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ALLEN  COUNTY  PUBLIC  LIBRARY 


3  1833  01150  6513 

Gc    974.601     W72U     v. 2 

Lamed,     Ellen    D- 

History  of  Windham  County, 

Connecticut 


W.L. 


bB^NEAlOe.-/  C  Ol-LLTCTlOKf 


^§i0^f}y^.\.- 


^v 


^" 


MAJ.  GtN.    ISRAE.L   PUTNAM 


(  /  V//  /       /  V  /////^//// 


HISTOEY 


OF 


WINDHAM  COUNTY, 


CONNECTICUT. 


BY   ELLEN    D.    LARNED. 


"  If,  when  we  lay  down  our  pen,  we  cannot  say  in  the  sight  of  God,  '  upon  strict  examination;  I 
have  not  knowingly  written  anything  that  Is  not  true  '  .  .  .  .  then  study  and  literature  render 
us  unrighteous  and  sinful." — Niebuhr. 


VOLUME     II. 

1760-1880. 


rUBLISHED    BY    THE    AUTHOR 

1880. 


WORCESTER,     MASS.: 

PRINTED     BY     CHARLES     HAMILTON, 

311     MAIN     STREET. 

MPCCCLXXX. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1880,  by 

ELLEN  D.  LARNED, 
In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


1135524 


!4 
\ 


i 


K 


rORTRAITS. 


1.  Maior  General  Israel  Putnam,  Brooklyn, Frontispiece. 

PAOB. 

2.  General  Samuel  McClellan,  Woodstock, 1-47 

3.  Hon.  Samuel  Huntington,  Scotland,  signer  of  the  Declaration  of  Inde- 

pendence,  President  of  the  Continental  Congress,  Governor  of 
Connecticut,     ....    • 236 

4.  Colonel  Thomas  Grosvenor,  Pomfret, 2G5 

5.  Rev.  Jo.siah  Whitney,  U.  D.,  Brooklyn,  .    - 464 

6.  Rev.  Daniel  Dow,  D.  D.,  Thompson •    ...  536 

7.  General  Lemuel  Grosvenor,  Pomfret, 543 

8.  Smith   Wilkinson,  Esq.,  Putnam,  pioneer  of    Cotton   manufacturing 

in  Connecticut • 547 

9.  General  Nathaniel  Lyon,  Eastford, 567 

10.     lion.    David   Gallup,  Plaiufleld, 573 

County  Map -. 551 


P  H  E  F  A  C  E 


It  is  perhaps  Init  natural  in  completiiis^  a  work  of  this  charac- 
ter, attempting  to  cover  so  hirge  a  Hchl,  tliat  the  author  shouhl 
be  more  conscious  of  its  omissions  than  its  inchisions-  To  show 
what  had  been  accomplished  by  Wikdham  County  in  the  past  it 
was  necessary  to  include  the  present — a  delicate  and  difficult 
matter,  rather  within  the  province  of  the  gazetteer  than  the 
historian.  Passing  events  and  conditions  have  been  touched  as 
briefly  as  possible  and  present  actors  very  sparingly  introduced. 
Critics  will  note  with  more  asperity  of  judgment  the  absence  of 
statistical  details  and  tabulated  statements,  especially  with  refer- 
ence to  the  three  wars  in  which  Windham  bore  a  part ;  as  also  of 
genealogical  and  topographical  data,  so  essential  to  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  any  particular  section,  A  future  supplement  may 
supply  these  facts,  which  it  has  been  impossible  for  the  author  to 
collect  at  the  present  time.  She  has  achieved,  she  trusts,  a  clear 
and  truthful  narrative  of  the  settlement  and  development  of  the 
towns  comprising  Windham  County,  gathered  from  the  archives 
of  the  towns  and  State  and  from  innumerable  other  sources — a 
narrative  which  though  strictly  confined  to  county  limits,  very 
strikingly  sets  forth  the  growth  and  development  of  the  Nation, 
and  its  institutions.  The  observing  reader  will  see  in  how  many 
ways  this  little  corner  has  sent  out  its  influence,  and  how  vitally 
it  is  connected  with  the  growth  of  the  body  politic.  Great 
pains  have  been  taken  to  represent  its  social  character  and 
changes,  and  to  gather  up  and  collate  every  possible  detail  of 
the  lives  and  services  of  those  residents  most  connected  with  its 
development.      Undoubtedly  with  all  this  care   persons  worthy 


VI,  PREFACE. 

of  mention  have  I)cen  omitted,  and  undue  prominence  may  have 
been  given  to  others.  Mistakes  and  misapprehensions  in  a  work 
of  this  kind  cannot  be  avoided,  especially  in  such  matters  as  were 
never  before  brought  into  history,  derived  from  many  independ- 
ent sources.  But  it  is  believed  that  these  defects  and  errors  are 
comparatively  trilling,  and  that  the  friends  of  Windham  County 
have  good  reason  to  be  satisfied  witli  this  record.  Especially 
will  they  be  gratified  with  the  faces  of  honored  citizens,  familiar 
still  to  some  and  greatly  revered  by  all,  that  enrich  its  pages. 
Long  cherished  as  priceless  treasures  by  descendants  and  friends, 
they  will  be  warmly  welcomed  in  many  Windham  County  homes, 
and  will  give  to  future  generations  a  more  vivid  realization  of 
the  days  and  scenes  with  which  they  were  connected.  The 
public  will  join  with  the  writer  in  thanks  to  the  kind  friends  who 
have  generously  aided  in  the  reproduction  of  these  valued  por- 
traits ;  others  which  were  greatly  desired  it  was  impossible  for 
various  reasons  to  secure.  As  the  record  of  events  comes  down 
to  the  present,  it  seemed  but  fitting  that  our  picture  gallery 
sliould  include  a  living  representative — our  chief  ofiicial  resident, 
the  present  lieutenant-governor  of  Connecticut — which  his  friends 
and  constituents  will  highly  value. 

Grateful  thanks  are  also  due  to  the  many  friends  who  have 
given  valuable  information.  Especial  mention  should  be  made 
of  our  efficient  State  Librarian,  Charles  J.  Hoadly,  Esq.,  who 
furnished  needful  material  and  opened  many  sources  of  informa- 
tion. Reports  of  interesting  incidents,  not  to  be  found  in  the 
County,  were  sent  back  from  the  papers  of  the  late  Hon. 
Ephraim  Cutler,  Marietta,  Ohio.  J.  R.  Simms,  Esq.,  Fort 
Plain,  New  York,  author  of  the  History  of  Schoharie  County, 
and  other  historical  works  ;  Mr.  George  Webb,  EHzabeth,  New 
Jersey  ;  Mr.  Pulaski  Carter,  Providence,  Pa.;  Mr.  J.  Q.  Adams, 
Natick,  II.  L — former  residents  of  Windham  County — have 
kindly  contributed  many  valuable  notes,  incidents  and  remi- 
niscences.      Documents    collected     by    the    late    William     L. 


PREFACE.  Vll. 

Weaver,  Esq.,  received  from  Mr.  Thomas  S.  "Weaver,  and 
excerpts  from  his  local  notes  and  genealogical  jiajiers,  pre- 
served by  l*rof.  Cleveland  Abbe,  of  Washington,  D.  C, 
were  especially  helpful.  Very  valuable  papers  and  pamphlets 
were  found  in  the  collection  left  by  John  McClellan,  Esq., 
Woodstock.  For  these  man}'  favors,  and  the  innumerable 
details  furnished  by  residents  of  every  town,  for  the  sympa- 
thy and  aid  received  from  so  many  sources,  the  writer  can 
only  express  lier  appreciative  thanks,  and  her  hope  that  their 
expectations  may  be  fully  realized.  In  completing  a  work  which 
has  given  her  a  much  higher  estimate  of  Windham  County's 
past  standing,  the  writer  cannot  but  hope  that  it  may  excite  a 
truer  appreciation  in  others,  and  by  stimulating  county  feeling 
and  healthy  emulation,  help  to  make  its  onward  course  yet  more 
prosperons.  and  its  future  record  yet  fairer  and  more  honorable. 

E.  D.  L. 

Thompson,  June  30,  1880. 


TOPICAL   INDEX. 


Aboriginal   Inhabitants,  I.,  1-11,  33,  8-43,  58;  143,  54,  71-3,  85.  6;  570.     II., 

389,  90;  532,  40. 
Ashford  Whipping,  II.,  27,  8;  303. 
Bacchus,  II.,  172,  3;  218;  560. 
Boundary  Disputes  and  Settlements.     I.,  13-15,  21,  37,  50,  63-5,  89 ;  120-8,  33- 

36,  7,  42,  6,  8,  9,  55-7,  68,  9,  75;  226-9,  37,   8,   40,   53-5,   94-6;  341;    487- 

95.     II.,  107-9;  456;  527. 
Canal  and  Railroad  Projects,  II.,  76;  502,  3,  7,  52,  7,  8. 
College  Graduates,  I.,  507,  54,  72,  3.     II.,  17,  91;  305. 
Connecticut  Path,  I.,  2,  19,  29.     II.,  87. 
Dark  Day,  II.,  373. 

Ecclesiastic  Constitution,  I.,  263;  425,  G9,  70,  7-85.     II.,  221-5,  74,  96;  465-7. 
Emigration,  I.,  287;  556-60.     II.,  19,  51,  77;  105;  317,  18,  41-3. 
Executions  and  Murders,  I.,  39 ;  231,  2,  88,  9 ;  363,  4.    II.,  290-3 ;  303,  60,  1,  81 ; 

479. 
Land  Bank  Scheme,  383,  4. 
Medical  Society,  II.,  269. 

Military  Organization,  I.,  269,  99.     II.,  137,  9,  40. 
Probate  Courts  Constituted,  I.,  260;  526,  39. 
Population,  L,  261 ;  570.    II. ;  142  ;  388  ;  589,  90. 
September  Gale.     II.,  429,  36,  40. 
Singing,  I.,  60;  522.     II.,  98;  103;  259;  369;  450. 
Slaves,  I.,  551,  2,  70.     II.,  220;  389;  593. 
Social  Condition,  I.,  262,  3;  570.     II.,  52;  388-90,  4-7;  414;  588-90. 


C  O  N  TENTS. 


BOOK  V.     1740-1775. 

-l-  PAOE. 

Pomfret.     Brooklyn  Parish.     Putnam.     Malbone.     Rival  Church  Edifices. 
General  Affairs 1 

II. 
Ashford.      General    Town    Affairs.      Westford    Society.      First    Baptist 
Church.     Eastford  Society.     Corbin  Land  Claim 19 

III. 
Affairs  in  Canterbury.     Whitefield's  Visit.     Separates.     Baptists.     West- 
minster Society 37 

IV. 
Town  Affairs  in  Windham.     Wyoming  Emii^ration.     Social  Life-     Scot- 
land Parish , 46 

V. 
Canada  Parish.     Pew   Dispute.     School   Districts.     Troubles  with   Rev. 
Samuel  Mosely.     Voluntown 57 

VI. 
Religious  Settlement  in  Plainfield.     General  Town  Affairs 71 

VII. 
Town  Affairs  in  Killingly.     Thompson  Parish.     Baptist  Church  Formed. 
Killingly    Hill.      South    Killingly    Church.     Chestnut    Hill.      Baptist 
Church '^ 77 

VIII. 
Woodstock's  Three  Parishes.     Baptist  Church.     Town  Affairs.     Troubles 
with  Massachusetts 97 


BOOK  VI.  176^-1783. 

WINDHAM  IN  THE  KEVOLUTION. 

I. 

Opposition  to  Stamp  Act.     Non-importation.     Food  for  Boston.     Resolves 
and  Onsets,     A  Great  Uprising Ill 

II. 

Preparation  for  the  Conflict.     Onward  to  Cambridge.     Bunker  Hill.     Home 
Affairs.     Death  of  Rev.  Joseph  Howe 137 

D 


X.  COxVTENTS. 

III. 
Campaien  of  177G.     Stnipgles  and  Disasters.     Death  of  Knowltdii.     Town 
Ri'soliiiious.     Campaigns  of  1777-78.      Discourageincnis ].")9 

IV. 
Gloomy     Days.      Kndnianoc.      Home    Affairs.       Urighteninj^    I'lospects. 
Victory 183 


BOOK  VII.     1783-1807. 
I. 

Banishment  of  Tories.  SuttVrings  of  Soldiers.  War  Settlements.  Adop- 
tion of  Federal  Constitution 205 

II. 
Windham's    Prosperity.     The    Wi7idham    Phenix.     Religious   Declension. 
Political  Agitation 213 

III. 
Scotland's   First  Bell.     Life  at  the  Parsonage.     Ciianges.     Trouble  with 
Dr.  Cogswell 230 

IV. 
Hampton  Set  Oft'.     Death  of  Mr.  Mosely.     Prosperity  and  Progress.     Gren- 
adier Company.     Grow  Ciuirch.     Deacon    Benjamin  Chaplin  ....  238 

V. 
Organization    of   Brooklyn.     Adams'    District.     Last   Years   of   General 
Putnam.      Colonel    Malbone.     Captain     Tyler.      Growth    and    Pros- 
perity   249 

VI. 

Pomfret's  Progress.  Oliver  Dodge.  Reformed  Church.  Methoilists. 
Baptists.     Tunipil<es.     Trial   and  Execution  of  Caleb  Adams  ....  265 

VII. 
General  Affairs  in  Ashford.     Visit  from  President  Washington.     Turnpike 
Enterprise.     David  Bolles  and  the  Baptist  Petition.     Congregational 
and  Baptist  Churches 203 

VIII. 
Canterbury  Bridges.     Enterprising  Young  Men.     Master  Adams'  School. 
Town  and  Ciiurch  Affairs.     Westminster  Society.     Cleveland  ....  304 

IX. 

Plaintieid  Church  in  Pursuit  of  a  Pastor.  New  Meeting-house.  Dr.  Bene- 
dict.    I'iainffeld  Academy.     Distinguished  Citizens.     Town  Affairs  .  310 

X. 

Killin^ly  Established.  North  Society.  Trials  of  Baptists.  South 
Killingly  Church  and  Trainings.  West  Killingly  Church.  Emigration 
to  Ohio 330 

XI. 

Town  Organization  in  Tiiompson.  Business  Enterprise.  Ordinations  of 
Daniel  Dow  and  Pearson  Crosby.  Report  of  School  Inspectors. 
Sale  of  Thompson  Tract.  Improvements  and  Excitements.  Counter- 
feitin'T 343 


CONTENTS.  XI. 

XII. 

Town   and    Clinrch    Affairs    m    Woodstock.     Academy   Founded.     Thief 
Detecling  Society.     JMurder  of  Marcus  Lyon.     Losses  and  Changes  .  302 

XIII. 
Organization   of  Sterling.     Meeting-liouse   Erected.     Town    and    Chnrcli 
.    Artairs   in  Voluutown.     Line   Meetiug-honse 383 

XIV. 

Windliain   County    in    181)0.      Population.      Business.     Morals.     Religion. 
Schools.     Social  Condition 388 


BOOK  VIII.     1S07-182O. 


I. 

The  Carding  Machine.     Pomfret  Manufacturing  Company.     Manufacturing 
Furor.     War  of  1812-14 ^ 399 

II. 

Windham  Enterprise  and  Difficulties.     Fun  and  Fishing.     Church  Affairs  .  411 

III. 
Town  and  Church  Affairs  in  Hampton.     Chaplin  Society.     Organization  of 
Church.     Meeting-house  and  Minister 417 

IV. 
Enterprise  iu  Canterbury.     Fatal  Accident.     Church  Affairs 422 

V. 

Plainficld  Manufacturers.     Death  of  Dr.  Benedict.     Highways  and  Bridges. 
Sterling.     Voluutown 427 

VI. 
Manufacturing  Excitement   in   Killingly.     Church  Affairs.     United  Tract 
Society -^Sl 

VII. 
Thompson's  Manufacturing   Companies.     Village  Growth   and  Improve- 
meuls.     The  Great  Revival  of  1S13-14 438 

VIII. 
The    Revival    in    Pomfret.     Business    Affairs.     Moral    and    Agricultural 
Societies ^'^^ 

IX. 
Business  in   Woodstock.     Churches.     Academy.     Thefts    and   Whipping. 
Dudley   Land    Case *51 

X. 
Town  and  Church  Affairs  in  Ashford ^orG 

XL 
Town  Affairs  in  Brooklyn.     Unitarian  Controversy.     The  New  Constitu- 
tion.    Change  of  County  Seat ■^^^ 


Xll.  CONTENTS. 

BOOK  IX.     1820-184:5. 


I. 

TraiisAMTcnco  of  Courts.     Brooklyn  Enterprise.     Death   of  Dr.   Whitney. 
Ministry  of  Siunuel  J.  May.     Execution  of  Watkins 471 

IF. 

Temperance  Work  in  Windham  County.     Organization  of  County  Temper- 
ance Society.     Eflbrts  and  Results 480 

III. 
Miss    Crandall's    Schools—White   and   Colored.     Canterbury    in  Danger. 
Excitement.    Expulsion 4!)0 

IV. 

Canterbury.     Plainfleld.     Voluntown.     Sterling 502 

V. 

AVindham.     Willimantic  Village.     Chaplin 511 

VI. 

Hampton.     Ashford.     Eastford  Parish 520 

VII. 

Woodstock.     Thompson 527 

VIII. 
Killingly.     Porafret.     Pomfret  Factory 539 


BOOK   X.     184:0-1880. 


The  Present  Outlook.  Putnam.  Danielsonville.  Willimantic.  Windham 
Green.  North  and  South  Windham.  Scotland.  Chaplin.  Hamp- 
ton. Ashford.  Eastford.  Brooklyn.  Canterbury.  Voluntown. 
Sterling.  Plainfield.  Central  Village.  Moosup.  Wauregan.  Day- 
ville.  Williamsvillc.  East  and  South  Killinglj'.  Grosvenordale. 
Thompson.  Pomfret.  Woodstock.  Notable  Meetings  of  Woodstock. 
Windham  County's  Latest  War-Record.  The  Army  of  Emigrants. 
To-day  and  To-morrow 551 

Appendix.     A. — Origin  of  Town  Names 591 

B.— English  Report  of  Putnam's  Wolf  Fight 591 

C— The  Battle  of  the  Frogs 592 

D.— A  Relic  of  Slavery 593 


BOOK  V. 


I. 

POMFRET.     BROOKLYN   SOCIETY.      PUTNAM.      ^lALBONE.      RIVAL 
CHURCH   EDIFICES.     GENERAL   AFFAIRS. 

rr^HE  heavy  burden  borne  by  Windham  County  through  the  weari- 
-E-  some  French  and  Indian  war  was  not  without  its  compensations. 
Stringent  compulsory  demands  called  out  the  energies  of  the  towns 
and  developed  their  resources.  Wider  experience,  and  the  stimulat- 
ing discipline  of  camp  and  battle,  made  stronger  men  of  those  engaged 
in  warfare,  and  fitted  them  for  greater  usefulness  at  home.  No  town 
was  more  favored  in  this  respect  than  Pomfret.  Her  sons  greatly 
distinguished  themselves  in  the  war,  and  returned  to  engage  with 
equal  zeal  and  fidelity  in  the  service  of  town  and  county-  At  the 
annual  meeting  of  the  town,  December  1,  1760,  many  of  these  returned 
soldiers  were  elected  to  town  offices.  Deacon  Jonathan  Dresser  served 
as  moderator.  More  than  fitty  men  were  needed  to  fill  the  various 
public  offices.  Ebenezer  Williams,  Esq.,  Captain  John  Grosvenor, 
Captain  Zachariah  Spalding,  Deacons  Edward  Ruggles  and  David  Wil- 
liams were  chosen  selectmen  ;  Timothy  Sabin,  town  clerk  and  treasurer; 
Ensign  Nathaniel  Clark,  Ej)hraim  Ingalls  and  Samuel  Williams,  con- 
stables— one  for  each  society  ;  Rufus  Herrick,  John  Gilbert,  William 
Allworth;  Paul  Adams,  Solomon  Griggs,  Daniel  Cheney,  Jonathan 
White,  George  Sumner,  Samuel  Cotton,  Ebenezer  Deming,  Ebenezer 
Williams,  Esq.,  David  Chandler,  Amasa  Sessions,  Jacob  Goodell  and 
Nathaniel  Abbott,  highway  surveyors  ;  Abijah  Williams  and  John 
Weld,  fence  viewers  ;  John  Parkhurst,  Jun.,  Josiah  Sabin,  Ephraim 
Tucker,  Jun.,  Joseph  Scarborough,  Thomas  Williams,  Deacon  Samuel 
Craft  and  Ebenezer  Goodell,  listers  ;  John  Williams,  Jun.,  xVdonijah 
Fasset  and  John  Williams,  grand-jurors;  Jedidiah  Ashcraft,  James 
Copeland,  Joseph  Philips,  Nathaniel  Rogers,  Ephraim  Griggs  and  John 
Holbrook,  tithing-men  ;  William  Sabin,  John  Davison,  Jonathan  Allen, 
Josiah  Wheeler  and  Captain  Zachariah  Spalding,  horse-branders  ;  Ben- 
jamin Smith  and  Benjamin  Sharpe,  weight-sealers ;  Sauuiel  Carpenter, 
excise  collector ;  Ensign  Nathaniel  Clark,  town-collector;  Benjamm 
1 


2  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Giiftin,  key -keeper.  Most  of  these  officers  will  be  recognized  as  descend- 
ants of  the  early  settlers  of  Ponifret.  The  sole  survivor  of  the  first 
settlers  at  this  date  was  apparently  Mr.  Nathaniel  Sessions,  "a  sober 
man  and  useful  member  of  society,  "  who  forty  years  before  had  opened 
the  first  cart  road  from  Providence.  Now  in  serene  old  age,  resting 
from  his  labors  in  his  pleasant  home  in  Abington,  he  was  ever  ready  to 
aid  the  town  with  his  counsel  and  suggestions,  and  passed  his  leisure 
hours  in  the  study  of  the  Scriptures,  committing  a  large  ])art  of  them  to 
memory  in  fear  that  he  should  be  deprived  of  his  eyesiglit. 

The  mill  site  on  tlie  Quinebaug  liad  now  changed  owners.  In  1760, 
the  land  between  the  Quinebaug  and  Mill  Rivers,  with  privilege  of- 
the  Falls,  mills,  dwelling-house,  malt  house,  dye-house,  and  all  their 
appurtenances,  was  sold  by  Nathaniel  Daniels  to  Benjamin  Cargill,  of 
South  Kingston,  R.  I.,  a  descendant  of  Rev.  Donald  Cargill,  of  Scot- 
land. Mr.  Cargill  at  once  took  possession  of  his  purchase  and  by  his 
shrewdness  and  good  management  so  improved  its  business  facilities 
that  "  Cargill's  Mills  "  soon  became  a  noted  place  of  resort  for  all  the 
surrounding  country ;  malting,  dyeing  and  grinding  for  parts  of 
Pomfret,  Woodstock,  Killingly  and  Thompson  Parish. 

Town  affairs  required  very  little  attention.  New  roads  were  dis- 
cussed and  other  public  improvements,  but  nothing  undertaken. 
The  energies  of  the  first  society  were  now  wholly  absorbed  in 
building  the  long  projected  meeting-house.  After  a  year's  sus- 
pension work  was  resumed.  At  a  society  meeting,  December  4, 
1761,  William  Sabin  was  chosen  moderator;  John  Payson,  clerk; 
Captain  John  Grosvenor,  Gershom  Sharpe  and  Samuel  Carpenter, 
committee.  It  was  then  voted  to  raise  money  and  go  forward  with 
the  finishing  of  the  house — money  to  be  raised  by  a  tax  of  ninepence 
per  pound  on  the  list.  A  stalwart  body  of  seats  in  the  centre  of  the 
bouse  had  already  been  ei'ected.  Forty-four  pews  were  now  ordered 
— twenty-six  against  the  walls  ;  eighteen  ranged  behind  the  body  seats. 
It  was  also  voted,  "  That  those  forty-three  persons  that  are  highest  in 
the  list  shall  have  the  liberty  of  drawing  forty-thiee  of  the  pews  ;  they 
building  each  one  his  own  pew  and  finishing  the  wall  of  said  house, 
adjoining  to  his  pew,  to  the  first  girth  ;  he  that  is  highest  in  the  list 
to  have  the  first  choice,  and  so  on  till  they  have  done  drawing  ;  re- 
serving room  for  one  \)ew  for  the  ministry  in  said  society,  where  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Aaron  Putnam  shall  choose  it.  "  The  ditficulties  and  ditfer- 
ences  which  delayed  so  long  the  initiation  of  this  work  had  now  sub- 
sided, and  all  i)arties  united  with  great  apparent  zeal  and  heartiness  in 
its  })rogress  and  completion.  Thomas  Stedman,  the  skillful  architect 
of  the  new  meeting-house  in  Canada  Parish,  was  employed  as  master- 
builder.     Galleries  were  built  around   the  sides  of  the  house,  a  hi^h 


POMFKET,    BROOKLYN    SOCIETY,    ETC.  3 

pulpit  and  massive  canopy  erected,  and  the  outside  "  cullered  "  in  the 
most  approved  fashion  of  the  day — the  body  deep  orange  with  doors 
and  bottom-boards  of  chocolate  color,  "  window-jets, "  corner  and 
weather-boards,  white.  This  fanciful  "cullering"  was  greatly  ad- 
mired and  copied,  and  the  house  when  completed  was  probably  the 
largest  and  finest  in  the  county.  The  formal  dedication  of  houses  of 
worship  was  not  then  in  vogue,  but  a  preliminary  "  lecture  sermon  " 
was  preaclied  in  this  by  Mr.  Putnam,  Thursday,  January  20,  1763.  The 
old  meeting-house  and  training-field  adjacent  were  sold  by  order  of  the 
society,  and  lil)erty  granted  to  build  sheds  on  the  east  line  of  the 
common  within  four  rods  of  Ilev.  Mr.  Aaron  Putnam's  house. 

Brooklyn  society  was  increasing  in  strength  and  numbers.  Ebenezer 
Witter  of  Preston,  John  and  Israel  Litchfield,  .James  and  Thomas 
Eldredge,  William  and  Xehemiah  Prince,  Stephen  Baker,  Rufus  Herrick 
and  Andrew  Lester  had  become  its  residents.  The  original  settlers 
were  represented  by  many  thriving  families.  A  remodeling  of  school 
districts,  in  1762,  shows  the  distribution  of  the  inhabitants  : — 

"District  1.  Containing  Captain  Spalding,  Prince's  place,  that  farm  that  was 
the  Reverend  Mr.  Avery's,  Nathan  Cad)',  Adonijah  Fasset,  David  Kendall, 
John  Kimball,  Rev.  Mr.  Whitney',  Stephen  Baker,  Ezekiel  Cady,  Uriah  Cady, 
Daniel  Tyler.  Thomas  Williams,   Samuel  Cleveland  and  Joseph  Cady. 

District  2.  All  the  lands  and  houses  of  Colonel  Malbone  that  are  in 
the  society,  William  Earl,  Moses  Earl,  Jonas  Frost,  Jedidiah  Ashcraft, 
Joseph  Hul>bard,  Al)ner  Adams,  Benjamin  Fasset,  Nehemiah  Adams.  John 
Hubbard,  Daniel  Adans.  Noah  and  Paul  Adams  and  Samuel  Wilson. 

District  3.  To  contain  Peter  and  Richard  Adams,  Widow  AUyn,  Lieutenant 
Smith,  Sergeant  Woodward,  Reuben  Darbe,  Jonas  Cleveland,  Josiah.  James  and 
Joseph  Fasset,  John  Allyn,  Lieutenant  Spalding,  Elijah  Monro.se,  Joseph 
Dyer,  Jonathan  Backus,  Andrew  Lester,  Captain  Prince,  Nehemiah  Prince, 
Thomas  Wheeler,  William  Copeland  and  Moses  Smith. 

District  4.  To  contain  Nehemiah  Bacon,  Joseph  Scarborough,  Samuel 
Jacques,  James  Bennet,  Joseph  Ross,  Widow  Barret,  Lieutenant  Smith,  Dr. 
Walton,  Barnabas  Wood,  Deacon  Scarborough,  Colonel  Putnam  and  Thomas 
Eldredge. 

District  '>.  To  contain  Samuel  Williams,  Jun.,  William  Williams,  Jun., 
Deacon  Williams,  Samuel  Williams,  Ebenezer  Weeks,  Rufus  Herrick,  Jedidiah 
Downing,  Widow  Davyson,  Banjamin  Fasset,  Jun.,  and  Amoral  Chapman. 

District  6.  To  contain  John  Litchfield,  Israel  Litchtield,  Dai'ius  Cady, 
James  Darbe,  Senior  and  Junior,  Samuel  and  Eleazer  Darbe,  Nathan  Kim- 
ball, Benjamin  Shepard,  Nehemiah  Cady,  Caleb  Spalding,  Daniel,  Nahum, 
John,   Henry  and  Benjamin  Cady. 

District  7.  John  Fasset,  James  Copeland,  Gidion  Cady,  Samuel  Winter, 
Nathan  Witter,  Asa  Tyler,  Lieutenant  Hunt,  the  farm  that  was  Thomas  Stan- 
ton's, Jacob  Staples,  Jethro  Rogers,  James  Bidlack  and  Aaron  Fuller." 

The  central  school-house  was  now  moved  to  a  suitable  place  in  one 
corner  of  the  common,  and  "fitted  upas  well  as  it  was  before,"  and 
school  houses  provided  as  soon  as  possible  for  the  surrounding  districts. 
A  school  was  kept  at  least  two  and  one-fifth  months  a  year  in  each  dis- 
trict. Faithful  men  were  appointed  to  take  charge  of  the  school 
money.  Innovations  in  public  religious  worship  ne.vt  claimed  the 
attention  of  Brooklyn  society.     In  1763,  the  church  concluded  that  the 


4  HISTORY    OF    AVINDHAM    COUNTY. 

pastor  sliould  read  the  Holy  Scriptures  for  the  time  to  come  on  Lord's 
dav,  viz. :  a  portion  in  the  morning  out  of  tlie  Old  Testament,  and  in 
the  afternoon  out  of  the  New  Testament,  in  course,  immediately  before 
first  singing ;  omitting  such  chapters  as  should  be  tliought  less  instruc- 
tive. The  society  voted  meanwhile,  to  provide  a  cushion  for  the  pul- 
pit.    Also — 

"  To  mend  ye  glass  and  frames  and  casements  of  ye  meeting-liouse,  and 
■where  ye  clapboards  are  ofl"  or  split  to  put  on  more,  and  put  on  .shingles 
where  they  are  wanted,  and  rectify  ye  under-pinning — Daniel  Tyler  to  be  the 
man  to  see  that  ye  meeting-house  be  repain-d." 

These  repairs  were  unsatisfactory.  The  house  though  but  thirty 
years  old,  was  rude  and  shabby.  The  elegant  church  edifices  lately 
erected  by  the  first  and  third  societies  of  Ponifret  excited  envy 
and  emulation.  Brooklyn  was  increasing  more  rapidly  than  the  other 
societies;  its  affairs  were  managed  by  men  of  energy  and  public  s[)irit  ; 
its  young  pastor  was  eager  for  progress  and  improvement,  and  it  cotild 
not  long  rest  satisfied  with  inferior  accommodations.  In  1766,  it  was 
accordingly  proposed  to  build  a  new  meeting-house,  but  the  society 
declined  to  consider  the  question  and  only  voted — 

"  To  put  up  a  new  window  on  the  north  side  of  the  meeting-house,  and 
board  up  the  window  that  is  broken  against  the  front  gallerj-,  and  put  some 
new  shingles  on  the  roof  where  the  water  runs  through,  and  put  a  new  clap- 
board on  the  north  side  where  one  is  ofl",  and  give  Mr.  Joseph  Davison  27s. 
to  do  the  same.  " 

This  vote  gave  great  offence  to  the  '•  young  American  "  element  in  the 
society,  especially  to  Dr.  Walton,  who  berated  the  conservatives  for 
raeaimess  and  lack  of  public  spirit,  and  declared  the  present  house  "old, 
shaky  and  not  fit  to  meet  in.  " 

The  return  of  Colonel  Putnam  to  Pomfret  in  1765  gave  a  now  im- 
pulse to  public  improvements  in  town  and  society.  Tlie  distinguished 
success  of  this  gallant  officer  iti  the  field  had  greatly  changed  liis 
position  at  home.  Enemies  more  formidable  tlian  wolves  had  now 
been  overcome.  The  obscure  Mortlake  farmer  had  'proved  himself 
equal  to  every  emergency.  His  valorous  exploits  dtu-ing  the  war  had 
captivated  the  po[)ular  fancy.  His  services  at  Havana  and  Detroit  had 
brought  him  i)romiiiently  before  the  ])ublic  and  added  dignity  to  his 
reputation,  and  no  ofiiccr  in  the  American  ranks  was  more  widely  known 
or  applauded.  Time  had  blunted  tlie  edge  of  sectional  prejudice,  and 
he  was  welcomed  home  after  ten  years  absence  as  one  whom  all 
delighted  to  honor.  His  fellow-citizens  once  so  chary  of  their  favors 
now  loaded  him  with  public  offices.  He  was  called  to  preside  as  modera- 
tor at  town  and  society  meetings.  He  was  made  first  selectman,  and 
sent  as  deputy  to  the  General  Assembly.  He  devised  and  laid 
out  roads,  he  set  out  school-districts,  he  deliberated   upon   the  great 


POMFEET,    BROOKLYN    SOCIETY,    ETC.  5 

question  wbetlier  to  repair  or  pull  down  the  nieetiiiG:-]i()U>c  ;  nor  did 
he  disdain  to  "  hii-e  tlie  niastei', "  seat  the  meeting-house,  collect 
parish  rates,  nor  even  to  receive  crows'  heads  and  pay  out  the 
bounty  money.  Uniting-  with  the  church  soon  after  his  leturn  he 
was  sent  as  its  "messenger"  upon  many  important  occasions,  his 
military  experience  giving  him,  it  may  have  been  supposed,  ]ieculiar 
aptitude  in  disentangling  and  settling  ecclesiastic  contro\ersies  and 
complications.  Tliese  various  duties  were  discharged  with  cliaracter- 
istic  Iieartiness  and  fidelity.  His  eye  was  quick,  liis  judgment  sound 
and  practical,  and  whatever  he  devised  he  was  sure  to  carry  through 
with  promptitude.  Imiu'ovements  on  his  house  and  farm  soon  boi'e 
witness  to  his  untiring  energy.  Sword  and  gun  were  gladly  exclianged 
for  plow  and  pruning  knife.  He  inq)orted  new  stock,  set  out  young 
trees  and  engaged  in  various  agricultural  experiments.  But  with  all 
his  private  and  public  duties  he  was  evei'  ready  to  aid  his  neighbors 
by  advice  or  service.  AVhen  an  alarm  of  fire  was  heai'il  in  the  neigh- 
borhood he  was  the  first  man  on  the  ground,  and  with  his  own  brawny 
arms  bi'ought  up  from  the  cellar  the  well-tilled  pork  barrel  that  was  to 
furnish  food  for  the  needy  household,  and  none  was  more  pronq>t  in 
relieving  the  wants  of  the  destitute. 

But  Putnam  was  not  permitted  to  restrict  his  energies  to  his  own 
farm  and  neighljorhood.  He  returned  at  a  great  political  crisis.  The 
revolutionary  contlicl  had  opened.  Tlie  Stamp  Act  had  just  been  ])ro- 
mulgated,  and  all  the  Colonies  were  ablaze  with  indignation.  No 
man  was  more  imbued  with  tlie  spirit  of  the  times,  moi'e  resolute  in 
determination  to  resist  farther  encroachment  upon  colonial  liberties,  and 
he  had  the  art  of  infusing  his  sjjirit  into  others.  As  the  avowed  opponent 
of  the  Stamp  Act  he  was  welcomed  home  with  acclamation,  and  ardent 
patriots  rallied  around  him  as  their  chanqjion  and  leader  in  lesislauce 
and  aggression.  He  was  called  upon  to  preside  at  indignation  meet- 
ings in  various  parts  of  Windham  County.  His  pungent,  pithy 
Avords  had  great  eifect  upon  his  hearers.  The  foray  u[)on  Ingersoll 
and  other  demonstrations  of  popular  feeling  were  said  to  have  been 
instigated  by  Putnam,  and  the  prominence  of  Windham  County  in  the 
subsequent  struggle  was  ascribed  in  great  measure  to  his  presence  and 
influence. 

Putnam's  triumphant  return  was  shadowed  by  a  great  domestic 
afliiction — the  death  of  his  beloved  wife — in  the  autumn  of  17(35.  Shu 
left  seven  living  children — Israel,  the  oldest,  now  twenty-tive  years  of 
age,  and  the  youngest,  Peter  Schuyler,  an  infant  of  a  few  montlis.  In 
1767,  Colonel  Putnam  was  married  to  Madam  Deborah  Gardiner,  a 
lady  long  known  to  him  as  the  wife  of  Brooklyn's  first  minister,  Pev. 
Ephraim  Avery,  and  afterwards  of  John  Gardiner,  Esq.,  of  Gardiner's 


6  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Island.  Tliis  ninniagc  gave  new  dignity  to  his  social  position,  bring- 
ing liini  into  connection  with  many  prominent  families,  and  with  that 
ecclesiastic  eletnent  so  potent  in  Connecticut  at  this  period.  Mrs.  Put- 
nam had  a  large  circle  of  friends  and  much  social  experience.  Her 
husband  was  the  most  popular  man  of  the  day.  Their  hospitable  home 
drew  throngs  of  visitants.  Every  soldier  passing  through  Windham 
County  would  go  out  of  his  way  to  call  upon  his  beloved  colonel.  Rela- 
tives, friends,  traveling  ministers,  distinguished  strangers  and  gush- 
ing patriots  came  in  such  numbers  that  their  entertainment  became 
very  burdensome.  A  Virginian  Jefferson  would  submit  to  such  an 
invasion  though  it  made  him  bankrupt ;  a  Yankee  Putnam  could  con- 
trive to  turn  it  into  profit,  or  at  least  save  himself  from  ruin.  Finding 
that  his  estate  could  not  support  such  an  excessive  outlay,  Putnam 
met  the  emergency  with  one  of  his  sudden  strokes,  removed  his  resi- 
dence to  the  Avery  estate  on  Brooklyn  Green,  and  opened  his  house  for 
general  public  accommodation.  A  full-length  representation  of  its 
proprietor  as  "General  Wolf,''  in  appropriate  military  costume,  hung 
before  the  door,  its  outstretched  hand  inviting  all  to  enter.  That 
Brooklyn  tavern,  with  Putnam  for  its  landlord  and  Mrs.  Avery  Gardi- 
ner Putnam  as  mistress,  became  one  of  the  most  noted  gathering  places 
in  Eastern  Connecticut,  and  witnessed  many  a  thrilling  scene  of  the 
great  Revolutionary  drama. 

Putnam's  return  to  Pomfret  was  nearly  cotemporaiy  with  the  advent 
of  another  distingiiished  personage  of  very  different  charcter  and 
proclivities — Godfrey  Malbone,  of  Newport.  An  aristocrat  by  birth 
and  sympathies  ;  a  loyalist,  devoted  to  the  Crown  and  Church 
of  England — untoward  fate  brought  him  to  finish  his  days  amid 
the  rude,  rebel  yeomanry  of  Pomfret,  in  the  same  neiglil)orhood  with 
the  great  champion  of  j)Opulai-  rights  and  liberties.  Colonel  Mal- 
bone was  a  man  of  varied  experience  and  accomplishments.  He  was 
educated  at  King's  College,  Oxford,  had  traveled  much  and  moved  in 
the  first  circles  of  Europe  and  America.  Inheriting  a  lai'ge  estate 
from  his  father,  he  had  lived  in  a  style  of  princely  luxury  and  magnifi- 
cence. His  country-house,  a  mile  from  Newport  state-house,  was  called 
"  the  most  splendid  edifice  in  all  the  Colonies.  "  Com]>leted  at  great 
cost  after  long  delay,  it  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  the  midst  of  house- 
warming  festivities.  Colonel  ]Malbone's  financial  affairs  had  become 
seriously  embarrassed.  His  commercial  enterprises  had  been  thwarted 
by  the  insubordination  of  the  Colonies.  His  shii)S  had  been  taken  by 
l>rivateeis,  and  his  property  destroyed  by  Newport  mobs,  and  now  that 
his  elegant  edifice  was  consumed,  he  refused  to  battle  longer  with  fate 
and  opposing  elements,  and,  early  m  1766,  buried  himself  in  the  wilds 
of  Pomfret.     Some  three  thousand  acres  of  land,  bought  from  Belcher, 


POMFRET,    BROOKLYN    SOCIETY,    ETC.  7 

Williams  aiul  others,  had  been  made  over  to  him  at  the  decease  of  his 
tather,  well  stocked  with  cows,  horses,  sheep,  swine,  goats  and  negroes. 
These  slaves  according  to  common  report  were  a  part  of  a  cargo 
brought  from  Holland  who  helped  repel  a  piratical  assault,  and  weie 
retained  for  life  and  comfortably  supjjorted.  Amid  such  rude,  uncon- 
genial surroundings,  Malbone  made  his  home,  exchanging  his  palatial 
residence  for  a  common  tenant-house,  and  renouncing  all  business 
interests  but  the  cultivation  of  his  land  and  the  utilization  of  his 
negro  forces.  With  the  town's  people  he  held  as  little  intercourse  as 
possible.  They  belonged  to  a  class  and  world  of  which  he  had  a  very  im- 
perfect conception.  Such  gentlemen  as  called  upon  liim  were  received 
with  politeness ;  poor  people  asking  aid  were  relieved ;  town  and 
church  rates  were  paid  witliout  demur  or  question,  but  all  without  the 
slightest  personal  interest.  Of  their  schools  and  churches,  their  town 
government  and  projected  improvements,  he  knew  or  cared  nothing. 
Their  political  aspirations  and  declamations  he  looked  upon  with  scorn 
beyond  expression. 

It  was  not  till  he  discovered  that  these  insignificant  countiy  people 
were  concerting  a  project  very  detrimental  to  his  own  interests  that 
Colonel  Malbone  was  roused  from  his  lofty  inditference.  Brooklyn 
Society  was  bent  upon  a  new  meeting  house.  Putnam's  removal  to  tlie 
village  had  given  a  new  impetus  to  the  movement.  With  such  a 
famous  tavern  and  troops  of  fine  company,  how  could  the  ])eople  con- 
descend to  attend  religious  worship  in  an  old  shaky  house,  with  patched 
roof  and  boarded  windows.  Again,  in  the  autumn  of  1768,  a  meeting 
was  called  to  consider  this  important  question.  Great  eifoits  were 
made  to  secure  a  full  vote,  and  as  an  argument  for  a  new  building  it 
was  currently  whispered  that  the  Malbone  estate,  now  I'ising  in  value, 
would  pay  a  large  percentage  of  the  outlay.  So  ignorant  was  Colonel 
Malbone  of  neighborhood  affairs  that  he  did  not  even  know  that  such  a 
question  was  pending.  "  A  strange  sort  of  notification  "  affixed  to 
the  public  sign-post  had  for  him  no  significance.  He  paid  no  heed  to 
town  or  society  meetings,  and  the  vote  might  have  been  carried  with- 
out his  participation  or  knowledge  had  not  one  of  his  tenants  thought 
it  his  duty  to  apprize  him  on  the  very  day  preceding  the  meeting. 
Alarmed  by  the  tidings  he  at  once  waited  upon  Mr.  Whitney,  whom 
he  had  ever  treated  with  the  respectdue  to  his  position  and  character, 
and  represented  to  him  the  imprudence  as  well  as  inexpediency  of  such 
a  step  at  a  juncture  when  every  one  complained  of  the  great  hardsliiiis 
of  the  time  and  extreme  scarceness  of  money.  To  convince  hiui  of  its 
necessity  Mr.  Whitney  took  him  to  the  meeting-house,  which  lie  had 
never  before  deigned  to  enter,  but  though  joined  "  by  an  Esquii-e,  Col- 
onel and  farmer,"  (probably  Holland,  Putnam  and  Williams),  all  their 


8  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

aru'unu'iits  were  ineffectual.  The  priinilive  ineeting-honse  seemed  to 
him  ([uitegood  enough  for  the  congregation,  a  few  triiiing  repairs  were 
all  that  was  needed,  and  if  really  too  small  its  enlargement  was  practi- 
cable. So  much  uneasiness  was  manifested  at  the  latter  suggestion, 
and  such  determined  resolution  to  build  at  all  events  that  Colonel 
Malbone  saw  clearly  that  the  measure  was  likely  to  be  carried,  and 
without  returning  home  galloped  over  to  Plainfield  to  consult  with  the 
only  churchman  of  any  note  in  the  vicinity — John  Aplin,  Esq.,  a  lawyer 
lately  removed  from  Providence,  a  staunch  loyalist,  greatly  embittered 
against  the  colonists.  He  assured  Malbone  that  as  the  laws  stood 
he  could  not  possibly  help  himself;  that  if  those  people  had  a  mind  to 
erect  a  square  building  this  year  and  pull  it  down  and  build  a  round 
one  the  next,  he  must  submit  to  the  expense  unless  they  had  a  church 
of  their  own,  or  got  lelief  from  England.  Convinced  of  the  necessity 
of  vigorous  opposition.  Colonel  Malbone  next  day  attended  the  society 
meeting,  "  debated  the  question  with  the  Esquire  in  veiy  regular 
fashion,"  and  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  it  thoroughly  defeated — 
"tlie  odds  against  building  being  very  great  when  put  to  vote.  " 

Op})ositi()n  only  made  the  minority  more  determined.  They  con- 
tinued to  agitate  the  matter  both  in  public  and  private,  and  were  "so 
extremely  industrious  and  indefatigable,  promising  to  pay  the  rates  for 
those  who  could  not  afford  it,  "  that  they  gained  many  adherents.  In 
September,  17G1),  another  society  meeting  was  called,  when  Colonel 
Malbone  again  ap])eared  with  the  following  protest : — 

'•  1.  1  deem  the  present  house  with  a  very  few  trifling  repairs  altoirether 
suHicieiit  iiiul  proper  to  answer  the  purpose  designed,  it  being  no  way  anti- 
quated, and  with  small  expense  may  be  made  equal  to  when  it  waslirsttiu- 
ished  and  full  as  decent  as  the  situation  of  the  parish  will  allow  of,  and  cer- 
tainly much  more  suitable  to  our  circumstances  than  the  superb  edifice  pro- 
posed to  be  erected — God  Almighty  not  being  so  much  delighted  with  temples 
made  with  hands  as  with  meek,  humble  and  upright  hearts. 

2.  If  the  building  had  been  really  necessary  it  would  be  prudent  to  post- 
pone it  rather  than  to  burden  the  inhal)itants  at  this  distressful  season,  when 
there  is  scarce  a  farthing  of  money  circulated  among  us,  and  the  most  wealth}'' 
obliged  to  send  the  produce  of  their  lands  to  markets  for  distress  to  raise  a 
sulliciency  for  payment  of  taxes  for  the  support  of  the  ministry  only,  and  the 
generality  scarce  able,  though  we  pay  no  province  tax,  to  live  a  poor,  wretched, 
miserable  life. 

?>.  I  was  born  and  educated  in  the  principles  and  profession  of  the  Estab- 
lished National  Cliurcli,  and  determine  to  persevere  in  those  i)rlnciples  to  the 
clay  of  my  death;  therefore,  decline  from  entering  into  so  great  an  expense — 
a  full  eighth  of  the  whole  charge — wherefore,  in  presence  of  this  meeting,  I 
do  publicly  repeat  my  dissent  and  absolutely  protest.  " 

l"])on  putting  the  question  to  vote  a  majority  of  o/ie  declared 
against  Ijuilding;  but  as  three  of  the  prominent  advocates  were  absent 
at  a  funeral  the  point  was  virtually  carried.  Elated  with  the  pros- 
pect of  success,  the  friends  of  tlie  new  house  now  indulged  in  some 
natural  expressions  of  triumph.      That  Malbone's  opposition  had  in- 


POlVrFEET,    BROOKLYN    SOCIETY,    ETC.  9 

creased  their  spirit  and  determination  is  quite  probable.  Wliile  he 
esteemed  his  country  neighbors  as  boors  and  clowns,  characterized  by 
"  cant,  cunning,  hypocrisy  and  lowness  of  manners,"  they  had  sufficient 
acuteness  to  detect  and  reciprocate  his  ill  opinion,  and  resent  his  attempt 
to  thwart  them  in  their  dearest  legal  and  local  privilege.  His  scornful 
contempt  was  now  repaid  by  downright  insolence,  and  these  canting 
clowns  did  not  hesitate  to  say  in  the  most  public  manner,  "  that  as 
churchmen  had  made  them  pay  in  other  places,  they  had  the  right  and 
would  make  use  of  it  to  make  churchmen  pay  here,  "  and  "  that  by  sell- 
ing off  a  few  of  his  negroes  to  pay  his  building  rate,  the  damage  would 
not  be  very  great.  "  These  "insults  "  added  to  the  "intended  oppres- 
sion "  roused  the  high  spirited  MaDjone  to  immediate  resolution  and 
action.  For  nearly  thirty  years  his  estate  had  paid  for  the  support  of 
religious  worship  in  this  society.  Although  as  non-resident  Episco- 
palians they  might  have  obtained  exemption  from  government,  yet  as 
the  tax  was  comparatively  light,  the  value  of  the  property  enhanced  l)y 
the  maintenance  of  this  worship,  and  father  and  son  exceedingly  lil)eral 
and  open  handed,  they  had  paid  it  witliout  protesting.  Removing  to 
Biooklyn,  Malboue  still  disdained  to  ipiestion  it  till  confronted  by  tliis 
large  itnpost.  As  a  resident  of  the  parish  he  would  be  compelled  by 
law  to  pay  it  unless  he  could  attend  public  woi'ship  elsewhere.  To 
help  those  who  had  thus  insulted  him,  to  yield  the  point  to  his 
opponents,  to  be  instrumental  in  erecting  "  what  some  called  a  schism- 
shop,  "  was  wholly  repugnant  to  him.  The  church  at  Norwich  was 
practically  inaccessible.  Relief  might  be  obtained  by  appealing  to  the 
King,  but  this  implied  negotiation  and  delay.  A  more  instant  and 
efiectual  reiiiedy  was  needed  and  devised.  Malbone  was  an  ardent 
royalist,  devoted  heart  and  soul  to  the  interests  of  the  British  Govern- 
ment. Tlie  English  Church  was  one  with  the  Crown.  By  establishing 
Episcopal  worship  in  his  own  neighborhood,  he  could  not  only  secure 
himself  from  taxation  and  discomtit  his  opponents,  but  strengthen  the 
hands  of  his  King  and  countiy,  and  bring  new  adherents  to  their 
cause.  These  considerations  were  too  weighty  to  be  rejected. 
They  appealed  to  the  strongest  and  deepest  sympathies  of  his  nature, 
and  with  characteristic  impulsiveness  he  emerged  tVom  his  retirement 
and  devoted  himself  with  all  his  energies  and  resources  to  the  establish- 
ment of  the  Church  of  England  on  the  very  land  purchased  by  Black- 
well  for  a  Puritan  Colony. 

Followers  soon  rallied  around  him.  The  few  Tories  in  the  neigh- 
borhood were  eager  to  join  him.  Dr.  Walton,  who  had  made  himself 
obnoxious  by  his  political  course  and  was  now  "  debarred  from  church 
privileges  for  rough  speaking,"  came  out  boldly  for  Episcopacy  and 
Malbone.  Aplin  of  Plainfield,  was  ready  with  aid  and  counsel.  Brook- 
2 


10  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

]yn,  like  othfr  parishes,  had  its  iiialcoiiteiils,  its  aggricvecl  rate-payeis, 
ready  to  avenge  old  wrongs  aud  forestall  future  assessments  by  uniting 
with  a  new  organization.  A  paper  cireulated  by  Dr.  Walton  procured 
the  signatures  of  nineteen  perso!is,  heads  of  families,  agreeing  to 
become  members  of  the  Clnirch  of  Englai;d  when  eluircli  edifice  and 
missionary  should  be  provided.  To  piovide  these  essentials  was  a 
matter  of  great  difficulty.  Every  argument  urged  by  Malbone  against 
the  building  of  the  IJrooklyn  meeting-liouse  ap))lied  with  greater  force 
to  his  own  project.  Times  weie  hard,  money  scarce,  his  own  pecuni- 
aiy  affairs  endiarrassed,  his  proselytes  mainly  of  the  poorer  classes. 
The  Society  for  the  Pi-0])agation  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts,  indig 
nant  at  the  giowing  insubordination  of  the  colonies,  had  "determined 
not  to  make  any  new  missions  in  New  England."  But  Malbone  had 
friends  and  infiuence  abroad,  and  a  ready  wit  and  pen  of  his  own — 
"himself  a  host,"  able  to  overcome  all  opposing  obstacles.  In  gi'ace- 
ful  letteis  admirably  adapted  to  the  various  recipients  he  told  his  story. 
To  former  boon  companions,  wdio  might  "  I'easonably  be  suri>iized  that 
he  had  undertaken  to  make  proselytes  and  build  chui'ches,"  he  wouM 
not  pretend  that  he  was  induced  to  this  l>y  religious  motives  merely. 
That  would  "border  very  near  uj)on  that  damnal)le  sin  of  hypocrisy 
and  I'alsehood,  from  the  schools  of  which  he  was  endeavoring  to  bring 
over  as  many  as  he  should  be  able  by  the  utmost  pains  and  assiduity." 
To  them  he  dwelt  mainly  upon  the  unpleasantness  of  his  personal 
position,  and  the  folly  of  this  ridiculous  vain  people  "  of  Brooklyn, 
who,  from  a  ridiculous  spirit  of  {uide  and  emulation,  were  about  to 
demolish  a  structure  as  sound  and  good  as  when  first  finished,  that 
they  might  build  one  newer,  larger,  and  probably  yelloicer  than  a 
monstrous  great  unformed  new  one  that  looked  like  a  baru,  painted  all 
over  a  very  bright  yellow,  recently  erected  in  Pomfret."  To  clerical 
friends  he  expressed  his  repugnance  to  saddling  his  estate  already  too 
much  encumbered  with  an  expense  of  perhaps  two  hundred  pounds — 
and  for  what — to  build  an  Independent  meeting-house  !  to  furnish 
money  for  what  could  only  be  a  considerable  prejudice  to  the  cause  of 
their  religion,  and  begged  their  utmost  assistance  from  pi'inciple. 
Presbyterianism,  he  averred,  so  abhorrent  to  the  true  princijiles  of  the 
English  Constitution  that  he  considered  the  man  who  endeavored  by 
every  mild  and  moderate  method  to  propagate  the  worship  of  the 
Church  of  England,  as  aiming  at  a  very  great  national  service.  In  a 
very  able  letter  addi-essed  to  the  Bishop  of  Bangor — his  former  class- 
mate at  Oxford — he  declared  that  "the  ministry  could  not  take  a 
more  effectual  step  to  humble  the  oveigrown  ])ride  of  the  Independ- 
ents in  these  Colonies  (who,  notwithstanding  their  much  vaunted 
loyalty,  would  very  gladly  exchange  monarchy  for  a  republic,  so  very 


POMFRET,    BROOKLYN    SOCIETY,    ETC.  11 

compatible  with  theii-  religious  system),  that)  to  encourage  the  growth 
of  the  cluirch,"  and  he  adjured  all  having  any  intluence  with  I>ishops 
or  dignitaries  to  endeavoi'  to  procure  an  order  from  his  Majesty, 
exemjjting  all  churchmen  "from  tlie  shameful  necessity  of  contril)Ut- 
ing  to  the  su])port  of  liissenting  worship."  These  pleas  and  re})iesenta- 
tioiis  secured  from  the  Venerable  Society  the  promise  of  aid  in  the 
support  of  a  minister,  and  various  sums  of  money  for  the  clnirch 
edifice.  A  hundred  pounds  was  given  by  Malbone,  ten  pounds  by  Dr. 
Walton  and  smaller  sums  by  others.  An  eligible  building  site  on  the 
Adams  tract,  south  of  MaU>t>ne's  land,  was  given  by  Azariah  Adams. 
So  expeditious  were  the  movements  of  the  churchmen,  that  before  the 
middle  of  November,  Malbone  had  already  executed  a  plan  for  a 
building,  and  made  arrangements  for  providing  materials. 

This  unexpected  departure  and  revolt,  and  the  [)rospect  of  an 
Episcopal  house  of  worship,  only  stimulated  the  zeal  of  the  friends  of 
the  pai'ish  meeting-liouse.  Great  effoits  were  made  to  biing  the 
neuti-al  and  wavering  to  a  decision,  the  leaders  of  each  party  offering 
to  pay  the  building-rate  of  such  poor  persons  as  should  declare  in  its 
favor.  The  decisive  vote  was  taken  Feb.  6,  1770,  "and  there  were 
seventy-two  voted  to  build  and  twenty-one  lawful  voters  against  it." 
It  was  also  voted  at  a  subsequent  meeting,  that  the  meeting-house 
should  be  built  by  a  rate  upon  the  jM-evious  tax  list.  The  injustice  of 
this  attempt  to  extort  a  building-rate  from  the  churchmen  enlisted 
public  sympathy  in  their  favor,  and  some  of  the  leading  men  in  the 
society  joined  with  Malbone  in  protesting  against  it.  From  neighbor- 
ing towns  he  received  aid  and  sui»port.  Residents  of  Plainfield  and 
Canterbury,  alienated  from  their  own  churches  by  bitter  religious 
dissensions  gave  him  their  names  and  intluence,  so  that  with  a  strong 
party  to  uphold  him  he  thus  ap[)ealed  to  the  General  Court  for  relief 
and  exemption  :  — 

"Your  petitioners,  desirous  of  worsliippiiii?  God  in  public  according;  to 
their  i.wu  senlimeiUs  and  tlie  direction  of  tlu'ir  consciences,  in  the  beginning 
of  October,  ITG'.t,  did  assemble  themselves  together,  and  enter  into  engage- 
ments for  building  within  said  parish  of  Brooklyn,  a  house  of  worship 
accoriling  to  the  model  of  the  Church  of  England,  and  for  supplynig  the 
same  wiih  a  minister  duly  qnalitied,  and  have  carried  the  same  nito  execution, 
so  that  public  worship  will  be  performed  therein  in  a  few  montlis.  Public 
meeting-house  is  of  suffleient  dimensions  and  with  some  few  repairs  would 
mal^e  a  good  and  decent  house;  that  soon  after  their  purpose  was  known 
tlie  inhabitants  of  Brooklyn,  at  a  society  meeting,  held  Feb.  6,  l/.O,  did 
vote  that  said  meeting-house  should  be  pulled  down  and  a  new  one  erected, 
the  expense  to  be  paid  by  an  assessment  of  the  parish  ;  and  to  precipitate  tlie 
transaction  the  society  voted  on  March  9,  That  the  assessment  should  be  com- 
pleted according  to  the  list  of  ratable  estates  given  in  the  September  pre- 
vious, although'the  said  tax  by  said  vote  is  not  made  payable  till  the  hrst  ot 
Dec,  1770,  bv  which  illegal  and  nnprecetlentcd  act,  it  is  manifest  that  the 
whole  was  passed  with"  a  design  to  include  such  of  your  petitioners  a.s 
belonged  to  Brooklyn  in  the  taxation,  although  the  church  should  betore  that 


12 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY, 


time  be  erected  in  Brooklyn,  and  themselves  excused  by  colony  statute. 
Whereupon  your  memorialists  pray,  that  on  condition  the  church  intended  to 
be  built  shall  be  by  them  built,  so  that  public  worship  be  performed  at  or 
before  the  said  lirst  day  of  Dec,  they  may  stand  acquitted  and  discharged 
from  said  tax. 


Godfrey  Malbone. 
Joseph  Hubbard. 
Jorre  Cleveland. 
Timothy  Lowe. 
Jedidiah  Ashcroft,  Sen. 
Ahaziah  Adams. 
Jacob  Staple. 
Daniel  McCIoud. 
Caleb  Spalding. 
Benjamin  Jewett. 


John  Allyn. 
John  Wheeler. 
Leonard  Cady. 
Noah  Adams. 
Henry  Cady. 
Thomas  Adams. 
Isaac  Adams. 
Samuel  Adams. 
Elisha  Ada.ms. 
James  Darbe,  Jun. 


Jonathan  Wheeler. 
Jacob  Gcor. 
William  Walton. 
Jonas  Cleveland. 
Jabez  Allyn. 
Nehcmiah  Adams. 
Benjamin  Cady. 
John  Ashcraft. 
Seth  Sabiu. 
James  Eldridge. 


Subscribers  adjacent  to  Brooklyn,  united  in  building  a  church,  recommend 
the  petition  as  reasonable  and  fit  to  be  granted. 


John  Pellet. 
John  Tyler. 
Zebulon  Tyler. 
Samuel  Adams. 
John  Aplin. 
Timothy  Adams. 
Philemon  Holt. 
Phineas  Tyler. 
Peter  Lort. 


William  Pellet. 
David  Hide. 
Asa  Stevens. 
Eobert  Durkee. 
Richard  Smith. 
Thomas  Pellet. 
David  Pellet. 
Joseph  Pellet. 
Morgan  Carmans. 


Jonathan  Downing. 
Caleb  Faulkner. 
Abijah  Cady. 
Edward  Cleveland. 
Kichard  Butts. 
Dudley  Wade. 
Samuel  Cleveland. 
Jedidiah  Ashcroft,  Jun. 

April  10,  1770." 

Consideration  of  this  memorial  was  deferred  until  October,  when  it 
was  opposed  by  Thomas  Williams  in  behalf  of  tlie  society.  Relief 
was  granted  to  Malbone,  as  an  acknowledged  churchman,  bnt  denied 
to  his  associates,  from  lack  of  contidence  in  the  sincerity  of  their 
motives. 

Meanwhile  the  rival  edifices  were  in  progress.  A  connnittee  from 
the  County  Court,  summoned  by  Joseph  Scarborough,  and  waited 
upon  by  Daniel  Tyler  and  Seth  Paine,  affixed  for  the  society  a  build- 
ing spot  on  the  Green,  a  few  rods  southeast  of  the  old  meeting  house 
— "  its  front  foreside  facing  the  road."  JNIr.  Daniel  Tyler,  the  super- 
visor of  the  first  house,  again  served  as  master-builder.  His  experi- 
ence and  judgment,  aided  perhaps  by  the  pujigent  strictures  of 
Colonel  Malbone,  enabled  him  to  construct  an  edifice  far  less  amenable 
to  criticism  than  the  Pomfret  model — pronounced  by  connuon  consent 
"a  very  genteel  meeting-house."  It  was  of  ample  size  and  graceful 
proportions,  with  a  convenient  porch  and  handsome  steeple,  built  at 
their  own  expense  by  Daniel  Tyler  and  others.  A  special  vote  pro- 
vided "that  our  new  meeting-house  be  colored  white."  Five  seats 
eleven  feet  long  were  ranged  each  side  the  broad  alley.  The  remain- 
der of  the  floor  was  occu[)ied  by  capacious  pews.  "  Forty-three 
persons  that  pay  the  greatest  rates  that  are  on  that  list,  which  contains 
no  man's  poll  and  ratable  estate  than  what  was  under  their  immediate 
care  and  occupancy,"  were  allowed  the  floor  to  build  pews  on.     The 


POMFRET,    BKOOKLYJSr    SOCIETY,    ETC.  13 

top  of  the  floor  of  the  wall  pews  was  to  be  nine  inches  above  the  top 
of  the  floor  of  the  house,  that  of  the  body  pews  to  be  fonr-and  a-half 
inches  above  the  same  ;  all  to  be  neatly  finished  with  banisters.  A 
competent  committee  was  appointed  to  decide  upon  the  builders  of 
these  pews — viz.  :  Thomas  Williams,  Daniel  Tyler,  Seth  Paine, 
Colonel  Putnam,  Deacon  Scarborough,  Captain  Pierce,  Joseph  Holland, 
Samuel  Williams,  Sen.  and  Junior.  These  gentlemen  with  the  society's 
committee  and  the  pastor  weie  to  determine  "  where  each  pew  as  well 
as  the  minister's  and  pulpit  should  be."  I>y  a  be(piest  from  Mr. 
Joseph  Scaiborough,  who  died  before  the  house  was  completed,  a 
bell  was  provided  and  hung — the  second  in  the  county.  Private 
enterprise  placed  a  convenient  clock  iu  the  steeple.  The  progressive 
spirit  of  the  Brooklyn  peojile  was  further  manifested  by  their  voting, 
"  That  an  Eleclaiick  Rod  may  be  set  up  at  the  new  meeting-house, 
provided  it  be  done  without  cost  to  the  society."  This  house  was 
probably  occupied  in  the  summer  of  1771,  but  there  is  no  record  of 
any  especial  observance  of  its  opening.  The  formal  dedication  of 
church  edifices  was  one  of  the  Pai)al  practices  long  eschewed  by 
Dissenting  churches.  The  society  showed  its  regard  for  the  meeting- 
house so  hardly  obtained  by  entrusting  its  care  to  its  most  honored 
public  citizen,  voting — 

"  That  Colonel  Putnam  take  care  of  the  new  meetiiig-house  and  ring  the 
bell  at  three  pounds  a  year." 

When  the  Colonel  went  to  the  war,  his  minister  took  his  place  as  bell 
ringer.     Only  the  first  men  in  the  society  were  deemed  worthy  of  such 
an  honor.     It  was  ordered  "  that  the  bell  should  be  rung  on  Sabbaths, 
Fasts,  Thanksgivings  and  lectures,  as  was  customary  in  other  })1aces 
where  they  have  bells,  also  at  twelve  at  noon  and  nine  at  night." 

The  Malbone  Chuich,  as  it  was  commonly  called,  was  completed  in 
advance  of  its  rival.  It  was  a  neat,  unpi-etentious  structure,  chjsely 
copying  its  namesake — Trinity  Church,  of  Newport — in  its  interior  ar- 
rangement. To  prepare  his  proselytes  for  participation  in  the  church 
service,  of  which  he  avowed  "they  were  as  ignorant  as  so  many  of  the 
Iroquois,"  Malbone  himself  invaded  "the  sacred  ofiice  of  jiriesthood," 
conducting  worshijj  in  his  own  house  till  the  church  was  ready.  The 
novelty  of  the  service  attracted  many  hearers.  The  Pev.  John  Tyler, 
church  missionary  at  Norwich,  ever  ready  to  forward  the  work  of 
church  extension  in  Eastern  Connecticut,  preached  in  Ashcroft's  house, 
in  February,  to  a  number  of  most  attentive  hearers.  April  12,  1771, 
he  officiated  at  the  public  opening  of  the  new  church  edifice.  The  oc- 
casion was  felt  to  be  one  of  unusual  interest  and  importance,  confirm- 
ing and  establishing  the  worship  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  a  section 
of  country  long  given  over  to  Dissentei's.     It  was  also  memorable  as 


14  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

the  first-  foi'mal  rlcilication  service  held  in  Windham  County.  The 
Kev.  Samuel  Peters,  churcli  missionary  at  Hebron,  assisted  in  the  ser- 
vice. The  seimon,  by  Mr.  Tyler,  very  ap])ropriately  discussed  "the 
Sanctity  of  a  Christian  Temple,"  and  otfered  many  sound  and  scrip- 
tural reasons  for  its  outward  and  visible  consecration.  Public  services 
on  the  following  Sabbath  were  conducted  by  Mr.  Tyler,  and  on  various 
other  occasions.  No  minister  was  procured  till  Sej^tember,  when  Mr. 
Richard  Mosely  oifered  his  services.  He  had  been  chaplain  in  the 
British  Naval  service,  and  brought  with  him  letters  from  some  of  Mal- 
bone's  Boston  friends,  but  no  clerical  endorsement.  His  agreeable 
manners  won  the  favor  of  Col.  Malbone,  who  retained  him  in  cltarge 
throughout  the  winter,  although  Dr.  Caner  and  other  Boston  clergy- 
men declined  to  sanction  his  appointment.  Notwithstanding  their 
disa|)proval  Mr.  Mosely  became  very  [»opular,  and  not  only  conducted 
the  regular  service  in  Trinity  Cliui'ch,  but  preached  and  lectured  in 
Plainfield  and  Canterbury,  having  "a  great  audience  each  time."  The 
popularity  of  Malb(jne's  minister,  and  the  freedom  and  openness  of  his 
manners,  naturally  excited  much  remark  and  criticism.  The  ancient 
church  and  ecclesiastic  society  of  Brooklyn  hatl  been  greatly  disturbed 
by  the  establishment  of  this  English  church  and  tiie  number  of  prose- 
lytes it  had  secured.  The  vigorous  opposition  and  stinging  sarcasms 
of  Col.  Malbone  had  excited  much  bitterness,  and  predisposed  them  to 
severity  of  judgment.  Local  wits  had  tried  to  meet  him  with  similar 
weapons.  The  ceremonials  at  the  opening  of  the  church  edifice  and  at 
the  christening  of  the  fiist  child  had  been  ridiculed  in  sprightly  dog- 
gerel, but  now  more  earnest  action  was  demanded.  They  had  heard 
much  of  the  corruption  of  the  Church  of  England,  and  the  disreputable 
character  and  lives  of  many  of  its  clergy,  and  here  was  one  ofiiciating 
in  their  own  parish,  and  drawing  great  numbers  to  hear  him,  who,  it 
was  whispered,  was  not  even  eutlorsed  by  his  own  church,  and  whose 
ministerial  standing  and  qualifications  were  extremely  doubtful.  As 
the  legal  censors  of  religious  ordei'  and  public  morality,  tiie  committee 
of  tlie  society  felt  it  theii-  duty  to  inquire  into  the  matter,  and  accord- 
ingly called  at  the  house  of  Colonel  Malbone.  That  gentleman,  who 
was  apprized  in  advance  of  their  coming,  received  them  with  great 
calmness  and  composure,  and  "suffered  them  to  give  full  discharge  of 
their  embassy,"  which  was,  he  reports,  "  to  inspect  iNIosely's  letters  of 
orders,  and  find  by  wliat  right  he  had  placed  him  as  minister."  Col. 
Malljone  expix'ssed  his  entire  willingness  to  satisfy  them,  j)i"ovided  they 
would  sign  a  jJMper  he  had  prepared  for  them — a  most  absurd  docu- 
ment, setting  forth  in  inflated,  ridiculous  and  Quixotic  terms  their 
authority  and  power,  as  committee  of  the  society  of  Brooklyn, 
town  of  Pomfret,  county  of  Windham,  and  colony  of  Connecticut,  for 


POMFKET,    BROOKLYN    SOCIETY,    ETC.  15 

tlie  inspection  and  transaction  of  religious  concerns,  and  preventino- 
every  possibility  of  chicanery,  fraud,  or  collusion  in  those  who  had 
seceded  from  theii'  Independent  Congi-egational  meeting,"  tkc.  They 
indignantly  refused  to  sign,  Malbcuie  refused  to  gi'atify  them  on  any 
otlier  terms,  and  "  away  they  went,"  he  writes,  "like  fools  as  tliey 
came,"  threatening  "vengeance,  tire  and  fagot,"  and  refrained 
thenceforward  from  further  inteil'erence  with  one  so  fuinished  with 
olfensive  and  defensive  weapons. 

Mr.  Mosely  somewhat  i-eluctantly  left  the  tield  in  April,  declaring 
that  every  man  in  the  parish  would  gladly  have  retained  him,  and  it 
may  be  added  that  his  sul)sequeut  career  justitied  the  suspicions  of  his 
ministerial  unfitness.  His  successor,  lie  v.  Daniel  Fogg,  received  upon 
recommendation  of  clergymen  in  Boston,  in  May,  1772,  was  a  man  of 
very  dilferent  antecedents  and  character,  sober,  quiet,  discreet  and  de- 
vout. Devoting  himself  diligently  to  his  pastoi'al  duties,  tie  soon 
brought  his  motley  tlock  into  more  regular  ordei'  and  discipline,  and 
won  the  esteem  and  confidence  of  all.  About  twenty-i.ve  families  were 
enrolled  as  his  parishioners.  A  stipend  of  thirty  i)ounds  a  yeai'  was 
allowed  by  the  English  Missionary  Society,  and  a  similar  amount 
raised  by  his  peo[)le.  The"Malbone  Church,"  thus  comlortably  set 
tied  and  sustained,  puisued  its  way  quietly,  slowly  inci easing  in  num- 
bers, and  suffering  no  iarther  inconvenience  than  occasional  tiifiing 
'•  distrainments  "  upon  some  of  its  members. 

With  all  its  interest  in  ecclesiastic  and  public  affairs,  Pomfret  was 
not  unmindful  of  its  early  literaiy  aspirations.  Tiie  United  Library 
Association  retained  its  hold  on  popular  favor.  As  older  members 
passed  away  their  places  were  filled  by  others.  At  a  meeting  of  the 
proprietors  of  the  Library,  at  the  house  of  Col.  Ebenezer  Williams, 
March  20,  1766,  Kev.  Daniel  liipley  was  chosen  moderator.  The  so- 
ciety then  voted,  viz.: — 

"1.  To  admit  as  members  of  said  company  the  following  persons,  viz., 
Nathaniel  Carpenter,  Samuel  Dana,  Sen.,  Dea.  Jonathan  Dresser,  Abijali  Wil- 
liams, Isaac  Sabin,  Joseph  Scarborongh,  Nathan  Friuk,  Dr.  William  Walton, 
Samuel  Wilson,  Dea.  Edward  Kuggles. 

2.  To  admit  Joseph  Gritfiu,  instead  of  John  Davison,  moved  out  of  town, 
of  whom  said  Gritlin  bought  his  right,  as  appears  by  cerliticate. 

3.  To  admit  Daniel  Waldo  to  a  right,  instead  of  Jonathan  Waldo,  of  whom 
he  purchased  said  right,  as  appears  by  certiticate. 

4.  To  admit  En.>.ign  Samuel  Sumner,  instead  of  Joseph  Bowman. 

5.  To  admit  Mr.  Ebenezer  Weeks  to  a  right  in  ye  Library,  instead  of  Wil- 
liam Prince. 

6.  To  recall  ye  vote  past  ou  June  Id,  1756,  and  to  receive  into  ye  Library, 
Chambers'  Dictionary  and  Colmett's  Ditto. 

7.  That  Col.  Williams  be  ye  Library-keeper." 

Lieut.  Joshua  Grosvenor,  Simon  Cotton,  Simeon  Sessions,  William 
Sabin,  Elijah  Williams,  John   Grosvenor,  Elijah  Dana  and  Phinehas 


16  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Davison  were  also  admitted  members  of  the  company  in  fallowing 
years.  Pope's  Essay  on  Man,  the  Life  of  Peter  the  Great,  and  Bishoj) 
Kidder's  Demonstrations  of  tlie  Messiah  were  added  to  the  Library.  In 
]77a,  a  library  association  was  formed  in  Brooklyn  society,  and  a  hun- 
dred volumes  procured  for  the  foundation  of  a  library. 

Roads  and  bridges  demanded  the  usual  care  and  legislation.  In 
1770,  Pomfret  joined  with  Killingly  in  rebuilding  what  was  known  as 
"])anielson's  Bridge" — Colonel  Putnam,  Seth  Paine,  county  surveyor, 
and  Samuel  Williams,  committee.  In  the  following  year,  "  Cargill's 
Bridge  "  was  rebuilt — John  Grosvenor,  Samuel  Perrin  and  Benjamin 
Cargill,  committee.  Putnam  was  foremost  in  a  movement  for  procur- 
ing a  new  road  through  Pomfret  to  Norwich  and  New  Haven,  but 
failed  to  secure  it.  An  attempt  to  lay  out  a  more  direct  route  from 
Ashford's  east  line  to  Cargill's  Bridge  was  equally  unsuccessful.  Not- 
withstanding all  the  pains  taken  to  secure  easy  communication  with 
Providence,  rendered  so  needful  by  intimate  business  and  social  rela- 
tions, the  road  thither  was  still  veiy  stony  and  rough,  and  the  journey 
laboi'ious.  So  late  as  177(),  when  ]Mr.  S.  Thurber  drove  over  it  in  the 
first  chaise,  he  "could  luH  ride  out  of  a  slow  walk  l)ut  very  little  of  the 
way,  and  was  near  two  days  in  going."  Pomfret  was  much  interested 
in  a  project  for  deepening  the  channel  of  the  Quinebaug,  so  as  to  make 
it  passable  for  boats,  Ebenezer  and  John  Grosvenor  petitioning  with 
citizens  of  other  towns  for  this  object.  One  of  the  first  dams  u|)on  the 
Quinebaug  was  accumplished  by  Jabez  Allen,  near  the  mouth  of  Bea- 
ver's Bi'ook,  about  1770.  A  large  grist-mill  was  here  erected  by  him, 
and  carried  on  successfully  for  a  few  years.  A  change  of  county 
bounds  or  county  seat  was  one  of  the  public  questions  in  which  Pom- 
fret was  deei)ly  concerned.  A  very  earnest  meeting  was  held  at  the 
house  of  Colonel  Israel  Putnam,  Feb.  11,  1771,  "to  consult  in  regard 
to  some  new  bound  for  the  county."  Delegates  from  Woodstock,  Kil- 
lingly, Tiiompson  Parish,  Plainfield,  Canteibniy,  Ashford,  and  Union 
discussed  the  situation  with  much  spirit,  but  as  both  Pomfret  and 
Woodstock  aspired  to  the  shireship,  and  times  were  unpropitious  for 
any  important  change,  no  movement  was  undertaken. 

The  taverns  of  Pomfret  enjoyed  a  high  repute  during  these  years 
with  such  noted  landlords  as  Putnam,  Ebenezer  Giosvenor,  James 
Ingalls,  Simon  Cotton,  William  Sumner  and  Jose])h  Abbott.  In  these 
stirring  times  these  resorts  were  much  frequented,  and  rum  and  debate 
flowed  with  equal  freedom.  A  grocery  store  opened  in  Pomfret, 
in  17G2,  by  Joseph  Carter,  of  Canterbury,  enabled  families  to  procure 
comfortable  sui)plies  of  vital  necessaries.  Beside  all  that  was  drunk 
on  the  })remises,  or  {)aid  for  upon  delivery,  he  had  charged  in  his  first 
fortnight  more  than  twenty-five  gallons  of  West  India  rum.     Some 


POMFRET,    BROOKLYN    SOCIETY,    ETC.  17 

families  carried  away  eacli  several  gallons.  A  single  gallon  usually 
sufficed  Rev.  Mr.  Whitney.  This  excessive  drinking  may  have  con- 
tributed to  keep  PonitVet's  physicians  in  practice.  Dr.  Lord  was 
handsomely  sustained  in  Abington  ;  Dr.  Walton  had  his  friends  and 
patients  in  Brooklyn  and  Killingly  ;  and  old  Dr.  Weld  ministered 
to  the  sick  in  Pomfret  society.  Dr.  David  Hall  removed  to  Vermont, 
after  the  loss  of  his  wife  and  several  children.  He  was  succeeded  in 
practice  by  Albigence,  son  of  Zechariah  Waldo,  a  young  man  of 
uncommon  enei'gy  and  promise,  who  had  studied  for  the  profession 
with  Di'.  John  Spalding  of  Canterbury.  Nathan  Fiink,  as  King's 
attorney,  still  practiced  law  in  Pomfret  and  adjoining  towns.  Thomas, 
son  of  John  Grosvenor,  Esq.,  after  graduation  from  Yale  College  in 
1765,  and  pre2)aratory  legal  studies,  also  opened  a  law  office  on 
Pomfret  street.  The  young  men  of  this  town  were  still  emulous  for 
collegiate  education,  and  its  three  ministers  were  much  engaged  in 
fitting  them  for  admission.  It  will  be  remembered  that  eight  Pom- 
fret boys  were  graduated  from  Yale  in  1759.  In  1760,  Joseph  Dana 
was  graduated  ;  in  1761,  John  and  Ephraim  Avery  and  Jesse  Goodell ; 
in  1766,  Asa  H.  Lyon;  in  1767,  Elisha  Williams;  in  17G9,  Daniel 
Grosvenor ;  in  1770,  Joseph  Pope  was  graduated  from  Harvard  College. 
It  is  said  that  a  lady  visitant  from  Massachusetts  querying  for  wliat 
purpose  they  were  training  so  many  young  men,  was  told  that  they 
were  to  be  sent  as  missionaries  to  that  State,  and  it  so  chanced  that 
very  many  of  them  did  settle  as  ministers  there,  and  filled  positions 
of  honor  and  usefulness.  Oiie  Pomfret  youth,  not  a  college  graduate, 
engaged  in  most  useful  missionary  work  in  Connecticut.  Willard,  son 
of  Benjamin  Hubbard,  succeeded  Robert  Clelland  in  teaching 
Mohegan  children  about  1764,  and  continued  for  many  years  in 
this  most  difficult  and  thankless  service.  A  small  salary  was  allowed 
by  the  English  Missionary  Society,  insufficient  for  the  support  of 
his  family  even  by  the  addition  of  his  own  labor  out  of  school-hours, 
and  it  was  with  great  difficulty  and  many  urgent  appeals  that  he 
obtained  relief  from  the  Assembly.  He  was  often  obliged  to  supply 
the  hungry  children  with  bread  as  well  as  instruction,  and  to  repair 
with  his  own  hands  and  means  the  dilapidated  school-house,  nor  were 
the  apparent  results  commensurate  Avith  the  labor  and  self-sacrifice. 

Little  of  special  note  occurred  in  Abington  Parish  during  this  period. 
Rev.  David  Ripley  officiated  to  public  acceptance,  and  taught  a  gram- 
mar school  in  his  own  house  till  disabled  by  bodily  infirmity.  Paro- 
chial and  school  aflfairs  were  wisely  managed  by  competent  committees. 
John  Holbrook,  Amasa  Sessions,  W^illiam  Osgood,  James  Ingalls, 
Dr.  Lord,  and  many  other  Abington  residents  were  active  in  general 

town  aliairs. 
3 


18  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Much  of  its  land  M-as  still  held  by  descendants  of  the  original 
proprietors.  Nine  hundred  acres  originally  laid  out  to  Thomas 
Mowry,  descended  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Pierpont,  of  Boston,  who  took 
personal  possession  after  her  marriage  with  Captain  Peter  Cunningham, 
building  a  substantial  dwelling-house  near  the  Mashamoquet.  Part 
of  this  land  was  already  laid  out  in  forms  and  occupied  by  Benjamin 
Craft  and  other  tenants.  Land  in  the  soutli  part  of  tlie  society, 
afterwards  known  as  Jericho,  was  occupied  piior  to  17(10,  by  descend- 
ants of  William  Shai-pe.  The  venerable  Nathaniel  Sessions,  long  the 
last  survivor  of  the  first  settlers  of  Pomfret,  died  in  1771.  The 
Jr'rovidence   Gazette  gives  this  notice  : — 

"  Sept.  25.  Died,  at  Pomfret,  Conn.,  Nathaniel  Sessions,  in  the  ninety- 
sixth  year  of  his  age— father  of  Hon.  Darius  Sessions,  of  Providence, 
Deputy-Governor — one  of  the  tir.st  settlers  in  Pumlret,  in  1704  :  the  first  that 
opened  a  cart  road  through  the  woods  from  Connecticut  to  Providence  in 
1721,  and  transported  the  first  cart-load  of  West  India  goods  from  Provi- 
dence thither.  His  wife  died  about  three  months  before  him  with  whom  he 
had  lived  sixty-five  years,  had  nine  sous  and  three  daughtei's.  Could  repeat 
the  New  Testament,  Psalms  autl  most  of  the  moral  and  practical  writings  of 
the  Old  Testament,  the  greater  part  of  which  he  committed  to  memory  after 
he  was  eighty,  from  fear  that  he  should  be  deprived  of  his  eye-sight,  which 
happened  two  years  before  his  death.  A  sober  man  and  useful  member  of 
society." 

The  Worcester  ^Sp>/,  July  19,  1773,  thus  records  tlie  death  of 
another  valued  resident  of  Pomfret : — 

"  On  Saturday  last,  departed  this  life  in  a  sudden  and  affecting  manner,  the 
very  amiable  consort  of  the  Rev.  Aaron  Putnam,  of  Pomfret,  in  the  thirty- 
sixth  year  of  her  age.  She  had  been  unwell  for  some  years,  and  for  the 
promoting  of  health  had  been  riding  out  a  little  way.  and  now  returning 
back  she  desired  Mr.  Putnam  to  stop  the  chaise  and  pick  her  some  useful 
herbs  which  she  observed  as  they  were  passing.  Accordingly,  apprehending 
no  danger,  he  got  out  of  the  chaise  and  was  doing  as  she  proposed,  at  which 
time  tlie  horse  in  the  carriage  took  some  start  and  running  with  one  wheel 
over  a  rock,  she  was  thrown  out  of  the  chaise,  which  gave  her  such  a  shock, 
as  proved  her  death  in  about  three  hours  space.  She  was  a  daughter  of  Rev. 
David  Hall,  of  Sutton.  From  her  very  early  years  a  professor  of  godliness, 
and  of  a  very  serious  and  exemplary  deportment,  a  person  of  distinguishing 
endowment,  a  good  wife,  a  tender  and  indulgent  mother,  one  beloved  by  her 
acquaintances  abroad  and  by  the  people  among  whom  she  lived. 

She  hath  left  her  husband  in  deep  attliction  and  sorrow  for  his  great  loss; 
hath  also  left  three  young  chihiren.  On  the  next  (being  Lord's)  day,  her 
remains  were  decently  interred  a  little  before  sunset.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Whitney, 
of  IJrooklyn  parish,  tielivered  at  Pomfret,  on  that  day,  two  very  suitable  dis- 
courses, that  in  the  afternoon  more  particularly  adapted  to  the  mournful 
occasion." 

Though  Pomfret  was  in  many  respects  so  highly  favored,  she  could 
not  retain  her  increase.  Her  best  land  w-as  held  by  descendants  of 
early  settlers  and  could  not  easily  be  purchased.  Large  families  were 
the  fashion.  It  is  said  that  in  the  households  of  three  neighbors, 
Captain  Nathaniel  Clark,  Capt.  Stephen  Keyes  and  Ebenezer  Grosven- 
or,  theie  were  thirty-three  children  growing  up.     To  provide  food  for 


ASHFORD,    GENERAL    TOWN    AFFAIRS,    ETC,  19 

SO  many  mouths  and  work  for  so  many  hands,  was  somethiies  a  difficult 
matter.  New  countries  were  opening  where  land  was  cheap  and  facil- 
ities for  settlement  more  abundant.  As  early  as  1735,  Deacon  Samuel 
Sumner,  Isaac  Dana  and  others  from  Pomfret,  had  attempted  to  pur- 
chase a  township  in  the  Equivalent  Lands.  In  1761,  Dana  received  a 
patent  from  Governor  Wentworth  for  a  township  in  the  New  Hamp- 
shire Grants  on  right  of  land  granted  to  John  White.  This  land  was 
laid  out  as  the  township  of  Pomfret.  Its  first  settler  was  Benjamin 
Durkee,  with  wife  and  five  children,  journeying  thither  from  its  Con- 
necticut namesake. 


II. 

ASFIFORD.       GENERAL     TOWN     AFFAIRS.       WESTFORD      SOCIETY". 

FIRST  BAPTIST  CHURCH.      EASTFORD  SOCIETY. 

CORBIN  LAND  CLAIM. 

ASHFORD,  in  1760,  was  prominent  among  Windham  County 
townships.  Its  position  on  one  of  the  great  thoroughfares  of 
the  country  brought  it  into  constant  communication  with  Boston,  Hart- 
ford, and  other  business  centres,  and  kept  it  awake  and  stirring.  It 
was  especially  noted  for  high  military  spirit  and  keen  interest  in  public 
atfiiirs,  and  no  town  was  more  ready  to  speak  its  mind  and  bear  its  part 
whenever  occasion  demanded.  Descendants  of  many  of  the  first  set- 
tlers now  filled  the  places  of  their  fathers,  and  new  families  of  respec- 
tability and  influence  had  established  themselves  in  various  localities, 
and  identified  themselves  with  the  interests  of  the  town.  Ebenezer 
Byles,  upon  coming  of  age,  settled  about  a  mile  west  of  Ashford 
Green,  on  land  purchased  in  1726  by  Josiah  Byles  of  Boston.  William 
Knowlton  of  Boxford,  a  relative  of  Robert  Knowlton,  purchased  a 
farm  of  four  hundred  acres  in  the  west  part  of  Ashford,  divided  in  time  be- 
tween his  sons  Daniel  and  Thomas,  who,  after  serving  brilliantly  in  the 
French  War,  engaged  with  equal  ardor  in  cultivating  their  land  and 
discharging  the  ordinary  civil  and  military  duties  of  good  citizens  at 
that  period.  Ephraira  Lyon  removed  from  Woodstock  to  the  east  part 
of  the  town,  and  was  greatly  esteemed  as  a  man  of  shrewdness  and 
sound  judgment.  Daniel  Dow  of  Voluntown,  settled  north  of  the 
Green,  with  a  rising  family  of  great  promise.  David  Bolles  of  New 
London,  established  himself  near  the  present  Eastford  village,  with  a 
license  to  exercise  "  the  art  and  mystery  of  tanning  leather,"  and  great 
skill  and  experience  in  working  up  the  same  into  serviceable  shoes. 
Stephen  Keyes,  Theophilus  Clark  and  Amos  Babcock  were  admitted 
freemen  prior  to  1760.     Samuel  Woodcock  of  Dedham,  succeeded  to 


20  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

the  farm  once  held  by  Jacob  Parker ;  Jedidiah  Dana  to  that  of  John 
Paine.  Tlie  remaining  part  of  the  Stoddard  Tract  fell  to  Martha, 
dnnghler  of  Anthony  Stoddard,  and  wife  of  Captain  John  Stevens  of 
Boston,  who,  in  1757,  laid  it  out  and  divided  it  into  thirty-one  lots  or 
farms,  which  were  sold  to  John  Chapin,  Abel  Simmons,  James  Parker, 
Robert  Snow  and  others.  A  large  and  valuable  farm  near  the  site  of 
the  present  Phcenixvilie,  known  as  the  Beaver  Dam  farm,  was  retained 
and  occupied  by  Captain  and  Mrs.  Stevens,  and  brouglit  under  very  high 
cultivation.  President  Stiles,  Journeying  througli  Ashford,  in  1764, 
was  very  much  interested  in  Captain  Stevens's  agricultural  opei'ations. 
He  reported  him  as  holding  six  thousand  acres  of  land  in  the  town. 
He  had  thirty  acres  of  hemp  growing  tended  by  one  man,  and  employed 
thirty  hands  in  pulling  time.  He  expected  to  harvest  twenty  tons  of 
hemp  and  two  liundred  bushels  of  seeds.  The  people  of  Ashford  testi- 
fied their  respect  for  their  distinguished  residents  by  voting,  that  Capt. 
John  Stevens  and  his  family  have  liberty  to  sit  in  the  ministerial  pew 
during  the  town's  pleasure.  Captain  Benjamin  Sumner,  Captain  Elisha 
Wales,  Elijah  Whiton  and  Amos  Babcock  were  prominent  men  in  town. 
The  latter  had  "  a  shop,"  and  engaged  quite  extensively  in  trade. 
Three  young  physicians — Doctors  Joseph  Palmer,  Nehemiah  Howe  and 
Thomas  Huntington — cared  for  the  bodily  health  of  the  town.  The 
various  tavern-keepers  licensed  in  1762  were  Benjamin  Sumner,  Joseph 
Palmer,  Benjamin  Clark,  Jedidiah  Fay,  Ezra  Smith,  Samuel  Eastman 
and  Elijah  Babcock.     Mills  were  run  by  Solomon  Mason  and  others. 

Town  aifairs  were  managed  with  the  usual  formalities.  At  the  an- 
nual town  meeting,  December  1,  1760,  Amos  Babcock  was  chosen 
moderator  and  first  selectman  ;  Ebenezer  Byles,  Jedidiah  Dana,  Captain 
Benjamin  Sumner  and  Ezra  Smith,  the  remaining  selectmen ;  Mr. 
Byles,  town  clerk  and  treasuier ;  Ezekiel  Tiffany,  constable  and  clerk 
for  the  west  end  of  the  town ;  Samuel  Holmes,  constable  and  collector 
for  the  middle  of  the  town  ;  Benjamin  Russel,  constable  and  collector 
for  the  east  end  of  the  town,  and  also  for  colony  rales  ;  Timothy  East- 
man, Josiah  Spalding,  Benjamin  Carpenter,  Amasa  Watkins,  Samuel 
Allen,  Jedidiah  Dana,  Stephen  Abbot,  John  Bicknell,  Benjamin  Walker, 
Jonathan  Chaffee,  Job  Tyler,  Benjamin  Clark,  David  Chaffee,  William 
Preston,  surveyors  of  highways  ;  Jonathan  Burnhain,  Josiah  Eaton, 
fence-viewers;  Benjamin  Clark,  Josiah  Holmes,  Benjamin  Russel,  Jedi- 
diah Blanchard,  Asaph  Smith,  listers ;  Nehemiah  Smith,  Jonathan 
Burnham,  grand-jurors ;  Josiah  Rogers,  Stephen  Snow,  William  Chub, 
tithing-men  ;  Benjamin  Russel,  brander,  pound  kee])er  and  collector  of 
excise  ;  Caleb  Hende  and  Josiah  Chaffee,  branders  and  pound-keepers  ; 
Samuel  Snow,  sealer  of  weights  and  measures  ;  Asaph  Smith,  sealer  of 
leather. 


ASHFORD,    GENERAL    TOWN    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  21 

Though  in  the  main  thrifty  and  prosperous,  Ashford  still  suffered 
from  "providential  visitations"  of  drought  and  frost,  together  with  land 
disputes  and  religious  dissensions.  The  excellent  town  clerk,  Ebenezer 
Byles,  jots  down  among  his  recoi'ds  some  meteorological  items  whicli 
elucidate  the  former  phenomena  : — 

"  The  5th  6iiy  of  May,  1761— a  very  stormy  day  of  snow,  an  awful  siglit, 
the  trees  green  and  the  ground  while ;  the  Gth  day,  the  trees  in  the  blow  and 
the  tields  covered  with  snow. 

The  19lh  day  of  May,  1763,  a  bad  storm  of  hail  and  rain  and  very  cold,  fol- 
lowing which  froze  ye  ground  and  puddles  of  water. 

The  17th  day  of  October,  1763,  it  snowed,  and  ye  18th  in  ye  morning  the  trees 
and  the  ground  were  all  covered  with  ice  and  snow,  whicli  made  it  look  like 
ye  dead  of  winter." 

Religious  dissensions  were  only  heightened  by  the  settlement  of  Rev. 
Timothy  Allen  as  minister  of  the  town.  A  devout  Christian  and  a 
fervent  and  eloquent  speaker,  he  was  erratic,  visionary  and  im- 
prudent in  speech  and  conduct.  Earnest  eii'orts  were  now  made  for 
the  division  of  the  town  into  religious  societies.  "  Two  months  preach- 
ing in  the  winter  paid  out  of  the  common  stock  "  emboldened  the  west- 
ern inhabitants  to  ask  for  ftill  society  privileges.  "The  use  of  their 
whole  ministerial  rate  to  maintain  preaching  by  themselves,"  granted 
by  the  town,  only  made  them  more  an.xious  to  gain  liberty  to  dispose 
of  it  as  they  pleased.  The  "  great  and  almost  impossible  difficulties  " 
of  attending  worship  in  the  distant  centre  incited  the  eastern  inhabit- 
ants to  join  in  the  struggle  for  territorial  division.  At  the  town  meet- 
ing, April,  1762,  Captain  Benjamin  Sumner  was  chosen  moderator, 
and  after  a  long  and  vehement  discussion  it  was  voted  by  a  majority  of 
one,  That  the  town  will  divide  in  three  equal  societies.  A  year  later  it 
was  further  voted,  "That  eacli  part  shall  have  one-third  of  all  the  i)ub- 
lic  money."  Captain  Sumner,  Edward  Tii^any,  Benjamin  Russel,  Amos 
Babcock,  Jedidiah  Dana,  Ca[)tain  Benjamin  Clark  and  Jedidiah  Fay, 
Samuel  Knox  and  Ezra  Smith  were  ai>pointed  a  committee  "  to  con- 
sult and  advise  in  what  form  it  was  best  to  divide,"  who  agieed  and 
concluded,  March,  1704,  "  that  the  town  shall  be  divided  in  the  follow- 
ing maimer,"  ^.  e.  : — 

"  That  the  east  part  shall  have  one-third  part  of  said  town  for  quantity  set 
off  to  them  for  au  ecclesiastic  society,  Avhich  shall  extend  west  and  bound  ou 
Bigelow  River,  provided  there  is  one-third  part  on  the  east  side  of  said  river, 
and  that  the  northwest  part  shall  extenrl  from  the  northwest  corner  of  said 
township  live  and  one-fourth  miles  south  on  the  west  line  of  said  town,  from 
thence  a  strait  line  to  the  crotch  of  Mount  Hope  Kiver,  and  thence  a 
strait  line  to  Jolin  Dimmock's  south  line,  where  .said  line  crosses  Bigelow 
River,  thence  north  on  said  Bigelow  River  to  Union  line,  and  the  remaining 
part  remain  to  the  middle  society." 

As  usual  in  such  cases  this  decision  satisfied  no  one,  and  all  parties 
hastened  to  the  General  Assembly  with  their  objections.  Sixty-seven 
residents  of  the   central   and  eastern  sections,  including  such  men  as 


22  '  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Joseph  Snow,  Thomas  Knowlton,  Edward  Byles,  Ebenezev  Eaton, 
Phili[)  Squire,  Daniel  Dow,  Josliua  Kendall,  Zebulon  Marcy,  Josiah 
Spalding  and  Ephraim  Lyon  declared  : — 

"  1.  That  the  fonn  of  the  proposed  new  society  is  sucli  thnt  said  old  socie- 
ty will  be  seven  miles  in  length  and  three  in  width,  and  that  tlie  meeting- 
house will  be  left  within  one  mile  of  the  east  end,  so  we  shall  be  put  to  the  ex- 
pense of  building  a  new  one. 

2.  By  the  manner  of  being  done  at  the  expense  of  town.  We  think  it  (juite 
sullicient  to  bear  our  own  expenses  and  not  those  of  others. 

3.  For  that  we  are  small  and  poor,  being  the  oldest  part  of  tlie  town,  and 
our  land  almost  all  under  improvement  and  so  not  capable  of  growing  much 
better  i)y  improvement;  are  not  quite  four  thousand  pounds  on  the  list,  and 
would  further  suggest  that  the  votes  of  the  town  in  choosing  committee  to 
make  division,  in  accepting  reports  and  in  choosing  agents  to  prefer  a  me- 
morial, &c.,  ought  not  to  have  any  influence  in  the  afiair,  because  it  appears 
that  about  two-thirds  of  the  town  in  the  two  ends  move  jointly  at  one  time  to 
be  made  two  societies,  and  what  cante  or  wont  they  do  as  a  town  towards 
crowding  us,  the  minor  part,  into  a  corner  and  loading  us  with  cost  unless 
your  Honors  interfere,  and  we  think  the  whole  town  hardly  able  to  l)ear  the 
necessary  expenses  by  reason  of  the  bitter  ertVcts  that  we  yet  forcibly  feel  of 
a  long  and  tedious  war,  scorching  droughts,  blasting  frosts,  and  many  strong 
and  unhappy  misfortunes  which  of  late  befel  us,  and  we  would  farther  suggest 
that  the  vote  of  the  town  was  delayed  till  near  night  while  many  of  the  voters 
were  retired  and  obtained  but  by  one  majority.  VVe  pray  you  to  dismiss  the 
memorial,  for  if  it  is  done,  it  will  make  such  an  uneasiness  and  so  discourage 
and  impoverish  us,  that  the  whole  design  thereof  will  be  defeated.  October, 
17G4." 

The  western  inhabitants  objected  to  the  report,  in  that — 

"I.  The  doings  of  said  committee  were  not  equal.  The  land  in  northwest 
section  is  not  one-third  of  the  town  by  more  than  a  thousand  acres,  and  some 
thousands  of  it  are  utterly  unfit  for  settlement  and  destitute  of  inhal)itants. 

2.  Said  northwest  society  not  ecpial  as  to  list. 

3.  We  think  the  addition  from  Willington  prayed  for  will  not  make  it  equal 
to  the  other  societies,  nor  to  the  necessary  charges  of  an  ecclesiastic  society, 
by  reason  of  the  badness  of  the  hind  and  smallness  of  the  list  of  the  inhabit- 
ants. Choose  rather  to  enjoy  our  privileges  in  one  ecclesiastic  society  but  are 
willing  to  have  a  committee  sent  as  prayed  for. 

Elijah  Whiton.  Benjamin  Chaffee.  Jedidiah  Blanchard. 

Abijah  Brooks.  Ebenezer  Walker.  Joseph  Whiton. 

Timothy  Diinock.  Benjamin  Walker.  James  Whiton. 

Simeon  Smith.  John  Ware.  Zeph.  Davison. 

Josiah  Uogcrs.  Ezra  Smith.  Christopiier  Davison. 

Samuel  Blanchard.  P^dmond  Drummer.  John  Smith. 

Samuel  Mosely.  Samuel  Eastman.  William  Preston. 

Medinah  Preston.  Peter  Eastman.  James  Atwell. 

Oct.  5,  17C4." 

The  "  addition  from  Willington  "  leferred  to  a  petition  just  presented 
by  some  twenty  subscribers,  inliabitants  of  the  eastern  part  of  that 
town  formerly  taken  from  Ashford,  wlio  being  very  remote  from  the 
public  worship  of  God,  desired  to  be  joined  with  the  northwest  of 
Ashford  in  a  society.  This  recpiest  was  refused  and  consideration  of 
the  other  memorials  deferred  till  the  following  spring,  when,  upon 
farther  petition  from  Elijah  Whiton  and  others,  Zebulon  West, 
Erastus  Wolcott  and  William  Pitkin  were  appointed  a  committee 
to  repair  to  Ashford,  view  and  rej)ort.     In  this  task  they  were  aided 


ASHFORD,    GENERAL    TOWN    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  23 

by  the  subjoined  paper,  submitted  to  thein  by  two  clear-headed  and 
public-spirited  loonien,  residents  of  northwest  Ashtord,  who,  impatient 
of  the  long  delay,  felt  moved  to  state  succinctly  the  "  Reasons  to  be 
set  oft'"  as  follows: — 

"  1.   Our  great  distance  from  iiieetiDg-hoiise. 

2.  Large  number  of  inluibitence. 

3.  Meeting-honse  too  small. 

4.  No  settled  minister. 

5.  Broken  and  divided  surcurnistances  which  it  is  not  likely  can  be  settled 
till  the  town  is  divided. 

6..  The  town's  refusing  to  do  anything  about  dividing  or  to  let  the  inhabit- 
euces  in  the  northwest  part  have  any  preaching  as  they  liave  done  heretofore. 

7.  Our  not  taking  but  one-tlnrd  of  the  land  and  about  one-fourth  of  list. 

8.  That  every  person  in  our  place  will  be  considerably  nearer  to  meeting. 

9.  The  town  has  manifested  a  necessity  for  division  for  eleven  years  past, 
as  appears  by  their  votes. 

10.  They  have  not  opposed  the  new  part  being  set  ofj'  by  anything  they 
have  done  this  spring,  they  have  been  warned  with  the  plan  anil  memorial 
and  not  opposed  it.  \_Note. — We  don't  know  that  any  person  is  against  a 
society  being  set  ofl'  in  the  northwest  of  the  town,  but  'only  that  some  don't 
like  this  shape,  and  some  another,  and  those  that  oppose  this  plan  yet  allow 
that  the  new  part  must  be  a  societj',  even  Captain  Fay  himself  and  Mr. 
Walker,  the  most  active  opposers  of  this  plan,  and  the  dillicult  surcurm- 
stauces  of  the  town  require  a  division,  in  which  all  parties  seem  to  agree."] 

These  reasons  were  eftectual.  The  committee  after  due  survey 
reported  that  they  found  the  town  to  contain  40,0 JO  acres  of  land  ; 
list  £13,700.  The  west  society  limits  would  include  l;i^,oOO  acres, 
80  families,  £3,50J.  Families  live  five,  six  and  seven  miles  from  the 
town  meeting  house,  and  all  very  remote  from  any  place  of  worship, 
and  roads  generally  bad,  and  considered  it  reasonable  and  expedient 
that  a  new  society  be  formed.  The  report  was  accepted  and  a  bill 
granted  in  October,  1765,  erecting  Westford  Society  according  to  the 
bounds  prescribed  by  the  town's  committee,  although  an  attempt  was 
made  by  Robert  Knowltou  to  include  the  sciip  of  land  "left  out 
ou  the  south." 

The  rejoicing  inhabitants  hastened  to  improve  their  new  privileges. 
Their  first  society  meeting  was  held  Nov.  23,  176.',  at  the  house  of 
Captain  Ichabod  Ward,  a  distant  relative  of  the  William  Ward  so 
prominent  in  the  early  histoiy  of  Ashford.  Benjamin  Walker  was 
chosen  moderator;  Ezra  Smith,  Manasseh  Farnum  and  Samuel  East- 
man, conuiiittee  ;  Ezekiel  Tift'any,  collector.  It  was  agreed  to  hold 
society  meetings  at  difterent  private  houses,  warnings  for  meetings 
"to  be  set  up  at  Solomon  Mason's  mills  and  Zejihaniah  Davison's 
shop."  Dec.  9,  it  was  voted  to  build  a  meeting-house,  and  hire 
preaching  ;  to  raise  a  tax  of  twopence  to  pay  for  preaching  ;  that  the 
meetings  shotild  begin  the  first  Sabbath  of  April ;  that  Esquire 
Whiton  should  procure  a  minister,  and  Ebenezer  Dimmock,  Christo- 
pher Davison,  Manasseh  P'arnum  and  Joseph  Barney  be  a  committee 
to  count  the  cost.     A  minister  was  procured  according  to  vote — the 


24:  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

society  further  voting  to  meet  at  Captain  Ward's  for  divine  worsliip 
during  his  pleasure.  June  9,  it  was  voted  "  to  choose  a  committee  of 
three  able  and  judicious  men  to  fix  a  place  for  the  meeting-house,  also 
five  more,  /.  e.,  Ezra  Smith,  Samuel  P^astman,  Benjamin  Walker, 
Christopher  Davison  and  Samuel  Knox,  to  notify  the  first  and  get 
them  out."  By  their  efforts  the  Court  appointed  Nehemiah  Lyon  of 
Woodstock,  Prhice  Tracy  of  Windhain,  and  John  Curtis  of  Canter- 
bury, who  selected  a  spot  near  the  centre  of  the  society  on  land 
offered  by  Captain  Ward,  north  of  his  residence,  west  side  of  the 
highway  leading  to  Union,  "for  the  public  benefit  and  use  of  Westford 
Society  for  a  meeting-house  green,  so  long  as  said  society  should  want 
it  for  said  use."  Negotiations  were  then  opened  with  certain  proprie- 
tors in  Brimfield,  and  a  convenient  meeting-house  frame  purchased 
for  thiity  pounds,  provided  tlie  same  could  be  taken  down  without 
damage.  Esquire  -Whiton  was  now  chosen  treasurer,  a  committee 
appointed  to  receive  a  deed  of  the  meeting-house  green  from  Capt. 
Ward,  and  another  to  take  oversight  of  the  building.  Very  particular 
instructions  were  given  as  to  the  number,  size,  price  and  quality  of 
nails,  shingles  and  clapboards.  March  13,  1767,  voted  ttiat  said 
society  would  dig  in  the  ground  a  suitable  depth  and  fill  the  same 
with  stone  for  laying  the  foundation  of  the  meeting-house  thereon ; 
June  2,  that  tlie  meeting-house  frame  ])urchased  in  Brimfield  should 
be  brought  to  Westford  by  June  13.  Tiiis  being  safely  accomplished, 
its  re-raising  was  next  in  order.  The  character  of  the  liquor  deemed 
needful  on  this  important  occasion  called  out  as  much  discussion  as 
the  fitness  of  a  ministerial  candidate.  It  was  first  voted  *'  to  have  gin 
to  raise  the  frame  with — meeting-house  committee  to  provide  gin,"  but 
considering  quantity  of  more  consequencte  than  quality,  it  was  after- 
wards decided  to  provide  one  barrel  of  rum,  and  one  quarter  of  a 
barrel  of  sugar  for  the  raising  said  frame — Ensign  Walker  to  provide 
the  same,  and  money  taken  out  of  the  treasury  to  buy  said  rum  and 
sugar.  It  was  further  stipulated,  that  West  India  rum  be  procured. 
Under  this  potent  stinuilant  the  meeting-house  was  raised  without 
apparent  accident,  and  hurried  on  to  completion,  workmen  being 
allowed  two  shillings  and  sixpence  per  day,  they  victualing  themselves, 
and  two  shillings  duiing  the  winter. 

After  hearing  several  "  supplies,"  Ebenezer  Martin  of  Canada  Parish, 
was  invited  to  preach  for  the  winter.  A  committee  was  now  chosen 
to  inquire  into  his  character  and  temporal  circumstances,  and  take 
advice  of  the  Reverend  Association  as  to  the  propriety  of  giving  him 
a  call.  Reports  proving  favorable,  February  11,  1768,  was  set  apart 
as  a  day  of  solemn  fasting  and  prayer  in  order  to  the  gathering  of  a 
church  and  calling  of  a  minister.     Rev.  Gideon  Noble  of  Willington, 


ASHFORD,    GENERAL    TOWN"    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  25 

conducted  the  service,  assisted  by  Deacon  Nathaniel  Loomis,  and 
Deacons  Wright  and  Dana  from  the  old  Ashford  church.  A  suitable 
covenant  was  presented  and  subscribed  in  the  following  order  : — James 
Ould,  Ezekiel  Tiffany,  Ezekiel  Holt,  Elijah  Whiton,  Joseph  Barney, 
Ezra  Smith,  James  Whiton,  Joseph  Whiton,  Benjamin  Walker, 
Thomas  Chapman,  Manasseh  Farnuin,  John  Smith,  Jonathan  Abbe, 
Josiah  Chaffee.  At  a  church  meeting  four  days  later  it  was  voted  to 
call  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ebenezer  Martin  to  settle  in  the  gospel  ministry  in 
this  place,  at  which  time  the  covenant  was  probably  signed  by  the 
pastor-elect  and  the  following  brethren,  viz. :  Joseph  Whiton,  David 
Chaffee,  Ebenezer  Walker,  Christopher  Davison  and  Jonathan  Chaffee. 
The  wives  of  many  of  these  brethren — together  with  Stephen  Nott, 
Daniel  Eldredge,  Hezekiah  Eldredge,  Icliabod  Ward,  David  Kendall 
and  Jacob  Fuller  were  ere  long  added,  making  a  membership  of  tifty- 
five. 

The  society  concurred  in  the  call  to  Mr.  Martin,  offering  sixty 
pounds  salary,  rising  to  seventy,  paid  half  in  money,  half  in  produce, 
viz.,  wheat,  Indian  corn,  oats,  ])ork  and  l)eef.  Twenty  [)ounds  in  land 
and  sixty  pounds  towards  building  a  dwelling-house  secured  acce))tance 
of  the  call,  and,  on  June  15,  he  was  ordained  with  the  usual  solemnities. 
Work  on  the  meeting-house  was  slowly  carried  forward.  The  floor 
was  laid  during  the  year,  and  twenty  pews  were  ordered,  "as  like  the 
pews  in  the  meeting  house  at  Union,  as  conveniently  may  be."  Capt. 
Abijah  Larned  of  Union,  John  Phelps  and  John  Blygt  of  Staf- 
ford were  chosen  as  a  disinterested  committee  "  to  dignify  and  price 
the  places  for  said  pews."  A  large  number  of  the  inhabitants  received 
liberty  to  build  stables  for  their  horses  on  the  meeting-house  green, 
provided  they  were  "set  so  as  not  to  encroach  on  any  road."  June  14, 
1770,  a  meeting  was  held  in  the  meeting  house,  to  hear  the  report  of 
the  pew  committee.  Each  pew  was  to  be  occupied  by  two  families. 
Forty  inhabitants,  highest  on  the  list,  were  to  draw  said  pews  accord- 
ing to  their  list ;  build  the  pews  and  ceil  up  to  the  gallery  girths.  This 
report  was  accepted,  and  the  pew-spots  thus  distributed: — 

1.  Benjamin  Walker,  Elijah  Whiton. 

2.  Ebenezer  Dimmock,  Ichabod  Ward. 

3.  Thomas  Chapman,  Ebenezer  Walker. 

4.  Joseph  Woodward,  Zacoheus  Hill. 

5.  Ezra  Smith,  Ebenezer  Walker. 

6.  David  Chaffee,  William  Thompson. 

7.  David  Rol)bins,  George  Smith. 

8.  Adonijah  Baker,  Josiah  Chaffee. 

9.  John  Warren,  Josiah  Rogers. 

10.  Ezekiel  Titlany,  Benjamin  Chaffee. 

11.  Jedidiah  Blanchard,  Benjamin  Walker,  Jan. 

12.  William  Hentield,  James  Whiton. 

13.  Samuel  Eastman,  Henry  Works. 


26  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

14.  James  Averill,  Job  Tvler. 

15.  Ezekiel  Holt,  David  Chaffee. 

16.  James  Ould,  Stepheu  Cove. 

17.  Abijali  Brooks,  Simon  Smith. 

18.  Ephraini  Walker,  Jonathan  Abbe. 

19.  Jacob  Fuller,  William  Preston. 

The  committee  was  now  ordered  to  lay  the  g-allery  floor,  and  build  a 
breastwork  aroxind  the  gallery  and  the  fore  seat,  which  being  accom- 
plished during  another  year,  David  Kendall  was  employed  to  sweep 
the  meeting-house  "  twelve  times  the  year  ensuing  for  six  shillings." 
The  society  would  gladly  have  enlarged  its  borders  by  reannexing  the 
strip  ceded  yeai's  before  to  Willington,  but  thougli  many  petitions  were 
preferred  by  its  residents,  showing  that  the  meeting  house  in  Westford 
would  much  more  gieatly  commode  tliem,  they  were  unable  to  obtain  a 
hearing.  Among  newly  arrived  citizens  bringing  them  additional 
strength  was  Stephen  Nott,  the  father  of  sons  of  great  promise,  and  Dr. 
Thomas  Huntington  of  Lebanon,  who  proved  a  most  valuable  acquisi- 
tion to  society  and  town. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  eastern  section  preferred  to  delay  separation 
for  a  season,  and  shared  in  the  numerous  trials  and  difficulties  that  be- 
set the  first  society,  in  consequence  of  the  increasing  number  of  Bap- 
tists and  sectarians,  and  the  great  unpopularity  of  Mr.  Allen.  Many  of 
his  own  people  declined  to  hear  him  preach  or  to  pay  for  his  support, 
and  in  attempting  to  supply  the  deficit  by  trading  in  land  he  became 
so  involved  that  his  creditors  sent  him  to  jail.  This  unfortunate  affair 
brought  matters  to  a  crisis.  A  council  was  called  which  dismissed  Mr. 
Allen  from  his  pastorate,  though  clearing  him  from  every  serious 
charge.  Deacons  Jedidiah  Dana  and  John  Wright  were  appointed  a 
committee  to  supply  the  pulpit,  and  it  was  voted,  "To  settle  a  minis- 
ter as  soon  as  may  he,"  but  several  years  passed  before  such  settlement 
Avas  effected.  During  this  interval  the  church  was  greatly  weakened 
and  scattered,  but  still  continued  its  efforts  to  secure  a  minister  and 
preserve  order.  Baptisms  were  administered  from  time  to  time  by  the 
neighboring  ministers.  Days  of  fasting  and  prayer  were  held  in 
1766  and  '68,  "for  direction  and  assistance  in  the  affair  of  choosing  a 
minister,"  and  church  and  society  at  length  happily  i; :.ited  in  choice  of 
Rev.  James  Messinger  of  Wrentham,  a  graduate  of  Harvard  College, 
who  was  installed  into  the  pastorate  Feb.  15,  1769.  Taught  by  painful 
experience  the  fallibility  of  ministers  and  councils  the  chuich  had 
previousl)'  voted  : — 

"  That  this  church  do  believe  that  the  minister  of  a  church  has  not  power 
from  Christ  to  negative  the  votes  of  his  church,  and  we  mean  not  to  be  sub- 
jected to  any  such  power  of  a  minister  of  the  church,  any  former  vote  notwith- 
standing. 

That  in  all  cases  hereafter  we  will  not  be  holden  to  any  council  of  other 
churches,  but  such  as  we  shall  choose  ourselves  mutually." 


ASHFOED,    GENERAL    TOWN    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  27 

Fortunately  in  this  instance  these  precautions  proved  superfluous. 
Mr.  Messinger  made  no  attempt  to  exercise  undue  authority,  and  by 
bis  wisdom  and  piety  soon  won  the  eontidence  of  his  })eople  and  was 
held  in  high  repute  as  "a  much  beloved  spiritual  guide."  Despite  the 
political  distractions  of  the  times  the  church  increased  in  numbers  and 
regained  something  of  its  primitive  standing.  The  venerable  Isaac 
Kendall,  elected  deacon  of  the  church  with  so  much  formality  at  its 
first  organization,  continued  in  office  through  all  the  changes  and  pas- 
torates, and  died  Oct.  8,  1773,  in  the  SSth  year  of  his  age,  and  fifty- 
second  of  his  deaconship.  Benjamin  Sumner,  one  of  the  fathers  of  the 
town,  Jedidiah  Dana  and  John  Wright  also  served  as  deacons. 
Deacon  Elijah  Whitou  was  dismissed  to  the  church  in  Westford 
society. 

Baptists  had  been  numerous  in  Ashford  for  many  years,  but  suffered 
greatly  for  lack  of  a  local  cliurch  organization.  A  few  were  connected 
with  the  Baptist  Church  of  Soutli  Bi-imfield,  others  united  with  the 
church  at  West  Woodstock.  Amos  Babcock  and  Abraham,  son  of 
Robert  Knowlton,  were  among  the  most  prominent  of  these  early  Bap- 
tists. A  notable  accession  to  the  Bai)tist  strength  was  David  Bolles, 
a  man  of  great  religious  fervor,  belonging  to  a  family  long  distinguished 
for  devotion  to  Baptist  principles  and  opposition  to  the  churcli  estab- 
lishment of  Connecticut.  Otiier  Baptists  might  obtain  release  from 
rate-paying  by  lodging  certificates  of  their  attendance  upon  some  place 
of  public  worship,  but  he,  like  Backus  and  the  more  advanced  of  his 
brethren,  ''had  been  brought  to  a  stop  about  paying  so  much  regard  to 
the  laws  as  to  give  in  certificates,"  and  was  soon  involved  in  contro- 
versy with  the  town  authorities.  Two  of  liis  cows  were  seized  and 
sold  to  pay  rates  for  the  minister,  and  then  his  household  treasures 
were  invaded.  The  shining  array  of  pewter  so  dear  to  the  heart  of  the 
housewife,  was  thrust  into  bags  and  carried  off  to  the  town-post  in 
spite  of  the  tears  and  remonstrances  of  Mrs.  Bolles,  but  when  put  up 
for  sale  not  a  man  had  the  face  to  bid  for  it,  and  the  discomfited  col- 
lector was  forced  to  take  it  back  to  its  owners  with  the  insulting  expla- 
nation, "that  the  pewter  was  such  poor  stuff  nobody  wanted  it."  His 
fellow  sufferer,  Abraham  Knowlton,  after  paying  rates  for  many  years, 
freed  himself  from  further  extortions  by  turning  out  to  the  collector  a 
new  pair  of  buckskin  breeches.  The  public  notification  that  a  pair  of 
breeches  were  to  be  sold  for  a  priest-tax,  and  their  actual  presentation 
at  the  town  post  on  the  day  appointed,  called  out  such  volleys  of  indig- 
nation and  ridicule  that  no  one  dared  thereafter  to  approach  Mr.  Knowl- 
ton with  a  rate-bill,  and  the  buckskins  served  the  purpose  of  a  lifetime 
certificate.  It  was  probably  during  this  period  of  sectarian  strife  and 
bitterness  that  some  incident  occurred  which  gave  rise  to  the  famous 


28  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

"  \vliii)pin<^  story,"  tlius  reported  by  Barber  iu  his  Connecticut  Histori- 
cal Collections : — 

"A  concourse  of  people  were  assembled  on  the  hill,  in  front  of  the  meeting- 
house, to  -witness  the  pnnishment  of  a  man  who  had  been  convicted  of  neglect- 
ing to  go  to  meeting  on  the  Sabbath  for  a  period  of  three  months.  According 
to  the  existing  law  for  snch  delincnieney,  the  cnlprit  was  to  be  pnblicly 
whipped  at  the  post.  Just  as  the  whip  was  about  to  be  applied,  a  stranger  on 
horseback  appeared,  rode  up  to  the  crowd  of  spectators,  and  inquired  for 
what  purpose  they  were  assembled.  Being  informed  of  the  state  of  the  case, 
the  strange  gentleman  rose  upright  in  his  stirrups,  and  with  emphasis,  ad- 
dressed the  astonished  multitude  as  follows  : 

'You  men  of  Ashford  serve  God  as  if  the  Devil  was  in  you  !  Do  you  think 
you  can  whip  the  grace  of  God  into  men?  Christ  will  have  none  but  volun- 
teers.' 

The  people  stared,  while  the  speaker,  probably  not  caring  to  be  arraigned 
for  contempt  ot  court,  put  spurs  to  his  horse,  and  was  soon  out  of  sigiit;  nor 
was  he  ever  more  seen  or  heard  of  by  the  good  people  of  Ashford." 

This  story  like  many  other  popular  traditions  cannot  be  autlienti- 
cated.  No  law  then  or  ever  existed  in  Connecticut,  prescribing-  the 
penalty  of  a  public  whipping  for  even  total  abstinence  from  meeting- 
going,  and  it  may  be  doubted  if  any  justice  would  dare  enforce  an 
illegal  punishment.  Details  of  the  affair  are  conflicting  and  irrecon- 
cilable. Ttro  men  were  arraigned,  according  to  one  version,  one  of 
whom  evaded  his  share  of  the  blows  by  means  of  a  cloak  dexterously 
thrown  over  him  by  Amos  Babcock.  A  report  of  the  whole  transac- 
tion quickly  traveled  to  Boston,  and  upon  liis  next  trip  to  the  city,  Mr. 
Babcock  found  himself  quite  a  hero.  His  fellow-inerchants  greatly 
applauded  his  chivalrous  interposition,  and  declaring  that  he  should 
not  wear  "a  whipped  cloak,"  made  up  a  purse  and  presented  him  with 
a  new  one.  Another  version  gives  but  a  single  culprit  and  ascribes 
his  relief  to  no  less  a  person  than  Thomas  Knowlton,  who,  observing 
iu  the  warrant  the  omission  of  the  usual  clause  requiring  the  stripes  to 
be  applied  to  the  bare  back,  "  tlirew  ids  own  overcoat  over  the  shoulders 
of  the  victim  whereby  the  torture  was  greatly  mitigated."  The 
mysterious  visitant  of  Barber's  narrative  appearing  and  vanishing  like 
the  "  phantom  horseman  "  of  romance  is  transformed  ttpon  closer 
inquiry  into  an  eccentric  citizen  of  Ashford,  distmguished  for  bitter 
oj)i)Osilion  to  the  standing  order,  while  the  party  or  parties  receiving 
the  whipping  have  become  extremely  mythical.  These  various  reports 
are  wholly  traditional.  No  allusion  to  the  circumstance  has  been 
found  in  ancient  document  or  newspaper,  and  thus  it  is  impossible  to 
ascertain  the  real  truth.  That  some  opponent  of  the  estal)lished 
church  was  whipped  under  aggravating  circumstances,  perhaps  for 
]'esisting  or  reviling  a  rate  collector,  is  highly  prol>able.  The  inven- 
tion of  this  story  with  its  miimtia^  of  detail,  and  its  universal  accept- 
ance in    the  community,   wotild  be  almost  as  great  a  marvel  as  the 


ASHFORD,    GENERAL    TOWN    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  29 

whipping,   but  the  bottom  facts  of  tlie  case   will    probaby   never  bo 
recovered. 

Tliese  collisions  and  extortions  greatly  weakened  the  old  churcli  of 
Ashford,  and  furnished  a  powerful  argument  for  the  Baptists,  wdio, 
with  increasing  strength  and  immbers,  wei'e  able  to  establish  religious 
worship  within  the  town  boixlers.  A  Baptist  Society  was  organized, 
July  15,  1774,  and  Uavid  Bolles,  Josiah  Rogers  and  William  Whii)ple 
appointed  committee  "to  receive  and  pay  all  money  that  shall  1)6 
generously  given  towards  maintaining  and  su]iporting  a  Baptist 
gospel  minister."  Another  committee  was  chosen  in  February  follow- 
ing, to  select  "the  most  proper  i)lace  to  build  a  meeting-house  on." 
Land  in  the  southwest  part  of  the  town  was  selected,  and  a  committee 
"to  be  under  tlie  immediate  direction  of  the  Baptist  Society,"  was 
authorized  to  receive  all  money  and  specie  that  should  be  given 
towards  building  a  Baptist  meetinghouse.  Abraham  Knowlton, 
chairman  of  the  committee,  and  clerk  and  treasurer  of  the  society, 
made  a  liberal  offering.  His  example  was  quickly  followed  by  others, 
and  soon  an  ample  sum  had  been  subscriljed.  Materials  were  pro- 
cured, a  fiame  laised  and  covered,  so  that  l)y  the  tirst  of  June  the 
house  was  ready  for  service.  Tlie  leaders  of  the  society,  tluslied 
with  their  success,  had  applied  to  President  ^Manning,  of  Brown 
University,  for  a  minister,  who  thus  represented  the  field  to  Mr. 
Thomas  Ustick,  a  young  graduate  of  Brown,  then  teaching  school 
in  New  York  : — 

"This  start  for  a  Baptist  minister  is  a  new  tiling,  but  tlie.v  snbscriljecl  last 
week  near  five  luinclred  pounds  lawful  luouey,  towards  building  a  new 
nieetiiig-house.  Town  large  and  rich,  am  told  that  full  one-third  have 
declared  for  the  Baptists,  and  should  tliey  get  a  mau  of  abilities  probal)i.y 
much  above  half  the  town  will  attend  their  meetings.  The  richest  men  are 
on  our  side,  and  say  they  believe  iu  supporting  a  minister  handsomely." 

Mr.  Ustick  was  unable  to  accept  at  once,  and  Mr.  Elienezer 
Lamson  of  Charlton,  was  apin\rently  the  first  ministei"  em])loyed  by 
the  society.  Ariangements  for  the  transferrence  of  the  chui-ch  to 
Ashford,  were  now  in  progress.  The  ancient  clrarch  in  Soutli  Bi'im- 
field,  after  many  trials  and  vicissitudes,  had  reorganized  a  tew  years 
previous  ujion  a  basis  distasteful  to  its  non-resident  meml)ers,  who  now 
held  a  council,  and  in  their  turn  enacted  a  new  de])artnre,  ^■iz  : — 

"  Stafford,  May  ye  29th,  1775. 
At  a  meeting  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Christ  in  South  Brimfleid, 
legally  warned  and  met  and  opened  by  prayer — whereas  there  is  a  second 
church  of  the  same  Denomination  lately  built  up  in  South  Brimtield  and  a 
minister  settled  over  them,  and  whereas  many  of  this  churcli  consists  of 
inhabitants  in  the  towns  of  Ashford,  JNIanstield,  and  Willington,  and  for  tlie 
conveniancy  of  meeting  for  worship  on  tlie  Sabiiath,  and  the  question  was 
put  whether  for  the  future  the  place  for  pulilic  meeting  for  worship  should  be 
at  Ashford  iu  general,  where  the  new  meeting-house  now  is,  aud  that  the 


30  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

church  for  the  future  shall  be  known  by  the  name  of  the  Baptist  Church  of 
Christ  in  Ashford  — voted  in  the  affirmative. 

■JdIui  Wesson  and  Amos  Babcock  added  to  the  committee.  John  Wesson 
cliose  church  clerk." 

How  many  members  were  transferred  with  the  church  is  not  recorded 
but  probably  not  a  large  number.  A  part  of  its  membership  and  both 
its  deacons  were  non-residents.  Public  worship  was  instituted  and 
carried  on  with  a  great  deal  of  spirit  and  enjoyment,  but  it  is  doubtful 
if  anything  like  "half  the  town  "  could  atteiid  their  meetings.  David 
Bolles  and  many  of  the  Eastern  Baptists  still  found  it  more  conveni- 
ent to  resort  to  Woodstock.  Mr.  Ustick  succeeded  Mr.  Larason  as 
soon  as  he  was  at  liberty,  and  was  welcomed  as  a  young  man  of 
education  and  promise.  At  the  second  recorded  "church  meeting  in 
the  Baptist  meeting-house  in  Ashford,"  Nov.  26,  1776,  their  former 
pastor,  Elder  Motilton,  was  present  and  served  as  moderator.  It  was 
voted  to  have  Mr.  Thomas  Ustick  supply  our  pulpit  for  six  months, 
and  an  unsuccessful  attem])t  was  made  to  choose  a  deacon.  The  action 
of  the  church  in  changing  its  local  habitation  and  name  had  been 
entirely  independent  in  accordance  with  Baptist  polity  and  practice, 
but  now  they  felt  desirous  to  receive  fellowship  and  recognition  from 
sister  churches.  Invitations  to  a  conference  were  accordingly  sent  out, 
and,  Feb.  19,  1777,  a  number  of  Baptist  elders  and  delegates  met  with 
the  Ashford  church  to  confer  as  to  its  state,  standing  and  regularity  : — 

"  And  after  prayers  for  Divine  direction,  proceeded  to  choose  Elder  Elijah 
Coddinu,  moderator,  and  brother  Thomas  Ustick,  clerk.  After  nuitual  con- 
ference upon  the  oriirlnal  and  present  state  and  standini?  of  the  church,  the 
delegates  from  the  churches  of  Brimfield,  Woodstock  and  Abini^ton,  upon  the 
qui^stion  whether  the  body  of  people  that  meet  now  at  Ashford  under  the 
appellation  of  the  Baptist  church  there,  be  a  visible  church  of  Christ — deter- 
mined unanimously  in  the  affirmative,  viz:  That  in  our  opinion  the  said  body 
are  a  visible  church  of  Christ. 

The  deleiiates  then  proceeded  in  order  to  gain  fellowship  with  the  aforesaid 
church  to  query  as  foUoweth  : — 

1.  Whether  the  church  believed  that  it  is  their  duty  to  search  up  such 
members  as  have  absented  from  church  duties  for  a  considerable  time,  and 
mean  as  soon  as  may  be  to  treat  with  such?     To  which  the  church  consented. 

2.  Whether  the  church  believe  that  the  majority  ouuht  to  be  submitted  to 
by  the  minority  in  all  matters  of  rule  and  determination,  yea  or  nay? 
Answered  in  the  affirmative. 

3.  AVhether  or  not  the  sisters  of  the  church  take  hold  of  the  sword  of  dis- 
cipline, or  have  any  weight  in  matters  of  rule  and  determination  with  the 
male  members?     Answered  in  the  negative,  that  they  may  not. 

4.  Whether  or  not  it  is  the  duty  of  the  church  to  maintain  their  minister  in 
such  manner  as  that  he,  with  his  family,  rise  in  proportion  as  the  members 
in  ixcneral  do,  as  to  their  temporal  estate?     Answered  in  the  athrmative. 

After  which  queries  the  delegates  from  the  aforesaid  churches  unanimously 
concluded  to  give  fellowship  to  the  church  in  Ashford,  as  a  church  of  Christ 
iu  the  order  and  fellowship  of  the  gospel. 

Signed  iu  behalf  of  the  whole. 

Elijah  Codding,   Moderator. 
Thomas  Ustick,   Clerk. 
John  Weston,  Church  Clerk. 


ASHFORD,    GENERAL    TOWN    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  31 

Thus  established  and  acknowledged  with  a  new  meeting-house  and 
active  young  minister,  it  niiglit  have  been  hoped  that  this  church 
would  go  prosperously  onward,  with  increasing  strength  and  intluence, 
but  it  soon  became  involved  in  manifold  difficulties.  Its  external 
relations  were  unfavorable  to  growth  and  hai-mony.  A  strong  society 
organized  independently  of  the  church  and  taking  the  initiative 
in  establishing  public  worship,  was  a  troublesonie  factor  in  the  case, 
and  to  add  to  the  complication  the  meeting-house  itself  was  owned 
by  a  third  independent  body,  i.  e.,  the  proprietors  who  had  borne 
the  cost  of  its  erection.  Dissatisfaction  was  first  manifested  in  a 
vote  respecting  the  minister.  It  may  be  that  the  preaching  of  the 
young  college  graduate  was  distastefid  to  the  plain,  old-fashioned 
church  members  who  cared  so  little  for  human  learning,  and  occasioned 
the  following  action:  "April  16,  1777,  after  some  conversation  the 
mind  of  the  church  was  tried  whether  they  would  desire  Mr.  Ustick 
to  preach  any  longer  than  the  time  which  we  had  agreed  with  him  for; 
or  whether  they  chose  to  hear  some  other  man.  Voted,  to  hear  some 
other  man,  and  then  voted  to  send  to  Mr.  Lamson  to  come  and  preach 
with  us  four  Sabbaths  if  he  can  be  obtained."  The  society  thereupon 
voted  that  they  did  not  concur  with  the  chuicli  in  dismissing  Mr.  Us- 
tick, but  showed  its  willingness  to  provide  all  needful  temporalities  by 
farther  instructing  a  suitable  person  "  to  provide  bread-corn  for  Mr. 
Lamson's  family."  Both  ministers  occupied  the  field  for  a  season,  Mr. 
Ustick  employed  by  the  society,  Mr.  Lamson  by  the  church.  The 
church  attempted  to  exercise  what  it  deemed  its  lawful  prerogative  by 
choosing  "  Brother  Abraham  Knowlton  as  a  trustee  to  take  a  deed  of 
a  certain  piece  of  land  in  belialf  of  said  church,  of  Mr.  Josiah  Chatfee, 
on  which  the  Baptist  meeting-house  now  stands  in  Ashford,"  and  also 
emposvering  Brother  Samuel  Johnson  "  to  give  a  bond  to  Mr.  Josiah 
Chaflee  in  behalf  of  the  church  for  the  delivery  of  the  meeting-house 
spot  to  said  Chaffee  when  not  any  longer  wanted  by  said  chui-ch  for  a 
meeting-house  spot."  These  conflicting  claims,  ministers  and  services 
excited  much  ill-will  and  animosity.  Many  hard  things  were  said  on 
both  sides,  and  certain  remarks  derogatory  to  the  Christian  and  minis- 
terial character  of  Mr.  Ustick  so  aroused  the  spirit  of  this  young  can- 
didate that  he  applied  to  his  friends  in  the  Warren  Association,  R.  I., 
for  advice  and  assistance,  who  delegated  a  committee  for  that  service. 
Amos  Babcock,  Elnathan  Brigham  and  Abraham  Knowlton  were  there- 
upon appointed  by  the  church,  "  to  wait  upon  the  honorable  committee 
appointed  by  the  honorable  Baptist  Association  of  Warren,  to  come 
and  look  into  our  difficult  circumstances  at  Ashford,  viz.,  the  Honored 
Elder  Manning,  Honored  Elder  Backus  and  Honored  Elder  Led(jit." 
This  meeting  was  held  Nov.  6,  1777.     Notwithstanding  the  high  char- 


32  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

acter  of  the  assembly,  the  session  was  stormy.  The  society  set  forth 
its  grievances  toucliing  meeting-honse  and  minister  ;  the  church  main- 
tained its  rights  with  equal  fii'mness  and  persistence.  Mr.  Babcock,  ia 
Lis  earnestness,  even  followed  the  Honorable  Committee  to  their  lodg- 
ings, "assuming  very  high  ground  in  relation  to  church  prerogative," 
taking,  indeed,  the  position  of  the  previous  Separates,  "'  that  a  religious 
society  could  not  exist  without  a  church.  The  committee  did  not 
relish  such  doctrine  nor  act  upon  it,"  and  they  exculpated  Mr.  Ustick 
from  unfavoi'able  charges.  The  church  was  greatly  dissatisfied  witli 
the  result  of  this  investigation,  and  appointed  a  committee  to  treat 
with  uneasy  members  of  the  society  and  see  what  they  wanted  of  the 
church  to  make  them  easy.  This  they  found  to  be  that  they  should 
"  sell  their  right  to  the  meeting-house,"  or  divide  the  improvement  of 
it  according  to  the  proprietors'  riglits.  The  church  after  consultation 
"  thought  there  was  no  propriety  "  in  such  relinquishment,  and  pro- 
ceeded to  arrange  affairs  according  to  their  own  pleasure.  Having 
given  Mr.  Lamson  a  call,  they  further  desired  him  "  to  relate  to  them 
the  work  of  gi-ace  upon  his  heart,  and  also  his  call  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry,"  which  proving  satisfactory,  they  confirmed  the  call  without 
apijarent  reference  to  the  society.  In  February,  1778,  committees  were 
chosen  to  hire  a  place  for  the  minister  to  live  on,  give  certificates  to 
those  that  desire  to  join  with  us  in  worship  and  in  principles,  and  to 
settle  with  those  pro[)rietors  of  the  meeting-house  that  manifest  an  un- 
easiness or  submit  the  atl'air  to  indiiferent  men.  Upon  recommendation 
of  the  Baptist  Chuich  in  Charlton,  Mr.  Lamson  was  received  as  a 
proper  member  of  the  church  in  Ashford,  preparatory  to  ordination. 
Delegates  from  the  Bai)tist  churches  in  New  London,  Charlton,  Wil- 
braham  and  Abington  met  in  council  June  9,  1778.  After  inquiring  in- 
to the  church's  standing  and  calling  their  candidate  to  the  work,  they 
found  it  "scriptural  to  their  satisfaction."  Tliey  proceeded  to  inquire 
into  his  experience  and  call  to  the  ministry,  especially  to  this  church, 
and  were  fully  satisfied  with  it. 

"  Then  certain  gentloraen  cast  in  a  written  objectiou  ag;>iust  the  church  for 
breach  of  covenant  which  the  couucil  closel}'  inquired  into,  and  find  it  was 
not  tlie  cluirch  only  three  of  their  members,  which  when  we  had  closely  ex- 
amined we  conclude  it  was  a  misiuiderstanding  in  these  gentlemen,  &c.,  and 
we  know  not  but  that  the  church  has  been  up  to  their  agreement  in  every  par- 
ticular, therefore  we  proceeded.  June  ye  10  met  agnin,  and«ccording  to  before 
appointment  we  proceeded  to  ordain  I5rother  Ebunezer  Lamson.  Elder  Joshua 
Morse  made  the  first  prayer  and  preached  a  suitable  discourse  from  1st  Peter, 
ye  four  first  vei'ses  ;  then  prayed  and  laid  on  hands.  Elder  Ntithaniel  Green 
made  the  prayer  and  gave  the  ciuirge,  and  Elder  William  Grow  gave  the  right 
hand  of  fellowship,  then  concluded  with  laying  on  of  hands  and  prayer.  Elder 
Clark  made  the  prayer,  all  of  which  was  done  decently  and  in  order.  After 
which  there  were  some  exhortations  that  were  to  the  comforting  of  saints, 
and  we  hope  will  prove  convicting  to  sinners. 

Joshua  Morse,  Moderator." 


EASTFORD    SOCIETY.  33 

Abraham  Kno^^lton  and  John  Hanks  were  now  installed  as  deacons. 
Mr.  LTstick,  who  up  to  this  date  had  remained  in  Ashford,  preacliing  at 
times  tliough  "not  statedly"  to  his  particular  adherents,  was  now  satis- 
fied that  it  would  not  be  best  for  him  to  continue  there,  and  after  his 
withdrawal  the  difficulties  gradually  subsided,  and  church  and  society 
resumed  harmonious  relations.  Various  cases  of  discipline  claimed  the 
attention  of  the  church.  Some  of  these  might  have  been  settled  by  an 
appeal  to  the  dixtionanj.  as  for  example  that  of  Brother  Ezekiel  Sib- 
ley, who  thus  defines  his  position  : — 

"To  the  Baptist  Church  of  Ashford :  In  answer  why  I  withdrew  from  you 
is  as  followeth,  rehitiug  to  your  fellowshipiug  the  church  at  \Villiu2;ton  in  a 
corrupt  failh,  to  wit,  they  believe  they  ought  to  contribute  to  the  gospel  ex- 
penses according  to  their  abilities  and  Previlcdf/es,  whicli  word  '  Previledges'  is 
a  corrupt  faith  and  never  was  introduced  by  the  commands  of  God.  Neither 
do  I  tliink  it  ever  was  in  any  church  since  the  world  began  it  being  full  of  so 
many  evils.  It  not  only  brings  contempt  upon  the  divine  authority,  but  would 
have  broke  up  all  churches. 

And  your  tolerating  and  fellowshiplng  them  in  it,  it  brings  divers  from  our 
professed  faith.  You  have  broke  your  faith  with  me,  and  got  yourselves 
where  I  cannot  follow  you.  By  which  unguarded  proceedings  you  have 
ofl'en<led  your  grieved  brother." 

The  church  out  of  consideration  for  such  conscientious  scruples  and 
the  possible  heresies  that  might  lurk  in  tlie  inscrutable  "previledges," 
discharged  the  brother  with  "a  gentle  admonition."  The  support  of 
the  minister  occasioned  much  discussion  and  trouble.  According  to 
Baptist  theory  and  practice  he  was  to  be  supported  by  "  free  contribu- 
tions." No  precise  sum  was  specified,  but  he  was  "  to  rise  in  propor- 
tion as  the  members  in  general  do  as  to  their  temporal  estate."  Any- 
thing like  rate-paying  was  most  abhorrent  to  tlie  primitive  Baptist,  but 
freedom  in  supporting  the  minister  was  hardly  compatible  with  the 
means  adopted  for  making  each  brother  pay  his  proportion,  viz. : — 

"Oct.  8,  1781,  vote  put  whether  the  church  mean  to  enspect  each  member 
respecting  the  support  of  the  Gospel  amongst  us  when  it  becomes  necessary? 
Voted  in  the  affirmative." 

Despite  these  various  trials  and  hindrances  the  Ashford  Baptist 
Church  maintained  a  respectable  standing  in  town  and  denomination, 
and  gained  a  strong  membership  though  weakened  after  a  few  years 
by  withdrawals  to  Willington  and  Mansfield. 

The  eastern  inhabitants  delayed  sepaiate  organization  till  October, 
1777,  when  upon  petition  of  Benjamin  Sumner  and  others,  showing 
that  they  were  of  ability  to  support  the  gospel  in  two  societies,  they 
were  endowed  with  distinct  society  privileges,  "  according  to  a  line 
previously  agreed  upon  beginning  at  Bigelovv  River  at  Mansfield's  north 
line,  thence  running  up  said  river  to  the  north  line  of  the  town."  At  a 
society  meeting,  Jan.  7,  1778,  it  was  voted,  "That  Mr.  Elisha  Hutchin- 
son be  our  gospel  minister."  Failing  to  carry  out  this  enactment,  a 
5 


34  HISTOKY    OF    WIXDHAM    COTNTT. 

meetinix  was  held.  May  25.  at  the  house  of  Lieut.  John  Rnssel,  when 
Josiah  Spakling.  Benjamin  Suiuner  and  Jonathan  Chapman  were  chosen 
a  committee  to  hire  preaching,  with  instructions  "to  employ  Mr.  An- 
drew Judson  of  Stratford,  with  a  view  of  settling  among  us,  provided 
he  don't  stay  with  ns  then  to  hire  some  other  gentleman.'"  Notwith- 
standing the  heavy  burden  now  laid  upon  all  classes  by  the  war.  the 
number  of  absent  citizens,  and  the  many  pressing  public  duties,  the 
residents  of  Eastford  Society  manifested  great  spirit  and  readiness  in 
establishinor  public  worship.  At  this  same  meetinor  it  was  also  voted, 
"  To  build  a  meeting-house  in  Eastford  Society,  ab«)ut  four  or  five  rods 
northwest  from  where  Captain  Benjamin  Riissel's  old  shop  used  to 
stand.'"  Ahiel  Simmons  wa>:  chosen  collector  ;  Ingoldsby  Work.  "  agent 
to  piay  out  a  committee  to  set  a  stake  for  a  meeting-house  spot :  also, 
a  committee  to  treat  with  such  committee  as  the  County  Court  siiould 
send  to  stick  the  stake  aforesaid.'"  June  30.  it  was  farther  voted.  *•  That 
the  County  Court's  committee  should  stick  st;vke  on  Lieut.  John  Rus- 
sel's  land."  This  being  accomplished  to  the  satisfaction  of  all  a  sub- 
scription was  circulated,  the  society  first  agreeing.  •'  That  those  that  sub- 
scribe towards  building  a  meeting-house  have  liberty  to  build  it  of 
equal  bigness  with  Woodstock's  West  Society's  meeting-house,  i.  e., 
45x35." 

Mr.  Judson  consenting  to  preach  as  a  candidate,  public  sei-vices  were 
held  September  23.  177?.  when  '-Andrew  Ju'lson.  Benjamin  Sumner, 
Samuel  Snow,  Jonathan  Chapman,  Elisha  Wales  and  Simeon  Deane 
entered  into  church  covenant  in  presence  of  the  Reverends  Stephen 
Willi;ims,  John  Ston-s  and  Elisha  Hutchinson,  making  a  solemn  and 
fresh  dedication  of  themselves,  and  being  formed  into  a  church.''  Few 
in  number,  they  were  all  the  more  zealous  for  doctrinal  soundness  and 
purity,  desiiing  to  embody  "  according  to  the  word  of  God,  and  in  par- 
ticular according  to  the  light  of  the  following  texts,  /.  e.,  Deut.  29 :  12, 
13  ;  Jer.  50 :  55  ;  Second  Cor.  8:5;  Isaiah  44  :  5  ;  Xehe.  9:38;  Isaiah  10  : 
28,  29,  in  an  evangelical  manner,  and  not  in  a  legal  frame  of  spirit." 
Oct.  13.  the  church  unanimously  voted  Mr.  Andrew  Judson  to  be  their 
gospel  minister,  the  society  concurring  in  the  call,  and  offering  £500 
settlement,  £70  salaiy.  Ordination  services  were  held  Dee.  1,  when 
" it  being  through  kind  Piovidence  a  very  pleasant  day,  the  solemnities 
were  perforaied  to  the  pleasure  and  satisfaction  of  a  large  concourse 
of  people.''  Rev.  Ephraim  Judson  of  Norwich,  a  relative  of  the  new 
pastor,  preached  the  ordination  sermon,  and  neighboring  ministers  as- 
sisted in  the  other  exercises.  Benjamin  Sumner,  Esq.,  and  Jonathan 
Chapman  were  ere  long  appointed  deacons.  Vanous  membei^s  were 
received  by  a  dismissive  and  recommendatory  letter  from  the  First 
Church  of  Ashford. 


EASTFOED    SOCIFTY.  35 

"Work  on  the  meeting-house  was  greatly  impeded  by  scarcity  of  men 
and  money.  The  frame  was  raised  in  the  summer  of  1 779,  and  partly 
covered  so  that  business  meetings  were  held  in  it,  but  religious  services 
were  conducted  "at  the  house  of  Mr.  Aaron  TutFts,  or  Lieut.  Russel's, 
or  Captain  Josiah  Spalding's."  It  was  voted,  ''To  purchase  about  an 
acre  of  land  of  Lieut.  Russel,  in  addition  to  the  two  acres  that  the  same 
has  promised  to  give  the  society  for  a  meeting-house  spot."  A  commit- 
tee was  appointed  this  summer  to  treat  with  Mr.  Judson  how  he  must 
have  his  salary  paid  in  this  paper  money,  which  agreed  upon  ''the  rate, 
of  txfenty  pounds  for  one."'  In  1780.  voted,  '•  To  sell  the  pew  ground 
at  vendue,  and  the  money  used  in  finishing  the  meeting-house — the  tier 
of  pews  within  the  body  of  seats."  These  pew  spots  were  purchased  by 
Dea.  Chapman,  Ebenezer  Eastman,  Jonathan  Hayward.  John  Kussel, 
Jabez  Ward.  Simeon  Deane,  John  Scaiborough,  John  Work.  Benj. 
Sumner.  Joseph  andlngoldsby  Work,  Ebenezer  Bosworth,  James  Sum- 
ner, Benjamin  Cates.  Stephen  Foster,  Benj.  IIaywa;d.  Jonathan  Bc^mis, 
John  Frink.  John  Russel,  Jun.,  Josiah  Spalding,  Xoah  Paine,  Ensign 
Joseph  Kendall,  Peter  Tutits  and  Samuel  Snow,  showing  it  to  be  a 
strong  society.  It  was  voted,  '■  To  purchase  half  a  box  of  glass  to  glaze 
the  meeting-house,  and  hire  it  under-]iinned  in  the  cheapest  and  best 
way."  Glass  being  found  too  expensive  the  order  was  countermanded, 
and  the  "  windows  boarded  up  "  till  times  were  more  propitious.  It 
was  voted,  '"To  abate  the  rates  of  all  those  Baptists  that  have  brought  a 
certificate  and  those  that  frequently  attend  the  Baptist  meeting."  The 
following  certificate  procured  exemption  for  two  Quakers: — 

"  Jeremiah  Morv  belonn:?  to  the  Frieuds' meetinir,  and  so  Daniel  Bartlett 
doth  sup  of  the  same  cnp  with  me.  and  we  own  him  to  be  one  of  our  brethren, 
as  I  take  care  of  my  friends.  lu  the  presence  of  us,  which  we  are  ready  to 
answer  to,  this  : 

A  A   QC:  CT'^^  .Jeremiah  Mory, 

-LJlOOO'V^  Thomas  Smith, 

JoHX  Bartlett. 
Gloxicester,  JTarch  16,  1774."' 

During  these  years  of  sectaiian  and  political  agitation.  Ashford  was 
also  implicated  in  a  prolonged  litigation  growing  out  of  the  ancient 
"  Corbiu  land  claims,"  and  carried  on  by  Benjamin  and  Ashael  Marcy  as 
legal  representatives  of  James  Corbiu.  Elijah  Whiton.  Ezra  Smith, 
Elisha  Wales.  Benjamin  Clark  and  Ebenezer  Byles  were  appointed  in 
1769,  "To  search  the  book  of  recor<ls  with  respect  to  the  town's  com- 
mons and  Corbins  land."  who  reported  that  2.500  acres  were  allowed  to 
Corbin  in  1719,  and  that  over  4000  acres  had  been  laid  out  to  him. 
The  Marcys  carried  their  claim  to  the  Assembly,  who  appointed  Joseph 
Spencer.  Benjamin  Lowe  and  Captain  Jonathan  Welles  a  committee  of 
investigation.     A  meeting  was  held  at  Clark's  tavern,  iu  Ashford.  3Liy 


36  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

4,  1774,  Elijah  Wliiton  and  Ezra  Smith  appearing  as  agents  for  the 
town.  Full  details  of  the  original  purchase  and  subsequent  agreements 
were  pi'esented,  and  a  foi'midable  array  of  deeds  and  figures  showing 
plainly  that  Corbin  had  received  some  hundied  acres  more  than  his 
due,  while  the  petitioners  demonstrated  with  equal  certainty  that  a  still 
larger  number  was  lacking.  The  committee  in  due  time  reported,  ''  That 
Corbin's  land  had  not  been  taken  up,  that  910  acres  still  remained  due 
to  his  heirs ;  also,  that  Corbin's  partners  had  failed  to  pay  taxes,  and 
their  shares  should  revert  to  him."  The  Assembly,  after  consideration 
of  the  report,  was  of  opijiion  that  910  acres  were  due  to  Corbin  under 
the  settlement  of  1719,  and  375  acres  under  the  patent  of  1725,  and 
granted  that  the  petitioners  should  take  them  up  in  the  town's  com- 
mons. They  also  affirmed,  that  the  patent  gianted  to  Corbin  in  1725, 
should  be  considered  as  an  addition  to  the  claim  of  1719.  The  towu 
refused  to  accept  this  decision  so  contrary  to  the  common  understand 
ing  of  the  case,  and  to  the  facts  adduced  by  Captain  Chandler  and 
others  when  the  patent  was  granted,  and  when  the  Marcys  entered 
upon  land  proceeded  "  to  prosecute  those  who  had  got  our  conmion 
land  into  their  possession."  The  Superior  Court  gave  verdict  in  favor 
of  the  town.  Marcy  again  appealed  to  the  Assembly,  complaining  of 
error  in  the  judgment  of  the  Superior  Court,  whereupon  it  was  resolved 
by  that  body  : — 

"  That  the  said  Superior  Court  in  takiiiij  cog^nizance  of  said  petition  mani- 
festly erred,  aud  misitook  tlie  law,  and  that  the  said  jud^meiit  is  iiereby  re- 
versed and  set  asiide,  and  tlie  petitioner  restored  to  Uie  cost,  and  the  petition 
remain  as  before  entei'ed  iu  the  docket  of  said  ISiiperior  Court." 

The  town  debarred  from  farther  action  at  court  was  compelled  to  yield 
up  its  commons.  So  far  as  regards  the  light  ot  jurtsdictlon  in  this 
case  the  decision  may  have  been  legal,  but  with  regard  to  the  owner- 
ship of  the  land  a  careful  study  of  all  the  facts  would  give  it  to  the 
town.  That  the  settlement  of  1725  granted  Corbin  an  addition  to  his 
immense  original  claim  seems  especially  untenable,  and  in  view  of  all 
the  circumstances  of  the  case,  suggests  the  query,  if  the  art  of  lobby- 
ing be  strictly  a  modern  invention.  One  result  of  this  controversy 
was  the  copying  of  the  original ''town  book "  by  the  faithful  town 
clerk,  Ebenezer  Byles,  in  1770. 

In  1771,  Ashford  appointed  a  committee  to  pray  for  county  lecon- 
struction  on  the  following  basis:  Ashford  with  Woodstock,  Killingly, 
Pomfret,  Union,  Staflord,  ToUaixl  and  Willington  to  form  a  new  north- 
ern county,  and  "  C'olchester  and  Hebron  to  be  added  to  the  remains  of 
Windham." 


CANTERBURY,    WHITEFIELD  S    VISIT,    ETC. 


III. 

AFFAIRS    IN    CANTERBURY.     WHITEFIELD'S    VISIT.     SEPARATES. 
BAPTISTS.     ORGANIZATION  OF  WESTMINSTER  SOCIETY. 

CANTERBURY"  was  much  occupied  at  tliis  dale  in  resettling 
her  parishes  and  repairing  her  bridges.  In  1760,  her  ])eaee 
was  greatly  distnibed  by  the  attempted  secession  of  a  number  of  her 
southeast  residents,  who  asked  to  be  incorporated  with  residents  of 
adjoining  towns  into  a  new  religious  society.  John  Hebard,  aj)pointed 
to  oppose  this  petition,  remonstrated  : — 

"  1.  That  Canterbury  had  already  parted  with  a  mile  or  two  of  land  on 
the  north  to  help  form  Brooklyn  parish,  leavini'-  tirst  society  in  Canterbury 
eii^ht  miles  by  five  in  extent — wisely  and  cautiously  done  to  acconnuodate  two 
parishes  within  herself  when  planters  should  be  multiplied. 

2.  Inhabitants  were  settled  all  over  said  parish  from  east  to  west,  north 
to  south  bounds;  that  the  distribution  of  said  parish  into  two  parishes  within 
themselves  has  been  the  governing  motive  to  many  planters  to  settle  and 
build  there;  that  winter  preaching  was  allowed  to  the  north  and  northwest 
quarter,  and  division  to  be  made  when  public  charges  were  less  heavy;  that 
dividing  parishes  into  such  small  ones  weakens  the  whole  colony  and  is 
hurtful  to  its  civil  and  religious  interests." 

Even  this  last  consideration,  usually  deemed  so  weighty,  was  ineffect- 
ual in  tliis  instance.  The  Assembly  taking  time  for  deliljeration,  Mr. 
Hebard  farther  urged,  that  the  scheme  wotild  '■'■  destroi/  one  society 
in  Canterbury,  destroy  the  well-heing  of  one  in  Newent,  and  wound 
and  ireaken  a  third  in  Scotland."  In  spite  of  these  dismal  prognos- 
tications, the  petitioners  carried  the  day,  and  secured  in  17C1,  the 
erection  of  the  new  society  of  Hanover  from  parts  of  Canterbury, 
Scotland  I'arish  and  Newent. 

Town  affairs  required  much  care  and  deliberation.  Colonel  John 
Dyer  and  others  of  the  second  generation  of  settlers  were  no  longer 
in  active  life.  At  the  town  meeting,  1761,  John  Curtis  was  chosen 
moderator ;  Captain  Obediah  Johnson,  Stephen  Frost,  Josiah  Butt, 
Captain  Benjamin  Price,  selectmen;  Steplien  Frost,  town  clerk; 
Deacon  Samuel  Huntington,  treasurer ;  Simon  Forbes,  constable  and 
collector  of  excise ;  Timothy  Cleveland,  Obediah  Johnson,  Joseph 
Dyer,  James  Daley,  William  Bradford,  Josiah  Morse,  Fredeiic 
Curtis,  Gideon  Cobb,  Joseph  Safford,  John  Hebard,  Matthew 
Button,  Zechariah  Waldo,  highway  surveyors;  Nathaniel  Aspiinvall, 
Samuel  Adams,  fence-viewers ;  Solomon  Faine,  Asa  Cleveland, 
Ebenezer  Spalding,  Robert  Herrick,  Silas  Cleveland,  Jedidiah  Dodge, 
listers ;  Robert  Hei-rick,  Abijah  Cady,  leather  sealers  ;  John  Hebard, 
Nehemiah  Ensworth,  Ezekiel  Spalding,  Elisha  Faine,  Isaiah  Williams, 
grand-jurymen ;    Shubael     Butts,     Hezekiah     Pellet,    Daniel    Paine, 


38  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

William  Bradford,  titliiiijj^men :  Gideon  Cobb,  ganger  and  packer; 
Aliaziah  Adams,  l)raiKk'r  and  toller;  William  Bond,  Ezekiel  Spald- 
ing, key-keepers.  Ezra  Enswortli,  having  managed  at  great,  cost 
and  labor  to  construct  a  dam  across  the  Quinebaug  in  the  sonth  part 
of  the  town,  was  granted  liberty  to  mend  and  '■  keep  in  re])air  the 
same,  for  the  benefit  of  his  corn-mill  where  it  now  stands,  the  same 
highth  and  length  as  it  now  is."  This  unusual  privilege  was  only 
obtained  by  very  strenuous  efforts.  Anything  that  obstructed  the 
annual  ascent  of  shad  and  salmon  on  which  they  so  ranch  de])ended 
was  most  vigorously  resisted  by  all  the  residents  of  the  Quinebaug 
valley — and  in  addition  to  this  great  damage  and  loss  this  mischievous 
dam  was  charged  with  undermining  and  greatly  damaging  Butts 
Bridge  just  below  it.  This  most  convenient  bridge,  erected  by  Samuel 
Butts  in  1733,  had  been  kept  in  repair  by  private  subscription,  and 
now  in  1760,  the  neighbors  had  again  rebuilt  it,  "supposing  that 
Canterbury  would  order  the  dam  removed."  Tiieir  fears  and  fore- 
bodings were  only  too  quickly  realized.  The  very  next  winter,  ice 
falling  over  the  dam  again  carried  off  the  bridge.  The  dam,  it  is 
believed,  was  also  destroyed  by  the  same  flood  and  never  rebuilt;  but 
none  the  less  did  the  aggrieved  neighbors  refuse  to  rebuild  the  bridge. 
The  town,  com|)elled  to  join  with  Plainfield  in  maintaining  Nevins 
]5ridge  on  the  great  public  thoroughfare,  and  a  ford  way  near  Shepard's 
Hill  in  the  north  part  of  the  town,  and  to  keep  up  other  bridges  over 
Rowland's  Brook  and  Little  River,  positively  declined  to  assist  iu 
rebuilding  Butts  Bridge.  So  great  were  the  inconveniences  and 
difficulties  resulting  from  this  negligence,  that  a  large  number  of 
petitioners  from  Plainfield,  Preston  and  other  towns  lepresented 
the  case  to  the  Assembly,  and  prayed  that  Canterbury  nnght  be 
compelled  to  support  said  bridge,  as  a  place  of  ranch  travel.  A 
special  act  of  the  assembly  in  1763,  thereupon  provided  that  Canter- 
bury should  build  and  keep  in  order  a  bridge  at  this  place,  under  the 
direction  of  a  county  committee.  Seth  Paine  of  Brooklyn  Parish, 
Nathaniel  Webb  of  Windham,  and  Asa  Smith  of  Woodstock,  were 
accordingly  jdaced  in  cliarge  of  the  work. 

The  increasing  travel  through  the-  town  made  it  needful  to  keep 
its  highways  in  good  order.  Many  of  its  own  citizens  were  carried 
away  by  emigration.  Abraliam  Paine,  Elisha  Cleveland,  and  others 
removed  to  Nine  Partners,  New  York.  Joshua  Hide  and  Joshua 
Parke  were  among  tlie  early  settlers  of  Vermont.  Captain  James 
Bidlack,  Sanmel  Ransom  and  many  other  families  joined  the  great 
out-flow  to  Wyoming.  A  jury  was  ordered  by  the  County  Court  to 
meet  at  the  house  of  Tiraothy  Backus,  and  lay  out  a  highway  from 
the   dividing  line  bctw*een  Windham  and  Canteibury,  four-and-a-half 


CANTERBURY,    WHITEFIELd's    VISIT,    ETC.  39 

miles  east,  to  the  highway  leading  from  Xorwicli  to  Canterbury,  and 
thence  to  the  Great  Bridge  over  the  Quinebaug.  This  highway,  tlms 
relaid  and  carefully  maintained,  aecoininodated  a  great  i>art  of  the  ti-avel 
from  Providence  to  Hartford  and  farther  westward.  In  177;5,  Colonel 
Jabez  Fitch  was  chosen  agent  by  the  town  to  oi)pose  tlie  inc'inorial  of 
Colonel  Israel  Putnam  and  others  "for  an  open  and  public  liighway 
to  be  laid  out  through  the  towns  of  Killingl),  Pomfret  and  Canter- 
bury, in  oixler  the  better  to  accommodate  traveling  from  Boston  to 
New  Haven  and  New  York," — a  project  which  its  renowned  advocate 
failed  apparently  to  accomplish.  A  dam  was  allowed  over  Rowland's 
Brook  in  the  north  part  of  the  town,  and  various  mills  kept  in  opera- 
tion.    Tannery  works  were  also  cairied  on  by  Benjamin  Morse. 

The  various  taverns  needed  upon  the  jniblic  roads  and  other  parts 
of  the  town,  were  kept  by  Timothy  Backus,  John  Park,  Ebenezer 
Spalding,  Robert  Ransom  and  David  Reed.  Dr.  Gideon  Welles  con- 
tinued his  medical  itractice  in  Canterbury  and  Plantield.  A  son  of 
Canterbury,  Dr.  .John  Spalding,  also  established  himself  in  his  native 
town.  Dr.  David  Adams,  son  of  David  Adams,  residing  in  Scotland 
and  afterward  in  Pi'eston,  was  often  employed  in  his  old  home. 

Rev  James  Cogswell  continued  in  charge  of  the  Fii-st  church, 
which  though  weakened  by  secession  and  emigiation  maintained  a 
respectable  standing,  and  its  old  dislike  of  se])aration.  A  visit  from 
Mr.  Whitetield  in  1764,  excited  nuich  consternation.  This  distinguished 
preacher  had  lost  favor  with  the  more  rigid  churches  and  jiastors. 
Mr.  Cogswell  was  greatly  exercised  in  spirit  by  the  rumor  of  his 
coming,  "not  knowing  how  to  conduct,  viz:  whether  to  desire  him 
to  preach," — but,  aftei'  deliberation  and  prayer,  determined  "  to  keep 
about  his  duty,  viz:  what  would  have  been  his  duty  if  he  had  heard 
nothing  of  his  arrival."  Tidings  of  his  actual  arrival  and  entertain- 
ment at  Colonel  Dyer's  failed  to  change  the  decision  of  the  timid  divine, 
whose  natural  politeness  and  curiosity  were  quite  overborne  by  fear 
of  ministerial  censure,  but  at  the  request  of  a  number  of  his  people 
he  ventured  to  call  upon  the  great  preacher  and  held  considerable 
discourse,  which  he  thus  recorded  in  his  diary  : — 

"  He  professed  much  uuconcernediiess  at  j^e  thousht  of  death.  He  ap- 
peared a  jireat  enemy  to  Sanderaan.  He  was  gross  in  body  but  poor  in  health 
and  declined  preaching;  wish  I  may  be  so  weaned  from  the  world  and  ready 
to  die  as  he  professed  to  be;  can't  think,  however,  there  is  the  greatest 
propriety  in  being  f(jnd  of  speaking  in  such  a  manner  to  strangers. 

Feb.  U,  Mr.  Whitetield  came  along;  people  seemed  very  fond  of  gazing  on 
him.  He  rode  in  his  chariot  with  a  gentleman— had  a  waiter  to  attend  on  him, 
and  Sampson  Occam,  ve  Indian  preacher,  who  rode  on  one  of  the  horses, 
there  being  three  to  ye'  chariot.  [Reverends]  Messrs.  Breck  and  Whitney 
came  and  dined  here.  Mr.  Breck  said  he  did  not  know  but  I  was  right 
iu  asking  Mr.  Whitefleld  to  preach ;  however  he  believed  he  should  not  have 
doue  it." 


40  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTT. 

If"  ^Ir.  Breck  of  Sprinixfield,  always  inclined  to  Aniiinianism  and 
hetorodoxy,  could  thus  sciuple,  it  may  be  seen  tliat  tlie  cautious 
})astor  did  indeed  run  some  ii.sk  in  extending;  civilities  to  the  great 
pulpit  orator. 

.Air.  Cogswell's  diary  gives  us  a  parting  glimpse  of  another  once- 
famed  preacher  and  religious  leader — liis  old  antagonist,  Elisha  Paine, 
revisiting  Cauteibiiry  after  many  years  absence: — 

"  March  26,  1769.  Lawyer  Paine  sent  for  me  in  the  evcninir,  said  that  he 
Avanted  to  see  me  hut  did  not  desire  I  should  tarry  lecture,  as  Stephen 
Bacl^us  told  me;  however,  when  I  came  there  tlie  old  gentleman  said  he  had 
noihin^  special  to  say,  and  tliat  he  only  sent  word  that  he  was  going  to 
preach,  and  began  lecture  soon.  But  I  thought  I  would  not  go  away  iuiuie- 
diutely — was  not  sorry  I  tarried  as  1  have  not  heard  a  Separate  teacher  in  a 
great  while.  He  is  much  more  moderate  than  formerly  and  indeed  is  a  dull 
preacher;  some  pari  of  his  discourse  was  good  but  he  preaciied  many  things 
erroneous  as  I  thought,  as  that  all  religion  which  was  established  b,y  civil  au- 
thority was  false;  ....  that  all  Christians  have  assurance,  and  those  who  think 
they  liave  not  are  to  be  suspected  of  knowing  nothing  of  Christ's  beauty 
experimentally.  Tliat  though  men  sliould  live  peaceably  togetlier  yet  it  wa.s 
a  vain  and  wicked  attempt  to  reconcile  converted  and  unc(jnverlecl  men  for 
they  would  always  have  implacable  enemity;  and  tho'  thej' should  agree  ever 
so  well  on  an  outward  plan  of  church  g(jvernment  which  he  called  a  hiarchee, 
meaning  as  I  suppose  an  Hierarchy,  it  would  l)e  of  no  service  unless  men 
were  converted — and  several  other  exceptional  things. 

27th.  Mr.  Paine  visited  me.  Discoursed  in  a  friendly  manner.  I  mentioned 
to  him  his  meddling  with  Connecticut  Establishment  in  his  sermon;  he  said 
he  did  not  mean  so  much  Connecticut  Establishment  as  all  Establishments. 
I  mentioned  his  notion  of  saving  faith  consisting  in  assurance.  He  in  effect 
gave  up  the  point,  for  he  said  he  believed  many  were  good  Christians  who 
had  not  assurance  but  did  not  own  he  was  wrong.  He  discoursed  against 
several  practices.  —  Presbyterian  ordination,  ministers  being  supported  by  a 
salary,  &c.,  but  with  a  pleasant  countenance  and  to  appearance  with  a  temper 
much  less  Ijitter  and  severe  than  when  be  lived  in  town — but  1  believe  he 
holds  much  the  same  doctrines."* 

The  Separate  church  once  so  flourishing  had  suflered  many  losses. 
The  venerable  Obadiah  Johnson,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  tlie  town, 
and  a  pillar  of  this  church,  died  in  1V65.  Mary,  wife  of  \Villi:im 
Bradford  and  sister  of  John  and  Ebenezer  Cleveland, — "an  ornament  to 
her  sex  tiiid  indeed  to  all  her  'Christian  friends," — died  the  same  year 
upon  the  birth  of  her  fourteenth  child,  "  in  a  perfect  calm  resignation 
to  the  will  of  (iod  and  assurance  of  faith."  Her  father,  Josiah  Cleve- 
land, dying  some  years  previous  had  shown  his  luve  to  this  "Congre- 
gational church  in  Canterbury  '"  (as  its  members  called  it),  by  bequeath- 
ing to  it  his  whole  part  of  the  meeting-house,  and  £20 J  in  bills  of 
credit.  Deacon  Johnson  left  "the  improvement  of  a  farm  and  build- 
ings for  the  benefit  of  said  church  as  for  the  poor  of  said  church,"  and 
also  twenty  acres  to  supply  firewood    for    tlie  minister.     But  money 


*  The  remaining  years  of  the  great  Separate  leader  were  spent  in  peaceful 
seclusion,  preaching  to  his  tieloved  flock  at  Briilgehampton,  h.  1.,  until 
within  two  weeks  of  his  decease,  which  occurred  Aug.  26,  1775,  at  the  age  of 
eighty-four. 


CANTERBURY,    WHITEFIELd's    VISIT,    ETC.  41 

and  land  could  not  make  up  the  loss  in  irierabership.  Einigration  and 
disaffection  had  carried  away  many.  The  vote  by  whicli  they  had 
gained  society  privileges  and  exemption  from  ratepaying,  gave  great 
oftence  to  many  ardent  brethren,  and  after  many  stringent  letters  from 
Ebenezer  Frothingham  of  Middletown,  the  church  decided  to  recon- 
sider the  matter  ;  renewed  their  covenant  one  by  one — dming  which 
God  drew  near  and  united  tlieir  hearts  in  the  love  of  the  gospel — and 
appointed  a  committee,  who  reported  : — 

"May  21,  176(5.  1.  The  Separate  voting  or  acting  with  the  society  was 
wrong,  as  that  civil  body  acted  in  a  matter  of  couscieuce,  or  in  au  ecciesias- 
tic  afl'air." 

The  church  assented  to  this  "  as  their  minds,  and  what  they  meant 
to  abide  by,  and  acknowledged  their  fault  in  so  far  as  any  of  them 
had  been  active  in  those  things."  Its  relations  with  its  pastor  were 
next  brought  under  consideration.  This  good  brother  was  ardent  and 
zealous  to  a  fault,  and  oifended  many  of  his  people  by  bluntness  of 
speech  and  lack  of  discretion.  After  long  labor  and  agitation  a  coun- 
cil was  held.  May  29,  1768,  which  decided  "  that  brother  Joseph  Marshall 
be  dismissed  from  the  pastoral  care  of  this  church,  on  account  of  the 
contentions  in  church  respecting  his  gifts  and  ordination,  wliicli  ren- 
ders his  improvement  unprofitable."  Mr.  Marshall  then  followed  some 
members  of  his  flock  to  the  new  settlements  in  Western  Connecticut, 
New  York  and  Vermont,  where  his  labors  were  greatly  blessed.  The 
Canterbury  Separate  church  did  not  succeed  in  settling  another 
minister  and  steadily  declined  in  numbers.  Some  of  its  members 
signified  their  desire  to  attend  worship  with  the  First  society,  provided 
they  might  pay  their  part  of  the  expenses  by  way  of  contributing  and 
not  by  rate,  whereupon  that  body  voted,  "  That  we  are  willing  and 
desirous  that  they  should  attend  public  worship  with  us,  and  will 
never  levy  any  tax  or  assessment  upon  them  contrary  to  their  minds, 
but  will  leave  it  with  them  to  give  what,  and  in  what  manner,  they 
please  "  The  increase  of  Baptist  sentiments  was  very  annoying  to  tlie 
Separates  as  well  as  the  standing  order.  Mr.  Cogswell  heard  with 
great  grief  "that  several  of  his  people  and  many  of  the  Separates  had 
attended  at  Mr.  Backus's  to  hear  Ebenezer  Lyon,  the  Baptist  teaclier," 
and  hoped  that  God  would  "  convince  them  of  their  folly."  Notwith- 
standing this  opposition,  "  Lyon,  the  Bai)tist,"  continued  his  irregular 
services  for  many  years,  edifying  a  small  number  of  hearers.  These 
Baptists  with  the  Canterbury  Separates  held  to  what  was  called 
"mixed  communion,"  and  often  joined  in  worship  and  ordinances 
with  Separate  churches. 

A  division  of  the  First  society  was  accomplished  during  this  period. 
Population  had  gathered  in  the  western  part  of  the  town.  Deacon 
6 


42  .  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COCJNTT- 

Stepben  Frost,  sons  of  Sanmcl  Butts,  and  other  influential  families 
were  among  these  residents,  and  in  the  spring  of  1767,  petitioned  for 
society  privileges.  A  measnre  and  survey  were  ordered  and  divisional 
line  run.  The  society  accepted  the  report  and  voted  to  divide  into  dis- 
tinct ecclesiastic  societies  by  a  north  and  south  line  at  the  centre  of  the 
parish  parallel  with  the  line  between  Windham  and  Canterbury — line 
to  leave  11,736  acres  on  each  side;  rate  on  east  side  £5,759;  west 
side  £4,251.     With  this  vote  the  western  inhabitants,  viz: — 

Stephen  Frost,  Robert  and  John  Herrick,  Solomon  Adams,  Ebenezer  Deaiie, 
Ezra  and  Amos  Woodward,  Ebenezer  Goodell,  Stephen  Downing,  Benjamin 
and  Natlianiel  Clevehand,  Samuel  Parish,  Matthias  Button,  Benjamin  andJohn 
Durfee,  David  Monro,  Solomon  Allen,  Stephen  Ford,  Jnn.,  Joseph  Burgess, 
Josinli,  Joseph  and  Sherebiah  Butts,  Joseph  Leach,  John  Curtis,  William 
Foster.  Benjamin  Jewett,  David  Canada,  Eliphalet  and  Zebulou  Faruham, 
W^illiam  Hebard,  Frederic  Carter,  John  Lewis,  Jonas  Bond — 

appeared  before  the  Asseml)ly,  and  secured  a  committee  which 
reported  in  tavor  of  division.  A  favorable  decision  was  confidently 
expected  when  to  the  consternation  of  the  petitioners  opposition  was 
manifested.  Notwithstanding  previous  declarations  and  agreements, 
fifty  remonstrants  headed  by  Elijah  Dyer,  Jabez  Fitch  and  John 
Bacon  now  represented  : — 

"  That  the  vote  to  divide  was  hastily  passed ;  that  the  inhabitants  princi- 
pallj^  settled  in  the  east;  that  a  number  of  inhabitants  settled  afterwards  iu 
the  west,  and,  not  considering  that  the  contemplated  division  would  inevita- 
bly ruin  said  society,  voted  it  by  a  bare  majority;  list  of  whole,  only  nine 
thousand,  exclusive  of  separate  society;  give  a  minister  now  but  seventy 
pounds  a  year  which  by  no  means  supports  him,  and  we  are  very  much  put  to 
collect  that  now  in  this  distressing  time;  people  behindhand  on  account  of 
great  changes  and  scarcity  of  money,  and  to  divide  in  the  way  proposed  will 
certainly  ruin  and  break  up  the  whole." 

Residents  near  the  centre  of  the  town,  viz.,  Thomas  Bradford,  Jo- 
seph Withe,  Abijah  Cady,  Jacob  Smith,  John  Wheeler,  Jacob  Green 
and  John  Pellet  also  remonstrated,  declaring: — 

"  That  the  society  will  be  eight  miles  iu  length  and  two  and  a-half  in  width, 
and  that  we  live  quite  at  the  east  part  of  new  society,  and  have  a  good  road 
to  the  meeting-house,  and  if  we  are  stated  to  the  west  society  shall  be  as  far 
from  their  meeting  house,  if  they  ever  build  one,  as  we  are  now,  with  no  road 
to  travel  on,  and  ilie  way  so  bad  that  it  is  ijupossible  there  will  ever  be  a  good 
one  made,  and  pray  to  be  allowed  to  stay  in  the  east  society." 

To  forestall  division  it  was  now  proposed  that  a  new  meeting-house 
should  be  erected  in  the  centre  of  the  town,  but  no  vote  could  be  ob- 
tained for  it.  In  May,  1760,  the  western  inhabitants  farther  repre- 
sented that  their  number  had  greatly  multiplied  and  was  constantly  in- 
creasing, that  the  society  would  not  allow  them  to  be  set  off  or  build  a 
new  meeting-house  in  the  centre,  and  begged  for  relief.  Their  ]-equest 
was  continued  till  October,  and  tHqs  answered  : — 

"  Upon  memorial  of  Stephen  Frost,  Robert  Herrick,  Ebenezer  Goodell  and 
others,  inhabitants  of  first  society  of  town  of  Canterbury,  situated  iu  west 


CANTEEBUKY,    WHITEFIELd's    VISIT,    ETC.  43 

part  of  said  society,  showing  to  tliis  Assembly  their  great  distance  from  the 
established  place  of  public  worship  in  said  society,  whereby  they  and  their 
numerous  families  are  very  unable  to  attend  the  same;  also,  showing  to  the 
Assembly  the  vote  of  said  society  signifying  their  consent  to  have  the  same 
equally  divided  into  distinct  ecclesiastic  societies  by  a  north  and  south  line 
parallel  with  the  line  dividing  between  the  towns  of  Windham  and  Canter- 
bury, at  the  centre  of  said  tirst  society,  ascertained  by  a  late  survey  made  by 
Seth  Paine,  county  surveyor,  approved  by  said  society — prayincrthis  Assembly 
to  make  and  constitute  the  men  situate  on  the  west  side  of  said  north  and 
south  line  a  distinct  ecclesiastic  society  according  to  the  form  and  extent  of 
said  vote,  and  to  be  invested  with  all  the  rights  and  privileges  to  such  socie- 
ties appertaining  (except  such  inhabitants  as  by  law  are  exempt  from  contri- 
buting to  the  support  of  the  established  iniuistry).  It  is  resolved  by  this  As- 
sembly, that  the  inhabitants  living  within  the  limits  aforesaid  (excepting  as 
before  excepted)  shall  be,  and  they  arc  hereby  made,  erected  and  constituted 
a  distinct  ecclesiastic  society,  endowed  with  all  the  powers,  privileges  and 
immunities  usually  belonging  to  ecclesiastic  societies  in  this  colony,  and  shall 
be  known  and  called  by  the  name  of  Westminster.     October,  1769." 

The  organization  of  the  new  society  was  speedily  effected.  The  re- 
ports of  the  tirst  meetings  have  not  been  preserved,  but  tliere  was  evi- 
dently no  lack  of  spirit  and  enthusiasm.  Arrangements  were  soon 
made  for  building  a  meeting-house.  There  was  no  occasion  here  for 
quarrelling  over  its  site.  "Natural  fitness  "  at  once  assigned  it  to  a 
broad  hill-summit  near  the  centre  of  the  society.  About  four  acres  of 
land  at  the  crossing  of  the  roads  were  given  by  John  Parks  for  meet- 
ing-house spot,  burial  groinid  and  common.  The  bushes  were  at  once 
cleared  off  and  ground  made  ready  for  building.  Capt.  Sherebiah 
Butts  was  employed  as  master  builder,  and  served  so  efficiently  that  the 
house  was  made  ready  for  occupation  during  the  following  summer,  that 
same  busy  season  in  which  the  rival  edifices  of  Brooklyn  Parish  were 
in  progress.  "  At  a  convention  of  professing  Christians  belonging  to 
Westminster  society  Nov.  2,  1770,"  arrangements  were  made  for  church 
organization.  The  neighboring  ministers — Reverends  Samuel  Mosely, 
James  Cogswell,  Josiah  Whitney — and  Capt.  John  Howard,  Dr.  Jabez 
Fitch,  Dea.  Nathaniel  Brown  and  Col.  Israel  Putnam,  messengers, 
comprised  the  council.  A  number  of  brethren  appeared  before  it,  and 
after  professing  their  belief  in  the  articles  of  the  Chi'istian  faith  revealed 
in  the  Word  of  God,  and  engaging  to  walk  together  agreeably  to  the 
directions  of  his  word,  signed  the  following  covenant  and  were  acknow- 
ledged as  a  regular  chiu'ch  of  Christ : — 

"1.  We  do  take  the  Holy  Scriptures  as  the  only  ultimate  rule  of  our  faith  and 
manners,  and  in  subordination  hereto,  the  confession  of  faith  called  the  West- 
minster,* which  we  look  upon  to  be  agreeable  to  the  Word  of  God 

3.  We  submit  ourselves  to  the  watch  and  discipline  of  Christ's  church,  ac- 
cording to  Cambridge  platform. 

Stephen  Frost.  Thomas  Bradford.  Amos  Woodward. 

Robert  Herrick.  William  Bond.  Ebenezer  Davis. 

John  Lewis.  Jacob  Foster.  Anthony  Class. 

Isaac  Woodward.  Enos  Woodward.  John  Herrick. 

Daniel  Davis.  Peter  Woodward. 

Westminster,  Xoc.  20,  1770." 


*It  is  not  improbable  that  the  socioty  adopted  its  stately  name  in  honor  of 
this  venerable  confession  which  held  so  high  a  place  in  their  esteem. 


44  .  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Witliin  a  few  months  John  Staples  of  Taunton,  Mass.,  was  called  to 
the  pastorate  and  ordained  Ai)iil  17,  1772.  Stephen  Frost,  John  Her- 
ric'k  and  Jonas  Bond  were  chosen  to  sei've  as  deacons;  many  were 
added  to  the  church,  and  the  society  pursued  its  way  in  much  peace 
and  prosperity. 

Although  the  First  society  in  Cantei'bury  managed  to  maintain  its 
existence  after  the  division  of  its  territory,  it  did  not  escape  many  of  the 
evils  so  dismally  foreboded.  Dui-ing  tlie  preceding  controversy  ani 
mosities  had  been  engendered,  and  it  was  found  imjjossible  to  effect  a 
peaceable  settlement.  Dea.  Frost,  for  some  unassigned  reason,  chose 
to  retain  the  society  records  and  papers,  and  also  the  school-fund  money 
previously  entrusted  to  him.  John  Felch  was  now  society  clerk  and 
treasurer;  Jabez  Fitch,  Jun.,  Eliashib  Adams  and  Joseph  Woodward 
were  the  committee.  At  a  society  meeting  Feb.  7,  1770,  Capt.  Dyer 
was  appointed  "agent,  to  go  immediately  in  the  name  of  society  and 
demand  the  record  books  and  other  papers  belonging  to  the  society 
now  in  the  hands  of  Dea.  Stephen  Frost,  and  in  case  of  refusal,  prose- 
cute." Asa  Bacon  was  also  empowered  "to  recover  loan  school  money 
in  the  hands  of  Dea.  Frost."  These  efforts  proving  unsuccessful,  the 
society  committee  was  instructed  to  sue  for  school  money.  An  agent 
was  afterwards  appointed  to  lay  the  case  before  the  Assembly.  Finally, 
April  22,  1771,  the  leading  men  in  the  society,  viz.,  John  Felch,  Capt. 
Elijah  Dyer,  Dea.  Eliashib  Adams  and  Captains  Elkanah  Cobb  and 
Aaron  Cleveland,  were  chosen  "  to  treat  with  Westminster  society  about 
an  amicable  settlement  of  the  dispute  between  said  societies  res{)ecting 
loan  school  money,  and  also  to  make  a  final  settlement  and  full  con- 
clusion of  all  other  matters  of  controversy  subsisting  between  said  so- 
cieties respecting  a  part  of  Mr.  Cogswell's  salary  for  the  year  in  which 
said  society  was  divided."  Through  their  mediation  the  various  diffi- 
culties were  in  some  measure  surmounted. 

The  most  serious  evil  resulting  from  society  division  was  the  loss  of 
Mr.  Cogswell.  The  P'irst  society  was  unable  to  raise  what  he  deemed 
needful  for  his  support,  or  even  to  pay  arrearages  in  full,  and  consented 
"  to  his  quiet  and  ])eaceable  dismission."  The  church,  "taking  into 
consideration  our  difficult  cii-cumstances,  with  much  reluctance  consent 
that  our  pastor  be  dismissed ;  testify  our  sincerest  regards  and  part 
with  him  not  because  we  are  dissatisfied  with  him  as  to  anything  relat- 
ing to  his  ministerial  conduct,  but  think  it  may  be  for  the  good  and 
peace  of  the  society,  and  most  cordially  recommend  him."  Mr.  Cogs- 
well preached  for  a  short  time  at  East  Haddam,  where  his  good  fiiend 
and  adherent,  Deacon  Samuel  Huntington,  had  lately  removed,  and  then 
returned  to  Scotland  Parish.  The  Canterbury  church  remained  for 
many  years  without  a  settled  pastor  to  its  great  detriment.     Nathaniel 


WESTMINSTER    SOCIETY.  45 

Niles  of  Norwieli,  preached  for  a  season  but  declinerl  a  call  to  settle- 
ment. Sanuiel  Spring,  Job  Swift  and  Epliraini  Jiulson  also  served  as 
supplies  during  tliis  unsettled  period.  Eliashib  Adams  succeeded  to 
the  deacon's  otKce  on  the  removal  of  Dea.  Huntington  in  1769.  Jabez 
Fitch,  Jun.,  was  elected  deacon  two  years  latei-.  William  Bingham, 
William  Darbe  and  Benjamin  Bacon  were  made  choristers.  Though 
destitute  of  a  settled  pastor,  public  worship  was  maintained  with  con- 
siderable regularity.  Jabez  Fitch,  Esq.,  Timothy  Baldwin,  Jabez  Ens- 
worth,  John  Bacon  and  Elijah  Dyer  looked  aftei'  the  proper  seating  of 
the  meeting-house,  and  ordered  needful  repairs,  and  "  if  swept  twelve 
times  a  year"  paid  twenty  shillings  for  it.  Tixhall  Ensworth  held  the 
responsible  position  of  key-keeper.  In  1773  the  resources  of  the  so- 
ciety were  somewhat  enlarged  by  the  annexation  of  Black  Ilill,  the 
lands  in  possession  of  Timothy  Backus,  Isaac  Allerton,  William  Under- 
wood, Joab  Johnson,  Curtis  and  Ezekiel  Spalding,  Jabez  Fitch,  Jun., 
William  Bingham,  John  Hough,  Elkanah  Cobb  and  Obadiah  Johnson 
being  joined  by  act  of  Assembly  "with  the  First  Society  of  Canter- 
bury for  society  and  ecclesiastic  privileges,  but  not  for  schooling,  mili- 
tary and  other  purposes." 

Schools  in  Canterbuiy  up  to  this  date  were  receiving  little  attention, 
and  the  old  system  of  "  squadrons "  was  still  maintained.  In  1770, 
Ezekiel  Park,  Captain  Elijah  Dyer,  Nathan  Waldo,  Jose})h  Clark,  Jo- 
seph Woodward,  Asa  and  Joseph  Stevens  were  ordered,  "To  take  care 
of  the  schools  in  their  respective  squadrons,  and  to  hire  suitable  i)er- 
sons  to  keep  the  schools."  A  division  into  twenty-three  districts  was 
soon  after  effected  and  the  number  of  schools  incieased.  Private 
schools  were  often  supported  in  ditferent  neighborhoods.  A  "  night 
school"  was  kept  at  one  time  by  Joseph  Carter  in  "the  school-house 
nighest  to  Westminster  meeting-house."  After  his  mercantile  experi- 
ment in  Pomfret  this  young  man  returned  to  Canterbury,  keeping  store 
or  school  as  occasion  oftered,  and,  like  a  true-born  Yankee,  turning  his 
hand  to  anything.  Succeeding  in  time  to  the  otfice  of  deputy-sheiiif, 
he  combined  with  it  a  carrying  trade,  conveying  letters  and  packages 
back  and  forth  with  his  prisoners,  and  serving  his  neighbors  with  house- 
hold supplies  as  well  as  wan-ants.  With  all  his  Yankee  facility  one 
duty  came  hard  to  him.  He  did  not  mind  ap})lying  the  lash  to  the 
bare  back  of  a  male  culpiit,  but  he  hated  to  it^Jdp  a  tcoman,  and  unfor- 
tunately for  him  the  number  of  female  offenders  was  very  large.  Steal- 
ing, vagrancy  and  worse  offences  brought  many  a  hapless  victim  to  the 
public  whipping-post.  The  compassionate  sympathy  of  the  tender- 
hearted sheriff  led  him  on  one  occasion  to  employ  a  substitute,  but  the 
neophyte  in  his  zeal  for  justice  inflicted  the  blows  with  so  much  more 
spirit  and  cogency  that  he  was  fain  to  submit  thereafter  to  do  his  owu 


46  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

whipping.  One  petty  pilferer  escaped  with  a  lighter  punishment.  A 
very  respectable  citizen  living  north  of  the  Green  was  led  to  suspect 
that  one  of  his  neighbors  was  helping  himself  to  his  hay,  and  keeping 
a  sharp  look-out  at  last  espied  the  oftender  creeping  up  to  his  barn  one 
evening  and  coming  out  with  a  large  bundle  tied  up  with  a  rope.  The 
good  man  might  have  roused  the  neighborhood  with  a  hue-and-cry, 
but  with  sudden  impulse  he  hurried  into  his  house,  snatched  a  blazing 
fire-brand,  and  managed  unseen  to  overtake  the  thief,  and  thrust  the 
brand  into  the  bundle.  Crackling  fiames  suddenly  bursting  over  his 
head  terrified  the  poor  fellow  almost  out  of  his  senses,  and  thinking 
that  the  Lord  had  sent  fire  from  Heaven  to  consume  him,  he  dropped 
the  blazing  hay  and  ran  home  as  fast  as  his  trembling  limbs  could  carry 
him.  The  next  day  he  sought  his  neighbor  in  great  distress  and  peni- 
tence, confessing  all  his  misdeeds  and  the  punishment  that  the  Lord 
had  sent  upon  him,  and  promising  never  to  do  the  like  again.  This 
promise  it  is  believed  was  faithfully  kept,  and  the  story  was  never  told 
till  after  the  decease  of  the  penitent  ofi*ender. 

John  Felch  usually  served  as  town  clerk  during  this  period.  John 
Bacon,  Jun.,  was  graduated  from  the  College  of  New  Jersey  in  1765, 
and  after  essaying  ministerial  settlement  in  various  fields  removed  to 
Stockbridge,  Mass.,  and  distinguislied  himself  in  secular  service.  Aaron, 
youngest  son  of  Josiah  Cleveland,  Elijah,  son  of  Colonel  Dyer,  John, 
son  of  John  Adams,  were  among  Canterbury's  rising  young  men  at 
this  date.  Obadiah  Johnson  was  colonel  of  the  regiment  whicli  com- 
prised the  militia  of  Plainfield  and  Canterbury.  Mr.  Cogswell  reports 
a  public  library  founded  by  the  citizens  in  1771. 


IV. 

TOWN  AFFAIRS  IN  WINDHAM.     WYOMING  SETTLEMENT.     SOCIAL 
LIFE.     SCOTLAND  PARISH. 

WINDHAM  as  head  and  shire  town  of  the  county  was  now  exceed- 
ingly prosperous  and  prominent,  surpassing,  according  to  cotem- 
porary  judgment,  "  every  inland  town  in  the  Colony  in  trade  and  mer- 
chandize." It  had  four  well-trained  military  companies,  four  meeting- 
houses, a  court-house,  prison  and  jail,  numberless  stores  and  taverns, 
and  many  handsome  private  residences.  The  ofiicers  requisite  for  the 
proper  management  of  public  afl^liirs  in  1760  were  five  selectmen,  five 
constables  and  rate  collectors,  seven  grand-jurors,  ten  tithing-men, 
seven  listers,  twenty-three  surveyors,  four  branders  and  tollers,  three 
pound  keepers,  three  packers,  one   weight-sealer,  one  measure-sealer, 


TOWN    AFFAIRS    IN    WINDHAM,    ETC.  47 

two  to  take  care  of  provisions  paid  for  colony  tax,  one  excise  collector, 
two  surveyors  and  packers  of  tobacco.*  The  Rev.  Stephen  White  re- 
mained in  pastoral  charge  of  the  Fii-st  Church  and  society.  Samuel 
Gray  served  efficiently  as  town  clerk.  Nathaniel  Wales,  with  his  son 
Nathaniel,  filled  many  public  otHces  to  great  acceptance.  Eliphalet 
Dyer  and  Jedidiah  Elderkin  were  actively  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law, 
and  ranked  among  the  prominent  public  men  of  Connecticut.  The  ex- 
cellent Jonathan  Huntington  retained  his  eminence  and  popularity  as  a 
medical  practitioner,  and  while  exhibiting  "  marvelous  skill  "  in  the  art 
of  healing,  served  as  judge  of  the  County  Court  and  member  of  the 
Governor's  council.  His  cotemporary  in  years.  Dr.  Ebenezer  Gray  of 
Boston,  probably  brother  to  Samuel  Gray,  Esquiie,  also  "practiced 
jihysick "  in  Windham  and  its  vicinity.  Dr.  Joshua  Elderkin,  the 
somewhat  erratic  brother  of  Jedidiah,  practiced  medicine,  engaged  in 
trade  and  experimented  in  niaimfactures.  In  that  revival  of  business 
and  commercial  enterprise  following  the  close  of  the  French  war, 
Windham  actively  participated.  James  Flint,  Ebenezer  Backus  and 
Ebenezer  Devotion,  Jun.,  of  Scotland  Parish,  engaged  extensively  in 
mercantile  traffic,  buying  up  domestic  produce  to  exchange  for  West 
India  goods  and  articles  of  taste  and  luxury.  Under  this  stimulus, 
the  products  of  the  town  were  very  largely  increased.  JMuch  attention 
was  given  to  wool-growing,  the  culture  of  hemp,  flax  and  tobacco,  and 
the  making  of  cheese  and  butter.  Great  flocks  of  sheep  and  herds  of 
cattle  ranged  over  Windham  pastures  and  commons.  Wheat  and  other 
cereals  were  extensively  grown  and  exported,  and  so  biisk  was  trade  in 


*List  of  Officers:  Dr.  Joshua  Elderkin,  moderator;  Samuel  Gra}-,  town 
clerk  (chosen  first  in  1755,  "iu  room  of  Eliphalet  Dyer,  yime  in  ye  army," 
and  retained  in  office  more  than  thirty  3'ears)  ;  Captain  Samuel  Murdock, 
George  Martin,  Capt.  Henry  Silsljy,  Mr.  Samuel  Webb,  Lieut.  I'riuce  Tracy, 
selectmen;  Hezekiah  Manning,  Paul  Hebard,  Abicl  Abbott,  constables  and  col- 
lectors of  town  rates;  Joshua  Reed,  Hezekinh  Huntington,  Nathaniel  Lord, 
John  Manning,  graud-jnrymen ;  William  Warner,  Nathaniel  Wales,  2d,  Na- 
thaniel Warren,  John  Clark,  Joseph  Buruham,  Nathan  Luce,  Joseph  Manning, 
tithiug-men ;  Benjamin  Lathrop,  Jonathan  Bubcock,  James  Flint,  Jonathan 
Burnap,  Nathaniel  Mosely,  Andrew  Burnham,  Joseph  Woodward,  listers;  Ed- 
ward Brown,  Ebenezer  Fitch,  Ebenezer  Bingham,  Johu  Bass,  Isaac  Andrus, 
Gideon  Hebard,  Thomas  Tracy,  Samuel  Murdock,  Nathaniel  Huntington, 
Daniel  Martin,  Jeremiah  Clark",  Zebadiah  Coburn,  Stephen  Park,  Jerenuah 
Utley,  William  Holt,  Josiah  Hammond,  Simon  Wood,  Joshua  Farnham,  Johu 
Manning,  Joseph  Woodward,  Richard  Kimball,  Jonathan  Luce,  Jo.seph  Gin- 
nings,  highway  surveyors;  Samuel  Webb,  Edward  Brown,  William  Durkee, 
Isaac  Ringe,  John  Webb,  David  Ripley,  fence-viewers;  Hez.  Huntington, 
John  Fuller,  Elisha  Palmer,  Jan.,  Eleazer  Palmer,  branders  and  tollers;  Ed- 
Ward  Brown,  Isaac  Hinge,  Reuben  Robinson,  leather-sealers;  Joseph  Hunting- 
ton, Joseph  Sessions,  Elisha  Palmer,  Jun.,  pouud-keepers ;  Joseph  Hunting- 
ton, Jeremiah  Durkee,  Joseph  Manning,  packers;  Samuel  Gray,  town  treas- 
urer; Elijah  Bingham  and  Thomas  Tracy,  to  take  care  of  the  town  bridge; 
James  Flint,  receiver  of  provision  paid  for  discharge  of  colouy  tax;  Johu 
Abbe,  collector  of  excise;  Hezekiah  Manning  and  Shubael  Palmer,  surveyors 
and  packers  of  tobacco. 


48  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

all  parts  of  the  town  that  it  was  proposed  to  petition  the  Assembly  "  for 
a  free  fair  or  market."  When  compelled  by  English  exactions  to  re- 
linquish her  foreign  trade,  Windham  turned  her  energies  to  manufac- 
tures. John  Brown,  a  highly  respected  and  useful  citizen,  then  occu- 
pying the  home  farm  on  the  Willimantic  laid  out  to  his  grandfather, 
Capt.  John  Brown,  in  1706,  not  only  entertained  travelers  according  to 
the  fashion  of  the  day,  but  cultivated  his  farm,  maiuifactured  potash 
and  refined  saltpetre.  Ezekiel  Cary  carried  on  his  trade  as  a  tanner 
and  currier  in  this  vicinity.  Colonel  Elderkin,  among  his  other  avoca- 
tions, interested  himself  in  silk  culture  ;  and  set  out  a  tine  orchard  of 
mulberry  trees  in  the  south  part  of  Windliam.  In  1773,  he  wrote  to 
Clement  Biddle  of  Philadelphia,  "that  he  liad  a  large  number  of  trees 
fit  for  improvement,  had  made  considerable  growth  of  silk,  spun  and 
improved  some,  but  failed  for  want  of  proj^er  reels  and  experienced 
workmen,  and  desired  a  reel  or  caldron,  and  a  young  woman  to  teach 
them."  With  this  aid  he  succeeded  in  making  a  strong,  coarse  silk, 
used  for  handkerchiefs  and  vestings. 

Travel  and  trade,  and  the  increased  and  cheapened  supply  of  liquors, 
made  many  taverns  needful.  License  was  granted  in  1760  to  James 
Lasell,  Paul  Ilebard,  Ann  Warner,  Elias  Frink,  Ebenezer  Bingham, 
David  Ripley,  Jacob  Simmons,  Ebenezer  Griifin,  Stephen  Fitch,  Jabez 
Kingsley,  John  Parish,  Samuel  Silsby.  Mercy  Fitch  of  Windham 
Green  was  also  allowed  to  retail  strong  drink  to  whomsoever  asked  for 
it.  Licenses  were  granted  in  following  years  to  Abuer  Flint,  Eleazer 
Cary,  John  Howard,  Nehemiah  Tinker,  Edward  Badger  and  Nathaniel 
Linkon.  These  numerous  taverns  were  all  well  patronized,  especially 
during  the  Court  sessions.  Jonathan  Trumbull  of  Lebanon,  was  now 
judge  of  the  County  Court ;  Shubael  Conant,  John  Dyer,  Jabez  Fitch 
and  Joshua  West,  associates  ;  Samuel  Gray,  clerk ;  Eleazer  Fitch,  high 
sherift";  Paul  Ilebard,  sheriff  deputy.  Due  care  was  taken  of  the 
court  house  and  jail,  and  certain  limits  assigned  to  such  as  were  im- 
piisoned  foi'  debt.  Debtors  unable  to  pay  were  made  to  work  out  their 
debts  in  various  service.  lu  1762,  the  prison-yard  was  reported  iu  a 
decaying  state,  and  the  sheriff  ordered  to  take  tlie  same  down.  Twelve 
years  later,  assistants  and  justices  met  at  the  court  house  "  to  take  into 
consideration  the  state  of  the  county  jail."  A  large  number  of  promi- 
nent men  from  all  the  towns  were  present.  It  was  judged  that  repairs 
were  needful,  and  a  farthing  tax  ordered  upon  polls  and  ratable  estates. 
Samuel  Gray,  Nathaniel  Wales  and  Capt.  James  Stedman  were  ap- 
pointed to  make  repairs.  A  collector  was  appointed  for  each  town, 
viz. :  Jabez  Huntington,  Windham ;  Samuel  Eaton,  Ashford  ;  Nathaniel 
Marcy,  Woodstock ;  John  Hough,  Canterbuiy ;  Seth  Grosvenor,  Pom- 


TOWN    AFFAIRS    IN    WINDHAM,    ETC.  49 

fret ;  Joshua  Duulap,  Plaitifield  ;  James  Gordon,  Voluntown  ;  Ephraira 
Warren,  Killingly. 

Windham's  alertness  in  promoting  home  interests  was  surpassed, 
if  possible,  by  her  activity  in  all  public  aiFairs.  Her  citizens  were 
fully  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  those  stirring  times,  and  were  ready 
not  only  to  participate  but  to  lead  on  "  all  emergent  occasions."  The 
grand  colonization  scheme,  so  happily  inaugurated  within  her  borders, 
still  enlisted  her  warmest  sympathies,  and  after  the  return  of  peace, 
renewed  efforts  weie  made  to  carry  it  into  execution.  After  a  lapse 
of  five  years,  the  Susquehanna  company  resumed  active  operations. 
At  a  meeting  in  Hartford,  March  12,  1760,  Col.  Tolcott  was  chosen 
moderator  ;  Samuel  Gray,  clei'k.  It  was  recommended  that  the  com- 
mittee previously  appointed,  "  with  all  expedition  carry  into  execu- 
tion the  several  betrustments  reposed  in  them  ;"  also,  that  this  com- 
mittee should  join  with  the  committee  of  the  Delaware  Purchase  in 
sending  home  to  England.  In  the  following  year,  it  was  voted  to 
send  an  agent  for  both  companies,  and  add  two  hundi'ed  more  shares 
to  pay  expenses.  Eliphalet  Dyer  was  chosen  as  this  agent  with  a 
salary  of  £150.  The  object  of  this  mission  was  to  ])rocure  confirma- 
tion of  the  Wyoming  territory  from  the  Crown.  Jonathan  Trumbull, 
Hezelviah  Huntington,  David  Edwards,  Samuel  Gray,  Jedidiah  Elder- 
kin  and  George  Wyllis  were  appointed  to  collect  matei-ials  and  make 
all  necessary  preparations  to  help  said  agent.  A  committee  was  also 
empowered  to  treat  with  Indian  Chiefs,  and  liberty  given  to  settle 
two  townships.  This  liberty  was  improved  by  several  Connecticut 
families,  who  effected  a  settlement  in  the  Wyoming  valley  in  1762-3, 
but  were  soon  attacked  and  butchered  by  the  hostile  savages.  The 
Promised  Land  was  not  to  be  possessed  without  an  arduous  conflict. 
The  government  of  Pennsylvania,  holding  the  territory  by  formal 
treaty  and  purchase,  scouted  the  claim  of  Connecticut  and  prejjared 
to  resist  her  every  effort  at  settlement.  Powerful  Indian  tribes  con- 
testing the  land  were  also  arrayed  against  her.  Dyei-'s  mission 
though  urged  with  great  eloquence  and  persistency  was  unsuccessful. 
The  King  forbade  the  settlement  of  the  disputed  territory.  Both 
companies  were  summoned  to  Windham  Court-house,  Jan.  16,  176.5, 
to  hear  the  report  of  their  agent,  returned  from  Great  Britain  with 
many  things  of  importance  to  connnunicate.  Jabez  Fitch,  John 
Curtis,  Isaac  and  Elisha  Tracy  and  Ebenezer  Backus  served  as 
committee  for  the  Delaware  company  ;  Eliphalet  Dyer,  Jedidiah  Elder 
kin  and  Samuel  Gray,  for  the  Susquehanna.  Undeterred  by  rebuff 
and  threatened  opposition,  the  latter  company  continued  its  effoits. 
Renewed  attempts  were  made  to  gain  the  sanction  of  Connecticut. 
Colonel   Dyer   in   particular   so   warmly   pleaded   its    cause,   and    so 


50  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

glowingly  dejiieted  the  cliaiins  of  tlie  Wyoming  vnlley,  as  to  call  out 
from  one  of  the  wits  of  the  day  a  poetic  inipioiuiilu  : — 

"  Cannan  of  old,  as  we  are  told, 
Where  It  did  rain  down  Manna, 
Wa'n't  half  so  good  for  heavenly  food 
As  Dyer  makes  Susqu'hamia." 

But  though  greatly  favoring  the  colonization  sclieme,  and  most 
anxious  to  establish  its  claim  to  all  the  land  pi-escribed  by  its  Charter 
the  government  of  Connecticut  was  too  wise  and  .w'ary  to  expose 
itself  to  collision  with  Pennsylvania,  and  discreetly  withheld  its  formal 
endorsement  of  the  enterprise.  The  Susquehanna  company  was, 
however,  too  powerful  an  organization  and  too  strongly  entrenched 
in  popular  favor,  to  be  repressed  by  lack  of  official  aid  or  recognition. 
At  a  meeting  iu  Hartford,  1768,  it  was  voted,  that  five  townships, 
five  miles  square,  should  be  surveyed  and  gi-anted  each  to  forty 
settlers,  being  proprietors,  on  condition  that  these  settlers  should 
remain  upon  the  ground  and  defend  themselves  and  each  other  from 
the  intrusion  of  all  rival  claimants.  As  further  encouragement — the 
sura  of  tW'O  hundred  pounds  was  appropriated  to  provide  implements 
of  husbandry  and  provisions.  Great  as  was  the  risk  many  were  ready 
to  meet  it.  The  chance  of  gaining  a  home  in  the  beautiful  valley, 
was  worth  a  contest,  and  indeed  to  some  who  had  shared  iu  the 
exciting  service  of  tlie  French  war,  the  prospect  of  a  brush  with  the 
"  Pennyraites  "  may  have  furnished  an  additional  incentive.  Early  in 
1760,  forty  adventurous  Yankees  descended  upon  Wyoming.  Fore- 
most among  them  were  old  French  war  campaigners,  Captain  Zebulon 
Butler  of  Lyme,  and  Captain  John  Durkee  of  Windham,  now 
removed  to  Norwich.  Tliomas  Dyer,  Vine  Elderkin,  Nathaniel 
Wales,  Nathan  Denison  of  Windham,  and  Titnothy  Pierce  of  Plain- 
field,  were  among  this  heroic  "forty."  They  found  the  '' Pennymites '' 
already  in  possession,  and  after  a  sharp  and  spirited  contest  were 
obliged  to  quit  the  field,  leaving  Durkee  and  other  leading  men 
in  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Colonel  Dyer  and  Major  Elderkin  were 
equally  unsuccessful  in  attempting  to  negotiate  an  amicable  settlement 
with  the  Proprietary  Government  of  Pennsylvania.  Ebenezer  Backus, 
Captains  Joseph  Eaton  and  Robert  Durkee  acted  with  gentlemen 
from  other  parts  of  the  Colony  in  raising  funds  for  the  relief  and 
support  of  the  prisoners.  In  1770,  a  still  larger  force  of  Yankees 
returned  to  the  charge  and  after  a  yet  more  serious  contest  was 
also  compelled  to  retire  with  loss  of  life  and  great  destruction  of 
property.  After  taking  and  losing  Fort  Durkee  in  the  course  of 
the  following  winter,  the  Yankees  opened  the  siege  in  the  spring  of 
1771,  with  fresh  forces   and  leaders,  resolved  to  carry  on  the  war  to 


TOWN    AFFAIRS    IN    WINDHAM,    ETC.  51 

the  last  extremity.  The  "  Pennyinites ''  met  them  with  tlieir  usual 
spirit  and  gaUantiy,  though  greatly  ciippled  in  resources.  The  Pro- 
prietary Government,  unpopular  at  home  and  unsup[)orted  by  Great 
Britain,  was  unable  to  meet  the  demand,  and  declined  to  continue 
so  costly  and  fruitless  a  struggle.  After  gallantly  defending  Fort 
Durkee  for  several  months,  Captain  Ogden  was  forced  to  acce])t 
articles  of  capitulation,  and  witli  all  the  Pennsylvania  trooj^s  with- 
drew from  Wyoming,  leaving  the  rejoicing  Yankees  in  possession  of 
the  land  so  valiantly  contested. 

Organization  was  now  speedily  effected.  Tlie  towns  already  laid 
out  were  divided  into  farms  and  distributed.  Those  who  had  fought 
for  the  prize  were  rewarded  by  bountiful  homesteads,  and  many  other 
families  from  all  parts  of  Connecticut  eagerly  sought  a  share.  Wind- 
ham County,  so  active  in  ]n-oposing  and  promoting  the  settlement  of 
the  Susquehanna  valley,  was  equally  ready  to  take  possession,  and 
scores  of  valuable  families  removed  thither  in  the  course  of  a  few 
yeai's.  Stephen  Fuller,  John  and  Stephen  Abbott,  John  Carey,  Elisha 
Babcock,  Robert  Durkee  of  Windham;  Simon  Spalding,  Ezekiel 
Pierce,  John  Perkins  of  Plaintield  ;  Captain  Samuel  Ransom,  Ca])tain 
James  Bidlack  and  Elisha  Williams  of  Canterbury ;  George  and  John 
Dorrance,  Robert  Jameson,  Cyrus  Kinne  of  Yoluntown  ;  Anderson 
Dana,  Joseph  Biles,  Stephen  Whiton  of  Ashford,  were  among  the 
many  who  emigrated  to  Wyoming  valley.  Many  of  these  were  men 
in  the  prime  of  life  with  large  families,  accustomed  to  the  manage- 
ment of  ])ublic  atfairs,  and  eminently  fitted  to  aid  in  laying  the 
foundation  of  social  order,  and  moulding  the  new  State  after  the 
pattern  of  Connecticut.  The  fertility  of  the  soil,  the  mildness  of  the 
climate,  the  beauty  of  the  country  ai\d  the  abundance  of  its  resources 
far  exceeded  expectations,  and  such  glowing  reports  came  back  to  the 
rocky  farms  of  Windham  County,  that  emigration  raged  for  a  time 
like  an  epidemic  and  seemed  likely  to  sweep  away  a  great  part  of  the 
population. 

The  burthen  of  bi'idge-making,  always  heavy  in  Windham,  was  so 
augmented  by  the  increase  of  travel  consequent  to  the  gi-eat  emigration 
to  Wyoming  and  other  new  countries,  as  to  be  quite  insupi)ortable. 
An  "extraordinary  flood"  and  great  accumulation  of  ice  in  1771,  de- 
molished and  carried  away  nearly  every  bridge  in  Windham  County, 
making  a  clean  sweep  of  the  Nachaug,  Willimantic  and-Shetucket.  As 
these  bridges  were  upon  public  highways,  "abundantly  used  "  by  great 
numbers  of  families  with  cattle  and  teams  from  Plainfield,  Voluntowa 
and  the  south  part  of  Rhode  Island,  "  traveling  to  the  west  part  of  Mas- 
sachusetts Bay,  New  Hampshire  and  north  part  of  New  York,"  the 
authorities    of    Windham    refused  to  recoustruct  them   without    aid 


52  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

from  other  quarters.  Several  roads  were  thus  rendered  impassable, 
travelers  were  forced  to  travel  many  miles  out  of  their  way  to  find  suit- 
able fording-places,  and  then  were  flung  from  their  horses  and  exposed 
to  drowning.  Complaints  were  laid  before  the  General  Assembly  that 
Windham  lefused  to  rebuild  her  bridges,  or  do  anything  about  the 
same,  so  that  people  were  likely  to  be  subjected  to  great  hardships. 
Dyer,  Elderkin  and  Nathaniel  Wales,  Jun.,  were  deputized  by  the  town 
to  represent  "  that  these  bridges  were  on  the  edge  of  the  town  ;  that 
fivie  large  bi'idges  had  been  built  within  a  few  years  at  the  expense  of 
£800  ;  all  cariied  ofl"  by  extraordinary  floods  which  seemed  to  be  much 
increasing ;  that  this  expense  was  heavy  and  intolerable,  as  several  of 
these  bridges  were  more  to  accommodate  other  towns  and  the  ]jublic, 
and  beg  relief."  Their  request  was  refused  and  a  bill  passed,  "  That 
Windham  should  build  and  maintain  a  good  and  sufficient  cart-bridge 
over  each  of  said  rivers  at  the  places  designated  by  petitioners,  viz., 
one  over  the  Shetucket,  on  the  road  from  Windham  to  Ilartfurd, 
known  as  Old  Town  Bridge,  and  one  over  the  Willimantic,  called  the 
Iron  Works  Bridge.  Mansfield  was  directed  to  rebridge  the  Nachaug. 
In  1774,  the  town  of  Windham  wa,s  ordered  to  build  and  maintain  a 
bridge  across  the  Shetucket  upon  a  road  lately  laid  out  to  New  Hamp- 
shire, to  accommodate  the  travel  to  the  new  college  in  Hanover.  The 
selectmen  of  Windham  were  now  required,  "To  provide  suitable  houses 
for  the  pool',  and  persons  to  take  care  of  them,  rates  for  the  same  to  be 
paid  in  provisions." 

Social  life  in  Windham  was  still  chai-acterized  by  exuberant  hilarity. 
"Jaunting  and  junketing,"  feasting  and  merry-making  were  more  and 
more  in  vogue.  A  very  free  and  generous  style  of  living  had  been 
adopted  by  the  upper  circle,  rivaling  that  of  the  leading  families  in  the 
larger  towns.  Windham's  relations  with  Norwich  were  especially 
close  and  cordial,  and  were  marked  by  continual  interchange  of  hospi- 
talities and  festivities.  Entertainment  was  made  easy  by  the  great 
number  of  negroes.  Nearly  every  household  owned  its  servants,  gen- 
erally a  man  and  wife,  with  a  great  brood  of  children.  They  were  a 
careless,  happy  set,  fond  of  joking  and  fiddliug,  and  added  nuich  to  the 
general  jollity.  Colonel  Dyer's  body-servant  Jack,  the  son  of  an  Afri- 
can prince,  was  chief  among  these  negroes.  He  accotnpanied  his  mas- 
ter upon  many  public  missions,  and  was  distinguished  for  gentlemanly 
demeanor.  Colonel  Dyer  had  a  houseful  of  negroes,  great  and  small, 
and  entertained  much  company  in  fine  style.  Pictures  and  rarities 
brought  from  abroad  adorned  his  handsome  residence.  A  very  promi- 
nent and  popular  household  at  this  time  was  that  of  Colonel  Eleazer 
Fitch,  son  of  Joseph  Fitch  of  Lebanon.  Remarkably  distinguished  in 
person,  being  six  feet  four  inches  in  height,  and  three  hundred  pounds  in 


TOWN    AFFAIRS    IN    WINDHAM,    ETC.  53 

weight,  and  called  "  the  best-looking  officer  in  the  American  army,"  he 
was  still  more  noted  for  social  attractions  and  elegant  accomplishments. 
Inheriting  an  am[)le  estate,  he  had  enjoyed  superior  educational  and 
social  advantages,  and  was  especially  distinguished  for  musical  taste 
and  acquirements,  and  appreciation  of  art  and  literature.  Entering  early 
into  public  life  he  had  served  as  an  officer  in  the  French  war,  aided  in 
negotiating  the  Delaware  purchase,  and  secured  the  ])osition  of  high 
sheriif  of  Windham  County.  His  stately  mansion,  built  in  1769  on 
Zion's  Hill,  was  one  of  the  most  tasteful  residences  in  Enstern  Connec- 
ticut. Here  many  daughters  wei-e  growing  up  and  taking  their  place  in 
society,  distinguished  like  their  father  by  beauty,  grace  and  musical 
culture.  The  daughteis  of  Mr.  James  Flint  were  ranked  among  the 
Windham  belles  of  tliis  date. 

In  schools  Windham  was  still  deficient.  The  grammar  school  en- 
joined by  law  u[)on  towns  of  her  standing  and  population  was  not  main- 
tained with  any  degree  of  efficiency.  These  brilliant  young  ladies  were 
indebted  for  their  training  to  "a  dame's  school  "  on  the  Green,  and  a 
few  months  ''linishing "  in  Hartford  or  New  London.  Moses  Cook 
Welch  of  Mansfield,  opened  a  grammar  school  on  Windham  Green 
after  his  graduation  from  Yale  in  1772,  but  soon  relinquished  it  to 
study  law  with  Colonel  Dyer.  T!ie  young  men  of  the  wealthier  fami- 
lies were  usually  sent  to  college  after  preparatory  study  with  Mr. 
White,  or  Dr.  Wheelock  in  Lebanon.  Windham  was  deeply  interested 
in  the  various  educational  movements  initiated  by  the  latter.  One 
of  his  early  Windham  neighbors  and  playmates,  Joshua  More,  gave  a 
house  and  land  in  Mansfield  to  be  appropriated  to  the  training  up  of 
Indian  youth  for  ministerial  and  missionary  service,  and  a  good  Wind- 
ham lady  left  a  legacy  in  behalf  of  this  Christian  enterprise.  Wind- 
ham made  earnest  but  unsuccessful  efforts  to  retain  this  school.  Her 
ministers,  Rev.  Messrs.  White  and  Mosely,  were  members  of  the  con- 
vention for  considering  its  removal,  and  Windham  students  accompanied 
President  Wheelock  on  his  migration  to  the  wilderness,  and  were 
among  the  first  graduates  of  Dartinouth  College.  Sanmel  Gray,  Jun., 
was  gi'aduated  with  the  first  class  in  1771,  and  Augustine  Hebard  the 
following  year.  The  latter  soon  went  out  to  Canada  on  a  mission  to 
the  Indians.  Hezekiah  Bissell,  Joseph  Huntington,  Vine  Elderkin, 
Ebenezer  Gray,  Hezekiah  Ripley  and  Shubael  Abbe  were  also  gradu- 
ated from  Yale  College  during  this  period.  Most  of  these  young  men 
remained  in  Windham,  filling  the  places  left  vacant  by  death  anil  emi- 
gration. Dr.  Ebenezer  Gray  died  in  1773;  Dr.  Jonathan  Hunthigton 
in  1777.  After  a  life  marked  by  "piety  to  God  and  benevolence  to 
mankind,"  this  distinguished  and  beloved  physician  endured  the  most 
intense  sufferings  without  a  murmur  or  complaint,  exhibiting  to  its  close 


54  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

" a  sti'ikin<>'  ])icture  of  tliat  fortitude  and  ])ritience  wliicOi  cluisliaiiify 
alone  can  ins[)ire.  "  They  weve  succeeded  in  practice  l)y  Dr.  Samuel 
Lee  of  Goshen,  a  young  man  of  "herculean  strength  and  ngility."  and 
ardent  patriotism,  who  had  enjoyed  the  professional  training  of  Dr. 
Ezekiel  Porter  of  Wethersfield. 

Windham's  Fii'st  Church  was  less  prospei'ous  th;in  in  pi-evious  pei'lods. 
Its  numbers  were  lessening,  and  its  stated  worship  was  losing  its  hold 
upon  the  ])ublic  mind.  The  mild  and  gentle  character  of  Mr.  White's 
preaching  and  influence  was  little  fitted  to  cope  with  increasing  world- 
liiiess  and  many  opposing  elements.  Deacon  Nathaniel  Skiff  died  in 
1761.  Nathaniel  W.'iles,  Sen.,  and  Joseph  Huntington  still  served  in 
the  deacon's  office.  Jonathan  Martin  and  Elijah  Binuham  were  chosen 
junior  deacons  in  1765.  The  numerous  "scctaiies"  continued  their 
opposition  to  the  standing  oi'der.  Those  in  the  first  society  had  now 
become  very  much  iinl)ued  with  Baptist  sentiments.  Mr.  Benjamin 
Lathrop,  a  worthy  and  respected  citizen,  obtained  "ordination  in'  that 
line,"  and  had  a  small  number  of  followers  to  whom  he  administered 
religious  ordinances,  but  had  no  fi.\:ed  place  of  worship.  Elijah  Bib- 
bins  served  as  its  deacon. 

Scotland  Parish  shared  in  the  secular  prosperity  of  the  town.  Rev. 
Ebenezer  Devotion  was  held  in  high  I'eputation  throughout  the  colony 
as  "a  great  divine,  a  pious  man,  an  able  politician,  eminent  for  every 
kind  of  merit."  So  great  was  tlie  public  confidence  in  his  judgment 
and  wisdom  that  after  the  passage  of  the  Stamp  Act  he  was  sent  by 
Windham  to  lepresent  her  in  the  General  Assembly,  as  the  man  most 
comi)etent  to  advise  in  that  great  crisis,  "a  very  singular  instance," 
accoiding  to  President  Stiles.  While  strongly  favoring  the  popular 
side  in  politics,  and  encouraging  his  fellow-citizens  in  their  resistance 
to  arbitrary  enactments,  he  never  forgot  the  respect  due  to  constituted 
authorities,  nor  omitted  his  public  prayer  ibr  the  King  and  Koyal 
Family.  Still  less  did  he  waver  in  his  hostility  to  religious  sectaries,  or 
favor  any  dissent  from  the  ecclesiastic  constitution  of  Connecticut,  or 
fail  to  send  his  negro  every  Sabbath  morning  with  a  written  order  for 
Rev.  John  Palmer,  forbidding  him  to  preach  within  his  territoi'ial 
limits.  Although  this  Separate  l>runswick  Church  had  been  for  many 
years  organized,  and  maintained  its  regular  worship,  its  members  wei'e 
still  forced  to  pay  rates  for  Mr.  Devotion,  or  suffer  the  loss  of  cattle 
and  goods,  or  imprisonment  in  Windham  jail.  In  1765,  Deacon  Ed- 
ward Waldo  made  confession  for  unlawful  separation,  and  was  restoi'ed 
to  his  former  standing  in  the  First  Church.  Deacons  Cary  and  Kings- 
ley  continued  many  years  in  active  service.  Mr.  Devotion  died  while 
yet  in  the  prime  of  life  to  the  great  grief  of  church  and  community. 
An  elaborate  epitaph  on  the  monument  in  Scotland's  burying-grouud 


TOWN    AFFAIRS    IN    WINDHAM,    ETC.  55 

testified  to  the  hioh  cliaracter  and  reputation  of  the  deceased  pastor, 
and  is  pronounced  by  most  cotuj)etent  authority*  "  not  beyond  the 
truth:" — 

"  To  the  memory  of  the  sreat  and  good  man— the  Rev.  Ebenezor  Devotion, 
first  Pastor  of  the  Congregational  church  in  Windham.  He  was  boin 
ill  Siiffieid,  May  8,  1714,  ordained,  Oct.  22,  1735,  and  died  July,  1771. 
Descended  from  venerable  ancestors,  he  increased  the  honor  of  the  family. 
His  genius  was  universal,  which  being  cultivated  with  diligence  rendered 
him  eminent  in  the  various  brandies  of  science  and  most  peculiarly  as  a 
Politician  and  Divine.  He  was  an  example  of  benevolence,  gravity,  toriitnde, 
sobriety,  cheerfulness,  prudence  and  hospitality;  an  unshaken  friend,  a  kind 
husband,  a  tender  parent,  a  sincere  Christian,  a  wise  and  faithful  minister  of 
Christ.  Greatly  esteemed  by  all  good  judges  ot  liis  acquaintance  and  beloved 
by  liis  tlock. 

Death  wounds  to  cure;  we  fall; 

We  rise  ;  we  reign. 

We  spring  from  our  fetters,  * 

We  fasten  in  the  skies." 

Mr.  Devotion  was  succeeded  in  the  pastoral  office  by  liev.  James 
Cogswell,  then  recently  disuiissed  from  Canterbury,  who  I'eceived  a 
unanimous  call  from  church  and  society,  with  the  oiler  of  £00  settle- 
ment, £S0  salary,  and  •'  the  liberty  of  getting  his  firewood  on  the 
lot  the  society  had  of  James  Manning."  Notwithstanding  many 
doubts  and  quabns  as  to  his  ability  to  fill  the  place  of  so  distinguished 
a  personage,  Mr.  Cogswell  persoually  appeared  and  accepted,  and 
with  the  countenance  and  aid  of  his  most  valued  ministerial  brethren, 
Avas  liappily  installed  Feb.  19,  1772.  The  Reverends  Throop,  White, 
Whitney,  Ripley  and  Lee  weie  present,  together  with  Joseph  Hunt- 
ington, a  son  of  the  Scotland  church,  John  Devotion,  brother  of  the 
former  pastor,  and  an  honored  deacon  or  leading  brother  from  each 
church  represented  in  the  council.  Ebenezer  Devotion,  Exjierience 
Robinson,  Nathaniel  Hebard,  Jeremiah  Bingham,  Joseph  Ginnings 
and  James  Gager  served  as  providing  committee.  With  far  less 
strength  and  decision  of  character  t'lan  his  i)redecessor,  Mr.  Cogswell 
was  probably  not  his  inferior  in  cultui'e,  or  in  pulpit  ministrations,  and 
his  kindliness  of  temper  and  genial  manners  soon  won  popular  favor. 
Scarcely  had  he  removed  to  Scotland  when  he  was  called  to  severe 
affliction,  in  the  loss  of  his  wife,  Mi's.  Alice  Fitch  Cogswell,  and  their 
only  daughter,  Alice,  who,  in  the  twenty-third  year  of  her  age. 
May  11,  1772,  "departed  this  vain  transitory  life  in  fiitn  h(){)e  of  a 
glorious  immortality."  Her  funeral  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev. 
Mr.  Hart,  who  touchingly  bemoaned  this  only  daughter  of  her  dear 
mother  now  no  more,  who  had  grown  up  from  infimcy  with  gieat 
promise,  making   most   uncommon    progress  in   the   useful    as   well   as 


♦Professor  James  L.  Kingsley,  Yale  College,  1851. 


56  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY, 

ornamental  parts  of  female  leaining.  Following  the  example  of 
many  of  his  ministerial  associates  Mr.  Cogswell  in  due  time  married 
the  widow  of  his  predecessor — Mrs.  Martha  Lathrup  Devotion — and 
occu])ied  her  pleasant  homestead.  Her  children  were  now  mostly 
settled  in  life.  Ebenezer,  the  only  son,  had  married  a  daughter  of 
Dr.  Jonathan  Huntington,  engaged  in  trade  and  held  many  public 
offices.  One  daughter  was  married  to  Samuel  Huntington  of  Norwich, 
another  to  Rev.  Joseph  Huntington,  and  a  third  to  John  M.  Breed  of 
Norwi<',h.  Two  bright  young  daughters  still  cheered  the  family  man- 
sion. The  uncommon  social  accomplishments  of  Mr.  Cogswell  and 
his  three  promising  sons  made  them  a  welcome  acquisition  to  this 
large  family  circle,  and  the  Scotland  parsonage  with  its  agreeable 
inmates  and  throngs  of  distinguished  visitants  became  one  of  tlie 
most  atti'active  of  Windham's  many  famous  social  centres. 

With  a  new  minister,  Scotland  aspired  to  a  now  meeting-house. 
After  having  been  compelled  "to  mend  the  glass  when  much  broken, 
by  taking  from  other  windows  and  boarding  them  up  where  least 
useful" — it  was  voted,  Nov.  9,  1772,  to  build  a  meeting-house  for 
the  jHiblic  worship  of  God,  and  there  were  ninety-eight  yeas  and 
twenty  nays.  Elisha  Lillie,  Captain  Joseph  Ginnings,  Seth  Palmer, 
Experience  and  Reuben  Robinson,  were  chosen  "  to  draw  a  plan  of 
bigness  of  meeting-house."  It  was  agreed  to  give  Mr.  Elisha  Lillie 
£7.iO,  for  building  the  house,  walls  clapboarded  with  rived  pine  clap- 
boards, and  colored  with  a  decent  color ;  but  it  was  not  till  June, 
1774,  that  a  committee  was  chosen  to  procure  the  necessary  rigging 
and  help,  together  with  suitable  provisions  for  raising  the  frame. 
The  opposition  of  the  Separates  was  one  cause  of  this  delay.  Find- 
ing that  they  were  about  to  be  taxed  heavily  for  this  new  house  of 
worship,  they  ajipealed  to  the  Genel'al  Assembly,  showing : — 

"  That  ill  1749,  believing  in  eood  conscience  tliat  the  principles  an'l  articles 
and  some  of  the  doctrines  adhered  to  by  the  Scotland  church  and  people, 
were  not  agreeable  to  the  gospel,  and  as  they  or  most  of  them  hoped  they 
were  enlightened  by  the  light  of  God's  countenance,  and  found  by  repeated 
trials  that  ihey  could  not  profit  by  the  ministrations  of  Mr.  Devotion,  and  in 
174i),  confed(;ratod  together  separate  from  said  minister  and  people,  and  set 
up  a  religious  worship  according  to  the  dictates  of  their  own  consciences, 
and  called  Mr.  John  Palmer  as  elder  or  teacher,  who  was  ordained  over  them 
and  has  continued  preaching  the  gospel  and  administering  the  sacraments  to 
your  memorialists,  and  they  have  freely  contributed  to  his  support,  and 
built  a  comfortable  house  "to  accommodate  those  who  join  with  them  in 
divine  service,  and  all  this  lime  have  been  forced  to  pay  for  the  support  of  Mr. 
Devotion  and  Mr.  Cogswell,  and  repairing  the  meeting-house,  and  other 
society  charges,  although  they  have  earnestly  requested  relief  in  vain, — 
wherein  they  beg  you  to  consider  if  it  is  agreeable  to  the  laws  of  Christ 
or  consonant  to  the  rules  of  equity  for  your  memorialists  and  their  children, 
to  have  their  eflects  by  force  of  law  taken  from  them  to  support  a  minister 
with  whom  they  never  did  nor  can  join  in  worship,  and  support  their  own 


Windham's  second  society,  etc.  57 

minister  too,  and  pray  you  to  talie  their  distressing  case  into  your  considera- 
tion and  enact  that  they  be  made  a  distinct  society. 

Zacheus  "Waldo.  John  Walden.  John  Silsbury. 

Zebulon  Hebard.  Stephen  Webb.  Timotliy  Allen. 

Lemuel  Biugham.  Israel  Hale.  SamuelBaker,  Jan. 

J^benezer  Webb.  "William  Perkins.  Jedidiah  Binghaui. 

Joliii  Palmer.  Joseph  Allen,  Jun.  Henry  Bass. 

Benjamin  Cleveland.  Jonathan  Brewster.  Moses  Cleveland. 

Joseph  Allen.  Ebenezer  Bass. 

Witidham,  April  5,  1773." 

This  reasonable  request  obtained  a  favorable  hearing,  and  Bruns- 
wick church  was  at  last  released  from  its  heavy  burden.  The  stand- 
ing society  was  greatly  aggrieved  at  this  curtailment  of  their  powers 
and  privileges,  and  bitterly  bemoaned  this  "  act  of  Assembly,  taking 
a  number  of  inhabitants,  and  discharging  them  from  paying  taxes." 
At  a  society  meeting  called  to  consider  how  to  make  up  the  deficit, 
it  was  voted  to  lay  a  tax  for  that  purpose.  "  All  inhabitants  over 
t&n  years  old  "  were  oi'dered  to  be  listed,  and  a  rate  of  twelve-i)ence 
of  the  pound  found  needful.  The  school  house  seeming  likely  to 
endanger  the  meeting-house  b}''  fire,  was  moved  a  suitable  distance. 
Pews  were  built  as  ordered,  and  the  meeting-house  seated  by  a  com- 
petent committee  in  December,  177S,  and  in  the  succeeding  May,  it 
was  formally  accepted  "  as  built  by  Elisha  Lillie."  The  old  house 
then  "  put  upon  sail,"  brought  back  seventeen  pounds. 


V. 

WINDHAM'S    SECOND    SOCIETY.      PEW    DISPUTE.       SCHOOL    DIS- 
TRICTS SET  OUT.     CONTROVERSY  WITH  REV.   SAMUEL 
MOSELY.     VOLUNTOWN. 

CANADA  Parish  continued  to  increase  and  prosper  though  sub- 
jected to  the  usual  secular  and  ministerial  controversies.  The 
venerable  Deacon  Thomas  Stedman  generally  presided  at  society  meet- 
ings ;  Stephen  Durkee  served  as  clerk  ;  Captain  John  Howard  of  How- 
ard's Valley,  David  Fuller  and  Joseph  Burnham  as  society  committee; 
Jeremiah  Durkee  and  Jacob  Simmons,  collectors  ;  Ichabod  Downing, 
Capt.  William  Durkee  and  Lieut.  Jonathan  Kingsbury,  school  commit- 
tee. Ten  pounds  were  added  in  1762  to  the  salary  of  Uev.  Samuel 
Mosely.  The  congregation  and  community  were  much  disturbed  at 
this  date  by  a  difficulty  in  seating  the  new  and  elegant  meeting-house. 
The  persons  entrusted  with  this  delicate  office  had  not  exercised  due 
judgment.  Not  only  did  they  seat  six  grown  persons  in  one  pew— 
and  persons  grown  in  this  goodly  neighborhood  attained    capacious 


58  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COITNTi'. 

diineiisioMS — but  they  allowed  "  men  of  little  or  no  estate  to  sit  very 
forward  and  in  high  pews,"  while  others  of  good  estate  and  high  ia 
public  esteem  were  compelled  with  shame  to  take  a  lower  seat.  Gal- 
leries and  body-seats  were  left  very  thin  compared  to  tliese  coveted 
pews,  and  the  galleries  were  so  given  over  to  light-minded  youth  that 
the  tithing-men  were  obliged  to  leave  their  seats  below  to  keep  them 
in  order.  This  state  of  things  created  much  talk  and  uneasiness  espe- 
cially among  the  foremost  men,  that  they  should  be  so  crowded  and 
misplaced  in  order  to  get  men  into  the  pews  that  never  paid  enough 
for  the  meeting-house  to  build  one  pew,  and  after  enduring  this  griev- 
ance several  years  a  meeting  was  called,  Dec.  9,  1762,  to  rectify  it. 
AYilliam  Bennett  was  chosen  moderator,  and  it  was  voted  by  a  great 
majority,  "To  sell  the  pews  at  jniblic  vendue,  no  man  to  buy  no  more 
tlian  one,  and  no  man  out  of  the  society  to  buy  one  ;  Capt.  Robert  Dur- 
kee  to  serve  as  vendue  master."  This  action  greatly  increased  the  pub- 
lic excitement.  The  older  members  of  the  society  were  at  once  aroused 
to  the  inexpediency  and  danger  of  allowing  private  individuals  to  select 
their  own  seats  in  the  house  of  worship,  and  become  proi»rietors  of  a 
part  of  the  sacred  edifice.  In  spite  of  remonstrance  and  opposition  the 
vote  was  cariied  out,  and  the  valiant  Captain  who  had  served  so 
bravely  in  the  French  and  Indian  war,  now  sold  the  pews  in  the  face  of 
the  opposing  enemy.  Twenty-five  pews  on  the  floor  of  the  house  were 
assigned  to  tlie  following  purchasers,  at  prices  ranging  fi'om  fourteen 
pounds  to  three,  viz.:  Jeremiah  Utley,  Jolin  Fuller,  Ilezekiah  Ilani- 
mond,  Stejthen  Durkee,  Timothy  Pearl,  Zebediali  Farnham,  Ebenezer 
Hovey,  Cajit.  John  Howard,  Dea.  Ebenezer  Grifiin,  Hen'ry  Durkee, 
Daniel  Farnham,  Thomas  Stedman,  Jun.,  Isaac  Bennett,  Jephthah  Ut> 
ley,  William  Farnham,  Joseph  Burnham,  John  Hammond,  Benjamin 
Cheddle,  Stephen  Arnold,  John  Sessions,  Jonathan  Clark,  Samuel  Ful- 
ler, John  Smith,  Gideon  Martin,  Isaac  Clark.  Although  many  of  these 
purchasers  were  the  leading,  solid  men  of  the  society,  the  clamor  was 
not  in  the  least  abated.  Some  with  no  families,  but  single  persons — 
"  bachelors,  ivho  had  yiever  paid  rates  for  more  than  one  head  and  a 
horse"  and  some  not  qualified  voters  had  presumed  to  bid  off"  pews 
and  gain  possession  of  an  uppermost  seat  in  the  synagogue,  '"  whereby 
the  society  was  thrown  into  the  most  unhappy  contention."  Another 
meeting  was  called,  and  Lieut.  Kingsbury  appointed  agent,  "to  take 
advice  concerning  the  difficulty  concerning  pews,"  who  straightway 
laid  the  case  befoi-e  Colonel  Dyer,  Major  Elderkin  and  Major  Griswold. 
By  their  advice  another  society  meeting  was  held  Ai)ril  21,  1763,  the 
vote  for  selling  the  pews  was  set  aside  by  a  large  majority,  and  Jacob 
Simmons  deputized  to  represent  the  affair  to  the  General  Assembly  and 
secure  confirmation  of  their  proceedings.     Tlie  purchasers  of  the  pews 


Windham's  second  society,  etc.  59 

attein])tcd  to  show  tliat  the  vote  to  sell  the  ]>e\vs  was  not  suddenly 
passed  ;  that  no  open  objections  were  made  till  after  the  sale;  that  only 
five  of  them  were  young  men  without  families,  and  tliat  nine  societies 
in  Windham  County  already  held  pews  as  private  property.  These 
representations  were  ineffectual,  and  the  famous  pew  vote  of  December 
9,  and  proceedings  thereupon,  were  made  null  and  void  by  Act  of  As- 
sembly. The  society  resumed  possession  of  its  much  valued  pews,  ap- 
pointing Abiel  Abbott,  Josejjh  Marsh  and  Ebenezer  Hovey  to  seat  the 
congregation  therein  with  the  requisite  order  and  formality.  Sundry 
residents  of  Canterbury,  viz.  :  Jethro  Rogers,  James  Hidlack,  Aaron 
Fuller  and  Zebediah  Farnhain  were  now  admitted  to  society  privileges 
in  Canada.  Captain  William  Durkee  was  directed  "  to  search  after  the 
right  (if  any  we  have)  to  the  lot  of  land  called  the  Ministerial  Lot  iu 
Windham  ;"  the  society  committee  "  to  distrilnite  the  books  called  Say- 
brook  Platform  sent  to  the  society  by  Government  ;"  and  llol)ert  Molt 
"  to  bring  and  take  care  of  the  christening  basin  as  occasion  sliall  re- 
quire." 

In  1763,  Captain  William  Durkee,  Lieut.  Kingsl)ury,  Nathaniel 
Fold,  Zebediah  Farnhain,  Abiel  Abbott,  John  Sessions  and  Joseph 
Burnhaiu  were  appointed  a  committee  to  set  out  school  districts,  winch 
was  accomplished  within  two  years.  The  First  or  Central  disti'ict  be- 
gan very  properly  by  "taking  in  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mosely  and  ranging  so 
as  to  take  in  Mr.  Joseph  Sessions,  and  from  thence  west  to  Burnt  Cedar 
Swampf.-and  then  following  the  main  stream  of  Cedar  Swamp  Brook 
till  it  comes  to  the  road  below  Benjamin  Burgess',  and  from  thence  to 
said  Mosely's."  Number  Two  extended  "  from  old  Mr.  John  Perkins' 
to  Mr.  Joseph  Burnham's,  and  all  east  and  south  of  Cedar  Swamp 
Brook."  Number  Three  ran  "from  Jonathan  Holt's,  taking  in  Holt's 
house,  and  north,  taking  in  all  the  inhabitants  situated  on  the  road  to 
Mr.  Joseph  Marsh's,  taking  in  said  Marsh's  house,  and  from  thence  tak- 
ing in  Mr.  William  Alworth's  and  James  Alworth's  house,  and  ranging 
north  to  the  easternmost  extent  of  the  society."  Number  Four  took 
in  "  Mr.  Stephen  Clark's  house,  and  then  south  all  the  inhabitanis  west 
of  Cedar  Swamp,  and  so  far  as  to  take  in  Mr.  Jonathan  Fish's  and  Mr. 
David  Canada's  houses,  and  so  south  and  west  to  the  extent  of  the 
society."  School-house  sites  were  affixed  by  William  Osgood  and 
Seth  Paine  of  Pomfret,  and  Benajah  Cary  of  Windham,  viz. :  one  in  the 
northeast  district  near  Deacon  Griffin's  house,  and  two  in  the  north- 
west or  fourth  district,  one  nine  rods  south  of  William  Holt's ;  another 
eight  rods  west  of  John  Fuller's.  "  Eleven  months  schooling  by  a 
master,  to  be  kept  in  each  district  according  to  its  list,"  was  thought 
sufficient  for  the  whole  society  in  the  winter,  and  school-dames  were 
engaged  for  the  little  ones  iu  the  summer.     Upon  the  humble  petition 


60  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

of  Joseph  Diirkee,  Jonathan  and  Duvirl  Fish,  Benjamin  Flint,  Edward 
and  Samuel  Coburn,  Jonathan  Holt,  William  Neft'  and  Joseph  Utley,  a 
fifth  district  was  set  off  in  1774,  in  the  northeast  section,  known  as 
Appaquage. 

Efforts  were  now  made  to  secure  greater  local  privileges.  Connec- 
tion with  Windham  was  in  many  respects  burdensome  and  inconveni- 
ent. The  distance  was  great,  and  town  and  parish  had  few  interests  in 
common.  In  1767  it  was  voted,  "That  this  society  is  desirous  to  be 
made  into  a  district,  to  be  allowed  all  the  powers  and  privileges  of  a 
town,  except  choosing  our  own  deputies  and  other  business  of  freemen's 
meeting."  Jacob  Simmons,  Ebenezer  Hovey  and  Abiel  Abbott  were 
chosen  to  apply  to  the  selectmen  of  Windham,  and  to  endeavor  to  ob- 
tain consent  of  town,  and  to  consult  with  counsel  and  ])rocni"e  neces- 
sary preparations  in  oider  to  obtain  our  request.  Captain  John  How- 
ard was  also  empowered  to  aid  them  in  preparing  a  petition.  This 
proving  fruitless  in  the  following  year  it  was  further  voted,  "  That  this 
society  is  desirous  to  be  made  into  an  entire  and  distinct  town,  and  will 
apply  to  the  General  Assembly."  Captain  Jonathan  Kingsbury  was  a|> 
pointed  agent  in  their  behalf,  but  liis  pleas  though  repeatedly  urged 
were  unsuccessful. 

In  1768  the  society  voted  to  repair  and  new  color  the  meeting-house. 
Captain  Kingsbury,  Abiel  Abbott  and  Thomas  Fuller  were  appointed  a 
committee  to  color  said  meeting-house  as  aforesaid,  and — in  order  to 
be  in  the  highest  style  of  fashion — they  were  farther  oixlered,  "  To  color 
the  same  something  like  the  color  of  Pomfret  meeting-house."  Captain 
John  Howard  was  added  to  this  committee  in  1771,  in  place  of  Capt. 
Kingsbury,  deceased. 

The  prosperity  of  Canada  Parish  was  somewhat  checked  during 
these  years,  by  a  very  uiqjleasant  controversy  with  Mr.  Mosely.  Pos- 
sessing a  strong  will  and  very  positive  opinions,  he  had  assumed  with 
advancing  years  more  and  more  authority  over  his  people,  and  by 
excessive  use  of  the  negative  power  allowed  by  Saybrook  Platform 
was  able  to  exercise  supreme  control  in  all  church  affiiirs.  A  large 
majority  of  the  church  were  opposed  to  Saybrook  Platform,  and 
especially  the  ministerial  negative  derived  from  it,  but,  esteeming  tlieir 
pasto)'  an  eminently  holy  and  godly  minister,  silently  acquiesced  in  his 
administration.  A  few  of  the  leading  men,  warmly  imbued  with  the 
revolutionary  spirit  of  the  times,  resented  this  infringement  of  their 
religious  rights  and  resolved  to  resist  it.  The  original  covenant  of 
the  church  by  which  they  simply  took  the  Scriptures  for  their  guide, 
allowed,  they  thought,  too  great  latitude  to  the  pastor.  A  more 
explicit  covenant  and  plan  of  discipline  were  suggested,  and  also  "  a 
body  of  ruling  elders"  to  balance  the  power  of  "the  teaching  elder," 


Windham's  second  society,  etc.  61 

but  as  Mr.  Mosely  was  much  opposed  to  any  innovation  and  would 
only  warn  church  nieetingjs  at  his  own  pleasure  they  found  it  very 
difficult  to  bring  the  matter  before  the  church.  They  therefore 
requested  Mr.  Mosely  to  call  a  church  meeting,  "  to  learn  the  niind 
of  the  chui-ch  about  dealing  with  baptized  persons,  and  about  choosing 
some  of  the  fathers  to  assist  therein."  At  this  meeting,  Feb.  0,  170i), 
the  church  unanimously  voted,  to  proceed  to  deal  with  baptized, 
i.  e.,  "  Half-covenant "  members,  but  when  the  second  article  was 
proposed  "  one  and  another  went  ofl"  fi-oin  it  and  spoke  for  a  I'latform 
and  ruling  elders,"  to  which  Mr.  Mosely  replied,  that  they  were 
settled  on  the  Word  of  God  for  their  Platform,  that  with  their  different 
sentiments  they  should  not  agree  on  any  Platform  of  human  com- 
posure, that  if  agreed  in  the  great  essential  things  to  bear  down  sin 
and  promote  holiness  they  nuist  exercise  mutual  forbearance  in  their 
different  sentiments  about  lesser  matters ;  that  he  was  thankful  to 
God  they  were  so  well  agreed  in  said  important  articles  and  thought 
he  should  sin  if  he  indulged  in  debate  about  Platforms, — and  "  being 
mucli  overcome  with  cold,"  straightway  dismissed  the  church.  Thus 
debarred  from  discussion  or  opportunity  of  further  action,  the  indig- 
nant brethren  appointed  five  prominent  church  members,  viz  :  Wil- 
liam Durkee,  Jonathan  Kingsbmy,  Jonathan  Burnap,  Geoi'ge  iMailin 
and  William  Foster,  to  remonsti-ate  the  matter  with  their  pastor,  who 
entreated  him  as  a  father  to  look  into  the  subject,  and  consider  the 
expediency  of  having  an  explicit  model  or  Platform  of  church 
discipline  deduced  from  Scripture  and  introduced  peaceably  as  soon  as 
might  be  into  their  church,  according  to  the  commendaV)le  example  of 
the  best  Reformed  churches  in  Christendom.  They  also  entreated 
him  to  satisfy  them  and  the  church  they  represented,  by  what  authori- 
ty, divine  or  human,  his  claim  and  exercise  of  a  supreme  and  sole 
power  over  the  church  of  Christ  met  in  his  name  was  warianted. 
"This  exertion  of  the  teaching  elder's  power  and  authority,  in  opposi- 
tion to  almost  every  other  church  in  New  England,  abundantly  con- 
vinced them  of  the  necessity  of  having  other  office  bearers  in  the 
church,  viz. :  ruUvg  eWe-r.s— joined  in  luling  and  governing  the  church 
with  the  ehler  that  labors  in  word  and  doctrine.  The  bretliren  of  the 
church  hj^d  usurped  no  authority,  nor  encroached  in  the  least  upon 
the  prerogative,  office  or  dignity  of  the  pastoi-,  but  in  a  modest  and 
peaceable  manner  moved  to  confer  upon  the  duty  and  expediency  of  a 
Platform  without  pietending  to  say  upon  what  model  it  should  be 
formed;  whereupon  the  pastor  did  dissolve  the  meeting,  contrary  to  the 
duty  of  a  moderator  in  all  meetings  civil  or  religious,  contrary  to  the 
law  of  the  Colony  which  prohibits  their  adjoiiDiment  witliout  consent 
of  the  majority ;  much  less  to  dissolve  the  meeting  without  such 
conseut" 


62  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

"  We  entreat  you,"  continued  the  remonstrants,  "  to  consider  whether  this 
alarmins  exertion  of  authority  doth  not  carry  in  it  some  appearance  of  lord- 
iuif  it  over  God's  heritage,  so  detested  by  our  fathers  that  it  drove  New  Eng- 
land out  of  Old,  to  avoid  a  yoke  that  neither  we  nor  our  fathers  could 
bear.  .  .  .  AVe  entreat  you,  timely  to  consider,  that  if  after  such  an  unprece- 
dented dissolution  of  the  church  meeting,  you  are  pleased  to  take  advantage 
thereof,  and  refuse  to  be  entreated  by  us  becau-^e  you  have  disabled  the 
church  to  appear  by  a  lea;al  representation,  and  will  no  more  warn  a  church 
meeting  to  treat  with  them  upon  the  premises.  Sir.  your  triumph  upon  a 
victory  so  gained  will  be  short.  Can  you  think,  sir,  in  this  day  of  struguie 
in  defence  of  civil  liberties  and  rights  in  America,  this  church  will  tamely 
submit  to  be  deprived  of  their  divine  and  sacred  privileges,  so  preferable  to 
all  our  inheritance  besides,  and  give  such  an  example  of  slavery  and  depend- 
ency as  to  submit  to  such  a  supreme  authority  in  the  ministry  over  the  church. 
Was  the  church  made  for  ministers  or  ministers  for  the  church  ?  Think  you 
there  are  none  who  will  appear  on  the  Lord's  side  in  this  case,  and  all  other 
sidings  we  detest  and  hold  in  contempt.  Are  not  all  the  constitutional  clericy 
and  churches  and  cloud  of  witnesses  in  New  England  and  throughout  the 
Reformed  Protestant  churches  listed  under  this  banner,  whose  footsteps  we 
are  essaying  to  trace  out.  Would  you  have  us  stand  still  and  be  robbed  of 
those  sacred  liberties  and  privileges  that  have  flowed  to  the  church  in  the 
blood  of  Christ,  the  Supreme  Head  thereof.  Sir,  the  Lord  forbid  that  we 
should  give  the  inheritance  of  our  fathers  unto  thee.  Shall  not  we  possess 
what  the  Lord  our  God  hath  given  us  to  possess.  Finally,  sir,  we  entreat 
you  to  let  us,  and  the  church  by  us  know,  what  we  are  to  expect  from  you 
for  the  future  in  this  matter,  and  if  upon  cool  reflection  you  find  .  .  .  you 
have  unadvisedly  dissolved  said  church  meeting,  you  would  be  pleased  with- 
out loss  of  time  upon  better  advisement  to  warn  another  meeting  for  the 
purpose  and  end  aforesaid,  wherein  we  desire  you  to  go  before  us  in  the  good 
work  aforesaid,  according  to  the  duty  set  forth  "by  the  prophet  Ezekiel.  '  Thou 
son  of  man,  shew  the  house  to  the  house  of  Israel,  and  shew  them  the  form 
of  the  house.'  Windham,  Feb.  20,  1769." 

•Mr.  Mosely  thereupon  called  and  held  a  church  meeting,  March  3, 
to  consider  these  matters,  and  so  "  territied  "  the  weaker  brethren  by 
representing  to  them  that  they  wotxld  have  to  support  their  ruling  as 
well  as  teaching  elder,  and  might  have  to  settle  a  new  minister  and 
pay  damages  to  the  old  one  by  insisting  upon  a  cliurch  Platform,  that 
a  majority  voted  against  the  proposed  changes.  The  minority  there- 
upon drew  up  a  paj^er  far  more  inflammatory  and  bitter  than  the 
previous  '*  remonstrance,"  in  which  they  alleged  various  specific 
charges  against  the  pastor,  as  follows : — 

"  1.  The  power  and  riirht  you  claim  in  negativing  the  church  we  den\', 
and  say  the  key  of  discipline  was  given  to  the  church  by  Christ  .  .  .  and  can 
find  no  rule  in  Scripture  for  your  prerogative  power  except  you  take  it  from 
Diotrephes,  who  loved  to  have  preeminence  .  .  .  and  the  apostle  saith  he 
wrote  to  the  church  there,  and  that  his  evil  example  ant  to  be  followed. 

2.  Your  dissolving  church  meetings  in  the  midst  of  business  without  the 
consent  of  the  church  we  say  is  an  error,  and  there  is  no  scripture  warrant 
for  such  a  prerogative  power. 

3.  We  think  you  exert  unreasonable  and  unscriptural  .power  in  confining 
the  church  in  their  meetings  to  what  you  have  put  in  the  warning,  and  your 
taking  the  power  of  putting  in  what  you  pleased,  in  this  you  are  more  arbi- 
trary than  any  of  our  civil  powers  .  .  .  Sir.  we  do  think  the  church  ought  to 
enjoy  as  great  a  privilege  in  their  meetings  as  towns  and  societies  do,  for  if 
we  may  believe  Christ  and  the  apostles,  no  men  on  earth  have  greater  liberty 
than  the  church  of  Christ. 

i.  We  think.  Sir,  that  you  err  ranch  as  moderator  in  our  church  meetings, 
for  you  will  have  the  chief  of  the  talk,  and  so  lay  your  plan  and  scheme  and 


WINDHAM  S    SECOND    SOCIKTT,    ETC.  63 

pursue  the  same  in  the  church  that  we  think  such  plans  and  schemes  laid  and 

pursued  in  the  church  resemble  deceit  more  than  honesty 

.  9.  We  think  you  very  much  err  in  openin<i-  the  door  so  wide  into  the 
church  as  to  admit  members  without  some  satislying  account  of  a  work  of 
grace  on  their  hearts,  ;ind  without  the  consent  of  the  church,  merely  because 
they  say  they  are  a  mind  to  come.  We  think,  sir,  it  is  the  riglit  way  to  let 
Anti-Christ  into  the  church  full  breast,  for  certain  unclean  persons  and 
hypocrites  have  no  right  in  Christ's  cliurch. 

10.  Sir,  your  taking  the  key  of  the  meeting-house  and  holding  it,  we  say 
is  contrary  to  God's  word,  and  you  have  uo  right  to  it,  and  not  content  witli 
that,  you  rob  us  of  the  key  of  the  whole  society.  Sir,  we  are  bold  to  say 
Christ  never  gave  you  them  keys  nor  no  other  man  on  earth,  for  he  knev,-  how 
full  the  world  always  was  and  would  be  of  false  prophets  and  teachers 
tliut  would  turn  the  ke.y  against  his  disciples.  Praj%  sir,  to  what  purpose  had 
it  a  ben  for  our  Saviour  to  have  sent  nut  the  apostles  as  he  did  to  [ircach  the 
gospel  to  every  creature,  if  these  keys  had  been  given  io  the  n)inisters?  Why 
they  must  truly  have  turned  back  without  preaching  to  an^  ci'eature,  with  tliis 
complaint.  Lord,  thou  sent  us  out  to  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature  but  had 
given  the  keys  of  every  city,  town  and  house  to  the  riiinisi.ers,  and  tliey  for- 
bid us.  Sir,  are  you  wiser  than  Christ  ?  Do  you  know  how  to  manage  the 
keys  better  than  Christ  ?  He  never  gave  them  to  you.  For  God's  sake  give 
them  up,  for  thou  hast  nothing  to  do  with  them.  Can  you  think,  sir,  that  such 
a  power  as  you  claim  is  from  Christ  ?  Xo,  assuredly  you  can't  unless  you 
uiaUe  this  addition — Axti— for  darkness  and  light  are  as  near  alike  as  your 
power  and  the  spirit  of  Christ — and  do  cousider,  Sir,  your  iugiatitude  to  a 
people  that  maintains  and  supports  you ;  that  you  should  cluistize  us  with 
scorpions  and  rule  us  with  a  rod  of  iron  and  put  such  chains  and  bonds  on  us 
that  we  nor  our  fathers  were  not  able  to  bear.     '  Tell  it  not  in  Gath  ! ' 

11.  Sir,  we  take  it  hard  that  the  case  of  Mrs.  Keyes  was  not  brought  be- 
fore the  church  when  so  many  requested  it. 

12.  Sir,  we  should  be  glad  to  know  the  reason  of  your  parting  Cuff  and  his 
wife,  and  as  she  was  a  sister  in  ye  church  and  in  legular  standing  as  far  as 
we  know,  }'et  we  understand  that  you  did  deny  her  partaking  with  us. 

13.  And  there  are  others  who  have  withdrawn  from  the  church  these  many 
years  and  hant  been  called  to  uo  account,  and  we  know  not  the  cause  of  such 
a  separation.  Pray,  sir,  if  you  think  the  key  of  discipline  belongs  to  you  we 
think  you  have  much  neglected  your  duty.  Sir,  for  you  to  rob  us  of  ye  keys 
and  nut  use  them  can't  be  right. 

14.  We  think  you  are  much  to  blame  in  denying  people  copies  of  the 
churcli  record  when  the  church  has  been  a  dealing  with  them  ....  and  unless 
you  reform  we  think  it  duty  for  this  church  to  appoint  some  other  man  to  hold 
the  records 

16.  We  think,  sir,  you  are  very  partial  in  your  visits  for  some  houses  you 
visit  not  for  years,  others  you  visit  much.  Pray  rememl)er  Christ  and  his 
Apostles'  commands,  and  do  nothing  l?y  partiality,  for  God  is  not  a  respecter 
of  persons. 

17.  Sir,  we  desire  the  church  records  may  be  read  in  this  church,  even  as 
far  back  as  your  ordination,  that  we  may  search  after  the  Achan  that  troubles 
us,  and  who  can  tell  but  that  God  will  discover  it  to  us,  and  save  us.  as  he  did 
Israel  by  Phineluis,  or  as  he  did  the  nation  of  the  Jews  by  means  of  the  King's 
hearing  the  Book  read  ....  On  that  night  could  not  the  King  sleep,  and  he 
commanded  to  bring  the  book  of  the  Chronicles,  and  they  were  read  before  the 
King.'" 

This  paper,  embodying  tlie  priiici])al  charges  against  ^Ir.  Mosely, 

was  read  before  a  number  of  brethren    of  the  church,   but  as  some 

thought  the  charges  laid  too  high  it  was  not  formally  adoi)ted,  but  kept 

to  aid  in   preparing  something  that  might  be   suitable  to  lay  before 

church  and  minister  in  due  season.     The   report   of  its   existence  and 

private  circulation  greatly  exasperated  Mr.  Mosely,  who  attempted  "to 

deal "  with  the  chief  offenders  both  publicly  and  privately.     As  usual 


64:  HISTORY    OF    M'INDHAM    COUNTY. 

in  such  affairs  many  hard  things  were  said  on  both  sides,  and  charges 
of  misrepresentation  and  lying  were  I'reely  interchanged.  Each  party 
accused  the  other  of  promising  copies  of  votes  and  documents,  and 
then  withholding  them.  William  Foster,  who  was  especially  zealous 
in  defending  the  church  against  ministerial  usurpation,  not  only 
affirmed  openly,  "that  Mr.  Mosely  had  lied  and  he  could  prove  it,"  but, 
when  reproved  by  him,  replied,  "  That  he  saw  the  Pope's  horns  begin 
to  bud  some  years  ago,  and  now  they  were  grown  out.''  Mr.  Mosely's 
method  of  dealing  with  these  offending  brethren  was  certainly  not  un- 
papal.  After  bickering  through  the  summer,  they  called  a  council  of 
ministers  and  delegates  in  October,  wliich  agreed  "  That  the  aggrieved 
brethren  might  rationally  expect  from  an  undoubted  right  founded  on 
reason  and  the  Word  of  God,  and  agreeable  to  the  general  sense  and 
practice  of  churches  in  New  England,  a  church  meeting  for  a  full,  free 
and  oi)en  conversation  i-especting  the  introduction  of  some  platform  of 
ecclesiastical  discipline  and  government  into  the  church  in  which  it 
had  been  too  long  deficient."  But  when  in  accordance  with  the  advice 
of  tliis  council,  the  aggrieved  brethren  in  a  decent  and  becoming  man- 
ner, without  heat  or  bitterness,  earnestly  and  unitedly  besought  and 
entreated  their  pastor  to  call  a  churcl\  meeting  for  a  conference  upon 
tliis  impoitaiit  subject,  they  were  answered  by  a  summons  to  appear 
before  the  church  for  trial : — 

"I.  For  publishing  a  defamatory  paper  coutainiug  divers  misrepresenta- 
tions and  railing;  words  and  expressions  against  the  pastor. 

II.  For  taking  God's  name  in  vain  in  said  paper,  against  the  third  com- 
mandment. 

III.  For  abominable  deceit  in  asking  their  pa.stor  to  warn  a  church  meet- 
ing to  consider  dealing  with  baptized  persons,  when  their  true  object  was  to 
introduce  this  question  of  a  Platform." 

These  charges  were  tried  before  the  church,  Mr.  Mosely  himself  act- 
ing as  moderator  in  spite  of  the  protestations  of  the  accused  brethren. 
About  forty  members  of  the  church  were  present.  Seven  voted  in 
favor  of  censure  and  seven  against  it.  Again  the  pastor  asked  if  they 
should  proceed  to  censure,  and  adding  his  vote  to  the  seven,  pro- 
nounced the  question  carried,  refusing  to  call  the  negative.  Eight 
votes,  including  those  of  the  pastor,  his  brother,  and  nephew,  decided 
tlie  case  in  a  male  membership  of  over  fifty  denied  the  liberty  of  ex- 
pressing their  non -concurrence,  an  act  of  ministerial  domination  rarely 
surpassed  in  audacity.  The  negative  power,  according  to  Mr.  Mosely, 
was  solely  intrusted  to  ministers.  In  accordance  with  this  vote,  Ebene- 
zer  Plovey,  Dea.  Ebenezer  Griffin,  Jonathan  Burnap,  Capt.  William 
Durkee,  Jonathan  Kingsbury,  George  Martin,  John  Clark,  Jun.,  and 
William  Foster  were  pronounced  "guilty  of  scandalous  violation  of  the 
thii-d  commandment,  of  publishing  a  false  and  scandalous  paper,  of 


Windham's  second  society,  etc.  65 

abominable  deceit,  conteiniUuous  abuse  of  tlie  divine  institution  of  dis- 
cipline, scandalous  violations  of  gospel  injunctions,"  &c.,  and  it  was 
adjudged  that  these  offenders  ought  to  make  a  public  acknovvledguient 
of  their  sins,  or  otlierwise  be  ])roceede(l  with  in  a  way  of  censure,  and 
this  charge  and  sentence  were  publicly  read  on  the  Lord's  day  before 
church  and  congregation. 

Nothing  but  the  sterling  virtues  and  high  Christian  character  of  Mr. 
Mosely  saved  him  from  the  storm  that  followed.  The  outraged 
brethren  refused  to  submit  to  the  censure,  and  insisted  u])()n  its  retrac- 
tion. Public  opinion  and  ministerial  counsel  sustained  them  in  this 
demand,  and  in  almost  any  church  a  rupture  and  separation  would  have 
been  inevitable.  But  in  spite  of  his  wilfulness  and  arbitraiy  govern- 
ment, Mr.  Mosely  was  greatly  beloved  and  respected  by  the  majoi'ity 
of  his  people.  Many  who  disapproved  of  his  conduct  chose  to  retain 
him  as  their  pastor,  and  by  their  conciliatory  efforts  both  parties  were 
brought  to  intrust  decision  to  a  council.  The  Reverends  Solomon 
Williams,  David  Hall,  Benj.  Throup,  Aaron  Plutchinsun,  Aaron  Put- 
nam and  Levi  Flint,  with  delegates  from  their  respective  cliurches, 
were  convened  in  Windham  Village,  May  22,  1770,  "to  hear,  judge 
and  advise  between  the  pastor  and  major  part  of  the  chuix-h  and  a  num- 
ber of  aggiieved  brethren,"  and  decided,  "  That  the  charges  against 
the  aforesaid  brethren  were  not  sustained ;  that  they  ought  to  be  ac- 
quitted from  censure ;  and  tliat  the  church  should  accordingly  release 
them  from  the  censure  they  had  laid  them  under  and  restore  them  unto 
their  charity."  This  advice  was  followed,  and  the  brethren  restored  to 
fellowshij).  Still,  the  breach  was  far  from  liealed.  Violent  recrimina- 
iiotis  had  been  interchanged  between  the  combatants.  William  Foster 
persisted  in  reiterating  that  "  ^Ir.  Mosely  had  lied,"  whereupon  he  was 
again  arraigned  before  the  church  to  account  for  his  false  and  scanda- 
lous language.  Foster  offered  to  submit  to  trial  under  an  impartial 
moderator  unsubjected  to  the  i)astor's  negative.  The  church  voted  to 
go  on  with  their  pastor  for  moderator  according  to  their  custom,  upon 
"which  Foster  "  left  the  meeting,  refusing  trial."  Mr.  Mosely  imme- 
diately led  the  church  to  vote  l>im  guilty  of  contempt  of  that  authoiity 
which  Christ  had  placed  in  the  church,  and  proceeded  to  excommuni- 
cate him.  The  aggrieved  brethren  called  another  council,  i.  e.,  Dr. 
Hopkins  and  Dr.  Stiles  of  Newport,  Leonard  of  Woodstock  and  Fuller 
of  Plainfield.  These  gentlemen  "  might  have  cleared  them  "  on  the 
same  ground  that  the  previous  council  hal  done,  but  disapproved  of 
the  severe  and  bitter  expressions  against  tlie  pastor,  and  deferred  deci- 
sion. A  second  attempt  was  more  successful,  and  a  general  concession 
and  forgiveness  on  both  sides  agreed  to,  William  Foster,  the  chief 
offender  and  sufferer,  declaring : — 
9 


66  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

"  That  altliough  in  the  time  I  did  tliink  I  had  occasion  to  think  Mr.  IMosely 
did  in  some  nieasnre  evade  tlie  trntli,  yet  upon  a  more  maluie  deliberation  I 
am  sensible  1  pri-i'erred  my  eharjie  a^iainst  him  with  an  nniliie  temper  of  mind, 
and  nnnecessarily  jniblished  the  same,  and  especially  in  tellinj;  liim,  '  lie 
knew  he  lied,'  in  his  own  house,  but  on  a  fnither  consideration  of  the  matter 
I  would  charitably  hope  and  believe  that  Mr.  Mosely  was  not  fiuilty  of  wil- 
fully departini^  from  tlie  truth,  and  therefore  ask  forgiveness  of  Mr.  Mo.sely 
and  my  otlended  brethren,  and  pray  them  to  receive  me  into  their  charily. 

Windham  Suciety,  Oct.  '31,  1771." 

In  spite  of  these  concessions  and  retractions  the  controversy  soon 
broke  out  afresh.  Tlie  root  of  the  difficuhy  had  not  been  reached. 
An  explicit  church  covenant  had  not  been  secured  nor  Mr.  Mosely's 
power  restricted.  A  majority  of  the  aggrieved  bretliren  accepted  the 
decision  and  walked  in  harraojiy  with  the  church,  but  Capt.  Durkee, 
Jonathan  Burnap  and  William  Foster  still  resisted  and  remonstrated. 
Each  side  accused  the  other  of  violating  the  agreement.  The  old 
charges  were  interchanged,  civil  suits  instituted.  After  some  years  of 
strife  and  violence,  the  following  complaint  against  Mr.  Mosely  was 
laid  before  the  Windham  County  Association  : — 

"  Whereas,  I,  the  said  William  Foster,  do  esteem  myself  to  have  been 
grievously  oppressed  and  injured  for  a  number  of  years  past  bv  the  arbitrary 
and  imscriptural  proceedings  of  the  said  Rev.  Mr.  Mosely  in  his  church  admin- 
istrations and  otherwise;  in  particular,  in  his  repeatedly  entering  processes 
against  me  in  his  oivn  name,  and  judging  in  his  own  caitse,  as  also  in  troubling 
me  and  other  peaceable  members  of  said  church  with  unscriptural  processes  to 
the  vexation  of  the  church,  and  the  disturbance  of  its  peace  and  edification; 
in  his  toithholding  copies  of  church  votes  that  I  had  right  to,  and  adding  thereto 
such  prevarications  relative  to  the  same,  and  such  shifts  and  evasions  as  I 
cannot  hut  esteem  a  breach  of  the  ninth  command ;  in  leading  the  church  to  pass 
V(jtes  concerning  me  in  church  meeting  without  notifying  me  to  be  present, 
and  refusing  to  let  me  see  the  votes  ctfterwards  or  to  alloiv  me  copies  of  the  same; 
in  his  refusing  a  christian  conference  on  matters  of  grievance,  or  to  Join  in  a 
co?(HCi7  to  hear  and  settle  all  matters  of  controversy ;  in  his  refusing  to  lay 
matters  of  church  concern  before  the  church  ;  in  his  icantonly  dissolving  church 
meetings  in.  the  midst  of  business  of  great  concern  to  the  church;  in  his  neglect 
of  discipline  to  scandalous  members  in  the  church,  and  preventing  the 
exercise  thereof  in  the  church  by  other  members,  and  opposing  all  means 
used  in  the  church  for  a  reformation  ;  in  his  refusing  to  administer  baptism  to 
mi/  c//(A?/'eH  for  no  justitiable  reason,  and  while  they  have  an  indisputable 
right  thereto ;  and  it  is  a  matter  of  grievance  to  me  and  I  take  it  to  be  the 
sjv'ing  of  all  the  arl)iirary  proceedings  above  said;  that  said  Mr.  Mosely 
challenges  a  power  over  the  church  unknown  in  the  Holy  Scriptures  ;  it  is  also 
a  matter  of  grievance,  tlutt  said  Mr.  Mosely  has  needlessltj  troubled  me  in  the 
civil  law  when  I  was  always  ready  to  have  all  matters  of  controversy  heard 
and  decided  in  an  ecclesiastic  way  according  to  the  rules  of  the  gospel,  and 
whereas  I  have  used  everj'  method  in  my  power  for  the  redress  of  tlie  afore- 
said grievances  and  the  removal  of  offences  but  to  no  purpose,  the  honor  of 
God,  the  intert'St  of  religion,  the  peace  and  editicalion  of  said  church,  and 
my  own  as  well  as  the  good  of  the  said  \\e\ .  Mr.  Mosely,  unitedly  and  most 
strongly  oblige  as  well  as  necessitate  me  to  lay  this  information  and  com- 
plaint and  represent  my  grievances  before  this  Reverend  Association,  that 
such  ortler  may  be  taken  and  measures  may  be  directed  to  and  pursued  as 
may  tend  to  the  removal  of  the  aforesaid  grievances  and  offences  according 
to  gospel  rule.  William  Foster. 

iSept.  23,  1778." 


Windham's  second  society,  etc.  67 

These  charges  were  considered,  first,  by  a  council,  and  afterwards, 
by  the  consociated  churches  of  the  County,  Jan.  4,  1779.  It  was 
adjudged  that  neither  party  was  guilty  in  manner  and  form  as  alleged. 
The  Reverend  pastor  was  entreated  as  a  venerable  and  much  beloved 
father  to  examine  himself  and  labor  after  greater  ]»erfection  of  gentle- 
ness and  circumspection  ;  the  oifending  brother  admonished  to  search 
his  own  heart  and  ways,  and  strive  and  pray  tliat  in  future  he  might 
possess  and  discover  a  more  meek  and  peaceable  spiiit,  and  show  a 
more  decent  regard  to  the  sacred  ordinances  of  Christ,  giving  no 
just  oifence  to  his  ministers  or  churches;  and  the  people  of  God 
earnestly  advised  and  exhorted,  "  never  more  to  revive,  nor  suffer  to 
be  I'evived  any  of  those  matters  of  ditHculty  which  had  been  under 
the  consideration  of  the  council,  but  to  bury  this  long  unhappy  con 
tention  in  everlasting  oblivion." 

This  excellent  advice  was  apparently  followed.  No  change  in  the 
administration  of  church  aifairs  was  effected  during  the  life-time  of 
Mr.  Mosely,  and  with  advancing  years  he  became  less  arbitrary  and 
exacting.  Tiiat  his  peoj)le  were  not  inclined  to  submit  to  over-exac- 
tions may  be  inferred  from  their  choosing  a  committee  to  wait  ujion 
him  to  learn  his  reasons  "why  he  took  sixty  pounds  for  his  salary, 
when  by  computing  silver  at  six  and  eight-pence  per  ounce  it  would 
be  but  tifty-nine  i)()unds,  two  shillings  and  five-pence."  Whether  he 
was  compelled  to  refund  the  surplus  shillings  and  pennies  is  not 
recorded. 

In  thrift  and  activity  Canada  Parish  kept  pace  with  other  sections 
of  the  town,  and  "  Windhaiii  Village  "  on  its  fair  hill-top  was  hardly 
less  a  power  than  Windham  Green  in  the  southwest  corner.  Tlie 
bountiful  harvests  gathering  in  Apaquage's  beautiful  valley  incited  the 
farmers  to  unusual  efforts  during  the  revival  of  commercial  prosperity. 
Captain  James  Stedman  owned  much  land  and  carried  on  extensive 
farming  operations,  and  was  greatly  respected  as  a  man  of  substance 
and  business  capacity.  His.  brother  Thomas,  the  skillful  builder  of 
meeting-houses,  was  equally  respected.  Deacon  Ebenezer  Griffin, 
Captain  John  Howard,  Jacob  Simmons  and  many  other  men  of  weight 
and  influence  were  actively  engaged  in  business  and  public  affairs. 
Jeremiah,  fifth  son  of  John  Clark,  was  trader  as  well  as  farmer,  buying 
up  such  produce  as  he  could  take  to  Newport  or  Providence  on 
horseback.  John  Brewster  of  Scotland  Parish,  after  studying  medi- 
cine with  Dr.  Barker  of  Franklin,  married  a  daughter  of  Captain 
William  Durkee,  and  settled  in  Windham  village,  and  gained  an 
extensive  practice  as  the  first  and  only  physician  in  the  vicinity. 
The  women  of  this  parish  were  especially  thrifty  and  notable,  true 
help-meets  to  their  husbands.     Mrs.  Jeremiah  Clark  and  Mrs.   Wil- 


68  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

liam  Holt  were  skilled  in  the  art  of  making  fine  lace,  as  well  as  all 
needful  domestic  fabrics.  The  emigration  to  Wyoming  cairied  away 
many  of  these  energetic  and  valuable  families.  Captain  Kobert 
Durkee,  cousin  of  John  Durkee  of  Norwich,  Stephen  Fuller  and  John 
Holt  were  among  these  emigrants  Captain  Durkee  was  a  man  of 
great  couiage  and  distinguished  himself  in  many  daring  exploits,  while 
Mr.  Stephen  Fuller  was  equally  useful  in  attending  to  the  ordinary 
routine  of  town  affairs. 

Other  sons  of  Canada  Parish  went  out  into  the  world  upon  more  peace 
ful  missions.     Ebenezer  Martin,  a  Yale  graduate  of  1756,  after  preach- 
ing for  a  time  among  the  wilds  of  Berkshire,  returned   to  labor  in  the 
new   parish  of  Westford,,   in    his    native    county.       El)enezer,   son  of  . 
Rev.    Samuel   Mosely,   was  graduated  in    1763,  and   after   pi-eparatory 
studies  was  licensed  to  pi-each   by   the  Brookfield  Associatioii,  Massa- 
chusetts, June  19,    1765.     Two  years   later  he  was  ordained  and  sent 
out  by  that  body  to  labor  in  the  Indian  Mission,  established  in    1762, 
among  The  Six  Nations,  at  Onohoquaga  on  the   Susquehanna.     "  The 
mortification  he  must  endure  in  a  situation  so  remote  from  any  Eng- 
lish settlements  "   was  deeply   commisei'ated  by  tlie  missionary  society 
which  had  chai'ge  of  the    entei'i>rise,  but    perhaps    the    most    serious 
danger    which   threatened    the   young    missionary    while    among    the 
savages  was    a   matrimonial    proposition   from   the  principal  sachem,     I 
"  who  offered  and  urged  his  daughter  upon   him  for  his  wife."     As   a     ' 
direct   refusal  of  this  flattering  oveiture  would  give  great  offence  and 
might  endanger  the  lives  of  the   missionaries,  Mr.  Mosely  could  only     i 
I^lead    the   necessity  of  gaining  consent  of  his    father,  a    plea  whose     ' 
validity  was  fortunately  lecognized  by  the  Indian  code  of  etiquette. 


Voluntown  was  still  in  an  unsettled  and  unhappy  condition,  the  j 
greater  part  of  its  inhabitants  averse  to  the  established  church,  and 
yet  compelled  to  pay  rates  for  the  support  of  the  aged  minister.  At- 
tempts were  made  by  residents  of  each  end  of  the  town  to  procure 
distinct  society  privileges.  A  petition  signed  by  Ebenezer  Dow,  town 
clerk  and  one  of  the  principal  inhabitants,  together  with  John  James, 
Joshua  and  Moses  Campbell,  .Jeremiah,  James  au<l  Moses  Kinne,  Hugh 
and  John  Wylie,  Jonathan  Minor,  David  Kennedy,  Moses  Fish  and 
others,  represented  to  the  Assembly,  September,  1762: — 

"  That  there  was  but  one  society  iu  Voluntown,  twenty  miles  Ions;  and  four 
or  live  wide;  list  in  17GI,  £10,766;  inhabitants  settled  at  each  end  and  dis- 
persed in  almost  every  part,  about  one  hundred  and  eiirhty  families,  some 
dwelling  seven,  some  nine  and  ten  miles  from  meetinii-house ;  trouble  of 
transporting  ourselves  and  families  very  great  and  heavy;  town  conveniently 
situated  for  division;  such  burden  of  travel  hardly  to  l)e  found  iu  any  other 
town — and  prayed  for  division." 


VOLUNTOWN,    ETC.  '  69 

In  1764,  Roger  Billings  and  others  asked  for  a  new  society,  "begin- 
ning wlieie  Facliiing  Kiver  i-nns  ont  of  Pawcainnck  Pond,  "  and  taking 
in  I  lie  north  parts  of  Stonington  and  Preston.  A  connnittee  was  ap- 
pointed and  reported  against  petition,  as  the  Preston  jx'ople  were 
already  well  aceommodated.  Volnntown  they  fonnd  more  than  sixteen 
miles  long  and  three  or  fonr  in  width,  occupied  by  two  hnndreil  fami- 
lies;  inhabitants  much  scattered;  many  six  and  eight  miles  from  any 
place  of  public  worship  ;  roads  bad  ;  yet  inasmuch  as  a  majority  of 
them  were  against  division,  and  weie  less  able  to  l)ear  great  charges 
than  usual  by  reason  of  drought  and  unconnnon- [)ublic  chaiges,  they 
would  not  recommend  it. 

As  Mr.  Dorrance  increased  in  years  and  infirmities,  the  town  became 
moi'e  and  more  reluctant  to  pay  for  his  support.  A  committee  was 
sent  to  him  in  1769,  "to  see  whether  he  diil  not  think  there  was  a  pro- 
per vacancy  in  the  town,  and  that  it  was  high  time  he  should  lay  down 
his  pastoral  charge  over  the  town  in  order  that  they  may  take  some 
I^roper  way  more  eflectually  to  accommodate  themselves  on  account  of 
the  Gospel,"  l)Ut  Mr.  Dorrance  declined  to  listen  to  their  proposals, 
wdiereupon  the  town  withheld  the  stipulated  salary.  After  two  years 
wrangling  Mr.  Dorrance  agreed  "to join  with  the  town  and  church  in 
the  most  easy  manner,  call  a  council  and  be  dismissed  from  the  pas- 
toral charge,  provided  the  town  paid  him  the  judgment  obtained  in 
Court  for  his  salary  in  1769,  and  £44,  6s.  6d.  for  1770,  and  £2.5  per 
annum  evei'y  year  so  long  as  he  lives."  A  council  was  accordingly 
held  March  o,  1771.  JNIr.  Cogswell  reports  "that  the  affair  was  con- 
ducted amicably  ;  that  Mr.  Dorrance  seemed  to  bear  his  age  wonder- 
fully and  was  dismissed  in  peace."  He  sui'vived  his  dismissal  a  few 
years,  and  died  Nov.  12,  1775,  aged  niuety  years.  The  Providence 
Gazette  eulogizes  him  as  "  a  zealous  contender  for  the  faith  once  de- 
livered to  the  saints,  and  an  ornament  to  the  religion  he  professed.'' 
His  son  Lemuel  remained  upon  the  homestead  ;  Samuel  removed  to 
Coventry,  R.  I.  ;  James  to  Brooklyn  Parish  ;  John  and  George  emi- 
grated to  Wyoming.  His  daughter,  Susanna,  manied  to  Robert 
Dixon,  resided  in  tlie  north  part  of  Voluntown. 

Various  changes  followed  the  dismissal  of  Mr.  Dorrance.  Isaac  Gal- 
lup, Thomas  Douglas,  John  Keigwin,  Joseph  Parke,  Israel  Babcock 
and  others — "very  desirous  to  enjoy  public  worship  as  we  think  right 
which  is  according  to  the  Congregational  platform  ' — now  received 
liberty  from  the  town  and  General  Assembly  to  join  in  a  society  by 
themselves  without  being  interrui)ted  by  any  other  society.  A  society 
called  Nazareth  was  thereupon  organized  in  the  south  part  of  Volnn- 
town, and  a  church  gathered  there.  Feb.  13,  1772,  Mr.  Levi  Hart  of 
Preston,  preached  a  sermon   and   gave   advice,  and  Jeremiah,  James, 


70  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Moses  and  Ira  Kinne,  "Willitmi  Hewson,  Tlinnias  Stewart  and  IMoses 
Fish  were  embodied  into  clmrch  orders  according  to  the  "Congrega- 
tional Independent  platform."     They  agreed  : — 

"  Th:it  no  coercive  measures  be  used  for  supporting  tlie  minister. 

That  it  is  tlie  duty  of  every  one  to  contril)ute  of  liis  worldly  substance  for 
the  maintenance  of  the  ministr}',  and  every  one  of  this  church  who  neglects 
and  refuses  to  do  so  shall  be  deemed  an  offender  in  the  sin  of  covetousuess. 

That  our  minister  shall  have  liberty  to  preach  among  the  Separates. 

That  private  brethren  may  exhort  in  public,  provided  they  do  not  interrupt 
other  parts  of  duty,  and  speak  to  the  editicatiou  of  the  church." 

April  18,  Solomon  Morgan  of  Grotoii,  was  ordained  pastor  of  the 
Nazareth  Church.  It  gained  in  membership  and  inlinence,  but  did  not 
succeed  tor  some  years  in  building  a  house  of  worship. 

