History of Windham County, Connecticut ..

Front matter

CORNELL

UNIVERSITY

LIBRARY

Preface

The int^prest which one feels in knowing and preserving the record of events connected with his own locality, is both natural and commendable. The good citizen must everywhere learn that the roots of the present are in the.past, and that only by studying the past can he know the primal circumstances out of which have grown the conditions by which he is at present surrounded. By this study of cause and effect as seen in his local surroundings he is prepared, as every patriotic citizen wishes to be prepared, to plant more intelligently the roots which shall secure to his local society in the future the richest fruits of prosperity and happiness. As our standard of intelligence advances the interest of the people in their local history increases, and we see a constantly growing desire to preserve the story of local events, local traditions, and the facts connected with the lives of those persons who are or have been conspicuous in the local society, and whose influence has given tone and direction to its life, character and history.

The editor congratulates himself and the people of Windham county on the fact that in this work he has been able to bring together the labors of many earnest, enthusiastic students of local history, crystalized in this compilation, where the sons and daughters of old Windham and of new Windham may refer to them to decide those questions which increasing interest in local surroundings will ever thrust upon their attention. It would afford him pleasure to acknowledge personally, all and singular the favors and encouragement he has received from generous friends while engaged in the preparation of this work; But this iv PREFACE.

pleasure must be foregone, for reasons which are obvious. Besides the draught which by special arrangement with Miss Larned the editor has been permitted to make upon her previouslypublished History of Windham County, he has been ably assisted in this work by Miss Larned herself, who has prepared specially for us a very considerable part of the work. The co-operation in important sections of the subject, of Reverend Francis Williams and Miss Jane Gay Fuller, will also add greatly to the substantial and literary value of the history.

Asking the charitable forbearance of such exacting critics as have never known aught of the difficulties which beset the pathway of the editor and compiler of a work on local history, and expressing the most sincere thanks to all those who have aided him in his labors, the editor closes the work of compilation, trusting that its readers may find it as pleasing to peruse as he has found it exhaustive to prepare.

Chapter I

GEOaRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. PAGE.

Physical Features.— Location.— Shape and Area.— Subdivisions.— Surface.— Eivers and Brooks. — Agricultural and' Manufacturing Advantages. — Productions.-Manufactures.— Railroads and Transportation.— Old Stage and Freight Wagons.— Taverns of the Olden Time.— The Hilltop Settlements.— Romantic Scenery and Historic Associations. — Geological Formation and Resources. — Elevations of Land 1

Chapter II. The Aboriginal Occupants

Algonquin Tribes.— The Mohegans.— The Nipmucks.— The Wabbaquassets.— Narragansett Claims.— The Quinebaugs.— The Pequot Ascendency.- Language and Customs of the Indians. — Their Implements and Arts. — Superstitions. — Indian Allegiance. — The Whetstone Country. — Intertribal Warfare. — Avenging an Insult.— Uncas and Owaneoo. — Christian Influence and the "Praying Indians." — Visit of Eliot and Gookin. — King PhUip's War. — Its Disastrous Effect upon the "Praying Towns." — Unjust Treatment of the Indians by the English. — Indian Shrewdness. — Close of King Philip's War 10

Chapter III. Settlement

First Attempts at Settlement. — The Inter-Colonial Route. — Purchase of Land by John Winthrop. — Indian Title and Subsequent Confirmation. — Dispute as to Colonial Jurisdiction. — Indian Claims Revived. — Land in the Market. — Influx of Speculators. — First Lands Laid Out. — Boundary Disputes with Massachusetts. — Claims of Uncas to the Wabbaquasset Country.— Land on the Quinebaug Sold. — Owaneco Appoints James Fitch his Attorney or Guardian. — Makes over to him Mohegan and Wabbaquasset Lands. — Fitch Sells Land to Roxbury. — Joshua Bequeaths Land to Sixteen Norwich Gentlemen. — Agreement of the Legatees. — Windham Settlements Made. — Depression of Improvements under Andros, — Slow Progress of Settlement. — Religious and Social Affairs. — Settlement of the Disputed Section in the Southeast Part of the County. — Some of the Early Settlers. — Early Days of the Quinebaug Country. — Settlement in the Whetstone Country and the Volunteers' Land 33 vi TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Chapter IV

EARLY EVENTS. PAGf.

