HISTORY
OF
WINDHAM COUNTY,
CONNECTICUT..-
BY ELLEN D. LARNED.
“Tf, 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 nottrue’ .. . . then study and literature render
us unrighteous and sinuful.”—Miebuhr.
VOLUME I.
1600-1760.
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR.
1874.
WORCESTER, MASS.:
PRINTED BY CHARLES HAMILTON,
PALLADIUM OFFICE.
MDCCCLXXIV.
A76]2 7!
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by
ELLEN D. LARNED,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
TO THE
Sons and Baughters of Windham County,
PRESENT AND ABSENT,
AND TO THE DESCENDANTS OF FORMER RESIDENTS,
THIS RECORD OF ITS SETTLEMENT,
AND OF THE TRIALS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THEIR AN CESTORS,
IS RESPECTFULLY COMMENDED,
WITH THE HOPE THAT IT MAY MEET AN APPRECIATIVE
WELCOME FROM ALL,
AND STRENGTHEN THEIR LOVE FOR THE OLD MOTHER COUNTY.
PREFACE.
Town, church and court records, the archives of Connecticut,
Massachusetts and Rhode Island, standard histories, the collec-
tions of many Historical Societies, unpublished manuscripts,
private diaries and letters, and such local traditions as could be
substantiated, have furnished the material for this work. The
genealogical investigations of Mr. William L. Weaver of Willi-
mantic, the ecclesiastical researches of Rev. Robert C. Learned,
and general facts, gathered and preserved by Rev. Daniel Hunt
of Pomfret—former residents of Windham County, all now
deceased—have been of great service. Aboriginal items and
translations of Indian names have been kindly given by Dr. J.
Hammond Trumbull. No pains have been spared in sifting,
collating and arranging this mass of material. Statements con-
flicting with those in previous histories, have been very carefully
considered, and are only made upon positive evidence.
The numerous extracts from records and ancient documents
are believed to be faithful transcripts of the originals, save
corrections in spelling and the occasional supply of words when
needful. Dates are copied as written. Those prior to Sep-
tember, 1752, are therefore in old style, and it will be necessary
to add eleven days to any date to bring it in correspondence
with the same day of the month at the present time. Celebra-
tors of coming bicentennials will need to pay especial heed to
this point.
The map of Ancient Windham includes all the territory ever
vi PREFACE.
pertaining to Windham County, and original bounds and land-
grants, so far as they could be identified. The plat of the
Mashamogqnet is a fac-simile of the original, which is preserved
among the town records of Pomfret. The reader will observe
that it reverses the points of compass.
The history of towns afterward incorporated into other coun-
ties, is not here given. A second volume, to be published, it is
hoped, within two years, will bring the History of Windham
County to the latest date.
Tompson, WVov. 20, 1874. E. D. L.
CONTENTS.
Page
ABORIGINAL GLEANINGS ........- See) eR Be wl Be ee. go
BOOK I. 1676-1726.
I.
Massachusetts Boundary Line. Nipmuck and Mohegan Land Transfers . 18
II.
Roxbury’s Colony. .......... Be? Sees ee RS aS Ae 1B
Iii.
New Roxbury... .* 2... ..0- he Segiy Seat eR cas v2 can any wae Ape ae ae - . 23
IV.
Woodstock. .3.68 Stee Be ewe ie Se Lay Con ah OE ity pha fea g BL
Vs
Indian Troubles . 1... 2 we ee ee ee we ew wt we oe ee ee Bw BB
VI.
Important Changes. Final Division of Roxbury’s Half of Woodstock. . 43
VII.
Uneasiness with Mr. Dwight. Second Meeting-house ......... 51
VIIL. re
Ministerial Troubles. Indian Alarms. Death of Acquitamaug. Land
Division. Dismissal of Mr. Dwight. ..........°% ates bo ks HOG:
IX.
Joshua’s Tract ....+ ++. 2 eee inion coy Festa yvecyes ace Be cet Oh iknow OS
x.
Windham ......+ se eee Bi cal et Sat ee tat te ei Hg Ye Se sea ow BY
XI.
Ponde-town Controversy. Church Organization .........24.. 76
XII.
Addition of Territory. Scotland Settlement. Town Division ..... 83
XIII.
Growth. Improvements. Second Meeting-house Pies i seh 80a ay os ee a gh 8B
XIV.
Canada Parish a... BRR Re ee ee we we we we we OF
vin CONTENTS.
XV.
General Advancement. Religious Revival. Death of Mr. WADE Settle-
mentof Mr.Clap.........+4. eo ah Shik ee ae IS Sh 101
xXVI.
The Quinebaug Country, Peagscomsuck. . . 2. 1 2 ee eee ee ee 2 108
XVII.
Plaintield Agreements. Quinebaug Land Investigation ........ .112
XVIII.
Division of Township. Distribution of Land. Irruption from Norwich . 118
. XIX. :
Quinebaug Land Settlement. Various Improvements. ........+. 124
xx.
Boundary Quarrels. New Meeting-house. Mortality. ........ «188
XXI.
Canterbury. ......... BR, ae. es ao tes ee ee ae 6b SE aa cae 2 4B
XXII.
Major Fitch. Division of Land. General Progress ......... - 150
XXIII.
Aspinock. Killingly 2... 1... pe wep ee ee ep we ee ww eo LBD
XXIV.
Land-tax. Chestnut Hill. Chars ‘Onesuleaiion, Settlement of South
Killingly -........ : fe hy Se ee Be A Ae 68
XXV.
Quinnatisset 2... eee Ce bea ee ae es eae ee we SATS
XXVI
Mashamoquet. Mortlake ........2+51 22 ee ae oe ww 2 LBL
XXVII
Progress. Petitions. Pomfret .. 1... 1... 2 eee ee we ew we. 187
XXVIII.
Blackwell’s Tract. Adams’s Tract. Sale and Settlement of Mortlake.
‘Expulsion of Mary Utter 2... 6 6 we ee ee ee ee ee ee LOD
XXIX.
“Minister and ees eee Church Organization in Pomfret. Second
Land-division. . 2. 1 ee ee ee ee ewe a ee ee ee
Xxx.
New Inhabitants. Improvements. South Addition to Pomfret. Peter
Davison ...... be ee OS we ew Oks eee ew 6 . 205
; XXXI.
Ashford. Land Purchase. Settlement. ‘Town Organization. Minister
Secured ......6.... Set ee Bre who SRY SL ses gt ow a DTA
XXXIL
Land Controversies. Church Formed ..... BY ay eee de Phe ev Gee fae rad a 220
XXXIII.
Land Settlement. Various Improvements. Unhappy Accident .... . 226
¢ XXXIV.
Suffrage Dispute. Schools. New Inhabitants. Famine in Ashford.
Chandler’s and Corbin’s Claim . Pee eeereantae Get, a NE as Tends See a
CONTENTS. ix
XXXV.
The Volunteer’s Land. Division. Occupation. ........ 2. + «239
XXXVI.
Organization of Voluntown. Meeting-house Site. Interrupted Ordination.
Church Formed... ......... Bok OB late Gla ee, SS 245
XXXVII.
Boundary Quarrels. Meeting-house Site. ........ gee, AON 252
XXXVIII. ,
Erection of Windham County. General Summary. Association of Minis-
WOES Seo sprog iy ag bi See ar es Pe ncaa Se “ONY cass Bla ARS Sa OSSD howe ea ables Men Gy Aaa 259
BOOK I. 1726-46.
I.
Windham Courts Constituted. Jail and Court-house Ordered. Affairs in
Windham Town. Outbreaks eee Re «wR we x SO tee ew 6 EE
Il.
Third Society Set Off. Scotland Parish ...... 2.2. eee bo Hy ae BUD
III.
Canada Parish. Death of Mr. Billings. Changes in Windham’s First
Society. First Execution in Windham County ........4.4.-. 280
Iv. *
Changes in Canterbury. New Ministers and Meeting-house. Controversy
with Windham. Dismissal of Mr. Wadsworth ......... . + 289
v.
Plainfield Affairs. Growthin Voluntown. .....-+-.-+6 esse ee 298
VI.
Second Society in Killingly. Thompson Parish. Church Organization.
Ordination of Mr. Cabot 2... 1 ee te ee te ee he es 805
Vil.
Land Disputes. School Quarters Distributed. Meeting-house Completed.
Controversy with Samuel Morris. ...... Be see Soe) a DIS,
VII.
Roads Laid:Out. New Inhabitants. Thompson-Land Controversy .. . 322
Ix.
Affairs in Killingly. Dismissal of Mr. Fisk. Breakneck Controversy.
“Society Division .......444- Stes tas Abees is sah Nay tae aes, Oe aw we 829
x.
Pomfret aud Mortlake. Petition for Township. Ministerial Perplexities.
Society Organized Between Pomfret and Canterbury ....... .341
XI.
Mortlake Society. Second Church of Pomfret. Ordination of Mr.
Ephraim Avery. Changesin Pomfret ....:....... oe . . 348
XII.
United Library Association. Pomfret Wolf-hunt. A Pomfret Legend. . 355
B
x CONTENTS.
XIII.
New Minister in Woodstock. Worcester County Erected. Death of Mr.
or Quarrel with Colonel John Chandler. Settlement of Mr. :
CHGS: is se ce ho se a se ga ee ete Mie Ble aa Re we eh, Ge se aD
XIV.
West Woodstock Settled. Precinct Organized. Meeting-house Built.
Church Formed. Uneasiness with Mr. Stiles. Death of Colonel
Chandler's 6 x4. 6 Gow ep Bw Be Ga gp eh mee peta Be a BED
q XV..
Town and Church Affairs in Ashford. Death of Mr. Hale. Settlement, of
Mr. Bass. Windham County Association .......-2-5 » » 885
BOOK II. THE SEPARATE MOVEMENT. 1740-60.
I.
General Condition of the Churches. Great Revival. Great Excesses . . 393
Il.
Wheelock's Tour. Revival in Canterbury. Legislative Act. Disturbances.
Imprisonment of Elisha Paine... ... 2.2.25 2. ee ee oa « » 896
TII.
Recognition of Cambridge Platform. Attempts to Choose a Minister. Re-
jection of Mr. Adams. Meetings of Consociation and Council . . . 402
. Iv.
Call of Mr. James Cogswell. Disaffection. Withdrawal of Majority. Im-
prisonment of Elisha Paine. Conflict Between Church and Society . 411
Vv.
Windham Association Aroused. Collision with Yale College. Clevelands
Arraigned and Censured. Consociation at Canterbury. Cogswell
Ordained. Church Divided .... 1... 2 ee ee eee oe AIT
Vi.
Revival in Plainfield. Recovery of Mercy Wheeler. Disturbances in Ash-
ford. Revival in Canada Parish. ‘Mansfield Separate Church . . . . 427
VIL.
Canterbury Separate Church. Renewal of Covenent. Petitions. Ordina-
tion of Solomon Paine .........2..+.2.6-. ea es ae dT
VIII.
Jangles in Mortlake Parish. Secession from the Church. Separate
Church in South Killingly... 2... 2... 2. eee ee wees *, 444
IX.
Plainfleid Separate Church. Ordinations of Thomas Stevens and David
Rowland. Contentions. Separation in Voluntown. ........ 451
xX.
Separate Churches in Windham and Scotland. ae Baptist
Churches in Thompson, Chestnut Hill and Woodstock .. - « . 458
Xi.
Mistakes in the Separate Movement. Persecution. Failure ...... 468
CONTENTS. xl
BOOK IV. 1745-60. ~
I.
Woodstock’s Revolt. Contest Between Massachusetts and Connecticut: . 487
II.
Various Town Matters. Controversy with Mr. Stiles. First Church of
Woodstock Divided... 0... ee ee ee Bee was a) coe oe a EDD.
Ii. ‘
Abington Society Set Off. Contest with Pomfret. Church Organization . 508
IV.
Mortlake Disinstated. Brooklyn Confirmed. Troubles in Pomfret. Settle-
ment of Mr. Putnam. General Progress... .....-2..0- 517
V.
Progress in Killingly. Affairs in Middle, South and North Societies. . . 528
VI. .
Plainfield. Voluntown. Canterbury .......-........200. 535
VIl.
Dismissal of Mr. Bass. Disturbances in Ashford. ......... » » 544
VIII.
First, Second and Third Societies of Windham. Formation of the Susque-
hanna Company... 2.2.2. ees eee ae doe MRL oe Re te - 550
IX.
Windham’s Frog Fright. French and Indian War. Statistical Summary. 560
ABORIGINAL GLEANINGS.
I hes 1726, ten towns in the northeast corner of Connecticut, previously
included in the counties of Hartford and New London, were
erected into the County of Windham. Union and Woodstock were
subsequently added ; Mansfield, Coventry, Lebanon, Union and Colum-
bia taken away; and several of the original towns divided. Sixteen
towns—Woodstock, Thompson, Putnam, Pomfret, Brooklyn, Kil-
lingly, Sterling, Plainfield, Canterbury, Eastford, Ashford, Chaplin,
Hampton, Windham, Scotland and Voluntowno—form the present.
Winxpuam Country. Its average length is about twenty-six miles;
its breadth, nearly nineteen. Its area comprises a little less than five
hundred and tifty-three square miles. J
The greater part of this tract of country, prior to the settlement of oe i
New England, was included in Nipnet—‘ the fresh water country,”"—/y¢
the inland region between the Atlantic coast and the Connecticut feo ny 2
River. Its inhabitants were known collectively as Nipmucks or Nip-/
nets—“ pond or fresh-water Indians,’—in distinction from river and ’”" 2 ie
shore Indians. One of their favorite resorts was the great lake,
Chaubunnagunggamaug, or Chabanakongkomuch,—‘“the boundary
fishing-place,”—the “bound-mark” between Nipmuck and Nar-
raganset territory. This lake lies a few rods north of the present
northern boundary line of Windham: County, and the Nipmucks
claimed land some eighteen or twenty miles south of it. The tract
west of the Quinebaug River, north of a line running northwesterly
from the junction of the Quinebaug and Assawaga Rivers, was
Wabbaquasset—“ the mat-producing country ’—so called from some
marsh or meadow that furnished reeds for mats and baskets, and
its inhabitants were known as Wabbaquassets. A quarry of rock,
valued for its sharpening properties, gave its name to a strip of
land east of the Quinebaug. Manhumsqueeg or Mahmunsqueeg,
“the spot resorted to for whetstones,” was near the mouth of a
*branch of the Assawaga, still known as Whetstone Brook in central
Killingly, and a range of land. northward and southward was thence
1
2 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
designated Mahmunsqueeg, the Whetstone Country. The land south
of Wabbaquasset and Mahmunsqueeg, now included in the towns
of Plainfield and Canterbury, was the Quinebaug Country, inhabited
by Quinebaugs. The Narragansets claimed rights east of the Quine-
baug, and fiercely contested its jurisdiction with the Nipmucks; the
; Wabbaquassets were subject to Nipmuck ‘chieftains. Some twenty or
tug He thirty years before the settlement of Connecticut by white men, a.
“" band of Pequots, “ rently of th race with the Mohicans
; quots, “apparently of the same race w ,
Coagyon Mohigans or Mohicandas, who lived on the banks of the Hudson
a Covm River,” invaded the territory east of the Connecticut, established their
‘ head-quarters at the mouth of “the Great River,” now known as
Thames, drove away the Narragansets, conquered the Quinebaugs
aud Wabbaquassets, and assumed jurisdiction over all the land now
pertaining to Windhain County.
ahi These few facts comprise all that can be gathered of the condition
UM contd of this region previous to the settlement of Connecticut. Of its Indian
“ Nowlin prilvh inhabitants, whether few or numerous, only one has escaped oblivion.
| A Boston News-Letter chronicles the name and services of Acquitti-
oko maug, of Wabbaquasset, now Woodstock. Soon after the arrival of
«
Winthrop’s coiony in Massachusetts, in 1630, tidings reached the dis-
tant Wabbaquassets that a company of Englishmen had come to the
Bay, were in great want of corn and would pay a good price for it.
The fertile hills of Wabbaquasset were famous even then for their
bountiful yield of corn. Acquittimaug’s father filled large sacks
with the precious commodity, and with his son and other Indians bore
the heavy burdens on their backs through the wilderness to the infant
settlement at Boston, ‘‘ when there was but one cellar in the place, and-
that near the Common.” .Acquittimaug lived to see the Englishmen
in possession of all Nipnet as well as his native Wabbaquasset, and
when, in extreme old age, he visited. the thriving town of Boston, was
welcomed and entertained by oe chief dignitaries of the Massachusetts
Colony.
fom Hebe The Windham County territory became known to the English at
the first settlement of Connecticut in 1635-6. It lay directly in the
route from Massachusetts to the Connecticut River, a part of that
ate “hideous and trackless wilderness” traversed by the first colonists.
Adhd Tradition reports their encampment on Pine Hill in Ashford. A rude
track, called: the Connecticut Path, obliquely crossing the Wabba-
cong quasset Country, became the main thoroughfare of travel between the
two colonies. Hundreds of families toiled over it to new homes in the
wilderness. The fathers of Hartford and New Haven, ministers and
governors, captains and commissioners, government officials and land
speculators, crossed and recrossed it. Civilization passed over it to
ABORIGINAL GLEANINGS. 3
regions beyond, but made no halting place upon the way for more than
half a century,
Of the condition of the future Windham during this period we
have little definite knowledge. The general features of the country
were the same as at present—a broken, rock-strewn surface, with many
lakes and rivers. Wild, craggy forests, miry swamps and sandy
barrens were relieved by fertile valleys and pleasant openings. Large
tracts of the best Jand were burned over by the Indians, and kept open
to furnish pasture for deer. Game and fish abounded in wood, lake and
river. The principal rivers, lakes and hills bore the same names that
now distinguish them. The Quinebaug, Shetucket, Willimantic, Na-
chaug, Pachaug, Moosup and Mashamoquet Rivers; Egunk, Wanun-
gatuck, Owbesatuck, Tatnick, Mashentuck and Quinnatisset Hills ;
Mashapaug and Pawcatuck Lakes—all received their names from their
aboriginal proprietors. Our Five-mile River was their Assawaga ;
Little River, their Appaquage; Blackwell's Brook, the Cowisick. An
Indian trail, known as Nipmuck Path, ran south from Wabbaquasset
to the sea shore. The Greenwich Path crossed eastward from the
Quinebaug to Narraganset.
Of the Indians, we know little more than of their country. They
were subject clans of little spirit or destinctive character. Their num- .
ber was small. A few families occupied the favorable localities, while
large sections were left vacant and desolate. Their dwellings were
poor, their weapons and utensils rude and scanty. They raised corn
and beans, and wove mats and baskets. Their lives were spent chiefly
in hunting, fishing, idling and squabbling. A few rude forts were
built and maintained in various localities.
After the overthrow of the Pequots their lands, by Indian law, lapsed Ny 6A I
to their conquerors. Uncas, the restless chief of a small band ot a
Mohegans, who had revolted from the great Pequot chieftain bans &
Sassacus, and fought with the English against him, now claimed his fe mt
land on the ground of relationship, and as his power increased assumed 1; (; ,’ |
jurisdiction over it. The mild and timid Wabbaquasets readily | _ P
acknowledged him as their master, “(and paid him homage and obli- i ‘ |
gations and yearly tribute of white deer-skins, bear-skins, and black
wolf-skins.” With the Quinebaugs Uncas was less successtul. His
right to their allegiance was disputed by the Narragansets. Pessacus
(alias Moosup), brother and successor to Miantonomo, asserted his
claim to the Quinebaug Country, affixing his name to the largest branch
of the Quinebaug. Uncas denied his right, and.extorted tribute when
possible. For many years the land was in contention; the distracted
Quinebaugs yielding homage to whichever rival chieftain chanced to
be in ascendency. For a time “they had no resident sachem and went
4 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
as they pleased,” but consented to receive Allumps (alias Hyems),
Massashowett and Aguntus, renegade Narragansets who had become
obnoxious to their own government, and were allowed by Uncas to
dwell in Quinebaug, and exercise authority over its wavering inhabi-
tants. They were wild, lawless savages, ambitious and quarrelsome.
They built a fort at Egunk Hill, another near Greenwich Path, anda
third at Wanungatuck Hill,* west of the Quinebaug. where they were
compelled to dwell a year for fear of the Narragansets.
The Whetstone Country was also in conflict. Uncas claimed that
his northern bound extended to the quarry, and his followers were
accustomed to resort thither for whetstones, but its Nipmuck inhabi-
tants “turned off to the Narragansets.” Nemo and Azzogut. who
built a fort at Acquiunk. a point at the junction of the Quinebaug and
Assawago Rivers, now in Danielsonville, “carried presents sometimes
to Uncas, sometimes to Pessacus.” This fort was eleven rods fifteen
inches in circumference, four or five feet in height, and was occupied
by four families.
hag mand Acquiunk and its vicinity is also memorable as a traditional Indian
battle-field, the scene of the only aboriginal rencontre reported with
dl Ag any distinctness. An interchange of social festivities led to this bloody
a outbreak. The Narragansets invited their Nipmuck tributaries to visit
them at the shore and partake of a feast of shell-fish ; the Nipmucks
returned the civility by inviting their guests to a banquet of lamprey
eels. The shell-fish were greatly relished by the Nipmucks, but the
eels, for lack of dressing, were distasteful to the Narragansets. Glum
looks and untasted food roused the ire of the Nipmucks. Taunts and
retorts soon led to blows. A free fight followed, disastrous to the
unarmed Narragansets, of whom but two escaped to carry home the
‘news of the massacre.
A body of warriors was at once dispatched to avenge their slaugh-
iw a tered clansmen. Reaching Acquiunk, they found the Nipmucks
ong We intrenched east of the Quinebaug. Unable to cross, they threw up
At embankments, and for three days waged war across the stream. Many
were slain on both sides, but the Nipmucks were again triumphant and
forced their assailants to retire, leaving their dead behind them. The
bodies of the slain Nipmucks were interred in deep pits on the battle-
field, which was ever after known as the Indian Burying Ground.
Numerous bones and trinkets found on that spot give some credibility
to this legend, which aged Indians delighted to relate to the first
settlers of Killingly.
>
* The name applied to this hill, signifying “ bent river,” originally designated the
great bend in the adjacent Quinebaug.
ABORIGINAL GLEANINGS, 5
The first transfer of land in Windham County territory from its ae
Indian proprietors occurred in 1658. The first English purchaser was —
John Winthrop of New London, (afterwards governor of Connecticut “/ He.
Colony), who received the subjoined deeds from Hyems alias James, ‘
and his associates :—
“Know all men by these presents, That I, James, sachem of Quinebaug,
in consideration of the great friendship formerly from Mr. Winthrop, sometime
governor of Massachusetts, and desirous of continuance of the same with his
son, now residing at Pequot. And, considering that he hath erected a saw-
mill at Pequot, a work very useful both to the English and Indians; for, the
supply whereof, I consider, I have swamps of timber very convenient, and for
divers other good reasons and considerations, me thereunto moving—I the said
James, do of mine own free and voluntary will and motion, give, grant, bargain
and sell to Mr. John Winthrop, of Pequot, all my land at Pautuxett,* upon
the river that rouneth from Quinebaug and runneth down towards Mohigan
and towards the plantation of Pequot unto the sea; the bounds thereof to be
from the present plot of the Indians’ planting-ground at Quinebaug, where
James, his fort is, on a hill at the said Pautuxett, and so down towards Shau-
tuxkett so farr as the right of the said James doth reach or any of his men;
so farr on both sides the river as ye right of ve said James doth [reach] or
any of his men, with all the swamps of cedar, pine, spruce or any other
timber and wood whatever together with them to the said John Winthrop and
his heirs.
RIcHARD SMITH,
Witnesses, SAMUEL SMITH,
Nov. 2, 1653. T. B., mark of Tuomas BayLry.”
“Know all men by these presents, That I, Massashowitt, brother of
James, doo, upon the consideration mentioned on the other side of this paper
by my brother, doo likewise for myself give, grant, bargain and sell and by
these presents confirm unto the said John Winthrop of Pequot all that land at
Pautuxett, as is on the other side of the paper and in that deed made over by
my brother James to the said John Winthrop . . . . And we the said
James and Massashowitt do hereby testify that this we do by the full and
free consent of Aguntus Pumquanon, Massitiarno, brother of Aguntus, also
Moas and all the rest of the chief men of.these parts about and at Quinebaug,
and in their name having all consented thereto. In witness whereof we have
hereunto sett—this 25th of November, 1653.
Joun GALLop, 1K. XR the mark of Jamnrs.
JAMES AVERY, Witnesses.
(OD §/ the mark of Massasuvowrtrr.”
p Mark of W1LL1AM WELOMA,
T. B., Mark of THomas BaYLry.
.
* The general name for all Fulls, here referring to those ut Acqulunk.
/
/
o
fe
y
6 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
The validity of this conveyance is extremely doubtful. The grantors
were neither by English or American law vested in the land conveyed.
Aguntus himself, at first “blamed Hyems for selling Jand that was not
his,” and made him, in the presence of ‘Winthrop, pull off a coat he
had received in payment. “A roll of trucking-cloth, two rolls of red
cotton wampum, stockings, tobacco pipes and tobacco,” secured his
consent and confirmation. Robin Cassaminon, a well known Pequot,
acted as interpreter in this transaction.
Governor Winthrop took great pains to secure legal confirmation of
his ‘Quinebaug purchase. The Narragansets were precluded from
prosecuting their ancient claim to this territory by an especial clause in
the agreement made by himself and John Clarke, as agents for Connecti-
cut and Rhode Island, concerning the dividing line between their
governments, providing, That, “if any part of that purchase at Quine-
baug doth lie along upon the east side of that river, that goeth down
by New London, within six miles of the said river, then it shall wholly
belong to Connecticut Colony, as well as the rest which lieth on the
western side of the aforesaid river.” The General Court of Connecti-
cut, October, 1671, allowed the Governor his Indian purchase at
Quinebaug, and gave him liberty to erect thereon a plantation, but none
was attempted. According to Trumbull, “there was a small number
of [white] families on the lands at the time of the purchase,” but no
trace of them has been recovered. An Englishman attempted to settle
in Quinebaug about 1650, but was driven off by Hyems’ threat “to
bury him alive unless he went away.”
The Wabbaquassets during these years patiently submitted to the
- authority of Uncas, and when his eldest son, Owanevo, was grown up,
received him as their sachem, “their own chief men ruling in his
absence.” About 1670, a new light dawned upon them. The influence
~of the faithful Indian apostle, Eliot, reached this benighted region.
Young Indians trained at Natick, as in “aseminary of virtue and
piety,” went out into the Nipmuck wilderness, and gathered the wild
natives into “new praying towns” and churches. Of seven churches
thus gathered three were within Windham County territory. Joseph
and Sampson, only sons of Petavit, sachem of Hamannesset—now
Grafton,— hopeful, pious and active young men,” came as Christian
missionaries to Wabbaquasset, and for four years labored and preached
faithfully throughout this region. The simple and tractable Wabba-
quassets hearkened willingly unto the Gospel thus preached, and many
were persuaded to unite in church estate and assume some of the habits
of civilization. They observed the Sabbath; they cultivated their
land; they gathered into villages. The largest village, comprising
some thirty families, was called Wabbaquasset. Its exact locality has
ABORIGINAL GLEANINGS. Q
not been identified, but it is known to be included in the present town
of Woodstock, either on Woodstock Hill or in its vicinity. The
teacher Sampson had his*residence here, and under his oversight wig-
wams were built, the like of which were seen in no other part of the
country. Another church and village were gathered some miles north
ward, at Myanexet, on the Quinebaug—then called the Mohegan
River; and a third east of the Quinebaug, among the Nipmucks at
Quinnatisset*—now Thompson Hul. These villages and their inhabit-
ants were under the care and guidance of the faithful Sampson, who
held religious services statedly, and endeavored to civilize and elevate
them.
The good tidings received from the Nipmuck wilderness greatly
cheered the heart of the excellent Mr. Eliot, and in September, 1674,
he sat out on a tour to the new Praying Towns, to confirm the
churches, settle the teachers over them and establish civil government.
He was accompanied by Major Daniel Gookin, who had been appointed
by the General Court of Massachusetts, magistrate over the Praying In-
dians, with power to hold courts and “constitute and appoint Indian
commissioners in their several plantations, to hear and determine such
matters as do arise among themselves, with officers to execute com-
mands and warrants.” This visit of Eliot is the most striking and note-
worthy event in Windham’s aboriginal history, and is detailed with great
clearness and vividness by Major Gookin. Five or six godly persons
went with them on their journey. After visiting Hamannesset and Ma-
chauge, they came, September 14, to a village near Lake Chaubongagum
—afterward included in Dudley—where nine families were collected.
The chief man and sachem in this vicinity was Black James, ‘a person
that had approved himself diligent, courageous, faithful and zealous to
suppress sin,” and who was now appointed constable of all the praying
towns. Joseph, one of the young missionaries, was teacher at Chau-
bongagum. Here Mr. Eliot preached, prayed, sang psalms and spent
part of the night discoursing. Next day, accompanied by Black James
and Joseph, he proceeded to Myanexet, ‘seven miles southwest, a
village situated in a very fertile country, west of a fresh river called
Mohigan.” Twenty families were gathered here, comprising, by
Gookin’s estimate, a hundred souls—men, women and children—all
eager to welcome and hear the missionaries. A religious service was
held, Mr. Eliot preaching in the Indian tongue, from the words, “ Lift
up your heads, O ye gates . . . andthe King of Glory shall coine
* It has been stated by several historians, unfamiliar with these localities, that. the
place called Quinnatisset is now included in Woodstock, but the original deeds
from the natives to English purchasers, make it absolutely certain that this name
designated territory now in Thompson.
8 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
»
in.” At the close of the sermon, Mr. Eliot led forward John Moqua,
a pious and sober person, and presented him to the people to be their
minister, whom they thankfully accepted in-the Lord. Moqua then
read a suitable psalm, which was sung by the Assembly. After prayer,
the teacher was exhorted to be diligent and faithful, and to take good
care of the flock, and the people charged to yield him obedience and
subjection.
Major Gookin reported another village at Quinnatisset, six miles
south, “within four miles of the south line of Massachusetts Colony,”
where there were also twenty families and a hundred souls, but they
went not to it, being straightened for time and the way rough and
dangerous, “ but they saw and spake with some of the principal people,
and appointed a sober and pious young man of Natick, called Daniel,
to be their minister, whom they accepted in the Lord.”
After rest and refreshment, the party proceeded on their way, and
late in the evening, after a toilsome journey arrived at Wabbaquasset.
According to Major Gookin (whose distances are not always accurate),
this town was nine or ten miles from Myanexet, six miles west of
Mohigan River and seventy-two miles southwest from Boston; and
contained thirty families and a hundred and fifty souls. It was
situated in a very rich soil, as was manifested by the goodly crop of
Indian corn then nearly ingathered, not less thav forty bushels to an
acre. A spacious wigwam, about sixty feet long and twenty wide,
was the residence of the sachem, who was inclined to religion and had
the meetings on Sabbath days at his house. The Sagamore was absent,
but his squaw courteously admitted the strangers into his wigwam, and.
provided liberally in their way for their Indian companions., News of
their arrival soon spread through’ the village. The teacher Sampson
hastened to greet and welcome the missionarjes, and also divers of’ the
principal people, with whom they spent a good part of the night in
prayer, singing psalms and exhortations. One grim Indian alone sat
mute and took no part in what was passing. At length, after a great
space, he arose and spake, and declaring himself a messenger from
Uncas, sachem of the Mohegans, who challenged right to and dominion
over this people of Wuabbaquasset—“ Unceas,” said he, “is not well
pleased that the English should pass over Mohegan River to call his
Indians to pray to God.”
The timid Wabbaquassets quailed at this lofty message from their
sovereign master, but Mr. Eliot answered calmly, “That it was his
work to call upon men everywhere to repent and embrace the Gospel,
but he did not meddle with civil right or jurisdiction.” Gookin, with
the authority befitting his office as magistrate, then declared unto him,
and desired him to inform Uncas, “That Wabbaquasset was within
ABORIGINAL GLEANINGS. 9
the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, and that the government of that
people did belong to them, and ‘they do look upon themselves con-
cerned to promote the good of all people within their limits, especially
if they embrace Christianity—yet it was not intended to abridge the
Indian sachems of their just and ancient rights over the Indians in
respect of paying tribute or any other dues, but the main design of
the English was to bring them to the good knowledge.of God in
Christ and to suppress among them their sins of drunkenness, idolatry,
powwowing and witchcraft. As for the English, they had taken no
tribute trom them, nor taxed them with anything of that kind.” With
this declaration, the evening session ended; >the Indians dispersed ;
the messenger of Uncas vanished to appear no more, but his irruption
among the little band of Indian disciples gathered at the great
Apostle’s feet is the most picturesqne incident in Windham’s early
history.
The day following, September 16th, 1674, is one ot the most memorable
in Windham annals. ‘The presence of the distinguished visitors was
now widely known and had doubtless drawn together at Wabbaquasset
all the Indians from surrounding sections. The Praying Indians from
Myanexet and Quinnatisset were there, and many others who had
never before attended a religious service nor heard of the Englishman’s
God. Public worship was held at an early houwr—* Sampson first
reading and setting the first part of the 119th Psalm,” which was sung
by the assembly. Mr. Eliot next prayed then preached to them
in their own language trom Matthew vi:.23—“ But if thine eye be
evil thy whole body shall be full of dar ame = the service*
with prayer. |
Major Gookin then held a court, abibislins civil governments
among the natives. First he approved the teacher Sampson—whom he
described as “an aclive and ingenious person, who spake good English
and read well,”—and next the constable, Black James; giviug each of
them a charge to be diligent and faithful in their places: and also
exhorted the people to yield obedience to the Gospel uf Christ and to
those set in order there. He then published a warrant or urder, empower-
ing the constable to suppress drunkenness and Sabbath-breaking, and
especially powwowing and idolatry, and after warning given, to appre-
hend all delinquents and bring them before authority to answer for
their misdoings. For smaller faults to bring them before Wattasa
Companum of Hassanamesset—“ a grave and pious man of the chief’
sachem’s blood ;” for idolatry and powwowing,.to bring them before
himself. ,
Having thus settled religious ordinances and civil authority, Mr.
Eliot and his friends took leave of this people of Wabbaquasset, and
2
10 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
returned the same day through Myanexet to Chaubongagum, greatly
pleased with the progress of Christianity and civilization among these
tractable and friendly Indians. Seventy families had been reclaimed
from heathenism and barbarism and were gathered in churches with
ministers set over them, and from this fair beginning they could
not but hope that light would shine into all the dark region around
them.
/ These hopeful prospects were soon blighted. The Narraganset war
broke out in the following summer and swept away at once the result of
V) years of missionary labor. The villages were deserted; the churches fell
Ashram to pieces ; the Prayin g Indians relapsed into savages. The Nipmucks
east of the Quinebaug joined the Narragansets; the fearful Wabba-
dae { ‘quassets left their pleasant villages and planting fields; and threw
on themselves under the protection of Uncas at Mohegan. Early in
gee ) August, 1675, a company of Providence men, under Captain Nathaniel
) Thomas, went out in pursuit of Philip—who had just effected his
escape to the Nipmuck Country,—and on the night of August 3d,
reached the second fort in that country, “called by the Indians Wapo-
soshequash "—(Wabbaquasset). This was on a hill, a mile or two
west of what is now Woodstock Will. Captain Thomas reports “a very
good inland country, well watered with rivers and brooks, special good
land, great quantities of special good corn and beans and stately wig-
wams as I never saw the like, but not one Indian to be seen.” The
Wabbaquassets were then serving with the Mohegans, and aided in vari-
ous forays and expeditions, bringing in on one occasion over a hundred
of Philip's men, so that each warrior, at the close of the campaign of
1675, was rewarded for his services by “a payre of breechis ” from the
Connecticut government.
No battle or skirmish is reported during the war within Windham
County territory, but it was repeatedly traversed by scouting parties,
and companies of soldiers were sent at different times to “gather all
the corne and secure all the swine that could be found therein.” In
June, 1676, Major Talcot sat out from Norwich on an expedition
through the Nipmuck Country with 240 English soldiers and 200
> Indian warriors. They marched first to Egunk, where they hoped to
salute the enemy, and thence to Wabbaquasset, scouring the woods
through this long tract, but found the country everywhere deserted.
At Wabbaquasset, they found a fort and about forty acres of corn
growing, but no enemy. The village, with its “stately wigwams” had
perbaps been previously destroyed. They demolished fort and corn
and then proceeded to Chaubongagum, where they killed and captured.
fifty-two of the enemy.
The death of Philip the following August closed this bloody and
x,
ABORIGINAL GLEANINGS. 11
destructive war. The Nipmucks found themselves almost annihilated.
“T went to Connecticut,” said Sagamore Sam of Nashaway, “about the
captives there and found the English had destroyed those Indians, and
when I came home we were also destroyed.” The grave and pious
Wattasa Companum, enticed away by Philip's men, was executed in
Boston. Gookin-was the only magistrate who opposed the people in
their rage against the wretched natives. The few remaining Nipmucks
found a refuge with some distant tribes ; the Wabbaquassets remained
with Uncas at Mohegan. The aboriginal inhabitants of the future
Windham County were destroyed or scattered, and their territory
opened to English settlement and occupation.
BOOK I. 1676-1726.
I,
MASSACHUSETTS BOUNDARY LINE. NIPMUCK AND MOHEGAN
: LAND TRANSFERS.