In  1772,  fifty-four  persons  north  of  JMoosup  River,  including  John 
James  and  George  Doirance,  Robert,  Thomas  and  James  Dixon,  Robert 
Montgomery,  Jolin  Coles,  Jolm  Gaston,  Mark  and  David  Eames,  some 
of  them  six,  seven,  eight  and  nine  miles  from  Voluntown  meeting-house, 
and  gi'eatly  impeded  by  bad  roads  and  traveling,  received  liberty  from 
the  Assembly  to  organize  as  a  distinct  society  or  join  in  worship  with 
Killingly.  A  number  of  these  northern  residents  consequently  united 
with  the  cliurch  in  South  Killingly,  and  after  some  years  organized  as 
a  distinct  society. 

The  mother  chui-ch  in  Voluntown  centre,  weakened  and  crippled  by 
these  repeated  losses,  was  unable  to  settle  a  pastor  and  could  scarcely 
maintain  regular  worship.  Its  numbers  and  strength  were  still  farther 
diminished  by  the  large  emigration  to  Wyoming.  Many  of  the  descend- 
ants of  the  Scotch  Presbyterians  joined  in  this  exodus,  and  the  char- 
acter of  the  church  was  so  changed  that  after  a  few  years  it  was  thouglit 
expedient  to  reorganize  upon  the  Congregational  basis.  June  30,  1 779, 
a  meeting  was  called  for  this  purpose.  The  Reverends  Solomon  Mor- 
gan, Levi  Hart  and  Eliphalet  Wright  were  present.  Those  wishing 
to  unite  in  the  new  organization  related  their  experiences.  A  covenant 
was  read  agreeable  to  the  Cambridge  Platform  under  the  Congi'ega- 
tional  form  of  discipline,  and  signed  by  ten  naales  and  sixteen  females, 
the  remnant  then  representii]g  the  ancient  First  Church  of  Voluntown. 
The  services  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gilmore  were  then  secured,  and  regular 
religious  worship  statedly  maintained. 

In  town  affairs  there  was  gradual  improvement.  In  1762,  Jolm  Gor- 
don was  chosen  grand  school  committee,  "  to  take  into  his  hands  the 
school  bonds  Ijelonging  to  the  town,  and  to  collect  the  interest  on  bonds, 
and  to  receive  the  proportion  of  money  granted  by  Government  to  the 
town  oitt  of  the  Colony's  rate,  and  to  dispose  of  the  same,  and  all  other 
money  coming  from  Plainfield,  &c.,  and  town's  pi'oportion  of  the  sale 
of  Norfolk."     In  1766,  David  Eames,  John  Cole,  Joseph  Parke,  Thomas 


VOLUNTOWN,    ETC.  71 

Douglas,  John  Gaston,  John  Gordon  and  John  Wylie  were  appointed 
to  set  out  school  distiicts  throughout  the  town.  Thirteen  distiiets 
were  specified,  each  of  which  thenceforward  mnnnged  its  own  school 
under  the  supervision  of  a  "  grand-school-coniniittee-nian,"  api)ointcd 
by  the  town. 

The  financial  affairs  of  the  town  were  gieatly  enibai-rassed.  The 
poverty  of  the  soil  exposed  it  to  frequent  losses  by  drought,  so  that 
many  of  the  inabitants  were  unable  to  ]iay  their  pi'oportion  of  public 
charges.  The  payment  of  the  minister's  salary,  and  legal  ex]ienses  in- 
curred in  prior  resistance,  added  to  their  debt  and  burden.  In  conse- 
quence of  this  remissness,  a  heavy  debt  accrued  to  the  Government  for 
which  the  town  treasurer,  Mr.  Robert  Jameson,  was  held  res|)onsible. 
Having  no  funds  to  meet  this  demand,  Mr.  Jameson  was  arrested  and 
confined  in  Windliam  jail.  In  1771  a  committee  was  appointed  "  to 
go  to  Windham  in  term  of  the  Superior  Court,  and  get  the  best  advice 
concerning  a  trouble  for  which  Robert  Jameson  is  now  confined  in 
Windham  jail."  Isaac  Gallup  was  ordered  to  take  and  have  secured  all 
said  Jameson's  estate  for  the  use  of  the  town  in  settling  the  debt  for 
which  he  was  imprisoned.  This  imprisonment  lasted  for  two  years, 
wlien  Mr.  James  Gordon  was  appointed  agent  to  settle  with  Ro1)ert 
Jameson,  "  now  confined  in  Windham  County  jail  for  the  colony  tax 
due  for  said  town,"  and  soon  effected  his  liberation.  Mr.  Jameson 
soon  after  his  release  removed  to  Wyoming,  with  his  sons  Robert,  Wil- 
liam, John,  Alexander  and  Joseph,  who  gained  a  jjermanent  home  in 
that  beautiful  valley,  and  were  numbered  among  its  most  respectable 
and  influential  citizens. 


YI. 

RELIGIOUS      SETTLEMENT     IN     PLAINFIELD.       GENERAL     TOWN 

AFFAIRS. 

PLAINFIELD  though  still  harassed  by  religious  dissension  was 
regaining  her  secular  pi-osperily,  having  the  good  fortune  to 
number  among  her  citizens  many  strong  and  enterpri.sing  men  willing 
to  devote  time  and  energies  to  public  service.  Captain  John  Douglas 
was  now  one  of  the  fathers  of  the  town,  and  had  sons  of  great 
promise.  Major  Ezekiel  Pierce  filled  the  place  of  his  honored  father, 
serving  many  years  as  clerk  of  the  town  and  of  the  Probate  office. 
Isaac,  son  of  Rev.  Joseph  Coit  was  held  in  high  esteem.  Dr.  Elisha 
Perkins,  now  married  to  the  daughter  of  Captain  Donglas,  was  con- 
tinually gaining  public  confidence  and  popularity.  Elisha  Paine  of 
Canterbury,  sou  of  the  distinguished  Separate  minister,  had  removed 


T2  HISTOKY    OF    WIXUHAM    COUNTY. 

his  residence  to  I^laiiitield,  engaging-  in  the  practice  of  law,  and  marry- 
ing lillizabetli  Spalding.  Andrew  Backus  of  Norwich,  and  Daniel 
Claik  of  Preston,  were  new  and  helpfid  citizens.  At  the  town  meet- 
ing, December,  1705,  Elisha  Paine,  Esq,  served  as  moderator:  Isaac 
Coit,  James  Bradford,  James  Howe,  Josepli  Eaton  and  Elisha  Paine, 
were  chosen  selectmen ;  Major  Ezekiel  Pierce,  town  clerk  ;  John 
Pierce,  Elisha  Paine,  Lieut.  John  Douglas,  Dr.  Pobinson,  Azariah  and 
Jedidiah  8])alding,  Ehenczer  Kingshuiy,  Stephen  Warren,  William 
Cady  and  Timothy  Parkhurst,  highway  surveyors  ;  Reuben  and  David 
Shepard,  D.  Perkins,  Nathaniel  Deane  and  Simeon  Burgess,  listers  ; 
Captains  Eaton  and  Coit,  fence-viewers  ;  William  Park  and  Azariah 
Spalding,  leather-sealers  ;  William  Robinson  and  Joshua  Dunlap, 
grand-jurors ;  Samuel  Hall,  Joseph  and  Philip  Spalding  and  Simon 
Shepard,  tithing-men ;  Hezekiah  Spalding,  sealer  of  weights  and 
measui'es  ;  Ca[)tain  Cady,  toller  and  brander  of  hoi'ses.  Little  was 
done  at  this  meeting  but  to  make  provision  for  the  suppoit  of  schools, 
and  a  needy  fellow-citizen.  A  sul)ject  far  more  imjjortant  than 
schools  or  town's  poor  was  under  consideration.  The  religious  status 
of  the  town  was  most  unliappy.  More  than  two-thirds  of  its  inhabit- 
ants were  avowed  Separates  attending  upon  the  ministry  of  the  Rev. 
Alexander  Miller,  but  were  still  obliged  to  pay  taxes  for  the  benefit 
of  a  small  minority,  holding  possession  of  tlie  ancient  town  meeting- 
house. By  earnest  and  persistent  ap])eals  they  had  wiung  from  the 
Assembly  the  exemption  of  one-third  of  the  po])ulation  from  this  rate- 
payment  as  a  second  society,  but  this  still  left  n|)on  them  an  "  unrea- 
sonable burden."  The  remnant  of  the  First  cliurch  receiving  this 
com])alsory  tiibute  had  not  sufficient  vitality  to  supply  their  meeting- 
house with  a  minister.  The  Plainfield  Separate  church  was  a  respect- 
able and  orderly  body,  dilfering  little  from  the  orthodox  churches  of 
the  day,  except  in  opposing  the  support  of  the  ministry  by  taxation. 
The  ancient  bitterness  and  party  feeling  had  greatly  subsided,  and  it 
was  now  proposed  "  that  the  inhabitants  should  try  to  come  together 
and  have  but  one  meeting,  or  else  be  made  into  two  distinct,  inde- 
pendent societies."  A  town  meeting  was  called  early  in  1766,  to  con- 
sider this  proposition,  which  appointed  Benjamin  Wheeler,  William 
Bradford,  Isaac  Coit  and  others — 

'•  To  take  into  consideration  tlie  difficulties  subsisting  iu  town,  so  as  to 
unite  in  tlieir  principles,  so  as  to  all  join  together  iu  the  public  worship  of 
God  iu  oue  meeting,  or  any  other  way." 

This  committee  reported  in  favor  of  all  joining  together  iu  one 
church,  and  worshijjing  in  one  meeting-house.  The  voters  were  again 
convened  "to  see  which  church  they  would  join,  and  were  almost 
universally   inclined   to  j'oin    with     the    Separates."       The    Separate 


PLAINFIELD,    GENERAL    TOWN    AFFAIRS.  73 

meeting-house  was  liowever,  small,  shabby  and  quite  out  of  the 
main  route  of  travel,  while  the  old  town  meeting-house  was  ample 
and  accessible,  and  it  was  thereupon  voted  that  Mr.  Miller  should 
preach  in  the  latter  house  until  the  pul[>it  should  be  otherwise  supplied. 
Reinstated  after  so  many  years  in  this  ancient  house  of  worship,  the 
town  majoi-ity  willingly  voted  its  shingling,  glazing  and  general 
repairing.  Great  pains  were  taken  to  bring  back  the  whole  congre- 
gation but  it  was  found  impracticable.  Members  of  the  old  church 
objected  to  Mr.  Miller,  "  because  they  did  not  deem  the  Separate  mode 
of  ordination  valid."  Others  were  unwilling  to  sacrifice  their  standing 
as  an  independent  society  and  laid  their  grievances  before  the  Assem- 
bly, Oct.,  1767  :— 

"  Showing- that  Plainfield  was  made  two  societies;  that  the  First  society 
was  ill  a  deplorable  condition  and  had  been  for  several  years  destitute  of  a 
minister;  that  the  Second  society  worshipped  in  their  meeting-house,  had 
not  allowed  tlie  two-thirds  rate  and  tried  to  break  them  up." 

Hezekiah  and  Jabez  Huntington  and  Zebulon  West  were  thereupon 
appointed  a  committee  to  repair  to  Plainfield,  investigate  and  advise, 
who  decided  that  the  people  had  better  unite  and  agree  in  calling 
some  learned  and  orthodox  preacher — thereby  intending  to  exclude 
Mr.  Miller.  Notwithstanding  this  judgment  the  town  still  clung  to 
its  old  pastor.  Messrs.  Paine,  Wheeler  and  Coit,  Captain  Bradford 
and  Doctor  Wells,  after  earnest  conference  with  him  and  his  church 
"  to  see  how  far  they  would  condescend  in  i-egard  to  having  the  gospel 
preached,  so  that  the  whole  of  the  town  may  unite  and  attend  it," 
were  unable  to  agree  upon  a  satisfactory  l)asis.  Mr.  Miller  and  his 
followers  kept  possession  of  the  meeting-house  according  to  the  town 
vote,  and  thus  the  remnant  of  Plaintield's  first  church  was  shut  out 
from  its  ancient  house  of  worshi[>  and  deprived  of  religious  privileges. 
Again  the  first  society  laid  "  its  deplorable  state  "  before  the  Assem- 
bly. "  Second  society  would  not  pay  rates  according  to  agreement ; 
town  had  voted  that  the  Separate  preacher  should  preach  in  the 
meeting-liouse,  and  they  were  obliged  to  go  to  other  towns  on  Sutulay, 
and  therefore  prayed  tliat  tlie  old  agreement  might  be  maintained,  and 
liberty  still  allowed  them  to  lay  taxes  on  two  thirds  of  the  inhabitants." 
Captain  John  Douglas,  agent  of  the  town  to  oppose  this  memorial, 
alleged  the  following.  "  reasons  "  for  its  dismissal :  — 

"  1.  This  town  has  been  unhappily  divided  for  more  than  twenty  years,  to 
their  areat  hurt  and  dauiiige  in  their  civil  and  religious  interests,  owing  to 
the  rigid  exertion  of  the  ch-il  power  in  religious  matters  which  has  tended  to 
divide  and  separate  very  fiiends  and  brothers,  and  we  apprehend  the  grant- 
ing of  said  memorial  would  tend  to  augment  and  carry  them  to  a  greater 
hight;  did  not  consider  the  agreement  just  or  equable  but  it  was  the  best 
they  could  do  at  the  time;  should  say  that  more  than  two-tlnrds  of  the 
inhabitants  upon  a  serious  inquiry  aud  deliberate  consideration  and  con- 
10 


74  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

fereiice  with  each  other  upon  the  subject  of  i-cliirion,  and  the  way  and  manner 
of  worship,  were  nnanini(nisly  agreed  and  nnitrd  in  the^aMle;  tliat  V)ut  tifi y- 
foiir  appear  on  tiie  memorial,  representing  £2.0;)0,  and  against  it  were  tifty- 
nine  from  the  first  autl  sixty-three  from  the  second  society,  representing 
£7,123. 

Wlu-reupon  we  say,  that  it  would  be  most  unreasonable  and  unprecedented 
to  grant  the  prayer  of  said  memorialists,  and  instead  of  promoting  religion 
and  peace,  throw  us  into  the  greatest  confnsion  and  most  unhappy  conten- 
tions. But  as  there  seems  to  be  a  numl)er  who  cannoi  join  with  us,  we  are 
fully  willing  they  should  be  released  from  paying  anything  for  minister  or 
meeting-house,  and  be  made  a  distinct  society,  and  have  such  proportion  of  the 
old  meeting-house  on  equitable  terms,  each  person  to  belong  to  that  society 
he  chooses,  but  to  join  any  person  by  coercive  measures  we  are  peisuaded 
will  directly  tend  to  stir  up  contentious  and  dissensions.  May  18,  1768." 

The  Assembly  thereupon  appointed  Jonatlian  Trumbull,  Hezekiah 
Huiitingtou  and  Ztbulon  West  to  be  a  committee  to  endeavor  to  con- 
summate a  union,  and  by  tlieir  judicious  eft'orts  union  was  at  last 
happily  consummated.  Few  difficulties  could  withstand  the  concilia- 
toi-y  mediation  of  Jonathan  Tiumbttll.  Concessions  were  made  on 
both  sides.  The  odious  two-thirds  tax  was  forever  abolished.  As 
the  church  party  a  few  years  previous  dismissed  an  honored  minister 
for  the  sake  of  peace,  the  Separates  now  reluctantly  resigned  Mr. 
Miller.  Certain  modifications  were  admitted  in  the  church  covenant, 
bringing  it  nearer  the  pattern  of  the  Cambridge  Platform,  and  both 
churches  united  in  choice  of  Mr.  John  Fuller  for  their  pastor,  pi-o- 
vided  he  would  publicly  eschew  certain  Separate  errors,  and  obtain  a 
regular  ministerial  ordination.  Mr.  Fuller  was  a  native  of  Lebanon, 
an  earnest  Christian  laborer,  then  preaching  acceptably  to  the  Separate 
church  of  Bean  Hill,  Norwich.  Willing  to  assist  in  healing  the 
breach,  Mr.  Fuller  accepted  the  call  upon  those  terms  and  signed  the 
following  declaration  : — 

"  I  believe  that  some  separations  if  they  had  been  conducted  in  a  regular 
manner  might  have  been  jnstitied,  but  the  separations  in  general  are  not 
justitiable,  especially  in  the  manner  of  them,  as  they  have  been  attended  by 
many  spurious  notions  which  excel  in  them  and  party  spirit,  as  well  as  many 
irregular  practices.  And  notwithstanding  I  have  borne  a  pnbiic  testimony 
against  their  rash  and  uncharitable  dispositit)ns  and  conduct;  yet  I  am  fully 
sensible  that  I  have  in  several  instances  countenanced  and  encouraged  iliem 
in  their  precipitant  way  and  manner  of  separating — the  which  I  ougiit  not 
to  have  done;  for  which  I  hope  Heaven's  pardon  and  forgiveness,  and  the 
forgiveness  of  all  God's  people  whom  I  have  ofl'ended,  ai.d  desire  their 
prayers  that  I  may  have  wisdom.  And  it  is  my  desire  to  unite  with  the 
regular  ministers  and  churches  ol  Christ  in  anything  wherein  we  are  agreed, 
and  to  forbear  one  another  in  love  in  cii'cumstantial  matters  wh<;rein  we  can- 
not be  perfectly  united.  •  John  Fuller. 

PlainfieU,  Feb.  2,  1769." 

A  council  of  ministers  chiefly  from  Massachusetts  called  by  the 
ttniting  brethren  accepted  this  declaration,  and  aided  in  the  installment 
of  Mr.  Fuller.  Its  proceedings  were  thus  reported  by  the  New  Lon- 
don Gazette : — 

"On  the  3d  instant.  Rev.  John  Fuller  was  ordained  over  the  church  in 
Plaiutield.     Rev.  Mr.  Hart  of  Prestou,  preached  from  Psalm  cxxxiii.,  showing, 


PLAINFIELD,    GENERAL    TOWN    AFFAIRS.  75 

1,  Nature  of  Christian  union;  2,  Wherein  this  union  doth  consist;  3.  Fruit 
and  ertects  of  this  union — all  conducted  in  a  decent  and  (uost  solemn  manner. 
N.  B.— Occasion  of  Mr  Harts  preachluy;  from  this  text  was  on  account  of 
the  happy  Union  come  into  l)y  the  two  churches  of  this  town,  and  the  nauies 
Old  and  New  swallowed  up  iu  most  auilcable  union." 

Peace  Avas  thus  hap|»ily  restored  after  more  than  thirty  years  of  con- 
flict. Wliile  all  parties  were  satisfied  the  Separates  had  especial  cause 
for  i-ejoicing.  Tliey  had  achieved  the  object  for  which  they  had  sepa- 
rated. A  minister  of  their  own  choice  and  persuasion  preached  to  the 
town  in  the  town  meeting-house,  and  assessment  for  his  sui)|)ort  was 
positively  prohibited.  Far  in  advance  of  her  generation  Plaintield  had 
soon  the  privilege  of  religious  freedom,  and  her  inhabitants  were  free 
to  attend  service  where  they  pleased  and  sujiport  minister  and  meeting- 
house wdthout  legal  coercion  or  interference.  Among  the  many  who 
welcomed  this  joyfid  reunion  was  our  old  friend,  iNIercy  Wheeler,  now 
Mrs.  Case,  reported  from  time  to  time  by  friendly  visitors  as  "  the 
same  pious,  thankful,  humble  woman,"  as  in  the  days  of  her  distressing 
infirmity  and  wonderful  deliverance.  Mr.  Miller,  when  released  from 
his  charge,  returned,  it  is  believed,  to  his  former  home  in  the  north  part 
of  Yoluntown,  and  lived  to  a  good  old  age  in  ))eace  and  happiness, 
respected  by  all  wdio  knew  him. 

As   religious  animosities  and  difficulties  subsided  the  town  resumed 
its  efforts  for  secular  improvement.     The  education   of   its  youth   had 
alvvays  enlisted  the  especial  sympathy  of  its  citizens.     In    1766  a  com 
niittee    was   appointed  to    lay    out    school    distiicts,    wdiich    thus    re- 
ported : — 

"1,  Flat  Rock  district,  bounded  south  on  Preston,  east  on  Voluutown;  2, 
Stone  Hill  district,  north  of  Flat  Rock;  8,  Goshen,  bounded  north  by  Moosup 
River,  south  by  Stone  Hill;  4,  South,  borderiiiii-  south  on  Preston,  west  on 
Canterbury;  5,  Middle,  extendiuo-  from  Mill  Brook  up  Main  street,  butting 
east  on  Stone  Hill;  6,  Black  Hill;  7,  Moo-up  Pond,  northeast  corucr;  8, 
Moosup  River;  9,  Shepard  Hill;  10,  Green  Hollow,  beginning  at  Snake  Meadow 
Brook  or  Killingly  line." 

Dr.  Perkins,  Daniel  Clark,  Stephen  Kingsbury,  Andrew  Backus, 
John  Howe,  Jonathan  Woodward,  Philip  Spalding,  Samuel  Warren, 
Samuel  Hall  and  Isaac  Allerton  were  appointed  a  committee,  one  for 
each  district,  to  see  that  the  schools  were  kept.  Although  the  immber 
of  teachers  and  schools  was  increased  by  this  arrangement,  the  leading 
men  of  the  town  were  not  yet  satisfied  with  their  attainments,  and  in 
1770  proceeded  to  form  an  association  "  for  the  purpose  of  providing 
improved  facilities  for  the  more  complete  education  of  the  youth  of  the 
vicinity."  They  erected  a  brick  school-house  of  respectable  size,  pro- 
cured teachers  of  a  higher  grade,  and  established  a  more  thorough  sys- 
tem of  instruction  in  common  English  branches,  but  were  unable  to 
organize  a  classical  department. 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


Roads  and  bridges  required  much  atteiition.  The  "  tedious  "  Quine- 
baug  was  still  fractious  and  turbulent,  necessitating  continual  bridge- 
building  and  repairing.  In  1763,  a  project  was  set  on  foot  for  enlarg- 
ing the  bed  of  this  stream  so  as  to  make  it  passable  for  boats.  A  con- 
vention was  held  in  Plainfield  to  consider  this  scheme,  which  was  at- 
tended by  most  of  the  leading  men  of  the  county,  who  expressed  their 
views  and  wishes  in  the  subjoined  memorial : — 


•'That  the  Qiiinebaug  Eiver  from  Danielsou's  Falls 
ties  itself  into  the  cove  at  Norwich,  thirty  miles,  is 
may  easily  be  made  passable  for  bo;its  to  pass  up  and 
some  four  hundred  pounds  to  be  laid  out  in  cleaning, 


Ebenezer  Gfrosveuor. 
Willard  Spalding. 
Silas  Hutchins. 
Benj.  Spalding. 
Jabez  Fitch,  Jan. 
John  Fitch. 
Samuel  Adams,  Jun, 
Joseph  Woodward. 
Andrew  Spalding. 
Jonas  Shepard. 
Nathan  Waldo. 
Daniel  Kee. 
Jabez  Fitcli. 
Edward  Wheeler. 
William  Danielson. 
3Iay  9,  1763." 


William  Robinson. 
Isaac  Shepard. 
Mason  Cleveland. 
John  Tyler. 
Samuel  Stewart. 
Jonathan  Parkhurst. 
Benjamin  Coit. 
Elisha  Paine. 
Ebenezer  Cady. 
Ebenezer  Robinson. 
Jeremiah  Cady. 
Theophilus  Clark. 
Benjamin  Spalding. 
Samuel  Danielson. 
John  Grosveuor. 


until  the  Thames  emp- 
so  flat  and  level  that  it 
down  at  the  expense  of 
and  pray  for  a  lottery. 
Nicholas  Parker. 
Benjamin  Wheeler. 
John  Smith. 
John  Dyer. 
Ezekiel  Pierce. 
Isaac  Coit. 
Hezekiah  Lord. 
James  Bradford. 
Joseph  Eaton. 
Benjamin  Backus. 
John  Larrabe. 
James  Cleveland. 
Robert  Jameson. 
Samuel  Huntington. 


Though  urged  by  men  of  such  position  and  influence  this  request 
was  denied.  In  1767,  the  bridge  over  the  Quinebaug  was  again  swept 
away  by  a  freshet,  when  the  town  voted  a  reward  to  the  Widow  Wil- 
liams for  heroically  saving  twenty  planks  of  the  same.  Captain  Eaton, 
Robert  Kinne  and  Isaac  Coit  were  appointed  to  oversee  its  rebuilding, 
and  others  were  employed  atter  its  completion  "  to  take  care  of  the 
new  bridge,  and  cut  away  ice  round  the  anchor."  The  constant  travel 
over  this  bridge  made  its  preservation  very  important.  The  great 
country  road  passing  through  Yoluntown  and  Plainfield  connected 
Providence  and  the  north  part  of  Rhode  Island  with  Hartford  and  the 
opening  regions  westward,  and  many  emigrants  were  now  toiling  over 
it  en  route  for  the  new  coimtries.  Special  orders  relative  to  the  re- 
newal and  maintenance  of"  the  Plainfield  road  "  were  issued  from  time  to 
time  by  the  Governments  of  Coimecticut  and  Rhode  Island.  A  road 
laid  out  from  this  highway  to  Butts  Bridge  now  accommodated  Nor- 
wich trav^el.  In  the  summer  of  1768  a  weekly  stage-coach  was  run 
over  it  from  Providence  to  Norwich,  exciting  much  wonder  and  ad- 
miration and  greatly  promoting  the  business  interests  of  Plainfield.  A 
spacious  tavern  house  for  the  accommodation  of  the  great  throng  of 
travelers  was  now  built  and  opened  in  Plainfield  Village  by  Captain 
Eaton,  which  became  a  very  noted  and  popular  resort.     Taverns  were 


PLAINFIELD,    GENERAL    TOWN    AFFAIRS.  77 

also  kept  in  other  parts  of  the  town  by  Thomas  Stevens,  Israel  Under- 
wood, and  others.  In  1771,  tlie  town  voted  to  provide  a  Itouse  for  tlie 
poor  and  a  proper  overseer.  The  few  Indians  still  left  in  town  were 
properly  cared  for  by  town  antliorities  or  benevolent  individnals.* 

The  great  exodns  to  the  new  countries  took  from  Plainfield  some 
valued  citizens.  A  number  of  respectable  families  joined  the  first  emi- 
grants to  Oblong  and  Nine  Partners.  Major  Ezekiel  Fierce  and  Cap- 
tain Simon  Spalding  wei'e  prominent  among  the  bold  men  who  took 
possession  of  Wyoming.  Elisha  Paine,  so  active  in  professional  and 
public  affairs,  lemoved  in  17(37  to  Lebanon,  New  Hampshire.  The 
township  of  Sharon,  Vermont,  was  purciiased  and  settled  by  a  Plain- 
field  colony.  Isaac  Marsh,  Willard  Sliepard  and  others  went  on  in 
advance,  selected  land,  built  huts,  sowed  grass  and  prepared  for  the 
main  body  of  emigiants.  William,  son  of  Captain  John  Douglas, 
though  but  a  lad  of  sixteen,  served  valiantly  iu  tlie  French  war,  and 
after  the  return  of  peace  took  command  of  a  merchant  ship  sailing  be- 
tween New  Haven  and  the  West  Indies,  making  his  residence  in 
Northford.  These  losses  were  in  some  degree  made  up  by  occasional 
new  settlers.  Timothy  Lester  of  Shepard  Hill,  Isaac  Knight  of  Black 
Hill,  were  among  its  acquisitions.  John  Aplin,  an  Englishman,  a  man 
of  much  learning  and  address,  who  had  gained  a  handsome  estate  by 
the  practice  of  law  in  Providence,  became  involved  in  political  and 
personal  controversies,  and  removed  to  Plainfield  about  17<!6.  John 
Pierce  succeeded  to  the  position  of  town  clerk  for  a  few  years,  and 
was  in  turn  succeeded  by  William  Robinson  in  1772. 


YIL 

TOWN  AFFAIRS    IN   KILLINGLY.     THOMPSON   PARISH.     PROGRESS 
IN  FIRST  SOCIETY.     SOUTH  KILWNGLY  CHURCH.     BAP- 
TIST CHURCHES  IN  THOMPSON  AND 
CHESTNUT  HILL. 

KILLINGLY  during  this  period  was  in  tlie  main  ]>eaceful  and  pros- 
perous. Despite  the  size  of  the  town  and  its  various  society 
divisions  its  general  affairs  were  carried  on  without  appai-ent  jealousy 
or  collision.     Town   offices  were  equitably  distributed  ;  general   town 


*The  provision  inacle  by  Mr.  Josluui  Whitney  for  his  nesro  servants  at  his 
decease  in  1761  shows  the  conscientious  scrnpiilousness  wiili  which  some  .i-ood 
men  of  that  day  fuitilled  the  responsibility  of  ownershi|).  Not  only  did  he 
malve  Sandy,  CaJsar,  Judith  with  their  childnMi  ah^iohitdij  free,  Ijnt  bequeathed 
to  each  household  six  acres  of  land,  stock  and  farming  tools;  gave  to  one  his 
"  oldest  little  Bible,"  and  to  the  (jther  several  good  booths;  enjoined  Sandy 
to  take  care  of  Bess,  his  wife,  and  give  her  decent  burial,  and  directed  Ctcsar 
and  Judith  "  to  see  that  their  children  were  iu  uo  ways  left  to  perish." 


78  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

meetinrrs  were  held  in  the  grent  meetinof-house  on  Killini^ly  TTill.  At 
the  annual  meeting  in  1760,  Samuel  Danielsoii  was  eliosen  moderator; 
Thomas  ]M()frat,  town  clerk  and  treasurer;  Pain  Converse,  Deacon  Dan- 
iel Davis,  Ebenezer  Larned,  Lieut.  Benjamin  Leavens,  James  Dike, 
selectmen  ;  Hezekiah  Cutler,  collector  of  country  rates ;  Benjamin  Mer- 
j'iam  and  Lieut.  William  Danielson,  constables ;  Jolin  Jacobs,  John 
Whitmore,  Phinehas  Lee,  Benjamin  Joslin,  Daniel  Alton,  John  Corbin, 
Francis  Carroll,  Nathaniel  Daniels,  Ensign  Benjamin  Cady,  Nell  Alex- 
ander, Joseph  Hutchins,  Jaazaniali  Whitmore,  John  Sprague,  highway 
surveyors ;  Eiuxih  Leonard,  E])liraim  Cady,  feiice-viewei's ;  Flezekiah 
Cutler,  Benjamin  Mei'riam,  William  Danielson,  collectors  of  town 
rates  ;  Zebediah  Sabin,  Moses  Winter,  Eliezer  Warren,  Joseph  Bate- 
man,  key-keepers  of  the  sevei'al  meeting-houses ;  Enoch  Leonard, 
leather-sealer  ;  David  Barrett,  Ensign  Joseph  Cutler,  Wyman  Hutch- 
ins. giand  jurors ;  Jacob  Bixby,  Ensign  Benj.  Cady,  Daniel  Winter, 
Ezekiel  Little,  Joseph  Newell,  tithing-men  ;  Samuel  Watson,  Richard 
Child,  John  Johnson,  Benjamin  Joy,  Daniel  Winter,  Abijali  Adams, 
listers ;  Joseph  Cady,  sealer  of  weights  and  measures ;  Ensign  Ed- 
ward Converse,  Joseph  Leavens,  Jun.,  James  Day,  horse-branders ; 
Captain  Michael  Adams,  collector  of  excise.  Ezekiel  Little,  Richard 
Bloss  and  Benajah  Spalding  were  admitted  inhabitants.  John  Sprague 
and  Simeon  Spalding,  residents  of  the  south  parish,  had  liberty  granted 
to  build  a  town  pound  to  accommodate  themselves,  and  also  keep  the 
same  in  repair  at  their  own  cost.  Money  for  "doctoring  Charite 
Priest "  was  granted  Dr.  Freeman. 

The  charge  of  its  poor  was  always  a  heavy  burden  ni)on  this  town- 
ship. Parts  of  its  territory  aiforded  but  a  scanty  support  for  its  inhab- 
itants, and  its  border  position  exposed  it  to  incursions  of  vagrants  and 
foreigners.  Li  a<ldition  to  its  own  poor  it  was  obliged  to  support  its 
quota  of  Acadian  refugees,  paying  sundry  sums  for  services  and  sup- 
plies to  the  Fieiich  peojjle.  In  1765,  it  was  voted,  "To  raise  one 
penny  a  pound  for  the  su])port  of  the  poor  of  said  town ;  also,  that  the 
persons  supporting  {he  poor  take  their  pay  in  specy,  i.  e.,  Lidian  corn, 
at  two  and  six[>ence  per  bushel  ;  rye  at  three  and  sixpence  ;  wheat, 
four  and  sixpence;  beans,  the  same;  salt  j)ork  without  bone,  one  shil- 
ling jH'i-  pound  ;  flax,  eightpence.  These  poor  people  were  then  scat- 
tered about  the  town  in  ttie  cliarge  of  the  lowest  bidder.  Li  1770,  a 
movement  was  nui<le  for  improving  their  condition  by  providing  a  per- 
manent habitation  under  the  care  of  responsible  persons.  It  was  voted 
by  the  town,  "That  Samuel  Watson  and  James  Dike  provide  a  work- 
house for  the  ])arish  of  Thompson,  and  be  masters  of  the  same ;  also, 
Capt.  Warren  to  pi'ovide  a  work-house  and  be  master  of  the  same  in 
like  manner  in  Killingly." 


TOWN    AFFAIRS    IN    KILLINCxLY,    ETC.  79 

Bridges  and  liighways  also  reciuiied'  much  care  and  legislation.  In 
17G7,  Biiant  and  Nathaniel  Brown  and  Benjamin  Leavens  were  ap- 
pointed "  to  join  with  Pomfret  gentlemen  in  repairing  the  bridge 
called  Danielson's."  However  well  repaiied  it  was  soon  canie<l  away 
by  a  freshet,  and  a  new  committee  appointed  in  1770,  "to  rebuild  our 
part  of  the  bridge  at  Cargill's  ^lills,  and  view  the  Quinebaug  above  and 
below  where  Danielson's  bridge  stood,  and  see  where  they  could  set  a 
bridge."  William  Danielson  was  allowed  twenty-nine  pounds  for  build- 
ing half  the  latter  bridge,  and  a  new  road  was  laid  out  from  it  to  Vol- 
untow^n.  In  1774,  the  Quinebaug  was  biidged  between  C'aiuiU's  and 
Danielson's,  near  the  residence  of  Deacon  Simon  Cotton.  Yaiious  new 
roads  were  gianted  from  time  to  time  in  Thom|)son  Parisli,  and  so 
mucli  space  in  the  town  book  was  occupied  by  returns  of  highway  sur- 
veyors that  after  au  unsuccessful  attempt  in  17.59  to  procuie  a  new 
record-book  these  returns  were  left  on  tile,  and  were  finally  scattered  or 
destroyed  so  that  the  laying  out  of  many  important  roads  cannot  now 
be  determined.  The  travel  upon  these  numerous  ways  was  accoimno- 
dated  in  various  noted  taverns  kept  by  John  Jacobs,  Benjamin  Wilkin- 
son, Edward  Converse,  Zebediah  Sabin,  John  Felshaw,  Ehenezer  Ear- 
ned, William  Danielson,  Nathaniel  Stone  and  others.  Medical  ]iracti- 
tioners  at  this  date  were  Doctors  Freeman,  Gleason  and  Cheney  in  the 
centre  and  south  parishes,  and  Dr.  Joseph  Coit  in  Tliompson.  Four 
hundred  families  were  reported  in  the  town  in  1767. 

The  north  parish  of  the  town  was  pi'ospering.  In  1760,  Jacob 
Dresser,  Esq.,  served  as  clerk  ;  Deacon  Lusher  Gay,  collector ;  Jacob 
Dresser,  Deacon  Simon  Earned  and  Ephraim  Guile,  committee.  The 
school  connnittee  were  Jacob  Di'esser,  Joseph  Averill,  Captain  Henry 
Green,  Daniel  Kussel,  Solomon  Bixby,  Deacon  Gay,  S(iuier  Ilascall 
and  James  F^uller.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Kussel  was  allowed  foui-  pounds  ten 
shillings  for  getting  his  own  wood  for  the  year ;  Josiah  Converse,  eight 
shillings  for  sweej)ing  the  meeting-house.  Additional  pew  accommo- 
dations were  still  ft)und  needful — Stephen  Crosby,  Nehemiah  Merrill, 
John  Ellithorpe,  Solomon  Oiinsbee,  Obadiah  Clough,  Asa  C^on verse, 
Benjamin  Joslin,  Thomas  Ormsbee,  William  Whittemore,  Jun.,  Wil- 
liam Bichards,  Eleazer  Child  and  P^rancis  Elliott  receiving  liberty  to 
build  a  pew  ''where  the  hind  seat  is  in  the  men's  side  galleiy,"  pro- 
vided it  "be  built  no  higher  than  the  hind  seat  is  now."  A  numl)er  of 
young  women  appeared  at  a  subsequent  meeting,  viz.  :  Bathsheba  Con- 
verse, Betta  Town,  Margaret  Town,  Dorothy  Bixby,  Susannah  Bixby, 
Mary  Hascall,  Jane  Crosby,  Mary,  Zerziah  and  Sarah  Joslin,  Sarah  Por- 
ter, Elizabeth  Knap  and  Susannah  Hascall,  desiring  the  privilege  of 
building  a  pew  upon  tlie  women's  side  gallery,  which  was  at  first 
granted,  but  upon  reconsideration  made  over  to  Joseph  Averill,  "  pro- 


80  HISTOEY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

vided  he  let  so  tnany  young  wdnien  liave  it  for  tlieir  seat  as  can  con- 
veniently set  in  it."  In  response  to  a  petition  from  Theophilus  and 
Samuel  Chandler,  Moses  Marcy,  William  Nelson,  Edward  15ugbee 
and  Benjamin  Wilkinson,  residents  west  of  the  Quinebaug,  in  the  north- 
west corner  of  the  society,  these  petitioners  with  their  lands  were  an- 
nexed to  the  north  society  of  Woodstock. 

The  i-enovation  of  the  school  districts  next  agitated  the  society. 
Stephen  and  Jose})h  I>rown,  Joseph  Town,  Samuel  Fuller,  Robert  and 
Ebenezer  Piince,  Jose[)h  and  Fiancis  Elliott  wei'e  leaders  in  this  move- 
ment, entering  their  dissent  against  the  society's  proceedings  in  regard 
to  schools.  Michael  Adams,  Pain  Converse,  Stjuier  Hascall,  James 
Dike  and  William  Alton  were  appointed  a  committee  to  "  vewe  the 
districts"  and  see  if  they  thought  best  to  make  any  alterations.  They 
recommended  the  setting  off  of  ten  school  districts,  and  selected  a  suit- 
able site  in  each  for  a  school  house.  Each  district  was  designated  by 
the  name  of  some  central  or  prominent  inhabitant.  The  first  district 
— Landlord  Converse's — included  Thompson  Hill  and  vicinity  ;  school- 
house  "to  stand  betwixt  Landlord  Converse's  and  the  Widow  Flint's, 
at  the  end  of  the  lane  where  Samuel  Converse  comes  out  into  the  coun- 
try rhoad."  The  south  neighborhood  was  designated  "  Capt.  Adams' 
district."  Captain  Green's  district  embraced  Quaddie  and  its  vicinity ; 
school-house  betwixt  tlie  houses  of  Ebenezer  and  Amos  Green.  Nathan 
Bixby's  included  Brandy  Hill ;  school-house  near  by  Sergeant  Timothy 
Cooper's  ;  Samuel  Stone's  occupied  the  northeast  corner  of  the  society, 
extending  from  Joseph  Munyan's  to  Illiode  Island  line  ;  thence  to  and 
upon  the  Bay  line  to  Captain  Cutler's;  thence  south  to  John  Jacobs'; 
school-house  upon  Isaac  Burril's  land  near  the  river.  Joseph  Brown's 
district  lay  west  of  Stone's,  including  Porter's  farm  ;  "  school-house 
near  the  little  Pond  upon  the  rhoad."  Squier  Ilascall's  was  still  far- 
ther west  upon  the  Bay  line,  with  school -house  "  near  where  said  Has- 
call crosses  the  mill  rhoad  in  coming  to  meeting."  Nathaniel  Crosby's 
embraced  both  sides  of  French  Kiver,  from  Nathaniel  Mills'  to  Ebene- 
zer Prince's ;  school-house  about  half-way  between  old  Mr.  Elliott's 
and  Joseph  Elliott's.  John  Ilewlet's  extended  from  John  Younglove's 
north  to  the  Bay  line,  thence  west  to  the  Quinebaug,  embracing  a  strip 
four  or  five  miles  in  length  east  of  that  river;  school-house  "  to  stand 
whei-e  it  is."  Lastly,  Esq.  Dresser's  district  was  "  bounded  as  follows  :  All 
upon  the  west  side  of  Quinebaug  River,  and  including  Joseph  Nichols, 
Henry  Meirill,  John  Russel,  Jonathan  Eaton,  Marston  Eaton,  all  upon 
the  side  of  the  said  river,  "and  it  was  the  opinion  of  the  commit- 
tee, "that  to  have  the  school-house  in  the  senter  will  not  accommodate 
this  district  well,  it  lays  so  ilconveniant,"  but  that  it  would  be  best  to 
keep  the  school  at  two  places ;  one  at  the  W^idow  Hibbard's,  or  there- 


TOWN    AFFAIRS    IN    KILLINGLY,    ETC.  81 

abouts;  and  the  other  at  the  house  where  the  Widow  Commins  did 
live,  or  thereabouts — two  months  at  each  phice,  and  draw  one-(|uarter 
more  money  than  other  districts." 

This  report  was  accepted,  Sept.  23,  1702,  and  the  lines  established 
as  soon  as  practicable,  thouL;,-h  some  difficulty  was  found  in  carry  in  ij;-  out 
the  designs  of  the  committee.  Several  of  the  desio-nated  sites  were 
unsatisfactory.  A  pitiful  petition  was  presented  from  "  inhabitants  in 
the  northwest  part  of  the  district  called  Hewlet's,"  sliowing  '•  tliat  thev 
have  been  overlooked  by  the  committee,  who  supposed  that  no  one 
lived  northwest  of  a  certain  great  hill  but  Clement  Corl)iii,  whereas 
there  vvei-e  ticelve  families  there  so  remote  from  that  sciiool-liouse  that 
they  could  not  send  their  children  there  to  school  and  had  but  little 
or  no  benefit  (the  most  none  at  all)  of  the  school  kept  there,  and 
never  had  any  of  the  loan  money,  and  not  so  much  of  tiie  tax  money 
as  tliey  did  pay."  Captain  Clement  Corbin  and  his  son  Clement, 
Samuel  Palmer,  Elijah  and  Ezra  Corbin,  Benjamin  Morris,  John 
Whitmore,  Joseph  Winter,  Maik  Clawell,  John  Webster  and  Benja- 
min P^iirbanks,  inhabitants  living  northwest  from  the  aforesaid  "great 
hill,"  were  accoixUngly  set  otf  as  '■  Ca})tain  Corbin's  disti'ict."  Scliool- 
house  sites  wei-e  changed  to  accommodate  other  districts  and  in  time 
the  new  system  was  satisfactorily  established.  Escpaire  Di'esser's 
district  was  divided  in  1772,  the  south  part  retaining  the  old  name  ; 
the  north  to  be  known  as  Perrin's  district. 

The  enlargement  of  the  meeting-house  next  claimed  the  attention  of 
the  society,  xifter  some  ineffectual  attempts  to  ]»rucure  a  vote  fur  a 
new  one,  it  was  voted,  Feb.  16,  1769  : — 

"  1.  To  put  in  a  piece  of  fourteen  feet  in  the  middle  of  the  ineetiiig-house, 
cuttiug  the  same  iu  two,  and  tilliug  up  the  suae  by  leni^theniiig  the  scats. 

2.  To  finish  the  meeting-house  by  clapboarding  the  same. 

3.  That  the  money  in  Collector  Hascall's  hands  slioald  be  forth  with  eol- 
lected  and  laid  out  for  stutl"  {'or  the  meeting-house. 

4.  Likewise  the  money  in  the  old  coilector's  hands  to  I)e  forthwith  col- 
lected, and  laid  out  upon  the  meeting-house. 

5.  Also  voted  and  chose  Jacob  Dresser,  Benjamin  Wilkins(jn  and  Samuel 
Watson,  a  committee  to  take  the  money  aud  do  the  meeting-house." 

The  committee  proceeded  to  bisect  the  hoi;se  as  ordered,  move  one 
of  the  severed  halves  and  insert  the  tburteen-foot  strip.  This  feat 
being  accomplished  after  some  delay  and  difficulty,  it  was  next  deci<led 
"  to  culler  our  meetingdiouse,"  and,  having  perhaps  seen  the  folly  of 
following  their  own  architectural  devices,  they  resumed  their  ancient 
practice  of  copying  their  neighbors,  and  further  voted,  "  that  the  cuUer- 
ing  of  the  body  of  our  meeting  house  should  be  like  Pomfret,  and  the 
Ptoff  should  be  cullered  Read."  The  previous  committee  were  em- 
powered to  accomplish  the  coloring,  aud  also  to  sell  the  refuse  stuff  that 
11 


82  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

should  be  left  and  the  old  glass.  The  filling  up  tlie  inserted  strip  with 
suitable  seats  was  a  work  of  great  difficulty.  Votes  for  pew-si)ots  were 
passed  and  revoked.  June  4,  1770,  four  jjew-spots  were  granted;  one 
east  side  the  [julpit  to  Nathaniel  and  Stephen  Crosby,  west  side  to 
Ephraiin  Guile  ;  a  spot  west  side  the  great  or  south  doors  to  Deacon 
Jonathan  Clough  and  his  son  Obadiah,  east  side  to  Samuel  Watson — 
the  grantees  to  build  the  pews,  finish  the  meeting-house  up  to  the 
gallery,  maintain  the  glass  and  pay  the  parish  ten  pounds.  P'rancis 
Elliott,  William  Whittemore,  Jun.,  Asa  Converse,  Daniel  Davis, 
Jonathan  Firman,  Calvin  Gay,  Davis  Flint  and  Briant  Brown,  Jun., 
were  also  allowed  to  lengthen  out  the  front  i)ew  in  the  men's  gallery 
at  their  own  charge  for  their  own  seat.  Otlier  pew-spots  were  obtained 
the  following  year  by  taking  up  "the  two  hin<l  seats  in  the  men's  and 
women's  side, "  and  this  piocess  of  demolition  and  leconstruction  went 
on  until  the  old  "  body  of  seats "  was  replaced  by  capacious  pews, 
handsomely  finished  and  surmounted  by  balustrades,  tl>e  balusters  of 
which  were  so  wide  apart  that  an  investigating  child  could  thrust  its 
head  between  them.  A  broad  alley  extended  from  the  great  double 
south  door  to  the  pulpit,  with  cioss  alleys  to  the  "  men's  and  women's 
doors,"  on  the  east  and  west  sides  of  the  house,  and  little  twenty- 
inch  alleys  meandeied  among  the  pews  "for  the  people  to  go  into  the 
seats.'  In  1771,  it  was  voted  "to  plaister  the  inside  of  said  meeting- 
house antl  pint  the  under-pinning;"  Samuel  Watson  appointed  to  keep 
the  key,  and  ten  shillings  allowed  for  sweeping.  Two  years  later  a 
special  committee  was  chosen,  "  to  take  care  of  said  meeting  house,  and 
to  prosecute  any  person  or  persons  that  shall  hurt  or  damage  said 
meeting  house,  or  open  the  same  without  leave  or  consent  from  said 
committee  or  the  key-keeper."  Jacob  and  Benjamin  Converse  and 
Ebenezer  Gay  were  now  appointed  choristers,  and  Joel  Converse  ar.d 
Thaddeus  Larned — son  of  Simon — requested  to  assist  the  above  "in 
tuning  the  psalm."  The  large  meeting-house  \vas  ever  well-filled  with 
hearers.  The  various  rough  "ways"  leading  to  Thompson  Ilill  were 
thronged  on  Sunday  with  the  multitudes  coming  uj)  to  worship — the 
older  men  mostly  on  horseback  with  their  wives  and  daughters  on  a 
pillion  behind  them,  and  troops  of  young  peojjle  on  foot.  Mr.  Russel 
continued  to  preach  to  the  acceptance  of  the  church  and  people,  and 
was  greatly  beloved  and  respected  by  all.  In  proof  of  this  affectionate 
regard  it  is  told  of  one  good  sister  of  the  church  that  in  treating  her 
pastor  to  the  rare  luxury  of  a  cup  of  tea  she  attempted  to  higliten  the 
favor  by  half  filling  the  teacup  with  molasses.  "  Stop,  stop,  my  good 
lady  !  "  besought  the  alainied  divine.  "  Plenty,  plenty,  I  assui'e  you." 
"  Ah,"  replied  the  worthy   dame  with  another  douse  into  the  teacup, 


TOWN    AFFAIRS    IN    KILLINGLT,    ETC.  83 

"  Clear  molasses  an't  too  good  for  Mr.  linssel,''* — a  saying  greatly 
commended  and  handed  down  to  succeeding  generations  as;  ex])ressing 
the  proper  sentiment  of  a  native  Thompsonian  towaids  liis  minister. 
Regard  for  this  dignitary  was  indeed  one  of  the  finnhimental  articles 
of  his  creed  at  that  period.  He  took  hiiu  for  life,  for  better  or  worse, 
and  would  as  soon  have  thought  of  rhaiir/lug  his  religion.  Jacob 
Dresser,  Esq.,  Lusher  Gay  and  Simon  Lamed,  still  served  as  deacons. 
Other  improvements  followed  the  renovation  of  the  meeting  house. 
Sabin's  "old  red  tavern"  had  passed  to  nenjamin  Wilkinson,  who  after 
some  ten  years  occu|;)atiou  of  the  Morris  faiMu  on  the  Quinebaug,  had 
been  induced  to  make  sale  of  it  to  Mr.  John  Ilolbrook  of  Woodstock. 
Making  preliminary  reconnoissance  in  the  guise  of  "a  shabby  old 
traveler,"  Ilolbrook  carelessly  asked  the  price  of  the  fai'm,  and  to  the 
great  astonishment  of  Mr.  Wilkinson,  appeared  a  few  days  afterwards 
"  with  a  bag  full  of  gold  and  silver,"  ready  to  bargain  and  take  posses- 
sion. Amused  at  his  promi)tness  and  ever  eager  for  trade  and  change, 
Wilkinson  yielded  the  farm  and  purchased  the  Sabin  Tavern  on  Thomp- 
son Hill,  where  his  energy  and  public  spirit  found  ample  e.xercise. 
Under  his  auspices  the  open  broken  land  about  the  meeting  house  was 
transformed  into  a  comfortable  common  and  tiaining-tield.  He  cut 
down  the  brush,  dragged  off  stones  and  dug  out  the  relics  of  aboriginal 
tree-stumps.  The  dilapidated  pound  was  "i-ectified  "  and  an  extensive 
peach  orchard  set  out  east  of  the  common.  Mr.  Wilkinson  was  accus- 
tomed to  plant  a  jjeach  stone  by  every  rock  upon  his  premises,  and  also 
along  the  roadside,  that  boys,  travelers  and  church-comers  might  have 
a  free  supply.  LTnder  his  skillful  administration  the  old  tavern-stand 
became  more  popular  than  ever,  and  was  a  [jlace  of  great  resort  for 
public  meetings  and  nierry-makings.  In  winter  time  it  served  as  a 
"  Sabba-day-house "  for  the  shivering  congregation,  glad  to  find 
warmth  by  its  glowing  hearth,  and  perhaps  something  more  stimulat- 
ing. On  one  occasion  only  its  proprietor  incurred  censure.  As  a 
native  of  Rhode  Island,  his  views  of  Sabbath-keeping  were  less  strict 
than  those  of  his  neighbors,  but  he  had  never  been  detected  in  any 
overt  transgression  till  one  particular  Sunday,  when  all  through  the 
service  the  congregation  was  disturbed  by  what  seemed  the  creaking 


*  It  should  be  said  that  this  story  is  not  peculiar  to  Thompson.  Other  old 
ladies  iu  other  Windham  (bounty  towns  boast  a  like  lavishment  of  supprtliioiis 
sweetness.  A  good  story  often" tiuds  so  many  claimants  that  it  is  didiciilt  to 
decide  upon  the  true  author,  but  in  tliis  instance  the  credit  clearly  accrues  to 
Thompson.  Not  only  is  the  name  nnd  service  of  "  old  Miss  Clutf"  stdl  held 
in  iirateful  remembrance,  but  it  receives  farther  corroboration  from  the 
acknowledged  proclivity  of  the  Thompsonians  for  both  mini.'^tcrs  and  mnlassp-<. 
The  arrivafof  tlie  tirst'  hogshead  of  this  favorite  luxury  was  celel)rated  with 
public  rejoicings,  and  all  the  boys  of  the  vicinity  were  allowed  a  free  treat  in 
houor  of  the  occasion. 


84  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

of  a  very  rusty-handled  grindstone  npon  his  premises.  Even  Mr. 
Wilkinson  conld  not  be  indulged  in  such  an  outrage,  and  ])roper  offi- 
cials waited  upon  him  at  inteiinission  and  solemnly  called  him  to 
account  foi-  it.  The  suspected  culprit  ])romptly  denied  the  charge. 
"  Wliy,  we  hear  it  now,"  retorted  liis  accusei'S,  as  the  long-drawn  creak 
became  more  distinctly  audible.  "Come  and  see  for  youi-selves," 
re])lied  the  smiling  landloid,  leading  them  into  his  dooryard  and 
formally  presenting  to  them  a  pair  of  Guinea  hens,  (the  first  brought 
to  Thompson),  whose  doleful  ci  ies  aggravated  by  homesickness  had 
subjected  their  owner  to  so  serit)us  an  imputation. 

While  so  useful  and  active  in  the  standing  society  Mr.  Wilkinson 
was  equally  ready  to  extend  his  aid  to  other  orders.  The  Six-Principle 
Baptist  Church,  so  eaily  established  in  Thompson,  after  many  struggles 
and  trials  became  extinct  about  1770,  upon  the  removal  of  its  pastor 
and  some  leading  brethren  to  Eoyalston.  Most  of  the  Baptists  that 
remained  were  connected  with  the  church  of  Leicester,  Mass.  Attend- 
ance upon  worship  at  such  a  distance  was  found  very  burdensome  ; 
Baptist  sentiments  Avere  becoming  more  ])opulai',  the  heavy  tax  levied 
for  repairing  the  meeting-house  on  Thom|;ison  Hill  excited  much  dis- 
satisfaction, and  many  persons  declared  their  willingness  to  support  a 
difierent  worship.  A  number  of  persons  accordingly  came  together, 
Nov.  17,  1772,  and,  "in  consideration  of  the  love  and  unity"  they  had 
for  the  Baptist  constitution  and  way  of  worsliip,"  declared  their  purpose 
by  the  help  of  God  to  make  it  their  general  practice  of  public  worship, 
and  their  willingness  to  be  helpful  in  building  tlie  cause  of  God  in  that 
way  either  by  building  a  house  for  public  worship  or  in  settling  a  tnin- 
ister,  and  any  otlier  necessary  charge  according  as  they  were  able,  and 
found  in  their  minds  to  be  duty  according  to  Scripture  record,  not  be- 
lieving that  thei'e  ought  to  be  any  compulsion  in  such  cases  or  carnal 
sword  used."  This  agreement  was  signed  by  about  seventy-five  sub- 
scribers, many  of  thtni  men  of  established  character  and  comfoitable 
circumstances.  Mi-.  John  Martin  of  Rehobotli,  was  then  chosen  to 
preach  to  them  on  trial,  an  earnest  and  "gifted"  preacher,  of  such  re- 
pute at  this  period  that  lie  had  the  honor  of  preaching  the  funeral  ser- 
mon of  Elder  Thomas  Green  of  Leicester,  one  of  the  fathers  in  the 
Baptist  ministry. 

Service  was  maintained  through  the  winter  in  private  houses,  and  in 
June  a  meeting  was  called,  and  it  was  found  that  they  were  ready  "to 
settle  into  church  state."  It  was  agreed  to  meet  in  forenoon,  June  17, 
"  for  public  worship,  and  in  the  afternoon  to  tell  of  our  experience  of 
God's  grace  which  he  hath  wrought  in  our  souls  to  each  other,"  and  so 
much  had  they  to  tell  that  it  occupied  another  summer  afternoon. 
August  26,  they  agreed  to  send  a  petition  to  the  church  in  Leicester  to 


TOWN"    AFFAIRS    TN    KILLTNGLT,    ETC.  85 

get  leave  to  embody  as  a  distinct  fhuvch.  James  Dike  was  a]i]iointed 
to  wiite  the  petition,  and  with  Ebenezer  Gieen  caiTv  it  to  tlie  Ltices- 
ter  church.  Their  request  was  granted,  and  on  Sept.  !).  the  petitioners, 
i.  e.,  Widow  Deborah  Tony,  Mary  Green,  Elizabetli  At  well,  Sarah 
White,  Widow  Deborah  Davis,  Lydia  Hall,  Ilannali  Jdues,  James 
Dike,  Ebenezer  Green,  Jonathan  Munyan,  Levi  White,  Thaddens  Allen, 
John  While,  together  with  John  Martin,  John  Atwell,  John  Pratt, 
James  Coats  and  Levisa  Martin,  "  firstly  gave  ourselves  to  the  Loid, 
and  to  each  other,  and  signed  a  written  covenant."  The  progressive 
and  liberal  spirit  of  these  brethren  is  shown  in  the  position  accorded  to 
the  female  membeis,  who  were  given  ])recedence  in  signature  to  peti- 
tion and  covenant  instead  of  coming  in  at  a  later  date  as  was  then  cus- 
tomary among  the  standing  churches,  and  also  in  their  leniency  towards 
those  who  still  held  to  the  practices  of  the  Six-Principle  Baptists,  as 
manifested  in  the  last  article  of  their  Confession  of  Faith,  viz  : — 

"And  since  singirg  of  Psalms,  and  tlie  laying  on  of  hands,  and  the  washing 
effect  is  practiced  in  .some  of  the  churches  of  the  saints,  and  .some  there  are  that 
doth  not  practice  two  of  these,  to  wit,  the  laying  on  of  hands  and  wa>hing  of 
feet,  which  makes  a  separation  between  each  party  since  some  l;rellireu  aie 
tender  on  these  points  and  don't  see  so  clearly. tln-ongh  that  practice,  we  do 
unanimously  consent  and  agree  to  bear  with  each  other's  judgments  on  that 
account,  so  that  there  may  be  free  and  full  liberty  without  otleuce  to  each 
other  to  practice  or  forbear  the  same." 

On  the  day  of  organization  the  church  invited  Mr.  Martin  to  assume 
its  pastoral  care.  On  Sept.  21,  the  society  concuried  in  the  call  with 
"not  one  vote  to  the  contrary."  After  ascertaining  that  all  previous 
difficidties  were  settled,  and  agreeing  that  if  any  church  member  shoitld 
ever  bring  up  these  buried  difficulties  "  he  should  be  dealt  with  as  a 
transgressor,"  Mr.  Martin  "gave  his  answer  in  the  positive."  James 
Dike  and  Ebenezer  Green  were  chosen  to  serve  the  churcli  in  the  office 
of  deacon,  and  in  case  enough  should  not  be  brought  in  to  supply  the 
wants  of  the  ordaining  council  were  to  provide  for  the  lack  at  the  ex- 
pense of  the  church.  Ordination  services  were  held  Nov.  3,  1773, 
under  a  large  apple-tree  near  the  Jacobs  Tavern.  Prei)aratoiy  exami- 
nation of  the  candidate  at  the  house  of  Deacon  Dike  was  satisfactory. 
Elder  Ledoit  began  the  public  service  with  prayer.  "  A  sermon  suit- 
able to  the  occasion  was  preached  from  Phil.  1  :  IH,  by  Elder  [Isaac] 
Backus;  Elder  Green  [of  Charlton]  gave  the  charge,  and  Elder  Winsor 
[of  Gloucester]  the  right  hand  of  lellowsliip.  The  wlnile  was  conducted 
with  decency  and  order."  A  biother  was  soon  bajjtized  into  the  fel- 
lowship of  the  church.  Dec.  9,  the  deacons  were  formally  inducted  into 
office  with  appropriate  solemnities.  It  had  been  previously  decided 
that  each  of  these  worthy  church  officers  had  a  gift  of  prayer  and  ex- 
hortation that  ought  to  be  improved  for  the  benefit  of  the  church,  but 


86  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

they  were  "  not  to  rise  up  of  their  own  })ea<l  and  open  a  meeting  by 
prayer  witliout  invitation  from  the  elder,  and  thougli  tliey  nii^ht  with- 
out ot^ence  after  sermon  if  tliey  saw  any  point  that  they  could  advance 
any  furtlier  upon  agreeable  to  what  had  been  said  improve  such  oppor- 
unity,  yet  if  the  church  in  general  should  judge  that  they  did  not  ad- 
vance anything  forward  or  give  some  further  light  they  should  be 
gently  reproved,  and  if  after  repeated  attempts  and  reproofs  they  failed 
to  give  light,  they  were  to  be  silenced."  In  the  face  of  such  judicial 
scrutiny  and  requisitions  Deacon  Dike  managed  to  exhort  to  such  gen- 
eral enlightenment  and  satisfaction  that  in  the  following  year  he  was 
formally  licensed  to  preach,  and  still  later  the  vote  was  "  crost  out  " — 
the  church  expiessing  its  willingness  that  they  or  any  other  brethren 
"should  improve  accoi'ding  to  the  ability  that  God  shall  give  at  proper 
times  and  seasons  as  the  church  shall  judge." 

The  society  meantime  had  carried  out  its  purpose  of  building  a  house 
for  public  worship,  having  first  voted  "to  allow  the  Baptist  Church  the 
decisive  vote  in  choosing  her  gifts  to  improve  in  the  meeting-house,"  or 
in  other  words  granting  its  occupancy  and  control  to  the  church.  Half 
an  acre  of  land  "in  the  fork  of  the  roads  where  Oxford  and  Boston 
roads  meet "  was  given  to  the  society  by  Mr.  Benjamin  Wilkinson, 
"  for  the  love  and  fiiendship  he  has  to  the  Baptist  people  of  Killingly, 
....  so  long  as  they  do  use  the  same  for  a  meeting-house  lot."  The 
society  committee,  Ezekiel  Smith,  Ebenezer  Starr  and  Jonathan  ]Mun- 
yan,  had  charge  of  building  the  house  which  was  ready  for  occupation 
in  the  summer  of  1774.  Many  were  added  to  the  church  in  this  and 
subsequent  years. 

Though  Thompson  was  now  sending  men  and  families  "  to  the  new 
countries  "  her  po])ulation  was  increasing.  The  influx  was  yet  more  than 
the  outflow.  Jonathan  Aldrich,  Abraham  Tourtellotte  and  Josiah 
Perry  removed  to  the  northwest  part  of  the  pai'ish  soon  after  1770. 
John  Holbrook,  Jun,,  and  Jason  Phipps  occupied  parts  of  the  old  Mor- 
ris farm  on  the  Quinebaug.  James  Wilson,  James  Rhodes,  Thomas 
Davis,  Simon  Ilowaid  and  Jeremiah  Barstow  settled  in  the  vicinity  of 
Brandy  Hill.  Andrew  Waterman,  Stephen  Blackmar  and  Stephen 
Bates  of  Scituate,  took  up  land  on  or  near  Rhode  Island  colony  line. 
Issachai'  Bates  of  Leicester,  in  1772,  purchased  a  farm  northwest  of 
Thompson  Hill,  land  fiist  laid  out  under  grant  to  Hum[)hrey  Davy. 
Jonathan  Nichols  of  Sutton  had  now  taken  possession  of  the  Sampson 
Howe  farm,  near  what  is  now  West  Thompson  Village.  Stephen 
Keith  had  bought  land  on  the  Quinebaug.  The  mill  privilege  at  the 
upper  falls  of  this  river,  flrst  improved  by  Deacon  Jonathan  Eaton, 
had  now  |)assed  to  his  sons,  John  and  Marson,  whose  Vjusiness  enter- 
prise rivalled  that  of  Captain  Cargill  at  the  lower  fall,  half  a  mile 


TOWN    AFFAIRS    IN    KILLINGLT,    ETC.  87 

below.  By  their  efforts  n  bridu'e  was  after  a  time  constrnctefl  upon  tlie 
site  of  the  subsequent  Khodesville  bridge,  and  a  new  road  laid  out  to 
Thompson  meeting  house.  The  old  road  winding  about  Park's  Hill 
had  hitherto  answei'ed  all  purposes,  but  with  increasing  business  a  more 
direct  route  was  demanded.  In  response  to  petitions  from  Paine  and 
Edward  Converse  and  John  Eaton,  Jacob  Dresser,  Esq.  and  Daniel 
Russel  were  appointed  a  committee,  who  laid  out  "a  road  troin  Captain 
Daniels'  land  to  another  highway  between  Landlord  Converse's  and 
Martha  Flint's"  in   1763.* 

The  brief  interval  of  peace  following  tlie  French  and  Indian  War 
was  marked  by  a  general  revival  of  business  and  commercial  enter- 
prise. Trading  vessels  again  traversed  the  seas  bringing  liack  foreign 
goods  in  exchange  for  colonial  products.  A  great  variety  of  useful 
and  fancy  articles  were  thus  brought  into  market,  and  a  furor  for  tiade 
broke  out  in  all  the  colonies.  Even  remote  inland  settlements  like 
Thonqison  caught  the  infection  and  engaged  in  various  business  opera- 
tions. Its  tirst  achievement  was  a  perambulating  vehicle  called  the 
Butter  Cart  that  roamed  all  over  the  parish  picking  up  butter,  eggs 
and  all  sorts  of  domestic  products  to  be  repaid  in  goods  from 
Boston.  Good  housewives,  hitherto  restricted  to  a  scant  supply  of 
absolute  necessities,  could  now  indulge  in  a  whole  row  of  pins  or  a 
paper  of  needles,  and  even  in  beads,  ribbons  and  tinery  foi'  their 
blooming  daughters,  and  many  were  the  ventures  sent  out  by  the 
freighted  ]5utter  Cart  whose  return  was  welcomed  as  if  it  bore  the 
treasures  of  the  Indies.  Daniel,  oldest  son  of  Samuel  Larned,  followed 
in  the  same  line,  merely  picking  up  at  first  all  the  suiplus  i)roduce  of 
the  South  Neighborhood,  but  in  a  few  years  he  was  joined  by  Mr. 
John    Mason    of  Swanzey,    and    the    business    was    greatly    extended. 

*As  roads  have  usually  some  definite  terminus  it  is  to  be  inferred  that  this 
road  as  laid  out  ran  into  and  joined  another  road  passing  through  "  Captain 
Daniels'  land,"  to  CargiU's  Mills,  at  the  Great  Falls  of  the  Quinel)ang.  There 
is  no  evidence  of  the  laying  out  of  this  valley  road,  but  many  hints  at  its  ex- 
istence, and  it  was  probably  "  trodden  out"  at  a  very  early  (.late  to  meet  the 
wants  of  travelers  and  incoming  settlers.  The  absence  of  early  town  records 
in  Killingly  makes  it  impossil)le  to  determine  the  original  laying  out  of  many 
important  roads.  A  way  through  Killingly  from  Plaintield  to  Boston  must 
have  e.xisted  as  early  as  16;J0,  but  when  or  how  it  was  constructed  has  not 
been  ascertained,  but  subsequent  alterations  in  it  prove  that  it  was  nearly 
identical  with  the  present  road  over  Putnam  Heights  and  Thonip>on  Hill. 
Allusions  in  old  deeds  show'  that  there  was  a  road  from  "  Hartford  to  Men- 
don,"  icesj  of  the  Quinebaug,  extending  north  from  the  Great  Falls  in  1703, 
but  this  seems  to  have  been  supers. 'ded  "by  another  road  east:  of  the  river,  and 
al50  east  of  i'rench  River,  which  it  followeil  closely,  connecting  with  the  Cou- 
uecticut  Path  in  the  uorth  part  of  Thompson.  That  iliis  road  to  Boston, 
"  abundantly  used,"  by  many  travelers,  did  not  cross  Thompson  Hill  is  evident 
from  the  necessity  of  having  special  roads  made  to  that  locality.  The  sonth 
part  of  the  road  of  17()3  has  been  discontinued,  but  the  greater  part  of  it  is 
still  intact  and  traversed  as  the  "old,"  middle,  or  "  mountaiu  road,"  between 
Putnam  and  Thompson. 


88  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Ao-ents  were  sent  fur  and  wide,  even  up  to  the  new  settlements  in 
northern  Massachusetts  and  Vermont,  buying  up  meat,  grain,  ashes 
and  any  marketable  product  to  be  exchanged  for  rum,  sugar,  molasses 
and  other  articles  in  Providence.  Foreign  goods  and  luxuries  became 
comparatively  cheaj)  and  abundant  in  consequence.  Tea,  once  so 
rare  that  nobody  knew  how  to  use  it,  and  after  general  consultatioQ 
over  the  first  sam])le,  decided  to  serve  it  up  as  "greens  "  for  dinner, 
now  took  its  place  as  a  grateful  beverage  on  festive  occasions.  Ginger, 
allspice  and  ciiniamon  came  into  common  use.  West  India  rum  flowed 
as  freely  as  cider  or  water,  and  as  for  molasses — it  became  so  cheap 
and  plentiful  that  a  poor  old  woman  could  treat  her  minister  accord- 
ing to  his  deserts,  and  little  boys  indulge  unstinted  in  the  favorite 
juvenile  dainty  of  the  neighborhood, — hot  roasted  potatoes  hastily 
soused  therein,  and  crammed  all  sizzling  and  dri[)ping  down  the 
throats  of  the  happy  urchins.  The  candy  of  later  generations  could 
scarcelv  furnish  so  toothsome  and  enjoyable  a  banquet. 

This  thriving  business  gave  a  new  impulse  to  the  south  part  of  the 
town.  New  families  were  drawn  there,  farms  rose  in  value,  wild  land 
was  taken  u[)  and  tine  house  serected.  Daniel  Larned  purchased  land 
west  of  the  country  road,  building  under  the  Great  Elm  set  out  by 
Edmond  Hughes,  the  former  proprietor.  Mr.  Mason's  residence  was 
soutiiward  on  tlie  line  between  the  parishes.  The  homestead  farm 
long  occupied  by  Joseph  Cady,  Esq.,  was  purchased  by  Darius  Sessions, 
deputy-governor  of  lihode  Island,  who  jnade  his  summer  residence 
here,  and  bi-ought  it  under  high  cultivation.  The  farm  adjoining  owned 
by  the  first  William  Larned,  was  sold  by  his  heirs  with  dwelling-house 
and  taiin  to  Isaac  Park  of  Pomfiet,  in  1761.  Land  on  Park's  llill  as 
it  was  now  calh'd,  and  in  other  localities,  was  purchased  by  Daniel 
and  Simon  Davis  of  Killingly,  who  both  removed  to  Thompson  Parish. 
This  increase  of  business  and  population  made  the  parish  restive.  At 
its  first  organization  it  had  asked  for  town  privileges,  and  after  forty 
years  suspension  the  petition  was  renewed.  At  a  general  toWn  meet- 
ing called  "to  see  if  it  be  the  mind  of  said  town  to  be  divided,  viz.: 
the  middle  and  south  parishes  to  be  made  into  one  town,  and  Thomp- 
son I'arish  to  be  made  into  one  town,"  it  was  voted  "  that  Thompson 
Palish  be  set  off  as  a  town,  and  that  Jacob  Dresser,  Esq.,  be  agent  to 
prefer  a  memorial  to  the  General  Assenibly  that  Tiiompson  be  made  a 
town."'     Tliis  memoi'ial  represented  : — 

"  Tliat  tlie  town  of  Killiii^lv  was  nearly  sixteen  miles  long  ....  and 
divickcl  into  three  societies.  Tlioinpsoii  I'.irish  not  so  hiri^e  in  dimensions 
but  more  on  the  li>t  than  the  other  two.  riace  for  holdiiiir  town  meetings  at 
the  middle  society— many  have  to  travel  ten  and  eleven  miles,  making  iheir 
situation  extremely  burtheusome.  Petitioners  knowing  their  burthens  by 
experience  at  a  legal  town  meeting  voted  to  have  the  north  society  made  a 
town  by  the  name  of  Watertovvu,  two  south  societies  remaiuins  Killingly." 


TOWN    AFFAIRS    IN    KILLINGLT,    ETC.  89 

Although  a  majority  of  the  voters  favored  division  and  were  repre- 
sented in  this  memorial  their  request  was  denied.  The  petitioners  were 
residents  of  the  north  and  south  extremities  of  the  town.  The  inhabit- 
ants of  Killingly  Hill  and  Thompson's  South  Neighborliood,  includ- 
ing many  leading  citizens,  opposed  division,  and  in  the  tlireatening 
condition  of  public  affairs  changes  were  deemed  inex})edient.  'I  he 
Assembly  deferred  decision,  and  the  town  voted  to  delay  farther  action 
till  times  were  more  propitious. 

Killingly's  First  or  Central  Society  was  inHuential  and  prosperous 
though  not  exempt  from  losses  and  annoyances.  Its  records  having 
the  misfortune  to  be  "  much  danuiitied  by  fire, "  John  Leavens, 
Barachiah  Cady  and  Hezekiah  Cutler,  were  appointed  to  consider  the 
situation,  who  advised  to  buy  a  book  for  society  records  and  transcribe 
the  same,  which  was  done  at  the  cost  of  ten  shillings.  In  1760,  Joseph 
Leavens,  Jun.,  served  as  society  clerk ;  Thomas  Moflat,  collector ; 
Ebenezer  Larned,  Benjamin  Leavens,  Hezekiah  Cutler,  committee. 
The  great  meeting-house  demanded  much  attention.  One  brother  was 
allowed  to  cut  a  window  in  his  pew ;  others  to  take  up  seats  and 
build  themselves  pews.  Competent  committees  were  chosen,  in  1762, 
to  consider  what  was  needful  for  repairing  and  finishing  the  house  ; 
the  former  found  it  needful  to  re-shingle  the  roof  and  stop  the  cracks 
with  lime  or  bark  ;  "  a  burying  cloth  and  cushiug  for  y*^  desk  "  were 
suggested  by  the  latter.  School  affairs  also  claimed  the  consideration 
of  the  society.  "  Squadrons  "  were  out  of  date,  and  Deacon  Larned, 
Benjamin  Cady  and  Nathaniel  Brown  were  appointed  to  divide  the 
pai-ish  "  into  proper  districts."  Their  report  was  accepted,  five  dis- 
tricts promptly  set  off',  and  ten  men  chosen  for  school  committees,  viz.  : 
Benjamin  Leavens,  Ichabod  Turner,  northwest  district;  Benjamin  Joy, 
IVLoses  Winter,  middle  district ;  Josei)h  Torrey,  Ebenezer  Larned, 
northeast  district ;  Josiali  Brown,  Philip  Whitaker,  southeast  district ; 
Nell  Saunders,  John  Brooks,  southwest  district.  Among  other  im- 
provements Landlord  Felshaw  was  allowed  the  privilege  of  buikling  a 
pound  on  his  own  land,  thirty  feet  on  the  outside  and  six  and  a  half 
feet  high. 

Church  affairs  were  wisely  ordered  by  Rev.  Aaron  Brown.  In  com- 
pliance with  that  article  of  the  church  covenant  which  required  two 
or  more  of  the  principal  brethren  to  help  the  pastor  in  the  manage- 
ment of  prudential  affairs,  Ebenezer  Larned  was  invested  with 
advisory  power  and  dignified  by  the  title  of  Elder.  Lieut.  Benjamin 
Leavens  succeeded  Samuel  Buck  in  the  office  of  deacon,  in  1765. 
Watts'  version  of  the  Psalms  was  now  used  in  the  afternoon  service. 
Church  and  society  were  strengthened  by  the  accession  of  new  inhabit- 
ants. In  1763,  Joseph  Torrey,  son  of  Dr.  Joseph  Torrey,  South  Kings- 
12 


90  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

ton,  R.  I.,  settled  on  part  of  the  College  Farm,  east  of  Killiiigly  Hill, 
marrying  a  daughter  of  Rev.  John  Fisk.  He  was  soo)i  followed  by 
his  brother,  Dr.  Samuel  H.  Torrey,  a  young  man  of  much  more 
thorough  medical  training  than  was  common  at  that  period,  who  soon 
gained  an  extensive  practice.  His  young  wife,  Anna  Gould  of  Biaii- 
ford,  brought  with  her  four  slaves  as  part  of  her  maniage  portion. 
These  brothers  identified  themselves  with  church  and  town,  and  were 
active  and  intluential.  Tlie  sons  of  Rev.  Perley  Howe  were  now 
entering  upon  the  stage  and  taking  part  in  various  affairs.  Hezekiah 
Cutler,*  who  had  removed  from  his  farm  on  the  eastern  line  of  the 
town  to  the  vicinity  of  the  meeting  house,  was  ])romiiient  in  town  and 
church.  His  nephew,  Benoni  Cutler,  son  of  Timothy,  was  an  active 
young  man,  much  interested  in  military  matteis.  Sons  of  Justice 
Joseph  Leavens,  Joseph  Cady  and  Captain  Isaac  Cutler,  were  now  iu 
active  life. 

The  mill  privilege  on  the  Five-Mile  River,  afterwards  occupied  by 
"the  Howe  Factory,"  was  now  improved  by  Jared  Talbot  and  David 
Perry,  who  accommodated  the  neighborhood  with  sawing  and  giind- 
ing.  Noah  Elliott  purchased  land  of  Nehemiah  Clark,  ''removed 
from  town." 

The  rage  for  emigration  had  not  yet  seriously  affected  Killingly, 
though  some  of  her  most  gifted  and  promising  young  men  were  going 
out  into  the  world.  Manasseh,  son  of  Hezekiah  Cutler,  and  Joseph, 
youngest  son  of  Rev.  Peiley  Howe,  were  fitted  for  College  by  Rev. 
Aaron  Brown  and  entered  Yale  in  1761.  Although  then  but  fouiteen 
years  old,  Howe  manifested  uncommon  force  and  maturity  of  mind, 
and  was  graduated  "  the  first  scholar  in  a  class  which  had  its  full  share 
of  distinguished  names."  After  teaching  foi"  a  time  with  great  success 
in  Hartford,  he  accepted  a  tutoiship  at  Yale  College,  "where  his 
literary  accomplishments,  especially  his  remarkable  powers  of  elocution, 
not  less  than  his  fine  social  and  moral  qualities,  rendered  him  a  general 
favorite.  It  is  said  to  have  been  owing  in  no  small  degree  to  his 
influence  that  the  standard  of  polite  literature  and  especially  of  public 
speaking  in  Yale  College  about  this  time  was  very  considerably  ele- 
vated." Preaching  during  this  interval  at  Norwich,  Hartford  and 
Wethersfield,  he  was  everywhere  welcomed,  caressed  and  urged  to 
settlement.  Visiting  Boston  for  the  benefit  of  his  health,  the  New 
South  chuich,  after  twice  hearing,  invited  him  to  become  the  successor 
of  Rev.  Penuel  Bowen  of    Woodstock.    "  the    character    which    Mr. 


*  Not  the  son  of  Isaac  Cutler  as  erroneously  stated  in  Volume  I.,  but  of 
John  Cutler  of  Lexington,  who  puixhased  land  on  the  Rhode  Island  line  at  a 
very  early  date  but  did  not  occupy  it  till  about  1713  Mr.  Cutler  died  iu  a 
few  years  after  his  reiuoval  to  Killiugly,  leaviug  a  widow  and  ruauy  children. 


TOWN"    AFFAIRS    IN    KILLING LY,    ETC.  91 

Howe  had  received  from  the  voice  of  mankind,"  explaining  such 
unwonted  precipitancy.  After  a  year's  delay  Mr.  Howe  accepted  this 
call  and  was  ordained  in  Boston,  May  19,  1773.  It  is  not  a  little 
remarkaljle  that  this  most  honored  position  should  have  been  filled 
successively  by  young  men  from  Windham  County. 

Cutler  was  also  "  distinguished  for  diligence  and  proficiency,  and 
graduated  with  high  honor  fi'om  college"  to  attain  distinction  in 
various  departments.  After  practicing  law  for  a  time  in  Edgartown,  he 
studied  theology  and  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  cliurcli  at  Ipswich 
Hamlet,  Mass.,  fSept.  11,  1771.  While  performing  his  pastoral  duties 
with  great  fidelity  and  acce})tance,  Mr.  Cutler  gave  much  time  and 
thought  to  political  and  scientific  investigations,  fitting  him  to  bear  a 
most  prominent  and  useful  part  in  the  development  of  the  future  Re- 
public. 

Another  Yale  student  fitted  for  college  by  Mr.  Brown  was  Amasa, 
son  of  Deacon  Ebenezer  Larned,  who  after  first  studying  and  serving 
in  the  ministry  turned  his  attention  to  the  law  and  entered  into  political 
life,  representing  his  adopted  home,  New  London,  in  state  and  national 
councils.* 

Justice  Joseph  Leavens,  a  founder  and  father  of  the  town,  the  last 
survivoi-  of  the  first  settlers  of  Killiugly,  after  having  faithfully  served 
God  and  his  fellow-citizens  for  successive  genei-ations,  "departed  this 
life  Nov.  5,  1778,  aged  ninety  years."  His  cotemporary  and  first  pas- 
tor, Rev.  John  Fisk,  died  the  same  year.  Deacon  Ebenezer  Larned,  in 
1779.  His  brother,  James  Larned,  had  now  settled  on  Killingly  Hill,' 
near  Felshaw's  i-esidence.  Thomas  Moffat  and  Capt.  Jolin  Felshaw, 
though  far  advanced  in  years,  were  able  to  attend  to  public  affairs. 
Tavern  patronage  increased  with  political  agitation  and  disturbance,  and 
Felshaw's  tavern  was  one  of  the  most  noted.  The  growing  military 
activity,  the  more  frequent  trainings  and  parades,  demanded  larger  ac 
commodation.  In  January,  1775,  a  nuujber  of  public  spirited  citizens 
secured  from  Rev.  Aaron  Brown  and  Sampson  Howe  a  deed  of  about 
three  acres  of  land  adjoining  the  meeting-house  lot,  "To  have  and  hold 
the  above-granted  premises  with  all  the  profits  and   privileges  thereof 


*Tliese  brilliant  young  meu  were  proliably  not  so  unlike  other  collegians. 
It  is  related  of  .Aiiiasa  Larned  that  in  the  first  flush  of  Freshman  dignity  he 
composed  a  very  elaborate  and  ornate  Latin  epistle  which  he  sent  liouie  to  a 
younger  brother  destined  to  dig  roots  only  from  the  parental  homestead,  with 
ihis  condescending  p':f<t-scriptum  :  "  If  vou  can't  read  this  show  it  to  Mr. 
Brown  "—his  revered  and  reverend  preceptor.  The  young  farmer  was  not  as 
much  overcome  as  may  have  been  expected.  In  former  boyish  rencontres  he 
had  managed  to  hold  his  own.  His  brotlier's  extremely  dark  complexion  was 
a  common  subject  for  banter,  and  now  he  hastened  to  concoct  a  medley  of 
"  Hog  Latin  "  and  nonsensical  lingo,  which  he  dispatched  to  the  Yale  student 
with  his  vernacular  postscript :  "It  you  can't  read  this  show  it  to  some  other 
Indian." 


92  HISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

for  the  use  and  benefit  of  a  common  forever,  and  to  be  by  them  faith- 
fully appropriated  to  said  use ;  to  use,  occupy  and  improve  the  said 
premises  for  the  good  of  the  public  as  a  common  forever."  The  amount 
requisite  for  this  public  benefit  which  secured  a  beautiful  common  for 
futui'e  generations  was  given  by  the  subjoined  subscribers,  in  sums 
ranging  from  £2,  8s.  to  six  shillings : — 

Aaron  Brown,  Perley  Howe,  Benjamin  Joy,  Benjamin  Leavens,  Asa  Law- 
rence, Nathan  Day,  Hezekiah  and  Benoni  Cutler,  Benjamin,  Jonathan,  Nede- 
biah,  Joseph.  David  and  Isaac  Cady,  Penuel,  John.  Jacob  and  Charles  Leavens, 
Resolved  Johnson,  Stonghton  Bieard,  Eleazer  Mighill,  John  Adams.  David 
Perry,  Joseph  Wilder,  Jonathan  Buck,  Thomas  Smith,  Samuel  II.  Torrey, 
Noah  Elliott,  Ebenezer,  Asa  and  James  Earned,  Sampson  Howe,  Jared  Tal- 
bot, Simeon  Lee. 

The  South  Society  of  Killingly,  though  not  inferior  in  size  and 
natural  advantages,  was  far  less  prosperous  than  the  north  and  central 
societies.  The  "irreconcilable  religious  differences"  that  led  to  its 
erection  increased  in  bitteruess.  Three  churches  widely  opposed  in 
sentiment  struggled  for  life  and  ascendency.  The  established  church 
centeiing  on  Breakneck  Hill  battled  bravely  for  a  few  years.  Under 
the  faithful  ministry  of  Rev.  Eden  Burroughs,  it  was  somewhat 
strengthened  for  a  time,  and  received  some  important  accessions.  Dan- 
iel Davis  of  Oxford,  who  settled  in  1752  on  a  valley  farm  north  of 
Whetstone  Brook,  and  John  Sprague,  who  removed  to  the  south  of 
Killingly  at  about  the  same  date,  united  with  this  church  and  served 
usefully  as  deacons.  Samuel  Danielson,  Boaz  Stearns  and  Ephraiin 
Warren  were  still  its  earnest  supporters.  Mr.  Burroughs  was  an  able 
and  active  pastor,  highly  esteemed  by  his  ministerial  brethren.  Yet 
with  all  their  efforts  they  were  unable  to  maintain  their  footing.  As 
the  older  members  passed  away  and  neighboring  churches  increased  it 
was  found  very  difficult  to  provide  for  the  support  of  the  minister,  and 
after  many  struggles  and  trials  he  was  reluctantly  dismissed  in  1771. 
Mr.  Burroughs  then  removed  to  East  Hanover,  Mass.,  was  one  of  the 
first  trustees  of  Dartmouth  College,  and  served  as  jjastor  of  the  college 
church.  The  Breakneck  Church  did  not  succeed  in  settling  another 
pastor,  and  gradually  wasted  and  dissolved.  Its  few  surviving  mem- 
bers united  with  other  churches ;  its  records  were  burnt  up,  its  meet- 
ing-house moved  off  the  hill  and  devoted  to  secular  purposes,  and 
nothing  left  to  tell  the  story  of  the  vanished  church  and  its  battles  but 
a  few  mouldering  gravestones  on  the  rugsred  summit  of  Breakneck. 

Substantial  settlers  from  time  to  time  purchased  homesteads  in  Kil- 
lingly Centre.  A  valuable  farm  adjoining  James  Day's  was  purchased 
from  Deacon  Daniel  Davis  by  William  and  Jonathan  Dexter  of  Smith- 
field,  R.  I.,  in  1769.  John  Coller  bought  land  eastward  of  Ephraim 
Warren ;  George  Corliss  of  Providence  purchased  of  Michael  Hewlett. 


TOWN    AFFAIRS    IN    KILLINGLT,    ETC.  93 

Barzillai  Fisher  of  Preston  secured  the  farm  and  residence  left  vacant 
by  Mr.  Burroughs.  These  new-comers  with  the  numerous  Hutchins 
families  and  other  descendants  of  first  settlers  were  obliged  to  attend 
worshi])  in  the  south  part  of  the  town,  even  if  not  in  sympathy  with 
those  who  conducted  that  worsliip.  This  Separate  Church  gained  in 
strength  and  numbers,  though  still  greatly  burdened  with  questions  of 
discipline,  "  dealing  "  even  with  its  pastor  "  for  rouging  some  of  his 
nabors  in  putting  oif  to  them  tliat  which  was  not  raarchantable."  A 
brother  was  publicly  admonished  for  stripping  a  greatcoat  from  a  dead 
soldier,  and  re-admonished  "in  that  he  held  there  was  no  wrong  in  the 
act,  only  that  it  grieved  the  brethren."  Two  sensitive  sisters  were  un- 
able to  travel  with  the  church  "  because  it  held  as  a  jnincipill  that  it 
was  a  censorable  euvill  for  a  member  of  the  church  to  marry  with  an 
onbeliever."  A  former  act  of  the  church  in  suspending  a  must  exem- 
plary deacon  upon  this  charge  had  probably  subjected  it  to  the  imputa- 
tion of  holding  a  principle,  so  inimical  to  the  matrimonial  a.spirations 
of  its  sisterhood.  Finding  upon  investigation  that  tliis  distasteful 
"  principill "  had  indeed  been  very  much  imbibed,  the  church  "ex- 
ploded it  on  conviction,"  confessed  its  fault  and  graciously  welcomed 
back  the  pacified  sisters.  Rate-paying  being  utterly  tabooed  the  Gos- 
pel was  supported  by  what  was  denominated  "  free  contribution,"  viz. : 
"  the  church  met  together  by  legal  warning  at  an  appointed  time  and 
place  to  sho7o  their  liberality,  and  those  who  wilfully  or  carelessly 
neglected  their  duty  in  that  respect  were  to  be  looked  upon  as  cove- 
nant breakers." 

After  the  death  of  Rev.  Samuel  Wadsworth  in  1762,  the  church, 
according  to  the  [u-actice  of  its  order,  proceeded  to  select  a  pastor  from 
its  own  aiembership.  The  gifts  of  Deacon  Stephen  Spalding  and 
brother  Thomas  Denison  wei"e  found  useful  to  the  church.  Mr.  Deni- 
son  had  been  prominent  in  the  early  days  of  the  Separate  movement, 
and,  after  embracing  and  renouncing  "  Anabaptism,"  had  assisted  in 
ordaining  most  of  the  Separate  ministers,  but  had  lost  the  confidence 
of  his  friends  through  weakness  and  infirmity  of  temper,  and  after 
many  trials  and  ditficulties  had  recently  removed  to  Killingly.  His 
fluent  prayers  and  exhortations  were  so  acceptable  to  his  hearers  that 
without  inquiring  into  his  character  and  antecedents  the  church  pro- 
ceeded to  call  him  to  the  vacant  pastorate,  but  soon  found  cause  to  re- 
gret their  hasty  action.  Mr.  Denison's  principles  were  far  less  satis- 
factory than  his  preaching,  and  were  in  many  resj)ect8  "  contraiy  to  the 
travel  of  the  church  and  brought  a  great  division  among  them."  A 
majority  of  the  church  went  back  from  their  call  and  declined  to  pro- 
ceed to  installation,  but  a  number  persisted  in  holding  him  for  their 
pastor,  and  he  iu  holding  himself  to  be  sent  of  God  to  be  the  pastor  of 


94  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

the  South  KilliiiL^ly  Chui-di.  Great  confusion  and  einbroilnient  fol- 
lowed. Seven  proniiuent  memhers  of  the  church  broui^ht  specific,  sus- 
tainable charges  agninst  Mr.  Denison,  whereupon  they  were  sharply 
admonished  and  suspended  i'roiii  chuich  privileges  ;  and  they  in  turn 
admonished  and  suspended  their  ailmonishers.  Mr.  Denison,  as  clerk 
of  the  church,  took  possession  of  its  records  and  refused  copies  of  votes 
to  his  op[>onents,  who  had  no  resource  but  to  "  send  their  distressed 
cries"  to  other  Sej)arate  churches  to  look  into  their  deploral)le  case 
and  give  counsel  and  assistance!!  John  Fuller,  Paul  Parke,  John  Pal- 
mer, Joseph  Marshall  and  Alexander  Miller,  ministers  of  Separate 
churches,  and  a  brother  from  each  church,  accordingly  met  in  council 
in  the  South  Killingly  meeting-house.  May  2,  1764,  and  after  due  ex- 
amination gave  in  their  judgment  with  refreshing  plainness  and  im- 
partiality. That  Mr.  Denison  had  ''intruded"  in  voting  for  himself 
with  the  minor  part  and  oi)posing  the  major  vote  was  evident,  but  "  as 
to  his  being  accused  with  crowding,"  it  appeared  that  the  church  had 
never  regularly  dismissed  him  from  the  call  it  gave  him,  and  were 
presently  divided  among  themselves.  On  the  whole,  they  found  the 
whole  affair  from  first  to  last  very  imprudent.  The  hasty  proceedings 
of  the  church  in  receiving  Mr.  Denison  into  membership  without  fur- 
ther acquaintance  with  him  or  recommendation  from  some  other 
church  seeing  lie  was  a  stranger,  and  being  in  such  haste  to  call  him 
for  their  minister  was  very  censurable  ;  and  they  could  not  but  tliink 
Mr.  Denison  entirely  out  of  the  way  of  his  duty  in  insisting  upon  his 
being  chosen  by  said  church  when  he  could  not  but  see  the  irregulai-ity 
of  the  whole  affair  and  the  lamentable  divisions  consequent  ui)on  the 
same ;  and  as  for  their  admonishing  one  another,  could  they  do  it  in  a 
brotherly  way  it  might  in  some  instances  be  commendable  and  their 
duty,  bi.t  for  either  side  to  assume  the  power  of  the  church,  they  could 
not  expect  the  same  to  have  any  good  effect  at  all,  and  for  Mr.  Deni- 
son and  those  with  him  to  admonish  as  reported  was  entirely  wrong 
both  as  to  matter  and  manner. 

Whereupon  the  council  proceeded  to  advise  Mr.  Denison — 

"  To  desist  his  improvcnient  entirely  amongst  tliem  under  the  notion  of 
his  being  their  pastor,  seeing  the  division  is  so  grate  and  the  conse(]nencis  so 
contrary  to  the  very  designs  of  tlie  Gosplc  of  Teaeo,  and  nlthougli  ilie  said 
Mr.  Denison  did  not  send  fur  onr  advice  in  parti(aihir  yet  as  well-wishers  to 
hini.self  and  ilie  interest  of  religion  we  cannot  avoid  advising  him  as  he  ten- 
ders the  glory  of  God  his  own  comfort  and  peace,  and  the  weKare  of  this 
people,  and  we  cannot  l)ut  hope  and  expect  that  he  will  comply  witii  our 
advice,  especially  when  it  appears  that  none  from  no  quarter  abroad  can  join 
in  said  aftair,  and  also  seeing  his  ministry  in  other  places  hath  been  attended 
with  ditticnities  of  the  same  natnrc. 

We  likewise  advise  those  Ijreihren  that  appear  so  forward  for  settling  Mr. 
Denison  alter  all,  to  come  to  a  deliberate  consideration  of  the  evil  conse- 
quences which  haih  already  attended  said  affair,  and  when  this  is  done  we 
shall  hardly  ueed  to  advise  them  to  desist  for  we  think  they   will  do  so  of 


TOWN    AFFAIRS    IN    KILLINGLY,    ETC.  05 

themselves,  unless  they  dcsijin  their  own  niiu  ■with  their  hrcthrcu  ns  to  their 
church  state.  And  as  for  tliose  brethren  thai  sent  lor  us  we  advise  you  to 
lay  aside  all  contention,  and  as  new  born  babes  desire  the  sincere  niill<  ol'  the 
Word  that  ye  may  yrow  thereby,  and  let  the  whole  all'air  cease  as  to  any  more 
debate  about  the  same." 

Tlie  church  by  formal  vote  now  dismissed  Mr.  Denison  from  liis 
call,  and  with  solemn  prayer  and  lasting  invited  Eli]>halet  Wright  of 
Mansfield,  to  become  their  pastor,  whose  ordination  was  s])eedily 
effected,  May  16,  1764, — the  most  noted  Separate  ministers  of  the 
day  assisting  in  the  services.  Mr.  Wright  was  a  man  of  good  sense 
as  well  as  of  fervent  piety,  and  soon  restored  good  order  and  liarinony. 
Working  with  his  own  hands  at  his  trade  of  saddle  and  harness- 
making,  he  required  so  little  pecuniary  aid,  that  his  churcli  was  released 
from  compulsory  contributions,  and  enal)led  to  give  more  care  to 
its  spiritual  edification.  Having  suffered  nmch  for  lack  of  some  defi- 
nite form,  it  now  adopted  the  Articles  of  Faith  and  Covenant  used 
by  the  Separate  church  of  Plaintield,  "as  a  good  and  wholesome 
system  of  faith  and  practice  by  which  it  would  walk  in  future,  still 
looking  for  more  light."  John  Eaton  and  Jonathan  Day  were  chosen 
deacons.  Oct.  4,  1765,  Abraliam  and  Hannah  Spafford,  Nathaniel  Ben- 
net  and  Hannah  Wright — the  only  remaining  memV)ers  of  the  once 
fiourishiug  Separate  church  in  Mansfield — were  received  into  church 
fellowship.  A  powerfid  work  of  grace  began  ere  long  which  brought 
some  fifty  persons  into  the  church  and  greatly  strengthened  and 
refreshed  it.  In  176S,  Abraham  Carjienter  was  ordained  into  the 
office  of  deacon  by  the  laying  on  of  hands,  and  dismissed  after  five 
years  service,  to  become  the  pastor  of  the  church  of  Plainfield,  New 
Hampshire. 

As  years  passed  on  this  church  lost  some  of  its  distinctive  Separate 
featiu-es.  In  1774,  Wyman  Hutchins  and  Jose[>h  J>ennet  were 
chosen  to  assist  the  pastor  in  the  government  of  the  chin-ch,  to  inspect 
into  the  conduct  of  the  church  both  with  respect  to  their  attendance 
on  public  worsliip  and  their  daily  walk.  Greater  secular  privileges 
had  now  been  obtained.  Exemption  from  paying  rates  to  the  south 
society  had  been  restricted  solely  to  those  who  first  petitioned  the 
Assembly,  so  that  ttieir  children  and  later  members  of  the  church 
were  still  compelled  to  pay  t^-ibute,  but  as  public  opinion  became  more 
enlightened,  "  the  said  society  were  themselves  convinced  that  this 
was  a  hardship  and  injustice,"  and  agreed  unanimously  "that  some- 
thing ought  to  be  done  about  it."  Samuel  Danielson,  Boaz  Stearns 
and  Deacon  Sprague  were  accordingly  appointed  a  committee  on 
behalf  of  the  south  society  to  meet  in  conference  with  Deacons 
Stephen  Spalding,  Wyman  Hutchins  and  Jonathan  Day,  and  consented 
that  the  Separates  should  be  incorporated  iuto  a  distinct  ecclesiastical 


96  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

society — "  division  to  begin  at  the  Quiiiebaug  River,  run  east  to  Joshua 
Whitney's  dwelling-house,  and  so  to  lihode  Island  line."  A  petition 
to  this  eftect  was  thereupon  preferred  to  the  General  Assembly  and 
society  privileges  granted,  October,  1770. 

The  "Separate  brothers  and  sisters"  at  Chestnut  Hill,  received 
liberty  from  the  main  body  to  meet  occasionally  by  themselves  on 
the  Sabbath  for  public  worship,  and  had  the  sacrament  administered 
to  them  once  in  three  months.  Mr.  Denison  remained  in  Killingly 
after  "  being  dismissed  from  his  call,"  and  there  is  some  evidence  that 
he  served  as  pastor  to  this  diminishing  "  branch."  The  Baptists  of 
this  vicinity  had  no  church  organization  at  this  period,  but  remained 
faithful  to  their  [irinciples  and  even  gained  adherents,  laying  the  foun- 
dation for  the  future  establishment  of  their  order.  As  the  Revolu- 
tionary troubles  came  on  many  residents  of  the  seaboard  sought 
security  in  Windham  County.  Among  these  emigrants  were  several 
earnest  Baptists,  tilled  with  missionary  zeal,  who  went  about  preaching 
the  word,  and  building  up  and  strengthening  Baptist  churches.  The 
scattered  Baptists  in  Chestnut  Hill  and  its  vicinity  gladly  welcomed 
the  call  to  unite  as  a  distinct  body.  Agreeable  to  a  request  from  a 
number  of  baptized  believers,  desiring  to  unite  in  a  visible  church 
state,  Elder  Joseph  Winsor  of  Gloucester,  Elder  James  Manning  of 
Providence  and  Elder  Job  Seamans  of  Attleborough,  with  delegates 
from  their  respective  churches  and  from  the  Baptist  church  in  Thomp- 
son Parish,  convened  in  East  Killingly,  May  22,  1776.  President 
Manning  was  chosen  moderator.  Articles  expressing  the  sentiments 
of  those  desii'ing  to  embody  touching  both  doctrine  and  practice 
received  the  approbation  of  the  council,  and  were  signed  by  nearly 
sixty  baptized  believers,  male  and  female,  mutually  covenanting  and 
agreeing  to  unite  together  as  a  church.  Others  were  soon  added  both 
by  letter  and  profession.  Eber  Moffat  was  chosen  clerk.  July  26,  the 
chuich  unanimously  agreed  to  give  Mr.  George  Robinson,  of  Attle- 
borough, a  call  to  settle  with  them  as  their  elder.  On  the  same  day  a 
Baptist  society  was  organized — its  members  voluntarily  agreeing  "to 
attend  on  divine  service  on  every  first  day  of  the  w^eek,  Extrodiuarys 
being  excepted,  and  also  to  contribute  to  the  support  of  the  Gospiil 
ministery  with  our  Chiistian  friends,  the  breatheren  of  the  church  in 
this  place,  as  necessity  my  require."  Eber  Moffat  was  elected  clerk  of 
the  society,  and  the  call  to  Mr.  Robinson  confirmed.  Mr.  Robinson 
desiring  time  for  consideration,  in  October  church  and  society  renewed 
their  request  and  he  gave  answer  in  the  affirmative.  Robert  Baxter, 
David  Law,  Joseph  Smith,  William  Givens,  Ezekiel  Black  mar  and 
Ephraim  Fisk,  were  chosen  by  both  bodies,  To  buy  a  settlement  and 
take  a  deed  of  the  same  for  a  ministerial  lot  for  the  use  of  the  Elders. 


Woodstock's  three  parishes,  etc.  97 

William  Givens  was  chosen  treasurer  for  the  church.  Ordination  ser- 
vices were  held  at  the  house  of  Mr.  David  Law,  Nov.  12.  Elders 
Isaac  Backus,  Abiel  Ledoit,  John  Martin,  Joseph  Winsor  and  Charles 
Thompson  were  present.  Elder  Backus  was  chosen  moderator,  and 
Elder  Tliompson,  clerk.  Inciuiring  first  into  the  constitution  and 
articles  of  the  church,  they  found  them  so  consistent  with  the  rules 
of  the  gospel,  that  they  gave  them  fellowship  as  a  sister  church.  The 
relation  of  the  candidate's  "  call  out  of  Nature  into  Grace  and  also  his 
special  call  to  the  great  work  of  the  ministry,"  gave  "  such  full  satis- 
faction that  we  heartily  agreed  to  answer  the  church's  request  in 
ordaining  of  him,"  and  on  the  following  day  "  the  Polders  met  and 
separated  Brother  Robinson  to  the  work  whereunto  God  had  called 
him  by  laying  on  of  hands  and  prayers."  Thus  hap[)ily  established 
the  church  went  on  its  way  rejoicing,  as  is  shown  by  its  records  : — 

"  First  day,  January  ye  .5tli,  1777.  We  had  the  sacrament  admiuistered  to 
us  by  our  Elder — a  comfoi-tuble  day  it  was. 

Fir!<t  day,  JuDuary  ye  26.  MaryAldreig  offered  herself  to  this  church  and 
was  received,  aud  was  baptized  with  decency  by  our  Elder." 

A  building  was  soon  built  or  procured  which  served  for  a  place  of 
worship.  There  is  no  evidence  that  the  appointed  committee  suc- 
ceeded in  buying  a  ministerial  lot  for  Elder  Robinson,  but  he  himself 
for  two  hundred  pounds  purcliased  a  hundred  acres  of  land  of  Robert 
Baxter,  who  had  recently  removed  from  Scituate.  Ephraim  Fisk  of 
Swauzey,  and  David  Law,  were  newly-arrived  residents.  A  committee 
was  now  appointed  by  the  First  society  "to  assist  in  examining  the 
certificates  of  people  called  Baptist,"  which  reported  '"that  such  as 
produce  proper  certificates  ought  to  be  exempt." 


YIII. 

WOODSTOCK'S     THREE     PATITSHES.        BAPTIST     CHUKCII.       TOWN 
AFFAIRS.     TROUBLES  WITH  MASSACHUSETTS. 

WOODSTOCK  in  17G0  had  just  emerged  from  a  bitter  and  pro- 
tracted controversy,  resulting  in  church  and  society  division. 
A  new  society  had  been  erected  in  the  north  part  of  the  first  society. 
Three  religious  societies  with  each  a  distinct  church  organization  were 
thus  composed  within  the  township.  The  Rev.  Stephen  Williams  was 
still  the  stated  pastor  of  the  New  Roxbury  or  West  Society.  Rev. 
Abel  Stiles  was  claimed  by  the  North  Society.  The  First  or  South 
Society  was  without  a  pastor.  It  had  saved  its  meeting-house, 
but  lost  its  minister,  and  some  years  passed  before  this  loss  was  sup- 
plied. Much  time  and  money  were  expended  in  "  going  after  minis- 
ters." The  young  licentiates  from  Pomfret  recently  graduated  from 
13 


98  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Yale  College — Chaiidler,  Ciaft,  Grosveiior  and  Weld — were  heard  suc- 
cessively and  unsiiceessfully.  AVoilhy  neiiihboring  ministers  labored 
with  appropriate  prayer  and  fasting  to  biing  them  to  a  decision.  Tiue 
to  their  Massachusetts  proclivities,  cluircli  and  society  at  length  united 
in  choice  of  Abiel  Leonard  of  Plymouth,  a  graduate  from  Harvard 
College  in  1759.  His  fine  personal  ajjpeaiance,  agreeable  manners  and 
marked  ability  in  the  pulpit,  won  universal  favor,  and  on  June  23, 
1763,  he  was  inducted  into  the  vacant  pastorate.  Eleven  Massachu- 
setts churches  were  invited  to  participate  in  the  installation  services. 
The  only  Connecticut  church  thus  honored  was  the  First  of  Killingly, 
Rev.  Aaron  Brown,  pastor.  The  sermon  preached  by  Ilev.  Mr.  Barnes 
of  Scituate  was  so  satisfoctory  that  the  brethren  of  the  church  mani- 
fested their  desire  to  have  it  printed.  Liquors,  lemons  and  sugar  pro- 
vided for  this  joyful  occasion  gave  equal  satisfaction.  William  Skinner 
and  Jedidiah  Morse  were  soon  after  installed  in  the  office  of  deacons. 
It  was  also  voted,  "  That  a  chapter  in  the  Bible  should  be  read  pub- 
licly every  Lord's  day  if  agreeable  to  the  congregation."  Thus  pro- 
vided with  an  acceptable  pastor  after  so  many  years  of  strife  and  des- 
titution, the  church  on  Woodstock  Hill  enjoyed  a  season  of  unwonted 
harmony  and  prosperity.  At  peace  with  itself  it  was  ready  to  make 
peace  with  its  neighbors,  and  passed  the  following  act  of  amnesty: 
"Dec.  8,  1766,  pastor  and  brethren  of  ye  church  in  ye  first  society 
vote  to  overlook  and  forgive  all  that  has  been  offensive  to  us  in  ye 
chui'ch  in  North  Woodstock,  engaging  to  conduct  towards  them  as  be- 
comes a  church  in  Christian  fellowship."  The  question  of  singing  was 
next  brought  under  consideration.  Hitherto  the  whole  congregation 
had  been  accustomed  to  join  promiscuously  in  this  part  of  divine  woi'- 
ship,  but  in  1769,  the  psalm-tuner  formally  petitioned,  "  That  some  con- 
venient place  in  the  gallery  be  appi'0])riated  to  the  use  of  the  singers." 
The  society  responded,  "That  it  would  be  exceedingly  glad  that  the 
three  forward  seats  in  the  front  gallery  might  be  sequestered  to  the  use 
of  the  singers  ;  and  also  that  the  three  seats  on  the  women's  side  might 
be  sequestered  for  the  same  use  ;  and  further  that  those  women  both 
elder  and  younger  that  are  favored  with  agreeable  voices  would  occupy 
said  seats  is  the  society's  desire."  This  i)roposition  to  limit  the  privi- 
lege of  joining  in  sacred  song  to  such  as  could  sing  agreeably  met 
much  opposition,  and  was  not  carried  into  execution  for  several  yeais. 
Woodstock's  north  society  was  formally  incorporated  by  Act  of 
Assembly  in  1761.  Though  inferior  in  extent  and  numbers  to  the  pre- 
vious societies  it  had  the  advantage  of  compactness  and  unity.  Its 
chief  supporters  were  numerous  families  of  Child  and  May,  long  resi- 
dent in  this  northeast  section  of  the  town.  The  long  and  arduous  con- 
flict by  which  they  had  gained  their  independence  had  strengthened 


Woodstock's  three  parishes,  etc.  99 

the  ties  of  blood,  and  their  appreciation  of  distinct  religions  privile^-es, 
and  led  thetn  to  engage  with  much  harmony  and  spirit  in  establishing 
stated  worship.  Families  in  neighboring  jiarishes  wei-e  eager  to  join 
with  them  in  this  eltort.  A  petition  from  The<ipliilus  and  Samuel 
Chandler,  Moses  and  William  Marcy,  and  Edward  liugbce,  residents  of 
Thompson  Parish,  repi'esented  : — 

"That  the  extent  and  quantity  of  the  land  in  said  society  of  North  ^Yood- 
stock  is  but  suiali  for  a  parisli  and  its  list  only  £4700;  that  they  were  five  and 
even  six  miles  from  tlie  meetin<i:-house  in  Thompson,  and  separated  by  the 
QuinelKiug  which  for  the  greater  part  of  the  year  was  not  passable  unless  by 
bridges,  which  necessitated  a  longer  journey ;  that  they  were  mucli  nearer 
the  centre  of  North  Woodstock,  and  should  l)e  much  l)etter  accouiuiodated, 
to  be  matie  a  part  thereof;  while  the  remaining  part  of  Thompson  would  have 
numbers,  estate  and  extent  quite  sufficient." 

Henry  and  Peter  Child  of  Xew  Roxbnry  also  begged  for  annexation 
to  the  north  society  on  the  plea  that  the  west  society  contained  half 
the  land  in  the  whole  town,  and  that  in  the  north  was  small  compai'ed 
with  tlie  other.  Both  requests  were  granted,  and  the  several  petition- 
ers formally  annexed  to  the  nortli  society.  With  these  additions  it 
now  embraced  some  fifty  five  families,  and  was  able  to  provide  a  place 
of  worship  and  support  its  minister  in  a  creditable  manner.  A  meet- 
ing-house was  soon  erected  on  the  site  of  the  present  church  edifice  in 
East  Woodstock.  Land  for  this  purpose  was  probably  given  by  mem- 
bers of  the  Child  fimily,  but  the  absence  of  records  makes  it  impossi- 
ble to  gain  authentic  details.  It  is  traditionally  asserted  that  some 
opposed  this  site  as  not  in  the  centre  of  the  society,  and  that  when  one 
party  gathered  to  raise  the  frame  another  appeared  to  push  it  down, 
but  this  too  is  doubtful.  Land  adjoining  the  meeting  house  was  pur- 
chased of  Elisha  Child  by  Rev.  Abel  Stiles  in  1763,  and  on  this  pleas- 
ant spot  the  much-tried  minister  found  an  agreeable  retreat  from  the 
storms  by  which  he  had  been  so  long  beset.  He  reports  to  his  nephew, 
Dr.  Ezra  Stiles,  that  their  "domestic  circumstances  are  comfortable. 
The  long  ujiroar  has  ceased  since  the  disiuption  of  the  society.  I  am 
in  peace  with  ray  people."  His  experience  had  left  liim  a  very  un- 
favorable opinion  of  ecclesiastic  councils  and  judgments.  Dr.  Stiles, 
requesting  him  to  collect  results  of  councils  in  Wiinlliam  County  for 
the  last  fifty  years  to  be  compiled  ''iu  a  brief  iiistory  of  New  England 
councils,"  his  uncle  replies : — 

"  Why  Woodstock  alone  would  furnish  and  suggest  matter  for  a  volume 
equal  to  Father  Cowper's  Anatomy!.  ...  As  to  the  results  in  Woodstock 
siiice  I  have  been  here,  they  appear  to  lue  as  contrary  as  the  good  and  bad  ti:.'s 
ii;  Jereiniali's  vision;  some  very  good,  others  very  bad;  nor  do  I  think  it  iu 
the  power  of  mortals  to  prevent  erroneous  and  injurious  results.  In  a  word, 
were  I  half  so  sure  that  a  history  of  New  England  councils  would  prevent 
future  mischief,  as  I  am  of  having  been  repeatedly  injured  by  past  results,  I 
wouhl  cheerfully  send  you  all  thel-esults  I  am  able  to  collect." 


100  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Dr.  Stiles  was  himself  a  frequent  visitant  at  the  North  Woodstock 
parsonage,  attending  meetings  of  association  and  consciation,  preaching 
for  the  different  ministers  and  noting  with  keen  eye  whatever  came 
within  his  cognizance.  His  minutes  give  no  hint  of  any  unpleasantness 
or  lack  of  harmony  in  the  new  society.  The  church  was  somewhat 
annoyed  by  the  dithculty  of  obtaining  recognition  as  tlie  First  Church 
of  Woodstock,  a  dignity  tenaciously  claimed  by  the  standing  church  on 
Woodstock  Hill.  It  consented  nevertheless  to  consider  the  concilia- 
tory overtures  made  by  that  body,  and  after  first  distinctly  voting  Dec. 
16,  1766,  "That  this  church  has  lull  right  to  consider  themselves  the 
first  church  of  Woodstock,"  it  agreed  "•  To  overlook  and  forgive  all  that 
has  been  offensive  to  us  in  the  South  Church."  So  far  as  can  be  ascer- 
tained both  churches  were  correct  in  their  assumption.  Neither  one  or 
other  had  organized  anew  or  made  such  change  as  to  forfeit  its  standing 
under  the  original  covenant.  Both  had  sprung  from  the  same  root  and 
as  north  and  south  branches  now  represented  the  original  Woodstock 
church.  Loss  or  absence  of  records  makes  it  impossible  to  trace  the 
course  of  the  North  Church  for  many  years. 

The  church  and  society  of  West  Woodstock  pursued  their  way 
peacefully  and  prosperously  under  the  guidance  of  Mr.  Williams,  till 
their  tranquillity  was  disturbed  by  the  development  of  a  new  religious 
interest.  It  had  been  a  time  of  great  spiritual  dearth  and  declension  ; 
church  members  had  become  cold  and  foimal ;  social  religious  meet- 
ings were  unknown  ;  the  young  people  were  much  absorbed  in  frolic 
and  merry-making.  A  chance  sermon  pieached  by  an  earnest  Ba])tist 
minister,  Rev.  Noah  Alden,  while  passing  through  the  town  in  Decembei", 
1763,  was  a  means  of  fixing  conviction  of  sin  iu  the  conscience  of  the 
chief  leader  in  fun  and  levity — Biel  Ledoyt — and  after  arduous  con- 
flict, his  soul  was  brought  into  gospel  liberty.  "  A  world  lying  in 
wickedness  and  the  necessity  of  men  being  made  new  creatures  fell 
with  such  weight  upon  his  mind,"  that  he  felt  constrained  to  speak  to 
them  about  it,  and  that  with  such  earnestness  and  power,  that  those 
young  companions  who  came  to  laugh  him  out  of  these  new  notions, 
"stood  like  men  amazed"  and  were  themselves  convicted  and  con- 
verted. A  meeting  was  appointed  in  a  school-house,  and  though  it 
was  a  dark  lowery  night  people  flocked  to  it  from  all  parts  of  the 
parish  till  the  house  was  full.  Ledoyt  and  two  of  his  young  fiiends 
carried  on  the  meeting,  and  so  impressive  were  their  exhortations  that 
about  forty  young  persons  were  "  struck  under  conviction."  The 
meetings  were  continued.  Convictions  increased  gi'eatly.  Parents 
were  surprised  to  see  their  giddy  children  distressed  for  their  souls. 
All  frolicking  came  to  a  stop.  The  Bible  and  other  good  books  were 
much  iu  use.       The   groves  rang   with   the  bitter  outcries  of  the  dis- 


Woodstock's  three  parishes,  etc.  101 

tressed  youth.  Piofessing  Cliiistians  were  led  (o  lament  their  j)revious 
coldness  and  backsliding,  and  join  with  these  young  disciples  in 
labors  for  the  conversion  of  others.  So  powerful  was  the  woik  that 
none  dared  at  first  to  say  a  word  ag.ninst  it,  but  after  a  time  (i])i)Osition 
was  manifested.  Some  older  church  members  looked  with  suspicion 
upon  a  religious  movement  begun  and  carried  on  outside  the  church, 
and  feared  it  would  result  in  excesses  and  irrfgulaiities.  Tiiey  cau- 
tioned the  converts  about  spending  so  mucli  time  in  meetings  and 
staying  out  so  late  at  night,  and  advised  them  to  refrain  from  exhort- 
ing, but  finding  their  advice  unheeded,  '"  fell  to  crying  p]ri-or  and 
Delusion."  The  flaming  zeal  of  the  young  disciples  was  only 
hightencd  by  this  opposition.  The  I'egular  meetings  of  the  church 
and  the  ordinary  services  of  the  Sabbath  conducted  l)y  Mr.  Williams, 
seemed  to  them  cold  and  lifeless.  Disj)araging  remarks  were  made 
upon  both  sides  and  ere  long  a  bitter  antagonism  was  developed 
between  the  friends  and  enemies  of  the  revival.  The  chui-cli,  alarmed 
at  the  condition  of  affairs,  proclaimed  a  fast  and  called  in  the  neigh- 
boring ministers,  who  saw  in  this  great  religious  awakening  a  new  out- 
burst  of  the  spirit  of  Separatism,    and   ''fell   to   reading    about    false 

spirits  and  Satan  transforming  himself  into  an  angel  of  light 

intimating,  that  the  woi'k  was  from  Satan,  and  such  nunisters  as  were 
instruments  of  it,  the  servants  of  Satan,"  and  "  })laiidy  warning  them 
against  the  first  instruments  of  their  awakening,  as  being  the  deceivers 
which  should  come  in  at  the  last  times."  This  injudicious  action  and 
uncharitable  surmising,  "grieved  the  hearts  of  the  tender  lambs,"  and 
plainly  taught  them  that  edification,  the  great  end  of  Chiietian 
society,  was  not  to  be  enjoyed  in  the  church  of  tlifir  fathei's.  Other 
Baptist  ministers  had  probably  followed  Mr.  Alden.  A  remnant  ot" 
the  old  Six  Piinciple  Baptists  still  existed,  and  now  a  large  prc>]iorlion 
of  the  young  converts  turned  in  sympathy  to  the  Baptists  and  eni- 
bi-aced  their  peculiar  pi'inciples.  Unable  to  walk  in  harniony  with 
the  standing  church,  they  felt  compelled  to  sejjarate  from  it,  and  in  the 
autumn  of  1701  agreed  to  meet  together  as  a  society,  imi)roving  the 
gifts  which  God  had  given  tiiem.  At  the  first  favorable  opportunity 
several  were  baptized  by  immersion  and  in  February,  1766,  fifteen  of 
these  ba]>tized  converts  embodied  in  church  estate,  and  soon  others 
were  added.  Their  meetings,  conducted  by  several  gifted  l)rethren, 
were  well  sustained  and  attended,  so  that  it  was  appaient  to  all  that 
God's  work  went  on  amongst  them.  One  of  the  most  earnest  and 
active  of  these  brethren  was  Biel  Ledoyt,  who  felt  called  of  God 
publicly  to  preach  his  word,  which  he  did  in  a  manner  so  satisfactory 
to  tlie  church,  that  May  26,  1768,  he  was  ordained  as  its  pastor.  The 
growth    and  prosperity  of  this   Baptist  church   awakened   uuich  jeal- 


102  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COTNTT. 

ousy  and  opposition.  As  tlie  only  churcli  of  this  order  tlien  within 
Windham  County  limits  its  position  was  prominent,  and  a  bitter  and 
persecuting  spirit  was  manifested  by  its  opposers.  Attempts  were 
made  to  waylay  and  assault  its  pastor,  and  rates  for  the  support  of 
Mr.  Williams  were  extorted  from  its  members.  Embittered  by  the 
loss  of  so  many  of  their  congregation,  the  established  society  of  West 
Woodstock  denied  the  validity  of  the  Baptist  churcli  and  society 
organization.  Jan.  29,  1770,  Daniel  Perrin,  Samuel  Harding  and 
Samuel  Chase  were  ap|)ointed  by  this  society,  "  to  examine  the  records 
of  those  people  among  us  that  call  themselves  Baptists  ;  also,  to  hear 
the  pleas  of  tliose  persons  in  regard  to  their  princii»les  and  the  reason 
of  their  conduct  towards  us,  and  consider  how  far  they  are  fr^ed  from 
paying  rates."  These  gentlemen  reported,  that  we  have  been  to  ^Nlr. 
Elnathan  Walker's,  whom  our  8e[)arate  neighbors  call  their  clerk, 
to  look  into  their  records  to  see  what  regulations  they  were  under 
and  could  Hud  no  record  at  all,  neither  at  Mr.  Walker's,  nor  with  him 
they  call  their  elder,  that  the  good  and  wholesome  laws  of  this  Colony 
know  anything  of  In  view  of  this  report  the  society  voted,  '' That 
the  Ana-baptist  people  in  this  society  are  )iot  freed  from  paying 
minister's  rates  amongst  us ;  and  to  leave  the  affair  with  the  society 
committee."  The  committee  thus  empowered  attempted  to  levy  the 
rates  but  met  such  determined  opposition  and  argument  from  the 
indignant  Baptists,  who  were  at  this  time  greatly  encouraged  and 
strengthened  by  the  frequent  visits  and  counsels  of  Deacon  BoUes  of 
Ashford,  that  they  were  fain  to  relinquish  the  futile  effort,  and  after  a 
year  of  wrangling  the  society  again  voted  : — 

"  To  take  the  advice  of  Hon.  Jonathan  Trimibull  in  tlie  aft'air  between  the 
society  and  those  people  among  us  calling  theuiselves  Baptists  and  Aua- 
bapiists,  and  his  advice  slionld  determine  the  matter  how  said  society  shoidd 
proceed  with  and  towards  said  Baptists,  and  for  his  Honor  to  take  the  rules 
of  law  for  his  guide  in  his  advice  to  the  society." 

Ebenezer  Paine,  Daniel  Perrin,  Samuel  Harding,  Samuel  Child,  and 
Nathaniel  Marcy  were  instructed  to  di-aw  \\\)  some  suitable  instrument 
to  lay  before  Governor  Trumbull,  and  Deacon  Corbin,  to  present  the 
affair  to  him.  The  honored  governor  duly  considered  the  matter  and 
replied  with  that  candor  and  fairness  which  gave  such  weight  to  his 
counsels : — 

"  Inhabitants  of  New  Roxbury,  Woodstock.  Gentlemen  :  I  received  by 
hand  of  Deacon  Ebenezer  Corbin,  a  request  from  your  committee,  showing, 
that  there  has  been  and  still  is  a  number  of  people  in  your  society  who  pro- 
fess themselves  to  be  Ana-baptists,  and  did  some  time  in  the  month  of  Feb., 
17()6,  form  themselves  into  a  church  state,  and  under  the  conduct  and  direc- 
tion of  three  churches  of  the  same  denomination,  have  settled  a  teacher  or 
elder  among  them,  do  steadily  attend  the  worship  of  God  and  his  ordinances 
among  themselves  according  to  their  way  and  manner,  and  say  they  have 
taken  all  those  steps  and  measures  the  law  requires,  and  areuuder  the  patron- 


Woodstock's  three  parishes,  etc.  103 

aire  niul  toleration  of  the  laws  of  tliis  Colony;  that  some  of  j-oiir  societ_v 
siippos;e  that  they  have  not;  that  those  ISaptists  have  been  every  year  put 
into  tlie  tax  bill  made  for  the  support  of  your  minister,  except  tiie  fast  year 
they  were  left  out  by  the  committee  that  they  have  paid  no  such  tax  nor  any 
distraint  made  therefor;  that  by  reason  of  ditterent  sentiments  in  reliijiou's 
affairs  and  different  minds  in  the  society  respecting  those  who  differ  from 
them  with  regard  to  taxing  them,  a  great  ditticulty  has  arisen;  and  there- 
fore asking  my  opinion  and  advice  in  the  following  particulars  : — 

1.  How  is  a  Baptist  to  be  known  in  law,  wliereljy  he  is  to  be  exempted 
from  paving  taxes  to  the  support  of  the  established  worship  or  ministry  in 
this  Colony? 

2.  Whether  the  Baptist  churches  in  general  in  this  Colony,  are  otherwise 
known  in  law  than  those  in  your  society,  and  if  so,  in  what  manner? 

3.  In  order  that  a  Baptist  may  be  known  in  law  by  his  cerlllicate,  by  whom 
it  must  be  signed  and  to  wliom  directed? 

That,  at  your  late  society  meeting  it  was  voted  to  take  my  advice  in  the 
afiair,  to  detern)ine  how  the  society  should  proceed  with  and  towards  the 
Baptist  people  among  j'ou. 

Whereupon,  it  is  my  opinion,  that  a  Baptist  is  known  in  law  so  as  to  be 
excused  from  paying  an}'  tax  levied  for  the  support  of  the  established  minis- 
try in  the  society  where  he  dwells,  when  he  dissents  from  the  same,  attends 
the  worship  of  God  in  such  way  as  is  practiced  by  the  Baptists  and  joins  him- 
self to  them,  whereby  he  becomes  one  of  their  society;  that  the  Baptist 
churches  in  this  Colony  are  no  otherwise  known  in  law  than  that  church  of 
Bnptists  in  your  society  is,  that  those  people  having  formed  themselves  into 
a  Baptist  church  and  society,  they,  and  th(!  particular  persons  who  hereafter 
do  attend  their  meeting  for  the  worship  of  God  and  join  with  tliem  in  this 
profession,  are  excused  from  paying  any  part  in  your  society  tax  for  the  sup- 
port of  your  minister.  The  certificate  mentioned  in  the  law  is  to  be  pro- 
duced from  such  Baptist  church,  signed  by  the  elder  or  other  known  proper 
officer,  and  directed  to  your  society  committee  or  clerk.  'J'he  law  doth  not 
oblige  those  people  to  make  application  to  the  General  Assembly  or  County 
Court  to  be  qualified  for  such  exemption,  which  was  formerly  the  case  and  is 
probably  the  occasion  of  your  present  difference  in  semtiments. 

That  you  may  be  of  one  mind,  live  in  unity  and  peace  under  the  Divine  pro- 
tection and  blessing,  is  the  sincere  desire  of  your  most  obedient  humble 
servant,  Joxatiian  Tkumbutx. 

Lebanon,  March  21,  1771." 

The  standing  society  accepted  tliis  decision  as  final,  and  directed  its 
committee  to  examine  reports  of  Baptist  people,  and  see  who  are  ex- 
empt. About  forty  persons  were  then  released  from  ratei)aying. 
Recognized  as  a  lawful  body,  the  Woodstock  Baptist  Church  increased 
in  numbers  and  influence,  united  with  tlie  Warren  Baptist  Association, 
and  gained  a  respectable  standing  among  its  sister  churches.  The 
West  Woodstock  Congregational  Society,  extending  over  a  large  and 
opening  territory,  gradually  recovered  its  losses.  Like  its  sister 
churches  in  town  it  was  now  greatly  exercised  by  the  question  of  sing- 
ing. Four  "queristers"  were  chosen  in  177G,  and  it  was  voted,  "That 
the  singers  should  sit  in  the  front  gallery  in  any  seat  (except  the  fore 
seat  in  front)  according  to  their  age  and  common  usage  in  sitting; 
that  the  several  queristers  should  be  seated,  and  sit  in  the  fore  seat  in 
the  front  gallery,  men's  side."  But  the  new  arrangement  did  not  work 
well,  and  after  a  few  months  trial  it  was  again  voted,  "  To  come  into  some 
cordial  agreement  that  each  one  may  enjoy  his  right  and  property,  so 


104  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUXTY. 

that  we  may  all  celebrate  the  praises  of  God  together,  both  lieart  and 
voice,  in  every  part  of  the  meeting-house." 

All  parts  of  the  town  united  in  cai'e  for  its  public  interests.  "Noti- 
fications "  for  town  meetings  were  set  up  in  four  places  that  all  might 
receive  due  waiiiing.  Town  meetings  were  still  held  in  the  meeting- 
house on  Woodstock  Hill.  As  the  disturbances  with  England  came 
on  their  meetings  were  conducted  with  increasing  sjtii-it  and  solemnity. 
The  Reverends  Stiles,  Leonard  and  Williams  now  took  the  freeman's 
oath,  and  each  in  turn  opened  the  April  town  meeting  "  with  a  re- 
ligions service  of  prayer  and  a  sermon."  At  the  annual  meeting  in 
1760,  Isaac  Johnson  was  chosen  moderator;  Ttiomas  Chandler,  town 
clerk  and  treasurer;  Isaac  Johnson,  Thomas  Chandler,  Xathaniel  John- 
son, Ebenezer  Smith,  Jun.,  Xathaniel  Child,  selectmen  ;  Moses  Chand- 
ler, constable  and  collector  of  colony  tax;  Moses  Child,  collector  of  ex- 
cise ;  Samuel  McClellan,  George  Hodge,  Elijah  Lyon,  Abner  Harris, 
John  Chamberlain,  Amos  Paine,  Matthew  Hammond,  Jonathan,  Henry 
and  Ebenezer  Child,  Ebenezer  Corbin,  Jonatlian  Morris,  Hezekiah 
Smith,  Captain  Joseph  Hayward,  Joshua  Cliandler,  highway  surveyors  ; 
Silas  Bowen,  Hezekiah  Sniitli,  grand  jurors  ;  Silas  Bowen,  Moses  Child, 
Moses  Chandler,  Stephen  JMay,  Ebenezer  Child,  Jun.,  Samuel  Child, 
Jun.,  listei's ;  Nathaniel  and  Abijah  Child,  Samuel  Bowen,  collectors  of 
rates ;  George  Hodge,  Josiah  Hammond,  Stephen  Marey,  Asa  Mori'is, 
Caleb  May,  Elisha  Child,  tithing-men ;  Benjamin  Bugbee,  William 
Chai)man,  fence- viewers  ;  Darius  Ainsworth,  Zebediah  Marcy,  Joseph 
Manning,  Ezra  May,  Isaac  Bowen,  Nathan  Child,  haywards ;  Moses 
Child,  receiver  of  stores;  Jedidiah  Morse,  packer;  Joseph  Peake, 
guager ;  Richard  Flynn,  Daniel  Bugbee,  branders.  Town  bounds 
demanded  much  attention.  The  report  of  a  committee  relating  to  the 
line  between  Woodstock  and  Union  was  accepted.  Thomas  Chandler 
was  appointed  agent  to  oppose  LTnion's  petition,  and  with  John  Pay- 
son,  Jabez  Lyon,  Samuel  Chandler,  Edward  Morris  and  John  May — the 
fathers  of  the  town — wait  upon  the  committee  sent  by  the  General 
Court.  Nathaniel  Child  and  Jose|)h  Peake  were  chosen  to  meet  with 
Jacob  Di'esser  and  Jaazaniah  Horsmor  to  renew  the  line  between 
W^oodstock  and  Killingly,  and  all  the  remaining  bounds  were  peram- 
bulated and  renewed.  Tlie  renovation  of  the  town  pound  excited  some 
discussion.  It  was  voted  "to  build  a  new  pound  in  the  centre  of  the 
town,"  but  this  was  revoked,  and  in  1765  it  was  ordered,  "To  build 
one  i)Ound  near  the  old  pound  in  the  first  society  of  the  same  bigness 
as  the  first  witi\  stones,  selectmen  to  have  charge  of  the  same."  Again, 
the  question  was  reconsidered,  and  it  was  finally  decided  that  the  new 
pound  should  be  built  with  oak  posts  and  chestnut  rails,  six  rails  high 
and  four  lengths  of  ten-feet  rails  square.     Manasseh  Horsmor  also  re- 


Woodstock's  three  parishes,  etc.  105 

ceived  the  privilege  of  using  his  liavn-yard  for  a  public  pound.  Swine 
were  allowed  the  liberty  of  the  highways  and  commons  if  sufficiently 
"yoked  and  ringed."  A  bounty  of  twelve  shillings  was  offered  in  1771 
to  any  person  who  should  kill  a  wildcat.  Captain  William  Lyon, 
Samuel  Chandler,  Xathaniel  Child,  Captain  Daniel  Paine  and  P^benezer 
Child,  appointed  at  about  this  day  to  examine  the  financial  status  of 
the  town,  reported  "  Tliat  the  town's  money  for  a  number  of  years  had 
been  prudently  handled,"  and  that  its  treasury  was  in  good  condition. 
It  was  now  ordered  that  a  workhouse  should  V)e  provided  to  accommo- 
date the  town's  poor,  and  also  that  idle  and  dissolute  persons  might  be 
put  therein  and  employed.  In  1773,  higliway  districts  were  set  out, 
viz. :  in  the  First  society,  five  districts,  under  the  care  of  Thomas  Baker, 
Jonathan  Allen,  Jonathan  Lyon,  Jedidiah  Bugbee,  Matthew  Bowen ; 
New  Roxbury  society,  four  districts,  Daniel  Paine,  southeast  overseer ; 
Benjamin  Haywood  or  Howard,  southwest ;  John  Perrin,  2d,  north- 
west ;  Samuel  Narramore,  northeast ;  North  society,  Caleb  May,  south- 
east overseer  ;  Ephraim  Cai'penter,  northeast ;  Eliakim  May,  north- 
west;  Stephen  Tucker,  southwest.  A  communication  relating  to 
Colonel  Putnam's  petition  for  a  public  highway  to  New  Haven  leading 
through  Windham  County  was  favorably  received  by  the  to\vn,  and 
referred  to  the  consideration  of  the  selectmen.  New  roads  were  laid 
out  from  time  to  time  in  different  parts  of  the  town,  connecting  with 
or  replacing  the  old  range-ways  originally  laid  out.  Schools  were 
managed  by  the  religious  societies.  A  proposition  to  sell  the  old  cedar 
swamp  and  appropriate  avails  to  the  support  of  the  gospel,  "  jjrovided 
said  gospel  be  carried  on  according  to  the  Congregational  or  Presby- 
terial  Scheem,"  failed  of  accomplishment.  In  1765,  it  was  voted  to  sell 
the  same  and  api)ly  the  proceeds  to  schooling.  Four  years  later  sale  of 
certain  portions  of  proprietors'  land  was  reported  and  accepted,  and 
£115  allowed  for  schools.  The  remainder  of  the  cedar  swamp  was  left 
for  private  sale.  Committees  were  still  chosen  to  take  cai'e  of  the 
hearthstone  lot  and  prosecute  trespassers. 

Woodstock  was  now  losing  many  of  its  citizens  by  emigration. 
Thomas,  youngest  son  of  Captain  John  Chandler,  removed  with  his 
family  of  sons  and  daughters  in  1761,  and  after  a  brief  sojourn  in  Wal- 
pole,  New  Hampshire,  decided  to  lay  the  foundations  of  a  new  settle- 
ment westward.  Jabez  Seigeant,  Edwaid  and  Isaiah  Johnson,  Charles 
May,  William  Warner  and  others  from  Woodstock  joined  with  him  in 
building  up  the  township  of  Cliester,  Vermont.  Jolm  and  Noah  Pay- 
son,  William  Bartholomew,  Seth  Hodges,  Benjamin  Bugbee,  John 
Chamberlain  were  among  the  many  Woodstock  emigrants  who  went 
out  into  the  wilderness  and  aided  in  settling  towns  in  New  Hampshire, 
Vermont  and  New  York.  This  outflow  was  perhaps  made  needful  by 
14 


106  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

the  great  natural  increase  of  population — Rev.  Abel  Stiles  baptizing 
in  his  society  in  twenty-tive  years  no  less  than  367  boys  and  415  girls — 
while  at  the  same  time  it  was  favored  with  remarkable  exemption  from 
sickness  and  epidemic  disease,  so  that  in  some  210  families  the  yearly 
average  of  death  was  only  twelve  persons.  Many  lived  to  great  age 
and  quietly  dropped  away. 

An  elaborately  carved  slate-stone  in  the  graveyard  at  New  Roxbury 
commemorated  the  decease  of  Joshua,  third  sou  of  Honorable  John 
Chandler,  April  15,  1768;— 

"  In  his  last  days  he  in 
Hopes  of  another  world 
Saying  by  and  by  Glory, 

Glory,  Glory. 
Blessed  are  ye  dead 
That  die  in  the  Lord." 

Other  honored  and  lamented  citizens  left  still  more  enduring  monu- 
ments. Deacon  William  Lyon  bequeathed  to  the  town  for  the  instruc- 
tion and  spiritual  edification  of  its  citizens  his  copy  of  Willard's  Body 
of  Divinity,  a  most  elaborate  and  exhaustive  theological  compendium. 
The  town  signified  its  acceptance  and  appreciation  of  this  gift  by 
voting,  "  That  it  be  annually  removed  from  one  parish  in  town  to 
another,  to  be  kept  at  the  meeting-houses  of  the  respective  societies." 
Captain  Benjamin  Lyon's  bequest  of  fifty  pounds  was  restricted  to  the 
north  society,  to  be  applied  towards  procuring  a  library.  The  United 
Lyon  Library,  comprising  some  two  hundred  and  fifty  volumes,  mostly 
divinity  books,  and  including  the  remains  of  the  ancient  Union  Library 
of  Woodstock  and  Pomfret,  resulted  from  this  thoughtful  and  wise  be- 
quest.    About  ninety  proprietors  had  rights  in  this  library. 

Captain  Samuel  Chandler,  last  surviving  son  of  Honorable  John 
Chandler,  occupied  for  many  years  the  original  Chandler  homestead  in 
South  Woodstock.  His  son,  Charles  Church  Chandler,  was  graduated 
from  Harvard  College  in  1763,  studied  law,  married  Marian  Griswold 
of  Lyme,  and  entered  upon  the  j^ractice  of  his  profession  at  the  old 
homestead  in  his  native  village.  Pie  was  a  young  man  of  marked 
ability  and  promise,  and  soon  became  very  prominent  in  town  and  pub- 
lic affairs.  This  village  of  South  Woodstock  was  now  noted  for  public 
spirit  and  patriotism.  Dr.  David  Holmes,  its  well-known  physician, 
and  Samuel  McClellan,  trader,  were  both  very  active  in  military  and 
political  aifairs.  The  mercantile  traffic  carried  on  by  the  latter  partici- 
pated in  the  revival  of  business  enjoyed  for  a  season,  and  large  quanti- 
ties of  English  and  West  India  goods  were  distribtited  throughout  the 
town.  No  men  in  Woodstock  were  more  respected  and  useful  at  this 
period  than  the  deacons  of  the  south  church — William  Skinner  and 
Jedidiah  Morse — who,  with  their  popular  pastor,  are  also  reported  as 


Woodstock's  three  parishes,  etc.  '       107 

"  the  largest  and  finest  looking  men  in  the  parish."  Nor  were  the 
wives  of  these  excellent  men  less  respected  and  honored,  but  were 
rather  res^arded  "as  models  of  domestic  virtues  and  Christian  o-races." 
The  "  excellent  character  and  noble  bearing  "  of  Mrs.  Tempei'ance 
,  wife  of  Dr.  Holmes,  impressed  all  who  knew  her.  Mrs.  Je- 
mima Bradbury,  widow  of  Hon.  William  Chandler,  also  occupied  a 
high  place  among  Woodstock's  notable  and  honorable  women.  "En- 
dowed with  superior  natural  and  acquired  abilities,"  kind,  courteous, 
benevolent,  religious,  she  was  especially  noted  for  her  interest  in 
natural  sciences,  geography,  history  and  all  kindred  investigations,  and 
for  skill  in  imparting  to  others  "  most  valuable  instructions."  Certain 
bright  little  boys  then  growing  up  in  the  families  of  Deacon  Morse  and 
Doctor  Holmes  may  have  received  their  first  impulse  to  geographical 
and  scientific  studies  from  the  teachings  of  this  gifted  and  intelligent 
woman.  Bright  little  girls  as  well  as  boys  were  also  growing  up  in 
Woodstock.  Alathea  Stiles  studied  Latin  with  her  accomplished 
father,  and  reports  her  progress  in  this  and  other  studies  to  lier  learned 
cousin.  Other  young  ladies  excelled  in  housewife  accomplishments, 
and  some  of  their  exploits  even  foimd  their  way  into  the  news|»apers. 
The  Hartford  Courant,  January  9,  1766,  reports  that  Miss  Levina, 
daughter  of  Capt.  Nehemiah  Lyon  of  Woodstock,  and  Miss  Molly 
Ledoit  of  the  same  town,  in  one  day  carded  and  spun  twenty-two  skeins 
of  good  tow  yarn,  and  that  a  few  days  after,  Martha,  sister  of  Levina, 
spun  194  knots  of  good  linen  yarn  in  one  day.  The  same  paper  records 
an  unfortunate  casualty  occurring  at  an  October  training.  Elisha  Lyon, 
oldest  brother  of  these  young  ladies,  a  most  promising  young  man, 
twenty-four  years  of  age,  was  shot  through  the  head  by  the  accidental 
discharge  of  a  musket  and  innnediately  expired. 

The  tranquillity  of  Woodstock  during  this  period  was  somewhat  dis- 
turbed by  renewed  demonstrations  from  the  Goveinment  of  Massachu- 
setts. That  Colony  had  never  yielded  her  claim  to  the  Indented 
townships.  Proclamations  of  Fast  and  Thanksgiving  liad  ever  been 
sent  to  them  and  assessments  for  taxes,  and  now  she  resolved  to  com- 
pel them  to  return  to  their  allegiance.  At  the  meeting  of  her  General 
Assembly,  Feb.  25,  1768,  the  following  resolution  was  presented: — 

"  To  the  House  of  Bepresentatives : — 

Whereas  the  iuhabitants  of  Soniers,  Enfield,  Siiffield  and  Woodstock,  did  iu 
1749,  revolt  from  their  subjection  to  this  Goverument  under  whlcii  tliey  were 
at  first  settled,  and  by  which  they  had  been  protected  at  great  charge  iu  sev- 
eral wars,  and  did  apply  to  Connecticut  to  receive  them  as  being  within  said 
Colony,  and  said  Government  did  at  tir.st  disclaim  any  share  in  said  revolt, 
but  afterwards,  by  an  act  or  law  artfully  established  a  new  form  of  words  ex- 
pressive  of  the  bo'uuds  of  Hartford  and  Windham  counties,  in  order  to  give 
color  to  the  officers  of  said  counties  to  exercise  jurisdiction  over  said  revolt- 
ing inhabitants,  and  whereas  after  various  attempts  to  persuade  and  compel 
said  inhabitants  to  return  to  subjection,  war  began  and  for  many  years  con- 


108  HISTOEY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

tinued,  daring  which  Massachusetts  Government  desisted  from  all  compulsory 
measures  lest  damage  should  accrue  to  his  Majesty's  service,  and  whereas  by 
restoration  of  peace  reasons  for  such  forbearance  cease  and  inhabitants  still 
continue  in  revolt. 

Eesolved  and  ordered,  That  these  inhabitants  ought  to  have  been,  and  from 
henceforth  to  all  intents  and  purposes  shall  be  considered  within  the  limits  of 
this  Province,  and  under  the  jurisdiction  of  tliis  Government,  and  civil  and 
military  ollicers  are  required  to  govern  themselves  accordingly,  but  in  case  of 
their  return  no  arrears  of  taxes  required  of  them  ;  notified  to  forbear  payment 
of  future  taxes  to  Connecticut;  selectmen  required  to  give  in  a  list  of  polls 
and  estates,  and  if  they  don't,  asses.-ment  to  be  made  in  lawful  manner;  sher- 
ifls  desired  to  deliver  copies  of  this  resolve,  to  give  notice  to  the  inhabitants." 

This  rcsoltition  was  adopted  by  both  Houses  and  attempts  made  to 
carry  it  into  execution.  A  copy  was  left  by  Sheriff"  Gardner  Chandler 
with  Jedidiah  Morse,  selectman  of  Woodstock,  but  it  received  no 
attention.  The  inhabitants  of  Woodstock  had  no  desire  to  return  to 
Massachusetts  government,  but  rather,  manifested  undue,  undutiful 
eagerness  to  take  another  slice  of  her  territory.  The  committee  ap- 
pointed in  1753  by  Ehode  Island  and  Connecticut  to  examine  the  bounda- 
ry line  between  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut,  had  reported,  "  That 
the  dividend  line  was  wrong  from  the  outset;  that  the  point  selected  by 
Woodward  and  Saftery  for  the  head  of  Charles  River  was  four  miles 
south  of  the  true  head,  and  the  stake  on  Wrentham  Plain  more  than 
seven  miles  south  of  the  most  southerly  part  of  Cliarles  River,  instead 
of  three,  as  prescribed  by  Massachusetts'  cliarter."  Kehemiah  Lyon, 
Jedidiah  Morse,  Silas  Bowen,  Samuel  McClellan  and  Charles  Church 
Chandler  were  now  appointed  by  Woodstock  to  invite  Rhode  Island 
to  appear  in  person  before  the  General  Assembly  of  Connecticut,  and 
unite  iu  asking  to  have  the  boundary  line  settled.  Rhode  Island  so 
far  complied  with  this  invitation  as  to  appoint  a  committee  to  apply  to 
Connecticut  to  ascertain  the  result  of  the  joint  petition  of  17o3,  "  and  if 
they  can't  tell,  W'rite  to  ]\Ir.  Partridge  [her  agent  iu  Enghuid]  and  re- 
quest him  to  examine  the  papers  and  inform  us  of  the  circumstances 
the  affair  was  under  at  the  commencement  of  the  late  war."  Wood- 
stock, meanwhile,  ajjpealed  herself  to  the  xVssembly  for  the  redress  of 
this  and  other  grievances.  Its  distance  from  Windham  Court-house 
was  a  great  inconvenience  and  trial  to  this  township,  and  it  eagerly 
joined  with  other  northern  towns  of  the  county  in  devising  a  remedy. 
At  a  meeting  held  in  Pomfret,  Feb.  11,  1771, .at  the  house  of  Colonel 
Israel  Putnam,  Samuel  Chandler,  Nehemiah  Lyon,  Nathaniel  Child, 
Daniel  and  Ebenezer  Paine  appeared  on  behalf  of  Woodstock,  consult- 
ing with  gentlemen  from  Killingly,  Thompson  Parish,  Ashford  and 
Union,  in  regard  "to  some  new  bound  for  the  county."  This  confer- 
ence had  no  immediate  result.  Pomfret  Avished  the  county  seat  trans- 
ferred to  her  own  borders.     Woodstock  had  her  own  views  upon  the 


Woodstock's  three  paeishes,  etc.  109 

matter,    thus  embodied  in    petition,    after    careful    cousidcratioa    and 
amendment,  May  2,  1771  : — 

''Whereas  your  memorialists,  upon  a  mature  consideration  of  the  excel- 
lency of  the  form  of  Government  in  Connecticut,  and  of  the  wise,  equitable 
and  righteous  administration  of  the  same,  did  in  17-19,  place  themselves  under 
the  jurisdiction  and  patronage  of  tiie  Gen.  Asseml^ly,  witii  raised  expecta- 
tions of  a  plenary  protection  being  granted  them  against  the  claims  and  de- 
mands of  Massachusetts,  but  had  been  exposed  to  some  peculiar  inconveni- 
ences, sufi'ering  greatly  in  their  time,  in  their  estates  by  seizures  and  distraints 
from  the  Province  of  Massachusetts,  and  to  this  day  not  exempt,  and  Massa- 
chusetts continuing  its  claims,  and  from  year  to  year  they  have  been  assessed 
for  their  proportion  of  that  Province  tax,  and  by  a  resolve  passed  in  its  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  Feb.  25,  1708,  your  memorialists  were  warned  to  forbear  pay- 
ment of  any  future  taxes  to  the  Government  of  Connecticut,  and  the  select- 
men of  the  indented  towns  required  to  give  in  a  list  of  estates  before  next  ses- 
sion, and  in  case  of  refusal  to  be  assessed  in  such  proportion  as  the  other 
inhabitants  of  Massachusetts  and  payment  enforced  by  law;  and,  2,  your 
memorialists  being  more  than  twenty-tive  miles  distant  from  the  court-house 
in  Windham,  are  put  to  great  cost  in  attending  the  same  and  the  multiplicity 
of  business  necessary  to  be  transacted,  whereby  the  time  of  the  court  to  a 
great  degree  lengthened  and  frequent  adjournments  takes  place,  causing 
much  needless  travel  and  long  absence  from  their  respective  families  and 
occupations  in  life,  enhanceth  their  burdens,  increases  their  charges  and 
greatly  tends  to  their  impoverishment;  all  which  grievances  we  have  patiently 
borne  for  twenty-two  years  from  the  hope  that  they  would  be  redressed;  and 
whereas  it  is  the  prevailing  sentiment  in  Windham  County  that  said  county 
should  be  divided,  on  account  of  the  multiplicity  of  business  whereby  parties 
are  with  their  witnesses  obliged  to  be  on  charge  frequently  week  after  week 
and  cases  deferred  from  time  to  time,  and  the  inconvenience  of  other  towns 
by  being  situate  at  a  great  distance,  particularly  Pomfret,  Killingiy,  Ashford 
and  Union,  and  whereas  Woodstock  is  most  conveniently  situated  for  a  shire- 
town,  as  the  boundary  line  between  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut  now  runs 
seven  miles  north  from  the  centre  of  its  first  society  upon  a  strait  line,  and 
the  northeast  corner  of  said  boundary  line  at  Killingly's  northeast  corner 
being  about  eleven  miles  distant,  and  the  northwest  of  Union  about  fourteen 
miles,  southeast  corner  of  Killingiy  fourteen  miles,  southeast  corner  of  Ash- 
ford fourteen  miles  from  centre  of  first  society,  and  upon  su|iposition  that  the 
boundary  line  be  run  agreeable  to  the  manifest  intent  of  the  Province  Charter, 
three  miles  south  of  any  part  of  Charles  Piver,  it  would  be  about  four  and  a 
half  miles  farther  north;  and  as  the  court-liouse  in  Windham,  by  being  placed 
about  two  and  a  half  miles  from  the  south  line  of  the  county,  puts  the  inhabit- 
ants of  these  north  towns— some  twenty  and  even  thirty  miles  distant— to  very 
great  inconvenience  and  charge,  beg  for  a  committee  to  unite  with  Rhode 
Island  in  fixing  boundary  line  with  Massachusetts,  and  also  to  take  a  just 
survey  of  Windham  Couuly,  the  situation  of  Woodstock,  and  its  convenieucy 
for  a  shire-town. 

Elisiia  Child, 
Jedidiaii  Morse, 
Arjeuts." 

William  Williams  and  Joseph  Triirabiill  were  appointed  by  the  Up- 
per House  to  consider  this  memorial,  but  the  Lower  House  dissented. 
The  question  of  removing  the  court-house  was  not  yet  to  be  considered, 
and  as  for  the  boundary  line,  so  long  as  Connecticut  had  the  towns, 
agitation  was  unadvisable.  In  attempting  to  gain  four  miles,  she  might 
lose  the  whole  disputed  territory,  and  so  both  questions  were  left  for 
future  generations  to  grapple. 


BOOK    VI. 

WINDHAM  IN  THE  REVOLUTION,  17G4-83. 


I. 

OPPOSITION     TO    STAMP     ACT.      NON-IMPORTATION.      HELP    FOR 
BOSTON.     RESOLVES  AND  ONSETS.     A  GREAT  UPRISING. 

DURING  the  period  of  time  embraced  in  the  preceding  section 
events  were  occui'ring  that  demand  a  separate  record,  and 
careful  review  and  consideration.  Tlie  Revolution  by  whicli  tlie 
Araei'ican  Colonies  were  forever  released  fi-om  the  dominion  of  Great 
Britain  was  in  progress.  Windham  County  so  alert  and  active  in 
administering  its  domestic  affairs  was  equally  awake  to  the  great 
public  questions  of  the  day.  Its  citizens  had  been  reared  to  an  intelli- 
gent participation  in  the  government  of  Connecticut.  As  soon  as  a 
town  was  able  to  pay  its  part  of  public  expenses  it  had  sent  represents 
tives  to  the  General  Assembly,  and  the  proceedings  and  reports  of 
those  representatives  were  closely  scrutinized  and  debated  at  home. 
The  management  of  their  towns,  churches  and  schools  had  developed 
a  spirit  of  self-reliance  and  independent  judgment,  and  wise  leaders 
and  administrators  were  found  in  every  community.  The  unusual 
privileges  conferred  by  the  charter  of  Connecticut  gave  her  citizens 
for  many  years  no  pretext  for  murmuring,  and  they  had  been  noted 
for  attachment  and  loyalty  to  the  British  government  in  contrast  with 
their  rebellious  neighbors  in  Massachusetts.  Restrictions  upon  trade 
and  manufactures,  though  burdensome  and  prejudicial  to  development, 
were  viewed  as  perhaps  needful  commercial  regulations,  and  excited 
no  general  distrust  or  disaffection.  It  was  not  till  Great  Britain 
claimed  the  right  to  impose  a  direct  tax  upon  her  American  Colonies 
that  her  Connecticut  subjects  were  roused  to  resistance.  Taxation  for 
the  support  of  civil  government  had  been  hitherto  associated  with  a 
voice  in  its  administration.  No  town  presumed  to  send  deputies  till 
it  could  pay  public  charges.  Ministers  exempted  by  law  from  rate- 
paying  were  expected  to  refrain  from  voting.  The  vital  connection 
between  taxation  and  representation  had  thus  infused  itself  into  the 


112  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COCNTT. 

popular  inind,  ami  was  held  as  a  primal  axiom  not  to  be  disputed  or 
dislodged.  The  report  that  the  House  of  Commons  liad  resolved, 
that  it  was  proper  to  charge  certain  stamp  duties  in  the  Colonies  and 
plantations,  awoke  Connecticut  to  a  sense  of  her  danger.  The  great 
mass  of  her  citizens  united  with  those  of  other  Colonies  in  expressing 
their  determination  to  resist  this  arl)itrary  imposition.  Admit  the 
right  to  levy  this  tax,  and  no  security  was  left  to  them.  In  the  great 
conflict  that  followed,  Windham  County  was  deeply  implicated.  Her 
position  on  the  main  thoroughfares  of  travel  brought  her  into  very 
close  and  constant  communication  with  the  leading  towns  in  the 
Northern  Colonies.  Filial  and  fraternal  relations  connected  her  with 
the  flaming  patriots  of  Boston  and  Providence.  The  earnest  words 
and  warnings  of  Colonel  Dyer,  then  in  London  with  opportunity  of 
judging  the  aims  and  temper  of  the  British  Government,  made  a  deep 
impression  upon  the  citizens  of  Windham.  "  If  the  Colonists,"  he 
wrote,  "  do  not  now  unite,  they  may  bid  farewell  to  liberty,  burn 
their  charters,  and  make  their  boast  of  thraldom."  A  still  more 
potent  stimulus  was  found  in  the  pervading  influence  of  Putnam, 
Durkee,  and  other  popular  military  leaders,  men  of  mettle  and  ex])eri- 
ence,  quick  to  apprehend  the  exigency  and  most  efl'ective  in  appeal  to 
popular  sympathy.  Windham  County's  ajtpreciation  of  the  import- 
ance and  solemnity  of  the  crisis  was  shown  in  the  character  of  the 
men  sent  to  share  in  the  deliberations  of  the  Genei'al  Assendily. 
Her  shire-town  sent  its  senior  minister.  Rev.  Ebenezer  Devotion, 
together  with  the  venerable  Nathaniel  Wales,  and  in  the  following 
session,  Hezekiah  Manning,  and  men  of  years  and  approved  judgment 
were  selected  l)y  all  tlie  towns,  viz.  : — 

F(ymfret — Samuel  Dresser,  Samuel  Craft. 

(Ja)iterbury — Captain  Jabez  Fitch,  Captain  Daniel  Tyler. 

Plainfield — James  Bradford,  Isaac  Coit. 

KiUuigly — Briant  Brown,  Ebenezer  Larned. 

Woodstock — Nehemiah  Lyon,  Ebenezer  Smith. 

I^oluntown — John  Gordon,  Moses  Kinney. 

Ash  ford — Amos  Babcock,  Jedidiah  P'ay. 

Lebanon — Captain  Joshua  West,  William  Williams. 

In  spite  of  petitions  and  remonstrances  from  America,  and  earnest 
protestations  fiom  her  friends  in  Parliament,  the  British  government 
persisted  in  its  purpose,  and  on  March  22,  1765,  the  famous  Stamp 
Act  received  the  sanction  of  the  King.  The  news  of  its  enactment 
was  received  in  America  with  the  most  violent  demonstrations  of 
indignation  ajid  defiance.  Virginias  House  of  Burgesses  then  in 
session,  at  once  resolved,  "  That  the  inhabitants  of  that  Colony  were 
not  bound  to  yield  obedience  to  this  law,   and  that  any  person  who 


OPPOSITION    TO    STAMP    ACT,    ETC.  113 

should  maintain  that  any  persons  other  than  the  General  Assembly 
had  any  right  or  power  to  impose  taxation  upon  the  people  should  be 
deemed  an  enemy  to  the  Colony."  Its  resolutions  in  their  first  umnodi- 
fied  draft  were  eagerly  caught  up,  printed  on  broadsides,  and  sent 
throughout  the  land,  Avere  copied  into  the  public  journals  of  New 
England,  and  everywhere  acce])ted  as  a  true  expression  of  public 
sentiment.  Simultaneously  and  spontaneously  as  it  seemed,  inhabit- 
ants of  hundreds  of  towns  and  villages  banded  together  as  Sons  of 
Liberty,  pledging  themselves  to  use  their  utmost  endeavor  to  resist 
the  execution  of  ttie  Stamp  Act.  As  intelligence  arrived  that  certain 
individuals  had  been  designated  to  receive  and  distribute  tlie  obnoxious 
paper,  which  after  the  first  of  November  was  to  be  used  in  all 
business  transactions,  the  excitement  increased,  and  ])ublic  indigna- 
tion vented  itself  upon  these  prospective  otticials.  In  the  larger 
towns  there  were  violent  upiisings  and  tumults,  stamp  officers  burned 
in  effigy  and  their  offices  and  dwellings  sacked  and  demolished,  while 
rural  communities  manifested  their  spirit  and  sympathy  by  uproarious 
gatherings  and  effigetic  hanging  and  burning.  The  newspapers  of 
tlie  day  applauded  and  incited  these  proceedings. 

"  What  greater  pleasure  can  there  be 
Than  to  see  a  stamp-inau  hanging  on  a  tree," — 

was  the  general  cry. 

Windham,  the  most  effervescent  of  Windham  County  towns,  was 
the  first  to  act  upon  this  suggestion.  Intelligence  that  one  of  her 
own  citizens  had  been  appointed  deputy  stamp-master  under  Ingersoll, 
threw  her  into  great  excitement.  A  self-appointed  vigilance  com- 
mittee instantly  waited  upon  this  gentleman,  compelled  him  to  give  up 
the  letter  announcing  his  appointment  and  solemnly  promise  to  decline 
the  office.  On  the  morning  of  August  26 — famed  for  many  similar 
outbreaks  in  other  towns — this  "  ever  memorable  and  respectable 
gentleman  made  his  appearance  in  effigy,  suspended  between  Heaven 
and  Earth,"  on  some  conspicuous  elevation  upon  Windham  Green. 
People  came  in  crowds  from  all  the  surrounding  country  to  witness 
the  show  and  join  in  the  demonstrations.  Effigies  of  other  suspected 
and  un|)0})ular  individuals  were  successively  brt)Ught  forward  and  hung 
up  amid  the  jeers  and  opprobiiums  of  the  excited  spectators.  After 
hanging  till  evening  the  several  figures  were  taken  down  and  paraded 
all  about  the  village  and  then  consumed  upon  a  bonfire  with  great 
rejoicing  Tlie  staid  and  decorous  Lebanon  observed  the  day  with 
more  dignity  and  solemnity,  draj^ing  her  public  buildings  with  black, 
and  subjecting  her  effigies  to  a  formal  trial  and  sentence  before  pro- 
ceeding to  hang  and  burn  them. 
15 


114  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

These  noisy  demonstrations  were  but  the  pruhulu  to  more  serious 
action.  The  citizens  of  Windham  and  New  London  Counties  were 
fully  determined  to  prevent  the  distribution  of  llie  stamps.  When  it 
was  found  that  Governor  Fitch  was  preparing  to  carry  out  the  instruc- 
tions of  the  King,  that  the  colony  agent,  .Tared  Ingersoll,  after  faith- 
fully opposing  the  passage  of  the  bill  had  accepted  the  position  of 
stamp-mastei',  and  that  the  western  counties  were  less  awake  to  the 
crisis  than  their  own,  they  sallied  out  in  great  force  to  end  the  matter 
at  once  and  forever.  Five  hundred  hoisemen  armed  with  clubs  and 
other  weapons  and  provided  with  eight  days'  provision,  marched 
deliberately  across  the  country  under  the  leadership  of  Captain  John 
Durkee,  intercepted  Ingersoll  on  his  way  to  Ilartfoid  and  compelled 
him  to  write  his  name  to  the  ibrmal  I'esignation  jMCpared  for  him. 
Putnam,  accredited  with  a  prominent  share  in  the  instigation  of  this 
irruption,  was  detained  from  personal  participation  by  illness.  As  soon 
as  possible  he  waited  upon  Governor  Fitch  in  behalf  of  the  Sons  of 
Liberty,  to  ensure  that  no  other  stamp  master  should  be  appointed, 
and  no  farther  attempt  made  to  enforce  the  Act,  and  with  his  u.sual 
directne.ss  assured  him  that  if  he  should  refuse  to  relincjuish  the  con- 
trol of  the  stam])ed  pai)er  his  house  would  be  "  leveled  with  the  dust 
in  five  minutes."  Nathan  Fiink,  King's  attorney  in  Pomfret,  was 
appointed  deputy  stamp-master  for  the  north  part  of  Windham  County, 
and  went  so  far  as  to  build  an  office  for  their  reception,  but  was  most 
j)Ositively  assured  by  his  fellow-citizens  that  he  would  never  be  allowed 
to  use  it  for  that  purpose.  So  great  was  the  public  excitement  and 
interest  that  the  very  stones  were  made  to  cry  out.  "  Lihektv  & 
Equality,"  "Down  with  the  Stamu  Act,"  inscribed  on  a  stone  tablet, 
and  hoisted  in  a  conspicuous  ])osition  above  the  door  of  Mi'.  ]\Lanning's 
dwelling,  met  the  eyes  and  stimulated  the  zeal  of  the  many  passers 
over  Manning's  bridge  in  the  south  part  of  Windham  town. 

In  the  various  public  convocations  of  this  eventftd  epoch  Wind- 
ham bore  a  conspicuous  part.  Colonel  Dyer  was  sent  as  dele- 
gate to  the  first  general  Congress,  held  in  New  York,  in 
'October.  At  a  meeting  of  the  Sons  of  Liberty  in  Hartford,  March 
25,  17GG,  "much  more  generally  attended  by  the  two  eastern 
counties  of  Connecticut" — Colonel  Putnam,  Major  Duikee  and 
Captain  Ledlie  were  appointed  a  eominittee  to  arrange  a  correspond- 
ence with  the  loyal  Sons  of  Lil)erty  in  other  colonies,  and 
Ledlie,  then  resident  in  Windham,  was  sent  as  representative 
to  a  general  convention  of  that  order  in  Annapolis.  Stamps 
destined  for  Coimecticut  were  forcibly  taken  from  the  sloop  Muierva 
and  destroyed  by  the  Sons  of  Liberty  in  New  York  harbor.  By  this 
vigoious  combniation  and  resistance  the  Stamp  Act  was  made  inopera- 


OPPOSITION    TO    STAMP    ACT)    ETC.  115 

tive.  When  the  first  of  Xovoinbcr  came  not  a  slieet  of  the  stMniped 
paper  was  1o  be  procured.  It  had  been  destroyed  or  sent  back  to 
England,  or  stowed  away  for  safe  keeping.  Nearly  all  the  business  of 
the  Colony  was  thus  suspended.  Courts  and  ports  were  closed  and 
thousands  of  pul)lic  offices.  Land  could  not  be  legally  conveyed  nor 
debts  collected,  nor  wills  made,  nr)r  mari'iage  licenses  procured.  IJelief 
could  only  be  obtained  by  a  special  dispensation  or  permit  from  such 
governors  as  ventured  to  exercise  this  power  in  cases  of  extreme 
urgency.  The  consequent  business  derangement  affected  England 
almost  as  seriously  as  America.  No  debts  could  \)e  collected  nor  goods 
sold  in  the  Colonies.  At  the  re-opening  of  Parliament,  London  mer- 
chants most  earnestly  urged  the  repeal  of  the  odious  Act.  Pitt,  and 
other  fi-iends  of  America,  exerted  theii'  utmost  eloquence  and  energies 
in  this  behalf  and  after  a  violent  and  proti'acted  contest  its  repeal  was 
effected.  The  Colonies  received  the  tidings  with  many  manifestations 
of  joy  and  gratitude,  commercial  intercourse  was  renewed  and  trade 
and  business  speedily  revived. 

Peace  and  prosperity  had  but  a  brief  continuance.  The  spirit  that 
liad  evoked  the  Stamp  Act  manifested  itself  in  other  aggressions.  In 
1767,  a  bill  was  passed  in  Parliament  imposing  duties  on  tea,  glass  and 
paints,  from  which  a  public  fund  should  be  formed  to  be  expended  iu 
defraying  the  expenses  of  its  government  in  America.  Her  Colonists 
resented  both  the  tax  and  disposition,  as  thus  their  governcjrs,  judges 
and  other  public  officers  were  made  entirely  independent  of  themselves 
and  their  Assemblies,  and  were  confirmed  in  their  su-picion  that  tlie 
British  Government  was  bent  upon  their  subjugation.  Her  previous 
policy  in  restricting  Colonial  trade  and  manufactures  in  order  to  leave 
the  market  open  for  her  own  pioductions,  appeared  to  them  another 
evidence  of  this  design  and  showed  them  the  necessity  of  more  vigor- 
ous resistance  and  effective  combination.  Great  Britain  had  schemed 
and  legislated  to  compel  America  to  purchase  her  productions ;  it 
behoved  America  to  thwart  those  schemes  and  evade  that  legislation 
by  devising  some  method  for  sui)plying  themselves  with  needful 
articles.  A  meeting  was  called  in  Boston,  October,  1767,  to  consider 
what  efiectual  methods  could  be  agreed  upon  to  promote  industry, 
economy  and  manufactures,  and  prevent  the  unnecessary  impoitation 
of  European  commodities.  A  committee  was  appointed  wliich  sug- 
gested and  prepared  an  explicit  "form"  in  which  the  signers  pledged 
themselves  to  encourage  the  use  of  American  productions,  and  refrain 
from  purchasing  articles  of  European  manufacture.  A  copy  of  this 
agreement  was  sent  to  every  town  in  Massachusetts,  and  many  in  the 
adjacent  colonies,  requesting  their  consideration  and  signature.  Wind- 
ham town  with  its  usual  promptness  held  a  meeting,  December  7, 


116  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY'. 

1767,  "to  consider  tlie  letter  and  matters  from  the  seleotmen  of 
lioston,"  appointed  a  number  of  leading  citizens  in  each  of  its  three 
parishes  to  prepare  a  suitable  response,  and  met  again  a  month  later 
to  receive  this  report : — 

"  Being  sensible  that  this  Colony  in  its  situation  and  soil  and  the  ooniinodi- 
ties  which  it  is  natnrally  adapted  to  produce  by  a  proper  exertion  of  labor 
and  indiistrj%  will  not  only  aft'ord  the  inhabitants  nincli  the  greater  part  of 
the  necessities  and  conveniences  of  life  but  a  considerable  surplus  for 
exportation,  but  the  surprising  fondness  of  its  inhabitants  for  the  use  and 
consumption  of  foreign  and  British  manufactures  and  suiMTtiuities,  even  to  a 
great  degree  of  luxury  and  extravagance,  which  has  so  far  increased  beyond 
our  ability  to  pay  as  has  proved  detrimental  to  our  Mother  Country,  and  has 
such  pernicious  influence  upon  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony  as,  if  persisted 
in,  must  involve  the  great  part  in  irretrievable  distress  and  ruin  ;  at  present 
plunged  in  debt,  the  balance  of  trade  greatly  against  us,  our  suuiU  commerce 
declining,  and  poverty  with  all  its  melancholy  attendants  threatening,  which 
loudly  calls  upon  every  friend  to  his  countrj'  "to  exert  every  patriotic  virtue  in 
its  full  force  to  extricate  the  inhabitants  from  their  perplexed  and  embar- 
rassed circumstances,  the  consequences  of  which  are  so  far  felt  as  fully  to  be 
dreaded,  and  being  of  opinion  that  frugality  and  industry  with  a  fixed  atten- 
tion and  application  to  American  manufactures  are  the  most  direct  and 
obvious  measures  to  answer  these  salutary  purposes  and  are  absolutely  neces- 
sary to  extricate  ourselves  from  our  present  load  of  debt,  as  Avell  as  for  the 
future  prosperity  of  the  community,  do  eugage  with  and  promise  each  other 
that  we  will  not  from  and  after  the  tirst  day  of  March  next,  by  land  or  water, 
transport  into  this  Colony  either  for  sale  or  our  own  family's  use,  nor  pur- 
chase of  any  other  person,  any  of  the  following  articles  produced  or  manu- 
factured out  of  North  America,  viz.  :  Loaf-sugar,  cordage,  coaches,  chaises, 
and  all  sorts  of  carriages  and  harnesses  for  the  same,  men's  and  women's 
saddles,  and  bridles  and  whips,  all  sorts  of  men's  hats,  men's  and  women's 
apparel  ready-made,  men's  gloves,  women's  hats,  men's  and  women's  shoes, 
sole-leather,  shoe  and  knee  buckles,  iron  ware,  clocks,  nails,  gold,  silver  and 
thread  lace,  gold  and  silver  buttons,  diamond  stone  and  paste  ware,  snulf, 
tobacco,  mustard,  clocks  and  watches,  silversmith  and  jeweller's  ware, 
broad-cloth  that  costs  above  9s.  pr.  yard,  murts,  tippets  and  all  sorts  of  head- 
dress for  women,  women's  and  children's  stays,  starch,  silk  and  cotton  velvet, 
linseed  oil,  lawn  and  cambric  that  costs  above  4s.  pr.  yard,  malt  liquors, 
cheese,  chairs  and  tables,  and  all  kinds  of  cabinet  ware,  horse  combs,  linen 
exceeding  2s.  per  yard,  silks  of  any  kind  in  garments,  men's  and  women's 
stockings,  and  wove  patterns  for  breeches  and  vests. 

And  we  do  farther  engage  to  each  other  that  we  will  discourage  and  dis- 
countenance to  the  utmost  of  our  power  the  excessive  use  of  all  foieign  teas, 
china  ware,  spices  and  black  pepper,  all  British  and  foreign  superfluities  and 
manufactures  not  herein  enuu)erated  us  by  due  encouragement  are  or  may  be 
fabricated  iu  North  America,  and  also  the  present  excessive  use  of  ruui, 
brandy  and  other  spirituous  liquors  in  all  house-holders,  families,  taverns  and 
laborers.  And  all  extravagant,  unnecessary  and  expensive  treats,  as  have  by 
custom  been  introduced  by  military  ofticers,  holding  such  in  reputation  who  shall 
for  the  future  neglect  the  same— and  whereas  wool  and  flax  are  the  natural  pro- 
duce and  staple  of  this  Colony,  the  increase  of  which  must  prove  beueflcial ;  it  is 
farther  agreed  not  to  drive  out  of  this  Colony  to  market  any  wethers  of  more 
than  two  years  old,  or  ewes  of  more  than  six  years  old,  for  the  space  of  three 
years  next  coming,  and  would  recommend  the  raising  of  flax,  hemp,  and 
barley  for  the  making  of  good  beer  which  would  have  the  greatest  tendencj' 
to  discourage  the  pernicious  use  of  distilled  spirits;  also  would  recommend 
to  families  to  save  and  preserve  all  refuge  linen  rags  to  promote  the  manu- 
facture of  paper  iu  this  Colony;  also  recommend  an  incpiiry  into  the  method 
and  expediency  of  manufacturing  glass — and  furthermore,  to  the  end  that  this 
union  be  not  violated  and  the  good  effects  be  frustrated,  if  any  inhabitant  does 
not  sign  and  conform  to  these  regulations  but  still  continues  to  import  and 
introduce  any  of  the  above-mentioned  restricted  articles,  such  persons  shall 
be  by  us  discountenanced  iu  the  most  eflectual  but  decent  and  lawful  manner, 


OPPOSITION    TO    STAMP    ACT,    ETC.  117 

and  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  correspond  with  committees  from  tlie 
several  towns  in  the  County  in  order  to  render  the  fore-i;-oing  proposals  as 
extensive  and  oliectual  as  niaj'  Ije. 

Jedidiaii  Eldekkin.  David  Adams. 

Samuel  Gray.  Joseph  Ginmxgs. 

Nathaniel  Wales,  Juu.  Joxai han  Kixgsley. 

Jacou  Simmons.  Josiiita  Eldehkin. 

Hezekiah  Manning.  Elisiia  Hiumjut. 

William  Durkee.  Euenezer  Huveuy. 

Ebenezer  Devotion,  Jun." 

The  foregoing  re])ort  being  publicly  vead  tlii-ee  times  was  accepted 
in  a  very  full  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town,  neniine  contra- 
dicente  !  ! 

It  was  farther  voted,  "  That  the  foi-m  of  subscription  be  the  same  as 
come  into  by  the  town  of  (4rafton,  and  that  the  previous  committee 
with  Joshua  Reed,  Thomas  Tracy  and  Nathaniel  Linkon  should  take 
care  and  see  subscription  filled  up  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  town,  and 
when  comj)leted  lodge  the  same  with  the  town  clerk."  In  compliance 
with  the  suggestion  of  the  report,  "  Xathaniel  Wales,  Jun.,  Es(].,  Sam- 
uel Gray,  Esq.,  and  Dr.  Joshua  Elderkin  were  a))pointed  a  committee 
to  correspond  with  committees  from  the  several  towns  of  the  countt^  to 
vender  the  foregoing  ]jroposals  as  e.xtensive  and  effectual  as  may  l)e." 
The  honor  of  "  inventing "  the  system  of  correspon<ling  committees 
which  proved  so  effective  in  pi-omoting  the  Revolution  has  been 
ascribed  tu  Samuel  Adams  and  other  notable  persons,  but  we  find  it  at 
this  early  date  proposed  and  carried  into  execution  by  Windham.  The 
stringent  agreement  was  signed  by  nearly  eveiy  inhabitant  and  faith- 
fully observed  though  at  great  loss  and  self-saci'ifice.  The  foreign  ti'aftic 
that  had  so  enriched  them  was  given  up.  The  foreign  luxuiies  so 
freely  used  were  all  abandoned.  The  enthusiastic  Windhaniites  re- 
joiced in  this  signal  opportunity  of  testing  their  patriotism  and  devo- 
tion. Home-raised  food  and  home-spun  clothes  came  at  once  into  use 
and  fashion.  A  decoction  of  the  common  red-root  "of  very  salutaiy 
nature,"  under  the  dignified  appellation  of  Hyperion  or  Labrador  tea, 
replaced  the  prohibited  Hyson  and  Bohea.  Ribbons,  laces  and  all  for- 
eign finery  were  vociferously  eschewed  by  the  ardent  "  Daughtei's  of 
Liberty."  The  wedding  of  Miss  Dora  Flint  during  this  December  was 
made  a  grand  patriotic  demonsti-ation.  The  numerous  guests  from 
Ncvw'ich  and  Windham  were  all  ari-ayed  in  liome-simn.  The  bountiful 
refreshments  were  of  colonial  production,  their  fiavor  heightened  by 
patriotic  fervor.  Any  infringement  of  the  agreement  was  quickly  ob- 
served, and  i-epovted  to  the  town  authoiities.  "  Joshua  Elderkin,  one 
of  the  committee,  not  keeping  the  same  but  im[)orting  felt  hats  and 
worsted  patterns,  the  town  agrees  to  look  upon  him  as  a  person  not  fit 
to  sustain  any  oftice  of  trust  or  profit  till  he  }>roperly  manifests  his  re- 
pentance." 


118  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

The  sjiirit  and  selt-sacrificc  of  Wiiidliain  weiv  eiiinlateil  by  the  otliei' 
towns  of  the  county,  an<I  all  were  ready  to  pledjjje  themselves  to  total 
abstinence  from  foreign  luxuries.  Ashford  held  a  meeting  Dec.  14, 
and  appointed  Captains  Elisha  Wales,  Benjamin  Clark  and  Benjamin 
Russel,  Elijah  VViiitou,  Esq.,  and  Benjamin  Sumner,  Esq.,  "to  be  a 
coniniittee  to  correspond  with  other  committees  in  the  county  and  else- 
wliere,  to  encourage  and  help  forward  manufactures  and  a  spirit  of 
indu.<try  in  this  government.'"  Canterbury  citizens  met  Dec.  21  ;  Jo 
seph  Woodward,  moderator.  Jabez  Fitch,  John  Curtis,  Samuel  Hunt- 
ington, Captain  Benjamin  Pierce,  Lieutenants  Aaron  Cleveland  and 
Stephen  Frost,  Ensign  Benjamin  Smith  and  Mr.  Solomon  Paine  were 
chosen  committee  to  consider  the  premises  and  make  report.  Their 
repoit  was  accepted  and  provision  made  for  procuring  subscriptions  to 
the  agreement.  Plainfield  made  haste  to  express  her  concurrence  with 
the  other  towns,  and  agreed  to  draw  up  sul)Scriptions  in  pursuance  of 
their  wise  and  ha[)py  measures  for  the  encouragement  of  frugality, 
economy  and  our  own  manufactures.  The  formal  Xon-Importation 
Agreement  of  1769,  as  pronnilgated  by  ardent  patriots  in  Virginia  and 
adopted  by  the  several  colonies,  was  most  heartily  endorsed  by  the  citi- 
zens of  Windham  County.  When  it  was  found  that  interested,  indi- 
viduals connived  at  the  evasion  of  the  Agreement  by  the  illicit  intro- 
duction of  contraband  goods,  such  persons  were  publicly  denounced  as 
covenant-breakers  and  enemies  of  their  country.  The  withdrawal  of 
New  York  from  the  Non-Importation  league  excited  genei'al  indigna- 
tion and  lepiobation.  Many  spirited  meetings  were  held  in  Connecti- 
cut in  3  770,  to  devise  moi'e  elfectual  means  for  the  enforcement  of  the 
Agreement.  "Merchants  and  traders  "  met  at  Middletown,  Hartford 
and  New  Haven,  condemned  the  conduct  of  merchants  in  Newport  and 
denounced  tlie  insolent  behavior  of  New  Yorkers.  The  names  of  the 
New  York  im[)oiters  were  printed  and  hung  up  in  every  public  house 
in  Connecticut  for  ])ublic  execration.  "  What  is  the  difference,"  asks  a 
Connecticut  jouinal,  "  between  an  Importer  and  an  Indian  ?  An  Indian 
drinks  cyder;  an  Importer  drinks  the  blood  of  his  country;  an  Indian 
is  enemy  only  to  himself,  an  Importer  is  an  enemy  to  America."  A 
meeting  of  the  several  committees  of  correspondence  at  Hartford  State- 
liousc,  August  9,  reconunended  a  general  convention  at  New  Haven 
the  day  after  Comniencement,  every  town  to  send  delegates.  Wind- 
ham County  responded  witli  delegates  from  every  town  and  implicit 
instructions.  One  or  two  specimens  will  show  the  tem[)erand  spirit  of 
its  iidiabilants.     Canteibury  agrees: — 

'•1.  That  Jabez  Fitch  and  Benjamin  Bacon  bo  chosen  to  represent  the 
towu  at  the  meeting  oC  the  Mercantile  and  Landed  Interest  of  this  Colony,  to 
be  convened  at  Kew  Haven  ou  the  day  next  after  the  ensuing  Comraeuce- 
nient. 


OPPOSITION    TO    STAMP    ACT,    ETC.  119 

2.  That  if  anj^  person,  wliether  an  inhabitant  of  this  town  or  not,  shall  at 
an}'  time  before  a  ijeneral  importation  takes  place  briii^  into  this  town  eitiier 
for  their  own  use  or  for  sale  any  Hritish  manufactures  which  have  been  im- 
ported contrary  to  the  Non-Importation  Aiireement,  or  any  iioods  whatever 
•which  have  been  purchased  by  those  persons  who  have  violated  said  aiiiee- 
ment,  they  will  incur  the  displeasure  and  resentments  of  the  inhabitants  of 
this  town. 

3.  That  whereas  the  Parliament  of  Great  Britain  have  contiiuied  the  duty 
on  all  7V«  imported  into  and  consumed  in  any  of  the  American  Colonies  as  a 
Test  and  Proof  of  their  riiiht  to  tax  America,  which  we  think  very  unreason- 
able and  unconstitutional;  therefore,  voted,  That  all  persons  who  will  at  this 
critical  time  persist  in  usinii  tea  until  the  tluty  is  taken  off  show  a  iireat  dis- 
regard for  the  rights  and  liberties  of  America,  and  deserve  to  be  treated  with 
contempt." 

Ashford  was  especially  earnest  and  emphatic  in  resolvinij: : — 

"  1.     That  we  will  not  give  up  our  native  and  loyal  rights. 

2.  That  in  the  patriotic  Agreement  of  the  merchants,  the  int(!rests  and 
rights  of  America  were  thoroughly  considered. 

3.  That  to  break  in  upon  the  Non-importation  Agreement  strikes  at  the  life 
of  America  and  is  a  multiplied  evil. 

4.  That  as  the  faith  and  virtue  of  sundry  of  the  merchants  have  notoriously 
failed  it  is  high  time  for  the  people  to  step  forward  in  earnest  to  support  the 
tottering  cau>e  and  atlVjrd  their  unitetl  assistance  to  those  merchants  who  still 
abide  by  the  patriotic  Agreement;  and,  therefore, 

5.  Our  utmost  etlbrt  shall  be  put  forth  in  vindication  of  the  Non-importa- 
tion Agreement,  as  a  measure  without  which  the  safety  and  prosperity  of  the 
Colonies  cannot  be  supported. 

6.  That  peddlers  who  without  law  or  license  go  about  the  country  selling 
wares  are  a  nui>ance  to  the  public,  and,  if  in  our  power,  shall  be  picked  up 
and  put  to  hard  labor  and  compelled  to  earn  their  bread  in  the  house  of  cor- 
rection. 

7.  We  highly  resent  everj'  breach  of  the  Non-importation  Agreement,  and 
are  always  ready  to  let  our  resentment  fall  upon  those  who  are  so  hardy  and 
abandoned  as  to  violate  the  same. 

8.  It  is  our  earnest  desire  that  every  town  in  this  Colony  and  iu  every  Col- 
ony in  America  would  explicitly  and  publicly  disclose  their  sentiments  relating 
to  the  Non-importation  Agreement  and  the  violations  thereof. 

9.  That  the  infamous  conduct  of  the  Yorkers  in  violating  the  patriotic  en- 
gagement of  the  merchants  is  a  daring  insult  upon  the  spirit  and  understand- 
ing of  the  country,  an  open  contempt  of  every  benevolent  and  patriotic  senti- 
ment, and  an  instance  of  treachery  and  wickedness  sutticient  to  excite 
astonishment  in  every  witnessing  mind,  and  we  doubt  not  but  their  actions 
will  appear  infamous  till  the  ideas  of  virtue  are  obliterated  in  the  human  ndnd, 
and  the  advocates  of  liberty  and  patriotism  are  persecuted  out  of  the  world. 

10.  That  if  the  people  of  America  properly  attend  to  the  concern  of  salva- 
tion and  (unitedly)  resolve  upon  an  unshaken  perseverance  in  the  afl'air  of 
non-importation  till  there  is  a  total  repeal  of  the  revenue  acts  and  an  ample 
redress  of  American  grievances,  we  shall  be  a  free  and  flourishing  peoi)le! 

In  consequence  of  the  above  resolutions  we  have  chosen  Cajjt.  Benjamin 
Clark  to  attend  the  general  meeting  of  the  mercantile  and  landed  interests  at 
New  Haven — the  sense  of  the  town  as  above— and  to  use  his  utmo>t  influence 
to  establish  in  the  most  solid  and  durable  form  the  Non-importation  Agree- 
ment." 

Elisha  Wales,  Benjamin  Clark  and  Samuel  Snow  were  at  the  same 
meeting  chosen  a  committee  "To  see  tliat  no  merchants,  shop-keepers 
nor  peddlers  import,  put  off,  or  Iraffick  in  Ashford,  any  goods,  wares 
or  merchandize  that  are  imported  conti'ary  to  the  Non  importation 
Aixveemeut." 


120  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

This  imiioitaiit  gathciint;  was  atleiuled  by  lepresentatives  of  a  great 
majority  of  the  towns  in  the  Colony.  Gurdon  Saltonstall  presided. 
Silas  Deane  served  as  clerk.  After  full  and  large  discussion  it  was 
unanimously  resolved : — 

"That  the  Non-Importation  As^reeinent  come  into  by  the  Colonies  in  gen- 
eral, and  by  this  in  particular  by  their  formal  ai^rccmcnt,  and  the  more  general 
one  entered  into  at  Middletown,  Feb.  20,  was  founded  on  patriotic  |)riuciples 
and  must  l)e  most  ettective,  that  we  (ind  no  reason  for  relaxing;  said  agree- 
ment now,  to  which  we  do  a.<?ree  and  resolve  tliat  until  Acts  of  Parliament  be 
repealed,  or  until  a  g;eneral  importation  be  ajrreed  to  we  will  not  by  ourselves 
or  others,  directly  or  indirectly  [purchase]  any  goods  except  those  mentioned 
in  Agreement.  The  late  defection  in  New  York  we  highly  reprobate,  and 
judge  it  needful  to  break  off  commercial  intercourse  with  New  York." 

These  various  convocalions  and  combinations  fired  the  zeal  of  the 
people  and  strengthened  their  detei  uiination  to  resist  British  exactions. 
Events  successively  occurring — the  massacre  at  Boston,  tlie  burning 
of  the  Gaxjuie  at  Newport,  tlie  destruction  of  the  tea  in  Boston  Harbor 
— heightened  the  Hame.  Reports  of  every  new  aggression  and  collis- 
ion liew  at  once  over  the  land  and  were  discussed  in  every  town  and 
hamlet,  and  when  at  length  the  news  came  that  Boston  was  to  be  pun- 
ished for  her  contumacy  by  having  hei'  harbor  shut  up,  the  Colonies 
rose  as  one  to  express  their  indignation  and  abhorrence.  "The  ancient 
destruction  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  by  fire  and  brimstone  from  the 
Lord  out  of  Heaven  was  a  just,  righteous  and  mercifid  dispensation  of 
the  Most  High  God  compared  with  the  late  Boston  Port  Bill  I" 

('Onnecticut's  General  Assembly,  having  recommended  and  observed 
a  day  of  public  fasting  and  prayer,  expressed  their  sentiments  in  the 
following  resolves : — 

"  1.  We  do  most  expressly  declare,  recognize  and  acknowledge  his  Majesty 
King  George  the  Third,  to  be  the  lawful  and  rightlnl  king  of  Great  Britain,  and 
all  other  his  dominions  and  countries;  and  that  it  is  th-  indispensable  duty  of 
the  people  of  this  colony  as  being  part  of  his  Majesty's  dominion,  always  to 
bear  taitld'ul  and  true  allegian(;e  to  his  Majesty,  and  him  to  defend  to  the 
utmost  of  their  power  against  all  attempts  upon  his  person,  crown  and  dig- 
nity. 

2.  That  the  subjects  of  his  Majesty  in  this  Colony  ever  have  had,  and  of 
right  ought  to  have  and  enjoy  all  the  liberties,  immunities  and  privileges  of 
free  and  natural-born  subjects  within  any  of  the  dominions  of  our  said  King,  his 
heirs  and  successors,  to  all  intents,  construclions  and  purposes  whatsoever, 
as  fully  and  amply  as  if  they  and  every  one  of  them  were  born  within  the 
realm  of  England;  tliat  they  have  a  property  in  their  own  estates,  and  are  to 
be  taxed  by  their  own  consent  only,  given  in  person  or  Ijy  their  representa- 
tives, and  are  not  to  be  disseized  of  their  lil)erties  or  free  customs,  sentenced 
or  condemned,  but  by  lawful  judgment  of  their  peers,  and  that  the  said  rights 
and  immunities  are  recognized  and  confirmed  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony 
by  the  royal  grant  and  charter  aforesaid,  and  are  their  undoubted  right  to  all 
intents,  construction  aiul  purposes  whatsover. 

3.  Tlnit  the  only  lawful  representatives  of  the  freemen  of  this  colony  are 
the  persons  they  elect  to  serve  as  members  of  tlie  General  Assembly  thereof. 

4.  That  it  is  the  just  right  and  privilege  of  his  Majesty's  liege  suljjects  of 
this  colony  to  be  governed  by  their  General  Assembly  in  the  article  of  taxing 


HELP    FOR    BOSTON,    ETC.  121 

and  internal  policy,  a£:reeable  to  the  powers  and  privilege  recognized  and  con- 
firmed in  the  royal  charter  aforesaid,  which  they  have  enjoyed  for  more  than 
a  century  past,  and  iiave  mdther  forfeited  nor  surrendered,  but  the  same  have 
been  constantly  recognized   by   the  King  and  Parliaiaent  of  (ireat   Britain. 


7.  That  any  harbor  or  port  duly  openetl  and  constituted  cannot  be  shut  up 
and  discharged  but  by  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  province  or  colony  in 
which  such  port  or  harbor  is  situated,  without  subverting  the  rights  and  liber- 
ties, and  destroying  the  property  of  his  Mijestv's  subjects. 

8.  That  the  late  act  of  rurliament  initlicting  pains  and  penalties  on  the 
town  of  Boston,  by  blocking  up  their  harlior,  is  a  precedent  justly  alarming 
to  the  British  colonies  in  America,  and  wholly  inconsistent  witii,  and  sub- 
versive of  their  constitutional  riiihts  and  liljerlies. 

9.  That  whenever  his  Majesty's  service  shall  rec(uire  the  aid  of  the  inhabit- 
ants of  this  Colony,  the  same  tixed  principles  of  loyalty,  as  well  as  self-pre- 
servation, which  have  hitherto  induced  us  fully  to  comply  with  his  Majesty's 
requisitions,  together  with  the  deep  sense  we  have  of  its  being  our  indespen- 
sable  duty,  in  the  opinion  of  this  House,  will  ever  hold  us  under  the  strongest 
obligations  which  can  be  given  or  desired,  most  cheerfully  to  grant  his  Majesty 
froai  time  to  time  our  further  proportion  of  men  and  money  for  the  defence, 
protection,  security  and  other  services  of  the  British  American  dominions. 


11.  That  it  is  an  indespensable  duty  which  we  owe  to  our  King,  our  coun- 
try, ourselves  and  our  posterity,  by  all  lawful  ways  and  means  in  our  power, 
to  maintain,  defenti  and  preserve  these  our  rights  and  liberties,  and  to  trans- 
mit them  entire  and  inviolate  to  the  latest  generation ;  and  that  it  is  our  fixed 
deterunnation  and  unalterable  resolution  faithfully  to  discharge  this  our 
duty." 

This  calm  and  lucid  exposition  of  Connecticut's  position,  her  claims 
and  pui-poses,  was  accepted  by  the  Lower  rL)use  with  great  unanimity, 
but  the  more  cautious  Council  deferred  action  till  the  foUowini!:  Octo- 
ber. Meanwhile  these  resolutions  were  circulated  tlirouiijliout  the 
Colony  and  ratified  by  the  several  towns.  The  iidiabitants  of  every 
town  were  called  together  to  discuss  the  situation  and  act  for  tlie  relief 
of  Boston.  The  Windham  County  towns  hastened  to  obey  the  sum- 
mons and  embodied  their  views  in  many  spirited  declarations.  A  very 
full  meeting  was  held  in  Woodstock,  June  21.  Nallianii'l  Child  was 
chosen  modenitor.  The  resolves  of  tlie  General  Assembly  were  then 
read,  and  the  following  declaration  adopted : — 

"  1.  That  the  thanks  of  this  town  be  given  to  Capt.  Elisha  Child  and  Jedidiah 
Morse,  E>q.,  the  representatives  of  this  corporate  body,  for  their  consenting 
to,  and  votinu:  the  above  resolves  in  conjunction  with  the  other  representa- 
tives of  this  Colony,  in  General  Court  assembled,  ns  said  resolves  do  honor  to 
the  worth V  representatives  of  a  free,  loyal  and  virtuous  people,  are  very  ex- 
pressive of  the  sentiments  of  the  inhabitants  of  lhi<  town,  and  by  them  judged 
necessary  in  such  a  day  as  this,  when  we  have  the  most  convincing  proofs  of 
a  fixed  and  determined  plan  of  the  British  administration  to  overthrow  the 
liberties  of  America,  and  subject  the-e  colonies  to  a  I)ondage  that  our  fjithers 
did  not,  would  not— fled  into  the  wilderness  that  they  might  not,  and  God 
grant  that  we,  their  posteritv,  never  may— bear. 

2.  Being  animated  from  the  consideration  of  the  absolute  importance  of 
adopting  every  rational  and  probable  means  in  our  power  for  the  political  sal- 
vation of  our  country,  we  engage  to  contribute  our  utmost  exertions  in  defence 
of  our  American  liberties  and  privileges,  and  stand  ready  to  join  our  brethren 
in  this  and  the  otlier  American  colonies  in  every  i)robable  measure  that  may 
iuflueuce  Great  Britain  to  withdraw  her  oppressive  hand.  At  tha  same  time, 
16 


122  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

■\vo  npprcliend  tliat  n  Goiicriil  Coiiiircss  coiisistiiig  of  dolejrntf.s  from  each  col- 
ony on  tlif  continent,  is  nccessiiry  speedily  to  be  lornied  tbiit  tiie  sentiuients 
of  tlie  wliole  may  be  known,  and  siuli  an  unity  in  measures  esial)lished  as  may 
constitute  a  stie-iiitli  invincible  l)y  tyianny,  and  l)i-eak  out  in  one  jieneial 
bni>t  against  the  attempts  that  aie  made,  antl  malvinu;,  to  destroy  the  consti- 
tution of  tiieii-  ^idvernments. 

3.  And  inasmucli  as  tlie  promotion  of  industry,  fruu:alit.y,  economy,  arts 
and  manufactures  amon.^i  ourselves,  is  of  yreat  importance  to  llie  irood  of  a 
commuiuty,  we  determine,  from  this  veiy  day,  to  live  as  niueli  Avithin  our- 
selves, and  purchase  as  few  British  jroods,  wares  and  nierchandi/.es  as  possi- 
ble, and  frive  all  due  encouraiiement  to  eveiy  useful  ait  amouii  us. 

4.  It  having-  been  judi;ed  needful  at  this  al.-irminif  crisis,  and  generally 
come  into,  that  conimiitiees  of  correspondence  be  M|)poiiited  — Voted, 

Tliat  ('apt.  Klisha  diiid.  CliaiUs  C.  (handler,  .Jcdidiah  Morse,  Kscjs.,  Capt. 
Samuel  McClellan  and  Nathaniel  Child,  B-q.,  l)e  a  comanttee  for  maintaining 
a  correspondence  with  the  towns  of  this  and  the  neighboring  colonies. 

5.  Viited,  That  a  copy  of  these  votes  be  iirinted  in  the  New  London  Gazette, 
to  manliest  the  deep  sense  we  have  of  the  Parliamentary  invasion  of  the  cou- 
stiiutional  rights  of  the  British  Americans." 

Ponifiet,  June  23,  thus  expressed  her  sentiments  : — 

'•The  present  situation  of  the  American  colonies  and  plantations  on  acconnt 
of  the  measures  pursued  by  the  Parliament  of  (if'at  Britain  respecting  them, 
has  become  of  so  much  importance  and  of  so  serious  a  nature,  that  it  calls 
aloud  for  the  sentiments  of  every  town  and  even  eveiy  individual  to  be  known 
and  communicated.  AA'e  therefore  heieby  assme  our  brethren,  that  we  will  to 
the  utmost  of  our  abilities,  contribute  to  the  maintaining  and  supporting  of 
our  just  rights  and  privileges,  and  to  the  removal  of  those  evils  already  come 
npon  us,  and  more  particulaily  felt  by  the  town  of  Boston,  viewing  them  as 
the  more  inniiediate  sutlerers,  yet  that  our  liberties  and  piivileges  are  all 
thereby  threatened  and  endangered. 

We  do  therefore  Kesolve  to  this  important  end,  we  will  unite  in  the  neces- 
sary measures  that  maj'  be  adopted  and  more  particularly  pointed  out  at  the 
proposed  General  Congress,  which,  we  pray  may  be  hastened  —  the  several 
dissolutions  of  the  House  of  Asseiid)lies  by  their  Governors,  to  prevent  the 
same,  notwithstanding.  And  in  the  meantime  we  cainiot  refrain  from  adiling, 
we  will  exert  ourselves  in  promoting  and  encouraging  useful  and  necessary 
manufactures,  and  such  a  spirit  of  economy  and  frugality  among  ourselves, 
as  vnay  jirevent  much  of  our  iireseiit  demands  for  British  manufactures. 

Ami  we  do  resohe,  that  every  per.-on  w  ho  shall  hereafter  send  for,  and 
import  any  British  mamifactures  from  (ireat  Britain,  or  Iradi- or  deal  with 
any  who  shall  do  so,  iintd  the  loyal  subjects  of  America  are  restored  to,  and 
can  enjoy  their  just  rights  and  piivileges,  slndl  be  deemed  and  treated  by  us 
an  ungrateful  enemy  to  America,  and  with  such  person  or  persons  we  will 
have  no  commerce  or  deal." 

Colonel  Ebenezer  Willi;iins,  Tlionias  Williams  and  Samuel  Crafts 
were  then  chosen  a  eoininittee  to  correspond  with  other  Committees  of 
Correspondence  in  Connecticut  and  otlier  colonies.  On  the  same  day, 
Windham  tiius  declared  herself  with  her  accustomed  vehement  volu- 
bility:— 

"  This  meeting  being  impressed  with  n  deep  sense  of  the  present  alarming 
aspects  of  Divine  Piovidence  over  the  British  colonics  in  Noiih  America, 
arising  from  the  present  depressed  situation  and  condition  of  the  capital  of 
a  neighboring  i)ro\  luce,  in  having  their  harbor  and  port  blocked  up  by  shij)-;- 
of-\var  in  hostile  array  to  the  terror  of  the  people,  totally  and  actually 
oljstrncting  all  commerce  l)y  sea  into  or  from  said  port,  thereby  forcibly  pre- 
venting the  due  j)erformance  of  all  private  maritime  contracts,  niidering 
useless  their  whole  navigation,  stores  and  w  hurves,  built  and  erected  at  a  vast 


HELP    rOR    BOSTON,    ETC.  123 

expense  bv  tlin  iiih:ibit:iuts ;  a  priiicipli'  whicli  tlircatons  rntn  niirl  dcstnictlon 
both  U)  the  libertk's  and  [jropcriies  ol'  c\c;ry  Milijcct  thi'oiigliout  the  British 
empire. 

And  bcin£>-  further  al  irmed  by  ;i  bill  la'c  depeiidiim-  before  tlie  I'arlianieiit  of 
Great  Biitain.  for  reiiiilatiiiu'  the  ihe  i>overiiiiieiit  of  the  M  issacluisetts  Bay, 
too  h)njj^  to  i)e  here  recited,  tlinuuli  replete  with  arbitrary  tlirealimiiiij  res:)lii- 
tions,  threatening'  destruction  to  all  corporailons  in  Great  Britain,  and  all 
chartered  riiihts  in  Anieriea.  In  view  of  these,  as  well  as  many  otln-r  ini- 
pendin:^  dan,i:;ers  and  calamities,  and  from  a  lirm  l)elief  and  persuasion  that 
th.'re  is  a  supreme  almighty,  iutluitely  yood  aiul  merciful  B.'in;;,  who  sits  at 
the  helm  i>f  nnivers.al  nature  i)y  whom  kiuu,s  reii^n  and  princes  d(!cree  justice, 
and  who  has  the  hearts  of  all  princes  and  poteniates  of  the  earth  in  his  hinds, 
and  under  his  almiuhry  control;  and  however  I'aiUty  the  instruments  and  pro- 
curers of  those  calamities  may  be,  yet  considering-  our  sins  and  im- 
pieties, they  are  just  on  coiiiinii;  from  the  hand  of  God.  and  are 
to  be  averted  l)y  humiliation,  deep  repentance  and  reform  ition.  We 
therefore  sincerely  wish  and  hope  a  day  may  be  set  apart  for  solemn  fisting 
ami  prayer  as  recommended  hy  our  late  General  Assembly;  and  beg  further 
to  intimate  to  our  lireihri  n  in  the  several  towns  in  this  colony,  to  render  the 
obseivatiou  of  that  day  more  agreeai)le  to  the  divine  direction  (viz.  :  to 
iindo  the  heavy  burdens,  and  let  the  oi)pressed  go  free,  to  distriliute  to  the 
necessities  of  the  distressed),  that  on  that  day  we  be  united  in  opening  our 
hearts  in  contributing  to  the  relief  of  the  injure'd  and  oppressed  indigent 
inlial)itants  of  the  town  of  Boston,  especially  tiiose  who  are  now  more  im  ne- 
diately  so  by  means  of  the  late  iron  IkuuI  of  oppression  on  that  worthy  metro- 
polis. 

But  fully  to  express  our  sense  of  the  late  attempts  upon  the  town  and  port 
of  Boston,  the  arbitrary  attacks  on  the  most  sacred  rights  of  communities, 
the  violent  depredations  on  private  property  and  liberty,  and  those  more  viru- 
lent efforts  to  break  down  the  great  barriers  of  civil  society,  founded  on  the 
solemn  compact  of  kings,  a  principle  proclaiming  sudden  destruction  upon 
all  corporations  throughout  the  British  dominions  at  the  will  and  |)leasure  of  a 
vengeful  British  ministry,  even  withoiitcoinplaiut,  notice,  trial,  orconstitutioual 
adjmlication  or  forfeiture — worils  fail  and  the  Kuglish  lauuuage  is  delicieut. 
But  this  is  in  part  executed,  and  much  more  than  threatened,  only  under  the 
pretence  at  most,  that  some  of  the  inhabii^ants  of  Boston  or  the  neighljoring 
towns  have  committed  a  trespass  on  the  property  of  the  Kast  India  Com- 
pany, a  company  (horrendnin  dictu!)  who  have  spread  destruction  over  the 
eastern  world!  Behold  the  tragic  scenes  in  that  eastern  clime!  the  murders 
of  millions  by  sword  and  baleful  famine;  depriving  those  innocents  of  the 
necessaries  of  life,  who  by  the  favor  of  Heaven  and  their  own  industry,  were 
overflowiiig  with  the  wealth  and  profusion  of  the  Indias,  and  ail  to  sati>fy 
the  insatiable  lust  of  gain  and  (ppiessioii !  Let  the  Spauisji  barbarities  in 
Mexico,  and  the  name  of  Cortez  sink  in  everlasting  oblivion,  while  such  more 
recent  snperior  cruelties  bear  away  the  palm  in  the  late  annals  of  their  rapine 
and  cinelt}';  though  many  worthy  individuals  of  that  body  ought  no  doui)t 
to  be  excused  from  the  general  imputation.  We  applaud  the  solemnity  of  the 
noble  Virginians  and  Philadelphians  in  their  ndiiiions  oi^servations  of  that 
memorable  first  day  of  June;  we  approve  their  oi)inions  ami  sentiments  as  to 
the  thre.aienetl  calamities  and  dangers  inipeiiding  .Vmerica;  as  also  the  Mary- 
land resolves,  with  the  others  by  many  worthy  towns  ami  bodies  of  people  in 
this  and  neigliboiiug  provinces.  We  only  wish  there  may  be  no  delay  in 
appointing  time  and  place  for  a  Gener;d  Congress,  which  only  can  give  union, 
firmness  and  stability  to  the  whole.  We  impatiently  wait  for  injured  Boston 
to  give  the  lead  in  that  appointment.  I'rovideiice  uo  d()til)t  has  put  into  our 
hands  the  means  to  work  <iUt  our  temporal  salvation,  which  has  been  repeat- 
edly suggested.  Let  ns,  dear  fellow  Aiuericaiis,  for  a  few  years  at  least, 
abandon  that  narrow,  contracted  principle  of  self-love,  which  is  the  source  of 
every  vice:  let  us  once  feel  for  our  country  and  posterity;  let  our  hearts 
ex|)and  and  dilate  with  the  noble  and  generons  sentiments  of  benevolence, 
though  attended  with  tlu;  severer  virtue  of  si  If  denial.  The  blessings  of 
Heaven  attending,  America  is  saved;  children  yet  unborn  will  rise  and  call 
youlilessed;  the  present  geiieration  will,  by  future — to  the  latest  period  of 
American  glory — be  extolled  and  celebrated  as  the  happy  instruments,  tuider 


124:  •  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

God,  of  (k'livcriiis  millions  from  tliraklom  and  shivery,  and  secure  permanent 
freedom  and  liberty  to  America. 

We  cannot  close  this  meeting  without  expressing  our  utmost  abhorrence 
and  detestation  of  those  few  in  a  devoted  province,  .styling  themselves  minis- 
ters, merchants,  barristers  and  attorneys,  who  have  against  the  sense  and 
opinion  of  the  rest  of  that  respectable  government,  as  also  of  the  vast  ex- 
tended continent,  distinguished  themselves  in  tlieir  late  fawning,  adulating 
address  to  Governor  Hutchinson,  the  scourge  of  the  province  which  gave 
him  birili,  and  the  pest  of  America.  His  principle  and  conduct  (evidenced 
by  his  letters,  and  those  under  his  ajiprobation),  are  so  replete  with  treason 
a^'ainst  his  country  and  the  meanness  of  self-exaltation,  as  cannot  be  palliated 
by  art  nor  disguised  by  subtilty  In  general,  we  esteem  those  addresses  a 
high-handed  insult  on  the  town  of  Boston,  and  the  province  of  Massachusetts 
Bay  in  particuhtr,  and  on  all  the  American  colonies  in  general.  Those  styled 
merchants  may  plead  their  profound  ignorance  of  tlie  constitutional  rights  of 
Englishmen  as  an  excuse  in  some  degree,  but  for  those  who  style  themselves 
harrisle7's  and  riltorunjs,  they  have  either  assumed  a  false  character,  or  they 
must  in  some  manner  be  acquainted  with  the  constitutional  rights  of  English- 
men and  those  of  their  own  pi-ovince  — for  them  to  present  such  an  address  is 
a  daring  afiVont  to  common  sense,  a  high  insult  on  all  others  of  their  profes- 
sion, and  treason  against  law;  and  from  that  learned  profession,  (who  are 
supposed  to  be  well  acquainted  witli  the  English  constitution,  and  have  the 
best  means,  and  are  under  the  greatest  advantages  to  defend  the  rights  of  the 
subject,  and  who  have  been  famed  as  the  great  supporters  of  Engli.-^h  lit)erty), 
for  any  of  these  to  make  a  saciitice  of  Ar,i.  to  their  pagod  of  vanity  and 
fulsome  adulation,  is  mean,  vile  and  unpardonable,  ami  cannot  be  accounted 
for  upon  any  other  principles  but  tho.-e  of  their  master,  who  would  sacrifice 
his  country  to  become  the  independent  head  of  a  respectable  province;  and 
the  few  leaders  of  this  infamous  law-band  would,  it  seems,  give  their  aid  and 
support  therein  to  obtain  the  tirst  places  in  his  new  kingdom.  The  address- 
ing clergy  we  leave  to  the  reproaches  of  their  own  consciences,  but  lament 
to  tind  that  they  are  the  tirst  in  the  ignominious  homage  ol  their  idol." 

These  resolntions  were  tinatiiinously  adoptefl.  and  measures  taken 
for  carrying  them  into  imniedi;ite  execution.  Nine  of  their  most 
respected  citizens  in  the  several  parishes  of  the  town  were  ajipointed 
a  committee  to  proceed  at  once  to  procure  subscriptions  for  the  relief 
of  Boston.  Their  appeal  was  most  effectual.  Windham's  fields 
abounded  with  sheep,  and  her  hearts  with  generous  sympathy.  The 
poor  sent  of  tlieir  poverty  and  the  rich  of  their  abundance,  and  within 
five  days  a  bountiful  otfering  was  on  the  road  to  Boston  with  the 
following  letter  addressed  to  its  selectmen  : — 

"  Windham,  June  28,  1774. 

Gcntlemp.n  : 

'Tis  with  pity  mixed  with  indignation  that  we  have  beheld  the  cruel  and  un- 
manly attacks  made  by  the  British  Tarliament  on  the  loyal  and  patriotic  town 
of  Boston,  who  seem  destined  to  feel  the  force  of  ministerial  wrath,  the  whole 
weight  of  parliamentary  vengeance  leveled  at  them  in  a  manner  so  replete 
witli  cruelty  and  injustice  as  nnist  strike  every  heart  with  horror,  and  till 
eveiy  breast  with  rage;  that  is  not  ei  tirely  void  of  every  sentiment  of  honor 
and  justice  and  callous  to  all  the  common  failings  of  liumanity.  But  when  we 
consider  the  cause  of  all  these  calannties — that  is  nothing  less  on  your  part 
than  a  strict  adherence  to  the  fundamental  principles  of  the  constitution, 
which  when  attacked  you  dared  openly  to  assert  and  vindicate  and  stand  foi'e- 
most  in  the  glorious  cause  of  Liberty,  in  which  you  are  contending  not  only 
for  your  own  but  ours,  and  the  common  rights  of  every  .American;  when  w'e 
reflect  that  it  is  this  for  which  you  are  sutfering  such  horrid  cruelties,  for 
which  your  streets  have  been  stained  with  blood,  and  for  which  you  now  feel 


HELP    FOR    BOSTON,    ETC.  125 

the  horrors  of  a  niilitar_v  government — we  are  overwhehiied  Avith  a  conflict  of 
tuniiiltnons  passions,  am]  filled  wiih  ihat  manly  ardor  which  bids  us  join  you 
hand  in  hand  and  snttVr  with  you  in  the  common  cause;  nay,  even  if  tlui  sad 
exigencies  of  attairs  should  over  require  it,  to  determine  in  defence  of  every- 
thing for  which  life  is  wortli  enjoyiu^-,  to  meet  that  death  which  will  be  glo- 
rious and  infinitely  preferabk-  to  a  life  dragged  on  in  that  low,  servile  state 
which  is  evidently  planned  for  us,  and  which  nothing  less  than  the  most  heroic 
fortitude,  and  the  highest  exertion  of  every  civil  and  Christian  virtue  can  pre- 
vent. Give  us  leave  therefore,  to  enti'cat,  to  beg,  to  conjure  you,  by  every- 
thing that  is  dear,  by  everything  that  is  sacred,  by  the  venerable  names  of 
our  pious  forefatiiers  who  sutfered,  who  bled  in  the  defence  of  Liberty — not  to 
desert  the  cause  in  this  trying  crisis,  but  to  use  your  utmost  influence  in  pur- 
suing and  persevering  in  every  measure  which  may  have  a  tendency  to  pro- 
duce the  desired  effect. 

Gentlemen,  we  hereby  assure  you,  that  to  the  utmost  of  our  power  we  will 
assist  you  in  every  measure  necessary  for  the  common  safety,  not  regarding 
our  own  private  views  and  interests  when  in  competition  with  the  i)ublicgood. 
This  town  is  very  sensible  of  the  obligations  we,  and  with  us  all  British 
America,  are  under  to  the  town  of  Boston,  who  have  been  and  still  are  the 
generous  defenders  of  our  common  rights  and  lii)erties.  We  know  you  sutfer, 
and  feel  f\)r  you.  As  a  testimony  of  our  commiseration  of  your  misfortunes, 
this  Town  on  the  23d  instant,  at  a  legal  and  very  full  meeting  unanimously 
chose  a  committee  to  procure  subscriptions  for  your  present  relief.  Accord- 
ingly we  have  procuretl  a  small  flock  of  sheep,  which  at  this  season  are  not  as 
good  as  we  could  wish  but  are  the  best  we  have,  and  the  people  of  this  town 
are  almost  unanimous  in  contributing  to  this  purpose. 

This  small  present,  gentlemen,  we  beg  you  would  accept,  and  apply  to  the 
relief  of  those  houest,  industrious  poor  who  are  most  distressed  by  the  l;ite 
arbitrary  and  oppressive  Acts.  And  rest  assured  that  if  Parliament  does  not 
soon  att'ord  you  relief  and  there  should  in  future  be  any  need  of  our  assistance 
we  shall  with  the  utmost  cheerfulness  exert  our  influence  to  that  purpose. 

We  are,  gentlemen,  with  great  respect  your  most  obedient  and  humble  ser- 
vants. 

Samuel  Gi;ay, 
Natifanikl  Walks, 
EBi:Nf:zi;R  ])i:votion, 
Ebenezer  Mosely, 

HKZKKIAfI    BlssEL, 

Joseph  GiNNfNGs, 
Willia:m   DuitKEE, 
John   Howaud, 
IIezekiah  Manning, 

Committee  of  Corre^j^oideuce." 

This  opportune  gift,  cotnitig  from  so  great  a  distance,  and  apparently 
the  first  arriving  in  Boston,  was  received  with  inticli  delight  and  grati- 
tude. The  Boston  Gazette,  oi  July  4,  reported:  "Lust  week  were 
driven  to  Ko.xbury  two  hundred  and  fifty-eight  sheep — a  generous  con- 
tribution from  Windham."     On  the  same  day  the  town  voted  : — 

"That  the  thanks  of  this  town  be  and  hereby  are  given  to  our  worthy 
friends,  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Windhum,  Connecticut  ColDuy,  for  the 
kind  and  generous  assistance  they  have  granted  this  town  under  its  pre-^ent 
distress  and  calamity  in  voluntarily  sending  two  hundred  and  fifty-eiglit  sheep 
as  a  present  for  the  relief  of  the  "poor,  distressed  inhabitants  of  this  place, 
who  by  a  late  oppressive  and  cruel  act  of  Parliament  lor  blocking  up  the  har- 
bor of  Boston  are  prevented  getting  subsistence  for  themselves  and  families." 

So  greatly  were  the  i)eople  cheered  and  comforted  by  this  piompt 
expression  of  sympathy  from  inhabitants  of  another  colony  that  British 
sympathizers  attempted  to  detract  from  its  value  by  slanderous  iusinua- 


126  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

tions,  rriviiio;  out  that  tlie  present  of  sheep  sent  fVoin  Wimlhani  "  c.iino 
onl}-  in  cuiiseqnence  oi  vi)ne>/  sent  (o  hu;/  t/iei/i."  The  BdsIou  Guzette 
coul(i  only  express  its  sentiments  tlieieupon  by  exclaiming-: — 

"  How  weak,  how  false,  how  little  ami  how  low!"  Imk'eil,  consider- 
ing the  scarc^ity  of  money,  the  insintialion  was  sufficiently  ahsurd. 

Pomfret's  gift  to  lioston  soon  followed  Windham's.  A  hundicd  and 
five  sheej)  were  prom[>tly  dispatched,  and  their  reception  thus  acknowl- 
edge(l : — 

"July  8,  1774. 
Gentlemen  : 

By  tlie  IiMiid  of  Mr.  Eli  is  Wells  we  rocoivod  your  ufotiprons  and  kind  bene- 
faction for  ihi"  |)oor  of  tliis  distressed  lown.  \Vl'  cannot  cnoni;ii  >  xpress  our 
frraiitndc  for  ihis  instance  of  your  bounty,  in  wliicli  you  liavc  libfrally  contii- 
butetl  to  Uic  relief  of  many.  Wliut  you  Jiave  thus  lent  to  the  Lord,  we  trust 
and  pray  tiuu  he  will  piyj^ou  ai^dn.  It  ;iive.s  us  great  consolation  amidst  i>ur 
complicated  and  unparalk-letl  sutferin^s,  thu  our  bretlirei;  in  the  other  colo- 
nies show  such  ('hri>tiaii  sympatliy  and  true  benevolence  towards  ns.  That 
we  are  irreatly  distressed,  need-;  no  coai  njut.  Our  harbor  blockaded  by  a 
fleet  of  sliip;  our  foreign  trade  actually  annihilated;  thous  ukIs  of  poor  re- 
duced to  extreme  want;  troops  coulinnally  pouring  in  up  m  us,  to  insult  ns  in 
this  our liistress,  is  a  consideration  that  mustexcite  pity  in  the  most  obdurate. 
However,  althougli  we  thus  suffer,  we  arc  willing  to  sutler  still  more,  rather 
than  give  np  our  birth-right  privileges.  With  great  regard,  we  are  your 
brethren  and  most  humble  set  vants. 

Joiix  Skk.ly, 
Ti.MornY  Nkwki.l, 
Sam  UK  I,  .Austin, 
Jonx  PriTS, 
Selectmen  of  Boston.'" 

The  remaining  towns  in  Windham  County  were  eqtially  earnest  in 
their  resolutions  and  benefactions.  At  a  meeting  in  Canterbiny,  June 
17,  1774,  the  following  declaration  was  unanimously  ailopted  : — 

"Thi*  town,  taking  into  consideration  the  alarmiiig  siination  of  the  Uritish 
colonies  in  North  .\merica,  respecting  sumlry  late  acts  of  the  British  Parlia- 
nii-nt,  and  especially  that  for  shutting  up  tlr^  port  of  Boston,  which  we  look 
upon  to  l)e  an  al)ridgment  of  Charter  rights  and  privileges.  And  considering 
the  iidiabitauis  of  IJoston  as  sutfering  under  said  Act  iu  the  common  cause  of 
the  Liberties  of  all  .-Vmerica,  therefore  voted:  — 

1.  That  we  are  willing  and  ilesirons  to  come  into  any  reasonable  measures 
that  shall  i)e  adopted  by  the  towns  iu  this  Colony  for  obtaining  redress  of  our 
grievances. 

2.  That  we  esteem  a  general  congress  of  the  Colonies  the  most  proper 
method  to  adopt  an  uniform  plan  for  the  preservation  of  the  whole;  and  we 
recommend  it  to  the  Committee  of  ('orrespoudence  iu  tliis  Colony  to  choose  a 
commiitee  to  attend  said  (.Congress  as  soon  as  may  be. 

o.  That  if  it  shad  be  thought  best  by  said  Congress  to  sto])  all  trade  with 
Great  Britain  and  the  West  Indies,  we  will  most  cheerfully  acquiesce  in  this 
deteruniiation. 

4.  That  Solomon  Paine.  John  Fetch,  Daniel  I'aine,  l)ea.  Fdiashib  Adams, 
Dea.  John  Ilerrick,  Capt.  Kbeuezer  Spalding  and  .Vsa  Witter  be  a  committee 
to  correspond  with  the  committees  of  the  several  towns  in  this  and  the  ueiirh- 
boriiig  colonies,  and  that  thev  transnnt  a  copy  of  their  votes  to  the  Connnittee 
of  C'orrespondeiice  in  this  Colony. 

.").  That  the  above  committee  are  hereby  particularly  instructed  to  make 
diligent  inquiry  into  the  distress  of  the  poor  in  Boston,  so  far  as  ihey  appear 
to  be  brought  upon  them  by  the  above  Act  of  rarliameut,  and   to  lake  such 


HELP    FOR    BOSTON,    ETC.  12T 

steps   for  concctins  soiiiftliiiiir  for  tlioir  relief  as  said  committee  shall  judge 
the  most  effective  for  that  purpose." 

Killing-]}',  June  20,  expressed  herself  with  unusual  fervor: — 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  iiilmbitaiits  of  Killinuly,  having  taken  into  considera- 
tion ihe  dark  and  gloomy  clonds  winch  hang  over  and  ihreau-nthe  lil)eities  of 
this,  onr  ntitive  country,  in  general;  llie  disircssing  circumstances  ot  Boston, 
in  |)articnlai- — th"ir  harbors  blocked  up,  cut  ott"  from  all  cou)inerci:d  tiade  and 
dealing  on  whicii  Uiey  depended  lor  a  >upi)ly  of  bread,  princiides  ndojited  for 
its  government  unconsiilulioual  and  opjjressive  imposed  by  niilitarv  power; 
charl ers,  which  we  once  doled  upon  as  unalterable  as  the  laws  of  the  Medes 
and  Persians,  antl  gloried  in  as  the  power  and  bulwark  of  these  Colnnies,  we 
now  see  failing  to  protect  the  liberty  of  the  subject  and  altered  at  picasnre; 
taxes,  revenues,  imposed  without  onr  consent  attained  or  even  asked  lor; 
and,  in  short,  Slaaj:i;y  itself,  inotected  l)y  Tyruntrti,  advancing  with  hasty 
steps  towards  this  land  of  Freeih)m  and  Liberty.  Witli  the  atienti(jn  such  a 
sui)ject  demands,  and.  at  the  sau)e  time  we  hope,  with  the  eanilor  and  calm- 
ness so  horrid  a  scene  will  admit  of — we  have  thought  proper  to  pass  the  fol- 
lowing resolves : — 

"  1.  That  we  will  choose  a  Conimittoe  of  Correspondence  to  meet  with  the 
committees  chosen  by  the  neighijoring  towns,  that  they  may  agree  upon  some 
nuiversnl  plan  that  may  have  the  teiidency  under  divine  blessing  to  secure  our 
just  rights  and  privileges. 

2.  'ihat  we  will  not  purchase  any  goods  of  linen  or  woolen  manufacture 
imported  frou)  Great  Britain,  and  will  In-eak  oft"  all  trade  and  commerce  with 
the  Indies  if  it  be  thought  best  by  the  connnittees  in  general  Congn-ss. 

3.  That  we  will  to  the  utmost  of  our  power  encourage  mariufactures 
amongst  ourselves. 

4.  That  we  will  not  sell  iiny  flax-seed  to  any  person,  except  to  be  sold  in 
the  country  or  ground  into  oil. 

5.  That  we  will  religiously  abide  by  these  resolves,  till  the  port  of  Boston 
is  opened  and  the  liberties  of  the  people  restored. 

Also,  voted,  That  these  resolves  with  the  preamble  be  published  in  the 
Pi"o\idence  (razettf. 

A^otetl  and  chose  a  comndttee  to  take  in  subscriptions  of  the  inhabitants  of 
this  town  for  the  benefit  of  the  poor  of  Boston,  in  sheep  or  otherwise,  to  be 
transmitted  to  the  poor  in  Boston. 

Voted  to  choose  Jos<'ph  Torrey  and  Daniel  Davis  for  this  comndttee." 

The  less  etlusive  Plainiield  simply  voted: — 

"That  the  resolves  of  the  General  Assembly  of  Connecticut,  May  last,  re- 
specting the  lil)erties  and  privileges  of  the  English  colonies  are  most  s.alutarv, 
and  very  hearidy  adopted  by  this  meeting,  and  that  it  is  the  earnest  desire  of 
this  meeting  that  deputies  from  the  respective  colonies  nieet  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble in  General  Congress. 

That  we  are  \\illing  to  coidribute  onr  mite  to  the  poor  of  Boston,  and  that 
Captain  Joseph  Eaton,  James  Bradford,  Robert  Kinsman,  Andrew  Backus, 
Abraham  Shepard.  Ebenezer  Kobinson,  Joshua  Dnnlap,  Ferry  Clark  and  Cur- 
tis Spalding  be  a  committee  to  receive  subscriptions  for  that  purpose." 

James  Bradford,  Isaac  Coit,  Major  John  Douglas.  Dr.  Elisha  Per- 
kins and  William  Kobinson  were  also  appointed  Commitlee  of  Cor- 
respondence. Voluntown  eoncurred  with  the  re.solves  of  the  Assem- 
bly, and  sent  a  contribution  to  the  relief  of  Boston.  John  Dorrance, 
Thomas  Douglas,  Sanniel  Stewart,  James  Campbell,  James  Craiy  re- 
ceived and  forwarded  her  gift  ;  Isaac  Gallup  and  James  Gordon  served 
as  Committee  of  CoiTespondence.  Jedidiah  Fay,  Captain  Ichabod 
Ward,  Captain  Elisha  Wales,  Beujamia  Sumuer,  Esc].,  Amos  Bubcock 


128  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

and  Ingoltlsby  Woik  were  chosen  Corresponding  Committee  for  Ash- 
ford. 

As  the  season  advanced  the  several  towns  sent  on  their  promised  re- 
lief. Briant  IJrown,  Ebenezer  Larned,  Benjamin  Leavens  and  Perley 
Howe,  committee  for  Killingly,  sent  a  few  sheep  as  a  token  of  grati- 
tude, and  reported  theii' town  "to  be  well  united,  and  determined  to 
maintain  its  privileges  at  the  risk  of  lives  and  fortunes,  and  ready  to 
contribute  to  tlie  necessities  of  those  called  to  suffer."  ''Taking  into 
serious  consideration  the  present  distressed  and  suffering  circumstances 
of  Boston,"  the  citizens  of  Woodstock  voted  unanimously  "to  contribute 
to  their  relief."  Captain  Benjamin  Lyon,  Samuel  McClellan,  William 
Skiimer,  Timothy  Perrin,  Samuel  Harding.  Jonathan  Morris,  Nehe- 
miah  Lyon,  Thomas  May,  Asa  Child  and  Natlianiel  Marcy — chosen  to 
receive  and  transmit  donations — had  soon  the  privilege  of  forwarding 
sixty-five  fat  sheep,  wliich  were  received  by  the  authorities  of  Boston 
as  an  appropiiate  peace-offering  from  their  I'evolted  subjects.  The 
selectmen  of  that  town  took  especial  pains  to  express  their  "  unfeigned 
thatdvfulness  that  Woodstock  had  expressed  such  favorable  sentiments 
of  their  town  as  laid  them  under  [)articu]ar  obligations  to  persevere  in 
a  firm  ojjposition  to  the  attempts  of  arbitrary  power." 

Brooklyn  Parish  in  August  forwarded  a  hundred  and  tw-enty-five 
fine  sheep  through  the  liands  of  Israel  Putnam,  Joseph  Holland  and 
Daniel  Tyler,  Jun. — meaning  therewith  "in  the  first  ])lace  to  attempt 
to  appease  tlie  file  (i-aised  by  your  committiug  the  Indian  Tea  to  the 
watery  element  as  a  merited  oblation  to  Neptune)  of  an  ambitious  and 
vindictive  minister  by  the  blood  of  rams  and  of  lambs  ;  if  that  do  not 
answer  the  cure  we  are  I'eady  to  march  in  tlie  van,  and  to  sprinkle  the 
American  altars  witli  our  heart's  blood  if  occasion  should  be."  Put- 
nam remained  some  days  in  Boston  and  was  received  with  high  honors. 
Bancroft  I'eports  him  "Warren's  guest  and  eveiyone's  favorite."  The 
Boston  Gazette  informs  its  readei-s  that  "the  town  has  had  the  satisfac- 
tion to  be  visited  by  the  renowned  Colonel  Putnam  so  well  known 
thioughout  Xoith  America  that  no  words  are  necessary  to  inform  the 
public  any  further  concerning  him  than  that  his  generosity  led  hitn  to 
Boston  to  cherish  his  oppressed  brethren  and  sup]>oit  them  by  every 
means  in  his  jiower.  A  fine  di-ove  of  sheep  was  one  article  of  comfort 
he  was  commissioned  to  present  us  with."  Another  newspaper  cor- 
respondent reports  Plainfield  as  "  preparing  to  send  a  flock  of  sheep," 
and  similar  offeiings  were  sent  from  Ashford,  Voluutown  and  Canter- 
bury. Captain  Aaron  Cleveland  ti-ansmitted  in  the  autumn  "a  fatted 
cow,"  accompanied  by  tlie  following  letter : — 

"  Genllempn  : 

Bein^  aft'ected  with  a  sense  of  the  righteousness  of  the  cause  that  the  people 
of  Bostou  are  aufleriug  under,  as  it  coucerns  all  the  people  of  America  to  be 


HELP    FOR    BOSTON,    ETC.  129 

roused  to  support  them  that  they  may  not  faint  under  their  distress,  it  took 
hold  on  ray  covetous  heart  and  made  me  willing  to  contribute  my  little  mite, 
which  I  have  sent  by  Mr.  Green  of  Maiden — a  beef  cow  for  the  distressed — 
and  ordered  him  to  deliver  it  to  the  committee  for  tliat  purpose;  and  may  the 
Lord  deliver  the  people  of  America  out  of  the  liands  of  a  Wicked  and  despotic 
power,  who  are  exerting  all  the  subtilty  and  malice  of  hell  to  enslave  us.  O ! 
may  Alraight}^  God  still  rouse  and  farther  unite  the  people  of  America  as  one 
man  to  a  sense  of  their  liberties,  and  never  give  them  up  as  long  as  sun,  moon 
and  stars  shall  endure  ;  and  never  submit  to  be  slaves,  but  be  willing  to  sacri- 
fice life  and  all  tilings  to  tlie  defence  and  preservation  of  them;  which  is  the 
earnest  desire  of  your  humble  servant, 

Aaron  Cleveland. 
Canterbury,  Nov.  27,  1774." 

Windham's  patriotic  zeal  during  this  fervid  sutnmev  was  shown  in 
overt  acts  as  well  as  "  resolutions,"  by  deeds  of  violence  as  well  as  those 
of  beneficence.  Mr.  Francis  Green  of  Boston,  one  of  the  "  addressers  " 
and  adherents  of  Governor  Hutchinson,  having  ventured  into  Connec- 
ticut to  collect  debts  and  transact  private  business,  was  forcibly  expelled 
from  Windham  town  and  Norwich.  Upon  returning  to  Boston  Mr. 
Green  issued  a  proclamation  offering  the  reward  of  one  hundred»dollars 
for  the  apprehension  "  of  five  ruffians,  calling  themselves  by  the 
names  of  Hezekiah  Bissell,  Benjamin  Lathrop,  Timothy  Larrabee, 
Ebenezer  Backus  and  Nathaniel  Warren,"  all  of  Windham,  who,  aided 
by  a  great  number  of  others,  "did  assault  the  subscriber,  surround  the 
house  in  which  he  was  stopping,  forcibly  enter  the  same,  and  with 
threats  and  intimidations  insist  upon  his  immediate  departure  ;  also,  of 
Simon  Huntington  of  Norwich,  and  other  villains  and  ruffians,  who  (it 
was  supposed  by  the  instigation  of  the  above)  did  threaten,  assault  and 
lay  violent  hands  upon  the  subscriber,  and  by  foi'ce  compel  him  to  quit 
his  lawful  business  and  depart  from  their  town."  This  proclamation, 
and  the  complimentary  epithets  applied  to  such  men  as  Bissell,  Backus 
and  Huntington,  excited  much  laughter  and  derision  in  both  towns,  and 
was  reprinted  in  handbills  and  hawked  about  the  streets  with  appro- 
priate comments.  Mr.  Green's  ejection  was  characterized  by  the  patriot 
journals  as  "  the  cool,  deliberate  remonstrance  of  the  Sons  of  Free- 
dom." An  eye-witness  reports  that  in  Windham  "he  was  treated  with 
great  humanity  and  courtesy,  allowed  to  stay  all  night,  and  reluctantly 
constrained  to  do  by  command  what  he  would  not  do  by  courtesy." 
Colonel  Eleazer  Fitch,  a  French  war  veteran,  high-sherift'  of  the  Coun- 
ty, who  loved  his  royal  master  and  hated  violent  demonstrations,  had 
the  temerity  to  assert  "  that  the  Norwich  and  Windham  people  had 
acted  like  scoundrels  in  treating  Mr.  Green  as  they  did."  The  people 
thus  stigmatized  came  together  in  great  wrath,  and,  though  they  did 
not  choose  to  lay  violent  hands  upon  one  so  honored  and  beloved, 
showed  their  displeasure  by  resolving  that  they  would  administer  tar 
and  feathers  to  any  blacksmith,  barber,  miller,  or  common  laborer, 
17 


130  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

"who  should  aid  said  FiUli  in  any  way,'"  and  so  his  wlioat  and  2:rass 
were  lel't  standing,  and  "the  wliole  of  a  considerahle  trade  witlidrawn 
from  him." 

The  speech  and  conduct  of  Mr.  Jolin  Stevens,  the  proprietor  of 
extensive  phuitations  in  Ashford,  subjected  him  to  an  inquisitorial 
visitation,  resulting  in  the  subjoined  declaration : — 

"  Whereas  a  number  of  the  loyal  people  of  the  towns  of  Ashford  and 
Mansfield,  have  convened  together  on  suspicion  that  Mr.  John  Stevens  of 
Ashford  was  an  enein\'  to  the  constitutional  rights  of  American  liberty,  and 
that  Ave  chose  a  committee  to  which  he  gave  the  following  satisfactory 
account,  that  he  never  wrote  any  letters  against  the  rights  of  American 
liberty  to  any  person,  and  that  he  never  received  one  from  any  person  on  that 
occasion.  And  furthermore  as  1,  the  subscriber,  have  talked  at  sundry  times 
against  the  chartered  rigiits  of  American  Colonists,  I  do  humbly  ask  their  for- 
giveness, and  I  further  declare  that  I  never  will  talk  or  act  anything  against  the 
Sons  of  Liberty— l)ut  do  solemnly  declare  that  I  am  a  true  Son  of  Liberty,  and 
will  remain  so  during  my  natural  life.     In  witness  whereof  I  set  my  hand. 

Aug.  5,  1774.  John  Stkvexs. 

In  presence  of  Stephen  Johnson,  Jeremiah  Howe,  Aaron  Whitraore,  Richard 
Fetch,  John  Keyes,  Ashford  and  Mansfield  committee." 

The  zeal  of  Windham  patriots  was  far  too  ardent  and  effusive  to  be 
restricted  to  county  limits.  Their  intense  enthusiasm  in  the  popular 
cause  led  them  to  take  an  active  part  in  all  aggressive  demonstrations. 
Inspect ory  committees  were  constantly  on  the  alert,  and  "  Windham 
boys  "  were  ever  ready  to  aid  in  forays  upon  sus])ected  Tories.  Colonel 
Abijah  Willard  of  Lancaster,  Mass.,  a  man  of  large  wealth  and  high 
character,  had  made  himself  obnoxious  to  the  people  by  accepting  the 
office  of  Mandamus  Councilor  to  Governor  Gage.  He  had  business 
interests  in  Connecticut  which  were  intrusted  to  two  attorneys  in 
Windham,  whom  he  invited  to  meet  with  him  for  consultation  in  the 
town  of  Union.  A  report  of  his  intended  visit  took  wing,  and  when 
Colonel  Willard  arrived  in  Union  he  was  met  by  hundreds  of  ardent 
patriots  from  Windham  and  adjoining  towns,  who  took  hioi  into  their 
keeping,  guarded  him  through  tlie  night,  conveyed  him  next  morning 
over  the  line  into  Brimfield,  where  they  formally  delivered  him  over 
to  a  body  of  Massachusetts  citizens.  A  trial  was  held  and  the 
prisoner  convicted  and  sentenced  to  the  Simsbury  mines.  Finding 
that  his  judges  were  bent  upon  carrying  out  this  decree,  and  actually 
proceeding  to  carry  him  thither,  Colonel  Willard  .succumbed,  "asked 
forgiveness  of  all  honest  men  for  having  taken  the  oath  of  office,  and 
promised  not  to  sit  or  act  in  council." 

In  the  dealings  with  Rev.  Samuel  Peters,  the  well-known  church 
missionary  at  Hebron,  Windham  was  also  implicated.  This  sturdy 
churchman  and  Tory  not  only  openly  avowed  his  loyalty  to  the  King 
and  government,   but  stigmatized  the   Sons  of  Liberty  as  rebels  and 


HELP    FOR    BOSTON,    ETC.  131 

traitors,  and  j)resnined  to  ridicule  their  fervent  resolutions  and  declara- 
tions. He  was  also  suspected  of  sending  information  abroad  and 
canying  on  clandestine  correspondence  with  the  agents  of  govern- 
ment in  several  Colonies.  "  A  formidable  multitude  "  of  some  three 
hundred  men  from  different  towns  witli  vengeance  lowering  on  their 
brows  accordingly  waited  upon  Peters,  Monday  morning,  Aug.  15, 
and  extorted  from  him  various  concessions  and  pledges,  together  with 
a  copy  of  certain  satirical  "  Resolves*  of  Hebron,'  which  he  had 
pre])ared  for  the  press — treating  him,  however,  according  to  the  report 
of  his  friends  "with  as  much  civilit}'  as  might  Ije  expected." 

In  September,  the  report  of  various  distui'bances  in  Boston  aroused 
the  whole  country.  Powder  stored  in  Camljridge  by  the  patriots  was 
removed  to  Boston  by  a  detachment  of  troops  under  orders  from 
Governor  Gage.  The  peo[)le  immediately  ruslied  out  in  great  e.xcite- 
ment,  loudly  denouncing  the  act  and  demanding  the  restitution  of  the 
powder.  In  the  clamor  and  confusion  a  report  was  somehow  started 
that  the  British  fleet  and  garrison  had  commenced  hostilities.  Swift- 
footed  messengers  caught  this  rumor  and  hurried  off  with  it  in  various 
directions.  It  was  afterwards  asserted  that  this  story  was  sent  out  by 
the  patriot  leaders  for  the  express  i)urpose  of  showing  the  British 
government  the  temper  and  spirit  of  the  Colonies.  If  this  were  so 
they  gained  their  end.  The  rumor  flew  on  three  great  traveled  routes, 
gaining  in  flight.  Southwai'd,  it  came  to  Esquire  Wolcott  of  Oxford, 
who  forthwith  posted  his  son  off  to  Boston,  "  to  learn  the  certainty," 
but  receiving  farther  confirmation  of  the  great  news  at  Grafton,  the 
young  man  turned  back,  and  look  it  straightway  on  to  Curtis's  tavern 
in  Dudley.     One  Clark,  a  trader,  caught  it  up  and  hurried  it  on  to  his 


*  "1.  All  charters  are  sacred  to  serve  the  end  for  which  they  were 
given  and  no  farther.  2.  No  charter  from  ihe  King  can  he  found  by  which 
the  grantees  have  a  right  to  the  seas,  as  all  our  charters  bound  us  upon  sea- 
coast  as  that  runs.  3.  The  duty  laid  on  teas  is  not  a  tax  upon  America 
because  it  grows  not  within  Liie  limits  of  America.  4.  Since  they  have  not 
placed  a  tax  upon  ours  but  their  own  specie  which  they  certainly  have  a  right 
to  do,  it  is  our  duty  not  to  purchase  their  teas  unless  we  have  a  mind  to  do 

it 11.  Bostonians   would  be  able   to  support  their   own    poor   after 

Windham  and  other  towns  have  paid  them  their  lesal  demands.  12.  We 
cannot  find  any  good  reasons  why  the  good  people  of  Windham  undertook  to 
arraign  and  condemn  Governor  Hutchinson  and  others  for  ignorance,  insult 
and  treason  against  law  and  common  sense  only  lor  ditl'ering  in  sentiment 
with  .some  of  their  neighbors — since  there  'were  a  few  names  in  Sardis.' 
13.  Farmiugton  burnt  the  Act  of  Parliament  in  great  contempt  by  their 
common  hanaman,  &c.  We  sincerely  wish  and  hope  a  day  may  be  set  apart 
by  his  Honor  very  soon  for  fasting  and  prayer  throughout  the  Colony,  that 
the  sins  of  thosehaughty  people  n)ay  not  be  laid  to  our  charge  as  a  govern- 
ment, and  we  reconnnend  a  due  observation  of  said  day  to  all  our  neighbors, 
by  giving  food  and  raiment  to  the  indigent  poor  in  every  town  in  Connecticut, 
and  also'to  draw  up  resolutions  that  for  the  future  we  will  pay  the  poor  their 
wages  and  every  man  his  due." 


132  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

father  in  Woodstock.  Captain  Clark  in  hot  haste  bore  it  on  to  Captain 
Keyes  of  Pomfrct,  and  he — at  11  a.  m.,  Satnrday,  Sept.  3 — brought 
it  to  Colonel  Israel  Putnam.  Hitherto  the  news  had  gone  from  mouth 
to  mouth  like  the  Highland  war-cry : — 

Boston,  our  Boston  is  in  need ! 

Speed  forth  the  signal !     Patriots,  speed  ! — 

But  now  Putnam  gave  it  a  more  tangible  form  by  scrawling  off  the 
following  lines  to  Captain  Aaron  Cleveland  of  Canterbury : — 

"  PoMFRET,  Sept.  3,  1774. 
Captain  Cleveland : 

Mr.  Keyes  has  this  a.  m.  bro't  us  the  news  that  the  Men  of  War  and 
troops  began  to  lire  on  the  people  of  Boston  last  night  at  sunset,  when  a 
post  was  sent  iraraediatcly  ofl  to  inform  the  Countr}'.  He  informs  that  the 
artillery  played  all  night,  that  the  people  are  universally  [rallying]  from 
Boston  as  far  as  hei'e  in  arms  and  desires  all  the  assistance  possible.  It 
[alarm]  was  occasioned  by  the  country  people's  being  robbed  of  their  powder 
[from  Boston]  as  far  as  Framingham,  and  when  found  out  people  went  to 
take  the  soldiers  and  six  of  our  people  were  killed  on  the  spot  and  several 
were  wounded.^  Beg  you  will  rally  all  the  forces  you  can  and  be  on  the 
march  immediately  for  the  relief  of  Boston  and  the  people  that  way. 

I.  P." 

"  Fast  as  hoof  could  fly  "  this  was  conveyed  to  Cleveland,  counter- 
signed by  him,  and  sent  by  express  "along  to  Norwich  and  elsewhere." 
Reaching  Norwich  at  4  p.  m.,  it  was  forwarded  by  Captain  John  Dur- 
kee.  At  New  London,  it  was  endorsed  by  Richard  Law,  Nathaniel 
Shaw  and  Samuel  Parsons,  and  hurried  on  to  New  Haven  and  New 
York.  Gaining  credence  and  fresh  signatures  at  every  stopping  place 
it  speeded  southward,  and  at  nine  o'clock  Tuesday  morning — -just 
seventy  hours  from  Pomfret — it  was  laid  before  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, just  assembling  in  Philadelphia.  Thus  from  Boston  to  Penn- 
sylvania, the  whole  country  had  been  aroused.  From  the  great  cen- 
tres the  news  had  spread  in  every  quarter.  The  hour  of  conflict  had 
come ;  Boston  was  attacked  and  all  were  summoned  to  her  relief. 
Never  was  rallying  cry  more  eflective.  Coming  from  Putnam  and  en- 
dorsed by  prominent  and  responsible  men  it  was  every wheie  received 
and  obeyed.  "  To  arms !"  was  the  quick  response,  and  thousands  hur- 
ried to  the  rescue.  A  thousand  men  took  up  arms  in  the  three  lower 
counties  of  Delaware.  Tioenty  thousand  were  reported  en  route  in 
Connecticut.  The  summons  coming  on  Sunday  it  had  the  eftect  of 
putting  that  Puritanic  colony  "into  alarm  and  motion  on  the  Lord's 
Day."  Colonel  Putnam's  missive  was  read  publicly  in  most  of  the 
congregations,  and  furnished  the  te.xt  for  many  a  stirring  exhortation. 
In  many  of  the  more  distant  towns  the  messenger  brought  the  tidings 


IIELP    FOR    BOSTON,    ETC.  133 

to  tlie  meeting-house  in  the  midst  of  divine  sei'vice,  nnd  woitliy  mem- 
bers of  the  cliurch  militant  left  the  sanctuary  for  the  buttleiield.  Even 
ministers  were  said  "to  have  left  their  pulpits  for  the  gun  and  drum, 
and  set  off  for  Boston."  In  Norwich,  Putnam's  letter  was  "  printed  oiF, 
and  circulated  through  the  town  in  handbills,"  and  on  Sunday  morning 
over  four  hundred  men,  well-armed  and  mostly  mounted  upon  good 
horses,  started  for  Boston  under  command  of  Major  John  Durkec.  Two 
hundred  ardent  volunteers,  well-armed  and  mounted,  left  Windham 
town  at  sunrise,  and  bodies  of  men  were  dispatched  from  all  the  other 
towns  of  Windham  County. 

Putnam,  having  sent  the  dispatch,  set  out  himself  with  four  com- 
rades for  the  scene  of  action,  and  had  proceeded  as  far  northward  as 
Douglas,  when  he  heard  "  that  the  alarm  was  false  and  Massachusetts' 
forces  returning."  He  immediately  turned  back  and  after  a  sixty  miles 
ride  reached  home  at  sunrise,  and  "  sent  the  contradiction  along  to  stop 
the  forces  marching  or  i-allying."  The  Norwich  ti'oops  were  met  seven 
miles  from  their  town,  with  the  intelligence  via.  Providence,  that  the 
report  was  without  foundation.  The  Windham  men  marched  on  to 
Massachusetts  line  before  receiving  counter-tidings.  This  I'evelation 
tliat  the  great  mass  of  the  people  was  ready  to  take  up  arms  whenever 
occasion  called  them  greatly  cheered  the  pati'iot  leadei's  and  stimu- 
lated them  to  farther  resistance.  The  repoit  of  this  uprising  excited 
much  interest  at  home  and  abroad.  "Words  cannot  express,"  wrote 
Putnam  and  his  committee  in  behalf  of  five  hundred  men  under 
arms  at  Pomfret,  "the  gladness  discovered  by  every  one  at  the 
appearance  of  a  door  being  opened  to  avenge  the  many  abuses  and 
•  insults  which  those  foes  to  liberty  have  offered  to  our  brethren  in 
your  town  and  province.  But  for  counter  intelligence  we  should  have 
had  forty  thousand  well-equipped  and  ready  to  march  this  morning. 
Send  a  written  express  to  the  foreman  of  this  committee  when  you 
have  occasion  for  our  martial  assistance."  The  rapid  transmission  of 
the  news  was  considered  very  remarkable.  On  Nov.  12,  it  reached 
England,  and  the  report  of  its  reception  there  came  back  to  New  York 
on  January  20.  A  few  affected  to  treat  the  whole  affair  with  ridicule. 
Colonel  Malbone  of  Pomfret  received  the  news  from  Putnam.  Though 
so  opposed  in  character  and  political  sentiment  there  existed  a  certain 
personal  sympathy  and  good  fellowship  between  these  neighboi-s,  and 
many  verbal  skirmishes  were  interchanged  between  them.  Before  tak- 
ing the  lield  Putnam  sent  this  mi;<sive  : — 

"Sat.,  12  r.  m. 
To  Coloxp:l  Malbone  : 

Dear  Sir — I  have  this  minute  had  an  express  from  Boston  that  the  flght  be- 
tween Boston  and  the  Eegulars  [began]  last  night  at  sunset,  and  the  cannon 


134         ■  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

befjiin  to  [         ]  and  continned  all  night  and  they  herj  for  help — and  dont  you 
think  it  is  time  to  go? 
I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedieut  servant, 

I.  Putnam." 

''  Go  to  the  Devil,"  was  the  prompt  and  emphatic  answer.  [These 
doughty  church  members  and  church  builders  were  equally  expert  in 
sicear'uig.'] 

The  opposition  of  Rev.  Samuel  Peters  was  more  pronounced  and  bit- 
ter. On  that  memorable  Sabbath  when  all  Connecticut  was  in  motion, 
Peters  forbade  his  flock  to  take  up  arms  in  behalf  of  High  Treason,  and 
insulted  "  the  public  grand  cause  of  Liberty  by  calling  it  rebellion." 
This  offence  filled  the  measui'e  of  his  political  iniquities.  The  patriots 
of  the  neighboring  towns,  roused  to  fever  heat  by  the  late  alarm  and 
uprising,  felt  that  they  could  bear  with  him  no  longer.  Yet  as  usual  at 
this  period  nothing  was  done  without  some  show  of  ofiicial  authority. 
Timothy  Larrabee,  Hezekiah  Huntington,  Vine  Elderkin,  Ebeiiezer 
Gray  and  John  Kipley  of  Windham- men  of  high  chaiacter  and  posi- 
tion— together  with  Captain  Selli  Wright,  Captain  Asahel  Clark  and 
jNIr.  Hill  of  other  towns,  weie  appointed  a  committee  by  the  Sons  of 
Liberty  in  their  respective  towns  "to  visit  and  deal  with  TJev.  Samuel 
Peters  of  Hebron,"'  and  on  Tuesday.  Sept.  6,  proceeded  to  his  house 
accompanied  by  some  hundreds  of  their  fellow-citizens  fiom  all  the 
surrounding  country.  They  found  the  house  barricaded  and  tilled  with 
people  said  to  be  armed,  and  sent  in  a  deputation  of  their  principal 
men  to  make  known  to  Mr.  Peters  "  their  determination  to  obtain  re- 
traction and  satisfaction  "  for  his  late  conduct.  A  i»arley  was  held 
thi'ough  the  window.  Mr.  Peters  attempted  to  justify  himself  and 
argue  with  the  gentlemen,  assuring  them  that  he  had  no  ai'ms  but  two 
old  guns  out  of  repair.  They  i-eplied  that  they  did  not  care  to  dispute 
with  him,  and  advised  him  to  address  the  people  who  thronged  about 
the  house,  assui-ing  him  at  the  same  time  '-that  it  was  not  for  his 
religious  sentiments,  or  because  he  was  a  churchman  "  that  they  de- 
manded this  satisfaction,  "  for  some  of  the  people  were  of  that  denomi- 
nation, and  they  were  so  far  from  hurting  or  injuring  anyone  that  did 
profess  it  that  they  were  ready  to  defend  and  piotect  them  with  all 
their  strength,  but  for  the  things  and  matters  before  mentioned." 

Assuming  his  white  piiestly  robe,  Peters  now  came  out  to  the  people 
with  all  his  official  dignity,  and  with  his  usual  address  and  facility  pro- 
ceeded to  plead  his  cause  till  the  discharge  of  a  gun  witliin  the  house 
startled  his  heai'ers.  The  indignant  patriots  tore  down  the  barricades, 
rushed  in  and  searched  the  house,  finding  loaded  guns  and  pistols, 
swords  and  heavy  clubs.  Li  spite  of  this  discovery  he  was  allowed  to 
finish  his  haranyue  and  retire  umuolested  with  the  understaudiniJ-  that 


HELP    FOR    BOSTON,    ETC.  135 

lie  should  draw  up  and  siixii  a  sal isfactoiy  declaration.  Petei's  delayed, 
equivocated  and  quibbled  till  the  waiting  crowd  weary  and  hungry 
lost  all  patience,  and  proceeded  ''  to  deal "  with  him  in  more  summary 
fashion,  forced  their  way  again  into  the  house,  seized  the  stinggling 
divine,  tearing  his  clothes  and  sacred  Episcopal  gown,  put  him  upon 
a  cart  and  hauled  him  by  his  own  oxen  to  the  meeting-house  green, 
where  they  sat  him  upon  the  public  horse-block,  and  compelled  him  to 
sign  a  declaration  and  humble  confession  framed  by  the  committee  to 
the  intent  that  he  repented  his  past  misdeeds  and  would  give  them  no 
farther  cause  of  complaint.  He  \vas  then  made  to  i-ead  this  paper 
aloud,  sentence  by  sentence,  to  the  great  crowd  surrounding  the  horse- 
block, which  thereupon  gave  three  triumphal  cheers  and  (juietly  dis- 
persed. Peters  in  reporting  the  affair  declares  that  the  Sons  of 
Liberty  not  only  "destroyed  his  windows  and  rent  his  clothes  even 
his  gown,  but  almost  killed  one  of  his  chuich  people,  tarred  and 
feathered  two  and  abused  others,  but  his  word  cannot  be  taken  with- 
out corroborative  evidence."  In  I'espjonse  to  his  ai)peal  to  Governor 
Trumbull  for  protection,  the  civil  authority  of  Hebron  were  dii'ected 
"to  preserve  peace  and  good  order,  and  put  the  laws  in  execution." 
Notwithstanding  this  charge  Mr.  Peters  thought  best  in  a  few  days  to 
retire  to  Boston,  and  sailed  for  England  in  Noven)ber.  The  rancor  of 
his  subsequent  letters  is  the  best  a[)ology  for  his  assailants.  To  his 
mother  he  writes  that  "six  regiments  were  now  coming  fVom  England 
and  sundry  men-of-war,  and  as  soon  as  they  come  hanging  work  will 
go  on  :  destruction  will  first  attend  the  seaport  towns — lintel  spi'inkled 
on  the  side-ports  will  pres(M've  the  faithful :  "  to  Dr.  Auchmuty,  New 
Yoik, — "the  clergy  of  Connecticut  must  fill  a  sacrifice  witli  the 
several  churches  vei-y  soon  to  the  rage  of  the  Puritan  mob-ility,  if  the 
old  Serpent,  that  Dragon  is  not  bound.  .  .  .  Spiritual  iniquity  rides 
in  high  places,  halberds,  pistols  and  swoids.  .  .  .  Their  lebellion  is  ob- 
vious, and  treason  is  common  and  robbery  their  daily  devotion.  The 
bounds  of  New  York  may  directly  extend  to  Connecticut  Kiver. 
Boston  must  then  .  .  .  and  Rhode  Island  be  swallowed  up  as  Dothau." 
"  The  means  of  making  the  contents  "  of  these  very  letters  known 
furnished  another  striking  example  of  "Puritan  mob-ility  "  and  sjnrit. 
According  to  authentic  published  report  these  letters  were  brought 
back  by  two  friends  of  Peters  who  had  accompanied  him  to  Boston, 
and  were  intercepted  on  their  return  by  a  suspecting  party  of  patriots 
who  met  them  at  a  tavern,  questioned  them  and  suffei-ed  them  to 
depart,  but  as  they  went  on  their  way  they  were  overheard  by  a  man 
behind  a  fence  to  say  "  that  they  might  yet  bo  searched  before  they 
got  home,  might  be  brought  into  trouble  and  therefore  had  better  hide 
the  letters."     From  his  hiding-place  this  man  saw  them  alight  near  a 


136  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

stone-fence,  remount  and  hurry  onward.  Help  was  called,  letters 
found  in  the  wall,  the  men  followed,  brought  back  and  again  (juestioned. 
They  denied  having  any  letters,  even  oft'ering  to  declare  upon  oath 
that  ihev  had  none,  but  upon  these  being  produced  were  forced  to 
own  the  biinging  and  hiding.  Tradition  gives  the  town  in  which  this 
incident  occurred  and  other  attendant  circumstances.  Windham 
VlUcu/e.,  the  home  of  famous  military  veterans,  the  seat  of  most  tlam- 
ino-  and  ao-oressive  patriotism,  claims  the  credit  of  search  and  seizure. 
ller  account  ignores  the  intervention  of  non-resident  parties.  Her 
own  vigilant  citizens  were  the  sole  detectives  and  judges.  The  story 
of  the  capture  of  I^eterss  spies  was  quickly  boime  through  the  neigh- 
borhood and  brought  all  its  inhabitants,  young  and  old,  men,  women 
and  children,  to  the  scene  of  action.  The  convicted  tale-beai'ers,  beset 
by  the  angry  throng,  begged  in  vain  for  release  and  mercy.  Public 
sentiment  demanded  their  instant  and  effectual  punishment  but  differed 
as  to  its  nature.  Ordinary  delinquencies  might  be  satisfied  by  a  public 
whipping  at  the  townpost,  but  so  flagrant  an  oifence  seemed  to 
demand  a  more  signal  and  characteristic  penalty.  "Ruuning  the 
gauntlet,"  suggested  probably  by  the  experience  of  some  Frencii  war 
captive,  met  the  views  of  the  poi)ulace  but  the  victims  were  allowed 
their  choice.  Between  two  evils  they  chose  the  least  familiar,  gi-eatly 
to  the  delight  of  the  great  crowd  of  people  who  could  all  take  part 
in  its  infliction.  Men,  boys,  perhaps  women  and  girls,  every  body 
that  fancied,  were  straightway  formed  in  two  opposing  lines,  stretching 
from  the  tavern  across  the  great  street  and  green  to  the  meeting-house, 
and  Peters'  unfortunate  emissaries  weie  made  to  run  between  them, 
receiving  from  each  in  turn  a  cuff",  kick  or  poke,  with  every  insult- 
ing epithet  that  could  be  devised  by  the  ingenuity  or  malice  of  their 
tormentors. 

[An  additional  item,  showing  the  position  of  Windham  County 
leaders  towards  the  Stamp  Act,  deserves  notice  and  preservation. 
When  Governor  Fitch  called  his  Council  together  to  decide  what  to  do 
with  the  king's  law,  there  was  difterence  of  opinion  and  warm  discus- 
sion. After  a  day  of  fierce  debate  Governor  Fitch  avowed  his  deter- 
mination to  enforce  the  Act,  and  called  upon  Trumbull  to  administer 
the  needful  oath.  "  No,"  said  Trumbull,  "  I  will  take  no  part  in,  nor 
witness  such  a  scene  as  this  " — and  with  Colonel  Dyer,  Shubael  Conant 
and  four  other  members  of  the  Council,  withdrew  from  the  chamber ; 
thus  emphasizing  their  belief  "  that  the  Stamp  Act  contravened  the 
chartered  rights  of  the  Colonies,"  and  their  determination  to  give  no 
countenance  to  its  execution.] 


PREPARATION    FOR    THE    CONFLICT,    ETC.  137 


II. 

PREPARATION   FOR    THE    CONFLICT.      ONWARD    TO    CAMBRIDGE. 

BUNKER    HILL.       HOME    AFFAIRS.       DEATH    OF 

REVEREND    JOSEPH    HOME. 

THE  revelation  that  the  great  mass  of  the  people  were  ready  to 
take  up  arras  whenever  occasion  demanded,  greatly  encouraged 
the  patriot  leaders,  and  also  showed  them  the  necessity  of  making  all 
possible  provision  for  the  inevitable  conflict  before  them.  A  conven- 
tion of  delegates  from  New  London  and  Windham  Counties  was  held 
at  Norwich,  September  9,  a  few  days  after  the  alarm,  wherein  the 
greatest  harmony  and  unanimity  of  sentiment  appeared,  and  "the 
cheek  of  every  member  glowed  with  resentment  and  martial  fire,"  and 
"  not  a  man  among  them  but  was  willing  with .  the  utmost  alacrity 
to  fly  to  the  relief"  of  oppressed  patriots  in  any  Colony.  In  prepara- 
tion  for  futuie  emergency  the  convention  recommended, 

"  1.  That  the  Selectmen  of  every  town  in  these  counties  should  as  speedily 
as  possible  supply  their  town  stociv  with  a  full  complement  of  ammunition 
and  military  stores  as  by  law  required.  2.  That  eveiy  particular  troop  and 
military  company  within  said  eounties,  both  officers  and  soldiers,  should  as 
speedily  as  po!<sible  arm  and  equip  themselves,  agreeable  to  the  directiou  of 
the  laws  of  the  Colony.  3.  It  was  seriously  recommended  to  such,  as  a  mat- 
ter of  very  great  importance,  that  as  expeditiously  as  might  be  they  should 
improve  iu  and  learn  the  use  and  design  of  their  arms  by  artillery  exercises 
or  otherwise,  that  so  they  may  answer  the  important  purpose  of  their  instruc- 
tion when  occasion  shall  require.  And  as  very  great  and  special  advantage 
must  arise  from  regimental  reviews  and  exercises  in  the  militia  of  this  Colony, 
as  the  law  requires,  and  the  same  having  been  neglected  and  omitted,  it  was 
earnestly  recommended  to  the  officers  of  the  regiments  that  during  the  pres- 
ent Autumn  they  should  call  together  their  respective  regiments  for  this  pur- 
pose, and  also  that  these  officers  should  issue  orders  to  the  captains  of  the 
several  companies  in  their  regiments  that  their  companies  should  immediately 
comply  with  legal  requisitions,  both  as  to  their  equipment  and  ammunition, 
and  a  due  attention  to  the  cultivation  of  military  skill  and  the  art  of  war; 
and  that  said  chief  officers  should  exert  themselves  in  every  proper  and 
legal  way  for  a  general  improvement  in,  and  cultivation  of,  the  noble  aud  im- 
portant art  of  military  skill  and  discipline." 

The  General  Assembly,  at  its  October  session,  enacted  that  each 
military  company  in  the  Colony  shall  be  called  out  twelve  half -days 
and  exercised  in  the  use  of  their  arms,  between  this  time  and  the  flrst 
of  May.  It  was  also  resolved,  "  That  the  several  towns  in  this  Colony 
be  and  are  hereby  ordei-ed  to  provide  as  soon  as  may  be,  double  tlie 
quantity  of  powder,  balls  and  flints  that  they  were  heretofore  by  law 
obliged  to  provide."  Four  additional  regiments  were  now  organized. 
A  convention  of  delegates  from  Hartford,  New  London,  Windham  and 
Litchfleld  Counties  was  held  in  Hartford,  September  15,  which  most 
earnestly  supported  the  Non-Importation  Agreement,  and  denounced 
"such  mercenary  wretches"  as  purposed  to  evade  it,  declaring  its  deter- 
mination to  defeat  their  designs  if  possible.  Yet  while  entering  upon 
18 


138  HISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

these  "aggressive  methods"  for  resistance  to  ojipression,  they  flcclared  it 
"the  wannest  wish  of  our  hearts  tliat  the  wisdom  and  equity  of  the 
British  Parliament  may  relieve  us  from  our  fears  and  dangers,  and  that 
we  may  once  more  and  forever  look  up  to  our  parent  country  with  con- 
fidence and  pleasure,  and,  secure  in  om-  own  rights,  contribute  all  in 
our  power  to  promote  the  honor,  interest  and  happiness  of  our  elder 
brethren  in  Great  Britain."  Tlie  General  Congress  at  Philadelphia,  of 
which  Col.  Dyer  was  a  member,  while  also  expressing  its  loyalty  and 
attachment  to  the  king,  published  an  elaborate  declaration  of  the  rights 
of  the  Colonists,  agreed  "that  all  America  ought  to  support  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Massachusetts,"  requested  the  merchants  to  suspend  all  importa- 
tion of  merchandize  from  Great  Britain,  and  further  stipulated  that 
all  exportation  of  merchandize  to  Great  Britain,  Ireland  and  the  West 
Indies  should  cease  after  September  10,  1775,  unless  the  wrongs  that 
called  out  these  agreements  should  be  redressed  prior  to  that  period. 

The  report  of  the  proceedings  of  this  Congress  was  accepted  by  the 
several  towns.  Windham,  December  5,  voted,  "  That  this  town  does 
accept,  approve  and  adopt  the  doings  of  the  Continental  Congress  held 
at  Philadelphia  in  September  last,  and  agree  and  oblige  ourselves 
religiously  to  keep  and  observe  the  same."  Joshua  Elderkin  having 
now  manifested  a  proi)er  repentance  for  his  violation  of  the  Agree- 
ment, it  was  voted,  "  That  the  vote  passed  June  26,  1 768,  respect- 
ing said  Elderkin,  be  repealed  and  made  null  and  void,"  and  he  was 
again  held  amenable  "  to  office  of  trust  or  profit."  Plainfield  approved 
of  the  methods  proposed,  and  pledged  herself  to  strict  adherence 
thereto.  She  also  voted  with  but  one  dissenting  vote,  "That  we  will 
not  in  future  purchase  for  ourselves  or  families  any  East  India  tea, 
until  the  Port  of  Boston  is  opened,  and  until  the  unreasonable  Acts  of 
the  British  Parliament  are  repealed."  "  Agreeable  to  the  eleventh  Re- 
solve of  the  General  Congress,"  Canterbury  elected  David  Paine, 
John  Herrick,  Thomas  Adams,  Jabez  Fitch,  Jr.,  Joseph  Burgess,  and 
Captains  Obadiah  Johnson  and  Joseph  Cleveland,  a  committee  of 
inspection.  Captain  Asa  Bacon,  Tliomas  Bacon  arid  Samuel  Ensworth 
were  added  to  the  committee  of  correspondence.  Woodstock,  at  an 
adjourned  town  meeting,  December  26,  1774,  Captain  Lyon,  modera- 
tor, expressed  her  views  with  greater  fullness,  viz: — 

"Being  sensible  and  deeply  impressed  with  tlic  late  cruel  and  oppressive 
measures  taken  by  the  British  Parlianient,  and  as  cruelly  attempted  to  be  exe- 
cuted upon  the  most  loyal  and  affectionate  sulyects  any  prince  could  ever 
boast  of,  by  which  cruel  measures  to  enslave  millions  of  free-born  subjects 
and  their  numberless  posterity,  in  opposition  to  which  the  tongues,  the  pens, 
the  hearts  and  hands  of  every  true  Briton,  both  in  Great  Britain  and  Americsp, 
we  trust  are  engaged,  and  especially  the  grand  Continental  (\)iigress  con- 
vened at  Philadelpliia  on  September  oth,  as  appears  by  the  number  of  their 
resolves,   for  which  and  to   whom,  we,  the   inhabitants  of  Woodstock,  as  a 


PREPARATION    FOR    THE    CONFLICT,    ETC.  139 

part  of  their  constiuents,  return  to  them  our  warmest  thanks ;  and  that  we, 
the  inhabitants  of  Woodstock,  may  '^'wi-  the  stroniicst  proof  of  our  zeal  and 
attticlimoiit  and  in  defence  of  the  sreat  and  common  cause  : — 

Resolved,  nem.  con..  That  we  do  approve  of  and  oblige  ourselves  to  the 
utmost  of  our  power,  and  all  persons  for  and  under  us  shall  comply  with 
association  of  the  aforesaid  Congress  in  every  part  and  paragraph  thereof, 
and  more  especially  in  Non-C'onsumption  Agreement  by  them  recommended. 
Nehemiah  Lyon,  David  Holmes,  Ephraim  Manning,  Ellas  Mason,  Silas  Bowen, 
Amos  Paine,  Timothy  Perrin,  Nathaniel  Marcy,  David  Perry,  Samuel  Harding, 
Shubael  Child,  Daniel  Lyon,  Stephen  May,  Samuel  Corbin  and  Thomas  May 
were  appointed  a  Committee  of  Inspection,  who  were  attentively  to  observe 
the  conduct  of  all  persons,  and  conduct  towards  them  agreeable  to  the  advice 
contained  in  said  association  agreement." 

A  penny-rate  to  ptirchase  arms  and  other  warlike  stores  for  the  use 
of  the  town,  was  also  ordered. 

The  suggestions  with  regard  to  military  preparations  were  carried 
out  with  promptness  and  alacrity  by  all  the  towns.  The  military  ardor 
of  the  citizens  needed  little  stimulus,  but  there  was  great  lack  of 
drill  and  discipline.  Com[)any  trainings  had  been  statedly  observed 
in  every  neighborhood,  but  the  prescribed  regimental  reviews  had  been 
to  a  great  degree  omitted.  A  grand  military  parade  had  indeed  been 
held  in  Plainfield  some  time  in  1773,  especially  memorable  for  inciting 
the  first  stirrings  of  military  enthusiasm  in  the  heart  of  a  young 
Rhode  Island  Quaker,  Nathaniel  Greene,  who  rode  many  miles,  with 
hundreds  of  other  spectators,  to  witness  the  scene.  A  reviewof  the 
eleventh  regiment  had  also  been  held  at  Woodstock  the  following  May, 
very  notable  for  the  large  numbers  present  and  patriotic  enthusiasm. 
The  troop  of  horse  under  Captain  Samuel  McClellan  figured  largely  ou 
this  occasion.  A  mock  fight  was  carried  on  under  the  direction  of 
Capt.  McClellan.  A  party  dressed  up  like  Indians  appeared  upon  the 
Common  and  caught  and  carried  away  some  of  the  children  present, 
but  were  pursued  by  the  troops  and  the  frightened  children  rescued 
and  brought  back.  The  success  of  these  gatherings  and  the  increasing 
interest  in  military  affairs  encouraged  the  officers  to  meet  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  Norwich  convention  by  a  more  general  and  elabo- 
rate review  than  anything  yet  seen  in  Connecticut.  Field  officers  and 
commissioners  from  New  London  and  Windham  counties  elaborated  a 
plan  for  a  great  regimental  meeting  to  be  held  at  Windham  town  in 
the  latter  end  of  April,  or  first  of  May.  Details  of  the  proposed  plan 
were  completed  January  20,  when  ten  colonels,  representing  as  many 
regiments,  "appeared  and  signed  it."  The  military  companies  in 
Plainfield,  Canterbui'y,  Voluntown,  and  the  south  part  of  Killingly 
now  formed  the  twenty-first  regiment.  The  other  regiments  remained 
as  before,  viz :  companies  of  Windham,  Mansfield,  Coventry  and  Ash- 
ford  formed  the  fifth  regiment— Jedidiah  Elderkin,  Colonel ;  Experi- 
ence Storrs,  Lieut.-Colouel ;   Thomas  Brown,  Major.     Pomfret,  Wood- 


140  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Stock  and  the  north  and  central  companies  of  Killingly  were  included 
in  the  eleventh  regiment — Ebenezer  Williams,  Colonel  ;  William  Dan 
ielson,  Major.  Lebanon  was  included  in  the  twelfth  regiment,  and 
Union  in  the  twenty-second.  A  tioop  of  horse  was  attached  to  each 
regiment.  Company  trainings  were  held  at  least  once  a  month  during 
the  winter,  and  special  prepaiation  made  for  the  projected  parade  in 
April.  Liberty-poles  were  set  up  in  many  of  the  towns  with  appro- 
priate exercises.  A  great  crowd  assembled  on  Killingly  hill  and 
hoisted  two  long  sticks  of  timber  united  by  a  couple  of  cross-ties. 
From  the  top  of  this  high  pole  a  flag  was  flung  to  the  breeze,  deco- 
rated with  a  rising  sun  and  other  suggestive  devices.  A  stray  English- 
man who  had  settled  in  the  neighborhood  smiled  scornfully  at  the 
demonstrations.  "Ah,"  said  he,  "you  know  nothing  of  Old  England  ; 
she  will  come  and  cut  dovra  your  liberty  pole  for  you." 

No  event  of  especial  significance  occurred  during  the  winter.  The 
colonists  waited  for  the  session  of  Parliament  to  learn  the  effect  of 
appeals  and  statements  made  by  Congress  to  the  king  and  people  of 
Great  Britain.  That  body  when  convened  showed  little  spirit  of  con- 
ciliation, and  it  was  soon  manifest  that  no  redress  of  grievances  could 
be  expected.  Yet  unless  such  redress  was  guaranteed  farther  collision 
was  unavoidable.  The  colonists  saw  no  course  but  persistent  and  more 
effective  resistance.  Such  preparation  was  made  as  circumstances  per 
mitted  ;  ammunition  was  gathered  up,  the  prescribed  military  exer 
cises  faithfully  performed,  the  rights  and  principles  for  which  they 
were  contending  more  earnestly  examined  and  discussed.  It  was  no 
light  matter  to  rise  up  against  the  government  of  Great  Britain,  the 
lawful  government  to  which  they  owed  allegiance,  and  could  only  be 
iustified  by  supreme  necessity.  This  winter  of  1774-75  was  one  of 
"sober  second  thought "  to  the  citizens  of  Windham  County.  Rest- 
ing from  their  summer  toils  and  raids,  they  now  had  time  to  ask  them- 
selves on  what  grounds  are  we  preparing  to  take  up  arras  against  our 
rightful  sovereign.  A  little  book  opportunely  brought  to  public  no- 
tice answered  this  query  in  a  most  comprehensive,  conclusive  and 
satisfactory  manner: — "English  Liberties,  or  the  Freeborn  Subject's 
Inheritance " — a  compendium  of  the  laws  and  rights  "  bought  and 
vindicated  by  Englishmen  at  the  expense  of  much  blood  and  treasure," 
comprising  Magna  Charta,  the  Habeas  Corpus  Act,  a  Declaration  of 
the  Liberty  of  the  Subject,  and  much  other  kindred  matter — was  j)ub- 
lished  in  England  in  1691,  and  so  favorably  received  tliat  in  thirty 
years  it  had  reached  a  fifth  edition.  An  edition  of  this  priceless  work 
was  issued  by  John  Carter,  of  Providence,  in  1774,  and  extensively  cir- 
culated as  "a  campaign  document."  No  better  evidence  could  be  given 
of  Windham's  intense  interest  in  the  pending  struggle  than  her  de- 


PREPARATION    FOR    THE    CONFLICT,    ETC.  141 

mancl,  when  money  was  so  scarce  and  books  so  rarely  purchased,  for 
more  than  a  hundred  and  twenty  copies  of  this  conipihxtion.*  These 
phiin,  rough  spoken  country  farmers  meant  to  know  for  what  they  were 
fighting.  They  took  their  stand  upon  their  right  as  British  subjects  to 
the  privileges  won  by  their  fathers,  and  were  ready  to  sacrifice  their 
lives  and  fortunes  to  secure  their  confirmation.  Fortified  with  ai-gu- 
ments  and  equipped  with  arms  and  ammunition,  they  were  well  pre- 
pared for  the  contest  that  awaited  them.  Many  cii'cumstances  gave 
Windham  County  unusual  prominence  at  this  juncture,  and  enabled  her 
to  render  most  effective  aid  to  the  patriot  cause.  The  towns  of  Lebanon, 
Mansfield,  Coventry  and  Union  were  then  included  in  her  territory. 
Among  her  citizens  were  Jonathan  Trujibull  and  Israel  Putnam, 
Connecticut's  honored  governor  and  the  most  popular  military  officer 
in  America.  And  in  addition  to  these  great  leaders  she  was  favored 
with  men  in  every  town  who  seemed  to  have  been  raised  up  expressly 
to  meet  this  exigency,  brave  soldiers  and  wise  civilians,  men  of  valor 
and  men  of  judgment,  alike  endued  with  ardent  self-sacrificing  patriot 
ism.  She  had  a  stalwart,  sturdy  body  of  yeomanry,  united  as  one 
man  in  devotion  to  the  patriot  cause.  She  had  a  learned,  able  and 
faithful  ministry,  in  full  sympathy  with  the  people,  and  ready  to  en- 
courage, strengthen  and  sustain  them.  She  had  women  with  strong 
hands  and  resolute  hearts,  urging  the  men  to  action,  and  willing  to 
bear  all  the  additional  burdens  that  might  be  brought  upon  them. 
Her  geographical  position  was  favorable,  remote  from  sea  board 
alarms  and  revenue  entanglements,  yet  on  the  main  thoroughfares  of 
travel  between  the  larger  towns — posts  from  Boston  to  Hartford  and 


*  Xames  of  Windham  Cotmty  subscribers  : — 

Joseph  Allen,  Ebenezer  Backus,  Ediinmd  Badger,  Hezekiah  Bissell,  Beuja- 
miu  Dyei-,  Joshua  Elderklu,  Royal  Flhit,  Andrew  French,  Ebenezer  Gray, 
Esq.,  Stephen  Greenleaf,  Capt.  Jaijez  Huntington,  John  Ripley,  Jacob  Simons, 
John  Waldeu,  Jun.,  Nath.  Wales,  Jun.  Esq.T  Nalh.  Wales  3d,  Nath.  Warren, 
Windham.  John  B.  Adams,  Peleg  Brewster,  Elijah  Bennet,  Nathaniel  Clark, 
Gideon  Carver,  Capt.  Aaron  Cleveland,  William  Foster,  Jabez  Filch,  Jun., 
Abel  Lyon,  Rev.  Nathaniel  Niles,  Nath.  Satterlee,  Joshua  Tracey,  Nathan 
Waldo,  Asa  Witter,  Elijah  Williams,  Canterbury.  Capt.  James  Bradford, 
Lieut.  Andrew  Backus,  Isaac  Coit,  William  Dixon,  Esq.,  Robert  Kinsman, 
Rev.  Alexander  Miller,  Elisha  Paine,  Esq.,  Elisha  Perkins,  Plainjield.  Eben- 
ezer Dow,  John  Dixou,  Voluntowji.  Benjamin  Converse,  David  Day,  Noah 
Elliott,  Perley  Howe,  Ebenezer  Knight,  Rev.  Noadiali  Russcl,  6,  George  Rob- 
inson, James  Thnrber,  Joseph  Torrey,  Capt.  Benj.  Wilkinson,  KiUinghj. 
Samuel  Craft,  Thomas  Cotton,  6,  Thomas  Grosvenor,  Esq.,  Caleb  Grosvenor, 
Ebenezer  Holbrook,  Esq.,  John  Jeflerd,  H,  William  Osgood,  Esq.,  John  Park- 
hurst,  Jun.,  Rev.  Aaron  Putnam,  Amasa  Sessions,  Alexander  Sessions,  Daniel 
Tyler,  P:beixezer  Williams,  Esq.,  Thomas  Williams,  Esq..  Rev.  Josiah  Whit- 
ney, Pnmfret.  Nathaniel  Clark,  Nath.  Child,  Esq.,  C,  John  Goodell,  Jun., 
Capt.  David  Holmes,  Asa  Lyon,  Jedidiah  Morse,  6,  Nath.  Marcy  G,  Hadlock 
Marcy,  Esq.,  6,  Ebenezer  Paine,  Joseph  Peake,  Jun.,  6,  Rev.  Stephen  Wil- 
liams, Woodstock.     Elijah  Whitou,  Esq.,  Ashford. 


142 


HISTORY    OF    WIXDHAM    COUNTY. 


Xew  York,  and  from  Providence  to  Xorwicli  and  New  London,  pass 
in<i^  over  her  highways.  Iler  resources*  had  largely  increased  since 
the  war  of  17o6.  Trade  and  enterprise  had  been  lively.  Food  and 
clothing  were  far  more  abundant.  She  had  sheep  enough  for  home 
use  and  consumption,  and  to  spare  great  flocks  to  the  needy.  Despite 
the  large  emigration,  she  had  added  more  than  eight  thousand  to  her 
population  as  shown  by  Connecticut's  second  census,  taken  in  1774. f 

Practically  this  population  was  a  unit  at  this  juncture,  and  in  this 
unity  lay,  perhaps,  Windham's  greatest  strength.  Opposition  if  it 
existed,  dared  not  or  cared  not  to  show  itself  openly.  The  few  tovies 
within  her  towns  were  mostly  recent  emigrants,  like  Malbone  and 
Stevens,  with  little  sympathy  or  influence  with  the  people,  and  taking 
no  part  in  the  administration  of  town  affairs.  A  notable  and  most 
unhappy  exception,  was  the  high-sheriff  of  the  county.  Colonel 
Eleazer  Fitch  of  Windham.  Having  served  in  the  French  war 
under  the  commission  of  King  George,  a  sense  of  honor  and  loyalty 
forbade  him  to  turn  against  his  master  and  former  comrades.  Friendly 
ties  attached  him  to  tiie  Biitish  army.  The  roughness  and  bluntness 
of  the  ardent  patriots  shocked  his  fine  taste  ;  their  vehement  denuncia- 
tions and  violent  onslaughts  outraged  his  sense  of  justice :  yet  his 
official  position,  his  business  and  family  connections,  his  true  regard  for 
bis  own  countrymen,  made  open  opposition  impossible.  He  therefore 
held  himself  aloof  from  public  affairs,  voiceless  in  the  general  hubbub, 
unable  to  affiliate  with  patriots  or  loyalists.  His  high  position  and 
great  personal  popularity  saved  him  as  yet  from  violence  and  inspectorial 
visitation.  '*  Everybody  loved  Colonel  Fitcli,"  and  hoped  he  might  be 
brought  to  share  in  the  popular  sympathies,  and  most  earnest  elForts 
were  made  by  Governor  Trumbull,  his  former  partner  in  business,  and 


*  Grand  List  of  Windham  County  toions  in  1775  : — 


Ashtbrd, £17,273  11  3 

Canterbin-y, 20,730 

Killiiiirlv 27.007  12  4 

Plaiiitirici, ]4,21(i  IC 

Poiufret, 27,711  12  4 


Voluntowii, 13,801     4 

Wiiulham 32,222   10  7 

Woodstock, 20,SOO 


£174. GG5     6  6 


t  Towns.  Whites.       Blacks. 

Ashford, 2,228  13 

Canterburv, 2.:ii)2  52 

Killiniily,  ' 3,439  47 

Plaiiilicid, 1,47'J  83 

Pomfivt 2,241  (15 

Wiiidliam 3,437  91 

Woodstock, 1,974  80 


Towxs.  Whites. 

Voluntowii, 1,47G 

Coventry, 2,032 

Lebanon,      3,841 

Manslk-ld, 2,443 

Union, 512 


27,494 


Blacks. 

35 

24 

119 

23 

2 

634 


Takinit  from  tliis  list  the  towns  afterward  a*fixcd  to  other  counties,  the 
population  of  tiie  towus  uow  embraced  iu  Wmdiiam  Couuty  was  18,6GG 
whites,  4GG  blacks. 


PREPARATION    FOR    THE    CONELICT,    ETC.  143 

othev  patriot  leaders,  to    overcome   liis   scruples  and  induce  him  to 
espouse  their  cause. 