Windham County Organized.— General Condition of Society.— Valuations of Property and Productions.— Public Morals.— Their Houses.— Social Conditions.—Organization of Courts.- Court House and Jail.— Militia Organization and Training.— Woodstock Annexed to Worcester County.— Transferred to Windham County.— Organization of Probate Districts.— Emigrations of Inhabitants.— Colonization to Wyoming, N. Y.— The Susquehanna and Delaware Companies. — Settlement of Wyoming 40

Chapter V. The Peench And Indian War

Military Spirit of the People.— Expedition against Crown Point.— Fasting and Prayer by the People at Home. — Eastern Connecticut Regiment at Lake George.— Distinguished Sons of Windham.— Defeat of Braddook.— Earthquake. — Popular Alarm. — Filling the Ranks with Recruits. — List of Soldiers.— Offtcial Honors.— Capture of Fort William Henry by Montcalm.— Enlistments and Names of Recruits. — Sufferings of the Soldiers, and of their Families at Home. — First Census of Connecticut in 1756. — Population, Valuation, Churches and Schools. — General Progress 53

' CHAPTER VI.

THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD.

Spirit of the People. — Influence of their Leading Patriots, Dyer, Durkee and Putnam..— Indignation at the Stamp Act of 1765. — Burning Effigies. — Positive Demonstrations. — Treatment of Stamp Agents. — Sons of Liberty in Windham. — Popular Outburst in 1767. — Determination of the Peojle against using English Goods. — Closing of the Port of Boston . — Windham the first to send Relief. — Rough Handling of Royal Agents. — The " Boycott "applied to an Adherent of the King. — " Windham Boys " noted for their Aggressive Patriotism.^ — Fever Heat of the Public Mind. — Alarm from Boston, September, 1774, heralded through the Towns, and answered by Putnam and two hundred Volunteers. — Convention of Delegates at Norwich. — Providing Ammunition. — Preparing for War. — Organization of Militia. — Unity of Sentiment. — Answering the Call from Lexington April 9, 1775. — Gathering of Troops. — ^Windham County first to send Troops to the Scene of Conflict. — One-fourth of the Militia called out. — Ofiicers of Windham Troops. — Manufacturing Munitions of War. — Windham Soldiers at Bunker Hill. — Earnest Work of the Men at Home. — Energetic Women help on the Cause. — Windham Soldiers after Bunker Hill. — Encouragement at the Withdrawal of British Troops from Boston in 1776. — Manufacture of Powder, Balls and Guns at Home. — More Troops wanted. — At the Battle of Long Island. — Organization of the Troops, 1776.— The " Oliver Cromwell " fitted out.— Depressing Monotony of the long continued War. — Windham County Losses. — Raising their Quotas. — Massacre by Ihe Indians in the Wyoming Valley. — Attempt upon Newport, 1778. — Constancy of Windham Patriots. — Self-sacrificing Women. — The Fallen Heroes. — Young Men in the Field.

TABLE OF CONTENTS. vii

PAGE.

—Raising Troops, 1780.— Armies en route through Windham County.— Cessation of Hostilities.— Return of Peace.— Dealing with the few Tories. — Scanty Pay of the Soldiers. — Organization of new Towns. — Adopting the new Constitution, 1788.— Windham's Representatives in the Convention 60

CHAPTER Vn.

WINDHAM COUNTY UNDER THE CONSTITUTION.

Progress after the War.— Immigration and Commercial Enterprise. — The lot of the Farmers.— Moral and Religious Declension.— Slavery disappearing.—Remnants of Indian Tribes.— Educational Interests.— Teachers.— Newspapers.— Social Conditions. — Domestic Customs. — Manufacturing Enterprises begin.— The War of 1812.— Party Spirit.— Revival of the Patriotic Spirit. — Recruiting.— Organization of Troops. — First Summons to Arms, June 21st, 1813.— Another Call in September.— To Relief of New London, August 9th, 1814.— On Guard at Stonington.— Peace restored, 1815. — Appropriate Celebrations of the Event 88

CHAPTER VIII.

THE CIVIL WAR.

Aja Age of Prosperity. — Growth of the Union and Anti-Slavery Sentiment. — The Strongest Republican County in Connecticut. — Outbreak of the Rebellion.— County Mass Meeting. — Volunteer Companies Formed. — The Uprising of the Martial Spirit. — Popular Excitement. — Raising the Flag. — Recruiting. — Death of General Nathaniel Lyon. — Windham's Interest in General McCleUan. — Organizations Represented by Windham County Soldiers. — Responses to Later Calls. — The Eighteenth Regiment. — Work of the Sanitary and Christian Commissions at Home. — The Martyrs to the Union Cause 99

CHAPTER IX.

WINDHAM COUNTY OF TO-DAY.