VHOUGH Windham County is so clearly within the limits of
Connecticut, the northern part of this territory was long held |
by Massachusetts. The boundary between these colonies was many
years disputed. The patent of Connecticut allowed her territory to
extend northward to the head of Narraganset River, but the previous
grant to Massachusetts restricted it to the southern bound of the Bay
Colony—‘ three miles south of every part of Charles River.” In
1642, Massachusetts employed Nathaniel Woodward and Solomon
Saffery, characterized by her as “skillful and approved artists,” to run
her southern boundary line. A point on Wrentham Plain was
adjudged by them to be three miles south of the most southerly part
of Charles River, and there they fixed astation. They then, according
to Trumbull, took a sloop and sailed round.to Long Island Sound, and
thence up Connecticut River to the house of one Bissel in Windsor,
where they established another station some ten or twelve miles south
of that in Wrentham. The line joining these points was the famous
“ Woodward's and Saffery’s Line,” accepted by Massachusetts as her
southern boundary, and maintained by her seventy years against the
reiterated representations and remonstrances of Connecticut. By this
‘deflection, the land now included in the towns of Woodstock and
Thompson was appended to Massachusetts, and as a part of the
vacant Nipmuck Country awaited her disposal.
That colony was too much impoverished and weakened by the war
to be able at once to appropriate her acquisitions, and some years
passed ere she attempted even to explore and survey them. The
Indians, as they recovered from the shock of defeat, gathered again
around their old homes and laid claim to various sections. In May,
1681, the General Court of Massachusetts appointed William Stough
ton and Joseph Dudley, two of her most prominent public men, “To
take particular care and inspection into the matter of the land in the
Nipmuck Country, and what titles were pretended to it by Indians and
glgel py
nan ide
biedd
é t
14 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
others.” A meeting of claimants was accordingly held at Cambridge
village, in June, Mr. John Eliot assisting as interpreter. Black James,
the former constable at Chabongagum, now appeared as claimant for
the south part of the Nipmuck Country. The commissioners found
the Indians “ willing enough to make claim to the whole country, but
litigious and doubtful among themselves,” and allowed them till Sep-
tember to arrange some mutual agreement, and then spent a week
exploring the country, attended by the principal claimants. They
reported Black James’ claim as “capable of good settlement, if not,
too scant of meadow, though uncertain what will fall within our bounds
if our line be to be questioned,” and advised * that some compensation
be made to all the claimers for a full surrender of their lands to the
Government and Company of Massachusetts.” This advice was
accepted, and Stoughton and Dudley further empowered “to treat
with the claimers, and agree with them upon the easiest terms that
may be obtained.” In the following winter the negotiations were
completed, and February 10, 1682, the whole Nipmuck Country from
the north of Massachusetts to Nash-a-way, at the junction of the
Quinebaug and French Rivers, Connecticut—a tract fifty miles long by
twenty wide—was made over tothe Massachusetts government for the
sum of fifty pounds. Black James received for himself and some
forty followers, twenty pounds in money and a Reservation of five miles
square.
This Indian Reservation was laid out in two sections—one “at a
place called Myanexet,” east of the Quinebaug, now included in the
towns of Dudley, Webster and Thompson,—the other at Quinna-
tisset, now the south part of Thompson. Five thousand acres at
Quinnatisset and a large tract at Myanexet, being a moiety or full half
of the whole Reservation, were immediately conveyed, for the sum of
ten pounds, to Stoughton and Dudley. A deed, subscribed November
10, 1682, by Black James and other “Indian natives and natural
descendants of the ancient proprietors and inhabitants of the Nipmuck.
Country,” released all right to this land and constituted Stoughton and
Dudley the first white proprietors of Windham’s share of the Nip-
muck Country. Dudley long retained his fine farm on the Quinebaug.
The Quinnatisset land was soon made over to purchasers. The throw-
ing of so large a tract of country into market incited an immediate
rage for land speculation, and capitalists hastened to secure possession
of favorable localities. June 18, 1683, Joseph Dudley, for £250,
conveyed to Thomas Freak of Hamington, Wells County, England,
two thousand acres of forest land in the Nipmuck Country, part of a
greater quantity purchased of Black James, “as the same shall be set
out by a surveyor.” Two thousand acres in upland and meadow, “ at
MASSACHUSETTS BOUNDARY LINE, ETC. 15
a certain place called and known by the natives Quinnatisset,” were also
made over by Stoughton, in consideration of £20) current money, to
Robert Thompson of North Newington, Middlesex, England—a very
noted personage, president of the Society for the Propagation of the
Gospel in Foreign Parts, and a firm and devoted friend of the colonies.
The land thus purchased was laid out in June, 1684, by John Gore, of
Roxbury, under the supervision of Colonel William Dudley. Freak’s
farm included the site of the present Thompson village. The line
dividing it from Thompson’s ran through an old Indian fort on a hill a
mile eastward. Five hundred acres south of Freak’s were laid out to
Gore ; tive hundred on ‘the north to Benjamin Gambling of Roxbury,
assistant surveyor. These Quinnatisset farms are memorable, not only
as the first laid out in the northern part of Windham County, but
from their connection with the disputed southern boundary of Massa-
chusetts. Woodward's and Saffery’s line crossed the Quinebaug, at its
junction with the French River, and thence ran on northeasterly to
Rhode Island and Wrentham. It was intended to make this line the
south bound of the Quinnatisset farms, but, by an unfortunate blunder,
the greater part of Thompson’s land and an angle of Gore’s fell south
of it, intruding upon what even Massachusetts acknowledged as Con-
necticut territory—an intrusion which occasioned much confusion and
controversy. No attempt was made to occupy and cultivate: these
farms by their owners. Thompson's land remained in his family for
upwards of an hundred years, and the town that subsequently included
it was named in his honor.
CHART OF QUINNATISSET.
a. Woodward’s and Saffery’s Line. db. Freak’s Farm. ce. Gardner’s and
eumplingsy land. d. Thompson’sland. eé. Gore’sland. jf. Old Indian
ort.
.
16 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Twelve hundred acres of land between the Quinebaug and French
Rivers were sold by Nanasogegog of Nipmuck, with the consent of
Black James, to Jonathan Curtis, Thomas Dudley, Samuel Rice and
others, in 1684, but other claimants apparently secured it. Five
hundred acres, each, allowed by the Massachusetts government to
John Collins and John Cotton, were laid out east of the Quinebaug in
Quinnatisset. A thousand-acre tract, “granted to the children of
“Mr. William Whiting, sometime of Hartford,” was laid out south
of Lake Chaubongagum.
The whole Wabbaquasset Country was yielded by Massachusetts to
the claim of Uncas, who, favored by the government and encouraged
by interested advisers, assumed to himself a large share of eastern
Connecticut. The tract confirmed to him as the hereditary territory
of the Mohegans was bounded on the north by a line running from
Mahmunsook on Whetstone Brook to the junction of the Quinebaug
and Assawaga at Acyuiunk, thence westward to the Willimantic and
far beyond it. The Wabbaquasset Country was held by him as a
Pequot conquest. It extended from the Mohegan north bound far into
Massachusetts, and westward from the Quinebaug to a line running
through the “great pond Snipsic,” now in Tolland. This large tract
was given by Uncas to his second son, Owaneco, while the land between
the Appaquage and Willimantic Rivers was assigned by him to his
third son, Atanawahood or Joshua, sachem of the Western Niantics.
Joshua died in May, 1676, from injuries received during the Narra-
ganset war, and left a will, bequeathing the land between the
Willimantic and Appaquage to Captain John Mason and fifteen other
gentlemen, “in trust for a plantation.” His estate was settled accord-
ing to the terms of the will, the General Assembly of Connecticut
allowing the Norwich legatees the lands bequeathed to them at
Appaquage, which, as soon as practicable, was incorporated as the
township of Windham.
The first transfer of land in Windham County territory to an
English proprietor was that of the Quinebaug Country to Governor
Winthrop, in 1653; the second, more than a quarter of a cehtury
later, conveyed a part of the same land to gentlemen in Norwich. The
Court of New London County, September, 1679, adjudged that Uncas
and Owaneco should “ pass over their Indian right of six hundred acres
of land for satisfaction for their men’s burning the county prison,” in
a drunken outbreak. The General Court in October confirmed this
verdict, and ordered James Fitch, Jun., treasurer of the county, to sell
and dispose of the land. Six hundred acres of land, lying on both
sides the Quinebaug, extending from Wanungatuck on the north to a
brook now known as Rowland’s on the south, previously included in
MASSACHUSETTS BOUNDARY LINE, ETC. 17
Winthrop’s purchase, were selected by Fitch and sold for forty pounds
to John, Solomon and Daniel Tracy and Richard Bushnell, and laid
out in June, 1680, by himself’ and Lieutenant Leffingwell. A farm
south of Jobn Tracy's division, adjoining the river island, Peagscom-
sueck, which gave its name to this section of the Quinebaug valley, was
given to James Fitch by Owaneco, and laid out during this summer.
Although the General Court had allowed the Governor his purchase at
Quinebaug, it had ordered, May, 1680, that “if Uncas hath right to
any land about Quinebaug he may make it out and dispose of it to his
son Owaneco, and such gentlemen as he shall see cause.” Under this
sanction, Owaneco assumed the right to the whole Quinebaug Country
as well as Wabbaquasset. Swarms of greedy land hunters now
assailed the Mohegan chieftain, eager to obtain possession of these lands
upon any pretext. Their chief friends and patrons were the sons of
Major John Mason, the renowned conqueror of the Pequots; Mr.
Fitch, the excellent minister of Norwich; and his eldest son, James.
Uncas was sinking into dotage; Owaneco was drunken and worthless.
Conscious of his own inability to retain or dispose of this land, the
latter personage yielded to the influence and ascendency of the
younger James Fitch, consented to receive him as his guardian, and
thus formally acknowledged him :— ,
‘‘ Whereas, at a General Court in Hartford, May 13, 1680, my father, Uncas,
had liberty to dispose unto me his Jand upon Quinebaug River, and the Court
at the same time granting me liberty to dispose of it unto gentlemen among
them, as I should see cause to do, and a good part thereof I have disposed of
already; but finding that some, through their great importunity, and others
taking advantage of me when I am in drink, by causing me to sign deeds, not
only wronging myself but may spoil it ever being a plantation—for these and
other reasons, I make over all my right and title of any and of all my lands
and meadows unto my loving friend James Fitch, Jun., for him to dispose of
as he shail see cause.” ap or |
a
Dec. 22, 1680. The mark MOA dt jbed
Me CAN Gen
Of OWANECO. i Ae ‘
The signature of Owaneco to any deed of sale was thenceforth
considered of no value without the countersign of Fitch. A formal
deed of conveyance, executed by Owaneco and confirmed by the
General Court of Connecticut, made over to Captain James Fitch, in
1684, the whole Wabbaquasset Country. The Mohegan and Wabba-
quasset countries were then for the first time surveyed and bounded,
and their bounds confirmed by the Assembly. The whole of the
territory now embraced in Windham County, save Joshua's tract
3
18 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
between the Willimantic and Appaquage Rivers and a strip east of
the Quinebaug, divided between Massachusetts and Connecticut
Colonies, was thus placed in the hands of one individual, destined
to play a very prominent part in its early history and subsequent
development. Captain—afterwards better known as Major—James
Fitch, was a man of great energy, shrewdness and business capacity.
As soon as he gained possession of this land he threw it into market.
Personal interest, as well as the good of the public, led him to seek
to dispose of these vast tracts to good and substantial settlers; to
colonies and towns rather than to individuals and speculators. The
northern part of Wabbaquasset was under the jurisdiction of Massa-
chusetts, and to a Massachusetts company Fitch sold his first town-
ship.
IL.
ROXBURY’S COLONY.
HE town of Roxbury was one of the most ancient and influential
in Massachusetts Colony. “The Roxbury people were the best
that came from England,” and filled many of the highest offices in the
colonial government. Nothing was lacking for their growth and
prosperity but a larger area of territory, their “limits being so scanty
and not capable of enlargement” that several persons—“ not having
received the same benefit of issuing forth as other towns have done,
when it has pleased God to increase the inhabitants thereof in their
posterity ’—were compelled to remove out of the town and colony.
The inconvenience and ditficulty accruing from these straitened
limits induced its selectmen, William Park, John Bolles, Joseph
Griggs, John Ruggles and “Edward Morris, to petition the General
Court, in October, 1683, for a tract of land seven miles square in the
Nipmuck Country, “for the enlargement of the town and the encour-
agement of its inhabitants "—the land to,be laid out “at Quinnatisset
or thereabouts, if a convenient way may be found there.” This request
was granted on condition that an eight-mile tract previously bestowed
on Robert Thompson, Stoughton, Dudley and other prominent gentle-
men “ have the first. choice,” and “that thirty families be settled on said
plantation within three years and maintain among them’ an able and
orthodox godly minister.” Roxbury, in town meeting, January 21, 1684,
accepted the honored Court's grant, and “did leave it to the selectmen
ROXBURY’S COLONY. 19
to consider of sending men to take a view of the place that may be
most convenient.” To facilitate communication with this new and
barbarous region—“the way to Connecticut being very hazardous to
travelers by reason of one deep river passing four or five times over’—
Major Pyncheon was ordered by the General Court to mark and lay
out a better and nearer one, and two Indians appointed to guide him
on the way.
Messrs. Thompson and Dudley having selected for their grant the
tract soon afterward incorporated as the township of Oxford, Lieutenant
Samuel Ruggles, John Ruggles, John Curtis and Edward Morris were
sent by Roxbury, in October, 1684, “to view the premises and find acon-
venient place to take up her grant.” With Indian guides, these gentle-
men proceeded to the Nipmuck wilderness, and spent due time in search-
ing it. Quinnatisset, for which they had asked, was in part appropri-
ated, but west of the Quinebaug, at Senexet* and Wabbaquasset, they
found land which afforded encouragement for the settlement of a town-
ship. The town voted, on their return, to accept of their information,
yet gave liberty to any persons to go upon their own charge and take
a view of said land, the town for once going being at charge of a pilot.
At the same meeting, October 27, 1684, Master Dudley, Master
Cowles, Deacon Parks, Lieutenant Ruggies and Edward Morris were
appointed “to draw up, upon consideration, propositions that may be
most equable and prudent for the settlement of the place, and present
them to the town at the next town meeting after lecture.” Inhabitants
wishing to withdraw from any interest in the tract had liberty so to do
without offence and be free from further charges. All others were
held responsible for colony settlement and expenses.
Farther “views,” confirming Roxbury in her choice of Jand at
Wabbaquasset, negotiations were opened with Captain James Fitch
for its purchase and a deed secured through the agency of Dudley and
Stoughton.
The planting of her colony was viewed by Roxbury as a grave and
momentous affair, requiring much care and deliberation. A general
town meeting was called July 13, 1685, for the disposal and settle-
ment of their new grant in the Nipmuck country, when it was agreed
and ordered :—
“That if there shall appear to the selectmen thirty persons or upwards
who shall give in their names to plant and settle on the said lands, so as to
falfill the grant and conditions of the General Court referring to the same,
they shall have to themselves and their heirs the full half of the whole tract
of land, in one square, at their own choice, to be proportionally divided
among them; and further, the town does engage to assist the said goers and
planters with one hundred pounds money, to be paid in equal portions in five
* Valley and meadow land adjoining Muddy Brook in the east of Woodstock.
20 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
years, to be laid out in public buildings and charges as the old town of Rox-
bury shall annually determine. The rest of the inhabitants of the town shall
have the remaining half, to be equally and proportionably divided to them, to
be to them and their heirs forever.”
The town adjourned to consider these propositions “until the
morrow eight weeks”--when “this agreement and every article or
particle thereof was read, voted and unanimously consented thereto,
the contrary being put to vote not one appears therein.” As an addi-
tional encouragement to settlers the town voted :—
‘That the estates left behind by goers should be free from rates for raising
the hundred pounds allowed them, and that the amount should be entirely
expended upon the settlers’ half of the grant, and should annually be delivered
by £20 a year into the hands of such men as the goers-out of Roxbury should
depute, and by them be expended on public works, viz: meeting-house,
minister’s house, mill, bridges, &c., and that subsequent settlers on Roxbury’s
half should be liable to bear all public charges with them that go first.”
To these liberal offers there was no lack of “subscribers.” The
hazards indeed were great, but the inducements surpassed them, and
the requisite quota of men was soon made up. This emigration
project excited great interest and enthusiasm in Roxbury and its
vicinity. Town meetings were chiefly occupied with arranging the
approaching exodus, plans and propositions were discussed in public
and private, and people were only recognized in the capacity of go-ers
and stay-ers. A number of pioneers volunteered to go out early in the
spring, in advance of the others, break up land, plant it, and make
some preparation for the main body of colonists. Their offer was
accepted, and for their encouragement it was voted, at a town meeting,
March 4, 1686, “That such should have liberty to break up land, and
plant anywhere they please for the present year, without being bound
to accept it as their share of the grant.” The colonists were allowed
till September 29th to make and declare their choice of land, and “it
was further yielded that they should have a surveyor with them,
to be assistant in finding the colony line and promotion of their
present design, upon the charge of the whole town.”
The thirteen pioneers—Benjamin Sabin, Jonathan Smithers, Henry
Bowen, John Frizzel, Matthew Davis, Nath. Garey, Thomas Bacon,
John Marcy, Peter Aspinwall, Benjamin and George Griggs, Joseph
Lord and Ebenezer Morris, recorded on its first book of records as
“the men who went to spy out Woodstock "—left Roxbury about the
first of April, 1686. Special religious services were probably held the
Sunday preceding their departure. The venerable Mr. Eliot, pastor of
the Church in Roxbury, could not but feel a deep interest in this
attempt to colonize the scene of his former missionary labors. Infants
were recorded by him as “ baptized in the same week that we sent out
our youth to make the new plantation,” and doubtless many fervent
ROXBURY’S COLONY. 21
prayers followed them on their perilous journey. By the fifth of April,
these perils had been surmounted, and, according to the old’ record,
“several persons came as planters and settlers, and took actual
possession (by breaking up land and planting corn) of the land granted
to Roxbury—(called by the planters New Roxbury); by the Antient
natives, Wapaquasset.”
They found a desolate, deserted wilderness. No Indian inhabitants
were visible; their forts and villages had been levelled; their corn-
fields had “run to waste.” The tract was as yet unsurveyed and
unbounded; the Massachusetts boundary line was unrecognizable.
Following the course of the principal stream, past a picturesque lake,
they came to a rich, open valley. A noble hill, bare also, lay to
the westward—the Woodstock Hill of the present generation. On
this “ Plaine Hill” the pioneers established their head-quarters, put up
shelters, selected land and planted it, and made what preparation was
possible for the coming colony. A sawmill was built and set in
operation, on a small brook running into the lake. This stream was
called Sawmill Brook; the larger stream was probably named from
Muddy Brook, of Roxbury.
In May, they were visited by Samuel Williams, Sen., Lieutenant
Timothy Stevens and John Curtis, who, with John Gore as surveyor,
came as committee from Roxbury, “to view the land, in order to the
laying out of the same; settle the southern bounds (upon or near the
colony line), and also to determine the length and breadth of the
General Court’s grant as they judged most convenient for the town in
general, that so the first Goers may make choice of their half thereof.”
Eleven days were spent by Mr. Gore in making the needful surveys
and measurements—Massachusetts south boundary line evaded their
search, so they made a station about one and a half miles south of
Plaine Hill, and thence marked trees east and west for the south line
of their grant, nearly two miles sowth of the invisible Woodward's and
Satfery’s line, thus securing to Massachusetts another strip of Connecti-
cut territory. After careful survey and explorations, the committee
decided—“ if the first goers chose the south side of the tract, to lay
the town eight miles in width, from east to west, and six and a half
miles from north to south, or so much as should be needful to make up
the complement—but if they desire to divide by a line from north to
south, it should be six miles from east to west, and eight from north to
south.”
The committee returned to Roxbury to report their proceedings by
June 12th. The time for the departure of the colonists was now
approaching. More than the requisite thirty were already enrolled,
but permission was now given to persons of other towns whose estates
22 HISTURY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
or other qualifications might be beneficial, to be admitted with the
Goers and share their privilezes—“if the selectmen of Roxbury and
other Goers do approve them.” Lieutenant Samuel Ruggles, Timothy
Stevens, and Samuel Williams, Sen., were chosen a’committee for the
new town till the following year, “to issue any differences that may
arise among them.” July 21, an especial meeting was held in
Roxbury, “of a certain number of inhabitants under the denomination
of Go-ers,” for the more orderly settling the aforesaid village or
grant,—when the following agreement was adopted :
‘J, That every man should take up what number of acres he pleaseth in
his home-lot, not exceeding thirty—and after-rights and divisions of land
shall arise, according to the proportion of his home-lot; and all after-charges
to arise proportionably upon the home-lots for the first six years.
II. That whoever shall neglect the payment of his rate two months after a
rate, made and demanded, shall forfeit for every five shillings two acres of his
home-lot, with all proportionable rights, and so consequently, more or less,
according to his failure; always provided that they take not his house nor
orchard—this forfeiture shall be to those chosen by the company as select-
men, to be improved by them for the use of the public, which rates shall be
paid by the public, the person forfeited excepted, which agreement shall
stand the first six years.
III. If any meadows should fall out to be in any one’s home-lot, it shall be
accounted as so much of his proportion of meadow, and his home-lot made up
with upland.
IV. That all persons that have planted in the year 1686 shall have two acres
of his home-lot free for the first three years, and shall enjoy the land they
planted in 1687 and ’88, though it fall out in any other person’s home-lot.
V. That within one month they will go personally to their new plantation,
and there make further agreements, divisions and settlements.”
The subjoined list gives the names of those who fulfilled this agree-
ment and took personal possession of the new plantation :—
Edward Morris. Peter Aspinwall. Samuel Scarborough.
Ebenezer Morris. John Frizzel. Samuel Craft.
James Corbin. Joseph Frizzel. Samuel May.
Benjamin Sabin. Jonathan Smithers. Samuel Peacock.
Thomas Bacon. John Butcher. Joseph Bugbee.
Joseph Bacon. Jonathan Davis. John Bugbee.
Henry Bowen. Jonathan Peake. Arthur Humphrey.
John Bowen. Joseph Peake. John Ruggles.
William Lyon, Sen. John Hubbard. Andrew Watkins.
Thoinas Lyon. George Griggs. John Marcy.
William Lyon, Jun. Nathaniel Garey. John Holines.
Matthew Davis. Nathaniel Jobnson. John Chandler, Jun.
Ebenezer Cass. Jobn Leavens.
John Chandler, Sen. Nathaniel Sanger.
These Colonists were all men of good position and character, con-
nected with the best families of Roxbury. Edward Morris, Samuel Scar-
borough, Samuel Craft, John Chandler and William Lyon, Seniors,
Jonathan Peake and Henry Bowen were men advanced in years, going
out with grown up sons to the new settlement, leaving ‘estates behind
them. A larger number were young men with growing families. A
few were still unmarried. None were admitted as proprietors under
NEW ROXBURY. 23
nineteen years of age. All were inhabitants of Roxbury but Peter
Aspinwall of Dorchester, and John Butcher, James Corbin and John
Holmes, from neighboring towns, admitted into the company by
, consent of the selectmen of Roxbury. Benjamin Sabin had removed
recently from Rehoboth, driven thence it is said in the Narraganset
War.
III.
NEW ROXBURY.
HE fifth article of the agreement was punctually fulfilled. Before
a month had passed the colony had reached the new plantation.
Of the intervening period, the last Sabbath service with the church
at Roxbury, the departure, the journey, we have no record nor
tradition. We can fancy the long emigrant train, with its thirty
families, heavily laden carts, sheep and cattle, creeping slowly over
the rough highways from settlement to settlement, bivouacking by
stream and grove, passing at Medway the last outpost of civilization,
and thence toiling onward over the “Old Connecticut Path,” through
thirty miles of savage wilderness, to their destined home at Wab-
baquasset. Of the time spent in this journey we can form no
accurate estimate—the distance traversed was about eighty miles.
They found friends eager to welcome them and some provision for
their reception. The young pioneers had not been idle. They
had “set up a house” on “Plaine Hill,” a rude, barrack-like struc-
ture, that also served for a public hall, and here the colonists
encamped while making further arrangements. The first public meet-
ing was held August 25, 1686, when, “being met at New Roxbury
alias Wapaquasset,”"—at the Wapaquasset Hall, the planters agreed
to take the south half of the tract for their portion, and “that the
place where the home-lots shall begin shall be upon the Plaine Hill.”
On the following day, “finding some difficulty in their proposals of
settlement, the planters did mutually agree and choose seven men—
“ Joseph Griggs, Edward Morris, Henry Bowen, Sen., John Chandler,
Sen., Samuel Craft, Samuel Scarborough and Jonathan Smithers—to
stake highways needful for the present settlement, and a lot for the
minister, and consider of land convenient for the planters to settle
ou, and for a convenient place for a meeting house to stand on.” Hach
planter also declared at this meeting what number of acres he desired
24 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
in his home-lot, according as he was willing and thought himself able
to carry on public charges, and liberty was given to any one to
designate the particular piece of land he might desire for the same,
“otherwise, for the whole to settle as the lots shall fall by a lot.”
These instructions were immediately carried out. There was great
need of promptness. Thirty families were to be provided with homes
before winter, and land made ready for cultivation the ensuing
summer. The seven wise men, “chosen for the laying out and pitch-
ing the town,” hastened to view the land, and “judged it convenient
for the inhabitants to settle on these places following, viz. the Plaine
Hill, the eastward vale and the westward hill.” This “eastward vale”
is now known as South Woodstock; the ‘ westward hill” as Marcy's.
A highway, eight rods wide, was marked out over Plaine Hill, extend-
ing to a brook at the north end of the east vale, and thence south along
the vale, six rods wide, to Sawmill Brook, “with a cross highway, four
rods wide, about the middle,” where it might be most convenient after
the lots were examined. An eight-rod highway was also designated
from the north end of Plaine Hill to the east side of the westward hill,
and another, four rods wide, to encircle that hill, which were accounted
sufficient for the present. It was agreed that the meeting-house should
stand on the middle of Plaine Hill, to accommodate the three settle-
ments, and that the home-lots should begin at the north end of this
hill. A lot of twenty acres, with rights, was reserved for the future
minister. A quarry of flat stones was sequestered for hearthstones and
flagging, and a deposit of clay to furnish bricks for chimneys. After
making these arrangements, it was found that the pieces of land
selected for home-lots would be too small for the number of acres
designated, and considering that great lots would scatter the inhabi-
tants, it was agreed that they would settle but one-third of the
number specitied—that is, a thirty-acre lot to be reduced to a twenty,
and all the rest in the same proportion.
So efficient was the committee, that in two days these arrangements
were perfected, and the land made ready for distribution. The Go-ers
or Planters met on Plaine Hill, Saturday, August 28, 1686 [O.8.], “in
order to draw lots where their home-lots should be.” This important
affair was conducted with much ceremony and solemnity. The seven
oldest men of the company, who had served as committee, now had
charge of the distribution. The main body of the settlers had arranged
themselves in three companies, as claimants for the three specified
localities. Liberty was then given “to those that desired to sit down on
the Plaine Hill to draw by themselves.” Others desiring to sit down
on the east vale had liberty to draw for that by themselves, and those
wishing to settle on the west hill, also. Those who had preferred to
NEW ROXBURY. 25
designate their particular lot now manifested their choice. John
Chandler, Sen., took his home-lot “on the brook, both sides the high-
way, at the north end of the east vale.” In respect of accommodation
of water, the land not being so good, an addition was allowed him.
Samuel Scarborough and Samuel Craft took home-lots for their sons,
east of land adjoining Plaine Hill, north of the highway leading to
east vale. William Lyons, Sen., desired to have the last, or ninth, on
the west side the Plaine Hill, which was also allowed. ‘Then, after
solemn prayer to God, who is the Disposer of all things, they drew
lots, according to the agreement, every man being satisfied and con-
tented with God’s disposing, and Were settled as follows : "—
1. Thomas and Joseph Bacon, thirty acres, at the north end, west side the
Plaine Hill, abutting east and north on highways.
2. James Corbin, twenty acres, west side Plaine Hill; bounded east on
highway, north with first lot. :
3. Minister’s lot, twenty acres; bounded north by second.
4. Benjamin Sabin, twenty acres; bounded east on highway, north on third
lot.
5. Henry Bowen, fifteen acres; bounded north on fourth and south on sixth
lot.
6. Thomas Lyon, sixteen acres; bétween fifth and seventh.
7. Ebenezer Morris, eighteen acres; south of sixth.
8. Matthew Davis, sixteen acres; south of seventh.
9. William Lyon, Sen., and Ebenezer Cass, south end of Plaine Hill;
bounded east by common land.
The seventeen home-lots laid out in the east vale were thus
distributed :—
10. John Chandler, Sen., thirty acres; north end, eastward vale, just north
of Sawmill Brook.
1l. Peter Aspinwall, twenty acres; west side of vale, abutting east on
highway.
12. John Frizzel, twenty acres; bounded north on eleventh.
13. Joseph Frizzel, twenty acres; south of twelfth lot.
14. Jonathan Smithers, thirty acres; bounded north and east by highway,
west by common.
15. Johu Butcher, sixteen acres; south of fourteenth lot.
16. Jonathan Davis, eighteen acres; south of fifteenth.
17. Jonathan Peake, twenty acres; south end of east vale.
18. Nathaniel Garey, fifteen acres; bounded south on seventeenth.
19. John Bowen, fiftven acres.
20. Nathaniel Johnson, sixteen acres; east side of the vale, bounded west
by highway.
21. Johu Hubbard, ten acres.
22. George Griggs, fifteen acres; east side, eastward vale, bounded west
and north on highways.
23. Benjamin Griggs, fifteen acres; west and south on highways.
24, William Lyon, Jun., fifteen acres; bounded south by twenty-third lot.
25. John Leavens, north of twenty-fourth.
26. Nathaniel Sanger, tweny acres; north of Leavens.
The 27th and 28th lots, assigned to Samuel Scarborough and Samuel
Craft, were laid out east of Plaine Hill, bounding south on the high-
way. The home-lots on the westward hill were next distributed :—
29. Samuel May, fifteen acres; north part of west hill; bounded at east and
west end on highways.
30. Joseph Bugbee, fifteen acres; south of May’s.
26 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
31. Samuel Peacock, ten acres; bounded north by thirtieth lot, east by
highway.
22. Arthur Humphrey, twelve acres; west of Peacock’s, and bounded west
by highway.
33. John Bugbee, south of Humphrey’s; fifteen acres.
34. John Ruggles. twenty acres.
35. Andrew Watkins, twenty acres; south of Ruggles’.
36. John Marcy, fifteen acres; south part of west hill.
37. Edward Morris, east side of Plaine Hill, ‘‘ bounded west by the great
highway; south, partly by land reserved for public use and partly by land of
Samuels Craft and Scarborough; east by common land; north upon the high-
way that goeth from the street to the Great Pond.”
Thirty eight persons had thus been constituted proprietors of the
south half of New Roxbury. All subsequent divisions of woodland,
upland and meadow were to be based upon the number of acres com-
prised in each man’s home-lot, and all public charges levied in the
same proportion. It was agreed by the proprietors, “That if any man
should neglect to take actual possession of his lot, by not breaking
up ground, nor fencing nor improving by the middle of May, 1687,
he should forfeit twenty shillings.” At a proprietors’ meeting, held
November 3, at the house of Thomas Lyon, three additional home-
lots were distributed—No. 38 to Joseph Peake, north of Sawmill
Brook; No. 39 to John Holmes, north part of east vale, south of
Sawmill Brook; No. 40 to John Chandler, Jun., west side the high-
way, adjoining that laid out to his father.
A report of their choice of the south half of the tract and further
proceedings was at once forwarded to Roxbury—who immediately
took measures for the payment of the first, installment of the promised
hundred pounds, by ordering a perfect ‘noate” of each person's estate
from which each Stayer’s share of charge could be computed.
At New Roxbury, all was life and animation. Measurements were
to be completed, bounds settled, roads made passable, land broken up
and shelters erected, For afew weeks the settlers remained at the
first encampment, a happy company of relatives and neighbors, with
women to manage domestic affairs and children’s voices ringing over
the hill-slopes. But though hopeful and resolute they were not without
anxieties. Vast forest tracts surrounded the little settlement, traversed
by wild beasts and, perhaps, more savage Indians. Deer and game
were abundant, wolves and bears not uncommon. le Governor, Major Fitch, and Mr. Richard
Christophers, or any two of them, shall give advice and direction for the
calling and settling of a minister in the said town as need shall require.
And this Assembly grants to the Governor two hundred acres of land within
the said township.
And it is also provided, that what country lands lye within the aforesaid
tract granted to be a township not already laid out, those that have country
grants have liberty to take them up, provided they do it within one year next
coming.
Captain John Chandler is appointed to bound out the said lands.
And this Assembly leaves it to the Hon’ble the Governor, with the Secretary,
to sign a patent unto Col. Robert Treat, Major James Fitch, Capt. Dan.
Wetherell, Mr. Joseph Haynes, Mr. Samuel Andrew, Mr. George Denison,
Mr. James Danielson, David Jacobs, Samuel Randall, Peter Aspinwall, Joseph
Cady, in behalf of the rest of the proprietors; provided it wrong no person
or persons’ just and legal rights.”
ASPINOCK. KILLINGLY. 165
The stringent provision for securing obedience to the Colony laws
for upholding the worship of God, was called out by the movement
then in progress for remedying detects in the discipline of the churches
of Connecticut and securing a firmer religious establishment—this very
Assembly requiring the ministers and managers to meet in Saybrook
“to draw a form of ecclesiastic discipline.” ,
No report of the organization of town government is preserved, nor
is there any record of town acts the first twenty years of its existence.
Selectmen were duly appointed and discharged the duties of their
offices. Books were procured for recording land-deeds—David Church
serving as town-clerk. Joseph Cady was chosen lieutenant and John
Winter ensign of the soldiers or train-band, and at the suggestion of
some unsuitable person the graceful Indian Aspinock was exchanged
for barbarous. Killingly. In October of 1708, the Court granted
“liberty to the inhabitants of Killingly, to survey and lay out one
hundred acres of land within their township for the use and encourage-
ment of a minister to settle there and carry on the worship of God
among them.” A hundred acres of land for the first settled minister
was also pledged to the town by Captain Chandler, in presence and
with concurrence of the selectmen.
The growth of the new town was very rapid despite its poverty and
remoteness. Land was cheap and open to purchasers. Grantees
hastened to take up their rights and sell them out to settlers, so that
population increased much more rapidly than in the richer neighbor-
ing towns owned by corporations and large land-holders. The land
north of Danielson’s, extending from the middle of “ the long interval”
to Lake Mashapaug, was conveyed by Major Fitch to John, Nathaniel
and Nicholas Mighill; a farm east of the lake was sold to John
Lorton ; David Church of Marlborough, and William Moffat settled
in the Quinebaug valley, adjoining James Leavens. Many grants were
bought up by Nicholas Cady north of Rattlesnake Hill, in the neigh-
borhood of Richard Evans, and sold by him to George Blanchard of
Lexington, Thomas Whitmore, William Price, John and Samuel
Winter, John Bartlett William Robinson and others, who at once took
possession of this northern extremity of the town. So near were they
to the mystical Woodward's and Saffery’s Line, that they often ran over
it into the territory of Massachusetts, and Captain Sampson Howe, who
settled at Nashaway in 1708, though clearly beyond the limits of Con.
necticut, was ranked among the inhabitants of Killingly. Far in the
east, northeast of Rattlesnake—then known as Killingly—Hill, a
settlement was begun by Isaac Cutler and his son Jonathan of Cam-
bridge, who purchased of James Leavens, in 1709, land on a brook
running into the Assawaga, with a dwelling-house and part of a saw-
166 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Within the time allotted, the grantees had taken up their land, and on
Qctober 13, 1709, on the payment of forty pounds through Captain
Chandler, a patent of the remaining lands in Killingly was granted by
the Governor and Company of Connecticut to its proprietors, viz.:
Colonel Robert Treat, Major James Fitch, Captain John Chandler,
Joseph Otis, James Danielson, Ephraim Warren, Peter Aspinwall,
Joseph Cady, Richard Evans, Sen. and Jun., John Winter, Stephen
Clap, John and William Crawford, George Blanchard, Thomas Whit-
more, John Lorton, Jonathan Russel, Daniel Cady, William Price,
William Moffat, James and Joseph Leavens, John, Nathaniel and
Nicholas Mighill, John Bartlett, Samuel Winter, Ebenezer Kee, Isaac
and Jonathan Cutler, Peter Leavens, Sampson Howe, John Sabin,
John Preston, Philip Eastman, David Church, Thomas Priest,
Nicholas Cady, John, Thomas, Matthew, Jabez and Isaac Allen.
Nearly one-third of these forty-four patentees were non-resident, so
that Killingly numbered at this date about thirty families.
XXIV,
LAND-TAX. CHESTNUT HILL. CHURCH ORGANIZATION. SOUTH
KILLINGLY SETTLEMENT.