Windham's  forbearance  towards  Colonel  P^itch  was  quite  excep- 
tional. It  was  scarcely  safe  for  a  resident  or  visitant  of  this  belligerent 
township  to  be  suspected  of  the  slightest  proclivity  towards  toryism. 
Any  deviation  from  the  Non-Inipoitation  Agieement,  or  from  the 
popular  standard  of  patriotic  duty,  might  subject  one  to  a  visit  from 
official  inspectors,  the  publishment  of  his  name  in  the  Nev:)  London 
Gazette  as  an  enemy  to  his  country,  or  even  to  some  outrageous  per- 
sonal iniliclion.  The  use  of  tea  was  especially  offensive  to  the  public. 
All  the  indignation  that  justly  belonged  to  the  concocters  of  the  im- 
post was  wieaked  upon  the  innocent  herb  that  seemed  to  be  looked 
upon  as  the  root  of  all  evil,  a  more  baleful  gift  to  mankind  than  Eve's 
original  apple.  "  Another  great  cargo  of  tea,"  writes  Putnam  to 
Trumbull,  "  so  that  we  are  to  be  plagued  with  that  detested  weed 
— nothing  but  a  JS^on-Consumption  Agreement  can  save  America." 
Windham  village,  so  fierce  against  suspected  spies,  was  equally  severe 
upon  her  own  cliildren.  Jeremiah  Clark,  a  most  useful  and  industrious 
citizen,  had  oj^ened  a  little  trade  with  Newport,  exchanging  butter  and 
domestic  commodities  for  sugai',  molasses  or  other  articles,  by  means 
of  two  deep  boxes  put  in  a  bag  and  laid  across  tlie  back  of  his  horse. 
Whether  with  or  without  cause,  suspicion  was  aroused  that  he  was 
smuggling  tea  into  the  town,  whereupon  the  neighbors  assembled 
with  tar  and  feathers,  intercepted  him  on  his  way  homeward,  and  only 
released  him  after  they  had  made  sure  by  thorough  search  that  no  con- 
traband goods  weie  included  in  his  budget.  Even  the  sacred  office 
and  avowed  patriotism  of  the  reverend  minister  of  Scotland  Parish  did 
not  save  him  fi-om  very  serious  annoyance  for  a  very  trifling  indulgence. 
His  household  was  visited  by  severe  affiiction — the  distressing  sickness 
of  Mi's.  Cogswell's  youngest  daughter,  Betsey  Devotion,  a  very  beauti- 
ful and  interesting  young  woman,  greatly  admired  and  beloved,  who  in 
March,  1775,  was  seized  suddenly  with  malignant  fever  and  died  in  a 
few  days.  The  bereaved  parents,  greatly  overcome  by  the  loss  and 
shock,  Avere  persuaded  by  sympathizing  friends  to  indulge  in  the 
soothing  stimulus  of  a  cup  of  tea.  Their  delinquency  was  soon  made 
public.  Mr.  Cogswell  was  informed  that  they  would  be  lejiorted  to 
the  Committee  of  Inspection.  He  immediately  waited  upon  that  body, 
and  by  certificates  from  the  attendant  physicians,  that  the  tea  had  been 
taken  as  a  medical  prescription,  was  able  to  satisfy  them  ;  but  the 
general  public  was  not  so  easily  appeased.  Aggrieved  patriots  con- 
tinued to  express  their  resentment  by  staying  at  home  from  church 
and  open  remonstrance,  doughty  old  farmers  rode  over  fi-om  Pudding 
Hill  with  rebuke  and  grumble,  and  sharp-tongued  goodwives  did  not 


14:4  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUXTY. 

hesitate  to  assure  their  minister  that  the  public  would  not  be  satisfied 
without  a  public  confession  and  apology  from  the  pulpit.  Some 
insisted  that  his  name  and  offence  should  be  published  in  the  JVoricich 
I^ackei  aud  jVew  London  Gazette.  Poor  Mr.  Cogswell,  always  ner- 
vously sensitive  to  public  opinion,  was  greatly  annoyed  and  distressed 
by  these  manifestations  of  displeasure,  which  continued  till  the  great 
news  from  Lexington  swept  away  all  minor  excitements. 

The  rencontre  between  the  king's  troops  and  the  provincials  occurred 
on  Wednesday  morning.  April  19.  A  post  was  dispatched  from 
"NVatertown  at  10  A.  M.,  charged  to  alarm  the  people  as  far  as  the 
Connecticut  line,  •'  that  the  British  have  landed  two  brigades,  have 
already  killed  six  men  and  wounded  four  others,  and  are  on  their 
march  into  the  country."'  A  copy  of  this  dispatch  was  forwarded  by 
the  town  clerk  of  Worcester  to  Daniel  Tyler,  Jun.,  Brooklyn,  who 
received  it  about  8  o'clock  on  Thursday  morning,  and  sent  it  on  by 
post  to  Norwich,  while  messengers  on  horseback,  with  beating  drums, 
carried  the  news  in  all  directions  about  the  county.  Putnam,  plow- 
ing in  the  pleasant  April  morning,  heard  the  joyful  summons,  and 
"loitered  not"  but  left  his  young  son,  Daniel,  "the  driver  of  his 
team,  to  unyoke  it  in  the  furrow,"  and  hurried  off  for  consultation 
with  town  committees  and  military  ofhcers.  A  second  express,  via. 
Woodstock,  was  brought  to  Colonel  Ebenezer  Williams.  Ponifret,  at  3 
P.  M.,  and  forwarded  at  once  to  Colonel  Obadiah  Johnson  of  Canter- 
bury, with  a  postscript  stating  that  a  merchant  "just  returned  from 
Boston,  via.  Providence,  informs  that  a  thousand  of  our  troops  had 
surrounded  the  first  biigade — 50  of  our  men  killed  aud  100  regulars. 
It  would  be  expedient  for  every  man  to  go  who  is  fit  and  willing." 

This  summons  was  swiftly  borne  to  every  part  of  Windham  County, 
and  found  thousands  ready  to  meet  it.  Nearly  all  its  male  population 
were  not  only  "lit  and  willing,"  but  most  eager  to  hurry  to  the  rescue; 
yet  there  w^as  no  headlong  rush,  no  undue  precipitation.  Putnam,  on 
returning  from  his  consultory  tour,  found  hundreds  of  men  already 
assembled  on  Brooklyn  Green,  awaiting  his  orders.  He  bade  them 
wait  till  regularly  called  out  as  militia,  and  march  with  their  respective 
regiments  as  had  already  been  arranged  with  the  military  otficers  of 
the  County,  and  without  rest  or  special  refreshment  started  at  sunset 
on  his  memorable  night  ride  to  Cambridge.  There  is  some  evidence 
that  Killingly  received  the  news  at  a  still  earlier  hour  on  Thursday 
morning  by  a  direct  express  from  Boston,  brought  to  the  house  of  Mr. 
Hezekiah  Cutler.  He  arose  from  his  bed  and  tired  his  gun  three  times 
to  give  the  alarm,  and  before  sunrise,  with  fifteen  men,  had  started  for 
the  battle-field. 

Friday  was  spent  in  active  preparation  throughout  the  county.     The 


PREPARATION    FOR    THE    CONFLICT,    ETC.  145 

Fifth  Regiment  was  to  renrlezvous  in  Pomfret ;  companies  from  tlie 
other  regiments  to  liasten  on  as  soon  as  they  covild  be  properly  mus- 
tered. Officers  were  riding  rapidly  around  in  every  direction  with 
theii-  warnings,  bullets  were  run,  accoutrements  and  rations  provided. 
Many,  especially  in  the  northern  towns,  snatched  their  guns  and 
maix'hed  off"  without  waiting  formal  orders.  Killingly's  stock  of  pow- 
der was  stoied  in  the  meeting-house,  under  the  charge  of  Hezekiah 
Cutler,  who  had  left  orders  that  each  volunteer  should  be  furnished 
with  half  a  pound,  and  the  house  was  thronged  all  day  with  squads 
of  men  coming  fi'om  all  parts  of  tlie  town  to  claim  their  portion  and 
march  onward  to  Cambridge.  Early  on  Saturday.  April  22,  Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Storrs  led  ''  sundry  of  ye  troop  "  to  ^Yindham  Green,  and 
"had  a  furtlier  conference  with  Colonel  Elderkin  with  respect  to  our 
dis])()sition  of  the  regiment."  Selected  companies  from  Coventry. 
Mansfield  and  Windham  were  already  on  the  ground,  ready  to  march, 
and  huudieds  of  joyful  spectators  were  coming  in  to  see  the  men  and 
cheer  tliem  on  their  way.  Officers  and  companies  *•  attended  prayers 
in  the  meeting-house,"  led  by  the  reverend  ministers  of  the  town.  It 
was  nearly  sunset  befoi'e  they  set  off  for  Pomfret.  They  were  passed 
on  the  road  by  Colonel  Parsons  of  Lyme,  hurrying  on  to  Boston: 
found  the  companies  from  Canada  Parish  and  Ashford  awaiting  them 
— the  former  led  by  Captain  James  Stedman.  Ashford's  picked  com- 
pany of  seventy-eight  had  chosen  Thomas  Knowlton  for  its  Captain. 
Late  as  it  was,  the  regiment  paraded  before  dismissal.  The  officers 
were  entertained  by  Mr.  Ebenezer  Grosvenor,  the  men  bivouacked 
wherever  it  was  convenient.  It  was  a  night  much  to  be  remembered 
in  Pomfret  thi-oughout  all  generations.  News  of  the  military  rendez- 
vous liad  been  widely  circulated,  and  men  were  thronging  in  from  all 
parts  of  Windliam  County.  That  saci'ed  Sabbath  morning  witnessed 
a  strange  S])ectaclc — more  than  a  thousand  men  offering  themselves  in 
sacrifice.  Tliere  were  veterans  fi'om  the  old  French  war,  filled  with 
martial  and  patriotic  enthusiasm,  and  young  men  yet  untried,  equally 
eager  to  show  their  zeal  for  the  cause  of  liberty.  Many,  as  they 
looked  upon  this  great  company  so  full  of  spirit  and  self-sacrificing 
devotion,  could  exclaim  with  Adams  and  Hancock — "  O.  what  a 
glorious  moining  is  this  !  " 

The  officers  of  the  regiment  were  embarrassed  by  the  great  num- 
bers that  presented  themselves,  and  doubtful  about  maintaining  their 
regimental  exclusiveuess.  They  sent  for  the  Rev.  Mr.  Putnam  to  pray 
with  the  companies,  and  "  after  prayer  formed  a  hollow  square  and 
communicated   to  the  regiment  orders  from  Colonel  Elderkin."     The 


19 


146  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

following  letter  received  the  day  previous  may  have  beeu  also  com- 
municated : — 

"  Concord,  April  21. 

To  Colonel  Ehcnezer  Williams : 

Sir, — I  liave  waitccl  on  tlic  committee  of  the  Provincial  Consress,  and  it 
is  tlieir  Detcnniiiatioii  to  have  astaiKliny  Amiy  of  L'L',000  men  from  tlie  New 
En<ihind  Colonies,  of  which,  it  is  sni)i)ose(l.  the  Colony  of  Connecticnl  must 
rai.se  G,000,  and  be.^s  they  would  be  at  Camhyidge  as  speedily  as  possil)le, 
Avith  Conveniences;  together  with  Trovisious,  and  a  SufHeiency  of  Ammuni- 
tion for  (heir  own  Use. 

The  Battle  here  is  nnich  as  has  been  represented  at  Pomfret,  except  that 
there  is  more  killed  and  a  Number  more  taken  Prisoners. 

The  Accounts  at  present  aie  so  confused  that  it  is  impossible  to  ascertain 
the  number  exact,  but  shall  inform  you  of  the  proceedin^rs,  from  Time  to 
Time,  as  we  have  new  occurrences;  mean  time  I  am,  Sir,  your  humble 
servant,  Iskakl  Pl'inam. 

N.  B. — The  Troops  of  Horse  are  not  expected  to  come  until  further  notice." 

Tlie  regimeut  was  then  dismissed  till  1  P.  M.,  while  the  officers 
held  a  council.  During  this  interval  religious  services  were  doubtless 
held  in  the  great  meeting-hoiiso,  thronged  we  may  well  snppose  witli 
eager,  anxious  listeners.  It  was  agreed  by  the  council  "  to  take  out 
one-fifth  of  the  companies,  and  oider  the  overplus  ((>!'  ten  present)  to 
return  home.  Divided  the  remainder  into  thi-ee  comjianies  and  their 
officers."*  How  this  selection  and  division  were  accomplished  is  not 
apparent.  The  whole  Ashfoid  company  and  a  larger  mimber  fVom 
Pomfret,  imder  Captain  Ingalls — Eleventli  Kegiment — appear  to  have 
been  chosen,  which  would  leave  but  a  small  prc)portion  from  the  other 
companies.  The  greater  part  of  the  volunteers  were  thus  sent  home. 
The  elect,/?/i!A,  selected  proVjably  like  Gideon's  three  hundred,  in  con- 
sideration of  their  special  fitness  for  military  service,  set  out  on  the 
march  at  about  5  P.  M.  Mounted  officers  led  the  little  band  and  some 
twelve  or  fit\een  men  Avith  j)ack  horses  followed.  Lieut.-Colonel 
Storrs  accompanied  them  to  Moulton's  tavern  at  Woodstock,  where 
they  passed  the  night,  and  on  to  Dudley  the  next  morning,  when  feel- 
ing that  Providence  called  more  loudly  to  duties  in  Connecticut,  he 
left  them  to  pursue  their  way  under  charge  of  Major  Brown  and 
Captain  Knowlton.  Their  orderly  and  soldierly  bearing  attracted 
great  attention  on  their  maicb,  and  they  were  received  at  Camljridge 
with  special  distinction  as  the  first  trained  companies  that  had  come 
from  abroad  to  the  aid  of  Massachusetts. 

Detached  companies  and  squads  of  men  from  vaiious  towns  had 
preceded  tiiis  body.  The  "  troops  of  hoi  se  "  under  Captain  McCleHan, 
had  gone  in  advance  of  Putnam's  message.  Lieut.  Keyes,  Cor])oral 
Seth  Grosvenor,  and  Albigeuce  Waldo,  clerk,  were  all  from  Pomfret. 
Perley  Howe,  Killingly,   served  as  cornet,  John  Flynn,   Woodstock, 


*  Colonel  Storrs'  mauuscript. 


^^^^-^^^v^^ 


1  :.e  Seiij^p'.'l'iiriting  Co.2111reiaorit  Stiisror. 


PREPARATION    FOR   THE    CONFLICT,    ETC.  147 

truinpt'ter.  Each  town  runiished  its  due  [lortion  of  troopers.  Other 
men  and  coinp;inie3  follo\ve<l  on  as  rai)idly  as  ]);)ssil)le  till  more  than  a 
thousand  men  weie  accredited  to  Windham  County.*  The  great 
regimental  muster  planned  for  xVpril,  was  transferred  from  Windham 
Green  to  Cambridge.  In  some  towns  every  able-bodied  man  obeyed 
the  call.  Killingly  was  left  so  destitute  as  to  subject  those  who 
remained  at  home  to  a  serious  fright  and  panic.  Colonel  Malbone'.s 
shar|)  tongue  and  open  toryism  had  made  him  a  terror  in  the  north 
part  of  the  county.  It  had  been  currently  reported  and  believed  that 
he  had  jirivately  di-illeil  and  eq  ii;>pL'd  his  negroes,  and  intended  to 
take  up  arms  for  the  King  when  the  hour  of  contlict  came,  and  amid 
all  the  agitation  and  anxieties  of  the  first  alarm,  word  came  to 
Killingly  Hill  that  "  ]Malbone's  niggers  "'  were  closi;  at  hiiil,  burning 
and  butchering  everything  before  them.  ''Our  house,"'  says  an  eye 
witness,!  "  was  filled  with  trembling,  frightened  women  and  children. 
There  was  not  a  fire-arm  or  weapon  in  the  place,  and  only  a  few  aged 
men.  I  remember  they  pre|)ared  kettles  of  heated  water,  and  the 
boys  weie  stationed  as  sentinels  to  give  timely  notice  of  their  approach. 
My  place  was  the  top  of  my  grandfather  [Cutler's]  gambrel-roofed 
house,  but  we  saw  no  negroes,  nor  indeed  anybody  else,  for  the  place 
seemed  deserted."  Other  women  in  Windham  County  i)assed  the  day 
in  very  different  fashion.  There  was  exultant  joy  and  thanksgiving 
in  many  a  household.  Rachel  Abbe  of  Windham,  now  Mrs.  Samuel 
McClellan,  shared  in  the  patriotic  fervor  which  so  characterized  the 
women  of  her  native  town,  and  after  fitting  out  her  husband  and  his 
horsemen,  she  set  out  memorial  trees  in  honor  of  the  joyful  occasion. 
Four  sapling  elms  brought  up  on  horseback  from  the  old  Windham 
homestead,  were  carefully  transplanted  into  the  soil  of  Woodstock — two 
in  front  of  her  dwelling  and  two  on  the  slope  of  the  adjoining  com- 
mon. Nurtured  with  care  and  pains  they  soon  took  root  and  flourished 
and  for  more  than  an  hundred  years  have  told  the  story  of  Lexington. 
True  trees  of  Liberty,  they  have  grown  up  with  the  Nation,  and  still 


*  Woodstock,  140  men  inuler  C.iptains  Benjamin  and  Daniel  Lyon,  Epliraim 
Manniiii>-,  Nathaniel  Marcy  and  Lieut.  Mark  Elwell,  toiretlier  with  her  pro- 
jiortion  of  the  troops  of  horse;  Captain  MrClellan.  Windham,  ir.9  men; 
Captains  William  Warner,  Jame.s  Stedmaii,  John  Kingsley,  Lieut.  Melatiah 
Biuiiliam.  Canterbury,  70  meii ;  Captains  Aaron  Cleveland,  Joseph  Burgess 
and  Sherebiah  Butts.  Union,  2(5  men  ;  Captain  Thomas  Lamson.  Ashford,  78 
men;  Captain  Thomas  Knowlton.  Pouifrct,  S9  men;  Captain  Zebulon  In.ualls. 
Plaiutield,  51  men;  Captain  Andrew  Backus.  Killin^My,  UO  men;  Major 
William  Danielson,  Captains  Joscjjb  Catly  and  Joseph  Elliott.  Coventry,  more 
than  a  hundred  men  ;  Major  Thomas  Brown,  Lieut.  Joseph  Taloott.  Lebanon, 
Captain  Daniel  Tilden,  men  not  given.  MausfiL-ld,  Lieut. -Col.  Experience 
Storrs,  Capt.  Jonathan  Nichols,  nien  not  given.  Brooklyn  Parish;  Colonel 
Putnam.     Canterbury;  Lieut. -Colonel  Obediah  Johnson. 

t  Manuscript  of  Judge  Epbraim  Cutler,  Marietta,  Ohio,  1820. 


148  HISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Stand  in  mnjestic  beauty,  living  witnesses  to  the  patriotism  an<l  devo 
tion  of  the  women  of  Windliani  County. 

Wednesday,  April  26,  the  General  Assembly  of  Connecticut  met  in 
adjourned  session  at  Hartford.  After  securing  and  storing  a  quantity 
of  powder  for  Manslield,  and  "  fitting  otF  a  wagon  load  of  provisions 
after  our  people "  in  camp,  Lieut. -Col.  Storrs  was  ready  to  aid  in 
public  deliberations.  A  committee  had  been  alieady  sent  to  New 
York  to  learn  the  disposition  of  the  peoj)le  there.  With  characteristic 
caution  the  Assembly  avoided  for  a  time  any  direct  recognition  of  tlie 
revolutionary  proceedings  in  Massachusetts,  but  appointed  Capt. 
Joseph  Trumbull  and  Amasa  Keyes  a  committee  "to  ])rocure  provi- 
sions for  the  families  of  those  wlio  had  gone  to  the  relief  of  the  peo- 
ple at  the  Bay,  and  to  superintend  the  delivery  and  apportioning  the 
same  among  them."  As  the  transmission  of  correct  re[)orts  was  a 
matter  of  great  importance,  Thaddeua  Burr,  of  P^iirtield,  and  Charles 
Church  Chandler,  of  Woodstock,  were  authorized  at  the  expense  of 
tlie  Colony,  to  employ  two  news-carriei's  to  perform  regular  stages 
from  Fairfield  to  Woodstock,  and  from  Woodstock  to  Faii-tield,  so  as 
to  arrive  in  Hartford  each  Saturday,  and  forward  all  proper  intelli- 
gence through  the  country  with  all  convenient  speed.  Gurdon  Salton- 
stall,  of  New  London,  was  also  authorized  to  engage  two  news-caniers 
to  perform  regular  stages  from  Woodstock  to  New  Haven,  in  such 
manner  that  they  should  severally  arrive  in  New  London  on  each 
Saturday,  and  forward  all  their  intelligence  every  Monday  morning  to 
Woodstock  and  New  Haven.  These  gentlemen  were  also  authorized 
to  forward  at  the  public  expense  all  such  extraordinary  and  important 
intelligence  as  should  appear  proper,  and  necessary.  Colonel  Storrs 
reports: — -'■  Bad  v^eather  for  Tories  in  the  House;  yet  ve  have  some. 
April  27.  Kesolved  on  ye  Grand  question  of  making  })reparation  in 
ye  Colony  for  our  defence,  appointed  a  large  committee,  two  from  each 
County,  to  prepare  a  bill  for  our  guide.  Was  appointed  one  of  a 
committee  to  direct  the  commissaries  in  their  duty  at  present.  We 
are  rejoiced  to  hear  that  the  Yorkers  are  united  with  us  in  the  cause, 
as  we  find  they  have  secuied  the  arins  of  that  city." 

Putnam  left  his  duties  at  Cambridge  for  a  bi'ief  season,  to  advise 
with  the  Government  upon  militaiy  affairs.  It  was  agreed  that  one- 
fourth  part  of  the  Colony  militia  should  be  immediately  enlisted  and 
equipi)ed  for  the  safety  and  defence  of  the  Colony,  and  be  distributed 
into  companies  of  one  hundred  men  each,  formed  into  six  regiments. 
David  Wooster  was  appointed  major-general  of  this  force  ;  Joseph 
Spencer,  brigadier-general  ;  Israel  Putnam,  second  brigadier-general. 
Under  this  regulation,  the  Windham  County  soldiers  were  mostly 
enrolled  in  the  Third  Regiment.     Israel  Putnam,  colonel ;  Expei  ience 


PREPARATION    FOR    THE    CONFLICT,    ETC.  149 

StoiTs,  lieutenant-colonel ;  John  Dmkee,   Norwich,  major.     The  com- 
panies were  thus  constituted  :  — 

1.  Israel  Putnam,  captain  ;  Jonathan  Kin.i>slcy,  Scotland,  first  lieutenant; 
Thomas  Grosveuor,  Pomfret,  second  lieutenant;  Elijah  Loomis,  ensinn. 

2.  Experience  Storrs,  captain;  James  Dana,  Ashfoid,  lirst  lieutenant; 
Ebenezer  Gray,  Windham,  second  lieutenant;  Isaac  Farwell,  ensi-jn. 

8.  John  Durkee,  captain;  Joshua  Huntington,  first  lieutenant;  Jacobus 
Delbret,  second  lieutenant;  Sanuiel  Biuiiham,  ensig-n — all  of  Norwich. 

4.  Obediah  Johnson,  captain :  Ephraim  Lyon,  first  lieutenant ;  Wells  Clift, 
second  lieutenant;  Isaac  Hide,  Jr.,  ensign;  Lieut.  Clift,  of  Windham;  others 
of  Canterbury. 

5.  Thomas  Knowltou,  captain;  Keubcn  Marcy,  first  lieutenant;  John  Keyes, 
second  lieutenant;  Daniel  Allen,  Jr.,  ensign — all  of  Ashford. 

G.  James  Clark,  captain;  Daniel  Tilden,  first  lieutenant:  Andrew  Fitch, 
second  lieutenant,  Thomas  Bell,  ensign— all  of  Lebanon. 

7.  Ephraim  Manning,  captain  ;  Stephen  Lyon,  first  lieutenant;  Asa  Morris, 
second  lieutenant;   William  Frizzell,  ensign — all  of  Wootistock. 

8.  Joseph  Elliott,  captain;  Benoni  Cutler,  first  lieutenant;  Daniel  Waters, 
second  lieutenant;   Comfort  Day,  ensign — all  of  Killingly. 

9.  Ebenezer  Moselj^  captain;  Stephen  Brown,  first  lieutenant;  Melatiah 
Bingham,  second  lieutenant;  Nathaniel  Wales,  ensign— Brown  of  Pomfret, 
the  other  officers  and  men  from  Windham. 

10.  Israel  Putnam,  Jr.,  captain;  Samuel  Robinson,  Jr.,  first  lieutenant; 
Amos  Avery,  second  lieutenant;  Caleb  Stanley,  ensign — all  of  Brooklyn. 

Daniel  Tyler,  Jr.,  who  had  married  a  daughter  of  General  Putnam, 

served     as     his     adjutant.     Dr.    John    Spalding    of    Canterbury,    was 

appointed  surgeon  of  this  regiment,  taking  the  })lace  of  Dr.   Himting- 

ton    of  Ashford,   who    had  followed   tlie   company   to   camp.     Fennel 

Cheney  and  Elijah  Adams  served  as  surgeon's  mates.     Its  commissary 

was  Captain  Stephen  Keyes  of  Pomfret.     Its  chaplain,  Al)iel  Leonard, 

the  eloquent  and  patriotic  pastor  of  Woodstock's  First  Church.     Ttie 

society  could  not  biing  itself  to  vote  consent  to  such  a  sacrifice  "but 

by  its  silence  manifested  its  resU/natlo/i  to  said  appointment."     ]\Iany 

who  had  gone  ont  at  the  first  alarm  were  mustered  into  this  regiment 

without  returning  home.     Lieut.-Colonel  Storrs   was  "i)utout,'  after 

the  usual  militaiy  fashion,  by  the  appointment  of  Commissaiy   Keyes, 

and  sighed  for  Major  Durkee's  promotion,  but  was  none  the  less  eager 

in  forwarding  regimental  ecpiipment    when    released  from  Legislative 

duties.     At  the  opening  of  the  May  session  of  the  Assembly  he  was' 

again   present,    though    many    of  its   elected  members   were  with    the 

army    at    Cambridge.       Windham    County    had    sent    the    following 

deputies : — 

Windham.— Colnne]  Jedidiah  Elderkin,  Ebenezer  Devotion. 
Lf'banon. — Colonel  William  Williams,  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Jr. 
Mdits^tield.  —  Lieutenant-Colonel  Experience  Storrs,  Nathaniel  Atwood. 
Woodstock. — Captains  Elislia  ChiUl,  Samuel  MeClellan. 
C'oventri/. — Captain  Ebenezer  Kingsbury,  Jeremiah  Pipley. 
Canterburtj. — David  Paine,  Eliashib  Adams. 
Killinghj.  —  Stephen  Crosby,  Eleazer  Warren. 
PoHi/cef.— General  Israel  Putnam,  Dr.  Elisha  Lord. 
Ashford. — Captains  Benjamin  Sumner,  Icliabod  Ward. 
Plaii}fi(dd.~  Captain  James  Bradford,  William  Robinson, 
Voluntoton. — Major  James  Gordon,  Robert  Hunter. 


150  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

An  Act  for  i('2^ul;iti;iuf  nml  ordoriii^^  the  troops  that  wore  or  shoulil 
be  raised  for  defence  of  the  Colony  was  now  considered  and  adopted 
— its  preamble  settini;  foi'lh  the  causes  con)]»ellin<^  such  action.  A 
number  of  i^enlleinen  wei'i'  ai)])ointed  to  assist  tiie  governor  wlien  the 
Assembly  was  not  in  session,  direct  the  marclies  .ind  actions  of  the 
soldiers  enlisted  for  the  defence  of  the  Colony,  and  supply  them  with 
everything  needful,  as  a  committee  of  safety.  Eliphalet  Dyer,  Nathan- 
iel Wales,  .Jr.,  William  Williams  and  Joshua  Elderkin  were  active 
and  ])rominent  riieinbeis  of  this  committee.  Hezekiah  Bissell,  also  of 
Windham,  was  one  of  the  commissaries  appointed  by  the  Assembly  to 
snp])ly  necessary  public  stores  and  provisions.  The  Embargo  for- 
bidding the  transportation  of  stindry  vital  necessities  out  of  the 
Colony  was  continued  until  August.  Botmties  were  offered  for  the 
manufacture  of  fii'e-arms  and  saltpeti'e,  now  greatly  needed.  Captain 
.Tabez  Huntiiigton  of  Windham,  was  given  charge  of  all  the  powder 
belonging  to  AVindham  County. 

Lieut. -Colonel  Stons  having  orders  for  the  captains  of  his  regiment  to 
be  in  readiness  to  march  as  fast  as  possible  I'eturned  to  Mansfield,  May 
1.5,  and  devoted  himself  with  great  energy  to  enlisting  men,  and  procur- 
ing their  outfit.  Blankets  and  arms  were  imjiressed  for  the  use  of  the 
soldiers.  Saturday,  27th,  "the  company  met  and  received  theii"  ammu- 
nition to  be  ready  for  their  march  on  Afonday  next.  May  '29.  Met  this 
morning  at  9  o'clock,  attended  prayers  and  sermon  delivered  by  [Rev.] 
Ml'.  Salter.  After  sermon  the  company  marched  off  for  Cambridge. 
30th.  Set  out  this  nioining  and  overtook  ye  company  at  Kendall's, 
at  Ashford.  They  ai)peared  to  be  in  high  spirits.  Tariied  at  Dudley." 
The  Noi-wich  company  and  others  from  Windham  County  were  in 
advance  of  Colonel  Storrs.  June  2,  he  left  all  under  care  of  Lieut. 
Gray  and  proceeded  with  Lieut.  Dana  to  report  at  headquaiters  (at 
Iiiman's  Farm,  now  Cainbridgeport)  to  General  Putnam,  and  on  the 
following  day  maiched  in  with  piobably  the  greater  part  of  the  regi- 
ment. "Met  General  Putnam  on  ye  road,  came  to  ye  house  of  Mr. 
Fairweather  where  we  make  oui-  quarters.  Aftei-  dinner  went  up  to 
headquartei's  to  show  ourselves  to  ye  (reneral.  He  recomm^-nded  our 
being  immediately  provid;'d  fir  action.  t.  Lord's  day.  Heard  Mr. 
Leonard,  our  chaplain,  on  ye  Common."  A  few  other  \Vin(lhain 
County  soldiers  may  have  enlisted  in  the  Si.vth  Regiment,  Samuel  H. 
Parsons,  colonel  ;  John  Tyler,  lieutenant-colonel  :  but  the  great  mnJDrity 
of  her  men  weie  in  this  Third  Regiment  under  Putnam's  immediate 
care  and  authority,  occu])ying  a  most  responsible  and  prominent 
position  as  part  of  the  central  division  of  the  gathering  army. 

While  these  absent  ones  were  busily  occupied  with  drill,  discipline 
and  pieparalions  for  expected  service,  friends  at  home   were  equally 


PREPARATION    FOR    THE    CONFLICT,    ETC.  151 

alert  and  active.  Faims  and  domestic  labors  were  to  l)e  cariied  on  as 
usual  and  an  army  to  be  raised  and  su])jX)rted.  Scaice  a  liousehold 
that  had  not  some  concern  with  littino  out  men  and  sending  supplies 
to  them.  All  ])ri\ale  inteiests  seemed  to  be  laid  aside  and  every 
thought  and  energy  devoted  to  the  great  ])Opular  cause.  Large  bodies 
of  men  passing  over  the  great  thorough  tares  of  travel  needed  care  and 
accommodation.  Many  new  taveiiis  were  o]iene<l  in  the  (liferent  towns. 
Pomt'ret  citizens  joined  with  Abel  Clarke  in  representing  to  the 
Assembly, 

"  That  the  present  marcliini;-  of  troops  ami  increase  of  travel  by  his  house, 
and  the  iiecessily  lie  is  under  of  providinu'  for  them  excites  him  to  pray  for 
leave  to  keep  a  tavern  in  said  romlVet,  where  he  dwells  on  the  country  road 
from  Vt'indhani  to  Boston,  ill  the  parish  of  Al)inyt()ii,  directly  opposite  the 
dweirmii-hniise  of  Ephraim  lu^alls,  who  keeps  a  tavern  thereat,  and  for  many 
years  has  done  to  the  iiood  acci'iitaiice  of  people,  yet  in  tliis  day  he  cannot 
provide  for  the  ureat  nunil)ers  jiassin^-  and  repassini^  on  said  road,  and  judges 
it  necessary  that  he  [the  petitioner]  should,  too.  JJaij  15,  1775." 

This  petition  was  promptly  granted  and  leave  given  also  to  Moses 
Branch,  of  Plainfield,  and  jietitioners  from  other  towns  to  oiler 
every  possible  accommodaliun  to  these  countless  travelers.  Efforts 
were  also  made  in  Windham  County  to  supply  the  lack  of  milit.nry 
munitions.  Ilezekiah  Huiuington  of  Windham,  had  arianged  to 
enter  the  aiiiiy  as  majoi",  but  seeing  the  miseraVile  condition  of  tlie 
guns  and  muskets  supplied  to  the  soldiers  he  threw  up  his  commission, 
and  with  the  i)erniission  and  encouragement  of  the  Government,  opened 
a  shop  at  Wiliimantic  for  their  repair  and  manufacture.  In  the  same 
vicinity  John  l>rown  was  successfully  carrying  on  the  ])re]iaralion  of 
saltpetre.  Nathan  Frink  was  ]»r()jecting  a  similar  est:ibli>hmeiit  in 
Pomfret.  Even  predestined  divines  like  Samuel  Xott  and  Moses  C. 
Welch,  preparing  to  prouutlgate  the  Gospel  of  peace,  were  experiment- 
ing in  saltpetre  and  destructive  ingredients.  Colonel  Elderkin  and 
Nathaniel  Wales,  Jr.,  with  all  their  civil  and  military  engrossments, 
were  arranging  lor  the  construction  of  a  powder-mill.  .\11  these  busy 
brains  and  hands  were  working  for  the  army.  Constant  communica- 
tion was  kept  up  with  the  camji  at  Cambiidge.  Agetl  Jesses  and 
fresh  young  Davids  were  going  down  every  week  to  take  tilings  to 
their  sons  and  brethren  and  see  how  they  fared.  As  yet  all  was 
bright,  cheerful  and  hopeful.  The  visitors  marveled  at  the  number  of 
soldiers  collected,  their  parades  and  manceuvers,  and  were  too  unu.sed 
to  war  to  discern  their  lack  of  discipline  and  equipments.  Windham 
County  was  in  high  favor  at  headquarters.  Putnam  was  "the  hero  of 
the  day,"  assigned  by  popular  verdict  to  the  first  place  among  Ameri- 
can officers  ;  Knowllon's  courage  and  military  aiditude  were  already 
recognized,  and  bis  company  esteemed  cue  of  the  best  in  the  service, 


152  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

and  the  eloquent  iiiul   patriotic   "  ])erforniances  "  of  Chaplain  Leonard 
excited  general  admiration. 

Rei)orts  of  successful  skirmishes  and  demonsti'ations,  followed  by 
that  of  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  incited  the  Windham  patriots  to 
stronger  hope  and  more  ardent  enthusiasm,  and  their  grief  for  their 
slain  was  ahnost  swallowed  up  in  tlieir  exultation  that  their  own  sons 
and  brethren,  plain  farmers  and  civilians,  could  withstand  and  i)ut  to 
liiglit  the  trained  and  tried  soldiers  of  Great  Britain.  Of  the  two 
hundred  Connecticut  men  detailed  under  Ca|)tain  Knowlton  for  special 
service,  on  Bunker  Ilill,  on  the  evening  of  June  16,  1775,  Putnam's 
regiment  furnished  one  hundred  and  twenty,  diafted  fi'om  the  first, 
second,  fourth  and  fifth  companies,  under  Lieutenants  Dana.  Grosvenor, 
Keyes,  and  probably  Hyde.*  "One  subaltern,  one  sergeant  and  thirty 
privates  "were  also  drafted  from  Captain  Chester's  company,  second 
regiment,  and  i)robably  a  similar  mimber  from  Captain  Coit's  company. 
These  were  the  men  who  toiled  all  night  and  early  moi-n  upon  Pres- 
cott's  redoubt,  banked  with  wet  grass  the  famous  rail  fence,  and,  aided 
by  '•  Ham])shire  boys  "  undei'  Stark,  and  Connecti(uit  reinforcements  led 
by  Captains  Chester,  Clark,  Coit  and  Major  Durkee,  drove  back  from  it 
again  and  again  with  great  slaughter  the  serried  columns  of  the 
advancing  British,  and  saved  the  I'etreating  garrison  from  capture  or 
annihilation — "all  efl^"orts  insufficient  to  compel  them  to  retreat  till  the 
main  body  had  left  the  hill."  A  most  honoi'able  shai'e  in  the  glory  of 
this  most  momentous  battle  was  won  by  "Windham  County.  Her  Put- 
nam, the  chief  projector  of  the  movement,  chief  in  command  upon  the 
hill  during  the  day,  labored  with  all  his  heart  and  energies  against 
unsurmountable  obstacles  to  reinforce  Prescott  and  maintain  their 
perilous  position,  and  even  those  who  would  rob  him  of  his  laurels 
allow  that  "  no  service  was  more  brilliant  than  that  of  the  Connecticut 
troops  whom  he  was  authorized  to  command."  Many  incidents  of  the 
fight  were  carried  home  to  Windham  County.  Josiah  Cleveland  of 
Canterbury  kept  guard  through  the  night  while  the  men  were  digging 
entrenchments,  and  heard  the  unsuspicious  sentinels  on  the  opposite 
shore  sing  out  their  illusory  "All's  well."  Tough  old  "  "Bijah 
Fuller,"  from  Windham,  Dana's  orderly  sergeant,  heljied  Giidley  draw 
the  lines  of  the  fortification  on  Breed's  Hill,  and  wrought  with  e(pial 
skill  and  strength  in  fitting  up  the  impromptu  line  of  fence  and  wall 
devised  to  comjjlete  the  line  of  defence,  and  repel  an  unexpected  flank 
movement.     Knowlton,  with   coat   ofl^",  walked  to   and   fro   before  this 


*  There  is  some  doubt  as  to  the  leader  of  the  men  in  Company  Four.  Can- 
terbury men  are  known  to  have  been  engaged  throughout  the  action. 
Ephraim  Lj-on  declined  to  serve  as  tirst  lieutenant,  and  it  is  probable  that 
Isaac  Hyde  had  been  promoted  second  lieutenant  and  led  the  detachment. 


BUNKER    HILL,    ETC.  153 

\iiii(]ue  and  ingenious  breastwork,  as  inucli  at  ease  as  if  in  his  own 
hay-tield,  cheering  his  men,  loading  and  discharging  his  own  faitlifid 
nuisket  till  it  was  bent  double  by  a  stroke  from  a  cannon  ball. 
Lieutenant  Dana,  second  in  command,  was  the  first  to  detect  and  give 
notice  of  the  enemy's  flatdv  movement,  and  the  first  to  fire  upon  the 
advancing  army,  "death  "  being  threatened  to  any  man  who  fired 
before  him.  Lieutenant  Grosvenor  fired  with  the  same  precision  and 
deliberation  that  he  was  accustomed  to  e.xercise  in  shooting  a  Ibx,  and 
saw  a  man  fall  at  each  discharge  of  his  rifle.  Lieut.  Keyes,  Sergeant 
Abijah  FuUei-,  Corporal  Joel  Webb,  and  other  old  campaigners  were 
equally  cool,  deliberate  and  etfective.  "  Boys,"  said  Putnam  to  these 
old  friends,  as  he  rode  past  them,  "  Do  you  remember  my  orders  at 
Ticonderoga?"  "  You  told  us  not  to  fire  till  we  could  see  the  whites 
of  the  enemy's  e3'es.  "  "■  Well,  I  give  the  same  order  now,"  and  most 
literally  was  it  obeyed.  Fresh  companies  coming  up  at  the  close  of 
tlie  figlit  were  amazi'd  at  the  audacity  of  these  fire-hardened  vete- 
rans. Timothy  Cleveland  of  C'anterbury  had  the  breech  of  his  gun- 
stock  shot  oft"  when  in  full  retreat,  and  exclaiming  "  the  darned  British 
shall  have  7io  part  of  ray  gun,"  ran  back  in  face  of  the  advancing  foe, 
and  boi'e  it  (jff  in  triumph.  Itegardless  of  balls  whistling  around  him, 
Putnam  stood  by  a  deseited  field-piece  urging  the  retreating  troops  to 
make  one  moi-e  stand,  until  the  enemy's  bayonets  were  almost  upon 
him.  Robert  Hale,  a  saucy  Ashtbrd  boy,  dischai-ged  an  ai'tillery-piece 
in  the  very  teeth  of  the  foe,  and  escaped  unscathed.  Abiel  l^iigbee, 
also  of  Asliford,  was  one  who  lieM  his  ground  to  the  very  last  of  the 
fight,  throwing  sto?ies  when  his  ammunition  was  expended.  A  raw 
Killingly  recruit  met  a  Windham  fi  lend  immediately  after  the  action, 
— "  You  look  tired,  Mr.  Pettingill,"  he  exclaimed.  "Just  hold  my  gun 
while  I  take  a  chaw  of  tobacco,"  was  the  rei)ly.  The  smoking  gun- 
stock  and  begrimed  face  told  the  rest  of  the  story.  Daniel  Strong, 
of  Lebanon,  sent  to  the  hill  with  Surgeon  Spaulding's  medical  chest, 
finding  otticers  and  men  in  great  need  of  drink,  with  no  means  of 
obtaining  any,  took  meat  casks  and  filled  them  with  water,  and  dealt  it 
out  to  such  as  were  almost  famished  with  thirst,  till  his  wagon  was 
struck  by  a  cannon  ball.  Colonel  Storrs  relates  in  his  diary  his  own 
experience : — 

''June  \lth.  At  snnrise  this  morninii  a  fu'c  boiian  from  yc  ships,  but  nioile- 
rate.  Al)()in  10,  went  down  to  GciKTal  I'liluaiirs  post,  who  lias  tlic  cominaiicl. 
Some  shot  whistled  aroniid  us.  Tanied  a  spell,  and  returned  to  hive  my 
compaiiv  ill  readiness  to  relieve  I  hem.  One  killed  and  one  wotuided  when  [ 
came  away.     About  2   o'clock  there  was   a  bri>k  cannonade  from  ye  ships,  on 

ye  batteries  or  entrenchment.     At orders  came  to  turn  out  inunediately, 

and  that  the  reuuhirs  were  landing  at  sundry  places.    Went  to  headquarters  for 

our  reijimentai .     Received  orders   to   repair  with  our   regiment  to  No.  1 

aud  defend  it.     No  euemy  appearing,  orders  soou  came  that  our  people  at  ye 
20 


154  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COrNTT. 

intrenchment  were  retreatinp,  and  for  us  to  spcure  i/e  retreat.  Immediately 
marched  for  their  relief.  The  rejrulars  did  not  come  ofl"  from  Bunker's  Hill, 
but  have  taken  possession  of  the  intrenchment,  and  our  people  make  a  stand 
on  Winter  Hill,  and  we  immediately  went  to  entrenchinjr.  Flunjr  up  by 
morning  an  intrenchment  about  1(jO  feet  square,  done  principally  by  our  regi- 
ment under  Putnam's  direction." 

And  there  Putnam  was  found  on  the  next  morning,  Sunday,  June 
18,  by  his  young  son.  Daniel,  "dashing  about  among  the  workmen, 
throwing  up  iiitrenchments,  and  often  placing  a  sod  with  his  own 
hands.  He  wore  the  same  clothes  he  had  on  when  I  lett  him,  thirty- 
eight  hom-s  before,  and  affirmed  he  had  never  put  them  off  or  washed 
himself  since."  Colonel  Slorrs  reports  the  loss  of  two  of  his  men, 
Matthew  Cummins  and  Phillip  Johnston,  killed  at  the  breastwork,  and 
seven  wounded,  none  he  hoped  mortally.  Ichabod  Sabin,  William 
Cheney,  Pomfret,  Benjamin  Rush,  Samuel  Mosely,*  Ashford,  were 
reported  among  the  slain  or  missing,  and  five  or  six  other  men  from 
Putnam's  regiment  were  killed  or  taken  prisoners.  Lieutenant  Grosve- 
nor  was  wounded  in  the  hand  and  obliged  to  retire  from  the  field. 
Dana  was  struck  down  by  a  blow  on  the  breast  from  a  hit  rail,  which 
disabled  him  for  several  days.  Many  of  the  privates  were  wounded 
slightly,  but  the  loss  was  very  slight  in  comparison  with  that  suffered 
by  Massachusetts.  The  gratittide  with  which  waiting  fiiends  at  home 
received  the  tidings  of  the  escape  of  those  exposed  to  such  great 
peril,  and  the  anxious  solicitude  which  followed  the  men  in  camp  and 
battle  are  best  shown  in  a  mothers  letter,  written  by  the  sister  of 
Colonel  Dyer  to  her  son,  Lieut.  Ebenezer  Gray,  in  Camp  at 
Cambridge  : — 

"July  31,  A.  D  1775. 
Bear  Child: — I,  this  morning  heard  by  Mr.  Trumbull,  who  passed  through 
town  in  haste  last  evening,  that  you  are  preparing  to  meet  the  enemy,  or  to 
drive  them  from  their  new  intrenchments.  I  could  not  hear  it  without  some 
emotion  of  soul,  although  I  tirmly  believe  God  is  able  to  deliver  and  will 
deliver  us  out  of  the  hands  of  these  unnatural  enemies  in  his  own  time.  Our 
cause  is  just  I  don't  doubt,  and  God  in  his  holv  and  righteous  providence  has 
called  you  there  to  defend  our  just  rights  and  privileges.  I  would  commit 
you  into  the  hands  of  a  just  and  merciful  God,  who  alone  is  able  to  defend 
yon.  Confessing  my  utter  unworthiness  of  the  least  mercy,  would  trust  in 
unmerited  mercy  through  Jesus  Christ  for  all  that  strength,  courage  and 
fortitude  that  you  stand  in  need  of  in  the  business  he  is  calling  you  to.  Trust 
in  the  Lord  and  be  of  good  courage:  the  eye  of  the  Lord  is  upon  them  that 
fear  him:  upon  them  that  hope  iu  his  mercy.  Confess  your  sins  daily 
before  the  Lord,  and  forsake  every  evil  way;  walk  in  all  the  commandments 
of  the  Lord.  Be  careful  to  set  a  good  example  before  those  that  are  under 
you,  especially  in  observing  the  Sabbath.  The  surest  way  of  conquering  our 
enemies  is  to  turn  from  every  evil  way,  and  seek  the  Lord  with  all  our  hearts 
with  confession  of  our  sins.  I  am  more  afraid  of  our  sins  than  of  all  the 
forces  of  our  enemy.  As  to  profane  swearing,  which  is  very  couimou  in 
camps,  I  always  thought  you  were  not  inclined  to,  and  I  trust  j'ou  will  take 
all  possible  care  to  prevent  it  in  those  that  fall  under  your  care. 


*  Son  of  Rev.  Samuel  Mosely,  Canada  Parish. 


BUNKER    HILL,    ETC.  155 

I  think  we  have  abundaat  reason  to  praise  the  name  of  the  Lord  for  his 
wonderful  assistance  and  deliverance^  our  people  have  experienced  at  one 
time  and  another,  especially  at  Bnnker's  Hill.  Well,  may  we  say.  '  Had  it 
not  been  the  Lord  who  was  on  onr  side  when  such  a  number  of  troops  rose 
up  and  surrounded  our  people,  then  they  had  swallowed  ns  up  quick  when 
their  wrath  was  kindled  against  us.'  These  merciful  assurances  of  God 
for  us  ought  to  encourage  us  to  call  upon  God,  and  strengthen  our  faith  in 
Him.  That  you  may  put  your  trust  in  God,  and  go  on  with  courage  and 
fortitude  to  whatever  work  or  business  you  may  be  called  to,  is  the  sincere 
prayer  of  your  Loving  Mother,  Lydia  Gray." 

The  signal  valor  displayed  by  the  few  provincials  who  contVouted 
the  dreaded  Regulars  at  Bunker  Hill,  excited  the  most  rapturous 
admiration  and  enthusiasm  throughout  the  Colonies.  Putnam's  dis- 
tinguished services  in  the  whole  affair  were  warmly  recognized  and 
applauded,  and  rewarded  by  immediate  promotion  to  the  position  of 
Fourth  Major-General  of  the  American  Army.  This  appointment 
though  naturally  distasteful  to  senior  officers  in  Connecticut,  gave 
great  satisfaction  to  the  general  public.  Silas  Deane  writes  from 
Philadelphia — '-The  cry  is  here,  Connecticut  forever,  universally 
applauded  conduct  of  our  Governor,  and  the  brave  intrepidity  of  old 
General  Putnam  and  his  troops.  .  .  .  His  appointment  gave  uni- 
versal satisfaction.  .  .  .  Better  lose  four  Spencers  than  half  a 
Putnam,  on  whom  by  every  account  the  whole  army  has  depended 
since  the  Lexington  battle.  Putnam's  merit  rung  through  the  con- 
tinent:' his  fame  still  increases.  Every  day  justifies  the  unaminous 
applause  of  the  continent.  Let  it  be  remembered  he  had  every 
vote  of  the  Congress,  and  his  health  has  been  the  second  or  third  at 
almost  all  our  tables."  The  General  Assembly  of  Connecticut  testified 
their  sense  of  the  superior  merit  of  General  Putnam.  The  public 
press  echoed  his  praises.  •'  A  friend  to  Truth,"  writing  from  Water- 
town,  declares  : — 

"It  is  needless  to  expatiate  on  the  character  and  bravery  of  Major-General 
Putnam,  whose  capacity  to  form  and  execute  great  designs  is  known  through 
Europe,  and  whose  undaunted  courage  and  martial  abilities  strike  terror 
through  all  the  hosts  of  Midianites,  and  have  raised  him  to  an  incredible 
height  in  the  esteem  and  friendship  of  his  American  brethren.  It  is  sufficient 
to  say  that  he  seems  to  be  inspired  by  God  Almighty  with  a  military  genius, 
and  formed  to  work  wonders  in  the  sight  of  those  uncircumcised  Philistines 
at  Boston  and  Bunker  Hill,  who  attempted  to  defy  the  armies  of  the  living 
God." 

The  services  of  Knowlton  and  Dana  were  also  highly  commended,  and 
rewarded  as  soon  as  practicable  by  promotion,  the  former  becoming 
major,  the  latter  captain.  A  gold-laced  hat,  a  sash  and  gold  breast-plate 
were  presented  to  Major  Knowlton  by  a  Boston  admirer  in  recogni- 
tion of  "  his  behavior  in  the  battle." 

After  Washington  assumed  command,  July  3,  Putnam  had  charge 
of  the  central  division  of  the  army  with  headquarters  at  the  Inman 
house,  Cambridge.     The  reading  of  the  manifesto  issued  by  Congress, 


156  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

setting  forth  the  reasons  for  taking  np  arms  was  made  the  occasion  of 
a  grand  patriotic  demonstiation,  Jnly  18.  Putnam's  divi.'^ion  was 
])araded  in  full  force  nj)on  Prospect  Hill,  and  after  hearing  the  declara- 
tion read  with  great  ])athos  and  solemnity  by  Chaplain  Leonard,  each 
soldier  responded  thiice  witii  deep  and  fervent  "  Amen."  At  the 
instant  a  signal  was  fired,  and  General  Washington  stepped  forward 
from  headquarters,  holding  in  his  hand  a  new  and  Ijeaulifiil  standard 
sent  by  Connecticut  to  Putnam's  regiment.  Captain  Dana  was  ordered  to 
receive  and  display  the  Hag  but  warned  that  in  so  doing  he  nuist  not  let 
the  colors  fall,  as  that  would  be  deemed  ominous  of  the  fall  of  America. 
The  great  six-foot  captain,  who  couM  face  a  hostile  army  without 
flinching,  shrank  like  a  child  from  this  display  and  fain  would  have 
declined  the  honor,  but  Putnan)  cheered  him  on  by  a  friendly  clap  on 
the  shoulder,  and  "Cuth  it,  Dana!  You  look  like  a  white  man  ;  take 
the  colors  and  clear  away  ;  "  whereupon  Captain  Dana  advanced  and 
received  the  flag  from  Washington's  aide,  and  carried  it  three  times 
around  the  interior  circle  of  the  parade,  amid  the  rapturous  applause 
of  the  delighted  soldiers.  It  was  one  of  six  flags  ordered  by  Con- 
Decticut  for  hei'  first  six  regiments.  The  ground  of  this  was  scarlet. 
"An  appeal  to  Heaven"  was  inscribed  in  golden  letters  on  one  side  ; 
Connecticut's  armorial  seal  upon  the  other — three  detached  vines  and 
the  trustful  legend.  Qui  iranstulit  sustinet.  The  presentation  and 
display  were  followed  by  an  animated,  pathetic  and  highly  patriotic 
address  by  Mr.  Leonard,  closing  witli  a  pertinent  prayer.  "  The 
whole  was  conducted  with  the  utmost  decency,  good  order  and 
regularity  and  to  uuivei-sal  acceptance  of  all  present." 

No  noteworthy  event  occurred  for  several  succeeding  months.  The 
Continental  Army  maintained  its  position,  and  gradually  extended  its 
lines  about  Boston,  but  was  unable  to  indulge  in  offensive  operations. 
Men,  money  and  munitions  were  lacking.  Commissary  Trumbull 
writes  to  Colonel  Dyer,  Sept.  23,  "that  no  one  has  power  to  draw  on 
Philadel])hia,  and  begs  him  to  piocure  hiui  a  hundred  ])ounds,  lawful 
money,  to  pay  Mr.  Tracy,  who  has  advanced  money  for  Arnold's  expe- 
dition, and  to  relieve  him  of  the  additional  trouble  of  having  his  heart 
dunned  out  of  him,  and  be  for  weeks  unable  to  i)ay  foi-  a  bushel  of 
potatoes."  Putnam  ci-ied  in  vain  for  powder.  Kiiowlton  brought  his 
stalwart  soldiers  into  more  rigid  military  discii)line,  serving  as  "  a  sort  of 
voluntary  body-guard  to  the  Commander  in-chief, "  with  whom  he  was  an 
especial  favorite.  Leonard  was  not  only  ready  to  officiate  on  all  public 
occasions  but  labored  effectually  to  piomote  the  moi.il  and  religious 
interests  of  his  soldiers.  "  A  pi'ayer  composed  for  the  benefit  of  the 
soldiers  in  the  American  Army,  to  assist  them  in  their  private  devo- 
tions," prepared  by  Mr.   Leonard,  is  believed  to   have   been  the  first 


HOME    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  157 

attempt  to  snj)i)ly  the  ciiin])  with  lelio-ious  literatnie.  It  was  publislied 
by  S.  E.  Hall,  Cambridge,  in  a  tract  of  nine  pages,  and  pronounced  ''a 
highly  creditable  performance."  Windham  County  sent  more  men  to 
the  field  in  (Connecticut's  eighth  i-egimLMit,  Jedidiah  Huntin<Tton  of 
Norwich,  colonel,  John  Douglas  of  Plainfield.  lieutenant-colonel.  This 
regiment*  was  the  best  erpiipped  of  any  in  the  Colony,  sportino-  for 
uniform  "a  quantity  of  English  red  coats  taken  in  a  i)rize  vessel." 
Plainfield's  honoi-ed  pastor,  Rev.  John  Fullei-,  l)ecame  its  chaplain, 
and  her  most  beloved  physician.  Dr.  Elisha  Perkins,  served  as 
surgeon,  Albigence  Waldo  of  Pomfret,  assistant.  A  company  of 
Canterbury  militia  under  Captain  Ephraim  Lyon,  was  sent  to  Norwich, 
in  August,  upon  an  alarm  occasioned  "  l>y  vessels  prowling  about  the 
Sound,"  and  were  retained  to  build  a  battery  or  redoubt  at  Wateiman's 
Point — the  Government  allowing  them  the  needful  "  spirits  when  in 
said  service."  Ephraim  Squier  of  Ashford,  together  with  Simeon 
Tyler  and  Asa  Davison,  probably  of  Brooklyn,  left  their  companies  at 
Cambridge,  in  September,  to  join  in  the  Northern  expedition  of 
Colonel  Benedict  Arnold,  but  after  suffering  inciedible  hardships  on 
their  journey  up  the  Kennebec  and  through  the  wilderness  of  Maine, 
carrying  their  batteaux  and  provision,  wading  through  mudholes  in 
persistent  rains,  the  rear  detachment  was  ordered  liome  again,  and 
after  ten  weeks  absence  they  arrived  in  Cambi'idge,  Thank.'sgiving  day, 
November  23,   "abundantly  satisfied." 

At  home  all  thoughts  and  energies  were  absoibed  in  the  war.  Not 
a  town  meeting  was  reported  through  all  these  busy  months.  It  was  a 
time  of  action — not  of  talk  and  I'esolutions.  The  County  Court  met 
in  June,  licensed  some  fifty  taverns,  granted  execution  in  a  few  cases, 
and  adjourned.  Everybody  was  occupied  doing  double  duty  in  farm 
woi'k,  gatheiing  up  sui)plies  or  maiuifncturing  military  munitions. 
Hezekiah  Huntington  had  wrought  to  such  good  pui'pose  as  to  leceive 
from  the  State  treasury  in  the  autumn,  a  bounty  of  thirteen  pounds 
"for  fifiy-two  guns  well  made  and  wrought,"  besides  impairing  and 
refitting  great  numbers  of  old  guns.  Timothy  Lari'abee  assures  the 
Assembly  "  that  since  the  alarming  circumstances  of  the  piesent  time, 
he  had  applied  himself  to  making  saltpetre,  and  had  become  mastei-  of 
the  same  in  all  its  branches,  and  was  confident  that  when  said  art  was 
known  powder  could  be  mamifactured  in  the  Colonies  or  in  nv.y  part  of 
the  woi'ld,  and  although  at  this  time  we  are  able  to  collect  some  small 
quantities  from  abioad,  yet  when  tiie  question  is  asked,  why  l»usiness 
that  was  expected  to  be  done  failed — answer:  '  ar/n>/  not  fuDilshed 
with  v^arlike  stores.'"     Petitioner  proposed  to  erect  works  in  Hartford 


*  L'ulkius'  History  of  Norwicb. 


158  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COtTNTY. 

or  New  Haven,  open  to  all  inspectors,  every  branch  of  the  manufac- 
turing open  to  the  public,  if  the  General  Assembly  would  grant  him 
Xl^O;  but  the  sanguine  experimenter  did  not  gain  the  confidence  of 
the  cautious  government.  The  general  tone  and  spirit  of  the  towns 
was  still  healthy  and  hopeful.  Constant  communication  was  main- 
tained with  friends  in  the  army.  Posts,  carriers  and  special  messen- 
gers were  daily  passing  to  and  fro.  and  every  citizen  that  could  leave 
his  home  took  a  peep  at  Cambridge.  ''Father  and  I  went  down  to 
camp,"  and  ''Yankee  Doodle'  was  heard  on  every  side.  Among  tlie 
throng  of  visitants  was  our  old  friend,  Rev.  Mr.  Cogswell,  with  his 
brother  minister,  Andrew  Lee,  who  repoits  the  army  in  health  and 
spirits,  and  in  general  oiderly,  with  good  men  at  the  liead.  The  works 
appealed  formidable  on  both  sides  ;  preparations  for  war  terrible  yet 
animating — but  what  gave  him  most  confidence  was  "  men  of  sense 
and  religion." 

Amid  tlie  many  engrossments  and  excitements  of  this  eventful  sum- 
mer, Windham  paused  to  lament  a  great  and  irreparable  loss.  While 
scores  of  young  men,  full  of  life  and  hope,  were  going  out  to  win 
laurels  on  the  battle-field,  and  make  for  themselves  names  that  would 
never  die.  one  more  gifted  and  excellent  than  all  had  passed  away — 
Rev.  Joseph  Howe  of  Killingly,  the  beloved  pastor  of  the  New  South 
Church  of  Boston.  Never  has  Windham  sent  out  into  the  world  a 
son  of  greater  or  perhaps  equal  promise.  "  The  world  expected  much 
from  his  eminent  abilities,  great  attainments,  and  uncommon  goodness 
of  heart."  Influential  churches  in  Boston,  Hartford  and  Norwich  had 
sought  his  services.  "  Though  of  a  frail,  weak,  and  crazy  constitution, 
enfeebled  by  hard  study  and  labor,"  Mr.  Howe  had  exercised  "  his 
ministerial  functions  at  Boston  to  great  and  universal  acceptance, "  till 
the  breaking  out  of  the  conflict  and  the  dispersion  of  his  church  and 
congregation.  The  exciting  scenes  through  which  he  passed,  and 
anxiety  for  his  church  and  country,  prostrated  his  strength,  and  after 
vainly  seeking  rest  and  recu[)eration  among  his  old  haunts  in  Connecti- 
cut, he  succumbed  to  an  attack  of  "  complicated  disease,"  and  died  at 
Hartford,  xVugust  '2b,  ere  he  had  reached  his  thirtietii  year.  A  large 
circle  of  devoted  friends  bemoaned  his  loss  ;  his  scattered  church  was 
overwhelmed  with  sorrow.  A  writer  in  the  Hartford  Courant, 
though  sensible  that  tlie  critical  situation  of  America  engrossed  every 
thought,  was  sure  that  not  one  who  had  ever  heard  of  Mr.  Howe — a 
description  that  designates  almost  all  the  inhabitants  of  New  England, 
and  not  a  few  of  other  countries — could  Jae  inattentive  to  an  account 
of  his  excellencies,  and  eulogized  him  as  a  light  and  benefactor  to  the 
woi'ld,  the  beauty  of  whose  mind  was  without  a  parallel,  whose  life 
was  a  treatise  of  ethics  and  theology,  recommending  the  whole  duty  of 


DEATH    OF    KEY.    JOSEPH    HOWE.  159 

man  more  powerfully  than  libraries  of  moralists  and  divines.  The 
eaily  death  of  one  so  gifted  with  genius  and  graces,  made  a  deep 
and  lasting  impression  u})on  the  public.  His  memory  was  fondly 
cherished  through  all  the  generation  that  had  known  him,  and  years 
later,  when  many  of  his  cotemporaries  had  })assed  into  oblivion,  his 
character  was  portrayed  in  that  of  the  model  hero  in  one  of  the  first 
original  popular  tales  published  in  Ameiica.*  In  Windham  County 
the  impression  made  by  the  death  of  Mr.  Howe  was  deepened  by 
attendant  bereavements.  His  step-father,  Rev.  Aaron  Brown,  of  Kil- 
lingly,  died  suddenly  on  the  way  home  from  his  funeral,  and  the 
bereaved  wife  and  mother  survived  but  a  i'ew  months. 


in. 

CAMPAIGN   OF    1776.       STRUGGLES    AND    DISASTERS.       DEATH    OF 

KNOVVLTON.       TOWN    RESOLUTIONS.       CAMPAIGNS 

OF    1777-78.       DISCOURAGEMENTS. 

THE  long  period  of  inaction  following  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill, 
was  a  sore  trial  to  the  Windham  County  soldiery.  The  mechani- 
cal routine,  the  restraints,  privations  and  discomforts  of  camp-life, 
unrelieved  by  the  rush  and  stir  of  actual  encounter  with  the  enemy, 
became  very  irksome  to  men  accustomed  to  the  freedom  of  country 
life  and  a  voice  in  town  meetings.  Bad  fare,  scant  pay,  misapprehen- 
sion of  the  plans  of  their  leaders  and  the  ti'ue  condition  of  affairs  so 
exasperated  the  Connecticut  soldiers,  that  many  who  rushed  so  eagerly 
into  service  at  the  Lexington  alarm  declined  re-enlistment  in  the  pro- 
posed Continental  Army,  subjecting  General  Washington  and  his 
associates  to  the  most  serious  anxiety  and  peril.  Even  men  in  Put- 
nam's own  Windham  County  regiment  weie  infected  with  this  spirit  of 
disaffection  and  mutiny,  and  thirty  of,  the  ardent  volunteers  from 
Captain  Mosely's  company,  Canada  Parish,  seven  from  Knowlton's 
Ashford  Company,  and  three  fi-om  Elliott's,  Killingly,  marched  off 
home  when  their  time  of  enlistment  had  expired  without  waiting  a 
formal  discharge,  unwittingly  incurring  the  opprobrium  of  deserting. 
It  is  said  that  the  wives  of  these  men  were  so  outraged  by  their  conduct 
that  they  gave  them  a  hearty  scolding,  and  threatened  to  drive  them 
back  to  camp,  and  that  ''  the  people  in  the  towns  where  they  belonged 
were  so  affected  by  their  unreasonable  conduct  that  they  would  readily 


*The  Coquette,  or  the  History  of  Eliza  Wliarton. 


160  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUXTT. 

marcli  to  supply  their  ])laces."'  Washinarton's  sense  of  military  flisci- 
pline  was  greatly  shocked  by  this  unceremonious  leave-taking,  and  he 
sent  after  them,  wishing  to  make  examples  of  them.  Governor  Trum- 
bull and  his  Council,  with  better  understanding  of  the  character  and 
grievances  of  the  men,  did  not  think  best  to  comply  with  this  requisi- 
tion, but  stigmatized  their  conduct  as  "  very  reprehensible,  and  con- 
sidered them  deserters  though  theii-  time  had  nearly  expired  ;  consid- 
ered it  a  critical  time  to  form  a  new  army,  and  doubted  their  power  to 
act  upon  the  subject."'  It  appearing  upon  inquiry  that  the  men  had 
lapsed  mainly  from  ignorance  and  inadvertence,  and  were  ready  to 
re-enlist  upon  the  first  favorable  opportunity,  the  offence  was  passed 
over,  and  these  same  deserting  soldiers  served  in  many  subsequent 
campaigns  with  honor  and  fidelity. 

A  majority  of  Putnam's  Ilegiment  are  believed  to  have  remained 
upon  the  field,  re-enlistiug  in  the  Twentieth  Regiment  of  Washing- 
ton's Continental  Army.  Benedict  Arnold,  whose  brilliant  services 
in  the  Northern  exj)edition  were  then  attracting  great  admiration, 
was  appointed  its  colonel  ;  John  Dnrkee  of  Norwich,  lieutenant- 
colonel  ;  Thomas   Knowlton.    majoi".     Company   1,  Ei»hraim  ^Manning, 

ca]>tain  ;  Nath.  AVebb,  lieutenant  :  Brown,   ensign.     Company 

2,  Jedidiah  Waterman,  captain  :  John  Waterman,  lieutenant  :  Walter 
Clark,  ensign.  Company  3,  Thomas  Dyer,  captain  ;  Daniel  Tilden, 
first  lieutenant  ;  Nehemiah  Holt,  second  lieutenant  ;  Joseph  Durkee, 
ensign.  Company  4,  Wells  Clift,  captain.  Company  o,  Thomas 
Grosvenor,  captain  ;  Josiah  Cleveland,  ensign.  Company  6,  Stephen 
Brown,  captain.  Company  7,  John  Keyes,  captain.  Company  8, 
John  Robinson,  captain.  Other  subalterns,  whose  companies  cannot 
now  be  determined,  were — Lieutenants  Melatiah  Bingham,  William 
Adams,  Beiiah  Bill,  Robeit  Hallam,  Samuel  Brown,  Setli  Phelps, 
Josiah  Fuller,  Nathaniel  Bishop,  James  Holt,  Daniel  Putnam,  and 
Ensigns  Briant  Brown,  Silas  Goodell,  John  Buell.  Its  chaplain  was 
Rev.  Abiel  Leonaid.  Lieutenant  Ebenczer  Gray  seived  as  quarter- 
master. Dr.  John  Spaulding  retained  his  position  as  surgeon  :  Luther 
Waterman  served  as  surgeon's  assistant.  P^oiniing  a  part  of  the 
central  division  of  the  army,  this  legiment  came  under  the  more 
immediate  control  and  supervision  of  Washington,  "  serving  as  a  sort 
of  voluntary  body-guard  to  the  Commander-in-chief'  The  continued 
absence  of  Arnold  left  it  in  charge  of  Durkee  and  Knowlton.  under 
whose  efficient  training  it  attained  "  the  same  enviable  position  as 
to  discipline  and  soldierly  deportment  that  Knowlton's  own  company 
had  pieviously  held."  Other  Windham  County  sohliers  le-enlisted 
in  Huntington's  and  Patterson's  regiments,  and  a  still  larger  number 
in   a  militia  regiment   sent  to  Boston  early  in  January,    to  take  the 


STKUGGLES    AND    DISASTERS,    ETC.  101 

place  of  tliose  whose  term  of  service  had  expired.  John  Dou2;las  of 
Plainfield  was  its  colonel ;  Dr.  Elislia  Peikiiis,  surgeon  ;  Thf)mas  Gray 
of  Windham,  surgeon's  mate.  Plaintield's  excellent  minister,  Rev. 
John  Fuller,  served  as  its  chaplain.  Woodstock  would  gladly  have 
recalled  her  ministerial  favorite  at  the  close  of  the  winter's  campaign, 
but  yielded  to  the  wislies  of  the  Commander-in-chief  and  their  own 
honored  leader,  as  expressed  in  the  following  letter : — 

"  To  the  Churrh  and  Congregation  of  Woodstock  : — 

Mr.  Leonard  is  a  man  wliose  exemplary  life  and  conversation  must  make 
him  liii^lil}^  esteemed  by  every  person  wlio  has  the  pleasnre  of  ijein.ir  acqnainted 
with  iiim.  It  therefore  can  be  no  .surprise  to  us  to  hear  they  are  loth  to  part 
with  him.  His  influence  in  the  army  is  great.  He  is  employed  in  the  ulorious 
work  of  attending  to  the  morals  of  a  brave  people  who  are  lighting  for  their 
liberties — the  liberties  of  the  people  of  Woodstock^the  liberty  of  all  .Vinerica. 
We  therefore  hope  that,  knowing  how  nobly  he  is  employed,  the  congregation 
of  Woodstock  will  cheerfully  give  up  to  the  public,  a  gentleman  so  very  use- 
ful. And  when,  by  the  blessing  of  a  kind  Providence,  this  glorious  and 
unparalleled  struggle  for  our  liberties  is  at  an  end,  we  have  not  the  least 
doubt  but  Mr.  Leonard  will,  with  redoubled  joy,  be  received  in  the  open  arms 
of  a  congregation  so  very  dear  to  him  as  the  good  people  of  Woodstock  are. 

This  is  what  is  hoped  for — this  is  what  is  expected,  by  the  congregation  of 
Woodstock's  siucere  well-wishers  and  very  humble  servants, 

Geokge  Wasmixgton. 
Israel  Putnam. 

Headquarters,  Cambridge,  2ith  of  March,  1776." 

The  prayers  and  preaching  of  ]Mr.  Leonard  wei'e  often  commended 
by  the  patriot  journals.  On  the  Sabbath  after  evacuation  of  Boston 
by  the  British,  and  its  occupation  by  the  Americans,  he  is  reported 
to  have  preached  an  excellent  sermon  in  the  audience  of  his  Excellency, 

the  General,   and   others   of  distinction from    Exodus  iv.    2o  : 

'•And  took  off  their  chariot  wiieels,  that  they  drove  them  heavily  ;  so 
that  the  Egyptians  said,  'Let  us  flee  from  the  face  of  Israel,  for  the 
Lord  tighteth  for  them  against  the  Egyptains.'  " 

Renewed  operations  in  the  spring,  followed  by  the  withdrawal  of  the 
British  troops  from  Boston,  inspired  the  Windham  patriots  with  new 
courage  and  enthusiasm,  and  stiuitdated  them  to  intense  activity  in  pre- 
parations for  the  summer  campaign.  The  powder  mill  at  Willimautic 
was  now  under  fidl  headway,  sending  out  large  supplies  to  the  Continen- 
tal Army.  All  the  saltpetre  which  could  by  any  method  be  fabricated 
was  quickly  swallowed  up  by  this  important  establishment,  which  was 
guarded  day  and  night  at  the  expense  of  the  Government.  Black 
lead  for  its  consumption  was  taken  from  the  hills  of  Union.  80  great 
was  the  tlirong  of  people  and  teams  resorting  thither,  that  David 
Young  was  ordered  to  open  a  house  of  public  entertainment  in  its 
vicinity.  With  the  transference  of  the  seat  of  war  to  New  York, 
travel  was  greatly  increased  on  all  the  ])ublie  highways.  Regiment 
after  regiment  was  marched  through  Windham  County,  and  endless 
trains  of  military  stores.  Five  battalions  of  the  Continental  Army, 
21 


162  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

and  the  whole  body  of  riflemen  under  Brigadier  General  Heath,  and 
six  battalions  under  General  Sullivan,  set  out  March  29,  1776,  via. 
Norwich,  passing  throngh  several  towns  in  Windham  County.  Brook- 
lyn and  Ashford  were  gladdened  by  a  brief  glimpse  of  tlieir  favorite 
heroes,  Putnam  and  Knowlton,  as  they  hurried  on  their  way.  Farm 
work  began  early.  Demands  for  supplies  called  out  the  utmost 
energies  of  the  people.  Commissaries  and  jobbers  were  scouring  the 
towns  for  provisions,  taking  oft"  all  the  poik,  beef  and  sheep  that  could 
be  spared  from  home  consumption.  Selectmen  were  now  making 
requisitions  for  scales,  clock-weights,  anything  that  could  be  wrought 
into  ammunition.  Orders  for  knit  stockings,  tow  cloth  for  tents,  and 
home-made  shirtings  and  vestings  kept  thousands  of  nimble  fingers 
in  motion.  Great  quantities  of  military  stores  were  lodged  in  Plain- 
field,  Windham  and  Canterbury.  Depots  were  constructed  for  their 
reception  and  carefully  guarded,  and  teams  were  constantly  occupied 
hauling  them  to  and  fro.  A  large  number  of  prisoners,  dangeious 
Tories,  captured  seamen  and  soldiers,  confined  in  Windham  jail  and 
neighboring  towns,  required  much  care  and  attention.  Dyer,  Elderkin 
and  Wales,  as  members  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  were  intensely 
active  in  providing  for  these  various  demands,  and  s})ent  many  days 
at  Governor  Trumbull's  war  oftice  in  Lebanon,  where  many  an  import- 
ant interprise  was  devised  and  set  in  motion,  and  the  committees  of 
the  different  towns  were  almost  equally  occupied  in  schemes  for  the 
public  welfare.  One-fourth  of  the  men  in  each  militia  regiment,  per- 
fectly equipped  with  arms,  balls,  flints  and  other  needful  articles,  were 
ordered  to  hold  themselves  ready  to  march  on  the  shortest  noiice, 
while  recruiting  for  the  various  new  regiments  ordeied  by  Connecti- 
cut, was  pushed  foiward  with  the  greatest  activity.  As  the  summer 
came  on  it  was  evident  that  the  most  urgent  efforts  were  demanded. 
Great  Britain  was  sending  over  strong  fleets  and  hoides  of  hired 
soldiers,  hoping  to  crush  out  the  rebellion  by  one  vigorous  campaign. 
A  special  circular,  issued  by  Trumbull,  August  1,  begging  for  more 
recruits  at  the  earliest  moment,  was  sent  to  the  civil  authority  of  every 
town,  and  also  to  many  of  the  ministers,  with  the  request  that  it 
should  be  read  at  the  close  of  public  worship.  Windham  County  met 
the  demand  with  her  usual  spirit  and  promptitude.  She  sent  her  men 
to  Canada,  to  New  York  and  to  New  London.  Charles  C.  Chandler 
replies  to  Governor  Trumbull  that  "Woodstock  had  already  sent 
seventy  men  under  the  new  requisition  for  the  departments  in  Canada, 
New  York  and  Boston,  which  was  near  one-half  of  the  militia  of  the 
town  and  a  much  greater  number  than  their  proportion,  but  were  still 
ready  to  do  everything  in  their  power  to  advantage  the  public  cause 
at  this  critical  day."     Other  towns   were  equally   ready   to  do  more 


STEtTGGLES    AND    DISASTERS,    ETC.  163 

than  tlieir  proportion.     Many  Windham  County  men  were  enlisted  in 

the    Fiist    regiment,    Andrew    Ward,    colonel  ;    Obadiah    Johnson    of 

Canterbury,  lieutenant  colonel  :   William  Douglas,  major.     James  8ted- 

inan,  Nathaniel  Wales,  3rd,  Waterman   Clift,  Daniel  Allen,  Jonathan 

Nichols,  Jr.,  James  Dana,  Elijah  Sharp,  James  Arnold,  Benoni  Cutler, 

William  Manning,  Joseph  Durkee,  01)adiah  Child,  were  othcers  in  this 

regiment.     Its  chaplain   was   Rev.    Benjamin   Trumbull,   the  historian 

of    Connectidut ;    its    paymaster.    Royal    Flint   of    Windham.     The 

seventh    company   of    the    lirst   battalion    sent   to   the   relief   of  the 

northern    department    was    from    Windham   County — Vine   Elderkin, 

captain  ;  William   Frizzell,   first  lieutenant ;  Abner  Robinson,  second 

lieutenant,  Lemuel  Grosvenor,  ensign.     In  the  third  battalion   raised 

for  service  in  New  York,  Comfort  Sage,  colonel;  Company  1,  was  from 

Lebanon,    James    Clark,    captain ;    Company    3,     Voluutowu,    John 

Dixon,    captain  ;    Company    5,    Killingly,    Stephen    Crosby,    captain, 

Josiah    Robbins,   first   lieutenant,   Jonathan    Buck,   second    lieutenant, 

Sylvanus   Perry,  ensign.     The  sixth   battalion,  Colonel  John  Chester, 

comprised  at  least  three   Windham   County  companies.   Company    4, 

Ashford,    Reuben    Marcy,    captain  ;  John    Holmes,    first   and  Samuel 

Marcy,  second  lieutenants  ;  Daniel  Knowlton,  ensign,  and  79  privates. 

Company  5,   Woodstock,   Stephen  Lyon,   captain  ;  Josiah   Child,   first 

lieutenant.     Company    6,    Canterbury,    Asa    Bacon,     captain ;    Abner 

Bacon,  first  lieutenant  ;  Aaron  Cleveland,  ensign.     "  Sabbath  morning, 

June  30,  1776,"  Brigadier-General  Wadsworth  writes  thus  to  Colonel 

Chester. 

"Last  evening,  by  express,  I  received  another  letter  from  General  Wash- 
ington, reque^stiug  in  the  most  pressing  manner,  not  to  lose  one  moment  time 
in  sending  forward  the  regiments  destined  for  New  York.  Must  therefore, 
direct,  that  you  give  all  possible  attention  to  the  raising,  equipping  and  send- 
ing forward  immediately  your  regiment  in  manner  before  directed,  as  the 
safety  of  our  army  under  Heaven,  depends  much  on  the  seasonable  arrival  of 
the  Connecticut  regiments." 

This  order  was  forwarded  as  soon  as  possible  to  Captains  Marcy, 
Lyon  and  Bacon,  with  instructions  to  march  the  companies  under  their 
command  by  land  or  water  to  New  York  on  the  following  Thui-sday, 
July  4.  If  the  whole  company  was  not  in  readiness,  they  were  to 
march  with  twenty-five  men,  forwarding  the  remainder  as  t^ist  as  they 
became  ready  with  all  convenient  speed.  They  were  to  see  that  the 
men  were  "  well  furnished  with  good  arms,  bayonets  and  cartonch 
boxes,  blankets  and  knapsacks."  The  order  from  head(piarters 
expressly  enjoined  '•  that  the  men  be  furnished  with  arms,  and  that 
none  be  suifered  to  go  without,  as  it  will  be  impossible  to  procure 
them  here,  and  their  service  will  consequently  be  rendered  useless." 

These  needed  arms  could  doubtless  be  procured  at  the  establishment 
of  llezekiah  Huntington,  who  kept  busily  at  work  making  and  repairing. 


164  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

As  fast  as  possible  the  recruits  were  fitted  out  and  sent  to  the  field. 
No  time  was  spent  in  s))eech-niaking  now  ;  all  energies  were  absorbed  in 
pi'eparation  for  tlie  ajiproaching  struLrgle.  The  County  Court  met  for 
two  days  only  in  June.  Judge  William  Williams,  Justices  Jabez  Fitch, 
Ebenezer  Williams  and  Ebenezer  Devotion  were  pieseiit.  Jedidiah 
Elderkin  was  dismissed  from  being  King's  Attorney,  and  apjtointed 
attorney  of  the  Governor  and  Colonij  of  Connecticut.  The  select- 
men of  Ashfoid  complained  of  .fohn  Stevens  and  wife,  who  had 
succored  themselves  under  the  Ministerial  army,  and  of  Adam  Kno.v, 
who  was  serving  "as  ])ilot  in  the  Ministerial  navy."  The  Court 
ordered  Captain  Elisha  Wales  to  improve  the  lands  of  Captain  Stevens, 
re-licensed  the  usual  number  of  tavern-keepers,  and  adjourned. 

News  fiom  New  York  became  more  and  more  alarming.  Fleets, 
armies  and  munitions  of  war  were  concentrating  in  its  vicinity. 
Skirmishing  with  skulking  Tories  in  New  York  and  liOns:  Island  was 
to  give  place  to  a  hand-to-hand  grapple  with  the  British  foe.  With 
all  tlie  men  and  means  that  could  by  any  possibility  be  mustered, 
Washington  prepared  for  the  encounter.  Very  heavy  requisitions  were 
made  upon  Connecticut.  In  achlition  to  the  veterans  previously  in 
seivice,  and  the  ten  regiments  enlisted  during  the  summer,  fourteen 
regiments  of  militia  from  the  weslei'ii  part  of  the  State  were  ordered, 
August  11th,  "to  march  fortlnvith  to  New  York,  and  ])lace  themselves 
under  General  Washington  until  the  present  exigency  should  be  over." 
Windham  County  was  already  strongly  represented  in  Durkee's, 
Huntington's,  Ward's  and  other  regiments.  Her  officers  and  soldiers 
under  Major-General  Putnam,  had  rendered  effective  aid  throughout 
the  cam])aign  in  New  York,  and  wei'e  among  those  ui)on  whose  valor 
and  fidelity  Washington  most  confidently  relied  at  this  dark  hour.  Most 
of  the  men  who  had  been  connected  with  military  movements  since 
the  breaking  out  of  the  war  were  probably  Avith  the  army  at  this  lime. 
Some  who  had  gone  out  irom  the  county  were  there  with  their 
brethren — Colonel  William  Douglas  of  Northford,  and  John  Chandler 
of  Newton,  lieutenant-colonel  of  Gold  Silliman's  brigade.  A  hundred 
picked  men  from  Col.  Durkee's  regiment,  led  by  Lieut. -Colonel 
Knowlton,  were  conspicuous  for  courage  and  devotion,  and  had  already 
signalized  themselves  by  valorous  e.\j)loits.  Changes  and  promotions 
were  made  in  the  other  regiments,  defences  maintained  and  strength- 
ened as  far  as  practicable,  and  every  means  tried  to  make  the  American 
force  as  effective  as  possible. 

These  preparations  were  all  insufficient.  The  raw  Continental  artny, 
made  up  of  incongruous  elements,  imperfectly  diilled  and  equipped, 
lacking  in  experience  and  resources,  was  wholly  unable  to  compete 
with   the  vastly  superior  force  arrayed  against  it.       Tidings  of  the 


STRUGGLES    AND    DISASTERS,    ETC.  165 

disastrous  defeat  at  Brooklyn  and  tlie  witlidrawal  of  the  Ameiicau 
army  fiom  Long  Island,  sent  dismay  to  every  patriot  heart.  The 
Windham  County  soldiei'S  in  the  Connecticut  Line  suffered  severely. 
More  than  a  hundred  and  fifty  officeis  and  privates  wei'e  "  niissino-" 
from  Huntington's  regiment  alone.*  Several  men  from  Pomfret  were 
killed ;  Surgeon  David  Holmes  and  others  from  Woodstock  and 
adjoining  towns  were  taken  prisoners.  Durkee's  and  Chandler's 
regiments  were  detailed  by  Washington  to  cover  the  retreat  from 
Long  Island,  keeping  guard  with  intense  vigilance  until  the  perilous 
transit  was  accomi)lished.  Word  was  then  sent  to  them  "  to  get  off 
as  they  could,  in  order  oi-  not."  "Where  are  we  going?"  asked  a 
bewildered  soldier  as  they  stole  otf  through  the  darkness  over  the 
black  river.  "To  Heaven,  I  hope,"  answei'ed  a  cheery  Windham 
captain,  prei)ared  fur  any  result.  Witli  report  of  these  events  Wind- 
ham County  received  immediate  summons  to  the  field.  The  militia 
in  Eastern  Connecticut,  including  the  Fifth,  Eleventh,  Twelfth  and 
Twenty-first  regiments,  together  with  the  regiment  of  horse,  were 
ordered  to  march  at  once  to  New  York,  "  to  be  ready  to  co-operate 
with  the  Continental  army,  and  defeat  the  designs  of  the  enemy." 
Already  pieitaring  to  march  for  the  defence  of  New  London,  these 
regiments  were  soon  under  way,  led  Viy  their  respective  ofhceis.  The 
troops  of  horse  under  Major  Ebenezer  Backus  speeded  on  in  advance 
and  were  soon  reported  at  Westchester. 

They  found  affairs  in  the  greatest  confusion,  the  enemy  threateiiin"' 
on  every  side,  and  distrust  and  disaffection  pervading  the  American 
ranks.  Disheartened  by  sickness  and  defeat,  hundreds  of  men  were 
stealing  off  to  their  homes,  but  the  Windham  ('ounty  militia  not 
unused  to  war,  and  having  full  confidence  in  their  leadeis  and  in  the 
justice  of  their  cause,  gladly  took  the  places  assigned  them  in  Putnam's 
division,  and  bravely  stood  their  ground  with  the  older  regiments. 
Scarcely,  however,  had  they  reached  the  field  when  they  were  called 
to  leave  it.  Beset  on  every  side  by  hostile  force,  the  Americans  had 
with  great  difficulty  maintained  their  position  in  New  York.  Wash- 
ington's  headquarteis   were  already  removed  to  Harlem.     September 


*  Jolm  Waldo  of  Scotland,  a  private  in  Huntington's  regiment,  thus  reports 
to  his  parents  : — "  The  lo.ss  our  rcgiineut  met  you  have  no  doubt  heard  of. 
Two  hundred  and  twenty  is  the  number  missing,  lost  in  that  action  in  our 
regiment,  among  which  is  our  lieut.-colonel,  surgeon's  male,  tidjutant,  six 
captains,  twelve  subalterns,  and  almost  all  the  sergeants  of  the  regiment. 
We  are  now  left  without  any  field  otrteer  that  is  well  but  one  captain;  how- 
ever, we  hope  that  almost  all  that  are  missing  are  taken  captive.  We  exi)ect 
an  attack  from  the  enemy  every  day  or  hour.  Our  fortitude  yet  remains  and 
we  hope  with  a  common  blessing  to  be  able  to  make  a  noble  stand,  and  be  a 
means  of  saving  our  country  yet— a  righteous  God  grant  that  we  may 
prosper.  Camp  at  New  Yurk,  Sept.  9,  177G." 


166  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COrXTT. 

l.itli  was  a  ilav  of  sore  l^attlo.  "The  regulai-s  laiuled  on  tlic  Tslaiul 
of  York  both  on  the  North  and  East  Kivers  on  Sabbath  day 
morning."  and  Putnam's  division  was  forot'd  to  niake  a  hasty  retreat. 
Many  Windliam  County  men  were  slain,  taken  prisoners,  disabled 
by  wounds,  and  out  down  by  indulgence  or  exposure.  Captain  Stephen 
Crosby  of  Thompson,  Conn.,  Third  battalion.  Company  5,  "  being 
over  hot  went  into  a  house  and  drank  cold  water,  and  died  immediately. 
Lieut.  Buck  was  either  killed  or  taken,  and  other  Killingly  men."* 
Artillery  and  military  stores  were  left  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 
Nothing  but  the  extraordinary  exertions  of  Putnam  and  the  beguiling 
courtesies  of  a  quick-witted  patriot  lady  who  detained  the  pursuit, 
saved  his  division  from  far  greater  loss,  if  not  annihilation  or  capture. 

Exhausted  by  their  hurried  flight,  chilled  by  a  severe  shower  and 
sudden  change  of  temperature.  '*  their  hearts  sunk  within  them  by  the 
loss  of  baggage,  artillery  and  works  in  which  they  had  been  tauglit 
to  put  great  confidence,"  the  escaped  soldiers  "  l.iy  upon  their  arms, 
covered  only  by  the  clouds  of  an  uncomfortable  sky."  Before  day- 
light Knowlton  was  out  with  his  Rangers,  endeavoring  to  .ascertain  the 
exact  position  of  the  British.  This  distinguished  corps  had  been 
formally  organized  since  the  retreat  from  Long  Island,  and  now  em- 
braced volunteer  otficers  and  men  from  several  of  the  New  England 
regiments,  ready  to  engage  in  scouting  or  any  special  service  at  a 
moment's  warning.  Captains  N.athan  Hale,  Stephen  Brown,  Thomas 
Grosvenor,  and  many  other  gallant  and  faithful  men  made  up  this 
heroic  band.  On  this  very  night  or  a  few  hours  previous.  Hale  had 
manifested  his  patriotic  devotion  by  volunteering  to  go  out  .alone 
within  the  enemv's  lines  to  learn  sometliing  more  definite  of  their 
position  and  movements.  Knowlton  soon  came  upon  the  enemy's 
pickets  about  a  mile  below  the  American  lines,  and  engaged  in  a  brisk 
little  fight  with  tlu-ir  advanced  guard,  '•  gave  them  nine  rounds  and 
retreated  "  in  good  order,  though  with  a  loss  of  ten  of  his  Hangers. 

The  ffood  conduct  of  the  handful  of  men  engaged  in  this  brief  ren- 
contre, the  insolence  of  tlieir  pursuers  who  now  appeared  in  open 
sight  blowing  their  bugle-horns  as  if  on  a  fox  chase,  and  the  oppor- 
tunity of  redeeming  the  disgrace  of  the  previous  day,  led  Washington 
to  attempt  to  effect  their  capture.  A  detachment  of  volunteers  made 
a  demonstration  in  the  front  of  the  enemy,  while  Knowlton  with  his 
Kan>:ers.  and  three  Virginia  companies  under  Major  Andrew  Leitch, 
*' stole  around  to  the  rear  of  the  enemy.  "  Tlie  movement  was  success- 
ful. The  Americans  behaved  with  great  spirit  and  steadiness,  "  charg- 
ing the  enemy  with  great  intrepidity,  beating  them  in  open  fight  and 


*  Letter  from  Thomas  Dike  to  his  parents. 


DEATH    OF    E^yOWLTON".    ETC.  167 

driving  them  everywhere  before  them,  and  at  last  making  an  orderly 
retreat  when  a  large  body  of  British  was  put  in  motion.  This 
unexyiected  success,  which  gi-eatly  inspirited  the  troops  and  restored 
the  confidence  of  the  otiicers,  was  purchased  by  the  sacrifice  of  two 
most  valued  leaders — Leitch  and  Knowlton.  Hurrying  after  the  flying 
enemy  in  the  first  eagerness  of  pursuit,  Leitch  was  severely  wouuded, 
and  "  a  bullet  pierced  Knowlton's  Vjo<ly. '  ''My  poor  Colonel,  wrote 
Captain  Brown,  "  was  shot  just  by  my  side.  The  ball  entered  the 
small  of  his  back.  I  took  hold  of  him,  asked  him  if  he  was  badly 
■wounded.  He  told  me  he  was  :  but  says  he.  'I  do  not  value  my  life  if 
■we  do  but  get  the  day."  He  desired  me  by  all  means  to  keep  up  this 
flank.  He  seemed  as  unconcerned  and  calm  as  though  nothing  had 
happened  to  him."  He  was  earned  from  the  field  by  Sergeant  Nehe- 
miah  Holt,  assisted  by  General  Joseph  Reed.  "  Gasping  in  the 
agonies  of  death,  all  his  enquiry  was  if  we  had  drove  the  enemy,  and 
his  dyinor  charsre  to  his  young  son — ••  You  can  do  me  no  good  :  go, 
fight  for  your  country."  His  death  was  a  great  loss  to  the  anuy.  All 
felt  with  Washington,  that  a  gallant  and  brave  oflicer.  '-who  would 
Lave  been  an  honor  to  any  country,"  had  fallen.  Gifted  with  uncommon 
militarv  genius  and  many  noble  and  attractive  qualities,  he  had  given 
his  whole  heart  and  energies  to  the  patiiot  cause.  -  The  favorite  of 
superior  oflicers,  the  idol  of  his  soldiers  and  feliow-town-imen.  he  fell 
universally  lamented."  "Washington  and  Putnam  regarded  him  with 
peculiar  fondness,  and  even  the  fastidious  and  world-experienced 
Aaron  Burr  was  tenderly  drawn  to  him,  and  pronounced  him  one 
whom  it  was  impossible  to  promote  too  rapidly.  He  was  burie'i  on 
the  following  day.  September  17.  near  the  spot  where  he  fell,  on 
Harlem  Heights,  with  filing  of  artillery  and  customary  military  honors, 
bis  beloved  chaplain.  Abiel  Leonard,  ofliciating  in  the  religious  service. 
A  brother  colonel  present  expressed  his  sympathy  in  impromptu 
verse : — 

••  Here  Knowlton  lies — the  great,  the  good,  the  brave: 
Slain  on  the  field,  now  triumphs  in  the  grave. 
Thas  falls  the  valiant  in  the  martial  strife— 
The  coward  lives,  his  punishment  is  life." 

Another  noble  son  of  Connecticut,  and  Windham  County.*  sent  out 
by  Knowlton  on  the  night  preceding  his  own  decease,  met  his  untimely 
fate  a  few  days  later  with  equal  heroism,  regretting  only  that  be  -  had 
but  one  lite  to  give  for  his  country."  One  in  service  and  devotion, 
death  did  not  long  divide  them,  and  they  left  behind  them  names 
that  shall  never  perish. 


Captain  Nathan  Hale. 


168  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

These  losses  and  disasteis  c.inied  inoiirning  and  consternation  to 
every  household  in  Windliam  County.  Ashford  was  stricken  to  the 
heart  at  the  loss  of  its  honored  Knowlton,  even  the  man  called  his  only 
enemy  weepinij  over  him  as  for  a  brother.  Many  other  homes  had 
been  bereaved  and  desolated  ;  many  childi'en  left  orphans.  Most  of 
the  slain  were  men  in  the  prime  of  lite  witli  wives  and  children  depend- 
ent on  them.  Colonel  Knowlton  left  eight  living  children  ;  Captain 
Crosby  of  Thompson,  six.  Widows  lost  their  only  sons;  fathers 
those  on  whom  they  had  hoped  to  lean.  There  was  wailing  for  the 
dead  and  intense  anxiety  for  the  living.  Some  were  "  missing,"  their 
fate  left  to  harrowing  conjecture;  some  were  prisoners,  incarcerated 
in  the  sugar-house  or  prison-ship ;  many  were  sick  and  wounded, 
suffering  every  imaginable  discomfort.  Disease  was  raging  in  the 
crowded  camps  and  devastating  the  letreating  army.  Every  post  and 
messenger  brought  tidings  of  fresh  calamity.  Thomas  Dike  of 
Thompson,  writes  to  his  parents,  that  his  brother  Samuel  is  missing  : — 

"  The  last  account  I  had  of  hira  he  was  sick  and  in  the  hospital  .  .  .  and  came 
that  day  up  to  ihe  regiment,  but  beinii  weak  could  not  travel  any  farther,  and 
several" of  the  company  told  me  that  there  were  carriages  provided  to  curry  the 
sick  that  could  not  travel  over  to  the  Jersey  side,  among  which  was  Sergeant/ 
Jesse  Larned,  who  is  since  dead,  Samuel  Dilje,  Amos  Green  and  many 
others 

Colonel  Williams'  regiment  [Eleventh  militia]  is  ordered  oflf  to  the  Jersey 
side,  and  we  expect  to  go  from  here  to-day.  It  is  very  sickly  among  the 
militia.  William  Smith  and  EbLMiezer  Nichols  we  left  behind.  Solomon 
Smith  and  John  Barret  must  stop  here  or  return  back.  The  Lord  be  merciful 
to  us  all  for  we  have  got  where  the  inhabitants  show  no  pity.  I  beg  your 
prayers  for  me  that  I  may  be  preserved  from  sin,  sickness  and  sword,  and  be 

soon  returned  to  my   family   and  friends Remember  me  to  Mr. 

Howard  and  his  wife.  Tell  them  that  I  have  not  heard  from  their  brothers. 
Tell  my  little  children  I  long  to  see  them,  but  when  I  shall  I  cauuoL  tell.  It 
is  all  confusion  here. 

Weslchester,  September  20,  1776." 

Simon  Larned  writes  of  the  death  of  his  brother  Jesse  — . 

"  I  saw  him  at  Saturday  noon,  September  14.  and  he  said  he  thought  he 
could  stand  it  to  be  moved,  as  he  did,  but  being  so  very  weak  it  must  worry 
him  much.  He  died  Sabbath-day  night  and  had  his  senses  perlecily  well  till 
he  died,  and  seemed  to  leave  the  worlci  very  well  composed.  While  he  was 
in  York,  I  never  failed  of  going  to  see  him  once  and  twice  a  day,  and  spared 
no  pains  to  get  him  everything  in  my  power  to  make  him  comfortable.  .  . 
I  am  something  poorly  myself  but  not  so  but  I  keep  about,  and  I  hope  it  is 
nothing  more  than  a  bad  cold.  I  saw  Ivillingly  company  and  they  seemeil  to 
be  in  good  spirits." 

Fears  for  the  ])atriot  cause  aggravated  their  personal  anxieties. 
Pressed  on  every  side,  there  was  little  ho})e  that  the  army  could  main- 
tain its  position.  From  Oliver  Grosvenor,  commissary  of  Colonel  Wil- 
liams' regiment,  came  vivid  j)ictures  of  the  situation  : — 

"  Bki;gex,  Monday,  2  P.  M.,  September  23. 
This  minute  the  men-of-war  landed  on  raulus'  Hook  where  I  was  yesterday 
at  this  time,  which  was  immediately  after  our  arrival  here,  which  was  within 


LETTERS    FROM    CAMP,    ETC.  1G9 

ten  minutes  after  I  tjot  oft"  my  horse.  There  was  an  alarm  and  our  com- 
panies not  all  ii'ot  in.  Those  tliat  had  immediately  marched  down  to 
Paidus'  Hook,  which  is  about  one  mile  ;uid  a  half  from  our  encampments 
which  we  made  last  niijht  al)out  sundown;  and  now  this  minute  the 
cannon  beuin  to  roar  like  thunder,  and  the  drums  beatinij^  to  arms,  there- 
upon you'll  excuse  me  from  addinjr  more,  for  how  can  I  write  when  I 
expect  immediately  to  be  called  to  action?  for  tiy:ht  we  must  or  else  retreat 
six  or  ciirht  miles  up  North  Kiver,  as  this  is  a  neck  of  laud  somethinn^  like 
New  York,  and  we  expect  they  will  try  to  land  above  us  to  cut  otf  our  retreat 
and  the  Lord  only  knows  how  it  will  fare  with  us.  We  have  no  fort  now  to 
retreat  to  near  us.  Colonel  Durkee's  reiiiment  left  the  fort  at  Paulus'  Hook 
on  the  approach  of  the  men-of-war,  having  brouiiht  their  cannon  and  ba<;- 
g;age.  The  greatest  confusion  here.  I  have  not  had  time  to  sit  down  one 
minute  to-day,  and  much  fatigued  with  yesterday's  alarm,  riding  from  this 
place  to  Paulus'  Hook  to  and  from  in  the  utmost  haste  to  get  a  little  bread 
and  liquor  to  our  people  thnt  were  called  for  before  they  sat  down  to  rest  one 
minute.  .  .  .  God's  name  be  praised  that  [  am  so  well  as  to  contribute  my 
assistance  to  our  friends  fatigued  in  their  march  and  numbers  unwell.  Our 
tents  are  their  hospitals  on  the  ground  with  blankets,  not  having  time  last 
night  to  get  straw  for  them  or  ourselves.  Payson  Grosvenor  is  very  sick,  not 
like  to  live  by  what  I  hear.  Young  Dr.  Lord  is  quite  poorly  to-day.  My 
kind  reuards  to  all.  As  to  my  attairs  at  home  I  think  nothing  of  them.  I  hope, 
God  willing,  to  return  home  safe  after  some  time.  From  your  loving,  tender 
husband,  Olivkr  Grosvexou." 

" ,  Octobers,  177(5. 

Beloved  Wife. — As  I  have  opportunity  by  Post  Morris  this  day  (tho' 
but  a  day  or  two  since  I  wrote),  It  gives  me  some  ease  tho'  I  am  unwell, 
taken  last  evening  with  the  common  and  almost  universal  disorder,  camp-ail 
— had  a  very  uncomfortable  night,  being  obliged  to  be  abroad  several  time  in 
the  uiglit,  occasioned  by  the  sick  of  the  regiment  crowding  into  my  room, 
not  being  able  to  get  in  anywhere  except  into  the  church  which  has  no  tire- 
place,  and  the  soldiers  choose  rather  to  be  in  their  tents  than  to  go  into  it, 
let  the  consequences  be  what  it  will,  and  I  must  eitlier  forbid  everyone  or 
admit  the  whole,  which  consisted  last  night  of  more  than  twenty  sick  and 
nurses.  Six  of  them  took  vomits  and  continued  to  vomit  all  night  long 
without  an\'  intermission,  it  being  in  the  room  where  I  slept.  I  never  saw 
such  a  night  before  and  is  like  to  be  worse;  the  sick  daily  increases  in  num- 
bers; some  companies  not  more  than  two  or  three  in  their  returns  lit  for 
duty;  the  rest  sick  and  taking  care  of  the  sick.  We  hnve  carrie<l  a  number 
outof  the  church  to  Newark'  .  .  .  also  have  sent  a  number  up  to  the 
skirts  of  the  town  two  or  three  miles  back;  also  we  have  a  number  now  in 
the  church,  several  of  them  very  dangerous. 

I  expect  to  be  wor.se  before  lam  better  .  .  .  but  am  not  at  all  discour- 
aged, hoping  in  a  few  days  to  inform  you  of  my  better  stale  of  health  through 
the  goodnes^  of  God,  who  wounds  and  heals  again,  and  demands  the  praise 
duel:o  his  name  for  common  mercies,  more  esjiecially  for  signal  deliverances. 

The  above  wrote  in  the  morning  when  better  able  to  write  than  now.  I 
am  exercised  at  present  with  hard  pain  in  my  head  as  well  as  elsewhere  and 
feel  the  symptoms  of  a  fever  coming  on  which  I  fear  more,  and  renders  more 
difficult  and  discouraging,  as  there  is  no  conveniency  or  care  for  those  sick. 
The  concern  for  each  other  here  appears  far  less  than  what  we  commonly 
exercise  for  the  brute  beasts  at  home.  It  is  not  in  my  power  to  paint  to  you 
the  doleful  scenes  I  behold  every  hour;  neither  did  I  believe  that  rational 
creatures  could  be  divested  of  that  humanity  that  I  tind  they  are  subject  to 
in  the  camps,  Avhere  sickness  and  sin  so  much  prevails  Alas  for  our  land 
which  now  mourns  beneath  the  horrors  and  distress  of  the  present  war. 
This  I  write  Friday  evening.  I  have  been  much  to  day  as  I  was  yestenlay 
as  to  the  headache,  but  otherwise  better;  so  well  that  I  was  obliged  to  malce 
provision  for  the  whole  regiment  since  dark,  as  the  General  gave  out  orders 
this  afternoon  to  have  each  one  provided  for  three  days  provision  immediately 
and  to  have  it  cooked.  But  where  designed  or  for  what  purpose  is  yet  a 
secret.  Six  of  our  regiment  have  died  since  the  day  before  yesterday,  and 
uow  there  are  a  number  I  expect  to  hear  are  dead  Iq  the  morniug." 
90 


170  HISTORY    OF   WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

"  FoiJT  CoxsTiTUTiox,  October  19. 

Throiiffh  the  still  preservinsr  and  iipholdini;  poAver  and  jjoodness  of  God,  I 
am  in  tliat  decree  of  healtli  that  renders  nie  in  .some  measiure  comfortable. 
.  .  .  I  have  not  etit  two  ponnds  of  meal  this  fortniirht.  I  have  no  relish 
for  it.  I  iiL't  some  milk,  mal<e  some  chocolate  and  coffee,  but  nothinji  suits 
me  so  well  as  roasted  potatoes  and  apples.  Cheese  I  want  and  cheese  I  can 
get,  but  the  bread  that  we  have  baked  here  is  so  hiiih-seasoned  witli  leaven  I 
cannot  eat  it,  I  have  such  an  aversion  to  it.  1  often  think  of  and  lonjr  for  a 
crust  of  brown  bread,  but  ilot  one  morsel  have  I  eat  since  I  left  West  llavcn, 
but  thus  much  for  my  hankerings  after  those  things  I  have  not.  ...  It 
appears  quite  uncertain  whether  Ave  shall  be  dismissed  soon ;  rather  think  now 
that  the  fate  or  salvation  of  our  land  is  near  at  hand;  or,  in  other  words, 
that  there  Avill  be  a  sore  battle  fought  before  this  comes  to  hand,  and  very 
like  to  me  within  48  hours.  You'll  hear  before  I  Avrite  you  of  tiie  enemy's 
landing  yesterday  at  New  Kochelle,  and  of  the  skirmish  that  followed.  Our 
people,  I  think,  intend  to  evacuate  the  whole  island  of  New  York  entirely, 
as  they  have  already  carried  off  the  heft  of  the  artillery.  Some  of  our 
people  have  been  haleing  up  the  cannon  and  mortars  brought  over  this  side 
this  evening. 

Brother  Ezra  is  well,  tho'  those  that  are  their  duty  is  very  hard.  Every 
other  day,  and  some  days  when  they  go  on  fatigue  in  the  forenoon,  they  are 
taken  to  go  on  guard  in  the  afternoon  perhaps  for  two  or  three  days.  I 
wrote  Lemuel  a  letter  this  week  by  C'orhin.  Avho  lives  at  Albany.  Me  told  me 
Captain  Elderkin  Avas  sick  at  his  home,  but  heard  nothing  of  Brother  Lemuel. 
I  wrote  this  in  my  tent  on  my  knee  Avhen  others  are  asleep.  Embrace  Charle 
for  me.     Yours  with  the  teuderest  sympathy.  Oli\'I':u  Gkosvenok." 

These  letters  were  most  welcome  even  thoxigh  telling-  of  sickness 
and  disaster.  Communication  with  the  absent  had  become  very  diffi- 
cult and  infrequent.  The  pleasant  intercourse  of  the  year  before,  the 
running  l)ack  and  forth  from  camp,  had  all  gone  by.  Now  anxious 
friends  must  depend  upon  tardy  "  posts "  and  chance  messengers. 
The  distant  post-office  at  New  London,  was  jnnctically  of  no  account. 
A  daily  mail  and  hourly  telegram  were  beyond  iheir  utmost  conception. 
Postmen  Morris  and  Craft  rode  to  and  fro  between  Woodstock  and 
headquarters  as  fast  as  the  rough  ways  and  weather  Avould  permit,  and 
passing  travelers  brought  news,  not  always  the  most  reliable.  The  situa- 
tion was  indeed  most  critical  and  alarming.  Sliould  the  army  be  defeated 
in  the  general  action  that  seemed  inevitable,  the  whole  country  was  in 
peril.  The  victorious  ]5ritish  could  sweep  through  Connecticut  as 
well  as  through  New  York  and  the  Jerseys.  New  London  and  Rhode 
Island  were  already  threatened  by  naval  forces.  And  in  this  time 
of  peril  and  extremity  Windham  was  left  almost  without  ])rotection. 
Every  able-bodied  man  between  sixteen  and  sixty  had  gone  with  the 
militia,  and  only  aged  men,  invalids,  and  here  and  there  a  needful 
official,  were  left  with  the  Avomen  and  children.  What  marvel  that 
eveiy  item  of  news  should  be  seized  and  hurried  all  over  the  county, 
and  the  most  exaggerated  and  distorted  rumors  obtained  credence. 
New  London  and  Providence  were  burned,  or  "  Connecticut  was 
taken,"  or  armies  Avere  marching  directly  to  Windham  County. 
Anxious  eyes  turned  many  times  by  night  and  day  to  the  various  high 
places  Avhere  bonfires  were  built  uj)  to  be  lighted  at  the  first  alarm  of 


TOWN    RESOLUTIONS,    ETC.  171 

approaching  peril.  A  kettle  of  burning  tar  on  the  cross-tics  of  the 
liberty  pole  at  Killingly  Hill  served  as  a  danger  signal  for  the  sur- 
rounding country.  The  south  neighborhood  of  Thoni[>son  suflered  a 
very  serious  panic  during  tliese  anxious  days.  A  saucy  Dudley  boy 
was  knocked  down  by  a  suspected  Tory.  At  about  the  same  time  a 
courier  with  special  dispatches  from  Boston  galloped  tluough  the 
towns,  too  much  in  haste  to  ])ause  to  answer  curious  <][uestions.  Re- 
port of  these  incidents  magnitied  by  excited  imaginations  flew  all  over 
the  country,  "  Four  men  shot  down  dead  in  Dudley  street,"  was  a 
popular  version.  The  fearful  inhabitants  of  this  remote  neighborhood, 
waiting  in  suspense  to  hear  from  absent  friends  and  the  expected 
engagement,  were  horrified  by  the  tidings  that  their  own  homes  were 
in  danger,  that  the  Tories  of  Dudley  and  Oxford  and  the  remnant 
of  the  old  Indian  Paygan  tribelet  had  risen  to  prepare  the 
way  for  the  expected  British  army,  and  that  "  Malbone's  niggers " 
were  coming  on  to  meet  them,  burning  and  slaughtering  every- 
thing before  them.  "  The  Tor-ies  are  coming !  The  Tor-ies  are 
coming !"  was  tl>e  cry,  sent  to  every  house.  What  was  to  be 
done?  How  could  they  meet  this  onset  ?  British  and  even  Hessians 
might  give  quarter  but  only  downright  butchery  could  be  ex- 
pected from  heathen  negroes  and  savage  Indians.  Not  a  man  left 
at  home  but  decrepit  grandfathers  and  paralytics,  no  arms,  no  ammu 
iiition.  Flight  seemed  the  only  resource,  and  a  disiiial,  miry  swamp 
was  selected  as  the  place  of  refuge.  A  boy  was  sent  to  rally  all  the 
neighbors.  He  ran  to  Larned's  store,  then  a  well-known  business 
centre.  Lieut.  Larned  had  gone  to  the  front  with  his  regiment,  leav- 
ing business  and  family  in  charge  of  his  wife.  She  was  not  one  to 
run  fiom  the  face  of  danger.  A  rousing  fire  was  blazing  in  the  huge 
kitchen  fire-place,  filled  with  kettles  of  watei-  and  every  iron  implement 
that  could  be  mustered,  with  which  she  intended  to  make  a  stand 
against  the  invaders.  "  Old  Granny  Leavens  " — the  aged  widow  of 
the  lirst  William  Larned  of  Thomi)Son — was  equally  resolute.  She 
had  survived  several  Indian  wars  and  two  husbands,  and  now  sinking 
back  into  her  chimney  corner  exclaimed  with  Calvinistic  resignation — 
"If  I  am  to  be  killed  by  the  Tor-ies  to-night,  why  then  I  s/iall  he,  so 
I'll  e'en  stay  with  Becky."  Their  heroic  example  had  no  effect  upon 
their  weaker  sisters,  already  in  full  flight.  "  Tell  Becky  "  they  retort e<l, 
"  that  hot  irons  will  never  do  for  the  British."  They  hurried  off  to 
the  swamp,  a  most  forlorn  and  panic-stricken  company.  Poor  old 
lame  "Uncle  Asa,"  suffering  from  a  disease  incident  upon  excessive 
flip-drinking,  was  greatly  exercised.  "Thither,"  he  pleaded,  as  he 
hobbled  along;  "Thither,  I've  forgot  my  plathter."  "Hurry  up. 
Asa,  you'll  never  dress  your  knees  again  in  this  world,"   replied  the 


172  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUIfrTT. 

comforting  sister.  The  swamp  when  reached  was  so  "damp,  moiist 
and  unpleasant,"  tliat  all  could  join  with  Aunt  Nabby  in  her  heart-felt 
ejeculation,  "I'd  give  a  wedge  of  goold  as  big  as  my  foot  for  one  good 
dram."  The  nnfoitnnate  old  people  too  feeble  for  flight  were  in  a 
still  more  pitiable  condition.  One  bed-ridden  old  woman  who  had 
not  stood  on  her  feet  for  years,  and  wns ^forgotten  in  the  tlurry  and  left 
at  home  alone,  managed  to  crawl  out  of  bed  and  stow  herself  away 
into  a  cupboard,  and  a  disabled  old  captain  trembling  with  palsy 
barricaded  the  door  and  valiantly  held  it  with  a  pitch-fork. 

One  other  family  lemained  ti-an(iuilly  at  home  through  all  the  panic. 
Good  Deacon  Gay  had  gone  with  four  of  liis  sons  to  the  army.  Farm 
and  family  were  in  the  charge  of  the  fifth  son.  a  lad  of  seventeen. 
He  was  a  stout  young  fellow  and  could  handle  a  musket  deftly,  but 
his  trust  was  not  in  carnal  wea])ons.  Hot  irons  and  cold  swamps  he 
thought  "but  vain  things  for  safety."  Young  Joseph  went  calndy  on 
with  his  hai  vesting  through  the  day,  "  did  the  nightly  chores,"  and 
then  gatheiing  the  family  around  him  in  the  great  kitchen  for  their 
usual  evening  worship,  read  comfoi-ting  words  An  the  old  Bil)le 
bi'ought  from  Dedham,  and  "  led  in  prayer."  Tlius  stayed  and  strength- 
ened they  passed  the  night  in  yieace.  Nothing  was  heard  of  Malbone, 
or  other  marauders.  The  )norning  sun  dis]telled  all  phantoms  of 
terror.  The  wearied  fugitives  stole  back  from  the  swamp  to  encoun- 
ter volleys  and  shafts  of  ridicule.  Their  fright  and  flight  and  ridicu- 
lous sayings  were  told  all  over  the  town  and  even  carried  to  camp, 
giving  the  men  a  hearty  laugh  amid  all  their  sorrowful  surroundings 
and  forebodings. 

Even  the  darkest  day  has  gleams  of  light.  Windham  Green  had  her 
fun  even  in  this  gloomy  autumn.  In  her  eagerness  to  answer  every 
requisition  of  Government  she  left  her  prison  doors  too  slightly  guarded. 
Four  British  seamen  captui'ed  the  June  preceding  in  H.  M.  S.  Bom- 
brig,  effected  their  escape.  There  was  an  alarm,  a  rush,  search  and 
pursuit,  but  all  in  vain.  The  prisoners  had  gone  beyond  recovery,  but 
left  beldnd  them  a  unique  and  lasting  memonal — -the  image  of  their 
favorite  Divinity,  Bacchus,  the  God  of  mirth,  wine  and  good  cheer, 
carved  with  their  jack-knives  from  a  block  of  pine  during  the  idle 
hours  of  their  captivity.  That  their  choice  of  a  subject  was  suggested 
by  what  they  saw  going  on  around  them,  as  well  as  by  their  own  pecu- 
liar regard  and  devotion,  is  very  probable.  "Excessive  drinking," 
denounced  ten  years  before,  was  none  the  less  common  after  the  break- 
ing out  of  war.  "  Military  treats,"  even  then  too  much  the  fashion, 
had  become  more  and  more  in  vogue.  Tiiose  hard-headed  old  fighters 
were  also  haid  drinkers,  and  we  may  be  sure  that  every  comjtany  that 
marched  out  from  Windham  Green  had  its  parting  drams  as  well  as 


TOWN    KES0LUTI0N8,    ETC.  173 

prayers.  Prisoners  were  allowed  the  liberty  of  the  yard  and  certain 
public  resorts,  and  no  tavei'ns  were  more  popular  than  tliose  kept  by 
Misti'ess  Warner  and  the  Widow  Carey.  This  good  widow  nuist  have 
looked  upon  the  English  sailors  with  especial  favor  and  sympathy,  for 
to  her  was  bequeathed  the  work  of  art  which  had  occupied  their 
leisure.  The  comical  Bacchus,  with  his  dimpled  cheeks  and  luscious 
fruits,  bestriding  a  wine  cask,  was  straightway  lioisted  above  the  tavern 
for  a  sign  and  figure-head,  to  the  intense  admiration  and  delight  of  all 
beholders,  lieturning  soldiers  hailed  his  jolly  figure  with  cheei'S  and 
shouts  of  laughter,  and  were  only  too  ready  to  offer  up  libations  at  his 
shrine,  and  the  tavern  of  the  sympathetic  widow  I'cceived  a  far  greater 
shai'e  of  public  patronage. 

Tliis  esccqyade  excited  much  comment  and  led  Windham  citizens  to 
consider  ''their  situation  with  regard  to  a  sheriff."'  Colonel  Fitch  had 
still  been  allowed  to  retain  this  office  in  the  hope  that  he  might  ex- 
perience a  change  of  sentiment,  but  the  remonstrance  of  fiiends.  the 
forbearance  of  opponents,  and  the  promise  of  high  position  in  the 
patriot  army,  had  failed  to  overcome  his  scru])les.  Even  now  his 
fellow-townsmen  were  loth  to  proceed  against  him,  but  citizens  of 
other  towns  unbiased  by  personal  affection  took  the  matter  in  hand, 
and  represented  to  the  General  Assembly  that  this  office  of  High 
Sheriff  was  "in  their  opinion  very  badly  supplied  (by  reasons  we 
api^rehend  well-known  to  your  Honors),  and  hoped  that  the  place 
might  be  filled  with  a  man  whose  principles  are  agi'eeable  to  the  public, 
and  at  no  lime  suspected  by  the  candid  :  would  recommend  Captain 
Jabez  Huntington,  who  had  long  served  with  good  acceptance.  Ex- 
perience, ability  and  good  conduct  speak  in  his  favor,  as  well  as  the 
remotest  consideration  of  his  being  the  son  of  an  excellent  sheriff  of 
this  county,  whose  service  was  eminently  acceptable.  A  grateful 
remembrance  of  the  deceased  prompt  our  regard  to  the  only  suiviving 
son,  as  well  as  the  good  of  the  County,  and  the  public  in  general." 
This  suggestion  was  quickly  carried  out,  and  the  sheriffship  transfei'red 
from  the  faint-hearted  loyalist  to  one  whose  heart  and  energies  were 
devoted  to  the  popular  cause,  and  who  could  thus  administer  this 
important  office  with  far  more  zeal  and  efficiency.  Nathaniel  Hebard 
of  Windham  now  served  as  jailor,  guarding  and  providing  the  numer- 
ous prisoners  with  gi'eat  care  and  watchfulness. 

The  general  engagement  so  justly  dreaded  by  the  patriots  was 
evaded  by  the  wise  policy  of  Washington,  and  the  Windham  County 
militia  were  allowed  to  return  to  their  homes,  but  were  soon  called  to 
further  action.  A  great  fleet  of  men-of-war  and  transports  was  hover- 
ing about  the  Sound,  and  after  greatly  alarming  New  London,  pushed 
on  to  Narraganset  Bay,  and  threatened  Newport  and  Providence.     The 


174  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

eastciii  I'cii^inients  pieviously  summoned  to  New  London,  were  now 
oidfivd  to  march  witli  all  siieed  to  Ilhode  Island.  Colonel  Elderkin 
and  Lieut.-Colonel  Storrs  being  occupied  with  other  public  duties,  the 
command  of  the  Fifth  llegiment  was  given  to  Major  Thomas  l>rown. 
INTaJor  Samuel  McClellan  led  the  Eleventh,  and  the  troops  of  horse 
hurried  on  under  Major  Backus.  Ei-e  these  arrived  Rhode  Island  was 
seized  and  fortified  by  a  strong  body  of  British  troops,  supported  by 
the  naval  armament,  and  fears  were  entertained  of  their  invasion  upon 
other  parts  of  New  England.  Eliphalet  Dyer  and  Nathaniel  Wales 
were  appointed  a  committee  with  other  gentlemen  from  Connecticut, 
to  meet  committees  from  the  other  New  England  states,  in  Providence, 
Deceml)er  '23,  to  consult  upon  their  mutual  and  immediate  defence 
and  safety,  and  other  important  matters.  It  was  recommended  that 
Connecticut  should  send  as  its  quota  of  the  army  proposed  for  the 
defence  of  Providence  against  the  army  then  in  possession  of  New 
port,  1092  troops.  Captain  Ebenezer  Mosely  of  Windham  Village, 
was  cliosen  by  Governor  Trumbull  to  enlist  this  body  of  men  from 
Windliam  and  New  London  counties.  Many  other  Windham  soldiers 
re-enlisted  during  this  autumn  for  continental  service  in  various  bat- 
talions and  regiments.  Duiing  this  autumn  of  1776,  the  militia  of 
Ct)nnecticut  was  organized  in  six  bi'igades — David  Wooster,  major- 
general  ;  Hon.  Jabez  Huntington,  second  major-general.  The  Wind- 
liam County  regiments  were  included  in  the  fifth  brigade,  Eliphalet 
Dyer,  general.  William  Danielson,  Killingly,  was  now  appointed 
colonel  of  the  Eleventh  Regiment  in  i)lace  of  Col.  Williams,  whose 
failing  health  compelled  him  to  i'erm([uish  service;  Samuel  McClellan, 
lieutenant-colonel.  Company  1,  Daniel  Lyon,  captain ;  Benjamin 
Puggles,  lieutenant:  Nathaniel  l:>rown,  ensign.  Company  2,  Caleb 
Clark,  ca[)tain  ;  John  Wells,  lieutenant  ;  Stephen  Griggs,  ensign. 
Company  3,  Amos  Paine,  captain  ;  Thomas  Baker,  lieutenant ;  Wil- 
liam Lyon,  ensign.  Company  4,  Joseph  Cady,  captain ;  Jonathan 
Cady,  lieutenant :  Elisha  Lawrence,  ensign.  Company  5,  Ephiaim 
W^aiien,  captain  ;  Daniel  Waters,  lieutenant.  Company  6,  Stephen 
Tucker,  lieutenant ;  Phinehas  Walker,  ensign.  Com[)any  7,  I'aine 
Converse,  lieutenant.  Company  8,  Zebulon  Ingalls,  captain  ;  William 
Osgood,  lieutenant :  Robert  Sharpe,  ensign.  Company  9,  John  Green, 
captain  ;  Obadiah  Clough,  lieutenant ;  Daniel  Larned,  ensign.  Com- 
pany 10,  Jonathan  Morris,  lieutenant;  Richard  Peabody,  ensign. 
Company  1 1,  Sanniel  Chandler,  cajjlain  ;  John  Ilolbrook,  lieutenant  ; 
Jolni  Whitmore,  ensign.  No  special  changes  were  made  in  the  other 
regiments.  Colonel  Elderkin  and  Lieut. -C-olonel  Storrs  retained  their 
positions.  John  Douglas  of  Plainfield,  was  appointed  general  of  the 
fifth  brigade  in  place  of  Colonel  Dyer,  who  declined  the  appointment. 


TOWN    EESOLUTIONS,    ETC.  175 

Among  her  other  engrossments  Windham  interested  herself  tliis  autumn 
in  fitting  out  in  Norwich,  the  schooner  Oliver  Cromu'ell,  for  j)iivateer 
service.  Pliinehas  Cary,  Solomon  Lord,  Eleazer  Welsh,  Eleazer  .Si)of- 
foi-d,  Lemuel  Stoddard,  Hezekiah  Abbe,  ^Vrad  Simmons,  all  of  Wind- 
liam,  and  Thomas  Holbrook  of  Lebanon,  formed  its  crew  ;  its  captain 
Avas  William  Coit  of  Norwich.  Dr.  Samuel  Lee  of  Windham,  was 
appointed  its  surgeon,  and  his  two  students  second  and  third  mates 
imder  him  at  £3  per  month  each.  Dr.  All)igence  Waldo  succeeded 
Dr.  Lee  as  chief  sui-geon  in  a  few  months.  Dr.  Lee  with  Doctors 
John  Clark,  Elisha  Lord  and  James  Cogswell,  and  other  physicians 
fi'om  different  ])arts  of  the  State,  were  made  a  committee  for  examining 
all  persons  in  the  State  that  offered  to  serve  in  the  army. 

The  spring  of  1777  found  Windliam  County  preparing  for  further 
action.  Its  citizens  for  two  vears  had  been  so  enrri-ossed  in  cairvinir 
on  the  war  that  their  own  internal  affaiis  had  received  but  little  atten- 
tion, and  even  the  ordinary  town  meetings  had  been  greatly  iieglected, 
but  the  prospect  of  a  long  continuance  of  the  war  and  the  heavy 
demands  upon  their  resources  called  for  public  deliberation  and  action. 
Their  share  of  soldiers  were  to  be  raised,  bounties  given,  families  cared 
for.  Many  important  questions  were  under  discussion.  The  deprecia- 
tion of  currency,  and  the  increased  j^rice  of  the  necessaries  of  life,  the 
scarcity  of  breadstuff's  and  salt,  caused  much  anxiety  and  alarm. 
The  General  Assembly  in  December,  attempted  to  meet  these  evils 
by  regulating  the  price  of  labor  and  provision,  instructing  the  select- 
men of  the  towns  to  distribute  salt,  and  forbidding  the  distillation  of 
liquor  from  wheat,  rye  or  Indian  corn.  The  change  in  their  political 
status,  the  sevei'ance  of  the  tie  that  bound  Connecticut  to  the  Mother 
Countiy  and  her  assumjjtion  of  authority  as  a  free  and  independent 
State,  necessitated  some  action  and  endorsement  from  the  several 
towns,  and  it  became  necessary  again  to  assemble  in  town  meetings, 
provide  for  these  various  public  matters,  and  take  the  oath  of  allegiance 
to  the  State.  Pomfret  voted  to  use  her  utmost  endeavor  to  support 
the  credit  of  the  continental  currency.  Committees  were  chosen  to 
procure  clothing  for  the  soldiers : — Joshua  Sabin,  John  Jeffards, 
Lemuel  Gi'osvenor  for  the  first  society  ;  Dr.  Baker,  Capt.  Daniel  Tyler 
and  Samuel  Scarborough  for  Brooklyn  ;  Daniel  Trowbridge,  William 
Osgood  and  Stephen  Ltley  for  Abington  ;  John  Grosvenor,  Esq., 
Capt.  Aniasa  Sessions  and  Capt.  Ebenezer  Holbrook  were  also  chosen 
to  meet  committees  from  other  towns  in  the  county  to  consult  such 
measures  as  should  appear  most  salutary  for  the  common  good,  and 
most  conducive  to  stop  the  growing  evil  of  the  depreciation  of  our 
currency. 

Windham,  March  24,    1777,  voted,    "That  the  inhabitants  of  this 


176  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COCNTY. 

town  will  with  one  consent  join  with,  and  support  to  the  utmost  of  their 
power  in  carrying  into  execution  the  laws  made  for  regulating  and  attix- 
ing  the  prices  of  certain  articles.  2.  That  a  committee  be  ai)pointed 
and  directed  to  engage  in  behalf  of  the  town  to  provide  necessaries  for 
the  families  of  soldiers  belonging  to  this  town  who  shall  go  into  any 
of  the  continental  ainiies."  Plainlield  voted.  ''That  the  families  of 
those  who  shall  enlist  into  the  continental  service  for  three  years,  or 
during  the  war,  shall  be  supplied  with  the  common  necessaries  of  life 
at  the  price  stated  by  the  General  Assembly.  2.  To  give  to  effective 
men  $30  above  the  bount}'  affixed  by  the  state.  Canterbury  chose  a 
committee  to  provide  for  the  families  of  soldiers  and  use  their 
endeavors  to  encourage  men  to  enlist."  Killingly  agreed  Aj^ril  14, 
that  in  case  a  hundred  and  nineteen  aide-bodied  men  shall  enlist  them- 
selves into  the  continental  army  within  ten  days  from  this  time  for 
the  term  of  three  years  or  during  the  present  war  for  the  town  of 
Killingly,  for  their  further  encoui'agement  shall  be  entitled  to  and 
paid  by  the  town  afoiesaid,  the  sum  of  six  pounds  each  man  for  every 
six  months  they  shall  contimie  in  said  service — but  shrewdly  provided, 
that  if  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  should  make  any  additional 
grant  to  those  soldiers,  it  should  be  considered  as  a  part  of  the  extra- 
ordinary encouragement  promised  by  the  town.  On  the  same  day  she 
further  voted  : — 

"  That  this  town  do  freely  compl}'  with  the  acts  of  the  General  Assembly 
passed  in  December  last,  stating  the  prices  of  the  necessaries  of  life,  and  do 
resolve  with  cheerfulness  to  exert  our  best  endeavors  witliin  our  sphere  to 
support  the  honor  of  that  good  and  salutary  law,  and  will  hold  sucli  as  will- 
ingly violate  the  same  in  an.v  point  as  designing,  mischievous  enemies  to  this 
and  the  rest  of  the  Independent  States  of  America,  and  will  refrain  from  all 
coannercial  commerce  with  them  until  they  shall  give  satisfaction  to  the 
public  for  every  otlVnce  they  shall  commit  against  the  law,  and  this  town  do 
hereby  recommend  it  to  all  informing  ofticers  as  they  value  their  oath  or  the 
good  of  their  country  strictly  to  enquire  into  ami  make  due  presentment  of 
all  breaches  of  said  act,  and  it  is  farther  recommended  to  all  friends  of  man- 
kind without  reserve  to  give  evidence  of  auy  breach  of  said  law  to  such 
iuforniing  officer." 

Yoluntown  voted  to  provide  for  the  families  of  soldiers,  and  abate 
the  colony  and  town  taxes  of  non-commissioned  officers  and  soldiers. 
Laws  respecting  engrosseis  and  monopolizers  to  be  strictly  enforced. 
The  selectmen  of  the  several  towns  were  directed  to  apportion  and 
distribute  the  salt  to  each  district.  Killingly  with  great  ))aiticularity, 
ordeied,  that  the  salt  that  belongs  to  the  town  shall  be  divided  accord- 
ing to  the  number  in  each  family,  and  each  family  that  buys  the  salt 
shall  pay  four  shillings  per  bushel  ;  also,  that  the  selectmen  divide  the 
above  salt  to  each  parisli  according  to  the  number  of  families,  and  the 
selectmen  in  each  parish  to  deliver  the  salt  in  each  parish  to  the  fami- 
lies.    Woodstock  not  only  provided  for  her  soldiers  and  complied  with 


CAMPAIGNS,    DISCOURAGEMENTS,    ETC. 


177 


the  Assembly's  recouitnendation,  l)ut  asji^ain  consented  to  part  with  her 
beloved  pastor,  and  having  found  voice  with  the  other  towns  thus 
formally  expressed  herself: — 

"  Feb.  20,  1777.  Whereas  all  public  bodies  of  men  as  well  as  iiulividu- 
als  belonging  to  the  United  States  of  America,  at  such  a  time  as  this,  when 
their  sacred  as  well  as  civil  rights  are  in  danger  of  being  snl)verte(l  by  nnuat- 
ural,  brutal,  merciless  and  unreasonable  enemies;  ought  from  principles  of 
religion  and  virtue,  and  from  a  sacred  regard  to  the  good  of  their  country 
and  posterit.y,  to  manifest  the  most  vigorous  and  persevering  exiM'tions  to 
prevent  so  fatal  a  calamity,  and  to  deny  themselves  every  [indulgence]  that 
stands  in  competition  with  the  public  good; — We,  an  Ecclesiastic  Body,  First 
church  of  Christ  in  Woodstocis,  have  once  and  again  given  our  consent  that 
our  Reverend  pastor  should  absent  himself  from  this  church,  and  engage  in 
the  public  service,  and  assure  him  that  we  shall  consider  his  pastoral  relation 
to  us  by  no  means  violated  by  his  absence,  and  wish  hira  God  speed." 

The  Windham  County  Association  of  Ministers,  now  felt  it  their 
duty  to  express  their  views,  and  offer  rebuke  and  counsel.  "  Consider- 
ing the  peculiar  circumstances  of  our  land  during  the  present  calamities 
of  war,  wherewith  the  holy  and  righteous  God  is  ]jleased  to  exercise 
us  ;  the  decline  of  religion  and  prevalence  of  iniquity ;  think  it  our 
duty  to  stir  up  ourselves  and  the  jjeople  of  our  charge  to  additional 
attention  to  our  duties,  and  propose  to  General  Association  to  recom- 
mend professors  of  religion  to  renew  their  covenant  with  God  that 
family  religion  and  order  might  be  maintained."  A  committee  was 
appointed  to  prepare  a  suitable  address  which  was  pul)lished,  and  a 
thousand  copies  distributed  among  the  twenty  parishes  of  Windham 
County. 

Encouraged  and  strengthened  by  these  manifestations  of  public  sen- 
timent, Windham  County  entered  upon  the  campaign  of  1777  with 
renewed  spirit  and  confidence,  filling  her  quotas  for  home  and  Conti- 
nental service  with  her  usual  readiness.  Veterans  whose  times  had 
expired  usually  reenlisted.  Ebenezer  Gray  was  now  Major  in  Colonel 
Douglas's  regiment.  Dana  and  Keyes  were  recommissioned  as  cap- 
tains, probably  in  Durkee's  regiment.  John  Ripley  of  Windham  was 
appointed  major  of  four  companies  under  Captains  Ebenezer  Mosely, 
Kinne,  Leffingwell  and  Kingsbury,  stationed  at  Rhode  Island,  and  as 
when  their  term  of  enlistment  had  expired  there  was  "a  great  appear- 
ance of  British  ships  and  troops  off  New  London,"  companies  from  the 
Eleventh  and  Twenty-first  regiments  were  immediately  accoutred  and 
marched  to  Providence  under  command  of  Major  Ripley,  although 
"  tlie  more  eastern  regiments  in  the  State  had  been  frequently  called 
into  service."  Dr.  Waldo  was  now  a]>pointed  surgeon  in  Huntington's 
regiment ;  Dr.  David  Holmes  in  Chandler's  regiment.  Dr.  Thomas 
Gray  of  Windham,  surgeon's  mate  in  Durkee's  regiment.  The  Second 
company  of  the  Fourth  regiment  of  Light  Horse  were  reorganized, 
Perley  Howe  of  Killingly,  captain  ;  Asaph  Wilder,  lieutenant ;  Ste- 
23 


178  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

plien  Tucker,  cornet;  Davis  Flint,  quartenuiistcr.  Spirited  gentlemen 
in  Brooklyn  liaviiig  liberally  agieed  to  fnrni.sh  "  three  or  four  light  eon- 
struetetl  field  j)ieces  and  equip  them*  tit  for  service,"  Daniel  Tyler,  Jr., 
and  tliirty-tive  ])etitioneis  obtained  leave  to  form  an  independent  ina- 
tross  com])any,  subject  only  to  be  commanded  by  the  commander  in- 
chief  or  either  of  the  major  or  brigadier  generals  of  the  State  of  Con- 
necticut. Ammunition  was  now  more  jjlentiful.  In  the  three  months 
])receding  February,  1777,  42,666  pounds  of  saltpetre  made  in  Wind- 
ham County  were  received  at  the  Willimantic  i)owder-mill.  Private 
individuals  in  every  town  were  engaged  in  this  maimfacture.  Abel 
Clark  of  Pomfret,  reports  364  pounds  made  at  his  works,  "out  of  home 
material,  pure,  clear  and  dry  ;"  the  Eldeikin  brothers  furnished  about 
900  pounds;  Thomas  Stedman,  381;  Andrew  Durkee,  o08 ;  while 
others  send  less  than  twenty  ])ounds.  The  selectmen  meanwhile 
report  881  pounds  in  scale  and  clock  weights,  shot  and  bar  lead,  deliv- 
ered at  the  powder-mill.  As  in  preceding  years  every  possible  effort 
was  made  to  raise  and  equip  recruits,  and  maintain  the  patriot  cause, 
and  yet  again  they  were  doomed  to  disappointment  and  calamity. 
Captain  Elderkin's  company  suifered  severely  at  Ticonderoga,  and  after 
helping  to  maintain  that  fortress  for  many  months,  rejoicing  even  over 
raw  pork  in  their  extremity  of  hunger,  weie  forced  to  an  ignoiuinious 
retreat  before  Burgoyne's  advancing  army.  Putnam's  division  at  Peeks- 
kill,  weakened  by  sending  its  best  men  to  the  aid  of  Gates  and  Wash- 
ington, was  humiliated  by  the  irruption  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  the  seizure 
of  iujportant  forts,  and  great  destruction  of  property,  and  Washington, 
after  a  laborious  and  painful  campaign,  checpiered  by  alternate  success 
and  defeat,  was  compelled  to  leave  Philadelphia  in  the  hands  of  the 
British,  and  yield  those  forts  upon  the  Delaware  which  had  been  so 
valiantly  manned  and  defended.  A  regiment  of  Windham  County 
militia  under  Colonel  Sauuiel  McClellan,  titled  out  in  September  to 
serve  in  the  northern  department,  was  detailed  instead  upon  an  exjjc- 
dition  for  the  recovery  of  Newport  under  General  Spencer,  which  for 
various  reasons  proved  a  complete  failure.  And  while  thus  called  to 
defeat  and  disaster,  it  so  chanced  tliat  but  few  of  the  Windham  sol- 
diers participated  in  the  victory  of  Saratoga, — a  part  of  a  regiment 
drafted  from  Peekskill,  and  straggling  volunteers*  in  Lattimer's  militia. 
With  these  failures  and  disasters  were  bereavements  that  caused 
peculiar  sorrow.  Captain  Stephen  Brown  of  Pomtret,  a  most  brave 
and  faithful  officer,  who  had  succeeded   Kuowltou  in   immediate  com- 


*  Among  these  volunteers  was  Ephraim  Squier  of  Ashford,  whose  regi- 
ment lost  some  eight  or  nine  killed,  and  thirty  wounded,  ;uul  who  had  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  "  the  prisoners  march  by  towards  llead-Quarters,  a  very 
agreeable  sight." 


CAMPAIGN'S,    DISCOURAGEMENTS,    ETC.  179 

niand,  was  killed  instantly  by  a  shot  from  a  sliip  while  defending  Fort 
JMitHin,  with  unparalleled  bravery.  Among  the  slain  at  Sai-atoga  was 
Captain  Daniel  Clark  of  Plaintield,  •'  who  departed  this  life  in  the  field 
of  battle  at  Stillwater,  September  19,  1777,  leaving  a  distressed  widow 
and  six  orphaned  children  to  bemoan  his  unhappy  fate,  and  their  own 
most  glooqiy  prospects."  Flainfield  mour?ied  also  the  death  of  her 
f^iithful  minister,  llev.  John  Fuller,  chaplain  in  the  army,  and  Wood- 
stock's beloved  Leonard  passed  beyond  human  judgment.  His  brilliant 
career  closed  in  great  darkness  and  sorrow.  Overstaying  a  furlough  in 
consequence  of  the  dangerous  sickness  of  one  of  his  children,  he  was 
met  on  his  journey  back  to  camp  by  the  tidings  that  he  had  been  cen- 
sured and  superseded.  Keenly  sensitive  to  public  opinion,  he  felt  unable 
to  endure  the  disgrace,  and  in  the  first  shock  of  mortification  took  his 
life  with  his  own  hand.  Putnam's  aft'ectionate  heart  was  deeply  moved 
by  this  distressing  calamity.  Other  pei-sonal  afilictions  were  weighing 
heavily  upon  him.  His  step-son,  Septimus  Gardiner,  a  young  man  of 
great  promise,  wlio  had  served  as  his  aid.  died  during  this  autumn,  and 
was  soon  followed  by  Mrs.  Putnam.  These  losses  brought  much  sorrow 
and  mourning  to  Windham  County.  Mrs.  Putnam,  so  long  known  and 
beloved,  was  gieatly  lamented  by  her  old  friends  in  Ponifret,  their  grief 
being  heightened  by  the  accompanying  report  that  she  "  had  died  in 
pi'ison  in  the  enemy's  hands."  Colonel  William  Douglas  died  dui'ing 
this  year  of  disease  produced  by  exposure  on  the  battle-field  ;  Commis- 
sary Joseph  Trumbull,  and  Dr.  David  Holmes  of  Woodstock,  were 
compelled  by  ill  health  to  retire  from  active  service.  The  closing  mis- 
fortune of  the  year  was  the  blowing  up  of  the  Willimantic  powder- 
mill,  December  13,  with  the  loss  of  one  life,  valuable  machinery  and 
material,  monrnfully  chronicled  by  patriot  journals,  "amongst  other 
obstacles  to  impede  our  success. " 

Public  affairs  looked  more  and  more  discouraging  and  gloomy.  The 
winter  of  1777-78  was  one  of  great  hardship  and  sutfering,  abroad  and 
at  home,  in  the  camp  and  by  the  fireside.  The  incessant  drain  was 
depleting  the  resources  of  the  towns.  The  farms  were  sutfering  for  the 
lack  of  suitable  tillage,  and  production  had  lessened.  There  was 
scarcity  of  grain,  meat,  salt  and  clothing.  Currency  was  rapidly  de 
predating  in  value,  and  financial  aftairs  becoming  hopelessly  entangled. 
Terrible  stories  came  to  Windham  County  homes,  of  the  sickness  and 
destitution  of  sons  and  brethren  at  Valley  Forge — soldiers  even  freez- 
ing to  death  in  their  tents — and  stories  of  sicknes.s,  death  and  even 
destitution  went  back  in  return.  Mothers  asked  tearfully  how  they 
should  carry  their  little  ones  through  the  winter,  and  "God  answei'ed 
them  by  taking  them  to  himself."  The  ofticers  with  their  slender  pay, 
constantly   diminishing  in  value,  were    even  more  embarrassed  than 


180 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


the  soldiers,  wliose  families  were  cared  for  by  the  selectmen  of  the 
towns,  and  many  were  forced  to  resign  to  keep  their  families  from 
starvation. 

Yet  still,  in  spite  of  disaster  and  discouragement,  the  towns  went 
bravely  on,  upholding  the  Goverimient  and  providing  food  and  cloth- 
ing for  the  soldieis — not  only  meeting  their  quotas,  but  sejiding  dona- 
tions and  contributions.  The  Articles  of  Confederation  recommended 
by  Congress  were  received,  discussed  and  formally  adopted.  Pomfret 
instructed  her  representatives  to  use  their  endeavors  that  the  Articles  of 
Confederation  be  come  into  and  established.  Windham  "accords  to 
the  same  in  every  article  and  case,"  but  insists  "  that  the  Delegates  to 
the  Contir.ental  Congress  should  be  chosen  by  the  freeinen  of  the  State 
and  not  by  the  Assembly."  Canterbury  expressed  her  views  with  great 
fullness.  At  a  town-meeting  January  12,  1778,  Mr.  John  Felch,  mod- 
eratoi',  it  was  voted  : — 

"That  we  have  carefully  examined  the  Articles  of  Confederation  agreed  on 
by  Conjiress,  and  thiniv  them  well  calculated  for  the  proposed  design,  and 
cannot  be  altered  with  any  emendation  better  to  accouiniodate  us  in  this  State, 
and  therefore  voted  to  accept  and  approve  them,  and  that  the  representatives 
of  the  town  be  instructed  to  give  their  vote  for  them  in  General  Assembly; 
also,  to  procuie  an  alteration  in  the  mode  of  taxation;  also,  to  have  the  dele- 
gation in  Congress  chosen  in  the  same  manner  as  for  Governor;  also,  to  have 
the  debates  in  the  Assembly  as  public  as  may  be,  and  that  the  yeas  and  nays 
in  every  important  measure  be  noted  in  the  Journal,  and  published,  that  the 
towns  may  liave  them  ;  also,  to  procure  an  act  to  be  passed  to  punish  profane 
swearing  and  cursing  by  disability  to  sustain  any  otlice  or  place  of  trust  and 
profit  in  any  civil  department,  at  least  for  the  second  offence." 

The  scarcity  of  salt  was  a  very  serious  grievance,  and  "threatened 
at  times  to  disturb  the  public  peace  and  safety  of  the  State."  A  per- 
mission had  been  given  to  Ebenezer  Griffin,  Jr.,  of  Canada  Parish,  the 
preceding  summer,  to  ti'ausport  cattle,  butter  and  cheese  to  Massachu- 
setts or  Providence,  to  purchase  salt  and  other  West  India  goods.  A 
number  of  the  citizens  of  Pomfret  associated  in  the  autumn  of  1777, 
"  for  the  purpose  of  chartering  or  puichasing  a  good  sea-vessel,  and 
loading  the  same  to  send  immediately  to  the  West  Indies  for  salt  and 
other  necessaries."  Twenty-four  gentlemen*  contributed  about  seventy 
})Ounds  for  this  object,  and  agreed  to  meet  at  Major  Ripley's  in  Wind- 
ham, October  15,  to  make  choice  of  captain  and  supercargo,  and  con- 
tiive  such  measures  as  were  needful  to  accommodate  and  accomplish 
the  voyage.  The  "brig  Litchjield,  130  tons  burthen,"  was  proposed 
and  examined,  but  whether  the  project  was  carried  through  is  ex- 
tremely  doubtiul,   as  measures  were  taken  from   time  to  time   to  pro- 

*  Ebenezer  Stoddard,  Ebenezer  Ilolbrook,  John  and  Samuel  Dresser,  Wil- 
liam Osgood,  Jr.,  Appleton  and  Zach.  Osgood,  Seth  Stowell,  Calvin  lIoll)rook, 
Josiah  Chandler,  Jr.,  John,  Daniel,  James  and  Caleb  Trowbridge,  Amasa  Ses- 
sions, Jr.,  Joseph  Ingalls,  Edward  and  Benjamin  Kiiggles,  John  and  Isaac  Wil- 
liams, Joseph  Whitney,  Elijah  Dana,  Israel  l^utnam,  Jr. 


CAMPAIGNS,    DISCOURAGEMENTS,    ETC.  181 

cure  this  vital  necessity  from  other  qxiarters.  PLiinfield  ordered  thirty- 
six  bushels  carted  from  Boston,  Messrs.  Dunlap  and  Pierce  to  distribute 
the  same  according  to  polls.  Joseph  Torrey  of  Killingly,  was  allowed 
to  exchange  six  firkins  of  butter  for  salt,  while  limited  su]iplies  were 
secured  with  much  labor  and  difficulty  by  home  manufacture. 

Prompt  and  liberal  provision  was  made  by  all  the  towns  in  the  spring 
of  1778,  for  the  raising  of  their  respective  quotas.  Thirty-seven  men 
were  demanded  from  Windham.  She  ofiTered  to  each  man  who  would 
enlist  for  a  year's  service,  six  pounds  bounty,  in  addition  to  the  same  sum 
paid  by  the  State  ;  twelve  pounds  at  the  end  of  the  year,  and  his  wages 
of  forty  shillings  a  month,  all  in  lawful  money.  A  rate  of  sixpence 
on  all  the  polls  and  ratable  estates,  to  be  paid  in  beef,  jiork,  flour,  etc., 
was  levied  to  meet  this  outlay.  Similar  ofters  from  other  towns  met 
Avith  ready  acceptance.  Favorable  news  from  France  revived  public 
cheerfulness  and  courage.  Recognition,  alliance  and  aid  weie  offered 
to  the  struggling  States.  Soldiers  went  out  again  with  hopeful  hearts 
and  patriots  labored  on  at  home,  hoping  that  brighter  days  were  at 
hand  ;  but  just  as  the  French  fleet  was  nearing  the  American  coast 
came  rumors  more  appalling  than  anything  yet  heard  during  the  war — 
rumors  of  Indian  descent  and  massacre  in  Wyoming's  lovely  valley. 
These  terrible  rumors  were  but  too  literally  confirmed.  Robert  Dm-- 
kee,  Robert  Jameson,  Anderson  Dana,  George  Donance,  James  Bid- 
lack,  Thomas  and  Stephen  Fuller,  Stephen  Whiton,  John  Abbot.  Sam- 
uel Ransom,  Elisha  AVilliams,  Tiraotliy  Pierce,  John  Perkins^,  and  many 
other  honored  sons  of  Connecticut  and  Windham  County,  had  been  most 
barbarously  tortured  and  butchered,  their  homes  burned,  their  farms  rav- 
aged, their  families  taken  prisoners,  or  driven  out  naked  and  starving  into 
the  wilderness.  Aged  fathers  and  mothers  in  Windham  County  waited 
in  harrowing  suspense  to  hear  from  their  lost  children,  and  after  many 
anxious  days  received  these  stricken  families,  as  one  by  one  they  found 
their  way  to  the  old  hearthstone.  Mrs.  John  Abbot  and  Mrs.  Thomas 
Fuller,  each  with  nine  children,  and  utterly  destitute,  begged  tlieir  way 
back  as  best  they  could  to  their  Windham  homes.  Mrs.  Stephen  Fuller 
came  on  horseback  with  her  little  Polly.  Mrs.  Anderson  Dana,  with 
her  widowed  daughter,  Mrs.  Whiton,  the  bride  of  a  few  weeks,  and 
six  younger  children,  toiled  back  to  Ashfoi'd,  having  first  the  presence 
of  mind  to  save  and  bring  with  her  most  valuable  public  and  personal 
papers  belonging  to  her  husband.  Mrs.  Elisha  Williams  left  on  that 
bloody  battle-field  her  husband,  two  promising  sons,  and  a  daughter's 
husband,  and  with  her  five  surviving  children  sought  refuge  at  her 
father's  house  in  Canterbury.  And  after  many  months  had  passed,  and 
all  hope  of  seeing  them  again  had  perished,  Mrs.  Esther  Minor  Yorke, 
with  twelve  children,  barefoot  and  starving,  reached  her  old   home   iu 


182  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Volunlown.  li,i\iiig  witli  gToat  ditlicnlty  osca|K'<l  from  tlieir  Indian  cap- 
tors and  acconiplislied  the  perilous  joiiiney,  tlie  baby  dying  on  the  way 
frojn  colli  and  exposure.  Another  hunted  fugitive  arriving  at  about  the 
same  date,  was  llufus  Baldwin,  an  emigiant  to  Newpoit,  New  York, 
who  had  killed  an  Indian,  and  was  obliged  to  tlee  fur  liis  life,  and  trav- 
eled through  the  wilderness  to  Cantei'buiy  "  with  only  a  chunk  of  raw 
salt  pork  in  his  pocket." 

Meantime  another  calamity  had  befallen  the  patriots.  Their  hope  of 
aid  from  France  had  proved  illusive.  The  fleet,  so  warmly  greeted, 
had  only  brought  them  fi'esh  disappointment.  Another  effort  had  been 
made  to  regain  possession  of  Newpoit.  A  large  force  under  General 
Sullivan  was  to  coiiperate  with  the  French  fleet.  Again  Windham 
County  militia  and  troops  of  hoi'se  Inii-ried  down  to  Rhode  Island. 
Young  Joseph  Joslin,  one  of  tlii'ee  V)rothers  sent  from  Thompson,  gives 
a  grapiiic  pictm-e  of  his  share  in  the  campaign  : — 

"  Anfjnst  0.  Did  inarch  to  town  and  t)an\'U:k  in  tlie  Court  Ilonse.  7.  As 
soon  a.s  light,  got  up  and  see  the  ("ontincntals  niarcli  for  Tivertown;  got  some 
bicaklast.  and  then  I  went  to  the  New  Liglit  nieeliug-liouse  and  got  a  canteen, 
and  about  12  we  set  out  for  Tivertown,  marched  through  Pawtuxet  into  .Se- 
konlt  or  Ivehoboth,  and  did  lie  in  tl;e  meadow  on  the  side  of  a  fence.  8. 
Mustered  about  2  or  3  o'clock  and  \narched  into  Swanzea.  and  then  over 
States  Ferry  into  Freetown,  and  then  over  Fall  River  to  Tiverton,  and  I 
encamped  I)y  sitle  of  a  hay  stack.  9.  Flad  bowl  of  chocolate  and  went  to  Parade, 
and  fixed  onr  guns  for  business;  then  rode  over  the  ferry  and  landed  upon 
lihoile  Island;  formed  and  marclied  up  to  the  fort,  and  lay  down  in  tlie  great 
chaml^er.  10  French  did  engage  the  English  batteries  with  their  sliips.  and 
cannonaded  very  smart  for  three  hours,  and  brothers  Jesse  and  John  went  to 
the  lines  scouting  at  night.  I  went  upon  guard  to  the  bridge,  and  did  sleep 
in  tlie  road.  1 1.  Jesse  and  John  fixed  a  little  wall  to  break  the  wind,  and  we 
have  nothing  to  cat  hardly.  12.  Knocked  about  and  l)nilt  us  a  stone  liouse 
and  covered  it  with  hay,  and  it  rained  very  hard,  and  the  house  leaketl  and  we 
thouirht  we  could  not  stand  it,  went  about  a  mile  and  got  wet  to  the  skin,  and 
found  a  hay  stack,  and  almost  cliillcd  to  death  we  rolled  ofl'  some  hay  and  did 
lie  by  the  stack,  and  were  almost  dead  in  the  morning.  13.  Crept  out,  and 
came  to  stone  house;  found  John  alive,  and  after  a  while  I  got  dry,  and  liad  a 
boil  on  mv  eye,  and  did  feel  very  poorly.  Our  folks  lixed  up  all  our  barracks, 
and  got  a  little  green  coru  to  eat." 

This  terrible  storm  was  the  chief  cause  of  the  failure  of  the  enter- 
prise. The  fleet  was  scattered  and  disabled,  and  the  land  force  greatly- 
worn  down  and  dispirited.  Several  soldiers  died  that  night,  and  many 
were  made  ill.  Provision  and  ammunition  were  greatly  damaged.  Gov- 
.ernor  Trumbull  had  already  made  requisition  upon  Ebenezer  Devotion  of 
Scotland  Parish  for  a  hundred  barrels  of  musket  powder,  and  all  the 
cartridges  in  his  hands,  to  be  forwarded  with  all  speed  to  General 
Greene  at  Providence — nfeedful  teams  to  be  impressed  if  necessary — 
and  now  sends  swift  express,  stating  that  the  storm  had  wet  most  of 
the  cartridges  in  General  Sullivan's  army,  and  begs  him  to  hurry  on 
stores  with  the  utmost  dispatch,  as  powder  sufficient  for  supply  was  not 


DISCOURAGEMENTS,    ENDURANCE,    ETC.  183 

to  be  bad  in  Proviileiife.     In  face   of  tbis  great  disaster,  Sullivan  con- 
tinued   bis  operations.     Joslin  repoi'ts  : — 

^'Aug  14.  Got  up  and  panuk-d  and  marched  to  the  water  and  fired  b.v  pla- 
toons. 15.  Not  well,  nor  John  eitlicr,  and  all  the  brl.u'udes  marehed  to  the 
lines  and  we  sot  our  packs  l)ron;;hL  down  and  encamped  in  a  huckleberry 
plain,  and  I  had  a  clean  shirt  and  trousers  come  and  felt  very  poorly;  blind 
with  one  eye,  and  not  any  tents  nor  ha'n't  had  but  the  heavens  to  cover  us. 
Huckleberries  very  thick.  We  built  a  house  of  bushes-  John  and  I  drawn 
out  to  entrench  and  made  a  fort  and  almost  linished  it.  17.  Very  poorly  ;  ate 
nothing.  18.  Still  very  poorly.  The  enemy  keep  a  constant  firiiiii:  at  our 
men  while  they  are  liuildini-'  the  fort.  John  and  I  yo  upon  guard.  Two  or 
three  wounded  to-day.  Many  guns  broke,  some  the  breeches  oft",  some  the 
barrels  struck  asunder.  19.  A  little  firing-  on  both  sides.  20.  They  fire  a 
little;  are  all  the  time  entrenching  and  building  forts.  I  washed  my  knapsack 
and  feel  some  better.  21.  Set  out  upon  fatigue  down  the  lines,  had  to  dig  in 
plain  sight  of  the  enemy.  The  ground  was  but  just  broke  and  we  got  to  work 
when  they  began  to  fire  upon  us  very  fast,  but  we  received  no  damage.  I  got 
home  alive  to  my  tent.  22d.  One  m;ui  killed,  one  wounded.  2.'!tl.  Enemy 
firing  hot  shells  and  we  begun  the  breastwork  for  the  great  mortar.  Two  of 
our  men  were  taken.  Jesse,  John  and  I  worked  till  noon  and  placed  the  great 
mortar.  24.  Constant  firing.  25.  All  paraded  and  went  to  headquarters; 
Avent  three  miles  for  rum.  A  great  gun  ball  took  a  board  off  the  store  and 
struck  liere  and  there.  2().  Paraded;  six  or  seven  men  killed;  an  eighteen- 
pounder  split  all  to  pieces  and  a  brass  mortar.  Aug.  27.  Paraded  and  took 
our  cooking  utensils  and  went  to  lieadquarters  and  delivered  them  up,  and 
marched  through  Portsmouth  to  Bristol  Ferry  and  went  on  board  a  vess(;l  to 
go  to  Providence.  There  was  but  little  wind  and  that  was  wrong,  and  at  two 
the  men  came  jumping  down  into  the  hold  and  said  we  were  all  prisoaers,  fnr 
there  was  an  English  privateer  just  by,  but  it  proved  to  be  one  of  our  own,  and 
we  got  along  slowly  and  beat  along  almost  to  Conanicut  Point  and  cast  an- 
chor and  lay  till  light  and  then  struck  for  Warwick  Rock  and  landed  and  came 
along  .  .  .  and  got  some  victuals  and  I  feel  very  poorly.  Camp  Middle- 
town,  Aug.  28.      Hear  that  they  had  a  smart  fight." 

Deserted  by  tbe  Freucb  fleet,  and  alarmed  by  rumors  of  large  acces- 
sion to  tbe  forces  of  tbe  enemy,  Sullivan  was  compelled  to  abandon  bis 
enterpi'ise,  and  instead  of  tbe  brilliant  victory  so  confidently  anticip;ited 
tbe  patriots  could  only  rejoice  tbat  tbe  army  bad  safely  retreated. 
Several  Windbam  County  soldiers  were  slain  or  wounded  in  tbe  "smart 
figbt"  witb  tbe  pursuing  Britisb.  Tbeodore,  son  of  Deacon  Lusber 
Gay,  of  Tbompson  Point,  a  most  ))romisiiig  and  engaging  young  man 
of  nineteen  years,  died  of  sickness  at  Tiverton. 


lY. 

DISCOURAGEMENTS.     ENDURANCE.     HOME   AFFAIRS. 
BRIGHTENING  PROSPECTS.     VICTORY. 

WITH  sucb  reiterated  defeat,  disaster  and  disappointment  tbe  w^ar 
dragged  on.  Tbe  succeeding  year  biougbt  no  improvement. 
Little  was  attempted  or  accomplisbed.  Financial  embarrassment,  in- 
ternal dissension  and  insufl&cient  supplies,  compelled  inaction.  Never 
were  aliairs  more  gloomy  and  discouraging.  Tbe  best  tbat  could  be 
said    was    tbat  tbe   army  was    not    auulbilated,   tbat    tbe  States  and 


184  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

General  Government  still  maintained  their  integrity,  that  after  all  the 
eiforts  and  expenditnres  of  Great  Britain,  rebellion  was  not  crushed 
out,  the  Colonies  were  not  subdued.  The  people  all  over  the  land  were 
weary,  de])ressed  and  discouraged.  Their  property  was  becoming 
wortliless,  the  comforts  and  even  necessaries  of  life  almost  unattainable. 
Thousands  of  their  brethren  had  been  sent  out  to  die  in  camp,  prison 
and  battle,  and  to  little  apparent  pui'pose.  And  there  were  things  harder 
to  bear  than  discomforts,  loss  of  property  and  even  friends.  There  was 
demoralization,  degeneration  and  defection.  Young  men  came  back 
wrecked  in  health  and  character,  dissolute  in  habit  and  infidel  in  prin- 
ciple. Even  Windham  County  had  its  Auxor.D.  Poor  Colonel 
Fitch,  with  all  his  chivalrous  devotion  to  the  royal  cause,  could  never 
openly  take  ground  against  his  countrymen  ;  but  Pomfret's  dashing  at- 
torney was  less  scrupulous.  Nathan  Frink,  a  shrewd  and  successful 
lawyer,  who  had  gained  an  extensive  legal  practice  and  wide  reputation, 
seeing  no  hope  for  success  on  the  patriot  side,  left  home  and  friends 
and  ofiered  himself  and  his  services  to  the  British  commander  in  New 
York  !  His  aged  father  most  piteously  bemoaned  "that  he  had  lost  his 
son,  lost  his  education,  lost  everything  in  him  that  was  dear  to  him," 
and  soon  went  down  into  the  grave  mourning.  His  sister,  the  wife  of 
Schuyler  Putnam,  a  large  circle  of  family  connections,  and  all  the 
earnest  patriots  of  Pomfret  and  its  vicinity,  were  overwhelmed  with 
grief,  shame  and  resentment  at  this  "  mournful  defection." 

And  even  among  those  who  claimed  to  be  patriots  there  were  things 
that  caused  sorrow  and  discouragement.  There  were  murraurings,  and 
bitter  wranglings,  and  selfish  speculation  and  extortion.  Men  kept  back 
their  goods  for  a  price,  though  they  knew  their  soldiers  were  starving 
and  naked.  The  brief  sessions  of  the  County  Court  were  chiefly  occu- 
pied with  hearing  conn)laints  against  various  people  for  selling  cattle 
and  swine  at  foreign  markets  and  for  unauthorized  prices,  and  for 
other  breaches  of  wholesome  laws  made  to  encourage  fair  dealing  and 
restrain  and  punish  sharpers  and  oppressors.  Ebenezer  Gray,  now 
Lieutenant-Colonel,  thus  writes  of  the  sufferings  of  the  soldiers  : — 

"  Camp,  Jan.  7,  1779. 
Dear  Brothpr — I  wrote  several  times  to  my  father  and  Dr.  Elderkin  to 
procure  me  some  butter  and  clieese,  and  if  they  should  not  do  it  pray  procure 
me  some,  and  forward  by  the  first  State  or  Continental  teams  that  come  to  tiie 
army,  for  I  am  in  great  need  of  them  as  tliereis  nothiuir  to  be  bought  here  and 
our  allowance  very  short,  only  fourteen  ounces  of  meat  for  seven  days,  or 
three  gills  of  rice  and  three-fourths  of  a  pound  of  corn  bread  of  buckwheat 
and  corn  not  sifted,  and  sometimes  neither.  I  am  credibly  informed  that  some 
oflicers  have  been  so  hard  pressed  by  hunger  as  to  kill  and  eat  their  dogs:.  We  cer- 
tainly fare  very  hard.  My  own  hunger  and  the  cries  of  a  distressed  regiment 
for  victuals  as  well  as  for  clothes  gives  me  sensible  pain,  and  in  such  a  man- 
ner as  I  never  felt  before.  I  hope  I  shall  be  able  to  get  well  through  it.  I 
have  no  news  only  our  present  dilficulties  for  waut  of  supplies.    The  patience 


DISCOURAGEMENTS,  ENDURANCE,  ETC.  185 

and  submission  of  our  men  under  such  difficulties  and  trying  scenes  are  in- 
credible. Tiie  avarice  of  tlie  people,  which  depreciates  the  currency,  is,  I  be- 
lieve, the  grand  source  of  our  present  troubles.     Your  affectionate  brother." 

Doctor  Waldo  of  Pomfret,  returning  home  during  this  winter  upon  a 
furlough,  "found  his  faiuily  on  the  point  of  famishing  with  mere  want 
of  food  and  every  other  necessary."  Money  received  fi"om  sale  of  a 
small  possession  and  such  wages  as  had  been  paid  him,  reduced  to  a 
trifle  in  value,  were  now  wholly  gone,  and  he  was  compelled  by  sheer 
necessity  to  resign  his  place  as  surgeon  to  protect  them  "•  from  the  in- 
solence of  pressing  want." 

Yet  in  the  face  of  all  these  difficulties  and  discouragements,  Wind- 
ham County  continued  steadfast,  trusting  in  the  justice  of  the  patriot 
cause  and  in  that  Providence  which  had  so  wondeifully  led  and  sus- 
tained the  people  of  America.  The  high  position  assumed  by  her  at 
the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolution  was  steadily  maintained.  Those  ve- 
hement and  somewhat  over-confident  "  resolutions"  had  been  followed 
by  abundant  performance.  In  darkest  days  she  stood  firm  and  unwav- 
ering, striving  with  unceasing  diligence  to  strengthen  tlie  hands  of 
government  and  carry  forward  the  war.  Though  in  the  increasing 
poverty  and  scarceness  these  demands  were  veiy  burthensome,  the  sev- 
eral towns  never  failed  to  meet  them.  Year  after  year  they  taxed 
themselves  heavily  to  pay  bounties,  furnish  clothing,  and  provide  for  the 
families  of  tlie  soldiers.  Those  sturdy  fathers  and  patriots  who  had 
taken  so  bold  a  stand  in  the  beginning  of  the  great  struggle  carried  the 
towns  onward.  Solid  as  their  own  granite  rocks  they  stood  in  unbroken 
phalanx,  manfully  bearing  the  heavy  financial  burden,  and  faithfully  ful- 
filling social  and  political  obligations.  Ebenezer  Smith  of  Wood- 
stock, called  to  attend  a  special  session  of  the  General  Assembly  iu 
winter  when  the  roads  were  snow-blocked,  walked  the  whole  distance 
to  Hartford  on  snow-shoes  rather  than  fail  of  attendance,  and  there  were 
scores  of  men  in  that  and  other  towns  equally  ready  to  perform  any 
patriotic  service  in  the  same  self-sacrificing  and  conscientious  spirit — 
men  who  had  pledged  their  lives,  their  fortunes  and  their  sacred  honor 
to  the  patriot  cause,  wlio  sent  their  sons  to  the  front  and  went  them- 
selves in  any  extremity,  who  holdup  the  hands  of  Trumbull,  and  made 
Connecticut  a  tower  of  strength  throughout  the  war.  Washington 
never  called  in  vain  upon  "  Brother  Jonathan,"  and  Trumbull  was 
sure  of  instant  response  from  his  own  County.  Again  and  again 
those  patriot  fathers  stepped  into  the  breach  and  led  the  people 
onward  ;  went  forth  themselves  into  the  field  or  furnished  vital  aid  to 
those  engaged  in  battle.  General  Douglas  of  Plainfield,  Colonels  Wil- 
liams, Danielson  and  Johnson,  though  now  advanced  in  years,  led  the 
militia  many  times  on  alarm  of  danger,  and  Major  Backus  time  after 
21 


186  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM   COUNTY. 

time  hurried  his  troo])S  of  horse  to  the  relief  of  New  London  and  Khode 
Island.  ]McClellan  not  only  served  almost  continuonsly  in  the  field,  but 
paid  his  legiment  out  of  his  own  pocket  when  the  public  treasury  was 
empty.  General  Douglas,  Colonel  Johnson,  iNlajor  Kipley,  Commissary 
Waldo,  and,  indeed,  very  many  of  those  leading  men  who  had  money 
at  command,  advanced  it  repeatedly  to  pay  out  bounties  or  tit  off  ex- 
peditions. 

Col.  Dyer,  when  not  representing  Connecticut  in  Congress,  devoted 
his  time  and  energies  to  deliberations  with  the  Council  and  Committee 
of  Safety.  Elderkin  and  Wales  maintained  their  place  on  this  Com- 
mittee. Samuel  Gray  served  as  assistant-commissary  to  Col.  Joseph 
Tiumbull,  and  after  his  decease  was  appointed  by  Congress,  deputy 
cotnmissary-general  of  the  Eastern  Department,  comprising  New  Eng- 
land and  New  York,  a  most  laborious  and  responsible  office.  Very 
many  men  were  employed  by  him  in  Windham  County,  securing  and 
forwarding  for  the  use  of  the  sufteiing  army  all  provisions  that  could 
possibly  be  spared.  Elderkin  and  Gray  rei)aired  their  powder-mill  and 
were  able  to  send  out  fresh  supplies  of  ammunition,  under  the  su- 
pervision of  their  efficient  and  ingenious  superintendent,  Ilenry  De 
Witt;  and  Hezekiah  Huntington  continued  to  repair  and  raanulacture 
arms  at  liis  State  Armory  at  Willimantic,  while  others  with  ecpial  dili- 
gence and  efficiency  labored  to  fulfill  varying  demands.  Town  acts  and 
votes  were  still  unanimtnis.  No  attempt  was  made  to  evade  military 
or  civil  requisitions.  The  leaders  kept  their  ]>ost  and  the  people  faitii- 
fully  upheld  them.  That  s[)irit  of  detiaction  and  sus])icion  which 
wrought  such  mischief  within  the  ])atriot  ranks  was  denounced  and 
held  in  abeyance.  Judge  Ebenezer  Devotion  of  Scotland  tlius  writes 
to  Dr.  Waldo  : — 

"We  hivve  many  loud  declaimers  ajjainst  tlie  times,  the  very  worst  that  ever 
were  known;  tlie  Americans  have  in  three  years  lost  all  their  virtue,  their 
honor,  their  patriotism  ;  but  what  is  the  foundation  of  this  outcry?  The  prin- 
cipal thing  is  the  depreciation  of  our  cunency,  by  which  so  many  worthy  men 
liave  sutlered,  which  has  highly  disgusted  and  soured  them.  They  cry  out, 
Public  virtue  is  at  an  end.  Congress  hath  promised  and  not  performed.  I 
confess  I  am  unable  to  see  wherein  Congress  has  been  to  blame,  except  that  it 
did  not  tax  more  and  hii/her.  This  might  have  lessened  but  not  prevented  the  dif- 
liculty  and  might  have  excited  in  the  minds  of  the  i)eople  a  most  fatal  inieasi- 
ness.  Congress  has  been  obliged,  as  there  was  no  other  possible  way  to  carry 
on  the  war,  to  emit  vast  sums.  It  is  a  certain  known  maxim  that  the  prices 
of  commodities  will  be  proportionate  to  the  plenty  or  scarcity  of  cash,  taking 
into  due  consideration  the  quantity  of  and  demand  for  such  commodities.  It 
is,  I  believe,  an  undoubted  fact,  that  the  ([uantity  of  necessaries  oT  life  usually 
produced  in  this  country  have  since  the  war  diminished,  while  for  oi)vious  rea- 
sons the  demand  has  greatly  increased.  These  two  causes,  co-oi)erating  with 
the  tirst,  viz.  :  the  amazing  superabundant  quantity  of  money,  have  produced 
the  etlect  they  never  failed  to  produce  in  one  instance  since  the  siege  of 
Samaria.  The  honest  merchant  and  farmer  have  acted  on  the  same  principle 
as  ever  before— iu  open  market  to  sell  their  merchandize  or  produce  at  as 
high  a  price  as  the  purchaser  was  willing  to  give,     llogues  and   knaves  we 


DISCOURAGEMENTS,    ENDURANCE,    ETC.  187 

have  now  as  before,  but  God  forbid  that  the  State  should  take  its  complexion 
from  them.  It  is  on  this  principle  and  not  on  the  total  decay  of  virtue  and 
public  spirit,  I  have  to  account  for  the  depreciation  of  currency.  A  people 
never  lost  their  virtue  in  a  day." 

Colonel  Dyer  was  particularly  sensitive  and  scrupulous  with  regard 
to  the  fulfillment  of  every  pledge  and  promise,  and  thus  writes  Gover- 
nor Trumbull  in  reference  to  the  Burgoyne  contract  which  some 
thought  of  evading : — 

"It  concerns  us  inviolably  to  keep  our  faith  and  maintain  our  honor, 
plediced  for  the  punctual  fulfillment  on  our  part  of  all  treaties,  contracts  or 
conventions,  made  even  with  our  eueaiies ;  as  we  would  not  offened  Heaven 
by  our  perfldy.  nor  forfeit  our  honor  and  reputation  in  the  eyes  of  this  or  the 
European  world,  which  are  and  will  be  most  attentively  watchful  over  every 
part  of  our  public  conduct,  and  will  rtx  their  opinion  and  form  their  estima- 
tion of  these  American  States  on  no  part  more  than  that  which  concerns  our 
public  faith  and  honor.  In  the  beijinnini;  of  this  infant  Empire  the  greater 
care  is  to  be  taken  to  establish  a  fair  and  reputable  character  which  if  once 
lost  is  hardly  to  be  regained." 

Public  calls  found  Windham  town  ever  ready  for  speech  or  action. 
An  address  from  Congress,  May  26,  1779,  requesting  "the  immediate, 
strenuous  and  united  effort  of  all  friends  to  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica for  preventing  the  mischiefs  that  have  arisen  from  the  depreciation 
of  their  currency,"  was  met  by  a  prompt  assemblage  of  the  inhabitants 
of  this  town  who  unanimously  voted  to  unite  with  other  towns  of  the 
State  in  all  proper  Constitutional  measures.  The  published  report  of 
the  proceedings  of  the  meeting  failing  to  incite  other  towns  to  action, 
the  Committee  of  Correspondence,  viz.  :  Eliphalet  Dyer,  Xathaniel 
Wales,  Jr.,  Samuel  Kingsbury,  Ebenezer  Mosely  and  Hezekiah  Bissell, 
fearing  that  by  a  long  delay  in  so  important  a  ci'isis  the  whole  should 
prove  abortive,  issued  a  circular,  urging  the  "  vast  importance  of  sup- 
porting our  public  and  national  faith,  especially  in  time  of  war,"  and 
the  necessity  of  having  the  whole  State  agi-eed  in  any  plan  proper  to 
be  pursued.  But  as  no  method  had  been  pioposed  for  calling  a  State 
meeting,  a  meeting  of  the  several  towns  in  Windham  County  was 
deemed  "  expedient  and  necessary  to  give  spring  to  the  whole,"  and 
though  they  did  not  by  any  means  claim  a  right  to  dictate,  yet  since 
one  must  needs  be  first  in  a  matter  of  this  kind  they  therefore  requested 
the  several  towns  in  the  County  by  their  committees  or  selectmen  to 
meet  "  at  the  Court  house  in  Windham  on  the  first  Monday  of  Septem- 
ber to  take  the  matters  aforesaid  into  their  consideration  and  agree  on 
such  measures  as  they  may  judge  necessary  to  accomplish  the  end  de- 
signed." 

With  such  unfailing  spirit,  resolution  and  persistence  Windham  car- 
ried on  the  war.  The  substratum  of  strength  underlying  the  early  ef- 
fervescence was  more  and  more  apparent  as  the  years  went  on.  All 
were  ready  to  do  their  part  and  share  in  the  sufferings  and  sacrifices. 


188  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM   COUNTT. 

Men  went  out  to  battle  and  council  and  provided  for  public  demands, 
and  women  labored  as  efficiently  in  their  own  especial  fields  of  useful- 
ness. The  burdens  and  distresses  of  the  w.-ir  fell  very  heavily  upon 
these  women.  They  sent  out  husbands,  brothers,  sons,  and  labored  to 
fill  their  places.  Farm  work  was  added  to  their  ordinary  domestic  du 
ties.  Tliey  had  to  take  care  of  their  stock  as  well  as  their  chikb-en,  to 
plant  and  reap  as  well  as  spin  and  weave,  to  cure  herbs  for  their  own 
tea,  and  manufacture  their  molasses  out  of  corn-stalks.  These  various 
demands  stimulated  ingenuity  so  that  whatever  the  call  they  were  ready 
to  meet  it.  Mrs.  Philemon  Adams  of  Brooklyn,  left  by  her  husband 
ere  their  house  was  finished,  laid  the  fioor  herself  and  n)ade  it  ready 
for  the  occupation  of  her  family.  Somebody  in  Windham  Village  had 
the  enterprise  to  begin  to  build  a  house  during  this  period,  but  when 
the  timbers  were  ready  there  was  not  a  man  to  help  about  the  raising. 
The  spirited  and  capable  women  of  the  district  came  to  the  rescue,  and 
under  the  lead  of  an  old  lame  carjienter  set  up  the  frame  of  a  large  two 
story  dwelling  in  so  satisfactoiy  and  workman-like  a  manner  that  after 
more  than  a  hundred  years  it  stands  as  a  memorial  of  their  achieve- 
ment. Many  marvelous  feats  of  handiwoik  were  accomplished.  A 
good  lady  in  Thompson  hears  of  a  chance  to  send  a  package  to  her 
husband  and  in  one  day  and  night  knits  a  pair  of  long  woolen  stock 
iiigs.  Shubael  Dimmock  of  Mansfield  comes  home  in  rags  for  a  brief 
furlough  in  midwinter.  There  was  no  cloth  in  the  house,  but  there 
was  a  web  of  warp  drawn  into  the  loom  and  an  old  black  sheep  nib- 
bling round  the  dooryard.  Instantly  the  sheep  was  caught,  sheared, 
and  bundled  down  cellar  in  a  blanket,  and  in  forty-eight  hours  its  black 
fieece  was  transmuted  into  a  golden  suit  of  clothes  wending  its  way  to 
the  army.  Mother,  sisters,  and  neighbors,  working  with  skill  and  dex- 
teiity,  had  woven  the  wool  into  cloth,  cut  and  made  the  garments. 
Children  as  they  grew  up  caught  the  pervading  spirit.  Lads  hurried 
off  to  camp  or  worked  like  men  at  home ;  young  girls  devoted  all  their 
overflowing  energies  to  useful  labors.  The  only  daughter  of  Captain 
James  Stedman,  of  Canada  Parish,  often  worked  in  the  fields  with  the 
hired  woman,  while  her  father  and  workmen  were  on  militia  service, 
and  before  she  had  comi)leted  her  eleventh  year  had  achieved  by  the  sole 
labor  of  her  own  hands — carding,  spinning  and  weaving — a  web  of  tow 
cloth  which  she  took  down  herself  on  horseback  to  Windham  Green 
and  exchanged  for  six  silver  teaspoons,  to  be  treasured  as  priceless  heir- 
looms by  appreciative  descendants.  And  while  thus  burthened  with 
business  and  family  cares  they  were  ready  for  any  patriotic  and 
neighborhood  service.  Trumbull,  with  his  neighbor,  Jonathan  J. 
Hazard  of  Rhode  Island,  "  stumped  "  New  London  and  Washington 
Counties  in  the  hard  winter  of  1777-78,  urging  all  the  women  "  to  com- 


DISCOURAGEMENTS,    HOME    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  189 

menoe  making  yarn  and  knitting-  stockings  for  the  suffering  army  " — 
but  a  single  telegrapliic  di.s])atcli  from  headquarters  was  enough  to  elec- 
ti'ify  the  knitting  needles  of  Windham  County.  Thousands  of  cartiidges 
were  made  by  Plaintield  women  to  keep  up  the  supply  of  military 
stores  at  their  depot.  Sick  and  weary  soldiers  passing  along  the  public 
highways  were  nursed  and  tended.  A  widow  in  Thompson,  who  had 
spared  her  only  grown-up  son  to  the  sei'vice,  found  time  witli  all  her 
other  labors  to  brew  every  day  in  summer  a  barrel  of  beer  to  stand  by 
her  door  step  for  the  especial  i-efreshment  of  these  way-worn  soldiers. 

With  such  support  and  sympathy  from  town  and  lireside  the  soldiers 
sent  out  by  Windham  County  could  hardly  fail  to  do  her  honor.  Their 
early  reputation  for  courage  and  good  conduct  was  abundantly  sus- 
tained. Many  who  had  sallied  out  at  the  first  cry  from  Lexington  re- 
mained in  service  throughout  the  war.  The  officers  of  Putnam's  first 
regiment — the  Connecticut  Third  of  1775 — thus  served  with  but  few 
exceptions.  Lieutenant  Thomas  Gi'osvenor  went  on  from  rank  to  rank, 
succeeding  Durkee  in  command  when  that  valiaiit  leader  was  compelled 
by  ill-health  to  retire  from  active  service.  Lieutenant  Ebenezer  Gray 
served  the  whole  seven  years,  attaining  the  rank  of  Lieutenant-Colonel. 
Captain  Mosely  was  often  called  to  command  the  militia  in  special  ser- 
vice at  Rhode  Island  or  New  London.  Captains  Dana,  Clark,  Cleft, 
Manning  ;  Lieutenants  Daniel  Marcy,  John  Keyes,  Daniel  Allen,  Joim 
Adams,  Melatiah  Bingham,  Benoni  Cutler,  Josiah  Cleveland,  Nathaniel 
Webb,  William  and  Stei)hen  Lyon  served  with  distinction  through 
successive  campaigns  and  were  honored  by  various  promotions.  Nor 
less  faithful  and  devoted  were  many  of  the  subalterns  and  privates  of 
that  first  regiment  and  hundi-edsof  subsequent  recruits.  Tlieir  beloved 
leader  and  genei-al,  under  whom  they  had  first  enlisted,  was  taken  from 
them  in  1779,  paralyzed  and  disabled,  but  they  were  able  to  fight  on  to 
the  last,  supporting  Washington  and  his  immediate  command  through 
all  their  privations  and  disappointments.  Even  when  roused  by  poor 
food,  insufficient  clothing  and  worse  pay  to  the  very  verge  of  mutiny, 
and  preparing  with  other  Connecticut  soldiers  to  march  to  Hartford 
and  demand  redress  from  the  General  Assembly,  they  yielded  at  once 
to  this  characteristic  appeal  from  General  Putnam  : — 

"  My  brave  lads,  whither  are  you  ^oing?  Do  you  intend  to  desert  your  of- 
ficers and  to  iuvile  the  enemy  to  folfow  you  into  the  country?  Whose  cause 
have  you  been  fighting  and  sutturing  so  long  in?  Is  it  not  your  own?  Have 
you  no  properlv,  no  parents,  wives  or  chiUlren?  You  have  behaved  like  men 
so  far.  All  the  world  is  full  of  your  praises,  and  posterity  will  staud  aston- 
ished at  your  deetis,  but  not  if  you  spoil  it  all  at  last.  Don't  you  consider 
how  much  the  country  is  distressed  by  the  war  and  that  your  officers  have  not 
been  anv  better  paid'  than  yourselves?  But  we  all  expect  better  times  and 
that  the 'country  will  do  us  ample  justice.  Let  us  all  stand  by  one  another, 
then,  and  fight  it  out  like  brave  soldiers.  Think  what  a  shame  it  would  be  for 
Conuecticut  men  to  ruu  away  from  their  officers!" 


190  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Many  of  these  old  Wiiitlliam  heroes  were  noted  in  the  army.  Diah 
Farnhani  was  the  bully  among  Connecticut  soldiers  ;  Rnlph  Farnham, 
the  heaviest  man  in  the  Connecticut  line,  but  a  wiry  little  Killingly  ex- 
pert managed  to  bring  down  both  those  mighty  champions.  It  was 
said  that  Sergeant  "Bijah  Fuller  could  throw  any  man  in  the  army  but 
Ralph  Farnham,  and  carried  this  big  fellow  off  on  his  back  when  he 
was  woundetl  at  the  battle  of  White  Plains,  the  enemy  close  upon  them 
and  "  bullets  falling  like  hail  around  them."  He  would  turn  round 
upon  his  pursuers,  '•  pick  his  man,"  bring  him  down,  and  hurry  on  with 
his  wounded  comrade.  Captain  Abner  Robinson  of  Scotland,  Josiah 
Cleveland  of  Canterbury,  Daniel  Knowlton  of  Ashford,  Joel  Webb, 
Joseph  Ashley,  John  Burnap  and  John  Bingham  of  Windham,  and  many 
from  other  towns,  were  valiant  veterans  serving  throughout  the  war, 
returning  to  the  field  at  tlie  fiist  opportunity,  if  wounded  or  taken  cap- 
tive. Daniel  Knowlton  was  twenty-tliree  months  in  the  enemy's  hands, 
sutfering  from  bad  air,  bad  food  and  every  possible  discomfort  and  an- 
noyance. When  first  taken  he  was  confined  in  an  old  meeting-house 
without  a  panicle  of  food  or  drink  for  four  days.  A  com])assionate 
woman,  hearing  of  the  condition  of  tiiese  prisoners,  concealed  food 
and  a  bottle  of  water  under  her  clothing  and  prevailed  upon  the  guard 
to  allow  her  to  visit  them.  She  found  them  almost  in  a  dying  state, 
the  feelinu'  of  hunger  had  passed,  their  only  suflering  was  from  faint- 
ness,  and  but  for  her  timely  lelief  they  would  .soon  have  perished.  But 
while  those  hardy  veterans  witlistood  for  so  many  years  danger,  disease 
and  im|>risonment,  thousands  had  perished  on  the  way — some  slain  iu 
battle,  the  greater  number  dying  from  sickness  or  imprisonment.  Un- 
numbered sons  of  Windham  County  homes  were  sleeping  in  unknown 
graves  in  distant  States.  No  tongue  or  pen  can  do  justice  to  the  ser- 
vice and  sufferings  of  these  men.  Their  names  cannot  be  sought  out ; 
their  deeds  cannot  be  recorded.  The  system  of  em-oUment  at  that. date 
was  so  confused  and  imperfect  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  obtain 
the  whole  number  sent  out  from  any  section,  and  very  difficult  to  form 
even  an  approximate  estimate.  This  much  we  know,  that  the  several 
towns  of  Windham  County  fulfilled  every  requisition  for  Continental 
or  tnilitia  service.  The  burden  of  the  war  was  borne  by  the  whole 
population,  and  a  complete  muster-roll  of  Windham's  Revolutionary 
soldiers  would  probably  include  the  name  of  nearly  every  family  in  the 
County,  while  many  funilies  sent  very  large  representations.  It  is  said 
thai  seoentee/monsius  named  FhU'm-  in  Windiiam's  second  society  were 
in  the  service,  and  Adams's  and  Cleveland's  almost  without  number. 
Peter  Adams  of  Brooklyn,  and  Ephraim  Fisk  of  Killingly,  had  each 
six  sons  in  the  army  ;  Barzillai  Fisher  and  Lusher  Gay,  each  four  ;  and 
larger  numbers  from  many  other  families.     The  following  list,   taken 


DISCOURAGEMENTS,    HOME    AFFAIKS,    ETC.  191 

from  the  church  records  of  Plaiiifield,  could  probal)ly  have  been 
paralleled  in  every  other  town  had  they  taken  care  to  inscribe  the 
names  of  those  who  had  fallen  : — 

"  List  of  men  killed  and  died  in  ye  Army  and  Navj'  after  April  1,  1775  : — 
Samuel  Gary,  Roxbury;  Roswell  Spauldiiii;,  Asa  Cliapinun,  1775;  William 
Dinilap,  177G;  John  Kingsbury,  New  York-ward,  1777;  Samuel  Cole,  Zeruiah 
Sliurtleff,  New  York- ward,  177G;  four  negroes  by  sickuess  ;  William  Faruham, 
captivity;  Captain  Daniel  Clark,  Paul  Adams,  killed  at  Stillwater,  Sept.  I'J, 
1777;  Asa  Kingsbury's  son  killed  at  Fort  Mifflin,  nigh  Philadelphia;  Dr. 
Nathaniel  Spalding  died  at  Halifax  a  prisoner,  last  of  1777;  Dr.  Phinehas 
Parkhnrst,  surgeon  of  brig  li'cxistanre,  died  at  Portland,  May,  1778;  Daniel 
Parish  died  at  Newport  a  prisoner;  Simon  Spalding  at  ]\Iartinique  after 
being  wounded ;  Enos  Tew,  New  York,  captivity,  Dr.  Ebeuezer  Kobinson, 
Jr.,  at  New  York,  prisoner,  July,  1779." 

And  still  despite  these  many  losses  the  quota  was  kept  up  from  year 
to  year.  The  spirit  evoked  in  "  '76  "  outlived  the  sufferings  and  strug- 
gles of  succeeding  years.  As  fathei's  and  older  brothers  were  stricken 
down  or  disabled,  younger  sons,  full  of  the  same  fire  and  enthusiasm, 
were  only  too  ready  to  follow  in  their  footsteps.  A  notable  feature  of 
the  later  years  of  the  war  was  the  number  of  very  young  men,  lads  of 
fourteen  and  onwards,  who  enlisted  when  permitted,  or  attached  them- 
selves to  some  popular  officer.  Samuel  Calvin  Adams  of  Canterbury, 
not  then  quite  fourteen  years  of  age,  waited  upon  Capt.  Aaron  Cleve- 
land at  the  time  of  Governor  Tryon's  assault  upon  Horse-Xeck,  and  saw 
General  Putnam  plunge  down  the  steep  bluff,  the  bullets  of  the  baffled 
dragoons  whizzing  around  him  and  even  passing  through  his  hat. 
William  Eaton  of  Woodstock,  at  sixteen  ran  away  from  home  to  join 
the  army  and  prevailed  upon  Captain  Dana  to  receive  him  as  his  ser- 
vant. John  Pettengill  of  Windham,  enlisted  at  fourteen,  and  served 
till  the  close  of  the  war  under  the  same  popular  leader.  liCvi  Bingham 
of  Windham,  entered  the  service  at  fifteen.  Daniel  Waldo,  at  seven- 
teen served  a  month  under  Capt.  William  Howard,  at  New  London, 
and  then  enlisted  under  Cajit.  Xathauiel  Wales,  for  continental  service. 
Many  a  household  was  forced  reluctantly  to  part  with  even  its  Benja- 
min. Laban,  the  youngest  son  of  Barzillai  Fisher,  appears  at  dawn  of 
day  with  gun  upon  his  shoulder.  "  O  Laban,  you  are  not  going !  " 
besought  his  distressed  aunt.  "Yes,"  he  cheerily  answered,  "but 
don't  tell  father,"  and  so  he  went  to  his  fate  in  the  Jersey  prison-ship. 
Undeterred  by  the  hard  exjierience  of  those  who  had  gone  before, 
young  men  were  still  eager  to  brave  the  perils  and  share  the  honors  of 
military  life.  The  surgeons'  places  vacated  by  the  death  or  withdrawal 
of  Spalding,  Holmes,  Lee,  Gray,  Waldo  and  others,  were  filled  by  Dr. 
Lord,  Dr.  David  Adams,  and  Dr.  Walter  Hough  of  Canterbury,  who 
had  just  completed  his  studies.  The  hearts  of  older  veterans  in  the 
field  were  cheered  by  this  continued  inftfsion  of  new  blood  and  muscle 


192  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

into  the  army.  The  patience  and  fortitmlc  of  tiiese  men,  young  and 
old  alike,  amid  such  depth  of  destitution  and  discomfort,  excited  the 
wondering  admiration  of  Washington  and  sympathetic  officers. 
Turning  their  very  wants  and  woes  into  sportive  song,*  they  faith- 
fully kept  their  jiosts  and  did  their  duty,  trusting  that  their  labors 
and  sacrifices  would  at  length  meet  fitting  reward  and  help  work  out 
the  freedom  and  prosperity  of  their  country. 

Though  the  carrying  on  of  the  war  was  the  first  and  chief  object 
during  the  Revolutionary  period,  Windham  was  not  wholly  absorbed 
by  it.  Amid  all  the  distractions  and  perplexities  of  the  time  the 
daily  routine  of  life  flowed  on — eating  and  sleeping,  sowing  and  reap- 
ing, buying  and  selling,  birth,  marriage  and  death.  Public  worship 
was  statedly  maintained,  children  taught  in  intermittent  fashion,  town 
affairs  faithfully  administered.  In  some  respects  there  was  decided 
growth  and  progress.  Experience  was  widened  ;  ingenuity  and  inven- 
tion stimulated.  Among  the  gains  of  the  time  were  substantial  fami- 
lies fi'om  sea-board  settlements.  These  new  comers  interested  them- 
selves in  town  affairs  and  engaged  in  various  business  operations. 
James  Thurber  and  Lemuel  Chandler  opened  a  store  in  Pomfret,  sell- 
ing groceries  and  liquors.  Hannah  Miller  of  Boston,  obliged  "  to 
flee  from  the  merciless  troops  of  that  town  as  from  a  nest  of  hornets," 
sought  refuge  in  the  happy  and  peaceful  State  of  Connecticut  with  a 
hogshead  of  rum  and  a  tierce  of  coffee  wliich  she  "had  brought  to 
live  upon,"  selling  and  baitering  the  same  with  the  neighbors,  in 
Pomfret.  Jonathan  Hale  of  Concord,  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of 
hand-cards  to  great  public  convenience.  The  home  production  of 
salt,  saltpetre  and  potash  was  very  largely  increased. 

The  religious  interests  of  the  county  suffered  severel}"^  by  loss  of 
men,  diminished  means,  public  distractions  and  increasing  skepticism. 


*  A  lady  in  Chaplin  sends  this  frajjinent,  sung  to  her  in  childhood  by  Mr. 
Josepli  Martin,  a  tine  sinner  and  prominent  person  in  the  conununity  and 
cluircli,  wlio  used  to  take  her  on  his  knee  and  sing  to  her  many  of  the  old 
Revolutionary  songs,  sung  in  camp  by  the  soldiers  : — 

"  O  once  I  could  eat  of  that  bread,  that  bread, 
That  was  made  of  the  finest  of  wheat; 
But  now  1  am  ^lad  of  an  Indian  cake, 
And  glad  if  I  can  get  it  to  eat. 

O  once  I  could  lie  on  that  bed,  that  bed, 

That  was  made  of  the  softest  of  down; 
But  now  1  glad  of  a  bundle  of  straw 

To  keep  my  head  off  trom  the  ground. 

O  once  I  could  drink  of  that  beer,  that  beer, 

That  was  made  of  the  berry  so  brown ; 
But  now  I  am  glad  of  a  cup  of  cold  water 

That  runs  through  an  Indian  towu." 


HOME    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  193 

The  Baptists  alone  gained  ground.  Their  bold  and  earnest  champion- 
ship of  civil  and  religious  freedom  was  in  unison  with  the  spirit  of  the 
age,  and  brought  them  into  public  favor.  Their  growth  in  Windham 
County  was  greatly  aided  by  the  influence  of  President  Manning  of 
Brown  University,  who  after  the  shutting  up  of  the  college  devoted 
himself  to  missionary  labors.  Many  of  the  new  comers  to  the  county 
were  earnest  Baptists.  A  Baptist  Church  was  organized  in  tlie  east- 
ern part  of  Killingly  in  May,  1776.  In  June,  Baptists  in  Canada  and 
Abington  parishes  united  in  church  fellowship,  electing  one  of  their 
number,  William  Grow,  for  their  pastor.  Mr.  Manning  was  present, 
and  preached  the  ordination  sermon.  Diu-ing  this  busy  summer  of 
1776,  a  Baptist  society  was  also  oiganized  in  Pomfret.  Public  religious 
services  were  held  by  Mr.  Manning  at  the  houses  of  the  Thurbers  and 
other  friends,  which  excited  much  interest.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Putnam 
was  considerably  annoyed  by  this  invasion  upon  his  parochial  bounds 
and  the  increasing  predilection  for  Baptist  principles  and  preaching, 
and  attempted  to  meet  it  by  inviting  Mr.  Manning  to  a  public  discus- 
sion of  the  the  points  at  issue  between  them.  The  result  was  pre- 
cisely contrary  to  what  was  intended.  Mr.  Manning  had  greatly  the 
advantage  of  his  opponent  in  vigor  and  eloquence  if  not  in  argument, 
public  interest  was  heightened,  and  Baptist  sentiments  far  more  widely 
disseminated  and  embraced.  The  Baptist  residents  of  the  Quinebaug 
Valley  in  Pomfret  and  Killingly  organize-d  as  a  distinct  religious 
society,  and  instituted  regular  worship.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Kelly  labored 
Avith  them  for  a  time,  holding  services  at  convenient  residences,  which 
were  "attended  by  a  large  gathering  of  peo^^le,  and  the  prospect  was 
encouraging  of  great  good  to  be  done."  After  his  departure  Mr. 
Manning  very  earnestly  urged  Mr.  Thomas  Ustick  of  Ashford,  to 
enter  upon  this  field,  with  the  view  of  settling  in  it  for  life.  Hitherto 
the  Baptists  of  Windham  County  had  been  mostly  of  the  lower  classes 
of  society,  and  their  ministers  had  been  men  of  little  or  no  education. 
Now,  men  of  higher  standing  were  entering  the  Baptist  ranks  and 
a  different  ministry  was  demanded.  Mr.  Manning  besought  Mr. 
Ustick  to  visit  PomtVet  and  help  the  people  under  their  disappoint- 
ment, and  should  he  decide  to  settle  there  he  wished  him  immediately 
"to  engage  in  a  Latin  school  as  anurseiw  for  the  college,"  and  "endea- 
vor to  influence  his  people  to  educate  their  children,  as  the  present 
state  of  the  Baptist  society  must  convince  all  of  the  importance  of 
having  men  of  education  in  all  parts  of  the  country."  Mr.  Ustick  did 
not  think  best  to  occupy  this  field,  and  no  permanent  pastor  was 
secured,  nor  church  organization  eff'ected  at  that  date.  President 
Manning  looked  after  its  interests  as  long  as  be  was  at  liberty,  and 
often  visited  his  friends  in  Windham  County,  confirming  and  encouiag- 
25 


19J:  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

iiiu:  the  cliurclies,  and  preacliiiig  "  to  ciowdetl  audiences,  very  attentive 
and  aftected." 

The  only  Congregational  churches  formed  during  this  period  was 
that  of  Easttbrd,  and  one  in  the  north  part  of  ^VindllaIn.  Several  of 
the  chmclu's  were  weakened  by  the  loss  of  their  pastors.  The  church 
on  Woodstock  Hill  was  vei'y  seriously  afl'ected  by  the  long  absence 
and  sorrowful  death  of  Kev.  Abiel  Leonard.  The  services  of  Eliphalet 
Lyman  of  Lebanon,  pi'oved  acceptable  to  church  society,  but  their 
hereditai-y  dread  of  Saybi'ook  Platform  and  Connecticut  derelictions 
obliged  tliem  to  make  a  searching  incpiiry  into  his  views  and  princijtles 
respecting  church  government  and  discipline  before  venturing  to 
invite  him  to  settlement.  The  investigating  committee  I'eported  his 
doctrinal  sentiments  to  be  Calvinistic  :  as  to  govei-nment,  he  thought 
a  minister  ought  ever  to  call  church  meetings  when  desired  by  a 
majority  ;  that  the  voice  of  the  majority  ought  to  be  decisive,  and 
denied  the  I'ight  of  the  moderator  to  a  negative  vote.  This  giving 
satisfaction,  a  "  call '  was  given  and  accei)ted,  and  Mr.  Lyman  ordained 
September  2,  1779.  He  proved  himself  "worthy  of  the  high  and  im- 
portant office,"  and  aided  in  restoring  the  church  to  its  former  standing. 
Upon  his  reiterated  assertion  "  that  he  desired  not  the  name  of  hold- 
ing to  a  negative  in  the  church,"  that  body  "  made  no  objection  "  to 
his  joining  the  Windham  County  Association. 

The  church  in  East  Woodstock  was  greatly  afflicted  by  the  increas- 
ing intirmities  and  disabilities  of  Mr.  Stiles.  This  good  minister,  once 
so  full  of  life  and  controversial  zeal,  had  fallen  into  deep  religious 
depression,  "  his  soul  wading  in  clouds  and  temptations,"  aggravated 
by  family  afflictions  and  public  anxieties.  Unable  to  perform  the 
duties  of  his  office,  Mr.  Joshua  Johnson,  a  giaduate  of  Yale  College, 
was  ordained  colleague  pastor,  December  27,  1780.  'J'he  West  Wood- 
stock Church  was  chiefly  exercised  by  the  difficulty  of  keeping  u\)  the 
credit  of  the  minister's  salary,  which  so  depreciated  in  value  that  3Ir. 
Williams  was  obliged  to  ask  for  help.  This  deficiency  laboied  much  in 
the  minds  of  his  peoj)le,  but  after  suitable  discussion  it  was  thought  pru- 
dent not  to  make  any  further  giant.  Mr.  Williams  meekly  acquiescing 
and  expressing  a  hope  that  they  would  not  see  him  suffer,  each  mem- 
ber present  in  society  meeting  voluntarily  promised  to  do  something 
for  their  pastor's  support,  as  in  duty  they  found  themselves  inclined. 

Plainfield  was  unable  to  fill  the  place  of  her  lamented  Fuller.  That 
excellent  minister  had  wrought  a  great  work,  binding  up  old  wounds 
and  healing  animosities.  The  terse  and  touching  inscription  on  a 
gravestone  on  Burial  Hill,  best  tells  the  story  of  his  life  and  ministerial 
service : — "  John  Fuller,  after  watching  for  the  souls  of  his  jjcople  as 
those  who  must  give  account,  fed  asleep,  October  3,  1777,  -^  55." 


HOME    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  195 

In  attem])ting  to  supply  the  loss  of  Rev.  Aavon  Brown,  the  First 
Church  of  Killingly  was  involved  in  gieat  ditiiculties,  unhapi)ily  mak- 
ing choice  of  P^inerson  Foster,  son  of  the  somewhat  notorious  Isaac 
Foster  of  West  Staflbrd.  In  face  of  an  earnest  remonstrance  from 
Deacon  Ebenezer  Larned  and  other  prominent  brethren  who  mistrusted 
the  doctrinal  soundness  of  the  candidate,  the  council  of  reverend 
ministers  and  delegates  meeting  at  Ca[)t.  Felshaw's  tavern,  January 
21,  1778,  thought  it  their  duty  to  proceed  to  his  ordination.  The 
County  Association  lepresented  by  its  Eastern  committee,  concurred  in 
this  judgment,  and  Mr.  Foster  was  ordained  with  the  usual  formalities. 
The  result  was  most  unhappy.  Mr.  Foster's  aberrations  became  more 
pionounced  and  manifest,  and  so  many  withdrew  from  church  and 
society,  that  it  was  found  very  difficult  to  fultill  pecuniary  obligations. 
In  the  fervor  of  their  eagerness  to  secure  Mr.  Foster,  the  society  had 
oflered  him  two  hundred  pounds  settlement,  and  twenty  pounds  salary, 
— the  latter  to  be  made  as  good  as  tlie  same  sum  in  1776,  and  the 
former  to  be  paid  within  six  months  after  his  settling.  The  friends 
of  Mr.  Foster  labored  vainly  to  collect  this  sum.  Times  were  now 
very  hard,  public  demands  urgent,  and  currency  so  depreciated  that 
the  former  salary  of  a  minister  would  scarcely  suffice  "  for  keeping  the 
key  and  sweeping  the  meeting-house."  People  refused  to  pay  and 
took  certificates  from  the  new  Baptist  Society.  A  committee  was 
appointed  to  assist  the  society  committee  "  to  examine  certificates  of 
people  called  Baptists,"  and  i-e[>orted  that  "such  as  produce  proper 
certificates  ought  to  be  exempt  from  taxes."  Disaffection  ra[)idly 
increased.  Captain  Howe  resigned  the  office  of  clei'k,  J.  Cady  Howe, 
S.  H.  Torrey  and  Jacob  Leavens  refused  to  serve  as  collectors.  Mr. 
Foster  remonstrated  with  the  society  respecting  encouragement  for 
support  prior  to  ordination.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  treat  with 
him  "  about  depreciation  of  currency,  and  what  will  make  him  easy." 
Mr.  Foster  not  only  insisted  upon  all  that  was  his  due  "  but  wished  the 
society  to  amend  or  rectify  the  vote  passed  previous  to  ordination." 
The  society  most  positively  declined  to  alter  the  vote,  but  strictly 
adhere  to  the  same  and  regard  it  as  the  foundation  on  which  the 
superstructure  was  reaied.  Church,  society  and  pastor  agreed  to  sub- 
mit all  matters  of  difficulty  to  a  council,  July  27,  1779.  That  body 
dismissed  Mr.  Foster  from  his  pastorate,  but  did  not  adjudicate  the 
pecuniary  question.  Amasa  Learned,  now  entering  upon  the  practice 
of  law  in  New  London,  was  deputized  to  treat  with  Mr.  Foster  "  but 
was  unable  to  come  to  terms,"  whereupon  the  ex-pastor  resorted  to 
legal  process,  bringing  a  suit  against  the  society  for  lawful  arrearage 
and  damage.  Eleazer  Mofiat,  Capt.  Cady  and  Sampson  Howe  were 
chosen  to  carry  on  a  correspondence  with  the  plaintiff,  and  after  much 


196 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


delay  and  bickering;-  it  was  afjreed  to  submit  all  matters  of  difticiilty 
between  them  to  the  arbitration  of  Esquire  Wales  of  Wiiiilham, 
Capt.  Neheniiah  Lyon  of  Woodstock,  and  Capt.  CarjH'nter  of  Lebanon, 
meeting  to  be  held  at  P''elsha\v's  tavern  ;  the  previous  connnittee 
to  attend  on  behalf  of  the  society  and  employ  an  attoiney  to  ])lead. 
The  result  of  the  arbitration  was  less  favorable  than  had  been  hoped, 
and  the  society  was  obliged  to  make  good  its  promise.  No  l>ai)tisins  or 
observance  of  communion  were  reported  during  this  unhappy  contro- 
versy. Public  worship  Avas  maintained  with  some  degree  of  regular- 
ity, Russell  Cook  and  others  supplying  the  pulpit.  An  unsuccessful 
attempt  was  made  to  unite  with  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  middle 
society  in  supporting  the  gospel. 

Abington  Society  was  obliged  to  seek  the  dismissal  of  its  honored 
pastor,  Kev.  David  llipley,  in  consequence  of  a  distressing  and  incura 
ble  disease  brought  on,  he  averred,  by  close  application  to  ministerial 
labors,  by  which  he  was  every  year  confined  to  his  bed  for  weeks  with 
excruciating  pains,  and  disabled  fi"om  etticient  service,  whereby  many 
became  uneasy  that  his  salary  and  support  should  be  continued.  "  For 
the  sake  of  peace  and  to  avoid  contention,"  Mr.  Ripley  consented  to 
be  dismissed  from  his  office,  March,  1778.  The  question  of  arrearages 
and  equivalent  was  referred  to  "  four  judicious  and  distinguished 
gentlemen,  viz..  Reverends  James  Cogswell  and  Josiah  Whitney, 
Col.  Levi  Nott  and  lion.  Charles  Church  Chandler,"  and  satisfactorily 
settled  by  the  payment  of  three  hundred  pounds.  This  dismission  in 
no  wise  eifected  Mr.  Ripley's  ministerial  standing,  and  he  officiated  in 
the  pulpit  at  home  and  abroad  whenever  his  health  ]>ermitted,  and 
supposed  himself  still  entitled  to  all  the  privileges  and  immunities  of  his 
office.  The  "  listers  "  of  Pomfret  were,  however,  of  a  contrary  opinion, 
and  being  greatly  burdened  with  public  demands,  they  made  out  a  list 
of  his  real  and  personal  estate  and  came  upon  him  for  town  and  state 
taxes,  nor  would  the  town  authorities  consent  to  any  release  or  abate- 
ment. Having  neither  "  ways,  means,  ability  or  income,"  to  discharge 
the  same,  Mr.  Ripley  was  compelled  to  carry  his  "  distresses  "  to  the 
Assembly,  and  tight  it  out  with  his  fellow-citizens  before  that  body. 
Pomfret  insisted  that  the  petitioner  was  much  better  able  than  the 
major  part  of  the  inhabitants  to  pay  his  proportion  of  taxes,  "  con- 
sidering the  profits  of  his  farm  and  having  a  grammar  school,  together 
with  sums  of  money  in  the  loan  office  and  other  sums  at  interest," 
supporting  her  position  by  specific  enumeration  of  acres  of  land  and 
heads  of  cattle.  Dr.  Lord  of  Abington,  the  clnu'ch  connnittee,  and 
influential  members  of  the  society,  testified  on  the  other  hand  to  the 
past  usefulness  of  their  superannuated  pastor,  his  excruciating  suffer- 
ings by  which  he  wa's  made  incapable  of  bodily  labor  ;  that  his  circum- 


HOME    AFFAIRS,    FTC. 


197 


stances  were  never  affluent,  and  that  lie  had  a  family  of  children, 
young  and  unsettled,  to  educate  and  su]>])C)rt  fi'om  the  profits  of  his 
fai'm.  It  appeared  upon  cross-examination  that  the  oranimar  school 
consisted  of  one  pupil,  and  the  three  hundn'd  pounds  in  the  loan  otfice 
had  been  paid  in  paper  money  at  the  nominal  sum.  An  attempt  to 
show  that  Mr.  Kipley's  disease  had  been  agiijravated  by  "taking  the 
bark  "  was  equally  unsuccessful.  The  Asscml)ly  ordered  the  collection 
of  the  taxes  to  be  suspended  and  deferred  decision  from  session  to 
session,  and  thus  the  matter  ended.  Mr.  Uipley  was  able  to  preach 
occasionally  to  his  former  charge,  and  no  other  minister  was  settled 
for  several  years. 

The  Episco])al  worship  so  prosperously  established  in  I]i-ooklyn 
Parish  fell  into  great  disfavor  after  the  breaking  out  of  the  war.  The 
King's  headship  in  the  chui'ch  could  no  longer  be  recognized  by 
revolted  subjects.  All  good  patriots  fell  away  and  only  avowed 
royalists  remained  in  the  church  connection.  Prayers  for  the  king 
and  royal  family  were  no  longer  in  order,  and,  as  Mr.  Fogg  like 
other  churchmen  thought  it  inconsistent  with  his  ordination  vows  to 
omit  them,  public  service  was  suspended.  Trinity  church  was  closed 
and  its  congregation  scattered.  Mr.  Fogg  remained  quietly  at  his 
post  of  duty,  ministering  to  his  few  laithfal  followers,  concbu-ting 
himself  ''  in  so  j)eaceable  and  quiet  a  manner,"  as  to  i-etain  the  confidence 
and  I'esiiect  of  the  community.  Col.  Malbone  was  also  allowed  to 
pui'sue  his  way  unmolested.  Though  o})en  and  outspoken  in  his 
attachment  to  the  royal  cause,  he  did  nothing  to  promote  it,  and  by  his 
ready  M'it  and  cool  assurance  managed  to  evade  demands  and  disarm 
opposition.  A  pert  little  official  once  called  to  warn  him  to  a  "ti-ain- 
ing,"  or  some  such  public  service.  Malbone — a  cultured  gentleuian  of 
much  presence  and  dignity — scanned  scornfully  his  insignificant 
figure,  and  taking  him  by  the  coat  collar  to  a  mirror,  glanced  at  the 
images  so  strikingly  contrasted  and  quenched  him  with  the  query  :  — 
"Do  you  think  God  Almighty  made  yoa  to  give  me  orders  ?  "  The 
negro  force  that  caused  so  much  alarm  in  Thompson  and  distant  neigh- 
borhoods, gave  no  great  uneasiness  to  the  people  of  Pomfret,  who  had 
better  means  of  judging  its  efficiency.  The  cliurch  service  held  in 
Col.  Malbone's  dwelling-house  excited  some  dissatisfaction  but  it  was 
not  thought  best  to  interfere  with  it.  Dr.  Walton  continued  faithful 
in  his  adherence  to  the  Church  and  King,  and  as  a  renegade  and 
pervert  was  far  more  obnoxious  than  Malbone.  His  son  was  an  officer 
in  the  British  army,  and  wounded  fellow-officers  were  said  to  have 
been  secreted  by  him  in  Dr.  Walton's  dwelling-house. 

One  of  the  most  remarkable  of  Windham  County  achieve- 
ments during  the    war   was  the  opening  of  the  Plainfield  Academy. 


198  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Stiimil.-Ueil  (loiilttlcss  by  a  lefjacy  left  by  Isaac  Coit,  Esq.,  at  bis 
decease  in  1776 — "tlie  annual  interest  of  which  was  to  be  applied  to 
the  niainteiiance  of  a  Latin  or  Grammar  school  in  the  new  brick  house 
in  Plainfield  :  and  more  especially  for  the  benefit  of  poor  children  of 
"ood  ofenius,  whose  iiarents  are  not  able  to  <jive  them  suitable  learn- 
ing,'' — the  associated  friends  of  education  proceeded  in  177S,  to 
ornanize  a  classical  department,  securing  fur  ix-ctor  Mr.  El)enczcr 
l*embevton  of  Newpoit,  a  gentleman  of  high  scholaisliip  and  accom- 
plishments, and  unusual  aptitude  for  teaching.  His  reputation  and 
the  favdiable  location  of  the  school  attracted  at  once  a  large  number 
of  pupils.  Colleges  and  academies  had  been  generally  suspended. 
Seaboard  towns  weie  exposed  to  invasion,  but  this  remote  inland  village 
oflered  a  safe  and  pleasant  refuge.  Gentlemen  in  Providence,  New 
London,  and  even  New  York,  gladly  availeti  themselves  of  its  advan- 
tages, and  many  promising  lads  from  the  be.st  families  in  the  States 
were  sent  to  Phiintield  Academy.  The  good  people  of  the  town  wel- 
comed these  students  to  their  homes  and  tiresides.  More  teacliers 
were  dem.-inded  and  the  populaiity  of  the  school  inoi-eased  until  it 
nuinbei'ed  more  than  a  hiindied  foreign  pupils,  besides  a  large  number 
from  Phiintield  and  neighboring  towns. 

After  the  transference  of  the  seat  of  war  to  the  Southern  States 
Windham  was  less  actively  participant,  though  still  called  to  raise  her 
quota  of  men  and  supplies  for  State  protection  and  Continental  service. 
The  large  number  of  men  already  sent  out  made  it  more  ditticult  to  se- 
cure recruits.  Windham's  proportion  of  fifteen  hundred  men,  raised 
by  Connecticut  for  si.x  months'  Continental  service  in  May,  1780,  was 
thus  distributed  among  the  townships: — Ashford,  17  :  Canterbury,  9; 
Coventry,  18;  Killingly,  37  :  Lebanon,  36:  :\[anstield,  20:  Plainfield, 
16;  Pomfret.  '2b;  Union,  6:  Voluntown,  17;  Windham,  3-4;  Wood- 
stock, 20.  The  towns  at  once  made  provision  for  enlisting  these  men, 
but  before  it  was  accomplished  a  thousand  men  were  called  for  three 
yeais'  service.  Colonel  McClellan  thus  instructs  the  officers  of  two 
Woodstock  companies : — 

"In  consequence  of  orders  received  from  General  Douglas,  I  am  authorized 
to  acquaint  you  that  you  are  appointed  recruiting  officers  for  your  companies, 
and  lo  be  rewarded  thenfor — you,  and  each  of  you,  are  hereby  directed  to  en- 
list out  of  your  said  companies,  Capt.  Bowen,  two,  and  Capt.  Paine,  four, 
able-bodied  effective  men  to  serve  during  the  war  three  years,  or  until  the  last 
day  of  December  next,  unless  sooner  discharged  .  .  .  If  said  men  are  not 
enlisted  on  or  before  the  2()th  of  June,  instant,  you  are  hereby  directed  to 
raake  a  peremptory  draft  to  make  up  your  complement  as  above  directed,  to 
serve  until  the  last  day  of  December  ne.xt,  unless  sooner  discharged;  and  you 
will  apply  to  the  selectmen  of  your  town  for  blankets,  if  need  be,  in  case  the 
recruits  or  detached  men  should  not  furnish  themselves — and  see  them 
marched  to  the  house  of  Capt.  Natha'l  Clarke  in  Woodstock,  on  Monday,  the 
third  day  of  July  next,  by  nine  o'clock  in  the  moiuiug,  in  order  to  be  mus- 


BRIGHTENING    PROSPECTS,    ETC.  199 

tered,  receive  their  bounty  ami  march  on  emeaditl}-  to  the  army  without  re- 
turninfi'  to  tlieir  respective  lionies.  Yon  will  use  your  utmost  endeavors  to  yet 
the  men  by  enlistment,  taking  the  Act  of  Assembly  for  your  direction.  MuUe 
due  return  of  your  (loini>s. 

Given  at  Woodstock,  June  19,  1780. 

Sam'l  McClellan,  Col." 

A  town  meeting  was  lield  June  2C,  when  it  was  agreed  to  offer  a 
bounty  of  forty  shillings  per  month.  Colonel  McClellan,  Captain 
Daniel  Lyon,  and  Mr.  Ebenezer  Smith  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
confer  with  tlie  several  militia  companies  then  convened  and  had  no 
ditEculty  in  procuring  the  requisite  number  of  soldiers  ;  and  even  at 
the  succeeding  call  it  was  reported  that  they  could  get  their  men  and 
double  the  mimber  wanted  at  the  price  voted.  Windham  offered  £20 
money,  equal  to  wheat  at  five  shillings  a  bushel.  In  December,  she  of- 
fered £12  in  silver  money  as  a  bounty  for  the  first  year  and  £9  silver 
for  each  succeeding  year.  Plainfield  offered  £103  to  any  five  men  who 
would  enlist  for  three  years  ;  and  generous  bounties  promised  by  other 
towns  procured  recruits  without  resort  to  drafting.  Requisitions  for 
corn,  wheat,  beef  and  clothing  were  promptly  met  by  all  the  towns. 
The  raids  upon  New  Haven,  P^iirfield  and  Danbaiy,  the  fre(pient  alarms 
of  invasion  upon  New  London  and  Khode  Island,  exjtosed  the  militia  to 
continual  call  and  repeated  service,  and  even  Avhile  gathering  these 
quotas  for  the  general  army,  a  sudden  summons  hurried  a  large  force  to 
Rhode  Island.  "  Captain  Timothy  Backus  with  his  troop  of  veterans 
from  Canterbury,"  Captain  Daniel  Tyler's  matross  company  from 
Brooklyn,  the  militia  companies,  under  Captain  Abner  Adams  and 
Captain  William  Fiizzel,  of  Pomfret  and  Woodstock,  were  oidered  to 
rendezvous  in  Greenwich,  and  the  selectmen  of  the  several  towns  to  fur- 
nish the  provisions  to  support  them  on  their  march. 

And  yet,  notwithstanding  the  increasing  demand  for  men,  money  and 
sup])lies,  and  the  little  apparent  })rogress  made  by  the  Continental  arms, 
the  piosj>ects  were  brightening.  It  became  more  and  more  evident 
even  to  the  fearful  and  despondent  that  whatever  might  be  in  stoi'e  for 
them  the  States  could  not  be  conquered.  Amid  disasters,  defeat,  and  de- 
fection, there  were  favorable  gleams  and  omens.  La  Fayette  had  re- 
turned full  of  hope  and  courage.  France  was  taking  their  side  more 
boldly  and  heartily.  Marion,  Sumter  and  Green  were  wiiming  laurels 
and  occasional  victories  in  the  Carolinas.  The  marching  of  Gates  and 
his  division  through  Plainfield,  Canterbury  and  Windham  on  their 
withdrawal  from  Newport,  the  quartering  of  the  French  Huzzars  at 
Windham  for  a  week  and  at  Lebanon  through  the  winter  of  1780-1,  gave 
new  life  and  stimulus,  and  encouraged  the  people  to  hoj)e  for  better 
days.  The  Marquis  De  Chastellux  dined  at  Windham  with  the  Duke 
De  Lauzeru.     The  gay  young  Freach  officers  were  very  fond  of  society 


200  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

and  cordially  accepted  hospitalities  extended  to  them,  and  the  blooming 
belles  of  Windham,  Lebanon  and  Norwich  had  the  good  fortune  to  par- 
ticipate in  many  brilliant  entertainments,  while  the  silver  freely  lavished 
by  these  young  men  found  its  way  to  many  a  farmer's  pocket.  Sup- 
plies of  every  kind  were  now  becoming  more  plentiful,  brought  into 
Norwich  by  lucky  privateer  or  secret  smuggler.  ^Molasses,  spirits, 
and  many  kinds  of  foreign  goods,  were  cheap  and  abundant  during  the 
latter  years  of  the  war,  and  the  young  ladies  attending  balls  with 
French  othcers  were  not  compelled  to  wear  Jioinespun.  Muslins,  laces, 
and  even  silk  and  jewelry  were  now  attainable.  A  fair  young  fiancee  in 
Pomfret,  who  had  been  much  troubled  in  I'eference  to  her  wedding  dress, 
was  gladdened  by  the  sight  of  a  traveling  merchant  with  the  loveliest 
pattern  of  j^ink  sathi  that  ever  met  the  eyes  of  a  young  maiden.  But 
the  cost  was  so  enormous  !  The  young  girl  knew  very  well  what  heavy 
burdens  had  been  borne  by  her  father,  how  much  he  had  paid  out  for 
taxes  and  bounties,  and  clothing  for  the  soldiers  ;  how  good  money  ad- 
vanced by  him  had  been  repaid  by  worthless  scrip ;  how  strongly  he 
and  other  patriots  denounced  these  skulking  mischievous  peddlers  who 
traded  with  their  enemies — but  how  could  she  resist  this  exquisite 
piece  of  goods,  which  more  than  realized  her  highest  aspirations. 
Woman's  tact  won  the  day  and  dress.  She  did  not  dare  to  ask  the 
favoi-,  but  stealing  into  the  room  where  the  rough  old  father  sat  brood- 
ing in  his  armchair,  she  knelt  before  him  and  with  pleading  glance  held 
up  the  shimmering  satin.  Kevolutionaiy  fathers,  rough  and  gruff 
though  they  might  be,  were  still  not  adamant  nor  unappreciative.  The 
mute  appeal,  the  graceful  tableau,  melted  the  father's  heart  and  opened 
his  money  chest.  Without  a  word  he  unlocked  his  treasures  and  placed 
in  his  daughter's  hand  forty  silver  dollars,  and  the  ten  yards  of  satin 
was  made  up  into  the  tastefullest  of  wedding  dresses  and  also  fur- 
nished a  frontispiece  for  the  wedding  waistcoat  of  the  bridegroom. 

Home  patriots  were  also  encouraged  by  more  cheering  words  from 
those  in  the  field.     Ebenezer  Gray  writes  of  improved  prospects: — 

"■'■AiKj.  13,  1780.  The  army  is  ajiain  formed  and  ciu-ainped  at  this  phico  (Tap- 
pin  or  Dobbs' Ferry).  Two  briijades  of  Light  Infaiitiy.  under  the  Manjuis  I)e 
La   Fayotte,  are  in  front  about    four  miles.       General  Green  conunands  the 

riiJ:hL  wing',  con.sistinti'  of  two  divisions We  now  fox'm  a  very 

beautiful  and  extensive  camp,  with  a  large  park  of  heavy  artillery.     We  are 
all  daily  expecting  some  general  maneuver." 

"  Camp,  Dec.  7,  1780. 
Dr.  Brother— I  know  not  where  to  date  my  letter.  I  believe  it  is  nowhere — 
that  is  a  place,  if  you  can  conceive  of  such  a  tiling,  at  a  great  distance  from 
every  other  place.  We  are  building  hutts  in  a  central  place  in  a  direct  line 
from  West  Point  to  Fishkill,  a  place  to  and  from  which  there  never  was,  or 
will  be,  a  road— by  land.  At  this  place  I  am  now  building  a  hutt  on  Thanks- 
giving Day,  whicii  I  shall  keep  with  a  little  beef  and  half  an  allowance  of 
breaii,  without  any  drink  but  the  pure  stream,  with  a  thankful  and  grateful 
heart  to  the  Bountiful  Giver  of  all  things,  and  in  heart  and  soul  rejoice  with 


BRIGHTENING    PROSPECTS,    VICTORY,    ETC.  201 

all  those  who  have  all  the  outward  comforts  and  dainties  of  life  to  manifest  it 
with.  May  you,  parents,  brothers,  sisters  and  little  ones  solemnly  and 
seriously  rejoice  and  be  glad  on  this  day  for  the  jjreat  and  many  blessings  of  a 
public  and  family  way  which  liath  been  bestowed  upon  us. 

Mj'  best  wishes  attenil  my  cousins  and  acquaintances,  and  should  be  happy 
in  joining  in  the  usual  festivity,  etc. 

Ebexr.  Gkav." 

"Camp  Higiilaxd,  Dec.  22,  1780. 

Dr.  Brother — I  have  one  moment  to  write  you  by  Calf,  who  tells  mehe  is  going 
to  Windham.  I  am  hearty  and  well  and  have  got  thro'  the  greatest  difh- 
culty  (as  I  hope)  of  the  winter.  Our  huts  are  built  where  there  is  plenty  of 
wood  and  water.  We  have  had  our  starvation  season— I  hope  the  whole  of  it. 
It  seems  as  if  'twas  decreed  in  the  Book  of  the  Fates  that  whenever  we  hut 
we  should  have  short  allowance;  and  when  Congress  order  us  to  keep  a  day 
of  thanksgiving  and  rejoicing  in  the  success  and  plenty  wherewith  Providence 
hath  blessed  us,  that  the  army  have  nothing  to  make  the  heart  glad  and  a  dis- 
mal and  dark  prospect  before  us. 

This  hatli  been  the  case  for  three  years  past;  but  I  hope  and  pray  and  be- 
lieve that  the  scene  is  changed  and  better  days  and  times  are  coming.  May 
the  happy  day  of  pease  and  plentj^  soon  come  and  with  grateful  hearts  may  we 
be  prepared  to  receive  and  injoy  the  blessing. 

We  are  now  fed  with  beef  and  bread  at  the  usual  rate,  with  a  small  deduc- 
tion of  bread,  and  no  money. 

I  am  your  dear  brother, 

Ebexr.  Gray." 

With  fresh  requisitions  for  men,  beef,  pork,  grain  and  powder  in 
]781,  came  also  renewed  hopes  of  coming  success  and  triumph. 
Windham  patriots  watching  eagerly  the  signs  of  the  times,  heard  tlitu 
rumors  of  more  fleets  and  troops  on  the  way  from  France,  and  "  fifteen 
tons  of  silver  in  French  hornpipes  ;  "  and  in  June  tliey  were  treated 
to  the  sight  and  entertainment  of  Rochambeau's  grand  army  as  it 
marched  from  Newport  to  Hartford.  "Magnificent  in  a[)pearance, 
superb  in  discipline,"  with  banner  and  nmsic,  and  all  the  pride  and 
pomp  of  war,  it  passed  in  four  divisions*  over  the  great  highway 
through  Volimtown,  Plainfield,  Canterbury  and  Windham.  All  the 
country  people  from  far  and  wide  flocked  to  the  Pi-ovidence  road  to  see 
the  brave  array.  Barrack-masters  appointed  by  the  Governor  and  his 
council  met  them  at  every  stopping-place,  and  provided  suitable  accom- 
modations.    A  hundred  eager  school-boys   in   Plainfield  village  gave 


*  It  is  quite  probable  that  one  of  these  divisions  took  the  more  northerly 
route  to  Hartford  through  Killingly,  Pomfret  and  Ashford.  Tradition  cou- 
tidently  asserts  the  passing  of  the  French  army  through  these  towns,  and 
points  out  the  verj'  place  of  their  encampment  in  Abington.  The  accom- 
panying tradition  that  Washington  and  LaFayette  were  with  the  army  makes 
it  difficult  to  lix  the  date  of  their  passage,  as  LaFayette  was  with  the  south- 
ern forces  in  June,  1781.  It  is  most  probable  that  the  army  passed  at  this 
date,  and  the  visit  of  the  two  generals  occurred  at  some  other  period — per- 
haps after  the  cessation  of  ho.stilities.  They  are  reported  to  have  passed  a 
night  at  Grosvenor's  in  Pomfret,  waited  for  breakfast  at  the  hearth-stone  of 
the  Kandall  House  in  Abington,  ami  spent  another  night  at  Clark's  tavern  in 
Ashford,  where  their  names  are  still  to  be  seen  upon  an  antique  window 
pane. 

26 


202  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COCNTY. 

them  vociferous  welcome.  Eiicam|iing  for  a  day  or  two  in  Wiiidhain, 
they  were  visited  by  all  the  leading  ]»atriots.  Mr.  Cogswell*  reports 
them  "  a  fine  b(^dy  of  trooi)S,  nmler  the  best  discipline  ;  not  the  least 
disoi'der  committed  or  damage  done  by  them."  Dr.  Jo.'ihua  Kilderkin  and 
other  public  officers  accompany  them  all  the  way  on  to  West  Point, 
with  great  satisfaction  to  Count  De  Rocliambeau.  They  are  followed 
day  after  day  by  long  lines  of  baggage-wagons  and  stout  carts  bear- 
ing chests  of  silver  money,  guarded  by  French  soldiers.  The  com- 
bined aimies  "marched  for  the  southward,"  the  French  fieet,  reported 
off  Sandy  Hook,  steers  for  the  south.  Mr.  Cogswell  hopes  that  "  a 
telling  blow  is  about  to  be  struck  in  that  quarter,"  but  just  as  hope  is 
dawning  in  his  heart  he  is  appalled  by  a  sight  more  terrific  than  any- 
thing yet  witnessed  during  the  war — the  lurid  flames  of  consuming 
New  London.  Pastors  and  people  gathered  in  the  meeting-house  for 
a  peaceful  "Thursday  afternoon  lecture"  hear  the  booming  cannou 
and  see  the  red  light  in  the  southern  sky.  Men  siiatch  tlieir  arms 
and  huny  to  the  scene  of  cainage.  Tlieir  rej)ort  on  return  confirms 
the  preceding  rumors — "  the  biggest  part  of  the  town  laid  in  ashes, 
the  misery  of  the  people  great  beyond  description,  the  cruelty  shown 
to  the  garrison  shocking  to  humanity,  many  butchered  in  cold  blood, 
begging  for  quarter ;  Arnold,  abandoned  of  all  good  and  to  all  evil, 
threatening  to  do  to  Norwich  as  he  had  done  to  New  London.  And 
Nathan  Frink,  a  son  of  Windham  County,  now  aid-de-cainp  to  Arnold, 
most  active  and  efficient  in  tliis  terrible  butchery  and  destruction.  The 
situation  of  the  New  England  States,  destitute  of  fleet  and  army, 
seemed  more  critical  and  alarming  than  ever  l)efore,  yet  again  in  a 
few  days  their  anxieties  are  relieved.     "  News  from  Europe  and  East 


*  While  Mr.  Coirswoll's  diary  allows  us  a  peep  at  the  French  troops  en  ronte 
for  the  Hudson,  a  journal  kept  by  Claude  lilanchard,  conuiiissary  of  the 
French  auxiliary  army,  enables  us  to  look  at  Windham  through  the  eyes  of 
its  foreiiiu  visitants:  — 

"  At  night  1  lay  at  riainfield,  tifteen  miles  from  Waterman's  tavern.  The 
country  is  a  litth;  more  cleared  especially  in  the  environs  of  Plaintield,  where 
nevertheless  there  are  only  live  or  six  houses.  I  saw  some  farms  sown  with 
rye  and  wheat  but  especially  with  maize  (what  we  call  Turkish  corn  in 
Anjou}  and  also  potatoes.  I  also  passed  through  many  woods  mostl}'  of  oak 
anil  chestnut  trees,  my  lodging  C(jst  me  lifteen  livres. 

On  the  i7th  June,  1781,  I  set  out  at  half  after  six  for  Windliam,  where  I 
arrived  at  ten  o'clock,  at'ier  a  journey  of  fifteen  miles.  The  country  is  very 
similar  to  the  environs  of  riainlield ;  j'et  we  see  more  pasture  lands  tiierc 
which  are  in  the  valleys,  so  we  have  to  ascend  and  descend  continually  on 
this  road.     Wiudham  seemed  to  have  sixty  houses,  all  pretty;  there  is  also  a 

very  handsome  temple,  called  in  this  country  a  meetiug-house There  is 

another  village  between  I'lainlield  anil  Wiudham  called  Strickland  [Scotland] 

which  seemeu  to  me  to  be  pretty,  and  where  we  also  saw  a  temple 

It  is  eighteen  miles  from  Windham  to  Boston  [Bolton],  and  we  iiad  to  ascend 

and  descend On  the   ISlh   I   arriveil   at  Hartford,   the  capital  of  Cou- 

uecticut,  fourteen  miles  from  Boston  [Bollon]  ;  the  road  is  Uuc." 


BRIGHTENING    PROSPECTS,    VICTORY,    ETC.  203 

Indies  much  against  Great  Britain  ;  "  "the  Frencli  tieet  lias  certainly 
arrived  at  Chesapeake  ;  "  "  Washington  and  his  army  are  thei'e  in  high 
S[>ints;"  and  on  training  day,  November  6,  comes  the  great  news  of 
Cornvvallis's  surrender,  and  thousands  exclaim  witli  TrnmlniU  : — 
"Praised  be  the  Lord  of  Hosts  for  our  deliverance  !  " 

More  specific  details  only  increased  the  general  joy  and  thankfulness, 
and  made  the  glorious  results  more  apparent.  Durkee's  old  regiment 
under  Grosvenor  had  been  present,  and  Windham  veterans  released  for 
a  time  fi'om  service  brought  back  full  reports  of  the  successful  siege 
and  sui-render.  All  felt  that  the  war  was  virtuall}'  ended  ;  that  Great 
]]iitain  would  be  forced  to  relinquish  her  vain  attempts  to  concpier  the 
sovereign  States  of  America.  There  were  still  alarms  from  time  to 
time  and  hostile  demonstrations ;  the  army  had  to  be  maintained  ; 
troops  and  supplies  provided.  The  inhabitants  of  the  several  towns 
were  now  divided  into  classes  according  to  their  rate  list,  each  class  to 
furnish  a  reci'uit  and  take  charge  of  his  family.  Negotiations  with 
Great  Britain  made  slow  progress.  Mr.  Cogswell  in  his  despondency 
declares  more  than  once  "that  he  sees  no  prospect  of  peace."  In 
September,  1782,  a  hostile  Heet  again  threatens  New  London,  and 
the  militia  of  Windham  and  New  London  Counties  are  called  out 
by  Colonel  McClellan,  but  after  two  days  of  intense  anxiety  the 
intruder  withdraws  without  intiicting  damage.  A  Hag  telegraphing 
"P.  E.  A.  C.  E."  is  reported  the  following  March.  A]Mil  19,  1783, 
Washington  announces  the  cessation  of  hostilities.  Of  festivities  and 
rejoicings  upon  the  reception  of  this  announcement  we  hear  little. 
The  joy  of  the  citizens  of  Windham  County  was  perhaps  too  deep  for 
noisy  demonstration.  It  had  been  a  long,  hard,  deadly  struggle. 
Many  precious  lives  had  been  sacrificed.  There  had  been  great 
expenditure  of  money  and  forces  ;  there  were  hard  problems  still  to 
face ;  and  so  the  rejoicings  were  mostly  expressed  by  religious 
solemnities.  Public  services  were  held  in  the  meeting-house  on 
Windham  Green,  and  our  friend  Mr.  Cogswell  preached  a  celeV)i-ation 
sermon  which  received  much  commendation.  Joseph  Joslin  of 
Thompson,  shared  with  the  last  returning  troopers  their  bountiful 
treat  of  cake  and  egg  rum  at  Esquire  Dresser's  tavern,  and  marched 
with  them  into  "  Priest  Russel's  meeting-house  "  for  religious  service. 
The  first  soldiers  were  sent  out  from  the  public  sanctuary  with  pi-ayer 
and  supplication,  and  the  last  were  taken  to  the  same  sacred  spot  for 
appropriate  thanksgiving,  and  yet  it  may  have  been  difficult  u})on  that 
Sabbath  morning  "to  discern  the  noise  of  the  shout  of  joy  from  the 
noise  of  the  weeping  of  the  people."  For  in  the  galleries  and  great 
pews  there  w^ere  many  places  vacant.  The  aged  deacons  who  sat 
beneath  the  pulpit  had  laid  their  precious  sons  upon  the  altar.     There 


204  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

were  otlier  parents  there  whose  sons  had  been  stricken  ;  there  were 
widows  bowed  with  <^v\ei  ;  theie  were  children  who  were  fatherless  ; 
there  were  fair  young  girls  whose  hearts  still  yearned  for  missing  lover 
and  brother — and  thanks  for  the  great  blessings  of  peace  and  Inde- 
pendence were  hallowed  by  a  deep  consciousness  of  the  great  price 
that  had  been  paid  for  them. 


BOOK  Aai.    1783-1807. 


I. 

DISPOSITION  OF  TORIES.     SUFFERINGS  OF  SOLDIERS.     AVAR  SET 
TLEMENTS.     ADOPTION  OF  FEDERAL  CONSTITUTION. 

ANEW  era  had  opened.  Windliam  County  was  now  a  part  of  a 
free  State,  a  confederated  Republic.  The  Independence  of  the 
United  States  was  secured  and  acknowledged.  Old  things  had  passed 
away,  many  things  had  become  new.  New  systems,  new  politics  were 
to  be  devised;  a  Nation  to  be  evolved  and  established.  Little  did 
the  people  of  the  several  States  in  the  first  fervor  of  jubilant  exulta- 
tion realize  the  greatness  of  the  work  before  them.  Their  thoughts 
and  energies  were  rather  mainly  occupied  with  the  work  already 
wrought.  War  claims  and  questions  pressed  heavily  upon  them. 
Two  classes  of  inhabitants  demanded  instant  consideration — the  men 
who  had  fought  for  freedom  and  those  who  had  opposed  it.  In  the 
long  controversy  gi'eat  bitterness  had  been  engendered.  -The  cruel 
treatment  of  the  patriot  prisoners,  the  brutal  massacres  at  Wyoming 
and  New  London  had  excited  intense  lesentments.  Tories  had  shown 
greater  barbarity  than  British  or  Hessians,  and  wei'e  I'egarded  with 
peculiar  hatred.  The  few  avowed  Tories  in  Windham  County  were 
straightway  driven  out  of  it.  No  formal  process  of  ejection  was 
served  upon  them,  but  they  were  given  to  understand  that  they  would 
be  no  longer  tolerated.  Dr.  Walton  of  Killingly,  had  made  himself 
especially  obnoxious,  concealing  British  officers  in  his  house,  and 
boasting  of  his  influence  with  British  commanders.  Upon  the  news 
of  the  surrender  of  Cornwallis,  he  was  visited  by  a  large  number  of 
citizens  who  wished  to  send  him  oft'  at  once,  but.  through  the  interces- 
sion of  Col.  Danielson.  he  was  allowed  to  wait  for  that  great  company 
of  refugees  which  sought  shelter  in  Nova  Scotia.  Col.  Pitch  and  his 
family,  Nathan  Frink,  and  descendants  of  Captain  John  Chandler 
of  Woodstock,  were  as  far  as  can  be  ascertained  the  only  other 
representatives  of  Windham  County  among  that  dishonored  band  of 
exiles  which  left  New  York,  in  September,  1783.  Though  not  abso- 
lutely forced  from  Windham,  Col.  Fitch  could  no  longer  i-emain  in  his 


206  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

old  home  witli  any  dcoi'ee  of  fomfort.  The  jjersonal  prestige  tli.it  had 
so  long  shielded  him  from  ill-treaUnerit  passed  away  witli  the  lapse 
of  years.  Tlie  new  geneiation  gi'owing  uj)  forgot  his  past  services  and 
position,  and  only  thought  of  him  as  an  enemy  to  his  country  and  the 
patriot  cause.  It  was  dilKcult  for  him  to  obtain  needful  supplies  for 
his  family.  Ardent  Sons  of  Liberty  had  decreed  "that  no  mills 
should  grind  for,  no  merchant  sell  goods  to,  a  Tory."  lie  was 
insulted,  watched,  guarded,  subjected  to  vexatious  and  ruinous  prose- 
cution. His  son  complains  to  the  General  Assembly,  that  having 
been  '•i)rosecnted.  tried  and  acquitted  for  inimical  words,  an  execu- 
tion had  been  levied  against  him  for  cost,  as  though  it  was  not 
sufficient  for  an  innocent  man  to  suffer  the  disgrace  of  a  criminal 
prosecution  but  he  must  be  subjected  to  such  enormous  costs."  Broken 
in  health  and  spirit  and  ruined  in  fortune,  nothing  was  left  for  him  but 
to  withdraw  from  Windham  and  spend  the  remainder  of  his  days  in 
hopeless  exile,  the  unhappy  victim  of  misplaced  loyalty  and  a  too 
chivalrous  devotion  to  an  unworthy  sovereign.  Windham  took  care 
to  prevent  his  return  by  voting  in  town  meeting.  1785.  that  "there  be 
a  committee  of  inspection  appointed  to  observe  and  take  care  that 
those  refugees  and  inimical  persons  who  liave  gone  from  us  since 
the  commencement  of  the  war  be  not  allowed  to  come  in  among  us." 
Still  more  unha])i)y  was  the  fate  of  Joshua,  son  of  Joshua  Chandler 
of  West  Woodstock,  one  of  those  bright  young  men  so  hoj)efully 
graduated  from  Yale  College  before  1760.  Settling  in  New  Haven  ho 
had  won  wealth  and  a  high  position,  all  sacrificed  by  his  adherence  to 
tlie  king,  yet  the  loss  of  property  and  home  weighed  less  heavily  upon 
him  than  his  subsequent  conviction  that  his  sacrifice  had  been  for 
naught.  Visiting  England  to  represent  his  claims  and  losses,  he  thus 
writes  to  a  friend  in  New  Haven  : — 

"  I  found  the  nation  in  great  tumults  and  commotions — myself  perfectly- 
lost  in  politics  as  well  as  in  compass  .  ,  .  The  kiniidom,  without,  a  miracle  iu 
its  favor,  must  be  lost.  You  can  have  no  idea  of  their  corruption,  their 
debauchery  and  luxury;  their  pride,  their  riches,  their  luxury  has  ruined 
them.  It  is  not  in  the  power  of  human  nature  to  save  them.  I  like  not  the 
country,  neither  their  manners  nor  even  their  soil.  Give  America  the  chance 
and  in  one  half  the  time  she  will  rise  superior  to  anything  in  tliis  couutry. 

My  own  prospects  in  life  are  dahsed.  My  only  care  is  for  my  ciiildren. 
The  idea  of  a  compensation  is  very  faint.  .  .  .  Thus  this  unhappy  contro- 
versy has  ruined  thousands.  The  sacrifices,  the  prospects  of  n)y  family,  are 
not  the  only  thing  that  fills  my  raiutl  with  distress.  I  yet  have  a  very  strong 
aflection  to  and  predilection  for  my  native  country ;  their  happiness  would  iu 
some  measure  alleviate  my  great  distress,  but  cannot  suppose  my  couutry 
can  be  happy  in  its  present  state.  I  wish  Dr.  Stiles  would  admit  into  the 
library  Dr.  Holmes'  History  of  the  British  Constitution  to  aid  his  country  iu 
forming  a  new  Constitution,  for  one  she  must  have  sometime. 

For  customs,  this  nation  has  copied  after  and  imported  the  luxuries,  the 
follies  and  vices  of  France.  But  whatever  may  be  the  fate  of  kingdoms  and 
powers  of  Europe  or  my  own,  I  sincerely  wish  happiness,  honor  and  glory  to 


DISPOSITION    OF    TORIES,    ETC.  207 

the  conutiy  that  gave  me  birth.  In  the  hour  of  contest  I  thought,  and  even 
yet  think,  my  country  wrong,  but  I  never  wislied  its  ruin.  I  vvisli  her  to  sup- 
port a  diirnitled  character,  that  can  be  done  only  by  iireat  and  dignilied  actions, 
one  of  wliich  is  a  sacred  and  punctual  adherence  to  public  faith  and  virtue. 
My  first  and  last  prayer  will  lie  to  meet  where  no  political  dispute  can  ever 
separate  from  near  and  dear  friends." 

Colonel  Chandler  returned  to  Annapolis  unsuccessful  in  his  mission 
and  lifter  further  delay  started,  JNEarch,  1787,  foi  St.  John,  New  Bruns- 
wick, with  his  son  and  daughter,  and  all  the  books,  pa[)ers  and  evidence 
of  his  colonial  property,  to  meet  commissioners  api)ointed  to  adjust  his 
claims.  A  violent  stoi'm  arose  and  the  vessel  was  driven  among  vocks. 
Hoping  to  secure  it,  William  Chandler  fastened  a  rope  around  his  body 
and  jumped  overboard  to  swim  to  land,  but  was  instantly  crushed  be- 
tween the  vessel  and  rocks.  With  great  difficulty  Colonel  Chandler 
managed  to  reach  the  shore  with  his  daughter  and  climbed  upon  a  high 
point  of  rocks  to  look  out  and  find  where  they  were,  but  benumbed 
with  cold  he  fell  from  it  and  soon  died.  The  daughter  and  a  friend, 
Mrs.  Alexander  Grant,  wandered  in  the  woods  for  two  terrible  days 
and  perished  from  cold  and  hunger.  The  story  of  their  sad  fate  made 
a  deep  impression  upon  surviving  relatives  and  friends  in  Woodstock, 
and  was  handed  down  from  generation  to  generation  as  the  most  thrill- 
ing tragedy  of  the  revolutionary  drama. 

Colonel  Malbone  was  suifered  to  remain  unmolested,  but  lost  much 
of  his  property.  A  seven-thousand  dollar  mortgage  upon  his  tarm  in 
the  liands  of  Charles  Paxton,  a  refugee,  was  forfeited  to  government. 
Lands  in  Ashford  belonging  to  A[)thorpe,  land  in  riainfield  owned  by 
Bayard,  two  acres  in  Windham  in  payment  of  execution  against  Eleazer 
Fitch,  "  the  real  and  personal  estate  of  Nathan  Frink  of  Pomfret,'"  were 
also  forfeited  to  the  State.  An  attempt  was  made  to  confiscate  land  in 
Thompson  :  (seven  tenements  of  land  and  houses,  belonging  to  the  heirs 
of  Robert  Thompson,  England),  but  after  the  tirst  heat  and  l)itterness 
of  conflict  had  subsided,  this  old  established  claim,  purchased  by  one 
of  the  mcjst  faithful  friends  of  the  early  Colonists,  was  allowed  to  re- 
main with  his  descendants.  Mrs.  Martha  Stevens,  heir  of  Anthony 
Stoddard,  making  declaratien  before  the  County  Court  "  that  she  was 
always  a  liearty  friend  to  the  rights  and  privileges  of  America,"  was 
allowed  to  resume  }jossession  ot  her  land  in  Ashford. 

Those  unfortunate  lloyalists  who  received  such  slight  and  tardy  com- 
pensation for  all  their  sacrifices  and  devotion  were  not  alone  in  their 
complaint  of  ingratitude  and  ill-usage.  The  soldiers  who  had  con- 
quered independence  by  their  arms  had  met  but  a  poor  return  for  all 
their  suiferings  and  sacrifices.  Some  had  returned  without  pay  ;  some 
with  scrip  that  proved  a  worthless  mockery  ;  some  were  disabled  by 
wounds  or  disease,  and   incapacitated  from  active  labor.     The  later  re- 


208  ■      HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

ciuits  were  mostly  younGT  men,  without  farms  or  trades  or  means  of 
earning-  a  livelihood.  The  AVindham  towns,  already  heavily  burdened 
with  debt  incurred  in  carrying  on  the  war,  were  unable  to  make  suit- 
able provision  for  these  returned  soldiers.  Canterbury,  after  debating 
the  expediency  "  of  allowing  anything  to  the  soldiers  on  account  of  the 
failure  of  the  public  in  making  their  wages  good,"  voted  at  first  to  do 
nothing,  but  upon  reconsideration  appointed  a  committee  to  act  with 
the  selectmen  in  settling  with  the  same  according  to  their  best  judg- 
ment. Windham  voted  ten  pounds  ''to  Elijah  Linkon,  a  Continental 
soldier,  enlisted  during  the  war,  for  his  past  good  services  and  present 
necessities."  Relief  was  obtained  in  other  cases  from  private  sources 
and  employment  furnished  whenever  possible.  As  the  Windham 
County  recruits  had  received  a  generous  bounty  in  silver  and  provision 
for  their  families  during  their  absence,  they  probably  sutfered  less  than 
their  officers,  who  had  their  fmiilies  to  support  upon  their  nominal  pay, 
the  artizans  who  hud  furnished  them  with  arms,  and  the  town  officers 
who  had  advanced  money  for  their  bounty  and  sup[)()rt.  Three  months' 
Avagos  due  to  Dr.  Waldo  when  he  left  service  barely  paid  a  tritling  debt 
due  to  an  attorney.  Colonel  Ebenezer  Gray,  after  seven  years'  faithful 
service,  which  had  ruined  his  health  and  incapacitated  him  from  resum- 
ing his  legal  practice,  received  no  com|)ensation  but  the  certificates  of 
Congress  for  five  years'  commutation  pay,  which  immediately  depre- 
ciated to  ten  cents  on  a  dollar.  Hundreds  of  other  otficers  were  paid  in 
the  same  way  and  reduced  to  still  greater  necessities.  Among  those 
who  suffered  most  severely  in  Windham  were  Ilezekiah  Huntington 
and  Henry  DeWitt,  who  had  devoted  all  their  time  and  energies  for 
many  years  to  manufacturing  arms  and  ammunition  for  the  Continental 
soldiers.  After  exhausting  his  own  means  in  this  work,  Mr.  Hunting- 
ton "effected  a  settlement  with  the  Government  at  Philadelphia,  re- 
ceiving as  his  pay  seventy-foui-  thousand  dollars  in  Continental  paper," 
which  so  depreciated  in  a  short  time  '"that  a  hundred  dollars  of  it 
would  not  buy  a  bieakfast,"  and  he  was  forced  to  stiuggle  the  re- 
mainder of  his  days  with  poverty.  Still  harder  was  the  fate  of  DeWitt, 
who  took  the  Government  paper  in  payment  till  it  became  valueless, 
"  and  his  Boston  creditors  put  him  in  Windham  jail  and  he  lived  with- 
in the  jail  limits  for  many  years."  Many  who  had  advanced  good 
money  to  buy  stores  lor  Government  were  paid  with  bills  which  made 
them  bankrupt.  The  case  of  Nehemiah  Tinker  of  Windham,  who 
"  had  laid  out  his  whole  proj)erty  and  pledged  his  credit  in  purchasing 
supplies  for  the  army,"  was  one  of  i)eculiar  hardship.  Dying  suddenly 
just  before  the  declaration  of  peace,  the  thousand-dollar  paper 
in  his  hands  "  would  hardly  pay  for  his  winding  sheet  and  cottin." 
With  heavy  debts  pressing  upon  her,  and  eleveii  children  to  maintain, 


SUFFERINGS    OF    SOLDIERS,    ETC. 


209 


tilt'  bt'i-eaved  widow  attenipted  to  L;ain  ivlief  by  prosecutiii2j  one  '•  wlio 
liad  leaped  the  benefit  of  her  husband's  transaction  as  contractor,"  but 
only  lost  tlie  little  that  was  left  to  her.  With  one  bed  and  tlie  remains 
of  her  f'uniitui'e  she  took  her  children  to  her  husband's  worksliop  and 
tried  to  sup])ort  them  by  neeiUe  work  :  but  even  here  the  merciless 
creditors  ]>ursued  her.  She  held  her  two  youniiest  children  by  the 
hand  while  the  constable  sold  at  the  door  her  andirons,  chaii-s, 
bed,  table,  bedding-,  everything  but  the  barest  niinimuni  ])rescribed  by 
law.  The  children  gathered  chips  out  of  the  street,  and  with  stones 
for  andirons,  and  a  spoke  of  a  broken  wheel  for  })oker,  they  managed 
to  keep  a  tire  and  preserve  existence,  though  often  reduced  to  extrem- 
ity of  destitution.  But  the  strong  faith  and  piety  of  Mrs.  Tinker 
supported  her  in  the  darkest  hour,  ami  her  earnest  prayers  were  often 
followed  by  relief  from  unexpected  sources.  One  Saturday  night 
when  she  had  nothing  to  eat  Deacon  Samuel  Gray  brought  a  sacred 
offering,  "the  crusts  of  several  loave-i  of  bread  prepared  f<n-  sacra- 
ment" on  the  morrow,  together  with  wood  au  1  other  supplies.  Other 
good  people  interested  themselves  in  her  behalf  and  found  homes  for 
the  children,  and  Benjamin  Lathrop,  the  sturdy  old  Baptist  who  would 
take  no  hire  for  his  pleaching,  then  took  the  widow  to  his  own  house, 
and  with  his  excellent  wife  became  to  her  "  mother,  brother,  sister, 
friend  and  physician  ;  "  pi-oviding  for  her  necessities,  till  her  childi-en 
were  able  to  assist  her.  Eliashib  Adams  of  Canterbury,  Capt.  Daniel 
Davis  of  Killingl3%  were  among  the  scores  of  sterlmg  men  "  who 
sacrificed  all  for  their  country  dmiug  the  Revolution."  And  when 
their  own  estate  could  not  satisfy  demands,  others,  like  Joshua 
Elderkin,  were  "thrown  into  Windham  jail  and  there  spent  many 
months."  Many  affluent  families,  once  enjoying  all  the  comforts  of 
life,  were  reduced  to  jioverty  and  destitution  by  the  inability  of  the 
government  to  redeem  its  pledges. 

Despite  these  remaining  shadows  there  was  great  hope  and  buoy- 
ancy ;  pride  in  the  past  and  confidence  in  the  future.  A  new  spring 
and  impulse  was  felt  throughout  the  States,  and  while  settling  up 
their  accounts  and  storing  their  military  munitions  the  Windham 
towns  were  already  preparing  for  development  and  expansion.  Brook- 
lyn, Canada  and  Thompson  Parishes  asked  for  local  independence  and 
town  privileges,  and  Pomfret  renewed  its  efforts  for  a  removal  of  the 
county  seat.  At  a  town  meeting  iu  Killingly,  May  1,  17S2,  it  was 
voted  : — 

"  1.  Tliat  said  town  be  divided. 

2.  That  Tliompsoii  Parish  be  a  distinct  town. 

3.  That  Col.  William  Dauielsou  and  Mr.  Daniel  Larned  be  agents  to  pre- 
fer a  memorial." 

27 


210  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COTNTT. 

I'licii-  ])etition  was  opposed  by  ^  strong  minority,  sliowinc:  that 
division  would  be  very  deti'iniental  both  to  State  and  town,  increasing 
taxes  already  so  large  that  tlie  inliabitants  gioaned  under  tlie  bin'den — 
and  division  was  consequently  deferred  for  tliree  years.  IJrooklyn 
and  Canada  were  also  compelled  to  wait  till  a<!'airs  were  more  settled. 
An  a|>plication  to  the  General  Assembly  in  1780,  for  a  new  county 
"with  Pomfret  for  shire-town,"  met  witli  positive  rejection,  while 
Coventry  and  Union  were  incorporated  into  the  newly-formed  County 
of  Tolland.  Hezekiah  Ripley,  Shubael  Abbe,  Samuel  Gray,  Jr.,  and 
Hezekiah  JNIanning,  appointed  by  Windham  for  the  examination  and 
settlement  of  war  accounts,  had  meanwhile  agreed  to  pay  the  l>alance 
due  by  the  town  ;  Ashford's  selectmen  adjusted  the  accounts  of  Ken- 
dall, Knox  and  Russ,  for  going  to  Boston  for  salt  :  Killingly  appointed 
a  committee  "to  examine  aifairs  of  soldiers  that  did  a  tour  of  duty  at 
Ilorse-Xeck,"  while  Seth  Paine,  ]\Iajor  Israel  Putnam  and  Nathan 
Witter  of  IJrooklyn,  staked  out  a  piece  of  gi-ound  by  the  side  of  the 
common  for  the  purpose  of  kee])ing  their  much  pi'ized  tield-piece,  and 
Canterbury's  firearms,  "  properly  scoured,  cleaned  and  oiled,''  were 
stowed  away  in  a  chest,  audits  "wooden  bowls  sold,  and  taken  care 
of."  Its  selectmen  were  also  empowered  to  sell  as  much  of  the  stock 
of  powder  as  they  should  think  would  be  for  the  benefit  of  the  town — 
the  avails  of  such  sale  to  discharge  town  debts. 

The  Courts  of  the  County  now  resumed  their  wonted  fmictions. 
Shubael  Abbe  was  appointed  sheriff  after  the  death  of  Sheriff  Hunt- 
ington. "  Lai'ge  numbers  of  tavern-keepers  were  appointed  and  a  num- 
ber of  impost  collectors,  viz.  :  Windhau),  Ebenezer  Gray  ;  Pomfret, 
Thomas  Grosvenor  ;  Woodstock,  Jedidiah  Morse ;  Yoluntown,  Benja 
niin  Dow.  Ik'njamin  Howard,  John  Parish,  Moses  Cleveland,  David 
Young  and  others,  wei'e  admitted  attorneys.  In  1782,  it  was  ordered 
that  a  yard  be  erected  around  tlie  jail  twelve  feet  higli,  as  soon  as  the 
money  can  be  procured  from  the  County.  The  limits  assigned  to  cer- 
tain classes  of  prisoners  included  "  Capt.  Tinker's  house,  Samuel  Gray's 
trading  sho]»,  Thomas  Reed's  workshop.  Major  Huntington's  black- 
smith shop,  then  a  straight  line  to  the  tavern  sign-post  belonging  to 
the  heirs  of  John  Fitch,  next  to  an  elm  tree  in  front  of  John  Stam- 
ford's dwelling-house,  and  thence  back  to  the  jail."  In  178.5,  a  special 
meeting  of  associates  and  justices  was  held — Col.  Dyer,  Jeremiah 
Mason,  Isaac  Perkins,  General  James  Goidon,  })resent — who  agreed 
to  lay  a  tax  of  three  farthings  for  repairing  {)rison  and  administra- 
tion of  justice.     Ebenezer  Gray,  collector. 

In  the  various  important  questions  claiming  the  consideration  of  all 
good  patriots  during  these  experimental  years,  Windham  was  keenly 
interested.     With   lier  usual   alertness  she  watched  the  sisns  of  the 


WAR    SETTLEMENTS,    ETC.  211 

times,  and  was  ever  ready  to  speak  her  uniul  upon  all  needful  occasions. 
Inunediately  upon  the  close  of  the  war,  October  3,  1783,  Ashford 
connnissioned  Dr.  Thomas  Huntington  to  draft  these  formal  "  instruc- 
tions "  to  her  representatives  : — 

"To  Captaix  SniEOX  Smith  and  Isaac  Pkrkixs. 

(.jiniUi'hicn  : — Altliouah  we  roposc  tlie  utmost  confldeiice  in  j'our  ability  and 
inteiirity,  yet  at  this  critical  conjiniciurc  of  our  atlairs,  wc  conceive  it  will  not 
be  disagreeable  to  you  to  be  informed  of  our  sentiments  with  regard  to 
several  Important  matters. 

1.  Oppose  all  encroachments  of  Congress  upon  the  sovereignty  and  jurisdic- 
tion of  separate  States,  and  the  assumption  of  power  not  expressly  vested  in 
them  by  Articles  of  Confederation. 

2.  Inquire  into  the  very  interesting  question  whether  Congress  was  author- 
ized by  the  Federal  Constitution  to  grant  half-pay  for  life,  and  tive  years  full 
pay  to  otlicers — and  if  the  measure  l)e  ill-founded,  attempt  every  constitu- 
tional method  for  its  removal. 

3.  I'rouiote  a  strict  inquiry  into  public  and  private  expenditures,  and  bring 
to  a  speedy  account  delinquents  and  ilefaidters. 

4.  I'se  your  endeavors  that  vacant  lauds  be  appropriated  for  the  general 
benetit  of  the  United  States. 

5.  Pay  particular  attention  to  the  regulation  and  encouragement  of  com- 
merce, agiiculture,  arts  and  manufactures. 

G.  We  iustruct  you  to  use  your  intluence  for  the  suppression  of  placemen, 
pensioners  and  all  uiuieccssary  ollii^ers. 

7.  Also,  to  use  your  influence  to  promote  the  passing  an  act  in  the  Assem- 
bly to  enable  Congress  to  lay  an  impost  on  the  importation  of  foreign  articles. 

And,  linally,  we  instruct  you  to  n)ove  in  the  Assembly  that  the  laws  for  the 
promotion  of  virtue  and  good  manners  and  the  suppression  of  vice,  may  be 
attended  to,  and  enforced,  anil  any  other  means  tending  to  promote  a  general 
reformation  of  niauners." 

The  dejnities  from  Windham  town  were  requested  to  urge  ''that 
effecliuil  methods  be  ado[)ted,  that  the  yeas  and  nays  upon  every 
important  political  cjuestion  taken  in  future  in  the  General  Assembly 
be  published."  Also,  to  oppose  the  resolve  of  Congress  recommending 
five  years  pay  to  officers.  As  it  became  increasingly  evident  thut  tlie 
existing  confederation  was  inadecpiate,  and  tliat  farther  consolidation 
and  centralization  were  essential  to  the  peace  and  permanence  of  the 
United  States,  the  situation  was  discussed  with  greater  earnestness. 
Committees  were  chosen  in  several  towns  to  cori-espond  with  com- 
mittees of  other  towns  in  Connecticut,  ''on  the  subject  of  public 
o^rievances."  The  proceedings  of  the  convention  called  to  remedy 
their  grievances  by  revising  the  Articles  of  Confederation,  and 
strengthening  the  executive  powers  of  the  central  government,  were 
anxiously  debated.  The  Federal  Constitution  when  submitted  for  con- 
sideration and  acceptance,  was  most  carefully  scrutinized.  Canterbury, 
November  12,  1787,  selected  ten  of  her  most  competent  citizens  "to 
examine  the  new  form  of  government  made  by  the  Convention  at 
Philadelphia,  and  show  to  this  meeting  their  arguments  and  opinions 
thereon."  Dyer  and  Elderkin  were  chosen  delegates  the  same  day  by 
Windham  to  attend    a  State  Convention  at  Hartford,  "  to  take  into 


212  ■  HISTORY    OF    WINDflAM    COUNTY. 

consideration  the  new  Constitiilion  )»i-o|K)se(l  Ky  general  convention." 
Public  opinion  was  at  first  greatly  divided.  Many  looked  with  sus- 
picion upon  the  new  form  of  government  as  calculated  to  roV>  their 
State  of  its  lights,  and  give  too  much  power  to  the  (4eneral  Govern- 
nient.  At  Woodstock  when  called  to  the  choice  of  delegates,  the  new 
Constitution  was  heard  on  motion,  and  '•largely  and  warmly  debated 
until  the  dusk  of  the  evening,"  when  the  meeting  was  adjourned  after 
much  debate  and  of)p()sition.  A  very  full  attendance  but  no  choice. 
The  Canterbury  conunittee  declared  itself  un[)repared  to  report. 
Windham  appointed  a  day  for  especial  consideration,  and,  "  after  a 
very  able  and  lengthy  discussion,  the  town  )-esolved  by  a  laige 
majority,  that  as  the  proposed  Constitution  was  to  be  determined  on 
by  State  Convention,  it  was  not  proper  for  the  town  to  pass  any  vote 
on  the  subject."  The  young  town  of  Hampton  called  a  special  meet- 
ing and  a))])ointed  a  large  number  of  its  leading  citizens,  viz.  :  Tlionias 
Fullei',  Elijah  Wolcott,  Philip  Pearl.  Ebenezer  llovey,  Abner  Ashley, 
James  Stedman,  James  Howard,  David  Martin,  Andrew  and  Benjamin 
Durkee,  Thomas  Stedman  and  John  Brewster, — a  committee  to  con 
suit  on  matters  conceining  the  country,  reported  by  delegates  assem- 
bled in  Philadelphia,  and  draw  up  instructions  for  our  delegates." 
These  insti-uctions  were  accejited  a  month  later,  December  17,  and 
formally  communicated  to  tlie  delegate,  Amos  Utley,  but  tor  some 
unassigned  cause  Hampton  is  reported  "unrepresented,"  by  a  State 
historian.  Woodstock  managed  in  adjourned  meeting  to  elect  repre- 
sentatives though  "  it  was  said,  sundry  voted  not  legal  voters."  At 
the  State  Convention  assembled  in  Hartfoid,  January  3,  1788,  the 
followirig  delegates  appeared  from  Windham  County  : — 

Windham. — Eliph:\let  Dyer,  Jcdidiah  Elderkiii. 
Canterbury. — Asa  Witter,  Moses  Cleveland. 
Aahfiird. — Simoon  Smith,  Hendrick  Dow. 
Woodstock. — Stephen  Paine,  Timothy  Perrin. 
Thompson. — Daniel  Larued. 
KUlvKjlij. — Sampson  Howe,  William  Danielson. 
Pomjret. — Jonathan  llaudall,  Simon  Coltau. 
Brooklyn.  —  Seth  Paine. 

FIai)iJi<ld. — James  Bradford.  Joshua  Dtndap. 
Volitntown. — Moses  Camj)i)ell,  Benjamin  Dow. 
Lebanon.  —  William  Williams,  Ephraim  Carpenter. 
Mansfield. — Constant  Soiithworth,  Nathaniel  Atwood. 

The  strong  arguments  urged  in  behalf  of  the  Federal  Constitution 
by  those  gi'eat  men,  Ellsworth,  Slu'rman  and  Johnson,  who  had  borne 
so  prominent  a  part  in  its  construction,  allayed  tlie  doubts  and  fears  of 
many  distrustful  delegates.  Windliams  Samuel  Huntington,  now 
governor  of  the  State,  and  Lieutenant-Governor  Wolcott,  addressed 
the   convention    in   favor   of  ratifvintr   the   Constitution.     Nine  of  the 


ADOPTION    OF    FEDERAL    CX)N8TITUTI0N".  213 

TViiidhain  County  towns  voted  in  favor  of  ratification.  Ponifi-et, 
Woodstock,  Mansfield  and  one  of  the  Lebanon  delegates  were  uiial)le 
to  consent  to  it.  Tlie  great  majority  of  the  inhabitants  of  Windliani 
County  accepted  the  result  with  approval  and  rejoicings,  and  with 
great  unanimity  and  heaitiness  proceeded  to  cast  their  votes  for  Wash- 
ington as  presiilent,  at]d  assume  their  various  responsibilities  as  citizens 
of  the  United  States  of  America. 


II. 

WINDHAM'S  PROSPERITY.      THE   WIXDIIAM  niEXIX.      RELIGIOUS 

DECLENSION.     POLITICAL    AGITATION.     GENERAL 

TOWN  AFFAIRS. 

WIXDHA^Nl  County's  energetic  shire  town  entereil  u})on  the  new 
regime  with  great  spirit  and  animation.  Having  borne  so 
prominent  a  part  in  carrying  foiward  the  Kevoix'tion  slie  was  e(iually 
ready  to  lead  in  building  up  and  pushing  onward  the  Nation.  Those 
public  men  who  had  served  State  and  country  so  faithfully  in  the  long 
struggle  were  growing  old,  cautious  and  conservative,  but  young  n)en 
full  of  life  and  courage  were  hurrying  up  to  fill  their  places.  Fore- 
most among  the  prominent  men  of  the  new  generation  was  Zephaniah 
Swift  of  Tolland,  now  established  in  Windliam  town,  and  winning 
immediate  success  as  a  lawyer.  Jabez  Clark  and  Samuel  Gray,  Jr., 
had  married  daughters  of  Col.  Elderkin.  and  engaged  in  legal  practice. 
Col.  Ebenezer  Gi-ay  resumed  the  practice  of  his  profession,  and 
engaged  in  public  afiairs  as  for  as  his  enfeebled  health  would  per- 
mit. Timothy  Larrabee  and  the  older  lawyers  still  continued  in 
practice.  Both  old  and  new  generations  appear  among  town  officers. 
Hezekiah  Ripley  succeeded  Samuel  Gray,  Sen.,  as  town  clerk  and 
treasurer  in  1786.  Shubael  Al)be,  William  Rudd,  Cai)t.  P^liphalet 
INIuidock,  Ebenezer  Bass,  Capt.  Zephaniah  Swift.  Majors  Backus  and 
Clitf,  were  chosen  selectmen  ;  Henry  Ilewett,  Thomas  Tileson, 
Jonathan  Kingsley,  Melatiah  Bingham,  William  Robinson,  Joim 
Walden,  listers  ;  Jedidiah  Bingham,  Gideon  Martin,  Manasseh  Rainier, 
Col.  Thomas  Dyer,  Joshua  Ma.\well,  collectors  of  town  taxes  ;  P^lisha 
Abbe,  constable  and  collector  of  State  taxes  ;  Josiah  Babcock,  Elisha 
White,  Samuel  Kingsbury,  Elijah  Robinson,  Nathaniel  Huntington, 
Ashael  Allen,  William  Cary,  tithingmen  ;  Gideon  Ilebard,  Jonathan 
Badger,  Josiah  Linkon,  Jr.,  Dr.  Penuel  Cheney,  William  Robmson, 
grand-jurors ;    Jacob    Robinson,    sealer   of    weights    and     measures. 


214  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Sixteen  liiLihwiiy  surveyors,  four  fence-viewers,  two  pouiul-keepers, 
and  two  le:illier-se:ilers,  were  also  elected.  Zenas  Howes  was  ap- 
pointed to  take  care  of  the  Iron  Works  brid^'e,  near  liis  residence 
on  the  Williinantic;  Cai)t.  Murdock  had  charge  of  the  old  l)ndge ; 
James  P'lint,  Jr.,  the  Island  bridge.  Town  :itVairs  retpiireil  little  atten- 
tion. The  several  societies  ordered  their  schools  ;  the  jtoor  were  let 
out  to  the  lowest  bidder.  As  there  were  many  returned  soldiers  about 
town  destitute  of  employment,  nnd  many  idlers  hiuiging  about  the 
village  without  regular  business,  depending  ui)on  jobs  at  Court  ses- 
sions, the  town  enjoined  upon  its  selectmen,  "  To  attend  vigilantly  to 
the  laws  resj)ecting  idleness,  bad  husbandly  and  tavern-haunting,  and 
see  that  the  same  be  carried  into  eft'ectual  execution  against  such  of 
the  inliabitants  of  the  town  as  sliall  in  futuie  be  guilty  of  a  breach  of 
said  law." 

As  business  revived  under  the  new  ordering  of  public  affairs  this 
charge  was  less  needful.  With  debt  funded,  credit  restored,  and  a 
govei'nment  to  aid  and  protect  them,  the  ])eople  of  the  United  States 
began  to  reap  the  fruit  of  their  hard  stiuggle.  Selfish  laws  no  longer 
shackled  their  teeming  energies.  The  world  was  all  before  them  to 
feed  and  clothe,  and  no  man  willing  to  work  was  forced  to  lemain 
idle.  The  various  industries  initiated  in  Windham  before  the  war  were 
now  resumed  with  redoubled  sinrit.  Agricultuial  operations  were 
greatly  extended.  All  kinds  of  farming  produce  were  demanded,  for 
home  consumption  or  ex])ortation.  Shubael,  Phinehas  and  Elisha  Abbe 
and  other  solid  men  engaged  in  various  ''  branches  of  husl)andry." 
Grass  on  many  farms  had  now  taken  the  place  of  wheat,  and  great 
attention  was  given  to  stock  raising  and  dairy  manufactures.  A  lai'ge 
surplus  of  beef  and  pork  was  barreled  on  the  farms  for  market,  antl 
cheese  became  so  ])lentiful  "that  a  si)eculator  could  sometimes  buy  a 
liundred  thousand  pounds  in  a  neighbt)rhood."  The  superabundance 
of  wool  develo[)ed  a  home  industry — "the  knitting  of  woolen  stock- 
ings and  mittens  for  New  York  market "' — by  which  many  women 
found  pleasant  ynd  ijrotitable  employment  and  several  thousand  dollars 
were  yearly  l)rought  into  the  town.  J\ter  Webb,  Henry  Stanley, 
Jonathan  Jennings,  the  Taintor  brothers,  Clark  and  Dorrance,  Tiujothy 
Warren,  and  many  other  business  firms  successively  established,  were 
busily  occupied  in  buying  \\\)  these  various  products,  and  retailing 
'\\'est  India  goods  and  great  variety  of  merchandise.  Commercial 
enteri)iise  was  by  no  means  restiicted  to  these  mercantile  houses. 
Elisha  Abbe  was  one  who  claimed  the  privilege  of  shipping  his  own 
products  without  the  intervention  of  "middle  men,"  and  built  for  his 
own  acconnnodation  "  Tin-:  Windham,"  a  brisk  little  craft,  witli  a  huge 
froii'  cut  in  its  bow  for  a  figure-head. 


Windham's  rROSPERiTv,  ktc.  215 

IMaiiufacturcs  were  also  progressinii'.  Col.  Eldeikiii  triinmed  and 
enlarged  his  inulben y  orchard,  and  ix-snnied  work  in  his  silk  factoi-v, 
turning  out  annually  some  ten  or  twelve  thousand  jxiunds  of  hosieiy- 
silk  to  meet  the  demand  foi-  fashionable  long  stoekings.  Handker- 
chief and  vest  patterns  were  also  manufactured  there  "in  considerable 
iMunbers."  He  procured  a  loom  and  weaver  frotu  Europe  and  suc- 
ceeded in  fabricating  sundry  ])ie(*es  of  silk  which  furnished  dresses* 
for  his  daughters.  Col.  Dyer  expended  much  money  and  labor  in 
constructing  a  dam  and  Houriiig  works  upon  the  Shetucket  in  South 
Windham.  He  also  carried  on  a  grist-mill  at  the  Frog  l^ond  l)rook, 
and  gave  his  sou  Ijenjamin  a  thousand  pounds  to  start  the  drug  busi- 
ness at  Windham  Green.  Dr.  Jjenjamin,  as  he  was  called,  went  to 
New  York  and  expended  his  whole  capital  in  one  purchase,  l)uving 
it  is  said  a  hundred  and  fifty  ])Ounds  of  vxifers,  and  other  ihings  in 
l)ro])oition.  The  Windham  people  made  much  s})ort  of  it  after  their 
fashion,  but  his  immense  variety  gave  him  the  custom  of  all  the 
physicians  in  the  surrounding  country,  and  his  advertisements  claimed 
for  him  "the  largest  assortment  of  diugs,  dye-stuffs,  paints,  spices, 
etc.,  to  be  found  in  Eastern  Connecticut."  He  was  accustomed  for  a 
time  to  import  directly  from  London.  The  practising  ])hysicians  of 
Windham  at  this  date  were  Dr.  Samuel  Lee,  Dr.  Thomas  Gray  and  Dr. 
Jolni  Clark.  John  Staniford  followed  the  art  of  working  in  silver.  An 
industry  deserving  notice  was  devised  by  Henry  DeWitt  while  confined 
within  the  jail  limits.  From  hoops  and  refuse  iron  picked  up  in  the 
streets  by  his  boys  he  managed  to  fabricate  headed  tacks  that  supplied 
a  need  in  the  community,  and  by  their  sale  was  able  to  provide  sus- 
tenance for  his  family.  Mills  for  grinding  and  sawing;  establishments 
for  fulling  and  dressing  cloth,  tanning  leather,  malting  and  distilling 
liquors,  were  in  active  operation  in  all  parts  of  the  town.  John  and 
Stephen  Brown  continued  the  manufacture  of  saltpetre  and  ])otash  at 
their  home  farm  on  the  Willimantic.  The  neighborhood  of  the  Old 
State  Armory  had  made  no  great  advances.  The  fine  piivilege 
olfered  by  the  Falls  was  but  scantily  improved,  running  only  a  single 
grist-mill  and  saw-mill  and  supplying  water  for  Ezekiel  Gary's  tannery. 
John  ]>ingham  "  tended  the  grist-mill,"  and  occui)ied  an  old  house 
opposite  built  by  Amos  Dodge,  an  early  resident  of  this  vicinity. 
The  red  house  built  by  Deacon  Nathaniel  Skiff,  was  occujiied  \)\  his 
son  Joseph,  a  bachelor  with  three  maiden  sisters.  Bela  Elderkin  for 
a  time  kept  tavern  in  the  Howes  House.  These  with  the  families  of 
Stephen   Fitch,  Zenas  Howes,  David  Young,  and  one  or  two  others, 


*  Letter  from  William  "W.   Campbell,  Cherry  Valley,  New  York,  December 
25,  1857. 


216 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COlINTy. 


made  up  the  ])0))ulation  of  tlie  "Old  Stale."  Yet  notwitlistandiug  the 
comparative  insignificance  of  tliis  part  of  tlie  town,  one  of  its  resi- 
dents, little  old  Uncle  Amos  Dodge,  •'  was  im])ressed  with  the  convic- 
tion that  Williniantic  Falls  was  destined  to  become  a  great  place,"  and 
by  his  faith  and  eloquence  so  wrought  upon  the  minds  of  his  neigh- 
boi-s  that  they  actually  consented  to  go  out  in  the  woods  with  him  and 
l>vf]^ave  {\m\)Gv  i'ov  a  meet  in  f/Jiouse  which  he  insisted  shouM  be  made 
ready  for  the  prospective  iidiabitants,  but  after  raising  a  frame  their 
faith  tailed  them,  and  many  years  |)assed  before  Williniantic  was 
favored  with  a  house  of  worship.  That  the  Falls  should  ever  become 
a  great  business  centre  and  the  head  of  the  town  seemed  as  imjirobable 
to  that  generation  as  that  Windham  Green  should  ever  lose  its  leader- 
ship. The  efforts  made  by  the  uoithern  towns  of  Windham  County 
to  effect  a  change  of  county  seat  excited  for  a  time  only  derision,  but 
the  boldness  and  persistency  of  tlie  leaders  of  the  movement  at  last 
compelled  attention.  In  1797,  Timothy  Lari'abee,  Jabez  Clark  and 
Shubael  Abbe,  were  ai)pointed  agents  of  the  town  to  meet  with  gentle- 
men of  other  towns  ojiposed  to  removal  of  county  seat.  So  alarming 
was  the  prospect  that  these  agents  were  authoiized  to  consent,  " that 
if  a  court-house  and  accommodations  should  be  completed  in  any  other 
town  without  expense  to  the  public,  courts  might  be  held  half  the 
time  in  them." 

Business  enterprises  were  stimulated  by  new  fiicilities  for  advertising. 
In  1790,  John  Byrne  of  Norwich,  set  U])  a  pi'inting-press  in  the  lower 
room  of  the  Court-house,  and  early  in  the  following  year  began  the 
publication  of  Windham  County's  first  newspaper. 

THE     Wi|^  PHENIX; 

Or,   WINDHAM    ^m^^^         HERALD. 


Vol.  I.]        SATURDAY,  ^^ci^S^^^     MARCH  12,  1791.  [Numb.  i. 

Windham  :  Printed  by  John  Bi/rne,  conabimue  North  of  tlie  Court  House. 

The  journal  launclied  upon  the  world  under  this  portentous  hgure- 
head  was  a  modest  little  sheet  of  coarse  bluish-gray  paper,  bearing 
little  resemblance  to  its  illustrious  ])iototype  save  in  the  progeny  of 
county  newspapers  destined  to  spring  from  its  ashes.  Stiiving  for 
success  in  conformit}'  to  his  motto,  Mr.  Byiiie  achieved  a  very  credita- 
li)le  country  newspaper,  fully  equal  to  its  cotemporaries.  Like  them, 
it  lacked  "leaders"  and  "locals."  Its  editor  made  no  attempt  to  lead 
or  form  public  oj)inion.  Windham's  rampant  politicians  cared  little 
for  such  guidance  but  only  asked  for  facts  from  which  they  could  draw 
their  own  conclusions.     General  and  foreisfu  uews  was  furnished  with 


THE    WINDHAM    PHENIX,    ETC.  217 

all  possible  dispatch,  viz. :  foreign  news  of  three  months  date  ;  congres- 
sional reports  ten  or  twelve  days  old  ;  full  re])orts  from  Connecticut 
election  in  three  weeks.  These,  with  advertisements,  short  moral 
essays,  humorous  anecdotes,  and  occasional  casualties,  made  up  the 
table  of  contents.  Meagre  as  it  was  it  satisfied  the  public.  The 
I^henix  was  accepted  as  the  organ  of  Windham  County,  and  in  a  few 
years  numbered  soiiie  twelve  hundred  subscribers,  and  was  carried 
about  in  all  directions  by  post-riders.  Jonathan  Ashley  of  Hampton, 
was  one  of  the  first  of  these  riders.  Another  was  Samuel  Farnham, 
who  gave  place  in  1797,  to  Benjamin  llutchins,  Jr.,  who  would  "take 
the  usual  route  through  Hampton,  Pomfret,  Woodstock,  Ashford,  and 
Mansfield."  The  eastern  towns  were  visited  by  tlieir  own  post-man. 
All  other  mail  accommodations  were  supplied  by  Norwich  till  January 

I,  179o,  when  a  post-office  was  opened  at  Windham  Green — John 
Byrne,  postmaster.  Residents  of  all  the  neighboring  towns  now 
repaired  to  this  oflice.  Letters  for  Ashford,  Brooklyn,  Canterbury, 
Hampton,  Mansfield,  Killingly,  and  even  distant  Thompson,  were 
advertised  in  the   Windham  Herald. 

Newspaper  and  post-office  added  to  Windham's  importance  and 
infiuence.  Its  superiority  "  to  every  inland  town  in  the  State  in 
trade  and  merchandise,"  was  reiterated  with  greater  confidence. 
Its  numerous  stores,  warel)ou.ses,  taverns,  and  all  places  of  puldic 
resort,  were  well  filled  and  patronized  on  ordinary  occasions,  and 
on  festive  days  its  streets  were  thronged  with  visitors  from  all  the 
surrounding  country.  There  were  the  usual  Training  and  Election 
days  and  mighty  regimental  musters.  Most  of  the  county  convoca- 
tions and  public  gatherings  were  held  in  Windham,  meetings  of  the 
AVestern  Land  Company,  of  the  Windham  Medical  Society,  and  of 
other  embryo  associations.  The  sessions  of  the  Court  brought  a 
train  of  judges,  lawyers  and  witnesses.  Soon  after  the  close  of  the 
war  an  academy  was  opened,  securing  for  a  time  the  services  of  Dr. 
Pemberton,  and  though  for  lack  of  permanent  funds  it  was  unable  to 
retain  so  popular  a  teacher,  it  maintained  a  respectable  standing,  and 
was  well  sustained  by  Windham  and  its  vicinity.  Public  schools  were 
yet  poor,  but  efl:brts  were  made  for  their  improvement.  In  1 794, 
thirteen  school  districts  were  set  off,  designated  according  to  the 
fashion  of  the  day  by  some  prominent  resident,  viz.  :  1,  Fi'ederick 
Stanley's;  2,  Solomon  Huntington's;  3,  Jabez  W^olcott's ;  4,  Timothy 
Wales'  ;  5,  Eliphalet  Murdock's  :  6,  Williana  Preston's ;  7,  Zebediah 
Tracy's;  8,  Josiah  Palmer's ;  9,  James  Cary's  ;   10,  Joseph  Palmer's; 

II,  William  Cary's  ;  12,  John  Walden's  ;  13,  Zenas  Howe's.  Private 
schools  were  often  sustained  in  diiferent  neighborhoods. 

Much  consideration  was  now  given  to  the  improvement  of  high- 
28 


218  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTT. 

wavs.  Iligliway  districts  were  instituted  identical  witli  tlie  seliool 
districts,  and  liberty  procured  to  levy  a  tax  to  keej)  tlirni  in  order. 
Pi-ojected  tuin))ikes  called  out  much  discussion.  Jeremiah  IJipley, 
Timothv  Lairal)ee,  Moses  Cleveland,  T.uther  Payne,  James  Gordon, 
and  such  others  as  should  associate  witli  them,  were  incorijorated  as 
The  Wiudliara  Turnpike  Company,  in  1790,  con.structing  a  turnjMke 
from  Plaintield  to  Coventry,  ])ast  Windham  Court-house,  which 
became  the  great  thoronghfare  of  travel  between  Hartford  and  Provi- 
dence. Very  great  efibrts  were  made  by  the  town  to  compel  this 
company  to  lay  its  road  over  the  Shetucket,  wheie  the  bridge  was 
already  standing.  Elijah  Selden,  Capt.  Abner  Robinson  and  Dr. 
Peuuel  Cheney,  were  appointed  in  1801,  to  negotiate  for  alterations 
in  the  new  turn])ike  so  as  to  avoid  re-bridging  the  Shetucket.  but  were 
obliged  to  submit  to  the  unwelcome  necessity.  After  several  attempts 
to  keep  np  new  and  old  town  biidges,  the  latter  was  abandoned  in 
1806.  Timothy  Larrabee,  Charles  Taiutor,  Eleazer  Huntington  and 
Roger  "VValdo,  were  constituted  a  corporation  in  1800,  "  by  the  name 
of  The  Windham  and  Mansfield  Society,  for  the  estaldishing  a  turn- 
pike road  from  Joshua  Hide's  dwelling-house  in  Franklin  to  the  meet- 
ing-house in  Stafford,"  connecting  with  a  turnpike  leading  from  New 
London  and  Norwich.  The  laying  out  a  projected  turniiike  from 
Woodstock's  north  bound  to  the  south  bound  of  Connecticut  at  New 
London,  passing  through  Scotland  Parish,  was  very  vigorously  and 
persistently  opposed  by  Windham,  and  the  road  was  finally  laid  out 
farther  eastward.  She  also  successfully  opposed  a  road  from  Wood- 
stock through  Ashford  and  Mansfield  to  Windham  Court-bouse,  not 
only  kee])ing  the  Courts  but  refusing  to  shorten  the  road  to  them. 
In  her  own  roads  and  bridges  she  manifested  due  enterprise  and 
liberality,  assuming  the  charge  of  the  Horse  Shoe  bridge  at  the 
request  of  Joseph  Skifi'  and  others,  and  advancing  two  hundred  dollars 
for  reducing  hills  and  mending  the  road  from  Scotland  meeting-house 
to  Jared  Webb's. 