Its Towns and their present condition. — Their Population at different periods. — Conspicuous Citizens. — Presidential Candidates. — Honored Sons of Windham. — State Senators. — Presidents pro tern, of the Senate. — Speakers of the House.— Present Representatives.— The Courts.— County Ofllcers. — Literary Associations. — Agricultural Society.— Temperance Society. — Temperance Movements 105

CHAPTER X.

PUBLIC CHARITIES AND CORRECTIONS.

The Towns' Poor.— Early Methods of dealing with Dependents.— Increase of Burdens by the French War.— Meagre Fare and Accommodations.— Emigration and Temperance decreases the Burdens.— Present Costs and Management of the Poor.— Children's Temporary Home.— Its Management and present successful Work.— The Record of Crime in Windham County._Capital Punishment.— Execution of Criminals.— Elizabeth Shaw, Caleb Adams, Samuel Freeman, Oliver Watkms.— Other notable Crimes. —Jail Buildings.— Their Occupants.— Remova,! from Windham to Brooklyn.—OtEcial Keepers.— Statistics of the present Jail 117 viii TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XL

THE BENCH AND BAR OP WINDHAM COUNTY. PAGE.

Early Attorneys.— Elisha Paine.— Samuel Huntington.— Jabez Fitch.— Eliphalet Dyer.— Jedidiah Elderkin.— Zephaniah Swift.— Thomas Stedman.— David Bolles.— Sylvanus Baekus.— Daniel Kies.— Other Windham County Lawyers of Former Times.— Courts Removed to Brooklyn.— The Windham County Bar in 1820.— Chauncey F. Cleveland.— Glimpses of Many Practicing Attorneys.— WUUam Smith Scarborough.— Lucius H. Rickard.— Elliot B. Sumner.— Abiel Converse.— Earl Martin.— Edward Cundall.— John J. Penrose.— George W. Melony.— Seymour A.Tingier.— Benjamin S. Warner.— Calvin M. Brooks.— Albert McC. Mathewson.— Andrew Jackson Bowen.— John L. Hunter.— George A. Conant.— Arthur G. Bill. —Gilbert W. PhiUips.— Randolph H. Chandler.— Eric H. Johnbon.— Charles E. Searls.— Samuel H. Seward.— Edgar M. Warner.— William G. Buteau.— Ebenezer Stoddard.— Louis B. Cleveland. — Thomas E. Graves.— G. S. F. Stoddard.— John M. Hall.— James H. Potter.— George Larned. — Simon Davis 138

CHAPTER XII.

THE MEDICAL FBATERNITY.

The first Physicians in the different Towns. — Their influence on Society. — Later Practitioners. — Conspicuous Members. — Jonathan Huntington. — Albigence Waldo. — Samuel Lee. — Benjamin Hubbard. — Elisha Perkins. — After the Revolution. — Raising the Professional Standard. — Glimpses of the Physicians practicing in the early years of the Century. — The County Medical Society. — Lewis Williams. — Justin Hammond. — Samuel Hutchins. — Charles H. Rogers. — Ernest D. Kimball. — Frank E. Guild. — Chester Hunt. — David C. Card. — E. D. Card. — Eliphalet Huntington. — Charles James Fox. — Theodore R. Parker. — Samuel David. — Oliver B. Griggs. — Dewitt C. Lathrop. — Francis X. Barolet. — Gardner L. Miller. — Frederic A. Morrell. — Omer La Rue. — Daniel B. Plimpton. — Lowell Holbrook. — Ichabod L. Bradley. — Louis Oude Morasse. — Willam Richardson. — Levi A. Bliss. — Frederick G. Sawtelle. — Seth Rogers. — John B. Kent. — Elisha K. Robbins.— S. P. Ladd.— F. S. Burgess. — Nathaniel Hibbard— Henry L. Hammond. — Harvey L. Converse. — James F. Mcintosh. — Jesse M. Coburn. — S. C. Chase. — William H. Judson. — Grin Witter, Sr. — Orin Witter, Jr. — Hiram Holt. — William Witter. — Henry R. Lowe. — WiUiam A. Lewis — Isaac B. Gallup 169

CHAPTER XIII.

ANECDOTE AND LOCAL STORY OP OLD WINDHAM.

The Mystery of Gates. — The Battle of the Frogs. — Revolutionary Anecdotes. — That Little God Bacchus. — The House the Women Raised. — The Black Sheep. — A Character. — ■' Tea-total." — Doctor Cogswell and Phyllis. — An Old Family of Scotland.— The Story of Micah Rood.— " No blood relation of mine." — The Fine. — Story of Abijah Fuller. — Sabbath Breaking. — Strong minded Women. — Tne First_, Locomotive. — Windham Wags. — Old Time Pedagogues 205

TABLE OF CONTENTS. ix

CHAPTER XIV.