ILLINGLY was thus in 1709, an organized township, owning its
land and enjoying to an unusual degree the favor and protection
of the Government. 'Only a small part of its large territory was yet
occupied. Its inhabitants were mostly gathered within the Quinebaug
valley and in the open country north of Killingly Hill. ‘A gangway”
leading from Plainfield to Boston extended through the whole length
of the town, connecting by a cross road with the ways to Hartford and
Woodstock at the fording-place below the Great Falls of the Quine-
baug. Its condition may be inferred from the tradition, that when
James Danielson’s negro was sent to Boston with a load of produce,
he had made so little progress after a day’s journey as to go home to
spend the first night. The Providence way after encircling the base of
Killingly Hill wound back far to the north, past Isaac Cutler’s, enabling
the inhabitants to procure boards from his sawmill and helping build
up that remote section. Mr. Cutler was early allowed to keep a house
of public entertainment and his tavern was noted as the last land-mark
of civilization on the road from Connecticut to Providence. Other
parts of the town were only accommodated with rude bridle paths. A
grist-mill was set up by James Danielson and supplied such inhabitants
LAND-TAX, CHURCH ORGANIZATION, ETC. 167
as were remote from Woodstock. Several of the settlers were mem-
bers of the Woodstock church and many frequented its house of wor-
ship but were so remiss in paying their dues that a committee
was ordered to report their failure to the Government of Connecticut.
One of the first objects of the town, was to settle religious ordinances
among themselves—manifested by “the humble request of Lieuten-
ant Peter Aspinwall in behalf of the inhabitants of Killingly to the
General Court convened at New Haven, October 12, 1710, showing :—
That whereas said town having been legally convened did pass a vote, That
the non-residents of said town should bear a proportion in a tax laid, or to be
laid, of fifteen shillings on the hundred acres of all the divided lands ‘through-
out said town for the building a meeting-house, a minister’s house and for
settling a minister—the inhabitants humbly move that the General Assembly
would pass their sanction on this vote, which will be a lightening of their
burdens and no urgent imposition on the non-residents. Thus in humble
confidence of your favor in passing your order with respect to the premixes
ever imploring the divine blessing to attend the great and honorable Court,
we subscribe ourselves your humble petitioners.”
This request was graciously granted and power given to levy this
rate upon the land of any proprietor who should neglect or refuse to
pay. Freedom from the payment of Colony rates had been previously
accorded—the sum levied to be improved for building a minister's
house and meeting-house. A minister was soon procured—Mr. John
Fisk of Braintree, Mass., a son of Reverend Moses Fisk and a graduate
of Harvard College in 1702. Religious services were now held in dif-
ferent parts of the town. July 16,1711, the town agreed to give Mr.
Fisk three hundred and fifty acres of Jand for his encouragement to set-
tle in the work of the ministry. James Leavens and Sampson Howe
were appointed a committee to lay out this land; Eleazer Bateman and
Ephraim Warren to survey it. Two hundred acres were laid out to
him on French River, beyond the bounds of Killingly as it after-
wards proved. Seventy-five acres for the homestead were selected
on the eastern slope of Killingly Hill, and seventy-five on Assa-
waga or Five-Mile River. Stated religious services were proba-
bly held after this date by Mr. Fisk, though some years passed
before his settlement. Special services were held September 9, 1711,
when the sacrament was administered by Mr. Estabrook of Canterbury
and three children were dedicated to God in baptism. Arrangements
were also made for the erection of the meeting-house and minister's
house, but no records concerning them have been preserved.
Immigration was still progressing. In 1711, a Massachusetts Colony
took possession of Chestnut Hill, an extensive rise of land in the
east of the town, with steep sides heavily wooded anda broad open
plateau on the summit. This fine site was included in the grants laid
out to John and Joseph Haynes, Timothy Woodbridge and Governor
168 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Treat ; sold by them to John Allen; by him to Captain John Chandler,
who sold the whole tract—twenty-four hundred acres for £312-—to
Eleazer and Thomas Bateman of Concord, Samuel and Thomas Gould,
Nathaniel Lawrence, Ebenezer Bloss, Thomas Richardson and Ebene-
zer Knight, joint proprietors. John Brown, Moses Barret, Josiah
Proctor, Daniel Carrol, Samuel Robbins, Daniel Ross and John Grover
were soon after admitted among the Chestnut Hill proprietors. Most
of these purchasers became valued citizens of Killingly. Home lots
were laid out on the hill summit ; the remainder of the land was held
in common for many years. A road was laid over the hill-top, and
carried on to Cutler's mill and the Providence way. The remainder of
Haynes's grant was laid out east of Assawaga River, bordering south
on Whetstone Brook and was purchased by Nicholas Cady, who in
1709, removed his residence to this more southern locality. This
tract, together with Breakneck Hill on the east and much other land in
this vicinity, passed into the hands of Ephraim Warren, son of Deacon
Jacob Warren of Plainfield and one of the first settlers of Killingly
centre. The Owaneco land in the south of Killingly, held by Plain-
field gentlemen, was still unsettled and undivided, though many rights
were sold and bartered. Edward Spalding bought the rights of James
Kingsbury and William Marsh, for £1. 10s. each. In 1708, Michael
Hewlett purchased Parkhurst’s right for one pound; Jacob Warren
sold his right to this land to Nicholas Cady in exchange for land
north of Whetstone Brook, southwest from Chestnut Hill,” in 1710.
Thomas Stevens, at the same date, sold his share to Ephraim Warren
of Killingly. John Hutchins bought out the rights of Nathaniel Jew-
ell and Samuel Shepard.
In the north part of Killingly, settlement was rapidly advancing.
William Larned, a young adventurer from Framingham, bought land
of Winter in 1712. The two Richard Evanses now sold their home-
steads and removed to Providence. The northern farm was purchased
by Samuel Converse of Woburn in 1710; the southern establishment
—‘“a tenement of houses, barn, orchard, tanning pits, fulling-mill” with
about three hundred acres of land—was sold to Simon Bryant of Brain-
tree for £224, who to his other valuable possessions added seven
blooming and capable daughters. James Wilson of Lexington bought
land of Converse, adjoining Bryant, aud Samuel Lee also settled in this
thriving neighborhood.
In 1713, the long-disputed boundary between Massachusetts and
Connecticut was rectified, Woodward's and Saffery’s Line abrogated
and a new line run some six or seven miles northward. Killingly
at once assumed that this new Colony bound was now her northern
boundary-line and proceeded to take possession of the annexed
LAND TAX, CHURCH ORGANIZATION, ETC. 169
territory, whereupon ‘the Governor and Council, who had other plans
for its disposal, sent the following order :—
“January 7, 1714. This board being informed that the town of Kellingly
purpose to lay out lands as within the township of Kellingly, up to the line
of this Colony as lately run by the commissioners for that end appointed,
whereas the grant of that township which bounds them by the north line of
this Colony, was made at a time when a line from Woodward’s and Saffery’s
first station to Bissel’s house on Connecticut River in Windsor was the only
line between this Colony and the Province of Massachusetts, which had been
run by the order of the Massachusetts Colony, and there was no other line at
the said time to be given them as the north bounds of said town: by which
line they had the full extent of miles from south to north, given them for the
extent of their township;—and there being now by the late running of the
line, a tract of land within this Colony to the northward of the said township
of Kellingly sufficient to make a township and to which the town of Kellingly
can have no right by their grant of the said township.
It t3 agreed, that the selectmen of the town of Kellingly be, and they are
hereby strictly charged, to give immediate notice to the said town in a town
meeting for that end to be by them forthwith called, that they do not presume
to make or lay out any grants of land to the northward of the antient line run
by Woodward and Saffery to Bissel’s house afore said, as they will answer the
contrary.”
In spite of this prohibition Killingly continued to encroach upon the
land northward, and not only laid out land but assumed jurisdiction
and presumed to assess its inhabitants.
At the expiration of the four years’ release from the payment of
country rate, the meeting-house was scarcely begun and the minister
yet unsettled. The settlers labored under great difficulties and dis-
couragements. Much of their land was poor and rough, hard to subdue
and cultivate. Money was scarce, inhabitants widely scattered and
many public works to be accomplished. Mr. Fisk continued to officiate
in the ordinary Sabbath service, and the neighboring ministers—
Messrs. Coit, Estabrook and Dwight—at times administered the sacra-
ment and baptized many children. In 1713, Killingly sent her first
representative to the Assembly—Mr. Peter Aspinwall—but made no
provision for paying colonial rates. The selectmen were thereupon
enjoined to provide a list of polls and ratable estates, but when among
them were included inhabitants north of Killingly’s prescribed limits,
Governor Saltonstall was required—‘to order the selectmen of the
said town not to enter in the said list any polls or estates, living and
being above nine miles to the northward of a line parallel to the
north bounds of the town of Plainfield, or to the south bounds
of the said town of Killingly: the grant of the said township
of Killingly limiting the same not to be above nine miles to the
northwards of the said south bounds.”
In the summer of 1714, the meeting-house was raised and covered.
Its site was east of the Plainfield road, about one-fourth of a mile south
of the present Kast Putnam meeting house. Nothing is known of its
size and appearance, or of the circumstances of its building. In the
22
170 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
ensuing summer it was made ready for occupation and preparations
made tor church organization. September 15, 1715, was observed in
Killingly as a day of-solemn fasting and prayer, preparatory to the
gathering of a church and the ordination of a pastor. Mr. Estabrook
conducted the services in the morning, preaching from Heb. XII: 28.
Mr. Dwight officiated in the afternoon—taking for his text, Canticles
VII: 8 Mr. Peter Aspinwall and Simon Bryant then repaired to
the General Assembly and in behalf of “a company of communicants
or inhabitants of the town of Killingly,” thus petitioned :—
“Tt having pleased Almighty God in his merciful providence to bring his
own work so far forward among us, notwithstanding the many and great dif-
ficulties we have met in forming our new plantation, as to unite our hearts in the
choice of the Reverend John Fisk to be the minister of this town—of whose
accomplishments for the evangelical service we have had experience for a con-
siderable season to our great satisfaction, and with whom we have agreed for
a settlement in the ministry among us. And as there appears among us a
competent number of persons to form themselves into a particular church of
Christ, that we may have the uforesaid gentleman installed into the pastoral
office over us, and the blessed institutions of Christ dispensed to us, and
also being informed of our duty and obligation established by law to endeavor
the countenance of the Government over us that the communicants here may
coalesce into a church estate and fellowship—we, therefore, your humble pe-
titioners, affectionately pray this Great and General Court in their great wis-
dom and extensive benignity to exert their authority for our benefit as the law
directs, by passing an act that the brethren in full communion among us may
enjoy the leave and approbation of this Honorable Assembly for embodying
into church estate, that soa gospel candlestick may be erected in the fields of
the wood, with a burning and shining light fixt in it, to the glory of our
ascended Lord and for the comfort and edification of ourselves and latest
posterity—which good work we have appointed (God’s gracious providence
permitting) to accomplish very speedily.”
This request being granted,—“ October 19, 1715, a church was pub-
licly gathered in Killingly and John Fisk ordained the pastor of it.”
Mr. Dwight of Woodstock, opened the service with prayer. Reverend
Mr. Baxter of Medford, preached from Romans 1: 16. Reverend Mr.
Thatcher of Milton, gave the charge to the minister and made the
preceding and subsequent prayers; Mr. Estabrook gave the right hand
of fellowship; part of a psalm was sung. John Fisk, James Danielson,
Peter Aspinwall, James Leavens, Sampson Howe, Eleazer Balman,
Richard Blosse, George Blanchard, Isaac Jewett, Thomas Gould and
Stephen Grover united in church fellowship—Danielson, Aspinwall,
Leavens, and Howe bringing letters from the church of Woodstock ;
the others from different Massachusetts churches, with the exception of
Thomas Gould and Stephen Grover, who were admitted by the Council.
The original covenant adopted by the church has not been preserved.
Sixteen additional communicants were admitted into the church before
the close of the year. At the lecture preparatory to its first commun-
ion, December 29, 1715, Peter Aspinwall and Eleazer Balman were
chosen deacons. The first marriage recorded by the young minister
was that of William Larned to Hannah, the first of the seven notable
LAND TAX, CHURCH ORGANIZATION, ETC. 171
daughters of Simon Bryant. Mr. Fisk was himself married November
26, 1717, to Abigail, daughter of Reverend Nehemiah Hobart of New-
ton, Mass., and sister of Mr. Samuel Estabrook of Canterbury. The only
incident of his domestic life that has come down to us, is the burning
of his house and all its contents one Sabbath, when the'family were
attending public worship. The ministry of Mr. Fisk was acceptable
and prosperous, and large numbers were added to the church. His
pastoral charge comprehended also the inhabitants north of Killingly,
who were allowed to pay church rates, if not other town charges. Mr.
Fisk was remarkably minute and methodical in the registry of church
records, keeping separate lists of those uniting with the church by
profession and by letter and of those owning the covenant. Very full
lists of marriages and baptisms were preserved by him, which acquired
additional value from the total lack of town records during the greater
part of his ministry. Of the salary and settlement allowed to him
nothing further is known, save that the hundred acres of land given by
Captain Chandler to the first settled minister of Killingly, “which
land by the ordering of Divine Providence appertains to John Fisk”—
were laid out to him in 1721, west of Five-Mile River, a half.mile
east of the meeting-house.
The population of Killingly continued to increase. Daniel Cady
removed to the south part of Pomfret; Nicholas Cady to Preston, but
others took their places. Robert Day settled south of Whetstone
Brook in 1717. Nell-Ellick Saunders—afterwards called Alexander—
bought land of the non-resident Mighills in 1721, near Lake Masha-
paug, which soon took the name of the new resident-proprietor.
Joseph Covill, Philip Priest, Andrew Philips and John Comins of
Charlestown, were admitted among the Chestnut Hill company.
John Hutchins of Plainfield is believed to have taken possession
of the the north part of the Owaneco Purchase about 1720. In
1721, Jacob Spalding, then just of age, received from his father,
Edward of Plainfield, a deed of ‘the twenty-first lot in Plainfield
Purchase, cornering on Horse Hill.” Jacob at once built a forti-
fied house and established himself there with his young, wife, the
first settlers of South Killingly and the only white inhabitants within
many miles. Unoccupied Colony land stretched north and south of
them and Rhode Island’s barbarous border land lay at the east.
Wild beasts abounded and still wilder savages, wandering Nip-
mucks, Quinebaugs and Narragansets, craving food and shelter, now
kind and friendly, then cross and quarrelsome, but in the main submis-
sive to the whites. Jacob's triumph over the Indian, who attempted
to make him pay twice for a deer-skin soon after his settlement,
secured for him permanent respect and authority. The drunken
172 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
savage mislaid the bill and forgot the payment, and after a fruitless
demand, persuaded some of his friends to go with him to kill Jacob.
They found him busily engaged shingling the roof of his new barn
The Indian again demanded pay for the skin. Jacob refused, where-
upon the Indian raised his bow and sent an arrow to bring him to terms.
Jacob jumped to the other side the ridgepole; his assailant followed
him below, and so they went on, dodging back and forth over and around
the barn, till the wearied Indian stopped to refresh himself with some
tobacco, and pulled out from his pouch the very tenor hill paid by his
antagonist. He stood amazed and conscience-stricken. The other
Indians burst out against him—“ He was a liar and Jacob an honest
man.” According to one version of the legend, “they would have
killed him, but Jacob came down from the barn and interceded for the
man’s life ;” others say, that Jacob referred his punishment to the chief
Indian, who had him tied up to a tree and soundly flogged.
The difficulty of procuring supplies in this remote settlemént was a
serious annoyance to these young settlers. In the first summer they
broke up land, raised grain and stock, but ere the winter was over
there was nothing left for themselves or their cattle, and the snow was
so deep that supplies could not be brought to them, and their only
resource was to return to Plainfield,—‘ so starting the oxen ahead to
break out a path, the cows followed and then Mr. Spalding and his
family.” Even after some years settlement, with children to feed, they
often suffered from scarcity of food, and various privations. The only
accessible grist-mill was that on the Moosup, five miles distant, a whole
day’s journey through the winter snow drifts, so that Mr. Spalding
was obliged to pass the night when he carried his grain there. On
one such occasion the family was very short of provisons. An enor-
mous beef-bone, which had perhaps served as basis for many messes of
bean-porridge, was given over to the children, picked clean and scraped
over and over, and again laid up lest every particle of flesh or
gristle had not been removed. Night came on. The children went to
sleep ; the anxious mother watched and listened. Indians had been
around through the day unusually insolent and troublesome, and she
had given them what food she could spare through the window—a
square hole, closed with a sliding-board—but had not suffered them to
enter. Now, she was sure she heard them prowling about the house.
She listened more intently. After a time, she was certain that she
heard some one climbling up to the window, intending doubtless to
break in and assault her and her sleeping children. She looked around
the room for some defensive weapon and her eye caught the great beef-
bone. Quick as a flash she seized it, opened the window and hurled it
with all her strength into the face of an advancing Indian. He gave
QUINN ATISSET. 173
a most horrible howl, dropped to the ground and fled with all the
company, frightened out of their wits by this most extraordinary
projectile, and fearing worse things were in store for them. The
prowess shown by both Mr. and Mrs. Spalding in this and other ren-
contres, put an end after a time to these annoyances and brought their
unruly neighbors under some degree of subjection. Other settlers in
time removed to this neighborhood, but the progress of the settlement
was very slow for several years.
In 1721, the town of Killingly laid out and distributed its first divis-
ion of public lands,— Peter Aspinwall, James Leavens and Joseph
Cady, committee. About eighty proprietors received shares of this
land, showing a large increase of population. No record is preserved
of the terms and extent of this division. During this year the train-
band was reorganized. Mr. Joseph Cady chosen captain; Mr. Eph-
raim Warren, lieutenant; Mr. Thomas Gould, ensign. Peter Aspin-
wall, Simon Bryant, George Blanchard, Thomas. Whittemore and
Ephraim Warren served successively as representatives. Peter Aspin-
wall was chosen a justice of the peace in 1716; Joseph Leavens in
1725. Of the progress of schools, roads and many public affairs in
Killingly, no knowledge can be obtained. A burial-ground south of
the Providence road was ae to the town by Peter Aspinwall at an
early date.
XXV,
QUINNATISSET.
HE territory north of Killingly, known to the Indians as Quinna-
tisset, now incorporated into the township of Thompson, remained
for many years in its aboriginal condition. Part of this tract was
granted by the Massachusetts Government to its native proprietors,
Black James and his associates, and was conveyed by them to Stough-
ton and Dudley, laid out in farms in 1684, and then left for thirty
years to wild beasts and savages. Thompson and Freak, the largest
land-holders, were non resident Englishmen, and Dudley and Stoughton
too much occupied with public affairs to attempt the settlement of a
remote and contested section, which they could not but know must in
time revert to Connecticut. New Roxbury grew up into a thriving
township, settlements were initiated in Mashamoquet and Aspinock,
Killingly was laid out southward, and still Quinnatisset was left to-
174 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
solitude and desolation, traversed only by Indian hunters and passing
travelers. Its fort and wigwam had fallen into ruins, forests had over-
grown its once open hill-tops, its surveyor’s lines were over-run with
thickets and brambles, the bounds that marked the farms were de-
cayed and obliterated. ‘The old Connecticut Road, spanning its north-
west corner and the “gangway to Boston,” braved by valorous
Plainfield and Killingly settlers, were long the only vestiges of civiliza-
tion in this benighted region.
The first known settler within Quinnatisset limits was one Eleazer
Spalding of Woodstock, who, without purchase or license, took pos-
session of land laid out to Josiah Cotton on the Quinebaug and
occupied it for many years, in spite of remonstrance and attempted
ejection. Other “squatters” may have inhabited the vicinity of Wood-
stock. The first regular and datable settler within the limits of the
present Thompson, was Richard Dresser of Rowley, who, after a year’s
trial of the new settlement at Mashamoquet, purchased of Captain
John Chandler in 1707, for £120, “the place called Nashaway.” This
name, originally designating the point of land between the Quinebaug
and French Rivers, was also extended to the land west of this
point, on which Mr. Dresser settled. The road from Woodstock to
Providence passed near his dwelling, which was a little south of the
site of the present West Thompson village. Richard Dresser married
Mary Peabody of Rowley, in 1708, and their son, Jacob, born in 1710,
was the first white male child born within Thompson territory. In
1708, Richard Dresser sold “the land between the rivers” to Sampson
Howe of Roxbury, who took immediate possession and was at once
claimed as an inhabitant of Killingly, becoming one of its most
prominent and useful citizens. The land west of the Quinebaug was
never claimed by that township.
Isaac Jewett of Rowley and John Younglove soon followed Samp-
son Howe, settling further north between the rivers, on land purchased
ot Jabez Corbin in 1711. Their farms were much infested with bears,
wolves and Indians, and a log fort or garrison found needful for
protection. The first settler in the vicinity of Quinnatisset Hill was
Samuel Converse of Woburn, who secured a deed of land from Richard
Evans in J710, and with his wife and five sons settled about a mile
south of the hill-top. The Killingly settlers were near him on the
south, but northward to the old towns of Oxford and Mendon the
country was a savage wilderness, its rnde paths only designated by
marks on tree trunks. Mr. Converse’s dwelling-house stood near the
Boston road, and furnished rest and entertainment to many a passing
traveler.
By the settlement of Massachusetts boundary line in 1713, the land
QUINNATISSET. 175
-north of Killingly was allowed to the Colony of Connecticut. Massa-
chasetts was forced to admit that Woodward’s and Saffery's line ran
some miles south of the bound prescribed by her patent, and in the
course of settlement it was also found that the south part of the town
of Woodstock and nearly half of Thompson's and Freak’s farms lay
south of this erroneous Colony line. That Connecticut had a lawful right
to the fee as well as jurisdiction of this land no one could deny, but beset
by enemies at home and abroad she was forced to yield it to the
stronger Colony, and allowed Massachusetts, by formal agreement and
covenant, to keep the towns laid out by her in Connecticut territory,
and the various grantees to retain possession of this land, receiving
as equivalent an equal number of acres in distant localities. Under
this arrangement, Connecticut yielded :
To the town of Woodstock, 50,419 acres.
To Joseph Dudley, 1,500 *
To the heirs of Robert Thompson, 2,000 ‘
« «Thomas Freak, 2,000 “
4 «« William Whiting, 1,000 +e
To John Gore, 500 *
To Gardner and Gambling, each, 500‘
To John Cotton, 500 *
To John Collins, 500“
To Black James and Company, 2,228 +“
The land between the Quinebaug and Woodstock, appropriated by
Major Fitch as a part of Wabbaquasset, had been purchased by Captain
John Chandler, and much of the Jand between the Quinebaug and
French Rivers was also in the possession of Woodstock gentlemen.
The land east of the French River not covered by previous grants and
claims, reverted to the Colony of Connecticut.
The holders of land under grants from Massachusetts hastened to
identify and appropriate their possessions. Dudley, Stoughton and
even Black James secured their portions at once, but the other grantees
met many obstacles. A corner of Gore's had been taken up by Samuel
Converse; Cotton's was forcibly held by Spalding; Whiting’s was
reported under-measured, and the boundaries of Thompson’s and
Freak’s were so defaced and overgrown that even the practiced eye of
Captain John Chandler failed to discover them. At length, with the
assistance of Colonel William Dudley and Benjamin Gambling, who
had aided in the original survey, “a tree marked F” was found on
Fort Hill, and measuring from it they came upon. other marked trees
and monuments and were able to identify and refresh the bounds of the
five thousand-acre tract. The Thompson land was then confirmed to
Joseph Thompson of England; Freak’s farm to Josiah Wolcott of
Salem and his wife Mary, niece of Thomas Freak, and the other
grantees received confirmation of their grants from the Government of
Connecticut.
176 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Quinnatisset, when thus assumed by Connecticut, was mostly a savage
wilderness; its few settlers, Dresser, Howe, Jewett, Younglove, Converse
and the squatter, Spalding—scattered along its southern and western
borders. The best part of its land was taken up by non-residents, and
a town organization was deemed by these gentlemen essential for the
security and settlement of their property. “Josiah Wolcott, in his
own name and in the name of Major Robert Thompson and other pro-
prietors of the greatest part of the land lying in the northeast of
Connecticut, east of Woodstock, north of Killingly,” petitioned the
General Assembly for a township in 1714. The Assembly considered
the request; found that “from the south line of Killingly to the
ancient supposed bounds of this Colony is eleven miles, and from
thence to the now-established line is seven miles, but not knowing the
width ” deferred decision. In May, 1715, Mr. Wolcott again petitioned
“for the purpose of improving the lands and making a plantation,”
having information from Captain Chandler, John Plumb and others
that the tract north of Killingly was amply sufficient for a township.
The Upper House granted the township, “provided Killingly be
allowed nine miles,” but the Lower dissented. Killingly had already
manifested her determination to appropriate this land, and fears were
entertained of wronging that needy township. The petition for the
annexation of the vacant land northward, presented by Peter Aspin-
wall in 1716, met, however, with flat rejection. The Colony could not
decide what to do with her new territory. Its inhabitants apparently
preferred absorption in Killingly ; its non-resident land-holders, an
independent township. The lack of local organization and officers
subjected these gentlemen to encroachments and losses, and debarred
them from prosecutions and trials. A forcible representation from
Captain Chandler in 1717 of these wrongs and inconveniences, pro-
cured the annexation of the land east of Woodstock to the county of
New London, while Killingly was pacified by liberty to levy rates
therein for her minister.
The unorganized and somewhat lawless condition of the Quinna-
tisset country did not prevent settlement. Its first settler after
annexation to Connecticut was probably Samuel Morris of Marl-
borough, son of the first Edward Morris of Woodstock, who, after
some years residence in an old settled township, purchased in 1714, of
the Hon. Joseph and Madame Rebecca Dudley, fifteen hundred acres
of land west of the Myanexet, alias Quinebaug River—the site of the
present village of New Boston—and there established himself with his
family. A house with fortifications was soon erected, land subdued and
many improvements initiated. The vicinity of Black James and the
remaining Nipmuck Indians made defences and precautions needful for
QUINNATISSET. 177
a time, but Mr. Morris soon gained influence and authority over them,
and was dignified with the honorary title of governor. p & 1
Assembly, and the Worshipful Captain Bushnell ordered, “to in-
quire into, the premises and proceed against the offenders according to
law,” but as the leaders in the affair were without the limits of Con-
necticut no action was taken. Jabez Utter, after lying in prison a
considerable time, and “not getting any way to answer the charges of
his prosecution for horse-stealing,” was allowed to work them out in the
service of Elisha Paine for eight pounds a year, and when that was
served out, he was delivered over to Daniel Cady, according to sentence.
A shit subsequently brought against him, “ for taking up public Jand in
Canterbury,” is the latest record concerning the first white inhabitant
of Mortlake.
A more serious obstacle to the settlement of Mortlake was its
political status. The right of jurisdiction was transferred with the
land title, and Belcher’s purchase recognized as a distinct township by
the Government, but this separate independent township was included
within the limits of another distinct township. The original south
bound of Pomfret crossed Gray Mare Hill, and was afterwards removed
a mile southward. To remedy the difficulties occasioned by this com-
plication, Mr. Belcher proposed to annex his township to Pomfret on
the following conditions :—
“1. That his two farms should be called Kingswood and Wiltshire.
2. That he and his heirs male be made capable of serving, if chosen by
Pomfret, as deputies, although not actually resident.
8. That the inhabitants of his land, for encouragement of keeping good
houses of cntertainment, be free from impost.
4. That the same should be exempt or discharged from offices of charge in
the town of Pomfret, or Colony of Connecticut.
5. That one of the said inhabitants shall always be—if he will accept it—a
townsman or selectmen, provided that when there is more than one, Pomfret
shall elect whichever they please.
6. In all votes or meetings of town, Mortlake proprietors shall have a right
of voting according to the proportion said manors bear to town in quantity of
land—the petitioner having so paid his proportion of charge towards the
settlement of Pomfret.
7. The inhabitants of Mortlake, as to militia, to be solely depending on the
government of the Colony.
8. That no person shall have liberty of hunting.
9. Though the six thousand acres have been voted by the Hon. Court to be
a township, iu and of itself, by name of Mortlake—yet, for the eucourage-
ment of Pomfret, the petitioner now desires that the same be annexed to
Pomfret, and always for the future be and remain a part of that town.”
This proposition was laid before the inhabitants of Pomfret at a
town-meeting, October 4, 1714, who agreed to it, and consented that
198 HISTURY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Mr. Belcher should apply to the General Court for confirmation. The
Upper House granted his prayer with several exceptions and emenda-
tions ; the Lower House consented only to the first and last articles.
Mr. Belcher, thereupon, the same day, October 14, declared :—
“That your memorialist having purchased, with a considerable sum of
money, a tract of land belonging. to Captain John Blackwell, which he had
held with ye privilege of township by ye name of Mortlake by an act of this
Colony, and being willing, for encouragement of the town of Pomfret, to
which said Mortlake lies very convenient to be annexed, to part with and dis-
claim all such privileges as now do or may hereafter appertain to it did, in
petition, declare my consent that the said Mortlake should be aunexed to and
become a part of Pomfret, upon certain conditions, desiring that some small part
of these privileges, which he might more fully have claimed in said Mortlake
had he reserved and kept it distinct from Pomfret—might be secured to him
by act of Assembly, within said town. And your memorialist, having fall
consent of ye town of Pomfret, made no doubt but that the Assembly would
easily have allowed him these privileges, upon his consenting that Mortlake
should be entirely annexed to Pomfret and be divested of the name and privi-
lege of a township formally annexed to it—which the memorialist was nore
willingly iuduced to do by a representation made to him by the town of Pom-
fret, that unless the said Mortlake was added to their town they should not be
able to carry on the necessary affairs of the town, or make a comfortable
settlement there—but forasmuch as the Assembly has not thought fit to allow
the said privilege, he cannot, without apparent wrong to himself and his
heirs, forego the just rights he hasto have and hold Mortlake as a distinct
town, with all ye privilege appertaining to it as such, and for that end does
in this manner lay before the Assembly his claim of right to Mortlake as a
distinct township, made so by act of Assembly, thereby to obviate all incon-
venience arising by any after act at the motion of Pomfret or any other
person, for ye making of Mortlake to become a part of Pomfret or any other
town, or to be brought under the laws, duties or regulations of ye same with-
out consent of the memorialist, his heirs, &c. And, particularly, your
memorialist must insist upon it and declare against it, as what he cannot but
believe will be judged by all indifferent men as directly opposed to his just
rights, that ye said Mortlake should for the future be reckoned or taken as
any part of ye town of Pomfret—since all his transactions with, and conces-
sions to, said Pomfret have been upon the supposition that the Assembly
would allow him certain privileges, which would further oblige him to be, as
he always is, with the greatest regard and respect,—Your most obedient,
JONATHAN BELCHER.”
This forcible representation called out from the Lower House the
resolution, “ That the vote of both houses granting the first and last
condition, be not improved to the prejudice of Mr. Belcher.” Further
negotiations were held with Pomfret. A letter was sent to the select-
men of that town, renewing the offer to unite the township of Mort-
lake to their town forever, upon receiving certain privileges for his
farms or manors. A town-meeting was called, December 27, 1714,
when the demand was considered and fully debated, and, by a very
clear vote, it was decided :—
“That, on condition the town of Mortlake be united to this town forever
to be always hereafter one entire township, to be called Pomfret, the town
unanimonsly consent and agree that the inhabitants of Kingswood and Wilt-
shire shall enjoy the following privileges, viz. :—
I. The privilege of voting in any town-ineeting about town affairs, accord-
ing to the proportion the said farms bear tu said town in quantity of land, it
being as one to fifteen.
MINISTER AND MEETING-HOUSE, ETO. 199
Ii. That no vote of the town shall conclude any inhabitant of the manor
to any chargeable or burdensome public office unless they be willing to accept
the same, saving one selectman out of Kingswood.
III. The militia to depend solely on the Governor of the Colony.”
These conditions were not accepted. The. privilege of voting in
town-meeting as one to fitteen, did not appear to Mr. Belcher a suf-
ficient compensation for the loss of jurisdiction, and so the matter
rested. Mortlake was left in its original status, as manorial property,
with the rights and privileges of a township; its government vested
in an individual and not in a corporation. The land south of it in-
cluded in the township patented to Captain Blackwell, was divided
between Canterbury and Pomfret in 1714.
XXIX,
MINISTER AND MEETING-HOUSE. CHURCH ORGANIZATION.
SECOND LAND DIVISION.
NHE first care of Pomfret, after securing confirmation of bounds,
was to settle religious worship. October 28, 1713, the town
voted :— 5‘
“To give an orthodox minister, such an one as shall be acceptable to the
people, one hundred and fifty pounds in money for and towards buying his
‘land and building his house; also, to break up four acres of land and plant
two with an orchard; and for his salary, fifty-five pounds in money for the first
year, until such time as there shall be sixty families settled in the town, and
then seventy pounds a year ever after, so long as he shall continue his minis-
terial relations to us—and Ebenezer Sabin and Samuel Warner are chosen to
go and bring a minister to preach and settle here. And it is voted, in the
first place, that they shall make their application to Mr. Ebenezer Williams of
‘Roxbury, and show him a copy of the votes respecting the settling of a
minister here, and if he will accept of what is offered and come and be our
minister, they shall seek no further; but if he may not be prevailed upon to
come, then they shall make their address to such others as shall seem
advisable.”
In pursuance of their commission, Messrs. Sabin and Warner
hastened to wait upon Mr. Williams, but he, “being newly come off
from a journey, could not be prevailed upon to come,” whereat the
town, November 19, ‘expressing their great value for the said Mr.
Williams, desired he might be further addressed by letter, to come and
preach with us for the space of six months.” This invitation was
accepted, and, December 23, 1713, Mr. Williams arrived in Pomfret
and began his ministrations, and soon made himself so agreeable to the
people that long before the six months had expired, they were every
way willing to accept of him for their minister. His boarding-place
was with Captain John Sabin, in the northeastern corner of the town,
then, according to tradition, the only framed house in the settlement.
200 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Public religious services were held on the Sabbath in some convenient
residence. December 22, 1713, the town voted, “That there should
be a meeting-house built with all convenient speed.” Deacon Benjamin
Sabin, Captain John Sabin and Philemon Chandler were chosen com-
mittee in that behalf, with ample power in all respects. February 16,
1714, voted, “That the meeting-house shall be set on White's Plain,
at such part of it as the committee hereinafter named shall determine,
viz.: Captain and Deacon Sabin, Cornet Sawyer, Nathaniel Gary,
Leicester Grosvenor, Abiel Lyon, Nathaniel Sessions, Ebenezer Trues-
dell and Joseph Chandler.” At the same meeting, a formal call was
given to Mr. Williams, the people agreeing, “that if the said Mr.
Williams doth like the town, and will and shall settle here in the work
of the gospel ministry, they will give him one hundred and seventy
pounds in money, towards buying his land and building his house, and for
his salary sixty pounds yearly, for four years, and after that to rise twenty
shillings yearly until it shall come to seventy pounds, and there to stand
so long as he shall continue his ministerial labors among us.” And,
Mr. Williams being personally present, for several weighty and serious
considerations, him thereunto moving, “freely, faithfully and sincerely
promised to settle in Pomfret in the work of the ministry, and endeavor
to discharge aright all the duties belonging,to his profession.” Two
hundred acres of land, reserved for the encouragement of preaching,
were made over to Mr. Williams, June, 1714, by James Fitch, Samuel
Ruggles and the other Mashamoquet proprietors, each one a propor-
tionable share.
Having thus liberally provided for their pastor, the people engaged
with great spirit in building their meeting-house. Early in the spring
the work was inaugurated. Some of the building committee, “finding
it difficult to discharge their duty in that respect by reason of living
remote and out of the way, so that others were exposed to and over-
burthened with an over proportion of care and trouble ’—Leicester
Grosvenor and Samuel Warner were joined with them. A rate of
three hundred pounds was voted to defray the charges of building. A
single hand was allowed two and sixpence a day and subsist himself; a
man and team, for ordinary work, five and sixpence a day; for going
to Ashford or Stoddard’s Cedar Swamp, eight shillings per day. The
house was raised April 27, and covered during the summer. It stood
on the east side of the road, about a quarter of a mile south of the
site of the present Congregational Church edifice. A burial spot,
adjacent, was selected by an especial committee. At a town meeting,
August 27, 1714, it was voted, “That the meeting-house shall be
carried no further at present than to have the floor laid, the pulpit set
up, the doors made and hung, the windows finished, and the body of
MINISTER AND MEETING-HOUSE, ETC. 201
seats and the minister’s pew made. Fifty pounds were added to the
rate to be levied.
‘*Voted, That Mr. Belcher shall have liberty to build a pew in our meeting-
house, next ye pulpit, at ye west end of it.
That Captain Chandler (John of Woodstock) shall have liberty to build a
pew at the northwest corner of our meeting-house.
It was also considered, that Captain Sabin shall have liberty to build for
himself a pew in some convenient place in the meeting-house.
Also, that Lieutenant Samuel Williams have the same privilege.”
In the autumn, the house was completed so far as had been specified,
and was probably opened for public worship and town-meetings.