With  such  a  rush  of  business  and  travel  Windham's  taveins  might 
well  flourish.  Nathaniel  Linkon,  John  Flint,  David  Young,  John 
Keyes,  John  Parish  entertained  the  public  in  diflerent  parts  of  the 
town  ;  Nathaniel  Hebard,  John  Staniford,  John  Fitch,  received  on 
Windham  Green.  The  ''  Widow  Cary,  "  now  the  wife  of  John  Fitch, 
had  brought  to  her  new  home  the  jolly  image  of  Bacchus,  occupying 
a  conspicuous  perch  on  the  sign-|)Ost  of  the  "old  Fitch  Tavern." 
Travelers,  court  attendants  and  fellow-townspeople  found  agreeable 
entertainment  beneath  his  beaming  countenance,  and  in  the  other 
village  taverns,  tamed  as  tliey  were  for  the  flow  of  wit  and  liquor,  as 
well  as  more  substantial  fare.       Windham's  old-time   reputation    for 


THE    WINDHAM    PHENIX,    ETC.  219 

jokes  and  jollity  was  abiiiulantly  sustained  in  this  day  of  prospeiity 
and  universal  liqnor-diiuking.  The  many  Revolutionary  veterans 
resident  in  the  vicinity  were  hal)itual  frequenters  of  these  attiactive 
resorts,  fighting  over  tlieir  battles  and  telling  marvelous  tales  of  hair- 
breadth escape  and  han-owing  adventui'e.  Quaint  old  characters 
abounded  whose  odd  sayings  and  doings  furnished  exhaustless  merri- 
ment. There  was  one  "jolly  boy"  of  whom  it  was  said  "  he  could 
not  go  by  Hebard's  tavern  without  stopping  to  get  a  drink  of  rum." 
A  friend  remonstrated  with  him  and  finally  made  a  bet  that  he  could 
not  do  so.  The  old  man  went  down  town  and  marched  triumjihantly 
past  the  tavern.  "  Now,"  said  he,  "  I'll  go  back  and  treat  Resolu- 
tion.'' Once  when  somewhat  obfuscated  by  drink  he  wandered  off 
into  the  fields  and  went  to  sleep  but  forgot  on  rising  to  put  on  his  old 
cocked  hat.  Some  boys  found  it  and  brought  it  back  to  him,  think- 
ing to  cover  him  with  confusion.  "  In  which  lot  did  you  find  it?  "  he 
in(iuired  blandly.  "In  Mr.  White's  pasture,  near  the  bars."  "Well, 
boy,  go  take  it  right  hack,  that  is  my  place  to  keep  it." 

One  comical  old  wag  had  a  turn  fur  rhyming.  Meeting  one  day  a 
rough-looking  countryman  with  tawny  hair  and  beard,  and  butternut 
colored  coat,  riding  on  a  sorry  son-el  nag,  he  flung  up  his  hat  at  the 
uncouth  figure  and  exclaimed  : — 

"  Man  and  mare,  beard  and  hair 
All  compare,  I  swear!  " 

Another,  calling  at  one  of  the  taverns  when  it  chanced  to  run  low, 
suggested  as  inscription  iov  ll;e  sign  : — 

"  Notbliiii  ou  one  side — nothing  on  t'other, 
Nothing  iu  the  house,  uor  in  the  barn  nuther." 

Among  Windham's  merchants  and  leading  men  were  son;e  who 
delighted  greatly  in  jokes  and  story-telling.  Staniford's  house  was  a 
great  place  of  resort  for  these  worthies,  an  exchange-place  for  all 
manner  of  quips,  pranks  and  witticisms,  where  each  would  strive  to 
catch  or  outvie  the  other.  X  had  a  cow  which  gave  two  full  pails  of 
milk  morning  and  evening,  and  finally  he  had  her  milked  at  noon,  and 
she  gave  two  full  pails  and  just  as  much  at  the  other  milkiugs  as 
before,  but  Z's  cow  gave  milk  so  continuously  "  that  he  had  an  aque- 
duct built  from  barn  to  house  to  bring  it,  and  the  milk  was  so  rich 
that  every  quart  made  a  pound  of  butter."  One  man  had  killed 
nearly  a  cart-load  of  pigeons  at  one  shot.  Another"  shot  "  a  great  lot 
of  crows  iu  a  pitch  dark  night."  X  was  obliged  to  hoe  beans  once, 
while  his  brothers  were  permitted  to  go  fox-hunting.  He  "  heard  tlie 
dogs  coming,  looked  up  and  saw  the  fox  which  jumped  over  the  fence 
into  a  snowbank,  and  he  killed  him  with  his  hoe  before  he  could  get 


220  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

onto  liis  feet."  "  ]>ut, "  says  Z,  "it  was  a  queer  time  to  liave  a  heavy 
snowbank  in  a  lot  where  you  were  lioeiiKj  heans!"  "The  climate  has 
changed  in  fifty  years,"  res])ontls  the  unabashed  Munchausen,  lie- 
niiniscences  of  the  cold  winter  of  1779-80,  called  out  some  marvellous 
statements.  "  The  snow  was  already  thiee  feet  deep  on  a  level,  and 
the  day  of  the  great  snow  it  began  snowing  early  very  hard,  but  about 
11  o'clock  it  snowed  as  large  flakes  as  chi]>])in(/-b)rds — it  snowed  an 
inch  deejy  every  'minute  for  an  hour  and  a  half,  and  continued  to  snow 
as  hard  as  in  common  storms  all  day.  A\' hereupon  X  relates  that  on 
the  cold  Sunday  of  that  famous  winter  his  family  went  to  meeting 
about  two  miles  away.  The  big  dinner-pot  was  put  on  before  leaving, 
with  pork  and  beef,  turnips,  cabbage  and  potatoes,  all  to  boil  together 
for  dinner,  and  a  big  fire  of  logs  made  under  it  in  the  old-fashioned  fire- 
place. When  they  returned  they  found  the  kitchen  door  blown  open 
"  and  it  was  so  cold  that  the  steam  had  frozen  in  a  solid  cone  on  the 
top  of  the  pot,  and  the  pot  was  boiling  furiously  below  it!"  Tliat 
story,  all  agreed,  could  never  be  matched.  X  announced  one  night 
that  he  had  discovered  what  salmon  lived  on.  He  had  found  two  fy- 
ing  squirrels  in  the  maw  of  one  just  purchased,  but  the  rogue  who  had 
crammed  them  down  the  salmons  tliroat  had  the  best  of  the  joke  that 
evening.  These  lively  jokers  were  not  addicted  to  drinking  and  as  they 
did  not  patronize  the  bar  they  were  accustomed  to  send  each  a  cord  or 
two  of  wood  a  season  to  help  keep  up  the  sparkling  fire  that  added 
zest  to  their  stories.  Theii'  host  was  noted  for  his  exploits  in  eating. 
Three  large  shad  for  thirty  consecutive  days,  with  plenty  of  accompani- 
ments, and  a  whole  fresh  tripe  at  a  dimier,  were  among  these  feats. 
When  melting  silver  one  hot  summer  day  he  was  known  to  drink  tiro 
gallons  of  West  India  rum  without  feeling  the  least  intoxicated. 

A  large  number  of  waiters,  hostlers,  drivers,  purveyors,  occu[)ied  at 
Court  time,  but  with  little  to  do  but  lounge  and  tell  stories  the  re- 
mainder of  the  year,  hung  about  the  taverns  and  stores,  and  added  to 
the  general  merriment.  Negro  men  and  boys  Avere  still  very  numerous 
and  made  much  sport  for  all  classes  with  tlieir  droll  mimicry  and  end- 
less tricks  and  capers.  Change  of  status  made  little  ditference  to  this 
class.  A  few  went  out  into  the  world  as  freedmen,  but  the  larger 
number  even  though  freed  clung  to  their  old  masters  and  were  always 
8upj)orted  and  cared  for.  The  most  intelligent  among  them  was 
(General  Job,  brigadier  of  the  colored  brigade  that  met  for  parade 
on  the  Norwicli  Line  every  year,  lie  married  Rose,  a  very  handsome 
negress,  belonging  to  Elisha  Abbe,  and  they  owned  a  house  on  the 
back  road. 

With  all  Windham's  advancement  in  one  respect  there  was  retro- 
gression.    Her  secular  ali'aira  were  most  flourishing,  but  religion  had 


RELIGIOUS    DECLENSION,    ETC. 


221 


sadly  declined.  It  was  ;i  transition  period — a  day  of  uplieaval,  over- 
turning, uprootal.  Infidelity  and  Universalism  had  come  in  wilh  the 
Revolntion  and  drawn  multitudes  from  the  religious  faith  of  their 
fathers.  Free-thinking  and  free-drinking  were  alike  in  vogue.  Great 
looseness  of  manners  and  morals  had  replaced  the  ancient  Puritanic 
strictness.     In  former  golden  days  Windham  could  proudly  sing : — 

"  That  her  great  men  were  good  and  her  good  men  were  groat, 
And  the  props  of  herChiu'ch  were  the  pillars  of  the  State." 

Now,  sons  of  those  honored  fathers  and  the  great  majority  of  those 
in  active  life,  were  sceptics  and  scofiers,  and  men  were  placed  in  othce 
who  never  entered  the  House  of  God  except  for  town  meetings  and 
secular  occasions.  In  a  sermon  preached  upon  the  fiftieth  anniversary 
of  his  settlement,  December,  1790,  Mr.  White  strikingly  portiayed  the 
contrast : — 

"  In  those  days  there  were  scarce  nuy  that  were  not  professors  of  religion, 
and  but  few  infants  not  baptized.  Xo  families  that  were  prayerless.  Profane 
swearing  was  but  little  known,  and  open  violations  of  the  Sabbath  not  prac- 
ticed as  is  common  now.  And  there  were  no  Deists  among  us.  The  people  as 
a  body  were  fearers  of  the  Lord  aud  observers  of  the  Sabbath  and  its  duties. 
But  the  present  day  is  peculiar  for  men's  throwing  off  the  fear  of  the  Lord. 
Declensions  in  religion  have  been  increasing  for  about  thirty  years  past,  such 
as  profaneness,  disregard  of  the  Sabbath,  neglect  of  family  religiou,  unright- 
eousness, inteuiperauce,  imbibing  of  modern  errors  and  heresies  and  the  cry- 
ing prevalence  of  infldelity  against  the  clearest  light." 

The  standing  church  had  to  contend  with  the  frip:xi)S  as  well  as  the 
foes  of  religion.  About  one-third  of  the  inhabitants  of  Windham 
were  now  "  certificate  people  or  Sectaries,"  bitterly  opposed  to  the 
ecclesiastic  constitution  of  Connecticut,  and  the  churches  founded  upon 
that  basis.  The  Baptists  were  steadily  gaining  in  numbers,  strength, 
and  influence  under  the  charge  of  their  worthy  elder,  Benjamin 
Lathrop.  In  the  north  part  of  Windham,  which  was  now  becoming  a 
populous  neighborhood,  a  remarkable  worship  was  conducted  by  Joshua 
Abbe.  Rev.  Moses  Cook  Welch  of  Mansfield  represented  "■  these 
Abbe-ites  as  a  sect  of  Baptists,  differing  from  any  and  all  of  that 
denomination  that  had  ever  risen  in  any  age,  having  no  communication 
even  -with  other  Baptist  churches.  Their  meetings  were  chaiacteiized 
by  jargon,  disorder  and  great  confusion  ;  all  were  allowed  to  speak  at 
pleasure,  women  as  well  as  men,  three,  four  or  six  sometimes  speaking 
at  once,  while  groans,  sobs  and  sighs  were  reiterated  by  others." 
Doubtless  this  report  is  colored  by  orthodox  prejudice,  but  whether  dis- 
orderly or  not  these  meetings  'were  permitted.  Any  sect  or  church 
within  the  State  of  Connecticut  had  now  the  privilege  of  worshipping 
according  to  its  own  dictates.  The  State  only  insisted  that  every  man 
should  worship  somewhere,  or,  at  least,  bear  his  part  in  maintaining 
some  religious  worship.     The  Saybrook  Platform  had  been  dropped 


222  HISTORY    OF    WIXBHAM    COUNTY. 

from  the  statute  book  in  tlie  revision  of  1784,  but  the  old  society  or<2:an- 
ization  was  retained.  Every  man  within  tlie  limits  of  a  stated  society 
was  taxed  for  the  support  of  its  religious  worship,  until  he  lodged  with 
the  clerk  of  the  society  a  certiticate  of  membership  of  some  other 
society.  The  old  Separates  and  Baptists  were  not  in  the  least  satisfied 
with  these  concessions  and  were  still  forced  to  submit  to  what  they 
deemed  a  degrading  vassalage,  wliile  tlie  opi)Osition  of  the  free-thinkers 
to  the  establislied  churches  was  greatly  heightened  by  being  obliged  to 
help  support  preaching  which  they  disbelieved  and  hated.  After  forty 
years  of  conilict  the  agitators  had  Avon  tlie  privilege  of  worshipping  as 
they  pleased  and  paying  ministers  after  their  own  fashion.  Now  they 
claimed  the  right  of  not  worshipping  if  they  pleased,  and  neither  hear- 
ing or  paying  ministers  except  at  their  own  fancy.  The  "  movement  ' 
began  by  the  early  Separates  was  destined  to  go  onward  till  every  legal 
restriction  was  removed,  and  all  religious  questions  and  worship  left  to 
the  settlement  of  the  individual  conscience. 

The  political  status  of  Windham  was  greatly  affected  by  these 
religious  dissensions  and  complications.  A  large  majoiity  of  her 
population  were  Federalists  for  a  time,  staunchly  sup}»ortlng  the  Fed- 
eral Constitution,  and  Washington's  administration,  but  on  State  and 
local  questions  they  were  greatly  divided.  Connecticut's  ecclesiastical 
cons-titution  and  paiish  system,  and  those  ministers  and  public  men  who 
upheld  it.  were  very  obnoxious  to  the  Sectaries.  There  was  also  a  strong 
radical  element  in  the  town,  a  feeling  of  hostility  to  the  aristocratic  pre- 
tensions and  style  of  the  upper  classes,  the  college-bred  Grays.  Elderkins, 
Dyers,  who  had  been  so  prominent  in  public  affairs.  Far  back  in  1775 
'•  a  miserable  junto  "  *  had  contrived  to  defeat  Colonel  Dyer's  renomi- 
uation  to  Congress,  and  this  opposition  was  constantly  increasing. 
Sanuiel  Webb,  a  man  of  strong  common  sense  and  much  native 
force  of  character,  was  deeply  imbued  with  radical  and  revolutionary 
ideas,  and  had  much  iufiuence  among  the  masses.  The  few  "  Grumble- 
tonians,"  or  anti-Federalists,  joined  with  the  Sectaries,  and  in  1786  sent 
Benjamin  Lathrop  and  Samuel  Webb  to  the  General  Assembly.  In  the 
following  year  Zephaniah  Swift  was  sent  as  deputy.  Federal  in  politics, 
he  was  yet  a  friend  to  progress  and  religious  freedom,  and  an  open  and 
earnest  opponent  to  the  existing  church  establishment.  Sectaries  of 
every  shade  gladly  welcomed  him  as  their  leader  and  sought  to  place  him 
in  office,  while  members  of  the  standing  cluu-ch  were  outraged  that 
a /'/•ee-^'Am/oey' should  be  sent  to  represent  them.  The  ministers  of  these 
churches,  Messrs.  White  and  Cogswell,  "were  grieved  and  displeased 


*  Letters  of  Silas  Deaue. 


EELIGIOUS    DECLENSION,    ETC.  223 

that  men  should  have  so  little  regard  for  religion  as  to  choose  a  man 
for  deputy  who  has  none,"  and  marvelled  at  the  inconsistency  of  "those 
Separates,  Baptists  and  enthusiasts  who  pi'etend  to  so  much  more 
religion  than  we,  yet  vote  for  a  }»rof;uie,  irreligious  man,  who  scarce 
ever  attends  public  worship."  Ilev.  Moses  (\jok  Welch,  now  settled 
in  ^Mansfield  Centre,  was  loud  in  condemnation  of  their  conduct.  In 
sjiite  of  strong  opposition  Swift  carried  the  two  succeeding  elections. 
Judge  Devotion  of  Scotland  won  the  day  in  October,  1788.  The  con- 
test went  on  year  after  year  with  the  vigor  and  bitterness  characteristic 
of  religious  warfare.  Charges  of  extortion  and  imprisonment  hurled 
against  the  standing  churches  were  met  by  accusations  of  excesses  and 
inmioralities.  Tlie  ministers  carried  the  questions  into  their  several 
pulpits.  Mr.  Cogswell  reports,  April  12,  1790:  "  Went  to  Freeman's 
meeting  and  voted  according  to  the  dictates  of  my  conscience,  but 
could  not  succeed  to  keep  Capt.  Swift  from  being  chosen  deputy  . 
Believe,  nevertheless,  that  vii/  preach  tng  did  good  yesterday,  forjudge 
Devotion  had  almost  as  many  votes  as  Swift."  In  1793,  Swift  was  sent 
to  Congress,  the  first  representative  from  northeast  Connecticut. 

As  inherent  differences  of  opinion  became  more  defined  and  out- 
spoken, and  opposition  to  Fedeialism  assumed  ])olitieal  organism, 
Windham  was  I'eady  for  the  conflict.  Swift  indeed  kept  his  i»lace  in 
the  Federal  ranks,  but  a  great  majoiity  of  the  opponents  to  the 
standing  order  accepted  JefTerson  as  their  leader,  and  united  with  the 
anti-Federal  Republicans.  The  sons  of  Samuel  Webb  were  among 
the  foremost  leaders  of  this  new  party,  which  gained  a  strong  hold  in 
the  town  but  was  not  able  for  several  years  to  control  its  elections. 
The  ability  and  audacity  of  its  advocates,  and  their  ruthless  onslaught 
upon  the  Federal  Government  and  established  institutions,  excited 
great  opposition  and  alarm.  The  staunch  old  Federalists  of  the  town, 
Col.  Dyer,  Judge  Devotion,  the  Grays,  Jabez  Clark,  Shubael  Abbe, 
the  standing  clergy,  with  their  organ,  the  Windham  Herald,  en- 
deavored by  every  means  in  their  power  to  stay  the  progress  of  these 
pernicious  principles  and  check  the  growth  of  this  insurrectionary 
parly.  When  in  addition  to  their  assaults  upon  the  General  Govern- 
ment, they  proceeded  to  attack  the  Constitution  of  Connecticut,  and 
propose  a  substitute  for  that  sacred  Charter  under  which  its  inhabitants 
had  enjoyed  such  freedom  and  privileges,  words  were  inadequate  to 
exi)ress  their  indignation.  Peter  Webb,  a  successful  merchant  in 
Windham  town,  was  one  of  the  first  to  discover  and  proclaim  that 
Connecticut  "had  no  government."  When  Fierpont  Edwards  in  1804, 
issued  a  circular  calling  upon  Republicans  "  to  meet  in  convention  at 
Kew    Haven  upon  the  subject  of  forming  a  constitution,"  a    corres- 


224  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

ponrlent    of   the   Windham  herald  thus   describes   its   reception    in 
Windham  Cyounty  : — 

"In  the  towu  of  Sterling,  a  meeting  was. convened  by  Mr.  Lemuel  Dor- 
ranee,  to  whom  the  circular  letter  of  Mr.  Edwards  was  addressed.  Mr.  Dor- 
rance  was  chosen  chairman  of  the  meeting.  It  was  composed  of  twenty-nine 
or  thirty  persons,  and  on  discussion  of  the  subject  of  the  circular  letter,  it 
was  voted  that  no  delegate  should  be  chosen.  Whether  Mr.  Dorrance  obeyed 
the  direction  of  the  letter,  to  co77ie  on  himself,  if  none  was  chosen,  we  are  not 
fully  assured. 

The  circular  was  submitted  to  a  meeting  of  those  Avho  call  themselves 
republicans  (exclusively),  on  the  13th  of  August,  inst.,  at  Plainfleld.  The 
meeting  was  attended  bj' more  members  than  any  other  meeting  of  the  kind 
ever  held  in  that  town,  and  on  full  deliberation  it  was  (we  mention  it  to  their 
honor)  voted  not  to  choose  any  delegate  to  the  proposed  convention.  It  is, 
however,  understood,  that  after  the  return  to  that  town,  of  a  gentleman /rom 
Court,  on  Saturday  last,  a  few,  very  few  persons  met  on  Monday,  and  made 
choice  of  Mr.  Elias  Woodward.  How  the  republicans  in  general,  by  whom 
the  proposition  was  rejected,  will  receive  this  we  cannot  tell. 

From  the  town  of  Voluntowu  we  only  learn  that  Mr.  Nicholas  Randall  has 
gone  on  to  New  Haven. 

From  Thompson  we  learn  nothing,  but  presume  no  person  attends  from 
that  town. 

In  the  town  of  Woodstock  a  meeting  was  publicly  warned,  and  notice 
given,  that  it  would  be  open  to  all  parties,  but  wlien  the  democrats  met,  they 
called  for  a  private  room  and  refused  admission  to  any  but  their  own  sect. 
They  consisted  of  ticenty-three  persons,  five  of  whom  were  not  freemen,  one 
is  a  pauper  maintained  bj"  the  town,  and  ten  persons  who  have  come  to  reside 
in  Woodstock  from  other  towns,  mostly  from  Rhode  Island.  Mr.  William 
Boo'en  chosen. 

In  the  town  of  Pomfret  a  meeting  was  held  and  composed  of  twenty  per- 
sons, six  of  whom  declined  voting  athrmatively  on  the  question,  and  Mr. 
John  Chandler  was  chosen  by  fourteen  votes. 

Mr.  Benjamin  Arnold  has  gone  from  the  towu  of  Killingly;  whether  the 
democrats  in  that  town  held  a  meeting  for  his  election,  we  have  not  learned. 

From  Brooklyn,  we  understand,  that  Master  Harry  Stanley,  is  the  repre- 
sentative, and  took  a  seat  in  the  stage  for  New  Haven,  on  Monday  evening; 
but  have  heard  of  no  meeting  for  his  election— some  run  before  they  are 
sent. 

In  the  towu  of  Canterbury,  in  pursuance  of  the  circular,  a  private  meeting 
of  a  small  number  of  persons  was  iiolden,  and  elected  Mr.  Ephraini  Lyon. 

In  the  towns  of  Windham  and  Lebanon,  we  understand  tliey  are  in  "favor  of 
a  large  representation,  and  elected  four  persons  in  each  towu;  of  whom 
Messrs.  Baldwin  and  Manning  attend  from  Windham,  and  Mr.  Andrew 
Metcalf,  from  Lebanon. 

At  Ashford,  Messrs.  D.  Bolles,  and  Jason  Woodward. 

At  Hampton,  Mr.  Roger  Taintor. 

At  Mansfield,  Mr.  Edmond  Freeman. 

At  Columbia,  Mr.  Stephen  Buckingham. 

We  are  fully  assured,  that  whenever  meetings  of  democrats  have  been 
hoklen  in  this  county,  in  pursuance  of  the  circular  letters,  they  have  excluded 
all  persons,  not  avowedly  democrats,  from  acting  in  their  meetings.  With 
what  pretentions  these  friends  of  the  people  can  claim  the  right  of  manufac- 
turing new  forms  of  government  for  the  good  citizens  of  this  state,  against 
their  consent,  and  without  their  advice,  we  know  not.  We  only  ask,  do  these 
proceedings  furnish  evidence  that  the  party  are  actuated  by  a  spirit  of  equal 
liberty,  or  a  spirit  of  usurpation  and  tyranny  ?  " 

The  Herald  also  reports  that  so  far  as  it  can  learn  "  the  proposition 
Avas  received  with  coldness  niiiigled  with  alarm  even  by  tho.se  who 
have  hitherto  favored  the  democratic  party.     Less  alarm  would  pi-oba- 


RELIGIOUS    DECLENSION,    ETC  225 

bly  Imve  been  excited  if  these  Constitution-inaker.s  had  admitted  that 
Connecticut  now  lias  a  Constitution^  but  that  it  is  a  bad  one  and 
requii-es  renovation.  But  when  the  bold  g-round  is  assumed  that  Con- 
necticut has  )io  Consfltufloit'  and  that  all  the  acts  of  the  Legislature 
for  many  years  past  have  been  acts  of  usuri)ation  and  tyraiuiy,  most 
retlecling  men  startled  at  the  consequences  which  may  flow  from  admit- 
ting this  proposition."  Yet  notwithstanding  this  alarm,  and  the 
earnest  efforts  and  solemn  warnings  of  the  Federalists,  their  opponents 
succeeded  this  same  year  in  electing  Mr.  Peter  Webb  as  deputy  to  the 
General  Assembly,  and  thenceforward  the  re])ublicans  were  often  able 
to  carry  the  elections,  the  Sectaries  holding  the  balance  of  power. 
The  earnestness  and  eloquence  of  tlie  Windham  republicans,  and  the 
])rominent  position  of  their  town,  gave  them  great  political  influence 
during  the  Jeftersonian  conflict  aiul  administration. 

The  third  settled  pastor  of  Windham's  First  Church,  Rev.  Stei)hen 
White,  died  January  9,  1793,  in  the  seventy-flfth  year  of  his  age  and 
fifty-third  of  his  ministry.  His  gentle  and  lovely  character,  consist- 
ent Christian  life,  and  faitiiful  miiiisteiial  service,  had  won  the  regard 
of  all  "  whose  appiobation  was  worth  possessing."  His  funeral 
sermon  was  attended  by  a  great  concouise  of  people — his  former 
pupil,  Kev.  M.  C.  Welch,  ]ii'eaching  the  sermon,  and  all  the  neighbor- 
ing ministers  pai'ticipating  in  tlie  exercises,  which  were  prolonged  till 
the  dusk  of  the  evening.  His  excellent  wife,  sister  of  Col.  Dyer, 
survived  her  husband  ten  years.  The  Windham  Herald  in  announc- 
ing her  decease  asserts,  "  that  the  life  of  this  old  lady  furnished  a 
pattern  worthy  to  be  imitated  by  the  most  pious  and  most  exemplary. 
From  a  very  early  peiiod  of  her  life  she  was  a  professor  of  the 
Christian  religion  and  ever  adorned  her  profession  by  the  most  dis- 
tinguished piety  and  godliness.  Rectitude  was  uniformly  her  object, 
and  love  and  esteem  were  the  affections  which  she  unifoi'mly  inspired.'" 
Of  her  thirteen  children,  tiiree  daughters,  greatly  esteemed  for  piety 
and  excellence  of  character,  long  occupied  the  modest  homestead. 
Mr.  White  was  succeeded  in  the  ministerial  otfice  by  Elijah  Waterman 
of  Bozrah,  who  was  ordained  in  Windham,  October  1,  1794.  The 
unusual  enei-gy  and  zeal  of  tlie  young  pastor  found  ample  exercise  in 
his  new  field.  His  church  was  cold,  backward  and  almost  without 
influence  in  the  community.  Irreligion  was  rampant  and  aggressive. 
Infidel  books  and  doctrines  were  widely  disseminated.  Books  demon- 
strating Universal  salvation  were  advertised  in  the  Iferald,  and  sub- 
scriptions received  for  them  in  its  office.  Good-fellowship  and  jollity 
were  degenerating  into  revelry  and  dissipation.  Intemperance  had 
become  alarmingly  prevalent.  Card-playing  and  other  questionable 
amusements  were  much  in  vogue.  A  social  club,  comprising  all  the 
29 


226  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

"  irood  fellows  "' about  town,  affordtMl  opiortnnity  for  free  indulgence 
in  such  pastimes.  And  while  liie  forces  of  evil  were  thus  united  and 
strong,  tlie  few  ohuich  jnenibeis  and  christians  were  expeiuling  all 
their  energies  in  battling  and  beating  One  another.  Mr.  Waterman 
devoted  himself  to  liis  work  with  great  earnestness,  and  by  his  faith- 
ful labors  and  ])Uiigent  exhortations  soon  aroused  a  new  religions 
interest  in  his  cliurch,  and  received  encouiaging  accessions  to  its 
niendjership.  Like  his  predecessors  he  ibund  a  wife  among  liis  own 
people — Lucy,  daughter  of  Shubael  Ablje — and  it  was  hoped  that  like 
them  he  would  I'emain  for  life  in  Windham.  Wide  in  symjiathy  as 
well  as  fervent  in  spirit,  Mr.  Waterman  interested  himself  in  all  tl>e 
reformatory  movements  then  in  progress  at  home  and  abioad.  lie 
was  an  active  member  of  the  Windham  County  Association  and  piomi- 
nent  in  effecting  the  formal  Consociation  of  the  churches.  At  home 
he  labored  for  improvement  of  ])ublic  schools  and  the  formation  of  a 
school  library  in  place  of  the  ibriner  Social  Library  which  with  other 
good  things  had  been  suffered  to  decline  and  fall  to  pieces.  He  tran- 
scribed the  records  of  the  church  and  provided  for  their  better  preser- 
vation, and  prepared  a  faitliful  historical  discourse  for  the  commemora- 
tion of  its  hundredth  anniversary.  He  also  collected  materials  "for  a 
complete  history  of  Windham  County,'"  which  in  subsequent  years 
were  unfortunately  scattered. 

Yet  notwithstanding  Mr.  Waterman's  acknowledged  ability  and 
excellence,  his  pastorate  was  stormy.  His  open  and  uncompromising 
hostility  to  vice  and  irreligion  aroused  strong  opposition  and  made  iiim 
many  personal  enemies.  Finding  that  in  spite  of  his  earnest  remon- 
strances the  club  of  jolly  fellows  persisted  in  hunting  rabbits  and  i»lay- 
ing  ball  on  Fast  and  Thanksgiving  days  in  defiance  of  law,  he  made 
complaint  to  tlie  magistrate  and  secured  the  exaction  of  tines.  These 
victims  and  other  aggrieved  parties  united  their  forces  against  the 
zealous  minister  and  proceeded  to  organize  as  an  Episcopal  society, 
under  the  auspices  of  Rev.  Jol)n  Tyler  of  Xorwicli,  who  held  church 
service  with  them  as  often  as  practicable.  By  this  device  they  evaded 
the  ])ayment  of  rates  and  made  it  very  difHcult  for  the  society  to  pro- 
vide for  the  support  of  Mv.  Waterman.  The  church,  however,  clung 
faithfully  to  its  )iastor  and  would  ])i'obal)ly  have  succeeded  in  retaining 
him  in  spite  of  the  pecuniary  difficulties  but  for  the  removal  of  one  of 
its  strongest  pillars  and  supports,  'Sh:  Sheriff  Abbe,  wlu)  was  stricken 
down  with  apoplexy,  Ai)ril  16,  1804.  His  worth  and  labors  were  thus 
portrayed  by  mourning  friends  : — 

"  He  firaduated  at  Yale  Collesie,  1764.  He  was  several  years  in  the  hiisiiicss 
of  nicrchaiulizc  and  by  his  own  exertious  became  laruely  engaged  in  hus- 
bandry. In  1783  ho  was  appointed  sherifl'  of  the  County  of  Windham  and 
cnntinned  in  the  most  punctual  and  unexceptionable  manner  to  discharge  the 
duties  of  that  oliice  till  his  death.     He  was  often  chosen  represeutalive  of  the 


POLITICAI,    AGITATION,   ETC. 


227 


town.  In  1798  he  was  appointed  by  the  President  one  of  tlie  commissioners 
of  the  Land  tax,  and  l)y  the  Assenilily  one  of  the  committee  to  manage  tlie 
Scliool  Funds.  In  domestic  life  he  was  indiduent  and  decisive.  In  public 
business,  active,  punctual  and  correct.  In  his  attachment  to  civil  and  religions 
institutions  he  was  exemplary,  and  to  the  poor  and  :ifHicted  luinume  and 
generous.  His  ability  and  integri;y  secured  to  him  the  esteem  and  conlidence 
of  his  fellow-citizens.  And  his  death  was  extensively  and  deeply  regretted. 
He  left  a  widow,  three  sons  and  five  daughters  to  mourn  an  irreparable  loss. 

Tears  flow  nor  cease  wliere  .\bl)e's  ashes  sleep, 

For  him  a  wife  and  tendei-est  ciiildren  weep. 

And  justly — for  few  sliall  ever  transcentl 

As  husband,  parent  :ind  a  faithful  friend." 

Ill  view  of  this  great  loss  and  tlie  combined  opposilioii,  Mr.  Water- 
man thoug-ht  it  unwise  to  remain  in  Wiiidliam  and  was  dismissed  by 
council,  Feb.  12,  ISO.'),  the  cliurcli  still  attesting  its  regard.  Of  eighty- 
nine  admitted  to  the  church  during  his  pastorate  only  twelve  were 
males.  The  venerable  deacons — Nathaniel  Wales,  Sen.,  Jose[)h  Hunt- 
ington and  Nathaniel  Skirt"— liad  now  been  dead  many  years.  Deacon 
Samuel  Gray  died  in  1787,  Deacon  Jonathan  Martin  in  179),  Deacon 
Elijah  Bingham  in  1798.  Samuel  Perkins,  Esq.,  and  Capt.  Eliphalet 
Murdock  were  elected  deacons  dui-ing  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Waterman. 

j\Iany  of  Windham's  honored  citizens  were  now  [jassing  away. 
Colonel  Ebenezer  Gray,  after  suffering  gi'eatly  from  disease  contracted 
in  Revolutionary  service,  died  in  1795,  greatly  respected  and  beloved. 
It  was  said  that  his  extreme  generosity  to  the  poor  lost  him  his  position 
as  selectman.  With  other  Windham  otReers  he  was  an  honored  mem- 
ber of  the  Society  of  the  Cincinnati,  established  to  perpetuate  Revolu- 
tionary friendships  and  associations,  and  relieve  the  widows  and  orphans 
of  those  who  had  fallen.  His  widow  survived  him  many  years.  His 
brother  Thomas,  physician  and  merchant,  died  in  1792.  Colonel 
Jedidiah  Elderkin  died  in  1794,  Deacon  Eleazer  Fitch  in  1800,  Elder 
Benjamin  Lathrop  in  1804,  Samuel  Linkon  in  1794,  after  entering  upon 
the  second  year  of  his  second  century.  Windham's  "oldest  inhabi- 
tant," Arthur  Bibbins,*  lia<l  preceded  him  several  years  and  also 
exceeded  him  in  length  of  life.  Colonel  Dyer,  now  far  advanced  in 
years,  was  still  hale  and  hearty,  and  though  no  longer  partici|)ant  in 
public  artairs  was  still  keenly  interested  in  all  that  was  passing.  A 
gentleman  of  the  old  school,  punctilious  in  dress  and  manners,  his 
familiar  form  was  often  seen  on  Windham  street,  and  liis  voice  often 
heard  in  earnest  dei)recation  of  the  alarming  growth  of  radicalism, 
Jacol^inism,  intidelity  and  immorality.  Swift  had  now  completed  that 
tamous  "Digest  of  the  Laws  of  Connecticut,"  which  brought  him  so 
much  honor,  served  as  secretary  on  an  important  foreign  mission,  and  in 


*This  venerable  patriarch,  according  to  Windham  Church  records,  attained 
108  years,  Init  a  more  careful  investigation  reduces  his  years  to  lOi*.  "  He  is 
represented  to  have  been  a  m;ui  of  great  vigor  and  health,  never  sick  a  day 
until  after  he  was  one  hundred,  when  he  was  thrown  from  a  horse  and  injured, 
after  which  he  was  coutined  until  his  death." 


228  HISTORY     or     ^VINI)HAM     COUNTV. 

ISOo  \v:is  npiiointed  a  jiulge  of  the  Sii|)erinr  Court.  Saiinifl  Perkins, 
after  studyiug  for  the  ministry,  had  decided  to  enter  tlie  legal  profession, 
and  engaged  in  practice  in  Windiiatn.  John  lialdwin  and  David 
W.  Young  also  settled  as  lawyers  in  their  native  town.  Henry  ^\  i'il> 
now  seived  as  high  sheriif.  Charles  Abbe,  de])nty-sherift*:  Phinehas 
Abbe,  jailer.  Tlioinas  Grosvenor  of  Ponifiet  succeeded  William  AVil- 
liams  as  chief  judge  of  the  County  Court  in  1S06,  Ebenezer  Devotion. 
Ilezekiah  l{i|iley.  James  Goi'don.  Lemuel  Ingalls.  associates.  Samuel 
Gray  was  clerk  of  the  Su])erior  and  County  Court.s.  Windham  enjoyed 
during  this  decade  the  excitement  of  two  ])ublic  executions — that  of 
Caleb  Adams  of  Poml'ret.  Nov.  1!»,  1S03,  and  of  Samuel  Faniham  of 
Ashford,  two  years  later.  The  lamented  death  of  Shei'iff  AV)l)c  was 
thought  to  have  been  hastened  by  his  offici;d  duties  at  the  execution  of 
Ihe  former. 

Colonel   Elderkin's    silk  factory   passed,   after  his   decease,   into  the 
hands  of  "Claik  and  Giay."  wluj  were  initiating  many  business  enter- 
prises, but  it  was  soon  bought  by  M.anslield  experimenters  who  wei'e 
making  great  efforts  to  increase  and  im])rove  silk  manufai-ture.     Capi- 
talists were  buying  u])  land  and  attempting  to  establish  various  manu- 
factures at  Willimantic.  but  after  the  death  of  Amos  Dodge  the  residents 
of  this  vicinity  lost  faith  in  its  immediate  up-building,  and  suH^ered  the 
meeting-house   frame   to  be  cariied  to  AViiidham  Green  where   it   <lid 
good  service  on  Zion's  Hill  as  a  pul)lic  school-house.     Willimantic  was 
a  place  of  much  resort  in  the  spring  for  its  tisheiiesof  shad  and  salmon, 
and  the    new  tuiiipike  brought   throngs  of  ti'avelers   and  customers  to 
David  Youngs  tavern,  but   the   gi'eat  I'ush  of  business  and  enterpiise 
still  souglit  the  Green.     ]Mr.  DeWitt'stack  business  had  been  ruined  by 
the  invention  of  nail-making  machinery,  and  his  shop  hatl  passed  into 
tiie  hands  of  Jedidiah   Story,   where  might   be    found    "  Tlafs   of    ti)e 
newest  fashion,  warranted  to  be  as  good  and  chea])  as  at  any  factoiT  in 
the  State."     John  Burgess  offered  for  sale  "excellent  soaldeather'  and 
as  good  morocco  and  calf-skin  shoes  as  could  be  found  in  market,  and  also 
a  new  fashioned  foui--wheel  veliii-le.  called  a  wagon,  which  had  somehow 
come    into    his    possession    and    which    most    people  thought   a  very 
impracticable  invention.     Business  and  trade  were  as  lirisk  and  lively  as 
ever.     The  colunmsof  the  Windhain  Herald  teemed  with  solicitations 
and  demands.     Brown,  wliite  and  striped  tow  cloth  of  hume  manufacture, 
blue   and  wliite   stripcil   mittens,  stockings   of  all    textures   and   colors, 
good  slioe  thread,  clieese.  butter,  geese  feathers,  r.ags.  old  pewter,  brass 
and  copper,  rablnt  skins  and  other  furs,  were  taken  by  all  the  merchants 
and  manufactuiers  who  offered  in  return  the  usual  variety  of  household 
ami  fancy  articles.      All  dealers  were  urgent  and  prot"use  in  offering  lum. 
gin,  brandy  and  wines  at  the  lowest  figure.      "  Good  sweet    rum  at  live 
and  sixpence  }'er  g.illou  :"   "  tlie  best  of  Jamaica  rum  at  tlie  moderate 


gknp:ral  town  affairs,  etc.  229 

]»rice  of  one  dollar  and  six  cents  per  gallon  ;"  hogsheads,  barrels  and 
kegs  of  good  rum  for  farmers  and  housekeepers  who  wished  to  supply 
themselves   by  the  quantity  and  provide  for  their  help  in  haying,  were 
tem|)tingly    paraded.     The   increasing    use    of    liipior    in    public   and 
private   and    llie   great  number  of  idlers  who  hung  about  the  stores 
and    taverns,   was,    perhaps,  the    reason    that    Windham   with    all    its 
business    and    bustle    seemed    to    have    lost    something  of   its  thrifti- 
ness,  and    to  tlie    keen    eye  of  Doctor  Dwight,   as    reported    in    one 
of  his  inspectorial  tours,  exhibited   "marks  of  decay."     Botli  churches 
in    its    iirst    society    were    now   destitute    of    a    pastor.    Mr.    Daniel 
C.     Banks    declining    a    call    to    the     First    Church.     Many    valued 
families  were  lost   to  churches   and  town   by  the  rage  for   emigration. 
The    children    of   Wyoming  emigrants   returned  to  the  Susquehanna 
Valley,   and  gained  possession  of  the  lands  claimed  by  their  fathers. 
Thomas    Dyer.    Jr..    grandson   of    Col.   Dyer,   settled  in   Wilkesbarre, 
where  he  w  as  greatly  esteemed.     The  sons  of  Col.  Elderkin  removed 
from    Windham    after    the    death    of    their    father.     Major    Ebenezer 
Backus  and  Dr.  John   Clark  followed  their  children  to  Central  Xew 
York.     l{e])resentatives  of  the  old   Windham  families  were  scattered 
abroad  in  all  parts  of  the  opening  Ke])ublic.     Dr.  Samuel  Lee  died  in 
lSi)-i.      His  son   Samuel,  associated   with   him  in  practice,  had  already 
distinguished  himself  by  the  composition  of  "Lee's  Windham  Bilious 
Pills" — one  of  the  first  j^atent  medicines  that  came  before  the  ])ublic. 
So  great  was  their   leputation  that  the  lawyers  at  ('ourt  maintained 
that  even  to  cai-ry  a  box  of  Lee's  pills  in  their   pi^ckets  would  ward  oif 
disease.      Windliam  with   its  usual  vivacity  interested  itself  in  experi- 
ments for  the  amelioration  of  that  much  dreaded  disease — Small-pox. 
William  Robinson  and  Samuel  Bleight  oftei-ed  to  inoculate  its  inhabit- 
ants in  18UJ.  for  Kine  or  Cow-pox,  which  they  declared  to  be  a  ]jerfect 
sec'urity  against  tlie  small-pox.  and  only  to  be  communicated  by  inocu- 
lation.    Dr.  Vine  Utley  and  Ml".    Jt)nathan  Woodward  went  about  the 
County   in  the   following   year,  inoculating  scoies  of   people  in  every 
town  with  very  satisfactory  results. 

Windham's  loss  of  population — a  hundred  and  twenty,  between 
1790  and  ISOO — made  little  apparent  diiference  in  its  animation  and 
activity.  Taverns  and  stores  were  as  well  patronized  as  ever.  Public 
meetings  were  helil  in  increasing  number  and  vai'iety.  In  1801,  the 
jNlasons  of  Windham  and  Lebanon  were  gathei-ed  into  the  Eastern 
Star  Lodge  with  appropriate  ceremonies.  Tlie  Festival  of  St.  John 
the  Evangelist  was  celebrated  in  Windham  the  following  Christmas 
day  with  much  rejoicing.  The  first  Republican  or  Democratic  cele- 
bration of  which  we  have  rei)ort  was  held  July  4,  1806.  at  the  house 
of  Mr.  John  Staniford.  innholder.  A  large  attendance  was  expected 
and  doubtless  secured. 


230  IIISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

~  III. 

SCOTLAND'S  FIRST    BELL.     THE  SCOTLAND  PARSONAGE.     SOCLAL 

LIFE.     CHANGES.     CONTROVERSY  BETWEEN  PASTOR 

AND  PEOPLE. 

SCOTLAND  Parish  shared  in  the  general  growth  and  itrospei'ity  of 
the  town,  raising  its  (hie  [)roi)ortion  of  sheep,  swine  and  cattle,  and 
sending  butter  and  cheese,  beef,  pork  and  wool  to  niarlcet.  Kbenezer 
Devotion,  though  now  judge  of  the  County  Court  and  employed  in 
many  public  affairs,  was  still  engaged  in  trade.  Zebediah  Tracy's  shop 
accommodated  the  public  with  many  useful  articles.  A  new  firm. 
P^'ench  and  AUyn,  offered  choice  New  York  goods  to  purchasers, 
together  with  groceries  and  a  tew  hogsheads  of  St.  Croix  rum  very 
cheap  in  e.vchange  for  stockings,  mittens,  tow  cloth,  etc.  Returned 
veterans — Captains  John  Baker,  Abner  Robinson  and  others — engaged 
with  renewed  zest  in  the  arts  of  peace.  Samuel,  Jeremiah  and 
Jedidiah  Bingham,  John  and  Jacob  Burnap,  William  and  James  Cary, 
Jonathan  Kingsley,  Eliphalet  Huntington  and  various  other  descend- 
ants of  the  early  settlers,  wei'e  now  in  active  life,  attending  to  their 
farms  and  other  industries.  Major  Jolin  Keyes  of  Ashford,  appointed 
in  17H6,  adjutant-general  of  the  militia  of  Cotmecticut.  had  now 
removed  his  residence  to  Scotland  village,  and  his  comfoitable  tavern 
liad  become  a  famous  place  of  resort  for  the  many  old  soldiers  resid- 
ing in  this  part  of  the  town.  Its  physician,  Dr.  Penuel  Clieney,  was 
veiy  active  and  useful  in  society  and  town  affairs.  The  parish  bore 
its  part  in  civil  administration,  and  was  allowed  the  j^rivilege  of 
holding  one-third  of  the  allotted  town  meetings  in  its  convenient 
meeting-house.  Having  fortunately  ei'ected  a  new  house  just  befoie 
the  breaking-out  of  the  war,  it  had  no  special  home  demands  during 
this  period,  and  was  able  to  do  its  part  with  great  care  and  efficiency, 
furnishing  many  men  of  tried  fidelity  and  valor.  One  of  its  first 
achievements  after  the  return  of  peace  was  to  procure  a  bell  for  its 
meeting-house  steeple  which  involved  it  in  a  sei  ies  of  misadventures. 
According  to  popular  tradition  the  bell  was  cracked  upon  its  first 
journey;  returned  as  unsound,  and  re-ci'acked  upon  its  hanging; 
re-mended  and  re-cracke<l  in  celebi'ating  its  successful  return  and  sus- 
pension— the  whole  poi)ulatit)n  venting  their  joy  by  ringing  it — and 
by  farther  mischance  was  twice  disabled,  sent  back  and  leturned 
before  its  final  exaltation  and  installment  into  office.  Probably  these 
reports  wei'e  exaggerated  by  their  jolly  neighbors  of  Windham,  only 
too  glad  to  retaliate  the  banterings  upon  their  own  fiog  panic,  but  the 
records     show    that     thev    were     not     unfounded.      Dr.    Cheney    was 


FIRST    BELL,    THE    SCOTLAND    PARSONAGE,    ETC.  231 

appointed  to  procure  subscriptions  for  a  bell  in  1790.  In  June  the 
following  year.  Dr.  Cogswell  reports  that  the  subscribers  for  a  bell 
voted  not  to  have  the  bell  which  is  now  in  use  here,  nor  any  other  of 
Davison's  but  to  ap])ly  to  Dolittles,  (Xew  Haven).  In  November,  tlie 
society  voted  to  accept  the  bell  provided  by  the  committee  for  that  pur- 
pose, and  to  provide  some  suitable  person  to  ring  and  toll  it.  In  1793, 
it  enjoins  upon  its  committee,  to  take  care  of  the  bell,  get  the  tongue 
mended,  make  fixture  for  deck  and  keej)  the  wet  out.  Two  years 
later  it  is  ordered  to  get  the  bell  repaired,  and  again,  179G,  to  get  the 
wheel  re])aired  and  make  it  more  convenient  to  ring  the  bell.  A  sing- 
ing school  had  been  instituted  during  this  time  through  the 
efibrts  of  Captain  Robinson.  Young  people  were  prompt  and  eager 
in  attendance  and  the  singing  so  much  improved  that  young  Mason 
Cogswell  attirmed  that  they  sang  better  in  Scotland  than  in  Hartford. 
A  social  library  for  the  benefit  of  the  east  part  of  the  town  was  formed 
about  1790. 

]\[r.  Cogswell's  ministi-ations  were  still  acceptable  to  church  and 
society.  In  1790  he  received  a  doctor's  degree  from  Yale  College — 
the  first  Windham  County  minister  thus  honored.  His  church  shared 
in  the  prevailing  religious  declension,  receiving  few  accessions  and  meet- 
ing many  losses.  Deacon  John  Cary  died  in  1788  ;  Deacon  John 
Baker  in  1791.  Some  membei'S  were  lost  by  emigration,  some  by 
secession  to  other  chuiches.  Heligious  feeling  was  at  a  low  ebb  ;  social 
conferences  and  prayer  meetings  were  not  encouraged,  and  the  ''  gifts 
of  the  church"  were  so  little  exercised  that  when  its  pastor  was  kept 
at  home  by  sickness  and  sent  his  son  to  read  a  sermon  to  the  congre- 
gation there  was  not  a  brother  in  the  church  willing  to  oflfer  a  public 
prayer.  Whatever  spiritual  life  existed  was  drawn  to  the  Sectaries. 
Zealous  Baptist  itinerants,  Lyon  of  Canterbury,  Dyer  Ilebard  and 
Jordan  Dodge,  held  meetings  on  Pudding  Hill  and  remoter  neighbor- 
hoods, and  through  their  instrumentality  "  a  religious  stir,"  or  revival, 
was  incited  at  which  many  professed  conversion  and  received  baptism 
by  immersion,  uniting  with  the  Baptists  in  Windham  and  Hampton. 
The  Brunswick  Church,  under  its  aged  minister,  was  greatly  weak- 
ened by  this  new  element,  but  still  maintained  regular  worship.  Unlike 
many  Separates,  Elder  Palmer  had  a  respect  for  education,  his  son 
David  graduating  at  Dartmouth  College  in  1797.  Schools  in  Scotland 
Avere  maintained  and  catechized  as  the  law  required.  The  central 
school  flourished  for  two  seasons  under  the  charge  of  a  teacher  who 
afterwards  became  very  famous — William  Eaton,  the  conqueror  of 
Tripoli. 

In  politics  Scotland  parish  was  more  conservative  than  the  western 
part  of  the  town,  standing  squarely  by  its  favorite  candidate,  Judge 


232  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Devotion,  and  wlion  it  came  out  in  full  force  sure  to  carry  the  election. 
This  result  may  have  been  due  in  gi-eat  measure  to  the  influence  of  its 
honored  son,  Samuel  Huntington,  who,  after  serving  as  ]uesi<lent  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  and  chief  justice  of  the  Superior  Court  of  Con- 
necticut, was  elected  governor  of  the  State  in  178G.  Public  cares  and 
high  position  did  not  lessen  his  interest  in  his  early  home,  l)ut  with 
increasing  years  he  seemed  to  find  it  more  attractive.  Every  few  weeks 
Dr.  Cogswell's  journal  reports  a  visit  from  the  Governor,  and  instructive 
discussion  of  national  and  scientific  (juestions.  ^Mingling  thus  freely 
with  old  friends  and  townsmen  a  man  of  such  weiglit  and  elevation  of 
character  could  liardly  fail  to  become  a  power  for  good  to  the  coin- 
niunity. 

Governor  Huntington's  brilliant  brothers  were  also  frequent  visitors 
at  that  pleasant  parsonage  as  well  as  many  other  celebrities.  It  was  a 
day  of  universal  visiting  and  social  intercourse,  not  only  between  the  resi- 
dents of  particular  towns  but  between  different  towns  and  neighbor- 
hoods. The  mode  of  traveling  was  eminently  conducive  to  sociability. 
One-horse  chaises  and  rough  roads  compelled  short  stages.  Ti-avelers 
were  accustomed  to  stop  at  every  friend's  house  for  rest  and  i-efresh- 
nient.  In  these  slow  old  days  everybody  seemed  to  have  time  to  drive 
about  and  chat  with  their  friends  and  neighbors,  and  the  Scotland 
parsonage  was  a  palace  of  especial  resort  and  jjopulai'ity.  Its  family 
circle  was  large  and  lively.  Children,  gi'an<h;hildren  and  hosts  of  relatives 
were  continually  coming  and  going.  Neighbors  and  parishioners  were 
di'opping  in  at  all  hours  of  the  day,  bringing  news  and  asking  counsel. 
Scarce  a  day  passed  without  a  call  from  some  neighboring  townsman — 
Dr.  Baker  of  Brooklyn,  Esquire  Perkins  of  Newent,  Dr.  Adams  of 
Westminster,  Colonel  Moselyand  Mr.  Stewail  from  Hampton.  Colonels 
Dyer  and  Danielson,  and  even  "old  General  Putnam."  Nightfall  often 
lu'ought  with  it  some  traveling  ministei' — poor  broken-down  ]\Ii".  llowland 
with  his  budget  of  troubles;  Mr.  AVilliams  of  Woodstock,  "a  serious, 
j^iousman  and  good  divine,  "  or  Dr.  Huntington  with  "  metaphysical  par- 
adox that  seemed  to  favor  Universalism."  These  visits,  wit  h  other  family 
afl^airs,  the  general  news  of  the  day  and  appropriate  moral  reflections, 
were  duly  recorded  in  the  Doctor's  voluminous  diary.  Not  only  did  he 
entertain  these  constant  visitors,  prepare  sermons  and  lectures,  visit  the 
sick,  catechize  the  schools,  attend  numberless  associations  and  ordina- 
tions, manage  farm,  orchard  and  garden,  but  he  contrived  to  read  all 
the  newspapers  and  new  books  that  came  in  his  way,  and  make  a  daily 
record  of  all  these  doings.  He  also  maintained  a  very  close  and 
friendly  intercourse  with  his  brethren  in  the  ministry,  soothing  the 
declining  years  of  Messrs.  White  and  Mosely  ;  extending  aid  and 
counsel  to  perjjlexed  Mr.  Staples,  and  interchanging  weekly  visits  and 


SOCIAL    LIFE,    CHANGES,    ETC.  233 

confidences  with  liis  dear  friends  Lee  and  Whitney.  To  young  men 
just  launching  into  tlie  ministry  he  was  especially  helpful  and  consid- 
ei-ate,  and  kindly  encouraged  them  to  test  their  powers  in  his  pulpit. 
Men  now  remembered  as  hoary  dignitaries  in  church  and  state  were 
among  these  trembling  neophytes.  Daniel  Waldo,  the  centennial 
chaplain  of  Congress,  was  then  "  a  sensible,  serious,  growing  youth, 
no  orator,  but  likely  to  do  good  in  the  world."  Ebenezer  Fitch,  the 
future  president  of  Williams  College,  "  preached  and  prayed  exceed- 
ingly well ;"  but  the  young  man  destined  to  important  home  mission 
work  in  Connecticut  had  unfortunately  "  been  praised  too  much  and 
made  self-important."  Dr.  Cogswell  was  much  pleased  with  Samuel 
Perkins  of  Windham,  "a  judicious,  prudent,  pious  young  man  and 
fine  scholar,"  who,  against  his  advice  and  much  to  the  regret  of  all, 
left  "  preaching  for  law."  He  also  rejoiced  in  the  promise  shown  by 
the  grandson  of  Voluntown's  much  tried  minister,  Gershom  Dorrauce, 
and  thanked  God  who  raised  up  children  in  room  of  their  parents. 
Young  Hendrick  Dow  was  much  liked  in  Hampton.  Parish  and 
Tyler  of  Brooklyn  were  promising  young  men  whom  he  rejoiced  to 
see  in  the  ministry.  "  Jonathan  Kingsley's  son  James  " — Yale's  erudite 
professor — was  pronounced  "  a  very  forward,  likely  boy." 

The  Scotland  parsonage  had  its  shady  side  as  well  as  its  sunny.  The 
genial  pastor  had  his  own  trials.  One  of  them  was  a  frequent  head- 
ache, accompanied  by  inexplicable  "luminous  flashes"  and  loss  of 
temper  and  patience.  He  was  troubled  by  his  own  "airiness,"  a  per- 
verse tendency  to  exceed  in  jokes  and  stories  and  neglect  opportunities 
for  personal  religious  conversation  ;  and  still  more  by  the  flirting  and 
frolicking  of  the  young  people  under  his  roof  and  the  painful  necessity 
of  administering  reproof  to  them.  Even  some  of  his  young  ministers 
were  found  to  be  danwlinor  after  his  wife's  granddaughters.  He  was 
harassed  in  money  matters,  receiving  his  small  salary  in  driblets  and 
seldom  settling  with  any  one  without  throwing  off  a  few  shillings,  "if 
it  seemed  to  come  hardly."  His  yearly  supply  of  wood,  cut  and  drawn 
from  the  ministerial  wood  lot  by  the  voluntary  labor  of  his  parisliioners 
on  a  day  set  apart  for  that  purpose,  gave  him  much  anxiety,  the  vary- 
ing height  of  the  wood-pile  in  successive  years  marking  his  rise  or  fall 
in  the  aflections  of  his  people,  while  his  mind  was  always  exercised  in 
regard  to  the  •"  treat  "  befitting  the  occasion,  lest  the  women  should  lay 
themselves  out  too  much  or  the  hungry  swarm  of  volunteers  fail  of  a 
full  supply.  Then  his  sensitiveness  was  sometimes  wounded  by  the 
jokes  and  banters  of  the  rough  wood-choppers,  especially  when  they 
turned  upon  the  seating  of  the  meeting-house,  and  he  was  obliged  to 
remind  them  "that  it  was  too  serious  a  subject  to  be  merry  about." 
But  though  so  troubled  in  collecting  his  legal  rates  and  dues,  Dr.  Cogs- 
30 


234  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

well  was  n<>'liast  at  tlie  i)roi)Osal  to  abolish  thein.  If  people  would  not 
half  pay  their  ministers  under  lei^al  compulsion  what  would  they  do 
without  it?  If  ministers  could  hardly  live  vit/i  rates  they  would  cer- 
tainly starve  without  them.  The  talk  of  setting  aside  the  religious 
constitution  of  the  State  and  depriving  the  government  of  any  jurisdic- 
tion in  religious  worship  and  aflaii's,  tilled  the  Doctor  with  consternation 
and  he  believed  that  such  action  would  "  tend  to  th'j  great  injury  if  not 
to  the  total  overthrow  of  religion."  The  increasing  laxity  of  the  times, 
the  growth  of  Universalism,  infidelity,  French  Jacobinism,  and  anti- 
Federalism  also  alarmed  him  greatly,  but  hardly  gave  him  so  much 
personal  annoyance  as  the  higli  Calvinism  and  Hopkinsianism  then 
coming  into  fashion.  With  such  ministerial  brethren  as  professed 
themselves  "  willing  to  be  damned  if  it  were  for  the  glory  of  God," 
Dr.  Cogswell  had  no  sympathy.  Such  depths  of  self-abnegation  were 
wholly  beyond  his  attainment.  He  preferred  tlie  half-way  Covenant 
and  Calvinism  very  much  diluted,  and  thought  it  a  great  mistake  "  to 
debar  the  unregenerate  from  so  potent  a  means  of  grace  as  partaking 
of  the  sacrament." 

But  by  far  the  greatest  of  all  Dr.  Cogswell's  ministerial  trials  was 
the  prevalence  of  "Sectaries."  Sei)arates  and  Ana-baptists  were 
thorns  in  his  tiesh  throughout  his  long  ministry.  Natural  amiability 
and  engrafted  charity  and  philosophy  failed  to  reconcile  him  to  their 
existence,  or  to  enable  him  to  see  the  least  good  in  them.  Acoidance 
of  rate-paying  wais  the  secret  spring  of  all  schism  and  separation.  The 
ruling  ])assion  of  the  Separates  was  aoariee.  His  contemporary,  John 
Palmer,  pronounced  by  candid,  comj)etent  testimony  a  most  excellent 
man  and  devoted  christian  laboi'er,  figures  in  Dr.  Cogswell's  joiu'nal  as  a 
mischief-maker  and  liar,  and  a  sensational  young  Ba})tist  exhorter  of 
great  populaiity  he  reports  as  "an  Universalist,  a  Socinian  and  proba- 
bly a  Deist."  These  "  Ana-baptists  '"  were  in  his  estimation  as  bad 
as  the  Separates  and  acted  the  same  part,  breaking  up  churches  and 
drawing  off  church  members.  The  "religious  stir"  in  the  north  part 
of  the  town,  in  which  large  numbers  were  awakened  and  professed 
conversion,  he  regarded  with  great  suspicion  and  anxiety,  and  records 
in  his  journal  with  apparent  endorsement  the  remark  of  a  zealous 
adherent  of  the  standing  order — "That  such  teachers  as  come  into  a 
neighborhood,  and  take  off  from  the  standing  and  stated  worship,  and 
endeavor  to  seduce  opinion,  deserve  to  be  lohipped  out  of  toicn/' 

The  happy  family  circle  met  with  many  bereavements.  A  second 
Elizabeth  Devotion,  daughter  of  Judge  Devotion,  "a  lovely,  charming 
girl,  blooming  as  the  rose  of  June,"  was  suddenly  smitten  with  mys- 
terious disease,  a  loathing  for  food  and  diink  which  baffled  the  utmost 
skill  of  the  physicians,  and  after  four  months  languishing  ended  her 


SOCIAL    LIFE,    CHANGES,    ETC. 


235 


life,  "  aged  eleven  years,  eleven  months  and  twice  eleven  days."  Tl\e 
bereaved  father  never  recovered  from  this  loss  but  went  down  into  the 
grave  in  a  few  years,  mourning.  Dr.  Cogswell's  oldest  son,  James,  died 
while  yet  in  the  prime  of  life,  in  New  York  city,  where  he  had  become 
eminent  for  professional  skill,  and  unobtrusive  but  effective  piety 
His  second  son,  Samuel,  died  September,  1790,  from  the  accidental 
discharge  of  a  gun. 

The  pastor  and  his  family  were  also  called  to  sympathize  in  many 
neighborhood  afflictions  and  calamities.  Within  one  week  they 
attended  the  funerals  of  Mrs.  William  Gary  and  her  three  daughters, 
all  dying  of  throat  distemper.  One  Sabbath  spring  morning  the 
people  flocking  to  church  discovered  a  strange  object  dangling  from  a 
beam  in  a  carriage  house,  and  find  the  lifeless  body  of  one  of  the 
village  young  men,  a  promising  youth  of  cheerful  temper  with  a  good 
home  and  happy  prospects,  and  no  known  losses  or  crosses  that  could 
give  the  least  clue  to  his  self-destruction.  This  "  tragical  event " 
deeply  affected  the  whole  community.  The  aged  mother  of  the 
deceased  was  bowed  to  the  earth  but  did  not  murmur.  Dr.  Cogswell 
with  his  usual  self-distrust  was  troubled  to  know  what  to  say  witli 
propriety  upon  so  delicate  an  occasion,  but  succeeded  in  satisfying  both 
fiiends  and  public  by  a  most  impressive  and  appropriate  discourse 
upon  the  words  of  the  Saviour — "  Suppose  ye  that  these  Galileans 
were  sinners  above  all  the  Galileans  because  they  suffered  such 
things  ?  "  Still  more  distressing  was  the  sudden  death  of  one  of  the 
prominent  men  of  Windham,  a  son  of  one  of  her  most  honored 
families,  who  had  fallen  into  evil  courses,  amassed  property  dishonora- 
bly, officiated  "  as  head  to  a  drinking  club — a  striking  instance  to 
warn  mankind  against  profligacy  of  manners  and  irreligion."  A  few 
months  later  three  fast  young  men  of  most  respectable  families 
"  drank  Geneva  rum  on  a  wager  at  Dorrance's  tavern  till  all  were 
drunk,"  and  then  started  off  "  for  a  Voluntown  frolic."  One  of  them, 
suflering  from  effects  of  the  Presidential  influenza,  was  much  over- 
come and  unable  to  proceed  beyond  Scotland  village.  His  companions 
becoming  alarmed  carried  him  into  Tracy's  shop,  called  in  medical  assist- 
ance but  were  unable  to  arouse  him,  and  the  unhappy  young  man  died 
in  a  short  time.  Dr.  Cogswell,  called  up  "  to  pray  with  the  corpse," 
was  at  no  loss  for  expressions  on  this  occasion,  but  was  carried  out  of 
himself  in  awe  and  horror  at  such  an  end  of  such  a  life — "  relatives 
sad  and  serious  :  spectators  solemn ;  the  father  most  deeply  attected." 
Such  were  some  of  the  fruits  of  the  prevailing  levity  and  license. 

The  declining  years  of  Dr.  Cogswells  life  were  embittered  by  other 
domestic  bereavements  and  sorer  trials  and  perplexities.  His  bur- 
dens were    "  more  heavy  as  he   was  less  able  to  bear  them."     Mrs. 


236  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM   COUNTY. 

Cogswell  died  in  December,  1795,  broken  down  by  the  death  of  her 
beloved  daughter,  Mis.  Governor  Huntington,*  whose  honored  hus- 
bandj  soon  followed  them.  His  brother  Joseph  had  died  a  year  pre- 
ceding, and  that  gay  and  brilliant  circle  that  had  so  long  gathered  around 
the  family  hearthstone  passed  suddenly  away.  Dr.  Cogswell  married 
in  time  one  of  his  parishioners,  Mrs.  Irena  Hebard,  and  amid  increas- 
ing opposition  endeavored  to  discharge  his  pastoral  duties.  He  Mas 
annoyed  by  the  irrepressible  activity  of  his  neighboi",  Mr.  "Waterman, 
who  insisted  upon  preaching  within  the  ^ScotlaHd  lines  without  asking 
permission,  and  the  alarming  prevalence  of  "  Hopkinsianism  "  among 
the  younger  members  of  the  County  Association.  This  latter  gniev- 
ance  was  abated  by  the  formation  of  the  Windham  Eastern  Associa- 
tion, lepresenting  a  milder  type  of  theology,  which  was  joined,  by  Dr. 
Cogswell,  and  the  Reverends  Whitney,  Lee,  Staples,  Putnam  and 
Atkins.  The  great  trial  and  affliction  of  Dr.  Cogswell's  later  years  was 
however  a  controversy  with  his  people,  one  of  those  unhappy  ditti- 
cnlties  which   often   occurred  when  a  minister's    life    was    prolonged 


*  "  Mrs.  Hnntiugton  died  June  4,  1794,  in  the  56th  j^ear  of  her  age. 
She  was  a  daughter  of  the  Kev.  Ebeuezer  Devotion  of  AVintlliani,  of  an 
amiable  disposition  and  condescending  manners,  she  had  many  to  hmK-nt  her 
death — among  otlier  excellent  parts  of  christian  cliaracter  her  benefactions 
to  the  poor  ouglit  not  to  be  forgotten.  The  number  is  uot  small  of  those 
wlio  on  sncli  ground,  '  rise  up  and  call  her  blessed.' " — Xurioich  paper. 

t  "  GovEHNOK  Huntington  was  descended  from  an  ancient  and  respectable 
family  in  this  State.  He  was  son  of  Nathaniel  Huntington,  Esq.,  of  AVind- 
ham  ;  his  childhood  and  youth  were  distinguished  by  indications  of  an  excel- 
lent understanding  and  a  taste  for  mental  improvement.  Without  the 
advantage  of  a  collegiate  education  or  that  assistance  in  professional  studies 
which  modern  times  have  wisely  encouraged,  he  acquired  a  competent 
knowledge  of  law  and  was  earlj'  admitted  to  the  bar,  soon  after  which  he 
settled  in  this  town  and  in  a  few  years  became  eminent  in  his  profession.  .  .  . 
In  the  year  1774,  he  was  made  an  assistant  judge  in  the  Superior  Court.  In 
1775,  he  was  chosen  into  the  Council,  and  in  the  same  year  elected  a  delegate 
to  Congress.  In  1779,  he  was  made  president  of  that  honorable  body  and  in 
1780,  re-chosen.  In  1783,  he  was  again  a  member  of  Congress.  In  1784,  he 
was  chosen  lieutenant-governor  and  appointed  chief  justice  of  the  State.  lu 
1780,  he  was  elected  governor,  and  was  annually  re-elected  by  the  freemen 
with  singular  unaninnty  till  his  death. 

The  public  need  not  be  informed  of  the  usefulness  of  Governor  Hunting- 
ton, or  the  manner  in  w  Inch  he  discharged  the  duties  of  his  various  and 
•  important  oflices,. especially  the  last;  the  prosperity  of  the  State  during  his 
administration  and  the  present  tlourishing  condition  of  its  civil  and  military 
interests,  are  unequivocal  testimonies  of  the  wisdom  and  tidelity  with  which 
he  presided 

As  a  professor  of  Christianity,  and  an  attendant  on  its  institutions,  he  was 
exemplary  and  devout;  he  manifested  an  unvarying  faith  in  its  doctrines  and 
joyful  hope  in  its  promises  amid  the  distresses  of  declining  life  till  ilebility  of 
mind  and  body  produced  by  his  last  sickness  rendered  him  incapable  of 
social  intercourse. 

Under  the  influence  of  a  charitable  belief  that  he  is  removed  to  scenes  of 
greater  felicity  in  the  world  of  light,  every  good  citizen  will  devoutly  wish 
that  others  not  less  eminent  and  useful  may  succeed;  and  that  Connecticut 
may  never  want  a  man  of  equal  worth  to  preside  in  her  councils,  guard  her 
interests  and  dilfuse  prosperity  through  her  towns." — Norwich  paper. 


/J /I  /  n  y^/  (^  ^/^^^^a  /V^^ 


'-/FKNOl^  01'  C':;iliKr 


CONTROVERSY    BETWEEN    PASTOR    AND    PEOPLE.  237 

to  unreasonable  limits.  "  Length  of  days  "  was  not  desirable  when  a 
minister  was  settled  for  life.  •'  A  very  ancient  man,  woi-n  out 
with  the  infirmities  and  decays  of  nature," — he  could  not  preach 
to  the  acceptance  of  the  congregation.  The  people  refused  to 
pay  for  what  they  did  not  like  and  the  ])astor  declined  to  re- 
nounce his  legal  dues.  In  many  similar  cases  a  compromise  was 
eftected,  but  in  Scotland  this  painful  controversy  went  on  for  many 
years.  The  meetings  of  the  Windliam  Eastern  Association  were 
mainly  occupied  with  attempts  to  arrange  matters  between  tlieir  venera- 
ble father  and  his  rebellious  parishioners.  Doubtless  there  was 
obstinacy  and  ill-temper  on  both  sides.  The  people  were  very  willing 
to  release  their  poor  old  pastor  from  his  otticial  duties,  but  declined 
to  make  provision  for  his  support  in  that  case,  or  to  procure  an 
assistant,  and  so  with  failing  voice  and  faculties  he  continued  to  preach 
to  a  remnant  of  the  congregation  till  his  ministerial  friends,  •'  in  their 
concern  and  tenderness  for  their  aged  and  much  loved  father  in  the 
Gospel,"  addressed  a  letter  to  Dr.  Mason  F.  Cogswell  of  Hartford, 
recommending  him  "  to  gratify  his  father's  desire  of  spending  his  last 
days  with  his  only  suiwiving  child,  taking  such  measures  to  obtain 
compensation  from  his  people  as  he  might  judge  expedient."  Dr. 
Cogswell  complied  with  this  suggestion  and  removed  his  father  to  a 
comfortable  home  in  Hartford,  and,  "as  the  Scotland  society  was 
clearly  under  obligation  to  support  the  minister  who  had  worn  himself 
out  in  their  service,"  he  brought  a  suit  for  the  recovery  of  damages. 
The  society,  greatly  weakened  by  defection  and  dissension,  was  hard 
pressed  to  cany  this  onward,  but  authorized  Captain  Kudd  and  .Jacob 
Burnap  to  apply  to  Mr.  Calvin  Goddard  for  advice,  and  decided  to 
stand  trial.  Meanwhile  an  acceptal)le  minister  had  been  called,  June 
13,  1805,  Mr.  Cornelius  Adams  of  Canterbuiy,  with  the  promise  of  a 
hundred  pounds  annually  and  the  use  of  parsonage  so  long  as  he  should 
actually  perform  the  duties  of  his  office.  In  view  of  their  trouble- 
some (Jontest  with  Dr.  Cogswell,  to  make  assurance  doubly  sure,  they 
farther  voted,  Sept.  12,  "That  if  Mr.  Adams  accepts  the  call  and  be 
settled,  it  shall  be  on  these  terms  :  that  said  Adams  shall  have  right  at 
any  time,  on  giving  society  six  months'  notice,  to  be  honorably  dis- 
missed, and  the  society  giving  six  months'  notice  should  be  no  further 
holden  for  his  support."  This  important  point  being  thoroughly  settled, 
Mr.  Adams  was  ordained  Dec.  5,  lieverends  Andrew  Lee,  .;\bel  Abl)0t, 
Elisha  Atkins,  Erastus  Learned,  William  Ripley  and  x^biel  Williams 
conducting  the  services.  The  church  at  the  same  time  took  a  new 
departure  from  the  practice  of  its  aged  incumbent  by  voting  :  "  That  for 
the  future  none  should  be  re^piired  to  own  the  covenant  or  permitted 
to  do  it,  without  having  a  right  to  come  into  fellowship,  and  being  under 


238  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

the  watch  and  discipline  of  the  church  as  members  in  full  communion." 
The  troublesome  bell  had  again  called  for  repairs.  In  1804  the  society 
authorized  its  committee  to  secure  the  deck  of  the  steeple,  and  if  there 
was  not  money  enough  on  hand,  to  take  the  remainder  of  the  money 
raised  to  procure  preaching  with.  Now  it  was  voted  to  repair,  i.  e.,  re- 
cast, the  bell.  James  Gray,  James  Carey,  John  Baker,  Zeb.  Tracy  and 
Ebenezer  Devotion  were  appointed  a  committee  to  get  subscriptions  to 
add  to  weight  of  bell  and  see  that  it  was  repaired.  A  land  tax  was 
voted  for  this  purpose,  but  sufficient  money  being  raised  by  subscription 
the  tax  was  remitted.  The  new  bell  was  not  suspended  without  the 
customary  casualties  :  a  plank  falling  from  the  bell-deck  broke  the  arm 
of  Mr.  Eleazer  Huntington  and  struck  the  head  of  'Sh:  Jeduthaa 
Spencer  so  that  he  died  within  a  short  time  from  the  effects  of  the  blow. 
Harassed  by  the  protracted  contest  with  Dr.  Cogswell  and  repeated 
losses,  the  Scotland  church  and  community  were  called  to  a  great  dis- 
appointment and  affliction  in  the  rapid  decline  of  the  young  minister 
in  whom  they  had  so  happily  united,  who  died  in  less  than  a  year  from 
the  day  of  his  ordination,  while  the  life  of  his  venerable  predecessor 
was  still  prolonged.  Notwithstanding  its  embarrassments,  lawsuits  and 
heavy  burdens,  the  society  maintained  its  footing.  Its  farms  and  work- 
shops were  prospering.  Stephen  Webb  carried  on  an  extensive  shoe 
nianufaotoi-y  in  the  north  part  of  the  parish.  Thomas  Coit  of  Norwich 
succeeded  to  the  mercantile  traffic  carried  on  by  Messrs.  Ebenezer  and 
Jonathan  Devotion,  offering  the  usual  "  variety  of  well-chosen  goods," 
and  receiving  most  kinds  of  country  produce  in  payment.  The  jiarlsh 
found  far  gieater  favor  in  the  eyes  of  Dr.  Dwight  than  the  mother 
town,  everything  therein  wearing  "the  aspect  of  festivity,  thrift, 
industry,  sobriety  and  good  order." 


HAMPTON  TOWNSHIP.      DEATH  OF   REVEREND   SAMUEL  MOSELY. 
SETTLEMENT    OF    MR.    WELD.      PRUSPERITY    AND    PRO- 
GRESS.    GRENADIER   COMPANY.     GROW   CHURCH. 
DEACON  BENJAMIN  CHAPLIN. 

THE  Second  Society  of  Windham,  Canada  Parish,  long  burtheued  by 
'•its  remoteness  from  the  place  of  public  convention"  for  negotiat- 
ing town  affiiiis,  resumed  its  efforts  for  independence  soon  after  the  close 
of  the  war,  but  was  checked  by  opj)osition  from  Canterbury  and  Pomfiet. 
In  1785  the  society  again  voted  to  petition  for  town  piivileges.  Colonel 
Mosely,  as  agent,  repiesented  to  the  Assembly  "their  remote  and  diffi- 
cult circumstances — ten  and  even  fourteen  miles  from  the  seat  of  busi- 


HAMPTON    TOAVNSHIP,    ETC.  239 

ness,  anionnting  at  times  to  a  total  deprivation  of  those  rights  and 
privileges  which  God  and  nature  have  given  them,"  and  prayed 
that  the  extreme  parts  of  Mansfield,  Pomfret  and  Canterbury  might  be 
united  with  them  in  a  distinct  township,  inliabitants  of  these  sections 
joining  in  the  request.  The  Assembly  thereupon  resolved  '■  That  the 
memorialists  be  made  a  distinct  corporation,  with  power  to  transact 
their  own  piuilential  affairs,  yet  be  and  remain  a  part  of  Windliara  for 
the  puipose  of  choosing  repiesentatives — first  precinct  meeting  to  be 
held  first  Monday  in  December,  Captain  James  Stedman  and  Isaac 
Bennet  giving  warning  of  tlie  same — but  as  tliis  expedient  did  not 
abate  the  jmncipal  grievance  and  called  out  strong  opposition,  con- 
sideration of  the  matter  was  defened  till  another  session.  The  inhab- 
itants of  Canada  Parish  thereupon  redoubled  their  efforts,  j^rocured  the 
signatures  of  interested  parties  in  the  several  towns,  and  by  a  happy 
chance  managed  at  the  autumn  town  meeting  to  secure  a  vote  by  one 
majority  "  not  to  ojipose  the  memorial  for  said  town."  Upon  news  of 
this  vote  the  Assembly  speedily  enacted  : — 

"  That  the  inhabitants  of  the  Second  Society  of  Windham,  and  those  of 
Pomfret,  Brooklyn,  Canterbury,  Mansfield  and  First  Society  in  Windham  be 

constituted  a  town  bj- the  name  of  Hampton entitled  to  receive 

from  the  respective  towns  their  share  of  ischool  and  other  public  monies,  and 
should  pay  their  part  of  the  debts  of  said  towns,  and  take  upon  them  the  charge 
and  support  of  their  part  of  the  town  poor.     Oct.  2,  1786." 

The  bounds  presciibed  are  identical  with  the  present  north,  east  and 
south  bounds  of  the  town,  but  on  the  west  it  extended  to  the  Xachauge 
River,  taking  in  a  section  now  included  in  the  town  of  Chaplin. 
Brooklyn  yielded  twelve  hundied  acres,  a  generous  slice  was  taken 
from  Mansfield  and  narrow  strij^s  from  Cantei'buiy  and  Pomfret. 

The  rejoicing  inhabitants  hastened  to  exercise  their  new  privileges. 
Their  first  town  meeting  was  held  Xov.  13,  1786,  Captain  James 
Stedman  serving  as  moderator.  Thomas  Stedman  was  chosen  town 
clerk :  Captain  Stedman,  Deacon  Bennet,  Jeduthan  Rogers,  select- 
men ;  Andrew  Durkee,  Joseph  Fuller,  William  Martin,  Jun.,  constables; 
Philip  Pearl,  Ebenezer  Hovey,  Josiah  Kiugsley,  Silas  Cleveland, 
Andrew  Durkee,  Amos  Utley,  Thomas  Fuller,  Colonel  Mosely,  com- 
mittee to  act  in  conjunction  with  that  appointed  by  the  General 
Assembly  to  view  the  situation  of  the  bridges  in  the  old  and  new  town- 
ships. This  committee  had  been  called  out  by  a  forcible  remonstrance 
from  Windham.  The  parent  town,  like  Pharoah  of  old,  had  already 
repented  that  she  "  had  let  the  people  go."  A  second  town  meeting 
had  been  held,  Colonel  Dyer  in  the  chair.  Dyer,  Larrabee,  Hezekiah 
Bissel,  Captain  Swift  and  Jabez  Clark  had  been  directed  to  prepare  a 
remonstrance,  which  was  presented  to  the  Assembly  by  Dyer  and 
Larrabee,  siiowing  that  '•  the  vote  had  been  obtained  by  divers  accidents 


240  HISTOKT    OF    WI>T)HA^    COUXTT. 

and  want  of  suitable  warning  and  did  not  represent  the  wishes  of  the 
inhabitants ;  that  the  proposed  di\-i.sion  was  unequal  and  unjust, 
and  that  certainly  these  inhabitants  should  not  be  set  off  without  tak- 
ing with  them  a  suitable  proportion  of  bridges  and  other  burdens." 
Elisha  Lathrop,  Samuel  Chapman  and  Colonel  William  Danielson  were 
accordingly  commissioned  to  attend  to  the  latter  grievance,  and  in  May, 
1787,  repaired  to  the  Widow  Careys  tavern  and  listened  to  statements 
laid  before  them  by  agents  of  both  towns.  Tliey  found  "that  three 
large  bridges  across  the  Shetucket  had  been  affixt  on  Windham,"  at  an 
annual  expense  of  about  £36.  of  which  they  decided  Hampton  should 
pay  £10.  Possibly  the  good  cheer  enjoyed  under  Bacchus'  beaming 
countenance  influenced  the  decision  of  the  commissioners,  which  was 
exceedingly  offensive  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  younger  town,  who 
straightway  dispatched  Isaac  Bennet  to  inform  the  Assembly,  "  That  the 
gentlemen  did  not  vieic  the  bridges,  but  trusted  reports,  and  did  not 
consider  that  Hampton  had  to  maintain  two  long  bridges  over  the 
Xachauge."  Upon  this  consideration  their  annual  payment  was  reduced 
one  half. 

A  dispute  concerning  the  division  of  the  poor  was  happily  settled  by 
a  committee  from  each  town,  nominated  by  their  respective  selectmen. 
Hampton  then  voted,  "That  the  poor  be  kept  by  those  persons  who  will 
keep  them  cheapest."  A  single  man  was  accordingly  "bid  off"  by 
Jonathan  Hovey  at  five  and  nine-pence  a  week  :  an  aged  couple  by 
Amos  Utley  for  five  shillings,  and  a  poor  widow  woman  taken  by 
another  bidder  at  two  shillings. 

Highways  and  schools  received  immediate  attention.  Philip  Pearl, 
Thomas  Fuller  and  Ebenezer  Hovey  were  appointed  a  committee  "to 
procure  a  deed  of  the  trodden  path  that  leads  from  Hampton  to  Scot- 
land where  it  crosseth  individual  lands."  Nineteen  highway  districts 
were  laid  out,  and  arrangements  made  for  building  a  new  bridge  over 
the  Xachauge  on  the  ruad  from  Hampton  to  Ashford.  Eight  school 
districts  were  reported  containing  189  houses.  The  eighth  district  in 
the  northwestern  part  of  the  town  contained  but  ten  houses,  "  and  the 
lots  known  as  Philips'  and  Chaplin's."  The  census  return  of  1790, 
ascribed  to  Hampton  1,332  whites,  one  slave — an  excess  of  eight  over 
the  population  of  its  new  sister.  Brooklyn.  The  greater  part  of  its 
inhabitants  were  engaged  in  agriculture.  Col.  Mosely  after  the 
close  of  the  war  opened  a  store  and  engaged  successfully  in  various 
business  enterprises  and  public  affairs.  Caj^t.  James  Howard  was 
early  interested  in  manufactures,  running  grist,  saw  and  fulling-mills 
in  the  valley  that  bore  his  name.  Dr.  John  Brewster  was  widely 
known  as  a  medical  practitioner.  Thomas,  son  of  Capt.  James  Sted- 
man,  opened  a  law  office  on  Hampton  Hill  about  179iJ,  occuijying  a 


DEATH    OF    REV.    SAMUEL    MOSELY,    ETC.  24:1 

house  north  of  the  nieelincr-house  built  for  liini  hy  his  uncle,  ami 
greatly  distinguished  himself  in  his  profession.  His  honored  father 
so  prominent  in  town  and  military  alfair.s  died  in  1788. 

Society  bounds  weie  uiiaifeeted  liy  the  c-onferrence  of  town  privi- 
leges. Canada  ecclesiastic  society  had  no  jurisdiction  over  the  tei-ri- 
tory  annexed  to  it,  but  its  inhabitants  were  left  in  their  former  society 
relations.  A  number  of  these  citizens,  /.  e.,  Phinehas.  Timotliy  and 
John  Clark,  Ebenezer  Hovey,  Josiah  Hammond,  Jonathan  Kingsbury, 
Aaron  Goodell,  Paul  Holt,  Lemuel  Sparks,  Uiiah  Mosely,  Phinehas 
Ford.  William  Dnrkee  and  others — now  represented  that  though  con- 
nected with  the  First  ecclesiastic  society  of  Mansfield,  they  lived  within 
four  miles  of  Hampton  meeting-house,  and  that  it  was  much  more 
agreeable  and  convenient  to  attend  meetings  there  than  in  Mansfield, 
and  Hampton  inhabitants  were  willing  they  should  be  annexed  to 
them,  and  therefore  prayed  that  all  their  persons  and  lands  might 
be  annexed  to  said  society  of  Canada,  and  receive  their  ])ro])ortion  of 
school  and  other  society  money.  Residents  of  Hamytton  still  afiixed 
to  Windham's  first  society,  i.  <?..  Benjamin  Flint.  Juilali  Buck,  John 
Clark,  Asa  and  ]\Ioses  Wolcott,  Roswell  Bill,  Hezekiah  and  Elijah 
Coburn,  William  Martin,  William  Marsh,  Aaron,  Jeremiah  and  Ebene- 
zer Clark,  Jolm  Piichardson,  Luke  Flint,  John  Ginnings — asked  a 
similar  jirivilege — being  much  neaier  to  Hampton  meeting-house 
"  with  a  better  road  to  it,  and  as  many  of  our  families  are  numerous, 
it  makes  it  diificult,  and  in  some  cases  impossible,  to  get  them  to 
meeting  on  the  Lord's  day."  These  reasonable  requests  were  promptly 
granted,  and  Hampton  church  and  society  strengthened  by  the  addi- 
tion of  these  worthy  families. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Mosely  still  retained  his  pastoral  charge  over  the 
church  of  Hampton,  though  now  incapacitated  from  public  service  by 
increasing  age  and  distressing  bodily  infirmities.  He  was  confined  to 
his  bed  many  years  with  acute  iheumalism  and  paralysis,  suffering 
severe  and  often  exciuciating  pain,  and  becoming  almost  wholly  help- 
less. His  christian  [uinciiile  and  native  force  of  character  enabled 
him  to  bear  this  long  confinement  and  suflering  with  remarkable 
patience  and  submission.  He  was  cheered  and  sustained  by  the 
restored  aftection  of  his  people,  the  friendly  sympathy  of  ministerial 
brethren  and  the  tender  ministrations  of  dutiful  children.  His 
youngest  daughter,  Sarah,  with  her  husband,  Rev.  Joseph  Steward, 
a  graduate  of  Dartmouth,  '•  who  had  been  unwell  for  several  years 
and  could  not  preach,"  was  his  constant  attendant.  His  old  fiiend 
and  neighbor,  Dr.  Cogswell,  reports  him  from  time  to  time  as  ''  bear- 
ing his  affliction  with  christian  fortitude  and  heavenly  mindedness,"   or 

"in  much  pain,  longing  to  depart  but  not  impatient,"  retaining  his 
31 


242 


HISTORY    OF    AVINI'HAM    COUNTY, 


faculties  and  "  sn])porting  the  christian  character  well  t(t  the  last."  Tie 
died  sonu'what  nnexj)ectedly,  July  20,  1791.  in  the  eii^hty-third  year 
of  bis  age  and  titty  eighth  of  his  pastorate.  His  funeial  was  attended 
with  the  usual  tornialities,  all  tlie  neighboiing  ministers  assisting  in 
the  services,  and  Dr.  Cogswell  preaching  the  sei-uion  as  the  deceased 
had  requested.  Mr.  Mosely  left  two  sons  and  six  daughters.  Col. 
Mosely  was  now  deacon  of  the  church  and  much  emi)loyed  in  public 
afiaiis.  William  Mosely  had  graduated  from  Yale  College,  and  was 
established  in  legal  practice  at  Hartford.  Mary  had  married  Rev. 
Josliua  Paine  now  of  Sturbridge.  Hannah,  Elizabeth,  Aim  and 
Abigail  Mosely  were  married  to  ]'esj)ectable  citizens  of  neigliboring 
towns.  Mrs.  Steward  and  her  husband  remained  for  a  time  in  Hanij)- 
ton.  Mr.  Steward  had  frequently  su|)plied  the  j)ulpit  during  Mr. 
Mosely  s  long  confinement,  and  some  etibrts  had  been  made  to  settle 
liim  as  colleague  pastor  but  his  health  would  not  admit.  Meanwhile 
he  had  practiced  in  portrait-painting  with  vei'y  considerable  success. 
A  portiait  of  Capt.  James  Stedman  executed  after  his  decease  was 
very  satisfactory.  He  also  painted  likenesses  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  I-Cbene- 
zei'  Grosvenor  of  Pomfret,  and  other  notable  persons.  Under  his 
example  and  instruction,  a  deaf  and  dumb  son  of  Dr.  Brewster 
acquired  very  creditable  proficiency  in  this  art  and  followed  it  through 
life  as  his  profession. 

Various  young  ministers  had  ofliciated  during  Mr.  Mosely's  illness. 
Hendrick  Dow  of  Ashford,  had  been  much  liked  but  was  unprepared 
for  settlement.  Ebenezer  Fitch  of  Canterbury,  gained  many  suffrages 
but  was  engaged  in  opening  an  academy  at  Williamstowu.  Now  that 
the  pastorate  was  vacant,  all  happily  united  in  choice  of  Ludovicus 
Wells  of  Braintree.  The  question  of  church  ])latform  was  raised 
again  after  long  suspension,  and  the  following  1  Jules  of  Discij)line 
propounded  : — 

"  1.  That  ij;onenil  rules  for  discipline  are  contaiiu'd  in  the  Word  of  God. 

2.  That  tlie  Scriptures  should  be  considered  as  the  platform  by  which  the 
proceetlings  of  a  church  siioiild  be  reij^nlated. 

3.  That  there  is  a  rule  in  Maitliew,  XV'III,  1.5,  1<),  17,  by  which  to  proceed 
with  an  ott'ender  whether  he  be  pastor  or  a  private  brother. 

4.  That  there  is  uo  positive  precept  in  Scripture  against  a  council  in  case 
of  difficulty. 

5.  As  there  are  cases  sometimes  occur  in  which  the  church  and  pastor  do 
not  unite  in  sentiment,  we  view  it  expedient  that  the  ditticnlties  be  referred  to 
a  council  nuitnal]}'  chosen.  We  will  mentiou,  however,  an  exception  to  which 
we  believe  a  ])astor  might  with  proprietj'  conform,  viz.  :  When  a  church 
judge  a  man  innocent  whom  tlic  pastor  snpposetli  deserves  censure;  we 
believe  in  this  case  he  may  not  insist  upon  a  council  but  consider  tlie  vote  of 
the  church  decisive;  aud  we  believe  it  on  this  principle,  that  two  guilty  per- 
sons had  better  go  with  impunity  than  tiuit  one  innocent  person  sutler. 

The  above  articles  were  handed  to  the  church  bj^  Mr.  Weld,  as  contaiuing 
in  short  his  ideas  of  church  discipline,  aud  were  agreed  to  and  voted  by  the 
church  with  this  addendum  : 

That  we  will  uot  be  contined  either  to  Cambridge  or  Saybrook  Platform  for 
our  rule  of  church  discipline." 


SETTr.EMENT  OF  MR.  WELD,  PROSPERITY  AND  PROGRESS.  243 

Two  hundred  pounds  liavinjjj  ]>cv\\  acc'cpted  by  Mr.  Weld  in  lieu  of 
a  parsonage,  and  a  suitable  salary  provided,  lie  was  ordained,  October 
]7,  1702,  and  was  ranked  among  the  foremost  of  the  Windham  County 
ministry,  "being  esj^ecially  noted  for  his  skill  in  comjiosing  sermons." 
In  1796,  a  bell  was  procured  through  the  instrumentality  of  Col. 
Mosely,  and  was  ordered  "to  be  rung  at  nine  o'clock  at  night,  at 
noon,  and  at  eight  o'clock  Saturday  nights  ;  to  be  tolled  for  evening 
meetings  and  lectures,  and  to  give  the  day  of  the  month  every  even- 
ing." The  oftice  of  deacon  was  now  worthily  tilled  by  Isaac  Bennet, 
and  our  Revolutionary  friend,  Sergeant  Al)ijah  Fuller,  one  of  those 
stalwart  members  of  the  church  militant  who  could  pray  as  zealously 
as  he  could  fight. 

With  new  minister,  chm-ch  platform,  and  local  independence, 
Hampton  pursued  its  way  in  much  peace  and  prosperity.  Its  leading 
citizens  were  men  of  intelligem-e  and  public  spirit,  abreast  with  the  times 
and  ready  to  facilitate  inipi-ovements.  Fai'ins  were  well  tilled  and 
good  breeds  of  cattle  imported.  Large  and  commodious  dwelling- 
liouses  were  built  upon  Ham])ton  Hill,  and  in  other  parts  of  the  town. 
New  bridges  were  built,  and  loails  opened  and  improved.  One  of  the 
first  achievements  of  the  town  was  a  pound,  ordered  to  be  built  with 
a  stone  wall  for  foundation,  six  feet  high,  four  feet  thick  at  the  bottom 
and  two  feet  at  the  top.  Three  feet  from  the  ground  it  was  bound  by 
a  tier  of  fiat  stones,  and  a  similar  tier  upon  the  top,  and  finished  with 
four  sticks  of  hewed  timber  ten  inches  thick,  linked  together,  with  a 
good  gate  four  feet  wide.  The  erection  of  this  structure  was  awarded 
to  Amos  Utley,  who  accom])lished  it  in  the  most  workmanlike 
and  satisfactory  manner.  Pliilip  Pearl  was  appointed  an  agent  to 
prosecute  those  who  harbor  transient  persons.  The  care  of  the  town's 
poor  required  much  considerati(Mi.  It  was  voted  in  1788,  that  the 
])Oor  be  bid  off  to  be  kept  in  sickness  and  health,  those  who  keep 
them  to  have  the  benefit  of  all  their  labor;  also,  that  the  idea  of  the 
town  is,  that  they  who  bid  otf  the  i»oor  are  to  furnish  them  with  (dl 
necessary  spirits.  As  these  poor  people  were  mostly  aged  and  ailing, 
the  small  sum  bid  foi-  them  was  found  inadequate  to  pay  their  doctor's 
bills,  and  so  a  special  sum  was  allowed  for  this  purpose.  Abraham 
Ford,  Royal  Brew.ster,  Samuel  Spalding,  Thomas  Stedman,  Jr., 
James  Utley  and  others,  bid  off  the  doctoring  of  the  poor  for  sums 
rauiiincr  from  £2  16s.  to  .$22.  The  bidder  in  some  cases  was  to  em- 
ploy  what  doctor  he  pleased;  in  others,  "the  poor  were  to  be  gratified 
with  their  choice  of  a  physician."  A  kindly  spirit  was  manifested 
towards  these  unfortunates.  Amos  Ford  \vas  allowed  five  shillings  at 
this  late  date  "  for  fixing  out  his  son  in  the  time  of  the  war."  Cloth- 
ing and  use  of  cow,left  by  Londou  Derry  was  generously  "giveu  to 


244  HISTORY    OF    AVINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Ginne."  The  unexpected  return  of  Clenieiil  Xeff  after  long  ea])tivity 
in  Algiers  excited  much  interest,  and  the  immediate  query  "  whether 
he  was  an  inhabitant  of  Windham  or  Hampton."  A  notice  a]jpearing 
in  the  Windham  Herald  atiixed  him  to  the  lattiM*  town  and  must 
have  heightened  the  sensation  caused  by  his  re-appearance  : — 

"  Mauhied,  last  week,  in  tho  J^piscopalian  form  by  TiinoMiy  Larrabee.  Esq., 
Mr.  Clkmknt  Nkff  of  Haniptoii,  to  ]Miss  PATiRNcr.  Dkax  of  tliis  town. 
N.  B. — Mr.  Neff  has  boon  a  iirisoiier  in  Algiers  24  yc-ars,  in  12  of  which  he 
never  saw  the  sun.  He  is  now  in  the  youthful  bloom  of  65,  and  has  lost  an 
eye — his  bride  a  blushiug  maid  of  28." 

Hampton's  forebodings  of  future  charges  were  justified  by  the  event. 
Within  four  years  of  the  rej)ovted  wedding,  Mi's.  Patience  XefF  was 
under  care  of  her  selectmen. 

In  all  j)ublic  (]uestions  the  town  was  ready  to  express  its  interest. 
Col.  Mosely  as  representative  was  directed  in  1792,  "to  use  his  influ- 
ence to  prevent  the  western  lands  being  sold."  Philip  Pearl,  Tliomas 
Stedman,  Ji.,  and  James  Howard,  attended  a  meeting  at  John  Jefferd's 
tavern,  "  to  have  the  Courts  at  a  more  central  place."  Delegates  were 
sent  to  Mansfield,  in  1797,  to  confer  upon  county  matters,  the  town 
voting  thereafter  that  the  inhabitants  of  this  town  are  desirous  and 
wish  to  have  the  Courts  of  the  County  of  Windham,  moved  to  this 
town.  A  committee  for  tliis  purpose  was  kept  up  year  after  year,  and 
any  effort  to  procure  a  half-shire  town  vigorously  opposed.  Rules  for 
the  better  regulation  of  town  meetings  were  adopted,  Sei)tember  15, 
1800,  viz.  :— 

"1.  Choose  a  moderator.  2.  Annual  meetinir  be  opened  by  prayer.  3.  P^verj' 
member  be  seated  with  his  hat  on,  and  no  liiember  to  leave  his  seat  unneces- 
sarily, and  if  necessary  do  it  with  as  little  noise  as  possible.  5.  Members 
while  speaking  shall  address  the  moderator  and  him  only,  and  speak  with  the 
hat  ofl".  G.  No  member  to  speak  more  than  twice  upon  one  subject  without 
leave  of  the  meeting,  and  but  once  until  each  member  has  had  ojjportunity  to 
speak.  7.  As  soon  as  a  member  has  done  speaking  he  will  take  his  seat  and 
not  speak  after  he  is  seated.  8.  Every  member  nuist  speak  directly  to  the 
question  before  the  meeting.  10.  No  pcirsons  have  any  right  to  do  private 
business  in  any  part  of  the  house." 

Upon  the  reception  of  Pierpont  Edwards'  circular,  calling  for  a 
convention  to  discuss  Connecticut's  constitution,  the  question  was  put 
in  town  meeting: — "Is  this  town  satistied  with  the  present  constitu- 
tion of  Connecticut?"  Eighty-three  answered  in  the  affirmative; 
thirty-eight  in  the  negative. 

The  military  spirit  that  had  so  characterized  the  residents  of  this 
vicinity  was  not  suffered  to  decline  with  occasion  for  its  exercise. 
Hampton  took  especial  pride  in  her  company  of  grenadiers,  formed 
soon  after  the  close  of  the  war,  and  sustained  with  great  spirit  for 
many  years.  Thomas  Stedman,  Jr.,  Thomas  Williams  (removed  from 
Plainfield   to  Hampton),  Roger   Clark    and   Philip   Pearl,    Jr.,    w^ere 


GRKNADIHJR    COMPANY,    GROW    CHURCH,    ETC.  215 

successively  captains  of  this  famous  company  which  inscribed  on  its 
roll  the  names  of  many  noted  Revolutionary  veterans.  Strength  and 
size  were  indispensable  qnaliHcations  for  admission  to  this  honoied 
band,  and  many  of  the  Hampton  Grenadiers  were  worthy  of  a  place 
in  Friedrich  Williams'  Tall  Regiment.  It  played  an  imjjortant  pait 
on  many  public  occasions  and  took  the  first  and  hicfhest  places  in  the 
great  regimental  musterings  for  which  Hampton  Hill  was  especially 
famous.  Its  spacious  common  atlorded  convenient  space  for  military 
exercise  and  disj)lay,  and  ample  accommodatit)ns  for  the  great  throngs 
who  came  to  witness  it.  The  militia  comjtanies  of  the  town  were  also 
well  sustair)ed.  Ebenezer  Mosely  was  appointed  colonel  of  the  Fifth 
Regiment  in  1789  ;  Elijah  Simons  served  several  years  as  its  lieutenant 
colonel,  and  Lemuel  Dorrance,  one  of  Hampton's  young  physicians,  as 
its  surgeon. 

In  all  ])arts  of  the  town  there  was  life  and  business  entei-prise. 
Shubael  Simons  received  liberty  to  erect  a  dam  on  Little  River  for  the 
benefit  of  his  grist-mill,  and  potash-works  weie  cai'iied  on  in  the  same 
vicinity.  Edmond  Hughes  made  and  repaired  clocks  and  watches. 
Col.  Simons  engaged  in  trade.  Roger  and  Solomon  Taintor,  who 
removed  to  Hampton  about  1804,  carried  on  an  extensive  tiaffic, 
exchanging  domestic  produce  for  the  foreign  goods  that  were  becom- 
ing so  cheap  and  jjlentiful.  With  these  gains  there  were  many  losses 
of  useful  citizens  emigrating  to  new  countries  Capt.  John  Howard 
who  removed  to  Western  New  York,  was  drowned  in  Lake  Otsego. 
Hampton's  first  practicing  lawyer,  Thomas  Stedman,  Jr.,  "one  of  the 
most  url)ane,  genteel,  intelligent  and  obliging  men  of  the  day,"  already 
mentioned  as  a  candidate  lor  public  honors  and  even  the  governorship 
of  the  State,  was  induced  to  remove  to  Massena,  New  Yoi'k,  where  he 
quickly  won  [)ublic  confidence  and  respect,  and  acquired  a  large  landed 
property.  Younger  men  from  Hamilton  were  also  going  out  into  the 
world.  Ebenezer  Mosely,  Jr.,  was  graduated  from  Yale  College  in 
18  )2,  studied  law  and  secured  an  extensive  practice  in  Newbuiyport. 
Elisha,  son  of  Nathaniel  Mosely,  was  graduated  from  Dartmouth  at 
an  earlier  date,  and  studie<l  for  the  ministry.  Thomas  Ashley,  a  Dart- 
mouth graduate  of  1791,  studied  law  and  settled  among  the  wilds  of 
Michigan. 

Col.  Ebenezer  Mosely  had  succeeded  Thomas  Stedman,  as  town  clerk, 
in  1797,  and  retained  the  office  many  years.  He  was  often  sent  as 
deputy  to  the  General  Assembly,  and  agent  for  many  important  affairs. 
Other  deputies  during  these  years  were  Deacon  Isaac  Bennett,  Philip 
Pearl,  Jonathan  Kingsbury,  Dr.  John  Brewster  and  William  Hunting- 
ton. Col.  Mosely,  Deacon  Bennett,  James  Burnett  and  Philip  Pearl, 
also  served  as  justices.     In  postal  facilities  Hampton  was  still  deficient, 


246  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

depondino-  upon  its  established  post-riders.  The  first  of  tliese  useful 
officials  was  Ebene/.er  Ilovey,  who  broui^ht  ))apeis  and  letters  from 
New  London  and  Norwich.  After  the  opening  of  the  post-office  in 
Windham,  Thomas  and  Samuel  Farnham  came  into  office,  takiiiLf  the 
^Viiidhani  Herald  to  its  numerous  subsei-il)ers.  A  pul)lic  libi-ary  was 
instituted  in  1807,  which  soon  numbered  over  a  hundred  volumes. 

The  Ba]»tist  church  organized  in  the  eastern  part  of  Hampton  in 
177^1,  gained  in  numbers  and  influence  int-luding  some  forty  families 
among  its  i-esident  attendants.  A  gieat  scandal  was  occasioned  by 
the  immoral  conduct  of  its  first  jiastor,  who  was  foi-ced  to  resign  his 
office  and  lemove  to  Vermont.  Jordan  Dodge,  Dyer  Hebard,  and 
other  zealous  exhorters  were  accustomed  to  preach  to  this  fiock  in 
their  own  house  of  woi'ship  and  adjoining  neighborhoods,  to  the  great 
annoyance  of  the  old  ministers,  Messrs.  Cogswell  and  Mosely,  but  they 
nndoul)tedly  reached  a  class  which  would  have  been  impervious  to 
nioi-e  formal  and  orthodox  ministrations.  Mr.  Abel  Palmer  of  Col- 
chester, a  brilliant  young  Baptist,  sujjplied  the  ])ulpit  for  a  time  to 
great  satisfaction.  In  1794,  Peter  llogers  was  called  and  settled 
as  jiastor,  and  remained  in  charge  for  a  number  of  years.  The 
patriarch  of  this  church  was  its  worthy  deacon,  Thomas  Grow,  whose 
name  was  affixed  to  the  meeting-house  on  Grow  Hill,  built  mainly  by 
his  effoi'ts.  He  was  a  man  of  strong  faith  and  large  heart,  whose 
fatherly  care  embi-aced  the  whole  ehuich  as  well  as  his  own  fourteen 
children.  It  is  said  that  he  was  accustomed  to  furnish  diimer  at  inter- 
mission hour  to  all  who  came  to  worship. 

The  northwest  ])art  of  Hamj)ton  was  veiy  si)arsely  settled,  having 
remained  for  many  yeai's  in  the  hands  of  iu)n-i-esidents.  Its  first 
permanent  settler  was  Benjamin,  son  of  Deacon  Benjamin  ("haplin  of 
southwest  Pomfret,  who  upon  coming  of  age  went  out  into  the  wilder- 
ness, took  up  land  on  the  Nachauge  and  cleai'ed  himself  a  huuiestead. 
He  lived  some  time  single  and  having  little  money  supported  himself 
by  making  baskets  and  wooden  trays.  In  1747,  he  married  the  Widow 
Mary  Iloss,  daughter  of  vSeth  Paine,  Esq.,  of  Brooklyn,  and  ere  long 
built  a  large  and  handsome  mansion  still  known  as  the  old  Cha|)lia 
House,  where  he  reared  a  numerous  family.  Mrs.  Chaplin  equalled 
her  husband  in  thrift  and  economy  and  they  soon  accumulated  property. 
Like  his  father-in-law,  ]\Ir.  Cha|)lin  was  a  skillful  surveyor  and  became 
very  familiar  with  all  the  land  in  his  vicinity,  buying  large  tracts  at  a 
low  figui-e.  Tradition  represents  him  as  taking  advantage  of  the 
ignorance  of  non-resident  owners,  maligning  the  land  as  swampy, 
overgrown  with  alders  and  deficient  in  water,  and  paying  for  it  with 
])i-ospective  wheat,  a  bushel  for  an  acre,  or  in  wooden  shovels  to  be 
made  from  its   timber.     lu   1756,   Mr.   Chaplin   purchased  of  William 


BEACON    BEiV.TAMIX    CHAPLIN,    ETC.  247 

and  ]\rart]ia  Brattle  of  CainV)ri(lge,  in  consideration  of  £l,G47, 
seventeen  hundred  and  sixty-five  acres  of  land  mostly  east  of  the 
Nachaucfe  and  crossinij  it  in  nine  places — which  with  other  acquisi- 
tions gave  hitn  a  piincely  domain.  Some  eligil)le  sites  were  sold 
to  settlei's  from  Windham  and  adjoining  towns  but  the  greater  pai't 
Avas  i-etained  in  his  own  possession.  He  lai<l  out  farms,  built  houses 
and  barns,  and  ruled  as  lord  of  the  manor.  He  was  a  man  of 
mai'ked  character,  shi-ewd  and  far-sighted,  a  friend  of  mankind, 
the  church  and  the  State,  and  was  very  nuich  respected  thiough- 
out  his  section  of  countiy.  He  was  very  fond  of  ivading  and 
delighted  greatly  in  books  of  divinity  and  religion.  He  attended 
church  in  South  JMansfield,  a  Sabbath-day  journey  of  six  miles,  riding 
on  horseback  over  the  rough  path,  with  saddle-bags  full  of  bi'ead  and 
cheese  for  luncheon,  and  a  daughter  on  the  pillion  behind  him  to  jump 
down  and  open  the  bais  and  gateways.  In  1765,  he  united  with  the 
First  Chui-ch  of  Mansfield,  and  ten  years  afterward  was  chosen  one  of 
its  deacons.  Though  his  residence  was  in  Mansfield  he  owned  much 
land  in  Hampton,  and  was  actively  interested  in  all  its  aftaii's.  His 
daughter  Sarah  had  mari'ied  James  Howard  ;  Eunice  was  the  wife  of 
Zebediah  Tracy,  Esq.,  of  Scotland  Parish  ;  Tamasin,  of  Isaac  Perkins, 
Esq.,  of  Ashford  ;  Hannah,  of  Kev.  David  Aveiy.  In  17S9,  Deacon 
Chaplin  was  gi-eatly  afflicted  in  the  loss  of  his  only  son,  Benjamin,  a 
young  man  of  much  j)romise.  Dr.  Cogswell  laments  him  as  *'  a 
growing  character,  heir  to  a  great  estate,"  and  rei)oi-ts  the  father 
"  very  tender  about  his  son's  death,"  but  he  hopes  resigned.  He  was 
married  to  a  gi-anddaughter  of  President  Edwaids,  and  left  three  sons, 
Benjamin,  Timothy  and  Jonathan  Edwards.  Deacon  Chaplin  died 
March  25,  1795,  in  the  76th  year  of  his  age.  His  funeral  was  con- 
ducted with  all  the  ceremony  befitting  his  means  and  position — a 
great  assemblage  of  people  with  dinner  and  liquor  for  all,  and  so 
much  time  was  needed  for  these  preliminary  exercises  that  it  was 
nearly  night  before  entering  upon  the  ordinaiy  services.  The  funeral 
seiiuon  delivered  by  Kev.  jNIoses  C.  Welch  was  highly  eulogistic 
according  to  the  fashion  of  the  period.  An  elaborate  epitaph  also 
testified  to  the  virtues  of  the  deceased,  as  follows : — 

"  Deacon  Benjamui  Chaplin,  that  Friend  of  Man,  that  supporter  of  tiie  State, 
tliat  ornament  of  the  Church,  who,  having  witnessed  a  good  Confession  for 
the  doctrines  of  grace,  for  the  purity  and  prosperity  of  public  worship,  a 
faithful  steward  of  his  Lord's  goods,  provided  liberally  in  his  last  will  and 
testament  towards  a  permanent  fnnd  for  the  maintenance  of  the  Gospel 
ministry,  and  after  he  had  served  his  own  generation,  by  the  will  of  God,  fell 
ou  sleep,  March  25,  1795,  in  the  76th  year  of  his  age." 

Deacon  Chaplin's  estate  was  valued  at  nearly  £8,500,  including  over 
two  thousand  acres  of  land,  four  houses  and  eight  barns.     After  pro- 


248  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

viding  liberally  for  liis  wife,  daughters  and  the  education  of  his  son's 
children,  he  gave  three  hundred  pounds  for  a  permanent  fund,  the 
interest  of  which  was  to  be  applied  to  the  support  of  a  minister  jiro- 
fessing  and  preaching  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel,  according  as  tliey 
are  explained  in  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith,  in  a  society  to 
be  formed  before  January  1,  1812.  within  a  mile  and  a  quarter  of  his 
dwelling  house.  A  number  of  families  iiad  now  gathered  in  this 
vicinity,  very  "  desirous  of  bettering  their  circumstances  for  attending 
the  public  worship  of  God."  In  their  remoteness  from  the  meeting- 
houses of  Windham,  Mansfield  and  Hampton,  some  of  these  families 
had  hitherto  worshipped  with  the  chuich  in  Xoith  Windham  formed 
during  the  Revolutionary  war.  One  of  its  members,  Mr.  Ames,  had 
given  land  for  a  house  of  worship  on  Chewink  Plain,  about  two  and  a 
half  miles  southeast  from  the  present  Chaplin  Village,  and  the  liev. 
John  Storis  of  Mansfield  acted  as  its  i)astor.  The  small  number  of 
worshippers  and  the  failing  strength  of  its  pastor  made  its  continuance 
doubtful,  and  a  movement  was  made  in  1796,  for  taking  advantage  of 
Deacon  Chaplin's  bequest.  "A  number  of  subscribers  in  the  eastern 
part  of  Mansfield  and  parts  adjacent,"  ^.  e.,  Ames,  Abbe,  Hovey, 
Barton,  Balch,  Sessions,  Hunt,  Stowell,  Ward,  Clark,  Cary,  Russ, 
Ross,  Wales,  Geer,  agreed  to  give  a  certain  amount  for  a  fund,  pro- 
vided that  enough  could  be  guaranteed  to  add  fifty  pounds  yearly  to 
the  interest  of  Deacon  Chaplin's  legacy,  but  did  not  succeed  in  carry- 
ing out  their  object.  Organization  was  deferred  for  some  years  and 
the  Nachauge  residents  attended  worship  where  it  best  suited  their 
convenience.  The  church  in  North  Windham  became  extinct — 
thirteen  of  its  membei's  returning  to  the  First  Church  of  that  town. 
Its  only  pastor,  Rev.  John  Storrs,  died  in  1799.  A  feeble  church, 
scarce  gaining  name  or  footing,  it  is  memorable  for  its  connection 
with  a  distinguished  ministerial  succession.  Its  pastor  was  the  father 
of  Rev.  Richard  S.  Storrs,  D.  D.,  of  Braintree,  and  he  the  father  of 
the  present  Rev.  Richard  S.  Storrs,  D.  D.,  of  Brooklyn,  L.  I.  "An 
old  burying  ground  long  unused,  grown  up  to  brush  and  trees,  the 
gravestones  well  nigh  illegible,"  now  marks  the  site  of  the  extinct 
church  and  "  Ames  meeting-house." 


ORGANIZATION    OF    BROOKLYN    TOWNSHIP.  249 


Y. 

ORGANIZATION     OF     BROOKLYN     TOWNSHIP.       GENERAL      TOWN 

AFFAIRS.     ADAMS'  DISTRICT.     CLOSING  YEARS  OF    GEN. 

PUTNAM.     COL.    MALBONE.     CAPT.    TYLER. 

GROWTH   AND  PROSPERITY. 

BROOKLYN,  like  its  youthful  neiglibor,  was  wide  awake  and 
stirring.  Erected  the  same  yeai',  they  seemed  inclined  to 
healthful  emulation  in  enterjirise  and  ])nblic  spirit.  Brooklyn's  first 
town  meeting,  warned  by  Joseph  Baker,  Esq.,  was  held  in  its  much- 
esteemed  meeting-house,  June  26,  1786.  Colonel  Israel  Putnam  was 
called  to  the  chair.  Seth  Paine  was  chosen  town  clerk,  treasurer,  and 
first  selectman  ;  Andrew  Murdock,  Asa  Pike,  Daniel  Tyler,  Jr.  and 
Joseph  Scarborough,  selectmen  :  Peter  Pike,  constable ;  Ebenezer 
Scarborough,  Abner  Adams,  Joshua  Miles,  Jedidiah  Ashcraft,  Jun., 
Salter  Searls,  Nathan  Witter,  Joseph  Davison,  Samuel  Williams, 
Stephen  P^i'ost,  James  Dorrance,  Elisha  Brown,  Reuben  Harris,  sur- 
veyors ;  John  Jefferds,  Eleazer  Gilbert,  fence-viewers  ;  Abijah  Goodell, 
Isaac  Cushman,  tithing-men.  The  bounds  of  the  town  were  at  first 
identical  with  those  of  the  previous  society,  but  twenty-four  hundred 
acres  were  soon  released  to  Hampton.  Seth  Paine  was  n}»pointed  to 
agree  with  the  agents  of  Canada  Parish  on  a  straight  line  between 
Brooklyn  and  the  new  town,  and  consent  that  they  may  have  as  much 
land  as  prayed  for  if  they  will  maintain  the  poor.  The  Quinebaug 
formed  the  eastern  bound.  North  and  south  lines  remained  as  pre- 
viously settled.  Pomfret  was  allowed  to  retain  a  projection  on  the 
southwest,  now  Jericho,  on  the  supposition  that  it  would  never  be  able 
to  pay  its  own  expenses.  It  was  voted  that  the  town  line  should  be 
also  the  society  line,  and  the  pound  already  built  near  Dr.  Baker's  be  a 
town  pound. 

Appropriation  bills  were  ne.\t  in  order.  It  Avas  voted  to  raise  a  tax 
of  a  penny  a  pound  to  defray  the  expenses  till  the  time  of  annual 
meeting,  and  two-pence  for  next  year:  also,  to  mend  highways  by  a 
tax.  Highway  districts  were  speedily  laid  out,  the  town  agreeing  that 
each  man  and  team  have  three  shillings  for  a  day's  work  in  the  spring 
and  two  in  the  fall.  An  amendment  allowed  two-and-six))ence  a  day  in 
September.  A  half-penny  rate  was  voted  for  the  supi)ort  of  schools. 
The  committee  for  settling  with  Pomfret  was  ordered  to  make  a  tax 
on  the  inhabitants  of  Brooklyn,  originally  of  Pomfret  ( provided 
Pomfret  will   not  do  it ),   for  the  purpose  of  paying  up  the  arreai'age 

32 


250  HISTORY    OF    WIXDHAM    COUNTY. 

due  to  Poiiifiet.  The  latter  town  apparently  not  doing  it,  a  list*  was 
made  out  and  tax  levied.  This  list  includes  some  237  rale  payers 
with  estates  valued  at  £9,o3H,  lOs.  'Id.  Jabez  Allen,  John  Malbone, 
Andrew  Murdock,  William  Smith,  Daniel  Tyler,  Jun.,  the  Putnams, 
Scarboroughs  and  Williams's,  paid  the  heaviest  assessments.  Special 
taxes  were  levied  upon  John  Jeft'erds,  Eleazer  Gilbert,  as  "Taverners 
and  tiaders :"  Peter  Schuyler  Putnam,  Reuben  Harris,  taverners ; 
Erastus  Baker,  trader  ;  Joseph  Baker,  physician:  William  Baker,  as 
proprietor  of  a  grist-mill ;  Stephen  Baker,  of  a  saw-mill  :  Daniel  Clark, 


*  A  true  list  of  the  Polls  and  Ratable  Estate  of  the  Town  of  Brooklyn  for 
August  the  20th,  A.  D.  1788  : 

Adams,  Samuel,  William,  Asaph,  Lewis,  Ephraim,  Philemon,  Shubael, 
Abuer,  ^'oah,  Willard,  Peter,  Ephraim,  Jun.-,  Allyn,  Jabez,  John,  Joseph ; 
Allen,  Parker;  Ashcraft,  Jedidiah,  John,  Jedidiah,  Jun.;  Ahvorth,  James, 
William;  Aborn,  James;  Baker,  William,  Doct.  Joseph,  Joel,  Stephen,  John, 
Erastus,  Joseph,  Jun.;  Brindley,  Nathaniel;  Butt,  Samuel;  Brown,  Shubael, 
Alpheus,  Jedidiah,  John;  Bowman,  Elisha,  Walter;  Barrett.  William;  Bacon, 
Joseph,  Asa,  Nehemiah;  Benjamin,  Barzillai;  Cushman,  William,  William, 
Jun.,  Isaac;  Clark,  Moses,  Daniel,  Caleb;  Cleveland,  Davis,  Joseph,  Elijah, 
Phillips,  Phinehas;  Cady,  Gideon,  Ezra,  Jonathan,  L'riah,  John,  Phindias, 
Ebenezer,  Benjamin,  Asahel,  Nalium,  Nathan,  Daniel,  Widow  Lydia,  Eliakim; 
Copeland,  William,  Asa,  Joseph,  Jonathan,  James;  Chatlee,  Ebenezer; 
Coller,  Jonathan,  Asa;  Cogswell,  Nathaniel;  Cloud,  Norman:  Chapman, 
Amaziah ;  Darbe,  Ashael,  AVilliam,  Alpheus;  Downing,  Jedidiah,  David, 
Ichabod,  James;  Deuisou,  David;  Davison,  Joseph,  Joseph,  Jun.,  Peter; 
Dorrance,  James;  Davis,  Samuel;  Davidson,  William;  Eldredge,  James, 
Guidon;  Eaton,  Ezekiel;  F:isset,  Elijah,  Josiah,  Joab,  John:  Foster,  Daniel; 
Fling,  Lemuel;  Frost,  Stephen;  Fuller,  John,  Josiah;  Fillmore,  William ; 
Goodell,  Abijah,  Alvau ;  Gilbert,  Kachel,  Joseph,  Eleazer,  Benjamin,  Jedidiah, 
John;  Geer,  John ;  Herrick,  Benjamin,  Kufus:  Howard,  Charles;  llubijard, 
Ebenezer,  William,  Benjamin,  Jun.;  Hutchins,  Isaac;  Hewitt,  Stephen, 
Increase ;  Harris,  Samuel,  Reuben,  Paul.  Amos,  Ebenezer;  Hancock,  John; 
Hide,  Jabesh;  Holmes,  Nathaniel;  Jeflerds,  John;  Joslin,  David ;  Ingalls, 
Samuel;  Kendall,  Peter,  John,  David;  Litchfield,  Eleazer,  John,  Isiael, 
Uriah;  Mumford,  Thomas;  Miles,  Jesse,  Joshua,  Thomas;  Murdock,  Andrew ; 
Malbone,  John;  Merrett,  Charles,  Thomas;  Morgau,  Koswell;  .Mason, 
Shubael ;  Medcalf,  Hannah ;  More,  Daniel;  Putuaui,  Daniel,  Peter  Schuyler, 
Israel.  Jun.,  Reuben;  Pike,  John,  Joseph,  Peter,  Jonathan,  Asa,  Willard; 
Paine,  Simeon,  Seth,  Jun.,  Delano,  Seth,  Daniel,  Benjamin;  Prince,  Timothy, 
Timothy,  Jun.,  Abel;  Pierce,  Benjamin;  Preston,  Jacob;  Palmer,  Elihu, 
Thaddeus ;  Pettis,  Joseph ;  Pellet,  Jonathan;  Pooles,  Amasa;  Rowe,  Isaac; 
Smith,  William,  Thomas  ;  Stanton,  Thomas  ;  Stevens,  John;  Storrs,  Dinah ; 
Scott,  William;  Searls,  Daniel,  Salter;  Scarborough,  Ebenezer,  Jeremiah, 
Joseph,  Samuel;  Stowel,  Calvin;  Sliepard,  Josiah,  Benjamiu;  Spalding,  .Abel, 
Ebenezer,  Caleb,  Rufus,  Ebenezer,  Juu. ;  Sluunway,  Eljenezer;  Staples.  Abel; 
Tracy,  Zebediah  :  Tilley,  James;  Tyler,  Asa,  Daniel,  Daniel,  Jun.,  Oliver; 
Thayer,  Elijah  ;  Wheeler,  Timothy,  Job;  White,  Joseph;  Weaver,  Remington, 
John;  Wilson,  Samuel,  Ignatius;  Williams,  Stephen,  Samuel,  Jun.,  Roger 
Wolcot,  Asa,  Martha,  Marian,  Job,  Joseph,  Samuel,  Samuel,  2d;  Witter, 
Nathan,  Juu.,  Nathan,  Josiah;  Withy,  James,  Hazael,  Eunice;  Weeks, 
Ebenezer,  Anna;  Wood,  Benjamiu;  Woodward,  Ward,  Peter. 

Danikl  Tyler,  Jun., 
Andkew  Mukdock, 
J.vMES  Eldredge, 
Nathan  Witter, 
is.vac  cushman, 

Listers. 


GENERAL    TOWN    AFFA.IRS.  251 

of  saw  and  grist-mills.  The  iiiiiltiplicalioii  of  taverns  was  a  sore 
annoyance  to  sober  men,  ami  liad  called  out  a  vigorous  remonstrance 
from.  Gen.  Putnam  to  the  Honorable  County  Court  in  session  at 
Windham,  viz. : — 

"Gkntlemex : 

Bcinii:  an  enemy  to  Idleness,  DNsipatioii  and  Intemperance,  I  would  object 
asjainst  any  measures  whicli  may  be  conducive  thereto:  and,  the  multiplyini? 
of  pul)lic  houses,  wlien  the  public  good  does  not  require  it,  has  a  direct 
tendency  to  ruin  the  morals  of  youth,  and  pnjmote  idleness  and  intemperance 
among  all  ranks  of  people,  especially  as  the  grand  olyect  of  the  candidates 
for  licenses  is  money ;  and,  when  that  is  the  case,  men  are  not  over  apt  to 
be  tender  of  people's  morals  or  purses.  The  authorities  of  this  town,  I 
think,  have  run  into  a  great  error,  in  approbating  an  additional  number  of 
public  houses,  especially  in  this  parish.  They  have  approbated  two  houses 
in  the  centre,  where  there  was  never  custom  (I  mean  traveling  custom) 
enough  for  one.  The  other  custom  (the  domestic)  I  have  been  informed, 
has  of  late  \'ears  increased;  and  the  licensing  another  house  1  fear  would 
increase  it  more.  As  I  kept  a  public  house  here  myself  a  number  of  years 
before  the  war,  I  had  an  opportunity  of  knowing,  anil  certainly  do  know,  that 
the  traveling  custom  is  too  triliing  for  a  man  to  lay  himself  out  so  as  to  keep 
such  a  house  as  travelers  have  a  right  to  expect.  Therefore,  I  hope  your 
Honors  will  consult  the  good  of  this  parish,  so  as  to  license  only  one  of  the 
two  houses.  I  shall  not  undertake  to  say  which  (night  to  be  lecensed.  Your 
Honors  will  act  according  to  your  best  information. 
I  am,  with  esteem. 

Your  Honors'  humble  servant, 

Israel  Putnam. 

Brooklyn,  Feb.  18,  1782." 

Public  schools  received  immediate  attention.  In  emulation  of 
Plainfield,  Brooklyn  had  already  attem])ted  to  establish  an  academy. 
The  Providence  Gazette  of  1783  informs  its  patrons  that  "  for  the 
promotion  of  Literature  a  number  of  inhabitence  in  the  parish  of 
Brooklyn  have  procured  a  gentleman  to  begin  a  Grammar  school. 
The  public  may  be  assured  that  the  character  of  the  teacher  both  in 
regard  to  his  scholarship  and  disposition  comes  vouched  in  the  best 
manner  from  the  Governors  of  Cambridge  College,  where  he  had  his 
education.  He  will  teach  the  Greek  and  Latin  tongues  and  any  other 
branch  of  literature  taught  at  any  jirivate  school  in  the  State.  Daniel 
Tyler,  Jun.,  John  Jefierds,  Joseph  Baker,  Eleazer  Gilbert,  Jal)ez  Allen, 
committee."  Failing  to  succeed  in  this  eftbrt  the  town  gave  more 
care  to  public  education.  Andrew  Murdock,  Daniel  Tyler  and  James 
Eldredge  were  appointed  to  take  charge  of  the  school  money ;  Daniel 
Putnam,  David  Denison,  John  Brown,  Roger  Williams,  Joseph  Scar- 
borough, Salter  Searls,  Nathan  Witter,  James  Dorrance,  to  hire  school- 
masters each  for  the  district  in  which  he  lives ;  Delano  and  Timeus 
Pierce,  Jonathan  Copeland,  James  Dorrance,  Samuel  Butt,  Jonathan 
Pike,  Daniel,  Peter  and  Jonathan  Kendall,  were  made  a  separate 
district  for  schooling.  Captain  Ebenezer  Spalding  and  other  neigh- 
bors were  allowed  their  part  of  the   money,  if  they  lay  out  the   same 


252  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COI'xNTY. 

ill  schodliiig.  Town  and  sdcicty  in  170.)  ex])resse<l  tlicir  approval  of 
tlie  proposed  act  of  tlio  (Jcnoral  Asseiiil)ly  respecting  the  Western 
lands  with  these  alterations — that  the  avails  of  the  land  be  paid  into 
the  town  treasury  of  the  respective  towns  of  the  State,  and  the  interest 
be  appropi'iated  solely  to  the  su]>p()rt  of  religion  of  all  denominations, 
and  schools. 

Brooklyn  was  much  interested  in  agi  icultuval  affairs,  and  its  dairies 
were  reported  as  "  not  exceeded  in  the  State."  Putnam's  example  and 
precept  had  a  beneficial  and  stimulating  influence  in  this  directi(m. 
His  various  faims  were  now  in  charge  of  his  sons.  Daniel  Tyler, 
Jun.,  the  AVilliamss,  Scarboroughs,  Litchfields  and  other  leading 
iamilies,  had  tine  farms  under  good  cultivation.  Population  was  very 
generally  diftused  tliroughout  the  town — the  village  as  yet  boasting 
but  seven  dwelling-houses.  Captain  Andrew  ^Nlm-dock,  who  had 
married  a  daughter  of  Major  Holland,  and  added  to  her  patrimony 
land  purchased  of  Widow  Isaac  AUyn,  was  a  very  enterprising  and 
successful  farmer.  His  "fai'ms  and  accommodations  were  truly 
curious  and  wonderful — all  the  product  of  his  own  industry  and 
economy."  Allyn's  grist-mill  was  carried  on  successfully  till  the  dam 
was  carried  off  by  a  freshet  and  jiublic  opposition  delayed  its  rebuild- 
ing. Allen  Hill,  though  owned  and  occupied  by  descendants  of 
Richard  Adams,  received  its  name  from  vicinity  to  this  much  fre- 
quented grist-mill.  Four  sons  of  Peter  Adams  after  fighting  through 
the  Revolutionary  war  removed  to  new  countries.  The  oldest  son, 
Philemon,  with  younger  brothers,  engaged  in  various  industries, 
running  a  linseed  oil  mill  arid  manufacturing  pottery  and  j)otash. 
One  son  acquired  the  ait  of  working  in  silver  and  fabricated  family 
teaspoons,  while  a  daughter  gifted  with  lesthetic  taste  transformed 
rude  homespun  into  a  thing  of  beauty.  With  wooden  stamps  cut  out 
by  her  brothers  and  dyes  extracted  from  native  ])lants,  she  achieved  a 
most  successful  imitation  of  the  rich  tlowered  brocades  then  in 
fashion,  making  dress  patterns,  vests  and  furnituie  coverings  that  were 
the  admiration  of  all  l)eholders.  Living  remote  from  neighbors  on  so 
large  a  tract  of  land,  this  family  long  retained  primitive  characteristics 
and  habits,  a  })atriarchal  community  almost  independent  of  the  busy 
world  beyond  them.  A  i'vw  Indian  families  still  occupied  their  wig- 
wams in  the  depths  of  the  uncleared  woodland,  and  while  gradually 
acquiring  the  arts  of  civilized  life  imparted  forest  secrets  in  return, 
teaching  the  children  the  nature  and  use  of  herbs,  the  best  methods  of 
hunting  and  snaring,  with  many  an  aboriginal  tradition.  Peter 
Adams,  the  patriarch  of  this  little  community,  was  still  hale  and 
hearty.  A  mighty  hunter  from  his  youth  he  pursued  the  practice  even 
down  to  old  age  and  had  the  honor  of  killing  the  last  bear  reported  iu 


CLOSING    YEARS    OF    GEN.    PUTNAM.  253 

Windham  County.  As  so  nnicli  has  been  said  of  tlie  last  wolf  it  is 
but  fair  to  chionicle  the  last  of  the  Bruins,  especially  as  it  was  an 
animal  of  most  exemplary  morals,  never  suspected  of  purloining  so 
much  as  a  chicken,  and  instead  of  routing  out  a  whole  town  for  its 
destruction  was  so  accommodating  as  to  set  itself  up  for  a  target. 
Even  his  presence  had  been  unsuspected  until  one  pleasant  sj)ring 
morning,  when  Mr.  Adams  espied  him  on  a  knoll  not  far  from  his 
residence.  Approaching  unperceived  he  managed  to  get  a  shot  at 
him  when  the  bear  fell  backward,  uttering  such  terrible  and  unearthly 
cries  as  to  be  heard  even  across  the  distant  (^uiiiebaug.  Anotlier  shot 
stilled  the  cries  and  sent  the  last  bear  to  his  fathers.  The  size  and 
weight  of  the  defunct  representative  of  a  dei)arted  race  were  very 
remarkable  and  it  was  conjectured  that  he  had  long  outlived  the 
ordinary  limits  of  bearish  existence.  The  year  of  his  demise  cannot 
be  settled  but  it  was  probably  about  1780. 

General  Putnam,  now  resting  from  his  arduous  labors  and  conilicts, 
must  have  lieen  greatly  interested  in  liearing  of  this  ex[)loit,  recalling 
as  it  would  the  much  more  famous  adventure  of  his  early  days.*  The 
later  years  of  Putnam's  life  were  eminently  peaceful  and  happy. 
Disabled  as  he  was  with  right  ai'tn  paralyzed  and  useless,  he  was  still 
able  to  share  in  the  pleasures  and  duties  of  life  ;  could  ride  about  his 
farms  and  attend  public  meetings  and  social  gatherings.  Released 
from  the  burden  of  keej)ing  up  an  establishment,  he  made  his  home 
with  his  sons,  Colonel  Israel,  Peter  Schuyler  and  Daniel  Putnam,  and 
frequently  visited  his  daughters,  Mrs.  Tyler,  Mrs.  Waldo  and  Mrs. 
Lemuel  Grosvenor.  We  catch  pleasant  glimpses  of  him  in  these 
restful  years,  enforcing  with  admonitory  staft'  prompt  obedience  upon 
his  numerous  grandchildren,  encouraging  young  giils  with  hearty 
a])plause  upon  their  tirst  essay  in  a  public  ball-room,  or  making  a 
friendly  call  upon  his  neighbor,  Dr.  Cogswell,  to  the  detriment  of  the 
Sunday  sermon  of  the  ungrateful  minister.  He  was  frequently  seen  at 
"a  raising"  and  other  social  gatherings  and  merry-makings,  ''sur- 
rounded by  a  crowd  of  children  and  grandchildien,  fiiends  and  neigli- 
bors,  relating  abundant  anecdotes  of  the  olden  time,  while  his  hap[)y 
audience  greeted  with  loud  laughter  the  outflowing  of  his  ready  wit 
and  his  kindly  and  genial  humor."  He  was  the  oracle  in  tree-culture, 
stock-raising  and  other  practical  matters,  ever  ready  to  advise  with  his 
quick  eye  and  clear  head,  ripening  and  mellowing  as  the  years  passed 
on.  He  was  cheered  by  visits  and  letters  from  his  military  friends 
and  comrades,  and  many  tributes  of  respect  and  gratitude  from  fellow- 


*  See  .\ppenclix. 


254 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


cilizons  at  home  and  far  and  wide  over  the  land.  lie  rejoiced  with 
liis  whole  great  heart  in  the  ac^hievement  of  American  Independence, 
tlie  adoption  of  the  Federal  Constitntion,  the  new  impulse  it  brought 
to  the  Nation  ;  and  in  the  various  projects  for  growth  and  develop- 
ment. Always  a  respecter  of  religion,  long  a  member  of  the  church, 
he  was  drawn  with  advancing  years  to  a  deeper  appreciation  of  spirit- 
ual tilings.  He  studied  the  Scriptures  carefully,  he  abjured  the  use 
of  profane  language,  he  expressed  "a  great  regard  for  God,  and  the 
things  of  God."  To  his  dear  friend  and  pastor,  Mr.  Whitney,  he 
freely  disclosed  the  workings  of  his  mind.  Good  old  Elder  Benjamin 
Lathrop  of  Windham  had  also  "a  free  and  friendly  talk  with  the  old 
General,"  and  reported  him  "  much  engaged  in  getting  ready  to  leave 
the  world" — and  so  a  sudden  summons  found  him  calmly  waiting  his 
discharge.  "Death,  whom  he  had  so  often  braved  on  the  field  of 
battle,  had  no  terrors  to  him  on  his  dying  bed,  but  he  longed  to  depart 
and  be  with  Christ."  He  died  3Iay  19,  1790,  after  two  days"  illness. 
His  funeral  as  befitting  his  character,  rank,  and  distinguished  public 
services,  w^as  the  most  imposing  ceremonial  that  Windham  County  had 
then  witnessed.  The  grenadiers  of  the  Eleventh  Regiment,  the 
Matross  Company  of  Brooklyn,  and  military  companies  from  other 
parts  of  the  State,  the  brethren  of  the  Masonic  order,  together  with  a 
large  number  of  strangers  and  a  great  concourse  of  friends  and 
neighbors,  accompanied  the  remains  "to  the  Congregational  meeting- 
house in  Brooklyn  ;  and  after  divine  service  performed  by  tlie  Rev. 
Dr.  Whitney,  all  that  was  earthly  of  the  patriot  and  hero  was  laid  in 
the  silent  tomb  under  the  discharge  of  vollies  from  the  infantry  and 
minute  guns  from  the  artillery."  An  eulogium  was  pronounced  at  the 
grave  by  Dr.  Waldo  in  behalf  of  the  Masonic  bretln-en.  An  inscrip- 
tion pre])ared  by  President  Dwight  of  Yale  College  most  faithfully 
portrayed  the  character  of  the  great  leader,  who  held  to  Windham 
County  the  relation  of  Washington  to  the  Republic — "  first  in  war, 
first  in  peace,  first  in  the  heaits  of  his  countrymen." 


CLOSING    YEARS    OF    GEN.    PUTNAM.  255 

Sacred  be  this  Moniinieut 

to  the  memory 

of 

ISRAEL  PUTNAM,  Esquire, 

senior  Major  General    in   the   armies 

of 

the  United   States  of  America; 

who 

was  Ijorn  at  Salem, 

in  the  Province  of   Massachusetts, 

on  the  7th  daj-  of  January, 

A.  D.    1718, 

and  died 

on  the  19lh  day  of  May, 

A.  I).   1790. 

Passenger, 

if  thou  art  a  Soldier, 

drop  a  tear  over  the  dust  of  a  Hero, 

Avho, 

ever  attentive 

to  the  lives  and  happiness  of  his  men, 

dared  to  lead 

where  any  dared  to  follow ; 

if  a  Patriot, 

remember  the  distinguished  and  gallant  services 

rendered  thy  country 

by  the  Patriot  wdio  sleeps  beneath  this  marble ; 

if  thou  art  honest,  generous  and  worthy, 

render  a  cheerful  tribute  of  respect 

to  a  man, 

whose  generositj'  was  singular, 

whose  honesty  was  proverbial ; 

who 

raised  himself  to  universal  esteem, 

and  offices  of  eminent  distinction, 

by  personal  worth 

and  a 

useful  life. 


[It  would  be  pleasant  to  leave  General  Putnam  in  his  last  resting 
place  with  a  giatetul  remeinbi-ance  of  his  life,  character  and  service.s, 
but  subsequent  developments  and  modern  theories  compel  a  brief 
notice.  For  Windham  County  readers,  indeed,  no  word  is  needed. 
They  have  not  eared  to  look  at  their  old  friend  through  modern  eye- 
glasses, fashioned  in  New  York  and  Boston.  Insinuations  as  to  his 
military  capacity  and  standing,  his  courage  and  loyalty,  have  failed  to 
make  the  least  impression  upon  the  minds  of  those  who  look  upon 
General  Putnam  through  the  eyes  of  their  fathers  and  grandfathers, 
men  of  sense  and  judgment,  who  saw  him  face  to  face,  and  knew  just 
what  he  was  and  what  he  had  done.  The  words  with  which  General 
Lemuel  Grosvenor  of  Pomfret,  sent  back  a  pamphlet  concocted  by 
one  of  the  early  propounders  of  the  modern  theory  are  here  given,  as 


250  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

expressing  tlie  iiivolmitary  seuliinent   and    iinj)iilse  of  every  Windham 
County  citizen  : — 

"  Sir,  your  letter  enclosinj;  a  pamphlet  was  duly  received,  but  I  do  not 
thank  you  for  a  publication  wliicli  is  intended  to  slander  a  character  of  one 
now  deceased  with  whom  I  had  the  honor  of  a  personal  acquaintance  as  a 
townsman  of  mine,  and  so  distiuijuished  a  friend  to  his  country— and  whose 
whole  life  was  devoted  t(i  their  service  in  the  French  War,  but  more  especially 
in  the  Revolution  and  especially  at  the  Noted  Battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  where  he 
was  a  distinsuished  commanding  ollicer,  and  not  an  idle  carrier  of  the 
intrenchinj?  tools  as  you  represent.  I  therefore  return  the  pamphlet  as  I  do 
not  wish  it  to  disgrace  my  library.  Yours,  etc., 

Lemuel  Grosvexou. 

Pomfret,  Jamiary,  1832." 

But  while  accepting  the  testimony  and  verdict  ol  cotemporary  asso- 
ciates, we  would  not  shrink  from  candid,  critical  investigation,  and 
would  deprecate  indiscriminate  eulogy  as  well  as  vindictive  censure. 
Kallier  with  seriptuial  jilainness  and  fidelity  would  we  record  liie 
errors  and  failures  as  well  as  the  virtues  and  triuiuphs,  rememV)ering 
that  the  best  of  men  are  still  but  iuiman.  That  Putnam's  military 
cai-eer  during  the  Kevolution  fulfilled  tlie  extravagant  ex])ectations  of 
enthusiastic  admirers  cannot  be  maintained.  His  age,  his  lack  of 
early  military  training,  the  character  of  his  previous  military 
ex[)erience,  were  all  against  him.  Yet  the  service  that  lie  ren- 
dered, especially  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  was  most  vital,  and 
it  may  be  doubted  if  without  his  prestige  and  popularity  the  army 
would  have  cohered  or  Bunker  Hill  Battle  have  been  fought.  He 
held  the  helm  till  it  was  taken  by  Washington,  and  like  John  the 
Baptist  prepared  the  way  for  his  master.  The  world  is  indebted  to 
Dr.  Tarbox,  for  his  chivalrous  championship  and  successful  vindica- 
tion of  Putnam's  claim  to  leadership  at  Bunker  Hill.  Johnsons  late 
"Campaign  of  1776,"  relieves  Putnam  from  reputed  responsibility  for 
the  mischances  and  defeat  at  Long  Island,  and  closer  investigation  in 
other  cases  where  he  has  been  blamed,  prove  that  he  did  the  best 
possible  under  the  circumstances,  and  justify  the  words  of  President 
Si)arks : — "  That  he  never  made  mistakes  I  would  not  say,  for  it 
cannot  be  said  of  a  single  officer  in  the  Kevolution,  but  I  am  sure  it 
may  be  safely  affirmed  that  there  was  not  among  all  the  ]iatriots  of  the 
Kevolution  a  braver  man,  or  one  more  true  to  the  interests  of  liis 
country,  or  of  more  generous  and  noble  spirit."  John  Adams 
declares,  "  That  he  never  heard  the  least  insinuation  of  dissatisfac- 
tion with  the  conduct  of  General  Putnam  through  his  whole  life." 
Colonel  Thomas  Grosvenor,  his  townsman  and  military  associate, 
reports  him  "  ever  the  first  in  public  life  at  the  post  of  honor  and 
danger,"  and  in  his  private  conduct  "  excelled  by  none."  The  honored 
friend  and  associate  of  Washington  and  Trumbull,  the  faithful  counsel- 


COL.    MALBONE,    'ETC.  257 

lor  and  Riijiporter  of  Connecticut's  sturdy  patriots  throufjliout  tlie 
Revolution,  he  lived  and  died  ''  i-espected  and  beloved  ;  "  "  his  woi-d 
an  ample  security  lor  everything  it  pledg-ed  ;  "*  his  uprightness  com- 
jnanding  "absolute  confidence."  Against  such  overwhelming  testi- 
mony from  those  who  knew  him,  charges  brought  many  years  after  liis 
decease  can  have  little  weight,  based  as  they  are  upon  professional 
and  sectional  jealousies,  and  that  captious  s])ii-it  of  criticism  which 
would  blacken  the  purest  character  and  belittle  the  most  heroic  deeds. 
Leading  as  they  have  to  a  moi'e  careful  and  critical  examination,  they 
Avill  give  to  the  world  a  more  correct  understanding  of  his  services, 
and  a  higher  estimate  of  the  worth  and  weiglit  of  his  character. 

A  contemporai-y  reportf  lately  come  to  light  we  leave  to  its  own 
merits,  premising  that  the  writer  was  like  Petei'S  a  banished  Tory,  who 
compiled  his  "History"  between  1780  and  1791). 

Note  oil  General  Putnam  [extract].  "He  is  resolute,  bold,  enterprising  and 
intrepid,  has  no  notion  of  fear,  and  is  at  the  same  time,  generous,  kuul  and 
humane;  was  fond  of  doing  good  acts,  and  ever  treated  loyal  prisoners  with 
the  same  attention  and  hospitality  as  he  treated  his  own  soldiers.  In  1775, 
he  ottered  his  services  to  General  Gage,  the  commander-in-chief  of  America, 
if  he  could  have  a  provincial  regiment,  which  he  ottered  to  raise  at  his 
own  expense.     The  proposal  was  rejected  with  scorn  and  indignity." 

How  widely  this  report  was  circulated  we  have  no  means  of  know- 
ing, but  it  miglit  very  easily  have  arisen  froiu  the  subjoined  incident 
recorded  in  Humphrey's  Life  of  General  Putnam  : — 

"Not  long  after  this  period  [May,  1775],  the  British  commander-in-chief 
found  the  means  to  convey  a  proposal  privately  to  General  Putnam,  that  if  he 
would  relinquish  the  rebel  party,  he  might  rely  upon  being  made  a  Major- 
General  on  the  British  Establishment,  and  receiving  a  great  pecuniary  com- 
pensation for  his  services.  General  Putnam  spurned  at  the  otter,  which, 
however,  he  thought  prudent  at  that  time  to  conceal  from  public  notice." 

From  the  nature  of  the  case  it  is  not  probable  that  direct  proof  of 
either  ofier  can  ever  be  obtained,  aiul  we  are  left  to  clioose  between 
tlie  assertion  of  the  Tory  historian  and  that  of  Putnam's  antliorized 
biographer ;  which  of  the  two  is  most  worthy  of  credit,  it  is  not  for 
us  to  decide,  but  it  is  easy  to  see  which  is  the  most  in  accordance 
with  common  sense,  and  the  facts  and  probabilities  of  history. 
Knowing  what  we  do  of  Putnam's  sentiments  and  conduct  during 
the  summer  of  iTTo,  we  could  as  soon  believe  that  streams  could  run 
up  hill,  or  the  sun  go  back  in  its  course,  as  that  he  could  have  made 
such  an  extraordinary  proposition.] 

Putnam's  antagonistic  neighbor,  Colonel  Malbone,  accepted  defeat 
and    change  of  government   with    becoming   pliilosophy,  and  by   ids 


*  President  Dwight  of  Yale  College. 

t  History  of  New  York  during  the  Revolutionary  War,   by  Thomas  Jones, 
1879. 

33 


258  HISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

kindness  and  open  generosity,  liis  scorn  for  anything  like  pretension 
or  hypocrisy,  gained  the  respect  and  admiration  of  those  most  opposed - 
in  sentiment.  The  later  years  of  his  life  were  harassed  by  pecuniary 
embarrassment.  His  expeiiment  in  slave  labor*  bi'oug'ht  him  poor 
returns.  His  negroes  were  idle  and  wasteful,  costing  more  than  their 
profit.  Thirty  pairs  of  shoes  a  year,  their  price  ])aid  in  gold,  was  one 
item  of  outlay.  They  M'ere  a  happy,  jolly  set,  fond  of  fiddling  and 
frolicking.  Once  a  year  they  held  a  grand  jubilee,  electing  a  king,  and 
installing  him  in  office.  Ptio,  the  most  intelligent  of  their  number, 
son  of  an  African  king,  usually  obtained  their  suffrages  and  received 
royal  homage.  Some  of  these  negroes  left  their  master  during  the 
Revolution.  Others  in  time  obtained  their  freedom  under  the  Emanci- 
pation Act.  A  few  adhered  faithfully  to  their  master  and  mistress, 
and  clung  to  the  Malbone  estate  even  after  their  decease.  Notwith- 
standing his  losses  and  embarrassments.  Colonel  Malbone  was  ever 
ready  to  go  beyond  his  means  in  sustaining  his  church,  or  befriending 
a  needy  neighbor.  Some  one  in  his  presence  expi'essed  a  great  deal  of 
sympathy  for  a  poor  man  who  had  lost  his  cow,  the  main  suj)port  of 
his  family.  "  How  much  are  you  sorry  ?  "'  was  the  sharp  query.  The 
informant  hesitated.  "Well!  I'm  sony  twenty  dollars,"  he  replied, 
taking  that  amount  from  his  pocket-book.  Another  characteristic 
retort  merits  preservation.  An  aristocratic  kinswoman  expressed  her 
desire  that  there  might  be  '•'•  a  place  fenced  off  in  Heaven  for  servants 
and  common  people."  "  It  would  be  so  disagreeable  to  be  mixed  up 
with  everybody."  "  And  I,"  roared  the  angry  colonel,  "  hope  there'll 
be  a  place  fenced  off  in  Hell  for  d — d  fools." 

Colonel  Malbone's  death  preceded  that  of  Putnam  by  several  yeai's. 
The  epitaph,  written  by  John  Bowers  of  Newport,  gives  a  truthful 
impress  of  his  character  : — 

"  Sacred  be  this  marble  to  the  memory  of  Godfrey  Malbone,  who  was  born 
at  Newport,  R.  I.,  Septeud)er  3,  1724,  and  died  at  Ins  Seat  in  this  town, 
November  12th,  1785.  Uncommon  natural  Abilities,  improved  and  em- 
bellished by  an  Education  at  the  University  of  Oxford,  a  truly  amiable  disposi- 
tion, an  inflexible  integrity  of  Heart,  the  most  frank  Sincerity  in  Conversa- 
tion, a  Disdain  of  every  Species  of  Hypocrisy  and  Dissimulation,  joined  to 
manners  perfectly  easy  and  engaiiing,  nobly  marked  his  character  and 
rendered  him  a  real  Blessing  to  all  around  him.  That  he  was  a  friend  of 
Eeligion  tliis  Church  of  which  lie  was  the  Founder  testittes;  as  do  all  indeed 
who  knew  him  that  he  practiced  every  virtue  requisite  to  adorn  and  dignify 
Human  Life." 


*  Inventory  of  stock  appraised  by  Godfrey  Malbone,  sen.,  wlien  conveyed  to 
his  sons,  Godfrey  and  John,  October  16,  17G4  :  80  cows,  45  oxen,  30  steers,  40 
two-year-olds,  20  yearlings,  39  calves,  6  horses,  600  sheep,  150  goats,  150  hogs, 
27  negroes,  viz.,  Prince,  Harry,  Pero,  little  Pero,  Dick,  Tom,  Peter,  Peter 
Virginia,  Domino,  Caddy,  Adam,  Cliristopher,  Dinah,  Venus,  Rose,  Miriam, 
Jesse,  Primus,  and  others,  negro  boys,  etc. 


COL.    MALBONE     ETC. 


259 


Ti-iiiity  Churcli  wa^  greatly  weakened  by  the  Idss  of  its  cliief  patron, 
so  tliat  Mr.  Fogg  for  a  time  even  meditated  upon  willidrawing  fi'oni 
the  pastorale.  The  stipend  from  the  Missionary  Soeiety  had  cease<l. 
Dr.  Walton  had  removed,  ])atriotic  adhei-ents  had  withdrawn  their 
countenance,  dreading  the  imputation  of  disloyalty.  Trial  by  Hre 
had,  howevei',  left  a  grain  of  j)u:e  metal.  A  faithful  few  still  clung  to 
the  church  of  tlie  Mt)ther  Country,  and  for  their  sake  Mv.  Fogg 
decide<l  to  remain  and  continue  the  E|)iscopal  woiship.  Thirty  acres 
of  land  intended  by  Colonel  Malbone  for  a  glel)e  were  coutirmed  to 
the  parish  in  1787,  by  liis  brother,  John  Malbone.  Captain  Evan 
Malbone,  a  relative  of  Godfrey  and  John,  had  now  removed  to 
Pomfret,  and  aided  in  su])porting  the  church.  Another  acquisition 
was  Dr.  John  Fuller,  successor  of  Dr.  Walton,  who  had  made  a  large 
fortune  by  privateeiing,  and  was  accustomed  to  ti'eat  the  whole  congre- 
gation to  cake  and  wine  during  the  intermission  of  service.  With 
great  assiduity  and  fidelity,  Mi-.  Fogg  I'esumed  his  ministerial  labors, 
"submitting  himself  to  every  ordinance  of  man  for  the  Loid's  sake  ;  " 
"Giving  none  offence  that  the  ministry  might  not  be  blamed,"  and 
gaining  the  respect  and  confidence  of  tlie  whole  community. 

The  Congregational  Society,  as  it  was  now  called,  was  in  a  pros[)er- 
ous  condition,  and  though  its  members  had  i)ai(l  heavy  taxes  for  war 
expendituies  and  town  organization,  they  proceeded  in  1788,  to  repair 
their  elegant  meeting-house.  A  hundred  dollars,  to  be  ])aid  in  Hax 
seed,  or  any  other  material  that  could  be  used  about  the  work,  was 
appropriated  for  painting  and  repairs.  Thirty  dollars  were  allowed  to 
Mr.  Whitney  to  sui)ply  himself  with  wood  at  a  dollar  a  cord.  Liberty 
was  granted  in  1793,  to  repair  the  meeting-house  clock  or  put  up  a 
new  one.  In  the  following  year  it  was  voted  to  raise  a  small  tax  for 
the  purpose  of  paying  a  singing-master  to  teach  the  art  of  singing — 
society  committee  to  hire,  direct  and  pay  said  singing-master.  Sing- 
ing thus  dignified  into  an  *'  art,"  received  nioi'e  and  more  attention, 
and  after  a  few  years  the  society  chose  a  committee  of  eight  "  to  set 
up  a  singing  school,  viz.,  one  out  of  each  school  district  to  look  up 
and  collect  the  singers  therein,  and  a  sub-committee  of  three  to  look 
up  and  hire  a  singing-master,  and  to  raise  such  sum  as  the  committee 
shall  see  fit  to  lay  out  for  the  purpose  of  recruiting  the  singing." 
Accustomed  to  the  management  of  general  secular  affairs,  the  society 
still  acted  in  matters  that  would  seem  without  its  pi-ovince,  choosing 
delegates  to  represent  it  at  the  great  meeting  held  at  Jefferds'  tavern 
in  17U4,  for  the  purpose  of  securing  the  transferring  of  the  Court- 
house, and  voting  "  to  pei'severe "  in  effort  when  the  petition  was 
rejected.  Its  own  espec-ial  functions  were  discharged  with  much 
efficiency.      Dilatory  rate-jiayers  were  brought  to  time  by  the  enact- 


260  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

meiit,  "Tlint  llic  names  of  tlie  jiersons  thai  liave  iiol  paid  tlii-ir  society 
taxes  sliall  he  ]»iihliely  lead  for  the  futuie  at  the  o[ieniiiff  of  the  annual 
society  niei-lino-, "  Imt  this  was  quickly  set  aside  as  too  strinirent  a 
remedy.  Twenty  five  pounds  were  added  to  Mr.  Whitney's  salary  in 
179(),  "-on  account  of  the  present  high  price  of  pi-ovisions." 

Ml-.  \\'hitney  held  his  place  in  the  aHection  of  his  people  and  the 
esteem  of  all.  Though  moderate  in  liis  doctrinal  views  and  o])posed 
to  the  High  CaUiiiism  then  coming  into  fashion,  he  enjoyed  the 
ies[)ect  and  coiiHdeiice  of  his  brethren  in  tlie  ministry,  and  maintained 
strict  churcli  and  family  disci|)line.  Deacons  l>aker,  Scarborougli, 
Witter  and  Davison,  together  with  Esquire  Frost,  were  constituted  a 
committee  to  iiKjuire  into  matters  of  scandal  and  I'eclaim  otfenders. 
Neglect  of  family  prayer  was  pronounced  a  censura))le  evil.  In  1790, 
Mr.  Whitney  with  Dr.  Cogswell,  Kev.  Andrew  Lee,  Rev.  Elisha 
Atkins,  and  one  or  two  other  ministers  of  congenial  sentiment,  united 
as  tlie  Eastern  Association  of  the  County  of  Windham,  representing  a 
milder  ty[>e  of  theology  than  the  larger  body.  That  his  church 
favored  this  step,  and  sym]tathized  with  him  in  his  regard  for  tlie  old 
Half-way  Covenant  now  eschewed  by  the  more  rigid  churches,  was 
manifested  by  the  following  discussion  and  decision,  occurring  as  late 
as  1805:— 

"  Query.  Wlietlier  chiklrci)  of  age  or  above  twenty-one  years,  still  liviui; 
with  their  parents,  members  of  the  church,  might  be  baptized  on  their 
parents'  account. 

Cliiuch  ueuerally  of  opinion  that  if  such  children's  character  was  good, 
and  they  desired  to  receive  baptism  on  their  parents'  account,  they  might  be 
alloweil.  Accortlingly  Lucy  and  Joseph  Prince,  cliildren  of  Major  Timothy 
Prince,  were  baptized  with  their  brothers  and  sisters,  minors." 

In  1802,  Mr.  Whitney  was  honored  by  the  conferring  of  a  doctor's 
degree  from  Harvard  College,  upon  which  accession  of  dignity  the 
society  appointed  a  committee  to  confer  with  Dr.  Whitney  relative  to 
the  settlement  of  a  colleague,  "  but  ten  years  passed  before  an  assist- 
atit  wasprocmed."  During  this  interval  the  churcii  had  commemorated 
the  tiftieth  anniversary  of  its  pastor's  settlement — February  2,  1S06 — 
Dr.  Whitney  preaching  from  Job  x.  12.  an  historical  discourse  suitable 
to  the  occasion.  Only  three  of  the  membership  of  1756  survived  to 
witness  this  anniversary,  447  had  been  added  to  the  church  during 
his  ministry  and  718  received  the  ordinance  of  baptism.  The  long 
])astoiate  had  "commenced  with  the  aiTectionate  regard  of  the  fathers, 
and  their  continued  friendshi[),  their  cordial,  candid  acceptance  of  his 
labors,  and  repeated  kindnesses,  had  continued  to  make  the  relation 
happy. "  The  affection  between  pastor  and  people  became  even  more 
cordial  and  tender  as  time  went  on,  the  ready  sympathy  and  pla}fn\ 
humor  of  the  venerable  divine,  endearing  him  to  old  and  young.     He 


CAPT.    TYI.KK,    ETC.  261 

w;is  noted  for  liis  skill  in  ndniinisterinir  iv])roof  or  instruction  tliron2;h 
the  medium  of  "  a  little  story,"  and  his  quick  retorts  and  keen  hits 
elicited  much  amusement  and  a(hniration.  His  roguish  son  attem)»ted 
to  frighten  him  once  while  ])erfoi-ming  perfunctory  service  one 
dark  night  as  bell  I'inger,  and  draped  in  white  with  deep  se]iulcln'al 
voice  announced  "  I  have  come  for  yon."  "  Well,  if  you  have  come, 
take  hold  and  ring  the  hell,"  was  the  cool  reply.  "  Do  you  make  a 
p — int  of  this  thing  ?  "  asked  a  slurring  brother  when  the  tiowing  bowl 
was  passed  at  a  minister's  meeting.  "  A  quart  when  ministers  are 
present,"  returned  the  smiling  Doctor.  But  wlien  ujion  another  occa- 
sion a  brother  minister  urged  that  they  might  partake  of  some  super- 
fluous beverage  on  the  g!-()\ind  that  they  were  mVitar]i  ineii — lie  was 
answered  by  the  coiichman's  retort  to  the  English  chui'ch  dignitary, 
who  swore  in  his  private  capacity — "  When  the  devil  comes  for  John 
De  Lancy,  what  will  become  of  the  Archbishop  ?  "  A  flaming  Uni- 
versalist  bored  him  with  intei  ininable  discussion  of  his  favorite  doctrine 
till  silenced  by  being  told  that  he  reminded  him  of  Betty,  the  cook, 
who  was  troubled  by  chickens  coming  into  the  kitchen  and  kept  driv- 
ing them  out  with  her  broom,  each  time  with  increasing  clatter,  till 
losing  all  patience  she  at  last  burst  out — "  You  are  like  the  Universals 
that  don't  know  when  their  hea<ls  are  taken  off.  " 

Mrs.  Lois  (Breck)  Whitney,  Dr.  Whitney's  first  wife,  died  in  1789. 
Their  two  oldest  sons  died  dui-ing  the  Kevolution,  being  seized  with 
small-[)ox  on  their  retui'n  from  a  privateering  expedition.  Another 
son,  Bobert  ]3reck,  a  teacher  and  com[)Oser  of  music,  very  highly 
esteenied,  died  of  consumption  at  the  age  of  twenty-one.  Six  daugh- 
ters survived  their  mother.  Dr.  Whitney  married  for  his  second  wife 
the  wi<h>w*  of  Sanmel  Chandler  of  Woodstock. 

Daniel  Tyler,  Esq.,  senioi-  member  of  the  church,  and  oldest  inhabit- 
ant of  the  town,  died  February  20,  1S()2,  having  nearly  com[)leted  the 
first  year  of  his  secoml  century.  Throughout  his  long  life  he  had 
been  an  active  and  useful  member  of  society,  closely  identified  with 
the  growth  of  church  and  town.  The  church  edifice  of  1770-1,  con- 
structed under  his  oversight,  still  testifies  to  his  skill  and  public  spirit. 
Of  his  many  sons  only  Daniel,  the  youngest,  remained  in  Brooklyn. 
Having  married  soon  after  his  graduation  from  Harvard  College,  a 
daughter  of  General  Putnam,  Captain  Tyler  was  very  prominent  during 
the  Bevohitionary  ei'a,  serving  as  adjutant  to  his  distinguished  father-in- 


*  Dr.  Cogswell  lets  us  into  the  secret  that  Dr.  Whitney  in  liis  widovverhood 
"speculated"  concerniug  sundry  eligible  spinsters  of  his  acquaintance,  but 
none  who  look  upon  the  stately  figure  of  Mrs.  Auua  Paine  Chandler,  as 
represented  by  her  relative,  Mr.  Winthrop  Chandler,  can  marvel  that  such 
solid  charms  should  outweigh  any  fanciful  speculations.  The  superior  attrac- 
tions of  widows  were  recognized  before  the  days  of  Mr.  Weller. 


262  .  HISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTV. 

l.'iw  ill  many  caiiiiiaiuns.  He  also  raised  and  e(|ui])|)ed  the  Tn-iioklyn 
Ma(ross  Company,  uliieli  rendei'e(l  sueli  etlieieiit  aid  when  Xew 
London  and  IJiiode  Island  were  threatened  with  invasion.  Lil^e  Ids 
fatiier  in-law,  Cajjtain  Tyler  was  favored  in  matiimonial  connections, 
his  second  wife,  widow  of  the  lamented  IJenjamin  Chaplin,  .Inn., 
daughter  of  Judge  Timothy  Edwards,  and  granddaughter  of  President 
Jonathan  Edwards,  inhei'iting  many  of  the  traits  of  her  distinguished 
ancestry.  Ca])tain  Tyler  was  now  actively  engaged  in  business,  receiv- 
ing and  disbursing  large  quantities  of  produce.  Me  advertises  in  17<S4, 
in  The  Norwich  Packet.,  "for  five  hundred  bushels  of  i  lax  skkd,  for 
which  lie  will  pay  in  Rocksalt,  West  India  or  European  Gooi>s  at 
the  lowest  advance."  He  also  offers  the  highest  price  for  good  butter 
and  cheese,  and  requires  a  large  quantity  of  good  pork.  In  179D,  he 
repoits  in  The  Windhcmi  Herald,  that  "  he  will  pay  cash  for  3  or  4,000 
wt.  of  good  tallow  ;  he  also  wants  to  purchase  a  few  good  lots  of  pork, 
about  20  fat  oxen,  1,000  wt.  of  clover  seed  and  500  bushels  of  barley  ; 
for  which  a  generous  price  will  be  given  and  good  pay  made." 
Captain  Tyler's  sons  entei-ed  early  into  active  life.  Paschal  P.  Tyler 
engaged  in  business  with  his  father.  Daniel  Putnam  was  graduated 
from  Yale  College  in  1704,  and  died  of  fever  soon  after  his  settlement 
in  A\'hitesborough,  New  York.  Septimus,  also  a  Yale  graduate, 
engaged  in  teaching  in  the  South.  Dr.  James  Tyler,  nephew  and 
ward  of  Captain  Tyler,  shared  for  a  time  the  Brooklyn  medical  practice 
with  Dr.  Baker.  Mabel,  sister  of  Capt.  Tyler,  mariied  Seth  Paine,  Jun., 
like  his  father  a  skillful  surveyor  and  proniinent  citizen  of  the  town. 
Both  died  in  February,  1792,  and  were  buried  within  the  same  week, 
"Honored  and  lamented." 

Of  General  Putnam's  sons  only  Daniel  remained  in  Iii'ooklyn, 
Colonel  Israel  removing  to  Oiiio,  and  Peter  Schuyler  to  Williainstown, 
Mass.  Colonel  Israel  Putnam's  farm  was  purchased  in  1795,  by 
Joseiih  Matthewson  of  Coventry,  R.  I.,  the  successful  competitoi-  for  a 
gold  medal  offered  in  Philadelphia  "for  producing  in  market  five 
hundred  pounds  of  cheese  to  beat  the  English."  Major  Daniel  I'ut- 
nam,  now  proprietor  of  much  of  the  Malbone  estate,  is  reported  by 
Dr.  Dwight  as  having  the  largest  dairy  in  town,  "cheese  not  excelled 
by  any  this  side  the  Atlantic."  It  probably  found  a  rival  in  that  of 
Mr.  Darius  Matthewson,  who  after  a  few  yeais  carried  on  the  Putnam 
farm,  and,  having  married  one  of  the  notable  dangliters  of  Ebenezer 
Smith  of  Woodstock,  may  have  managed  "to  beat  "  all  other 
Brooklyn  cheese  as  well  as  English.  Other  incoming  citizens  brought 
new  blood  and  energy  to  town.  CajJlain  Elislia  Lord  of  Abingtou, 
Captain  John  Smith  and  Samuel  Donanee  of  A'oinntown,  John  Parish 
and    the    Cleveland    brotheis    of    Canterburv,    William    Cundall     and 


GROWTH    AND    PR0SPE:RITY,    ETC.  263 

Daniel  Ivies  of  Killingly,  Vine  Kobinson  of  Scotland,  were  among 
these  acquisitions.  Great  variety  of  elegant  and  useful  articles  were 
offered  by  Frederic  Stanley,  in  his  new  and  fashionable  store  in  1801. 
Gallup  and  Clark,  and  George  Abbe  and  Co.,  also  engaged  in  mer- 
chandise at  Brooklyn  village.  Cai)tain  Eleazer  Mather  engaged  exten- 
sively in  the  manufacture  of  hats.  Dan  IJowe  informs  the  public 
thi-ongh  the  columns  of  The  Windham  Herald.  "  that  he  has  set  up 
the  clothier's  business,  where  in  addition  to  the  usual  business  done  by 
clothiers,  he  carries  on  blue  dyeing  either  in  wool,  yarn  or  cloth,  of  all 
shades  from  sky-blue  to  navy-blue."  Vine  Robinson  cai'ried  on  a 
cooperage,  and  sei'ved  in  many  public  capacities.  A  distillery  was 
kept  iji  active  operation  by  Dr.  John  Cleveland  and  his  successor, 
George  Abbe,  transforming  many  thousand  barrels  of  comparatively 
harmless  cider  into  a  f;xr  more  potent  and  dangerous  beverage. 
Brooklyn's  first  lawyer  was  Miles  Merwin,  who  soon  removed  to 
Pliiladelphia.  He  was  succeeded  by  John  Parish,  who  gained  a 
permanent  footing,  teaching  a  select  school  until  his  business  was 
established.  William  P.  Cleveland  left  the  field  after  a  few  months 
trial.  Kies,  his  successor,  held  his  ground  and  received  his  share  of 
patronage.  Dr.  Joseph  Baker,  Joseph  Scarborough,  James  Eld- 
redge,  John  Parish,  Roger  W.  Williams  and  Daniel  Putnam 
served  as  justices.  Josej)h  Scarborough,  Roger  W.  Williams,  John 
Parish  and  Daniel  Putnam  were  sent  successively  to  represent  the 
town.  Notwithstanding  the  gain  of  so  many  valuable  citizens  they 
were  outbalanced  in  number  by  emigrants  to  new  counti-ies,  so  that 
the  census  report  of  1800  showed  a  loss  of  over  a  hundred. 

With  increasing  business  and  influence,  Brooklyn  sought  with 
greater  earnestness  to  gain  those  administrative  pi-ei-ogatives  which 
she  believed  due  to  her  central  position  in  Windham  County.  The 
petition  preferred  in  1786,  to  obtain  a  new  county,  comju-ising  the 
towns  of  Ashford,  Pomfret,-  Killingly,  Thompson,  Woodstock,  with 
Pointi'et  for  shire-town  ;  court-house  in  fiist  society,  near  the  dwellino-- 
house  of  Landlord  Ebenezer  Grosvenor — the  town  to  build  a  hand- 
some and  suitable  court-house  and  jail  by  a  volmitary  subscrii)tion  free 
from  taxation,  received  no  attention.  Believing  that  removal  was 
more  feasible  than  division,  and  that  her  own  village  offered  the  most 
central  and  commodious  site  for  a  court-house,  Brooklyn  took  the  lead 
in  1794  in  inviting  all  the  towns  interested  in  the  movement  to  meet 
at  Jefferds'  tavern  for  farther  discussion  and  renewed  action.  Dele- 
gates from  all  the  invited  towns  were  present  and  unanimouslv  agreed 
"that  the  northeast  part  of  Windham  County  was  greatly  aggrieved 
at  being  obliged  to  go  so  far  to  attend  Courts  and  obtain  justice."  A 
forcible   representation    of  the  views  and  wishes  of   these  delegates, 


2G4:  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTV. 

])resei)ted  to  the  Assoinbly  by  a  C()m])ett'nt  coniinittee,  ])ro(lncod  such 
an  iini»rc'Ssion  tliat  a  large  majority  of  the  Lower  House  voted  to 
consider  the  premises,  but  were  overruled  by  a  vote  of  tlie  Council. 
Biooklyn  called  an  especial  meeting  to  consider  this  result,  Major 
Daniel  Putnam,  moderator,  and  after  premising  that  justice  to  a  very 
consideiable  part  of  the  County  absolutely  requires  a  removal  of  tlie 
Courts,  unanimously  voted,  "  That  this  town  will  persevere  in  a  measure 
so  just  and  necessary,  and  they  earnestly  request  the  several  towns 
most  interested  to  cooperate  with  them  and  to  persevere  until  the 
object  is  finally  accomplished."  Messrs.  James  Eldredge,  Daniel 
Putnam  and  John  Parish  were  directed  to  lemain  agents  for  said 
pui-pose  until  the  same  be  accomplished.  In  180J,  Mr.  Jo.seph 
Scarborough  and  Captain  Daniel  Tyler  were  chosen  to  cooperate  with 
agents  in  petitioning  for  the  i-enioval  of  the  Courts — agents  to  draw 
a  hundred  dollars  from  the  town  treasury  for  needful  expenses.  In 
May,  1803,  Brooklyn,  Plaiufield,  Sterling,  Voluntown  and  Canterbury 
petitioned  the  Assembly — that  Windham  County  ought  to  be  divided 
into  two  shires,  and  that  the  sessions  of  the  County  and  Superior 
Courts  l)e  holden  alternately  at  Windham  and  Brooklyn,  as  soon  as  a 
convenient  court-house  and  gaol  should  be  erected  at  Brooklyn,  free 
from  expense  to  the  County.  Thomas  Y.  Seymour  and  Nathaniel 
Terry  were  thereupon  appointed  to  examine  and  report.  Captain 
Tyler,  John  Parish,  Esq.,  Roger  W.  AVilliams  and  Vine  Robinson 
wei'e  at  once  appointed  a  connnittee  to  wait  upon  these  gentlemen, 
but  with  all  their  arguments  they  tailed  to  secure  further  action,  and 
were  forced  to  abide  the  inevitable  issue  with  prolonged  jiatience. 

Other  public  improvements  were  attained  at  less  cost  and  labor.  A 
new  road  through  Plainfield  to  Providence,  greatly  accommodating 
the  south  })art  of  the  town,  was  accomplished  about  1790.  Samuel 
Butt,  Ebenezer  Scarborough  and  Daniel  Putnam  were  commissioned 
to  confer  with  Plainfield  gentlemen  and  construct  a  suitable  bridge  at 
Pierce's  foidway,  wliere  it  crossed  the  Quinebaug.  The  projected 
turn])ike  from  Norwich  to  Woodstock  excited  much  discussion. 
Parish,  I'ntnam  and  Josej)h  Scarborough  were  delegated  "  to  meet  the 
state  committee  sent  to  view  said  road,  and  show  them  the  minds  of 
said  town  res])ecting  said  busiiKjss."  Public  sentiment  apparently 
favoi-ed  the  ])roject  as  the  town  afterwaixl  voted  to  f)ppose  report 
of  Daniel  Putnam  to  oppose  Norwich  highway.  Ebenezer  Scarbor- 
ough, Captain  Roger  W.  Williams  aiid  Capt.  Andrew  Murdock 
assisted  the  committee  to  lay  out  Norwich  turni)ike  in  1799,  the  town 
again  declining  to  oppose  it.  It  also  declined  to  o])pose  a  highway 
from  Brooklyn  meeting-house  to  Windham,  but  appointed  an  agent  to 
oppose   a   highway   petition    brought   by  Asa   Bacon  of  Canterbury. 


u 


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yy 


Th£  flfiJioPjiEi'ur.diig  Co.2Il  Iiemont  Stioston. 


PROGRESS  IN  POMFRET,  ETC.  205 

Highway  districts  were  remodeled  in  1803.  I>i'idges  over  Blackwell's 
Broolv  as  well  as  the  Quiuebaug  Bridge  were  maintained  at  the 
expense  of  the  town.  The  question  relative  to  the  town's  poor  was 
])rom|)lly  met  by  directing  the  selectmen  to  vendue  them  to  the  lowest 
bidder. 

Village  improvements  were  not  neglected.  The  burial-ground  so 
early  given  to  the  society  had  received  more  than  customary  attention. 
Propositions  were  made  from  time  to  time  to  enlarge  and  improve  it. 
In  1S02,  it  was  voted  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  find  the 
bounds  of  the  burying-ground,  and  agree  with  the  adjoining  proprie- 
tors for  an  enlargement  of  the  same.  Two  years  latei"  it  was  voted  to 
purchase  land  as  an  addition  to  the  same  and  wall  it  in.  Captain 
Tyler  at  the  same  date  leased  the  society  land  for  a  pass-way,  a  row  of 
Lombardy  poplars,  one  rod  apart,  to  be  set  out  on  each  line. 


YI. 


PROGRESS     IN     POMFRET.        THE     DODGE     CONTROVERSY.        RE- 
FORMED CHURCH.     METHODISTS.     BAPTISTS.     TURNPIKE 
OPPOSITION.     TRIAL  AND  EXECUTION  OF 
CALEB     ADAMS. 

POMFRET'S  ]irosperity  and  standing  were  unaffected  by  the  loss 
of  its  southern  section.  Its  centi'al  position  and  influential 
public  men  gave  it  increasing  prominence  in  the  County.  Its  Probate 
office  brought  it  business  from  Ashford,  Woodstock,  Thompson  and 
parts  of  Killingly  and  Biooklyn.  Its  post-office,  established  Jatmary 
1,  1795,  accomuiodated  all  the  neighboring  towns.  Lenuiel  Grosvenor 
presided  as  Probate  judge  and  post-master,  and  was  also  prominent  in 
nnlitary  affiiirs.  Colonel  Thomas  Grosvenor  had  resumed  his  legal 
profession,  served  in  the  Governor's  Council,  and  was  held  in  high 
rejiute  throughout  the  State, — his  office  a  place  of  constant  resort  for 
soldiers,  Intlians,  and  all  wdio  needed  help  and  counsel.  Older  men, 
once  prominent  in  tlie  town,  had  passed  away.  Colonel  Ebenezer 
Williams  died  in  1783;  Captain  Stephen  Keyes  in  1788;  Samuel 
Craft,  Samuel  Car])enter,  Daniel  Trowbridge,  Isaac  Sabin,  Isaac 
Sharpe  and  Dr.  John  Weld,  all  prioi-  to  1790.  Benjamin  Thurber 
and  other  refugees  returned  to  Pi-ovidence  after  the  close  of  the  war. 
Lemuel  Chandler,  young  Dr.  Weld  and  many  other  sons  of  the  first 
settlers,  removed  to  Vermont  and  the  distant  Genesee  Country.  These 
vacant  places  were  quickly  filled  by  new  comers  from  abroad  or  rising 
34 


206  HISTORY    OF    AVINDIIAM    COUNTY. 

youno;  men  at  Iiohr".  Daniel  DwiLiht  of  Tliompsoii  ensraged  in 
mercanlile  business  in  Aliinijton.  ]Maj<>r  Hale  contiiiued  liis  v.ivd 
nianutacture.  John  Wilkes  Chandler,  son  of  Peter,  married  iMary 
Stedman  of  Hampton  in  1702,  and,  after  a  year  of  tavern-keeping, 
devoted  himself  with  great  enei'gy  to  faiining  in  the  old  Chandler 
homestead  on  the  Mashamoquet  lii'.e.  A  beautiful  farm  near  the 
centre  of  the  town,  inherited  by  Elisha,  son  of  Ebenezer  Williams, 
was  junchased  and  improved  by  Captain  Evan  ]\Ialbone,  who  stocked 
it  with  negroes  as  well  as  with  cattle  and  sheep,  his  southern  propin- 
quities making  their  help  more  congenial  than  that  of  the  blunt 
yeoman  who  claimed  an  equality  of  race  and  iirivileges.  Malbone 
land  in  Wiltshire  sold  under  mortgage  was  ])urchased  by  Aaron 
Cleveland  of  Canterbury,  Thomas  Mumford  of  Newport  and  John 
Hancock  of  Boston.  Several  families  had  now  settled  in  the  extreme 
west  of  the  town,  Alexander  Sessions,  Jonathan  Randall,  James 
Wheaton,  Seth  Chase,  Jeremiah  Brown  and  others.  Colonel  Niglit- 
ingale,  Avho  removed  to  Pomfret  with  many  of  these  families  during 
the  war,  ''had  a  grand  farm;  lived  most  elegantly  and  entertained 
hospitably."  Ithamar,  son  of  Eleazer  May,  took  possession  of  a  fine 
farm  east  of  Prospect  Hill.  Business  was  lively  in  all  ])art8  of  the 
town.  Caj)!.  Cargill  built  a  new  mill  house  in  1787,  and  set  up  "three 
complete  sets  of  grist-mills  and  a  bolting-mill,"  together  with  a  black- 
smith's shop  and  two  trip-hammers,  a  fulling-mill,  "'a  mill  to  grind 
scythes,  and  a  mill  to  churn  hiUter."  The  Sessions's  ran  saw-mills 
ni)on  the  Masliamoquet,  and  an  oil-mill  and  potash  works  were  can-ied 
on  by  Ebenezer  Holbrook  and  Sons.  Business  was  also  developing  in 
the  southeast  section  near  Cotton's  bridge.  Mills  were  running 
merrily,  and  a  barter  store  ojicned  by  the  Gilbeits,  wliere  so  much 
])roduce  and  merchandize  were  landed  that  the  cluster  of  mills  and 
dwellings  came  to  be  known  as  "  Pomfret  Landing."  Stores  were 
opened  in  Pomfret  street  and  Abington  village,  and  shoe-manufac- 
turing canied  on  by  Capt.  Jose};h  Griggs  and  Mr.  Seth  Williams  of 
Kaynham,  who  removed  to  l^omfiet  about  1791.  Among  other  busi- 
ness projects  a  mining  ccmipany  was  attempted,  Gillem  Philips,  tiie 
proprietor  of  a  rejjuted  lead-mine,  making  over  liis  right  of  mining 
lead  in  1784  to  Evan  Malbone,  Benjamin  Cargill,  Elisha  Lord,  Jona- 
than Hall,  Edward  Knight,  David  Brayton,  Jonathan  Bandall,  Jr., 
Benjamin  Durkee,  Ephraim  Tucker,  Thomas  Angcll,  Penuel  Cady, 
Jeremiah  Fields,  Stephen  Williams,  Pardon  Kingsley  and  Thomas 
Grosvenor — the  grantor  receiving  one  thirty-second  part  of  the  profits; 
also  Pardon  Kingsley,  one-sixteenth.  Hemy  Chandler  of  Woodstock, 
opened  shop  near  the  north  school-house  as  a  tailor,  hoisting  for  sign 
the  ]iainted  likeness  of  a  full  grown  cabbage  head. 


PROGRESS    IN    POMFRET,    ETC.  267 

Many  public  matters  claimed  tlie  attention  of  tlie  town.  At  the 
annual  town-meeting,  December  3,  1787,  Samuel  Crafts  was  chosen 
moderator  :  Ebenezer  Kingsbury,  Lemuel  Ingalls,  Joseph  Chandler, 
selectmen:  Captain  Josiah  Sabin,  town  clerk  and  treasurer:  Elijah 
Williams  and  Elisha  Loi'd,  collectors;  Samuel  Pen  in,  Oliver 
Grosvenor,  Aaron  Cleveland,  John  II.  Payson,  Elijah  Pliili|)s,  Elisha 
Harrington,  Captain  Edward  Knight,  Richard  (Toodell,  Ilhamer  May, 
Silas  Chandler,  Joshua  Sabin,  Peter  Cunningham,  Amasa  Goodell, 
James  Trowbiidge,  Samuel  Keyes,  Eliphalet  Shai-pe,  Daniel  Goodell, 
surveyors ;  Nathan  Dresser,  Steidien  Averill,  Peter  Chandler, 
Nehemiah  Dodge,  Daniel  Goodell,  Amasa  Kinne,  a  committee  to 
divide  the  town  into  highway  districts.  Peter  Cliandler  having 
fenced  out  a  new  road  near  his  house  was  allowed  to  fence  in  the  old 
one.  Highways  continuing  lefractory,  the  selectmen  were  ordered 
'•to  divide  and  point  out  to  each  surveyor  his  district  of  ways  to  be 
re})aired,  and  apportion  to  each  the  inhabitants  lie  is  to  employ  and 
collect  ta.Y  from,  and  call  all  surveyors  to  account  for  labor  done  and 
money  collected."  Particular  inhabitants  not  accommodated  by  a 
public  highw:iy  to  their  houses  were  allowed  to  expend  part  of  their 
highway  tax  on  their  own  private  ways  at  the  discretion  of  the  select- 
men. Tlie  laying  out  a  public  higliway  from  Pomfret  street  to 
Cargill's  Mills  gave  the  town  a  great  deal  of  trouble.  John  Williams, 
Esq.,  Peter  Cunningham,  Caleb  Fuller,  Ithamer  May^  Lemuel  Ingalls, 
Captain  Fields,  Zech.  0.sgood,  William  Sharpe,  were  appointed  a  com- 
mittee, September  29,  1794,  to  join  the  selectmen  in  examining  the  old 
road  to  this  locality,  the  new  road  from  Abraham  Perrin's  house,  and 
the  road  leading  from  Eleazer  and  Ithamor  May's,  and  "  say  on  which 
of  the  above  loads  Colonel  Lemuel  Grosvenor  shall  lay  out  the  public 
money  now  in  his  hands.'  The  town  refused  to  accept  their  report, 
or  to  alter  the  road  le:iding  from  Perrin's  liouse,  or  to  lay  out  a  new 
road,  strongly  urged  by  some  piirties,  running  an  east  course  from  the 
Gary  school-house  south  of  Mr.  Samuel  Perrin's  house  to  the 
Quinebaug,  where  it  was  proposed  that  a  new  bridge  should  be 
erected.  In  the  spring  a  committee  of  nine,  viz.,  Benjamin  Cargill, 
Peter  Chandler,  Ebenezer  Kingsbury,  Benjamin  Dui-kee,  Joshua 
Sabin,  Squire  Sessions,  Lemuel  Ingalls,  James  Wheaton,  William 
Field,  were  appointed  to  examine  the  several  roads  and  Cargill's 
bridge,  and  fully  empowered  to  eairy  into  execution  the  contract  of  the 
selectmen  with  3Iessrs.  Abraham,  No.ah  and  Jedidiah  Perrin,  or 
continue  the  old  road  if  they  thought  best,  and  "  their  determination 
should  bind  the  town  therein  and  be  a  sufficient  warrant  for  the  laying 
out  the  turnpike  money  so  called."  The  "road  from  Little  Bridge 
that   crosses  Mill   fiiver,  leading  to  nigh  the    dwelling-house  of  Mr. 


268  IIISTORV    OF    WI.NDMAM    COrXTY. 

Abrahnm  Peniii,"  was  accordingly  eslablislicil  ami  recorded,  ^lay  It, 
1798.  It  was  also  voted,  to  rebuild  Mill  River  bridge  and  re])air 
Cargill's  bi'idge. 

The  poor  were  carefully  maintained.  Bidiling  tlicni  otV  at  vendue 
was  little  practiced  in  Poiufret.  In  ITSS,  a  house  was  hireil  for  their 
acconuiiodation,  and  Dr.  .Tared  Warner  appointed  their  physician  in  all 
cases,  his  services  to  oftset  his  taxes  of  cveiy  kind.  The  selectmen 
were  ordered  the  following  year  to  make  the  best  disposition  of  the 
poor  for  their  comfort  and  tlie  least  expense  to  the  town,  by  putting 
them  to  one  man  or  otherwise  as  they  should  think  proper,  and  to  be 
vigilant  in  putting  out  all  vagrants  and  idle  ])ersoiis  that  wei'e  fountl 
residing  in  the  town  and  not  legal  inhai/itants.  In  170-t,  it  was  voted 
to  build  a  house  for  the  poor,  and  Deacon  Robert  Baxter  and  Mr. 
Jose[)h  Chandler  chosen  to  superintend  the  c  ire  of  the  poor.  The 
house  was  not  accomplished  for  two  years  when  it  was  fuither 
ordered  to  be  built  on  land  belonging  to  tiie  town,  to  be  sixty  feet 
long  and  fourteen  wide,  one  story  high  with  two  stacks  of  chimneys. 
two  cellars  and  four  I'oosns.  Selectmen  were  I'equired  to  take  care  of 
the  poor  after  their  removal  to  the  towidiouse. 

Two  j)Ounds  were  orde'-ed  in  1795,  one  in  Abington  on  the  old 
ground,  and  one  in  the  First  Society  on  the  common.  This  vote  was 
revoked  the  following  year  and  it  was  decided  "  to  build  one  good  an<l 
sul)stantial  pound  of  stone,  anywhere  adjoining  a  road  running  east 
and  west  through  the  south  part  of  C'a|)1ain  Amasa  Sessions'  farm, 
procuring  from  him  a  light  to  improve  the  same  forever."'  A  bydaw 
was  passed  in  1797,  I'estraining  horses,  asses,  mules  and  sheep  from 
going  at  large  on  the  conmions.  Swine,  well  yoked  and  I'ung,  and 
geese  were  allowed  to  rove  till  180(1,  when  they  were  resti-icted  under 
certain  penalties.  Cows  were  left  appaivntly  to  their  own  discretion. 
A  l)Ounty  of  seventeen  cents  was  offere<l  for  every  crow's  head. 

In  the  county-seat  movement  Fomfret  was  deeply  interested,  and  its 
agents — .Sylvanus  Backus,  Evan  Malbone  and  Lemuel  Ingalls — in- 
structed "to  continue  in  office  till  the  business  is  completed  one  way 
or  the  other — mider  this  restiiction,  not  to  put  the  town  to  any 
expense.  "  Again  and  again  they  joined  in  memorial  for  relief  in  the 
place  of  holding  courts.  The  project  for  a  half-shire  had  a  few  advo- 
cates. In  180:^,  Ca|itain  Seth  (irosvenor,  Peter  Chandler  and  (General 
Lemuel  Grosvenor,  were  appointed  agents  to  petition,  with  or  without 
others,  for  a  half-shire.  When  in  response  to  a  vigorous  effort  a  com- 
mittee was  actually  sent  by  General  Court  to  inquire  into  the  expedi- 
ency of  electing  a  Court-house  at  BrooMyyi,  Pomfret  indignantly 
withdrew  from  the  field  and  declined  to  send  a  committee  to  wait  upon 


THE    DODGE    CONTROVERSY,    ETC.  269 

the  state  coiniuittee,   and  the  matter  was  allowed  to  rest  for  several 
yeai's. 

Pomfret  was  famed  during  this  pericid  for  the  excellence  of  its  phy- 
sicians. Doctors  Elisha  Loi-d  and  Jaied  Warner  wei'e  well  established 
in  Abington.  Dr.  Jonathan  Hall,  younger  brother  of  Dr.  David  Hall, 
was  now  settled  in  the  First  Society,  and  giving  promise  of  future 
eminence.  The  leading  physician  in  the  norlhern  part  of  Windham 
County  at  this  date  was  undoubtedly  Dr.  Albigence  Waldo,  who  had 
retuined  fi-om  the  Army  with  a  greatly  increased  reputation,  especially 
for  surgical  skill.  lie  was  a  man  of  much  breadlh  and  energy,  devoted 
to  his  ]>rotession,  greatly  interested  in  scientitic  questions  an<l  discoveries. 
The  following  note  from  a  name  famous  in  modern  medical  ])rac 
tice  will  show  something  of  Dr.  Waldo's  position  among  his  cotem- 
poraries  : — 

"  Lkicrster,  Fehrnary  7,  1703. 
Pu.  .Alhigexce  Wat-DO,  Dpov  *SV>.-—.\boiit  sunset  this  day.  nij'  eldest  son 
received  a  kick  from  a  horse,  whieli  lias  fractured  his  cranium.  This  is 
therefore,  in  the  name  of  your  devoted  friend,  desiring  you  to  make  no  delay 
in  makiug-  us  a  visit.  For  God's  sake,  fail  not!  but  let  dispatch  and  dexterity 
hasten  you.  I  am  in  confusion  and  know  not  what  to  say  further.  Only  fail 
not.     In  liaste,  8  o'clock,  P.  M.  Yours,  etc.,  Arsxix  Flint." 

Dr.  Waldo  was  gi-eatly  interested  in  the  association  of  medical  men 
for  the  advancenient  of  their  pi'ofession,  and  thi'ough  his  elforts  the 
leading  physicians  of  Windham  County  and  its  vicinity  instituted  a 
monthly  meeting  some  years  previous  to  the  formation  of  the  Connec- 
ticut 3Iedical  Society.  Tn  June,  J 786,  Dr.  Waldo  reports  a  meeting 
at  Dudley;  August,  at  Staffoid;  September,  at  Cargilfs :  ''October,  at 
Canterbury.  Present:  Doctors  Coit,  Thonipson ;  Palmer,  Ashford ; 
Gleason,  Killingly  ;  Lord  and  Warner,  Abington  ;  Clark,  Hampton  ; 
Spalding,  Manstield  :  Huntington,  Westford  Parish."  These  meetings 
were  continued  with  increasing  numbers  and  interest  till  1791,  when 
"  Proposals,  together  with  Rules  and  Regulations  for  a  Windham 
County  Society,"  were  issued,  and  a  more  formal  organization  effected 
— Dr.  Albigence  Waldo,  clerk.  He  also  assisted  at  the  organization 
of  the  State  Society  in  1792.  Dr.  Waldo  was  famed  for  litei'ary 
accomplishments  and  wi'ote  much  upon  scientific  and  political  ques- 
tions. He  e.xcelled  in  |)ublic  speaking,  especially  upon  funeral  occa- 
sions. His  eulogies  at  the  burial  of  Putnam  and  other  proniinent 
persons  were  greatly  admiied,  as  were  also  the  eulogies  and  e])itaphs 
composed  by  him  upon  vaiious  occasions.  Mrs.  Lucy  Waldo,  daugh- 
ter of  Captain  Cargill,  sympathized  with  her  husband  in  liteiary 
pursuits,  and  enjoyed  local  celebrity  as  a  writer  in  prose  and  verse, 
being  especially  proficient  "  in  the  art  of  letter-writing." 


270  HISTORY    OF    WINlHiAM    COUNTY. 

Society  in  Poinfret  Avas  very  biilliaiit  dining  tliis  period,  bnt  liad 
the  repntation  ot"  exclus^iveness.  Some  of  the  new  families  affected  a 
sujierior  style  of  living.  Tlie  old  established  families  had  also  fine 
lionses  and  furniture,  and  were  thought  by  their  plainer  neiglibors  to 
live  in  great  magnificence.  Many  distinguislied  visitors  from  abroad 
were  entertained  at  these  fine  mansion-houses.  Fashionable  belles  and 
beaux  came  up-  fVom  Providence  and  Xewport.  .John  Hancock  im- 
proved his  purchase  for  a  summer  country-seat  and  brought  thitlier 
many  distinguished  strangers  from  Boston.  Visits  were  exchanged 
between  these  notabilities;  balls  and  dancing  paities  were  given. 
Pomfret  Assemblies  became  very  famous  and  fashionable,  and  dixnv 
together  all  the  elite  of  the  vicinity.  T!ie  airs  and  graces  of  the 
assembled  gentry,  and  the  aristocratic  assuni[ition  of  some  families, 
excited  the  ridicule  of  the  country  people  and  led  some  local  wit  to 
affix  to  the  fasliionable  quarter  the  derisive  sobriquet  of  ^^J'ucker 
/Street,''  by  which  it  was  long  distinguished.  Several  fine  houses  had 
been  built  on  this  beautiful  street,  and  the  elm  trees  set  out  by  Oliver 
Grosvenor  and  the  banished  Frink  were  already  its  pride  and  ornament. 
The  present  ''  Eldredge  house "  was  com))leted  by  Colonel  Tiiomas 
Grosvenor  in  1792.  Its  raising  was  accompanied  by  great  miith  and 
festivity — a  young  Indian  delighting  the  ciowd  by  dancluff  upon  its 
ridf/ejwle. 

The  United  Library  was  reorganized  at  the  close  of  tlie  war. 
Captain  Amasa  Sessions,  Deacon  David  ^^'illiams,  Deacon  Samuel  Craft, 
Lieutenant  .Joshua  Grosvenor,  3Iessrs.  John  Payson,  .John  I'aikhui-st, 
Sanmel  Waldo,  Elijah  Dana,  ,Tohn  Grosvenor,  Jun.,  Klijah  Williams, 
William  Sabin,  Jun.,  Phinncy  Davison,  Ca[)tain  Josiah  Sabin,  Deacon 
Simon  Cotton,  and  the  Widow  Coates,  were  admitted  members.  It 
was  voted  that  the  twelve  dcjUars,  continental  money,  belonging  to  the 
Library  which  had  so  greatly  depreciated  should  be  considered  as  the 
])roprietors'  loss,  the  clerk  not  answerable  for  or  obliged  to  make  it 
good  ;  also,  that  Mrs.  Sabin,  Scpiire  Abishai  Sabin's  widow,  whei-e  the 
Library  now  is,  should  continue  to  keej)  the  same.  Millei'S  History, 
Dr.  Mather's  Christian  Philosoi)her,  lM)yl  on  Seraphic  Love  and  Dr. 
Owen  on  Justification,  were  added  to  the  collection  ;  Thomas  Howard, 
Joshua  Sabin,  Ephraim  Ingalls,  Nehemiali  Williams,  Samuel  Carpen- 
ter, Richard  Goodale,  Josejih  Williams,  Jonathan  Sabin,  Jan.,  Samuel 
Craft,  Stephen  Williams,  Elisha  Gleason,  John  Dresser,  Samuel 
I'errin,  Joseph  Baker,  S.imiiel  Waldo,  Daniel  Goodale,  Rev.  Oliver 
Dodge,  Deacon  Josepli  Davison,  and  Deacon  Caleb  Haywood,  were 
afterwards  admitted  proprietors.  The  preponderance  of  theological 
and  dogmatical  works  was  very  detrimental  to  the  poi)ularity  of  the 
library,   and  it  was  now  losing  ground   in   public  favor.      A  Social 


THE    DODGE    CONTROVEKSY,    ETC.  271 

Librai'v  foniied  in  1793,  broufj^lit  in  works  of  a  liijliter  clinracter.  better 
adapted  for  genei'al  I'eadin^' — but  this  too  failed  to  meet  tlie  wants  of 
the  whole  community,  and  in  1804,  a  Planner's  Library  was  instituted. 
The  last  recoided  meetins^f  of  the  "  Proprietoi-s  of  the  United  Library 
in  Pomfret  for  Propagating  Christian  and  Useful  Knowledge,"  was 
held  1^'ebiuary  12,  1805,  when  the  Librarian  was  directed  "  to  call 
upon  the  Pro])rietors  to  return  the  books  into  the  Library  agreeably  to 
the  original  Covenant.  " 

Abington  Society  was  now  I'ejoicing  in  the  ministi'ations  of  Rev. 
Walter  Lyon,  a  native  of  Woodstock  and  graduate  of  Dartmouth 
College,  who  was  ordained  as  jiastor,  January  1,  1783.  The  occasion 
was  one  of  umisual  interest.  The  three  churches  of  Woodstock,  with 
those  of  Pomfret,  Bi'ooklyn,  Canterbury,  Eastford,  Thoinj)son,  Scot- 
land, Sturbi'idge  and  Shrewsbury,  w^ere  represented  by  pastor  and 
delegates.  Tiie  Reverends  Josepli  Sumner  and  Joshua  Paine,  sons 
of  Pomfret  churches,  assisted  in  the  service.  The  ordaining  prayer 
was  offered  by  Dr.  Cogswell ;  charge  to  the  pastor  given  by  his 
former  minister,  Rev.  Stephen  Williams ;  right  hand  of  fellowship  by 
Mr.  Whitney  of  Brooklyn.  Robert  Sharj)e  and  Benjamin  Ruggles 
were  chosen  deacons  in  1785;  Joshua  Grosvenor  aiul  Samuel  Craft  iu 
1793.  The  first  pastor  of  the  chui-ch.  Rev.  Daniel  Ripley,  after  long 
infirmity  and  suftering,  died  in  1785. 

Mr.  Putnam  remained  in  chai'ge  of  the  First  church  of  Pomfret, 
conducting  pulpit  services  and  also  instructing  young  men  as  long  as 
his  health  permitted.  Among  his  pupils  who  became  celebrated  in 
after  life,  were  Elisha,  son  of  Ebenezer  Williams,  Samuel  Dexter  and 
William  Prescott  of  Boston.  While  yet  in  the  prime  of  life  he  Avas 
in  great  measure  disabled  by  a  farlure  of  voice  and  physical  weakness 
which  obliged  him  to  seek  the  aid  of  a  colleague,  a  painful  necessity 
which  led  to  still  more  ixnhappy  consequences.  Hitherto  this  chuich 
had  been  remarkable  for  harmony  and  order.  Alone  among  Windham 
County  churches  it  had  withstood  the  tide  of  Se])arate  agitation, 
eschewing  all  fellowship  with  "New  Light  stufiV'  ^'md  stoutly 
defending  the  supremacy  of  the  Saybrook  Platform,  but  its  day  of 
trial  and  defection  came.  The  period  of  Pomfret's  highest  secular 
prosperity  was  that  of  her  deepest  spii'itual  abasement,  when  bi-ethren 
waged  fierce  war  upon  each  other  and  her  ancient  church  was  rent 
asunder  and  almost  annihilated.  The  young  man  invited  to  aid  Mr. 
Putnam  in  the  pulpit  was  Mr.  Oliver  Dodge  of  Ipswich,  a  recent 
graduate  of  Harvard.  His  lively  and  agreeable  manners,  and  eloquent 
discourses,  so  strongly  contrasting  with  Mr.  Putnam's  stiffness  and 
solemnity,  made  a  most  favorable  impression  upon  his  hearers,  and 
after   a   few   months'    probation  he  was  called  to  settle    as    colleague 


272 


HISTORV    OF    WIXDIIAM    COUxXTY- 


])ast<)r — ^[i-.  Sc'tli  (ii-()svenor  alone  advising-  delay.  In  the  brief 
interval  ])reee'linif  onliiialioii  otliei's  b.H-atne  dissatislied.  ^Ir.  DudLje 
niaiiifesled  at  times  an  alarming  license  in  speech  and  conduct,  and 
unfavorable  reiiorts  concerning  liim  came  from  abioad,  so  that  when 
the  ordaining  council  was  convened,  A])iil  19,  1702,  a  small  numbei"  of 
"aggiieved  brethren  "  appeared  before  it  and  objected  to  the  ordina- 
tion of  the  candidate,  on  charges  of  disregard  to  truth,  neglect  of  duty, 
irrevei-ent  application  of  Scripture  and  unbecoming  levity.  The 
Council  was  greatly  perplexed  and  troubled.  The  engaging  manners 
of  Mr.  Dodge,  and  tlie  warm  attachment  of  a  large  majority  of  tlie 
church  and  congregation,  ])leaded  strongly  in  Ins  favor,  and  yet  there 
was  evident  ground  for  distrust  and  aj)j>reliension.  Decision  was 
deferred  till  July,  and  then  referred  to  a  special  Council  of  thirtceu 
ministers  and  delegates,  nine  of  whom  were  to  be  clioseu  by  the 
fi'iends  of  Mr.  Dodge  and  four  by  the  o])position.  The  Eeverends 
Jos.  Huntington,  Josejjh  Sumner,  Josiah  Dana,  Timothy  Stone  and 
Jabez  Chickering  were  invited  from  abroad,  together  with  several  of 
the  county  ministers.  The  council  assembled  September  k  and  after 
four  days'  session  was  satisfied  that  JNIr.  Dodge  hnd  been  guilty  of  a 
culpable  disregard  to  truth,  irreverent  application  of  Scripture  and 
behavior  unbecoming  the  gentleman  and  Christian  minister,"'  and,  as  it 
was  of  great  importance  that  a  njinister  should  be  of  good  repute, 
they  were  unanimously  of  opinion  that  they  could  not  proceed  to 
ordination.  In  cordial  and  paternal  love  they  earnestly  besought  him 
to  comply  with  this  result  in  the  true  tenor  of  it,  and  by  the  grace  of 
God  endeavor  to  maintain  that  Christian  spirit,  and  live  that 
exemi)lary  and  holy  life  that  every  obstacle  that  might  impede  liis 
usefulness  might  be  removed,  and  that  all  the  excellent  and  amiable 
talents  and  acconijtlishment  with  which  God  had  been  pleased  to  favor 
him  might  be  impioved  in  the  future  to  eminent  and  most  im])ortant 
puiposes  in  his  day  and  generation.''  Mr.  Dodge  demeaned  liimself 
through  the  trial  with  the  utmost  propriety,  acce|)led  the  admonition 
M"ith  humility  and  thankfulness,  reflecting  upon  himself  in  the  various 
instances  alleged,  excepting  that  of  false/iood,  of  which  he  was  not 
consciously  guilty.  Dr.  Huntington's  sym])athy  and  admiration  were 
so  aroused  in  his  behalf  that  in  the  face  of  his  recent  vote  he  arose 
and  offered,  '"That  it  was  the  opinion  of  the  Council  that  as  Mr. 
Dodge  had  accepted  the  Result,  he  now  stood  fair  to  be  impioved  as  a 
preacher  of  the  Gospel,  or  as  a  candidate  for  the  ministry,  eitlier  here 
or  elsewhere"' — an  opinion  which  the  Council  hastened  to  disavow, 
declaring,  ''  That  as  Dr.  Huntington  was  not  desired  nor  directed  to 
express  what  he  did,  the  Council  had  nothing  further  to  say  upon  it 
but  refened  to  the  Result.'" 


THE    DODGE    CONTROVERSY,    ETC.  273 

Tliis  Result  was  but  the  signal  for  a  "new  departure."  The  friends 
of  JMr.  Dodge,  encouraged  by  Dr.  Huntington's  imprudent  suggestion, 
"wholly  declined  to  accept  it.  Opposition  had  but  heightened  their 
attachment  and  strengthened  their  deteiinination.  The  society  held 
a  meeting  on  the  very  day  the  IJesnlt  was  published,  and  requested 
Mr.  Dodge  to  continue  preaching  with  them,  "as  they  did  not  consider 
the  Result  of  Council  as  dismissing  him  from  the  work  of  the 
ministry."  The  church  was  called  to  concur  in  this  invitation,  and 
make  provision  "in  a  I'egular  constitutional  manner"  for  another 
ordaining  Council.  The  meeting  was  largely  attended.  Great  excite- 
ment and  strong  partisan  spirit  were  manifested.  A  large  majority 
were  eager  to  vote  for  Mr.  Dodge  and  a  new  council.  The 
"aggrieved  brethren  "  in  the  flush  of  recent  triumph  saw  tlie  fruits  of 
their  victory  about  to  be  snatched  from  them.  There  was  no  time  to 
be  lost ;  the  danger  was  imminent.  They  had  but  one  resource — the 
oiegative  jyoicer  allowed  to  ministers  by  Saybrook  Platform.  Believ- 
ing that  Mr.  Dodge  was  unfit  foi-  the  ministerial  office,  Mr.  Putnam 
exercised  the  power  thus  vested  in  him  and  dissolved  the  meeting 
without  peimitting  a  vote  upon  the  question.  This  act,  if  legal,  was 
little  less  than  suicidal  The  outraged  majority,  debarred  from  farther 
expression  and  action,  indignantly  repudiated  all  connection  with  the 
First  church  and  society,  and  straightway  organized  as  the  Reformed 
Christian  Church  and  Congregation  in  Pomfret.  A  satisfactory 
covenant  was  hastily  drawn  up  and  adopted,  and  divine  service  insti- 
tuted in  friendly  private  houses.  The  young  minister  thus  released 
from  previous  restrictions,  was  more  eloquent  and  fascinating  than 
ever.  Crowds  flocked  to  the  new  places  of  worship,  and  the  old 
meeting-house  and  minister  were  almost  deserted.  But  twelve  male 
members  were  left  in  the  church,  i.  e.  Rev.  Aaron  Putnam,  pastor, 
Oliver,  Asa,  Seth,  Ebenezer  and  John  Grosvenor,  John  and  John  H. 
Payson,  Caleb  Hayward,  Josiah  Sabin,  Simon  Cotton  and  Jabez 
Denison.  In  their  distress  and  perplexity  these  bei-eaved  and 
aggrieved  brethi'en  could  only  resort  to  that  unfailing  balm  for  every 
wound — "the  venerable  Consociation  of  Windham  County."  Sixteen 
pastors  with  their  delegates  convened  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Putnam, 
December  21,  "to  hear,  advise  and  determine  upon  the  unhappy 
difficulties  in  the  First  church  of  Pomfret."  The  good  ministers 
found  their  powers  extremely  limited.  Tiiey  could  indeed  "hear  and 
advise,"  but  "  determine "  nothing.  The  seceding  church-members 
had  wholly  withdrawn  from  their  jui'isdiction.  Mr.  Dodge  scouted 
their  citation  to  appear  before  them  and  declared  himself  in  no  respect 
amenable  to  the  Consociation  of  Windham  County,  and  "  no  more 
35 


274  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

under  tlieir  control  and  juiisdiction  than  under  tlie  control  and  juris- 
diction of  the  Bishop  of  London."  They  could  only  express  their 
deep  sympathy  and  concern,  and  solemnly  enunciate  what  everyl»ody 
knew  before — "that  it  was  fully  im])lied  in  the  IJesult  of  tlie  late 
Council  that  they  viewed  it  luLihly  inexpc(li<Mit  for  _Mr.  Dodge  to 
continue  to  oiiiciate  as  a  candidate  in  this  place  allei-  the  puhlication  of 
said  Kesult." 

These  "results,"  and  full  accounts  of  the  other  proceedings  in  I'om- 
fiet,  were  speedily  published  in  the  Windham  County  Jlerdld,  and 
serveral  state  newspai)ers,  exciting-  much  remai-k  and  interest.  Their 
beaiing  upon  one  of  the  vital  cjuestions  of  the  day  gave  them  especial 
importance  at  this  juncture.  The  Ecclesiastic  Constitution  of  Con- 
necticut, had  become  extremely  un})oi)ular.  Zei)haniah  Swift  of 
Windham,  the  ablest  lawyer  in  Eastern  Connecticut,  had  attacked  it 
with  great  vehemence,  incurring  thereby  the  reprobation  of  the 
orthodox  clergy.  Several  of  the  Windham  County  ministers  had 
deemed  it  their  duty  to  opi)Ose  his  election  to  Congress  u])on  this 
ground,  and  had  stigmatized  him  in  their  pulpits  as  a  scoifer  and  free- 
thinker. Swift  was  far  too  keen  sighted  to  neglect  such  an  o]:])ort unity 
to  rejjay  them  for  this  injury  and  expose  the  arbitrary  assumptions  of 
Saybrook  Platform.  Having  suifered  severely  himself  from  what  he 
deemed  the  injustice  of  the  clergy,  his  personal  sympathies  were  also 
strongly  called  out  in  behalf  of  this  new  victim.  Upon  the  publica- 
tion of  the  result  of  the  consociation  in  the  Windham  Herald,  Swift 
rushed  at  once  to  the  defence  of  Mr.  Dodge,  jironouncing  the  charges 
against  him,  "  false,  scandalous  and  malicious,"  and  the  power  arrogated 
by  the  consociation  in  its  late  inquii-y  "  more  unwarrantable  and  danger- 
ous than  that  exercised  by  the  pretended  successors  of  St.  Peter." 
Explanations  and  defence  in  behalf  of  that  body  urged  by  Dr. 
Cogswell,  IJev.  Thomas  Brockway  and  Samuel  Perkins,  only  called 
out  more  vehement  denunciations.  The  attempt  of  the  consociation 
thus  to  adjudicate  was  "  an  open  attack  upon  religious  libei'ty  and  the 
rights  of  conscience."  The  act  of  Mr.  Putnam  in  dissolving  a  lawful 
assembly,  and  "  nullifying  the  voice  of  the  church  by  his  single  voice, 
his  sovereign  negative,  was  a  most  conspicuous  instance  of  the  arbi- 
trary power  vested  in  ministers  by  that  celebrated  code  of  ecclesiastic 
jurisprudence,  known  by  the  singular  appellation  of  Saviuiook  Plat- 
i-omr."  Hard  indeed  was  the  situation  of  the  people  of  Pomfret,  to 
have  a  minister,  who  could  do  nothing  but  defeat  them  from  obtaining 
another.  Was  it  not  time  for  people  to  look  about  and  see  whether 
"  such  despotism  was  founded  in  /Scripture,  in  reason,  in  ptolicy,  or 
on  tJie  rights  of  man  !     A  minister  by  his  ro^t^,  by  his  single  voice, 


THE    DODGE    CONTROVERSY,    ETC.  275 

m;iy  negative  the  unanimous  vote  of  the  chnrch  !  Are  ministers  q.o\\\- 
\)id^^<\  oi  finer  elay  tlian  the  vest  of  mankind,  that  entitles  them  to 
tliis  preeminence  ?  Does  a  license  to  preach  transform  a  man  into  a 
higher  order  of  beings  and  endow  him  with  a  natural  rpiality  to 
govern  %  Are  the  laity  an  inferior  order  of  beings  tit  only  to  be  slaves 
and  to  be  governed  f  Is  it  good  policy  for  mankind  to  subject  them- 
selves to  sueh  degrading  vassalage  and  abject  sub)nission  ?  Is  the 
exercise  of  such  a  power  compatible  with  the  equal  rights — ^the  unalien- 
able birth-right  of  man?  To  these  (piestions  the  answer  is  obvious  to 
every  capacity  not  hoodwinked  by  ecclesiastical  influence.  Reason, 
common  sense,  and  the  Bible  with  united  voice  proclaim  to  all  man- 
kind, that  they  are  all  born  free  and  equal;  that  every  member  of  a 
church  or  christian  congregation  must  be  on  the  same  footing  in 
respect  of  church  government,  and  that  the  Constitution  which 
delegates  to  one  the  power  to  negative  the  vote  of  all  the  rest,  is 
subversive  of  the  natural  kioiit  of  jianivind  and  kfpugnant  to  the 
Word  of  God  !  " 

The  force  of  this  powerful  attack  was  greatly  weakened  by  the 
accompanying  abuse  and  personalities.  Dr.  Cogswell's  meek  expos- 
tulation was  "•  a  miserable  and  wretched  performance,"  and  his  ejecula 
tory  prayer  for  the  forgiveness  of  his  opponent,  "  an  act  of  profanity 
and  impiety."  The  Reverends  Eliphalet  Lyman  and  Moses  C.  Welch, 
who  hurried  to  the  defence  of  their  disal)led  brethren  and  the  Results, 
were  impaled  with  greater  force  and  fuiy.  Both  these  ministers  had 
distinguished  themselves  by  active  Ojiposition  to  Swift,  and  most  Joy- 
fully did  he  seize  the  opportunity  to  punish  them.  Every  derisive 
and  opjirobrious  epithet  was  heaped  upon  them.  They  were  charged 
with  deceit,  fraud,  suppression  and  <!estruction  of  evidence,  slander 
and  political  intrigue.  Mr.  Lyman  was  the  Don  Quixote,  Mr.  Welch, 
the  Bully  of  the  consociation.  Dodge  was  the  innocent  victim  of 
clerical  revenge  and  malice  ;  "  a  young  man  of  superior  genius  and 
merit  suffering  from  the  danger  of  the  private  assassin,  '•  a  shining 
ornament  of  the  clerical  profession,  a  second  Luther  battling  against 
ecclesiastic  despotism."  The  ministers  in  reply  returned  his  compli- 
ments with  interest.  Swift  was  pronounced  by  Mr.  Welch  to  be 
"  destitute  of  delicacy,  decency,  good  manners,  sound  judgment, 
honesty,  manhood  and  humanity  ;  a  poltroon,  a  cat's  paw,  the  infamous 
tool  of  a  party,  a  partisan,  a  political  weather-cock  and  a  rag-a-uiuffi!i." 
His  remarks  '"  if  brought  into  one  view,  would  be  the  greatest  piece 
of  nonsense,  inconsistency  and  boobyism  ever  thrown  together."  He 
was  called  a  promoter  of  vice  and  a  Deist,  and  not  only  dubbed  a  fool 
in  their  own  words,    '•  but  had  mustered  and  applied  to  him  every  text 


276 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


<)f  S(^ri])tm-c  wherein  they  eoiild  liiul  that  e])itliet."  Tliis  (lisj^raceful 
controversy  was  can  led  on  for  ypars  in  tlie  ctiliunns  of  Tlie  Windham 
Ilarald,  both  sides  inthtlging  in  the  most  unscrupulous  abuse  and 
vituperation.  Every  phase  of  the  Dodge  aftair  was  paraded  before 
the  |)ub]ic.  Depositions  maintaining  or  disproving  the  chai'ges 
alleged  against  him  were  sought  out  and  pul)lished.  Attacks  and 
rejoindei's  were  then  gatliered  into  pamphlets  and  carried  all  over  the 
county. 

While  this  newspaper  war  was  waging  Pomfret  was  given  over 
to  discord  and  confusion.  Ttie  Catholic  Reformed  church  and  its 
pastor  were  indeed  prospering  be}  ond  the  most  sanguine  ex])ectation 
of  its  supporters.  Dodge  was  the  luro  of  the  day  ;  the  champion  of 
po])ular  lights  and  free  religion  :  the  representative  and  apostle  of  a 
new  ministerial  dispensation.  "The  reign  of  long  faces  liad  j)assed." 
Ministers  were  now  to  act  and  talk  like  other  men,  "and  unite  with 
them  in  mirth,  festivity  and  amusement."  Tiie  old  Puiitan  blueness 
and  austerity  were  to  be  su})erseded  by  good  fellowship  and  universal 
jollity.  "  God  was  best  served  by  merry  hearts  and  cheerfnl  voices." 
In  that  period  of  leligious  deadness  these  views  and  sentiments  set 
forth  by  an  eloquent  and  graceful  speakei",  were  exceedingly  atti'active. 
The  disciples  of  fi'ee  religion  could  not  have  asked  tor  a  moiv  eligible 
leader  than  this  elegant  and  accomplished  young  ministei-,  who  could 
charm  all  hearts  with  religious  rhapsodies,  and  dance,  drijik  and  joke 
with  equal  accei»tance.  A  great  congiegation  gathered  around  him. 
JNIany  of  the  leading  men  in  Pomfi'et  united  with  the  eliureh.  Its 
creed  was  simple  and  evangelical— its  members  taking  the  Scri]iturcs 
of  the  Old  and  New  Testanients  as  their  sole  and  sufficient  rule  of 
faith  and  practice,  and  engaging  to  walk  together  as  a  christian 
society  in  the  faith  and  order  of  the  Gospel.  Full  liberty  of  inter- 
})retation  was  allowed.  All  knotty  points  of  doctrine  were  discreetly 
ignored.  No  provision  was  made  lor  arlministering  discipline  or  for 
associating  with  other  churches.  Dr.  Waldo  gives  these  reasons  for 
signing  this  agreement: — 

"  1.  Having  examined  witli  carefulness,  find  it  to  be  for.uded  on  that  j^reat 
Christian  scale  wliich  unites  mankind  in  the  liiu'ly-liolislied  golden  chain  of 
equality  and  Ijrotherly  love,  and  cannot  make  any  material  objection  to  the 
mode  and  principles  which  it  is  designed  to  inculcate. 

2.  My  only  brother  has  signed  it  after  due  consideration,  and  I  wish  to 
worship  and  get  to  Heaven  with  my  brother." 

The  hist  i)ublic  act  of  the  new  society,  December  2S,  1792.  was  to 
invite  ^Ir.  Oliver  Dodge  to  settle  as  its  minister,  and  in  the  following 
Febrtiary  he  was  ordained  over  it.  So  strong  was  the  feeling  against 
him  that  ministers  of  good  standing  shrank  fiom  the  responsibility  of 


THE    DODGE    CONTROVERSY,    E;TC.  277 

introducing  him  into  tlie  ministry,  ;xnd  of  many  invited  only  the  Rev. 
Isaac  Foster,  his  sons,  and  son-in-law — all  of  doubtful  orthodoxy — 
assisted  in  the  ordaining  services.  This  ministerial  repiohation  only 
increase*]  the  fei'vor  of  his  adherents.  His  personal  friends  clung  to 
him  with  unwavering  tidelity.  His  levities  and  indiscretions,  which 
all  were  forced  to  acknowledge,  were  but  the  irrepressible  exuberance 
of  a  free  and  genei'ous  s[)irit  and  wei'e  more  than  com))ensated  by  his 
ingenuous  confessions  of  wrong  and  great  social  attractions.  The 
newspa[)er  controversy  and  Swift's  avowed  championship  gave  him 
great  notoriety,  and  attracted  many  hearers  from  abroad.  The  old 
Grosvenor  House  in  which  his  church  now  worshipped,  could  hardly 
contain  the  congregation.  No  minister  in  the  County  had  so  wide  a 
])0[)ulai'ity.  Some  of  the  most  respectable  families  in  Brooklyn, 
Abington  Paiish,  Woodstock,  Thompson  and  Killingly,  left  the 
churches  of  their  formei'  attendance  and  united  with  the  Reformed 
church  of  Poinfi'et.  The  young  men  of  Canterbury  attempted  to 
oi'ganize  a  new  society  upon  this  attractive  model.  But  while  the 
masses  were  thus  carried  away  l)y  the  fascinations  of  the  popular 
preacher,  a  small  but  powerful  minority  were  banded  together  against 
him.  Deacons  Oliver  Grosvenor  and  Simon  Cotton,  old  Esquire  John 
Grosvenor,  Captain  Seth  and  Ebenezer  Grosvenor,  Esq.,  Josiah  Sabin, 
town  clerk,  the  Paysons  and  Caleb  Hayward,  were  among  the  eleven 
faithful  disciples  who  clung  to  theii'  ancient  church  and  minister.  They 
were  su|iported  and  encouraged  by  the  ministry  of  the  County,  and 
sobei'  men  in  the  neighboring  towns.  The  Windham  County  Associa- 
tion justitied  Mr.  Putnam  in  opposing  tlie  measui'es  of  the  majority  of 
the  chuich  for  oidaining  31r.  Dodge,  and  declared  that  his  dissolution 
of  the  church  meeting  amountetl  to  nothing  more  than  would  neces- 
sarily have  followed  had  the  church  been  allowed  to  vote,  in  which 
case  he  would  have  left  them  and  they  would  have  been  incajtable  of 
any  further  proceedings.  That  the  majority  had  any  ri(j/ds  in  the  case 
was  a  matter  that  they  did  not  even  take  into  discussion.  They  also 
justitied  the  aggrieved  brethren  in  refusing  to  attend  the  ministrations 
of  Mr.  Dodge,  and  encoui'aged  them  in  maintaining  public  worship 
by  themselves,  "manifesting  great  freedom  in  assisting  Mr.  Putnam  to 
supply  the  pulpit  and  administer  the  sacrament."  An  attempt  made 
by  the  Reformed  Society  to  obtain  possession  of  the  house  of  worship 
was  unsuccessful,  the  Windham  Court  deciding  "  that  Mr.  Putnam's 
adherents  were  the  First  Ecclesiastic  Society  and  had  a  right  to  the 
society  property."  This  legal  action  and  decision  only  made  the  con- 
troversy more  bitter.  Friendly  intercourse  between  the  contending 
parties  was  wholly  suspended.     Brothers,  relatives  and  life-long  friends 


278 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


became  as  stianixers  and  enemies.  Even  the  chiUlreii  of  tliese  families 
joined  in  the  (luarrel,  and  mocked  and  jeered  each  otlier  as  "Dodge-iles" 
and  "anli-Dodge-ites."  The  controversy  was  carried  into  town  elec- 
tions. Opponents  of  Mr.  Dodge  were  excluded  from  office.  A  tiaming 
Dodge-ite  was  elected  town  clerk  in  i)lace  of  Josiah  Sabin.  who  left  this 
parting  record  on  the  town  book  : — 

"  Here  ends  tlie  services  of  a  faithful  servant  of  the  public,  who  was 
neglected  for  no  other  reason  than  because  he  could  not  Dodge  ^=  ." 

Woodstock  was  also  implicated  in  this  famous  controversy.  Mr. 
Lyman  was  one  of  the  most  active  opponents  of  Mr.  Dodge,  but 
many  members  of  his  society  were  cariied  away  by  the  prevailing 
infatuation.  Some  of  these  admirers  wished  him  to  preach  in  their 
own  meeling-house  on  Woodstock  Hill,  and  made  known  their  desire 
to  .Air.  Lyman.  Mr.  Unssel  of  Thompson  had  complieil  with  a  simihir 
intimation,  and  had  himself  attended  the  services  to  see  that  no  harm 
came  of  it,  but  the  Woodstock  ministei-  was  made  of  "sterner  stuft"" 
and  promptly  referred  the  matter  to  the  committee  of  the  society, 
"after  which  he  would  be  ready  to  signify  his  mind  thereon."  One 
member  of  this  committee  "did  not  object  to  the  proposed  lecture," 
and  without  waiting  more  formal  permission,  notice  was  given  on  the 
following  Sabbath  after  the  close  of  service  by  the  singing  leader, 
"that  the  next  Thursday  would  be  a  singing  meeting  in  the  meeting- 
house, and  that  the  Kev.  Mr.  Dodge  would  attend  and  ])reach  there." 
Mr.  David  Holmes,  one  of  the  society  committee,  was  there- 
upon dispatched  to  Pomfret  to  represent  to  Mr.  Dodge  the  minds 
of  the  minister,  and  the  majority  of  the  church  and  committee,  and 
request  him  "not  to  come."  Mr.  Dodge  received  him  with  his 
accustomed  ease  and  url)anity  ;  listened  to  his  "  very  lengthy  and 
earnest  expostidation "  with  the  utmost  politeness,  but  as  he  was 
"  under  some  engagements  believed  he  must  go  over,  as  he  did  not 
choose  to  disappoint  his  good  friends  at  Woodstock.  And  whether 
he  preached  or  not,  he  should  get  a  mug  of  flip  ■.  and  a  good  dinner." 
Accordingly  upon  the  a])pointed  Thursday,  November  7,  1793,  Mr. 
Dodge  galloped  over  to  Woodstock,  and  with  four  gentlemen  of  the 
society  called  upon  Mr.  Lyman  and  asked  his  presence  and  assistance 
at  the  lecture.  Mr.  Lyman  ex[)ressed  his  willingness  to  conform  to 
the  wishes  of  any  of  his  people  when  he  could  do  so  consistently  with 
order  and  regularity,  but  in  this  instance  was  constrained  to  make 
objections,  and  further  asked  Mr.  Dodge  whether  he  thought  upon 
such  an  invitation  he  had  a  right  to  preach  in  the  meetingdiouse.  Mr. 
Dodge  re[)lied  with  his  usual  smiling  audacity,  "that  he  had  as  good 
a  right  to  preach  in  that  meeting  house  as  Mr.  Lyman   had,  and  that 


THE    BODGE    CONTKOVEKSY,    ETC. 


279 


Mr.    Lymmi    had    no    more    riglit   to    the  pulpit  than  he  hail  to  the 
conniron    or    any  other    place."     Repairing  to  tlie  meeting-house,   he 
found  a  goodly  numbei-  of    hearers  collected  ;    the  singeis  with  their 
leader    in    their    accuf^tonied  place,  Major  Elijah  Williams   and   many 
other  prominent   Woodstock   gentlemen,  and  at  once    commenced  the 
service.     Captain  Jonathan  Moise,  another  of   the  society  committee, 
was  present  with  a  written    remonstrance  from  the   pastor,  and  at    the 
close  of  the  first  singing  arose  and  attempted   to  read  it  to  the  congre- 
gation,  but  voice    and   couiage  failing,  he  broke   down  with  the  first 
sentence  and  hastily  withdrew  to  report  his   ill   success  to  Mr.  Lyman. 
That  gentleman  instantly  hastened  with  Captain  Morse  to  the  meeting- 
house, and  tinding   Mr.    Dodge   at   prayei',  they  quietly  walked  up  the 
aisle    and    seated    themselves  in  the  ministerial  pew  till  the   close  of 
that    exercise,   when  Mr.    Lyman    arose,  and,  remarking  that  he  had 
something  to  communicate  to  the  society,  read   a  formal  remonstrance, 
stating    his    objections    to    the    present    procedure,   after    which    both 
gentlemen    "  >\'alked   moderately  out   of    the   meeting-house,"  and  jNIr. 
Dodge     completed     his    service     without    farther    interruption.       In 
punishment    for    this    offense,    Mr.    Lyman    and  Captain  Morse  were 
both    indicted    for    high    crime    and    taisdemeanor   in    disturbing    a 
religious  assembly,    ''  by  violently  and  repeatedly  walking  across  said 
meeting-house,"  and    ''  by  impeaching  and  scandalizing  the  people  so 
met  and  the  Rev.  Oliver   Dodge  then  performing  said  public  worship," 
and  in  spite  of  the  efforts  of  their  friends  and  of  their  counsel.  Colonel 
Dyer,  they  Avere  found   guilty  and   sentenced  to  pay  as  high   a  fine   as 
the  law  would  allow.     The  case    was   ai)|)ealed   and   carried   on    up  to 
the  Supreme  Court,  where,  after  a  full  investigation,  the  judgment  of 
the   Woodstock  justice  was    set   aside    and    Mr.  Lyman  and  Captain 
Morse    justified    and    acquitted.     Every    detail    of    this    affair    was 
published  in  tlie    Windham  Herald,  together  with   a   most    ridiculous 
and   exaggerated  version   of  it   by   Captain   Swift,  who   embraced  the 
opportunity    to    cover    Mr.     Lyman     with     derision     and    invective, 
pronouncing  his  remonstrance  "  an  infringement  upon  religious  liberty, 
and  the  most  consummate  piece  of  folly." 

This  breach  and  cotrovei'sy  continued  till  near  the  close  of  the 
century.  For  more  than  six  years  Mr.  Dodge  maintained  liis 
ascendancy  and  his  church  grew  and  flourished,  while  the  old  mother 
churcli  of  Pomfret  withered  and  wasted.  Even  some  of  the  faithful 
eleven  wei'e  lost  to  it.  Captain  Seth  Grosvenor  and  iiis  large  and 
influential  family  removed  to  New  York  State,  others  were  set  aside 
by  age  and  increasing  infirmities,  so  that  but  a  feeble  remnant  repre- 
sented   the  church    and    supported    the   invalid  pastor.     Yet   though 


2S0  HISTORY    OF    WIXDHAM    COUNTY. 

"cast  down"  tliey  were  not  quite  "destroyed."  Throui^li  all  these 
Aveary  years  the  faithful  few  maintained  the  stated  Sabbath  service  in 
the  great  desolate  nieetiiig-honse,  the  deacons  pi'aying  and  reading 
the  sermons  i'ie])ared  by  the  speechless  pastor,  who  cheered  them  by 
his  presence  and  silent  i)articipatioii  in  tlieir  worship.  The  ])iety  and 
faith  of  Mr.  Putnam  gave  him  great  strength  in  this  (hiy  of  trial,  and 
enabled  him  to  imjjart  courage  and  consolation  to  his  followers. 
Depi'ived  of  his  voice,  he  became  more  ready  with  his  pen.  "  His 
wiitten  messages  of  love  and  faithfulness  were  passing  daily  to 
families  and  indivi(hials  of  his  parish."  In  the  darkest  liour  he  saw 
a  light  beyond  the  cloud  and  believed  tliat  all  would  yet  be  well.  In 
compliance  with  the  advice  of  the  Assoication  they  made  no  attempt 
to  ceiisui'e  or  discii)line  those  who  had  gone  from  them, — but 
endeavored  to  manifest  "a  mild,  gentle  and  forbearing  temi)er  and 
deportment,  hoping  by  such  measures  to  eifect  their  return  and 
coalition," — and  their  patience  and  forbearance  were  at  last  most 
signally  rewarded.  Satiate  with  success,  the  popular  idol  found  his 
position  irksome.  With  all  "his  excellent  and  amiable  talents  and 
accomplishments,"  he  was  in  truth  one  of  the  most  shameless 
profligates  that  ever  disgraced  the  Christian  puljiit  and  profession. 
Large  as  was  the  liberty  allowed  him  by  the  laxity  of  the  times  and 
the  blind  partiality  of  his  friends,  it  wa§  all  insufficient.  Yielding  to 
reckless  impulse,  he  ceased  to  maintain  the  semblance  of  outward 
decency  and  gave  himself  up  to  dissipation.  After  a  week's  drunken 
revelry,  driving  round  openly  from  one  low  tavern  to  another,  and 
even  delighting  ribald  auditors  by  offering  blasphemous  pi'ayers  for  a 
glass  of  liquor,  he  had  the  effrontery  to  enter  his  pulpit  and  attenq)t  to 
conduct  the  usual  Sabbath  worship, — l)ut  the  end  had  come.  The 
"  itmocent  victim  of  cleiical  malice,"  the  "second  Luther,"  the  biilliant 
young  man,  who  had  gained  so  high  a  T)osition  and  wrought  so  much 
mischief,  was  slain  by  his  own  folly  and  wickedness.  Attempting  to 
speak  he  fell  prostrate  upon  his  pul}nt,  utterly  overcome  by  the  effect 
of  his  drunken  orgies.  The  eyes  of  his  infatuated  followers  were 
oi)ened  at  once  and  forever.  Never  was  fall  more  instant,  more 
tiiial.  or  the  crowds  who  had  followed  him,  not  one  adhered  to 
him  or  attempted  to  defend  him.  At  a  meeting  of  tlie  lieformed 
Church  of  Fomfret,  July  4,  1 7!»9,  "upon  complaint  exhibited  and 
notified  to  Mr.  Oliver  Dodge,  that  he  had  been  guilty  of  I'epeated 
instances  of  intem[)erance  in  the  use  of  spirituous  liquor  or  strong  , 
drink,  and  of  indecent  if  not  profane  language  in  the  course  of  one 
month  last  past — 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Oliver  Dodge  be,  and  he  is  hereby  excluded  from  the  rites 
and  privileges  of  this  church  till  by  his  reformation  and  amendment  of  life 
he  shall  be  again  restored  to  our  charitj'." 


KEFORMED    CHURCH,    ETC. 


281 


No  restoration  was  eftcctod.  Whatever  efforts  were  made  were 
wliolly  ineffectual.  The  unliappy  young  man  seemed  given  over  to 
evil  and  died  miserably  after  a  few  wretched  years.  The  Reformed 
Church  vanished  with  its  founder.  Like  Jonah's  gourd  it  perished  in 
a  night.  Its  grieved  and  mortified  bretliren  had  no  desire  to 
l)erpetuate  it,  and  welcomed  the  first  conciliatory  advances  from  the 
church  they  had  deserted.  At  their  last  meeting,  November  4,  1799, 
a  committee  was  chosen  ".to  join  with  the  committee  of  the  church 
in  the  ffist  society  to  call  in  the  assistance  of  the  Ilev.  Messrs. 
Whitney,  Hart  and  Day,  to  advise  in  the  method  and  on  what  giound 
tlie  two  churches  may  join  and  become  one  church."  No  difficulty 
was  found  in  arranging  a  satisfactory  basis.  Both  parties  rejoiced  to 
unite  and  become  again  "one  church,"  and  "a  most  amicable  and 
Christian"  union  was  speedily  effected.  So  serious  a  rupture  was 
never  more  thoroughly  and  liappily  healed.  The  social  and  family 
feuds  that  liad  grown  out  of  it  were  also  made  up.  This  happy 
result  is  said  to  have  been  largely  due  to  an  opportune  dancing  school, 
that  biought  all  the  young  people  together  upon  a  common  footing, 
and  had  a  most  magical  effect  in  restoring  harmony  and  good  fellow- 
ship— a  not  inappropriate  fi}\ale  to  the  famous  Dodge  episode,  and 
very  characteristic  of  the  low  tone  of  morality  and  religion  evinced 
throughout  the  whole   affair. 

In  view  of  the  continued  disability  of  Mr.  Putnam,  Mr.  Asa  King  of 
Mansfield  was  engaged  as  his  assistant,  and  after  suitable  probation 
invited  to  settle  as  colleague,  but  by  the  advice  of  the  council  called 
to  ordain  him  in  that  capacity,  a  change  of  base  was  effected.  Mr. 
Putnam  was  dismissed  from  the  position  he  could  no  longer  fill,  and 
Mr.  King  duly  installed  as  the  pastor  of  the  First  Church  of  Pomfret, 
May  o,  1802.  A  great  concourse  of  people  filled  the  meeting-house 
on  that  occasion,  and  "  the  greatest  regularity  and  decorum  were 
observed  throughout  the  day."  The  ordination  ball  in  the  evening 
was  no  doubt  equally  satisfactory.  The  anniversary  of  this  auspicious 
event  was  observed,  according  to  the  Windham  Herald,  by  a 
gathering  of  young  ladies,  who  "  met  at  the  house  of  Rev.  Mr.  King, 
and  presented  his  lady  with  more  than  two  hundred  double  skeins  of 
yarn,  spun  by  their  own  skillful  hands."  The  evening  dance  was 
doubtless  not  omitted.  Winning  the  hearts  of  his  young  people  by 
kindly  sympathy  and  indulgence,  Mr.  King  gradually  led  them  to  a 
higher  sense  of  life  and  its  res}>onsibilities.  Meetings  for  prayer  and 
conference  were  cautiously  introduced.  The  older  people  at  first 
trembled  at  this  innovation,  and  feared  it  would  lead  to  confusion  and 
disorder,  but  the  meetings  grew  in  favor  and  finally  held  their  own 
with  the  dancing-school.  Secular  improvements  were  also  accora- 
36 


282  •  JHSTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COITNTV. 

])]isht'(l.  The  met'ting-liouse  \v;is  repaired,  its  l^iu-k  .'^eats  replaccMl  by 
fashionable  pews,  and  an  additit)nal  sounding'  boaid  sus]»eniii(l  under 
the  massive  canoj)}'. 

While  the  Fii'st  Ponifict  ehureh  was  passing  through  such  vic-issi- 
tudes,  a  new  religious  interest  had  developed  in  the  eastern  part  of  tlie 
town.  That  wonderfully  efficient  Methodist  organization  with  its  one 
clear  head  guiding  thousands  of  willing  feet,  liad  gained  a  foothold  in 
the  Quinebang  valley.  It  was  during  the  year  of  the  great  rupture 
and  secession  when  Dodge  was  dazzling  the  multitude  with  his  s})e- 
cious  eloquence,  that  a  young  minister  of  very  diiferent  stamp  came  to 
Cargill's  Mills  one  evening  and  asked  leave  to  hold  a  religious  n)eeting. 
Kindly  Cajjtain  Cargill  granted  the  use  of  his  })ress-room,  and  a  few  of 
his  workmen  and  the  neighboring  young  people  went  in  to  hear  him. 
It  was  a  very  nnjjretentions  gathering ;  very  unlike  the  fashionable 
assemblies  then  crowding  tlie  old  Grosvenor  House,  but  the  resulting 
influences  were  far  more  dissimilar.  The  ]ilain  and  pungent  preaching 
of  John  Allen  struck  conviction  to  the  hearts  of  his  hearers.  Allen 
came  again,  and  other  jireacheis — famous  liglits  of  ^Methodism.  A 
number  of  young  women*  professed  conversion,  and  early  in  17'J3 
were  gathered  into  a  class.  Soon  they  weie  joined  by  three  young 
men,  Elijah  ]3ugbee,  William  Gaiy  and  Noali  Perrin.  The  latter  was 
a])pointed  class-leader  and  opened  the  fine  old  Perrin  House  for  public 
religious  service.  PomfVet  was  included  in  New  London  Circuit,  and 
made  a  I'egular  preaching  station.  Its  presiding  elder,  George  Poberts, 
watched  and  cherished  this  young  flock,  ])ieaching  himself  at  stated 
intervals,  and  sending  other  flaming  messengers.  In  a  day  when 
Infidelity  and  Universalism  were  openly  proclaimed  in  eveiy  corner, 
and  an  eloquent  Dodge  drew  hundreds  of  adherents  with  "his  finely 
polished  golden  chain  of  equality  and  brotherly  love,"  and  the  power 
of  the  orthodox  clergy  was  almost  nullifled  by  theological  absolutism 
and  ecclesiastical  assunqstion,  vivid  pictures  of  man's  guilt  and  danger 
and  earnest  offers  of  free,  unlimited  salvation,  had  very  great  effect. 
More  converts  were  brought  in.  A  number  of  respectable  families 
united  with  the  Methodists.  The  young  converts  were  full  of  zeal 
and  devotion,  eager  to  work  and  speak  for  the  good  of  souls  and  the 
spread  of  Methodism.  Lively  meetings,  filled  up  with  song,  prayer 
and  fervid  exhortation,  were  held  in  the  Pen  in  House  and  Cargill's 
press-room,  and  a  new  religious  life  and  imi)idse  pervaded  the  Quine- 
bang valley.  The  old  churches  ujion  the  hill  tojjs  looked  with  much 
suspicion  u])on  this  Methodist  invasion.     They  had  heard  most  unfavor- 


*  Sarah  Bacon — afterwards  tlie  wife  of  Elijah  Bugbee,  Lucy  Perrin — after- 
wards Mrs.  Williaui  Gary,  Lucy  Marey,  Sally  White,  Mrs.  Sarah  Sabiu. 


METHODISTS,    BAPTISTS,    ETC.  283 

able  reports  of  that  body.  Repiesentatives  serving  at  ITartfonl  and 
New  Haven,  had  bi'ought  back  alarming  stories  of  their  excesses  and 
heresies.  They  were  worse  than  Baptists,  worse  thnn  the  old-fashioned 
Separates,  woi'se  than  anytliing  thnt  had  yet  afflicted  Connecticut  ! 
Rev.  Ml".  Atkins  of  Killingly  Hill,  though  but  a  moderate  Calvinist, 
pronounced  them  a  very  dangerous  people,  and  warned  his  congrega- 
tion against  attending  their  meetings.  This  jirohibition  and  opposi- 
tion but  increased  the  activity  of  the  Methodists  and  made  people 
more  anxious  to  hear  them,  and  so  they  gained  in  influence  and 
nuinbers.  In  1795,  Pomfret  Circuit  was  foi-med,  embracing  the 
northeast  section  of  Connecticut,  and  169  professed  INIethodists. 
Jesse  Lee  was  its  presiding  elder  ;  Daniel  Ostrander  and  Nathaniel 
Chapin,  preachers.  In  1801,  this  Circuit  was  included  in  New  London 
District,  and  in  the  following  year  in  New  York  Conference.  Two 
years  later  it  was  joined  to  New  England  Conference — Daniel  Ostran- 
der, presiding  elder;  John  Nichols  and  Sanniel  G.irsline,  preachers. 
Thouo-h  meeting  much  opposition  from  the  standitig  chui-ches  and 
drawing  few  adherents  from  families  of  old  Puritan  stock  and  careful 
religious  training,  the  Pomfret  Methodists  increased  slowly  and 
steadily,  and  gained  a  strong  foothold  in  different  sections  of  the 
town,  especially  in  neighborhoods  aloof  fi'om  otlier  religions  influences. 
The  Baptist  society  formed  under  the  auspices  of  President  Man 
ning  maintained  its  organization  and  held  occasional  services,  but  was 
much  straitened  l)y  the  loss  of  Benjamin  Tiiurber  and  tlie  lack  of 
minister  and  house  of  worship.  The  ''  great  religious  stir  "  among  the 
Baptists  of  Hampton  in  17M8-9,  extended  into  Abington,  and  several 
residents  of  this  society  united  with  the  new  church.  Others  became 
connected  with  the  Ba])tist  church  in  South  Woodstock.  In  1803, 
brethren  that  lived  in  Pomfret  and  Killingly  having  asked  the  privilege 
of  receiving  communion  in  their  own  neighborhood,  were  "legally 
constituted  a  branch  of  the  Woodstock  church."  Under  the  preach- 
ing and  influence  of  Brother  James  Grow  of  Hampton,  their  numbers 
were  multiplied.  Kegular  services  wei'e  held  in  the  Gary  school- 
house  and  at  Pomfret  Landing.  The  propriety  of  setting  apart  this 
young  brother  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  was  considered  and 
recognized,  and  on  September  18,  1805,  "a  number  of  brethren  from 
the  following  churches  convened  at  the  Gary  school-house  in  Pomfret, 
aTid  formed  into  a  council.  '  viz.  : — 

"  Second  cluirch  of  Woodstock,  Elder  Amos  Wells,  Deacous  Uoljert  Baxter 
and  William  H.  Manning;  Brethren  Henry  Wells,  James  Wheaton,  Elisha 
Sabin.  First  Woodstock,  Elder  Abiel  Ledoyt,  Deacon  Samuel  Crawford, 
Joel  Gage.  Hampton,  Deacon  William  Elliott,  Frederick  Curtis,  Jeremiah 
Field.  Sturbridge,  Elder  Zenas  S.  Leonard.  Stephen  Haskel,  Reuben  Howe, 
Joseph  Barret.     Thompson,  Elder  Peai'sou  Crosby,  Deacous  Samuel  Knap  and 


284-  HTSTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Thomas  Day,  Joseph  Town,  Joseph  Bates.  1.  Chose  Elder  Crosb}',  modera- 
tor; Elder  Leonard,  clerk.  2.  Deacons  Thomas  Grow  of  Hampton,  and 
Jonathan  Ilarriniiton  of  Killingly  churches,  beinij  providentially  present, 
were  invited  to  sit  with  the  council.  3.  After  prayer  proceeded  to  In-ar 
Brother  James  Grow's  relation  of  the  work  of  grace  on  his  heart,  his  call  to 
the  ministry  and  system  of  doctrine.  4.  The  council  manifesting  individually 
their  satisfaction  in  the  candidate's  relation  on  the  points  above-named,  con- 
cluded to  proceed  to  ordination.  Accordingly  appointed  Elder  A.  Ledoyt  to 
preach  the  sermon.  Elder  P.  Crosby  to  make  the  consecrating  prayer,  Elder 
A.  Wells  to  give  the  charge,  and  Polder  Z.  Leonard  to  give  the  right  liand  of 
fellowship,  o.  Met  September  19,  according  to  adjournment,  and  the  several 
parts  were  performed  agreeably  to  appointment.  C.  Brother  James  Grow, 
being  thus  set  apart  by  ordination  according  as  we  understand  Apostolic 
order,  we  recommend  him  to  God,  and  the  woril  of  his  grace  to  build  him  up 
,  in  the  most  holy  faith,  and  make  him  faithful  and  successful  till  his  death." 

In  the  following  April  the  branch  berame  a  distitx't  body  and  was 
received  into  the  fellowship  of  its  sister  chinches  as  the  Pomfret 
T^aplist  chui'ch,  Woodstock  dismissing  theieto  the  following  mem- 
bers : — Elisha  Sabin,  Artemas  Bruce,  James  Grow,  Pardon  Kingsley, 
Smith  Johnson,  Thomas  Boweii,  Chailes  Robbins,  Gny  Kingsley, 
Ste])hen  Cha])maii,  Alvin  Easting,  Lncretia  Cady,  Mary  Brown,  Han- 
nah Sabin,  Patty  Brtice,  Phebe  and  Sarah  Stone,  Azubah  Bowen, 
Polly  M.  Spalding,  Ori)ah  Easting,  Susanna  Kingsley,  Katharine 
Ashcraft,  Sabra  Withey,  Hannah  Kent,  Betsey  Leavens,  Hannah 
Fling,  Celinda  Copp,  Lucy  Goodell.  No  meeting-house  was  erected 
for  several  years,  but  services  were  still  held  in  the  Gary  seltoobhonse 
and  other  convenient  centres.  A  few  Quaker  families  were  now 
resident  in  the  town,  and  a  plain  house  of  worship  had  been  erected 
for  them  by  the  Smithfield  Conference. 

Abington  Society  enjoyed  much  harmony  and  pros])erity.  3lr. 
Lyon  was  a  faithful  and  conscientious  pastor,  devoted  to  the  work  of 
preaching  the  Gospel.  Dignified  in  bearing,  strict  in  discipline, 
remarkably  exact  and  methodical  in  all  his  affairs,  he  was  also  pro- 
gressive and  liberal  in  spirit,  ready  to  engage  in  every  enterprise  for 
the  extension  of  Christianity  or  the  develo])ment  of  the  community. 
Improvements  in  schools  and  house  of  worship,  the  libraries  and 
missionary  efforts,  enjoyed  his  countenance  and  support.  A  committee 
Avas  chosen  in  1800  to  estimate  the  expense  of  repaiiing  the  meeting- 
house, and  in  the  following  year  Joshua  and  Thomas  Grosvenor,  and 
Lemuel  Ingalls,  were  authorized  to  accomplish  repairs.  A  bell  was 
promised  by  Mr.  Samuel  Sumner,  and  leave  voted  to  certain  individ- 
uals to  build  a  stcei)le,  leaving  "  it  discretionary  with  the  connnittee 
as  to  repairing  and  painting."  In  1802,  the  society  voted  to  pay  the 
expense  of  hanging  and  raising  the  bell,  and  a  rope  to  hang  it.  This 
being  procured  and  the  bell  successluUy  elevated,  Daniel  Goodell  and 
Thomas  Grosvenor  were  appointed  a  committee  to  return  thanks  to 
Mr.  Samuel  Sumner  lor  his  generous  present.     Farther  repairs   were 


METHODISTS,    BAPTISTS,    ETC.  285 

soon  accomplished  and  the  house  bvougjht  into  good  condition.  Im- 
provemeiits  were  also  made  in  singing — Watts'  Psalms  taking  the 
place  of  the  earlier  version,  and  singers  ranged  into  a  choir  under  the 
leadei'ship  of  Mr.  Epiiraim  Tngalls,  a  change  "  mucli  against  the 
feelings  and  prejudices  of  some  of  the  old  fathers."  The  government 
of  the  cluircli  was  less  absolute  than  tliat  of  Pomfi-et.  It  was  voted 
in  1783,  "that  there  be  fonr  of  the  brethren  of  this  church  chosen 
annually  as  a  committee  to  join  with  the  pastor  in  exercising  discipline. 
The  discipline  of  this  church  is  that  the  negative  power  is  lodged 
with  the  pastor  and  four  brethren."  An  earlier  vote  prescribed,  "  that 
no  offending  member  of  said  church  should  be  dealt  with  in  ye 
method  of  procedure  against  oifending  brethren  till  a  regular  and 
written  complaint  be  exhibited  against  said  member  by  some  of  ye 
brethren  of  ye  church."  The  child  of  an  irresponsible  person  was 
"  admitted  to  ba])tism,  on  the  account  of  its  natural  and  religious 
relation  to  its  grand-parents." 

Schools  were  distributed  about  to  suit  the  public  convenience.  In 
1784,  it  was  voted  to  divide  the  parish  into  four  districts  by  an  east 
and  west  line  crossing  the  meeting-house,  north  and  south  parts  to  be 
equally  divided  thereaftei',  each  district  placing  their  own  school- 
house  and  building  the  same,  but  several  years  passed  before  the 
district  system  was  cairied  into  execution.  The  ecclesiastic  society 
continued  its  care  of  the  schools,  allowing  sixteen  months  schooling  a 
year  for  the  whole  society — schools  kept  at  the  usual  places — and 
voting  that  the  schoolmasters  have  no  moi-e  than  forty  shillings  per 
month,  they  boarding  themselves.  Notwithstanding  this  scanty  pay 
there  was  no  lack  of  good  teachei's.  No  crop  in  Abington  was  more 
sure  than  its  schoolmasters.  Young  men  who  toiled  on  fai'ms 
through  the  snmmer  were  glad  to  recreate  in  a  school-room  for  the 
winter.  Samuel  Craft  was  one  of  the  early  teachers.  Mr.  Samuel 
Sumner,  the  generous  donor  of  Abington's  fii-st  bell,  taught  school 
many  winters,  and  was  especially  noted  for  the  excellence  of  his 
penmanship.  In  1795,  a  district  school  society  w%as  organized — 
Joshua  Grosvenor,  clerk.  John  Trowbridge,  William  Field  and 
Squire  Sessions  were  the  first  committee.  In  1798,  four  school  dis- 
tricts were  formally  set  otf  and  established,  and  suitable  school-houses 
erected. 

In  1793,  a  number  of  residents  of  Abington  formed  themselves  into 
a  Propriety  for  the  ])urpose  of  establishing  a  libiary  in  their  parish. 
It  was  agreed  that  this  should  be  called  The  Social  Library  in 
Abington.  At  a  meeting  held  March  14,  at  the  house  of  Capt. 
Benjamin  Ruggles,  Rev.  Walter  Lyon  was  chosen  moderatoi-,  Lemuel 
Ingalls,    clerk.     March    21,   Rev.    Walter  Lyon  was  chosen  librarian ; 


280 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


Joshua  Grosvc'iior,  Jun.,  Eli^s]la  Lord,  Juii.,  Samuel  Craft,  standing 
connnittee ;  Rev.  Walter  Lyon,  Lemuel  Stowell,  Lemuel  Ingalls, 
Elisha  Lord,  Jun.,  Griggs  Goffe,  special  committee  to  procuie  books  ; 
Captain  Thomas  Grosvenor,  collector ;  Lemuel  Ingalls,  treasurer. 
The  price  of  a  share  was  stated  at  twelve  shillings.  Amasa  Storrs, 
Daniel  and  Lemuel  Goodell,  William  and  Robert  Siiarpe,  William 
Field,  Samuel  Sumner,  Jun.,  Ebenezer  Ashley,  Amos  Stoddard, 
Zechariah  Osgood,  John  Tlolbrook,  Philip  Pearl,  Edward  Paine, 
Squire  Sessions,  Aaron  Stevens,  Nathl.  Ayer,  weie  eaily  members  of 
this  association,  which  soon  enrolled  the  prominent  residents  of  the 
parish.  Thomas  Williams  of  Hampton  was  elected  to  the  privilege  of 
membership.  A  hundi'ed  volumes  or  more  wei'e  .«oon  procured,  and  a 
suitable  case  provided  for  them,  together  with  "  good,  sub.stantial 
wrapping  paper  or  sheepskin  sufHcient  to  cover  them."  Still  the 
public  was  not  satisfied.  ^Jany  excellent  standai'd  wt)rks  had  been 
bronglit  into  their  families:  histories,  travels,  poetry,  scientific 
treatises  ;  but  there  was  still  a  gi'eat  prepondei-ance  of  the  theological 
element.  "Too  much  Stackhouse,"  w.ns  tlie  verdict  of  one  critical 
subscribe)',  and  so  a  "Junior  Library"  was  organized.  "At  a  meeting 
holden  at  Amasa  Goodell's,  November,  1804,  looted,  That  John 
Ilolbrook  be  librarian,  Solomon  Gilbert  clerk,  John  Holbrook  collector 
and  treasurer."  Joshua  Grosvenor,  John  Holbrook,  Artemas  Osgood, 
William  Goodell,  Darius  Hulchins,  committee.  Some  ninety  volumes 
were  soon  collected,  whosc^  range  must  have  satisfied  the  most 
progressive  readers,  enabling  them  to  exj)atiate  with  Tom  Jones, 
Humphrey  Clinker,  Gil  Bias,  Ivodeiic  Random  and  other  popular 
favorites.  The  circulation  of  these  volumes  was  apparently  much 
more  limited  than  those  pertaining  to  the  senior  institution.  The 
librarian  of  the  Junior  Library,  John  Holbrook,  Esq.,  was  now 
established  in  legal  practice  in  his  native  parish,  occupying  the 
homestead  built  many  years  previous  l)y  his  giandfather,  Ebenezer 
Ilolbrook.  Dr.  Darius  Ilutchins  had  succeeded  to  the  ju'actice  of  Dr. 
Lord.  Captain  Loi-d,  removed  for  a  time  to  Brooklyn  after  marrying 
for  his  second  wife  a  daughter  of  Dr.  Whitney,  but  afterward 
returned  to  his  old  home.  One  of  the  most  active  and  useful  of 
Abington's  citizens  at  this  date  was  Lemuel  Ingalls,  Esq.,  who  after 
filling  many  lesser  offices  with  great  ci-edit  was  made  county  surveyor 
and  associate  judge  in  180(5. 

Pomfret  was  greatly  agitated  at  this  date  by  the  proposed  construc- 
tion of  vai-ious  tm-npike  roads  through  her  territory.  Progressive 
spirits  favored  these  enterprises,  but  the  heavy  outlay  and  prospective 
imposts  tei  rified  a  majority  of  the  tax-payers.  At  the  first  proposal 
"to  lav  a  road  from  Hartford  towards  Boston  to  the  Massachusetts  or 


TURNPIKE    OPPOSITION,    ETC.  287 

Rhode  Island  line,"  tlie  town  appoint c<l  Colonel  Lemuel  Grosvenoi", 
Lemuel  Ligalls,  Es(i.,  and  Captain  Josiah  8a))in,  to  make  >uch 
jtieparations  for  surveying  as  would  be  necessaiy  for  int'oi'nialion,  and 
to  wait  uj)on  the  eonnnittee  sent  V)y  General  Court.  In  Decendjer, 
the  town  deferred  aeting  ujion  raising  money  to  pay  assessments  to 
individuals  for  road  laid  out  by  State  eoinniittee,  and  ai)[)ointed  Peter 
Chandler,  8eth  and  Joshua  Grosvenor  to  confer  with  neighboring 
towns  respecting  laying  out  road  from  Hartford  to  Douglas,  and  for 
]»reparing  a  memorial  for  alteration  of  road  or  repeal  of  Act.  In  the 
following  year  the  town  refused  to  raise  money  to  pay  assessments  on 
the  road  laid  out  by  the  State  couimittee,  or  allow  accounts  to  the 
persons  who  waited  upon  them.  When  in  spite  of  their  grumbling 
and  resistance  the  Boston  and  Hartford  Turnpike  was  actually 
completed  through  the  whole  length  of  the  town,  Lenmel  Ingalls  and 
Seth  Grosvenor  were  appointed  to  h.ave  it  altered  in  cei'tain  points  and 
the  expense  lessened.  All  efforts  proving  unsuccessful,  the  town  was 
reluctantly  compelled  to  levy  a  tax  of  three  and  a  half  cents  to  meet 
expenses  and  pay  assessments,  but  declined  to  accept  shares  in  the 
company  or  to  allow  Captain  Sabin  for  attendance  upon  conunittee. 
Projects  for  a  new  road  in  the  w^est  part  of  the  town  through  Joseph 
Sharpe's  land  to  Brooklyn,  and  for  two  other  turnpikes,  increased  the 
town's  ill  humor.  It  would  not  view  the  diiferent  routes  through 
Killingly  nor  do  anything  about  it,  and  a])pointed  agents  to  oppose 
the  memorial  of  Sampson  Howe  and  others,  and  also  acceptance  of  a 
road  laid  out  through  Pomfi'et  from  Norwich  to  Massachusetts  line, 
but  were  again  obliged  "to  raise  money  to  pay  assessments  made  by 
State  committee  for  said  road."  The  Pomfret  and  Killingly  tui'upike 
was  also  carried  through  after  much  opposition  and  lefusing  to  pay 
the  cost  of  the  jury  that  laid  it,  and  in  1803  it  agreed  to  build  a 
bridge  in  company  with  the  town  of  Killingly  over  Quinebaug  River, 
south  of  Noah  Perrin's — Caleb  Trowbridge,  Benjamin  Durkee  and 
Freeman  James,  committee  to  build  said  bridge.  It  also  voted.  To 
build  a  bridge  across  the  stream  near  tlie  burying-giound,  and  also 
one  on  Mashamoquet  "  where  the  turnpike  crosseth  it  where  old  road  is 
discontinued."  So  great  was  the  outlay  caused  by  all  tliese  turni)ikes 
and  bridges  that  it  was  proposed  to  sell  the  newly  constructeil  town 
house.  Before  accounts  were  settled  another  turnpike  was  demanded — 
a  direct  road  from  Providence  to  meet  the  Boston  and  Hartford 
Turnpike  in  Ashford.  Oliver  Grosvenor  and  Sylvanus  Backus  were 
at  once  empowered  to  oppose  this  farther  imposition.  Surveys  were 
however  made,  and  two  routes  oti'ered  for  consideration.  In  1806, 
the  town  voted,  that  the  north  route  by  Samuel  White's  to  Cotton's 
bridge  would  best  accommodate  town  and  public,  and  to  oppose  the 


288  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

route  from  said  Wliite's  to  the  Laiuling,  but  a,o;ain  as  in  previous  cases 
they  were  forced  to  give  up  tlieir  way  and  submit  to  road  and  taxes. 

Important  changes  were  now  going  forward  in  the  Quinebaug 
valley.  The  Cargill  Mills  had  passed  into  other  hands.  Advertise- 
ments in  the  Promdence  Gazette  had  made  known  to  tlie  public  the 
superior  business  advantages  of  this  locality,  as  follows : — 

"Being  stricken  in  years  and  past  labor,  and  having  a  desire  to  lead  a 
more  peaceable  and  retired  life,  is  now  to  be  sold  and  entered  upon  the 
ensuing  spring,  the  noted  ikiieritance  of  Bexjamix  Cakgill  of  Pomfret, 
situated  on  Quinebaug  River,  containing  five  hundred  acres  of  land,  much  of 
which  is  of  the  most  valuable  kind;  sixty  acres  of  it  are  mowing  land,  and 
watered  by  canals  from  said  river,  so  that  the  drier  the  season  the  more  hay 
■will  it  produce ;  together  with  houses  and  barns ;  a  smith  shop,  with  two 
trip-hammers  for  sc\-the-m:iking;  a  saw-mill,  fulling-mill,  malt-house  and  giu 
distillery;  also  a  grist-mill  having  three  pairs  of  stones  under  one  roof,  with 
water  sutRcient  to  grind  three  hundred  bushels  the  driest  day  ever  known, 
and  has  ground  nearly  five  hundred  bushels,  nearly  all  by  day-light,  which 
now  can  be  proved.  The  above  works  are  all  built  in  the  best  manner, 
almost  all  new,  and  go  with  great  force  and  rapidity,  and  well  situated  for 
custom.  Paper  ar.d  oil  mills  would  be  of  great  advantage.  It  is  and  must 
be  a  place  of  great  trade.  Those  inclined  to  purchase  may  chance  to 
enquire  of  some  people  who  perhaps  may  tell  them  that  it  is  impossible  that 
the  Owner  can  have  any  real  idea  of  selling  such  a  situation  ;  but  they  ave 
cautioned  to  mind  no  such  clamors  until  they  really  find  it  so  i)y  the  activity 
of  the  Owner,  who  is  fully  determined  to  sell  at  a  very  low  estimate,  and  luUy 
convinced  of  meeting  with  success.  Two  gentlemen  in  company  in  the 
mercantile  line  might  perhaps  be  suitable  purchasers.  One  half  of  the  money 
in  hand  would  be  agreeable.     For  further  particulars,  inquire  of 

Bexjamix  Cakgii-l. 

Pomfret,  September  26,  1793." 

In  spite  of  these  inducements  the  Cargill  "  inheritance  "  remained 
in  market  till  1798,  when  it  was  purchased  by  Moses  Arnold  an  i  John 
Harris  of  Rhode  Island.  The  latter  soon  sold  his  right  to  the 
Messrs.  Knight  of  Providence,  and  the  various  mills  were  run  by 
"  Knio-ht  and  Harrts "  under  the  superintendence  of  Rhode  Island's 
future  governor,  young  Mr.  Nehemiah  Knight.  The  "churning-mill  " 
had  now  given  place  to  a  popular  distillery,  made  needful  by  the 
increased  demand  for  spiiituous  and  distilled  liquors.  A  store  was 
opened  in  one  of  the  Caigill  houses.  Some  local  improvements  were 
effected  by  Mr.  Knight,  who  beguiled  his  lonely  hours  in  this  isolated 
valley  by  laying  out  a  "solitary  walk  "  on  the  tongue  of  land  between 
the  (2uinel)aug  and  Mill  Rivers.  The  romantic  beauty  of  this 
sequestered  pathway  was  recognized  by  the  few  residents  of  the 
vicinity,  and  "  Solitaire,"  as  it  was  named,  became  a  favorite  place  of 
resort  for  merry  girls  and  youthful  lovers,  as  well  as  for  lovers  of 
nature.  Captain  Cargill  removed  to  Palmer,  Mass.,  with  his  widowed 
daughter,  Mrs.  Waldo,  and  the  remnant  of  their  families,  but  his 
name  was  long  associated  with  the  mills  and  waterfall. 

Pomfret's  interest  in  military  matters  was  quickened  in  1804  by  the 
promotion  of  Lemuel  Grosvenor  to  the  command  of  the  Fifth  Biigade, 


TUKNPIKE    OPPOSITION,    ETC.  289 

and  of  John  Wilkfs  Chandler  to  that  of  the  acconi])aiiying-  regiment 
of  cavalry.  Major  Chandler  was  a  veiy  popular  officer,  entertaining 
niilitarv  friends  and  his  whole  company  at  his  own  house.  He  was 
also  a  leader  of  the  Republican  party  in  Pomfret,  and  delegate  to 
I'ierpont  Edwanls"  constitutional  convention.  A  large  majority  of  the 
town  were  still  Federalists.  Judge  Grosvenor  held  his  place  in  the 
Probate  office  and  Governor's  Council.  The  Representatives  sent 
during  this  period  were  El)enezer  Kingsbuiy,  Lemuel  Grosvenor,  Evan 
jVIalbone,  Josiah  Sabin,  Sylvanus  Backus,  Benjamin  Durkee  and 
Lemuel  Ligalls. 

Dr.  Waldo  had  passed  away  in  the  i)iime  of  life  and  height  of 
])rofessional  eminence,  and  was  greatly  mourned  "as  a  man  endowed 
by  the  God  of  nature  with  the  most  brilliant  and  distinguished 
abilities,  and  with  a  heart  susceptilile  of  all  those  amiable  and 
benevolent  virtues  which  adorn  the  human  breast."  lie  was  boi-ne  to 
the  grave  by  his  brethi'en  of  the  medical  i)rofession,  in  the  i)resence  of 
his  Masonic  brethren  and  a  great  concourse  of  weeping  friends  and 
admirers.  "A  serious  and  sentimental  discourse"  was  delivered  by 
]Mr.  Dodge,  and  an  •'  ingenious  and  pathetic  eulogy  "  pronounced  by 
Genei-al  McClellan  in  behalf  of  the  Mmsous. 

Tlie  u)onuuieut  erected  by  his  fellow  Masons  bore  the  f()llowing 
inscription  : — 

The  master  wardens  and  brethren 

Of  Moriah  Ludge 

In  testimony   of  their   esteem   and    respect 

For  the  virtues,  talents  and  usefulness 

of  their  late  worthy  brother 

Erect  this  mounmeut 

To  the  memory 

of   Albiiieiice  Waldo,   surgeon. 

Who  attentively  studying  the  works  of  God 

In    the    admirable   frame   of     man 

Kose     to     eminent    distinction 

In  tlie  noble  art  of  healing. 

His    name   was    charity; 

His  actions  Humanity; 

His  intercourse  with  men  benevolence  and  love. 

Born  in  Pomfret,  Feb.  27,  1750. 

Died  20th  Jan.  1794. 

Dr.  Waldo  left  many  scientific  atid  medical  treatises  which  it  was 
hoped  "  would  afibrd  great  light  and  benefit  to  future  ages."  His 
bereaved  widow  made  many  fruitless  effoi'ts  to  publish  a  collection  of 
his  writings.  He  was  succeeded  in  practice  by  one  of  his  own 
pupils  and  townsmen — Thomas,  son  of  Benjamin  Hubbai'd — who 
though  yet  under  age  had  made  such  proficiency  in  medical  studies 
and  had  such  natui-al  aptitude  for  the  profession  as  to  fill  the  position 
with  great  credit  and  usefulness,  and  gain  in  time  a  reputation 
37 


290  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTV. 

surpassing  that  ul'  liis  prcMk'cessnr.  Dr.  Hall  was  also  lield  in  liiLjli 
repute  ahioail  and  at  home,  both  professionally  ami  socially,  aixl  his 
children  as  they  cunie  u[)on  the  staL;e  were  shining-  orn-unents  of  tliat 
polite  and  refined  society  which  so  distinojuished  Poinfret  at  this  day. 
To  this  brilliant  society  was  now  added  Sylvanus  IJackus  of  Plain- 
field,  who  had  opened  a  law  office  on  Poinfret  street  and  was  already 
ranked  among  the  leading  lawyers  of  the  County.  His  wife  was  the 
only  surviving  daughter  of  Dr.  Waldo. 

Among  other  notable  events  of  this  period  Pomfi'et  had  the  excite- 
ment of  tiro  tnurders,  an  extravagant  allowance  for  a  town  of  its  size 
and  calibre.  The  first  was  committed  in  November,  179.3,  by  Aim,  a 
negro  girl  twelve  years  old,  belonging  to  Mr.  Samuel  Clark.  "  Not 
having  the  fear  of  God  before  her  eyes  but  moved  by  the  Devil,"  she 
turned  against  the  little  five-year-old  Martha  Clark  who  had  offended 
her  in  their  play,  and  with  a  sharp  knife  did  so  cut  the  throat  of  the 
child  that  she  died  almost  instantly.  With  remarkable  self-command 
and  cunning,  Ann  herself  rushed  out  and  gave  the  alarm,  calling  to 
Mr.  Clark  that  a  straggler  had  killed  little  Martha.  Tiiis  story  was  at 
first  believed  by  the  distressed  household,  but  suspicious  circumstances 
appealing  a  skillful  cross-examination  elicited  the  truth.  Ann  was 
thereupon  taken  to  Windham  jail,  tried,  convicted  and  sentenced. 
'J'hii  ty-nine  lashes  were  infiicted  ui)on  her  naked  body  and  the  letter 
M  stani[)ed  upon  liei'  hand  for  immediate  punishment,  and  she  was 
confined  for  life  within  the  jail  limits. 

The  second  murder  occurred  in  the  south  projection  of  Abington,  a 
sunny  little  nook  apparently  far  removed  from  the  evils  and  temi)ta- 
tions  of  the  world,  occupied  by  descendants  of  Mr.  John  Sharpe,  and  a 
few  friendly  neighbors.  Among  these  residents  were  lieuben  Shari>e 
and  his  wife  Cynthia,  a  kindly  elderly  pair,  uncle  and  aunt  to  the 
whole  community.  Childless  themselves  they  loved  to  care  for 
homeless  childien,  and  among  the  subjects  of  their  beneficence  was 
Calel)  Adams,  a  motherless  lad  of  weak  intellect  and  morbid  temper, 
who  was  aj)])renticed  to  Mr.  Sharj)e,  and  treated  with  great  kindness. 
When  Caleb  was  about  seventeen  years  old,  Oliver  Woodworth,  a 
ne|)liew  of  Mr.  Sharpe,  came  to  leside  with  him,  a  most  eng;igiiig 
little  fellow,  five  or  six  years  of  age,  who  very  naturally  became  the 
pet  of  the  household.  The  caresses  and  attention  bestowed  upon  the 
child  excited  the  jealousy  of  Caleb,  and  his  S[)leen  was  aggravated  by 
the  pranks  and  tricks  of  the  little  Oliver,  wlio  took  a  childish  delight 
in  teasing  his  surly  comrade.  One  day  when  Caleb  was  pulling  beans 
ill  the  field,  Oliver  came  out  to  him  with  his  sled  and  besought  him  to 
go  with  him  for  grapes,  and  agreed  at  first  to  help  and  wait  for  him, 
but  becoming  weary  ol'  the  work  and  wishing  to  leave,  Caleb  refused 


TRIAL    AND    EXECUTION    OF    CALEB    ADAMS,    ETC.  291 

to  let  him  have  his  sled  and  pat   it  over  the  wall.     Oliver  y'ot  the  sled 

and  brought  it  l)ack,  when   Caleb  took  it  away  and  titiiio-  it  u[)  into  an 

apple-tree,    assuring   the   child    that   if  he    got   it   again    he   would  lie 

son-y  for  it,  whereat  the  little  fellow  sti-aightway  pulled  it  down   and 

doubtless  looked   defiance   at   the   big  boy  who   was  trying  to  master 

him.     Caleb  iuslantly  determined  to  kill  the  child,  and   warily  carried 

out  his  purpose.     Calmly  and   pleasantly  he  offered  to  go  at  once  for 

the    grapes,    and    also    into    the    woods    to    cut    a    sled-tongue.       The 

delighted  boy  went  with   hint  to  the  house,  helped  grind  the  butcher's 

knife  and  carry  the  cord  and  implements  for  his  own   destruction,  and 

prattled    along   to  the   grapevines   and   into  the   deep   woods,   when   a 

blow  from  the  axe  stunned  and  felle'l  hiuL 

"  A  horrid  gash  with  a  hasty  knife 
And  Iheu  the  deed  was  done." 

As  the  little  life  ebbed  away  Calel)'s  senses  came  back  to  him. 
Fi'oni  the  moment  of  "  that  first  fieice  impulse  unto  crime,"  he  had 
thought  of  nothing  but  how  he  should  accomplish  it.  "I  did  not 
think  of  the  consequences  to  myself.  The  devil  led  me  on  till  I  had 
done  it,  and  then  left  me."  He  could  not  even  cany  out  his  design 
of  dressi/ir/  his  victim,  and  hanging  him  up  like  other  butchered 
animals.  His  only  impulse  now  was  to  shriidv  away  from  the  sight 
of  man,  and  he  traveled  off  several  miles  to  a  distant  uncle's  residence. 
Night  brought  no  boys  to  Uncle  Iveul)eii's  hearthstone.  The  neigh- 
bois  were  aroused,  search  made,  the  jiitifid  remains  discovered.  Caleb 
traced  out.  At  first  denying  the  charge  he  was  bi'ought  ere  long  to 
make  confession.  He  was  taken  to  Windham  and  committed  to  jail, 
September  ]o,  1803.  The  affair  excited  the  greatest  intei'est  and 
many  visited  him  in  prison.  The  trial  was  held  September  29.  So 
great  was  the  thi'ong  that  the  court  adjourned  to  the  meetingdiouse. 
There  was  little  oi'  no  doubt  as  to  the  commission  of  the  nuirder  ;  the 
oidy  question  at  issue  was  the  i-esponsibility  of  tlie  murderer.  The  boy 
had  been  tainted  even  before  his  biith.  It  was  "confidently  stated  and 
supported  by  ci'edible  testimony,"  that  six:  months  before  the  birth  of 
Caleb,  his  father  had  bi'ought  into  his  household  a  vile  woman  with 
an  idiot  child  two  years  of  age,  and  that  he  had  ])ersisted  in  keeping 
them  there  to  the  infinite  distress  of  his  neglected  wife,  who  died  with 
grief  when  her  baV)y  was  about  five  months  old.  Within  two  months 
of  her  decease  Mr.  Adams  married  his  paramour,  and  she  hail  charge 
of  the  child  iniiil  her  own  death,  after  which  he  was  ti'undled  about 
to  any  one  who  would  keep  him  for  a  tritie.  It  was  said  that  the 
form  of  his  face  and  the  motions  of  his  body  resembled  those  of  the 
idiot  child  who  had  given  such  distress  to  his  mother,  and  that  he  very 
early    manifested    great    perversity    and    ci  uelty    of    temper,    and    ati 


292  HISTORY    OF    \VIM)FIAM    COUNTY. 

iniiale  ])i'(»])eiisily  to  iiHliiluc  in  lyiii.u'.  stoaliiiii;  and  various  vit-ioiis 
])raclices.  while  tlio  cirfninstaiices  iiiidei'  wliicli  In.'  had  been  phieeil  had 
])roehided  any  couiiteraelinn'  influences  or  suitable  trainin<i^.  But  all 
these  facts  and  the  alleged  insanity  of  his  father,  which  would  seem  to 
indicate  the  unsoundness  of  the  prisoner  .'.nd  plead  for  a  mitigation 
of  sentence,  only  seemed  to  convince  judge  and  jury  of  his  until iiess 
to  live,  and  the  necessity  of  kee[)ing  him  from  fuilher  mischief,  and 
the  suj^ieme  penalty  of  the  law  was  pronounced  against  him.  A 
])etition  in  his  behalf  W'as  sent  to  the  General  Assembly  but  that  body 
declined  to  interfere  with  the  course  of  justice.  As  in  the  case  of 
Elizabeth  Shaw,  very  great  tenderness  and  sym])athy  were  manifested 
for  the  unhappy  criminal,  and  most  earnest  etfoits  made  to  aid  him  in 
pireparing  for  the  great  change.  Mr.  and  Mis.  Sharpe  visitdl  him  in 
prison:  the  latter  in  jiailieular  'Mvas  very  tenderly  atiected  towards 
him  and  treated  him  with  christian  compassion,"  freely  forgiving  him 
and  hoping  that  God  would  also  foigive  him.  His  execution  Novem- 
ber '20,  was  made  a  grand  «cenic  display,  affording  the  highest  satisfac- 
tion to  many  thousands  of  sympathetic  s]jectator8.  Divine  service  was 
performed  on  the  Green  befoie  the  Court  House.  "Caleb  walked  to 
the  place  of  public  worship,  accompanied  by  Sheriff  Abbe  and  the 
attending  clergy,  exhibiting  on  a  sti'ene  countenance  signs  of  deep  and 
solemn  thought.  A  })athetic  and  well  adapted  i^rayer  by  liev.  Mr. 
Nott,  opened  the  service,"  foUoweil  by  a  sermon  ti-om  Rev.  Elijah 
Waterman,  upon  words  taken  from  Luke  xi.  3."): — 7V«/te  /leed,  there- 
fore, that  the  light  that  is  i/i  thee  he.  not  dtirfoiess — a  solemn  and 
appropriate  discourse  \\\)on  tlie  nature  and  power  of  conscience.  The 
request  of  the  prisoner  to  receive  baptism  and  leave  his  ilying  testi- 
mony in  favor  of  the  religion  which  sup])oiteil  him,  was  then  stated, 
and  "  alter  ascending  the  stage  and  making  his  confession  of  faith, 
the  ordinance  was  administered  by  tlie  liev.  Mr.  Lyon,  in  the  presence 
of  thousaiuls  of  solemn  and  (lee))ly  aiVectcd  spectatois.  h\  walking 
thence  to  tlie  place  of  execution,  he  conversed  freely,  and  stated  the 
ground  of  his  hope,  and  the  support  it  gave  him  that  through  Jesus 
Christ  he  slu>uld  find  mercy.  When  coming  in  full  view  of  the 
gallows  he  observed  it  with  a  countenance  unmoved,"  linding  strength 
in  prayer  and  passages  of  Scii[)ture.  Uev.  Moses  C  Welch  thus 
ojiened  Iiis  address,  at  the  place  of  execution  : — 

"We  are  met,  my  friends,  on  one  of  the  most  hiteresting  occasions.  Wc 
are  eome  together  to  see  the  sentence  of  law  execnted  on  one  of  our  fellow- 
ereatnres,  agreeably  to  the  declaration  of  Jehovah :— ItVio  sheddeth  man's 
blood  by  man  shall  his  blood  be  shed.  Here  we  sec  the  instruments  of  death 
prepared.  Here  we  behold  on  the  scallbld  one  bound  for  execution  and 
going  soon,  even  in  a  few  moments,  into  the  world  of  spirits,  and  to  the  bar 
of  Jesus.  While  our  minds  are  much  atfected  with  the  awful  spectacle  it  may 
be  interesting  to  our  feelings,  it  may  be   protitable   to  us,  to  hear  a  few  facts 


(GENERAL    AFFAIRS    IN    ASHFORD,   ETC.  293 

concerning  the  prisoner's  life  witli  some  reflections  and  remarlvs.  This,  at 
his  request,  I  shall  now  attempt,  not  so  much  to  gratify  your  curiosity  as  to 
do  good  to  my  fellow  sinners." 

IJefore  and  at  the  close  of  tills  address  "  Calelj  kneeled  and  prayed 
with  composure  and  in  words  well  suited  to  convey  his  feelings  and 
desires,  that  he  might  obtain  mercy  and  lind  forgiveness  of  sins 
through  Chiist — that  he  might  be  su|)ported  in  the  trying  moment — 
that  all  might  be  tbi'  the  glory  of  (Jod,  and  particularly  that  the 
people  might  take  warning  by  his  end  and  forsake  the  ways  of  sin." 
The  Kev.  Mr.  Lyon,  his  i)astor  from  Abington,  "then  addressed  the 
Throne  of  Grace  in  language  the  most  interesting  and  aifectionate — 
at  the  close  of  which  the  ciiminal  was  launched  into  eternity."  The 
tendei'-hearted  shei'ift"  burst  into  tears  after  performing  his  most  {)ain- 
ful  office,  and  a  most  deep  and  solemn  impi'ession  was  left  upon  all 
who  had  witnessed  the  scene. 


YIL 

GENERAL    AFFAIRS    IN    ASflFORD.     VISIT    FROM    PRESIDENT 
WxVSHINGTON.     TURNPIKE  ENTERPRISE.     DAVID  BOLLES 
AND      THE      BAPTIST     PETITION.        CONGREGA- 
TIONAL   AND    BAPTIST    CHURCHES. 

ASIlFOIiD  was  still  prominent  among  Wimlham  County  town- 
ships, its  citizens  expressing  their  views  upon  all  public  ques- 
tions and  healing  their  part  of  all  public  burdens.  Captain  Benjamin 
Sumnei-  was  still  at  the  head  of  town  affairs,  and  sometimes  designated 
as  Kiucj  of  Eastford  Pai-ish.  Josias  Biles  in  1780  succeeded  Isaac 
Perkins  as  town  clerk  and  treasm-er.  Selectmen  in  1783  were 
Esquire  Perkins,  Captain  Reuben  Marcy,  Captain  David  Bolles,  Lieut. 
John  Warren,  Edward  Sumner:  constables  and  collectors,  David 
Brown,  Jed.  Ward,  Ebenezer  Bos  worth,  Cai)tain  Ebenezer  Mason  ; 
highway  surveyors,  Ephraim  Lyon,  Joshua  Kendall,  Ephi-aim 
Spalding,  Amasa  Watkins,  Jacob  Chai»man,  Tiiomas  Ewing,  .Toiiathan 
Chatlee,  Timothy  Babcock,  Isaac  Kendall,  Captain  Samuel  Smith, 
Medina  Preston,  Jolm  Loomis,  Ei)hraim  Walker,  Stephen  Snow  ; 
grand-jurors,  Medina  Preston,  Samuel  Spring,  Abel  Simmons,  Deacon 
Chapman,  Josias  Biles.  The  selectmen  were  "  desii-ed  and  impowered 
to  provide  for  the  town  a  suitable  liouse  for  the  reception  of  idle, 
lazy  and  impotent  persons,  and  the  same  employ  at  work  in  said 
house,  and  appoint  an  overseer,  and  the  same  supply  with  necessaries 
at  the  town's  expense."  Esquire  Clark,  Doctor  Huntington  and 
Ensign  Lyon  were  directed  to  look  after  schools. 


294  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

The  fi/ror  for  einii^^ratioii  that  brc^ke  out  so  violently  after  the  return 
of  peace  carried  away  many  of  Ashfotd's  valued  citizens.  Captain 
James  Dana  removed  with  his  family  to  Schoharie  C'ounty,  New 
York.  Major  John  Keyes.  his  comrade  in  arms  and  many  a  gallant 
exploit — appointed  in  1786  to  the  hi^'h  position  of  adjutant-general  of 
Connecticut  militia, — stepped  ovei"  the  line  into  Scotland.  The 
excellent  Di'.  Huntington,  so  useful  in  church  and  town,  removed  to 
Can.-ian,  Conn.,  and  many  other  sterling  families  sought  Vermont, 
New  York  and  opening  regions  westward.  Among  the  gains  of  the 
town  were  Dr.  Andrew  Huntington  of  Gi'iswold,  who  took  the  place 
of  his  relative  in  Westford,  Jonathan  Nichols  of  Thompson,  Abner 
Richmond  of  Woodstock,  James  Trowbridge  of  Pomfret,  Isaac 
Perkins  of  Mrmsfield,  whose  wife  was  daughter  of  Deacon  Benjamin 
Chaplin.  Lieut.  Daniel  Knowlton,  Captain  Marcy.  and  many  other 
vetei'ans  who  had  served  through  the  war,  remained  in  Ashford, 
actively  interested  in  military  and  public  affairs.  The  formei',  who 
had  suffered  so  severely  in  imprisonment,  was  especially  noted  for 
fervent  affection  for  his  own  country  and  a  corresponding  hatred  for 
all  whom  he  deemed  its  enemies.  He  could  never  forget  his  sufferings 
in  the  old  church  and  the  Jersen  prison  ship,  and  was  most  inveterate 
in  his  resentments  towards  anytliing  that  bore  the  name  of  Briton. 
He  was  accustomed  to  attend  woi'ship  with  the  Congregational  church 
in  Westford  till  one  Sabbath  when  the  minister  read  a  hymn,  having 
for  its  refi'ain,  "(-rive  Britain  praise."  l>ieut.  Knowlton  immediately 
rose  up  in  his  seat  and  refpiested  that  this  hymn  should  be  omitted 
and  some  other  sung  in  its  stead,  but  the  minister  paiil  no  attention 
to  his  request,  and  the  choir  beginning  to  sing,  the  old  soldier 
niaiched  deliberately  out  of  the  meeting-house,  declaring  he  could 
not  worship  with  a  congi-egation  that  <j(ii^e  liritain  praise  in 
anything,  and  never  entered  it  again. 

