Full text of "Seymour and vicinity. Historical collections"

Class

rji-<Ffc*;<?*a9P^

SEYMOUR

i^STA

AM)

\.<aiy|

HISTORICAL C( )IJ.KCTI()NS.

KECOHl) PKINT.

SEYMOUK, C'OXN.

1878.

^^JSO^' '«■«'»=

,65^4

Entered, according to act of Congress, in tbe year 1878, hy Williaai ('. Shaki'K,
In the office of tlie Librarian of Confjress, at Washiii^on.

P R E ¥ A C E .

In the suniiner of 1876 several liistorical sketches were published in the
Heymouk ItECORD, and with a view to put these sketclies in more conven-
ient form for ])reservation the tvpe was made up in l)o()k form, comineucinir
with page eighr, and then proceeding to search the old records for additional
matters of local interest, the work has grown to the i)resent form. Owing to
to the limited tinu^ which could he spared from other duties for this purpose,
and having been printed in sections from time to tiiue, as there was oppor-
tunity, it is not so systematically arranged as could he desired ; yet it is hoped
and believed that the volume contains a large amount of information which
will l»e of interest to all who have resided for any considerable length of time
in this immediate \'icinity.

In glancing over these pages some may inconsiderately call this or that
statement or date incorrect, but most of them have been verihed by old
manuscripts and records, often a considerable time haviug been spent in
sifting down and correcting accounts which have been given from memory or
tradition. The writer will be grateful to any persons discerning errors in this
volume if they will forward to him the particulars. No doubt there are nmwy
old, and forgotten manuscripts laid away in garrets or closets, which would
be liighly valued by autiquariaiis and till many an interesting page for the
general reader. The composition of such a work as this may be an easy matter,
but the collection of the material re(|uires long and patient research in hundreds
of volumes and faded, worn and sometimes almost illegible manuscripts. The
writer acknowledges indebtedness to llev. 8. C. Leonard, IJev. Sylvester tSmith
and li. W. Smith, Es(|., for sketches of the several churches, and to (■. (\
Baldwin of Cleveland, Ohio, and others for much valuable information.
The followiug works have been used for reference or ({uotation : Savage's
Dictionary of the l^^arly Settlers, 1) wight's Travels, Lambert's History of
Xew Haven Colony, Trumbull's History of Connecticut, Barber's Connecticut
Historical Collections, Colonial Records of Connecticut, Peters' History of
Connecticut, and Cothren's History of Woodbury.

Prices of produce, etc., have occasi(jnally been given as a basis of com-
jiarison of values in earlier times and the present, and many comparatively
unimportant incidents recorded which may some time be helps in hxing dates
or deciding matters of greater interest.

Keferences to the town or its records })revious to the division in LS,")() will
be understood as referring to the town of Derby.

Hoping that the perusal of the work nuiy be a source of pleasure to all
its readers, and that our elderly friends who have been familiar with numy
of the occurrences described may be gratified with the memories of " Auld
Lang Syne," the "unwritten history," which will he called to mind, this lolumc
in respectfully submitted.

W. C. SlIARPE.

Seymour, Xov. 13tli, 187S.

^HE early settlers were too much occupied in the arduous labors required
in establishing homes in the wilderness to pay any unnecessary attention
to the recording of their transactions, and the merest mention here and
there, with occasional documents which have been handed down, afford
but scant material for a narration of their lives, labors and liberties.
This portion of the valley of the Naugatuck was first distinguished by the
Falls, as the most remarkable feature of the kind in the length of the river.
The long ridge of rock, through an opening of which the water rushed, foaming
and tossing, into the depths below, were well known to the whites, as well as
the red men, at a very early date. The especially fine fishing below the rocks,
and the abundant game on the forest-clothed hills and in the natural meadows
of the vales, were grand attractions to the hunter, trapper and fisherman,
whether of aboriginal or Anglo-Saxon blood. Dr. Trumbull, is his history of
Connecticut, says that as early as 1633 there was a tribe of Pequot Indians
at the "Falls of the Naugatuc."

It appears from the early colonial records that the lands were generally
purchased of the Indians by the early settlers at a fair valuation ; indeed, Dr.
Trumbull, (p. 174-5) says that "many of the adventurers expended more in
making settlements than all the lands and buildings were worth after all the
improvements they had made upon them." In the account of the settlement
of the controversy between Connecticut and Massachusetts in regard to the
boundary line, the 107,973 acres awarded to Connecticut were "sold in sixteen
shares, in 1716, for * * * a little more than a farthing an acre, and shows of
what small value land was esteemed at that day. It affords also a striking
demonstration, that, considering the expense ofpurchasing them of the natives,
and of defending, they cost our ancestors five, if not ten, times their value."

In 1664, Okenance or Akenanco was sachem of "Pagassett,"* and
Ansantwan (sometimes written Aiisantawae,) were chiefs, as appears in a deed
given by them to Lieut. Thomas Wheeler, April 4th, 1664. Towtaemoe was
then a sachem of another portion of the valley, according to a deed given
Jan. 6th, 1664, by Lieut. Thomas Wheeler of Pagassett to Alexander Bryan
of Milford. The land conveyed was "bounded with Potatuck river southwest,
iSTaugatuck river northeast, & bounded on the northwest with trees marked by
Towtaemoe, sachem, containing forty acres, more or less."

*This name is spelled in various ways, as Paugassett, Paguasuck, &c. Also the Naugatuck
■varies in orthography from Nau-ko-tunk to Naguatock. In copying old manuscript records the
original spelling of the names is followed, although there are sometimes different spellings in the
same document.

(5 SEYMOUR A^^D VICINITY.

Of the grants to settlers by the proprietors, in lawful meeting-, the follow-
ing from the Derby records is a specimen.

"The inhabitants of Paugassett met together on April the 5th, 1071, and
/ have granted to Ebenezer Johnson a tract of land bounded on the north side
with the common land, and on the west side with the great river, and on the
south side with the Devil's Jump, so called, and on the east with the common
land, and the said Ebenezer Johnson is engaged to build and fence and inhabit
on this land within the space of time of two years after the date hereof: and if
the said Ebenezer fulfill not the terms hereof the land is to return to the in-
habitants again: and the said Ebenezer is to make a sufficient highway
between his fence and the hill, and so maintain it."

On the first of April, 1G92, "Huntawah and Conchupatany, Indians of
J Paguasuck," sold to David Wooster "a certain parcell of land on the north-
west side of Naguatock river, in the road that goeth to Einimon, the long
plain soe called in the bounds of Derby, be it bounded with Nagatuck river
south and east, and north and west with the great rocks."

'Conquepotana and Ahuntaway, chieftains at Paugusset, on the 1 7th of
June, 1685, in behalf of themselve^ and other Indians, sold to Robert Treat,*'
Esq., Samuel Eells, Benjamin Fenn, Thomas Clark, and Sylvanus Baldwin,
agents of Milford, a tract of land "lying above the path which goeth from
New Haven to Derby, and bounded with said path south, and a brook called
Bladen's brook, (on the south side of Scucurra,* or Snake Hill,) north, with
the line that is the bounds between New Haven and Milford, east, and the
line that is the bounds between Derby and Milford, west, which said land was
a mile and six score rods in breadth throughout the length of it." The Indians
"reserved the liberty of hunting on this ground." '

'A purchase was made on the UOtli of February, 1700, by Robert Treat, ,
Esq., Mr. Thomas Clark, Sen., Samuel Buckingham, Sen., Lieut. Sylvanus^
Baldwin, and Ensign Oeorge Clark, agents for 3IiIford, of a tract of land
"lying northward of Bladen's brook, unto a brook called Lebanon brook,
bounded north by said Lebanon brook, east by New Haven land, south by
Bladen's brook, and west by the line between Derby and JNliiford ; said land
being a mile and six score rods in breadth." The consideration given for this
land was £15 in pay,f and lo.v. in silver. The deed was signed by nine In-
dians, viz : Con(|u<'potana, Ahantaway, Rasquenoot, AVaui'arrunton, AYon-
ountacun, Pequit, Suckatash, Dun^uin, and Windham. This tract of land
was divided and laid out, in 1750, into one hundred and ninety-five shares or
rights aud is connnonly called the "two bit purchase," from the circumstance
of each buyer of a right paying for the same two Spanish bits, of eight
twelve and a half cent pieces. This purchase now forms the northwest part
of Woodbridge.' (Milford Record, Vol. 11.)

'Another and the last purchase of land within the old patent bounds of
Milford, was made by the same committee, on the 2.jd of February, 170-!, of the
same Indians, for £5 in money, or otherwise, £7 10,v. in pay,f bound south by
Lebanun brook, east by jNlilford and New Haven line, north by Beacon Hill
river or Waterbury line, and west by the line between Derby and Milford;
being a mile and six score rods in width. This was trailed the ''one bit pur-
chase,'" .and was laid out in 17(50, into one hundred and eighty-seven whole
share rights. This land is now the western part of Bethany. (Milford
Record, Xo]. 15, page 281.) Thus it appears that Milford once extended
twenty miles north to Waterbury line, but its territory has been ceeded to

"* Xow callt'J JSkukorat. t See (.'X[)laiuitioii of curreucy terms on pajje 8.

SEYMOUR AXD VICIXITY. 7

help form other towus, till it is now contracted into a little triano'le, of about
six miles in length on each si(l(^' — Lambert^ History of the Coloni/ of Xeu-
Haven.

On the 15th of Aug., 1093, a tract of land "known by ye name of Aces-
quantook and Eockhouseliill, bounded south with ye Four ]\Iile Brook, north
with ye Five Mile Brook, east with Woodbury road as it now is, and west
with ye Great liiver," was sold to "Wm. Tomlinson, Senior and Junior, and
widow Hannah Tomlinsou, James Hard, ,Johnathatt iium and Timothy
Wooster," for twenty pounds, by jMawquash, Cheshconeeg, Neighbor llutt,
Cockapatouch, Nounawauk, Wouson, Keuxon, Raretoon, Tarchun, IJashkan-
noot, Chomasfeet, proprietors of Weeseantook, with the consent of their saga-
mores. The acknowledgement was made before Justice Ebeuezer Johnson.
Four Mile Brook is the stream flowing into the Housatonic at Squantuck, and
Five Mile Brook is the first considerable stream above.

On the 16th of April, 1700, Cockupatain, sachem, and Runsaway, gentle-
man Indians of Derby, for four pounds ten shillings, sold to Capt. Ebenezer
Johnson and Ensign Samuel Riggs a piece of land "bounded southward with
y'' littel river, eastward & northward with David Wooster his land & y*" above
sd Captain's & Ensign's land & nugatuick river, westward & north with
* * * iiiJian purchase," The same day "Cockupatain and Huntaway,
Indians of Derby," sold to Capt. Ebeuezer Johnson & Ensign Samuel Riggs
"a certain parcel of meadow and upland lying at y'" upward of Chestnut Tree
Hill, containing twenty acres, more or less.

Derby, including what is now Seymour, was taken from Milford, one of
the six towns of the Xew Haven colony. It was incorporated b}- the authority
of New Haven in 1075, when there were in it only twelve families. The
bounds between J)erby and ^lilford were not laid out till 1080.

The following list contains the names of all settlers of the town who had
taken the freeman's oath down to 1708.

-Maj. Ebenezer Johnson, Stephen Pierson, "^John Riggs,

-Ens. Samuel Riggs, — »Joseph Hawkins, —Francis French,
-Lieut. Thomas Wooster, Timothy AVooster, Dea. Abel Holbrook,

William Nashbon, Samuel Briusmaid, John Thoobals,

John Johnson, -"Edward Riggs, —John Chatfield,

El)euezer Harger, Joseph Moss, Jeremiah Johnson,

John Durand, '-William Tomlinson, John Pringle,

Samuel Conors, Ens. Josei>li Hulls, Samuel Nichols,

Josiah Colding, '-David Wooster, — Johnathan Luni,

Deacon Isaac Nichols, Henry Wooster, James Hard.

John Davis, Ephraim Smith,

That wolves and panthers were still common is evident by the passage of
an act by the (leneral Assembly in October, 1713, offering a bounty of forty
shillings to any person wlio should kill a wolf, catamount or panther, "and
half as much for every wolves' whelp."

In 1720, "it being moved by the proi)rietors of, and within the town of
Derby, that a deed of release and quit-claim of and in the lands of said
town," the Assembly granted that such deed be executed.

Auu)ng the military appointments by the General Assembly were those
of Joseph Hulls as ensign of the local "trainband" ni May, 1707, lieutenant in
1800, and captain in 1710. Serj* Thomas Wooster was by the General Assem-
bly appointed Lieutenant in October, 1700, and commissioned accordingly.

8 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

Samuel Nichols was appointed ensign in 1709. In 1716 John Riggs
was appointed lieutenant, and in 1722 was made captain. He was one of
the deputies to the General Assembly in 1717, and again in 1722. Ebene-
zer Johnson was a lieutenant colonel in the expedition to Port Royal, (N. S.),
in August, 1710, and soon after was promoted colonel. Ebenezer Johnson,
Jr., was appointed ensign in 1810, and lieutenant in 1722. Samuel Bassett
was appointed ensign in 1822.

The duties of the train-band were often difficult and dangerous. The In-
dians were numerous, and the history of the colony in those early days shows
but too well that constant vigilance was a condition of safety.

. The tract of land just OA^er the Oxford line and west of Little River, con-
sisting of about one hundred acres, and known as the Park, was enclosed
about the middle of the last century by a Mr. Wooster for the purpose of
keeping deer. On one side of the inclosure there was an overhanging rock
from which the hunted deer would sometimes leap into the inclosure, much
to the discomfiture of the disappointed huntsmen. This was one of the parks
referred to by Peters in his history of Connecticut published in 1781.

In the olden time they were particular to give every man his title : mag-
istrates and ministers were called Mr., church members were called brethren
and sisters, and those who were not in church fellowship were simply good-
man and goodwife. As there were frequent demands upon the military, they
were held in high respect and all military titles were scrupulously observed.
The early records abound with the titles— ensign, sergeant, lieutenant, cap-
tain and colonel. In cliristening infants scriptural names and religious terms
were most common, as for example. Content, Charity, Deliverance, Desire,
Experience, Faith, Orace, Hope, Justice, Love, Mercy, Makepeace, Patience,
Pity Praisegod, Prudence, Rejoice, Sillence, Thankful, &c.

On account of the lack of money paynents were often made in produce
of various kinds. The following extract from the "Travels of Madam
Knight," who made a journey from Boston to New York about 1C95, gives
a good representation of the currency of the tnne.

"They give the title of merchant to every trader who rate their goods according to the time an"
specie they pay in, viz., pay, money, pay as money, and trusting. Pay is grain, porli, and beef,
&.C., at the prices set by the general court that year ; money is pieces of 8, ryals, or Boston or
Bay shillings, (as they call them,) or good hard money, as sometimes silver coin is called by them ;
also wampum, viz., Indian beads, wch. serves for change. Pay as money, is provisions as aforesaid,
one third cheaper than as the Assembly or generall court sets it, and trust as they and the merchant
agree for time. Now when the buyer comes to ask for a commodity, sometimes before the mer-
chant answers that he has it, he sais, is your pay ready? Perhaps the chap replies, yes. What do
you pay in ? sais the merchant, The buyer having answered, then the price is set; as suppose he
wants a 6rf. knife, in pay it is I2rf., in pay as money, 8rf., and hard money, its own value, 6rf. It
seems a very intricate way of trade, and what 'Lex Mercatoria' had not thought of.'"

i#Poi:

Erected in 1S4G.

Tie Coiiraatioual Clinrcti of Seymour.

A sermon delivered iu the Cougregational
Church by Rev. S. C. Leonard, July 9, lfi76 :
PsA. 12fi: 6.
He that goetb and weepeth,
Bearing precious seed,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him.

On the 12th day of March, 1817 (a little
less than .59^ years ago), live men had a
meeting at our village — the influences of
which are around us to-day. There was a
house of worship — old and uncomfortable,
but a house within which God had been
honored, and wheie He had recorded His
name — standing on the hill on the other
side of the river, and it is not unlikely that
the meeting was held within it.

The five men who had come together from
different points for this council were well
able to consider a matter. They composed,
indeed, a more remarkable company than
they could then have known themselves
to be.

One was the Rev. Nath'l W. Taylor,
known, at that point of time, as the young
and promising pastor of the Center Church
in New Haven, 31 years of age, ordained to
the work he was then performing — with
his whole heart iu it — five years, lacking a
month, before. The theological depart-
ment of Yale College, in which he was to
grow to the stature of a giant, and do a
work, and wield an influence which will
never die, had not then been opened for in-
struction. It was opened in 1822.

Another of the men was the Rev. Samuel
Merwm, pastor of the North Church and
Society in New Haven. He was a some-
what older man, and had been in the posi-
tion which he was then faithfully and suc-
cessfully occupying for 12 years. It is of
special personal interest to me that his
coming here was the very year after he
had received to membership in his church
four sisters, tenderly attached to each
other, one of whom was my own dear
mother — the four, by this act, joining an-
other of their number who had united with
the same church previously ; the names of
each of the sisters awaking memories of a
happy childhood in my mind. They are all
up higher now. It was before I was born
that they, together with 13 others (one of
whom was my father), united at the early
spring communion season with Mr. Mer-
win's church, and you will not wonder that
the figur'es which stand for that year have
interest for me. Mr. Merwin was the
pastor whom I loved, and from whom I
received religious instruction in my child-
hood. The first Sunday school I ever at-
tended was under his pastorate. The af-

fectionate pressure of his hand, one day
when I was a child, as he met me at the
close of a service, in a season of religious
interest, I have never lost the feeling of —
tlrough the 45 years between — to this day.
He had been told that I was desiring to
become a follower of Christ, and as ho took
my hand iu his, it seemed to me, that with-
out speaking a word, he condensed into the
loving pressure of his hand a soul full of
iuteiest in my welfare. I never see his
name without feeling a thrill of joy.

Another of the five men who came to-
gether for the meeting at our village was
the Rev. Bennett Tyler, then of South Bri-
tain, pastor of the Congregational church
there, and at this time 34 years of age.
The Theological Seminary at East Windsor,
with which his now distinguished name is
associated in our thoughts, was 17 years in
the future, when the South Britain pastor
came to the meeting at Humphreysville, as
our village was called then. Nobody could
have conjectured, at that time, that the
names of Taylor and Tyler, so peaceably
associated at this meeting would ever come
to have such relation to each other, as they
did in after years.

Another of the five men was the Rev.
Bela Kellogg. Seventeen years before
(class of 18U0) he had been graduated at
Williams College and had afterwards
studied theology with the vigorous and
famous, and astute pastor of the church iu
Franklin, Mass. ; the man who took a
seventy years course of hard study and
never got tired of it — enjoyed it all the
way through; — who never shunned a sub-
ject because it was difficult, and never hes-
itated over any results to which his logic
brought him.

The remaining member of the party was
the Rev. Zephaniah Swift, who had then
been for four j^ears pastor of the ancient
church in Derby, a church 13G years old,
when he was called to it, and when he
answered the call by beginning a genuine
life work with and for it — commencing a
pastorate which was to ^irove to be of more
than a third of a century (35 years) in
length.

The object of this meeting of these men
at oar village was to organize a church of
Christ here, if it should seem to be best.

They prepared themselves for the work
which they had been called to perform by
appointing the Rev. Zephaniah Swift mod-
erator, and Nathaniel W. Taylor scribe.
When they were ready, uine persons pre-
sented themselves before them, producing
letters of good standing in other Churches
of Christ, and asking to bo organized into
a church. The nine persons were : Joel
Beebe and wife, Bradford Steele and wife,

Ira Smith and wifti, Louis Holhrook, Ilaii-
nail 1'. Johnson and Sally Whci'lcr.

'I'hc (jucstion was considered hy tlu^
council, the church was orfranizecl, and
th(i name by winch it wascalleil was

THE VILLAGE CllUliCH.

The vote which the council left on record
of tht! result which they reached on that
<l:iy is very brief, but as distinct as it is
lirief. These are the words of it : " V'oted,
The above naniecl pt'rsons be and are hereiiy
orj;auized into a church in this village."

This is not, however the earliest church
constituted here. Twenly-eight years be-
lore this, on the :}d day of November, 178'J,
twenty-six piusons sif;ned a certiMcate
settinj;' forth that they had joined the Con-
j>,re<;ational society (evidently formed then)
in ihis part of the town and withdrew
from the Congre<;ational church in Derby,
then 112 years old, to form a society in this
l)ortioii of the town. 1 have in my hand
th(! dixMunent which lies at the basis of
the hrst Church of Chiist ever formed in
what is now our village. [The document
is published on second page. — Ei>.]

A vigorous entering upon their ntnv
work this earlier christian company seem
to have had the will and found the way to
make. Few in number though .they were,
they resolutely procured a, pastor and built
a house of worship.

The house of worshi}) which was put up
at this time is of iuteiest to us as the first
hauHe of xpomlup ever erected in our rill(i(je.
It was placed on land which had been
owned by Mr. Isaac Johnson, and where
the M. E. church now stands. It was built
at sacrilice; it was built as those who
erected it could Imild it, with the means
which they could command. There was
i'aith ami praycsr miugh^d with the work, as
it went' forward, I have no (piestion.' One
who ot'U'M worshipped within it (Mrs. Sarah
Jones, afterwards of Erie, l*a., (laught*'i of
Bradford Steele) wrote concerning it 20
years ago, to her sister :

" I i\'v\ a peculiar interest in that church,
well knowing its histoiy from the tirst.
This is not its first struggle. I well r»^-
member, when but a mei'e child, of seeing
tln! anguish of mj- mother's heart f(tr its
(h^pression. # * * '['[^^^ buikling was
where the Methodist church now stands.
I well remember when it was done o!f
(what doing olf there was). It was divided
oO'inti) pews. It was neither lathed or plas-
tcre<l, and but jxtorly clai>boarde(l. Many
times have I brushed the snow otf the seats
befori' sitting down. Its exterior resembled
a l>arn more than a church. Still it was
beloved, and jtroliably had as true worship-
pers in it as those of modern style. * * *
You, my dear sister, know, as yet, but very

little of the struggles of our ancestors to
l»erpetuate the blessings we have enjoyed."

The man who was called by this early
church to ministia- to it the gospel of the
graets of God, was the Rev. Ijenjainin Beach,
grandfather of one of our resi>ected citizens,
Sharon Y. Beach. The liev. Benjamin
Beach ])reaclu^d the gos|iel to thesi; earnest
christian peoi)le lor about l.j years. The
house, which was built either for or by him,
for a parsonage, is standing now, and is
the second dwelling east of the present
house of worship of the M. E. church —
next the new and tasteful parsonagi^ which
has been built within the yeiir past \)\, the
Methodist society. Tlu^ building which
was to be the tirst past(n's honii^ was I'eaily
for its occujiants very pnuniitly — within a
tew months after the organization of the
little church (things seem to have been
done with a will then) — and Mr. Beach
moved into it in March, 1790, having
waited for a time for an o[ipoitunity to
bring his houstihold goods from North
Haven on snow, which did not, however,
fall that winter, so as to reuder it pt)ssible
for him to do so.

Two outlines of sermons preached by the
Rev. Btuij. Beach are before me. Time, you
see, lias Ic^ft tract^s of its passage on the old
nianuscriiits. One of them was lu'eached
in the year 179-!, from Luke.t): 42. The
other is a fast day sermon, preached from
II. Kings, l'.»: 14-^20, on the 25th of April,
17".>'.>, at the i)oint of time when ditlicul-
ties with France were assuming a threat-
ening, and even warlike, asiiect ; dillicul-
ties which wtire, to the joy of all, adjusted,
after a single, oi- rather a double naval
engagement, in which the French frigate
Insurgvnjte, and the Anu^rican i'rig.ate Con-
stellation wen; prominent. The sermon
was preached a. year and live months before
the treaty, by which (leace was reston-d,
was concluded, and nine months before
the ileath of Washington. Of the genuine
l»atriotism of tlm writer, it hsaves no room
for qiu'stion. It has tlu! true ring of the
words which were s])oken abundantly from
our loyal Connecticut piil[»its, in the latter
part of th<! last century. There; is \ igor of
thought indicated by these old time-worn
manuscripts; there was a live man be-
hind them once. They indicate, I judge,
the i)ossession, by this tirst pnstor of
our village, of a good deal of the power
of putting things in a telling way. They
were, evidently, well adjust(;ii to the time
to which they belonged, as every sermon
ought to bo. One of them was pre.ached
several times, and, as the marks on the
margin of it show, once at Waterbury.
The remains of this tirst pastor of our liist
church lie in Milton, a parish of the famous

town of Litclitk'ld ; fiiinoiis not so nincli for
itfs rocks and its pure, air, as for its mkn.

How large the. chnrcli became within
these fifteen years ot the faitbfnl ministra-
tions of its lirst pastor, I ha\'e not been
abh'. to ascertain. I fear tiiere are no
leconls of it in (^xisteiici!. Tiie Rev. Mr.
Ucacli couipletetl liis work liere, anil re-
UKJved to JMilton, in 1805.

Then the church was for a time scatter-
ed. l>nt its nl(^nlbers liad tlie heart to
worship God and they wiuit, some to Ox-
iord, some to Great Hill, some to ISethany,
as th<!y most couNcniently could. After a
time the Rev. Zephaniah Swift became
pastor of the church in Diu'by, and, with a
genuine interest in the welfare of the
church, preached for it occasionally.

Hut a new eleuient had, in the meantime,
been introduced into (uir villai;'e. It lunl
taken a new name, and was the scene of a
new and busy life. One could not have
told, at that point of time, into what proui-
iniuiee it mi^ht rise. That nnin of emi-
nence, ref>ar<led as an ornanumt to the
])eriod in which he lived, siTliolar, historian,
poet and patiiot, Gkx. David Humi'iikkys,
iiad lixc^l upon this sjyot in our valley to
work out a noble idea which had taken
]iossession of his mind. He had gained his
lionors before he estaidished his interests
here. His experience of life had bt^en very
Varied. He had seen the world in dilfei-
ent phases ot it ; had seen it, and had help-
ed to mould it. He had IxnMi a successful
milit;iry man. H(^ had bet^i a personal
fiieiid and associate of the great Washing-
ton. He had been intimatidy connected
with the brave and uuforlunate Kosciusko.
He had been aiubassador to two important
foreign courts, from whi<'h he retu'imd,
bringing back to his native land — and to
tliis, his native town — the "true (jolden
fleece," as the phrase is in the inscription
on the shaft of granite which marks the
resting jdace of his remains, in the old
cemetery in New Haven. He died Feb.
21, 1818. He entered Yale collegn^ when
hti was 15 years old, only, and was gra<luated
when lu^ was 19 ; — (class of 1771). He com-
menced his enterprise here; — returning to
his native valley from his residence abroad—
w hen he was o'-i, enriched ))y all his ex-
perience, using his wealth ficely, gather-
ing into his plans all his l>road resources,
and employing them without stint or n:ir-
rowness. He laid tlie foundation of his
W(uk, on the bank of our beautifid river —
and at oni^ of tht^ most beautiful jjoints up-
on it — in the year ISO-I ; and in 1-^10, when
the new nianufactming company was in-
corpohited, the village was wearing his
inline.

The enterprise which GtMi. Humphreys

established here was, for its time, one to
be looked at by a whole region, and it
carried the name of our village, (Humpii-
REY8VILLK) to (litfercnt and distant points,
made it familiar at our nation's ca[)itol,
and honored by the presidents of (jur re-
public. Ur. Dwight, the able president of
Yale College, who was persouallj', (and I
tinnk intinuitely) ac(i[uainted with Gen.
Humphreys, says of it :

"In Europe great complaints have been
made of manufacturing esLablishmeiits as
having been, very connnonly, seats of vice
and disease. Gen. Humphreys began this
with a iletermination either to prevent
these evils, or if this could not be done, to
give up the di'sign. With ri'gard to the
health of the people it is stitiicient to ob-
serve, that from the year l''-^04 to the year
1810, not an individual belonging to the
institution died, and it is believed that
among no oth<'r equal number of persons
there has been lews <lisease. (Dwight's
'1 ravels, vol. IH, p. :{9:j.)

A journey, of which a very graphic
recoi(i has come ilown to us, was made by
Pres. Dwight across our valley, in the in-
terval marked b^"^ the establishment of
this manufacturing institution — in the
antunin of LSll. He speaks of it with
enthusiasm. He h;id an tsye for natural
beauty, and he foinid it her<\ His words
are fairly aglow as he writes ai)out
the sjjot which lies a few rods north of the
place on which this house stands. He says:
"The scenery at this spot is delightfully
romantic. The Fall is a tine object. The
river, the buildingH Ixdfmgiug to the insti-
tution, the valley, the bordering hills,
farms and houses, groves and forests united,
form a landscape in a high degree inter-
esting.'; (Travels, vol. Ill, p. 394.)

Pres. Dwight seems to have been es-
pecially interestetl in the moral aspects of
the manufacturing enterprise, of which he
gives adetailt^d and very valual>le aceouul,
established hcrei l)y Gen. Humphreys.

When Dr. Dwight wrote the account of
this journey he was u 'ar the end of his
life. He ilied a year and a month earlier
than Gen. Hnmphn'ys, and two months
before this churc.-h was reorganized.

Of course, in the year 1^17, when the
council of which Dr. Taylor was scribe as-
sembled here, our village was much larger
than when the earlier chnrcli was organ-
iz d. With the infusion of new life which
it had received, it had gained a new out-
look. It had passed through vicissitudes.
The war of Lspi had alfeeted tin; manufac-
turing industii<'s of the place very greatly,
at lirst prosp(!rously and then adversely.
I5ut the new Church of the Living Goil
which was planted on that March day of

1817, bad oppoitnnity broad enonob of
bearing fruit for tbo Master, on oiir bill-
sides and iu onr valley; and it seems to
bave desired to improve it. Tbo faets are
tiiese : Tbe cburcb was constituted ou tbe
12tb of Marcb. Eigbteen days later, ou tbe
SUtii of Marcb, tbe liev. Zepbaniab Swift,
of Derby, was present at one of its meet-
ings, and received IH otbers into niomljor-
sliip. One of tbe 18 wbo united witb tbe
new cburcb, on tbat day, is living now, a
respected — and tbe oldest — member of onr
cburcb, and is spending on tbis Sahbatb,
ber 8(5tb birtbday, Mrs. Daniel Wbite.

Two moutbs after tbe cburcb was organ-
ized, tbe Rev. Bela Kellogg received otber
members. In tbo following September, six
montbs after its organization, otbers still
presented tbemselves to unite witb it, so
tbat wben tbe cliurcb entered upon tbe
second year of its new existence, it bad
witbiu it — tbeir names enrolled ou its re-
cords — between tbirty and forty men and
women, wbo bad cbosen to stand up to de-
clare tbeniscilves for Cbrist, and tbeir readi
ness to do work for bim. Tbirty-four men
and women iu vital earnest, can do a great
deal. Tbe cbristiau age was introduced
witb a company wbicb could bave been
counted more easily tban tbis.

Tbese 34 disciples of Cbrist, tbus formed
into a new cburcb, so beginning auew iu
tbe cbristiau work, wanted to dedicate to
tbe Master a new bouse of worsbip. So
tbey prayed to God, and talked tbo matter
over witb eacb otber. Tbe result was tbat,
to tbe M. E. society, wbicb bad been pre-
vionsljT formed, tbe old building, endeared
to many bearts, was sold, Sept. 22, 1818,
and tbe vigorous Cburcb of tbo Now Be-
ginning, iu due time, and as it could, built
lor itself a new bouse, on tbe spot over-
looking tbe river, on tbe eastern side of it,
wbere tbe old Congregational burying
ground is now. Tbe cburcb began at once,
in 1818, to prepare for tbe work of building,
meeting for a time in tbe Belle scliool
bouse, tbe steeple was added to complete
tbe editice, in 1829.

Of tbose wbo ministered tbe gospel to tbe
cburcb in tbe bouse of worsbip overlook-
ing tbo river, some aro remembered very
distinctly by individuals bere to-day. One
of tbe earliest and most constant friends of
tbe cburcb seems to bave been tbo Eev.
Zepbaniab Swift, of Derby. He gave it
counsel ; be gave it time ; be gave it
work. At one period of its early bistory
be was placed at liberty, by vote of bis
own cburcb, to preacb for it a fourtli of
tbe time, receiving from it a fourth of bis
salary. Tbis cburcb owes mucb under God
to tbat man, of stately dignity of bearing,
but witb a warm beart beating witbiu bim,
good, and true and faitbful ; tbe man wbo

made so powerful an impression on at least
one wbo, came under bis influence, as to
load bim witb extravagance of expression
to say, tbat it would be joy euougii for bim,
if be could ever get to beaven, to meet
Zepbaniab Swift tbere.

Tbe Rev. Bela Kellogg was never pastor
of tbe cburcb, but ministered to it for a
time, not far from its beginning.

Tiie Rev. Ei)braim G. Swift was pastor
of tbe cburcb from 1825 to 1827. He died
iu Aug., 18.'')8.

On tbe lltb day of May, 1828, tbe Rev.
Amos Pettiugil received to membersbip of
tbe cburcb several individuals, among
wbom were Isaac Sperry and wife, Alberi
Carrington, Adaline and Emeline Sperry,
and Olive Merriam. Of tiiose wbo united
witb tbe cliurcb wbile tbe Rev. Epbriam
G. Swift was pastor, one only is a member
now, Mrs. Henry P. Davis.

Tbe name of tbe Rev. Cbarles Tbornpson
fiist appears under date of July 20, 1828.
Ho was installed pastor of tbe cburcb in
April, 18o0. His ministry witbin it was of
about live years in lengtb. He seems to
bave labored faitbfuUy. I judge, from
wbat I can gatber from tbe old records,
tbat be bad genuine love of bis work. It
seems as if it were overflowing from bis
pen, at times, as be was making some of
tbe entries wbicb we bave in bis band-
writing. From wbat I bear about bim and
bis family, from tbose wbo were personally
acquaiuted witb tbem, I sbould judge bim
to bave been a good man witb an excellent
wife. He came bere from Dundalf, Pa.
He, too, bas flnisbed bis work ou eartb.
He died in Marcb, 1855. Of tbose wbo
united witb tbe cburcb wbile tbe Rev.
Cbas. Tbompson ministered to it, tbree aie
members now: Mrs. Maria Holbrook, Mrs.
Geo. Wasbburn, aud Mrs. B. M. Dnrand.

Tbe ministry of tbe Rev. Roll in S. Stone
was also witbin tbis period. His arrange-
ment witb tbe cburcb and society was a
peculiar one. He engaged to be responsible
for tbe weekly supply of tbe pulpit, witb
tbe understanding tbat tbe Rev. Mr. Swift,
of Derby, sbould preacb one-balf tbe time,
by regular and stated excbange. Mr.
Story spending tbe secular days of tbe
week at New Haven, in tbe Tbeological
Seminary. Tbis arrangement was contin-
ued for fifteen moutbs — from June 2, 1833,
to Se))t. 1, 1834, tbe relation was tben sev-
ered, according to bis own record of tbo
matter, " in peace aud love."

Tbe Rev. Jobn E. Bray ministered to tbe
cburcb for about seven years and a-balf —
from Sept., 1834, to Apri'l, 1842. Of tboso
wbo united witb tbe cburcb witbin tbis
time, two only are members now — Dea.
David Jobnson, and Mrs. Sarab Collins.

On tbe 2Gtb of June, 1843, tbe Rev. Wm.

B. Cnrtiss was called by the church to
become its pastor. His ininistry was of
somewhat over six years iu lenutli. He
was a mail who loved to work, and who
always found work to do, if it was to be
found — and it always was, and is.

When the Rev. Mr. Cnrtiss entered upon
his ministry here, the honse of worship ou
tlie other side of the river was not, by any
means, an old one. But the fact had be-
come very apparent that it was not cen-
trally located. As business developed, the
village grew away from it , instead of around
it, and the company who had chosen to be
called The Village Church decided that
a new house ought to be built. And there
was enterprise enough to do it. It is this
house, witiiiu which we are now (one of
the easiest houses to speak iu I have ever
used — of proportions conformed to acoustic
law as fully as can be desired) which arose
out of the energetic purpose formed at that
time. The 20th day of April, 1847, was
dedication day within it ; a day of joy and
gladness. The Rev. Mr. Curtiss remained
pastor of the church and society for two
and a half years longer — until Oct. 15,
1H19. Of those who united with the church
while he ministered to it, six are members
now : Wm. Hull, Mrs. Euieiine Bliss, Mrs.
Emeline Steele, Mrs. Laura A. Culver, Mrs.
Esther Cantield, and Chas. Durand.

Four years and nine days after this
J}ouse was dedicated to the worship of
<j()d— on tlie 29th day of Apiil, 1851— it
was opened for the lirst installation service
«-ver held witliin it. On that day the Rev.
E. 15. Chamberlain was constituted pastor
of tlie church and society . The installation
s«nmoii was preached by the Rev. Mr. Har-
rison of Bethany. Mr. Chamberlain had
been here for nearly a year before this day.
The last record to which his name is sigiit-d,
,'is jtastor, is under date ot March 21, 1852 —
nearly a year later. His request to have
the pastoral relation dissolved was based
on the ground of ill-health, and was ac-
ceded to by the church May 20, 18.52 — two
and a half years after his name first appears
on the records of the church. Of those
wild united with the chnrcli while he miu-
istc^red the gospel to it, two are members
aiow : Mr. and Mrs. Roswell Kinney.

The Rev. J. E. Wiilard, now, and for
more than twenty years ])ast the successful
]iast('r of the Cougrcgalional church in
\\'estville, comiiu'uccd his ministry here
.Sept. 1, 1<,2, and contiinu'd it to May 1,
1855 — two years and two-tliirds. He left
very warm friends here, and has made very
warm friends elsewhere. Of those who
united with the church while he minister-
<'d to it, two are memiiers now: Mr. and
Mrs. ,Shel(h)ii C. Santbrd.

At about this time our village sulfered
the loss of a heavy manufacturing industry
which involved the removal from the place
of not far from thirty families connected
with the congregation. Other disasters
followed. A wave of huancial embarrass-
ment swept over the land. It was a time
of dejection and discouragement;, and this
church and society felt the inHuences of it
keeiilj\

Ou one of these days, a young man just
out of college was passing through our vil-
lage—Henry D. Northrop. He had never
beeu ordained to the work of the ministry,
but he had a soul aglow with the love of
Christ — he had somethiug to say for
Christ, and he could say it. Mr. Wallace M.
Tuttle was not deacon of the church at
the time, but ho was soon to become such,
and he never did a wiser and better thing
than when he sought out the young gradu-
ate of Amherst College and almost com-
pelled him to stop and work for Christ
here. It was the Lord's plan. The Lord or-
dained him hist, and man ordained him
afterwards. No such revival as the Lord
gave him to see that winter, had, up to that
point of time, beeu witnessed, in connec-
tion with the whole history of the church.
The Lord set his own seal to the work
faithfully- and efficiently^ performed. The
time which seemed so adverse proved to be a
glorious time in which to nurtui'e faith to-
wards God. The ministry of the Rev. H. D.
Northrop here was commenced in August,
1857, and continued through the larger
part of the year 1858. Of those who united
with the churcii at that time, twelve are
members now : Henry P. Davis, Mrs. Han-
nah Canheld, Mrs. Harriet E. Denney, Mrs.
Emeline Ricks, Mrs. Fidelia E. Holden,'
Miss Sarah L. Ormsbee, Mr. and Mrs. Geo.
E. Lester, Mrs. William Losee, Miss Oriila
E. Hnrlburt, Miss Grace E. Botsford and
Mrs. Mary Worth.

The ministry of the Rev. E. C. Baldwiu
was of a year in length, from May, 18.59, to
May, 181)0. The ministry of the Rev. Syl-
vester Hine was of about equal length.
The ministry of the Rev. J. L. Mills, (now
Prof, in Marietta College, Ohio,) was of
about two ytiars iu length, from 18G2 to
1864. The ministry of the Rev. George A.
Dickerman Avas of a single year in length,
from 18f)4 to 1865. Of those who united
with the church within these years, seven
are members now : Mr. and Mrs. James L.
Spencer, Mrs. Augusta Lathrop, Mrs. H. A.
Rider, Mrs. Lucy DeWolfe, Miss Huldali
DeWolfe, Miss Harriet Hotchkiss and Mrs.
RaymoiKl French.

On the lirst day of February, 1866, this
iionse was oi)ened for another installation
service. Tiie Rev. A. .1. Quick had accepteil

the cull of the climcli and society, and on
tliat day was coustitnted pastor. TLe Kev.
J. L. VVillard, of Westville, preached the
instalhitiou seimon, and tlie installin"
prayer was ottered by the Rev, C. S. Slier-
man, of Nauj'atuck. Mr. Qnick's pastorate
was a brief one. The exact lengtii of it I
liave been unable to ascertain. The facts
wliich I have fonnd are — that he was en-
<>aged as stated supply for one year coni-
ineucinff April 'M, 18U5 ; that his name is
to be tound on the records, for the last
time, as moderator of the church, under
date of April li), 1H()7 ; and that he was
dismissed from membership on the l:ith of
June, 18(58; a little less than two and a
half years after his installation. Of those
who were leceived within the time covered
by his ministry, ten are members of the
church now: Mr. and Mrs. James Swan,
Mrs. S. J. Castle, Mr. and Mrs. John Whit-
ney, Miss Frances Louusbury,William Bell,
Miss Catharine Bell, Miss Catharine Bur-
well and Mrs Mary Lockwood.

On the "J-id of Alay, 18iH, this house was
opened for an ordination service. The
Rev. Allen Clark was, on that day, ordained
as an evanj>elist, by a council called by
letters missive issued by this church, to
which Mr. Clark was then ministering.
The ordination sermon was preached by
Dr. Churchill, of Woodbury, and the or-
daining jnayer was oll'ered by Rev. C.
Chandierlin, of Oxford. In connection
with the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Clark,
another gloi'ions rc^vival of religion oc-
curred. It is of such recent datt; — only
eight years ago — that there nmst be many
verj' vivid recrollections of it in the minds
of many of you \s ho are present. Of those
who united with the church within the
time covered by Mr. Clark's ministry,
twenty are members now : Joshua Kendall,
Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Hard, Miss Eunna
Lock wood. Miss Hat tie M. Ford, Mrs.
James Richardson, Mrs. A. A. Harris, Mrs.
Frank Rusm*1I, Mrs. William Fife, Mrs.
Ella F. Reynolds, Mrs. E. A. Robinson,
Miss Hortie V. Swift, Henry B. Lock wood,
Charles Sherman, Mrs. E. C. Barr, Mrs. F.
Boeker, William B. Nichols, Mr. and Mrs.
Edwin Segar and Mrs. George Fowler.

The '2.^)tli of November, 18G9, was another
ordination day. The Rev. H. 1*. Collin
was, at that time, ordained to the work of
an evangelist, by a council called by this
church. The ordination sermon was j)r«ach-
ed by the Rev. Mr. Adanison, of Ausonia,
and the ordaining prayer was otfered by
the Rev. Mr. Gray, of Derby. The scribe
of the council was the Rev. Robert C. Bell.
I have not been able to ascertain the
exact length of the ministry of Mr. Collin
here. His hand writing appears, on the

records of the church, for the first time
at date of July 18, 18W», and for the last
time, as 1 judge. May 1, 187U. Of those
who united with the church within the
years 1809 and 1870, sixteen are members
now : Mrs. Laura E. Northrop, David Wil-
liams, Mr. anil Mrs. Roswell C. Cantield,
Richard Evans, Mrs. Charles liliss, Mrs. C.
J. Olmstead, Mrs. Juliette B. Hull, William
J. Barr, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Osbom, Mr.
and Mrs. Rufus Spencer, Mr. and Mrs.
Ge'irge A. Benedict and Mrs. Elizabeth C.
Bier»(m.

The nunistry of the Rev. J. W. Fitch,
here, seems to have been of from one to
two years in length. His name appears
on the records, for the first time under date
of May 7, 1871, and for the hist lime, in
his own hand writing, under date of May
28, 187'2. Of those who united with the
church within this time, two are memlieis
now : Mrs. Rhu^be A. Hubbell and Thoujas
B. Minor.

The Rev. William J. Thomson was in-
stalled pastor of the church and society on
the 24th of January, 187:}. The installation
sermon was preached, and the installing
prayer ottered by the Rev. J. L. Willard of
W^estville. The ministry of the Rev. Mr.
Thomson here was closed on the 27th of
October, 1874. of those who united with
the church within this period, six are mem-
bers now: Mrs. W. J. Thomson, Mrs. D.
Simpson, Miss Eunna E. Beach, Miss Mai-
garet Smith, Mrs. Benjamin Thayer and
Miss Libbie O. Lockvvood.

The ministry which has not yet termi-
nated, was commenced on the Ifjth of No-
vember, 1H74. Of those who have nnitetl
with the church since that date, all — twen-
ty-nine in number — are mendjeis now :
Mrs. and Miss Leonard, Mr. and Mrs. An-
drew Bair, Mrs. Isaac Losce, Charles
Sheard, W. I. Warren, Charles J. Reynohl.s
Miss Jessie Swan, Miss Sarah S. Osborn,
Miss Mattie Osborn, Miss Eliza M. Creel-
man, Mrs. Charlotte Hayman, Mr. and Mrs.
Robert A. Weaver, Mrs. Mary A. Hurlbnrt,
Miss Freddie C^iiiering, Miss Carrie L. Pick-
hardt. Miss Bertha E. Johnson, Miss Mary
E. Spencer, Miss Mary E. French, Mrs.
Annie E. Lyman, Frank H. Wyant, Walter
W. Dormau, Miss Ellen C. Hard, Miss
LydiaA. Hard, Miss Mary A. Hill, Frank
A. Smith and Mrs. Sarah iVL Lines. May
the number be increased, and there bo
added to the church a multitude of such
as shall be saved !

Of those who have ministe ed to the
church as deacons, several have gone to
their rest. The liist deacon of the earliest
church was Mr. Baldwin, of Dei by. When
the chinch was reorgaui/ed in 1817, the
two chosen to this service were, Bratl-

ford Stecilo aii<l Niiliciiiiab Botsford.
'Jliey occupied tlio utlice lor almost
all that niuained to tlieui of life.
L»eacoii Steele, iu Septeiiibei', lri40 — after
uearly a (juarter century of service, and
a little more tliaii a year In-fore his death —
asked to Ite released from tlie iieiforuiance
a{ further otilicial <luty, aud, because of iiis
a;ne an<l iidirujity, his re(|ue.st was grauted.
Ueacon liotsfoi'd had, a little before, made
a similar recpiest, which hatl been grauted
also.

A hundred years ago to-day, Bradford
Steele was a boy of not (juite lifteen years
of age. But there was a dark war-cloud
coming up into view. It was seen from
«)ur hill sides and our valleys with very
great distinctness. Many brave men and
women looked u[»on it with the calmness
ot heroic courage. Boys saw it, aud were
ready to take their share in what it nnolv-
ed. Bradford Steele was not (juite sixteen
when he enlisted in the army which repre-
sented the cause of freeilom. Terrible
scenes he passeil through. There was one
<lay memories of which seemed to lie
gleaming in his mind through his whole
long after life. It was the 22d day of
August, 1777. He was taken prisoner and
treated with a cruelty which was merciless,
his veiy appearance becoming so changed
by what he endured, (and the boys of that
timeeoukl endure a good deal of hardshi[(
without being greatly atfectetl by it,) that
his own father, when he met him did not
at lirst know who he was. lie died iu
lieace, Dec. 2'.i, 1841, at the ripe age of «U.

There have been ■ ery few lirmer friends
of tlie church than Deacon Sheldon Kinney,
now among those who have gone before.
It was out of a gift ni.wle by him to the
society that our jdeasaut and convenient
}»arsonage has ctinu\ He was a man, 1
judge from what 1 hear .about him, of a
clear head and a large heart, fie was ai)-
]iointed deacon oi' the chuich on the tJth of
.September, lri4U. The names of those who
have served as deacons for a longer or
shoiter time I have tried to collect antl ar-
range in the order in which they have per-
formed the service : Capt. Timothy Bald-
win, ajipointed in 17.Si) ; Bradford Steele
and Xeheniiah Botsford, appointed in 1817;
Sheldon Kinney and Alfred flull, 184U;
Andrew \V. DeFoiest, 1844; William Kin-
ney, Miles Culver and .J. L. Spencer, is.");};
W. M. Tuttle, I8r)8; Charles Bradley, date
of appointment not recorded; David John-
son aud Levi Lounsburv, I8u5; Joshua
Kendall, 18(;8.

A very incomplete idea, (but still one of
some value,) of the religious inlluences
exerted here within the century of our ex-
istence as a nation, may be suggested by

an ennmeralion of the houses of worsliip
which have been built.

What is now Seymour was, at first, .a
])artof the old "jurisdiction of New Haven."
For a little less than forty years (KllW-
1G77) it was a part of Milford. For a hun-
dred and sixty-three years, (1677-lHCji)) it
was a i)art of Derby. For only twenty-six
years has it had an existence as a town-
ship with its present name. An<l then we
are weai'ing now our fourth local name —
Naukotunk (meaning one great tree) the
tirst ; Chusetovvn, the second; Humphreys-
ville, the third ; Seynutur, the fourth ; each
of the names, but the lirst, being personal
in their reference ; elevating into pioini-
ueut view an individual ; the first name
bringing into lu'oininence an object in na-
ture. (They are all gone now.)

In the township of Milford — of which
th(^ land which is now covered by our vil-
lage was then a part — a Congregational
church was formed on the ItJth day of
August. 16:>9 — the year after the beginning
at New Haven, 237 years ago. As the basis
of the plan on which this ohlest chuich
was organized, those who were to consti-
tute it took tlie text Proverbs 9 : 1 :

"W^isdom hath builded her house.

She hath hewn out her seven ])illars,"
and selected seven of their number to join
together in covenant to be the church, and
to lie calliid the jiillars, to whom the rest
were afterwards added.

Thirty-seven years later, in 1(177, the
Congregational church in Deiby was coii-
stitiiteil. So it was two centuries ago,
lacking one year, that this church, in wliat-
then became our town, was organized.
It was long ago for this continent. It was
only 9'.\ years after the death of Luther,
ami it was 21) years before .J(»lin Wesley
was born, that this ancient church, only
five miles away from us, was formed. It
was after that chuich had been in exist-
ence and doing its work about a hundred
and thirteen years that .Jesse Li-e, tme (d'
Wesley's followers, jtassed through, for the
first time, the place where it had been
standing until it had grown grey with age,
and hired a l)ell man to ring the people
out that he might jireach to them.

A CKNTUUY A(i(>To-i).vv, tile father ofGcu.
Humphreys had i)assed the mid<lle of his
|>astorate, of more than half a century in
length. A ctuitury ago to-day, the Rev.
Daniel Humphreys had been doing the
work of a pastor <d' the dock of Christ,
five miles from where we are, for over forty
years. Many times had he been over our
hills aud through our valleys, on errands
for the Master. A century ago to-day, his
son David, (whom he had named after tlie
King of Israel, and whom he hoped would

make sometliino,) was a young man 24
.years of ai;e, looking up into the future to
tsce what he could carve out of it. Those
who were living in this part of the town —
when they wanted to attend services of
l)ul)lic worship — (and people in those days
expected to, and were expected to) — went
to what is now Derby, to hear Mr. Humph-
reys— it was (ill Del by then. There were
families here a century ago who could have
gained something by a steady going to
meeting, and it is to be hoijed they did go.

The Indian Sachem whom we know best
as (Jhuse, (.Joe Mauwehu,) was here a cen-
tury ago, probably not far from where we
are, only across the river; his wigwam
standing on the south border of the flat,
west of the residence of Mr. Eaymoud
French, beautifully set among a grove of
white oaks there. (He iniiii have been,
just then, in the vicinity of where Dr.
.Stoddard now lives.) A century ago his
youngest child — Eunice — was an Indian
girl 14 years old, her father an athletic
skillful hunter, with some knowledge such
as civilization has to give, but with the
instincts of his race strong within him. At
some point of his long life (he died when
about (SU) he united with the church in
Derby. But even after he came to hojje
that he loved the Lord, he kitew that he
loved — that whicii biteth like a serpent
anil stingelh like an adder.

The fust house of worship — that built
foi' the Kev. Benjamin Iieach — was erected
8(j years ago. The frame of it was probably
raised in the mouth of April, 1791. The
second house of worshii) ever erected at
what is now our village is the pleasant
and commodious one belonging to the
Protestant Episcopal Church. The Epis-
coi)al Society was org.iui/.ed Feb. 20, 1797.
Tlii- house was originally built by two
societies in union, but has been recon-
structed at heavy expense, by the society
owning it now, into its present attractive
lorm. Tlie third house of worship erected
at our vill.-ige was the second Congrega-
tional Jiouse, built on the hill overlooking
the river. This was commenced — or prepa-
ration was begun for it — in 1818. The
foiirti) is this house in which we are — the
tiiiid Congregational house — built in 184(i.
The lifth is the house owned by the Metho-
dist Ei)!scopal Church. The corner stone
of this (idilice was laid on Saturday, June
19, 1847. The sixth is the house built by
the Bajitist Church. The church was or-
ganized in 1848, and the house was erected
in lsr)l. The house built liy the congrega-
tion connected with the chuich of liome,
is of moi'e recent date.

So thei'e have been fhree years, not far
apart, of the life of our vilUige, which

have been, characteristically, church-build-
ing years. This temple-buildiug-work ks,
of itself, on the surface, I know, but ifc
traces away to something which lies deei>
down in human hearts — interest iu the
things of God's worship. It has self-denial
underlying it — and mixed with it. There
is prayer and faith back of it and below it.
There has been a lite lived within our vil-
lage, invisible of itself, but which has
come to view in these results. It has been
qui(!tly lived by many. It has been a
blessing to ns.

Within those sanctnaries, which have
arisen from the impulses and ])urposes of
this life, (God aiding and blessing,) the-
gospel of our salvation has been preached,
with earnestness and success. The health-
ful intluences exerted by these dittereut
churches, through these 8(3 years of time
past, has been, to our village, an advantage
which cannot be estimated. These influ-
ences penetrate, to a greater or less extent,
business and social life, encouraging integ-
rity, and honesty, and honor, and discour-
aging evil. The more vigorous these
churches of our village are, the better will
be the village, as a phice to have a home
iu — a place in which to spend, pleasantly
and usefullj', these days which bear us-
along to the end. Our days are all journey
days — days of travel along our life-way.

These churches of Christ have beeu
schools of the Master, from which a gi-eat
many have been graduated ami called uj). ,
These houses of worshij) have been centers-
from which have radiated invisible tenden-
cies toward what is good and true — forces
stimulative of elevating thought and feel-
ing and action.

A church becomes localized, ns it builds
a house of worship aiound itself. It gains
for its' If a religious home. Then tlie home
feeling has o])portnnity to act ami re-act
within the religious miture. A church is-
not infre(iueiitly moulded, to an extent —
its daily and )veekly life materially affeitted
— by the house which belongs to it, and to-
whiCli it belongs; not as it belongs tyy
Christ, but as it can belong to e.'i.rthly
things.

The wliole history of this church, taken
in connection with the church out of which
it came, most naturally divides itself into
three ]>eriods, marked by the erection of
its three ditferent houses of wcu'ship.

'I'he lirst period of 27 years iu length,
from the beginning iu 17S9 to the assem-
bling of the Council of Five iu li-!17. This
is the j)ioneer jx'riotl, the period of struggle
for the ncicssitii's of religious lite. Of the
church, as it lived tlirongli this jieriod, we
kn'>vv something, but much less than we
sh(nUd be glad to know. The 27 years of

meeting within that bouse bad sunshine aud
shadow within them, as years have now.
There was trial bravely borne, and, proba-
bly, trial uot bravely borne. They were
years with days of weeping and days of
rejoicing withiu them. The 26 men whose
names are ou this old paper — discolored by
these 80 years aud more through which it
has come down to us — represented families,
households, with young and old in them,
and into which joy and sorrow came, as it
comes into our dwelliugs now.

This earliest church gathers itself most
naturally, in our thoughts, around the man
who was, for 15 years its pastor ; a man
who honored God and sought to aid man to
find God; a man ready to do wiiatever his
hands found to do, and whose hands, both
of them, did find enough to do.

The church, in this earliest period of its
history, is sometimes spoken of as one of
what were called the "separate" churches
of the time.

The great awakening of 1740 — of the
time of Whitfield, and Edwards, and Bel-
lamy — enkindled new zeal, and desire of
larger liberty than the relation which then
existed between the church and state allow-
ed, and a number of churches arose, as the
result of this feeling, which were known
as "separate" churches ; some of them com-
posed of the better elements, and some of
the discordant ones. I do not, however,
find this church in any list which has come
to my knowledge thus far, of these churches.
The fact that it was Congregational, and
known as such, is not decisive, for the
separate churches — some of them — claimed
to be more truly Congregational than any
others. The- single fact which I do find,
relating to the matter is that its first and
only permanent pastor had been, before he
came here, minister of a separate church
in Prospect. I have found evidence enough
that this early church was an earnest
church. There was human nature in it,
unquestionably. We find scars of misun-
derstanding and difiicnlty as we trace out
its history ; but this is not so strange a
thing in churches of other times as I wish
it was. After all the labor which I have
given to the gathering of every item of in-
formation concerning it which I could find,
in any quarter, I think of it as a praying,
self-denying, earnest, energetic church of
Christ; adjusted to its time, of course, as
it needed to be in order to be most useful ;
but loving and serving the Master, and
obeying God rather than man. I look back
upon tliat first church of our place with a
great deal of interest.

The second period is of 29 years in
length ; from the meeting of the Council
of Five in 1817, to the dedication of this

house in which we are assembled. This is
the period of quiet, steady w^ork and pro-
gress. The men whom we see ministering
to it — going in and out of its house of
worship, and of the dwellings of those who
composed its congregation — sharing joys
and sorrows with them — the Rev. Zepha-
niah Swift, the Rev. Bela Kellogg, the Rev.
Ephraim G. Swift, the Rev. Charles Thomp-
son, the Rev. RoUiu S. Stone, the Rev.
John E. Bray aud the Rev. William B.
Curtiss — form a company whom it is an
honor to the church to have had withiu it.
Among the laymen who come into promi-
nent view, within this period — [among
those who have gone home; of the
living I will not speak] are Bradford Steele,
Nehemiah Botsford, Sheldon Kinney, Alfred
Hull, Ira Smith and Daniel White. Miles
Culver, energetic, self-denying, generous,
prompt, serving the Master and loving to
do it, and continuing to do it to the end,
united with the church Jan. .5, 1845, not
far from the time when this house was
built.

The third period is, up to this point of
time, of just 30 years in length, but open
for more to follow, of work for Christ, and
of blessings coming — to the worker in the
doing of the work, aud to others through
the work.

The merest sketch of the history of tliis
church could uot be, in anywise, complete,
if it failed to include some notice of its
vigorous Sunday School, which has had
life within it which has helped itself, aud
other good things around it.

The Sunday School can be traced back
to the year 1828. The names of those who
have been Superintendents of it, so far as
they can be collected, are: Joel White,
George F. DeForest, Andrew DeForest,
Sharon Y. Beach, W. M. Tuttle, P. B. Buck-
ingham, George E. Lester, Robert C. Bell,
Tbeoodore S. Ladd, Andrew Y. Beach and
James Swan. The present number of names
on its roll is 222.

But it has what is better than mere
members — vitality — vigor. The weekly
teachers' meeting is a very live meeting; I
never saw anybody asleep in that meeting ;
and teachers awake cannot easily help
having a school awake. Both the school
and the teachers' meeting breathe a little
heavily just now, as we are sufteriug this
excessive heat, but it is exhaustion only,
not sleep. In the revival of last winter
almost all who came to Christ came from
and through our Sunday School.

The Superintendent. is now an ofiicer of
the church, elected annually by ballot.
This plan was adopted about four years
ago, (May 28, 1872.) Up to that tinie no
minute appears on the records of the

cbiirch of the names of the officers of the
Snuday School. Now they are put ou
distinct record every year.

There is one fact belonging to the origin
of the chnrch in its later form, which I
have picked out of the old record with a
good deal of interest. In less than two
months after the church was organized,
and when its first deacons were chosen, (at
a meeting held May 9, 1817,; a Librarian
for the Village Church Llbrary was ap-
pointed. A committee of three also re-
ceived appointment as a "Committee of
Selection;" their duty evidently nuderstood
to be to select books for this library. Now
to select books for a library involves money,
furnished by somebody ; and that three
men were needed on this committee seems
to indicate that there was something im-
portant for them to do. Now to do any-
thing important iu the way of selecting
books, involves and implies a good deal,
and more then than now.