December 6, 1714, various new officers were chosen. Deacon Sabin,
Ensign Grosvenor, Cornet Sawyer, Jonathan Hide and Nathaniel Gary
were appointed selectmen; Nathaniel Sessions, constable and tavern-
keeper ; Benjamin Sitton, collector; Philemon Chandler, grand-juror ;
Joseph Tucker and Samuel Carpenter, fence-viewers; William and
Samuel Gary, listers; Nathaniel Johnson, sealer; John Hubbard was
ordered to build a strong pound for horses. During this winter, town-
meetings were infrequent and ill attended, so that in March, 1715, it
was found needful to vote that, “insomuch as the inhabitants in time
past have wholly failed in attendance or come very unseasouably, and
others, loth to act without-the conference of their neighbors, have long
waited until there was not time orderly to dispatch business, therefore,
that so many as assemble within half an hour after the time prefixed
may proceed to business, and the Jaws as binding as if all were
present.” It was also voted, “ That non-residents that own land shall
have free liberty to vote at our town-meetings in all matters that con-
cern them.” The military company had now been fully organized,
with John Sabin for captain, Philemon Chandler for lieutenant and
Leicester Grosvenor for ensign, and the latter gentleman, “chosen and
pitched upon to treat with Windham gentlemen about the line and
bounds of our township.” All other public matters were deferred till
the completion of the meeting-house.
May 9, 1715, the town voted, “That the space in the meeting-house
at the west end, between the stairs and door, be a place for boys to sit
in. Also, that Lieutenant Chandler shall have liberty to build a pew
for himself and family in our meeting-house, at the south side, between
the great door and the next window. Also, that Benjamin Sitton shall
have liberty to build a pew for himself and family in the meeting-
house, adjoining to the east of Lieutenant Chandler’s. Also, granted
liberty to Messrs. James Danielson, Senior and Junior, to build a pew
at the south side of the meeting-house, to the west of the great door.
Also, that Edward Payson shall have liberty to build a pew next to
Mr. Danielson’s, between that and the stairs, provided that they all
finish them by the last of September next, and take in and cause all
26
202 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
their fatnilies to sit there, if it may be with convenience. Two
thousand feet of boards were also voted for and towards building the
meeting-house.
May 19, Deacon Sabin, Lieutenant Chandler, Samuel Warner, En-
sign Grosvenor, Abiel Lyon and Jonathan Hide, were chosen a com-
mittee to treat with Mr. Williams about his ordination. September
14, voted, “That the ordination of Mr. Williams be on the 26th day
of October. Also, that an ordination dinner be provided for forty
persons, viz.: ministers and messengers of the churches. Also, that
the aforesaid gentlemen be entertained as much as necessary before
ordination at the town’s charge. Also, that Deacon Sabin, Samuel
Warner, Edward Payson, Jonathan Hide, Nath. Sessions and Ebenezer
Truesdell, be a committee to take care that a good, dinner be pro-
vided, and all things carried on in good order.” These arrangements
being perfected and liberty received from the General Court, the
church was organized, October 26, 1715, and Ebenezer Williams
ordained as its pastor, but unfortunately no record of the proceedings,
of the day was preserved. The occasion was one of great interest and
joyfulness, and doubtless drew together a Jarge concourse of people.
The young pastor was already greatly beloved by his flock and much
respected throughout the adjoining region. He was the son of Samuel
Williams of Roxbury, and nephew of the Reverend John Wil-
liams of Deerfield, so noted for his captivity by the Indians. He
was graduated from Harvard in 1709, and was twenty-five years of
age at the time of his settlement. Eleven of the male residents of
Pomfret joined with Mr. Williams in church fellowship. Benjamin
Sabin and Philemon Chandler were elected its deacons. The “ good
dinner” ordered for the forty ministers and messengers was provided
by Captain John Sabin, who received from the town, “ten pounds in
money in the whole” for payment. In the following May, a rate of
£130 was ordered, for and towards defraying charge of the meeting-
house. December, 1716, a committee was chosen for fencing in the
meeting-house. It was also agreed, that the meeting-house should be
seated according to the rates they have paid—having respect to age
and dignity, Ensign Grosvenor, Deacon Philemon Chandler and Ed-
ward Payson, committee. Also, “that Nathaniel Gary should have
liberty to build a house in the highway for himself’ and family to sit in
Sabba-days.” This ‘‘Sabba-day-house” accorded to Mr. Gary is the
only one known within Windham ‘County limits, though they were not
uncommon in other parts of New England. It was a small house
built tight and warm, with an ample fire-place and a few seats and
benches. Fuel was kept in readiness and a fire kindled by the first
comers on Sunday morning, and there Mr. Gary and his family and
MINISTER AND MEETING-HOUSE, ETC. 203
other friends and neighbors could warm and refresh themselves after
their cold, bleak ride before assembling for worship in the fireless,
freezing meeting-house. At noon-time they gathered again in the cozy
room for warmth and lunch, and again after service to prepare for the
journey homeward.
Having thus satisfactorily ‘provided for their spiritual wants, the
inhabitants of Pomfret turned their attention to secular affairs. The
next thing needful after a meeting-house was facilities for reaching it,
and those of Pomfret were most lamentably deficient. No roads had
been regularly laid out by town authorities and the only means of
communication were rough bridle-paths. The Mashamoquet proprie-
tors had the entire control of their lands, comprising more than half
the inhabited land of the town, and to them belonged the care of mak-
ing roads through their property. Only half the Purchase was as yet
laid out to them; the remainder was lying in common, undivided and
uncultivated. A new division was proposed with suitable highways,
and after long preliminary discussion, a proprietors’ meeting was held
in Pomfret, November 1, 1716—the first recorded after the distribution
of 1694. Ten “whole shares men,” were present. Some new proprie-
tors appeared—Captain John Chandler of Woodstock, on the right
of Samuel Gore; Captain John Sabin on that of Samuel Ruggles;
Edmond Weld for John White. After considerable discussion the
following votes were passed :—
‘1. That the meeting is legal.
2. That our second division shall be in not less than three parcels or lots
and more at discretion of committee.
3. That all the highways shall continue and be confirmed and that each lot
shall have a highway to it—said highway six rods wide from north to south,
and four rods from east to west.
4. The committee shall survey our whole purchase and settle the bounds of
the fifteen thousand one hundred acres.
5. The committee shall state needful highways to each lot in second di-
vision, not above four rods wide.
6. That Philemon Chandler shall be proprietors’ clerk. z
7, That Captain John Sabin, Leicester Grosvenor, Mr. Timothy Ruggles,
(and in case of their death or impossibility of attendance), William Sharpe, be
the committee to act the business voted on at this meeting.
8. Second division to be ready by December 1.
9. Highways altered at discretion.
10. The committee have power to decide all particulars, which we have not
before the breaking up of this meeting.
ll. Are to make out four hundred acres a share if possible ; ; if not to seek
after the lost land.
12. Whole proprietors are to stand law-suits.
13. Captain Chandler, Mr. Dana and the heirs of Captain Samuel Ruggles
to have fifteen shillings apiece for being committee last year.
14. That the committee have four shillings per day and pay for chairman
and surveyor, all under oath.
15. That Mr. Williams’ grant be added to our share in the plot.
16. That the proprietors that dwell in Pomfret, on condition that the Roxbury
proprietors will leave the writings ut Pomfret shall have attested copies of
writings from time to time at the cost of Pomfret PEOpNGFOrE, sent to Edmund
Weld of Roxbury..
17. Timothy Ruggles to draw all the votes.”
204 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
The time allotted for the new division was found quite insufficient.
The lost land was not recovered without great difficulty. The western
bound of the purchase had never been accurately defined and some of
the original lots had been over-measured. A meeting of Mashamo-
quet proprietors was held, April 10, 1718, at the house of Nathaniel
Sessions, tavern-keeper. Ensign Grosvenor was chosen moderator, John
Chandler, Jun., was appointed surveyor and directed to join with
Nathaniel Sessions, James Corbin and Ebenezer Sabin, in running the
extreme bounds of the tract and see what was to lay out. The shares
accruing to Major Fitch, to be laid out “adjoining to land Samuel
Warren now lives on.” Surveyor to have ten shillings a day and each
of the committee, five. The survey was made according to direction,
Mr. Corbin assisting on account of his owning the land west in Ashford.
This western bound has not been completely identified, but it was paral-
lel with the western bound of the town and not far removed from it.
October 22, the committee reported, “That the quantity of land
expressed in the deed from Major Fitch would fall short of y*® comple-
ment if the lines be restrained to six miles south from north bounds
and will not yield four hundred acres to each share, and that they had
accordingly drawn a plot which would carry the purchase to Mr. Stod-
dard’s south tract.” The plot was exhibited and gave satisfaction—
the proprietors voting, “ To .take the land according to plot exhibited,
and that what land lies south of six miles-from north bounds, be laid
out in twelve equal shares, and that the lots formerly laid out be again
surveyed, and if too great, allowance to be made.” Charge for survey-
ing was to be paid by each proprietor in equal proportions—none hav-
ing any benefit from the division till they had paid their part of the
charge. The division thus ordered was completed during the winter
and distributed May 13, 1719, by lot, in the following order :—
. John Sabin on right of Samuel Ruggles.
Daniel Dana and Company.
. Joseph Chandler—on right of Deacon John Chandler.
John Mowrey, on right of Thomas Mowrey, deceased.
. William Sharpe for John Ruggles heirs.
. Captain John Chandler on right of Samuel Gore.
. Edmond Weld for John White.
. Ebenezer Sabin on right of Deacon Benjamin Sabin.
: Thomas Be ee for Captain Samuel Ruggles.
. Ensign Lei€ester Grosvenor.
. Joseph Otis for John Gore.
. Joseph Griffin.
Bee
The charge for this survey, division and plot was £51. 1s. which
was divided among the proprietors and paid before the lots were
drawn. Of the twelve original proprietors of Mashamoquet none were
now living, but Benjamin Sabin and Joseph Griffin. Of the twelve
recipients of the second division, only Captain Sabin, Joseph Chandler,
NEW INHABITANTS, IMPROVEMENTS, ETC. 205
Ebenezer Sabin and Leicester Grosvenor were, apparently, then resi-
dents of Pomfret, though Joseph Griffin, and Samuel and Isaac, sons
of Jacob and Benjamin Dana, soon afterward removed there. This
second division was laid out in the west of the town, and is now
included in the parish of Abington.
XXX,
NEW INHABITANTS. IMPROVEMENTS. SOUTH ADDITION.
, PETER DAVISON.
pee opening of new territory was followed by a fresh influx of
population. Sales and transférs of land became more frequent, and
many families were added to the settlement. Jonathan Hide, William
Hamlet, Abiel Cheney, Jonathan Dana, Archibald McCoy, Ebenezer
Holbrook, Jehoshaphat Holmes, Samuel Perrin and Daniel Waldo -
appear as residents of Pomfret, prior to 1720 ; William Sharpe, Samuel
Sumner, John and James Ingalls, soon after that date. Hide
bought Purchase land of Truesdell; Hamlet removed from Woburn to
an allotment laid out to Samuel Ruggles, comprising the hill still
known as Hamlet’s; Cheney’s first resideiice was south of the Masha-
moquet, on land bought of Major Fitch, east of Newichewanna Brook ;
Holmes was still farther southward. McCoy’s homestead was the fifth
lot of the square, bought of Captain John Sabin in 1716 ; Waldo’s, east
side of the highway, farther northward, on land bought of Captain
Chandler. A beautiful triangular farm, bordering on the Mashamo-
quet, laid out first to Samuel Gore and sold successively to Captain Johu
Chandler, Thomas Hutchinson and Francis Clark, was purchased by
John Holbrook of Roxbury, whose son, Ebenezer, took possession of
it in 1719. The Perrin farm on the Quinebaug, early secured by
Samuel of Woodstock, was occupied first by his son Samuel, who there
built, it is said, in 1714, the fine mansion so long known as “the old
Perrin House.” Jonathan Dresser, brother to Richard of Nashaway,
bought land of Nathaniel Gary in 1717. About 1720, William Sharpe
with his wife Abigail, daughter of John White, one of the original
proprietors of Mashamoquet, and their seven sons, three daughters and
a daughter’s husband—Sainuel Gridley—removed to Pomfret, settling
upon a second-division lot between Goodell’s and Grosvenor’s in what
is now the north part of Abington. Two years later, Samuel Sumner,
son of George Sumner of Roxbury, took possession of the sixth lot of
the square, purchased of Captain Sabin—building his house near the site
of the present Quaker meeting-bouse, and marrying Elizabeth Griffin,
206 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
probably daughter of Joseph, the Mashamoquet proprietor. The young
Ingalls brothers, who came up with their widowed mother, Hannah
Ingalls from Andover, bought a second-division lot in the southwest of
the Purchase, and made them a home in the depths of the wilderness.
Joseph Cratt appears at about this date as a resident of the west part of
Pomfret. It is quite possible that his land was secured by an early
grant from Major Fitch, as the name of Samuel Craft appears among
the original grantees of the town and no subsequent deed has been dis-
covered. Some sales of land were also made to non-residents. Several
tracts were sold by Captain Chandler to Jonathan Waldo of Boston.
Eight hundred acres of second-division land, south of the Mashamoquet
and west of Newichewanna Brook were sold by Major Fitch in 1714,
to John Dyer of Canterbury, and by him conveyed to Col. Thomas
Fitch of Boston. The strip of land: west of the Purchase, embracing
about two thousand acres, was made over by Major Fitch to his son
Daniel in 1719. The market price of the Pomfret land varied greatly
in different localities. Holbrovk’s four hundred acres cost him as many
pounds ; Sumner’s purchase was more than a pound anda half an acre;
Hamlet’s but half a pound; Dyer for eight hundred acres gave a
hundred and twenty pounds, while a hundred and forty acres in the
southwest corner of the town was secured by Samuel Pellet for ten
pounds.
These new inhabitants of Pomfret were mostly men of character and
property, and at once identified themselves with the growth of the town.
Jehoshaphat Holmes was soon chosen town-clerk, Samuel Gridley
served as clerk both for town and proprietors, Abiel Cheney was
licensed as tavern-keeper, Sharpe, Holbrook and other new inhabitants
were appointed to various public services, and “Father Coy” opened
his house for public meetings. Several weighty matters were now
under consideration. Efforts had long been made to secure better trav-
eling communication with Providence, the most accessible market-town
for this section. The existing bridle-path could not accommodate
teams or vehicles. The building a sutticient cart-road was a very
laborious enterprise, far greater than the construction of a modern
railroad. Eastward of Killingly the country was for many miles
savage and unbroken, a rude, rocky, sterile wilderness. The move-
ment was initiated in 1708, and the road completed and opened
in 1721, under the supervision of Nathaniel Sessions, who him-
self brought over it the first load of West India goods to Pom-
tret. The road, like the path preceding it, crossed the Quinebaug
just below the Falls at the old fording-place first opened by Peter
Aspinwall, who, soon after 1700, begged the privilege of building
a bridge there. Another attempt was made a few years later to
NEW INHABITANTS, IMPROVEMENTS, ETC. 207
bridge this formidable stream, and a petition sent to the General
Assembly by Philemon Chandler, Leicester Grosvenor, Nathaniel
Sessions and others, showing that the fording-place was often danger-
ous and sometimes impassable, but no relief was granted. Captain
John Sabin next took the matter in hand, and with the aid of his son,
achieved a substantial bridge “over the Quinebaug at y° falls near
Pomfret, in 1722.” Joshua Ripley and Timothy Pierce were ap-
pointed by the General Court to view this bridge, who reported it
“built ina suitable place, out of danger of being carried away by
floods or ice, the highth of the bridge being above any flood yet
known by any man living there, and think it will be very serviceable
to a great part of the government in traveling to Bostoh—being at
least ten miles the nearest way according to their judgment.” The
cost of this bridge was £120, for which three hundred acres of land
in the common lands, on the east side of Connecticut River, were
allowed Captain Sabin, “ on condition he keep the same in repair four-
teen years next coming.”
The first representative sent by Pomfret to the General Assembly
was Deacon Benjamin Sabin, in May, 1719. His son Ebenezer was
sent in the following October; Daniel Waldo in 1729; Captain John
Sabin was sent in October, 1720, and several years afterwards, accom-
panied successively by Abiel Lyn, Nathaniel Johnson, William Sharpe,
Benjamin and Eleazer Sabin. Captain Sabin was appointed a justice
of the peace in 1724. Pomfret’s list of estates, presented in 1723,
amounted to £5,588.
In the matter of schools, Pomfret showed great remissness, making
no public provision for them till January 28, 1720, when the town
«voted to have a school-house.
“1, Set up near the meeting-house.
2. Twenty-four feet by ninteteen and seven feet stud.
3. To stand north of the pound, within ten rods of it.
4. To be finished by next Michaelmas-come-{welve-month, which will be in
the year of our Lord, 1721. Ebenezer Grosvenor, Abiel Lyon and Nathaniel
Sessions, committee.”
This vote was not carried out. The Michaelmas of 1721, found no
school-house in progress. Difficulties had arisen. One school-house
for the whole town was thought insufficient. The settlers south of
Mortlake asked for their share of the money separate; the northern
inhabitants.also preferred nearer accommodations. After three years
delay the house was begun as specified in the vote, but in April, 1723,
the town voted, “ That the school-house shall not be finished.” This
decision wgs strongly opposed by a large minority. A protest showing
that arate had been made and paid by most, and that the subscribers
looked upon it but reasonable that the money should be used for the
208 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
end called for, was signed by Philemon Chandler, Jonathan Hide,
Samuel Dana, Abiel Lyon, Ebenezer Holbrook, Samuel Paine, Joseph
and Nathaniel Sessions, James Taylor, William Hamlet, Joseph Griffin,
Joseph Craft, Archibald McCoy, William Sharpe, Seth Paine and
others. In August another meeting was held and the matter satisfac-
torily adjusted. It was voted :—
‘1, That the school-house shall be finished with all convenient speed.
2. Query. Whether the town will agree upon this method as to the places
where the school shall be kept in the town; namely: that the school be
kept one-half of the time in the school-house already built, and the other half
of the time some where farther northward, in some house which that neigh-
borhood shall provide and the whole maintained in the same public manner?
Answer; Yes. :
8. Query. Whether the town will allow those that live south’of Governor
Saltonstall’s land, their proportion of rate . . . towards building a
school-house for themselves, provided they first erect a school-house; also
their proportion of all rates that shall hereafter be made towards the mainte-
nance, provided they keep a school among themselves? Answer; Yes.”
‘Ebenezer Sabin, Jonathan Hide and William Sharpe were appointed
.a committee to see the school-house finished. Schools were thus
simultaneously established in the north, south and centre of the town, -
and provision made for raising money for their support according to law.
The train-band company had been previously re-organized. ‘March
11, 1721. By virtue of an order from the Governor—the soulderie of
the town of Pomfret on a public*training-day, made choice of a
lieutenant and ensign to fill up the vacancy occasioned by the dismission
of Lieut. Philemon Chandler, who for some years had been “chosen and
served in that office.” Leicester Grosvenor was accordingly chosen
lieutenant ; Nath. Sessions, ensign.
Various minor matters were also considered and settled. A rate of
three pounds was allowed for procuring weights and measures and 2
black staff. A penny ahead was allowed for destroying blackbirds ;
twopence each for squirrels, woodpeckers and blue jays, and twopence
a tail for rattlesnakes,—Nathaniel Sessions, William Williams, Samuel
Gridley and Jehoshaphat Holmes, to receive and keep an account of the
creatures destroyed. A larger number of town officers was now needed
and elected. In December, 1724, the selectmen chosen were Captain
John Sabin, Leicester Grosvenor, Nathaniel Johnson, Ebenezer Sabin
and Nathaniel Sessions. For constable, Ebenezer Truesdell; grand-
juror, Richard Adams ; collectors, Joseph Sessions and Ezekiel Cady ;
listers, Samuel Warner, Abiel Cheney and Samuel Dana; surveyors,
Benjamin Sabin and Samuel Paine. ’
Little is known of church affairs, owing to the entire lack of records.
Mr. Williams retained the affection and respect of his people, and was
greatly esteemed for his learning, wisdom and piety. His congregation
was large, embracing all the inhabitants of the town, and the church
NEW INHABITANTS, IMPROVEMENTS, ETC. 209
probably received many accessions. After the erection of the second
society of Windham, some of the southwest inhabitants of Pomfret
were allowed to unite with it, and a petition was presented, “by our
Christian neighbors in Windham village, for a strip of land in our
township, which was bordering on their precincts, which was so far
answered as y' the town chose two persons to view the same and
report to the town.” The meeting-house still required attention. The
offer of a bell from Mr. Jonathan Belcher in 1719, called out the vote,
“That there should be a bell cony [balcony] built at one end of the meet-
ing-house, and preparations made for the hanging of a bell which Mr.
Jonathan Belcher offers to bestow upon the town.” For some unex-
plained cause the gift was not received, and Pomfret missed the honor
of having the first church bell in Windham County. In 1721, liberty
was granted to Nathaniel Sessions and Ebenezer Grosvenor to build
each, a pew at the east end of the meeting-house. In 1722, the house
was re-seated—the town voting, “That the second seat in the body
of the meeting-house and the fore-seat in the front gallery shall be
judged and esteemed equal in dignity; and that the third seat in the
body and the fore-seat of the side gallery shall be equal; the fourth seat
in the body and the second seat in the front gallery shall be equal ;
and that the governing rule in seating the meeting house shall be, the
first three rates which are made in the town on the last year’s list,
having respect also to age and dignity.” Provision was also made for
the comfort of horses, inhabitants having liberty to build stables near
the meeting-house on the north side of the same. Fines due the
town were ordered, “to be improved to repair the glass of the meeting-
house and any other repair that shall be found necessary,” and a five-
pound rate allowed to defray the expense of repairing and finishing the
seats.
Pomfret, for a time, was so remarkably healthy that, in five years,
the only deaths occurring were those of three infants, so that the
burial-ground by the meeting-house was scarcely made use of. In
1719, the town voted, “That the burying-place be removed to a more
convenient place,” and accepted the gift of two acres of land for this
use and service, bounded north by Wappaquians Brook and east by the
highway, from Deacon Philemon Chandler. The first person interred
in the new ground is believed to have been Joseph Griffin, one. of the
original Mashamoquet proprietors, in 1723. He was followed, in 1725,
by Deacon Benjamin Sabin, an early Woodstock pioneer, and one
of the most useful and respected citizens of Pomfret.
The condition of Pomfret highways was still unsatisfactory. Within
the bounds of the Purchase, they were managed by its proprietors,
without, by the town authorities, and harmony of action was not
27
210 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
always attainable. After much deliberation, it was thought expedient
to resign title and management into the hands of the town. A special
proprietors’ meeting, warned by Justice Leavens of Killingly, in
January, 1726, was held March 6, “ at the school-house near the sign-
post.” Those present were Captain John, Benjamin and Ebenezer
Sabin, John, Leicester and Ebenezer Grosvenor, Philemon and Joseph
Chandler, William Sharpe and Edmond Weld, heirs of John White
and Samuel Dana. Captain John Sabin was chosen moderator ; Samuel
Gridley chosen clerk by the major part of the proprietors and sworn
by Justice Leavens. After considering a method to settle highways
for the good of the ‘town of Pomfret and ein present difficulties,
the proprietors agreed as follows :—
“ J. To give and make over to said town all and singular highways laid out
in Purchase in first and second divisions, said town to hold the same forever,
and proprietors to quit their rights, under the following restrictions.
1. Any of said ways to be changed or altered, selectmen approving.
2. That, notwithstanding ways were laid out at first six rods wide, all shall
be but four hereafter, save from meeting-house to school-house, standing by
meeting-house and south from meeting-house to the corner of Father Coy’s
land, which shall remain six, and upon Wappaquians Brook, for the con-
venience of the burying-place—and the two rods taken from ways shall be
divided among owners, save against Major Fitch’s land, when it shall accrue
to the proprietors and not to Major Fitch.
3. All ways running from east to west shall be four rods wide, save one
or two.”
The highway question being thus settled, all previous divisions of
land were confirmed and established by unanimous vote of the
proprietors.
Mortlake, during this period, made little progress. Houses were
built within the manors, and part of the land brought under cultivation.
Wiltshire was rented to Henry Earle. Five hundred acres in Kings-
wood, with buildings, white servant, four oxen, four cows, two breeding
mares, thirty sheep, harrow, plough, chains and cart, were leased by
Mr. Belcher to Isaiah and Thompson Wood of Canterbury. That Mr.
Belcher made even a summer residence of his farms is extremely doubt-
ful, but he may have occasionally visited them and retained the over-
sight and management of them. The pew built by him in Pomfret
-meeting-house was probably occupied by his tenants. - The bell offered
by him failed, as we have seen, to reach. it. The land purchased by
Saltonstall and Foye was for some years unoccupied. Samuel Williams,
brother of the Rev. Ebenezer, had, like Belcher, a pew spot assigned
him in Pomfret meeting-house, but never became a permanent resident.
His younger brother, William, purchased of Belcher a farm west of
Wiltshire, in 1719, and took immediate possession of it. His family,
with those of Belcher’s tenants, were probably for many years the only
white inhabitants of Mortlake.
In 1714, the vacant land between Pomfret and Canterbury was
#
NEW INHABITANTS, IMPROVEMENTS, ETC. 211
divided between these townships, and thus the land south of Mortlake,
owned by Adams, Chandler and Stoddard came under the jurisdiction
of Pomfret. Richard Adams was chosen selectman in 1715, and, by a
very clear vote, the town made over to him all their right and title to
his land as to property. The settlement of this section was somewhat
quickened by its annexation to Pomfret. Daniel Cady of Killingly,
father of Mrs. Richard Adams, bought six hundred acres of land near
Tatnick Hill, of Jabez Allen, in 1714, and settled there with a large
family of sons and daughters. James Cady of Marlborough, pur-
chased land of Richard Adams in 1716. John, Joseph and Daniel
Adams then took possession of their allotments, and threw part of
them into market. Sixty acres, now included in Brooklyn village, were
sold by Joseph Adams in 1718, to Samuel Spalding. John Adams
sold homesteads to Jabez Spicer and John Hubbard ; Daniel Adams, a
farm to Samuel Shead. The twenty-five hundred acres of land between
the Adams and Stoddard tracts were sold by Captain Chandler for
£190, to Joseph Otis of Scituate, in 1715. Its eastern half was sold
out in farms to the Rev. Ebenezer Williams, Ebenezer Whiting,
Samuel Spalding, Jonathan Cady and Josiah Cleveland, in 1719; the
western half was purchased by Stephen Williams, Joseph Davison and
Joseph Holland, in 1723. The Stoddard tract remained for many years
in the hands of its non-resident owner, save a few hundred acres, sold
in 1719 to Abiel Cheney, Benjamin Chaplin of Lynn, Samuel Gardner
and Samuel Pellet. Chaplin and Pellet also purchased land of Major
Fitch, and were the first settlers of the southwestern corner of Pomfret.
About twenty families had gathered in the south part of Pomfret by
1720. Their position was somewhat peculiar. A distinct, independent
township lay between them and the main settlement, and had to be
traversed by them on their way to public worship, town-meetings and
trainings. The long journey over rough roads, which they had not
the power to mend or alter, was “ exceedingly difficult and next to im-
possible, and children were compelled a great part of the year to tarry
at home on the Lord’s day.” Some of the residents of the south part
of this region maintained church relations in Canterbury, so that the
charge was divided between the Rev. Messrs. Williams and Estabrook,
who visited the people, watched over them, and established a monthly
lecture in the neighborhood, which was continued for some years,
“but the good benefit thus accruing” made the hearers so much the
more anxious to have the word of God dispensed more frequently, and
in May, 1721, the following petition was presented to the Assembly,
from the inhabitants north of Canterbury and south of Pomfret,
showing :—
“That your memorialists are settled upon a tract of land three or four
914 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
him,” but, “as it was not our business,” sent him back to Mortlake.
Complaint was then laid before the Court of New London County,
which committed poor Peter to the care of Jacob Ordway of Mort-
lake—servant or tenant of Belcher—and sent out writs to Norwich
and Pomfret to appear at Court and show why they should not take
care of him.
The case was considered, February 16, 1726, Captain John Sabin
representing Pomfret. Both towns utterly refused to assume the
charge. The Court deferred decision till June, entrusting Peter, mean
while, to the care of Justices Pierce, Backus and Adams, desiring that
he be prevented from doing mischief and not be left in a suffering con-
dition, and if they could not find any one willing to take such care of
him to make use of their authority. Daniel Davison of Mansfield, a
distant relative, was found willing to receive mother and son into his
family. In June the case was again considered. Both towns had
made ample preparations for defence. Pomfret had appointed Captain
Sabin and Lieutenant Leicester Grosvenor to represent her, appro-
priating rates previously granted for schools and meeting-house repairs
to defraying their charges. It was shown that the deceased Peter
Davison had removed from Norwich to Mansfield when his son was
an infant, and there gained a residence, and that he was never in any
sense an inhabitant of Pomtret. The Court was of opinion that neither
Norwich nor Pomfret was bound to support the said idiot, but Mans-
field—and as that town, with Pomfret, was now incorporated into a
new county, they referred the final decision of this troublesome affair
to the Court of Windham County. The sum allowed during this
contest for poor Peter’s support—nine shillings per week for sixteen
weeks—was paid from the Treasury of New London County.
XXXI,
ASHFORD. LAND PURCHASE. SETTLEMENT. TOWN
ORGANIZATION. MINISTER.
HE territory now included in the towns of Ashford and Eastford
formed a part of the Wabbaquasset Country, conveyed to Major
Fitch by Owaneco in 1684. It was a wild forest region, remote from
civilization, but known and traversed from the early settlement of New
England, lying directly in the route from Boston to Connecticut. The
first company of Connecticut colonists encamped, it is said, on the hill
north of thé present Ashford village, and the old Connecticut Path
ASHFORD, SETTLEMENT, ETC. 215
crossed what is now its common, but for three-quarters of a century no
settlement was attempted in this vicinity. The first land laid out
within the present townships was a tract four miles square, now the
south part of Eastford, made over to Simeon Stoddrd of Boston, in
1695, in satisfaction of a judgment of Court. Major Fitch was at the
time greatly embarrassed in business affairs, and his title to the Wab-
baquasset Country questioned; Mr. Stoddard was the resident of
another Colony, and neither gentleman was disposed to undertake the
settlement of this wild region. Under these circumstances, the General
Court of Connecticut assumed the management of its affairs, and thus
enacted :—
‘¢ May 9, 1706. This Court being informed that there is a good tract of land
within this Colony, westward of the town of Woodstock, southward of the
town of Mansfield and adjoining to the great pond called Crystal Pond, that
may be sufficient to make a good and convenient town, which tract of land
this Court, being willing to secure for such good people as shall be willing to
settle thereon, do, therefore, grant a township there, of the extent and bigness
of eight miles square, or equivalent thereunto. And, for that end, do hereby
impower, order and appoint, Maj. John Chester, Capt. Matthew Allen, Capt.
Cyprian Nichols, Capt. John Higley, Mr. John Hooker, Mr. Caleb Stanley and
Kleazer Kimberly, they, or any three of them, to be acommittee to survey and
lay out the said township of the extent and quantity as aforesaid, and to make
return thereof to this Court in October next, for further confirmation; and,
also, to lay out home lots and other divisions of land, and to order and man-
age the affairs of the said town, and to admit and settle all such inhabitants
thereon as are well approved, who shall, upon their admission, pay their
proportionable parts of the charge of surveying and settling the same
according to their respective allotments.”
This act, implying the right of conveyance as well as jurisdiction,
aroused Major Fitch to immediate action, and, before the Court’s com-
mittee had time to carry out their instructions, he had sold out his
share pf the granted township. In 1707, a tract, five miles in length
and three in width, was purchased for £110, by John Cushing, Sam.
Clap and David Jacob of Scituate, and laid out west of the Stoddard
Tract, in the south part of what is now Ashford, under the name of
the New Scituate Plantation. Captain John Chandler soon purchased
a large part of this tract and a strip of land adjacent, and became the
chief proprietor of New Scituate. The whole remaining territory of
ancient Ashford, comprising 21,400 acres of land, was sold by Major
Fitch to James Corbin of Woodstock, in 1708, who conveyed the
same to David Jacob, Job Randall, and twelve others, residents of
Scituate, Hingham and Andover,—Mr. Corbin retaining an equal
share in the land and managing the affairs of the company.
These tracts were surveyed and laid out as rapidly as possible and
efforts made to initiate a settlement in advance of the Government.
No attempt was made to secure confirmation of this land from the
General Court, and the proprietors evidently considered their title very
doubtful. In January, 1710, Captain Chandler, in behalf of himself
216 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
and other proprietors of New Scituate, engaged to give John Mixer of
Canterbury, for four pounds, a good deed of one hundred acres of
land; “ but'in case it should happen that the right or claim of said
company to said land should appear to be of no force or value,” the
money to be returned to him. Mr. Mixer selected his land “at a
place called Mount Hope, lying on the river,” on the site of the present
village of Warrenville, and there began the settlement of Ashford.
The Connecticut road passed by or near his residence. In the follow-
ing April, James Corbin sold three hundred and fifty acres of land,
“north of Stoddard land, on both sides Still River,” to John Perry of
Marlborough, who soon settled upon it, near the site of the present
Eastford village.
The General Court, finding that settlement had already commenced
while nothing had been done by the appointed committee in laying
out the township, in May, 1710, ordered, appointed and fully em-
powered Allen, Stanley and Higley, together with Captain Richard
Bushnell and Mr. Thomas Williams, to perform this service, and, in
October, further enacted :—
‘‘That, for the better enabling the said committee the more easily to do
and perform that work, this Assembly doth give and grant unto them, or
any three of them as aforesaid, full power as they shall see good, to order
and appoint any one of themselves, or any surveyors of Jands, to survey and
lay out home-lots, or other divisions of land in the said town, for such persons
as shall by them be admitted inhabitants there; and also to order and
appoint any one of themselves to be a clerk or register for the said town, for
the term of four years next ensuing, who shall provide a book for records,
and therein enter and record all such divisions and surveys of land which they
shall make, or cause to be made, within the said town as aforesaid; also, to
administer to such clerk by them to be appointed, the town-clerk oath
provided by law. And this Assembly do order and enact, that the said town
shall be called and known by the name of Ashford, and that the cost and
charge of the said work shall be borne and paid by such persons as the said
committee shall receive and admit to be inhabitants within the said town.”
The committee thus empowered took possession of the township
and endeavored to lay it out in the-name of the Colony, but met with
many obstructions. The region was rough, rocky and unattractive, a
great portion of it still covered with dense forest, the large number
of ash trees suggesting the name of the township. These forests
abounded in wolves, bears and various species of game, and were a
favorite hunting-ground of the rematning Wabbequassets, furnishing
large quantities of furs for James Corbin’s fur trade, and perhaps led to
his land purchase. Two families, five miles apart, were the only white
inhabitants. For the possession of this land, a fierce contest was now
pending between the Government of Connecticut and the various
purchasers and greatly impeding settlement. Settlers were loth to
buy of the Colony in the face of the claimants, and equally reluctant
to buy of the claimants without confirmation from Government. In
ASHFORD, SETTLEMENT, ETO. 217
May, 1711, both parties appealed to the Assembly; Chandler and
Corbin for confirmation of their purchases and liberty to settle; the
@ . . . ye . ‘
committee, to represent their inability to carry out their instructions
under existing obstructions. The Assembly, thereupon, desired his
Honor, the Governor, with advice of the appointed committee, “to.
take the town of Ashford into his care, appoint and instruct suitable
persons to treat with the claimers, to adjust and compound with such
as have any differences or claims, so far as consistent with the honor
and interest of the Government and the right of particular persons,
that so the settlement may proceed and be advanced and p&moted.”
Without waiting this legal adjustment, the claimants hurried on
settlement—Philip Eastman of Woodstock, John Pitts, Benjamin Allen,
Benjamin Russel and William Ward of Marlborough, buying farms of
James Corbin, and settling north of the Stoddard Tract, on Still River,
in the summer of 1711. Houses were built, land broken up anda
highway laid out by these settlers. In May, 1712, James Corbin
renewed his efforts for confirmation, in the name of about twenty
proprietors of three-fourths of Ashford, showing :— .
“That, whereas, by advice of several principal men of ye Colony, they did
purchase of Majer Fitch the native right, with design to make a speedy settle-
ment—the Gen. Court having before granted it to be a town,—and having
paid considerable sums for the same, and some persons entered upon it,
and, whereas, the Colony has ordered a committee to lay out and settle the
same lands, which, if they be settled by others and not the proprietors, will
be the ruin of said proprietors; therefore, the said proprietors do pray the
Court for the jurisdiction right to be added unto their native right, on condition
of settling a certain number of inhabitants of such good manners and quality
as shall be approved; also, said proprietors shall, at their own charge, lay out
the town plot and other divisions in due form, which will be more advantage-
ous to the Colony than to lie waste, or be settled by such as will offer, and
thus the gospel may be there propagated and maintained for the use of those
already come and to come hereafter.”
In response to this petition, and in behalf of the committee, ob-
structed in their proceedings by the claims of sundry persons, the
Court ordered, ‘‘ That any person claiming right to land in Ashford
should appear at the Gen. Court in the following October, and there
set forth their pretended claims.” Whether this injunction was heeded
is not apparent, but certainly no right of jurisdiction was obtained.