THE TOWN OF WINDHAM. PAGE.

Geographical Description.— Settlement.— Town Charter and Organization.— The Early Settlers.— Laying out the Land.— County Kelations.— Early Town Officers.— Enlargement of Territory.— Settlement of the Eastern Quarter.— Mechanical and Commercial Trades Introduced.— Division of Town and Formation of Mansfield.— Various Phases of Public Interest.— Growth of the Northeast Section, called Canada Parish.— Society Organization.—Probate Court Established.— Some Prominent Families.— Windham made Shiretown.— Attempts at Manufacturing.— Scotland Society Organized.— Town Action.— Schools.— Early Taverns.— Prosperity of the Town.— Industries.— Under the War Clouds.— Removal of the Courts.— Reduction of Territory.- Through the Revolution.— Material Prosperity. — Social Innovations. — Roads and Bridges 253

CHAPTER XV.

THE TOWN OF WINDHAM (CONCLUDED).

Employing a Minister.— Building a Church.— Withdrawal of Mansfield.— Successive Pastors. — The Separate Movement. — Religious Declension. — The Father of President Cleveland.— Gradual Dissolving of the Town Church into the Windham Centre (local) Church. — Schools of the Town. — Early Newspaper. — Old-time Taverns.— Manufacturing Begun. — Gunpowder, Silk and Paper. — Windham Centre. — Ometery. — Congregational, Episcopal and Baptist Churches.^South Windham. — Manufacturing Enterprises. — Congregational Church. — North Windham. — Manufactories.— Church, Cemetery and School. — Biographical Sketches 279

CHAPTER XVI.

WILLIMANTIC.

General Description. — Communication with the World. — Some Public Features.— Retrospect of Half a Century. — Early Stages of the Cotton Mill Industries.— Starting of the Windham and Smithville Companies. — First Steps of the Linen Company's Plant. — Early Builders of the Village. — The Post Office. — Incorporation of the Borough. — Fire Companies and Engines. — Fire Department. — Destructive Fires. — Water Works. — Public Schools. — Libraries. — Churches : Congregational, Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Episcopal, . Spiritualist, Mission Hall, Camp Meeting.— Growth of Manufacturing.— Windham Company. — Smithville Company. — Linen Company. — Holland Silk Company. — Morrison Company. — Chaffee & Son.— Turner Silk Mill.— Natchaug Silk Company.— Foundry.-Builders and Other Manufacturers. — Board of Trade. — Cemeteries. — Masonic History.—Benefit Societies.— Banks.— Buildings.— Newspapers, Printing and Wood Type. — Biographical Sketches 310

CHAPTER XVII.

THE TOWN OF HAMPTON.

Beautiful Scenery.— Location and Description.— Settlement.— A Part of Windham.—Organized as Canada Parish.— Its Historic Hills.-;-As Windham

X TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PAGE.

Village.— Constituted a Town.— Facts and Figures.— Bridges.— Pound.— Poor Dependents. — Town Busine.=s. — Heroic Women of the Revolution. — Military Matters.— Business Activity.— Manufacturing Projects. — The Railroad.— School Matters.— The Town Church.— Baptists.— Abbe-ites.— Christ-ians.— Roman Catholic Church.— Library. —Little River Grange. — Mills and Manufactories. — Biographical Sketches 372

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE TOWN OF SCOTLAND.

Description. — Original Connection. — First Settler. — Early Attractions. — Settlers coming in. — Church Association. — Disquiet in Society Relations. — Scotland Society Organized. — Minister Employed and a Meeting House Built. — Peace and Prosperity. — The Separate Movement. — Separate Church. — The Standing Church and the Schools. — Leading Men in Society.—Successive Pastors. — Period of the Revolution. — The Congregational Church in Later Days. — Universalism. — Business and Industry in the Town. — Organization of the Town. — Its Size and Growth. — Illustrious Citizens. — Present Status. — Shetuoket Grange. — The Green and its Surroundings 3S 3

CHAPTER XIX.

THE TOWN OP CHAPLIN.

General Description. — Settlement of the Region. — An Ecclesiastical Society Organized. — Town Privileges Obtained. — General Progress. — Manufactures.— Paper Mills, Lumber Mills, and Manufactories of Wheelbarrows, PlQw-beams, Spools, Woolen Cloth, Boxes and Shingles. — Schools and Teachers. — The Church of Chewink Plains. — A Protestant Methodist Church. — Deacon Benjamin Chaplin. — The Congregational Church.— Its Successive Pastors. — Biographical Sketches 411

CHAPTER XX.