I suppose this could not have been a
Sunday school library ; if it was, the Sun-
day school originated a. good deal earlier
than the date which I have given. The
library is called a church library. In
either case the book power was recognized
by the young church, and it was deter-
mined to make use of it. What a marvel-
ous power has it become since that time !

This church has raised up, for service in
the great tield of christian labor, one min-
ister and one missionary. The'minister is
the Eev. Ira Smith; and the missionary is
the Rev. H. A. DeForest [class of 1632,
Yale,] who went to Syria, returned with
the seeds of fatal disease in his system, and
so ended his work on earth. I am glad to
find that a missionary to that old land has
had any connection with us. I am not quite
certain what the connection was. I take
the fact, as I have stated it, on trust, not
having had opportunity to verify it. I have
searched the old records for his name but
have not, thus far, succeeded in tiiidiug iti
I shall trace out the matter as fully as .
can. It is certainly a benefit to us to have
such a point of contact with the great mis-
sionary enterprise. To follow a missionary
of the cross, who is a personal acquaintance,
with prayer, and interest, and faith, is in-
vigorating to the heart which does it, and
is honorable to God, whose service the
Avork is.

The Rev. Robert C. Bell, now the efficient
pastor of the Congregational Church iu
Darieu, iu this state, was, for a time,
before his entrance upon his ministry, a
member of this church, and comes here to
the family home. His name belongs to our
history.

I designed to say moi'e about the revivals

which have occurred within the church,
noticing not only its larger ingatherings,
but also its other harvests, it ought to be
cliaracterized by them to be true to its ori-
gin, for the church iu its later form was
born in a revival. In the record left by
the council of five, of the work which they
performed on that 12th of March, 1817,
they say: — "The meeting proceeded to
consider this application, and the state of
this village, especially the increase of godly
people in the present revival of religion, and
are of the opinion that a compliance with
the above request may conduce to the pros-
perity of Ziou."

I desired also to, at least, mention some
of the lessons to be gathered from the facts
which 1 have presented to you. But I will
not. You are weary, and you can do this
work for yourselves. I will only express
the wish, which I find so distinctly iu my
heart that I cannot deny it some utterance,
that this church of the Lord Jesus Christ
may be ever true to the Master, earnest in
the doing of His work, and receive of His
blessing till it shall overjlow. It has a Past.
May it have a Futurk !

The following is a literal copy of an old
MS., fixing the date of the formation of the
first ecclesiastical society in Seymour :

Derby, November :3d, A.D. 1789.
' This may sertify all whom it may con-
cern, that the subscribers have joined and
paid towards the support of the Gospel at
the Congregational Society, in Derl>y, near
Bladen Brook, aud mean for the future to
support the Gospel there :

Capt. Timothy Baldwiu.

Asahel Johnson.

Gideon Johnson.

Capt. Bradford Steel. . "

Elisha Steel.

Isaac Baldwin.

Ebr. Turel Whitmore.

Amos Hine.

Bradford Steel, Jr.

Medad Koney.

Hezekiah Wodin.

John Adye.

Ashbel Loveland.

Truman Loveland.

Ebeuezer Warner. Joseph Loiues.

Leveret Pritchard. Moses Clark.

Levi Tonilinson. Philo Hiumau.

John Coe. Thomas Hotchkis.

Ebenezer Beacher Johnson.

Nathan Wheler.

Bezalel Peck.

Frances Forqne.

Sertifyed by me. Levi Tomlinson,

Society Clerk.

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

Great Hill.

The following particulars are from a book iu tlie
possession of Mr. Samuel P. Davis of Great Hill,
consisting of the records of the 8th District of the
Town of Derby, afterward the tirst district of the
town of Seymour, from 1766 to 1810.

June 26, 1767, Henry Tomlinson elected district
committee, Samuel Basit, collector.

Dec. 8, 1769, at house of H. Tomlinson, B.
Tomlinson, moderator. Voted to hire a blaster
for the winter and that what overplus there
might be should be used to pay a Mistress in the
summer.

_^From the Record of the meeting held Dec. 12,
1770, at the schoolhouse. at 5 p. m., it appears that
it was not the custom to hire the teat^her for the
winter until Decemljer. The meetings were us-
ually held in the afternoon.

Jan. 13, Jonathan Miles, moderator. A mo-
tion was made to divide (leaf incomplete.) evidently
the scliool. The meeting adj. to Monday in March
at 4 P. M., at which adjourned meeting an adjourn-
ment was again made to 3Iar. 2;3rd, when it was
voted "that those persons that send their children
to Henry Wooster"s school shall have their propor-
tion of the school money according to their list."

At the meeting held Nov. 2, 1772, Benjamin
Tomlinson, moderator, no action is recordeil, ex-
cept to instruct the committee to hire a teacher for
the winter at his discretion.

Tlie __next meeting recorded was held Dec. ye
14th, 1774. Micah Pool was chosen "one of the
committee," and Samuel Russell, clerk.

It was voted that warnings of the next meeting
be posted at thehou.-es of Joseph Canfield, George
Beard and Capt. John Lu n six days before the
meeting.

Nov. 13, 1775, B. Tomlinson. nu)derator; Chris-
topher Smith chosen one of the comujittee.

Probably owing to the troublous times at the be-
ginning of the revolution, no meetuig seems to have
been held in 1776. but Nov. 27. 1777. B. Tomlinson
was agam moderator, an adjournment was taken
trom the schoolhouse to the house of Geo. JJard,
Dec. 11, but no business transactions recorded.
Sep. 2, 1778, voted to hire a schoolmaster ^ mo.
and to pay the master pr. the poll of the scholer
alter the publick money is gone."

June 12, 1780; Mica Pool, moderator; adj. to
June 19th and voted to hire a mistress at six shil-
hngs pr. (torn off— probably week) "and to pay
schoolmistress pr. the pool of the schollers "

Oct 10, 1780, at the house of James Manvil-
Mica Pool, moderator; Henry Tomlinson appoint-
ed collector.

Feb. l;"), 1781; Joseph Tomlinson, moderator;
voted to hire a master until Apr. 1, and pay by
"poll of the scholars." Dan Tomlinson voted
clerk.

Nov. 14, 1781. Philo Holbrook voted clerk. The
next record is Nov. 23, 1784, when peace again
prevailed, and the school, which very likely had
been suspended by the necessities of the war for
independence, was again awarded the attention it
deserved, by those lovers of home, church, school
and free government. The meeting was belli at
the h.mse of Geo. Bard; Zachariah Fairchild,
moderator. It was "voted to build a schoolhouse
on the highway near Mr. John Hawley's." Build-
ing committee, Ebenezer Lues. Webb Tomlinson,

Pool.

Hawkins, Jonathan Lum, Jr.. and
Voted Mr. George Bard, Mr. Jonathan

Lum, Jr., Mr. Rusil Tomlinson, Committe.'

Nov. 28. 178.5 : Webb Tomlinson, moderator;
voted a rate of six pence on the ptmnd be collect-
ed on the list of 1784 to finish the schoolhouse,
Joliii Hawley, collector. Voted that the warnings
for meetings be put up at the schoolhouse and Geo.
Bard's shop. Voted Sam'l Russell be one of the
committee in place of Johnathan Lum, Jr.

Mar. 20, 1786; at house of John Hawley;
Henry Tomlinson, moderator ; John Hawley voted
"coiniiiiltyman in room of Joseph Hawkins, also
Russell Tomlinsiin, Sam'l Russell and James Man-
ville Committee."
Nov. 22, 1787, Josiah Nettleton, moderator.
Dec. 2i). 1788, Christopher Smith, moderator,
rate laid of 3d. on the £, list of 1788, Webb Tom-
linson, collector. Samuel Russell, Russel Tomlin-
son and James Manville, committee.
The next record is copied verbatim.

"October the 2.5. A. D. 1790.
"At a lawful meeting lawfully warned and attend-
ed, voted Mr. Samuel Russel Moderator. 2nd
voted Mr. Henry Tomlinson a school Committee
in the room of Mr. Samuel Russel. 3d voted Mr.
Abel Holbrook clerk for this eighth School district,
it fourthly voted that the committee should hire a
school muster for this school according to their
discretion for the ensuing year and pay the Mas-
ter by the pool of the scholar.''

Mar. 21, 1794, voted Nathaniel Holbrook, Rus-
sel Tomlinson and Jonathan Lum, committee.

Nov. 9, 179.5, voted Eiios G. Nettleton, clerk;
R. Tomlinson. J. Lum. Jr., and James Bassett,
committee. »■

Nov. 6, 1796, J. Lum, Nathan Mansfield and N.
Holbrook, committee; Enos G. Nettleton, clerk.
Nov. 27, 1797, voted E. G. Nettleton, J. Lum
and N. Holbrook, committee; voted to hire a
master four months "by the poll of the scliolar."

Nov. 6, 1798; Amos Bassett. moderator ; Abram
English, clerk; voted that the eighth district be
divided into two districts.

Oct U, 1799, J. Lum, moderator: Abram
English, clerk ; J. Lum, N. Holbrook and Eph-
raim Wooster. committee ; voted to hire a master
five months.

^ Dec. 3, 1800 ; Eleazer Lewis, moderator ; Davi I
Tomlinson. clerk ; A. English, Moses Feiiton. and
Richard Holbrook, committee; Nathanael Hol-
brook, collector.

Dec. 23, 1800 ; voted Reuben Lum and Wilson
Hurd committee in addition to above ; and to hire
another master and to "divide the money accord-
ing to the poll of the scholars belonging to the first
district."

Mar. 14, 1801. Voted to hire a teacher twelve
mouths, the school to be kept in the meetinghouse
as long as the weather will permit, then to be con-
tinued in the schoolhouse.

Nov. 5, 1801. Jonathan Lum, Jr., Moses
Fenton and Isaac Bassett, committee ; David
Tomlinson, clerk.

From the record of the meeting held Nov. 12,
1802, it appears that "the public money of the
Great Hill School Society" shall be applied to
such schools as the committee think proper, and
a provision made that those who were unable to
pay the schooling of their children should not be
assessed therefor, thereby manifesting their belief

SEYMOUE AND VICINITY,

that it was for the public good that the education
of tlie cliilih-eu of the poor should be provided for.

Apr. 25th, 1803, voted tliat a rate of six mills on
the dollar he laid to repair the schoolhouse.

Oct. 18th, 1803, David Tonilinson, collector;
J. Luni, Richard Holhrook and James Bassett,
committee. Voted to hire a teacher for five
months.

"At a legal meeting of the first School District
in Great Hill School Society, holden at the school-
house in sd. District. Monday, the 18th of March,
1805. First, voted Mr. Abner Tibbils, moderator ;
2nd, voted David Tomlinson, clerk ; 3rd, voted Mr.
Johnathan Lum, Benjamin English and Wilson
Hurd a school committee for the first district ; 4th,
voted Mr. Benjamin English a collector of Miss

Rebecca French's bill ; 5tli, voted Ephraim Woos-
ter collector for the 3'ear ensuing."

Nov. ^tli, 1S05, J. Lum, moderator; David Tom-
linson, clerk; J. Lum, A. English and Wilson
Hurd, committee. Doct. Lum to see to the school-
house.

Nov. IDtli, 1806; same clerk and moderator
elc'ted ; Richard Holl)rook and Abm. English,
committee.

Nov. 30th, 1810; John Smith, moderator; D.
Tomlinson, clerk; adj. to W. A. Gillett's ; Jared
Mansfield and John Smith, committee ; Capt. J.
Nettleton. collector. "Voted that wood pr. load
should he 84 ets. and boarding teacher 7 cts. per
meal or H'ilc. per week."

^.-hv-^-^-^^iz^

Earliest Mention of Pangussett.

There appears to have been a trading port for
New Haven Colony, at Derby at a very early day.
In New York Colonial Documents, 1st Vol., p.
284, (Holland Documents,) — -'Reiuonstrance of
New Netherland, and the occurrences there" ad-
dressed to the States' Greneral by the people
of New Netherland, 28th July, 1649, speaks
first of Stamfort, from which place a man can
reach the North River and return home on a
summer's day, according to the knowledge ac-
quired of the Indian.paths. Again, "The English of
New Haven have a trading port situate to the
East or South-East of Magdalen Island, at no
greater distance than six leagues from the North
River, for that island lies on the East side of the
North River, 23i leagues above Port Amsterdam,
and the trading port is established with no other
design than to attract or wholly to destroy the
entire trade of the North River where it now
passes down entirely free. They moreover made
repeated etforts eight or nine years ago to pur-
chase a large tract of land from the Indians, as we
understood from the latter ; this would have been
rather with a view to attract the trade than any-
thing else, for it was situate on the East side, not
more than three or four leagues from the Colonic
of Renselaerswyck."

Doctor O'Callaghan's note .says: "Magdalen
Island is opposite the town of Red Hook, Dutch-
ess County. The trading port was on the site of
the present town of Springfield, Mass." There
is no authority for making this port Si)ringfield,
which was not established by New Haven.

Paugusset, at the junction of the Housatonic
and Naugatuck, was a capital place to tap the
Dutch trade. The Indians liked to follow rivers,
and the Housatonic; reaches near the Hudson.
Paugusset is nearer the locality indicated by the
Dutch paper. But that Paugusset was the place
appears from the RemoTistrance of the Dutch to
New Haven, (3rd Aug., 1(546, New Haven Col.
Doc, Vol. 1, p. X.'65,) and the reply of New
Haven, speaks of the house they had built at Pau-
gusset. The course there taken leaves no doubt
that the plan complained of was not Springfield,
but Paugusset. The "protest from the Dutch
Governor was read in court and an answer to the
same sent and directions given to those that keep
the trading howse. And it was fully and satisfye-
ingly voted that the court would mak good their
title here and at the trading howse and leave the
issue of things to God whatever they may bee."

The first mention of Paugusset of New Haven
is 71st N. H. Col. Rec, p. 74, 4lh, 3rd month,
164-2. "Two of bro Wakeman's men is excused
fro watching for the present because of their
imploymt att Pawgassett."

Winthrop's Journal, Savages' edition. Vol. 2.
p. 328. year 1646, "The merchants of New Haven
had purchased some land of the Indians, *

* * to the North-West of them, upon
Pautucket River, and hail set up a trading house.
The Dutch Governor made a protest against it

and sent it to Mr. Eaton, claiming the place to be
theirs and within ten Dutch miles of Fort Orange.
Mr. Eaton answered the protest acknowledging no
right in the Dutch, but alleging their purchase
and offering to refer the cause. The Dutch
Governor by letter complained of it and the Gov-
ernor of Massachusetts. The Governor of Massa-
chussets informed Mr. Eaton hereof (the Com-
missioners being then to meet at New Haven) and
tendered it to their consideration if it would not
be expedient to call Mr. Whiting, (then a magis-
trate at Hartford) to give account of these
speeches, seeing the Dutch would expect sacis-
faction. Mr. Savages' note says : "Though the
name is very plainly written, we can hardly doubt
that Winthrop was mistaken. I presume the
word was Peguusset or Pegusset; Indian geogra-
phy is exceeditigly indefinite. Probably the place
was the same soon after called Derbjs where the
Naugatuck unites with the Housatonic. No
doubt some points of resemblance caused the
naming of the Connecticut plantation, and that of
our neighboring town of Watertown, (Mass.)
where the Indian title was Peguusset."

Another evidence that the place referred to was
Paugussett, is found in the Derby Records, in the
sale of land by Thos. Wheler of "Pagasset" to
Alexander Bryan of Milford, of land "bounded
with Potatuck River southwest, Nagatuck River
nortkeast, & bounded on the northwest with trees
marked by Towtaemoe, sachem, containing forty
acres, more or less." Here, surely, the Potatuck
can be no other than the Housatonic.

It appears by the N. Y. Col. Doc. and map
therein, that the river "Mauritius" mentioned in
the N. H. Col. Doc. was the Hudson aS therein
surmised. The valleys of the Housatonic must
have been better places for Indians to dwell in
than the lower Hudson with its steep banks, very
narrow valleys and high lands. The Dutch map
of 1616, (N. Y. Col. Doe.) looks as if the valleys
between the Hudson and Connecticut were more
thickly inhabited than the Hudson itself. The
Indians of the Naugatuck and Housatonic are
there called "Makimaiics."

The Dutch mile is stated in Murray's guide to
Holland to be Sy^Q^ English miles. The name
Pautucket used in Winthrop reminds one of
"Poktatuck," a branch or village of the Paugus-
sets. in the neighborhood of Newtown. Southbury
and Woodbury. The Paugussets, DeForest says,
had a fortress not far above the union of the
Housatonic and Naugatuck.

In May, 1716, Serjt. Joseph Hawkins of Derby,
was by the General Assembly granted "the
liberty to keep a ferry ov^er Stratford River,
where the said Hawkins house now stands by the
said river, at the same fare with the ferry at Strat-
ford ; and so often as he shall have occasion at the
said place to carry or ferry over the mouth of the
Naugatuck River, he shall have the same allow-
ance as afoi-esaid ; and "'hen to cross both, eight
pence for man and horse."

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF SEYMOUR,

15 Y DR. J. KENDALL.

To-day these liilLsiiles and vallej's are
dotted with pleasant houses; to-day ^^e
have the bnsy trend of men and the cheer-
ful hum of machinery; to-day these hill-
sides and villages are threaded by roads
and these streams are spanned with bridges.
Two hundred years ago the dusky savage
might have been seen stealthily making his
way among these hills, or crouching near
some ]»ath made by wild beasts seeking to
slake their thirst at some of these uuuierons
streams. Or the curling smoke might
have been seen from an Indian wigwam
floating among the tree tops tVoin some
shaded glen. Two hundred years ago, and
this valley was almost an imi)assable tangle
of tree, shrub, vine and driftwood ; these
hills were covered with forests that never
heard the sound of woodmen's axe. Picture
to yourself this scene of two linndred years
ago, and you can hardly imagine a more
forbidding spectacle.

Not much later than this two men might
have been seen coming from below towards
this place so wild and primeval. They
each carried a gun, and very likely there
was slnng under the arm of each a powder-
horn markeil with various devices signifi-
cant of their occupation, and a sheath knife
in the belt of each. They were clothed to
suit the times and their condition. They
were hunters, well acquainted with the use
of the weai)ons tln^y carried. They
might have been drawn here by another
man of a darker hue, but of similar pursuit.
The three were skillful in the pursuit of
game with which these forests aVionnded —
deer, bears, wolves and wild turkeys were
plenty here, and the men knew where
these animals made their haunts. This
last man, as well as the two first, knew how
to beguile an hour around a camp-fire, and
if he could not sp(iak English fluently,
if he chune he could talk turkey.

These three were quiet men, and not
given to boisterous talk — their habits of
watching and waiting, listening for the
sound of a foot-fall, the rustling of a leaf or

the breaking of a twig, had schooled them
into habits of careful, quiet carriage, and
the music of the forest had more charm for
them than voices of men. When they
met their meeting would not be demon-
strative, but their conversation would be
in low tones, for the three were men of the
woods, always on the alert to catch the
sound of game. The name of one of these
was Johnson, and he was one of the colony
that ciime from New Haven to scitlh; the
town of Derby. They had pi'titioued to
have this grant given them, but the town
of Milford remonstrated, and the High Coin t
at New Haven gave Milford the jurisdic-
tion, as her charter covered this territ(uy.
Ho was the first white man that settled in
what was then called Chase's Town, after-
wards num])hreysville, and now Seymour.
Derby was afterward made a town, and Sey-
mour was incorporated into a town in ISi'iL).
Johnson built his cabin on land now owned
by Carlos French, formerly owned by
Beecher, then Gary, and last l)y the late
Clark Johnson. It was situated about fiuty
or fifty rods north of Carlos French's farm
house.

The other's name was Washl)and. H(>,
also, was one of this colony from New
Haven, and is supposed to be the progen-
itor of the Waslil)and family that has
always beiMi connected with this locality,
and is supposed to have settled in Oxford,
which then was a part of Milford, lu^.ar
where Staples Washband now lives.

The last went by the name of Chnsc from
his manner of pronouncing the word choose,
which was a favorite word with him. His
Indian name was Man-we-hu. His father
was a chief of the tribe of Pe(|uots. When
Derby was first settled the whites persuad-
ed him to move down into their neighbor-
hood, but he tired of this and came back to
Chusetown and established his (piarters
again on what is called the Falls. Aftiu--
wards the whites that had settled near
where Dr. Tliomas Stoddard now lives i)er-
suaded him to make his residence up there,
but he soon went back and establislieil
himself on the blutV n( ar where is the
house in which Thaddeus Fowler now lives

He became a convert to clivistiaiiity
and was connected with the church at
Derby, nnder the pastoral care of the Rov.
Daniel Iliunphreys. He made an effort to
educate some of hi.s children, and especi-
ally his oldest son. He sent him to school
at New Haven, and he appeared to do well
for a time, but h ' ran his father into debt,
as many a white boy has learned to do
since, and Chuse had to brin<j him home,
and history says he soliloquised thus — "Jy,
I wished to make a man of you, but I find
after all this outlay, you are nothing but a
}i;reat drunken Indian." Chuse, himself, in
the latter part is life, loved the firewater,
and was met by his pastor when
under the influence of strong drink, and it
is said the parson stoiiped his horse and
said, "Chnse!" Chuse immediately raised
his hand and said, "Parson Humphreys,
not a word, I am trying to walk the new
style" — the time had just be(!n changed
from (dd to new style. The parson nudged
his horse and pnshed along, leaving Chuse
to practice his new step. The whites grew
thick around him, and he moved up to Kent
with his family, and witliiu the last forty
years there has been seen, almost every
year till recently, several old Indian men
and women sitting on the rocks on the west
side of the falls, looking where once stood
the wigwam of the Indian, but now covered
with the manufactories of the white man.

Time progressed, and the natural facili-
ties began to attract attention, and these
str(!ams with their rough and rugged beds
<ih< led inducements to men of enterprise.
A man by the name of Daniel Stiles, who
lived up near the corner where Dr. Thomas
Stoddard lives, came in possession of this
l>roj)erty on the falls, and threw a log
<lani across the chasm where we now have
a solid rock dam, and put up an iron
smelting work or forge, and carted his ore
from Salisbury. Last spring, in digging
for a new wheel-pit they found the old
slag and many of the tools in use in that
day,relics of work which took place over one
hundred years ago. It did not prove a suc-
cess, and Bradford Steel put np a saw mill
and sawed the h)gs that the farmers haul-

ed up to 180.S, when Gen. David Humphreys,
a son of the Rev. Daniel Hnmiihreys, who
entered the War of the Revolution as cap-
tain, was made chief of staff to General
Putnam and remained with him for two
years, when he ivttracted the attention of
General Washington, and was transferred
to his staff, made his private secretary and
remained in his family till after the close
of the war — was sent minister to Spain and
Portugal, was the first to import merino
sheep — bought the property on the falls
and commenced operation for the manu-
facture of broadcloth. He procured a
charter from the legislature in 181U, and
was the first manufacturer of broadcloths
in the United States, and Thomas Jefferson,
when inauguratied president, was clad in
garments the cloth of which was made in
Seymour. He continued his manufactory
fill death, which transpired in 1818. He
carried his habits with him into his after
life. His mill was run by wliat was then
known as apprentices, which he gathered
from all parts of the country. Tliey were
officered and drilled in military tactics and
when he had visitors from abroad they
were marched out of the mill and made to
pass in review, and to escort him and his
visitors to the farm, wheie high carnival
was hehl for the gratification of his friends
and the boys. These were entopian days
for mill boys; many a hard dollar passed
the extended palm for some small favor
done by the boys to the manufacturer of
broadcloth.

Four years after the death of General
Humphrey, in 1822, this mill, with the pro-
perty pertaining to it, passed into the
hands of John W. DeForest, Lewis Wain
& Jeremiah Fisher Learning, and was by
them converted into a manufactory of cot-
ton cloth, and was so occupi(sd within the
memory' of many now present.

For many years after the settlem<»nt o^
this place intercourse was maintained be-
tween this and Derby what in new coun-
tries are called bridle-paths, and the settlers
were obliged, when they went to Derby to
church, to go on foot or ride on horseback.
Foranunil)er of years thev buried their

<lea<l at Derby and transported them by
strapping a horse between each end of two
long poles and placing the corpse on the
polo between the horses.

The first niaimfactiirer of augurs in this
section of couiitry was Walter French, the
manufacture of which has ever since been
the staple business of the place. To name
all who have been engaged in this business
would take more time and space than this
liaper will permit.

The inhabitants of Seymour hav'^e thus far
been a working community, and have not
grown very rich. There has been an
equality sustained between the well-to-do
and those who have reqnired that the storm
should bo tempei'ed to their shorn condition
that no manufacturing village in this val-
ley can boast of. Our neighbors-in-law
have been in the habit of placing us among
the hards and roughs; they may be right,
but if they are we take the credit of making
greater advancement in morals than they,

for we have less drunkenness and less '
rowdyism than they, onr streets are safe
for ladies or men to pass by day or night.
No town in this valley has done so little
according to its population to colonize onr
states prison or reformatory schools as
Seymour. We have not done onr whole
dufcj' in providing the needful appliances
for the education of our children, neither
have we gone to the other extreme, and
put up palatial edifices and burdened the
tax-payers; but to-daj' our scholars areas
well educated in all riuliniimtal branchi^s
as our neiglibors. Our churches are the
best and onr pastors excel all clergymen —
and onr ladies are the handsomest we ever
saw and as to their ability to minister to
our inner comforts, just look and see these
fields of delicate things ready to be de-
voured, and finally we have a goodly heri-
tage, let us one and all preserve it, for it is
ours, and not anothers to keep.

Trr

STODDARD i WALLACE, PHOTOGRAPHERS.

Erected in ijgj. Enlarged in i8_^y=8.

TRINITY (^miRcir.

j*2;{r(l, 1797. The committee to wliom waw
iutniistod tlie proviisioii of funds and ma-

teiials for ji clmri-h iMiilding iniriiediateh

At th*' iv(iue6t of Tlieoi>l)il()s Miles. Jona- '■'>"""fi'^»'<l tl>'-i"' liilwrs, and if their ener-
thiin Miles and litMijaniin Davis, a wiuranti^.v l»e jndjjfed liy theii snccess they arc
was issned by Levi Tomliiison, a Justice of ie"tifl«*i t<> the award of industry and per-
tlie Peace for New Haven Connty, directed Severance. Early in the spring tli.- corner
lo Henjaniin Davis, an indifferent person, l***^""'' ^^'•'^ l«i<l '>> liie Rev. Edward Blakes-
requestiug him to give notice to all the 1 1««» ^hen an assistant to Eev. Dr. .Manstiehl
inhabitants professing the religion of the | *>*' I^«»"^y : tlnring the summer the bnild-

Protestant Episcopal Church, residing with
in ceitaiu prewc lilied limits, to meet at the

ing was raised and before winter enrirely
enclosed. After the building ha<I been in-

house of Dr. Samuel Sanford, m» the -iOth !''^^"^'"^ ^^'" committee found the funds i. I
day of Feb., 1797 ; then and there to form : "'«''•■ *li"*P^"^'il exhau.sted, and noi willing
an Episcopal Ecclesiastical Society. , to involve the Society in debt, concluded

The warrant was dated Feb. 12th, 1797, |t" suspend their work, and the finishing ..f
and was served on thirty-nine persons, viz: ! ^■''♦* ''nil'liug wa.s reserved for a later day.
Reuben Lum, .Tames Manville, .Vathan^«'"f'"^ "♦'i'<^ however provided, benches
Mansfield, William Tucker, Benjamin Haw- 1 '"^i''*' "f ••^•"••><- To accomplish this much
ley, Kussell Tcnulinson, Martin Beebe, Enosjsr'^"'^ sacrifices were made : for their unm-
(;. Nettleton, Ephraim Wooster, Nathaniel •^""i" ^^=''* "ot only small an<l limited in their
Holbrook, Jeremiah Gillette, Josiah Net- j "'""fl'.v means, i)ut f hey also had to con-
tletcm, Philo Holbrook, Edward Hayes, j^^H'l :'K=^'n«t "hat was terme<l the "estab
Nathau Stiles, Wilson Hurd, William j ''«li«'*l '>i'l''i"." viz: against the Presbyterian
Church, Abel Church, John Grifldn, Daniel i '"""•'"'•'' which had at th:it time complete
Davis, Bowers Washband, Alexander .fohn- ! l'^'^''*'' •'» ^h« state, and which regaide.l
son, Timothy .Johnson, Joseph Johnson, ||'^*'0 '^"'*''i •^■^'••rt :is a direct attack upon
Charles French, Israel Bostwick, Moses

liiggs and John White. The persons met
at the time and pla(;e named in the warn-
ing, (the house now owned by Mr. Heury
Wheeler), when Bcnjauiin Davis w^as ap-
pointed iiU)derator, Samuel Sanford clerk,
and Joel Chatfield, Israel French and
Jonathan Miles Society's Committee. As
there had been a union of the Parish of
(ireat Hill with the Episcopalians of the

itself.

Of this Chnich Dr. Kii^haid Mansfield
was the first j>astor, and for his snppoi i
the Society voted to i)ay him '.id. on tlie £ on
the granil list of 1797. He was at this
time Rector of the Cluirch in Derby. This
connection between the 2 Parishes does n<n
appear to have been harmonious ; for earh
in the year 1800. a committee was appoint-
ed to devis(> some means for unitiu"- De.rbv

new Parish it was" concluded to call the ! '^"'^ ^'''^^''tlety under one pastoral charge,
new organization Union Church. I How long Dr. Mansfield continued in the

Beyond the organization of the Society no ^^''^^•''''^Ijip of tlie Parish can not be cor-
other business appears to have been trans- 1^*^*^^^>" "Sffi^ained; but prol»ably not longer
actedatthistime. and the meeting adj<mrn-i^''^" 1*'~; f'"' '" fhat year a committee
edtomeet at the same place at the end of j "''^^ •'PP'>'"iteti to employ a clergyman for
the week, Feb. 27th. At this meeting they iO"« U'l'ntcr of his thne. But as he had
began in earnest to lay the foundation of j '"'«" ^^-ttled for life, this Soeiety assisted
a house for the Lord ; and Benjamin Davis, j '» »"PP<>itiiig Dr. Mansheld after his jtas-
Edward Hayes, Nathaniel Johnson and *"''»• ««>uuectirm had terminated, an«l con-
John White were appointed a committee M'""''*^' t<» <lo so for eighteen yeais, until
to furnish materials tor the building of the! ^'i« t'uie of his death in the year 1820.
Church. The land upon which the Church I •{""•It l':i» Miles was appointed the first

stands was purchased of Leverett Vvitcb-\Vr'f!;^,^';'^;^.^'''^^^^^ l>i;'C.se.

lie was a memi)er of the l.^tli annual eoii-
ard, and cost $60; the deed is dated March] venfion, held in the year 179S.

lu the j'ear 1802 the Union Bank was
established, out of which a fnnd was to be
raised for the support of the ministry. Of
this bank Abijah Hull was treasurer. The
amount of subscriptions was about $2,000,
by fifty-seven persons. This bank during
its existance proved a bone of contention,
and in 1811 action was taken for its diso-
lution, and subsequently the notes and
money which constituted the bank were
returned t^ the original proprietors, they
paying interest on the same up to the year
1808. After the resignation of Dr. Mans-
field in 1802, the church remained for a
year unsupplied. In 1803 a committee
was appointed to confer with committees
from Oxford and Derby, in relation to em-
ploying a clergyman with power to agree
with Derby and Oxford for one year, or to
make proposals to the other committees, or
either of them, to confer with a clergyman
for a settlement and get his proposals, and
report the same to a subsequent meeting.
The clergyman about whom they were to
confer was Rev. Samuel Griswold. These
conferences were unsuccessful.

The next year they succeeded in settling
the Rev. Solomon Blakeslee ; and yet he
only remained three months, when the ser-
vices of the Rev. Calvin White was secured
for six months, at the end of which time
he removed. In 1805 the Rev. Ammi Rodg-
ers was engaged for one-third of his time
for three months. At the expiration of
three months the engagement was renewed
and a resolution expressing the satisfaction
of the Society with his services was adopt-
ed. This resolution was probably of his
own proposal, and designed to varnish a
character deeply stained with guilt. The
Society subsequently became convinced of
the charges made against him and he was
dismissed. How long he continued in the
Rectorship is not certainly known, but
probably not more than one year ; for in
1807 the services of the Rev. Ambrose Todd
,were secured for one-third of his time for
one year. Who succeeded Rev. Mr. Todd
the records do not show ; but the Rev. Mr.
Blakeslee was again Rector in 1810, in
which he continued nearly three years.

In 1812 an effort was made to unite this
church and Oxford under one pastoral

charge but it failed. In 1813 the Rev.
James Thompson became Rector, but he
only remained one year. In 1814 the Rev.
Mr. White was again employed. Like Mr.
Thompson his connection with the Parish
was of short duration, and the following
year, 1815, we find the Rev. Chauncy Prin-
dle, Rector. In 1813 the Parish paid an
assessment of $60 towards establishing a
fund for the support of the Bishop.

At a meetiug of the Parish, Jan. 29, 1816
measures were taken to complete the
church, which had up to this time remained
in an unfinished state. Abraham English,
Josiah Nettleton, Theophilos Miles, Nathan-
iel Johnson and Josiah Sw ift were appoint
ed a committee to obtain subscriptions to-
wards this object ; and in March of the
same year they were authorized to expend
the money thus raised. The amount sub-
scribed was |1250, contributed by sixty-
three persons. The Church when finished
was consecrated Sept. 2nd, 1817, by the
Right Rev. John Henry Hobert, D. D.,
Bishop of the Diocese of New York. After
the consecration of the Church the Rev.
Mr. Thompson again became the Rector
and continued in that connection until
1819, when the Rev. Aaron Humphreys
was elected.

In 1818 we find for the first time some-
thing of the condition of the Parish, so far
its strength was concerned, viz : number
of communicants, 45; number of families,
63; number of persons, 279; grand levy,
$7,420.95. In 1819 the Parish was drawn
into a law suit by its first Rector, the Rev.
Dr. Mansfield. The Parish became remiss
in paying its portion for his support, and^
to quicken its energies this suit was
brought. The Dr. gained his cause and
the Parish was compelled to pay up all
arrearages. The death of the Dr., April
11th, 1820, aged 96 years, relieved the Par-
ish from this onerous charge. In 1821 a^
new roof was placed on the church at a
cost of $60. In 1822 the slips were first
rented at public sale, the proceeds of the
sale amounting to $146.40. Up to this
time the salary had been raised by a tax
on the grand list. In the evening of the
ist of June of this year, 1822, the steeple

of the church was struck by lightning ; to
repair the injury $182.88 was raised and
$182.84 expended. In 1822 the Rev. Stephen
Jewett became Rector of the Parish, and
the following year made this report : num-
ber of communicants, 50 ; Baptisms, 2 ;
marriages, 4 ; funerals, 5 ; families, 55.
Mr. Jewett continued in the Rectorship
eleven years; and during his ministry
there were baptised 127 infants and eight
adults; 51 marriages were solemnized and
88 persons were buried. In 1827 the Sun-
day School was started, and "the Society's
committee were appointed to superintend
and regulate its affairs aud procure such
books as were required."

In the next year the bell was procured
at a cost of $256.19. It was first used
Aug. 12th, 1828, to toll the death of a son
of Mr. John S. Moshier. In the summer of
the same year a sum was raised by sub-
scriptions for the purpose of painting the
church and fencing the burying ground,
amounting to $251, uU of which was done
at an expense of $247. In the same year
Mr. Isaac Kinney presented the Parish
with a stove. Before this time the chnrhc
had not been warmed. The first organ
was placed in the church about the year
1831. It was built by Mr. Whiting of New
Haven, and in 1850 was enlarged and im-
proved by Mr. Jurdine of New York, at an
expense of $505.

After the resignation of the Rev. Mr.
Jewett in 1833, the Rev. Charles W. Brad-
ley became Rector of the Parish and re-
mained in that connection one year, when
he was succeeded by the Rev. John D. Smith
at Easter, 1834. Mr. Smith continued in
the Rectorship eleven years. In the first
five years he officiated in this church every
Sunday ; the next two years he divided his
services equally between this church and
St. Peter's, Oxford. In 1841 this arrange-
ment was discontinued, and Mr. Smith
again confined his labors to this Parish.
In 1841 the church underwent a complete
repair at an expense of $150. The wood
work in the interior was grained and the
pulpit lowered about three feet ; it would
have added much more to the convenience
of the hearers as well as the speaker, if it

had been cut down five feet more ; but the
small reduction in height was looked
upon as a great inovation by some of the
older members of the Parish.

At Easter in 1845, Rev. Mr. Smith re-
signed the Rectorship of the Parish, and
the Rev. John Purvis became the Rector.
He remained two years and during his
ministry he baptised six adults and twen-
ty-six children, married three couple and
attended sixteen funerals. At this time
there were about one hundred communi-
cants connected with the Parish. In the
summer of 1845 the church was painted on
the outside at the cost of $120, which was
defrayed by the ladies' sewing society.
The next spring the ladies furnished tlie
church with carpets, lamps and curtains
for the windows. After the resignation of
the Rev. Mr. Purvis the Rev. Abel Nichols
ofhciated as a supply one year, until Easter,
1848. At the annual meeting in 1847 a re-
port was made of the indebtedness of the
Parish, which was $285.46. At the same
time the committee were "instructed to
procure from the grand list of the town the
amount the several members of the Parish
stand in said list and report the same to
the next meeting." This action was taken
with a view of taxing the members of the
Parish sufficient to pay its indebtedness.
Whether the prospect of a tax or dissatis-
faction with the management of the afiairs
of the Parish or whether some other cause
operated, is not recorded, but tlie records
show that about this time a number of the
members withdrew from its connection and
left the burden which they had helped to
create to be liquidated by the more faith-
ful, though not more able, friends of tlie
church. The report of the committee was
not made as directed, aud the debt was
not paid. From Easter, 1848, until Sep-
tember of that year the church remained
vacant, when the Rev. William F. Walker
assumed the charge of the Parish. He
was instituted into the Rectorship (the first
and last institution in the Parish) Nov.
22nd, 1848, and continued in charge until
January, 1851, wnen he removed to New
York. He was subsequently tried by an
ecclesiastical court and found guilty of

innnuralities for which lie was de-
griidtMl from the miiiiwtiy, l»y Riglit Rev.
Mi.shoj) Warn wri^ 111, ;tt th« (rciK^al C<ni-
veutioii of 185;}. When he reiiiitved he
fook witli hiui the Parisb rejj;ister, which
lias not yet, and [»rol>ahly never will he re-
turned, as the last heard of it, it was be-
iiiff u.sed fur a scrap Uook. The loss of the
le.gi.ster deprives t)ie Parish of much valiia-
i)le information in reyard to the unmlier of
comuinuicants, bajiti.sms, marriages and
deaths iu the Parish for a long term of
years. After his degradation from the minis-
try Walker lived a tragical life and died
from the etfect of an overdose of medicine
prescribed for the relief of a nervous affec-
tion, in the early part of the present year.

At the Easter of 1M.")1 the Kev. Charles
G. Acly became Kector and remained two
years. For several years previous to this
a del)t had been constantly increasing until
it amounted to !$sr>0 at the Easter of 18.'>:5,
which Mr. Acly succeeded in canceling be-
fore he left the Parish. The ladies' society
contributed $170. of the amount paid. The
Parish was now entirely free from debt.
In June, 185:}, the Rev. O. Evans Shannon
became Rector of the Parish. At a meet-
ing at Easter, Ir^'iG, the name of the P.uish
was changed from Union to Trinity. At
this time the church needed cousider;ible
repairs ; the timbers in the steeple were
uuich decayed and it was considered un-
safe by thoS(^ who carefully examined it
and the roof leaked badly and the enlarge-
ment and repair of the church began to be
seriously talkeil about, and at Easter, 1857,
a committee was appointed consisting of
Thomas W. Holbrook, B. W. Stnith and
Sheldon Church, to see what could be done
iu regard to repairs, and to report at an
adjourned meeting. Their report was
made in the following June, that about
$■2100. had been subscribed to defray the
expense of the contem])latcd repairs, and
it was resolved to begin the work. The
plans of the alterations had been previous-
ly made by Mr. Austin of New H iven. A
building connnittee was appointed, con-
sisting of B. W. Smith, S. D. Russell and
Sheldon Church, the two former july acted.

At the meeting whiidi resolved to begin

tlie work but four legal voters were pres-
ent, viz : Harpin Riggs, S. D. Russell and
Thomas W. Holbrook, Vestrymen, ami J>.
W. Smith, Parish Clerk, three of which
was in favor of the enter|)rise and one op-
po.sed it ; but after the decision was mad'-
all acted in perfect harmony tluiiugliout.
The last service was held in the old church
on the 5th of July, I8r)7. Tlie total cost of
the work amounted to ;&((,( »()0.0:',. The ex-
pense of furnishing the church with car-
pets, cushions, &c., .mil completing the
steeple above the bell deck « as defrayed
by the ladies of the Parish, and anionnted
to over $800.

The church was cousecrateil by Right
Rev. Bishop Willi.nus. (ui the 11th ot May,
lrt.5s. The liuihling was almost entirely
new, w ith the exception of the frame. The
number of slips were increased from forty-
two to seventy, and in doing the work ,i
del>t of l$:'.000. was contracted. To com-
l>lete the church was no easy task w ith the
limited amount of money at the disposal
of the committee, and how the funds were
furnished is known only to tliose who had
tho matter in charge. The collection of
subscriptions or the loaning of nioney was
made almost impossible by the tinancial
crisis which commenced early in Septem-
ber after the work was begun, and createtl
tiuamial ruin throughout the country.
The connnittee received but little aid cu'
encoui'agement from men c(»nnected with
the Palish beyond its oflicers, and they
certainly received nor expected any from
any other source; but on the contrary they
were ridiculed in every jtossible manner,
and it was prophesied tii.it the undertaking
would prove as disastrous as the "South Sea
Bubble," that the church would never be
completed, or if it was it never would be
paid for. The workmen were adviSed to
get their pay as they did their work or
they never would get it; (but t<) their
ci'edit they heeded not the advice.) The
lumber merchant was told more than once
that he never would get pay for the lumber
fiirnishtMl for the building, and a leading
mercdiant in the Aillage refused to furnish
the committee with ten pounds of nail>i, on
the credit of the Parisli. Acting under

the.se circum.staiices it is pr«MHiiie,(I that it| the cost of AllT-W, which was paid hy the
would he an atieetation tor th<i couimittee j hidies of tite Parish; and soon after a
to say that the.v were not eonsiflerahlx em- ciedenee was jdaeed at the h-tt of tlie

harassed ; and yet. when tlie e.hnrch was
re-opeued every hill of expense for the re-
pairs had heeu paid with the exeeptioii of
§:)0. for painting and ahmit the, same amount
dne to one of the joiners. In l-T)! rlie delit

Altar at the <;o.st of $1.'>.40, the j-ift of a
fennile member of tlie Parish. At Christ-
mas of tliis year a prayer desk and leet-
nru was plaeed in the eiianeel at the
cost of ■if/O.aO, whieh was raised Uy suh-

coiitracted in reiiniidinjx the ehuich wasjSt^rii>tioiis, and soon after praytr hooks for
reduced to less than four hiunln-d dollars. | the Altar and prayer desk at the cost of
It has been .said that the .ommittee re-j$:29. In December, 1870, a cabinet organ
eeived but little enrouragemeiii from the j was i>nrclia.sed for the Sunday .School at
men eoniiected with the Parish, i>ut the the cost of sjliiO, raised by snbscrii»tioiis.
same can not be said of the ladies, for they I In the summer of 1871 a new stone font
rendered most valuable aid, not only by ! was platted in the church. The cost of the
the .$800. which they contrilMired, but by j same was $177.18 and rai.sed by the ladies
the iheerful encouragement which was onjof the ParLsh, the proceeds of a festival.
e\ ery proper i)ccasion bestowed. It will | In 1872 hangings for the pulpit and lect-
l>e doing no injustice to other ladies tojurnwere provided for by subseriptioiis at
nieution in this c«>nnection the name of 1 the eost of )5;-iti..''>('. In March. 1873, the

.Mrs. M. P. Shannon, the wife of the Keetor.

Kev. Mr. Shannon resigned the charge of

the Parish the first of .June, 18r)(). During

Uectoiy jiropeity luuchased in l8r)(> t"or
$2r>(jt). was sold for the same sum and the
pio<;eeds iiseil to li(inidate the debt incurred

his ministry here there were l^f) baptisms! through the original purchase. About the
performed, lO.'S persons were continned at sa.ine time subscriptions tt> the amount of
nine visits of the Bishoi> ; jt)i) were buried jabonl $1000. were .secured to cancel the
and 202 were joinetl in holy matrimony, i floating debt of the Parish, (including the
On the 18th of May, 18ti4, the .steeple of' lia lance, :i5400, of the debt incurred iu 1857
the church was again struck by lightning, [ for rebuilding the chundi), this siibstanti-
but the dauutge done was but a few (h)llar.s. ; .dly freeing the Parish from debt.
Oq the 1st of .\piil. 18r)0. the Parish liought j The Kev. George .Scabury resigned tlie
a house of Mrs. Lucy M. Kcach tor a Reel- j Kectoishi(> of the Paiish on the -ilst of
ory, at a cost of .$2500. Fnnn rlie rc-^igna-, April. 1875, after an incumbancv of over
tion of the Kev. Mr. Shannon to .)annary,;eight years. During his Rectorship 1:52
1867, the Rectorship remained vacant, j persons were baptised, 74 |)ersons received
Regular services however were maintained I the Rite of Continuation, 189 persons wen;
by teniporaiy sui»|»ly. In the month of j admitted to the H«)ly C inmunion, 46 mai-
.Iuly, 1868, the church was jiainled on the ! riages were solemnized. an<i the bodies
outside at an expense of .1^290.5:5, of which I of 128 were committed to the ground,
sum 1267.73 was paiil by the ladies of the i "Earth to earth, ashes lo asho, dust to
Pari.sh. dust."

The Rev. Geoige .Seabnry entered up<Mi | The present statistics of the Parish aie
the Rectoi.ship <»f the Parish on the second , nearly as follows: families, 135; baptisetl
Sunday in January, 1867. In the fall of i members of the church. 410; eommnn
the year 1867 the church was closed for I cants, 157. The loss of the Parish register
two months; when the interior wooil work in 1851 renders it iinpo.ssible to state the
was grained and the walls colored, at tin- j statistics of the Parish with correctnesH
eo.stof $800; over $600 of wiiicli w.is paid | pnnious to that time. On tin- 27th. day of
by the ladies of the Parish. The chinch j June, 1875, the steeple ot rhe church
wa« re-opened on tile last Suiuhiy in Octo- was the third time struck by lightning;
ber. Before the re-opening oi \h • ciinrch the damage done amounted to aliout $.50.
an Altar had been placed in tlie chancel at Of the sixty-three |»ersons who contribn-

ted to defray the expense of finishing the
church in 1816, not one is now living. Mr.
Isaac Kinney who died recently at the age
of eighty-five was the last survivor. Of
the slip hohlers in 1840, only two are slip
holders at the present time, viz : Dr. S. C.
Johnson and B. W. Smith, and only five of
the whole number are now living. The
subscription lists containing the names of
the contributors and the amount coutriini-
ted by each for churcii purposes, have in
almost every instance been carefully pre-
served, and if now published, would proba-
bly prove more interesting to the public
than to the living subscribers. During the
first twenty-five years from the organiza-
tion of the Parish eight clergymen were
employed for a .specified length of time,
and in the next fifty-three years, nine ;
four of whom had charge of the Parish
over forty-three years. On the '25th of
September, 1875, the Rev. Edwin J. K
Lessel became Rector of the Parish.

^^ ^-» B. W. S

HISTORY OF THE

Mellioilist EDi^Gopal Ctinrcli of Seymour.

13Y KAU-KO-TUXK.

Ben.njab Johnson was the first white man
who settled iu this part of Derby. He was
a native of New Haven, and his father's
house stood wlurre the Exchange building
now stan'ds. Benajah came here iu 17'26,
and built Lis log house on the east side of
the road near the foot of the hill south of
the David Carringtou place. Soon after,
Timothy, Ebenezcr, and Joseph Johnson
moved into this place. Benajah and Tim-
othy married sister.s — Sarah and Mary
Brewster, daughters of Rev. Nathaniel
Brewster, the first pastor of the Church in
Setanent, Long Island. Mr. B. was the
son of Jonathan Brewster, who came over
in the Mayflower with his father, Eider
Wm. B., to' Plymonth Rock. Isaac John-
son, the son of Benajah, gave the laud
where the M. E. Church edifice stands to
his son, Isaac Johuson.

The first meeting house was built iu 1788,
by individuals, most of whom were Cou-
g'regationalists, who were united as a
society of Separatists. Their first pastor
. was i3ei)jaiuiu Beach, a minister from
North Haven, who mo ed here iu 1790.

— Ill' 1791, thJit pionter of Meihodismln
New Euglaud, Jesse Lee, came through
Derby, where, hiriug a bell-man to ring
the people ont. he preached to them in the
shade of some trees, in what is now called
Derby, up town. John Coe and Rnth, his
wife, heard him, and invited him on his
next visit to preach in their house, which
iu a few weeks he did. From that time
Derby was included in Mr. Lee's circuit,
which combined ueaily all the teriitory
of what is uow New Haven and Bridge-
port districts.

In 1792 the plan of the work was so
changed as to make Middletown the head
of the circuit, which embraced Middlesex
and a large pwt of New Haven counties.
Derby was no exception to the rising
spirit of persecution of that sect, which
was everywhere spoken against. From the
pulliit and in private the docks were faith-
luliy warned against the distnrbers of the
peace of the parish. But Lee, Allyu and
Garretson, like brave men of God, continued
to broadcast the seeds of truth. Johu and
Ruth Coe were the first fruits of t>heir
labors iu Derby, and were admitted to the
little society in Oxford. Soon these con-
verts oftered their two iufaut sons iu bap-
tism at the bauds of Jesse Lee. Johu Allyn
was the name given to Mr. Coe's son, and
Jesse Lee was the name of Mr. Huimau's
sou. Johu A. Coe grew to mauhood, settled
iu what is now Beacon Falls, a solid man,
a member of the M. E. Church, and was
universally respected. Two of his grand-
sons are uow residents of that town.

At the coufereuce of 1793, held at Tol-
laud, it was reported that Johu Allyn had
laid down his trump t and gone to his re-
ward. This year, the first society in Derby
was forn.ied, and John Coe was leader.
Joshua Taylor and Benjamin Fisher were
appointed preachers ou the circuit. At the
close of the conference, the veuerable Bishop
Ash bury, as iu ill health ho passed through
Connecticut, visited the little viue iu
Derl)v. B. Fisher died in Newburgh, July
5, 18.^4, aged 86.

The first M. E. Society iu this part of the
town, then called Chuse Town, was formed
in Feb. 1797. Names of members : Jesse
Johnson, Isaac Baldwin, Esther Baldwin,
Sarah Baldwin, Eruice Baldwin, and Dau-
iel Rowe, of Derby, was leader. Soon after
the following names were added : George
Clark, LucyHitchcock, Silas Johnson aud
Olive Johnson.

In the previous five years the IMethodist
preachers had passed through the place
aud preached as they found open doors :
Once or more iu Mrs. Dayton's barroom,
uow William Stubbs' house; also iu the
house of Mr. Stiles, uow the residence of

'^^ I ^^i

' --''h.^m <

tr:^'

ifMelloi^lNllpi^coplitfiliwel

Erected in 1^4*7^.

•r. Stoddard. Some years later they
reached m tbe ballroom of the Moul-
Jronp tavern on the corner opposite the
liuton place.

For a long time the society remained
ery small. Ic encountered a great amount
I prejudice and some persecutions. At
le house of Isaac Baldwin, which stood on
le riat near Beecher's augur factory, the
^-rsecutors went up on a ladder and'stop-
id the top of the chimnev in time of
reaching-, so that the smoke drove the
jople out of the house. They often threw
[uilisof powder into the tire in time of
orship, to the great annoyance of the peo-
le. But God had ordained his arrows
,OTinst the pei-secutors. A cnrse followed
mo-t all those young men, and they were
It down in the prime of life. Freeborn
arretson held the first quarterly meeting
this place in the old meeting house in
;03. Moses Osborn, a local preacher re-
iling in Southbury, a man of God and ap-
■ovL-d of men, by his faithful labors in
erby and vicinity during four or hve
;ars, prepared the way for that revival in
(*y, when seventy' persons were converted
the Neck school house. Most of these
ined the Congregational Church, but
veral families joined the M. E. Church,
id added to its influence in the town.
)r several years the work went on, nOw
Stratford, tJien at Humphreysville, and
en at Nyuniplis, and in other places. In
l'.\ Mi(hlletown circuit was divided, and
ratlord was nuule tiie head of this new
cuit, and Ebenezer Washburn and James
denian were the preachers. Stratfonl,
ilford, Derby, Hnmidireysville, Nyumphs,
■eat Hill, Quaker's Farms, Georges Hill,
idgewater, Brooktield, Newtown, Easl-
llage, Stepney and Trnmbull, were in-
luletl iu this circuit. In l':14 Nathan
mgs was presiding ehler ou the New
aven District, and Elijah Woolsey and
eury Ames were the preachers ou this
rouit. This year, preaching was divided
ilf a day at Humphreysville, half a day at
yumphs, and once a fortnight at Derby
eck. It was a revival j ■ at the Neck
lul ou Great Hill. The .wo brothers,
imucl and David Durand, and their wives,
ere added to the little church iu the red
L'hool house. Samuel was a good singer.
1 1815 E. Hibbard aud B. English were
le preachers on this circuit. But Mr.
uo-lish soou located at Humphreysville
id went into business. This year Walter
rench a resident of Humphreysville, re-
■ived license to exhort, aud afterwards a
I cense to preach, and was very useful here
1 id iu other parts of the cu'cuit. He had
1 cood memory, a ready utterance and
•t?u «poke with great power, aud success.

He died in 1S65, aged over eighty years.

In 1S18 the meeting house and land ad-
joining was conveyed by a quit claim deed
from the Congregational to the Methodist
Socieiy. The deed was signed by Bradford
Steele, Sarah Steele, Ira Smith, Phebe
Stiles, Wm. Kenney, and Phileua Baldwin,
and was given to Stiles Johnson, Bezalel
Peck, Thos. Gilyard, Robert Lees, and
Timothy Hichcock, trustees of the Metho-
dist Society. Jesse and Stiles Johnson, sons
of Isaac Johnson, who died in 1813, with
their wives and many of their relations
had joined the Methodist society. Jesse
Johnson was afterwards a local preacher,
and a close student of tbe Bible, but died
after losing his reason. These brothers are
burieil iu tlie Methodist cemetery. The
first extensive revival here, commenced at
a watch meeting in the old meeting house,
on New Year's eve of 1818. I think it was
in 1818 that the old meeting house wus
made a two story building, but no paint
was used inside or outside.

Sometime before this, perhaps in 1816,
Nathan Bangs came to preach in the Bell
School house. He put up with Stjles John-
son, opposite Mr. Gilyard's place. After
some cautions from careful Brother Stiles-
against doctrinal preaching, the elder went
down in the < veiling and preached a free
salvation to a crowcled house, giving Cal-
vinisim its portion iu due season, as was
the custom, and such was the power of iu-
lluence on the congregation, that when
the preacher, in closing, intjuired wlio will
have this salvatiou ? Let those who will
seek it arise ; — the whole congregation
arose. O ! W^hat a host ! exclaimed the
preacher.

The legislature of this state authorized
the division of its share of the surplus war
tax oi lrl2 among the religious denomina-
tions of the state ; but the Methodists re-
fused their portion of the money. At a
quarterly couference, held at East Village,
January 9th, 1818. Rev. O. Sykes was ap-
pointed to communicate with the trustees
of the state on the subject. But no person
had been authorised to receive rejected
funds. The afdicted brother returned, still
burdened with unwelcome charity. At the
quarterly conference of August in the same
year, held at Humphreysville, Aaron Pierce
and two others were appointed a com-
mittee to write to the treasurer of the State,
and if he could not receive back the Metho-
dist portion of the money, to draw up a
petition in behalf of this circuit, to the
general assembly for liberty to return their
proportion of said money. Liberty was
granted aud the funds returned the state.
The rising church, though struggling with
crushing difficulties, would not sacrifice

hev honest iudepeudeiice of the state. The
fathers were fully committed to the voluu-
tary principle for the sujiport of the Gos-
pel.

The quarterly meetings of those times
were largely attended, and exceedingly in-
teresting, the people going from alf parts
of the circuit on Saturday. In the after-
noon they heard a sermon, after which came
the quarterly conference, composed of all
the stewards, class leaders, exhovters and
preachers on the circuit. Bangs, Ostrauder,
Merwiu and Clarke were in succession pre-
siding elders, and on the Sabbath they
drew large congregations, most of whom
expected to hear a strong doetiinal sermon.
At one of those meetings on Great Hill, \i
lf^'20, Rev. E. Washburn, presiding elder,
fifteen persons were converted in one after-
uoou.

From 1820 to 1H27, the membership on
the circuit was much increased as the fruit
of revival in ditt'erent places. D. M' 'er,
J. Colman, Laban Clark, E. Barnet, J.
Nixon, E. Denuison, W. F. Pease, I. Fields,
S. D. Ferguson, and V. Buck were the
preachers successively.

In 182tt this part of the circuit was sep-
arated and called Humphreysville and
Hamdeu.

In 1S31 Daniel wSmith was appointed to
the circuit, and was assisted by \Vm. Bates,
a local preacher residing in Humphreysville.
Ii. that year a camp meeting was held, in a
woods West of where now the Catholic
Church of Birmingham stands, and contin-
ued eight days. On the Sabl)ath ten thou-
sand i)eoi)le were supposed to be i)reseut,
and the fruit of the meeting was about one
hundred converts. The writer of this was
pieseut during the whole of that wonder-
ful meeting, and has been acquainted with
some of those converts who grew to be pil-
lars in the church. This year the churches
iu South Britain and Middlelniry were
built, and the foundation of one at Water-
bury laid, and the building of a parsonage
in Humphreysville commenced. Three
hundred dollars worth of books were sold
t)u the circuit, a large amount of missionary
money raised, and the preachers salaries
paid in full. Samuel R. Hickox, a local
preacher from Southbury, had moved into
Humphreysville in 1823, and had charge of
the giist mill on the falls, keeping board-
ers from the cotton mill. He was a
good preacher and was a great help to the
church in this place. In 1829 Thomas Ellis,
a Welshman and a spinner in the cotton
mill, was converted and joined the church
here, of which his wife was already a
member. He had been a wild young man
and a great song-singer. It was said that
he could sing all night without repeating

a song. But in two years after conversion
he had forgotten them all. He was an
important addition to the church on ac-
count of his musical talent.

In A]nil, l^u2, Sylvester Smith, a local
preacher from Hotchkisstown, where he
was first licensed iu March, 18o0, moved
into this village. Daniel Smith was con-
tinued on the circuit, and Robert Travis
was preacher iu charge. The parsonage
was not quite ready for Mr. T., but iu a
few days after his arrival in town he moved
into it. It was built by the two brothers
Lane, iiom Monroe. At this time the
chu: chwasan ecclesiastical society under
the statute and known as the Methodist
society of Humphreysville.

In 183o Thomas Bainbiidge and Chester
W. Turner were the preachers on the ci -
cuit — Mr. B. occupying the parsonage.
Turner was a single nuiu, who afterwards
nuirrii d the sister of Rev. T. D. Smith, of
the E[iiscopal Church. Baiubridge was a
good preacher and a sweet singer. The
nextyearAve had Humphrey Humphries and
John Crawford for our preachers, Mr. H.
moving into the parsonage. Josiah Brown
had charge of the circuit the next two
years. In the middle of 1836 he moved out
of the parsonage into a house iu Derby
Neck, where he remained until he died not
long snce. On the first of October Sylves-
ter Smith moved into the parsonage and
occupied it four years at an annual rent of
fifty dollars. Tlie next two years David
Miller was preacher iu charge, residing at
Great Hill, and closing his term of service
in May, 1839. In rhese past few years
Owen Sykes was an assistant preacher and
continued for several years. He was au
excellent man. with some peculiarities.
Thomas Ellis received license to preach iu
1-^33, and did good .service on the circuit
until 1838, when he joined the conference
and became a successful itinerant. In May,
1873, he had a triumphant death, aged sixty-
eight. S. Smith was also a helper ou the
circuit. In 1840 and 1841 Thomas Sparks
wasourpreacher. residing at South Britain.

