,  deacon 
John, 2  Jonathan^  Jacob  and  Samuel. 4  Thomas  was  1.  of  Thomas 
Daniel, 4  Jenmiah,4  George  and  Joshua.  Daniel  was  I.  of  deacon 
Dauiel  of  Millingtou,  David,4  Joseph, 1  Ephraiml  and  Julah. 
Samuel  was  f.  of  Samuel, 3  James, 2  Stephen  and  Jonah. 1 

Thomas  SiiAVLta  was  father  of  Thomas  and  Abel  4  Thomas 
was  f.  ol  Hczekiah,  Joseph,  Thomas  and  Samuel.  Ilezekiah  was 
f.  of  Timothy,  Reuben,  Ac.  ;  Joseph  of  Bezaiiel,  &c;  Samuel  of 
Asa  ;  and  Thomas  of  Thomas. 

Gerrard  Spencer  was  laiher  of  Nathaniel,  ThomasA  Samtul 
and  William*  the  two  last  settled  in  East -Iladdam.  Nathaniel 
was  f.  of  Nathaniel,  Johu.4  Daniel  and  Phinehas.4  .Nathaniel  was 
f.  of  Elisha,  &c. ;  Daniel  of  Dauiel,  &c.  1  Samuel  was  f.  of  John, 
and  Isaac  a  deacon.  John  was  f.  of  Peter,4  Joim2  and  Ebeiiezir; 
Isaac  of  Samuel.  Gen.  Joseph,  assistant,  Jaied.l  Elihn,  D.  D.  minis-, 
ter  at  Trenton,  N.  Jersey,  Isaac'.i  and  Isne!,  Esq.  William  wasf. 
of  Joseph,  Hezekiah,  William.  Jam<s,4  Micajah,4  Jonadiani  and 
Ichabod.4  Joseph  wash  of  Joseph,  deacon  Isaac  and  Icbanod  ; 
Hezekiah of  Simeon,  Silas  ami  Solomon;  William  of  Alexander, 
William,  Matthias  and  Jeremiah. 

Thomas  Spencer  was  father  of  J  and  one  of  the:  first  settlers  at 
Puncet.  lie  was  f.  of  John, I  John,2  Jared,2  Benjamin,  Ephraiml 
and  Daniel.  Benjamin  was  f.  of  Benjamin,2  David2  and  Elizur  ; 
Daniel  of  Daniel  and  Abner. 

Simok  Smith  was  father  of  Benjamin,  Simon,  Joseph  and  John. 
Benjamin  was  f.  of  Benjamin,!  Jacob, 4  deacon  Joseph 4  and  Daniel; 
Simon  of  Simon, 4  James,!  Jonathan!  and  David;!  John  was  f.  of 
Joseph  and  William,*  Joseph  was  f.  of  Joseph,  William  of  John, 
Sic. 

William  Ventres  was  father  of  Moses  and  JohnA  Moses  was 
f.  of  Daniel,  John4  and  Ebenezer.4  Daniel  was  f.  of  Daniel,  I  Eli- 
aul  and  John. 

James  Wells  had  a  son  of  the  same  name  who  was  a  justice, 
and  father  of  Jamcsl  and  Joseph,  Esq. 

The  persons  who  joined  the  first  settlers  or  their  drcendants  in 
these  towns,  and  who  have  defendants  themselves  here  at  this 
time,  have  been  as  follows— to  bc^in  with  Iladdam  : 

John  Bates  came  here  within  eight* or  nine  years  after  the  first 
settlement,  and  was  the  father  of  John  and  Solomon.  John  was  the 
f.  of  John.4     Solomon  of  Solomon,4  Joseph  and  David. 

Richard  Walkley  came  here  equally  early,  and  was  f.  of 
Richard  J  he  f.  of  Richard,  Ebenezer  and  Joiiathoo.4 


46  ' 

TheScuvils  are  from  William  Scovil,  the  f.  of  William  and  John. 

As  early  as  1700  Daniel  Hubbard  moved  here  from  JYliddletown,' 
ami  was  I.  of  Daniel,  Thomas  and  Jeremiah.  Daniel  was  f.  of  Joel* 
Daniel, 2  Samuel,  &c.  Thomas  of  Thomas  and  Daniel  ;1  Jeremiah 
of  Asa,  &c.  * 

JNof  tar  from  the  same  time  Asariah  Dickinson  settled  here  from 
Deci  field.     He  was  the  f.  of  Azanah.4  Nehemiah  and  Stephen. 