THE TOWN OP PLAINFIELD.

Description. — Statistics.— Settlement and Settlers. — The Town Organized. — Conflicting Land Claims. — The Gospel Ministry. — Division of Lands. — Indian War.— Settlement of Land Disputes.— Progress of the Settlement.— An Epidemic. — The Separate Movement. — French Prisoners of War. — Town Officers, 1765. — Facilities of Commerce. — Old Tavern. — The Poor and the Oppressed.^ — Emigration. — During the Revolution. — Revival of iBusiness Enterprises. — Increase of Manufacturing. — Highways and Bridges. — The Ecclesiastical Society and Church. — Congregational Church of Plainfleld Street.— The "September Gale."— The Separate Church. — Quaker Meeting House 488

CHAPTER XXI.

THE TOWN OP PLAINPIELD (CONCLUDED).

Plainfield of To-day. — The Methodist Church.— Union Baptist Church. — Congregational Church, Central Village. — Wauregan, Mills, Congregational Church and Village. — All Hallows R. C. Church, Moosup. — Schools of the Town. — Plainfield Academy. — Eminent Men of Plainfield. — Village

TABLE OF CONTENTS. xi

Schools.— Manufactures.— Wauregan.—Moosup.—Centi-alViUage.— Ken-'*'™' nedy City.— Plainfleld Junction.— The Freshet of 1886.— Fraternal Societies.— Prominent Names of a Former Generation.— Biographical Sketches ig-.

CHAPTER XXII.

THE TOWN OF CANTEEBURY.

Canterbury Geography.— Statistics.— Settlement of the Quinebaug Plantation.—Major Fitch.— Fitch and Winthrop Conflicting Claims.— Town Charter and Organization.— Boundary Disputes.— First Meeting House.— Dividing Line Established.— Adjusting Land Titles.— Distribution of Common Lands.— Ecclesiastical History.— Separate Movement.— Westminster Church and Society Formed.— Restoration of Harmony.- The Methodist Churches.— Roads and Bridges.— Accident on the Shetucket.— Bridges, Dams and Floods.— Turnpike Projects and Other Highways.— Public Education.— Miss Prudence Crandall's School.— General Town Progress.— Immigration and Enterprise.— Westminster Society.— Canterbury Manufacturing.— Canterbury Separate Church.— Baptists and Episcopalians.— Packerville Baptist Church.— Packer ville Growth.— Masonic Lodge. — Biographical Sketches 481

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE TOWN OF POMFEET.

Description. — The Wabbaquasset Country. — Purchase by Roxbury Men. — The Mashamoquet Tract. — Blackwell's Purchase. — The Mortlake Patent. — ^The Mashamoquet Purchase Allotted. — Town Privileges Obtained. — Indian War. — Settlers and Settlement. — Progress. — The Town Fully Organized. — Mortlake Management. — Mashamoquet Proprietors. — Increasing Population. — Prosperity of the Settlement. — Good Health of the People. — Slow Progress of Mortlake. — Inhabitants in 1731. — Abington Society Erected. — Mortlake Transferred to New Proprietors. — Social Character of the People. — Business Fluctuations. — Literary Movements. — Libraries. — Pomfret Hall. — Schools. — Roads and Bridges. — Improvements in the Quinebaug. — Great Thoroughfares. — Ecclesiastical History. — First Society and Church. — Disturbing Controversies. — Baptist Church. — Christ Church. — Quakers. — Methodists. — Roman Catholic Church. — Pomfret Landing. — Biographical Sketches 517

CHAPTER XXIV.

THE SOCIETY OF ABINGTON.

Organization. — Settlers. — Schools. — Church Progress. — Congregational Church. — Church of the Messiah. — Second Advent Church. — Libraries.— Hall. — Manufacturing. — Charles Osgood 5^7

CHAPTER XXV.

THE TOWN OF BEOOKLYN.

Facts and Figures.— Movement of Settlers.— Richard Adams.— Isolated Settlers.—Division of Vacant Lands.— The Stoddard Tract.— Heterogeneous Settlement.— A Minister Employed.— Organization of "The Society xii TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PAGE.

taken out of Pomfret, Canterbury and Mortlake."— Becomes Brooklyn Parish.— The Town Chartered.— List of Inhabitants.— Business and Public Questions.— The County Seat Moved Here.— Brooklyn Newspapers.—Putnam and the Wolf.— General Putnam.— Godfrey Malbone.— Roads and Bridges.— Manufacturing Enterprises.— School Accommodations.—Church History, early and late.— Banks.— Insurance Company.— Agricultural Society.— Creamery.-Decline of Manufactures.— Biographical Sketches 564

CHAPTER XXVJ.