On Saturday, March W, 1842, a meeting
commenced at Southford. Presidiiig Elder
Carpenter being absent, S. Smith preached.
Sunday morning was very pleasant, and
after love feast, it was found impossible
for more than half the people to get into the
chapel. Sparks occupied the pulpit, and
Smith went below and took his stand in
the school room and preached with half his
congregation outdoors. It was a memor-
able time. Ezra Jagger followed Sparks,
residing at Great Hill. On his second year
Moses Blydenburgh was his colleague.
These were prosperous years for the church
at Humphreysville, after a period of deten-

sion. Mr. Atwater, a studeut iu Yale, was
very useful here in those years. Mr. Bly-
(leu burgh continued one year after Mr.
Jagger left, and lived on Great Hill. Mr.
B. died iu 1848, aged 31 years, leaving a
wife and one child. This son is now a law-
er in New Haven. The nest two years G.
L. Fuller had charge of the circuit, resid-
ing on Great Hill. Three of his children
were buried there.

Since 1839 Birmingham was a station
separate from us, so it was with Water-
bury. Middlebury and South Britain sus-
tained a pastor ; so that only Humphreys-
ville, Great Hill, Pleasant Vale, aud Pine's
Bridge remained in the Derby circuit.

Iu the fall of 1846 a subscription was
opened for a new church edifice, and S.
Smith led with the sum of six hundred dol-
lars. The burning of the paper mill of
which he was half owner involving a heavy
loss, did not abate his zeal ; but during the
year he increased his subscription to eight
hundred dollars. His firmness was over-
ruled for good. One brother who did not
at first set down his name gave one hun-
dred dollars. Another man changed from
twenty to one hundred dollars. A good
woman changed from ten to eighty dollars.

Charles Stearns moved into the parsonage
in May, 1847, and remained two years in
charge of this circuit. He found us com-
mencing the new church. The old house
was sold for one hundred dollars. Jared
Basset, assisted by Isaac Bassett, built the
stone work. He got the steps out of stones
that he found iu diflterent fields around,
aud many wondered where Uncle Jared
found such stones.

On Saturday, June 19, 1847, the corner
stone was laid. Eev. E. W. Smith, of
Birmingham, was the speaker. Sylvester
Smith deposited the case under the stone
after announcing its contents. C. Stearns
and Mr. Curtiss of the Congregational
Church took part in the services. Amos
Hine, of Woodbridge, was the contractor
for the building, except the stonework.
Mr. Martin, an Irishman, was the painter.
In November the bell, from Meueeby's
foundry in Troy, was raised to its place.
Its weight was eleven hundred aud fifty
pounds. In this year a board of trustees
was appointed by the pastor in charge, and
vacancies were afterwards tilled by the
" official board."

The house was dedicated on Tuesday,
January 18, 1844, by Bishop Jones, who
preached from Ezra 6 : 16. In the evening
he preached again. The collections amount-
ed to $t>92.83. The whole cost of the house,
bell, aud furniture, was !^r),800, and of this
the Society owed 8800. On the day of
dedication the slips rented for 8'>80, and

the average amount of annual reuts iu the
first ten years was about $550.

All of the elm trees near the church were
obtained and set by Wm. E. Smith, under
the direction of Sylvester, his father, with-
iu one year after the dedication. The first
two iu front nearest the house of Mr.
Tucker were set on the day of the presi-
dential election iu 1848. He was killed in
the war, September 1st, 1864.

In May, 1849, Seneca Howland was in
charge of Avhat iu the next year was set ofi:'
from Derby as the town of Seymour. He
remained two years, and some additions
were made to the church. Tweuty-three
came forward as seekers at his first watch-
meeting. David Osboru was pastor of Sey-
mour and Ansonia one year, from April,
1851, to April, 1852, and it was a prosper-
ous year iu both places: over 100 conver-
sions reported. Mr. Osborn confined his
labors to Seymour the second year. His
successor for two years was Rufus K. Rey-
nolds, a solid and useful man. Wm. T. Hill
came on after him, and confined his labors
to this place and Great Hill. In his first
year, which was his first appointment, we
had 67 conversious and 50 additions to the
church here. S. Smith baptized 15 adults
at oue time. 24 of the converts were from
the Sunday school. Next Thomas Stephen-
son had two good years in the town, and
some additions to the church. He was a
good preacher. In 1859 L. P. Perry was
the pastor and confined his labors to this
village, aud was a faithful aud useful min-
ister.

Albert Booth was the pastor iu the hard
year of 1861-'62. At the Conference of
1862 George Lansing Taylor was appointed
to Seymour. In his second year the Society
raised $1,200 dollars towards paying ofi" the
church debt. In the summer of 1864 his
successor, A. B. Pulling, held one festival
in a car-sho]) on the fiat, aud later iu the
season, another in Messrs. Day's new brick
factory above the paper mill, and the avails
of the two netted 8800, and the church was
out of debt! He remained until the spring of
1866, when Sylvester Smith was appointed
to the charge for one year, and the church
edifice was painted outside. It being the
centennial year of American Methodism,
Mr. Smith preached eight sermons on the
subject. Nineteen persons who had on the
previous year joined on probation were re-
ceived in full. Joseph Pulmau was the next
pastor, and was eminently successful,
receiving 65 probationers at one time
near the close of the first year. Ben-
nett T. Al)bott was the next pastor, and
was successful iu improving the finauces
of the church. Joseph Smith had this field
of labor the next three years, and proved

himself an ablo minister of the New Testa-
ment. In former years Mr. Smith, as si
local preaeher, resi(liiif>' in Waterbnry, had
(lone much good service here in coiniection
with onr pastors. E. H. Frisbie and James
Wiswel, local preachers in New Haven,
also rendered much <;ood service. Sylves-
ter Smith, dnrinjj; his forty years residence
here was a most active laborer and liberal
oiver in the church, but four tires and
other serious losses compelled him to retire
from business.

Lucy Johnson, who died March 9th, 1788,
who was buried in tlu^ <j;rave-yar(l adjoining
the church, was the lirst white; ]>erson.

Nau-ko-tunk.

Note. — In the above dates it should be reincin-
bered that in some of tlie earlier times the con-
ference year was from l\Iay to May, in later years
from Ai)ril to April. In the 8tli line of the article
for David read Daniel; Mth line, for Setanent —
Setauket ; 2Utli line, for Isaac — Styles ; for Stubbs—
Hull.

The Methodist Episcopal Church.

BY W. C. S.

1791, First Metliodist Sermon in wliat

is now Seymour, by Rev. Jt;s.se
Lee, Presiding Elder.

1792, Rev. John Allyn, Circuit Preacher,

1793, Rev. Benjamin Fisher, "

1794, Rev. Daniel Ostrander,

1795, llev. Evan Koo-ers, "

1796, Rev. Joshua Taylor, "

1797, Rev. Michael Coate,
Oroanization of the Society.

1798, Rev. Augustus Jocelyn.

1799, Rev. Ebenezer Stevens.

1800, liev. James Colouian.

1801, Rev. Freeborn (larrett>on.

1802, liev. Abner Wood.

1803, Rev. Nathan Emery.
18{>4. Rev. Ebenezer Waslil)urn.

1805, Rev. Lyman Andrus.

1806, Rev. Moses Osborn.

1807, llev. RiMiben Harris.

1808, Rev. Phinehas Rice'.

1809, llev. N. W. Thomas.

1810, Rev. Oliver Sykes.

1811, Rev. Zahnon Lyon.

1812, liev. Aaron Hunt.

1813, Rev. Pjbenezer Washburn.

1814, Rev. Elijah Woolsey.

1815, liev. Renoni English.

1816, Rev. Jesse Johnson.

1817, Rev. Nathan Emory. 56 members.

1818, Rev! Arnold Scoliold.
1819-20, Rev. David Miller.

1821, Rev. James Coleman.

1822, Rev. Eli Burnett.

1823, Rev. Laban Clarke.

1824, Rev. Eli Dennison.

1825, Revs. T. Fields and Sizer.

1826, Rev. Samuel D. Ferguson.

1827, Rev. Valentine Buck.

1828, Rev. A. H. Sanford.

1829, Rev. Reuben Harris.

1830, Rev. John Tiovejoy.

1831, liev. Daniel Hmith.

1832, Rev. Robert Travis.

1833, Rev. Chester Wm. Turner.

1834, Rev. Humphrey Humphreys.

1835, I Rev. Thomas Ellis.
18.36, I Rev. Joslah Bowen.

1837, ) Rev. Oliver Sykes.

1838, ) Rev. David Milh'r.

1839, Rev. J. Bowen.

1840, ) liev. Eli Birnet.

1841, f Rev. Thomas Sparks.

1842, 1 Rev. Ezra Jagger.

1843, I Rev. L. Atwat'er.

1844, Rev. M. Blydenburuh.
1845-6, Rev. George L. Fuller.
1847-8, Rev. Charles Stearns.
1849-50, Rev. Seneca Howland.
1851-2, Rev. David Osborn.
1853-4, Rev. liufus K. Reynolds.
18.55-6, Rev. William T. Hill.
1857-S, Rev. Thomas Stevenson.
1859-(;0, Rev. L. P. Perry.
1861. Rev. Albert Booth.
1862-3, Rev. George L. Taylor.
1864-5, Rev. Aionzo B. ladling.
1866, Rev. Sylvester Smith.
1867-8, Rev. Joseph Pullman.
1869-70, Rev. Bennett T. Abbott.
1871-2-3, Rev. Joseph Smith.

1874, Rev William R. Webster.

1875, Rev. Edward II. Dutcher.

1876, Rev. Charles A. Tibb;tls,

Rev. Joseph Smith is tln^ouly ji.astor who
preached in tiie Seymour M. E. Churcli
three consrciitive years, viz.: 1871-2-li, and
when his tim(; expiicd liy limitation, ;ic-
cordini;' to discipliiui (no jjastor Ijcinj;'
alhiwed to remain in one i)l;u-(! l(>ni;-ei- liiau
tliri'c years consecutively), he was gener-

ally beloved and esteemed by the members
of the society for which he had labored
faitlitnlly, eai-iiesMy and impartially.

Ivev. Wai. 11. Webster olticiated as jiastor
of the church from April, '74, to Ai)ril, '75,
laborinj^ with much zeal whi^rever there
seemed to be a pros[)ect of doinj;- good.

In April, 1875, Rev. E. H. Uutcher was
sent by the conference for the ensuing year.
The dissensions which seemed at the time
of his coming to lie ended, rapidly revived
during his jiastorate, an<l had a disastrous
ert'ect npou the interests of the society.

In the spring of the present year the an-
nual meetings of the socit;ty, held under the
statutes of the state, were broken u[»
and a decision made by the pastor in
charge and sustained by the Presiding
Elder, that there was no such thing as the
Methodist society, after it had l)een known
as such for seventy-ninc! years (since Feb.,
1797). As the property was deeded to the
Aletliodist tSocivty, if that S(jciety no longer
»!xists, it is a question which we leave for
others to discuss — to whom does the pro-
jterty now belong ?

In April of the present year the confer-
ence a])i)oiuted llev. Cliarles A. Tibljals,
son of Kev. Nathan Tibi)als, well known as
a M(^thodist minister since l-^-ll, and now
the head of the (irm of \. Tibbals A- Sous,
publishers, of Xew York.

The puldished minutes of the New York
East Conference show the following
amounts credited to this church for the
eonftirence years connnenciug in Apiil of
18()7, $1)5.75 "; IrioS, .§1U7.33; 18;)9, s'Jl.95;
1870, $1.58.7;5; 1871, $r,i-M; 1S72, $o8.22 ;
1873, lii;i37.UO, 1874, ^CA.Ot) ; 1875, .$13.00.
Lugranil Sharpe was a[)i)ointed chairman
of tlie "missionary committee," or collectoi,
in each of the above yeiirs, but in the last
Itev. E. H. Dutcher took it out of his hands.

Under the new statutes of the State of
ConiHicticnt, the trustees were first elected
by the adult male niemb(;rs of the church
Se()t. 3, 18(iij. 'i'he following; is the list iu
the order recorded: A. VV. Lounsluiry,
Sheldon Mihis, Willis Umbertield, Jarecl
Bassett, Smith Botsford, Wilson E. Hen-
dry. \, Sylvester Smith, W. N. Storrs, War-
ren French. Since the last election of triis-
t(!es the list h;is btreu Lugr;iiid Sharpe, T.
S. Lsidil, A. W. Lonnsburv, Wni. B. Johnson,
W. C. Sharpe, J. II. Adams, II. J}. Beecher,
Sheldon Miles, W. N. Sterns.

The lot adjoining the church on the east
w;is purchased uf Mr. Edwin Smith in IS70,
with the intention of building a jiarsonagt'
thereon as soon as should seem practicable,
Mr. Smith selling the lot at less than he
considered it worth, to help the chundi.
^Irs. M. A. Saciveit canvassed the society
for i'unds to pay for it, and by her zealous
perseveraiico Bucceeded in collecting the

larger portion of the amount. The balance
was paid subsequently from funds received
from the legacy of Mrs. Kirtland. At an
official meeting, consisting of the stewards,
classleaders, trustees and superintendant,
held at the parsonage, April ■2V>th, 1875, the
pastor presiding, it was voted to oiler the
"Kirtland Place" and the parsonage for
sale, preparatory to building a new par-
sonage. An oiler Ixjiiig received the board
of trustees met and appointed Warren
French an agent to sell the parsonage for
$2,000, and W. C. Sliarpe, Warren French
and Lugrand Shariie were apjtointed a
building committee. Plans and estimates
were obtained, and the contract awarded
to Thomas Sharpe for the jiarsonage, out-
building, well-cuib and fi-nce (ui two sides
for §i,;!(tO. The parsonage, witii the hand-
some shade trees around it, is said to be
the pleasantest in the Naugatuck valley.

THE SUXD.VY .SCHOOL.

George Kirtland came to Seymour in 1825,
and in 1820 or 7 he started a Sunday school
with five children of his own, the number
increasing the tirst year to 27. Me tried to
establish a liltrary for the Sunday school,
both himself and a Mr. Fislier coniributing
books and money. He kept up the Sunday
school () or 7 years, when it was discon-
tinued for a time.

The superintendents since the reorg.an-
ization of the school, so far as we have
been able to learn, are:

1S41-2, Samuel Hickox.

1843-^*, Liigraud Sharp.

1852, John Adams.

1H53, Frederick Dnrand.

K.4, Wm. A. Hughes.

1855, Wm. Mallory.

lf^5(i-7, Albert W.Lonnsbury.

1858, Win. Mallory.

1-^.5'J, Warren French.

IK-.d-l, W. N. Storrs.

lSd2-5, H. W. BeniMlict. In l-'Oi. 777 vol-
umes in the library. Jn lsr,.5, 851
volumes.

1860-7, W. N. Storrs.

18(58, Sheldon Mih-s.

18()1>, W. C. Sharpe. Average attend-
ance, 88. Missionary collections in
tlrst quarter, $;'.'J.34.

1870, W.N. Storrs. Average attendance 72.

1871, W. N. Storrs. Averages attendance,
Gl. 3.58 voluuK's in Iii)rarv.

1872, W. W. Dibble. Average attend-
ance, (J3.

1873, Samuel Butler. Average attend-
ance, 81. 301 books in library.

1874, C. N. Blanchard.

1875, Samuel Butler.

187(), E. N. P>otsford. 292 volumes in
library.

The Indians.

The Indians had nearly disappeared from their native hills and vales. The
merciless Mohawks from Kew York raided over this section, and the Connecti-
cut Indians fled to their forts in terror. So that Litchfield county, New Haven
county, and the western portion of Hartford county, became nearly depopula-
ted. A clan of Indians known as the Potatucks resided in Woodbury or Pom-
peraug, Southbury and Newtown. In 1742 the legislature gave this clan
the schooling privileges in Waterbury that they possessed in Newtown.
Ansantawae was sachem of the Milford Paugusetts, after whon; is named
the encampment of Odd Fellows in Waterbury; and Weraumaug, sachem
of the New Milford Indians, has his name preserved by one of the largest
lakes in the state. Those who lived in this vicinity the last half of the last
century were a branch of the Pequot race.

Joseph Mauwee was the son of Gideon Mauwee, a Pequot Indian.
Joseph was bro Light in his boyhood to Derby Neck to live with a Mr. Durand
till he arrived at manhood, then was married to Sarah, of the Farmington In-
dians and settled in the south part of Derby near Turkey Hill, but afterward
removed to Naukotunk, now Seymour. Joseph lived at first near the Falls,
afterwards in a frame house built for him on the site where Dr. Thomas Stod-
dard now lives. He afterward moved back to the Falls, and then to Scaghticook,
in Kent, where he died. He had eight children, t\\'0 sons and six daughters.
His oldest son, Joseph enlisted as a soldier and went to Boston when hostili-
ties commenced. After his term of service closed on his way home he was
poisoned and died, probably by the opposers of the war. Three of Joseph
Mau-we-hu's children died in childhood. Elihu, his youngest son was an un-
usually intelligent Indian. Tlie tribe of which Chuse or Joseph Mauwee was
a member, claimed the land as far north as Mattatuck or Waterbury. When
the Indian census was taken by the colony a hundred years ago (in 1774,) there
were four of Chuse's band in Waterbury, where the first settlers were not par-
ticular to higgle with the Indians concerning the ownership of the land but
paid both the Farmington Tunxis and the Derby Paugusetts for it. They
were paid in hard cash, too, and not with the baubles sometimes used to cheat
the Indians of their lands. The first deed was dated 1C74, but the same land
was bounded more definitely and again purchased in 1685, and the third time
the Derby Indians were paitl 25 shillings for "a small piece of land north of
the Derby bounds, west of Naugatuck river and south of Toantick brook."

"The day of the Indian is passed, and that of the railroad and telegraph
has come; but we do not need to ride or walk far from our daily haunts to find
a few mixed descendants of the first owners of the soil. These^are mainly
otfshoots from the Pequots. They have lived for a long time in a narrow
valley where a small stream and a large one unite, a spot which they have
named, as Mr. Lossing tells us, PisJt-gach-ti-gocl- — "the meeting of the wa-
ters." The name on white lips got corrupted to Scaghticook^ and the Indians
became therefore, to all the neighborhood, the Scaghticook Indians. During
a former generation these wards of civilization used to frequent all our coun-
try, peddling the painted baskets and small wares which they knew so well
how to make, and gaining a livelyhood of as much thrift as they cared to enjoy.

The last full blood Indian of this tribe, now reduced to a mere hand-
ful, mixed with negro and white blood — was the locally famous Eunice Mau-
wee. She lived, as her dwindling descendants now do, on a state reservation.

SEYMOUR A:N^D VICINITY. 37

and died in 1859, aged about 104 years. Her father was the hast chief who
ruk'd, and she was consequently, of royal blood— a princess, in fact, as she
would have been in name, had the tribal condition of her people continued.

Until within a few weeks of her death, she often talked with freedom of
the Indians and their habits. It was interesting- to hear her pronunciation
of the Indian words which have now become local property, and are attached
to so many places. In almost every instance the modern use of them is
merely a reduction of larger and more unmanageable ones — words which,
as they are now used, have been shorn of a half or a third of their original
syllables. She was intelligent, and accustomed to talk, and remembered,
of course many curious things. She made a striking statement that she saw,
when a little girl, an old Indian who had seen King Phillip. The Indian was
telling her father of the personal traits and appearance of this doughty hero, and
narrating, perhaps, some of his unrecorded exploits; and she was a Avrapt
listener to the conversation. To see an Indian -who had seen King Phillip
was like putting your hand backward upon the vessel which landed on Ply-
muoth Hock. When one sits down to think the matter seriously over, it
does not seem so long as it did since Columbus discovered America, or since
William the Conqueror set foot in England, or in fact, since anything ancient
happened, when a lew memories pasted together cover an arc of tinie."

Tlie Early Settler s-

Benajah Johnson and Timothy, his brother, who settled in what is now
Beacon Falls, came from Derby, but were natives of New Haven. Their
father lived in a house where the Exchange building stood in 1817, and had
eight sous. The wives of Timothy and Benajah Johnson were gi-and daugh-
ters of the Rev. Nathaniel Brewster, (son of Jolmathan Brewster, who
came to Plymouth in the Mayflower,) of Setauket Village, Brookhaven, Long
Island, and great grandaughters of Roger Ludlow, who was one of the four
principal men who came over from England in 1630 with Gov. John Win-
throp, and who began to settle the town of Dorchester, Mass. Mr. Ludlow
was soon made deputy governor of Massachusetts. In 1036 he and and seven
others were invested by Massachusetts with all the powers of the government of
the new colony of Connecticut. He removed to Windsor, where he lived
till 1640, having been in the mean time appointed deputy governor of Con-
necticut and to other high offices of trust. In 1640 he and several others
bought of the Indians Uncou, including the region uoav called Stratford,
Bridgeport and Faiilield. The name belonged particularly to Faii-field, where
(rov. Ludlow and his associates lived, and which was first discovered by Capt.
Mason when pursuing the Pe(iuot Indians westward after their memorable
defeat in 1637. Thompson, in his history of Long Island, speaking of Mr.
Brewster sa^^s: "He was a nephew of the Elder William Brewster of the May
Flower. He was a gi-aduate in the first class of Harvard College in 1642,
which consisted of nint; young men.

During the Commonwealth, (from 1650 to 1660,) he was a minister in
Norwalk, England, but on the restoration of monarchy, he returned to Amer-
ica and was settled at Setauket, L. I., in 1665. His three sons, John,
Daniel, and Timothy had resided there several years before his arrival from
England. His wife was Sarah, daughter of Roger Ludlow, one of the most
eminent men of New Euiiiand. Mr. Ludlow was a member of the council

38 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

and deputy governor of Mass. and Conn. He composed the first code of
laws for the Connecticut colony, which was first published in 1<)50. Mr.
Ludlow's daughter Sarah, the wife of Mr. Brewster, was represented as a per-
son eminently distinguished for her genius and lite.ary attainments. The three
sons of Mr. Brewster were men of excellent character and highly useful dur-
ing tlunr lives. The wife of Benajah Johnson was first nuirried to Joseph
Hawkins of Derby, son of John Hawkins, Nov. 17th, 3 720, when she was
10 years old. He or his son Joseph, who was the ancestor of the Hawkinses of
Derby, built the first house on Derby Point, where Biruiingham now is, and
a store for the purpose of importing and selling West India goods. This
lu)use and store were torn down only a few years ago.

At this time the Housatonic below Derby was navigable for vessels which
could come up to where now is the rolling mill of the iron works.
This was the location of the store. There was no made land b.'low the cause-
way, east of P)irminghani. Where the two rivers m<'t was a. kind of trian-
gular lake, deep and free from mud. Joseph Hawkins di(nl about the year
1725. He had a daughter Mary, born Sej)t. r)th, 1721, who nuirried Ebene-
zer Judd of Waterbury, Nov. 17th, 1742, and was the mother of Brewster,
Enoch, Ebenezer, Sarah, David, Benajah and Amos .ludd, also a son Jose])!!,
born April oUth, 1721, whu carried on business in the store mentioned above.
The widow Sarah (Brewster) Hawkins and Benajah Johnson were married
Oct. lOth, 1728, and tlun' soon occupied, as pioneers, the first house in Sey-
mour, which was built at the foot of the first hill north of the house of Mr.
Chatfield, opi)osite the present housi! of William ( lilyard. She took her name
from her grandmother, Sarah Ludlow. About 17r)U he built the house which
was recently torn down to make room for Chatfield's present house. They
had two children, Isaac and Zeviah. Isaac was born in 1731 and died April
lOth, 1813, aged 78 years. Zeviah was born in 1731) and died May 2i>th,
1810, aged 77 years. Isaac marrie:! Lois Hopkins, daughter of John Hopkins,
of Waterbury and first cousin of the celebrated divine. Dr. Samuel Ho]»kiiis,
who was the son of her uncle Timothy. Tlie date of their marriage was Jan-
uary 21st, 1758, by Bca'. Mark Leavenworth, the pastor of the church in
Waterbury. Lois his wife, was born in 17.'»">. and died Oi-t. !<» h, 1811, aged
7(1 y(fars. Zeviah th« sister of Isaac was marrie 1 to xVbiid Fairrhild an 1
their house was about thnn^fourths of a mile northwest of IMnesbridge. Mr.
Fairchild was an excellent man. One of his neighbors said of him that he
was an "Isratdite indeed, in whom there was no guile."

Benajah Johnson died April l.">th, 17(53, age 1 5'.), anl his remains were
carried on a hoffte litter to the original burying ground of Derby. His widow,
Sarah, died May 7th, 1773, at the house of her daughter Mrs. Fairchild.
Tier remains were interred in a new burying ground which had been begun
about five years previous to her death, — about 17(>8 — on a terrace above and
west of the Naugatuck railroad, about a mile above the de])ot in SinnH)ur.
This place of burial was abandoned before the year 1800, when tln^ present
Binesbridge cemetery was chosen and given by Alexander ,Johnson, son of
Timothy. This early burying ground of 1708 is now in the woods and over-
grown with bushes and entirely neglected. The last burial in it was that of
a mulatto by the name of Shubael, son of Pero, a ])ure blooded African.
When it was pr(»posed to bury the remains of Sliubad in the IMnesbridge
ground, Mr. Alexander Johnson forlud it and so they took them to the ground
in the woods. The grave stones of Benajah Johnson and Sarah his wife
were placed by their son Isaac and are still standing.

SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 39

Timotliy Jolinson and Abigail Brew>ster, sister of Sarali (Brewster) Hawkins
were married Feb. 21st, 1725. Their house was a little way below Pines
bridge at a crossing- place on the jSTaugatuck, Avhere his grandson Elijali died
in 1S47, aged 75. They had but one child, Alexander, who was born in
1730, and died m Sept., 1817, aged 87. Timothy and his wife were both bur-
ied in the old burying ground of Derby. When he first removed to this wild
place he found a young Indian called Toby, who lived about half a mile north
west of Pines bridge from which Tob} 's Eocks took their name.

Mr. Johnson and his wife were very much annoyed by Avild animals and
snakes, especially by bears which came down ti-om Eock Eimmon and de-
stroycMl their crops. After a while they went back to Derby, where they
lived several years and then returned. Alexander Johnson and Hannah,
his wife had a large family, mostly sons. Timothy, (born Jan. 21st, 1700;
died Jan. 21st, 1830;) David, Elijah, Nathaniel, Charles and others. There
was one daughter who married Moses Clark of Nyumphs. Her maiden
name was Abigail Brewster Johnson and some now living remember her as
"aunt Nabby."

The dead were buried in Dcrliy till about a hundred and ten years ago,
when a few were buried in the burying ground opposite Eock Eimmon.
The princii)al mode of carrying the dead to I)erby was on a horse litter which
Avas extemporized as follows : Two horses with saddles were placed with
their heads in the same direction, one forward of the other about seven or
eight feet, and a long stout linen bag turned or looped up at each end was put
over each saddh^ to receive the ends of two long smooth and strong poles, one
on each side of the horses anl two or three cross pieces were put on the jwles
between the horses On this litter the coflfin was placed lengthwise and
fasten(Hl to the cro:^s pieces by ords. As the horses moved on the bearers
Avalked on each side and steadied the coffin. The mourners and their neigh-
bors followed on foot and on horseback. The roads in those days were narrow
and rough. When the distance; from the house to the burying ground was
not more tlnin two or three miles, the coffin, placed on a bier, w,is usually
borne o;i tlio shouldi'rs of bearers, four and four. The coffin was often made
(tf wliitewood boards and colored with lamp black, but the nu)st costly were
made of cherry.

Cnpt. James Wheeler of Derby, living in the section known as Turkey
Hill, married Sarah Eiggs and had three daughters and seven sons, Samuel,
Moses. John W., David, James, Joseph, and Simeon. Capt. James Wheeler
died in 1708. Samuel built the first house in Nyumphs, the eastern part
of the town of Beacon Fal s, anil around him settled his lirothers, Moses David,
and James. Simeon built on Himmon and had two sons, Nathan and Timothv,
and a daughter who married Bradford Steele of Ilumphreysville. Samuel
Wheeler was the father of Judge Al)el Wheeler of Oxford, who built and
lived in the house now occujjpied by S. P. Sanford. flohn W. Wlunder was
the father of Mr. John Toild A\'heeler, who recently died at a great age in
Seymour. He was born at tlu! house of his Uncle James Wheeler, which
stood where the aged Shehhui Clark recently lived, north of the woolen factory.
Simeon's large two story house was where there is now a small house right
opposite the factory next north of the covered bridge.

What is called Lopus was first settled by Zadoc Sanford and Hezekiah
Clark, grandfather of Sheldon Clark, about th(; yenr 1700. He and his
brother David lost their lives in the Eevolutionary War.

40 SEYMOUE A:f^D VICINITY.

There were tliree principal ways to go fi'om Derby to WaterbuiT in those
old times. One way was on the east side of the Naugatuck by the house of
Benajah Johnson and his son Isaac, on Skokorat, then up over Beacon Hill to
Salem, &c. A second way was along the banks of the Naugatuck, crossing
the stream sixteen times. This was often the way in sunnner when the
stream was low. A third way was over Great Hill, Rock'us (Rock-house)
Hill, Quaker Farms, &c. When a man and his wife or daughter made the
journey to Waterbury she rode behind him on a pillion.

The road across Great Hill was laid out previous to 1745, as appears in-
cidentally in the following extract from the records :

To all whom it man concern, know ye, that uw, the suhscrlhcrs hereunto, at the desire of
the selectmen of Derhey, were by the civil authority in Milford appointed and sworn to ajix
and sett up hounds hefween a certain highway within the hounds of Derhey aforesaid, on a
place called the Great Hill, the land on the Northward side of the Hiyhway claimed hy Capt.
Sani'l Basitt on the rights of Sarnl. Hawley of Stratford, and on the Southward side of said
high-way claimed hy Samuel Tomlinson, Ahraham Wooster and Jonathan Lum. According
to sd. apjmntment we on the second Day of instant May did go upon the land, and consider-
ing the records and hearing the tvitiiesses there present, set %ip, afix and renew the bounds on
each side of sd. highway, and a heap of stones at the South west corner of said Sasitfs lying
within the fence, and a heap of stones lying at the root of a great chestnut-tree that is blown
doum at the Southeast cornei' of said Basitfs claim, are the true original corners of Sd.
Uawley's piece of land as laid out by a Committee December 21, 1698, and that a straight
line from said Corners is the northward side of the Highway. And four rods Southward
from said hea}) of stones at the root of said Chestnut tree there is a heap of stones at the root
of a black oak tree tn Sd. Johnathan Lmn^s fence, and another heap of stones bg Woodbury
road four rods Southward from a heap of stones at the corner of Sd. Basitt^s land, lying
near to the corner of Sd. Tomlinson^s land that was formerally Silvester Wooster^s, and a
straight line fro)n said corners is the Southward side of said Highway. Done by us, Dcrbey,
May 2d, 1745.

Nathaniel Faikcuild, )
Nathan Baldwin, ^^Freeholders.

Entered July the \st, A. D., 174.'). Thomas Clahkk, )

By me, Charles French, Begtr.

Joseph Mauwelm, or Chuse, about 1720 was presented by his father
with a tract of land "near the falls of the Xaugatuc," where a little band
of Indians gathered around and recognized him as their chief. At tirst there
were but two or three white fomilies in the vicinity, but the number soon in-
creased. Joe received the name Chuse from his manner in pronouncing
choose., and fi'om this the place was called Chusetown for more than fifty
years. Chuse was a skillful hunter and captured not only small game, but
occasionally a deer, wild turkey or bear. P'inally the little tribe became
scattered and in 1763, Chuse and Houde, sold their land to Ebenezer Keeney,
John Wooster and Joseph Hull, Jr. The following is a copy of the deed :

Know all men by these presents that we, Joseph Chuse, John Houde, Indians of Derby,
in tlie County of New Haven, aud Colony of Connecticut in New England, with the advice of
Samnel Basel, Esqr, Agent for the said Indians, according to the Allowance and Liberty
Given to Ebenezer Eeeney, John Wooster if Joseph Hull, Jr. of Derby in the county and
colony aforesaid by the general assembly of the Colony of Connecticut on the first Thursday of
May, A. D. 1760, iS' we the Said Joseph Chuse, John Honde, Indians as aforesd — tcith the
Libeiiy and advice as aforesd — do quit-claim and make over aud confirm unto the said Ebene-
zer Eeeney, John Wooster i^- Joseph Hull, Jnr.,for the Consideration of Eight Pounds LawfuU

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 41

money to us paid by the said Ebenezer Keeney, John Wooster <f Joseph Hull, Jr., which
is to our full satisfaction, and we the said Joseph Chuse <.^- John Houde do by these Presents
(Quitclaim, make over and Confirm to them the sd Ebenezer Keenly, John Wooster and Joseph
Hull, Jr., a Certaine Farcell of Land Lying in sd Derby at the Falls, so called, Bounded as
followeth, beginning at a heap of stones near the foot of the Great Bridge which is the original
earner of the Falls Land, and run east four rods to a heap of stones on the edge of the hill
by a walnut tree, then run north 46 degs. west eleven rods to a heap of stones on the edge of a
knole, then West 14 Degs. north fourteen rods to a heap of stones four rods from the bank of
the river, then run north 34 Degs. west fifteen rods to a heap of stones on the top of the high
bank, then run west 45 Degs. north to a heap of stones by the river eighteen rods, and then its
bounded southerly and westerly around to the first mentioned bounds near the foot of the
Bridge all the way on the river, taking in the falls Rocks, Containing one acre against the
falls and one acre and a half of land for highway to the said acre, with all the prevelidges
and appurtenances belonging to said falls and land, and we the said Joseph Chuse, John
Houde, Indians, as aforesaid do by these presents quitclaim, release and relinquish and make
over to them, the said Ebenezer Keeney, John Wooster and Joseph Hull, Jr., and to their
heirs and assigns forever tvithout any molestation given by us or by our heirs or assigns. In
Confirmation of the premises we hare hereunto set our Hands and Seals this forth day of
October, A. D., 1763.

Signed, tSealed and delivered

in presence of JOSEPH CHUSE

CHARLES FRENCH,

JOHN HOLBROOK, jqhn HOUDE

Derby, in the County of New Haven, on the day and date above said personally ap-
peared Joseph Chuse and John Houde, signers and sealers to the above instrument and ac-
knowledged the said instrument to be their free act and deed.

Before me, CHARLES FRENCH, Justice of the Peace.

It appears however, that some Indians remained in the vicinity lono-
after this, as at a town meeting lield Mar. 8, 1780, "Capt. Bradford Steel and
Mr. Gideon Johnson were appointed a committee with full power to take
care of the Indian Lands in Derby, and let out the same to the best advan-
tage for the support of said Indians and to take care that there be no waste
made on said land, and to render an account of their doings to said town of
Derby."

Francis French., one of the original grantees of Derby, when it was set
apart from the Milford plantation, came over in the ship "Defence" in 1635,
being then but ten years of age. Savage, in his Dictionary of First Settlers
of New England, says he came over with William, his * * * uncle, who
settled at Cambridge, Mass. The English records of emigration of about
that time record the departure of one Francis French, aged ten years, and
his mother. This Francis French was one of the selectmen of the town in
1066, when the usual pay of town officials for their services was 2.9. Qd. per
day. His son Francis, born Feb. 11, 1677, was the father of Israel French,
who built his house where now stands the house of William Gilyard, on Sko-
corat, in 1740, and so was a near neighbor of Benajah Johnson. This Israel
French married Sarah Loveland Sept. 11, 1739. He was elected a Surveyor
of Highway at a town meeting held Dec. 10th, 1764, and held the office
several years. As the highway to Derby was then little better than a forest
path, the office was probably no sinecure. His oldest son, David, born in
1741, lived in Bethany, then a parish of Woodbridge. He was familiarly
known as King David, and the records mention him as a land holder of
Nyumphs in 1766, and years afterward as prominent among the early Metho-
dists. He died Aug. 4, 1821, aged 80 years. Another son of this pioneer,

42 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

Israel, was Cliavles, boi'n Dec. 19, 1765, who was the father of Raymond
French, Esq. Charles, brother of Israel French, was town clerk of Derby
tliirty-four years. The family were remarkable for their tenacious memories.
It was said of Israel that after once hearing a sermon he could repeat it from
memory with but little varation.

Richard Baldwin, one of the original grantees of the town of Derby,
was a native of England, baptized there in 1022, and came over with his
father Sylvanus on board ship Martin. Sylvanus was the son of Sylvester,
from parish Ashton, Clinton, Bucks Co., Eng., who died in 1638 on ship
Martin. Richard bought land Oct. 10th, 1069, in the south part of Derby,
of Ockemunge, (written also Okenuch and Okenug,) "sole sachem of Pau-
gussett," Chupps and Nehawkumme.

He was selected by the General Court as "Moderator of the new settle-
ment of Paugussett, and he was one of the committee appointed on the part
of the New Haven colony to effect the union with the Connecticut colony.
Barnabas, son of Richard, was born in 1005. About six hundred acres in the
south-west part of VVoodbridge, which had been purchased of an Indian chief
by his father, Avas conveyed to him by his brothers and sisters, and is largely
in the possession of his descendants to the present day. He died in 1741. His
son Timothy was born in 1095 and died in 1700. Capt. Timothy, son of the
abo\'e mentioned, was born Dec. 13, 1722, in what was then Milford, near the
Derby line, afterwards Woodbridge. Jan. 15, 1744, he was mamed to Sarah
Beeclier, who died in 1794. He was in 1779 one of the committee to facilitate
the arrangements to strengthen the patriot army. He lived in what is now
Seymour, and in 1789 was the first signer of the petition for the establishment
of the first religious society formed in this place. See page 17. He had a slave
Peter, baptized Dec. 23rd, 1790. He died Dec. 22, 1800. His children were
Sarah, b. Apr. 11, 1740, m. Simeon Wheeler of Derby, Oct. 10, 1764:
Timothy, b. 1749, lived in Derby, d. Aug. 30, 1822: Thaddeus, b. June 22,
1751: Anne, b. Feb. 24, 1757, m. Edmund Clark of Derby.

Occasionally the records of public proceedings seem to indicate a large
proportion of the public hien as residing in this part of old Derby. At the
town meeting held Dec. 10, 1764, Daniel Holbrook was chosen moderator ;
Charles French, town clerk ; Ashbel Loveland and Abiel Fairchild, grand
jurors ; John Howd, one of tlie tything men ; and John Washband, surA^eyor
of highways. In 1765, (Dec. 9th,) Daniel Holbrook is again mentioned as
moderator of the town meeting, and Gideon and Nathaniel Johnson and John
Basit were chosen surveyors of highway. Daniel Holbrook lived on Skocorat.

The practice of allowing cattle and swine to run at large on the common
lands made necessary some method of marking, and each proprietor had his
"earmark" duly recorded. Dr. Josiah Canfield's earmark was a swallow fork
in the end of the left ear. (Entered Mar. 27, 1769.) Jonathan Miles' earmark
was a SAvallow fork in each ear and a half penny cut in the ■ upper side of the
right ear. (Entered May 9, 1766.)

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 43

As an adjoining- town, carved, like Seymour, from what was once Derby,
and whose boundary line has been changed from time to time, so as to include'
more or less of what is now Seymour, some account of the early history of
Oxford may properly be inserted here. The first petition looking to the setting
apart of Oxford as a separate parish was made to the General Assembly in
May, 1740. A committee was appointed to investigate the case, and in May,
1741, the petition was granted in the following words:

"Whereas upon the memorial of Timothy Worster, John Twitchel and
John Towner, «&c., dwelling in the north and northwest part of the township
of Derby, Isaac Trowbridge, John Weed, Jonas Weed, Joseph Weed, Thomas
and Joseph Osborn, dwelling in the southwest part of Waterbury woods, in
the old society in said Waterbury, and Isaac Knowles, Joseph Towner,
Eliphalet Bristol, John Tift and Aaron Bristol, dwelling in the southeast part
of the township of Woodberry woods in the parish of Southberry, moving to
the General Assembly holden at Hartford, May, anno Dom. 1740, that they
might become one entire, distinct ecclesiastical society, and praying for a
committee, &c.; the said General Assembly did appoint a committee, who
accordingly making their report to the General Assembly at New Haven in
October last, and the same not being accepted; and the said General Assembly
in October last appointing another committee, Colo. Benjamin Hall, Capt.
Isaac Dickerman and Capt. John Fowler, to view and report, &g.: And
whereas the said last mentioned committee have to this Assembly made their re-
port, that according to the direction of said Assembly they have repaired to
the abovesaid places, &c., and lind and are of opinion, that it is necessary and
best that the said inhabitants be made a distinct, separate ecclesiatical society,
and that their bounds and limits be as followeth : Beginning at the mouth of
the four mile brook in Derby bounds, where the brook emptieth itself into the
great river, and to run as said brook runneth by said brook unto the bridge
that is between the dwelling houses of Abel Gun and John Holbrook; and
from said bridge by the highway that runneth between the land commonly
called the Camp's Mortgage and the land called Quakers Farm Purchase, unto
the river called the Little river; and thence as the Little river runneth to Nau-
gatuck river; and thence northerly, by said Naugatuck river, that being the east
bounds of said society, until it comes to the dividing line between the towns of
Derby and Waterbury; thence turning westerly and running as the line runneth
between the towns of Derby and Waterbury, as aforesaid, until it comes to the
southeasterly boundary of Thomas and Joseph Osborn's farm in the bounds of
Derby; and ft'om thence to run northerlyto the northeast corner boundary of Jos.
W^eed's farm in Waterbury town bounds; and from thence a northwesterly line
to the northeast corner boundary of Isaac Trowbridge's farm in said Waterbury
town bounds; and from thence to run westerly, in the line of said Trowbridge's
farm, about sixty rods, to Woodbeny town line; and thence to the northwest
corner of Isaac Knowles's farm in the township of Woodberry ; and from the
northwest corner of said Knowles's farm a west line to the eight mile brook
in the bounds of Woodberry; and then by the said brook, until it comes to
the dividing line between the towns of Woodberry and Derby; and thence
to run westerly in the line that divideth between the said towns of Woodbeny
and Derby, unto the great river; thence by the river southerly to the first
mentioned boundary, the mouth of four mile brook; as by said report on file,
dated May the 7th, ammo Dom. 1741."

44 SEYMOUE AND VICINITY.

"J^ is thereupon resolved by this Assembly^ That the above said memori-
alists, inhabitants of Derby, Waterbury and Woodberry, situate and living
within the bounds and limits above described, be and become together one
..entire, separate and distinct ecclesiastical society or parish, subsisting and
known by the name of the parish of Oxford, and endowed with all powers
and privileges wherewith other parishes within this government are by law^
endowed."

The members of the "Society of Oxford," as they tenned themselves,
met for the first time and organized June 30, 1841. On the 6th of October,
1741, in meeting lawfully warned, it was voted, "by a two-thirds part of the
inhabitants by law qualified to vote and present in meeting, to build a meet-
ing house, and to meet the assembly in their next session at New Haven, to
pray for a commission to appoint, order and fix the place whereon their meet-
ing house shall be erected and built." Mr. Ebenezer Riggs was appointed
agent to the General Assembly. The following is the order of the Assembly:

"Upon the report of Capt. Isaac Dickerman, Mr. %James Talmadge
and Mr. John Hitchcock, appointed by this Assembly to affix the place
for the inhabitants of the parish of Oxford to build their meeting house
upon, &c., the said committee having viewed their circumstances, and have
set down a stake and laid stones to the same, at the south end of the hill,
commonly called Jack's Hill, and near the highway that runs on the east
side the Little river, on land belonging to Ephraim Washbourn, which said
place the said committee report to be the most convenient place for the said
inhabitants to build a meeting house upon : Resolved by this Assembly, that
the abovesaid place be the place for the said inhabitants to build their meeting
house upon ; and the said inhabitants are hereby ordered to build a meeting
house at the said place accordingly."

In May, 1743, "upon the prayer of Isaac Trowbridge, of Oxford parish,
in behalf of himself and the rest of the inhabitants of said parish, pray-
ing this Assembly that they may be allowed to imbody into a church
estate and be impowered and enabled to settle a minister according to the
establishment of the churches in this government, »&c.: Whereupon it is
granted by this Assembly, that the said parish of Oxford, by and wiih the
consent and approbation of the neighbouring churches, may imbody into
church estate, and are hereby allowed and impowered to proceed to and settle
a minister according to the establishment of the churches in this government."

Rev. Johnathan Lyman was ordained minister of the parish Oct. 4, 1745,
and received a settlement of £500, to be paid in four yearly installments, and
a salary of £125 per year. The next minister was Rev. David Bronson, from
Milford, called Mar. 3rd, 1764, with a settlement of £200 and a salary of £60.
He served the parish forty years, dying in 1806.

The Episcopal parish of St. Peter's was organized in 1764 by Rev.
Richard Mansfield, the rector of the Derby church. The first settled clergy-
man of this parish was Rev. Mr. Prindle.

Although a separate parish since 1741, Oxford was not incoi-porated as a
town until 1798. Father mention will be made in connection with contem-
porary events.

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 45

Tlie I*ei*iocl of the U-e volution.

The hardy pioneers who had made their homes among these hills and
vales, of good old English stock, and, in part, descendants of the puritans who
came over in the Mayflower, had grown stronger in their love of freedom, and
were prompt to second the resistance to the encroachments upon their liberty.
Meetings were held and arrangements made to send men, provisions and
clothing, to the extent of their ability, to the patriot army. Of necessity the
business was done in town meetings, but the records show that those living in
this section did their duty nobly.

As early as Nov. 29th, 1774, a special town meeting was called to con-
sider "the doings of the Reputable Continental Congress held at Philadelphia,
Sept. o^'^ 1774," Daniel Holbrook, moderator. They agreed that the proposal
of Congress was "a wise and judicious plan," and resolved that they would
"faithfully adhere to and abide by the association entered into by said Con-
gi'ess." The meeting also voted as follows: "That the Gentlemen herealter
named be a Committee to see the same earned into execution, viz: Capt.
John Holbrook, M^' Henry Tomlinsou, Maj. Jabez Thompson, M'" John Pickit,
Cap^ Thomas Clark, jNP' Abraham Smith, Henry Whitney, Cap* Joseph Riggs,
Lieu* Bradford Steel & Lieu* Ebenezer Buckingham. In case a county Con-
gress should be agreed upon in this county, then the aforesaid committee shall
chuse and appoint two out of their number to attend such congress. Again
the town have taken into their consideration the needy & distressed circum-
stances of the poor of the Town Boston, by the operation of a late act of Par-
liament blocking up their Harbour, this Town is opinion that it is necessary
and their duty to contribute for their help."

In 1777 all male citizens of lawful age were required to take an oath of
fidelity. Among those who took this oath appear the following familiar names.
Rev. Daniel Humphrey, Charles French, Esq"", John Davis, Esq"", Thomas
Clark, Esq', Cap* John Holbrook,* Agur Tomlinson, Joseph Durand, Benja-
min Toralinson, Cap* Joseph Riggs, Abraham Basit, David DeForest, Philo
Johnson, John Coe, Daniel Chattield, Ruben Baldwin, Gideon Johnson, Nathan
Mansfield, Bradford Steel, Eleazer Lewis,* Ebenezer Keeney, Henry Tomlin-
son,* Turel Whittemore, Abraham Beacher, Enos Bradley, Johnathan Hitch-
cock, Noah French, Nathaniel French, Samuel French, John Howd, David
Johnson, Deacon Daniel Holbrook, Jn'^, Cap* Nathaniel Johnson, Abraham
Hawkins, Isaac Smith, Cap* John Tomlinsou, Cap* William Clark, John
Botchford, Ashbel Loveland, Asahel Johnson, Cap* Joseph Lum, Joseph
Loveland, Jehiel Spencer, Ebenezer Johnson, Samuel Russell, Zachariah
Fairchild, Freegift Hawkins, Edward Howd, Joseph Canfield, wSilas Baldwin,

46 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

Abijali Hull, Lcnvis Hnbbell, Pliilo Holbrook, Eleazer Woostev. (*SpecifuHl
in records as living on Great Hill.)

At a town meeting held Feb. 10'^, 1777, the following action was taken:

"Whereas the General Assembly of this state at their sessions at Middle -
town on the 18"' day of December last past, by an act did regulate the prices
of a number of articles in 8*^ act enumerated ; and whereas it appears to this
town that it is of the utmost consequence to the Community in general and
to this town in particular that said act should bo immediately carried into
execution Voted therefore that this town will by every legal measure en-
deavour to have the directions of said act strictly (tomplyed with, this town
being fully sensible that it is the duty of every ft'iend to his country to sell &•
dispose of the articles enumerated in the act of assembly fixing the price of
labour, provisions, &c., at the prices at which they are therein stated. Therefore,

Voted, that those of us who have any of tliem beyond what we want for
our own consumption will readily ami cheerfully sell them either for money
or produce at the price in said act stated : and that we will esteem all persons
who shall not do the same, enemies to their country, and treat them accord-
ingly : Provided such person is properly convicted thereof before the Com-
mittee of Inspection of this Town : whom we impower to take cognizance of
such offense."

That those who were serving their country on the field of battle Avere pro-
vided for by those who remained at home, as far as their means Avould permit,
is shown by frequent votes of supplies and appointment of special committees
to see that the supplies were furnished. On the 8th of Dec, 1777, John Coe,
David DeForest and Cap* Thomas Clark were appointed such a committee.
In Dec, 1778, Sam' Hull, DaA'id DeForest, Abraham Beecher, Cap* John
Tomlinson, Cap*^ Timothy Baldwin, Cap' John Biggs, Lieu* Samuel Wheler,
Sam' Basit, Dan' Holbrook, Jun^, Cap* Joseph Biggs, Buben Tucker, Cap*
Nathaniel Johnson, Jos Bussell, Noah Tomlinson, Thomas Clark, l^^sq'", John
Howd, Cap* John Holbrook, Edward Howd, Thadeus Baldwin and othei-s
were appointed a committee to provide clothing for the soldiers.

At a town meeting held Dec. 28th, 1778, it was voted to "give to each
soldier in the Continental Army that counts for the town of Derby Ten Pounds
money each in lew of the linnin overhawls, linnin shirts, and shoes that was
voted to them last year as a bounty," and a town tax was laid of one shilling
nine pence on the pound. Ensign John Humphrey was appointed to receive
the money and to pay it to the soldiers.

Notwithstanding the excitement caused by the war and the heavy taxes
upon the resources of the people, the schools were not forgotten, as the fol-
lowing documents show. The first seems to define a district in the western
part of what is now Beacon Falls. The petition was granted in a town
meeting Dec 13th, 1770.

"Considering the distance that a consideral)le number of the inhabitants
of the 4*'' & 5*'' districts live from the center of said districts and the incon-
venience it is attended with, we therefore whose names are under A\Titten,
desire to be set oft" to be an entire District. Signed and approved by us,
Joseph Davis, Abraham Basit, Sam' Smith, Jr., David Person, John Davis,
John Church, Isaac Beecher, Abraham Beecher, Ebenezer Biggs, John
Riggs, Bradford Steel, Committee. Beginning at the Stone Bridge at the
lower end of Mr. Abraham Basit's Little river meadow, from thence running
East to the top of ttie hill South of said Basit's, then running north with the
high-way to Capt. Joseph Davis' including said Capt Davis, and fi'om thence
running- East to the hioii wav that runs west of Tohev's rock, then runninii-

SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 47

north to the head of tlie bounds between Derby & Waterbury, including M^'^
Abigail Gunn's farm, then running West with the line to Waterbury road,
then running South with the road down to Mr. Miles' barn, then running
West to Touantick brook, then running South with the brook to the bridge
over said Brook Southeast of David Twitchel's, and from thence southerly
down to the road to the first mentioned bounds, including widow lluth
Bunnell."

The following seems to describe what now constitutes the sub-districts of
Shrub Oak and Bungav, Seymour. Petition granted in a town meeting
Dec. 27th, 1779.

"We the Subscribers whose names are underwritten desire the town of
Derby would permit us to be formed into a school district, to take in part of
the north district in the old society, and part of the Great Hill, and part of
the Rimmon District, bounded as followeth, beginning at the mouth of
Hassekee meadow brook, running northerly by Naugatuck river till it comes
to the upper end of Long Plain, so called, then running westerly to the north
side of the Park, then running southerly to the west side of John Botchford's
farm, then running southerly to Mr. Joseph Canfield's barn, theu running
southerly to the highway twenty rods north of Nehemiah Botchford's house,
then running with the highway to Hassekee meadow brook, theu running by
said brook to the first mentioned corner."

Bradford Steel, Eunis Pritchard, Abra™ Wooster,

Ashbel Steel, James Pritchard, Jr., Daniel Davis,

Hezekiah Woodin, Samuel Wooster, Benj" Davis,

Kuben Perkins, William Gordin, Eben'" Keeney,

Eanford Whitney, John Botchford, Wm. Keeney,

Lowis Riggs, Edward Harger, Theo"^ Miles,

John Wooster, Josiah Washband, Jona"^ Miles.

John Riggs, / ^ ...

John ToMLiNSON, I ^'^'"""^^^^-

The following is from the minutes of a town meeting held Mar. 8th, 1780.
"The town by their voate appoint Capt. Bradford Steel and ]Mr. Gideon John-
son a committe with full power to take care of the Indians' Lands in Derby,
and let out the same to the best advantage for the support of said Indians, and
to take care that there be no wast made on said land, and to render an ac-
count of their doings to said town of Derby." At the same meeting it was
"voted that Abraham Hawkins, James Beard, Esq., Mr. John Humphrey,
Capt. Xathan Person, Mr. Noah Tomlinson, Major Nathan Smith, David
Tomlinson, Lieut. Levi Hotchkiss, AValter Wooster and Ebenezer Warner be
a committee to assist the officers of the several companies in the town of
Derby in raising their quota of naen that shall be requested in this town for
the continental and state service, at the expense of the town, with discretion-
ary orders to give such premiums as said com*^'' in their wisdom shall judge
reasonable."

At a town meeting held June 27th, 1780, a rate of sixpence was voted
"to pay the bounty to the Contenental soldiers and to defray town charges,"
and Capt. John Riggs, Capt. Daniel Holbrook and Capt. Bradford Steel were .
"appointed a com"'' to enlist contenental soldiers and to pay them their
bounty."

It was also voted "that the town shall give each num that shall enlist
himself as a soldier into the Contenental army during the war shall receive of
the town as a bouuty the sum of £20, to be paid in bills of credit of this state

48 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

at the time the muster, and £20 pounds at the commencement of the second
year of their service, and twenty pounds at the commencement of the 3"^
year of their service. And all such as shall list for three years into the
contenental army shall receive in bills of credit of this state £20 at the time
of passing muster, &r £15 at the commencement of the 2"'i year of tlieir
service, and -£10 at the commencement of the 3'' year of their service.
And also all such persons as have or shall enlist into the contenental service
for one year and seven months from the date of these presents shall receive
£10 at passing muster, and £5 at the commencement of the 2"'^ campaign.

By a vote at a town meeting held Nov. 13, 1780, it was provided that
two shirts, two pair stockings, one pair shoes, and 1 jtair mittens should be
sent to each soldier.

In accordance with an act of the Assembly for collecting and storing a
quantity of provisions, in the winter of 1780-81, the following prices were
allowed for produce received as taxes, in lieu of money; beef of the best
quality 5p. per pound, merchantable 4ip., pork 5 and 6p. per pound, wheat
flour 24p. per hundred.

In Nov., 1780, "Johnathan Hitchcock, Capt. Tho^ Clark, John Howd,
Cap"^ John Tomlinson, M'" Johnathan Lum, Jn"", and Lieu* John Basit were
appointed a committee to class the people agreeable to a late act of Assembly
for filling up & compleating the state's Quotas of the Contenental Army," and
measures were taken to provide clothing for those already in the field. At a
town meeting held Dec. 11th, 1780, the following committee was appointed
to take care of the soldiers' families; Peter Johnson, Joseph liussell, Thadeus
Baldwin, Daniel Holbrook, Isaac Smith, Benj. Basit, Jabez Thompson,
Christopher Smith, Andrew Smith, Johnathan Lum, Jn', John Basit, Josiah
Strong, Robert Wheler, Isaac Beecher, Ebenezer Johnson, Abiel Fairchild,
Jn^ and Noah Tomlinson.

Emcmcipation. At the same meeting it was "Voted that the authority
and selectmen be impowered and directed to give certificates to Capt. Daniel
Holbrook and Capt. John Wooster to free and emancipate their servants, Negro
men, on the condition that the said negro men inlist into the State Rig* to be
raised for the defense of this state, for the town, one year." At a town meet-
ing held in 1781 it was voted that the selectmen give to the Rev*^ David
Humphreys a certificate or liberty to manumit his servants, Cambridge and
Cate his wife.

In April, 1781, the town was called on for men for the post of Horseneck,
and the sehictmen were empowered to provide horses and accoutrements for
the service.

In March, 1782, some who had been called on for service in the army
were released on payment of Fifty pounds and the required number of soldiers
for one year were obtained by the otter of bounties. A tax of two pence on
the pound was laid to pay the bounties, (leorge Beard was chosen collector
for the Great Hill Society, and with Micah Pool was to be a committee to
enlist the number of soldiers required. Cap* Nathaniel Johnson was ap-
pointed collector for the old Society and with Cap* Daniel Holbrook consti-
tuted the committee of enlistment. Abraham Beecher was appointed collect-
or in Oxford Society and Cap* Ebenezer Riggs was associated with him as
enlisting committee. At a later meeting Ebenezer Plant was appointed to
assist in the Oxford Society. There were, here as elsewhere throughout the
colonies, some who believed that they owed first and indissoluble allegiance
to Iving George III. Except these "loyalists," those who could best leave
home had freelv volunteered early in the contest, and now those who re-

SEYMOUR A]!^D VICINITY. 49

mained, as freely contributed of their scanty means to fill the quota needed
to secure the final victory.

The names of those who served their country on the field of battle are
not all now to be found, but so many as can be gleaned from old manuscripts
and records are given below.

Gen. David IIumj)hreys, son of Rev. Daniel Humphreys, was born in
Derby in 1752. As a boy he was passionately fond of books, and in 1767 he
entered college at the early age of fifteen, graduating with distinguished honor.
During his college course he earned the title of "the young bard of Yale."
As a poet he graced the progress of freedom and the pathways of liberty with
the flowers of his pen, and in this way helped to fire the hearts of patriots and
hasten the growth of that public opinion which culminated in the establishment
of our republic. After a short residence in New York he returned to New
Haven county, and before joining the army in 1778, he wrote many poetic
efl'usions, one of which was addressed to his Mends in Yale College, of which
the following lines are a specimen.

"Adieu, then, Yale ! where youthful poets dwell,
No more I linger by thy classic stream —
Inglorious ease and sportive songs. Farewell!
Thou startling clarion, break the sleeper's dream."

He entered the army as captain and in 1778 had been promoted as aid
to Gen. Putnam with the rank of Major. Two years later he was appointed
aid to General Washington, which position he retained dming the war, enjoy-
ing the full confidence of the Commander-in-chief, and sharing his toil and
danger. When the army of Cornwallis laid down their arms at Yorktown,
Oct. 19th, 1781, Humphreys had the honor to receive the English colors and
as a mark of approbation was dispatched to Congress "with copies of the returns
of prisoners, arms, ordnance, etc., and twenty-five stands of colors, surrendered,"
with a letter from Washington warmly commending Col. Humphreys to the
thanks and consideration of the government for his valor, fidelity and signal
services. In November following he was voted an elegant sword in the "name
of the United States in Congress assembled," and in 1786 it was presented by
Gen. Knox, then Secretary of War, with imposing ceremonies. Congress
also commissioned him Lieut. Colonel, dating back his commission to his ap-
pointment as aid to Washington. In 1784 he embarked for France in company
with the brave but unfortunate Kosciusko; having on the appointment of
Mr. Jefterson as ambassador to France, been appointed Secretary of Legation.
In 1786 he returned to America and revisited the scenes of his youth.