About  1710  James,  Peter]  and  Joseph  Ray,  three  brothers,  Por- 
tuguese, settled  here,  immediately  horn  Narragansett.  James  (who 
died  over  100  years  of  age)  was  f.  of  James,  Benjaminl  and  Joseph  ; 
Joseph  was  f.  of  Isaac,  Nathaniel,  Jeremiah, 4  Joseph, 1  Timothy,  1 
Eiisha,3  Danicl,2  and  Jacob.  1 

In  1723  Zcbuion  Lewis  from  Salem  became  an  inhabitant  of  the 
town.  He  was  f.  of  2ebulpn,  Nathan,  Eliezur,4  Levi,2  Eli- 
sha,2  and  Thomas.2 

The  same  year  John,  Nathaniel'^  and  Joseph*  Sutl/'fT  became  in- 
habitants ;  they  were  from  Deerfield,  where  their  father  was  burnt 
by  the  Indians. 

At  the  same  time  Stephen  Smith  from  West-Haven  became  an  in- 
habitant. He  was  the  I.  of  Stephen,  William,  Samuel,  John,  Nathan 
and  David. 

James  Hnselton  became  an  inhabitant  in  1 726,  and  was  f.  of 
Charlesj  James  and  Arnold. 

The  Tyler*  are  descended  from  Nathaniel  and  Abraham,  two 
distant  relatives  from  Bran  ford.  The  former  was  the  f.  of  Nathan- 
iel, Nathan,  Joseph,^  Samuel,  James  1  and  Simon  ;  the  latter  of 
Col.  Abraham,  Timothy ,3  and  Rzra.8 

._;  Richard  Skinner,  f.  of  Ebenezer  ;  Thomas  Crook,  f.  of  Shubael ; 
Richard  Bonjoey,  f.  of  Beuauuel  ;  are  the  ancestors  of  the  existing 
families  of  these  names. 

Thomas  Seidell,  fiom  ITadley  was  f.  of  Thomas  and   Joseph. 4 

About  1741,2,  or  3,  Cornelius  Higgins,  Esq,  John  Knowles  and 
'Roger  Thomas,  settled  in  this  town  from  East  ham,  Mass.  John 
]\uon''cs  wan  f.  of  John,l  Elibha,  Bichard  and  William  :  Roger 
Thomas  of  Ebenezer,  Evan,  Aaron,  Prince!  and  Isaac. 4 

Thomas  Church  fiom  Plain  field  in  1 74 1  ;  Nathaniel  Burr  from 
Chatham  in  17  12  ;  Jacob  Ely  and  Samuel  Tinker  from  Lyme  ;  Ab- 
ner  TiiiHls  and  James  Mcnvin  from  Durham  ;  BarziUai  Dudley 
from  Sa^  brook  ;  Jonathan  Boardman,  Stephen  Johnson  and  Nathan- 
iel U'elinorc  Uon\  Middletown ;  Robert  Bradford  from  New-Lon- 
'don ;  anil  James-  Child  from  Warren,  Rhode-Island,  about  1764  $ 
are  the  ancestors  of  the  vaiie.-is  families  of  these  names  in  Haddani. 

The  Kussels  are  hom  East-Hampton,  Long-Island  ;  the  Kelseys 
tluttys,  W'ilcox'cs  and  Steveuses,  are  from  Killing  worth  ;  tin:  Stan* 
nnrfls  Gladdtngs,  Shermans  and  Wheelers  are  from  Sajbrook;  the 
JJnans  are  from  Chatham. 

The  remaining  a  re  genealogies  of  families  in  East-Haddam.    ' 

The   ancestors  of  the  Chapmaus,  Bootes,  Hungerfords  and  Ftd- 


Dea. 

l 


,prfi  -ettjAr  in  East-Hadnrob.  ice  the  year  1700. 