THE -TOWN OF STERLING.

Geographical Description.— The Volunteers' Land.— Settlement as Voluntown.— Division of the Land.— Town Privileges.— Presbyterian Church Organized.— Lands Laid Out.— Sterling Town Organized.— Meeting House Erected.- General Progress. — Public Highways.— School Matters—The Voluntown and Sterling Church.— Line Meeting House. — Sterling Hill Baptist Church.— Other Churches. — Manufacturing. — Rocks and Quarries. — Oneco. — Decline of Manufactures. — The Grange. — Biographical Sketches 605

CHAPTER XXVII.

THE TOWN OP THOMPSON.

Location, Description, Geology. — Pre-historic Occupants. — The Indians of this Region. — Early White Settle s. — Quinnatisset Hill. — Increase of Population. — Land Controversies. — Pattaquatic. — Highways in the Wilderness.— Bridge Building. — Samuel Morris. — Early Attempt to secure Town Privileges. — Second or North Society of Killingly. — Thompson Parish. — Land w^est of the Quinebaug annexed. — Building the Meeting House. — Religious Worship Established. — Military Company. — Non-resident Land-owners. — Various Improvements. — Schools. — Town Affairs. — The French War. — The Old Red Tavern. — Business and Finance. — The Revolutionary Period. — Quadic Shipyard. — Petitions for Town Privileges 634

CHAPTER XXVIII.

THE TOWN OF THOMPSON (CONTINUED).

Organization. — Affairs of the Body Corporate. — Foreign Trade and Traffic. — Highways.— Thompson Turnpike. — Fourth of July Celebration. — Protection against Small-pox. — General Progress. — New Town Scheme. — The Civil War. — Temperance Sentiment. — Modern Improvements. — Town Expenses and Government. — The Public Schools. — First Church of Thompson.— First Baptist Church. — Baptist Church of Thompson Hill. — Methodists at West Thompson. — Fisherville Methodist Church. — East Thompson Methodist Church 647

CHAPTER XXIX.

THE TOWN OF THOMPSON (CONCLUDED).

Manufactures. — The Swamp Factory. — Fisherville Factory. — Water Privileges.— Grosvenor Dale, Masonville. — North Grosvenor Dale. — Changes

TABLE OF CONTENTS. xiii

Wrought by the Manufacturing Interests,— Catholic Churches.— The Swedish Church of Grosvenor Dale.— Connecticut Manufacturing Company.—The " Brick" Factory.— West Thompson.— MechanicsvUle.—Quadic Manufacturing Company.— Brandy Hill.— The Northeast Section.— Wilsonville.— New Boston.— Thompson Village.— A " Boom" to Thompson Hill.— Old-Time Taverns.— Social Customs.— Railroad Opening.— Thompson Bank.— Fire Engine Company.- Some Prominent People.— Summer Inhabitants.— The Sons of Thompson.— Thompson Grange.— Biographical Sketches 683

CHAPTER XXX.

THE TOWN OP PUTNAM.

Incorporation and General Description.— Early History.— First Settlers.— West of the Quinebaug. — The South Neighborhood. ^Early Improvement of Water Privileges.— Roads and Bridges. — The Stone Mills.— Early Homestead Residents. — The French War.— The Revolution.— After the War.— Cargill's Mills.— Quinebaug High Falls.— Educational and Religious.— KUlingly Hill. — Beginning of Cotton Manufacturing. — Pomfret Factory. — During the War of 1812. — Residents and Managers of the Factory. ^RhodesvUle. — Building up of Additional Factories. — Rival and Conflicting Interests of Three Adjoining Towns. — Various Propositions arid Controversy. — Organization of the new Town of Putnam 749

CHAPTER XXXI.

THE TOWN OF PUTNAM (CONCLUDED).

Officers and Statistics. — Layout of Roads and Naming Streets. — Establishment of Churches. — Baptist Church. — Congregational Church. — Methodist Church. — ^CathoUc Church. — Episcopal Church. — Advent Christian Church. — Other Religious Societies. — Schools. — Cotton Manufactures. — Pomfret Factory Woolen Co. — Silk Manufactures. — Shoe Manufacture. — Artisans and Mechanics. — Business Men's Association. — Village Development.— Various Manufacturing Enterprises. — Creamery. — Waterworks. — Commercial Houses.— Business Blocks. — Hotels. — Banks. — Fire Department.— Fraternal Societies. — Celebrations. — Temperance Movements. — Library Association. — Newspapers. — Orchestral Music. — Antique Art Loan Exhibition. — Village Cemetery. — Other Burial Grounds.— Old Kallingly Hill, now Putnam Heights. — East Putnam. — Its Local Institutions.— Biographical Sketches 778

CHAPTER XXXII.