Soon after his return, he was elected by his fellow citizens to be their
representative in the legislature of the State, and continued to be elected for
two years, when he was 'appointed to the command of a regiment raised for
the western service. During the period that he held his office, he remained
most of the time in Hartford ; and, with Hopkins, Barlow and Trumbull, as-
sisted in the publication of the Anarchiad. On the reduction of his regiment,
he repaired to Mount Vernon, and continued with Gen. Washington until
1790, when he received the appointment of Minister to the court of Portugal,
where he resided seven years. He was then appointed Minister to Spain, in
which position he continued until 1802. He married a Spanish lady and thus
added to his influence and rendered easier a project he had formed for the
benefit of his native land. Knowing the superiority of Spanish wool, he planned
to export some of the unrivalled Merino sheep to the United States, and in
this he succeeded, though at great risk and cost, inasmuch as the Spanish laws
forbade the exportation by stringent laws. He obtained permission to purchase

50 SEYMOUE AND VICINITY.

four himdretl Merinos in the mountain pastures of Estremadura and employing
shepherds, drove them to the coast by night, remaining secreted by day.
During this trip and the voyage to America the number was rapidly reduced,
so that when landed at Derby dock they numbered only about one hundi*ed.
This was the first importation of Merino sheep into the United States. Gen.
Humphreys then erected the first woolen factory in the United States in the
village which took his name — Humphreysville — and in connection with which
the labor of his later years will be spoken of at length.

Ca2)t. Ehenezer Dayton was one of the brave privateersmen of the Sound,
who annoyed the transports and boats of the tories and the British admiral
offered a large bounty for his head and that of Caleb Brewster, his cousin. Fear-
ing to leave his family at their home in Brookhaven, L. I., he brought them
across the Sound to Milford. After remaining there a while, as a further precau-
tion, he removed them to Bethany hill inWoodbridge. The robbery of the house
occupied by Mrs. Dayton at that place by a British company and a band of
tories is well described at length by Eev. Israel Warren in the book entitled
"Chauncey Judd." Soon after the Revolution Capt. Dayton removed to
Chusetown, where he opened a tavern, afterward the home for a time of Gen.
Humphreys while he was establishing his woolen factory. Capt. Dayton, early
seeing the advantage to his public house of a more direct communication with
Waterbury and the towns above, set about the project of opening the Dug
Road, which was finished about the beginning of the present century. Being
of a restless disposition, he, after a while, undertook an enterprise in Louisiana,
where he spent the latter part of his life.

Ca-pt. Raymond Sanfordj died in March, 1805, aged 53 years. U.

Lieut. Jahez PritcJiard, who enlisted in July, 1777, under Capt. Corris,
in the regiment of Col. Enos, was in command of the guard at Horseneck and
afterward under the command of Major Humphreys near Fort Indei>endence.
In the conflict which occurred there, Lieut. Pritchard, with others, was taken
prisoner and confined, first at King's Bridge, then in New York, and afterward
on a prison-ship in the North River. His commission was taken fi-om him
by his inhuman captors and he was so ill treated that — like most of the other
prisoners on that infamous ship — he survived but a short time. His generous
character may be infeiTcd from the fact that he might have escaped being
taken prisoner but that he would not abandon a wounded comrade, and that
he afterward divided his funds with a fellow prisoner, to which act of liberality
Bradford Steel ascribed his own recovery by means of the decent provision
and comforts which he was thus enabled to purchase.

Bradford Steel, son of Capt. Bradford Steel, born in 1701, enlisted
July 10, 1777, at the age of sixteen, under Capt. Gorris, regiment of Col.
Enos. Tho company was at first stationed at Horseneck, but was soon after
ordered to join a branch of the continental army under the command of Maj.
Humphreys. They marched to Peekskill and there joined the army and
marched to West Chester, about 2,000 strong and having two pieces of
artillery. At the battle near Fort Independence, (General Varnum, com-
manding oflicer,) Steel, with Lieut. Pritchard and others, were taken prison-
ers. One of the number becoming deranged under his sufferings, the British
soldiers beat him with their muskets, then tied him on a horse, took him to
King's Bridge and threw him over, leaving him with his head and shoulders
buried in the mud. At night Steel and thirteen companions were placed in
a small tent guarded by Hessian soldiers, and if any one pressed out the tent
cloth he was sure to feel the prick of a bayonet. Next day they were taken

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 51

to the Su^ar House, wliere most of the prisoners had nothing to eat for three
or four clays. They were then allowed four ounces each of wormy sea biscuit
and four ounces of Irish pork daily.

About the 1st of December they were put on board a ship in the North
River. After fifteen days the small pox broke out. Steel aud twenty -five
others were taken to the hospital, where they had so little care that only four
of the number survived. Steel saw one man with his feet so fi-ozen that
after a time they dropped off at the ankles. One day while Steel was im-
prisoned at the Sugar House, a well known tory came along and was all allow-
ed by the guard to pass in. The prisoners seized him, dragged him to the
pump, and the old pump handle went up aud down in fine style until he was
thoroughly drenched. He was then allowed to run, the prisoners saying
good-bye to him with a shower of brickbats. Aug. 8, 1778, the few survivors
received tidings that they were to be exchanged. Said Steel, "On the next
day we were called out and paraded in the prison yard. To behold such a
company of living skeletons, one might almost imagine that the prophecy
concerning the dry bones had been fulfilled in us." Aug. 16th, they landed
at Elizabethtown Point, and were marched to the meeting house where the
exchange was effected. Steel and three others who were too much reduced
by theii- sickness and sufferings to be capable of farther military service, were
discharged and returned home. Steel recovered his health after some months
and was for many years a highly respected citizen of Humphreysville, and
deacon of the Congregational Society, dying Dec. 24, 1841, aged 80 years.

Join White, son of Daniel White, died Feb. 19th, 1830, aged 73. C.

Leach, fought under Washington seven years, was several times

badly wounded. 21.

Ahram Bassett, died Nov. 17th, 1853, aged 81 years. E.

Theophilns Miles, died 1822, aged 83 years. U.

Truman Loveland. E.

Sergt. James Baldwin.

Jesse Baldwin, brother to above.

Isaac Johnson, son of Benajah, died April 10th, 1813, aged 78. M.

Ezra Butler, afterward lived in the house now standing in the rear of
the house of Sheldon Tucker.

Ball.

Jethro Martin, colored. Gen. Humphrey's servant, died in North Haven.
Received a pension from the government until his death,

Joseph Mauwehu, (Chuse.)

Phineas Johnson, from Pinesbridge.

Nathaniel Johnson, from Pinesbridge, di'afted, served till the close of
the war.

Linus Lonnshury, of Nyumphs, was a soldier in the last French War
and in the Revolution.

C— Burietl in tlie Congregational Cemetery ; ^—Episcopal Cemetery ; J/— Metliodist Cemetery.

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

The memorandum of Lieut. Jabez Pritchard, who was taken prisoner
with Bradford Steel and others, and died on board the prison ship, was brought
home by Steel, and contains the list of guards detailed at Horseneck from
Sept. 15*^ to 21®*. Most of the company were probably from this immediate
vicinity. The names are

Gideon Ailing,
Samuel Andress,
Abraham Barns,
Nathaniel Black,
Edward Bassett,
David Blakesley,
Corp. Bristol,
Coi-p. Candee,
Oliver Chatfield,
Caleb Chatfield,
Reuben Canfield,
Martin Clark,
George Clark,
Chauncey Clark,
Amos Collins,
Johnathan Cartright,
Jairus Congdon,
Joseph Deremore,
George Dachester,
Samuel Durand,

Isaac Durand,
Vespation Eastman,
Corp. Foot,
Amos Fox,
Joseph Hulse,
Johnathan Lyman,
James Leech,
James Lines,
Nathan Mallory,
Major Morriss,
Abraham Murray,
Asahel Newel,
Ensign Osborn,
Lieut. Pierson,
Noah Peck,
John Prindle,
Jabez Pritchard,
John Priestly,
Oliver Root,
Joseph Sanford,

Philo Sperry,

Jabin Sperry,

Job Sperry,
Alexander Sperry,
Johnathan Sperry,
Corp. Smith,
Wm. Smith,
Lieut. Steel,
John Swift,
Wm. Tomlinson,
Thomas Torrance,
Adam Vose,
David Whittemore,
Samuel Wood,
Hezekiah Wooding,
Eli Washband,
Aaron Webster,
Bowers Washburn,

married the widow of David
Wheeler, who died iu the
revolutionary service.

James Yatman.

Ebenezer Durand,

That those who had sacrificed so much for freedom were prompt in more
peaceful times to frame aright the new government may be seen from the
following resolution, adopted Oct. 8th, 1787 :

"Resolved that this Town will instruct, and that it does hereby instruct
its representatives in the General assembly to use their influence to have a
Convention called as speedily as possible for the purpose of taking into con-
sideration the Constitution proposed by the Federal Convention, agreeable to
the recommendation of Congi-ess ; in hopes that the business may be entered
upon at an early period by the Legislature. Voted and passed unanimously."

Cap* Daniel Holbrook and Cap* John Holbrook were appointed the dele-
gates to the State Convention.

A lottery was established in 1782 by authority of the Town of Derby to
defray the expense of a highway from Derby to Woodbury, by the Honse-
tunnock river and Wesquantuc or Rock House Hill Purchase, the cost not to
exceed iSOO. Capt. Thomas Clark and Daniel Holbrook were to petition
the General Assembly for its consent and approval. John Humphrey and
Lieut Joseph Riggs were appointed to lay out the road. The same year
Ashbel Loveland was appointed to build a bridge over the Naugatuck "below
the falls."

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 53

Amity, eiubracing the present towns of Woodbridge and Bethany, was
constituted a parish in October, 1739, in the following words :

Whereas upon the memorial of Ebenezer Beecher, Jasper Gunn, and
the rest of the inhabitants of that part of tlie town of New Haven called
Chestnut Hill, and also of Barnabas Baldwin, Joel Northrop and others, to
the number ot fifteen, living on the northerly bounds of Milford, moving to
the General Assembly at New Haven in October last that they might become
one entire distinct parish, and praying for a committee, &c., the said General
Assembly did appoint a committee, who accordingly making their report to
the General Assembly at Hartford in May last, and the same not being ac-
cepted; and the said General Assembly in May last appointing another com-
mittee, {viz.) Messrs. William Gould, William Ward and Joseph Thompson,
to view and report, &c. : And whereas the said last mentioned committee
have to this Assembly made their report, that according to the direction of
the said Assembly they have repaired to the above said places, &c., and find
and are of opinion that they, the above said inhabitants and farms, are able
and sufficient to support parish charges, and that their bounds and limits
ought to be as follows, viz : The north bounds in part upon the nne between
New Haven and Wallingford, so far as from New Haven north-west bounds
easterly to the West Bocks till it comes down to the south side of Samuel
Baldwin's land; thence westerly to the highway at the end of Sperry's
Farms ; thence southerly, keeping said highway that leads up the great hill
to Darby road ; then southerly at the rear of Westfield lots or second division
lots ; then southerly till it comes to the south side of Capt. Isaac Johnson's
farm ; then westwardly, between said Johnsons and that which was formerly
Jeremiah Osborn's farm, to Milford east line ; then westwardly to a cross
highway ; then keeping said highway to the south-east corner of Hogs
Meadow Purchase, so called, in Milford ; then westerly with the south line
of Hogs Meadow Purchase, to the partition line between Milford and Derby ;
then northerly, in said partition line, to Lebanon brook, so called ; then east-
erly by said Lebanon brook to New Haven line ; then northerly in said line
between New Haven and Milford till it comes to New Haven north-west
corner bounds aforesaid ; excluding the lands in said Milford on the race be-
tween New Haven line and Hogs Meadow Purchase from the aforesaid south
bounds of the same, north to Derby road ; and the lands of Fletcher Newton
and John Hind in said Hogs Meadow Purchase, and Ephraim Gillett and
his estate ; and also exclusive of Samuel Sperr}', Joshua Sperry and Jona-
than Sperry, with their estates in New Haven bounds ; as per said report on
file, dated October sixth, 1738, doth appear :

It is therenpon resolved by this Assemhly, That the above said memo-
rialists, inhabitants of New Haven and Milford situated and living within
the bounds and limits above described, exclusive of the persons and estates
above in said committee's report exempted and excluded, as also exclusive of
the lands of Capt. John Biggs, Samuel Biggs and Joseph Biggs, lying
withm the bounds of Milford, be and become together one entire, separate
and distinct society or parish, subsisting and known by the name of the
Parish of Amity, and endowed with all powers and privileges wherewith
other parishes within this government are by law endowed." Col. Becords,
Vol. 8, pages 201-2.

Woodbridge was incorporated as a town in 1784, and was named from
Rev. Benjamin Woodbridge, the first clergyman, who was ordained in 1742.
This town has a fund of about five thousand dollars, given by Mr. Stephen

54 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

Sanford, who it appears was a firm friend to the American cause during the
Revolution. His will read thus : "I also give to the society of Amity, in the
town of New Haven, for the support of a Presbyterian or Congregational
minister, in said society, he heing a friend to this, and the United /States of
America, after my wife's estate therein shall be ended," &c.

Rev. Daniel Humphreys, the father of General David Humphreys, for
fifty -four years the established minister of the First Society, died in 1787.
The folhving is a copy of the inscription on his monument in tlie old Derby
l)urying ground:

The Kevd. Daniel Humphreys died Sept. lid, 1787, in the 81st year of his age. For more than
half a century he was the estahlished minister of the first Society in this town. Mrs. Sarah Humphreys,
the attectionate wife of his youth, and the tender companion of his advanced age, died July i^'Oth, 1 787 ,
just live weeks before him.

The seasons thus

As ceaseless round a jarring world they roll,

Still lind them happy ; and consenting spring

Sheds her own rosy garlands on their heads :

Till evening comes at last serene and mild.

When after the long vernal day of Life

Enamour'd more as more remembrance swells

With many a proof of recollected love.

Together down they sink in social sleep,

Together freed their gentle spirits fly,

To scenes where love ami bliss immortal reign.

In 1789 the Congregational Society was formed by the withdrawal of
twenty-six persons from the Congregational church in Derby, as narrated in
the account of the Congregational church of Seymour, on pages 10 and 17 of
this book. Capt. Timothy Baldwin was the first deacon of the new society
and Levi Tomlinson the next. The latter lived in the house on the Ansonia
road now owned by Judge Bronson. After losing three children he moved
to Ohio. The third deacon was Bradford Steel, Jun.

The first mention on record of any action leading to the incorporation of
the parish of Oxford as a separate town is in the record of a town meeting held
Dec. 28th, 1789: — Docf Edward Carrington and M"" Shadrac Osborn were
appointed a com"'' to take into consideration all the circumstances of the town
respecting Oxford being made into a town.

In 1791 the first Methodist sermon in this vicinity was preached by Rev.
Jesse Lee and from that time meetings continued to be held in the o])en air,
in school-houses, and in dwelling houses, until 1818.

At this time there was a gristmill at the mouth of Little River, known
as "Baldwin's Mill." The owner was Isaac Baldwin, a man of strong re-
ligious opinions and an unwearying student of the Scriptures. The Bible was
kept near at hand and when the mill did not require his attention he improved
his leisure in conning the sacred pages. William Kelly, of Litchfield, who
was then a boy of eight or nine, living with his parents above Pinesbridge,
said that when he came on horseback to the mill he would frequently find
Mr. Baldwin reading his bible. One day in the winter of 179- he went down
in the wheelpit to chop away the ice and was killed by the sudden starting of
the wheel. His remains were interred in Milton Parish, Litchfield. His
children were named Isaac, Esther, Sarah, and Eunice.

Bezaleel Peck owned the farm where Naaman Peck's house was since
built. He was one of the early Methodists.

Samuel Sanford, from Bethany, was the first physician who located here.
The following petition, in which he represented Chusetown, was granted at a
town meeting held Jan. 7th, 1793 :

"To the Inhabitants of the Town of Derby in Town Meeting assembled,
sir% we the subscribers, of s'^ Derby, Physicians, humbly beg liberty of said

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 55

town that we may have liberty to set up the Enoculation of the Small Pox
in s*^ Town, as there is many of the inhabitants of said Town that have and
now are going into other towns for s'^ purpose, and the, yongue people much
exposed to have it the natural way if not enoculated, & we beg leave to sug-
gest whether it be not for the advantage of this town to save as much of the
money in the town as may be, and your Petitioners are willing to be under
any restrictions as shall be thought reasonable, and are likewise of opinion
that they can enoculate as cheap if not cheaper than is done by other Phv-
sicians in other Towns. EDWARD CRAFTS,

SAMUEL SANFORD,
Derby, Dec. lOtli, 1792. LIBERTY KIMBERLY.

The following is a copy of a report relative to the incoi'poration of the
town of Oxford accepted in a town meeting held Feb. 4th, 1793. Pages
203-204, Derby Records, B., M., D. & T. P.^

To the inhabitants of the town of Derby to be assembled in a meeting
of s'^ town to be held at the town house in s*^ Derby, on Monday, the 4^'^ day
of Feb^' instant — we the subscribers, com"*' appointed at a meeting of s*^^ town
on IVIonday, the 7th day of Jan> last, to go out and view the circumstances
and situation of s*^ town respecting a division thereof, and to ascertain certain
boundaries and lines for s"^ division, and also to to take into consideration the
expense or burden of s*^ town, and all matters relating to s'^ division, and to
report our opinion thereon, beg leave to report ; — That we have attended to
s'' business and mutually agreed on the foUoAving boundaries and lines of a
division of s'^ town, viz: — beginning fifty rods above the mouth of Eight
Mile Brook by Ousatonic River, from thence running north-easterly to the
bend in Five Mile Brook at the foot of the hill, from thence running by s'^
Brook to the bridge over s'^ Brook in Woodbury old road, from thence to the
south-east corner of Timothy Johnson's — formerly Abner Johnson's — dwelling
house, from thence a due east course to the Little River, from thence by said
River to the mouth where it empties into Naugatuck River, from thence
crossing s'^ Naugatuck River to the eastern shore, from thence running up by
said River on the east side of s*^ River to the mouth of the brook at the
lower end of old Rimmon Plain, from thence to the end of the hill on the
north-easterly side of s'^ brook at the lower end of s*^ Plain called Pessemire
Hill, from thence on the ridge of s*^ Rock to the upper end of s*' brook, from
thence a due east course to the Woodbridge line. Also agreed that all land
on either side of s'^ line where lands are divided by s^ lines shall be put into
the List in either of the towns where the owner thereof resides so long as the
present owners shall possess the same. And it is further agreed that Oxford
or the new proposed town shall support one-half of the Falls Bridge, so long
as the present bridge shall stand ; and when the present bridge will not an-
swer to repair and it is necessary that a new bridge to be built, then Oxford
or the s*^ new town shall at their own expense, build a good and sufficient new
bridge where s'* bridge now stands, to the acceptance of s'^ town of Derby.
And it is farther agreed that any persons living near said line on either side
where the line divided their land shall have their choice on which town they
will belong, provided they make their choice in one year afters** division, and
shall belong where they enter ther List the first year after s'* division. And
it is further agreed that when a division of s'* town shall be completed, the
poor of s'* town of Derby shall be divided to each town, and all other bur-
dens wliirh may arise in consecnience of any existing circumstances, shall be

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

equally borne by each of said towns if divided according to the List of each
town. All of which is submitted bv vour most humble servants.

SAMi HULL,

Dated, Derby, Feb^ 4'", A. D., 1793.

DANIEL HOLBROOK,
THOMAS CLAEK,
CALEB CANDE,
JOSIAH STRONG,
LEMAN STRONG,

Leveret Pritchard, son of Sergt. Leveret Pritchard, who perished in the
war of the revolution, was a sergeant of the 8th Company of the o2nd Regi-
ment of Connecticut militia in 1793. Following is a copy of his commission.

Daniel Holbrook, Esq'', Lieu* Col° Commandant of the Thirty Second
Regiment of Militia in the State of Connecticut in America.

To Leveret Pritchard, Greeting: You being nominated by the Eighth
Company or train band in said Reg'^ to be a Serg* in S'^ Company; Reposing
special trust and confidence in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, I do
by virtue of the Laws of this State me thereunto enabling, appoint and im-
power you to take S*^ Company into your care as one of their Serg*** and
carefully and diligently to discharge that trust, exercising your inferior officers
and soldiers in the use of their arms according to the discipline of war ordained
by this State, keeping them in good order and commanding them to obey you
as their Serg*, and you are to observe all orders and directions as from time to
time you shall receive from one or other your superior officers pursuant to the
trust hereby reposed in you, and this shall be your sufficient warrant. Given
under my Hand in Derbv, the 2"«i dav of Mav, A. D., 1793.

DANIEL HOLBROOK.

Following is the roll of the company from the list left by Lieut. Pritchard.
The marked X were crossed oft' on account of death, removal to other towns, etc.

Ahira Anderson, X
Isaac Baldwin, X
Elias Baldwin,
Jesse Baldwin,
Silas Baldwin,
Samuel Bartist,
David Beach, X
William Beard,
Rubin Blake, X
Henry Carpenter,
John Church Cattrin,
rfolm Churchel,
Timothy Churchel, X
Amos Clark,
Elias Clark,
Levy Clark,
Rufus Clark, X
Hezekiah Clark, Jun.,
Abel Church,
William Church,
Worrin Cridenton,
Sheldon Davis,
Asey French,
Enoch French,
Jeremiah Grissell,

Simeon Gunn,
Jonah Harden,
Joseph Hawkings,
Samuel B. Hine,
William Hine,
Chancy Johnson,
David Johnson,
Elijah Johnson,
Levy Johnson, X
Timothy Johnson,
Seley Judd,
John Kelley, X
Thomas Leavinsworth,
Zebulon Lines,
Ethel Lounsbury,
Samuel ^Y. Mitchell,
Sebra Molthrop,
Ebenezer Orsborn, X
Philo Page,
Salmon Parker,
Eleazer Patchen, X
John Perry, X
Thomas Pitcher, X
Asher Rheylee,
James Riggs,

John Riggs, 4th,
Samuel Riggs,
John Sanford,
Moses Sanford, X
Abial Skeals, X
Elijah Smith,
Jesse Smith,
Lyman Smith,
John Spenser, X
George Steel,
Nathan Stiles, Jun.,
Oliver Stoddard,
Josiah Swift,
Thadias Thomas,
Cyrus Tomlinson,
William Tomlinson, X
Benjamin Tuttle,
Abel Wheeler,
Moses Wheeler, Jun,,
Thomas Wooding,
Jacob Warner, X
William Warner,
Josiah Worshburn, Jun.,
Henrv Wooster, Jim.

SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 57

In a town meeting held Sept. 21st, 1795, it was voted that to facilitate
tlie division of the town, Derby would divide its representation with Oxford,
if set off, each to have one representative.

At the same meeting it was "voted unanimously that this Town (Derby)
Remonstrate ag* the Petition of Thad^ Buit & his associates praying for
leave to build a bridge over Ousatonnack River near Stratford ferry, and
do hereby app* Mes"^^ Leman Stone & John Howd our agents to Prefer a
Remonstrance to the General Assembly & to prepare all Needful Evidence
& Information to oppose Said Petition at the General Assembly."

Small Pox continued to be subject of legislation, and Dec. 11th, 1797, it
was voted that "twenty-six persons and no more be granted liberty to receive
the small pox, they to receive it by the evening of the 12th, and give bonds that
they remain at the dwelling house of Mr. Benj. Davis in Derby and not depart
the house until liberty be obtained from the authority and selectmen, and that
the physician who inoculates them shall give bonds not to spread the small pox,
and that the bonds be made payable to the selectmen, and that the selectmen
and civil authority or their committee shall set limits to said house and have
the superintending of the Physician and Patients, and that those who receive
the small pox shall pay all expenses and save the town harmless."

At this meeting Dr. Sanford of Chuseto^vn, with Dr. Crafts, petitioned
for liberty to "inoculate at some suitable place." At an adjourned meeting
held Dec. 17th permission was given to inoculate in separate hospitals, under
the restrictions before established. The hospital established by Dr. Sanford
was on the hill a little north of Castle Rock, convenient of access from his
house, which stood on the northwest corner of West and Church streets.

In 1797 Rev. Michael Coate, circuit preacher, organized the Methodist
Society, including in its membership Jesse Johnson, Isaac Baldwin, Esther
Baldwin, Sarah Baldwin, Eunice Baldwin, George Clark, Lucy Hitchcock,
Silas Johnson and Olive Johnson. Trinity church was built the same year.
Vide page 25.

In 1798 an attempt was made to get a more direct road from Chusetown
to New Haven, the town of Derby opposing it and appointing a committee to
"the General Court to oppose the granting of liberty to a turnpike company to
make a road from New Haven to Rimmon Falls, near Mrs. Dayton's, unless
the turnpike company will agree and become obliged to be at all the expense
of purchasing, making and repairing said road." Notwithstanding this the
arrangement was finally made, terminating at the lower bridge, then known
as the bridge "at the falls of the Naugatuck" or Rimmon Falls.

At first the road ran down what is now Pearl and Main streets, but in
1802 purchases of land were made from Edmund Page, Lydia Keeney and
Moses Riggs of a right of way direct to the bridge. The purchases were made
by "Henry Daggett and Thomas Punderson of New Haven, and Levi Tom-
linson of Chusetown, committee of the proprietors of the Turnpike Road from
Thompson's Bridge in New Haven to the Falls Bridge in Chusetown." Page
sold 45 rods of land 3 rods wide, 18 rods on the northeasterly line and 12
rods on the southwesterly line; bounded southerly on highway, easterly on
grantor's land, northwesterly on land deeded to said committee, and westerly on
grantor's land. D. R, Vol. 16, p. 197. Lydia Keeney sold "a part of her home
lot containing sixty rods, being three rods wide and about twenty-five rods in
length, for the pui-pose of extending the turnpike road from the highway be-
tween the dwellinghouse and blacksmith shop of Edwin Page, in a direct line
to the Falls Bridge, running angling through the land of s"^ Lydia in a direct

58 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

line with the s^ turnpike extending southerly of s*^ Blacksmith Shop," for $70,
Feb. 16th. D. R., Vol. 16, p. 198.

On the 22n(l of February Moses Riggs of Oxford sold to the same parties
"about one acre and thu'ty-five rods on the east side of the Naugatuck river,
running on the Southwesterly line a straight line from the northeast corner of
said bridge to about two feet easterly of the northeast corner of Edmund Page's
Blacksmith Shop, fi'om said bridge about fifty rods to Lydia Keeney's land,
bounded southerly on said grantor's land then easterly on land, deeded by s*^
Keeuey to the grantees and their associates, then northeasterly on the grantor's
land, and is three rods wide where it leaves a^ Keeney's land on the northerly
line and on the top of the hill four rods wide, and four rods opposite said corner
of said bridge, and is bounded northwesterly on highway. Said land is for the
purpose of extending the Turnpike Road from the highway near s*^ Blacksmith
shop to said Bridge, D. R., Vol. 16, p. 199. The names — Thompson's Bridge
Turnpike and Rimnion Falls Turnpike, were both used to designate this road.

These deeds make the old blacksmith shop, corner of Hill and Pearl streets,
quite an important landmark. There was never any deed of the land, the
shop having been built on "proprietors' land," i. e. undivided land. When
the right of location was questioned, it Avas defended on the ground of a vote
of the town in 1798 which gave a title to any such land occupied by buildings
standing at that time, at the same time forbidding any farther unauthorized
appropriation of the public lands. It was claimed that the blacksmith shop
was there in 1798, and that the title was therefore good. To make sure that
the building, or some portion of it should continue to mark the spot, the north
side of the building was cut out and the stone wall built, and under such cir-
cumstances it is probable that the exact location was preserved.

In making the turnpike, the cut on Hill street, below Washington Avenue,
was made in part by ponding the brook crossing the intersection of Hill and
Pearl streets, and turning the water down the cut, carrying the sand and
gravel into the river.

In April 1798, John Riggs, Caleb Candee and Charles Bunnell on the
part of the Parish of Oxford, and James Lewis, David Hitchcock and
Canfield Gillett on the part of "the old town," as a joint committee, reported
in addition to previous arrangements, that Oxford should pay £170 to the old
toAvn in three annual installments, as a condition of the division of the town.

The Falls Bridge seems to have been a continued source of discussion and
expense, either for repairs or rebuilding. In March, 1802, arrangements were
commenced for building a new bridge, the expense to be borne principally by
Oxford Turnpike Co. and Rimmon Turnpike Co., assisted by the town of Derby
on condition that citizens of the town may pass toll free. A toll gate was to
be put up at the end of the bridge. In this year John Wooster sold his third
of the Falls property to Bradford Steel for $167, and Oct. 8th, 1803, Steel
purchased of Nathan Styles his share of the Falls property and also a separate
tract of land near by. Styles came from Southbury and married a daughter of
Capt. Ebenezer Dayton. He had canied on business here a number of years
previous to 1802.

Bradford Steel had been carrying on business at the mouth of Little
River, having his fulling mill and dye shop at the foot of the hill, and his
finishing shop at the top of the hill past of the church. He lived in the old
house (still standing) until he sold it to Abiel Caniield.

Up to this time the spinning wheel for flax and wool had been a neces-
sary article in a well-ordered farm-house, and it was often accompanied by

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 59

tbe litind loom, reel, and cards, — soon superceded by carding machines.
Mothers and daughters were skilled in making stout and durable cloth, as
well as in the preparation of woolen yarn for mittens and stockings. Plain-
ness of apparel was the rule and gaiments which had cost so many days of
tiresome labor by members of the household were not likely to be thrown by
for trifles. Steel made no cloth. The cloth dressed and finished by him had
been woven on hand looms in the homes of the industrious weavers.

In 1803, Col. David Humphreys, afterward known as General Humphreys,
who was to be so closely identified with the interests of the place, came and
purchased the Falls property, as appears by the deed in Derby Eecords, Vol.
17, page 30. The deed was given Dec. 13th and recites that "Col. David
Humphreys, now of Boston, in the commonwealth of Massachusetts," purchased
of Bradford Steel, Bradford Steel, Jr., and George Steel, for the sum of
$2,647.92, ''one certain piece of land lying in said Derby at a place called
Kimmon Falls, it being the same tract of land formerly deeded by John Howd^
and Joseph Chuse, Indians, to John Wooster, Ebenezer Kinney and Joseph
Hull, Jr., as may appear on Derby Eecords ; for a particular description, refer
to said Eecords; together with all the privileges, together with the saw mill,
two fulling mills, clothiers shop, and all the utensils, implements, and apparatus
belonging to and used in, and appendant and appmtenant in and to the said
mills and clothier's shop standing on said land, together with the buildings
thereon standing, together with the whole mill-dam across said Eimmon Falls."

The merino sheep had been introduced into the country and their great
superiority being immediately manifest, farmers were everywhere glad to
avail themselves of the opportunity to improve their stock. Gen. Humph-
reys did not encom'age speculation but distributed his sheep judiciously among
the farmers at $100 each, a price said to be less than the original cost. When
the price rose to $400 he refused to sell, saying that he believed such sales
would lead to ruinous speculation. But soon the price of merino bucks went
up to $1,500 and a few were even sold as high as ^3,000, and ewes sold from
$1,000 to $1,500. John Bassett was offered $1,000 by Philo Bassett for a
full blooded merino ewe lamb eight days old and refused to take less than
$1,500. A few days after it was killed by a fox. Two young fanners united
in buying a buck at $1,500 and the same day it died by bemg choked
with an apple. But such mishaps checked the speculation but little, and it
rapidly extended throughout New England, Vermont in particular being
quickly supplied with some of the merinos.

Gen. Humphreys considered it of great importance to the interests of
the coimtry that manufactures, especially that of woolen cloths, should be
introduced, and with the nucleus of the "mills and clothiers' shop" purchased
of Styles he immediately set about it. In 1806 he had the factory built which
still stands on Factory street, near the race. On the fifth and sixth of June
was raised the frame of the first woolen factory built in the United States.

The name "Chusetown" appears on the town Eecords as late as 1804, but
it was soon changed to Humpreysville in honor of Gen. Humphreys, and this
name was retained until 1850.

That he might the better carry out his plans Gen. Humphrey made several
other pm-chases of land, among others the two following April 25, 1804. Of
Nathan and Experience Wheeler, for $600, "one piece of land at a place called
Northend, * * * lying on the west side of the highway, bounded northerly on
John Swift's land, westerly on the Naugatuck Eiver, southerly on land of
Daniel Tucker, Jr., then easterly on s'' Tucker's land, then southerly on s'^

60 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

Tucker's land to the highway, then bounded easterly on highway to said Swift's
land, containing about 117 acres, more or less; also one other piece of land,
lying on the hill, bounded westerly on highway, northerly on land of Henry
Wooster, Jr., then westerly on land of s'^ Wooster, then again northerly on
land of s*^ Wooster, to the O'Cain land, then easterly on the O'Cain land, then
again easterly on highway to land of Zephaniah Tucker, then southerly on s*^
Tucker's land, then again easterly on s*^ Tucker's land, then running westerly
to the highway, as the fence now stands, containing about thirty-five acres of
land, more or less, with the buildings belonging to s'^ pieces of land."

Witnessed by John Humphreys, and John Humphreys, Jr.

He also purchased of Nathan Wheler, a tract of 131 acres, adjoining
lands of John Swift, Daniel Tucker, David Treat, Levi Hotchkiss, Fitch
Smith, Capt. Reuben Tucker, "common land," and highway, with another
piece of eight acres, for the consideration of $4,500.

Cattle, sheep and hogs still roamed at large on the common lands. One
item of the record says : — "David Humphrey's ear mark is a square half
penny the upper side the right ear. Entered May 15th, 1804. Per John
Humphreys, Reg""."

A road from Shrub Oak to Derby Narrows was demanded by the people
of Woodbury and adjoining towns, and laid out in 1805. The following
resolution in regard to it was passed June 11th, "Voted that the select-
men of the town of Derby be directed, and they are hereby directed
to take such measures as in their judgement shall appear most prudent
and proper to procure the making of the Road they have lately laid out
on the west side of Naugatuck River, from Shruboak to Derby Landing, and
cause the same to be Avell made at the expense of said town, and they are
directed to collect and apply to that use any or all the monies due to said
Town as they may find themselves needful."

President Dwight, of Yale College, wrote an interesting sketch of
Humphreysville as he found it in the fall of 1811, which is here given :

"Within the limits of Derby, four miles and a half from the mouth of
the Naugatuc, is a settlement named by the Legislature Humphreysville,
from the Hon. David Humphreys, formerly Minister Plenipotentiary at the
Court of Madrid. At this place a ridge of rocks, twenty feet in height
crosses the river, and forms a perfect dam about two thirds of the distance.
The remaining third is closed by an artificial dam. The stream is so large as
to furnish an abundance of water at all times for any works, which will proba-
bly ever be erected on the spot. Those already existing are a grist-mill, a
saw-mill, a paper-mill, woolen manufactory, and a cotton manufactory, with
all their proper appendages, and a considerable number of other buildings,
destined to be the residence of the manufacturers, and for various other
purposes.

A strong current of water in a channel, cut through the rock on the
Eastern side, sets in motion all the machinery, employed in these buildings.
By this current are moved the grist-mill ; two newly invented shearing ma-
chines ; a breaker and finisher for carding sheep's wool ; a machine for making
ravellings; two jennies for spinning sheep's wool, under the roof of the
grist-mill ; the works in the paper-mill ; a picker ; two more carding machines
for sheep's wool ; and a billy with forty spindles in a third building ; a full-
ing-mill ; a saw-mill, employed to cut the square timber, boards, laths, &c.,
for the different edifices, and to shape many of the wooden materials for the
machinery; two more fulling-mills on improved principles, immediately

SEYMOUR AKD VICINITY. 61

connected with the clothier's shop ; and the various machinery in a cotton
manufactory, a building about one hundred feet long, thirty-six wide, and of
four stories, capable of containmg two thousand spindles with all their neces-
sary apparatus.

The houses can accommodate with a comfortable residence about one
hundred and fifty persons. Ten others in the neighbourhood will furnish
comfortable residences for upwards of one hundred and fifty more. Gardens
on a beautiful plat in the rear of the manufactories, furnish all the vegetables,
necessary for the establishment.

The institution contains four broad and eight narrow looms, and eighteen
stocking-frames.

The principal part of the labour in attending the machinery, in the
cotton and woolen manufactories, is done by women and children ; the former
hired at from fifty cents to one dollar per week ; the latter, apprentices, who
are regularly instructed in reading, writing, and arithmetic.

The wages of the men are from five to twenty -one dollars, per month.

In Europe great complaints have been made of manufacturing estab-
lishments, as having been very commonly seats of vice, and disease. Gen-
eral Humphreys began this, with a determination either to prevent these
evils, or if this could not be done, to give up the design. With regard to
the health of his people it is sufficient to observe, that from the year 1804 to
the year 1810, not an individual, belonging to the institution, died ; and it is
believed, that among no other equal number of persons there has been less
disease.

With respect to vice it may be remarked, that every person, who is dis-
covered to be openly immoral, is discharged.

At the commencement of the institution, discreet parents were reluctant
to place their children in it, from unfavourable apprehensions concerning the
tendency of such establishments. Since'that time they have been offered in
more than sufficient numbers.

In 1813, the Legislature, at the instance of Gen. Humphreys, passed a
law, constituting the select-men and magistracy of the several towns in which
manufactories had been or should be established, visitors of these institutions.
This law required the proprietors to controul in a manner specified, the mor-
als of all their workmen, and to educate the children, as other children in
l)lain families throughout the State are educated. The visitors were directed
to enquire annually, into the manner in which the proprietors conformed to
this law. The reports of the visitors in Derby, concerning the establishment
at Humphreysville, have been in a high degree honourable both to the pro-
prietor and his people.

The manufactures at Humphreysville are esteemed excellent. The best
broadcloth made here, is considered as inferiour to none which is imported.

Americans make all the machinery ; and have invented several kinds of
macliines, which are considered as superiour to such as have been devised in
Europe for the same purposes.

Most of the weaving has been done in private families.

The scenery at this spot is delightfully romantic. The Fall is a fine object.
The river, the buildings belonging to the institution, the valley, the border-
ing hills, farms, and houses, groves, and forests, united, form a landscape, in
a high degree interesting.

The people of this country are, at least in my opinion, indebted not a
little to Gen. Humphreys, both for erecting this manufacturing establishment.

62 SEYMOUE AND VICINITY.

aud for introducing into the United States tlie invaluable breed of Spanish
sheep, known by the name of Merinos. One hundred of these animals he
procured to be brought by the connivance of the Spanish Court, from the
interiour of Spain to Lisbon ; and thence transported to Derby under his own
eye. A few of them died in consequence of the voyage. The rest speedily
regained their strength and ftesh, aud from that time the breed, instead of
declining, has sensibly improved. For some years strong prejudices existed
in the minds of the farmers throughout our country against this breed of
sheep. Gen. Humphreys has done more than any other man, perhaps than
all others, to remove this prejudice, and to spread them through the country.

In this manufactory he has, I think, fairly established three points of
great importance. One is, that these manufactures can be carried on with
success ; another, that the workmen can be preserved in good health, as that,
enjoyed by any other class of men in the country ; and the third, that the
deterioration of morals in such institutions, which is often complained of, is
not necessary, but incidental, not inherent in the institution itself, but the
fault of the proprietor.

Derby, then including Oxford, contained in 175G, 1,000 inhabitants ; in
1774, 1,889 ; in 1700, 2,991. Derby alone contained in 1800, 1,878 inhabi-
tants ; and, in 1810, 2,051."

The employes of the works were mostly Americans, but it was necessary
to send to England at great expense for men who were skilled in some branches
of the work which were entirely new in this country. Among them were
John Winterbottom, father of Mrs. Ann S. Stevens, and Thomas Gilyard,
son of Edmund and Nancy Gilyard, born in Leeds, England, March 20, 178G.
He came to New York in the "Commerce" in the summer of 1807, having had
a very fine passage of 15 days, and by packet to Xew Haven in tliree days sail,
a quick trip for those times. He immediately commenced work for Humphreys
and worked for him until JVIarch 28th, 1810. In this year the manufacture
of stockings was carried on here on a considerable scale. This was new work
for Gilyard, but he soon learned it. He was an active member of the Methodist
Society for many years. His very interesting journal has furnished many
dates and incidents for these pages.

In 1802 Canfield Gillett was appointed a committee to make application
to the General Assembly for permission to sell the land near Eimmon Falls
still belonging to the Indians, (D. E., B. M. D., p. 119,) but the permission
was not granted until 1810. The laud was sold in 1812. Following is a copy
of the deed to Gen. Humphreys.

" Whei'eas the General Assemhly at their Session In May, 1610, authorized the Suhscrlber,
Joseph lilggs of Derby, in Neiv Haven County, to sell and convey certain lands lying in said
Derby, Humpreysville, the property of Philip, Hestor and Mary, ando other certain Indian
Proprietors, under the direction of the judge of Probate for New Haven District, who has
ordered the subscriber to proceed in the sale thereof, now thereupon, in pursuaiance of said
authority and in conslderatlo7i of three hundred and forty-six dollars atid twenty-Jive cents
received to my full satisfaction of David Humphreys, Esq., of Derby aforesaid, I, the said
Joseph Elggs, have remised, released and quiiclalmed, and do by these presents remise, release
and quitclaim to said Humphrey, his heirs and assigns forever, the followlmj described two
pieces oj land, part of said lands directed to be sold as aforesaid, one piece bounded southerly
and easterly on highways, northerly and westerly on said Humphreys' land, the other piece
southerly and westerly on hlghivays. northerly on part of said Indian lands I have sold to
Phebe Styles, and easterly on said Humphreys and said Styles, containing by estimation in
both pieces six acres and one half, the jvhole lying easterly of said Humphrey's Factorys, and
comprehending the ^vhole Indian Lund excepting those contained In the conveyance to said

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 63

Phehe Stiles, to have and to hold said remised and quitclaimed premises to him, the said David,
his heirs and assigns forever, so that said Indians and no j^ersons binder them shall hereafter
make claim to said remised premises, and I hereby covenant that I have full right to sell and
convey in manner aforesaid. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this 7th

day of Sept. ,1812. ' »

JOSEPH RIG as ) SEAL j

Signed, sealed and delivered New Haven County ss. New Haven, Sept. 7, 1812,

in presence of Personally appeared JOSEPH EIGGS, signer

ELIZUR GOODRICH, and sealer of the foregoing instrument, and ac-

BENJAMIN BULL. knowledged the same to be his free act and deed

Recorded March 9th 1813. before me.

JOHN L. LOUNSBURY. ELIZUR GOODRICH, Assistant.

The land referred to in above deed as sold to Phebe Stiles consisted of 2
acres and 20 rods, "beginning five rods and three feet from the northwest comer
of Col. Humphrey's new cellar, and running northerly by highway to Col.
David Humphreys' land, thence easterly to said Phebe's land, thence southerly
by her lands to lands this day conveyed to said Humphreys, and thence by said
land to place of beginning."

From the following extracts from the town records it appears that another
tract of land was purchased for the Indians with the proceeds of the above
sales. "Whereas the General assembly, June 7th, 1813, authorized Joseph
Kiggs to sell certain lands the property of Philip, Moses, Hester, Frank and
Mary Seymour, w^hich lay in Derby and which descended to them from John
Howder (Howd), an Indian, and to lay out the avails in other real estate," a
tract of land was purchased "for $230 for and in behalf of said Moses,
Hester and thfe children of said Mary Seymour, the said Mary being de-
ceased," — four acres, three quarters and eleven rods bounded north on James
Lewis, easterly and northerly on the lands of Isaac Short, and easterly on
Isaac Thompson, southerly on land of Peter Johnson, and westerly on high-
way, "the children of said Mary Seymour (evidently Moses, Frank and Mary)
to have one undivided third. To Phillip, Hester and representatives of said
Mary, by Lewis and Betsey Prindle." Deed executed June 15th, 1813.

The War of 1812, calling for men and means from every section of the
country, though it could but interrupt to some extent the progress of the
peaceful arts, did not prevent a continued growth of the manufacturing in-
dustries in Humphreysville. The busy hum of machinery and the sound of
preparations for war were alike heard in our peaceful valley. A company of
artillery was formed in Humphreysville, including a few from Oxford, and
sent to New London and stationed at the fort at the mouth of the river
Thames. The following names of the members of the company have been
obtained from inscriptions in our cemeteries and elderly people of the vicinity :

Col. Ira Smith, died Nov. 19th, 1822, aged 44 years.
- Capt. Daniel Holbrook, d. Dec. 28th, 1828, ae 59.

Capt. Amadeus Dibble, d. Sept. 25th, 1843, ae 65.

Anson Baldwin.

Jesse Baldwin.

Abel Bassett, d. March 23rd, 1863, ae 78.
■ Samuel Bassett, d. Sept. 28th, 1851, ae 67.

William Bassett.

James Bowman.

Lewis Broadwell, d. Sept. 6th, 1844, dd 53.

Thomas Gilyard, d. Nov. 12th, 1853.

Jesse Hartshorn.

Chauncey Hatch, from Oxford.

64 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

Daniel Holbrook, 2nd.

William Kinney, d. Jan. 7th, 1847, se 87.

Calvin Leavenworth, from Pines Bridge.

Isaac Leavenworth.

Isaac Losee.

Theophilus Miles, Jr., d. March 15th, 1840, se 70.

John Moshier.

Ebenezer Northrop, d. Jan. 11th, 1835, se 49.

Sheldon Tucker, d. Jan. 5th, 1843, se 57.

Isaac White, d. Feb. 6th, 1862, sb 72.

Nathan Wooster.

The company was completed by a draft and Samuel Canfield was one of
those who were drafted. He was then apprentice to Elias Gilbert, a ma-
chinist who worked in a shop which he had built near the corner of Hill and
Pearl streets, next to the blacksmith shop, now occupied by William J.
Roberts as a dwelling. Canfield was then eighteen years of age and had
become so skillful a machinist that his employer, rather than lose his services,
hired a substitute in his place. Gilbert did the machine work for Gen.
Humphreys. William Humphreys, brother of Squire John Humphreys and
nephew of Gen. Humphreys invented several useful machines to facilitate the
manufacture of broadcloth, and the machines were built by Gilbert.

Gen. Humphreys was always ready to honor the memory of his brave
compatriots. At a town meeting held April 12th, 1813, he introduced and
the following resolutions, which were passed unanimously :

Resolved, that Isaac Hull, Eaq., a native of this town, Captain in the Navy of
the U. S., and lately Commander of their Frigate Constitution, with the aid of his
gallant oflScers and ships companv and the smiles of Providence, having led the van
in the career of our naval glory, capturing his Britanic Majesty's Frigate Guerriere
commanded by Captain Dacres, has in our opinion deserved well of his country and
is an ornament to the place of his nativity.

Resolved, that joining cordially in the universal applause, bestowed by our coun-
trymen on Hull, Jones, Decatur, Bainbridge and Lawrence, and their brave and
skillful associates in perils and triumphs, for their glorious naval achievements, we
judge we have a right in our corporate capacity without showing an undue partiality
to the first mentioned officer or stepping aside from our municipal duties, to notice
more particularly his exemplary merits from having better opportunities of becoming
acquainted with them.

Resolved, that Messrs. John L. Tomlinson, William Humphreys and Pearl Crafts
be a committee to collect and digest such distinguishing and illustrative facts on the
subject matter now before us as may be attainable and that they will cause the result
to be communicated to the public in such manner as they shall deem most proper.

Resolved, that from the interruption of our Fisheries and navigation by war,
silver and gold we have not, to offer in costly demonstrations of respect and esteem in
imitation of richer towns, yet what we have we freely give, to wit, a tribute of
gratitude.

Therefore, voted that Isaac Hull, Esq., being already constitutionally entitled to
the freedom of this corporation, the thanks of this town be presented to him in a bos
made of heart of oak, the congenial growth of his native hills.

Voted, that the committee take order from the Selectmen for the performance of
this service and report their proceedings to a future meeting for the express purpose
that a town Record be made for the perpetual remembrance of these transactions.

Voted, that the committee above named be directed to transmit to Capt. Hull a
certified copy of the foregoing resolutions.

SEYMOUR AI^D VICINITY." 65

While the fathers were intent on raising sheep the boys had their depart-
ment in the new industry, and busied themselves to raise the teasels used in
dressing the cloth. Gen. Humphreys organized the boys of the factory into a
trainband, and furnished them with the articles necessary for drill. The silk
flag, beautifully embroidered by Lady Humphreys, is now in the possession of
Carlos French, Esq. The inscription is as follows:

JPEI^SETEI?.A]VI>0.

SHIELD ^

WITH vms.i

Reverse : Semi-circle of 16 stars, "HUMPHREYS VILLE," eagle,
arrows and state emblems.

Gen. Humphreys died in 1818. His remains were interred in Xew
Haven Cemetery. Upon the monument is the following inscription on two
tablets of copper inserted in the pedestal :

David Humphreys, LL. D. Acad. Scient. Philad. Mass. et Connect, et iu Auglia Aqua Solis
et Regite Societal, socius. Patriae et libertatis amore accensus, juvenis vitam reipub. integram con"
secravit. Patriara armis tuebatur, consiliis auxit, literis exornavit, apud exteras gentes coucordia

stabilivit. In bello gereiido maxirui ducis Washington administer et adjutor; in exercitu patrio

Chiliarchus ; in republica Connecticutensi, mihtum evocatorum imperator ; ad aulam Lusitau. et
Hispan. legatus. Iberia reversus natale sohrji vellere vere aureo ditavit. In Historia et Poesi
scriptor eximius ; in artibus et scientiis escolendis, qute vel decori vel usuni iuberviunt, optimus ipse
et patronus et exemplar. Omnibus demura otHciis expletis, cursuq; vitas feliciter peracto, fato
cessit, Die xxi Februar. Anno Domini mdcccxviii, cum annos vixisset Lxv.

This may be rendered as follows :

David Humphreys, Doctor of Laws, Mendier of the Academy of Science of Philadelphia,
Massachusetts, and Connecticut ; of the Bath [Agricultural] Society, and of the Royal Society of

London. Fired with the love of country and of liberty, he consecrated his youth wholly to the

service of the Republic, which he defended by his arms, aided by his counsels, adorned by his
learning, and preserved in harmony with foreign nations. In the field, he was the companion and
aid of the great Washington, a Colonel in the army of his country, and commander of the Veteran
Volunteers of Connecticut. He went Ambassador to the courts of Portugal and Spain, and return-
ing, enriched his native land with the true golden fleece. He was a distinguished Historian and
Poet ; a model and Patron of Science, and of the ornamental and useful arts. After a full dis-
charge of every duty, and a life well spent, he died on the 21st day of February, 1818, aged 65 years.

66 SEYMOUR AND VICK^ITY.

Mrs. Mills, the wife of the pastor of Fairfield, and sister of General
Hnraphrej , died in 1815. When the British burned Faii-field, July 7th,
1779, she fled on horseback, having put her best feather bed across the horse,
and came to old Derby. The parsonage and the church in which her hus-
band had preached were burned to the ground. She afterward had built for her
the house in the rear of that now occupied by Dr. J. Kendall, and there re-
mained until her death.

The representation of Humphreysville on the opposite page is from a
woodcut made either by Abial Canfield or by an English engraver in his
employ, for use as a trade mark in the ])apermill, which may be distinguished
in the woodcut by the water wheel outside the mill. Between the papermill
and the dam was the gristmill, previously occupied by I^athan Stiles as a
woolen mill. At the right of the papermill was the sawmill. The large
building at the right of the sawmill was the woolen factory in which General
Humphreys made the first broadcloth ever manufactured in the United States.
At the right of the factory was the "Long House," built by General Humph-
reys for dwellings for his employes. The building on the right and the
smaller one adjoining were used by Gen. H. as an office and storehouse. The
little building at thefoot of the hill was a machine shop connected with the
woolen factory. The barn on the hill beyond the office spire belonged to
Abel Bassett.

There Avas a great revival in the foil and winter of 1816 among the
Methodists. "Uncle Timothy" Hitchcock was one of the converts. Reuben
Harris was in charge. He. lived in the house with Stiles Johnson. The
summer of 1816 was known as "the cold summer." There was frost
every month in the year. In this year Worrull & Hudson sold out the
papermill to Ebenezer Fisher and Henry LeForge.

In 1817 the Congregational Society was organized. Vide page 9. In
connection with the sale of the old church to the Methodists the following
from the records is Of interest :

'■'■Humplireysinllej Oct. 31, 1817. At a meetinf/ of the Brethren of the
Methodist Society, convened at the house of Timothy Hitchcocic, for the
imrpose of transacting business for the henefit of sd. society^ Voted that
Robert Lees, Bezaleel Feck, Timothy Hitchcock and Stiles Johnson he ap-
pointed a Committee to arrange business with a committee appointed by the
Congregationalists relative to the old Meeting House in Humphreys Ville.
Robert Lees, Moderator.
i^^2nd, Voted, Newel Johnson — Secretary.

lySrt?, Voted, Stiles Johnson, Bezaleel Peck, Robert Lees, TJiomas
Gilyard, Timothy Hitchcock, Trustees for the said Methodist Society.''''

'■'■Copy of the Deed of the old Presbyterian MeetingJiouse in Humph-
reys Ville :

To all people to whom these presents shall come, greeting : Knoic ye
that ice, Bradford Steele, Sarah Steele, William Kenney, Ira Smith, Phebe
Stiles, & Philena Baldwin, of Derby in New Haven County, for the con-
sideration of forty Dollars, rec^d to our full satisfaction of Stiles Johnson,
Bezaleel Peck, Thomas Gilyard, Robert Lees and Timothy Hitchcock, do
remise and release and forever quitclaim unto the said Johnson, Peck,
Gilyard, Lees, and Hitchcock, for the use of the said Methodist Society,
and unto their heirs and assigns forever, all the right, title and interest,
claim & demand whatsoever, as we the said releasors have or ought to have
in or to one certain House in Humphreys Ville, adjoining the burying ground

68 SEYMOUE AIS^D VIOIMTY.

huilt for a House of Public Worship, to have and to hold the said premises,
ivith all their appurtenances, unto the said Releasees & their heirs &
Assigns forever, so that neither we the releasors, nor our heirs, nor any
other person under us or them shall hereafter have any right or title in or to
the premises or any part thereof, hut therefrom we, and they are by these
presents forever debarred & secluded.

In witness ivhereof tee have hereunto set our hands & seals this 22nd
day of Sept^, Anno Domini, 1818.

BRADFORD STEELE, Iseal]
SARAH STEELE, [seal]

IRA SMITH, [seal]

PHEBE STILES, [seal]

WM. KENNEY, [seal]

PHILENA BALDWIN, [seal]

Signed, sealed <& delivered in presence of John Humphreys, Jr.,

Phebe Stiles,
Elias Baldwin.

New Haven Co. S. S., Derby, Sept. 22, 1818, personally appeared
B. S., 8. S., I. S., P. S.., W. K. & P. B., signers and sealers of the fore-
going instrument, and achiotcledged the same to be their free act & deed
before me. John Himiphreys, Jun'r, Justice of the Peace.'''

In 1818, Stiles Johnson gave by will to the Methodist Society the ground
on which the church stands, with the green in fi-ont, also $334 in money, of
which $134 was to be applied to repairs on the church, the $200 to be kept
as a perpetual fund, the interest only to be applied for the support of
"regular Sabbath preaching." Following is a copy of the clause of his will
making the bequest to the church :

2nd. — I tvill and bequeath to the Methodist Society in Humphreys ViUe the land on
ivhich the meeting house now stands, together with the Green in front of said House, to be in
the care of the Trustees of Miid house, for the benefit of said Society, and I also give three
Hundred and thirty-four dollars of my Estate to be applied to the support of the Methodist
traveling Preachers as long as there shall be regular Sabbath preaching in the aforesaid
Meeting House, tvhich money shall be raised and paid out of my Estate as though it was a
Debt to the Trustees of said House and tJie Interest annually applied as aforesaid. But if it
should be thou{)ht by the aforesaid Trustees more for the benefit of said Society, they may
apply any sum not exceeding one Hundred and thirty-four dollars to making further repairs
on said House, and the remainder to be applied as aforesaid. But if the Traveling Connec-
tion should neglect or refuse to supply said House as aforesaid then the Interest of said money
shall be given to such local preachers as shall for the time being supply their jylace according
to the discretion 'of the Trustees.

In May, 1822, the Humphreysville Manufacturing Company was incor-
porated by act of the Legislature and organized with a capital of $50,000.
John H. beForest was the first president and J. Fisher Learning, secretary.
D. E., Vol. 22, p. 439. The falls property was purchased of Lewis Wain of
Philadelphia Aug. 1st, for $10,000; being described in D. E., Vol. 22, p.
432, as follows :

Beginning "a few rods north of the east abutment of the Blmmon Falls bridge, at the
corner of the highway, thence bounded northerly on said DeForest, thence easto-ly and south-
erly on said DeForest, tlience easterly on highway to Bladen's Brook, thence northerly on
Bladen^s Brook to Naugatuck River, thence on said River to the dam, including the whole of
the dam and all the water privileges appertaining thereto, then bounded southerly on said
Naugatuck River to a point ivhere the highway strikes said river, thenee easterly on highway

SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 69

to saidjirsf mentioned houmh, with all the mills, manufactories, 4- huildings standing thereon,
(one piece of land — north of '^ Promised Land" to Bladen^ s Brook,) * * * one other
piece of land on the west side of Naugatuck River, opposite the manufactory, hounded west-
erly on highway, southerly on highway to the channel, where the stream sometimes crosses the
road, then bounded easterly on said channel to the Rimmon falls rock, thence running on said
Fall rocks, bounded eastei-ly on said Naugatuck River to the north side of the pathway leading
from the 7'iver up the hill to the road bounded northeasterly on John, William and Elijah
Humphreys^ land, to the bars on the top of the hill at the highway, reserving a jiassway to the
said John, William <^- Elijah Humphreys' land cf to the burying ground, * * * contain-
ing about Sixteen aeres, more or less, with the full, absolute cf exclusive water privileges on
both sides the river," cj'c.

The (lain was soon rebuilt, the watercourse to the mills widened and
cotton machinery put in. There was then one store in the valley and one on
the hill near the Episcopal Church, DeForest lived at Mrst in the Roth house,
on west side of south INIain street, opposite Pearl street, till he built the house
now occupied by Raymond French, Esq., in which he lived until his death
in 1839.

Tlie shop in the fork of the road near the M. E. Church was built in
1825 by Newel Johnson, Isaac Kenney and Jesse Smith owning a portion of
the building. The upper part of the building was used by Johnson for a
carpenter and cabinet shop and what coffins were required in the village
were made there. Newel Johnson built the houses of Denzel Hitchcock and
others. Johnson's iiither lived in the house now occupied by Jeremiah Durand.

In 1828, Samuel R. Hickox, a local preacher from Southbury, moved
into Humphreysville and took charge of the grist mill near the falls. Rev.
Amos Pettengill was the pastor of the Congi'egational church, Rev. Stephen
Jewett of the Episcopal church, and Rev. A. H. Sanford of the Methodist
church. In this year a bell was first procured for the Episcopal church and
a stove put up in the church. Previous to this, loot stoves were the only
means of producing artificial warmth in the churches. About this time
Judson English came from Hotchkisstown, now Westville, and bought out
the tannery on tlie premises now owned by Arthur Rider, previously run by
Benham. The bark mill was further south on the brook just below the rail-
road crossing. About ten years later English sold out to George Kirtland
and removed to Great Hill. The father of Judson was one of the early
Methodists, and Judson was a class-leader when living in Hotchkisstown.
Always a very hard working man and strictly temperate, few men could beat
him in the field until he was neai'ly seventy years of age. He was always a
working member of the cliurcli of his choice, and a trustee and steward of
the Great Hill Society until his death.

In 1830, Leveret Pritchard was living on the knoll opposite the saw-mill
still standing near the upper end of Maple street. Previous to that time he
lived in the house in the rear of Dr. J. Kendall's.

Chester Jones, a paper maker, built the north "Kirtland house," and
kept a store in it. He afterward moved to Ohio, returning in a year or two,
and was for several years superintendent of the Humphreysville Manufac-
turing Co's Papermill, living in the house close by. His wife was a daughter
of Dea. Bradford Steele. The house afterward owned by William Kinney,
was built by Jones. He afterward moved to Erie and died there. Ezekiel
Gilbert bad kept a store below S(iuantuck on the river road, but about this
time he came to Humphreysville and kept the tavern on Broad street about
two years, when he built the store now kept by H. ^Y. Randall. Moshier

70 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

then moved back into the hotel and occupied it until his death. While Gilbert
was in the hotel Moshier lived in Mrs. Bliss' house, corner of north Main
and Day streets, and built the paper mill.

In 1831, George Kirtland on behalf of the Methodist Society paid $110
for the land for the parsonage, including the place now owned by Evan
Llewellyn, corner of Pearl and Grand streets, and the lot on the opposite
corner now owned by Edwin Smith, Grand street not having been opened
until many years after. The parsonage was built the following year.

The Humphreysville Manufacturing Co. commenced the work of paper-
making in May with four employes, Chester Jones, Wm. Bates, Jane Patcheu
and Lois Thomson; but increased the number during the month to sixteen.