The right of Major Fitch to this land was now openly denied, and
whether the claimants would succeed even in holding it was extremely
doubtful. Presuming on possession, however, they continued to make
sales and expedite settlement. William Price, Sen. and Jun., David
Bishop, Nathaniel Walker, John Chubb and John Ross bought land
of Corbin, and joined the eastern settlement. Daniel, James and
Nath. Fuller of Windham, Josiah Bugbee of Woodstock, Samuel Rice
and Philip Squier of Concord, purchased farms in New Scituate of
Captain Chandler. The Court’s committee also laid out some land in
28
218 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
spite of obstructions, and sold homesteads to Isaac Kendall, William
Chapman, dsaac Farrar and Simon Burton, who were styled “ inter-
lopers” by the claimants. So many inhabitants had settled within the
township, that in October, 1714, with the advice and concurrence of
the claimants, they petitioned for further town privileges and liberty
to organize government. The Genera] Court after considering their
prayer, granted :—
“1, That the inhabitants of the said town, that now are settled there or
hereafter nay be, shall have liberty to meet and choose a clerk and selectmen,
with other officers for carrying on the prudential affairs of the place, _and for
settling and maintaining, a minister, and building a meeting-house as in other
towns.
2. That the inhabitants of the said town shall forthwith, at their own charge,
procure the surveyor of the county of Hartford to lay out the bounds of the
ae town to the quantity of eight miles square, according to the grant of this
ourt.
3. That all persons that have any right to any land in Ashford at this present
time, shall pay towards the building of a meeting-house, minister’s house, and
Settling of a minister there, the sum of twenty shillings for every hundred
acres of land they claim within the said town, and so proportionably for
greater or lesser quantities, to be levied by a rate made by the selectmen of
-the said town within one year and a half from the date of this act, collected
by the constable of the said town and paid to the committee hereafter in this
act appointed, or such person or persons as they shall appoint to receive the
same; which committee shall determine the place of the said meeting-house
in the most convenient place of the said town, and take care that the money
so raised shall be improved to the use hereby appointed, with all the speed that
may be; and in default of payment of the said rate by any person or persons,
execution shall go upon the lands of such person or persons within the said
town, if no other estate belonging to them be found within the precincts
of the said town, sufficient for the payment thereof.
4. That each claimer of land in the said town of Ashford, as aforesaid, do,
within one year after the date of this act, make an entry of the deeds, instru-
ments or records of any sort, by which they claim the same, in a book to be
provided by the said town for that purpose, and kept by the clerk of the said
town, in order the better to show each person’s just proportion of the tax upon
lands by virtue of this act raised, and for the better enabling the said commit-
tee to execute the trust reposed in them by this act.
5. That all the lands within the said town not claimed and entered as afore-
said, (except such as are claimed by a grant or quit-claim from the Govern-
ment) be and remain at the disposition of the Government, to be given in
suitable portions by the said committee, to such persons as within two years
and an half from the date hereof shall go and settle themselves by building
thereon.
6. That what shall be further necessary for the above mentioned pious uses
shall be levied upon the heads and ratable estate of all inhabitants that are or
shall be within the said town, within the time aforesaid of two years and an
half, to be levied and collected as in other towns, and paid to the committee as
aforesaid, or such person or persons as they shall appoint to receive the same,
to be improved by them to the said uses, with all convenient speed.
7. That William Pitkin and Joseph Talcott, Esqrs. and Captain Aaron
Cook and Mr. Edward Bulkly, or any three of them, be a committee of this
Government, to take care of the affairs committed to them by this act; who
shall be paid for the service they do therein either out of the said tax, or as
the committee and the said town and the inhabitants thereof shall agree
otherwise.
8. That the brand for the horses of the said town shall be the figure 3.”
At the same date a quit-claim to 10,240 acres of land in Ashford,
bounded four miles east by Pomfret and otherwise by waste land, was
ASHFORD, SETTLEMENT, ETO. 219
granted by the Assembly to Simeon Stoddard and heirs, of Boston.
The other non-resident claimants—Chandler, Corbin, Cushing and
Company—complied as soon as possible with the requisitions of the
General Court, inscribing in the book of records speedily procured by
the town their various deeds of purchase from Major Fitch, and signi-
fying their willingness to pay the prescribed tax for settling public
worship, hoping thereby to be confirmed in: peaceable possession of
their claims.
Town organization was effected as soon as possible under the circum-
stances. The inhabitants were few and feeble, dependent solely on
their own exertions and resources, and communication between the two
settlements very difficult. The first town-meeting was held early in
1715. William Ward acted as moderator, John Mixer was chosen town
clerk and treasurer; John Perry, constable; William Ward and John
Perry were elected selectmen ; William Ward also served as first grand-
jury-man; John Chapman as second. William Ward, Philip Eastman,
Nathaniel Fuller, John Pitt, Benjamin Russel, James Corbin and Isaac
Kendall were chosen to state and lay out highways. A book for
recording town acts was given to the town by James Corbin. Nothing
was done this year but to lay out land and highways. February,
1716, it was voted, “That the meeting-house be built first—that is,
before the minister’s house.” That it should be forty feet long; thirty-
five broad, and eighteen, high. That Nathaniel Abbot (a young
settler, who with his brother William had just arrived from Andover),
should be master carpenter to cut and hew timber for three shillings
a day and diet; men assisting to have two shillings a day and oxen,
one— William Ward to oversee the work.
March 13, the town voted, “To go on with the meeting-house, hew
timber and get it ready to raise. That men who worked on the frame
should have two and nine-pence a day; William Abbot three shillings
and his diet, and that four and six-pence a week should be given to
William Ward, to diet said Abbot while at work on the frame. Also,
that William Ward, Sen. should go and try to get a minister to preach
in Ashford a quarter of a year.” Mr. Ward very soon went out on this
mission and was so fortunate as to secure a minister who remained a
quarter of a century. Mr. James Hale of Swanzea, a graduate of
Harvard in 1703, is believed to have returned with Mr. Ward, and at
once established regular religious services and assumed the pastoral
charge of the people. April 7, the town voted, “That it was willing
to build a house for the minister.” John Mixer was directed to keep
the minister, and Nathaniel and Daniel Fuller to agree how much to
give him for it. July 9, it was agreed, “That James Hale be offered
thirty-five pounds for one year and if that don’t content him, offer
eae
220 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
forty pounds; one-third money, two-thirds provision pay.” William
Ward, John Perry and John Mixer, committee. In November, a
formal call to settlement was given, the town offering Mr. Hale, “ forty:
pounds a year for three years; forty-five pounds the fourth year; fifty
the fifth ; then to add two pounds a year till it reached sixty pounds;
one-fourth in money ; the remainder in other supplies at money price—
the ten years to begin at the time that Mr. Hale brought his family to
live. Also to give him his fire wood and a hundred acres of land, upon
choice of land that is not taken up, in case he settle here—Benjamin
Russel and John Mixer to be the men to oversee getting the fire wood.
Also, to build him a house two stories high with a twenty-foot room
in it.”
XXXII, -
LAND CONTROVERSIES. ATTEMPTED SETTLEMENT. CHURCH
FORMED.
HE building minister's and meeting-house and other public im-
provements were delayed by a renewal of the land controversy.
The town authorities found it difficult to effect needful improvements,
while so much of its territory was in the hands of non-residents. No
highways could be laid out, no land obtained for public uses. without
the consent or payment of these owners, and finding that their title
was considered very doubtful by the Government of Connecticut, the
town determined to procure its abrogation and secure itself the owner-
ship of the land as well as its jurisdiction. The first step taken, March
18, 1716, was in appointing Daniel Fuller and Philip Eastman to assist
the selectmen in taking care that no person be allowed to come and
survey land and settle upon it without leave from said committee. In
May, John Mixer was chosen “to be the man to go to the Gen.
Court in behalf of said town, as to settlement of a town,” who May 10,
1716, represented to that body :—
“« That whereas Ashford has long labored under great difficulties still grow-
ing and increasing by reason that the lands or the greatest part of them are still
unsettled, which with the numerous claims of sundry persons to the property
of said lands is very discouraging and disheartening to the inhabitants, and is
likely to prove of very fata] consequence to the welfare of said town and its
increase and population; and your petitioners can’t find that the said pretended
claimers had any real right, and pray that the Assembly would so order the
settlement of this poor plantation that the inhabitants may be encouraged and
the Assembly give the Colony right of land not yet granted by them, to
such persons as are thought meet.”
To this petition the subjoined response was at once given by
Chandler and Corbin.
“That they were sorry for Ashford’s difficulty in being unsettled and
claimed by men of Ashford in part and are much afflicted, also, that any body
LAND CONTROVERSIES. CHURCH FORMED. 991
claims or desires any land besides themselves, nor can they find that any body
besides themselves have any real right in said town, and upon the premises—
join themselves with Ashford and refer themselves to y* great wisdom of ye
Court. And though we cannot join with Ashford in desiring the act of 1706,
to be revived, which on good consideration has been since superceded by a
general settlement with great care and cost made by a consent of this Court,
and at great cost of the claimers complied with, yet in the rest of the petition,
understood as every honest man will understand it, we heartily comply with
it, which is, that the land claimed may be confirmed to such individuals as have
ee it for valuable consideration and complied with the late settlement of
the Court.”
About twenty persons, they averred, were already settled by the
claimers, and five more would have actually been there had not Kendall
and William Chapman been their hindrances. James Corbin carried on
a lot for his son, and had built and made considerable improvements.
The General Court was by no means satisfied with the position of
affairs, and would gladly have ousted the several claimants from their
possessions in Ashford, but as they had promptly complied with the
terms of settlement, could not consistently enact their immediate
ejection. An act, “giving the land to the inhabitants,” was, however,
passed in the Lower House, but lost in the Upper. John Mixer,
“defeated of audience,” appealed again to the Assembly, May 26, and
begged it “to consider their lamentable condition and great discour-
agement to any to come, and moveth well-disposed men to remove, and
pray your opinion whether the payment of a tax of twenty shillings
shall make a title to all that attend it of what quantity soever they
claim and enter, and pray that your Honors would order a committee
of judicious, indifferent men to come to our town.” This request was
also denied, and Mr. Mixer returned to Ashtord defeated in all the
objects of his mission.
This defeat did not prevent further agitation. A majority of the
inhabitants were more firmly resolved to attain possession of at least a
part of their territory. A large minority, who had purchased land of
Chandler or Corbin, earnestly opposed them. At the town-meeting in
October, John Mixer was again chosen “to go to the General
Assembly for a Pattern for thé town of Ashford.” From this vote
dissented John Pitts, William Price, 2d, James Corbin, Joseph. Bass,
Benjamin Allen, Thomas Corbin, Nehemiah Watkins, David Bishop,
William Watkins, Joseph Chubb, Benjamin Russel, Samuel Rice, Nath.
Fuller, Nath. Abbot, Joseph Wilson and Philip Eastman. At the
town-meeting, December 31, great confusion prevailed. Uncertainty
existed as to who were lawful voters. Non-resident land-holders
claimed the right of voting, and so sharp was the dispute that a part
of the inhabitants withdrew, with one of the selectmen, and acted by
themselves. The standing party, with two selectmen, carried on the
regular meeting. Willam Ward, Sen., was chosen moderator, John
222 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Mixer, town-clerk and first selectman; William Ward, second select-
man; Daniel Fuller, third; Isaac Magoon, surveyor. “ And, here,”
says the record, “is the work which the other party and the one
selectman did: Nathaniel Fuller was chosen first selectman; John
Perry, the second; Philip Eastman, the third; Benjamin Russel, con-
stable; Nathaniel Abbot, surveyor for the east of Ashford; Isaac
Kendall, for the west ; Philip Eastman, grand juror for the east ; John
Mixer, for the west ; John Perry, brander for the east ; Daniel Fuller,
for the west.” At this point in the proceedings, an agreement was
effected, and all the selectmen chosen by each party were allowed to
stand, and a proposal mode to choose one more to make up the favored
number, seven, but this amendment was not formally carried, although
the conscientious chronicler asserts, “that John Pitts was chosen
selectman by a great deal bigger vote in the firmative than the nega-
tive was,” but failing to catch the precise form of expression he did
not venture to record it, “as some said y® word of y* vote was, Y' Pitts
should be seventh selectman ; some, That John Pitts should be added
to the other six; and some, That John Pitts should be added to the
rest.” Two hundred acres of land were then granted by the town to
John Mixer for his going to the General Court for the town, “he to
go this time and acquit the town of all charge.” Thomas Corbin,
Thomas Tiffany, Obadiah Abbe and other non-residents, dissented from
this vote and all the proceedings of this meeting.
It does not appear that the town asked or received a patent, or any
further order or permission from the General Assembly, but, neverthe-
less, its officers proceeded to assume jurisdiction of the whole territory,
without any regard to the authority and ownership of the claimants.
The land was first surveyed by Colonel William Allen, and paid for by
the inhabitants. A half-mile strip, at the northern extremity of the
town, accruing to it by the adjustment of the Massachusetts Boundary
Line, was ordered, “To be laid out in farms to the inhabitants y' paid
for the laying out y® township of Ashford—William Ward and Nath.
Fuller to lay it out.” Seventy-five acres of land were added to Mr.
Hale’s lot and the privilege of taking twenty-five more, where it suits
him. Grants were allowed several other persons, “to be laid out where
it suits them, except on Pine or Meeting-house Hill or on other persons’
property.” August 23, 1717, William Ward was directed to inquire
into the titles of land and also to lay the circumstances before the
committee, and a committee was also appointed to draw up a memorial
to lay before the General Court. As several of the inhabitants opposed
these proceedings of the town, lest it should invalidate their titles
secured from Corbin or Chandler and compel them to pay twice for
their homesteads, it was granted to them, “That all lands bought of
LAND CONTROVERSIES. CHURCH FORMED. 293
the claimants, that they had had laid out, should be free to them,
beside the equal share in all the undivided land.” January 11, 1718,
it was further voted, “That the town doth grant all those lands that
have been already granted to be free and clear according to the most
free tenure of East Greenwich, in county of King, in the Realm of
England—provided these persons give sufficient bonds, with sureties,
to John Perry and Philip Eastman, who are appointed to furnish the
committee with money to build the meeting-house.” The lands not
previously laid out they proceeded to divide among the inhabitants :—
‘© March 5, 1718, voted, To lay out two hundred acres of land to a
proprietor, beginning at the west end of the town and to extend east till each
have two hundred acres—excluding the north half-mile, which belongs to a
particular number of themselves—not intruding on any farm laid out by the
town’s order. It must be considered that each farm is to be laid out in
regular form, and not to extend east further than the centre line north and
south. At the said meeting, the proprietors agree to draw for a choice, and
after they have laid out one hundred acres to each, then the last one to begin,
and so on.”
The following forty-five persons gave bonds, drew lots and were
admitted proprietors of Ashford :—
John Follet. Nathaniel Walker. John Chapman.
Caleb Jackson. John Mixer. . Jobn Follet, 2d.
James Fuller. Isaac Magoon. Philip Eastman.
Joshua Kendall. Nehemiah Watkins. -Jacob Ward.
Nathaniel Abbot. Philip Squier. Daniel Fuller.
Joshua Beckman. E. Orcutt. Widow Dimick.
Isaac Farrar. Nathaniel Fuller. Jeremiah Allen.
Nath. Gary. Jacob Parker. William Farnum.
Thomas Corbin. William Price. William Watkins.
Peter Aldrich. Obadiah Abbe. Thomas Tiffany, 2d.
Williain Ward, Sen. Josiah Bugbee. James Tiffany.
Thomas Tiffany. Benjamin Miller. Joseph Cook.
William Ward, Jun. William Fisk. Matthew Fuller.
Joseph Ross. John Pitts. Isaac Kendall.
John Perry. William Price, 2d. Antony Goffe.
A small number of these proprietors were residents of Windham
and Pomfret, the remainder were then residents of Ashford. In this
assumption and division of territory, the town, though acting solely in
its own name and authority, undoubtedly received the sanction of the
committee appointed to advise and assist them.
While the land settlement was in progress, other public improve-
ments were initiated. With land at command, minister's and meeting-
house were attainable. December 31, 1716, it was voted, “That the
town will forthwith go to work to build Mr. Hale’s house, cut the
timber and draw and hew it.” Its “great room,” when completed,
probably was used for the place of public worship till the meeting-
house was ready. Forty shillings in money was next allowed for
building a pound, and five shillings more for lock, staples and
fastenings. November 15, 1717, voted, “That the town will raise
money, some way or other, to build the meeting-house.” The way
224 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
devised was by a tax on each admitted proprietor—the town refusing
to appropriate the money paid over for that purpose by the claimants.”
January 1, 1718, voted, “That the meeting-house be set upon the Pine
Hill, and that the town will go about building it forthwith.” This site
was in the northern part of New Scituate, near the centre of the town,
and is still occupied by the Congregational church of Ashford. April
21, the town agreed, “To raise the meeting-house with their own
strength, and for every man to provide for himself at the raising—five
shillings fine to be laid upon each man that neglects to assist in raising
the same, upon three days’ warning given by Carpenter Abbot.” The
committee with the two carpenters, were directed, “to pitch the most
convenient place to set the meeting-house adjoining or near the place
the committee appointed.” The house was promptly raised and’
covered, and made ready for occupation in the autumn. Mr. Hale was
allowed the first choice of the room left for pews for a pew for Mrs.
Hale and his family. In October, it was voted, “To ordain Mr. Hale
as pastor over the church and the minister of this town some time this
fall.” Upon application made to the Assembly by John Mixer, in
behalf of the town of Ashford, leave was granted, to gather a church
and ordain an orthodox minister amongst them, and on November 26,
1718, says the record, “set down by one James Hale” :—
‘¢ We were formed a church in this town of Ashford, a number of us, and
I was ordained to the pastoral office by the imposition of ye hands of the Rev.
Josiah Dwight, Mr. Samuel Whiting and Joseph Meachem of Coventry. The
covenant was signed before the reverand elders and worthy messengers at
the house of Mr. Hale, before the ordination services, by the brethren
coalescing in church state, i.e. James Hale, John Mixer, William Ward,
Joseph Green, Isaac Magoon, Matthew Thompson, William Chapman, Benja-
min Russel, Daniel Fuller, Isaac Kendall, John Pitts, Nathaniel Fuller and
John Perry. Nath. Fuller ye same day was baptized by Mr. Whiting.”
A church meeting was held, December 9, at which “several sisters
were received in the Lord—as becometh saints,”—by letters from other
churches, 7. e. Sarah Hale, Abigail Mixer, Judith Ward, Mary Fuller,
Mary Russel, Elizabeth Squier, Mary Fuller, Mrs. William Chapman
and the Widow Dimick.” December 21, Elinor Kendall and Sarah
Bugbee were also received. John Mixer and Isaac Kendall were
chosen at first “to serve y® Lord’s table in order to be proved for the
deacon’s office,” but the church apparently concluded that one deacon
would be sufficient; Isaac Kendall “resigned up his interest in
y° vote, and the vote was confirmed for our loving brother Mixer as
serving on probation for the office of deacon.”
That the several claimants of Ashford land should resign their pur-
chases without a struggle was not to be expected, and before the church
was organized, Messrs. Chandler and Cushing, in behalf of themselves
LAND CONTROVERSY. CHURCH FORMED. 925
and others, had appealed to the General Assembly, May 8, 1718,
showing :—
“1. That they have bought land in 1707, of Major Fitch, and had settled
several families there, a very worthy minister of the gospel was settled there
and a meeting-house building, that they had recorded deeds of purchase in
1714, paid £96 for taxes for pious uses, and now prayed for confirmation and
patent.
2. That in Sept., 1707, they came to address the Court for one, but were
discouraged by particular gentlemen, and thenceforward expected their only
remedy in Major Fitch, and afterwards, in 1712 or ’13, were cited before the
Court, and concluded to record their deeds. Things so standing, a number of
persons that we had brought onto the place and three or four that had
intruded, denied our claims and disturbed the peaceable settlement, and,
therefore, we ask confirmation; think there is no need of citing the inhabit-
ants, which would but raise a popular clamor against us,. and pray for a
committee of wise, faithful and judicious persons.”
No immediate answer was granted to this petition. In the following
May, the inhabitants of Ashford, conscious that their “free manner of
settling” lacked the direct authority of the Government, thus told
their story :—
“¢ May 14, 1719. It becomes us to be thankful to Almighty God for his good-
ness in granting us the gospel, and to acknowledge the favor of this Gen.
Court in setting us at first in a way so that we might have a minister, and
more lately of giving us liberty to gather a church among us; upon which we
have achurch gathered and minister ordained, and return hearty thanks to
the Hon. Court for this favor. We have the enjoyment of the gospel to our
great satisfaction, particularly through the religious Constitution of the
Colony, even as to the manner and measure of enjoying; notwithstanding, we
are like the Children of Israel in the wilderness as to earthly possessions, and
we hope it may be reckoned not alien from a Christian spirit that we desire
to be settled, as Israel was at last, in good outward circumstances, and how-
soever we may plead for the free manner of settling our town from the
unexceptionable just way, used in the first time of New England—yet we need
go no higher than our first grant, if we may be settled according to the true
and just and righteous intent thereof, which we earnestly desire. We think
we do well to choose such a free state of settling as the providence of God
allows us at one time and another, rather than to shut the door of our own
liberties against the same, and therefore we hope it may be well taken by the
Court that our meeting-house has been built by money received from lands,
without making use of the claimers’ money, and, whereas, we have had our
town more perfectly surveyed by Col. Matthew Allen, we desire the whole of
the contents he hath surveyed to us may be confirmed and a, patent also for all
said lands—(except Mr. Stoddard’s)—given to us; had rather give a reasona-
ble sum of money to the Treasury—e. g., 100 pounds, and fifty more within
one year and a half—than to part witb our lands.”
The General Court having heard and considered the memorials of
both parties, decided that the time had come for a final settlement of
the affairs of the town, and appointed a committee to repair to Ash-
ford, view the land and determine the matter in dispute, with liberty of
appeal to the following session of the Court if in anything it should
appear that the committee dealt too hardly either with the claimants
or inhabitants.
29
226 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
XXXII.
LAND SETTLEMENTS. VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS. UNHAPPY
ACCIDENT.
Le committee appointed by the General Court—James Wads-
worth, Esq., Mr. John Hooker, Captain John Hall and Mr.
Hezekiah Brainerd—met in Ashford, September 9, 1719. It was a
meeting of great interest and importance to both claimants and
inhabitants, involving the title to large landed estates and the home-
steads of nearly forty families. Many prominent gentlemen were
present—Captain Chandler, Captain Cushing and James Corbin, in
behalf of themselves and their partners ; Captain John Fitch of Wind-
ham, and Captain Thomas Huntington of Mansfield, in behalf of their
respective townships. John Mixer, William Ward, John Perry, Philip
Eastman and Nathaniel Fuller appeared as agents for the town of
Ashford. The little settlement was all aglow with interest and
excitement.
The first two days of the session were given to examining the claims
.of Captains Fitch and Huntington, who insisted that Ashford had
encroached upon the territory conveyed by Joshua’s Will to Windham
and Mansfield. Friday, 11, the committee dismissed the whole matter
in question, on the ground :—
“1. That the claim was directly against other claimants, and doubted, there-
fore, if it was properly in order.
2. That when Windham—then including Mansfield—took out their patent,
they did not claim that now claimed, but rather chose land on the other
side.
3. That she had complied with the Court’s act, injoining all persons having
rights of land to pay twenty shillings per hundred acres for the support of the
ministry.”
The committee next proceeded to hear the several pleas of the
Ashford settlers, who had bought or taken up land in either New
Scituate or Corbin’s tract, but were interrupted in their investigations
by propositions to compromise. Messrs. Chandler, Cushing and Clapp,
as agents for the New Scituate claimants, tendered unto the inhabitants
the following terms, viz. :—
‘“« That all the persons entered in the list of proprietors should hold their
land in such quantity and allotments as already laid out, providing :—
1. That all and every of said persons should within one year from date pay
unto said claimants or their order in the town of Woodstock, three pounds pr
hundred, for each and every hundred acres taken up or sold as aforesaid in
said Scituate upon the forfeiture and losing all right to any such land, only it
is to be understood that what sales had been before made by said claimers
should be sufficient for such persons so purchasing of the claimants to pay
such sums agreed upon to be the consideration of such purchase and no more
for such lands, and shall not be obliged to pay said three pounds per hundred
“LAND SETTLEMENTS. VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS. 997
acres or any part thereof, and all such bargains being made duly evident by
said claimants, all persons having not yet paid the consideration agreed upon,
shall within one year pay the same as aforementioned in Woodstock—and in
default thereof, the claimers shall enter upon and hold said lands.
2. That the Reverend James Hale shall have and hold to himself and his
heirs that two hundred acres already laid out to him upon which he has built,
being in New Scituate.
8. That there be a parcel of land to contain sixty acres laid out as near the
meeting-house in said Scituate as may be and sequestered for the support of
the gospel ministry in said Ashford, forever.
4: That there shall be ten acres of land where the meeting-house now stands
for the conveniency of a green or common, all which land for minister, ministry
and common, is not to be accounted any part of the land to be paid for by the
settlers.
5. That all necessary highways shall be Jaid out. These terms were offered
upon condition, That the claimants should have, hold and enjoy all the land in
New Scituate not above tendered and disposed of to particular persons, and,
That the tax paid by them for setting up and supporting the ministry should
be returned to them as soon as convenient.”
Messrs. Mixer, Ward, Perry, and other members of the committee
agreed to these terms on behalf of Ashford, and prayed the Court’s
committee to ratify the agreement. The committee gladly acquiesced
in this amicable arrangement and agreed :—
“That all that had taken land in New Scituate should hold it .on
the proposed terms, and ratified and confirmed unto the claimants of that
disputed plantation every part and parcel of land not above ratified and con-
firmed, and agreed that the tax money should be returned, if desired, by the
General Assembly.”
Of the ninety-six hundred acres comprised in this tract, 5,726 had °
already been appropriated by the inhabitants, and after deducting the
reserves for minister, ministry and common, 3,374 acres remained to
the claimants, out of which all necessary highways were to be allowed
without the charge of purchase by the town, and laid out within a year.
As the present inhabitants, in the opinion of the committee, amounted
to the full quota that ought to be settled in New Scituate, the claimants
were discharged from further settlement except at discretion.
“Monday, September 14, the committee proceeded to hear the claims
of James Corbin and partners, with the reply of Ashford committee—
and found that Corbin and partners had already sold a considerable part
of their claim, a part of which was settled and other ‘parts likely to be, to
the advantage of the town, and therefore confirmed the land unto per-
sons holding under Corbin, i. e., to Philip Eastman, William Price,
William Ward, Caleb Jackson, Nathaniel Walker, John Perry,
William Chapman, Benjamin Allen, Benjamin’ Russel, Joseph Chubb,
James Ross, John Pitts, Thomas Jennings, James and Nathaniel
Fuller, Philip Squier and Nathaniel Abbot; also to James Corbin four
hundred acres at Bungee Brook ; three hundred to Benjamin Russel at
Eel-pot Brook together with farms to Isaac Farrar, Simon Burton and
Samuel Rice,—amounting in all to 10,770 acres.” Six thousand acres
were still unappropriated, of which twenty-five hundred were confirmed
228 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
to Corbin and partners—to be taken up within a year in twenty, or
fewer, pieces—and the remainder of the land to be sequestered for
highways and a perpetual commonage for the free and common use of
the inhabitants. Ministry tax to be returned to claimants; further
settlement of land left at their own discretion. °
With regard to three hundred and twenty acres of land at the north of
New Scituate in dispute between Chandler and Corbin, already taken
up by the town as the site of their meeting-house and minister’s house,
as there was great necessity that it should be continued to the settlers
and the lines were not marked out and yet uncertain—the committee
confirmed the same to the town on condition of paying for it, five
pounds per hundred acres, in default of such payment being forfeited
to claimants. Inhabitants to run the lines within two months, Captain
John Chandler assisting with his instruments—settlers obliged to show
their bounds to claimants.
The report of the committee was presented to the General Court,
October 20, 1719, accepted and confirmed. Philip Eastman was
the man appointed by the.town “to see after settlement of line,” and
obtain confirmation of the agreement, and the selectmen empowered
“to procure a copy of what the committee did.” February, 1720,
William Ward and Isaac Farrar were chosen to assist Captain Chandler
in running the lines of New Scituate, and the three hundred and twenty
acres. William Ward, John Mixer and John Perry were allowed by
town-act, “ three shillings a day for tending on the Court's committee,”
but afterwards agreed to take five shillings each, for their services
on that occasion. Nathaniel Fuller and Philip Eastman were each
allowed two pounds, two shillings, “for tending seven days on the
, above committee.” May 20, the town voted, That the man that goes
to Court shall see what the General Assembly will do concerning
making and establishing the west line of the town. William Ward
was then chosen to go to Court, and John Mixer “to draw up the
minds of the town to send with Mr. Ward.” By persistent efforts the
various lines were established and Ashford claims and contests har-
moniously and equitably settled. Chandler and Corbin received pay-
ment for previous sales and confirmation of a goodly number of acres
remaining ; the settlers retained their lands on moderate terms, and the
town received a sufficiency for all public uses.
The Stoddard Tract was undisturbed by all these controversies.
The Assembly had early confirmed this land to Mr. Stoddard and the
town allowed his claim and quietly received his taxes. In 1716, Mr.
Anthony Stoddard conveyed this Ashford land to his sons, Anthony,
David and William, on condition that they gave him sixty pounds in
money, the first day of June, every year at his home in Boston. The
LAND SETTLEMENTS. VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS. 229
first settler of this tract was John Chapman, who took what was deli-
cately called, “irregular possession” in 1714, but was numbered among
the regular inhabitants of the town. _ William Chapman, Benj. Wilson
and John Perry bought Stoddard land in 1718. Captain John
Chandler bought the strip lying west of the Nachaug, and sold it out
to settlers. The remainder of this land was long left vacant and
unimproved, its owners paying their rates duly arid manifesting an
interest in the affairs of the town. A book for records was given to
the town by Mr. Stoddard in 1719, and brought up from Boston by
Philip Squier, who was allowed four shillings for the cost and trouble.
The land question being settled, other public matters claimed atten-
tion. Ashford at thie date contained about forty families, about
equally divided between its eastern and western sections. A good
minister had been settled and a house built for him; a church organ-
ized and meeting-house framed and covered, but little else had been
accomplished. A large part of the territory was still a savage wilder-
ness. Wolves abounded in the remote sections, and rewards were
frequently paid for their destruction. Schools were yet lacking,
pounds infrequent, roads defective, streams unbridged. The old
Connecticut Path, winding around through Woodstock with a branch
crossing Pomfret, was the only thoroughfare of travel. No ways were
as yet apparently laid out by the settlers. The state of society in
Ashford was rude and even barbarous. The claimants had been
anxious to settle their lands as rapidly as possible and accommodated
all purchasers without regard to character, and though there were
many good citizens among them, there was also a lawless and turbulent
element. Its mode of settlement had also given rise to sectional
jealousies. East and west, Corbin and Chandler settlers had conflict-
ing interests. So distinet were the settlements that east and west
town officers were found needful. John Mixer, Nathaniel Fuller and
William Ward were the leading men‘in the west section ; John Perry
and Philip Eastman in the east. The first tavern-keeper chosen by
town vote was John Mixer.
The ministry of Mr. Hale was very acceptable to all parties
and many soon united with the church or owned the covenant. In
1719, the church voted, “ That we will receive baptized persons under
the watch and care of the church that can not come up to give a
reason of the hope that they are converted.” The discipline of the
church was very strictly maintained and many brothers and sisters were
cited for unneighborly acts and trifling misdemeanors, and forced to
make public acknowledgments or be suspended from full or “ half-way
privileges.” In November, 1720, the church voted, “To try to choose
a deacon that might be together with Deacon Mixer,” but the major
232 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Mr. Hale wrote to the Governor, “That it-was a pity the poor man
should lie in jail all winter. There was something of anger on his
part but no prejudice or malice.” A very touching account of Wilson's
last hours was given by William Ward, who “heard Aplin put it to
Wilson about laying anything to his charge and forgiving him, and he
held up his hand.” Captain John Fitch of Windham, interested him-
self much in the young prisoner and forwarded the following letter to
Governor Pitkin :— .
“ASHFORD, January 4, 1721.
May it please your Worship—There being liberty granted by the worship-
fal Captain Fitch for any to write to your worship on ye behalf of our
sorrowful friend John Aplin that which might plead or encourage the taking
bail for him that he might not go to prison there to abide this winter and cold
season, we the subscribers do humbly write to your Worship now on this said
Aplin’s behalf, testifying for him that whereas we have known him from
childhood and the more from his dwelling some time with us in our families
both formerly and also since he came to this place, so we have esteemed him
always a man of good knowledge and sense in religion; of a peaceable and
quiet conversation; ready to suffer but never as we remember to do an injury
—and as to the unhappy accident of Joseph Wilson being mortally hurt as it
was judged by a wrench or strain, we hope he will be found clear from any
willful premeditated design to injure said Wilson. We can’t find by any
search or discourse from any one that he struck him any blow by hand, or head,
or foot, or anywise. The compassions of people are generally towards him;
sundry are ready to be bound for him, if your Worship shall please to con-
sider these things as to be encouraged to take bail for him.
Joshua Kendall. John Thatcher.
Susanna Kendall. Elizabeth Thatcher. ”
Through these representations, Aplin was allowed to remain in Ash-
ford till his trial at Hartford, March 21, 1721, when he was acquitted
and discharged. The tenderness and sympathy manifested on this
occasion pleasantly relieve the bickerings and asperities so common in
that rude period.
XXXIV.
SUFFRAGE DISPUTE. SCHOOLS. NEW INHABITANTS. FAMINE.
CHANDLER’S AND CORBIN’S CLAIM.
il Haas peace and harmony enjoyed by Ashford after the happy settle-
ment of the troublesome land question was broken in 1721-22,
by a violent dispute upon the exercise of suffrage. By the act of 1714,
all the inhabitants of the town then settled “ or that hereafter may be,”
had liberty to vote for town officers without respect to the usual legal
qualification, a privilege granted because of the small numbers of settlers
and the great need of town organization. In that chaotic period,
when most of the inhabitants were “irregular” this unusual liberty
made no trouble, and for a time after the more orderly settlement of
affairs no improper advantage was taken of it, but those not regularly
SUFFRAGE DISPUTE, SCHOOLS, ETO. 233
admitted as inhabitants apparently abstained from voting. An attempt
to establish schools was probably the exciting cause of the clamor.
One Arthur Humphrey had removed from Woodstock to Ashford in
1720, according to his opponents, a seditious, ignorant person unable
to read or write. A number of settlers in the east part of the town
hired a schoolmaster to teach their children at their own charge,
whereupon Humphrey “published a false story about them,” and soon
excited a popular clamor, rallying all the young and inexperienced
around him by insisting upon their right to’ vote under the act of
1714, and became the leader of a movement “to quash all learning,
and keep the town in ignorance and as unlearned as he is him-
self.” So strong was this movement that, in- December, 1721, “ when
all the world voted,” Humphrey himself, though newly settled and
every way unqualified, was elected one of the selectmen. Four of
the selectmen previously elected then refused to serve, upon the
ground that the proceedings were illegal, and that a number of the
voters were destitute of the necessary legal qualifications. No other
officers were appointed to fill the vacancy, and thus the town gov-
ernment was left in the hands of Humphrey and John Pitts.. The
greatest uproar and confusion followed, and, “good order and friendly
society almost subverted.” Humphrey broke up the school, and
warned the school master out of town, prosecuted the refractory
selectmen to their great cost and trouble, and when the inhabitants
refused to hand in their lists levied a rate on lists so imperfect
“that some men with more than six thousand pounds estates were left
out,” and kept the whole town in a ferment. In the spring, a petition
was sent to the Assembly by the solid men of Ashford, showing
“That the town officers chosen by unqualified persons the preceding
autumn, were not acceptable or capable of managing affairs, and
praying that. they might be established by act of Court, or the town
enabled to choose new ones among themselves qualified for carrying
forward the prudential affairs of the town, according to good order
and laws and usages of Government.” A paper accompanying this
memorial, set forth in detail their various grievances, and the great
necessity “of putting a stop to all the world voting in Ashford.”
Particular people could not educate their children at their own charge
peaceably and quietly, rates duly paid by honest men were used in
collecting other men’s rates and paying for warrants; meetings pro-
néunced illegal when those that bore the biggest charge were present.
Lastly, they declared that there were already fourteen freemen in Ash-
ford, and eleven more who might be made legal voters, and suggested
“that twenty-five qualified voters were more likely to carry on the
prudential affairs of the town according to good order, peace, unity and
30
234 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Colony laws, than a mixt multitude of forty-eight, qualified and
unqualified together.”
On the other hand, Pitts, Humphrey and others, claiming to repre-
sent a majority of the town, prayed that they might retain their liberty
to choose as heretofore, “for if none were allowed to vote but those,
qualified to vote by law, affairs would be managed by very few hands
and be to the discontent of many.” A rate for the more easy carrying
on the civil and religious interests of the town was requested by both
parties.
Upon consideration of these petitions, the Assembly resolved, “ That
inasmuch as the Act of Assembly referred to, enabling the said inhabit-
ants to choose town officers, being made when there was not a reasona-
ble number of inhabitants qualified according to the most strict rules
of the law for voting, that the said act was not intended to restrain the
inhabitants from voting, though not so strictly qualified; and there-
upon affirm all the former acts of the said town in electing town officers,
and particularly the officers chosen in December last.” Listers, then
chosen by the town, were ordered, with the assistauce of Deacon
Kendall and William Ward, to make and perfect the lists, and it was
further enacted, “That for time to come the said town proceed in the
choice of their town officers according to the rules prescribed in the
law for other towns.” Two shillings, annually, on every hundred acres
of land for the space of four years, were also granted for the support
of the ministry.