THE TOWN OF WOODSTOCK.

General Description and Geology. — Aborigines.— Visit of EUot and Gookin.— The Narragansett War. — New Roxbury Colony.— Incorporation as Woodstock and Subsequent Events.— Indian Troubles.— Important Changes.— Final Division of Roxbury's Half of Woodstock.— Second Meeting House. —Ministerial Troubles.— Indian Alarms.— Land Divisions.— Worcester County Erected.— Early Schools.- Controversy with Colonel Chandler.— Settlement of West Woodstock.— Precinct Organized.— Building of Meeting House.— Organization of Church.- Woodstock's Revolt.— Contest between Massachusetts and Connecticut.— Church Division.— Various Town Affairs 831 xiv TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTEE XXXIII.

THE TOWN OF WOODSTOCK (CONCLUDED). PAGE.

Early Industries.— Manufacturing.— Decline of Manufacturing.— Agriculture. -Woodstock Agricultural Society .—Senexet Grange.— Theft Detecting Society.— Woodstock Academy.— Church on Woodstock Hill.— The Second Church.— Baptist Churches.— East Woodstock Church.- Methodism. — Universalist Church.— Advent Christian Church.— Present Condition. — Public Celebrations. — Biographical Sketches 876

CHAPTER XXXIV.

THE TOWN OP KILLINGLY.

Location and Description. — Original Killingly. — The Whetstone Country. — First Proprietors. — Attempts at Settlement. — Bounds and Claims. — Settlers and Settlement. — The Town Organized. — Localities. — Counterfeiters.— General Progress. — Taking Care of the Poor. — Highways. — Early Manufacturing. — Prosperity of Manufacturing Interests. — The Gospel Ministry. — Meeting House Controversy. — The Second Society formed. — South Killingly Church 931

CHAPTER XXXV.

THE TOWN OF KILLINGLY (CONCLUDED).

Chestnut Hill. — Baptist Churches.— Cotton Mills.— Elliottville Mills. — Elmville Mills.— Attawaugan Mills.— M. E. Church. — Ballouville. — Dayville. — Manufactories. — Churches. — Societies. — Williamsville. — The Borough of Danielsonville. — Public Works. — Great Freshet.— Schools. — Churches. — Banks. — Music Hall. — Manufacturing Establishments. — Masonic and other Societies. — Newspapers. — Biographical Sketches 948

CHAPTER XXXVI.

THE TOWN OP ASHPORD.

The Wabbaquasset Country. — Land Speculators. — Settlement of Ashford. — . Major Fitch. — James Corbin. — New Scituate. — The Town Estabhshed. — Titles Confirmed. — Common Proprietors. — Land Controversies. — Civil Disorder. — Military Company. — Population and Growth. — Public Morals and Order. — Growth of the Settlement. — Early Town Officers. — Land Title War. — Days of the Revolution. — Visit of President Washington. — Post Office, Taverns and Probate Court. — Honored Sons. — Roads and Bridges. — Schools. — Ecclesiastical History. — First Church. — The Great Revival and the Separates. — We.--tford Congregational Church.- — Meeting Houses and Ministers. — First Baptist Church. — Eminent Men of

Westford. — Baptist Church of Westford. — Manufacturing in Westford.

Warrenville Baptist Church. — Manufacturing and Business at Warrenville. — Eminent Sons of Ashford. — Babcock Library and Band. — Biographical Sketch 990

CHAPTER XXXVII.

THE TOWN OP EASTPORD.

Location and Description. — Organized as an Ecclesiastical Society. — Cotton Mills. — Search for Gold. — Latham Twine Mill. — Smith Snow. — Crystal Lake. — Factories of Eastford Village. — Cotton and Woolen, Wagon

TABLE OF CONTENTS. XV

PAGE.

Wheels, Leather, Boots and Shoes, Axes and Hatchets, Carriages, Scythes, Plow Handles and Beams, Bobbins.— Town Incorporation.— Communication. — Honored Sons.— Congregational Church.— The Society of North Ashford.— The Methodist Church.— Ministers and Teachers.- The "Church of Bacchus."— Creamery.— Biographical Sketch 1037

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Personal Paragraphs 1043'

PORTRAITS.