In 1832 business was prosperous and local industries remunerative. The
Humphreysville Manufacturing Co. employed 18 hands and the 16th of April
commenced running night and day, making paper for the New Haven
Palladium and other papers. The mill produced not only news but tissue and
colored papers.

Bethany was incorporated as a town in this year, having previously been
a parish of Woodbridge.

At this time the store and house, corner of Pearl and Hill streets were
occupied by David Sanford, and Lyman Smith kept the store across the road,
in a building since removed. Sanford was called "Pitchfork Sanford." Y'^ears
before he kept the blacksmith shop on the Woodbridge road, and one day in
an altercation he killed a man with a pitchfork. Sanford was tried, branded
and made to wear a cord around his neck the remainder of his life.

Butter sold at fourteen cents a pound and oak wood at three dollars a
cord. Factory girls paid $1,122 per week for board. A horse and wagon
could be hired to go to New Haven for one dollar. These were fair samples
of the prices of those times and illustrate the comparative purchasing value of
a dollar then and now.

A "Caravan of W^ild Beasts" exhibited near Moshier's tavern, in the
summer of 1834 and excited considerable interest, being probably the first
exhibition of the kind which ever passed through the village.

There was a great Hood Jan. 31st, 1835, overflowing the lowlands, but
doing no great damage. May 4th was the annual training day and a general
holitlay in the village.

The hard times of 1837, following years of prosperity and undue specu-
lation, when the banks of New York and New Orleans alone failed to the
amount of a hundred and fifty million of dollars, could but seriously aftect
the fortunes of Humphreysville, though far less in proportion than larger
places generally, which had launched more deeply into the tide of inflation.
Most of the fiictories and shops continued their work, though compelled for a
time by a lack of a reliable circulating medium to do business principally by
barter. The Htimphreysville Manufacturing Co. however reduced its em-
ployes to seven, and May Gth stopped entirely until the 9th of October, and
the Cotton Factory shut down and remained idle until January IGth, 1838.

At this time there were three auger factories in the village, as follows :

Baymond French, Blueville, where Rubber factory now stands.

Gilbert & Wooster, forges in Bennett VA^ooster's l)lacksmith shop, east
of row of maples shown in cut on page G7, filing room in the south part of
Gilbert's building on the corner of Main and Hill streets, and finishing room
under the sawmill shown in cut of Humphreysville.

Walter French, near house now occupied by Warren French.

Wm. Burritt, now living in Waterbury, carried on the stove and tinware

SEYMOUK AND VICINITY. 71

busiuess in the Lyman 8unth Building, as successor to Burritt & Lewis,
wliose store and shop was in the Wheeler Building, at the foot of Falls Hill.
The firm had been dissolved in the fall of 1836, Edward Lewis going to
Birmingham, where he still continues in the same business. In the spring of
1839 Burritt removed to Norwalk. Henry Bradley was then learning his
trade with Burritt, and went with him to Norwalk to complete his engage-
ment, returning a few years later to pursue the same business with M. Brad-
ley, noAV in Westville, under the firm name of H. & M. Bradley.

The merchants of the place were — Ezekiel Gilbert, store adjoining his
house, corner of Main and Hill streets; Wakeman & Stoddard, (Uri and
Thomas,) store in Kinney's Building ; and Andrew DeForest, store in the
building now kept by Mr. Kandall. Ezekiel Gilbert afterward sold out to
Humphrey & Wooster.

Jeremiah Coggswell, an Indian, was shot on Great Hill Jan. 30th, 1838,
l)y James Driver, in the house of the latter. From the evidence at the ex-
ainination held at Moshier's tavern three days after it appeared that Coggswell
was drunk and quarrelsome, and was killed in self-defence.

There was a great flood Jan. 7tli, and considerable damage done to the
paper-mill and other proi)erty.

Raymond French's auger factory was burned on tlie night of the 15th
of July," 1841, but with characteristic energy he soon rebuilt.

Miles Culver built a house on the upper plains. He was a valuable
member of the Congregational Church and also opened his doors to the
Methodist ministers,"services being frequently held in his house by Eevs.
Oliver Sykes and Sylvester Smith.

The' Humphreysville Graveyard Association was organized in 1842.
Anything relating to the last resting places of so many of our deceased rela-
tives and" friends must always be an object of mournful interest and no apology
is needed for copying here the concise preamble and articles of association
from the Derby Records, Yol. 32, page 51.

"Whereas, B. W. Smith, Samuel Bassett and 93 others formed an Asso-
ciation for the purpose of establishing a Village Grave Yard, and through Clark
W^ooster, Joshua Kendall and Wales French, a committee of trust, did purchase
on the 2Gth day of Sept. 1842, one certain tract of land situated in Derby at
Humphrevsvilie bounded and described as follows, viz: Westerly on highway,
southerly "on land of Sarah Holbrook and John Lindley, easterly on the Nauga-
tuck River, northerly on land of John Lindley, containing two and a half
acres — now therefore for tlie well ordering of the attairs of said Association,
and acting under the original articles of agreement, and in accordance with
an act of the General Assembly of this state entitled an act concerning Bury-
ing Grounds and places of Sepulture, approved June 2, 1842, do for ourselves
and successors form a body politic and corporate under the following articles
of Association, viz: —

Art. 1st. This Association shall be called and known by the name of the
Humphreysville Grave Yard Association.

Art. 2nd, The tract of Land described in the foregoing preamble is hereby
appropriated to be forever used and occupied as a graveyard, and for no other
purpose, aud each original proprietor thereof in consideration of three^ dollars
paid by him or her shall be entitled to one family lot in said Grave Yard 12
by 21 feet, and the surplus of ground shall be held in conimon by this
Association and may be disposed'of in such manner as the Associatiun shall
trom time to time direct.

72 SEYMOUR AND VJCINITY.

Art. 3rd. No Proprietor shall at any one and the same time hold in his
own right more than five family lots in s*^ Grave Yard.

Art. 4th. This Association shall at any meeting called for that purpose
have power to lay taxes and order the collection thereof for the purpose of
defraying all needful expenses for repairs and improvements, provided that
each proprietor shall be taxed according to his right title and interest in said
Grave Yard. B. W. Smith,

Samuel Bassett,
Hnmphreysville, Dec. 14th, 1842. BuRiTT Hitchcock.

Curtis Randall, who died Oct. 2nd, 1842, was the first to be buried in
the new grave yard.

The Humphreysville Manufacturing Co. sold their paper-mill to Hodge
& Co. Aug. 17th, 1843. The firm consisted of G. L. Hodge, S. Y. Beach
and Samuel Roselle. Rev. Moses Blydenburg, pastor of the M. E. Church,
lived on Great Hill, the Great Hill M. E. Church being then in a prosperous
condition. The son of this zealous laborer in his Master's vineyard is now a
prosperous lawyer in New Haven.

In '42 and '43 Anson G. Phelps and others talked of building a dam at
Bryant's Plain and taking the water on the west side to Birmingham. Parties
along the line of the proposed canal generally were willing to sell at fair
prices, but one, a Mr. Booth, who owned considerable land in the proposed
line, demanded such an exhorbitant price that the project was dropped for
the time. Mr. Phelps, however, made considerable purchases on the east
side of the river in and above what is now Ansonia, evidently preparing in a
very quiet way for the execution of some important undertaking which he
was not fully prepared to announce.

In 1844, Raymond French, John Dwight and Timothy Dwight, under
the firm name of Raymond French & Co., were manufacturing augers,
chisels, plane irons, &c., in their mill at Blueville, and finding their business
increasing beyond the capacity of the mill, they put up additional machinery
in the building at the mouth of Little River. Looking about for increased
facilities Mr. French went to "Kinneytown" and called on Sheldon Church,
who owned considerable land along the river, and together they rowed up and
down the stream, noticing the surroundings and capacity of the stream.
Returning down the stream he noticed a ledge of rocks in the bed of the river.
Stepping out of the boat into the water, which, was perhaps three feet in depth,
he walked across, to ascertain the extent of the ledge. Finding it aftbrded a
rock bottom nearly the whole width of the stream he immediately determined
that he would build a dam there. Mr. F. immediately bought a large tract
of land on both sides of the river and work conmienced without delay, to the
great surprise of the people in the village below, who thus saw the fruit plucked
while they were talking about it. In a few days Mr. Phelps came up and in
his blandest manner congratulated Mr. French on his enterprise, and wished
him success. After that not a week elapsed during the building of the dam
but that Mr. Phelps came up to note the progress made. As the work pro-
gressed Mr. French found that the rock extended the whole width of the
river, making a sure foundation ready for the superstructure. The bend at
the west end was made to follow a turn of the rock. When the dam ueared
completion Mr. Phelps claimed a portion of the power on the ground of his
owning so much land on either side where there was a fall below the dam.
Mr. F. had however acquired sulticint land on the west side, as he supposed,
to answer his purpose, either by actual deed or promise. Capt. Philo Holbrook

1844-7] SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 73

had not jet given a deed, and probably without thinking of the effect,
was induced to sell to Mr. Phelps for a trifling sum the right to flow a small
stream back on his land. Mr. F. hearing of this went below Holbrook and
made a purchase of William Church, from the river to the hill, and Phelps
was checkmated. The result was that Phelps Anally purchased the dam
and appurtenances Dec. oth, 1844, (D. R., Vol. 32, p. 53-55,) and R. French
& Co. built the brick shops on the west side of Main street.

William Buffum purchased the cotton mill from the Humphreysville
Manufacturing Co. July 1st, 1845, for $12,000 and the payment of $300
annually. The purchase iucluded land 100 by 132 feet, being 50 feet on the
front and rear, and 10 feet at each end of the mill, "with sufficient water to
drive the water wheel in a reasonable manner for the purpose of propelling
machinery to an amount suitable to the capacity of the wheel, using the
water advantageously and economically," &c. D. R., Vol. 32, p. 98. He
carried on the business until R. French & Co. sold their mill in Blueville to
DeForest & Hodge, Oct. 31st, 1845, for $5,000. D. R., Vol. 33, p. 87.
Portions of this property had been purchased by French & Upson of J. C.
Wheeler, Nov. 21st, 1839, and Nov. 12tli, 1840 ; and of Bassett & Smith
Oct. 27th, 1843.

Some of the tradesmen of the place were — Robert J. Abbott, Apothecary
and Druggist; David B. Clark, tavernkeepeer; John S. Moshier, tavern-
keeper; Harrison Tomlinson, general country store; Ransom Tomlinson,
dealer in meat, &c.

The first number of the Derby Journal appeared Dec. 25th, 1840, and
contained the following appeal to the people of the Naugatuck Valley to aid
in the construction of the Naugatuck railroad.

"The New York and New Haven Railroad Co. have contracted for the construction of their
road, wliich is to be completed within the coming year.

This road will cross the Housatonic river a short distance above the present Washington Bridge,
and from th's point to Waterbury is probably from 25 to 28 miles. By following the Valley of the
Naugatuck from Waterbury, or some point above, to where that stream unites with the Housatonic,
and thence en the bank of that river to where the line intersects the New York road, a very easy
grade would be obtained, and at a very moderate expenditure. An act of incorporation for this road
was obtained in 1845, with power to commence at Plymouth or Waterbury, and to terminate at New
Haven, Milford or Bridgeport, after passing through Derby.

* * * * Much more might be said of the wants of the Naugatuck Valley, as well as of its
resources, its business, its large amount of yet unused water-power, and its enterprise, but my present
object is to direct attention to the subject, hoping that those more conversant with it will engage in
the cause, and especially' our northern friends." Humphreysville responded by subscribing $40,000.

The Mexican War created quite an excitement here and the Humph-
reysville Greys volunteered their services to the government to aid Gen.
Taylor. The official document to muster them into service was received on
the evening of Jan. 27th and read in the armory of the Humphreysville
Greys, amidst much enthusiasm. The principal officers of the company were
G. W. Divine, Captain ; Charles W. Storrs, 1st Lieutenant ; Wilson Wyant,
2nd Lieutenant ; W. W. Smith, Orderly Sergeant. The armory was over
Ezekiel Gilbert's store and Mr. Gilbert came out and said, — "Zach. was
whipped at one time, but he didn't know it and went on and concjuered, and
he will be our next president." And he was, but for some reason the com-
pany did not go to Mexico. Capt. Divine had served in the Florida War,
and Capts. Wyant and Smith afterward did efficient service in the \\ ar of the
rebellion. Clark Ford, now a resident of Seymour, was in the Oth New
England Regiment, (Thomas H. Seymour, Col.) and is said to have pulled down
the Mexican colors at Chapultepec. George N. Shelton, who was for many
years a resident of Seymour and engaged in various enterprises here, was

74 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. [1847

appointed Adjutant General by the Governor in May, 1847. Hansom Gay-
lord, a lawyer from Massachusetts, who had been teaching the Shrub Oak
school, went to Waterbury and there enlisted as a private.

The Congregational Church was commenced in 1840, (vide, page 13,)
and dedicated April 20th,^ 1847.

Daniel White represented Humphreysville this year in the board of
selectmen of the town of Derby.

There were three heavy freshets in the spring of 1847, viz : Feb. 3rd
and 8th, and March 20th.

The firm of French, Swift & Co. was formed in 1847, and April 5th,
they bought the property on Little River, now owned by Hemy B. Beecher,
of James L. Spencer for $1,800. The firm consisted of Warren French,
Charles Swift, John F. Marshall, Lemuel Bliss, H. B. Beecher and H. A.
Radford, who were spoken of as the "six partners." A farther purchase was
made from Clark Wooster Dec. 17th.

A union Sunday school celebration of the Congregational, Episcopal and
Methodist churches was held the first Thursday in September. The West-
ville and Bethany Sunday schools were also invited and a grand holiday was
the result.

The upper dam was commenced this year by French & Dwight, and the
west abutment and wall were built.

The works of French, Swift & Co. caught fire Dec. 6th, in the finishing
room, and the flames spread rapidly but were subdued after considerable dam-
age had been done.

Albert J. Steele sold his furniture and undertaking business Dec. 20th,
1847, to Johnson & Bassett, David Johnson selling out to E. F. Bassett a
year lati^r. The salesroom was in the building in the south angle of Main
and Hill streets, with a shop on the west side of Hill street, a little above,
and another with power in the rear of the sawmill, near the falls. Five
years later Mr. Bassett put up the building on the east side of Hill street for
a shop and salesroom.

Phonography and phonotopy was taught by Charles Randall and the
study was quite popular among the young folks.

Among the members of the Humphreysville Lyceum which met in the
basement of the Congregational Church in the winter of 1847-8, was Dr.
Yale, a botanic physician, who went to California in the time of the gold
excitement, and died there. The name of the Lyceum was changed to the
Humphreysville Literary Association. Luzon P. Morris was the president.
Among the leading members were J. Kendall, John W. Storrs, John L.
Daniels, Clement A. Sargent, George W. Divine and Henry Russell.

The cornerstone of the M. E. Church was laid June 19th, 1847, and the
church was dedicated Jan. 18th, 1848. The following description of the
church was published in the Derby Journal of Feb. 3rd :

The house is Gothic iu design, 40 by 60 feet ia dimensious, with a baaemeut al-
most entirely above ground containing a commodious lecture-room and two class-
rooms. It has an excellent toned bell of 1,150 pounds weight. The slips, the ceiling,
the altar and the galleries are grained: the scrolls on the slips are of black walnut.
The base on the pulpit is painted in imitation of Egyptian marble, and the pulpit
Sienua marble. The walls, above and below, are frescoed. The ascent from the base-
ment to the vestibule, and from thence to the galleries, is by a spiral stairs in the
steeple and turret. The windows in front, as also those in the steeple and turret, are
of stained glass. The sofa, chairs and table, together with the columns for the pulpit

1847] SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 75

lamps are of blaek walnut. The cost of the buildiug is about five thousand dollars.
In the afternoon of the day of dedication the slips were rented, and the Trustees will
realize about $600 therefrom.

Mr. Hotchkiss, of Birmingham, was the architect; and he is justly deserving of
credit for the plan of the buildiug — the proper proportion and beautiful symmetry of
which, favorably impress almost every beholder. The writer of this is authorized to
eay that the building committee and trustees ef the church take great pleasure iu
giving publicity to the feeling of entire satisfaction which they entertain in reference
to those who have been employed in erecting the house — by the manner iu which
they have acquitted themselves.

To the Builder, Mr. Amos Hine, of Woodbridge, who has shown himself to be
both competent and faithful. While engaged in the construction of the house, he
has apparently identified himself with the interests of those by whom he was employed.

To tJie Masons, Mr. Jerry Bassett and Mr. Isaac Davis, both of this village, the
former for the neat and substantial wall of the basement, together with the steps,
both of which are pronounced second to none in this region ; the latter, who has done
himself great credit by the manner in which the walls were finished, iu the plastering
and frescoing, above and below.

To the Painter, Mr. Martin, also of this village, who in the external painting and
sanding of the house, together with the internal work, has shown himself master of
his business. — The work upon the pulpit was done at his own suggestion and expense,
and is considered to be iu excellent taste, presenting a beautiful contrast with the
base, as well as the other parts of the house.

The trustees and members of the church take great pleasure in acknowledging
the donation of the beautiful black walnut table, valued at twenty-six dollars, pre-
sented by Mr. Albert J. Steele, of this village, the workmanship of Mr. David John-
son, also of this village.

Great praise is also due to the ladies connected with the "Female Aid Society"
of this church, and others who have assisted in the work, for the neat and tasteful
manner in which they have furnished the church. — The carpets, the trimmings of the
pulpit, the sofa, the chairs for the altar; together with the lamps, are the result of
their labors, and speak much for their zeal and diligence in the cause.

While the members connected with this church congratulate themselves iu
having by the good hand of God, so comfortable a place in which to worship the God
of their fathers, they are not insensible to the feeling of kindness and good will which
has prompted members of the sister church to lend a helping hand in this enterprise.
May the good Lord reward them au hundred fold, in spiritual blessings. C. S.

The strip of land west of the church, now surrounded by rows of elms
and maples, was deeded to the Society, Oct. 31st, 1848, by Kev. Sylvester
Smith. D. E., Vol. 35, page 215.

"Commencing at a iwint on the line of the highway at the corner of the land this day
deeded to Medad K. Tucker, and running easterly on sd highway line 2^^% rods to the line of
this grantee, thence southerly on sd grantee'» line i^j^% rods to a point on Bennett JFooster^s
line close by a nuiple tree, thence running the south side of sd tree on sd Bennett Wooster's
line 3j2jOj i-ods, thence northaly on Medad K, Tuckei-^s line to the place of beginning, said la^it
metitioned line being 14y2-4_ rods, containing an area of 43 rods, hereby saving and reserving
to myself the fee siniplc of sd land after the sd church shall fail to sustain a meeting house
ichere their house now stands, hereby only granting the use of sd land to .sd church so long as
the same shall remain in the control and direction of the trustees of sd church during the
time aforesaid solely for the accommodation of the Methodist E. Society of Uumx>hreysviUe
and ivheti the sd Society ceases to inaintain sd church in the place where it now stands, then
sd land is to revert to this Grantor, his heirs and assigns."

70 SEYMOUR AND VJOmiTY. [1847

The subject of temperance was prominent at this time and the Humph -
reysville Total Abstinence Society had been organized for the purpose of
holding temperance meetings and in various Avays advancing the temperance
cause. Mr. Isaac Losee, Sen., was the President of the Society in 1847.
There were at this time five liquor-selling establishments in the place. In
April of this year the officers of the Total Abstinence Society were John L.
Daniels, President ; Joshua Kendall and Julius Bassett, Vice-presidents ;
John W. Storrs, Secretary and Treasurer ; William Tuthill, James L. Spen-
cer and Charles Swift, Standing Committee.

The other Temperance Association, Eock Spring Division, No. 12, S. of
T., was in a flourishing condition. In January its officers were : — John W.
Storrs, W. P. ; Daniel I. Putnam, W. A. ; William W. Steele, R. S. ; John
Adams, A. R. S. ; William B. Curtiss, F. S. ; James A. Stephens, C. ;
David Tucker, A. C. ; Charles Swift, I. S. ; Perry Cadwell, O. S. In the
fall they were— John W. Storrs, P. W. P. ; D. J. Putnam, W. P. ; J. A.
Stevens, W. A. ; John Adams, R. S. ; James L. Spencer, A. R. S. ; W. B.
Curtiss, F. S. ; Wilson Wyant, T. ; David Tucker, C. ; Austin R. Pardee,
A. C. ; Wilson Hendryx, I. S. ; Edwin Wheeler, O. S.

The New Haven Courier in February contained the following in regard
to the proposed Naugatuck Railroad, the building of which was commenced
in April :

No business man can doubt but that the trade of 20 or 30,000 people is worth
obtaining, or that it would be desirable to have this city a depot for the five millions
worth of manufactured goods annually produced in that region. But the present
trade of that valley id nothing, absolutely hothing, to what ii will, and must, be when
communication is opened by means of a railroad. We have the authority of the State
Surveyor for saying, that the facilities for manufacturing on the Naugatuck aro
greater than on any other stream in the State, and these facilities are not as yet half
or quarter improved. Besides the Naugatuck, there is an unimproved power on the
Housatonic, at Birmingham, more than twice as great as all the power at Lowell, and
capitalists already have their eyes upon this, and it will be improved.

The Saturday before May 25th, there was a tremendous hailstorm ac-
companied by terrific thunder and lightning and torrents of rain. The ground
was literally covered with hailstones, many of which were as large as pigeons
eggs. As described by a writer of the scene, "It seemed for a few moments
as if all Iceland had been broken up and was being showered down on our
devoted heads." One horse was so frightened that he ran, throwing out its
driver, who was seriously injured. Other horses were so stupefied with fear
that it was with great difficulty that their drivers could urge them to places
of shelter.

Leverett Pritchard died June 4th, in the 83rd year of his age. He had
"been an inhabitant of the town from his infancy, and his character ever
remained unspotted, so much so that his morality had become proverbial.
From his door the friendless were never spurned, and from his bounty the
hungry were fed and the naked clothed. In him the needy and destitute
found a friend." — (Derby Journal.)

The Thursday before June 15th two men were covered by a landslide
about a mile above the village, where workmen were engaged in making ex-
cavations for the railroad. One of them was not found until life was extinct.
The railroad bridge across the Naugatuck was built under contract by Dwight
& French.

The new hall of Rock Spring Division, at the west end of the Nauga-
tuck Bridge, was dedicated on the Friday evening before the IGth of October.

3848-49] SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 77

(reovge W. Bungay was the principal speaker and a poem was read by Jolm
W. Storrs.

On Tuesday evening, Aug. 1st, 1848, Gougli made a powerful temper-
ance speech in the M. E. Church, and on Monday and AVednesday evenings
of the same week he lectured in the Congregational Church.

The telegraph came following close upon the railroad, and in November
was in operation.

In this year Mr. Hyde from Oxford, N. Y^., called to see his native
place after an absence of thirty -four years. His father had been drowned in
the Housatonic liiver. His mother was buried in the Methodist cemetery.
His brother Abijah Hyde was then living in Quaker Farms. Orson Hyde,
the IMormon, was a brother of these. The old homestead was in the corner
of the lot opposite Cedar liidge school house, now owned by Judge Munson.
The Hydes were remarkable for their good memories. Abijah and his brother
from York state were Methodists, and the York state man lias sons who have
been noted as scholars in the M. E. Church.

A young man named Pitt was killed Nov. 11th, 1848, near the Bell
scliool house, by the bursting of a cannon which was being tired in honor of
the election of Genei'al Taylor to the presidency.

Most of the maples near the M. E. Church were set out Oct. 28th, 1848,
by Rev. Sylyester Smith and his son. Two had been set out on the west side
of the church some years before by Alva Davis.

Lewis Bunce lost about $4,000 by the burning of his papermill, Dec. 2.*3,
1848. Stock to the amount of $075 was saved and he received $1,3L'5
insurance.

The Rimmon paper Co. seems then to have been organized, as the D.
R., Vol. 32, page 300, under date of Jan. 27th, 1849, refers to machinery of
the mill which was destroyed by fire and states that the Comjiany has a paid
in capital of $5,100. The stock was taken as follows : Andrew W. DeForest,
00 shares; Burritt Hitchcock, GO shares; Eli Hayes, 30 shares; Horace
Riley, 12 shares ; James H. Bidwell, 30 shares ; James AA'allace, 20 shares ;
A. W. DeForest, Agt., 10 shares; total, 240 shares. Burritt Hitchcock,
president; A. W. DeForest, secretary. Bunco continued in charge of the
null which was located near the mouth of Little River, where the Douglass
Manufacturing Co's lower shop now is.

The estal)lishment of Humphreysville Academy is best recorded by
quoting from the prospectus issued at the time.

HUMPHREYSVILLE ACADEIMY,

HUMPHREYSVILLE, CONN.,
GEORGE B. GLENDINING, A. M., and MRS. NANCY H. GLENDINING, Principals.

The .selection of Huuiplireysville for au Academic Institution, lias been made not more with
reference to the place itself than to a wide tract of the surrounding country, for which there have
veemed tc he educational demands.

Located in the romantic valley of the Naugafuck, Humphreysville is peculiarly healthy;
and distant only ten miles from New Haven, sixteen from Bridgeport, and eighty from New York—
with all of whicL places it is connected by a railroad soon to be in operation, it is most easily accessible.

For the youth of tbe place and the country around it. a higher institution of learning has ap-
jieared to be needed ; at the same time regard Las been had youth of the cities, for whom there may
be here furnished, in connection with educational facilities at the most moderate rates, the safest
guarantees for health and morals. The course of instruction to be pursued in Academy is designed to
meet the wants of pupils of both sexes, and of various ages and destination. Whatever the pupils
^liall juro/V-.v.v to leani they will be required to learn //lo/vH/y/i/i/— superlicial attainments being

78 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. [1849

regarded as of little worth. * * * Instruction will be given in all the branches of an English
education; in the Classics — Latin and Greek; in French and Music. * * *

The Principals trust to the fruits of their labors so to commend them as to gain for their
Academy an extended patronage. At their commencement they ofl'er their qualifications, experience
in teaching and devotion to the work, as pledges to satisfy such as may commit pupils to their charge.
in addition they may refer to the Rev. W. F. Walker, Rector of Union Church, Ilumphreysville,
who has known them for many years in their oflice as teachers; to the principal inhabitants of Troy,
N. Y., where for nine years they taught successfully; to the trustees of Cayuga Academy, Aurora,
New York, of which Mr. G. was more than two years Principal; to Professor Mills of New York
city, and to Professor Berteau of Brooklyn, L. I., in whose institution Mr. G. was more than two
years professor of Belles Lettres. Humphreysville, Feb. y2nd, 1849.

Speaking of Glendining's Academy the Derby Journal said, "The
natural and picturesque scenery with which Humphreysville abounds, and the
quietness of the village, render it exceedingly well adapted for the location
of an institution of the kind."

The new comers were immediately received with favor. In May the
Academy had already forty -seven pupils.

Butfum's Cotton Factory took fire Feb. 22nd, but the flames were sup-
pressed before any great damage was done. Loss about $200. Insured. A
portable tire engine which was kept in the building was made to render good
service, the water being carried from the "canal" to the reservoir of the engine
in pails and then forced in a stream against the building.

In March Nathan White made an engraving of the village, which was
spoken of by the Derby Journal as "very prettily gotteu up and giving an
accurate idea of the place."

There were in operation one cotton factory, three paper mills, French &
Dwight's large establishment for the manufacture of augers, plane irons and
other edge tools ; also three other auger factories and one ax factory.
A large building was being erected for the construction of cars.

Thursday evening. Mar. 15th, about 9 o'clock, French & Dwight's ma-
chine shop was found to be on fire and was burned with all its contents. The
shop was an old wooden one and was well stocked with tools, patterns, &c.
Loss from $2,000 to $3,000. It stood on the east side of the canal where is
now the tinning shop of the N. H. Copper Co.

John J. Kider was licensed as taverner and all licenses to sell spirituous
liquors were refused. Jacob Carter lectured on temperance Feb. 12th.
Julius Bassett sailed for Califoniia Jan. 23rd.

Joshua Kendall, D. G. AV. P., installed the officers of Rock Spring Di-
vision Jan. 13th, as follows: William B. Curtiss, W. P. ; John Adams,
W. A.; JohnW. Storrs, R. S. ; William Hughes, A. R. S.; Edward F.
Bassett, F. S. ; Henry Patterson, C. ; Alonzo T. Smith, A. C. ; Edwajd
Hutchkiss, I. S. ; E. Gainsby, O, S.

In April, Joshua Kendall was elected representative for the town of Derby.

The first locomotive came to Humphreysville on Thursday afternoon,
May 10th, 1849 ; and the first passenger train on the following Monday,
May, 14th.

Wilson Weston had his left hand and arm severely mangled June 28th,
by the shears for cutting iron and steel, in the works of the Humphreysville
Manufacturing Co.

The Rimmon dam was commenced this summer by Dwight & French.

The society of the "Daughters of Temperance" was instituted in August.

Friday, Dec. 14th, William B. Watson's horse was killed by a loco-
motive and his stage broken up.

1849-50] SEYMOUK AND VICINITY. 79

In June the small pox was prevalent in Blueville, the dreaded disease
having been brought in ragS to the papermill.

Village Directory in 1849,

AlopatMc Physicians, Joshua Kendall, S. C. Johnson, Thomas Stoddard.

Attorney, H. B. Munsou.

Augers and hit manufacturers, Dwight & French ; French, Swift &
Co. ; and Hiram Upson.

Ax manufacturer, Clark Wooster.

Boot and shoe dealer, William Hull.

Botanic Physician, J. D. A. Yale.

Clergymen, Congregational, William B. Curtiss ; Episcopal, William F.
Walker ; Methodist, Charles Stearns ; Baptist, William Dennison.

Cotton manufacturers, William Buftum, shirtings, 500,000 yds. yearly,
consuming fifty tons of cotton, and running 54 looms. Forty-one persons
employed. Sherman & Beardsley were manufacturing stockiug yarn, batting
twine and carpet warp.

Druggists, James Davis, Robert J. Abbott.

Furniture manufacturers and dealers, Johnson & Bassett.

Harness mal-er, Isaac N. Martin.

Justice of the Peace, Albert J. Steele.

John Moshier kept the only livery stable, in connection with the tavern.

Merchants, Lyman Smith, Lucius Blackman, Downs & Sanford, Harri-
son Tomlinson, Elias Hotchkiss, Humphrey 6c Wooster, Tuttle & Bassett,
and Lucius Tuttle.

Paper makers, DeForest «& Hodge, manufactured 480,000 lbs. printing-
paper yearly ; Lewis Bunce, manufactured printing paper, clothiers' boards
and press paper; Smith & Bassett, manufactured ^\'rapping, straw and
button boards.

/Stove and tinware dealers, E. Lewis & Co.

Tailors, J. A. Stevens, Charles W. Storrs.

The Humphreysville Copper Co. was organized in 1849 with a capital
stock of $40,000. The first issue of stock was forty shares to S. C. Johnson,
Jan. 23rd. The proposal to establish a coppermill here was first made by
Isaac Nathans to Raymond French. Mr. F. went to New York and made
inquiries in regard to the manufacture of copper, prices of stock and manu-
factured goods, etc., and becoming satisfied that the business was then a
profitable one, returned and organized the company. J. W. Dwight was the
first president of the company. The directors, Feb. 8th, were — Raymond
French, Harrison Tomlinson, George Rice and Sheldon Kinnev. D. R.,
Vol, 32, page 309.

In the spring of 1850 there was quite an exciting time over the election.
The postmaster, Mr. Lum, had recently died and Rev; Samuel Ilickox was
talked of as successor, but John W, Storrs was finally appointed. The de
cision being partly a party matter, aided by religious preferences and preju
dices, it became evident in March that the matter would considerably art'ect
the spring election, Thomas Burlock of Ansonia was nominated by the
whigs and Rev, Sylvester Smith of Humphreysville by the democrats. The
election was held in the basement of the Congregational Church in Hum-
phreysville. The friends of the defeated candidate for postmaster rallied for
Rev. Sylvester Smith, and while Mr. Burlock confidently expected a majority
of 125, Mr. S. received a majority of 20. Burlock was a great politician,

80 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. . [1850

and to be beaten by a local preacher and a papermaker, was no less a surprise
tban the success of the democratic ticket in a strong wliig town.

The subject of dividing the town had not been agitated until after this
election, but now it quickly became prominent. Messrs. Dwiglit and French
led in the movement and Judge Munson was active in its advocacy. Why
no one proposed the name of Humplu-ey for the new town, we have been
unable to learn. The bill to gi-ant the petition was prepared and printed with
the name "Richmond," but before it was put on its passage Judge Munson
came to Mr. Smith and suggested the name "Seymour." Mr. S. replied,
"It is short, our Governor and the Speaker of the House have that name,
and it is an eminent name in Connecticut, and we will have it the name of
our town.'' The liill was so amended and passed. Following is a copy of the

^ltitrht[ ofi the ^aan of ^miwnr,

General Af<semhhf, May Session, A. I)., 1850.

Upon the petition of Leman ( 'hatheld and others praying for the incor-
poration of a new town, as will fully and at large appear by their petition on
tile, dated the th day of April, 1850, which petition has been duly served
upon the town of Derby and was duly returned to and entered in the office of
the Secretary of this State according to law.

Resolved by this Assembly. That all that part of the town of
Derby lying northerly of the following described line, to wit: commencing at
the Housatonic River, tlience running easterly in a straight line touching the
most northerly i)oint of Martin B. Bassett's stone building on the east bank of
said river, thence running easterly in the same straight line to the north side
of the dwelling house now occupied by said Martin B. Bassett, thence in a
straight line easterly to the stone bridge in the highway, about twenty -ttve
rods westerly of the house occupied by Pearl Carpenter, thence from said
bridge following down the brook that runs under said bridge, till it empties
into the Naugatuck River, thence from the mouth of said brook easterly, in
a straight line to the intersection of the line dividing the town of Wood-
bridge from the town of Derby with the centre line of the Rimmon Falls
Turnpike road ; with all the inhabitants residing therein, be, and the same
hereby are incorporated into a distinct town by the name of Seymour, and the
inhabitants aforesaid, and their successors forever, residing within said limits
shall have and enjoy all the ])owers, privileges and immunities which are
enjoyed by other towns in this State, with the privilege of sending one rej)re-
sentative to the General Assembly of this State.

Said new town shall support all bridges within their bounds, (except such
as belong to turni)ike conipanies or other cor])orati()ns or individuals to suppoi't)
and be released from sui)porting any bridges without the limits of said new
town; shall pay and perform their proportion of the jjresent debts and liabilities
of Derl)y, and be allowed the same i)roporti(m of its credits, inchuling the like
proportion of the town de])0sit fund, and the same proportion of interest in the
almshouse land ; and shall take and sup])ort their jiroportion of the present
town i)oor of said town of Derby; the proportion of the said new town in all
the respects aforesaid being as the list of that i)art of the new town taken from
the town of Derby for the year 1849, bears to the whole list of Derby, in the
same year ; and the selectmen of the said tOMU of Derby and Seymour are
hereby empowered to ;ii)i)ortion ami divide the ])r(\sent town iioor, the debts.

1850] riEYMUUli xVXD VICINITY. 81

credits, town fmuls and almshouse land aforesaid, according to the rule afore-
said ; and in case they should not be able to agxee, then such apportionment
shall be made by Samuel Meigs, Esquire, of Oxford, whose decision shall be
final. And said town poor when so apportioned, shall be settled inhabitants
for all purposes in the respective towns to which they are set and said new^
town shall be liable to maintain all such poor of the town from which it is
taken, as are or may be absent therefrom ; provided, such poor person or per-
sons at the time of their departure belonged to the portion of said town of
Derby hereby incorporated, or were residents therein as settled inhabitants at
the time of such departure therefrom.

Resolved further, That the collector of town and state taxes of said
Derby, be hereby authorized lo collect the several taxes already laid, in the
same manner as though this act had not passed.

Resolved further, That it shall be the duty of said new town to assume
and perform the contracts and liabilities now subsisting between the town of
Derby and any other person or persons for keeping in repair such portion of
the roads of the old town of Derby as lie within the limits of said new town,
and to save the said old town from all expense therefrom.

Resolved Jurther, That the mileage of the said town of Seymour to
Hartford be forty-five miles, and to New Haven be eleven miles.

Resolved further, That the first meeting of said town of Seymour shall
be held on the fourth Monday of June, 1850, at the basement of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church at Humphreys Ville, in said town of Seymour ; and
Leman Chatfield, Esquire, (and in case of his failure to attend the same,
Harris B. Munson, Esquire,) shall be moderator of said meeting; and said
meeting shall be warned by setting up a notification of the same on a sign
post hereby established at the east end of the bridge over Naugatuck River,
at said Humphreys Yille, and at such other place or places as said persons
or either of them deem proper, at least five days before said meeting. And
said town of Seymour shall at said first meeting, have all the powers incident
to other towns in the State, and full right to act accordingly, to elect town
officers ; and the officers so elected at such meeting shall hold their offices
until others are choseu and sworn in their stead.

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, s s. ) I hereby certify that the foregoing
Office of Secretary of State, ) is a true copy of record in this office.^
In testimony whereof 1 have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of
said State, at Hartford, this 12th day of September, A. D., 1850.

JNO. P. C. MATHER, Secretai:y of State.

January, 1850, was a remarkably warm month, and in the following
month the snows were followed by heavy rains, raising the streams and caus-
ing considerable damage. In the freshet of Feb. 10th and 11th the lower
bridge was considerably damaged and narrowly escaped being carried away.
There was also a high flood March 1st.

The water lease of S. Y. Beach's papermill expiring in this year, it was
pulled down and removed to its present location on Bladen's brook. Paper-
nuiking was discontinued June 15th and resumed Se^tt. Und.

A town meeting was held June 24:th in the basement of the M. E. Church,
as provided by the charter, Leman Chatfield presiding as moderator. The
principal officers of the new town were as follows:

Selectmen, Lennm Chatfield, Daniel L. Holbrook, Thomas Cochran.

82 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. [1850-52

Town ClerTtj Charles B. Wooster ; Toivn Treasurer, Sylvester Smith.

Grand Jurors, Burton W. Smith, Thomas Stoddard, George L. Hodge,
Abel Holbrook, Charles L. Hyde, Walter B. Clark.

Constables, George H. Merrick, Philo Beecher, Oliver H. Stoddard,
Hiram P. Johnson, lioswell Humaston, John J. Rider.

Coonmittee on Roads, Sheldon Kinney, Daniel L. Holbrook.

Tithingmen, Church Society — Burton W. Smith, Sheldon Hurd, Isaac
Lindley ; Methodist Society — John L. Hartson, Jarvis Polly ; Congregational
Society — Medad K. Tucker, William H. Tuthill ; Baptist Society — Sharon
Y". Beach, George L. Hodge ; Great Hill Methodist Society — William C.
Smith, Roswell Humaston.

The second town meeting was held in the basement of the Congrega-
tional Church, Oct. 30th, 1850. Leman Chatfield, Daniel L. Holbrook and
Thomas Cochran were elected selectmen ; Charles B. Wooster, town clerk ;
and Burton W. Smith, town treasurer.

At the electors' meeting held Mar. 31st, 1851, Bennett Wooster was
elected the first representative of the Town of Seymour to the General
Assembly.

The Baptist Society was organized in March, 1848, Rev. William Den-
nison, from White Hills, in charge. The church on Maple street was built
in 1851. Tythingmen were last elected for the church in October, 1859.

A union Sunday school festival was held Aug. 28th by the Baptist,
Congi'egational, Episcopal and Methodist Sunday schools.

At the annual town meeting held Oct. Gth, the selectmen, town clerk
and treasurer were re-elected.

At a special town meeting held in January, 1852, it was voted to build
a new bridge over the Naugatuck, near Moshier's tavern, and Isaac B. Davis,
Philo Holbrook and Raymond French were appointed building committee.

At the spring election, Rev. Sylvester Smith was elected representative,
receiving 217 of the 354 votes cast. The following persons were elected
justices of the peace :— ^Harris B. Munson, Leman Chatfield, Sharon Y.
Beach, Isaac B. Davis, Charles B. Wooster, Philo Holbrook, George P.
Shelton, Daniel L. Holbrook, Samuel R. Hickox, Eli S. Cornwall.

At the town meeting in the basement of the Congregational Church in
October, Daniel Holbrook was elected first selectman but declined to serve
another year. Isaac B. Davis, Sharon Y. Beach and Harpin Riggs were
then elected and Burton W. Smith was elected treasurer. A resolution
was passed authorizing the layout of a street past the house Denzel Hitchcock,
now known as High Street, also accepting Humphrey street as highway. The
following resolution was adopted:

Voted, that all Horses and Cattle be restrained from going at large upon tbe highwaj's and
commons in Seymour (except tliat any man owning one cow only can by permission from any one
selectman, let her run at large provided she has a strap on her neck with the owners name on) and if
so found going at large shall be liable to be impounded and that tbe penalty for each animal so im-
pounded shall be seventy-five cents, two thirds of which sum to be paid to the person or persons so
impounding the same, by the owner or owners of the animal or animals so impounded, and one-third
to the pound keeper.

Voted, that Sheep and Swine be restrained from going at large upon the highways and commons
in said town, and if so found going at large shall be liable to be impounded, and the penalty lor each
Sheep or Swine so impounded shall be twenty-five cents, to be paid to the person or persons so im-
pounding the same by the owner or owner of the Sheep or Swine so impounded eighteen cents, and
to the pound-keeper seven cents.

Voted, that Geese be restrained from going at large u])on the highways or commons in said town.

1852-04] ISEYMOUK AND VICINITY. 83

and if so found going at large sliall be liable to be impounded, and tbe penalty for eacb Goose so
impounded shall be eight cents, one-half of which shall be paid to the person impounding the same
and the other half to the pound-keeper, by the owner or owners of the geese so impounded.

Voted that any inhabitant of said town may lawfully impound all such creatures found going
at large as aforesaid, and it shall be the duty of the person or persons impounding the same to give
notice thereof to the owner or owners of such creatures, if known, within twenty-four hours after im-
pounding the same, and in case the owner or owners of such impounded creatures be not known by
the impounder, to inform forthwith one of the Constables of said town, whose duty it shall be to proceed
in the same manner as is by law prescribed for Constables when they are informed that creatures are
impounded for doing damage upon land, and the owners thereof is not known, and said Constable
shall be entitled to his lawful fees in the same manner as for creatures doing damage upon land,
provided that nothing in this vote or By-Law shall be so construed as to prevent the owner or owners
of such creatures from redeeming them from the person or persons while driving them to pound, by
paying the drivers fees.

Voted, that the foregoing By-Law be effectual from and after the 2Gth ilay of November, 18.')3,
until the first Monday in October, IS-'iS.

Voted, that the town clerk be directed to cause the foregoing By-Law to be published four weeks
successively in the Columbian Register printed in New Haven, also in the New Haven Palladium.

This by-law was re-enacted in 1853 and the penalties increased one-fourth.
In 1854 it was repealed.

The vote of the town for presidential electors, Nov. 2nd, 1852, was —
democratic, 258; whig, 105; free soil, 4.

The Huraphreysville Copper Co. was re-organized in 1852 and the capital
increased from $100,000 to $200,000 by the addition of 4,000 shares of $25
each. S. R., Vol. 3, p. 123. The President of the company certified that
the whole amount had been paid in Feb. 2nd. A large part of the stock
was taken in Humphreysville, the bank taking 700 shares. The directors of
the company then were — William Cornwall, Timothy Dwight, George F.
DeForest, Charles Durand and Harrison Tomlinson. In February, 1853,
the directors were=John W. Dwight, William Cornwall, Timothy Dwight,
Charles Durand, Nathan Peck, Jr., of New Haven, Raymond French, George
F. DeForest, Harrison Tomlinson and Sheldon Kenney of Seymour. The
works were greatly enlarged and the business increased. Up to this time
the business had proved very lucrative, but after the enlargement the profits
decreased and the stock finally went down.

At the electors' meeting in April, 1853, H. B. Munson was elected rep-
resentative by a majority of 82 in a total vote of 329.

Prof. Gay, a graduate of Yale, opened a "high school" in Glendinning
Hall in August.

At the October town meeting Leman Chatfield, Harpin Riggs and Jabez
E. Pritchard were elected selectmen, and B. W. Smith, town treasurer.

On Sunday, Nov. 13th, there was a heavy rain all day, and during the
afternoon the river rose rapidly, until it was seventeen feet and three inches
above low water mark at Derby. Such a flood had not been known for many
years, the water was said to have been four feet deep in the coppermill. The
south half of the railroad bridge was earned away, with the south abutment,
and many other bridges above and below Seymour, including those at Pines-
bridge, Beacon Falls and Ansonia. In the evening the Ansonia bridge was
carried away, and with it a young couple whose cries were heard far down
the river, but all attempts to rescue them in the darkness were unavailing.

On Wednesday evening, Jan. 8th, 1854, there was another freshet which
again swept off the railroad bridge and also the dam of French, Swift «& Co.
The next forenoon the dam wliich stood a little above Adhere the rubbermill
dam now is was carried away. It continued to be an unusually rainy season

84 SEYMOUli AXD VICINITY. [1854-57

for two months, and the July and August following were as exceptionally dry.

At the elector's meeting in April, H. B. Munson was elected representa-
tive by a majority of C5 in a total vote of 203, and S. Y. Beach, Lemau
Chatfield, Isaac B. Davis, Samuel R. Hickox, Daniel L. Ilolbrook, Philo
Holbrook, H. B. Munson, Luzon B. Morris, George P. Shelton and Charles
B. Wooster, justices of the peace.

From Thursday, April 22nd, to the following Sunday moniing there was
heavy and continuous ram, resulting in a flood on Sunday, when the water
rose eight or ten inches higher than in the November freshet. Great damage
was done throughout the valley. Derby Avenue was washed out from Broad
street to Pine to the depth of three feet. The water at Derby was 19 feet Si
inches above low water mark. A special town meeting Avas called and a
vote passed to build a breakwater at the west end of Broad street and to till
Derby Avenue where washed out. The work was done immediately and so
substantially that there has been no farther trouble at that point.

Feb. 7th, 1855, the mercury stood 12° below zero, and the 11th, 10°
below. At the April election Luzon B. IMorris was elected representative by
a majority of 45 in a total vote of 315. In October Jabez E. Pritchard,
Henry Bradley and Philo Holbrook were elected selectmen, and B. AA'.
Smith, treasurer. Charles B. Wooster was town clerk from the first election
after tlie incorporation of the town until he removed to New Haven in the
winter of 1802-63.

The winter of 1855-G was remarkably severe. The snow lay from
eighteen inches to two feet in depth all through January, '50. The mercury
stood 13° below zero Jan. 9th at 7 a. m., 8° below Mar. 4th, and 10° below
Mar. 14th. The next summer was unusually warm. June 23rd the mercury
stood at 100° in the shade, and the 17th of July at 102°.

At the April election Lnzon B. Morris was elected representative by a
majority of 58 votes. The justices elected were H. B. Munson, Henry
Bradley, C. B. Wooster, Philo Holbrook, D. L. Holbrook, Sheldon Church,
L. B. Morris, David Beach, B. W. Smith and Joseph Chipman.

A vote was taken upon the proposition to change the name of the town
from Seymour to Humphrey, the change being defeated by a vote of 117 to 81.

At the October election of 1850, Sheldon Church, Miles Culver and
Daniel L. Holbrook were elected selectmen ; Hiram AY. Eandall, town
treasurer ; and George F. DeForest, Philo B. Buckingham and Luzon B.
Morris, school visitors. This was the first election of school visitors by the
town. Previous to this time they had been elected by the School Societies,
uf which there two, the first comprising the school districts on the east side
of the river, and the second the districts on the west side.

Land was purchased of Alfred Blackman by Bev. James Lynch of Bir-
mingham, Sept. 24th, 1851, for a Boman Catholic Church. The land was
deeded to Kt. Rev. Bernard O'Riley of Providence, R. I., June 5th, 1855.
Work was conimenced in the fall of 1855, and the edifice completed and
dedicated in the fall of 1850.

A vote for presidential electors, Nov. 4th, 1856, was — democratic, 192 ;
republican, 129 ; et al, 0.

Jan. 22nd, 1857, at 7 a. m., the mercnrv was 4° below zero ; 23rd, — 13°;
24th,— 23°; 25th,— 10°; 2eth,— 20°.

There was a great freshet Feb. 7th, the water at Derby being 22 feet 3
inches above low water mark. The Housatonic bridge at Birmingham was
carried away. Henry C. Johnson was elected representative in April by a
majority of 41. Tin; "Bank of North America," corner of Main and ]Maple

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 85

streets, liad been incoi"porated in 1851 with a capital of $100,000. In 1854
tlie General Assembly authorized an increase of the capital stock to $200,000,
but the increase seems not to have been made, as on the 1st of January, 1850,
George F. DeForest, the president of the bank, reported the stock worth only
$110,775. In June, 1859, an addition of 6100,000 to the stock was authorized,
and in June, 1860, permission was given to remove the bank to Ansonia. The
name was changed to Ansonia Bank in ISGl.

The Naugatuck Railroad Company was incorporated in 1845. Timothy
Dwight, William DeForest and and Anson G. Phelps being among the
petitioners for the charter. The capital stock was at first $000,000 with the
privilege of increasing to one million dollars. The time in which the road
was to be built was extended in 1848 and 1853, and the stock increased to
$2,000,000.

The Eagle Manufacturing Co. was organized June 27th, 1850, with a
stock of $50,000, for the manufacture of goods from silk, wool and cotton.
Geo. Rice was the first president of the company. The stock was increased
to $100,000 Oct. 28, 1852; Geo. F. DeForest, president. In January, 1855,
Geo. P. Shelton, pres., and Harrison Tomlinson, sec-., certified to estimated
losses of $27,000 and assetts of $42,000, the indebtedness of the company being
about $00,000.

In 1851 the capital stock of the Ilumphreysville Manufacturing Co. was
estimated at $300,000, and the estimate was approved by a committee of the
Legislature. Pr. Acts, Vol. 4, p. 803. In 1859 the stock was reduced to
$150,000 by the distribution of property to the stockholders.

The Humphreysville High School Association was incorporated in 1851,
as follows :

Sec. 1. Resolved by this Assembly, That Raymond French, Harrison ToniHnson, "George
F. DeForest, Lucius Tuttle, Eli S. Cornwall, Samuel Bassett. Philo B. Buckingham, E. F. Bassett,
George 11. Merick, Nehemiah Robbins, Oliver 11. Stodilanl, Clark Wooster, and all others, who now
are, or shall hereafter become associated with them, and their successors and assigns, be, and they
are hereby constituted a body politic and corporate, by the name of "The Seymour High School
Association," and by that name they are hereby authorized and empowered to purchase, take, hold,
occupy and enjoy, notes, bonds, mortgages and estate, real and personal, to an amount not exceeding
twenty thousand dollars ; and the same to sell, transfer and convey at their pleasure; and shall also
be capable of suing and being sued, pleading and being hnpleaded, defending and being defended in
any lawful court; to have perpetual succession, and to have a common seal, and the same to alter
at pleasure.

Sec. 2. The stock of said corporation, consisting of the building or buildings, for the use of
said high school, such as may be from time to time erected, together with the lands which now are,
or may hereafter be owned by said corporation; and all moneys, funds, notes, bonds, mortgages, real
and personal estate of any description, which now belong, or may hereafter belong to said corporation,
excepting donations, legacies, devises and bequests, shall be divided into shares of twenty-live dollars
each; and each share shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote at all meetings of said corporation;
and said shares shall be deemed and held to be personal estate, and shall be transferable in such
manner as shall be prescribed by the by-laws, rules and regulations of said corporation.

Sec. 3. For the management of the ailairs of said corporation, the members thereof shall, at
their first meeting, elect five trustees, wlio shall hold their office for the term of one year, at least,
from the time of their election, and until others may and shall be chosen by said corporation, to sup-
ply their places ; said trustees shall have power to fill any vacancies which may occur in their number,
during the time of Imlding their office ; they shall have the immediate management and control of
the funds, property, and general concerns of said corporation, receive and disburse all
moneys belonging to said institution ; regulate the course of instruction and the price of
tuition, and if they think proper, prescribe the terms of admission of scholars; they shall have the

8G SEYMOUR AND VICmiTY.

power of enacting such rules and regulations concerning the conduct of students while members of
said high school, as they may deem proper; and a majority of them may, at any time, expel or dismiss,
or suspend, as the case may require, such students as, for any reasonable cause, they may consider
it improper to letaiu in the school; alwui/s jn-ovided, ihiii the hy-\a.v/8, rules and regulations shall
not be repugnant to the laws of this state, or of the Uriited States.

Sec. 4. That in all meetings of the trustees, a majority of the whole number shall be necessary
to form a quorum for transacting business of any kind; and a vote of the majority of those presant
shall be necessary to render any act done by them binding on said corporation.

Sec. 5. All meetings of the trustees shall be called at such times, in such manner, and on
such notice, as the trustees by their by-laws shall prescribe. And a meeting of the corporation may
at any time be called by vote of the trustees, or by a written request presented to the secretary or
the trustees or corporation, and signed by members of the corporation, who are owners of at least
one-third of the stock of said corporation ; and each meeting of the corporation shall be warned in
such manner as the trustees shall direct.

Sec. 6. In all meetings of the corporation, all the stockholders may votq in person, or by
proxy, and one vote shall he allowed for each share.

Sec. 7. The books and records of said corporation shall be always open to the inspection of
any of its stockholders.

Sec. 8. The use of such buildings as may belong to said corporation, shall be under the
direction of the trustees, and shall be appropriated to no other purposes than that of a school, unless
by the consent of a majority of the trustees expressed in writing under their hands, and prescribing
the terms on which, and the purposes for which, they are to be used.

Sec. 9. The members of this corporation shall have the power of appointing a committee to
consist of at least two, to procure such instructors as may be necessary, and agree with them in re-
lation to the terras ; and in case they shall neglect to do so, it shall be the duty of the trustees to
procure such itstructors as may be required.

Sec. 10. The first meeting of the corporation shall be called by George F. DeForest, Es
quire, or in case of his inability or neglect, by Raymond French, of the town of Seymour, at sucli
time and place, and with such notice as he shall direct; provided always, that this act maybe
altered, amended or repealed at the pleasure of the general assembly. (Pr. Acts, Vol. 3, p. x!().

In 1852, Geo. P. Shelton, Raymond French, Philo Ilolbrook, Ilenvy S.
Mygatt, Sheldon Kinney, George F. DeForest, Harrison Tomlinson, John W.
Dwight, John Chirk and Sylvester Smith were incorporated nnder the style
and title of the Seymour Savings Bank.

The Union Mercantile Co., was established Jan. Cth, 1852, with a capital
stock of $1,000, in shares of $25. There were sixty-four stock-liolders, taking
from one to eight shares each. B. W. Smith was the first president of the
company, and John J. Rider the second. The store was in the building on
the north side of Broad street, at the west end of the Naugatuck bridge.

The American Car Co. was organized in the spring of 1852, with a stock
of $150,000, one half of which was certified to be paid in May 11th, by I. II.
Jjyman, Pres., and T. Dwight, R. French and J. W. Dwight, a majority of
the directors. Sey. Town Rec, Vol. 3, p. 76, The stock was increased Sept.
1st, to $200,000. Of the additional shares J, W. and Timothy Dwight each
took 800 and J. H. Lyman 400. S. R., Vol. 3, p. 82. Five large shops were
built on the "flat," with track laid to each, and a large business was done for
a time, until the business was moved west.

The Humphreysville and Salem Turnpike Co., organized in 1825 and
incori)orated in 1832, was discontinued in 1850.

The New Haven and Seymour Plank road company was incorporated in
1852. The parties named in the act were William II. Ellis, Zelotes Day
and William Hull of New Haven, Bevil P. Smith and Thomas Sanford of
Woodbridge, William A. Clark of Bethany, and Sylvester Smith and Sharon

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 87

Y. Beach of Seymour. The capital was not to exceed $100,000, and tlie
road to run from Seymour through Woodbridge and Bethany to Westville
bridge.

The Woodbury and Seymour Plank Road Company was incorporated in
1852. Lewis B. Candee, Norman Parker, Charles B. Phelps, Reuben H.
Hotchkiss, Lewis Judd and William Gaylord were among the first stock-
holders. The road from Seymour through Oxford and Southbury to Wood-
bury is now the only road from Seymour (5n which toll is collected.

The Upson Manufacturing Co. was organized in 1852 with a capital of
$0,000, by Hiram Upson, Horace A. Radford and Lucius Tuttle, for the
manufacture of augers, bits, &c. The business was carried on where the .
Douglass Manufacturing Co's lower shop now is, at the mouth of Little
River. The property was sold by H. A. Radford to Charles Douglass in
1859. The shop was originally built by Timothy Dwight, Sr., son of Pres.
Dwiglit, in 1837, and by his heirs sold to H. A. Radford.

The Humphreysville Copper Co., in addition to their works in Seymour,
had a wharf and mill in East Haven, and were in 1853 authorized by the
General Assembly to build a breakwater for the protection of their vessels
from the surf and winds while loading and unloading. Pr. Acts, Vol. 4, }).
798. The stock was increased Feb. 3rd, 1854, from" 12,000 to 1G,000 shares.
The stock was certified Jan. 30th, 1855, to have been paid in to the amount
of 390,000, the property to be worth $525,000, and the bills receivable $75,
000; while the liabilities were $350,000. A new Humphreysville Copper Co,
was incorporated in 1855, (Pr. Acts, Vol. 4, p. 799,) the stock being placed
at $750,000 with liberty to increase to any umount not exceeding $1,()00,000,
and to purchase the stock of the old company. The parties named in the act
of incorporation were John W. Dwight, Wm. Cornwall, Geo. F. DeForest,
Henry Bronson, Chas. Durand, Sheldon Kinney, Saml. K. Satterlee, Geo.
R. A. Ricketts and Henchman S. Soule. The iSTew Haven Copper Co. was
organized Nov. 21st, 1855, with a capital stock of $400,000. John W. Dwight,
president; Geo. R. A. Ricketts, secretary. Mar. 12th, 185G, J. W. Dwiglit
and Wm. Cornwall certified that the stock amounted to $300,000, all paid in,
Dwight having 4,080 shares, Cornwall 3,920, and Wm. W. Goddard 4,000.
S. R., Vol. 3, p. 226. The statement of tho New Haven Copper Co., Jan.
20th, 1857, claimed assetts to the amount of $015,000 with $295,000 liabilities.
7900 shares of the stock w ere in the name of the Humphreysville Copper Co.,
4000 were held by Wm. W. Goddard, and the remaining 100 by Dwight,
Cornw^all, DeForest and Ricketts. After various changes the company was
re-organized in 1872, the stock being owned by Lazarus Lissberger, president,
and Samuel Holmes, Thomas James and Frank Farrell, and under the present
able management is one of the heaviest (both literally and financially,) and
most reliable of the industries of the towm.

The Humphreysville Library Company was incorporated in 1854. The
following is the act of incorporation from Pr. Acts, Vol. 4, p. 1193-4.

Resolved by this Assembly, Sec. 1. That P. B. Buckingliam, B. W. Smith, G. H. Merrick,
Raymond Freuch, Sylvester Smith, Samuel Bassett, Henry S. Mygatt, Ransom Tomlinson, Ashhel
Storrs, L. B. Morris and Andrew Bassett, and their associates and such other persons as shall here-
after he admitted memhers of said company, he and they hereby are made a body pohtic and corporate,
by the name of the Humphreysville Library Company, and by that name may sue and he sued, and
have perpetual succession, and may have a common seal, and may alter the same at pleasure, and
may hold real estate to the amount of one thousand dollars, and may increase their stock in books
to the amount and value of five thousand dollars ; and the stock of said company shall be divided

88 SEYMOUll AisD VICINITY.

into sucli shares as by the by-laws of said company shall be ordained and established. And the first
meeting of said company shall be held on the third Monday of July next, at such hour and place as
shall be designated for that purpose, by notice signed by the said P. B. Buckingham and B. W.
Smith, which shall be served by reading to each petitioner, or by copy left at his usual place of abode
three days previous to said meeting; and thereafter the annual and special meetings of said company
shall be held at such time and place and on such notice as the by-laws of said company shall prescribe.

Sec. 2. The company at their annual meeting shall choose a secretary, a president, a vice-
j)resident, a treasurer and seven persons to be a board of directors, who shall continue in office until
others are chosen to fill their places; and if the company shall hereafter increase, the board of
directors may be increased, but shall at no time exceed eleven persons, exclusive of the president
and vice-president, who shall ex officio be members of the board of directors.