This decision of the Court pacified the belligerents, and restored
harmony and order. At the town-meeting in March, when “all the
world” still voted, it was ordered, “not to be at the expense of hiring
a schoolmaster,” but under the new regulations a change was soon
effected, and a schoolmaster hired by the town—October, 1723,—to
keep school half a year. Other public matters were now arranged.
The rate furnished means for carrying on the work of Mr. Hale’s house,
still unfinished, and repairing "the glass of the meeting-house. It was
voted, “To clear the value of four acres about the meeting-house as it
is bounded, and keep it cut down yearly, and any other places across
the roads that are stated.” It being discovered that the Windham and
Woodstock farmers were much inclined to pasture their cattle on
Ashford commons, Benjamin, Russel, John Pitts and Nath. Abbot were
appointed a committee, “To take care of the neat cattle brought into
Ashford to run in the summer, and have a man selected at each end f
the town, and when they found any cattle or sheep not belonging to
the town to inquire of the inhabitants living near where they were
found if they knew who they belonged to, and if they cannot find the
owner to drive such cattle out of the town. Thomas Tiffany was,
however, allowed to keep his Father Rudd’s cattle.”
SUFFRAGE DISPUTE, SCHOOLS, ETC. 235
A tull military company was formed in Ashford in 1722, with John
Perry for captain, Benjamin Russel for lieutenant and Joshua Kendall
for ensign. During these years, they suffered much from Indian
alarms. Captain Perry proved himself an efficient and courageous
officer, and several times furnished the Government important informa-
tion. Indians were forbidden to hunt in the woods north of the road
from Hartford, through Coventry and Ashford, to New Roxbuy. A
military watch was ordered to be held in Ashford and a scout main-
tained in the northern part of the town.
The population of Ashford steadily increased, several families
removing there whose names are still represented. Joseph Bosworth
bought land of Corbin in the east of the town in 1718; Elias Keyes in
1722. In 1722, Edward Sumner of Roxbury—brother of Samuel
of Pomfret,—with two associates, bought a thousand acres of land of
James Corbin, together with the frame of a barn, in the east of Ash-
ford, adjoining Pomtret. As an inducement to the purchasers to settle
on this tract of wild land, Mr. Corbin further offered them to finish
the barn with boards and shingles, erect a stack of chimneys and four
rooms, and to deliver to them four barrels of good cider annually for
four years, they finding barrels and sending them to his house in
Woodstock. Thomas Eaton of Woodstock—brother of Jonathan of
Killingly—settled in Ashford in 1723, and was granted a pew-spot.
In 1725, Robert Knowlton of Sutton purchased a large tract of land
in the southwest part of Ashford—now included in the Knowlton
neighborhood—and at once settled upon it and began to make im-
provements, laying out a road on the east side of his farm and freely
giving it to the town. Josiah Byles of Boston bought a hundred
acres of land on Mount Hope River, in 1726, but did not take personal
possession.
The four years release from country tax-paying having expired,
Ashford was summoned in 1725, by the General Court, to make a list
of polls and ratable estates, but was compelled to crave a further
exemption. “The righteous providence of God in his dispensations ”
had greatly afflicted the inhabitants. A protracted drought cut off the
crops the year preceding, a heavy frost had blighted their hopes for the
ensuing season, and in addition a family in the town had been brought
so low by sickness as to bring a charge of thirty or forty pounds upon
the public. Philip Eastman was sent to the Assembly with the tale of
their calamities, in the hope “that their deplorable circumstances would
move their Honors’ tender hearts to drop their goodness upon them,
and excuse them from paying taxes for two or ‘three years.” His
request was granted, with the proviso, “That they pay one penny
upon the pound in their list for each year to the Rev. Mr. Hale, in
236 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
addition to what they now give him, and that they neither send depu-
ties, nor draw money for their school during said term.” With this
release, the town again attempted to finish the meeting house and Mr.
Hale's house. A committee was also appointed to seat the meeting-
house, regarding first planters, age and estates. January 6, 1726, voted,
“That the committee shall compleat their work by the first of March
and read it off the first lecture-day after, and wave having a school-
master.” Five men were allowed to build a pew in the hind part of the
front gallery, “provided they take it for their seat and do not Rong the
light of y* window nor Rong the other seats in the front gallery.”
In the spring of 1726, the inhabitants of Ashford, with those of
adjoining towns, suffered greatly from scarcity of food, occasioned by
the failure of crops two successive seasons, and such pitiful stories of
the destitution and sufferings of the poor in eastern Connecticut
reached Governor Talcott, that he recommended the Assembly to con-
sider their case and relieve the necessity. He had just been informed
“that a poor man from Ashford had come to beg relief, and in a mourn-
ful, afflicted and affecting manner declared that neither he nor his
family had eaten bread or flesh for more than a month, but had lived
wholly on brakes, roots and herbs, and wished a committee to inquire
into the circumstances.” Hezekiah Brainard and John Hooker were
accordingly appointed, and upon their report and recommendation,
thirty pounds were granted for the relief of “poor and indigent per-
sons in Ashford, Voluntown and Willington, who by frost in the past
year were generally cut short in their crops and reduced to a suffering
and almost perishing condition.” The sum thus granted was to be
lodged in the hands of the minister or selectmen of each town, who
“were to proportionate its distribution. _
An unsuccessful attempt was made at this time to procure an addi-
tional rate of five shillings a hundred acres upon Mr. Stoddard’s land
for four years, and Philip Eastman was again employed to press this
suit—if successful, to have three pounds when gathered, if not to have
nothing. It was probably through the influence of Mr. Stoddard and
his representation of the straitened circumstances of the people, that
the Old South Church of Boston was induced to give fifteen pounds in
money to the Rev. James Hale, for his encouragement.
Notwithstanding the pains taken to ensure a final settlement of the
land controversy, new troubles arose. The conditions of compromise
had been faithfully carried out, and the territory of Ashford laid out
and confirmed to the several parties according to agreement. The
needful highways in New Scituate had not been laid out within the
time specified, and in May, 1725, the town petitioned to have the time
extended, and also for additional ways through this section witbout
SUFFRAGE DISPUTE, SCHOOLS, ETC. 237
purchase of land, on the ground that at the time of settlement they did
not know how many would be needed. At the same session, James
Corbin preferred a memorial to the General Assembly, alleging that the
annexation of a strip of Ashford land to the town of Willington had
prevented his taking up the twenty-five hundred acres assigned him ;
that Chandler’s New Scituate tract contained 2,476 acres more than the
deed allowed, and praying that this surplus land might be granted to
him and a patent executed in due form. A committee appointed by
the Court had already surveyed New Scituate, and found it over-
measured, and a plot of the portion now asked for had been made by
the county surveyor. This petition was at once granted to Mr. Corbin,
provided that in the following session the owners of New Scituate did
not show sufficient cause to the contrary,
Captain—now Colonel—John Chandler, who had bought out the
other claimants and owned all that was left of this tract, accordingly
appeared before the Assembly in October, and in most forcible and
indignant language protested against the transfer of this land to
Corbin, for the following reasons :—
“J. That the twenty-five hundred acres allowed to Corbin and partners in
settlement were in express terms restrained to their own claim, and that he
had never purchased any of the land petitioned for, nor pretended to claim’
any part of them; that the New Scituate purchase was prior to his, and that:
he was well acquainted with its bounds before he made his purchase, and had
never made any question about them either at the settlement of the committee
or at the Gen. Assembly, and had he but imagined he could have gained any-
thing by objecting against our lines it was not likely he would have been silent
for he did not use to be so short in his politics as to lose anything for want
of asking.
II. Corbin had been favored in his claims far beyond the claimers of New
Scituate, making his petition more unreasonable; had never had a partner,
and thus large tracts of land confirmed to him and partners had fallen to him
alone; expected to reap the benefit of 1,856 acres lying beside Stoddard land,
being so much more than was expressed or supposed at time of purchase, and
also of 224 acres on the north, both which he had glided smoothly over with-
out giving an account of,—cases mentioned to show how unreasonable it is for
him to covet his neighbor’s property and do his utmost to defraud honest poor
men of their just rights and possessions, under a feigned representation of
having been a great sufferer.
III. That whatever is suggested in Mr. Corbin’s petition relating to his loss
by Willington, there is land enough to be found within his own purchases in
Ashford to lay the 2,500 acres upon, and after that a considerable quantity
will remain for common use—unless Mr. Corbin has deceived the committee in
his account of the sales he had made in his claims; that as for the committee
intending that he should take up his portion in that half-mile now cut off, it was
amere chimera, for it does not contain so much, nor did they confine him to any
place but to the unsurveyed land in his own claim—but if this be true, why
did not Corbin petition the Assembly for an equivalent in some of the unappro-
priated land inthe Colony? But as he has given up a specimen of his veracity,
so is this of his justice. The force of his argument is this—the Gen.
Assembly having wronged him to favor us, now they should wyong us to favor
him.
IV. That the land is a part of New Scituate, and always so esteemed by
Corbin himself, who had helped survey, lay out and renew the bounds of it.
V. Property already fully settled in 1719.
VI. That the lands petitioned for are the accommodations or individual
236 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
addition to what they now give him, and that they neither send depu-
ties, nor draw money for their school during said term.” With this
release, the town again attempted to finish the meeting house and Mr.
Hale’s house. A committee was also appointed to seat the meeting-
house, regarding first planters, age and estates. January 6, 1726, voted,
“That the committee shall compleat their work by the first of March
and read it off the first lecture-day after, and wave having a school-
master.” Five men were allowed to build a pew in the hind part of the
front gallery, “provided they take it for their seat and do not Rong the
light of y® window nor Rong the other seats in the front gallery.”
In the spring of 1726, the inbabitants of Ashford, with those of
adjoining towns, suffered greatly from scarcity of food, occasioned by
the failure of crops two successive seasons, and such pitiful stories of
the destitution and sufferings of the poor in eastern Connecticut
reached Governor Talcott, that he recommended the Assembly to con-
sider their case and relieve the necessity. He had just been informed
“that a poor man from Ashford had come to beg relief, and in a mourn-
ful, afflicted and affecting manner declared that neither he nor his
family had eaten bread or flesh for more than a month, but had lived
wholly on brakes, roots and herbs, and wished a committee to inquire
into the circumstances.” Hezekiah Brainard and John Hooker were
accordingly appointed, and upon their report and recommendation,
thirty pounds were granted for the relief of ‘poor and indigent per-
sons in Ashford, Voluntown and Willington, who by frost in the past
year were generally cut short in their crops and reduced to a suffering
and almost perishing condition.” The sum thus granted was to be
lodged in the hands of the minister or selectmen of each town, who
were to proportionate its distribution.
An unsuccessful attempt was made at this time to procure an addi-
tional rate of five shillings a hundred acres upon Mr. Stoddard’s land
for four years, and Philip Eastman was again employed to press this
suit—if successful, to have three pounds when gathered, if not to have
nothing. It was probably through the influence of Mr. Stoddard and
his representation of the straitened circumstances of the people, that
the Old South Church of Boston was induced to give fifteen pounds in
money to the Rev. James Hale, for his encouragement.
Notwithstanding the pains taken to ensure a final settlement of the
land controversy, new troubles arose. The conditions of compromise
had been faithfully carried out, and the territory of Ashford laid out
and confirmed to the several parties according to agreement. The
needful highways in New Scituate had not been laid out within the
time specified, and in May, 1725, the town petitioned to have the time
extended, and also for additional ways through this section without
SUFFRAGE DISPUTE, SCHOOLS, ETO. 237
purchase of land, on the ground that at the time of settlement they did
not know how many would be needed. At the same session, James
Corbin preferred a memorial to the General Assembly, alleging that the
annexation of a strip of Ashford land to the town of Willington had
prevented his taking up the twenty-five hundred acres assigned him ;
that Chandler's New Scituate tract contained 2,476 acres more than the
deed allowed, and praying that this surplus land might be granted to
him and a patent executed in due form. A committee appointed by
the Court had already surveyed New Scituate, and found it over-
measured, and a plot of the portion now asked for had been made by
the county surveyor. This petition was at once granted to Mr. Corbin,
provided that in the following session the owners of New Scituate did
not show sufficient cause to the contrary,
Captain—now Colonel—John Chandler, who had bought out the
other claimants and owned all that was left of this tract, accordingly
appeared before the Assembly in October, and in most forcible and
indignant language protested against the transfer of this land to
Corbin, for the following reasons :—
“JT. That the twenty-five hundred acres allowed to Corbin and partners in
settlement were in express terms restrained to their own claim, and that he
had never purchased any of the land petitioned for, nor pretended to claim’
any part of them; that the New Scituate purchase was prior to his, and that
he was well acquainted with its bounds before he made his purchase, and had
never made any question about them either at the settlement of the committee
or at the Gen. Assembly, and had he but imagined he could have gained any-
thing by objecting against our lines it was not likely he would have been silent
for he did not use to be so short in his politics as to lose anything for want
of asking.
II. Corbin had been favored in his claims far beyond the claimers of New
Scituate, making his petition more unreasonable; had never had a partner,
and thus large tracts of land confirmed to him and partners had fallen to him
alone; expected to reap the benefit of 1,856 acres lying beside Stoddard land,
being so much more than was expressed or supposed at time of purchase, and
also of 224 acres on the north, both which he had glided smoothly over with-
out giving an account of,—cases mentioned to show how unreasonable it is for
him to covet his neighbor’s property and do his utmost to defraud honest poor
men of their just rights and possessions, under a feigned representation of
having been « great sufferer.
Ill. That whatever is suggested in Mr. Corbin’s petition relating to his loss
by Willington, there is land enough to be found within his own purchases in
Ashford to lay the 2,500 acres upon, and after that a considerable quantity
will remain for common use—unless Mr. Corbin has deceived the committee in
his account of the sales he had made in his claims; that as for the committee
intending that he should take up his portion in that half-mile now cut off, it was
amere chimera, for it does not contain so much, nor did they confine him to any
place but to the unsurveyed land in his own claim—but if this be true, why
did not Corbin petition the Assembly for an equivalent in some of the unappro-
priated land inthe Colony? But as he has given up a specimen of his veracity,
so is this of his justice. The force of his argument is this—the Gen.
Assembly having wronged him to favor us, now they should wyong us to favor
him.
IV. That the land is a part of New Scituate, and always so esteemed by
Corbin himself, who had helped survey, lay out and renew the hounds of it.
V. Property already fully settled in 1719.
VI. That the lands petitioned for are the accommodations or individual
238 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY:
property of several others—if the grant of the town of Ashford, the agree-
ment and contract of New Scituate claimers with inhabitants, the solemn
settlement of that contract by the Gen. Court’s Committee, the acceptance
and confirmation by the Gen. Court, and finally the compliance of the people
in fulfilling conditions of contract on their part—could make them so. The
New Scituate owners have fulfilled conditions and have good estates, and
expected to hold them and be protected in their just rights, and now for a
patent to be granted to eject these poor honest men of their freeholds, so
solemnly settled, against all law or reason—seems to me an intolerable piece
of hardship, and beyond all precedent, and I cannot, and think I ought not,
silently to see such a designed fraud and piece of injustice carried on as 1s
pursued by Corbin—who positively knows the truth of every article in this
plea—and that so amicable and solemn a contract should be broken in upon,
and the poor town of Ashford reduced again to confusion, as it most certainly
will be if the patent be granted, and hope your Honors will see sufficient
cause why the prayer of the petitioners should not be granted.”
Having thus closed his argument, Colonel Chandler begged leave to
observe that he desired no more land than his proportion, had per-
formed all conditions according to contract, given Mr. Hale, the worthy
minister of Ashford, two hundred acres of land, beside ten acres for
a green and sixty for a parsonage, had paid large taxes and expected to
pay more, and to promote the peace and quiet of the town had con-
descended to take up the rags and scraps and refuse of all their claim,
and notwithstanding the great charge he had borne had not been able
to come to the true knowledge of one lot, for the people had taken it
up and sold it hither and thither. He hoped it might be possible that,
some time or other, if not cut off by the law of possession, some small
scrap of the worst of the lots might be set off to the claimants, and
prayed the Court to enable them to take up their complement within
the lines of their survey and patent, after which he would most.
willingly submit the residue to the town for commons and highways,
as he had promised and offered to the people at town-meeting, and
they had sufficient ground to be persuaded he would make good his
word. By granting their requests, the settlement of 1719 would be
inviolably preserved, neither claimants or inhabitants damaged and all
good men satisfied.
Upon hearing this plea, the Court pronounced the reasons insufficient,
and allowed Corbin a patent for the land demanded, with this proviso,
“that all the claimers that have regulated themselves according to the
order of the committee in 1719, shall not be prejudiced thereby.”
Even this decision, so favorable to Corbin, did not satisfy this selfish
and unscrupulous speculator. Though no settler was probably ejected
from his freehold, yet many of the evils anticipated by Colonel Chand-
ler resulted from the re-opening of ‘this question. Although some
fifteen thousand acres of Ashford territory must have been appropriated
by Corbin, his claim was urged by successive generations of descend-
ants, involving the town in expensive. and harassing lawsuits, and
finally subjecting it to the loss of its remaining commons.
THE VOLUNTEERS LAND, DIVISION, ETO. 239
XXXV,
THE VOLUNTEERS’ LAND. DIVISION. SETTLEMENT. ADDITION.
N October, 1696, Lieutenant Thomas Leffingwell of Norwich, and
Sergeant John Frink of Stonington, moved the General Court,
“that they, with the rest of the English volunteers in former wars,
might have a plantation granted to them.” A tract of land six miles
square was granted in answer to this request, ‘‘to be taken up out of
some of the conquered land,” its bounds prescribed and settlement
regulated by persons appointed by the Court. The volunteers sent
“out upon the discovery“ of a suitable tract found their choice very
limited. Major Fitch, the Winthrops and others had already appro-
priated the greater part of the conquered land, and the only available
tract remaining within Connecticut limits was a strip bordering on
Rhode Island, a few miles east of Norwich, and upon reporting’ this
“ discovery” to the General Court, “Captain Samuel Mason, Mr. John
Gallup and Lieutenant James Avery were appointed -a committee to
view the said tract, and to consider whether it be suitable for entertain-
ment of a body of people that may be able comfortably to carry on
plantation work, or what addition of land may be necessary to accommo-
date a body of people for comfortable subsistence in a plantation way.”
After taking three years for viewing and considering, the committee
reported favorably, and in October, 1700, Lieutenant Leffingwell,
Richard Bushnell, Isaac Wheeler, Caleb Fobes, Samuel Bliss, Joseph
Morgan and Manasseh Minor, moved for its confirmation to the volun-
teers, which was granted, “so far as it concur with the former act of
the General Assembly, provided it bring not the Colony into any
inconvenience ”—or, as afterwards expressed,—“ do not prejudice any
former grant of the Court.” A large part of the tract thus granted is
now comprised in the town of Voluntown. Its original bounds were
nearly identical with those of the present township, save that eastward
it extended to Pawcatuck River.
Little can now be learned of the primitive condition of this region.
It was a waste, barren frontier, over-run by various tribes of Indians,
and after the Narraganset War claimed by the Mohegans. Massasho-
witt, sachem of Quinebaug, also claimed rights in if. No Indians are
believed to have occupied it after the war, nor were any white inhabit-
ants found on it when made over to the volunteers.
July 1, 1701, the grantees met in Stonington, to make arrangements
for survey and appropriation. Richard Bushnell was chosen clerk of
the company, and desired to make out a list of names of volunteers,
240 HISTURY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
and also to make entry of such votes as should be passed. Thomas
Leffingwell, James Avery, John Frink and Richard Smith were chosen
a committee, “to pass all those that shall offer themselves as volunteers.”
Captain Samuel Mason was granted by the company an equal share or
interest in that tract of land.
Some years passed before the division was completed. The territory
was still in dispute. The Mohegan claim was not adjusted till 1705,
when their bounds were formally surveyed and established by Captain
John Chandler—Captain John Parke, Edward Colver and Samuel
Sterry, assisting. Quatchiack, an aged Pachaug Indian, familiar
with this region, a Mohegan and two Shetuckets, helped point out the
bounds. Beginning at Ahyohsupsuck—a pond in the north bound of
Stonington—they ran the line north one mile, to a pond called Mah-
mansuck, near the present west bound of Voluntown ; thence, a little
east of north, three miles, toa very small pond with the very large name
of Toshconwongganuck ; thence, a mile and a half to a pine hill—the site
of the present Line-meeting-house. Proceeding northward over a neck
of land, “from whence they could see Egunk Hill and the Flat Rocks,”
they came to Egunk, near the great cold spring—Egunksunkapong,—
at which place, being dark, they took up their lodging. In the morn-
ing they were joined by Major Fitch, and proceeded on their course,
measuring and laying the line over the rough hill-top till they came to
Pathigwadchaug—the north end of Egunk Hill, six and a half miles
from Egunksunkapong, where a great spring issued out, “forty rods
west of Moosup River, where the road goes from Plainfield to Provi-
dence,” and ran down into the river. Thence, leaving the Moosup on
the west, they traveled on to the Whetstone Country.
Only a narrow strip of the Volunteer’s Land was appropriated by the
Mohegans under this survey, but so large a slice was taken from them
by Rhode Island during the summer, “ that they feared their intended
purpose of settling a plantation so accommodable for a Christian
society as they desired,” was frustrated. A meeting of the volunteers
was held, November 14, 1705, when, finding that though their tract
was greatly broken by the late agreement made by the Commissioners
for the Colonies, there was still considerable left—a committee was
empowered to go forth and use such methods as were necessary for
finding out the number of acres left within the boundaries, make a
thorough survey of the same, which should be computed and laid out in
as many lots as there were volunteers, and to number them and lay them
equally for quantity and quality, only reserving one thousand acres for
the disposal of the company to pay necessary charges. This work
was accomplished during the winter, and the Volunteer’s Land made
ready for distribution. One hundred and sixty persons had enrolled
THE VOLUNTEERS’ LAND, DIVISION, ETC. 241
their names as desirous to share the benefit of this grant—residents of
New London, Norwich, Stonington, Windham, Plainfield, and other
neighboring towns. The list comprised not only officers and soldiers
but ministers, chaplains and such as had served the Colony in civil
capacity during the war. April 17, 1706, a meeting was held, and in
accordance with a vote, “To go on and draw Jots upon that part
of the land laid out,” the grant was- made out to the following
proprietors :—
Thomas Wooster. John Fish.
Major Edware Palmes. Samuel Fish.
Capt. George Denison. Wm. Williams.
Sergt. Thomas Leffingwell. George Denison.
Major Wait Winthrop. Wm. Denison.
Rev. James Fitch. Nath. Bidlow.
Capt. James Avery. Henry Stephens.
Sergt. John Frink. Edward Fanning.
James Avery.
John and Thomas Avery. John Bennet.
Joshua Baker. William Bennet.
John Wicknor. Thomas Rose.
Ephraim Colver. Philip Bill.
William Potts. Dewey Springer.
Edward Colver. Ezekiel Maynor,
Samuel Yeomans. William Wheeler.
John Levins. Wm. Roberts.
Aaron and John Stark. John Denison.
James York. Matthew Griswold.
Thomas Bill. Richard Lord.
Thomas Minor. Stephen De Wolf.
Richard Bushnell. Henry Peterson.
Samuel Lothrop. Daniel Crumb.
Solomon Tracy. Richard Smith.
John Wiley.
Samuel Fitts.
Robert Plank.
Peter Spicer.
Jonathan Rudd.
Richard Cook.
Thomas Parke.
Henry Elliot.
Thomas Bliss.
Ira Wheeler.
Peter Crosse.
Jonathan Gennings.
Caleb Hobbes. Samuel Frisbie.
John Gallup. Samuel Struther.
Adam and William Gallup. John Plant.
Nath. Cheesborough. Samuel Fox.
Ephraim Minor. Jacob Foye.
John and Samuel Minor. Clement Minor.
John Ashcraft. William Pendall.
Joshua Holmes. Daniel Grubbins.
Capt. Ebenezer Johnson. John Hough.
Joseph Wheeler. Thomas Williams.
Moses Wheeler.
Daniel Tracy.
Edmund Fanning.
John Shaw.
Ebenezer Billings.
Samuel Stephens.
Nicholas Cottrell.
Moses Hintly.
Henry Hall.
John Pamiton.
Henry Bennet.
William Champlin.
Samuel Rogers.
John Choler.
Capt. Pembleton.
John Hill.
Samuel Robbins.
Gershom Palmer.
John & Thomas Fanning.
John and Francis Smith.
Joseph Waterhouse.
Stephen Richardson.
Roger & Sam’l Richardson. William Johnson,
*
Jonathan Armstrong.
Samuel Stanton.
Robert & Daniel Stanton,
James Morgan.
John Kinne.
John Lashum.
John Woodhouse.
Joseph Morgan.
Nath. Parke.
William Douglas.
Manasseh Minor.
James Willet.
James Noyes.
John Stauton.
Joseph Stanton.
Joshua Abell.
Thomas Rhoad.
William Knight.
Matthew Jones.
Richard Dart.
Samuel Hough.
William Hough.
Abel More.
Jeremiah Blaque.
John Plumb.
Tho. Hungerford.
Jobn Packer.
Samuel Packer.
Nath. Holt.
Robert Lord.
John Wade.
Richard Smith.
Edward DeWolf.
Aaron Huntley.
James Murphy.
Robert Holmes,
Daniel Comstock.
George Chappel.
Thurston Risnond.
Hugh Rowland.
John Lothrop.
James Welch,
Daniel Clark.
Edward Shipman.
Joseph Ingraham,
James Danielson.
Joseph Colver.
William Billings.
Jonathan Birch.
31
242 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
One hundred and fifty equal lots were laid out in the Volunteers’
Land, some of the proprietors receiving but half a share. Samuel Coy
was allowed eighty acres—a parcel of land already surveyed—and
Samuel Fish to take his lot where he had made improvement. The
latter was probably the first settler. Very little progress was made for
several years. The soil was poor, the location remote and incon-
venient, offering few inducements to settlers. Landed affairs were
managed by the previous committee. The thousand acres reserved for
the use of the company were laid out in the south of the tract, in a
strip four miles from east to west, and twenty-five rods from north to
south, and sold to Thomas Banister for £130, May 22, 1708. At the
request of the proprietors, the name of Voluntown was appropriately
given to the plantation. The settler next following Samuel Fish is
believed to have been John Gallup—the Plainfield’“ land-grabber "—
choosing a home in a plantation where land-grabbing could be more
freely exercised, and settling in the northeast of the township on
Wassaquassick Lake, about 1710. Very few of the volunteers took
personal possession of their allotments. John and Francis Smith,
Robert Parke and one or two others, settled after a time within the
township. Some of the proprietors sold out their rights at an early
date, receiving five, six, eight, eleven and twelve pounds an allotment.
“A pair of come-four year-old steers” was once exchanged for eighty-
six acres. Others retained their shares through life, renting out farms
whenever practicable. Settlers came in slowly, taking up land in
various localities. Thomas Reynolds settled near Pawcatuck Lake ;
Thomas Coles in the south of the tract. John Campbell, John Safford,
Obadiah Rhodes and Samuel Whalley were among the earliest in-
habitants of Voluntown. In 1714, attempt was made to lay out more
land and facilitate settlement. At a meeting of the committee in
Norwich, it was agreed, “To send out three persons to gain as good
understanding as they can come at where Uncas’ hereditary bounds go
from station to station, so far as Voluntown is concerned.” Manasseh
Minor was appointed for this work, with liberty to call out such Indians
as were best able to give light. Lieutenant Leftingwell, Captains
Richard Bushnell, James Avery, John Hough and John Prentts,
Lieutenant Solomon Tracy, Deacon Manasseh Minor and Mr. John
Gallup were elected committee for the management of the plantation,
and granted by the General Assembly “the liberty of appearing and
maintaining the rights of the volunteers as there should be occasion.”
One hundred and forty-four lots were laid out during the summer
by Prentts, Minor and Gallup on behalf of the committee. The one
hundred and forty-tifth lot was laid out to John Stoyell on Benajah
Bushnell’s right, adjoining the southeast corner of Plainfield at the
.
THE VOLUNTEERS LAND, DIVISION, ETC. 243
foot of Egunk Hill. Three other lots in this vicinity were also laid
out te Mr. Stoyell. This gentleman—afterwards “school-master in
Pomfret”—purchased much other land in Voluntown and became a
prominent actor in some very important controversies.
The loss of so large a portion of their territory to Rhode Island was
very serious to the Volunteers and their right to asuitable equivalent,
was the first to be urged and maintained by the committee. In Octo-
ber, 1715, they petitioned the General Assembly, that the Colony land
lying north of their tract might be annexed to it in place of that taken
from them. This was the “vacant land” so persistently besought by
Plainfield, and already occupied by some of her former inhabitants.
A grant of three hundred acres allowed to the Reverend Mr. Coit of
Plainfield, in this country land—laid out north of Egunk Hill, where
’ the Providence road crossed Moosup’s River—was conveyed by him to
Francis Smith and Miles Jordan, who there established themselves,
north of Voluntown. Smith soon put up a mill and opened his house
for the accommodation of travelers. The lack of a bridge at this point
was found a great inconvenience, as the river was high and often
dangerous. Smith and Jordan prepared timber and petitioned in 1714,
for a committee to select a suitable place, and there erected a suitable
and convenient bridge, receiving in payment, one, ninety and the other
sixty acres of land, on the Providence road. This convenient road and
pleasant locality soon attracted other settlers—John Smith, Ebenezer
and Thomas Dow, Robert and John Park, Robert Williams, Nathaniel
French and others—who attended church and enjoyed privileges in
Plainfield and joined with its inhabitants in 1715, in petitioning for
annexation of the country land to that township. The Assembly con-
sidered the applications and ordered a plot of the land in question to
be made—if either of the parties petitioning would be at the charge of
it—together with an account of said land that so it might be able to
resolve upon its future regulation.
Probably neither party chose to assume the charge of this survey as
the matter was left unsettled for several years. Voluntown meanwhile
incrf&sed slowly in population, but made few other advances. May 8,
1718, William Roberts, John Stoyell, Samuel Butler, Miles Jordan,
Richard Williams and Samuel Church—inhabitants of Voluntown and
the country land north of it—represented to the General Court “ their
miserable estate and condition, living in Voluntown and being at a
great distance from any meeting-house and destitute of y* public wor-
ship of God and ever likely to be, land being so much broken and
nothing but barren pine-holes and never likely to be inhabited so as to
maintain a minister (unless it be remedied by your Honors).” The
remedy proposed by these petitioners, was that the Voluntown proprie-
tors should have their property to themselves, as specified by the grant,
¢
244 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
viz., all south of old Greenwich Path, while all the land north of
that path, together with Egunk Hill and the vacant country, land,
should be made one town and incorporated with civil, military
and ecclesiastic powers, that so they might carry on the work of
the gospel and have a gospel ministry. This proposal to leave the
greater part of Voluntown out in the cold and establish church
ordinances in the more attractive region northward, was rejected by
both houses. A still more earnest petition signed by John and
Samuel Gallup, John and Francis Smith, Thomas Cole, Joshua J affrey
and others was sent in October, begging the Court to consider
their deplorable condition, still destitute of public means of grace
after so many years of settlement. Captain Daniel Brewster, Lieu-
tenant Joseph Backus and Mr. John Sprague were then appointed
a committee, to view the circumstances of Voluntown and the land
lying eastward of Plainfield, and make report at the next Assembly.
They found eleven families settled within the limits of Voluntown,
numbering “about 119 souls,” some of them in low circumstances,
yet a considerable number more good inhabitants designed to be
there soon and many more that would come if encouraged by Court ;
in the country land. north they found twelve houses and families,
and reported to the Court, that neither the bounds of Voluntown
as already granted, nor the lands north not annexed were sufticient
alone to make a good parish, but that a good parish might be
made consisting partly of both. The Assembly then ordered, May,
1719, that so much of the lands lying north of the present bounds
of Voluntown and east of the bounds of Plainfield, as should be
needful for the making a good parish there for comfortable carrying
on the worship of God, should be annexed to Voluntown and forever
after be accounted within the bounds of that town. The committee
previously appointed were to perform this work and also to sell and
dispose of the Government's right to said land to such good inhabitants
as should be willing to settle upon them—the money so obtained to be
appropriated towards building a state-house at Hartford. The addition
thus granted included the territory of the present town of Std@ling,
save a mile in length at the northern extremity, which was left in the
possession of the Colony.
The survey and annexation were accomplished as rapidly as possible
by Jobn Plumb, surveyor for New London County, and thirty lots laid
out and made over to the following purchasers :—
James Welch. Ebenezer Cooper. Robert Williams.
James Dean. Ebenezer Dow. John Smith.
Thomas Ross, two lots. Josiah French. John Jordan.
William Harris. Capt. Thomas Williams. Robert Park.
Joshua Jeffries. Thomas Dow. Miles Jordan.
Samuel Butler. Henry Cobb. Ishmael Speek.
John Park.
THE VOLUNTEERS’ LAND, DIVISION, ETO. 245
One lot was reserved for the future minister. Some ‘laid out in
woods,” were probably unsalable. Some of the purchasers were well-
known residents of Plainfield; others were alteady settled in Volun-
town on the addition; a few were new inhabitants. Their purchases
were confirmed to them by the Gen. Assembly, October, 1719, on con-
dition, that each should “have a tenantable house and settle themselves
within the space of three years and continue to live there three years
after such settlement, upon the forfeiture of said purchase.” The
horse-brand assigned for the settlement was the figure U.
The residents in the former north part of Voluntown and the addi-
tion, who had hoped to secure a snug little township by themselves,
were not quite satisfied with this transfer to a poor, unsettled, rambling
township, and would have even preferred absorption by Plainfield.
Lands formerly used as commons were now distributed to private
owners. Some of these dissatisfied settlers joined with Plainfield in
agitation for a re-settlement. John Smith and John Stoyell thus told
their own story to the Assembly :-—
‘“¢ Honored Gentlemen.—After the committee had well viewed land in Vol-
untown and north of it—having a peculiar regard to Parish discipline and not
willing to settle any too remote from the place of worship—said committee
went to Plainfield’s northeast corner and run the line south one mile . ‘
and then run the line east to ye supposed line between the Colonies and began
to lay out lots and dispose of them to such as they saw reason to admit
inhabitants, six lots bounded north on said line, and continued laying out
and granting and disposing southward from the above six lots, joining lot
to lot to the number of twenty-two—whereupon, the inhabitants thereupon
will not be well able to subsist without outlet and commonage. Southward,
they can not well be accommodated by reason of y* barrenness of the land,
and being so remote from most of them and also a river, and very steep
land on each side, which is not convenient for cattle to travel up and down—
wherefore, we are necessitated to pray your Honors to grant us the mile of
land on the north . . without which, we shall not be able to subsist,
neither to pay our duty to church aud commonwealth. We pray you to render
compassion as fathers to their children, leaving it with you to do as you think
best in behalf of purchase and inhabitants.”
Twenty-seven inhabitants of Voluntown also petitioned for this
strip of land and even offered fifty pounds for it, but all were denied
and the mile north of Voluntown remained for several years in conten-
tion between that township, Plainfield and Killingly.
XXXVI.
TOWN ORGANIZATION. SELECTION OF MEETING-HOUSE. CALL
OF MINISTER. CHURCH ORGANIZATION. ORDINATION
OF MR. DORRANCE.
: e
oe Proprietors of Voluntown were greatly pleased with the
addition secured to them and encouraged to hope that after so’
long delay they might carry out “ their intended purpose of settling a
246 ; HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
plantation accommodable for a christian society.” Many of the original
owners were now deceased, but their children or representatives main-
tained their interest in the'grant. Ata meeting of proprietors, April
26, 1720, it was voted, -That five thousand acres lying near the pond
at the head of Pawcatuck River, shall be disposed of at the discretion
of the committee to such gentlemen as may best serve the interests of
Volunteers. In modern phrase, the lands were to be placed “ where
they would do the most good.” The continued encroachments of
Rhode Island made them anxious to secure favor in high places. In
accordance with this vote, a thousand acres of land were presented to
Governor Saltonstall; another thousand to Jeremiah Dummer, agent
for Connecticut in Great Britain; five hundred, each, to William Pit-
kin, Richard Christophers, Samuel Eels, Joseph Talcott and Roger
Wolcott ; two hundred, each, to Jonathan Law and James Wads-
worth; one hundred to Caleb Bushnell and fifty to John Stoyell—but
whether the interests of the Volunteers were promoted by this disposi-
tion, is not apparent. In response to a request from the agents of
Voluntown, a deed of release and quit-claim to a]l the lands within the
* grants was confirmed to the proprietors by the Assembly.
The inhabitants of Voluntown, encouraged by the addition of terri-
tory and the arrival of new settlers, began to take some preliminary
steps towards organization as a township. In the autumn of 1720, the
Reverend Mr. Wilson was secured for a minister and the first recorded
public act of the inhabitants, March 14, 1721, was the choice of Robert
Park and Jacob Bacon, “to go to treat with y® Reverend Mr. Wilson
of y* reason, of his inclining to depart from us, and whether we can
possibly keep him.” John and Francis Smith were chosen as assistants.
April 25, Nathaniel Deane and Jacob Bacon were ordered, “ to draw
up something in writing to send up to y* General Assembly in May,
relating to our present circumstances.” This writing, asking for power
to lay atax, and town privileges, was carried to the Assembly by
Francis Smith and called out the following enactment :—
“That all the Volunteers rights or lots (whether greater or lesser) in
number of acres, within the original grants in said town, is hereby taxed at
eight shillings per year for the term of five years next ensuing, for the sup-
port of a minister and building a meeting-house in said town; and the one
thousand acres that Mr. Thomas Banister, deceased, bought of the proprietors
of said town is hereby taxed at three pounds per year for the term and use
aforesaid; and the addition that was added in 1719, tosaid town . . . is
likewise taxed at ten shillings per hundred acres, and so likewise in lesser or
greater quantities for the terms and use aforesaid.”