Aldrich, David L , 46»

Aldrich, Edward 720

Arnold, William S 815

Atwood, James S 470

Atwood, William A 982

Babcock, William S 471

Baldwin, Lloyd E 365

Bartholomew, WiUiam 1 550

Bates, Ambrose H 620

Bates, Gustavus D .' 817

Bates, Jerome E 721

Beebe, WUliam S 72»

Bishop, Ebenezer 909-

Bowen, Stephen O 104O

Briggs, Lucius 728

Buck, George ; 816

Bugbee, Edwin H 984

Burgess, Frank S 195

Card, David C 183

Carpenter, Ehsha 146

Carpenter, John A 818

Chaffee, J. Dwight 367

Child, Abel .-. . 910

Cleveland, Edward Spicer 389

Converse, Abiel 150

Converse, Elisha S 732

Converse, James W ^ 730

Cranska, Floyd 472

Dean, Ezra 912

ElUott, Henry 734

Evans, Thomas J 986

Fox, John 0 819

Fuller, Lucius H 820

Green, Marquis 913

Greene, Albert C 473

GreensUt, David 390

Griggs, David A 434

Grosvenor, William "^^^

Haskins, Rufus T 407

Hatch, Jonathan 306

Holt, George W. , Jr • 832

Hopkins, Timbthy E 987 xvi TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PAGE.

Hutchins, Joseph 474

JiUson, WUliam C 368

Knowlton, Danford 1034

Lamed, Ellen D 714

Lincoln, Edgar S 425

Lyon, William, 4th 914

McClellan, John 915

Manning, James W 834

Mathewson, Rufus S 552

May, Charles H 916

Messenger, Frank M 739

Miller, Gardner L 188

Milner, Edwin 476

Morse, George M 837

Morse, Joseph M 918

Morse, Milton S , 826

Moseley , Samuel S 392

Moulton, George S 307

Murdock, George T 740

Murdock, G. Thurston 741

Nichols, Franklin 743

Osgood, Charles H 554

Paine, Almond M 988

Palmer, William F 408

Parker, Alfred M 828

Penrose, John J 154

Perry, Oliver H 920

Phillips, Gilbert W ; 158

Phipps, Benjamin F 744

Pike, James 623

Putnam, William H 602

Ross, William 426

Sanger, Marvin H 514

Scarborough, George 604

Searls, Charles E 160

Smith, GuUford 308

Spalding, Chandler A 830

Sprague, Samuel B 410

Stanton, Avery A ; 628

Stranahan, J. S. T 478

Thayer, Charles D 745

Towne, Marcus F 746

Warner, Alexander 556

Westoott, Henry 989

Williams, Francis 422

Witter, Wilham C . . 370

Wood, Darius 516

VIEWS, ETC.

Map of Windham County 1

Residence of George Lothrop Bradley 704

The " Ben-Grosvenor " V 710

MAP OF

WINDHAM COUNTY,

CONNECTICUT.

W. W. PRBSTOH & 00.

Publisliers.

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

Chapter I. Geographical And Descriptive

Physical Features.— Location.— Shape and Area.— Subdivisions.— Surface.— Rivers and Brooks.— Agricultural and Manufacturing Advantages.— Productions.—Manufactures.— Railroads and Ti-ansportation.- Old Stage and Freight Wagons.— Taverns of the Olden Time.— The Hilltop Settlements.— Romantic Scenery and Historic Associations.— Geological Formation and Resources. — Elevations of Land.

WINDHAM COUXTY occupies the northeastern corner of the .state of Connecticut, bordering Worcester county, ^lassachusetts, lying on the north, and Providence and Kent counties in Rhode Island on the east. New London county bounds it on the south and Tolland on the west. Its greatest length, from north to south, is -twenty-seven miles, and its greatest width, from east to west, is twenty-three miles. Its north, east and south sides are nearly straight lines, while on the west side its territory interchanges offsets with Tolland. The greatest variation in the line made by these offsets, however, does not exceed six miles. This occurs on the northwest corner, where the town of Union makes an advance of about the distance mentioned. We ma}- explain that the longest north and south line would be drawn from the northwest corner of Thompson to the southwest corner of Plainfield, and the longest east and west line would be drawn from the northwest corner of Windham to the Rhode Island line, about the middle of Sterling.

The county contains an area of six hundred and twenty square miles and a population, by the last census, of 43,856. This number, however, comprehends the population of Voluntown, then 1,186, which has since been set off from Windham to New 1