Sec. 3. The board of directors shall have a general superintendance of the library; direct
in what manner it shall be kept, appoint a librarian and grant him such compensation as they shall
judge necessary, adjust all accounts and exhibit the same once in every year to the company, select
and purchase books for the use of the company, and regulate from time to time the manner in which
books shall be drawn from the library.

Sec. 4. The board of directors shall have the sole power of making by-laws relative to the
use of the company's books, and the fines, penalties, and forfeitures to be inflicted for any injury to,
or loss, obstructions or undue detention of the same ; but no such by-law shall be of any force until it
has been engrossed and posted up fourteen days in the library room. Provided, that no fine, penalty
or forfeiture shall exceed the assessed value of the book or books so injured, lost, detained or destroyed.

Sec. '). No person shall become a member of the conjpany by purchase, without the consent
and approbation of the board of directors.

Sec. fi. The proprietor of each share of said stock shall pay annually into the treasury of
said company one dollar on each share held by him; and if the proprietor of any share or shares of
said stock shall neglect or refuse to make such payment for the space of thirty days after the same
shall be due, and after having been notified of such neglect, in a manner to be provided by the board
of directors, each proprietor neglecting or refusing shall forfeit all his right, title and interest iu said
campany, and shall cease to be a member of the same.

Sec. 7. These resolves may be altered, amended or repealed at the pleasure of the legislature.

The foregoing outline of tlie joint stock speculations of 1850 — GO, made
from the records with very little comment, includes companies that have
since prospered and been largely instrumental in building up the place,
and others which by the heavy losses inilicted upon the stockholders, have
since intimidated capital and sometimes hindered the development of merit-
orious enterprises.

A portion of the town of Oxford was was annexed to the town of Sey-
mour in 1854, as follows :

liesolved by this Assembly, That all that part of the town of Oxford lying southerly of a line
dtawn from the town bounds, standing between the towns of Seymour and Oxford in New Haven
county, near the dwelling house of Mrs. Sabra Lindley; thence running in an easterly direction
about one hundred and thirty-four rods, to a pile of stones on Diamond Rock, so called ; thence
running easterly about one hundred and twenty rods from the Naugatuck railroad; thence running
easterly to a pile of stones with a stake standing therein, on the town line between said Seymour and
Oxford, easterly of the dwelling house of Miles Culver, and southerly of the south end of Rock
Rinnnon, so called, be and hereby is incorporated in and made part of the said town of Seymour, and
that the aforesaid lines and boundaries be the boundaries between said towns. (Pr. Acts, Vol. 4, p. 12C5.

From Conn. Private Acts, Vol. 4, p. 1314 : —

Upon the petition of the Humphreysville an(J Salem Turnpike Company, showing that here-
tofore, to wit, at a general assembly of the state of Coimecticut, holden at Hartford on the first
Wednesday of May, A. D., 183-2, the said Humphreysville and Salem Turnpike Company was by a
resolve of the general assembly, duly incorporated by the name of the "Humphreysville Turnpike
Company," with power to construct a turnpike road from the Falls bridge, so called, then in the
town of Derby, but now the town of Seymour, to Salem bridge, iu the then town of Waterbury,
now Naugatuck, and that said turnpike road was afterwards during the said year last mentioned
laid out and constructed by said company, and has ever since been kept open for public travel by

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 89

said company, until on or al)out the Isl day of January, A. D., 18;J3, when the same became useless
and valueless to said company, and has ever since been abandoned by them, and praying that the
said charter and resolve of incorporation may be repealed, as per petition on file :

ffesoleed by this Assembly, That the charter of the Humphreysville and Salem Turnpike
Company, granted by a resolve of the general assembly, at its May session, A. D., 1825, and all
powers and privileges therein conferred, be and the same hereby is revoked and repealed.

The following resolution was adopted by the General Assembly in 1856,
and made of no avail by the vote before mentioned :

Besolved by this Assembly, That the name of the town of Seymour be and the same is here"
by changed to that of Humphrey, and by said name of Humphrey, the said town shall hereafter be
called and known. Provided, that this resolution shall not take eft'ect until the same shall be ap-
proved by a majority of the voters of said town, present at the next annual town meeting of said
town, or at some special meeting of said town duly warned and held for that purpose.

At the October election Heniy Bradley, Edwin Smith and Abel Hol-
brook were re-elected selectmen ; and B, W. Smith, town treasurer ; Martin
Kelley, James E. Fisher and John W. Bassett, tythingmen for the Episcopal
Society ; Methodist, Smith Botsford, W. N. Storrs, John E. Blackman ;
Congregational, David Tucker, Philo B. Buckingham, Joshua Kendall ;
Baptist, S. Y. Beach ; Roman Catholic, Patrick Tracey, James Robinson ;
Great Hill Methodist Society, Eli Gillett, Clark Hull. S. Y. Beach and
Joshua Kendall were elected school visitors.

January, 1858, was noted as being remarkably warm, the mercury
averaging nearly fifty degrees higher than in January, '57.

At the spring election Charles B. Wooster was elected representative by
a majority of fifty-three, and B. W. Smith, Harpin Riggs, J. J. Wilcoxen,
S. L. Bronson, Abel Holbrook, C. B. Wooster, Joshua Kendall, Ebenezer
Fairchild, N. R. Wooster and Samuel Roselle, justices of the peace. When
the announcement of the completion of the first Atlantic cable was received
the people of Seymour, like the people of New England generally, united in
a general rejoicing by ringing of bells and firing of cannon.

At the town meeting held Oct. 4th, the selectmen, town clerk and town
treasurer of the previous year were all re-elected ; the "poke by-law" was
passed, and it was voted to lay a tax of 20c. on the dollar. P. B. Bucking-
ham was elected school visitor for three years.

On Tuesday, Jan. 4th, 1859, the snow fell to the depth of two and a
half feet. On Wednesday, Aug. 31st, a strong wind, passing over the place,
threw down the steeple of the Baptist church and caused considerable damage
in the vicinity. At the April election Samuel L. Bronson was elected repre-
sentative by a majority of Gl. At the October election Henry Bradley,
Edwin Smith and Abel Holbrook were elected selectmen, He.iry S. Johnson,
town treasurer; and S. Y. Beach, school visitor.

The waters of the Naugatuck rose very high Feb. 22nd, 18G0, and the ice
broke up and was in many places piled high on the banks.

At the electors' meeting held April 2nd Carlos French was elected repre-
sentative to the General Assembly by a majority of 179 over all other candi-
dates. The justices elected were — B. W. Smith, H. B. Muuson, Sheldon
Church, David Beach, J. J. Wilcoxen, Thomas James, Jr., C. B. Wooster,
S. L. Bronson, Elliott Bassett, John A. Cochran.

At the annual town meeting held in Glendining hall, Oct. 1st, Henry
Bradley, Edwin Smith and Stephen D. Russell were re-elected selectmen;
Henry S. Johnson town treasurer; and Joshua Kendall, school visitor. A
tax was laid of 5i mills.

90 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. [1801

The vote for president Nov. Gtli was — for Douglass electors, 98; Brecken-
ridge, 98; Lincoln, 134, et al, 4.

In April, 1861, Clark Wooster was elected representative by a majority
of twenty-nine.

At the annual town meeting held Oct. 7th, Henry Bradley, John Davis
and Stephen D. Russell were elected selectmen; David Betts, Jr., treasurer;
C. B. Wooster, school visitor.

Abel Holbrook was elected representative April 7th, by a majority of 34
votes. The following were elected justices of the peace: C. B. Wooster, B.
W. Smith, H. B. Munson, Sheldon Church, E. R. Bassett, J. J. Wilcoxen,
Smith Botsford, John Chatlield, Edward Iloadley, James Baker.

SEYMOUR IN THE GREAT REBELLION.

At the first call of the President for volunteers there had been a prompt
response, many patriotic young men going forth in the first regiments to
devote their lives, if it should so be, to their country, leaving home and family
to face the peril of a destructive war. As the war progressed and call after
call was made for more men, it became necessary to make greater efforts to
fill the quotas, and those who remained at home contributed liberally to assist
those who went to the front.

At a special town meeting held Aug. 25th, 18G2, the following resolutions
were adopted: —

Resolved, That the sum of one hundred dollars be and hereby is appointed
to each volunteer soldier who has enlisted in any company forming in this
town for the military service of the United States since July 1st, 18G2, or who
may hereafter enlist in such company for said service before the 3rd day of
September 1862, until the quota of men required of this town under the orders
of the President of the United States, or as apportioned by the Adjutant
General or Governor of this State, shall be filled, and said sum herein before
appropriated shall be paid to each and every volunteer so enlisting immediately
after such volunteer or volunteers shall have been mustered into the military
service of the United States.

Resolved, That the sum of five thousand dollars, or so much thereof as
may be required, be and is hereby appropriated for the purpose of carrying the
foreo-oing resolutions into effect, and the selectmen or town agent of this town
are hereby authorized and instructed to procure a loan or loans on the credit
of this town of such sum or sums of money not exceeding in the whole the
amount appropriated under these resolutions as may be required to pay the
aforesaid a ppropriations.

Resolved, That the selectmen of this town be and hereby are empowered
and instructed to draw their order on the treasurer of this town for the sum
of one hundred dollars in favor of each and every volunteer enlisted as afore-
said when such volunteer or volunteers shall have been mustered into the
service of the United States.

Resolved, That a tax of three mills on the dollar be and hereby is laid
and assessed upon the Grand List of this town next to be completed for the
purpose of defraying the expense of the foregoing appropriations.

SEYMOUR AXD VICINITY. 91

The following additional resolutions were adopted at a special meeting
held Sept. 8th.

Resolved,, That in addition to bounties heretofore voted by this town in
legal town meeting, a bounty of one hundred dollars be paid to eacli and every
person who has or may hereafter volunteer from this town, and has been or
may hereafter be mustered into the military service of this State or the United
States since July 1, 1802, previous to the draft ordered by the Governor or
Adjutant General of this State dated the 2Gth day of August 1802, until the
quota assigned to this town shall be completed, unless such volunteer or
volunteers shall have already received a bounty in accordance with a previous
legal vote of this town, and that the selectmen be instructed to draw an order
on the town treasurer for the sum of one hundred dollars in favor of each
person who has or may so volunteer, when he shall be accepted and mustered
into the military service of this State or the United States.

Resolved., That to carry out the intent of the foregoing resolutions the
sum of twenty-five hundred dollars or so much thereof as nuiy be required is
hereby appropriated, and the selectmen are hereby authorized to loan on the
credit of this town the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars.

At a special town meeting held Aug. 3rd, 1803, a resolution was adopted
authorizing the selectmen to pay a bounty of $300 to any citizen of this town
who had enlisted or might enlist into the service of tlie United States under
the provisions of the Act of Congress approved March 3rd, 1803, or who might
be drafted and accepted, and the town treasurer M-as authorized to borrow
upon the faith and credit of the town such sums as might be necessary, not
exceeding in all $9,500.

In December an additional appropriation was made of $105 to each
man who would enlist under the call of the President dated Oct. 17th, 1803,
and for this and also the consolidation of the previous debt, the town treasur-
er was authorized to issue six per cent bonds to the amount of $10,000.

At a special town meeting held Sept. 15th, ('01,) a tax of thirteen mills,
was voted for the purpose of defraying the expense of filling the quota of the
town under the last call of the President for volunteers. The money was to
be kept in a separate fund called the Soldiers' Bounty Fund, and to be drawn
upon for no other purpose. The seh'ctrnen were authorized to draw an order
on the fund for $300 in favor of each person who had or should enter the
military service of the United States, and be counted on the quota of the
town, until the quota should be filled. The selectmen were also instructed
to use all reasonable diligence to fill the quota of the town.

At a special meeting held Dec. 19th, it was voted that $3,500 be appro-
priated for the purpose of procuring volunteers to enlist into the service of
the United States.

as^^53:;;j3=;^5^^S5j_^^fc3

92 SEYMOUK AND VICINITY,

LIST OF SEYMOUE SOLDIERS

OF THE

It is but an act of simple justice to keep in affectionate and lasting remembrance the name and
fame of those who from amongst us have given their lives that the nation night live. It is not for
us to honor them, but it is they who have honored us. — Col. A. H. Fenn.

Ichahod E. Ailing^ Corporal, Co. H, 20tli Conn. Vols. Mustered in
Aug. 20th, 1802. Mustered out June 13th, 1805.

John Baldwin^ Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 24:th, 1804. Mus-
tered out June 23rd, 1805.

Julius Bassett, mustered as Capt. Co. A, Fifteenth Conn. Vols., at Meri-
den, July 10th, 1802. Killed in action March 8th, 1805, near Kinstou, S. C.

Lorenzo M. Bassett, Co. A, First Artillery. Mustered in Nov\ 23rd,
1803. Discharged, disability, June 17th, 1805.

Samuel Bassett, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Dec. 10th, 1803 ;
transfered to the Fifth Kegiment. Mustered out July 19th, 1805.

Sheldon Bassett, Co. B, Fifteenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Mar. 13th,
1804 ; transfered to 7th Conn. Vols. Mustered out July 14th, 1805.

Samuel A. Beach, Sergeant, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered
in Aug. 8th, 1802. Discharged, disability, Sept. 9th, 1802.

He7iry B. Beers, Co. K, Tenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 5th, 1801.
Discharged, disability, Feb. 22d, 1803.

Bennett Benham, Co, H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 9th, 1802.
Mustered out June 13th, 1805, at Washington, D, C.

Howard Bliss, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 20th, 1802.
Mustered out Juue 13th, 1805, at Washington, D. C.

Andreic Bodge, Co. F, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in May 23rd,
1801. Wounded at Battle of Malvern Hill. Discharged May 22ud, 1804.

George E. Bodge, Co. F, Sixth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Sept. 7th, 1801.
Killed at the charge on Fort Wagner, on Morris Island, S. C, July 18th,
1803.

SEYMOUR AXD VICIXITY. 93

Noyes E. Bassetf, Co, I, Twentietli Conn. Vols. Mustered in Mar. 7tli,
18(54:. Transferred to Fifth C. V. Mustered out July 19th, 18G5.

ffennj I. Booth, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 6th, 18G2.
Died in Washington, I). C, Jan. 4th, 18G3.

Edicard Botsford, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 19th, 1864.
Mustered out June 23rd, 1865.

Bdivard Bowford, -Co. E, Fifth Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22nd,

1861. Discharged for disability Dec. 17th, 1862.

Harvey L. Botsford, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 5tli,

1862. Discharged, disability, Feb. 21st, 1863, at Stafford Court House.

Henry I. Bradley, Co. B, Twelfth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Dec. 19th,

1861. Ee-enlisted Jan. 1, 1864.

Matthew Brassil, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 16th, 1864.
Mustered out June 22d, 1865.

Wm. H Bray, Sergeant, Co. G, Eleventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in
Dec. 1st, 1861. Discharged, disability, Xov. 29th, 1862.

Royal L. Bronson, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 25th,

1862. Died May 4th, 1863, of wounds received at C'hancellorsville, Va.,
]\Iay 3rd.

Rodney 0. Bronson, Co. D., First Conn. Cavalry. Mustered in Xov.
27th, 1863. Mustered out Aug. 2nd, 1865.

Charles Brown, Third Ind. Battery. ^Mustered in Sept. 19th, 1864.
Mustered out June 23rd, 1865.

Philo B. Buckinfjliam, mustered in as Major of Twentieth Conn. Vols.
Aug. 29th, 1862. Taken prisoner at Chancellorsville, and sent to Libby
Prison. Exchanged and returned to service. Promoted Lieut. Col. Mar.
22d, 1864. Made Brevet-Colonel by the President,- by and with the advice,
of the Senate, to date from March 13th, 1865, for gallant and meritorious
services during the campaign in Georgia and the Carolinas. Mustered out
June 13th, 1865.

James B. Bucldey, Corporal, Co. B, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in
Aug. 4th, 1862. Wounded Mar. 19th, 1865. INIustered out June 13th,
1865.

Owen Bucl-ley, Third Ind. Battery. ^Mustered in Sept. 19th, 1864. De-
serted Nov. 21st, 1864.

Geo. B. Candce, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 23rd, 1864.
Mustered out June 23rd, 1865.

Wm. Carroll, 1st Vol. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 15th, 1864. :Mus-
tered out June 23rd, 1865,

Xicholas Cass, Co. C, First C. V. Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Dec.
8tli, 1863. Mustered out Sept. 5th, 1865.

Thomas Chadwicl; Co. F, Twelfth Conn. Vols. .Alustered in Nov. 25th,
1861. Ee-enlisted Jan. 1, 1864. Mustered out Aug. 12, 1865.

94 SEYMOUE A]S"D VICINITY.

Eli Clement^ Co. B, First C. V. Heavy Artillery. Mustered in May 22d,
1861. Dischargetl May 21st, 18G4 ; term expired.

Abraham Collins, Co. A. Tenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 20tb,
1861. Discharged, disability, Feb. 22d, 1863.

Eichard Condon, Co. E, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22d, 1861-
Ee-enlisted Dec. 21st, 1863. Wounded. Mustered out July 19th, 1865.

Richard Conway, Co. B, First C. V. Heavy Artillery. Mustered in May
22d, 1861. Discharged May 21st, 1864 ; term expired.

Feuben Cox, Co. C, First C. V. Heavy Artillerv. Mustered in Dec. 3rd,
1863. Deserted Aug. 5th, 1865.

Fredericic Cross, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 24tli, 1864.
Mustered out June 23rd, 1865.

Dennis Crummey, Co. I, Twenty-Seventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in Sept.
9th, 1862. Lost an arm in front of Mary's Heights, Dec. 13th, 1862. Dis-
charged Feb. 12th, 1863.

Wm. E. Curtiss, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 15th, 1864.
Mustered out June 23rd, 1865.

Charles H. Davis, Co. C, First Heavy Artillerv. Mustered in Dec. 4th,

1863. Mustered out Sept. 25th, 1865.

Harry W. Davis, Eifle Co. C, Third Conn. Vols. Mustered in May 14tli,

1861. Honorably discharged Aug. 12th, 1861.

Zerah B. Davis, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 6th,

1862. Mustered out June 13tli, 1865.

Charles Domingo, colored, Co. H, Twenty -ninth Conn.Vols. Mustered in
Mar. 2nd, 1864. Killed at Petersburg, Va., Sept. 3rd, 1864.

Patrick Donahue, Third Independent Battery. Mustered in Sept. 15th,

1864. Mustered out June 23rd, 1865.

Loren J. Farrell, Co. E, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in April 8tli,
1862. Died Aug. 8th, 1862, at Harrison's Landing, Va.

Hugh FitzpatricJc, mustered in Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols., August
13th, 1862. Discharged for disability, Feb. 8th, 1863. Mustered in Co. B,
Seventh Conn. Vols., Dec. 21st, 1863. Died at David's Island, N. Y.,
Aug. 5th, 1864.

De Grasse Foicler, Second Lieut., Co. E, Fifth Conn. Vols. Mustered
in July 22nd, 1861. Eesigned Sept. 23rd, 1864.

Charles French, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug, 5th,
1862. Wounded July 20th, 1864. Mustered out June 13th, 1865.

Harpin R. French, Co. K, Tenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 14th,
1861. Discharged Oct. 7th, 1864 ; term expired.

Herman B. French, Corporal, Co. F. First Heavy Artillei-y. Mustered
in May 23rd, 1861. Discharged, disability, Nov. 18th, 1861.

SEYMOUK AND VICINITY. 95

Hohart French, Co. A, Tentli Conn. Vols. Mustered in Sept. 21st, 18G1.
Discharged, disability, Dec. 21st, 1861.

Jolm W. French, Musician, Co. H, 20tli Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug.
20tli, 18G2. Mustered out June 13tli, 1865.

Robert H. Geissler, Sergeant, Co. C, Eleventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in
October 25th, 1861. Discharged, disability, June 25th, 1862.

Myaft Gregory, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 21st, 1864.
Mustered out June 23rd, 1865.

Wm. Groffan, Co. C, Eleventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in Nov. 14th,
1861. Enlisted in U. S. Army Nov. 1st, 1862.

John Hanley, Co. C, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Dec. 8th, 1863.
Mustered out Oct. 9th, 1865.

Wm. Hawley, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 24th, 1864. Mus-
out June 23, 1865.

Bichard E. Hayden, Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in May
22nd, 1861. Discharged May 21st 1864 ; term expired.

James W. Hendryx, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug.
6th, 1862. Killed at the battle of Chancellorsville, May 3rd, 1863.

John W. Holcomb, Co. E, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22nd7
1861. Ee-enlisted Dec. 21st, 1863. Mustered out July 19th, 1865.

Charles B. Holland, Corporal, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mus-
tered in Aug. 5th, 1862. Transferred to Invalid Corps. Mustered out Aug.
4th, 1865.

James Holeren, Co. F, Fifth Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22nd, 1861,
Re-enlisted Dec. 21st, 1863. Mustered out July 19th, 1865.

Geo. W. Roman , Orderly-Sergeant, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols.
Mustered in Aug. 6th, 1862. Taken prisoner at Chancellorsville and confined
in Eichmond prison. Exchanged and returned to service. Promoted
Second-Lieut. June 6th, 1865. Mustered out June 13th, 1865.

Calvin A. Hnhhard, Co. E, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22nd,
1861. Ke-enlisted Dec. 21st, 1863. Wounded. Mustered out July 19th,
1865.

Thomas Hurlhurt, Co. B, First Conn. Cavalry. Mustered in Nov. 19th,
1861, re-enlisted Jan. 1st, 1864. Imprisoned at AndersonviUe. Mustered
out Aug. 2nd, 1865.

Charles Isles, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 19th, 1864. Mus-
tered out June 23rd, 1865.

Andrew Jackson, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 17th, 18(;4.
Mustered out June 23rd, 1865.

Wm. B. Johnson, Sergeant, Co. B, Fifteenth Conn. Vols. INIustered in
Julv 22nd 1862. Mustered out June 27th, 1865.

90 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

Ealph Jiidd, Tliird Ind. Battery. Mustered in June 22nd, 18G4. De-
serted Nov. 17th, 1804:.

Simon Lailirop, Co. A, Tentli Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 2ud, 1801.
Killed at Kinston, N. C, Dec. lltli, 1802.

WiUiam Lee, Co. C, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Dec. .'ird, 1803.
Mustered out Sept. 25tli, 1865.

Lewis E. Leiqh, Co. B, First Heavy Artillerv. Mustered in May 22d,

1801. Re-enlisted Jan. 1, 1801.

Albert W. Lounshury, Co. H, 20tli Conn. A'ols. IMustered in Aug. Otli,

1802. Taken prisoner at the battle of Chancellorsville, and sent to Libby
Prison. Exchanged and returned to service. Mustered out June 13th,
1805.

Henri/ W. Lounshury, Co. A, Tenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 2d,

1801. Died Aug. 14th, 1802, at Newbern, N. C.

Duane M. Ltjude, Co. D, First Conn. Cavalry. INIustered in Nov. 2Sth,

1803. ]Mustered out June 28th, 1805.

Charles B. Lyons, Co. C, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Dec. Srd,
1803. Mustered out Sept. 25th. 1805.

David LucT^ett, colored. Corporal, Co. C, Thirtieth Conn. Vols. Mustered
in Feb. 22d, 1804. Mustered out Nov. 7th, 1805.

Alhert McArthur, Co. C, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Dec. 3rd,
1803. ]\[ustered out Sept. 25th, 1805.

John McCormick, Co. E, First Artillery. Mustered in Sept. 23rd, 1804.
Deserted Aug. lOth, 1805.

Byron W. Mnnson, Co. G, First Conn. Cavalry. Mustered in Dec. 3rd,
1803. Mustered out Aug. 2nd, 18G5.

Marcus E. Munson, Co. R, First Conn. Cavalrv. ^Mustered in Dec. 21st,
1803. Died in Baltimore, Md., Mar. 11, 1804.

William JSfieholas, colored, Co. A, Thirtieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Feb.
22nd, 1804. JVIustered out Nov. 7th, 1805.

George O'Brien, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 2()th,

1802. 'Killed at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3rd, 1803.

Ikirid O'Clauyhessy, Third Ind. Battery. JMustered in S<^pt. 23rd, 1804.
Mustered out June 2;)rd, 1805,

Martin Perry, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Se])t. 24th, 1804. ^Mus-
tered out June 23rd, 1805.

Edward I). Phelps, Co. F, Seventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in Sept. Dth,
1801. Re-enlisted Dec. 22d, 1803. .Alustered out July 20th, 1805.

Charles Prince, Co, B, First Heavy Artillery. ]\Iustered in ]May 22d,
1801. Discharged May 21st, 1804; term expired.

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 97

John Y. Reynolds^ Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. Enlisted May 22ad,

1861. Discharged May 21st, 1801 ; term expired.

John H. RiggSj Co. F, Seventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in Sept. 9th,
1863. Ee-enlist'ed Jan. 2nd, 1864. Mustered out July 20th, 1865.

Henry C. Rogers, Co. I, Second Artillery. Mustered in Aug. 13th, 1862.
Severely wounded in the hand at the battle of Fort Fisher, Mar. 25th, 1865.
Mustered out July 7th, 1865.

Henry Rose, Co. H, Twentieth Conn, Vols. Mustered in Aug. 8th, 1862.
Wounded March 19th, 1865. Mustered out June 23rd, 1865.

Joltn Ryan, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 20th, 1862.
Wounded May 3rd, 1863. Discharged, disability, June 31st, 1865.

PatricJc Ryan, Co. I, Twenty-third Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 9th,

1862. Honorably discharged July 27th, 1863. Mustered in Third Ind.
Battery, Sept. 19th, 1864. Mustered out June 23rd, 1865.

Wm. JE. Ryan, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 20th,
1862. Deserted Sept. 11th, 1862.

David TV. Sharpe, Co. B. First Heavy Artillery. Enlisted May 22d,

1861. Ee-enlisted Jan. 1st, 1864. Highly commended by his superior offi-
cers and recommended for promotion. Mustered out Sept. 25th, 1865.

Cornelius Shehan, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 23rd, 1884,
Mustered out June 23rd, 1865.

Francis Sheldon, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 17th, 1864.
Mustered out June 23rd, 1865.

Sylvester Short, Co. F, Twenty-Third Conn. Vols. Mustered in Sept.
8th, 1862. Honorably discharged at expiration of tenu of enlistment, Aug.
31st, 1863.

Anson Smith, Co. E, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22nd, 1861.

Geo. A. Smith, Co. E, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22nd, 1861.
Discharged July 22nd, 1864 ; term expired.

Wilbur W. Smith, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in as First
Lieut. Aug. 15th, 1862. Taken prisoner at Chancellorsville and confined in
Libby prison. Paroled and exchanged. Promoted Captain Jan. 28th, 1863.
Mustered out June 13th, 1865.

Jacob L. Still, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 20th,

1862. Wounded July 3rd, 1863. Transferred to invalid corps Mar. 15th,
1864.

Charles W. Swift, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug.
20th, 1862. Mustered out June 13th, 1865.

Reuben W. Thayer, Co. E, Fifth Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22nd,
1861. Re-enlisted Dec. 2Ist, 1863. Wounded. Mustered out July 19tli, 1865.

98 SEYMOUE AND VICIXITY.

Wm. Thayer, Co. A, Teutli Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 2nd, ISGl.
Transfen-ed to Signal Corps, Sept. 2Gth, 18G3.

Ransom P. TomJinson, Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in May
22nd, 1861. Deserted July 8tli, 1801. Enlisted in Co. B, First Regiment
Cavalry, Nov. 2nd, 1861. Taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness,
confined at Libby and Andersonville. Exchanged and promoted First Ser-
geant. Ee-enlisted Jan. 4th, 1864. Mustered out Aug. 2nd 1865.

Lucius B. Truesdell, Co. D, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Nov.
27th, 1863. Killed in action Sept. 12th, 1864, near Petersburg. Aged 19.

Byron Tucker^ Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Sept. 13th,
1864. Died at Broadway Landing, Va., Nov. 27th, 1864.

Frederick Tucker, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 17th, 1864.
Mustered out June 23rd, 1865.

Wm. Uminqer^ Co. C, Eleventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in Nov. 14th,

1861. Wounded Sept. 17th, 1862. Discharged, disability, April 3rd, 1863.

Hiram Upson, Jr., Sergeant, Co. F, Seventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in
Sept. 9th, 1861. Died June 18th, 1862, of wounds received at James
Island, S. C.

Aaron Walker, colored, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Dec.
28th, 1863. Mustered out Oct. 24th, 1865.

Wm. 8. Ward, Musician, Co. H, Twentieth, Conn. Vols. Mustered in
Aug. 15th, 1862. Mustered out June 18th, 1865.

Augustus White, Musician, Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in
May 22nd, 1861. Ee-enlisted Jan. 1st, 1864.

James White, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 6th,

1862. Killed at Peach Pine Creek, Ga., July 20th, 1864.

Leslie B. Wooster, Co. C, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in Nov. 21st,
1861. Discharged, disability, June 23rd, 1862.

Oeo. S. Wyant, Sergeant, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in
Aug. 7th, 1862. Died Dec. 15th, 1862.

Wilson Wyant, Captain, Co. E, Fifth Conn. Vols. Enlisted April 22ud,
1861 ; mustered in July 22nd. Eesigned on account of disabilitv, Jan.
31st, 1863.

It will thus be seen that notwithstanding differences of opinion which here,
as throughout the north generally, sometimes gave rise to dissension and
bitterness, the town contributed liberally of men and means to suppress the
rebellion and sustain the Union, and our representatives in the terrible con-
test acquitted themselves bravely in the defence of the "Eed, White and
Blue."

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 99

B©Miere ©f th(

EiillsteS Elsewtiere, M Buried in Seyinonr, or now Residents of llie Town.

Jameft K. Adams, Co. R, IStli Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. Gtli, 1862.
Mustered out June 27th, 1865, at Xewbern, S. C.

T. P. AylestvortJi, Sergeant, Co. E, 5th Vermont Vols. Enlisted Aug.
27tli, 1861. Lost a leg at Fairfax, Va. Honorably discharged Feb. 27th,
1862.

Geo. H. Bartlett, Co. B, 128th New York Vols. Mustered in Sept. 4th,
1862, at Hudson, N. Y. Mustered out July 12th, 1865, at Savannah, Ga.

Edgar Beecher, Co. K, 10th C. V. Mustered in Oct. 5th, 1861, from
Bethany. Died, Aug. 3rd, 1864, from wounds received at Deep Bottom,
Va. Buried in the Union Cemetery.

William Blalce, Co. L, First Conn. Cavalry. Mustered in from Hartford,
Dec. 16th, 1863. Mustered out Aug. 2nd, 1865.

John H. Bradley, Co. I, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in from Hamden,
Aug. 14th, 1862. Wounded. Mustered out June 13th, 1865.

Geo. W. Burroughs, Co. D, 15th W. Va. Vols. Mustered in Sept. 8th,
1862. Wounded at Winchester and Laurel Hill. Mustered out May
12th, 1865.

Henry B. Chamherlain, Co. F, 7th Conn. Vols. Mustered in fi-om Red-
ding, Nov. 4th, 1863. Mustered out July 20th, 1865, at Goidsboro, N. C.

Horatio 8. Chamherlain, Co. A, 150th N. Y". Vols. Mustered in Sept.
6th, 1862. Mustered out June 8th, 1865 ; at Washington.

F. 21. Clemons, corporal, Co. D., 23rd C. V. Mustered in from Hunting-
ton, Aug. 30th, 1862. Honorably discharged Aug. 31st, 1863.

William S. Cooper, from Winchester, Co. E, 2nd Conn. Vol. Artillery.
Enrolled July 31st, 1862. Promoted Corporal Oct. 4th, 1862; promoted
Sergeant Mar. 22nd 1863; promoted First Sergeant Jan. 13tli, 1864;
wounded at the battle of Winchester, Va., Sept. lOth, 1864 ; promoted Sec-
ond Lieutenant Feb. 4th, 1864, and assigned to Co. D. Discharged Sept.
6th, 1865.

100 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

Clark Ford, Co. I, 1st C. V. Heavy Artillery. Mustered in from Wood-
bridge, Feb. 10th, 1864. Mustered out Sept. 25th, 1865,

F. C. Gerard, corporal, Co. H, 23rd C. V. Mustered in from Naugatuck,
Sept. 2nd, 1862. Honorably discharged Aug. 31st, 1863.

William HalUgan, Co. E, 52nd Mass., Vol.

Robert Healey, Corporal, Co. E, 22nd Ind. Vols. Mustered in Sept.
15th, 1861. Wounded at Perryville, Ken., Oct. 8th, 1862. Re-enlisted
December, 1864. Discharged Aug. 1st, 1865.

Joseph EitcJwocTc, corporal, Co. D, 22nd Conn. Vols. Mustered la from
Bloomfield, Aug. 23rd, 1862. Honorably discharged July 7th, 1863;

Joseph Ineson, Co. B, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in from Derby, Aug.
2nd, 1862. Wounded July 20th, 1864. Discharged, disability, Feb. 20th,
1865.

Martin 0. Judson, Co. D, 20th C. V. Killed at the battle of Gettys-
burgh, July 3rd, 1863. Buried in Union Cemetery.

Charles D. Kelsey, Co. E, 5th Vermont Vols. Mustered in Aug 14th,
1861. Honorably discharged Sept. 16th, 1864.

G. F. Kelsey, Co.C, 115th 111. Vols., died in '77. Buried in Union Cemetery.

James B. Mathetvs, Co. I, 27th C. V. Mustered in Sept. 1st, 1862, from
New Haven. Honorably discharged July 27th, 1863.

William Morris, Co. F, 12th Conn. Vols. Mustered in from Danbury,
Nov. 23rd, 1861. Re-enlisted Jan. 1st, 1864. Mustered out Aug. 12th, 1865.

Richard Fearson, Co. K, 6th U. S. Cavalry. Mustered in Sept. 1st,
1861. Transferred from 3rd Md. in October, 1862. Mustered out Sept.
3rd, 1864.

Benjamin B. Thayer, Co. E, 2nd C. V. Heavy Artillery. Mustered in
from Canton, Aug. 6th, 1862. Mustered out July 7th, 1865, at Washing-
ton, D. C.

John Wooster, Mass. Battalion, Gal. Cavalry. Buried in Union Cemetery.

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 101

lote^, 1863 to 1870.

There was an extraordinarily heavy rain June ith and oth, 1862, followed
by a high flood. June was remarkable as a very rainy month and the
July following as a very dry one.

At the annual town meeting held Oct. 6th, 1862, Henry Bradley, John
Davis and Stephen D. Eussell were re-elected selectmen; David Betts, Jr.,
treasurer; Owen Shannon, school visitor.

An old resident of the vicinity of Bladen's Brook says that the greatest
fi'eshet ever known on that stream occurred Feb. 7th, 1863.

At the annual town meeting in October, Harvey Hotchkiss, Stephen R.
Rider and Nathan Holbrook, were elected selectmen ; B. W. Smith, town
clerk; David Betts, Jr., treasurer; and John Chatfield, school visitor.

A teachers' institute was held in the Congregational Church Jan. 7th,
8tli and Oth, 1864, at which thirty-two teachers were present fi'om Ansonia, Bir-
mingham, Seymour, Oxford, Kaugatuck and Waterbury. Hon. N. D.
Camp of Kew Britain, lectured on Common Schools in the evening.

The Day Brothers' Rubbermill was burned on the night of March 18th,
but was immediately rebuilt.

The name of the "Stone Schoolhouse " district was changed to " Cedar
Ridge."

At the electors' meeting held April 4th, 1864, H. B. Munson was
elected representative, and the following named persons were elected justices
of the peace : H. B. Munson, B. W. Smith, J. J. Wilcoxen, C. W. James,
Wm. B. Stoddard, E. R. Bassett, Israel French, John Chatfield, Adonijah
French, Leonard Wyant.

At the annual town meeting held Oct. 3rd, Stephen R. Rider, Charles
A. Wooster and Nathan Holbrook were elected selectmen ; B. W. Smith,
town clerk ; C. W. James, treasurer ; and Frederick Durand, school visitor.
A resolution was adopted instructing tlie selectmen and school visitors to
inquire into the expediency of establishing a graded school, to ascertain if
a suitable building could be rented for the purpose, the probable expense of
such school, and to report at an adjourned meeting to be held the following
Saturday. The report was duly made and accepted, and it was voted that
a school of a higher grade be established. Burton W. Smith, Harvey Hotch-
kiss and G. W. Divine were appointed a committee to establish and superin-
tend the school, and to fix a rate of tuition sufficient to defray the expense.
Glendinuing Hall was leased for a schoolroom, and Miss Hermance was en-
gaged as teacher.

At the electors' meeting held Nov. 8th there were 222 votes cast for the
democratic presidential electors, and 124 for the republican.

102 SEYMOUR AND VIOI^^ITY. [1865-8

At the annual town meeting held Oct. 2n(l, 1865, Henry Bradle}', Philo
Holbrook and Stephen D. Russell were elected selectmen ; B. W. Smith,
town clerk ; C. W. James, treasurer ; and O. Evans Shannon, school visitor.

At the spring election, H. B. Munson was elected representative to the
General Assembh".

The house of Capt. James Baker on Great Hill, was burned on the night
of Nov. 16th.

H. B. Munson was elected representative April 2nd, 1866. The justices
elected were J. J. Wilcoxen, H. B. Munson, Israel French, Leonard Wyant,
Norman Sperrv, B. W. Smith, C. W. James, E. R. Bassett, John Chatfield,
Elbert A. Peck.

At a special meeting held April 3rd, action was taken relative to building
a town-house with suitable provision for a high school-hooui, and at a subse-
quent meeting it was voted to build, not to exceed 40x70 feet ; but at a meet-
ing held May 18th, to act on a report of the committee as to plan and specifi-
cations, the whole matter was indefinitely postponed.

The Fengot Coal Co. was organized in 1866, for the preparation of com-
pressed fuel from peat. A large swamp near the Woodbridge line was pur-
chased, building erected, machinery obtained, and some of the fuel prepared
for use. The venture proved unprofitable and the business was closed up at
great loss to the stockholders, one of whom stated that his patent fuel had
cost him one thousand dollars per ton.

The Rhnmon Water Company was organized July 2nd, 1866, and soon
after commenced building a dam at the place where an abutment had been
built in 1850. The work was vigorously pushed forward under the direction
of Raymond French, and finally completed and the gates closed Oct. 27th,
1867, at a cost of $65,000. The plate or overflow is about 300 feet long and
the ftiU nineteen feet.

The selectmen elected Oct. 1st, were Wm. A. Fairchild, Samuel P. Davis
and Charles A. Wooster ; town clerk, Edward F. Bassett; treasurer, Na-
than R. Wooster ; school visitors, Joshua Kendall and C. W. James ; high
school committee, G. W. Divine, Sylvester Smith and S. Y. Beach.

On the 15th of March, 1867, the Naugatuck rose rapidly until at the
mouth of the river it was fourteen feet and five inches above low water mark.

At the April election H. B. Munson was again elected representative to
the General Assembly.

lu October Wm. F. Betts was elected town clerk ; Henry G. Hard,
Stephen R. Rider and Adonijah French, selectmen ; Henry Davis, town
treasurer and school visitor.

A series of revival meetings were commenced in the M. E. Church,
Rev. Joseph Pullman, pastor, December, 1867, and continued through Janu-
ary and February, 1868, resulting in quite a number of conversions. A
series of similar meetings were commenced in the Congregational Church
Feb. 9th, imder the direction of Rev.- Allan Clark.

On the lOtli of February, 1868, the Naugatuck rose to thirteen feet and
three inches above low water nuirk at Derby.

At the electors' meeting held April 6th, Carlos French was again elected
to representative, and H. B. Munson, Adam Newheim, E. R. Bassett, .James
Howard, Israel French, Lewis Judd, Matthias Bunyan, C. W. James,
Leman Whitlock and Philo Holbrook were elected justices of the peace.

On the 4th of October, 1868, the Naugatuck rose to the highest point
reached in fifteen vears, while Little river and Bladen's brook were foaming

1SG8-9] SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 103

torrents. Two bridges on Bladen's Brook were carried away and the new
stone bridge by Ames' factory was nnich damaged. About thirty feet of the
wall of the raceway below Kalmia Mills, was also carried away, stopping all
the factories on the main stream.

At the annual meeting held Oct. ijth, 1868, Stephen H. Culver, Samuel P.
Davis and Geo. W. Divine were elected selectmen ; S. H. Canfield, town
clerk; Henry Davis, treasurer; Joshua Kendall, school visitor; Joshua
Kendall and Henry B. Beecher, assessors ; Joshua Kendall and Henry
Bradley, registrars of electors ; Joseph J. Wilcoxen, S. H. Canfield, G.
W. Divine, Ashbel Storrs, Henry P. Davis, Israel French, grand jurors ;
Sylvester Smith and Sharon Y. Beach, board of relief. The total vote was
359 ; average republican majority, 30.

At an adjourned town meeting held Oct. 12th, the following resolutions
were adopted :

Resolved, That the selectmen be instructed to cause their annual report
to be printed, and have at least five hundred coi)ies, to be left at the town
clerk's office on or before the 28th of September in each year, for distribution
among the voters of the town. Such report shall contain the amount of each
bill aud to whom paid, the amount paid for the support of the poor out of
the Alms House, and for whom the expense was incurred, the amount
paid to each town officer for services, and any other information which
they may deem necessary to show the expenses and indebtedness of the town ;
to which shall be added the report of the town treasurer.

Resolved, That the school districts of this town be consolidated into one
school district, to be known as the Seymour School District, and that chapter
87 of the laws passed ]May session, 1867, are hereby referred to and made
part of this regulation.

At an adjourned town meeting held Oct. 15th, the following named per-
sons were elected a committee of the Seymour School District :_Eli Gillette,
C. W. Storrs, J. W. Bassett, Joshua Kendall, C. W. James, Harpin Biggs,
Joel E. Chatfield, Peter Worth, Henry Davis. At the first meetiug of
the school board J. Kendall was chosen chairman ; HeUry Davis, Secretary
and treasurer ; and J. Kendall and Henry Davis, school visitors.

The funeral of Carl Zurcher, junior agent of the Kalmia Mills, Dec.
10th, was attended by a large concourse of his friends. He had resided in
Seymour four and a half years, and was highly esteemed by those who knew
him best.

The rebuilding of Smith's papermill, which was burned Jan, lUb, 186!),
was completed in March. The Kalmia 3Iills Co. contracted for three dwel-
ling houses of four tenements each to be erected on Third street. Business
was thriving and the place grew rapidly, the grand list of the town exceed-
ing $1,000,000. Messrs. Hendryx & Peck purchased the old car shop north
of the depot and remodelled it into a store aud several tenements.

At the April election Philo Holbrook was elected representative to the
General Assembly of 1869.

The second meeting of the Seymour School District for the election of
members of the board, was held in the High School room Sept. 25tli, and
Elliott E. Bassett, Samuel A. Beach and Henry Davis were elected for
three years.

In October the town clerk and selectmen were re-elected: S. II. Can-
field was elected treasurer ; Joshua Kt-ndall and Henry Bradh^y, registrars
of voters ; .loshua Kendall and W. \V. Smith, assessors ; Ashbel Storrs, G.
W. Divine, N. li. Wooster, Eli Gillette, J. W. Smith and Xorman Sperry,

104

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

grand jurors ; and John W. Bassett, registrar of births, marriages and
deaths.

Kahnia Mills were closed the following winter, and in its failure seemed
to betoken decreased prosperity for the ensuing decade ; yet the place has
continued to grow, and in 1877 the population was at least five hundred more
than in 1870. The debt of the town, which in 1869, was over twenty-three
thousand dollars, has virtually been paid, only two bonds, not yet due, being
outstanding, and these more than balanced by the assets of the town. The
various industries of the town are now improving and there seems to be no
reason why the season of depression through which we have just passed
should not be followed by prosperity and renewed growth.

TOWN CLEKKS, TEEASUKERS AND REPEESENTATIVES.

TOWN

CLERKS.

TREASURERS.

REPRESENTATIVES.

1850-

-Charles B.

Wooster.

Sylvester Smith.

* Sylvester Smith.

1851

(.1.

Burton W. Smith.

Bennett Wooster.

1852

u a

Sylvester Smith.

1853

u u

Harris B. Munson.

1854

u u

1855

u a

Luzon B. Morris.

1856

Hiram W. Randall.

u u

1857

Burton W. Smith.

Henry C. Johnson.

1858

((

u u

Charles B. Wooster.

1859

Henry S. Johnson.

Samuel L. Bronson.

1860

u u

Carlos French.

1861

David Betts, Jr.

Clark AVooster.

1862

u u u

Abel Holbrook.

1863-

-Burton W.

Smith.

u u a

Harris B. Munson.

1864

Cornelius W. James.

u a

1865

!,(.

u u

1860-

-Edward F.

Bassett.

Nathan R. Wooster.

a a

1867-

-William F.

Betts.

Henry Davis.

a a

1808-

-Samuel H.

Canfield.

u " u

Carlos French.

1869

Samuel H. Canfield.

Philo Holbrook.

1870

u u

Virgil H. McEwen.

1871

u u

Smith Botsford.

1872

u u

James Swan.

1873

ii u

Horatio N. Eggleston,

1874

ii a

Edmund Day.

1875

a a

Lewis A. Camp.

1876

a a

Henry P. Day.

1877

u u

Samuel A. Beach.

1878

a u

Albert B. Dunham.

'For

Town of

Derby

. Joshua Kendall represented the town of

Derby in J 849.

SEYMOUR AND VICmiTY. 105

SELECTxMEN OF THE TOWN OF SEYMOUR.

1850-51, Leman Chatfield, Daniel L. Holbrook, Thomas Cochran.

1852, Isaac B. Davis, Sharon Y. Beach, Harpin Riggs.

1853, Leman Chatfield, Harpin Riggs, Jabez E. Pritchartl.

1854, Harpin Riggs, Jabez E. Pritchard, Henry Bradley,

1855, Jabez E. Pritchard, Henry Bradley, Philo Holbrook.

1856, Sheldon Church, Miles Culver, Daniel L. Holbrook.
1857-8, Henry Bradley. Edwin Smith, Abel Holbrook.
1859-GO, Henry Bradley, Edwin Smith, Stephen D. Russell.
1801-2, Henry Bradley, John Davis, Stephen D. Russell.

1863, Harvey Hotchkiss, Stephen R. Rider, Nathan Holbrook.

1864, Stephen R. Rider, Charles A. Wooster, Nathan Holbrook.

1865, Henry Bradley, Philo Holbrook, Stephen D. Russell.

1866, Wm. A. Fairchild, Samuel P. Davis, Charles A. Wooster.

1867, Henry G-. Hurd, Stephen R. Rider, Adonijah French.
1868-9, Stephen H. Culver, Samuel P. Davis, George W. Divine.

1870, Sharon Y. Beach, Natlian R. Wooster, Samuel P. Davis.

1871, Edwin Smith, Frank C. Gerard, Edwin Buckingham.

1872, Edwin Smith, Frank C. Gerard, Roswell N. Kinney.

1873, Lewis A. Camp, Frank C. Gerard, Roswell N. Kinney. '

1874, Lewis A. Camp, Cornelius W. James, SajUiuel P. Davis.
X1875, Lewis A. Camp, Cornelius W. James, Frederick M. Clemons./.
>^1876, Lewis A. Camp, Frank E. Steele, Fredenck M. demons./

1877, Lewis A. Camp, Frank E. Steele, Edward L. Hoadley.

1878, Horace A. Radford, Frank E. Steele, Edward L. Hoadley.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

For lists previous to 1870 see foregoing pages.

1870, H. B. Munson, J. J. Wilcoxen, B. W. Smith, Israel French, Na-
than Holbrook, Matthias Bunyan, Samuel Roselle, David Betts, Jr., Adam
Newheim, S. Y. Beach.

1872, H. B. Munson, Geo. A. Rogers, Wm. S. Cooper, Henry P. Davis,
Edwin Tomliuson, Geo. W. Divine, Wilson Wyant, Henry B. Beecher, C.
W. James, Sheldon Tucker.

A 1874, G. W. Divine, James Swan, L. A. Camp, Ebenezer Fairchild,
W. N. Storrs, S. Y. Beach, S. P. Davis, W. S. Cooper, E. M. Clemens, C.
W. James.

X1876, F. M. demons, Wm. R. Tomliuson, G. W. Divine, W. S.
Cooper, H. S. Chamberlin, J. W. Rogers, Sanmel Butler, S. Y. Beach,
Ashbel Storrs, Theodore S. Ladd.

1878, Edwin Buckingham, Gustave Becker, John W. Rogers, Frederick
y M. Clemons, William R. Tomliuson, James Buckley, Horatio S. Cham-
berlin, Ashbel Ston-s, John Smith, ^^'illiam S. Cooper.

106 SEYMOUR AND VIUINITY.

.NTIL 185G the schools were managed by districts and school societies.
The districts on the east side of the river constituted the First School
Society, and those on the west side the Second School Society. The
meetings of the latter were held in the meeting house on Great Hill
from 1824 to 1851, when the whole of the districts of Seymour were
united in one Society. The Naugatuck river was made the division line
between the two societies by an act of the Assembly in 1832. (Pr. Acts, Vol.
2, p. 1086.) In 1841 the boundaries were defined as follows :

We the School Committee of the Second School Society in the Town of Derby have laid and
established the fourth Day of June, A. D., 1842, the following described bounds and limits to the
2d School Society in Derby, viz., commencing at the Town bounds between Derby and Oxford, on

the west side of the highway a few rods of the House now occupied by Oliver Nettleton, thence

proceeding in a direct line south-westerly to the former site of the old District School House at
the center of which site we have laid bounds ; thence proceeding in a direct line a little south of west
to bounds laid by us near an old cellar about three rods south of a large phie tree, said bounds on the
highway near the fence, thence proceeding in a direct line a little south of east to a large rock a little
off the road near the house of Jube Weston, by a spring, on which rock we have laid bounds ; thence

proceeding in a direct line south easterly to bounds laid by us on the highway about two rods of

small house now occupied by the widow of Ephraim Allen and James Harding; thence proceeding
in the same direction until the line strikes Naugatuck river; from thence said district is bounded on
the east and separated from the first society by Naugatuck river until it meets the line between
Derby and Oxford, when it strikes the west side of the said river ; from thence said district is bound-
ed on the north by said town line, running west until it strikes the bounds on the highway first com-
menced at. Said boundaries of the above named district, so far as they have not been legally settled
and defined before, are hereby settled and defined by us.

ANSON DAVIS, } Society

JAMES C. TOMLINSON, ^ Committek.

At each annual meeting of the Second Society were elected a moderator,
clerk, treasurer, a society's committee of three, a visiting committee of nine,
and until 1840 the district committees were elected at the Society's meetings.

The Shrub Oak district ai)pears to have been first included in the Second
Society in 1881.

At a special meeting of the voters of the Great Hill School Society held
Sept. 30th, 1851, it was voted that the fund of the Great Hill School Society
be divided equally between the four districts, and that the first meeting of the

SEYMOUR AXD VICINITY. 107

Scliool Society of Seymour be held in the Congregational Church in Huni-
phreysville. At the said first meeting Daniel L, Holbrook was elected chair-
man ; B. W. Smith, clerk ; (x, F. DeForest, treasurer ; Sylvester Smith, S.
Y. Beach and Harpin Riggs, society's committee ; John B. Steel, collector ;
and Joshua Kendall, visiting and examining committee. The numbers of the
districts were continued the same except that the Falls district, now the Center
district, which had been known as the eighth, was nuide the sixth.

At a special meeting of the Seymour School District held Feb 1st, 1869,
it was voted to purchase a lot in the Pines and to build thereon a school-house
of sufficient cajjacity to accomodate 1(50 scholars. A tax was to be laid suffi-
cient to raise the sum of $6,000 to defray the expenses. The lot was pur-
chased at a cost of $700 and is still held by the town, but on account of ob-
jections to the location the school-house has not been built.

SCHOOL VISITORS OF THE TOWN OF SEYMOUR.

ELECTED IN SCHOOL SOCIETY MEETINGS.

1850 to 1855, Joshua Kendall.
1855-6, Sylvester Smith.

ELECTED IN TOWN MEETING, FOR THREE YEARS EACH.

The stars indicate those elected each year.

1856-7, George F. DeForest,* Philo B. Buckingham,* Luzon B. Morris,*
1857-8, Joshua Kendall,* Sharon Y. Beach.*

1858-9, Joshua Kendall, Sharon Y. Beach, Philo B. Buckingham,*
1859-60, Joshua Kendall, Sharon Y. Beach,* Philo B. Buckingham.
1860-1, Joshua Kendall,* Sharon Y. Beach, Philo B. Buckingham.
1861-2, Joshua Kendall, Sharon Y. Beach, Charles B. Wooster.*
1862-3, Joshua Kendall, Charles B. Wooster, Rev. Owen E. Shannon.*
1863-4, Rev. Owen E. Shannon, Frederick Durand, John Chatfield.*

F. Duraud elected by the otlier visitors to fill vacancy caused by the resignation of C. B. Wooster.

1364-5, Rev. Owen E. Shannon, Frederick Durand,* John Chatfield.
1865-6, Rev. O. Evaus Shannon,* Frederick Durand, John Chatfield,
1866-7, Rev. O. Evans Shannon, Frederick Durand, Cornelius W. James.*

F. Duraud resigned May 21, 1867, and J. Kendall was elected to fill the vacancy.

1867-8, Joshua Kendall, Cornelius W. James, Henry Davis.*

ELECTED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

1868-9, Joshua Kendall, Cornelius W. James, Henry Davis.

1869-70, Joshua Kendall, Cornelius W. James, Henry Davis.

1870-1, Joshua Kendall.

1871-2, Joshua Kendall, Edmund Day, Harpin Riggs.

1872-3, Joshua Kendall, Samuel P. Davis.

1873-4, Joshua Kendall, Norman Sperry.

1874-5, Joshua Kendall, Virgil H. McEwen, Norman Sperry.

1875-0, Joshua Kendall, Virgil H. McEwen, William C. Sharpe.

1876-7, Joshua Kendall, Virgil H, McEwen, William C. Sharpe.

1877-8, Joshua Kendall, William C. Shai-pe.

1878-9, Joshua Kendall, William C. Sharpe.

108 SEYMOUR A^D VIOimTY.

MEMBERS OF THE BOAKD OF EDUCATION.

ELECTED IN UNION SCHOOL MEETING.

1SG8, elected for one year — Cornelius James, Henry Davis, Eli Gillette.
For two years — Harpin Riggs, John W. Bassett, John R. Chatfiehl.
For three years — Joshua Kendall, Peter Worth, C, W. Storrs.

1869, Elliott R. Bassett, Samuel A. Beach, Henry Davis.

Carlos French was elected by the board June 6tli, 1870, to fill the vacancy caused by the re-
moval of Henry Davis.

1870, Harpin Riggs, Wilbur W. Smith, John W. Bassett.

1871, Joshua Kendall, Edmund Day, Thomas James.

ELECTED IN TOWN MEETING.

1872, Carlos French, A. Y. Beach, Samuel P. Davis.

A. Y. Beach resia;ned Nov. 12th and S. H. Canfield was appointed by the Board to till the vacancy.

1873, Sharon Y. Beach, ^STorman Sperry, H. N. Eggleston.

1874, V. H. McEweu, Joshua Kendall, Edmund Day.

1875, S. H. Canfield, Carlos French, William C. Sharpe.

187G, Sharon Y. Beach, Frederick M. demons, Nathan Holbrook.

1877, Edmund Day, Joshua Kendall, Norman Sperry.

V. H. McEweu elected to till vacancy caused by resignation of Norman Sperry, until the next

town election.

1878, S. H. Canfield, W. C. Sharpe, David Tucker, James Howard.

James Howard to fill vacancy for two years.

GREAT HILL SCHOOL, ]So. 1.

This is probably the oldest school in the town. An abstract of a volume
of the earlier records is given on pages 19 and 20.

At a meeting of the Second Society held Nov. 7th, 1831, Wm. Smith,
Samuel Wire and Samuel Meigs were appointed a committee to designate a
location for a new school-house in the First or Great Hill District, and
decided upon the north-east angle of the roads below the present location of
the church.

The district line was changed by vote of the school society Oct. 12, 1813,
as follows :

Eesolced, That so much of the 1st school Uistrict, 2d society in Derby, be and hereby is, set
oti'to the 5th school district in Oxford, as lies north and west of a line beginning at the Oxford line,
by the dwelling-house of Andrew S. Graham, running southeasterly to the corner of road leading
to Rock-house Hill ; thence by said road to the corner of land of Abel and Benjamin English, near
the house of Christopher Smith ; thence northwesterly to Oxford line, including the bouse of Abel
and Benjamin English.

The lines were laid out anew Nov. 1st, 1813, as follows :

Whereas, The record defining the lines of the Great Hill School District in the second school
society in Derby being lost, and the undersigned committee being empowered by an act of the legis-
lature of the State of Connecticut, passed 1841, to layout new and establish old lines, do make
and establish the following lines, which shall constitute the school district of Great Hill, viz: Begin-
ning eighty rods from the mouth of Toby Brook on 2d brook; thence in a straight line to the north-
east corner of Monroe Soranton'.* farm ; thence in a straight line to Josiah Bassett's saw mill ; thence
in a straight line to the west side of the highway, running by the dwelling-house formerly belonging
to Truman Hawkins, now Anson Davis; thence on the west side of said highway until opposite a
pine tree standing near the Rowe place, so-called ; thence in a straight line to the town bounds lying
in the highway some thirty or forty rods south of Steplien Baldwin's dwelling-house; thence on the
town line until it comes in a parallel line with the road south of Abel and Benjamin English ; thence
following the lines of that part of said English farm lying north of said road to the town line ; thence

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 109

on town line to a stone bridge near the dwelling-house of widow Ammon Tomlinson ; thence on the
town line to the northwest corner of Bennet Lum's farm, adjoining Simeon Iliuman's land; thence
in a straight line to the place of beginning. The above lines shall constitute and detine the school
district of the Great Hill.

LUTHER FOWLER,

EPHRAIM SMITH, > Society Committee.
Done in Derby, Nov. 1st, 1813. WM. D. LUM,

In 1852, by joint action of the Scliool Society and the 1st and 4th dis-
tricts, the Squantuck district was consolidated with the Great Hill district,
and the lines were defined as follows :

Whereas, The legal voters of the school society in the town of Seymour, at a meeting warned
and held on the 3rd day of July, 1852, voted to annex the Squantuck School District to the First
School District in said school society; Therefore, We, the undersigned Society's Committee, hereby
establish the following described lines and boundaries annexed, viz : Beginning at the Ousatonic
river, at the mouth of the Old Field brook at the boundary of the school society line between Derby
and Seymour, running easterly on said line to the late dwelling-house of Philo Lum, deceased,
leaving said dwelling-house in the North District in Derby School Society ; thence running easterly
on school society line to a heap of stones on a rock at the west corner of Asa Bassett's land, about
thirty rods southerly of the bouse occupied by Miles Bronson ; thence running northerly by the Bunga
School District to Josiah Bassett's saw mill ; thence northerly in a straight line to the west side of
the highway at the east side of the Beard land, so called, southerly of the dwelling-house of Marcus
Davis; thence on the west side of said highway till opposite a pine tree standing near the Rowe
place, so called ; thence north-westerly to the old town bounds in the highway, about thirty rods
south of the house of Stephen Baldwin ; thence west on society line between Oxford and Seymour
to the west side of highway in front of the dwelling-house of Andrew S. Graham; thence south-
westerly to the corner of the road leading to Rock-house Hill; thence by said road to the corner of
land of Abel and Benjamin English, near the house of Christopher Smith ; thence north-westerly to
the school society line between Oxford and Seymour ; thence on said line to stone bridge on Rock-
house Hill road, north of the Ammon Tomlinson place, so called ; thence on society line to the
north-west corner of Bennet Lum's farm, adjoining Simeon Hinman's land; thence straight line to
the south end of Otter Rocks on the Ousatonic river; thenceby the east side of the Ousatonic river
to the first-mentioned bounds ; and the above-described lines and boundaries hereby constitute the
boundaries of the First School District in Seymour.

SYLVESTER SMITH, ) society's Committee
Dated at Seymour, Feb. '..'M, 1853. HIRAM UPSON. • S *"^'^^^ * committee.

The above is a true record. Attest :

B. W. SMITH, Cleek.

At a town meeting held Oct. 1st, 1877, it was voted that a new school-
house be built at an expense of $700 and that the location be changed to the
angle of the roads on the Hill near the house of Wm. R. Tomlinson. The
building was completed about the first of January, 1878.