Lieutenant Christopher Avery, Mr. John Gallup, Mr. Robert Parke,
Samuel Whalley and Ebenezer Dow Were appointed a committee to set
‘up notification of this tax with power to distrain upon the personal
estate of any neglecting or refusing to pay his proportion—the money
TOWN AND CHURCH ORGANIZATION. 947
to be paid to Captain Williams of Plainfield, treasurer to receive and
disburse it. The committee was empowered to act jointly with the
committee for the proprietors of old Voluntown,. in settling a minister’s
salary out of this present tax and to improve all the residue of the
money for building a meeting-house. And it was farther provided that
if the tax thus raised should not be sufficient for the ends specified,
inhabitants and proprietors should have power to levy a rate upon all
the ratable estate so far as might be needful.
The Assembly also granted unto the inhabitants of Voluntown, the
power and privilege of choosing their own town officers, and carrying
on their own town affairs, and if any difficulty should arise among the
inhabitants and proprietors about placing the meeting-house, the mat-
ter should be determined by a committee from the Assembly. Owners
of lands sold for rates were allowed liberty of redemption on payment
of necessary charges.
Thus a quarter of a century after the grant to the Volunteers,
the tract then assigned them was invested with town privileges.
Town government was organized June 20, 1721. Justice Williams
of Plainfield served as moderator and administered the oath to public
officers. Jacob Bacon was chosen town-clerk; John Gallup, John
Safford, Ebenezer Cooper, Samuel Whalley and Nathaniel French,
selectmen ; Thomas Cole, constable; Francis Smith, toller. Thirty-
seven persons were admitted inhabitants, showing a large increase
since the addition of territory. It was voted to call a minister to-
settle among us here—Joseph Watson. Mr. Watson declined and
Mr. Billings was secured—afterwards settled over Canada Society.
Meetings were held on the Sabbath for divine service at Thomas Cole’s
in the south, and John Smith's in the north of the town, alternately.
In December, it was voted, To call Mr. Billings to preach Sabbath days
through the winter. John Tyler, Obadiah Rhodes and Ebenezer Dow
were added to the selectmen. A pound for the town was ordered at
Francis Smith’s house. Three men were chosen “to lay out highways
least to y° damage of y® owners of land and y* best advantage for the
neighborhood.” It was voted, “That those admitted by y® Colony’s
committee to be proprietors in Voluntown should not act with y°
present inhabitants in the prudential affairs of y* town.” As none but
“wholesome inhabitants” were desirable, Jethro Jeffard was required
forthwith to depart out of town on penalty of transportation, and
Joseph Tiffany received soon after a similar summary sentence of banish-
ment. John Smith, at the crossing of Moosup's River, received liberty
from the selectmen and grand jurors to keep a house of entertainment.
The location of the meeting-house already excited discussion and
differences—the awkward shape of the town, eighteen or twenty miles
248 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
in length and only three or four in width, making it extremely difficult
to accommodate its scattered inhabitants. In March, 1722, “ it was
voted clearly’:— ;
“That we shall begin on the south side of Thomas Bannister’s land and so
measure a north line to ye north end of Voluntown and then to make a centre
upon said line, by running one east and west, and to begin at Rhode Is-
land’s pretended line and so to ye west line of Voluntown and so to make a
centre on ye said north and south, cast and west lines, and not to vary more
than one-fourth of a mile from the centre. John Safford and Samuel Butler
were chosen to carry the chain, John Gallup and John Tyler as selectmen to see
that the chain be truly carried and John Smith to carry ye compass, and to
begin said work April 24, and proceed until it be completed, and all were
sworn to a faithful discharge of ye work.”
The work was faithfully discharged according to instructions and on
April 27, the committee reported, “That they found the centre of
Voluntown westerly of the west clump of pines on Pine Hill, a place
not suitable, and had selected a spot one-fourth of a mile north-west
from it’—a site two miles northeast of the present Line-meeting-house.
The town accepted the report, and in October following, voted, “To
build a meeting-house thirty feet by twenty-six and sixteen stud.”
Thomas Cole, John Gallup and Ebenezer Dow were chosen to take
care of building meeting-house until it be built, and to find a suitable
burying-place, and to secure not less than three acres of land for both
purposes. Meetings were to be held alternately at John Smith’s and
Ebenezer Dow’s till the meeting-house be fit to meet in.
As sheep and swine as well as cattle were allowed to go at large, a
large number of pounds was found needful. People north of Moosup’s
River were allowed to build a pound by the house of Samuel Butler;
those south of Eunk Swamp, the privilege of one by Samuel Whalley’s.
Twelve persons protested against this vote, “the town not being bound
and the Colony line not run and it being doubtful if these people could
be claimed as inhabitants.” A pound was also built near Jacob Bacon’s.
Efforts were made to secure a permanent minister, Mr. Billings having
declined a call. It was stated that Robert Campbell sent for “ Mr.
Boyd, reported to be an orthodox minister, to preach the gospel
to us,” but his success is not reported. Samuel Dorrance next appeared
and gave such good satisfaction that he was invited in December to
preach till the following May. Mr. Dorrance was a Scotch Presby-
terian, lately arrived from Ireland, a graduate of Glasgow University,
licensed to preach in 1711, by the Presbytery of Dambarton and
bringing with him satisfactory testimonials of his ministerial character
and standing from several Associations in Scotland and Ireland. Far-
ther acquaintance confirmed the favorable impression first made by
him, and April 17, 1725, the Voluntown people met together to give
him a formal call. They decided, first, to give him a call in writing,
and give in their votes by subscription, “every man that was for y®
CHURCH AND TOWN ORGANIZATION. 249
settlement” desiring to have their names entered to the following
document :—
‘¢ We, the inhabitants and proprietors of Voluntown, having by ye provi-
dence of God had for some considerable time ye opportunity to experience
your ministerial gifts and qualifications, by which we have received such
satisfaction and are so well contented that it has pleased God to incline us to
give yon a call to settle with us in ye work of the gospel ministry, and in
case of acceptance, agree to give you sixty pounds a year for the present,
and also fifty pounds in such species as shall be suitable to promote your
building or settlement.
3. Ye town does give their free vote that you shall have that lot laid out by
the committee for the minister that should settle with us :—
John Smith. Daniel Dill. John Ashcraft.
Thomas Cole. Robert Parke. William Thomas.
John Keigwin. Benjamin Williams. William Deane.
Richard Williams. John Gallup. Ephraim Dow.
Samuel Church. Nath. Ayers. Thomas Welch.
Robert Campbell. John Ayers. Jonathan Roberts.
John Campbell. Samuel Gallup. Nath. Deane.
Robert Jackson. Thomas Dow. Jgseph Bowditch.
Robert Miller. Ebenezer Dow. Noah Rogers.
Thomas Gallup. Joseph Marsh. Jacob Bacon.”
A negative was called for, but not one answered. On the same day,
a number of those present, as a special token of their love and good-
will for their prospective minister, offered the following free gifts over
and above their equal proportion raised by vote of the town :—
John Smith, five thousand shingles. John Campbell, two hundred clab-
Thomas Cole, three pounds money, in boards.
shingle nails. Robert Miller, work.
John Gallup, five pounds, in work. Samuel Church, work.
Robert Parke, three pounds, inboards Robert Jackson, one thousand
and plank. “shingles.
Daniel Church, carting. Wm. Parke, work.
Samuel Gallup, five pounds, money. John Ashcraft, work.
Thomas Gallup, breaking up two Samuel Gallup, a cow and calf.
acres of land. Daniel Dill, work.
James Marsh, money. Jacob Bacon, work.
Robert Campbell, work. Stephen Richardson, two pounds,
William Thomas, two hundred of money.
clab-boards. Deacon Jacob Warren, Plainfield,
William Gallup, ten shillings. two pounds ten, money.
Nath. Deane, one pound, money. John Butler, one pound ten, money.
Jonathan Roberts, work. William Deane, one pound, money.
After due deliberation, Mr. Dorrance, with humble thanks, accepted
the call. August 16, Samnel Day, Robert Parke, John Smith, Samuel
Church, Nath. Deane, Jacob Bacon, Thomas Cole and John Gallup
were appointed a committee to apply themselves to the Association
next at Groton, and take their advice about the ordination of Mr.
Dorrance and to act according to their direction and to take care of
what is needful to be done. The Association having examined the
credentials of Mr. Dorrance, signified to the committee their approval
of their choice and readiness to assist in his regular and orderly settle-
ment; the Assembly granted the usual liberty, and on October 15,
1723, a fast was kept preparatory to ordination. The Rev. Mr. Coit
32
250 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
of Plainfield preached in the morning, Mr. Lord ,of Preston in the
afternoon, after which, “such as were in full communion and clothed
with satisfactory testimonials—in order that they might distinguish
themselves from heretics and other erroneous persons “subscribed the
following confession and obligations :—
“« We believe that the Word of God is a perfect rule of faith and obedience,
and acknowledge and believe that confession of faith composed by the Rev.
Assembly of divines, sitting at Westminster :— 7
Samuel Dorrance. John Smith. Samuel Church.
Robert Gordon. Daniel Dill. Adam Kasson.
Thomas Cole. Thomas Welch. William Kasson.
John Kasson. Jacob Bacon. David Hopkins.
John Campbell. Daniel Cass. Charles Campbell.
Robert Campbell. John Dorrance. Nath. French.
Samuel Campbell. George Dorrance. John Gibson.
John Gordon. Samuel Church, Jun. James Hopkins.
Alexander Gordon. John Dorrance, Jun. John and Robert Parke.
Ebenezer Dow. Nathaniel Deane. William Rogers.
John Keigwin. Vincent Patterson. John Gallup.”
William Hamilton. Robert Miller.
Robert Hopkin. Patrick Parke.
This Voluntown church, thus adopting the Westminster Confession
of Faith, was the first, and long the only Presbyterian church in
Connecticut. It is not probable that all whose names are affixed to
this Confession signed it on the day of organization, though it
was evidently a strong and vigorous church at the outset.
Letters were sent to the ministers in New London, Canterbury,
Preston new society, Plainfield and Killingly, inviting them to join in
the ordination of Mr. Dorrance, October 23. Up to this date, the
proceedings of town and people had been marked by entire harmony
and unanimity, but on the day appointed for ordination a violent oppo-
sition was manifested. Various conflicting elements were working
among the people. A large number of new inhabitants had arrived
during the summer. Mr. Dorrance had been accompanied to New
England by several families of Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, who had
followed him to Voluntown and settled there, buying land in various
localities. His brothers, John and George Dorrance, Gordons, Camp-
bells, Kassons, Hopkins, Keigwin, Hamilton and Gibson were already
admitted as inhabitants, and had assisted in organizing the church.
The advent of these foreigners, though men of good position and
excellent character, was looked upon with great suspicion by the
older settlers. A somewhat loose and disorderly population had pre-
viously gathered in this border township, inclined like their Rhode
Island neighbors to Baptist sentiments, averse to religious restraints, _
and especially jealous of Popery and Presbyterianism. The adoption
of the Westminster Confession by the new church caused immediate
outbreak and rebellion. The Council met according to appointment—
TOWN AND CHURCH ORGANIZATION. 951
the Rev. Messrs. Lord, Coit, Estabrook and Fisk, with their messengers,
and were proceeding regularly to business when, to their amazement, a
number of people appeared, determined to obstruct the ordination of
Mr. Dorrance, and, “in a riotous, disorderly and un-christian way,”
without waiting for prayer or ceremony, presented the subjoined
remonstrance :—
‘* We, whose names are under-written, do agree that one of.our New Eng-
land people may be settled in Voluntown to preach the gospel to us, and will
oblige ourselves to pay him yearly, and will be satisfied, honored gentlemen,
that you choose one for us to prevent unwholesome inhabitants, for we are
afraid Popery and Heresy will be brought into the land; therefore, we protest
against settling Mr. Dorrance, because he is a stranger, and we are informed
he came out of Ireland, and we do observe that since he has been in town
that the Irish do flock into town, and we are informed that the Irish are not
wholesome inhabitants, and upon this account we are against settling Mr.
Dorrance, for we are not such persous as you take us to be, but desire the-
gospel to be preached by one of our own and not by a stranger, for we can-
not receive any benefit for neither soul nor body, and we would pray him to
withdraw himself from us.”
The names appended to this document were omitted by the scribe,
‘for prudential reasons,” but some, he says, “ were not inhabitants ;
others, such as call themselves Baptists ; others, those who live without
God.” Great clamor and confusion followed. The Council passed the
day in hearing these opposers repeat their reasons over and over, but
the second day achieved the following “result”:—
“1, We esteem the objections offered by the defending party against Mr.
Dorrance’s ordination, invalid.
2. We judge the people’s call of Mr. Dorrance not sufficient.
3. We testify our firm persuasion that Mr. Dorrance’s ministerial abilities
are unexceptionable.
_ 4. We advise Mr. Dorrance to continue to preach, and the people to
endeavor a more regular and comfortable call.”
This decision was received with great indignation by a majority of
the town, conscious that a minister seldom received a more regular,
unanimous, hearty and every way “comfortable call,” nor did they hesi-
tate to accuse the ministers of Plainfield and Preston, of attempting for
selfish and interested motives, to delay the settlement of the town.
Plainfield and Preston cattle had hitherto enjoyed free forage on
Voluntown commons and their owners were loth to resign this privilege.
‘Report of these proceedings was at once dispatched to Governor
Saltonstall, and several leading ministers, who all condemned the non-
action of the Council and pronounced the “call” sufficient. The
Governor ordered a very strong letter to be written, directing the
Council to. proceed with the ordination, but Mr. Lord refused to
serve, because “some of his people had said they would not hear him
any more if he did,” and Mr. Coit, also, “lest bis people should be
offended at him in being accessory to deprive them of outgo for their
creatures.” A new Council was then summoned, from the churches of
252 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
old Preston, Windham and Canterbury, which met December 12, .
1723. A full memorial was laid before them, showing, “ That when
Mr. Dorrance was called not one moved his tongue against him, but
notwithstanding their unanimity, peace and concord, the Devil and
wicked men raised such tumult, noise and confusion, to the scandal of
religion, the shame of our nation and the violation of our laws and
privileges, that ordination had been prevented. These persons, it was
alleged, not only opposed the settlement of a minister, but protested
against building a meeting-house, opposing not only the gospel but
the civil magistracy ; as for their principles, some were Baptists, and
some could not be said to be of any; their arguments were made of
unchristian aspersions, showing aversion to strangers, contrary to
Ex. xxii: 21; John xiii: 34.; and pretending fear of heresy, Pres-
byterianism and unwholesome inhabitants—but, if the trath was
known, they were more afraid that men would see their actions; white
their counsellors in adjoining towns had still another end in view—
Voluntown lands for commong,—choosing rather to have outgo for their
creatures than that Voluntown people should have the gospel of the
Creator; but it was hoped that neither noise, nor tumult, nor cunning
dealing would hinder the Council from answering the expectation of
the town.” This memorial was signed by John Gallup, Thomas Cole,
John Smith, Jacob Bacon, Robert Parke, Samuel Church and other
leading men. The Council pronounced call and reasons sufficient, and
ordained Mr. Dorrance as minister of Voluntown church and township,
by prayer and laying on of hands. Jacob Bacon and Ebenezer Dow
were soon after elected deacons.
XXXVI.
BOUNDARY QUARRELS. MEETING-HOUSE SITE.
HE settlement of religious ordinances was followed, as foreseen by
Plainfield and Preston, by other improvements and a more rapid
development. In 1724, John Gallup had liberty to build a dam and
sawmill, ‘‘ where he hath begun on y° stream that runs out of Mon-
hungonnuck Pond,” and Robert Parke was allowed a similar privilege
on the Moosup. The landed interests of the town were still managed
by the proprietors, and their meetings held at New London, Norwich
and Stonington, though often obstructed by great rains, heavy floods,
bad roads and other inconveniences. As the original records of the
grant were kept with Captain Bushnell of Norwich, and the inhabitants
BOUNDARY QUARRELS. MEETING-HOUSE SITE. 953
“obliged to be at the oppressive and painful drudgery of going twenty
miles to him for a copy of anything wanted,” an unsuccessful attempt
was made to have them transferred into the hands .of the person who
kept town records. On the death of Captain Williams of Plainfield,
in 1728, a petition was sent for one of their own townsmen to serve as
treasurer of the tax money, and Jacob Bacon appointed in the room of
their deceased friend. Defects in laying out lots—lapping one upon
another and want of proper bounds—were rectified in 1724, by a com-
mittee appointed by the proprietors. More highways were then laid
out, and pine and other cedar swamps sequestered. Various new
inhabitants were from time to time admitted.
With some progress, Voluntown met with many difficulties and
drawbacks. The bounds of the town were disputed on every side.
Preston and Plainfield averred that the volunteers encroached upon
their limits, and endeavored “to swallow up some thousands of pounds’
worth of government lands more than their grant.” The Rhode
Island\line was one of those bounds which refused to stay settled, and
again and again the inhabitants of Voluntown were “ cut off” or
“beaten back,” while an internal controversy raged with still greater
violence between the proprietors of the original grant and the addition,
John Stoyell, who had bought up many rights in old Voluntown, as it
was called, was very active in this controversy, which was developed
in laying out to the proprietors the patents of confirmation granted by
the General Court in 1720. The true north bound of the original
Volunteer’s Land was the point at issue. By the terms of the grant,
the volunteers were to begin at the pond at the head of Pawcatuck
River—now known as Bailey’s—“ and from thence to run a north line
to the road that goeth from Norwich to Greenwich, and thence a west
line to Preston bounds.” It was claimed by Stoyell, as agent for the
original grantees, that these instructions had not been followed, and
that the line established was considerably south of the most northerly
point of the path, which had been intended. Plainfield, too, “had
beat back Preston half a mile,” so that the west end of the. bound now
abutted on Plainfield instead of Preston bounds, as ordered by the
grant. A petition was, therefore, urged, October, 1721, ‘* That the old
path from Norwich to Greenwich, and so to Plainfield bounds, might
be the north bound.”
In response to this request, and to petitions from Plainfield and
Preston, Messrs. John Plumb, Joshua Ripley and Josiah Conant were
appointed a committee, at the charge of the Colony, to view the proper
lines of Voluntown according to the several grants, and also to see
whether there be any country land adjoining. These gentlemen met,
September 17, 1722, at the house of John Amos, in Preston ; heard what
254 HISTURY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Preston petitioners offered, and then followed the alleged Voluntown
bounds, south, east and north, to the head of Pawcatuck River, and
thence traveled north in search of Greenwich Path, as indicated by the
grant, but found it “very uncertain where it was, and hard to be found
by reason of divers paths made since.” They therefore crossed over
to the west side of the town, where the path was still distinct, and
beginning east of Plainfield bounds, ran east about four miles, to the
Rhode Island bound, where a path called Dolwen’s crossed the ancient
Greenwich, “and the agents from Plainfield pleaded that this wag the
proper place to begin to run the line, and from Voluntown was
objected that the path turned from this place more northward, and they
should go further.” Here, however, they stopped, and ran from this
point a line due west a part of the way on the north side of Greenwich
Path, then south, then north again, till they came to Plainfield line,
four miles and forty rods north of her southeast corner. The line thus
laid down was considerably north of that previously indicated, and
included a large slice of the addition. No action was taken upon the
report of this committee.
The inhabitants of the disputed tract, who had paid for their farms and
expended much labor and pains in subduing them, were greatly alarmed
at the prospect of having them taken away from them to be distributed
among the proprietors of old Voluntown, and in a memorial presented
to the General Court, October 11, 1722, averred for themselves and
neighbors, “That John Stoyell, for several years, had troubled the
Honorable Court with a very wrong representation of the land of
Voluntown, by which he seemed to have a design to defraud several
of the inhabitants; that he had told Thomas Cole and John Gallup,
who had purchased land of him, that he should not hurt their
interests they being his good friends, but as for Ebenezer Dow, he
might look to the man he bought of, which was Thomas Stevens, for
he should turn the said Dow off his land; that Greenwich Path was
eight and three-fourths miles from the south line of Voluntown, while
the grant allowed but six; that the lots laid out in the addition were
all sold but one, reserved for the use of the ministry, and that a
change in the patent would be to the great loss, if not ruin, of many
of the inhabitants. In the following May, Lieutenant Leffingwell
and Richard Bushnell—committee for volunteers—represented to the
Assembly :—
“That Voluntown was not yet settled as it ought to be, and that the
Volunteers and their heirs were under difficult circumstances. 1. Because
several men had lots laid out to them, which other towns claim, so that the
Volunteers did not know whether they were the true owners. 2. The tax-
comunittee had sold several lots for one year’s tax. 3. Preston’s east bounds
were never fixed as ye law directs, so that Voluntown’s original west bounds
are uncertain. They, therefore, prayed for a committee to view, measure,
BOUNDARY QUARRELS. MEETING-HOUSE SITE. 255
fix bounds and likewise to examine towns’ and particular persons’ claims, so
that all Voluntown’s affairs, together with Plainfield’s and Preston’s, may be
laid before Assembly, by which means they hoped Voluntown would settle and
thrive, and needless oaths for the future be prevented. Again, in the act of
the Assembly, if inhabitants and proprietors could not agree about the meet-
ing-house spot, 4 committee was to be sent—and the inhabitants, without
consent of proprietors, had stated a place not according to ye righteousness
thereof, and had already stated dimensions—thirty-six by twenty-six,—&nd so
they intended to swallow up the proprietors’ money, and, therefore, the peti-
tioners prayed that the committee might have power to state place and
suitable dimensions—charge to come out of tax-money.”
On the other side, Preston and Plainfield were equally urgent in
complaints and petitions, showing :—
‘That the committee to run Voluntown lines did not run one line according
to order; did not run the north line from the head of Pawcatuck River to
Greenwich Path, for they did not go there; did not run the west line; did not
run the line of addition,—for themselves, they did not begrudge a good
township to the Volunteers, for they well deserve it, neither would they have
the country cheated out of land that would fetch thousands of pounds.”
So obscure and complicated were the questions and interests involved
in these controversies, that the various committees appointed from
. time to time wholly failed to disentangle them. After several unsuccess-
ful attempts to settle their difficulties, James Wadsworth and Hezekiah
Brainard were appointed, in 1726, to view the lands of Preston and
Voluntown, and inquire into the whole affair relating to these trouble-
some townships.
The erection of a house of worship in Voluntown was greatly
delayed by these controversies and others of a more local and sectional
character. The jealousy excited by the introduction of foreigners and
Presbyterians was not easily allayed, and a lawless element long con-
tinued to obstruct peaceable settlement. The chief cause of delay
was, however, dissatisfaction with the site selected. The northern part
of Voluntown was much the more prosperous and populous. The
highway to Providence with its good bridge across the Moosup, con-
venient access to Plainfield and Killingly, Smith’s mill and tavern,
better land and other attractions, had drawn thither the better class of
settlers. Here Mr. Dorrance was settled, between what is now called
Sterling Hill and Oneco. John and George Dorrance, the Gordons
and other leading families had also settled in this vicinity. These
settlers were very averse to the geographical centre found with so
much care by the town’s committee, and greatly preferred a fine, com-
manding hill site, a mile from the Providence highway—the summit of
Egunk,—now known as Sterling Hill. Unable, however, to induce
the town to reverse its decision, they repaired to the Assembly, May
14, 1724, showing —
“That the town agreed first that the meeting-house should be placed in the
centre, which is not the centre of the present inhabitants, but in an obscure
place, far from the country road, and withal surrounded by swamps and
256 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
precipices of rocks and bad lands, so that no good ways can be made there
without excessive charge to the town, and beg for another committee :—
Robert Williams. Jacob Warren. Joseph Bugbee.
William Rogers. Daniel Lawrence. Joshua Jefferds.
E. Wheeler. William Deane. Nathaniel French.
James Welch. Robert Park. Christopher Deane.
Samuel Welch. James Marsh. John Gordon.
Ebenezer Dow. Miles Jordon. Edmond Gordon.
Henry Cobb. Samuel Church. David Dill.
John Park. Jacob Church. Thomas Howard.”
Several of these petitioners will be recognized as residents of Plain-
field, who were anxious to secure this meeting-house in the north ‘of
the town to accommodate the inhabitants in the east part of their own
township, and had long been accustomed to -meddle in Voluntown
affairs. A committee of five, was accordingly directed to repair to
Voluntown, view, state, and ascertain the place for setting their first
meeting-house—which concurred with the petitioners, and selected the
commanding site on the summit of Egunk so much admired by them.
The town refused to accept this decision of the committee, and declined
to make any provisions for building a meeting-house upon this site.
Regardless of this rebuff, the northern residents proceeded to collect
timber and prepare a foundation under the supervision of Thomas
Dow. A letter from John Sprague and Joseph Backus—the com-
mittee in laying out the addition—to the inhabitants of Voluntown,
advised a still further removal of the site to the country road, “for
the benefit of the north part of the ways, as more convenient for
strangers and travelers; also to move the minister's lot.” Benefits
ensuing, they thought would more than countervail any damage sus-
tained by the lower inhabitants, who, many of them could attend public
worship in Preston. This suggestion was rejected, and in November,
Thomas Dow succeeded in raising a meeting-house frame on Egunk
Hill. The town still refused supplies and proposed to petition for a
new committee. In January, 1725, twenty-seven subscribers judged
it necessary for the benefit and peace of the town to acquiesce in the
place ascertained by the Court's committee and declared their satisfac-
tion therewith, “being convenient for water, beautiful for situation,
free from many troublesome, unhealthy swamps and more beneficial for
the greatest part of the people, and protested against any farther
alteration in moving the frame.” In May, both parties repaired to the
Assembly—the uorthern, stating that the meeting-house was raised on
the place ascertained by the committee and might have been finished
had the carpenters been furnished with means, and therefore people
were constrained to meet for worship in private houses near to one side
of the town, which was inconvenient and troublesome and might have
been remedied. The central party represented that a majority of the
BOUNDARY QUARRELS. MLETING-HOUSE SITE. 257
inhabitants still favored the central location. “Upon hearing the con-
troversy and very great contention that has happened and still continues
among the inhabitants of Voluntown . . .~ respecting the place
for setting up the meeting-house for public worship ”—Captain James
Rogers, Captain Tho. Huntington and Captain Jabez Perkins were
appointed to inquire into the state of that whole affair, view the places
and make report in October. This committee reported, “That after
all, they had better have the meeting-house on the first place, that
several non-residents had joined in petition for its removal farther
north and that the proceedings were unjust.” Upon this report, the
Assembly enacted :—
“That Voluntown’s first meeting-house shall be set up, erected and finished,
with all convenient speed, by the town of Voluntown, upon the spot of land
in said town that the inhabitants and proprietors of said Voluntown agreed
upon, April 27, A. D. 1722.”
This decision was very far from settling the difficulty. The northern
puty was unwilling to accept the situation, and reiterated to the
Assembly, that the place assigned was so barren that no settlement
could be made there, and no ways could be made without great cost,
and that where the frame was now placed ways were passable and
every way better, and that twenty men to one would say this location
was the best, and asked for the admission of all church members, house-
holders and proprietors to vote in town-meetings. The request was
denied. November 8, a meeting was called to ratify the Court's
decision. Several illegal voters were present. The town authorities,
strengthened by their late triumph, resolved to maintain the purity of
the ballot box. All were put out of the room but original inhabitants ;
John Tyler took the votes, and a committee was appointed to agree
with a carpenter for building the meeting-house on the site first
selected by the inhabitants. The northern party still resisted; peti-
tioned that all honest men might vote in town affairs, declined to get
new timber for another meeting-house frame when the first might
answer, or in any way assist in its erection. The greatest strife and
confusion prevailed throughout the town. “Good, honest freeholders,
heads of families who paid their dues honestly—Alexander Gordon
among them, with a list of a hundred pounds and more—were con-
stantly debarred from town privileges,” while men every way incom-
petent were elected to fill public offices. John Smith was so aroused by
the condition of affairs as to formally remonstrate, declaring :—
“That the law saith, those who are chosen for selectmen must be discreet
and of good conversation to order ye prudential affairs of ye town, and now
look back and consider ye qualification of some ye have chosen. if one of
them be one of old Morcas’ disciples, and ye other on record for lying, which
it seemeth to me a very great scandal on ye town, and those who chose them
void of ye fear of God and did not consider the welfare of ye church and
commonwealth.”
33
258 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
So great was the strife and division, that the town voted, “that it
desired that the patent granted to Voluntown might be wn-acted and
made void, and that the town be divided by an east and west line into
north and south ends, and each end to make and maintain their own
bridges and highways.” Attempts to go on with the building of
the meeting-house in this disturbed condition of affairs were quite
suspended.
While Voluntown was thus torn and weakened by factions, she also
shared in the distress and scarcity occasioned by the drouth and frosts
of 1725-26. Adam Kasson, Jacob Bacon, Thomas Welch and others,
who had purchased land in the addition and given security, were com-
pelled to ask for an extension of payment—* more especially because
of the providence of God at this present time, by reason of y* great
scarcity of provisions amongst us, so that it is very hard to make
money.” The poorer classes suffered so severely that they were
included among the recipients of the relief granted by the Assembly.
The Voluntown church, after its organization, increased steadily in
numbers, and apparently, enjoyed a good degree of harmony. Its
members, though quarreling about the meeting-house, were united in
their minister and views of discipline. January 1, 1726, a number of
ruling elders were chosen—Deacons: Bacon and Dow, Captain John
Gallup, Robert Parke, Thomas Cole, Nath. French, Adam Kasson,
Samuel Hopkins, Charles Campbell and Alexander Gordon—who, with
their pastor, were to receive and hear all complaints proper for ecclesi-
astic consideration, and determine and judge. Save in this respect, it did
not differ from other Connecticut churches. It was duly recognized by
the New London North Association, and Mr. Dorrance was accustomed
to meet and act with that body. After the early jealousy of Mr.
Dorrance as a foreigner had subsided, he seemed to secure the affection
and good-will of his people, and no further difficulty was manifest
till a much later period.
In May, 1726, Voluntown organized its ‘first military company, with
Jobn Gallup for captain, Robert Parke for lieutenant and Francis Deane
for ensign. The progress of the town had been greatly retarded, and
at this date it was much behind its cotemporaries—having no schools
nor even a meeting-house, and few roads laid out. Its population was
large, but somewhat motley and disorderly, made up of substantial
settlers from adjacent townships, sturdy Scotch Presbyterians and
lawless Rhode Island borderers. The existence of this latter class,
and a hint of its character, is indicated i in the following entry, found
among the church records :—
“ January 17,1726. The church seriously considering the impious practice
of some persons in going to conjurors, commonly so called, to inquire con-
cerning things secret, thought fit to show their dislike of such diabolical
ERECTION OF WINDHAM COUNTY. 259
practices by the following declaration, to wit: That whatever person, member
of the church, countenances, approves of, goes to, or consults with any per-
son that pretends to declare things secret or forbidden—by a spirit of
divination or by curious art,—we humbly conceive guilty of the breach of the
first commandment, and ought to be suspended from all special ordinances.”
The “old Morcas” referred to in John Smith’s remonstrance, was
probably one of the conjurors whose “diabolical practices” called out
this declaration.
XXXVIII.
ERECTION OF WINDHAM COUNTY. GENERAL SUMMARY.
ASSOCIATION OF MINISTERS.
ia 1686, the first settlement was made within the limits of the present
County of Windham ; in 1726, eight towns were therein organized.
In these forty years, much had been accomplished. The northeast
corner of Connecticut was no longer a savage wilderness. Forests
had been leveled, roads constructed, streams bridged, land subdued and
cultivated. The aboriginal inhabitants were fast passing away, The
wigwam had given place to the farm-house; the tomahawk to the
plow. Strong men from the earlier settlements in Massachusetts and
Connecticut had led the way to the Nipmuck wilderness—dangers had
been braved, hardships borne, difficulties overcome, and now several
hundred families were established in the eight townships. Details of
the settlement and growth-of-these towns have been already given.
‘Each had its own trials and difficulties, and each had succeeded in
laying those foundations and establishing those institutions so dear. to
the early settlers of New England. Some favored towns had made
rapid progress, others had been impeded by land controversies and
other weighty obstacles, but in 1726 each had achieved a church,
schools and military organization. Each had settled “a learned and
orthodox minister ;” had set up mills and tanneries and provided travel-
ing facilities. Public roads connected-each town with one ot all of the
leading business centres of New England—Boston, Hartford and
Providence,—and so great was the travel that almost every house on
these highways served for a tavern. Woodstock was claimed by
Suffolk County, Massachusetts; Windham and Ashford by Hartford
County. The remaining towns were included in New London
County. ;
The distance of these towns from their county-seats gave them much
260 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
inconvenience, and in 1717,,a movement was set on foot, “for the
easing of their inhabitants and remedy of their grievance.” “A Dill
that the towns of Lebanon, Windham, Mansfield, Plainfield, Canter-
bury, Killingly, Pomfret, Coventry and Ashford, bounded easterly by
the lines of the Colony, shall be and remain to be one entire county,
with the privileges and powers as are given by law to the respective
counties ; Windham to be the county seat and the county to be known
by the name of Windham County,” passed the Lower House, October
15, 1717. In the following October, a similar bill, with Hebron added
to the towns, was passed by the Lower House, but rejected by the Upper.
October, 1719, it was enacted by the Assembly, that there should be a
Court of Probate held at Windham, for the towns specified in the bill
of 1717—“to be held by one judge and clerk, with powers and privi-
leges as the other courts of probate have in this Colony.” This
arrangement relieved the inhabitants of northeastern Connecticut of
part of their grievance, but as they were still put to the hardship of
long travel to the court-houses in Hartford and New London, together
with great expense by reason of the length of courts, the demand tor
a new county became more and more urgent. A bill to this effect was
again defeated, in October, 1723. An attempt to procure a surveyor
for the north part of New London County was also unsuccessful. The
need of such an official was set forth in the following letter from Major
Fitch :—-
‘¢ To the Hon. Speaker of the Lower House, May, 1722.
Be so kind as to offer one thing to ye consideration of ye Lower House,
viz., that a surveyor be appointed for ye five towns, viz.: Killingly;
Pomfret, Canterbury, Preston and Plainfield, for these reasons: 1. Ye
County is same forty miles in length, and but one surveyor. 2. When
persons go to get him lose their pains, perhaps ride thirty or forty miles,
sometimes he is in one town, sometimes another. 3. If a man rides thirty or
forty miles to get at him he must be paid for two days’ travel, perhaps to do
five shillings’ service. 4. Moreover, I lately went down to get him to run a
line for me; he told me he could not do it, had for some considerable time
been in an ill way, there was so much to do the matter was too hard for him.
Then I told him we must have a surveyor in our parts. He answered, ‘ With
all my heart,’ he wished there was. This, gentlemen, in faithfulness to my
neighbors in the several towns, I humbly offer.—Y*t am your servant,
JaMES FITCH.
If ye question may be, who shall be the person? take this answer—Mr.
Samuel Butts, who hath the most skill.”
In October, 1725, it was resolved by the Assembly, “That sundry of
the towns in the northeasterly part of the Colony be set off to be a
distinct county, and be accordingly furnished with officers; the com-
pleting of which, together with the limits of said county, is deferred
till May next.” In May, 1726, Windham County was thus formally
defined and established :—
«* Be it enacted, by the Governor, Council and Representatives in General
Court assembled, and by the authority of the same. That the west bounds of
ERECTION OF WINDHAM COUNTY. 961
the town of Lebanon, the north bounds of Coventry, the north bounds of
Mansfield, till it meets with the southwest bounds of Ashford, the west
bounds of Ashford, the east bounds of Stafford, the Massachusetts line on the
north, the Rhode Island line on the east, the north bounds of Preston and
north bounds of Norwich, containing the towns of Windham, Lebanon, Can-
terbury, Mansfield, Plainfield, Coventry, Pomfret, Killingly, ‘Ashford, Volun-
town and Mortlake, shall be one entire county, and called by the name of
Windham.
And it is further enacted, by the Anthority aforesaid, That the said town of
Windham shall be and remain the county or head town of said county, and
that there be held annually two County*sourts—one on the fourth Tuesday in
June, and one on the second Tuesday in December in each year, and two
Superior courts for the trial of all causes both civil and criminal, as, and
endowed with the same powers and authorities wherewith all the courts in
the other counties in this Colony are by law impowered. The Superior
courts shall be held on the Third Tuesday in March and the third Tuesday in
September, annually.
And, further, it is enacted, That -the district of Windham, heretofore
appointed and limited for the probate of wills and testaments, shall be ex-
tended to and limited by the bounds of the county of Windham, and all cases
therein depending, or in any of neighboring districts, shall be determined in
the probate wherein they are already brought, and all appeals which shall be
oe shall be to the Superior court in the counties as they are now
state
And it is further enacted, That all officers, civil and military, proper to said
county, and allowed and improved in other counties, shall be allowed,
appointed and established for the county aforesaid.
And it is further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That the sheriffs of the
counties of Hartford and New London shail have power to serve all such
executions as are in their hands, or may hereafter be directed to them, upon
such judgments as are already recovered against any person or persons that
live in any of the towns which of late were within their respective precincts
and are by this act within the circuit of the county of Windham, as fully to
all intents and purposes as though this act had not been made.