These  old  sohliers  must  have  been  very  especially  interested  in  that 
most  notable  event  of  Ashfbrd's  history — a  Sabbath-day's  visit  from 
General  Washington  and  his  suite  on  their  return  froni  the 
Presidential  tour  of  1789.  licaving  Uxbridge  before  sunrise,  Satur- 
day, November  7,  they  breakfasted  at  a  tavern  kept  by  "■  one  Jacobs," 
in  Thompson — the  well-known  "half-way  house"  between  Boston  and 
Hartfoi'd — and  thence  proceeded  on  the  roarl  to  Pomfret.  Major 
Jackson  and  Pi-ivate  Secretary  Lear  occupied  the  state  carriage  with 
tlie  President,  and  four  servants  followed  on  liorseback,  a  goodly 
cortege  indeed,  and  one  that  would  have  gladtlened  the  eyes  of 
hundreds  of  devoted  adherents  and  admiiers,  but  that  unfortunately  in 
that  pre-telegraphic  day  none  knew  in  advance  of  its  coming,  and  only 
here  and  there  a  l)ewildei'ed  citizen  caught  an  imperfect  glimpse  of  his 


YISIT    FROM    PRESIDENT    WASHINGTON,    ETC.  205 

Country's  IkjiioixhI  Fntiier.  At  Grosvei)Oi''s,  in  P(jmfrt't,  tliey  paused 
fur  I'est  and  i-eiVeslinient,  and  tu  inquire  for  General  Putnam,  wlioni 
Wasliington  liad  hoped  to  see  liere  and  which  indeed  iiad  been  one 
of  his  indueenients  for  eominu-  tliis  road,  but  tindiny  tliat  he  li\'ed  five 
miles  away  and  that  he  could  not  call  u])on  him  witliout  deranging  his 
plan  and  delayini;-  liis  journey,  he  continued  on  the  main  road,  n\)  and 
down  loiii;'  hills  some  eight  miles  farther  to  ''  Perkins'  tavern  in 
Ashford,"  where  he  "rested  on  the  Sabbath-day  according  to 
commandment."  The  host  and  hostess,  taken  unawaies,  (h)ubtless  did 
their  best  to  accommodate  their  illustrious  visitor,  but  to  their  lasting 
discredit  the  truth-telling  President  recoi'ds  that  the  tavern  "  is  not  a 
good  oney  Tradition  gives  few  details  or  incidents  of  this  visit. 
Washington  is  said  to  have  attended  church,  occupying  the  most 
honored  seat  in  the  house  of  worship,  and  ls\\\  Pond  and  the  town 
otficials  doubtless  paid  their  respects,  but  the  Sabbath-keeping 
etiquette  of  the  time  did  not  permit  any  formal  demonstration,  and  he 
was  pi'obably  allowed  to  s|)eud  the  day  in  peace  and  quiet  after  his 
own  fashion.  The  citizens  of  Windham  town  were  greatly  mortified 
and  annoyed  that  Washington  instead  of  coming  to  their  town,  and 
giving  them  the  opportunity  to  manifest  their  patriotic  enthusiasm, 
should  have  "gone  back  and  stole  away  from  y''  people,  going  by  a 
by-road  through  Ashford  to  avoid  pomp  and  parade."  Ur.  C\)gswell 
also  reports  the  accompanying  visitation  of  a  remarkable  epidemic 
that  followed  the  course  of  the  President  fi'om  New  York  to  Boston, 
and  all  around  the  country,  "  even  making  many  crazy  " — a  violent 
influenza  which  by  curious  coincidence  has  followed  the  footsteps  of 
many  less  illustiious  successoi'S. 

Ashfoi'd  was  gieatly  interested  in  the  improvement  of  those  public 
thoroughfares  to  which  she  owed  so  much  of  her  prosperity  and 
standing.  William,  son  of  Isaac  Perkins,  her  fii-st  ])racticing  attorney, 
was  made  in  1705,  agent  for  the  town  in  all  road  cases.  A  conunittee 
was  ajtpointed  to  treat  with  General  Newell  respecting  the  road  by  his 
mills  in  the  north  part  of  the  town.  Captain  Ward,  Lieut.  Josei)h 
Burnham,  Major  Smith  and  Asa  Howe  were  also  appointed  to  wait 
upon  the  committee  sent  by  the  Assembly  "to  lay  out  a  highway 
from  East  Hartford  to  Massachusetts,  or  Rhode  Island  line."  Tlie 
Boston  Turnpike  Company  was  incorporated  in  1797,  and  within  two 
or  three  years  tlie  great  Boston  and  Hartford  Turnpike,  running 
through  Maiistield,  Ashford,  Pomfret  and  Thompson,  was  completed 
and  opened  to  the  public.  James  Gordon,  Shubael  Abbe  and 
Ebenezer  Devotion  were  appointed  to  oversee  repairs,  gates  and 
collections  upon  this  road.  About  half  a  mile  east  of  Ashford 
village   this    road  connected  with  another   great  turnpike  leading  to 


296  HISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

]'rovideiice,  coiistnieled  a  few  years  laler  by  the  (/oiiiiet'ticnt  ami 
Kliude  Island  Turnpike  Company.  Unlike  some  other  towns  .\slitoid 
made  no  opi)Osilion  to  tliese  improvements,  but  willingly  jiaid  tlie 
needful  impost  to  gain  better  accommodations  and  increased  travel. 
Daily  stages  passiiig  to  and  fro  (jver  these  roads  made  the  tinvn  very 
livelv-  Chaises  and  othei-  vehicles  were  coming  into  vogue.  A  large 
amount  of  freiglit  was  carried  over  the  turnpikes.  Tlie  numei-ous 
taverns  needed  to  supply  the  wants  oi  travelers  and  teamsters,  were 
kept  by  Jed.  Fay,  Benjamin  Clark,  Isaac  I'eikins,  Josiah  Ward, 
William  Snow,  Josiah  Converse,  Stephen  Snow,  Samuel  Sjjring. 

In  1803,  Ashford  was  accommodated  with  its  first  post-office,  David 
Bolles,  Jun.,  postmaster.  Mi'.  Bolles  after  studying  medicine  for  a 
time  had  turned  his  attention  to  law.  and  was  now  successfully  com- 
peting with  Esquire  Perkins  in  legal  practice.  lie  was  in  high  favor 
with  what  were  called  "  tlie  Sectaries "  of  Ashford  and  neighboring 
towns,  by  his  open  and  uncompromising  opposition  to  any  ta.xatiou 
for  support  of  public  woi'ship,  and  the  religious  (yonstitution  of  Con- 
necticut. A  little  fellow  of  six  years  old,  he  had  stood  by  his  mother's 
side  when  lier  precious  pewter  was  taken  by  the  collector  and  caiiied 
to  the  town  post  to  pay  a  "  priest  tax,"  and  hei'  tears  and  unavailing 
remonstrances  had  such  an  eflect  upon  his  childish  mind  that  he  then 
and  there  resolved  that  if  he  grew  up  to  be  a  man  he  would  fight 
those  laws  that  had  caused  her  such  disti-ess — a  purpose  wliich  was 
still  farther  stiengthened  by  surrounding  influences  and  later  de- 
velopments. With  tongue  and  pen  he  kept  this  childish  vow  and 
became  one  of  the  "  foiemost  champions "  of  the  Baptist  cause, 
"  defending  them  in  pamphlets  of  his  own,  issued  at  the  expense  of 
himself  or  his  friends."  He  was  an  earnest  advocate  for  the  celebrated 
"  Baptist  Petition  for  the  Removal  of  Keligious  Restrictions,"  which 
was  circulated  thioughout  the  State  in  1802,  obtaining  many  thousand 
sio-natures,  and  was  one  of  the  committee  which  laid  it  before  the 
General  Assembly.  Much  merriment  was  excited  by  tlie  i)resentatiou 
of  this  petition.  "  Some  called  him  fool  ;  some  mad,"  to  think  of 
overthrowing  a  system  so  thoroughly  incorporated  and  so  strongly 
intrenched.  The  Assembly,  however,  willing  to  examine  its  merits, 
referred  the  petition  to  a  committee  of  eighteen  members  from  the 
two  Houses,  to  inquire  and  report.  It  was  said  that  Oliver  Ells- 
worth, chairman  of  the  committee,  "  as  he  received  the  petition  imme- 
diately threw  it  under  tlie  table,  and  putting  his  foot  upon  it,  said, 
'There  is  where  it  belongs.'"  Several  of  the  committee  were 
suffered  to  be  its  advocates,  and  it  was  thoroughly  canvassed  and  dis- 
cussed until  "every  gentleman  professed  himself  entirely  satisfied  that 
there    was    no   giound   of    complaint    which    this    Legislature    could 


TURNPIKE    ENTERPRISE,    ETC.  297 

remove,  except  John  T.  Peters,  Esq.,  who  declared  that  nothing 
short  of  an  entire  repeal  of  the  laws  for  the  support  of  religion  would 
accord  with  his  views  " — a  declaration  that  was  doubtless  viewed  as 
the  height  of  presumptuous  absurdity.  Their  report  that  the 
request  was  unnecessary,  was  accepted  by  both  Houses  without  divi- 
sion and  it  was  triumphantly  believed  that  the  troublesome  question 
had  been  forever  dismissed.  A  shrewd  old  Baptist  Elder  present 
told  Mr.  Bolles  not  to  be  discouraged : — "  Let  them  talk  as  they  will, 
you'll  upset  their  dish  yet." 

David  Bolles,  Sen.,  though  now  advancing  in  years  was  still  abund- 
ant in  labors.  In  1797,  he  was  ordained  as  an  Evangelist  by  the 
Stonington  Baptist  Association.  In  1801,  he  accepted  the  call  of  the 
First  Baptist  Church  in  Hartford,  and  for  two  years  officiated  as  its 
pastoi',  and  was  then  dismissed  at  his  own  request,  preferring  to  live 
in  the  countiy  and  preach  without  charge  to  destitute  churches  in  the 
vicinity  of  his  old  home.  His  son  Lucius  was  graduated  from  Brown 
University  in  1801,  and  after  studying  three  years  with  Dr.  Stillman  of 
Boston,  was  installed  pastoi-  of  the  newly  formed  Baptist  Church  in 
Salem.  Among  Dartmouth  graduates  of  this  date  were  Asa  Carpenter 
of  Eastford,  who  settled  as  a  Congregational  minister  in  Penfield,  and 
Tower  Whiton  of  Westford,  who  taught  to  good  acceptance  in  Plain- 
field  and  otlier  academies.  Other  sons  of  Elder  Bolles  engaged  for  a 
time  in  business  in  their  own  town.  Mr.  Richmond  and  his  sons 
carried  on  shoe  manufacture  and  other  business  enterprises  in  West- 
ford.  Mills  for  grinding  and  sawing,  taimeries  and  distilleries,  were 
active  in  various  parts  of  the  town.  Dr.  Nehemiah  Howe  attended  to 
his  patients  and  took  a  prominent  part  in  town  management,  opening 
his  office  for  public  deliberations  when  the  meeting-liouse  was  too  cold 
for  comfort.  A  second  Dr.  Palmer  shared  the  practice  of  his  father. 
The  usual  representatives  of  the  town  at  this  date  were  William 
Walker,  Abel  Simmons,  Jun.,  Josias  Biles  and  John  Palmer.  The 
election  of  Mr.  Jason  Woodward,  who  chanced  to  gain  the  vote  in 
1802,  was  contested  upon  the  ground  that  he  had  obtained  it  "by 
distributing  liquor;  had  treated  the  selectmen  with  four  bowls  of 
sling,  and  given  to  the  people  about  his  store  four  bottles  of  liquor,'' 
but  fortunately  for  the  honor  of  the  town  "  the  charges  were  not 
supported." 

After  the  lamented  death  of  Rev.  James  Messenger,  the  First 
church  of  Ashford  remained  for  seven  years  without  a  stated  pastor 
when  it  happily  united  in  the  choice  of  Enoch  Pond  of  W^rentham,  a 
graduate  of  Brown  University,  who,  after  a  varied  experience  as  a 
soldier  and  school-teacher,  had  turned  his  thoughts  to  the  ministry, 
studied  theology  under  the  celebrated  Dr.  Emmons,  and  was  ordained 
88 


298  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

and  installed  over  the  ehurcli  in  A.-hfoi'd,  September  16,  1TS9.  Pos- 
sessing unusual  ability  and  cultivation,  he  gained  great  intluenee 
over  his  people  and  enjoyed  an  harmonious  pastorate.  El)enezer 
Mason  and  Isaac  Perkins,  Esq.,  were  chosen  deacons  the  same  year, 
and  upon  the  deatli  of  tlie  latter  in  179.5,  were  succeeded  by  ]\Iatthew 
Read  and  David  Brown.  The  old  meeting-house  after  seventy  years' 
occupation  was  now  enlarged  and  thoroughly  repaired  ;  the  practice 
of  admitting  ba])tized  persons  to  certain  church  ])rivileges  abolished 
by  vote  of  the  churcli.  A  revival  of  religious  interest  soon  followed 
the  settlement  of  Mr.  Pond,  and  some  sixty  were  added  to  tlie  church. 
Two  gifted  young  men  were  fitted  by  Mr.  Pond  for  the  ministry, 
Daniel  and  Ilendrick  Dow,  though  the  latter,  no  less  versatile  than 
brilliant,  left  the  pulpit  for  the  bar. 

The  Eastford  church  maintained  its  high  standing  in  doctrine  and 
discipline.     At  a  church  meeting,  November  22,  1782,  voted: — 

"I.  That  we  will  admit  none  to  the  privilege  of  baptism  for  themselves  or 
seed  but  those  who  join  in  full  communion. 

II.  Thai  we  esteem  conversion  necessary  in  order  to  right  communion — 
therefore  agree,  that  we  will  receive  none  to  our  holy  fellowship,  but  those 
that  make  such  a  profession. 

III.  That  those  who  belong  to  other  churches  and  by  letters  dismissive  and 
recommendatory  ofl'er  themselves  to  join  with  us,  shall  prior  to  their  admis- 
sion submit  themselves  to  examination,  and  make  profession  to  our  personal 
satisfaction. 

IV.  That  those  who  remove  from  a  distance  and  reside  among  us  to  whose 
faith  and  profession  we  are  strangers,  shall  remove;  their  relation  with  us 
when  desired,  or  by  letters  recommendatory  certify  their  good  and  regular 
standing  elsewhere — otherwise  be  denied  the  privilege  of  communion."' 

Deacons  Sumner  and  Perrin,  and  Caj)tnin  Jolni  Works,  were  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  assist  in  discijiline.  A  very  serious  difficulty 
with  a  ]»rominent  church  member  was  happily  adjusted  by  an  advisory 
council,  but  an  erring  sister  was  found  guilty  "  of  a  breach  of  the 
eighth  and  ninth  commandments,"  and  debarred  from  church  privileges. 

After  the  close  of  the  war  the  society  was  able  to  glaze  the  meeting- 
house, also  to  build  the  body  of  seats  below,  a  breastwork  and  seats 
around  the  gallery,  and  provide  hinges  and  bolts  for  the  north  door, 
and  hang  it.  "Eight  queristers"  were  installed  in  service  with  liberty 
to  regulate  the  seating  of  the  singers.  An  effort  was  made  to  do 
something  for  the  more  comfortable  support  of  Mr.  Judson.  The 
prosperity  of  church  and  society  was  somewhat  checked  by  the  increas 
ing  infirmity  of  their  pastor,  who  was  atfiicted  with  a  hypochondriac 
melancholy,  that  at  times  incapacitated  him  for  ])ublic  seivice. 
In  1791,  the  society  voted  not  to  have  preaching  for  the  summer, 
and  to  i)etition  the  Honorable  Association  of  the  County  to  supply  the 
pulpit  for  the  year  ensuing.  Two  years  later,  INIr.  Pond  was  solicited 
to  prepare  a  memorial  to  the  Association  for  their  assistance  in  preach- 


DAVID    BOLLES    AND    THE    BAPTIST    PETITION,    ETC.  299 

ing,  and  a  committee  appointed  "to  hire  ]>i'eaohing  eleven  Sabbaths,  if 
thei-e  be  money  enough."  Tlie  malady  increasing  upon  him,  iVIr. 
Judson  mistrusted  his  ability  to  serve  liis  ]>eople  efficiently,  and  again 
and  again  asked  their  advice  and  dismission.  Many  councils  were 
called  but  none  thought  best  to  dissolve  the  pastoral  relation.  Church 
and  people  exercised  much  kindness  and  patience  under  this  heavy 
trial  and  labored  in  every  way  to  aid  and  cheer  their  despondent 
pastor.  In  1798,  voted  that  their  reverend  pastor  shall  at  his  request 
have  liberty  to  ride  for  his  health,  and  be  absent  for  the  term  of  one 
year,  he  giving  U[)  his  salary  daring  his  absence — or  return  sooner  if 
convenient.  Samuel  Sumner  was  chosen  deacon  in  the  room  of  Deacon 
Sumner,  Esq..  and  Noah  Paine,  Samuel  Sumner  and  James  Trow- 
bridge, appointed  in  addition  to  the  pastor  "  to  attend  and  execute  the 
watch  and  discipline  of  y*^  church."  Noah  Paine  had  been  chosen 
deacon  some  years  previous.  Josiah  Spalding,  first  clerk  and  treasurer 
of  the  society,  was  succeeded  in  1 795  by  Alexander  Work.  Ezek 
Preston  succeeded  Abiel  Simmons  as  collector  of  taxes.  Mr.  Judson 
with  all  his  mental  and  bodily  infirmities  continued  in  charge  till  his 
death,  November  15,  1804,  and  was  aided  in  his  later  years  by  his  son, 
John  W.  Judson,  himself  an  invalid,  and  soon  following  his  father. 
The  society  with  its  accustomed  consideration  voted  "  to  continue  Mr. 
Judson's  salary  to  the  bereaved  widow."  An  effort  was  now  made  to 
raise  a  fund  for  the  purpose  of  supporting  the  Gospel.  The  preaching  of 
Mr.  Allen  was  very  satisfactory  to  the  society  but  they  were  unable  to 
retain  him.  Andrew  T.  Judson,  youngest  son  of  the  deceased  pastor, 
served  as  clei-k  of  the  society,  while  pursuing  legal  studies.  He  after- 
wards settled  in  Canterbury.  One  of  the  first  young  men  who  went 
out  from  Eastford  Parish  was  Solomon,  son  of  Josiah  Spalding,  who 
was  graduated  from  Dartmouth  in  1785.  He  read  law  for  a  time 
with  Zephaniah  Swift,  but  experienced  a  change  in  his  religious  views 
which  led  him  to  turn  his  thoughts  to  the  ministry.  He  preached  for 
a  time  in  Cherry  Valley,  New  York,  and  then  removed  to  Ohio. 
Failing  in  healtli,  lie  amused  himself  by  writing  an  imaginary  narrative 
of  the  wanderings  of  the  Children  of  Israel  across  Behring's  Straits  to 
America,  which,  after  his  decease,  was  borrowed  by  Joseph  Smith,  and 
is  said  to  have  served  as  a  foundation  for  the  Mormon  Bible. 

Westford  Society,  in  1783,  consented  to  the  dismission  of  Rev. 
Elisha  Huntington,  in  consideration  of  his  low  state  of  bodily  health 
and  insufficient  salaiy.  After  the  usual  interim  he  was  succeeded  by 
Mr.  William  Storrs  of  Mansfield,  who  accepted  a  hundred  pounds  paid 
in  building  materials,  neat  stock,  sheep  fatted,  pork,  butter  and  cheese 
in  lieu  of  the  customary  farm.  Mr.  Storrs  was  ordained  and  installed 
November  10,  1790,  and  continued  for  many  years  to  administer  the 


300  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

ministerial  office  in  Westford  to  the  groat  satisfaction  of  all — "  a  man 
of  jieace,"  piety  and  wisdom,  much  respected  in  the  community  and 
ministerial  association. 

A  Baptist  church  was  formed  in  this  parish  "in  the  glorious  year 
1780,"  through  the  instrumentality  to  a  great  degi-ee  of  Mr.  John 
IJathburii,  who  had  removed  from  Stonington  to  this  vicinity,  and  was 
ordained  as  its  pastor,  March  15,  1781.  A  membership  of  fifty-four 
was  reported  by  B;  ckus  in  1795. 

The  Knowlton  church,  after  some  bickering  with  its  pastoi-.  Elder 
Ebenezer  Lamson,  with  regard  to  the  office  work  of  deacon,  and  the 
manner  of  supporting  ministers,  (tlie  Elder  maintaining  the  strict 
Scriptural  view  that  the  deacons  should  literally  supply  the  table  of 
the  minister),  consented  to  his  peaceable  dismission  in  November, 
1782,  recommending  him  to  the  churches  as  a  faithful  gospel  preacher. 
But  upon  review  and  reconsideration  it  decided  that  it  had 
contributed  v^ell  towards  his  support  and  fulfilled  its  agreement,  and 
as  Elder  Lamson  maintained  the  contrary,  tlie  church  now  confessed 
that  it  had  do-iie  vrong  in  giving  him  any  recommendation  and  sent 
him  and  his  wife  "a  gentle  admonition."  This  affiur  led  to  mutual 
recriminations  and  councils,  and  doubtless  hindered  the  church  in 
securing  another  pastor.  In  1786,  both  church  and  society  united  in 
choice  of  Mr.  Robert  Nesbet,  and,  as  farther  encouragement,  made 
effort  to  finish  their  meeting-house  and  purchase  a  farm  for  the  use 
of  the  minister.  Zebulon  Marcy,  Samuel  Brayton  and  Abraham 
Knowlton  were  appointed  committee  to  lay  out  pew  ground. 
"  Glazing  the  windows,"  delayed  by  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  glass 
during  the  war,  w^as  now  ordered.  Ebenezer  Walker,  Thomas 
Knowlton  and  James  Weston  were  ordered  to  look  out  for  a 
ministerial  lot,  and  Abraham  and  Daniel  Knowlton  and  Samuel 
Johnson,  "to  draft  subscription  paper  for  the  purpose  of  purchasing 
a  farm  and  making  assessments," — subscribers  agreeing  "  to  i)urchase 
a  farm  for  the  use  and  improvement  of  a  gospel  minister  for  and 
viuder  the  control  of  the  Baptist  church  and  society  of  xVshford,  said 
farm  not  to  be  disposed  of  for  any  other  use — avails  of  farm  to  be 
restored  to  heirs  of  purchasers  if  not  used  for  that  purpose."  Some 
fifty  persons  assisted  in  this  purchase,  in  sums  langing  from  one 
shilling  to  over  thirty  pounds,  Abiaham  Knowlton  contributing  tlie 
largest  amount.  While  making  these  arrangements  a  formal  call  was 
extended  to  Mr.  Nesbet,  October  8,  1787 — Elnathan  Brigham,  Deacon 
Hanks  and  Thomas  Knowlton,  committee — but  just  at  this  juncture 
the  church  was  called  to  labor  respecting  the  former  difficulties  with 
Elder  Lamson,  and  possibly  on  this  account  he  thus  curtly  declined : — 


DAVID    BOLLES    AND    THE    BAPTIST    PETITION,    ETC.  301 

"  To  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Clirist  at  Ashford,  frreethig.  You  was 
pleased  to  give  me  a  call  to  the  ministry,  but  upon  serious  sercli,  circum- 
stances on  my  part  forbid  it.     Farewell. 

From  your  bumble  servant,  Robert  Nesbet." 

After  some  years'  labor  the  church  removed  the  admonition  from 
their  former  pastor  and  proceeded,  in  1791,  "to  take  a  deed  of  Mr. 
Benjamin  Hanks  of  his  farm  in  behalf  of  the  church  for  the  use  of 
ministers."  Elder  Dyer  Stark  now  manifested  a  freedom  in  adminis- 
tering special  ordinances.  September  12,  1793,  Elder  Stark  was 
requested  "  to  administer  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel  so  long  as  he 
continues  to  reside  amongst  us."  The  society  at  the  same  time  agreed 
to  allow  Elder  Stark  the  improvement  of  the  ministerial  farm  on 
which  he  then  dwelt,  so  long  as  there  was  agreement  between  him 
and  the  church  and  society.  It  also  voted,  to  admit  new  proprietors 
in  the  bettering  the  farm  by  fencing  or  walling.  Elder  Stark's 
ministry  was  blessed  to  the  building  up  of  the  church  wliich  under 
previous  broken  administrations  had  made  little  advancement.  A 
number  of  its  members,  viz.  Deacons  Knowlton  and  Hanks,  and 
brethren  Thomas  Knowlton,  Samuel  Johnson,  Elias  Demick,  Isaac 
Abbe,  Moses  Sibley,  Azariah  Hanks,  John  Utle}^  Jonathan  and 
Abiaham  Weston  and  Chester  Main,  were  allowed  the  impiovement 
of  their  gifts  in  public  prayer  and  exhortations.  In  1798  the  church 
was  again  destitute  of  a  pastor  and  chiefly  occupied  in  dealing  with 
refractory  members.  In  1800,  an  effort  was  made  to  complete  the 
untiiiished  meeting-house,  a  plat  made  and  pew  spots  sold  at  auction, 
but  ere  the  work  was  commenced  the  house  was  destroyed  by  fire, 
kindled  it  was  suspected  by  a  dissatisfied  bidder.  Elder  Solomon 
Wheat  had  then  been  engaged  to  preach  for  a  season,  and  stimulated 
by  his  presence  the  society  promptly  arranged  to  build  a  new  house  on 
the  site  of  the  old  one,  Stephen  Eldridge  agreeing  to  build  and  finish 
the  same  for  the  sum  of  $1,330.  Previous  bidders  were  allowed 
pews  in  similar  locations  in  the  new  building,  provided  "  they  paid 
theii-  bid."  Failing  to  secure  permission  for  a  lottery,  the  lacking 
funds  were  made  up  by  an  assessment,  and  after  so  many  years  of 
delay  and  eifort  the  "Knowlton  meeting-house"  was  completed  in 
1802 — a  convenient  and  comfortable  edifice  for  the  times,  with  large, 
square  pews  and  lofty,  capacious  pulpit.  Provided  with  a  satisfactory 
house  for  public  worship,  and  a  suitable  home  for  its  minister,  the 
First  Baptist  Church  in  Ashford  enjoyed  a  good  degree  of  prosperity 
for  many  years,  though  its  remote  and  inconvenient  location  was 
unfavorable  to  extended  growth.  Elder  Wheat  was  succeeded  in 
1806,  after  a  short  interval  of  change  and  trial,  by  Frederic 
Wightman  of  Warwick,  R.  I.  "  The  duty  of  all  men  to  worship 
God,"  and    distance   from    existing     places    of    worship,    led    to   the 


302  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

formation  of  otlier  Baptist  churches  in  Ashford  during  this  period.  A 
third  Baptist  church  was  organized  within  the  limits  of  Eastford 
Parish,  and  Mr.  Daniel  Bolton  ordained  therein,  June  27,  1792. 
Residents  in  Al>ington  also  united  with  this  church,  but  owing  to  tlie 
rise  of  Methodism  and  the  vicinity  of  other  Baptist  churches,  it  did 
not  gain  a  permanent  standing.  A  membership  of  thirty-eight  was 
reported  in  1795.  In  1801,  they  had  become  so  weakened  as  to 
unite  with  the  Second  Baptist  church  of  Woodstock  as  a  branch, 
rcseiving  the  privilege  of  resuming  their  former  independency  if  it 
should  be  expedient. 

In  the  northeast  corner  of  Ashford,  known  appropriately  as 
Nortliford,  seven  men  oiganized  as  a  Baptist  society,  November  11, 
1793,  and  pledged  themselves  to  liuild  a  house  of  worship  and  support 
a  religious  teacher.  "  In  the  winter  following  the  Lord  put  it  into 
the  hearts  of  his  people  to  set  up  conference  meetings,"  and  upon 
relating  to  each  otlier  the  wonderful  dealings  of  God  with  their  souls, 
and  discussing  the  rules,  oi'der  and  discipline  of  a  church  of  Christ, 
tliey  found  such  "  a  good  measure  of  harmony  and  agreement,  as  to 
encourage  them  to  organize  as  a  church."  A  council  consisting  of 
pastors  and  delegates  from  the  three  Ashford  churches  and  the  First 
Baptist  of  Woodstock  convened  for  this  purpose,  November  5,  1794, 
but  upon  examination  it  was  found  that  those  who  had  called  the 
council  had  neglected  to  obtain  letters  of  dismission  from  the 
churches  to  which  they  belonged.  But  the  brethren  were  not  to  be 
frustrated  in  their  design.  Six  new  converts  came  forward  asking 
church  privileges,  were  baptized  that  day  by  Elder  Daniel  Bolton, 
and  with  one  brother  who  was  furnislied  with  a  letter,  ''were 
recognized  as  the  Fourth  Baptist  church  of  Asliford."  The  good 
brethren  who  had  instituted  this  worship  were  soon  added  to  their 
number,  and  Elder  Bolton,  retained  as  their  pastor,  also  brought  a 
letter  from  the  cliurch  in  Willjraham,  ]\Iass.  The  meeting-house  was 
used  for  public  services,  though  not  completed  for  several  years.  A 
sufticient  support  was  provided  for  the  i^astor,  who  also  wrought  with 
his  own  hands  that  he  might  be  less  chargeable  to  the  brethren. 
Though  few  in  numbers  and  far  remote  from  the  busy  world,  this 
church  enjoyed  uncommon  grace  and  harmony  and  exercised  a  most 
beneficial  influence  upon  the  community.  Pastor  and  delegates  were 
present  at  the  organization  of  the  Sturbridge  Association  and  ffuthfully 
retained  relation  with  that  body.  Ephraim  Howard  and  Joseph 
Burly  served  successively  as  clerks,  and  also  as  deacons.  Elder 
Bolton  administered  the  pastorate  till  1806,  to  the  great  acceptance  of 
all,  and  his  name  adhered  to  the  meeting-house  long  after  his  removal 
to  distant  fields. 


CONGREGATIONAL    AND    BAPTIST    CHURCHES,    ETC.  303 

Methodism  also  gained  adherents  in  Ashtbrd.  Early  itinerants  pass- 
ing over  its  convenient  thorouglifares  tarried  to  preach  the  word 
wherever  they  could  find  a  hearing.  Elder  David  Bolles,  ever  ready 
to  fraternize  with  all  good  christians  outside  "  the  Standing  Order,'' 
opened  his  house  and  heart  to  these  zealous  preachers.  Soon  they  were 
allowed  to  hold  meetings  in  the  village  school-house.  Young  Mr. 
Mumtbrd,  who  had  just  started  business  in  this  vicinity,  had  his 
curiosity  so  excited  by  the  stories  brought  back  from  Hartford  by 
terrified  town  deputies  of  the  disgraceful  character  and  conduct  of 
these  Methodist  invaders,  that  out  of  sport  he  dropped  in  to  liear  one, 
almost  expecting  to  see  a  monster  with  hoof  and  horns,  lie  saw 
instead  a  most  graceful  and  eloquent  young  man  whose  fire  and 
pathos  took  his  foncy  by  storm,  and  made  him  through  life  a  devoted 
champion  of  Methodism.  In  time  he  joined  the  society,  heli)ed  build 
the  first  Methodist  meeting-house,  and  by  his  zeal  and  infiuence  jjroved 
a  valuable  acquisition  to  the  Methodist  ranks.  Many  young  pe()])le  in 
the  vicinity  of  Eastford  were  awakened  and  converted  under  Methodist 
preaching,  and  gathered  into  a  class  and  society.  Stated  preaching- 
was  held  after  a  few"  years  in  a  rough  meeting-house  built  about  1800, 
it  is  believed,  some  two  miles  west  of  the  village.  David  Bolles,  Escp, 
Captain  Mumford,  Leonard  Deane,  Nathan  Palmer,  Jun.,  were  among 
the  attendants  upon  this  worship. 

Ashford  like  several  of  its  neighbors  had  the  excitement  of  a 
murder  during  this  period  with  the  accompanying  search,  tiial  and 
execution.  Samuel  Freeman,  a  dissolute  colored  man  of  mongrel 
blood,  came  up  to  Ashford  from  Rhode  Island,  and  persuaded  an 
Indian  woman  to  live  with  him.  Returning  with  her  one  evening 
from  a  low  drinking-house,  he  took  her  life  in  a  fit  of  drunken  rage, 
and  threw  her  into  a  dank  pool,  still  known  as  Squaw  Hollow.  The 
crime  was  proved  and  Freeman  hung  at  Windham  Green,  November  6, 
1805,  with  all  the  usual  formalities  and  more  than  the  usual  satisfac- 
tion, unalloyed  as  it  was  in  this  case  by  any  disturbing  doubts  as  to 
the  justice  of  the  penalty  or  by  sentimental  sympathy  for  the  misera- 
ble criminal. 

Note.  The  "Ashford  Whipping"  reported  ante  page  28,  was  probably  in- 
flicted under  Section  16,  of  the  Act  for  the  due  Observation  of  the  Sabbath, 
viz.  : — "  That  whatsoever  person  shall  be  convicted  of  any  profanalion  of  the 
Lord's-day,  or  of  any  disturbance  of  any  congregation  allowed  for  the  worship 
of  God  during  the  time  of  their  assembling  for  or  attending  of  such  worship, 
and  shall,  being  fined  for  such  offence,  neglect  or  refuse  to  pay  the  same,  or 
to  present  estate  for  that  purpose ;  the  Court,  Assistant  or  Justice  befoi'e 
whom  conviction  is  had,  may  sentence  such  offender  to  be  whipt,  not  exceed- 
ing twenty  stripes,  respect  being  had  to  the  nature  and  aggravation  of  the 
offence." 


304  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY, 


YIIL 

CANTERBURY    BRIDGES.      ENTERPRISING   YOUNG    MEN.      MASTER 

ADAMS'  SCHOOL.     GENERAL  TOWN  AND  CHURCH 

AFFAIRS.     WESTMINSTER  SOCIETY. 

EVEN  amid  the  burdens  and  engrossments  of  the  war,  Canterbury 
was  compelled  to  expend  money  and  labor  upon  her  bridges, 
which  weighed  so  heavily  upon  her  selectmen  that  they  addressed  a 
letter  to  their  neighbors  in  Norwich,  in  1780,  in  which  they  lamented 
"the  great  and  unequal  expense  which  they  and  several  towns  labor 
under  above  other  towns  in  the  State,  by  being  obliged  to  build  and 
maintain  many  great  bridges  over  large  rivers,"  and  requested  a  com- 
mittee of  conference  to  consider  some  mode  of  relief  A  committee 
was  appointed  but  found  no  practicable  remedy  for  the  evil,  and  the 
town  took  its  woes  once  more  to  the  Assembly.  Solomon  Paine  and 
Daniel  Frost  in  behalf  of  the  inhabitants  of  Canterbury,  October  10, 
1782,  averred,  that  they  were  obliged  to  maintain  a  large  number  of 
bridges  in  said  town,  many  of  them  across  large  and  rapid  streams, 
viz.  : — one  and  a  half  over  the  Quinebaug,  four  over  Little  River,  six 
over  Rowland's  brook ;  that  the  bridge  over  the  Quinebaug  known  as 
Butts'  Bridge  was  in  the  southeast  part  of  the  town,  where  it  was  of 
very  little  service  to  but  few  of  the  memorialists,  but  was  of  great 
utility  and  service  to  the  public  tiaveling  from  Boston  to  Norwich, 
and  was  now  out  of  repair,  and  asked  for  a  lottery  of  £250,  to  aid  in 
this  new  enterprise.  The  Assembly  granting  this  request,  John  Fitch, 
Daniel  Frost,  Dr.  Welles,  Deacon  Asa  Witter  and  Stephen  Butts  were 
chosen  managers  of  the  lottery.  Captains  Sherebiah  Butts,  Jabez 
Ensworth  and  John  Adams  were  commissioned  to  have  charge  of  the 
building,  and  a  stout  bridge  supported  by  stone  pillars  was  speedily 
constructed.  The  managers  of  the  lottery  were  allowed  to  sell  tickets 
for  town  orders,  and  to  transfer  all  that  were  left  on  their  hands  to  the 
selectmen.  In  1788,  the  town  was  again  called  to  join  with  Plaintield 
in  rebuilding  Nevins'  Bridge.  Among  other  town  expenses  recorded 
at  about  this  date  were  payments  for  new  sign-post  and  stocks,  also 

for    "keeping  Sibbel  and  dipi)ing  her  sundry  times,"  also  for 

"  salivating  "  sundry  persons. 

The  usual  changes  were  occurring.  John  Dyer,  Esq.,  colonel  of  the 
Eleventh  Regiment,  judge  of  the  Windham  County  Court,  deputy  at 
the  General  Assembly  at  times  for  forty  years,  "all  which  parts  he 
sustained  with  unblemished  correctness  till  impaired  with  age,"  de- 
parted this  life  February  25,  1 779,  in  the  eighty-seventh  year  of  his 
age.      "A  man  of  sound  judgment   and   unbiased   integrity."      Dr. 


CANTEKliURY    BRIDGES,    ETC. 


305 


Jabez  Fitch,  youngest  son  of  Mnjor  James  Fitch,  having  "  for  many 
years  sustained  with  fidelity  and  honor  the  offices  of  justii-e  of  the 
Peace  and  Quorum,  and  judge  of  Probate,"  and  also  served  as  colonel 
of  the  Eleventh  Kegiment,  died  at  an  advanced  age  in  1784. 
Colonel  Aaron  Cleveland,  so  prominent  in  public  affairs  during  the 
Revolution,  was  struck  with  palsy  wliile  yet  in  the  prime  of  life,  and 
after  long  and  distressing  sickness  died  in  1785.  Deacon  Asa  Witter 
died  suddenly  in  1792,  after  being  chosen  town  dejiuty  and  before  the 
session  of  the  Assembly.  John  Felch  though  advanced  in  years  still 
served  the  town  in  many  capacities.  Cai)tain  Ephraim  Lyon,  Nathan 
Waldo,  Eliashib  Adams,  Jabez  Ensworth,  David  Baldwin,  Benjamin 
and  Asa  Bacon,  Captain  John  Adams,  Daniel  Frost,  Captain  8te])hen 
Butts  and  other  older  men,  were  active  and  [tromineni  in  town  aifuirs. 
Dr.  Gideon  Welles  seived  acceptably  as  town  clerk  and  treasui-er. 
Dr.  Jabez  Fitch  succeeded  to  the  medical  practice  of  his  father.  Dr. 
W^alter  Hough  returned  to  Canterbury  after  the  war,  officiating  as 
surgeon  and  sheiitf.  Dr.  Jaiieb  Dyer  engaged  extensively  in  trade 
and  medical  ])ractice. 

Canterbury  participated  largely  in  that  spirit  of  emulation  and 
business  enterprise  that  sprung  into  life  with  the  Xation,  and  was 
especially  distinguished  by  the  great  number  of  active  and  energetic 
young  men,  eager  to  make  for  themselves  a  career.  Vicinity  to 
Plainfield's  excellent  academy  doubtless  served  as  a  stimulus  to  many 
of  these  young  minds,  furnishing  them  accessible  facilities  for  fitting 
themselves  for  tlie  higher  walks  of  life.  Many  of  the  Canterbury 
youth  availed  themselves  of  this  privilege,  and  of  these  a  large 
proportion  obtained  a  collegiate  education.  From  Yale  thei-e  were 
graduated  in  1777,  Ebene/.er,  son  of  Dr.  Fitch,  and  Moses,  son  of 
Colonel  Cleveland;  in  1778,  Asa  Spalding;  1779,  Elisha,  grandson 
of  Solomon  Paine;  1793,  Asa  Bacon,  .Jun.,  William  Pitt,  son  of  Colonel 
Cleveland;  1794,  Aaron,  son  of  William  Kinney;  1795,  John,  son  of 
John  Adams,  and  Kufus,  son  of  Nathan  Adams;  1797,  Seth  P.,  son 
of  Rev.  John  Staples;  1803,  John,  son  of  Dr.  Hough;  Hezekiah, 
son  of  Deacon  Frost ;  1804,  Parker,  son  of  John  Adams.  Cornelius 
Adams,  deacon  of  the  old  Separate  church,  sent  four  sons  to  Yale,  viz.: 
Thomas,  graduated  in  1800:  Stedman.  18J1  ;  Cornelius,  1803:  Daniel, 
1806.  From  Dartmouth  were  graduated.  1785,  Moses  Bradford; 
1787,  Eleazer  Brown,  Elihu  Palmer;  1791,  Ebenezer  Woodward; 
1795,  Luther  Jewett  Hebanl  :  1794,  James  Brown,  who  dieil  in 
C;mterbury  the  following  year.  William  and  Ebenezer  Brailford 
were  also  graduated  from  Princeton. 

Many     of    these    young    men    went  out    into    the     woild     to    fill 
distinguished  positions.     Ebenezer    Fitch    was  the  first   president    of 
30 


30G  .  JIISTORY    UF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Williams  Collooe,  Asa  Si)altliiio-  one  of  Xdrwicli's  iiidst  brilliant  ami 
successful  lawvci's.  Setli  P.  Stacks  won  a  lii^li  name  ainnnfr  many 
legal  competitors  in  Xew  York  city.  Ilongli,  professor  in  Middlelmry 
Collec^e,  was  greatly  admiied  for  eloquence  and  varied  accomplisli 
inents.  His  classmate.  Frost,  entered  llie  leual  pi'ofes>ion  and 
acliieved  a  good  position  in  Windham,  Maine.  Parker  ^\dains  served 
usefully  in  the  Episcopal  ministry,  and  most  of  the  Dartmouth 
graduates  were  honored  as  Congregational   ministers.* 

Fortunately  for  Canterbury  some  of  these  energetic  and  brilliant 
young  men  remained  in  their  native  town.  Moses  Cleveland  opened 
a  law  office  on  his  paternal  homestead,  and  engaged  with  mucli 
spirit  in  public  and  military  affairs.  Rising  rapidly  through  the 
subordinate  grades,  he  was  made  general  of  the  Fifth  Brigade  in  1796. 
Previous  to  this  date  he  had  been  appointed  agent  of  the  AVestern 
Reserve  Land  Company  and  was  veiy  efiicient  and  active  in  the 
settlement  of  nortlieastern  Ohio,  and  in  other  important  business 
enteiprises.  He  was  also  very  prominent  as  a  Mason,  holding  the 
position  of  grand  marshal  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Connecticut. 
Though  unable  to  give  much  attention  to  the  practice  of  his  profes- 
sion he  could  direct  otliers,  and  many  young  men  studied  law  in  his 
office.  His  brother,  William  Pitt  Cleveland.  Asa  Bacon,  Jun.  and 
Rufus  Adams  were  among  those  students,  and  all  for  a  time  pi'acticed 
law  in  Canterbury.  Elisha  Paine  also  opened  a  law  office  in  his  own 
house  in  the  south  i)art  of  the  town.  Jolni  xVdanis  after  his  gradua- 
tion commenced  a  select  school  in  his  own  neighborhood  in  the  North 
Society,  and  at  once  exhibited  such  uncommon  aptitude  in  instruction 
and  management  as  to  draw  a  large  number  of  pu[)ils.  Plainlield 
Academy  was  at  this  time  sutfciing  a  tcin])orary  depression,  w'hich 
gave  Canterbury  an  o|>portunity  to  establish  a  lival  institution.  In 
the  spring  of  1796,  Master  Adams  was  induced  to  remove  his  school 
to  Canterbury  Green,  whei'e  it  acliieved  immediate  success  and 
popularity,  attracting  jnipils  from  all  the  adjacent  towns  and  even 
from  distant  Woodstock  and  Thompson.  jMr.  Adams  had  in  large 
measure  the  true  teaclicr's  art  of  calling  out  the  best  that  was  in  his 
pupils  and  awakening  their  enthusiasm  for  school,  studies  and  master. 
Combining  sympathy  and  kindnc^ss  with  authority  he  won  their  most 
affectionate  regard.  He  was  especially  noted  for  his  kindness  to 
indigent  young  men  seeking  education.  Among  those  tluis  aided  and 
encouraged  was  Rinaldo  Burleigh  of  Ashford.  who,  in  the  face  of 
great  poverty  and   hardship,  having  lost    his  father  in  early  chiUlhood, 


♦There  is  strong  reason  for  l^elieving  that  a  still  earlier  celeljrity — 
Jonatlum  Carver,  the  distiiiiiuished  traveler  and  explorer  of  the  Jsorthwesl; 
wikleruess— was  boni  iu  Caiilcrbiny. 


MASTICR    ADAMS     SOirOOL. 


307 


and  liis  loft  arm  a  few  years  later,  was  stnio-oling  to  fit  himself  for 
intellectual  employment.  Mr.  Adams  took  him  not  only  into  his 
school  but  into  his  •'  very  heart,"  enablinix  him  to  meet  his  expenses 
by  assistini,^  in  teaching  till  he  was  qualifiLMl  to  enter  colleg'e.  No 
record  of  pupils  has  been  preserved,  but  the  number  was  evidently 
large.  The  sons  of  Cornelius  Adams,  Dr.  Hough,  Deacon  Frost,  and 
many  other  young  men,  were  here  fitted  for  college.  Lemuel 
Grosvenor,  afterward  a  successful  merchant  in  Boston,  Bela  P. 
Spalding  of  Brooklyn,  William  Larned  of  Thotnpson,  wei'e  among 
the  students.  Canterbury  was  never  more  flourishing  than  during 
the  continuance  of  this  school.  The  ]>resence  of  so  many  energetic 
young  men  made  everytliing  lively.  Business  and  trade  were  active. 
Many  stores  were  opened  on  Canterbury  Green.  Farmers  found  a 
ready  market  for  all  their  produce.  Dr.  Dyer  carried  on  a  brisk  trade 
with  the  West  Indies,  dealing  largely  in  horses  and  cattle,  and 
maintained  an  extensive  estal)lishment  in  the  south  part  of  the  town. 
John  Clarke,  an  eccentric  Englishman  with  ample  means  and  a 
patriaichal  family,  reported  to  have  been  engaged  in  the  tea- 
oveilhrow  at  Boston,  also  occupied  a  fine  farm  in  that  vicinity. 
Joseph  ]\Ioore  of  Long  Island,  purchase<]  land  and  settled  in 
Canterbury.  Thomas  (^oit,  one  of  Norwich's  sterling  citizens,  after  a 
brief  sojourn  in  Scotland  removed  to  Canterbury  Green,  and  engaged 
in  mercantile  traffic.  John  Francis  of  Boston,  after  trying  Scotland 
long  enough  to  find  a  wife  there,  followed  on  to  Canterbury. 
Alexander  Gordon  of  Plainfield  o])ened  trade  in  Westminster  and 
won  a  high  ])Osition  among  the  solid  men  of  the  town.  Luther,  sou 
of  David  Paine,  engaged  in  trade.  Jedidiah,  grandson  of  Obadiah 
Johnson,  '-kept  tavern,"  engaged  in  trade  and  was  active  in  military 
affairs.  Abel  Brewster  opened  a  jeweler's  store.  William  Lord 
engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  hats.  Isaac  and  Consider  Morgan 
entered  into  partnership  in  1804,  and  opened  a  very  large  assortment 
of  dry  goods,  drugs,  hardware  and  groceries  in  the  First  Society  of 
Canterbuiy.  Many  new  buildings  were  erected  at  about  this  date, 
and  a  wing  added  to  the  tavern  which  accommodated  four  or  five 
business  establishments.  William  Moore  built  a  large  house  on  the 
northeast  corner  of  the  crossings  in  the  village,  and  there  opened 
Canterbury's  first  post-office  in  1803.  The  hall  in  the  upper  part 
of  the  tavern  building  was  celebrated  for  its  many  popular 
gatherings,  and  especially  as  the  place  for  Masonic  demonstrations. 
Generals  Putnam  and  McClellan,  Colonels  Gray  and  Grosvenor, 
Moses  Cleveland  and  other  leading  men  in  the  County,  were  early 
connected  with  the  Masonic  Lodge  at  Hartford.  Upon  petition  of 
Colonels    Gray    and    Grosvenor,    Moriah    Lodge    was    instituted   at 


308  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Cantcibuiy,  in  1700,  and  soon  rc-ceivcd  into  its  brotlicrliood  most 
of  the  active,  leadinu;  men  of  tlie  County.  Its  tiist  <;rand  master 
was  Colonel  Ebenezer  Gray.  Moses  Cleveland,  Evan  ]Malbone, 
Thomas  and  Lemuel  Grosvenoi-,  Samuel  and  John  McClellan,  Daniel 
Larned,  Daniel  Putnam,  William  Danielson,  Lemuel  Ingalls,  Albigence 
Waldo,  John  Bi'ewster,  Jai'ed  Warnei-,  were  amon^jf  the  many  who 
were  actively  intei'ested  in  this  Lodge.  Its  annual  commemoration  of 
St.  Jolm's  day  in  June  was  one  of  the  great  festivals  of  the  year, 
e.vceeded  only  by  P\)uilh  of  July  and  General  Training.  The  Masonic 
brethren  from  all  the  sunounding  towns  in  full  regalia,  marched 
through  the  street  with  banners,  music  and  o[)en  Bible,  to  be  entei-- 
tained  in  hall  or  grove  with  a  grand  oi-ation  and  line  dinnei-.  The 
young  men  of  Canterbury  were  enthusiastic  in  devotion  to  this  order, 
and  maintained  its  appointed  services  with  much  spirit  and  tidelity. 
An  elaborate  oi'ation  delivered  by  Asa  Bacon,  Jan..  June  27,  1799, 
in  which  the  youthful  orator  presumed  to  deviate  "  i'rom  the  tlowery 
field  of  friendshi}),"'  into  '-the  wilderness  of  politics,"  excited  nmcli 
attention  and  praise,  and  was  deemed  worthy  of  publication  in  The 
Windham  Herald. 

The  "young  blood"  in  the  town  was  manifested  in  many  public 
enterprises  and  improvements.  An  elaborate  code  of  laws,  adopted  in 
1796  for  the  better  regulation  of  town  meetings,  shows  the  hand  of 
the  young  lawyers,  and  hints  at  pievious  informalities,  now  to  be 
remedied  : — 

"  1.  No  motion  shall  be  objected  to,  or  consiclored  within  the  possession  of 
the  niectini:;,  cxcc-pt  it  be  for  recoiisidcnitiou,  without  it  be  sc'coiulod  by  some 
other  meiiibiT  than  liim  wlio  tirst  made  the  same. 

2.  Ko  member  .shall  speak  more  than  twice  to  one  and  the  same  question  or 
motion  before  tlie  meetiiiif  withoiU,  leave  of  said  meeliiiij,  nor  more  than  once 
Ijcfore  each  memiier  desirinii  to  speak  has  had  his  turn. 

3.  No  motion  shall  be  made  for  reconsideration  of  any  choice,  vote  or  act 
of  said  meetinif,  but  by  some  meml)er  who  acted  tlie  aifirmafive  in  passing 
tlie  same,  which  shall  all  be  done  in  the  same  meetiiii;  in  which  said  vote  was 
passed. 

4.  No  member  shall  sjieak.  or  ask  liberty  to  speak,  when  any  other  nicmlier 
is  speakiui'-,  except  to  call  the  member  speakiui;  to  order,  and  the  member 
called  to  order  shall  sit  down,  and  he  may  appeal  to  the  meetiiiii;  to  decide  the 
question  of  order,  but  if  he  refu.se  to  make  such  appeal  the  moderator  shall 
determine  the  same,  and  in  either  case  it  shall  be  done  without  debate,  and 
the  moderator  shall,  and  any  member  of  said  meeting  may  call  any  person  to 
order  transgressing  the  foregoing  rules. 

5.  That  for  the  future  we  will  choose  our  selectmen,  listers  and  grand- 
jurors  so  as  to  place  them  in  the  different  (juarters  of  the  town,  and  before 
we  proceed  to  choose  either  of  the  above  class  of  otticers  the  moderator 
shall  mention  which  quarter  of  the  town  to  begin  at.  And  the  foregoing 
rules  shall  i)y  the  clerk  or  moderator  be  publicly  read  at  the  opening  of  our 
annual  town  meeting." 

By-laws  were  passed  the  following  year  regulating  the  impounding 
of  cattle,  and  geese  were  denied  the  libertv  of  the  road  unless  "  well 


TUKNl'IKE    PROJECTS,    ETC. 


P.09 


yoked  aii<l  one  w'lnfr  cr()]>t."  Tlie  selectmen  were  antlioii/xnl  to  pur- 
cliase  or  liire  a  home  for  the  poor,  and  Colonel  Benjamin  Bacon 
olTei-ed  to  provide  for  them  for  one-fifth  per  week  less  than  the  year 
])recedinfr.  Tttwn  meetings  were  held  alternately  in  the  meeting- 
houses of  the  two  societies.  Schools  wei'e  cared  for  by  each  society, 
though  "squadrons"  had  given  place  to  modern  districts.  The  cen- 
tral district  of  the  First  Soctiety  had  liberty  to  erect  a  convenient 
school-house  on  the  gi-een  noith  of  the  meeting-house  in  l79o.  In 
the  following  year  a  school  society  was  organized — Luther  Paine, 
clerk  and  treasuier.  Colonel  Benjamin  Bacon,  John  Felch  and  Luther 
Paine  were  authorized  to  take  care  of  the  loan  money.  Timothy 
Backus,  Rufus  Baldwin,  Walter  Hough,  Thomas  Coit,  Lot  ]\Iorgan, 
Waldo  Brown,  Daniel  Frost,  Jesse  Ensworth,  school  ccjnnnittee. 
Josi  ih  Kobinson,  Elisha  Paine,  John  Felch,  Thomas  Coit,  Moses 
Cleveland,  John  Adams,  Daniel  Frost  and  Jesse  Ensworth,  were 
empowered  to  locate  and  bound  school  districts.  Committees  were 
thenceforward  appointed  by  the  several  districts,  with  nine  overseers 
to  superintend  them. 

Turnpike  ])rojects  called   out  the  usual   discussion  and   opposition. 
The  town  wholly  "disapproved  of  any  turnpike  gate  being  erected  at 
or  near  ]Mr.  Samuel  Barstow's  l)lacksmith  shop,  on  the  great  road  from 
Plainfield  to  Windham,   judging  it  unjust  and   impolitic."     The   j)ro- 
posed   "  Norwich  and  Woodstock  turnpike,"  excited  much  opposition. 
General  Cleveland  at  this  date  was  usually  modei'ator  at  town  meet- 
ings, but  now  Colonel  Benjamin   Bacon  was  placed  in  the  chair,  and 
with  Elislia   Paine  and   David  Baldwin,  made   a  committee  to  confer 
with  conmiittees  fi'om  other  towns,  and  oppose  the  laying  out  of  this 
turnpike.     John  Francis  and  Nathan  Adams,  representatives  to  General 
Assembly,   were  also  instructed    to  oppose    the  same,  and  use    tlieir 
influence    to    procure    the    rejection    of    the    committee's    report.     As 
usual  in  such  cases  their  oi)position  was  unavailing  and  in  May,  1801, 
Moses    Cleveland,   William    Adams,    Asa   Bacon,    Luther   Paine    and 
Jedidiah   Johnson  of  (Canterbury,    were  incorporated  with   gentlemen 
of  other  towns  as  "The  Norwich  and  Woodstock  Turnpike  Company. " 
Its  first  meeting  was  held  the  following  September  at  the  tavein  of 
Jedidiah  Johnson  ;  a  committee   was  chosen   to  assess  damages  and 
the  road  speedily  constructed.     The  great  road  leading  to  Windham 
was  also  made  a  turnpike  in  1799,  and  a  gate   erected  near  the  centre 
of  the  town.     Upon  petition  of  the   AVindham  Tui-npike  Company   a 
change   was  made    in    1804,   the   central    gate    removed    to    near    the 
dividing   Hue    between    Canterbury    and  Windham,    and  a  new    gate 
placed  near   the  line  between   Canterbury   and  Plainfield.     The  high- 
way running  north  and  south   through  Westminster   Society  was    a 


310  HISTORY    OF    -WIxnilAM    COUNTV. 

public  tlioiouuflifai'O  fi'oin  lime  iiniiiciuorial,  accDinuKxlatiug  travel 
from  Xovwieh  town  to  tlic  IMassacliusctts  line.  The  earliest  laying 
out  of  this  road  has  not  been  recovered,  but  it  was  improved  froni 
time  to  time  and  made  more  ])assable.  Kough  Held  stones  were  used 
to  mark  off'  the  miles.  It  is  said  that  in  the  original  survey  the  road 
was  marked  out  to  run  a  due  north  and  south  line  over  Westminster 
Plain,  but  that  the  occupant  of  the  old  Parks  tavern  nearly  half  a 
mile  eastwai'd,  fearing  to  lose  custom  lay  in  wait  for  the  engineers, 
and  so  plied  them  with  licpior  and  courtesies  tliat  they  consented  to 
Lay  out  the  road  to  accommodate  the  tavei'n,  intersecting  the  original 
sui'vey  al)out  one-and  a-fourth  miles  from  the  ])oiiit  of  deviation.  A 
highway  was  laid  out  in  178o,  from  Ephraini  Lyon's  Potash  works  to 
Parker  Adams'  mill,  crossing  the  south  part  of  the  town.  Stephen 
Butts  and  Phinehas  Carter  were  also  manufacturers  of  potash.  ^Ir. 
Carter  afterwards  carried  on  coopering,  on  (juite  a  large  scale  in 
Westminster  village,  emjtloying  tVoin  four  to  six  hands  in  the  winter 
season.  Tanneries  were  now  establislied  in  several  ]»arts  of  the  town. 
The  extreme  west  of  Canterl)ury  was  first  settled  by  one  or  more 
families  of  Downing.s,  who  gave  their  name  to  the  brook  in  their 
vicinity,  ran  mills  and  set  out  orchards.  A  somewhat  isolated  com 
munity,  they  had  little  to  do  with  the  general  affairs  of  the  town  ; 
were  fond  of  frolic  and  dancing  and  enjoyed  the  re|)Ute  of  having 
plenty  of  money.  Saw  and  grist-mills  were  canied  on  successfully 
by  the  Morses  and  Bi'adfords  in  the  North  Society,  a  dam  being 
allowed  on  Rowland's  Brook  in  1S04. 

President  Uwight  in  his  "Travels  "  reported  Canterbury  as  suffering 
much  from  lack  of  clergymen,  want  of  harmony  and  declension 
of  morals.  Standing  and  Separate  churches  wei'e  alike  affected. 
Nathaniel  Niles,  Samuel  Hopkins,  Job  Swift,  sui)plied  the  pulpit  in 
the  First  society  at  irregular  intervals.  The  Separate  church  enjoyed 
the  occasional  ministrations  of  some  wandering  Separate  or  ''  Lyon, 
the  Baptist."  Li  1784,  attempts  were  made  to  unite  both  congrega- 
tions under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  Solomon  JNIorgan,  the  standing 
church  voting,  "That  there  is  a  willingness  and  freedom  that  tiie 
members  of  the  Separate  chui-ch  should  meet  with  us  in  hearing  the 
preaching  of  the  Gospel,  and  have  erpial  jirivileges  with  us  if  they 
desire  it."  Capt.  Cobb,  Asa  Bacon,  Dr.  Gideon  Welles,  Samuel 
Adams,  Jun.  and  Samuel  Ensworth  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
confer  with  one  ai)i)ointed  by  the  Separates.  A  Confession  of  Faith, 
Heads  of  Agreement  and  Covenant,  were  accordingly  drawn  up  and 
sio-ned  by  a  lumiber  of  the  members  of  both  churches,  and  it  seemed 
likely  that  they  would  unite  and  go  on  in  peace  and  good  agreement, 
but    ou   calling    a    meeting  to   confer    res[»ecling  the  settlement  of  a 


CHURCH    DISAGREEMENT,    ETC. 


311 


jiiinisler  it  nppearetl  tliat  tlie  a(l(>i)(e(l  uitick'S  were  not  undpistood 
alike  by  both  paities,  and  ibey  were  not  disposed  to  ])ractice  alike 
on  them,  "  whereby  the  good  ends  and  ninoh-wished-for  liappy  nnion 
between  the  atbiesaid  ehuiches  were  likely  to  prove  abortive,  and 
come  to  an  end."  Eaeh  cliureh  was  then  recpiested  to  state  in 
writing  the  matter  of  dispute  and  difl^erenee  between  them.  John 
Baeon,  David  Kinne,  Daniel  Frost.  John  B.  Adams  and  Esther  Fish, 
in  behalf  of  the  Standing-  chureh,  therefore  gave  it  as  theii'  opinion, 
''That  the  real  cause  of  disagreement  was  the  question,  'Who  shall  be 
the  Council  to  oidain  our  minister  in  case  we  are  happy  enougli  to 
agree  in  one,  and  who  shall  administer  ordinanees  to  us  occasionally 
when  destitute  of  a  settled  minister?'" — to  which  they  answeied, 
"That  although  they  were  willing  tliat  any  of  their  brethren  should 
occasionally  partake  and  commune  with  those  churclies  and  ministei'S 
that  are  ealled  8e]iarate  and  jiraclice  lay  ordination,  and  that  those 
ministers  should  i)reach  amongst  us  occasionally,  yet  they  did  not 
judge  it  2»ro}jer  or  expedient  that  any  of  the  above-mentioned  ministers 
should  assist  as  council  in  the  ordination  of  our  minister,  oi-  admin- 
ister ordinances  to  us  as  a  body ;  and  on  their  part,  they  did  not 
judge  it  expedient  or  proper  to  have  those  ministers  ofHeiate  that 
were  oifensive  to  their  Se[)arate  biethren,  esjiecially  those  that  practise 
upon  the  8todard-ean  Plan,  but  did  mean  to  have  full  fellowship  with 
such  churches  as  are  settled  upon  and  practise  according  to  what  is 
called  the  Edward-ean  Plan." 

The  Separates  a])parently  leceived  this  as  a  clear  and  satisfactory 
statement  of  the  cause  of  difference,  but  declined  to  accept  the 
situation.  The  Standing  church  and  society  proceeded  to  call  Mr. 
Morgan  to  settlement.  Farther  attempts  weie  made  to  compound  the 
difference.  The  Reverends  Paul  I^ark,  John  Palmer,  Levi  Hunt  and 
Micaiah  Porter,  convened  at  their  summons,  tendei'ly  ui-ged  their 
Separate  brethren  to  labor  to  agree  on  some  churches  and  ministers 
with  whom  they  could  a/l  hold  fellowship  in  gospel  ordinances  and 
institutions,  reserving  to  each  individual  tlie  libei'ty  of  personal 
communion  with  such  churches  and  ministers  as  they  jnight  judge  to 
be  for  their  editication.  Before  the  installation  of  Mr.  ^lorgan  another 
effort  was  made  by  both  churches.  The  Reverends  Joseph  Snow  of 
Providence,  John  Cleveland  of  Ipswich  (ex[)elled  from  college  forty 
years  before  for  attending  worship  with  this  same  Sei)arate  church), 
Timothy  Stone  of  Lebanon,  Paul  I'aik  of  Preston,  John  Staples  and 
Micaiah  Porter,  met  in  council,  and  unanimously  agreed:  — 

"  1.  As  to  the  case  of  Capt.  Shepherd  and  his  wife,  the  clua'ch  from  which 
they  withdrew  should  take  oil"  the  censure  from  those  persons. 

2.  Tlie  Council  was  persuaded  that  there  was  a  ditlercnce  l)etween  the  two 
churches,    which  iu  their  view   appeared  so   important  that   they  saw   uo 


312  HISTOKV    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

prospect  of  ;i  happy  iiiii(Mi,  and  could  only  advise  llieiu  for  the  present  to 
maintain  a  spirit  of  Cliristian  forbearance  until  God  should  open  the  way  lor 
them  to  be  of  one  mind  and  one  jud^iuient. 

3.  But  whereas  there  was  a  prospect  in  the  view  of  some  that  a  door 
miijht  by-and-ljy  be  opened  for  the  removal  of  those  things  that  made  the 
difference  Ijetween  these  churches  and  others  under  similar  circumstances, 
the  Council  advised  that  both  churches  and  coni^regations  should  unite 
together  in  the  public  worship  of  God,  attending  on  the  ministry  of  the  Word 
as  at  present  dispensed  and  cultivate  harmony,  if  this  may  be  consistent 
Avith  their  views  and  feelings — but,  if  they  cannot  thus  agree,  advised  each 
church  and  congregation  to  set  np  and  maintain  that  worship  and  order 
Avhich  appears  to  them  most  agreeable  to  the  mind  of  God,  without  giving 
any  disturbance  or  molestation  to  each  other." 

The  Separates  therefore  called  a  meeting  September  29,  and  with 
a  gleam  of  their  foinier  s])irit,  voted  : — 

"  1.  Respecting  advice  of  Council,  concerning  Capt.  Shepherd  and  liis  wife, 
as  the  Council  has  given  no  reasons  why  this  church  should  take  otf  their 
censure,  nor  otlered  any  light  upon  the  matter,  they  cannot  consistently  take 
otf  their  censure  till  proper  rei)eutauce  is  manifested  to  the  church  by  the 
persons  aforesaid. 

2.  With  respect  to  the  advice  of  Council  that  both  churches  and  congre- 
gations uiHte  together  in  public  worship,  attending  upon  the  Word  as  at 
present  dispensed  here,  if  this  is  understood  to  mean  the  ministry  of  Mr. 
Morgan,  we  can  by  no  means  comply  therewith.  Or  if  this  advice  should  be 
construed  to  mean  that  we  meet  together  as  we  have  done  for  ihree  mouths 
past  by  having  equal  privileges  in  carrying  on  the  public  worship,  we  cannot 
conscientiously  comply  with  advice  in  this  respect. 

Therefore,  in  the  thiril  place,  we  are  willing  to  comply,  and  do  hereby 
comply  with  that  part  of  the  advice  of  Council,  which  advises  each  church 
and  congregation  to  set  up  and  maintain  that  worship  and  order  which  to 
them  appears  most  agreeable  to  the  mind  of  God.  And  we  think  it  our  duly 
at  present  to  set  up  and  maintain  public  worship  as  a  distinct  body  from  the 
people  under  the  charge  of  Mr.  Morgan." 

On    the   following    day,   September   30,  Mr.   Morgan   was    installed 

over    the    Standing  church.     Eliashib    Adams  and  Daniel  Frost  now 

served  as  its  deacons ;    Joseph  Moore  was  afterwards  added.     Waller 

Hough  succeeded  John  Felch  as  clerk  of  the  society.     The  Separates 

endeavored    to    carry  out  their  resolutions  but   were  unable  to  find  a 

pastor,  and  became  in  time  more  reconciled  to  Mr.   Morgan,  who  took 

great  pains  to  conciliate   them   and  unite  the  churches.     He  was  so 

far    successful    tliat    in    17.S8    about    thiity    of    the   more    prominent 

Separates — including  Moses,  Timothy,  Tracy  and   Eliphaz  Cleveland, 

Benjamin,  Jacob  and  Sanmel  Bacon,  Joiin  and  James  Adams,  William 

and  Jacob  Johnson,  Lullier  Paine,  Tliomas  Boswell  and  others — gave 

in    their    names  and   returned    to  the  First  Society.     The   remaining 

members    of  the    Separate  church    i)ersisted  in    separation,   and   now 

removed   tlieir   meeting-house   to  the   north    part   of   the    town,  where 

they  gatiiered    a    small    congregation,     ^^'illiam,   son  of  A\  illiam  and 

Mary  (Clevehuid)  Biadfurd,  was  graduated  fi'om   New  Jersey  College 

in  1774  and  ordained  to  the  ministry,  and  after  teaching  and  pi'eaching 

in    various    fields,    returned    to  his    old    home   in    the  tiorth    part    of 

Canterbury,    and    assumed    the   chaige    of  this  Separate   fiock.     His 


GENERAL    CHURCH    AND    TOWN    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  313 

bi-dtliers,  Moses  and  Ebenezer  Iji'adfonl,  botli  entered  the  ministry,  the 
latter  settling  in  Rowley. 

The  few  Baptists  in  C-anterbuiy  were  extremely  irregular  in  faith 
and  practice,  as  well  as  in  mode  and  place  of  worship.  They  held  to 
what  was  called  "  mi.ved  communion,"  and  with  a  small  number  of 
similar  churches,  foi'med  Groton  Conference.  Ca|)t.  Ephraim  Lyon 
was  one  of  the  pillars  of  this  clique,  as  ready  to  fight  for  religious  as 
for  civil  freedom,  but  after  a  time  he  is  rejiorted  to  have  become  a 
Methodist,  and  his  associates  lost  coherence  and  visibility.  Some  had 
been  led  away  by  the  elo(][uence  of  Elhanan  Winchester,  baptized  in 
Canterbury  by  Elder  El)enezer  Lyon,  who  after  a  brilliant  career  as  a 
Baptist  pojnilar  preacher,  had  embi'aced  the  doctrine  of  LTniversal 
Salvation.  Dr.  Cogswell  reports  many  I'niversalists  in  Canterbury, 
who  despised  and  tlouted  Mr.  Morgan  and  seemed  likely  to  do  much 
damage.  Several  united  with  the  Universalist  Society  of  Oxford,  then 
under  the  pastoral  charge  of  Kev.  Tliomas  Barnes,  who  frequently 
held  service  in  Canterbury  and  other  Windham  towns.  So  much 
interest  was  excited  that  meetings  were  advertised  in  school-houses, 
"to  discuss  whether  the  doctrine  of  universal  salvation  could  be 
proved  from  Scripture." 

So  widely  had  fiee  o])inions  leavened   the  town   that  in   1791,  the 
First  Society   voted  to  admit  occasionally  to  preach  in  the  meeting- 
house on  Lord's  Day,  preachers  of  the  Gospel  of  different  persuasions 
from  the  present  established  sentiments,  ])rovided  those  men   should 
be   persons  of  good   moral  charactei'  and  pi'ofessors  of    the  clnistian 
religion,  which  shall  be  at  the  oi)tion  of  the  present  society  committee, 
and    their    successors.      This    vote,    opening    the    pulpit    to    "  Friend 
Barnes,"  as  he  was  called,  and  other  heterodox  preacliers,  occasioned 
much  disturbance,   and  after  some   yeai's   of    controversy  the    chui'ch 
prevailed  u|)on  the  society  to  reconsider  and  revoke,   and   grant    the 
control  of  the  pulpit   to  the  pastor.     This  decision   gave  great  offence 
to  Canterbury's  spii-ited  young  men   who  were  fully  imbued   with  the 
j      revolutionary    spirit  of  the    day,    averse    to    orthodox    piinciiiles  and 
I      preaching,    and   eager  for   a  new  meeting-house  and  minister,   better 
music  and  other  modern  imjirovements.     A  movement  was  instantly 
I      set  on  foot  to  oi'ganize  as  an  "  Inde]>endeiit  Catholic  Christian  society," 
after    the    pattern  of    one   just    formed    in    Pomfret,    and    met    with 
1      great  favor.     Fifty  of  the  leading  men  of  Canterbury  signified  their 
}      dissent  "  from  the  doctrine  preached  and   hehl  by  minister,  church  and 
j      society,"   and   pledged   their   names    to   the  new   organization.       This 
great  defection  filled  church  and  society  with  consternation.     A  com- 
mittee was  at  once  appointed  to  confer  with  those  who  have  lately 
separated  from  us,  and  also  with  Mr.  Morgan,  to  see  if  they  can  devise 
40 


314  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

ways  to  acconnnodate  matters  and  i)revt'iit  division.  Tlie  members  of 
the  Independent  Catliolic  Society  weie  most  earnestly  besought  to  unite 
themselves  with  tlie  old  society,  "  so  that  we  may  unitedly  support 
the  social  and  public  worship  in  a  more  decent  and  respectable  man 
ner,  and  better  promote  our  s|>iiilual  editieation."  In  i-esponse  to  their 
entreaties,  a  council  was  held,  viz.  : — the  Rev.  Messrs.  Hart,  lienediet, 
Whitney,  Staples,  Lee  and  Porter,  with  Asa  Bacon,  John  Felch  an<l 
Thomas  Coit  to  wait  ui)on  them.  Thi-ouu;h  their  mediation  accom- 
modation was  effected.  Mr.  Morgan  was  dismissed  from  his  charge, 
and  old  and  new  societies  united — signing  the  following  Articles  of 
Agreement : — 

"  Artici.k  I.  Charity,  which  is  so  strongly  inciilcatod  in  Divine  Revelation, 
and  dechircd  to  be  an  essential  christian  duty,  teaches  us  at  all  times  to  con- 
cede towards  each  other  in  our  religious  associations.  We  will  therefore 
never  withhold  from  each  other  a  convenient  and  proper  opportunity  of 
receiving  such  ditterent  christian  instructors  as  may  be  agreeable  to  their 
consciences — paying  at  all  times  a  decent  regard  to  engagements  and  priority 
of  appointments. 

Akt.  II.  Whenever  it  shall  be  judged  prudent  and  best  to  build  a  meeting- 
house, or  procure  instruments  of  music  that  will  render  the  wor>hii)  of  God 
decent,  orderly  and  graceful,  the  same  shall  be  done  bj'  free  and  voluntary 
donations  and  used  for  the  purposes  assigned  by  the  donors. 

Dexemher  26,  171)7." 

This  breach  being  healed,  some  improvements  were  effected.  Five 
choristers  were  appointed,  and  a  committee  "to  promote  psalmody." 
A  bell  was  procured  by  voluntary  subscription,  its  ringing  regulated 
by  the  society  committee.  In  1799,  it  was  voted  to  build  a  meeting- 
house with  a  steeple.  Asa  Ba<;on,  Jun.,  and  Ivufns  Adams,  committee 
to  procure  subscriptions,  tailed  to  secure  sufHcieiit  encouragement. 
The  jjroposal  to  unite  witli  Westminster  Society  in  building  a  new  house 
of  worship  in  the  centre  of  the  town  was  ecpuilly  unsuccessful.  The 
liberty  granted  by  the  Assembly  of  raising  fifteen  hundred  dollars  by 
a  lottery  encouraged  the  society  to  continue  its  efforts.  Other  sums 
were  procured  by  private  subset iption,  and  in  1805  a  new  meeting- 
house was  completed  to  the  satisfaction  of  all  ])arties.  Daniel  C. 
Banks  and  Thaddeus  Fairbanks  had  supplied  the  pulpit  during  this 
interim. 

The  Westminster  Society  shared  in  the  general  growth  and  pros- 
perity of  the  town,  alloyed  by  occasional  providential  visitations  and 
local  differences.  Dr.  Cogswell  in  bis  diary,  July  2,  17S8,  reports  the 
devastations  of  a  terrific  thunder-storm — a  black  cloud  seemed  to 
settle  down  upon  AVestminster  Pai  ish ;  hail  nineteen  inches  deep ; 
glass  much  fractured ;  grain  and  grass  lodged  ;  gardens  destroyed,  so 
that  people  in  neighboring  towns  sent  relief  to  the  sufferers — and  also  [ 
ineconcilable  feuds  between  prominent  church  members  that  seemed 
likely  to  lead  to  the  dismissal  of  Mr.  Staples,  but  which  like  the  hail- 


WESTMINSTER      SOCIF^TV,    ETC.  315 

stoi-iii  left  no  lasting  impi-ess.  To  outward  a])j)earanco  tlioie  was  more 
than  usual  harmony  in  the  society.  Deacon  Eliashil)  Adams  often 
presided  in  society  meetings.  Deacon  Herrick  and  Captains  William 
Ilebard  and  Joseph  IJurgess  served  as  committee ;  Stephen  Butts, 
clerk  ;  Nathaniel  Butts,  collector.  Joseph  Hebard  and  Elijah  Mer- 
rick tilled  the  useful  office  of  chorister.  Committees  were  appointed 
from  time  to  time  to  seat  the  meeting-house.  John  Park  had  liberty 
in  1787,  to  take  up  four  of  the  lower  seats  and  replace  them  by  four 
decent  pews  after  the  constiuction  of  those  called  pillai"-pews,  provided 
he  gave  up  the  same  when  built  to  the  society.  George  Williamson, 
Captain  Ilebai'd,  Sherebiah  and  Stephen  Butt  and  Rufus  Darbe,  were 
authorized  "  to  confer  respecting  the  heavy  tax  thit  now  lies  on  the 
society  for  the  payment  of  the  minister's  salary."  An  abatement  of 
thirty  pounds  was  accepted  by  Mr.  Staples.  To  prevent  a  i  ecurren(;e 
of  such  difficulty  a  movement  was  instituted  for  "a  i)erpelual  fund 
for  the  purpose  of  supporting  a  pieaclied  Gospel,  performed  by 
men  of  zeal,  practical  piety,  Calvinistic  principles,  and  approved  by 
Windham  County  Association,"  which  resulted  in  tht?  subscription  of 
more  than  six  hundred  pounds.*  Thus  well  established  with  fund  and 
convenient  house  of  worslii|i,  the  society  \vas  little  inclined  to  favor 
the  ])roposed  reunion  witii  the  First  Society,  but  considered  the  ques- 
tion so  far  as  to  affix  for  a  central  site,  a  S})Ot  "  within  twenty  rods  of 
turnpike  road,  between  the  houses  of  Dr.  Gideon  Welles  and  Mr, 
Samuel  Baistow."  Mr.  Staples  continued  to  discharge  his  ministerial 
duties  with  fidelity  and  acceptance  till  'he  died  and  rested  from  his 
labors,  February  15,  1804,  in  the  61st  year  of  his  age  and  82d  of 
his  ministry — ministei's  not  being  suflereil  to  continue  by  reason  of 
death."  Called  up  in  the  night  to  pray  with  a  dying  mother  of  the 
church,  he  neglected  to  put  on  his  accustomed  ^r/r/,  and  either  taking 
cold  in  conscMpience,  or  taking  the  fever  from  the  aged  lady,  he 
followed  her  to  the  grave  in  a  few  days.  His  death  maile  a  great 
im})i-ession  upon  all  his  flock,  and  especially  upon  the  young  people 
who  had  ever  regarded  "  Priest  Stai»les  "  with  the  most  revei'ential 
affection.  The  funeral  was  conducted  with  the  usual  elaborate  for- 
malitv.     The  bereaved  church  continued  faithfuUv  to  observe  the  usual 


*SuBSCRiBKUS  TO  iTXD :  MarvDuvis,  Joseph  Saflord,  Thomas  Jewett, 
Snneon  Park,  Heiiheii  I'ark,  David  Muiiro,  .Joseph  Butts,  Phiiiehas  Carter, 
Asa  Burgess,  Joiiatliau  Kiiii^sbury,  Jonas  Carv,  Abner  Robinson,  William 
Howard,  John  Monro,  David  ^lunro,  lUifus  Darbe,  John  Barstow,  James 
Howard,  Gideon  Butts,  William  Ripley,  William  D.  Foster,  Jabez  Fox, 
Josiah,  David,  Asa.  anil  John  Butts,  John  Staples,  Charles  Justin,  Samuel 
Barstow,  John  Smith,  Sherebiah  and  Stephen  Butts,  Ebonezer  Park,  Jonas 
Bond,  William  Carew,  Ilezekiah  Barstow,  Peter  Woodward,  Robert  Herrick, 
Ephraim  Satlbrd,  Joseph  Adams,  Joshua  Raymond,  Joseph  Rayasford,  Rufus 
Johnson,  James  Burnap,  Benjamin  Rayusford,  Bethuel  Bond. 

December  I'd,  17'JS. 


316  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

seasons  of  worshij),  and  also  instituted  a  special  incetino;-  foi-  religious 
exercises  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  every  month.  In  N()vernl)er,  a 
call  was  extended  to  llev.  Erastus  Larned  of  Charlton,  with  a  salary 
of  $333.34.  Mr.  Larned  accepting.  Dr.  Whitney,  Messrs.  Lee  and 
Weld  wei'e  invited  to  carry  forward  a  prepai'atoi-y  service  of  fasting. 
A  committee  was  then  aj)pointed  to  prepare  the  meeting-house  for 
installation,  and  preserve  order  and  regulaiity  during  the  exercises. 
Mr.  John  Barstow's  generous  ofter  to  make  provision  for  the  council 
was  accepted  with  thankfulness.  Eleven  ministers  and  piobably  an 
equal  number  of  delegates,  partook  of  the  pi-offered  hos])itality,  and 
the  installation  was  effected  to  general  satisfactii)n.  ^U:  Larned  won 
like  his  predecessor  the  affection  of  his  people,  and  reared  like  him  a 
large  family  of  children  who  shared  the  fi-iendjy  regard  of  the  parish. 
A  bequest  from  his  father,  ^Ir.  James  Larned  of  Killingly,  enabled 
him  to  build  a  convenient  liouse  opposite  the  meeting  house.  The 
widow  of  Mr.  Staples  occupied  the  house  built  by  her  husband,  and 
her  sons  and  daughters  grew  up  to  fill  honorable  positions  in  New 
Yoi'k  and  New  Haven.  Seth  P.  Staples,  long  remembered  in  West- 
minster for  boyish  pranks  and  subsequent  benefactions,  attained  to 
ranch  eminence. 

In  care  of  its  public  schools  Westminster  vied  with  tlie  older 
society.  Alexander  Gordon,  Samuel  Barstow  and  Asa  Nowlen  were 
a})pointed  to  oversee  the  schooling  in  1787.  Nine  districts  were  set 
out,  and  Sherebiah  Butts,  John  Barstow,  Isaac  Backus,  Ivoswell 
Parish,  Joseph  Raynsfoid,  Joshua  IJaymond,  Daniel  Downing,  Uobert 
Herrick  and  Nathaniel  Smith,  made  each  collector  and  committee-man 
for  his  respective  district.  With  increasing  travel  brought  by 
turnpike,  and  improved  business  facilities,  Westminster  village  became 
a  place  of  more  impoitance.  Its  first  resident  physician  was  Dr.  Kufus 
Johnson,  brother  of  Col.  Jedidiah  Jolmson,  who  j)urchased  a  strip 
of  the  meeting-house  gi-een  in  1790,  where  after  a  time  he  built  a 
dwelling-house.  Captain  Ste|)hen  T^utts  entertained  travelers  in  an 
old  house  adjoining.  The  old  "  Ford  house "  on  the  Norwich  road, 
and  the  Parks  tavern-house,  were  said  to  be  the  oldest  houses  in  the 
vicinity. 

Lack  of  endowment  and  suitable  building  accommodations  com- 
pelled Canterbury  in  1801  to  yield  her  honored  "master"  to  the  older 
institution  in  Plainfield.  Asa  Bacon,  Jun.,  had  now  crossed  over  to 
Litchfield.  William  P.  Cleveland  after  a  brief  practice  in  Brooklyn 
had  settled  in  New  London.  The  emigration  movement  had  broken 
out  with  renewed  vigor,  and  many  "  Canteibury  pilgrims "  were 
wending  their  way  to  distant  States.  Captain  .Tosiah  Cleveland,  of 
Bunker   Hill    fame,    removed    to   Owego.   N.    Y.     Dr.    Azel,    son   of 


Wr^STMINSTER     SOCIETV,    ETC.  317 

"VVillinm  Enswortli,  settled  southward  in  Palmyra,  and  was  ninch 
respected  "as  an  active,  exemplary  and  influential  citizen."  A 
pleasant  eminence  in  Rome  called  Canterbury  Hill  in  honor  of  its 
first  settlers,  became  the  residence  of  Gideon.  John,  Elisha  and  Daniel 
Butts,  Samuel  and  Asa  Smith,  Samuel  Williams,  Thomas  Jewett, 
Daniel  W.  Knight,  and  other  roving  sons  of  Canterbury.  Elinshib 
Adams,  Jun.,  Elijah  Heirick  and  ^Villiam  liingham  attempted 
settlement  in  Lewis  County,  near  Lake  Ontario,  but  Ilerrick  was 
drowned  in  crossing  Black  River  and  Adams  finally  settled  in  iNIaine. 
Deacon  Eliashib  Adams,  now  far  advanced  in  years,  followed  this  son 
to  a  temi>orary  home  in  Massachusetts.  Alexander  Goixlon  sought 
fortune  in  the  far  South  :  William  ^loore  estal)lished  himself  in  the 
snows  of  Canada.  General  Cleveland's  connection  with  the  Western 
Reserve  Company  may  have  led  some  emigrants  to  turn  their 
thoughts  to  the  Northwestern  Terriloiy,  but  no  Canterbury  names 
a])pear  among  the  early  settlers  of  New  Connecticut.  His  own  name 
alieady  marked  the  site  of  the  beautiful  city  that  now  adorns  the 
southei'u  shore  of  Lake  Erie.  In  1796,  he  had  gone  out  as  commander 
of  an  expedition  sent  by  the  Connecticut  Land  Comjjany  to  survey  and 
settle  the  Westei-n  Reserve.  After  a  wearisome  journey  through  the 
State  of  New  York,  and  a  successful  conference  with  the  chief  of  the 
Six  Nations  at  Buftalo,  they  "arrived  at  the  confines  of  New  Connecti- 
cut and  gave  three  cheers,  precisely  at  5  o'clock  P.  M.,  July  4."  This 
auspicious  arrival  on  the  day  memorable  as  the  birthday  of  Amei'ican 
Lidependence,  and  also  "  memorable  as  the  day  on  which  the  settle- 
ment of  this  new  country  was  coiiimenced,"  seemed  to  demand  "a  just 
tribute  "  of  respect.  The  men  ranged  themselves  on  the  beach  and 
fired  a  Federal  salute  of  fifteen  rounds,  and  then  the  sixteenth  in 
honor  of  "New  Connecticut."  They  gave  three  cheers  and  christened 
the  place  Fort  Independence.     Suitable  toasts  were  drank  : — 

"  4.  May  the  Fort  of  Independence  and  the  fifty  sons  and  daughters  who 
have  entered  it  tliis  day  be  successful  and  prosperous.  5.  May  their  sous  and 
daughters  multiply  iu  sixteen  years,  sixteen  times  tifty." 

"  Closed  with  three  cheers.  Drank  severals  pails  of  grog,  supped 
and  retired  in  remarkable  good  order."*  July  7,  General  Cleveland 
held  a  council  with  the  resident  Indians,  exchanged  gifts  and 
greetings,  and  smoked  the  pipe  of  peace  and  friendship.  July  22, 
he  coasted  along  Lake  Erie  and  up  the  swampy  banks  of  the 
Cuyahoga  River  till  an  Indian  trail  opened  a  path  through  the 
thicket,  where  he  landed,  and  quickly  mounting  the  bluif  took 
possession  of  the  site  of  Cleveland  City.     The  "  original  plan  of    the 


*  Extracts  from  Journal  of  General  Cleveland. 


318  HISTOKV    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

town  and  villajj^o  of  Cle\elan(l,  Ohio,"  was  coniplt'lod  October  1, 
]7!H).  (icneral  (levclaiid's  energy,  decision  and  buoyancy  of  spirit, 
adiniral)ly  tilted  him  to  command  in  this  im[)ortant  enterprise,  wliicli 
he  accomplislied  to  tiie  apparent  satisfaction  of  all  concerned.  He 
was  very  popular  with  the  Indians,  whom  in  person  he  strongly 
reseml)led.  His  complexion  was  very  dark ;  his  figure  scpiare  and 
strong,  and  the  Indian  dress  which  he  wore  upon  this  expedition  so 
completed  the  likeness  that  the  Indians  themselves  were  ready  to 
claim  him  as  a  brother.  His  connection  with  tlie  Ohio  settlement 
brought  him  honor,  but  little  pecuniary  piofit.  He  continued  through 
life  very  ])romineiit  in  public  aflfairs.  His  popularity  at  home  was 
shown  by  the  length  of  time  he  was  retained  in  his  military  command 
when  scarce  a  year  was  allowed  to  ordinaiy  incumbents.  He  was 
sent  as  representative  of  the  town  whenever  at  liberty  to  acce])t  the 
oifice,  and  intrusted  with  many  important  services.  Under  his 
direction  the  lamented  death  of  General  Washington  was  properly 
observed  by  the  Masonic  brethren  and  other  citizens  of  Windham 
County.     The    IVind/iam  Herald  reports: — 

"  Feb.  27.  1800. 

On  Saturday  last,  in  compliance  with  the  recommendation  enjoined  in  tlie 
Proclamation  of  the  President  of  tlie  United  States,  tlie  iiiliabitants  of  this, 
and  many  from  adjoining  towns,  togetlier  with  a  miml)er  of  the  brethren  of 
Moriah  and  Eastern  Star  Lodges,  met  at  Mr.  Staiiiford's,  according  to  pre- 
vious notice ;  from  whence  they  walk'd  in  procession  to  the  meeting-house, 
preceded  by  a  military  escort  in  uniform,  and  a  baud  of  music,  where  they 
united  to  offer  their  undissembled  tribute  of  respect  to  the  memory  of 
General  Geokge  Washington,  the  Father,  Friend,  and  Protector  of  his 
country.  The  solemn  services  were  appropriate,  well  performed,  and  very 
much  contributed  to  awaken  the  feelings  of  a  great  assemblage  of  mourners. 
The  Address  of  Gen.  Wamiinoton,  to  the  people  of  the  United  States,  ou 
his  retiring  from  olfice,  and  declining  their  future  sulfrages,  was  read;  the 
estimation  of  its  worth  and  excellence  by  the  people  present,  could  not  have 
been  better  expressed,  than  by  the  decorum  and  silence  observed  while  it  was 
reading;  after  which,  an  oration,  liy  Gen.  Cleveland,  Master  of  Moriah  Lodge, 
called  to  mind  the  great  sacrifice  of  blood  and  treasure  which  the  struggle 
for  independence  cost  us,  and  imi)ressed  the  miuti  with  gratitude  for  the 
invaluable  gift  of  Providence,  in  the  Man,  who  tinall}'  led  us  thro'  the  perils 
of  war,  to  the  Ark  of  Safety. 

After  the  exercises  were  over,  the  procession  returned,  and  soon  after 
dispersed,  leaving,  we  lieiieve,  not  a  single  trait  of  indecorum,  to  cast  a 
shade  on  the  good  order  which  had  been  observed  thro'  the  da}'." 

General  Cleveland's  death  in  ISOfi,  at  the  age  of  tifty-two,  was 
greatly  lamented  at  home  and  throughout  the  Slate,  and  his  obsequies 
surpassed  in  dignified  ceremony  anything  ever  before  seen  in 
Canteibury. 


PLAINFIELD  CHURCH  IN  PURSUIT  OF  A  PASTOR,  ETC.    319 


IX. 

PLAINFIELD   CHURCH  IN  PURSUIT  OF  A  PASTOR.     NEW  MEETING- 
HOUSE.     DR.     BENEDICT.      FLOURISHING    ACADEMY. 
DISTINGUISHED    CITIZENS.     TOWN  AFFAIRS. 

THE  xuiilt'd  clmich  of  Plaiiifield  met  witli  many  trials  and  di.s- 
appointments  in  re-scttling  tlie  minislry  attei-  tlie  loss  of  Mr. 
Fuller.  Having  voted  "  to  proceed  upon  prineii)les  of  Christianity 
Avitliout  being  diiected  by  rules  of  civil  law,''  tliey  appointed  a 
committee  to  supiply  the  pulpit  and  agreed  to  raise  money  for  its 
support  by  subscription.  But  to  raise  money  by  free  contributions 
at  a  time  of  so  much  scarceness  proved  so  arduous  an  enteiprise 
tliat  they  decided  to  resort  to  the  expedient  of  a  fund,  and  appointed 
General  John  Douglass,  James  Bradford,  Esq.,  William  Ivobinson, 
Dr.  Perkins,  Captain  Joseph  Eaton,  Perry  Clark,  John  Cady,  Ephinim 
Wheeler,  Ca])t.  Samuel  Hall,  Elias  Woodwaid,  committee  to  diaw  up 
subscriptions  for  that  purpose.  Several  subscriptions  had  been 
attained,  and  the  project  seemed  likely  to  be  successful,  when  it  was 
discovered  "that  the  people  had  proceeded  in  a  manner  that  the  law 
would  not  own."  The  woild  was  not  sufticiently  advanced  to  aHow 
Christians  to  carry  on  business  allairs  without  lecognition  of  "rules 
of  civil  law,"  and  tlie  church  was  obliged  to^  retrace  its  steps  and 
appoint  "Stephen  Kingsbury,  who  had  been  a  legal  society  clerk,  to 
assist  and  direct  to  warn  a  legal  society  meeting."  Tiiis  being 
accomplished,  and  legal  requirements  satisfied,  the  subscription  went 
forward  and  a  few  hundred  dollars  were  secui'ed  for  the  foundation 
of  a  fund.  To  this  was  added  in  178"^,  the  sum  of  two  hundred 
pounds  ])rocured  by  the  lease  for  999  years  of  the  old  cedar  swamp. 
No  stated  minister  was  yet  procured.  Mr.  U[)Son  preached  five 
months;  Mr.  Alexander  five  weeks.  The  congregation  met  during 
the  winter  seasons  at  the  Brick  school-house,  "  read  sermons  and 
])rayed."  A  confeience  was  held  on  the  first  Monday  of  evei'v  month 
in  the  meeting-house.  The  eyes  of  the  church  weie  very  mucli  uj)on 
Mr.  Job  Swift,  who  had  made  himself  very  popular  while  ]>i'eaching 
at  Canterbury,  and  Captain  Eaton  took  a  joui-ney  across  the  State  to 
Nine  Partnei's  to  confer  with  this  favorite,  and  had  a  "  prosj)ect  of 
getting  him,  but  a  remarkable  unanimity  in  the  church  where  he  was 
prevented  his  coming."  Joshua  Spalding  of  Killingly  preached  to 
]»ublic  acceptance.  Ephraim  Judson  was  invited  to  i)i-each  but 
preferred  to  settle  in  Taunton  :  Micaiah  Porter  declined  overtures  in 
favor  of  Voluntown.  Again  Mr.  Swift  ap])eared  on  the  scene,  but 
after  a  long   interval  of  suspense  decided  against  them.     Conferences 


320  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

and  deacon's  nu'ctings  became  at  length  so  tliinly  attended  tliat 
the  cliurch  closed  the  dilapidated  meeting-house  for  a  season  and 
let  the  jteople  go  where  they  fancied.  Mr.  Morgan  was  then 
secured  for  a  time,  but  yielded  to  more  urgent  appeals  from 
Canterbury.  David  Avery  was  next  invited  to  settlement,  "answer 
long  delayed  and  dubious  at  last."  Wearied  and  discouraged,  the 
church  remitted  its  efforts  to  procui-e  a  pastor,  and  joineil  with  the 
town  in  attempts  to  secure  a  more  eligible  and  attractive  house  of 
worship.  May  10,  1784,  a  large  number  of  prominent  citizens,  viz. : — 
Captain  Joshua  Dunlnp,  Joseph  Shepard,  Timothy  Lester,  Dr.  Ebene- 
zer  Robinson,  Major  Andrew  Backus,  Captain  Abraham  Shepard, 
James  Bradford,  General  John  Douglas,  William  Dixon,  Esq.,  Stephen 
Claik,  Dr.  Elisha  Perkins,  Nathaniel  Parks,  Elias  Woodward,  Jabez 
Tracy,  Samuel  Fox  and  Ephraim  Wheeler,  were  appointed  committee 
by  the  town  to  deliberate  upon  the  very  important  question  "  of  a 
proper  place  for  erecting  a  new  meeting-house  about  to  be  built  in  this 
town."  Population  was  now  gravitating  towards  the  Academy 
and  turnpike,  and  it  was  decided  to  build  in  this  vicinity 
upon  land  puicliased  of  Messrs.  Jesse  and  Ezekiel  Fox.  Upon 
memorial  of  William  Dixon  the  County  Court  confirmed  this 
decision,  and  affixed  the  site  of  Plainfield  meeting-house  "  on  a  lot 
of  land  belonging  to  Esquire  Fox,  west  side  of  country  road  that 
leads  north  and  south  through  the  town,  and  west  of  Proprietor's 
Hall."  According  to  previous  agreement  no  tax  could  be  levied  for 
religious  puiposes,  and  the  meeting-house  was  built  by  subscription 
and  contribution.  In  October,  Rev.  Joel  Benedict,  already  favorably 
known  as  pastor  at  Newent,  came  to  preach  on  probation.  At  a 
church  meeting  held  at  Mi-.  William  Robinson's,  Deacon  Samuel 
AVarren  served  aa  moderator.  Dr.  Elisha  Perkins,  clerk; — voted  with- 
out one  dissenting  vote  to  call  Mr.  Jjenedict  "  if  it  be  agreeable  to  the 
society  and  support  be  obtained  in  a  gosj)el  way."  This  call  was 
accepted,  and  December  22,  1784 — "having  examined  his  orthodo.vy 
in  sentiment,  spiritual  acquaintance  with  divine  tilings,  his  ability  to 
teach  and  defend  the  doctrines  of  Christianity,"  and  being  fully  satis- 
fied therewith — Mr.  Benedict  was  happily  installed  into  office  by  a 
pro{)er  ministerial  council.  The  new  meeting-house  was  ready  for 
the  leception  of  the  new  pastor,  and  public  religious  worship  so  long 
interru])ted  was  estal^lished  to  general  satisfaction. 

Plainfield  Academy  so  prosjjcrously  opened  during  the  war  con- 
tinued to  flourish  "beyond  the  most  sanguine  expectation,"  of  its 
projectors,  numbering  "  one  hundred  and  upwards  of  youth  from 
abroad,"  together  with  a  large  number  from  their  own  town.  A 
petition    laid   before  the   General  Assembly,  January   13,  1783,  repre- 


DR.    BENEDICT,    ETC.  321 

sented  tliat  the  petitioners  had  erected  suitable  buildings  for  the 
reception  and  accommodation  of  youth,  namely,  one  good  and  con- 
venient brick  house,  and  an  elegant  new  hall  or  house,  and  were 
preparing  to  erect  another  house,  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  said 
academy,  and  begged  to  be  made  a  body  corporate  and  politic.  After 
a  year's  delay  the  request  was  granted,  and  Ebenezer  Pemberton, 
Hon.  Samuel  Huntington,  Hon.  Eliphalet  Dyer,  Rev.  Levi  Hart, 
Preston ;  Rev.  Joseph  Huntington,  Coventry  -,  and  General  John 
Douglas,  Major  Andrew  I>ackus,  Dr.  Elisha  Perkins,  Captain  Joseph 
Dunlap,  William  Robins(.)n,  Samuel  Fox,  Ebenezer  Eaton  and  Heze- 
kiah  Spalding  of  Plainfield,  with  such  others  as  the  proprietors  shall 
elect  (not  exceeding  thirteen  in  the  whole),  were  made  a  body  cor- 
porate and  politic  by  the  name  of  "The  Trustees  of  the  Academic 
School  in  Plainfield,"  and  invested  with  ample  i)Owers  for  managing 
the  afi^'airs  of  the  school.  Only  two  schools  had  then  been  incorpo- 
rated in  Connecticut — the  Union  School,  New  London,  and  Staples 
School,  Weston — and  Plainfield  Academy  held  a  high  position  in 
popular  favor.  Its  rector  was  one  of  the  most  accomplished  teachers 
of  the  day,  and  its  patrons  and  directors  were  among  the  leading  men 
of  the  State.  The  village  was  pleasant  and  healthful,  and  its  most 
respectable  residents  were  proud  of  the  school,  and  ready  to  open 
their  homes  and  hearts  to  the  stranger  students.  Dr.  Perkins  though 
now  so  much  engrossed  with  the  duties  of  his  profession  was  alive  to 
the  interests  of  the  Academy,  receiving  even  scores  of  lads  into  his 
own  family  when  boarding-places  were  scanty.  A  prudential  com- 
mittee of  three  was  chosen  annually  from  the  directors,  who  had 
charge  of  the  buildings  and  supervision  of  the  financial  department, 
while  a  stringent  code  of  by-laws  regulated  the  department  of  the 
pupils.     These  laws  provided  : — 

"  That  no  scholar  shall  go  to  the  tavern  for  purpose  of  entertainment 
•without  leave  from  his  father,  guardian  or  rector. 

No  scholar  from  abroad  and  boarding  in  any  family  shall  remove  to  any 
other  family  unless  so  directed  by  his  or  her  parents  or  guardian,  or  liberty 
from  the  rector. 

No  scholar  shall  keep  a  gun,  or  go  on  a  shooting  party,  or  ride  out,  or  leave 
the  town,  or  absent  himself  at  any  time  from  the  school  without  leave  from 
the  rector. 

No  scholar  shall  purchase  anything  at  any  store  on  credit  without  a  written 
order  from  his  parent  or  guardian,  or  leave  from  the  rector. 

No  scholar  shall  appear  in  the  Academy  or  in  public  in  extravagant,  slovenly 
or  indecent  dress. 

No  immoral,  indecent  or  profane  language,  or  improper  conduct  shall  be 
allowed  in  any  scholar  at  any  time,  but  all  such  breaches  of  good  morals  shall 
be  exemplarily  punished. 

No  scholar  t^hall  be  allowed  to  stroll  the  street  or  fields  on  Sunday,  but  it 
shall  be  required  of  every  one  to  attend  on  public  worship,  and  to  behave  with 
becoming  decency  and  propriety." 

41 


322 


HISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


It  wns  voted  tliat  the  IJegnlations  of  the  ^Vcarleniy  i^hould  he  read 
in  open  school  at  the  coniniene'eineiit  of  each  (juaiter,  and  an  official 
ins]iector  was  maintained  to  note  and  re)X)rt  intVaetions. 

The  third  Academic  building  known  as  "The  White  Ilall,"  about  a 
mile  south  of  the  others,  was  soon  conijjleted  and  occu])ied  by  the 
English  department  under  the  charge  of  Mr.  Alpheus  Hatch,  a  faitli- 
ful  and  comj)etent  instructor.  The  Mathematical  dejiartment  in  llie 
brick  school-house  was  assigned  to  Mr.  >s'athan  Dabolh  the  authoi-  of 
the  "Schoolmaster's  Assistant,  beii  g  a  [ilain,  ])iactical  System  of 
Arithmetic  " — a  work  highly  commended  by  competent  authority  and 
recommended  to  public  patronage.  The  principal  academic  building, 
known  as  "The  New  Hall,"  was  devoted  to  classical  instruction  nnder 
the  immediate  chaige  of  Dr.  Pembei ton.  Many  aspiring  youth  were 
here  fitted  for  a  longer  residence  in  wider  and  moie  famous  halls  of 
learning.  Calvin  Goddard,  who  came  on  foot  from  Shrewsbury,  seek- 
ing a  chance  to  gain  an  education,  Nicholas  Brown  of  Providence, 
James  Lanman  of  Norwich,  Elijah  and  Aiiel  Parish  of  Lebanon, 
James  L.  Kingsley  of  Scotland,  Ebenczer  Pitch  of  Canteibury, 
William  Danielson  of  Killingly,  Alfred  Johnson,  Simon  and  Sylvanus 
Backus  of  Plainlield,  were  among  the  distinguished  jiujnls  of  Dr. 
Pembeiton.  Kingsley  of  Scotland,  already  noticed  at  home  as  "  a 
very  forwaid,  likely  lad,"  won  fiesh  laurels  in  this  new  field,  sur])ass- 
ing  older  competitors  in  the  tianslation  of  an  elaborate  Latin  epitaph 
comjjosed  by  Dr.  Benedict.  So  excellent  was  the  translation  that  it 
was  inscribed  upon  the  tombstone — a  lasting  monument  to  Yale's 
distinguished  professor  as  well  as  to  Plainfield's  honored  citizen  : — 

"  In  memory  of  Captain  John  Cacly  ofriainficld.  He  was  of  an  engaging 
aspect  and  deportment;  his  genius  naturally  elevated  was  cultivated  by  read- 
ing and  intercourse  with  mankind.  He  had  a  happy  faculty  in  the  dispatch 
of  business;  was  exemplary  in  the  discharge  of  every  social  duty,  civil  or 
domestic.  A  professor  of  the  Chiislian  faith,  a  blessiuii-  to  mankind.  He 
rests  not  here;  he  was  drowned  returninir  from  New  York,  November  23, 
1783,  in  the  40th  year  of  his  age.  The  glory  of  man  is  as  the  flower  of  the 
field." 

After  making  an  effoit  to  secure  Dr.  Pemberton  as  "  rector  for  life," 
the  trustees  weie  forced  to  resign  him  in  the  fall  of  1784,  and  alter  a 
short  sojourn  in  AVindham,  he  became  the  ])rincii)al  of  Phillips 
Academy  at  Andover.  Mr.  Miles  Merwin  filled  his  place  in  Plainfield, 
to  great  acce])tance,  but  gave  way  lor  another  college  graduate  as 
soon  as  he  had  comj)leted  his  legal  studies.  The  most  serious  obstacle 
to  the  piospeiity  of  the  Academy  was  the  constant  change  of  teachers. 
The  rectorship  was  administered  by  a  series  of  young  graduates,  who 
oidy  engaged  in  teaching  while  fitting  for  other  piofessions.  Timothy 
Pitkin,  Calvin  Goddaid,  Sylvanus  Backus,  Lynde  Huntington,  Eliphalet 
Nott  and  Tower  Whitou,  followed  Mr.  Merwin,  each  averaging  less 


FIOURISHING    ACADEMY,    ETC. 


323 


than  two  years  of  service.  John  and  Daniel  Shepard,  John  D.  Per- 
kins, Joseph  Eaton,  James  Gordon,  Nathan  F.  Dixon,  ])avid  Bolles 
of  Ashford,  Jedidiah  Jolmson  of  Canterburj',  were  stndents  durinsj 
tliis  period.  Tlie  death  of  Mr.  ITateh,  who  had  very  aV)ly  snstained 
tlie  Eni^lisli  department  for  many  years,  was  followed  by  a 
temporary  depression  when  the  main  bnilding  was  closed  tor  a 
season,  but  with  the  advent  of  Mr.  Benjamin  Allen  in  1798, 
the  Academy  quickly  regained  its  standing  and  popularity,  and 
"students  came  from  the  Carolinas,  the  Indies  and  the  neighboring 
States."  Mr.  Allen  employed  for  assistants  Virgil  Maxcy,  afterwards 
Charge  cTAjfaires  at  Belgium,  and  Levi  Tower,  the  author  of  a  system 
of  penmanship  that  was  ornamental  and  useful.  His  successors, 
Zachariah  Eddy  and  Master  John  Adams,  were  equally  successful  in 
the  management  of  the  school,  attracting  pupils  from  some  of  ttie  best 
families  in  the  countiy.  Tiie  annual  public  exhibition  held  in  the 
meeting-house  excited  hardly  less  interest  than  a  College  "  commence- 
ment." Mr.  Eddy's  exhil)ition  in  1800  was  especially  remarkable  for 
the  large  number  of  ''  good  speakers,  well  drilled,  with  good  parts. 
Among  the  speakers  were  Hem-y  R.  Storrs,  George  Perkins,  George 
Hall,  William  and  Thomas  Williams  (afterward  of  Norwich  and  New 
London),  Samuel  and  Alexander  H.  Stevens,  .John  Reed,  Epaphroditus 
Champion,  Wilkins  Updike."  Storrs,  afterward  member  of  Congress, 
was  called  the  best  debater.  These  exhibitions  so  agreeable  to 
speakers  and  hearers,  and  adding  siich  eclat  to  the  Academy,  were  not 
a  little  burdensome  to  the  trustees  who  paid  the  bills  and  had  charge 
of  fitting  up  the  meeting-house.  A  committee  was  chosen  each  year 
to  build  the  stage  and  a  tax  levied  to  meet  expenses.  A  trusteeship 
in  Plaintield  Academy  was  not  a  merely  honorary  office,  but  involved 
a  good  deal  of  responsibility  and  outlay.  Buildings  were  to  be  kept 
in  repair ;  a  bell  and  belfry,  a  set  of  globes,  fences,  etc.  to  be 
provided,  and  any  deficiency  in  funds  was  to  be  made  up  by  this 
honorable  body.  The  place  of  older  patrons  from  abroad  was 
gradually  filled  by  Plainfield's  own  citizens,  viz.:  Roger  Olmstead, 
Phinehas  Pierce,  .John  Douglas,  Jun.,   Doctors    Daniel  Gordon,  Jo.siah 

and  Jared  Fuller,    Calvin   Goddard,    Luther    Smith, P\arlan 

and  others — who  administered  Academic  affiiirs  with  great  wisdom  and 
liberality.  That  their  onerous  duties  were  alleviated  by  good-humored 
fun  and  banter  is  manifested  in  the  following  vote,  called  out  by  some 
long-forgotten  conjuncture  : — 

"At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Plainfleld  Academy  at  Capt.  Elkanah 
Eaton's,  in  tbu  eve,  October  9,  Voted,  Tiiat  each  Trustee  shall  appear  with 
his  broom  at  the  meeting-house,  loth  instant,  at  2  P.  M.,  to  sweep  the 
meeting-house,  and  should  he  or  they  not  appear,  he  or  they  should  pay 
twenty-five  cents." 


324  HISTORY    OF    WINnilAM    COUNTY. 

A  floUur  each  Avas  also  levied  for  the  expense  of  the  forthcoming 
exhibition. 

The  cordial  intei'est  manifested  in  the  students  by  the  residents  of 
the  town  and  their  intimate  association  with  many  hospitaVile  liomes, 
left  an  abiding  impression  u])()n  many  who  enjoyed  these  privileges. 
Gen.  Williams  of  Norwich  gives  pleasant  reminiscences  of  his  school 
days: — 

"  I  recnll  the  remembrance  of  many  of  tlie  students  of  Plaiufield  Academy 
that  have  been  distinjjuished  in  professional  life,  and  others  who  have  been 
practical  business  men.  Among  the  former,  Hon.  Henry  Wheaton,  distin- 
j;iiished  as  a  scholar  and  editor,  but  more  as  the  American  Minister  at  the 
Court  of  Berlin;  Samuel  Hubbard,  LL.D.,  judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  of 
Massachusetts;  James  Hamilton,  governor  of  South  Carolina;  Henry  K. 
Storrs,  member  of  Congress  from  the  State  of  New  York:  John  P.  Cushman, 
at  one  time  United  States  District  judge  of  New  York;  Wilkins  Updyke, 
late  attorney-general  of  Rhode  Island;  Walter  Wheaton,  M.  D.,  surgeon  of 
the  U.  S.  Army;  Samuel  and  Alexander  Stevens,  sons  of  Gen.  Ebene/.er 
Stevens  of  Kevolutionary  memory — the  former  associated  with  DeWitt 
Clinton  in  political  life,  and  the  other  eminent  as  a  practitioner  in  the 
medical  department.  In  the  mei'cantile  profession  (of  which  Gen  Williams 
was  himself  an  honored  example)  was  my  brother,  Hon.  Thomas  W. 
Williams  of  New  London,  who  has  also  been  a  member  of  Congress,  besides 
many  who  became  practical  business  men.  Among  these  were  Col.  Increase 
I.  Wilson,  Francis  Allen,  Henry  Perkins,  George  Starr  and  Adam  Frink, 
Esqrs.,  of  New  London.  Capt.  Allen  resided  for  a  long  time  in  New  London. 
His  course  as  a  ship-master  and  a  merchant  was  distinguished.  The  honor 
of  escorting  as  a  guest  and  passenger  the  Maniuis  do  LaFayette,  in  his 
memorable  visit  to  this  country  in  1824,  belongs  to  him.  There  were  also  at 
the  Acadeni)',  the  Messrs.  iJenison  and  Messrs.  Palmer  of  Stonington.  The 
school  was  organized  for  l)Oth  sexes,  and  the  arrangement  was  quite  like  the 
division  in  our  evening  conference  meetings.  It  may  not  be  irrelevant  to 
notice  among  the  young  ladies,  Miss  Catherine  Puinam,  granddaughter  of 
General  Putnam  of  the  Revolution,  who  mari'ied  Francis  Brinley,  Esq.,  of 
Boston;  the  Misses  Lester  of  Preston — one  of  whom  married  Hon.  Lemuel 
Pomeroy  of  Pittsfield,  Mass.;  Miss  Betsey  Siieldon.  who  marrieil  N. 
Ilowland,  Esq.,  of  Brooklyn,  New  York;  Miss  Harriet  Bowen  of  Providence, 
who  married  Commodore  Charles  Morris  of  the  U.  S.  Navy;  Miss  Nancy 
Allen,  who  married  Thomas  W.  Williams  of  New  London,  with  many  others 
■who  have  adorned  society  by  their  example  and  their  intliience. 

In  calling  up  these  reminiscences  of  Plaintield.  my  remembrance  has  been 
revived  of  the  many  respectable  families  then  living  in  Plaintield  in  many  of 
which  the  scholars  were  received  as  boarders;  namely:  Rev.  Joel  Benedict, 
D.D.,  Gen.  Gordon,  Gen.  Douglas,  Dr.  Perkins,  Hon.  Calvin  Goddard, 
Messrs.  Eaton,  Bradford,  Dixon,  Sheparil,  Smith,  &c.  I  cherish  the  memory 
of  Dr.  Benedict's  family,  with  whom  I  l)oarded  a  part  of  the  time,  and  I  love 
to  contemplate  the  goodness  of  Providence  to  that  humble,  pious  and  learned 
minister— in  the  allotments  of  the  meml)ers  of  the  family  in  their  marriage 
and  connections  in  life.  The  impressions  received  at  Plaintield  abide  with 
me  still,  and  never  do  I  pass  up  those  valleys  or  over  those  hills  without 
recalling  a  period  of  life,  as  free  from  its  ills,  and  marked  l)y  as  even,  hai)py 
and  progressive  a  tenor  as  any  part  of  it.  1  believe  others  share  in  the 
same  feelings  for  rarely  have  I  met  in  after  life  any  of  those  early  acquaint- 
ances without  nuilual  gratilication  in  speaking  of  those  t)y-gone  y(;ars." 

Master  Adams  continued  in  charge  of  the  Academy  from  the  spring 
of  1801  to  the  f;ill  of  1803.  During  this  period  he  reports  "about  two 
hundred  different  pupils,  ])rincipa!ly  from  the  neighboring  towns,  but 
quite   a    number    from  Providence,   New   London,    New   York,    &c." 


DISTINGUISHED    CITIZENS,    ETC.  325 

The  Academy  was  prosperous ;  as  appears  from  the  fact  that  the 
tuition  money  was  abundantly  sufficient  to  meet  all  ex})enses  without 
absorbing  any  part  of  the  income  of  the  small,  original  donation. 
Among  his  joupils  wlu)  entered  Yale  College  were  Rinaldo  Burleigh, 
Parker  Adams,  William  Kiiine,  Jolin  Pellet,  Jason  Allen,  David 
Bacon,  Rnfus  Chandler,  Hezekiah  Rudd,  Ebenezer  Young,  James 
Howard,  Daniel  Huntington.  The  social  attractions  of  Plainfield  at 
this  date  called  out  anotlier  by-law,  viz.  : — 

"  That  no  member  of  the  Academy  shall  attend  a  dancing  school  ia  the 
town  during  the  time  he  is  a  member  of  the  Academy." 

]Mr.  Rinaldo  Burleigh  succeeded  his  lionored  preceptor  immediately 
after  his  own  gi'adualion  from  college.  His  eaily  struggles  and  varied 
expeiiences  pioved  a  valuable  prei)aration  for  effective  service  and 
enabled  him  to  sustain  the  reputation  of  the  Academy.  Though 
similar  institutions  were  multiplying  in  all  parts  of  the  land,  Plaintield 
retained  its  place  in  popular  favor  and  sent  out  eveiy  year  a  goodly 
number  of  graduates  fitted  to  pursue  collegiate  studies,  or  enf^a<»■e  in 
business  and  the  various,  duties  of  life. 

Society  in  Plainfield  was  quickened  and  elevated  by  Academic 
influence.  The  brilliant  young  graduates  who  served  as  teachers 
found  in  this  rural  town  a  select  circle  of  accomplished  and  attractive 
young  Momen  and  usually  carried  away  a  wife,  or  left  their  hearts 
behind  them.  Miles  Merwin  married  a  daughter  of  Dr.  Perkins ; 
Preceptors  Ntitt,  Allen  and  Phinney  won  each  the  hand  of  a  daurditer 
of  Dr.  Benedict.  /Seven  daughters  graced  the  modest  home  of  this 
good  ministei',  conspicuous  alike  for  good  looks,  sense  and  breedino'. 
Attractive  young  ladies  were  to  be  found  in  the  household  of  Mr. 
Luther  Smith  and  other  village  residents.  Plainfield  was  also  favored 
with  many  intelligent  and  public  s[)iriteil  gentlemen.  Its  first  lawyer 
was  jNIr.  William  Dixon  of  Voluntown,  who  engaged  in  practice 
about  17!)0.  Calvin  Goddard  after  his  brief  rectorsliip  also  enqao-ed 
in  legal  pi-actice  and  rose  at  once  to  eminence  in  professional  and 
public  service.  James  Gordon,  judge  of  Probate  and  general  of  the 
Fifth  Brigade,  was  promoted  to  the  major-genei'alship  of  the  Third 
Division  of  Connecticut  militia.  Jolin  Douglas,  clerk  of  the  Probate 
office,  was  also  brigade-general. 

Plainfield's  most  noted  citizen  at  tliis  date  was  unquestionably  her 
much  esteemed  pliysician,  Dr.  Perkins,  whose  '•  Metallic  Ti-actors  " 
had  won  a  world-wide  reputation.  Experiments  in  magnetic  and 
electric  currents  had  convinced  him  of  the  practicability  of  applyino- 
these  forces  for  the  relief  of  pain  through  the  agency  of  pointed 
metallic  instruments  of   opposite  electrical  condition.     After   liavino- 


326  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

himself  successfully  tested  these  tractors.  Dr.  Perkius  obtained  a 
patent  for  his  invention,  and  they  soon  came  into  notice.  The  ])ro- 
fessors  of  three  universities  in  America  i^ave  attestations  in  their 
favor.  Abroad,  their  success  was  ituich  more  signal.  In  Coperdiagen, 
twelve  physicians  and  surgeons  instituted  a  series  of  expei'iments  and 
decided  that  "  Perkinism  "  was  "  of  great  importance  to  the  ])hysician." 
A  Perkinian  Institution  was  established  in  London,  principally  with 
the  view  of  gratuitously  in-tractorating  the  poor.  *'  Disinterested  and 
intelligent  characters  from  almost  every  quarter  of  Great  Britain, 
including  professors,  regular  physicians,  surgeons  and  clergymen," 
testified  to  benefit  received  from  the  a[)plication  of  Tractors.  It  was 
claimed  that  the  e.x;traordinary  number  of  one-a)id-a-ha{f  millions  of 
cures  had  been  actually  etFected.  But  while  so  eminent  in  his  profes- 
sion, no  man  was  more  active  and  useful  as  a  citizen,  more  ready  to 
serve  town  and  chuich  in  any  capacity.  "Few  men  in  the  world," 
repoits  Calvin  Goddard,  "  were  more  public  spirited,  more  hospitable, 
more  free  from  all  guile."  The  ailing  poor  were  always  cared  for  ; 
the  needy  student  found  in  him  aid  and  sympathy.  If  boarding-places 
were  lacking  for  importunate  school-boys,  his  hospitable  doors  were 
opened.  Distinguished  in  personal  appearance,  he  was  still  more 
noted  for  a  "winning  coidiality  of  manner,"  and  "in  address  and 
colloquial  powers,  few  of  his  profession  cvcelled  him."  The  fate  of 
his  daughtei',  Mrs.  Mersvin,  who,  with  her  husband  and  two  chiMren, 
died  of  yellow  fever  in  Philadelphia,  1793,  turned  his  experiments  in 
a  new  direction,  and  he  concocted  an  antise|ttic  j>reparatiou  which  he 
used  as  a  preventive  for  the  disease  but  fell  a  victim  to  his  own 
theories,  dying  of  yellow  fever  in  New  York  city,  1799,  after  four 
weeks  unremitting  assiduity  in  attending  the  sick.  Mrs.  Sarah 
(Douglas)  Perkins  died  three  years  before  her  husband.  The  Tractors 
after  their  brief  "run  "  fell  into  disuse,  and  were  ranked  with  the  innu- 
merable delusions  that  have  obtained  transient  notoriety.  A  volume 
called  "Terrible  Tractorations  '  covered  them  with  ridicule,  but  the 
princi))le  on  which  they  weie  founded  came  again  and  again  into 
notice,  and  his  experiments  in  this  and  other  fields  entitled  Dr. 
Perkins  to  a  high  place  in  the  medical  annals  of  his  country. 

Plaiufield  was  also  greatly  favored  during  this  period  in  the  ministry 
of  Mr.  Benedict.  Eminent  alike  for  ]»iety,  learning  and  practical 
wisdom,  he  was  one  of  the  distinguished  men  of  his  generation,  a 
pillar  and  a  power  in  church  and  community.  He  was  an  accom- 
plished Biblical  scholar  and  critic,  and  especially  noted  for  his  fondness 
for  the  Hebrew  tongue,  which  he  was  wont  to  call  "  the  language  of 
the  angels."  His  preaching  though  mostly  extemporaneous  was  very 
weighty  and  impressive,  characterized  rather  by  strength  of  thought 


TOWN    AFFAIRS,    ETC. 


327 


and  force  of  argument  than  by  elegance  of  language  or  delivery.  In 
the  iierforniance  of  pastoral  duties  he  had  few  equals.  Frail  in  con- 
stitution, and  suftering  much  from  bodily  infirmities,  he  knew  how  to 
sym})athize  in  the  sorrows  and  j)ains  of  others.  He  was  ever  mind- 
ful of  the  wants  of  the  poor,  and  assiduous  in  attention  to  the  sick 
and  dying.  Though  so  feeble  in  health  he  was  remarkably  cheerful 
and  hai)py,  and  had  the  raie  gift  of  making  all  ha}>py  around  him. 
Decided  in  his  own  religious  convictions,  he  allowed  the  same  liberty 
to  others,  and  exercised  a  most  enlightened  and  liberal  charity  towards 
those  of  differing  opinions.  Under  his  influence  and  instructions  the 
party  lines  that  had  so  long  existed  in  the  church  were  gradually 
obliterated.  The  radical  element  was  drawn  to  the  Baptists  and 
Methodists,  and  the  First  church  of  Plainfield  resumed  its  old  position 
among  the  churches  of  the  County,  though  not  accepting  Consocia- 
tion. It  had  so  far  conceded  to  the  ecclesiastic  Constitution  of  the 
State  as  to  consent  in  1799  to  the  formal  organization  of  a  religious 
society,  Messrs.  Bradford,  Douglas  and  Gordon  giving  warning  of  the 
same. 

The  Baptist  interest  in  Plainfield  was  greatly  strengthened  by  a 
remarkable  religious  awakening  accompanying  the  labors  of  Elder 
Nathaniel  Cole  of  Swanzey.  A  Baptist  church  was  organized  October 
16,  1792,  and  in  December  following  Elder  Cole  .was  installed  as  its 
pastor.  IJesidents  within  the  new  town  of  Stei'ling  and  the  south  of 
Killingly  joined  with  this  church,  so  that  its  membership  was  increased 
in  two  years  to  eighty-seven.  Keligious  services  were  held  in  the 
Pond  Hill  school-house  till  1800,  when  a  meeting-house  was  built  in 
the  north  part  of  the  town.  Methodist  preachers  had  ere  this  found 
their  way  to  the  town,  preaching  in  different  neighborhoods,  and 
organized  a  class  and  society,  which  in  time  held  regular  service  in 
the  old  Separate  meeting-house. 

lu  1784,  the  town  ordered  its  sign-post  removed  to  the  new  meet- 
ing-house lot,  and  appointed  its  meetings  to  be  held,  half  the  time  at 
the  new  meeting-house  near  Rev.  Joel  Ik-nedict's  dwelling-house,  and 
half  the  time  at  the  meeting-house  in  the  north  part  of  the  town  near 
Joseph  Prior's  (the  old  Separate  house).  Public  deliberations  were 
mainly  occupied  with  roads  and  bridges.  In  1784,  the  town  voted  to 
join  with  equal  proportions  as  Brooklyn  in  building  a  bridge  over  the 
Quinebaug  at  Parkhurst's  fordway,  but  this  needed  accommodation 
was  delayed  for  several  yeais.  In  1788,  it  joined  with  Canterbury  in 
rebuilding  Nevins'  Bridge,  "  with  three  stone  pillars  in  the  river  and 
suitable  timber  and  planks  for  the  upper  works" — David  Kinne, 
"William  Cutler  and  Ebenezer  Eaton,  committee.  In  1790,  aided  by 
Brooklyn,  it  accomplished  the  new  Quinebaug  bridge.     A  requisition 


328  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COl'NTY. 

from  the  County  Court  tlie  following  year,  ordered  new  attention  to 
the  "  post  road  through  Plainfield."  Colonel  Swift,  Shubael  Abbe  and 
Captain  Ezra  Bishop,  sent  as  committee,  rejtorted  the  necessity  of 
an  alteration  between  the  house  of  Samuel  Dow  in  Sterling  and  the 
mills  owned  by  Elisha  Perkins.  The  highway  surveyors  of  the  town 
made  new  arrangements  and  distribution,  and  labored  zealously  to 
satisfy  the  traveling  public  but  were  soon  called  to  further  outlay. 
William  Dixon  was  appointed  agent  to  defend  the  town  against 
petitions  brought  from  the  County  Court  by  Ebenezer  Gray  and 
others,  praying  for  an  alteration  in  the  stage  road  from  Norwich  to 
Providence  thiough  Plainfield,  and  also  to  oppose  a  petition  of  John 
Jefferds  and  Andrew  Murdock  praying  for  an  alteration  in  the  road 
leading  from  Brooklyn  to  Providence.  As  usual  opposition  availed 
nothing,  and  "  the  New  London  and  Windham  County  Society  for 
establishing  a  turnpike  road  from  Norwich  to  IJhode  Island  line, 
direct  through  Norwich,  Lisbon,  Preston,  Plainfield  and  Sterling," 
was  incorporated  in  1795.  A  tiiinj)ike  gate  was  allowed  in  Ster- 
linor,  and  another  "  within  half  a  mile  of  Plainfield  meetins^-house." 
The  old  traveled  country  road  from  Plainfield  meeting-house  west- 
ward to  Hartford,  was  turned  over  to  the  Windham  Turnpike 
Company  in  1799,  and  liberty  granted  to  erect  a  turnpike  gate 
near  the  dividing  line  between  Plainfield  and  Canterbury.  General 
James  Gordon  was  a  member  of  the  several  turnpike  companies,  and 
served  as  turnpike  commissioner  in  behalf  of  the  State.  A  committee 
was  chosen  in  1797,  to  attend  the  Tuinpike  Conference  held  by  the 
Windham  County  towns,  and  also  to  examine  the  town's  property  in 
roads.  Bridges  were  built  over  Moosup  River  to  accommodate 
Captain  William  Cutler,  and  Mr.  John  Lester,  and  also  to  accommo- 
date mills  on  other  streams  in  various  localities.  William  Robinson 
now  served  as  town  clerk,  Ebenezer  Eaton,  treasurer  ;  Squire  Cady, 
constable.  The  selectmen  in  1796,  were  Joshua  Dunlap,  Jonathan 
Gallup,  Caleb  Hill,  Jun.,  Benjamin  Gallup;  surveyors,  Moses  Branch, 
General  James  Gordon,  Captain  Simon  Shepard,  Aaron  Wheeler,  Dr. 
Thomas  Backus,  David  Kinne,  Caleb  Hall,  Jun.,  William  Clark, 
Thomas  Smith,  John  French,  Anthony  Bradford,  Esq.,  Joseph 
Whii)ple,  David  Knight ;  fence-viewers,  Thomas  Pierce,  Robert 
Dunlap.  Elijah  Fox,  Thomas  Wheeler,  Abijah  Deane,  Jeremiah 
Shepard,  Nathaniel  Parke,  Colonel  Abel  Andrews,  Nathan  Kinne, 
Zebulon  W^hipple,  John  Avery,  Hezekiah  Spalding,  Levi  Robinson, 
John  Burgess,  Stephen  Hall,  Anthony  Bradford,  John  Pierce,  as 
grand  school  committee,  had  cl)arge  of  the  jiublic  schools.  Fees  for 
taking  up  and  punishing  strollers  were  willingly  allowed.  The  select- 
men were  enjoined  in  1801  to  provide  a  suitable  and  convenient  house 


TOWN    AFFAIRS,    ETC. 


329 


for  the  reception  of  the  poor.  A  ])al],  liearse  and  builtling  for  the 
same  were  also  ordered.  Military  matters  excited  the  usual  interest. 
In  1799,  it  was  voted  that  non-connnissioned  officers,  musicians  and 
privates,  who  should  equip  themselves  as  to  ai'ms,  clothing-  and 
accoutrements  and  do  military  duty,  sliould  be  exempt  from  all  but 
highway  taxes.  Abel  Andrus  was  now  lieutentant-colonel  of  the 
Twenty-first  Regiment;  Shubael  llutchins,  first  major;  Rev.  Joel 
Benedict,  chaplain  ;  Sessions  Lester,  quartermaster  ;  Geoi'ge  INIiddle- 
ton,  paymaster;  Dr.  Johnson  of  Westminster,  surgeon  ;  Daniel  Gordon, 
surgeon's  mate ;  Frederick  Andrus,  Aaron  Crary,  Samuel  Douglas, 
Asa  Burgess,  captains  of  companies  in  the  light  infantry ;  Thomas 
and  Daniel  Wheeler,  John  Gordon,  lieutenants  and  ensigns :  Dr. 
Josiah  Fuller,  sui-geon's  mate  of  the  cavalry  regiment. 

The  fine  water  privileges  of  Plainfield  afforded  accommodations  for 
an  unusual  number  of  mills  and  manufacturing  establishments. 
Nathan  Angell  of  Providence,  i)urchased  of  Dr.  Welles  in  1777,  a 
fine  farm  on  the  Moosup,  with  large  mansion  house,  storehouse, 
clieese  house,  milk  house,  young  orchard  and  various  conveniences. 
Much  other  land  was  purchased  by  Mr.  Angell,  who  ran  saw  and  grist- 
mills and  carried  on  extensive  farming  operations.  The  easy  communi- 
cation with  Providence  and  Norwich,  the  stages  daily  running  to  and 
fro,  stimulated  traffic  and  agricultural  enterprise.  Captains  Lester, 
Dunlap  and  others  gave  much  attention  to  wool-growing  and  stock- 
raising.  Luther  Smith,  John  and  William  Douglas  and  William 
Olmstead  engaged  in  trade.  George  Middleton  opened  a  harness 
shop,  making  a  specialty  of  leather  pocket-books  and  portmanteaus. 
Dr.  Daniel  Gordon  kept  an  apothecary's  shop.  Potasli  works,  tanning 
and  hat-making  were  carried  on  in  the  valleys  east  and  south  of  the 
village.  Plaintield's  first  post-office — the  third  in  Windham  County — 
was  opened  in  1797,  by  Captain  Ebenezer  Eaton,  whose  popular  stage- 
tavern  maintained  its  ancient  reputation.  The  justices  in  1806,  were 
William  Dixon,  Anthony  Bradford,  Calvin  Goddard,  Ephraim  Wheeler, 
Joshua  Dunlap,  John  Douglas.  Calvin  Goddard,  Joshua  Dunlap, 
Joseph  Eaton,  Anthony  Bradford,  Ephraim  Wheeler,  Joseph  Shepard, 
Jonathan  ITammet,  William  Pierce,  Luther  Smith,  John  Lester, 
Jeremiah  Kinsman,  were  sent  as  representatives  during  this  period. 


42 


330  HISTORY    OF    WIXDHAM    COUNTY. 

X. 

KILLIXGLY'S     RIvSETTLEMEXT.      AFFAIRS     IX     XOUTII    SOCIETY. 

TRIALS   IX  BAPTIST  CHUiiCH.     SOUTH  KILLIXdEY  CHURCH 

AND  TRAIXIXGS.     AVEST   KILLIXGLY    CHURCH. 

EMIGRATIOX  TO  OHIO. 

KILLIXGLY,  after  the  loss  of  her  northern  pmish.  hastened  to 
leorganize  upon  a  new  basis,  voting  that  tlie  thi'ee  remaining 
societies  "shall  be  called  by  these  names  as  following.  North,  Middle 
and  South,"  and  "that  all  town  meetings  shall  be  held  in  the  meeting- 
lionse  in  the  middle  society."  At  the  annual  town  meeting,  December 
12,  -ITSo,  Dr.  Joseph  Toriey  was  chosen  moderator;  James  Larned, 
Sauiuel  Danielson,  Jacob  Spalding,  Capt.  Ephraim  Warren  and  Zadoc 
Spalding,  selectmen;  Sampson  Howe,  town  clei-k  and  ti'easurer :  Silas 
Hutchins,  constable  to  collect  State  taxes:  Eliiiu  Lawrence  and  .lohn 
Day,  constables:  Edward  B.ilibelt,  Col.  Josejih  Cady,  Xell  Alexander, 
Obed  Spalding,  Sampson  Howe,  John  Barret,  Andrew  Brown, 
Benjamin  Simmons,  Elias  Stearns,  .]ohn  Hutchins,  C:i])tain  I^avid 
Cady,  highway  surveyors  and  collectors  of  highw:iy  taxes :  James 
Larned,  Cajitain  David  Buc'k,  Captain  Ephraim  Warren.  Zatloo 
Spalding,  fence-viewers :  Sampson  Howe,  Captain  Jonathan  Cady, 
Andrew  Brown,  Jonas  Danielson,  Ezra  Hutchins,  Siloam  Short, 
listers ;  Captain  John  P^elshaw,  Captain  Ephraim  Warren  and  Deacon 
Jacob  Spalding,  key-keepei"s.  It  was  voted  that  Captain  Warren's  old 
house  be  made  a  workhouse  for  the  accommodation  of  the  town's 
poor  and  he  master  of  the  same.  Accounts  with  Thompson  were 
amical)ly  settled  by  their  respective  committees.  The  restiiction  of 
the  old  town  to  a  single  repiesentative  excited  great  indignation  and 
called  out  a  memorial,  showing : — 

"  That  such  restriction  deprived  the  town  of  one  half  their  rights  of 
representatives  whicli  they  conceive  tliey  have  a  riglit  to  enjoy  ajjreeable  to 
the  Constitution  of  this  State — restriction  laid  on  town  without  the  consent 
or  knowledge  or  even  the  most  distant  thought  of  the  inhabitants  of 
Killingly,  and  notwithstanding  this  restriction  the  freemen  have  continued 
to  choose  two  deputies  who  have  had  a  seat  in  the  General  Assembly  until 
last  October  session,  when  it  was  judged  to  be  inadmissible  till  the  Act  was 
repealed,  and  therefore  pray  for  such  repeal  which  thej'  conceived  an 
infringement  on  their  constitutional  rights  and  privileiies  so  long  as  they 
remain  peaceful  subjects  of  the  Stale,  and  are  considered  in  the  common 
burdeus  of  the  same,  as  they  look  upon  the  right  of  representation  as  one  of 
their  most  essential  ones. 

James  L.^uned, 
David  Buck, 
Eleazkr  Mokf.vt, 
William   Cund.^ll, 
Zadoc  Spalding, 
EzHA  Hutchins, 
Ephraim  War  ken, 

Committee. 
Killingly,  October  8,  1787." 


killingly's  re-setti.kment,  etc.  331 

This  request  was  granted  by  both  Houses,  and  Killingly  confirmed 
in  lier  constitutional  rights  and  privileges.  The  executions  brought 
against  the  town  by  the  State  treasurer  for  bahance  of  taxes  Laid 
duiing  the  war  were  satisfied  by  an  esjjecial  rate  after  much  ditficulty. 
Tlie  dividend  line  run  between  the  old  and  new  towns  was  accepted 
after  some  debate  ;  the  old  IJreakneck  meeting-house  converted  into  a 
suitable  town-house,  and  all  affairs  ai'ranged  in  a  satisfactory  nianner. 
The  chaige  of  the  numei'ous  poor  people  continued  a  heavy  burden. 
The  services  of  Doctors  Jonathan  Bishop,  Comfort  Foster  and  Penuel 
Hutchins  were  often  called  in  requisition,  as  well  as  constables  to 
convey  them  out  of  town  and  lawyers  to  contest  doubtful  cases,  while 
guardians  were  appointed  to  keep  in  watchful  oversight  such  as  by 
bad  husbandry  and  mismanagement  seemed  likely  to  need  public 
aid. 

The   North  Society  was  reduced  to   such  indigent  circumstances  by 

some   of  their    most  valuable  settlements  falling  into  the   hands   "of 

those  who  style  themselves  Baptists,"  and  also  l)y  what  is  called  "'the 

maneuvres "  of  Mr.    Emerson   Foster,    "  whereby  many    were    waxen 

cold   towards    the    established    religion,"    that    it    would    gladly    have 

resorted   to    the    fashionable  expedient  of  a  lottery,  the  avails  to   be 

used  in  purchasing  a  small  parsonage.     Failing  in  this  device,    it    had 

the    good    fortune  to  procure  an  excellent  minister  who  so  bound  up 

old  wounds  and  conciliated  the  disaffected  that  it  was  able  to  "  re-settle 

the    Gospel"     without    questionable     assistance.      Elisha    Atkins     of 

Middletown,    a   gentleman    of    cultui-e    and    experience,    was    happily 

ordained    and    in.stalled     in    the     pastoral     office,    June    3,    17S7,    the 

society    granting    two    hundred    pounds   settlement,    fifty-five    pounds 

salary,    and   the  cutting   and  drawing  the  ministerial  fire-wood.     Not 

only  was  this  done  without  serious  difficulty,  but  it  also  took  measures 

for  rei)aiiing  the  meeting-house,  though  ten  years  elapsed  before  these 

repairs  were  fully  accomplished.     The   old    body  of   seats  was  in  time 

removed.     Pew    spots   were    granted    to    Roland    Leavens,     Jedediah 

Sabin,  Aaron  Buck,  Josiah  Deane,  John  Lawrence,  John  E.  Dorrance, 

Eleazer  Leavens.     In    1796,   libeity  was  given  to  erect  a   belfry    and 

procure  a  bell.     James  Larned,  Sampson  Howe,  David  Buck,  Caj^tain 

Jonathan  Cady,    William   Kelly,  Joseph   Torrey,  Willard   Cady,  Jesse 

Wliipple,  Hobart  Torrey  and  David  Copp  were  appointed  a  committee 

to  see  on    what  terms    a   belfry   could    be  built.     This    was    speedily 

erected  and   the   bell    procured   the   same  year, — the  people   showing 

their  satisfaction  in  this  achievement  by  the  many  directions  given  for 

its  right  regulation: — 

"  Bell   to   be    runa:   on    week  days   at   twelve  o'clock  at  noon,  and  nine  at 
night;    Sundays,  Thauksgiviugs  and  Fast  days,  an  hour  before  meetings;  and 


332  HISTOKV    OF    WINDHAM    COL'NTY. 

at  uoou  on  Sundays,  halfway  botweon  the  intermissions,  and  fifteen  minutes 
before  meeting  begins;  at  all  said  meetings  to  be  rung  not  less  than  tive 
minutes  nor  more  than  ten  at  any  one  time." 

Sampson  Howe  was  to  have  twenty  clollafs  a  year  for  ringing  the 
bell,  and  sweeping  tlie  meeting-honse.  A  subsequent  vote  ordained 
that  the  bell  should  be  lung  at  noon  the  whole  year,  but  fi'om  April 
15  to  August  15  be  rung  at  sunrise  instead  of  nine  at  night.  The 
minister's  salary  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  was  raised  with  much 
difficulty,  and  efforts  were  made  to  provide  a  permanent  fund. 
William  and  Simon  Copp,  John  Kelly  and  Welcome  Wliij»ple  were 
appointed  choristers  in  1805. 

jNIr.  Atkins  proved  a  most  excellent  pastor  and  citizen,  intei'ested 
in  all  plans  for  the  improvement  of  the  town.  He  was  particularly 
successful  as  a  teacher,  and  many  of  the  young  people  of  his  congre 
gation  received  the  benefit  of  his  instruction.  He  not  only  received 
pupils  into  his  own  chaige,  but  endeavoied  to  further  improvements 
in  public  education  and  took  great  interest  in  visiting  the  schools  of 
the  town.  A  committee  was  appointed  in  1791,  to  ascertain  the 
bounds  of  school  districts,  and  two  years  later  the  bounds  were 
changed  and  seven  districts  set  ofl",  viz.: — 1.  Xortheast ;  2,  Chestnut 
Hill;  3.  Talbot's  mills;  4.  South;  5.  Pond;  G.  Northwest;  7.  North. 
Joseph  Torrey,  Eleazer  ]Motfat,  Sylvanus  Peiiy,  Isaac  Cady  Howe, 
Ebenezer  Leach,  Obed  Spalding,  Keuben  Leavens,  Azariah  Cutler, 
Hobart  Torrey,  Nell  Alexander,  William  Basto,  Joseph  Adams, 
committee.  School  money  drawn  fi'om  the  State  was  disti  ibuted  to 
the  several  districts  in  1795,  and  school  affairs  thenceforwaid  were  left 
to  the  management  of  the  districts. 

Captain  John  Felshaw,  so  long  prominent  in  town  and  pul)lic 
aft'airs,  died  at  an  advanced  age  in  17S-2.  His  large  landed  estate  was 
divided  between  his  sons,  by  Edwaid  P.-iul,  surveyor,  under  tiie 
direction  of  Deacon  Lusher  Gay  and  James  Larned.  The  tavern 
stand  on  the  corner  was  held  for  a  time  by  Samuel  Felshaw  and  sold 
in  1797  to  Captain  Aaron  Arnold  of  Plw^le  Island,  an  energetic 
business  man,  interested  in  ]niblic  affairs.  Luther  and  Calvin  Warren 
removed  to  Killingly  Hill  about  179-1,  settling  on  land  purchased  of 
Isaac  C.  Howe.  Dr.  Robert  Grosvenor  of  Pomfret  succeeded  to  the 
practice  of  Dr.  ]Moffat.  Dr.  Josiah  Deane  also  }»racticed  medicine 
in  tliis  vicinity.  A  store  was  opened  on  the  hill  by  Sampson  Howe. 
William  Basto  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  hats.  Stoitt  chairs  and 
excellent  willow-  baskets  were  made  by  Jonathan  and  Joseph  Buck. 

Roads  received  much  attention.  A  new  road  was  laid  out  about 
1795,  from  the  country  road  near  Dr.  Hutchins'  dwelling-house  running 
east  to  Mr.  Day's  meeting-house,  through  lands  of  Penuel  and  Zadoc 


AFFAIRS    IN    NOKTH    SOCIETY,    ETC.  333 

iriitcliins,  Samuel  Stearns,  Wilson  Ivies,  James  Danielson,  and  the  sons 
of  lJ)eaoon  Jacob  Spalding.  The  petition  for  an  open  highway  through 
lands  of  William  Torrey,  heirs  of  Kev.  John  Fisk,  and  others,  was 
opposed  for  a  time,  but  finally  granted.  A  new  road  was  also  allowed 
from  Jonathan  and  Philip  De.vtcr's  to  Cutlei's  bridge  in  the  east  of 
the  town.  An  act  of  the  County  Court  obliged  the  selectiuen  to  lay 
out  a  road  from  the  road  near  Edward  Babbitt's  on  Chestnut  Hill  to 
the  meeting-house  in  the  north  parish.  A  jury  met  at  Sampson 
Howe's,  December,  1799,  and  laid  out  a  road  from  Captain  John  Day's 
thiough  lands  of  Car[)enter,  Alexander,  Kelly,  Leavens,  Howe,  Whip- 
ple and  Warren — after  which  the  town  resolutely  declined  to  do  any- 
thing more  in  that  line.  It  was  soon  however  called  to  consider  the 
(piestion  of  turnpikes ;  refused  to  listen  to  Ashford's  request  for  a 
turnpike  to  Providence,  but  negotiated  with  Pomfret,  Woodstock  ami 
Thompson.  After  much  discussion  it  was  decided  in  1801,  "  to  lay 
out  a  turnpike  from  the  Norwich  Turnpike  in  Pomfret  to  the  turnpike 
in  Gloucester."  This  Pomfret  and  Killingly  turnpike  passing  over 
Killingly  Hill  by  the  meeting-house,  was  accomplished  in  1803,  but 
the  exhausted  town  declined  to  build  half  the  new^  bi'idge  needed  for 
its  accommodation  till  cited  before  the  Couit  to  answer  for  its  negli- 
gence. Hobart  Toi-rey,  Pelatiah  Mason  and  Ezra  Ilutchins,  Escp, 
were  commissioned  to  build  the  bridge  but  unfortunately  it  was  soon 
carried  away  by  high  water,  not  being  built  "  workman  like,"  which 
involved  the  town  in  tresh  difliculty  and  arbitrations. 

Killingly  was  much  interested  in  the  mooted  question  of  county 
seat,  favoring  her  opposite  neighbor  in  preference  to  any  other 
competitor.  Captain  Luther  Warren  as  agent,  was  vested  with  power 
to  sign  any  petition  that  was  thought  best  for  the  time,  provided  he 
did  not  bui-den  the  town  with  any  expense  for  public  buildings.  In 
1S02,  the  town  positively  declined  to  sign  a  petition  for  removal 
to  Brooklyn,  but  would  sign  for  Pomfret  under  the  former  proviso. 
Captain  Luther  Warren  succeeded  Sampson  Howe  as  town  clerk  and 
treasurer,  in  1804.  Aaron  Arnold,  Remember  Ingraham,  Joseph 
Adams  and  Samuel  Anderson,  were  selectmen  at  this  date.  Captain 
Warren  and  Hobart  Torrey,  constables  ;  Eleazer  Moffat,  James  Daniel- 
son,  Ezra  Hutchins,  Luther  Warren,  Esq.,  justices.  Sam[)sou  Howe, 
James  Danielson,  Zadoc  Spalding,  Eleazer  MoffiU,  Luther  Warren, 
Aaron  Arnold  and  Shubael  Hutchins  were  sent  as  representatives 
during  these  years.  James  Danielson,  after  serving  for  some  years 
as  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  Eleventh  Regiment,  became  general  of 
the  Fifth  Brigade  in  1806.  Hobart  Torrey  took  his  place  as  lieutenant- 
colonel.  Robert  Grosvenor  served  as  surgeon ;  Darius  Hutchins, 
surgeon's    mate.      Luther   Warren,    Joseph    Buck,    William    Toriey, 


334:  HISTORV    OF    AVINDHAM    COUNTY. 

David  Ch.-ise,  Jnlin  Kflly,  Pearloy  Day,  were  captains  and  lieutenants. 
The  ample  accoiniiio<lations  offered  by  the  bioad  common  on  Killin<rly 
Hill,  made  it  a  favorite  place  tor  general  trainint;s  and  other  mili- 
tary parades,  and  the  tavern  kept  l)y  Captain  Warren  rivalled  in 
])opulanly  its  famous  predecessor.  Taverns  were  also  kept  by  Aaron 
Arnold.  Thomas  ^ledbury  and  Silas  Hutchins. 

Tile  31iddle  -Society  of  Killinoly  occupied  a  somewhat  anomalous 
position,  liavinir  little  to  do  with  the  religious  affairs  of  its  inhabitants. 
Its  stated  church  had  virtually  ceased  to  exist,  its  few  remaining  mem 
bers  worshipping  with  other  churches,  and  its  meeting-house  used  for 
town-meetings  and  secular  purposes.  The  Baptist  church  within  its 
limits  experienced  the  usual  vicissitudes  and  trials.  In  1784,  Elder 
Robinson  was  dismissed  by  his  own  lequest  from  his  pastoral  charge, 
and  recommended  to  the  Baptist  church  in  Attleborough,  ''  as  a  member 
in  good  standing  with  us,  whose  moral  and  christian  character  is  good 
both  as  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel  and  member  with  us.  "  Notwith- 
standing this  recommendation,  reports  derogatory  to  his  character 
were  circulated  and  a  root  of  bitterness  was  left  in  the  church.  lu 
the  following  year  the  society  reorganized,  a  number  of  persons* 
voluntarily  agreeing  to  form  themselves  into  a  society,  attend  on 
divine  service,  contribute  to  the  support  of  the  Gospel  and  settle  a 
Baptist  minister  to  preach  in  this  place.  This  movement  was  made 
needful  by  the  efforts  made  to  procure  the  sum  promised  Mr.  Atkins 
in  settlement,  as  unless  they  could  certify  to  their  attendance  upon 
some  place  of  worship,  residents  of  the  Xorth  Society  would  have 
been  assessed  for  that  object.  Descendants  of  old  families  formerly 
active  in  supporting  the  established  worship,  and  some  new  and 
substantial  residents,  were  among  the  subsciibers.  Others  belonged  to 
the  poorer  class  and  some  were  residents  of  Rhode  Island.  The 
society,  October  17,  voted  to  buy  a  farm  for  a  miriisteiial  farm.  A 
rude  meeting-house  had  already  been  erected,  but  probably  no  farm 
had  been  procured,  as  Elder  Robinson  in  his  own    name   ]>urchased  an 

*  Mkmbkks  of  B.vptist  Socikty  in  Kii.i.iNoi.Y.  ox  CnKSTNUT  Hill, 
Uc roHKi:  J.  178.">. — CaK-b  Coliirovc,  David  Law,  ICIiplialet  Corbin,  EboiK'zer 
Talbot,  Josiali  Brown,  Jun.,  Seth  Babbit,  Ezekiel  Mitchol,  Nicholas  Smith, 
Cornelius  Wullinir,  Obed  Wiiisor,  William  Leach,  William  Harriiiirton, 
Giorge  Law,  Eli.sha  Warner,  Jared  Talbot,  Ezekiel  Brown,  Peter  Cutler, 
James  Lawrence,  Isaac  Cutler,  Jiiu.,  Thomas  Bickford,  Gideon  Bur:^ess, 
Ezekiel  Younir.  William  Mitchel,  Samuel  Sparks.  Benjamin  Capron,  Benjamin 
Talbot,  Levi  Aldrieh,  Zaehery  Brown,  Chase  llix,  Perley  Wliitmore,  .J>hn 
I'ike,  Jol)  Leach,  Bciijaiuiii  Whittemore,  David  Kobitisou,  William  Basto, 
Ezekiel  ]51ackmar,  Edward  Babl.Mt,  .Juu..  Nathan  Boweu,  John  Heriuton, 
Ephraim  Eisk,  Pelatiah  .Mason.  Richard  Tucker,  Ebenezer  Coud,  Jonathan 
Herinton,  Richard  Bartlett.  William  Carder,  Loren  Carpenter,  Benjamin 
Seamans,  Thomas  Burgess,  Jeremiah  Herinton,  Benjamin  Brown,  Oliver 
Bowen,  Benjamin  Bateinan,  Edward  Babbit.  Sampson  Covell,  Jonathan 
Herinton,  Daniel  Covel,  Ebenezer  Leach,  Wyman  Cutler. 


AFFAIRS    IN    NORTH    SOCIETY,   ETC.  335 

hnndi-cil  acies  of  land  of  Robert  I^axter,  near  Brown's,  ]Mofl^'at's  and 
jMiU'hel's.  David  Lamb  was  ))rocnred  the  followino-  sjiring  to  preacli 
for  a  year,  and  was  succeeded  by  John  Cooper.  The  society  voted, 
1788,  "that  eacli  man  deliver  liis  subscription  at  Ezekiel  Blackmar's  for 
John  Cooper."  Pelatiah  j\Iason,  David  Law,  Ephraim  P'isk  and  Jona- 
than Herinton,  Jan.,  were  apj)ointed  a  committee  to  meet  the  delin- 
(pients  : — 

"  March  10. — Met  to  hear  the  report  of  the  committee  that  was  to  consult 
with  Mr.  Jului  Cooper  to  preach  willi  us  one  year,  and  tiiat  was  that  Mr. 
Cooper  told  us  his  sirconistances,  and  that  was,  he  was  poor  and  needy;  tlie 
committee  Avas  Pelatiah  Mason  and  Ephraim  Fis]<.  Voted,  1.  That  we  will 
contribute  to  fix  up  tlie  meeting-house;  2.  That  we  will  have  Mr.  Cooper  to 
preach  with  us  this  year;  3.  That  what  is  wanted  when  all  is  signed  that  we 
will  make  it  up  £15." 

While  tlie  society  was  thus  taking  the  initiative,  and  providing  for 
})ublic  worship,  the  church  api)ears  to  have  been  inactive,  and  did  not 
even  maintain  its  seasons  of  connnunion.  I'obert  Baxter  who  had  seived 
as  its  first  deacon  had  removed  to  Pomfret,  and  jirominent  members 
liad  been  aggrieved  by  the  dismissal  of  Elder  Robinson.  After  Mr. 
Coojjer's  year  had  elapsed,  his  place  was  filled  by  Elder  Campljell,  an 
irregular  preacher  or  itinerant,  who  was  acceptable  to  the  church.  A 
church  meeting  was  held,  July  11,  1789,  when  it  was  "proposed, 
1.  To  see  whether  they  was  agreed  to  travel  together.  2.  To  have 
the  debates  between  Edward  Babbit  and  Ephraim  Fisk  on  the  ditfi- 
cnlty  about  Elder  Robinson."  The  difiiculty  with  the  brethren  was 
satisfactorily  settled,  and  the  church  resumed  its  efforts  "to  travel."' 
Elder  Campbell's  preaching  was  very  successful,  a  large  number  pro- 
fessed conversion  and  were  baptized  by  him,  but  not  admitted  into  the 
church,  which  indeed  was  not  in  condition  to  receive  member.s,  having 
lo.st  its  standing  among  sister  churches  by  failing  to  maintain  Gospel 
ordinances.  The  society  in  1790,  voted  to  subscribe  for  the  support 
of  Elder  Campbell,  and  deputed  Thomas  Burgess  and  William  Carder 
to  provide  a  place  for  him  to  live  in  the  ensuing  year.  The  chuich 
jiroceeded  with  its  endeavors  to  bring  its  members  to  penitence  and 
confession,  and  at  a  meeting  June  24,  to  learn  "  how  each  one  stood 
as  to  the  unitation  we  had  begun,  as  to  come  round  our  Father's  table 
once  more  if  we  can  agree."  Ezekiel  Blackmar,  Jonathan  Ilerington 
and  Ephraim  Fisk  were  appointed  to  go  to  Elder  Martin's,  and  see  if 
we  can  regain  our  fellowship.  The  result  of  this  efi'ort  is  not  clearly 
recorded.  The  church  was  censured,  and  according  to  one  report 
"  rejected "  by  the  ministers  representing  the  Association.  Elder 
Campbell's  proceedings  in  baptizing  converts  and  administering  the 
ordinances  were  severely  rebuked,  and  he  was  dis-fellowshijied  by  a 
committee  probably  of  Warren  Association,  after  which  it  is  said  "  the 


336  HISTORY    OF    \VIXI)nAM    COUNTY. 

cliurcli  was  restored  and  went  on  au^ain — "  It  was  siittlciently  restored 
at  least  lo  li^rant  letters  of  recommendation,  and  administer  discipline, 
nor  did  it  apparently  lose  its  standing  in  following  yeai's  though  desti- 
tute of  a  stated  pastor.  This  "Campbell  split,"  as  it  was  called,  left 
injuiious  consequences.  Most  of  his  converts  fell  away  and  members 
of  the  church  were  alienated.  Elder  Moffat  was  employed  to  preach 
in  1791,  after  which  there  is  no  entry  upon  the  records  for  several 
years. 

In  1796,  church  and  society  again  united  in  choice  of  Elder  Peter 
Rogers  of  Hampton — whose  preliminary  labors  proved  so  satisfactory 
that  the  three  parties  entered  upon  a  formal  covenant.  Elder  Rogers 
agreed  upon  his  part : — "  That  he  would  remove  his  membership  and 
unite  with  them  ;  that  he  wiH  serve  them  in  the  Gospel,  1.  By  supply- 
ing as  their  pastor  the  pulpit.  2.  By  administering  the  ordinances  of 
the  Gospel  among  them  as  God  shall  enable  him.  3.  By  visiting  the 
sick  in  the  church  and  society  as  duty  may  call  :  and  4.  To  watch  for 
souls  as  those  that  must  give  an  account  ;  and  the  church  covenanting 
to  receive  him  as  their  elder  and  pastor,  give  him  fifteen  pounds  a 
year  in  money  or  equivalent  articles,  and  labor  to  maintain  a  gospel 
union  with  him  so  far  as  they  had  light  and  grace — this  covenant  to 
be  binding  on  both  parties  equally  till  it  be  violated  or  broken,  the 
society  assenting  to  the  same,  and  agreeing  to  the  stipulated  salary." 
Kotwithstanding  this  fair  beginning,  the  pastorate  was  not  happy. 
Discoixlant  elements  were  at  work.  Deacon  Hei-rington  thought  the 
church  too  hasty  in  settling  Elder  Rogers,  and  even  the  excellent 
Deacon  Fisk*  who  had  been  one  of  the  pillars  of  the  church,  became 
estranged  for  reasons  not  manifest,  and  was  finally  cut  off  from  it. 
Another  prominent  brother  was  cut  off  for  setting  up  and  holding 
meetings  in  oi)position  to  the  fellowship  of  the  church,  and  many 
others  were  disciplined  or  excommunicated  for  reasons  of  more  or  less 
importance.  In  the  great  majority  of  cases  no  restoration  was 
effected,  but  the  brother  who  was  accused  of  carrying  a  bottle  of 
ru7n  to  the  house  of  a  sister,  and  "insisting  and  persuading  her  to 
drink,"'  acknowledged  he  was  wrong  and  said  he  was  sorry  for  it.  It 
was  agreed  that  no  member  should  act  with  the  church  who  was  not 
in  full  communion ;  also,  not  to  admit  any  person  to  attend  our  church 
meetings  excepting  brethren  in  good  standing  in  fellowship,  without 
toleration  of  the  church.  After  the  dismission  of  Deacon  Fisk,  it  was 
voted  to  nominate  a  brother  to  serve  as  a  deacon  at  the  next  church 


*  Deacon  Fisk  is  especially  memorable  iu  Killiiisily  as  the  father  of  that 
harmonious  quartette  of  female  infants  whose  names  were  suggested  by  the 
epithets  that  ijreetecl  their  simultaneous  advent — "Wonderful!"  ^'Admira- 
ble !!"     "  Ke.m.\ukable ! ! !  "     "  STRANGE  ! ! ! !  " 


TRIALS    IN    BAPTIST    CHURCH,    ETC.  337 

ineetinq',  and  give  the  sisters  an  invitation  to  attend.  Brother  Chase 
Hicks  was  nominated  to  serve  on  trial.  At  the  same  meeting,  Septem- 
ber, 1799.  Elder  Rogers  and  Xicliolas  Aldi-ich  were  requested  to  write 
a  letter  to  the  Association,  and  with  other  brethren  rejiresent  the 
church.  Notwithstanding  its  many  trials  and  difficulties  this  church 
on  Clieslnut  Hill  maintained  a  good  standing  among  other  Ba])tist 
churches,  and  doubtless  was  the  means  of  doing  much  good  on  this 
remote  outpost,  reaching  a  class  who  had  no  other  religious  pi-ivilege. 
Elder  Rogers  enjoyed  a  good  repute  as  a  preacher,  and  his  meetings 
were  attended  by  a  goodly  number  of  hearers.  The  meeting-house 
becoming  unfit  for  use,  a  movement  was  made  in  1802,  "to  form  a 
constitution  "  for  building  a  new  one  on  land  purchased  of  Captain 
Joseph  Cady,  which  was  successfully  accomplished  within  a  year  or 
two  by  private  elfort  and  subscription.  The  society  machinery  so 
uncongenial  with  the  Baptist  polity  had  now  fallen  into  disuse,  tlie 
covenant  made  with  Elder  Rogers  set  aside,  and  after  hiring  liim  for 
two  or  three  successive  years  he  was  peaceably  dismissed  in  1803, 
laboring  for  a  time  successfully  in  the  adjoining  country.  "March  15, 
1805,  a  few  brothers  and  sisters  on  Chestnut  Hill  met  at  the  house  of 
Bi'other  Levi  Aldiich,  in  confei'ence  on  our  scattered  and  broken  situa- 
tion, and  felt  ourselves  under  obligation  to  renew  covenant  and  take 
up  our  cross  and  follow  Christ  in  the  pathway  of  duty."  These 
brethren,  viz.  : — Deacon  Herriiigton,  Ebenezer  Leach,  Levi  Aldrich, 
Sampson  Covill,  Abner  Aldrich.  Caleb  Colegrove,  Oliver  I>owen,  and 
eight  sisters,  continued  to  meet  together  and  exercise  discipline  in 
some  degree  till  they  were  again  so  fortunate  as  to  unite  in  a  pastor. 

The  church  in  the  South  Society*  enjoyed  a  good  degree  of  pros- 
perity and  harmony.  Upon  the  death  of  its  beloved  pastor,  Rev. 
Eliphalet  Wright,  August  4,  1784,  within  six  days  of  his  decease  it 
was  voted : — 

"  1.  That  it  is  the  mind  of  this  church  to  exert  themselves  in  resettling  tTie 
gospel  ministry.  2.  That  for  the  future  we  will  support  the  same  by  an 
equalit)'  according  to  our  several  estates.  3.  That  it  is  the  desire  and  choice 
of  this  church  that  our  brother  Israel  Day  should  take  the  charge  of  them  as 
their  pastor." 

Mr.  Day  was  ordained  and  installed  in  office,  June  1,  1785.  Rev. 
Ebenezer  Bradford  of  Rowley,  with  whom  he  had  studied  theology, 
preached  the  sermon.  Rev.  John  Cleveland  of  Ipswich,  and  Joshua 
Spalding,  a  son  of  the  Killingly  church,  assisted  in  the  services.  Mr. 
Day's  preaching  was  very  satisfactory  and  forty  persons  were  ere  long 
added  to  the  church.  Deacon  Spalding,  Anthony  Brown  and  Ezra 
Hutchins,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  take  care  of  the  church  in 
relation  to  breaches  of  discipline,  which  was  still  administered  with 
43 


338  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

exemplary  strictness.  Members  were  admonislied  for  "fjoing  to  law 
contrary  to  gospel  rule."  A  colored  sister  excoiiimuiiicated  for  indul- 
gence "  in  stealing  and  lying."  The  cliuich  was  exercised  many  years 
by  a  very  grievous  ditficulty  between  the  pastor  and  Deacon  Spalding, 
requiring  the  intervention  of  many  councils  and  committees.  Each 
was  certain  that  he  was  in  the  right  and  very  persistent.  The  deacon 
was  at  length  led  to  perceive  that  he  had  been  somewhat  at  fault  and 
arising  before  sunrise  went  straight  to  the  pastor  and  made  acknowl- 
edgment. Mr.  Day  listened  most  benignantly,  and  graciously  granted 
pardon,  but  made  no  counter  confession.  "  Ah,"  said  the  wounded 
deacon,  "  I  have  brought  a  whole  bullock  to  the  sacrifice.  Have  you 
not  as  much  as  a  turtle  dove  to  lay  upon  the  altar  ?  " 

In  this  remote  corner  of  Killingly  innovation  made  slow  progress 
and  its  I'esidents  long  retained  their  primitive  customs  and  character. 
The  sturdy  old  Separates  who  laid  the  foundations  of  society  were 
much  opposed  to  worldly  pomp  and  vanity  and  ruled  their  families 
with  rod  of  iron,  yet  with  all  their  sti'ictness  the  world  crept  on.  Sons 
and  daughters  of  rigid  priest  and  deacons  would  steal  away  from  their 
beds  at  night  to  join  in  dance  and  frolic,  and  young  ladies  managed 
in  some  way  to  learn  and  follow  the  fashions  of  the  period.  A 
daughter  of  Deacon  Spalding,  married  in  178.5  to  Joseph  Gay  of 
Thompson,  "appeared  out"  on  the  Sunday  following  her  marriage  in 
a  peach-colored  silk  most  jauntily  made,  and  hat  and  head-dress 
trimmed  with  the  marvellous  quantity  of  sixteen  yards  of  white 
ribbon,  while  her  husband  walked  by  her  side  in  smallclothes  of  white 
broadcloth.  According  to  the  custom  of  the  congregation  they  took 
their  place  in  the  middle  seat  of  the  front  gallery,  and  some  time  in 
the  course  of  the  service  deliberately  arose  for  inspection,  turning 
slowly  around  and  standing  in  different  positions  so  that  the  whole 
effect  of  the  costume  might  be  exhibited.  The  young  bride  of  Dr. 
Penuel  Ilutchins,  who  "appeared  out"  the  following  year,  met  a 
somewhat  cold  reception.  The  meeting-house  was  very  cold  and  the 
light  wedding  dress  unfitted  for  the  season.  The  good  minister's  wife 
after  the  service  invited  the  shivering  bride  to  her  warm  fireside,  but 
she  was  scarcely  seated  there  when  a  shaip-faced  good-wife  ushered  in 
three  matrons.  "You  sit  theie,  and  you  there,  and  you  there,"  she 
promptly  ordered  ;  "  and  you,  young  woman,  may  sit  back  ;  your  fine 
clothes  will  keep  you  xcann.'  With  such  exhibitions  it  is  not  to  be 
wondered  at  that  some  of  the  brethien  should  be  troubled  with 
"wandering  thoughts  on  the  holy  Sabbath."  An  aged  church  member 
so  unfortunate  as  to  lose  his  wife  was  forced  to  confess  his  infinuity 
to  his  pastor  during  intermission — "  You  preached  a  very  good 
sermon  to-day  ;  but  light  in  the  midst  of  it  I  could  not  help  reckoning 


SOUTH    KILLINGLY    CHURCH    AND    TRAININGS,    ETC.  339 

up  nineteen  smart  yomig  loidders  within  the  limits  of  this  ecclesi- 
astical society,  and  I've  thou<j;tit  of  another  since  I  came  here,  and 
that  makes  tirenty !  Now  wliat  shall  I  do  F'  Whether  he  was 
advised  to  lessen  the  number  as  speedily  as  ])ossible  is  not  reported. 

The  South  Killingly  settlement  though  but  a  mere  hamlet,  three 
or  four  houses  and  a  shop  clustering-  around  the  meeting-liouse,  had  a 
very  imposing  aspect  in  the  eyes  of  that  generation,  and  by  common 
consent  was  dignified  as  "The  City" — a  name  that  clung  to  it  for 
many  years.  Its  one  tavern  was  well  patronized  by  the  surrounding 
population,  and  its  company  trainings  were  carried  on  with  more  than 
ordinary  spirit.     An  eye-witness*  reports  for  us  : — 

"  Nearly  everybody  attended  them  either  as  soldiers  or  spectators.  The 
boys  were  often  on  the  .efrouiid  before  a  soldier  made  his  appearance.  After 
the  company  was  orjj^auized,  the  captain,  escorted  by  two  subaltern  officers, 
with  slow  and  measured  step  marched  forward.  We  have  seen  presidents  of 
the  United  States,  Doctors  of  the  Divinity  and  Law,  yet  sure  are  we  that  we 
have  never  felt  such  awe  in  the  presence  of  any  man  as  we  have  in  lool<ing 
upon  a  South  Killingly  militia  captain.  We  used  often  to  hear  of  Bona- 
parte's army,  but  thought  it  would  .stand  but  little  chance  in  a  contest  with 
this  company.  Calling  the  roll  was  the  Urst  business.  The  sergeant  read 
over  th(!  names  in  this  wise— "  Elam  Howlet  "— "  Here  !"  "Abel  Adams" — 
"  Here!"  "  John  Owens" — a  solemn  pause — "John  Owens" — no  response — 
"  Prick  him,"  cried  out  the  captain,  whereupon  a  pin  was  inserted  into  the 
name  of  the  deiinciuent.  Our  sympathies  were  often  wrought  to  their  highest 
pitch  for  the  unfortunate  absentee.  The  bottle  was  frequently  passed  during 
the  military  exercises.     By  night  nearly  half  of  both  soldiers  and  spectators 

were  more  or  less  intoxicated^ We   claim  there  were  good 

and  substantial  reasons  for  our  youthful  admiration  for  a  fully-equipped 
military  officer,  especially  a  general.  His  russet-topped  boots,  long  white 
stockings,  short  breeches  with  gold  buckles,  a  ruffled  shirt,  a  blue  and 
crimson  coat  and  vest,  beautifully  wrought  with  fine  twist  and  linen  of  divers 
colors,  with  powdered  hair  and  long  queue  hanging  down  behind!  His  head 
surmounted  by  a  hat  somewhat  in  the  shape  of  half  the  head  of  a  hogshead 
and  well  nigh  as  large.  Above  this  an  enormous  feather  of  brilliant  colors 
was  perched.  He  was  placed  astride  an  elegant  and  thoroughly  disciplined 
horse  apparently  as  proud  as  his  rider.  Can  any  one  censure  our  admira- 
tion?" 

Jacob  Rood,  captain  of  this  admired  company,  was  succeeded  in 
1803  by  Samtiel  Sprague ;  Isaac  Day,  lieutenant;  Simon  Spalding, 
ensign.  Shubael  Hutehins  was  at  this  time  lieutenant-colonel  com- 
mandant of  the  Twenty-first  Regiment  with  which  it  was  connected; 
Rev.  Israel  Day,  chaplain  ;  Daniel  Kies,  paymaster. 

As  business  gravitated  more  and  more  to  the  centre  of  the  town, 
the  question  of  church  removal  was  again  agitated.  Dr.  Penuel 
Hutehins  and  other  prominent  residents  of  Central  Killingly  were 
active  in  this  movement,  and  proposed  that  a  ne\v  house  oi  worship 
should  be  erected  that  would  accommodate  both  sections.  A  majority 
of  the  church  opposed  the  change,  voting,  May,  1797,  "That  all  things 
and    circumstances    considered,   the    old   meeting-house  is  the    place 

*  Isaac  T.  Hutehins,  Esq.,  Dauielsonville,  1878. 


340 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUXTY. 


where  we  onglit  to  continue  to  meet  for  the  worship  of  God.''  In 
July,  however,  a  vote  was  obtained,  •'  that  it  is  the  o|»inion  of  this 
church  that  it  does  not  belong  to  us  as  a  church  to  determine  wliere 
our  meeting-house  ouglit  to  stand,  but  to  the  community  at  large  who 
are  at  the  expense  of  a  meeting-house  and  support  of  the  ministry." 
Under  this  vote  a  number  of  individuals  proceeded  to  build  a  house 
in  the  western  part  of  the  middle  society.  The  church  was  troubled 
and  dissatisfied — ''did  not  wish  to  be  dictated  to,  or  controlled  by  the 
congregation."  and  finally,  August,  1798,  refused  *'lhe  request  sent  by 
the  proprietors  of  the  new  meeting-house  to  have  our  pastor  pieach 
to  them  half  the  time.  "  A  new  church  was  thereupon  oiganized 
after  some  delay  in  the  central  society  and  the  old  South  chuicii  left 
to  pursue  its  way  unmolested.  The  piety  and  strong  character  uf  Mr. 
Day  gave  him  much  influence  over  his  people  and  brought  them  by 
degrees  into  conformity  with  the  orthodox  churches.  In  1799  he  was 
admitted  into  the  Ministerial  Association  of  "Windham  County.  The 
church,  two  years  later,  virtually  abjured  its  original  Separatism  by 
accepting  Consociation  with  other  county  churches,  and  thenceforward 
maintained  a  respectable  standing  among  them,  the  only  Separate 
church  in  Windham  County  that  achieved  a  permanent  existence.  A 
remarkable  religious  revival  was  then  in  progress,  which  added  over 
sixty  to  the  church  membership.  The  first  meeting  of  the  Associa- 
tion at  South  Killingly  was  made  esjjecially  memorable  by  the 
ordination  of  Thomas  AVilliams  of  Brooklyn,  late  preceptor  of 
Woodstock  Academy,  •'  as  an  evangelist  to  go  out  as  missionary." 
Doctors  Benjamin  Trumbull  and  Levi  Hart,  and  Secretaiy  Abel  Flint 
appeared  in  behalf  of  the  Missionary  Society  of  Connecticut.  The 
Association  resolved  itself  into  an  ordaining  council,  and  aftei"  a 
satisfactory  examination  of  the  candidate,  voted,  '' To  conseciate  him 
to  the  work  of  the  Gospel  ministry  with  reference  to  his  laboring  as  a 
missionary  in  the  new  settlements  in  the  United  States  of  America." 
The  solemnities  were  attended  in  the  meeting-house,  May  16,  1804. 
Secretary  Flint  made  the  opening  prayer.  Mr.  King  of  Pomfret 
preached.  Dr.  Benedict  oftered  the  consecrating  prayer.  Dr.  Hart 
gave  the  charge  :  Mr.  Dow  the  right  hand  of  fellowship.  ]\Ir.  Lyman 
offered  the  concluding  prayer.  Mr.  Williams  labored  for  a  time  in 
New  York.  Kev.  Israel  Day  had  previously  served  as  missionary  in 
Vermont.  Most  of  the  Windham  County  ministers  engaged  for  a 
time  in  missionary  labors. 

The  meeting-house  built  in  West  Killingly,  w;is  probably  occupied 
more  or  less  from  the  date  of  its  erection.  Dr.  Penuel  Ilutchins  and 
Mr.  Robert  Howe  jrave  the  ample  and  eliirible  building  lot.  The  few 
church  members  residine:  in  the  vicinitv  now  decided  to  organize  as  a 


WEST    KILLINGLT    CHURCH,    ETC.  341 

distinct  Itody,  atul  suniiuoiied  an  ecclesiastic  council  wliich  met  at  the 
house  of  Dr.  Penuel  llutchins,  August  25,  1801.  Keverends  Josiah 
"Wliitney,  Joel  Benedict,  Israel  Day,  Elisha  Atkins,  were  present. 
"  After  reading  and  approving  confession  of  faith  and  articles  of 
agreement,  the  council  adjourned  to  the  meeting-house  to  meet  those 
about  to  confederate.  Prayer  was  oliered  by  Mr.  Whitney.  It  was 
voted  that  the  moderator,  Mr.  Whitney,  after  sermon  from  Mr.  Bene- 
dict, should  lead  the  confederated  brethren  to  the  confession  of  fiiith, 
the  unbaptized  to  baptism,  and  the  whole  to  the  covenant,  and  tlien 
to  acknowledge  them  a  new  church  of  Christ,  and  consociated  with 
Christ's  churches  by  fellowsliip  and  communion."  Abigail,  wife  of 
Boaz  Stearns,  and  Anna  Kits,  were  baptized  before  signing  the 
covenant.  The  other  signers  were  Zadoc  Spalding,  Boaz  Stearns, 
Zadoc  llutchins,  James  Danielson,  Penuel  llutchins,  Samuel  Stearns, 
Shubael  llutchins,  Mis.  Elizabeth  llutchins,  Mrs.  Mary  Stearns,  Mrs. 
Al)igail  Stearns,  Mrs.  Sarah  L.  Danielson,  Mrs.  Hannah  Spalding — 
recognized  as  the  church  of  West  Killingly.  This  part  of  the  town 
was  yet  but  sparsely  settled.  General  Danielson  occupied  the  site  and 
privileges  which  a  hundi-ed  years  before  had  been  taken  up  by  his  name- 
sake. Dr.  llutchins,  Boaz  Stearns,  Robert  Howe,  and  one  or  two 
other  families,  were  living  in  the  vicinity  of  the  new  meeting-house. 
Blacksmitliing  was  carried  on  l)y  ]Mr.  Howe.  Captain  Silas  llutchins' 
tavern  was  a  place  of  popular  resort  for  travelers  and  merrymakers. 
The  church  made  but  slow  advances  for  several  years.  Its  first  pastor 
Avas  Gordon  Johnson  of  Farmington,  ordained  December  12,  1804. 
No  deacons  or  other  cliurch  officers  are  reported.  The  only  additional 
members  in  eleven  years  were  the  pastor  and  four  women. 

In  the  great  movement  westward  initiated  during  tliis  period, 
Killingly  was  deeply  interested.  Not  only  did  she  send  many  valued 
citizens  to  the  western  wilds,  but  one  of  her  own  sons  was  largely 
instrumental  in  opening  the  Vv^'estern  territory  to  emigration  and 
settlement.  Dr.  Manassah  Cutler,  Hamilton,  Mass..  a  man  of  unusual 
breadth  and  solidity  of  character,  deeply  interested  in  the  develop- 
ment of  the  Nation,  assisted  in  the  organization  of  the  Ohio  Com- 
pany in  1786,  served  as  one  of  its  directors  and  counsellors,  urged  its 
claims  before  Congress,  and  by  his  forcible  arguments  and  commanding 
intiuence  aided  very  greatly  in  securing  the  })urchase  of  one-and-a-half 
millions  of  land  for  the  Ohio  Company,  and  the  famous  Ordinance 
for  the  Government  of  the  Territory  northwest  of  the  Ohio  Iliver. 
Emigrants  were  urged  to  take  immediate  possession.  Dr.  Cutler's  son 
Ephraim,  then  residing  with  his  aged  grandfatlier  in  Killingly.  acted 
as  agent  for  the  company,  and  prevailed  upon  some  twenty- Windham 
County  citizens  to  take  shares  in  the  purchase.     Jervis,  son  of  Dr. 


3i2  HISTORY    OF    "VVINDHAM    COL'NTY. 

Cutler.  Captain  Daniel  Davis,  Theophiliis  Larned  and  Samuel  Felshaw, 
were  with  the  party  that  left  Hartford,  January  1,  1788,  under  the 
direction  of  General  Rufus  Putnam,  c-rossed  the  Alleixhanies  by  the 
old  Imlian  pathway,  descended  the  Younhio<xheny  by  the  boats  they 
paused  to  build,  landed  at  the  mouth  of  the  Muskingum,  April  7,  and 
there  began  the  settlement  of  the  townshi])  of  Marietta  and  the 
future  state  of  Ohio.  They  were  followed  wlien  the  spring  opened 
by  other  men  from  the  same  vicinity,  i.  e..  Tiieophilus  Knight,  Benja- 
min Conveise,  John  Leavens,  George,  Jeremiah  and  David  Wilson, 
Aaron  Clough  and  John  Kussell,  who  went  out  not  as  members  of  a 
company,  but  as  one  reports,*  "  on  our  own  hook,  according  to  our 
own  roving  disposition  and  desire  to  see  the  world.  We  had  a  team 
of  four  horses  and  a  baggage  wagon  for  clothes,  farming  tools  and 
provision,  and  oif  we  set  and  had  a  very  merry  journey  through  the 
country.  Part  of  the  way  we  had  eleven  of  us  in  company,  and 
sometimes  we  wefe  as  merry  as  people  need  to  be.  Sometimes  we 
met  with  disagreeable  tilings,  bad  luck,  b.id  traveling,  but  upon  the 
whole  we  did  pretty  well."  They  were  just  forty  days  upon  their 
journey,  landing  at  Marietta,  May,  18,  1788.  Mr.  Knight  witnessed 
many  interesting  scenes  during  his  sojourn  in  the  territory — the 
arrival  of  the  first  women  and  children,  the  funeral  of  the  first  white 
man,  the  oiganizntion  of  the  first  court,  the  celebration  of  the  Fourth 
of  July,  when  Dr.  Cutler  delivere<l  the  oration  and  all  partook  of  a 
twenty-five  pound  pike,  barbecued  for  the  occasion,  the  magnificent 
parade  at  the  funeral  of  Judge  Varnum,  escorted  by  the  ofticers  of  the 
garrison  and  a  company  of  United  States  troops,  together  with  "  old 
Revolutionary  otticers  and  Indian  chiefs  in  abundance — a  very  long 
procession  to  travel  in  a  forest  " — and  they  also  hel})  build  the  first 
houses  in  Ohio.  Most  of  his  companions  made  their  homes  in  the 
new  country,  but  two  after  twenty  months  returned  with  him  to  Con- 
necticut, "  not  thinking  it  was  so  much  better  than  any  other  country, 
that  it  would  pay  a  man  for  carrying  a  large  family  to  such  a  wilderness, 
inhabited  by  savages  and  wild  beasts  of  the  forest."  Their  rejjort  and 
example  had  no  apparent  effect  upon  their  fellow-townsmen.  So 
many  other  families  emigrated  westward  from  Killingly  and  adjoining 
towns,  that  it  seemed  as  if  "  Xew  Connecticut  "  would  drain  the  life 
blood  of  its  namesake.  Many  of  these  Killingly  settlers  were  strong, 
intelligent  men  who  had  great  inlluence  in  moulding  the  institutions 
and  character  of  Ohio.  Ephraim  Culler  who  removed  to  Waterford 
in  179o,  was  a  member  of  the  convention  that  formed  the  State  Con- 
stitution in   1802.     Captain   Perley   Howe,   who  left  Killingly  at  the 


*  Diarj-  of  Thcophihis  Kui^^ht. 


EMIGRATION    TO    OHIO,    ETC.  3-i3 

same  date,  Captains  Daniel  Davis  and  John  Leavens,  were  men  of 
wisdom  and  exjterience  whose  counsels  were  held  in  high  esteem. 
Benjamin  Converse  died  the  year  after  settlement  in  Waterford, 
having-  already  manifested  such  "genius,  public  spirit  and  enterprise," 
tliat  his  death  was  mourned  "as  a  serious  loss  to  the  whole  com- 
munity." The  adventures  of  his  second  son,  Daniel,  who  was  taken 
captive  by  the  Indians  in  1791,  and  after  suffering  great  haidships 
managed  to  escape,  and  work  his  way  through  Canada  and  VernKint 
to  Killingly,  made  a  deep  impression  upon  his  former  townsmen  but 
did  not  deter  tliem  fi'om  following  the  narrator  back  to  Ohio,  where 
he  became  one  of  the  most  respected  citizens  of  Zanesville. 


XL 

TOWN    OKGANIZATION    IN    THOMPSON.      BUSINESS    ENTERPRISE. 
ORDINATIONS  OF  DANIEL  DOW  AND  PEARSON  CROSBY. 
REPORT  OF  SCHOOL  INSPECTORS.     SALE  OF  THOMP- 
SON TRACT.      IMPROVEMENTS  AND  EXCITE- 
MENTS.      COUNTERFEITING. 

Fl^IIOMPSON  did  not  secure  town  privileges  without  the  customaiy 
J-  contest.  After  voting  unanimously  in  the  north  and  south 
societies  of  Killingly,  that  Thompson  Paiish  should  be  a  distinct 
town,  and  also  voting  in  general  town  meeting,  that  it  be  the  mind 
of  the  town  to  have  said  town  divided,  Killingly  repented  and  remon- 
strated : — 

"  That  should  a  division  tai\e  phice  it  would  be  attended  with  many  bad 
consequences,  and  be  very  detrimental  to  the  State  in  general,  and  this  town 
in  particular.  I.  As  to  State  it  will  increase  its  taxes  already  so  large  that 
the  inhabitants  groan  under  the  burden,  for  the  increase  of  the  number  of 
the  Legislative  body,  which  at  present  your  Honors  are  sensible  is  lai-ge 
enough,  will  increase  its  taxes.  2.  As  to  the  town  in  its  best  estate  it  is  very 
poor  and  indigent,  not  more  than  £26,74'J  upon  its  list,  and  the  length  of 
town  so  much  complained  of  not  exceeding  sixteen  miles,  and  width  not  more 
than  seven,  and  the  place  where  public  meetings  are  held  near  the  centre — 
which  accommodates  the  people  as  well  or  belter  than  any  of  the  neighbor- 
ing towns.  Plan  for  dividing  the  town  concocted  in  the  extreme  parts  of  the 
town,  and  the  two  central  parishes  being  destitute  of  preaching  at  the  time 
the  warning  was  up  but  few  of  the  inhabitants  were  apprized,  and  at  the 
town  meeting  when  the  vote  was  passed  there  was  much  dispute  and  the 
house  was  divided  which  did  not  satisfy,  and  it  was  carried  by  a  vote  to  take 
the  yeas  and  nays  in  writing,  and  the  yeas  being  tirst  called  for  the  nays  with- 
drew witiiout  giving  their  names;  furthermore,  about  one  half  the  voters 
present  were  new  made  that  took  the  qualifications  at  that  meeting — and  beg 
Assembly  not  to  pass  resolves  whereby  said  town  shall  be  divided  which  we 
conceive  will  be  injurious  to  town  and  State  and  against  the  public  peace  and 
tranquillity." 


344  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

This  memorial,  signed  by  a  laige  number  of  citizens,  delayed  the 
inevitable  division  for  a  season,  but  upon  a  renewal  of  agitation 
three  years  later  tlie  town  found  farther  resistance  useless.  At  a 
General  Assembly  holden  at  Hartford,  May,  1785,  it  was  enacted, 
"That  the  north  society  of  Killingly  and  tlie  inhabitants  thereof 
should  be  constituted  a  distinct  town,  by  the  name  of  Thompson, 
with  powers  and  privileges — said  town  to  be  responsible  for  its  share 
of  State  taxes,  pay  one-half  the  debts,  and  share  one-half  of  the 
credit  and  stock  of  the  former  town  and  support  the  poor  belonging 
Avithin  its  limits  ;  that  the  first  town-meeting  should  be  holden  in  June 
folluwing — Simon  Larned,  Esq.,  justice  of  the  peace,  and  two  of  the 
principal  inhabitants  to  warn  the  same — said  Justice  Larned  to  preside 
at  said  meeting  and  lead  said  inhabitants  to  the  choice  of  modei'ator 
and  clerk." 

In  obedience  to  this  act  and  lawful  warning,  Thoin[)Son"s  first  town 
meeting  was  held  June  21,  1785,  "at  the  Rev*  Mr.  RusseVs  meeting- 
house," on  Thompson  Hill.  Simon  Larned,  Esq.,  deacon  of  ^Ir. 
Russel's  church,  now  advanced  in  years  and  honors,  presided  as 
directed,  and  led  the  people  to  the  choice  of  Jason  Phipps,  Esq.,  for 
moderator :  Jacob  Dresser,  town  clerk.  The  freeman's  oath  was 
administered  to  seventy-eight  inhabitants.*  "  They  then  voted  and 
chose "  Thomas  Dike,  Esq.,  Capt.  Pain  Converse,  Simon  Larned, 
Esq.,  Jason  Phipps,  Esq.,  Mr.  Stephen  Brown,  selectmen ;  Jacob 
Dresser,    town-treasui-er ;    Simon    Davis,    Peleg   Corbin,    constables ; 


*The  names  of  those  that  took  the  Freeman's  oath  at  the  first  Town  meeting 
held  in  Thompson,  June  21,  17;:>o  : — Simon  Larned,  Esq.,  Jason  Pliipps,  Esq., 
Thomas  Dike,  Esq.,  Stephen  Brown,  John  Jacobs,  Ivory  Upham,  Captains 
Obadiah  Clough,  Pain  Converse,  Daniel  Earned,  Jonathan  Ellis,  Capt.  Peter 
Keith,  John  Whitmore,  Capt.  John  Green,  Jacob  Dresser,  Simon  Davis, 
Lieut.  Amos  Carrol,  David  Barritt,  John  Leavens,  John  Younglove,  Captains 
Stephen  Keith  and  Benjamin  Merriain,  Peleg  Corbin,  Nathan  Bixby,  Ensign 
John  Whitmore,  James  PauU,  Ebeuezer  Bundy,  Jesse  Brown,  Ensign  Joseph 
Brown,  Moses  and  Lemuel  Barritt,  Mr.  Jonathan  Nichols,  Luke  Upham, 
Joseph  Prince,  William  Copeland,  Lieut.  Jacob  Converse,  Clement  Corbin, 
Daniel  Barrett,  Elijah  Converse,  Amos  Green,  Jun.,  Seth  Green,  Samuel 
Haley,  Joseph  Deamon,  Joseph  Watson,  Kichard  13rown,  Kobert  Plank, 
Edward  PauU,  Joseph  Gay,  Lieut.  Davis  Flint,  William  Alton,  William 
Dwight,  Lieut.  Benjamin  Larned,  Capt.  Issacher  Bates,  Matthew  AVatson, 
Jesse  Bixby,  Ilezekiah  Bellows,  John  Bates,  Ensign  Daniel  Perrin,  Isaac  Lee, 
Joseph  Jewett,  John  K.  Watson,  Capt.  Jonathan  Nichols,  Elijah  Nichols, 
John  Flint,  Thomas  Grant,  Joseph  Flint,  John  Cooper,  Asa  Bastow,  Alpheus 
Converse,  Walter  Everden,  Samuel  Fay,  Jonathan  Kussel,  Elijah  Bates,  Joel 
Converse,  Joseph  Town,  Jun.,  Daniel  Alton,  Jeremiah  Haskell,  Thaddeus 
Larned,  John  Alton.  These  were  followed  within  a  few  years  by  Noadiah 
Kussel,  Jun.,  Samuel  Wilson,  Asa  Jacobs,  William  Whittemore,  Elijah 
Crosby,  Roger  Elliott,  William  Richards,  Jun.,  Benjamin  and  Ebeuezer 
Green,  Joseph  Lee,  :Marshall  Keith,  Israel  Munyan,  John  Robbius,  Nathaniel 
Gregory,  Daniel  Bobbins,  Ephraim  Houghton,  Aaron  Robinson,  Jonathan 
Converse,  Jason  Phipps,  Jan.,  James  Keith,  Abel  Prince,  Asa  Dresser,  Jacob 
Bixby,  Jonathan  Clough. 


TOWN    ORGANIZATION    IN    THOMPSON,  ETC. 


345 


Jason  Pliipps,  Samuel  Barrett,  Jacob  Converse,  Ebenezer  Prince, 
John  Bates,  John  Jacobs,  Dea.  William  Ricliards,  higlnvay  surveyors 
and  collectors;  Amos  Carrol,  William  IJichards,  fence-viewers;  Henry 
Larned,  Jonathan  Ellis,  Samuel  Palmer  and  William  Richards,  listers  ; 
Simon  Davis  and  Peleg  Corbin,  town-collectors ;  John  Wilson,  leather 
sealer;  Ebenezer  Cooper  and  Jeremiah  Hopkins,  grand  jurymen  ; 
Nathan  Bixby,  Peter  Jacobs  and  Edward  PauU,  tithingmen;  Amos 
Carrol,  sealer  of  weights  and  measures  ;  Joseph  Watson,  key-keeper. 
Ca2")tains  Daniel  Larned  and  Pain  Converse  and  Thomas  Dike,  Esq., 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  join  such  gentlemen  as  Killingly 
should  appoint,  to  settle  all  debts  and  charges  and  divide  debts  and 
credits  as  directed.  Jacob  Dresser  was  authorized  to  purchase  books 
for  the  town  records. 

At  the  annual  town  meeting  held  Deceniber  12,  these  officers  were 
replaced  by  others,  viz.: — Selectmen,  Lieut.  Amos  Carrol,  Henry 
Larned,  Jonathan  Ellis;  cons  tables,  Alpheus  Converse,  John  Bates; 
higlnvay  sui'veyors.  Ensign  Joseph  Brown,  Daniel  Russel,  Samuel 
Palmei-,  Roger  Elliott,  Captain  Jonathan  Nichols,  Edward  Joslin, 
William  Smith ;  grand-jurymen,  Asa  Bastow,  James  Paull ;  fence- 
viewers,  Amos  Carrol,  Pain  Converse ;  listers,  Josejjh  Gay,  Captain 
Simeon  Goodell,  Jeremiah  Hopkins,  John  Carrol ;  tithingmen,  James 
Hosmer,  E[)hraim  Ellingwood,  Peter  Stockwell,  Elijah  Bates;  leather 
sealer,  John  Wilson  ;  Joseph  Watson,  key-keeper.  Jacob  Dresser  was 
retained  for  many  years  as  town  clerk  and  treasurer.  Deacon  Simon 
and  Major  Daniel  Larned  were  chosen  to  join  the  gentlemen  committee 
of  the  town  of  Killingly  to  run  the  line  between  the  towns.  A  due 
east  and  west  line  from  Rhode  Island  colony  line  to  the  middle  of 
the  Quinebaug  River,  bisecting  "  a  heap  of  stones  about  two  feet 
south  of  the  gaiden  wall  owned  by  Mr.  John  Mason,*  upon  the  east 
side  of  the  great  road  leading  through  said  towns  to  New  London," 
was  affixed  by  the  committee.  Residents  in  Thompson  who  had  been 
forraei'ly  set  off  to  the  First  society  in  Killingly  remained  the  same  as 
though  said  town  had  never  been  divided.  Lands  belonging  to 
Nathan  and  John  Mason,  Joseph  Richards,  Bernard  Hix,  Samuel 
Haly,  Resolved  Johnson,  Aaron  Mason  and  Darius  Sessions,  claimed 
by  both  townships,  were  awarded  to  Thompson  by  Act  of  Assembly, 
October,  1789.  Accounts  between  the  towns  were  settled  with  great 
promptness  and  harmony,  the  "  credits  "  allowed  to  Thompson  happily 
out-balancing  the  debts  by  some  twenty-five  pounds. 

One  of  the  first  cares  of  the  town  was  to  look  out  for  the  numerous 


*  Mr.  Mason's  mansion  house  north  of  the  boundary  line  is  now  owned  and 
occupied  by  Mr.  William  Converse  of  Putnam. 
44 


346  HISTORY    OF    WINPHAM    COU.VTT. 

poor  people  ?et  off  wiih  it.  There  were  two  or  three  helpless  families 
upon  their  hands,  ailing  women  with  drunken  husbands  and  families  of 
children,  besides  old  people,  chronic  invalids  and  imbeciles.  After 
long  debate  upon  the  matter  it  was  voted.  P\'bruaiy  16.  17S6.  "That 
there  should  be  two  workhouses  provided  for  the  poor :  That  Deacon 
James  Dike's  house  should  be  one  and  he  master  of  the  same  ;  That 
Mr.  Ebeuezer  Bundy  should  provide  a  house,  and  be  master  of  the 
same" — but  the  measui-e  failed  of  accomplishment.  Messrs.  Dike  and 
Bundy.  as  •'  masters  of  the  poor. "  provided  places  for  lliem  with 
different  families  at  prices  ranging  from  four  shillings  to  one  and  six- 
pence per  week.  They  also  provided  clothing,  medical  attendance 
and  occasional  supplies  of  rum,  metheglin,  sugar  and  molasses  on 
extraord  nary  occasions.  Selectmen  were  desired  to  give  notice  to 
the  inhabitants  "  that  those  shall  have  the  poor  of  said  town  to  keep 
that  will  keep  them  the  cheapest."'  Children  were  bound  out  whenever 
practicable.  Much  time  an<i  money  were  expended  in  transporting 
doubtful  residents  to  other  towns  and  contesting  their  claims  by  legal 
process. 

The  privilesre  of  laying  out  and  making  its  own  highways  was 
joyfully  assumed  by  Thompson.  Roads  -from  Thompson  meeting- 
house to  Muddy  Brook  line  by  the  way  of  Mr.  David  Jewett's,"  and 
fiom  Child's  Mills  (now  Wilsonville)  to  Dudley  line,  that  may  lead  to 
Dudley  meeting-house,  were  at  once  allowed.  Captains  Nichols  and 
Chnigh  were  appointed  agents  to  prefer  a  memorial  to  the  General 
Assembly  for  libeity  to  mend  the  highways  by  a  tax,  and  also  ''to 
give  the  town  of  Thompson  the  name  of  FRI^'CETO^v^-.'■  The  latter 
request  if  preferred  was  certainly  not  granted,  and  would  not  have 
been  at  all  agreeable  to  the  tenants  of  •'  the  Thompson  Land, "  and 
those  descendants  of  old  settlers  who  still  exercised  a  certain  romantic 
fealty  towards  the  English  proprietor.  The  family  were  always 
reputed  to  take  great  interest  in  this  ancient  inheritance,  and  children 
are  known  to  have  been  named  in  their  honor,  so  that  if  any  repre- 
sentative should  chance  to  visit  his  dom.ain  he  would  find  that  their 
connection  with  the  town  had  been  recognized  and  appreciated.  The 
usual  hisrhway  privileges  were  promptly  accorded.  William  Copeland, 
Clement  Corbin  and  others  having  "  flung  in  a  complaint  to  the 
selectmen. "  on  account  of  the  shutting  up  of  their  road  to  mill  and 
meeting  by  Asaph  Bowen,  were  appeased  by  the  privilege  of  having 
gates  and  bars  that  they  could  pass.  Other  roads  were  allowed  and 
repaired  in  various  quarters,  and  a  committee  appointed  to  view  and 
repair  bridges.  The  line  Vjetween  Thompson  and  Woodstock  was 
j)erambnlated  and  renewed  by  a  committee  from  each  town.  School 
affairs  were  left  as  before  in  the  charge  of  societv  and  districts. 


BUSINESS    ENTERPRISE,  ETC.  3-1:7 

General  public  affairs  weie  nol  nt'u,lected.  Jason  Phipps,  Esq.,  was 
sent  as  Thompson's  fii'st  representative  to  the  General  Assembly. 
Major  Daniel  Larned  was  elected  in  special  town  meeting,  November 
5,  1787,  delegate  to  represent  the  town  in  the  State  Convention  called 
to  ratify  the  Federal  Constitution.  A  committee  was  sent  to  consult 
with  committees  from  other  northern  towns  with  regard  to  obtaining  a 
new  county  or  half-shire,  and  upon  receiving  their  report  the  town 
voted,  "  that  our  deputies  should  join  Pomfret  de]nities  with  regard  to 
making  Pomfret  a  half-shire,  with  this  proviso  that  we  may  be  free 
of  cost  of  a  court-house  and  jail."  The  young  town  looked  sharply 
after  cost  in  all  its  expenditures,  ami  kept  its  accounts  most  carefully 
balanced.  An  execution  served  upon  it  in  behalf  of  the  State  for  an 
unsettled  war  claim — tifty  pounds  with  the  interest  from  INIay,  1777  — 
gave  it  a  deal  of  trouble.  For  some  obscure  cause  this  claim  had 
been  disputed.  Assets  suthcient  to  meet  it  had  been  allowed  by 
Killingly  in  settlement  but  could  not  be  collected.  September  20, 1786, 
it  was  "  voted  to  choose  a  committee  to  inspect  the  collectors  and  look 
into  the  matter  of  executions,  said  committee  to  carefully  inspect  the 
collector's  bills,  and  look  carefully  into  the  circumstances  of  those  that 
are  delinquent  in  payment  and  wherever  there  is  any  personal  estate 
by  no  means  take  the  land,  and  farther  assist  the  collectors  by  calling 
on  the  delinquents  and  urging  the  absolute  necessity  of  payment,  and 
endeavour  to  make  the  matter  as  easy  as  possibly  may  be  every  cir 
cumstance  considered."  This  delicate  service  was  assigned  to  Amos 
Carrol,  Henry  Larned  and  Ca])tain  Peter  Keith.  They  found  the 
collection  of  the  ancient  rate-bills  made  over  to  them  by  Killingly 
extremely  difficult.  After  procuring  a  list  ''of  those  that  haul  paid," 
a  committee  of  five  was  appointed  "  to  visit  every  man  described  in 
their  bill  of  balance,"  find  out  the  abatements  that  had  been  applied, 
and  also  the  bill  of  overcharges  and  absconderies.  Sixty-five  pounds 
were  allowed  them  in  abatements  and  the  remainder  apparently  secured 
by  taking  possession  of  land.  Captain  Carrol  and  his  associates  con 
tinned  on  duty,  going  with  the  collectors  when  they  posted  up  lands 
for  taxes  and  deciding  if  it  was  best  to  bid  the  lands  off  for  the  town, 
and  as  soon  as  the  law  allowed  applying  for  payment,  and  "  if  not 
paid,  either  let  the  improvements  out  for  the  town,  or  sell  in  case 
they  can  raise  the  money  nearly  to  the  value  of  the  land — or  if  they 
can  get  stock  for  part  or  all  to  take  it  at  the  value  in  money,  and  to 
show  as  much  lenity  as  the  nature  of  the  case  will  admit."  By  shrewd 
management  the  difficulty  was  surmounted,  all  accounts  with  the  mother 
town  and  State  government  settled  in  full,  and  a  balance  reported 
in  the  treasury  in  1788.  Relieved  from  this  incubus  the  town  could 
BOW  condescend  to  some  minor  details,  consider  the  condition  of  the 


34  >  HIsTOEY    OF    WrX"DHAV    COITSTT. 

f»our!d.  forbid  swine  ••  to  run  on  the  commons  without  a  go<-'><i  wire 
rincj  in  the  nose  an«l  a  yoke  three  inches  below  the  neck  and  four 
inches  above,"  and  offer  a  bounty  of  six-pence  for  the  head  of  each 
crow  that  shall  be  killed  "  withia  its  limits.  A  rise  to  ten  cents  a 
head  so  stiranlated  juvenile  enterprise  that  quite  a  large  sum  was  dis- 
tributed year  by  year  in  bounty  money.  Nathaniel  Mills  was  chosen 
town  cleik  and  treasurer  in  1798. 

In  business  for  several  years  there  was  little  activity.  Times  were 
hard  and  money  scarce.  The  various  mills  for  gtiuding.  s:iwing  an  1 
cloth  dressing,  supplieii  indisf»ensable  wants.  Ebenezer  Bundy  h:.  . 
now  succeevled  the  Eaions  at  the  Upper  Fall  of  the  Quinebaug.  an  1 
entered  into  brisk  c;»mp>etition  with  old  Captain  Cargill.  ha^f  a  mile 
below.  "L'^.rT.c^  and  Mason"  continued  their  business  in  the  South 
]V.:_-:  '.as  trade    revived  prosecuted  it    with   redoubled 

ener^'v.  A  rcai  was  laid  out  for  their  esp>ecial  accommo<3ation  in 
17S2.  running  east  of  Fort  HUl  through  the  Thompson  L-and.  which 
considerably  shortened  the  distance  to  Boston — "so  much  advantage 
no  damaire  laid  to  owners  oi  land."  An  attempt  was  made  to  secure 
a  more  direct  road  to  Bundy 's  mills.  A  nail  manufactory  w:vs  now 
set  up.  Potash  and  pearlash  were  made  in  large  quantities.  Pn>iuce 
was  taken  in  from  all  the  surrounding  country,  and  even  from  neighbor- 
ing States.  Finding  that  the  transfer  of  so  much  merchandise  in  hired 
shifts  was  costly  and  inconvenient,  the  firm  decide^!  to  build  a  ship 
for  themselves.  A  l:»ody  of  men  was  straightway  dispatched  to  cut 
and  hew  limber  in  Thompson  forests,  and  Quaddic  saw  mill  engaged 
for  the  season.  Captain  Jonathan  Nichols,  an  ingenious  mechanic, 
had  charge  of  the  work,  competent  workmen  were  obtained,  and  in 
a  few  mouths  a  tight  little  brig  or  sloop  met  the  eyes  of  the  many 
spectators  fl.^cking  to  Quaddic  to  admire  so  rare  a  specimen  of  inland 
enterprise  and  architecture.  After  being  taken  in  sections  to  Prt>vi- 
dence.  it  was  carefully  refitte«i  and  Liunche-i  as  the  sloop  Harmony, 
amid  much  gratujation  and  rejoicing.  Tt  proved  a  valuable  acquisition 
to  its  owners,  conveying  produce  and  goods  back  and  forth  between 
Providence  and  the  West  India  Islands,  and  furnishing  the  good 
]:»eojile  of  Thomp»son  and  its  vicinity  with  abundant  supplies  of  what 
were  deemed  most  vital  necessities.  Under  the  stimulus  afforded  by 
this  flourishing  business.  South  Neighborhood  pron<ily  maintained  its 
tK'sition  as  r>:sTRi«rr  NTr>xEEE  Oxe.  and  was  universally  regar<Ied  as  the 
business  and  soci:il  head  of  the  town,  while  Thompson  Hill  was  set 
apart  for  religious  gatherings,  trainings  and  town  meetings.  Nothing 
like  a  village  could  then  be  found  at  this  centre.  The  meeting-house 
and  red  tavern  house,  a  poimd  and  blacksmith's  shop  held  sc»le  posses- 


ORDINATION    OF    DANIEL    DOW    AND    PARSON    CROSBY,  ETC.        349 

sion  of  the  common.  A  fine  house*  had  been  built  at  the  north 
extremity  of  tlie  WiW  by  ^Ir.  Samuel  Watson,  in  17G7;  "Priest 
Russel's  "  pleasant  vesidencet  overlooked  its  southern  slope.  Esquire 
Dresser's  house  on  an  adjacent  hill -top  was  long  famed  as  a  place 
of  ])ublic  resort  and  entertainment.  His  second  wife,  the  widow 
of  Thomas  Dyer,  Esq.,  of  Windham,  was  a  lady  of  much  dignity 
and  presence,  remembered  for  long  years  by  awe-struck  neighbors  as 
"  the  proudest  woman  that  ever  lived  in  Thomjison."  Tier  honored 
husband,  Jacob  Dresser,  Esq.,  the  first  white  male  born  within  Thomp- 
son territory,  died  in  1783,  respected  and  mourned  by  all.  He  had 
long  served  as  deacon  of  the  church  and  filled  many  public  ofiices. 
Of  his  six  childien  only  one  lived  to  maturity,  who  boi'e  the  name 
and  succeeded  in  time  to  many  of  the  offices  held  by  his  fatlier.  He 
was  one  of  the  fii'st  captains  of  the  regiment  of  light  infantry, 
attached  to  the  Fifth  Brigade.  Amos  Goodell,  William  Dwight, 
Peleg  Corbin,  William  Smith,  Abel  Prince,  Augustus  Larned,  David 
Wilson,  Isaac  Davis,  Moses  Bixby,  George  Keith,  Eli  Starr,  were  also 
officers  in  this  company  or  in  the  militia.  Daniel  Larned,  after  serving 
as  major  and  colonel  of  the  Eleventh  Pegiraent,  succeeded  General 
Gordon  in  charge  of  the  Brigade,  in  1793.  His  pi'omotion  led  to 
increased  activity  in  militaiy  afi'aiis,  and  the  company  trainings  on 
Thompson  and  Brandy  Hills,  and  the  annual  "muster"  in  the  autunm, 
were  observed  with  redoubled  spirit.  The  hill  tavern  was  now  kept 
by  Samuel  Fairbanks.  David  Nichols,  Jason  Phipps,  John  Bates, 
John  Jacobs  had  taverns  in  other  parts  of  the  town. 

Religious  matters  were  now  left  to  the  respective  churches  and 
socielie-s,  but  "Mr.  Kussel's  meeting-house"  was  claimed  by  the  town 
as  the  place  for  ])ublic  meetings.  JNIany  interesting  services  were 
held  in  this  honored  house  which  still  retained  its  place  in  the  affection 
of  the  inhabitants.  Amasa  Learned  of  Killingly,  was  licensed  to 
jireach  in  this  house  at  a  meeting  of  the  xA.ssociation,  in  1773.  Dr. 
C'ogswell  in  his  journal  gives  a  pleasant  picture  of  a  meeting  of  the 
Association  here  in  1790.  Jogging  slowly  along  on  horseback  over 
the  rough  hills  from  Scotland,  picking  up  one  ministerial  brother 
atter  another,  tarrying  for  the  night  with  Mr.  Whitney,  dining  with 
Mr.  Atkins,  they  reached  Thompson  Hill  Wednesday  afternoon,  Octo- 
ber 12.  Eight  ministers  were  present  and  one  candidate.  Brothers 
Putnam  and  Judson  were  detained  at  home  by  ill  health.  Johnson  of 
Woodstock,  after  much  wi-angling  had  been  dismissed  with  comforta- 
ble circumstances.  Mr.  Russel  in  the  evening  gave  an  excellent 
discourse    "upon  the  question,  Whether  God  chose  our  first  parents 

*  Now  occupied  by  Judae  T>awson. 

t  Site  uow  occupied  by  William  H.  Cliandler,  Esq. 


350  HISTORY    OF    "WINDHAM    COUXTY. 

should  eat  the  forbidden  fruit.  He  proved  the  negative  incontesta- 
bly."  On  the  following  day  Mr.  Lee  gave  an  excellent  sermon.  A 
pretty  full  attendance  and  people  very  attentive.  The  Association  had 
a  very  friendly  meeting  and  were  very  hoi^pitably  entertained.  Exer- 
cises were  concluded  by  a  prayer  from  Mr.  Russel,  "  worthy  of  an 
ancient  Puritan  divine, "  and  after  an  aflfectionate  parting  the  brethren 
ambled  peacefully  homeward. 

Mr.  Russel's  health  was  now  failing  and  measures  had  been  taken 
to  procure  a  colleague  when  he  was  suddenly  removeil.  A  cotem- 
porary  thus  records  his  decease:  — 

"  Died  at  Mendon,  Mass.,  Tuesday,  October  27,  179.5,  Rev.  Xoadiah  Ru.';sel  of 
Thompson,  Conu.  On  the  ThiUNday  precediuij,  Mr.  Rnssel.  his  wife  and  son 
entered  upon  a  journey  from  their  house  to  Boston;  proceeded  leisurely ; 
arrived  at  the  Rev.  Mr.  Alexander's  on  the  followins:  Monday.  Towards 
evening  sat  down  at  table  for  refreshment.  Then,  Mr.  Russel  wa6  suddenly 
seized  with  apoplexy,  and  continued  with  little  or  no  sense  or  motion  till 
about  eleven  the  next  evening,  when  he  expired.  The  remains  were  brought 
back  to  Thoujpsou  for  interment  on  Frid.iy,  on  which  very  mournful  occasion 
a  sermon  was  delivered  by  Rev.  Josiah  Whitney  of  Brooklyn,  from  Hebrews 
YII.  :  2,  3." 

"An  early,  long  and  particular  acquaintance"  enabled  Mr.  Whitney 
to  speak  of  the  deceased  with  great  fullness  and  tenderness.  "His 
mental  powers  were  excellent.  He  thought  and  reasoned  well,  was 
careful  and  critical  in  examining  things,  capable  of  forming  a  good 
judgment,  agreeable  and  edifying  in  conversation.  His  house  and 
heart  were  open  to  friends  ami  acquaintances — a  lover  of  mankind, 
faithful  in  his  frienlships,  ready  to  do  good  and  communicate,  exem- 
plary in  relative  duties." 

Mr.  Pinneo,  afterward  of  Milford,  was  supplying  the  pnl[)it  at  this 
time,  but  was  soon  succeeded  by  young  Mr.  Daniel  Dow  of  Ashford, 
ah'eady  favorably  known  to  the  churches  and  ministers  of  ^Yiudham 
County.  After  graduation  from  Yale  College  in  1793,  Mr.  Dow 
maintained  himself  by  teaching  psalmody  while  pursuing  the  study  of 
divinity,  was  licensed  by  the  Windham  County  Association  at  its 
spring  session  in  1795,  and — "to  be  further  qualified  for  the  office  of 
a  bishop — became  the  husband  of  one  wife,  the  daughter  of  Deacon 
Jesse  Bolles  of  Woodstock."  These  superior  qualifications  were 
promptly  recognized  by  the  good  people  of  Thompson,  and  after  a 
few  months'  probation  a  call  was  given  and  accepted,  and  the  new 
minister  ordained  and  installed,  April  20.  1790,  amid  much  rejoicing 
and  muttxal  congratulation.  The  neighboring  County  ministers  com- 
posed tlie  ordaining  C(:)uncil.  Private  preliminary  examination  was 
held  at  Captain  Dresser's  tavern.  It  was  a  time  of  great  doctrinal 
debate  and  agitation.  High  Calvinism  was  coming  into  fashion. 
The  shrewd  young  candidate,  who  was  suspected  of  Armiuian  tenden- 


REPORT  OF  SCHOOL  INSPECTORS,  ETC.  351 

cies,  was  subjected  to  a  most  searching  inquisition.  Ilis  adroitness  in 
reply  called  out  all  the  controversial  resources  of  his  assailants,  and 
the  debate  waxeil  so  warm  that  Mr.  Dow  was  fiiiii  to  throw  off  his 
coat  and  stand  parrying  their  thrusts  "  with  sweat  raining  down  from 
him  like  a  farmer  in  a  July  hay-field."  Whatever  his  theological 
sentiments  were  at  that  period,  he  maintained  them  ti'iumphantly,  one 
good  deacon  of  his  church  as  persistent  as  himself  voting  alone 
against  him.  In  performing  the  public  exercises  at  the  meeting- 
house, "Mr.  Pond  preached  the  sermon,  Mr.  Lee  made  the  conse- 
crating prayer,  ^h:  Whitney  gave  the  charge,  and  Mr.  Graves  the 
riglit  hand  of  fellowship."  Entering  with  much  zest  upon  his  minis- 
terial labors,  Mr.  Dow  began  at  once  to  experience  the  trials  of  the 
ministry.     In  his  own  words  half  a  century  later: — 

"The  church  I  found  to  be  in  a  very  cohl,  l)ackslldden  state;  very  few  of 
them  williug  to  converse  upon  experimentid  religion,  or  read}'  to  nive  a 
reason  of  the  hope  tiiat  was  in  them,  if  they  liad  any  reliiiion  at  all.  The 
congregation  seemingly  intent  upon  nothing  but  vanity  and  folly.  ]My  flock 
scattered  over  the  whole  town,  an  area  of  about  eight  miles  square,  various 
denominations  of  Christian  people  contending  with  each  other  about  the 
shells  and  husks  of  religion,  while  they  appeared  to  paj'  little  or  no  attention 
to  the  substance.  Intemperance  greatly  prevailing,  and  moderate  drinkers 
as  they  were  called,  drinking  most  inunoderately.  Errorists  of  every  kind 
running  to  and  fro,  and  many,  having  itching  cars,  running  after  them. 
Some  openly  avowing  their  intidelity;  while  others  were  proclaiming  what 
they  called  good  news  and  glad  titlings;  bj'  which  they  meant  that  impenitent 
sinners,  drunkards  and  all,  were  sure  to  go  to  Heaven.  .  .  .  My  people 
■were  all  very  frieudlj'  to  me.  They  tilled  the  old  meeting-house  well,  heard 
what  1  said  to  them  with  as  much  satisfaction  as  they  would  listen  to  a  song, 
and  gave  me  as  much,  and  even  more  commendation,  than  what  I  sometimes 
thought  I  de^^erved.  But  there  was  the  end  of  it.  They  were  friendly  to  the 
preacher,  and  satisfled  with  his  performances,  but  generally  speaking,  they 
had  no  love  for  Gospel  truth,  nor  any  concern  for  their  own  salvation.  Nor 
was  it  in  my  power  to  awaken  them.  I  preached  what  I  thought  good  ser- 
mons, great  sermons,  sermons  full  of  excellent  sjjcech  and  moral  suasion, 
sermons  good  enough  to  convert  anybod}',  and  yet  they  had  no  more  effect 
in  awakening  and  converting  sinners  than  a  pop-gun  discharged  against  an 
impenetrable  rock.  I  was  greatly  disappointed;  and  the  condition  of  the 
people  who  manifested  so  much  friendship  for  me  appeared  so  deplorable 
that  I  sat  down  discouraged  and  wept.  But  in  all  this  the  Lord  taught  me  a 
very  important  lesson.  I  was  brought  to  see  that  nothing  short  of  the  power 
of  God  can  either  awaken  or  convert  a  sinner.  .  .  .  From  that  time  I 
preached  the  doctrines  of  grace  more  plainly  and  more  constantly  than  I  had 
ever  done  before.  I  expurgated  my  system  of  divinity  of  all  Arminian 
notions,  and  my  language  of  all  such  phrases  as  were  capable  of  misconstruc- 
tion ;  (for  though  orthodox  in  the  main,  I  had  fallen  into  some  mistakes  and 
inconsistencies  in  consequence  of  having  read  many  erroneous  books  in  my 
early  days) ;  and  I  now  determined  to  preach  all  the  doctrines  of  grace,  if  I 
possibly  could,  as  plainly  as  Christ  and  his  apostles  preached  them." 

This  i)laiu  and  faithful  preaching  produced  a  very  different  effect. 
People  '"began  to  awake  from  their  slumbers."  The  church  was 
greatly  quickened  and  within  a  few  years  many  were  added  to  its 
membership.  A  new  interest  was  aroused  in  all  the  secidar  affairs  of 
the  society.  A  singing  school  was  opened,  and  Perley  Holmes, 
Captain  Augustus  Larned,  Ensign  Isaac  Davis  and  George  Keith  ap- 


352  HISTOKY    OF    WIXDIIAM    COUNTV. 

pointed  choiisters.  Enterprising  young  men  now  bcslii  red  tliem.selves 
to  improve  and  adorn  the  house  of  worship,  and  crowned  it  with 
steeple  and  bell  '' free  from  any  expense  to  the  society."  The  hang- 
ing of"  the  bell  was  safely  accomjdished  amid  a  great  number  of 
spectators,  June  2,  179S,  the  society  thereafter  voting,  "To  get  a 
conductor  to  said  meeting-house  steeple,  and  authorizing  its  committee 
to  procure  and  hang  said  conductor."  The  last  vestige  of  the  old 
body  of  seats  was  now  replaced  by  fashionable  ])ews,  and  the  son  of 
the  late  minister  empowered  for  twelve  shillings  a  year  "to  sweep 
the  house  once  in  two  months  and  clear  off  the  cobwebs."  To  make 
sure  of  keeping  up  with  the  times,  a  town  clock  was  procured  and 
instated  in  office,  and  "  twenty  dollars  a  year  allowed  for  ringing  bell 
and  taking  care  of  clock."  Notwithstanding  the  general  prosfjcrity 
of  the  society  it  was  found  very  ditficult  to  raise  the  three-hundied- 
dollars-salary  for  the  minister,  and  efforts  were  early  made  to  establish 
a  fund,  "the  interest  to  be  for  the  support  of  the  gospel."  Deacon 
Simon  Larned  after  many  years  service  as  clerk  of  the  society,  was 
succeeded  in  1789  by  his  son  Thaddeus,  who  gave  [)lace  the  following 
year  to  Captain  Jacob  Dresser.  The  deacons  of  the  church  in  1796 
were  Simon  Larned  and  Lusher  Gay,  in  advanced  age,  and  Thomas 
Dike  and  Joseph  Gay  in  active  service. 

The  sudden  death  of  General  Larned,  who  had  been  so  prominent 
for  many  years  in  public  and  military  affairs,  was  made  the  occasion 
of  the  greatest  military  and  masonic  display  ever  witnessed  in  the  old 
meeting-house.  The  JVeio  Ijondon  Gazette  thus  reports  the  funeral 
solemnities : — 

"  The  General  was  buried  under  Arms.  His  corpse  was  attended  by 
the  Brethren  of  Moriah  Lodge  to  the  raceting-liouse,  where  a  sermon  was 
preached  by  the  Rev.  Daniel  Dow,  a  Masonic  Address  and  prayer  followed 
by  the  Worshipful  Master  of  Moriah  Lodge.  A  procession  was  tlieu  formed, 
and  moved  to  the  grave  in  the  following  order,  viz.  : 

Military; 

Masons,  clothed  with  the  Badges  of  their  Order; 

Clergy; 

Pall  (corpse)  Bearers ; 

Mourners ; 

And  Strangers. 

The   corpse  being   interred,  Mr.  Daniel  Putnam  pronounced  an  Eulogiura 

of  which  the  following  is  an  extract: — 

'  Here  have  we  deposited  to  mingle  with  their  kindred  earth  the  Kelics  of 
an  Husband,  a  Father,  a  Brother,  a  friend.     To  the  Dead  this  is  the  last  kind 

office  we  can  perform.     Larned  now  rests  from  his  labors.' 

As  a  neiglibor,  a  meml)er  of  society,  a  citizen,  he  cultivated  Peace,  order 
and  harmony.  Faithful  to  his  Trust,  persevering  in  pursuit,  accurate  in 
Calculation,  he  inspired  a  Contldcnce  that  was  unbounded. 

Engaged  in  active  business  and  commercial  life,  punctuality  in  the  perform- 
ance of  engagements  ho  practiced  as  a  virtue.  Educated  in  habits  of  industry 
and  animated  with  a  Spirit  of  P^^nterprise,  he  was  ever  prompt  to  undertake 
and  encourage  plans  of  public  utility,  domestic  convenience  and  of  private 
and  social  happiness. 


ORDINATION    OF    DANIEL    DOW    AND    PARSON    CROSBY,  ETC.         353 

Learnins:  by  his  intercourse  witli  mankiud  the  aimable  virtues  of  Hospitality 
and  scnerosity  and  assiduously  cultivating  the  social  and  benevolent  I'eelliiiis 
of  the  lieart,  he  was  ever  ready  to  receive  and  welcome  to  his  hospitable 
dwellinjj:,  the  Indigent,  the  stranger  and  the  storm-worn  or  benighted 
Traveler. 

Kambling  among  these  Tombs,  the  Poor  will  point  and  say,  There  were 
interred  the  remains  of  Larned,  our  generous  benefactor:  the  neighbor  and 
citizen,  There  we  buried  the  body  of  a  good,  a  worthy,  an  honest  man  :  the 
soldier.  There  lies  our  General:"  the  Sons  of  Moriah,  There  \we  placed  the 
ashes  of  a  beloved  Brother,  who  seeking  to  obtain  more  Light  left  our  Lodge 
to  Join  that  of  the  Supreme  Architect,  "the  General  Master  of  the  Universe, 
There  to  flourish  like  the  ever-verdant  Cassia  in  immortal  Bloom. 

After  which  the  Ceremonies  were  closed  by  a  masonic  prayer  by  the  Wor- 
shipful Master,  and  a  sprig  of  cassia  deposited  on  the  colhn. 

December,  1797." 

Baptists  were  increasing  in  the  northeast  part  of  the  town.  Their 
church  gained  in  strength  and  numbers  though  disturbed  for  a  time 
by  difHcuUies  with  its  pastor,  whose  mind  became  somewliat  unsettled 
witli  advancing  years.  After  long  labor  and  grievous  trouble,  it  was 
agreed,  October  12,  1797,  to  divide  the  church  into  two  parts,  and  for 
each  individual,  male  and  female,  to  have  full  liberty  to  join  which 
pai'ty  they  chose.  Eleven  males  and  sixteen  females  adhered  to  Elder 
Martin  and  set  up  worship  by  themselves  in  an  obscure  corner  east  of 
the  Great  Pond,  known  as  Oxford  Gore.  The  standing  majority  soon 
liapi)ily  united  in  choice  of  one  of  their  own  biethren,  Deacon  Pearson 
Crosby.  The  sou  of  Captain  Stephen  Crosby  of  Kevolutionary  fame, 
liis  native  strength  and  energy  had  been  early  consecrated  to  Christian 
service.  Uniting  with  the  Baptist  church,  he  had  been  chosen  deacon 
in  1792,  and  furnished  with  credentials  four  years  later,  "for  to  go 
forth  to  preach."  His  preaching  had  j^roved  so  satisfactory  that  it 
was  now  the  mind  and  desire  of  all  "  that  he  should  be  ordained  and 
qualified  to  administer  the  ordinance  of  the  Gospel."  Resigning  him- 
self wholly  to  the  judgment  of  his  brethren,  a  council  was  called, 
November  7,  1798.  Rev.  Daniel  Dow  was  invited  to  sit  in  council 
with  the  Baptist  ministers  present,  and  took  an  active  part  in  the 
examination  of  the  candidate,  who  succeeded  in  satisfying  all  parties 
as  "  to  the  work  of  grace  on  his  heart,  his  call  to  the  ministry  and 
system  of  doctrine."  "Appointed  Brother  Abel  Palmer  to  preach  the 
sermon.  Brother  Zenas  L.  Leonard  to  make  the  consecrating  prayer, 
Brother  John  Rathburn  to  give  the  charge,  Brother  Amos  Wells  to 
give  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  Brother  Robert  Stanton  to  make 
the  concluding  prayer — all  of  which  was  attended  to  with  a  degree  of 
becoming  solemnity."  At  the  same  date,  November  8,  the  church 
voted  to  unite  with  the  Stonington  Association,  and  thenceforward 
maintained  connection  with  that  or  some  similar  body  and  attained 
an  honorable  position  among  its  sister  churches.  Elder  Crosby's  labors 
were  crowned  with  abundant  success,  and  in  a  few  years  the  church 
45 


854  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

was  gi'eatly  enlarged  and  strengthened.  The  religious  deadness  that 
had  prevailed  during  the  Kevolutionai y  period  was  succeeded  by  a 
general  interest  and  awakening  at  the  beginning  of  the  new  century. 
The  Thompson  churches  witli  these  able  and  earnest  young  ministers 
were  well  fitted  to  engage  in  tliis  woik  and  leceivcd  large  accessions. 
In  the  Baptist  as  in  the  Congregational  society  mateiial  progress  kept 
pace  with  spiritual.  Aversion  to  anything  like  compulsory  rate-paying 
had  always  made  it  very  difficult  to  raise  a  suitable  support  lor  the 
minister.  After  two-and-a  half  years  of  faithful  service,  Elder  Crosby 
Avas  voted  forty  dollars  in  payment.  Ebenezer  Green,  one  of  the 
fiist  deacons,  had  left  a  legacy  of  nearly  three  hundi-ed  dollars  to  tlie 
church.  Liberal  subsci'iptions  from  others  enabled  the  society  to 
purchase  a  farm*  in  the  vicinity  for  the  use  and  occupation  of  the 
minister,  which,  with  an  annual  salai'y  of  eighty  dollars,  furnished  a 
comfortable  supi)ort.  In  1803,  a  new  meeting-house  was  erected  on 
land  puichased  from  Noadiah  Ikussel  and  Jonathan  Converse,  fronting 
"  on  the  great  turnpike  road  from  Boston  to  Hartford."  More  than 
a  hundred  men  assisted  at  the  raising,  ]May  19,  jnitting  up  a  good 
frame,  "40x42  and  22  feet  posts,  and  having  dinner,  supper  and  li(|Uor 
enough  provided."  Elder  Ciosby,  Deacons  Jonathan  Converse  and 
Thomas  Day,  Captain  David  Wilson,  Joseph  Dike  and  Abel  Jacobs, 
served  so  efficiently  as  building  committee,  that  in  the  latter  part  of 
August  the  new  meeting-house  was  opened  to  entertain  the  Sturbridge 
Association  of  Baptist  churches  upon  its  second  session.  Pews  sold  to 
ready  ]>urchasers  helped  defray  the  cost  of  the  house.     The  "  former 


*  "  We,  the  subscribers  of  the  Baptist  society  find  in  our  minds  that  it  is 
needful  for  everj'  religious  sociot}'  for  to  have  a  leader  or  teacher  in  order  for 
good  regulation,  and  for  the  keeping  up  of  public  worship,  ami  feel  ourselves 
in  some  good  measure  free  for  to  provide  a  place  of  residence  for  our  minis- 
ter or  teacher  near  our  meeting-house,  and  furthermore  we  have  concluded 
and  agreed  to  buy  of  Deacon  Jonathan  Converse,  his  farm  that  he  now  lives 
on,  for  our  minister  to  live  on,  so  long  as  he  or  they  shall  give  good  satisfac- 
tion to  said  Baptist  society,  etc 

Lemuel   Knap $(;0.00     Elisha  Converse $  fio.OO 

William  Smith 25.00     David  Wilson GO.OO 

Jonathan  Couverse GO.OO     Thomas   Ormsbee 30.00 

Abraham  Green    . 30.00     Aaron  Kobin.sou GO.OO 

Thomas  Day 40.00     John  Luther 20.00 

Joseph  Town,  Juu 30.00     John  Keith 30.00 

John  Burril 20.00     Nathaniel  Jacobs 40.00 

Simon    Burril 10.00    John  Pratt 10.00 

John  Jacobs 50.00     Israel  Stockwell 10.00 

Asa    Jacobs 15.00     Jesse  Joslin,  Jun 4.00 

Samuel   Kimball 10.00     Widow  Lldia  Woodwart  .    .    .        5.00 

Elijah  Bates 50.00     David  Robinson 14. 00 

Thomas  Davis 30.00    John  Bates 133.33 

William  Town 30.00    Legacy  of  Dea.  EbenezerGreen.  298.67 


January/  5,  1801." 


§1,250.00 


THE    METHODISTS, SCHOOLS    IN    THOMPSON,    ETC.  355 

lot  witli  an  old  meeting-house  on  it "  was  also  sold  by  the  committee  to 
John  Martin,  2d. 

The  ofFshoot  on  Oxford  Gore  maintained  existence  with  some  diffi- 
culty. After  the  removal  of  Elder  Martin  it  enjoyed  the  ministra- 
tions of  Solomon  Wakefield,  a  member  and  licentiate  of  the  mother 
church.  He  was  a  pious  and  godly  man,  but  somewhat  eccentric 
withal,  refusing  to  accept  the  slightest  compensation  or  even  a 
friendly  gift  in  return  for  his  services,  and  warmly  opposed  to  Cal- 
vinistic  doctrines.  An  earnest  and  faithful  preacher,  he  did  a  good 
work  scattering  seed  in  a  field  remote  from  other  religious  influences. 
Another  licentiate  of  the  First  Baptist  church  was  John  Robbins, 
who  also  held  meetings  in  his  own  neighborhood  and  obscure  school- 
liouses — a  light  in  the  far-off  corner  bordering  on  Massachusetts  and 
Rliode  Island. 

Methodists  had  become  quite  numerous  in  the  opposite  corner  of  the 
town,  dating  back  to  the  early  preaching  of  John  Allen  and  Jesse 
Lee.  A  class  of  six  membei's  was  formed  in  the  southwest  part  of 
Thompson  in  1793,  closely  connected  with  that  of  Pomfret,  and  having 
often  the  same  leader.  Joseph  Buck,  Shubael  Cady  and  Jonathan 
Allen,  were  prominent  among  these  early  Methodists.  A  notable 
accession  to  their  ranks  was  Captain  Jonathan  Nichols,  who  opened 
his  house  for  the  reception  of  the  Xew  England  Conference,  in  1796. 
This  was  the  sixth  Methodist  Conference  held  in  New  England  ;  the 
first  and  last  in  Windham  County.  Bishop  Asbury,  Joshua  Plall  and 
many  distinguished  fathers  of  Methodism  were  present,  and  the  sermon 
preached  by  fhe  eloquent  Bishop  was  heard  with  deep  emotion  by  a 
crowded  assembly.  A  meeting-house  was  built  in  what  is  now  the 
village  of  West  Thompson,  about  1800,  under  the  supervision  of 
Captain  Nichols.  John  Gove,  Dyer  Branch,  Joshua  Crowell,  Elisha 
Streeter  and  Thomas  Perry,  were  among  the  early  Methodist  preachers 
in  this  vicinity. 

Schools  in  Thompson  which  had  hitherto  been  left  to  the  manage- 
ment of  the  several  districts  were  brought  under  more  stringent  dis 
cipliue  by  the  Legislative  enactment  of  1798.  A  State  School  Fund 
had  now  been  created  by  sale  of  Western  Reserve;  school  societies 
had  been  endowed  with  executive  functions,  and  now  each  society 
was  obliged  to  appoint  overseers  or  visitors  who  should  examine  the 
teachers,  visit  the  schools,  and  assume  their  general  superintendence 
and  direction.  In  compliance  with  this  enactment,  Rev.  Daniel  Dow, 
Noadiah  Russel  and  Daniel  Wickham  were  appointed  "  inspectors." 
Their  report  throws  some  light  upon  the  condition  of  public  schools 
at  this  date  : — 

"  The  luspectors  of  Schools  for  the  town  of  Thompson,  beg  leave  to  pre- 


356  JIISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COCJS'TY. 

sent  the  school  societj'  the  followiii^i;  report,  viz.  : — Beiiiu  impressed  with  tiie 
importance  of  liavin;:  our  schools  subjected  to  better  regulations,  and  con- 
vinced of  the  wisdom  of  the  law  made  and  provided  by  the  Legislature  of 
Connecticut  for  that  purpose,  we  cheerfully  entered  upon  the  discharge  of 
our  olllce,  and  took  as  we  trust  a  faithful  view  of  the  present  state  of  the 
scliools  in  the  town  of  Thompson.  We  failed  not  in  our  determination  to 
respect  the  law  of  the  State,  and  we  did  whatever  at  the  present  time  in  oiir 
judgment  seemed  serviceable  to  be  done.  But,  the  regulating  of  schools 
in  this  place  being  an  object  entirely  novel,  antl  our  wcn'k  of  reformation  iu 
this  respect  being  somewhat  extensive,  we  did  not  find  ourselves  in  a  capacity 
to  make  all  those  alterations  for  the  present  year,  which  in  other  circumstances 
we  should  have  thought  expedient.  For  the  year  ensuing,  however,  we  enter- 
tain a  hope  that  something  more  will  be  accomplished  than  what  we  have 
been  able  to  effect;  and,  in  order  that  the  districts  may  receive  the  benefit  of 
the  inspection  which  we  have  made  and  of  that  plan  of  conduct  upon  which 
we  have  entered,  we  beg  leave  to  jjropose  the  following  recommendations:  — 

We  earnestly  recommend  that  for  tlie  future  it  will  be  generally  understood 
that  the  inspectors  will  enter  upon  a  faithful  examination  of  scluxd-masters 
before  their  fall  schools  commence,  and  that  all  masters  and  teachers  be  re- 
quested to  make  application  for  that  purpose. 

We  recommend  that  all  masters  oflering  themselves  for  examination,  con- 
sider it  as  a  necessary  requisite  to  he  able  to  read  and  pronounce  English  vith 
propriely,  to  he  aide  to  explain  the  spelling  hook,  and  to  perforin  common  arith- 
metic ;  that  a  moral  character  be  considered  Indispensable;  and  a  knoidedge 
of  English  grammar  though  not  ahsoJulehj  requisite  as  vi  rg  desirable. 

We  recommend  that  it  be  made  a  serious  (]nestion  with  those  tiistricts  that 
do  not  provide  for  themselves  a  school-house,  nor  any  suitable  and  convenient 
place  where  the  scholars  may  receive  the  benefit  of  instruction,  whether  they 
ought  to  have  any  certificate  that  they  have  had  any  school  as  the  law  requires, 
merely  because  they  have  hired  a  master  to  lose  his  time. 

We  also  recommend,  considering  the  large  extent  of  this  school  society 
and  the  requisitions  of  the  law,  that  the  numl)er  of  visitors  be  increased  so 
that  the  burden  of  inspection  be  in  some  way  lessened  as  your  wisdom  shall 
direct.     And— 

Finally,  whereas  it  has  seemed  good  to  the  Legislature  of  the  State  to 
oi'der  by  express  statute  that  the  visitors  insist  upon  some  approved  catechism 
to  be  taught  in  every  school;  that  the  Bible  be  read  by  the  higher  classes 
who  are  able  to  road  therein,  at  least  once  a  day;  and  also  that  it  be  recom- 
mended to  all  masters  and  teachers  that  they  conclude  the  instructions  of 
each  day  by  prayer — we  cordially  acquiesce  in  recommending  the  same. 
Accordingly,  we  hereby  give  notice  that  all  schools  are  expected  to  be 
furnished  with,  and  statedly  instructed  in  The  Shorter  Catechism  as  com- 
piled by  the  Assembly  of  Westminster  divines,  provided,  nevertheless,  if 
any  district  shall  be  better  satisfied  to  make  use  of  Dr.  Watts'  catechism  for 
children,  in  the  sentiment  of  which  we  trust  every  Christian  mind  must 
certainly  acquiesce,  we  recommend  that  they  exercise  their  own  choice  to 
adopt  either  the  one  or  the  other. 

The  whole  is  submitted  to  your  wise  consideration  by 

Daniel  Dow. 

No.VDIAII   1\USSEL. 

Danikl  H.  Wickham. 

Thompson,  May  J,  1799." 

This  report  was  accepted  and  tlienceforward  teachers  were  obliged 
to  svibniit  to  exaniinatioii  ami  schools  to  visitation.  Innovation  made 
slow  progress.  Girls  were  still  expected  to  spend  a  part  of  their  time 
in  i)lying  the  needle,  and  were  not  supposed  to  know  "their  letters" 
thoroughly  till  they  had  acquired  the  art  of  affixing  them  upon  samplers. 
Geography  was  administered  in  the  most  economic  fashion,  the  older 
scholars  reading  in  it  instead  of  other  afternoon  reading  exercise,  and 


KEFORT  OF  SCHOOL  INSPECTORS,  ETC.  357 

making  one  or  two  copies  of  Morse's  Geography  suffice  for  the  whole 
school.  Saturday  afternoons  they  were  allowed  as  a  great  treat  to 
read  aloud  by  turns  in  the  County  newspaper,  received  at  noon-time 
from  the  weekly  courier,  before  submitting  to  the  catechetic  recitation 
prescribed  by  State  authority.  Mr.  Dow  was  accustomed  to  visit  and 
catechize  each  school  in  town  once  or  twice  during  a  season — the 
church  cooperating  in  the  work  by  recpiesting  ''tliat  the  brethren 
residing  in  each  district  should  attend  together  with  the  pastor  at  the 
catechizing  of  the  schools."  Notwithstanding  this  strictness  the 
children  had  their  diversions.  Spelling  schools  were  freiiuently  held, 
and  public  exhibitions  with  dialogue  and  declamation  were  coining 
into  fashion.  The  last  day  of  the  school  was  celebrated  with  appro- 
priate festivity,  the  boys  contributing  pennies  for  the  pmchase  of 
spirit  to  be  made  into  tlip,  and  the  girls  bringing  home-made  dainties. 
Captain  Copeland,  a  popular  teacher  in  the  South  Neighborhood, 
was  accustomed  to  close  his  winter  school  by  a  grand  hall  given  to  the 
children  in  his  own  house  in  the  evening. 

Thompson  was  greatly  favored  in  the  matter  of  turnpikes.  Captain 
Jonathan  Nichols,  Israel  Smith  and  Jacob  Dresser  were  appointed  in 
1796,  "to  wait  on  the  committee  a[)pointed  by  the  General  Assembly 
to  view  and  lay  out  a  stage  road  from  Hartford  to  ]Massachusetts  or 
Khode  Island  line."  Captain  Nichols  and  his  associates  were  incor- 
porated the  fuUowing  year  as  "The  Boston  Turnpike  Company,"  and 
to  him  was  intrusted  the  charge  of  constructing  the  road.  A  large 
number  of  men  were  employed  and  the  work  pushed  rapidly  forward. 
The  much  desired  road  between  Larned's  store  in  the  South  Neigh- 
borhood and  Bundy's  Mills  was  now  allowed,  and  cari'ied  thence  west- 
ward to  intersect  the  new  turnpike  at  the  stage  tavern  kept  by  Abel 
Alton.  A  bridge  was  built  over  the  French  River  for  the  turnpike, 
and  a  new  bridge  over  the  Quinebaug  at  Eaton's  Falls  for  the  latter 
road.  These  enterprises  made  business  lively  but  brought  a  heavy 
burden,  increasing  the  town  expenses  from  seven  or  eight  hundred 
dollars  a  year  to  over  two  thousand.  A  proposal  to  lay  another  turn- 
pike from  Rhoile  Island  line  to  Dudley  met  with  very  strong  opi)osi- 
tion  from  unwilling  tax-payers.  Lemuel  Ingalls,  Sampson  Howe  and 
Eleazer  Motfat  were  appointed  a  committee  to  view  an<l  lay  out  such 
road — Captains  Nichols  and  Davis  and  Roger  Elliott  to  wait  upon 
them.  The  town  rejected  their  report  and  refused  liberty  to  proceed 
in  building.  Persistent  agitation  finally  overcame  opposition  and  in 
1S03,  the  town  refrained  from  choosing  an  agent  to  oppose  petition. 
Elijah  Crosby,  Joseph  Watson,  Nathaniel  Jacobs,  Peleg  Corbin, 
Thomas  Chafi:ee,  Noadiah  Russel,  John  Nichols  and  associates,  were 
thereupon  incorporated  as  "The  Thompson  Turnpike  Company,"  and  a 


358  HISTORV    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

second  turn[)ike  was  soon  opened,  intevsecting  tlie  Boston  turnpike  on 
Thompson  Hill.  This  new  road  became  the  main  lhoroughfai-e  between 
Providence  and  Springfield.  Stages  were  run  daily  over  both  lines 
and  a  vast  amount  of  travel  passed  over  them.  The  tide  of  business 
and  population  now  turned  to  the  hill-top,  and  soon  built  up  a  flour- 
ishing village.  Pound  and  horse-sheds  were  summarily  banished  to 
make  way  for  building  lots. 

The  first  "store"  on  Thompson  Hill  is  believed  to  have  been  opened 
about  1794  by  Daniel  Wickham,  who  married  a  daughter  of  Captain 
Dresser  and  purchased  of  him  a  building  lot*  east  of  the  common, 
adjoining  the  pound,  where  he  soon  put  up  a  dwelling-house  and 
business  accommodations.  His  partner,  George  Keith,  j)urchased  the 
lot  adjoining  southward,  and  built  a  large  housef  which  he  opened  for 
public  entertainment  prior  to  1798.  A  handsome  housed  on  the 
0])i)0site  side  of  the  common  was  built  at  about  the  same  date  by  ]Mr. 
Jose[»h  AYatson.  Enterprising  young  men  from  other  parts  of  the 
town  were  drawn  to  the  growing  village.  John  Nichols,  2d,  and 
Theodore  Dwight  entered  into  business  partnership,  serving  their 
customers  in  a  new  building  at  the  northwest  intersection  of  the  turn- 
pikes. Sylvanus  and  Joseph  Coan  succeeded  to  the  business  of  Daniel 
Wickham,  who  removed  to  Newport,  New  York.  Paul  Dudley  and 
Nathaniel  Jacobs  bought  building  lots  on  the  Providence  Turnpike, 
east  of  the  common,  and  several  houses  were  built  upon  them  by 
Captain  Joel  Taylor.  The  first  resident  physician  was  Dr.  Daniel 
Knight,  who  also  received  in  1805  the  position  of  postmaster,  relieving 
Thomi)Sonians  from  the  troublesome  necessity  of  a  seven  miles'  drive 
to  Pomfret  for  their  letters.  Among  other  improvements  a  handsome 
row  of  poplar  trees  adorned  the  south  end  of  the  village. 

The  new  business  impulse  was  felt  in  all  parts  of  the  town.  Labor 
came  into  demand  ;  land  increased  in  value.  The  farms  owned  by  the 
heirs  of  Robert  Thompson,  were  crossed  by  the  Providence  turnpike 
and  brought  nearer  market.  Substantial  houses  had  been  built  upon 
these  farms,  whicli  were  now  leased  to  Daniel  Graves,  Ebenezer 
Covell,  Simon  Davis,  Jonathan  Copeland,  Jabez  ^Yhitmore,  Nathaniel 
Gregory,  Noadiah  Mussel,  Thomas  Dike,  Hosea  Sprague.  A  fine 
farm  upon  the  Quinebaug  owned  by  the  same  parties  was  occupied 
by  Ephraim  and  Sylvanus  Houghton.  Thaddeus  and  Daniel  Larned 
entered  into  negotiations  for  the  purchase  and  succeeded  in  procuring 
a  quitclaim  deed  from  its  English   owners  for  the  sum  of  fourteen 


*  Site  now  occupied  by  Dr.  Lowell  Flolbrook. 

t  House  still  standing  and  owned  by  Mr.  John  Wilkes. 

j  Still  occupied  by  children  of  Mr.  Walsou. 


SALE    OF    THOMPSON    TRACT,  ETC.  359 

thousand  dollars,  a  huudred  and  twenty  years  from  the  date  of  the 
original  jjurt-hase.  These  farms  were  immediately  sold  out  to  lessees 
and  other  purchasers — Mr.  Tiiaddeus  Larned  retaining  a  fine  farm  on 
the  soulliwcst  corner  for  liis  personal  occupation.  Many  large  and 
commodious  houses  were  built  along  the  line  of  the  turnpikes,  and  in 
other  localities.  The  various  mills  in  ditferent  neighborhoods  were 
extremely  active.  Josiah  Perry  and  Elijah  Child  cai'iied  on  grinding, 
sawing  and  dyeing  on  the  French  Kiver  in  the  extreme  nortii  of  the 
town.  Kufus  Coburn  and  Alpheus  Corbin  purchased  the  Houghton 
farm  on  the  Quinebaug — now  a  part  of  New  Boston — and  set  up 
clothiery  and  potash  works.  Stephen  Crosby,  a  young  man  of  much 
mechanical  ingeimity,  served  apprenticeship  under  Captain  Cargill  in 
the  art  of  clothieiy,  and  established  himself  at  the  French  Kiver  on 
the  site  of  the  present  Grosvenordale,  dyeing  and  pressing  cloth,  and 
grinding  grain  for  a  large  section  of  the  country.  Joseph  Joslin, 
who  returned  from  Rhode  Island  to  the  home  farm  in  1797,  was  very 
active  in  setting  out  trees,  laying  wall,  getting  out  potash,  running 
mills,  and  did  much  to  stimulate  improvement  in  the  northeast  pait  of 
the  town.  Through  his  elForts  the  fiist  road  was  laid  out  over  Buck 
Hill  early  in  the  century.  The  little  hamlet  of  Brandy  Hill,  whose 
name  is  believed  to  have  accrued  to  it  from  the  bursting  of  a  brandy 
hogshead,  now  boasted  two  taverns  kept  by  Ebenezer  Starr  and 
Charles  Cady.  It  had  also  two  physicians,  Doctors  Cleveland  and 
Weaver,  and  a  fine  new  row  of  fashionable  poplar  trees  set  out  by 
a  new  resident — Captain  Isaac  Davis.  His  brother  Simon  Davis 
engaged  in  the  practice  of  law.  Thompson's  first  practicing  lawyer, 
was  George,  the  second  son  of  General  Larned,  who  after  studying 
his  profession  at  Canterbury  and  Litchfield,  opened  a  law  office  in  the 
Soutli  Neighborhood,  in  180L  The  foreign  trade  of  Larned  and 
Mason  had  been  assumed  by  the  Masons.  The  store  and  local  trade 
had  passed  into  the  hands  of  Augustus  and  Daniel  Larned.  Daniel, 
the  third  son  of  General  Larned,  was  a  young  man  of  uncommon 
energy  and  business  capacity,  abreast  with  the  age  and  ready  to  do 
his  })art  in  it.  His  fellow-townsmen  manifested  their  confidence  in 
his  judgment  and  ability  by  intrusting  him  at  a  vei-y  eaily  age  with 
important  services.  Business  interests  and  public  convenience  demanded 
yet  a  third  turnpike,  a  road  from  Woodstock  through  the  south  part 
of  the  town  connecting  with  the  Providence  turnpike.  By  persistent 
efibrt  and  representation,  Daniel  Larned  succeeded  in  procuring  a 
charter  for  this  road,  and  assumed  the  oversight  of  its  construction. 
Straight-forward,  up-and-down  roads  were  now  the  fashion.  The 
old  circuitous  ways  winding  around  to  every  man's  door  were  con- 
sidered as  much  out  of  taste  as  out  of  compass.     The  building  of  this 


3G0  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

8tiai<4-lit  road  llirout;'h  tlie  o-ranite  hill-range  of  western  Thom|ison 
proved  a  most  aiduons  and  lal^orious  enterprise,  costing  not  only  much 
money  and  toil  but  the  valued  life  of  its  ])rojeetor,  wlio  fell  a  victim 
to  disease  contracted  by  over-exertion  and  ex])Osure,  dying  in  Decem- 
ber. 180(i.  at  the  early  age  of  twenty-six.  The  previous  October  he 
liad  served  the  town  as  re}>resentalive,  and  lie  was  long  lemembeied 
as  one  of  the  most  promising  and  capable  young  men  ever  reared  in 
Thompson.  The  death  of  his  younger  brother  Otis,  who  was  drowned 
in  crossing  the  French  River  after  a  sudden  freshet,  also  made  a 
deep  imi)ression  upon  the  community.  So  also  that  of  Geoi'ge  Keith, 
the  jovial  landlord  of  the  new  tavern,  a  leader  in  sport  and  revelry  as 
well  as  in  business  enterprise,  who  was  suddenly  stricken  down  by 
disease.  The  great  change  wrought  in  this  young  man  upon  his 
death-bed,  his  clear  conviction  of  those  religious  truths  which  he  had 
previously  rejected,  his  regrets  for  his  wasted  life,  and  his  penitent 
acknowledgments  to  those  young  converts  whom  he  had  delighted  to 
ridicule,  greatly  aifected  the  young  people  of  the  town,  and  had 
much  influence  in  checking  the  tendency  to  undue  excess  in  merry- 
making and  deepening  the  religious  interest  that  prevailed  for  several 
years. 

Thompson  indulged  like  its  neighbors  in  a  murder  alarm  and  trial, 
occasioned  by  the  instantaneous  death  of  a  noted  inn  keeper  while 
angrily  disputing.  It  was  generally  thought  that  "  passion  was  the 
cause,"  producing  ruj)ture  ou  the  brain,  and  legal  investigation 
acquitted  the  anaigned  offender  of  overt  complicity  but  sentenced 
him  to  a  public  whip{)ing  and  branding  on  the  hand,  on  account  of 
his  assumed  agency  in  rousing  such  angry  passions.  The  giving  way 
of  the  tavern  floor  during  the  funeral  of  the  deceased,  precipitating 
mournei'S  and  body  into  cavernous  depths  below,  suggested  untold 
horroi'S  to  terrified  spectators  and  deepened  the  impression  left  by 
this  "  tragical  occurrence."  The  detection  of  a  fraudulent  money 
coinage  at  about  the  same  date  created  also  much  excitement.  An 
expert  from  New  Hampshire  brought  down  die  and  tools,  and  per- 
suaded a  simple-minded  youth  to  engage  with  him  in  this  unlawtul 
art.  Good  silver  money  was  obtained  from  a  large  number  of  persons 
under  various  pretexts,  some  undoubtedly  conniving  at  its  disposition. 
One  good  dollar  was  made  to  cover  a  number  of  spurious  coins, 
which  were  chiefly  expended  by  an  accomplice  in  buying  horses  in  the 
new  countries.  The  work  was  carried  on  in  a  hut  near  King's  Pond 
for  a  time,  and  then  for  greater  security  removed  to  a  cave  in  Buck 
Hill  woods,  and  brought  large  profits  to  all  concerned  till  the  younger 
partner  brought  the  hidden  deed  to  light.  Intoxicated  with  the 
rare  delight  of  [jlenty  of  spending  money,  he  came  dow'n  to   Thomp- 


COUNTERFEITING,    EMIGRATION,    ETC.  361 

son  Hill,  treating  all  the  loungers  at  the  several  stores  and  taverns, 
throwing  out  at  each  place  a  new  silver  dollar  in  payment.  Such 
unexampled  flushness  and  freeness  aroused  suspicion  and  the  cheat 
was  discovered.  The  young  man  was  arrested  and  packed  off  to 
Windham  for  trial,  to  the  great  consternation  of  many  aiders  and 
abettors,  who  stowed  themselves  away  in  old  barns  and  meal-chests 
until  the  search  subsided.  The  prisoner  evaded  trial  by  forfeiture  of 
bonds,  and  took  a  journey  out  West,  whence  after  many  months  he 
returned  a  sadder  and  wiser  man  to  his  own  town  and  settled  down 
into  a  sober  and  law-abiding  citizen.  His  tempter  went  into  banish- 
ment and  bankruptcy.  A  few  years  later  a  larger  gang  in  the  same 
vicinity  engaged  in  counterfeiting  bank-notes  which  also  ended  in 
exposure  and  punishment,  the  leaders  suffering  prolonged  imprison- 
ment. 

Though  business  in  Thompson  was  brisk  and  offered  many  induce- 
ments, it  did  not  check  the  increasing  rage  for  emigration.  Honored 
names  borne  by  early  settlers  were  no  longer  represented.  Many 
families  had  emigrated  to  Vermont,  New  York  and  far  Ohio.  A  num- 
ber of  young  men  went  out  soon  after  1800  to  seek  their  fortunes  in 
the  opening  South.  James  H.  Converse  after  graduation  from  Yale 
removed  to  Tennessee.  Elijah  Jewett,  Jonathan  Ellis,  Augustus, 
William  and  Noadiah  Larned,  Jacob  Dresser  and  many  others,  en- 
gaged in  business  in  different  parts  of  the  south.  Some  died  from 
countiy  fever ;  one,  David  Whitmore,  was  murdered  at  Augusta, 
Georgia.  Some  achieved  wealth  and  good  positions,  and  only  re- 
turned to  their  old  homes  for  matrimonial  or  business  partners.  The 
sunnner  visits  of  these  successful  adventurers  with  their  dash,  display 
and  lavish  expenditure  caused  much  fluttering  and  excitement  among 
the  fair  belles  of  the  town,  and  generally  resulted  in  weddings  and 
new  departures. 

Federalism  ruled  the  councils  of  the  town  with  little  apparent  oppo- 
sition till  after  the  advent  of  Jefferson's  administration.  Joseph 
Joslin,  who  brought  up  from  Rhode  Island  a  strong  proclivity  for 
"State  Rights."  was  one  of  the  leaders  in  organizing  a  Republican 
party,  which  in  1803  numbered  but  sixteen  voters.  Their  ranks  were 
now  strengthened  by  Dr.  Knight,  the  Jeffersonian  postmaster,  and  the 
leading  Baptists  and  Methodists,  so  that  in  1806  they  cast  ninety-six 
votes,  only  thirteen  less  than  the  Federalists.  A  grand  Fourth  of  July 
celebration  was  thereupon  held  at  Thompson  Hill  in  honor  of  this  mar- 
velous increase.  Dr.  Knight,  Captain  Jonathan  Converse  and  Joseph 
Joslin  were  committee.  A  bower  was  built  upon  the  common,  a  band 
of  music  procured,  and  Jesse  Jacobs  authorized  to  prepare  appropriate 
toasts.  Joseph  Wheaton,  Esq.,  was  president,  and  Dr.  Knight  vice- 
46 


362  HISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

president  of  the  day.  Elder  John  Nichols  read  the  Declaration  of 
Independence  and  oifered  prayer,  "  and  there  was  a  good  entertain- 
ment, and  a  gocKl  oration  delivered  by  Elder  Amos  Wells  of  Wood- 
stock." Under  this  ministerial  ])atronage  the  affair  passed  off  with 
great  decency  and  propriety  in  spite  of  the  glum  looks  and  disi)ar- 
aging  comments  of  the  unsympathizing  Federalists.  Thom])Son  sent 
as  representatives  during  its  first  twenty  years,  Obadiah  Clough, 
Jonathan  Nichols,  Paine  Converse,  William  Dwight,  Israel  Smith, 
Thaddeus,  Henry,  George  and  Daniel  Larned,  Simon  Davis,  Joseph 
Gay,  John  Jacobs,  Juu.,  Noadiah  Russel,  Wymau  Carroll,  and  Isaac 
Davis. 


XII. 

TOWN    AND    CHURCH    AFFAIRS     IN    WOODSTOCK.      ACADEMY 

FOUNDED.      THIEF-DETECTING  SOCIETY.     MURDER  OF 

MARCUS    LYON.      LOSSES  AND  CHANGES. 

WOODSTOCK,  during  this  period,  was  alert  and  active.  State 
and  town  boundaries,  change  of  county  seat,  the  condition  of 
schools  and  roads,  excited  ranch  interest.  Almost  immediately  after 
the  close  of  the  war  a  committee  was  appointed  to  confer  with 
Massachusetts  respecting  the  colony  line.  Noah  Mason  and  Darius 
Ainsworth  were  instructed  to  re-settle  Ashford  bound  "  upon  the  old 
and  established  line,  without  any  regard  to  the  proposal  of  Ashford 
committee."  The  lines  between  Union  and  Thompson  were  also 
perambulated  and  renewed.  At  the  annual  town  meeting  in  1785, 
Captain  Nehemiah  Lyon  served  as  moderator.  Jedidiah  Morse  was 
chosen  town  clerk  and  treasurer  ;  Captains  Amos  Paine  and  Ephrai?n 
Manning,  Daniel  Lyon,  Thomas  May,  Noah  Mason,  Shubael  Child, 
Darius  Ainsworth,  selectmen  ;  Captain  William  Lyon,  Benjamin 
Hey  wood,  constables;  Ebenezer  Smith,  collector;  David  Sprague, 
John  Ilolbrook,  Ebenezer  Coburn,  Nehemiah  Clark,  Silas  May,  Davis 
Carpenter,  General  Samuel  McClellan,  grand-jurors.  It  was  ordered 
that  a  decent  sign-post  and  stocks  be  erected  in  the  most  convenient 
place  near  the  town  pound,  also,  that  the  selectmen  should  hire  a  j)lace 
for  a  workhouse.  Each  society  was  allowed  to  provide  a  pound  for 
its  own  accommodation.  A  revival  in  business  was  indicated  by 
requests  for  building  spots  in  various  localities.  Ilezekiah  Bugbee 
bad  liberty  to  erect  a  blacksmith's  shop  near  his  dwelling-house  on 
the  common  under  a  large  black  oak  ;    John   Flynn  to  build  a  black- 


TOWN    AND    CHURCH    AFFAIRS    IN    WOODSTOCK,  ETC.  363 

smith's  shop  and  co.-il-house  on  the  higliway  near  his  dwelling  ;  Asahel 
Marcy,  a  cooper's  shop  on  the  highway  near  his  residence  ;  Elijah 
Hnrlbut  a  house  on  the  highway.  Elijah  Williams  of  PointVet,  having 
purchased  a  house  on  Woodstock  Hill  of  Asa  Bishop,  was  allowed  by 
the  proprietors  in  178-4,  "to  set  up  a  store"  near  the  same,  paying  for 
land  rent  tlie  sum  of  six  and  eight-pence  annually. 

This  |)rosperity  was  somewhat  checked  by  a  providential  visitation. 
A  tornado  swept  through  the  town,  August  23,  1786,  reported  as 
"amazing,  awful  in  its  consc(piences.  It  entered  the  town  at  the 
northwest  corner,  proceeded  in  a  southeasterly  direction  about  ten 
miles,  and  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  width,  destroying  and  damaging 
everything  that  lay  in  its  v/ake.  General  estimation  of  damages  as 
appraised  by  nine  of  the  principal  gentleiuen  of  the  town  included 
twenty  dwelling-houses  damaged ;  sixty-three  barns  and  outhouses 
destroyed  and  damaged  ;  2,478  apple  trees  destroyed  and  other  fruit 
trees  not  numbered  ;  a  thousand  acres  of  wood-land  damaged ;  walls, 
fences,  English  grain,  standing  corn,  pulse,  hay,  wool,  flax,  household 
furniture  and  lumber,  destroyed  and  damaged."  A  petition  was  pre- 
ferred for  a  charitable  conti-ibution  in  behalf  of  the  sufferers. 

After  many  years  of  seclusion  and  suffering.  Rev.  Abel  Stiles, 
senior  pastor  in  Woodstock,  had  passed  away.  The  N'eio  London 
Gazette  reports : — 

"  In  him  uucomraon  strength  of  mind  and  superior  capacity  wei-e  refined 
and  brighteuetl  by  a  learned  education.  His  classic  l^nowledge  was  exten- 
sive; his  acquisitions  in  natural  and  moral  philosophy,  considerable;  in 
divinity,  eminent.  As  a  preacher,  clear,  weighty,  solemn;  hasty  in  his 
natural  temper.  His  soul  for  many  years  before  his  departure  waded  in 
clouds  and  temptations." 

Captain  Samuel  Chandler — the  last  surviving  son  of  Colonel  John 
Chandler  (save  Thomas  of  Vermont) — died  in  1781.  His  distin- 
guished son,  Hon.  Charles  Cluirch  Chandler,  died  suddenly  iu  the 
height  of  professional  success  and  eminence  in  1787.  A  coteinporary 
makes  this  record  : — 

"Died  on  the  8th  instant  [August],  the  Honorable  Charles  Church 
Chandler,  Esq.,  of  Woodstock,  of  a  malignant  cynanche,  and  on  Friday 
following,  attended  by  a  numerous  procession,  his  remains  Avere  interred. 
He  was  an  eminent  practitioner  in  the  law;  he  sustained  several  important 
public  characters  with  reputation  and  ability— as  Judge  of  Probate,  repre- 
sentative of  the  town  to  the  General  Assembly,  and  had  been  elected  a 
member  for  Congress.  As  a  man  of  genius  and  ability,  he  was  universally 
Ivuown  and  respected;  as  a  man  of'philanthropy  and  goodness,  he  was 
universally  beloved.  He  needs  not  the  soft  hand  of  flattery  to  portray  his 
virtues;  his  best  and  most  honorable  epitaph  is  ingraven  in  the  memory  of 
all  who  had  the  pleasure  of  his  acquaintance.  A  widow  with  six  children 
and  an  aged  mother,  and  numerous  more  distant  relations  with  the  public  at 
large,  regret  his  loss." 


364:  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Dr.  Thomas  Ix  Cliandler,  eldest  son  of  Cai)tain  William  and 
Jemima  (Bradbury)  Chandler,  one  of  the  earliest  champions  of  Ei)is- 
copacy  in  the  Colonies,  a  devoted  adherent  to  the  Crown  and  Church 
of  England,  died  in  1790,  at  his  home  in  Elizabethtown,  New  .Teisey. 
"He  possessed  an  uncommonly  vigorous  and  highly  cultivated 
intellect,"  and  was  ranked  among  the  leading  men  of  his  generation. 
His  brothers.  Captain  Sanniel  and  Winthrop  Chandler,  died  the  same 
year.  The  latter  had  inherited  the  tine  taste  of  his  mother  and  was 
widely  celebrated  for  his  skill  in  portrait  painting.  The  Worcester 
Spy,  August  19,  1790,  reports  him  : — 

"  A  man  whose  native  genius  has  been  serviceable  to  tlio  comimniity  in 
which  he  resided.  By  profession  lie  was  a  house  painter;  but  many  good 
likenesses  on  canvas  shew  he  could  guide  the  pencil  of  a  limner.  He  left  a 
manuscript  that  discoveis  he  had  merit  as  a  botanist;  many  plants,  the 
growth  of  his  native  county,  are  in  his  manuscript  not  only  well  delineated 
but  are  accurately  and  botanically  described.  The  world  was  not  his  enemy, 
but  as  is  too  common,  his  genius  was  not  nurtured  on  the  bosom  of  encour- 
agement. Embarrassment,  like  strong  weeds  in  a  garden  of  delicate  flowers, 
checked  his  usefulness  and  disheartened  the  man." 

Although  the  poverty  of  the  times  compelled  extreme  economy  in 
expenditure,  Mr.  Chandler's  merits  were  not  unrecognized  at  home, 
and  many  family  portraits  of  his  execution  preserve  the  memory  of 
this  first  Windham  County  artist.  The  portraits  of  Judge  Devotion 
of  Scotland,  his  wife  and  children,  though  ci-ude  in  execution,  give  a 
strong  im}>ression  of  the  individuality  of  each  subject,  and  compare 
favorably  with  tlie  ordinary  portraits  of  that  date.  The  widow  of 
Captain  Samuel  Chandler  married  Dr.  Whitney  of  Brooklyn.  His 
only  surviving  brother,  Theophilus,  still  occupied  Chandler  land 
within  the  limits  of  Thompson. 

Samuel  McClellan,  appointed  in  1784  general  of  the  Fifth  Brigade, 
relinquished  his  mercantile  traffic  for  the  care  of  his  land  and  pul)lic 
duties.  His  sons,  Samuel,  William  and  Lemuel,  went  out  early  into 
the  world.  John,  oldest  son  by  his  second  wife,  IJachael  Abbe,  fitted 
for  college  with  Reverends  Stephen  Williams  and  Eliphalet  Lyman, 
was  graduated  from  Yale  in  1781,  studied  law  with  Governor  Hunting- 
ton, and  his  neighbor  Hon.  Charles  0.  Chandler,  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  of  Windham  County,  August,  1787,  befoi'e  attaining  his  majority, 
and  remained  for  a  time  at  the  family  homestead,  succeeding  to  the 
practice  of  his  honored  instructor.  His  early  associates  and  fellow- 
students,  Abiel  Holmes  and  Jedidiah  iNIorse,  were  graduated  in  1783. 
Holmes,  after  preaching  for  a  time  in  Georgia,  was  installed  pastor  of 
the  First  Church  of  Cambiidge,  IVIass.  ;  Morse  had  distinguished 
himself  as  a  teacher  and  compiler  of  Geography,  before  accepting  a 
pastoral  charge  at  Charlestown.  The  brothers  of  Abiel  Holmes,  other 
sous  of  General  McClellan  and  Deacon  Morse,  and  many  other  descend- 


TOWN    AND    CHURCH    AFFAIRS    IN    WOODSTOCK,  ETC. 


365 


ants  of  old  Woodstock  families,  lemained  in  tlieir  native  town,  engag- 
ing? in  trade,  farming  and  mechanical  pursuits,  and  doing  their  part  as 
good  citizens.  The  old  Chandler  homestead  passed  into  the  hands  of 
Christopher  and  Philip  Arnold,  who  operated  mills  and  opened  a  store. 
Several  Providence  families,  removing  to  the  south  part  of  Wood- 
stock during  the  war,  became  permanent  and  valuable  residents. 
The  eccentric  Samuel  Di^xter  maintained  a  residence  on  Woodstock 
Hill,  journeying  often  back  and  forth  to  attend  to  business  interests  in 
Massachusetts,  though  never  braving  the  perils  of  Douglas  woods 
without  a  shudder.  Rufus  Kingsley,  a  later  imiuigrant,  was  allowed 
to  erect  a  shop,  sufficient  to  inclose  his  clothiery  works.  Jesse  Bolles 
of  Ashford,  engaged  in  shoe  manufacture  at  Quasset.  This  little 
hamlet,  quaintly  perpetuating  Woodstock's  aboriginal  designation, 
was  favored  with  flourishing  pottery  works,  established  in  1793,  by 
Thomas  Bugbee,  Jun.  The  clay  deposit  was  found  available  foi-  liner 
purposes  than  chimney-building  and  stone-cementing.  With  the  aid 
of  a  skilled  artisan,  Mr.  Bugbee  succeeded  in  constructing  a  great 
variety  of  needful  pottery  ware — iuilk-])ans,  pudding-j)Ots,  jars,  jugs, 
mugs  and  inkstands — which  were  sold  all  over  Windham  County. 
All  the  store-keepei's  in  the  several  towns  patronized  Mr.  Bugbee,  and 
his  pottery  cart  was  one  of  the  most  familiar  and  useful  institutions  of 
the  period  when  tin-peddlers'  carts  were  yet  far  in  the  future.  The 
demand  for  milk-pans  atone  kept  the  kiln  burning  through  the  sum- 
mer. After  preparing  the  clay  by  grinding,  moistening  and  kneading, 
each  separate  piece  was  fashioned  into  shape  by  hand  and  turning 
wheel,  sized  with  a  glazing  mixture  and  subjected  to  a  week's  baking. 
Six  bakings  were  usually  accomplished  in  a  summer,  turning  out  in 
the  aggregate  some  five  thousand  pieces,  including  perhaps  two 
thousand  milk-pans.  The  coarser  parts  of  the  clay  were  made  into 
brick  which  found  a  ready  market.  IVIr.  Peregrine  White,  of  East 
Woodstock,  greatly  distinguished  himself  in  the  construction  of  clocks, 
with  cases  six  and  seven  feet  high  and  the  face  of  a  full  moon  upon  the 
dial-face.  Elijah  Williams'  store  and  other  business  enterprises  gave 
life  to  Woodstock  Hill,  which  as  the  place  for  general  town  meetings, 
public  trainings  and  gatherings,  took  precedence  of  the  other  villages. 
Town  meetings  were  conducted  with  all  their  ancient  formality,  being 
opened  by  prayer  and  the  reading  of  the  law  for  their  regulation.  On 
the  day  of  the  annual  spring  election  for  governor  and  deputies,  a  ser- 
mon was  preached  in  the  meeting-house  by  one  of  the  standing  clergy. 
Deacon  Morse,  as  town  clerk,  delighted  in  recording  text  and  name  of 
preacher,  often  characterizing  the  sermon  as  "  excellent,"  "  suitable," 
"very  suitable."  Party  spirit  sometimes  raged  fiercely  in  these  meet- 
ings.    It  was  the  custom  for  voters  to  express  acquiesceuse  in  a  uomi- 


366  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

nation  by  rcniaiiiing  on  their  seats,  and  only  risinif  when  tliey  wislied 
to  expi'ess  opposition  to  a  candidate.  It  was  said  that  the  liev. 
Mr.  Lyman  was  once  so  carried  away  by  zeal  aij^ainst  a  nominee 
of  doubtful  orthodoxy  as  not  only  to  rise  up  and  violently  declaim 
against  him,  but  actually  to  lay  hands  upon  his  less  excitable  brcither 
minister,  Rev.  Stephen  Williams,  and  "fjiirly  lift  him  up  from  his 
seat  and  make  him  vote  against  the  gentleman  nominated," — a  report 
which  called  out  a  furious  onslaught  from  Judge  Swift.  Mr.  Lyman 
denied  the  charge,  adducing  certificates  from  thirty-eight  freemen 
present  at  the  meeting,  who  did  not  see  the  transaction,  which  was 
rebutted  by  the  direct  and  positive  testimony  oi  fifteen  respectable 
citizens  that  they  did  see  it,  and  so  the  question  was  left  unsettled. 

In  religious  affairs  there  was  much  agitation  and  rivalry.  Baptists, 
Methodists  and  Universalists  disputed  the  field  with  the  three  estab- 
lished churches.  Despite  these  opposing  influences  and  the  prevailing 
religious  declension,  Woodstock's  First  church  and  society  maintained 
its  leading  position  and  even  gained  in  strength  and  numbers.  Many 
influential  families  were  connected  with  this  church.  Mr.  Lyman  was 
a  resolute  and  aggressive  leader,  a  staunch  supporter  of  established 
institutions,  and  the  Federal  and  Ecclesiastic  constitutions.  His  bold- 
ness in  refusing  his  pulpit  to  Oliver  Dodge,  and  in  opposing  the  elec- 
tion of  irreligious  candidates,  subjected  him  to  vexatious  prosecution 
and  a  fierce  assault  in  the  columns  of  the  JVindham  Herald,  but  he 
was  comforted  and  sustained  by  the  approval  of  a  majority  of  his  own 
people  and  the  cordial  sympathy  of  ministerial  brethren.  The  worthy 
deacons  of  the  church — Jedidiah  IMorse  and  William  Skimier — con- 
tinued to  exercise  their  office  with  much  fidelity  and  acce[)tance,  their 
exemplary  conversation,  benevolence  and  public  spirit  giving  them 
much  influence  in  the  community.  Deacon  Morse  served  at  this  date 
as  clerk  and  treasurer  for  town,  society,  and  south  proprietary,  justice 
of  peace,  notary  public,  and  was  usually  sent  as  deputy  to  the 
Assembly.  The  first  society  was  at  this  time  much  engrossed  in 
repairing  its  meeting-house,  "  wliich  being  by  Divine  Providence, 
much  shattered  and  broken  by  thunder  and  lightning,"  April  30,  1787, 
necessitated  immediate  attention.  Elias  Mason,  Matthew  liowen,  and 
Amos  Paine,  society  committee,  were  impowered  to  procure  proper 
materials  and  workmen.  "  Voted,  that  the  turret  of  the  meeting- 
house be  all  taken  down  and  the  place  where  it  stands  boarded  and 
shingled  up  as  the  other  parts  of  the  roof."  The  woik,  however,  did 
not  go  forward.  More  thorough  I'epairs  were  needed  ;  pews  and  body 
seats  must  be  taken  up,  and  as  a  number  of  the  pews  had  now  no  legal 
owner  or  proprietor,  it  was  proposed  that  all  the  pew-holders  should 
give  up  their  claim  to  tlie  society.     A  vote  "  that  those  persons  who 


RELIGIOUS    AFFAIRS,   ETC.  3G7 

liave  legal  right  to  the  pews  take  them  up  at  theii-  own  exiiense  and 
replace  them  in  good  order"  was  revoked,  and  the  matter  intrusted  to 
"a  judicious,  disinterested  committee,  to  ascertain  the  number  of  pews 
in  the  meeting-house  which  have  now  legal  owners  according  to  the 
first  grant  or  stipulation  of  the  pews.  .  .  .  And  to  abide  their 
judgment  thereon."  Thomas  Grosveiior,  Daniel  Larned  and  Amasa 
Sessions,  appointed  to  this  service,  met  at  the  house  of  David 
Williams,  July  6,  1789,  and  having  heaixl  and  fully  considered  the 
dithculties  as  stated,  and  the  several  town  and  parish  votes  at  the 
time  of  building  and   repairing  said  house,  were  of  opinion  : — 

"That  the  Grantees  of  the  floor  or  ground  whereon  to  erect  pews,  their 
heirs  and  assigns,  are  the  legal  owners  of  the  pews  they  have  erected,  and 
[which]  are  now  standing  thereon;  and  do  adjudge  and  determine  that  they 
have  right  to  continue  their  ownership  upon  making  such  repairs  in  uniform- 
ity witii  other  parts  of  the  house  as  the  original  grantees  were  expected  to 
do  and  did  ....  or  otherwise  that  the  right  shall  revert  back  to  said 
society." 

This  point  being  settled,  in  the  following  March  it  was  voted  "  to 
go  on  to  lepair  the  meeting  house  " — Captains  Joseph  Peake  and 
Hezekiah  Bugbee,  committee — the  proprietors  of  the  pews  on  the 
lower  floor  to  advance  their  proportion  of  the  cost  according  to  the 
dignity  of  their  pews,  and  four  new  pews  to  be  built  in  place  of 
the  hindmost  body  seats.  Tliis  action  raising  uneasiness  in  the 
minds  of  some  individuals,  another  meeting  was  warned  to  see  if  they 
would  order  further  repairs  which  were  nuich  wanted,  and  "also  new 
color  the  outside,  which  it  was  thought  would  be  a  great  saving,"  and 
also  if  any  persons  have  any  reasonable  objections  that  tliey  might 
offer  the  same,  "that  if  possible  the  society  may  be  united  and  har- 
monious ;  which  is  greatly  to  be  desired  in  repairing  the  house  of 
God."  The  desired  harmony  not  appearing,  and  a  majority  declining 
to  accept  the  report  of  the  committee,  the  work  was  again  delayed, 
and  no  thorough  repairs  accomplished.  Four  new  pews  were  built  in 
time  on  the  groiind  floor,  which  was  repaired  under  the  direction  of 
Captains  Joseph  Peake  and  William  Lyon  ;  the  singers  had  liberty  to 
alter  the  gallery  in  order  to  acconnnodate  said  singers  with  separate 
seats;  Jedidiah  Kimball,  William  Chapman,  Amos  Paine,  Alvin 
Peake,  Sanford  Holmes,  Sanuxel  Torrey,  Benjamin  Lyon,  Jun.,  and 
Israel  Williams,  had  each  of  them  liberty  to  build  a  pew  in  the  back 
part  of  the  gallery ;  blacks  were  allowed  the  use  of  the  hindmost  seat 
in  the  front  gallery;  Samnel  Torrey,  Daniel  Bottom  and  David 
Williams,  Jun.,  were  appointed  to  act  as  choristers  for  the  congrega- 
tion when  assembled,  and  in  1795,  the  body  of  the  meeting-house  was 
painted  white  and  the  roof   also  painted.     The  annoyance  caused  by 


368  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

the    in-uption    of   Mr.    Dodge    called    out  the   following   vote,  April, 
1796:— 

"  That  fov  thel'iiture  the  society  choose  a  suitable  person  to  Vceep  the  key 
of  tiie  meeting-house,  to  sweep  it,  &c. — and  to  open  the  doors  tliereof  at  any 
time  and  at  all  times  on  Sabbath  days  and  other  public  days,  such  as  town 
meetings,  society  meetings,  public  Fasts,  Thanksgivings,  pul)lic  lectures 
appointed  by  the  pastor  of  s;iid  society,  and  at  no  other  time  without  the 
voice  or  consent  of  the  society." 

Mr.  John  Bartholomew  was  first  appointed  to  this  responsible  office. 
Deacon  Morse  having  served  the  society  faithfully  for  twenty  years 
as  clerk  and  treasurer,  his  resignation  was  accepted  with  suitable 
acknowledgments.  William  Bowen,  David  Williams,  Jun.,  Israel 
Williams  and  Amos  Paiue,  succeeded  successively  to  this  office.  In 
1802,  a  new  stone  pound  was  erected,  and  also  a  new  sign-post  and 
stocks,  the  post  ''to  be  square  and  ))ainted  white  and  the  stocks  to  be 
painted  red."  The  society  was  also  called  to  consider  "somemetliod 
to  repair  the  horse-block."  In  1806,  the  society  was  asked  to  agree 
with  some  suitable  person  to  ring  the  Academy  bell,  the  use  of  which 
was  now  allowed  them,  and  joined  with  the  North  society  in  procuring 
mortuary  accommodations.  The  surplus  rate  collected  for  the  latter 
object  was  divided  between  the  societies,  "to  be  appropriated  for 
the  use  and  benefit  of  promoting  singing." 

Mr.  Johnson  continued  in  charge  of  the  church  in  East  Woodstock 
after  the  decease  of  Mr.  Stiles,  but  his  usefulness  was  impaired  by 
unpleasantness  in  his  domestic  relations.  Whispered  insinuations  re- 
sulted in  a  ivinisterial  investigation  which  acquitted  Mrs.  Johnson  of 
overt  offense,  but  recommended  greater  prudence.  Farther  develop- 
ments confirming  the  wisdom  of  the  ancient  adage,  that  "Cresar's  wife 
should  be  above  suspicion,"  a  council  was  again  called  to  consider  the 
question  of  dismissal.  This  was  at  first  refused,  but  it  appearing  on 
farther  evidence  tliat  there  had  been  some  collusion  between  husband 
and  wife,  Mr.  Johnson  was  censured  "  for  not  acting  with  that  sim- 
plicity that  becomes  a  gospel  minister,  and  betraying  a  degree  of 
human  infirmity  that  was  to  be  lamented,"  and  formally  dismissed 
from  his  pastoral  office  in  Woodstock.  Happily  for  the  church  it  was 
soon  able  1o  extend  a  call  to  "a  very  worthy  character,"  Mr.  William 
Graves  of  Hatfield,  who  was  ordained  and  installed,  August  31,  1791, 
his  pastor.  Dr.  Joseph  Lyman,  [)reaching  the  ordination  sermon.  Few 
events  disturbed  the  even  tenor  of  his  faithful  pastorate.  The 
church  maintained  its  ground  if  it  did  not  make  advances.  Its  first 
deacons,  Caleb  May  and  Nehemiah  Lyon,  were  succeeded  by  Elias 
and  Charles  Child,  chosen  respectively  in  1782  and  1789.  Singing 
received   the  usual    attention  and   was  early  noted  for  its  uncommon 


RELIGIOUS    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  369 

excdlence.     The  house   of  worship   i'e(|uirecl  little  attention  for   many 

years. 

The   singing  in    West    Woo<lstoek   or  New   Ivoxbury   society,  w^as 

less    easily    i-egulated.       Society    concurred    with    church    in  "1782  in 

voting :  — 

"  That  inasmuch  as  there  are  but  few  ps;ilin-books  amongst  us,  the  singing 
be  carried  on  by  reading  tlie  portion  line  by  line  till  the  last  singing  in  the 
afternoon,  and  then  a  whole  verse  to  be  read  at  a  time:  also,  That  Stephen 
Johnson  and  David  I'errin  be  added  to  the  clioristers  already  appointed  (i.  e., 
Lemuel  Child,  Joseph  Carpenter,  Ebeuezer  Paine,  Abraham  Perrin)." 

In  1785,  a  meeting  was  called   to  hear  the  request  of  a  number  of 

the  inhabitants,  "  to  see  if  y''  church  and  congregation  will  agree  as  to 

the    mode   of  singing,    whei'eby   they  may    all    rest   easy,"   and  after 

"lai'gely  being  debated  on,"  voted: — 

"  That  y  mode  of  singing  for  the  future,  that  the  deacon  read  the  portion 
line  by  line  in  the  forenoon;  and  in  the  afternoon  to  read  a  verse  at  a  time; 
except  the  Double  verse  Tunes;  and  them  to  be  sung  through  without  read- 
ing; and  that  to  be  the  standing  rule  till  ordered  otherwise  l)y  the  coni- 
Diittee." 

November  17,  1785,  also  voted  : — 

"  To  repair  the  meeting-house  on  the  whole  of  y^  outside;  To  choose  a  com- 
mittee to  prepare  stutf  to  cover  the  meeting-house.  The  committee  chosen 
are  as  follows,  viz.  :  Nathaniel  Marcy,  Elijah  Perrin,  David  Perrin,  Ebeue- 
zer Smith,  Jacob  Child,  Henry  Boweu,  Noah  Mason,  El)enezer  Coburn,  Jun., 
Eli  Bruce,  Asa  Goodell,  Amos  Lyon,  Ashael  Clark.  3.  To  have  y"  body-seats 
below  in  y^  meeting-house  made  into  pews  both  oil  y  men's  and  women's 
sides — except  y'^'  two  foremost  seats  on  each  side." 

It  was  farther  voted  at  an  adjourned  meeting  to  sell  the  appropriated 
pew-ground  to  the  highest  bidder,  each  buyer  building  his  pew  thereon 
within  a  year  from  date  of  purchase. 

These  votes  weie  carried  out  w4th  much  difficulty.  The  "great 
separation  "  fi-om  the  pastor  and  established  church  left  "  a  very 
heavy  burden  upon  a  small  number  of  people."  Captain  Nathaniel 
Marcy,  Captain  David  Perrin  and  Stephen  Paine,  were  deputized  to 
inform  Mr.  Williams  that  notwithstanding  he  had  considered  his 
people  sundry  times  with  respect  to  his  salary,  yet  remaining  a  broken 
people,  and  attempting  to  repair  the  meeting-house  with  other  extra 
charges,  would  make  it  extremely  difficult  to  pay  him  his  full  salary. 
Mr.  Williams  responded  by  remitting  five  pounds  of  his  salary  "  m 
case  the  society  will  take  speedy  care  to  settle  arrearages,  and  seasona- 
bly to  get  me  a  supply  of  fire-wood."  Under  these  circumstances  the 
society  was  compelled  to  i-econsider  its  vote  to  prepare  stufl"  for  the 
needful  repairs,  and  content  itself  with  an  assessment  of  forty  pounds 
to  be  expended  by  Lieutenants  Mason  and  Peabody,  and  Ensign 
Elijah  Bugbee,  in  the  best  and  most  prudent  manner.  Pew-ground 
was  sold  to  Captain  Benjamin  Howard,  Zephauiah  Lincoln,  Sylvester 
47 


370 


HISTORY    OF    AVINDHAM    COU^^TY. 