Rob Chapman,  from  So  btf%  was  the  f.  o    Davu  . 4  ru,W 
fJStan,   Caleb  and  Pencil    Robert  «•  C  of  Robert .Jedad.ah 
Ker  at    Geneva,  ImhfiV 2  and  Aaron  ;4  Jonathan  o  Ja- 
g2  &c.  ;  Caleb  of  Calrb,  Tv  -my,  to. ;  fcraucis  of  ba.m.«d,4  &e.- 
Jol.  J  .bez  Cbapn.au  is  .»-         "'  llora  anolher  branch  °'  lhc  ba^" 

{tephen,!  aTnl  Ebe..ei^»»»»«*  *»   Northtngtington   m  Faraio*. 

on     John  was  f.  of— ^  a'"'    p^1 ;     ,  \f  1 "!  of,V JS £ " '? 
Lathon,2  TimoUiJf^™*™2«nd  Rici.*rdj2  Daniel  o   Eheze,  3 
EHashih,  Daniel,  jS«iah.  Job.,,  Richard ,4  Joshua  and  Ichabod.2 
Th.vnn*    Ih.J^'yl   «as   the  t.  ol  John,    Green,    lhomasl  .mil 

J,j3m4     "«»     '»*  »'•  ot  Jo,,ri'  Robevt  m,d   r,,°ma85      '^ 

<"•'•- en    s^ben,  Lemuel  and  Nathaniel.  _ 

k.  VAowaa  andS/n/6a«*  Fi/lter  were  three  brothers  from  Barn- 

-John  was  the  f.  of  John2,  William  and  Andrew  ;2  1  horaas  of 

,er,2of  Thomas  f.  of  Jehiel,  Daniel  minister  at  Mendon,  Mass 

Oliver,  of  Nathan  2   Jabez,4   and   Jonathan  \\    Shubael   ol 

hraim,4  Shnbael,2  and  Jonathan.! 

Timothy  Fuller  wast  of  Matthias,  Samuel,2  Timothy,  and  De- 
'lhunias.2  Matthias  was  f.  of  Matthias,  E|isha,8  Noadiah,  Dam. 
v  d  Ezra.i  ..,..,. 

Jonathan  Beehe  from  New-London  was  f.  of  Jonathan,  \\  ilham, 
•oslma  and  Caleb.  Jonathan  was  f.  ol  Jonathan,  David,  Samuel, 
lauiel  am*  Ebenezer:  William  of  Abner,  Silas,  Asa  a  candidate, 
Tilliain^n  ,7?,U»;  Joshua.  uLRrockway.  J°shua  rBD1dI0,,,ecll! 
(| v,  ol  Caleb,  JNjJa...,  Reuben,  Levi,  Robert  and  Judah. 
John  Holmes  moved  from  Neu -Loudon  to  Enst-Haddam  about 
;710.     Ilis    aped  father  of  the  same,  name  came  with  him  W  •«?* 

Oct  19.  1723  ajw-H  op   ...  r<sou  uuned  where  the 

old  burying  ground  in  Hadlyme  was  afterwards  laid  out.  John 
Holmes  was  f.  of  Thomns,4  John,-!  Dea.  Christopher  and  Eliphalef.4 
Samuel  Emmons  was  from  Cambridge  and  died  at  the  ape  of  00. 
hjc  iaua. jaerfi  Samuel  a  deacon,  Nathaniel  and  Jonathan.  Sam- 
lel  was  the  f.  of  Ebenezer,  Samuel,  Daniel  and  Nathaniel  D.  D. ; 
Nathaniel  of  Thomas  ;  Jonathan 2  of  Jouaihan3Joseph,  Benjamiu,4 
and  Jeremiah. 2 

Samuel  Olmsted,  Esq.  and  John  his  brother,  were  frofl  Hartford. 
Samuel  was  the  f.  ol  Samuel,4  William4  and  Ichabod;  Johu  of 
John,2  Daniel,  Jaraes,3  Stephen2  an^  Jonathan. 

Samuel  DiUton  a  deacon  was  f.  of  Samuel,  1  Joseph,  Dea.  Ebene 
>.cr,2  Timotbj2  and  Jeremiah.2 

Henry  Champion  from  Lyme  was  f.  of  JLbenezer,l  Col.  Henry,2 
israel  and  Judah  minister  at  Litchfield, 
Mallhcw  Smith  fiom  Lyme  was  f.  of  Thomas  and  Matthew. 
Baiiiel  Smtlft  from  the  Cape   was  f.  of  Ipnafius  and  Policarp.i 
ignatiiuof  Abnrr.  Enoch,  John  Rowland  and  Elijah 


lis    i