TEACHERS.

1826, Henry Scott.

1827, Eliza Russell, Heury Burton.

1828, Maria Wattles, Simou Cnrtiss, Jr.

1829, Jane Tomlinsou, Siiuou Ciutiss, Jr.

1830, Catherine Umberfield, S. Ciirtiss, Jr.

1831, Jane Fowler, Simon Curtiss, Jr.

1832, Betsey Tomlinson, John Riggs, Jr.

1833, Jane Fowler, Simon Curtisa, Jr.

1834, Lilly Wakeley, John Lindley.

1835, Jane Fosvler, Silas Hnrd.

183G, Sarah A. Benham, Simon Curtiss, Jr.
1837, Mary A. Smith, David Hawes.

SEYxMOUR AND VICINITY.

1838, Sarah Lindley.

1839, Miss Davis, John Lindley.

1840, Sarah E. Gilbert, Judson Candee.

1841, Sarah M. Osborn, John Lindley.

1842, Eliza. A. Mansfield, Merwin Bowen.

1843, Ann Eliza Shelton, Abel Holbrook.

1844, C. A. Fowler, A. T. Hotchkiss.

1845, Elizabeth Durand, Merwin Bowen.

1846, Maria Chatfield, William Bristol.

1847, Jano M. Wooster, Albert E. Smith.

1848, Jane M. Wooster.

1849, Frances E. Wooster, Gid. H. Candee.

1850, Eliza Lum, Betsey Cable.

1851, Roasetta Bassett, Henry Harger.

1852, Mary Bradley, Charles Gillette.

1853, Augusta Sanford.

1854, Juliette Wooster, John Allen.

1855, Augusta Sanford, Clark E. Lum.

1856, Julia A. Fairchild, John Smith.

1857, Julia A. Fairchild, Marcus E. Hyde.

1858, Nancy Sutton, R. S. Hinman.
18.59, Mary F. Meacham, Clark E. Lun>.

1860, Elvira W. Somers, Eben G. Wheeler.

1861, Elvira W. Somers, Jane E. Tyrrell.

1862, Jane E. Tyrell.

1863, Frances E. Wheeler, H. A.Tomlinson

1864, Martha E. Davis, John Killon.

1865, Martha E. Davis, C. C. Burwell.

1866, C. C. Burwell, Martha E. Davis.
1867-8, Martha E. Davis.

1869, Sophia Davis.

1870, Virginia Davis.

1871, Emily A. Smith, Emmarette Sperry,

1872, C. E. Lum, E. Sperry, C. E. Lum.

1873, C. E. Lum, 2 t ; Matilda Smith.

1874, Rufus Speucer, Lottie E. Booth.

1875, Rufus Spencer, Clara S. Rider.

1876, Clara S. Rider, Hattie Riggs.

1877, Josie E. Ladd.

1878, Rufus Spencer, Phoebe Tomliuson.

SHRUB OAK SCHOOL, No. 2.

The records of the Shrub Oak District uot having been handed over to
the town clerk, are not now available, and but little account can be given of
it. The district seem to have been set off Dec. 27th, 1779. See page 47.
The names of the teachers, so far as ascertained, are :

Winter terms of 1846-7, 1847-8, 1848-9, Frederick Durand.

Oct., 1861, to April, 1863, Ehoda Kendall.

Summer of 1866, Sarah Swift.

Fall of 1866 to Dec, 1876, C. C. Burwell. '

Jan., 1877, to July, 1878, Harriet Riggs.

Sept., 1878, Josie E. Ladd.

BUNGAY SCHOOL, No. 3.

Records not tiled in town clerk's office.

TEACHERS.
May, 1867 to Oct., 1868, Enmia S. Tomlinson.
Oct., 1868, to July, 1869, Sarah M. Riggs.
Sept., 1869, to April, 1870, Alice N^orthrop.
April, 1870, to July, 1872, Sarah M. Riggs.
Sept., 1872, to July, 1873, L. Davis.
Sept., 1873, to July, 1874, Ellen C. Hard.
Sept., 1874, to July, 1875, Hattie J. Riggs.
Sept., 1875, to 1878, Hattie Bassett.

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

Ill

CEDAR RIDGE SCHOOL, No. 4.

The fifth district was divided in 1837, the new district, called the seventh,
being bounded southeriy by a line from the mouth of Bladen's brook, easterly
to the Woodbridge line, passing south of the house of Samuel R. Hickox.
'The first meeting of the new district was held Aug. 30th, and arrangements
commenced for building a school-house. The location was selected by Joel
White, Isaac White and Joel R. Chatfield, and at a meeting held Sept. 20th
it was voted to accept the proposals of Solomon Terrell to build a stone school-
house, 18 X 25 feet, 7^ feet clear, with six windows of 24 lights and one of 9
lights, to be plastered inside and out, with a hall of five feet in width at one
end, and two doors from the hall ; the whole to be completed for $175.
Terrell was afterward allowed $8 for extra work, and some slab benches and
sloping boards for writing-desks, with a stove and desk and chair for teacher,
completed this ^'temple of science" in time for the winter school. It was
found necessary to remove the partition in 1843 to enlarge the school-room.
The teacher was then paid $2.25 per Aveek and required to "board around."
Board being then estimated at $1.75, the teacher's services were valued at
$4 per week, teaching five and one-half days. The next year the price was
raised one dollar per week. In 1852 it became evident that a larger school-
house was needed, and in July it was voted to build 26 x 40 feet, but at a
subsequent meeting the matter was indefinitely postponed.

January 31st, 1868, it was voted to build a new school-house, and Smith
Botsford, Ashbel Storrs and Joel R. Chatfield were appointed building com-
mittee. The size finally determined upon was 272 x 34 feet, to cost $1,700,
including furniture of the best patterns. The school-house was well built, by
Ashbel Storrs, and is a credit to the district. Up to 1863 the building had
been known as the "Stone School-house." The name, "Cedar Ridge," was
then given to the school and has since been retained.

Charles Oatman was clerk of the district from 1837 to 1849, and Sylves-
ter Smith fi-om 1849 until the schools of the town were consolidated in 1868.

The old stone building, small, inconvenient and antiquated, is yet the
subject of many pleasant reminiscences by teachers and scholars, now scattered
among the scenes of busy life, to whom the following list of teachers will
recall pleasant memories of by-gone days.

TEACHEES.

1841, A. T. Hotchkiss, winter term.

1842, Frances N. Thomas, two terms.

1843, Laura Tomlinson, George Bassett.

1844, Laura Touilinson, H. B. Munson.

1845, Miss Fairchild, H. B. Munson.

1846, Charlotte M. Smith, Jane E. Terrell.

1847, Annie Holeomh, Wm. E. Holbrook.

1848, Henry Warren.

1849, Rosetta Bassett, Mrs. P. E. Clark.

1850, Rosetta Bassett, Mary A. Wooster.

1851, Miss Fairchild, Frederick Durand.

1852, M. A. Wooster, Frederick Uurand.

1853, Miss Hull, Frederick Durand.

1854, M. A. Wooster, Thomas Munson.

1855, Eliza Clark, Thomas Munson.

1856, Charles T. Hotchl iss. Miss Upson.

1857, Eliza J. Tuttle, two terms.

1858, Jane Doolittle, Clark Lum.

1859, Marietta Benham, David Hawley.

1860, Laura M. French, Joel F. Selleck.

1861, Kate McKay, Clark E. Lum.

1862, Lucy A. Atwood, two terms.

1863, Julia Leavenworth, W. C. Sharps.

1864, Mrs. M. A. Gleason, Miss Swift.

1865, Jo.sephiue A. Walker.

1866, Minerva Bassett, Miss Bradley.

1867, Mary Chatfield, three terms.

1868, Marv Chattield.

112

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

1869, Mary Chatfield, Josephine Walker,

1870, J. Walker, 2 t; L. C. Chatfield.

1871, L. Cornelia Chatfield.

1872, L. Cornelia Chatfield.

1873, L. Cornelia Chatfield.

1874, L. Cornelia Chatfield, C. F. Abbott

Libbie O. Lockwood.

1875, Libbie O. Lockwood.

1876, Clara F. Abbott, E. O. Lockwood.
1877-8, Libbie O. Lockwood.

DISTRICT COJmiTTEES.

1837, Isaac White.

1851, Ashbel Storrs.

1838, Jared Bassett.

1852, Samuel Hickox.

18.39, Sylvester Smith.

1853, Henry W. Benedict.

1840, Oliver Stoddard.

1854, Smith Terrell.

1841, Samuel Bassett.

1855, Wm. B.Watson.

1842, Hiram Upson.

1856, David Johnson.

1843, Joel R. Chatfield,

1857, Wm. F. Gilyard.

1844, Smith Botsford.

1858, Wilson Wyant.

1845, Israel French.

1859, Wm. W. Dibble.

1846, Julius Bassett.

1860, Lorenzo M. Bassett,

1847, Wm. B. Watson.

1861-2, Smith Terrell.

1848, David Johnson.

1863-6, Ashbel Storrs.

1849, Stephen H. Culver.

1867, Joel R. Chatfield, (app. by Sch. Vis.)

1850, George Merrick.

1868, David Johnson.

THE BELL SCHOOL, No. 5.

In 1769 Joseph Johnson deeded a piece of land on the east side of Pearl
street, a little south of the house of Smith Terrell, for a location for a school
house, as follows :

Know all men by these Presents, that I, Joseph Johnson of Derby in the
County oj New Raven, Collony of Connecticut, New England, do firmly set, remit ^~ releaa
unto the proprietors of the third Destrict for Schooling in Derby, one certain piece of landpiteh
■upon by the proprietors of the third Destrict, to set up a School House upon for the benefit of
Said Destrict, containing twenty feet square, for the term of Ninety Nine years Next Coming
the Date hereof, to have cj- to hold it for the use said schoolhouse.

Furthermore I the said Johnson do promi&for myself, my heirs. Executors ^ Adminis-
trators, to defend the Same from all Claims and demands whatsoever. In witness whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 5th Day of may in the year of our Lord, one
thousand Seven hundred Sixty Nine.

Signed, sealed and delivered in presents of

Benjamin Crauford. JOSEPH JOHNSON.

Hezektah Johnson.

This school-house seems to have been occupied about forty years. In
that time the number of the district was changed to six, and in 1799 it was
known as the Chusetown District,

At a school meeting held in the school-house September, 27th, 1799,
Lieut. E. Beecher Johnson was chosen moderator and Bradford Steele, Jr.,
clerk. At this meeting Calvin Lines was engaged to teach the school six
mouths at $11 per month, or, if he should continue a year, he was to teach at
$10.50 per mouth. At an adjourned meeting, held October 7th at the house
of Joseph Johnson, Leroy Tomllnson and Bezaleel Peck were chosen a com-
mittee "to pitch a stake for a school-house."

On the L'lst of November, 1803, it was voted that Daniel Holbrook and
Auuideus Dibble be a committee to repair the school-house and build an

SEYMOUK AND VICINITY. 113

addition 14 feet long with two chimneys, the whole to be completed by Oct.
4, 1804, and painted Spanish brown. Chauncey Johnson was elected tlistrict
committee.

On the 8th day of February, 1804, the following persons were recorded as
residents of the district : '' Levi Tomlinson, Esq., Joel Chatfield, Jesse Johnson,
Ebenezer B, Johnson, Amadous Dibel, Daniel Holbrook, Jn^, Enoch French,
Gibson Smith, Isaac Johnson, Amos Dorman, Bezaleel Peck, Isaac Chais,
Ebenezer Peck, Charles French, JolmWheler, Samuel Smith, Jarvis Downs,
Elephas Bradley, John White. Isaac Bostick, Joseph Johnson, Benjamin
Beach, Simeon Beach, H^zekiah Johnson, Erazmass Sperry, Ashbell Steel,
John Crawford, Lydia Keney, Phebe Dayton, Hanah Stodard, Nathan Stiles,
Silas Baldwin, Elezer Patchen, James Leach, Charles Deal, Mary Bartis,
Sebrie Molthroop, Bradford Steele, John Shenson, Hezekiah Tomsou, Josiah
Swift, Lydia Cowel, Oliver Clark, Richard Freeman, Isrel French, Reuben
Davis. Sergt. Chauncey Johnson, Clerk."

At a meeting held Oct. 17th, 1805, the valuation of "good wood brought
to the school-house" was estimated at "$2 a chord, the Master to be the judge
of the size of the loads." Special committees were appointed to repair the
school-house nearly every year from 1802 until 1812.

In 1810 John Ward was hired for the winter at $20 per month, he to
be his own collector, and John T. Wheeler was appointed clerk. At an
adjourned meeting, held Nov. 22nd, the last vote to repair was rescinded, and
it was voted to have the school kept in Silas Baldwin's room until the first
of May, 1811.

In October, 1811, Chester Jones was chosen clerk and another repair
committee appointed. On the 9th of December it was "Voted that there
should be 2 schools kept in s^ District."

"Voted, 2"'!, that Col. Ira Smith & Capt. Josiah Swift be a Committee
for the south part of the District, & Amadeus Dibble & E, B. Johnson be a
Committee for the north part, to employ teachers."

April 6th, 1812, it was "Voted that there should be two schools kept in
the District, one Man school & one Woman school, & the Free Money be
equally divided according to the time the school is kept." Stiles Johnson
was elected a committee '■'• to employ a school Dame,"

On the loth of the same mouth Levi Tomlinson, Esq'", Ira Smith, Josiah-
Swift, Elias Gilbert aud Bradford Steele were appointed a committee to look
for a place to build a school-house and to draw a plan. Several meetings
were called and adjourned without transacting any business, except employing
a male teacher in the south part of the district in the winter of 1812-13, and
a teacher for three months in the winter of 1813-14.

On the 7th of March, 1814, at a school meeting held at the store of
Jones «& Keeney, it was "Voted that all needlework should be prohibited
from school." At a meeting held the 25th of the same month the above vote
was rescinded and declared "null & void." The name Humphrey sville first
appears on the record in 1814. The next winter it was voted to employ a
female teacher and to divide the money equally between the two schools of
the district.

The school-house first built ou the location of the present Bell school-
house was long owned as joint stock property, as shown in the following deed
givenJune 1st, 1816:

114 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

Know Ye, That I, Newel Johnson of Derhy, in Xeiv Haven Count;/ and State of Connecti-
cut, for the the conaideration of Ten Dollars received to my full satisfaction of John fflieeler,
Neivel Johnson, Elias Gilbert, Bradford Steele, John Humphreys, Jr., Genl. David Humphreys,
Chester Jones, Seba Moulthrop, Stiles Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Edmund Steele, John Biggs,
Silas Baldwin, Samuel B. Hine, Joseph Johnson, Josiah Swift tj- Danl. Thompson, Ho give,
grant, bargain, sell and confirm unto the said Grantee, one certain piece or tract of land
situated in said Derby at Humphreysville, containing about six acres of land, bounded Southerly
on highway. Easterly and Northerly on sd Neivel Johnson, Westerly on Seba Moulthrop. The
said piece of land has a School-House erected thereon and divided into one hundred shares, and
is owned by the above named Grantees in the following proporiion, viz : to the said John Wheeler
twenty nine shares; Neivel Johnson, thirteen ; Elias Gilbert, thirteen shares ; Bradford Steele,
seven; John Humphreys, Junr, five; Gen. David Humphreys, five; Chester Jones, seven;
Seba Moulthrop, four; Stiles Johnson, three; Jesse Johnson, two; Edmund Steele, two; John
Biggs, two; Silas Baldwin, two; Sainuel B. Hine, two; Joseph Johnson, one; Josiah Swift,
one; Daniel Thompson, one.

In October, 1815, Chester Jones was elected committee and Xewel
Johnson clerk.

"At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 5th School District at the
School House in Humphreysville, held Oct. 30th, 1816, Newel Johnson was
appointed a special committee to obtain from Mr. Samuel Kiggs his terms for
teaching a winter school,'' apparently without success, as a few days later
Bradford Steele and Johnathan Beement were added to the committee.

On the 10th of December it was voted to employ Isaac Rowe as teacher
at §18 per month. April 13th, 1819, it was voted to employ Anna C. Martin
as teacher for the summer, "provided she can be had on reasonable terms not
to exceed one dollar and tifty cents per week."

Ebenezer Fisher was appointed collector Nov. 20th, 1820, and it was
voted that board be $1.25 per week. Smith & Sanford then kept the store
on the southeast corner of Pearl and Hill streets. On the 1th of December,
1820, it was "Voted that there be a stove purchased for the benefit of the
destrict and made up in the school bill." Until that time the school-room had
been warmed by a lire in the large old-fashioned fire-place.

On the 12th of April, 1822, it was " \'oted that Mr. Isaac Sperry be
employed to teach this school for one year if he can be obtained for ten dollars
per month," and "that the district hire the school-house of the proprietors at
.the rate of seven dollars a quarter." *

From Nov. 9th, 1818, to Oct. 10th, 1825, Lyman Smith was clerk of the
district, and during this time the book was kept with a neatness and precision
seldom found in the old records.

At a meeting held Dec. 11th, 1822, David Beach was appointed district
committee and Newel Johnson and Daniel White were appointed a committee
to confer with the proprietors of the school-house for the purpose of seeing
what the shares of the school-house can be purchased for. Provision was
made for wood for tlie stove and fireplace.

In the fall of 1823 the price of board was lixed at eight (Yankee) shillings
($1.33^-) per week, and it was \oted to hire Mr. Sperry, provided that not
more than $15 per month should be paid. If any scholars came from out of
the district, they were to pay two dollars per quarter. Ebenezer Fisher,
commirtee.

On the 29th of March, 1821, it was voted to hire Isaac J. Sperry for a
year at $15 per month, and that he have an assistant for six months at $5
per mouth. The school-house was hired as before.

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 115

It was voted, Aug. 16th, to release Mr. Sperry, to hire Aaron Piersou
in his phxce, and to continue Miss Tuttle as assistant teacher.

Oct. iL'th, 1824, Russel Chxrkwas elected committee; David Beach, Jr.,
collector; and Sheldon Tucker, treasurer. It was voted not to hire a teacher
unless he will board with the district. The committee was instructed to hire
Mr. Parsons (or Pierson) or Harlow P. Sage, wages not to exceed $15 per
month. Dec. 0th it was voted to employ an assistant teacher.

April 12th, 1825, voted to hire Harlow P. Sage at $19 per month, he to
board himself, provided that should any choose to board him at $1 per week,
they might do so. An assistant to be hired if necessary.

Up to this time the business seems to have been wholly directed in dis-
trict meetings, and the names most frequently occurring on the record are
"Chusetown Destrict" and oth School District of the school society, but at a
meeting held Oct. 10th, 1825, Thomas Gilyard was "recommended to the
School Society to be appointed committee," and Isaac Losee was elected asst.
committee. Mr. Persons was to be hired. Wm. Humphreys, John De Forest
and Ebenezer Fisher were "recommended to the School Society as visitors."

In the spring of 1826 the committee were authorized to employ Mr.
Persons (Aaron CJ.) at $10 per month, and it was voted that each proprietor
draw his rent from the treasurer.

Sept. 29th, 1820. Recommendations to school scoiety : Sheldon Tucker,
committee ; John H. De Forest, Wm. Humphrey, Ebenezer Fisher and John
Wheeler, school visitors. Voted to give Mr. Persons the preference for
teacher.

Sept. 27th, 1827. Ebenezer Fisher, district committee ; Edmund Steele,
school society's committee ; Newel Johnson, clerk ; J. H. De Forest, J. T.
Wheeler and Wm. Humphreys recommended to school society as visitors.
Voted to try to hire the lower story of the school-house for $18 per year.

April 8th, 1829, voted to give Mr. Hubbell the preference as teacher.

At a meeting held March 29th, 1830, it was voted to purchase from fifty
to one hundred shares of the Bell school-house of the proprietors at one dollar
per share. It was voted (April 15th) to rescind the previous motion and to
purchase a lot and build a school-house. The latter vote was rescinded May
loth, and the former motion re-enacted. A tax of $200 was voted for the
purchasing and repairing the school-house. Geo. Kirtland acted as moderator
Oct. 17th, 1831. Apr. 10, '32, the Committee had permission to employ a
teacher for each of the two rooms if they thought best.

Oct. 18th, 1830. Chester Jones, treasurer ; Denzel Hitchcock, clerk ;
Isaac Losee, asst. com. ; Chas. Oatman, collector. Mr. Xorthrop was
engaged to teach the winter school.

Mar. 7th, 1837. Thomas Ellis, moderator. Voted to divide the district
and to run the line from the mouth of Bladen's Brook, and go south so far as
to take in the house of Isaac White, and then a straight line to Woodbridge.

At a meeting held April 15th, 1837, it was voted "to run the line
beginning at the bank south of the mouth of Bladen's Brook, so called, and
run straight to Woodbridge line, running far enough south to take in the
house of Samuel R. Heacox," and "to apply to the school society's committee
for division."

The following description of the District limits, from tlie minutes of the
First School Society, was certified to by Almon Smith, Society's Clerk.

"Fourth Distii't begins at the Dam across Nangatuuk River, ruuniug up the east
side of said river until you come to the brook eruptyiug iuto said river, through the

116 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

land formerly belonging to Henry Wooster; then an easterly coarae to Woodbriclge
line so as to take Isaac Blake and David Hotcbkiss' dwelliug-bouses into the Fourth
School District."

"Fifth District begins at the Henry Wooster Bmok, so called, by Naugatuck
River, running up northerly the east side of said river to Oxford line; then easterly
by said Oxford line to Woodbridge line; then southerly by said Woodbridge line until
it strikes the northerly line of the Fourth District; then westerly by said Fourth
District to the place of beginning at the mouth of the Henry Wooster Brook at the
Naugatuck River."

"Voted, that the society divide the said Fifth District, and that the bounds
commence on the Naugatuck River at a high bluff or bank about twenty rods south
of the mouth of Bladen's Biook; from thence to run easterly to Woodbridge line,
passing by the south side of the house of Samuel R. Hickcok; and the north pai't of
the said Fifth School District shall constitute the Seventh District."

At a school meeting held Sept. 22d, 1840, it was voted "that a buildiug
committee be appointed and that they be instructed to make a contract for
repairing the school-house by cutting it down to one story high, putting on
new shingles and new pine chipboards, laying a new floor, painting tJje outside
with two coats of good paint and making such other repairs as they shall deem
necessary for a thorough repair in every respect." Bennet Wooster, George
W. De Forest and Walter B. Clark were appointed committee on repairs.

At a meeting held Oct. 1st, 1841, it was voted to buy Harrison Tomlin-
sou's lot on the Promised Land, on west side of the highway, and build a good
school-house thereon, and a 15c. tax was laid Dec. 10th. Feb. 7th, 1842, the
tax was raised 5 cents. On the loth of February it was voted not to sell or
dispose of the old school-house.

On the 4th of September, 1842, it was voted "that the committee hire a
room on the Falls known as the Conference Koom for a school this winter,"
but the vote was rescinded the 11th. On the 10th of May, 1843, it was voted
not to rent the upper story for a workshop, and the Aote laying a tax of 20c.
for building purposes were rescinded June 22nd; also, the vote fixing location
of new school-house. The old school-house was cut down and repaired in the
summer of 1843. In August the committee were directed to sell the old bell
and pay the proceeds to the treasurer. In the summer of 1844 board was
estimated at eight shillings ($1.33^) per week, and the following winter at
$1.75 per week.

The school-house was appraised Jan. 13th, 1847, by Isaac J. Gilbert,
Ephraim Birdsey and Wm. M. Hull, at $3(30, and at a school meeting, held
Nov. 21st, it was voted that the oth district pay to the 8th district $112.50
as their share of the district. The olfer not being accepted by the district the
matter was left to the society's committee, who named $175 as the amount
to be paid. The new district was the one since known as District No. 8, and
now as the Center sub-district. No. 0.

A meeting was held June 10th, 1852, for the purpose of uniting with
the other districts in forming a union high school, without any successful
action resulting.

DISTRICT COMMITTEES.

1^38, Walter B. Clark.

1839, Walter B. Clark, Isa.;ic Kinney iiud

Chester Jones.

1840, Amos Smith, Bennet Wooster :uni

Sharon Y. Beach.

1841, Jeremiah Duiand, Shurou Y. Beach.

1842, Thomas Cochran, Daniel White and
John W. Bassett.

1813, B. Wooster. (G. F . DeFoiest, clerk .
1844, Ezokiel Gilbert.

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

1845,
1846,
1847,
1848,
1849,
1850-
1852-
1854,
1855,
1856,

1843,

1844,
1846,
1852,
1855,
1857,
1859,
1863,

Daniel White. (W.B.Clark, clerk.)
A. J. Steele. (H.Tomlinsori, clerk.)
David B. Clark. (S.Y. Beach, clerk.)
Smith Clark. (H.B.Mnnsou, clerk.)
Medad K. Tucker. (J.B.Steele, "
51, Thomas Stoddard.
•3, Joseph Chipman. (L. Sharpe,
William S. Mallory. collector.)

Stephen H. Culver.
E. F. Bassett.

117

(H. B. Beecher, clerk

1857, David Beach.

18.58, H. B. Beecher. 1857 to 1859.)

1859, Edwin Smith. (L. Sharpe, collector

1860-61, John Davis.

1862, J. W. Bassett.

1863, Henry P. Davis.

1864, J. Armstrong.
1865-7, W. E. Heudryx.
1868, A. W. Lonnsbury.

1858 to 1861.)

Mr. Lnm, two terms.

Miss Lindley, summer term.

Mr. Stuart, two terms.

Miss Chatfield from Quaker farms.

Leverett Mallory, Fred'k Durand.

Levorett Mallory.

Miss Wilcox, summer term.

Ellen M. Clark.

TEACHEES.

April, 1864, to Mar., 1865, MaryTomlinson,
April to Sept., 1867, Mary Tomlinson.
Jan. to April, 1869, Ella Davis.
April, 1869, to April, 1870, Lydia Payne.
April, 1870, to July, 1873, M. A.Hotchkiss.
Sept., 1873, to July, 1874, Emma J. Downs.
Sept., 1874, to Dec, 1875, M. A.Hotchkiss.
Jan., 1876, to 1878, Lottie E. Booth.

CENTER SCHOOL, :N^o. 6.

This was set off from No. 5 in 1847. A "select school" had been kept
by Mrs. Hodge in a building which stood near where the south end of the
pin-shop now'is. The building Avas taken for the district school and remove.d
above the cotton factory, to where the wool-room of Kalmia Mills now is, then
to where Second street terminates, above Maple street, and when the car-
shops were built it was removed to its present location.

TEACHERS.
1852, Charles W. Sharpe.
1867, Miss Coltingham.
1869 to July, 1875, Jessie C. Perkins.
Sept., 1875, to 1878, Maria M. Tucker.

SECOND INTERMEDlxVTE SCHOOL.

Established in September, 1878. Arthur L. Candee, teacher.

FIRST INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.

TEACHERS.
April, 1869, to April, 1870, Mary A. Swift. -
April to July, 1870, Cornelia A. Chatfield.
Sept., 1870, to July, 1872, H. A. Woodford.
Sept., 1872, to July, 1873, E. J. Downs.
Sept., 1873, to April, 1875, Sarah M. Eiggs.
April to Dec, 1875, Clara F. Abbott.
Jan., 1876, to 1878, Emma S. Tomlinson.

118 SEYMOUE A^N^D VICIXITY.

THE HIGH SCHOOL.

Humphreysville Academy, established in 1849, during its continuance,
satisfied the demand for a school of higher grade, and perhaps for this reason
the High School Association, incorporated in 1851, failed of its purpose.
The Humphreysville Academy was very popular under the direction of Geo.
B, Glendining, and deservedly so. He was an efficient instructor, and drew
many pupils from neighboring towns as well as from distant cities. In 1853
he removed to a larger town towards New York and was succeeded by Fred-
erick Durand, who taught two years in Union Hall. Mr. Gay, a graduate
of Y'ale, came in August, 1855, but continued only a few months. The
subject of a Union High School was agitated, but the meetings called to con-
sider the subject were no avail until after the passage of a law authorizing the
establishment of such a school by the town, independent of school societies
and school districts. The school was permanently established in 1801.
Martha J. Morris was employed as assistant from September, 1867, to De-
cember, 1808. Since then no assistant has been employed in the High
School, but the establishment of the two intermediate departments has prac-
tically made a high school of three grades, and only a new and commodious
school building is especially needed to place Seymour in the hrst rank as
regards the facilities for common school education.

TEACHERS.
1864 to July, 1866, Miss Hermance.
Sept., 1866, to July, 1867, Frederick Durand.
Sept., 1867, to Dec., 1868, Prof. A. F. Reynolds.
Jan. to April, 1869, Martha J. Morris.
April, 1869, to April, 1870, Celia A. Stanley.
April to July, 1870, Miss S. A. Atwater.
Sept., 1870, to July, 1871, Mrs. Lottie E. Bigelow.
Sept., 1871, to July, 1872, Lucy S. Merwin.
Sept. to Dec, 1872, Mary R. Deery.
Jan., 1873, to July, 1874, Arthur Kilgore.
Sept., 1874, to April, 1875, Frank H. Brewer.
April, 1875, to July, 1878, William H. Warner.
Sept., 1878, Rev. C. W. Sharpe.

SEYMOUR AND V1CI]:^ITY. 119

§igat Mill m. 1. Okmiili.

^glllS is one of tlie oldest Methodist societies iu Coiiuecticut and at one
"^ time ranked highest in strength and numbers in the Derby Circuit,
which then included the towns of the I^augatuck Valley as far as Wa-
terbury. Eev. Heman Bangs, who was presiding elder about sixty
years ago, said Great Hill was his main stay, and Eev. Elijah Woolsey,
circuit preacher in 1814, in his book called "The Lights and Shadows
of the Itinerancy," gives space to incidents of his experience on Great Hill.
It had been an old Presbyterian parish, the church standing near the Davis
place. Abner Smith was the pastor of the Presbyterian Society in 1814
and for many years preceding, but moved west soon after, and the pulpit was
by general consent occupied by Methodist clergymen. From the time when
Rev. Jesse Lee proclaimed the "Glad Tidings" through the valley of the-
Naugatuck, service was held here by his successors from time to time, and a
prosperous church grew up. For a number of years, between 1810 and 1820,
Cyrus Botsford was chorister and was considered an excellent music teacher.
The choirs in those days were large and some humorous anecdotes are told of
corrections made by Mr. B. when discordant notes were heard, when his
words were more emphatic than appropriate to the place. Mr. B. was four
timeti married and had seventeen children. Capt. Isaac Bassett and wife,
grand parents of Capt. Elliott Bassett, were among the first Methodists on
the Hill. The late J udson English was closely identified with the Great Hill
church for half a century. The eccentric George L. Fuller, pastor in 1845
and 1840, is still remembered by many residents of the Hill. Fearless and
untiring in his jNIaster's service, he labored with great success and many were
the anecdotes told of his labors. At one time in a revival meeting he preached
from the parable of the swine, (Matt., viii : 30-32), and afterward passed
around among the congregation urging them to repentance. A young man,

T W , replied to him very discourteously that there was no need of

it, since, according to the sermon, all the devils were droA\ned. The eccentric
clergyman knelt in prayer and remembered the young man as follows: "Oh
Lord, we read iu Thy blessed word that the swine rushed down into the sea
and were drowned ; but oh. Lord, one hog swam ashore, and here he is
right before us. Drive the devil out of him and make a man of him," etc.
It is said that if the logic was not convincing, the whole-souled earnestness of
the preacher was, and apparently the prayer was answered. A man, at whose
house a prayer-meeting was to be held one Saturday evening, sent an invita-
tion to a neighbor, a staunch l*resbyterian, to attentl. He sent back word
that he wished to be excused as he "kept Saturday night," but he soon began
to attend the meetings and continued to be a regular attendant for more than
thirty years. ^Ansou Gillette was the first class-leader, over sixty-five years
ago. The present church edifice was built by subscription in 1853-4. Almost
the only preaching on the hill for the forty years preceding had been by the
Methodists, to whom the old Presbyterian church had been given up. The
church was dedicated on Wednesday, October 25th, 1854. The subscriptions
that day were $580, leaving a debt of only $300, which has since been paid.
Though the society is smaller now by reason of the draught upon it by the
fiourishing manufacturing centers arouiul, yet considerable improvements
have been made in and about the church in the past few years, and the
services of the sanctuarv are well sustained.

120 SEYMOUE AXD VICimTY,

PAPER MAKING 1^ SEYMOUE.

,^|HE first to establish the maniifactnre of paper in this place was General
Humphreys. He built the first paper mill in 1805, but soon sold it to
Worrull & Hudson. At this time the paper was made by hand. An
engine for preparing the pulp M^as in use, but from this it was dipped
out into fine sieves, the size the sheet of paper was to be made, shaken
about to pack the fiber, a felt or flannel laid on, and the paper tipped
out on it. 125 sheets were so piled up, making, with the felts, a pile about
15 inches high. This was pressed in a screw press, then taken out of the felts
and hung on poles to dry, then pressed in 1^ ream bunches. The next day the
sheets were "stripped" or separated and pressed in the dry press. Writing
paper was laid sheet by sheet between press boards with occasional iron plates
and pressed again. In 1816 Worrull & Hudson sold out to Ebenezer Fisher
and Henry LeForge. In 1817 Samuel Eoselle, afterwards a partner, came
to the place and commenced work in the paper mill.

The mill was raised a story in 1825, and paper then first made altogether
by machinery. The mill was sold to the Humphreysville Manufacturing
Company January 27th, 1831. This company commenced the manufacture
of paper in IMay, 1831, with but four employees — Chester Jones, Wm. Bates,
Jane Patchen and Lois Thompson, but during the month the numbtjr was
increased to 16, and afterward to 18. The 16th of April, 1832, they com-
menced running night and day. They were then making paper for the ^ew
Haven Palladium and other papers. Not only news but tissue and colored
papers were produced. It is evident that the circulation of the papers was
not very large from the fact that 500 pounds of paper was considered a good
day's work at the time they were supplying several printing offices besides
making other kinds of paper.

The establishment was taken by George L. Hodge, Sharon Y. Beach
and Samuel Roselle August 17th, 1813, under the firm name of Hodge &
Co., this partnership continuing two years.

In 1815 the Humphreysville Manufacturing Company, by their special
agent, Timothy Dwight, sold the paper mill with a five years' lease of the
w^ater to Ezekiel Gilbert, Sharon Y. Beach and Samuel Eoselle, who carried
on the business five years under the firm name of Gilbert, Beach & Co. The
water lease expired in 1850, and as the Humphreysville Manufacturing Com-
pany declined all oft'ers for a renewal, Mr. Beach bought out the otlier two
partners, pulled down the mill, and put it up again in "Blueville," on Bladen's
Brook, about a mile east of the old location, where it has since remained.
Among the numerous publications for which Mr. B. has furnished more or
less paper is Barber's History of Connecticut, New Haven Palladium, Regis-
ter, Journal and Courier, the Waterbury American, and the Seymour Eecord.
In February and ]\Iarch of 1859 a large addition was built to the mill.
In September of 1800 the wooden flume was taken out and an iron one put
in. New machinery has been added from time to time, engines, boilers, cal-
enders, &c., reservoirs built on the hill near by to insure a full supply of pure
water, so much needed in the manufacture of paper, and other improvements
made, until Mr. B. has about $20,000 invested in the business, making a
large mill, furnished with the most approved machinery and turning out large
quantities of superior colored papers, that having been made a specialty of the
mill for a number of years past.

SEYMOUE AND YICIXITY. 121

The first mill on the site of Smith's paper mill was built in 1831 under
the direction of John Eiggs for John S. Moshier. The machinery was de-
signed and built by Cyrus Lee, millwright, in whose employ were Smith
Botsford and Sheldon Ilurd. Mr. Moshier purchased the land from the Capt.
Merrick farm, once owned by Key. Jesse Johnson, including the upper mill
site, now occupied by the rubber mill. Xewel Johnsou purchased the latter
and paid Moshier in work on the paper mill. Johnson built a small dam near
tlie upper end of the present rubber mill dam, and built a small machine shop.
The paper mill was completed and commenced running in the spring of 1832.
William Bates was employed as superintendent and Samuel Bassett run the
paper machine. John Bodge was also employed in the mill, and so continued
until his death in 1808, a period of thirty-nine years. At this time the wages
paid for work in paper mills varied from one dollar for sixteen hours' work
to live shillings for twelve hours.

Early in 1833 the paper mill passed into the hands of John C. Wheeler,
and in April was leased to Daniel White for three years at an annual rent of
$600. Mr. White was then in the paper business at the Falls, and his lease
of that mill had one year longer to run. Sylvester Smith, who had been in
Mr. White's employ one year in the old mill, was now transferred to the
superintendency of the new mill. During the year the most of the paper
made in the mill was of a line quality, for books and periodicals. All paper
was then sold on six and nine months' credit. For about four years this mill
furnished the paper for reprinting Blackwood's Magazine and other foreign
periodicals by T. Foster in New York.

Mr. White, being unsuccessful in business, gave up the mill in the spring
of 1831, and his successor (John 0. Wheeler) gave Sylvester Smith a one-
quarter interest in the business, Wheeler furnishing the capital. Their part-
nership lasted three years. But from 1834 the times were hard and the price
of paper fell off almost one-fourth. Wheeler, who was also in company with
Eaymond French in the auger business, met with heavy losses in the hard
times of 1837. The dam was carried away in April, 1837, but rebuilt before
July, and Wheeler then rented the mill to Smith & Bassett for hfty dollars a
month, to be paid in wrapping paper. This was the commencement of a
partnership which lasted nineteen years. Feb. 10th, 1840, Smith & Bassett
bought the mill of Jolin C. Wheeler for $4,220, payable in wrapping paper —
$200 every three months.

Straw was made into paper in this mill in 1837, and was the first paper
made from straw in Connecticut. Money was very scarce and for several
years barter was more connnon than cash ; paper and augers being extensively
used as a circulatiug medium in this vicinity. In January, 1841, an addition
of twenty feet was built on the south end of the mill. Other improvements
were made in 1840, but on the 20th of January, 1847, the paper mill was
entirely consumed by fire. The loss was about $9,000 and the insurance was
$3,500. AVith improved times and better facilities for making paper, all
seemed ready for increased profit when this fire occurred. On Saturday,
March 13tli, 1847, the frame of the new mill was raised, about 100 men being-
present. Daniel White had charge of the carpenter work and Smith Botsford
superintended the mill work. On Saturday, July 17th, paper making was
resumed.

In January, 1800, Mr, Bassett sold his half of the mill to Mr. Smith,
During the time of their partnership a large proportion of the paper made in
the mill was straw boards and button boards. When they commenced the
price of straw delivered at the mill was $5 per ton. In the last twelve years

122 SEYMOUK AXD VICINITY.

of their partnership the mill was much used in grinding and cleaning rubber^
which added much to the profit of the mill. But in 1855 this branch of the
business was closed up. The paper business was then poor for several years.
The panic of 1857 came and the prospects were gloomy. Then came the
sound of war and the tramp of armies, and everything was uncertain. But
in the spring of 18.03 the paper business revived, and the sun of prosperity
arose on the old paper works. Prices improved, orders increased and the
dream of profits was upon the mill owner. But another unlucky Friday came
and the paper mill was again burnt down, about noon of March 13th, 18G3.
The loss was about $10,000 and the insurance $5,000. Fourteen tons of old
iron was sold from the ruins. In two weeks the timber for the new mill was
on the ground. The main building was raised the last week in April. It
was 40 by 70 feet, and three stories high. The machinery was all put on the
lower floor, and two turbine wheels took the place of the large wooden ones.
On the 4th of July the mill was so far completed that a festival was held in
it for the benefit of sick and wounded soldiers. About five hundred people
attended, and with the music and speaking it was a pleasant aftair. About
the 15th of August the mill was in running order.

A large bleach-house was added to the main building, and in the same
year an ell was added to the east side, 00 by 27 feet, two stories high. Aslibel
Storrs planned and superintended the building, and Smith Botsford was the
master millwright. Perhaps it was the most complete mill for the work for
which it was d(!signed that had been built in the country up to that time.
During the next two years the mill did a successful busiiiess.

In 1800 W. W. Smith took charge of the mill on a salary, and his father
retired from the business. In 1807 an addition was made to the south end
of the mill, a steam engine put in, and the manufacture of manilla paper
commenced. .

On ]\Ionday evening, January 11th, 1800, a fire broke out in the second
story of the ell part of tlie mill, and in a short time the whole building was
destroyed. The loss was about $30,000 and the insurance $14,000. Mr.
Amasa Trowbridge perished in the flames. At the cry of fire he left his
home and lost his life in the efibrt to save his neighbor's property. In three
months another mill was running in part, and at the end of five months from
the date of the fire it was tompleted. The cost of this mill wixs nearly double
that which was built in 1803, so great had been the increase in the price of
labor and nuiterial.

In May, 1870, the mill was sold to Mr. W. W. Smith. This year was
remarkable for the long-continued drought. Nothing like it had ever been
known. In the summer of 1871 the dam was carried away, and Capt. Smith,
at great expense, brought the water down from liimmon Pond in Naugatuck
River, put in a wheel opposite the mill, and applied that power, underneath
the highway, to his mill, the new power going into operation in the first week
in November. But another black Friday came November 10th, and in the
rainy afternoon the cruel fire made short work of the mill. There were ten
policies of insurance of $2,000 each on the property, but the then recent dis-
astrous fire in Chicago had so damaged several of the companies that a large
part of the insurance was lost. Tlie whole loss by this fire was estimated at
$30,000. The mill was again rebuilt and has since been confined to the
manufacture of a superior quality of manilla paper.

I)e Dorest and Hodge purcliased the water privilege and buildings where
the rubber works now are and changed it to a paper mill, running j)artly by
steam, making tine calendered book paper. They soon sold out to Smith &

SEYMOUR AND VICIKITY. 123

Bassett, who continued the paper business, but added the grinding of rubber.
They also liired the mill at the mouth of Little River to grind rubber in, and
even then were unable to do the work as fast as wanted. This mill at the
mouth of Little River had been run as a paper mill by Lewis Bunce, and
afterward by the Rimmon Paper Company. In 1854: Smith & Bassett sold
the upper mill to Austin G. Day, and it has since been occupied by the Day
Brothers in the rubber business exclusively.

SUFFERIKGS OF KEYOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.

^|HE following extract from Ramsay's History of the Revolution, published
in Trenton in 1811, gives a good representation of the sufferings of pat-
riots of the Revolution who were captured by the British, among whom
were Bradford Steele, Jabez Pritchard and others mentioned in this
book in the account of the Revolutionary period.

The prisoners captured by Sir William Howe iu 1776, amounted to many hundreds. The
officers were admitted to parole, and had some waste houses assigned to them as quarters ; but the
privates were shut up iu the coldest season of the year, in churches, sugar houses, and such like
large open buildings. The severity of the weather, and the rigor of their treatment, occasioned the
death of many hundreds of these unfortunate men. The filth of the places of their confinement, in
consequence of tluxes which prevailed among them, was both oflfensive and dangerous. Seven dead
bodies have been seen in one building, at one time, and all lying in a situation shocking to humanity.
The provisions served out to them were deficient iu quantity, and of an unwholesome quality. These
suffering prisoners were generally pressed to enter into the British service, but hundreds submitted
to death, rather than procure a melioration of their circumstances by enlisting with the enemies of
their country. After General Washington's successes at Trenton and Princeton, the American
prisoners fared somewhat better. Those who survived were ordered to be sent out for exchange, but
some of them fell down dead iu the streets, while attempting to walk to the vessels. Others were so
emaciated that their appearance was horrible. A speedy death closed the scene with many.

Tlie American board of war, after conferring (December 1, 1777) with Mr. Boudinot, the
commissary-general of prisoners, and examining evidences produced by him, reported among other
things, " That there were 900 privates and 300 officers of the American army, prisoners in the city of
New York, and about 500 privates and 50 officers prisoners in Plyladelphia. That since the begin-
ning of October, all these prisoners, both ofHcers and privates, had been confined in prison ships or
the Provost : That from the best evidence the subject could admit of, the general allowance of
prisoners, at most, did not exceed four ounces of meat per day, and often so damaged as not to be
eatable : That it had been a common practice with the British, on a prisoner's being first captured,
to keep him three, four or five daj's, without a morsel of meat, and then to tempt him to enlist to
save his life : That there were numerous instances of prisoners of war perishing iu all the agonies of
hunger."

About this time (Dec. 24, 1777) there was a meeting of merchants in Loudon, for the purpose
of raising a sum of money to relieve the distresses of American prisoners then iu England. The sum
subscribed for that purpose amounted in two months to 4617Z 15s. Thus while Immau nature was
dishonored by the cruelties of some of the British in America, there was a laudable display of the
benevolence of others of the same nation in Europe. The American sailors, when captured by the
British, suffered more than even the soldiers which fell into their hands. The former were confined
on board prison ships. They were there crouded together in such numbers, and their accommoda-
tions were so wretched, that diseases broke out and swept them ofl" in a manner that was sufficient
to excite compassion in breasts of the least sensibility. It has been asserted, on as good evidence as
the case will admit, that in the last six years of the war upwards of eleven thousand persons died on
board the Jersey, one of these prison ships, which was stationed iu East river near New-York. On
many of these, the rites of sepulture were never or very imperfectly conferred. For some time after
the war was ended, their bones lay whitening in the sun, on the shores of Long-Island.

124 SEYMOUE AND VICINITY.

STREETS OF SEYMOUR.

Birch, from Washington avenue to Day street.

Beoad, from Main street to Derby avenue.

Cedar, from Eiver street, along foot of Castle Eock, to West street.

Church, from West street, east, past Trinity church, to Mill street.

Culver, from First avenue to Grand street.

Day, from North Main street to Pearl street.

Derby Avenue, from intersection of Broad and West streets, southward.

Elm, from Pearl street to house of Edwin -Smith.

Factory, from Main street to Kalmia Mills.

First, from Factory street to Maple street.

First Avenue, from Grand street to Culver street.

Grand, from Washington avenue to Pearl street.

Grove, from Derby avenue to Cedar street, past house of B. W. Smith.

High, from Pearl street, opposite M. E. Church, to Culver street.

Hill, from Main street, southward, formerly Eimmon turnpike.

Humphrey, from Pearl street to house of Isaac Losee. '

James, from Main street to Washington avenue.

Main, running north towards Pinesbridge and south towards Ansonia.

Maple, from Main street to West street, near house of E. L. Hoadley.

Mill, from Eiver street, northwest, to West street.

Monson, from Grand street to Culver street.

North, from Day street, north, to North Main street.

Oak, from Derby avenue to Cedar street, past house of Frederick Emery.

Pearl, from South Main street to Day street.

Pine, from Broad street to Derby avenue.

Eaymond, from Factory street to foot of Third street.

Eimmon, from Maple street, north, over Eimmon Hill.

Eiver, from West street to Maple street.

Eose, ft-om Derby avenue to Cedar street, past house of S. C. Ford.

Second, from Eaymond street, north, to the river.

Third, from Maple street, south, to Eaymond street.

Third Avenue, from Grand street, south, to Culver street.

Walnut, from Hill street, near house of S. C. Ford, to Pearl street,

Washington Avenue, (Promised Land,) from Hill street to Main street.

West, from intersection of Broad street and Derby avenue, towards Oxford.

Vine, from Derby avenue to Cedar street, south of house of C. W. Storrs.

ISEYMOUli a:ND V1C1:N1TY. 125

IS^OTES FROM DWIGHT'S TRAVELS.

Published in 1822.

From Derbj the road crosses Naugatuc river ; and thence proceeds by the side of the Hooes-
tennuc to the near neighbourhood of its fountains in New-Ashford. From Derby to Kent the course
is nearly North-West; and throughout the whole distance to New-Milford is almost literally on the
bank. The valley is every where narrow ; and the prospect limited on both sides by hills of consid-
erable height. A few of these are bold, masculine bluffs, with rude precipices, which may be called
magnificent. Almost all of them present declivities, too steep for convenient cultivation, covered
with a soil too unpromising to tempt the labours of the husbandman. At times it is sandy ; at others
rocky; and at ethers cold. Hence this region is more thinly populated than any other, of equal
extent, within the limits of Connecticut. The houses, also, are few; and most of them indifferent
buildings. In the parish of South-Britain, eighteen miles from Derby, and twenty-six from New-
Haven, there is a small exception to these remarks. The rest of the tract is solitary; and, with the
aid of a road generally sandy and heavy, is far from inviting excursions of pleasure.

You will remember, that these observations are applied only to the narrow valley of the
Hooestennuc, through which we passed ; extending rarely more than a mile in breadth ; and
generally not more than one fourth of a mile. As soon as these steep hills are ascended, their surface
presents a good soil, and sprightlier scenery, had numerous population and flourishing settlements.

The first township, along the skirt of which we passed after we had left Derby, is Oxford ;
formerly a part of that township. Oxford is a collection of hills and vallies, generally covered with
a strong soil. The inhabitants are universally farmers. It includes two Congregations ; a Presby-
terian and an Episcopal plurality; and, in 1800, contained 1,410 inhabitants; in ISIO, 1,413.

Immediately North of Oxford lies the township of Southbury, along a tributary stream of the
Hooestennuc. Its surface is pleasant ; and the soil, excellent. It is divided into two parishes ; the
Town, and South-Britain. The town is a pretty collection of houses, chiefly on a single street,
running from North to South. The parish of South-Britain is small. That part of it, which borders
upon the Hooestennuc, presents the only specimen of soft scenery on our road, until we reached
New-Milford. The expansion here was wider, the hills more handsomely shaped, and the river
adorned with several intervals. The soil was better than in the parts through which we have passed
before. Here, also, was a scattered hamlet, the inhabitants of which appeared to be in better
circumstances. Southbury contains two Presbyterian congregations. In the year 1774, it was a
part of Woodbury. In 1790, it contained 1,738 inhabitants: in 1800, 1,757; and in ISIO, (a part of
it having been taken off to form the township of Middlebury,) 1,413.— [Vol. Ill, pp. 396-7.]

New-Haven is the shire town of the County of New-Haven, in a State distinguished for the
rigid execution of its laws. Of course all the capital punishments in the County have been inflicted
here. The whole number of these in one hundred and seventy-five years, has been thirteen. Of
these, five were whites; five were Indians; and three were blacks. Of the whites, one was a
stranger taken up as a spy, as he was passing through this town, and executed, pursuant to a sentence
of a court martial. Three of the remaining four were natives of England. It does not appear, that
any inhabitant of this town, or County, ever suffered death by the hand of law. There is no reason
to conclude, that the people of this County are more distinguished for their morals than most of the
other settlements, which have been established for any length of time. In this respect, (the paucity
of capital punishments,) New-England may be compared with Scotland, and Switzerland; and will
suffer no disadvantage by the comparison.— [Vol. IV, p. 334.]

There is not a spot on the globe, where so little is done to govern the inhabitants ; nor a spot,
where the inhabitants are so well governed, or, perhaps, in more appropriate terms, where the state
of society is so peaceable, orderly, and happy. A recurrence to the manner, in which elections are
carried on here, as described in a former part of these letters, will enable you to compare them with

126 SEYMOUR AND VICIXITY.

your own. Those in your country have been described to me on various occasions, by authority
which cannot be questioned. They are scenes of riot, tumult, and violence. Ours are scarcely less
decent than religious assemblies. — [Vol. IV, p. 335.]

The people of New-England have always had, and have by law always been required to have,
arms in their hands. Every man is, or ought to be, in tlie possession of a musket. The great body
of our citizens, also, are trained with a good degree of skill, and success, to military discipline. Yet
I know not a single instance, in which arms have been the instruments of carrying on a private
quarrel. * * * On a country, more peaceful and quiet, it is presumed, the sun never shone.
* * * In Coimecticut, the government, whether of the Colony or the State, has never met with
a single serious attempt at resistance to the execution of its laws. * * * Our laws provide
effectually for the comfortable maintenance of all the poor; who are inhabitants; and, so long as
they are with us, of poor strangers, in what country soever they are born ; and, when they are sick,
supply them with physicians, nurses, and medicines. The children of the poor are furnished with
education and apprenticeships, at the public expense. — [Vol. IV, p. 336-7.]

^.'^OV=J;g^>:5t^|iW,J);i^?5^^i>^

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

ABIEL CAXFIELD,

A soldier of the Revolution, was born April Gth, 1753. He enlisted in the
company of Capt. Pierson as piper, Ma\' 8th, 1777, and marched to New
Haven the same day, where he remained with the forces for the protection of
the city and harbor during the term of his service. He married Mary Barlow
of Stratford Hec. 23d, 1779, and lived in West street, the second house on
the left from Church street, still standing. He had a shop in the rear, where
he manufactured brass and pewter buttons, buckles, sleigh bells, metal tags,
&c. The pewter buttons were cast in moulds. He employed an English
engineer to cut the dies used in making the figures upon the buttons, for
military and other uses. He afterward purchased of Bradford Steele the
house east of the Episcopal church and built a shop near by. He died Dec.
0th, 1812, aged 59 years and 7 months.

REV. ALONZO B. PULLING,

Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church a portion of 1876 and 1877, laboring
zealously and efficiently for the good of those under his pastoral care. "A
good minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, put in trust with the Gospel," He
became superannuated at the end of his pastorate and continued to reside at
East Village, with the exception oi his pastorate in Seymour, until his death.
He united with his conference in the spring of 1846, and filled important
charges with nuirked fidelity and acceptability, remaining almost without
exception the full term allowed by the church. He served in the New Milford
charge twice, the first term of two years and the second three years. He
leaves a gootl record, and has been called from labor to his reward. "Well
done good and faithful servant."

UliS. AXX S. STEPHENS,

The gifted writer, was the daughter of John Winterbottom, junior partner
of T. Vose & Co., successors to General Humphreys in the manufacture of
broadcloth. She went to school in Sheffield, Canaan and other places, and
wrote her first composition— an epigram upon a boy in her father's employ—
at the age of seven. The first composition she published was an address to a

SEYMOUR A^B yiCi:^riTY. 127

friend, a student in Yale College, printed in the New Haven Post. In 1832
she married Mr. Edward Stephens of Plymouth, Mass., and in 18,31 published
the "Polish Boy." Two years later she started a literary magazine in Port-
land, Maine, and in it wrote her first story and published ''The Tradesman's
Daughter." In 1838 she became editress of the Ladies' Companion, in New
York, and published "Mary Derwent," "The Deluded," and other serials.
Later she was with George li. Graham and Edgar A. Poe on Graham Maga-
zine in Philadelphia, at the same time acting as co-editress with Charles J.
Peterson, of Peterson's Magazine. Mrs. Stephens and Mr. Peterson have
been associated for over thirty years. About twenty years ago Mrs. Stephens
published the original of "Fashion and Famine" in Peterson's Magazine,
which was afterwards printed in book form, being the first book she ever pub-
lished. Her published works now include about thirty novels, a "History of
the War" in two volumes, and two luunorous works. The opening scenes of
"Bertha's Engagement" are laid here, and also the story of "Malvina Gray."
She is now a regular contributor to Peterson's Magazine and other publica-
tions. Her story of "Fashion and Famine" had a circulation of over 80,000
copies.

SQUIRE DAVID FRENCH,
The oldest son of Israel French, was a patriot of the Revolution, going to
Boston after the battle of Bunker Hill to assist in resisting the encroachments
of despotism. He was trial justice of the north part of the town of Woodbridge
for many years, and tried more cases than any other justice in Woodbridge.
The late Judge David Dagget of New Haven said that he had pleaded a
great many cases before 'Squire David. He represented the town of Wood-
bridge in the General Assembly twenty successive semi-annual terms. He
first built his log-house in Nyumphs, at a place which he afterwards gave to
his son Luther. He Avas for many years a deacon of the First Congregational
Chiu'ch of Bethathy under the Rev. Samuel Hawley, but when Rev. George
Whitfield visted this country he became a convert to his views of experimental
religion, and afterwards was a regular member of the new sect of Methodists,
which soon spread over the country like a great tidal wave. He was never
one of the enthusiastic kind, but earnest and strongly sincere. All his public
life he was much accustomed to public speaking, and used often in the General
Assembl) to encounter the celebrated Pierpont Edwards. He had a strong
voice and expressed his opinions with energy and confidence. These opinions,
M'hether religious or political, were always such as to command respect. He
died Aug. 4th, 1821, aged 80 years.

LUGRAND SHARP,

Son of Thomas and Mary Sharp, was born in Ridgefield, Ct., June 1st, 1797.
He was a great-grandson of Thomas Sharp of Newtown, who emigrated from
England to Stratford in 1700, and was one of the original thirty-six proprietors
and a surveyor of the the town of Newtown. Thonuis Sharp, 3rd, purchased
lands in Oxford, near Zoar Bridge in 1804 and settled there, but died in 1805,
Lugrand being then but eight years of age. In 1821 he purchased the place
in Southford on which the Abbott mansion now stands. In 1823 he married
Olive M., daugher of Ebenezer Booth, cabinet maker, who built the house,
dam and factory since owned by Rev. William Cutts, knife manufacturer.
He was an earnest and efficient laborer in the ^Methodist society formed at
Southford, of which Rev. Samuel Hickox of Seymour was the first pastor.
It was to a great extent due to his ettorts that a union meeting-house was soon
built at Southford, and a class formed at Quaker Farms, of which he was the

128 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

first leader. His house was alwa3'S open to the hard-working itinerant
preachers of tliose days, and he continued to be one of the most active members
of the Southford chureli until 1843, when he sold out and came to Humphreys-
ville, now Seymour. In 1819 he built the house on Hill street, which he
afterwards occupied until his death. He was for several years superintendent
of the Sunday school, and afterwards an active member of it until within two
or three years of his death. He contributed liberally to such religious and
benevolent causes as received his approval, giving over $1,500 to the mission-
ary cause during the last nine years of his life. He died May 1st, 1876, aged
78 years. His last years were literally and fully devoted to the service of
the Lord, and when his last sickness came he felt that his work was done and
he waited in patience for the Master's call.

SAMUEL WIEE

Was born at Greenfield Hills, Fairfield, Feb. 8th, 1789. He came to Hum-
phreysville when thirteen years of age to learn the clothing business under
General Humphreys. At the age of twenty-three he married the sister of the
late General Clark Wooster, who died after several years of happy married
life, without children. Mr. Wire soon afterwards commenced the manufacture
of satinet warps in the south part of Oxford, and married his second wife, who
was the daughter of David Candee. He represented the town at several
sessions of the General Assembly and held other important offices of trust,
being at one time the most influential politician in town. In 1817 he removed
to New Haven, where he was a constable for several years and then city
sheriff". He was one of the oldest Freemasons in the State, and a member of
Franklin Chapter and Harmony Council. He was a man of genial disposi-
tion, faithful and upright. He died May 3rd, 1874, aged 86 years.

IX MEMORIAM.

In the Rimmon burying-ground, on a bluff on the west side of the Nau-
gatuck, are seven gravestones with the following inscriptions :
Susanna, wife of Lieut. Thomas Clark, died Apr. 1, 1768, aged 29 years.
Phoebe, wife of David Johnson, Aug. 6, 1777, in the 47th year of her age.
In memory of Joseph Riggs, son of Mr. Joseph and Mistress Anna Riggs,

who departed this life March 22, 1794, in the 8th year of his age.
Joseph Riggs died Mar. 19, 1791, in the 38th year of his age, who was a

pattern of industry, a friend to virtue, and a pillar of society.
In memory of David Johnson Riggs, son of Mr. Joseph and Mistress Anna

Riggs, who departed this life March 24th, 1794, in the loth year of his age.
In memory of Mrs. Sarah, relict of Mr. Benajah Johnson, who departed this

life May 7, 1773, aged 72 years.
Thomas Clark, died Oct. 11, 1797, aged 33 years.

DEATHS, ARRANGED AX,PHABETICAX,LY.

Abram Bassett, Nov. 17th, 1853, aged 81 years.

Samuel Bassett, Sept. 28th, 1851, aged 67 years.

Betsey, wife of David Beach, Oct. 9th, 1822, aged 21 years.

Mrs. Beebe, Nov. 15th, 1822, aged 70 years.

Mrs. Charles Benham, June 1st, 1822, aged 27 years.

Dorcas Bradley, Dec. 3rd, 1814, aged 92 years.

SEYMOUR AND VICIXITY. 129

Betsey Broadwell, March lOtli, 1821, aged 33 years.

Lewis Broadwell, Sept. 6th, 1844, aged 53 years.

Huldah, wife of Stephen Booth, Feb. 2nd, 1848, aged 70 years.

Annie Case, ]Srov. 10th, 1821, aged 68 years. Eesidence, Skokorat.