Sniitli,  Caleb  Eugbco,  Willitim  Pierce,  Xoali  Mason,  Jesse  Cutler, 
Isaiah  Pen  in.  In  17!>1,  it  was  voted  that  the  nieetint^^-house  sliall  be 
painted  wlien  finislied  tit — tlie  roof  with  a  Spanish  Ibawn  :  the  sides 
and  ends  with  a  stone  color  so  called,  and  money  granted  to  complete 
the  same,  the  former  grant  being  insutticient. 

Many  other  burdens  oppressed  these  western  residents.  A  vote  to 
build  a  new  j)ound  upon  Ensign  Bugbee's  land  excited  miu'li  o]^posi- 
lion.  Upon  petition  from  I'homas,  Lemuel  and  Klias  Child,  Elijah 
Perry,  Caleb  and  William  ]>ugbee  and  other  aggiieved  parties,  the 
question  was  reconsidered.  A  committee  was  chosen  to  discourse 
with  the  widow  Lydia  Morse,  to  see  if  leave  could  not  be  obtained 
to  set  the  pound  upon  her  land  and  not  succeeding,  asked  the  privilege 
of  Rev.  Stephen  Williams,  who  '•  had  no  ]:)articular  objections  in  liis 
mind  against  it,"  and  a  vote  was  passed  to  build  the  pound  upon  his 
land  fi'onting  the  road  and  adjoining  land  of  Lieutenant  Peabody. 
Noah  Mason,  John  Goodell  and  Deacon  John  Morse  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  ])i-ocure  or  build  a  carriage  for  the  decent  burial  of  the 
dead.  The  regulation  of  the  six  school  districts  involved  much  debate 
and  trouble.  Each  disti'ict  had  its  one  committeeman  to  hire  its 
teachers  and  collect  rates  for  jiayment,  but  the  choice  of  this  committee 
and  the  general  oi-dering  of  atfaiis  was  referred  to  the  society.  After 
long  delay  and  many  fruitless  etforts,  tlie  southwest  district  succeeded 
in  accomplishing  a  school-house  in  1790,  receiving  liberty  to  tax  itself 
for  that  object — Ebenezer  Stoddard,  Daniel  Perry  and  William  Bugbee, 
committee.  The  West  and  Noithwest  districts,  taking  into  considera- 
tion the  importance  and  necessity  of  schooling  and  their  disconnected 
situation,  obtained  leave  to  be  united  in  one  entire  district  in  order 
that  they  might  build  a  pioper  school-house  in  some  suitable  i)lace  to 
accommodate  the  whole  of  the  iidiabitants — but  when  immediately 
after  the  question  was  put  if  the  united  district  should  have  liberty  to 
tax  itself  for  building  such  school-house,  to  the  great  bewilderment 
and  disaj)pointment  of  the  petitioners,  "it  ]iassed  in  the  negative." 
Part  of  these  inhabitants  were  afterwards  reinstated  into  the  North- 
west district.  The  east  centre  district  was  severely  tried  at  the  same 
date  in  the  conduct  of  its  committee  : — 

"  1.  The  mode  and  method  he  took  to  sustain  his  said  offico  2.  Ilis  not 
giving  ilie  district  full  warning  as  is  usual  lor  a  district  meeting  in  order  to 
choose  a  schoolniasti'r,  so  that  said  district  might  get  the  knowledge  where 
the  moneys  lay,  and  how  nuich  and  in  what  po.'^iiion,  that  they  might  conduct 
these  matters  prudently.  3.  His  hiring  a  master  without  the  consent  of  said 
district,  and  agreeing  to  pay  the  master  in  neat  stock  at  a  future  day,  and 
putting  our  moneys  into  his  own  pocket.  4.  His  not  attending  the  school 
meeting  though  duly  notified." 

Notwithstanding  these  charges,  "the  reasonable  request"  of  Elijah 
Bugbee,  Elijah  Perrin,  William  Ainsvvorth,  Rhodes  Wilkinson,  Nathan 


RELIGIOUS    AFFAIRS,    ETC. 


371 


Abbot  and  William  Johnson,  "that  he  niii,^ht  be  dfopped  and  another 
chosen  in  his  room  and  stead."  was  dismissed  after  a  "  lengthy  hear- 
ing." Thaddeus  Gage,  Amos  Shninway,  John  P\ix,  Alfred  Marcy, 
Peleg  Corbin,  Marvin  Clark,  Simeon  Wight,  Levi  Perrin,  Pardon 
Blorse,  Hannah  Bngbee,  Lois  Ainsworth.  Apphia  Perrin,  appear  as 
teachers  during  this  period. 

Uneasiness  respecting  ^Nlr.  Williams  increased  the  embarrassments 
of  the  society.  "The  infirmities  by  reason  of  advanced  age  of  that 
venerable  person  who  had  ever  been  dear  "  to  them,  made  his  services 
less  acceptable  to  the  congregation,  and  new  certificates  daily  came  in 
till  it  seemed  likely  that  few  would  be  left  to  bear  the  burden  of  his 
support.  Xegcjtiations  from  time  to  time,  conducted  with  rare  courtesy 
and  consideration  on  both  sides,  led  to  no  specific  result.  Repeated 
deductions  of  salary  were  received  with  ap]iro])riate  thanks  for  the 
kindness  and  condescension.  Li  1790,  Mr.  Williams  agreed  to  take 
up  with  twenty-five  pounds  and  half  his  fire-wood  in  case  the  society 
procuied  a  suitable  colleague  ;  four  years  later  he  sends  the  following 
letter  : — 

"  Friendft  and  Beef/tre/i  .•— Understanrlini;  by  your  committee  that  some 
appear  dosirous  of  introducing  a  yoLui,<>:  minister  auioiig  us  as  an  assistant  to 
me  in  tlio  ministry;  tliis  is  to  inCoru)  that  if  you  see  tit  to  introduce  a  young 
gentleman  of  good  character,  of  the  standing  order,  of  a  lilieral  education; 
I  consent  to  drop  the  salary  for  the  term  such  supply  shall  be  afforded ;  and 
wishing  peace,  truth  and  righteousness  may  be  and  abound  amonir  us,  I  sub- 
scribe your  aged  pastor.  Stephen  Williams. 

March  17,  ir'J-t." 

The  society  declining  to  act  upon  this  suggestion,  Mr.  Williams 
continued  in  charge  till  his  death  in  the  following  spring.  Sustaining 
through  life  "  a  very  amiable  and  worthy  character,"  he  died  in  a  good 
old  age,  much  esteemed  and  respected.  "  A  good  classical  scholar,  a 
serious  i)ractical  preacher,"  beheld  a  high  position  among  his  ministerial 
brethren.  Mrs.  Martha  (Hunt)  Williams  had  preceded  her  husband  a 
few  years.  Tlieir  sons  Ste[)hen  and  Timothy  were  graduated  from 
Yale  College  in  1783  and  1785,  and  both  had  studied  for  the  ministry. 
The  oldest  son  Andrew,  after  teaching  school  for  a  time  in  Cam- 
bridge, settled  for  life  on  the  paternal  homestead. 

Several  years  passed  before  the  settlement  of  a  second  minister. 
Arrearages  due  to  the  estate  of  Mr.  Williams  were  made  up  after 
some  delay  and  difficulty.  Renewed  attempts  were  made  to  procure 
the  relinquishment  of  pew-ground  so  that  a  fund  might  be  secured 
and  the  meeting-house  thoroughly  repaired.  During  this  interval  the 
pulpit  was  supplied  by  various  licentiates,  viz.  : — Messrs.  Timothy 
Williams,  Daniel  Dow,  Averill,  W^itter,  Thatcher,  Watson  and  Wight. 
The  preaching  of  Amos  G.  Thompson  was  much  liked  by  some  while 
others  made  objections  "  on  account  of  his  professing  to  be  of  the 


372  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Methodist  order  or  principle.'"  In  1  TOO.  it  was  agreed  by  neai-ly  an 
universal  vote  to  call  Mr.  Stephen  Williams  to  settlement.  Amos 
Lyon,  Timothy  Perriii,  Elias  Child,  Ebenezer  Smilli,  Jacob  Child, 
Haviland  JNIorris,  ITenry  JNIartin,  David  Veil  in,  Philip  IIo\var<l,  in 
behalf  of  the  society,  otfered  suitable  terms  n|)()n  the  express  condition 
that  the  relation  should  terminate  upon  six  months  notice  from  either 
jiarty.  Expressino-  "affectionate  gratitude  for  this  testimony  of 
regard  in  recjuesting  him  to  settle  amongst  so  respectable  and  numer 
ous  a  people  in  the  place  of  his  nativity,"  and  in  the  pulpit  so  long 
tilled  by  his  reverend  and  honored  fathei",  Mr.  Williams  felt  con- 
strained to  return  a  negative  answer.  More  urgent  entreaty  and  liberal 
ofl'ers  failing  to  secure  his  acce])tance,  the  society  made  choice  of 
another  fellow-parishioner,  iNIr.  Alvan  Underwood,  a  recent  grailuate 
from  Brown  University,  who  was  ordained  and  installed  to  great 
public  satisfaction.  May  27,  1801,  ministers  from  Woodstock  and 
neighboring  towns  officiating  in  tlie  services.  John  Eox,  Elias 
Child,  2d,  and  Phili[)  Howard,  represented  the  society  on  this  occasion. 
John  Austin,  Parker  Moise  and  John  Paine  served  as  committee  "  to 
attend  on  and  see  to  seating  ])eople,  and  to  keeping  order  and  regular- 
ity in  the  assembly  of  spectators." 

The  meeting-house  question  now  obtaining  more  exclusive  consid 
eration,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  look  into  the  matter  of  owner 
ship  and  make  a  plan  of  the  dimensions  of  pews  to  be  built.  Two 
j)ews  on  the  ground  floor  and  twelve  in  the  galleries  were  laid  down  by 
committee,  to  be  held  on  the  same  footing  as  the  previous  wall  pews, 
agreeably  with  the  original  vote  passed  in  1740.  After  further  delay 
and  com])li(^ations  these  pews  were  erected  and  formally  made  over  to 
the  subjoined  lawful  owners,  viz.: — on  the  grotmd  floor  one  to  Eulher 
Baldwin,  one  to  Abraham  W.  and  John  Paine.  Gallery  pews.  1.  Taken 
back  by  society.  2.  Thomas  Corbin.  3.  John  Ilowlett.  4.  John  R. 
Wilson,  Benj.  Lyon,  3d.  5.  William  Eargo,  David  Allen,  3d.  6. 
Andrew  Williams.  7.  Charles  Smith.  8.  Walter  Bicknell,  William 
Shepard.  9.  Daniel  Lyon.  10.  Solomon  Corbin.  11.  A.  Abbot  Philliiis, 
A.  Perrin.  12.  Walter  Bicknell  and  William  Shepard.  A  new  j)ound 
was  now  built  on  land  of  John  Eox,  Plsq.  A  four-wheeled  carriage 
or  hearse  was  next  procured  together  with  a  good  harness  for  the 
same,  and  a  suitable  building  erected  wherein  to  deposit  said  carriage. 
In  180G,  Wareham  Lyon  was  chosen  sexton;  Abraham  W.  Paine,  to 
have  charge  of  carriage-house,  carriage,  harness  and  palls.  Dr. 
Haviland  Mori-js  was  now  chosen  clerk  :  John  Eox,  treasurer :  Parker 
Morse,  collector;  Alfred  Marcy,  Daviil  Perrin,  Stephen  Johnson,  com- 
mittee. Darius  Barlow,  Danforth  Lyon  and  Benjamin  Lyon  were  also 
chosen  to  serve  the  society  as  choristers. 


RELIGIOUS    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  373 

The  Baptist  cluirch  in  West  Woodstock  had  nieanwlille  suffered 
many  vicissitudes.  "After  a  long  day  of  desertion  and  heavy  trials," 
the  Lord  was  pleased  to  awaken  some  souls  "by  means  of  the  uncom- 
mon darkness"  in  May,  1780,*  which  lesulted  in  a  general  revival  of 
religion,  many  converts,  and  a  large  addition  to  the  membership  of  the 
church.  Jesse  Holies,  Thomas  Bugbee  and  other  newly  received  mem- 
bei-s  were  lesidents  of  the  First  society  of  Woodstock.  David  Bolles 
and  John  Morse,  the  active  and  fervent  deacons  of  the  church,  had 
"come  to  a  stand  "  about  granting  certificates  in  comi)li:»nce  with  the 
law,  and  several  of  their  brethien  were  thus  included  in  the  rate  list 
of  the  above  society  and  exposed  to  distrainment.  The  Baptist 
brethren,  after  largely  debating  the  subject  of  giving  certificates  finally 
concluded  :  — 

"  That  we  could  not  uive  them,  for  we  believe  that  no  one  bod}^  of  people 
have  right  of  jurisdiction  over  another  in  religious  matters;  and  therefore 
cannot  co^nply  with  the  demauds  of  our  Pedo-baptist  brethren  and  neighbors 
in  demanding  certificates  as  they  say  according  to  law  ;  but  we  are  willing  to 
do  all  that  we  can  with  a  good  conscience  in  the  matter,  and  therefore  pnssed 
the  following  vole,  viz.  :  That  we  will  j<end  to  our  above  described  neighbors 
the  names  of  our  brethren  and  fiiends  who  belong  to  our  society  that  live 
within  the  limits  of  their  lined  society,  in  order  to  take  off  their  grand  plea 
for  ta.xing  our  brethren,  as  that  they  might  know  who  they  are,  i.  e  ,  Chris- 
topher Whiiiple,  William  Earl,  Paul  Tew,  Elijah,  Isaiah  and  George  Lyon, 
William  Underwood,  Green  Rogers,  William  Spears,  Thomas  Bugbee,  Zepha- 
niah  Cole,  Abuer  Harris,  William  Martin,  Beiijumin  and  Noah  Chati'ee,  Jesse 
Bolles,  John  Green,  M»ises  and  Peleg  Easterbrook,  Prentice  Chubb,  William 
Apley,  David  Sprague,  John  Bolster." 

Deacons  Bolles  and  Morse,  Jacob  Leonard  and  Silas  Corbin,  were 
then  a[)pointed  to  inform  the  P'irst  society  what  they  had  done.  That 
body  had  previously  voted  to  exempt  these  Baptists  from  rates,  pro- 
vided they  would  produce  certificates  according  to  law,  and  after  long 
debate  with  the  delegates  the  following  form  of  a  certificate  was  pro- 
posed and  accepted  : — 

"  It  is  hereby  certitied  that  the  above-named  persons  statedly  attend  wor- 
ship with  us  on  Lord's  days  and  contrilnite  to  the  support  of  the  Elders  in  the 


♦Joseph  Joslin  of  Thompson  thus  reports  "  the  dark  day  "  in  his  eotem- 
poraiy  journal :—"  1780,  ^hiy  15.  Dull,  thick  air.  16.  Sun  red  and  dry  and  very 
thick  air.  17.  Very  thick,  close  air,  as  it  were  to  the  bottom  round,  sun  red 
and  moon,  vei-y  dry  now,  very  smoky.  IS.  Cloudy  and  warm.  10.  Now  let 
not  this  day  be  forgot.  In  the  morning  it  was  cloudy  and  we  laid  a  little 
wall.  I  see  the  sun  in  the  morning.  8  o'clock,  I  guess,  it  rained  a  flue 
shower  or  two ;  then  we  went  to  work.  Wind  S.  West.  (Some  say  the  wind 
was  in  every  point,  but  not  to  my  knowledge).  About  10  o'clock  it  seemed 
to  come  up  from  the  southwest  and  looked  dark,  and  I  expected  it  would  rain 
in  a  minute  or  two,  and  it  grew  darker  and  darker.  We  worked,  laid  wall 
till  we  could  not  see  to  range  the  wall  ten  rods  right.  We  went  into  the 
house,  and  it  was  about  12,  it  was  reconed.  The  fire  shined  like  night. 
They  light  a  candle  for  to  get  dinner.  The  air  or  clouds  looked  like  brass, 
yellow.and  things  too,  I  guess.  About  12  was  the  darkest.  About  one  it 
grew  lighter.  It  grew  lighter  once  and  then  was  darker:  rained  a  shower  at 
night.  "20.  Last  night  wa"s  as  much  darker  than  usual  as  the  day,  but  I  see  it 
not.     Was  asleep." 


374  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Baptist    society    in   Woodstock.     Certified    by   us.     Jonx    Mousk,    deacon. 
David  Bollks,  deacon." 

This  persecution,  as  it  was  called,  increased  the  enerixy  and  zeal  of 
the  church,  so  that  it  reported  to  the  Warren  Association  in  1781  a 
menibersliip  of  a  hundred  and  forty,  and  flourished  o^reatly  for  a 
season.  Enibodyinjjf,  liovvever,  many  discordant  and  insubordinate 
elements,  "  a  great  fire  of  contention"  presently  broke  out.  Incited 
at  first  by  a  complaint  lodged  against  one  of  the  church  members  by  a 
member  of  the  Congregational  church,  it  soon  enflamed  the  whole 
chuich.  There  were  difficulties  and  disputes  between  Elder  Ledoyt 
and  some  of  his  members,  and  many  councils  and  church  meetings, 
until  a  number  of  the  church  withdrew,  and  "set  up  by  themselves 
in  an  adjoining  town  and  called  themselves  the  church,"  and  at  the 
request  of  their  pastor,  April  24,  1790,  proceeded  to  vote  his  dismis- 
sion and  "  recommended  him  to  the  charity  of  their  sister  churches  in 
])arlicular  and  the  world  in  general  as  an  able  and  faithful  minister  in 
good  standing."*  A  council  called  the  following  July  under  the 
direction  of  Thomas  Baldwin  and  Isaac  Backus,  failed  io  heal  the 
breach.  Elder  Ledoyt  removed  with  his  family  to  Newport,  N.  H., 
"leaving  his  flock  in  a  very  broken  and  divided  condition."  A  colored 
brother,  Samuel  Webster,  fervent  in  spirit  if  weak  in  knowledge  and 
wisdom,  labored  as  an  evangelist  for  a  season  and  receiveil  many  into 
the  membership  of  the  church.  In  1796,  the  church  reported  itself  to 
the  Warren  ^Association  with  Robert  Stanton,  a  licentiate  from  Stou- 
ington,  as  preachei',  and  three  years  later  he  was  ordained  its  pastor. 
A  rough,  ignorant  man,  his  labors  were  not  without  some  fruit. 
Nearly  fifty  were  added  to  the  church  during  his  nine  years  ministry, 
and  a  movement  made  for  replacing  the  barn-like  meeting-house  by  a 
more  suitable  structure.  This  work  was  com])leted  in  1806  after  the 
return  of  Elder  Ledoyt,  who  found  a  door  opened  by  God  in  his 
providence,  "wliereby  he  must  return  and  labor  witli  the  churcli  of 
his  youth."  A  testimonial  from  the  church  of  Newport  certified  the 
value  of  his  service  in  that  vicinity  and  recommended  him  as  a  faithful 
brother  and  able  minister  of  the  New  Testament.  He  found  the 
Woodstock  church  still  suftering  from  the  evil  effects  of  long  dissen- 
sion, nor  did  his  earnest  eftbrts  restore  the  ancient  harmony.  Nehe- 
miah  Underwood  and  Samuel  Crawford  served  faithfully  as  deacons  of 
this  church. 

A  Baptist  church  was  gathered  in  the  southeast  part  of  Woodstock, 
June  29,  1792.  Services  were  held  in  the  house  of  Jesse  Bolles. 
Representatives  of  the  Baptist  churches  in  Stonington,  Thompson  and 


*  Manuscript  of  Jedidiah  Morse,  Esq.,  1798. 


RELIGIOUS    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  375 

Hampton,  were  present.  Minutes  of  tlie  conferences  of  the  bretlircn 
who  bad  summoned  tlie  Council,  together  with  tlieir  Covenant  and 
Articles  of  Faitli,  and  a  relation  of  their  minds  towards  each  other, 
were  heard  and  approved,  and  they  wei'e  received  into  the  fellowship 
of  Baptist  churches.  August  3,  IJiother  Amos  Wells  was  called  to 
take  cliarge  of  this  church  as  a  i)articular  watchman  or  elder,  and  six 
days  later  "  was  regularly  set  apart  by  ordination."  ]Mr.  Wells  was  a 
native  of  Stonington,  a  man  of  piety  and  eloquence,  much  engaged  in 
the  establishment  of  religious  liberty.  Under  his  faithful  administra- 
tion the  church  gained  rapidly.  A  number  of  bretlii-en  frotn  Brook- 
field,  Mass.,  were  received  into  fellowship.  A  decent  meeting-house 
was  soon  made  ready  for  occupation  on  land  given  by  Mr.  Bolles, 
and  when  the  Stonington  Association  met  with  the  church  in  17!)o,  it 
found  a  membership  of  seventy-six,  and  ''it  was  a  good  time  with 
them."  This  auspicious  opening  was  not  without  its  clouds.  Some 
scrupulous  members  stopped  going  with  the  church,  alleging  as 
cause : — 

"  1.  Their  taking  in  persons  without  rekiting  their  experiences  before 
the  church.  2.  Things  being  carried  in  tlie  church  by  the  major  vote. 
3.  The  restoring  Brother upon  tlie  confession  wliich  he  made." 

The  church  after  much  deliberation  and  prayer  for  wisdom  to 
direct,  and  long  labor  with  the  aggrieved  parties,  thus  answered 
allegations : — 

"1.  As  to  receiving  into  our  fellowship  the  Brookfleld  brethren,  we  think 
we  did  it  upon  good  grounds,  as  they  tirst  came  into  covenant  among  them- 
selves, and  then  drew  a  petition  to  tliis  church  requesting  our  particular  fel- 
lowship      and   as   our  Elder   and    a  number  of  our  brethren 

heard  all  of  them  give  a  relation  of  their  experience,  we  thought,  and  still 
think,  we  were  in  duty  bound  to  receive  them  as  we  did.  2.  We  think  the 
church  must  of  necessity  govern  by  a  majority.  3.  As  Brother  con- 
fessed all  the  church  requested  him  to,  we  thought  in  all  good  conscience  we 
ought  to  forgive  and  restore  him." 

Unable  to  satisfy  the  delinquents,  the  church  "  with  sorrow  of 
heart"  was  forced  to  withdraw  from  them  the  hand  of  fellowship. 
Other  offenses  demanded  more  summary  "  dealing  "  and  punishment. 
Many  young  men  were  called  to  account  ''for  forsaking  the  church 
and  going  into  the  world,"  dancing,  playing  cards,  "  assembliiig  with 
the  vain  world  in  the  ball  chamber"  and  still  more  flagrant  oftenses. 
Some  having  seen  the  evil  of  such  practices  confessed  and  were  re- 
stored, while  others  rejected  admonition  and  were  finally  cut  off.  In 
1802,  the  church  after  conference  and  deliberation  instituted  a  com- 
mittee to  act  in  behalf  of  the  church  in  inquiring  into  scandalous  re- 
ports, attend  to  difticulties  between  members,  and  settle  them  if  pos- 
sible by  gospel  measures,  and  to  hear  and  advise  any  member  that 
might  be  at  loss   about  his  duty.     Deacons  Robert  Baxter  and  Jesse 


376  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Bolles.  James,  Jereiniali  nnd  Cliilds  AVlieaton,  Cliarles  Chandler, 
]v,()l)ert  Apliii,  Artemas  Bi-uce  ami  Tlioiiias  Bugbee  were  appointed  to 
serve  for  one  year  in  this  capacity.  In  1801,  tlie  Third  chnrch  of 
Ashford  was  leceived  into  fellowship  as  a  branch  of  the  church  ; 
brethren  in  Ponifret  and  Killingly  were  lecognized  in  1803  as  a 
branch  of  this  Second  Woodstock  chuich.  Deacon  David  Bolles  of 
Ashford  was  one  of  its  early  friends  an<l  counsellors,  and  often  at- 
tende<l  its  service.  In  1  SOI,  the  chni'ch  considered  the  proi)riety  of 
setting  him  apart  by  ordination  and  appointed  a  committee  to  lay  the 
matter  before  the  next  Association.  That  body  "fell  in  with  the 
request,"  and  '' accoidingly  Deacon  David  Bolles  was  regularly  set 
apart  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  by  tlie  Stonington  Association, 
October  20 — 21."  Deacon  Jesse  Ijolles,  soon  after  removing  to 
Pio\idencc  to  till  the  otfice  of  steward  foi'  Brown  University,  and 
Deacon  Baxtei-  requesting  a  dismission,  it  was  thought  expedient  to 
sujjply  their  place.  The  brethi'en  having  brought  forward  their  votes 
in  writing,  August  20,  1803,  it  was  found  that  they  had  made  choice 
of  William  II.  Manning  and  Childs  Wheaton.  Deacon  Manning  was 
now  elected  church  clerk  in  place  of  Thomas  Bugbee.  Jun.  In  1806, 
the  Pomfret  Branch  was  i-ecognized  as  an  independent  church.  A 
committee,  apijointed  to  attend  to  all  matter  of  labor  with  the 
Brooktield  Bi-anch,  found  "that  the  greater  part  of  them  had  moved  to 
distant  parts,  but  a  small  number  still  remained  steadfast,"  and  were 
retained  in  membership.  Deacons  Baxter  and  Manning,  Ileniy  Wells, 
Edmond  Chamberlain,  Thomas  Bugbee,  Jeremiah  and  James  Wheaton, 
Chai'les  Chandler  and  Augustus  Bolles,  continued  to  serve  as  church 
committee. 

The  cai'c  of  schools  long  borne  by  the  located  ecclesiastical  societies 
was  I'emitted  to  school  societies  about  1795.  The  south  society  met  in 
the  meeting-house,  October  19,  Jesse  Bolles,  moderatoi-,  Jonathan 
Morse,  cleik.  Thomas  Bugbee,  collector.  Benjamin  Lyon,  Jun.,  Amos 
Paine,  John  Albe,  Thomas  Lyon,  Jun.,  Jedidiah  Kimball,  were  chosen 
connnittee.  Elias  Child  was  first  cleik  and  treasurer  of  the  North 
society.  Ephraim  May,  collector.  Although  the  character  of  the 
jniblic  schools  was  gradually  improving  with  increasing  outlay  and 
moi'e  thorough  oversight  and  inspection,  tliey  were  still  very  inade- 
quate to  the  need.  Teachers  were  poorly  qualified  and  the  range  of 
instruction  very  limited.  Occasional  ])rivate  schools  maintained  a  few 
weeks  or  months  in  the  several  villages  were  no  great  benefit,  and  the 
cost  of  sending  their  children  to  the  academies  of  Plainfield  or  Can- 
terbury was  beyond  the  means  of  the  great  mass  of  the  po])ulation. 
The  successful  establishment  of  such  institutions  in  other  towns  incited 
the  envy  and  emulation    of  the    enteiprising  citizens   of  Woodstock. 


RELIGIOUS    AFFAIRS,    ETC. 


377 


Genera]  McCIellan  and  liis  sons,  JNIr.  Lyman,  Deacon  Morse,  David 
Holmes  and  olher  influential  men,  believed  it  practicable,  to  support  a 
High  School  among  themselves,  and  after  careful  discussion  brought 
the  question  before  the  public.  At  a  meeting  of  the  proprietors  of  the 
south  half  of  Woodstock,  January  12,  1801,  liberty  was  granted  to  the 
proprietors  of  an  academy,  to  set  a  building  on  the  common,  north  of 
the  meeting-house,  near  Major  Elijah  Williams'  land  for  said  puri)ose. 
How  to  raise  funds  for  an  academy  building  was  the  next  problem. 
There  were  no  rich  men  in  those  days  able  to  spare  their  thousands  for 
such  an  object,  but  there  was  a  deep  sense  of  the  need  of  the  com- 
munity and  an  earnest  spii'it  of  self  sacrifice.  It  was  ]}roposed  that 
thirty-two  men  should  each  contribule  the  worth  of  a  hundred  dolhirs. 
"  Pi-iest  Lyman,"  having  himself  headed  the  list,  rode  on  horseback 
all  about  the  town  and  by  peisuasion  and  argument  readily  secured 
the  requisite  subscribers.  An  etlicient  building  connnittee  was  ap- 
pointed and  the  woik  begun  with  much  heartiness.  As  the  spring 
opened  farmers  brought  in  their  best  while  oak  timber,  many  selling 
it  for  half  its  market  value  in  their  eagerness  to  help  forward  the 
academy.  It  was  said  there  were  boards  enough  brought  in  to  build  a 
shed  tVom  Woodstock  to  Providence.  Tlie  corner  stone  was  laid  with 
appropiiate  rejoicing.  The  day  of  the  raising  was  marked  by  one 
of  the  "notable  meetings"  for  which  Woodstock  was  ever  famous. 
Men,  women  and  children  from  all  parts  of  the  town,  together  with 
volunteers  from  Thompson,  Killingly,  Pomfret,  Brooklyn,  Ashford  and 
even  distant  Hampton,  flocked  to  this  "  Hill  of  Science,"  and  assisted 
in  the  work.  "  So  great  was  the  crowd  that  a  good  slice  of  the 
conmion  was  tilled  with  people,  ox-teams  and  horses.*  Old  men,  too 
feeble  to  do  heavy  work,  kept  their  sons  supplied  with  framing-pins," 
wliich  were  canied  about  by  their  grandsons.  Major  David  Holmes 
particularly  distinguished  himself  by  coolness  and  dexterity,  volunteer- 
ing to  be  raised  up  with  the  eighty-foot  timbei'  to  adjust  the  frame  of 
the  steeple.  The  front  dooi--sill  being  left  some  ten  feet  above  the 
ground,  the  farmers  turned  out  again  in  a  few  days  with  seventy  ox 
teams,  and  labored  all  day  gi-atuitously,  hauling  dirt  in  front  of  the 
building — men  too  old  to  shovel  smoothing  it  with  their  hoes.  Lender 
such  favorable  auspices  the  building  went  on  prdsperously.  An  anqjle 
dooi-step  was  dragged  up  from  the  old  hearth-stone  quarry  and  a  bell 
of  five  hundred  pounds  weight  carted  from  Xorwich.  A  committee 
sent  meanwhile  to  New  Haven  had  secured  for  principal  Thomas 
Williams  of  Pomfret,  who  was  gi-aduated  from  Yale  College  in  180J, 
with  a  high  reputation  for  scholarship  and  acuteness.     "The  event  of 


*  Historical  Address  of  Clarence  W.  Boweu, 

48 


78 


HISTORY    OF    AVINDHAM    COUNTY. 


establishing  a  seiiiiiiai y  of  learning,  superior  to  any  other  which  had 
been  previously  enjoyed,"  was  deemed  worthy  of  s])ecial  conimemora 
tion,  and  on  p\'bi-uary  4,  1S02,  the  new  building  was  formally  opened 
and  dedicated.  Suitable  addresses  were  made  by  John  McClellan, 
Esq.,  and  i\Ii-.  Lyman,  the  latter  eloping  with  these  words  addressed  to 
the  pros})ective  teacher  : — 

"  I  clo  therefore  on  tliis  occasion  in  the  name  of  the  Trnstces,  and  with  the 
apj)robation  of  the  Proprietors,  conniiit  to  yon,  Mr.  Williams,  the  key  to  the 
Academy  and  the  olhce  of  ntECEProR." 

Mr.  Williams  entered  upon  his  duties  the  next  day  with  nearly  an 
lumdred  ])Ui)ils,  gathered  from  all  ])ai-ts  of  Woodstock  and  neighbor- 
ing towns,  lioard  was  obtained  in  the  best  families  for  five  shillings 
a  week.  A  petition  from  John  McClellan,  Esq.,  secured  from  the 
Assembly  in  the  spring  an  enactment,  that  Samuel  McClellan.  Eliphalet 
Lyman,  Nehemiah  Child,  Ebenezer  Smith,  William  Potter,  Ilezekiah 
Bugbee,  Ichabod  Marcy,  Jesse  Bolles,  David  Holmes  and  others,  who 
are  or  hereafter  may  be  })roprietors  of  Woodstock  Academy,  are 
erected  and  made  a  body  corporate,  with  needful  power  for  its  Avell- 
ordering  and  governing.  Five  trustees  annually  ap|»ointed  by  the 
])ropi-ietors  were  to  superintend  tlie  atfaii'S  of  the  corpoi'ation.  Mr. 
Williams  retained  his  office  for  only  a  single  term  and  was  succeeded 
by  another  brilliant  son  of  Windham  County,  Ilezekiah  Frost  of  Can- 
terbury, Jason  Parke,  his  usher,  was  also  from  C'anterbury.  Aaron 
Button,  Seth  Norton  and  Phinehas  L.  Tracy,  youthful  Yale  giaduates, 
followed  in  quick  succession,  neither  of  them  remaining  long  enough 
to  give  character  or  stability  to  the  school.  Despite  this  drawback, 
interest  and  attendance  were  well  maintained.  A  public  exhibition 
every  autunm  increa.sed  its  poi>ulaiity.  Teachers  and  pupils  formed  in 
line  at  the  academy  and  marched  with  much  ceremony  into  the  cimrch. 
Declamations  and  orations  were  followed  by  entertaining  dialogues. 
On  one  occasion  an  elaborate  tragedy  was  performed,  embracing 
tifteen  or  twenty  jierformers,  and  Philadel})hia's  future  surgeon  was 
desperately  wounded  by  a  pistol  shot  and  can-ied  off  the  stage  by 
armed  soldiers  to  the  intense  delight  of  tlie  applauding  audience. 
Most  of  the  young  peoi)le  of  the  town  enjoyed  the  ])i-ivilege  of  at 
least  a  term's  attendance  at  the  Academy.  Charles  Morris,  afterwards 
connnodore  in  the  United  States  Navy.  Dr.  George  McClellan,  the 
distinguished  surgeon  (son  of  James  McClellan),  William  Larned 
Marcy,  Secretary  of  State,  and  governor  of  the  Empire  State, 
Ebenezer  Stoddard,  lieutenant-governor  of  Connecticut,  and  represen- 
tative to  Congress,  David  Young,  judge,  and  Congressional  represen- 
tative, Prescott  and  David  Hall,  distinguished  in  law.  art  and  literature, 
were  among  its   early    pupils.       Yale    College    gave    it    counsel    and 


RELIGIOUS    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  379 

eiicouragoinent.  A  literary  association,  called  tlie  "  Society  of  Colum- 
bian Brothers,"  was  soon  formed  in  connection  with  the  school,  each 
proprietor  contributing  a  number  of  books  as  a  foundation  for  its 
library.  A  Fourth  of  July  Celebration  was  held  under  its  pationage 
in  1803,  when  Mr.  Jason  Parke  delivered  an  eloquent  oration,  whose 
closing  tiights  must  have  deeply  thrilled  the  youthful  Columbians  : — 
"  If  you  would  maintain  your  Independence  inviolate,  be  j)repared 
f(.)r  Peace  or  War.  With  Union  for  your  motto  extend  with  one 
liand  the  Olive  Branch  of  Peace,  and  with  the  other  brandish  the 
Fi.AMiN(;  SWORD  OF  POWER.  Be  resolvcd  that  you  will  never  behold 
the  Ajierican  Eagee  checked  in  its  towering  flight  and  unfledged^  to 
decorate  a  Buitish  Coronet  or  a  Fkknoii  Cap  with  its  brilliant  plumes, 
but  that  your  Ixdependenxe  shall  be  commensurate  with  your  exist- 
ence." A  library  of  a  hundred  volumes  had  been  formed  in  the  First 
Society  a  few  years  previous.  The  United  Lyon  Lilirary  still  tlourished 
in  the  North  Society,  numbering  some  two  hundred  and  fifty  volumes. 
The  West  Woodstock  residents  procured  a  valuable  library  in  1806. 

Improved  traveling  facilities  Ijrought  business  and  gave  impetus  to  the 
town.  Tui'npike  ]jrojects  had  been  carried  tlirough  after  the  customary 
contests.  Tlie  Norwicli  and  Woodstock  Turnpike,  with  branch  to 
Sturbridge,  the  turnpike  running  direct  through  Thompson  to  Provi- 
dence, were  great  acconunodations.  Elijah  Williams'  establishment  had 
now  passed  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  William  Bowen,  whose  tavern  under 
its  row  of  poplar  trees,  received  a  large  share  of  public  patronage. 
Major  Williams'  advertisement  exhibits  tiie  varied  capabilities  of  this 
business  location  : — • 

"  For  Sale,  a  few  rods  north  of  the  lueeting-hoiise  in  the  First  Society  in 
Woodstock,  A  PLEASANT  COUNTRY  SKAT,  sitiiutcd  ou  the  great  road  from 
Hartford  to  Boston,  and  on  the  roiicl  from  Providence  to  Albany;  with  a 
large  dwelling-house  and  barn  thereon,  also  a  large  merchant's  store,  nailor's 
and  cooper's  shop,  with  tools  complete  for  each.     Also,   a  large  convenient 

slaiighter-honse  for  killing  and  packing  provisions It  is  a  very  good 

stand  for  trade.  The  house  is  used  as  a  tavern  and  has  been  ever  since  it  was 
built,  etc. 

Woodstock,  March  f>,  1797." 

Major  John,  sou  of  Elijah  Williams,  w^as  for  a  time  partner  with 
Mr.  Bowen.  Jedidiah  Kimball,  Chester  Kendall  and  Amos  Paine 
were  also  engaged  in  mercantile  traffic.  Woodstock  Hill  had  now  its 
lawyer — John  McClellan,  Esq.,  who  had  removed  hither  in  1796, 
marrying  a  few  months  later,  Faith  Williams,  the  only  daughter  of 
Hon.  William  Williams  of  Lebanon.  Dr.  Ephraim  Carroll  of 
Thompson,  was  established  in  medical  practice  in  the  south  end  of 
the  street.  Dr.  Lathrop  Holmes  engaged  in  trade  and  medical 
practice,  Elias  Childs  and  Charles  Webb  opened  a  store  in  West 
Woodstock.     Increasing  development  in  this  part  of  the   town  had 


380 


JIISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTV. 


i":iisc(l  tlic  question  of  <livisioii.  A  nnmljer  oi  westward  residents, 
viz.: — Aslmel  Corl)in,  T^avid  Ilowai'd,  Joel  (Tnge,  Daniel  Lyon,  Jan., 
Caleb  Biio'bee,  Daniel  Perry,  Elias  Child,  Andrew  Williams,  El)enezer 
Stoddard,  .Vbishai  Waslibui-n,  Luther  Baldwin,  Parker  Morse,  William 
.She]iard,  "in  gi-eat  measure  divested  of  the  privilege  of  free  and 
legal  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Woodstock,  and  a  participation  in 
tlie  election  of  town  ofHcei's,  as  well  as  the  (xcneral  in  the  State  Legis- 
latui'e,  owing  to  their  remote  distance  " — petitioned  town  and  General 
Assembly  for  rediess  of  gi-ievances  and  independent  organization,  but 
after  discussion  and  consideration,  division  was  indefinitely  deferred. 
The  "  new  county  scheme  "  called  out  more  energetic;  action.  Again 
and  again  the  town  deputies  were  instructed  to  use  "  theii'  utmost 
endeavors"  in  its  behalf  The  removal  of  the  Courts  to  l>i'ooklyn 
was  strongly  opposed  as  "no  accommodation."  A  half-shire  with 
itself  for  shire-town  was  Woodstock's  aspiration,  to  finther  which  she 
promptly  voted  to  be  at  the  expense  of  erecting  all  needful  buildings. 
A  house  foi-  the  pool-  was  oidered  in  1799.  In  politics  Woodstock 
continued  mainly  federal  thougii  an  earnest  minority  were  follovvers 
of  Jefferson.  The  growth  of  republicanism  and  anti-federalism  was 
manifested  by  a  vote  passed  in  ]70S,  that  the  several  ministers  in 
toAvn  should  take  their  turn  in  opening  P^eemen's  meetings — by 
which  the  i)ulpit  of  the  orthodox  meeting-house  on  Woodstock  Hill 
was  thrown  open  to  JJa])tist  and  Methodist  invaders.  Deacon  ]\[orse 
straightway  repoits  "that  IJev.  Mr.  Tliomijson  ])rayed  and  delivered  a 
discourse,"  but  when  the  following  year  Elder  Amos  Welles  took  his 
turn  as  preacher  his  pen  failed  to  make  the  accustomed  record  in  the 
town  book !  Elder  Welles'  discourse  upon  the  words — '•  But  1  was 
born  free  " — an  earnest  but  temperate  plea  that  all  Ameiicans  might 
enjoy  their  birthright  without  legal  prefovnce,  fiee  from  "the 
unnecessary  and  nmeasonable  trouble  of  lodging  cei'titicates  to  clear 
them  from  l>aying  taxes  where  they  <lo  not  belong" — was  however  so 
acceptable  to  a  large  body  of  his  hearers  th.at  they  procured  its  jMiblica- 
tion.  The  matter  apparently  excited  nuich  commotion  and  ill-feeling. 
Deacons  Morse  and  Lyon  and  John  ]\IcClellan  were  appointed  a 
conmiittee  by  the  First  Society  "to  examine  the  writings  of  a  certain 
sermon  delivered  by  Mr.  Amos  Welles  of  this  town  and  printed,  and 
for  said  committee  to  call  on  said  Welles  to  see  what  he  will  do 
respecting  supposed  iriisvepresentations  made  by  him  and  printed  in 
said  book,  and  for  said  committee  to  treat  the  matter  as  they  shall 
judge  best."  Notwithstanding  strong  opi)Osition,  radicals  like  Jesse 
Bolles  were  sent  occasionally  to  tlie  Legislature.  Other  representatives 
were  Eliphalet  Lyon,  Stephen  Paine,  Ebenezer  Smith,  Nehemiah 
Child,  Xoah  Mason,  John  McClellan,  John  Eo.k,  Charles  Child,  Elijah 


MURDER  OF  MARCUS  LYON,  ETC. 


381 


AYilliams,  William  Bowen,  Sanuiol  Dana,  Silas  May,  Ebcnezer  Skinnor, 
Chester  Cliild,  Ephraini  May.  Jediiliah  and  Jei'emiah  ]M()rse,  John 
McC'lellan,  Neheniiah  Ciiild,  John  Fox  and  Ebenezei-  Smith,  served 
as  justices.  In  1708,  Woodstock  resumed  jui'isdiction  over  Middlesex 
— a  strip  of  land  on  the  north  which  she  had  previously  lelinquishecl 
as  clearly  within  Massachusetts  limits — but  finding  it  impossible  to 
collect  taxes  from  the  inhal)itants  of  this  gore,  she  yielded  it  finally  in 
179G  to  Dudley  and  Stui-bi'idge. 

Among  other  public  enterprises  the  citizens  of  Woodstock  engaged 
with  much  spiiit  in  an  association  for  the  detection  and  punishment 
of  thieving.  It  does  not  appear  that  any  especial  pilferage  led  to  this 
organization,  whose  office  was  rather  ])reventive  tlian  redressive.  A 
meeting  of  subscribers  was  held.  May  20,  1793.  at  the  noted  house  of 
Elijah  Williams,  "for  the  purpose  of  detecting  thef\s."  General 
McClellan  was  elected  chairman.  Major  Ebenezer  Smith,  clerk.  Messrs. 
Elijah  Williams,  Ebenezer  Smith,  Hezekiah  Bugbee,  William  Graves 
and  Silas  May,  were  deputed  "to  form  and  draw  articles  for  the 
society."  At  its  second  meeting  June  3,  the  constitution  was  presented 
and  adoi)ted,  thirty-eight  ])ersons  subscribing  to  the  same,  each  paying 
six  shillings.  The  meetings  were  held  quarterly,  alternating  between 
the  Williams  tavern  and  that  of  Silas  May,  in  East  Woodstock,  at 
which  pleasant  i-eunions  new  members  were  always  admitted.  A 
little  toddy  was  furnished  out  of  the  ra]iidly  growing  fund  but  no 
carousing  jjermitted.  Five  or  six  efficient  members  were  kept  in 
ofKce  as  "  pursuers  " — iniimte-men  to  rally  out  on  any  alai'm.  Through 
their  agency  stolen  goods  were  from  time  to  time  recovered,  and 
doubtless  much  thieving  was  prevented  by  di-ead  of  speedy  detection. 

The  shocking  fate  of  one  of  Woodstock's  most  worthy  young 
men,  must  have  increased  its  interest  in  any  crime-detecting  associa- 
tion. Returning  with  his  summer's  earnings  from  Cazenovia,  New 
York,  in  Noveml>er,  1805,  Marcus  Lyon  was  attacked  by  ruffians  in 
Wilbraham,  robbed  and  murdered.  The  riderless  horse  led  to  the 
discovery  of  the  f)ody,  sunk  in  Chicopee  River.  Taken  out  and 
identified,  it  was  borne  to  his  home  in  West  Woodstock.  An  immense 
number  of  [leople  accompanied  the  mournful  procession  and  attended 
the  funeral  in  the  ]?aptist  meeting-liouse.  The  assembly  was  addressed 
by  Rev.  Abiel  Ledoyt.  "The  grief  of  the  moui'ners,  the  numbers 
convened,  and  the  tears  that  profusely  flowed,  presented  a  scene 
wdiich  we  conclude  has  never  had  a  parallel  in  these  our  inland 
towns."  Mournful  ballads  and  elegies,  dolefully  droned  by  many  a 
Woodstock  fireside,  kept  alive  for  many  years  the  memory  of  this 
lamented  youth  : — 


382  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

"  M}'  blood  runs  cold,  when  I  am  told 
III  Wllbnilmni  at  nild-day, 
That  blood  is  shed,  ^^a^clls  is  dead, 
Murdered  ou  the  highway." 

Another  nioiinifiil  traci^ody,  calling  out  the  deepest  interest  and 
sorrow,  was  the  slii[)wreck  of  Doctor  and  Mrs.  Lathrop  Holmes  on 
their  return  voyage  fi'oin  Georgia,  April,  1801.  The  April  storm 
that  shook  the  very  hills  in  its  fury,  seemed  doubly  terrible  to  the 
aged  mother  and  fiiends,  who  feared  that  their  loved  ones  might  be 
exposed  to  it  on  the  pitiless  ocean,  but  weeks  of  weary  waiting 
passed  before  they  knew  that  the  reality  sur|)assed  their  fears.  Their 
only  daughter  was  happily  safe  in  Woodstook,  left  behind  at  the 
earnest  entreaty  of  her  grandmother,  and  there  were  few  children  in 
Windham  County  whose  tears  did  not  tiow  when  they  lieard  of  the 
sad  bereavement  of  "  little  Temperance  Holmes."  When  taken  to 
Cambridge  by  her  uncle  and  guardian,  Dr.  Abiel  Holmes,  her  yearly 
visits  in  her  old  home  were  joyfully  welcomed,  and  she  was  ever 
regarded  with  special  interest  and  tenderness  as  one  by  early  orphan- 
age made  the  child  of  humanity. 

The  yearly  pilgrimages  of  Dr.  Holmes  and  Dr.  Morse,  their  accept- 
able services  in  Mr.  Ly'man's  pulpit,  and  familiar  intercourse  with 
their  old  friends,  aflbrded  mucli  pleasure  and  profit  to  tlie  people  of 
Woodstock.  By  the  reconnuendation  of  Dr.  Morse,  they  were  among 
the  fiist  to  engage  in  the  Quarterly  Concert  of  prayer  for  the  conver- 
sion of  the  world — holding  a  "  concert-lecture,"  reported  as  agreeable 
and  well  attended.  Deacon  Morse  was  able  to  reciprocate  these 
pleasant  visits  till  advanced  age,  riding  Ijack  and  forth  on  horseback, 
and  taking  great  delight  in  the  dawning  promise  of  his  son's  remarka- 
ble family.  The  venerable  fathers  of  Woodstock's  First  Church — 
Deacons  Morse  and  Skinner — stood  together  in  official  i-elation  to  the 
church  for  forty-three  years,  "as  brothei's  in  harmony  and  good 
agreement."  ]3y  remarkable  coincidence  their  wives  were  both 
removed  by  the  stroke  vi.'  death  in  .Vpril,  I80o.  alter  a  ha[ipy 
marriage  life  of  nearly  si.Kty  years.  Mrs.  Sarah  (Feake)  Morse, 
mother  of  Deacon  Morse,  died  in  1801,  aged  99  years  lacking  44 
days — the  oldest  person  that  liad  tiien  died  in  Woodstock,  and  having 
the  most  numerous  posterity.  Deacon  William  Skinner  died  January 
30,  1807,  in  his  87th  year,  revered  and  lamented — an  eminently  devout 
man  and  "  mighty  in  the  Scriptures,"  a  wise  counsellor  and  a  faithful 
friend.  Woodstock  lost  the  same  year  her  most  prominent  and  dis- 
tinguished public  citizen,  (nleneral  Samnel  McClellan,  who  died  Octo- 
ber 17,  agetl  77  years.  His  funeral  was  attended  with  the  usual 
masonic  and  military  demonstrations. 


OKGANIZATION    OF    STERLING,  ETC.  383 


XIII. 

ORGANIZATION    OF    STI<:RLING.      MEETING-IIOUSE     ASSOCIATION. 

TOWN  AND  CHUKC'H  AFFAIHS  IN  VOLUNTOWN. 

LINE    MEETING-IIOUSE. 

STERLING  obtained  town  privileges  without  tlie  customary 
struggle.  The  inconvenience  arising  from  the  i)eculiar  elonga 
tion  of  ancient  Voluntown  was  abundantly  manifest,  .and  a  jtroposi- 
lion,  April  25,  171*3,  to  divide  into  two  towns  met  immediate  accept- 
ance. Jolm  Gaston  and  Samuel  Kobbins,  from  the  nortii  and  south 
extremities  of  the  town,  were  a|)poinled  agents  to  petition  the  Assem- 
bly. Res])onse  being  delayed,  the  town  by  a  majority  of  two  to  one 
again  voted  for  divison — Lemuel  AN'ylie  and  Benj;imiu  ]^ow,  committee. 
The  Resolve  incorporating  the  new  town  was  passed  May,  1794, 
viz.  : — 

"  liesolved  hij  this  Asscrnhh/,  tlint  all  that  part  of  the  ancient  town  of  Volun- 
town within  the  followinii;  boinids,  beiiiuninir  at  tlie  northwest  corner  of  said 
ancient  town  of  Voluntown,  at  the  soutli  line  of  Killingly,  thence  running 
souther!}'  on  the  east  Hue  of  Phiintield  until  it  conies  to  the  southeast  corner 
of  Phiintield,  thence  east  ten  degrees  south,  to  the  division  line  between  this 
State  and  the  Stale  of  Phode  Island,  thence  Ijy  said  State  line  to  the  south- 
east corner  of  Killingly,  thence  westerly  on  the  line  of  Killingly  to  the  tirst- 
nientioued  bouiuls,  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  incorporated  into  a  di-stinct 
town  ])}'  the  name  of  '  ^Sterling,'  and  shall  be,  and  remain  in,  and  of  the 
County  of  Windham." 

It  was  also  pro^■ided  that  tlie  new  town  "  sliall  not  have  more  than  one 
representative,"  should  maintain  its  jiroportion  of  poor  and  be  liable 
for  its  poition  of  all  debts  due  from  the  mother  town,  and  be  entitled  to 
its  })roportion  of  public  money  and  all  other  corporate  property.  John 
Gaston,  Esq.,  justice  of  the  Peace,  was  authorized  to  warn  a  meeting 
for  the  choice  of  town  officers  and  act  as  moderator. 

In  response  to  this  summons  a  town  meeting  was  held  at  the  liouse 
of  Robert  Dixon,  Esq.,  on  Sterling  Hill,  June  9,  1794.  Benjamin 
Dow,  a  respected  citizen  of  the  town,  was  elected  town  clerk  and 
treasurer  :  Captains  John  Wylie  and  i\sa  Montgomery,  George  Matte- 
son,  Anthony  Brown  and  Lemuel  Dorrance,  selectmen  ;  Captain 
Thomas  Gordon,  constable  and  collector ;  Noah  Cole,  James  Dorrance, 
Jun.,  Nathaniel  Gallup,  Dixon  Hall,  fence-viewers  ;  Nathaniel  Gallup, 
grand  juryman  ;  John  Hill,  Nathaniel  Burlingame,  Matthias  Frink, 
tithingmen.  Following  their  previous  custom,  John  Douglas,  Jun., 
was  chosen  grand  school  committee  man,  and  a  committee  of  one  for 
each  of  the  seven  school  districts,  viz.: — 1.  Jencks  Mason  ;  2.  Noah 
Cole  ;  3.  Elisha  Perkins  ;  4.  Lemuel  Dorrance  ;  5.  Asa  Whitford  ;  6. 
Nathan  Dow ;  7.  Nathan  Burlingame.     Benjamin  Dow,  Lemuel  Dor- 


384  IlISTOKi'    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

raiiCL'  and  Joliii  Wylie  were  aiipointed  a  committee  to  make  division 
of  all  the  coi'purate  property  that  did  beloiii;  to  Vuluiitowii  ;  also,  to 
settle  the  line  with  Voluntown  gentlemen  and  make  division  of  the 
yioov.  Sheep  and  swine  were  allowed  liberty  "  to  go  on  the  common." 
The  dwelling  house  of  liobert  Dixon  was  selected  as  the  placi;  for 
holding  town  meetings  until  the  town  saw  cause  to  make  other  arrange- 
ments. Nearly  a  hundred  inhabitants  were  soon  admitted  as  freemen. 
The  oi'iginal  Voluntown  families,  Dixon,  Doi'rance,  Dow,  Dotiglas, 
Cole,  Smith,  Gaston,  Gordon,  Gallup,  French,  Frink,  Montgomery, 
Wylie,  weie  still  rejjresented.  Patten,  Perkins,  ^'aughan,  Young, 
Bailey,  Bui'gess,  Burlingame,  Hall,  Mason,  and  other  later  residents, 
appeared  among  the  inhabitants.  The  name  of  the  town  was  given 
by  a  temporaiy  resident.  Dr.  John  Sterling,  who  piomised  a  public 
library  in  return  for  the  honor. 

Sterling  entered  upon  its  new  duties  with  the  usual  spirit  and 
energy.  Its  po])ulation  was  about  nine  hundred.  Though  miu-li  of  its 
soil  was  poor,  and  its  shape  inconvenient,  it  had  some  j)eculiar  advan- 
tages. It  had  tine  water  privileges,  an  excellent  stone  quarry,  a  great 
post-i'oad  running  through  its  centre,  and  sterling  men  of  good  Scotch 
stock  to  administer  public  alfairs.  One  of  tlieir  iirst  duties  was  to 
examine  the  circumstances  of  that  stage-road  ''  that  leads  from  Plain- 
field  to  Piovidence  by  Captain  Robert  Dixon's."  The  Turnpike  So- 
ciety, then  recently  constituted,  was  about  to  lay  out  a  large  sum  of 
money  in  alterations  and  improvements,  and  the  selectmen  of  Sterling 
were  cited  to  do  their  jtart.  ''Taking  into  consideration  the  circum- 
stances and  liabilities  of  the  town,  and  the  conse(][uences  that  miglit 
follow  any  failure  or  neglect,"  they  proceeded  to  notify  the  inhabitants 
and  make  the  pi'oposed  alterations,  viz.,  tVoiu  ^Vrchibald  Doi'rance's 
fence  through  Kenyon's  field  and  so  to  old  post-road  ;  also,  another 
piece  near  the  Burying-ground  and  Captain  Colgrove's.  A  bridge 
was  built  over  Moosup  River  near  Smith's  mill — Lenuiel  Dorrance, 
John  Gaston  and  John  Douglas,  committee.  A  turnpike  gate  was 
erected  near  the  western  line  of  the  town.  To  facilitate  its  fishing 
interest,  it  was  ordered  that  obstructions  should  be  removed  from  the 
river. 

The  lack  of  a  suitable  place  for  holding  town  meetings  was  an 
annoyance  and  mortification  to  the  leading  uien  of  the  town,  publish- 
ing to  the  world  their  lamentable  destitution  of  that  most  es.sential 
accommodation — a  ])ttJjlic  meeting-house.  This  surprising  deficiency 
in  a  Connecticut  township  was  due  in  part  to  its  peculiar  conforma- 
tion, making  it  more  convenient  for  residents  of  either  extremity  to 
join  with  neighboring  churches  in  other  towns  than  to  unite  in  a 
common   centre,    and    in   part    to    the    prevalence    of    sectaries,  and 


MEETING-HOUSE  ASSOCIATION,  ETC.  385 

Rhode  IsIuikI  propiiKjuity  .-md  examplo,  wliicli  led  many  of  its  inhab- 
itants to  eschew  all  church-going  and  rate-paying.  Congregalionalists 
in  the  south  part  of  the  town  were  included  in  the  Noith  Society  of 
Voluntowii,  and  now  engaged  in  Iniildiiig  a  new  meeting-house  upon 
the  boundary  line  between  the  townships ;  those  in  the  North  or 
Bethesda  Society  united  with  the  South  clun-ch  of  Killingly.  The 
Baptists  in  the  west  of  the  town  were  connected  with  the  churcli  in 
Plainfield  ;  the  east-side  Baptists  joined  in  worship  and  church  fellow- 
ship with  their  Riiode  Island  neighbors.  As  no  religious  society  was 
ready  to  lead  in  erecting  a  house  of  worsliip  at  this  juncture  the  town 
might  very  properly  liave  arranged  to  build  a  house  or  hall  for  its  own 
especial  accommodation,  but  such  repudiation  of  the  peculiar  legislative 
influences  suj)i)osed  to  inhere  to  a  legularly  established  meeting-house 
was  not  ap])arently  even  taken  into  consideiation,  and  its  public  spir- 
ited citizens  hastened  to  supply  the  deficiency  by  erecting  a  house  of 
worship  upon  their  own  expense  a. id  responsibility.  Possibly  the 
chief  movers  in  this  enteri)rise  might  not  have  cared  to  intrust  decision 
to  the  uncertainties  and  delay  of  town  vote  and  action.  Their 
favorite  site  on  the  north  extremity  of  Egunk  was  quite  aside  from 
the  centre  of  the  town,  and  miglit  not  have  obtained  the  suffrages  of 
the  majority  of  voters.  But  Sterling  Hill,  as  it  was  now  called,  was 
virtually  the  head  and  heait  of  the  town,  the  centre  of  business,  the 
residence  of  the  most  influential  citizens,  and  the  members  of  the 
Sterling  Hill  Meeting-liouse  Association*  could  not  think  of  erecting 
the  projected  edifice  in  any  other  locality.  Titus  Bailey,  David 
Gallup,  Thomas  Gordon,  Joshua  Webb,  Philip  Potter,  commit- 
tee for  the  subscribers,  procured  from  the  heirs  of  Samuel 
Dorrance    the    deed   of    a    building  lot,    "east    side   the   Great    Lane 

(now    called    Green), for    tlie    purpose     of    setting    a 

meeting-house  and  that  only,  and  the  convenience  of  a  green." 
Funds  were  procured  without  apiiaient  difflculty,  and  the  house  com- 
pleted with  more  than  ordinary  expedition,  the  freemen  adjourning 
thither  from  the  house  of  Robert  Dixon  during  the  autumn  of  17'J7. 
It  was  voted  tluit  the  town  and  freemen's  meetings  be  held  at  the 
new  meeting-house.     Each  subscriber  had  pew  shares  according  to  his 

*  Original  Froprictors  of  the  Sterling  Hill  meeting-house : — Francis  Smith, 
Levi  Kinney,  David  Gallnp,  Josliua  Frink,  Isaac  Gallup,  William  Gallup, 
George  Madison,  Charles  Wiusor,  Nathan  Bui-liniiame,  Philip  Potter,  Archi- 
bald, Lemuel,  Jauies  and  John  Dorrance,  Stephen  Olney,  Pierce  Smith, 
Robert  and  Thomas  Dixon,  Joshua  Webb,  Benjamin  Tuckermau,  Reuben 
Thayer,  David  Field,  Caleb  Cushinir,  Andrew  Knox,  Titus  Bailey,  Joseph 
Wylie,  Reuben  Park,  Moses  Gibson,  Azael  Montgomery,  Dixon  Hall,  Archi- 
bald Gordon,  Thomas  Gordon,  William  Yaughan,  Captain  Gaston,  Andrew 
and  Samuel  Douglas,  Thomas  and  Samuel  Cole,  John  Kenyon,  Sen.  aud  Jun., 
George  Hopkins,  Asa  Whitford,  Benjamin  Bennett. 
id 


386  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

siib^ciiplioii  and  oecnj)ie(l  his  seal  witli  uioat  satisfaction.  Otlier 
])n!)Iic  meetings  were  lield  in  it,  and  occasional  religious  services,  Init 
no  legulnr  woislii))  maintained  lor  several  yeai'S. 

Iniprovenienis  in  schools  were  gi'adualiy  effected.  Ten  school-dis- 
tricts acconunodated  with  g(jod  convenient  schools  were  reported  in 
a  few  years.  Etlbrts  w  ere  made  to  establish  an  academy,  a  comjtany 
formed,  and  a  suitable  building  erected,  "  standing  near  our  new 
meet inii:-ho use,  nearly  in  the  centre  of  the  town,"  where  "a  man- 
school  was  maintained  throughout  the  year,  teaching  reading,  writing, 
mathematics  and  grammar."  Witli  these  public  buildings,  Kobert 
Dixon's  well-known  tavern  stand,  and  several  laige  substantial  houses 
built  by  the  Dorrances  and  other  thrifty  residents,  Sterling  Hill  jire- 
sented  a  fine  ajjiiearance,  and  received  especial  commendation  fi-oin 
Dr.  Dwight.  After  noting  the  lean  soil  and  inipeiiect  civilization  of 
Westei-n  llhode  Island,  he  proceeds: — 

"  At  Sterling  we  were  pleasantly  advertistnl  tliat  wc  liad  come  to  Councrti- 
ciit  by  sight  of  a  village  with  decent  church  ami  ^cliool-hoiijie  and  belter 
houses.     A  beautiful  prospect  from  Sterling  Hill." 

Dr.  Steiling  failed  to  make  good  his  ])i-omise,  but  a  library  was 
obtained  by  piivate  benefactions.  Jeremiah  Parish  and  Aitemas 
Baker  attempted  legal  practice.  Dr.  Isaac  Backus  of  Plaintield  re- 
moved his  residence  to  Sterling  and  pursued  his  medical  practice. 
John  Wylie  and  CajUain  John  (Taston  served  many  years  as  justices. 
Sterling's  earliest  representatives  wei-e  John  Wylie,  Nathaniel  (iallup, 
Thomas  (iordon,  Noah  Cole,  Aichibald  Gordon,  Isaac  Gallup,  Len)uel 
Dorrance.  The  proposed  change  of  county  seat  enlisted  the  sym)>a- 
thies  of  the  town,  and  committees  were  maintained  to  unite  in  con- 
ference and  action  with  other  aggrieved  towns. 

Voluntown  was  seriously  aflected  l)y  the  loss  of  its  nortbei-n  terri- 
toiy  an<l  i)opulation.  Many  of  its  ancient  families  had  removed  to 
more  attractive  regions,  and  it  becan)e  still  moie  difficult  to  maintain 
its  public  standing  and  religious  worshii).  Joseph  Wylie,  \N'illiam 
Briggs  and  Nicholas  Keigwin  were  appointed  to  settle  the  new 
boundary  line  ;  Joseph  ^Vylie,  John  Stewart  and  James  Alexander  to 
make  division  of  the  town  property.  James  Alexander  was  elected 
town  clerk  :  Ebenezer  Campbell,  tieasurer ;  Moses  Campbell,  grand 
school  committee  man.  Town  meetings  were  held  alternately  in  the 
old  and  Nazareth  meeting-houses.  Renewed  eiforts  were  now  made 
to  complete  a  new  Ixnise  of  worship.  An  attempt  to  meet  the  exi)ense 
by  a  tax  upon  the  society  "to  be  paid  in  timbei-,  boards,  shingles, 
corn,  wheat,  rye,  flax,  tow-clotli,"  had  been  unsuccessful.  The  sub- 
scription method  was  now  tiied  with  better  results.  A  numljci-  of 
proprietois,    I.    c,    Daniel,    Benjamin.    Nathan,    Ebenezer  and  Aaron 


LINE    MEETING-HOUSK,  ETC.  387 

Dow,  Samuel  and  William  Oallup,  Samuel  and  James  T^ordon,  John 
Douglas,  Kinne,  Keigwin.  Tiu-ker,  Fi'ink.  Campbell,  Ailams,  Burgess, 
and  John  Stewart,  agreed.  I-'ebruary  2A,  1704,  to  give  certain  sums  for 
the  erection  of  a  new  meeting-house.  A  convenient  site  on  tlie  li/te 
between  the  towns  was  given  by  ^Ir.  James  Gordon.  In  1707,  it  was 
voted  to  sell  tlie  pew  grouml  at  ven<lue  to  raise  money  to  iinish  the 
house.  This  being  accomplished  after  two  years'  labor,  a  new  disap- 
pointment awaited  the  society.  Rev.  Micaiah  Porter,  their  pastor  for 
nineteen  years,  decided  upon  removal.  Mr.  Poiter,  like  his  pi'ede- 
cessoi',  had  married  one  of  his  congregation,  Elizabetii,  daughter  of 
Ca|)tain  Isaac  Gallup,  and  it  was  lioped  that  he  would  spend  liis  days 
amongst  them;  but  continued  losses  and  chaiiges  made  it  difficuU  to 
suppoi't  a  C\)ngregati()nal  pastor.  The  old  Presbyterian  element  ha<l 
nearly  disappeared,  a  lai<>e  proportion  of  the  existing  population  was 
Baptist,  and  the  remnant  of  the  standing  church  joined  with  them  in 
worship.  Elder  Amos  Crandall,  an  Open  Communion  Baptist,  occu- 
pied the  Line  meeting-house  every  alternate  Sabbath  for  several 
years,  preaching  to  a  small  congi'egation.  The  Nazai'cth  church  grad- 
ually wasted  away.  Mi'.  Moi'gan  was  dismissed  in  1782,  after  a  ten 
years'  pastorate.  In  1703,  "taking  into  consideration  their  destitute 
and  bi-oken  state,  destitute  of  a  pastor  and  dejirived  of  the  regular 
administr.ation  of  ordinances,  a  large  proportion  removed  by  death," — 
the  i'ew  remaining  members  i-eunited  in  covenant  and  made  an  eaiaiest 
effort  to  maintain  public  worshi[).  Bi'other  Allen  Cami)bell  was  per- 
mitted to  preach  and  expound,  and  the  sacrament  was  administered 
from  time  to  time  by  vSepaiale  ministers.  A  company  of  subscribers 
now  erected  a  small  meeting-iiouse  "  at  the  cross-roads  west  of  John 
Campbell's" — Moses  Campbell,  .rohn  Stewart,  Jas.  Wylie,  committee  ; 
James  Alexander  and  James  Cami)bell,  Jun.,  to  apportion  out  to  each 
subscriber  his  part  of  building  material.  This  house  was  long  used 
by  the  town  for  public  meetings,  but  the  church  became  extinct  before 
the  close  of  the  century. 

In  town  atfairs  there  w;is  little  occuri'ing  of  special  interest.  Allen 
Campbell,  James  Alexander,  Joseph  Wylie  served  as  justices  ;  Moses 
and  Samuel  Uobbins,  Nicholas  Randall  and  William  Gallup  were  sent 
as  representatives.  With  other  towns  Voluntown  was  interested  in 
the  proposed  change  of  county  seat,  and  appointed  delegates  to  con- 
sult measures  for  I'emoving  the  place  for  holding  courts  to  Bi'ooklyn. 
Increasing  attention  was  gi\en  to  the  utilization  of  its  woods  and 
water  privileges,  and  a  forge  established  for  the  manuficture  of  iron. 
A  library  association  was  formed  in  1792,  and  a  hundred  volumes 
procured. 


388  HISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


XIV. 


WINDHAM  COUNTY  IN  1800.     POPULATION.     BUSINESS.     MORALS. 
KELIGION.     SCIIOOLINCx.     SOCIAL  CONDITION. 

IN  the  ])recedinu;  pages  we  have  eunied  our  Windham  to\vnshii)s 
from  the  close  of  the  llevohitioiiury  Wai'  to  tlie  (hnvii  of  a  new 
era  of  development.  In  this  twenty-tive  years  thei'e  had  been  aTowtli 
and  advancement,  though  the  constant  outflow  to  new  countries  liad 
cliecked  the  increase  of  population.  Tlie  census  of  1800*  showed  a 
loss  of  699  since  1790,  and  a  gain  of  only  72S  since  1774.  Ashfoid, 
Biooklyn,  Canterbury,  Plainfield,  Voluntown  and  AVindham  ha<l  been 
losers.  The  lai'gest  gains  were  in  Killingly  and  Tliompson.  lousiness 
enterprise  had  been  stinnilated  by  the  opening  of  new  avenues  of 
ti'ade,  tui'npike  I'oads  and  mechanical  inventions.  Several  business 
firms  tiaded  directly  with  the  West  India  islands,  owning  tlieii'  own 
vessels  and  buying  up  much  sur))lus  pi'oduce,  whereby  the  farming 
interests  of  many  towns  had  been  greatly  benefited.  Towns  with 
fewer  farming  facilities  had  tiuMied  attention  to  manufactures.  Keen 
eyes  watched  with  eager  interest  the  various  attempts  now  made  to 
suj^ersede  by  machinery  the  slow  and  painful  processes  of  hand  labor. 
Machines  for  carding  wool  were  bi'nught  into  the  Comity  in  1806. 
The  manufacture  of  papei",  potash,  ])()ltery  ware,  bricks,  boots,  shoes 
and  hats  was  can-ied  on  to  a  cotisiderable  extent.  Yet  notwithstanding 
the  apparent  briskness  of  business,  and  the  laborious  industry  of  the 
gi'eat  mass  of  the  population,  money  was  not  plenty.  Uich  men  were 
rare.  The  farmer  who  owned  land  free  fiom  incumbrance,  profes- 
sional men  and  traders,  might  indeed  secure  a  competence,  but  it  is 
doubtful  if  a  majority  of  the  population  could  do  more  than  make  a 
scanty  livelihood.  Children  were  numerous,  trades  lew,  wages  Ioav. 
Three  shillings  a  day,  paid  in  produce,  was  the  common  price  for  farm 
laborers,  and   a  working  wt)man  would   drudge   through  the   week  for 


*  Ashford,  2,445.  Brooklyn,  1,202.  Canterbnry,  1,812.  Hampton,  1,379. 
Killiniilv,  2,279.  Phuntield."  1,019.  Pomfrct,  1,802.  Sterlins;,  908.  Thomp- 
son, 2'^341.  Volnntown,  1,119.  Windliam,  2.(U'1.  Woodstock,  2, 4(;3.  White 
population  of  tlie  towns  now  formiiiij;  Windham  County  in  1800,  22,013. 
Slaves,  31.     Free  negroes  and  Indians  not  i>iven. 

Rate  list  in  1800  :  — 

Windham .$04,272  20     Poinfret 5.5,1,54  54 

Canterbnry 48,037  48     Sterling 20,873   12 

Ashford 61,367  41     Thompson 50,932  95 

Brooklyn 35,600  90     Volnntown 20,923  20 

Hampton 38,321  01     Wood^itock 62,821  04 

Killin-ily 41,027  32  

I'laiutieid 39,826  22  Amount     .    .    .  $539,157  39 


POPULATION,    BUSINESS,    ETC.  389 

two  and  six-pence.  A  faithful  "hired  man"  cairie<l  on  General 
Cleveland's  farm,  managinq^  all  his  out-door  affairs,  for  seventy  dollars 
a  year.  A  poor  man  has  been  known  to  walk  miles  with  his  little 
boys  and  work  hard  all  day  digging  potatoes  for  one  bushel  out  often. 
Ten  dollars  a  month  for  a  school-master  and  five  shillings  a  week  for  a 
school-ma-am,  was  deemed  amjile  wages.  Young  menroved  about  in 
spring,  swingling  tlax  and  tow  on  shaies,  and  picking  u|)  any  odd  jobs 
they  could  tiud.  The  few  ways  for  earning  money  made  it  very 
ditiicult  for  a  young  man  to  make  his  way  in  tlie  world,  and  after 
years  of  hard  labor  he  would  hardly  save  enough  to  sloc-k  a  farm 
without  the  closest  economy.  (General  Cleveland's  man,  with  bare 
feet,  tow  cloth  frock  and  l)reeches,  and  no  family  to  suppoi't,  accumu- 
lated quite  a  fortune,  but  those  who  maiTied  young  found  it  very 
difticult  to  provide  for  their  families.  The  poverty  of  the  Notts  of 
Ashford,  who  are  reported  to  have  worked  their  one  cow  upon  the 
farm  because  they  could  not  afford  horse  or  oxen,  and  lived  chiefly 
upon  brown  bi'ead  and  milk  and  bean-porridge,  was  not  without  its 
parallel  in  other  households.  So  difficult  was  it  in  many  cases  to 
pi'ovide  even  such  seemingly  indispensable  articles  as  shoes  and  stock- 
ings, tliat  it  was  a  common  practice  for  young  girls  to  walk  barefoot 
to  meeting,  donning  those  hoarded  treasures  just  before  entering  the 
house  of  worship.  Numbeiless  instances  are  reported  of  men  who 
made  one  "  Sunday  suit "  last  a  life-time.  Quaint  old  figures  toiling 
up  to  the  meeting-house  could  be  identified  as  far  as  the  eye  could 
reach,  by  the  old  cocked  hat,  many-caped  great-coat,  or  some  other 
striking  peculiarity  of  their  time-honored  costumes. 

In  accoidance  with  the  statutes  of  1783,  forbidding  slave  imi)orta- 
tion  and  providing  for  the  gradual  emancipation  of  children  of  slave 
parentage,  slavery  had  nearly  died  out.  An  abnormal  excrescence, 
incongi-uous  and  uncongenial,  it  dropped  off  without  apparent  notice. 
Blacks  who  had  served  during  the  Revolution  generally  received  their 
fieedoin  at  that  time.  General  Putnam  freed  his  body  servant,  Dick, 
and  bought  a  farm  for  his  Indian  servants.  "General  Job"  of  C'anter 
bury  lived  to  receive  a  pension  for  his  services.  Many  boi-n  in  slavery 
were  mainunitted  by  their  owners.  The  old  house  servants  were  gen- 
eially  retained  for  life  and  comfortably  supported.  Deacon  Gray  of 
Windham  kejjt  his  old  negroes  in  a  cabin,  where  he  sup])lied  them  with 
food.  Many  of  the  younger  negroes  sought  employment  in  large  towns. 
The  aboriginal  inhabitants  were  fast  disappearing.  Remnants  of  an- 
cient tribes  might  yet  be  found  on  reservations  in  Woodstock  and 
Biooklyn,  as  alien  from  the  people  around  them  as  if  they  belonged  to 
another  order  of  beings.  Almost  every  town  had  its  one  Indian  family, 
familiar  to  all,  and  regarded    as  a  common  charge.     The  Mooch  sisters 


390  HISTOKV    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

of  Scotland,  Jo.sli  Qiid  Martha  Sonsanion  of  Killiiigly,  -'Old  Quanto," 
of  Ponifiet,  were  well-kiuiwii  fharactefs  in  their  res]>ective  towns,  and 
assutiied  something  of  the  habits  of  civilization — the  ]Mooch's  and 
Sonsauions  uniting  with  Christian  churches.  A  few  wandering 
Indians  with  no  fixed  home  loved  about  t'roin  town  to  town  extorting 
tribute  of  food  and  cider.  Noah  Uncas,  Little  Olive,  Eunice  Squib 
and  Hannah  Leatbeicoat,  were  familiar  figures,  gi'im,  gaunt  and  taci- 
tuin.  stalking  in  single  file  al(»ng  highway  and  turnpike.  Mohegans 
still  made  tlieii-  annu;il  pilgrimages  up  the  Quuiebaug.  Tliese  various 
ie])resentatives  of  a  fallen  dynasty  were  usually  treated  with  kind- 
ness and  consideiation,  strongly  seasoned  with  coiitem-,)t — the  ''In- 
jun" of  that  date  liolding  mucli  the  position  of  the  succeeding 
"  nigger." 

In  moi'als  theie  had  appeareil  at  the  l)eginning  of  tliis  period  a 
marked  deterioration.  Kum  wa^  used  without  stint;  Sabl)atli- 
breaking,  profanity  and  loose-living  were  increasingly  prevalent.  Yet 
there  were  now  imiications  tliat  the  supreme  ebb  had  been  reached  and 
the  tide  was  slowly  turning.  The  public  had  awakened  to  a  sense  of 
its  condition.  Intemperance  in  drinking  was  denounced  and  ])lans 
discussed  t'ov  the  supi)i-cs-;ion  of  vice  and  imm  )ralitie.^.  The  Wind- 
haui  Her  i/d,  while  advertising  in  its  columns  the  usual  variety  of 
tem[)ting  liquors  at  astonishingly  low  prices,  wouhl  often  balance  the 
sheet  by  such  advanced  temperance  documents  as  "  The  Drunkard's 
Looking-glass;"  "The  Moral  and  Physical  Tiiermometer  of  the  Vices, 
Diseases  and  Punisliment "  resulting  from  Intemperance,  and  a  new 
"Drunkard's    Catechism,"*    pre[)ared    expi'essly  f )r   the  instruction   of 


*  Qiif'Stion.  Wliat  is  tlie  cliicf  end  of  Hum?  Ansv-er.  Tlie  chief  end  of  Rum 
is  to  make  toddy,  flip  ami  pinieli.  q.  What  are  the  benetits  wliich  tipplers 
receive  from  todd.y,  tlij)  and  purch?  ^1.  Peace  of  conscience,  joy  in  the 
comforter,  increa.se  of  love  tliereto,  aiul  perseverance  therein  to  the  end. 
Q.  Who  is  the  comforter?  ^1.  RUiM.  Q.  Into  what  state  will  the  love  of 
Rum,  and  a  pei'severauce  in  the  use  of  it,  briim  mankind?  ^1.  A  drunken 
state.  Q.  What  oflice  dotli  a  man  execute  who  is  a  drunkard?  A.  The 
ollicc  of  a  benst  tjotli  iu  his  state  of  humiliation  and  cx.altation.  Q.  Wherein 
consists  a  dnnikard's  exaltation?  ^4.  In  a  triumph  over  reason,  fear  and 
common  sense,  in  the  prostration  of  dia:uity,  reputation  and  honor,  and  in 
contempt  of  Death  and  the  Devil.  Q.  Wherein  does  a  druidvord's  humilia- 
tion consist  ?  ^-1.  In  his  heina:  senseless,  and  that  in  a  low  condition,  lying 
under  the  table,  rolling  iu  the  dirt  and  wallowing  in  uucleanness.  Then  fol- 
low pain,  loss  of  appetite,  trembling  hands,  with  iiUeness,  inattention  to 
business,  want,  poverty  and  distress.  Friends  neglect  him,  diseases  torment 
him,  executions  vex  him,  cretlitors  tease  him,  sherifl's  seize  him,  and  the 
prison  opens  its  doors  to  take  him  iu— Surely  it  is  an  evil  way  and  the  end 
thereof  is  sorrow. 

The  "puiushments  "  accruing  from  tlie  use  of  rnni  as  noted  by  Dr.  Rush's 
thermometer,  were: — '-Debt,  black  eyes,  rags,  hunger,  alms-house,  work- 
liouse.  Jail,  whi|iping-post,  stocks,  Castle  Island,  Newgate,  gallows.  And 
unless  repentance  should  i)revent  they  will  share  in  the  punishment  prepared 
for  the  Devil  and  his    angels."     As   a  sul)stitute  for  this  pernicious  beverage, 


MORALS,    RKLIGION,    ETC.  391 

Yoiith.  A  religious  revival  had  iti-eceJed  this  atteuii)ted  reformation 
in  iiioials.  ^lethodisni  had  done  a  good  work  in  reaching  a  class 
reino\ed  tVoni  religicus  and  restraining  influences,  and  the  ministry  at 
large  was  awakening  nioie  and  more  to  the  demands  of  the  hour,  and 
stiiving  to  arouse  the  churches  to  a  higher  sense  of  individual  respon- 
sibility and  more  general  cooperation  in  aggressive  Christian  labor. 
The  number  of  leligious  societies  in  ISUG,  with  each  its  chuich 
organization  and  jilace  of  worshi]>,  was  about  forty,  viz.:  Congrega- 
tionalists.  twenty  ;  Baptists,  thiiteen  :  Methodists,  four:  Se]iarate,  two  : 
Episcopalian,  one.  About  foity  families,  mostly  in  Woodstock  and 
Thompson,  were  connected  with  the  Universalist  Society  of  Oxford, 
tmder  tiie  charge  of  IJev.  Thomas  I3ariies  and  his  successoi's.  Though 
other  denominations  were  now  rapidly  gaining  ground,  the  original 
churches  in  tlieir  est:il)lished  parishes  still  ke[>%  the  lead,  and  the 
Windham  County  Association  of  ministers  continued  to  exercise  their 
official  i)rer<  gatives  as  guides  ;uid  guardians  of  the  chuiches  and 
censors  of  the  public  morals.  Many  knotty  points  of  doctrine  and 
practice  were  discussefl  and  settled  in  their  fiequent  meetings.  They 
were  called  to  consider  in  ITNG  that  most  searching  (piestion  then 
widely  agitated: — ''Whether  a  person  ought  to  be  willing  to  be 
damned  f'oi-  tlie  glory  of  God?"  "The  negative  ingeniously  and  learn- 
edly suj)ported  by  aiguments  from  Scri])ture  and  reason."  It  was 
voted  at  the  same  date.  "That  the  neglect  of  family  prayer  is  a  censura- 
ble evil,''  {L  e.,  amenable  to  public  censure  by  the  church)-  In  1799,  it 
Avas  "judged  inex[»edient  without  urgent  necessity  to  travel  on  the 
Sabbath  from  one  parish  to  another  for  exchanging  ministerial  labois." 
"Deacons  ought  to  be  ordained  by  prayer  and  imposition  of  the 
liands."  Increasing  ministerial  assumj^tion  was  manifested  in  change 
of  title.  At  first  they  had  simply  styled  themselves  the  associated 
])astoi"S  or  ministers  of  the  County:  now  they  met  on  several  occasions 
as  an  "Assembly  of  Bisho])S,"  while  their  Judaizing  parishioners  loved 
best  to  consider  them  as  "Priests."  The  Ho])kinsianisin  and  High 
Calvinism  of  the  youngei'  generation  of  clei'gy  led  to  a  division  of  the 
Association  in  1799,  not  by  lines  as  in  some  cases,  but  each  choosing 
to  which  of  the  associations  he  would  be  annexed.  The  Kev.  Messrs. 
Cogswell,  Whitney,  Stapiles,  Atkins,  Putnam  and  Lee  were  recognized 

the  use  of  tliat  excellent  liquor,  cider,  was  strongly  recommeiulecl,  contaiu- 
iug  indeed  "  a  sniuU  quautiiy  of  spirits,  but  so  diluted  and  bUnited  by  beiug 
combined  with  an  acid  and  a  large  quantity  of  saccharine  matter  and  water 
as  to  be  perfectly  inotlensive  and  wholesome.  It  disagrees  only  with  persons 
subject  to  rheumatism,  but  it  may  be  rendered  inoffensive  by  extinguishing  a 
red  hot  iron  in  it,  or  by  diluting  it  with  water."  Beer  was  also  suggested  as 
"  a  wholesome  liquor,  abounding  with  nourishmeut."  Extracts  from  Wind- 
ham Herald,  1797—1800. 


392  HISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

as  the  Eastern  Association  of  Windliaui  County.  The  oriyjinal  Assd- 
ciatioii  ]»r()])()se(l  tlie  followinn-  May  to  effect  a  inoie  formal  consocia- 
tion according  to  the  provisions  of  Saybroot:  Platform.  Messrs. 
Welch,  Sherman,  Waterman,  Ely  and  Dow  were  ai){)()inted  a  commit- 
tee "to  collect  from  the  Scriptuies  and  throw  liglit  on  the  subject  as 
they  may  be  enabled.'  Fifteen  ministers  with  deleu;ates  met  in  con- 
vention at  Mansfield,  Novend)ei',  1800,  to  consider  the  report.  "The 
Plan  of  Consociation"  enibraced  the  following  articles: — 

"  I.  The  Consociation  shall  consist  of  tliose  Paslors  and  Churches,  by 
delegation,  who  ai>Tee  to  ado|)t  this  and  the  following  articles;  which  shall  be 
the  constitution  of  Church  Government  for  the  Consociation  of  Windham 
County,  and  shall  go  into  operation  when  nine  churches  shall  agree  to  and 
adopt  the  same. 

V.  The  Consociation  shall  have  cognizance  of  all  things  tliat  regard  the 
welfare  of  the  particular  churches  belonging  to  the  body.     Particularly, 

1.  They  shall  be  considered  as  having  the  riglit  at  all  times  to  originate 
and  atlopt  for  themselves,  and  propose  to  tiie  churches  any  rules  or  regula- 
tions, which  they  may  judge  to  be  calculated  for  the  editicatiou  and  well 
ordering  of  the  same. 

2.  It  shall  be  considered  as  their  duty  to  assist  the  pastors  and  churches 
of  the  body  by  their  counsel  and  advice  in  any  cases  of  dilliculty,  when 
applied  to  for  the  purpose. 

3.  They  shall  have  a  right  to  censure  irreclaimable  pastors,  churches,  or 
indiviilual  members  of  the  churches  of  the  body  who  fall  into  heretical  senti- 
ments or  scandalous  innnoralities,  upon  complaints  regularly  laid  before 
them. 

i.  A  complaint  can  not  lie  received  by  this  body,  or  considered  as  coming 
regularly  before  them,  unless  the  previous  steps  have  been  taken  pointed 
out  by  our  Lord   in   Matt.  XV.,  15,  16,  17. 

5.  When  a  member  of  any  particular  church  belonging  to  this  body  shall 
view  himself  aggrieved  or  injured  by  his  being  laid  under  censure,  he  shall 
have  the  right  of  appeal  to  the  Consociation. 

VI.  Pastors  elected  by  churches  belonging  to  the  Consociation  shall  pre- 
viously to  their  ordination  be  approved  by  the  body  of  their  committee.  The 
Consociation  shall  also  examine  and  approbate  candidates  for  the  Gospel 
ministry. 

X.  The  foregoing  articles  may  be  amended  by  calling  a  special  convention 
whenever  a  majorit}'  of  the  churches  shall  signify  their  desire  for  the  same  to 
the  Consociation. 

Voted,  unanimously,  in  convention,  that  we  agree  to  the  foregoing  articles 
as  a  sy.-tem  of  church  government  agreeable  to  the  Word  of  God;  and  they 
are  accordingly  recommended  to  the  several  churches  for  their  concurrence 
and  adoption." 

It  was  also  voted  "  that  the  committee  ])iepare  tliis  plan  for  the 
press,  together  with  some  arguments  and  Scri))tnre  proof  in  support 
of  it,  adding  tliereto  a  serious  address  to  the  churches  on  the  sidjject 
of  christian  luuon  aiul  fellowship."  Seven  churches  adopted  the  plan 
and  were  formally  consociated.  The  Eastern  Association  looked 
with  much  suspicion  upon  this  hierarchical  combination  and  declined 
to  transfer  to  it  any  proper  Association  business.  Deprecating  the 
High  church  and  High  Calvinistic  tendencies  of  the  times,   it   made 


RELIGION,    SCHOOLING,    ETC.  393 

little  apparent  eiFort  to  intliieiice  public  sentiiiieat,  its  members  enjoy- 
ing- the  ])leasare  of  sympathetic  fraternal  intercourse  varied  by  occa- 
sional s|)arrinos  with  their  western  brothers.  Highly  conservative  in 
usage  they  suggested  one  innovation,  "  That  when  sermons  are 
delivered  at  the  meeting-house  at  funerals,  prayers  at  the  house  of 
death  before  can-ying  out  the  body  are  improper."  The  sym])athies 
of  these  ministerial  brethren  were  deeply  touched  by  the  trials  and 
loneliness  of  their  venerated  father,  Dr.  Cogswell,  and  through  their 
intercession  he  was  removed  to  Hartford,  where  he  survived  till 
January  2,  1807.  For  more  than  sixty  years  he  had  been  intimately 
associated  with  ecclesiastic  and  public  affairs  in  Windham  County. 
Pacific  and  even  timorous  by  nature,  he  had  been  called  to  take  a 
prominent  jtart  in  most  fierce  and  l)itter  controversies,  and  men  of 
more  positive  convictions  had  not  scrupled  to  question  the  genuineness 
of  his  christian  experience.  But  to  "patient  continuance  in  well- 
doing," was  added  a  remarkable  dying  testimony.  When  mind  and 
memoiy  were  so  impaired  that  he  had  ceased  to  recognize  his  dearest 
friends,  onk  xame  could  still  arouse  him.  His  most  beloved  son  tried 
ill  vain  to  extort  a  word  of  recognition,  but  when  he  asked — "  Do  you 
know  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ?" — the  aged  face  brightened  and  with 
confidence  and  rapture  he  replied — "  1  do  know  Him:  He  is  my  God 
and  my  Saviour."  Monuments  in  the  North  Burying-ground  of  Hart- 
ford preserve  the  memory  of  Dr.  Cogswell  with  his  more  distinguished 
son,'^  and  the  beloved  granddaughter,  whose  deprivation  of  speech 
and  hearing  led  to  the  foundation  of  the  American  Asylum  for  the 
instruction  of  the  deaf  and  dumb,  while  his  prolonged  ministerial 
service,  his  connection  with  the  Separate  movement  and  his  faithful 
chronicle  of  cotemporaneous  events,  have  insured  him  a  lasting 
jjlace  in  the  annals  of  Windham  County. 

The  educational  interests  of  Windham  County  were  now  receiving 
more  intelligent  consideration.  Public  schools  had  received  a  new 
impulse  from  the  creation  of  the  school  fund  and  more  stringent 
sui)ervision.  Tlie  district  system  was  more  fully  carried  out,  bringing 
a  school  within  the  reach  of  every  family,  and  schools  were  maintained 


*  "United  in  death  here  rest  the  remains  of  Mason  F.  Cogswell,  M.  D., 
who  died  December  17,  1830,  ai;:ed  09  years— and  of  Alice  Cogswell,  who 
died  December  30,  1830,  ased  25  years — the  Father  distinguished  for  his 
private  virtues  and  public  spirit  and  his  professional  worth,  and  the  daughter 
(though  deprived  of  hearing  and  speech)  for  her  intellectual  attainments 
and  loveliness  of  character.  The  American  Asylum  for  the  deaf  and  dumb 
which  under  Providence,  owes  its  origin  to  the  father's  tenderness  towards 
his  child  and  his  sympathy  for  her  fellow-sufi'erers,  will  stand  au  enduring 
monument  to  their  memory,  when  this  shall  have  perished." 
50 


394 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


Willi    oi'eator    reuiilaiity    and    otliciency.     The    ordinary    suhool-honse 
was  yet  very  rude  and  iniinilive.      ^V  sullerer*  thus  i-e|i()ils  : — 

"  It  was  a  wooden  buildin;;  about  twent,v  feet  square,  undcri)inncd  at  the 
four  coruers  with  coininoii  stones.  It  was  boarded,  claphoarded,  the  roof 
shingled,  and  an  outer  door,  no  porch  or  entry,  at  the  sontliea>t  corner.  It 
had  a  loose  floor  made  of  unplaned  boards,  and  a  ceilinjr  of  the  same,  a 
chimney  in  one  corner  built  of  roujih  stone.  There  was  a  lony;  writihii-tal^ie, 
reacliinir  across  one  side  and  one  end  of  tiie  room,  and  the  scholars  sat  on 
both  sides  of  the  table,  facinc:  each  other.  They  had  no  desks  or  drawers, 
nothing  of  the  kiud.  The  idea  of  being  comfortable  there  never  entered  our 
minds.  While  we  wrote  our  ink  would  freeze  in  oar  pens  so  that  we  were 
frequently  obliged  to  hold  them  up  to  our  mouths  and  thaw  ii  with  our 
breaths." 

The  qualifications  required  in  teachers  were  still  very  limited,  but 
the  necessity  of  passing  examination  involved  some  degree  of  fitness 
and  pi'eparatiou.  Yankee  utilitarianism  insisted  upon  instruction  in 
reading,  writing,  arithmetic,  sewing  and  catechism,  leaving  less  vital 
knowledge  optional  with  the  teacher.  I^'otwithstaiuling  this  narrow 
range  and  the  Ioav  price  paid  the  teachers,  these  scliools  were  more 
etficient  than  might  at  first  be  su]iposed.  In  Windham  County  as  a 
rule  the  brightest  aiul  most  capable  young  men  secured  the  envied 
position  of  schoolmaster,  and  were  generally  very  successful  in  rousing 
the  energy  and  ambition  of  their  pupils.  The  i'ew  things  taught  were 
thoroughly  learned  and  fixed  in  the  mind,  and  often  a  thirst  for  knowl- 
edge was  incited  which  found  gratification  in  the  solid,  standard  works 
of  the  various  town  libi'aries.  Increasing  intei'cst  in  education  and 
mental  development  was  manifested  in  the  establishment  of  academies 
and  high  schools,  and  the  multiplication  of  these  useful  libraries.  An 
unusual  intmber  of  newspapers  were  taken  in  Wiiulham  County.  ■ 
S.  G.  Goodrich  in  his  recollections  of  his  l)oyhood  reports  not  more 
than  three  newsjiaper  subscribers  in  the  village  of  Kidgefield,  Fairfield 
County.  Jose[)h  Carter  of  Canterbury,  }>ost-rider,  carried  the  Hart- 
ford Gazette^  in  1778,  to  twenty  five  families  in  Scotland  Parish; 
forty-three  in  Westminster  I'arish,  and  forty-five  in  the  First  Society 
of  Canterbury.  The  Providence  pajjcrs  were  also  widely  ciicidated, 
and  the  Whulham  Herald  had  twelve  hundred  subscribers  early  in 
the  century.  Almost  every  town  had  its  "  newspaper  class,"  neighbors 
joining  together  that  so  they  might  have  a  large  variety. 

In  social  and  domestic  life  there  had  been  gradual  improvement. 
Each  generation  built  better  houses  than  the  ])receding.  Comfort  and 
conveniences  had  been  sparingly  introduced.  Foreign  goods  had  been 
brought  in,  and  many  aiticles  once  unknown  were  now"  iu  common 
use.      And    yet   the    main   features    of   ordinary   domestic   life    were 


*  Eliashib  Adams,  Bangor,  1854.     Born  at  Canterbury,  1773. 


SOCIAL    CONDITION,    ETC.  395 

niiclianged.  Things  needful  for  existence  had  still  to  lie  wrought  out 
of  the  raw  material  by  the  sejiarate  laV)or  of  every  houseliold.  Time 
and  energies  were  almost  wholly  exj)euded  in  evolving  food  tVom  the 
flinty  soil  and  raiment  from  the  sheep's  coat  and  flax  stalks.  Class 
distinctions  were  made  in  consequence  far  moi'e  deflnite  and  iireversi- 
ble.  Those  who  by  inherited  wealth  or  successful  trading  were  freed 
from  the  necessity  of  daily  burdensome  labor  were  as  distinctly 
separate  from  the  great  mass  of  the  population  as  the  nobility  of 
foreign  lands.  In  Windham  County  this  class  was  but  a  unit,  scarcely 
an  "upper  ten  '"  among  its  thousands.  Its  true  nol)ility  were  the  sons 
of  Revolutionaiy  fathers,  the  hundreds  of  stalwart  men  who  stood  at 
the  head  of  its  public  atf;iiis,  the  farmers,  traders  and  artisans,  who 
earned  their  bread  by  the  sweat  of  their  brow,  an<l  the  homes  of  these 
men  dift'ered  little  from  those  of  their  grandfathers.  The  great 
kitchen  with  its  log  fire  in  the  huge  chimney  and  high-backed  settle 
keeping  the  draughts  out,  its  bare,  sanded  floor,  and  round-top  table 
tipping  back  into  an  arm  chair,  its  wheels  and  reels  and  various  work- 
ing ai)purtenances,  its  porridge  kettle  on  the  crane  and  dye-pot  in  the 
chinniey  corner,  was  still  the  general  abiding-place  of  the  whole 
family — for  there  alone  could  be  conveniently  carried  on  the  multi- 
farious domestic  operations.  The  fabrication  of  cloth  taxed  the 
united  enercries  of  the  household.  Strong  arms  were  needed  to 
break  and  swingle  the  stubborn  flax  fibre,  cleanse  and  separate  the 
matted  fleece,  ere  feminine  hands  could  undertake  the  hatcheling  and 
carding.  Children,  grandparents  and  feeble  folk  could  wind  the 
quills  and  turn  the  reel  while  the  sturdy  matron  and  her  grown-up 
daughters  accomplished  their  "day's  work"  at  the  loom  or  spin- 
ning wheel.  The  various  kinds  and  grades  of  cloth  needful  for 
family  use,  sheeting,  toweling,- blankets,  coverlets,  heavy  woolen  cloth 
for  men's  wear  in  winter  and  tow-cloth  for  summer,  woolen  stuft*, 
linsey-woolsey  and  ginghams  for  women  and  children,  were  still 
mainly  manufactured  at  home.  And  when  to  this  Herculean  labor 
was  added  the  making  of  butter  and  cheese,  the  care  of  pick- 
ling and  preserving  a  year's  supply  of  beef  and  pork,  the  cramming 
of  chopped  meat  into  skins  for  sausages,  the  running  of  candles,  and 
other  vital  necessities,  little  time  was  left  for  ordinary  domestic  aftairs 
and  household  adornment.  The  homespun  gowns  were  made  up  in 
the  simplest  fashion.  Perambulating  tailors  cut  and  made  the  heavy 
garments  for  men,  and  revolving  cobblers  fashioned  the  family  shoes 
from  its  own  cowhides  and  calfskins.  Bean  porridge,  baked  pork  and 
beans,  boiled  meat  and  vegetables,  rye  and  Indian  bread,  milk,  cheese 
and  cider,  with  plenty  of  shad  and  salmon  in  their  season,  and  a  good 
goose  or  turkey  at  Thanksgiving,  made  up  the  bill  of  fare.    Butchers  and 


396 


HISTORY    OF    WIXDHAM    COrXTY. 


markets  were  yet  alino>t  unknown  but  a  self-regulating  meat  exchange 
was  fouiid  in  eveiy  community — neiglibors  "slauglitering "  in  turn, 
and  lending  to  each  other  so  that  the  supply  of  fresh  meat  might  be 
indetinitely  prolonged.  Even  their  salt  was  bought  in  the  rough  and 
had  to  be  taken  to  the  mill  for  grinding,  milleis  from  time  to  time 
setting  ai)art  a  day  for  this  specific  purpose. 

This  toilful  life,  hard  as  it  seemed,  had  its  pleasant  phases.  Xo 
man  or  woman  was  ashamed  of  working.  Matron  and  maid  e.^ultingly 
displayed  their  webs  of  cloth  and  notable  pieces  of  liandicraft,  and 
never  thought  of  apologizing  when  found  in  short-gown  and  petticoat 
at  the  loom  or  spinning-wheel  by  an  afternoon  visitor.  Community  in 
toil  developed  mutual  sympathy  and  helpfulness.  Neighbors  and 
friends  joined  together  in  such  jobs  of  work  as  involved  great  outlay 
of  strength,  and  found  that  more  could  be  accomplished  by  working 
like  hees  in  company,  and  so  husking,  wool-picking,  apple-paring  bees 
came  into  vogue,  iu  which  old  and  young  delighted  to  participate. 
Sjjinning  matches  and  quiltings  relieved  the  monotonous  routine  of 
home  duties,  the  afternoon  pleasant  rivalry  followed  by  dance  and 
frolic  in  the  evening.  Work  was  made  easy,  good-fellowship  and 
neighborly  intercourse  promoted  by  these  informal  labor-associations. 
Rural,  social  life  was  never  more  brisk,  buoyant  and  enjoyable  than 
during  the  years  following  the  Revolution.  As  in  the  parallel  rebound 
after  the  Restoration  iu  England,  tlie  long  period  of  darkness  and 
repression  was  followed  by  an  extravagant  outburst  of  gayety  and 
frolic.  Notwithstanding  the  poverty,  embarrassment  and  anxieties  of 
many,  a  certain  stir,  and  spring  and  hopefulness  permeated  the  j)opular 
mind.  Social  requirements  as  to  dress  and  entertainment  were  not 
burdensome,  and  these  hard-working  men  and  women  couhl  always 
find  time  to  help  each  other  in  sickness  and  need,  and  particij»ate  in 
unnumbered  public  festivities.  Training  days  and  General  Musters, 
Fourth  of  July  and  Masonic  celebrations,  dedications,  ordinations, 
funerals  of  distinguished  men,  never  failed  to  bring  together  gieat 
throngs  of  people,  eating,  drinking  and  making  merry,  e»en  on  the 
latter  occasions.  The  abundance  and  cheapness  of  liquor  had  much 
to  do  with  tlie  universal  jollity.  Everybody  drank  on  all  these  festive 
occasions,  the  minister  before  his  prayers  no  less  than  the  soldier  upon 
review,  and  the  good-wife  at  every  roll  of  the  quilting-frame.  Excess 
in  drinking  and  merry-making  led  on  to  dissipation  and  revelry.  In- 
temperance and  kindred  vices  greatly  prevailed.  The  neighborly 
"bees,"  so  friendly  and  helpful  in  their  original  design,  were  often 
turned  into  disgraceful  orgies.  The  freedom  allowed  to  young  people, 
the  unrestrained  intercourse  between  young  men  and  women,  was 
greatly  abused,   and  lapses  from  morality  and  virtue  were   common 


SOCIAL    COXDITIOX,  ETC.  397 

even  among  the  most  respectable  families.  Society  was  in  a  vmYi- 
nieiital  state.  It  had  the  vices  as  well  as  the  virtues  of  immature 
devehtpment.  The  masses  wei-e  yet  far  from  being-  civilized.  Their 
si)eech  was  rough  ;  their  fun  vras  coarse  and  broad.  Practical  yAes 
were  very  common.  Nicknames  were  often  given,  especially  to  mark 
some  personal  defect  oi-  peculiarity.  Young  people  were  very  fond  of 
})laying  tricks  and  prying  into  the  future.  Tlie  ordinary  mode  of 
living  was  unfavorable  to  liealth  and  morals.  Promiscuous  occupation 
of  kitchen  and  sleeping-room  was  incompatible  with  cleanliness.  Con- 
tagious diseases  often  raged  with  great  violence,  and  offensive  cutane- 
ous eruption  was  so  common  that  an  annual  "  inting  "  or  anointment 
was  more  inevitable  than  house-cleaning.  Fleas  and  other  vermin 
Avei-e  }>revalent  in  every  household,  and  no  head  of  hair  couM  be  secure 
from  unwelcome  intruders. 

Social  life  in  the  last  century  had  thus  its  good  and  evil,  its  sunshine 
and  its  shadows,  Ijut  whether  light  or  dark  predominated  it  was  soon 
to  be  left  behind.  The  Nineteenth  Century  had  come.  New  ele- 
ments, revolutionary  forces  were  already  at  work.  Tlie  spirit  of  the 
age  had  even  readied  Windham  County,  and  though  home  and  social 
life  tlowed  on  for  a  time  in  its  old  channels,  it  had  led  hundreds  of  val- 
uable families  and  scores  of  enterprising  young  men  to  seek  more 
tavoiing  chances  in  wider  fields.  As  it  became  increasingly  evident 
that  a  large  population  could  not  be  supported  by  agriculture  alone, 
that  six  or  eight  hearty  boys  and  girls  could  hardly  find  sustenance, 
much  less  a  life  settlement  upon  a  Windham  County  homestead,  it 
might  have  been  a  question  whether  the  County  had  not  reached  its 
maxlnuim  of  attainment  and  was  destined  to  premature  depopulation 
and  decrepitude,  but  for  the  opening  of  new  sources  of  business  and 
prosperity.  The  great  law  regulating  demand  and  supply  brought 
relief  just  when  the  time  was  ripe  for  it.  The  invention  of  machinery 
and  the  introduction  of  manufactures  solved  the  problem,  stayed  the 
ebbing  current  and  opened  a  new  era  of  growth  and  development. 


BOOK  VIII.    1807-1820. 


I. 

THE  CAKDIXG  MACHINE.     POMFRET  MANUFACTURING   CO^IPANY. 
MANUFACTURING  FUROB.     WAR  OF  1S12-U. 

THE  fii'st  harbinger  of  the  new  mechanical  era  was  a  inacliine  for 
facilitating  the  uiannfacUne  of  woolen  goods.  Arthni"  and  John 
Scholtield,  who  came  from  Enuland  in  1793,  succeeded  after  tenor 
twelve  years  of  exjierimental  effort  in  making  ready  for  market 
"double  carding  machines,  upon  a  new  and  improved  plan,  good  and 
chea])."  "A  machine  for  cai'ding  sheep's  wool"  was  set  u])  by  John 
Scholtield,  Juu.,  in  Jewett's  City,  in  1804,  who  accommodated  numer- 
ous customers  by  picking,  breaking,  carding  and  oiling  vv'ool  at  twelve 
cents  per  pound.  Families  in  adjacent  parts  of  Windham  County 
hastened  to  avail  themselves  of  this  most  welcome  aid  and  service,  and 
in  two  years  Scholtield  advertised  a  second  machine  already  in  opera- 
tion. But  he  was  not  long  allowed  to  enjoy  a  monopoly  of  this  in- 
vention. Its  benefits  were  too  great  to  be  restricted  to  one  town  or 
neighborhood.  June  20,  1S06,  Cyrus  Brewster  thus  advertises  in  the 
Windhafii  Herald : — 

"  CARDIIVG  MACHIIVE. 

NOTICE  is  hereby  given  tliat  ttie  machine  for  pidving-,  oiling;  and  carding 
wool,  erected  on  the  Falls  of  Willimantic  River  in  Windham,  at  the  Mills 
of  Messrs.  Clark  &  Graj-,  is  now  ready  to  do  business.  Those  gentlemen  that 
will  favor  the  proprietors  with  their  cnstom  may  depend  on  having  their  work 
done  with  neatness  and  dispatch,  and  all  favors  gratefully  acknowledged. 
Price  for  breaking  and  carding,  cash  in  hand,  seven  cents  per  lb.,  eight  rents 
iither  pay;  for  picking  and  oiling,  two  cents  per  lb.  cash  in  hand — other 
pay,  three  cents." 

Swift  and  Brewster  at  the  same  date  advertised  a  machine  ready  for 
work  in  Mansfield,  and  others  were  soon  put  up  in  all  parts  of  the 
County.  Few  inventions  have  brought  more  instant  and  general  re- 
lief and  emancipation.  The  saving  of  time  and  labor  and  the  greatly 
improved  condition  of  the  wool  were  universally  admitted.  The  most 
niggardly  tarmer,  accustomed  to  work  himself  and  family  to  the  bone 
rather  than  spend  a  penny,  found  that  it  paid  to  pay  out  money  or 


•iOO  UISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    CDUNTV. 

barter  foi-  wool-eardiiiLr.  while  wonjen  everywhere  exnlled  in  tlio  beau- 
tiful white,  soft,  clean  tlcecy  rolls  which  made  spinning  and  weavi^ig  a 
positive  enjoyment. 

In  this  same  summer  of  1806,  when  carding  michines  were  making 
their  way  all  over  Windham  County,  the  foundation  of  another 
industry  that  was  to  work  a  radical  change  in  the  mode  of  lite  and 
lain)!'  was  also  laiil.  Wool  and  tlax  were  to  lose  tlieir  ancient  suprem- 
acy. A  boll  of  l>ulpy  cotton  with  its  deep  embedded  seeds  did  not 
seem  a  formidable  rival,  but  when  freed  from  tiiose  seeds  and  drawn 
out  into  cohesive  filaments  by  the  arts  of  Gin  and  Jenny,  and  when 
those  ductile  threads  were  woven  into  fabrics  far  more  suitable  for 
domestic  use  than  rough  tow  cloth  and  heavy  woolen — cotton  was 
welcomed  as  a  most  helpful  ally  if  not  yet  recognized  as  a  claimant 
for  royal  honors.  Experimenters  in  Rhode  Island  after  much  labor 
and  cost  had  constructed  machiies  for  spinning  cotton  by  water 
power.  Samuel  Slater  wilh  his  father-in-law,  0/ias  Wilkinson  and 
otljers,  had  erected  the  second  cotton  mill  at  Pawtucket,  in  179S,  and 
now  the  ^Vilkinsons  sought  a  more  independent  ])Osition  and  selected 
the  Quinebaug  trails  in  Pomfret,  as  a  most  eligible  site  for  such  an 
enterprise.  January  1,  1806,  Ozias  Wilkinson,  his  sons,  Abi'aham, 
Isaac,  David,  Daniel,  Smith,  his  sons-in-law,  Timothy  Green  and 
William  Wilkinson,  together  with  James,  Christopher  and  William 
Khodes,  formally  asscK-Jated  as  '•  The  Pomfret  ^lanufacturing  Com- 
]iany.''  A  deed  of  the  mill  privilege,  and  about  a  thousand  acres  of  land 
adjoining,  was  secured  from  James  Khodes  for  the  sum  of  $2.5, ODO. 
The  site  now  occupied  by  the  thriving  village  of  Putnam,  with  its 
mammoth  mills,  intersecting  railroads  and  multifarious  business  oi)era- 
tions,  was  then  a  little  mill  village  nestling  between  rocky  hills,  still 
covered  with  dense  forests.  "  A  wilderness  "  indeed  it  looked  in  the 
eyes  of  the  young  Smith  Wilkinson,  who  came  in  March  to  superin- 
tend the  prei>arations  for  building.  The  youngest  son  of  the  hou.se, 
fond  of  books  and  home,  his  mother  and  sisters  deeply  mourned  his 
bani.shment  to  this  secpiestered  corner  of  Connecticut.  Saw  and  grist- 
mills, clothiery  works,  the  dilapidated  gin  distillery,  a  blacksmith's 
shop,  a  three-tenement  block  built  by  CJaptain  Cargill  west  of  the 
river,  and  two  or  three  small  houses,  comprised  the  settlement.  Roads 
of  more  or  less  anticjuit}-  led  to  Bundy's  mills  and  the  surrounding 
towns.  Land  in  Thom})Son,  east  of  the  Quinebaug,  Avas  purchased 
by  Mr.  "Wilkinson,  who  prosecuted  his  mission  with  a  sjiirit  and 
energy  that  left  little  time  for  homesickness.  Timber  and  stones  were 
procured,  ground  prepared  and  everything  set  in  motion.  The  raising 
the  frame  of  the  "  factory  "  on  the  Fourth  of  July  was  a  happy  stroke 
of  policy,   not  only   getting  a  hard  job  of  work  out  of  the  national 


MANUFACTURLNG    COMPANIES,  ETC.  401 

holiday  but  enlisting  popular  sympathy  and  co-operation  in  behalf  of 
the  enterprise.  As  many  as  two  thousand  people  came  together  to 
help  and  look  on,  and  as  free  punch  was  furnished  to  all  it  was  a  most 
agreeable  change  from  the  customary  formal  "  celebration."  The 
"solitary  walk  "  laid  out  by  his  predecessor  was  less  attractive  to  Mr. 
Wilkinson  than  a  brisk  ride  to  Killingly  Hill,  where  he  found  agree- 
able society  in  the  hospitable  home  of  Captain  Sampson  Howe.  In 
the  following  winter  he  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Howe,  and  set 
up  family  life  in  a  small  house  west  of  the  river.  Building  went  on 
rapidly,  machinery  was  hauled  up,  and  on  April  1,  1807,  the  first 
cotton  factory  in  Windham  County  was  set  in  operation.  It  was  a 
four-story  wooden  building,  a  hundred  feet  long  and  thirtj'-two  in 
width.  Nine  boys  and  girls  picked  up  in  the  neighborhood,  with 
three  or  four  men  to  help  and  oversee  them,  comprised  its  working 
force.  The  children  were  delighted  with  the  new  occupation  and 
thought  tlie  glittering  machinery  "  tlie  prettiest  thing  in  the  world." 
When  on  the  second  Monday  morning  they  found  the  roads  snow- 
blocked,  the  little  girls  put  on  men's  boots  and  waded  nearly  a  mile 
through  the  drifts  rather  than  lose  a  few  hours  labor. 

It  was  not  children  alone  who  welcomed  the  new  dispensation. 
The  Jennies  like  good  Genii  brought  with  them  innumerable  blessings. 
All  that  they  did  was  to  spin  yarn  for  their  sister  workers.  Domestic 
labor  picked  and  cleansed  the  cotton  and  wove  the  yain  into  coarse 
cloth  and  bed-ticking.  No  greater  boon  could  have  been  brought  to 
the  women  of  Windliam  County.  Nearly  every  house  had  its  loom, 
with  its  active,  capable  women  skilled  to  use  it,  and  eager  to  add  to 
the  comforts  of  their  family  by  weaving  cloth  for  Pomfret  Factory. 
Hard  labor  had  heretofore  merely  brought  them  food  and  raiment ; 
with  little  additional  labor  they  could  now  earn  much  better  clothes 
and  many  other  comforts  and  luxuries.  Young  girls  obliged  to  stifle 
their  natural  ciaving  for  pretty  dresses  and  ornaments,  hastened  to 
improve  the  privilege  thus  afforded.  A  store  promptly  opened  by  the 
company,  ofiering  all  manner  of  useful  and  ornamental  goods  in 
exchange  for  labor,  gi'eatly  stimulated  feminine  enterprise  and  enthu- 
siasm. Women  from  all  the  surrounding  towns,  even  the  wives  of  the 
ministers,  doctors  and  lawyers,  entered  with  alacrity  into  the  lists  and 
looms  in  competition  with  their  more  needy  neighbors.  Tlie  impulse 
given  by  the  new  industry  was  felt  in  every  direction.  Many  work- 
men were  employed  in  tending  mill,  hauling  cotton  and  goods,  pre- 
paring ground  and  putting  up  buildings.  A  handsome  house  opposite 
the  factory  was  built  for  Mr.  Wilkinson's  residence,  and  other  houses 
for  operatives  and  incoming  residents.  Much  money  was  thus  brought 
in  and  put  in  circulation.  Farmers  found  a  new  demand  for  produce 
51 


402 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY, 


and  lumber.     L<a})or  received  a  more  bountiful   recompense  and  land 
increased  in  value. 

Other  towns  and  companies  hastened  to  follow  this  inspiriting  ex- 
ample. In  Ausjust,  1807,  James  Danielson,  Zadoc  and  James  Spalding 
asked  liberty  to  build  a  dam  on  the  Quinelcuig  between  Brooklyn 
and  Killingly,  while  Rhode  Island  manuf.-ictui-ers  sought  jirivileges  in 
other  towns.  The  relation  betweeii  the  Windham  towns  and  their 
eastern  neighbors,  had  been  alwnys  most  intimate  aiid  friendly. 
Providence  was  their  most  accessible  market.  Their  first  public  work 
was  to  open  a  way  to, that  town.  In  the  days  of  their  own  weakness 
and  poverty  they  had  joined  in  efforts  for  sending  it  missionaries.  In 
the  Revolutionary  struggle  they  had  furnished  it  with  soldiei's  and 
sui)plies  as  well  as  a  patriotic  governor.  They  had  taken  Providence 
boys  to  school  while  its  own  institutions  were  suspended,  and  sent 
back  hundi'eds  of  their  own  boys  to  engage  in  business  and  useful  labor. 
In  trade  and  barter  a  most  helpful  recii>i()city  had  long  been  estab- 
lished, and  now  they  joined  puise  and  hand  in  manufactuiing  entei- 
prise.  Tlie  Narragansets  in  aborignal  days  had  claimed  rights  in  the 
Quinebaug  Country,  and  Moosup  had  atfixed  his  name  to  a  large 
branch  of  the  Quinebaug  River.  Modern  Narragansets  now  invaded 
the  land  and  took  possession  of  old  Moosup's  River,  but  they  paid  for 
their  right  in  lawful  wamijum  or  barter.  Wiiulham  gave  what  she 
could  best  spare — land,  water-privilege,  labor — and  received  what  she 
most  needed — nionei/,  and  business  openings.  Asa  Ames,  Isaac 
Pitman  and  Alexander  Tefft  of  Providence,  associated  with  John, 
Archibald  and  Samuel  Donance  and  Dixon  Hall  of  Sterling,  in  1808, 
as  Sterling  Manufacturing  Comjiany,  buying  land  "at  a  ledge  of 
rocks,  called  the  Devil's  Den  chimney  thence  west  by  and  down  a 
small  brook  to  Moosup  River."  Thomas  Rhodes  of  Providence,  Peter 
B.  Remington  of  Warwick,  "  Ilolden  and  Lawton  "  of  Relioboth, 
united  with  Obed  Biown,  Dyer  Ames  and  others  of  Sterling,  as  the 
American  Cotton  Manufacturing  Comjiany,  securing  a  privilege  "near 
Ransom  Perkins'  fulling  mill  on  Quandunk  River."  Rufus  Waterman, 
S.  G.  Arnold,  Joseph  S.  Martin,  David  and  Joseph  Anthony  of  Provi- 
dence, Peter  Cushman  of  North  Providence.  David  King  of  Newport, 
united  with  Anthony  Biadford,  Henry  Dow,  John  Dunlap,  Walter 
Palmer,  Christopher  Deane,  Jonathan  Gallup,  Joseph  Parkhurst, 
Edward  Hill,  John  Lester,  Jeremiah  Kinsman,  James  Gordon,  Jun., 
Nathaniel  Medbuiy,  James  Goff,  John  Freeman,  Elias  Deane,  Edward 
Clark,  all  of  Plainfield,  Calvin  Hibbard  and  Lemuel  Dorrance  of 
Sterling — "  for  the  carrying  on  the  manufacture  of  cotton  under  the 
name  of  Plainfield  Union  Manufacturing  Company,"  buying  very  valu- 
able privileges  and  land  on  the  Moosup.     Jos.  K.  Angell  with  Nathan 


MANUFACTURING    COMPANIES,  ETC.  403 

BurGfess.  Pluiiiplirey  Alniy  and  other  non-residents,  arranged  to  occuity 
the  privilege  long  owned  by  Nathan  An^ell,  under  the  name  of 
Moosup  Manufacturing  Company.  Walter  Paine  and  Isi-ael  Day  of 
Providence,  Williani  Reed,  Ira  and  Stephen  Draper  of  Attleborough, 
Ebenezer  and  Comfort  Tiffany,  John  Mason  and  Thaddeus  Larned  of 
Thompson,  William  Cundall,  senior  and  junior,  joined  with  Danielson 
and  Ilutchins  in  the  Danielsonville  Manufacturing  Company  of  Killingly. 
With  all  possible  expedition  these  various  companies  constructed  dams 
and  buildings  and  made  ready  to  join  in  the  spinning-race.  The  greatest 
hurry  and  bustle  prevailed  throughout  the  favored  towns.  The  Sterling 
Manufactory  and  Plainfield  Union  were  ready  for  work  in  1809;  Daniel- 
son's  took  tlie  field  in  1810,  and  others  in  Thompson,  Killingly  and 
Plainfield  ojiened  in  quick  succession.  As  the  increasing  difficulties 
with  England  shut  out  foreign  goods  and  raised  the  price  of  domestic 
fabiics,  the  manufacturing  interest  increased  in  fervor.  The  river  ques- 
tion, so  perplexing  in  early  times,  was  settled  forever.  No  more  con- 
ventions were  needed  to  discuss  what  should  be  done  with  them. 
Those  "  tedious "  and  turbulent  streams  which  had  caused  so  much 
expense  and  contention,  could  be  made  to  run  mills  instead  of  running 
off  with  bridges.  Cautious  men  foreboded  over-production  and  finan- 
cial disorder.     The   Wmd/iain  Herald  raised  its  warning  cry  : — 

"Nov.  1811.  lu  Nov.  1809,  there  were  within  tlnrt.y  miles  of  Providence 
26  cotton  mills  in  operation,  contaiiiiui?  20,000  spindles  and  13  erected  nut 
then  read.v  to  run.  At  the  present  time  there  are  7-1  mills  within  the  same 
distance  containin<;  51,454  spindles,  making  an  increase  of  3(;  mills  and  31,454 
spindles  in  less  than  two  years!  Are  not  the  people  running  cutton-mill 
mad  ?" 

In  spite  of  these  dolorous  forebodings  and  warnings,  the  people 
went  on  setting  up  manufactories  of  woolen  and  cotton  goods  on 
every  fall  that  could  turn  a  mill  wheel.  The  larger  establishments 
were  carried  on  by  foreign  capital ;  small  factories  in  several  towns 
were  built  and  managed  by  their  own  citizens  in  joint  stock  companies. 
The  benefits  accruing  from  these  manufactories  more  than  counter- 
balanced the  disastrous  influences  of  war.  Hundreds  of  men  and 
women  found  remunerative  employment,  the  raising  of  sheep,  stock 
and  all  farming  products  was  greatly  stimulated,  the  tide  of  western 
emigration  sensibly  checked.  Even  the  revulsion  following  the  return 
of  peace  and  renewed  importation  from  England  did  not  permanently 
injure  the  wealthier  companies,  nor  weaken  confidence  in  the  ultimate 
development  and  triumph  of   manufacturing  interests. 

The  War  of  1812-14,  with  preceding  events  and  discussions,  excited 
great  interest  in  Windham  County,  intensifying  party  spirit  and 
enkindling  sectional  and  political  animosities.  The  old  Fedei-alists  as 
a  body  denounced  the  war  and  its  advocates,  and  quite  overbore  for  a 


404 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


time  the  influence  of  the  sympathizing  Jeflfersoniatis.  In  tlie  "  alarm- 
ing ciisis  "  following  the  Embargo  Act  of  1S07,  tiie  citizens  of 
Windham  County  were  called  to  meet  at  its  Court-house.  Believing 
that  "  the  same  patriotic  spirit  which  conducted  us  to  Libeuty  and 
Independence  will  now  animate  us  when  that  Liberty  and  Inde- 
pendence are  in  danger,  and  that  the  American  Nation  are  prepared  to 
sacrifice  their  lives  and  fortunes  in  defence  of  the  only  Free  Repub- 
lican Government  on  Earth  against  the  insidious  wiles  or  the  open 
attacks  of  any  foreign  power," — delegates  from  the  several  towns 
expressed  their  reprobation  of  tliis  arbitiary  and  suicidal  Act.  The 
position  of  the  leading  P^'ederalists  at  this  time  is  best  shown  in  the 
following  resolutions  passed  in  Brooklyn  in  1809,  when  after  urgent 
remonstrances  from  Connecticut,  Massachusetts  and  other  New 
England  States,  Congress  had  determined  "  to  enforce  and  make  more 
eflectual  "  the  hated  Embargo  : — 

"Deeply  impressed  with  tlie  dangers  wliicli  tlu'eaten  our  common  coun- 
try:— 

Besolved,  that  wlille  we  will  support  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States 
as  the  supreme  law  of  the  land,  we  view  all  acts  contrary  to  and  not  war- 
ranted thereby  as  usurpations  of  power  to  whicli  we  are  not  bound  to  sub- 
mit, and  that  committing  their  execution  to  a  military  force  is  au  attempt  to 
establish  a  despotism  on  the  ruins  of  Liberty. 

Besolved,  that  we  view  the  several  acts  laying  an  Embargo,  more  particu- 
larly the  last,  with  indignation  and  horror  for  various  reasons— lastly,  to  till 
up  the  measure  of  oppression  it  creates  a  dictator,  whose  unpublished 
edicts  become  the  laws  of  the  laud,  and  their  execution  is  committed  to  crea- 
tures of  his  own  appointment  with  the  aid  of  military  force. 

Besolved,  that  we  will  hold  in  detestation  and  abhorrence  every  officer  or 
soldier  of  the  militia  of  this  state  who  will  shed  the  blood  of  his  "fellow  citi- 
zens in  attempting  to  execute  laws  by  force,  which  are  subversive  of  those 
rights  of  the  people  secured  to  them  by  Constitution. 

Besolved,  to  request  the  Governor  to  convene  a  General  Assembly. 

Besolved,  that  Connecticut  is  a  free  sovereign  state,  and  when  powers  ceded 
to  the  General  Government  are  perverted,  and  their  political  existence  as  a 
state  in  danger  of  being  overwhelmed  in  tlie  vortex  of  consolidated  power 
committed  to  individual  hands,  it  is  their  duty  to  proclaim  it  in  the  face  of 
the  Nation." 

Notwithstanding  the  dominance  of  the  Federal  party  aiul  the  strong 
influence  of  such  men  as  Swift  and  Goddai-d,  personal  experience  of 
tlie  exactions  and  insolence  of  C4reat  Britain,  as  well  as  the  spirit  of 
party,  led  many  to  welcome  the  prospect  and  declaration  of  war. 
Windham  sailors  had  been  taken  from  American  ships  under  false 
pretenses  and  made  to  serve  for  years  in  the  British  Navy.  The  brisk 
little  Windham  and  other  craft  had  been  seized  and  confiscated  under 
Berlin  Decrees  and  Orders  in  Council.  The  military  spirit,  kept  alive 
by  reports  of  Revolutionary  exploits  and  frequent  military  exercise, 
flamed  up  anew  at  the  report  of  actual  encounter  with  their  ancient 
foe.     Young  men  of  bravery  and  patriotism,  desirous  of  redressing  the 


WAR    WITH    GREAT    BRITAIN,  ETC.  405 


wrongs  of  the  country  and  g-aining  renown  in  arms,  yielded  to  the 
in(hicements  held  out  by  recruiting  otficers  of  good  pay,  clothing  and 
living,  with  the  prospect  of  retiiing  "to  private  life  with  a  handsome 
property,"  and  being  "  hailed  with  enthusiasm  as  the  supporter  of  the 
rights  and  liberties  of  his  happy  country."  The  Windham  Herald, 
while  loudly  denouncing  the  folly  and  madness  of  those  reckless  men 
who  were  leading  the  country  to  luin,  opened  its  columns  to  tempting 
inducements,*  viz.: — 

"  RECRUITIIVG    SERVICE  :  I 

TO  3IEy  OF  PATRIOTISM,   COURAGE  AND  ENTERPRISE. 

EVERY  able  bodied  MAN,  from  the  age  of  18  to  45  years,  who  shall  be 
enlisted  for  the  ARMY  of  the  United  States,  for  the  term  of  tive  years, 
will  be  paid  a  bounty  of  SIXTEEN  DOLLARS;  and  whenever  he  shall  have 
served  the  term  for  which  he  enlisted,  and  obtained  an  honorable  discharge, 
stating  that  he  had  faithfully  performed  his  duty  while  in  service,  he  shall  be 
allowed  and  paid  in  addition  to  the  aforesaid  bountv,  THREE  MONTHS 
PAY,  and  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  SIXTY'  ACRES  OF  LAND;— and  in  case  he 
should  be  killed  in  action,  or  die  in  the  service,  his  heirs  and  representatives 
will  be  entitled  to  the  said  three  months  pay,  and  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acres  of  land,  to  be  designated,  surveyed,  and  laid  off  at  publick  expense. 

HENRY  DYER, 

Lieut.  U.  S.  Infantry. 
Rendezvous,  Windham, 

May  nth,  1812.  tf6 

N.  B.     A  good  DRUMMER  and  FIFER  are  wanted  immediately." 

The  refusal  of  the  government  of  Connecticut  to  order  the  militia 
of  the  State  into  the  service  of  the  United  States  on  the  requisition  of 
the  Secretary  of  War  and  Major-General  Dearborn,  was  approved  anci 
sustained  by  a  large  majority  of  the  voters  of  Windham  County.  So 
unpopular  was  the  war  at  the  outset  that  in  the  election  following  this 
refusal  only  thirty-six  Democrats  were  elected  out  of  about  two 
hundred  representatives.  Yet  they  did  not  hesitate  to  raise  troops 
and  provide  munitions  of  war,  subject  only  to  the  order  of  the  Gover- 
nor of  the  State.  Daniel  Putnam  was  made  Colonel  of  the  Second 
Regiment  raised  for  special  service.     Second  Company,  Asa  Copeland, 


*  Recruits  for  the  regular  army  had  been   previously  secured  from  Wind- 
ham County  under  the  following  "  New  Inlisting  Orders":  — 
"rpHE  Subscriber  gives  this  public  notification  to  all  young  Gentlemen  who 

J.  have  an  inclination  of  serving  their  country  and  gaining  immortal  honor 
to  themselves  and  their  posterity,  that  he  has  lately  received  fresh  orders  of 
lulistment  from  government,  which  are  much  more  favorable  than  those  he 
formerly  had.  The  period  for  inlistment  is  now  fixed  at  five  years,  unless  sooner 
discharged;  after  which  time  an  honorable  discharge  will  be  given,  where  it 
is  merited.  Let  no  male  or  female  disorganizer  discourage  you  from  engag- 
ing ill  this  most  laudable  undertaking,  but  voluntarily  step  forth  and  tell  the 
wurld  that  no  usurpers  shall  maintain  ground  on  Columbia's  shore,  but  that 
America  is,  and  shall  be  a  distinct  republic.  Come,  my  good  souls,  come 
forward,  let  me  see  you  at  the  rendezvous  at  Mr.  Staniford's,  where  you  will 
get  further  information,  and  something  good  to  cheer  the  heart. 

WILLIAM  Y'OUNG,  juu.  Capt." 


406 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


Pomfiet,    captain;    Ebenezer   Grosvenor,    first   lieutenant;    Jonathan 
Copelaiid,  Jtiii.,  Thompson,  second  lieutenant;  Jeremiah  Scarborough, 
Brooklyn,    ensign.      Third    Company,    George    Middleton.    Plainfield, 
captain  ;  Elkaiiah  Eaton,   first    lieutenant  :    George   W.    Kies.   second 
lieutenant  ;  Jared  Wilson,  Sterling,  ensign.     Tliird  Company,  cavalry, 
Thomas    Hubbard,    captain  ;    William    Trowbridge,    first    lieutenant  ; 
William    Cotton,    second    lieutenant;  Ralph    Hall,    cornet.       Citizens 
exempt  by  years  or  official  position  frum  military  service  were  eni-olled 
as  the   First  Regiment  of  a  Volunteer  Brigade  under   command  of 
General  David  Humphreys.     Hon.  Thomas  Grosvenor,  colonel ;  Elijjha- 
let   Holmes,   lieutenant-colonel ;  James  Danielson,  first   major.     Such 
men  as  Lemuel  Ingalls,  Chester  Child,   Hobart  Torrey,    Abel  Andrus, 
Moses  Arnold,  Shubael  Hutchins,  Ebenezer  Eaton,  Sylvanus  Backus, 
John  Davis,  Luther  Warren  and  Jeremiah  Kinsman,  were  officers  in 
this  regiment.     The  first  summons  to  arms  occasioned  no  little  excite- 
ment.    June  21,  1813,  men  were  ordered  to  rendezvous  in  the  central 
taverns  of  their  respective  towns,   "  complete  in  arms  to  go  to  New 
London  as  there  were  British  there."     Arthur  Joslin,  Joseph  Munyan, 
"  most  of  the  infantry  and  all  the  militia  that  did  not  abscond"  met 
at  Dwight's  tavern  on  Thompson  Hill,  were  marched  into  the  meeting- 
house in  old  Revolutionary  fashion,  and  up  into  the  front  seats  of  the 
gallery  where  they  were  treated  to  a  stiri'ing  address  from  Rev.  Daniel 
Dow.       Some  timid  youth  were  said  to  have  left  their  homes  weeping, 
but  the  most  that  had  faced  the  music  went  bravely  forward.     James 
Lyon  went  around  to  notify  the   militia  of  Woodstock,   and  when  he 
returned  from  his  mission  found  two  companies  already  drawn  up  on 
the  common  ready   to  follow   Adjutant   Flynn,  to  the   scene  of  action. 
These  with   comjianies   from  other   towi]S   marched  on    foot   to  New 
London  and  lemained  ou   guard   there   about   three   weeks.     Another 
call  came  in  September,  when  Artemas  Bruce,  Stephen  Ricard,  Charles 
Howard  and  some  twelve  or  fifteen  other  Pomfret  boys,  went  out  under 
Captain  Copeland  and  Ensign  Grosvenor.     Meeting  others  from  Ash- 
ford,  Windham  and  other  towns  in  Norwich,  they  formed  a  company 
of  96.     Slept  in  a  barn,  and  proceeded  next  day  by  sloop   to  New 
London  ;  marched  a  mile  south  where  they  pitched  their  tents  ;  kept 
guard  seven   weeks  and  saw   no  fighting.     A  detachment  of  cavalry 
from  the  P'ifth  Regiment  was  stationed  at   New  London   and  Groton, 
from  September  1  to  October  31,  1813 — Comfort  S.  Hyde,  Canterbury, 
lieutenant ;  John  C.  Howard,  Jacob  Dresser,  sergeants  ;  John  Kendall, 
David  Hutchinson,  corporals  ;  Rhodes  Arnold,  Henry  Angell,  Charles 
Barrows,   Elisha   P.  Barstow,  Zachariah  Cone,  Ichabod   Davis,   Abial 
Durkee,    John    Gallup,    Arnold   Hosmer,    Jonathan    Hammet,    Jan., 
Edward  S.   Keyes,  Dana  Lyon,   Hezekiah  Loomis,  William    Morse, 


WAR    WITH    GREAT    BRITAIN,  ETC.  407 

Zeba  Phelps,  Elisha  Paine,  Bela  Post,  Sliubael  Strong,  Otis  Stoddanl, 
Jasper  Woodward,  piivates. 

Kepoits  of  biilliant  naval  victories  and  acliievements  aroused  more 
and  more  of  the  old  martial  spirit  of  Windham  County.  Many  young 
men  had  gone  out  as  soldiers  and  sailors  in  the  arn)y  and  navy.  Dr. 
James  Tyler  of  Brooklyn,  was  one  of  the  tii'st  sui'geons  received  into 
the  ITnited  States  navy.  Septimus,  son  of  Captain  Daniel  Tyler, 
joined  the  ai'my  in  J812,  commissioned  as  assistant-quartermaster- 
general.  Amasa  Trowbridge  of  Pomfret,  left  a  lucrative  practice  at 
Watertown,  New  York,  to  serve  as  sui-geon  in  tlie  American  tleet 
on  the  Lake.  His  letteis  describing  important  naval  engagements 
excited  mucli  interest.  May,  1<S14,  he  writes  to  Mr.  John  Trowbridge 
of  Pomfiet : — 

"  I  should  not  trouble  you  with  a  letter  was  it  not  for  the  purjjose  of  trans- 
mittiiii>-  iiirorinaiioii  wliicli  must  be  pIea^inJi•  to  every  person  who  will  be 
pleased  with  the  success  of  the  Auiericau  aruis  over  our  eneuiies.  A  secret 
expedition  was  fitted  out  at  Sackett's  Harbor  under  the  couunand  of  Com- 
modore Chancey,  Geuerals  Dearl)orn  and  Pike.  The  fleet  consisted  of  a  ship 
of  26  liuns,  ?2'!5 ;  a  briii'  of  24  liuus,  24 's  ;  eleven  schooners  varying  from  four 
to  eiglit  jjuus  each,  manned  by  20u  marines  ami  700  sailors;  2,i570  troops  con- 
sisliuii'  of  infautfy  and  artillery,  euibarked  on  i)oard  of  this  fleet  on  the  morn- 
ing of  April  25,  ;it  Sackett's  Harltor,  and  the  flecit  immediately  put  to  sea.  I 
embarked  at  the  same  tiuie  as  sui'geou  ou  board  the  brig  Oneida.  I  soon  per- 
ceived that  the  place  of  our  destination  was  Little  York,  about  300  miles  up 
the  Lake,  the  seat  of  government  in  the  upper  province  of  Canada.  Winds 
proveil  favorable  and  we  arrived  before  that  city  about  6  a.  m.  on  the  27th. 
The  fleet  came  to  anchor  about  two  miles  from  the  town,  and  within  half  a 
mile  of  the  shore  at  a  very  favorable  spot  for  debarking  the  troops.  We 
unuiannetl  in  a  few  minutes,  and  three  hundred  riflemen  commanded  by  Major 
For.-yth  reached  the  shore.  They  were  met  with  300  British  tiegulars  and 
150  Indians.  A  severe  contest  ensued;  other  troops  soon  laniled,  which 
together  with  the  guns  of  the  schooners  which  commenced  cannonailing 
obliged  the  enemy  to  retreat.  Our  troops  then  all  landed  and  formed  in 
battle  array,  conunenced  their  march  against  the  forts  near  the  town.  Our 
vessels  hauled  up  at  the  same  time  within  300  yards  of  three  batteries  and  a 
strong  fort;  a  general  cannonading  commenced  and  was  carried  on  with 
spirit  ou  both  sides  for  one  hour.  At  this  moment  one  of  the  enemy's 
strongest  batteries  blew  up,  and  40  of  their  men  were  seen  flying  in  the  air, 
accon.ipanied  by  three  cheers  from  our  brave  Yankees;  about  the  same  time 
our  troops  came  to  the  charge  with  the  enemy  iu  line,  and  obliged  them  to 
retreat  to  the  block-house  and  fort.  The  well-directed  Are  from  our  vessels 
soon  obliged  them  to  leave  their  strongholds,  and  our  troops  were  advancing 
upon  them  when  their  magazine  blew  up.  containing,  as  by  tlwir  own  statement, 
500  barrels  of  powder.  I  cannot  describe  to  you  the  suijlimity  of  the  scene! 
It  seemed  that  the  heavens  and  earth  were  coming  together.  The  magazine 
was  placed  deep  in  the  earth  and  surmounted  by  an  immense  body,  of  stone, 
prohaldy  foi' the  pnrpose  o{  iniiuviug  An  cnaniy  in  case  it  should  be  necessary 
to  explode  it.  Our  troops  were  within  200  yards  when  the  explosion  took 
place,  and  were  leveled  with  the  ground  in  a  moment,  and  covered  with 
stones.  About  40  were  killed  and  200  wounded,  General  Pike  and  several 
other  oflicers  fatally.  The  enemy  did  not  escape  the  destruction  of  their  own 
works.  Hundreds  were  killed  and  wounded.  Our  men  soon  recovered  and 
marched  ou,  took  some  prisoners,  and  the  town  soon  capitulated  on  condi- 
tion that  private  property  should  be  respected.  They  had  set  Are  to  a  new 
ship  carrying  30  guns;  to  the  store-house  containing  £320,000  of  public  prop- 
erty.    Gen.  Schatte,  their  commander,  made  his  escape  with  about  300  Regu- 


408  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

lars  and  the  principal  part  of  the  Indians.  We  took  two  schooners  and 
about  one  million  of  public  stores  and  property,  28  pieces  of  cannon.  We 
continued  in  the  city  four  days.  The  people  were  polite  and  treated  us  very 
Avell.  We  have  many  real  friends  among  them.  We  left  the  place  May  2, 
and  proceeded  to  our  fort  at  Niagara,  opposite  to  Fort  George,  and  there 
lauded  our  troops  and  wounded." 

Another  letter  written  a  few  months  later,  gave  details  of  farther 
action  : — 

"The  battle  at  the  Falls,  our  retreat  to  Fort  Erie,  the  desperate  attack  and 
shocking  slaughter  of  the  enemy  in  their  attempt  to  storm  this  place,  and  the 
tremendous  tight  at  the  batteries  on  the  17th  inst.,  you  have  undoubtedly  seen 
otliclal  accounts  of.  In  these  actions  the  American  arms  have  been  triumph- 
ant, and  our  hnughty  foe  completely  humbled.  More  real  courage  and  hero- 
ism could  not  be  displayed  than  was  shown  by  the  troops  on  these 
occasions.  I  never  expected  to  witness  such  scenes,  but  it  was  my  fortune 
to  be  called  to  the  head  of  the  surgical  department  in  this  branch  of  the 
army,  and  I  have  the  proud  satisfaction  to  believe  that  I  have  met  with  the 
approbation  of  the  whole  army  in  conducting  the  surgical  department.  I  feel 
a  peculiar  pride  in  being  placed  in  a  situation  where  I  can  e.xercise  the 
medical  and  surgical  talents  which  I  have  labored  a  number  of  years  to  ac- 
quire  The  battle  at  Chippewa,  at  the  Falls,  at  Fort  Erie,  and  the 

siege  of  that  place  which  lasted  57  days,  furnished  a  large  number  of  the  most 
important  cases  in  surgery.  General  Gaines  mentioned  mj'  name  in  his 
official  account  of  the  action  at  the  P^ort.  Here  were  400  wounded,  princi- 
pally of  the  enemy,  in  the  most  shocking  manner.  I  was  constantly  at  my 
dressing  and  amputating  table  for  36  hours.  Our  force  here  is  respectable, 
and  we  shall  in  a  few  days  attempt  to  drive  the  enemy  from  this  part  of 
Canada.  I  have  no  doubt  but  we  shall  do  it  if  Chauucy  keeps  the  ascendancy 
on  Lake  Ontario. 

Amasa  Trowbridge,  Surgeon,   U.  S.  A. 

Fort  Eric,  U.  C,  September  30,  1814." 

Such  reports  of  victory  were  hailed  with  joy  by  all  parties,  and 
served  to  enlist  public  syinj)athy  more  and  more  in  behalf  of  the 
war.  Woodstock  was  particularly  gratified  by  the  continued  successes 
of  her  young  townsman,  Lieutenant  Charles  Morris,  who  had  already 
greatly  distinguished  himself  by  naval  exploits  in  Tripoli,  where  her 
Eaton  had  won  such  brilliant  laurels.  As  first  lieutenant  of  the  Co/i- 
stltution  he  bore  a  prominent  part  in  the  achievements  of  that 
famous  frigate,  evading  a  British  squadron  after  three  days  chase, 
and  assisting  in  the  capture  of  the  Guerriere,  when  he  received  a 
severe  w'ound.  Promoted  to  the  command  of  the  John  Adams,  he 
performed  important  service,  till  finding  it  impossible  to  avoid  capture 
he  destroyed  his  ship  and  managed  to  effect  escape  with  every  man 
of  his  crew. 

Reports  of  false  alarms  and  ridiculous  panics  brought  back  by  the 
militia  put  the  people  in  better  humor.  Abner  Reed,  a  Windham 
drummer,  had  an  amusing  experience  at  Stoningtou.  Foraging  one 
night  for  provisions,  he  espied  to  his  consternation  a  British  sloop 
coolly  working  its  way  up  the  harbor.  Judging  with  Yankee 
calculation,  that  to  go  back  to  his  company  would  be  traveling  over 
the  ground  twice,  he  hastened  on  to  town  and  gave  alarm.     It  made 


WAK    WITH    GREAT    BRITAIN,  ETC. 


409 


a  terrible  scare  ;  there  was  only  one  old  iron  ship  cannon  at  hand,  no 
cartridges  ready  and  but  a  few  cannon  balls.  Volunteers  emptied 
their  powder-horns  and  rifled  the  stores  ;  paper  was  mustered  out, 
but  no  heavy  wadding  could  be  found.  Keed  like  a  true  patriot 
stripped  his  coat  into  wadding.  Vest  and — pantaloons? — followed 
suit  and  still  the  greedy  cannon  asked  for  more.  Finding  that  no  one 
else  was  ready  to  make  sacrifices,  Reed  swore,  yes  !  sroore  roundly, 
"That  he  would  not  use  his  shirt  nor  shoes  if  all  Stoningtou  was 
burnt."  Failing,  in  fire,  strategy  was  next  attempted.  Cart-bodies 
strapped  on  logs  were  dragged  into  position  by  some  twenty  or  thirty 
men  ;  and  finding  that  the  inhabitants  were  awake  and  preparing  to 
meet  them,  the  British  quietly  withdrew.  Other  versions  of  this  or 
some  other  alarm  ascribed  relief  to  Mrs.  Bailey's  red  flannel  petticoat, 
but  however  apochryphal  these  stories  may  have  been,  they  had  au 
inspiriting  influence.  The  summons  to  the  relief  of  New  London 
when  invasion  actually  came,  August  9,  1814,  awakened  something  of 
the  old  Revolutionary  enthusiasm.  Lieutenant  Hough  of  Canterbury, 
with  a  small  body  of  militia,  helped  defend  Stonington  from  the 
attack  of  the  British  fleet,  and  he  was  himself  knocked  down  by  a 
shell  and  taken  up  for  dead.  David  Fuller  of  Scotland  begged  leave 
of  Captain  Palmer  to  lead  the  first  company,  warned  the  men  at 
sunrise  and  at  3  P.  M.  marched  oflT  with  seventeen  men  direct  for 
New  London.  Other  companies,  drafted  from  the  militia  of  diftei-ent 
towns,  followed  as  soon  as  possible.  Marvin  Adams,  David  Walden, 
and  otliers  from  Scotland,  reached  Norwich  town,  August  23,  and 
lodged  in  the  old  Court-house.  Joining  other  companies  in  Norwich 
they  proceeded  next  day  to  New  London,  running  races  nearly  the 
whole  distance  with  little  regard  to  military  order.  "They  remained 
in  New  London  about  six  days,  living  in  tents  and  drawing  rations 
of  salt  pork  and  sea-biscuit."  Those  who  did  not  like  this  fare  bought 
milk  of  the  inhabitants.  They  then  proceeded  to  Stonington,  and 
were  placed  on  guard  there,  watching  the  British  ships  and  keeping 
a  general  look-out.  For  most  of  the  men  it  was  a  pleasant  experience. 
Duties  were  light  and  discipline  lax.  One  valiant  Windham  County 
captain  was  court-marshaled  and  sent  home  for  embezzling  the  soldiers' 
flour  for  the  use  of  his  own  family.  Captain  James  Aspinwall  of 
Canterbury,  took  the  place  of  the  delinquent  and  gave  universal  satis- 
faction, especially  as  a  disciplinarian,  "booting"  bis  first  lieutenant 
before  the  whole  company  for  slowness  of  motion.*  Part  of  the  men 
were  furnished  with  uniforms  ;  the  remainder  figured  in  their  Sunday 
suits.    Substitutes  in  standing  guard  could  always  be  obtained  for  a  pint 


*  J.  Q.  Adams,  Natick,  R.  I. 
52 


4:10  HISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

of  wliisky.  A  wliite  cow  challonncMl  one  uiglit  \v;is  allowed  to  retire 
unmolested.  An  old  scow  loaded  with  lumber  raised  an  alarm  another 
night,  but  all  perils  were  surmounted  at  last,  and  after  various  terms 
of  service  the  several  companies  returned  home  in  safety. 

The  increased  travel  dining  the  wai-,  the  troo])s  and  carting  ))assing 
over  the  public  roads,  the  ari'ival  of  huge  loads  of  cotton  from  the  South 
for  the  use  of  the  factories,  kept  alive  a  ]»leasant  excitement.  Wood- 
stock Hill  was  the  scene  of  a  remarkable  conjunction  V)etween  two 
government  cannons — one  ordered  by  the  Secretary  of  War,  tlie  other 
by  the  Secretaiy  of  the  Navy — which  toiling  over  the  turn))ike  from 
opposite  points  of  the  compass  drew  up  l)efore  the  door  of  J  Jo  wen's 
tavern  at  the  same  moment,  to  the  greit  wonder  and  delight  of  the 
attendants  and  spectators,  who  celebrated  the  auspicious  meeting  with 
the  usual  treating  and  cheeiing. 

The  "  glorious  news "  of  Jackson's  triumphant  victory  at  New 
Orleans  reached  Windham  simultaneously  with  that  of  signing  the 
Treaty  of  Peace.  The  Wind/uwh  Jleruld,  February  l(i,  1815, 
announced  tlie  joyful  events  : — 


"  We  consratiilate  onr  readers  on  the  lieart-cheerinir  news  which  they  will 
find  in  our  pnper  of  this  day.  The  rumor  of  the  ^i^lad  titiiuiis  of  Peace 
reached  this  place  Monday  afternoou.  It  was  immediately  announced  by 
loud  peals  from  the  belfry  of  the  meeting-  house.  In  the  course  of  the 
eveniuii'  this  £>nitifyiui>'  news  was  fully  eontirnied  tiy  hand-bills  from  Hartford, 
&c.  No  event  since  the  peace  of  the  Revolutionary  War  could  have  dirtnsed 
such  general  joy.  Every  countenance  appeared  glad  and  mutual  gratnlations 
were  reciprocated  without  distinction  of  party.  The  rejoicings  were  re- 
sumed, the  next  day,  by  the  ringing  of  the  bell,  tiring  of  cannon  and  other 
demonstrations  of  joy." 

The  inunedialely  succeeding  ofler  of  ''  good  Gin  at  Peace  price,  "  in- 
creased the  general  hilaiity.  A])])i'oi)riate  celebrations  were  held  in 
most  of  the  Windham  County  towns — the  old  field-piece  of  the  Brook- 
lyn Matross  Company  doing  triple  service  in  lionor  of  the  occasion. 
All  i)arties  rejoiced  alike  that  the  war  was  ended,  and  the  bluest  Feder- 
alist could  not  but  exult  in  the  triumph  of  his  countrymen.  Amidst  the 
general  rejoicing  a  few  families  were  called  to  mourning.  Septimus 
Tyler,  the  most  dearly  beloved  son  of  his  father,  died  of  yellow  fevei', 
while  bearing  Governmental  dispatches  to  Ilayti. 

[It  is  pleasant  to  know  that  many  Windham  veterans  of  1812 
still  remain  to  tell  their  own  story,  and  reap  the  benefit  of  their 
country's  latest  enactment  in  their  favor.  As  these  good  men  received 
fair  pay  and  a  generous  land  bounty,  had  a  very  pleasant  time  while  on 


WINDHAM    ENTERPRISE,    ETC.  411 

service  and  suftered  no  dainage,  their  experience  belies  tlie  common 
impression  as  to  the  (jratitude  of  Reiniblics.  It  is  well  that  our  great 
Nation  is  so  prosperous  as  to  be  able  to  reward  men  who  are  willing 
even  to  expose  themselves  to  danger  in  her  service.] 


II. 

WINDHAM  ENTERPRISE  AND    DIFFECITLTIES.     FUN  AND  FISHING. 
CHURCH    AFFAIRS. 

PARTY  spirit  raged  fiercely  in  Windham  town  during  this  period. 
Colonel  Dyer  died  in  181)7,*  but  Swifl,  Pei-kins,  Clark,  Gray  and 
otlier  prominent  men,  upheld  the  Federal  banner.  Peter  ^Vebb,  Elisha 
Abbe,  and  others,  whose  comuiercial  ventures  had  been  destroyed  by 
British  invaders,  hotly  supj)orted  the  aduiinistration.  Recruiting 
officers  found  no  lack  of  response  in  Windham.  Henry,  son  of  Col. 
Thomas  Dyer,  a  graduate  of  West  Point,  was  captain  in  tlie  regular 
army.  The  business  losses  occasioned  by  the  desti'uction  of  shipping 
and  the  suspension  of  foreign  traffic  were  partly  made  up  by  increased 
activity  in  manufactures.  Clark  and  Gray's  ])aper-mill  at  Willimantic 
Falls  was  now  under  full  headway.  A  cardiiig-machine,  grist-mill, 
saw-mill,  blacksmitli's  sho))  and  coal-house  were  reported  in  the  same 
locality,  while  Reuben  Peck  carried  on  the  clothiery  business  in  its 
various  branches,  having  large  experience  in  the  ait  of  dyeing  and 
dressing.  The  Spaftbrds  and  Aliens  at  South  Windham  were  experi- 
menting in  various  directions.  Jesse  Spafford  and  Araos  D.  Allen  pro- 
cured a  patent  foi-  an  ingenious  planing-knife,  making  bonnet-chip  out  of 
shavings.    Joshua  Smith  carried  on  clothiery  works  at  South  Windham, 


*The  Windham  Herald,  May  21,  thus  notices  the  dcatli  of  its  most  distin- 
jinished  citizen  : — "Died  on  tlie  13th  inst.,  after  a  short  illness,  the  Hon.  Eli- 
phalet  Dyer,  aged  86,  late  chief  jnstice  of  this  State.  He  early  took  a  decided 
part  in  favor  of  the  American  Revolntion  ;  was  a  very  active  and  nsefnl  mem- 
ber of  Congress  daring  the  most  dithcult  period  of  the  war.  He  was  then  ap- 
pointed a  judge  of  the  Superior  Court,  and  continued  to  till  that  station  with 
respectability  until  the  year  1793,  and  daring  several  of  the  last  years  of  that 
period  presided  in  the  court.  He  then  left  public  life  at  an  advanced  age  to 
enjoy  retirement ;  the  powers  of  his  mind  continued  with  unusual  vigor  to 
the  last.  Though  disconnected  from  civil  life  during  his  retirement,  he  ever 
remained  a  tirm  Fe<leral  republican  ;  uniformly  maintaining  the  principles  ox 
the  American  Revolution.  He  constantly  attended  all  public  meetings,  and 
gave  his  advice  and  snpport  to  such  measures  as  in  his  opinion  had  ever  been 
productive  of  civil  liberty  and  happiness  to  the  State;  and  bore  a  tirm  and 
honorable  testimony  against  that  spirit  of  innovation,  which  he  plainly  saw 
was  attempting  to  destroj^  our  valual)le  institutions.  He  left  the  world  with 
great  cheerfulness  and  composure,  enjoying  the  supports  of  that  religion  of 
which  he  had  for  a  long  time  been  au  exemplary  professor." 


412 


HISTOKV    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY 


assisted  by  his  son  in-law,  George  Stafford,  ami  made  clotli  for  the 
ai-my,  which  had  a  liigh  reputation  for  tlie  excellence  of  its  indigo 
blue.  Amos  D.  Allen  carried  on  furniture  manufacture  at  the  family 
homestead.  A  very  excellent  and  thorough  workman  he  trained  his 
woi'kmen  to  conform  to  his  own  high  standard,  and  specimens  of  his 
work  were  disli'ibuted  through  the  surrounding  country.  Hundreds 
of  tall  clock  cases,  embellished  witli  many  (juaint  and  curious  designs, 
were  sent  out  fi-om  this  establislimcnt  and  found  a  i-eady  mai-ket, 
especially  at  the  South.  The  Taintor  brothers  with  George  Abbe  and 
Edmond  Badger,  associated  about  ISIO,  for  the  manuficlure  of  paper, 
building  a  mill  on  the  Nachauge  in  the  north  part  of  the  town,  then 
called  New  Boston.  They  made  writing  jiaper  in  thi-ee  grades,  of 
strong  texture  but  com se  finish.  Elijah  M.  SpafTord,  in  ISU,  set  up 
new  clothiery  works  at  Williniantic  Falls,  can-ying  on  carding,  water- 
spinning  and  weaving,  as  well  as  cloth-dressing  and  dyeing. 

At  Windliam  Gi'een,  trade  and  business  continued  lively.  Ri{)ley  and 
Baldwin  engaged  in  carriage-making  at  their  shop  near  the  meeting- 
house in  1808,  making  and  rei)airing  caniages  of  all  kinds  at  short  no- 
tice. The  introduction  of  wagons  into  general  use  was  not  accom- 
plished without  some  difficulty.  The  first  brought  into  town  was  owned 
by  Roger  Huntington,  and  was  sent  to  Leicester  in  September,  1800,  for 
hand  and  machine  caids.  The  lads  who  drove  it,  George  Webb  and 
Thomas  Gray,  found  themselves  the  objects  of  great  curiosity.  People 
on  the  road  everywhere  sto[)ped  to  look  at  them,  and  women  and  chil- 
dren flocked  to  the  doors  and  windows,  as  if  a  menagerie  was  passing. 
At  Woodstock  quite  a  crowd  gathered  around  them  to  examine  the 
new  vehicle  that  was  to  kill  all  the  horses.  One  man  had  seen  such  a 
thing  before  in  Hartford,  "  and  the  hoi'se  drawing  it  was  fagged  nearly 
to  death."  When  the  lads  reached  Leicester  at  3  P.  M.,  having  driven 
from  Pomfret  that  morning,  they  found  to  their  surprise  that  the  horse 
was  not  dead  nor  even  tired.  On  their  retuin  the  next  day.  Esquire 
McClellan  and  other  Woodstock  peo])le  came  out  to  see  them,  and  as 
the  horse  had  traveled  over  twenty  miles  with  a  load  ot"  cards  and  still 
appeared  fresh,  they  decided  "that  perhaps  such  wagons  might  come 
into  use  after  all." 

Peter  Webb,  Timothy  Warren,  John  and  Charles  Taintor,  Jonathan 
Jennings,  George  Abbe,  John  Clark,  Joseph,  Giudon  and  Eliphalct 
Huntington,  continued  to  advertise  great  variety  of  goods,  and  take  in 
country  produce.  Wait  Stoddard  offered  the  highest  price  for  sheep 
and  lambs'  skins.  Burgess  traded  in  sole  leather  and  skins  and  took 
in  men's  knit  stockings  for  raai-ket.  All  the  merchants  offered  "  plenty 
of  cotton  yarn  for  weaving."  Money  earned  by  knitting  and  weaving 
could  be  exi)ended  in  adornments  as  well  as  in  useful  articles.     Mary 


WINDHAM    KNTEKrRISE    AND    DIFFICULTIES,    ETC.  4:13 

B.  Young  kept  a  large  assortment  of  millinery  and  fancy  goods,  and 
]\[rs.  Carey,  milliner,  assured  the  ladies  of  Windham  "  that  it  was  her 
care  t(j  watch  the  earliest  dawn  of  every  rising  fashion."  Joseph  Allen 
"  removed  his  Goose  and  shears  to  No.  4,  Cheapside,"  where  tailoring 
business  was  executed  in  the  neatest  and  best  manner.  Howes  was 
now  associated  with  Dr.  Benjamin  Dyer  in  his  drug  store,  which  flour- 
ished greatly  during  the  war,  the  thousand-dollar  stock  furnishing  sup- 
plies when  fresh  impoitations  were  im[)ractical)le.  Projects  for  village 
improvements  excited  much  discussion  and  interest.  Jabez  Clark, 
Benjamin  Dyer,  Elisha  White,  Jolm  and  Charles  Taintor,  John  Stani- 
ford,  Jnn  .  Benjamin  Brewster,  Samuel  Gi'ay,  John  Byrne  and  Henry 
Webb,  associated  as  an  Aqueduct  Company  in  1807,  which  by  bring- 
ing watei'  into  the  town  street  by  subterraneous  pipes,  accomplished  a 
great  jniblic  benefit.  Finding  it  ditiieult  to  pi'ocure  consent  from  the 
town  to  needful  improvements,  the  centre  district  obtained  an  act  of 
incorporation  in  1814,  with  [)0\ver  to  enact  by-laws  and  maintain  a 
clerk.  Cattle  and  geese  wei'e  now  forbidden  the  roads,  and  encroach- 
ments removed.  Ancient  grants  allowing  tan-works,  shops  and  houses 
on  the  public  highways  wei'e  revoked. 

The  necessity  of  keeping  pace  with  expansion  and  development 
weighed  heavily  upon  the  fathers  of  the  town.  Five  great  bridges 
requii'ing  constant  supervision  and  renewal  did  not  meet  the  demand. 
Tlie  growing  village  ai'ound  Taintor  and  Badger's  pa[)ei'-mill  asked 
for  a  new  bridge  and  better  road  to  Willimantic.  A  new  turnpike  to 
Killingly  and  other  roads,  were  demanded.  There  was  great  need  of 
a  new  house  for  the  pooi"  and  better  school-houses.  Scotland  Parish 
clamored  for  town  privileges ;  the  central  distiict  insisted  upon  incor- 
poration ;  the  war  brought  special  taxes  and  burdens — and  harder 
than  all  was  the  continued  necessity  of  fighting  for  the  maintenance 
of  its  prerogatives  and  Court-house.  Jabez  Clark,  Hezekiah  Ripley 
and  John  Baldwin,  were  continued  in  service  as  agents  for  the  town. 
All  parties  agreed  in  providing  for  this  disbursement.  Other  demands 
were  not  granted  without  a  protracted  contest.  The  motion  to  divide 
the  town  met  a  curt  refusal.  The  selectmen  in  1815,  were  impowei-ed 
to  hire  or  purchase  a  house  for  the  poor.  Agents  were  ai)pointed  to 
oppose  petition  of  John  Taintor,  and  ask  relief  from  the  Assembly 
from  their  great  burden  of  bridges.  But  in  S[)ite  of  opposition  they 
I  were  obliged  to  yield  to  necessity,  and  in  1818,  the  selectmen  were 
authorized  "to  contract  for  Horseshoe  Bridge  over  and  across 
Nachauge  River  on  I'oad  leading  to  pa])er-mill,  ordered  by  County 
Court."  The  six  bridges  were  thus  cared  for : — ]Manning"s  Bridge, 
Nathaniel    Wales :    Newtown,    Zenas    Howes  ;    Iron    Works,    Allied 


414:  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Young  ;  Horseshoe,  Waldo  Cary  ;  Badger's,  Ediiiond  liadger  ;  Island 
Bridge,  Joshua  Smith.  John  Staniford,  Ilezekiah  Ripley  and  John 
Fitch  served  as  town  clerks  during  these  years  ;  Elisha  Al)bc,  Zachcus 
Waldo,  John  Baldwin,  Ebenczer  Bass,  Jonah  Lincoln,  John  Burnett, 
David  Young,  were  among  its  selectmen  ;  George  W.  Webb,  Andrew 
Baker,  Ashael  Kimball,  Matthew  Smith,  grand-jurors.  A  captain 
elected  to  this  office  was  excused  from  service  "  because  he  was 
afraid  his  company  would  swear  training  days."  The  Probate  office 
was  administered  by  Hezekiah  Ripley,  judge ;  Sanmel  Gray,  clerk. 
Judge  Swift  as  chief  justice  was  much  absorbed  with  the  duties  of 
his  position  and  less  i)rominent  in  town  affiiirs.  Jabez  Clark  served 
as  state  attorney.  Samuel  Perkins,  David  Young,  John  Bahlwin,  JdIiu 
Fitch  and  Philip  Howard,   were  actively  engaged  in  legal  practice. 

With  all  its  cares  and  burdens  the  town  maintained  its  jovial  repula- 
tioi].  Liquor  diinking  increased  during  the  war,  aiul  Bacchus  claimed 
more  votaries  than  ever.  Shad  and  salmon  triumphed  as  yet  over 
attempted  obstructions  and  made  fishing  at  Willimantic  a  most  excit- 
ing pastime.  The  tavern  was  thronged  during  the  fishery  season,  and 
fun  and  fiip  were  as  plentiful  as  shad  and  salmon.  "What  shad-ers 
we  are,  and  what  shadows  we  pursue,"  exclaimed  a  disappointed  wit, 
who  came  too  late  to  supper.  A  quick  retort  was  never  lost  in  Wind- 
ham. A  most  respectable  citizen  chanced  to  be  once  "  overtaken " 
at  a  festive  gathering,  and  was  carried  home  to  his  wife,  unconscious. 
Ordinary  women  give  way  to  grief  on  such  occasions ;  the  lofty 
Windham  dame  only  ejaculates — "Thank  God,  that  he  is  not  a  blood 
relation !  "  A  returned  sea-captain  on  a  visit  to  his  early  home 
indulged  in  such  tremendous  oaths  that  he  was  arrested  by  a  justice 
and  fined  a  small  amount.     Handing  out  a  ten   dollar  l)ill    he   replies 

with  astounding  prefix,  "  By Til  swear  that  out."     As 

might  be  expected  there  was  yet  no  inqirovement  in  morals.  Not 
only  did  the  old  drinking  clul)  bring  many  a  man  to  ruin,  but  a 
Quizzical  Club  foitned  among  the  young  people  had  a  nu)st  demoral- 
izing infiuence.  A  large  number  of  young  men  associated  in  this 
society,  had  their  pass  signs  and  laws  and  met  every  week  for  enter- 
tainment. On  one  occasion  they  gave  a  public  exhibition  in  the 
meetinghouse,  when  the  young  West  Point  graduate,  Henry  Dyer, 
delivered  an  ai)pro}iiiatc  oration.  Lrnfortunately  their  meetings  were 
marred  by  such  excessive  use  of  liquor,  that  the  more  sober-minded 
youth  themselves  denounced  it,  declaiing  that  they  only  "got  together 
to  make  drunkards  of  themselves  and  encourage  dissoluteness.  '  \\'ind- 
ham  Academy  maintained  a  fair  standing  under  the  instruction  of 
"  Master  Al)bott,"  Roger  Southwortli,  Socrates  Balconi  and  others. 
The  distiict  schools  were  maintained  with  uiore  or  less  efficiency.     A 


CHURCH    AFFAIRS,    ETC. 


415 


down  town  scbool-teachor  was  vcportccl  to  keep  tlie  boys  in  order  by 
administering  Mayweed  tea  as  a  punishment.  "Manners  and  danc- 
ing "  w'ere  taught  by  a  gleeful  succession  of  dancing-masters. 

Keligion  was  at  a  low  ebb  during  the  early  part  of  this  period. 
Iiev.  Mr.  Andrews — ordained  })astor  of  Windham's  Fii'St  Church, 
August  8,  1808 — was  distressed  and  discouraged  by  the  lack  of 
religious  earnestness  among  his  peo])le.  Himself  a  very  serious  and 
devout  Christian,  the  general  tone  of  society,  the  levity  and  Sabljath- 
breakiiig,  so  pained  and  grieved  him  that  in  1812,  he  asked  a  dismis- 
sion, and  though  this  was  0|ij»osed  on  the  very  pertinent  ground  "•that 
ministers  were  not  to  leave  their  peo])le  because  they  were  wicked," 
his  dismission  was  etfected  the  following  year.  The  modern  term 
"  incoin]);itiliility  "'  sufficiently  explains  the  withdrawal  but  the  ))eop]e 
were  so  annoyed  by  it  as  to  stipulate  in  calling  a  successor,  that  if 
either  party  wished  to  dissolve  the  lelation  the  case  sliould  be  referred 
to  thi'ee  judges  of  the  Su})erior  Court,  or  to  such  othei'  referees  as  they 
sliould  mutually  choose.  The  ministry  of  Cornelius  B.  Everest,  ordained 
November  22,  1815,  happily  allayed  all  storms  and  had  a  most  invigo- 
rating and  healthful  influence.  Many  united  with  the  church  and  the 
standard  of  christian  character  and  obligation  was  greatly  elevated. 

The  death  of  Elder  Benjamin  Lathrop  left  the  scattered  Baptists 
without  pastor  or  stated  worship,  so  tliat  they  were  again  exposed  to 
the  exactions  of  the  rate  collector.  Old  Andrew  Robinson  when  in 
Windham  town  one  day  had  his  horse  taken  from  under  him  for  a 
"  priest  tax."  The  old  man  sliouldered  his  saddle  and  trudged  man- 
fully homeward,  revolving  relief  from  farther  impost.  The  great 
kitchen  in  the  new"  house  he  was  building  was  made  convenient  for 
holding  meetings,  and  thrown  open  for  that  purpose.  It  was  an- 
nounced that  evei'y  alternate  Sabbath  the  people  might  assemble  there 
and  that  any  minister  or  exhortei',  of  any  creed  or  denomination,  race 
or  color,  could  have  the  privilege  of  preaching  to  them.  Whether 
this  would  satisfy  legal  recjuirements  was  a  debatable  question.  The 
stanch  old  reformer  abhoried  society  organization  as  unscriptural  and 
idolatrous,  and  would  countenance  no  such  movement,  but  those  who 
wished  to  assure  themselves  of  relief  fi'oni  parish  assessment  took 
hold  of  hands  and  marching  around  the  room,  solenmly  pledged 
themselves  to  attend  worship  in  this  home  sanctuary.  Baptists, 
Methodists,  and  Separates  of  every  shade  of  opinion,  found  refuge 
here,  and  as  it  became  noised  abroad  the  semi-monthly  minister  was 
never  lacking. 

In  Scotland  Parish  the  troubled  ministry  of  Rev.  Elijah  G.  Welles, 
was  succeeded  by  that  of  Jesse  P^'isher,  a  graduate  of  Harvard.  The 
ordaining  sermon,  May  22,    1811,   was   preached  by  Dr.  Lathrop  of 


41G  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Spriiigh'eld,  tlien  oiglily  years  of  age,  with  whom  Mr.  Fisher  had  pur- 
sued his  tiieological  studies.  Exhibiting  as  a  preaclier,  "soundness  of 
doctrine  and  manly  strength  of  intellect,"  and  laboring  earnestly  ''  for 
the  conversion  and  salvation  of  his  Hock,"  Mr.  ^'isher  had  the  satisfac- 
tion of  seeing  his  church  built  up  and  strengthened,  and  the  evil 
effects  of  long  dissension  gradually  disappear.  The  Brunswick  Church 
did  not  long  survive  the  loss  of  Elder  Palmer  and  Deacon  Walden. 
Some  members  drifted  away  to  the  Baptists  and  Methodists.  In  1812, 
an  attemj)t  was  made  to  maintain  worshij) — Enoch  Allen  being  com- 
missioned to  get  the  communion  vessels,  provide  for  sacrament  and 
can-y  about  the  same.  Failing  in  this  effort,  he  makes  this  closing 
record  : — 

"  il/oy  24,  1813.  Voted,  That  the  church  will  join  with  and  become  a  part 
of  First  Church  in  Canterbury,  on  condition  we  n)ay  meet  by  ourselves  when 
expedient,  except  on  communion  days;  also,  that  Canterbury  Church  approve 
of  improvement  of  gifts  of  the  private  members  on  the  Sabbath,  not  inter- 
rupting' common  exercise.  Each  individual  have  liberty  to  unite  with  any 
regular  church  where  they  will  best  advance  the  interest  of  Christ's  Kingdom. 
Jtiiie  11,  1813,  met  at  Canterbury  meeting-house.  A  part  joining  with  Canter- 
bury and  a  part  did  not.  Enoch  Allen,  Clerk." 

In  ]iublic  affaii's  Scotland  maintained  its  interest.  One-third  of  the 
town  meetings  were  lield  in  its  well  preserved  meeting-house.  The 
increasing  burden  of  taxes  laised  the  question  of  separation  and  local 
independence.  Judge  Devotion  though  advancing  in  years  retained 
his  intei'cst  in  public  questions  nor  did  his  lapse  to  Jeffersonianism 
impair  his  influence  or  po])ularity.  His  oldest  son,  Ebenezer,  died 
early  while  on  a  voyage  to  the  West  Indies.  John,  a  Yale  graduate,  a 
life-long  invalid,  held  a  Govei'nment  position  in  Boston  ;  was  distin- 
guished for  elegant  penmanship  and  high  talents.  Jonathan,  after 
embarking  in  various  business  enterprises,  returned  to  Scotland  in 
1813.  Louis  became  a  merchant  in  Boston.  The  mercantile  establish- 
ment of  the  village  fell  into  the  hands  of  Philetus  Perkins.  Saw,  grist 
and  fulling-mills  upon  the  vaiious  priA'ileges,  were  carried  on  by  the 
Devotions,  Zacheus  Waldo  and  others.  Dr.  Cheney  was  succeeded  in 
medical  practice  by  Dr.  Ilovey. 


TOWN    AND    CHURCH    AFFAIRS    IN    HAMPTON,  ETC.  417 


III. 

TOWN  AND  CHURCH  AFFAIRS  IN    HAMPTON.     CHAPLIN    SOCIETY. 
CHURCH  ORGANIZATION.     MEETING-HOUSE  AND  MINISTER. 

HAMPTON  as  a  farming  town  was  little  affected  by  war's  alarm 
and  manufacturing  projects.  The  introduction  of  carding- 
machines  so  stimulated  domestic  industry  tliat  three  fulling-machines 
were  kept  busily  at  work  in  dressing  and  dyeing  the  woven  fabrics. 
Woolen  and  tow  cloth  still  found  a  ready  market.  Cotton-yarn  goods 
found  little  favor  in  the  eyes  of  Hampton  matrons.  Colonel  Mosely, 
the  Taintors,  Elijali  Simons  and  others,  still  engaged  in  trade  as  far  as 
practicable.  A  flourishing  hat  manufactory  was  established  after  the 
war  by  Luther  D.  Leach.  Town  aft'uirs  were  administered  with  cus- 
tomary alertness.  Dr.  Brewster  succeeded  Colonel  Mosely  in  tlie 
town  clerk's  office.  Colonel  Simons,  Roger  Clark,  John  Tweedy, 
Daniel  Searls,  John  Loomis,  served  as  selectmen  ;  Philip  Pearl,  James 
Burnett,  Ebenezer  Griffin,  Joseph  Prentice,  as  justices  ;  Luther  Bur- 
nett, constable  ;  James  Utley  and  Jonathan  Clark,  collectors.  Colonel 
Mosely,  Ebenezer  Griffin,  Poger  and  Solomon  Taintor,  William  Bur- 
nett and  Joseph  Prentice,  were  sent  as  representatives.  The  latter 
was  now  established  as  Hampton's  first  lawyer,  and  a  young  man  in 
the  east  part  of  the  town  was  making  ready  to  compete  with  him. 
Captain  Silas  Cleveland,  Mr.  Amasa  Clark  and  other  wise  men,  were 
thought  capable  of  giving  legal  advice  though  not  formally  initiated 
in  the  legal  profession.  Though  Hampton  was  pre-eminently  healthy 
it  abounded  in  physicians.  The  Doctors  Brewster  had  an  extensive 
practice.  Doctors  Jacob  Hovey  and  Charles  Moulton,  were  also  active 
in  the  profession. 

The  stated  church  enjoyed  peace  and  privileges  under  the  wise 
administration  of  Mr.  Weld,  a  man  of  culture  and  fine  abilities.  His 
wife,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  John  Clark,  was  a  very  intelligent  and  accom- 
plished woman,  though  somewhat  distinguisiied  for  eccentricities  as 
well  as  "excellencies  of  character."  Four  sons  of  much  promise 
grew  up  in  the  Hampton  parsonage.  Lewis  graduated  from  Yale 
College  in  1818,  became  the  principal  of  the  American  Asylum  for 
Deaf  and  Dumb ;  Theodoi'e  D.  Weld  won  a  name  among  the  early 
anti-slavery  agitators.  The  Baptist  Church  on  Grow  Hill  suffered 
from  the  lack  of  stated  ministry,  and  the  developing  of  a  new  religious 
order.  A  sect  of  Christian  reformers  under  the  leadership  of  Elders 
Smith  and  Varnum  obtained  a  strong  foothold  in  this  section  of 
Windham  County.  For  a  time  they  followed  in  the  footsteps  of  the 
63 


418  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

])revious  Abbe-ites,  wasliing  eacli  otlier's  feet  and  rolling  on  the  floor 
to  express  their  humility  and  lowliness,  but  after  the  removal  of 
Varnum  and  his  more  ardent  proselytes  to  Ohio,  they  renounced 
these  excesses  and  adojtted  ordinary  forms  of  worship.  Elder  Roger 
Bingham  was  ordained  as  a  Christ-ian  minister,  and  ofticiated  in  the 
Goshen  and  Burnham  meeting-houses  which  were  built  for  the  accom- 
modation of  these  Christ-inns.  William  Burnham  served  as  deacon  of 
the  church  in  his  neighborhood.  After  several  years  of  iri-egular 
service  under  the  occasional  ministrations  of  Elders  Rogers,  Palmer, 
Bennett  and  Davis,  the  Baptist  church  was  greatly  revived  by  the 
preaching  of  Elder  John  Paine,  a  native  of  Abington.  Uniting  with 
this  church  in  his  youth,  he  now  came  back  in  maturity  to  labor  with 
it.  "  Ordained  at  the  Baptist  meeting-house  in  Hampton,  October  28, 
1819,  Mr.  J(^m  Paine,  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry  in  that 
place  :  and  also  at  tlie  same  time  brethren  Asahel  Elliott  and  Gurdon 
Robinson,  to  the  office  of  deacons.  Rev.  AVilliam  Palmer,  delivered  a 
discourse,  founded  on  1  Timothy,  iii :  1.  Rev.  James  Grow,  offered 
the  consecrating  prayer;  Rev.  Jonathan  Goodwin,  gave  the  charge; 
Rev.  Esek  J)rown,  piesented  the  right  hand  of  fellowship  ;  Rev.  John 
Nichols,  prayed  at  the  ordination  of  the  deacons." 

Residents  of  the  western  part  of  Hampton  with  those  of  Mausfield 
and  Windham,  who  by  local  position  were  entitled  to  the  privileges  of 
Deacon  Benjamin  Chaplin's  bequest,  after  an  ineffectual  eftoi't  to 
obtain  immediate  possession,  delayed  farther  action  till  Octobei',  1800, 
when  in  response  to  a  petition  from  Matthew  Smith  and  others,  they 
Avere  incorporated  as  "  an  Ecclesiastic  Society  by  the  name  of 
Chaplin."  William  Perkins,  Esq.,  of  Ashford,  grandson  of  the 
legator,  was  appointed  to  enroll  the  names  of  all  the  ])ersons  within 
the  prescribed  limits  wdjo  should  elect  to  become  members  of  said  new 
society,  and  to  act  as  moderator  at  its  first  meeting  to  be  held  Decem- 
ber 4,  at  the  dwelling-house  of  the  late  Benjamin  Chaplin.  In  com- 
])liance  with  tliis  act,  a  goodly  number  assembled  at  "  the  old  Chaplin 
House  "  to  organize  as  a  religious  society.  Rev.  David  Avery  o])ened 
the  meeting  with  prayer.  The  names  of  Israel,  John,  Thomas  and 
Francis  Clark,  James  Clark,  Sen.,  and  Jun.,  Ebenezer  Gary,  Jared 
and  Joseph  Huntington,  Joseph  and  Elislia  Martin,  Roswell  Bill, 
Chester  Storrs,  Matthew  Smith,  Daniel,  Nathaniel  and  Joseph  Mosely, 
Jun.,  l^ufus  Butler,  John  Rindge,  William  Moulton,  Elkanah  Barton 
and  Nathaniel  Cutler,  residents  in  the  east  of  Mansfield,  west  of 
Ham])ton  and  north  of  Windham,  were  enrolled  by  Esquire  Perkins 
members  of  the  Chaplin  society.  John  Clark,  Esq.,  was  chosen  clerk 
and  treasurer ;  Joseph  Martin,  Matthew  Smith  and  Francis  Clark, 
society  committee.     Notices   for  society  meetings  were  to  be  set  up 


CHAPLIN    SOCIETV,    CHURCH    ORGANIZATION,  ETC. 


419 


at  Howard's  and  Mosely's  mills,  Chaplin  and  Tower  Ilill  school-houses. 
At  its  second  nieetinsj^,  December  11,  the  Chaplin  Society  i)roved 
itself  in  advance  of  the  ao-e  by  voting,  that  Mrs.  Lois  Kobbins  be 
admitted  member  by  enrollment.  The  wid(jw  thus  honored  had 
shown  great  wisdom  and  executive  ability  in  training  up  a  large 
family  and  administering  an  encumbered  estate,  and  as  she  expected 
to  share  the  burdens  of  the  society  was  wisely  allowed  a  voice  in  its 
counsels.  It  was  also  voted,  to  open  oui-  meetings  by  prayer.  Meas- 
ures were  promptly  initiated  for  securing  and  taking  care  of  the 
funds.  According  to  the  terms  of  Deacon  Chaplin's  will,  when 
"  there  should  be  a  corporate  society  for  the  support  of  the  public 
worship  of  God,  accoi'ding  to  the  faith  and  |)ractice  of  the  churches 
now  known  and  distinguished  by  the  denomination  of  Congregational 
churches  in  New  England,  the  place  of  public  worship  within  one 
mile  and  a  quarter  of  my  dwelling-house  in  what  is  now  Mans- 
field before  the  first  day  of  January,  1812,  there  shall  be  given  to  such 
Incorporation,  delivered  by  executor  the  amount  of  three  hundred 
pounds  .  .  .  and  my  will  is  that  such  Incoi-poration  fund  said  estate 
so  that  it  may  be  safe  and  permanent,  and  apply  the  annual  interest 
of  it  toward  the  support  of  a  learned  minister,  professing  and  preach- 
ing the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  according  as  they  are  explained  in  the 
Westminster  Confession  of  Faith  in  such  society.  .  .  .  Provided 
also,  that  such  preaching  shall  be  kept  up  steadily,  that  is  to  say, 
there  shall  be  at  least  forty  Sabbaths  such  preaching  in  a  year  in  order 
to  be  deemed  steady  preaching. ''  The  will  farther  provided  that  if 
preaching  should  cease  for  seven  successive  years  this  sum  should 
revert  to  the  heirs,  and  should  the  heirs  oppose  or  discourage  setting 
u])  such  preacliing,  they  should  forfeit  all  rights  to  the  legacies  in 
case  of  reversion.  In  the  Act  of  Incoiporation  it  was  also  provided 
"That  the  interest  on  all  moneys  heretofore  or  hereafter  subscribed  to 
a  fund  for  the  support  of  the  Gospel  should  be  inalienably  applied  to 
the  support  of  such  minister  upon  the  plan  said  Benjamin  Chaplin  of 
Mansfield,  deceased."' 

"To  set  up  steady  preaching"  was  therefore  the  first  object  of  the 
society.  Rev.  David  Avery,  who  with  his  family  then  occupied  the 
Old  Chaplin  residence,  was  the  first  supply  secured.  The  school-house 
in  Chaplin  District  was  selected  as  the  place  of  public  worship  till  a 
meeting-house  could  be  erected.  Mr.  Avery,  Captain  Erastus  Hough, 
recently  removed  from  Canterbury,  Josiah  Hendee,  John  Hovey, 
Enoch  Pond,  Jun.,  Jonathan  Ashley,  Perley  Butler,  Hosea  and  Charles 
Clark,  Stephen  and  William  Ford,  were  soon  enrolled  as  members  of 
the  society.  Five  hundred  dollars  were  added  to  the  fund  by  volun- 
tary subscription.     May  31,  1810,  a  council  convened  at  the  house  of 


420  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Eev.  Mr.  Avery.  Keverends  Nathan  Williams,  Moses  C.  Welch,  D.  D., 
and  Hollis  Sampson,  were  present  with  delegates  from  their  respective 
churches,  and  after  the  usual  religious  services,  David  and  Hannah 
Avery,  Israel,  James,  Hosea,  Francis,  Jerusha,  Zerviah  and  Sally 
Clark,  Ebenezer  and  Sarah  Cary,  Elkanah  Barton,  Nathaniel  and 
Esther  Mosely,  subscribed  a  confession  of  faith  and  were  recognized 
as  the  church  in  Chajtlin  Society.  This  body  almost  immediately 
pioceeded  to  make  choice  of  Rev.  David  Avery  for  their  ])astor,  the 
privileged  "  sisters  affectionately  and  sentimentally  uniting  with  the 
brethren "  in  a  unanimous  call,  but  the  more  worldlj^-wise  society 
"fearing  that  it  might  injure  tliem  essentially,"  refused  to  concur. 
The  stringent  yirovisions  of  Deacon  Chajdin's  bequest  made  great 
caution  necessary.  jNFr.  Avery,  though  a  biilliant  and  powerful 
preacher,  was  somewhat  unsteady  and  eiratic.  In  pievions  pastoi-ates 
at  Bennuigton  and  Wrenthani,  he  had  been  accused  "  of  a  leaning 
towards  Socinianism,"  and  though  this  charge  had  not  been  sustained 
it  behooved  the  Chaplin  legatees  to  be  on  their  guard  and  not  incur 
the  risk  of  losing  their  legacy  by  any  sentimental  preference  for  the 
testator's  son  in-law.  After  mature  deliberation  the  society  voted, 
June  3,  1812,  ''not  to  concur  with  the  church  in  the  vote  for  giving  the 
Rev.  David  Avery  a  call,"  and,  to  make  assurance  doubly  sure,  they 
farther  enacted,  that  the  trustees  be  directed  not  to  pay  over  any 
money  to  any  minister  until  they  obtain  to  their  satisfaction  the 
opinion  of  Windham  Association,  respecting  his  answering  the 
requirements  of  Deacon  Chaplin's  will.  With  these  i)recautious  Mr. 
Avery  was  allowed  to  remain  in  charge. 

The  meeting-house  made  slow  progi-ess.  The  selection  of  a  suital)le 
site  occasioned  as  much  discussion  as  the  requii-ements  of  the  minister. 
IMatthew  Smith  was  appointed  agent  to  ai»ply  to  the  Cotmty  Court  for 
a  committee  to  affix  a  spot,  but  the  vote  was  rescinded  and  a  vote 
passed  that  the  meeting-house  be  placed  on  the  spot  contemplated  by 
Mr.  Howard,  called  Wells'  Hill.  Also,  to  build  a  meeting-house  upon 
the  plan  of  that  of  the  North  Society  of  Mansfield,  excepting  the 
steeple.  Still  the  work  did  not  go  forward.  Money  was  lacking  aiul 
the  society  was  debarred  from  making  the  needful  assessments  by  the 
terms  of  its  incorporation.  April  11,  1813,  it  was  voted,  "to  petition 
the  General  Assembly  for  the  pi-ivileges  of  other  located  societies, 
provided  there  can  be  money  enough  raised  by  subsciiption  to  defray 
expenses,"  but  whether  the  needful  sum  was  raised  or  not  further 
privileges  were  not  then  obtained.  The  delay  in  building  a  house  of 
worship  made  it  a  little  doubtful  whether  the  society  could  lawfully 
appropriate  the  interest  of  the  fund  for  the  hiring  of  a  minister,  and 
its  committee  was  directed  to  lay  its  condition  before  Windham  Asso- 


MEETING-HOUSE  AND  MINISTER,  ETC.  421 

ciation,  and  to  consult  with  Judge  Root.  September,  1812,  another 
eflbrt  was  made  to  go  on  with  the  meeting-house.  Captain  Hough, 
Matthew  Smith,  William  and  John  Clark  and  Joseph  Martin,  were 
deputized  to  superintend  the  getting  out  of  timber.  In  January  a 
connnittee  was  appointed  to  contract  for  building,  and  for  the  use  of 
Mrs.  Howard's  saw-mill.  Logs  were  cut  down  and  sawed  during  the 
summer,  stuff  at  the  mill  being  placed  in  charge  of  Captain  Bill. 
October,  1813,  the  connnittee  was  directed  to  make  a  contract  to 
build  as  soon  as  may  be,  but  it  was  not  till  the  following  January  that 
the  work  began  in  earnest.  Daniel  Martin  was  then  appointed  agent 
to  superintend  the  getting  of  materials,  collect  and  apply  all  subscrip- 
tions foi'  that  pui'pose — receiving  a  compensation  of  ten  cents  an  hour 
for  his  services.  Chaplin  now  again  manifested  its  progressive  spirit 
by  enacting,  that  seven  hours  should  constitute  a  day's  work,  pay  for 
a  man's  labor,  ten  cents  an  hour ;  oxen,  six  cents  ;  for  use  of  cart,  six 
cents  ;  sled,  three  cents.  May  9,  1814,  "voted  unanimously  to  apply 
to  C'Ounty  Court  for  alteration  of  meeting-house  spot — James  Utley, 
agent ;  August  1,  to  raise  the  meeting-house  as  soon  as  possible  after 
the  21st — Daniel  Martin,  Enoch  Pond,  David  Avery,  Jun.,  Chester 
Storrs  and  Samuel  Tracy,  committee  of  arrangements."  Even  then 
the  site  had  not  been  affixed,  and  on  the  loth,  the  committee  was 
directed,  "•  To  apply  to  the  County  Coui't,  Tuesday  next,  to  affix  a 
spot  thirty-five  rods  north  of  that  now  established,  west  side  of  road, 
west  of  the  gate  letting  into  Captain  Hough's  north  pasture,  on  the 
rise  of  ground  called  Chaplin's  Hill."  This  being  effected,  the 
meeting-house  frame  was  formally  raised,  Thursday,  August  2.5, 
amid  great  public  rejoicings.  Another  yeai'  passed  before  it  was 
I'eady  fir  occu[>ation.  September  14,  IS  1,5,  the  society  voted,  to 
accept  the  meeting-house  as  finished,  and  to  apply  to  their  honored 
friend  and  father,  Mr.  Jonathan  Clark  of  the  First  Society,  to  appoint 
a  day  for  dedication  and  to  choose  a  minister  to  preach.  Rev.  Samuel 
P.  Williams  of  Mansfield's  First  Church,  was  approi)riately  chosen, 
who  preached  a  suitable  sermon  from  Genesis  xxviii:  17,  and  all  the 
exercises  were  conducted  with  the  solemnity  and  ceremony  befitting 
the  occasion. 

Though  Mr.  Avery  had  now  ceased  to  sujiply,  preaching  was 
statedly  maintained  though  it  might  be  doubtful  whether  it  attained 
the  requisite  standard  of  steadiness.  Rumors  having  reached  the 
society  that  the  church  had  become  Socinian,  the  church  addressed  the 
society  a  letter,  asking  for  a  good  understanding  between  them,  and 
solemnly  averring,  "  that  they  were  constituted  a  regular  Congrega- 
tional church  upon  the  foundation  of  the  Westminster  Confession  of 
Faith,    and   have   never  one  of  us  departed   or  deviated   therefrom." 


422  HISTORY    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

The  society  responded,  "  That  we  view  said  church  as  standing  on  the 
ground  required  by  Deacon  Cliaplin's  will."  Full  society  privileges 
were  obtained  in  1815,  inhabitants  residing  on  the  lands  owned  by 
Nathaniel  Linkon  being  at  tlie  same  time  restated  to  Windham.  Pew 
ground  was  now  sold  to  pay  for  building  expenses  and  Joseph  Martin 
engaged  to  sweep  the  meeting-house  and  keep  the  key  for  $2.32  a 
year.  The  llev.  Messrs.  Treat,  Finney,  Nichols  and  Nathan  Grosvenor 
were  among  the  various  supplies  procured  for  the  pulpit.  In  1818,  it 
was  "  voted  to  hire  preaching  for  the  year  pi'ovided  it  can  be  done  for 
six  dollars  a  Sunday,  including  ministers  board  and  horse-keeping." 
An  elFort  was  now  made  to  complete  the  meeting-house,  such  super- 
fluities as  pews  and  pulpit  not  having  been  included  in  the  previous 
"  finishing."  In  the  following  year  Mr.  Jared  Andrus  of  Bolton, 
was  called  to  the  pastorate,  the  society  oftering  a  salary  of  $300  and 
twenty  cords  of  wood  for  ten  years.  JNlr.  Andi'us  accepted  the  call 
with  some  addition  to  the  salary.  May  3,  1820,  it  was  voted  that 
the  body  of  the  house  be  finished  by  slips  in  lieu  of  pews — slips  to 
be  finished  with  banisters  provided  it  costs  no  more.  Painting  the 
house  was  left  to  the  judgment  of  the  connnittee.  In  November, 
Abel  Koss,  Darius  Knight  and  Erastus  Hough  were  appointed  to 
provide  for  the  ordaining  council  ;  Jonathan  Koss,  James  Utley,  Abel 
Ross  and  James  Clarke,  committee  of  arrangements,  and  on  December 
27,  more  than  ten  years  after  organization,  a  pastor  was  installed  over 
Chaplin  church  and  society.  Among  the  many  candidates  none  cotUd 
have  more  fully  answered  the  requirements  of  Deacon  Chaplin.  Mr. 
Andrus  was  a  man  of  unusual  sobriety  and  earnestness,  who  had  entered 
the  ministry  when  past  his  thirtieth  year  from  a  deep  conviction  of 
duty,  and  labored  faithfully  to  discharge  every  obligation. 


lY. 


ENTERPRISE    IN   CANTERBURY.     FATAL    ACCIDENT.     CHURCH 
AFFAIRS  IN  FIRST  AND  WESTMINSTER  SOCIETIES. 

DESPITE  its  heavy  losses  by  death  and  emigration,  Canterbury 
maintained  its  buoyancy,  hastening  to  take  advantage  of  manufac- 
turing and  mechanical  inventions,  and  yielding  its  best  water  privileges 
to  experimenter  and  capitalist.  Carding-machines  were  soon  busily 
at  work  on  Little  River,  and  cloth-dressing  and  hat-making  carried  on 
with  increased  vigor.  Capt.  Joseph  Simms  removed  his  business  stand 
to  Canterbury  Green,  and  with  the  aid  of  four  or  five  journeymen  was 


ENTEEPRISE  IN  CANTERBUKY. 


423 


able  to  supply  many  business  firms  in  Windliam  County,  and  even  a 
distant  Soutliern  market,  with  heavy  black  woolen  hats,  made  in  three 
sizes,  so  firm  and  stocky  that  one  might  last  a  lifetime.     James  Burnet 
also  engaged  in  the  hatting  business  in  Westminster  society,  and  invented 
a  i^rocess    or  forming  hat  bodies   "  by  placing  the  material  in  a  hollow 
sphere  and  subjecting  the  same  to  a  revolving  motion,"   by  which  it 
was    evenly    deposited    on    the    form,  but   not   succeeding,    "kettles, 
basons,    blocks  and  Irons"  were   advertised  for  sale,  and  he  retired 
westward  to  experiment  in  other  directions.     Some  six  or  eight  stores 
were  still  needed  to  supply  the  wants  of  the  town.     Thomas  Coit,  Gad 
Buckley,  Jedidiah  Johnson,  Luther  Paine,  Fenner  and  Harris  occupied 
the  block   on  the  Green.     Energetic   young  men  took  the  places  of 
those    who    had   gone.     Andrew  T.    Judson  of  Eastford  had  already 
gained  a  flourishing  legal  practice.     The  old  class  of  physicians,  which 
had  attended  to  patients  when  nothing  more  important  was  on  hand, 
was  giving   place  to  younger  men,  who  had  won  by  study  the  title 
prefixed  to  their  names    and  devoted  themselves   to  their  profession 
with  more  singleness  of  purpose.     Ur.   Andrew  Harris  at  Canterbury 
Green    and   Dr.  Elijah    Baldwin    in    South  Canterbury,  harmoniously 
occupied   the   field,  the   former   practicing   more  especially  with  the 
knife  and  the  latter  carrying  round  the  saddle-bags.     Dr.  Johnson  con- 
tinued   his    daily  rounds   through  Westminster  Parish.     Dr.    Hough 
retained  his  dual  ofiice,  administering  pills  and  whippings  with  equal 
excess  and  alacrity.     Dr.  Gideon  Welles,  so  long  i^rominent  in  town 
affairs,  died  in  1811.     Elislia  Paine,  Esq.,  (or  Payne,  as  he  wrote  his 
name),  died  early.     Rufus  Adams  and  Daniel  Frost  continued  in  the 
practice  of  law,  the  latter  serving  as  town  clerk.     These  lawyers,  with 
Isaac  Backus,  Asa  Butts  and   Luther  Paine,  were  often  sent  as  repre- 
sentatives.    Gad  Bulkley  administered  the  post-office  and  David  Hyde 
served    as   mail-carrier,  supjilying  the   newspaper   class  that   held   its 
head-quarters   at    Samuel    Barstow's    much  frequented   tavern.      The 
tavern  at  the  Green  enjoyed  its  accustomed  patronage  and  popularity — • 
Jacob  Bacon,  Samuel  Hutchins  and  Capt.  Bicknell  serving  successively 
as    landlords.     Its  previous  incumbent,  Jedidiah  Johnson,  was  made 
general  of  the   Fifth  Brigade  in  1809.     His  brief  term  of  command 
was  marked  by  great  military  activity.     War  rumors  had  re-kindled 
the  flame  of  martial  enthusiasm,  foi-  even  those  who  disliked  the  war 
delighted    in    military   parade.     Mounted  on   a  stately  steed,  and  at- 
tended by   a  negro  servant  in  appropriate  uniform.  General  Johnson 
added  great  lustre  to  those  popular  pageants.     Canterbury  at  this  date 
furnished  most  of  the  officers  for  the  Twenty-first  Regiment,  viz :   Wil- 
liam Kiniie,  adjutant ;  Samuel  Hutchins,  quartermaster  ;  Isaac  Knight, 
pay -master ;  Rev.  Erastus  Learned,  chaplain.     Its  com[)any   of  Light 


42-i  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTV. 

Infantry  was  one  of  the  best  di-illeil  and  eqiiijjped  in  tlie  State.  Its 
officers  in  1809  were  Jose[)li  Sinuns,  captain;  Natlian  Fish,  lieuten- 
ant;  in  1815,  James  As])inwall,  captain;  Samuel  Ilou^-h,  lieutenant ; 
Amos  Bacon,  ensign.  Tiiis  comi)any  and  oflicei-s,  together  with  other 
companies  drafted  from  the  militia,  rendered  efficient  service  during 
the  war,  hastening  on  several  occasions  to  the  relief  of  New  London, 
and  remaining  many  months  on  guard.  Canterbury  was  also  en- 
livened by  frequent  Masonic  parades  and  demonstrations.  The  Festi- 
val of  St.  John  the  Baptist  was  observed  June  26,  1811,  with  unusual 
ceremony — brethren  from  Putnam  and  East  Star  Lodges  assembling  at 
Moriah  Lodge,  marching  about  the  streets  in  resi)lendent  regalia,  and 
after  listening  to  an  eloquent  oration  in  the  meeting-house,  returning  to 
a  good  dinner  and  appropriate  festivities.  Luther  Paine,  Darius  Mat- 
thewson,  Nathan  and  John  Williams,  and  Capt.  Eleazer  Mather  served 
as  committee  of  arrangements.  Those  debaried  from  participation  in 
this  esoteiic  entertainment,  caught  bursts  of  uproarious  merriment  and 
snatches  of  convivial  song,  quite  out  of  keeping  with  the  ordinary 
demeanor  of  these  most  respectable  citizens. 

In  cotton-spinning  Canterbury  made  no  great  pretenses,  and  only 
achieved  one  small  mill,  erected  by  Fenner,  Harris  and  Bulkley  on 
Rowland's  ]>rook,  which  did  a  good  business  during  the  war.  The 
clothiery  works  of  Captains  Kingsley  and  Spafford  enjoyed  abundant 
patronage.  Tanneries,  cooperage,  pottery  and  potash  works  were 
maintained  with  creditable  energy,  and  the  various  saw  and  grist- 
mills continued  to  improve  their  piivileges.  Freshets  and  floods  still 
exercised  tlieir  ancient  ]3rerogatives,  subjecting  the  town  to  serious 
outlay  and  impost.  The  great  flood  of  1807  damaged  Butts'  Bridge 
and  destroyed  Bacon's  (formerly  Nevins')  Biidge,  occasioning  a  fatal  ac- 
cident and  loss  of  life.  The  ferry-boat  used  as  a  substitute  for  the  latter 
bridge  was  overloaded  and  swamped.  Luther  Paine,  Esq.,  though  a 
large  and  heavy  man,  succeeded  in  swimming  aslio>e.  Dr.  Isaac 
Knight,  unable  to  swim,  sprang  upon  his  horse  and  safely  breasted  the 
furious  current.  Erastus  Barstow  with  his  two-horse  team  also  gained 
the  shore.  All  on  board  wei-e  saved  but  Nathaniel  Kinne  of  Black 
Hill,  a  man  of  great  height  and  vigorous  strength,  who  was  in  some 
way  disabled  and  life  was  extinct  before  assistance  could  reach  him. 
His  ghastly  figure  stretched  out  upon  the  grass  made  a  deep  impres- 
sion u[)on  all  who  saw  him,  and  his  untimely  end  was  much  lamented. 
Ten  years  later,  the  town  was  again  calk'd  to  rebuild  or  repair  both 
Bacon's  and  Butts'  bridges.  The  selectmen  were  enjoined  to  confer 
with  Plainfield  respecting  building  a  good  boat  to  convey  passengers 
and  teams  across  tlie  Quinebaug  near  Bacon's  bridge.  In  case  of  re- 
fusal they  were  directed  to  build  the  same  and  have  it  well  tended  at 


CHURCH    AFFAIRS    IN    FIRST    AND    WESTMINSTER    SOCIETIES.       425 

the  expense  of  the  town:  also,  to  petition  tlie  County  Court  to  divide 
the  charge  of  this  bridge. 

The  vacancy  in  the  ministerial  office  that  had  so  long  afflicted  the 
First  church  and  society  of  Canterbury  was  happily  filled  in  1808  by 
the  Rev.  George  Leonard  of  Middlebcirougli,  Mass., — called  to  settle- 
ment "without  a  dissenting  voice."  The  ordaining  services,  February 
3,  were  conducted  with  all  the  ceremony  befitting  so  joyful  an  event. 
Captain  Bacon  and  Messrs.  Samuel  Carter  and  Thomas  Coit  provided 
suitable  accommodations  for  council  and  delegates,  Luther  Faine, 
Rufus  Adams  and  Asa  Bacon,  Esquires,  waited  upon  the  same,  while 
Captain  Bacon  and  five  others  served  as  ushers  at  the  meeting-house 
to  preserve  order  and  furnish  strangers  with  seats.  But  though  so 
auspiciously  inaugurated,  this  ministry  was  of  short  continuance.  jNIr. 
Leonard  was  feeble  in  health  and  somewhat  inclined  to  Arminianism 
in  doctrine  and  in  a  little  more  than  two  years  sought  and  obtained 
dismission.  His  successor,  Rev.  Asa  Meech,  installed  October  28, 
1812,  succeeded  in  harmonizing  various  conflicting  elements,  "not  only 
increasing  the  number  of  the  church,  but  establishing  its  faith  and 
order,"  but  he,  too,  lost  favor  after  a  time.'  It  was  somewhat  difficult 
for  an  earnest  minister  to  avoid  giving  ofilinse.  The  horse-racing  at 
Butts'  Bridge  race-course,  the  i-evelries  at  Masonic  Hall,  the  all-night 
dances  and  promiscuous  frolicking,  could  hardly  fail  to  escape  reproba- 
tion. And  if  while  denouncing  amusements  as  sins  he  limited  the 
chances  of  obtaining  forgiveness  to  "  about  one  in  a  million,"  the  Can- 
terbury people  might  be  pardoned  for  adopting  the  conclusion  of  the 
old  negi-o  upon  a  similar  close  calculation — "If  only  so  few  are  to  be 
saved  I  think  we  had  better  not  putter  any  more  about  them." 

The  Westminster  church  continued  to  prosper  under  the  faithful 
ministration  of  Rev.  Erastus  Learned.  Increasing  interest  in  religion 
and  frequent  accessions  to  the  church  greatly  cheered  the  heart  of  the 
good  minister.     He  reports  : — 

^'  November  S,  1816. 
This  was  au  interesting,  refreshing  and  solemn  day.  To  behold  the 
trophies  of  Zion's  King  come  forward  to  the  church  caused  the  children  of 
Zion  to  rejoice.  B'ifteen  admitted  to  full  communion.  January  5,  1817. 
Another  joyful  communion.  Seventeen  admitted  to  the  church.  March  2. 
Blessed  be  the  Lord  for  his  continued  goodness  to  this  branch  of  Zion. 
Eight  persons  came  forward  and  entered  into  covenant  with  God  and  His 
people.  May  4.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  for  his  marvelous  grace  and  mercy  in 
continuing  to  build  His  Zion  here.  Nine  persons  received  to  full  communion. 
Dr.  Rufus  Johnson  was  baptized  and  his  family.  July  6.  Eight  persons 
admitted  to  full  communion." 

The  temporal  afJ:iirs  of  the  church  were  wisely  administered.  In 
1809,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  provide  money  for  new  covering 
and  painting  meeting-house,  build  a  steeple  and   procure  a  bell ;  also, 

54 


426  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

a  decent  licarse  or  carriage  ;  also  to  ])romote  decency,  good  order  and 
regularity  at  funerals.  These  improvements  were  not  effected  till 
1813,  when  a  building  was  ordered  in  the  burying-ground  "to  contain, 
store  and  shelter  the  hearse."  The  coveted  bell  was  given  to  the 
society  b}'  a  son  of  the  minister,  Seth  P.  Staples,  Esq.  Highway 
repairers  were  warned  not  to  encroach  upon  the  meeting-house  green. 
The  salary  of  the  minister  was  incieased  to  four  hundred  dollars. 
William  Carew,  one  of  the  early  members  of  the  chui'ch,  bequeathed 
the  reversion  of  forty-five  acres  of  land  for  the  support  of  the  Lord's 
table.  The  deacons  continued  "to  line  out  the  psalms"  till  1815, 
when  Deacon  John  Barstow  was  allowed  to  convene  the  singers  and 
lead  them  to  the  choice  of  a  chorister.  This  innovation  opened  the 
way  for  singing  schools  and  other  modern  devices.  Deacon  Stephen 
Butts  served  as  society  cleik  till  1816.  Asa  Butts  and  David  Walden 
also  served  the  church  as  deacons. 

In  business  Westminster  held  its  own  fairly,  supporting  at  least  one 
store  and  tavern,  and  varions'  industries.  Rufus  Johnson  Ss  Co.  gave 
place  in  1811,  to  "Smith  and  Morgan"  who  offered  a  handsome  assort- 
ment of  West  India  and  European  goods,  taking  in  produce  and 
putting  out  "  weaving  in  the  cotton-line."  The  efficiency  of  its 
schools  was  increased  by  the  oig-anization  of  a  school  society  in  1812. 
Isaac  Backus,  moderator ;  Josiah  Park,  cleik  and  treasurer.  To  each 
district  was  assigned  one  committeeman  and  one  inspector,  viz.  :  — 
].  Amasa  Park,  committee;  Rev.  Erastus  Leained,  inspector.  2. 
Daniel  Meech,  John  Barstow.  3.  Horatio  Pettingill,  Nathaniel  Clark. 
4.  Natlian  Allen,  Ebenezer  Waldo.  5.  Daniel  Storer,  Asa  Butts.  6. 
James  Cary.  7.  Samuel  Chad,  Isaac  Backus.  8.  Curtis  and  Samuel 
Barstow.  9.  Roger  Smith,  Asa  Burgess.  Youth  from  both  societies 
still  sought  the  privilege  of  academic  and  collegiate  instruction. 
Zedekiah  S.  Barstow  was  graduated  from  Yale  in  1813.  Archibald 
and  Anson  Burgess  and  Samuel  Backus  were  graduated  during  this 
period.  The  religious  interest  that  prevailed  in  the  churches  led 
these  and  other  Canterbury  young  men  to  enter  the  ministrj'.  Simon 
Barstow  was  debarred  by  ill  health  from  pui-suing  ministerial  studies. 
The  ministerial  aspirations  of  another  Canterbury  youth  was  one  of 
the  concurring  influences  in  the  formation  of  the  American  Education 
Society.  A  pious  young  man  gone  out  from  this  town,  Thomas  L. 
Paine,  joined  with  others  in  "  The  Young  Christian  Fraternity "  of 
Boston,  in  1814.  Visiting  Canterbury  soon  after  he  found  a  great 
revival  in  progress  and  one  young  convert  in  particular,  "  who  had  a 
strong  desire  to  get  an  education  and  devote  his  life  to  the  Christian 
ministiy."  The  Fraternity  was  greatly  moved  in  his  behalf  and 
planned  to  form  a  society  to  give  him  definite  aid,  and  seeking  advice 


FLAINFIELD    MANUFACTORIES,  ETC,  427 

from  llieir  ministers  it  was  found  that  similar  calls  were  coming  fi'om 
all  parts  of  the  land,  and  a  national  society  was  soon  organized  to 
meet  it.  Whether  the  young  man  in  (piestion  became  a  beneficiary  is 
not  apparent. 

The  old  Separate  chui-ch  after  the  death  of  Rev.  William  Bradford, 
maintained  a  feeble  existence,  its  meml)er.s  carrying  on  the  services. 
Captain  Ephraiin  Lyon  died  in  1812.  Dr.  Ilongh  and  "old  Esquire 
Felch,"  long  known  and  respected  in  Canterbury,  died  in  1818. 


Y. 

PLAINFIELD  MANUFACTORIES.     DEATH  OF  DR.  BENEDICT.     HIGH- 
WAYS AND  BRIDGES.     STERLING  AND  VOLUNTOWN. 

PLAINFIELD  was  much  favored  by  mannfacturing  enterprise. 
The  Union  Manufacturing  Company  with  its  solid  phalanx  of 
citizens  and  non-residents,  the  Central  Company  under  the  charge  of 
John  Lester  and  Job  Angell,  the  Moosup  and  Andrus  Factory  com 
panies,  carried  on  their  various  mills  and  business  operations  during 
the  war  with  great  spirit  and  energy.  Abel  and  Benjamin  Andrus, 
Thomas  and  Andrew  Gibbs,  Levi  Robinson  and  Joseph  Hutchins  of 
Plainfield  ;  Charles  Townsend  of  Norwich  ;  Titus  Adams,  John  Bald- 
win and  Jose])h  Farnliam  of  Canterbury,  associated  as  the  iVndrus 
Factory  Company  in  1811,  buying  "land  in  Plainfield  and  Canter- 
bury, south  of  grist-mill  on  brook  "  of  Stephen  and  Joseph  Farnham, 
and  putting  up  a  small  building  on  the  site  of  the  present  Packersville. 
Adjoining  residents  in  both  towns  were  mucli  interested  in  this  manu- 
facturing experiment  and  freely  gave  their  aid  in  clearing  up  land  and 
digging  the  cellar.  The  frame-raising  called  out  the  customary  crowd 
and  frolic.  A  jolly  youth  climbed  to  the  top  of  the  ridgepole,  and 
jDOuring  out  a  bottle  of  spirits,  named  the  building  in  honor  of  its 
chief  proprietor  the  excellent  Deacon  Andrus.  Woolen  factories 
were  also  set  in  motion  by  Darius  Lawton  of  Newport,  and  Joseph 
Eaton.  Carding-machines  and  fulling-mills  were  run  by  John 
Kennedy  and  others.  Mr.  John  Lester  and  Dr.  Fuller  engaged 
largely  in  wool  raising.  The  manufacturing  depression  following 
the  return  of  peace  occasioned  much  embarrassment  in  Plainfield. 
Several  companies  were  forced  to  suspend  work,  and  many  changes 
were  effected. 

Plainfield  Academy  retained  its  place  in  public  interest.  Nathan 
Hewitt,  Samuel  Backus,  Samuel  Phinney  and  Archibald  Burgess, 
otficiated  as  principals  during  Mr.  Burleigh's  withdrawal  to   Wood- 


428  IlISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

stock.  Jonathan  E.  Chaplin,  Evan  M.  Jolmson,  John  Bronson, 
James  B.  Doirance,  LiUhev  Spalding,  William  Danielson,  Nicholas 
]5i-own  of  Providence,  William  M.  Benedict,  John  Witter,  John  A. 
Stevens,  Elishu  B.  Perkins,  Frederick  Moigan,  Merritt  Bradford, 
Lemuel  Smith,  Jonah  Spalding^  George  Sumner,  and  many  others 
who  filled  honorable  positions  in  various  departments,  were  graduated 
during  these  years.  Mr.  Burleigh  returned  to  his  charge  in  1816, 
in  time  to  supply  in  some  degree  the  loss  of  Dr.  Joel  Benedict,  the 
faitliful  friend  and  counsellor  of  the  school.  Though  suffering 
greatly  from  weakness  and  disease  he  was  able  to  preach  till  the 
Sabbath  before  his  death.  "  In  his  approach  to  the  grave  he  evinced 
the  most  unqualified  resignation  and  even  joyful  triumph."  A  monu 
ment  "  reared  by  filial  affection  among  the  graves  of  his  attached 
people,"  commemorated  the  virtues  of  this  great  and  good  man,  who 
for  over  thirty  years  had  so  worthily  honored  his  calling  and  profes 
sion,  and  identified  himself  with  every  scheme  for  public  advancement. 
Doctor's  degrees  had  been  given  him  by  Union  and  Dartmouth 
Colleges. 

Plaiufield  had  lost  the  presence  of  her  distingished  lawyer,  Hon. 
Calvin  Goddard,  who  was  drawn  away  to  Norwich  in  1809.  Joseph 
Eaton  and  Job  Monroe  now  shared  the  legal  practice.  Town  otlicers 
were  much  engrossed  in  keeping  up  their  roads  and  bridges,  and 
smoothing  the  way  for  manufacturers.  Highway  districts  were 
remodeled  in  1808,  and  re-entered  as,  No.  1,  Southwest;  No.  2, 
Middle  District,  with  three  bridges,  including  bridge  over  west  turn- 
pike by  tan  vats  ;  No.  3,  North  meeting-house — begins  at  the  Great 
Gate  ;  No.  4,  Green  Hollow,  extending  north  to  Killingly  line  on  the 
road  to  Elder  Cole's  meeting-house ;  No.  o,  Shepard  Hill ;  No.  6, 
Moosnp,  extends  north  by  Hartshorn's  mills  ;  No.  7,  Black  Hill — 
includes  Nevins'  and  Cutler's  bridges ;  No.  8,  Pond  Hill — extending 
to  Sterling  line  ;  9,  Snake  Meadow,  north  to  Killingly  line;  10,  Mill 
Road;  11,  Goshen:  12,  Walnut  Hill;  13,  Kinne  lload  ;  14,  Howe 
Hill;  15,  Dow  Road;  16,  Spring  Hill ;  17,  18,  East  and  West  Flat 
Rock.  Roads  were  laid  out  near  Union  Factory,  and  fiom  the 
Andrus  Factory  over  Butts'  Bridge,  but  a  road  was  refused  from  the 
latter  factory  to  Plaiufield  village  on  the  ground  "  that  there  was  no 
house  on  the  way  and  never  would  be."  In  1818,  Benjamin  Bacon, 
William  Kinne,  Nathan  Burgess,  Erastus  Lester  and  Lot  Morgan, 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  confer  with  Canterbury  upon  building 
a  bridge  across  the  Quinebaug  on  the  Plaiufield  and  Canterbury  road. 
The  selectmen  were  meanwhile  authorized  to  establish  a  method  of 
crossing  by  boat.     They  were  also  called  to  join  with  Brooklyn  in  pro- 


STERLING    AND    VOLUNTOWN,  ETC.  429 

viding  for  bridge  repairs  and  with  means  of  crossing  the  Quinebaug. 
Bridges  over  Moosup  River  were  also  replaced. 

"  The  September  Gale,"  so  famous  in  New  England  meteorologic 
annals,  swept  with  great  violence  throngli  Plainfield  and  Canterbury, 
damaging  and  destroying  many  buildings,  and  npiooting  fruit  and  forest 
trees.  The  accompanying  rain,  which  fell  in  torrents,  was  said  to  be 
as  salt  as  the  distant  ocean.  The  special  mission  of  this  tempestuous 
visitant  in  Windham  County  was  apparently  the  demolition  of  dilapi- 
dated meeting-houses,  three  at  least  yielding  to  its  fury.  Plainfield's 
Congregational  church  edifice  was  entirely  prostrated,  and  the  materi- 
als for  a  Friends'  meeting-house  then  collected  on  Black  Hill  were 
scattered  and  in  part  destroyed.  These  losses  were  repaired  with 
great  promptness.  A  substantial  stone  meeting-house  was  completed 
by  the  Congiegational  society  in  1818.  Under  the  auspices  of  the 
Monthly  meeting  of  Quakers  at  Greenwich,  R.  I.,  a  simple  house  was 
also  erected  for  the  Friends'  worship.  Several  of  the  non-i'esident 
manufacturers  were  of  this  order,  and  aided  in  this  work.  Forty-five 
acres  of  land  on  Black  Hill  were  conveyed  by  John  Monroe  to  Sylvester 
Wicks  and  Dea.  Howland  in  presence  of  Rowland  Greene — to  whom 
was  committed  the  charge  of  establishing  a  Friends'  boarding  school. 
Some  forty  or  fifty  pupils  from  some  of  the  most  influential  Quaker 
families  of  Rhode  Island  were  received  into  this  rpiaint  and  primitive 
family  school  under  the  fatherly  care  of  Dr.  Rowland  Greene,  aided 
by  his  good  wife,  and  his  brother,  Dr.  Benjamin  Greene.  The 
Quaker  school  and  woiship  seemed  to  lend  a  calm  and  tranquil 
radiance  to  this  ancient  hill.  "  Green  Hill,"  it  might  have  been 
more  appropriately  called  now  that  the  avenue  of  trees  set  out  by 
William  Kinne  were  oftering  such  grateful  shade  and  verdure.  Dr. 
Isaac  Knight  still  occupied  a  pleasant  homestead  on  tliis  hill.  John 
Monroe  and  Lot  Morgan  were  among  its  residents.  A  new  house  of 
worship  was  built  in  1813  on  land  "near  the  dwelling-house  of  Silas 
Bailey,  extending  ea-;t  four  rods  across  the  Black  Graves,  so  called  .  . 
.  .  .  .  said  meeting-house  to  be  called  the  Friends'  or  I3aptist  meet- 
ing-house and  lot  held  for  no  other  purpose." 

Sterling's  manufacturing  facilities  were  well  improved  dui-ing  this 
period.  Its  first  factory,  l)uilt  by  Dorrance,  Hall  and  others,  was 
destroyed  by  fire  soon  after  its  completion,  but  its  site  was  soon  occu- 
pied by  a  larger  building  under  the  more  exclusive  management  of 
Samuel  Ames  of  Providence,  which  was  described  in  1818  as  "one  of 
the  largest  manufacturing  establishments  in  the  State,  running  sixteen 
hundred  spindles."  The  buildings  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
workmen  were  built  of  stone,  taken  from  the  ledge  of  rocks  included 
in  the  company's  purchase.     This   "  Devil's  Den   Chimney,"  as  it  was 


430  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

previously  called,  possessed  according  to  N'iles     Gazetteer  "very   sin- 
gular and  curious  features,"  viz  : — 

"  It  is  situated  within  a  ledge  of  rocks  and  lias  a  circular  area  of  about  100 
feet  in  diameter.  Tlie  rock  is  cleft  in  two  places,  forininjj  at  each  a  chasm  or 
fissure  of  about  50  feet  deep,  through  one  of  which  there  runs  a  small  stream 
of  water;  the  other  communicates  witli  a  room  of  about  twelve  feet  square, 
at  the  interior  part  of  which  there  is  a  fireplace  and  a  chiiiinoj  extending 
through  the  rock  above,  forming  an  aperture  of  about  three  feet  square.  In 
another  part  of  the  rock  there  is  a  natural  staircase,  winding  around  it 
from  the  bottom  to  the  top.  In  the  cold  season  of  the  year  a  large  mass  of 
ice  is  formed  in  the  room  above  described  by  the  dashing  of  water  through 
the  chimney  which  continues  there  through  nearly  the  whole  of  the  warm 
mouths;  the  sun  being  almost  excluded  from  this  subterraneous  recess." 

The  American  Factory  upon  the  Quanduck,  and  a  small  cotton  fac- 
tory upon  the  Moosup,  were  also  carried  on.  Three  grain  mills,  one 
carding-machine,  one  fulling-mill  and  clothiery  works,  two  tanneries, 
four  mercantile  stores  and  two  taverns,  wei'e  reported  in  1818.  A 
post-office  had  then  been  opened — Benjamin  Tuckerinan,  postmaster. 
The  Academy  and  public  library  were  siill  maintained.  Calvin  Hib 
bard  of  Windham  had  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law.  Thomas 
Backus,  John  Partridge  and  Oliver  Hewlett  were  reported  as  prac- 
ticing physicians.  Pieice  Smith  succeeded  Asa  Montgomery  as  town 
clerk.  John  Wylie,  Thomas  Backus,  Dyer  Ames,  Richard  Burlin- 
game,  Di.\;o!i  Hall,  Jeremiah  Young,  John  Gallup  and  Calvin  Hibbard 
served  as  justices.  Other  town  offices  were  filled  by  Lemuel  Dor- 
rance,  Obadiah  Brown,  Asa  Whitford,  Jonah  Young,  Archibald 
Dorrance,  John  Hill,  John  and  Azel  Cole,  Elias  Frink,  Amos  Perkins, 
Joseph  Gallup,  John  Keigwin,  Artemas  Baker.  Good  bridges  were 
built  and  roads  altered  for  the  convenience  of  the  manufacturing  conr- 
panies.  Half  of  the  town  meetings  were  held  in  the  house  of  Azel 
Cole,  and  later  in  that  of  William  Fairman  "  on  the  new  road  near  the 
American  Cotton  Factory." 

The  meeting-house  on  Sterling  Hill  continued  to  be  used  for  public 
meetings  and  occasional  religious  services  till  about  1812,  after  which 
date  it  was  statedly  occupied  by  the  Baptists.  Under  the  [(reaching 
and  labors  of  Elder  Amos  Welles,  previously  of  Woodstock,  a  new  reli- 
gious interest  was  developed.  Baptists  in  Coventry  and  Sterling  united 
in  a  new  church  organization  Fel)ruary  lo,  1813.  Its  pastoral  chai-ge 
was  assumed  by  Elder  Welles.  Public  worship  Avas  ht'ld  alternately  a 
Coventry  and  Sterling  Hill.  Asa  Montgomery  was  chosen  deacon  in 
1816;  Philip  Keigwin  assistant.  Nearly  fifty  were  added  to  the 
church  during  the  ministiy  of  Elder  Welles,  which  continued  till  his 
death,  in  1810.  The  Plainfield  Baptist  church,  and  a  neighboring 
church  in  Rhode  Island,  united  with  this  church  in  the  Sterling  Hill 
Association,  holding  a  general  meeting  once  a  year,  which  was  largely 
attended  and  excited  much  interest. 


EXCITEMENT    IN    KILLINGLY,  ETC.  431 

The  chuvch  worshipping  in  the  Line  meeting-house  was  greatly 
broken  and  scattered.  Rev.  Elijali  Welles  after  his  dismission  from 
Scotland  labored  with  it  for  a  year  but  did  not  succeed  in  uniting  the 
flock.  Worship  was  kept  up  in  intermittent  fashion  by  a  few  brethren 
who  in  1817  sought  relief  from  the  Windham  Association.  That 
body  referred  their  case  to  the  Domestic  Missionary  Society  for  Con- 
necticut, which  from  time  to  time  extended  much-needed  aid. 

In  business  aflairs  Voluntown  reported  some  progress.  One  small 
cotton  factory,  two  carding-machines,  two  fulling-mills,  four  grain 
mills  and  two  tanneries,  were  in  operation.  Charcoal  burning  was 
also  carried  on  to  considerable  extent.  James  Alexander  seived  many 
years  as  town  clerk.  Allan  Campbell,  James  Alexander,  John  Wylie, 
Steriy  Kinne,  Amos  Treat  and  Benjamin  Gallup,  justices.  Doctois 
Allan  and  ^^  illiam  Campbell  were  widely  known  as  medical  prac- 
titioners. 

YI. 

EXCITEMENT    IN    KILLINGLY.       INVENTION     AND    DISCOVERIES. 
CHURCH   AFFAIRS.     WOMAN'S   TRACT    SOCIETY. 

rf^IIE  manufacturing  furor  raged  with  great  violence  in  Killingly, 
J-  its  numerous  rivers  oflering  such  convenient  facilities  that  tier 
own  citizens  were  able  to  embark  in  such  enterprises  with  less  foreign 
aid  than  was  requisite  in  other  towns.  "  Danielson's  Factory  "  at  the 
Quinebaug  Falls  enjoyed  a  high  place  in  popular  favor,  its  twenty 
liberal-handed  stockholders,  mostly  town  residents,  prosecuting  its  va- 
rious business  aifairs  with  much  energy.  William  Reed  served  most 
efficiently  for  many  years  as  its  agent.  Its  well-filled  store  was  man- 
aged by  the  Tiifany  brothers  from  Rhode  Island.  Once  a  year,  pro- 
prietors and  managers  met  to  report  progress  and  divide  profits,  when 
business  was  followed  by  a  jovial  good  time  and  suppei'.  The  "Stone 
Chapel"  on  the  present  site  of  the  Attawaugan,  was  built  by  Captain 
John  and  Ebenezer  Kelley  for  John  Mason  of  Thompson  in  1810,  but 
did  not  get  into  successful  operation  for  some  years,  when  John,  James 
B.  and  Edward  Mason,  Jun.,  were  incorporated  as  the  "  Stone  Chapel 
Manufacturing  Company."  Messrs.  John  Mason  and  Harvey  Blashfield 
had  the  oversight  of  this  establishment.  The  tallow  candles  needed 
for  its  morning  and  evening  service  were  dipped  by  Miss  Haniet 
Kelley,  in  batches  of  forty  dozen  at  a  time.  The  jirivilege  on  tiie 
Five-Mile  River  long  occupied  by  Talbot's  Grist-Mill  passed  into  the 
hands  of  the  Killingly  Manufacturing  Company  in  1814.  Its  con- 
stituent members  were  Rufus  Waterman,  Thomas  Thompson,  John 
Andrews  of  Providence ;  David  Wilkinson,    Henry  Howe  of  North 


432  HISTORY    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Providence,  Dr.  Robert  Grosvenor,  Jedidiah  Sabin,  Elisha  Howe,  Ben- 
jamin Greene  of  Killingly,  Smith  Wilkinson,  Eleazer  Sabin  of  Pomfret. 
The  Howes  had  charge  of  the  business,  and  the  factory  soon  built  was 
called  by  their  name.  The  remarkable  descent  of  the  Whetstone 
Brook  furnished  privileges  quite  out  of  proportion  to  its  volume  of 
water.  The  first  Chestnut  Hill  Company  to  take  advantage  of  this 
fall  was  constituted  by  Joseph  Han-is,  Ebenezer  Young,  Calvin  Leffing- 
wel],  Asa  Alexander,  George  Daiiielson,  Lemuel  Starkweather,  whose 
wheels  and  si)iiidles  were  soon  competing  with  those  of  other  manu- 
facturers. The  greatest  spirit  and  activity  prevailed  in  these  growing 
villages.  Everybody  was  hard  at  woi'k,  building,  digging,  planting, 
carting,  weaving,  spinning,  picking  cotton,  making  harnesses,  dipping 
candles,  and  attending  to  the  thousand  wants  of  the  hour.  The  wives 
and  families  of  the  manufacturing  executives  entered  into  their  work 
with  jubilant  enthusiasm,  hel])ing  everything  forward.  Mrs.  John  Mason 
was  a  lady  of  wonderful  energy  and  vivacity,  one  who  would  be  a  social 
light  in  the  darkest  corner.  Veiy  pleasant  intercourse  was  kept  up 
between  the  families  of  the  several  villages,  who  seemed  bound 
together  in  a  common  aim  and  fraternity.  The  intense  mechan- 
ical activity  of  the  time  was  manifested  by  a  remarkable 
feminine  achievement,  the  exercise  of  the  inventive  faculty,  hitherto 
dormant  in  the  female  mind.  Mrs.  Mary  Ivies  of  South  Killingly 
invented  "  a  new  and  useful  improvement  in  weaving  straw  with  silk 
or  thread,"  for  which  she  obtained  in  May,  1809,  the  first  patent 
issued  to  any  \oonian  in  the  United  States,  and  she  is  also  said  to 
have  been  the  first  female  applicant.  Mrs.  President  Madison  expressed 
her  gratification  by  a  complimentary  note  to  Mrs.  Kies.  The  fabrica- 
tion of  this  graceful  and  ingenious  complication  was  thus  added  to  the 
other  industries  of  Killingly. 

The  impulse  given  by  manufacturing  enter[)i'ise  was  manifested  in 
other  activities.  The  mineral  resources  of  the  town  were  sought  out 
and  brought  before  the  }»ublic.  The  old  Whetstone  Hills  were  found 
to  enclose  valuable  quarries  of  freestone,  suitable  for  building  pur- 
poses. IJare  and  beautiful  detached  stones  as  well  as  extensive  quar- 
ries were  found  on  Breakneck.  "  A  rich  bed  of  porcelain  clay  "  was 
discovered  on  Mashentuck  Hill,  "  pronounced  by  competent  judges  to 
equal  the  best  French  or  Chinese  clay."  Indications  of  lead  and  still 
more  valuable  ore  were  also  reported.  Many  new  roads  were  demanded 
to  facilitate  the  opening  industiies.  The  town  accepted  a  road  laid 
out  from  Danielson's  Factory  to  the  country  road  near  the  dwelling- 
house  of  Solomon  Sikes  (declining  responsibility  at  the  same  time  for 
the  bridge  over  Five-Mile  River),  and  voted  not  to  oppose  a  road  from 
Danielson's  to  the  house  of  Rev.  Israel  Day,  and  thence  to  Rhode  Island 


CHURCH    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  433 

line.  This  new  rond  to  Providence  was  very  needful  for  the  transpor- 
tation of  goods  and  cotton.  The  mercantile  operations  of  Captain 
Alexander  Gaston,  who  had  removed  from  Sterling  to  South  Killingly, 
were  also  greatly  benefited  thereby.  His  flourishing  store  added 
greatly  to  the  importance  of  this  miniature  "city."  He  was  accus- 
tomed to  buy  large  quantities  of  goods  at  auction  in  New  York 
market,  and  fai-mers  would  hurry  down  to  Providence  with  their 
teams  when  his  ships  were  expected,  tliat  they  might  reap  the  profit 
of  hauling  them  up  to  Killingly.  A  new  turnpike  project  forcibly 
urged  by  some  citizens  was  most  vigorously  resisted,  and  called  out  the 
following  successful  manifesto  : — 

""Whereas  a  contemplated  branch  of  four  miles  to  the  Connecticut  and 
Rhode  Island  turupike  (petition  by  Evan  Malbone  and  others)  is  to  nieer 
about  a  thousand  dollars  expense  upon  Killingly  wiihout  enhancing  the 
interests  of  the  town,  or  facilitating  a  convenience  to  the  public;  and, 
whereas,  such  an  obtrusion  upon  the  town  would  be  considered  as  truly  extra- 
ordinary and  unprecedented  as  it  would  be  derogatory  to  its  interests;  and, 
whereas  it  is  the  unquestioned  privilege  of  a  town  at  all  times  to  defend  and 
protect  its  interest  against  that  principle  of  invasion  which  would  sacrifice 
the  interests  of  town  and  indiviiluals  to  its  own  accommodation— therefore 
voted,  that  the  town  of  Killingly  will  never  submit  to  such  an  invasion  upon 
these  rights  while  protection  can  be  claimed  by  the  laws  of  the  State." 

So  heavy  was  the  burden  brouglit  upon  tax-payers  by  ])ublic  im- 
provements that  an  eftbrt  was  made  to  secure  town  division  by  an 
east  and  west  line  tln'ongh  the  centre.  Sampson  Howe,  Captain 
Gaston  and  Ezra  Hntchins  appear  frequently  as  moderators  of  town 
meetings  ;  Daniel  Buck,  John  Day,  Samuel  Sprague,  John  Kelly, 
Tiifany  and  John  Adams,  Jacob  Spalding,  as  selectmen  ;  Ezra 
Hntchins,  Joseph  Adams,  Anthony  Brown,  Ebenezer  Young,  Penuel 
Hutch  ins,  Luther  Warren,  Arba  Covill,  David  Chase,  as  justices  ; 
Luther  ^Varren,  town  clerk  :  Hezekiah  Howe,  constable.  E^benezer 
Young  had  now  opened  a  law  office  in  the  rising  village  of  Westfield, 
which  with  its  meeting-house,  doctor's  office  and  tavern,  was  becoming 
more  and  more  of  a  town  centre.  A  fine  house  near  the  meeting- 
house was  occupied  by  Captain  Evan  Malbone  and  his  establishment. 
Captain  Solomon  Sikes"  i)opularity  as  a  military  officer  added  much 
to  the  finne  of  his  tavern,  especially  during  war-time.  Killingly's 
artillery  company  was.  very  efficient  at  this  date,  commanded  by 
Captain  David  Bassett.  Laban  and  Barzillai  Fisher  served  as  its 
lieutenants.  William  Alexander,  Calvin  Day,  David  Chase  and 
Charles  Buck  were  rising  officers.  The  admired  South  Killingly 
company  maintained  its  standing  under  Simon  Plutchins,  John 
Eaton,  2d,  and  Aaron  Rood.  Increasing  centralization  and  other 
causes   gave    a   new    impetus   to    the    West    Killingly    church.      Mr. 

Johnson  was  dismissed  from  the  pastorate  in    1809.     His  successor, 
55 


434  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

rkOswcll  ^^'llitlllot•e,  the  son  of  an  old  Ivillintily  family  removed  to 
Aslifoid,  was  ordained  Januaiy  13,  1S];1  Ordination  services  con- 
ducted with  due  ibrm  by  Reverends  Moses  C.  Wek-li,  Walter  Lyon, 
Israel  Day  and  Elisha  Alkijis,  were  very  satisfactoiy  as  was  also  the 
Ordination  Ball  held  the  same  evening;  at  Captain  Silas  Ilutchins' 
Assembly  Koom  under  the  management  of  the  Messrs.  Malbone  and 
Ilutchins.  Many  of  the  young-  peoj)le  wlio  graced  the  Assembly 
Room  on  that  joyful  occasion  were  among  tlie  subjects  of  the  almost 
immediately  succeeding  revival  and  became  j)illars  in  church  and 
town.  Mr.  Whit  more  was  a  man  of  much  life  and  energy,  ready  to 
engage  in  any  foim  of  christian  labor  and  the  church  was  rapidly 
built  u]).  James  Danielson  and  Shubael  Ilutchins  were  elected  and 
installed  as  deacons  in  March,  1813.  The  South  Killingly  chui-ch  also 
enjoyed  religious  revivals  and  under  its  respected  pastor  peacefully 
kept  the  even  tenor  of  its  w^ay. 

Killingly  Ilill  i-eceived  its  shai'e  of  the  new  impetus.  Mr.  Smith 
Wilkinson,  tlie  Howes,  Masons,  with  many  of  their  managers  and 
operatives,  attended  woi-shi))  with  the  Noi'th  Killingly  chuich,  and 
identified  themselves  with  its  religious  and  social  interests.  Very 
agreeable  society  was  found  upon  this  hill  in  the  families  of  Captain 
Plowe,  Captain  Arnold,  Dr.  Grosvenor  and  otheis,  and  it  was  a  matter 
of  doubt  whether  the  many  frequenters  at  Cai)tain  Arnold's  were 
attracted  b^-  the  new  post-office  or  the  charms  of  his  blooming 
daughter.  A  select  school  or  class  taught  by  Mr.  ^Vtkins  was  an 
additional  attraction  to  young  people.  While  performing  the  ordinary 
ministerial  duties  with  great  fidelity  and  acceptance,  this  good  minister 
accomi)lished  nuich  for  education  and  public  culture.  His  skill  in 
stimulating  the  intellect  and  raising  the  tone  of  character  was  especially 
recognized,  and  young  ]»eople  going  out  into  the  world  needed  no 
other  recommendation  than  a  certificate  from  Mr.  Atkins.  Young  men 
went  out  from  his  training  well  ])i'epared  for  college,  business  and 
public  life ;  young  women,  fitted  for  any  station  tliat  might  await 
them.  Some  of  the  latter  became  very  successful  teachers,  perpetu- 
ating the  impress  received  from  their  revered  instructor;  otliers 
adorned  high  social  positions  at  home  and  in  distant  Slates.  The  first 
voluntary  benevolent  associations  in  Windham  County  were  greatly 
forwarded  if  not  originated  by  juipils  of  Mr.  Atkins.  The  careless 
merry-making  of  the  olden  time  had  given  place  to  a  more  earnest 
and  thoughtful  spirit.  Young  women  of  culture  and  asj)irations  felt 
that  they  had  some  other  mission  in  tlie  world  than  to  dance  and 
frolic.  Balls  and  merry-makings  weie  now  less  in  vogue  than  leading- 
clubs  and  debating  societies.  A  tendency  to  unhealthy  sentimentalism 
was  happily  checked  by  an  opportunity  to  engage  in  works  of  practical 


CHURCH    AFFAIRS,    WOMAN V    TRACT    SOCIETY,  ETC.  435 

benevolence.  The  (levelojinient  of  missionary  enterprise,  the  forma- 
tion of  the  American  Board,  the  sailing  of  the  fii'st  forei<2jn  mission- 
aries, the  fervent  ap]>eals  for  aid  and  co-operation,  awakened  the 
warmest  sympathies  of  thousands  of  Christian  women.  "Choice 
spirits  "  on  Killingly  HUl  were  among-  the  first  to  give  their  talents 
and  enei'gies  to  missionary  work.  Appeals  from  Windham  Associa- 
tion and  their  own  minister  met  immediate  response.  Interest  in  a 
foreign  field  opened  their  eyes  to  home  demands  and  necessities. 
They  found  that  mission  work  was  needed  in  their  own  commmiity, 
that  could  be  best  accomplished  by  the  associated  efforts  of  women. 
It  was  proposed  that  the  ladies  of  Killingly  North  Society  and 
Thompson  "should  unite  on  principles  of  true  Christian  charity  and 
liberality  in  a  Society  tliat  is  to  be  formed  for  the  pui-pose  of  com- 
municating moral  and  religious  instruction  by  the  distribution  of 
tracts."  A  meeting  was  accordingly  held  in  the  South  District  in 
Thompson,  July  20,  1816.  A  constitution,  prejiared  for  a  similar 
association  of  ladies  in  Proxidence,  was  unanimously  adopted.  It 
declared  the  present  ])eriod  "distinguished  by  very  uncommon  and 
important  occurrences.  While  theie  are  passing  before  us  many 
scenes  which  are  extremely  disastrous  and  gloomy  ....  nothing  can 
be  more  inteiesting  and  encouraging  than  that  spirit  of  benevolent 
exertion  for  extending   the  knowledge   and   enjoyment   of  the   Gospel 

which  has  been  extensively  excited  in   the  heai'ts  of  Christians 

not  meiely  by  ])arlicuh\i'  denominations  but  by  Christians  of  all 
denominations  ....  in  eveiy  section  of  the  earth  which  is  favored  with 
the  light  of  divine  truth."  The  object  of  the  society  was  to  promote 
the  interests  of  evangelical  piety  and  liberality  ;  its  title,  The  United 
P'emale  Tract  Society  of  Thompson  and  Killingly.  Mrs.  Martha 
Whitman  Mason,  wife  of  Mr.  William  II.  Mason — a  lady  of  great 
intelligence  and  force  of  character — was  elected  president ;  Miss  Mary 
Atkins,  Killingly,  treasurer  ;  Miss  Nancy  S.  Gay,  Thompson,  secre- 
tary ;  directors,  Misses  Susan  Bishop,  Lucina  Converse,  Penelope  W. 
Sessions  ;  receivers,  Misses  Rebekah  Gleason,  Elizabeth  Copp,  Hope 
B.  Gay.  A  hundred  and  twenty-two  ladies  "enrolled  themselves  mem- 
bers of  this  society.  It  was  then  voted  that  the  first  annual  meeting 
should  be  holden  at  the  Presbyterian  meeting-house  in  Thompson,  on 
Wednesday.  July  24,  and  that  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Dow,  Crosby  and 
Atkins  be  requested  to  attend,  and  that  3Ir.  Dow  be  requested  to 
preach  a  sermon  on  the  occasion.  "  Agreeable  to  the  previous  resolu- 
tion a  large  number  of  ladies  assembled  at  jNIrs.  Dow's  at  one  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  and  at  two  i-ejiaired  to  the  meeting-house  where  an  appropriate 
discourse  was  delivered  by  Mr.  Dow,  and  the  exercises  concluded  by  a 


436 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


very  pertinent  and  impressive  address  to  the  Throne  of  Grace  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Crosby." 

A  large  number  of  tracts  were  promptly  distributed  among  it3 
members,  and  sent  to  destitute  jilaces.  The  receivers  were  required 
to  "peruse  the  tracts"  previous  to  circulation,  and  aj^probate  or  sup- 
press them  according  to  their  judgment.  Every  family  in  the  two 
societies  was  visited  by  some  zealous  distributer  and  supplied  with 
this  form  of  religious  liteiature.  After  flourishing  for  two  years  the 
society  resolved  itself  into  an  auxiliary  Bible  Society,  for  the  general 
object  of  disseminating  the  Holy  Scriptures  in  all  languages  through- 
out the  earth.  Its  first  meeting  was  held  in  Killingly,  October,  1818. 
It  was  an-anged  to  hold  two  public  meetings  a  year,  one  in  each 
meeting-house,  on  which  occasions  sermons  should  be  ordinarily 
preached,  and  such  reports  from  societies  and  accounts  of  the  progress 
and  success  of  the  Gospel  be  read  as  the  officers  of  the  society  should 
think  proper  to  communicate. 

A  new  meeting  house  had  been  conij)leted  previous  to  this  date.  A 
vote  not  to  repair  but  to  build,  had  been  obtained  in  1815,  but  the 
difficulty  of  raising  money  without  resort  to  direct  taxation  delayed 
the  work  till  the  September  gale  so  damaged  the  old  building  that 
repairs  were  no  longer  practicable.  Proprietors  now  consented  to  re- 
linquish their  rights.  Smith  Wilkinson,  Ilobert  Grosvenor  and  Eben- 
ezer  Kelly  were  appointed  to  exhibit  a  plan  and  report  expense. 
"  Plan  "  was  more  easily  agreed  njjon  than  site,  which  excited  much 
discussion.  A  committee  sent  by  the  County  Court  affixed  a  }ilace 
that  was  rejected.  January  28,  1818,  the  remains  of  the  old  meeting- 
house and  step  stones  were  sold  at  auction — Mr.  Wilkinson  officiating 
as  salesman.  It  was  then  voted  that  the  names  of  the  j)roi)rietors 
should  be  called  ;  those  who  wished  to  have  the  meeting-house  erected 
on  the  hill  south  of  Mr.  Atkins  should  answer — "Hill" — and  those 
who  wished  it  on  the  common — "Common."  Twenty  two  declared 
for  common,  eighteen  for  hill.  The  accepted  site  was  "tliat  part  of 
the  ancient  meeting-house  lot  lying  between  Providence  and  Killingly 
Turnpike  and  the  road  leading  to  the  new  factory  so  called,  near 
the  east  side  of  said  lot."  This  point  deciiled,  the  house  was  built 
during  the  following  summer  under  the  supervision  of  Ellas  Carter. 
"  Spirits  "  used  in  raising  the  fratne  cost  twenty-five  dollars.  Prosper 
Alexander,  Josiah  Deane,  Asa  Cutler,  served  as  society  committee ; 
Augustus  Howe,  clerk ;  Joseph  Adams,  treasurer.  Its  dedication  was 
attended  by  all  the  elite  of  the  County. 

The  Baptists  on  Chestnut  Hill  happily  united  in  choice  of  Calvin 
Cooper,  a  native  of  Northbridge,  who  brought  a  suitable  recommenda- 
tion from    the   Second  Baptist  Church  of  Sutton.     The   day  of  his 


CHUECH    AFFAIRS,    WOMAn's    TRACT    SOCIETY,  ETC.  437 

ordination,  October  14,  1807,  was  marked  by  the  gatliering  of  all  the 
leading  Baptists  in  the  vicinity,  viz :  Elder  Abel  Palmer  of  Hampton  ; 
Dea.  Henry  Wells,  Robert  Baxter  and  James  Wheaton  from  Wood- 
stock ;  Elder  Pearson  Crosby,  Deacon  Lemuel  Knapp,  Thomas  Day, 
James  Brown  and  Joseph  Town  from  Thompson  ;  Elder  Zenas  Leon- 
ard, Deacon  Fish  and  Reuben  Stone  from  Sturbridge  ;  Jeremiah  Field, 
Thomas  Brown  and  Stephen  Chapman  from  Pomfret ;  William  Bach- 
ellor  and  Deacon  Whipple  from  Sutton.  Elder  Palmer  was  chosen 
moderator.  The  council  was  "  measurably  satisfied  with  the  relation 
of  the  candidate  relative  to  his  conversion  from  nature  to  grace,  his 
call  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  his  views  of  the  Gospel,  and 
concluded  to  proceed  to  ordination."  Agreeably  to  arrangement,  "  the 
several  parts  were  performed  at  the  Baptist  meeting-house,"  and  Mr. 
Cooper  solemnly  set  apart  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  with  earnest 
prayer  for  his  success  and  usefulness.  These  good  wishes  were 
"measurably  satisfied."  Elder  Cooper's  ministry  was  the  longest  en- 
joyed by  the  church,  and  perhaps  the  most  harmonious  and  prosperous. 
The  building  up  of  many  factory  villages  in  its  vicinity  brought  a 
large  accession  to  i)opulation  and  church  membership,  but  as  had  been 
l)reviously  the  case  many  of  these  members  were  uni'eliable  and  disor- 
derly and  the  church  was  constantly  agitated  with  questions  of  disci- 
pline. Many  were  excluded  for  neglect  of  oidinances  and  open  mis- 
demeanors. In  1817,  "Brother  John  M.  Hunt  was  unanimously  set 
apart  for  ordination  to  the  evangelical  ministry  of  the  Gospel."  The 
first  council  called  for  this  purpose  thought  the  church  had  been  too 
hasty  in  this  movement,  but  after  farther  trial  of  the  young  man  he 
was  formally  ordained  to  this  work  by  Elders  Crosby,  Grow,  Dwinell 
and  Coles.  Elder  Cooper,  Deacons  Jonathan  Harrington,  Sampson 
(■ovill,  Edward  Chase  and  Silas  Slater,  and  Brethren  Edward  Baitlett, 
Ezekiel  Smith  and  Samuel  Bullock,  represented  tlie  church  before  this 
council.  During  this  year  it  was  voted  that  deacons  should  be 
ordained  in  their  offices,  but  after  hearing  those  then  standing  in  nomi- 
nation "  relate  the  leading  traits  of  their  minds  as  to  the  deaconship," 
the  vote  was  reconsidered  and  rescinded.  The  actual  membership  of 
the  church  during  this  period  cannot  be  ascertained,  but  the  character 
of  its  officers  and  leading  men  would  indicate  a  good  standing  and 
gradual  improvement. 

Killingly's  excessive  activity  during  the  war  was  followed  l)y  corres- 
ponding depression.  Mills  owned  by  men  of  moderate  means  were 
generally  closed,  and  those  that  still  kept  at  work  did  so  to  the  pecu- 
niary loss  of  the  projjrietors.  Experiments  in  machinery  and  modes 
of  work  were  meanwhile  .tested,  power-looms  introduced  and  many 
improvements  effected.     A  strong  conviction  in  the  ultimate  success 


438  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

of  manufacturing  enterpiise,  and  its  peculiar  adaptation  to  their  own 
town,  encouraged  tliese  pioneers  to  continue  their  eftbrts  during  the 
darkest  days.  Companies  were  re-organized,  new  men  and  capital 
brought  in,  and  when  business  revived  Killingly  mills  were  soon  under 
fresh  headway.  In  1819,  the  town  had  so  far  recovered  from  its  losses 
as  to  report  four  factories  in  operation,  "all  of  which  contain  about 
five    thousand   spindles,   and   were   erected    at  an  expense,  including 

buildings,  machinery,  &c.,  of   nearly    $300,000 At   the 

Danielson  Manufactory,  water  looms  have  been  introduced,  and  in  gen- 
eral the  business  is  carried  on  upon  the  most  improved  principles  and 
very  advantageously.  Besides  the  cotton  factories  there  are  one 
woolen  factory,  one  gin  distillery,  one  paper-hanging  manufactory, 
four  dye-houses,  three  clothiers'  works,  three  carding-machines,  three 
tanneries,  eight  grain  mills,  eight  saw-mills."  There  wei-e  also  in  the 
town  six  mercantile  stores,  four  social  libraries,  five  clergymen,  six 
physicians  and  one  attorney.  A  post-office  had  been  opened  at 
Killingly  Centre.  Experiments  in  straw  weaving  were  brought  to  an 
untimely  end  by  a  sovereign  decree  from  the  supreme  arbiter  of  fash- 
ion, and  hopes  of  pecuniary  profit  proved  as  brittle  as  the  straw  with 
which  Mrs.  Kies  had  wrought  out  her  ingenious  invention.  Her  son, 
Daniel  Kies,  Esq.,  of  Brooklyn,  as  well  as  friends  at  home,  lost 
heavily  by  investing  in  a  manufacture  which  by  a  sudden  change  of 
fashion  became  utterly  valueless. 


YIL 

THOMPSON'S    MANUFACTURING   COMPANIES.     VILLAGE    GROWTH 
AND  IMPROVEMENTS.     THE  GREAT  REVIVAL  OF  1818-14. 

f'l^^IIE  Thom]»son  Manufacturing  Company  was  foi'ined  in  1811  — 
J-  John  Mason,  John  Nichols,  Jun.,  Tlieodore  Dwiglit,  Rufus 
Coburn,  Nathaniel  Crosby,  all  of  Thompson,  and  James  B.  Mason  of 
Povidence,  associating  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a  so-called 
cotton  manufactory.  Land  on  the  French  River — a  swampy  hollow, 
"  near  the  old  bridge-place  below  Stephen  Crosby's  mills  " — was 
purcliased  of  Willard  Whittemore  and  John  Elliott.  As  soon  as 
possible  buildings  were  put  up  and  machinery  set  in  motion,  but  ere 
the  establishment  was  fairly  under  way  a  change  of  base  had  been 
elfected.  Rhode  Island  capital  again  secured  the  prize.  Land,  water- 
privilege,  buildings,  machinery,  stock  of  yarn  and  cloth,  were  made 
over  to  Mr.  James  B.  Mason,  April  17,  1813,  for  the  sum  of  $11,000. 
The  Mason  Brotliers,  James   B.,  Amasa,  William  II.   and  John,  now 


Thompson's  manctfacturing  companies,  etc.  439 

joint'd  in  company — John  Nichols  also  retaining  a  share.  Mr.  William 
II.  Mason  assumed  the  management  of  alfairs  and  soon  the  factory 
was  in  successful  operation.  Laboring  men  with  their  families,  young 
men  and  girls,  hastened  to  engage  work  in  its  various  departments, 
and  the  lonely  valley  was  transformed  into  a  brisk  little  village,  known 
for  many  yeais  as  "  The  Swamp  "  and  "  Swamp  Factory  " — names 
dei'isively  given  by  rival  maimfacturers  in  other  parts  of  the  town. 
The  Connecticut  Manufacturing  Company  was  also  foi'med  in  1811, 
buying  a  Quinebaug  privilege  near  the  Boston  turnpike  bridge.  Its 
constituent  members  were  John  Nichols,  .Jonathan  Nichols,  .Jun.,  Daniel 
Dwight,  William  Dwight,  Jun.,  Benjamin  Arnold,  Samuel  P(!rrin.  A 
sub>tantial  bi'ick  ediiice  built  undei'  their  direction  was  soon  equipped 
and  ready  for  action,  and  the  Brick  Factory  took  its  place  among 
eager  competitors.  The  bricks  used  in  constructing  this  factoiy 
buihling,  and  many  substantial  tlwelling-houses  in  different  parts 
of  the  town,  were  mamifactured  at  Allen's  floui'ishing  brick-works 
in  West  Th<)m])son.  Men  i while  Rliode  Island  adventurers  had  also 
ap))roi)riated  a  pi'ivilege  on  the  Five-Mile  River  in  the  east  of  the 
town.  Emor  Angell,  Nehemiah  Knight,  Thomas  Burgess,  John 
Mackie,  all  of  Providence,  Slejihen  Matthewsun  of  Johnson,  associat- 
ing with  Josiali  Sessions  and  Joseph  Waterman  of  Thompson,  under 
the  name  of  the  Quaddic  Manufacturing  Company,  and  buying  land 
of  Deacon  elonathan  Converse.  Quaddic  Factory  was  built  in  1813, 
and  devoted  at  first  to  manufacturing  woolen  hats.  A  carding 
machine  on  the  Quinebaug  in  the  northwest  of  the  town  accommo- 
dated many  customers  in  Thompson  and  Woodstock.  These  manu- 
facturing enterprises  were  followed  by  the  usual  results,  general 
quickening  and  activity,  and  development  in  every  direction.  The 
Swamp  I^'actory  establishnient  was  particularly  enterprising  and  helpful. 
Many  men  were  employed  iu  out-door  labor,  filling  up  the  hollows 
and  draining  the  malarious  swamps.  Many  teamsters  were  needed  to 
draw  the  cotton  from  distant  marts.  It  was  said  that  one  load  brought 
from  Philadelphia  dui'ing  the  war  cost  the  company  $1,400.  The  town 
showed  its  appreciation  of  the  new  industries  by  favoring  them  with 
needful  roads  and  bridges.  A  road  was  laid  out  from  Swamp  Factory 
to  Woodstock,  and  roads  leading  to  Pomfret  Factoiy  improved  and 
altered.  The  bridges  pertaining  to  the  Thompson  Turnpike  Com- 
pany were  now  assumed  by  the  town.  A  bridge  contractor  whose 
work  was  not  satisfactory,  was  suspended  from  town  privileges  till 
defects  Avere  remedied.  In  1811,  the  town  voted  to  encourage  inocula- 
tion, and  appointed  two  men  in  each  school  district  to  assist  Dr. 
Fanshear  in  performing  the  service.  A  public  burying-ground  having 
now    been    laid  out   in    the    Jacobs   District,   the   town  ordered   the 


440  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

selectmen  to  provide  two  hearses  for  public  use.  James  Wheaton, 
Abel  Jacobs,  William  Larason,  Pardon  Luther,  Joel  Chaffee  and 
Theodore  Dwight,  were  licensed  by  the  civil  authority  in  1813,  to 
keep  houses  of  public  entertainment. 

Thompson  village,  which  had  been  somewhat  straitened  by  scarcity 
of  building  lots,  received  a  new  impulse  in  1814,  when  land  belong- 
ing to  the  heirs  of  Samuel  Watson,  was  thrown  into  market.  Eligible 
building  sites  on  both  sides  the  turnpike  north  of  the  common  were 
quickly  secured.  The  present  tavern-stand  at  the  intersection  of  the 
two  turnpikes  and  houses  north  of  it,  were  built  by  Stephen  E.  Teift, 
Dr.  Webb,  Noadiah  Comins  and  Hezekiah  Olney.  The  latter 
engaged  in  hat  manufacture ;  Comins  opened  a  saddler's  shop.  Dr. 
Webb  unfortunately  miscalculated  his  balance  sheet  and  was  obliged 
to  take  unceremonious  leave  of  patients  and  creditors.  His  unfinished 
house  was  completed  and  occupied  by  Dr.  King,  while  Dr.  Horatio 
Holbrook  built  a  new  house  nearly  op])osite.  Esquire  Larned,  who 
bought  out  the  Watson  land,  retained  the  family  homestead  at  the 
north  extremity  of  the  village.  The  handsome  brick  house  on  the 
cornel'  below  built  by  John  Nichols,  was  further  improved  by  setting 
out  trees  in  the  little  triangular  green  opposite,  commonly  termed 
"The  Heater  Piece."  Meanwhile  a  new  church  edifice  had  been  com- 
pleted. After  much  opposition  from  time-honored  fathers  who  insisted 
that  the  old  house  was  good  for  another  century,  that  discriminating 
gale  (which  gave  so  many  gala-days  to  Windham  County  by  opening 
the  way  for  the  ei'ection  of  new  meeting-houses),  came  to  tlie  aid  of 
Young  Amei'ica,  and  so  dismantled  it  that  repairs  would  cost  as  much 
as  re-building.  At  a  society  meeting  the  week  after  that  remarkable 
jirovidential  visitation,  September  25,  1815,  it  was  voted  "  not  to  repair, 
but  to  build."  Thaddeus  and  George  Larned,  Elijah  Crosby,  Zadoc 
Ilutchins,  Isaac  Davis,  John  Nichols,  Noadiah  Russel,  David  Town, 
Daniel  Dwight,  John  Brown,  Roger  and  Joseph  Elliott  and  James 
Bates,  were  appointed  committee  for  building.  An  association  was 
formed,  subscribers  agreeing  to  build  a  meeting-house  not  expending 
over  $6,000.  Mr.  Itliiel  Town,  son  of  Archelaus  Town  of  Thompson, 
a  piomising  architect  then  settled  in  New  Haven,  presented  the  plan  ; 
Elias  Carter  had  chai-ge  of  the  work  ;  Harvey  Dresser  of  Charlton, 
furnished  the  painting  below  the  lofty  pulpit,  which  so  artfully 
simulated  a  stairway  with  curtained  drapery  that  it  was  a  perpetual 
wonder  to  children  that  Mr.  Dow  did  not  make  use  of  it.  The  dedica- 
tion of  the  new  house  was  observed,  September,  1817,  with  the 
usual  ceremonies  and  rejoicing.  The  singing  under  the  direction  of 
that  lenowned  choir  leader,  Mr.  Charles  Shai'])e,  was  greatly  admired, 
as  were  also  the  veiy  handsome  young  ladies,  who  occuj^ied  the  front 


VILLAGE    GROWTH    AND    IMPROVEMENTS,    ETC. 


441 


seats  of  the  gallery  on  that  occasion.  The  old  meeting-house  was 
taken  aci'oss  the  street  and  reconstructed  into  a  town  house  with  stores 
uuderneatli,  where  its  prolonged  jniblic  service  in  various  capacities 
justified  the  good  opinion  of  the  venerating  fathers,  and  still  bears 
witness  to  the  solid  character  of  its  builders  and  timbers.  Its  post- 
office  was  then  administered  by  John  Nichols,  Esq.  The  stores  were 
run  by  the  Teffts,  "Nichols  and  Dwight,"  and  others.  A  very  satis- 
factory house  of  entertainment  was  conducted  by  Theodore  Dwight,  in 
the  central  tavern. 

This  era  of  growth  and  business  pi-osperity  was  also  marked  by  a 
very  powerful  and  wide-spread  religious  revival,  pervading  both 
churches  and  extending  into  the  adjacent  towns.  Ehler  Pearson 
Crosby  sent  to  the  Baptist  Magazine  in  1814  a  very  interesting  ac- 
count of  this  work.  Beginning  the  previous  autumn  "at  a  conference 
meeting  in  Rev.  Mr.  Dow's  society,"  it  soon  spread  to  the  Baptist 
chuich.  "Conference  meetings  were  generally  well  attended  and  the 
life  and  energy  dis])layed  on  tliese  occasions  made  a  means  of  con- 
ti-ibuting  to  advancement."  Elder  Crosby  gives  a  most  unflattering 
picture  of  the  Swamp  Factory  village  as  a  place  "  where  for  two  or 
three  years  Satan  had  seemed  to  reign  with  almost  sovereign  and 
despotic  sway.  Vice  and  immorality  permitted  to  riot  without  con- 
trol. The  sound  of  the  violin,  attended  with  dancing,  the  sure  prelude 
to  greater  scenes  of  revelry  for  the  night."  Conference  ])reaching  and 
meetings  were  held  there  and  impressions  made.  Elder  Crosby  reports 
— "Convictions  of  the  most  pungent  and  powerful  character.  Some 
wrought  upon  in  the  most  sudden  manner — one  moment  swearing, 
cursing  and  ridiculing  religion  ;  the  next,  calling  upon  Cod  to  save 
their  souls.  In  less  than  a  week  instead  of  the  violin,  the  songs  of 
Zion,  and  preaching  and  conference  every  evening."  The  preaching 
of  Elder  Thomas  Paul  "had  a  most  blessed  eifect  in  awakening, 
convicting  and  converting  souls." 

"  Eighteen  baptismal  seasons,"  all  characterized  by  the  greatest 
solemnity,  were  observed  by  Elder  Crosby  during  this  remarkable 
revival,  and  a  large  number  added  to  his  church.  A  corresponding 
religious  interest  prevailed  for  several  years  in  the  Congregational 
churcli  and  about  ninety  added  to  its  membership.  The  Methodist 
society  was  also  quickened  and  strengthened.  Many  were  added  to 
the  church.  An  earnest  brother,  Shubael  Cady,  labored  with  much 
zeal  and  eftect,  and  gathered  the  children  into  a  class  for  instruction — 
perhaps  the  first  attempted  Sunday  school  in  the  County.  The  meet- 
ing-house was  much  improved  by  galleries  and  pews  brought  from 
Southbridge. 

This  revival,  so  gracious  and  beneficial  in  its  general  results,  was 
56 


4:4:2  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

nnliappily  marred  by  tlie  sectarian  strife  and  bitterness  unavoidable  at 
a  time  wlien  all  these  good  people  most  firmly  believed  that  every  iota 
of  their  own  doctrinal  tenets  was  right  and  every  opposite  shade  of 
belief  hei-etieal,  and  that  it  was  their  duty  to  use  every  possible  en- 
deavor to  convince  their  op])onents  of  their  errors.  Ardent  Metho- 
dists, aglow  with  revival  fervor,  could  not  speak  gently  of  those  who 
U])(in  any  ground  would  limit  the  freeness  ol"  salvation  and  the  free- 
dom of  the  will.  Self-denying  Baptists,  glorying  in  their  obedience  to 
the  literal  command  and  example  of  their  Master,  could  not  sit  idly 
down  and  see  precious  young  converts  fail  to  follow  that  Divine  exam- 
ple, and  to  receive  what  they  deemed  the  only  ti-ue  baptism  and  c<)m- 
munion.  And  the  valiant  leader  of  the  Cojigregational  forces,  equally 
positive  in  his  own  convictions,  returned  their  assaults  with  intei'est, 
and  even  carried  the  war  into  the  enemy's  country.  Keen,  witty, 
logical,  eloquent,  with  all  his  lesouices  at  instant  command,  Mr.  Dow 
was  a  most  formidable  antagonist,  but  fortunately  for  his  opponents  his 
audacity  sometimes  led  him  to  acts  of  rashness  which  gave  them  the 
advantage.  Such  an  act  was  his  api)earing  upon  the  platform  at  the 
first  camp-meeting  in  Windham  County,  where  hundreds  of  zealous 
Methodists  were  preaching,  praying,  exhorting,  singing  and  shouting 
after  their  peculiar  fashion,  and  when  asked  to  speak,  boldly  denounc- 
ing in  most  straightforwaid  terms  their  whole  method  of  procedure. 
Young  peo])le  of  his  own  congregation,  timidly  questioning  the  valid- 
ity of  their  baptismal  sprinkling  in  infancy,  and  humbly  seeking  clearer 
light  and  evidence,  were  little  helped  by  a  discourse  upon  "  vain 
jangling"  and  the  keen  home  thrust,  "Have  not  some  of  you  been 
jangling  about  your  bcqitlstn  f  Though  so  staunch  an  advocate  of 
sprinkling,  Mr.  Dow  of  course  consented  to  immerse  any  candidate 
not  previously  baptized  in  infancy.  On  one  such  occasion  a  great 
crowd  had  -gathered,  including  many  Baptists,  curious  to  witness  an 
immersion  performed  by  such  an  uncompromising  believer  in  sprink- 
ling, an<l  as  the  two  came  up  together  out  of  tlie  water  they  broke 
out  spontaneously  into  their  usual  triumphant  song; — 

"  How  happy  are  they 
Who  their  Saviour  obey," — 

"Stop,  stop!"  said  Mr.  Dow,  "there's  another  subject!" — and  taking 
a  little  girl  who  stood  by  fi'om  the  hands  of  her  parents,  he  dipped  the 
flowing  water  and  touched  the  brow  of  the  child,  repeating  the 
formula  of  baptism.  "Now,"  he  remarked  to  the  astonished  specta- 
tors, "  you  can  go  on  with  your  hymn," — but  the  zeal  of  the  discom- 
fited Baptists  was  thoroughly  quenched. 

Wrong-doers  in  his  own  congregation  found  little  mercy  from  the 
out-spoken    pastor.     Young    people   wdio    had    attended   a   dance    or 


THE    GREAT    REVIVAL,    ETC.  443 

merry-makinoj  would  be  greeted  the  foUowiiia;  Sabbath  with  the  ex- 
pressive query — "How  h)no-  ye  simple  ones  will  ye  love  simplicity'?" 
A  house-warming  frolic  in  which  some  of  the  most  prominent  men  in 
the  congregation  had  been  leil  to  great  excesses,  called  out  a  most 
scathing  rebuke  from  the  woi'ds — "'  Wlio  hath  woe?  who  hath  sori-ow  ? 
who  hath  contentions  ?  who  hath  babbling  ?"  &c. — the  first  temperance 
sermon  ever  delivered  in  Thompson.  Answering  the  objection  that 
some  could  not  live  without  the  use  of  liquor,  he  thuudei'ed  out  in  his 
most  emphatic  manner — "  Well,  die  then  !  better  die  sober  than  Uoe 
drunk/  Better  die  noin  and  die  sober,  die  pe/iUent,  than  die  ten 
years  hence  and  lose  your  souls  T 

Mr.  Dow's  peculiar  chai'acteristics  were  sometimes  unpleasantly 
manifested  on  funeral  occasions.  Believing  only  in  imputed  or  en 
grafted  righteousness,  he  gave  small  praise  to  natural  gi'aces.  '•  IIo, 
ye  who  ride  upon  white  asses!  "  furnished  the  text  for  discourse  upon 
the  death  of  General  Washingtoii,  in  which  he  pronounced  judgment 
upon  that  great  and  good  man  with  all  the  freedom  and  plainness  of 
Isaiah  or  Jeremiah.  Still  less  complimentary  was  a  sermon  preached 
at  the  funeral  of  one  of  his  most  prominent  parishioners,  who  had  done 
more  than  any  one  in  the  society  for  its  temporal  prosperity,  but  was 
not  a  member  of  the  church.  "A  wise  man's  eyes  are  in  his  head,  but 
the  fool  walketh  in  darkness,"  afforded  little  comfort  to  mourning 
friends.  With  such  a  strongly-marked  character,  great  natural  ability 
and  clear  conviction  of  duty,  Mr.  Dow  made  a  very  strong  impression 
upon  the  community,  and  even  those  who  disliked  his  doctrines  and 
preaching  were  forced  to  acknowledge  him  as  a  power.  His  own  people 
while  sometimes  wincing  under  his  darts,  regarded  him  with  great 
pride  and  aifection,  and  he  was  still  looked  upon  as  in  a  certain  sense 
minister  of  the  town,  remote  residents  craving  his  services  at  wed- 
dings and  funerals.  Explicit  "Aiticlesof  Faith  and  Covenant "  were 
adopted  by  the  church  in  1818.  Deacons  Aaron  and  Moses  Bixby 
were  now  in  active  service,  whose  venerable  figures  seated  beneath  the 
lofty  pulpit  inspired  the  deepest  reverence  in  youthful  minds.  The 
children  supposed  that  their  appropriate  names  belonged  to  them  ex- 
ojflclo  ;  tiiat  all  deacons  were  called  Moses  and  Aaron. 

Tiie  Baptist  church  continued  to  increase  in  numbers,  order  and  sta- 
bility. Elder  Crosby  was  a  strict  disciplinarian  and  less  democratic  in 
his  views  of  church  administration  than  was  common  among  Baptists 
at  that  date.  This  was  shown  by  approval  of  a  standing  committee, 
disapproval  of  women's  preaching,  and  consenting  that  the  amount 
needful  for  his  support  should  be  raised  by  an  "  everedge  "  ujiou  each 
member  which  differed  only  in  name  from  the  obnoxious  rate-bill  of 
the  standing  order.     "A  Rule  for  the  Management  of  its  Temporal  Con- 


444  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

cerns"  was  ndopted  by  the  clmrch  in  1M18,  whicli  pi-ovidcd,  "Tliat  all 
Delegated  power  in  things  of  a  temporal  concern  shall  be  vested  in 
the  Deacons  except  in  such  things  as  the  church  shall  think  proper  to 
add  other  brethren."'  It  was  to  be  the  duty  of  the  Deacons  "to  make 
out  the  Everage  Bill,"  lay  it  before  the  church  for  ratification,  receive 
])ayment,  warn  and  report  delinquents,  and  if  any  should  neglect  to 
pay  within  a  month  of  the  time  specified,  church  fellowship  would  be 
withheld  till  satisfaction  was  given.  Thomas  Day  and  Stephen 
Crosby  were  the  much-esteemed  deacons,  entrusted  with  such 
momentous  duties.  Dishonest  dealing,  intemperance,  family  conten- 
tions, and  giving  away  to  ])assion,  were  among  the  offences  relinked 
by  formal  letter  and  admonition.  During  the  absence  of  Elder 
Crosby  the  church  allowed  a  zealous  sister  fi-om  Vermont  to  occupy 
the  pulpit,  but  the  pastor  on  Lis  retui-n  "whijit  us  smart*  for  hear 
ing  a  woman,"  and  lamented  that  "grievous  wolves"  should  have 
been  allowed  entrance  to  his  flock.  In  1819,  Elder  Crosby,  having 
decided  to  follow  his  children  to  Fredonia,  New  York,  resiuned  his 
charge,  to  the  great  grief  of  his  people.  Three  hundred  and  fifty  four 
had  been  added  to  the  churcli  during  his  ministry.  His  immediate 
successor  was  Elder  John  Nichols  of  West  Thompson,  received  into 
the  fellowship  of  the  Baptist  church  and  ministry  in  presence  of  a  large 
and  attentive  assembly.  May  10,  1819. 


VIII. 

THE    REVIVAL   IN    POMFRET.     BUSINESS    AFFAIRS.     MORAL    AND 
AGRICULTURAL  SOCIETIES.     GENERAL  PROGRESS. 

THE  religious  revival  of  1813-14,  extended  to  Pomfret,  "that 
worthy  character,  Elder  James  Grow,  being  exercised  with  the 
tenderest  feelings  of  regard  and  concern"  for  the  sj^iritual  welfiire  of 
his  flock,  and  his  unwearied  " exeitions  jiroductive  of  nuich  good."' 
Many  were  converted  and  united  with  his  church,  which  in  time 
was  able  to  erect  a  house  of  worship  on  Pomfret  street.  Very  great 
religious  interest  was  excited  in  Pomfret  Factory  village  and  down  the 
Quinebaug  valley.  Most  impressive  and  awakening  meetings  were 
held  in  the  Brick  and  Gary  school-houses.  The  Methodists  were  very 
active  in  this  vicinity,  holding  meetings  in  the  Penin  House  and  other 
piivate  dwellings.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Elijah  Bugbee,  Noah  Perrin,  Mrs. 
Lucy  Perrin  Gary,  had  long  been  known  as  prominent  leaders  and  ex- 

*  Diary  of  Josepli  Josliu. 


THE    REVIVAL    IN    POMFKET,  BUSINESS    AFFAIRS,   ETC.  445 

horters.  A  nephew,  brought  up  by  the  latter,  George  Gary,  was  con- 
verted at  the  age  of  seventeen,  and  almost  immediately  began  preaching 
with  remarkable  power  and  efficiency.  The  first  Methodist  camp- 
meeting  in  Windham  County,  was  held  in  Perrin's  Grove,  in  1808. 
Throngs  came  from  all  parts  of  the  country  and  great  excitement  pre- 
vailed. The  presence  and  avowed  disapproval  of  Kev.  Daniel  Dow 
added  to  the  commotion,  and  he  was  tauntingly  reminded  that  as  ac- 
cording to  his  theory  the  camp  meeting  had  been  divinely  fore-ordained 
he  should  not  presume  to  find  fault  with  it. 

The  afi^airs  of  the  Pomfret  Majiufncturing  Company  were  most  effi- 
cieutly  administered  by  Mr.  Smith  Wilkinson.  Wild  land  in  the  vicinitv 
of  the  Factory  was  bought  and  brought  under  cultivation.  Population 
increased  steadily,  resjicctable  families  moving  to  the  village  to  find 
work  for  their  children.  The  old  Cargill  grist-mill  was  still  kept 
busily  at  work,  and  the  Cargill  tavern  was  kept  up  under  Malachi 
Green  and  other  landlords.  The  old  gin  distilleiy  was  turned  to 
better  uses,  and  a  neat  brick  school  house  built  in  1812,  adorned 
a  sightly  eminence  east  side  the  river.  A  new  road  was  laid  out 
to  the  Brick  Factory  intersecting  with  the  Woodstock  and  Thomp- 
son Turni)ike,  facilitating  travel  and  trade  with  both  those  towns. 
A  road  was  also  cut  thiongh  the  woods  over  Park's  Hill  in  1818, 
and  the  i)revious  road  pitching  down  to  Bnndy's  mills  discontinued. 
Other  roads  were  altered  and  improved  leading  to  Pomfret  and 
Killingly,  Mr.  Wilkinson  lielping  them  on  with  landand  labor. 
The  financial  affairs  of  the  Company  were  very  flourishing.  Yarn 
was  sent  out  for  weaving  all  over  the  country  even  as  far  as 
Brimfield,  Mass.  A  dividend  of  )S36,000  was  made  in  one  of  the 
years  of  war,  and  so  well  established  was  the  company  that  it  was 
able  to  continue  work  during  the  succeeding  embarrassments.  Mr. 
Wilkinson  was  a  strict  disciplinarian,  and  looked  carefully  after  the 
morals  of  the  community.  At  his  especial  request  the  Windham 
Association  furnished  "  religious  instruction  "  at  stated  intervals,  hold- 
ing meetings  in  the  Brick  school-house.  A  Pomfret  Woolen  Manufac- 
turing Company  was  incorporated  in  1817,  and  ei'ected  buildings  upon 
the  Mashamoquet,  but  it  suffered  severely  from  the  great  flood  the 
following  year,  and  other  causes,  and  disbanded  after  a  time  with 
pecuniary  loss  to  its  associates.  Bridges  and  dams  at  Pomfret 
Factory  and  Bundy's  mills  were  carried  away  by  that  most  destruc- 
tive freshet,  which  inflicted  great  damage  upon  all  the  manufacturing 
corporations  of  the  country. 

In  general  town  aftairs  there  was  little  deserving  record.  The 
town  opposed  the  war  vigoiously,  but  did  its  part  towards  maintaining 
it,   sending  skillful   surgeons  to   the   regular  army  and  lively   militia 


440  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

companies  to  tlie  relief  of  New  London  and  Stonington.  Its  influence 
in  State  and  County  was  strengthened  by  tlie  public  spirit  and  intelli- 
gence of  its  prominent  men — Judge  Thomas  and  General  Lemuel 
Grosvenor,  Sylvanus  Backus,  John  Holbrook,  Lemuel  Ingalls,  Doctors 
Hubbard  and  Hall,  and  other  men  of  weight  and  character  who 
occupied  less  conspicuous  positions.  Sylvanus  Backus  served  for 
many  yeai's  as  speaker  of  the  House  of  Repi'esentatives  at  home, 
and  was  elected  re|)resentative  to  Congress  in  1817.  Ebenezer,  son 
of  General  Lemuel  Grosvenor,  was  graduated  from  Yale  in  1807,  and 
after  completing  legal  studies  also  settled  in  Pomfret — a  man  of  much 
culture  and  ability,  giving  promise  of  future  eminence.  Dr.  Hub- 
bard's surgical  skill  was  becoming  widely  noted,  attracting  many 
students,  who  followed  him  on  horseback  on  his  daily  rounds,  striving 
to  keep  pace  with  his  swiftly  running  sulky,  and  thinking  themselves 
most  favored  if  they  could  ride  a  few  moments  by  his  side,  catch 
his  oracular  opinions  and  enjoy  his  humorous  anecdotes.  Other  young 
men  were  studying  law  with  Es(juire  Backus.  Probate  and  post-otfices 
enjoyed  abundant  patronage.  A  floui'ishing  business  was  carried  on 
by  Charles  L.  Webb.  Dr.  Darius  Hutchins  and  Samuel  Lyon  engaged 
in  ti-ade  in  Abington  Society.  Several  other  stores  were  supported  in 
town,  together  with  three  fulling-mills  and  clothier's  works,  two  card- 
ing-machines,  three  small  distilleries,  four  gi-ain  mills  and  six  tanneries. 
The  Killingly  and  Pomfret  Turnpike  was  discontinued  after  a  time 
and  the  bridge  built  for  its  accommodation  removed.  The  great  flood 
of  1817,  compelled  the  erection  of  new  l)ridges  at  Pomfret  Factoiy. 
One  of  Pomfret's  casualties  was  a  raid  of  thieves,  stealing  clothing 
from  Deacon  Payson  and  others.  Ten  dollars  was  allowed  by  the 
town,  expended  in  horse  ride  and  pursuit. 

Rev.  Aaron  Putnam,  sec(md  pastor  of  Pomf let's  first  church,  died  in 
1813,  and  was  l)uried  with  all  the  accustomed  solemnities,  ministers 
serving  as  ])all-bearers.  Tlie  i)astorate  of  Rev.  Asa  King  was  har- 
monious and  fruitful.  The  ])i'ayer  and  conference  meetings  (piietly 
introduced  by  him  wei'e  greatly  ble8se<l  to  spiritual  quickening  and 
growth.  A  special  revival  season  was  enjoyed  in  1808,  when  seventy 
members  were  added  to  the  chui'ch.  A  most  radical  and  thorough 
work,  "it  changed  the  character  and  lial)its  of  the  place  and  laid  the 
foundations  of  good  for  future  generations."  An  imposing  addition 
was  now  made  to  tlie  great  meeting-house — a  lofty  tower  or  steeple 
and  a  s[)acious  ])Oich.  An  unfoitiinate  casualty  wiiile  raising  tlie 
frame,  turned  that  day  of  festivity  into  one  of  mourning.  Barnard 
Philips,  a  youth  of  nineteen,  who  had  eagerly  sought  a  place  in  the 
honored  band  wlio  were  allowed  to  assist  in  this  hazardous  service, 
was  thrown  from  the  top  of  the  frame  and  fatally  injured,  dying  in  a 


MORAL    AND    AGRICULTURIAL   SOCIETIES,  ETC.  447 

few  days.  Benjamin  Duick,  Thomas  Hubbard,  Peter  Cliandler, 
Pei'egrine  Gilbert,  Ebenezer  Fiieh,  Sylvanus  Backus  and  Payson 
Grosvenor,  had  cliarge  of  these  additions,  which  were  accomplished 
in  1810-11,  greatly  enhancing  the  dignity  of  that  venerated  sanctuary 
and  inspiring  the  deepest  awe  and  admiration  in  many  who  came  to 
worship.  A  bell  was  placed  in  the  tower  by  the  generosity  of  Mr. 
Benjamin  Duick,  chairman  of  the  committee  and  clerk  of  the  society, 
too  modest  to  record  his  own  benefaction.  It  sei'ved  tor  town  clock 
as  well  as  church  purposes,  being  rung  three  times  a  day  by  Lloyd 
Williams. 

Mr.  King  was  dismissed  from  his  chai'ge  in  1811,  and  after  thi'ee 
years  interval  Pev.  James  Porter  was  inducted  into  the  pastorate. 
Though  feeble  in  body  he  abounded  in  labors  and  most  successfully 
carried  forward  the  good  work  begun  by  his  predecessor.  It  was 
said  by  a  successor*  that  "  no  man  ever  wrought  out  and  set  in  order 
so  many  ways  of  doing  good  in  this  parish  as  Mr.  Porter.  He  was 
in  advance  of  his  time  in  every  good  woi'k.  He  established  the  first 
Sabbath  school  in  this  region.  He  began  the  tii'st  monthly  concert 
for  prayer — took  a  collection  and  paid  into  the  treasury  of  Foreign 
Missions  the  hrst  money  that  was  collected  at  a  monthly  conceit  in 
Connecticut.  He  set  on  foot  and  arranged  plans  for  our  various 
charitable  contiibutions  which  have  continued  as  model  schemes  to 
the  present  time."  He  was  also  one  of  the  first  ministers  in  the 
country  to  engage  in  Temi)erance  work,  and  most  heartily  seconded 
the  efforts  of  those  good  men  who  organized  in  1812,  the  "Connecti- 
cut Society  for  the  Reformation  of  Morals."  A  branch  organization 
called  "the  Moral  Society"  vvas  speedily  formed  in  Pomfret,  enlisting 
the  co-o[)eration  of  Mr.  Porter,  and  some  of  the  best  men  in  his  church 
and  congregation.  The  suppression  of  gambling,  lottery-dealing, 
Sabbath-breaking  and  the  excessive  use  of  liquor,  was  the  aim  of 
the  Pomfret  Moral  Society.  Its'  members  were  expected  to  drink  no 
more  than  was  good  for  them,  and  to  use  their  influence  in  discoun- 
tenancing intemperance  in  drink  and  other  specified  immoi'alities. 
Decanters  were  banished  in  many  houses  from  their  prominent  posi- 
tion on  the  sideboard,  and  the  social  glass  no  longer  urged  upon 
visitors.  At  public  meetings  and  dinners.  Judge  Grosvenor  and 
other  members  now  declined  to  partake  of  the  proffered  liquor,  but 
the  former  would  leave  his  money  upon  the  table  that  his  comrades 
might  not  attribute  his  abstinence  to  niggardliness.  This  self-denial 
excited  much  wonder  and  cornment.  One  of  its  junior  members, 
Charles  P.  Grosvenor,  took  a  journey  into  New  York  State,  and  where- 


*  Rev.  Daniel  Hunt. 


448  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

ever  they  stopped  on  the  way  his  companion  wliile  sip])ing  his  sling  or 
toddy  would  remark — "  Here  is  Cliarles !  He  belongs  to  the  Moral 
Society — he  don't  drink  !  "  In  response  to  a  request  from  the  State 
Society,  that  tlie  Branch  Societies  should  pledge  themselves  to  secure 
a  better  observance  of  ihe  Sabbath,  the  laws  forbidding  Sabbath  pro- 
fanation were  moie  rigidly  enforced.  Deacon  Grosvenor  as  grand- 
juror  frequently  stoi)ped  travelers  on  that  day,  compelling  them  to 
wait  till  Monday  and  pay  the  allotted  fine,  and  townspeople  who 
presumed  to  work  on  Sunday  were  also  arrested  and  fined. 

Rev.  Walter  Lyon  continued  iu  charge  of  the  church  in  Abington 
Society.  Fifteen  were  added  to  its  membeiship  in  1809,  and  the  same 
number  in  1819.  William  Osgood  and  Wyllis  Goodell  were  chosen 
deacons  in  ISll.  Captain  Elisha  Lord  continued  to  lead  the  singing. 
Mr.  Abishai  Sharpe  was  excused  from  paying  his  assessment  for 
meeting-house  repairs  on  condition  that  he  teacli  a  singing-school  two 
evenings  a  week  through  the  season.  One  of  the  most  note-worthy 
events  occurring  in  this  society  was  the  formation  of  a  Ladies'  Library 
in  1813.  George  Sumner,  licmuel  Ingalls,  Jun.,  and  other  Abington 
young  men,  Avent  out  to  college  and  business,  gained  broader  views 
and  higher  culture,  and  tlu'ough  their  influence  the  young  ladies  were 
moved  to  associate  for  mutual  improvement  and  higher  litei'ary  privi- 
leges. A  meeting  was  called ;  Alathea  Lord,  Maria  Gordon  and  Nancy 
Ingalls  deputed  to  form  a  constitution.  Susan  and  Nancy  Cunning- 
ham, Alathea  Lord,  Sophia  Sharpe,  Delia  and  Olive  Goodell,  Sarah 
Sumner,  Eliza  and  Delia  Ingalls,  Peggy  Holbrook,  Dolly  and  Delia 
Dresser,  Dolly  Allen,  together  with  one  matron,  Mrs.  Payson  Grosve- 
nor, accepted  the  coiistitucion  and  organized  as  a  Ladies'  Library 
Association.  Delia  Goodell  was  chosen  clerk  ;  Alathea  Lord,  librarian  ; 
Nancy  Cunningham,  treasurer.  Admission  fee  was  three  dollars ; 
annual  tax,  twenty-five  cents.  Seventy  dollars  was  promptly  raised 
and  expended — George  Sumner  selecting  the  books  with  excellent  taste 
and  judgment.  The  young  ladies  delighted  greatly  in  this  peculiar 
Abington  institution  and  sustained  it  with  much  spirit.  New  members 
were  from  time  to  time  admitted  to  its  privileges,  and  many  valuable 
books  brought  to  their  knowledge.  Stimulated  perha))S  by  this  exam- 
ple, the  previous  libraries  were  made  more  efficient.  At  a  meeting  of 
the  Junior  Library,  October  22,  1815,  George  Sharpe,  Samuel  Dresser, 
John  Ilolbrook,  Koswell  Goodell  and  George  S  Ingalls  were  empow- 
ered to  confer  with  the  committee  of  the  Social  Library,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  joining  the  two  libraries  in  one.  The  conference  was  success- 
ful, and  Social  and  Junior  happily  merged  in  the  United  Library  of 
Abington — the  difference  of  value  in  the  two  collections  making  no 
obstacle. 


GENERAL    PROGRESS,    ETC. 


449 


Bolli  Pomfret  and  Abington  societies  met  with  serious  losses.     Their 
young  men  went  out  into  the  worhl  ;  older  men    passed  away.     Dr. 
Elislia  Lord  died  in  1809.     Major  John  Wilkes  Chandler,  so  active  in 
military  and  political  affairs,  died  suddenly  in  180S.     His  father,  Peter 
Chandler,  lived    till    1816.     The    unhappy    death    of    Mr.     Benjamin 
Duick,  who  lemovel   from   Boston  to   Pomfret   and   manifested  much 
public  spirit  and  generosity,   was  greatly  lamented.     A  still    greater 
loss    was  that   of  Sylvanus  Backus,  in    February,   1817.     Activity  of 
mind   and   brilliancy  of   imagination  combined  with   much  solidity  and 
strength,    made    Mr.  Backus  ona  of   the  most  influential  men  of  the 
time — "a  strong  pillar  of   society  and   state."     As    a   "peculiar  testi- 
mony of  the   people's   love,  he  was  chosen  a  member  of  Congress  by 
the  united   vote   of  all    parties."      [lis  friends  anticipated    much  from 
him  in  that  position,  but  eie  the  time  came  for  him  to  take  his  seat,  he 
had  been   summone  1  to  the   Supreme   Tribunal.     "  A  widow  and  five 
children  were  left  to  weep  over  a  grave  bedewed  by  the  tears  of  the 
whole  community."     He  was  followed   in  a  few  months  by  his  brother 
]iractitioner,  one  of   Pomfi-et's   most  promising  sons,  Ebeuezer  Grosve- 
nor,   Esq.,  whose    death   was  caused   by   imprudence  in    eating    after 
fatiguing  exertion.     Elisha  B.  Perkins  who  had  studied  with  Esquire 
Backus  succeeded  to  his  practice.    Other  new  residents  took  places  made 
vacant.     Mr.  Darius  Matthewson  of  Brooklyn,  Deacon  Henry  Sweeting 
of  Boston,  Judge  Rossiter  of  New  Haven,  Eben  Thompson,  and  other 
families  from  Providence,  were  valuable  acquisitions.     Peter  Thomp- 
son, of   Massachusetts,  opened    a  tavern   near  the  business    centre,  a 
famous  place  for  coui'ts,  masonic  meetings,  and  other  public  gatherings. 
Possibly    Pomfret's   astonishing   enterprise   in    the   formation    of    an 
agricultural  society  had  some  influence  in  attracting  such    men.     The 
first  existing  notice  of  this    organization    is   found   in  the  Hartford 
Courant,  viz : — 

"  A  SOCIETY  has  been  formed  by  the  name  of  The  Pomfret  United  Agri- 
ndtural  Society,  consisting  of  members  residing  in  the  towns  of  Pomfret, 
Woodstock  and  Brooklyn."  At  a  meeting  of  said  society  held  in  Pomfret, 
December  19,  1809,  the  following  gentlemen  were  elected  othcers  for  the  year 
ensuing,  viz :— Benjamin  Duick,  president;  Amos  Paine,  John  Williams, 
vice-presidents;  Sylvanus  Backus,  Esq.,  treasurer;  Darius  Matthewson  of 
Brooklyn,  Benjamin  Duick  of  Pomfret,  James  McClellan  of  Woodstock,  com- 
mittee of  cori'espondence.  Communications  upon  subjects  relative  to  the 
institution  addressed  to  either  of  the  conmrittee  of  correspondence  will  be 
thankfully  received. 

A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

TnoM.\s  Hubbard,  M.  D.,  Secretary." 

Nothing  farther  is  heard  of  its  progress  till  1818,  when  reinforced 
by  in-coming  residents  it  takes  a  step  forward.  A  meeting  was  held 
at  the   house  of  Peter  Thompson  ;  articles  exhibited   and  premiums 

57 


450  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

awarded.*  Stimulated  by  tliis  society,  new  iuliabitants  and  fresh  im- 
portations of  stock,  tlie  dairy  business  was  now  "  pursued  to  an  extent 
and  with  a  success  that  is  scarcely  surj)assed.  Not  only  clieese  and 
butter,  but  pork,  lard  and  beef,  are  among  the  suri)lus  productions  of 
the  farmers  of  this  town.  .  .  .  Wool  has  been  added  to  its  agri- 
cultural products,  and  considerable  rye,  corn  and  oats  are  raised." 

Deacon  Sweeting  was  responsible  foi"  another  innovation — the  intro- 
duction of  a  grand  musical  organ,  which  made  a  great  noise  all  over 
the  CouJity.  Pomfiet's  First  Society  was  induced  to  purchase  this  in- 
sti'ument  for  its  capacious  meeting-house,  banishing  the  ])rimitive  pitch- 
pipe  and  tuning  fork  then  used  by  Peter  Grosvenor  in  leading  the 
singing.  Deacon  Sweeting's  son,  Nathaniel,  seived  as  the  organist, 
and  many  were  the  comments  called  forth  by  his  orchestial  perform- 
ances. "Hear  them  pump  thunder!"  exclaimed  a  wondering  youth. 
The  plain  old  Quakers  and  ^Methodists  of  the  town,  so  averse  to 
woi'ldly  pomps  and  vanities,  were  not  a  little  scandalized  by  what  they 
deemed  the  unliallowed  aspirations  of  this  degenerate  church,  and  the 
elaborate  church  edifice  with  its  tower,  bell  ami  Papal  organ,  seemed 
hardly  less  offensive  than  the  typical  Babylon  of  the  lievelation.  This 
feeling  was  illustrated  in  the  remark  of  a  Quaker  lad,  suffering  from 
undue  repression,  who  desperately  declared  that  when  he  was  big 
enough,  he  meant  "to  drink  rum,  swear  and" — as  the  climax  of  excess 
and  enormity — "^/o  to  the  ste&ple  meeti)ig-house.''  Notwitiistanding 
this  sectarian  reprobation  the  church  went  quietly  forward  under  Mr. 
Porter,  engaging  with  much  interest  in  any  progressive  movement. 
A  Duick  Charitable  Society  was  organized  in  1817,  having  for  i)erma- 
nent  fund  a  legacy  left  for  charitable  ])ur])oses  by  Mi'.  Duick.  A 
Bible  class  met  eveiy  Aveek  at  the  ])arsonage.  In  1819,  ]Mr.  Porter 
liad  succeeded  in  establishing  a  Sabbath-school,  with  one  class  of  boys 
and  two  classes  of  girls — Major  Copeland,  superintendent. 

Porafret's  select  coterie  retained  its  preeminence,  though  dancing 
parties  were  less  in  vogue  than  more  intellectual  entertainments.  Cul- 
ture and  art  now  claimed  their  votaries.     Dr.  Hall's  young  jieople  were 


♦  "  Pkkmiuims  proposed  by  Paiiifret  Agricultural  Society  for  the  year  1818  ;  — 
For  the  largest  and  best  fattened  animal  for  beef,  SIO.OO;  next  be.st,  $5.00. 
For  the  best  or  most  valuable  crop  of  tlax,  §5.00;  next  best,  82.50.  For  the 
greatest  quantity  of  clear  spring  wheat  on  a  piece  of  ground,  not  less  than 
one  acre,  $5.00.  For  the  largest  crop  of  barley  on  the  same  quantity  of  land, 
$5  00.  P^or  the  largest  or  most  valuable  crop  of  potatoes,  giving  an  account 
of  the  quantity  of  seed  and  the  manner  of  planting.  $C,.()0.  For  the  best 
pair  of  working  oxen,  not  exceeding  live  years  old,  §5  00.  For  the  best  lot 
of  pork  made  from  spring  pigs,  not  to  exceed  ten  months  old  when  killed, 
and  not  less  than  six  in  number,  $>().00.  For  the  best  fattened  and  largest 
ditto,  two  in  number,  of  a  diflerent  lot,  .$4.00. 

WiLLi.vM  WiLLiAiis,    Secretary. 

Pom/ret,  Auc/ust  2i,  IS18."— Connecticut  Courant. 


BUSINESS    IN    WOODSTOCK,    ETC. 


451 


remarkable  for  hi^-h  breedini;^  and  accf)mpli>;hinents.  Miss  Ann  Hall 
had  distinguished  herself  in  drawing  and  i)ortrait  painting,  and  works 
of  lier  execution  compared  favoral)ly  with  the  highest  art  that  had 
been  attained  in  America.  Other  family  circles  shone  with  scarcely 
inferior  lustre.  Distinguished  visitors  from  abroad  graced  their  social 
reunions.  Hidden  from  vulgar  gaze,  these  gathei"ings  of  Pomfret 
elite  might  easily  have  been  rated  beyond  th'.'ir  deserts,  but  a  discrimi- 
natiTig  visitor  who  had  seen  much  of  the  world  gave  this  testimony : — 
"  That  the  Pomfret  assemblies  were  remarkable  for  elegance  and  dis- 
tinction, and  that  the  dress  and  demeanor  of  Miss  Ann  Hall  would 
have  done  credit  to  any  court  in  Euiope." 


IX. 

BUSINESS  IN  WOODSTOCK.  CHURCH  AFFAIRS.    ACADEMY.    THEFTS 
AND  WHIPPING.     LAND  CASE. 

"  A  GRICULTURE "  reports  the  Gazetteer,  ''  atfords  emi^loyment 
-^^  for  most  of  the  industry  of  this  town  excepting  what  is 
enijiloyed  in  domestic  or  housjhohl  inanufnctures,  whicli  receive 
general  attention,  theie  being  a  loom  in  almost  eveiy  house.  Most 
of  the  primary  and  substantial  fabiics  of  clothing  are  the  product  of 
domestic  industry.'"  Woodstock  "shuttles  merrily  went  flashing 
through  the  loom  "  in  those  days  of  weaving  cloth  for  factories.  The 
six  mercantile  stores  of  the  town  oftered  every  variety  of  goods  in 
exchange  for  weaving.  "  Asa  Pierce  and  Co."  carried  on  a  very 
flourishing  business  in  West  Woodstock,  keeping  on  hand  "  a  large 
assortment  of  cotton  yarn  to  be  woven,  for  whicli  the  best  encourage- 
ment would  be  given  for  good  weavers ;  "  having  also  a  lumber  yard 
with  great  variety  of  building  stuft",  wrought  and  cut  nails,  etc.,  and 
the  general  run  of  European  and  West  India  goods.  Colonel 
Jonathan  May  was  equally  active  in  East  Woodstock  or  Muddy 
Brook,  running  a  store,  slaughter  house  and  distillery.  Ralph  Malbone 
of  Pomfret  opened  a  store  at  the  junction  of  the  Southbridge  turnpike 
with  the  road  leading  to  Muddy  Brook,  near  the  little  shop  occupied  by 
Pei-egrine  White  in  the  making  and  repairing  of  fashionable  six-feet 
clocks,  adorned  with  full  moons  and  other  appropriate  flgure-heads. 
Theophilus  Bradbury  Chandler,  surveyor  and  justice,  had  a  store 
at  the  ]Muddy  Brook  bridge,  a  mile  north  of  the  Lake.  A  post-otflce 
added  to  the  populaiity  of  Bowen's  store  and  tavern.  These  Wood- 
stock stores  and  hostelries  must  have  been  extremely  attractive,  as 
church    members    in    Thompson    were   impeached   and    censured    for 


452 


HISTORY    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


intemperance  in  "Bowen's  and  Chandler's  shops."  Captain  Judnh 
Lyon  built  a  large  and  convenient  tavern  house  in  Muddy  Brook 
village  in  1818,  which  was  also  popular  and  well  sustained.  Taverns 
were  also  kept  by  Rhodes  Arnold,  Thomas  Lamson,  Chauncey  Kibbe, 
Abiel  Fox  and  David  Button.  While  agriculture  was  the  leading 
interest,  the  farmers  raising  not  only  their  own  corn,  rye,  oats  and 
barley,  but  sufficient  spring  wheat  for  the  consumption  of  the  town — 
manufactures  were  not  neglected.  The  useful  pottery  works  kept  up 
the  supply  of  domestic  earthen  ware.  Two  blacksmith  shops  and 
large  trip-hammers,  two  vvheel-wrights  and  one  goldsmith,  one  carding- 
raachine,  one  fulling-mill,  one  oil-mill,  seven  grain-mills,  twelve  saw- 
mills and  two  distilleries,  found  abundant  patronage.  In  1815,  Chester, 
Willard  and  Rensellaer  Child,  Amasa  and  Judah  Lyon  were  incor- 
porated as  "  the  Woodstock  Manufacturing  Cornpany  for  the  purpose 
of  manufactuiing  ck)ths  and  other  fabrics  of  wool  and  cotton,"  which 
erected  suitable  buildings  in  the  north  part  of  tlie  town.  Walter  and 
Royal  Paine  of  Providence,  Job  Williams  of  Pomfret,  Jonathan  and 
William  May,  John  Paiiie,  William  Lyon  and  others,  were  also  incor- 
porated as  the  Muddy  Brook  Cotton  Manufacturing  Company,  erect- 
ing a  factory  building  a  little  north  of  the  village.  The  Gazetteer 
repoits  them  as  both  upon  a  large  scale  and  doing  business  extensively. 
Moses  Arnold,  Thomas  Hubbard,  Benjamin  Duick  and  William  Bowen, 
were  incorporated  as  "  The  Arnold  Manufacturing  Company  in  AVood- 
stock,"  in  1814,  and  were  soon  underway  in  what  was  known  as 
Arnold-town  or  South  Woodstock. 

Woodstock's  First  Society  was  much  occupied  in  providing  for  Mr. 
Lyman's  salary  and  discussing  meeting  house  rei)aiis.  It  was  found 
very  difficult  to  raise  the  nominal  amount  specified  while  its  real 
value  had  greatly  depreciated.  Taxation  had  become  so  offensive  to 
many  that  an  attempt  was  made  to  raise  the  amount  by  subscription 
but  it  was  probably  found  too  unequal  in  its  working.  Money  leceived 
from  the  State  in  1818,  was  appropriated  for  the  foundation  of  a 
permanent  fund  for  the  support  of  the  ministry.  In  1819,  Mr.  Lyman 
consented  to  accept  an  annual  salary  of  $27.'5,  in  lieu  of  the  original 
contract,  whicJi  piovided  £70,  and  twenty  cords  of  firewood.  The 
society  received  a  bequest  of  land  upon  the  demise  of  Mr.  Samuel 
Dexter,  to  be  improved  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  Rev.  Eliphalet 
Lyman  and  his  successors  in  office,  forever,  upon  the  condition  that  no 
building  should  ever  be  erected  nor  tree  suffered  to  grow  thereon  ; 
that  it  should  be  kept  a  separate  piece  by  itself  forever,  and  only  be 
used  for  mowing,  pasturage  and  tillage ;  that  he  should  be  buried 
in  the  centre  of  the  land,  in  such  manner  "  as  that  not  the  smallest 
appearance  of  a  grave  may  be  visible  after  the  earth  shall  be  settled 


CHURCH    AFFAIRS,    ETC.  453 

down."  "  jVo)'  let  any  stone  tell  inhere  I  lie.'"  A  sum  of  money  was 
also  given  by  Mr.  Dexter  for  the  use  of  the  poor  of  the  society. 
Captain  F'rissell  was  appointed  to  receive  and  hold  the  same  ;  Amos 
Paine,  to  fultill  the  conditions  of  the  landed  bequest.  Hezekiah 
Palmer  succeeded  Amos  Paine  as  society  clerk  in  1814.  The  latter 
with  Samuel  Mashcraft,  David  Frissell  and  Jedidiah  Kimball,  served 
as  society  committee.  The  service  of  William  Flynn  as  chorister  was 
so  efhcient  that  four  substitutes  (viz.,  Hezekiah  Palmer,  Amos  Paine, 
Jacob  Lyon  and  Abram  Peake)  were  needed  during  his  absence  in 
New  London.  Deacon  Jedidiah  Morse  survived  till  1819.  His 
declining  years  were  greatly  comforted  by  the  consideration  of  the 
prospei'ity  of  his  surviving  children  who  were  not  only  comfortably 
settled  in  this  world,  but  "had  devoted  themselves  and  their  children 
to  God  and  walked  in  some  good  measure  agreeable  to  their  profes- 
sion."* William  Lyon,  2nd,  and  Jedidiah  Kimball  now  served  in  the 
deacon's  office,  reluctantly  taking  the  place  filled  by  such  honored 
predecessors. 

The  church  in  East  Woodstock  was  called  in  ISl.*^,  to  part  with  its 
excellent  pastor,  Rev.  William  Graves,  "a  pious  and  faithful  man  of 
God,  dear  to  his  people  while  he  lived  and  after  death  universally 
lamented."  Mr.  Lyman  in  his  funeral  discourse  pronounced  him  "so 
distinguished  for  his  prudence,  modesty,  candor  and  fidelity,  that  he 
might  with  great  propi'iety  be  said  to  be  an  example  to  the  flock  ;  " 
possessed  to  an  uncommon  degree  of  the  requisite  qualifications  of  a 
gospel  bishop.  "  Wonderfully  supported  and  comforted  with  the 
presence  of  Christ,  he  met  death  with  a  sweet  and  placid  frame  ;  it 
seemed  as  if  he  had  nothing  to  do  but  to  die."  Pie  was  succeeded  in 
office  by  Samuel  Backus  of  Canterbury,  grandson  of  the  Baptist 
church  historian.  Rev.  Isaac  Backus,  ordained  in  East  Woodstock, 
January  19,  1815.  A  powerful  revival  was  soon  after  enjo^'ed  by  the 
church,  enlai'gmgand  strengttiening  its  meinbei'ship.  Nathaniel  IJriggs 
and  William  Child  succeeded  to  the  deacon's  office. 

The  "•  Presbyterian  chui-ch  "  in  West  Woodstock  (as  it  was  usually 
styled)  enjoyed  much  peace  and  harmony  under  the  ministiations  of 
Mr.  Underwood,  who  by  evenness  of  temper  and  urbanity  of  manner 
greatly  endeared  himself  to  his  people.  It  was  said  that  while  the 
East  Woodstock  church  without  a  pastor  Mr.  Underwood  was  invited 
to  attend  all  the  weddings  and  Mr.  Lyman  the  fnnei'als — the  former 
excelling  in  convivial    and    the   latter    in   mortuary   occasions.     Even 

*  Piety  would  seem  to  be  an  inherent  characteristic  of  this  renowned 
branch  of  the  Morse  family  if  we  may  judjre  from  the  younger  brother  of 
Deacon  Jedidiah,  who,  dying  at  the  age  of  three  years  and  four  monlhs,  had 
"  read  the  Bible  twice  through,  committed  many  passages,  led  the  devotions 
of  the  family  and  given  satisfactory  evidence  of  piety." 


454  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

the  singing  question  was  harmoniously  decided,  and  a  bass-viol  intio- 
duced  without  exciting  discord.  Benjamin  Lyon,  3d,  Abiel  Fox  and 
Abraham  Faine,  serving  as  committee  to  see  that  the  new  instrument 
be  kept  in  order.  Darius  Bailow,  Charles  Skinner,  Dolphus  Child, 
Thomas  Corbin,  Benjamin  Lyon,  3d,  Benjamin  Child,  Danforth  Lyon, 
Andrew  and  .John  F.  Williams,  llussel  Stead  and  Stephen  Johnson, 
were  among  the  numerous  choristers  year  by  year  appointed.  An 
"instructor  to  teach  singing"  was  fre(juently  emj)loyed  under  the 
charge  of"  a  competent  committee. 

Eldei'  Ledoyt  continued  in  charge  of  the  First  Ba|)tist  Church  till 
his  death  in  1813.  While  preaching  a  funeral  sermon  he  was  seized 
with  malignant  fever,  and  carried  home  to  die,  as  he  at  once  fore- 
boded. The  father  of  the  Baptist  church  order  in  Windham  county, 
his  memory  has  ever  been  held  in  honor.  The  church  soon  united  in 
choice  of  Nicholas  Branch  of  Providence,  a  recent  proselyte  to  the 
Baptist  belief,  who  was  ordained  its  pastor,  June  25,  1815. — Elder 
Gano  of  Providence  preaching  the  ordaining  sermon.  This  pastorate 
was  "  successful  and  profitable  in  a  very  desirable  degree  ;"  being  char- 
acterized by  "peace,  love,  union  and  prospeiity."  With  a  strong  and 
active  intellect  and  much  native  force  of  character.  Elder  Branch  took 
a  high  position  in  the  l>aptist  ministry,  and  was  made  instrumental  in 
the  conversion  of  many  souls  and  the  building  up  of  churches.  Many 
were  added  to  the  Woodstock  church  during  his  ministry.  A  minis- 
terial lot  was  also  procured  and  a  parsonage  erected.  Elder  Amos 
Wells  was  dismissed  from  the  charge  of  the  Second  Bajitist  church 
about  1811.  The  ordaining  of  his  successor.  Brother  Ceorge  Angell 
of  Southbridge,  in  1813,  was  a  very  interesting  and  solemn  occasion, 
conducted  by  Elders  Wells,  Crosby,  Grow  and  Dwinell.  An  earnest 
and  devout  Christian,  much  good  was  anticipated  from  his  ministra- 
tions, but  after  three  years  he  decided  to  remove  to  Sturbridge,  when 
Elder  Isaac  Dwinell  "came  to  take  care  of  the  chui'cli."  One  of  the 
first  Windham  County  Sunday  schools  was  organized  in  this  chinch 
in  1816. 

Woodstock  Academy  retained  its  place  in  ]Miblic  favor.  Lii)erty  to 
erect  a  l)oarding-house  on  the  common  near  the  ])o\vder  house  was 
granted  in  1807.  In  1810,  the  town  gave  bonds  to  the  i)ropiietors  for 
some  twelve  hundred  dollars,  the  inteivst  to  be  applicil  in  supporting 
the  school,  entitling  any  I'esident  to  si.\  weeks'  tuition  anmially.  Mr. 
Burleigh's  two  years'  administration  was  efficient  and  j)rofitable,  bring- 
ing the  institution  to  the  culmination  of  its  early  prosperity.  Succeed- 
ing teachers  did  nf)t  succeed  in  kee|»ing  up  its  standard,  though  the 
Messrs.  Burgess  of  Canterbury  are  believed  to  have  been  fully  com- 
petent for  the  position.     The   yearly  exhibitions  were  maintained  with 


ACADEMY,  THP:FTS  AND  WHIPPING,  LAND  CASE,  ETC.  455 

accustomed    spirit.     Tlie    brilliant   exploits  of    a  former  pupil,  Lieut. 
Charles    Morris,  excited    inucli   martial    enthusiasm   among    tlie   boys, 
which  found  vent   in  sounding  declamations  and  pistol-shooting  trage- 
dies.    The  militaiy  parades  upon  Woodstock's  famous  common  were 
greatly  enjoyed  by  these  youthful  patriots.      A  mock  fight  was  carried 
on    at   company-training    in   Muddy  Brook    village,   in   1818,   when   a 
party  dressed    like    Indians  seized  U])on  astonished    children  and   tri- 
umphantly   bore   them    to   their    rock    fortress.     These    performances 
were  nujre  enjoyable  than  some  others  to  wliich  the  academicians  were 
treated.     Notwithstanding  the  vigilance  of  the  Thief  Detectives,  theits 
were  occasionally  committed.     A    i)Oor  fiimily  emigrating  from    Ash- 
ford,  crossing  Woodstock   Hill   at  dusk,  was  tempted  by  the  univei-sal 
"iMonday  washing,"  left  out  for  spring  whitening.     It  took  but   a  few 
moments  for  two  stout  pair   of  masculine  arms  to  strip  the  lines,  and 
stow  away  the  stolen  clothes,  and  on  they  went  rejoicing;  but  their  joy 
was  soon  turned  to  mourning.     Awakening  in  the  raoining  to  a  sense 
of  its  loss,  all  Woodstock  Hill  arose  in  indignation.     The  "pursuers" 
wei-e  quickly  routed  out,  and  following  the  tracks  they  soon  came  up 
with  the  slowly  moving  teams,   and   brought  thieves  and  booty  in  tri- 
umph back  to  the  village.     There  is  no  doubt  that  the  rogues    richly 
deserved  the  legal  penalty — a  public  whii)ping — but  the  judgment  of 
the   Trustees  or  teachers   in   making  it  sei  ve  as  an   "  object  lesson  "  to 
the  Academy  pupils  is  a  little  questionable.     That  the    moral  intluence 
of  such   exemplary  punishment  for  misdemeanors  might  not    be  lost 
upon  the  youthful  mind,  the  scholars — girls  and  boys — were  marshalled 
up  to  the  whipping-post  and    made  to  look  on  while  Constable  Flynn 
administered  the  stripes  with  vim  and  vigor  proportioned  to  the   enor- 
mity of  the  offence,  and  deluged  the  bleeding  backs  with  cider  brandy 
immediately  after  the  infliction.     It   is  to  be  feared  that  abhorrence  of 
theft  was  less  stimulated  than  sympathy  for  the  sufferers  and  hatred  of 
vindictive  justice.    A  youth  found  guilty  of  abstracting  money  and  cloth 
in  East  Woodstock  under  somewhat  peculiar  circumstances,  escaped  his 
doom  by  forfeiture  of  bail  and  precii)itate  flight.      With  such  proofs  of 
its  being   needed,  Woodstock  Thief   Detecting  Society  was  kept   up 
with  unbated  interest,  its  members  being  sure  of  having  a  good  time  if 
they  did  not  always  forestall  theft  or  recover  stolen  property.     The 
oyster  supper  piovided  from  the  genei-al  fund  for  their  animal  meeting 
served  as  an  additional  attraction,  and  most  of   the  active  men  of  the 
town  gave  their  names  and   patronage  to  this  society.     The    Pomfret 
Agricultural  Society  was  encouiaged  by  leading  farmers,  Amos  Paine 
and  James  McClellan  serving  among  its  early  officers. 

Among  the  excitements  of  this  period  was  a  legal    controversy  in- 
volving the  homes  and  farms  of  a  number  of  Windham  County  resi- 


456  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

dents.  Governor  Jo-seph  Dudley  of  Massachusetts  owned  extensive 
farms  in  Woodstock  and  Tli(>nij>son,  which  he  had  entailed  upon  his 
oldest  son,  to  descend  according  to  the  English  law  of  primogeniture. 
Joseph  Dudley,  the  legal  representative  of  Governor  Dudley  at  this 
date,  conveyed  these  farms  by  deed  to  previous  tenants.  His  brotliers, 
and  other  representatives  of  the  family  claimed  that  this  sale  was  ille- 
gal, and  brought  suit  for  their  recovery.  The  defendants,  Obadiah 
Child,  Captain  John  Chandler,  Chester  Brown,  Captain  Ephraiin  May, 
Captains  William,  Chester  and  Jonathan  May,  Stephen,  Xehemiah  and 
Charles  Child  of  Woodstock,  Peter  Reccard,  David  Nichols,  Jason 
Phipps  and  Simeon  Buxton,  of  Thompson,  associated  together  for  the 
defence  of  their  claim  as  "The  Woodstock  and  Thompson  Land  Com- 
pany," engaging  for  their  counsel,  John  McClellan,  George  Larned  and 
William  Perkins,  Esquires.  Sylvanus  Backus  served  in  behalf  of  the 
plaintiifs.  Trials  were  held  before  the  Superior  Court  at  Windham  and 
before  the  United  States  District  Court  at  Hartford,  without  gaining  a 
satisfactory  verdict.  The  magnitude  of  the  interests  involved,  and  the 
intricacies  of  the  legal  points  at  issue,  made  this  suit  the  most  exciting 
and  important  ever  brought  before  the  Courts  of  Windham  County, 
and  its  long  delayed  decision  was  waited  with  eager  interest.  John 
F.  Williams  of  West  Woodstock  was  now  eni-olled  among  the  lawyers 
of  the  town.  Its  list  of  physicians  embraced  Doctoi's  Haviland  Mor- 
ris, Ebenezer  Bishop,  Joseph  Seagrave,  Thomas  Morse,  Daniel  Lyman, 
Amasa  and  Amos  Carrol.  Dr.  Lyman  gave  his  attention  more  particu- 
larly to  surgeiy.  Dr.  Thomas  Moise,  now  settled  in  West  Woodstock, 
was  noted  as  the  third  Di'.  Morse  who  had  practiced  within  the  town. 
His  grandfather,  Dr.  Parker  Morse,  Sen.,  was  graduated  from  Harvard 
College  about  1735,  and  settled  in  P]ast  Woodstock  immediately  after 
acquiring  his  profession,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son  of  the  same 
name.  The  giandson  maintained  the  medical  reputation  of  the  family, 
and  served  many  years  as  clerk  of  the  ('ounty  Medical  Society. 


X. 

TOWN  AND  CHURCH  AFFAIRS  IN  ASHFORD. 

ASHFOIJD  kept  pace  with  the  times  in  internal  improvements. 
The  Woodstock  and  Somers  Turnpike  was  now  completed,  and 
tlie  Tolland  County  Turnpike  intersected  with  Boston  and  Hartford 
two  miles  west  of  Ashford  village.  Travel  on  these  thoroughfares 
was  stimulated  by  the  war  and  manufacturing;  stages  were  daily  pass- 
ing to  and  fro  over  the  various  roads,  and  at  the  junction  of  the  Bos- 
ton and  Providence  Turnpikes,  a  continuous  line  of  vehicles  as  far  as 


TOWN    AND    CHURCH    AFFAIRS    IN    ASHFORD,    ETC.  457 

the  eye  could  reach,  was  frequently  seen.  The  numerous  tav^crns 
kept  by  Chirk,  IMclunoml,  I'ahner,  Preston,  Burnham,  Howe,  Wood- 
ward and  others,  had  abundant  patronage.  Four  carding-inachines 
were  set  up  in  diflercnt  parts  of  tlie  town.  Rufus  Sprague,  Edward 
Keyes,  John  N.  Sumner,  Benjamin  and  Mason  Palmer  were  incorpo- 
rated in  1815  as  the  Sprague  Manufactui-ing  Company  for  the  manu- 
facture of  cotton  wool  into  yarn  or  cloth.  Read,  Stebbins  &  Co.,  en- 
gaged in  a  woolen  factory,  adveitising  the  same  year  "for  eight  or  ten 
young  men  (to  wliom  good  encouragement  would  be  given)  for  the 
purpose  of  learning  to  card,  spin  and  weave."  Benjamin  Palmer  also 
engaged  in  the  novel  manufacture  of  tin  ware,  and  offered  tin  ware  of 
any  description,  plain  and  Japan,  as  low  as  any  one  in  the  State. 

Eight  mercantile  stores,  six  grain-mills,  nine  saw-mills  and  five  tan- 
neries vveie  reported  in  1818.  Josias  Byles  continued  in  the  ottice  of 
town  clei'k  ;  David  Bolles  and  his  son  had  charge  of  the  post-office. 
The  former  was  made  judge  and  the  latter  clerk  of  the  County  Court 
in  1817.  William  Perkins,  Esq.,  served  as  State  attorney  and 
councillor. 

The  "  seven  churches  "  of  Ashford  were  more  or  less  prosperous. 
The  First  Congregational  cliurch  was  severely  afflicted  in  the  death 
of  its  honored  pastor.  Rev.  Enoch  Pond,  August  6,  1807.  His  epi- 
taph, composed  by  Rev.  David  Avery,  gives  a  just  estimate  of  his 
character : — 

"Generous  in  temper,  correct  in  science  and  liberal  in  sentiment,  the  gen- 
tleman, the  scholar,  and  the  minister  of  the  sanctuary,  appeared  with  advan- 
t;i<ie  in  Mr.  Pond.  Tlie  charch  and  society  in  Ashford  were  favored  with 
his  Gospel  ministry  eiL;hteeu  years." 

Rev.  Philo  Judson  of  Woodbury  was  ordained  and  installed  as  his 
successor,  September  26,  1811,  atid  enjoyed  a  successful  ministry  for  a 
still  longer  pei'iod. 

The  Eastford  church,  after  five  years'  vacancy,  made  choice  of  Mr. 
Hollis  Sampson,  a  former  "deacon  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church." 
After  a  candid  conference  with  Mr.  Sampson  at  the  house  of  Esquire 
Bosworth,  upon  Christian  docti'ines  and  discipline,  and  the  relative 
duties  of  pastor  and  church,  the  Cluircli  ex'iiressed  its  satisfaction  with 
his  sentiments  and  preaching,  and  invited  him  to  settlement---the 
Society  offering  three  hundred  dollars  salary  and  making  suitable  pro- 
vision for  the  entertainment  of  the  Council.  Ordination  took  place 
December,  1809,  in  the  presence  of  a  numerous  and  attentive  assembly. 
Rev.  Mr.  Lyman  made  the  ojiening  prayer.  Mr.  Dow  gave  one  of  his 
characteiistic  sermons  from  Malachi  i :  1 — 4.  Dr.  Welch  of  Mansfield, 
Messrs.  Storrs  and  Weld,  assisted  in  other  services.  Though  the 
pidpit  had  a  new  incumbent,  the  society  thoughtfully  provided  "  That 
58 


458  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Mary  Judson  may  have  tlic  ininislcrial  )ie\v  so  loiiij  as  slie  remain  Mr. 
Judsoii's  \vi(l<nv."  The  miinher  of  cliorisleis  was  iiov\'  greatly  I'e- 
(luced  and  a  singing-mastei'  emphjyed.  Mr.  Sampson's  pastorate  was 
unhaj)py.  Slirewd,  witty  and  ek)quent,  he  was  deficient  in  steadiness 
and  moral  princi}ile,  and  af'tei'  much  uiipleasmtness  was  dismissed  from 
liis  charge  at  his  own  request,  May  13,  1816 — the  council  withholding 
recommendation.  This  omission  led  to  a  more  thoi'ough  investigation, 
in  which  pail  of  the  charges  were  owned  by  Mr.  Sampson,  "  wlio 
blamed  himself  and  made  satisfactory  confession,"  but  did  not  succeeil 
in  gaining  the  desired,  approbation.  With  characteristic  aptness  he 
chose  for  his  parting  text : — "  P^or  with  me  it  is  a  very  small  thing  that 
I  be  judged  according  to  man's  judgment."  During  the  vacancy  fol- 
lowing his  dismissal.  Rev.  Asahel  Nettletoii  labored  foi-  a  time  with 
great  eflect  in  Eastford  and  its  sister  chur(!hes,  and  very  many  pro- 
fessed conversion.  More  than  fifty  were  added  to  the  membership  of 
the  Westford  church,  which  still  enjoyed  the  ministi-ations  of  Mr. 
Storrs.  The  list  of  pew-holders*  in  1815  indicated  a  steady  growth 
and  material  pi'osperity.  The  meeting-house  was  faithfully  repaired 
and  made  comfortable,  and  fuinished  with  one  of  the  first  stoves  iu 
the  County,  the  society  in  1820  allowing  one  to  be  set  u|)  and  "a  fire 
in  the  same,  provided  the  expense  can  be  raised  by  free  donation." 

The  Fii'st  Baptist  church,  in  the  Knowlton  neighboi'hood,  after  im- 
l)roving  for  two  years  the  gifts  of  E'rederic  Wightnum,  voted  to  call  a 
council  for  his  ordination  : — 

^' Ashford.  First  Wednesday  in  October,  1807.  Then  met  with  the  church 
from  other  churches — Elders  Biel  Ledo.yt,  Abel  Palmer,  Amos  Wells,  James 
Grow,  David  Lillibridye,  and  ordained  our  brother,  Frederic  ^Yi,i>■htm:ul,  to 
administer  Gosi)el  ordinances.  Elder  Palmer  preached  from  these  words: — 
'  Holding  forth  the  word  of  life;'  Elder  Grow  offered  the  consecrating  prayer; 
Elder  Wells  gave  the  charge  and  Elder  Lillibridge  the  right  hand  of  fellow- 
ship. December  1.  The  church  met  according  to  appointment.  Voted,  To 
call  Elder  Frederic  Wightman  to  administer  the  ordinances  of  the  Gospel  in 
this  chnrch  for  the  future.  Even  while  the  fellowship  continues  between  the 
church  and  said  Wightman." 

Elder  Wightman  cordially  accepted  this  call.  John  Weston  was 
chosen  to  the  office  of  deacon  ;  Deacon  Abraham  Weston,  church 
clei'k.  It  was  agi'eed  to  have  four  chui'ch  meetings  a  yeai"  and  a  com- 
mittee appointed  to  look  up  brothers  and  sistei's  that  are  delin(pient 
In  1813,  the  Deacons  Weston  and   Amos   Knowlton  were  appointed  a 


*  Dr.  Andrew  Huntington,  Abner  Chalfec,  .Ashael  Kendall,  David  Sears, 
Amos  and  Eli«s  Kendall,  ICzra  Smith,  Slephcn  and  Elijah  Whiton,  Eli  Hawes, 
John  Eoswoith,  Calvin  AVarren,  William  Bicknell,  Kufus  Pearl,  Joab  Cush- 
man,  Shubael  Preston,  Joel  Ward,  Caleb  Seagrave,  Gurdon  Kobinson,  Phine- 
has  Bnrchard,  Medinali  Preston,  Peleg  Kussel,  Jolui  Loomis,  Allen  Bosworlh, 
Joseph  Woodward,  Harvey  Preston,  Timothy  AValker,  Johnson  Amidon,  Boaz 
Whiton,  John  Whitmore,  Nathan  Lamb,  Jedidiah  Amidon,  Josiah  and  Amos 
Chaffee. 


TOWN    AND    CHlTRCir    AFFAIRS    IN    ASHFOKD,  ETC.  459 

committee  to  sell  or  e.veliange  the  farm  tliat  belonojed  to  tlie  society, 
which  was  accomplished  to  sjeiieral  satisfaction.  Elder  Wightmau 
"  continued  with  this  lovely  church  eleven  years.  All  this  time  few 
churches  prospered  more.  A  state  of  ]>erfect  harmony  the  whole 
time."  Justus  li.  Vinton,  afterward  missionary  in  Burmah,  was  bap- 
tized by  Elder  Wightman  ;  .Matthew,  son  of  David  Bolles,  a  useful 
and  honored  Baptist  minister,  received  the  following  certificate  from 
his  hand : — 

"ASHFORD,  Mat!  10,  A.  D.  1811. 
The  First  Baptist  church  in  Ashford  to  the  .straiiiiers  scattered  tliroiisihout 
Poiitiis,  Gahitia,  Cappiiclocia,  .Isiu  and  Bothyniii: — These  lines  may  certify 
that  our  beloved  brother,  .Mattliew  Bolles,  is  in  arood  staiuling  with  us,  and 
we  recommend  him  to  any  church  of  the  same  faiih  and  order.  And  we  shall 
consider  him  dismissed  when  joined  with  you.  Also  believing"  to  have  a 
public  gift  that  ought  to  be  improved." 

Matthew^  Bolles  began  to  preach  at  Lyme  the  following  year,  and 
was  afterwards  widely  known  as  an  elo(|uent  and  eflective  preacher. 
His  brother  Augustus  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in 
Tolland  in  1S14;  was  afterward  for  a  time  editor  of  77ie  Christian 
Secretary.  Lucius  Bolles  was  early  identilied  with  the  Foreign  Mis- 
sion work,  and  served  most  faillifuUy  and  etHciently  as  the  Corres- 
ponding Secretary  of  the  Baptist  General  Conventi(ni  for  Foreign  Mis- 
sions. The  father  of  this  leniarkable  ministerial  triad — Elder  David 
Bolles — so  widely  known  and  lionorei]  in  Oonneclicut,  rested  from  his 
labors  in  1807. 

In  1816,  the  First  Ashford  Baptist  church  reluctantly  resigned  Elder 
Wightman  to  the  church  in  LTpper  Middletown,  and  was  not  able  to  in- 
duce him  to  return  to  this  field.  The  Weslford  Baptist  cluirch  con- 
tinued in  charge  of  Elder  Rathburn.  The  North  Ashford  church 
was  favored  for  three  years  with  the  ministrations  of  a  gifted  young 
brother,  William  Palmer  of  Hampton,  whose  winning  eloquence  at- 
tracted large;  and  delighted  congregations.  The  society  was  now  able 
to  complete  its  meeting-house,  adding  fourteen  new  pews  to  the  gal- 
lery. After  an  interval  of  suj)plies  Mr.  Stephen  Haskel  was  ordained 
l)astor,  "a  man  of  fine  personal  appearance  with  a  voice  of  great  har- 
mony and  power,"  when  the  house  was  again  filled  with  delighted 
hearers.     Twelve  were  baptized  during  the  first   year  of   his   ministry. 

The  Methodist  society  in  Eastford  gained  in  strength  and  popular- 
ity, and  enjoyed  the  usual  succession  of  earnest  and  faithful 
ministers. 


4G0  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

~      XL 

TOWN  AFFAIRS  IN  BROOKLYN.     UNITARIAN  CONTROVERSY.     THE 
NEW  CONSTITUTION.     CHANGE    OF    COUNTY    SEAT. 

1  BROOKLYN  was  inucli  intei'ested  in  public  and  home  affairs. 
-^  While  earnestly  reprobating  Embarooes  and  approbating  the 
course  of  the  Executive  of  Connecticut,  ordeiing  a  copy  of  Constitu- 
tional amendments  distributed  to  every  inhabitant  at  the  expense  of 
the  town,  keeping  up  lier  matross  and  jnilitary  companies  and  enter- 
taining Brigades,  steadily  working  and  plamiing  fur  securing  the  re- 
moval of  the  court-house,  she  was  equally  alert  in  the  administration 
of  local  government.  In  her  by-laws  she  expressly  enjoined  "that 
only  two  neat  cattle  to  a  family  should  be  allowed  to  I'un  at  large."  A 
Health-committee  was  instituted  in  1810,  which  was  instructed  to 
pi'ocure  the  most  skillful  jdiysician  in  case  the  spotted  fever  siiould 
appear.  As  a  farther  preparation,  perhaps,  for  this  di'eaded  visitaiit, 
a  heai'se-house  and  harness  were  procured,  and  also  a  pall  or  grave- 
cloth  and  trunk  to  keep  it  in,  and  a  committee  appointed  in  each  dis- 
trict to  superintend  at  funerals,  and  form  rules  for  promoting  order 
and  regularity  on  such  occasions.  The  selectmen  were  required  to  as- 
certain by  pei'sonal  investigation  "  who  are  and  who  are  not  fui'nished 
with  Bibles  as  the  law  directs,"  and  if  any  fjimilies  were  found  deficient 
and  not  able  to  procure  them,  to  provide  and  distril)ute  the  same. 
With  such  precautions  and  a  corps  of  watchful  physicians  the  thi'eat- 
ened  visitation  was  probably  averted. 

The  Brigade  Review,  8epteml)ei",  1812,  was  a  very  notable  and 
brilliant  affair.  Five  regiments  of  foot  and  one  of  horse  participated 
in  military  exercise,  comprising  it  was  said,  "at  least  2,.500  troo[)S,  and 
four  times  as  many  s|)eclators,  ])resenling  something  of  a  warlike 
ai)i)earance."  It  was  considei'cd  the  greatest  gathering  in  {)oint  of 
numbers  and  glittering  array  ever  witnessed  in  Windham  Ct)unty,  and 
doubtless  had  its  influence  in  stinndating  the  war  spirit  and  encourag- 
ing enlistment.  The  manufactiuing  excitement  only  affecte*!  Brooklyn 
indirectly  by  furnishing  a  nearer  market  for  its  abundant  dairy  jiro- 
ducts.  No  town  of  ecpial  magnitude  in  the  State,  it  was  confidently 
asserted,  "makes  an  equal  (juantity  of  cheese  and  pork.  '  One  carding- 
machine,  two  tanneries,  three  grain  and  two  saw-mills  were  also 
reported.  Ca}itain  Mather  had  relinquished  his  hat-making  for  tavern 
keeping  in  the  village,  which  now  contained  about  twenty  dwelling- 
houses  and  two  mercantile  stores.  Adams  White,  Jan.,  had  charge  of 
the  first  post-office.  John  Parish  and  Daniel  Kies  divided  the  legal 
practice,  though  the  latter  had  met  with  great  loss  in  attempting  to 


UNITARIAN    CONTROVERSV,    ETC.  461 

utilize  the  ingenious  invention  of  his  motlier,  Mrs.  Mary  Kies  of 
Killingly.  John  Gallup  served  as  deputy  sheriff.  Dr.  Waldo 
Hutchins  was  established  in  medical  practice.  Jose])h  Scarborougli, 
John  Parish,  Roger  W.  Williams  served  as  justices  ;  Samuel  Scar- 
borough, town  clerk.  Xoted  taverns  were  kept  by  Phinehas  Searls 
and  P.  P.  Tyler.  Though  so  energetic  and  prosperous,  Brooklyn 
continued  to  lose  by  emigiation.  Mr.  Darius  Matthewson  reiuoved  to 
Pomtret.  The  younger  sons  of  Captain  Tyler,  and  representatives  of 
Cady,  Spalding  and  many  other  old  families,  went  out  into  the  world. 

The  faithful  rector  of  Trinity  Chui'ch,  Rev.  Daniel  Fogg,  died  in 
1815,  after  forty-three  years  seivice.  A  monument  erecteil  by  Colonel 
Daniel  Putnam  bore  fitting  testimony  to  his  exemplary  life  and 
charactei".  ITis  funeral  was  attended  by  Rev.  Philander  Chase,  rector 
of  Christ  Chui'ch,  Hartford.  The  church  then  numbered  thirty-one 
communicants.  Its  strongest  j^illar  was  Colonel  Daniel  Putnam,  who 
had  married  a  niece  of  its  founder,  Godfrey  Malbone.  After  three 
years  of  irregnlai-  worship,  Rev.  George  S.  White  accepted  the  charge. 
An  Eng.ishman  of  strong  character  and  native  eloquence  he  was  at 
first  very  popular  and  drew  a  large  congregation — but  difficulties  soon 
arose,  the  building  a  new  parsonage  was  suspended,  and  the  two  years 
engagement  ended  in  alienation  and  detriment. 

In  consequence  of  the  increasing  years  and  infirmities  of  Dr.  Whit- 
ney, Mr.  Luther  Wilson  of  New  Braintree,  was  oidained  colleague 
pastor  of  the  Congiegatioiial  Church  and  Society  in  1813,  which 
position  he  filled  with  fidelity  and  acceptance  till  it  was  found  that  he 
had  embraced  the  Socinian  or  Unitarian  views  then  becoming  so 
prevalent  in  Massachusetts.  Although  the  Brooklyn  church  was  but 
moderately  Calvinistic  in  belief  and  very  liberal  in  its  pi'actice,  these 
views  broached  by  Mr.  Wilson  fell  so  much  below  its  standard  as  to 
awaken  apprehension  of  disastrous  results,  and  he  was  advised  by  Dr. 
Whitney  and  leading  church  memlters  "  to  ask  dismission  and  leave  in 
peace  and  not  rend  the  church  asunder."  But  already  a  sti'ong  party 
sympathized  with  ^Ir.  Wilson  in  his  belief  and  desired  his  continuance, 
the  liberty  allowed  in  religious  matters  having  developed  in  the  com- 
munity an  unusual  inde|)endence  of  thouglit  and  expression,  and  it 
soon  became  evident  that  a  conflict  was  irrepressible.  After  nuich 
private  agitation  and  discussion,  a  church  meeting  was  called  February 
16,  1816,  to  consider  the  erroneous  0])inions  supposed  to  be  held  Vjy 
Mr.  Wilson.  Esquire  Parish  was  chosen  moderator.  Interi'ogation 
drew  from  jMr.  Wilson  the  distinct  statement—'"  That  he  believed  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  not  a  divine  i)erson,  equal  and  eternal  with  the 
Father,  the  supreme,  self-existent  God."  The  church  thereupon  pro- 
ceeded to  vote : — "  That  it  considered  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity  to  be 


462  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COTNTY. 

an  essential  and  fundauiental  doctrine" — yeas,  13  :  nays,  5  ;  nentral,  o. 
In  a  ))ublic  discourse  soon  after,  Mr.  Wilson  more  fully  defined  big 
position,  and  called  upon  the  church  to  explain  their  vote  and  make 
known  theii-  wishes.  The  church  accepted  his  proposal  to  call  a 
mutual  council  to  consider  existiiisf  matters  of  ditticulty  and  advise  to 
measures  for  terminating  them.  The  Reverends  Joseph  Suinner,  D.  D., 
of  Shrewsbury,  Andrew  Lee  and  Abiel  Williams,  with  delegates, 
obeyed  the  sunnnons,  and  after  due  consideration  "did  not  seetiiat  Mr. 
Wilson  had  forfeited  his  ministerial  character,  or  that  the  church 
wished  his  removal."  The  church  accepted  this  result  by  a  small 
majority  (ten  versus  eight)  but  was  unable  to  abide  by  it.  The  breach 
became  every  day  widei" ;  the  controveisy  more  bitter.  Those  hard- 
headed,  strong-minded  men  and  women,  accustomed  to  think  and 
sjieak  with  great  freedom,  found  the  situation  very  serious  and  critical. 
Belligerent  ''old  Captain  Tyler"  held  uj)  the  orthodox  banner;  Esquire 
Parish,  keen,  cool,  wary,  led  the  opposition  forces.  A  majority  of  the 
church  favored  Dr.  Whitney  and  Captain  Tyler;  a  society  majority 
sympathized  with  Mr.  Wilson  and  Esquire  Parish.  As  the  decision 
of  the  council  composed  in  ))ait  of  members  of  the  Eastern  Associa- 
tion had  proved  unsatisfactory  it  was  but  natural  that  church  and 
pastor  should  meditate  a  return  into  her  original  association  relations, 
and  an  appeal  to  that  august  judicial  body  the  Windham  County  Con- 
sociation. To  forestall  such  appeal  the  society  made  the  following 
proposals: — That  the  church  should  entirely  disconnect  themselves 
from  Windham  County  Consociation  ;  animl  their  vote  respecting  the 
Trinity,  and  put  themselves  on  the  Covenant  as  before  said  vote  was 
passed.  To  which  the  church  made  answer — January  26,  1817 — "As 
respecting  Consociation  not  the  proper  time  to  discuss  the  subject 
considering  the  varieties  of  opinion.  As  to  annulling  Trinity  vote 
nothing  more  meant  in  it  than  to  recognize  what  was  contained  in  our 
ancient  covenant,  and  express  our  intention  strictly  to  adhere  to  it  ; 
but  were  willing  for  the  sake  of  peace  to  vary  the  mode  of  expression 
and  adopt  words  of  our  original  church  covenant.  Article  I." 

So  far  was  the  church  from  disconnection  from  Consociation  tiiat  it 
liad  already  decided  to  submit  its  difficulties  to  its  consideration  and 
decision.  This  Unitarian  controversy  was  excititig  very  great  interest 
and  alarm  ail  over  the  land  and  the  ministers  of  the  County  joyfully 
hastened  to  join  in  the  fray.  February  o,  1817,  the  County  Consocia- 
tion accordingly  met  at  the  house  of  Captain  Tyler.  Moses  C.  Welch, 
D.  D.,  the  great  champion  of  orthodoxy,  was  cliosen  moderator.  jMr. 
Wilson  and  the  church  minority,  obeyed  the  summons  to  appear  before 
the  Consociation  but  challenged  its  right  of  jurisdiction.  Dr.  Whit- 
ney had  deliberately  withdrawn   years  before  from  the  County   Asso- 


UNITARIAN    CONTROVEESY,    ETC.  463 

elation,  and  witli   ^Ir.  Wilson    was   meniV)er  of  anollicv   body,   and   tlie 

Brooklyn  churcli  liad    dropped  its  connection    witli    other   chui-ches  of 

"NVindliain  County.     After  full  lieaiing  and  discussion,  the  Consociation 

decided  : — 

"  That  the  church  of  Brooklyn  was  originally  voUmtarily  coiisociated  and 
has  ackuowk'dged  this  relation  by  a  series  of  subsequent  consociational  acts 
and  has  neither  forfeited  these  privileges  nor  surrendered  thein.  The  Consti- 
tution of  the  churches  does  not  admit  that  a  consociated  church  may  be 
deprived  of  its  privileges  by  the  act  of  the  pastor  or  of  an  association  of 
pastors,  but  suiijects  the  pastor  of  such  church  to  its  discipline.  It  supposes 
every  person  entering  into  connection  with  such  church  acquainted  with  its 
government  and  solemnly  covenanting  to  operate  with  it  in  carrying  its 
system  of  discipline  into  etlect.  Consociation  are  of  opinion  that  tiiey  not 
only  have  jnrisdiction,  but  are  imperiously  bound  since  all  other  attempts  have 
proved  abortive  to  listen  to  its  complaint  and  endeavor  to  restore  its  peace." 

These  complaints  l)eing-  fully  presented,  and  tlie  accused  heard  at 
length  in  his  own  vindication,  the  Consociation  decided  : — 

"  1.  That  the  charge  against  Mr.  Wilson  was  supported;  2.  That  the  denial 
of  the  Trinity  is  a  departure  from  the  faith;  and,  3.  Disqualifies  Mr.  Wilson 
from  the  ofHce  of  teacher  as  it  is  a  rejection  of  an  essential  part  of  the  Coun- 
sel of  God. 

Accordingly  his  pastoral  office  in  churches  in  our  fellowship  is  now  declared 
to  be  ended,  and  his  pastoral  relation  in  Brooklyn  in  particular,  ought  to  be 
and  is  hereby  dissolved." 

The  adherents  of  Mr.  Wilson  declined  to  accept  these  decisions, 
and  as  a  majority  of  the  society  pi'oceeded  to  exercise  control  of  the 
meeting-house.  At  a  society  meeting,  March  3,  1816,  it  was  voted 
that  no  j^eisons  e.\ce[)t  the  ministers  of  the  society,  and  those  belong- 
ing to  the  Eastei'u  Association  should  be  allowed  to  hold  a  reliij;ious 
meeting  in  this  house  without  a  written  permit  from  its  comaiittee. 
Mr.  Wilson  was  requested  to  preach  whenever  Dr.  Whitney  did  not 
occupy  the  pulpit,  without  regai'd  to  the  action  of  Consociation.  Much 
confusion  and  strife  followed.  The  aged  pastor  went  far  beyond  liis 
strength  in  attempting  to  preach  twice  on  every  Sabbath  to  keep  out 
the  deposed  colleague,  and  when  at  his  special  and  urgent  i-equest  Mr. 
Preston  of  Providence  occupied  the  pulpit  without  obtaining  the 
requisite  ordei-,  the  intruder  was  jirosecuted  by  the  society.  A  council 
was  called  in  Sei)tember  by  Mr.  Wilson  and  his  supjiortei's,  "to 
examine  and  give  their  opinion  whether  the  result  of  the  Consociation 
was  agreeable  to  ecclesiastic  usage,  and  to  the  maxims  and  prece])ts 
of  the  Christian  leligion."  However  unfavoraljle  their  verdict  upon 
this  much  disputed  question,  they  agreed  ujjon  the  propriety  of  dis- 
missing Mr.  Wilson  from  his  unpleasant  position,  expressing  at  the 
same  time  their  entire  satisfaction  with  his  pacific  and  charitable 
tem])ei',  theological  attainments  and  ministerial  qualitications.  The 
church  discharged  tliis  jiarting  volley : — 

"  Whereas,  Mr.  Luther  Wilson  has  been  found  guilty  of  a  charge  of  iikresy 
by  the  Consociation  of  this  County,  and  has  been  frequently  adnaonished  by 


464  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

the  inenibers  of  this  church  for  that  crime  and  also  by  Consociation — it  is 
the  opinion  of  this  cliufcli  that  he  ouijflit  to  be  and  is  suspended  from  tlie 
communion  of  tliis  church  till  he  retracts  and  reforms." 

The  depaiture  of"  Mr.  Wilson  only  increased  the  breach  and  diffi- 
culties. The  society  procured  an  avowed  Unitarian  from  ]Massachu- 
setts,  placed  hiiu  in  the  pulpit  and  levied  taxes  for  his  suj)i)ort.  A 
imniber  of  his  opponents  not  liking  to  pay  for  heretical  preaching 
Avithdiew  fioni  the  society,  weakening  theii  own  ranks  and  adding  to 
the  strength  of  the  Unitarians,  who  now  openly  asserted  their  right 
to  the  house  of  woiship  and  other  parochial  privileges.  The  aged 
and  infirm  pastoi',  gieatly  afflicted  by  this  defection  and  strife  among 
a  people  who  were  so  dear  to  him,  labored  painfully  to  discharge  all 
the  duties  of  his  office  and  maintain  what  he  believed  the  rights  of 
the  church,  until  the  doors  of  the  meeting-house  were  barred  against 
him.  It  was  on  a  communion  Sabbath,  nine  were  to  be  admitted  to 
the  membership  of  the  church,  when  the  gathering  congregation  was 
denied  admittance.  Dr.  Whitney  was  a  man  of  great  equanimity  and 
self-contiol.  Jokes  were  to  him  more  natural  than  tears,  but  on  this 
occasion  his  feelings  wholly  overcame  him  and  as  bowed  down  with 
grief  he  re-entered  his  dwelling  he  repeated  with  deep  emotion  the 
•words  of  David  : — 

"  O  Lord  !  how  man}^  are  my  foes, 

In  this  weak  state  of  flesh  and  blood; 
My  peace  they  daily  discompose, 
But  my  defence  and  hope  is  God." 

The  distressed  church  hired  the  unfinished  attic  of  a  common 
dwelling-house  for  a  place  of  worship,  and  called  upon  the  County 
Association  to  supply  them  with  preachei-s.  Among  others  who 
volunteered  their  friendly  services  was  ^ir.  Dow  of  Tliompsou,  whose 
quaint  texts  afibrded  merriment  as  well  as  consolation.  Glancing  at 
the  bare  walls  and  rafters  with  his  keen,  sarcastic  eye,  he  queried — 
"  And  wherefore  have  ye  made  us  to  come  up  out  of  Egypt, 
to  bring  us  in  unto  this  evil  place  ? "  Nor  was  the  afternoon 
selection  less  appiopriale — "  The  conies  ai'e  a  feeble  folk  and 
dwell  among  the  rocks.-"  Efforts  for  conciliation  were  still  con- 
sidered and  at  one  time  seemed  likely  to  prove  effectual — a  mildly 
oitbodox  candidate  gaining  the  sufJVages  of  both  parties.  "For  the 
purpose  of  healing  divisions  and  promoting  christian  peace  and  har- 
mony," the  church  agreed,  "to  give  up  the  jurisdiction  of  Consocia- 
tion and  Saybiook  Platform,  and  establish  the  following  tribunal  as  a 
mutual  council  impowered  to  settle  all  matters  of  difficulty  i.e.  Dr. 
Lee  of  Lisbon,  and  delegate ;  Rev.  Jesse  P^isher  of  Scotland,  and 
delegate;  Rev.  Philo  Judson  of  Ashfoid,  and  delegate;  Rev.  Abiel 
Williams  of  Dudley,  and  delegate."     Also  '"voted,  that  no  member  of 


tec^fl/l 


TOWN    AND    CHURCH    AFFAIRS    IN    ASIIFOKD,    ETC.  465 

this  cliuivh  shall  be  called  in  question  for  any  religious  sentiments 
avowed  tluring  our  unhappy  condition  ;  also,  not  to  expunge  any  vote." 
September  15,  1818,  the  church  pro[)Osed  to  society  "to  unite  with 
them  in  procuring  some  suitable  i)eison  for  minister;  in "  event  of 
society  not  accej)ting,  church  requested  them  to  repeal  or  to  modify 
their  votes,  that  the  church  may  inqjrove  the  meeting-house  without 
molestation  or  disturbance,  ])rovided  they  })rocure  i)reaching  without 
any  expense  to  the  society."  But  the  difference  was  too  deep  and 
radical  for  healing,  party  S[)irit  had  raged  with  too  great  fierceness, 
words  and  l)lows  liad  been  too  freely  exchange*!,  and  after  a  final 
council,  March  3,  1819,  all  hopes  of  reconciliation  were  abandoned 
The  cluircli  voted  a  formal  Kemonstrance  to  Deacon  Iloger  W. 
Williams,  John  Parish  and  John  Williams,  and  withdrew  from  them 
its  watch  and  care,  and  with  diminished  numbers,  unabated  courage 
and  greatly  stiffened  doctrinal  orthodoxy,  continued  its  meetings  in 
the  upper  chamber,  and  instructed  a  committee  to  procure  aid  in 
preacliing  "if  a  suitable  place  can  be  found." 

While  this  sectarian  controversy  was  raging  in  Brooklyn,  the  great 
religious  question  which  for  nearly  a  hundred  years  had  so  deeply 
agitated  Connecticut  was  forever  settled.  By  the  adoption  of  a  new 
Constitution  all  previous  enactments  and  restrictions  had  been  swept 
away,  and  religious  worship  and  maintenance  left  to  the  judgment  of 
the  individual  conscience.  Windham  dissenters,  so  active  in  the  early 
days  of  agitation,  battled  on  to  victoiy.  Baptists,  Methodists,  Univer- 
salists,  Freethinkers,  took  uj)  the  war-cry  of  the  vanquished  Separates 
— "Down  with  the  priest  tax,  the  certificates,  the  Standing  Order,  the 
SayVjrook  Platform,  the  wlK)le  Ecclesiastic  EstaV)lishment  of  Connecti- 
cut." Roger  Huntington  of  Windham  printed  and  circulated  at  his  own 
expense  "A  Review  of  Ecclesiastic  Establishments  in  Europe,"  which 
struck  most  forcible  and  telling  blows  upon  the  Connecticut  system. 
Judge  BoUes  wrote  and  spoke  with  equal  vigor,  and  was  the  first 
Baptist  permitted  to  ai'gue  the  Baptist  petition  before  the  two  houses 
of  the  Legislature.  As  the  struggle  drew  near  its  close  it  increased  in 
intensity.  The  ministers  and  brethren  representing  the  original 
churches  of  Connecticut — those  churches  which  had  done  so  much 
in  the  building  up  and  developing  ciiaracter  and  institutions — the 
rulers  of  the  State,  the  wise  men,  the  councillors,  clung  to  their  system 
with  the  tenacity  of  men  who  believed  that  religion  was  the  great  end 
and  aim  of  all  human  affaiis,  and  that  it  was  their  sui)reme  duty  to 
l)rovide  for  its  universal  observance.  Political  combinations  added 
fury  to  the  fiamc.  The  conservative  and  dignified  Federalist  stood  by 
the  ecclesiastic  constitution  ;  the  progressive  Jeffersonian  Republicans 
offered  aid  and  sympathy  to  the  champions  of  religious  liberty.     The 


466  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

war  of  1812  liunied  on  tlie  inevitable  result.  The  unpopular  course 
of  the  Federalists  in  refusing  to  call  out  troops  and  instituting  the 
Convention  at  Hartford,  and  their  unwise  and  unequal  distribution  of 
public  funds,  hastened  their  downfall.  The  stately  Eijiscopalians 
declared  against  them  and  joined  with  other  sectaries  into  one  great 
Toleration  Paity,  which  gathered  into  its  ranks  every  opposing  element 
and  carried  the  State  by  overwhelming  majority.  At  the  May  Session 
of  the  Geneial  Assembly  in  1818,  a  bill  was  passed  recommending, 
that  on  July  4,  the  freemen  should  meet  in  their  respective  towns  to 
choose  delegates  to  aid  in  the  formation  of  a  Constitution  of  civil 
government.  A  Baptist  clergynian  i)resent  simply  said  : — "  I  with- 
draw my  petition,"  for  he  knew  that  the  day  was  won.  "Windham 
County  sent' as  delegates: — Windham.  Peter  Webb,  Zaccheus  Waldo; 
Ashford,  Josias  Biles,  William  Perkins:  Brooklyn,  Roger  W.  Wil- 
liams ;  Canterbury,  Luther  Paine,  Daniel  Frost  :  Columbia,  Silas 
Frost ;  H;impton,  Ebciiezer  Griffin  ;  Killingly,  Luther  Warren,  Ezra 
Hutcliins  ;  Lebanon,  Stephen  D.  Tilden,  Thomas  Babcock  ;  Mansfield, 
Edmund  Freeman,  Artemas  Gurley  ;  Plainfield,  Elias  Woodward,  John 
Dunlap  ;  Pomfret,  Darius  Matthewson,  Lemuel  Ligalls ;  Sterling, 
Dixon  ILall  ;  Thom])son,  George  Lariied,  Jonathan  Nichols,  Jun.  ; 
Voluntown,  Daniel  Keigwin  ;  Woodstock,  Jolin  jNIcClellan,  Elias 
Child,  2d.  The  convention  met  at  Hartford,  August  26.  Peter  Webb, 
George  Larned  and  Edmund  Freeman  were  chosen  from  Windham 
County  to  act  with  three  members  chosen  from  each  other  county  in 
drafting  a  Constitution.  Another  distinguished  son  of  Windham, 
Amas;i  Learned,  lepresented  New  London  County.  Day  after  day 
the  committee  made  reports  which  were  discussed  and  amended  by 
the  whole  body.  The  I^ill  of  Bights  declai-ed,  that  the  exercise  and 
enjoyment  of  religious  profession  and  worship  shall  forever  be  free  to 
all  persons  in  this  State,  and  th:it  no  preference  shall  be  given  by  law 
to  any  christian  sect  or  mode  of  worship.  Li  Aiticle  VIL  it  was 
affirmed  : — 

"  It  being  the  duty  of  all  men  to  worship  the  Supreme  IJeing,  the  Great 
Creator  ami  Preserver  of  Uie  Univer.se,  and  their  right  to  render  that  worship 
in  the  mode  most  cousistent  with  the  di(;tates  of  their  consciences;  no  per- 
son shall,  by  law,  be  compelled  to  join  or  support,  nor  be  classed  with,  or 
associated  to,  any  cougregaiion,  church  or  religious  association.  Hut  every 
person  now  belonging  to  such  congregation,  church  or  religious  association 
shall  remain  a  member  thereof,  until  he  shall  have  separated  himself  there- 
from, in  the  manner  hereinafter  provided.  And  each  and  every  society  or 
denomination  of  Christians  in  this  State,  shall  have  and  enjoy  the  same  and 
equal  powers,  rights  and  privileges." 

Section  Second  provided  that  any  person  could  sepanite  himself  from 
society  relations  by  a  written  notice  to  the  clerk  of  the  society.  Tlie 
draft  of  the  Constitution,  as  amended  and  ai)proved  when  read  by  sec- 


TOWN    AND    CHURCH    AFFAIRS    IN   ASHFORD,    ETC. 


467 


tions,  was  read  through  for  the  last  tuue  before  the  final  (|nestion  of 
acceptance  or  rejection,  at  5  P.  M.,  September  18.  But  even  on  this 
closing  day  it  was  moved  "to  strikeout  the  Seventh  Article  relating 
to  Religion,"  but  determined  in  the  negative  by  majorities  of  thirty-five 
upon  Section  First  and  forty-two  upon  Section  Second.  The  Constitu- 
tion was  accepted  by  134  yeas,  contra  61  nays — (five  of  the  Windham 
County  delegates  voting  against  it) — and  submitted  to  the  respective 
towns  for  their  approbation  and  ratification.  Town  meetings  were 
held,  October  5,  when  the  assembled  citizens  of  Windham  County 
heard  the  new  Constitution  read  and  expounded,  and  thus  pronounced 
their  verdict : — 


Yeas. 

Nays. 

Teas. 

Xays. 

Windham, 

182 

127 

Mansfield, 

210 

178 

Ashford, 

189 

161 

Plaiufleld, 

101 

87 

Brooklyn, 

103 

42 

Pomfret, 

91 

116 

Canterbury, 

69 

161 

Sterling, 

58 

44 

Columbia, 

62 

65 

Thompson, 

174 

95 

Hampton, 

89 

120 

Voluntown, 

53 

32 

Killiugly, 

174 

144 

Woodstock, 

133 

147 

Lebanon, 

86 

152 

1,777  1,671 

These  votes  would  seem  to  be  irrespective  of  party  lines,  nor  can 
they  be  explained  by  the  religious  status  of  the  towns — strong  Federal 
towns  like  Brooklyn  and  Thompson  voting  acceptance,  and  Canter- 
bury and  Woodstock,  with  their  vehement  Separate  and  Baptist  ele- 
ment, giving  judgment  against  it.  The  probability  is  that  in  the  dis- 
integration and  confusion  of  parties  the  question  was  met  upon  its 
own  merits,  and  decided  according  to  individual  bias  and  conviction. 

The  adoption  of  the  new  Constitution  was  followed  by  tlie  settle- 
ment of  another  vexed  question,  that  for  nearly  an  equal  period  had 
excited  much  contention  in  Windham  County.  The  northern  towns 
carried  their  point  and  obtained  the  removal  of  the  Courts  from  Wind- 
ham. Hampton,  as  holding  the  exact  geographical  centre  of  the 
county  as  then  stated,  was  exceedingly  active  in  the  later  movements. 
Ebenezer  Griffin,  Elijah  Simons,  Philip  Pearl,  James  Burnett  and 
Joseph  Prentice,  were  continued  in  service  as  committee.  In  Decem- 
ber, 1817,  a  committee  was  sent  to  Hampton  by  the  General  Court  to 
consider  the  situation.  A  very  animated  meeting  was  held  at  the 
house  of  Luther  D.  Leach.  Every  town  in  the  County  sent  its  best 
men  to  join  in  deliberations.  Windham  was  well  represented  by  its 
lawyers,  Samuel  Perkins,  John  Baldwin  and  Jabez  Clark.  Hampton's 
committee  of  six  employed  "  an  able  lawyer"  to  plead  their  cause,  but 
were  unable  to  secure  a  report  in  their  favor.  After  careful  delibera- 
tion and  other  meetings,  the  committee  reported  in  favor  of  Brooklyn 


468  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

The  Assembly  accepted  their  report  and   provided  for  its  execution, 
viz : — 

•'An  Act,  approved,  May  27,  1819,  provided  that  so  soon  as  a  convenient 
court-house  and  jail  should  have  been  erected  in  the  town  of  Brooklyn,  at  a 
place  to  be  fixed  b.v  three  persons  or  any  two  of  tliem,  to  be  appointed  by  the 
County  Court  for  said  County  a  committee  for  this  purpose,  witliiu  forty  rods 
of  the  raeetiiig-house,  to  the  acceptance  of  any  two  of  tlie  judges  of  the 
Superior  Court  for  the  time  being,  the  County  and  Superior  Courts  within 
and  for  said  County  of  Windham  shall  thereafter  be  holden  in  said  town  of 
Brooklyn,  any  law,  usage  or  custom  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding  :  Always 
provided,  that  said  buildings  should  be  erected  without  any  expense  to  said 
County,  and  within  three  years  from  the  rising  of  this  Assembly.  That  when- 
ever said  court-house  and  gaol  shall  be  completed  as  aforesaid,  then  the 
court  and  county-house  with  the  land  adjoining  and  on  which  they  stand  he- 
longing  to  said  County,  situated  in  said  Vvindham,  shall  belong  to  the  town 
of  Windham." 

Brooklyn  immediately  bestirred  herself  to  take  advantage  of  this 
enactment.  At  a  town  meeting,  June  8,  Dr.  Ebenezer  Baker  was 
chosen  moderator.  A  committee  was  chosen  to  correspond  with  other 
towns,  and  a  thousand  dollars  out  of  the  town  treasury  pledged  for 
court-house  and  jail.  In  response  to  Brooklyn's  summons,  Darius  Mat- 
thewson,  Lemuel  Ingalls,  John  H.  Payson,  John  Davis,  Judah  Lyon, 
John  F.  Williams,  Luther  Warren,  Penuel  Hutchins,  William  Read, 
George  Lai-ned,  Jonathan  Nichols,  Jun.,  Benj.  Gallup,  Joseph  Eaton, 
John  Dunlap,  Sessions  Lester,  Jonathan  Hammet,  delegates  from  their 
respective  towns,  met  in  conference  June  19,  with  Vine  Robinson, 
John  Parish,  Charles  Dabney  and  Eleazer  Mather,  to  consider  the 
location,  size  and  expense  of  the  necessary  buildings.  Judge  Ingalls 
was  chosen  moderator  ;  Jonathan  Nichols,  clerk.  John  Parish,  Darius 
Matthewson,  Luther  Warren,  George  Larned  and  Joseph  Eaton  were 
deputized  to  affix  the  size  of  the  ])ublic  buildings  and  estimate  the 
probable  expense.  They  reported  "  that  six  thousand  dollars  would 
be  needful,  of  which  Brooklyn  guaranteed  twenty-five  hundred,  and 
that  the  balance  must  be  I'aised  by  the  other  towns  or  there  would  be 
no  cliajice  for  establishing  the  county  buildings  at  Bi'ooklyn,  and 
recommended  that  measures  be  immediately  taken  by  each  town  to 
raise  its  reasonable  pi'oportion  of  this  money." 

This  amount  was  not  j-aised  without  considerable  effort.  Thomp- 
son, Killingly,  Plainfield,  Canterbury,  Sterling,  voted  their  appropria- 
tion without  demurring,  but  towns  whose  ambitious  aspirations  had 
been  blighted  withheld  their  quota.  Pomfret  positively  and  rei)eatedly 
declined  "to  raise  any  money  to  assist  Brooklyn  to  erect  the  county 
buildings  at  that  place."  The  Woodstock  committee  vainly  urged  the 
matter  upon  their  fellow-citizens — "  had  supposed  that  Woodstock 
from  its  well  known  liberality  and  ability  would  raise  at  least  five  him- 
dred  dollars ;  considered  it  very  important  to  render  assistance  ;  Brook- 


I 


CHANGE    OF    COUNTY    SEAT,  ETC.  469 

lyn,  small,  divided ;  the  town  had  worked  for  fifty  years,  and  should 
the  object  be  lost  for  want  of  funds?"  Unable  to  secure  an  appropria- 
tion, John  McClellan  and  Elias  Child  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
draft  a  subscription  paper,  and  a  much  larger  committee  was  appointed 
to  receive  the  money  thus  collected.  Public  spirited  citizens  in 
Brooklyn  and  Canterbury  subscribed  liberally  in  addition  to  the  sums 
pledged  by  their  towns.  At  a  meeting  of  the  County  Court,  July  20, 
"  on  motion  of  John  Parish,  Thomas  Kinsman  of  Lisbon,  Elisha  I. 
Abell  and  Alexander  Stewart,  Jun.,  of  Griswold,  were  designated  to 
fix  the  place  whereon  a  Court-house  and  jail  shall  be  erected  in  the 
town  of  Brooklyn,  according  to  act  of  General  Assembly."  The  pro- 
posals of  Charles  Dabney  and  Benjamin  E.  Palmer  were  accepted,  and 
Vine  Robinson,  Adams  White,  Captain  Elisha  Adams,  Captain  Eleazer 
Mather,  Dr.  Ebenezer  Baker  and  John  Parish,  appointed  to  take  said 
building  agreement  from  the  contractors  in  behalf  of  the  town. 


BOOK  IX.    1820-1845. 


I. 

TRANSFERRENCE  OF  COURTS.   BROOKLYN  ENTERPRISE.  DEATH 

OF  DR.  WHITNEY.  MINISTRY  OF  SAMUEL  J.  MAY. 

EXECUTION  OF  WATKINS. 

WINDHAM  County's  first  court  session  was  holden  in  Wind- 
ham town,  June  20,  1726.  On  the  26th  of  July,  1820,  Chief- 
justice  Stephen  T.  Hosnier  and  Judge  John  T.  Peters,  having  found 
that  a  convenient  court-liouse  and  jail  had  been  erected  at  Brooklyn, 
approved  and  established  the  same.  A  special  court  of  common  pleas 
was  holden,  Judge  David  Bolles  presiding.  His  associates  were  James 
Gordon,  Jun.,  Artemas  Gurley  ;  David  C  Bolles,  clerk.  Andrew  T. 
Jndson  was  present  as  state  attorney  ;  Edmond  Freeman  as  sheriff. 
Ebenezer  Baker  was  apjiointed  as  keeper  of  the  jail,  and  jail  litnits 
were  assigned.  At  the  following  session,  August  18,  William  Tyler 
was  appointed  keeper  of  the  jail ;  Cyrus  H.  Beardsly,  Azel  Utley  and 
Jared  W.  Williams  were  admitted  attorneys.  Business  opened  with 
much  animation.  Two  young  lawyers  had  already  appeared  in  Brook- 
lyn, ready  to  compete  for  clients  and  honors.  The  Bar  of  Windham 
County  at  this  time  boasted  a  very  creditable  array  of  legal  talent,  and 
held  a  good  position  in  the  State.  It  reported  from  Brooklyn — John 
Parish,  Daniel  Kies,  Jonathan  A.  Welch  (son  of  Dr.  Moses  C.  Welch), 
Uriel  Fuller;  Ashford,  David  Bolles,  Philip  Hay  ward,  Samuel  Ashley; 
Canterbury,  Rufus  Adams,  Andrew  T.  Judson,  Daniel  P^ost,  Jun.; 
Hampton,  Joseph  Prentice,  Chauncey  F.  Cleveland  (admitted  at  the 
last  court  session  in  Windham) ;  Killingly,  Ebenezer  Young  ;  Lebanon, 
William  T.  Williams,  Denison  Wattles,  Jun.,  Henry  Huntington ; 
Plainfield,  Joseph  Eaton,  Ira  Case  :  Pomfret,  John  Holbrook,  Elisha 
B.  Perkins,  Jonathan  Prescott  Hall ;  Sterling,  Calvin  Hibbard ; 
Thompson,  George  Larned,  Simon  Davis ;  Windham,  Jabez  Clark, 
Samuel  Perkins,  David  Young,  John  Baldwin,  John  Fitch,  Thomas 
Gray,  Edwards  Clarke  ;  Woodstock,  John  McClellan,  Ebenezer  Stod- 
dard, John  F.  Williams.  A  newspaper  was  on  hand  to  report  their 
proceedings.     The   Press  had  taken  precedence  of  the  Bar.     Monday, 


472  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

July  1,  1820,  tlie  Independent  Obseroer  and  County  Advertiser 
sent  out  its  first  issue — Henry  Webb,  printer  and  publisher.  Samuel 
and  Horatio  Webb  were  also  associated  in  this  enterprise — the  former 
having  previously  published  newspapers  in  Norwich  and  Windham. 
The  Observer  surpassed  the  waning  Herald  in  size  and  general 
appearance.  The  paper  was  fairer,  the  print  clearer.  It  manifested  a 
good  degree  of  enterprise  in  securing  pul)lic  and  local  intelligence. 
Literary  readers  were  regaled  with  a  variety  of  original  and  selected 
poems,  and  one  of  Brockden  Brown's  most  harrowing  complicaiions 
administered  as  a  serial.  Samuel  Webb  acted  as  general  agent.  Its 
circulation  was  reported,  as  "  pi'etty  general  in  all  parts  of  the  County." 

Bar  and  Press  were  soon  followed  by  other  institutions.  Associated 
enterprise  and  eifort  sought  the  County  centre.  The  Agricultural 
Society  hitherto  limited  to  Pomfret  and  adjacent  towns  now  embraced 
the  whole  County.  An  act  incorporating  Windham  County  Agricul- 
tural Society,  was  passed  in  May,  1820,  and  in  the  following  January 
the  society  was  formally  organized — Thomas  Hubbard,  president ; 
Darius  Matthewson,  vice-president ;  Amos  Paine,  2d  vice-president  ; 
Samuel  Howard,  treasurer ;  James  McClellan,  secretary.  Its  first 
meeting  was  held  at  the  house  of  Peter  Thom]ison,  but  arrangements 
were  soon  initiated  for  transferring  its  meetings  to  Brooklyn.  In  1822, 
Windham  County  Bank  was  incorporated — Joseph  Eaton  of  Plain- 
field,  president;  Adams  White,  Brooklyn,  cashier.  Among  its  first 
directors  were  Jose|)h  Eaton,  Vine  Robinson,  John  McClellan,  Andrew 
T.  Judson,  E.  C.  Eaton,  Ebenezer  Young,  James  Gordon,  Rufus 
Adams,  William  Putnam,  Bela  P.  Spalding,  Herbert  S.  Williams.  A 
neat  new  building  soon  accommodated  tliis  institution,  which  was 
regarded  with  much  pride  and  favor  by  Windham  County  citizens. 
A  close  communion  bank  it  was  wittily  called,  as  the  privilege  of 
stockholding  was  restricted  to  county  limits.  Upon  petition  of  Vine 
Robinson,  Adams  White,  Jun.,  Daniel  Tyler  and  many  other  promi- 
nent men,  the  Windham  County  Mutual  Fire  Insurance  Company  was 
incorporated  in  June,  1826.  Vine  Robinson  was  chosen  president; 
A<lams  White,  secretaiy  ;  Joseph  Eaton,  Andrew  T.  Judson,  Cxeorge 
Larned,  John  McClellan,  directors.  This  institution  met  with  general 
favor  and  secured  i)atrunage  frt>m  all  parts  of  the  County. 

The  new  impulse  was  manifested  in  tiie  (juickcniiig  of  business  and 
development  of  manufacturing  enter{)rise.  Young  men  were  drawn  to 
the  town  to  engage  in  various  avocations.  Daniel  C.  Robinson,  William 
Storrs  &  Co.,  C.  W.  Jenkins,  advertised  large  assortments  of  mer- 
chandise at  their  fashionable  stores.  Edwin  C.  Newbury  of  Mans- 
field, having  served  appienticeship  in  Hartford,  opened  shop  as  a 
silversmitli,  finding  a  ready  market  for  serviceable  spoons  and  specta- 


BROOKLYN    ENTERPRISE,    ETC.  473 

cles.  Others  experimented  in  makinsj  tinware  and  furniture.  Projects 
were  broached  for  utilizing  the  clay  deposit  east  of  the  village.  A 
great  cotton  manufactory  was  built  up  on  the  Quinebaug  in  East 
Brooklyn  by  the  Tiffanys  of  Killingly.  B.  E.  Palmer,  tlie  architect 
of  the  court-house,  removed  his  residence  to  the  village.  Two 
young  physicians  from  abroad,  William  Hutchins  of  Killingly,  and 
Thomas  Huntington  of  Norwich,  both  very  promising  and  public 
spirited  young  men,  took  the  place  of  Dr.  Eben(>zer  Baker,  deceased. 
Daniel  P.  Tyler,  after  a  short  trial  in  Pomfret,  returned  to  [)ractice 
law  in  his  own  village.  Among  other  new  residents  was  Mr.  George 
Benson  of  Providence,  a  man  of  advanced  years  and  out-reaching 
philanthrojiy,  who  with  his  large  and  influential  family  of  sons  and 
daughters  was  welcomed  as  a  valuable  acquisition  to  the  aggressive 
force  of  the  town. 

Brooklyn  did  not  gain  all  these  advantages  without  labor  and  self- 
sacrifice.  Even  the  sum  pledged  for  court-house  and  jail  was  not 
secured  without  a  struggle.  Sectarian  strife  interfered  with  plans  for 
public  improvement.  Unitarians  and  Trinitarians  could  not  unite  even 
in  building  a  court-house.  Wealthy  members  of  the  latter  society 
refused  it  was  said  to  subscribe  even  one  cent  for  that  purpose.  A 
basement  was  built  below  the  court-rooms  intended  for  business  pur- 
poses which  was  rented  for  a  few  weeks  to  the  Trinitarian  congrega- 
tion. The  town  called  an  indignation  meeting  and  declared  that  the 
Court  had  no  power  to  control  the  use  of  this  room,  and  if  they  had 
it  would  be  highly  inexpedient  to  allow  it  to  persons  who  had  refused 
to  aid  in  building  it,  especially  as  there  was  a  meeting-house  in  town 
sufficiently  large  for  all  its  inhabitants,  and  such  indulgence  would 
only  have  a  tendency  to  prolong  the  difticulties,  and  requested  Vine 
Robinson,  John  Parish  and  Sanuiel  Scarborough  to  present  the 
respects  of  the  meeting  to  the  Court,  and  request  them  not  to  permit 
said  inhabitants  to  occupy  said  room  for  religious  service.  This  act 
aroused  some  merriment  as  well  as  indignation  all  over  the  County. 
A  humorous  ballad  was  widely  circulated,  giving  a  ridiculous  account 
of  the  whole  controversy  : — 

"  On  subjects  dark  they  raised  a  rout, 
And  what  they  nothing  knew  about, 
They  talked  upon  till  all  was  blue, 
And  split  their  body  ri<?ht  in  two. 
Then  Fate  in  pity  kindly  sent  'em 
A  handsome  Court-house  to  content  'em, 
That  by  this  means,  o'er-flowed  with  money, 
Their  bitter  gall  might  turn  to  honey. 
But  what  to  them  this  gift  will  do, 
Time  and  experiment  will  shew — 
They  now  contend  in  spirit  odd 
That  none  therein  shall  worship  God." 

60 


474  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Farther  collision  with  the  Court  was  prevented  by  ceding  to  the 
County  the  town's  right  in  these  public  buildings — David  C.  Bolles, 
Uriah  Fuller  and  J.  A.  Welch,  coiuniittee  for  that  purpose.  Accounts 
were  finally  settled  by  the  aid  of  Pomfret  and  Woodstock,  who  found 
it  necessary  to  join  forces  with  other  northern  towns  against  Wind- 
ham's most  earnest  and  persevering  agitation  for  a  half-shire  and 
county  division.  Brooklyn  opposed  these  efforts  with  her  usual 
spirit  and  liberality,  and  sustained  the  various  demands  with  patience 
and  good  temper.  Vine  Kobinson  now  usually  served  as  modera- 
tor in  town  meetings.  Elisha  Adams,  Adams  Wliite,  Jun.,  Philip 
Searls,  selectmen;  Zachariah  Spalding,  town  clerk  and  treasurer; 
Bela  P.  Spalding,  constable  ;  John  W^eaver,  Uriah  C.  Piince,  Shubael 
Brown,  William  Putnam,  Elias  Blanchard,  Nathan  Witter,  Jun., 
Jesse  Fuller,  Timothy  Herrick,  ,Tohn  Williams,  2d,  highway  surveyors 
for  their  respective  districts.  Delegates  from  Woodstock,  Thomp- 
son, Pomfret  and  Killingly,  were  invited  to  confer  at  Champion's 
tavern  in  Pomfret,  April  2C,  1825,  about  a  County  poor-house  and  house 
of  correction.  A  more  direct  road  to  Hampton  was  laid  out  the  same 
year — damages  laid  to  William  Cundall,  John  Ashcraft,  Galen  Hicks, 
Havilah  Taylor,  Amasa  Pooler,  Richard  Carder,  Ebenezer  Witter, 
Elijah  Witter.  In  the  following  year  the  Brooklyn  and  Windham 
Turnpike  was  constructed. 

As  broader  interests  occupied  the  public  mind  religious  animosities 
gradually  subsided.  The  Trinitarians  were  able  to  complete  a  chapel 
for  divine  service  in  1821,  kind  friends  of  the  church  assisting  in  its 
equipment.  Different  ministers  aided  Dr.  Whitney  in  his  labors,  and 
quite  a  number  were  added  to  the  church.  In  the  following  summer 
through  the  efforts  of  lady  visitants,  a  Sabbath-school  class  was 
gathered,  and  a  suitable  children's  libraiy  procured.  Its  first  sui)erin- 
tendent  was  Amos  Prince,  recently  removed  from  Promfret.  In  April, 
1824,  Ambrose  Edson  of  Stafford,  was  ordained  and  installed  colleague 
pastor,  on  which  pleasant  occasion  the  use  of  the  great  meeting-house 
was  magnanimously  tendered  by  the  First  Society.  The  most  conspicu- 
ous figures  in  Brooklyn  at  this  time,  were  those  of  Captain  Tyler  and 
his  wife,  and  their  venerable  pastor.  Though  in  his  ninety-fourth  year 
Dr.  Whitney  was  still  erect  and  vigorous,  his  eye  not  dimmed  nor  his 
natural  force  abated.  With  flowing  wig  and  anti(pie  garb  he  still  was 
often  seen  upon  the  street,  exchanging  pleasant  greetings  and  happy 
repartees  with  his  dear  friends  and  neighbors.  His  face  beamed  with 
animated  expression,  his  playful  sallies  were  tempered  by  christian 
dignity.  As  he  entered  the  house  of  God,  the  congregation  rose  to 
receive  him,  and  remained  standing  in  reverential  attitude  till  he  had 
taken  his  seat.     The  fatal  illness  that  seized  him  in  September,  found 


DEATH    OF    DR.  WHITNEY,  ETC. 


475 


hitn  in  full  possession  of  all  liis  faculties,  at  peace  with  God  and  man, 
and  as  lie  drew  nearer  the  end  his  mind  orew  clearer  and  brigliter  and 
his  spirit  seemed  to  soar  above  this  world.  Scripture,  hymns  and  long 
passages  from  Young's  Night  Thoughts,  weie  repeated  by  him  with 
great  animation  and  expression.  He  was  able  to  see  and  converse 
with  all  his  dear  people,  and  many  precious  words  of  counsel,  trust 
and  tiiumph  were  treasuied  in  their  hearts.  Colonel  Daniel  Putnam 
who  called  to  see  him  on  one  of  the  last  days  found  the  chamber  filled 
with  the  old  and  young  of  his  Hock,  and  was  received  with  equal 
warmth  and  friendliness  and  with  touching  allusions  to  the  death-bed 
of  his  honored  father,  his  "  constant  and  taithful  friend ;  an  Israelite 
indeed,  in  whose  heart  there  was  no  guile."  Young  mothers  brought 
their  children  to  him  for  baptism  as  if  the  touch  of  those  dying  hands 
and  prayer  from  those  dying  lips  would  bring  an  especial  blessing. 
Yet  amid  all  this  rapturous  elevation  when  it  seemed  at  times  as  if  the 
very  gates  of  Heaven  were  opened  to  him,  the  native  humor  would 
flash  out  with  its  wonted  brightness.  To  Judge  Hosmer  as  an  excuse 
for  keeping  his  bed  in  his  presence,  he  explained — "  You  know  I  am 
not  of  the  rising  generation."  Some  anxiety  was  expressed  about  the 
funeral  arrangements  as  several  of  the  ministers  were  absent  or  ailing 
and  Mr.  Atkins  was  suggested,  when  Dr.  Whitney  burst  out — "  He 
durstn't  plead  inability  seeing  he  has  got  a  new  wife."  "  His  voice 
soon  after  failed  and  he  sunk  gradually  and  most  serenely  into  the 
arms  of  death."  The  funeral  sermon  was  given  as  was  suggested  by 
his  old  friend,  Mr.  Atkins,  other  ministers  bearing  part  in  the  services. 
Mr.  Edson  continued  in  charge  as  sole  pastor  of  the  church. 

The  Unitarian  church  was  so  fortunate  as  to  secure  for  their  pastor, 
Mr.  Samuel  J.  May,  a  young  man  of  vigorous  intellect,  good  educa- 
tion and  wide,  philanthropic  sympathies,  most  earnestly  and  honestly 
striving  to  learn  the  exact  truth  upon  every  question  and  teach  the 
same  to  others,  who  was  ordained  over  them,  March  13,  1822.  The 
ministry  of  Mr.  May  was  most  acceptable  and  beneficial  to  his  own 
people  and  the  community  at  large.  Entering  with  his  whole  heart 
and  soul  into  all  of  the  great  questions  of  the  day,  he  carried  others 
with  him.  It  was  a  period  of  wonderful  growth  and  quickening,  wheii 
men's  eyes  were  opening  as  never  before  to  the  sins,  miseries  and 
wants  of  the  world.  Himself  a  born  reformer,  and  personally  con- 
nected with  the  leaders  of  various  aggressive  movements,  it  was  his 
privilege  to  initiate  most  vital  and  salutary  reforms  in  Windham 
County.  Through  his  efiTorts  "  The  Windham  County  Peace  Society  " 
was  organized,  August  16.  1.S26.  A  larger  number  of  gentlemen  was 
piesent  than  had  been  expected.  George  Benson,  moderator ;  Elisha 
B.  Perkins,  clerk.     Rev.  James  Porter  moved  that  a  society  be  or- 


476 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


ganized.  A  committee  of  five  rej)Oited  a  constitution  for  a  society, 
whose  object  was  to  discountenance  by  all  lairful  2iV\di  jvstijiable  means 
the  anti-Christian  and  inhuman  practice  of  war.  A  subscription  of 
fitty  cents  a  year,  or  tive  dollais  for  life,  was  authorized — funds  to  he 
exclusively  employed  in  difl'using  infoimation  upon  the  uselessness, 
miseries  and  criminality  of  war,  and  in  cultivating  the  spirit  of  peace. 
Dr.  Thomas  Hubbard  was  chosen  president ;  Mr.  George  Benson,  Kev. 
Hubbel  Loomis  of  Willington,  Samuel  Perkins,  Esq.,  of  Windham, 
vice-presidents;  Rev.  Samuel  J.  May,  corresponding  secretary; 
Rev.  Ambrose  Edson,  recording  secietary  ;  Dr.  Thomas  Huntington, 
treasure!-.  A  board  of  tiuslees  was  chosen,  made  up  of  gentlemen 
from  ditlerent  towns,  who  it  was  hoped  would  favor  the  undertaking, 
viz  :  Rev.  James  Porter,  Pomfret ;  Rev.  Roswell  Whitmore,  Killingly  ; 
Darius  Matthewson,  Pomfret ;  Ingoldsby  Crawford,  Union  :  George 
Sharpe,  Abington  ;  Rev.  Orin  Fowler,  Plaintield  ;  Amos  Paine,  James 
McClellan,  Woodstock ;  Samuel  Scaiborougli,  Brooklyn  ;  Dr.  Minor 
Grant,  Ashford  ;  George  Larned,  Thompson  ;  John  Salter,  Mansfield  ; 
Dr.  Oirin  Witter,  Chai)lin.  Messrs.  Benson,  Porter  and  May  were 
chosen  a  committee  to  prepaie  and  publish  an  accovmt  of  the  formation 
of  the  society  and  a  statement  of  its  views  and  principles.  Samuel 
Perkins  was  appointed  to  deliver  an  address  upon  the  subject  of  peace 
at  the  Rev.  Mr.  Porter's  meeting-house  in  Pomfret ;  Dr.  Thonias 
Hubbard  to  deliver  the  first  annual  address  to  the  society.  Thus 
efficiently  organized  the  society  secured  a  respectable  standing  and  did 
a  good  work  in  disseminating  information  and  enlightening  the  public 
conscience. 

The  onward  movement  of  tem[ierance  reform  in  1826,  found  in  Mr. 
May  a  most  earnest  and  effective  advocate.  Happening  to  attend  a 
business  meeting  of  the  Massachusetts  Society  for  the  Suppression  of 
Intemperance,  when  it  was  proposed  to  meet  the  evil  by  entire  absti 
nence  from  intoxicating  liquois,  he  came  home  fired  with  zeal  to  pro 
pound  the  new  doctrine  and  practice  to  the  people  of  Brooklyn.  jMrs. 
May  cordially  joined  with  her  husband  in  heart  and  effort.  They  con 
signed  a  hamper  of  delicious  wine  to  the  service  of  the  sick,  emptied 
the  cider  barrel  into  the  vinegar  cask,  and  treated  callers  to  cake,  cold 
water  and  expository  explanation,  which  brought  the  question  into  im- 
mediate discussion.  With  his  usual  directness  Mr.  May  proceeded  to 
investigate,  ascertained  from  every  retailer  in  town  the  varit)us  sorts  of 
intoxicating  drinks  sold  in  the  course  of  a  year,  and  the  luimber  of 
avowed  inebriates;  gatlieied  from  physicians,  sextons,  poor-overseers, 
jailor  and  well-informed  citizens  an  estimate  of  the  sickness,  death, 
poverty  and  crime  caused  by  these  d)inks,  and  much  to  his  surprise 
found  that   the    frightful  statements    made    in  society  reports  "were 


MINISTKT    OF    SAMUEL   J.    MAY,  ETC. 


4Y7 


abundantly  sustained  by  the  facts  of  the  case  found  in  our  own  town." 
The  results  of  his  investigations  were  laid  before  the  public  in  eloquent 
discourses,  which  made  a  deep  impression  upon  his  hearers.  Many 
adopted  the  princii)le  of  total  abstinence,  a  society  was  organized  and 
the  cause  of  temperance  made  rapid  headway  throughout  the  town. 

The  educational  interests  of  town,  County  and  State  were  greatly 
promoted  through  Mr.  May's  efforts.  Placed  on  the  school  committee, 
he  was  astonished  to  find  that  the  public  schools  were  even  inferior  to 
those  of  Massachusetts  ;  that  the  much-vaunted  school-fund  was  actu- 
ally detrimental  in  its  workings  ;  that  people  generally  took  little  in- 
terest in  schools  which  cost  them  nothing.  By  greater  strictness  in 
the  examination  of  teachers,  and  more  thorough  supervision,  he  gave  a 
new  stimulus  to  the  Brooklyn  schools,  and  so  aroused  the  attention  of 
other  public-spirited  citizens  that  they  agreed  to  unite  with  him  in 
biinging  the  question  before  the  consideration  of  the  general  public. 
Accordingly  a  committee  was  ai)pointed,  and  circulars  sent  throughout 
the  State,  asking  the  towns  to  send  delegates  to  Brooklyn  for  the  pur- 
pose of  considering  the  character  and  condition  of  our  common  schools. 
This  educational  convention  was  held  in  May,  1827 — its  novelty  elic- 
iting a  large  attendance  from  Windham  and  adjoining  counties.  Re- 
ports by  letter  or  delegate  from  nearly  an  hundred  towns,  revealed 
such  deficiency  in  teaching  and  administration,  in  conveniences  and 
attendance,  as  to  surprise  and  mortify  the  citizens  of  the  State,  and 
lead  to  the  initiation  of  measures  that  effected  in  time  an  entire  revo- 
lution. Windham  continued  her  efforts  by  organizing  a  Society  of 
the  Friends  of  Education  for  Windham  County,  George  Sharpe, 
president,  which  held  meetings  and  circulated  information. 

With  equal  readiness  and  heartiness  Mr.  May  espoused  the  cause  of 
those  heroic  men  who  felt  themselves  called  by  God  to  agitate  for  the 
overthrow  of  American  slavery.  His  pulpit  was  at  once  thrown  open 
to  them  and  their  principles,  and  having  won,  almost  to  a  man,  his  own 
congregation,  they  joined  with  him  in  promulgating  their  views  in 
other  towns.  In  the  controversy  respecting  the  colored  school  at  Can- 
terbury, Miss  Crandall  found  in  Mr.  May  her  most  efficient  and  devoted 
coadjutor,  ready  to  face  obloquy  and  loss  of  friends  and  position  in 
defence  of  equal  rights  and  humanitarian  interests.  In  these  various 
efforts  Mr.  May  enjoyed  the  hearty  sympathy  and  cooperation  of  his 
own  church,  and  also  of  many  leading  citizens  of  Brooklyn  and  other 
towns.  Especially  in  the  Peace  and  Temperance  movements  he  was 
aided  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Edson,  Vine  Robinson,  Uriel  Fullei-,  Doctors 
Ilutchins  and  Huntington,  and  other  Congregational  brethren,  all  la- 
boring earnestly  for  the  public  good,  forgetful  of  the  recent  sectarian 
division. 


4:78  HISTORY    OF    AVINDH^lM    COUNTY. 

These  public  interests  did  not  interfere  with  pastoral  duties. 
Abounding  energy  and  vital  power  enabled  Mr.  May  to  feed  his  own 
flock  and  all  that  needed  help  outside.  He  performed  the  usual  pulpit 
ministrations  to  great  acceptance,  he  knew  the  character  and  needs  of 
every  resident  of  his  parish,  he  edited  newspapers — first.  The  Liberal 
Christian,  and  later,  l^he  Christian  3Ionitor,  a  weekly  sheet  open  to 
the  discussion  of  all  moral  and  religious  questions,  and  earnestly  advo- 
cating the  promotion  of  peace,  temperance,  education,  civil  and  re- 
ligious liberty — he  joined  in  establishing  a  village  lyceum,  and  deliv- 
ered many  lectures  before  it,  and  he  held  religious  meetings  in  school- 
houses  all  over  the  County,  in  behalf  of  what  he  deemed  a  simpler  and 
purer  Gospel  than  that  taught  in  the  orthodox  churches.  Yet  notwith- 
standing his  eflbrts  and  eloquence  Unitarianism  made  little  advance. 
"The  soil  of  Connecticut  was  so  saturated  with  Calvinism  that  it  was 
uncongenial  to  the  true  vine."  Few  were  won  to  his  church,  but  many 
welcomed  his  reforms,  and  men  and  women  in  different  parts  of  the 
County  still  gratefully  affirm  "that  no  other  had  so  marked  effect  in 
awakening  and  maturing  resolves  for  a  life  of  usefulness,  earnest  activi- 
ties and  high  moral  aims,"  as  the  genial  and  large-hearted  Christian 
philanthropist  and  reformer,  Samuel  J.  May. 

Incessant  calls  to  varied  fields  induced  Mr.  May  to  leave  his  pleasant 
home  and  work  in  Brooklyn,  to  the  great  regret  of  many  devoted 
friends.  His  immediate  successor,  Rev.  George  W.  Kilton,  was  fol- 
lowed in  1S37  by  Rev.  William  Coe.  Trinity  church,  after  a  long 
period  of  irregular  service,  entered  upon  "  a  new  lease  of  life "  in 
1828,  in  connection  with  the  labors  of  Rev.  Ezra  B.  Kellogg.  Glebe 
and  parsonage  were  now  redeemed  to  the  use  of  the  ))arish,  and  the 
church  edifice  repaired  and  remodeled.  Col.  Daniel  Putnam,  senior 
warden,  and  one  of  the  staunchest  friends  of  the  church,  died  in  1831. 
This  great  loss  was  in  some  degree  made  up  by  gradually  increasing 
numbers  and  a  higher  tone  in  church  life  and  public  worship.  When 
the  Rev.  Josiah  M.  Bartlett  succeeded  Mr.  Kellogg  in  1835,  the 
parish  was  self-supporting  with  thirty-one  families  and  forty-five 
coumiunicants.  Rev.  Riverius  Camp  entered  upon  the  rectorship 
in  1837.  A  Baptist  element  long  existing  in  Brooklyn  was  fartlier 
developed  under  the  preaching  of  Elder  Bentley  and  revival  in- 
fluences, so  that  a  Baptist  church  was  gathered  in  182S.  The  acces- 
sion of  Dr.  Thomas  Huntington  after  a  remai'kable  religious  experience, 
added  strength  and  influence.  In  1833,  it  secured  the  chapel  vacated 
by  the  Congregationalists,  and  thenceforward  maintained  regu- 
lar services.  Dr.  Huntington  was  ordained  as  an  evangelist  and 
served  as  jjastor  for  several  years.  Mr.  Edson's  useful  pastorate  closed 
in  1830.     He  was  soon  followed  by  George  J.  Tillotson  of  Farmingtou, 


EXECUTION    OF    WATKINS,  ETC. 


479 


ordained  and  installed  May  25,  1831.  The  church  was  almost  immedi- 
ately visited  by  one  of  the  intensely  emotional  revivals  i)eculiar  to 
that  period,  and  many  were  added  to  its  membership.  The  chapel  be- 
came too  strait  for  the  enlarged  cono-regation,  and  a  new  house  was 
erected  the  following  year.  A  noteworthy  event  in  Mr.  Tillotson's 
early  ministry  was  his  official  connection  with  Brooklyn's  only  execu- 
tion— the  hanging  of  Oliver  Watkins,  for  the  murder  of  his  wife  in 
August,  1831.  This  event  was  marked  by  the  usual  accompaniments, 
an  immense  crowd  of  people,  drinking  and  jangling.  It  is  said  that 
the  tavern-keepers  were  so  fearful  of  losing  their  anticipated  rush  of 
custom  by  the  self-destruction  of  the  criminal,  that  they  hired  an  extra 
guard  the  night  preceding,  who  had  him  removed  to  the  debtor's 
room  where  they  could  watch  him  more  closely.  Before  break  of  day 
the  roads  in  every  direction  were  thronged  with  people  coming  in  from 
distant  counties  and  States.  The  gallows  was  erected  in  a  hollow  east 
of  the  village,  a  natural  amphitheatre  whose  sloping  sides  acommo- 
dated  the  vast  concourse  of  spectators.  Roger  Coit  of  Plainfield 
officiated  as  high  sheriff — Captain  David  Keyes  of  Ashford  having  re- 
signed to  escape  the  painful  duty.  Dr.  Harris  of  Cantei-bury  at- 
tended as  surgeon.  Prayer  from  a  neighboring  minister  was  followed 
by  an  impressive  discourse  from  Mr.  Tillotson,  founded  upon  the 
words — "Be  sure  your  sin  will  find  you  out."  The  "amen"'  of  his 
closing  prayer  was  the  signal  for  the  fatal  launch  and  was  pronounced 
with  remarkable  composure  and  distinctness,  so  as  to  be  heard  "  by 
the  thousands  who  listened  with  the  most  absorbing  interest,  in  stillness 
that  seemed  of  the  dead  rather  than  that  of  the  living."  Perfect 
order  prevailed  during  the  services,  which  made  a  deeply  solemn  im- 
pression upon  sober-minded  spectators,  preparing  in  some  degree  the 
way  for  the  almost  immediately  succeeding  religious  revival.  The  vast 
throng  present,  the  abundant  supply  of  liquor  and  scarcity  of  food, 
made  the  afternoon  and  following  night  a  scene  of  confusion  and 
disorder. 

The  Observer  was  superseded  in  1826  by  The  Witidhmn  County 
Advertiser,  published  by  John  Gray,  who  gave  place  in  a  year  to  Mr. 
J.  Holbrook.  This  paper  attained  the  greatest  age  and  most  general 
circulation  as  a  County  organ  of  any  published  in  Brooklyn.  It  was 
followed  in  1835  by  The  Wi)Hlha77i  County  Gazette,  published  by 
Messrs.  Carter  and  Foster,  which  was  maintained  for  several  years. 
Public  exigencies  and  rising  reforms  called  out  several  short-lived 
newspapers,  viz :  The  People  s  Press,  devoted  to  the  advancement  of 
Anti-masonry ;  the  misnomered  Unionist,  an  Anti-slavery  journal, 
edited  by  C.  C.  Burleigh  and  supported  by  Arthur  Tappan ;  The 
Windham  County  Whig,  The  Harrisonian,  a  campaign  paper,  pub- 


480  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

lisherl  by  Edwin  B.  Carter,  in  1840,  and  one  or  two  otheis  Avliose 
names  liave  perished  with  them.  Mr.  Joel  Davison  of  Killingly  served 
as  news-carrier  during  the  latter  days  of  these  papers,  taking  them 
and  other  periodicals  all  over  his  route  in  baskets  and  bundles 
suspended  from  his  stalwart  shoulders. 

A  High  School  was  maintained  intermittently  during  all  these  years, 
and  in  1829  an  academy  was  formally  incorporated — Benjamin  E. 
Palmer,  Vine  Kobinson,  Philip  Scarborough,  Daniel  P.  Tyler,  William 
Ilutchins,  proprietors.  A  suitable  building  was  procured,  and  con- 
siderable pains  taken  to  build  up  a  flourishing  school.  Scholars  came 
freely  from  surrounding  towns,  but  were  apparently  more  impressed  by 
the  Court  sessions  and  social  attractions  of  the  village  than  by  the  in- 
struction administered.  The  standard  of  scholarship  was  higher  than 
that  of  teachership,  if  we  may  judge  by  the  success  and  accomplish- 
ments of  those  same  ungrateful  pui)ils  who  make  disparaging  reports 
of  their  alma-mater.  Ex-Governor  Gaston  of  Massachusetts,  Hon. 
Abraham  Payne  of  Providence,  William  S.  Scarborough  of  Cincinnati, 
Brigadier  General  Tyler  of  Montgomery,  Alabama,  and  very  many 
other  notabilities  abroad  and  at  home,  may  owe  something  of  their 
fame  to  their  training  in  Brooklyn  Academy.  Brooklyn's  youth  con- 
tinued to  go  out  in  the  world  to  till  places  of  credit  and  usefulness. 
Much  enterprise  was  manifested  by  those  who  remained  in  the  home 
field.  New  stores  were  opened  by  Sam'l  H.  Webb,  Charles  W. 
Jenkins  and  William  Storrs.  Edwin  Newbury  accepted  an  agency  for 
the  sale  of  fruit  and  ornamental  trees  and  bulbs.  Dr.  James  B.  Whit- 
comb  engaged  in  medical  practice  after  the  death  of  Dr.  Waldo 
Hutchins. 


11. 

TEMPERANCE    "WORK  IN    WINDHAM  COUNTY.     ORGANIZATION  OF 
COUNTY  TEMPERANCE  SOCIETY.    EFFORTS  AND  RESULTS. 

rr^HE  temperance  movement  initiated  by  Mr.  May  in  Brooklyn  waa 
-■-  followed  or  perhaps  accompanied  by  similar  agitation  in  other 
Windham  County  towtis.  As  in  corresponding  popular  movements  it 
is  diflicult  to  assign  pi'iority  to  any  one  section  ;  it  seemed  rather  to 
burst  out  spontaneously  and  almost  simultaneously  in  various  quarters. 
The  fact  of  the  excessive  use  and  evil  eifects  of  liquor-drinking  had 
been  long  admitted.  Drunkenness  Avas  condemned  with  greater  se- 
verity than  at  the  present  day.  A  common  drunkard  was  the  butt  of 
derision,  ostracized  by  society,  and  cast  out  from  the  churches.     The 


TEMPERANCE    WORK    IN    WINDHAM    COUNTY.  481 

Pomfret  Moral  Society,  ministers  and  philanthropists,  expended  an  im- 
mense amount  of  logic  and  eloquence  in  urging  men  not  to  drink  too 
much.  Men  denounced  drunkenness  and  ke|)t  on  drinking.  The 
Windham  County  Association  passed  tein])erance  resolutions — "talked 
well,  talked  right,  but  spoiled  it  all  by  taking  their  grog  afterward." 
The  temperance  of  those  days  was  much  like  that  of  an  old  to))er  in 
Thompson  whose  reformation  was  attempted  by  a  good  landlady. 
Moved  by  his  misery  and  destitution,  she  promised  to  find  him  work 
and  keeping  if  he  would  restrict  himself  to  two  glasses  of  rum  a  day, 
which  she  would  furnish.  Old  Darius  accepted  the  terms  and  the 
work  was  assigned.  "  But  now,"  he  hiccoughed,  "  I  must  have  a  glass 
to  begin  vnth."  A  temperance  reform  begun  with  a  glass  was  very 
sure  to  end  with  one. 

It  was  not  till  after  many  years  of  apparently  useless  eifort  and 
experiment  that  the  friends  of  temperance  awoke  to  the  conviction 
that  tlie  only  cure  for  drunkenness  was  to  quit  drinking.  A  series  of 
articles  was  published  in  The  Connecticut  Observer  by  Rev.  Calvin 
Chapin,  in  1826,  entitled  "Entire  Abstinence  the  only  Infallible  Anti- 
dote," which  had  great  effect,  and  in  that  same  memorable  year,  aus- 
piciously opening  the  second  half-century  of  the  Republic,  Lyman 
LJeecher  delivered  his  famous  "  Six  Sermons  "  at  Litchfield,  and  the 
American  Temperance  Society  was  formed  at  Boston.  The  new 
watchword  and  pledge  to  keep  it,  served  as  a  rallying  cry  to  unite  the 
temperance  sentiment  of  the  land  into  a  mighty  force  and  onward 
aggressive  movement.  Temperance  societies  sprang  up  as  if  by  magic 
in  every  community  and  in  a  marvellously  short  time  a  revolution  had 
been  effected.  Mr.  May  was  perhaps  the  first  to  openly  advocate  Total 
Abstinence  in  Windham  County,  yet  there  were  others  who  soon 
engaged  in  temperance  work.  The  first  pledge  offered  in  Killingly 
was  drawn  up  by  Mr.  William  H.  Fisher,  superintendent  at  Howe's 
Factoiy.  His  three  little  boys  attended  the  public  school  and  not 
returning  home  at  the  usual  hour  he  went  to  look  for  them,  and  found 
that  the  master  had  been  treating  the  scholars  with  liquor  as  was 
customary  in  that  district  on  the  last  day  of  the  term,  and  that  many 
of  them  were  under  its  influence.  His  two  older  boys  were  partially 
intoxicated  and  the  youngest  one  too  far  gone  to  speak — "the  breath 
of  life  was  in  him  and  that  was  all."  They  took  him  home  at  once 
and  used  every  means  to  restore  him  but  he  gave  no  signs  of  con- 
sciousness for  many  hours  and  was  alarmingly  ill  for  sevei-al  days. 
The  indignation  excited  by  this  occurrence  put  an  end  to  the  custom 
of  "  last  day  treats  "  in  that  district.  The  death  of  one  of  their  em- 
ployes, a  promising  young  man  prematurely  cut  off"  by  liquor-drink- 
ing, strengthened  Mr.  Fisher  in  his  temperance  sentiments,  and  he 
61 


482  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY, 

declined  to  conduct  tlie  funeral  unless  liquor  was  banished  from  it. 
As  soon  as  he  heard  of  the  invention  of  the  temi)crance  pledge  he 
drew  one  up,  and  called  upon  Mr.  Atkins  and  a  number  of  his  p.irish- 
ioners  for  advice  and  co-operation.  Mr.  Atkins  at  first  refused  to 
give  his  name,  thinking  his  health  required  the  daily  use  of  Tujuor, 
but  one  of  the  deacons  and  another  church  member  fell  in  with  Mr. 
Fisher's  views,  and  aided  in  calling  a  meeting  and  organizing  a  society. 
It  docs  not  appear  that  temperance  societies  were  formed  in  any  of 
the  towns  till  1828.  The  older  ministers,  Messrs.  Atkins,  T.ymaii, 
Dow,  and  perhaps  others,  looked  with  some  suspicion  upon  the  move- 
ment as  arrogating  a  power  tliat  ouglit  to  be  controlled  by  the 
churches.  Mr.  Fowler  of  Plainfield,  Mr.  Edson,  and  young  ministers 
generally,  entered  into  the  work  with  great  zeal,  but  probably  no  man 
in  Windham  County  exerted  so  much  intluence  as  Daniel  Frost,  Jun., 
of  Canterbury.  Unsuspected  by  himself  he  was  on  the  very  verge  of 
ruin.  The  warnings  of  faithful  friends,  the  expositions  and  arguments 
of  Mr.  May,  with  concurrent  domestic;  intluences,  led  him  to  abandon 
the  use  of  liquoi',  and  come  oui  boldly  on  the  side  of  temperance. 
Church-goers,  who  on  Sunday  noon  had  been  hitherto  regaled  with  rum, 
gin  and  brandy  from  his  well-furnished  sideboard,  were  now  treated 
with  cold  water  and  exhortations  to  total  abstinence.  He  became  so 
engrossed  in  the  subject,  so  convinced  of  its  overwhelming  importance, 
as  to  renounce  his  legal  practice  and  devote  himself  entiiely  to  temper- 
ance work.  Through  his  influence  a  temj)erance  society  was  organized 
in  the  meeting-house  on  Canterbury  Green,  August  25,  1H28.  The 
following  constitution  was  presented : — 

"  liesnlved,  That  this  meeting  do  cordially  approve  of  the  principles  and 
objects  of  the  American  Society  for  the  Promotion  of  Temperance,  and  that 
we  will  cheerfully  co-operate  with  them  and  all  other  associations  whose 
object  is  the  suppression  of  Intemperance. 

liesolvrd,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  meetinji  there  is  abundant  evidence 
that  ardent  spirits  are  not  necessary  as  a  refreshment  or  support  to  the 
strenfTth  durinj;  labor;  but  on  the  contrary  absolutely  injurious  to  health,  and 
tiiat  to  the  general  moderate  uxe  of  them  is  to  be  chietly  atti  ibuted  the  preva- 
lent linhit  of  Intemperance,  that  an  entire  abstinence  from  them  except  when 
prescribed  by  a  physician  as  a  medicine,  is  the  only  sure  remedy  against  this 
alarming  evil. 

Therefore,  Resolved,  that  we  will  entirely  abstain  from  the  use  of  ardent 
spirits,  except  as  an  article  of  medicine,  that  we  will  not  furnish  Ihem  for 
persons  in  our  employment,  or  provide  them  for  our  friends  as  an  article  of 
refreshment,  and  that  in  all  suitable  and  proper  ways  we  will  discountenance 
their  use  in  the  community. 

Voted,  That  any  person  may  become  a  member  of  this  society  by  signing 
the  foregoing  Constitution." 

This  constitution  was  immediately  signed  by  thirty-two*  of  the  lead- 
ing citizens  of  Canterbury,  men  whose  position  and  character  guaran- 

*  Xames  of  constituent  members.  Thomas  Coit,  Daniel  Frost,  Jan.,  John 
Bartstow,  Juuies  K.  Wheelock,  Israel  G.  Kose,  Ansou  S.   Cobb,    Samuel  L. 


ORGANIZATION    OF    COUNTY    TEMPERANCE    SOCIETY,  ETC.         483 

teed  the  success  of  any  movement,  l^aniel  Frost,  Esquire,  was  civosen 
president  ;  Samuel  L.  Ilougli,  vice-presitlent  ;  Isaac  Clark,  secretary  ; 
Stephen  Coit,  treasurer.  By-laws  were  then  passed,  and  William 
Dyer,  Isaac  Backus,  Anson  8.  Cobb  and  S.  L.  Hough  ai)pointed  to 
circulate  a  copy  of  the  Constitution,  persons  signing  the  same  to  be 
considered  in  the  same  standing  as  if  they  signed  the  original.  A 
large  number  of  signatures  was  obtained  in  all  paits  of  the  town  and 
the  work  went  on  with  much  spirit.  A  sjiecial  meeting  was  held  ia 
the  meeting-house,  November  12,  when  neighboring  clergy  and  citizens 
from  other  towns  were  pi'esent,  and  listened  to  a  most  eifective  address 
from  the  president,  which  Avas  published  by  request  of  the  society  and 
widely  eiiculated.  A  jniblic  meeting  was  held  as  often  as  once  a 
month  rotating  among  the  dili'erent  societies  and  school-houses.  Tiiree 
or  four  members  of  the  society  were  appointed  to  deliver  addresses  or 
read  dissertations  on  these  occasions.  Much  local  talent  was  thus 
elicited  and  a  great  variety  gained.  Ministers  and  physicians,  lawyers 
and  merchants,  farmers  and  mechanics,  gave  in  their  testimony  against 
the  common  enemy.  Aged  deacons  and  youthful  students  were 
among  the  si)eakers  and  equally  engaged  in  helping  forward  the  work. 
Dr.  Clarke's  addresses  showing  the  physical  eifects  of  alcohol  were 
very  insti'uctive  and  valuable.  Rev.  George  S.  White,  who  had 
recently  removed  his  residence  to  Canterbury,  proved  a  most  efficient 
aid,  entering  into  temperance  work  with  much  ardor  and  speaking 
with  great  eloquence  and  ])Ovver.  A  Woman's  Temperance  Associa- 
tion was  organized  duiing  this  winter,  which  secured  the  names  and 
sympathy  of  nearly  every  woman  in  the  town.  This  too  had  its  oificers, 
and  business  meetings,  and  exchanged  sympathetic  and  congratulatory 
addresses  with  the  parent  society. 

In  August,  1828,  a  temperance  society  was  also  formed  in  North 
Woodstock  with  thirty  male  members.  Brooklyn  followed  in  October. 
In  December,  "  a  few  individuals  in  Abington  started  the  plan  to  form 
a  temperance  society  in  the  town,  and  ])ioposed  to  meet  those  of  the 
First  Society  who  would  unite  with  them  at  the  school  house.  Mr. 
Porter  gave  notice  from  the  desk.  About  forty  were  present  but  none 
of  Mr.  Poller's  church  excei:)t  Mr.  John  Williams."  A  committee 
was  appointed  to  prepare  a  constitution,  and  a  tcnvn  society  was 
organized  early  in  January,  1820.  Daiius  Matthewson,  Esq.,  "  who 
seemed  to  be  more   interested   about   it   than   others,"   was   appointed 


Houiih,  Isaac  Morizan.  Allon  G.  Clark,  Stephen  Coit,  Isaac  Backus,  Chauncey 
Brown,  William  H.  Mi>r-.iii.  l.lijali  Dxrc.  Jmi..  I«nnc  P.  Moriran.  Daniel 
Morgan.  Kiiocli  \V.  Waid  >.  William  \)yvr.  S.  G.  Adam^.  I^aac  Clark,  O. 
Huilson  Biitis,  Daniel  C.  Frost,  Sylvanus  Sh'panl,  Job  Rood,  Andrew 
Harris,  Naihau  Adams,  Josepli  Bond,  John  Brown,  Harvey  R.  Dyer,  George 
L.  White,  John  D.  Clark,  Asa  F.  Clark. 


48-i  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

president.  Charles  P.  Grosvenor,  an  early  member  of  the  defunct 
"  Moral  Society,"  was  much  interested  in  the  new  organization  and  by 
his  personal  persuasion  induced  one  or  more  of  the  village  store- 
keepers to  abandon  the  sale  of  licjuor.  Societies  were  organized  in 
other  towns,  and  on  April  20,  1829,  a  convention  was  holden  at  the 
Court-house  in  Brooklyn,  to  consider  the  expediency  of  forming  a 
county  temperance  society.  Delegates  were  present  from  Brooklyn, 
Canterbury,  Chaplin,  Planipton,  Killiugly,  Pomfret,  North  and  West 
Woodstock.  After  preliminary  exercises  the  following  resolution 
was  adopted : — 

"  Resolved,  That  in  our  opinion  the  qnestion  whether  intemperance  is  to  be 
suppressed  is  no  longer  problematical,  and  that  the  time  when  it  will  be  sup- 
pressed is  rapidly  approximating.  That  it  is  expedient  for  the  various  tem- 
perance societies  in  this  county  to  concentrate  their  forces  by  uniting  in  a 
County  Society." 

Daniel  Frost,  Esq.,  John  Holbrook,  Esq.,  and  Dr.  Darius  Hutchins, 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  report  a  constitution,  and  after  delibe 
ration  their  report  was  accepted.  The  constitution  adopted  closely 
resembled  that  of  Canterbury.  The  society  then  proceeded  to  make 
choice  of  officers,  to  retain  their  position  till  July  4,  1830,  viz: — 
Darius  Matthewsou,  president ;  Daniel  Frost,  George  Benson,  Hon. 
Ebenezer  Stoddard,  vice-presidents  ;  Rev.  Ambrose  Edson,  secretary  ; 
Edwin  Newbury,  treasurer ;  Rev.  Samuel  J.  May,  Thomas  Hough, 
Uriel  Fuller,  Esq.,  John  Holbrook,  Esq.,  Major  Asa  May,  executive 
committee.  Tiie  society*  held  its  first  annual  meeting  the  following 
fourth  of  July  in  Brooklyn.  Much  interest  was  manifested.  A  large 
number  of  delegates  assembled  at  Mather's  tavern,  now  transformed  into 
a  temperance  "  coffee-house,"  and  at  1 1  o'clock,  foi  med  a  procession 
and  marched  with  much  ceremony  to  the  Unitarian  meeting-house. 
Devotional  exercises  were  conducted  by  Rev.  Messrs.  Dennis  of  Massa- 
chusetts, and  Whitmore  of  Killingly.     An  appropriate  ami  impressive 

*  Societies  represented  at  the  organization  of  the  County  Society : — 

Male  Members.  Female  Members. 

Canterbury 70  90 

Brooklyn 40  22 

Pomfre't 70  42 

Killingly 22  20 

Hampton 8  14 

Chaplin 33 

Korth  Woodstock 30 

West  Woodstock 14 

287  IBS 

Number  of  members 475 

At  the  July  meeting,  four  additional  societies  were  represented,  viz  :— Ash- 
ford,  Eastford,  Morth  Killiugly,  Plaiulield ;  bringing  in  some  three  hundred 
members. 


EFFORTS    AND    RESULTS,    ETC.  485 

address  was  delivered  by  Mr.  Frost.  Messrs.  Parish,  Whit  more  and 
Fuller  were  then  appointed  to  express  to  Mr.  Frost  their  thanks  for 
his  address,  and  request  a  copy  for  i)ublication.  It  was  also  voted 
that  Mr.  F'rost  be  appointed  agent  for  the  society  to  visit  the  towns 
and  bring  the  subject  of  temperance  more  fully  before  the  public. 
Also,  that  the  society  should  hold  quarterly  meetnigs  in  the  several 
towns.  The  society  then  adjourned  "  to  partake  of  an  excellent 
dinner "  at  Mather's  coffee-house,  and  rejoice  over  the  approaching 
triumph  of  temperance  and  peace.  A  Fourth  of  July  celebration 
transformed  into  a  Temperance  ovation  seemed  indeed  the  harbinger 
of  an  immediate  millennium.  Inspired  by  such  prospects  the  members 
cheerfully  submitted  to  close  their  exercises  "by  taking  up  a  collection 
for  the  Colonization  Society." 

Thus  efficiently  organized,  the  temperance  reform  swept  onward. 
Wherever  he  went  Mr.  Frost  found  a  ready  welcome  and  thoughtful 
hearing.  The  first  phase  of  the  movement  was  comparatively  simple. 
It  was  only  administering  a  remedy  to  those  who  felt  the  need  of  it. 
The  thriftlessness,  poverty,  crime,  disease  and  death  caused  by  intem- 
perance, were  manifest  in  every  community.  Every  neighborhood  had 
its  death-roll  of  victims ;  its  shocking  casualties — drunken  men  and 
women  frozen  and  burnt  to  death  ;  children  starved,  women  beaten 
and  murdered,  promising  young  men  brutalized  and  lost.  Nor  were 
the  evil  effects  of  what  was  called  moderate  drinking  less  obvious 
upon  closer  examination.  The  great  mass  of  sober-minded  conscien- 
tious men  and  women  needed  little  persua.'^ion  or  argument.  Espe- 
cially did  the  wives  and  mothers,  who  had  borne  such  unspeakable 
burdens,  welcome  witli  full  hearts  the  new  gospel  of  temperance, 
while  the  economic  side  of  the  question  appealed  with  gieat  force  to 
the  shrewd  sense  and  pockets  of  their  more  worldly  minded  husbands. 
The  folly  of  furnishing  drink  to  workingmen,  ])aying  out  good 
money  for  that  which  only  made  them  less  efficient,  was  quickly 
recognized  by  the  Yankee  mind.  It  was  true  that  many  said  that 
men  would  not  and  could  not  work  without  the  accustomed  stimulant, 
but  that  point  was  quickly  tested  by  successful  experiment.  IMr. 
Matthewson,.  the  Grosvenors,  and  temperance  men  geneially,  promul- 
gated the  law  that  no  liquor  was  to  be  furnished  to  hired  helj»,  and  a 
single  summer's  work  settled  the  question  forever.  Equally  prompt 
and  summary  was  its  banishment  from  the  household  cii-cle.  The 
I  tune-honored  custom  of  treating  visitors  to  a  friendly  glass  disappeared 
'  as  if  by  magic.  A  woman  with  her  mind  fully  made  up  can  indeed 
almost  work  miracles.  She  can  at  least  set  aside  social  laws  and 
j  customs.  The  tempting  array  of  decanters  vanished  from  the  side- 
I  board,  the  offering  of  liq^uor  became  as  disreputable  as  its  previous 


486  HISTORY    OF    WIJSTBHAM    COUNTY. 

omission,  and  its  use  was  interdicted  in  thousands  of  families.  So 
radical  a  social  revolution  has  pi'obably  never  been  effected  as  that 
achieved  in  an  incredibly  short  period  by  the  temperance  reform. 

Such  results  could  not  be  accomplished  without  exciting  opposition. 
Sellers  and  drinkers  stared  aghast  at  this  temperance  onset  and  scoffed 
at  the  proposition  to  sign  away  theii'  liberties.     Stage-drivers  refused 
to  bring  newspapers  that  advocated  temperance.     Organized    opposi- 
tion once  confronted  Mr.  White  in  Canterbury.     Having  appointed  a 
lecture  in  the  old  Red  Meeting-house  he  found  a  company  of  hard- 
looking  men,  sitting  around  a  table  spiead  with  rum  and  glasses.     The 
quick-witted    Englishman    saw    and    met    the    situation.      Walking 
straight  to  the  desk  he  instantly  began  : — "  It  is  said  that  we  ought 
not  to  engage  in  any  act  upon   which  we  cannot  ask  the  blessing  of 
God — O  Lord,  thou  knowest  that  thy  servant  has  been  in  all  parts  of 
the  world,  among  Indians,  Cannibals,  Jews  and  Turks,  bat  never  has 
he  seen  such  miserable,  God- forsaken   wretches  as  those  now  before 
him  " — and   went  on   praying  for  them  with   a  zeal  proportioned   to 
their  needs — and  the  cowed  bullies  dared  not  lift  a  finger,  and  heard 
perforce  all  that  he  had  to  say  to  them.     There  was  opposition  also 
from   men  who  professed  to  favor  temperance.     There  were  doubters 
and  croakers  vvlio    questioned    the   hygienic   effects   of    total   abstin- 
ence   and    the    expediency   of   pledge    and    society.       Reports   from 
the     different    societies    gradually     satisfied    honest    objectors.      All 
testified   that   labor    was    performed    with    much  more  care  and  effi- 
ciency without  liquor.     One  man  reported  a  very  laborious  task  of 
wall-laying,    drilling  and   rock-blasting   most   successfully   and     safely 
cariied  through  "with  no  drink  at  all  but  pure  cold   water."     Others 
had    found   that  they  "  could  even   wash   their   shee]>   much   quicker 
and   cleaner   without  rum."     Nobody   found  any  difficulty   in   getting 
in  their  hay  and  grain  without  spirit,  and  it  was  solemnly  asserted  after 
repeated  experiment  "  that  death  is  never  the  result  of  the  strictest  tem- 
perance."    The  moral  influence  quickly  perceptible,  the  greater  quiet, 
the  disa])pearance  of  loafers  and  loungers  from  stores  and  taverns,  and 
above  all  the  change  wrought  in   men  who  had  been  induced  to  give 
up  drinking,  brought  over  those   good   ministeis  and  church  members 
who  at  first  distrusted   the  movement.     Mr.  Lyman  thought  it  absurd 
if  he  could  not  keep  from  drinking  without  signing  a  paper,  but  when 
he  heard   that  one  of  his   most   prominent  men  who  drank  more  than 
was   good   for   him   had  promised   scoffingly  to  sign  when  his  pastor 
did — he  at  once  called  for  a  pledge  and  signed  it,  and  was  rewarded 
by  the  total  reformation  of  a  much-valued  citizen,  and  the  rapid  spread 
of  temperance  sentiments  in  the  town.     Finding  that   the   temperance 
societies  were  actually  doing  what  the  churches  had  failed  to  accom- 


EFFORTS    AND    RESULTS,    ETC.  487 

plisb,  Mr.  Dow  gave  up  his  opposition,  and  accepted  tlie  presidency  of 
the  society  formed  in  Thompson.  The  tirst  lecture  in  this  town  was 
given  by  Mr.  Frost.  The  people  who  had  expected  something  in  the 
"spread-eagle  "  style  of  the  ordinary  Fourth  of  July  oration,  heard  in- 
stead a  plain  statement  of  facts  to  which  their  own  experience  fur- 
nished abundant  testimony.  A  week  before  they  had  attended  the 
funeral  of  a  once  I'espected  citizen  who  had  died  of  rum-consumption. 
Another  victim  lay  at  the  point  of  death  in  the  village.  The  earnest 
words  of  the  lecturer,  enforced  by  such  examples,  had  great  weight. 
Many  signed  the  pledge,  and  a  strong  society  was  organized.  A  very 
hopeful  work  was  carried  on  in  the  factory  villages.  Owners  and 
agents  were  mostly  temperance  men.  Mr.  William  Fisher  was  very 
active  in  temperance  efibrt,  allowing  no  liquor  sold  at  hs  new  village, 
Fisherville,  urging  his  employes  to  sign  the  pledge,  and  maintaining 
intei-esting  meetings.  Mr.  Smith  Wilkinson  gave  his  strong  influence 
to  temperance,  aiding  and  encouraging  the  society  and  discounte- 
nancing in  every  way  the  use  and  sale  of  liquor.  Similar  efforts  were 
made  in  most  of  the  factory  villages.  The  Canterbury  society  extended 
its  labors  to  Packerville.  At  the  first  meL'ting  they  gained  forty- 
nine  signatures.  Daniel  Packer  and  the  young  Bapti.st  minister,  Elder 
Kneeland,  were  very  efficient  workers.  Messrs.  Fowler  and  Burleigh 
labored  with  much  energy  in  Plainfield,  wheie  they  gained  a  large 
membership.  P^om  the  new  village  of  Willimantic  and  the  young 
towns,  Chaplin  and  Sterling,  from  ancient  Windham,  Voluntown  and 
Killingly  came  alike  cheering  reports.  Stores  and  taverns  did  not 
sell  one-half  the  quantity  of  spirits.  No  person  had  been  known  to 
contract  a  relish  for  drink  after  joining  the  societies,  and  very  few  had 
broken  their  pledge.  Improvement  in  order,  industry  and  thriftiness 
was  reported  from  every  town.  Brooklyn  continued  its  labors  with 
much  zeal,  reinforced  by  such  speakers  as  Mr.  Tillotson,  Mr.  Vine  Rob- 
inson and  Dr.  Hutchins.  The  proposed  public  quarterly  meetings 
were  held  at  Ashford,  Pomfret,  Woodstock  and  Canterbui-y.  The 
meeting  at  Pomfret  was  especially  memorable  from  the  delivery  of  Dr. 
John  Marsh's  celebrated  lecture — "Putnam  and  the  Wolf,  or  the 
Monster  destroyed,"  which  was  immediately  published  and  very  widely 
circulated.  Dv.  Hewitt  spoke  with  much  effect  at  the  Ashford  meet- 
ing. A  spice  of  opposition  gave  zest  to  the  work  in  that  town.  The 
Eastford  people  were  called  to  take  their  old  meeting-house  down  a 
steej)  hill-side — a  very  difficult  and  delicate  operation.  A  great  crowd 
gathered,  and  with  three  strings  of  oxen,  thirty-three  in  a  line,  had 
fairly  launched  the  building  on  its  perilous  descent  when  a  chain  broke. 
The  leader  of  the  day  demanded  treat  according  to  the  usual  custom, 
which  Esquire  Bosworth,  the  purchaser  of  the  house,  as  a  temperance 


488  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

man,  promptly  declined.  High  words  and  threats  liad  no  influence, 
and,  getting  their  temper  up,  men  and  oxen  fortliwith  decamped,  leav- 
ing the  meeting-house  suspended.  But  there  were  too  many  good 
temperance  men  then  in  the  ranks  to  allow  a  brother  to  suffer  loss  in 
such  a  cause.  President  Matthewson  with  a  corps  of  sturdy  Abington 
men  came  to  the  rescue,  and  completed  the  removal  without  a  single 
drop  of  liquor.  Their  spirit  and  efticiency  cheered  the  hearts  of  their 
Ashford  brethren,  and  brought  many  of  the  wavering  and  desponding 
to  take  a  firmer  stand. 

The  Windham  County  Temperance  society  kept  its  second  anni- 
versary, July  4,  1830,  with  even  more  animation  than  on  the  preceding 
year.  Rev.  Daniel  Dow  was  the  orator  of  the  day.  The  third  aimi- 
versary  was  held  in  Pomfret,  where  a  most  Stirling  and  eloquent  ad- 
dress was  made  by  Dr.  Wilbur  Fisk  of  the  Wesleyan  University, 
which  made  a  very  deep  impression  upon  all  who  heard  it. 

With  unabated  spirit  the  work  went  on  for  several  years.  The  great 
religious  revivals  of  1830-31,  in  which  a  large  number  of  young  men 
were  brought  into  the  churches,  added  strength  to  the  temperance 
ranks.  A  converted  young  man  was  sure  to  be  a  terapei'ance  man. 
"  Coburn's  store  "  on  Thompson  Hill  had  continued  to  furnish  liquor, 
but  the  morning  after  his  son's  conversion  not  another  drop  was  to  be 
had  there.  Tlie  quarterly  temperance  meetings  in  the  different  towns 
continued  to  be  well  conducted  and  attended.  No  town  carried  on  its 
specific  work  with  more  regularity  and  interest  than  Canterbury. 
George  S.  White  succeeded  Mr.  Frost  as  president;  Daniel  Packer, 
vice-president ;  Stephen  Coit,  treasurer ;  Abijah  Dewing,  Rufus  L. 
Dimmick,  Benjamin  Delop,  executive  committee.  Meetings  were  held 
alternately  at  the  different  school-houses,  and  were  always  addressed 
by  one  or  more  competent  and  interesting  speakers.  Temperance 
publications  were  scattered  through  the  town,  committees  were  from 
time  to  time  appointed  to  circulate  the  constitution  in  each  school  dis- 
trict. In  1834,  a  membership  of  635  was  reported  and  it  was  further 
resolved  that : — 

"Whereas,  Divine  Providence  has  crowned  witli  signal  and  unparalleled  suc- 
cess every  eflbrt  which  has  been  made  to  stay  the  rayages  of  intemperance, 
we  are  encouraged  by  the  success  of  the  past  to  make  greater  eflbrt  in  future 
to  promote  the  cause  of  temperance." 

Mr.  Isaac  Backus,  the  owner  of  Foundry  works  in  the  north  part  of 
the  town,  was  very  active  in  his  neighboihood,  a  vexatious  litigation  to 
which  he  was  subjected  for  some  statement  respecting  a  liquor-vender, 
only  making  him  more  zealous  in  the  work.  Mr.  Solomon  Payne,  who 
served  as  president  for  several  years,  received  an  especial  vote  of 
thanks  for  his  fidelity  and  perseverance  in  discharging  the  duties  of  his 


EFFORTS    AND    RESULTS,    ETC.        .  489 

position.  Messrs.  Frost  and  Wliite,  tliough  much  occupied  with  gen- 
eral temperance  work,  were  frequently  present  at  tlie  Canterbury 
meetings.  Young  men  from  other  towns,  Dr.  Hutchins,  Rev.  George 
Tillotson,  John  B.  Young,  George  H.  Middleton,  helped  to  maintain 
their  tone  and  interest.  The  public  meetings  of  the  County  society 
were  well  sustained.  ]Mr.  Matthewson  was  retained  as  president  for 
several  years.  Public  sentiment  had  so  advanced  in  Pomfret  that  in 
1837  more  ttian  a  hundred  voters  petitioned  the  Civil  Authority  "not 
to  grant  license  to  any  person  to  retail  spirituous  lirpior  the  ensuing 
year."  The  request  was  rejected  on  the  ground  "  that  the  law  imperi- 
ously requires  them  to  recommenil  for  license  a  suitable  number  of 
proper  persons " — four  of  the  Board  dissenting  from  the  decision. 
Measures  initiated  the  following  year  to  amend  or  repeal  the  law,  and 
I'emove  as  far  as  possible  all  means  of  intoxication,  met  tlie  approval 
and  support  of  advanced  temperance  workers  in  all  the  towns.  Much 
indeed  had  been  already  accomplished,  but  it  became  increasingly  evi- 
dent that  the  evil  was  "  only  stayed  "  and  not  suppressed.  Men  who 
liad  acquired  an  appetite  for  drink  had  not  been  reached.  Societies 
refrained  from  urging  "  such  persons  as  had  made  great  proficiency  in 
the  Bacchanalian  school  to  join  our  association,  believing  that  their 
sense  of  moral  ohligatlon  is  impaired  in  proportion  to  their  advance- 
ment ;  consequently  will  break  over  all  restraint,  and  injure  the  cause 
we  would  promote."  Stop  making  new  drunkards  and  intemperance 
will  gradually  die  out — was  the  favorite  theor^^  of  the  first  reformers. 
Take  care  of  the  children,  dissuade  men  from  forming  the  habit  of 
drinking,  and  as  the  old  drunkards  die  off  we  shall  have  temperance 
communities.  But  somehow  the  process  of  extermination  was  less 
rapid  than  had  been  expected,  and  men  who  indulged  in  the  permitted 
wine,  beer  and  cider,  sometimes  acquired  a  taste  for  stronger  liquors. 
After  some  twelve  or  fifteen  years  of  earnest  efibrt  temperance  workers 
were  fain  to  fall  back  from  their  theory,  and  admit  that  more  stringent 
methods  were  needed.  Total  abstinence  from  all  alcoholic  liquor,  and 
the  suppression  of  licensed  licpior-selling,  was  now  tlie  rallying  cry  of 
the  vanguard.  At  the  annual  meeting  in  Canterbury,  August,  1836, 
Andrew  T.  Judson  was  chosen  president ;  Isaac  Backus,  secretaiw  and 
treasurer.  The  president,  with  Reverends  King  and  Whiton,  were 
appointed  delegates  to  the  Temperance  convention  at  Hartford.  Af- 
ter hearing  their  report  at  the  November  meeting,  the  propriety  of 
circulating  a  pledge  of  abstinence  from  all  intoxicating  drinks  was 
largely  discussed,  but  public  sentiment  was  yet  unequal  to  it.  A  com- 
mittee of  one  in  each  school  district  was,  however,  appointed  to  obtain 
signatures  to  the  Constitution,  giving  liberty  to  subscribers  "  to  signify 
their  resolution  to  abstain  from  the  use  of  all  intoxicating  drinks." 
G2 


490  .     HISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

III. 

MISS    CEANDALL'S     SCHOOLS— AYIIITE    AND    COLORED.      CANTER- 
BURY IN  DANGER.     EXCITEMENT.     EXPULSION. 

THE  advent  of  the  Temperance  Keforni  was  cotemporary  wiih 
anotlier  great  popular  auitation  in  wliicli  Windham  County 
took  a  very  different  position,  and  the  town  most  active  and  ])rominent 
in  tem))eiance  effort  especially  signalized  itself  by  its  most  bitter  and 
determined  opposition  to  the  Anti-slavery  movement.  Canterbury  was 
a  very  influential  town  at  this  period,  and  was  particularly  noted  for 
the  public  spirit  and  high  character  of  its  leading  men,  and  its  culti- 
vated and  agreeable  society.  Andrew  T.  Judson,  State  attorney  and 
successful  lawyer,  Dr.  Harris,  the  skillful  surgeon.  Esquire  Frost,  the 
devoted  champion  of  temperance,  Rufns  Adams,  with  his  fund  of  dry 
humoi',  George  S.  White,  with  his  strong  character  and  multifaiious 
knowledge,  Luther  Paine,  John  Francis,  Thomas  and  Stephen  Coit, 
Samuel  L.  Hough,  all  solid  men  interested  in  public  affairs — had  their 
homes  at  or  near  Canterbuiy  Green,  and  gave  tone  and  prominence 
to  the  town.  Few  country  towns  could  boast  such  social  attractions. 
Dr.  Harris  was  one  of  the  most  genial  and  hospitable  of  men,  and  his 
new  model  house  with  its  rare  appendage  of  a  conservatory  and  choice 
flower-garden,  was  the  wonder  of  all  the  County.  Mrs.  Harris  had  in- 
herited the  social  characteristics  of  her  distinguished  father.  General 
Moses  Cleveland,  and  received  their  unnumbered  guests  with  all  his 
ease  and  heartiness.  A  handsome  new  house  had  been  also  built  by 
Mr.  Judson,  in  which  much  company  was  entertained,  although  it  was 
said  that  Mrs.  Judson  as  a  Windham  lady  assumed  superiority  over  her 
neighbors.  Her  husband,  who  liked  to  rally  her  u))on  this  weakness, 
once  called  her  down  to  the  parlor  to  receive  a  Windham  visitor,  and 
most  blandly  piesented  to  her  an  intrusive  frog,  which  had  hopped 
into  the  hall.  His  own  tact  and  courtesy  made  ample  amends  for 
liis  wife's  reputed  deficiencies.  Pleasant  familiar  intercourse  was 
maintained  among  the  village  residents.  All  united  with  uncommon 
unanimity  in  plans  for  village  im[)rovement  and  public  benefit,  and 
it  was  in  cai'rying  out  one  of  these  projects  that  they  sti'uck 
upon  the  rock  which  foundered  them.  The  school  question  was 
one  in  which  Canterbury  felt  great  interest.  Her  young  people 
sought  education  at  home  or  abroad,  and  an  unusual  numl)er  of  young 
girls  then  growing  up  in  the  village  families  awakened  parental  solici- 
tude. Tlie  proposition  of  Miss  Prudence  Crandall  to  open  a  young 
ladies'  boarding-school  at  Canterbury  Gieen  was  received  with  much 
favor.     A  lai-ge  house  left  vacant  by  the  death  of  Esquire  Paine  was 


MISS  crandall's  schools,  etc.  491 

secui-ed  for  lier,  and  in  the  autumn  of  1S:U  the  scihool  was  opened 
under  the  most  favoral)le  aus[)ice.s.  A  ifoodly  number  of  young  ladies 
fronitlie  best  families  in  town  were  enrolled  as  pupils.  Messrs.  Judson, 
Harris,  Frost,  Adams,  llouo-h,  Packer,  Kinne,  and  Rev.  Dennis  Piatt, 
were  constituted  a  board  of  visitors,  and  bore  most  tlattering  testimony 
to  the  character  of  the  school  and  the  ability  of  its  teacher.  The 
cordiality  and  friendliness  of  her  reception  were  gratefully  acknowl- 
edged by  Miss  Crandall,  her  relations  with  pupils  and  pati-ons  was 
most  agreeable  and  harmonious,  and  it  seemed  likely  that  this  much- 
needed  institution  would  become  permanently  established.  Circulars 
wei'e  sent  out  commending  it  to  public  patronage,  scholars  came  from 
neighboring  towns  and  even  from  distant  cities,  and  everything  was 
going  on  pleasantly  and  prosperously  when — a  crash  came.  Without 
premonition  or  warning,  before  the  patrons  of  the  school  had  dreamed 
of  any  real  danger,  a  new  element  had  been  introduced,  a  change  of 
base  etfected,  and  their  daughters  dismissed  from  school  to  make  way 
for  negroes!  Was  it  strange  that  the  community  should  flame  out  in 
indignation  ?  The  causes  that  led  to  this  revolution  are  thus  detailed 
by  Miss  Ci-andall  : — 

"The  reason  for  chan2;in^  ray  school  of  white  pupils  for  a  school  for 
colored  pupils  is  as  t'ollow.s  :  I  had  a  nice  colored  girl,  now  Mrs.  Charles 
Harris,  as  help  in  my  famil.y ;  and  her  intended  husband  regularly  received 
The.  Liberator.  Tlie  "girl  took  the  paper  from  the  office  and  loaned  it  to  me. 
In  that  the  condition  of  the  colored  people  both  slaves  and  free  was  truth- 
fully portrayed,  the  double-dealing  and  manifest  deception  of  the  Coloniza- 
tion Society  were  faithfully  exposed,  and  the  question  of  Immediate  Emanci- 
pation of  "the  millions  of  slaves  in  the  United  States  boldly  advocated. 
Having  been  taught  from  early  childhood  the  sin  of  Slavery,  my  sympathies 
were  greatly  aroused.  Sarali  Harris,  a  respectable  young  woman  and  a 
member  of  the  church  (now  Mrs.  Fairweathcr,  and  sister  to  the  before- 
named  intended  husband),  called  often  to  see  her  friend  Marcia,  my  family 
assistant.  In  some  of  her  calls  I  ascertained  that  she  wished  to  attend 
my  school  aud  board  at  her  own  father's  house  at  some  little  distance  from 
the  village.  I  allowed  her  to  enter  as  one  of  my  pupils.  By  this  act  I  gave 
great  oflVmce.  The  wife  of  an  Episcopal  clergyman  who  lived  in  the  village 
told  me  that  if  I  continued  that  colored  girl"  in  my  school  it  could  not  be 
sustained.  I  replied  to  lier,  That  it  might  sink,  tho.n,  for  I  should  not  turn  her 
out!  I  very  soon  found  that  some  of  my  school  would  leave  not  to  return  if 
the  colored  girl  was  retained.  Under  "these  circumstances  I  made  up  my 
mind  that  if  it  were  possible  I  would  teach  colored  girls  exclusively.  I  made 
the  attempt,  and  the  result  is  before  the  public."* 

Before  acting  upon  this  decision,  ]Miss  Crandall  consulted  with  lead- 
ing Abolitionists  in  Boston  and  New  York,  who  gladly  pledged  their 
cooperation  and  assistance.  Had  she  also  consulted  her  generous 
friends  and  patrons  in  Canterbury,  or  even  given  them  notice  of  her 
intentions,  they  would  have  ha<l  less  ground  of  complaint,  but  their  in- 
dignation when  the  proposed  cliange  in  the  complexion  of  the  school 
was  suddenly  announced  to  them  was  greatly    highteneil   by  what  they 

*  Private  Letter,  May  15,  1869. 


492  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

deenied   an    inexcusable  breach   of   good   faith   in  one  they  liad  so  en- 
couraged and  befriended.     As  soon  as  the  young  ladies  took  to  their 
several  homes  the  news  of  their  dismissal  to  make  room  "  for  young 
ladies  and  little  misses  of  color,"  Messrs.  Rufus  Adams,  Frost,  Fenner 
and  Hanis  visited  Miss  Ci-andall  and  endeavored  to  persuade  her  "  to 
give  u})  her  project  so  far  as  Canteibury  was  concerned,"   but  found 
all  argument  and  persuasion  useless.      Having  made  n\)  her  mind  to 
this    step   liom    a  clear   conviction  of  her  duty  to  the  colored  race, 
nothing  could  change  her.     The  peojile    of   Canterbuiy  saw  to  their 
supreme    horror  and  consternation  that  this  popular  school  in  wliich 
they  had  taken  so  nnich   piide  was  to  be  sui)erseded  by  something  so 
anomalous  and  plienomenal  that  it  could  hardly  be  comprehended.     A 
public  meeting  of  citizens  was  at  once  called  and  the  ))revious  visitors 
delegated    to  convey   their   sentiments    and  wishes  to   Miss  Crandall. 
They  found  her  as  before,  firm  as  a  rock.     Esquire  Frost,  as  spokesman 
of  the  committee,   'Mn   a  most  kind  and  affecting  maimer"  labored  to 
convince  her  of  the  impropriety  and  injustice  of  the  proposed  measure, 
and  delicately  hinted  at  the  danger  that  might  ensue  from  "  these  lev- 
eling   principles  and    intermarriage   between   the  whites   and  blacks." 
"Moses   had   a  black  wife,"  bluntly  leplied  the  lady,  opening  to  the 
prophetic  eye  dark  visions  of  forthcoming  amalgamation  and  disorder. 
Reports  of  these  unsatisfactory  interviews  increased  the  pervading  ex- 
citement to  actual  frenzy.     The  people   of  the  town  with  scarce  an 
exception  were  united  in  horrified  antipathy  to  the  colored  school  and 
a  determination  to  prevent  its  ()]>ening.     South  of  Dixies  line,  Judge  i 
Lynch  would  probably  soon  have  settled  the  matter,  but  this  Connecti- 
cut town  knew  no  better  way  to  accomplish  its  pur})Ose  tlian  by  the] 
familiar  agency  of  a  town-meeting   hastily  sununoneil,  "to  devise  and 
adopt  such  measures  as  would  eifectually  avert  the  nuisance,  or  speedily 
abate  it  if  it   should  be  brought  into  the  village."     This  meeting  was  I 
held  March  9,  1833.     It  was  a  very  memorable   occasion.      IJeports  of] 
the  proceedings  in  Canterbury,  now  noised  far  aiul  wide,  bi-ought  manyl 
from  other  towns  to  the  scene  of   action.     Mr.   Sanuiel   J.    May,   who 
drove  over  with  Mr.   Benson  from  Brooklyn  to  aid  and  support  Miss] 
Crandall,  found  the  village  in  fuiious  excitement,  and  was  warned  of 
personal  danger,  but  the  lady  who  had  excited  all  this  commotion  was! 
still  "resolved  and  tranquil."     By   the  advice  of  Mr.  May  and  Ai'nold| 
BuflTum — agent  of  the  Anti-slavery  Society  who  had  also  come  to  the^ 
rescue — Miss  Crandall   consented  to  remove  her  school  to  some   less 
public  part  of  the  town  if  her  opponents  would  take  her  house  and 
cease  to  molest  her.     Armed  with  this  proposal  and  power  to  negotiate 
a  compromise,  JMessrs.  May  and  BuflTum  repaired  to  the  meeting-house 
at  the  hour  appointed,  and  with  difticulty  made  their  way  through  the 


MISS  crandall's  schools,  etc.  493 

crowded  aisle  to  a  seat  near  the  moderator.  A  strange  spectacle 
greeted  tlieni — the  great  house  filled  to  its  utmost  capacity  with  hund- 
reds of  anxious,  angry  citizens  intent  to  devise  some  scheme  of  escape 
from  the  crushing  calamity  of  "a  school  of  nigger  girls."  The  "pro- 
digious descent  of  devils"  recoi'ded  by  Cotton  Mather  could  not  have 
insjtired  more  preternatui'al  dread  and  honor.  After  the  reading  of 
the  warning  by  the  moderator,  Judge  Adams  oifered  the  following 
resolutions : — 

"  WiiERKAS,  it  hath  been  publicly  announced  that  a  school  is  to  be  opened  in 
this  town,  on  the  tirst  MDUclay  of  April  next,  usin^-  the  lani>nasie  of  the  adver- 
tisement, 'for  young-  ladies  and  little  misses  of  color,'  or  in  other  words  for 
the  people  of  color,  the  obvious  tendency  of  which  would  be  to  collect  within 
the  town  of  Canterbury  hiv<j;e  numbers  of  persons  fi-om  other  States  whose 
characters  and  habits  might  be  various  and  unknown  to  us,  thereby  rendering 
insecure  the  persons,  property  and  reputations  of  our  citizens.  Under  such 
circumstances  our  silence  might  be  construed  into  an  approbation  of  the 
piojeet ; 

Thereupon.  liesoJved,  That  the  locality  of  a  school  for  the  people  of  color  at 
any  place  within  the  limits  of  this  town,  for  the  admission  of  persons  of  for- 
eign jurisdiction,  meets  with  our  un()ualitied  disapprobation,  and  it  is  to  be 
understood,  that  the  inhabitants  of  Canterbury  protest  against  it  in  the  most 
earnest  mtinner. 

Eesitlved,  That  a  committee  be  now  appointed,  to  be  composed  of  the  Civil 
Authority  and  Selectmen,  who  shall  make  known  to  the  person  contemplating 
the  establishment  of  said  school,  the  sentiments  and  objections  entertained 
by  this  meeting  in  reference  to  said  school — pointing  out  to  her  the  injurious 
etiects  and  incalculable  evils  resulting  from  such  an  establishment  within 
this  town,  and  persuade  her  to  abantlou  the  project." 

Messrs.  Adams  and  Judson  supported  these  resolutions  with  great 
earnestness  and  vehemence,  filling  their  hearers  "  with  the  appre- 
hension that  a  dire  calamity  was  impending  over  them  ;  that  Miss 
Crandall  was  the  autlior  or  instrument  of  it ;  that  there  were  powerful 
conspirators  engaged  with  her  in  the  })lot;  and  tliat  the  people  of  Can- 
terbury should  be  roused  by  every  consideration  of  self-})reservation  as 
well  as  self-respect  to  prevent  the  accoin[)lishment  of  the  design." 
Others  with  much  warmth  urged  the  I'esolutions  ;  but  Mr.  George  S. 
White,  who  alone  attempted  to  op])ose  them,  was  frequently  interrupted 
by  calls  to  order,  and  his  proposal  to  assist  in  the  purchase  of  Miss 
Crandall's  ht)use  received  no  attention.  JNlessrs.  May  and  Butfum  then 
stepi^ed  forward  with  Miss  Crandall's  letter,  authorizing  them  to  speak 
and  act  in  her  behalf,  whereui)on  Mr.  Judson  broke  forth  with  greater 
violence  than  before,  accusing  them  of  insulting  the  town  by  this  inter- 
ference, while  other  excited  citizens  gathered  around  them,  and  with 
"  fists  doubled  in  their  faces "  poured  out  tirades  of  wrath  against 
Miss  Crandall  and  her  accomplices,  threatening  the  utmost  pen- 
alty of  the  law  if  they  dared  to  open  their  lii)s,  if  not  a  more 
immediate  vengeance.  Thus  effectually  silenced  the  gentlemen  sat 
down,  and  the  resolutions  were  presented  and  passed   by  unanimous 


4:94  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COrXTY. 

vote,  but  the  instant  of  adjournment  Mr.  !M;iy  sprang  upon  his  seat 
and  besono^ht  the  audience  to  listen  to  a  plain  statement  of  the  circum- 
stances that  had  led  Miss  Crandall  to  take  this  step,  and  tVie  true 
character  of  the  proposed  school.  Mr.  Buffum  followed  with  a  few 
ira}iressive  words  ui)on  the  great  question  at  issue  and  might  have 
gained  a  hearing  but  the  more  violent  leaders  drove  the  people  from 
the  meeting-house  with  cries  of  '"  out,"  ''  out,"  and  the  society  com- 
mittee ordered  the  speakers  to  leave  and  closed  the  doors  against 
them. 

Five  days  after  this  meeting  a  formidable  array  of  town  otficei"s 
presented  the  Resolutions  "  in  a  formal  and  becoming  manner,"  and 
earnestly  besought  Miss  Crandall  to  relinquish  her  scheme,  "  responsi- 
ble individuals  olfering  and  urging  upon  her  the  sum  she  had  paid  for 
the  house  upon  condition  that  she  would  abandon  the  proposed  school." 
This  she  positively  declined  though  willing  to  remove  to  a  less  public 
location,  and  went  on  her  way  making  pieparation  for  her  pupils, 
"  with  a  firmness  of  design  and  a  decision  of  action  worthy  the  holiest 
cause."  On  the  appointed  day  the  school  actually  began.  Some  ten 
or  twelve  quiet,  harmless  little  colored  girls  or  young  ladies,  from  the 
very  best  colored  families  in  the  Xorthern  cities,  had  found  their  way 
to  Canterbury,  and  were  receiving  instruction  from  Miss  Crandall.  If 
the  Canterbury  people  had  quietly  accepted  the  situation  and  left  tiiem 
in  peace  the  ditiiculty  would  soon  have  ended.  Even  if  the  children 
had  remained  they  would  have  given  them  little  annoyance.  Twenty 
Indian  lads  were  received  into  Plainfield  Academy  a  iew  years  later, 
and  few  outside  the  village  ever  heard  of  them.  But  such  submission 
at  that  date  was  entirely  out  of  the  question.  The  sudden  outburst  of 
the  Abolition  movement  and  the  unscrupulous  audacity  of  its  leaders 
had  frightened  people  out  of  their  senses.  The  Crandall  sciiool  was 
an  outgrowth  of  Abolitionism.  At  a  later  town  jueeting  it  was  placed 
on  record,  "That  the  establishment  or  rendezvous  falsely  denominated 
a  school  was  designed  by  its  projectors  as  the  theatre,  as  the  place  to 
promulgate  their  disgusting  doctrines  of  amalgamation,  and  their 
pernicious  sentiments  of  subverting  the  Union.  Their  pupils  were 
to  have  been  congregated  here  from  all  quarters  under  the  false 
pretence  of  educating  them,  but  really  to  ''  ."^oatter  firf.-bkanus, 
arrotcs  and  death  among  brethren  of  our  own  blood."  With  such 
suspicious  and  apprehensions  it  is  not  surprising  that  the  people  of 
Canterbury  should  use  their  utmost  endeavors  to  suppress  and  crush 
out  this  obnoxious  institution,  especially,  when  to  terror  of  Abolition 
aim  and  elfort  was  added  a  sense  of  personal  injury  and  a  very 
natural  desire  "to  have  their  own  way."  "Every  argumentative 
efibrt  ■'  having  failed  them,  they  were  forced  to  resort  to  other  meas- 


MISS  ceandall's  schools,  etc.  495 

urcs.  The  oft-read  lesson  in  the  spelling-book  came  home  with 
])ecu]iar  emphasis — "When  neither  words  nor  grass  would  answer 
they  were  foiced  to  try  what  virtue  there  was  in  stones."  If  these 
stones  could  have  been  thrown  by  lawful  authority  they  would  have 
much  ju'eferred  it,  but  the  legal  State  armory  was  wholly  inade(juate  to 
the  occasion,  legislation  in  Connecticut  liaving  hitherto  always 
aimed  to  build  ujt  schools  and  protect  women  and  children.  Tlie 
old  pau]>er  and  vagrant  law  was  however  pressed  into  service  and  a 
wairant  served  upon  Ann  Eliza  Hammond  of  Providence,  warning 
her  out  of  town  unless  her  maintenance  was  guaranteed,  "to  be 
whipped  on  tlie  naked  body  not  exceeding  ten  stri])es  "  in  default 
of  satisfaction  or  departure.  Meanwhile  Andrew  T.  Judson,  William 
Lester,  Chester  Lyon,  Rufus  Adams,  Solomon  Paine,  Andrew  Harris, 
Ashael  Bacon,  George  S.  White,  Daniel  Packer  ajid  Isaac  Backus, 
were  appointed  agents  by  the  town  to  draw  up  and  circulate  a  petition 
to  be  laid  before  the  General  Assembly,  "  deprecating  the  evil  conse- 
quences of  bringing  from  other  States  and  other  towns  people  of 
color  for  any  purpose,  and  more  especially  for  the  purpose  of  dis- 
seminating the  principles  and  doctrines  opposed  to  the  benevolent 
colonizing  system,"  and  praying  it  to  enact  laws  to  prevent  this  evil. 
Inhabitants  of  other  towns  were  also  requested  to  prefer  "  petitions 
for  the  same  laudable  object."  While  waiting  for  legal  power  to 
break  up  the  school,  Canterbury  did  its  best  to  make  scholars  and 
teacher  uncomfortable.  Non-intercourse  and  Embargo  Acts  were  put 
in  successful  0])eiation.  Dealers  in  all  sorts  of  wares  and  produce 
agreed  to  sell  nothing  to  IMiss  Crandall,  the  stage-driver  declined  to 
carry  her  puj)ils,  and  neighbors  I'efnsed  a  pail  of  fresh  water,  even 
though  they  knew  that  their  own  sons  had  tilled  her  well  with  stable 
refuse.  Boys  and  rowdies  were  allowed  unchecked  if  not  o))enly 
encouraged  to  exercise  their  utmost  ingenuity  in  mischievous  annoy- 
ance, throwing  real  stones  and  i-otton  eggs  at  the  windows  and 
following  the  school  with  hoots  and  horns  if  it  ventured  to  appear 
in  the  street.  Not  only  was  Miss  Crandall  herself  assailed  with 
threats  of  coming  vengeance  and  ejection,  but  her  father  in  the  south 
part  of  the  town  was  insulted  and  threatened.  "  When  lawyers, 
courts  and  jurors  are  leagued  against  you,"  said  one  to  him,  "  it  will 
be  easy  to  raise  a  mob  and  tear  down  your  house."  Poor  Mr.  Crandall, 
the  meekest  of  non-resistant  Quakers,  was  greatly  terrified  by  these 
warlike  demonstrations  and  besought  his  daughter  "  to  give  up  her 
school,  sell  her  property  and  relieve  Canterbury  from  their  imagined 
destruction,"  but  that  high-spirited  woman  very  kindly  but  positively 
declined  to  follow^  his  suggestions.  The  calmness  and  fortitude  with 
which    she    met   this   furious    onslaught    astonished    her   friends   and 


490  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

exasperated  her  enemies.  Her  cliicf  ally  and  supporter,  Mr.  IMay, 
always  found  her  firm  and  tranquil,  iiix'jjai'ed  for  any  emero-ency. 
Her  father  and  an  old  Quakei-  brounht  tlicm  fresh  water.  Packerville 
dealers  furnished  household  supplies,  and  a  colored  driver  from  Nor- 
wich took  the  school-girls  back  and  forth,  and  acconnnodatcd  Abolition 
visitors. 

As  soon  as  possible  Canterbury's  petition  was  brought  before  the 
Legislature.  It  was  a  difficult  and  delicate  matter  to  legislate  but 
Connecticut  was  equal  to  it.  Public  opinion  strongly  favored  the 
])etitioneis.  That  ))eculiar  rabies  which  had  transformed  the  genial, 
jovial  gentlemen  of  Canterbury  into  malicious  persecutors  was  not 
confined  to  that  town.  "  We  should  not  want  a  niggei-  school  on  our 
common,"  was  the  universal  sentiment  and  expression  of  every  town 
in  Windham  County.  Many  towns  in  all  parts  of  the  State  had 
seconded  Canterbury's  request  and  would  have  opposed  the  establish- 
ment of  such  a  school  with  equal  bitterness.  Slavery  was  the  unsolved 
problem  in  American  destiny.  The  Abolitionist  was  the  fuse  thrown 
among  combustibles  and  the  great  mass  of  the  people  shrank  with 
dread  from  the  inevitable  explosion.  The  Legislators  of  Connecticut 
were  fully  persuaded  of  the  necessity  of  closing  this  pernicious  school, 
but  did  not  see  exactly  how  to  accomplish  it.  Ninety  years  before 
M'hen  asked  by  the  standing  clergy  and  churches  to  devise  some  means 
for  kee[)ing  out  irregular  preachers  and  itinerants,  their  predecessors 
had  enacted  that  a  minister  from  out  of  the  State  preaching  without 
the  invitation  of  a  stated  minister  or  society  should  be  sent  like  a 
vagrant  by  warrant  out  of  the  bounds  of  the  Colony,  but  tlie  civiliza- 
tion of  the  nineteenth  century  eschewed  this  process  as  too  summary 
and  preferred  to  levy  a  tribute  from  the  offender's  pocket.  After 
suitable  discussion  and  deliberation  it  was  enacted,  "  That  no  person 
should  set  up  a  school  or  educational  institution  for  the  instruction  of 
colored  persons  who  were  not  inhabitants  of  the  State,  nor  instruct  in 
such  a  school  nor  hai-boror  board  any  colored  person  instructed  in  such 
a  school,  without  the  consent  in  writing  first  obtained  of  a  majority  of 
the  civil  authority  and  selectmen  in  the  town  in  which  such  school  is 
situated  under  penalty  of  a  fine  of  a  hundred  dollars  for  the  first  offence  ; 
two  hundred  for  the  second,  and  so  double  for  every  subsequent  offence 
of  which  such  person  should  be  convicted."  In  vain  did  poor  Mr. 
Crandall  humbly  entreat  the  Assembly,  to  remember  these  self-evident 
truths,  that  all  mankind  are  created  free  and  equal,  and  imploi'e  tliem 
"  not  to  grant  the  prayer  of  any  petition,  nor  pass  any  act  that  will 
curtail  or  destroy  any  of  the  rights  of  the  free  peoi)le  of  this  State  or 
other  States  whether  they  are  white  or  black."  "Mr.  Crandall,"  said 
Mr.   Judson  afterwards,   "  when  you  sent  your  printed  paper  to  the 


I 


MISS    CRANDALL  S    SCHOOLS,    ETC. 


497 


General  Assembly,  yon  did  not  injure  us;  it  heli)ed  very  much  in 
getting  the  bill  tlirough.  When  they  received  it  every  man  clinched 
liis  fist,  and  the  chairman  of  the  committee  sat  down  and  doubled  the 
penalty.  Members  of  the  Leoislature  said  to  me — 'If  this  law  does 
not  answer  your  purpose,  let  us  know,  and  next  year  we  will  make  you 
one  that  will.' " 

The  receipt  of  the  legislative  devise  for  the  relief  of  Canterbury 
was  welcomed  in  that  town  by  the  ringing  of  bells,  firing  of  cannon, 
and  every  demonstration  of  popular  delight  and  triumph.  A  more 
orderly  and  systematic  opposition  was  now  enforced  against  the 
school.  The  new  dispensation  was  tlnis  promulgated  in  Mr.  Crandall's 
household  by  two  of  the  leading  citizens  : — 

"  Mr.  Crandall,  if  you  go  to  your  daughter's  you  are  to  be  fined  SlOO,  for 
the  first  offence:  8200  fof  the  second,  and  double  it  every  time;  Mrs.  Cran- 
dall, if  you  go  there,  you  will  be  fined  and  your  daughter  Almira  will  tie  fined, 
and  j\Ir.  May  and  those  gentlemen  from  Providence  (Messrs.  George  and 
Henry  Benson),  if  they  come  there  will  be  fined  at  the  same  rate.  And 
your  "daughter,  the  one  that  established  the  school  for  colored  females,  will 
be  taken  up  the  same  way  as  for  stealing  a  horse,  or  for  burglary.  Her  prop- 
erty will  not  be  taken  but  she  will  be  put  in  jail,  not  having  the  liberty  of  the 
yard.     There  is  no  mercy  to  be  shown  about  it!  " 

But  wliile  this  law  encouraged  Miss  Crandall's  enemies  it  increased 
the  number  and  streugthenetl  the  detei'mination  of  lier  friends  and 
sujjporters.  Among  many  letters  of  approval  and  sympathy  addressed 
to  Mr.  May  came  one  from  Arthur  Tappan,  expressing  his  entire 
approbation  of  the  course  that  had  been  pursued,  encouraging  Miss 
Crandall  to  maintain  her  position,  and  oifering  to  bear  all  the  forth- 
coming legal  expenses.  These  friendly  oflfers  were  followed  by  i)er- 
sonal  intercourse,  giving  great  aid  and  comfort.  Poinding  that  the 
little  band  with  all  its  heroism  was  almost  overborne  by  the  stoi'm  of 
abuse  and  invective,  and  especially  by  misrepresentations  which  they 
weie  not  allowed  to  rectify,  Mr.  Tappan  made  immediate  arrange- 
ments for  the  publication  of  a  newspaper  in  Bi'ooklyn,  "  to  the  advo- 
cacy of  all  human  rights  in  general,  and  to  the  defence  of  the 
Canterbury  school  and  its  hei'oic  teacher  in  particular."  INIr.  Charles 
C.  Burleigh  of  Plainfield  was  secured  as  its  editor,  and  under  his  able 
leadership  the  fiery  little  Unionist  soon  took  the  field  and  struck 
most  telling  blows  for  Miss  Crandall  and  Abolitionism.  Thus 
encouraged  and  supported  Miss  Crandall  went  calmly  on  with  her 
school,  unterrified  by  the  tlireats  and  denunciations  of  her  adversaries. 
Previous  to  this  she  had  skillfully  foiled  their  first  legal  approaclies. 
On  June  27,  she  had  been  summoned  before  Justice  Adams  on  charge 
of  violating  a  statute  law  of  the  State  of  Connecticut.  Her  counsel 
gave  in  a  demurrer  to  the  complaint,  admitting  the  facts  true,  and 
submitted  to  the  finding  of  the  Court  without  argument.  The  sum 
63 


498  .  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

needful  to  bo  pledged  as  surety  for  her  appearance  before  the  County 
Court  for  ti'ial  was  named  by  the  Court,  but  to  the  astonishment  of j 
her  accusers  no  one  ap))ear{Ml  to  Liive  bonds  for  lier,  and  they  were' 
forced  to  the  disagreeable  necessity  of  takiiiij-  hci-  U>  Urooklyii  jail, 
to  the  very  room  occupied  by  \\'alkiiis  tlie  niuiit  ]iiecediiig  his  execu- 
tion. The  result  of  this  iiigei;ious  stioke  of  jiolicy  was  far  more 
favorable  than  had  been  anticipated  by  its  projectors.  JNIiss  Crantlall 
imnnired  in  a  murderer's  cell  for  the  crime  of  tea<-hing  colored  giils 
made  a  most  vivid  and  staitling  imjuession  upon  tlie  po|iu]ar  mind. 
Many  who 'had  before  blamed  her  for  distuibing  the  peace  of  Canter- 
bury, were  shocked  at  this  alleged  outrage.  An  intrusive,  troublesome 
M'oman  was  thus  tiansfoimed  into  a  martyr.  It  was  in  vain  that  her 
accusers  protested  that  the  impi'isomnent  was  entirely  voluntary  and 
nominal,  the  cell  a  good  room  furnished  with  every  comfort,  that  a 
female  friend  passed  the  night  with  her  and  both  were  released  the 
following  day.  The  story  of  her  imjust  im])risonment  was  noised  in 
every  direction,  and  unquestionably  had  great  intiuence  in  awakening 
sympathy  in  her  behalf  and  strenglhening  anti-slavery  sentiment. 

The  anger  and  mortification  of  the  Canterbury  leaders  at  having 
their  weapons  thus  turned  against  them  made  them  more  bitter  in 
ojijjosition,  and  moi'e  zealous  in  pi'e])aration  for  the  a])proaching  legal 
contests.  The  first  trial  was  held  before  the  County  Court,  August 
22.  Jonathan  A.  Welch  conducted  the  prosecution,  aided  by  Andrew 
T.  Judson  and  Ichabod  Bulkley.  Calvin  Goddard,  W.  W.  Ellsworth 
and  Henry  Strong  appealed  for  the  defence,  retained  by  Mr.  May  at 
the  expense  of  Mr.  Arthur  Tappan.  The  constitutionality  of  the  law 
under  which  Miss  Crandall  was  arraigned  was  the  point  at  issue.  It 
was  claimed  by  the  defence  that  this  newly  enacted  law  conflicted  with 
that  article  of  the  Federal  Constitution,  which  allowed  to  citizens  of 
each  State  all  the  privileges  and  immunities  of  citizens  in  the  several 
States.  The  ])rosecution  denied  that  blacks  were  or  could  be  citizens 
of  any  Stale.  Both  positions  were  defended  with  much  ability  and 
adroitness.  In  his  charge  to  the  juiy  Judge  Eaton  gave  as  his 
opinion,  "  that  the  law  is  constitutional  and  obligatory  on  the  people 
of  this  State,"  but  the  jurors  were  unable  to  agree.  In  October,  the 
case  was  tried  before  the  Superior  Court  of  Wiiulham  County  upon 
the  same  grounds  and  with  the  same  counsel.  In  an  able  and  elaborate 
cliarge.  Judge  Daggett  maintained  the  constitutionality  of  the  law, 
and  declared  that  to  his  mind  "  it  would  be  a  perversion  of  terms,  and 
the  well  known  rule  of  construction  to  say  that  slaves,  free  blacks  or 
Indians,  were  cithiens  within  the  meaning  of  that  term  as  used  in  tlie 
Constitution."  His  overpowering  influence  gained  the  verdict  and 
judgment  was  pronounced   against  the  defendant.     Her  counsel  then 


MISS    CKAN HALL'S    SCHOOLS,    ETC.  499 

a])pc'ak'd  to  the  Court  of  Errors,  before  wliicli  tribunal  a  final  trial 
was  held  July  22,  18:34,  when  tlie  arguments  on  both  sides  were 
reiterated  with  all  possible  ingenuity  and  eloquence.  Tiie  Court 
reversed  the  decision  of  tlie  Siii)i-eine  Court  upon  the  ground  of 
"insufficiency  of  the  information,"  which  omitted  to  allege  that  the 
school  was  set  up  without  the  rerpiisite  license.  The  legal  question 
as  to  the  cotistitutionality  of  the  law  wns  thus  left  undecided. 

]3uring  this  ]ieriod  affaiis  in  Canterbui'y  had  remained  in  the  same 
vexed  and  unhappy  condition,  the  opponents  of  the  scliool  waxing 
more  impatient  and  violent,  and  teaclier  and  scholars  bearing  indignity 
aud  annoyance  with  unabated  spirit  and  foititnde.  So  far  as  can  be 
ascertained  the  school  was  well-sustained  and  prosperous.  The  pupils 
were  docile,  atfectionate  and  studious,  eagei-  to  impi-ove  their  hardly- 
won  advantages.  William  II.  liurleigh  and  his  sister  assisted  for  a 
time  as  teachers,  and  it  is  their  testimony  as  well  as  Miss  Crandall's 
that  these  colored  girls  "made  as  good  if  not  bettei-  jii-ogress  than  the 
same  number  of  whites  taken  from  the  same  position  of  life."  Miss 
Ci-andall's  sister  Almira,  was  constantly  with  her  and  assisted  in  teach- 
ing, a  very  lovely,  active  and  efficient  young  woman,  "possessing  a 
great  heart,  loving  everybody  and  being  loved  by  all."  Storms  might 
rage  without  the  walls  but  all  was  ])eace  and  harmony  within.  They 
had  like  other  scholars  their  "gala-days"  and  exhibition  exercises. 
On  one  such  occasion,  called  a  Mental  Feast,  four  of  the  youngest 
Dupils  dressed  in  white  sang  with  great  sweetness  this  story  of  their 
trials,  composed  by  their  teacher  : — 

"  Four  little  children  here  you  see, 
In  modest  dress  appear; 
Coine,  listen  to  our  .song  so  sweet, 
And  our  complaints  you'll  hear. 

'Tis  here  we  come  to  learn  to  read, 

And  write  and  cipher  too; 
But  some  in  this  enlightened  land 

Declare  'twill  never  do. 

The  morals  of  this  fovored  town, 

Will  be  corrupted  soon, 
Therefore  they  strive  with  all  their  might, 

To  drive  us  to  our  homes. 

Sometimes  when  we  have  walked  the  streets 

Saluted  we  have  been, 
By  guns,  aud  drums,  and  cow-bells  too, 

Aud  horns  o(  polished  tin. 

With  warnings,  threats  and  words  severe 

They  visit  us  at  times, 
And  gladly  would  they  send  us  off 

To  Afric's  burning  climes. 


500  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Our  teacher  too  they  put  in  jail. 

Fast  held  by  bars  and  locks ! 
Did  e'er  such  persecution  reign 

Since  Paul  was  in  the  stocks? 

But  we  forgive,  foi'give  the  men, 

That  persecute  us  so. 
May  God  in  mercy  save  their  souls 

From  everlasting  wo  !  " 

As  time  went  on  Ihey  gained  some  outside  sym]);ilhy.  Esquire 
Frost  and  otliers  who  embraced  anti-slavery  principles,  ceased  to  molest 
if  they  did  not  oi)enly  encourage.  Debarred  by  public  sentiment  and 
the  voice  of  the  trustees  from  the  Congregational  house  of  worship, 
they  found  admission  and  fiiendly  welcome  among  the  Friends  at 
Black  Hill,  and  the  Baptists  at  Packerville.  Religious  services  in 
their  own  house  were  ex})osed  to  unseemly  interruption,  as  when  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Potter  of  Pawtucket  was  preaching,  and  a  clamorous  rabble 
assailed  the  house  with  volleys  of  rotten  eggs  and  other  missiles. 

But  however  harmless  and  even  praiseworthy  the  Canterbury  school 
may  have  appeared  to  a  dispassionate  spectator,  to  the  gi'eat  majoi'ity 
of  the  people  of  the  town  it  was  the  embodiment  of  all  evil  and 
blackness.  When  after  all  their  efforts  and  months  of  wearisome 
delay  the  suit  at  law  so  eagerly  prosecuted  had  come  to  naught,  and 
all  prospect  of  legal  relief  was  indefinitely  postponed,  they  felt  that 
they  could  endure  it  no  longer.  Legally,  if  we  can  ;  forcibly,  if  we 
must — was  the  prevailing  sentiment.  One  morning  early  in  Septem- 
ber, Miss  Crandall's  house  was  found  to  be  on  fire  but  the  flames  were 
more  easily  extinguished  tliau  the  resultant  controversy  which  like 
the  constitutionality  of  the  Black  Law  was  never  definitively  decided. 
Miss  Crandall  and  her  friends  insisted  that  from  the  position  of 
the  fire  when  first  discovered  it  could  not  have  been  kindled  from 
within,  and  her  opponents  were  equally  positive  in  maintaining  that  it 
could  not  have  been  done  outside.  A  very  respectable  colored  man 
from  Norwich,  who  had  been  mending  a  clock  in  the  room  in  which 
the  fire  broke  out,  was  made  the  victim  of  popular  vengeance.  To 
his  utter  astonisiiment  he  was  seized  by  a  writ  and  brought  before 
Judge  Adams,  and  though  the  evidence  against  him  was  utterly  tri- 
fling was  committed  for  trial,  the  enemies  of  Miss  Crandall  insinuating 
that  she  had  instigated  this  act  as  a  pretext  for  abandoning  the  school 
which  had  become  burdensome  to  her. 

But  while  there  were  some  who  professed  to  believe  that  Miss 
Crandall  had  set  fire  to  her  house  no  one  ever  accused  her  of  breaking 
in  her  own  windows.  This  occurred  September  9,  1834.  It  was  late 
in  the  evening,  the  family  was  preparing  for  bed  when  a  number  of 
men  armed  with  heavy  iron  bars  stole  noiselessly  around  the   house 


MISS  ceandall's  schools,  etc.  501 

and  at  a  given  signal  simultaneously  raised  the  bars,  and  with  all 
the  force  they  could  muster  beat  and  dashed  in  the  windows.  The 
suddenness  and  violence  of  the  assault,  and  tlie  exposure  to  which  they 
were  subjected,  completely  unnerved  this  household  of  defenceless 
women,  and  even  Miss  Crandall  f|uailed  at  this  manifestation  of  deadly 
hatred  and  unscinpulous  ruihanism.  After  a  night  of  sleepless  agita- 
tion, Mr.  May  was  summoned  "to  the  scene  of  destruction  and  the 
terror-stricken  family."  A  consultation  was  held.  It  was  evident  that 
Miss  Crandall's  enemies  were  bent  upon  breaking  up  the  school.  In 
the  absence  of  any  security  against  further  assault  it  seemed  useless 
and  fool-hardy  to  prolong  the  unequal  contest.  Mr.  May  announced 
the  de(-ision  to  the  trembling  [uipils,  and  as  soon  as  possible  they 
dispersed  to  tlieir  several  homes.  A  short  time  before  Miss  Crandall 
had  married  Mr.  Calvin  Philleo,  and  as  soon  as  she  could  dispose  of 
her  propeity  and  make  needful  arrangements,  she  too  left  Windham 
County  foi'ever.  "  Thus  ended,"  says  Mr.  May,  "  the  generous,  dis- 
intei'ested,  philanthropic  Christian  enterprise  of  Prudence  Crandall." 

Canterbury's  exultation  over  its  downfall  was  somewhat  marred  by 
the  method  of  accomplishment.  With  the  object  probably  of  justify- 
ing her  course  in  the  eyes  of  coming  generations,  an  elaborate 
"  Preamble  and  Resolutions "  was  prepared  the  following  year, 
adopted  by  vote  of  the  town  and  insciibed  within  its  records.  After 
expressing  their  views  as  to  the  dangerous  nature  and  tendency  of 
Abolitionism,  and  the  character  of  the  institution  located  within  their 
town  "  by  the  combined  efforts  and  energies  of  BufFum,  Tappan, 
Garrison  and  May,"  .... 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Govenimeiit  of  the  United  States,  the  Nation  with  all 
its  institutions,  of  right  belong  to  the  white  men  who  now  possess  them, 
they  were  purchased  by  the  valor  and  blood  of  their  Fathers,  and  must  never 
be  surrendered  to  any  other  nation  or  race  of  men. 

Besolved,  That  our  appeal  to  the  Legislature  of  our  own  State  in  a  case  of 
such  peculiar  mischief  was  not  only  due  to  ourselves  but  to  the  obligations  de- 
volving upon  us  under  the  Constitution.  To  have  been  silent  would  have  been 
participating  in  the  wrongs  intended.  The  manner  that  protection  was 
atforded  by  the  Legislature  of  the  State  is  a  sure  guaranty  that  in  future 
should  the  imposing  attempt  be  repeated  here,  or  elsewhere  within  our  State, 
that  attempt  would  be  met  with  protection  to  our  fellow-citizeus  as  it  has 
been  atforded  us.  In  the  open  defiance  of  the  laws  of  the  State,  and  in  the 
abusive  manner  we  have  been  assailed  because  we  sought  that  protection,  we 
see  displayed  the  temper  and  motive  which  hitherto  have  characterized  this 
organized  foe  of  our  common  country. 

Resolved,  That  the  ellects  produced  by  such  efforts  upon  the  peace  of  the 
Union  are  exactly  those  which  every  reflecting  mind  must  have  anticipated 
when  it  beheld  the  spirit  of  oppression  and  iMPOsrnoN  with  which  this  com- 
bined force  erected  their  standard  of  rebellion  upon  our  soil;  and  when  their 
counsel  in  a  Court  of  Justice  in  their  Ijehalf  declared  as  a  matter  of  right 
that  they  would  tix  their  establishment  upon  Canterbury  in  defiance  of  law, 
we  saw  more  than  ever  the  necessity  of  the  appeal  we  had  made,  and  now  we 
rejoice  that  the  appeal  was  not  iu  vaiu." 


502  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY, 

Lookiiiji^  back  upon  this  memorable  episode  after  nearly  half  a 
century,  we  also  can  rejoice  that  in  this  as  in  numberless  other 
instances  "  the  wrath  of  man "  so  signally  subserved  the  pnrj)oses 
of  God  and  the  highest  interests  of  humanity.  Miss  Crandall  did  not 
succeed  in  teacliing  many  colored  girls  but  she  educated  the  people  of 
"Windham  County.  Not  only  did  every  act  of  violence  awaken  corres- 
ponding sympathy  but  in  the  resultant  agitation  and  discussion  mind 
and  conscience  were  enlightened.  The  law  by  which  blacks  were 
debarred  from  educational  privileges  in  Connecticut,  was  a  tnost 
powerful  motor  in  effecting  their  final  emancipation.  The  statement 
enforced  and  reiterated  with  so  much  clearness  and  decision  that  by 
the  constitution  of  the  United  States  blacks  never  could  be  citizens, 
awoke  a  spirit  of  inquiry  and  resistance  that  was  never  satisfied  until 
an  amended  Constitution  gave  them  the  rights  and  privileges  of 
citizenship.  As  tlie  slavery  question  came  into  politics  it  was  found 
that  many  in  Windham  County  were  opposed  to  its  further  extension. 
A  laige  majority  of  her  citizens  supported  the  Free  Soil  and  Republi- 
can parties.  Her  vote  gave  to  Connecticut  many  a  Republican  victory, 
and  her  voters  were  the  fii'st  in  the  State  to  repudiate  Judge  Daggett's 
decision,  and  give  to  its  colored  inhabitants  tlie  rights  and  privileges 
of  freemen.  Connecticut's  final  verdict  upon  the  constitutionality  of 
the  Black  Law  was  shown  by  its  quiet  disa[»pearance  in  a  revision  of 
her  Statutes. 


IV. 

canti<:kbury.    plainfield.    voluntoavn.    sterling. 

ri^HE  business  interests  of  Canterbury  were  not  unaffected  by  these 

J-      agitations.     Previous  to  the  Crandall  outbreak  they  had  received 

much  attention  from   public-spirited   citizens.     Projected  business  en 

terprises   were   largely   discussed.     In    1825,  the   representatives  were 

instructed  to   use  their  influence  in  favor  of  a  petition  for  liberty  to 

erect  dams  across  the  Quinebaug  for  manufacturing  purposes.     In  the 

following  year  the  town  voted  : — 

"  That  we  highly  approve  of  the  contemplated  canal*  ou  the  Quinebaug  River, 
counecting  our  inauufiictiiring  and  agficnUural  interests,  opening  a  ready 
market  for  our  surplus  productions,  and  calling  for  our  energies  and  enter- 
prise." 

To  be  ready  perhaps   to  take   advantage  of  the  expected  opening, 


*  Calvin  Goddard,  Esq.,  was  president,  Esquire  John  McClellan,  vice- 
president,  Adams  White,  Juu.,  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  "  Associatiou 
for  constructing  a  canal  from  Norwich  to  Massachusetts,"  which  was  much 


CANTERBURY,    ETC.  503 

Capt.  David  Butts,  Solomon  Payne,  Elislia  Chaifee,  Isaac  Backus  and 
Iiufus  Adams,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  inquire  what  measui'es 
can  be  taken  to  promote  domestic  manufacluring-  and  agriculture. 
Theii-  report,  April  6,  1829,  reveal  a  touch  of  Moms  IfuUicmdls  epi- 
demic. It  strongly  recommended  the  cultivation  of  the  mulberry  tree, 
as  well  adapted  to  the  soil  and  not  impoverishing  it :  labor  required  in 
the  jiroductioii  of  silk  [)erformed  by  hands  not  suitable  for  oi'dinary 
farm  woi-k  ;  also  the  reclaiming  of  hedges  and  sterile  pastures — the 
shade  of  the  maple  tree  being  supposed  to  impart  both  sweetness  and 
nutriment  to  tlie  grass  beneath — also,  the  manufacture  of  wagons, 
plows,  scythes,  hoes,  rakes,  pitchforks,  chairs  and  cabinet  work,  but 
tons,  wire-sieves,  bricks,  hats,  augei's,  combs,  corn-brooms,  cards,  sad- 
dles, harnesses,  spools  and  bobbins.  Aiding  the  spirit  of  enterprise, 
and  encoui-aging  honest  industry  by  example  as  well  as  precept,  the 
committee  enteitained  the  confident  hope  that  they  should  see  the 
town  rising  into  a  more  prosperous  condition,  honorable  to  themselves 
and  profitable  to  their  children.  Confused  perhaps  by  the  multiplicity 
of  objects  i)resented,  the  town  contented  itself  with  offering  a  reward 
of  fifteen  dollais  "  to  the  first  person  who  shall  produce  up.on  any 
single  farm  in  Canterbury  in  one  year  the  greatest  quantity  of  silk  not 
less  than  fifteen  pounds  from  mulberry  trees,  I'aised  in  this  town  fiom 
the  seeds."     Several   manufactoiies  were   already  in   successful  opera- 


favored  by  tlie  river  towns.  Various  obstacles  delayed  llie  worlc  till  a  more 
etlicieut  mode  of  communication  was  suggested.  The  Windham  County  Ad- 
vertiser, January  25,  1832,  after  pulWishing  a  list  of  projected  railroads  in 
other  States,  thus  summons  Connecticut  to  action  :  — 

"Are  the  citizens  of  Conuecticut  to  sit  idle  while  these  stupendons 
operations  are  going  forward  and  do  nothing  ?  Massachusetts  may  extend 
her  road  to  our  line -on  the  north,  and  Rhode  Islaud,  to  our  line  on  the  east, 
and  here  they  must  stop.  Passengers  must  leave  their  tlying  machinery,  and 
pass  through  the  land  of  steady  habits,  at  the  rate  of  two  miles  an  hour.  Is 
there  no  enterprise  here  ?  Is  this  sleep  to  be  perpetual  ?  Kemeniber  fellow- 
citizens,  that  unless  Connecticut  does  something  evincing  a  regard  for  the 
good  of  our  population,  that  population  will  take  up  their  march,  and  will  go 
onward  until  more  congenial  spirits  are  found.  The  people  of  New  Eughind 
have  a  work  to  perform,  or  lose  their  glory.  Where  can  this  work  be  com- 
menced with  more  propriety  than  down  the  valley  of  the  Quinebaug  ?  Sup- 
pose a  Kail  Koad  were  constructed  from  New-Londou  to  Worcester,  what  an 
iuterconrse  would  be  opened  between  Boston  and  New-York?  The  expense 
will  be  but  little,  compared  with  that  of  a  canal,  and  the  means  are  adequate, 
and  the  object  is  worthy  of  deep  consideration.  We  now  have  a  Canal 
Charter,  why  not  convert  this  Canal  into  a  Kail  Road  ?  Xoricich  has  an 
interest  which  should  call  out  her  citizens,  and  every  other  town  on  the  route 
has  au  interest  which  ought  to  secure  their  operation.  During  the  winter  a 
meeting  will  be  held  at  some  couveuient  place,  to  take  up  this  subject  in 
earnest." 

lu  the  following  May  the  Boston,  Norwich  and  New  London  Kailroad 
Company  was  incorporated,  and  the  Act  of  1827,  incorporating  the  Quiuebaug 
Canal  Company  repealed. 


504:  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

tion.  Flourisliing  foundry  works  were  carried  on  in  tlie  north  part  of 
Westminster  Parish  by  Isaac  Backus  and  Nathan  Allen,  which  were 
facilitated  by  the  Brooklyn  and  Windham  turnpike.  Samuel  Hough 
and  D.  F.  Eaton  engaged  successfully  in  axe-making  ;  George  Justin 
fabricated  scythes  and  axes  in  his  blacksmith's  shop  in  South  Canter- 
bury ;  Perez  Austin  made  and  repaired  wagons  and  cariiages  ;  Phin- 
ehas  Carter  continued  his  cooper's  work  ;  Stillman  G.  Adams  carried 
on  the  hat-manufacture  in  place  of  Deacon  Simms  now  removed  to 
New  York  State.  Job  Rood,  the  ingenius  coftin-maker,  exercised  his 
inventive  powers  upon  window-blmds.  Sufficient  domestic  cloth  was 
yet  made  to  keep  Kingsley's  and  Foster's  fulling-machines  and  clothier's 
Avorks  in  active  operation.  Cotton  manufacturing  was  still  carried  on 
in  Fenner's  factory,  and  Canterbury  shared  with  Plainfield  the  rising 
promise  of  Packerville.  Local  improvements  received  due  attention. 
A  house  and  lai'm  to  furnish  a  home  for  the  poor  was  purchased  in 
1829,  and  a  committee  chosen  to  direct  improvements  in  the  buiial- 
ground.  Canterbury  Probate  Court  was  constituted  in  1S35,  Chester 
Lyon,  judge. 

Innovations  and  projects  were  little  favored  by  residents  of  the  more 
remote  districts,  who  long  preserved  the  customs  of  preceding  genera- 
tions. Farmers  who  came  to  church  with  fine  horses  and  carriages  and 
were  i-ated  as  men  of  large  substance,  still  lived  in  ])rimitive  fashion, 
wearing  home-made  clothing  and  eschewing  household  luxuries.  The 
"meeting-suit  "  was  expected  to  serve  for  many  years,  if  not  a  lifetime. 
One  quaint  resident  was  married  three  times  in  the  same  blue,  brass- 
buttoned  coat,  and  after  sixty  yearsservice  he  was  finally  buried  in  it. 
His  economy  was  matched  perhaps  by  that  of  the  good  woman  who 
made  a  single  nutmeg  last  a  lifetime,  keeping  it  done  up  in  velvet 
which  she  shook  over  her  cake  and  pudding.  Among  Canterbury 
eccentricities  was  Capt.  John  Clark,  who  lived  nearly  101  years.  He 
retained  to  the  last  his  autocratic  authority,  governing  his  elderly 
daughters  as  if  they  were  children.* 

*This  venerable  person,  wlio  is  said  to  liave  assisted  iu  turning  out  tlio  tea 
at  Boston  Harljor,  preceded  by  nine  years  another  distiuguislied  Revolution- 
ary veteran  who  had  done  good  service  at  Bunker  Hill.  A  tablet  in  Cypress 
Avenue,  Mount  Auburn  Cemetery,  commemorates  the  virtues  and  public 
services  of  Captain  Josiali  Cleveland,  born  at  Canterbury,  Dec.  3,  1753,  "  He 
served  his  country  faithfully  through  the  whole  war  of  the  Revolution.  He 
fought  her  battles  at  Bunker  Hill,  Harlaem  Heights,  White  Plains,  Trenton, 
Priucetou,  Monmouth  and  Yorktown.  He  sustained  an  unblemished  reputa- 
tion, and  lived  in  the  practice  of  every  christian  virtue.  He  loved,  feared, 
and  served  God.  In  the  ninetieth  3^ear  of  his  age  he  journeyed  nearly  five 
hundred  miles  from  his  home  (Owego,  N.  Y.)  to  be  present  at  the  celebra- 
tion of  the  completion  of  the  monument  on  Bunker  Hill.  He  lived  to  witness 
that  remarkable  spectacle.  He  was  satisfied.  He  laid  down  quietly  and 
yielded  up  his  bi'eath  near  the  scene  of  his  first  conflict  with  the  enemies  of 
his  country."    He  died  at  Charlestowu,  Mass.,  June  30,  1843. 


PLAINFIELD,    ETC.  505 

Mr.  Mecch  was  succeeded  in  1822,  by  Rev.  Thomas  J.  Miirdock — 
"a  model  of  a  man,  a  scliolar.  a  Cluistian  and  a  minister," — who  ex- 
erted a  most  sahitary  intiuence  in  the  community.  Thomas  Coit, 
Luther  Paine,  Fitch  Adams,  Jolm  M.  Francis,  and  other  influential 
men,  now  united  with  tlie  church.  Acute  disease  terminated  tliis  valu- 
able life  and  ministry  in  182G,  to  the  great  g-rief  of  church  and  society. 
A  marble  slab  in  the  North  Burying  Ground  still  testities  their  "  respect 
for  his  memory  and  exalted  virtues."  His  name  was  also  preserved  in 
the  flne  library  of  books  left  for  public  use.  Rev.  James  U.  Wheelock 
was  installed  in  1827,  but  only  I'cmained  in  charge  two  years,  liev. 
Dennis  Piatt,  somewhat  noted  as  a  revival  worker,  served  a  somewhat 
longer  period,  and  received  many  into  the  church.  The  pastorate  of 
Rev.  C.  J.  Warren  was  equally  brief.  Episcopal  service  was  frequently 
performed  by  Rev.  George  8.  White  after  his  removal  to  Canterbury, 
and  in  1827,  '^St.  Thomas  Parish"  gained  a  name  but  scarce  "a  local 
habitation."  Its  existence  was  however  recognized  for  several  years. 
Westminster  Society  was  called  to  part  in  1824  with  its  beloved  pastor, 
Rev.  Erastus  Larned,  in  the  fiftieth  year  of  his  age  and  twentieth  of 
his  ministry.  The  succeeding  pastorate  of  Rev.  Israel  Rose  was 
marred  by  exceptional  unpleasantness,  but  with  the  advent  of  the  Rev. 
Asa  King,  the  former  harmony  returned.  His  faithful  labors  were 
blessed  as  in  previous  fields,  by  the  upbuilding  of  the  church  and  the 
strengthening  of  good  influences.  His  eflbrts  in  behalf  of  temperance 
wei-e  ably  seconded  by  leading  men  in  his  society,  especially  Isaac 
Backus,  Esq.,  the  enterprising  manager  of  the  Foundry,  now  one  of 
the  leading  men  of  the  town,  and  by  Dr.  Isaac  Clark,  a  man  of  fine 
education  and  most  excellent  spirit,  who  had  succeeded  to  the  medical 
practice  of  Dr.  Johnson.  Westminster's  first  post-olfice  was  opened 
by  Peter  Spicer  in  1836.  The  old  Separate  church  had  now  breathed 
its  last  and  its  meeting-house  was  falling  to  pieces.  Methodists  main- 
tained worship  in  tlie  centre  of  the  town. 

A  new  religious  interest  had  developed  in  the  southeast  corner  of 
the  town  in  connection  with  the  building  up  of  Packerville.  The 
Andrus  Factory  privilege  passed  in  1818  into  the  hands  of  Daniel 
Packer  and  Daniel  Lester  of  Preston,  and  after  a  few  years  manufac- 
turing operations  were  I'esumed  under  the  management  of  Mr.  Packer. 
Buildings  were  repaired  and  enlarged,  new  machinery  introduced,  a 
village  started  into  life.  As  usual  in  such  rapid  up-growths  bad 
elements  at  first  predominated.  Sundays  were  given  over  to  drinking, 
horse-racing  and  kindred  amusements.  Captain  Packer  was  greatly 
impressed  by  the  prevailing  irreligion  and  vice,  and  resolved  "  that  he 
would  use  the  utmost  of  his  exertions  and  influence,  not  only  to  have 
the  word  of  the  Lord  regularly  dispensed  but  a  house  of  worship 
64 


506  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

erected."  Ai)i)]ying  to  the  Baptist  Home  Missionary  Society,  he 
secured  tlie  services  of  a  recent  graduate  fioui  llaiuilton  Seminary, 
Levi  Kneehuid.  A  nephew  of  the  able  editor  of  Tlie  Boston  Investi- 
gator, lie  was  as  earnest  in  promulgating  the  Gospel  as  his  kinsman  in 
oi)posing  it.  "  In  homes  and  school-houses,  in  barns  and  groves,"  he 
proclaimed  the  message  of  salvation  with  great  powei-  and  effect.  A 
congregation  gathered  quickly  around  him,  and  Octoljer  8,  1S2.S,  the 
Packerville  Ba[ttist  chui'ch  was  organized  and  Mr.  Kneeland  ordained 
to  the  ministry.  Beginning  with  twenty-one  brothers  and  sisters,  its 
membership  was  rai)idly  increased.  Scarce  a  Sabbath  passed  without 
a  baptismal  service,  and  in  eight  months  a  hundred  and  one  had  been 
received  into  the  church.  A  house  of  worshij)  was  soon  prepared  for 
it  (mainly  by  the  eiforts  and  means  of  Captain  Packer)  whose  doors 
were  opened  wide  for  all  Christian  and  philanthropic  enterprise.  Most 
interesting  temperance  meetings  were  held  in  this  house  in  1829, 
Messrs.  Kneeland  and  Packer  engaging  with  great  earnestness  in  this 
much  needed  reform.  Here  Miss  Craiidall  was  received  with  her  troop 
of  colored  girls  when  other  church  editices  were  closed  against  them. 
The  wholesome  influence  of  this  church  was  felt  tlr.oughout  the  siir- 
^  rounding  country.  Mr.  Kneeland  extended  his  labors  into  Voluntown, 
Scotland,  Preston,  and  aged  men  would  journey  many  miles  on  Sunday 
to  join  in  worship  with  this  Ba})tist  church  and  its  earnest  pastor. 
Laboring  with  such  intensity  his  life  work  M'as  soon  accomplished. 
A  painful  illness  closed  his  life  and  ministry,  August,  1834.  The 
immense  crowd  gathered  at  the  funeral  witnessed  to  the  wide  aud 
deep  impression  made  by  this  faithful  Chi'istian  laborer. 

"  Some  still  survive  who  3'et  remember  well, 

What  earnest  words  he  spoke,  how  sweet  his  life, 
How  prayerful  was  the  spirit  that  he  bore, 
What  love  for  souls,  what  zeal  for  Christ  he  felt. 
Who  of  all  those  that  ever  heard  his  words 
Can  e'er  forget  the  holy  zeal  he  showed, 
The  blessed  unction  that  he  ever  bore, 
God's  witness  evident  on  face  and  mood,* 
Heaven's  high  approval  of  his  honest  work." 

Captain  Daniel  Packer,  the  founder  of  the  village,  Kneeland's 
worthy  coadjutor  and  supporter,  died  in  1838.  Ilis  continued  thought- 
fulness  and  generosity  had  left  the  church  free  from  debt,  and  pro- 
vided it  with  a  comfortable  parsonage.  Rev.  Tubal  Wakefield  suc- 
ceeded in  pastoral  chai-ge.  Walter.  Williams,  T.  J.  Gates  and  Ephraim 
Browning  were  faithful  ofticers  and  helpeis  in  this  church,  which  zeal- 
ously maintained  its  early  standing  and  efficiency,  and  exerted  a  most 
marked  and  beneficial  influence. 


*  Eev.  Lucius  Burleigh. 


VOLUKTOWJSr,    ETC.  507 

After  many  cliancres  and  failures,  Plainfield's  nninerons  cotton  and 
woolen  manufactories  were  annin  in  motion.  The  jNfoosup  Com- 
pany had  its  factory  burned  up  and  went  down  aftei-  the  war.  The 
Central  Manufacturing  Company  iti  1827  passed  into  tlie  hands  of 
Richard  and  Arnold  Fenner  of  Cumberland,  and  Ilolden  Borden  of 
Smithtield.  Buildings,  machinery,  p)ivileges  of  land  and  water,  occu- 
pied in  woolen  manufacture  l)y  Jose]»li  Eaton.  Darius  Lawton  and  Co., 
were  made  over  in  1826,  to  one  of  Uhode  Island's  shrewdest  manu- 
facturers, tlie  plain  old  Quaker.  William  Almy.  A  large  new  factory 
building  was  erected  the  following  year,  improved  machinery  intro- 
duced, tenement  houses  built,  adjoining  land  pui'chased  and  brought 
under  cultivation,  and  soon  one  of  the  largest  woolen  manufactories  in 
Connecticut  was  under  full  headway.  Another  smaller  factoiy  eastward 
on  the  Moosup  was  built  and  run  by  Joseph  S.  Gladding.  The  Union 
Factory,  owned  mostly  in  Flaintield,  was  also  flourishing — Ileniy  A. 
Rogers  acting  as  its  agent  in  Providence.  Four  "little  manufacturing 
villages,"  known  as  Almyville,  Unionville,  Centerville  and  Packerville, 
were  thus  growing  up  in  the  to^wn.  The  former  was  under  the  charge 
of  Sampson  Almy,  nephew  of  its  chief  ])i-oprietor.  Packerville  dis- 
tinguished itself  in  the  organization  of  the  tirst  fii'e  engine  company, 
July  5,  1830,  and  in  great  zeal  for  temperance.  All  were  managed 
by  good  men,  ready  to  promote  order  and  improvement.  A  small 
settlement  also  grew  up  ai'ound  Keimedy's  mill,  near  the  mouth  of 
tlie  Moosup. 

The  town  showed  its  interest  in  the  manufactories  l)y  ordering  its 
fishery  laws  repealed  for  their  benefit  so  that  its  citizens  might  avail 
themselves  of  the  natural  powers  furnished  l)y  our  water  streams.  It 
also  took  into  consideration  the  canal  proposed  from  tidewater  to 
Worcester,  and  expressed  the  universal  sense  of  the  towm  that  such 
canal  would  be  highly  beneh'cial  to  agricultural,  connnercial  and  manu- 
facturing interests  and  I'equested  its  representatives  to  further  the  same. 
Joseph  S.  Gladding,  Elkanah  C.  Eaton,  Allen  Harris,  William  Kinne, 
Colonel  Lester,  were  successively  called  upon  to  investigate  the 
subject  of  a  workhouse  and  the  condition  of  the  poor,  and  in  1832, 
the  house  of  Amos  Witter  was  established  for  a  workhouse  and  house 
of  correction.  Its  interest  in  public  morals  w^as  manifested  by  voting 
tliat  lotteries  have  a  pernicious  influence,  and  enjoining  upon  its  repre- 
sentatives to  use  their  influence  for  their  su])pression.  They  were  also 
to  oppose  the  appointment  of  any  lawyer  to  the  office  of  justice  of 
the  peace  unless  he  shall  recede  from  tjie  bar  rule  in  said  County 
which  piovides  that  all  writs  shall  be  filled  and  signed  by  a  lawyer  or 
his  student.  Fi'ancis  B.  Johnson  engaged  in  legal  practice  in  place  of 
Ira  Case,  deceased.     William  Dyer  of  Canterbury  opened  a  law  office 


508  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

in  Centevville.  Sessions  Lester.  Ebenezer  Young  of  Killingly,  and 
Joseph  Eaton,  successively  administered  the  Probate  office,  wliich 
after  1830,  was  reduced  in  territoiial  jurisdiction.  The  latter  was 
now  chief  judge  of  the  County  Court.  Squire  Cady,  F.  B.  Johnson 
and  Nathaniel  French,  sei  ved  in  the  town  clerk's  office.  Plainfield  was 
very  forward  in  establishing  a  Savings  Institute,  successfully  opened 
in  1839. 

Mr.  Burleigh  filled  the  position  of  principal  in  Plainfield  Academy 
till  compelled  to  resign  V)y  increasing  optical  disease.  Plainfield  was 
most  fortunate  in  securing  for  his  successor,  Mr.  John  Witter  of 
Preston,  an  experienced  and  competent  instructor,  under  whose  pro 
tracted  administration  the  Academy  maintained  a  high  reputation.  A 
handsome  stone  edifice  now  replaced  the  old  Academy  building*, 
erected  in  1825,  on  a  beautiful  and  commanding  site  given  by  Mrs. 
Lydia  Farlan,  other  public  spirited  residents  subscribing  funds  for  the 
building.  About  a  hundred  students  were  usually  connected  with  the 
school,  of  whom  nearly  one-lialf  puisued  classical  studies,  fitting  for 
college  or  ])rofessional  life.  Mr.  Witter  was  a  careful  and  thorough 
teacher,  training  his  pupils  to  habits  of  critical  exactness,  which 
enabled  them  to  take  high  positions  in  college,  and  to  fill  with  credit 
their  various  callings  in  life.  Failing  health  obliged  him  to  withdraw 
for  a  season,  and  finally  to  resign  his  position  in  1837,  but  he  con- 
tinued for  several  years  to  pre})are  young  men  for  college.  The 
long  list  of  his  pupils  embraces  many  distinguished  men  who  have 
passed  away  and  many  still  active  in  public  affairs  in  different  j)arts  of 
the  land.  In  modest  boast  he  was  wont  to  say  recalling  his  arduous 
labors — "  I  think  I  nmst  have  added  about  six  acres  to  the  field  of 
intellect."  The  Quaker  School  on  Black  Hill  was  maintained  for  a 
number  of  years,  giving  a  peaceful  home  and  competent  instruction  to 
many  willing  pupils.  Gentle  and  serene  beyond  even  ordinary  Quakers, 
Father  Greene  and  Master  Benjamin  maintained  excellent  discipline, 
and  exercised  a  marked  and  salutary  influence.  Susan  Anthony, 
Phebe  Jackson,  Samuel  B.  Tobey,  Elisha  Dyer,  and  many  others 
ftuned  in  public  life,  or  benevolent  enterprise,  were  trained  in  this 
Quaker  school.  First-days  and  Fifth-days  they  marched  in  {)airs  to 
the  })lain  meeting-house,  the  boys  first  and  the  girls  at  ])ioper  distance 
behind  them,  and  enjoyed  a  quiet  session.  Here  sometimes  came  Miss 
Crandall  with  her  school  of  colored  girls,  sure  of  a  fiiendly  welcome. 
Abolition  leaders  shut  out  fi'om    other   church    edifices    here   enjoyed 

*  This  historic  edifice,  so  associated  with  the  early  educational  enterprise 
of  Windham  Comity,  enters  upon  its  second  century  in  good  preservation, 
and  is  now  appropriately  owned  and  occupied  by  Mr.  Roswell  Eusworth,  a 
professional  teacher,  descended  from  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  the  "  Quiue- 
baiig  Country." 


STERLING,    ETC.  509 

freedom  of  speech.  The  Anti-slavery  influence  emanating  from 
Black  Hill  may  have  stimulated  the  Burleigh  brothers  in  their  early 
championship  of  the  hated  cause,  which  gained  them  such  disrepute 
in  other  quarters.  The  Advertiser  reports  that  "  the  everlasting  great 
William  H.  Burleigh,  the  vei-se  man,  the  schoolmaster,  had  turned 
traitor  to  his  native  State  .  .  .  located  himself  at  Schenectady, 
New  York,"  and  was  "  pouring  forth  the  most  villainous  abuse  upon 
the  people  and  laws  of  this  State  " — and  was  at  a  loss  to  conjecture 
what  his  fate  might  be,  "so  soon  as  his  bitter  and  wicked  spirit  shall 
come  in  contact  with  the  virtue  and  intelligence  of  the  people."  Other 
brothers  of  this  remarkably  gifted  family  engaged  in  the  promotion 
of  various  reforms. 

After  a  short  vacancy,  Rev.  Orin  Fowler  of  Lebanon  was  installed 
pastor  of  the  Congregational  church,  March  1,  1820.  Deacons 
Rinaldo  Burleigh  and  John  Douglas,  James  Gordon  and  Elias  Park- 
hurst,  with  forty  sisters,  constituted  the  membership  ;  but  under  the 
stimulating  influence  of  the  new  pastor  a  new  religious  interest  was 
awakened  and  theii'  number  was  soon  greatly  increased.  A  brief 
season  of  prosperity  was  unhappily  followed  by  a  very  unpleasant 
controversy,  injurious  to  church  and  community.  Mr.  Fowler's 
eminent  abilities  may  not  have  been  accompanied  by  equal  discretion, 
and  he  had  the  misfortune  to  incur  the  ill-will  of  prominent  church 
members,  who  juofessed  to  believe  reports  derogatory  to  his  character. 
Mr.  Fowler  insisted  upon  a  public  investigation  by  the  Windham 
Association  which  decided  that  it  was  satisfied  with  his  confession  and 
recognized  him  as  a  member  in  regular  standing.  A  succeeding 
council  agreed  ''  That  unhappy  dissatisfactions  on  the  part  of  some 
individuals  rendered  the  continuance  of  the  connection  so  unpleasant 
as  to  justify  se])aration,  and  dismissed  him  from  his  charge,  January 
27,  1831."  Mr.  Fowler  was  installed  the  same  year  in  Fall  liiver, 
Mass.,  where  he  filled  a  highly  res[)ectable  position  as  minister  and 
representative  to  Congress.  His  successor  in  Plainfield,  Rev.  Samuel 
Rockwell,  harmonized  conflicting  elements  and  remained  in  charge 
nine  years.  Elder  Nathaniel  Cole  continued  to  ofiiciate  as  pastor  of 
the  Baptist  church,  till  compelled  to  resign  in  1833,  by  advancing 
yeai's  and  infirmities.  He  was  succeeded  by  Charles  S.  Weaver,  who 
after  three  years  gave  place  to  Daniel  Tilden.*-  Plainfield  was  still 
abundantly  favored  with  competent  physicians,  the  young  Doctors 
Burgess  and  Cogswell  sharing  the  field  with  Dr.  Fuller,  and  Doctors 
Baldwin  and  Harris  of  Canterbury. 


;  *Iii   1840,  the   church  was   re-organized   as  the  Uuiou  Baptist   Church   of 

riaiufleld,  and  removed  to  Moosup,  where  a  new  house  of  worship  was  soou 
erected. 


510  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Tlie  r>ai)tists  worshipping  in  Sterlii)f(  Hill  niceting-liouse  onjoyed 
for  five  years  the  ministry  of  George  Appleton.  In  A|)ril.  1829.  tliey 
received  Elder  Peleg  Pcckham,  as  their  pastor,  who  continued  in 
cliaiixe  for  many  years.  The  great  i-evivals  soon  following  bi-ought 
more  than  fifty  into  the  church.  Connection  with  Coventry  was 
no  longer  recognized,  the  church  assuming  the  title  of  the  P'ii-st 
Bai>tist  church  of  Sterling.  John  Gallup  succeeded  Thomas  Douglas 
as  clerk.  Ira  Ciandall  was  chosen  deacon  upon  the  death  of  Deacon 
Asa  Montgomery.  Philip  Keigyan  also  served  as  deacon.  Like 
many  Ba)»tist  churches  it  did  not  for  a  time  unite  with  Temperance 
societies  but  voted  to  discountenance  the  soul-destroying  sin  of 
intemperance  and  as  chiistians  felt  bound  by  the  Word  of  God 
as  adverse  to  the  same  both  in  and  out  of  the  cliurch.  The  local 
association  of  neighborhood  churches  continued  to  hold  their  annual 
meetings,  which  were  largely  attended  and  greatly  enjoyed.  After 
nearly  thirty  years  of  intermittent  worship,  the  church  pertaining  to 
the  Line  meeting-house  secured  the  services  of  a  stated  pastor.  Rev. 
Otis  Lane,  who  was  installed  over  it  October  29,  1828.  Infirm  health 
compelled  his  removal  after  a  few  years  but  he  was  quickly  succeeded 
by  Rev.  Jacob  Allen,  installed,  October.  1H37,  who  with  a  brief  inter- 
mission remained  in  charge  for  nearly  twenty  years.  A  branch  Baptist 
church  was  foi-med  in  the  south  part  of  Yoluntown.  in  1S29.  in  con- 
nection with  the  labors  of  Elder  Kneeland,  which  gained  an  independ- 
ent standing  in  about  ten  years. 

Sterling's  several  cotton  factories  continued  in  operation  with  the 
usual  beneficial  results,  furnishino-  employment  to  male  and  female 
operatives,  and  a  ready  market  for  farmers.  The  Sterling  Company 
manifested  much  enterprise,  and  was  one  of  the  first  in  the  country  to 
whiten  their  cloth  by  the  use  of  chlorine  instead  of  a  sun  bath.  Mr. 
AVilliam  Pike  elfected  this  invention,  and  also  expciimented  in  wood 
distillation,  extracting  for  the  use  of  the  dyer  the  first  Pyroligneous 
acid  made  in  the  country.  His  success  encouraged  him  to  further 
eiiterjuise.  Brandy  and  gin  distilleries  had  fallen  into  disrei)ute.  but 
the  transformation  of  wood  into  various  chemical  agencies  met 
with  nothing  but  favor.  Tiu-ee  of  tliese  "sap  works"  were  in  time 
established — two  in  Sterling,  one  in  Yoluntown — requiring  some 
five  or  six  thousand  cords  of  hard  wood  ammally  and  at  least  a 
score  of  men  to  prepare  the  wood  and  aid  in  the  working.  Pyroligne- 
ous and  citric  acid.s,  sugar  of  lead,  tincture  of  iron,  nai)htha,  fine 
charcoal,  were  among  the  products  of  distillation.  iMr.  Pike  had  liis 
residence  on  Sterling  Hill  in  one  of  the  fine  old  Donance  houses,  and 
was  much  resjiected  as  one  of  the  leading  men  of  the  town.  He  was 
the  first  to  introduce  one-horse  wagons  into  use,  paying  for  them  in 


STERLING,    ETC.  511 

cotton  yarn.  Dr.  William  II.  Caniphell  engaged  in  medical  practice, 
having  his  residence  near  the  liill.  Di'.  Nathan  S.  I'ike  was  widely 
known  in  the  profession.  Calvin  Ilebard  continued  in  legal  i)ractice. 
Fierce  Smith  seived  as  town  clerk  and  treasurer.  Calvin  Ilebard, 
Jei'emiah  Young,  John  Galhip,  John  Thurston,  justices.  Benjamin 
Tuckerman  retained  the  charge  of  the  post-office. 

The  ])rivilege  on  the  Pachaug  in  the  west  i)ait  of  Voluntown,  was 
l)urchased  by  an  Industrial  joint  stock  company,  which  in  1828,  had 
erected  factory  buildings  and  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  cotton 
goods.  Mr.  James  Treat  with  his  son-in-law.  Donne,  came  into  pos- 
session of  the  establislnnent,  and  Voluntown  village  was  built  up  in  a 
few  years.  A  meeting-house  was  built  by  the  company  which  was 
afterwards  purchased  by  the  Baptists.  A  second  cotton  factory  was 
built  before  1835,  and  a  woolen  factory  was  also  established.  Char- 
coal-making was  carried  on  quite  extensively  both  in  Voluntown  and 
Sterling.  Dr.  Harvey  Campbell  had  now  an  extensive  medical 
practice,  and  was  an  active  and  useful  member  of  church  and 
society.  Voluntown  Probate  Court  was  constituted  in  1830.  Sterry 
Kinne,  judge  ;  Minor  liobbins,  clerk. 


y. 

WINDHAM.     WILLIMANTIC  VILLAGE.     CHAPLIN. 

WINDHAM  did  not  yield  to  the  inevitable  without  farther  resist- 
ance. Ere  courts  and  jail  were  removed  she  was  agitating  for 
half-shire  privileges.  On  the  very  day  that  delegates  from  other 
towns  were  planning  Brooklyn  Court-house,  she  was  instructing  her 
own  delegates — Messrs.  Clark.  Perkins.  Roger  Huntington,  Charles 
Taintor,  Jonah  Lincoln — to  confer  with  Lebanon,  Mansfield,  Ashford 
and  Columbia,  in  regard  to  retaining  the  courts  half  the  time.  In 
October,  1820,  her  selectmen  were  directed  to  take  chaige  of  the 
foinier  Court  buildings,  and  the  committee  to  continue  their  efforts  to 
regain  lost  privileges.  Other  changes  were  vigorously  resisted.  The 
incorporation  of  Chaplin,  Scotland's  petition  for  town  privileges, 
Brooklyn's  demand  for  turnpikes  to  Windham  and  Colchester,  were 
curtly  refused.  Even  the  project  for  procuring  a  fire-engine  and  estab- 
lishing a  fire  company  in  the  Centre  District,  was  allowed  to  rest  in 
abeyance  after  procuring  a  charter.  Land  south  of  the  Willimantic 
was  remitted  to  Columbia,  and  two  new  bridges  over  Merrick's  Brook 
granted  to  Scotland — one  near  John  Burnett's  called  Church   Bridge, 


512  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

one  near  Zaechcus  Waldo's  Mill.  Petilions  for  roads  and  bridges  urged 
by  AVilliinantic  niauuthcturers  in  1H2G,  were  dismissed  as  of  little 
moment  while  the  town  was  preparing  for  a  final  gi-api)le  for  the  Court- 
house. Lebanon  had  already  lapsed  to  New  London  County  ;  other 
towns  wei-e  discussing  withdrawal.  Resistance  and  api)eal  were  use- 
less;  Manstield  and  Columbia  were  transferred  to  Tolland  County,  and 
Windham  reluctantly  gave  orders  to  sell  the  vacant  jail  and  court- 
house. Even  then,  in  1828,  many  would  liave  continued  the  strife  for 
a  half-shire,  but  increasing  internal  demands  absorbed  all  the  town  re- 
sources. The  manufactui'ing  epidemic  had  broken  out  in  Windham. 
Cotton  factories  had  been  built  at  Williniantic  ;  unique  industries  were 
developing  in  North  and  South  Windliam.  Old  Windham  with  its 
courts,  lawyers,  newspapers  and  political  influence ;  its  stores,  work- 
shops and  noted  taverns,  was  rapidly  declining — but  a  young  Wind- 
ham with  yet  more  vital  force  and  multifarious  energy  was  pushing 
itself  into  notice.  The  privileges  of  "the  fair,  full-watered  stream," 
so  long  given  over  to  droning  mills  and  jolly  fishermen,  had  been 
snatched  up  by  eager  competitors.  The  "  Old  State  "  had  come  under 
a  new  dominion.  Providence  with  its  usual  avidity  was  first  to  seize 
the  prize.  In  September,  1822,  Perez  O.  Richmond  bought  of  Waldo 
Gary  and  Anson  Young,  land  and  privilege  on  the  Willimantic  near 
its  junction  with  the  Nachauge,  and  soon  built  up  a  factory  and  vil- 
lage. The  brothers  Jillson  of  Dorchester  in  1824  pui-chased  a  site  just 
above  the  old  paper  and  grist-mills,  west  of  the  Iron  Works  bridge, 
and  put  up  more  substantial  buildings.  The  Windham  Company  was 
next  in  the  field,  led  by  Hartford  Tingley  and  Matthew  Watson  of 
Providence,  occupying  a  privilege  farther  westward.  A  small  factory 
in  the  same  vicinity  was  built  and  carried  on  by  Deacon  Charles  Lee 
of  Windham.  The  almost  simultaneous  irruption  of  so  many  clashing 
enterprises  and  interests  was  quite  overpowering.  It  came  like  a 
spring  freshet,  tearing  down  the  old  land-marks  and  sweeping  every- 
thing before  it.  The  few  previous  residents  of  the  hitherto  quiet  val- 
ley were  almost  dazed  by  the  onset.  Hibernians  settled  down  upon  it 
like  an  army  of  grasshoppers.  Shanties  were  set  up  wherever  they 
could  find  a  footing.  The  first  public  building  erected  was  a  two-story 
grog-shop  called  "The  Light-house,"  which  diffused  a  most  lurid  light, 
especially  on  Sundays.  The  first  village  erected  around  Richmond's 
mill  was  known  for  a  time  as  "  Sodom,"  and  the  self-seeking  proprietor 
was  mockingly  designated  "Poor  Old  Richmond."  Chaos  and  confu- 
sion seemed  to  reign  supreme  for  a  time,  but  after  the  buildings  were 
completed,  and  the  factories  fairly  at  work,  law  and  order  began  to 
assert  themselves.  People  came  for  work  or  traffic,  built  houses  and 
settled  down  into  citizens.     A  new  stone  school-house  was  built,  and 


^ 


WINDHAM,    ETC.  513 

opened  for  school  and  reli2;ious  services.  The  first  preacher  there 
Avas  a  young  Baptist  licentiate,  Chester  Tilden,  who  was  aided  for  a 
time  by  the  Baptist  Convention.  Mr.  Asa  Jillson,  who  built  a  hand- 
some residence  east  of  the  river,  Mr.  A.  E.  Tingley,  agent  of  the 
Windham  Company,  who  removed  to  Windham  Green,  interested 
themselves  in  the  growth  of  tlie  settlement.  The  town  was  compelled 
to  build  a  new  bridge  to  accommodate  the  Windham  Company,  and 
the  old  public  higliway  was  widened  and  tivansformed  into  Main  street. 
Buildings  for  stores  and  public  uses  soon  sprung  up  along  this  street, 
and  a  very  pretentious  new  hotel  was  built  and  opened  by  Guy 
Hebard. 

Willimantic's  first  public  demonstration  was  made  July  4,  1826.  It 
was  a  great  occasion — the  day  on  which  the  Nation  commemorated  its 
fiftieth  birthday.  Public  celebi'ations  were  held  in  Scotland.  Ciiaplin 
and  Hampton,  and  the  rising  village  at  Willimantic  Falls  did  the 
lionors  for  Windham.  A  numerous  and  united  concourse  of  citizens 
formed  in  procession  on  IMain  street,  and  cheered  by  sounding  cannon 
and  a  large  band  of  martial  music  marched  to  Stone  Chapel,  where 
they  heard  an  oration  from  Daniel  Frost,  Esq.,  of  Canterbury,  and 
other  services  by  Reverends  Brown  and  Tilden,  "followed  by  a  sumptu- 
ous entertainment  at  the  Willimantic  Hotel,  prepared  by  Guy  Hebard." 
Its  exhilarating  influence  was  manifest  in  the  twenty-four  toasts 
served  for  dessert,  which  surpassed  the  usual  flights  attained  on  such 
occasions. 

"  4.  The  Tree  of  Liberty  planted  on  Columbia's  broad  plains,  of  but 
fift}'  years'  fjrowth,  its  massing  branches  have  reached  the  centre  and  this  day 
are  more  than  twelve  millions  of  souls  basking  under  its  shade." 

"  8.  River  Willimantic  :  Like  the  autumnal  harvest  is  constantly  bringing 
in  its  rich  treasures  to  repay  the  labors  of  industry  and  art,  and  opens  her 
wide  extended  arms  to  embrace  the  farms,  manufactures  and  mechanics 
through  the  country  which  it  tlovvs." 

"  12.  Windham  Centre  District,  who  has  long  since  immortalized  her 
name  by  her  glorious  struggle  for  independence  when  her  territories  were 
invaded  by  Bull-frogs — May  her  ancient  glory  never  be  sullied  by  a  vain 
attempt  to  sway  her  proud  and  haughty  sceptre  over  the  destinies  of  Willi- 
mantic!" 

Insubordination  at  home  was  quite  as  subversive  to  progress  as 
Windham's  resistance.  Heterogeneous  elements  refused  to  blend. 
Boys  were  so  rampant  that  the  school  committee  sent  expressly  to 
Sterling  for  a  master  with  will  and  liand  strong  enough  to  keep  them 
from  marring  the  school-house.  Temperance  workers  complained  of 
"bitter  and  violent  opposition,"  and  Christians  found  it  diflicult  to  find 
a  place  in  which  to  hold  religious  meetings.  Sectai'ian  sti-ife  raged 
fiercely.  The  school  in  the  first  district  was  forbidden  to  the  Baptists, 
and  persistent  efl'orts  made  to  drive  them  from  that  in  the  second  dis- 
trict. Opposers  even  threatened  to  blast  the  rock  tliat  served  for  its 
65 


514:  HISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

foundiition.  Locked  out  on  one  occasion,  they  formed  in  procession 
and  niarclied  siii<;ing  to  the  jirivate  liouse  opened  to  them.  "They 
have  done  more  mischief  than  tliey  vvouhl  in  tlie  school-house,"  sighed 
the  discomfited  opposer.  A  Jiajjtist  churcli  was  organized  October 
20,  1827,  with  twenty  constituent  membeis.  IJev.  Chester  Tilden,  or- 
dained the  picceding  August,  remained  in  charge.  George  Byrne  was 
elected  clerk  and  ti-easurer.  With  aid  from  abroad  a  church  edifice 
was  completed  and  dedicated.  May  27,  1829.  A  Sabbath-school  was 
immediately  organized.  Samuel  l:)ariows,  Jun.,  and  Eliphalet  Mavtiu 
were  chosen  deacons.  The  Congregational  church  was  organized  at 
the  house  of  A.  C.  Tingley,  January  22,  1828,  sixteen  peisons  signing 
the  covenant.  The  uniting  brethien,  were  Charles  Lee,  Nathaniel  Rob- 
inson, John,  Eliphalet  and  Joseph  Brown,  Azariah  Balcom  and  Seth 
Jillson.  Mr.  Dennis  Piatt,  a  Yale  Theological  student,  who  had  la- 
bored several  months  previous  as  a  missionary  among  them,  supported 
by  tlie  Domestic  Missionaiy  Society,  and  the  Ladies'  Missionary  So- 
ciety of  Tolland  County,  was  continued  in  charge.  On  the  following 
Sabbath  the  sacrament  was  administered  by  Rev.  Mr.  Atvvood  of 
Mansfield,  "  when  sixty  communicants,  members  of  different  churches 
in  the  Congregationalist  and  Methodist  connnunion,  sat  down  at  the 
table  of  their  common  Lord."  Efforts  were  at  once  made  for  buihling 
a  house  of  worship.  A  plan  very  jiopular  for  a  time  of  building  a 
large  house  conjointly  with  other  denominations,  was  successfully  op- 
posed. A  building  site  was  given  by  Messrs.  Tingley  and  Watson. 
Funds  were  procured  from  various  sources,  abroad  and  at  home,  and 
the  house  was  completed  the  following  autumn,  Dr.  Hawes  of  Hart- 
ford preaching  the  dedication  sermon.  Mi-.  Piatt  labored  on  for  two 
years  with  much  zeal  and  etficiency  till  worn  down  by  care  and  anxiety 
he  w^as  forced  to  leave  the  field.  The  membership  of  the  church  had 
increased  to  fiity,  but  it  met  many  obstacles  and  diificulties,  especially 
in  meeting  its  pecuniary  obligations.  Its  first  deacons  were  Charles 
Lee  and  Nathaniel  C.  Warren.  An  efficient  Sabbath-school  was  soon 
established.  Methodists  organized  a  class  in  1828,  Jonathan  Fuller, 
leader.  A  house  of  worship  was  erected  in  1829,  and  a  society  located, 
and  a  stated  preacher  secured  the  following  year.  The  Universalists, 
who  were  very  numerous  in  those  early  days,  eflected  society  organiza- 
tion and  maintained  regular  services.  Earnest  men  and  women  from 
all  the  churches  joined  in  temperance  work,  which  indeed  demanded 
extreme  eflibrts.  A  flourishing  society  was  reported  in  1831 — George 
S.  Catlin,  president ;  N.  C.  Warren,  vice-president.  It  was  not 
without  unceasing  labor  and  vigilance  that  these  churches  and 
societies  were  maintained.  The  constant  influx  of  population  from 
the  surounding  country  made  it  difficult  to  keep  pace  with  the  needs 


WILLIMANTIC    VILLAGE,    ETC. 


515 


of  the  hour.  The  inconvenience  of  voting  at  Windhatn  Green,  and 
Windham's  opposition  to  needful  outlay,  soon  incited  efforts  for  local 
independence.  Petition  for  town  pi-ivileges  was  successfully  resisted, 
but  in  May,  1833,  Williinantic  Borough  was  constituted.  Its  first 
meeting  was  held  in  July.  I.oring  Carpenter  was  chosen  warden  ; 
Silas  Walden,  Asa  Jillson.  William  Witter,  burgesses.  Liberty  was 
thus  gained  to  regulate  its  own  highways  and  institute  local  improve- 
ments. The  material  growth  and  prosperity  of  the  village  was 
thereby  greatly  promoted  but  its  progress  in  other  directions  was 
slow.  The  character  of  its  early  population  was  unfavorable  for 
healthy  development  and  assimilation.  It  was  largely  made  up  of 
persons  of  small  lueans  from  many  different  communities  who  came 
to  the  factories  to  get  a  living,  with  no  thought  or  cai-e  for  the  public 
good.  The  immense  "  teaming  interest,"  the  vast  number  of  persons 
employed  in  hauling  goods  and  cotton  back  and  forth  (jver  the  Nor- 
wich Turnpike,  and  the  accompanying  taverns  and  low  drinking 
places,  occasioned  much  disorder  and  drunkenness,  and  bad  elements 
seemed  for  a  time  to  greatly  predominate.  Yet  notwithstanding  these 
drawbacks.  Barber  in  1835  reports  Williraantic  "a  flourishing  village," 
with  three  houses  of  worship,  six  cotton  factories,  a  satinet  factory 
and  a  paper-mill.  A  post-office  was  opened  as  early  as  1827 — Henry 
Hall,  postmaster.  The  Willimantic  Fire  Engine  Company  was  organ- 
ized in  1830. 

North  Windham  had  undergone  various  vicissitudes.  The  paper- 
mill  to  which  it  owed  its  growth  was  abandoned  by  Badger  in  1825, 
and  after  farther  failures  fell  into  the  hands  of  an  Englishman,  Joseph 
Pickering,  who  with  great  labor  and  difficulty  had  succeeded  in  bring- 
ing to  America  the  first  imported  Fourdrinier  machine  for  the  manu- 
facture of  paper.  Associating  with  J.  A.  H.  Frost  of  Boston,  they 
bought  the  dilapidated  paper-mill  at  North  Windham  at  a  low  price, 
in  1827,  and  there  set  up  the  machine  which  was  to  effect  a  revolution 
in  paper-making.  But  as  often  occurs,  those  who  introduced  this 
invention  received  no  profit  from  it.  The  firm  lacked  steadiness  or 
business  capacity,  and  soon  became  bankrupt.  Boston  creditors  who 
attempted  to  carry  on  the  business  were  equally  unsuccessful.  In 
1831,  the  mill  property  came  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Justin  Swift,  who 
transformed  it  into  a  cotton  manufactory  and  the  rejected  Fourdrinier 
moved  on  to  Andover,  Conn.,  and  finally  ended  its  wanderings  at 
York,  Pa.  But  though  not  permanently  retained  in  Windham,  its 
brief  sojourn  led  to  important  consequences.  George  Spaiford  of 
South  Windham,  a  man  of  much  mechanical  insight,  employed  to 
refit  the  North  Windham  mill  and  aid  in  setting  up  the  new  machine, 
was  much  impressed  by   its  remarkable  capabilities,  and  the  certainty 


516  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

that  it  would  in  time  supersede  the  very  inadequate  paper-making 
process  then  in  use.  Forming  a  partnership  with  James  Phelps,  an 
experienced  paper-mill  builder,  they  set  to  work  to  construct  a 
dui)licate.  Selecting  New  Furnace  in  Stafford  for  its  foundry  accom- 
modations, they  liired  a  loft  and  with  much  caution  and  secrecy 
pursued  their  difficult  enterprise.  Nine  men  under  charge  of  young 
Charles  Smith  constituted  the  woi'king  force  with  only  ordinary  hand 
tools  and  a  single  power  lathe.  The  curiosity  excited  by  their  mys- 
terious operations  was  allayed  by  jilausible  inventions.  Yankee 
ingenuity  triumphed  over  every  obstacle  and  completed  an  im[)rove- 
ment  upon  the  original  Fourdriiiier  which  was  sold  to  Amos  D. 
Hubbard  and  put  in  successful  operation  at  Norwich  Falls.  May,  1829. 
Soon  a  second  was  accomplished  and  sold  to  Henry  Hudson  of  East 
Hartford.  "  Both  yielded  such  excellent  results  that  the  projectors 
were  encouraged  to  make  prepai-ations  for  the  permanent  contimiance 
of  the  business,"  and  erected  suitable  accommodations  on  the  site  of 
the  old  fulling-mill  at  South  Windham,  which  were  ready  for  occu- 
pancy early  in  1830.  Here  they  built  mills  for  customers  in  many 
States  and  supplied  machinery.  In  1831,  they  invented  and  con- 
structed dryers,  which  performed  in  a  few  minutes  the  work  of 
previous  hours.  Mr.  Spafford  also  devised  a  cutter  for  dividing  the 
continuous  web  into  sheets  of  uniform  size.  "  Phelps  and  Spafford  " 
as  partners  carried  on  a  tiourishing  business  till  the  great  crash  of 
1837,  when  their  losses  compelled  them  to  suspend  work.  A  new 
firm,  Smith,  Winchester  &  Co.,  succeeded  the  following  year.  Charles 
Smith,  son  of  Joshua  Smith,  biother-in-law  to  both  Spafford  and 
Winchester,  assumed  the  general  management.  • 

"  By  the  deatli  of  his  father,  Charles  Smith  was  left  an  orphan  at  the  a;2:e 
of  fourteen,  when  the  cares  and  responsibilities  of  manhood  at  once  devolved 
upon  him.  Before  attaining  his  majority  he  directed  the  operations  of  large 
gangs  of  men  proving  equal  to  every  task  as  it  came.  Uniting  rare  executive 
ability  to  mechanical  talent  both  natural  and  cultivated  of  a  high  order,  he 
started  the  company  upon  a  career  of  prosperity  which  it  has  since  pursued 
uudeviatingly  through  all  the  vicissitudes  of  the  general  business  of  the 
country.  It  has  been  a  fundamental  rule  of  the  establishment  to  knowingly 
permit  only  thorough  work  to  leave  its  doors,  while  the  integrity  of  its  deal- 
ings has  won  the  universal  contidence  of  its  patrons." 

So  great  was  the  demand  that  the  firm  was  again  and  again  com- 
pelled to  enlarge  their  works  and  build  new  conveniences  for  storage. 
The  little  Pigeon  Swamp  Brook  running  dry  half  the  summer  was 
made  permanently  effective  by  the  construction  of  reservoirs  covering 
the  former  swamp.  A  prosperous  village  grew  up  around  this  estab- 
lishment. Other  industries  were  introduced.  Amos  D.  Allen  con- 
tinued his  furniture  manufacture.  His  son  Edwin,  inheriting  a  large 
share  of  the  inventive  genius  of  the  family,  distinguished  himself  by 


WILLIM ANTIC    VILLAGE,    ETC.  517 

the  construction  of  machinery  for  making  wood  type.  Strolling 
casually  into  a  neu'spaper  oflice  in  jSTorwich  his  attention  was  excited 
by  a  font  of  wood  type,  and  a  scheme  for  making  it  by  mechanical 
process  seized  Ins  mind  witli  such  force  tliat  in  three  days  it  was 
embodied  in  wood  and  iron,  and  a  perfected  machine  was  turning  out 
its  si)ecimens  of  finished  workmanship.  In  1837,  Mr.  Allen  entered 
into  partnership  with  George  F.  Nesbit  of  New  York  City,  who 
under  his  own  name  introduced  the  wood  type  to  the  trade,  while  his 
partner  liad  charge  of  the  maimfacture  in  South  Windham.  Such 
was  his  skill  tliat  he  was  able  to  fabricate  every  part  of  his  machines 
even  to  imparting  to  the  steel-cutting  apparatus  the  exquisite  temi)er 
required.  The  business  made  fair  progress  though  encountering  the 
o[)[)Osition  incident  to  new  iiu'entions,  but  in  time  it  gained  ground 
and  the  use  of  large  metal  type  was  entirely  superseded. 

Under  the  administration  of  Mr.  Justin  Swift,  North  Windham  was 
able  to  maintain  a  successful  manufacturing  establishment,  to  the 
benefit  of  the  surrounding  country  as  well  as  the  proprietor.  The 
Lincolns*  of  this  neighborhood  had  transformed  their  fulling  and  card 
ing-mill  into  a  manufactory  of  felting  used  in  working  the  Fourdrinier 
machine,  having  acquired  the  art  by  picking  to  pieces  and  reconstruct- 
ing the  English  specimens  first  impoited.  In  1838,  Mr.  Ralph  Lincoln 
was  invested  with  the  office  of  postmastei',  which  he  retained  for  many 
years. 

Windham  Green  though  deprived  of  official  honoi's  kept  its  place 
as  head  of  the  town,  exercising  its  ancient  sway  over  the  border  vil- 
lages. Their  growth  at  first  added  to  the  importance  of  the  mother 
settlement.  Proprietors  and  managers  of  Willimantic  factories  found 
pleasant  homes  at  Windham  Green.  Windham's  six  stores,  bank, 
probate  and  town  clerk's  offices,  accommodated  all  the  villages. 
The  first  fire-engine  in  Windham  County  was  purchased  by  i-esi- 
dents  of  Windliam  Green,  and  made  over  to  the  committee  of  the 
Centre  District,  June  18,  1825,  for  the  sum  of  $180.00.  George  W. 
Webb,  Heniy  Webb  and  Eliphalet  Ripley  were  chosen  fire-wardens, 
with  power  to  enlist  a  fire-company.  A  suitable  company  was  soon 
organized,  which  met  monthly  for  practice  and  exercise.  Fines  for 
absence  or  tardiness,  rigorously  enforced,  were  expended  in  an  annual 
supper  at  one  of  the  modern  hotels,  which  had  superseded  the  primitive 
tavern,  while  the  tutelary  Bacchus  now  swung  aloft  in  Staniford's  elm 


*  This  was  the  family  so  remarkable  for  its  longevity.  Samuel  Linkon  or 
Lincoln,  born  1693,  lacked  but  a  few  days  of  completing  101  years.  His  son, 
Captain  Nathaniel  Lincoln,  lived  105  years,  3  months  and  18  days.  His  son  of 
the  same  name  had  nearly  completed  94  years — making  an  average  of  one 
hundred  years  to  the  three  generations.  It  was  said  that  when  a  Lincoln 
died,  "  they  wore  out  a  new  bell-tongue,  tolling  his  age." 


518  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

tree.  Windham  Bank  was  incorporated  in  1832.  The  first  meeting 
was  held  August  8.  John  Baldwin,  George  SpafFord,  Justin  Swift, 
Levi  Johnson,  Stephen  Hosmor,  Thomas  Gray,  Wm.  R.  Dorrance, 
John  Webb,  Jun.,  Chauncey  F.  Cleveland,  John  C.  Rockwell,  Abner 
Hendee  were  chosen  directors ;  John  Baldwin,  president ;  J.  A.  White, 
cashier  ;  Thomas  Gray,  attorney. 

Mr.  Joel  W.  While,  who  had  now  removed  his  residence  to  Wind- 
ham, was  an  active  business  man,  much  concerned  in  staging  and 
transportation  movements.  Another  acquisition  was  George  S.  Catlin, 
a  lawyer  of  brilliant  promise.  John  Baldwin,  Esq.,  was  sent  as  repre- 
sentative to  Congress,  1825-29.  Windham  maintained  its  political  in- 
terest, though  its  influence  was  diminished  by  party  division,  Peter 
Webb  and  other  prominent  Democrats  declining  to  support  Jackson, 
and  Anti-tarifi"  principles.  Judge  Swift  died  in  1823,  his  sons  having 
previously  removed  to  Ohio.  Samuel  Gray,  Esq.,  after  a  long  life  of 
public  usefulness,  dating  back  to  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolution, 
and  otRciating  as  clerk  of  Windham  County  Courts  for  more  than 
forty  years,  died  in  1836,  in  his  86th  year.  His  son,  Thomas  Gray, 
admitted  to  the  Bar  in  1819,  served  as  clerk  of  Courts,  town  and 
probate  office.  Hon.  Jabez  Clark,  chief-justice  for  a  time  of  the 
County  Court,  also  died  in  1836,  and  was  succeeded  in  his  profession 
by  his  son,  Edwards  Clark.  Eliphalet  Ripley  served  as  town  treasurer. 
Tovvn  meetings  were  much  occupied  in  resisting  demands  and  encroach- 
ments. Willimantic  having  secured  borough  privileges  furthered  the 
movement  for  a  new  town-house.  Selectmen  were  authorized  to  pur- 
chase site  within  fifty  rods  of  AVindham  Green.  George  SpaiFord, 
Justin  Swift,  Joel  W.  White,  Hai  tford  Tingley,  joined  with  them  as 
committee,  and  the  house  was  completed  in  1836.  It  was  voted  that 
all  town  meetings  should  be  held  in  this  house. 

Windham's  Fii-st  church  resigned  many  members  to  the  Willimantic 
church.  Mr.  Everest  was  dismissed  in  1827,  after  a  peaceful  and  pros- 
perous ministry.  Rev.  R.  F.  Cleveland's  three  years'  service  was 
equally  acceptable.  J.  E.  Tyler  of  East  Windsor  was  ordained  and 
installed,  October  11,  1837.  Samuel  Perkins,  Esq.,  elected  deacon  in 
1796,  continued  in  office  during  his  ministry.  Deacons  Charles  Lee 
and  Thomas  Welch  were  dismissed  to  other  churches.  Abner  Follet 
was  chosen  deacon  in  1840.  An  Episcopal  society  was  formed  in 
1832,  and  a  house  of  worsliip  erected  the  following  year.  Mr.  Asa 
Jillson  aided  largely  in  suppoi-ting  this  worship.  Religious  services 
were  statedly  maintained  in  the  Robinson  house — Elder  Roger  Bing- 
ham often  officiating  there,  and  chance  preachers.  Lorenzo  Dow  and 
other  famous  itinerants  found  open  doors  and  willing  hearers.  Rev. 
Jesse  Fisher  remained  in  pastoral  chaige  of  the  Scotland  Congrega- 


CHAPLIN,    ETC.  519 

tional  church  till  his  lamented  death  in  1836.  His  successor,  Rev.  O.  T. 
Whiton,  was  dismissed  after  four  years'  service.  Thomas  Tall  man  of 
Middle  Haddam.  was  ordained  and  installed  pastoi",  March  20,  1844 — 
the  society  reluctantly  consenting  to  less  stringent  provisions  for 
the  dissolution  of  the  contract.  Judge  Ebenezer  Devotion  so  long 
prominent  in  Scotland  atiairs,  died  in  1829,  in  his  eiglity-ninth  year. 
The  ''old  Devotion  house"  was  long  occupied  by  his  son.  Scotland 
Parish  was  greatly  burdened  by  excessive  imposts  and  inconveniencies 
brought  uj)on  it  by  Windham's  growth  and  aspirations,  and  devoted 
much  of  its  energies  to  eftbrts  for  separation.  No  special  business  en 
terprises  were  developed  within  its  limits.  The  old  saw  and  grist-mills 
were  kept  up,  and  biick-making  carried  on  near  the  line  between  the 
parishes.  Tin^othy  Tingley  advertised  remarkable  trading  advantages 
for  a  time,  but  mei'cantile  operations  were  gradually  transferred  to  Willi- 
mantic  village,  which  absorbed  more  and  more  of  the  life  of  the  town. 
Colonel  George  Spafibrd  assumed  the  paper-mill  after  the  demise  of 
"  Clark  and  Gray."  The  adjacent  grist  and  saw-mills  were  kept  busily 
at  work.  Richmond's  village,  now  known  as  Wellesville,  was  some- 
what poorly  managed  and  less  liourishing  than  the  other  establishments. 
The  Jillsons  showed  much  business  enterprise,  operating  cotton  and 
duck-mills,  and  building  many  substantial  stone  houses.  Mr.  John 
Tracy,  who  succeeded  A.  C.  Tingley  as  agent  for  the  Windham  Com- 
pany, was  very  successful  as  a  manager.  The  Willimantic  Sav- 
ings Institute,  organized  in  his  office  in  1842,  had  a  most  l)feneficial 
etfect,  encouraging  operatives  to  lay  up  their  earnings  and  make  solid 
investments.  Mr.  Tracy  served  as  secretary  and  treasure!'  for  a  time 
without  compensation.  The  Company's  store  exceeded  any  in  the  vil- 
lage. In  1839,  Amos  D.  Smith  and  James  T.  Smith  (afterwards  gov- 
ernor of  Rhode  Island),  initiated  manufacturing  operations  which  led 
to  the  organization  of  the  Smithville  Company,  and  the  building  up 
of  large  factories  and  accommodations.  The  "  Lee  Mill  "  was  absorbed 
by  this  company — Deacon  Lee  having  removed  to  Norwich.  Its  man- 
ageuient  was  entrusted  to  Mr.  Whiting  Hayden,  who  manifested  much 
business  capacity  and  public  spirit.  Doctors  John  Hill,  Jun.,  and 
William  Witter  engaged  in  medical  practice.  Lawyers  preferred  as 
yet  the  vicinity  of  the  former  forum. 

In  spite  of  remonstrance  from  Windham,  Chaplin  Ecclesiastic  So- 
ciety obtained  town  privileges  in  May,  1822.  The  bounds  of  the  eccle- 
siastic and  school  societies  were  soon  aiter  made  identical  with  those 
of  the  town.  Town  government  was  organized  on  the  Fourth  of  July 
following,  Erastus  Hovey,  moderator.  Orin  Witter  was  chosen  town 
clerk  and  treasurer ;  John  Ross,  William  Martin,  Origen  Bennett, 
Luther  Ashley,  Nehemiah  Holt,  selectmen ;  Abel  Ross,  James  Utley, 


520  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

constables:  James  Mosely,  Jan.,  Elislia  Bill,  Jiirlson  Metcalf,  grand- 
jurors  :  Enoch  Fond,  Darius  Knight,  Henian  Clark,  Isaiah  Goer,  tith- 
ingnien  ;  Jonathan  H.  Ashley,  sealer  of  weights  and  measures ;  Eras- 
lus  Hough,  Matthew  Smith,  John  Clark,  fence-viewers.  Chaplin's 
])opulation  was  about  eight  hundred.  It  showed  its  loyalty  to  the 
mother  town  by  almost  immediately  joining  in  eifort  to  secure  half- 
shire  |)iivileges.  Its  business  development  was  quickened  by  town  or- 
ganization. Peter  Lyon  set  up  a  ]taper-mill  in  the  south  of  the  town. 
Major  Edward  Eaton  engaged  in  lumber  operations,  and  built  new 
houses  in  Chaplin  village.  Boot-making  was  carried  on  to  a  large  ex- 
tent. A  tannery  was  actively  maintained  and  attempts  made  to  estab- 
lish an  iron  foundry.  The  culture  of  silk  I'eceived  considerable  atten- 
tion, and  palm-leaf  hats  were  successfully  manufactured.  Mr.  Andrews 
labored  faithfully  as  pastor  of  the  Congregational  chui'ch  for  ten  years. 
He  was  followed  successively  by  Reverends  Lent  S.  Hough  and  Eras- 
tus  Dickinson.  The  Register  of  1826  reports  four  other  ministers  in 
Chaplin — Roswell  Bill,  Ebenezer  Clark,  Baptist;  Elias  Sharpe,  Joshua 
Abbe,  Christ-ians — but  it  does  not  appear  that  local  churches  were 
organized.  Its  only  physician,  Dr.  Orrin  Witter,  was  greatly  esteemed. 
Darius  Knischt  was  chosen  deacon  in  1822. 


w 


YL 

HAMPTON.     ASHFORD.     EASTFORD  PARISH. 

IIILE  in  the  manufacturing  towns  there  was  life  and  growth, 
the  farmino-  towns  were  losino:  o-round.  The  sjfreat  out-flow 
of  ])opulation  to  the  opening  West  sapped  their  vital  energies.  The 
western  tier  of  towns  suffered  severely  from  this  constant  drain  though 
Hampton  escaped  deterioration  by  the  energy  and  public  spirit  of 
those  who  staid  behind.  Its  farmers  maintained  its  agricultural  repu- 
tation, and  its  young  men  engaged  in  business  and  public  affairs. 
Edward  S.  Mosely  succeeded  to  the  mercantile  business  so  long  carried 
on  by  his  grandfather  and  father,  Colonels  Ebenezer  and  Samuel 
Mosely.  Promising  sons  grew  up  to  take  charge  of  the  business 
enterprises  of  the  Taintors.  The  Cleveland  brothers  entered  early 
into  the  political  arena  and  gained  much  influence  in  town  and  county. 
Chauncey  F.  Cleveland  won  imniediate  success  at  the  bar,  by  his 
intuitive  skill  in  seizing  upon  the  salient  points  of  a  case  and  present- 
ing them  before  a  jury,  and  was  equally  successful  in  winning  the 
suffrages  of  his  fellow-citizens.     A  radical  by  training  and  conviction, 


HAMPTON,    ETC.  521 

lie  soon  became  a  power  in  the  Democratic  party.  In  182G,  lie  was 
sent  as  representative  to  the  Legislature  and  thenceforwai'd  was 
retained  in  public  service.  lie  was  made  judge  of  Windhaui  Probate 
District,  and  prosecuting  attorney  for  the  County.  Mason  Cleveland 
was  chosen  town  clerk  in  182.5,  and  employed  in  various  i)ublic 
capacities.  William  Durkee,  Edinond  Badger,  Ilezekiah  Ilauuiiond, 
now  server!  as  selectmen  ;  N.  F.  Martin,  C.  Moulton,  C.  F.  Cleveland, 
Roger  Taiiitor,  Daniel  Searls,  Jonathan  Clark,  justices  ;  Philip  Pearl, 
deputy-sheritf ;  James  Abbott,  William  Maitin,  David  Fox,  grand- 
jurors.  Elijah  and  Lucius  Greenslit,  William  Brown.  Harvey  Fuller, 
William  Durkee,  Alonzo  Martin,  Charles  Griffin,  Charles  C.  Button, 
William  Bennett,  weie  among  later  town  officers.  Ebenezer  Griffin, 
judge  of  the  County  Court,  was  a  man  of  weight  and  influence. 
Joiuitlian  Clark  was  a  much  respected  citizen,  earnest  in  forwarding 
temperance  and  anti-slavery  movements.  Doctors  Brewster  and  Ilovey 
were  succeeded  in  practice  by  Dr.  Dyer  Hughes,  assisted  later  by  his 
son  and  Dr.  Clark,  previously  of  Canterbury. 

Infirmities  brought  on  by  close  application  and  sedentary  habits 
com})elled  Rev.  Ludovicus  Weld  to  seek  a  dismissal  from  liis  charge  in 
1824.  The  chui'ch  was  so  fortunate  as  to  unite  almost  immediately  in 
choice  of  Daniel  G.  Sprague  of  Killingly,  who  was  installed  May  26th, 
of  the  same  year.  Mr.  S))rague's  interest  in  the  reform  questions  then 
agitating  the  public  mind  made  him  a  valued  acquisition  to  the 
County  ministry.  Through  his  influence,  the  Hampton  Temperance 
Society  was  promptly  formed  and  efficiently  maintained,  although 
impeded  in  its  growth  by  the  convivial  hospitalities  for  which  the 
town  had  long  been  noted.  Hampton's  enteri)rising  young  men  were 
greatly  interested  in  the  condition  of  its  meeting-house,  now  a  venei'a- 
ble  edifice.  Successive  committees  were  appointed  in  1837-38,  com- 
prised of  leading  men,  viz.  :  Josiah  C.  Jackson,  William  Brown, 
Henry  G.  Taintor,  LTriel  Hammond,  David  Searls,  Mason  Cleveland, 
Harvey  Fuller, — to  consider  the  question  of  building  a  new  house,  and 
solicit  subscriptions,  but  after  much  discussion  it  was  decided  to  repair 
the  old  house.  Committees  were  appointed,  the  buihling  was  moved, 
thoroughly  remodeled  and  equipped,  and  made  ready  for  dedication 
May  9,  1840.  Mr.  Sprague  had  previous  to  this  date  been  succeeded  by 
Rev.  Daniel  C.  Frost  of  Canterbury,  who  was  followed  in  1842,  by 
Rev.  William  Barnes.  Rev.  John  Paine  continued  in  charge  of  the 
Ba})tist  church  till  1827.  After  his  dismissal  the  church  lost  ground 
rapidly,  and  became  extinct  about  1844.  Worship  was  still  regularly 
maintained  in  the  Burnhara  and  Goshen  meeting-houses. 

In  military  matters  Hampton  retained  its  early  interest,  its  regular 
trainings  and  occasional  "  musters "'  being  kept  as  gala  days  by  the 
66 


522  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

whole  population.  The  pure  aii\  generous  living  and  social  amenilies 
of  this  pleasant  town,  were  eminently  favorable  to  health  and  longevity, 
and  an  unusual  iiun\ber  of  Revolutionary  soldiers  welcomed  the  semi 
centennial  commemoration.  July  4.  182G.  Hamptons  celebiation  of 
this  auspicious  day  was  almost  as  preternaturally  impressive  as  the 
"  Midnight  Review "  of  Napoleon's  grand  army,  portrayed  by  an 
imaginative  poet.  Not  the  pliantoms  but  the  vei'v  men  themselves 
wlio  had  marched  to  Lexington  and  braved  unnumbered  battles — 
fortij-tii-o  hoary  veterans — under  their  old  leader,  Abijah  Fuller,  with 
Nathaniel  Farnham  as  drum-major  ;  .loseph  Foslei'  and  Lucius  P'aville 
as  titers,  and  all  the  subalterns  at  their  posts — appeared  in  Revolu- 
tionary costume  on  Hampton  Hill,  took  arms  of  the  military  company, 
formed  in  line,  and  marched  up  and  down  the  length  of  the  street  to 
the  drums  and  tunes  of  "'7G."  Joseph  Foster,  not  a  member  of  the 
original  company,  excited  much  inteiest  as  one  of  twelve  sons,  who 
with  their  father  liad  borne  a  pai-t  in  Revolutionary  service.  Other 
military  companies  present  did  homage  to  the  veteran  corps,  who  were 
treated  to  a  free  dinnei-  by  their  admiring  fellow-citizens.  So  great 
was  the  military  enthusiasm  awakened  by  this  unicpie  company  that 
ordinary  speech-making  was  apparently  omitted  as  quite  inadequate  to 
the  occasion.  Samuel  Mosely  now  served  as  lieutenant-colonel  of  the 
Fifth  Regiment.  Eleazer  Litchtield,  surgeon's  mate.  Chauncey  F. 
Cleveland  was  captain  of  the  Hampton  com])aiiy.  His  militaiy  bear- 
ing and  aft'able  manner  gave  him  great  popularity  as  an  officer,  and  he 
was  rajudly  ])romoted,  rising  from  the  ranks  to  the  highest  military 
office  in  the  State,  lu  183G.  Hamjiton  was  made  a  distinct  probate 
distiict,  Edward  S.  jNlosely,  judge.  Li  the  following  year,  when  bank 
commissioneis  were  instituted,  General  Cleveland  was  one  of  the  first 
to  fill  the  office.  For  two  years  he  had  now  served  as  speaker  of  the 
House  of  Rej)resentatives  to  great  public  acceptance,  and  by  his 
personal  infiuence  and  jjersistency  had  aided  lai'gely  in  securing  the 
appropriation  of  the  greater  part  of  (-onnecticut's  share  of  the  surplus 
revenue  for  the  benefit  of  public  schools.  Elected  in  1838,  the  only 
Democrat  from  Windham  County,  with  but  thirty-eight  from  the 
whole  State,  he  yet  managed  to  del'eat  leading  measuies  urged  by  the 
dominant  party.  The  Democratic  party  warmly  recognized  his  services 
and  enthroned  him  as  their  leader.  In  the  following  year  he  received 
an  unanimous  nomination  to  Congress,  but  was  defeated  with  all 
Democrats.  Yet  notwithstanding  the  great  Tippecanoe  excitement, 
and  the  tem])orary  prostration  of  the  Democrats,  so  great  was  General 
Cleveland's  popularity  and  jiersonal  infiuence  that  in  1842,  he  was 
elected  governor  of  Connecticut  by  a  plurality  of  nearly  two  thousand, 
although  the   Whigs  had  carried  the  State  for  Ellsworth  the   year 


ASHFORI),    ETC.  523 

preceding  by  about  five  thoiisaiid  inajoiity.  Even  the  stanch  old  city 
of  Norwich  with  a  hii'ge  Wliig  niajority  yielded  to  the  fascinations 
of  Windham  County's  Democratic  cliampioii.  Governor  Cleveland's 
administration  was  radical  ar.d  aggiessive.  He  reconiniemled  the 
abolition  of  inijtrisonment  for  debt — "taking  the  honest  pour  man  out 
of  the  liands  of  the  unfeeling  i-ich.  and  carried  it  through  in  spite  of 
the  opposition  of  almost  if  not  (juite  the  entiie  Whig  members  and  of 
the  creditorial  interest  of  his  own  jiaity."  He  also  "recommended 
and  carried  througli  the  first  appropriation  ever  made  by  the  State  for 
tlie  support  and  care  of  the  insane  |)Oor.  He  also  recommended 
and  the  Legislatui'e  passed  tlie  law  whi(;h  secured  to  children 
worked  in  factories  under  fouileen  years  of  age  the  ten-hour 
system,  and  schooling  for  tlu'ee  months  in  each  year,  under  suit- 
able penalties.  In  short  his  recommendations  weve  always  made 
for  the  benefit  of  that  class  who  are  more  or  less  at  the  mercy 
of  the  rich,  and  a  legislature  vvhicli  was  in  i-eality  as  well  as 
name  Democratic  nobly  responded.  "  His  course  with  relation  to 
tlie  famous  Dorr  Rebellion  was  somewhat  unsatisfactoiy,  Wliigs 
insisting  that  he  should  have  suri'endered  the  pseulo  GoveiMior  upon 
llhode  Island  requisition,  and  ultra  Democrats  complaining  that  he 
did  not  retain  and  defend  the  fuLjitive  who  sought  his  protection. 
But  notwithstanding  some  murniurings  excited  by  that  remarkable 
imbroglio.  Governor  Cleveland  again  carried  the  State  ti'iumphantly 
in  1843,  against  so  powei-ful  an  antagonist  as  Roger  S.  Baldwin,  and 
was  only  beaten  by  Connecticut's  enthusiasm  for  another  popular 
favorite,  Henry  Clay — the  Wliig  spi'ing-tide  of  '44,  sweeping  all 
before  it.  Hampton  Hill  had  greatly  enjoyed  its  honors  as  the  seat 
of  Government,  and  the  county  at  large  exulted  in  its  first  resident 
governor.  Other  citizens  of  the  town  wei'e  favored  with  important 
public  offices.  Mr.  Mason  Cleveland,  who  w.as  highly  esteemed  for 
sound  judgment  and  integrity,  otficiated  as  school  commissioner  and 
comptroller.  Messrs.  Griffin,  Mosely.  Clarke  and  Taintor  filled  public 
offices  at  various  dates  with  credit  and  fidelity. 

Astiford  village  was  still  a  place  of  considerable  importance  with  its 
much-frequented  taverns,  its  stores,  lawyers'  offices  and  popular  physi- 
cians. To  these  accommodations  a  Probate  Office  was  added  in  1830, 
David  BoUes.  judge,  but  this  honored  citizen  of  the  town  died  during 
this  year.  Icliabod  Bulkley.  E^q  .  a  very  able  young  man,  succeeded  to 
his  legal  [>ractice.  and  also  to  the  adininislration  of  Probate.  He  won 
a  high  position  at  the  Bar.  was  enq)loyed  on  the  Crandall  case  and  in 
other  inqiortant  suits.  After  his  death  in  1838,  Abner  Richmond  of 
Westford  Parish  established  himself  in  Ashford  village,  and  practiced 
law  for   many  years.     Dr.  Nehemiah  Howe  died   in  a  good  old  age. 


524  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

A  second  Dr.  Joseph  Palmer  succeeded  to  the  extensive  medical 
practice  of  his  father.  His  brother  was  equally  well-known  as  general 
of  the  Fifth  Brigade  and  proprietor  of  one  of  the  popular  Turnpike 
taverns.  A  third  Dr.  Palmer  practiced  for  a  time  in  Ashford  and  then 
removed  to  Canterbury.  After  a  long  and  useful  pastorate,  Rev. 
Philo  Judson  was  released  from  his  charge  in  Ashford  in  1838.  His 
immediate  successor,  Rev.  Job  Hall  of  Pomfret.  remained  but  three 
years.  Rev.  Charles  Hyde  of  Norwich  was  installed  as  pastor  of  Ash- 
ford's  First  church,  February  21,  \S^^H.  Matthew  Reed  and  Elisha 
Byles  were  chosen  deacons  in  1825.  After  the  death  of  Deacon 
Kendall  in  1829,  his  son  of  the  same  name  was  chosen  to  fill  his  place, 
the  third  Isaac  Kendall  who  had  occupied  the  deacon's  seat,  and  the 
fifth  of  the  name  in  diiect  succession  to  occupy  the  Kendall  homestead, 
of  1714.  A  new  meeting-house  was  erected  on  the  previous  site  in 
1830.  Rev.  William  Storrs  remained  in  chai'ge  of  the  Congi-egational 
church  in  Westford  Paiish  till  his  lamented  decease  in  1827.  after  a 
pastorate  of  thirty-tour  years.  His  ])lace  was  worthily  filled  by  Rev. 
Luke  Wood,  a  successful  woi'ker  in  various  Home  Mission  fields. 
After  his  dismissal  in  1831,  no  stated  pastor  was  ordained  for  several 
years,  the  great  emigration  from  Ashford  seriously  aflecting  its  numer 
ous  churches. 

The  Plrst  Baptist  church  enjoyed  a  revival  of  its  early  prosperity 
undei'  the  pastoral  care  of  Dr.  Ezekiel  Skinner  of  Lebanon,  a  man  of 
varied  ability  and  wide-reaching  influence.  Settling  at  first  as  a  physi- 
cian in  the  little  village,  then  known  as  Pomfi-et  Hollow,  he  united 
the  care  of  this  churcli  with  professional  practice. 

"  Dccemhcr  3,  1822. — Then  met  with  the  churcli  from  other  ehurclies.  Elders 
Frederic  Wightman,  Jonathan  Goodwin,  David  Lillihrid<;e,  John  Paine  and 
Esek  Brown,  and  ordained  our  brother  Ezekiel  Skiiiuer  to  administer  gospel 
ordinances." 

Under  such  efficient  leadership  the  Bai)tist  interest  was  greatly 
strengthened.  New  members  were  received  into  the  chuich  and  ab- 
sentees cut  otf.  Li  1824,  Ashford  Baptist  Association  was  organized. 
A  committee  to  make  arrangements  niet  at  the  house  of  Dr.  Skinner, 
and  its  first  meeting  was  held  in  the  Knowlton  meeting-house.  Ten 
churches,  viz:  First  and  Second  Ashford,  First  and  Second  Wood- 
stock, Thompson,  Pomfret,  Killingly,  Tolland,  Andover  and  Stafford — 
were  dismissed  fi  om  the  Sturbridge  Association.  Sermons  ap[iropriate 
to  the  o<tcasion  were  delivered  by  Elders  Bloss  and  Cushman,  and 
constitution  adopted.  Third  Ashford,  Mansfield  and  Hampton  were 
admitted  the  following  year.  Dr.  Skiimer  was  a  forcible  and  eloquent 
preacher,  aggressive  and  radical,  a  leading  Democrat,  a  co-worker  in 
every  progressive  and  reformatory  movement.     Under  his  stimulating 


EASTFORD    PARISH,    ETC.  525 

influence  other  Ashfbrd  young  men  were  roused  to  join  in  efl'ort  witli 
those  previously  gone  out  to  labor.  November  17,  1825,  the  First 
Baptist  church  voted,  "That  Brother  Justus  II.  Vinton  has  a  gift  for 
public  improvement  as  a  preacher  of  the  gospel,  and  that  the  church 
■will  give  liim  a  letter  to  enable  him  to  improve  his  gift  as  such 
wherever  there  is  a  door  ojien."  A  life  of  most  successful  missionary 
work  among  the  Karens  of  Burniah  was  the  door  opened  to  this  s^ra- 
ciously  gifted  youth.  Brothers  William  Chaflee  and  Amos  Babcock 
wei'e  also  licensed  to  preach.  Interest  in  mission  work  was  hightened 
by  the  influence  of  the  Bolles  brothers,  now  actively  connected  with 
denominational  agencies. 

Dr.  Skinner  was  much  interested  in  the  development  of  the  African 
I'ace,  at  home  and  abroad,  and  his  son,  Benjamin  liush  Skinner,  a  most 
thoughtful  and  conscientious  young  man,  who  had  early  consecrated 
hirnself  to  mission  work,  sailed  for  Liberia  in  1<S80,  under  appointment 
of  the  Baptist  Board  of  Missions,  but  \\;ith  wife  and  child  soon  fell  a 
victim  to  the  climate.  His  father,  though  nearly  sixty  years  of  age, 
felt  impelled  to  occupy  the  place  thus  vacated,  and  in  1834  accom- 
plished his  desire,  and  labored  for  four  years  with  great  efHciency  in 
Liberia,  tending  the  sick,  preaching,  and  serving  as  colonial  agent  and 
Anally  as  governor,  when  the  whole  administration  of  government 
rested  upon  his  hands.  "  Nothing  could  exceed  the  energy  and  in- 
dustry with  which  he  labored  to  promote  tlie  temporal  and  spiritual 
interests  of  the  Colonists."  A  daughter  of  like  spirit  aided  him  in  his 
labors,  and  engaged  in  teaching.  Exhausted  by  such  severe  labors 
he  returned  to  Ashford,  resuming  the  charge  of  the  Westford  Baptist 
church,  and  his  pi'ofessional  practice. 

The  Fii'st  Baptist  church  steadily  declined  after  the  loss  of  Dr. 
Skinner.  Elder  David  Bennet  served  as  pastor  for  two  years — the 
church  manifesting  its  wonted  independence  of  judgment  by  voting, 
"That  we  disapjirove  of  unscriptnral  titles  to  ministers  of  the  Gospel  ; 
also,  of  the  practice  of  Ba[)tist  ministers  reading  their  sermons  instead 
of  preaching."  Brother  Amos  Babcock  took  the  place  left  vacant  by 
Elder  Bennet  and  maintained  worship  and  ordinances.  The  Westford 
Baptist  churcli  gained  ground  under  the  charge  of  Dr.  Skinner,  though 
somewliat  I'educed  by  the  increasing  lapse  to  the  Chi'ist-ian  oider.  A 
new  meeting-house  was  built  in  184:0,  chiefly  by  the  efforts  of  Messrs. 
Michael  and  Ichabod  Richmond,  now  engaged  in  a  flourishing  lousi- 
ness in  Westford  village.  The  North  Ashford  Baptist  church  after  a 
period  of  depression  was  revived  through  the  faithful  labors  of  Elder 
Leonard  Gage.  A  Sabbath-school  was  organized,  services  made  more 
attractive,  and  soon  many  were  added  to  the  church.  The  flrst  con- 
vert baptized  by  Elder  Gage.  Isaiah  C.  Carpenter,  became  a  successful 


526  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

minister.  Two  otlier  young  men  fi'om  tlie  same  class  in  Sabbath-scliool 
went  out  as  evangelists  and  ministers.  Illness  and  loss  of  voice  com- 
pelled Elder  Gage  to  retii'e  from  active  service,  but  under  the  charge  of 
faithful  men  the  church  maintained  standing  and  intiuence.  A  new 
house  of  worshii)  was  completed  in  1843. 

Eastford  Parish  was  now  agitating  the  question  of  local  independ- 
ence, but  its  aspirations  were  thwarted  through- the  intiuence  of  Mi". 
Bulkley  and  othei'  leading  men.  Business  was  thriving  and  villages 
building  up  in  this  section.  Captain  Jonathan  Skinner's  cotton  fac- 
tory gave  life  to  Eastford  village;  the  Sprague  mills  were  maintained 
on  the  site  of  Phenixville.  Tannery  works  and  wagon-making  were 
also  carried  on,  giving  employment  to  many  young  men,  who  were 
less  inclined  to  roving  than  those  in  the  western  section.  Eastford 
was  especially  noted  for  its  lively  and  agieeable  society,  its  balls,  par- 
ties and  sleigh-rides,  and  frequent  hilarious  festivities.  This  gayety 
was  not  incompatible  with  desire  for  mental  improvement.  The 
scliool  maintained  year  after  year  by  '"Master  John  Griggs"  never 
lacked  intelligent  pupils.  Nathaniel  Lyon  and  other  future  notabilities 
were  among  the  three  thousand  scholars  instructed  by  this  Eastford 
jjedagogue,  who  is  reported  to  have  taught  over  fifty  terms  in  Ashford 
and  neighboring  towns.  The  temperance  cause  gained  a  good  stand- 
ing here,  notwithstanding  the  "  strike  "'  in  moving  the  meeting-house. 
Esq.  Bosworth,  Mr.  Torrey,  Captain  Nichols,  were  strong  temperance 
men  and  used  their  intiuence  in  its  behalf  The  Congregational  church 
was  so  fortunate  as  to  retain  Kev.  Reuben  Torrey  as  their  pastor  for 
twenty  years.  A  new  house  of  worship  was  erected  in  1S29,  after 
arduous  eftbrt.  Benjamin  Bosworth,  John  N.  Sumner,  Calvin  Whit- 
ney and  P^sek  Pieston,  served  as  building  committee.  Claims  with 
dissenters  holding  rights  in  the  previous  house  were  peaceably  settled 
and  surticient  money  subscribed  for  the  new  edifice,  which  was  dedi- 
cated Dec.  23,  1829.  The  unlucky  old  meeting-house,  left  by  Tem- 
perance volunteers  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  was  caught  by  a  storm  and 
ice-bound  through  the  winter,  obstructing  travel  till  people  talked  of 
petitioning  for  an  Act  of  Legislature  "forbidding  meeting-houses  to 
run  the  roads."  A  legacy  of  a  thc)usand  dollars  was  left  by  Esq.  Bos- 
worth to  help  supi)ort  a  settled  orthodo.v  minister  ai)proved  by  Conso- 
ciation. jNIethodists'  had  become  so  numeious  that  Ashfoni  circuit  was 
instituted  in  1826.  The  refusal  of  the  Congregationalists  to  allow 
their  new  church  edifice  to  a  distinguished  Universalist  minister,  in- 
cited his  followers  to  unite  with  the  Methodists  in  building  a  house  for 
their  joint  accommodation.  A  Methodist  society  was  located  in  East- 
ford village  in  1831,  and  a  chapel  built  the  same  year,  used  alternately 
by  Methodists  and  Universal ists. 


WOODSTOCK,    ETC.  527 

YIL 

WOODSTOCK.     THOMPSON, 

WOODSTOCK  was  chiefly  occupied  these  years  in  building 
nieetiiig--houses  and  carrying  forward  religious  and  secular 
controveisies.  The  Dudley-land  Claim  was  ha|)))ily  settled  in  lier 
favor  by  tlie  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  in 
1822 — the  first  case  carried  up  from  Windham  Courts  to  this  ti-ibunal. 
The  defendants  secured  the  services  of  a  rising  Boston  lawyer,  Daniel 
Webster,  to  plead  their  cause,  promising  him  a  thousand  dollars  if 
they  gained  a  favorable  vei'dict.  The  trial  was  not  only  memorable 
for  the  magnitude  of  interests  involved  in  it,  but  for  its  connection 
with  the  death  of  the  ''distinguished  oi-ator,  lawyer  and  statesman," 
William  Pinkney  of  Baltiinoi-e.  who  argued  against  Webster.  While 
"exerting  himself  in  the  discussion  of  a  great  cause  before  the 
Supreme  Court,"  he  was  stricken  down  by  sudden  illness  and  lived 
but  a  few  days.  Woodstock  Avas  also  deeply  interested  in  the  long 
delayed  settlement  of  the  boundary  line  between  Connecticut  and 
Massachusetts,  a(^complished  in  1M26.  Ebenezer  Stoddard,  Moses 
Warien  and  Andrew  T.  Judson  served  as  commissioners  for  Connec- 
ticut. Jonathan  Nichols  of  Thompson,  surveyor.  The  bound  estab- 
lislied  in  1834,  was  maintained  as  far  as  practicable. 

West  Woodstock  was  first  in  the  field  in  securing  its  meeting-house. 
At  a  meeting  held  at  the  taverii  of  Abiel  Fox,  November  29,  1819, 
John  Austin,  Andrew  Williams,  Ebenezer  Stoddard,  Jacob  Child,  Elias 
Child,  2d,  Eleazer  Litchfield,  Lathrop  Clark,  Benjamin  Lyon,  2d, 
John  Chandler,  were  chosen  to  fix  a  place  for  meeting-house  ;  Daiius 
Barlow,  John  Fox,  Abram  W.  Paine,  Elias  Child,  2d,  Benjamin 
Lyon,  2d,  to  circulate  subscriptions.  A  site  between  the  elm  tree 
and  house  of  Abram  W.  Paine,  was  designated  and  accepted,  and 
some  twenty-four  hundred  dollars  promptly  subscribed.  Benjamin  E. 
Palmer,  Brooklyn,  agreeing  to  build  the  house  for  $3,100,  farther  sub- 
scriptions were  obtained.  The  good,  genial  ministei',  Mr.  L^nderwood, 
appropriated  his  year's  salary  for  the  meeting-house'.  To  Ebenezer 
Skinner,  Benjamin  E.  Palinei-,  William  Lyon  was  assigned  the 
responsible  duty  "  to  stick  the  corner  stakes  for  the  foundation."  The 
building  committee  '•  having  taken  upon  them  the  buiden  "  of  viewing 
the  site,  were  constrained  to  make  it  front  more  easterly.  This  bein<' 
accepted  the  work  went  on  rapidly,  maried  only  by  an  unfortunate 
casualty  and  loss  of  life  at  the  raising,  and  the  new  house  was  ready 
for  dedication  in  the  autumn  of  1821.  The  number  of  choristers 
was  now  reduced  to  five ;  treble   singers  seated  in  the  north  half  of 


528  HISTOKV    OF    AVINDHAM    COUNTY. 

tl>e  front  uallery  ;  tilhing-nicn  to  eject  })oys  from  side  g.-illery  seats 
east  of  tlie  separation.  .In  the  following!:  year  a  new  bell  was  procured 
by  subscription,  and  Gurdon  Marcy  appointed  to  ring  bell,  unlock 
meeting-house  and  sweep  once  a  month  for  $4.80  a  year,  taking 
twenty-five  cents  tollage  for  each  moituary  tolling.  The  First  church 
began  its  work  with  equal  harmony  and  spirit.  May  21,  1821,  voted  to 
accept  of  the  plan  for  a  new  meeting-house — Captain  William  Lyon, 
General  David  Holmes  and  William  K.  Gieene,  committee  to  superin- 
tend the  building:  Rhodes  Arnold  and  James  Lyon,  to  take  down  the 
old  house  in  a  prudent  manner,  so  tliat  evei-ything  valuable  nuiy  be 
saved  :  Jedidiah  Kimball,  to  procure  subscriptions  to  defray  ex})enses 
of  building.  Four  June  days  were  devoted  by  the  society  to  gratuit- 
ous labor  upon  the  foundation.  Pausing  through  haying,  in  August 
they  proceeded  to  prepare  for  the  raising,  voted  to  have  a  dinner  on 
the  common  for  those  who  assist  and  for  spectators,  to  be  furnished  by 
donation,  and  to  accejit  Mr.  William  Bowen's  proposal  to  give  a  supper 
the  first  day  and  a  dinner  the  second  to  the  woi'kers  :  also,  to  give 
eighty-nine  cents  a  gallon  for  the  necessary  spirit  and  eighteen  cents 
a  pound  for  loaf  sugar.  Provision  was  made  for  transporting  Captain 
Babcock  and  an  assistant  with  blocks  and  ropes  from  Norwich  and 
back.  Punctually,  at  7  a.  m.,  August,  IS2],  the  citizens  assembled 
from  all  parts  of  the  town,  and  after  an  opening  prayer  from  Mr. 
Lyman,  proceeded  to  business.  Again  the  second  day  they  assembled 
with  equal  alacrity,  food  and  spirits  holding  out  with  the  workmen, 
"  and  finished  raising  about  noon — and  in  view  of  the  goodness  of 
God  in  preserving  the  lives  and  limbs  of  all  those  who  were  engaged 
in  this  perilous  business  the  meeting  was  closed  by  prayer  and  an 
anthem  of  thanksgiving."  Gratuitous  service  was  again  rendered  in 
November,  when  the  society  met  several  times  at  a  place  called  the 
Heaithstone  Lot  for  the  purpose  of  getting  out  door-stones  for  the 
meeting-house.  Notwithstanding  this  auspicious  inauguration  the 
work  was  delayed.  Money  and  patience  gave  out.  In  December.  1.S21, 
'•  the  vote  was  unanimous  in  favor  of  Mr.  Lyman's  continuance  among 
this  people  as  a  gospel  minister,"  and  his  contribution,  and  promised 
deductions  from  his  salary  were  received  with  thanks.  Ditficulties, 
however,  almost  immediately  followed.  A  back  debt  was  due  him 
as  well  as  heavy  bills  for  the  meeting-house,  the  bell  purchased  of  the 
academy  was  to  be  recast,  disaffected  membei's  withdrew  names  and 
help,  and  the  society  fairly  broke  down  under  its  burdens.  Feeling 
unable  to  fulfill  the  contract  with  Mr.  Lyman,  they  desired  him  now 
to  ask  his  dismission  that  he  n)ight  be  employed  in  a  place  more 
l)rofitable  to  himself.  Some  time  passed  before  these  difiiculties  were 
surmounted.     Mr.    Lyman  declined  to  desert  the  post  to  which  the 


WOODSTOCK,    ETC.  529 

Great  Head  of  the  churcli  had  assigned  him,  choosing  to  remain  at 
least  till  another  minister  or  colleague  had  been  engaged.  The  defi- 
ciency of  Si, 300  was  made  up  in  part  by  the  liberality  of  members  of 
the  society  and  a  committee  api)ointed  to  make  arrangements  for 
dedicating  the  meeting-house.  Voted,  "That  Mr.  Flynn  be  requested 
to  select  such  tunes  as  he  may  think  proper,  and  with  the  rest  of  the 
singers  learn  and  sing  them  on  the  day  of  dedication."  Thursday,  July 
11,  1822,  was  selected  for  this  interesting  service.  James  Lyon,  Dr. 
Daniel  Lyman,  John  McClellan,  Esq.,  Spalding  Barstow  and  lihodes 
Arnold,  had  charge  of  seating  the  congregation.  The  thanks  of 
the  society  were  foimally  tended  to  Mr.  William  Flynn  and  his  asso- 
ciates for  their  good  performance  on  the  day  of  dedication  and  at 
other  times  ;  also  to  Major  Geoi'ge  Ilolbrook,  for  his  liberality  in  casting 
(he  bell  and  making  gratuitous  addition.  A  communion  table  was 
given  by  Jedidiah  Kimball ;  ladies  of  the  society  with  their  accustomed 
jiublic  spirit  had  assumed  "  dressing  the  pulpit."  Mr.  Lyman  was 
dismissed  from  his  charge,  December  15,  1824,  after  some  farther 
un])leasantness  concerning  remuneration  for  his  closing  years  ot 
seivice.  William  W.  Hunt  and  Tertius  S.  Clarke  supplied  the 
pulpit  for  a  time,  and  each  declined  to  asstime  the  pastorate.  Ralph 
S.  Crampton  of  Madison,  was  ordained  and  installed  pastor.  May  23, 
1827. 