Joel Chatfield, June 14th, 1836, aged 79 years.

Ruth, wife of Joel Chatfield, Xov. 2nd, 1831, aged 62 years 6 months.
Sheldon Church, Nov. 8th, 1873, aged 76 years.

Laura, wife of Sheldon Church, Feb. 10th, 1871, aged 73 years.
William Clark, Oct. 24th, 1834, aged 70 years.
Miles Culver, July 28th, 1857.

Phebe Dayton, widow of Capt. Eben'" Dayton, March 18th, 1827, aged 77 yrs.
John H. DeForest, Feb. 12th, 1839.
Capt. Amadeus Dibble, Sept. 25th, 1827, aged G5 yrs. Residence, Skokorat.

Mary, wife of Capt. Amadeus Dibble, March Yth, 1826, aged 29 years.
Raymond Dibble, Xov. 17th, 1826, aged 29 years.
Joseph Durand, Aug. 6th, 1792, aged 84 years.

Anna, wife of Joseph Durand, Feb. 14th, 1778, aged 64 years.
Samuel Durand, Feb. 18th, 1852, aged 68 years.
Nathaniel French, !Nov. 13th, 1780, aged 64 years.
Samuel French, Feb. 2nd, 1883, aged 78 years.
Charles French, Esq., Xov, 9th, 1783, aged 79 years.
Enoch French, May 21st, 1824, aged 64 years.

Hannah, wife of David French, Esq., Aug. 19th, 1823, aged 19 years.
William French, Oct. 16th, 1823, aged 37 years.

Xancy, wife of William French, July 13th, 1823, aged 19 years.
William Gerling, Nov. 25th, 1814, aged 60 years. From England.
Ezekiel Gilbert, July 6th, 1848, aged 55 years.

Sarah Hard, wife of Ezekiel Gilbert, Nov. 16th, 1870, aged 76 years.
Thomas Gilyard, Nov. 12th, 1853, aged 67 years.

Annie Gilyard, Jan. 11th, 1821, aged 61. Born at Hightown, Yorkshire, Eng.
Mrs. Jona. Harden, April 10th, 1822, aged 51 years. Residence, Skokorat.
Matilda Hatte, Nov., 1814, 15th daughter of Stephen Hatte.
Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Hickox, Dec. 9th, 1841, aged 26 years.
Timothy Hitchcock, Aug. 5th, 1820, aged 72 years.
Capt. Daniel Holbrook, Dec. 28th, 1828, aged 59 years. Residence, Skokorat.

Lois, wife of Capt. Daniel Holbrook, March 10th, 1827, aged 63 years.
David Humphreys, 2nd, March 21st, 1814, aged 28 years.
David Humphreys, 3rd, Dec. 2nd, 1814, aged 3 years.
George, son of William Humphreys, Esq., July 8th, 1828.
Hon. John Humphreys, Jr., June 29th, 1826, aged 53 years.
Alexander Johnson, Sept., 1817, aged 87 years.
Benajah Johnson, April 13tli, 1763, aged 59 years.

Sarah, wife of Benajah Johnson, March 7th, 1773, aged 72 years.
Chauncey Johnson, Dec. 26th, 1814, aged 37 years.
Ebenezer Johnson, Sept. 25th, 1792, aged 31 years.
Ebenezer Johnson, FelD. 11th, 1830, aged 38 years.

Eleanor Allen, wife of Ebenezer Johnson, July 3rd, 1870, aged 76 years.
Elijah Johnson, 1847, aged 75 years.
Hepsibah Johnson, April 13th, 1823, aged 43 years.
Hezekiah Johnson, Nov. 15th, 1826, aged 70 years.
Isaac Johnson, April 10th, 1813, aged 78 years. Residence, Skokorat.

Lois, wife of Isaac Johnson, Oct. 16th, 1814, aged 76 years.
Rev. Jesse Johnson, Oct. 21st, 1829, aged 56 years.

130 SEYMOUR AXD VICIXITY.

Jesse Johnson, Jr., Feb. 9tli, 1820, aged 25 years.

Joseph Johnson, June 26th, 1818, aged 59 jears.

Stiles Johnson, Oct. 4th, 1818, aged 36 years. Residence, Skokorat.

Timothy Johnson, Jan. 21st, 1836, aged 70 years. Residence, Pinesbridge.

Zeviah Johnson, May 29th, 1816, aged 77 years.

Abraham Kenney, Oct. 29th, 1822, aged 30 years.

Isaac Kinney, Aug. 18th, 1875, aged 85 years and 6 months.

Anna Church, wife of Isaac Kinney, Jan. 24th, 1868, aged 64 years.
Wife of William Kenney, Sr., March 9th, 1827, aged 70 years.
William Kinney, Jan. 7th, 1847, aged 87 years.
Elijah Kirtland, May 25th, 1831, aged 31 years.
John Lane, July 6th, 1834, aged 26 years.
Jonathan Miles, Feb. 25th, 1830, aged 85 years.

Mrs. Jonathan Miles, Oct. 5th, 1822, aged 70 years.
Theophilus Miles, Nov. 11th, 1822, aged 83 years.
Theophilus Miles, Jr., March 15th, 1840, aged 70 years.
Ebenezer Northrop, Jan. 11th, 1835, aged 49 years.
Miss Lucy Norton, Dec. 31st, 1809, aged 30 years.
John Pitt, Nov. 11th, 1848, killed by the bursting of a cannon.
I<]benezer Peck, Sept. 20th, 1813, aged 70 years,
iliram Randall, Dec. 14th, 1833.

Betsey, wife of Moses Riggs, Sept. 12th, 1828, aged 40 years.
John Riggs, Nov. 14th, 1855, aged 84 years.

Mary, wife of John Riggs, Dec. 15th. 1827, aged 53 years.
David Sanford, March 7th, 1842.
Dr. Samuel Sanford, Jan. 25th, 1803, aged 38 years.
Jason Skeels, Nov. 1st, 1855, aged 40 vears.
Col. Ira Smith, Nov. 19tli, 1822, aged *44 years.
Jesse Smith, 1831, aged 65 years.

Sarah, wife of Jesse Smith, Feb. 1820, aged 55 years.
James Spencer, May 30th, 1827, aged 30 years.
Capt. Bradford Steele, April 18th, 1804, aged 69 years.

Mary, wife of Capt. Bradford Steele, Oct. 16th, 1788, aged 57 years.
Deacon Bradford Steele, Dec. 23rd, 1841, aged 80 years.
Norman Steele, July 9th, L822, aged 40 years.
Abiram Stoddard, Nov. 23rd, 1855, aged 79 years.

Eunice, Avife of Abiram Stoddard, Aug. 23rd, 1855, aged 69 years.
John Storrs, March 18th, 1841, aged 42 years.
Mark Tomlinson, Oct. 2nd, 1822, aged 36 years.
Sheldon Tucker, Jan. 5th, 1843, aged 57 years.
Zephaniah Tucker, Sept. 18th, 1848, aged 89 years.
Smith Washburn, JNIay 21st, 1823, aged 28 vears.
John Todd Wheeler, (born May 4th, 1777), died Sept. 3rd, 1868, M. 91 yrs.4m.

Sarah Clark Wheeler, Aug. 14th, 1823, aged 47 years.

Almira Chatfield Wheeler, Dec. 12th, 1873, aged 82 years and 6 months.
Sally Wheeler, Aug. 14tli, 1823, aged 47 years.
Simon Wlieeler, Sept. 22nd, 1794, aged 24 years.
Daniel White, May 6th, 1854, aged 76 years.
Isaac White, Feb. 6th, 1862, aged 72 years.
John White, Nov. 17th, 1830, aged 73 years.

Abigail, wife of Marchant Wooster, Dec. 18th, 1832, aged 78 years.
Grace, wife of Clark Wooster, Jan. 1st, 1826, aged 27 years.
Henry Wooster, May 30th, 1815, aged 79 years.

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 131

Elizabeth, wife of Henry Woo^ter, Sept. 7tli, 1786, aged 44 years.
John Wooster, Aug. 2ntl 1804, aged 84 years.

Eunice, wife of Jolm Wooster, Nov. 17th, 1799, aged 74 years.
John Wooster, Oct. 27th, 1823, M. GO. Arrived from England Sept.' 5th, 1819.

MORm:N^G STAR LODGE, ^o. 47, F. & A. M.

The time-honored order of Free Masonry is repre-
sented in this town by a lodge which has reached the
venerable age of seventy-four years. Morning Star
Lodge was constituted under a charter from the M. W.
Stephen Titus Hosmer, Esc],, Grand Master of the
Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted
Masons for the State of Connecticut, bearing date, or
rather granted the 18th day of October, A. D. 1804. The petitioners to whom
the charter was granted were Adam Lum, Veren Dike, Silas Sperry, Geo.W.
Thomas, Benjamin Candee, Lewis Wakelee, E. C. Candee, Joel Finch, Ar-
nold Loveland, William Hurd, Wm. Bronson, Daniel Candee, Abel
Wheeler, Samuel Riggs, William Morris, Levi Candee, Nathan Davis,
Charles Monson, Jessie Scott and Moses Candee, "Brethren of the Honora-
ble Society of Masons residing in the town of Oxford."

Abel Wheeler is named in the . charter as first Master, Levi Candee as
Senior Warden and William Monis as Junior Warden.

In 1832, so much had the principles of the order been misrepresented
that the following declaration was prepared by the Grand Lodge, signed by
members of the order generally throughout the State, and published, not only
in the Masonic proceedings, but in the newspapers of the day, and helped to
a great extent to allay the prejudices against the order. Appended is the
declaration and the names of signers who lived in this vicinity.

Whereas, charges have been made against the Institution of Freemasonry, accusing the
whole Fraternity >'ith having adopted and cherished principles dangerous to the community and re-
pugnant to morality and religion; and from the silence of the members of our Institution concerning
these accusations, many persons have supposed or may suppose that we admit the truth of these
charges, or that we cannot conscientiously deny them:

We, the officers and members of the Grand Lodge of the Slate of Connecticut, and of the
subordinate Lodges under its jurisdiction, have come to the conclusion that justice to ourselves and
a decent regard for the opinions of our fellow-citizens, demand from us a pubUc avowal of the prin-
ciples of the Order, and of the nature and tendency of the Institution. A declaration on this subject,
dated December 31st, 1831, having been made and published by our brethren of the Masonic Frater-
nity in the State of Massachusetts, to which we fully assent, as it is strictly true in all respects, we
have adopted the same, and now beg leave to present it to the public.

Tarn ^BQi.amaT'SQ^,

Whereas, it has been frequently asserted and published to the world, that in the several de-
grees of FREEMASONRY, as they are conferred in the United States, the candidate, on his initia-
tion and subsequent advancement, binds himself by oath, to sustain his Masonic brethren in acts
which are at variance with the fundamental principles of morality, and incompatible with his duty as
a good and faithful citizen. Injustice, therefore, to themselves, and with a view to establish truth
and expose imposition, the undersigned, members of the Masonic Fraternity, and many of us the
recipients of every degree of Freemasonry known and acknowledged in this country, do most sol-
emnly DENY the existence of any such obligation in the MASONIC INSTITUTION, as tar as our

132

SEYMOUE AND VICINITY,

kuowleflge respectively extends. And we do also solemnly aver, that no person is admitted to the
Institution, without first being made acquainted with the nature of the obligations which he will be
required to incur and assume.

Freemasonry secures its members in the freedom of thought and of speech, and permits each
and every one to act according to the dictates of his own conscience in matters of religion, and of
his personal preferences in matters of politics. It neither knows, nor does it assume to inflict upon
its erring members, however wide may be their aberations from duty, any penalties or punishments
other than Admonilion, Suspension and Expulsion.

The obligations of the Institution require of its members a strict obedience to the laws of God
and man. So far from being bound by any engagements inconsistent with the happiness and pros-
perity of the nation, every citizen, who becomes a Mason, is doubly bound to he true to his God, his
coinitry, and his fellow-men. In the language of the "Ancient Constitutions" of the Order, which
are printed and open for public mspection, and which are used as text-books in all our Lodges, he is
"required to keep and obey the moral law, to be a quiet and peaceable citizen, true to his govern-
ment and just to his country."

Masonry disdains the making of proselytes. She opens the portals of her asylum to those only
who seek admission, with the recommendation of a character unspotted by immorality and vice. She
simply requires of the candidate his assent to one great fundamental religious truth,— the existence
AND Providence of GOD, and a practical acknowledgement of those infallible doctrines for the
government of life, which are written by the finger of God on the heart ©f man.

Entertaining such sentiments, as Masons, as Citizens, as Christians, and as moral men, and
deeply impressed with the conviction that the Masonic Institution has been, and may continue to
be, productive of great good to their fellow-men; and havhig "received the laws of the Society, and
its accumulated funds, in sacred trust for charitable purposes," the undersigned can neither renounce
nor abandon it.

We most cordially nnite with our brethren of Massachusetts, in the declaration and hope,
that, "should the people of this country become so infatuated as to deprive Masons of their civil
rights, in violation of the written constitutions and the wholsome spirit of just laws and free govern-
ment, a vast majority of the Fraternity will still remain firm, confiding in God and the rectitude of
their intentions for consolation under the trials to which they may be exposed."

Newel Johnson,
John L. Daniels,
Ebenezer Fisher,
John S. Moshier,
Josiah Nettleton,
Henry Leforge,
David Sanford,
Hirani Upson,
Daniel Hitchcock,
■ i/einan Ohatfield,
Sheldon Caniield,
Henry Wooster,
Oliver H. Stoddard,
J. H. De Forest,
Chester Jones,
Isaac White,
Henry C. Atvvood,
Seth Crosby,
Thomas Buxton,
Henry Buxton,
Garry Biggs,
Henry A. McGary,

Lyman Biggs,
Gad Hitchcock,
Smith Clark,
John Smith,
Sidney B. Wildman,
Charles Bansom,
Chauncey Haines,
Danie'; Hyatt,
Samuel Biggs,
Chaurcey M. Hatch,
John M. Hart,
David M. Clark,
Samuel Wire,
Minoi Barnes,
Edward Booty,
Levi Candee,
Thomas A. Dutton,
Samuel Meigs,
James W. Hurd,
Daniel Smith,
Joseph Clark,

Seth Green,
Sheldon Beebe,
George Gunn,
Jacob Eockwell,
Thomas M. Hedden,
David Candee,
David McEwen,
Noah Stone,
Nathan B. Fairchild,
Isaiah Candee,
Willis Smith,
Harry Osborn,
Ethel Blackman,
John Storrs,
Boswell Cable,
Nathan J. Wilcoxon,
William Morris,
Jesse Joy,
Alfred Harger,
Philo Wooster,
Ashbel Baldwin,
George B. Piatt,

Charles Morgan,

The Lodge met in Masonic Hall, Oxford, until 1844, when owing to
decreased numbers from removals and other causes, the sessions were sus-
pended. It was re-organized May 14th, 1851, with George B. Glendining as

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY,

133

Master, DaA'id J. McEwen Senior Warden, and Alfred French Junior
Warden, and removed to Seymour. E. G. Storer was then Grand Secre-
tary. Since this time the lodge has prospered and its total membership,
from the date of the charter until now, has been about three hundred and
seventy-five.

MASTERS OF THE LODGE.

1804
1805
1806
1807
1808
1809
1810
1811
1812
1813
1814
1815
1816
1817
1818
1819
1820
1821
1822
1823
1824
1825
1826
1827,
1828,
1829
1830
1831
1832
1833
1834,
1835
1836
1837

Abel Wheeler.
Abel Wheeler.
Abel Wheeler.
Levi Candee.
Abel Wheeler.
William Morris.
David J. McEwen.
William Morris,
Chauncey M. Hatch.
Levi Candee.
David J. McEwen.
Levi Candee.
David J. McEwen.
Chauncey M. Hatch.
David J. McEwen.
Merrit Bradley.
Merrit Bradley.
Merrit Bradley.
Samuel Wire.
Chauncev M. Hatch.
David M. Clark.
Cyrus Humphreys.
Jesse Joy.
Jesse Joy.
John M. Hart.
John M. Hart.
Henry C. At wood.
Henry C. Atwood.
Henry C. Atwood.
John M. Hart.
John M. Hart.
John M. Hart.
David M. Clark.
David M. Clark.

1838, William Hinman.

1839, John M. Hart.

1840, David M. Clark.

1841, Garry Ris:gs.

1842, John M. Hart.

1843, Charles Ransom.

1851, George B. Glendining.

1852, David J. McEwen.

1853, Harris B. Munson.

1854, Joseph Chipman.

1855, Joseph Chipman.

1856, Stephen D. Russell.

1857, Ashbel StoiTs.

1858, Stephen D. Russell.

1859, Elihu D. Foote.

1860, Israel French.

1861, Philo Buckingham.

1862, George W. Divine.

1863, Ashbel Storrs.

1864, Samuel P. Davis.

1865, Samuel P. Davis.

1866, Samuel P. Davis.

1867, Samuel P. Davis.

1868, Samuel P. Davis.

1869, Stephen R. Rider.

1870, Stephen R. Rider.

1871, Stephen R. Rider.

1872, Henrv A. Rider.

1873, William S. Cooper.

1874, William S. Cooper.

1875, William K. Holmes.

1876, William K. Holmes.

1877, William K. Holmes.

1878, William Halligan.

134

SEYMOUK AKD VICINITY.

MECHANICS' LODGE, No. 73, I. O. O. F,

Horace A. Eadford,
Martin Kelly,
Daniel J. Putman,

INSTITUED May 27th, 1851.

CHAKTER MEJIBEES.

Julius Eassett, John Scott,

John Hilton, Charles ISTewton,

H. P. Davis, John L. Hartson,

W. J. Merrick.

W. W. White,
John Davis,
J. A. Stevens,

Geo. E, Lester and Wm. A. Hughes were the first candidates for initiation.

NOBLE GRANDS.

Julius BaSsett,
Daniel J. Putman,
Martin Kellv,
W. J. Merrick,
John A. Hartson,
Harpiu Davis,
W. W. White,
Wm. A. Hughes,
George E. Lester,
Llenry Bradley,
John Davis, 2nd,

E. W. Scott,
A. G. White,
David Tucker,
H. T. Booth,
]VIitchell Vincent,
Charles ^Newton,
George Upson,
John Hilton,
H. A. Eadford,
A. J. Beers.
W. E. Hendryx,

Peter Ward,
F. H. Beecher,
W. D. Bissell,
John W.Woodruff,
W. S. Cooper,
John Whiting,
Svlvester Smith,
W. D. Dibble,
Ed. D. Phelps,
James K. Adams,

Harvey Eugg,
E. C. JBrown,
J. W. Smith,
Samuel Butler,
Eobert Healy,
S. A. Beach,
James E. Buckley,
Charles Edwards,
W. H. Williams,
Charles P. White.

SECRETARIES.

W. J. Merrick, H. T. Booth, M. K. Tucker,

H. Davis, George E. Lester, James K. Adams,

Wm. A. Hughes, Mitchell Vincent, W. S. Cooper,
Geo. Leavenworth, A. G. White, Peter Ward,

James Davis, Frank H. Beecher, J. E. Buckley,

E. C. Brown,
J. W. Smith,
M. H. Pope,
H. S. Halligan,

F. A. Eugg.

HUMPHREY LODGE, No. 26, K.

Instituted Feb. 8th, 1871.

charter iviembers.
S. H. Canfield, C. W. James,
W. G. Mitchell,
George Eogers,
F. M. Lum,

W. N. Storrs,
S. C. Tucker,
Charles French,
M. E. Castle.

OF P.

F. H. Beecher,
V. H. McEwen,
George Smith,
D. C. Castle,

WORTHY CHANCELLORS.
1871, First term, Samuel P. Davis, Second term, George A. Eogers,

1872,
1873,
1874,
1875,
1876,
1877,
1878,

W. G. Mitchell,
William N. Storrs,
William H. Williams,
William H. Williams,
Frank H. Beecher,
William H. Williams,
William H. Williams,

William S. Cooper,
William H. Williams,
Charles Short,
Virgil H. McEwen,
Frank H. Beecher,
William H. Williams,
Joseph H. Smith.

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 135

UPSON POST, No. 40, G. A. R.

Organized in 1873.
Wm. S. Cooper, post commander ; Joseph Ineson, adj.
Ee-organized Feb. IGth, 1876.

1876, Horatio S. Chamberlain, post commander; Woos-
'ter B. McEwen, adjutant.

1877, James E. Buckley, post commander; Edward
S. Downs, adjutant.

1878, Henry R. Chamberlain, post commander; James E. Buckley,
adjutant.

ERIENDLY SONS OP ST. PATEIOK.

This society is composed of members of Irish birth and their descend-
ants, without reference or regard to religion or politics.

The society was organized at Strapp's Hall, Nov. 2nd, 1872, by the follow-
ing-named persons : William Hayes, Dennis O'Callaghan, Matthias Bunyan,
Francis McMorrow, Charles McCarthy, Michael Eegan, Patrick Mahoney,
Daniel Mahoney, William Mahoney, Jeremiah Driscol, John Coleman, John
Bradley, Timothy O'Brien, Peter Sullivan, Edward Strapp, William Colbert.

At the first meeting the following officers were elected : President,
William Hayes ; vice-president, Peter Sullivan ; secretary, Matthias Bunyan ;
treasurer, Dennis O'Callaghan ; marshal, Francis McMorrow ; standing com-
mittee, Edward Strapp,William Colbert, William Mahoney, Charles McCarthy.

At the last last annual meeting held May 4th, 1878, the following
officers were elected : President, Patrick Sheehan ; vice-president, Jeremiah
Driscoll ; treasurer, Dennis O'Callaghan ; secretary, William O'Donnell ;
marshal, Patrick Mahoney ; standing committee, Daniel McCarthy, Charles
McCarthy Patrick Mahoney, Patrick Crowley.

SEYMOUR BIBLE SOCIETY.

Joshua Kendall, president ; Eev. S. C. Leonard and Eev. J. Vinton,
vice-presidents ; T. B. Minor, secretary ; H. A. Eadford, treasurer ; L. A.
Camp, depository.

136

SEYMOUE AISTD VICIMTY.

ELECTORS OE SEYMOUR, Isoy, 5th, 1878.

Emery E. Adams,
Janios K. Adams,
Daniel Agnew,
liufus Alcott,
Jeremiah Andrews,
Denizen D. Andrews,
Eichard Aspden,
Morris Atwood,
Heman E. Atwater,
Frank P. Aylesworth,
Gustave A. Becker,
Alonzo Baldwin,
Edwin Baldwin,
Edward M. Baldwin,
William J. Barr,
George H. Bartlett,
Charles H. Bassett,
Edward F. Bassett,
Elliot E. Bassett,
Frank G. Bassett,
Isaac Bassett,
John W. Bassett,
Noyes E. Bassett,
Samuel Bassett,
Wilbur Bassett,
William E. Bates,
Charles Bay,
Samuel A. Beach,
Sharon D. Beach,
Sharon Y. Beach,
Burr P. Beecher,
Frank H. Beecher,
Frederick Beecher,
Henry B. Beecher,
Philo Beecher,
Virgil M. Beecher,
Abel J. Beers,
Charles M. Beers,
Herschel G. Beers,
William Bell,
David Betts,
William Blake,
Wiufield Blake,
George Blakesley,
Frederick Boeker,
Albert Booth,
John Bo wen,

Lyman Botsford,
Lucius BotvStbrd,
Smith Botsford,
Harvey L. Botsford,
Edwin Botsford,
Charles S. Botsford,
Henry Botsford,
Charles Bradley,
Edward B. Bradley,
Henry Bradley,
John H. Bradley,
Leonard Bradley,
Abraham H. Bristol,
Nicholas Brockway,
Nicholas Brockway, Jr.,
Edward C. Brown,
Valentin Buchele,
Edwin Buckingham,
Henry Buckingham,
Isaac Buckingham,
Virgil Buckingham,
Willis Buckingham,
James E. Buckley,
Matthias Bunyan,
George W. Burroughs,
Nathan A. Brushellj
Samuel Butler,
Dennis Cahill,
Dennis Callahan,
Lewis A. Camp,
Samuel P. Camp,
DeForest Caniield,
Frank E. Canfield,
Samuel Canfield,
Samuel H. Caniield,
Carl Carlson,
Harvey Carpenter,
Heber P. Carpenter,
Jay Carpenter,
Smith T, Carpenter,
Nicholas Cass,
DeWitt C. Castle,
John H. Castle,
Martin E. Castle,
Thomas W. Chadwick,
Henry E. Chamberlain,
Horatio S. Chamberlain,

Hiram Chatfield,
Howard Chatfield,
Joel Chatfield,
Joel E. Chatfield,
Heman Childs,
Charles Church,
Noyes Church,
John Clancy,
Albert E. Clark,
Daniel W. Clark,
Andrew J. Clearwater,
William H. Cleary,
Frederick M. demons,
Lyman A. Clinton,
Thomas P. Cochran,
John A. Cochran,
William Colbert,
James Condon,
James Condon, 2ud,
Patrick Condon,
William Coney,
Michael Conroy,
Owen Conroy,
David E. Cook,
Timothy Cooper,
William S. Cooper,
Frank Couverette,
Arvin N. Crittenden,
Daniel Crowley,
Florence Crowley,
Patrick Crowley,
Timothy Crowley,
William A. (Jrowther,
Dennis Crummy,
Stephen H. Culver,
S. Hart Culver,
Michael Cunningham,
Owen Cunningham,
John T. Curry,
John Daily,
John Davenport,
Burr S. Davis,
George S. Davis,
Henry P. Davis,
Isaac H. Davis,
John Davis,
John Davis, 2nd,

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

137

Leonard A. Davis,
Lewellyn Davis,
Marcus Davis,
Samuel P. Davis,
Zerali B. Davis,
Edmund Day,
Henry P. Day,
Austin G. Day,
Theodore L. Decker,
John W. DeForest,
Samuel R. Dean,
Alva a. DeWolf,
William W. Dibble,
George A. Divine,
George W. Divine,
George P. Doolittle,
Oliver DooJittle,
James Donahue,
Walter W. Dorman,
Henry Downs,
Isaac Downs,
AVilliam A. Downs,
Jeremiah Driscol,
Albert B. Dunham,
Henry A. Dunham,
Daniel T. Dunham,
Joseph E. Dupee,
Jeremiah Durand,
Charles Edwards,
George S. Edwards,
Horatio N. Eggleston,
Adolph F. Eibel,
Frederick Emery,
Richard J. W. Emery,
David Evans, Jr.,
Jacob Faber,
Ebenezer Fairchild,
Ira G. Fan'ell,
Patrick Fitzgibbons,
Michael Fogarty,
Frank J. Ford,
John B. Ford,
Lyman H. Ford,
Philo James Ford,
Samuel C. Ford,
John T. Forsey,
George Fowler,
Thaddeus Fowler,
Raymond French,
Carlos French,
Adonijah French,
Charles H. French,
Hiram French,

John W. French,
Warren French,
Dwight Garrett,
George B. Garrett,
Lewis Garrett,
Frank O. Gerard,
David Geary,
Eli Gillett,
Lucius Gillett,
Thomas F. Gilyard,
W^illiam F. Giiyard,
Stephen B. Gregory,
Charles H. Guild,
Joseph Hagan,
Albion A. Hall,
William P. Hall,
Harvey S. Halligan,
William Halligan,
Alfred E. Hanchett,
Charles Hanchett,
Charles F. Hard,
Cornelius Hard,
Frederick Harris,
Charles Hawkins,
Joseph Hawkins,
Samuel Hawkins,
William Hayes,
Robert Healey,
W^ilson E. Hendryx,
Samuel Hickox,
David R. Hill,
George H. Hill,
Charles N. Hinman,
Joseph Hitchcock,
Edward L. Hoadley,
Andrew Holbrook,
Charles F. Holbrook,
Horace Holbrook,
Nathan Holbrook,
Philo Holbrook,
Thomas C. Holbrook,
William Holbrook,
Willis R. Holbrook,
John Hollo way,
William K. Holmes,
George H. Homan,
George W. Homan,
Charles D.Houghtaling,
Wm. N. Houghtaling,
Burton C. Hotchkiss,
Harvey Hotchkiss,
Burr A. Howard,
James Howard,

Sidney A. Hubbell,
William Howes,
DeWitt C. Hull,
John C. Hull,
Charles R. Hurlburt,
Thomas E. Hurlburt,
Charles L. Hyde,
Henry J. lies,
Jerred lies,
Joseph Ineson,
Cornelius W. James,
Thomas L. James,
George A. James,
David Johns,
Thomas Johns,
Davul Johnson,
John R. Johnson,
Sheldon C. Johnson,
Thomas James,
William B. Johnson,
William C. Johnson,
John Kelleher,
Charles D. Kelsey,
F. Xavier Kempf,
Joshua Kendall,
Roswell N. Kinney,
Walter S. Kenney,
Henry Kershaw,
John King,

Frederick Kokenwrath,
Theodore S. Ladd,
Martin Laughlin,
George Leavenworth,
Geo. B. Leavenworth,
William Leahy,
George E. Lester,
Stephen C. Leonard,
Evans Llewellyn,
Evans A. Llewellyn,
Edmond Libby,
Washington I. Lines,
Albert A. Lockwood,
Charles H. Lockwood,
Henry B. Lockwood,
Isaac Losee,
Isaac Losee, Jr.,
W^illiam Losee,
Frederick G. Losee,
Albert W. Lounsbury,
John Lounsbury,
Ernest Luedus,
James Lyon,
John Lyon,

138

SEYMOTJE AND VICIKITY.

Patrick Mahoney,
Eli Mallory,
Cbaries Manweiller,
Henry Mauweiller,
John E. Matthews,
Robert A. Matthews,
Robert McKay,
George C. Mnnger,
John McLane,
Cbaries McCarty,
Daniel McCarty,
John McCarty,
Hugh McCorniick,
Virgil H. McEwen,
Michael McNurney,
John T. Miles,
Sheldon Miles,
John H. Miller,
Thomas B. Minor,
Howard F, Moshier,
William Molan,
James Morris,
John E, Morris,
William Morris,
Harris B. Munson,
Harris B. Munson, Jr.
Dennis H. Munson,
Michael jSTagle,
Julius H. Newton,
]VIichael Ney,
William B. Nichols,
Henry D. Northrop,
John O'Brien,
William O'Donnel,
Frederick O'Meara,
Josiah A. O'Meara,
Charles J. Osborn,
Noah A. Osborn,
John Owens,
John F. Parker,
Briggs M. Parmelee,
Ira A. Parmelee,
Ira B. Parmelee,
AVallace A. Parmelee,
John J. Peck,
Frederick C. Peck,
Edward G. Peck,
Jesse D. Perkins,
Henry Perthes,
Charles H. Pickett,
Christian Pickhart,
Richard Pierson,
Matthew H. Pope,

Frederick Popp,
Jabez E. Pritchard,
Frederick W. Pulford,
Horace A. Radford,
Edward H. Randall,
Hiram W. Randall,
Samuel H. Rankin,
Joseph Reigel,
Charles E. Reynolds,
William B, Reynolds,
Henry A. Rider,
Harpin Riggs,
John H. Riggs,
William J. Roberts,
George F. Robinson,
Harvey N. Rogers,
Isaac Rogers,
John W. Rogers,
Isaac Rood,
Henry Rose,
Samuel Roselle,
Frederick A. Rugg,
Harvey Rugg,
Frank H. Russell,
Stephen D. Russell.
Patrick Ryan,
Thomas Ryan,
Thomas Ryan, 2nd,
William Ryan,
James Samuels,
Sheldon Sanford,
Henry C. Schneider,
John Schofield,
David Scranton,
Thomas Sharpe,
William C. Sharpe,
John Shay,
Michael Shay,
Patrick Sheehan,
Terrence Sheridan,
William B. Sherman,
Charles J. Short,
George A. Simpson,
Burton W. Smith,
Charles Smith,
Edwin Smith,
George Smith,
George A. Smith,
George H. Smith,
George W. Smith,
James M. Smith,
John W. Smith,
Joseph H. Smith,

Matthew Smith,
Robert N. Smith,
Samuel R. Smith,
Theodore L. Smith,
Traver Smith,
Wilbur W. Smith,
William Smith,
William C. Smith,
Abel V. Somers,
Charles Spencer,
Charles E. Spencer,
James S. Spencer,
Willard James Spencer,
George C. Sperry,
Marcus Sperry,
Norman Sperry,
John Spiers,
Henry Spoonheimer,
Henry J. Spoonheimer,
John Spoonheimer,
Timothy Squires,
Frank E. Steele,
Jeremiah Stever,
Thomas Stoddard,
Arthur L. Storrs,
Ashbel Storrs,
( Iharles W. Storrs,
AVilliam N. Storrs,
Henry W. Stratton,
Ira A. Stuart,
Levi B. Stuart,
John Sullivan,
Peter Sullivan,
James Swan,
William B, Swan,
Daniel S. Swan,
Smith Terrell,
Theodore S. Terrell,
Benjamin B. Thayer,
Gotlib Theurer,
Daniel B. Tolles,
Edwin Tomlinson,
James W. Tomlinson,
William R. Tomlinson,
William E. Treat,
Charles C. Trumpbour,
David Tucker,
Medad K. Tucker,
Sheldon C. Tucker,
Cornelius Turk,
Thomas Urel,
James H. Van Buren,
Joseph Vinton,

^ ei tSr!! FTSJ !
DEALER IN

AND

I Jfiiriii.^;Iiiiig

SEYMOUR AXD VICINITY. 139

Peter Ward, Andrew W. Weston, Leroy Williamson,

Egbert R. Warner, Frederick Weston, Bennett Wooster,

Ciiarles F. Warren, Wilson Weston, Charles A. Wooster,

Wilford I. Warren, Henry Wheeler, Nathan R. Wooster,

George H. Washband, Charles P. White, Eugene A. Wyant,

Charles H. Weaver, George B. White, Frank H. Wyant,

Lazarus G. Weaver, Nathan F. White, Henry L. Wyant,

Charles Weidlich, Joseph Whitely, Leonard Wyant,

William J. Welch, Joseph J. Wilcoxson, Wilson Wyant.

Charles S. Weller, Frank G. Williams,

BUSINESS DIRECTORY.

MERCHANTS.
Atwood & Betts, dealers in Clothing, Books and Stationery, No. 3 Davis'

Block.
S. Y. Beach, dealer in Coal and Lumber, corner of Main and Maple streets.
Burr P. Beecher, dealer in Groceries and Provisions.
Henry Bradley, dealer in Millinery and Fancy Goods, Hull's Bulling.
S. W. Buckingham, dealer in Beef, Pork, Poultry, &c.. No. 4 Davis' Block.
John A. Cochran, Agt, dealer in Groceries and Provisions, corner of Hill

and Pearl streets.
Henry A. Dunham, dealer in Groceries and Provisions, Main street, near

depot.
Geo. S. Edwards, dealer in Stoves, Tinware, Crockery, Hardware, Cutlery,

&c., corner of Maple and Second streets.
James ilowARD, dealer in Meat, &c.. Main street, below Hill street.
McEWEN & Camp, dealers in Dry Goods, Groceries, School Books, &c..

Maple, near First street.
J. N. Popp, Merchant Tailor, Third street.
M. M. Randall, dealer in Dry Goods and Groceries, corner of Main and

Broad streets.
Jas. L. Spencer, dealer in Beef, Pork, Lard, &c.. Main st., south of depot.
C. W. Storrs, dealer in Dry Goods, Hardware, Newspapers, Magazines,
David Tucker, dealer in Flour, Grain, Feed and Fertizers, corner of Main
Wooster, Dean & Buckingham, dealers in Dry Goods, Hardware,

Lumber, Coal, etc.. Brick Store, opposite the depot.

PHYSICIANS.

S. C. Johnson, house corner of Church and West street.
Joshua Kendall, house corner of Church and West streets.
F. W. PULFORD, house on Pearl street.
Egbert R. Warner, house corner of Maple and Second streets.

DRUGGISTS AND APOTHECARIES.
S. H. Canfield, James' Building, Main street.
George Smith, No. 1 Davis' Block.

HOTELS.
Wooster House, A. B. Dunham, Proprietor, corner of Second and Ray-
mond streets.
Seymour House, Peck & Riggs, Proprietors, Broad street.
Humphrey House, J. W. Meredith, Proprietor, First street.

140 SEYMOUE A:N^D YICimTY.

LIVEEY AND FEED STABLES.

A. B. Dunham, rear of Wooster House.

John Holloway, Broad street, near Congregational church.

H. A. Eider, Main street, near Hill street.

John Spiers, next to Congregational church.

miscella:neous.

F. P. Aylesworth, Plain and Ornamental Hair- work, house Church street.
Wilbur Bassett, Painter, Hill street, south of Pearl street.

Mrs. Wilbur Bassett, Dressmaker, Hill street, south of Pearl street.

Mrs. Garry Bates, Dressmaker, Main street, over the post office.

N. A. Brushell, Barber and Hair-dresser, Main street, near post office.

Smith T. Carpenter, General Carting, Pearl street.

Mrs. G. W. Divine, Dressmaker, house Maple street.

E. Fairchild, Carriage Making and Eepairing, Maple street.

Mrs. George Fowler, Dressmaker, residence on First avenue.

Philip Heilman, Boot and Slioemaker, 'No. 2 Davis' Block, room 4.

W. I. Lines, Painter, Chestnut street.

Isaac Losee, Boot and Shoemaker, No. 1 French's Building.

Michael McNurney, Blacksmithing and Eepairing, corner of Hill and

Pearl streets.
John H. Miller, Shoemaker and dealer in in Confectionery, Broad street.
William Morris, Hamessmaker, corner of Maple and First streets.
H. B. Munson, Attorney at Law, office James' Building.
Ira a. Parmelee, Blacksmithing, Horse and Ox Shoeing, and Eepairing,

Maple street, near covered bridge.
Henry Schneider, Barber and Hair-dresser, No. 5 Davis' Block.

A. H. SCRANTON, Newsdealer, No. 3 French's Building.
Thomas Sharpe, Carpenter and Builder, Hill street.

W. C. Sharpe, Book and Job Printer and Publisher, office No. 2 Davis'

Block, rooms 5 and G.
James Smith, Machinery and Eepairing, Factory street, foot Eaymond st.

General Blacksmithing in shop attached to Machinery Works.

G. C. Sperry, Painter, house Mill street.

ASHBEL Storrs, Carpenter and Builder, house North street.
L. B. Stuart, Jeweler, No. 3 French's Building.

B. B. Thayer, Truckman, residence Derby avenue.

W. H. Williams, Attorney at Law, office James' Building.

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

141

I?- w y IT FEE

jK }^ r jr_ w_E.ll.

WOKKS OF

J-^IN^ES S"V7"J^lsr,

SUCCESSOR TO

THE DOUGLASS MANUFACTURING COMPANY,

(ESTAULISHED IN 1856),

MANCFACTURER OF

AUGEKS, AUGEE BITS, GIMLETS, HOLLOW AUGEKS,

EXPANDING BITS, PATENT AUGER HANDLES, BORING

MACHINES, CHISELS, GOUGES, DRAWING

KNIVES, SCREW-DRIVERS,

REAMERS, ETC.

H. B. BEEOHER,

Successor to FRENCH, SWIFT & CO.,

(ESTABMSHKD IX 1347),
MANUFACTURER OF

AUGERS, AUGER BITS, HOLLOW AUGERS, &c.

HUMPHREYSYILLE MAXUFACTURING CO.

MANUFACTURERS OF

AUGERS, AUGER BITS, &c.
George H. Robinson, Norman Sperry,

David R. Cook,

Marcus Sperry.

142 SEYMOUR AXD VICINITY.

THE :n^ew haye]^ copper company.

Thomas James, President.

Franklin Farrell, Secretary and Treasurer.

Directors : Thomas James, Franklin Farrell, E. C. Lewis, Thomas L. James

and Alton Farrell.

THE FOWLER NAIL COMPANY,

Carlos French, President. Lewis H. Bristol, Secretary.

MANUFACTURERS OF

VULCAI^ HORSE-SHOE NAILS.

UNITED STATES PIN COMPANY.

Henry L. Hotghkiss, President. Lewis H. Bristol, Secretary.

Carlos French, Treasurer.

H. P. & E. DAY,

MANUFACTURERS OF

RUBBER PEN-HOLDERS, PROPELLING PENCILS,
SURGICAL APPLIANCES, &c.

S. Y. BEACH,

' MANUFACTURER OF

PRINTING AND COLORED PAPERS.

CARLOS ERENCH,

MANUFACTURER OF

CAR, SJPI^IlVG^s.

W. W. SMITH,

MANUFACTURER OF

RAYMOND FRENCH,

MANUFACTURER OF

PLAIN AND STEEL PLATED OX SHOES.

SEYMOUR Ai^D VlCmiTY. 143

AUSTIN G. DAY,

MANUFACTURER OF

SUBMARINE TELEGRAPH CABLE.

GARRET & BEACH,

MANUFACTURES OF

GERMAN GIMLET BITS, CAST STEEL REAMERS AND

SCREW DRIVER BITS.

Lewis L. Garrett. Samuex, A. Beach.

THE SEYMOUR RECORD,

Published every Thursday morning at

THE SEYMOUR PRINTING OFFICE,

No. 2 Davis' Block. W. C. Sharpe, Editor and Publisher.

''^^v%

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

145

INDEX.

Abbott, Robert J., 73

Adams, John, 76. James K., 134.

American Car Co., 86.

Amity, .53.

Atwood, HeuryC, 132,

Au^er Making iu Seymour, 70.

Baker, Capt. James, 102.

Baldwin Family, 42. Anson, 63.

Aslibel, 132. Isaac, 54. Jesse, 63.

Lieut. Sylvan us, 6.
Bangs, Rev. Heman, 119.
Bank of North America, 85.
Baptist Clmrch, 82, 89.
Barlow, Mary, 126.
Barnes, Minor, 132.
Basset t, Abel, 63. Capt. Elliott, 119.

Edward F.. 74, 117. Jerry, 75.

John W., 108, 116, 117.

Julins, 76, 92, 134.

Samuel, 8, 63, 121. William, 63.
Bates, William, 120, 121.
Beacb, Sharon Y., 72, 81, 116, 120.
Beach's Paper Mill, 81, 120.
Beacon Hill, 6.
Beecher, H. B., 74, 141.
Beebe, Sheldon, 132.
Bethany, 6, 70.
Bethany Church, 127.
BidwcU, James H., 77.
Birdseye, E]thraim, 116.
Blacknian, Ethel, 132. Alfred, 84.
Blacksmitli Shop, cor. Pearl & Hill sts., 58
Bladen's Brook, 6, 115, 116.
Bliss, Lemuel, 74.
BIneville, 72, 73.

Blydenburgh, Rev. Moses, 32, 33, 34, 72.
Board of Ediicatinu, 107.
Bodge, John, 121.
Booth, Eheiiezer, 127.
Booty, Edward, 132.
Botsford, Cyrus, 119. Smith, 121.
Bounties to Soldiers, 90, 91.
Bowman, .James, 63.

Bradley, Henry, 71, 134, 139. Merritt, 133
Bridges, 182.
Bi'oadwell, Lewis, 63.
Buekiughani, Samuel, 6.Philo, 107, 133.
Buckley. Jas. E., 134, 135.
Biitfnui. Win., 73, 78, 79.
Bnncp, Lewis, 77, 123.
Bnrritt &- Lewis, 71.
Business Direct<uy. 139.
BuKton, Henry, 132.

Cable, Roswell, 132.

Candee, David, 128. Isaiah, 132. Levi,132.

Caufield, Abiel, 126. Dr. Josiah, 42.

Samuel, 64. Samuel H., 104, 108, 134.

Sheldon, 132.
Capital Puuishiuent, 125.
Chamherlin, H. S., 135.
Change of Name, 84.
Charter of the Town of Seymour, 80.
— Chatfield, Leman, 81, 132.
Chestnuttree Hill, 7.
Church, Sheldou C, 72, 84. William, 73.
Chuse, 36, 40, 59.
Chusetown. 40, 57,59.
Chusetown District, 112, 115.
Clark, David B., 73, 117.

David M., 132. George, 6. Moses, 39.

Hezekiah, 39. Russell, 115.

Smith, 117, 132. Sheldon, 39.

Thomas, 6. Walter B., 116.
demons, F. M., 99, 105, 108.
Cochran, Tlxunas, 81, 116.
Coggswell, Jeremiah, 71.
Conference Room, 116.
Congregational Chnrch, 9.
Cornwall, William, 83.
Cotton Factory, 78.
Crosby, Set h, 132.
Cnlver, Miles, 71.
Currency in 1695, 8.
Cntts, Rev. Win., 127.
Daggett, Judge David, 127.
Daniels, John L., 132
Daughters of Temperance, 78.
Davis, Isaac B., 7.-), 82. John, 134.

Saninel P., lO.o, 133.
Day, Austin G., 123, 143.

Edmund, 104, 107, 108.

H. P. &. E., 123, 142. Henry P., 104.
Dayton, Capt. Ehenezer, 50.
DeForest, John H.. 115, 132.

George W., 116. George F., 83.
DeForest. «fc Hodye, 73, 122.
Derby Journal, 73. Devil's Jump, 6.

Dihlde, Capt. Am;idens, 63.
Divine, Geo. W., 73, 74.
l)ri\er, J nines, 71.
Diirand, Frederick, 107, 110, 117.

Jeremiah, 116. Charles, 83.
Dnttun, Thomas A., 132.
Dwijiht. Pres. of Yale, 60.

John W., fix Tim.. thy, 83, 120.
Dwigiil & French, 78, 80.

146

SEYMOUR Al^D VICINITY.

Eagle Manufacturing Company.

Edwards, Pierpout, 127.

Eels, Samuel, G.

Electors of Seymour, 135.

Emancipation, 48.

English, Judsou, 119,

Fairchild, Nathan B., 132. Abiel,-38, 48.

Falls of the Naugatuck, .'i, 41.

Fengot Coal Co., 102.

Feuu, Benjamin, 6.

Fisher, Ebeuezer, 114, 115, 120, 132.

Five Mile Brook. 7.

Four Mile Brook, 7.

Freemasonry, 131.

Freemen in 1708, List of, 7.

French, Carlos, 104. Charles, 42.

David, 41. Israel, 41.

Squire David, 127. Francis, 41.

Raymond, 2, 10, 72, 79, 83.

Warren, 74.
French & D wight, 78.
French, Swift & Co., 74.
R.French &. Co., 73.
Freshets, 70, 71, 74, 81, 83, 84, 89, 101, 102.
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, 135.
Fuller, Rev. Geo. L., 119.
Gilbert, Ezekiel, 69, 71, 73. Elias, 64, 114.

Isaac J., 116.
Gilbert & Wooster, 70.
.-"Gillett, Ephraim, 53. Anson, 119. Eli,103.
Gilyard, Thomas, 62, 63, 115. William, 41.
Glendiuing, Geo. B., 77.
Glendining Academy, 77, 78, 133.
Goodrich, Elizur, 63.
Grand List of Sevmour in 1869, 103.
Great Hill School, 19, 108.
Great Hill M. E. Church, 119.
Green, Seth, 132.
Guan, George, 132.
Haines, Chauncey, 132.
Hard, James, 7.

Harger, Ebenezer, 7. Alfred, 132.
Hart, John M., 132.
Hartshorn, Jesse, 63.
Hatch, Chauncy M., 63, 132.
Hawley, Rev. Samuel, 127.
Hedden, Thomas M., 132.
Hendryx, W. E., 76, 117, 135.
Hickox, Rev. Samuel R., 82, 115, 116, 127.
High School, 77, 83, 101.
High School Association, 85.
High School Room, 102.
Hill street, 87.
Hilton, John, 134.
Hiue, Samuel B., 114. Amos, 75.
Hitchcock, Daniel, 132. Denzel, 82, 115.

Gad, 132. Timothy, 66. Johnathan,48.
Hodge, Geo. L., 120.
Hodge & Co., 72, 120.
Holbrook Daniel, 42,46. Capt. Daniel,48,63.

Daniel L., 81, 82. Capt Philo, 72.
Hopkins, Dr. Samuel, 38.
Hotchkiss, M. A., 117.
Housatonic Valley, 125.
. Houde, (or Howd) John, 40, 41, 42, 48,57,59.

\0'?

Hull, Isaac, 64. Benjamin, 63.

Wm. M., 116. Joseph Jr„ 41, 59.

Samuel, 46.
Humphrey, proposed name, 84, 89.
Humphrey Lodge, No. 26, K. of P., 134.
Humphreys, Gen.David, 49, 59, 64, 65, 114.

Rev. Daniel, 54. William, 115.
Sister of Gen. David, 66.

Gen. David, Flag, 65. John, 47.
Humphreysville, 60, 63. Picture of, 67.
Humphreysville Academy, 77.
Humphreysville Copper Co., 79, 83, 87.
Humphreysville Graveyard Asso., 71.
Humphreysville Greys, 73.
Humphreysville High School Asso., 85.
Humphreysville Library Co., 87.
Humphreysville Lyceum, 74.
Humphreysville Mfg. Co., 68, 70, 85, 120.
Humphreysville & Salem Turnpike Co,86
Humphreysville Total Abstinence Soc.76.
Hyatt, Daniel, 132.
Hyde Family, 77.
Indians, 36, 40, 41, 47.
Indian Lands, Sale of, 5,6,7,63.
Indian Lands, value of, 5.
Johnson Family, 37-39. Alexauder,38,39.

Ebenezer, 6. Capt. Ebeuezer, 7.

Col. Ebenezer, 8. Maj. Ebenezer,7.

David, 75. E. Beecher, 112.

Gideon, 41, 47. Joseph, 112, 113.

Newel, 69, 115, 121, 132.

Rev. Jesse, 114, 121. Stiles, 114.

Capt. Nathaniel, 48, 51. Timothy ,39

Isaac, 51, 53. Phineas, 51.

Sheldon C, 79. Benajah, 38,41.
Jones, Chester, 69, 113, 115, 120, 132.
Jones & Keeuey, 113.
Justices of the Peace, 105.
Kalmia Mills, 103, 104.
Keeney, Ebeuezer, 40, 41, 47.

William, 47, 68. Lydia, 57.
Kendall, Joshua,74,76,78,104,107,108,135.
Keuney, Sheldon, 83. Isaac, 69.
Kinney, Ebenezer, 59.
Kiuneytowu Dam, 72.
Kirtland, George, 35, 70, 115.
Leavenworth, Rev. Mark, 38.

Thomas, 56. Calvin, 64. Isaac, 64.
Lebanon Brook, 6.
Lee, Rev. Jesse, 119. Cyrus, 121.
LeForge, Henry, 120, 132.
Lines, Calvin, 112.
Little River, 7.
Lopus, 39.

Losee, Isaac, 64, 76, 115.
Lounsbury, Albert W., 96. Linus, 51.

Henry W., 96. John L., 63,

Ethel, 56.
Lovelaud, Sarah, 41. Truman, 51.
Ludlow, Sarah, 38.
Lum, Jonathan, 7. Johnathan, Jr., 48.

Wm. D., 109.
Lynde, Duane M., 96.
Martin, Anna C, 114.
Mauwehn, Joseph, (Chuse) 36, 40, 51, 59.
McGary, 132.

SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.

147

McEwen, David J., 132, 133.

Virgil H., 104, 106, 107.
Mechauics' Lodge, No. 83,I.O.O.F., 134.
Meigs, Samuel, 132.
Merino Sheep, 59.
Merrick, Capt., 121.
Meteorological Notes, 76.
Metbodist Episcopal Church, 30.

Deeds to, 66, 75. Bequest to, 68.

Description of, 74. Maples, 77.
Middlebury, 125.
Miles, Johnathau, 42, 47.

Theophilus, 41,51,64.
Milford, 6.
Military Titles, 8.
Militia, 56. Officers of, 7.
Morning StarLodge,No.47,F.«& A.M. ,131.
Morris, William, 132.
Moshier, John S., 64, 73, 121, 132.
Munson, H. B., 80, 82, 83, 84, 117, 133.

Byron W., 96. Marcus E., 96.
Naugatuck Railroad, 73, 76, 78, 85.
Nettleton, Josiah, 132.
New Haven it Sey. Plauk Road Co., 86.
Northrop, Ebenezer, 64. Rev. H. D.,13.
Nyumphs, 39, 41.
Old Field Brook, 109.
Osborn, Harry, 132.
Oxford, 43, 44, 54, 55, 88, 125.
Papei'making in Seymour, 72, 120.
Park, 8.

Paugussett, 5, 6, 21.
Peck, Bezaleel, 112.
Phelps, Anson G., 72.
Pierson, Aaron, 115. Capt. 47, 126.
Plant, Ebenezer, 48.
Poke By-law, 89.
Postmasters in 1849-50, 79.
Pound By-law, 82.
Pritchard, Lieut. Jabez, 50, 123.

Jabez E., 83. Leverett, 69, 76.
Pulling, Rev. A. B., 126.
Pullman, Rev. Joseph, 102.
Quaker Farms, 127.
Radford, H. A., 74.
Randall, Charles, 74. Hiram, 130.

Curtiss, 72.
Raymond French & Co., 72.
Representatives, list of, 105.
Revolutionary period, 45-52.
Revolutionary Soldiers, 38, 39, 49, 52.

Sufferings of, 123.
Rider, Henry A., 132. Stephen R., 133.

John J., 78.
Riggs, Ensign Samuel, 7. Samuel, 114.

Capt. Ebenezer, 48. Capt. John, 47.

Joseph, 63, 128. John, 46, 58, 121.

Garry, 132, Lyman, 132.

Harpin, 83. Moses, 58. 57
Rimmon Burying Ground, 39, 128.
Rimmou Dam, 74, 78.
Rimmon Paper Co., 77, 123.
Rimmon Water Co., 102.
Roads across Great Hill, 40.
Roads, Shrnb Oak to Derby Narrow8,60.
Roads to Waterbury, 40.

Rocker's Hill, 7.

Rock Spring Division, 76, 78.

Rockwell, Jacob, 132.

Roman Catholic Church, 84.

Roselle, Samuel, 72, 120.

Rowe, Isaac, 114.

Rubbermill burned, 101.

Russell, Joseph, 48.

Sage, Harlow P., 115.

Sauford Family, 39. David, 70, 132.

Capt. Raymond, 50. Joseph, 52.

Dr. Samuel, .54, 55, 57. Zadoc, 39.
School Societies, 106, 108.
School Visitors, 107, 118.
Schools of Seymour, 106.
" Great Hill, 19, 108.

Shrub Oak, 47, 106, 110.
Bungay, 47, 110.
" Cedar Ridge, 111.

Bell, 112.
" Center, 107, 117.
" Second Intermediate, 117.
" First Intermediate, 117.

High, 101, 108.
" Squautuck District, 109.
" Beacon Falls, 46.
" Consolidation of, 103.
Scucurra, 6.

Sey. and New Haven Plank Road Co., 86.
Sey. and Woodbury Plank Road Co., 87.
Seymour Bible Society, 135.
Seymour, Mary, 63.
Seymour Savings Bank, 86.
Sharpe, Lugrand, 117, 127.

Rev. C. W., 117, 118. David W.,97.

Thomas, of Newtown, 127.

Thomas, of Seymour, 140.

William C, 107, 108, 139, 140.
Shelton, Geo. P., 73, 74.
Skokorat, 6, 40.
Small Pox, 54, 57, 79.
Smith & Bassett, 121, 123.
Smith &Sanford, 114.
Smith, Rev.Sylvester,75,77,79,82,109,121.

Almon, 115. Isaac, 48. Lvman, 114.

Col. Ira, 63. Rev. Abner, 119.

Capt. W. W., 97, 122. Willis, 132.

Daniel, 132. George A., 97.

Edwin, 89, 105. James, 140.
Squantuck, 7. Squautuck School, 109.
Smith's Papermill, 103, 121.
Soldiers of the Revolution, 38, 39, 49, 52.
Soldiers of the war of 1812, 63.
Soldiers of the Mexican War, 73.
Soldiers of the War of the Rebellion, 92.
Southbnry, 125.
Sonthford, Union Church, 127.
South Britain, 12.5.
Sperry, Isaac J., 114. George C, 140.

Johnathau, 52, 53. Philo, 52, 53.

Jabin,52. Samuel, 53.
Spencer, James L., 76.
Steele Edmund, 114. George, 56.

Albert J., 74, 75. Lieut., 52.

Bradford, 41, 47, 50, 123, 126.

Deacon Bradford, 50, 58, 123, 130.

148

SEYMOUE AND VICINITY.

Seymour boiindiiiics, change of, 88.

Seymour iu the Kel)elliou, 90,

Selectmen of Seymour, 105.

Seymour Record, 14:5.

Skeals, Abial, .')(i.

Skeels, Jason, I'M.

Stevens, Mrs. Ann S., 62, 126.

Stiles, Phebe, 6:5.

Stoddard, Dr. Abiram, 1:50. Eunice, 130.

John, i:iO. Oliver, 112.

Oliver H., V,i2. Thomas, 138.
Stone, Leman, f)/. Noah, 132.
Storrs, Ashbel, 122, 140.

Charles W., 79, KJy. John, 132.

John W., 79.
Stratford Bridge, 57.
Streets, High, S2. Humphrey, 72.

Names of, 124.
Strong, Josiali, 4H.
Stuart, L. B., 140.
Swift, Charles W., 97. Charles, 74, 76.

Josiah, 11:5. John, 60.
Swan, James, 104, 141.
Teacher's Institute, 101.
Teachers, names of, 109, 110, 111,117,118.
Temperature, Notes on, 84, 89.
The Fowler Nail Co., 142.
The New Haven Copper Co., 87, 142.
Thompson, Uaniel, 114. Jabez, 4H.
Titles, Civil and Military, 8.
Tomliusou Family, 7. Levi, 113.

Harrison, 73, 116, 117. Ransom, 73.

Capt; John, 46.
Torrance, Thomas, 53.
Townhouse, 102.
Town Reports, 103.
Town Debt, 104.
Town Clerks, List of, 104.
Town Treasurers, List of, 104.
Training Day, 70.
Treat, Robert, (i. David, 60.
Trinity Church, 25.
Trowbridge, Amasa, 122.
Tucker, Sheldon, 115. David, 76,108,1:39.

Daniel, Jr., 59, 60. Capt. Reuben,60.

Medad K., 75,82,117. Zephaniah, 60.
Union Mercantile Co., 86.
United States Pin Co., 142.
Upson, Hiram, 109, 132. ,
Upsou Manufacturing Co., 87.
Upson Post, No. 40, G. A. R., 135.
Value of Indian Lauds, 5.
Village Directory in 1849, 79.
Vose, T. & Co., 126. Adam, 53.
Ward, William, 53.

Warner, Egbert R., 139. William H..118.
Washbaud,John,42. Eli, 52.
Washburn, Lowers, 42. Josiah, 57.
Watson, Wm. B., 78.
Weed, John, Jonas, Joseph, 42.
Weston, Wilson, 7(S.
Wheeler Family, 39. Johu T., 39, 115.

John C, 121. Lieut. Thomas, 5.

Lieut Samuel, 47. Capt. James, 39.

White, Isaac, 130, 1:32. John, 130.

Daniel, 114, 117, 121, 130.

Nathan, engraving of Hnmphreys-
ville, 78.
Whitfield, Rev. George, 127.
Wilcoxon, Nathan J., 132.
Wild Animals, Bouuty for killing, 7.
Winterbottom, John, 62, 126.
Wire, Samuel, 128.
Woodbridge, 6, 53.

Woodbury and Sey. Plank Road Co., 87.
Woolsey, Rev., EHjah, 119.
Worrull & Hudson, 120.
Wooster, Gen. Clark, 74, 90, 128.

Philo, 132. Capt. John, 48.

David, 6. Bennett, 75, 116.

Charles B., 82, 84, 90, 104.

Henry, 116, 132.
Wooster Park, 8.
Wyant, Wilson, 73, 98.
Yale, M. D., 74.
Zurcher, Carl, 103.

For additional names see lists of clergymen,
teachers, soldiers, town officers, deaths, etc.

ERRATA AND ADDITIONS.

A few errors overlooked as the pages passed
through the press are here 'corrected. Some
minor errors iu orthography the reader will
easily correct for himself.

Page 41, 4th line from bottom of page, the
term "King" was applied to David, son of
Squire David, on account of his dignified and
commanding mien.

Page 90, 8th Hue, after "April 7th," insert
"1862."

Page 136, after Samuel Bassett insert Samuel
L. Bassett.

Page 139, after line commencing "C. W.
Storrs," insert "&c., James' Building, next
door to postofflce;" and after "David Tucker,
dealer in Flour, Grain, Feed and Fertdizers,
corner of Main" — insert "and Broad streets."