Woodstock's  Third  or  North  Society  indulged  in  tv;o  new  meeting- 
houses. Its  northern  and  southern  residents  flivored  different  locations, 
and  the  ensuing  "contention  was  so  sharp  between  them"  that  like 
Paul  and  Barnabas  they  parted  company.  It  is  said  that  the  original 
disagreement  concerning  its  site  had  never  been  forgotten,  and  that  the 
children  had  been  trained  to  hold  fast  to  the  traditions  and  feuds 
of  their  ancestors.  The  northern  residents  took  the  initiative  in 
building  a  new  church  edifice  U])on  their  own  responsibility  at 
Village  Corners,  in  1830,  and  by  most  urgent  efibrts  secured  from 
the  society  and  church  a  vote  to  occupy  this  house,  and  took  posses- 
sion of  the  same  with  church  and  society  records.  The  Muddy  Brook 
residents  claimed  that  these  votes  were  unlawfully  obtained,  and  the 
pretended  transfer  a  fraud  and  usurpation.  A  meeting  of  the  County 
Association  was  called,  April  19,  1831.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Dow,  Lane, 
Underwood,  Whitmore,  Sprague,  Rose,  Piatt,  Fitch,  Torrey  and 
Atwood  were  present.  Denison  Wattles  served  as  counsel  for  the 
plaintiffs  ;  Asa  Child,  recently  admitted  to  the  bar,  defended  the  claims 
of  North  Woodstock.     Question  before  the  council : — 

"  Which  part  of  the  church   that  choosing  to  remain  at  the  East   or  old 
meeting-house,  or  that  choosing  to  assemble  at  the   \Yest  or  new  meeting- 
house habitually  for  worship  and  ordinances,  is,  or  shall  remain  the  church? 
67 


530  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

After  due  heariuj,'  the  council  decided  :— Whereas  it  appears  that  at  the 
ineetini^  when  the  vote  was  takeu  to  remove  to  tlie  now  meetinji-liouse  three 
of  those  who  voted  iu  favor  of  reujovinu;  wen;  minors,  and  two  others  were 
non-residents,  and  whereas  in  our  opinion  a  church  ou;iht  not  to  he  moved 
by  a  bare  majority — tlierefore,  L'psolvt'd,  That  the  Congregational  church  in 
North  Woodstock  has  not  been  divided  nor  removed." 

Coniinittces  appointed  to  attempt  to  effect  a  tinioii  were  wliolly 
nnsticcessful.  The  Noitli  Woodstock  biaiicli  retained  the  records  and 
o-aiiied  a  legal  verdict.  A  council  called  to  ordain  Foster  Tliayer  as 
tlieir  pastor,  June  29,  1S31,  recognized  it  as  a  distinct  chinch,  and  its 
delegate,  jNlr.  Peleg  Child,  was  admitted  to  a  seat  in  Consociation 
the  same  year.  One  unhappy  result  of  this  "  ever-to-bedamented 
difficulty  "  was  the  loss  of  an  excellent  minister,  Rev.  Samuel  Backus, 
dismissed  in  1830.  The  ninety-four  church  members  left  in  Muddy 
Brook  met  the  situation  with  much  spirit,  proceeding  to  erect  another 
edifice  on  the  site  for  which  they  had  so  bravely  battled.  The  ordin- 
ary dedication  services,  April  25,  1832,  were  made  more  impressive 
by  the  ordination  of  Orson  Cowles  to  the  vacant  pastorate. 

The  Baptists  during  this  period  erected  a  house  of  worship  in  South 
Woodstock,  removing  their  church  organization  from  Quasset.  Brother 
John  Sanger,  chosen  to  take  the  place  of  Deacon  Wheaton  on  account 
of  his  advanced  age  and  infirmities,  was  approbated  as  a  lincentiate  in 
1831.  the  church  manifesting  that  they  were  edified  under  his  improve- 
ment. Elder  Albeit  Cole,  served  as  pastor  for  some  years.  Previous 
to  its  removal  the  church  was  greatly  reduced  in  numbers,  having 
suffered  much  from  the  la})se  of  its  members  "to  the  sentiments  and 
])ractices  of  a  people  called  Millerites."  West  W^oodstock  Baptist 
church  suffered  a  period  of  depression  after  the  removal  of  Elder 
Branch,  but  enjoyed  a  remaikable  revival  season  in  1824,  when  sixty 
weie  added  to  its  membership.  Among  these  converts  was  one  most 
useful  and  honored  in  after  life,  Calista  Ilolman,  who  as  the  wife  of 
the  Ashford  licentiate,  Justus  H.  Vinton,  accomplished  a  most  efficient 
missionary  work  in  Burmah.  Continued  ])rosperity  was  enjoyed 
during  the  nine  years'  jiastorate  of  Kev.  George  B.  Atwcll.  Another 
powerful  revival  was  ex[)erienced  in  1834,  under  his  successor,  liev. 
Nathan  D.  Benedict.  The  pastorate  of  Rev.  Bela  Hicks,  1840-43, 
''was  also  one  of  prosperity  and  success."  Universalists  in  Wood- 
stock, long  connected  with  the  Oxford  Society,  insisted  in  a  local 
organization  in  1839,  Charles  Wood,  George  Sumner,  John  G.  Marcy, 
John  Fox,  John  Weaver,  committee.  A  house  of  worship  was  soon 
erected  and  public  services  maintained.  A  Methodist  class  formed  in 
East  Woodstock,  in  1827,  prepared  tlie  way  tor  a  located  society  in 
1846. 

Woodstock's  ecclesiastic   harmony  was  seriously  affected  by  the  Ma- 


I 


"WOODSTOCK,    KTC. 


531 


sonic  excitement,  which  raged   therein   witli    unusual  violence,  leading 
to  the  dismissal  of  Mr.  Crampton  ti'om  the  First  church,  and  the  suspen- 
sion and  censure  of  prominent  churcli  members.     William   K.  Green, 
then  engaged  in  business  on  Woodstock   Hill,  was  a  valiant  cliampion 
of  Anti-masonry.     Interesting  conventions   were  hehl  upon  the   Hill, 
lai-gely  attended  by  Anti-masons  from   all   parts  of  the  County.     Rev. 
Daniel  Dow's  sermon  U]ion  the  text — "  If  ye  will  iiupni-e.  inquire  ye" — 
a  very  temperate  and  logical  plea  for  liberty  of  inquiry  into  the  princi- 
ples and  pi-actice  of  Masonry,  as  of  other  populai-  organizations —was 
severely  censui-ed  by  Masons,  while  Masonic  utterances  wei'e  denounced 
with    even    greater    bittei'uess  by  their    opponents.     Tiie    spirit  with 
which    belligerents    carried  on  this  most   vituperative  wai-fare  is  suf 
ficiently  illustrated  by  the  lemark  of  a  prominent  Anti-mason — ""That 
it  was  a  question  with  him  whether   an  a<lhering   Mason  should   be  al- 
lowed to  draw  water  out  of  his  well."     Few  controversies  have  called 
out   deeper   ])ersonal    animosities  or   accomplished  less  obvious  results, 
except  in  its  connection  with  political  changes  and  developments.     The 
old    Toleration    Party,  through   which  Ebenezer  Stodihird,  Esq..  had 
served    four    years    in   Congress,   was    now  defunct    and  many  of  its 
former  supporters  were  prominent  Anti-masons  and  Democrats.     Esq. 
Stoddard  was  elected  Lieut. -governor  in  18oo-o.5.  and  subsequent  years. 
John  F.  Williams,  who   still   })i-acticed   his  pi'ofession    in  West  Wood- 
stock, was  also  a  leadei-  in  the  Democratic  ranks.      His  brother,  Jared 
W.    Williams,    who   had    settled    in    Lancaster,   X.    H..   gained  much 
political  inlluence,  tilling  the   offices   of  governor,  congressional  repre- 
sentative, and  senator.     Amasa.  grandson   of  Cain.  Phinehas  Walker, 
after  successfully  engaging  in  business  in  West  Biookticld  and  Boston, 
liad    turned  his  thoughts  to  questions  of  i)olitical  economy  and  pro- 
gressive science.     His  cousins.  Reverends  Charles  and  Aldace  Walker, 
had  won   a  high  position   among   the  ministry  of   Vermont.      Willard, 
son   of  Deacon  Luther  'Child,  was   also   a  successful  pastor.      Asa  and 
Linus,  sons  of  the  much-respected  Rensellaer  Child.  Esq..  after  gradu 
ating  from  Yale  College,  engaged  successfully  in  legal  practice  in  Nor- 
wich and   Soutbbridge.     Their  younger  brother  remaining   in  Wood- 
stock was  an  active  Democrat,  and  so  prominent  in  the  Muddy  Brook 
meeting-house  controversy  that  i»eople  thought  his  name  must  have  been 
prophetically  suggested. — '-And  they  called  his  name  Peleg:  for  in  his 
days  was  the  earth  divided."     Escjuire  McClellan,   now  advancing   in 
years,  was   less  ])rominent   in   ])olitics.  but  continued   his  various   pro 
fessional   and    public  services,  and   by  his  courteous   manners  and  tem- 
pered judgment  exercised  a  healthful  and  beneficent  iniiuence,  soften- 
ing   the   asperities    that  were  wont    to    prevail   in    this    town.     John 
Paine.    Sen.,  appointed  judge  of   the   Woodstock    Probate  Court   in 


532  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

1831,  was  much  respected  as  one  of  the  sterling-  men  of  the  town. 
Amos  Paine  was  an  influential  and  public-spirited  citizen,  noted  for 
"open-handed  generosity."  He  was  the  especial  friend  and  patron  of 
Woodstock's  few  remaining  Indians,  who  knew  that  food  and  shelter 
could  always  be  found  at  his  ample  farm-house.  The  Nedson  family 
still  occupied  their  reservation  near  Flatchet  Pond,  swingling  flax, 
chopping  wood,  weaving  baskets  and  cliair-bottoms,  when  not  too  full 
of  liquor.  It  was  perhai)S  one  of  the  progenitors  of  this  family  who 
shouldered  a  barrel-full  of  cider  and  trudged  home  witti  it.  A  pnil- 
full  at  a  gulp  was  nothing  for  them.  One  by  one  they  succuinl)ed  to 
drink  or  disaster.  Jim  Nedson  was  killed  by  a  falling  tiee  ;  his  aged 
mother  Meribah  was  thrown  in  the  fire  by  a  drunken  savage.  J(dm, 
the  last  survivor,  ended  his  days  at  the  town  poor-house,  and  the  land 
they  had  so  long  occupied  was  sold  l)y  the  town  authorities. 

Cotton  and  woolen   manutacturing  enterprises  were  not  partimilarly 
successful  in  Woodstock,   suftering  severely  from  stress  of  freshet  or 
business  panic.     Other  industries  met  with  better  fortune.     A  carriage 
manufactory  was  initiated  at  Village  Corners  in  1835  by  L.  M.  Deane 
and    Co.,    which    became    very    celebrated.     Occupying   at    first   the 
former  foundry  building   and  batting-mill,  it  soon    demanded  especial 
acconmiodations.     Messrs.  Lane,  Morse,  Torrey  and  Ezra  C.  Deane, 
were   successively    partners   in  this  establishment,   which  achieved   a 
high  reputation,  supplying  a  large  section  with  excellent  wagons  and 
carriages.     Woodstock    also    engaged    with    much    zeal    in  the  shoe- 
manufacture,  so  popular  for    a  time  in  rural  New  England.     Lyinan 
Sessions  in  West  Woodstock,  the  brotheis  P.  O.  and  Z.  D.  Wight  in 
Woodstock    Valley,    employed    very    many    masculine    and   feminine 
hands  in  closina:  and  binding  shoes.     A  great  amount   of  leather  was 
furnished  from  Mr.  Elias   Mason's  extensive  tannery,  which  flourished 
greatly  for  a  time.     Tlie  financial  storm  of   1887  prostrated  Sessions 
and  Wight,  but  the  carriage  factory  and  taimery  managed  to  weather 
it,    and    continued    to    furnisli    employment.     Amasa    Caipenter    and 
others  engaged  later  in  shoe  business,  which  flourished  to  such  an  ex- 
tent that  Woodstock  in  1845  reported  the  manufacture  of   5,651.580 
pairs  of  shoes   and  fifty  bushels  of  shoe  pegs,  accomplished   by  4,918 
males ;  4,907  females.     Six  thousand  wooden  pails  were  also  reported. 
Sewing-silk  and  thread  were  manufactured.     The  little  Baptist  meet- 
ing-house  in  Quasset  was  transformed  into  a  twine  factory.     Pottery- 
making  was  kept  up  until  the  death  of  Mr.  Thomas  Bugbee  in    1843. 
William  Bowen,  Esq.,  died  in  1837,  his  son   George  succeeding  to  his 
various    business  and    public  ofllices.     Rev.  Eliphalet  Lyman  died  in 
1836.     Rev.    John    D.    Baldwin,  who   succeeded   Mr.  Underwood  at 
West    Woodstock,    did  good  service  in  collating  and  preserving  the 


THOMPSON,    ETC.  533 


church  records.  Doctors  Lorenzo  Marcy,  Eleazer  Litclifield,  Milton 
Bradford  and  Asa  Witter  were  enrolled  in  1846  among  Woodstock 
physicians.  Its  academy  had  greatly  declined  in  standing  and  contin- 
ued at  a  low  ebb  for  some  twenty  years.  The  Thief  Detecting  Society 
having  eaten  up  its  fund  in  oyster  and  turkey  suppers,  re-organized  in 
1824  upon  a  new  basis.  Incorporation  was  secured,  and  the  annual 
dinner  restricted  to  such  members  as  chose  to  pay  for  it  out  of  their 
own  pockets. 

Thompson's  cotton  manufactories  were  now  its  dominant  interest. 
A  second  factory  and  village  were  built  up  at  jMasonville,  where  Mr. 
Thomas  Thatcher,  as  superintendent,  maintained  strict  discipline. 
"  Who  is  governor  of  Connecticut?"  queried  a  ]»assing  traveler.  ''Mr. 
Fi-acher,"  lisjied  a  little  maid,  echoing  po})ular  belief  Rough  land 
and  watei-  privilege  a  mile  nurth,  were  purchased  in  1828  by  Messrs. 
William  Fislier,  John  Nichols  and  Darius  Dwight,  and  a  factory  soon 
built  and  woi-king.  Westward  on  the  Quinebaug  a  mill  and  village 
were  built,  which  mocking  wits  ironically  dubbed  New  Boston, 
while  Fisher's  rocky  settlement  was  long  known  as  "Mount  Hunger." 
Farther  north  on  the  French  River,  Laban  T.  Wilson  and  Josiah 
Perry  were  experimenting  in  satinets  and  woolen  fabrics.  Brick  Fac- 
tory enjoyed  new  prosperity  under  tlie  management  of  William  Reed, 
Esq.,  removed  from  Killingly — his  son-in-law,  Geoi'ge  Larned,  2d,  hav- 
ing charge  of  the  usual  factory  store.  An  interesting  manufacturing 
experiment  was  initiated  in  1827,  near  the  junction  of  the  Quinebaug 
and  Fi-ench  Rivers — Erastus  Buck,  Augustus  Howe,  Thomas  and 
James  Dike,  Jude  Sabin,  John  Chollar,  Jacob  Leavens,  James  Cun 
ningham,  associating  as  the  Mechanics  Company  for  the  manufacture 
of  woolen  goods.  A  three-story  woolen-mill  was  soon  erected,  also 
a  saw-mill,  and  eight-tenement  block  for  operatives.  Mr.  Howe  served 
as  agent :  Messrs.  Dike  and  Cunningliam  ran  the  macliine-shop  ;  Mr. 
Buck  drove  the  mules,  and  Mr.  Leavens  the  weavers.  A  work-shop 
bought  witli  the  land  was  turned  into  a  school-house.  Cooperative 
labor  for  some  reason  failed  of  immediate  success,  and  after  three  years 
the  association  dissolved.  Mechanicsville  mills  were  operated  for  a 
time  by  ditterent  individuals  and  passed  in  1838  into  the  hands  of  Mr. 
Smith  Wilkinson. 

Thompson  Hill  continued  brisk  and  lively.  The  stages  and  cotton- 
teams  passing  daily  over  its  turnpikes  furnished  abundant  patronage 
for  its  excellent  taverns  ;  factory  operatives  sought  "needed  supplies  at 
its  numerous  stores.  Mr.  Erastus  Knight  opened  a  temperance  store 
in  the  present  post-office  building  in  1829.  Captain  Humphrey  Almy 
and  Talcott  Crosby  kept  the  usual  assortment  of  goods  in  a  new  build- 
ing oj^posite.     The  jeweler's  store  established  by  Mr.  Edward  Shaw  of 


534:  HISTORY    OF    WINDHA.M    COUNTY. 

Providence  in  1830,  was  a  very  great  novelty  and  attraction,  factory 
girls  delighting  in  its  shining  array  of  ornaments  and  trinkets,  and 
men  coming  miles  from  all  the  surrounding  country  to  buy  now 
watches  or  have  their  old  ones  regulated.  Coburn's  well-known  store 
was  succeeded  after  a  time  by  a  very  extensive  millinery  estal)lishment, 
kept  by  Mrs.  C.  C.  Dow.  Mr.  Ilezekiah  Olney,  high-sheritf  of  the 
County,  built  a  brick  block  between  the  tavern  and  town-house,  and 
opened  a  fashionable  "New  York  Hat  and  Cap  store."  Mr.  Horatio 
Paine  engaged  lai-gely  in  the  manufacture  of  boots;  Albert  Whipple 
and  James  O.  Mills  enjoyed  much  celebrity  and  custom  as  fashionable 
tailors.  Messrs.  Baldwin,  Hutchins,  Kinney  and  Bates  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  carriages  and  furniture.  These  business  enterprises 
found  financial  accommodation  in  the  Thompson  Bank,  incorporated 
May,  1S;53,  and  managed  by  an  efficient  board  of  directors.*  Harvey 
Blashfield,  president ;  Joseph  B.  Gay,  cashier.  Mi'.  William  H.  Mason 
succeeded  to  the  presidency  in  a  few  years.  This  bank  was  largely 
patronized  by  manufacturers  in  Thompson  and  adjoining  towns,  and 
gained  a  high  reputation  for  financial  shrewdness  and  soundness. 
Able  young  lawyers  from  abroad  were  attracted  by  the  growing  fame 
of  the  village — George  H.  Middleton  of  Plainfield,  Thomas  E. 
Graves  of  Hebron,  and  a  few  years  later,  William  S.  Scarborough  of 
Brooklyn. t  Young  editors  sought  it  out  as  a  favorable  field  for  news 
paper  enterprise.  George  Roberts,  the  somewhat  famed  publisher 
of  the  first  cheap  daily  paper  in  Boston  and  the  originator  of  the 
Mammoth  newspai)er,  entered  upon  his  journalistic  career  in  a  dainty 
little  semi-weekly,  called  The  Thompson  Transcript.  This  was 
succeeded  by  IVie  Wlndhcun  Count u  Gazette,  published  l)y  another 
newsi)aper  celebrity,  the  J.  P.  Chapman,  told  ''to  crow"  in  the 
Tippecanoe  cain[)aign,  whose  flapping  rooster  shared  the  honors  of 
victory  with  "  log  cabins  "  and  '"hard  cider."  Tlionipson  proved  too 
narrow  a  sphere  for  such  soaring  s])irits  and  their  village  news])apers 
liad  but  a  brief  existence.  Some  interesting  local  events  were  recorded 
by    them — the  Probate  Court  constituted   1S32,  John  Nichols,  judge  ; 


*rjillOMPSON  BANK.— At  a  meeting  of  the  stockholders  of  the  Thompsou 
i  Bank,  held  this  day,  the  followiuij  iientlenion  were  elected  Directors  for 
the  year  cnsuiiiij,  viz: — Harvc^'  Blashtield,  Jolui  Nichols,  William  H.  Mason, 
Wiliiam  lieed,  William  Fisher,  Koijcrt  Grosvenor,  Franklin  Niehols,  Jonatiian 
Nichols,  yimon  Davis,  Talcott  Crosby,  Georii'c  B.  Slater.  And  at  a  snt)seqnent 
meetinij  of  the  Directors,  Harvey  Blashtield,  Esq.,  was  re-elected  President, 
and  J.  B.  Gay,  Cashier. 
Januar'j  (Sth,  1835. 

t  These  young  lawyers  showed  excellent  taste,  not  only  in  selecting  so  plens- 
ant  a  site  for  their  tirst  legal  ventures  but  one  of  them  in  almost  immediately 
choosing  for  home  partner  the  prettiest  young  huly  that  could  be  found  in  town. 
Mr.  Middleton  married  the  very  charming  daughter  of  Mr.  Dow,  and  after  a 
few  years  removed  to  Newark,  New  York,  where  he  achieved  a  high  position. 


THOMPSON,    ETC.  535 

the  Tlionipson  Fire  Engine  Company,  organized  the  same  year,  and 
the  purchase  of  its  jaunty  little  engine  ;  the  organization  of  the 
Masonville  Fire  Engine  Company  in  1833,  with  twenty-four  members  ; 
tlie  formation  of  a  Thonii)son  Society  for  JNIental  Improvement,  the 
following  year — Simeon  Davis,  Esq.,  president  ;  Joseph  B.  Gay,  vice- 
])resident ;  George  Kobeits,  secretary.  This  society  was  well  sustained 
for  several  years,  discussing  and  deciding  many  debatable  and  highly 
important  questions  in  morals,  science  and  politics.  Here  the  young- 
lawyers  met  in  debate  with  their  seniors.  Esquires  Lai-ned  and  IJavis, 
and  Doctors  Holbrook  and  Boweu  enjoyed  the  i»rivilege  of  friendly 
combat.  The  latter,  who  came  to  Thompson  in  1824,  was  extremely 
radical  and  versatile,  alive  to  all  new  issues  and  'Msms,"  while  the 
former  was  eminently  cautious  and  conservative.  Both  were  good 
physicians  and  citizens,  widely  known  throughout  the  surrounding 
country,  and  each  had  his  devoted  adherents,  ready  to  take  up  arms 
in  behalf  of  their  own  doctor. 

One  of  the  Thompson  notabilities  of  this  date  was  Cai)tain  Yernon 
Stiles,  now  in  charge  of  the  central  tavern,  who  claimed  that  "more 
stage  passengers  dined  there  every  day  than  at  any  othei-  house  in  New 
England."  Captain  Stiles  was  the  beau-ideal  of  a  landlord,  distin- 
guished in  person  and  manners,  a  genial  host,  a  graceful  speaker,  an 
adroit  politician.  His  bar-room  was  the  headquarters  of  the  Demo- 
cratic party,  now  very  powerful  in  town,  and  his  spacious  hall  the 
scene  of  many  a  festive  entertainment.  Stiles'  tavern  was  especially 
noted  for  its  matrimonial  facilities.  Thompson's  local  position,  corner- 
ing upon  two  States,  aftbrded  some  peculiar  advantages.  Its  "  Line- 
taverns"  enabled  legal  fugitives  and  liquor-sellers  to  dodge  back  and 
forth  into  Rhode  Island  and  ^Massachusetts,  and  its  convenient  access 
tempted  youthful  lovers  to  evade  the  prolonged  publishment  required 
in  tlie  above  States.  A  single  notice  read  before  or  after  church 
service  satisfied  legal  requirements  in  Connecticut,  and  so  it  became 
very  much  the  fashion  for  affianced  pairs  to  drive  to  Thompson  Hill 
on  a  Sunday  and  there  celebrate  their  wedding.  At  first  Mr.  Dow, 
and  other  ministers  performed  the  ceremony,  but  the  occa.sions  became 
so  frequent  and  the  consequent  "Sabbath-breaking"  so  alarming,  that 
they  resigned  the  office  to  Captain  Stiles  as  justice,  who  administered 
the  vows  with  a  grace  and  dignity  that  charmed  all  the  participants. 
Scarce  a  Sabbath  passed  without  bringing  its  wedding  parties  to 
partake  of  the  wedding  cake  that  was  always  made  ready  for  them. 
"Run-aways"  were  united  on  more  than  one  occasion,  and  Thompson 
Hill  and  its  hymenial  landloixl  were  as  celebrated  for  a  time  in  the 
adjoining  section  as  Gretna  Green  and  its  famous  blacksmith  in  Great 
Britain.     Thompson  post-office  was  for  many  years    administered  by 


53G  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Simon  Davis,  Esq  ,  "whose  luuscuiii  of  curiosities  and  Indian  relics  shared 
public  favor  willi  "Mr.  Shaw's  shop  "  and  "Stiles'  tavern."  He  also 
adniiiiislered  the  ])ension  bureau  for  a  large  section  of  country  to 
great  acceptance,  liis  tact  and  native  kindliness  jieculiarly  fitting  him 
for  that  somewhat  difficult  position.  Amongst  all  these  notable  resi- 
dents of  Tliom]iS(jn  village,  none  i)robably  made  so  much  noise  in  the 
world  as  Mr.  Obadiah  Stone,  the  time-honored  sexton,  who  was  thought 
to  bring  more  music  out  of  a  church  bell  than  any  man  in  Windham 
County. 

Mr.  l^ow  retained  his  physical  and  mental  vigor,  ])reaching  indeed 
with  increasing  ease  and  animation.  Though  ojiposed  to  what  were 
called  "new  measures"  and  revival  macliinery,  he  entered  with  great 
heartiness  into  the  religious  inteiest  initiated  through  the  agency  of 
several  succeeding  "protracted  meetings  '  when  many  were  a<lded  to 
the  church.  Keenly  alive  to  any  taint  of  doctiinal  unsoundness,  he 
was  still  more  arou.sed  by  questions  relating  to  the  growth  of  the 
church  and  the  coniing  tiiumph  of  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom.  lie 
loved  to  preach  upon  the  prophecies,  the  "shaking  of  the  dry  bones  in 
the  valley  of  vision,"  the  restoration  of  the  Jews,  on  which  latter 
subject  he  would  sometimes  dilate  till  hearers  thouglit  they  would 
return  befoie  he  had  finished  his  sermon.  He  was  paiticularly  opposed 
to  the  Millerite  delusion,  and  delivered  a  series  of  sermons,  which  were 
largely  attended  and  had  very  great  influence,  not  one  of  his  own 
congregation  embracing  the  belief  His  long  experience  and  famili- 
arity with  the  circumstances  of  every  family,  made  him  in  his  latter 
years  most  eflective  and  impressive  at  funerals,  which  occasions  he 
valued  as  special  jneans  of  grace,  reaching  many  wiio  attended  no 
other  service.  Softening  with  declining  years,  Mr.  Dow  relaxed  some- 
what from  denominational  exclusiveness  and  enjoyed  pleasant  fraternal 
intercourse  with  Baptist  and  Methodist  ministers.  A  doctor's  degree 
was  conferred  upon  hiiu  by  Williams  College  in  1840.  Deacons 
Moses  and  Aaron  Bixby  were  succeeded  in  office  by  Josiah  Thayer 
and  Chailes  Brown.  After  some  years  of  unsuccessful  experiment 
Elijah  Crosby,  Jun.,  Harry  Gleason  and  Noadiah  Wellington  were 
chosen  a  committee  to  "  report  whether  it  be  expedient  to  set  up  a 
Sunday  school,"  and  reporting  in  favor  a  school  was  established  in 
182o.  Deacon  Thayer  was  api)ointed  superintendent  in  1830.  The 
l)ublic  service  of  singing  was  now  made. more  impressive  by  musical 
acconqjaniment  on  single  and  double  bass-viols,  and  the  scientific 
instruction  of  Watson,  a  very  celebrated  singing-master.  A  choir 
full  of  accomplished  singers  did  credit  to  his  training,  and  carried 
through  a  most  successful  Oratoi'io  at  the  close  of  his  school.  May  28, 
1823.     Anthem  and  Chorus  from   Handel  and   Haydn's  Creation,  and 


^t^-g^ 


fe-* 


i^-^^C^ 


£>-y,'9^ 


Th£fldKitHiBi'jiiimngCo211IrerauitSLBt)smn, 


THOMPSON,    ETC. 


537 


many  other  popular  pieces,  called  forth  enthusiastic  plaudits  from  a 
large  and  appreciative  audience.  Mr.  James  O.  Mills  succeeded  Mr. 
Sliarpe  as  leader  of  this  choir,  which  maintained  for  many  years  a  high 
reputation. 

Elder  James  Grow  assumed  the  charge  of  the  Baptist  church,  in 
1823,  and  served  for  eleven  years  with  iBUch  fidelity  and  acceptance. 
The  question  of  building  a  new  meeting-house  was  now  agitated,  and 
increasing  centralization  led  to  its  location  on  Thompson  Hill.  Deacon 
Stephen  Crosby  gave  much  care  and  oversight  to  its  construction,  and 
in  183G  it  was  occupied  by  Elder  Bela  Ilicks  and  part  of  the  church 
and  congregation.  Elder  Harvey  Fittz  succeeded  in  charge  the  fol- 
lowing year  when  a  pleasant  revival  was  enjoyed  and  a  number  added 
to  the  church.  Dui'ing  the  succeeding  pastorate  of  Rev.  Silas  Bailey 
the  cliurch  continued  to  piospei-  and  i-eceived  large  accessions.  Jason 
Elliott  and  George  Davis  were  ordained  as  deacons  in  May,  1840. 
The  house  on  Brandy  Hill  was  still  occupied  by  a  part  of  the  church. 
Elder  Grow  continued  in  cliarge  till  laid  aside  by  increasing  intirmities. 
He  was  succeeded  by  Elder  James  Sniither,  an  earnest  worker,  much 
interested  in  temperance  and  kindred  I'eforms.  Elder  Branch  followed 
for  two  years,  during  which  time  his  flock  essayed  to  worship  in  the 
central  house,  but  after  a  year's  trial  it  returned  to  its  old  home,  and 
soon  after  erected  a  new  house  of  worship.  April  8,  1846,  by  mutual 
consent  of  both  branches  the  church  was  divided  and  two  new 
churches  formed.  Elder  Charles  Willett  had  succeeded  Rev.  L.  G. 
Leonard  in  charge  of  the  Central  church.  The  venerable  Elder  Grow 
was  able  for  a  time  to  minister  to  the  East  Thompson  Baptist  church. 
Thompson  was  now  so  strong  a  rallying  point  of  Methodism  as  to 
give  its  name  to  the  former  '-Ponifret  circuit."  Methodists  in  Foinfret 
Factory  and  Rhodesville,  as  well  as  in  all  parts  of  the  town,  repaired 
to  the  West  Thompson  meeting-house,  which  was  bisected  and 
enlarged  to  accommodate  the  increasing  congregation.  A  convenient 
new  meeting-house  was  erected  in  LS40,  when  Tliompson  and  Eastford 
were  united  in  a  circuit,  embracing  seven  hundred  members.  New 
societies  were  soon  after  formed  and  church  buildings  erected  in 
P'isherville  and  East  Thompson.  Messrs.  Faxon  and  George  Nichols, 
and  Jonathan  Nichols,  Esq.,  were  very  active  and  ethcient  in  building 
up  the  Methodist  interest  in  the  town.  So  also  was  their  brother-in- 
law.  Rev.  Hezekiah  Ramsdell,  who  made  his  home  in  West  Tliompson, 
while  preaching  in  various  fields  with  much  eloquence  and  acceptance. 
He  was  greatly  interested  in  education  and  horticulture,  and  did  good 
service  in  town,  raising  the  character  of  the  schools  and  stimulating 
the  cultivation  of  flowers  and  choice  fruit.  Mr.  Faxon  Nichols  was 
the  first  postmaster  in  West  Thompson.  Jonathan  Nichols  served 
GS 


538  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

fur   iiianv   years   as    cuiinly  sui'vcycr.   and  as   judge  of  Probate,   and 
public  offices  were  also  filled  by  bis  son-in-law,  Joseph  Perrin. 

'J'lie  decline  of  Woodstock  Academy  gave  Thompson  an  op|)orlunity 
to  indulge  in  intermittent  High  Schools.  A  select  school  was  taught 
by  Miss  Caroline  Dutch,  more  especially  devoted  to  polite  accomplisli- 
ments.  Its  influence  was  doubtless  ])erceptible  on  that  very  interest- 
ing occasion  when  the  ladies  of  the  town  pi'esented  an  elegant  banner 
to  the  newly-uniformed  j)opular  Rifle  Com|)any — John  J.  Green,  cap- 
tain ;  Herbert  A.  Peed,  lieutenant  ;  Stephen  Crosby,  ensign.  The 
ease  and  address  of  the  young  ladies  who  made  the  piesentation  were 
no  less  conspicuous  than  their  exceeding  grace  and  beauty.  Select 
schools  were  also  taught  by  Messrs.  AVilmoth,  Cooley  and  Matthew 
Mills.  A  High  School  oi)ened  by  Thomas  P.  Green  of  Auburn.  ]Mass., 
in  1837,  gained  a  more  ])ermanent  standing  and  wider  rc])Utation. 
Many  pupils  came  from  neighboring  towns  and  States.  Its  exhiljitions 
held  in  the  Congregational  chuich  edifice  were  very  notable  and  largely 
attended.  The  old  tavern-house,  now  fallen  into  disrejtute,  was  pur- 
chased by  Messrs.  Jose{)h  B.  Gay  and  William  H.  ]Mason  in  1840.  and 
transformed  into  an  academy  and  boarding-house.  In  this  convenient 
domicile,  the  school  flourished  proportionably  and  boasted  an  unusual 
mimber  of  bright  and  [)romising  pupils. 

The  temperance  reform,  which  at  first  made  slow  advances  in  Thomp- 
son, received  a  new^  impulse  through  the  labors  of  John  Hawkins,  who 
spoke  for  many  nights  in  the  central  meeting-liouse  with  his  usual  power 
and  eflfect.  Several  men  long  known  as  common  drunkards  and  con 
sidered  beyond  the  reach  of  eftort  came  forward  and  signed  the  pledge, 
and  Captain  Stiles  closed  his  bar,  and  made  his  popular  tavern  a  teni2^er- 
mtce  house.  The  town  temperance  society  w'as  now  reorganized  with 
Mr.  W.  H.  Mason  for  president,  and  other  prominent  men  for  officers. 
The  adjacent  manufacturers,  Messi's.  Fisher,  Thatcher  and  Reed,  the 
ministers,  deacons,  mei'chants,  lawyers,  doctors,  and  hundreds  of  other 
citizens,  attended  the  temj)erance  meetings  and  helped  carry  forward 
the  movement.  In  1843.  John  B.  Gough  was  engaged  for  a  week's 
labor,  speaking  to  large  and  deeply  aifected  audiences  in  the  newly- 
completed  town-house*  and  various  school-houses  throughout  the 
town.      His  earnest  words  made  a  deej)  and   lasting  impression,  and 


*  This  town-house  was  the  first  Iniilding-  erected  on  the  south  side  of  tlie 
street.  Mr.  Whitman  Jacobs  broke  ground  ou  the  nortli  side  about  1835, 
and  was  soon  followed  by  Messrs.  Kinney,  Knight,  Shaw,  Graves  and  Cou)iiis, 
Avho  built  a  row  of  neat  houses,  and  set  out  a  line  of  maples.  Mrs.  Thatcher 
built  the  first  dwelling-house  on  the  south  side  of  the  street.  These  resi- 
dents were  greatly  annoyed  by  vicinity  to  the  famous  "Ponog,"  Avhich  with 
house,  barn  and  blacksmith's  shop,  in  linked  squalor,  long  drawn-out,  occu- 
pied tlie  western  apex  of  tlie  adjacent  connnon. 


KILLING  LY,    ETC.  539 

had  iiuicli  influence  in  arousing  and  intensifying  temperance  sentiment. 
Only  one  drinlving-place  was  left  in  tlie  village,  the  welhknown 
"•  |)(»nog  "  on  tlie  western  ])oint  ot"  the  common,  ocmipying  the  site  of 
a  former  gravestone  manufactory.  This  peculiar  name,  bi'ought  up 
from  Rhode  Island  l)y  some  of  Dorr's  fugitives,  was  dei'ived  from 
Apanogue,  supposed  to  indicate  -'a  place  of  fair  water,"  but  tlie 
eliminated  "  ponog "  meant  a  place  fnv  ^/ire-irater,  and  was  u.sed  to 
designate  the  lowest  species  of  rum-hole.  The  Thom|)son  Ponog  fully 
sustained  its  name  and  reputation,  ami  in  s[)ite  of  all  the  efforts  and 
eloquence  of  temperance  workers  remained  for  many  years  a  disgrace 
to  the  villau'e. 


VIII. 

KILLINGLY.     rOMFRET.     POMFHET    FACTORY. 

KILLINGLY  is  reported  by  Bai'ber  in  183G — "the  greatest 
cotton-manufacturing  town  in  the  State."  Its  reputation  and 
resources  had  been  magnified  by  the  building  up  of  Williamsville  on 
the  QuineV)aug  and  Dayville  on  the  Five-Mile  Iliver.  Dayville  was 
commended  "for  its  neat  appearance,  and  for  a  bridge  composed  of 
two  finely  constructed  stone  arches,  each  25  feet  broad  and  12  feet 
high."  Captain  John  Day  sold  two-thirds  of  this  privilege  to  Prosper 
and  AVilliam  Alexander,  and  joine<l  with  them  in  building  and  equip- 
ping a  cotton  factory  in  1832.  Caleb  Williams  of  Providence  pur- 
chased theQuinebaug  privilege  and  erected  a  handsome  stone  building 
in  1827.  This  village  was  also  attractiv^e  for  its  neat  api)earance  and 
good  order.  Danielson's  Mills  liad  [>assed  into  the  hands  of  the  sons 
of  General  Danielson,  and  began  to  be  noted  "  as  a  thriving  village." 
The  temperance  reform  had  swept  away  the  distillery  at  Mason's 
factory,  and  "(Tin-town"  was  transf)rmed  into  Ruggles"  Factory. 
The  Kiliingly  Company  owning  Howe's  Factory  was  reorganized  in 
1828.  Smaller  factories  on  the  Five-^NIile  River  were  run  by  Ballou 
and  Amsbury.  The  carding  machine  on  the  outlet  of  Alexander's 
Lake  had  been  superseded  by  a  woolen  factory.  Great  activity  pre- 
vailed in  the  east  part  of  the  town,  where  some  half-dozen  mills  were 
propelled  by  the  lively  little  Whetstone,  under  the  patronage  of 
Ebenezer  Young,  Richard  Bartlett.  Pros[»er  Leffingwell,  Asa  Alexan- 
der. John  S.  Harris,  Thomas  Pray,  and  others.  An  aggregate  of 
twenty-five  thousand  spindles  was  rei)orted.  with  three  woolen  mills, 
one  furnace,  one  axe  factory.     In  1840,  Kiliingly  boasted  the  largest 


540  inSTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COl'NTY. 

population  in  Windham  County,  having  gained  upon  Thompson  wliic-li 
stood  at  tlie  head  in  1830. 

As  business  gravitated  to  the  valleys  and  centre,  Killingly  Hill  was 
forced  to  i-esign  ihe  leadersliip,  though  the  flourishing  stores  of 
"Ely  and  Torrey,"  openetl  in  1835,  and  its  competitor,  A.  A.  Austin, 
prolonged  its  business  activity  for  several  years.  Mr.  Ely  afterwards 
removed  to  Norwich,  while  his  younger  brothei',  Edwin,  established 
business  in  Danielsonville  in  1837.  Flourishing  stores  and  shops  were 
maintained  in  East  Brooklyn  where  the  Tilfanys  carried  on  extensive 
business  in  various  departments.  Isaac  T.  IJutchins'  stoie  accommo- 
dated Westfield  lesidents.  A  second  lawyer  was  now  established  in 
this  village — 3Ir.  Thomas  Backus  of  Steiling.  a  graduate  of  Brown 
University,  who  was  made  judge  of  the  newly-constituted  Probate 
Court  in  1830.  His  iatlier-in-law.  Hon..  Ebeiczer  Young,  was  much 
occupied  with  public  duties,  serving  six  years  as  repiesentative  to 
Congress,  1829-35.  He  was  also  actively  concerned  in  the  organiza- 
tion of  reformatory  agencies,  co-o))erating  with  the  friends  of  peace 
and  temperance  in  their  public  eflbrts.  Killingly's  justices  at  this 
date  were  Arba  Covill.  David  Chase,  Thomas  Backus,  ^Villiam 
Alexander.  Daniel  Brown.  George  Warren,  Jeilidiah  Leavens,  Leonard 
Ballou,  George  Danielson.  Noi'man  Kelley.  N.  A.  Durfee.  Jeremiah 
Field  and  Jonathan  Dexter,  served  as  town  cleiks.  It  was  reniarka- 
bly  well  accommodated  with  post-oftices  having  five  allowed  in  183G, 
viz: — North,  Luther  Warren,  Postmaster;  Centie,  J.  Field;  East.  II. 
Peckham  ;  South,  Cyrus  Day ;  West,  George  Danielson.  It  also 
showed  much  spirit  in  organizing  fire  companies,  meeting  at  the  house 
of  Silas  Ilutchins,  June,  1829,  to  enlist  not  luore  than  sixteen  persons 
resident  in  Westfield  Society  as  •■  The  Enterprise  Fire  Engine  Com- 
pany." Liberty  was  given  four  years  later  to  add  eight  men  from 
"the  factory  village  in  Brooklyn."  "  Williamsville  Fire  Engine  Com- 
pany was  organized  in  1833."  After  many  eflbrts  Killingly  succeeded 
in  juocuring  a  specific  residence  for  the  poor  whose  keeping  was 
intrusted  to  the  lowest  bidder.  A  very  poor  house  it  was  according 
to  the  testimony  of  old  Martha  Sonsamon,  taken  there  to  end  her  days 
after  her  wigwam  was  blown  over.  "  How  do  you  like  your  new 
home  ?'"  asked  a  visitor  synipathetically.  "  Pretty  w^ell,  cos  we  live  just 
like  Injuns,'  was  the  (]ui(;k  reply.  This  last  representative  of 
Killingly's  aboriginal  inhabitants  lived  to  a  good  old  age,  losing  much 
of  her  ancient  ferocity,  and  was  treated  with  great  kindness. 

Westfield  retained  for  many  years  its  energetic  pastor,  Mr.  Whit- 
more,  who  engaged  with  much  zeal  in  temperance  work  and  other  re- 
forms. Its  church  increased  proportionably  with  the  growth  of  the 
surrounding  villages,  and   enjoyed  many   seasons  of  special   religious 


KILLINGLY,    ETC.  541 


interest.  Its  Sabbath-school  ante  dated  nearly  every  other  in  Wind- 
ham County,  being  organized  and  well-established  in  1S20.  Isaac  T. 
Ilutcliins,  one  of  some  fifty  converts  who  joined  the  church  during 
this  year,  was  elected  supeiintendent.  Testaments  furnished  by  the 
town  Bible  Society  served  for  text-book  and  library.  The  session  was 
chietiy  occupied  in  re])eating  Scripture  verses  committed  to  memory 
the  previous  week.  Some  ambitions  children  could  repeat  two  hun- 
dred verses,  and  several  during  the  first  year  had  stored  up  half  the 
New  Testament.  The  revival  of  1832  brought  into  the  church  about 
150  members.  Adam  B.  Danielson  and  \yarien  Stearns  were  chosen 
deacons  in  \'^'2S.  Tlie  various  benevolent  societies  connected  with 
this  churcli  were  well  sustained.  Kev.  Isiael  Day  resigned  liis  charge 
in  1826.  His  mortuary  record  kept  for  forty  years  showed  a  great 
mort.-.lity,  three  hundi-ed  and  seventy-eight  having  died  out  of  the 
cliurch  and  congregation.  Emigration  also  weakened  the  South  Kil- 
lingly  cliurch  so  that  it  was  no  longer  able  to  settle  a  pastor.  Forty 
were  added  to  the  membership  in  1832,  through  the  labors  of  John  H. 
Whipple,  who  held  the  charge  for  three  years. 

The  East  Killingly  Baptist  church  added  largely  to  its  members  in 
1821.  but  suffered  afterwards  a  serious  declension.  Through  the  friendly 
mediation  of  advisory  bretliren  difHculties  were  healed  and  aggrieved 
parties  restored.  Elder  Cooper  resigned  his  charge  in  1828,  but  con- 
tinued active  in  the  church.  Elder  George  Appleton  was  succeeded  in 
1830.  by  Albert  Cole  of  Plainfield,  called  to  the  pastoral  work  by  the 
unanimous  voice  of  the  churcli.  Delegates  from  Thompson,  Poinfret, 
Brooklyn  and  Plainfield,  were  invited  to  join  in  a  council  with  the 
former  pastors  of  the  church.  Elders  Cooper  and  Appleton,  and 
Brethren  Silas  Slater,  Sampson  Covill.  Samuel  Bullock,  Benjamin 
Brown  and  Nicholas  A.  Durfee.  After  some  delay  Mr.  Cole  was 
ordained  pastor,  December  1,  1830,  sermon  by  Rev.  Thomas  Barrett, 
consecrating  prayer,  Rev.  James  Grow,  cliarge.  Rev.  G.  B.  Atwell. 
Revival  influences  continued,  and  the  church  gained  in  strength  and 
numbers.  The  succeeding  pastorates  of  Elders  Oatley  and  Doty  were 
marred  by  renewed  strife  and  disagreements,  which  were  happily 
allayed  in  the  three  years  ministry  of  Elder  Branch.  A  new  church 
edifice  was  now  built  in  the  vicinity  of  the  factory  villages,  which  was 
enlarged  during  the  succeeding  ministry  of  Elder  Smither.  A  some- 
what heterodox  element  wliich  had  long  existed. in  this  vicinity  was 
absorbed  into  the  Free  Will  Baptist  church  organized  previous  to 
1840.  The  old  Field  tavern  near  the  town-house  was  now  occupied 
by  Kingsbury.  Doctors  Justin  Hammond  and  Daniel  Ilovey  engaged 
in  medical  practice  in  East  and  South  Killingly.     The    former    "city" 


Si'i  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

liad  lost  its  ancient   prestige,   with   tlie   decline  of  Captain    Gaston's 
store  and  the  growth  of  new  villages. 

Mr.  Atkins  continued  in  sole  charge  of  the  church  on  Killingly  Hill 
till  1832.  when  after  nearly  a  half-century's  service  he  was  compelled 
to  employ  a  colleague.  Reverends  William  Bushnell  Sidney  Ilolman 
and  Henry  Robinson  were  successively  installed  in  office — the  latter 
remaining  in  cliarge  several  years  after  the  death  of  the  venerable  pas- 
tor in  1839.  Dr.  Grosvenor,  now  advancing  in  years,  was  aided  in  his 
extensive  practice  by  his  son,  Ur.  William  Grosvenor.  The  old  hill 
tavern,  now  kept  by  Captain  George  Warren,  was  still  a  place  of 
nuich  public  resort,  and  the  village  had  not  lost  its  social  stand- 
ing. Among  its  social  acquisitions  was  Mr.  Joseph  Torrey,  one  of  the 
promising  young  men  instructed  by  Mr.  Atkins,  who  engaged  in  legal 
practice  in  Detroit  with  bright  prospect  of  professional  eminence. 
Suddenly  disabled  by  an  unfortunate  accident  resulting  in  paralysis,  he 
returned  to  his  old  home,  a  crippled  invalid.  But  though  often  suffer- 
ing intense  pain  his  mind  retained  its  vigor  and  brilliancy,  and  his 
varied  learning  and  remarkable  conversational  powers,  his  patient 
submission  to  Providential  dealings,  made  his  prolonged  life  a  rich 
blessing  to  those  around  him.  Other  young  men  who  went  out  into 
the  world  from  Killingly  accomplished  most  dissimilar  destinies.  The 
sons  of  Messrs.  Tiffany  and  Young  engaged  in  business  in  New  York 
city,  establishing  a  house  and  name,  since  famed  throughout  the  world. 
Frank  Alexander  gained  a  place  in  the  foremost  rank  of  American 
artists.  His  success  was  not  achieved  without  a  struggle.  A  farmer's 
son,  brought  up  to  woi'k  on  the  farm  without  even  knowing  the  exist- 
ence of  art,  his  inborn  genius  early  asserted  itself  As  a  boy  he  was 
always  •' picturin'  out  sunthin."  Barn-door  and  walls  were  ornamented 
with  chalk-di'awn  birds  and  fanciful  creations,  and  noon-time  spent  in 
making  ''curious"  sketches  for  little  girls  while  his  mates  were  play- 
ing. His  passion  for  color  was  first  excited  by  the  beautiful  tints 
of  freshly-cauglit  fish,  and  he  wrought  out  imitations  that  old  fisher- 
men said  might  have  been  taken  for  real  perch  and  pickerel.  Praise 
received  for  these  and  other  copies  from  nature  impelled  the  embryo 
artist  to  sally  forth  to  New  York  "to  learn  to  paint."  Calling  on  the 
way  upon  Mr.  Prescott  Hall  in  Pomfret.  he  gave  him  letteis  to  his 
brother,  Mr.  Charles  Hall,  who  received  him  very  kindly,  took  him  to 
galleries  of  paintings  and  recommended  him  to  instructors.  Some 
time  passed  before  he  succeeded  in  finding  willing  and  competent 
teachers,  but  he  continued  his  [)ractice  and  ventured  an  ex[)ei'iinent  in 
portrait  painting.  Rude  pictures  painted  on  old  chest-lids  astonished 
every  one  by  vividness  of  le^jresentation.  His  fame  soon  traveled  to 
Thompson,   where  he  was  engagetl  to  jaiut  the  portiaits  of  several 


m^  ^^yrj^^^^r^A^'-^^^ry^TY' 


T'neEeliotvpS-PmiansCoZllIiaaotitStJu; 


I'OMFKET,    ETC.  54^3 

families,  receivino-  '•  three  dollars  a  head  and  his  board."  Willi  the 
iiioiiey  thu8  earned  he  ai^ain  sjied  to  Xew  York  for  further  instruction. 
Colonel  Trumbull  and  his  fellow-countyman.  Samuel  Waldo,  gave  him 
counsel  and  encouragement.  Portraits  ])aiiited  after  his  retuin  for  the 
extravagant  price  of  eight  dollars,  were  taken  to  Providence  and  greatly 
admired.  "  That's  a  very  vigilant  old  lady,"  I'emaiked  a  ci'itic  of  one 
of  these  rough  sketches.  These  early  efforts  were  indeed  characterized 
by  a  life-likeness  that  lie  never  afterward  surpassed.  Through  the 
kindness  of  Mrs.  James  I>.  Mason,  Mr.  Alexander  obtained  access  to 
some  of  the  best  families  in  Providence,  and  her  untiring  eff'oi'ts  in  his 
behalf  were  ever  remembered  by  him  with  aff'ectionate  gratitude. 
From  this  time  his  ]irogress  was  rapid.  He  was  received  most  kindly 
in  Boston  by  Gilbert  Stuart,  who  |)ronounced  his  ])ictuies  '-very 
clever,"  lacking  things  that  might  be  gained  by  practice  and  study,  but 
having  '•  that  which  could  not  be  acquired."  Fastidious  Boston  con- 
firmed this  verdict.  His  fine  personal  appearance  and  engaging  man- 
ners gave  Iiim  access  to  the  higher  circles,  and  fortune  now  lavished 
lier  favoi'S.  Mai'rying  a  lady  of  beauty,  wealth  and  high  family  con- 
nection, he  went  abroad  in  ]<S31  upon  an  extended  tour,  returning  to 
pursue  his  ait  with  exti'aordinary  dexterity  and  success.  Boston  may 
thank  Killingly  for  some  prominent  celel)iities — Jose[)h  Howe,  the  ad- 
mired pastor  of  New  South  Church,  Alexander  the  popular  porti'ait- 
painter,  and  a  recent  popular  mayor — also  governor  of  Massachusetts. 
As  other  towns  gained  |)ost-otfice  and  probate  privileges,  Pomfret 
declined  fi-om  its  pristine  pi-ominence,  its  population  diminishing  each 
succeeding  decade  after  1820,  when  it  had  attained  its  maximum, 
2,042.  Its  prominent  men  passed  away.  Col.  Thomas  Grosvenor* 
died  in  1825;  Dr.  Hall,  Judge  Lemuel  Ingalls,  General  Lemuel 
Gi'osvenor,  followed  in  a  few  years.  Dr.  Hubbard  was  called  to  surgi- 
cal professorship  in  Yale's  medical  college.  Elisha  B.  Pei'kins  was 
compelled  by  ill  health  to  seek  a  milder  climate.  The  sons  of  Dr. 
Hall,  and  other  enterprising  young  men,  went  to  New  York  and  other 
cities  ;  the  Rossiters  and  Sweetings  removed  from  town.  New  fami- 
lies came  in,  young  men  grew  up  to  fill  the  vacant   places.     Dr.  Holt 


*  Another  honored  son  of  Pomfret,  the  late  David  Hall,  Esq.,  New  York 
city,  beai's  ample  testimony  in  his  Grosvenor  Genealogical  notes  to  the  distin- 
gnished  merit  of  Colonel  Thomas  Grosvenor,  as  "  a  patriot  pure  and  nnsuUied, 
a  soldier,  who  by  his  justice,  firmness,  strict  adherence  to  principle,  and 
nobleness  of  character,  shed  lustre  on  the  military  name — who  atlorned 
society  by  his  example  and  virtues  :  a  valued  counsellor,  most  venerable  and 
respected."  The  various  important  public  offices  intrusted  to  him  had  been 
tilled  with  credit  to  himself  and  satisfaction  to  his  fellow-citizens.  His  kins- 
man. Gen.  Lemuel  Grosvenor,  had  also  honored  many  important  offices  iu 
town,  fiUino-  a  high  position  in  militia  service,  and  for  nearly  forty  years 
administering  the  post-otHce  to  universal  acceptance. 


544  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

of  ITniiiptoii  succeeded  to  iiiucli  of  the  medical  practice  of  liis  former 
iiislnictor.  Thomas  M.  Grosveiior  served  as  town  clerk  and  treasurer 
and  probate  clerk.  The  tliree  great  needs  of  the  town  were  poor- 
house,  town-house,  meeting-houses.  "The  house  of  Col.  Calvin  Day," 
was  made  a  work-house  in  1824.  Elisha  B.  Perkins,  Darins  Matthew- 
son  and  Lemuel  Ingalls  were  directed  to  consider  the  condition  of  the 
poor,  and  consult  with  other  towns.  The  town-house  was  a  very  sei'i- 
ous  question,  prolonged  for  many  years.  The  great  meeting-house  in 
the  First  society  had  now  become  too  large  for  the  congregation,  and 
it  was  pro])osed  to  rebuild  it  with  basement  accommodations  for  secu- 
lar use.  The  town-declined  to  aid.  ^particularly  in  building  basement. 
A  proposed  road  from  West  Woodstock  to  Brooklyn  excited  nnich 
opposition.  At  a  meeting  in  Abington  meeting-liouse,  August  S,  1831, 
Deacon  Joshua  Grosvcnor.  moderatoi" :  '"refused  to  accept  road  laid  out 
through  lands  of  Ingalls  and  others  :  refused  to  build  a  town-house  ; 
agreed  to  meet  in  Abington  till  the  town  provided  a  more  suital)le 
place."  In  the  following  year,  Thomas  M.  Grosvenor,  George  Sharj^e 
and  Smith  Wilkinson  were  a|)pointed  committee  to  confer  with  the  so- 
cieties, and  see  on  what  terms  they  could  obtain  their  meeting-houses 
for  the  use  of  the  town.  A  committee  of  one  from  each  school- 
district,  viz :  George  Cady,  Hiram  Holt.  Samuel  Underwood,  Smith 
Wilkinson,  William  James,  Charles  (.handler,  Lemuel  Holmes,  William 
Osgood,  Robert  D.  Sharpe,  George  Randall,  John  Williams,  Oriu 
Morey — was  chosen  to  make  inquiries  as  to  the  cost  of  a  town-house, 
which  resulted  in  farther  postponement.  Meanwhile  the  Fii-st  Society 
had  achieved  a  new  chuich  edifice.  A  hundi'ed  pairs  of  stockings  knit 
by  the  deft  fingers  of  Pomfiet  matrons  and  maidens  secured  a  building 
lot  east  of  the  former  site  from  Dr.  Waldo,  a  temporary  resident,  who 
also  furnished  the  wool  from  which  the  yarn  had  been  previously  %\)\\\\ 
by  the  nimble  knitters.  Col.  Zephaniah  Williams,  Harvey  Holmes 
and  George  B.  Matthewson  served  as  building  committee ;  Lemuel 
Holmes,  master-builder.  Materials  taken  from  the  old  house  were 
freely  used  in  its  construction.  Mr.  Porter  asked  dismission  in  1830; 
Rev.  Amzi  Benedict  installed  pastor  the  following  year;  the  meeting- 
house dedicated,  October,  1832.  The  still  phenomenal  orgin  was 
]>layed  by  Miss  Elizabeth  ^'inton.  the  only  person  in  town,  it  is  said, 
competent  for  the  sei'vice.  A  deep  and  powerful  religious  revival 
was  cxpci'ienced  during  Mr.  Benedict's  short  pastorate,  bringing  many 
into  the  chui'ch,  and  im])ressing  the  whole  community.  His  successor, 
Rev.  Daniel  Hunt,  was  ordained,  April  4,  1835,  and  most  worthily 
filled  the  place  of  esteemed  predecessors.  He  was  especially  interested 
in  tiic  collation  and  preservation  of  town  and  church  history,  and  com- 
piled a  "History  of  Pomfret  "  for  a  Thanksgiving  discourse,  1840,  re- 


rOMFKET,    ETC.  545 

iiiarkably  full,  clear  ami  accurate.  The  church  enjoyed  at  this  time  the 
services  of  two  excellent  deacons — the  brothers  Zephaniah  and  Job 
Williams.  The  former  died  in  183.S,  not  having  "  attained  unto  the 
days  of  the  years"  of  the  fathers  wlio  preceded  him.  Deacon  Simon 
Cotton  died  in  1819;  Deacon  Ilayward  in  1823,  aged  91  years; 
Deacon  Grosvenor  in  1829,  aged  81.  Deacon  John  II.  Payson  in 
1825.     Lewis  Averill  was  elected  in   place  of  Colonel  Williams. 

Episcopalians  in  Pomfret  worshipped  with  those  in  Brooklyn  till 
1828,  when  the  parish  of  Christ  Church  was  organized.  A  church 
edifice  was  built  the  following  year.  Rev.  Ezra  Kellogg  officiated  in 
Christ  and  Trinity  chui'ches.  Rev.  Roswell  Park  assumed  the  sole 
chai'ge  of  the  Pomfret  church  in  1843.  and  opened  a  select  school 
which  gained  a  very  high  reputation.  Dr.  Park  was  a  thorough 
scholar,  a  strict  disciplinarian,  and  his  nine  years'  incumbency  left 
abundant  fruits.  The  Baptist  church  maintained  service  and  pastors 
during  this  period,  though  weakening  by  the  constant  outflow  to  the 
valleys.  Rev.  Waltei*  Lyon  remained  in  charge  of  the  Abington 
church  till  his  death  in  1826.  His  habits  of  order,  disci[)line  and  ex- 
actness continued  through  life,  his  clock  and  desk  were  never  moved 
from  the  spot  selected  for  them  on  his  first  occupation  of  the  ministerial 
homestead.  He  left  a  genei'ous  bequest  to  the  society  and  gave  liber- 
ally to  benevolent  objects.  Rev.  Cliarles  Fitch,  a  noted  revivalist,  was 
installed  pastor  in  1828.  A  very  powerful  revival  was  experienced  in 
1831,  in  connection  with  "a  four-days-meeting."  Tliirty-three  persons 
united  with  the  church  the  following  January  ;  fifty-nine  during  the 
pastorate.  He  was  followed  in  1834,  by  Rev.  Nathan  S.  Hunt,  who 
retained  the  charge  eleven  years.  Abingtoifs  usual  placidity  was 
greatly  disturbed  during  his  ministry  by  a  controversy  about  building 
a  new  meeting-house.  '•  Two*  strong  parties  were  formed  and  drawu 
up  in  battle  arraj' ;  the  one  desiring  a  new  location  on  the  hill  a  few 
rods  east  of  the  parsonage  ;  the  other  pieferring  to  have  the  house 
built  on  the  old  foimdation.  After  the  heat  of  the  controversy  had 
passed  away,  a  compromise  was  effected,  and  the  society  voted  to  re- 
pair thoroughly  the  old  meeting-house."  Alanson  Peck.  Samuel  P. 
Sumner  and  John  R.  Ilolbiook  served  as  committee.  Repairs  were 
accomplished  to  general  satisfaction,  and  the  renovated  house  has 
since  been  maintained  in  excellent  condition,  the  oldest  church  edifice 
Jiow  occupied  in  Windham  County.  George  Sharpe  succeeded  to  the 
])Osition  of  chorister.  Elisha  Lord  and  William  Osgood,  Jun.,  wei'e 
chosen  deacons  in  1831.  A  Sabbath-school  was  organized  in  1826, 
Deacon   Wyllis  Goodell,  superintendent.     Abington   was   very   active 


*  llisLoiical  Discourse,  delivered  by  llev.  H.  B.  Suiitli. 
69 


54:6  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

in  temperance  work,  taking  the  initiative  in  forming  the  first  society 
in  town.  Jndge  Lemuel  Ingalls,  so  respected  for  integrity  and  sound 
judgment,  died  at  an  advanced  age.  Captain  Elisha  Lord  died  in 
1826,  having  led  the  choir  till  the  Sunday  before  his  death.  A  Second 
Advent  church  was  formed  in  Abington  about  1S40 — Dr.  Thomas 
Huntington  of  Brooklyn  officiating  as  its  pastor. 

Renewed  agitation  of  the  town-house  question  was  followed  by  a 
most  spirited  controversy.  At  a  meeting  at  the  south  school-house, 
April,  1840,  voted,  to  build  a  town-house — Smith  Wilkinson,  George 
Sharpe,  Lemuel  Holmes.  G.  S.  Ingalls,  George  Cady,  committee.  The 
site  of  the  new  edifice  was  next  discussed,  which  elicited  almost  as 
many  different  ojiinions  as  there  wei'e  voters.  One  clique  advocated 
"a  spot  near  Haskell's  tavern  ;"  another,  "a  spot  near  the  south  school- 
house;"  a  third,  "place  near  Stebbins'  store."  A  motion  '"to  erect  on 
land  of  Colonel  Day,  near  the  house  formerly  occupied  by  Capt.  E. 
Fitch,"  was  carried  by  a  vote  of  47  to  37,  but  on  proposing  to  levy  a 
tax  it  was  at  once  reconsidered  and  rescinded  by  46  to  26.  Pausing 
through  the  summer,  hostilities  were  resumed  in  December.  Meeting 
after  meeting  was  held.  Propositions  to  build  "on  south  end  of 
burying-ground  near  Mr.  Lemuel  Hay  ward's  ;"  '-near  Larned  Has- 
kell's ;"  "  near  Stebbins'  store  ;"  "  on  land  of  Sessions  near  Stebbins- 
ville,"  were  successively  rejected.  An  interesting  meeting  was  held, 
January  2,  1841 — George  Sharpe,  moderator.  Proposed  to  build 
"  near  dwelling-house  of  William  Segur,"  nays  161,  yeas  61;  "near 
Avei'ill's,"  nays  12'-!,  yeas  81  ;  "near  house  of  Larned  Haskell,  he  offer- 
ing to  give  land,"  yeas  138,  nays  83.  Lewis  Averill,  Cliailes  Chandler 
and  Geoige  B.  Matthewson  were  continued  committee  and  instructed 
to  proceed  to  build  immediately,  but  at  the  next  meeting  the  vote  was 
rescinded.  Col.  Calvin  Day's  land  selected,  and  new  committee  a]*- 
pointed,  viz:  George  Cady,  Edward  Eldredge,  John  Williams.  A[)ril 
12,  rescinded  vote  and  aftixed  a  spot  between  Segurs  and  Four  Cor- 
ners. April  24,  "  rescind  last  vote  and  hjcale  on  land  of  William 
Sabin  between  school-house  and  Quaker  meeting-house."  George  A. 
Dresser  and  Pitt  Sharpe  added  to  committee.  It  was  next  decided  to 
invite  Jonathan  iS'ichols  of  Thompson.  I'liili])  Pearl  of  Hampton  and 
Arba  Covin  ofKillingly  "to  hear  and  decitle.  "  and  '^ rescind  former 
vote."  Fortimately  for  all.  this  was  the  last  act  of  rescission.  At  a 
town-meeting,  June  8,  voted  to  accept  connnittee's  report  affixing  site 
on  land  of  Frederic  Averill.  committee  to  lay  fouiKhitioi^  and  proceed. 
Greatly  to  the  credit  of  all  parties,  this  long  contention  had  been  car- 
lied  on  without  acrimony,  if  not  with  positive  sporliveness,  and  all 
uniled  in  hastening  the  erection  of  the  new  town-house,  which  was 
opened  to  the  [)ublic.   October  4,  1841.     Deacon  Job  Williams  now 


^/lii^^^:<^'t^^ 


ThiIlel:ot.vpB-Pmu-ig  Co.211Iremcini  StBoimi. 


POMFRET    FACTORY,    E:TC.  54:7 

served  as  town  clerk  and  treasurer,  John  Williams  as  judge  of  Probate. 
Its  only  lawyer  was  John  Holbrook  of  Abington.  Doctors  Lewis  and 
Elisha  Williams  engaged  in  medical  practice.  Dr.  Alexander  Vinton 
practiced  for  a  short  time  in  Abington  before  entering  the  Church 
ministry.  With  the  multiplication  of  newspapers  and  magazines, 
Pomfret  libraries  were  less  needed  and  patronized,  though  the  Abing- 
ton Ladies'  Library  still  retained  its  place  in  the  affection  of  its  found- 
ers. New  books  were  added  and  old  ones  carefully  conned,  stimu- 
lating the  intellectual  proclivities  of  the  daughters  of  Pomfret.  Miss 
Abby  Allen  was  now  quite  noted  as  a  writer,  publishing  a  volume  of 
poems  and  contributing  to  newspaper  and  magazine.  Miss  Anne  Hall 
was  most  successfully  pursuing  her  art  in  New  York  city,  her  minia- 
tures characterized  "by  the  most  exquisite  ideality  of  design  and  col- 
oring." Groups  of  children  executed  by  her  are  among  the  finest 
specimens  of  ivory  miniatures.  She  was  the  first  woman  elected  mem- 
ber of  the  American  National  Academy  of  Design,  and  was  ranked 
among  the  first  American  artists.  Her  reputation  had  extended  to 
other  countries  and  some  of  her  works  were  honored  in  France  by 
preservation  in  enamel. 

Pomfret  Factory  pursued  its  way  in  very  independent  fashion,  ask- 
ing little  of  the  mother  town  but  postal  facilities  and  occasional  road 
or  bridge  outlay.  Mr.  Wilkinson  was  emphatically  the  autocrat  of  the 
village,  and  his  strong  will  and  marked  individuality  gave  it  a  pecu- 
liar character.  Everything  went  on  like  clock-work.  Accounts  and 
morals  were  looked  after  with  equally  keen  scrutiny.  No  man  was 
allowed  to  overrun  his  credit,  get  drunk  or  misbehave  on  Sunday. 
Religious  services  wei'e  held  in  the  brick  school-house  whenever  prac- 
ticable, and  operatives  encouraged  to  attend  church  in  the  neighboring 
towns.  Pomfi'et  Factory  was  remarkably  exempt  from  the  immoral- 
ities and  disorders  incident  to  the  ordinary  factory  village  of  the 
period.  Houses  and  yards  were  kept  neat,  loafing  prohibited,  children 
sent  to  school  as  the  law  required.  Respect  for  legal  authority  was 
indeed  one  of  the  leading  characteristics  of  Mr.  Wilkinson.  Even  the 
annual  Fast-day  must  be  kept  as  sacredly  as  the  Sabbath,  and  young 
men  who  presumed  upon  their  position  to  indulge  in  the  '•  vain  recrea- 
tion "  of  ball-playing  as  by  "law  forbidden,"  were  arrested  and  fined 
with  none  the  less  promptness  because  the  sou  of  a  venerated  minister, 
his  own  relatives,  and  favorite  clerks,  were  among  the  ti-ansgressors. 
Yet  notwithstanding  this  severity  of  discipline,  there  was  much  that 
•was  pleasant  and  enjoyable  in  life  at  the  old  Pomfret  Factory.  The 
master  was  the  owner,  having  his  home  with  his  people,  taking  a  per- 
sonal interest  in  all  their  aifairs.  and  that  home  was  one  of  the  most 
cheerful  and  attractive  in  Windham  County.     Not  only  did  it  ofi^er  a 


BOOK    X.    1840-1880. 


THE  PRESENT  OUTLOOK. 

MODERN  Windliaui  dates  its  birth  from  tlie  first  whistle  of  the 
steam  engine.  That  clarion  cry  awoke  the  sleeping  valleys. 
Energy,  enterprise,  progress  followed  its  course.  At  every  stoi)ping- 
place  new  life  sprung  up.  Factoiy  villages  received  immediate  im- 
])etus,  and  plentiful  su])ply  of  cotton.  Larger  manufacturing  enter- 
prises were  speedily  planned  and  e.vecuted,  foreign  help  brought  in  ; 
capital  and  labor,  business  and  invention,  rushed  to  the  railroad 
stations  ;  innumerable  interests  and  industries  developed — and  in 
less  than  a  score  of  years  the  County  was  revolutionized.  The  first 
had  become  last  and  the  last  first.  The  turnpike  was  overgrown, 
stage-coach  and  cotton-team  had  vanished,  the  old  hill  villages  had  lost 
the  leadership,  and  new  railroad  centres  held  the  balance  of  power, 
and  drew  to  themselves  the  best  blood  and  energies  of  the  towns.  As 
other  railroads  were  opened  and  business  facilities  increased  its  pro- 
gress became  more  ra|)i(l,  and  the  Windham  County  of  1880  is  far 
more  populous  and  [)r()sperous  than  that  of  1840.  It  has  within  its 
limits  four  raili'oads  and  admirable  business  facilities.  A  few  hours 
easy  ride  connects  it  witli  Norwich,  Worcester,  Providence,  Boston 
and  New  York.  It  has  five  or  six  newspapers  of  its  own,  and  leading 
city  dailies ;  telegraphs,  telephones  and  other  modern  improvements. 
It  has  manufacturing  estal)lishinents  unsurpassed  in  the  country.  It 
has  its  graded  schools,  elaborate  church  edifices,  public  cemeteries, 
lofty  town  buildings,  its  sunnner  visitors,  its  market  gardens,  its 
Roseland  Park — and  it  has  also  its  trotting  [larks,  its  grog-shops,  its 
foreign  element,  its  "  lings,"  its  town  debts,  and  all  the  usual  accom- 
paniments of  modern  civilization.  The  Windham  County  of  to-day  as 
typified  by  its  business  centres  is  wide-awake,  progressive :  a  true 
child  of  the  Nineteenth  Century. 

PUTNxVM. 

One   of  the   most   characteristic    and    ])rominent  of  these    later    up 
growths   is   the   village    of  Putnam.     Sleepy    l{i[i  Van   Winkles  who 


552  HISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

stray  in  occasionally  to  take  a  peep  at  Cargill's  Falls  and  the  long 
gone  Pomfret  Factory  are  sorely  bewildered.  Old  landmarks  have 
vanished,  the  forests  are  gone,  tlie  hills  leveled  or  built  up  with  houses, 
the  very  graves  of  their  fathers  lenioved  to  an  ornamented  cemetery. 
The  roar  of  the  Falls  is  drowned  in  the  clatter  of  machinery  and 
steam  engine.  The  homes  and  workshops  of  an  enterprising  and 
vaiied  population  crowd  the  narrow  vale,  and  stretch  out  over  the 
hills  on  every  side.  Giadnally  and  natnrally  the  transformation  has 
been  effected.  The  Pomfret  Factory  station  on  the  Norwich  and 
Worcester  *Ilailroad  opened  in  1839.  was  the  outlet  for  Pomfret, Wood- 
stock, parts  of  Killingly  and  Thompson,  and  a  wide  radius  inland.  A 
depot  village  sprang  up  at  once,  business  flowed  in.  Enterprising 
men  saw  the  great  natural  advantages  of  the  site,  bought  up  land 
and  built  houses.  Young  men  from  the  hill  towns  ex[)ei'imeuted  in 
store-keeping.  Lawyers  and  doctors  doubtfully  hung  t)ut  their  signs. 
Asa  Cutler  of  Killingly,  was  one  of  the  first  capitalists  to  invest  in  the 
growing  village,  building  a  brick  block  for  stores  and  many  dwelling- 
houses.  Its  first  physicians  were  Doctors  Hough,  Plimjdon  and  Perry; 
its  first  lawyer,  Harrison  Johnson.  L.  K.  and  C.  Peirin,  Manning  and 
Searls,  Williams  and  Ely,  were  among  the  first  to  engage  in  trade. 
J.  O.  Fox,  postmaster  in  West  Thompson,  moved  his  office  to  Put- 
nam Depot  and  set  up  a  gi'ocery  store.  Mr.  Wilkinson,  now  old  and 
cautious,  foresaw  the  coming  tide  but  did  not  care  to  engage  in  new 
enterprises.  Rhodesville  was  greatly  favored  by  manufacturing 
development.  Handsome  stone  factories  were  ei'ected  between  1846-48, 
by  Hosea  Ballou  of  Woonsocket,  G.  C.  Kightingale  and  Co.,  M.  S. 
Morse  and  Co.,  of  Providence,  biinging  great  influx  of  foreign  help 
as  well  as  capital.  As  usual  in  such  raj)id  growth  thei'e  were  clashings 
:uh1  rivalries  between  the  different  villages,  business  interests  and 
religious  denominations.  Baptists  were  fii'St  in  the  field,  holding 
services  in  the  Brick  scliool-house  and  afterwards  in  the  depot  build- 
ing. A  Baptist  church  was  organized  "August  24,  1847,  with  forty 
members,  and  the  following  year  a  chuich  edifice  was  erected  on  land 
given  by  Mr.  Wilkinson.  Congregationalists  woishipped  in  the  school 
house  and  Quinebaug  Hall,  organizing  a  church  in  1848,  with  twenty- 
seven    members    gathered    from     twelve    clinrehes.       Their    house   of 


*Tlie  first  cars  ran  from  Norwich  to  Worcester,  Thanksjiiviuji  T>iiy,  1830. 
The  tirst  survey  of  the  road  was  made  by  William  Lester  of  Norwicii,  afterward 
surveyor  of  Windiinm  County.  He  also  had  chariie  of  buildin;^  the  New  Eng- 
land Koad  from  Putnam  to  "Willimaniic.  Mr.  Lester  merits  reincmhrance, 
al.so,  for  his  admirable  "  .Map  of  New  Londim  and  Wimlham  (bounties,"  pub- 
lislied  in  18o3,  with  a  Geological  Map  on  the  same  sheet,  prepared  by  Lieut. 
■\V.  W.  Mallier,  sou  of  Capt.  Eleazer  Mather  of  Brooklyn,  Coini.,  afterward 
State  Geologist  of  New  York.  Mr.  i>ester  spent  his  closing  years  in  Wood- 
stock. 


PUT.MAM.  ')')6 

worship  was  completed  in  1852.  on  land  given  by  Messrs.  ^Yilkinson 
and  Dorrance.  Methodists  worshipped  for  a  time  with  the  society  in 
West  Thompson.  Ileverends  Lncius  Holmes,  Charles  Willett,  G.  J. 
Tillotson,  E.  B.  Hunting-ton,  D.  D.  Lyon,  Solomon  Gale,  Hezekiah 
Ramsdell,  Sidney  Deane,  C-harles  Morse,  were  associated  with  these 
eai'ly  religious  etiorts. 

With  increasing  business  and  population  ditHculties  multiplied. 
A  double-headed  village  with  half  a  dozen  names,  embraced  within 
three  distinct  towns,  was  anomalous  and  hard  to  manage.  It  was  very 
agreeable  to  supply  these  out-lying  towns  with  railroad  and  market 
privileges,  but  extremely  disagreeable  to  resort  to  them  to  vote  and 
consult  records.  Expansion  and  improvement  weie  restricted  by 
dependence  upon  their  sovereign  will  and  pleasure.  Voting  places 
and  borough  privileges  suggested  as  modes  of  relief  would  fail  to 
meet  the  difficulty,  as  inhabitants  of  separate  towns  with  alien  interests 
might  not  unite  harmoniously  in  efforts  for  the  public  good  of  this 
particular  section.  Tlie  proposal  to  consolidate  as  a  distinct,  independ- 
ent township,  broached  in  1849,  met  immediate  fixvor.  Mr.  Wilkin- 
son and  his  son  heartily  approved  the  project  and  joined  with  other 
citizens  in  petition  and  eifort.  Vehement  op])Osition  from  representa- 
tives of  four  towns  readily  procured  the  rejection  of  the  tirst  petition. 
Leaving  out  Woodstock  land,  the  petitioners  in  1851  endeavored  to 
secure  parts  of  Pomfret,  Thomi)Son  and  Killingly.  Beaten  again  and 
again,  they  still  kept  heart  and  retui-ned  to  the  charge.  Tlie  old  towns 
fought  with  great  valor  and  persistency,  especially  Thompson,  whose 
relative  position  in  wealth  aiid  population  would  be  greatly  changed 
by  the  loss  of  Rhodesville  and  her  old  South  Neighborhood,  but  were 
forced  to  submit  to  the  inevitable  course  of  progress  and  "  manifest 
destiny."  Taking  Putnam  for  their  name  and  pattern,  the  new-town 
champions  battled  bravely  on.  The  rise  of  the  Know-nothing  party 
and  [lolitical  ct)mbinations  turned  the  scale  in  their  favor.  The  final 
tiial  in  May,  18o.5,  excited  unusual  interest  in  the  State.  Veiy  able 
counsel  was  employed  on  both  sides.  The  closing  arguments  were 
heard  in  one  of  the  largest  halls  in  Ilartfoi-d.  which  was  crowdeil  with 
eager  listenei'S.  Hon.  Charles  Chapman  made  one  of  liis  most  bril- 
liant effoi-ts  in  behalf  of  the  old  towns.  He  was  answered  by  one  of 
Windham  County's  own  orators,  Ex-Governor  Cleveland,  whose  sym- 
pathies were  strongly  enlisted  in  the  development  of  manufacturing 
enterprise  and  railroad  centralization,  and  who  carried  committee, 
assembly  and  audience  with  him  in  his  masterly  exposition  of  the  true 
sources  of  municipal  power  and  jirosjjerity,  and  his  plea  that  the  peti- 
tionei'S  should  be  allowed  their  reasonable  request  for  expansion  and 
independence.  Six  years  of  arduous  conflict  were  rewarded  by 
70 


554  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

Iriiiinpliaiil  viclory.  wiiicli  was  joyt'iiUy  celebiatcd  on  tlie  succeeding 
Fourtli  of  July.  Town  organization  was  effected  the  day  preceding  ; 
George AVarren.  moderator:  James  W.  Manning  was  chosen  town  clerk 
and  treasurer:  George  Warren,  Horace  Seamans,  L.  Ilo|)kins,  selectmen. 
Putnam's  subsequent  career  was  typitied  in  the  result  ot"  this  struggle. 
ITei"  energy  and  unconcjuerable  resolution  have  overborne  every  ojipos- 
ing  oljslacle.  Built  up  mainly  by  the  gradual  drawing  in  of  nicii  of 
moderate  means,  her  growth  has  been  steady  and  healtiiful.  With 
few  large  capitalists,  she  has  had  the  good  fortune  to  attract  many 
sterling  men  of  energy  and  public  spirit,  ever  ready  to  l)ear  their 
share  in  schemes  for  ])ublic  im])rovement.  The  junction  of  the  "New 
York  and  New  England  railroad"  with  the  ''Norwich  and  Woicester," 
has  gi'eatly  slinuilated  her  later  growth  and  development,  and  few 
inland  towns  manifest  greater  business  activity  and  more  varied  enter- 
prise. Its  admirable  nu^nut'acturing  facilities  are  very  largely  im- 
proved. The  mart  and  maiket  of  many  tliiiving  towns  its  trade  is 
lively  and  extended,  and  its  importance  as  a  manufacturing,  business 
and  railroad  centre  is  every  year  ujore  manifest.  .  It  has  had  to  con- 
tend with  unwise  radicalism  and  overwise  conservatism,  with  lai'ge  out- 
goes and  limited  incomes,  with  conHicting  land  and  road  titles,  with 
floods,  fires  and  the  ra])id  growth  of  evil  influences.  With  great  labor 
and  cost  she  has  established  an  excellent  school  system  with  a  Iligli 
Scliool  of  exceptional  character  and  standing,  and  provided  suitable 
buildings  for  school  accommodation.  Her  churches  are  strong,  active, 
aggressive,  guided  by  competent  ])astors  and  otttcers,  and  furnished  with 
convenient  and  elegant  edifices.  Methodists  organized  as  a  distinct 
society  and  erected  a  house  of  worship  in  1857.  St.  Mary's  Catholic 
Church,  a  very  elaborate  and  costly  edifice  completed  in  1870,  and  burned 
down  after  a  few  years,  has  been  already  replaced.  The  graceful  St. 
Philips  Church  accommodates  Episcopali:ms.  The  square  left  vacant 
by  the  great  tire  of  1877,  is  already  filled  up  with  finer  blocks,  hotels 
and  stores.  In  news|)aper  enterprise  Putnam  yields  the  ])alm  to  her 
rivals,  contenting  herself  for  many  years  with  a  broadside  of  the 
Ooioify  7' I'd)  I  script,  edited  by  I)i-.  Plimpton.  The  I^ntiuon  J\(t?'wt, 
established  in  1872,  by  Mr.  Everett  C.  Stone,  now  fitly  represents  the 
interests  of  the  town.  The  l^atnam  JVetos,  edited  by  sons  of  Dr. 
Pronson,  had  a  brief  existence.  Tlie  modern  town  pre-eminently  of 
Windham  County,  I'utnam  is  not  without  historic  interest  and  land- 
maik.  ^\■i^llin  its  bordeis  are  the  old  mother  church  of  Killiugly  Hill 
(now  known  as  Putnam  Heights),  the  iirst  Ivillingly  buiying-ground, 
given  to  the  town  by  Peter  Asi)inwall,  and  the  Pevolutionary  Elm  of  the 
old  '•  South  Neighborhood.  '  Many  prominent  men  have  been  asso- 
ciated with  her  past  history — Ca])tain   John   Subin,  the   first   settler  of 


DANIELSONVILLE.  555 

PotntVc't.  Deacon  Benjamin  Eaton  at  the  l^ppei-  Falls  (now  IMiodes- 
ville).  Captain  Cai'gill  at  the  Great  Falls.  She  has  giateiul  memories 
of  tl\e  honoi-ed  names  connected  witii  her  later  develo|)ment — Mr. 
Wilkinson,  the  Messrs.  Cutler,  Dr.  Plimpton,  Messrs.  Hoi-ace  Seamans, 
Lewis  Williams  and  others,  already  passed  away.  She  can  boast  what 
all  old  towns  ca.nnot.  a  town  clerk  that  has  served  a  (piarter  of  a  cen- 
tury, and  she  lias  celebrated  in  advance  that  interesting  anniversary  by 
an  unique  exhibition  of  antique  relics  and  art  that  would  do  credit  to 
the  oldest  town  in  tlie  lfe])nblic. 

D  ANI ELSON  VI LLE. 

West  Killingly  has  l)eeu  givatly  changed  by  railroad  facilities; 
Westfield  village,  Danielson's  and  Tiifany's  mill-villages  compacted 
into  a  nourishing  and  influential  Borough.  Danielsonville  Depot  was 
the  nucleus  which  gathered  around  it  new  business  elements,  and  after 
the  usual  fermentative  and  formative  period,  united  the  various  vil- 
lages and  interests  in  a  common  centre.  Ely  and  Co.,  G.  C.  Segur, 
L.  Tiiompson,  I.  T.  Hutchins,  were  first  to  meet  the  urgent  demands 
of  trade.  A  Windham  County  Cash  Store,  opened  in  East  Brooklyn 
by  J.  S.  Curtis  of  Hampton,  oflered  gi'eat  inducements  to  in-coming 
custotners.  Business  and  manufacturing  enterprises  initiated  in  Brook- 
lyn crossed  over  to  the  Railroad  station.  Edwin  B.  Carter  after  sev- 
eral unsuccessful  newspa})er  ventures  in  the  shire-town  transferred  his 
press  to  Danielsonville  in  1844,  and  tried  his  luck  in  The  New-England 
Arena — a  spicy  little  sheet,  which  did  good  service  in  advertising  the 
new  business  centre.  Abiel  Converse  of  Thompson  opened  a  lawyer's 
office  and  succeeded  in  time  to  the  office  of  State  attorney.  Samuel 
Hutchins  and  D.  E.  Hall  essayed  medical  practice.  The  Killingly 
Institute,  conducted  by  Joseph  S.  Winsor  of  Chepachet  in  1840,  de- 
veloped into  a  superior  High  School,  which  flourished  for  a  number  of 
years  under  competent  and  successful  teachers,  sending  out  young  men 
to  college  and  ministerial  service,  and  giving  many  young  women 
accessible  educational  privileges.  A  suitable  academy  building  was 
erected  by  private  liberality.  A  Methodist  class  of  thirteen  members 
was  formed  in  1840,  and  a  church  two  years  afterward.  Its  first  pas- 
tor was  Elder  George  May.  A  house  of  worship  was  com])leted  in 
Sei)tember  at  a  cost  of  three  thousand  dollars,  including  the  l)uilding 
lot.  The  great  revival  of  this  year  helped  build  up  the  Methodist 
sti-ength  and  added  nearly  an  hundi'ed  and  fifty  members  to  the  Con- 
gregational church. 

Tlie  cotton  manufactuiing  interests  of  the  village  were  greatly  pro- 
moted by  the  new  impetus.     Danielson's   mills,  which   had  run   back- 


55G  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

ward,  were  sold  out  in  1845  to  a  now  company,  Messrs.  Foster.  Slier- 
man  and  Remington  of  New  York  and  Providence,  who  l)iiilt  a  large 
and  commodious  brick  mill,  and  manufactured  print  cloths.  Tiffany's 
Mills  and  accommodations  passed  into  the  hands  of  Providence  pro- 
jjrietors,  who  inaugurated  extensive  imprdvements,  building  new  dam, 
factories,  dwelling-houses,  with  most  thorough  and  substantial  work- 
manship, and  running  a  greater  number  of  spindles  than  the  dozen  fac- 
tories of  the  previous  generation.  An  iron  foundry,  machine-shop, 
plough  and  shovel  manufactory,  brass  foundry,  tin  factory,  establish- 
ments for  making  saddles,  harnesses,  carriages,  furniture,  congregated 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  station.  The  incoi'poration  of  Danielsonville 
Borough  in  1850,  stimulated  local  growth  and  entei'prise.  New  busi- 
ness blocks,  Minitexit  and  Attawaugan  Houses,  were  built  up  and 
opened.  An  elegant  church  edifice  was  erected  by  the  Congrega- 
tional society,  south  of  the  former  site  in  Westtield,  in  1856.  The 
pastorate  of  Mr.  Whitmore  was  succeeded  by  that  of  Rev.  T.  ().  Rice, 
who  was  followed  successively  by  Rev.  Messrs.  T.  T.  Waterman  and 
Janaes  Davenport,  now  deceased,  and  later  incumbents.  The  Metho- 
dist house  was  repaired  and  enlarged  in  1868  at  a  cost  of  seven  thous- 
and dollars.  Episcoi)alians  and  Adventists  have  erected  houses  of 
worship.  Last  in  the  field,  the  Baptists  organized  in  church  estate  in 
1875  and  erected  a  suitable  church  edifice.  Danielsoiiville's  local  ])osi- 
tion  and  consequent  aspirations  have  given  it  pi-omincnce  and  impor- 
tance. The  key  to  Court-house  and  County  administration,  it  has 
seemed  not  unlikely  that  these  privileges  might  in  time  be  ti-ansferred 
to  it.  Lawyers  and  newspajieis  have  sought  it  as  the  virtual  or 
prospective  centre  of  tlie  County.  The  short-lived  Arend  was  suc- 
ceeded in  1848  by  Tlie  Windham  County  Telegraph,  which  struggled 
for  life  under  various  editors.  The  True  I)eniocrat,  and  the  Wind- 
ham Comity  Gazette  failed  to  survive  the  perils  of  infancy.  Li 
1859  the  Telegraphy  with  some  four  hundred  subscribers,  was  pur- 
cliased  by  J.  Q.  A.  Stone.  Changing  its  name  to  The  Windham 
County  Transcript,  Mr.  Stone  entered  upon  his  editorial  work  with 
much  energy  and  perseverance,  aiming  to  establish  a  true  county 
l)aper,  "devoted  to  the  best  interests  of  Windham  County."  The 
character  and  standing  of  this  paper  upon  attaining  its  majority  is 
sufficient  proof  of  his  success.  Faithfully  advocating  all  measures  and 
influences  that  would  tend  to  i)ublic  elevation  and  benetit.  The  Tran- 
so'lpt  has  l)een  for  many  yeais  a  2)oi''er  throughout  the  County,  and 
has  not  only  helped  cany  forward  and  accomplish  many  good  works, 
but  lias  stimulated  county  feeling  and  strengthened  the  bond  of  union 
between  the  several  towns.  To  its  j)ersistent  efibi-ts  Danielsonville  is 
greatly  indebted  for  the  achievement  of   her  graded  school  system,  and 


WILLIMANTIC.  557 

tlie  elegant  and  commodious  High  Scliool  building  of  which  she  is 
justly  proud.  The  dedication  of  this  fine  building,  December  6, 
1871,  was  observed  with  approjjriate  rejoicings. 

A  somewhat  faint-hearted  Herald  after  a  few  years'  effort  was  suc- 
ceeded by  a  very  wide-awake  Senthiel,  which  maintains  an  advanced 
position  on  the  Democratic,  vanguard.  Westfield's  honored  lawyers 
had  retired  from  active  life  before  the  consolidation  of  the  villages. 
Hon.  Ebenezer  Young,  after  filling  many  useful  and  prominent  posi- 
tions, died  in  I80I.  Feeble  health  prevented  Judge  Backus  from 
assuming  many  public  duties  which  were  urged  upon  him,  but  he 
served  several  years  :is  judge  of  the  County  Court,  and  also  as  State 
Senator,  and  was  one  year  lieutenant-governor.  After  some  years  of 
sickness  and  infirmity  he  died  in  1858,  greatly  respected  and  beloved. 
Abiel  Converse,  Esq.,  removed  to  New  London.  Elisha  Carj)enter, 
Esq.,  of  Eastfoi-d,  after  sotn'e  years  of  successful  practice  in  Danielson- 
ville,  was  called  to  judicate  in  the  Superior  Court  of  Connecticut,  the 
only  Windham  County  lawyer  thus  honored,  save  its  distinguished 
jurist,  Chief-Justice  Swift.  His  successor,  Edward  C.  Cundall,  serves 
as  clerk  of  the  County  Court.  Earl  C.  Martin,  Thomas  E.  Graves, 
Esquires,  are  among  the  later  lawyers  of  the  enterj)rising  borough. 
The  former  has  also  been  made  a  judge  of  the  Superior  Court.  A 
large  number  of  physicians  have  ministered  to  the  public  health. 
Among  Danielsonville's  latest  achievements  is  a  public  hall,  which 
claims  to  be  the  finest  in  the  County,  and  which  furnishes  many 
enjoyable  musical  and  intellectual  entertainments  to  large  and  appreci- 
ative audiences.  The  general  tone  and  character  of  the  village  has 
been  greatly  raised  within  the  past  decade,  and  to  business  activity  and 
facilities  are  added  the  advantages  of  refined  and  agreeable  society. 

WILLIMANTIC. 

Three  railroads  have  helped  bring  this  important  village  to  its  pres- 
ent status.  Asa  Jillson  and  other  public  citizens  labored  eai'nestly  to 
awaken  |)ublic  sentiment  to  the  importance  of  these  enterprises,  and 
aided  in  carrying  them  into  execution.  1  he  Wifl/'manfic  Journal, 
established  by  John  Evans  in  1848,  quickened  local  interest  and  agita- 
tion. The  Hartfoid  and  Providence  and  'SeW  London  and  Norlhei-n 
Railroads  opened  at  nearly  the  same  date,  in  1854.  inaugurated  a  new 
era.  "Cotton-teaming''  was  killed  at  a  blow,  the  turnpike  gates  were 
thrown  open,  and  laden  trains  from  the  four  quarters  of  the  globe 
brought  goods,  trade,  money  and  prosperity  to  the  Willimantic  Valley. 
The  old  "  Air-Line  "  from  Boston  to  New  Haven,  passing  through  the 
heart  of  the  village,  early  discussed  and  surveyed,  after  many  delays 


558  HISTORY  OF  windham  county. 

and  misadventures,  was  finally  canied  tlivouirh.  and  as  the  "Xew  York 
and  New  Eniiland  "  thoroughfjire  has  greatly  contributed  to  the  later 
growth  of  Williniantic,  and  the  development  of  business  and  manufac- 
turing interests.  Centralization  has  wrought  great  changes.  The 
varied  mills  and  industiies  that  once  clustered  around  the  Falls  and 
the  Oven  Dam,  the  pai)er,  grist  and  saw-mills,  the  site  of  "■Sodom." 
Wellesville,  Jillson's  cotton  and  duck-mills,  the  old  "stone  school- 
house,"  "  the  Light-house."  and  other  historic  landmarks,  ai'e  now  swal 
lowed  u[)  and  absorbed  by  that  great  ''  Williniantic  Linen  Com[)any." 
whose  line  has  gone  out  through  all  the  earth,  and  whose  thread  is 
known  throughout  the  world.  The  Windham  and  Smithville  cotton 
manufacturing  companies  still  occupy  their  former  sites  with  greatly 
extended  facilities.  In  addition  to  the  ordinary  industries  called  out 
by  the  daily  wants  of  a  large  population,  the  manufacture  of  twisted 
silks,  established  by  J.  H.  and  G.  Holland,  and  of  silk  machinery  by 
W.  G.  and  A.  K.  Morrison,  employ  nearly  three  hundred  workmen. 

The  general  growth  of  Williniantic  has  kept  pace  with  its  business 
development,  though  its  chaotic  elements  were  somewhat  slow  in  tak- 
ing permanent  form.  Its  moral  and  educational  interests  were  much 
promoted  through  the  agency  of  2Vie  Willh)ia7itic  Journal,  which 
under  the  charge  of  Mr.  William  L.  Weaver,  assumed  a  high  moral 
and  literary  character.  A  native  of  Windham,  and  an  early  resident 
of  Williniantic,  he  was  deeply  interested  in  its  past  and  future  devel- 
opment. A  valuable  series  of  papers  published  in  The  Journal  pre- 
serve priceless  data  concerning  the  early  settlers  of  old  Windham  and 
its  vicinity,  while  his  earnest  eftorts  in  behalf  of  temperance,  education 
and  all  elevating  influences,  and  his  broad  and  enlightened  patriotism, 
left  their  mark  upon  the  present  generation.  His  death.  I)ecenil)er  8, 
18G6,  was  a  great  loss  to  Williniantic  and  Windham  County,  but  the 
labor  performed  by  him  amid  great  bodily  infirmity  and  obstacles,  will 
give  him  lasting  remembrance.  Mr.  Weaver  had  collected  materials 
and  made  considerable  progress  in  compiling  a  Genealogical  History 
of  Ancient  Windham,  comprising  all  the  families  embraced  within  its 
original  limits.  Thi'ough  his  efforts  the  dilapidated  town  records  were 
collated,  repaired  and  copied.  He  served  the  town  for  many  years  as 
registrar  and  school  visitor,  and  in  18")fi  was  sent  as  its  representative. 
The  Williniantic  Journal  under  successive  editorial  administrations 
has  continued  to  represent  the  interests  of  the  village  ;  other  newspa- 
per enterprises  have  been  called  out  by  increased  demands. 

fjusine.ss  facilities  and  expansion  gradually  drew  in  a  more  substan- 
tial class  of  citizens,  who  helped  to  raise  the  character  of  the  village 
and  carry  I'orward  needful  public  iniproviMiienls.  liy  peisislent  labor 
and    etlbrt.    schools  and    roads    were    graded,   suitable    school-houses, 


WILLIMANTIC.  559 

clnirc'li  ediiices  and  town  buildings  constructed,  a  tasteful  cemetery 
laid  out,  boggy  swamps  reclaimed  into  fruitful  fields  ;  desert  and  waste 
l)laces  made  to  blossom  with  roses  and  cheerful  homes.  And  when  to 
these  residents  was  added  the  vast  throng  of  foreign  operatives,  the 
BoiiOU(;ii  was  soon  able  to  outvote  the  town,  and  the  various  public 
oHices  were  gradually  transferred  from  Windham  Green  to  Willi- 
mantle,  till  even  the  solid  old  "  Windham  Bank  "  was  forced  to  yield 
to  the  pressure,  and  take  its  securities  and  trusts  to  the  all-absorbing 
business  centre.  Within  the  last  decade  its  progress  has  been  increas- 
ingly rapid.  The  enlarged  operations  of  the  Willjmantic  Thread 
Company,  and  their  enlightened  public  spirit  in  beautifying  their 
grounds,  and  providing  for  the  intellectual  improvement  of  their  em- 
l)loyes,  has  been  a  great  benefit  to  the  village.  A  hall  devoted  to 
]»ublic  pui'poses  occupies  the  upper  part  of  the  unique  Conijiany  stoi-e- 
building.  where  lectures  and  gratuitous  instruction  in  singing  have 
Ijeen  provided,  and  a  library  open  to  the  use  of  all  has  found  al)undant 
patronage.  Increasing  pride  and  interest  in  the  village  is  manifested 
by  improvements  in  stores  and  public  buildings.  Plate  glass  windows 
and  marble  fronts  are  coming  into  fashion,  and  the  "()[)era  House" 
of  Willimantic  threatens  to  quite  overshadow  and  sur])ass  Danielson- 
ville's  Music  Hall.  Next  to  its  Thi'ead  Company,  W^illimantic's  most 
famous  institution  is  probably  its  annual  camp-meeting,  which  attracts 
many  thousand  visitors  from  all  parts  of  the  land.  Fiom  small  be- 
ginnings this  has  become  a  noted  resort.  The  first  land  for  a  camp- 
ground was  ])urchased  in  18G0  by  leading  Methodists,  and  conveyed 
the  tbllowing  year  to  the  trustees  of  the  Willimantic  Camp  Meeting- 
Association.  Other  purchases  were  made,  till  now  the  ground  com- 
prises about  thirty  acres  on  a  sioi)ing  hill-side,  coveied  with  natural 
growth  and  commanding  an  extensive  view,  with  an  audience  circle 
capable  of  seating  five  thousand  people,  streets  regularly  laid  out, 
tents,  cottages,  boarding-house,  and  every  convenience  for  accommo- 
dating the  great  multitude,  who  enjcjy  its  aesthetic  and  spiritual  privi- 
leges. The  various  religious  societies  in  Willimantic  have  gro\vn  with 
the  village  and  are  well  sustained  and  influential.  JSabbath-schools 
have  received  much  attention,  and  an  annual  gathering  of  the  children 
on  the  evening  of  Fast-day  from  the  Baptist,  Cougiegational  and 
Methodist  schools,  excites  much  interest.  The  Uuiversalist  society  has 
been  superseded  by  a  Spiritualist  organization,  the  largest  and  most 
prosperous  in  ^Vindham  County.  Kegular  services  are  maintained  in 
Excelsior  Hall,  erected  by  the  society  in  1868.  A  Children's  Pro- 
gressive Lyceum  organized  about  the  same  date  is  in  a  very  flourishing- 
condition.  Many  of  the  beig;  speakers  in  the  State  have  lectured 
upon  its    platfoi'm.      A    Catholic   mission    ministered    to  the   foreign 


560  HISTORY    OF    WIXDHAM    COUXTY. 

residents  at  an  early  date.  The  former  Baptist  church,  re-christened 
as  St.  Josephs,  became  too  small  for  the  increasing  number  of 
worshippers,  and  a  very  elegant  edifice  was  completed  in  1874, 
the  High  Altar  built  in  Munich,  Bavaria.  Father  De  Bruycker. 
its  pastor  for  sixteen  years,  is  now  the  patriarch  among  Williman- 
tic  clergy,  and  cares  for  his  large  flock  with  most  unremitting  watch- 
fulness and  fidelity.  Willimautics  numerous  churches  hav^  been 
favored  with  a  competent  succession  of  faithful  ministers,  who  have 
aided  in  all  good  enterprises.  It  has  also  had  its  full  share  of  profes- 
sional aspirants.  The  lamented  Catlin  had  his  residence  for  a  time 
in  this  village.  Dr.  William  Witter  died  after  some  years  of  pro- 
fessional ser\-ice.  Numerous  lawyers  and  physicians  have  essayed  the 
field  with  varying  ability  and  success. 

Windham  Green  yielded  slowly  to  the  demands  of  her  aspiring  off- 
shoot, but  was  forced  to  submit  to  the  will  of  the  stronger.  Gradually 
her  stores,  public  offices  and  business  interests  lapsed  to  the  Borough. 
Her  Fire-company  dissolved,  and  its  engine  was  stored  away,  lier 
taverns  were  reduced  to  the  minimum,  and  Bacchus  himself  tumbled 
off  his  post  and  was  ignominiously  pitched  into  a  wood-shed.*  The 
Windham  Bank  meantime  retained  its  place  and  integrity.  In  1840, 
Mr.  Samuel  Bicgham  was  chosen  cashier.  Ten  years  later  Henry  S. 
Wolcott  was  elected  president  in  place  of  John  Baldwin,  deceased  ; 
Thomas" Ramsdell  succeeded  to  the  otfice  in  1872.  upon  the  decease  of 
Mr.  Wolcott.  The  venerable  Deacon  Pe'kins  died  in  ISoO.  George  S. 
Catlin.  after  a  brilliant  career.  die<l  young.  The  last  of  the  old  Wind- 
ham lawyers.  Judge  Calvin  Hebard.  died  at  an  advanced  age.  The 
Congregational  Society  completed  its  fourth  house  of  worship  in  1849. 
The  church  celebrated  its  one  hundred  and  fiftieth  anniversary  Decem- 
ber 10.  1850.  when  the  several  churches  that  had  gone  out  from  it  took 
pai't  in  the  interesting  services.  Rev.  George  I.  Stearns  of  Killingly. 
wlio  succeeded  Mr.  Tyler  in  the  pastorale,  died  in  1862.  A  Baptist 
church  was  organized  in  1846.  The  Windham  Bank  was  removed  to 
Willimautic  in  1870.  retaining  its  respected  ofticers.  Though  shorn  of 
its  ancient  honors  and  business  prosperity.  Windham  Green  is  a  well- 
preserved  and  attractive  village,  a  pleasant  home  for  public-spirited 
citizens,  and  a  favorite  summer  resort  for  many  of  its  wandering  child- 
ren, who  enjoy  its  pure  air  and  historic  associations.  The  late  Hon. 
A.  A.  Burnham.  so  prominent  in  }»ublic  life  for  many  years,  speaker  of 
the  House  of  Representatives,  lieutenant-governor,  congressional  repre- 

*  This  time-honored  Revolutionary  relic  was  not  left  long  in  such  igno- 
rainious  quarters,  but  after  narrowly  escaping  demolition  for  kindliug-wood. 
it  was  rescued  by  appreciative  friends,  aaidliu^lly  transferred  to  the  city  of 
Hartford,  where  it  occupies  a  conspicuous  position  in  a  window  on  Main 
street,  exciting  much  admiration  and  remark. 


SOUTH    WINDHAM.       NORTH    WINDHAM.  5G1 

sentative,  had  his  residence  at  Wiudhain  Green.  Lieutenant  CohDuel 
Rufus  L.  Baker,  U.  S.  A.,  after  many  years  of  professional  service, 
returned  to  a  beautiful  home  in  Windham. 

/South  Windham  retains  its  manufacturing  enterprise.  Large  reser- 
voii's  recently  constructed  increase  the  working  power  of  Smith  and 
Winchester's  establishment,  which  not  only  supplies  an  increasing 
liome  market  with  paper-making  machinery,  but  fills  orders  for  Cuba, 
Mexico.  England  and  other  foueign  countries.  The  manufacture  of 
wood  type,  introduced  by  Mr.  Edwin  Allen,  was  transferred  to  John 
G.  Cooley,  and  afterwards  to  William  H.  Page,  who  acquired  the  art 
at  South  Windham  and  pursued  it  there  for  a  time  in  partnership  with 
James  Bassett.  Becoming  satisfied  that  the  use  of  wood  type  could 
be  greatly  extended,  Mr.  Page  removed  to  Greeneville,  found  a  wealthy 
partner,  and  has  built  up  an  extensive  and  flourishing  business,  supply- 
ing the  trade  throughout  the  country.  The  ingenious  and  costly  ma- 
chinery perfected  by  Mr.  Page  preserve  the  principle  of  the  original 
machine  thouoht  out  in  three  days  by  Mr.  Allen,  who  like  many  otiier 
inventors  has  failed  to  reap  the  golden  harvest.  Educational  Tables, 
combining  amusement  with  instruction,  machinery  used  in  making 
government  envelopes,  are  among  his  many  achievements.  The 
''  type-mill "  in  South  Windham,  purchased  by  Guilford  Smith,  and 
used  for  a  time  as  a  felt  manufactory,  now  manufactures  wood  type  in 
tlie  service  of  '•  The  American  Wood  Type  Company."  "The  Adams 
Nickel  Plating  and  Manufacturing  Company"  has  a  prosperous  estab- 
lishment in  this  busy  village,  and  many  thousand  tons  of  fertilizing 
gypsum  imported  by  the  ship-load  from  Nova  Scotia  have  been  ground 
out  in  Elisha  Holmes's  grist-mill  and  distributed  over  an  extensive 
region. 

The  pleasant  village  of  jSforth  Windham  with  its  convenient  rail- 
road accommodations  is  thriving  and  prosperous.  The  cotton  factory 
built  by  Mr.  Swift,  after  twice  burning  and  re-bu"ilding,  is  now 
employed  in  thread  manufacture.  The  felting  works  have  been  for 
some  time  discontinued.  Mr.  Ralph  Lincoln  maintained  the  ancient 
reputation  of  the  family  name  by  administering  the  post-ofiice  depart- 
ment till  past  his  eightieth  year.  A  Christ-ian  church  has  long  existed 
iu  this  locality,  dating  back  to  the  days  of  Joshua  Abbe.  The  various 
industries  of  the  several  villages,  and  the  great  manufacturing  interests 
of  Willimantic,  make  Windham  now  the  richest  towni  in  the  County, 
and  notwithstanding  the  loss  of  Scotland  Parish,  she  is  second  if  not 
first  in  population.  Her  central  position  on  the  great  thoroughfares 
of  travel,  and  distinguished  manufacturing  advantages,  would  seem 
to  augur  continued  growth  and  prosperity,  and  despite  her  loss  of 
71 


562  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

ten-itory  aiul   dignity  we   may   well   belieye  tliat  the  modern  business 
town  will  yet  tar  exceed  the  j^lories  of  the  ancient  sliiie-town. 

SCOTLAND. 

This  ancient  j^ai'isli  after  lepeated  struggles  achieyed  its  independ- 
ence in  1857.  Its  first  town  meeting  was  held  on  the  morning  of 
July  4th,  in  the  yestry  of  the  Coiigregational  house  of  woisliip. 
Jephtha  Green,  moderator.  Benjamin  Hovey  was  chosen  clerk  and 
treasurer;  John  P.  Gager,  Zephaniah  Palmer.  John  P.  Webb,  select- 
men ;  Henry  Webb,  constable.  A  pleasant  social  gathering  was  held 
in  the  afternoon,  when  patiiotic  and  congratulatory  addresses  were 
made  by  Goyernor  Cleyeland,  Kev.  Mr.  Tallman,  and  natiye  citizens. 
Change  of  status  made  little  practical  diflerence  in  local  administra- 
tion. A  slight  change  in  the  former  west  bound  brought  the  Main 
Brick  works  and  the  old  Kobinson  house  with  its  monthly  religious 
services  within  the  town.  Rev.  Thomas  Tallman  resigned  the  pastorate 
of  the  Congregational  church  in  1861.  A  meeting-house  had  been 
built  in  the  village  in  1843,  by  the  Universalist  society,  IT.  Slade, 
pastor.  Dr.  C.  H.  Bromley  practiced  medicine  for  many  years.  No 
special  events  have  occurred  since  town  organization.  Youngest  and 
smallest  of  Windham  County  towns,  with  no  special  business  facilities, 
Scotland  can  hardly  be  e.xpected  to  take  a  conspicuous  position.  The 
sons  of  David  L.  Fuller,  Esq.,  engaged  about  ISoO,  in  a  clothing 
manufacture,  sending  out  garments  to  be  made  throughout  all  the 
adjacent  towns,  and  conducting  a  branch  establishment  in  Thoni))son, 
but  they  followed  the  westward  movement,  and  devoted  their  energies 
to  building  up  St.  Paul  and  Minnesota,  while  other  young  men  have 
won  success  in  varied  fields.  Restricted  in  present  compass  and 
population,  Scotland  abounds  in  historic  memorial.  She  can  show  us 
the  biithplace  of  Hon.  Samuel  Huntington  ;  the  early  homes  of  Daniel 
Waldo,*  the  famous  centenarian  chajilain  of  Congress,  and  the  more 
distinguished  artist,  Samuel  Waldof  ;  the  old  Devotion  homestead  with 
its  Kevolutionary  associations,  and  tlie  homes  of  othei'  ancient  families 
which  sent  out  names  now  known  thi'oughout  the  land.     Inspired  by 


*  Born  in  Scotland  Sept.  10,  1702;  drafted  into  the  Continental  armj'  in  1778; 
pastor  of  West  Snilield,  Canibridgeport,  and  several  other  churches;  served  as 
chaplain  of  the  House  of  Kepresentatives  in  1856-5S;  died  iu  Syracuse,  July 
30,  18G4,  aged  101  years,  10  months  and  twenty  days. 

t  Born  in  Scotland  in  1783.  Incited  to  art  by  the  example  and  instructions 
of  Kev.  Joseph  Steward.  Success  in  Litchtield  enabled  him  lo  visit  England 
where  he  studied  portrait  painting  in  the  studio  of  Benjamin  West.  Eeturued 
iu  1809,  and  for  53  years  pursued  his  art  successfully  in  New  York  and  Hart- 
ford ;  was  one  of  the  best  art  critics  as  well  as  artists  of  his  day ;  very  highly 
esteemed  by  a  large  circle  of  friends. 


CHAl'LIN.      HAMPTON.  5G3 

sucli  illustrious  examples  the  inherent  f^eiiius  of  the  little  town  can 
hardly  tail  to  assert  itself  in  present  and  future  generations,  and  we 
may  be  sure  that  she  will  maintain  her  previous  reputation,  and 
})erhaps  send  out  names  yet  more  noted  and  honoi-ed. 

Chaplin  is  a  brisk  little  town,  with  one  river,  one  village,  one 
cluirch  and  one  town  minister,  who  in  date  o|  service  has  become  the 
patriarch  of  the  Congregational  clergy  in  Windham  County.  Its 
chief  apparent  characteristic  is  a  certain  homogeneousness  and  socia- 
bility as  if  all  its  residents  constituted  a  single  tVunily.  Its  seniors 
live  on  to  almost  immemorial  age ;  its  deacons  serve  some  fifty  or 
sixty  years  with  a])parently  unabated  vitality.  The  manufacturing 
facilities  offered  by  the  Nachauge  in  its  diagoiial  course  through  the 
town  are  somewhat  sparingly  improved.  A  paper-mill  has  been  kept 
at  work  many  years  ;  spindles  and  plow-handles  are  manufactured.  Silk 
culture  receives  some  attention.  Agriculture  is  the  leading  interest 
of  the  town.  Requiring  the  services  of  but  one  physician  they  take 
care  that  he  shall  be  a  good  one.  Doctoi-s  Orin  Witter,  father  and  son, 
have  occupied  the  field  for  many  years,  llev.  Francis  Williams,  the 
"one  minister"  was  installed  in  1858.  He  has  been  distinguished 
for  especial  interest  in  temperance  work,  and  the  fruit  of  liis  labor  in 
that  and  other  directions  is  seen  in  the  good  order  and  sobriety  of  the 
town,  and  its  general  intelligence  and  pi'osperity. 

IFwiijUon  was  left  for  many  years  remote  from  railroad  station  and 
business  centre,  and  gradually  declined  in  business  and  population,  but 
was  brought  back  into  the  world  through  the  agency  of  a  railroad 
thoroughfare  for  which  she  is  largely  indebted  to  the  untiring  energies 
of  a  distinguished  citizen.  Governor  Cleveland  was  greatly  interested 
in  this  as  in  other  railroad  enteiprises  and  labored  most  effectually  to 
sectn-e  its  laying  out  through  that  section  of  country  which  most 
needed  its  benefit.  After  two  years  service  in  the  State  Legislature, 
devoted  more  especially  to  the  encouragement  of  railroad  enterprise, 
he  was  sent  as  Congressional  representative  in  1849,  where  he  gave 
his  vote  and  influence  against  the  extension  of  slavery.  Disaffecting 
the  leaders  of  his  own  i>arty  by  this  coui-se  he  received  the  warm 
support  of  the  Free  Soil  party,  was  re-elected  by  a  trebled  majority 
and  fought  slavery  extension  two  years  longer.  P'aithful  to  his  own 
radical  convictions  of  right  and  justice,  Governor  Cleveland  felt  con- 
strained to  continue  his  opposition  to  slavery,  joined  in  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  Republican  party,  and  was  nominated  at  the  head  of  the 
Presidential  electors  who  gave  Mr.  Lincoln  the  vote  of  the  State.  He 
was  appointed  by  Governor  Buckingham  one  of  the  delegates  to  the 
Washington  Peace  Convention,  March,  1861,  and  did  all  in  his  power 
to  avert  the  threatened  collision,  and  with  equal  earnestness  su[)ported 


564  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

the  administration  throughout  the  War.  Whenever  practicable  Gover- 
nor Cleveland  has  resumed  his  professional  duties  as  an  advocate, 
winning  continued  success.  His  peculiar  art  was  best  exhibited  in  a 
case  of  legal  complications  where  equity  and  natural  justice  were  on 
the  side  of  his  client,  and  rarely  failed  to  convince  the  jury.  Governor 
Cleveland's  happy  and  lionored  life  "among  his  ow)i  people"  in 
Hampton  was  shadowed  by  heavy  bereavements — the  death  of  his 
most  j^romising  son,  John  J.  Cleveland,  in  early  manhood,  followed 
in  less  than  two  years  by  the  decease  of  his  only  surviving  child, 
Delia  Diantha,  the  beloved  wife  of  Hon.  Alfred  A.  Burnham.  Hon. 
Mason  Cleveland  died  in  1855.  greatly  respected  by  all,  leaving  sons 
who  now  represent  the  name  and  family.  Hampton  has  also  mourned 
the  loss  of  a  most  excellent  minister,  Uev.  George  Soule,  who  served 
as  pastor  of  the  Congregational  church  for  several  years,  whose 
vacant  place  it  was  not  easy  to  fill.  Worship  is  still  maintained  in  the 
Christ-ian  churches.  A  new  chui-ch  edifice,  conspicuous  on  Hampton 
Hill,  illustrates  the  change  now  going  on  in  many  parts  of  rural  New 
England.  A  lai'ge  Catholic  church  in  the  heart  of  a  small  farming 
population  is  indeed  a  strange  and  suggestive  sight.  Thiifty  Willi- 
mantic  operatives,  hoarding  their  wages  in  convenient  savings  banks, 
invest  finally  in  a  permanent  homestead,  and  take  with  them  their 
families  and  religion,  and  the  homes  and  churches  of  Puritan  ancestors 
are  thus  gradually  replaced  by  those  of  alien  blood  and  worshij). 
Industrious  and  orderly  in  the  main,  it  yet  remains  to  be  seen  wliether 
they  will  sufhcieutly  assimilate  to  take  their  place  as  good  citizens. 
This  Catholic  cliuich  built  in  1878,  is  attended  by  a  considerable  con- 
gregation gathered  from  Hampton  and  a<1jacent  towns.  Vicinity  to 
the  railroad  has  proved  a  great  convenience  to  this  town,  and  brings 
each  year  a  larger  number  to  enjoy  the  fine  air  and  outlook  of 
Hampton  Hill,  and  the  cordial  hospitality  of  its  many  agreeable 
residents. 

ASHFORD. 

No  town  has  suffered  so  sevei'ely  from  modern  changes  as  Ashford. 
From  being  one  of  the  great  public  thoroughfares  between  New  York 
and  Boston,  it  is  left  as  it  pathetically  asserts  "  fourteen  miles  from 
anywhere."  Eastford  Parish  has  gone  from  it ;  various  industries 
,  flourishing  for  a  time  in  Westford  Parish  have  been  abandoned,  emi- 
gration has  continued  to  rob  it  of  its  vital  forces,  business  and  popu- 
lation have  diminished,  till  the  churches  that  once  so  proudly  sent 
forth  missionaries,  are  themselves  subjects  for  mission  help  and 
threatened  with  dissolution.     One  ancient  church   indeed,   the   senior 


ASHFORD.  565 

Baptist  church  of  Windham  County,  lias  faii'ly  given  up  the  gliost 
and  suftered  legal  administration.  It  is  seldom  that  a  defunct  church 
leaves  so  handsome  an  estate.  When  from  increasing  emigration  and 
the  building  up  of  other  Baptist  cliurches  it  was  found  that  the 
Knowlton  Church  could  no  longer  maintain  worship,  the  ministerial 
farm  was  sold  and  the  avails  deposited  in  Shetucket  Banl-:,  Norwich. 
Rolling  up  in  some  twenty  years  to  about  two  thousand  dollars,  it  was 
drawn  out  under  legal  rescript  and  distributed  among  the  heirs  of  the 
original  donors,  according  to  the  terms  of  the  gitt.  This  somewhat 
difficult  service  was  successfully  accomplished  by  Mr.  Edward  Knowl- 
ton, who  succeeded  in  unearthing  some  two  hundred  legatees  from  all 
parts  of  the  land,  who  claimed  rights  ranging  from  live  shillings  to  a 
hundred  dollars.  The  old  Knowlton  meeting-house  after  long  disuse 
and  decay  paid  the  debt  of  nature.  A  new  Baptist  church  gathered 
in  the  village  of  Warren ville  in  1846,  bears  a  good  name  and  record. 
The  Westford  Baptist  church  has  been  succeeded  by  a  Free-Will 
Baptist  organization.  The  Congregational  church  of  Westford*  enjoyed 
a  season  of  renewed  prosperity  in  1846,  achieving  a  new  church 
edifice  and  bell,  and  installing  Kev.  C.  S.  Adams  as  pastor,  who  com- 
bined the  charge  of  a  flourishing  High  School  with  his  pastoral  duties. 
After  some  unpleasantness,  Mr.  Adams  was  dismissed  in  1858,  and  the 
succeeding  pastorates  have  been  of  shoil  duration.  The  First  church 
of  Ashford  has  steadily  declined  in  numbers  and  resources,  and  though 
still  sending  out  valued  ministers  to  other  churches,  is  pressed  to  main- 
tain its  own  worship.  Among  its  later  ministry,  Rev.  Thomas  S. 
Dutton  merits  special  remembrance  for  his  excellent  historic  discourse, 
delivered  January,  1864.  Its  present  pastor.  Rev.  Charles  P.  Grosve- 
nor,  is  gieatly  honored  as  [irobably  the  oldest  surviving  licentiate  of  the 
Windham  County  Association  and  a  faithful  minister  in  many  Wind- 
ham County  churches.  Warrenville,  so  named  in  honor  of  one  who 
aided  largely  in  building  the  Baptist  house  of  worship,  has  some 
manufacturing  and  business  interests.  The  making  of  coarse  glass 
bottles  and  willow  coverings,  carried  on  quite  extensively  for  a  time  in 
Westford  village  has  been  discontinued.  Mr.  John  L.  Deane,  formerly 
connected  with  this  business,  and  very  prominent  in  town  and  county 
politics,  has  recently  deceased.  Judge  Richmond.  Ashford's  last  law- 
yer. Major  Horace  Gaylord,  long  connected  with  pension  distribiuion 
and  other  public  services,  and  Lorenzo  Dow  Bolles.  the  characteristic 


*  Among  the  many  useful  men  sent  out  by  this  obscure  church,  none  have 
shown  a  more  self-den.ving  and  heroic  spirit  than  Samuel  J.  Whiton,  son  of 
Deacon  Whiton,  who  when  prevented  by  illness  after  two  laborious  attempts 
from  serving  as  a  missionary  in  South  Africa,  returned  to  labor  with  great 
fidelity  and  success  among  the  freedmen  of  the  South,  and  in  Home  Mission 
hekls  at  the  West  as  long  as  his  enfeebled  health  would  permit. 


566  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

representative  of  two  remarkable  families,  have  passed  away  within  a 
few  years.  It  is  fitting  that  Ashford  should  take  as  she  does  such 
especial  care  of  her  several  bui-ying-grounds  for  her  record  is  mostly 
with  the  jDast.  Her  living  sons  are  found  everywhere  out  of  their  own 
town.  One  of  these  pilgrims  who  achieved  success  and  fortune  has 
shown  his  interest  in  his  birthplace  by  devising  liberal  things  for  its 
benefit — leaving  it  the  sum  of  six  thousand  dollars,  whose  income  is  to 
be  expended  upon  its  musical  and  intellectual  culture.  The  "Babcock 
Brass  Baud  "  with  facilities  for  continued  improvement ;  the  "  Babcock 
Library,"  free  for  the  use  of  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  town,  have  resulted 
from  this  considerate  bequest  of  Archibald  Babcock.  Charlestown.  ]Mass. 
With  such  substantial  remembrances  from  those  who  owe  it  allegiance, 
it  may  be  hoped  that  the  home  of  Knowlton.  Dana,  the  Notts,  the 
Bolleses,  and  other  illustrious  sons,  will  still  maintain  an  honorable 
jjosition  among  Windham  County  towns. 


EASTFORD. 

This  brisk  young  town  was  organized,  June  21,  1847.  James  Lyon 
served  as  moderator.  John  B.  Adams  was  chosen  town  clerk  and 
treasurer  ;  Jairus  Chapman,  James  Trowbridge,  Willard  Lyon,  select- 
men ;  F.  Watkins,  assessor :  Earl  C.  Preston,  board  of  relief.  The 
basement  of  the  new  Metliodist  house  of  worship  was  soon  secured 
for  town  meetings.  Edward  A.  Lyon  was  tlien  in  charge  of  the 
Methodist  church.  Rev.  Francis  Williams  had  succeeded  to  the 
Congregational  pastoi-ate.  Several  mills  were  in  operation  in  Eastford 
village  and  Phenixville,  and  business  was  lively.  Captain  Skinner 
continued  his  cotton  factory  till  it  was  destroyed  by  fire.  Woolen 
stocking  yarn  was  manufactured  by  J.  M.  Keith  &  Co.  Twine  and 
cotton  batting  were  made  in  Phenixville.  Extensive  tannery  works 
were  carried  on  by  ]Mr.  J.  D.  Barrows.  Mattresses.  i)alm-leaf  hats, 
boots,  shoes,  stockings,  shoe-pegs  and  lasts,  were  among  the  various 
products  of  the  town.  Mr.  Frederic  Hovey  opened  a  law  office. 
Post-office  was  managed  by  a  well-known  military  official,  Major 
James  Dorset.  This  hopeful  beginning  has  been  well  sustained. 
Though  suffering  the  usual  business  changes  and  losses,  Eastford 
maintains  a  certain  youthful  spring  and  buoyancy  and  is  able 
to  retain  a  fair  proportion  of  her  young  people,  while  she  has 
gained  much  credit  for  those  she  has  sent  out  into  the  world. 
She  has  already  furnished  a  judge*  for  the  Superior  Court  of  Cou- 


*  IIoii.  Elisha  S.  Carpenter. 


-    / 


I--k J^ 


i^h-  Geo.E  PeriT"-- 


EASTFORD.        BROOKLYJST.  507 

necticut.  and  a  speaker*  for  the  House  of  Ivepresentatives  at  Washing 
ton — and  more  than  all  she  has  given  a  Lyon  to  sacrifice  himself  for 
his  country.  The  energy  and  determination  with  which  this  Eastford 
lad  secured  the  education  that  fitted  him  for  a  military  career,  enabled 
him  to  fill  every  position  to  which  he  was  called,  and  "  to  strike  the 
blow  which  saved  the  State  of  Missouri  to  the  Xorth,"  and  gave  fresh 
impulse  and  hope  to  eveiy  loyal  heart.  The  funeral  of  Genei'al  Lyon, 
when  ofticeis  and  civilians  from  all  parts  of  the  land  gathered  with 
thousands  of  his  own  county  to  pay  the  last  tribute  of  respect  to  the 
dead  hero,  was  one  of  the  most  remarkable  demonstrations  ever 
witnessed  in  Connecticut.  Buried  at  his  own  request  beside  his 
parents  in  the  rural  cemeteiy,  his  fame  belongs  to  the  Nation,  and  the 
cpiiet  grave  in  Eastford  will  be  held  in  grateful  remembrance  by 
coming  generations. 

BROOKLYN. 

The  ])rosperity  of  the  sliire-town  has  been  checked  by  tlie  transfer 
of  newspapers,  business  enterpiises  and  county  gatherings  to  more 
accessible  centi'es.  Its  various  philanthropic  societies  gently  declined. 
Even  the  County  Temperance  Society  suffered  decease.  The  Wind- 
ham County  Agricultural  Society,  however,  took  a  new  lease  of  life 
in  1840.  Solomon  Payne  was  chosen  president;  Septimus  Davison, 
secretary ;  John  Day,  George  S.  W^hite,  Thomas  Hough,  Henry  G. 
Taintor,  Luther  Day,  Isaac  Knight,  Charles  Osgood,  Hezekiah  Kams- 
dell,  Amos  Gallup,  Henry  Campbell,  Joel  W.  Wliite,  William  Lyon, 
3d.,  vice-presidents.  An  annual  fair  was  thenceforward  maintained, 
increasing  in  display  and  attendance  and  stimulating  a  healthy  emula- 
tion. As  agricultural  interests  have  received  more  intelligent  con- 
sideration the  society  has  enlarged  its  borders  and  accommodations,  and 
its  September  '*  Cattle  Show  and  Exhibition  "  is  the  great  gala  day 
of  the  present  generation  ;  calling  together  interested  exhibitors  and 
spectators  from  all  parts  of  the  County.  Chaplin  furnishes  the  present 
president,  J.  W.  Griggs  ;  Sterling  the  first  vice-president,  James  Pike. 
A  committee  represents  its  interests  in  each  town.  John  Gallup,  2d, 
succeeded  to  the  presidency  of  the  Windham  County  Bank.  Leading 
citizens  in  Brooklyn  and  neighboring  towns  have  served  as  directors. 
The  Windham  County  Insurance  Company  has  continued  to  prosper, 
making  no  assessments  and  sufiering  few  losses,  insuring  apparently 
from  fire  as  well  as  accruing  damage,  and  its  surplus  fund  miglit  excite 
the  envy  of  more  pretentious  institutions.     John  Palmer  has  served  for 


Hon.  Galusha  A.  Grow,  Peuusylvauia. 


5G8  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

twenty-three  years  as  secretary  and  treasurer  ;  David  Green.slit.  llanip- 
lon,  president.  In  1851,  Brooklyn  reluctantly  accepted  the  resignation 
of  lier  faithful  town  clerk,  Zachariah  Spalding,  unanimously  voting:  — 

"That  by  contiiuied  service  in  tliat  office  for  tlie  almost  unprecedented 
tcM'in  of  forty-two  years,  lie  has  in  the  almost  stereotyped  plaiiuiess  and  ac- 
curacy of  our  town  records  given  us  a  memorial  of  his  official  lidelity  and 
scrupulous  exactness,  while  his  urbanity  and  uniform  kindness  have  gained  for 
him  our  entire  respect  as  a  citizen  aud  friend." 

Bela  P.  Spalding  succeeded  in  ottice.  The  Courts  and  Bar  suffered 
few  changes  for  niany  years.  Thomas  Gray  and  Uriel  Fullei"  harmoni- 
ously interchanged  the  clerk's  office.  Daniel  P.  Tyler  engaged  ardently 
in  politics  and  was  very  popular  as  a  stump  speaker  in  the  Harrison 
campaign.  Mr.  Welch  devoted  himself  more  exclusively  to  his  pro- 
fession. Gradually  the  older  lawyers.  Young,  Baldwin.  Perkins, 
Stoddard,  McClellan,  Williams,  Larned.  Davis,  Backus,  Eaton,  Judson, 
Holbrook,  Richmond,  Welch,  grew  gray  and  passed  on,  and  younger 
men — Catlin,  Graves,  Penrose,  Converse,  Johnson,  Philips,  Martin, 
Carpenter — contested  with  the  veterans  Cleveland,  Dyer  and  Tyler. 
Changes  Avere  made  in  Court  sessions  and  customs.  In  prison  disci- 
pline reforms  were  instituted.  The  County  jail  was  made  a  work- 
house and  prisoners  employed  in  out-door  labor,  to  the  great  better- 
ment of  their  own  health  and  morals  and  also  of  the  County  Treasury, 
which  is  able  to  meet  all  current  expenses,  and  even  extraordinary 
repairs  fiom  then-  earnings,  so  that  those  who  break  the  laws  bear  the 
whole  cost  of  judicial  administration — a  stroke  of  Yankee  j)olicy  most 
worthy  of  praise  and  imitation. 

Brooklyn's  lack  of  manufactin-ing  facilities  has  developed  enterpiise 
in  other  directions.  Instead  of  coining  gold  from  cotton  she  has 
transmuted  it  into  spectacles,  pens  and  watch-cases.  Tlie  Avorkshojis 
of  Newbury,  Bard  and  Preston,  the  silk  factories  of  Richmond  and 
Marlor  absorbed  much  labor  and  capital.  She  has  also  shown  mucli 
interest  in  horticulture,  the  nurseries,  gardens  and  greenhouses  of 
Messrs.  Dyer,  Newbury  and  Tarbox  attaining  a  wide  re]»utation. 
Music  has  added  its  attraction  to  town  and  village,  the  news-office  of 
F.  S.  Luther  boasting  the  largest  assortment  of  sti'inged  instruments  in 
the  County.  Taste  and  culture  are  manifested  in  the  many  fine  resi- 
dences, the  well-kept  gardens,  the  im})rovements  in  Court-houses 
Mortlake  House  and  private  houses.  An  elegant  church  edifice  was 
built  by  the  Episcopal  society  in  1SG6.  The  hundredth  birthday  of 
this  society  was  appropriately  celebrated  in  the  "old  Malbone  Church,'" 
April  12,  1871,  when  an  interesting  historical  discourse  was  given  by 
the  grandson  of  Rev.  Daniel  Fogg.  A  special  fund  given  by  the  late 
George  Brinley  of  Hartford  provides  for  the  continued  preservation  of 


BROOKLYN.   CANTERBURY.  569 

this  memorial  edifice  and  its  hallowed  grave-yard.  Dr.  Riverins  Camp, 
rector  of  Trinity  Cliurcli  for  many  years,  died  in  1875.  Ilev.  G.  J. 
Tillotson  was  dismissed  from  the  pastorate  of  the  Congregational 
Church  in  1858.  Mis.  Celia  Burleigh,  widow  of  the  poet  and  philan- 
thropist, Wm.  H.  Burleigh,  died  in  charge  of  the  Unitarian  Church. 
Competent  pastors  have  succeeded  to  the  charge  of  Jirooklyn's 
several  churches.  Great  social  changes  have  occuri-ed  within  the  past 
few  yeai-s.  Daniel  P.  Tyler,  Adams  White,  Deacons  Newbury  and 
Kobinson,  Messrs.  Davison,  Gallu]),  and  many  others  long  prominent 
in  local  and  public  aftairs.  are  gone  :  business  enterprises  have  been 
abandoned,  and  the  pi'esent  outlook  in  Brooklyn  is  less  favorable  than 
that  of  other  days.  Po]n;lation  and  business  interests  are  gravitating 
more  and  more  to  the  I'ailroad.  and  legal  advocates  are  warmly  urging 
the  removal  of  the  County-seat  to  some  accessible  business  centre. 
Distance  they  tell  us  is  now  measured  by  minutes,  not  mile-stones,  and 
Brooklyn  is  at  least  thirty  minutes  "  behind-time."  Fortunately  for 
her,  the  prize  is  sought  by  three  competitors,  and  in  the  division  ot 
counsel  and  effort  she  may  find  safety  and  continuance.  To  the  public 
at  large  a  change  would  probably  be  distasteful.  Existing  Court  ac- 
commodations seem  to  them  sufficiently  ample  and  convenient,  and 
the  facilities  for  the  care  of  prisoners  exceptionally  excellent.  It  is  a 
question  between  the  Old  and  the  New ;  Conservatism  and  Young 
America;  and  we  may  be  sure  that  in  this  fast-moving  generation 
it  will  not  take  seventy  years  to  settle  it.  Danielsonville,  Putnam 
and  Willimantic  will  persistently  sue  for  the  golden  apple,  and  the 
prize  will  ultimately  fall  to  her  who  makes  the  highest  bid  for  it. 

C(.Cnterhnry  has  changed  greatly  since  the  days  of  Judson,  Adams, 
Frost,  Harris,  Hough,  Coit,  P^rancis,  White,  Payne,  Backus,  and  other 
distinguished  citizens.  No  special  business  interest  has  drawn  in  new 
residents  or  kept  in  her  young  folks.  The  Foundry  works  maintained 
so  long  by  Esquire  Backus.  Deacon  Allen,  and  other  public-spirited 
men,  have  been  abandoned  or  ti-ansferred  to  railroad  stations.  Its 
farming  advantages  are  not  remarkable,  and  it  has  not  yet  attained  to 
market-gardens  and  summer  boarders.  The  last  survivor  of  the  jtre- 
ceding  generation  was  Dr.  Elijah  l>aldwin,  who  continued  to  practice 
in  Canterbury  and  adjoining  towns  for  more  than  sixty  years,  dying 
March,  1867.  He  was  distinguished  for  "good  judgment  and  sound 
common  sense."  A  son  of  the  same  name  has  succeeded  him  in  prac- 
tice. Ashford's  tliiid  Dr.  Palmer  practiced  for  a  time  in  Canter- 
bury village.  Among  later  noted  residents  are  Dr.  Walter  Clarke 
of  Farinington,  who  filled  the  Congregational  pastorate  for  three  years 
to  great  acceptance,  and  his  successor.  Rev.  Robert  C.  Learned  of  New 
London,  who  in   addition  to  faithful  pastoral  labor  compiled  a  valuable 


570  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

chuieli  ninnnal.  and  a  very  complete  record  of  the  cliuiclios  and  Tiiinis- 
ters  of  Windham  County.  Westminster  Society,  despite  many  losses, 
maintains  its  early  etticiency,  receives  new  members  to  its  church  and 
beautifies  its  church  edifice  and  bmial  ground.  INIethodist  worsliip  is 
maintained  in  the  centre  of  the  town.  The  great  change  wrought  in 
Cantei'bury  was  painfully  manifest  at  the  late  semi-centennial  com 
memoration  of  the  organization  of  its  foiiner  nourishing  Temperance 
Society,  when  one*  of  the  six  survivors  of  the  original  band  gave  inter- 
esting reminiscences  of  its  early  Idstory.  But  tlioiigli  fallen  from  its 
former  high  estate,  Canterbury  is  still  able  to  accommodate  the  State 
with  efficient  secretary  and  officials,  and  maintain  creditable  rejire- 
sentatives  in  various  departments  all  over  the  land. 

Yolimtown  is  fortunately  favored  with  manufacturing  facilities. 
The  mills  set  up  by  Donne,  Tieat  and  other  pioneers,  passed  into  tlie 
hands  of  Ira  C.  Briggs,  Spencer,  Dixon,  Starkweather  and  Jencks,  and 
have  built  up  quite  a  lively  little  village  known  as  Beechdale.  Mr. 
George  W^eatherhead,  a  former  Killingly  manufactuier,  engaged  in  busi- 
ness here,  and  died  lately,  much  respected.  Dr.  Harvey  Campbell,  a  very 
piominent  citizen  of  this  town,  died  in  1877  after  long  infirmity.  He-had 
served  many  years  as  town  clerk  and  representative,  was  an  advocate  of 
temperance  and  otlier  reforms  ;  a  leader  in  every  good  work.  He  had  a 
wide  medical  practice  and  was  greatly  esteemed  in  the  piofession, 
serving  many  times  as  Fellow  of  the  State  Medical  Society.  Kev. 
Charles  S.  Weaver  has  labored  much  in  this  town,  filling  for  sixteen 
years  the  Baptist  pastorate.  Baptist  and  Methodist  churches  are  sus- 
tained in  Yoluntown  village,  exerting  a  good  influence.  The  old 
Congregational  church  in  the  north  of  the  town  received  a  new  im- 
petus tln-ough  the  labors  of  Charles  L.  Ayer,  ordained  at  the  dedica- 
tion of  the  new  "Line  meeting-house,"  January  G.  1859.  Through  his 
efibrts  funds  were  raised  for  the  election  of  a  new  parsonage,  which 
furnished  a  pleasant  home  for  the  aged  ministerial  fatherf  who  suc- 
ceeded him,  and  later  incumbents.  \'oluntown  has  now  but  few 
representatives  of  its  original  families,  yet  despite  its  lean  soil  and 
local  disadvantages  it  is  gaining  in  many  ways  and  has  hopes  of 
faither  advancement. 

titerlinfj  has  been  helped  by  the  Hartford,  Providence  and  Fishkill 
Ilailroad,  which  enables  her  to  take  her  ores  and  wares  to  market.  The 
new  granite  village,  Oneco,  shows  something  of  her  architectural  re- 
sources. Mr.  Henry  Sabin  of  Flainfield  was  the  founder  of  this  village, 
building  a  small  cotton  factory  about  1830.  Successive  owners  gave  it 
their  names  till  it  was  finally  re-christened  by  the  Norwich  proprietors 
who  now  utilize  its  granite,  working  its  fine  quarries  to  good  advantage. 

*  Kev.  Dauiel  C.  Frost,  Killiugly.     f  Rev.  Joseph  Ayer. 


STERLING.       PLAINFIELD.  571 

Indications  of  yet  more  valuable  ore  have  been  found  in  the  vicinity — • 
specimens  of  plumbago  and  dendrite,  and  such  large  and  glittering 
quartz  crystals  that  their  chief  depository  is  known  as  "  the  Diamond 
Ledge."  The  "Devil's  Den  Chinniey"  was  blown  up  in  building  the 
railroad.  The  cotton  manufacturing  interests  of  the  town  have  de- 
clined ;  factories  burned  down  have  not  been  replaced,  and  its  natural 
resources  furnish  its  chief  reliance.  The  "  saj)  works  "  of  Mr.  James 
Pike  continue  to  resolve  the  forests  into  their  component  elements, 
consuming  annually  some  two  or  three  thousand  cords  of  hard  wood, 
employing  a  number  of  workmen,  and  extracting  and  re-combining  a 
variety  of  useful  products.  A  specialty  of  this  unique  establishment  is 
the  dissolution  of  refuse  tin  and  iron,  battered  tin  pans,  rusty  stove- 
pipes, and  the  like,  by  which  these  heretofore  indestructible  nuisances 
are  made  subservient  to  the  will  and  use  of  man.  Stimulated  by  these 
enterprises,  Oneco  bids  fair  to  become  a  place  of  business  importance, 
has  a  new  public  hall  and  public-spirited  residents.  Of  other  parts  of 
the  town  there  is  no  special  record.  A  local  interest  centres  in  "  the 
Line  Store"  in  its  northeast  corner,  where  there  is  a  Union  Free-Will 
Baptist  church,  a  post-office  and  frequent  social  demonstrations.  Ster- 
ling Plill  furnishes  as  ever  a  pleasant  place  of  residence  for  a  few  fami- 
lies. Robert  Dixon's  famous  tavern  passed  into  the  hands  of  Archibald 
Douglas,  who  served  for  twenty-seven  years  as  town  clerk  and  treas- 
urer. The  meeting-house  was  thoroughly  reconstructed  in  1860-61, 
the  former  ''proprietors"  relinquishing  their  rights  to  a  x\e\v  "Sterling 
Hill  Meeting-house  Association"  and  the  Baptist  church  which  had  so 
long  occupied  it.  Faithful  ministers  have  succeeded  the  venerable 
Elder  Peckham.  Messrs.  Thomas  and  J.  A.  B.  Douglas  and  John 
Gallup,  have  served  as  clerks.  The  meetings  of  the  Sterling  Hill  Asso- 
ciation are  continued  with  increasing  interest  and  draw  a  great  con- 
course of  people.  Like  other  inland  towns.  Sterling  sends  out  credit- 
able representatives,  helping  build  States  as  well  as  State-houses. 
Connecticut's  present  respected  lieutenant-governor  was  born  and  bred 
in  this  town.  His  older  brother,  John  Gallup,  was  many  years  a 
resident  of  Brooklyn.  Judge  Backus  of  Killingly,  and  many  other 
Sterling  men,  have  filled  honorable  positions  in  various  parts  of  the 
land.  Mr.  Amos  Gallup  succeeded  Charles  Mason  as  judge  of 
Probate. 

I'lalnjield.  The  contrast  between  this  town  and  its  opposite 
neighbor  illustrates  the  importance  of  cultivating  manufacturing  inter- 
ests. Previous  to  1820  Canterbury  had  the  larger  population  ;  to-day 
Plainfield  has  at  least  three  to  one.  Central  Village  owes  much  of  its 
growth  and  prosperity  to  the  enterprise  and  public  spirit  of  the  late 
Arnold    Fenner,    Esq.,  its  leading   manufacturer,   who  was  for  many 


572 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


years  idciitifiod  with  its  best  interests,  \yilliani  Dyer,  Esq.,  was  also 
an  influential  citizen,  much  employed  in  the  settlement  of  estates  and 
public  business.  Various  stores  and  workshops  give  life  to  this  vil- 
lage. A  Congregational  church  was  organized  here  in  1H4G,  and 
house  of  worship  erected.  Episcopalians  have  a  society  and  church 
edifice.  A  High  School  was  maintained  for  a  time  by  Mr.  Lucian  Bur- 
leigh. The  town  clerk's  office,  administered  for  many  years  by  John  S. 
Freu  eh  in  the  centre  of  the  town,  has  been  removed  to  a  new  town- 
house  in  this  village.  J.  G.  Peiu'ose,  Esq.,  continues  his  legal  practice. 
Dr.  C.  H.  Rogers,  has  been  established  in  medical  practice  for  several 
years.  The  Hartford,  Providence  and  Fishkill  liailroad  has  brouglit 
prospei-ity  to  Moosup.  The  old  Union  Factoiy,  after  forty  years  of 
joint-stock  ownersiiip  and  management,  was  puichased  by  Mr.  Sampson 
Almy  in  1850.  who  built  a  large  new  stone  factory  and  made  many  im- 
provements, greatly  increasing  the  woi-king  ca[)abilities  of  the  village. 
Smaller  factories  wei-e  then  carried  on  by  Jos.  S.  Gladding  and  iiis 
successors,  and  James  B.  Ames.  '' Almyville "  and  "  Unionville " 
wei-e  soon  absorbed  in  the  growing  "]\Ioosup."  ^lany  new  residents 
were  brought  in,  substantial  citizens  as  well  as  operatives.  Mr.  Almy 
took  great  interest  in  the  imj)rovement  of  his  lands  and  village,  bring- 
ing his  farms  under  high  cultivation.  His  example  was  followed  by 
other  residents.  The  Baptists  and  Methodists  have  maintained  pi-cjs- 
perous  churches  and  suital)le  houses  of  worship.  Father  James  Quinn 
ministered  for  a  tune  to  the  Catholic  church.  While  Central  Village 
has  attracted  lawyers,  Moosu[)  would  seem  to  have  especial  charms  for 
physicians.  Doctors  Morey  and  Frank  S.  Burgess,  and  William  A. 
Lewis  have  enjoyed  extensive  medical  celebrity  and  practice  in  this 
vicinity.  The  later  prosperity  of  Moosup  has  been  checked  by  tlie 
burning  of  the  great  woolen  mill  in  1875,  and  financial  embarrass- 
ments, but  new  companies  have  entered  the  field  and  its  pros[>ects  are 
again  buoyant. 

The  liberal  policy  of  the  non-resident  manufacturing  company,  and 
the  administrative  capacity  of  the  superintendent,  Mr.  James  Atwood, 
have  made  Wauregan  a  model  village.  Beautifully  situated  on  the 
Quinebaug,  removed  from  the  railroad  and  disturbing  influences,  it  has 
been  able  to  carry  out  the  design  of  its  founders  and  realize  a  high 
ideal.  Everything  about  it  is  orderly  and  tasteful.  The  manufacturing 
buildings,  houses,  store,  hall,  roads,  gardens,  green,  are  all  in  keeping. 
The  church  edifice  is  an  architectural  gem,  and  the  residence  of  Mr. 
Atwood  one  of  the  finest  in  the  County.  A  Congregational  church  waa 
organized  in  1856,  soon  after  the  factory  was  at  work.  Charles  L. 
Ayer  was  its  first  pastor.  The  present  pastor,  llev.  S.  H.  Fellows, 
was  installed  in   1859.     Services  were   held  till   I87i   in  a  convenient 


.safes' 


{2^y7.-  ?/V  r/y  [/  n  /Zt 


^  A^ 


PACKER VILLE.       PLAINFIELD   JUNCTION.  573 

Imll,  provided  by  the  Conii)aiiy.  A  library  was  soon  founded  and  is 
maintained  tlirough  their  liberality,  and  the  ele^-ant  chureh  edifice  is 
due  to  the  same  source.  No  intoxicating-  licjuors  are  sold  in  the  village, 
and  great  pains  ai'e  taken  to  promote  the  best  interests  of  the  opera- 
tives and  residents. 

I'ackerville  has  maintained  its  early  standing.     Its   Baptist   church 
has  continued  to  bring  foi  th  good  fruit.     Reverends  J.   B.   Guild   and 
John    Paine,  f:\itliful    laborers    in   many  fields,   have  been  among    its. 
pastors.     Tlie  villaoe  is  neat   and  thriving  and  bears  evidence  of  care 
ful  management  and  oversight. 

Flainfield  Junction  for  many  years  was  nothing  but  a  railroad 
crossing,  but  now  carries  on  Foundry  works,  and  steam  saw-mills,  and 
is  building  up  into  a  village.  Old  Flainfield  Village  has  perhaps  the 
finest  avenue  of  trees  in  Windham  County,  and  many  handsome  resi- 
dences. Tiie  Congregational  church  still  worships  in  the  stone  meeting- 
house of  1818,  and  though  greatly  weakened  by  dismissal  of  members 
to  Central  Village  and  Wauregan  churches,  is  regaining  its  former 
strength.  Reverends  Andrew  Dunning  and  Henry  Robinson  were 
gi-eatly  esteemed  pastors  of  this  church.  Elisha  L.  Fuller  has  long 
filled  the  deacon's  office.  Flainfield  Academy  has  suffered  a  permanent 
decline,  but  its  building  is  from  time  to  time  occupied  by  hopeful 
aspirants.  Messrs.  William  A.  Benedict,  Elijah  Ferry  and  Luciau 
Burleigh  are  among  the  later  teachers,  who  did  their  best  to  resusci- 
tate the  enfeebled  institution.  Flainfield,  like  many  similar  towns, 
sufters  from  a  multiplicity  of  interests,  its  villages  being  practically 
independent  organizations.  The  senior  village,  however,  occupies  a 
nominal  head-ship,  and  has  still  been  able  to  retain  the  administration 
of  the  Frobate  Court.  Its  charge  was  held  for  twenty-three  year.s  by 
Hon.  David  Gallup,  who  removed  his  residence  to  Flainfield  at  an 
early  age,  and  became  very  active  in  town  and  public  afiairs.  Serving 
repeatedly  in  the  Legislature,  his  sound  judgment  and  business  capac- 
ity gave  him  the  speakership  of  the  House,  and  a  place  on  many  im- 
portant committees.  Spending  his  winters  latterly  in  Hartford,  he 
lias  become  widely  known  and  respected  in  business  circles,  and  was 
elected  with  great  heartiness  and  approval  to  fill  the  office  of  lieuten- 
ant-governor. Judge  Gallup  continues  to  pass  his  suramei-s  in  his 
pleasant  Flainfield  home,  and  enjoys  the  confidence  and  respect  of 
many  friends  in  his  own  town  and  County.  Flainfield  has  recently 
lost  its  venerable  ])hysician.  Dr.  William  H.  Cogswell,  so  widely 
known  in  professional  and  public  life.  His  services  as  agent  for  Con- 
necticut in  care  of  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  during  the  late  War, 
were  especially  valuable.  In  })ublic  and  private,  in  Church  and  State, 
he  was  alike  useful  and  honored.     Judge  Eaton,  Colonel  Lester.  Joseph 


574 


HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 


S.  Gladding,  left  an  lionorable  record  of  past  service.  Among  tlie 
many  who  went  out  from  Plainfield  homes,  and  the  instruction  of 
Plainfield  Academy,  none  achieved  a  more  useful  life-work  than 
George  Shepard,  D.  D..  Bangor.  Maine,  professor  of  Sacred  lllietoiic, 
stamping  upon  many  minds  tlie  impress  of  liis  own  high  character  and 
deep  spiritual  consecration.  The  highest  in  public  life  was  probably 
Hon.  Edwaid  A.  Bradford,  who  won  much  success  at  the  Bar  in  New 
Orleans,  and  was  honored  by  an  appointment  as  judge  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  the  United  States.  Connection  with  the  great  Anti-slavery 
contlict.  as  well  as  their  own  genius,  have  made  the  Burleigh  brothers 
very  widely  noted. 

KILLINGLY. 

.Growth  and  business  expansion  in  this  town  are  not  confined  to 
Danielsonville.  Dayville  is  a  lively  and  thrifty  village  with  various 
mills  and  interests.  Mr.  Ezekiel  Webster  followed  the  railroad  track, 
building  a  hotel  and  many  private  dwellings.  He  engaged  largely  in 
lumber  trade,  introducing  a  steam  mill  and  lumber-working  machinery. 
In  1846,  Mr.  John  Day  put  up  a  new  brick  factory,  and  carried  on 
manufacturing  till  the  destruction  of  the  building  in  1858,  when 
privilege  and  accommodations  were  purchased  by  Messrs.  S.  and  H. 
Sayles,  who  built  up  extensive  woolen  manufacturing  establishments. 
Other  industries  were  developed,  stores  opened,  churches  built  up. 
The  Dayville  Congregational  church  was  organized  May  23,  1849.  Its 
constitutent  members  were  mostly  dismissed  from  the  three  Killingly 
churches.  Rev.  Roswell  Whitmore*  officiated  as  pastor  till  1857,  thus 
ministering  to  a  part  of  his  former  tlock.  Suitable  houses  of  worsliip 
were  provided  for  Congregational  and  Catholic  churches.  Schools 
received  needful  attention,  and  are  accommodated  by  ''a  nice  house 
with  ample  play-ground  around  it."  The  neighboring  Williamsville 
Factory  has  been  repeatedly  enlarged.  In  1849  the  comi)any  was 
reorganized,  and  after  refitting  the  mill  with  new  machinery  of  the 
best  Avorkmanship,  turned  out  the  •'  Williamsville  fine  sheetings."  so 
favorably  known  to  connoisseurs  in  cotton  fabrics.  Williamsville  like 
Waui'egan  is  ''  a  close  corporation,"  owned  and  controlled  by  a  single 
company  and  interest — a  pleasant,  isolated  working  village,  well- 
managed  and  orderly.  P^nlightened  self-interest  as  well  as  public 
spirit  and  philanthropy  have  effected  great  improvement  in  the 
administration  of  factory  villages.  Sanitary  conditions  are  studied 
and  observed.     Evil  infiuences  are  kept  in  abeyance.     Compelled  by 


*  This  venerated  pastor,  .so  long  and  intimately  associated  wilh   Wlndbaui 
County  churches,  survived  till  April,  ISGl. 


KILLINGLY.       THOMPSON.  575 

the  State  to  educate  tlie  children,  they  vohmlnvily  in  many  cases 
pi-ovide  for  the  instruction  and  innocent  entertainment  of  aduUs  by 
libraries,  reading-rooms,  lectures,  &c.  A  fine  hall  has  been  built  by 
the  Williamsville  Company  for  religious  jiurposes  and  lectures. 
Attawaugau  and  some  of  the  smaller  factories  are  maintained  on 
former  sites.  East  Killingly  has  been  aided  by  increasing  centraliza- 
tion and  the  construction  of  a  capacious  reservoir  which  enal)les  the 
enterprising  little  Whetstone  to  run  its  mills  througiiout  the  year. 
Messrs.  Thomas  Piay  and  Henry  Westcott  were  among  the 
many  owners  who  have  helped  build  up  Chestnut  Hill  villages. 
Lemuel  Elliott,  Esq.,  of  Providence,  improved  another  privilege 
and  had  a  pleasant  country  seat  at  the  foot  of  Breakneck.  The 
mineral  treasures  of  Mashentuck  and  Breakneck  are  as  yet  nearly 
undeveloped,  waiting  for  the  construction  of  the  "  Ponoganset  Rail- 
road "  or  some  kindred  enterprise.  The  well  of  "  porcelain  clay  " 
formerly  so  vaunted  has  been  tested  and  found  lacking  in  quantity. 
The  East  Killingly  and  Free-Will  Baptist  churches  have  maintained 
their  standing  under  a  succession  of  pastors.  Revs.  Austin  Robbins 
and  David  Williams,  formerly  laborers  in  both  these  churches,  died 
on  successive  days  at  their  homes  in  East  Killingly.  Rev.  Hubbel 
Loomis,  well-known  in  the  Baptist  ministry,  compiled  an  historical 
sketch  while  pastor  of  the  former  church.  The  church  in  South 
Killingly  after  reaching  the  verge  of  dissolution,  was  ha)jpily  revived, 
and  under  an  efficient  ministry  has  quite  renewed  its  youth.  Its  house 
of  worshiji  has  been  remodeled  and  much  pains  expended  upon 
Sabbath  school  and  temperance  training.  The  village  has  recently 
sutiered  the  loss  of  its  much  respected  physician.  Dr.  Daniel  L.  Hovey, 
who  had  puisued  his  calling  there  for  nearly  half  a  centmy.  He  was 
the  oldest  )nember  of  the  County  Medical  Society  at  the  time  of  his 
decease.  Having  no  manufacturing  interests,  this  village  is  giadually 
Avasting.  Killingly's  strength  lies  in  her  rocks  and  rivers.  E.xtensive 
Brick  Works  have  been  carried  on  near  Dayville  for  many  years  by 
Colonel  L.  D.  Alexander.  The  '•  Nashawaug  Farm "  and  ])rivilege 
of  Hon.  Elisha  Dyer,  promises  to  bring  new  business  and  prosperity 
to  the  south  of  the  town. 

27iom2)son,  in  1850,  the  most  populous  town  in  Windham  County, 
and  one  of  the  wealthiest  rural  towns  in  Connecticut,  has  managed  to 
maintain  existence  despite  the  loss  of  her  southern  territory  and 
nearly  two  thousand  inhabitants.  Since  the  transfer  of  Masonville 
and  Fisherville  into  the  hands  of  The  Grosvenordale  Company.*  two 
large  and  elegant  brick  factory  buildings  have  been  erected  and  many 


*The  present  coropany  still  represents  the  Masou  interest,  Dr.  William 
Grosvenor  having  nuirried  the  daughter  of  one  of  the  constituent  members  of 
the  former  Corporation,  Mr.  James  B.  Masou. 


57G  '  filSTOKT    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

dwelling-houses,  an  immense  reservoir  constructed,  roads  built, 
hills  levelled,  and  many  hundreds  added  to  the  population.  Mr. 
Lucius  Briggs,  as  manager,  maintains  strict  order  and  discipline, 
and  the  Grosvenordale  manufacturing  villages  compare  favorably  with 
the  best  in  other  towns.  Regular  worship  is  maintained  in  the  chapel 
under  the  chai'ge  of  the  pastor  of  the  Central  Baptist  church. 
Mechanicsville,  has  been  greatly  improved  under  the  administration  of 
Messrs.  S.  and  T.  Sayles.  A  handsome  brick  building  has  been  erected, 
a  fine  green  laid  out,  and  much  skill  and  taste  exhibited.  Smaller 
factories  have  been  kept  at  work  in  Wilsonville  and  New  Boston, 
and  intermitted  at  Quaddic  and  West  Thomi)Son.  Apart  from  the 
special  industries,  the  town  seems  to  be  generally  thriving,  its 
farms  and  roads  are  well  kept  uj)  and  its  bills  paid  every  season. 
The  character  of  its  rural  population  is  gradually  changing — 
the  Puritanic  church-going  element  replaced  by  foreigners.  The 
attendance  to-day  of  the  six  Protestant  churches  does  not  proba- 
bly equal  that  of  the  two  churches  of  a  former  genei-ation.  A 
Catholic  church  in  Grosvenordale  draws  a  large  congregation,  and 
preparations  are  made  for  erecting  a  second  church  building  between 
Mechanicsville  and  West  Thompson. 

Thompson  Hill  long  since  ceased  to  be  a  place  of  business,  but  it  is 
none  the  less  a  pleasant  place  of  residence,  and  has  been  greatly 
improved  and  beautified.  Adjacent  residents  bought  out  the  "Ponog," 
swept  off  the  whole  establishment,  purified  and  reconstructed  the 
western  point  of  the  conmion.  Mr.  William  H.  Mason  built  a  hand- 
some house  in  the  curve  of  the  crescent.  At  about  the  same  date, 
1845,  a  lecture  was  given  by  Professor  William  A.  Larned*  in  the 
town-house,  upon  Beauty,  Taste,  Tree-Culture — all  now  summed  up  in 
the  terra,  ''  Village  Improvements."  Spontaneous  pledges  were  given 
by  many  of  the  hearers  to  aid  in  carrying  out  suggestions,  and  in 
November  a  day  was  devoted  to  setting  out  elm,  maple  and  ash  trees 
under  the  especial  oversight  of  Mr.  William  H.  Chandler.  Ten  years 
later,  the  common  left  bare  by  the  demolition  of  the  old  meeting-house 
was  made  over  to  Thomas  E.  Graves,  Esq.,  for  fencing,  smoothing  and 
cultivation,  which  added  much  to  its  beauty  and  with  later  touches  from 
the  recent  Village  Improvement  Society,  and  the  growth  and  verdure 
of  the  trees,  has  brought  it  into  fine  condition.  A  new  and  elegant 
Congregational  church  edifice  opposite  the  former  site,  was  completed 
in  1856,  Mr.  William  H.  Mason  bearing  a  large  share  of  the  cost 
of  construction.  Dr.  Dow  had  ere  thi»  closed  his  ministerial  and 
earthly  service.  The  Semi-centennial  Commemoration  observed  April 
22,  1846,  was  a  most  interesting  occasion,  when   children   and  friends 

*  Son  of  George  Lamed,  Esq.,  professor  at  Yale  College,  1839-62. 


THOMPSON.  577 

of  the  church  from  near  and  far  came  to<j;ether  to  coni^n-atulate  the 
aged  pastor  and  enjoy  his  characteristic  report  of  liis  halt-century's 
ministry.  Original  poems  from  Mrs.  Anna  S.  Larned  and  J. 
Erskine  Dow,  added  interest  to  the  service.  A  still  larger  congre- 
gation gathered  at  the  funeral  of  the  beloved  jiastor,  August.  1849. 
A  chance  word  dropped  by  him  led  to  the  call  of  a  single  candi- 
date, Mev.  Andiew  Duiming,  Brunswick,  Maine,  who  won  at  once 
tlie  unanimous  voice  of  the  people  and  was  most  hai)pily  installed. 
May  15,  1S50.  Filling  most  acceptably  the  place  of  honored  [)re- 
decessors,  Mr.  Dunning  died  like  them  in  charge  after  a  less  pro- 
longed service,  acute  disease  terminating  his  valued  life,  March  26. 
1872.  With  him  died  too  the  cherished  custom  of  life-long  pastorates 
and  afternoon  service — the  dismissal  of  two  ministers  within  five 
years  showing  that  Thompson  can  keep  pace  with  the  ))resent  genera- 
tion. Failure  to  keep  may  ensue  from  too  ambitious  selection,  and  in 
its  Later  ministerial  succession  the  church  lias  fiithfully  maintained  its 
early  pledge  and  traditions.  Thompson  has  been  also  favored  in  its 
medical  succession.  Dr.  Holbrook  is  worthily  represented  by  the  son 
who  succeeded  him.  Doctors  McGregor  and  Hosford  who  followed 
Dr.  Bowen.  like  him  gained  many  friends  and  died  much  lamented. 
The  presidency  of  the  Thompson  Bank  after  the  decease  of  Mr. 
Mason  was  intrusted  to  Mr.  Talcott  Crosby,  a  much  respected  citizen, 
also  judge  of  Probate,  and  has  since  leverted  to  Mr.  J.  Olney,  under 
whose  charge  it  sustains  its  financial  ci'edit  and  soundness.  The  Thomp- 
son Savings  Bank  also  receives  satisfactoiy  patronage.  A  Family 
and  High  School  was  opened  in  1851,  by  Messrs.  Alanson  Rawson 
and  Henry  Parker,  which  was  well  sustained  for  several  years.  Among 
later  village  institutions  a  family  hotel  kept  foi-  some  twenty  years 
by  Mr.  Stephen  Crosby  has  served  a  useful  mission.  Thom})son  makes 
no  business  pretensions,  but  its  convenient  railroad  accommodation,  pure 
air  and  local  attractions  draw  many  summei-  visitors,  especially  those 
favored  with  family  associations.  Young  men  who  go  out  fiom  it  into 
business  have  the  good  taste  to  make  it  a  summer  residence,  building 
new  houses  and  adding  much  to  its  life  and  prosperity.*  Convenient 
parsonages  have  been  built  within  five  years  for  tlie  Congregational 
and  Baptist  societies.  The  hundredth  anniversary  of  the  parent  J>ap- 
tist  church  was  appropriately  commemorated  l)y  a  pleasant  gathering 
near  the  site  of  the  first  church  edifice  on  Brandy  Hill,  Sept.  9,  1873. 


*  Erratum.  Ante,  page  534.  please  erase  from  second  line  of  second  note 
the  superfluous  "  cue  of  them,"  not  one  but  the  three  young  lawyers  exercising 
immediate  selection  as  aforesaid.  Thompson  is  too  peaceful  in  these  latter 
days  to  ofler  much  scope  for  legal  practice,  but  if  such  lawyers  as  chance 
to'make  it  a  home  have  failed  to  follow  the  example  of  their  predecessors,  it 
is  not  to  be  inferred  that  it  is  from  any  lack  of  jwetti/  yoiuKj  ladies. 
73 


578  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

An  iutoiestiiio,-  discouise  way  (Ulivcred  by  IJev.  K.  T.  Piiikliam.  pastor 
of  the  East  Thompson  church,  and  many  toncliing  reminiscences 
detailed  by  aged  cliurch  members  and  formei'  pastors.  The  Congrega- 
tional church  celebrated  its  hundied  and  fiftieth  birthday,  Feb.  11, 
1880,  by  a  social  reunion  and  brief  addresses. 

l-'omfret  suffered  .seiious  declension  after  the  loss  of  hei-  factory.  ])ut 
revived  with  the  o])ening  of  the  New  York  and  Kew  England  Kail- 
road,  which  accommodates  her  with  three  stations  and  a  great  influx 
of  company.  The  pleasant  scenery  and  fine  old  trees  and  farm-houses 
of  this  picturesque  town  are  more  and  more  a]>preciated,  and  it  is  be- 
coming a  favorite  and  fashionable  resort.  Families  from  many  cities 
enjoy  the  coolness  and  comforts  of  these  airy  homes.  This  summaiy 
demand  has  greatly  quickened  agi-icultural  enterprise.  A  fiouiisliing 
Farmers'  Club  lias  been  instituted,  which  discusses  improved  methods 
of  farming,  and  j)uts  them  in  piactice.  Intelligent  and  capable  men 
give  their  time,  energies  and  thoughts  to  farm-Morking.  which  has 
resulted  in  increased  products  and  [)i'ofits,  and  a  higher  standard  of 
agricultural  attainment  throughout  the  town.  Pomfret  dairies  have 
gained  a  higher  repute,  and  her  ''model  farms  "  excite  wonder  and  imi- 
tation. Pomfret  is  also  gaining  peiinanent  residents.  Childien  of 
her  old  families  come  back  to  the  old  haunts  and  hearth-stones,  and 
strangers  after  a  summer's  sojourn  return  perhaps  to  build  villa  and 
mansion  of  their  own.  Elegant  residences  going  up  on  sightly  hill 
and  shady  nook  attest  the  increasing  popularity  of  the  town.  The 
tasteful  "  Pomfret  Hall,"  recently  erected,  manifests  the  public  spirit 
of  its  citizens  and  their  efforts  to  provide  agreeable  entertainment  for 
guests  and  stranger  sojourners,  while  its  Book  Clubs  and  Library 
Associations  show  that  they  liave  not  outgrown  their  literary  pro- 
clivities.* The  Abington  United  and  Ladies'  Libraries,  dating  back 
as  far  as  1793,  have  been  extremely  well  preserved  and  were  recently 
consolidated  into  a  Social  Library,  already  endowed  with  some  seven 
hundred  vohnnes.  many  of  them  rare  and  valuable. 

The  hundred  and  fiftieth  anniversaiy  of  the  organization  of  Pomfret's 
First  Church  was  appropriately  ccMnmeniorated,  October  26,  180.). 
Eev.  Walter  S.  Alexander,  recently  ordained  pastor,  welcomed  the 
numerous  guests,  and  gave  an  introductory  discourse.  Interesting 
historical  })apers  were   piesented  by  the  former  revered  pastor,  Rev. 


*  Fonifrct's  inherent  genius  once  more  asserts  itself  in  the  success  and 
reputation  aciiieved  by  present  aspirants  who  have  gone  out  from  its 
lioinosteads — Mrs.  Caroline  F.  Corhin  and  Mrs.  Louise  C.  Monlton — who  are 
tliought  to  have  inherited  a  share  of  the  gifts  of  tiieir  respected  great-grand- 
niotiier,  Mrs.  llaunali  (Sliarpe)  Clevehuul,  the  heroine  of  the  Kevolutionary 
"  Pink  Satin"  {ante,  page  200),  a  woman  of  rare  intelligence  and  "wonder- 
ful gift  of  language." 


WOODSTOCK. 


579 


Daniel  Hunt.  Rev.  A.  C  Tlionipson  hrouglit  greetings  from  the 
mother  church  of  Roxbury.  and  i)leasant  reminiscences  and  congratu- 
lations were  given  by  Reverends  C.  P.  Grosvenor,  Andrew  Dunning 
and  G.  N.  Webber.  Mr.  Hunt  survived  for  several  years,  a  great  bless- 
ing to  all  who  knew  him.  'I'lie  lionoied  chureli  falher  and  deacon.  Job 
Williams,  died  in  186:}.  Darius  Matthewson,  Es(j.,  so  prominent  in 
public  affairs  and  temperance  work,  had  preceded  him  ;  and  his 
respected  sons,  Deacon  George  and  Colonel  C'liailes  I>.  Matthewson, 
have  lately  followed.  Not  only  chui'ch  officers  but  churches  have 
passed  away.  Tlie  Pomfret  Baptist  church  has  been  absorbed  into 
the  former  Branch  at  Putnam,  and  C^uaker  worship  has  die<l  out.  A 
Second  Advent  churcli  is  maintained  in  Abington.  The  Episcopal 
church  is  very  tlourishiiig  ami  enjoys  the  ministrations  of  many  distin- 
guished clergymen.  Dr.  Iliram  Ilolt  died  in  1S70,  after  a  successful 
medical  practice  of  nearly  fifty  years.  Pomfret's  only  remaining 
physician,  Dr.  Williams,  has  held  the  place  many  yeais. 

WOODSTOCK. 

The  present  generation  has  seen  great  chang"s  in  Woodstock.  Its 
academy  after  a  long  period  of  depression  was  i-esuscitated  through 
the  agency  of  Mr.  Henry  C.  Bowen.  who  after  successfully  engaging 
in  business  in  New  York  City,  made  his  summer  home  in  his  nativ^e 
town,  setting  out  trees,  beautifying  the  Common  and  stimulating 
public  improvement.  The  old  building  was  thoroughly  repaired  and 
re-opened  in  the  spring  of  1847,  with  John  P.  Averill  for  principal, 
whose  popularity  soon  drew  more  than  a  hundred  |)upils.  During  his 
four  years'  service  the  academy  continued  to  fI(Mirish,  and  the  impetus 
survived  succeeding  administrations,  es[)ecially  that  of  Mr.  J.  W. 
Patterson.  Renewed  dei)ression  led  to  more  general  and  vigorous 
effort  resulting  in  an  Endowment  Fund  of  more  than  fifteen  thousand 
dollars,  and  a  capacious  and  elegant  academy  building  costing  more 
than  twenty  thousand — liberal  initiatory  pledges  made  by  Mr.  Bowen 
securing  a  generous  response  from  citizens  and  friends  of  Woodstock. 
The  expense  of  furnishing  the  house  was  also  mainly  borne  by  Mr. 
Bowen.  Messrs.  Abel  Child,  S.  M.  Fenner  and  Joseph  McClellan 
served  as  building  committee.  Its  dedication,  August  21,  1873,  was 
one  of  Woodstock's  "notable  meetings."  Rev.  N.  Beach  reported  in 
behalf  of  the  Trustees.  Congratulatory  addi-esses  were  made  by  Gov- 
ernor Buckingham,  Professor  Northrup  and  others;  a  sprightly  his- 
toric compendium  was  read  by  Clarence  W.  Bowen,  and  a  delightful 
reminiscential  letter  sent  by  Dr.  Oliver  Wendell  Holmes.  Competent 
teachers  have  since  been  instated  in  office,  and  it  is  hojied  that  the  old 


580  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

academy  has  cntorcd  iijion  a  pcriiiaiu'iit  career  of  prosiierity  ami  public 
usefulness.  Scholars  find  boarding  accommodations  in  Elmwood  Hall, 
which  under  Mr.  Amasa  Chandler  has  been  for  many  years  one  of 
Woodstock's  "peculiar  institutions,"  furnishing  a  pleasant  summer 
home  to  many  city-worn  refugees,  and  an  excellent  annual  supper  to 
the  perennial  Thief  Detecting  Society,  which  heartily  enjoys  the  exer- 
cise of  this  official  prerogative.  Woodstock  takes  tnuch  ])ride  and 
interest  in  her  modern  Agricnltuial  Society,  oiganized  in  l.SoO,  which 
has  already  achieved  a  long  list  of  substantial  members,  ample  grounds 
and  hall,  and  annual  exhibitions  which  rival  those  of  the  older  society. 
It  has  also  a  very  wide-awake  Farmeis'  Club,  whose  essays  and  discus- 
sions upon  many  practical  (piestions  awaken  much  thought  and  interest. 
The  changes  effected  by  modern  modes  of  woi-king.  tlie  ditliculty  of 
finding  mechanical  employment,  and  the  increased  demand  for  garden 
products  in  tlie  growing  villages,  have  stimulated  a  new  interest  in 
farming,  and  a  great  departure  from  traditional  practices.  Woodstock 
with  its  I'ich  soil  and  vigorous  ])Opulation  is  preeminently  a  faiining 
town,  and  is  doubtless  destined  to  make  great  agricultural  advances. 
Some  of  its  market  gardens  and  fruit  farms  are  ali'eady  very  celebrated 
and  successful,  and  the  superior  stock  sent  out  by  Mr.  Sumner  takes  the 
highest  prize  at  every  cattle  show.  Its  manufacturing  interests  are 
declining  from  various  causes.  Its  villages  are  in  the  main  well 
preserved,  though  West  Woodstock  suffers  from  distance  from  railroad 
accommodations,  and  North  Woodstock  from  the  decline  of  its  carriage 
niatuifictory,  following  the  decease  of  Ezra  C.  Deane,  who  had 
been  so  prominent  in  business  and  public  affairs.  A  tasteful  new 
church  edifice  lias  been  recently  erected  in  this  village  in  ])lace  of  tlie 
former  house,  destroyed  by  fire.  The  feuds  of  former  generations 
are  now  so  far  outgi'own  that  North  and  East  societies  unite  in  one 
minister,  ofiiciating  by  turns  in  eacli  house  of  worship.  East  Wood- 
stock lost  an  honored  citizen  in  George  l*aine,  Esq.,  who  had  served 
as  school  commissioner  as  well  as  in  many  town  oifices.  and  moie 
recently  has  suft'ered  the  loss  of  one  still  more  widely  known  and 
lionored.  Rev.  Edward  Pratt,  the  efficient  secretary  of  the  Connecticut 
Temperance  Union,  had  ])reviously  wrought  a  most  useful  work  as 
pastor  of  the  East  Woodstock  church.  The  temperance  movement  so 
earnestly  begun  in  this  town,  had  suffered  as  in  other  towns  a  reaction 
natuially  resulting  from  the  discovery  that  intem])erance  was  far  more 
deeply  rooted  than  at  first  su])posed,  and  also  from  the  increase  of  the 
foreign  element  and  (jther  infiuences.  With  characteristic  patience  and 
fidelity,  Mr.  I'ratt  began  anew  at  the  foundation,  gathering  the  children 
of  his  own  chinch  into  societies  and  thoroughly  indoctrinating  theni 
with  temperance  sentiments,  and  laboring  whenever  [)racticable  in  wider 


W(kjdstock's  notaulk  meetings.  581 

fields.  In  ISGl.  lie  joined  with  Reverends  William  L.  Walker,  Lncian 
Biuleigh  and  other  earnest  teinperanee  men,  in  I'orminn"  a  County 
Alliance  to  take  the  ]»lace  of  the  extinct  society,  and  as  its  chief  executive 
ofHcer  succeeded  in  carrying  out  ]ilans  which  ix'sulted  in  the  formation 
of  the  Connecticut  Temperance  Union.  The  office  to  which  he  was 
then  called  by  the  universal  consciousness  that  he  was  of  all  tjtheis 
the  niioi  for  the  place  and  time,  compelled  him  to  seek  dismission  ironi 
his  charge  and  devote  his  time  and  energies  to  most  arduous  and 
responsible  labors.  The  grief  felt  at  his  loss,  and  the  s)>ontaneou» 
testimony  of  hundreds  throughout  the  State,  bear  ample  witness  to 
his  fidelity  and  usefulness.  Mr.  Pratt  was  greatly  esteenuMl  in 
every  relation,  ready  to  further  any  scheme  for  public  or  individual 
benefit,  a  man  of  rare  purity,  integrity,  self-sacrifice,  and  wliole- 
heaited  consecration  to  his  Master's  w'ork.  Woodstock's  numerous 
chuiches  have  been  served  by  a  countless  succession  of  ))astors.  The 
liundredth  amiiversary  of  the  First  Baptist  church  was  aiij)ropriately 
commemorated  by  an  interesting  historical  address  from  liev.  J.  T. 
Smith,  and  lettei's  from  former  pastors  and  nieml)ers.  IJev.  Lemuel 
Grosvenov  of  Pomfret,  pastor  for  five  years  of  the  church  on  Wood- 
stock Hill.  i)repaied  an  historical  sketch  of  this  old  church  for  its 
Thanksgiving  service,  ISo!).  Doctors  Asa  Witter,  ]\[arcy  and  Bradford 
lived  to  advanced  years,  the  former  leaving  three  sons  to  represent  him 
in  the  profession. 

WOODSTOCK'S  NOTABLE  mi:p:tixgs. 

A  prophetic  instinct  would  seem  to  have  impelled  Judge  Sewall  to 
give  New  Koxbury  the  name  of  Woodstock,  "  for  the  sake  of  Queen 
Elizabeth,  and  the  notable  meetings  tliat  have  been  held  at  the  place 
bearing  the  name  in  England,  "  for  it  may  be  doubted  if  any  lural 
town  in  the  country  has  witnessed  more  remarkable  gatherings.  Fi-oni 
the  day  that  John  Eliot  proclaimed  the  Gospel  to  the  nssetubled 
Wabbaquasets  in  the  face  of  a  defiant  message  from  King  Uncas  till 
the  President  of  the  Free  Ile|)ublic  honored  it  by  his  presence,  it  has 
witnessed  a  succession  of  ••  notable  meetings '' — meetings  for  town 
organization  and  secession,  of  preparation  for  revolt  and  adu])tion 
of  P'ederal  Constitution,  martial  ]iarades  and  funerals,  spiiited 
I'aisings  and  dedications.  Anti masonic  and  Sabbath  school  con- 
vocations, mighty  musterings  of  Cold  Water  Annies,  and  the  great 
mass-meetings  of  the  present  generation.  The  first  of  these  latter 
demonstrations  occurred  in  the  Fremont  campaign.  September.  I80G, 
when  thousands  of  adolescent  Republicans,  fired  with  the  glow  of 
youthful  enthusiasm,  met  as  if  by  spontaneous  impulse  on  Woodstock 
Hill  to  be  farther  electrified  and  insjiired  by  the  stirring  words  <jf 
liaymond  and  Beecher.      Very  diftereut  was  the  far  greater  gathering 


582  HI8TOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

in  the  dark  autumn  of  18G4,  when  after  four  years  of  ceaseless  struggle 
and  sacrifice  the  continuance  of  the  War  and  the  Nation  hung  upon 
the  result  of  the  impending  Presidential  election.  Thousands  from 
Connecticut  and  adjoining  Slates  joined  with  Windham  County 
citizens  upon  that  memorable  day,  and  the  heroic  spirit  that  animated 
the  vast  assemblage,  and  their  avowed  determination  to  stand  by 
Lincoln  and  the  Government  at  any  cost  till  the  rebellion  should  be 
subdued,  gave  new  hope  and  courage  to  despondent  Kepul)licans 
throughout  the  North,  and  had  a  powerful  influence  in  effecting  that 
happ}'  lesult.  Larger  in  number  and  more  elaborate  in  preparation 
and  display  was  the  great  Grant  Mass  Meeting  of  1868,  when  from 
fifteen  to  twenty  thousand  gathered  on  the  Common. 

"  Through  the  leugth  and  breath  of  old  Windham, 
An  arm.v  was  marching  that  day ; 
An  army  with  torches  and  banners. 
In  proud  and  triumphant  array."* 

The  immense  town  processions,  with  bands  of  music,  ox-teams,  and 
innumerable  banners  :t  the  "  ships  with  white  sails,  heavy  laden,  with 
cargoes  of  beautiful  girls  ;  "  the  *•  Boys  of  Blue  "  with  their  martial 
tread  and  suggestive  uniform,  formed  the  most  remarkable  pageant 
ever  witnessed  in  the  County.  Governor  Buckingliam  officiated  as 
presiding  officer  :  Sheriff"  Greenslit  as  chief  marshal.  Four  stands  in 
different  parts  of  the  common  were  occupied  by  a  succession  of  dis- 
tinguished and  eloquent  speakers.  Not  less  notable  than  the  size  and 
spirit  of  this  gathering  was  its  good  order  and  sobriety,  the  great 
multitudes  dispersing  to  their  homes  as  quietly  as  if  from  a  church 
service. 

Later  "  notable  meetings  "  have  been  of  less  partisan  and  political 
character.  Most  emphatically  did  Woodstock  fulfill  her  prophetic 
destiny  on  that  memorable  July  4,  1870,  when  she  welcomed  the  head 
of  a  far  greater  empire  than  that  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  and  guests 
who  would  have  brought  honor  to  her  royal  namesake.  The  honor  of 
entertaining  President  Grant  and  liis  suite,  the  Russian  minister. 
Count  De  Catacazy,  and  other  notables,  solely  accrues  to  Mr.  Bowen. 
who  carried  out  all  details  with  his  accustomed  taste  and  efficiency. 
The  centennial  town  celebration,  July  4,  1876,  was  contrastingly  note- 
worthy as  an  almost  strictly  local  gathering,  an  assemblage  of  citizens 
entertained  by  native  speakers.  Gilbert  Phillips,  Esq.,  the  president ; 
E.    IL    Bugbee,    tlie   historian  of  the  day,  were  botli  of  Woodstock 


*  Poem  by  Mrs.  C.  N.  W.  Thomas,  Killingly. 

t  Thompson  most  particuhirly  distinguished  herself  as  the  banner  toion, 
having  in  addition  to  the  usual  representations,  an  admirable  colossal  portrait 
of  Geneial  Grant,  painted  expressly  for  the  occasion  by  a  native  artist,  then 
resident  in  New  York,  Mr.  George  l>ald\vin. 


Windham's  latest  war-record.  583 

birth.  July  4,  1877,  witnessed  ''a  new  de[)artiiie."  Tlie  liistoric 
'•Common'  was  forsaken  for  tlie  riew  ••  Koseland  I'aik  o])ened  by 
Mr.  Bowen,  who  liad  thus  thoughtfully  provided  foi-  the  ])erpetnation 
of  Woodstock's  most  cherished  institution.  Senator  Blaine,  Ex- 
Governor  Chamberlain  made  characteristic  addresses  on  this  occasion  ; 
but  its  distinguishing  feature  was  the  ])resence  and  poem  of  an 
lionored  sou  of  one  of  Woodstock's  earliest  families.  Dr.  Oliver 
Wendell  Holmes,  whose  graceful  reminiscences  with  their  patriotic 
prelude  will  ever  be  held  in  giateful  remembrance.  Other  noted 
speakers  have  been  provided  in  subsequent  years,  and  an  infinite  series 
of  notable  meetings  in  this  picturesque  park  may  be  confidently  pre- 
dicted. Not  only  is  it  available  for  Fourth  of  July  celebrations  and 
Satuiday  afternoon  concerts  but  it  is  found  to  be  eminently  favorable 
for  picnics,  family  gatherings  and  various  social  p.urposes.  and  the 
experiment  of  transplanting  the  European  Pleasure  Garden  into  the 
heart  of  a  Kew'  England  community  seems  likely  to  be  permanently 
successful,  and  deserves  to  be  ranked  among  the  most  notable  achieve- 
ments of  its  ingenious  projector. 

WINDHAM'S  LATEST  WAR-RECORD. 

In  tlie  Revolutionary  contest  Windham  took  a  leading  position ; 
in  the  last  great  struggle  she  had  but  to  bear  her  part  among  many. 
But  though  her  resources  were  relatively  limited,  hei-  political  status 
enabled  her  to  extend  most  hearty  aid  and  couifort  to  the  central 
Government.  The  strong  Anti-slavery  sentiment  early  developed, 
deepened  and  strengthened  by  the  repeal  of  the  Missouri  Comi)romise 
and  concurrent  events,  overcame  partisan  and  political  bias,  broke  the 
sujiremacy  of  Democratic  influence  and  made  her  the  strongest 
Republican  County  in  Connecticut.  Hundreds  of  honest,  earnest 
Democrats  like  Governor  Cleveland,  were  forced  to  renounce  allegiance 
to  party  by  their  loyalty  to  the  ''  higher  Law\"  and  the  gene-al  Govern- 
ment. The  call  to  aid  in  putting  down  the  gigantic  rebellion  met 
immediate  response  in  Windham  County.  Meetings  were  at  once 
held  in  all  the  prominent  villages,  and  measures  instituted  for  carrying 
out  patriotic  resolutions.  Revolutionary  scenes  were  re-enacted. 
Young  men  hurried  to  cities  to  enlist,  or  joined  in  company  drill  at 
home;  women  came  together  to  prepare  clothing  and  lint;  towns 
hastened  to  make  provision  for  raising  and  supplying  their  prospective 
quotas.  A  County  mass  meeting  was  held  in  Brooklyn,  Ai»ril  22. 
1861 — Governor  Cleveland  presiding.  Daniel  P.  Tyler,  W.  H. 
Chandler,  13.  F.  Palmer,  H.  Hammond,  W.  Simpson.  J.  Q.  A.  Stone, 
B.    P.    Spalding,   Jeremiah  Olney,  committee  on   resolutions,  declared 


584  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

••  that  citizens  of  Windham  County  would  expend  their  hist  dollar  and 
exhaust  the  last  drop  of  their  blood  ere  ihev  would  submit  to  a  disrup- 
tion of  the  Nation."  Stirring.  i>atriotic  addresses  were  made  by  many 
earnest  speakers.  Sixty  volunteers  offered  to  take  the  field  at  once. 
and  six  thousand  five  hundred  dollars  was  pledged  for  the  support  of 
the  Government,  W.  H.  Chandler  heading  the  list  with  five  hundred 
•dollars.  Many  volunteer  companies  were  formed  in  the  several  towns 
in  advance  of  State  requisition.  E.  W.  and  Daniel  Whitaker  of 
Ashford,  and  Lester  E.  Braley  of  Windham,  gained  admittance  into 
the  First  Regimei.t  of  Connecticut  Volunteers.  No  man  rendered 
such  service  in  organizing  Connecticut's  forces  as  the  Colonel  of  this 
regiment.  Daniel  Tyler,  of  Norwich,  a  worthy  representative  of  the 
father  and  grandfather  bearing  the  same  name,  so  long  honored  in 
Brooklyn  and  Windham  County.  Educated  at  West  Point  and 
experienced  in  military  discipline,  to  him  was  assigned  the  most 
arduous  task  of  making  an  army  out  of  entirely  raw  material.  He  was 
made  General  of  Connecticut's  First  Brigade,  and  Brigadier-General 
of  United  States  Volunteers  after  his  arrival  at  Washington.  Sixteen 
Windham  County  residents  enlisted  in  the  Second  Regiment.  Colonel 
Terry,  and  a  small  number  in  the  Third,  of  which  Alexander  Warner 
of  Woodstock  was  major.  Dr.  John  McGregor  of  Thompson,  surgeon. 
These  regiments  were  hurried  on  in  time  to  share  the  defeat  at  Bull 
Run,  where  Dr.  McGregor  was  taken  prisoner.  This  disastrous 
repulse,  tidings  of  the  remarkable  career  of  General  Nathaniel  Lyon 
and  the  great  demonstration  at  his  funeral  in  Eastford.  and  General 
3IcClellan's*  assumption  of  command,  all  awakened  the  deepest  interest 
in  Windham  County  and  stinnilated  activity  in  enlistment  and  military 
preparation.  Young  men  kept  back  by  the  reitei'ated  declaration  that 
they  would  not  be  needed  were  mustered  by  hundreds  into  the  quickly 
forming  regiments.  About  fifty  were  included  in  the  Fourth  Regi- 
ment. Company  H.  Fifth  Regiment.  Albert  S.  Granger,  Putnam, 
captain  :  Companj'  A.  Sixth.  Thomas  K.  Bates.  Brooklyn,  captain  : 
Company  K.  Seventh,  Charles  Burton.  Killingly.  captain,  succeedeil 
by  Jerome  Tourtellotte.  Putnam  :  Company  F.  Eighth.  Elijah  T. 
Smith.  Plainfield.  captain — were  almost  wholly  filled  from  Windham 
County,  with  many  in  other  companies.  The  Whitakers  and  Edwiti 
L.  Lyon  of  Ashford  were   enrolled  in  Cavalry  Company  B.     Judson 


*Sou  of  Dr.  George  McClellan,  the  distinguished  Philadelphia  surgeon, 
whose  boyhood  was  well  remembered  in  \Yoodstock,  grandson  of  James,  and 
great-grandson  of  General  Samuel  McClellan,  so  prominent  throughout  the 
Kevolutiou  and  in  later  years,  the  name  could  not  but  awaken  much  enthusiasm 
and  hope  in  Windham  County,  and  only  the  unwelcome  conviction  that  the 
modern  General  lacked  something  of  the  fire  of  his  ancestors,  and  did  not 
share  its  Anti-slavery  views,  overcame  this  early  predilection. 


WOODSTOCK.  585 

M.  Lyon  of  Woodstock  was  iMajor  of  First  Rei^iment  Cavalry,  and 
Andrew  B.  Bowen  captain  of  Coiiipaiiy  A.  with  some  thirty  men  from 
Woodstock  and  towns  adjacent.  The  EleveiUli  Ke<;iment  was  jj^reatly 
beloved  in  Windham  County,  Charles  Matthewson,  Pomfret,  lieutenant 
colonel ;  Rev.  George  Soule,  Hampton,  chaplain  ;  Dr.  James  U.  Whit- 
comb,  Brooklyn,  surgeon ;  George  W.  Davis,  Thompson,  quarter- 
master sergeant.  The  companies  of  Captain  Clapp,  Pomfret,  and 
Captain  Hyde,  Plaintield,  were  mostly  made  up  fioin  the  County. 
Many  from  the  south  part  of  the  County  enlisted  in  Com])any  G,  ''the 
Lyon  Guards,"  Twelfth  Regiment,  under  the  veteran  Captain  Braley, 
Windham.  Alexander  Warner  of  Woodstock,  went  out  as  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  of  the  Tliirteenth.  Windham's  contribution  to  this  regiment 
were  mostly  included  in  Company  E — E.  E.  Graves  of  Thompson,  tirst 
lieutenant.  These  soldiers  received  generous  bounties  from  their 
respective  towns  and  ample  provision  for  their  families,  and  went  out 
hopefully  to  their  varied  posts  of  duty  and  service.  After  six  months 
of  military  vicissitudes,  culminating  in  the  withdrawal  from  the  siege 
of  Richmond,  the  towns  were  again  called  to  laise  their  propoition  of 
'•  three  liundred  thousand  more."  Eastern  Connecticut  responded  with 
such  alacrity  that  the  Eighteenth  Regiment  raised  in  New  London  and 
Windham  Counties,  though  the  last  sunnnoned  was  the  first  to  leave, 
August  22,  1862.*  This  was  most  especially  Windhanfs  representative 
regiment.  Colonel  Ely  was  of  Killingly  parentage,  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Nichols,  a  favored  son  of  Thompson,  widely  known  in  other  towns ; 
Major  Keach,  a  Killingly  veteran.  Assistant  Surgeons  Harrington  and 
Hough,  familiar  residents  of  Sterling  and  Putnam.  Captains  T.  K.  I>ates, 
Brooklyn,  Joseph  Matthewson,  Pomfret.  G.  W.  Warner,  Woodstock, 

C.  D.  Bowen,  Windliam,  E.  J.  Matthewson,  Killingly,  connnanded 
companies  of  county  men.  Di".  Lowell  Holbrook  of  Tliompson,  Rev. 
W.  C.  Walker  of  Putnam,  went  out  later  as  surgeon  and  chajtlain  of  this 
favorite  regiment.     Windham  was  also  well  represented  in  Companies 

D,  J,  K,  Twenty-first  Regiment,  Company  G,  Twenty-sixth.  Addison 
G.  Warner,  Putnam,  having  recruited  more  than  a  bundled  men  for  the 
First  Cavalry,  was  commissioned  captain,  January,  1864.  "Windham 
also  furnished  recruits  for  the  artillery  and  other  regiments,  and  paid 
her  proportion  for  the  colored  regiments.  promi)tly  fulfilling  from  first 
to  last  every  requisition  of  government.  More  earnest  in  filling  her 
quotas  than  in  seeking  for  ofiice,  she  furnished  proportionably  more 


*  Enlistment  in  the  uortli  part  of  Windham  County  was  greatly  stimu- 
lated by  the  opportune  return  of  Dr.  McGregor,  after  more  than  a  year's 
captivity.  A  public  reception  given  hiui  on  Thompson  Green  was  very 
largely  attended,  and  his  changed  appearance  and  affecting  story  made  a  very 
deep  impression,  rousing  sober,  thoughtful  men  to  a  truer  apprehension  of 
the  nature  of  the  contest. 


74 


586  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

subalterns  than  coimnauders,  tliougli  many  of  Windham  birth  or  stock 
who  went  out  from  other  places  gained  a  high  rank  and  rendered 
distinguislied  service.  At  home  as  in  other  sections  there  was 
great  outflow  of  piivate  liberality,  money  and  labor  freely  ex- 
pended in  sending  comforts  to  friends  who  had  gone  to  the  front, 
and  to  the  Sanitary  and  Christian  Commissions,  Soldier's  Aid 
Societies  busily  working  in  eveiy  neighborhood,  and  "  prayer  made 
without  ceasing  of  the  church  unto  God  "  foi-  help  and  deliverance. 
Of  the  service  rendered  by  the  men  sent  out  from  Windham  County 
it  is  impossible  here  to  give  detailed  report,  but  there  is  good  leason 
for  belief  that  it  compared  favorably  with  that  of  the  great  mass  of 
volunteers,  and  in  many  instances  was  signally  etfective.  Still  less  can 
we  speak  of  the  lives  that  were  sacrificed.  The  wounds  are  yet  too 
fresh  ;  bereavements  are  yet  too  keenly  felt.  We  remember  but  too 
vividly  the  days  that  brought  the  tidings  that  one  and  another  of 
those  who  had  gone  out  so  bravely  had  fallen.  Each  town  hiis  its 
death  roll,  and  its  honored  graves  which  it  yearly  decorates.  Some  of 
these  heroes  were  among  the  best  and  briglitest  young  men  of  Wind- 
ham County,  most  worthy  to  be  remembered  with  those  of  a  pre- 
vious generation,  who  like  them  had  given  their  lives  for  their  country. 
We  need  not  fear  that  their  names  or  deeds  will  be  forgotten. 
Enrolled  in  the  archives  of  the  State  and  Nation,  embalmed  in  every 
patriot  heart,  their  fame  will  but  grow  brighter  with  the  lapse  of  years. 
Mustered  into  the  great  Army  that  fi'om  age  to  age  in  every  clime  has 
raised  "the  battle-cry  of  Freedom,"  the  men  whose  names  are  inscribed 
on  "Windham's  latest  War-iecord"  may  be  sure  of  imperishable 
remerabiance. 

THE  ARMY  OF  EMIGRANTS. 

If  the  record  fails  to  chronicle  those  who  went  out  to  battle  much 
less  can  it  include  the  far  greater  army  that  have  gone  out  from  Wind 
bam  County  to  plant,  to  build,  to  educate,  throughout  the  length  and 
bi'eadth  of  the  land.  No  muster-roll  inscribes  their  names  ;  no  estimate 
gives  even  an  approximation  of  their  number  and  achievements. 
Emigration  began  early.  Westward  the  son  of  Windham  took  his 
way,  bearing  with  him  her  impiess  and  institutions.  Younger  Wind- 
hams,  Woodstocks,  Plainfields,  Canterburys,  Pomfrets,  represent  the 
mother  towns  in  many  States,  and  testify  to  the  filial  love  of  these 
roving  children.  Wyoming,  Vermont,  New  Hampshire,  Western 
Massachusetts  and  New  York,  Ohio,  and  territories  westward,  received 
laige  colonies  from  Windham.  Scattered  throughout  the  land  in 
almost  every  County  of  every  State,  are  found  descendants  of  these 
early  pilgrims  in  every  rank  and  position,  but  usually  classed  among 


THE  ARMY   OF    EMIGRANTS. 


587 


the  solid,  stevlitic:  citizens,  wlio  liave  built  up  society  and  innintain 
civil  and  religious  institutions.  Here  and  there  one  especially  gifted  or 
fortunate  has  set  his  name  high  up  where  all  may  read  it.  The  world 
has  heard  of  our  Morse's  and  IK)lmes's,  Generals  Eaton  and  Lyon,  and 
Commodore  Morris.  Dartmouth,  Williamstown,  Schenectady,  Andover, 
Yale,  Middlebury,  Bangor,  honor  the  menioiy  of  the  good  men  that 
Windham  has  given  them — Presidents  Wheelock,  Fitch,  Nott,  Pro- 
fessors Adams,  Kingsley,  Hubbard,  Lamed,  Hough,  Shepard.  Rhode 
Island  will  never  forget  the  servictes  of  Lieutenant-(TOvernor  Sessions. 
William  Larned  Marcy  and  Elisha  Williams  hold  a  high  rank  among  the 
great  men  of  the  Empire  State.  Ohio  gratefully  remembers  Dr.  Man- 
asseh  Cutler  and  General  Moses  Cleveland.  Edmoiid  and  George  Badger 
won  success  and  honor  in  North  Carolina,  and  New  Orleans  still  bears 
witness  to  the  eloquence  of  Sylvester  Larned  and  Chief  Justice  Brad- 
ford. Colonel  Craft  of  Vermont,  Governor  Williams  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, Senator  Ruggles  of  Ohio,  Hon.  Thomas  P.  Grosvenor,  of 
Maryland,  has  each  an  honorable  record  in  his  adopted  State.  New 
Haven  owes  to  Windham  her  respected  Whitings  and  Whites, 
and  the  late  excellent  mayor,  Hon.  Aaron  Skinner,  while  ILirtford  is 
indebted  for  distinguished  and  useful  physicians,  Doctors  Coggswell, 
Welch  and  Sumner.  Windham  is  largely  represented  in  the  min 
isterial  ranks,  sending  out  the  ancestors  of  tlie  present  Dr.  Bacon, 
New  Haven,  Dr.  Storrs,  Brooklyn,  Dr.  William  Adams,  New  York, 
Dr.  George  L.  Walker,  Hartfoid.  and  a  host  of  lesser  luminaries.  She 
has  given  to  art  j\Iiss  Anne  Hall,  Samuel  Waldo,  Frank  Alexander, 
Henry  Dexter*  and  Ithiel  Town,  architect,  the  collector  of  one  of  the 
largest  and  most  valuable  libraries  in  the  country.  The  Grosvenorf 
Library  of  Bufialo  perpetuates  the  name  and  munificence  of  the  son 
of  one  of  Windham's  honored  families.  The  works  of  E.  G.  Scpiier, 
Alice  and  Phebe  Carey,  Mrs.  Botta,  Mrs.  Lippencott  (Grace  Green- 
wood), E.  C.  Stedman,  do  honor  to  their  Windham  ancestry.  Other 
names  equally  meritorious  might  swell  the  list  and  still  a  tithe 
would  not  be  given.  Ministei's,  professors,  lawyers,  bankers,  mer 
chants,  farmers,    mechanics,   lens  of  thousands  of  American    citizens 


*Henry  Dexter,  sculptor,  lately  deceased  at  Cambridge,  was  born  in  Nelson, 
New  York,  but  spent  a  part  of  ins  early  years  in  Killingly,  where  his  native 
love  of  art  was  s^reatly  incited  by  the  example  and  encouragement  of  his 
townsman,  Frauk''Alexander.  Ithiel  Town  was  born  in  Thompson,  1784,  oue 
of  the  "odd  boys"  who  devolop  remarkable  genius.  Beginning  his  career  as 
a  common  house  carpenter,  he  accoiuplished  architectural  feats  at  Boston  that 
excited  great  admiration.  Eutering  into  business  at  New  Haven  and  New 
York  City  he  became  widely  celebrated,  furnisliing  designs  for  many  import- 
ant public  buildings  in  those  cities  aud  other  large  towns.  He  also  inveuted 
a  bridge,  which  was  very  popular  for  a  time. 

tHon.  Seth  Grosvenor,  New  York. 


588  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

in  all  parts  of  the  laiul.  trace  descent  from  the  same  old  County. 
And  still  the  tide  sets  outward,  and  still  despite  all  that  have  gone 
before  and  the  reputed  decrease  of  our  native  population  she  has  a 
man  ready  for  any  opening.  A  goodly  proportion  of  active  business 
men,  to-day,  in  Providence,  Boston,  Worcester,  Norwich,  Hartford, 
New  York,  Chicago,  and  other  cities,  went  out  from  Windham  County 
homes  and  school-houses.  She  accommodates  Massachusetts  with  a 
governor,  and  Rhode  Island  with  leading  lawyers,  merchants,  editors 
and  instructors.  She  furnishes  New  York  with  a  very  Iinlependent 
editor,  and  The  Tribune  with  a  specially  sprightly  correspondent, 
whose  charming  lyrics  melt  the  most  obdurate  critic.  She  sends  to 
Chicago  an  author  and  editor  whose  name  is  a  ^  Woman's  Secret," 
and  a  merchant  prince  to  be  president  of  its  Commerci.'il  Club,  inter- 
change greetings  with  Boston  magnates,  and  even  draw  (jut  a  witty 
response  from  the  speechless  ex-president  and  i-hief  conmiander.  Let 
a  son  of  Windham  rove  where  he  will  he  finds  a  brothei'  to  welcome 
him.  In  every  section,  in  every  position,  Windham  has  to-day  its  liv- 
ing representatives,  its  bright,  enterprising  capable  men  and  women, 
ready  to  bear  their  part  in  the  battle  of  life,  and  winning  a  fair  share 
of  its  honors  and  victories. 

TO-DAY  AND  TO-MORROW. 

And  notwithstanding  all  this  outtlow  there  is  something  left  behind. 
The  perennial  fount  is  full  and  living.  It  is  pleasant  to  believe  that 
after  the  vicissitudes  of  nearly  two  hundred  years  Windham  was  never 
more  prosperous  than  at  the  present  epoch.  New  interests  have  devel- 
oped, new  elements  are  at  work,  bringing  indeetl  fermentation  and 
change  but  giving  promise  of  continued  expansion  and  develoi)n)ent. 
With  a  few  exceptions  the  tendency  is  upward,  and  great  advance- 
ment has  been  made  during  the  present  generation,  not  only  in  wealth 
and  numerical  strength  but  in  all  things  that  contribute  to  material 
prosperity.  Town  affairs  are  administered  with  moi'e  enlightened 
public  spirit.  Money  is  expended  more  freely  for  needful  uses.  The 
poor  of  the  towns  are  provided  with  suitable  homes  and  allowed  more 
comforts  than  in  former  days.  Schools  receive  more  stringent  super- 
vision. Ample  and  convenient  school-houses  are  demanded  and  teach- 
ers receive  far  more  liberal  compensation.  A  section  so  well  provided 
with  railroads  can  hardly  fail  to  l)e  up  with  the  times  in  all  essential 
matters,  and  yet  it  has  enough  conservatism  to  keep  it  on  the  track, 
and  with  all  its  modern  impetus  it  sticks  fast  to  its  old  traditions, 
repudiates  the  idea  of  a  county  debt  and  never  suffers  a  legally 
executed  will  to   be  broken.     Windham  is  essentially  a  v ell-balanced 


TO-DAY    AND    TO-MORKOW.  589 

county.  Its  varied  b\isiiiess  interests  work  harnioiiioiisly  for  tlie  good 
of  the  wliole.  Manufactiirino-  has  developed  agricultural  enterprise; 
laljoi'  witli  tew  exceptions  finds  its  best  friend  in  capital.  The  resistant 
gravity  of  the  old  liill-top  villages  and  the  comparative  ineitia  of  the 
rural  districts,  hap})ily  check  the  undue  momentum  of  the  steam- 
driven  railroad  centres,  atid  even  those  out-lying  sections  that 
would  seem  to  be  almost  dead-weights  serve  a  useful  purpose  in 
pieserving  the  equilibrium,  and  receive  a  reflex  benefit  fiom  the 
general  advancement.  Its  inherent  vitality  is  manifested  in  the 
energy  and  progressive  spirit  of  those  who  stay  at  home  as  well 
as  in  the  lestless  ambition  that  impels  so  many  to  leave,  while  the 
general  intelligence  of  the  people,  the  demand  for  books  and  news- 
papers, the  book  clubs  and  literary  societies  springing  u[>  in  almost 
every  neighborhood,  argue  a  good  degi'ee  of  mental  activity.*  A 
pleasant  feature  in  latter-day  life  is  the  yearly  increasing  number  of  out- 
goers  who  return  to  their  old  homes,  and  their  willingness  to  aid  in 
schemes  for  public  benefit — a  return-tide,  bringing  back  to  Windham 
some  of  the  treasures  she  has  so  freely  lavished.  This  hopeful  omen, 
with  the  general  status  of  the  County,  its  improved  business  facilities 
and  established  manufacturing  interests,  would  seem  to  augur  a  bright 
and  pi'osperous  future.f     There  are  indeed  as  in  other  sections  adverse 

*  While  boastinii  of  editors,  authors  and  artists  who  have  gone  out  from 
Windham,  it  is  scarcely  fair  to  leave  unnoticed  those  who  have  won  success  at 
home.  Well  conducted  County  journals  show  that  Windham  boys  can  edit  a 
newspaper  without  going  to  New  York  or  Providence.  The  poems  and 
stories  of  Miss  Jane  G.  Fuller  of  Scotland,  and  Mrs.  C.  N.  W.  Thomas  of  Kil- 
lingly,  vie  in  merit  with,  those  which  have  brought  honor  to  Mrs.  Corbin 
and  Mrs.  Moultou.  Miss  Fuller  has  done  especial  service  in  her  vivid  repro- 
ductiun  of  revolutionary  incidents,  and  her  charming  volume  upon  our  wild- 
flowers,  which  has  contributed  towards  "  the  popularization  of  science." 
Mr.s.  Charles  Thompson  of  I'omfret,  has  published  "  The  Rectory  of  More- 
head,  "  and  other  pleasant  stories.  The  portraits  and  sketches  of  Miss  Sarah 
S.  Hall,  West  Killingly,  indicate  a  share  in  the  hereditary  genius  so  con- 
spicuous in  her  distinguished  kinswoman,  as  well  as  careful  study  and  training. 
Mr.  J.  I.  Sawyer  of  PomtVet  (now  in  Putnam),  has  won  a  good  reputation  us 
an  artist,  and  Messrs.  Baldwin  of  Thompson  and  Thurber  of  Putnam,  bring 
back  to  their  early  homes  the  fruits  of  artistic  culture. 

t  Population  of  Windham  County  according  to  the  UnitM  States  Census, 
1870:— Ashford,  1,242;  Brooklyn,  2,355;  Canterbury,  1,552;  Chaplin,  704; 
Eastford,  984;  Hampton,  891;  Killingly,  5,712;  Plainfield,  4,521;  Pomfret, 
1,488;  Putnam,  4,192;  Scotland,  648;  Sterling,  1,022;  Thompson,  3,804;  Vol- 
uutown,  1,052;  AVinilham,  5,413;  Woodstock,  2,955.  Total,  38,535.  8.521 
were  of  foreign  birth,  of  whom  4, 60(3  were  born  in  British  America.  4G0 
Negroes.  40  Indians.  Grand  List  for  1880, -SI 7,303, fiSfi.  Highest  on  list, 
Windham,  $3,505,309.  81  houses  of  worship  and  77  churches  were  reported 
at  the  same  date,  viz  :— Baptist,  17;  Congregationalist,  27 ;  Episcopalian,  6; 
Methodist,  13;  Pomau  Catholic,  5;  Second  .\dvent,  4;  Unitarian,  1.  One  or 
two  Catholic  churches  have  been  added.  Spiritualists  maintain  worship  iu 
several  of  the  larger  villages. 


590  HISTOKY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

elements.  Windliam  has  to  face  the  inevitable  accompaniments  of" 
rapid  «^iowth  and  expansion — the  rowdyism  and  vice  that  congregate 
in  thickly-settled  communities,  the  changed  character  of  lier  rural 
population.  Probably  half  the  foreign-born*  operatives  who  run  the 
mills  that  bring  so  much  wealth  to  the  County  become  in  time  incor- 
porated into  its  population.  An  unknown  factor  of  little  ajiprociable 
influence,  representing  at  present  scarcely  more  than  a  negative  quan- 
tity, it  may  prove  a  most  positive  force  in  working  out  its  future 
destiny.  To  these  tendencies  she  opposes  the  transforming  power  of 
her  civil  an(i  religious  institutions,  and  the  stability  and  sound  sense 
of  her  native  population.  The  churches  that  have  done  so  much  for 
her  past  development  are  still  at  woi-k.  Not  one  of  her  original  town 
churches  has  become  extinct,  and  v^ery  many  have  been  added.  While 
church  attendance  and  strict  Sabbath-keeping  have  declined  since  they 
ceased  to  be  compulsory,  the  number  of  churches  proportionably  to 
the  population  has  doubled.  Representing  many  shades  of  religious 
belief,  they  are  all  on  the  side  of  right  living,  of  moral  and  spiritual 
advancement.  Its  ministry  is  as  of  old,  able,  active,  aggressive,  eager 
to  labor  and  to  lead  in  every  eifort  for  the  elevation  and  purification  of 
churches  and  communities,  and  its  hands  are  strengthened  by  many 
faithful  men  and  women,  who,  discerning  the  signs  of  the  time,  are 
ready  to  do  their  part  in  helping  forward  the  good  and  resisting  the 
evil.  With  such  conserving  and  reformatoiy  forces,  and  the  continued 
blessing  of  the  kind  Providence  that  lias  so  happily  sustained  and 
guided  her  on  her  way,  it  may  be  hoped  that  Wiudfiam  will  overcome 
every  threatening  or  inauspicious  element,  that  her  moral  and  spiritual 
development  will  keep  pace  with  material  growth,  that  through 
coming  generations  she  will  increase  in  prosperity  and  influence,  and 
maintain  an  honorable  position  as  a  "corner-stone"  of  Connecticut  and 
the  Kepublic. 

*  The  Frencli  operatives,  with  scarce  an  exception,  take  their  savings  back 
to  Canada,  and  make  no  attempt  to  assimilate  with  the  Yankees.  The  Irish 
wlio  predominate  at  Willimautic  usually  buy  small  farms  and  become  per- 
manent residents. 


APPENDIX. 


A. 

Inquiry  has  been  made  as  to  the  origin  of  the  names  of  the  several  towns 
in  Windliam  County.  Judge  Sewall's  record  gives  the  data  concerning- 
Woodstock,  and  it  is  believed  that  the  names  were  generally  given  by  some 
high  official  in  memory  of  some  special  locality  in  the  Mother  Counfry. 
Governor  Fitz-John  Winthrop  had  the  honor  of  naming  Plaintield  and  prob- 
ably Canterbury.  Governor  Saltonstall  is  believed  to  have  named  Kil- 
lingly,  Pomfret  and  Ashford.  With  other  English  possessions  derived 
from  distinguished  ancestry,  beheld  the  "Manor  of  Killingly,  near  'Ponte- 
fract  [Ponfret,  Pomfret]  in  Yorkshire,'"  which  undoubtedly  suggested  the 
names  given  to  the  former  towns.  Ashford  was  so  called  from  its  great 
number  of  ash  trees.  The  Volunteer's  Land  was  appropriately  called  Volun- 
town.  Thompson  preserves  the  name  of  its  early  English  proprietor  Sir 
Robert  Thompson. 

B. 

It  has  been  a  matter  of  surprise  that  no  account  has  been  discovered  in  any 
cotemporary  newspaper  of  Putnam's  adventure  with  the  wolf.  The  tirst 
detailed  report  of  that  famous  exploit  would  seem  to  be  that  in  his  own 
biography  prepared  by  Colouel  Humphrey,  1788,  under  the  direction  of  General 
Putnam  himself,  and  Dr.  Albigence  Waldo.  The  following  extract  found  in 
a  copy  of  the  Norwich  Packet,  1784,  shows  what  extraordinary  versions  had 
attained  circulation  in  England  : — 

["  From  a  late  London  Magazine^. 

Anecdotes  of  the  Late  Celebrated  American  General  Putnam. 

We  read  that  David  slew  a  lion  and  a  bear,  and  afterwards  that  Saul 
trusted  him  to  fight  Goliath.  In  Pomfret  lived  Colouel  Israel  Putnam,  who 
slew  a  she  bear  and  her  two  cubs  with  a  billet  of  wood.  The  bravery  of  this 
action  brought  him  into  public  notice;  and,  it  seems,  he  is  one  of  fortune's 
favorites.  The  story  is  as  follows: — In  1754,  a  large  she  bear  came  in  the 
night  from  her  den,  which  was  three  miles  from  Putnam's  house,  and  took  a 
sow  out  of  a  pen  of  his.  The  sow,  by  her  squeaking,  awoke  .Mr.  Putnam, 
who  hastily  run  in  his  shirt  to  the  poor  creature's  relief;  but  before  he  could 
reach  the  pen,  the  bear  left  it,  and  was  trotting  away  with  the  sow  in  her 
mouth.  Mr.  Putnam  took  up  a  billet  of  wood,  and  followed  the  screamiugs 
of  the  sow,  till  he  came  to  a  foot  of  a  mountain,  where  the  den  was.  Daunt- 
less he  entered  the  horrid  cavern,  and  after  walking  and  crawling  upon  his 
hands  and  knees  for  fifty  yards,  came  to  a  roomy  cell,  where  the  bear  met  him 


592  HISTORY    OF    WINDHAM    COUNTY. 

with  great  fury-  He  saw  iiotliiui;  but  the  fire  of  her  eyes;  Init  that  was  sufli- 
cient  for  our  hero;  he  accordingly  directed  his  bhjw,  whicli  at  once  proved 
fatal  to  the  bear,  and  saved  his  own  life  at  a  most  critical  inonient.  Putnam 
then  discovered  and  killed  two  cubs;  and  having,  though  in  Egyptian  darlv- 
*  ness,  dragged  them  and  the  dead  sow,  one  l)y  one,  out  of  the  cave,  he  went 
home,  and  calmly  reported  to  liis  famil}'  what  had  happened.  The  neighbors 
dechired,  on  viewing  the  place  by  torchlight,  that  his  exploit  exceeded  those 
of  Samson  or  David.  Soon  afterwariis  the  general  assembly  appointed  Mr. 
Putnam  a  Lieutenant  in  the  army  marching  against  Canada.  His  courage 
and  good  conduct  raised  him  to  the  ranlv  of  Capt;iin  the  next  year.  The  third 
year  he  was  made  a  Major ;  and  the  fourth  a  Colonel.  Putnam  and  Rogers 
were  the  heroes  through  the  last  war.  Putnam  was  so  hardy,  at  a  time  when 
the  Indians  had  killed  all  his  men,  and  completely  hemmed  him  in  upon  a 
river,  as  to  leap  into  the  stream,  which  in  a  minute  carried  him  down  a 
stupendous  fall,  where  no  tree  could  pass  without  being  torn  to  pieces.  The 
Indians  reasonably  concluded  that  Putnam,  their  terrible  enemy,  was  dead, 
and  made  their  report  accordingly  at  Ticonderoga;  but  soon  after,  a  scouting 
party  found  their  sad  mistake  in  a  bloody  rencounter.  Some  few  that  got  off 
declared  that  Putnam  was  yet  living,  and  that  lie  was  the  first  sou  of  Hob- 
bamockow,  and  therefore  immortal.  However,  at  length  the  Indians  took  this 
terrible  warrior  prisoner  and  tied  him  to  a  tree;  where  he  hung  three  days 
without  food  or  drink.  They  did  not  attempt  to  kill  him  for  fear  of  oflending 
Holjbamockow  ;  but  they  sold  him  to  the  French  at  a  great  price.  The  name 
of  Putnam  was  more  alarming  to  the  Indians  than  cannon,  and  they  never 
would  tight  him  after  his  escape  from  the  falls.  He  was  afterwards  redeemed 
by  the  English." 

c. 

Windham's  Frog  Battle  found  a  wider  place  in  literature.  It  was  first 
noticed  in  a  private  letter  from  Dr.  Stiles,  June,  1754.  Dr.  Samuel  Peters 
gives  an  absurdly  exaggerated  account  of  the  aflair  in  his  "  History  of  Con- 
necticut," 1781,  representing  that  the  frogs  "  filled  a  road  forty  yards  wide 
and  four  miles  in  length,"  and  were  sevei-al  hours  passing  through  the  town. 
A  ballad  founded  upon  his  narrative  was  soon  after  its  publication  published 
in  the  Frovideuce  G-azette  entitled  "The  Frogs  of  Windham— an  Old  Colony 
Tale  founded  on  Fact — by  Arion."  Another  version  of  the  story,  the  well- 
known  "Lawyers  and  Bull-frogs,"  was  published  some  years  later,  aiming 
rather  to  ridicule  the  prominent  men  of  Windham  than  to  give  any  authentic 
report  of  the  panic.  Its  authorship  was  ascribed  to  "  Master  Tildeu  "  of 
Lebanon,  on  grounds  apparently  quite  insufficient.  Another  ballad,  called 
"  The  Bull-frog  Fight,"  was  given  to  the  world  in  the  Boston  Museum  of 
1851.  George  Webb,  Esq.,  Elizabeth,  New  Jersey,  sends  the  following 
account  received  in  childhood  from  old  Sinda,  wife  of  Jack,  Colonel  Dyer's 
body-servant  :— 

"  Well  it  was  in  June,  I  think,  and  the  weather  was  very  hot,  and  Master 
had  drawn  otl'  the  Pond  to  fix  the  dam.  When  he  came  home  he  did  not 
think  of  nothin'— by  and  by  when  it  became  cool  there  began  to  be  a  rumble, 
rumble,  rumble  in  the  air,  and  it  grew  louder  and  louder  and  louder,  and 
seemed  to  be  like  drums  beating  in  the  air.  Well,  it  was  in  the  old  French 
War,  when  our  men  had  gone  to  Belle  Isle  or  Canada  to  fight  the  French  and 
Indians,  and  some  guessed  it  was  the  Injuns  having  a  powwow  or  war  dance 
on  Chewink  Plain,  and  we  should  all  be  killed  in  the  morning.  But  Master 
and  Colonel  Elderkin  and  Mr.  Gray  mounted  their  horses  and  rode  to  the  top 
of  Mullein  Hill,  and  as  the  pond"  was  a  little  over  there  beyond  they  found 
out  what  it  was— and  the  scare  was  over.  Master  said  he  supposed  the  frogs 
fought  each  other  for  the  next  day  there  were  thousands  of  them  dead.  They 
croaked  some  the  next  night  but  nothing  so  bad." 


APPENDIX.  593 

D. 

As  slavery  left  behind  so  few  traces  that  it  is  hard  to  believe  it  ever 
existed  in  the  County,  it  may  be  well  to  preserve  the  following  advertisement 
found  in  the  Connecticut  Gazette,  1774  : — 

"  TEIV  I>OL.L.ARS  REWARD. 

RUN  AWAY  from  the  subscriber,  in  Canterbury,  on  the  Night  following  the 
SOtli  instant,  a  Mulatto  Slave,  named  Sampson,  about  five  Feet  eight 
Inches  high,  and  thirty  Years  of  Age.  He  is  a  Slender  built  Fellow,  has  thick 
Lips,  a  curled,  Mulatto  Head  of  Hair,  uncut,  and  goes  stooping  forward.  He 
had  on  and  carried  with  him,  when  he  eloped  from  his  Master,  a  half  wore 
Felt  Hat,  a  black  and  white  Tow  Shirt,  a  dark  brown  Jacket,  with  Sleeves 
cufled,  and  Pewter  Buttons  down  before,  a  Butter  Nut  colored  Great  Coat, 
with  Pewter  Buttons,  a  Pair  of  striped  long  Trowsers,  and  a  pair  of  short 
white  Ditto,  a  Pair  of  white  Tow  Stockings,  and  a  Pair  of  single  channel 
Pumps.  Whoever  will  take  up  said  Slave,  and  deliver  him  to  the  Subscriber, 
in  Canterbury,  shall  have  the  above  Reward,  and  all  necessarv  Charges  paid 
by  me.  DANIeL  TYLER. 

Canterbtiry,  June  27,  1774." 


75 


ESBATA. 

Page  137,  for  "Home,"  read  "Howe." 

Page  183,  for  "  Point,"  read  "  Parish." 

Page  523,  for  "  Abuer  Richmond,"  read  "  Jared  D.  Richmond." 

Note. — This  son  of  Abner  Richmond  of  Westford,  had  established  himself 
in  legal  practice  in  Ashford  as  early  as  1S31,  administered  the  Probate  Office 
for  a  number  of  years  to  public  satisfaction,  and,  notwithstanding  the 
unfounded  allusions,  pages  565-68,  has  survived  the  professional  service  of 
half  a  century,  and  is  still  able  to  expound  the  law  to  others,  though  not 
engaged  in  active  practice.  Judging  from  his  own  vitality,  and  the  well- 
preserved  longevity  of  his  respected  brothers  in  "Westford,  Ashford  may 
retain  its  "  last  lawver  "  for  many  years. 


INDEX  OF  NAMES. 


Abbe.  25,  6,  47;  147,  75:  210,  13, 

14,  21,  3,6,8,48,03,  92,  5;  301, 

28,04;  411;  529,  61. 
Abbot,  1,  16,  20,  47,  69,  60;  181; 

237;  371;  414;  521. 
Aborn,  250. 
Adams,  1,3,  11,  12.  37-9,  42,  75, 

6,  92;  117,   .38,  41,   9,  88.  91; 

209,  32,  7,  49,  50,  2,  3,  6,  91 ; 

304-7,  9-12,  14,  15,  17,  23-5,  32, 

94;  409,  23,  5,  7,  33.  6,  69,  71. 

2.  4,  8:3,  90-3,  5,  7, 8 ;  503,  5,  65, 

6,  9,  87. 
Ainsworth,  IW. 
Albe,  376. 
Alden,  100,  1. 
Aldrich,  97;  3.34,  7. 
Alexander,  319,  30,  2,  3,  50,  87; 

431-3,  6;  539,  40,  2,  3,  75,   8, 

87. 
Allen,  Allvn,l.   3,    6,    12,   16, 

20.1,6,   42,  .57;  185,  41,9,63, 

89;  213,30,50-2,  82;  323-.5,  55, 

72;  411,13.16,  26,41;  504,  10, 

16,  17.47,9,  61,9. 
AUerton,  45. 
All  worth,  1,59,  250. 
Alrav,403;  507,  38,  72. 
Alton,  344,  57. 
Ames,  248;  402,  30:  572. 
Amidon,  458. 
Amsbui-y,  539. 
Anderson,  333. 
Andrews,  Andrus,  47;  328,  9; 

406,  14,  22,  31  ;  520. 
Angell,  266;  329;  402,  3,  6,  27, 

39.  54. 
Anthony,  402;  508. 
Apley,  Aplin,  8,  9, 12;  373. 
Appleton,  510,41. 
Arnold,  58;    156,  7,  60,  3;  202, 

24 ;  332-4,  65 ;  402,  6,  34,  9,  52 

528,  9. 
Asbury,  355. 
Anhcratt,  1,  3,  12;  249,  50,  84 

474. 
Ashley,  190;  212,  17.  45,  86;  419 

71 ;  519,  20. 
Aspinwall,  37;  409,24;  554. 
Atkins,  236,  7,  60,  83 ;  331,  4,  41 

9,91;  434-6,  74  82;  542. 
Atwell.  Atwood,  22,   85;    149 

212:  514,29  30,41,  72. 
Auehmutv,  1.35 
Austin,  372;  504,27,40. 
Avery,  Averil,  3,  5,  17,  26 :  149 

247,  67;    319,  28,   71;    418  21 

545.  6,  79. 
Ayer,  570,  2. 
Babbitt.  330,  3-5. 
Babcock,  19-21,  1,  7,  8.  30-2.47 

51,69;  112;   213,  93;  466;  523 

5,66. 
Bachellor,  437. 
Backus,  3,31.  8,9,41,5,  7,9.50 

72,  5,85,97;  129,  41,7,  65,74 


85,  99;  213,  29,  68,  87,  9,  90; 

309,  16,  20-2,  8,  74,  86;  406,  20, 

7,  30,  46,  7,  9,  ry<,  6,  83,  9,  95; 

503-5,  30,40,57.08,9.  71. 
Bacon,  3,  42,  4-6;  118,   38,  03; 

250.  64,  82;  305,  0,  8,  10-12, 14, 

10,  25;  424,  ,■!  8,95. 
Badirer,  48;    141;  213;  412,   14; 

,575;  21.87. 
Biiley,304,  5;  409,29;  537. 
Baker,  3,  25,  ,57;  lOf-74,  5;  2,31, 

2,  38,  49-51,  60.  3,  70;  380;  414, 

30,  OS,  9,  71,:-!. 
Bak'am.  414;  514. 
Balch,  248, 
Baldwin,  45;  224,  8;  305,  9,  72, 

4,80;  413,  14,23,7,67,71  ;  509, 

18,  23,  32,  4,  60,  8,  9,  82,  9. 
Ballon,  .5.39,  40,  52. 
Banks,  229;  314. 
Barber,  28 ;  515,  39. 
Bard,  ,568. 
Karker,  07. 

Barlow.  372;  454:  ,527. 
Barnes,  98;  313,  91;  521. 
Barn^v,  23,  5. 
Barren,  3,  78;    108;    250;    330, 

44,5:  ,541. 
Barrows,  400;  514,66. 
Barstow.  80;  309,13,  16,  32,44, 

5;  406,24,6,83;  529. 
Bartholomew,  105:  368. 
Bartlett.  35;  3,34;  437,18;  539, 
Barton.  248;  418,20. 
Bass,  47,  57-  213:  414. 
Bassett,  433;  501. 
Bateman,  78;  334. 
Bates,  86;  284;  344,  5,  54;  ,5.35, 

84,5. 
Baxter,  96,  7;  268,  83;  335,  75, 

6;  437. 
Beach,  579. 
Beecher,  481;  581. 
Bell.  149. 
Bellows,  344. 
Beniis.  35. 
Bene<lict,  314,  20,  2,   4-7,  9,  40, 

1 ;  4-'8 ;  530,  44. 
Benjamin,  250. 
Bennet,  3,  58,  95,  141 ;  239,  43, 

5;  385;  418;  519,21,5. 
Benson,  473,  4,  83,92,  7. 
Bentley,  478. 
Bibbins,  54;  227. 
Biekford,  334. 
Bickuell.20;  272;  423,58. 
Biddle,  48. 

Bidlack,  3,38,51,9;  181. 
Bill,  100;  241;  418,21;  520. 
Billings,  09. 
Binfrham,  45,  7,  8,  ,54,  5,  7;  147. 

9.60,  89,  90;  213,15,  27;  317; 

418;  518.  60. 
Bishop,  160;  328,  31,   63;    435, 

56. 
Bissell,  53 ;  129 ;  41,  50,  87 ;  239. 


Bixby,  78-80;  344,  5.  9;  443;  536. 

Biackinar,  86,96;  334,5 

Blaine,  ,583. 

Blanchaid,  20,  2,  5:  2»2;  473, 

Bla«hfiHld,  431  ;  ,535. 

Bloss,  78;  524. 

Bolles,  19, '27,  9.  30;  224,  93,  6, 

7;  303,  23,  .50,05-8;  457,  9,  05, 

71,3;  ,5'25,  65. 
Bolton,  ,31)2. 
Bond,  38.  42-4;  315,83. 
Borden,  ,500, 
Bos  well,  312. 

Bosworth,  35;  293;  458,  87;  526. 
B'>tta.  ,587. 
Bottom,  369. 
Bo  wen.  9fi:   104,  ,5,  8:  39,  48; 

224,  84 ;  324,  34,  7,  46,  66,  8,  9, 

79,  81 ;  451,  2 ;  528, 35, 77.  9, 82, 

3,5. 
Bowers,  258. 
Bowman,  15;  250, 
Bradbury,  107. 
Brailf"rd,  37,  8,  40,  2,  3,  72,3; 

112,  41,  9;  212;  305,   10,  12,  13, 

19,  20,  47-9;  402,  27,  8;  533,  74, 

81,7. 
Braiev,  584,  5. 
Branch,   151;  328,  55;  454;  530, 

7,41. 
Bi\attle,  247. 
Brayton,266;  300. 
Breck,  39,  40. 
Breed,  56. 
Brewster,  57.  67;  141;  212,  42, 

3,5;  307,8,99;  413,  17,52. 
Bri.rss,386;  453;  570,6. 
Brigliani,  31 ;  100. 
Briuley,  250;  324;  568. 
Brockway.  274. 
Bromley,  502. 
Bronson,428;  5,54. 
Brooks,  23,  6,  89. 
Brown,  43,  7,  8,   79,  80,  2,  9,  90, 

1,2,8;  112,39.46.7,9,51,9,60, 

6,  7,  74,  80,  95;  249,  50,  1,  66, 

84,  93,  8 :  305,  9,  22,  30,  4,  7, 

44,  5;  402,  18,  28,  33,  7,  40,  .56, 

73,83;  513,  14,21,4,  40,  1. 
Browniner,  506. 
Bn*ce,2K4;  369,  76;  406. 
Buck,  89,  92;  163,  6;  241;  330, 

55;  433;  533. 
Buekiniiham,  224 ;  579,  82. 
Buel,  160 
Buffum,  492,  4. 
Bugbee,  80,  99;  104,  5;  282;  ,362, 

5,  7,69,  70-2,  6,  8,  80,  1;  443; 

532,  82. 
Bulkley,  423,  4,  97;  523,  26. 
Bullock,  437,  41. 
Bundy,  344,  6,  8. 
Burchard,  4.58. 
Burgess,  42,  59,  72;  138,  47;  228, 

315,  28,  9 ;  345,  84,  7 ;  403,  20-8, 

37,54;  509,72. 


596 


INDEX    OF    NAMES. 


Burleigh.  302,  6,  25:  427,8,54 

79,  87,  97,  9;  509,  69,  72,  3,  81 
Bnr  int:ame,  38^-5;  430. 
Burnap,  Burnett.  47,  61 ,  4,  6 

190;  230,  7,  45;  315;    414,   17, 

23,  67;  511. 
Burnham,    20,   47,   57-9;    295; 

418,  57;  560,4. 
Burr,  148,  67. 
Burril,354. 
Burroughs,  92,  3. 
Burton,  584. 
Bushnell,  542. 
Butler,  50;  418, 19. 
Button,  37,  42;  452;  521, 
Butts,  12,    .37,  8,  42,  7;  250,  1 

304,  5,  10,  15,  16,  17 ;  423,  6,  83 

503. 
Buxton,  456. 
Bvles,  19,  20,  35,  51 ;  293,  7 ;  457 

66;  524. 
Bvrne.  216;  413;  514. 
Cafly,  3, 12,  37,  42. 72,  6,  8,  88-90 

2;  147,  74,  95;  250,  66,  84;  319 

22,8,  30,   1,  7,  55,  9;  441,61; 

507,  44.  6. 
Camp,  428;  569. 
Canii)bell,68;  127;  212, 15;  335, 

86,  7;  431;  511,567,  70. 
Canada,  42,  59. 
Caoron,  334. 
Carder.  334,  5 ;  474. 
Carew,  315 ;  426. 
Carg;in,2,  16,  86;  266.  7,  9,  85 

8 ;  348,  59 ;  555. 
Carpenter,  1,  2,  15.  20,  95;  105, 

96;  212.  C5,  70,  97;  333.  4,  62 

9;  515,23,32,57,68. 
Carrol.  78;  344,  5,  7,  62,  79;  456 
Carter,  16,  42,  5;  140;   .310,   15 

93;  425,  36,  40,  79,  80;  504,  55. 
Carver,  141 ;  S06. 
Carv,  48,  51,4.9;  173,  5;  213, 17, 

30,  1,5,   8,40,   8;  315;  413,14, 

18,  20,  6 ;  .587. 
Case,  75;  471 ;  507. 
Cates  35. 

Catlin.  .514,  18,60.81. 
Chattee.  20,  2.  5,  6.  31 ;  293;  35' 

T<;  430,58;  503,  23 
Chanil)erlain,  104,  5;  376;  583 
Chiindler,  1,  80,  98,  9;  104-8,  2'. 

48,  62.  4,  5,  74,  80,  92,  6;  265- 

61,5-8,  87,  9;  325,  63,   4,  76; 

447,  9.  51,  G,  83;  505,  11,  27,  44 

6,  70.80,3,  4. 
Chap1n,20;  283;  481. 
Chaplin,  246-8,  62,  94;    418-20, 

2   8 
Chapman,  3,  25,  .34,  5;  104,91; 

240,   50,   1,   84,  93;   367;  437 

.534,53,06. 
Chase,  112;  266;  334;  433,  7,  61 

540. 
Cheney,  1 ;  149,  54 ;  213, 18,  30-1 ; 

416. 
Chester.  1.52,  63. 
Chickeriug,  272. 
Chil(l,78,  9,  98,9;  102,4,5,8,9 

18,  22,  8,  39,  41 ,  9,  63 ;  .359,  62 

8,  9,  70,  2,  6  8-81 ;  406,  52-4,  6, 
66,7;  .527.29-31,79. 

Chub,  20 ;  373. 

Clajip,  585. 

Claik,  1   18-21,31,5,47,58,9,64 

7,  75,6,90;  118,  19  31,2.  4,41, 
3,  9,  .51,  2,  60,  3-5,  78,  9,  89,  91, 
8;  212-16.28,9,39,41,8,50,03, 
9,89,93,  6;  304,  19,  20,  8.  62, 

9.  71;  402,  11,  12.  14.  17-22,6, 
57,  66,  71 ;  504,  18, 20,  1,  3,  7,  9, 
69. 

Clawell,  81. 

Cleveland,  3,  12,  37,  40,2,4,6, 


57,76;  118,  28.  9.  32,  8,41,6, 
52,  3,  60,  3,  89-91 ;  210,  2,  18, 
39,  50,62,  3,  6,  7;  305,  6-9,  11, 
12,16-18,30,  1,  7.  59,  89;  417, 
71,  90;  504,  18,  20-3,  53,  62-4, 
8,  78,  83.  7. 

Clift,  149,  60,  3,  89  ;  213. 

Clinton,  324. 

Cloud,  250;  334. 

Clough,82;   174;  342,  45,  62. 

Coan,  Cone,  358;  406. 

Coats,  85;  270. 

Cobb,37,  8,  44,  5;  310;  482. 

Coburn,  47,60;  241;  359,  62,9; 
438. 

Coe,  478. 

Coirgswell,  39,  40,  1,3,  6,  55.  6, 
69  .  143,  4,  58,  75.  96 ;  202,  3, 22, 
30-8,41,  2,  6,  7,  .50,  3,  60, 1,71, 
4,5;  313,  14,  49,91,3;  509,  73 


Coit,  71,  2,  3,  6:  112,  27,  41,  52, 
75,  98;  238,  69;  307    9,  14;  422, 
25,  79,82,3,  8.  90:  505,69. 
Cole,   Coles,   70;    191;   327,   73, 

83^4,6;  430,  7;  509,30,41. 
Colegrove.  334   7,  84. 
CoUer,  92;  2.50;  533. 
Comins,  Cummings,   81;  154; 

440;  538. 
Conant,48;  136. 
Converse,  78,80,2,  7;  174;  296, 
342,  45 ;  54,  61-2 ;  439,  555, 
68. 
Cook,  196. 
Cooley,538,  61. 
Cooper,  335,  44,  5;  436,  7;  541. 
Copeland,  1,3,  250;  344,  57,9; 

405,  6,  50. 
Cop p,  284;  331,  2;  435. 
Corbin,  35.  6,  78,  81 ;  102,  4,  39; 
.334,  44.  5,  9,  57,  9,   71-3,  80. 
454 ;  578,  89. 
Corliss,  92. 
Cotton,  1,  15,  16;  141;  212,  66. 

70.3.7;  406;. 545. 
Covil),  334,  7, .58;  433,  7;  540. 
Craft,  1,  18,  98;  112,  22,  41,  70; 

2C5,  70,  1,  85,  587. 
Crampton,529,  31. 
Crandall,387;  477,  90-502,  6,  8, 

10. 
Crarv,  127 ;  329. 
Crawfoid,  283;  374;  476. 
Crosbv,  79,  80.  2;  163,  49,  66,  8; 
283, "4;  344,  53,  4,  7,  9;  435-8, 
40, 1,  3,  4,  o4 ;  533, 6-8.  77. 
Cundall,  262;  330;  403,  74;  557. 
Cunningham,  18;  267;  448;  533. 
Curtis,  24,  37,  42,  5,  9;  118;  283; 

555. 
Cashing,  385. 
Cushman,  249,  50;  324;  402,  58; 

523. 
Cutler.  78.  89-92;  144,  45,  7,  9, 
63,  89;  327,  8,  32,  4,  71,  2;  418, 
36 ;  552,  5,  87. 
Dabney,  4C8,  9. 
Daboll,322. 
Daggett,  498;  502. 
Dana,  15,   17.  19,20,  1,  5-7,  51; 
1 49,  50,  3,4,6, 63,  77,  80,  1,  91 ; 
270,2,94;  .381. 
Daniels,  2,  78,  87. 
Daicielson,  76,  8,  9,  92,5;  140, 
7,  85;  205.  9,   12,  32.  40;   388, 
22.30;  .341;  402,  6,  28,  32.  4: 
539,40,1. 
Darbe,3,  12,45;  250;  315. 
Davenport,  .556. 
Davis,  43.  78,  82.  3,  5,  6,  8.  92 
209,50;  315,  42,  4,  5,  9,51,4 
7,  62;  406, 18,  40,  68;  534,  5,  7 
67,85. 


Davison,  1,  3,  4,  15,  22-5;  157; 

231,  49,50,60,  70;  480;  567. 
Davy,  86. 
Dav,  78.92.  5;  149;  281.  4;  3.30, 

2-4,7,  41,  54;  403,  32-4,  7,44; 

539,1,4,6,67,  77. 
Deamon,  344. 
Deane,  34,  5,  42,  72;  120,  .55;  303, 

28,  31,  2;    402,  36;  532,  53,  65, 
81. 
Dearborn,  405 
De  Bruycker,  560. 
De  Chastellux,  199. 
Delbret,  149. 
De  Lauzern,  199. 
Delop,  488. 
Derison,  50,    93-6;   250,  1,  73; 

324. 
Devotion,  47,  54-6;   117,  43,  9, 

64.82,6:  223,8,  30,  2,  4,6,8, 

95,416;  519. 
Dewing,  488. 
Dexter,  92 ;  271 ;  333, 65 ;  452,  3 ; 

540,  87. 
Dickinson,  520. 
Dike,  78,  80,  5,  6;  166.  8;  344-«, 

52,  4,  8 ;  533. 
Dimmock,  21,  2,  5;   188;   301; 

488 
Dixon,  69,  70;  141,  63;  320,  3-5, 

8,9,84-6;  511,70,  1. 
Dodge,   37:  215,   16,  28,  31,  46, 

66,  70-82,  9. 
Donne,  511,  70. 
Dorr,  539. 
Dorrance,  51,  69,  70;  181;  214, 

24,33,  5,  45,9,  50.  1,  02;  3:51, 

83,  4-6;  406,  28,  9;  509,  10,  53. 
Dorset,  566. 
Doty,  541. 
Douglas,  69,  71-3,7;  157,  61,  3, 

4,  79,  85,  98;  319-21,  3-5,  7,  9, 

84,5,  7;  509.  10,  71. 
Dow,  19,  22,  68,   141;    210,  12, 

.33;  242,98;  328,  40,  .50-3,  5-7, 

71,83,4,7,  92:  402,  6,  3.5,  40, 

1-3,  5,  57,  64.  82,  7,  8;  518,  29, 

31,4-6,48,76.7. 
Downing,  3, 12, 42,  57 ;  250 ;  310, 

16. 
Draper,  403. 
Dresser.  1, 15,  79,  80,  1,  3,  7,  8, 

104.  12,  80;  20S,  66,  70;  344,  5, 

49,  50,  2,  7,  61 ;  406,  40,  8;  546. 
Dudley.  358,  456. 
Duick,447,  9,  50,2. 
Dunlap,  49,  72;    181,  91;   212; 

320,1,8,9:  466. 
Dunning,  573,  7,  9. 
Durfee,42;  540. 
Durkee,  12,19,47,50, 1.  7,8,60, 

1,4,6-8;  li4, 17,  32,  3,  49,  .52, 

60,  3-5,  9,  77.  80,  1,  9,  91 ;  212, 

94;  381. 
DHtch,  538. 
l)utton,565. 
Dwight,  229,  38,  55,  7,  62,  6;  310, 

44,  9,  58,  62,  86;  438,  9,  41; 

533. 
Dyer,  3,  37,  9,  42,  4-9,  52,  3,  8,  9, 

76;  114,  36,  8,  41,  54.6,60,2, 

74,  86,  7:  210-13.  15,  23,  .5,  7,  9, 

32,9;  304,  5,  7,  21,49;  408,10, 

13.  14  83;  508,68,72,5,85. 
Eanes,  70. 
Earl.  3;  373. 
EasterbrooU,  373. 
Easting,  Eastman,  20,  2,  4,  5, 

35 ;  284. 
Eaton,  20,  2,  48,  50,  72,  86,  7, 

95;  191;  250;  319,  21,  3,  4,  7, 

8:  406,  8,  27,  8,  33:  68,  71,2, 

98;  504,7,8,55,68,73,87. 
Eddy,  323. 


INDKX    OF    NAMES. 


m 


Edson,  474-8,  84. 
Edwards,  49;  223,  44,  G2,  89. 
Elderkin,  47-53;  117,34,  8,  9,  41, 

5,  9-51,    62-4,  70,4,   8,  84,  6; 

202,9,27,8,  9;  592. 
Eldredtre,3,  12,  25;  250.  1,  64; 

301 ;  546. 
Elllngwood,  345. 
Eliot,  Elliott,  82,  90,  2;  141,  7, 

9;  283;  344,  5,  57;  418,  38,  40; 

537,  48,  75,  81. 
Ellis,344,  5,  61. 
Ellswortb,212;  498. 
Elwell,  147. 
Ely,  392;  540,52,5,  85. 
Einmous,  297. 
Easwortli.37,  8,  45;  138;  304,5, 

9,  10,  17;  508. 
Evan-,  557. 
Everest,  415;  518. 
Ewiug,  293. 
Fairuanks,  Fairinan,  81;  314, 

49;  430. 
Fanslle^^,  439. 
Fargo,  31  i. 
Farlan,323;  508 
Farnham,  Farnum,  23,  5,  42,7, 

58,9;  190,  1;  217,  28,  46;  427: 

522. 
Farwell,  149. 
Fassett.  1,3;  250. 
Fay.  20, 1;  1 12;  296;  344. 
Felcb,  44,  6;  130,  80;  305,  9,  12 

14;  427. 
Fellows,  572. 
Felshaw,  79,  89,  91 ;  195,  6;  330 

2,  72, 


Fanner, 423,  92;  504,  7,  71,  9. 
Field,  266,  7,  83,  5,  6;  385;  437 

540. 
Filmore,  250. 
Finnny.  422. 

Fish,  59.  60,  8,  70;  31'  ;  424,  37. 
Fisher,  93,  190;  415,  16,  33,64, 

81,  7;  518,34,  8. 
Fisk.  90,  6.  7  ;  190 ;  333-6 ;  488. 
Fitcll,  39,  42-9,  52,   76;  112,  14 

18;  129.  30,  6,  8,  41-3,   7,  9,  64, 

73,  84;  205,  7,  10,  15,    8,  27,  33, 

42;  304,5,22;  414,  47;  529,45, 

6,87. 
Fittz,  537. 
Fling,  250,  84 
Flint,  47,  8,  53,  60,5,82,7;  117 

41,03,78;  214,  18,  41,69;  340, 

44. 
Fly nn,  104,  46;  362;  406,  53,  5; 

529. 
Fogg.  15;  197;  259;  461;  568. 
FollPt,  518. 

Ford,  42,  59;  241,3;  419. 
Foster,  35,  42,  3,  61,  4,  5;  141, 

95;  250,  77;  315,  31;  479;  504, 

22,  56. 
Fowler,  476,  82,  7;  509. 
Fox,  315,  20,  1.  8,  71,  2,  80;  4.52, 

4;  521,  7,30,52. 
Francis,  .307,  9;  490;  505,  Gl. 
Freeman,  9;  2ii;  303;  402,  71. 
French.  141:  572. 
Frink,  15,  17,  35.  48;  114,51,84; 

202.5,  7;  324,  83,5,  7;  430 
Fnzzell,  14^.63,99;  4.53. 
Frost,  3,  37,  42-4;  118;  249,50, 

60;  304-7,9,  11,  12,  78;  423,  66, 

71,  82-5,  7-92;  500,  13,  15,  69, 

70. 
FulUr,  3,  25.  6,  47,  57,8,9.60, 

5,  8.  74,  9,  80,  94;  1.53,  7,  60,  1, 

79,  HI,  90,  4;  '.^12,  39,  40,  3,  .=iO 

9,  67 ;  323,  9 ;  409,  27,  74,  7, 90- 

2;  500,9,  15,62,  73,  89. 
Gage,  130,  1;  283,  371,  80;  .525, 

6. 

76 


Gallup,  69,  71 ;  .328;  83-7 :  402,  6, 

30,  1,  61,  8;  510,  11,67,9,  71,3. 
Gano,  454. 
Gardiner,  5;  179. 
Gager,  55;  562. 
Gary,  191  :  282:  444,5. 
Gascon,  70,  1 ;  383,  3-6;  433,  80. 
Gates,  ,506. 
Gay,  82,  3;  172,  83,  90;  3.32,  8, 

-14,5,52,62;  435;  534,5,8. 
Gay  lord,. 565. 
Geer,  12;  248,  52;  520. 
(ribbs,  427. 
Gibson,  385. 
Gilbert,   1;   249,  50,   1,  66,   86; 

447. 
Giuuings,47,  55,  6;  117;  241. 
Giveiis.  90,  7. 
Gladding,  507,  74. 
Glt-ason,  269;  435;  536. 
Goddard.  237;  322,  4.5,9;  404, 

28,  98 ;  502. 
Gotfe,  Gi.ugh,  2SG;  402;  .538. 
Goodell,  1,  17,42;  160;  241,  49, 

50,  67,  70.  84,  6;  345,  9,  69,  70; 

448;  545. 
Goodwin,  418;  524. 
Gordon,  49,  71;  112,  49;  210,  18, 

28,  95 ;  307, 16,  17,  22,  4,  5,  7,  8, 

83-7;  402,48,71,2;  509. 
Gould,  90. 
Gove,  355. 
Granger,  .584. 
Grant,  207;  344;  476;  582. 
Graves,  351,  8,  68,  81 ;  453;  534, 

8,  57,  68,  76,  85. 
Gr.y-  47-9,  53;    117,  34,  49,  54, 

60,  1,  77,  84,  6,  9,  91;  200,  1, 

8-10.  13-10,  27,38:  307,  8,  89; 

409,  13,  14.  71,  9',  518,  68,  92. 
Green,  32,  42,  84,  5:  .538,  48. 
Greenslitt,  525,  68  82. 
Gregory,  344,  58 
Grittln,  2,  15,  48.  .58,  64,  7;  180; 

417,66,  7;  .521,3. 
Grigg-«,1;  174;  266;  526,67. 
Griswo  (1,58;  106. 
Grosvenor,   I,  2,  1.5-18,  48,  98: 

145,  6,  9,  .52-4,  60,  3,  6,  8-70,  5. 

89;  203,  10,  28  53,  6,  65-H,  70-3, 

7.  9,  84,  6  9;  307,  8.  32,  3.  67; 

406,  22,  32,  4    6,  40-50,  84;  534, 

43,4,5,65,  75.  9.  81,  7. 
Gr  .w,32;  193;  283,  4,;  418,    14, 

.54,8;  .537,41,67. 
Guild,  82;  .573. 
(rurley,  466,  71. 
Hale,  57;  153,  66,92;  266. 
Halpy,  .344,  5. 
Hall,  17,  18,  6.5,  72,  5,  85;  157; 

266,  9,  90;  319,  23,  8,  53,  78,  83. 

5;  402,6.29    30,  4'i,  50,  1,66, 

71 ;  515.  24,  42,  3,  7,  87,  9. 
Hallatn,  loO. 
Hamilton,  .324. 
Hammet,  329 ;  400.  68. 
Himmotid.    47,    .58;    104;    241; 

495;  521,41.  8.3. 
H.in<>ock,  145:  2.50,  66,  70, 
H«iks,33;  300-1. 
Harding,  102,  39. 
Harrington,  207, 84;  3.34.7;  437; 

Harris.  104;    249.  .50,  88;    373; 

423,  4,  32,  79,  83,  90-2;  507,  9, 

39  69. 
Hart,  .55,  69,  70,  4;  281 ;  314,  21, 

40. 
Ha'^call,  79,  80;   283;  344;  459; 

546. 
Harch,  322,  3. 
Hawes,  4.58;  511. 
Hawkins,  .538. 
HayiieB,5i9. 


Havwood,  35;    104,  5;  270,  37; 

.362;  545,  6. 
Hazzard,  188. 
Heath.  162. 

Hebard,   Hibbard,  .37,  42,  7,8, 
53,  5,  7,  80:  213,  18,  19,  36,  46; 
.305,  15;  422,  71;  511.60. 
Hende,  20;  419;  518. 
HHntield,2.5. 
Herri.k,  1,  3,  37,42-4;  i:58,  .50; 

315,  16,  17;  474. 
Hewetr,  Hewlett,  80;  213,  50; 

.3.39.  72;  427,30,  87. 
Hewson,  70. 
Hicks,  Hix,:»l,7,  45;  474;  5.30, 

7. 
Hide,   Hyde,  12,    38;    149,    52; 

218,  .50;  406;  .524. 
Hill,  25;  134;   328,  83;  402.  30; 

519,  85. 
Hodg-,  104,5, 

Holbrook,   1,  3,   37,  42-4;    1.38, 
50;  318,  26,  7;  474:   545,    768, 
77,  85. 
H  Jlden,  402. 
Holland,  7.  13;  558. 
Holnian,5,  30,42. 
Holmes,  20;  106,  7,  39,  41 ,  63,  5, 
77,  9,  91;  2.50,  78;  :{51,  64,  7, 
77,  8,  82;  406;  528,  44,  6,  61, 
79,  83. 
Ho  t,  25,  6,  60,  8 ;  167;  241 ;  519 ; 

44   79. 
Hoi'kins,  65:  310>  45,85;  554. 
Horsmer,  104;  345;  471. 
Hosford,  577. 

Hongb.  45,  8,  191:  305.  7;  409, 
19,  21.4,  7,  83,  4, 90  ;  .504,  20,  ,52, 
67,  9  85,  7. 
Hinghr«n,  344.  .58. 
Hovey,  58,  9,  m,  8;  167;   241; 

519,41,62,6,  75. 
HowanI,  43,  8,  .57.  8,  60,  7,86, 
91  ;  210.  12,  13,  40,  5,  7,  50,  70; 
.302,  13,  25,  69    72,  80. 
Ho  vf ,  20   72,  5,  90-2 ;  130,  41 ,  6, 
58,9,77.95;  214     15,  17,83,7, 
97;  330,2.3,  -10-2,  .57;  401,  13, 
31-4,  .57;  .523  33,  43. 
Howl  and,  324;  429. 
Hubbard,  3, 12.  77;  2.50,  89;  321, 

.58;406,  46,7,  9,52,  70;  516. 
Hudson,  516. 
Hughes,  88;  245;  .521. 
Humphrey,  mi;  'M. 
Huut,  3;  248:  311;  437;  429,44, 

5,  79. 
Hunter,  149. 

Huntington, 20,6,  .37,  44-9,  53  6, 
73,4,6;  118   29,34,  41.  9.. 50.  1, 
7,63,  4,   73,  7,  86;  208,  10-13, 
17,  18,  27,  30,  2,  6,  8,  45,  69,  72, 
3,  93;  321,  2,  5,  64;  412,  18,  58, 
6-,  7,  1,3,  7,8;  511,  46,62. 
Hurlbut.  117;  36.3. 
Hu'chins.    76,  8:    217,  50,   8»5; 
3.30-3,  7-9,  41 ;  403,  6,  23.  33-  4, 
40.6,  61,  6,  8,  73,   7,  .8,  84,  9; 
.534,  40,  1. 
H  .rchinson,33,  4,  05;  129,  .31 ; 

406. 
Ingalls,  1,16,  17;  146,  7,51,74, 
SO  ;  228,  .50,  67,  8,  70,  S4-9 ;  389. 
51 ;  406,  46,  8,  66, 8 ;  543,  4,  6. 
Iiigersoll,  5,  114 
Ingraham.  3.33. 
.T.ackson,294;  508,21. 
.Jacobs,  .344,  5,  9,  .54,  7,  8,  61,  2; 

440:  .538. 
.James,  287;  544. 
Jameson,  51,  71 ;  181. 
.Jeff<ird,   141,   75;  241,  49-.5I,   9, 

63;  328. 
Jencks,  570. 


598 


IJVDEX    OF    NAMES. 


Jenkins,  472,  80. 
Jennings,  214;  412. 
Jewett,  12;  315,  17,  44,  6,  61. 
Jillson,  512,  i;M5,  18.  19,  57,  8 
Jobnson,3l,7.  40,  5,6,  92;  104, 

5,  30,  8.   44,  7,  9,  54,  63,  85,  6, 

94 ,  212,  56.  84 ;  300,  1,  7,  9,  12, 

15,  IG,  22,  41,  5,  68,  9,  71,2; 

423  5,  6,  8,  33,  54;  505,  7,  8, 

18,  52.  68. 
Jones,  85;  257. 
Joslin,  182,  3;  203,  50;  345,  54. 

01,  73;  406. 
Joy,  89,  92. 
Ju(lson,34,  5,  45;  298,  9;   319, 

49;  423,57,  8,  64,  71,2,89-91, 

3,5,6,8;  524,  7,68,9. 
Justin,  315;  504. 
Keach,  585. 
Keiawin,  69;   386,  7;   430,  66; 

510. 
KeiTh,  86;  344,  7,9,51,4,8,60; 

506. 
KellofTf!:.  478;  545. 
Kelly,  193;  331-3;  441,  3,  6;  540 
Kendall,  3,  2^",  5,  6;  210,  50,  1. 

93;  379;  458;  524. 
Keunedv,  68;  427. 
Keyes.Kies,  18    19,  63;  130,2, 

46,  8,9,52,3,  60,  77,  89;  218, 

■Mi,  63,  5,  7,  94 :  333,  9,  41 ;  406, 

31,8,  57,60, 1,  71,  8. 
Kibbe,  452. 
Kimball,  3,  47;  354,  65,  79;  414, 

53 ;  528,  9. 
Kins,  281;  340;  402,  40,  6,  7,  89; 

505. 
Kingsbury,  57,  9, 60.  1,  4.  72,  5 ; 

149,77,  87,  91;  213,  41,  5,  67, 

89:  315. 
Kingslev,  48,  5t ;  117,  47,  9;  213, 

30,  3.9,  66,  84;  322,  65;  424; 

504,  87. 
Kinne,   Kinnev.  51,  68,  70,  6; 

112,77;  267;  305,  11.  25  8,85, 

7:  423,4,  8,  9,31,  91;  ,'i07,  11, 

34,8. 
Kinsman,  329;  402,69. 
Knap,  283 ;  354 ;  437. 
KneelaiHl,487;  506,  10. 
Ki'itr>'t,77;  2C6,  7,  88;  .317,  28 

42,  58,  61 ;  422-4,  9,  39;  520,  33, 

8,67. 
Kiiowlton,  19,  22,  3,  7  9,  31,  3, 

5;  145-7,  9,  52,  5,  6,  60,  2-8.90 

294;  300,  1.  .58;  565,  6. 
Knox,  21   4;  1G4;  210;  385. 
Lafayette,  199;  200;  324. 
Lamb,  458. 

Lamson,  29-32;  147;  300;  440. 
Lane,  510,  29,  32. 
Lanman,  322. 
Larned,  Learned  25,82.3,7-92 

112,  08,  71,  4  95;  209,37;  307 

8,16,30-2.  42,  4,  5,  7,  8,  .51-3 

8,  9  61,2,  7;  403,  23.  5,6,40 
F6.  66.  8.  71,  2,6;  505,  33,  5,68 

9,  76,  7.  87. 

Larrabee,  129,  34,  57;  213,  16 

18,39,44. 
Lasell.  48. 
Latliroi),47,  54;  129:  209,  22,  7 

40,  54. 
Law,  96,  7:  132,  .334.  5. 
Lawt«n,402,  27;  .507. 
LaMi-euce.92;  174;  331.4. 
Leach,  42;  332,  4,7;  417,67. 
Leathereoat  390. 
Leavens,  8.  9,  90-2;  171,  95;  284 

331.3,42-4;  633,40,8. 
Ledlie,  114. 
Ledoit,  31,  8.5,  97;  100,  1,7;  283 

4;  374,81;  454.8. 
Lee,  54,  5,  92 ;  158,  75,  91 ;  215 


29,  33,  6,  GO,  aS;  314,  44,  50, 1, 

5  91;  462,4;  512,  14,  18,  19. 
Leffingwell,  177;  431;  539. 
Leitch.  166,  7. 
Leonard,  65.  97;  104,  49,  50,2, 

6.60.  1.  7,  79.  94;  283,  4;  353, 

73 ;  425,  37 ;  537. 
Lester,  3;  320,  4,  8,  9;  402,  27, 

8,68,95:  505,  7,  8,  52,  73. 
Lewis,  42,  3;  572. 
Lillie,  ,56,  7. 
Lilllbridire,  4.58;  524. 
Lincoln,  Liiik<.n,48;  117;  208. 

13,  18,   27;  369;   422;   511,  17, 

61. 
Litchtteld,  3;  250,  2;  522,  7. 
Lippincott,  587. 
Looinis.   25;  149;   293;  406,   17, 

58  76 •  575 
Lord,  12,  17,"  47;  149,  69.  75,  91, 

6;  262,6,7,9,  86;  307;  448.9: 

.545,  6. 
Luce,  47. 

Luthnr,  354;  440;  568, 
Lyman,  194;  275,  89;  340,  64,  6, 

8,77,  8,  82;  452,  3,  6,  7;  528 

9,32. 
Lyon,  17,  19.  22,  4,  41 ;  104-8.  12, 

47,  9.  52    7,  63,  74,89,  96,9: 

231,  85,  6,  92,  3;  305,   10.   13 

67-9,   80,  1 ;  406,   27,   34,  46,  8, 

52-4.  68,  95 ;  520,  6,  9, 45,  53, 

67,81.5,  7. 
Madison,  385;  432. 
Main,  301. 
Malbone,  3,6-14:  133,  47.  71,2 

97 ;  250,  7  9,  66,  8,  9 ;  308 ;  453, 

4,  51,61. 
Maunini--,  29,  31,  47,  .55,  96;  104, 

12,14,  17;  125,  47    9,00  3,89 

93;  210,83;  .i62;  552.  4. 
M^r.  V,  22,  35,  6,  48,  80,  99:  104 

28,  47,  9,  63 ;  293,  4 ;  300,  63,  9, 

71,2,8;  528,30,3,81,  7. 
Mar  lor.  568. 
Marsh,  59,  77;  241;  487. 
Marshall,  41,  94. 
.  artin,  24,  5.  47,  54,  8,  61.  4.84, 

5,97;  192;  210,  '3,  27,41;  3.1.5, 

.53.  6,  72;  402,  18,  21,  2;  514, 

19,21,57,  68. 
Masbcraf  t,  453. 
Masou.20,  3,  35,87,  8;  189;  210 

50,  93.  7;  .33.3-5,  45,  8.  ,59,  62,  6 

9.  70,  80,3.  4;  402,  31,  2,  4,5 

8,  9;  532.  4,8,43,  71,. 5-7. 
Mather,  263;  424,   60,  8,  9,  85 

552. 
Matthewson.  262;  383;  424,39 

49.61,6,8,  72,  83-5.  8,9;  544 

6,  79.  8.5. 
Mav.9H;  104.  5,28:  266.7:362 

8,"  81;  451.   2,6,  71,  .5-8,  82,4 

92-4,6.  7  8;  501,55. 
Maxcy,  323. 
Maxwell,  213. 
McClellan,  104,  6,  22,  8,  46,  7,  9 

74,  7,  86,  9>'.  9:  20.S,  89;  .307,  8, 

62,   4,  77-82;  412.49.  .55.6,66, 

9,  71,  2,  6;  502,  29,  31,  G8,  79 
84. 

McGregor,  584,  5. 
Medbiiry,  3:54;  402. 
Medcalf ,  2.'=0. 
Meech.  425,  6:  .505. 
Meniam,  78;  344. 
Merrill,  79  80. 
Merwin,263;  322,5  6. 
vie  singer,  26,  7;  297. 
Middleton,32U;  400,89;  531. 
Migbill,92 
Miles,  2J9.  50. 
Miller.  72-5.94;  192. 
Mills,  80;  348;  534,7,8. 


Mitohel,334. 

Moffat,  78,  89,  91.0;  195;  330,  2, 

3,  5,  6,  ."^7. 
Montgomery,  70;    383-5;   430; 

510. 
Mooch,  389,  90. 
More,  53;  2.50;  307,  12,  17. 
Vlorgan,70;  2,50;  307,  9-14,  20; 

426,  8,  9,  83. 
Morris,   81;  104,  28.   49.   70,   4; 

324   72,  8;  408,55,0;  .587. 
Morrison,  558 
Morse,  3■^,  7,  9,  98;  106-9,  21,  2; 

210,   79;  310,  64-6,  8,   70  2,  7, 

80-2 ;  406,  53. 6 ;  532,  53, 87 
Mosely.  14,43,7,53,  7,9,60-8; 

125,  49.  57.  9,  74,  7,  87,  9;  232, 

8.41-6;  407,  18.  20;  520,  2.3. 
Moulton,  30;  146;  417,  18;  521, 

78,  89. 
Mowry,  18,  22;  544. 
Mumfor<i.250.  60;  303. 
Munro,  42;  315;  428,  9 
Munyan,  80,  5.  6;  344;  406. 
Murdock,  47:  213,  14,  17,  27,  49, 

.50-2,  64;  328;  505. 
Nariamore,  105. 
Nedson,  532. 
Neff ,  60 ;  244. 
Nesbitt,  300;  517. 
Xettleton,  458. 
Newbury,  472,  80,  4;  5^8,  9. 
Nichols,  86:  147.  63,  8;  28:5,94, 

344,  5,  8,  9,  55,  7, 8,  62 :  423,  38- 

41,  4,  56,  66,  8;  526,  7,  33,  ■*,  7, 

46,  85. 
Nightingale,  266;  552. 
Nlles,45;  310. 
Noble,  24. 

Nr)tt,  25,  6 ;  196 ;  292 ;  322,  5;  587. 
Northrup,  ,579. 
Nortoi  ,  378. 
Nowlen,  316. 
Oatley,  541. 
()pcuui,39. 
Oimsteaii.  323,  9. 
Olney,440;  .534,77,83. 
Ormsbee,  354. 
Osgood,  17,  .59;  174,  80;  267,  86; 

44-<;  544,  67. 
Ostranoei-,  283. 
Owens,  339. 

Packer,  4t<8,  91,  5;  505,6. 
Page,  .561. 
Paine.  Prtvne,  13.  16.  20,  S5,  7, 

8,  40,  3.  .59,  71-3.  6.  7  ;  1l>2,  4,  5, 

9,  18,  ;W,  9,  41,  9,  74,8:  210, 
18,  42,  6,  9,  50,  62,  71 ,  8,  6,  99  ; 
304  7,  9,  12,  66-9.  72,  6.  9.  80; 
403,  7,  18,  23-6.  49,  52-5.  66,  72, 
6,80,  8,  90,  5;  503.  5,  21,  7,  31, 
2,  34,  66,  9,  73,  80. 

Prime'.  20,  JS.  54,  6,7,81,94; 

217,  31.4,46,50,  97;  303,5,  11, 

45,  53:  402,   16.   18-,  37,  .53,  7,  8, 

73,80;  .524,  7,62,7,9,83 
Parish.  42,   8;    191;   210,  62-4; 

316,  22.  85:  460-3,  5,  8.  9,  73. 
P^rke,  38,  9,  43,  5.  7,  69,  70,  2, 

88,  94:  311,  15,  20,  8,  78,  9,  85; 

426;. 545. 
Parker,  20,  76;  576. 
Paikhurst.   I,  72,  6;    141,    91; 

270:  402;  509. 
Parsons,  132,  45.  .50. 
Partridge,  108;  430. 
Patterson,  .579. 
Paull,344,  5;  441. 
Pavson,  2;  104,  5;  267,70,  1,3, 

7;  446.68:  545 
Peabody,  174;  .369. 
Peake,  104,  41 ;  367  :  4.53. 
Pearl,  .58;  212.  39,43-5,  85;  417, 

.58,67;  521,46. 


INDEX    OF    NAMES. 


509 


Peck  545. 

Peckliam,  510,  40,  71. 

Pellet,  12,  37,  42;  250;  323. 

Pemberton,  198;  217;  321,2. 

Penrose,  568,  72. 

Perkins,  51,  7.   9,   71,  2.5;  141, 

57,   CI,   81;  210,  27,  8,  32,  3,  47, 

74,93  6,  8;  319,  20.  1,  3-8,  83; 

402,  11,  14,  16,  18,  27,  31,  49,56, 

7,66,  7,  71,  5,  C;  511,  43,  44, 

60,8. 
Perrir,  16  ;  102,  5,  39;  212,  67,  8. 

70,  82.   7,   98;  344,  69-72;  439, 

44  *  538  52 
Perry,  86,  90,  2;  139.  63;  332, 55, 

9,70,80;  533  52,  73. 
Peters,  14 ;  130-6 :  257,  97 ;  471 ; 

592. 
Pettingill,  153,  91;  426. 
Pettis,  250. 
Phelps,  2f>;  160;  407. 
Phillio,  501. 

Phillii).-,  1;  267;  568,82. 
Pliinuey,325,  427. 
Phipps,  86;   344,5,  7;  446,  56. 
Pierce.  13  50,  1.  71,2,6,  7;  118, 

81;  250,  1,04;  323,  9,  70;  451 
Pierpont,  18. 
Pike,  v;49-51;  3.34;    407;  510,  11, 

66,71. 
Pinkham,  578. 
Piukney,  527. 
Pinneo,  350. 
Pitkin,  22;  322. 
Pitnia"   402. 
Pitt,  115. 

Piatt,  491;  .505,  74,  29. 
Plimpton,  5.52,  4,  5. 
Pond,  295,  8;  351;  419,57;  520 
Pooler.  250;  474. 
Pope,  17 
Porter,  .54,  79:  311,  14,  87;  447, 

50,  75,6;  544. 
Post,  4(m 

P.iiter,  378,85;  500. 
l-ratt,  85;  .>S0,  1. 
Pr^y,  5;i;J,  75. 
Preiitici',  417,  67,  71. 
Prescolt,  152:  271. 
Preston,  20,  2,  (.;  217,  50,  93,  9; 

4.57.8,  63;  .526,  60. 
Pierce,  13.  50,  1,71,2,6,7;  118 

81;  250,  1,12,  50  64;  32>!,9,  70; 

451. 
Price,  37. 
Piiest,  78. 
Prince,  3,  15,80;  250,6;  344,5, 

9;  474. 
Putnam,  2-7,  13,  16,  18,  39,  43, 

65;  105   8   9,14,32,3,41,4-50 

60-2,  7,  78-80,  9,  91,  3;  210.  32, 

6,  49-58,61-4,  7l,  3,  4.  7.  SO,  1, 

7,  8;  324,  52,  89,  90;  405,  46, 
01,  72  4,5;  591,2. 

Quinn,  572. 

Ramsdeli,  537,  44, 53,  60,  7. 

Randall,  212  24.  66;  387. 

R>insi>m,3S.  9,51;  181. 

Ratbhurn.  300,  .53;  4.^9. 

Rawson,  349;  57". 

Raymond,  315,  16;  581. 

Raynsford,  315,  16. 

Reed,  ,39.  47;    117,67;  210,   98; 

323;  403,8,  9.  31.68;  5.33,  8. 
Remington,  402;  .556. 
Rhodes,  86;  402;  .548,9. 
Ricard,92;  406,  56. 
Rice,  556. 
Richards,  344,  5. 
Richardson,  241. 
Richmond,  294,  7;  457;  512,  23 

5,  65,  8. 
Rindge,  47;  418. 
Riplej,  15,  17,47,  53,  5,    134,49 


77,80,6,  96,7;  210,  13,  17,37, 

71;  315;  413. 
Rohbins,  25;  163;  344,  55,-83,  7; 

419;  511. 
Roberts,  534,  5. 
Robinson,  47,  55,  6,  72,96,7; 

149,  60,  3,  90;  213,  18,  29  30,  1, 

63,4:  309.  18,   19,  21,  8,34,5, 

44,  54;   415-18,    27,  58,  68,  9, 

72  4,  7,  80,  7;  514,  42,69,  73. 
Rochambeau,  201,  2. 
Rockwell,  509. 
Rogers,  1,  3,  -.'0,  2,  5.  9,  50;  239, 

46:  336,  7,  73;  418;  507,  72,  92. 
Rood,  339;  433,  83;  504. 
Rose,  482;  505,29. 
Ross,  Russ,  3    210,  46,  8 ;  422. 
Rossiter.  419;  543. 
Rowe,  250,  63. 
Rowland,  232. 
Rudd,  213  ;  37,  325. 
Rugijles,  15;  174,    80;    271,  85; 

539,  87. 
Rush,  154. 
RussPl,20, 1,34,5,82,  3,  7;  118; 

342,  4,  5,  9,  50,  5-8,  62;  440  58 
Sabin,  1,  2,  12,  15;  154,  75;  265, 

7,  70,3,  7,  8,  83,  4,  7,9;  330; 
4.32;  533.  46,  .'i4,  70. 

Saffl"rd,  37;  315. 

Sage,  163. 

Siles,  Styles,  574,  6, 

Salter,  150;  47(>. 

-altonstall,  120,48;  591. 

Sampson,  420,  57,8. 

Singer,  .530. 

Sawyer,  .589. 

Scarborough,   1,  3,   12,   13,  15 

35;  175;   249-52,60,  3,  4;  461 

73,  6,  80 ;  534. 
Scholttelrt,  399. 
Siott,  2.50. 
Sengraves.  458. 
Seamans,  96:  334;  554,  5. 
SearJs,  249-51  ;  417,  61,  74;  521. 
S'  gur,  546,  55. 
Seklen,218, 
Sessions,  1,  2,  15,  17,  18,  47,  58, 

9,  88;  i'5,  80;  248,  66-8,  70,  85, 

6;  345,  67:  435,  9;  532,  46,  87. 
Sewall,581,91. 
Seymour.  261. 
Sharpp,  1,  2,  18;  16,3,  74;  265,  7, 

71,  86,  7,  90,  2;  440,  8,  76,   7: 

.^2(1,  37.  44-6. 
S'  aw,  1.32 ;  .533,  8. 
Shepaid.  3,  72;  250;  311,  12,20 

3,  J,  8,  9,  72,  80;  483;    574,87. 
ShtrmHn,2l2;  392;  556. 
Short,  330. 
Shumwav.250;  371. 
S   urcleff,  191. 
Sibley,  33;  301, 
Sik'-s,  432,3. 
Sillinian,  164. 
Sds!.y,4,  7,8,57. 
Simmons,  Simons,  20,34,  48,57, 

8,  CO,   7;  117,  75;    245,  93,    7; 
:^30;  417,  67. 

Simms,  422,  4. 

Simpson,  583. 

Skiff,  54:  215,  18,27. 

Skiimer.  98;  106;  366,81,  2;  454: 

524-7,  .587. 
Slade.  562. 

Slater,  400,  37;  534.41. 
smitb,  1,  3,  12,   20-6,  35-8,  42, 

58,  ^^l),  92,  C;  104,  12,  18,  68,  85. 

99;  211,  12,  .50,  C2,9.  93,  5;  317 

23,  8.  9.   .34:  411,   .58;  516,   19 

20,54.5,61,81,4. 
Smither,  537,  41. 
Snow,  20,  2,  34,5;  119;  296;  310 
Sonsaiuou,  3U0;  540. 


Soule,  564,  85. 

South  worth,  212;  414. 

Si>«fford,  95;  411,  12;  515,  16, 

18,  19. 
Spalding,  1,  3, 12,  17,  20,  22,  34, 

5,  7-9,  45,  51,  72,  93,  5;  149,  53, 

60,   91;  243,   50,   1,  84,  93,   9; 

.305-7,   19,  21,  8,  30.  2,  3,  7-9, 

41 ;  428,  .3;!,  61,  72,  4;  568,  83. 
Sparks,  2.5C. 

Spencer,  35;  148;  238;  570. 
Spicer,  505. 
Sprague,  92,  5;  .3.39,  58,62;  433, 

.57;  521,6,9. 
Spring,  45;  293,6. 
Squib,  390. 

Squier,  22  ;  1.57,  78;  587. 
Staniford,  215,   18,  29;  405.  13, 

14. 
Stanley,  149;  214, 17,  24,  63, 
Stanton,  3;  250;  .353. 
Staples,    3,  12,    44;  232,  6,  50; 

305,0,11,14  16,91;  426.    • 
Stark,  152;  301. 
Starkweather,  432;  .570. 
Starr,  86 ;  324,  45,  59. 

Stearns,  92.  5;  330,  3,  41;  541, 

60. 
Stebbins,  546. 
Stedman,  2,  48,  57,  8,  67,  145.  7, 

63,  78,  88;  212,  39,  40,  2-5,  6C; 

587. 
Stephens,   Stevens,  12,20,45; 

130,  64;   207,  50,  86;  323,  4; 

428. 
Sterling,  384,  C. 
Siewart,  70;  232,  41,  2;  886,7; 

469;  562. 
Stiles.  20,  54.  65,  97.  99;  100,  4. 

6,7,94;  363,8;  535,  6,8,92. 
Stockwell,  345.  .54. 
Stoddard,  20;  175,80;  286;  378, 

80;  407,  12,  69,71,  84,  527,31, 

68. 
Stone,  272,  84;   311;   437;    536, 

54,  83. 
Storrs,  34;  145,   7-50,  3,  4,  74; 

248,  50,  86,  99;  323,  4;  418,  21, 

57,8.  72,  80;  524,87. 
Storer,  426. 
Storv,  228. 

Stowell,  180;  248,50,86. 
Streeter,  .3.55. 
Strong  153;  407,98. 
Sullivan,  162,  82. 
Sumner,  1.  15,  16, 19-21,  7,  33-5; 

118,49;  271,  2,  84,  6,91,8,9; 

428,  48,  57,  62 ;  526,  .30,  45,80,  7. 
Sweeting,  449,  .50;  543. 
Swift,  45;  212,  22,  3,  7,  39,  74,  5, 

99;  310,  19,  28,  66,99;  404,  11, 

14;  557,61. 
Taintor,  214,  18,  45;  412,  13, 17; 

511,20,  1,3,67. 
Talbot,  90;  332,4. 
Talcott,  49;  147. 
TaUman,  519;  02. 
T'».ppan,479,  97.  8;  501. 
Tarbox,  2.56:  .568. 
Tavlor.3.58;  474. 
Tefft,  402.  40. 
Terry,  2C4. 
Tew,  191 ;  .373. 
Thatcher,  .371;  533,8. 
Thayer,  2.50;  305;  530,0. 
Thomas,  .582,9. 
Thompson,    29,    97;   207;  358; 

431,  49,  72 ;  555,  79,  89,  91. 
Throop,  55,  65. 
Thurber,  16:  192,3;  283;  .589. 
Thurston,  511. 
Tiffany,  20,  1,  3,  5;  403,  31,3, 

73;  542. 


GOO 


INDEX    OF    NAMES. 


TiMen,  147,  9,60,  \:  466;    509, 

13,14.92. 
Tileson  213. 
Tilley,  250. 

TUl.tson,478.  9,  87,  9;  533,69. 
TingUy,  512-14. 19. 
Tinker,  48;  208-10. 
Tobey,  508. 
Torre V,  85,   9,   90,  2;    181,   95; 

330-3,  67;  406:  526.  9,  32,  40,  2 
TourtellottP,86;  584. 
Town,  79,  80;  284;  344,  54;  437, 

40;  587. 
Townsenrl,  427. 
Tracy,  24,  47,  9;    117,    56;  239, 

47,50;  320;  424;  519. 
Treat,  431:  511,70. 
Trowi.ridgp,  175,  80;  265,  7,  85 

7,99;  406-.S:  .506, 
Triiinbull,  48,   9,  74;  102,  3,9, 

36,  48,  9,  51,  6,  62,  3,  74,  9,  85- 

8;  256;  340;  543. 
Tryon,  191, 

Tucker,  1;  108,  74,  8:  266;  334 
Tiukerman,305;  430;  511. 
Tuffts,  35. 
Turner,  89. 
Tweedy,  417. 
Tvler,  3.  4.  12,  14;  20,6,  76:  112, 

49,  .50.  7,  75,8,  99;  226,  49-.')3 

61,  2,  4 ;  407,  10,  61,  2,  71-4,  8U ; 

568,  9,  83,  4,  93 
Underwood,     45;  372-4;    453; 

527,  9,  32,  44. 
Updike,  323,  4. 
Upliam,  344. 
Upson,  .Sig. 
Usrick,  29-33;  193. 
Utlev,  47,  .58,  60;  175;   212,  28, 

40,'3;  301.4,7,22,71:  519. 
Vari]um,342:  417  18. 
Vaue-han,  384,  5. 
Vinton,  459;  525,30,44,7. 
WH(le,  12. 

Wadsw.)rth,93;  163. 
Wakefield,  .^55;  506. 
Walden,  57;    213,  17;    409,  16, 

26. 
Wiildo,  15,  17,  37,  45,  54.  7,  76; 

14*;,  57,  65,  75,  7,  85,  6,  91 ;  20S, 

18,  33,  53,  4,  69,  70,  80,  9,  90; 

305,8;  414,  16,26,  66,83;  511 

43;  62,87  91. 
WalHS,  20,  34,  5,  47,  8,  50,  2,  4; 

112,  17,    18,25.  49-51,1,  62-4, 

74,80,7,96;  217,27,48;  413 


Walker,  22-6;  102,  74:   273,  7 

.300;  4.58:  ,531.81,  4,5. 
Walling,  334. 
Walton,  3,  4,  9-12,  15,17;  197 

205. 
Ward.  23-5,  35;  127,  49,  63;  247, 

93,5,  6;  458. 
Ware,  22. 
Warner,  47,   8;  105,47,  268,9 

308.34;  585. 
Warren,  25;  47,  9,   72,  5.8,92; 

149,74,  214,  93;  320,30,3,  4; 

406.  12,  33,  58,  66,  8;  505,  14 

26,  40,  2,  54. 
Washburn,  380. 
Wasbington,  161,  5,  7,  85,  f2; 

256,  94,5;  318. 
Waterman,  86;  160;  402;  556 
Waters,  149,  74. 
Watkins,  20;  293;  479.  98:  566. 
Watson   78,  82;  344,  5,  9,  57,  8, 

71;  440;  512,  14. 
Wattles,  9.  71;  ?29. 
Weatherhead,  570. 
Weaver,  250;  358;  474;  509,  SO, 

58,  70. 
WHbb,38.  47,  57;  153.60,89,90; 

214,  18.   22,3,  5,  38;    379,   85; 
411,  14,  46.  66,  72,  80;  562,  92. 
Webber,  579. 
Webster,  81 :  374 ;  ,574. 
Wetks,  Wicks,  3, 15;  250;  429. 
We]fh,53;  151.75:  221,3,5.47 

75,  92;  392;  420,  34,  57,  62,  71, 

4,  98;  568,87. 
Weld,  1.  17,  98;  242,  3,  65;  316 

417;  521. 
Welles,  35,  9,  73;  174;  281;  304, 

5,10,  15.  .53.  61,  75,6,30;  415, 

30, 1,  6,  54,  8. 
Wellington.  536. 
Wentworth,  19. 
West,  22,  48,  73,  4;  112;  562. 
Westf'ott,  575. 
Weston.  300.  I;  458 
Wheaton,  266,  7,  83;   324     61, 

76;  437,40;  530. 
Wbeeler,  1,3, 12.  42,  72,3,5,6; 

250;  318,20,  8,9. 
Wheeloek  53 ;  482 ;  505.  87. 
Whipple,  29;  321,31,  2,  73;  437; 

534. 
Whitaker,  89 ;  .584. 
Wnitc<>mb,480,  5;  .585. 
White,  1,  19.  47.  .53-5.  85;  213, 

21,2,5,32.50;  365;  413,  51,  60, 


1,9.72.4,  83,  G,  8,  90,5;  502, 
8,  67,  9,  87. 

Whi'ford,383,  5;  430. 

Whiting,  587. 

Whitnioie  78.  9,  81,  2;  130,  74; 
334.  44,  .58,  61  :  434,  8,  58,  84, 
5;  529,40,57,74. 

Whitney.  3,  7.17,18.  39,43,55, 
77,96;  180,96;  233,6,55.9,60, 
1,  71,  81,  6;  314,  16,  41,  9-51, 
63,91;  461-4,74,5:  526. 

Whiton, 20, 2.  5,  7,  35, 6, 51 ;  118, 
19,81,97;  322:458,89;  514,65. 

Wickhani,  355,  68, 

Wight,  371 ;  532. 

Wightman,  301 ;  458,  9;  524. 

Wilder,  92;  177. 

Wilke!-,  :^58, 

Wi'kinson,  79,  80,  3.4,6;  370; 
400, 1.  32,  4,  6.  45,  87;  533,  44, 
6-9,  52 

Willett,  537,  53. 

Williams,  1,  3,  7,  13,  1.5-17,  34, 
7,51.65,97;  100,  1,2.  4.9,12, 
22,  46,  9.  .50,  64,  8,  74.  80,  1,  5, 
94;  212,  28,  32.  7,  49-52,63-7, 
70.  1 ;  316,  23,  4,  40,  63-6,  8-72, 
7-81 ;  420.  1 ,  4.  49,  50,  2,  4,  6, 
61-8,  71 ,  4,  83  506,  26.  31,  9,  44, 
45.  7,  52-5.  63,  6,  8    75.  9,  87. 

Wilson.  3,  15,  86;  250;  324,44, 
5,9  57,  72;  406,  61  4:  533. 

Winchester.  313;  ."^16,61, 

Winsor,  85.  97;  334,  85;  555. 

Winter,  3,  78,  81,  9. 

Winthrop,  591. 

Withe,  42;  2.50,84. 

Witter,  3;  126;  210,  12,  49-51; 
304,  5,  71 ;  428,   74;  507,  14,  20, 

33,  68,  3,  81. 

Wnlcotr,  131;  212,   17,  41,   50; 

50;  560. 
W. Kid,  3,  47;  524,30. 
Woodcock,  19. 
Woodward,  3,  25.  44,  75,  6  ;  118  ; 

224,  9,  50,  97  ;  305,   15,  20,  54 ; 

407,  57,  8,  66. 
Woodworth.  290. 
Wonster,  148,  74. 
Works,  25.  34.  5 ;  128  ;  298,  9. 
Wright.  25  7.  70:95;  134. 
Wvlie,  68,  71  ;  383,  84-7  ;  430. 
Yorke,  181. 
Younar,  161 ;  210,15,  18,  28;  325, 

34,  78,  84;  405.  13, 14.  30,  2,  3, 
71,81  ;  .^08,  11,  12,40,57. 


HECKMAN       |±J 
BINDERY   INC.        |§| 

SEPT  96 

Bound -To -Pleas^'    N.MANCHESTER. 

INDIANA  46962 
^                                                 J