And it is further enacted, That all actions, causes and matters whatever,
now depending in the County courts of Hartford and New London, by appeal,
reserved, continued, or any other way whatever, shall be issued and deter-
tnined in the said counties of Hartford and New London respectively, either
in the said County courts, or as the case may require (in the course of law)
by appeal, in the Superior courts, to all intents as though this act had not been
had or made.”
Three towns, it will be seen, were originally .included in Windham
County, now beyond its limits. Lebanon, southwest from Windham,
was organized as a town in 1700. Mansfield, at first a part of Wind-
ham, was set off as a distinct township in 1703. Coventry, west of
Mansfield, was made a town in 1711. These were all large and im-
portant towns, and added much to the strength of the new county.
The little, irregular Mortlake Manor was included in a distinct
township.
Of the population of Windham County at this date it is impossible
to form even an approximation. It is doubtful if any town, save
Windham, numbered a hundred families. A few hundred Indians,
chiefly Wabbaquassets and Quinebaugs, were residents of the new
county. Mohegans and Shetuckets roved freely through Windham
and Canterbury. A small number of negroes were held as slaves in
the weulthier families.
262 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
The following list gives the ratable property ascribed to each town
in October, 1726 :—
£ s. d.
Windham, . i 5 10,709 9 0
Lebanon, . 4 ‘ 18,875 15 4
Mansfield, . x 7 5,817 0 6
Coventry, . 4 5 4,494 7 6
Plainfield, x % 2 6,532 14 0
Canterbury, : : 6,229 1 6
Pomfret, = 3 ‘ 6,474 0 0
Killingly, . - 3 5,302 10 0
Amount, . . £59,434 17 10
Ashford and Voluntown were not yet sufficiently established to pay
rates.
Property was very unequally distributed. Such settlers as were
able to buy their land at the outset were soon in comfortable circum-
stances, but the great mass of the people were poor and found it
difficult to pay their taxes. Money was scarce, and so were commodi-
ties that brought in money, and many could scarcely raise sufficient
food for home consumption. Wheat, rye, corn, barley, flax and hemp
were the chief staples of production. Manufactures were limited to
leather, potash, coarse pottery and domestic fabrics of linen and
woolen.
Very little can now be learned of the social condition of the Wind-
ham of 1726. Few glimpses of domestic life have reached us. We
can see that they labored hard and suffered many trials and privations ;
that money was scarce, food sometimes scanty and comforts few—
especially in the later towns remote from the older settlement; that
there was much coarseness and roughness, much bickering and back-
biting and other indications of a low state of civilization. The first
generation reared in these new towns was probably inferior in educa-
tion and culture to their fathers. Schools, poor at best, were maintained
with great difficulty ; books were scarce, intercourse with older towns
infrequent. Home training, the church and the town-meeting—the
only educating, refining and stimulating agencies—could not fully
counteract the demoralizing influences and tendencies of their isolated
position. Details of controversies previously given furnish abundant
testimony to the roughness and violence of the times, and church
records bear equal evidence to much looseness of morals and many
prevailing immoralities. With all their strictness in Sabbath-keeping
and catechizing, in family and church discipline, there was great license
in speech and manner, much hard drinking and rude merry making,
with occasional outbreaks of Border-ruffianism. Training-days were
the great festive occasions in all the townships.
The ordinary style of living was still very plain and simple. Houses
were small and rough, furniture rude and scanty; food and clothing
* ERECTION OF WINDHAM COUNTY. 263
mainly of home production. Class distinctions were, however, early
developed, and a few favored families were able to adopt and maintain
a style of comparative luxury. Ministers were looked up to as social
as well as religious leaders, and with their unincumbered homesteads,
a salary of sixty to one hundred pounds free from government tax,
and abundance of free firewood—were able to live much better than
the majority of their people. The inventory of Mr. Whiting’s estate,
taken in 1725, and that of Mr. Estabrook’s two years later, show that
these ministers were in extremely comfortable circumstances, and left
ample provision for the maintenance and education of their children.
Both left valuable libraries, numbering nearly two hundred volumes of
standard works. A large supply of bedding was included in their
household furniture, a goodly array of pewter and brass, a little silver,
chairs and high chests. Carpets and bureaus were then unknown, and
earthenware was rarer than silver, yet few ministers’ wives of the
present generation equal Mrs. Whiting and Mrs. Estabrook in richness
and variety of apparel. The latter lady boasted :—
‘*3 Black crape gowns and petticoats. 1 Silk scarf.
1 Silk stuff double gown,and petti- 1 Pair stays.
coat. 1 Head dress.
1 Silk poplin gown and petticoat. 11 Night caps.
1 Silk crape gown. 8 Linen aprons.
1 White flannel wrought petticoat. 6 Linen aprons.
1 Stuff petticoat. 3 Linen and woolen aprons.
3 Linen and woolen petticoats. 2 Calico aprons.
1 Linen and woolen (home) gown 2 Checkered aprons.
and petticoat. 9 Speckled h. d. k. fs.
1 New camblet riding-hood. 9 Pairs gloves.
1 New camblet riding-hood. 2 Fans.
1 Serge riding-hood. 4 Waist-ribbons.
1 Gauze hood. Amber beads.
1 Black silk hood. 4 Pairs stockings.
2 Bonnets. 2 pairs shoes, &c.”
The ecclesiastic association of ministers within Windham County
limits preceded county organization. The Saybrook Platform, adopted
in 1708, as the ecclesiastic constitution of Connecticut, provided,
“That the particular pastors and churches within the respective
counties in this Government should be one consociation, and the teach-
ing elders of each county one association.” Each church was assumed, -
to be under the constitution of the Colony unless formally dissenting.
By this provision, Windham and Ashford churches would be included
in Hartford County organization; Plainfield, Canterbury, Pomfret,
Killingly and Voluntown in those of New London County. Con-
sociation in the latter county was delayed for many years, but an
Association, including all the ministers within its limits, was speedily
organized. A missionary spirit was early manifestgd by this body.
The spiritual destitution of their Rhode Island neighbors awakened
264 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
their concern and sympathy, and in March, 1722, “the reverend minis-
ters of the gospel met in association at New London,” prepared an
address to the Governor, moving, “ That a brief might be granted in
several congregations, for gathering what such as should be so piously
inclined would freely contribute towards supporting the charge of such
reverend ministers as should be improved from this Colony to intro-
duce and carry on the ministry of the gospel in the town of Providence.”
This address was presented by Governor Saltonstall to the Council, and
having been read and considered, it was resolved that a brief for that
end should be granted, and “directed to the respective ministers of
the towns of New London, Norwich, Groton, Stonington, Preston,
Lebanon, Windham, Mansfield, Canterbury, Plainfield, Pomfret and
Killingly, or to the deacons of the churches in such towns where
there is no minister ; which shall direct such ministers and deacons to
acquaint the congregation with the occasion of such collection to be
made, and appoint a time after the performance of divine worship on
the Lord’s day to receive in the congregation what shall be contributed.”
The money thus collected was to be put in the hands of Mr. Whiting
of Windham. The result of this early missionary effort is not
recorded. |
A meeting of the Association of New London County was held in
Killingly, October 28, 1723, when it was voted:—
‘“‘ Whereas, the late settlements that have been made of ministry in several
towns and precincts in this county have made the members of this Associa-
tion so numerous as to render it difficult for them all to meet in one place, it
is, therefore, agreed upon by this Association, that the Association of this
county be divided into two.
And that the bounds of the North Association of New London County be
the south bounds of Voluntown, south bounds of north society in Preston
and of the east and north societies of Norwich.”
November 10, 1724, the North Association met at Preston. Mr.
Eliphalet Adams of New London, was moderator. Salmon Treat, Samuel
Estabrook, Joseph Coit, John Fisk, Ebenezer Williams, James Hel-
shaw and Daniel Kirtland were present. It was agreed, “That the
division made at Killingly be consented to and agreed upon, save that
Mr. Lord of Preston belong to the South Association.” In August,
1725, a meeting was held at Killingly, which agreed, “That there be
three conventions in this Association, yearly—in May, August and
October. Also, that any three ministers convened at the time were
vested with full power to act.” Eight rules were adopted at this
meeting. The General Association of Connecticut, at their annual
meeting this summer—doubtless in view of the great drouth and
scarcity, Indian troubles and other « righteous providences ”—had
called upon the s8veral County Associations, “to consider provoking
ERECTION OF WINDHAM OOUNTY. 265
evils in the land.” The ministers of the New London North Asso-
ciation considered the matter at their October session in Pomfret, and
specified the following particulars :—
‘Injustice, oppression and uufaithfulness in dealing, pride and intemper-
ance, neglect of family religion in regard of instruction, worship and govern-
ment, profanation of the Holy Sabbath, contempt of civil and sacred authority,
neglect of divine institutions, such as omission of baptismal recognition and
attending ye sacraments of ye Lord’s Supper, and gospel maintenance of ye
ministry of Christ.”
After the erection of Windham County, the New London North
was merged in the Windham County Association, comprising all the
ministers within the county limits and one or two within New London
County.
34
268 : HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Canterbury, Francis Smith and Obadiah Rhodes of Voluntown, were
licensed “to keep houses of public entertainment for strangers, travelers
and others, and also to retail strong drink for y* ensuing year ;” James
Lassel of Windham, “to use and occupy y® art and mystery of
tanning.” At the December session, Samuel Backus was arraigned for
speaking “vile, ungodly and profane language,” and Joseph Bolles of
New London, “for declaring to y* worshipful Judge Timothy Pierce,
“You fight against God and you are perverting wretches.” Mehitable
Morris, for unseemly conduct, was sentenced to pay ten pounds, or be
whipped ten stripes upon her naked body.
August 18, 1726, the justices met in Windham, “to consult and take
measures for building a county gaol and prison-house for y* use of the
county.” It was ordered, “That a gaol be built with all possible ex-
pedition, thirty-one foot long and eighteen foot in breadth. The gaol
‘to be ten foot wide, built of logs all framed into posts, and be divided
into two rooms by a board partition ; one to have a small fire-place or
chimney. Thé other end [of the building] to be for the prison-house,
to be built after y® manner of other ordinary framed buildings, having
a chimney with the back nesen to y® gaol; ye [gaol] room to be six.
and a half foot between joints, and having a cellar under it, fourteen
foot one way and twelve another.” A rate of a half-penny a pound
was ordered to be collected in each town for this building. It was
also ordered, “That Mr. Richard Abbe’s back-room in his dwelling-
house shall be a common gaol till the new one be built.”
In May, 1726, Jabez Huntington of Windham was appointed sheriff
of Windham County—John Woodward and Richard Abbe binding
themselves in a recognizance of two thousand pounds that he should
be faithful in the administration of his office. Ebenezer Gray was
chosen clerk of the Court. Josiah Conant of Mansfield was appointed
surveyor of lands for the County.
In April, 1729, all the justices within Windham County met at the
house of Richard Abbe, to “consider about building a state-house.”
Timothy Pierce, Joshua Ripley, Thomas Huntington, Joseph Adams,
Ebenezer West, John Fitch, Joseph Strong and John Woodward were
present. It was agreed, “to build a court-house, forty foot long,
twenty-four foot wide, twenty foot between joynts; and, also, that
those gentlemen who are deputies for the town of Windham shall, in
the name of the County of Windham, prefer a memorial to the Hon.
Assembly . . . praying their approbation in this affair, and, also,
that something be granted to said county out of the duties of goods
imported into this Government to assist them in building said house ;
also, that something be allowed them from the counties of Hartford
and New London, in consideration of what we paid for building the
WINDHAM COURTS CONSTITUTED, ETO. 269
state-houses while we belonged to said counties ; also, that the town of
Windham may be under the same regulations as to keeping and main-
taining a grammar school in said town as the other head towns of
other counties in this Colony.”
In response to this request, the Assembly authorized and empowered
the judge and justices of the county to assess polls and ratable estates
in the several towns and parishes, for so much money as should be
needful for the building, repairing and maintaining a sufficient Court-
house, and to order the county treasurer to collect it. Hartford and
New London were allowed to pay back what they should think
reasonable. A rate of a penny a pound was accordingly assessed
upon the inhabitants of the county. Richard Abbe, Jabez Huntington
and Ebenezer Gray were appointed to have the care and management
of building the court-hotise, as soon as conveniently may be. This
was probably accomplished in 1730. The court-house stood on a
corner of Windham Green, and was considered a handsome building
for the time. It does not appear that Hartford or New London
thought it reasonable to pay anything towards its erection.
Captain John Sabin, the first settler of Pomfret and leading citizen
of northeastern Connecticut, was appointed by the Assembly, October,
1726, major of the regiment in the County of Windham. Upon the
petition of several persons, the Assembly ordered Major. Sabin, a year
later, “ to raise a troop in the County of Windham, and to enroll such
suitable persons as will voluntarily enlist themselves and engage to
equip themselves well for that service; and if there appear and enlist
to the number of fifty persons, the major then lead them to the choice
of all proper officers.” The requisite number appearing, the troop was
organized in May following, with Joseph Trumbull for captain, Jabez
Huntington, lieutenant, Ebenezer Metcalf, cornet, and Thomas New-
comb, quarter-master.
Windham County, at the date of its formation, included twelve
organized ecclesiastic societies, with the following churches and
ministers :—
Windham (1st), Thomas Clap, pastor.
Windham (2d), William Billings, pastor.
Lebanon (1st), Solomon Williams, pastor.
Lebanon (2d) or Crank, William Gager, pastor.
Coventry, Joseph Meachem, pastor.
Mansfield, Eleazer Williams, pastor.
Voluntown, Samuel Dorrance, pastor.
Plainfield, Joseph Coit, pastor.
Canterbury, Samuel Estabrook, pastor.
Ashford, James Hale, Pastor.
Pomfret, Ebenezer Williams, pastor.
Killingly, John Fisk, pastor.
These twelve churches, according to the law of the Colony, formed
270 HISTORY UF WINDHAM COUNTY.
The Windham County Consociation, the pastors and representatives of
each church meeting together in council whenever requisite, to settle
cases of scandal and discipline. The Windham County Association
of ministers held its first meeting in Lebanon, September 6, 1726.
The Rev. Messrs. Estabrook, Fisk, Ebenezer, Eleazer and Solomon
Williams, Billings, Gager and Clap were present. ‘Voted, That the
rules made for the North Association of New London County should
remain the rules, with the addendum that the moderator, scribes and
delegates should be chosen by written votes.”
The new dignity conferred upon the town of Windham gave it
immediate impetus. The growth of the village at Windham Green
was especially quickened. The court-house and gaol were soon erected,
with stores, taverns and numerous private residences. Richard Abbe,
now: one of Windham’s leading citizens, constable, justice, county
treasurer and often representative, opened his stately mansion for
public entertainment, receiving license in 1727. Joshua Ripley and
Jobn Fitch were still in active life. Much business and trade now
centred in Windham Green. Nehemiah Ripley and Joseph Genuing,
having obtained the art of tanning leather and “followed the trade, so
that the people had a better supply of shoes, which is a public benefit,”
received permission to set their tan vats on the waste land or highway
below Broughton’s spring. Thomas Snell also had liberty to set a
blacksmith’s shop, eleven feet by thirty, in the highway, north side of
Ebenezer Ginnings’ house-lot. The grammar school authorized by
General Court, was established after some delay. Windham, always
remiss in school matters, instructed her deputies, “to ask a-grant of
land in Voluntown” for its support, but received no help from that
quarter.
Throughout the town, improvements were in progress. Ichabod
Warner was allowed, in 1727, to make a dam across Pigeon Swamp
Brook; John Marcy and Seth Palmer to make one on Merrick’s
Brook. The first dam was built across the Willimantic the same year,
near the site of the present stone dam of the Linen Company. The
Iron Works’ Bridge was also erected. ‘The forge and iron works were
now in operation, but not particularly successful, if we may judge by
the frequent change of owners. Badger soon sold his share to
Ebenezer Hartshorn, son of Thomas, the first Willimantic mill-owner.
Hartshorn conveyed it to Joshua Ripley and he to Thomas Dver,
together with the adjacent dwelling-house, May 27, 1731. Dyer
retained it till 1735, and then sold out to Hathaway, one of the
founders of the company. These Willimantic Iron Works were main-
tained many years, and employed a number of laborers, but were never
very thriving. The privilege occupied so early by Thomas Hartshorn
WINDHAM COURTS CONSTITUTED, ETC. 271
was made over by him to his son Ebenezer, of Charlestown, who,
“ because he could not come to Windham to reside with any manuer of
convenience,” sold grist-mill and sawmill, water privilege and forty-acre
lot to Joseph Martin of Lebanon for £410, in 1729. Thomas Harts-
horn, the first settler of Willimantic, then purchased a house of
Ebenezer Jennings, and removed to Windham Centre. An early
settler in this vicinity, not previously recorded, was Stephen, son of
the Captain John Brown, who received a thousand-acreright from
Captain Samuel Mason in 1677. The home-lot pertaining to this right
was laid out in 1706, abutting southeast on Willimantic River, near the
northern boundary of the town, and was improved and occupied prior
to 1720, by Stephen Brown.
The prosperity of the church in Windham during this period ex-
ceeded that of the town. Mr. Clap developed remarkable administra-
tive capacities, and brought all ecclesiastical affairs under stringent
laws and discipline. Great pains were taken to enlarge the member- ©
ship of the church. As many church members were found in town
who wished to share in church privileges, but had brought no letters
from the churches to which they belonged, it was ordered :—
‘“*1. That all persons who have been inhabitants more than three years,
attended upon the ordinances and behaved themselves soberly—shall be
accounted jixed members of this church, though they have brought no
letter.
2. That all persons who have come and dwelt within three years shall pro-
cure a recommendation in three months.
8. That for the future, all persons coming hither shall bring a recommenda-
tion in three months.
4. Failing to do it shall be deemed utter negligence, or that they were under
some scandal, and such shall be suspended from the communion unless dis-
tance prevents or some sufficient excuse.”
To such baptized persons as were not members of the church, the
duty of “owning the covenant” was now strictly enjoined. Great
pains were taken with this class and privileges allowed them. A pre-
vious vote had made them subjects of discipline. In 1728, it was
further voted, “That all baptismal persons have a right to hear con-
fessions for public scandal, and that no such confessions shall be
accepted unless made before the congregation on the Sabbath, or some
public meeting wherein all baptized persons have warning to attend.”
These confessions were very frequent. The number of delinquents
-arraigned under the strict regimen of Mr. Clap was very large. So
severe was the task of sifting and collating evidence that he was com-
pelled to ask assistance. The ‘‘ Representatives of the brethren of the
church,” instituted to consult with the pastor on all emergent occasions,
were transformed into a special committee of inquiry, November 13,
1728, by the following enactment :—
“« Whereas, the work and business of the pastor of a church is very great,
¥
272 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
and particularly the enquiring into scandal and procuring evidence, and,
whereas, the Scripture informs us that God has set some in the church to be
helps in the government—voted. ‘That it shall be the work of the Repre-
sentatives of the Brethren, and they are hereby desired, with all diligence, to
attend upon it. That when there is a public and common report that any
person belonging to the congregation hath committed any public and scandal-
ous evil, to inquire into such report and bring information and evidence to the
pastor—provided that this be not understood to hinder the pastor from taking
cognizance of any scandal that may otherwise clearly come to his knowledge,
nor to hincer any private brother from bringing a complaint whenever there
be occasion for it.’”
Ralph Wheelock and Samuel Manning were then added to the pre-
vious Representatives—Joshua Ripley, John Fitch and Jonathan
Crane.
Under this energetic discipline, the church in. Windham was greatly
enlarged and strengthened. Mr. Clap was by no means satisfied with
outward decorum and conformity to law, but labored earnestly to pro-
mote the growth and raise the standard of piety. At least once in
every year he visited every family in his parish and catechized the
children, ‘ noting the name and age of each member, that so he might
have more knowledge and clear remembrance of every soul committed
to his care and charge, and the circumstances and condition of each
particular person.” Though not “brilliant or eloquent,” he was a
forcible preacher, and greatly impressed the community by his earnest-
ness and strength of character. Mr. Clap was married November 23,
1727, to Mary Whiting, the daughter of his predecessor. Though not
fifteen years of age at the time of her marriage, she was already
remarkable for loveliness of person and disposition, and by her winning
sweetness and amiability softened the asperities of her somewhat
arbitrary husband. She proved fully equal to her position, and greatly
endeared herself to the church and people.
With all the pains taken to ensure good order and discipline—
Colony and church laws, inquisitorial committee and local town enact-
ments—Windham did not escape occasional outbreaks of rowdyism.
Samuel Backus, though punished by imprisonment and hard labor for
speaking “ vile, ungodly and profane language” as before related, had
the temerity, in 1730, to join with two other lads—William Backus,
Jun., and Joshua Sawyer—steal the keys of the gaol and let out cer-
tain prisoners, who effected their escape from justice. For this high-
handed offence, Backus was bound over as apprentice or servant for
three years to Mr. Zedediah Strong. Sawyer, for a less period, to
John Arnold of Mansfield. A number of Windham citizens were
concerned, a few years earlier, in a much more serious affair—the
breaking open of Hartford Jail and release of Captain Jeremiah Fitch,
and when the grand-jurors of the town attempted to arrest some of
these rioters, Captain Fitch himself, William More and about twenty
>
THIRD SOCIETY SET OFF, SCOTLAND PARISH, ETC. 273
men came out upon them with great clubs or stakes, threatened, pur-
sued, struck some of the company and threw stones and clubs at
them. Presentment of this affray was sent to Mr. Justice Ripley, with
direction to proceed against the actors as the law required, who
returned that he could not take them without a deputy sheriff, and
that “the said sheriff could not come into these parts, much more
attempt to seize them, without danger of his lite or having his bones
broken.” In 1733, Jeremiah Ripley, Jun., was guilty of the grave
misdemeanor of declaring, at the Windham Court-house before a great
number of freemen, met to give in their votes for the election of the
governor and other officers, “ That the Honorable Governor was a fool,
and his friend and counsellor, Roger Wolcott, a knave, and that we
will kick about the knave and turn out the fool.” These reproachful
and contemptuous words being duly reported to the General Assembly,
Mr. Ripley was apprehended and brought before it to answer the mis-
demeanor, and upon his confessing himself in great measure guilty
thereof, it was resolved, “That the said Jeremiah Ripley shall be dis-
franchised during the pleasure of the Assembly, and until they shall
see cause to restore him to freedom again, and that he give bonds to
the treasurer of this Colony to the value of £1,000, money, conditioned
that he carry good behavior towards his Honor the Governor and
Roger Wolcott, and all other his Majesty’s subjects, for the space of
one year next coming, and pay the cost of his prosecution, and stand
committed till the same be performed.” At the close of the year, he
was discharged from bonds and restored to his rights and privileges as
a freeman of the corporation.
IL.
THIRD SOCIETY SET OFF. SCOTLAND PARISH. MEETING-HOUSE
BUILT. CHURCH ORGANIZED. MINISTER SETTLED.
HE southeast section of Windham participated in the growth and
prosperity of the mother township. These Scotland settlers had
early taken a high position in town, and were actively concerned in all
its church and secular affairs, repairing constantly to the Green for
trainings, town-meetings and the various religious services. The
Windham people greatly valued their Scotland neighbors, and were
anxious to retain them within their church and parish. At the first
.symptom of a tendency to disruption—February, 1726—the town
voted, ‘“ That when the public list amounted to £12,000, they would
build a meeting-house in the east part, and when they should agree to
35
274 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
settle a minister the town would go unitedly—Canada or Windham
parish excepted—in supporting two ministers and repairing two meet-
ing-houses.” Notwithstanding this flattering eagerness to propitiate
and retain them, the Scotland people soon manifested a preference for
independence. In December, 1727, “divers of the inhabitants living
east of first society,” received liberty to employ “a suitable person to
preach to them in the winter season.” This service was continued
several successive winters, Windham kindly granting leave “to hire a
minister, provided they pay him and their just charges in Windham
too.” It not appearing “just” to the Scotland residents to pay for
two ministers, agitation was kept up till 1731, when a petition was pre-
ferred to the General Assembly for society privileges. Ebenezer West
and John Woodward of Lebanon and Joseph Strong of Coventry, were
thereupon “authorized to repair to said society and there to inquire
into their circumstances; and if they judge (all things considered)
that there ought to be a new society set off on the east part, that then
they state and aftix a dividend line, to run across said society north
and south.” This committee reported in favor of division, and affixed
a line, “beginning at the mouth of Merrick’s Brook, where it empties
itself into Shetucket River, and so running northerly to the south-
west corner of the land of John Kingsley, where he now dwells; ”
thence to Beaver Brook at John Fitch’s dam; thence, a straight line
to Merrick’s Brook at a place crossed by the road from Windham’s
first society to the Burnt Cedar Swamp; then, running south on the
brook to the southwest corner of Canada Society; thence, easterly by
the south bound of that society to Canterbury ; thence south by Can-
terbury line to the dividend line between Windham and Norwich, and
west by Norwich line to thé mouth of Merrick’s Brook. This bound
included, probably, less than a third of the territory of Windham. In
October, 1731, Nathaniel Bingham, Jacob Burnap, Eleazer and Samuel
Palmer, Joshua Luce, Daniel Meacham, Isaac Bingham, Samuel Hebard,
Seth Palmer, Timothy Allen, Charles Mudie, Benj. Case, John Waldo,
David Ripley, Caleb Woodward, John Cary, Jonathan Silsby, Elisha
Lilly, Jacob Lilly, Joshua Lasell, Nathaniel Huntington, Nathaniel
Brewster, Nathaniel Rudd, Wilkinson, Carpenter and Samuel Cook
asked for confirmation of these bounds and distinct society privileges.
As usual, at this period, these were not obtained without a struggle.
Peter Robinson, John Kingsley and other leading men were opposed
to division, and thus stated their reasons, October 12, 1731 :-—
“J, That we are about eight miles by six, all our highways laid out leading
to our present meeting-house, and whatever alteration will be made will be
very chargeable to the society and prejudicial to particular persons, as the
best that can be thought of for the greater part of this proposed new society
is to go uppn sufferance through a multitude of gates and bars, that will
,
THIRD SOCIETY SET OFF, SCOTLAND PARISH, ETC. 275
render our passage to and from the public worship of God well nigh, if not
altogether, as tedious as now it is.
IJ. As to our ability, we are humbly of opinion that, considering the small-
ness of our list and the great number of heads that make the best half of it,
together with the unprofitableness of our land that still remains uncuitivated,
which renders it highly necessary for us to be at great charge in subduing it
without’ expecting any great profit for some considerable time, that in our
apprehension renders us incapable of division for some time.
It{. As to our inclination to divide, we have had considerable debate
thereon, and find that well nigh if not altogether half—taking in the neuters—
are very averse to dividing, and we are much afraid it will promote a great
deal of strife and contention among us if your Honors do not interfere and
prevent any further proceedings until we are better able:
Peter Robinson. Joseph Ford. Benjamin Armstrong.
John Bass. Daniel Ross. Isaac Armstrong.
John Kingsley. John Gray. John Broughton.
Nathaniel Ford. Thomas Armstrong. Widow Sarah Hebard.”
This remonstrance delayed action till the following May, when both
parties again presented petitions. Discussion had been very earnest
during the winter, and some of the “neuters” now came out in favor
of the new society, and begged “to have their names changed from
the opposing memorial to the one asking division.” Opponents of the
measure declared the advantages small compared with the expense,
that the cost of settling a minister and building a meeting-house would
be not less than a thousand pounds, while their part in enlarging the
present house would not be above forty pounds, that their list of
property was so small that it seemed more like starving the gospel
than promoting it, that more than one-third of the inhabitants opposed
division, and begged not to be constrained to it. The inhabitants of
the western part of Windham also remonstrated against the proposed
division. Captain John Fitch declared :—
‘That the committee had set off the new division about a third bigger than
the residue thought thev could possibly spare, yet many wanted a considera-
ble part more; had not seen the allegations, but supposed the families were
so numerous, and their indigency equivalent thereto, as to render them
incapable of transporting them to meeting, but how much of’an argument
there might be in shortening the travel and enhancing the charge they might
decide. Windham had already lost Mansfield and Canada, which rendered it
very difficult for them to accommodate the memorialists. Attempt at division
had caused great strife and divided the people into three parties, not quite so
equal in their distribution as in their temper and disposition, which will
prove very detrimental and you will see them better agreed if you proceed
no farther in the affair.”
In spite of these remonstrances, the majority carried the day, and the
east part of Windham was endowed with society privileges, May,
1732. The bounds ascribed were those recommended by the committee.
The number of families within them was about eighty ; list of estates
reported, £3,945. The first society meeting was held June 22, 1782,
at the house of Nathaniel Huntington. Richard Abbe presided.
Edward Waldo was chosen moderator; John Manning, .clerk; Peter
Robinson, John and Edward Waldo, society committee. September
276 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
20, the society again met at Mr. Huntington’s, and “ Voted, to have a
minister for the month, and that the place of preaching be at the house
of Nathaniel Huntington. Also, that we desire to set our meeting-
house in the centre of our society, and if that prove to be an incon-
venience in the next most convenient place, to build a meeting-house
for the public worship of God. Also, Ensign Nathaniel Rudd, Mr.
Samuel Manning, Lieutenant Peter Robinson, Sergeants Nathaniel
Bingham and Edward Waldo, Mr. John Bass and Mr. John Cary, be a
committee to provide us a minister to preach to us, and also to provide
a place for him to diet in, and also to agree with him for what he shall
have a day.”
Mr. Flagg was the minister provided—diet-place and daily wages
not recorded. December 25, a society meeting was held at Mr, John
Waldo’s. The dissensions arising during the discussions preceding
division were not yet healed, and now broke out with renewed violence.
Some thought that by the law of the Colony societies were required to
elect their officers in December, others, that all chosen must serve a
year. A majority favored the former opinion, and proceeded to
appoint Lieutenant, Nathaniel Huntington, clerk and collector; Peter
Robinson, John Bass and David Ripley, committee—whereupon Messrs.
Manning, Rudd, Bingham, Cary and Allen, at once ordered the clerk,
“to enter their dissent against these proceedings of the meeting, for
that it was not the work of the day and was not contained within the
warning, and that the officers chosen in June were expected to serve a
year.” Much confusion followed, and the meeting was adjourned till
December 29, at the house of David Ripley. The “difference” still
continued. Attempts were made to quiet parties by adding two of the
former committee to the present, but it had not that effect. A number
were persuaded that the proceedings of the society were irregular, and
that they were destitute of a lawful clerk and committee, and thus no
business could be accomplished “ without quarreling.’’ They succeeded
in appointing Joseph Meachem, John Cary and Jeremiah Ripley for
school committee. Samuel Bingham, Zebulon Webb and Peter Robin-
son were also employed “ to provide a minister to preach to us for the
space of two months,” and nothing else effected during the winter. In
the spring, both parties repaired to the Assembly with their grievances
and difficulties, which were relieved by the enactment, “That the
committee and other officers chosen Deceinber 25, should be good and
valid in law.”
At the same session, their meeting-house spot was confirmed to
them. By the Colony law enacted May, 1731, inhabitants were to
apply to the Assembly, who were to appoint, order and _ affix the place
whereon each meeting-house should be built. Parishioners were to
THIRD SOCIETY SET OFF, SCOTLAND PARISH, ETC. QT
appoint a committee, grant and levy a tax; clerk of society to keep
account of disbursements and certify to the Assembly the doings of
the society and progress of the house. For a society to build without
referring to the Assembly was not lawful, and subjected them to £100
penalty. In compliance with this act, the lawful authorities judged
the most proper place for Scotland meeting-house to be “a knoll, east
side of Merrick’s Brook, south side of the road from Windham to
Canterbury.” This land was included in a thirty-acre lot owned by
Mr. Nathaniel Huntington, who promptly made over a quarter of an
acre for a building-spot—a gift “thankfully received” by the young
society. This important point being settled, all minor differences were
laid aside, and all parties united harmoniously in promoting the work
of building. June 25, 1733, it was voted, “To build a house forty-
three foot in length, thirty-three foot in width, twenty foot stud, with
a handsome jeyht to it suitable for such a house.” Edward Waldo,
John Bass and Joseph Meachem were appointed a committee “ to agree
with suitable men to build the house, so far as to finish the outside—
glazing excepted—make all the doors, and lay the under-floor dubble.”
It was agreed, “ That the roof shall be covered with chestnut shingles
and chestnut clap-boards, sawed.” Notices for society meetings were
ordered ‘‘ to be written on a peace of paper, to be sett at the tavern,
by the door, so as fairly to be seen, and also at the corn-mill.” October
2, Samuel Palmer, Samuel Manning, Peter Robinson and John Bass
were appointed, “To take care of the provision and drink brought in
for the raising of the meeting-house. The raising was accomplished
and the frame covered so speedily that, November 20, a society
meeting was held in the meeting-house. It was voted, “ That
the society accept of the said house, as in their estimation done as said
committee was to do it.” A committee was now chosen to agree with
some man or men to glaze the meeting-house with good crown glass,
and Mr. Seth Palmer employed to make some conveniency tor a
minister to stand by to preach. With this temporary pulpit, costing
ten shillings, and rough boards for seats, the house was deemed ready
for occupation, and twelve shillings allowed to David Ripley for
keeping it swept.
Efforts were now made to secure a permanent minister. February
7, 1734, the society voted, “That we give a minister a call by dividing
in said house. The minister thus selected was Mr. Robert Breck,
a young minister of uch ability and promise, in whom the society
now united, offering £250 for settlement. This arrangement was
frustrated by the interference of Mr. Clap, who still exercised ministe-
rial authority over the new parish, and suspected the soundness of
Mr. Breck’s orthodoxy. He told the Scotland people that their chosen
278 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
candidate was inclined to Arminianism, and that they must have no
more to do with him, and advised Mr. Breck to leave, which he did at
once, without apparent demur or remonstrance. The dictum of
Mr. Clap was not to be questioned. March 27, another meeting was
held, and Isaac Burnap, David Ripley and Edward Waldo chosen “a
ministerial committee to provide us a minister,” and directed, “To go
first to Mr. Barber to get him to preach, and if he fails to the Erector
of New Haven. By the advice of this important personage, Mr.
William Hart was secured, and received with favor. July 18, was set
apart as a day of special fasting and prayer, before proceeding again to
call a minister. The Rev. Eleazer Williams conducted the services,
and Mr. Hart was called with due formality, but declining to accept,
the society was constrained to appoint another committee, “to get
us a minister.”
During this interval, the meeting-house was progressing. In May,
arrangements were made for building pulpit, deacons’ seat and canopy,
a gallery with stairs and pillars, and a body of seats. It was voted,
“to joyne the body of seats of the men’s and women’s in the midst,
and also that we leave seven feet of room round the sides and ends of
the house for alleys and pews; eight feet on the back for pulpit and
deacons’ seat—John Bass, Nathaniel Rudd and Samuel Cook to see it
done.” In August, it was decided, “To change the middle of the
body of seats, and have an alley from the door to the deacons’ seat,
three and a half feet wide, and the seats to come up to the south side
of the house, raising the hind-seat two steps and the next to that, one.”
This proving unsatisfactory, in October, it was determined “to new-
model our meeting-house,” but no particulars specified. December 17,
1734, John Manning was chosen society clerk; John Bass, David
Ripley and Nathaniel Rudd, committee; Seth Palmer and Elijah Hurl-
but, collectors; John Bass, treasurer; David Ripley, Isaac Burnap
and Thomas Bass, school committee.
January 21, 1735, a special committee was appointed, to serve for
three months, “to get a minister in order for settlement,” and, happily,
succeeded. The minister secured after so much pains and labor was
Ebenezer, son of Rev. Ebenezer Devotion of Suffield—a young man
of good abilities, pleasing address and unimpeacitable orthodoxy—who
had just completed his ministerial studies. He was graduated from
Yale College, in 1732, and just twenty-one years old when called to
the Scotland pastorate. £30) settlement and £140 salary were offered
him, with an additional thirty afterward, “he finding his own fire-
wood.” August 9, Mr. Devotioa personally appeared before the society
and accepted their terms. Preparations were promptly made for ordina-
tion. Edward Waldo, Isiac Burnap an] Nath. Bingham were appointed
THIRD SOCIETY SET OFF, SCOTLAND PARISH, ETO. 279
to make provision for the elders and messengers; Samuel Manning,
Samuel Palmer and Peter Robinson to send for them. Oct. 22, 1735, a
church was organized in the third society of Windham, and Mr. Devotion
ordained its pastor. The first and second churches of Windham, the
second church of Pomfret, the churches of Mansfield, Lisbon and
Canterbury were represented in the Council. Mr. Clap served as
scribe. The brethren of the Windham charch residing in Scotland
Parish “ appeared before the Counvil, and by a manaal vote declared
their consent and agreement to be a particular church by themselves,
for the attendance upon and carrying on all the ordinances of the gospel
in this place.” Eighty-nine members were dismissed from the first and
incorporated into the third chirch of Windham. Mr. Devotion was
then ordained with the usual formalities. November 19, Edward
Waldo and Nathaniel Bingham were chosen deacons.
After the happy settlement of an acceptable pastor, Scotland pur-
sued its way for many years with great peace and harmony. A
“reading and wrighting school, two months a-peace, in the upper and
lower parts of the society,” was established. The meeting-house
slowly attained completion. In 1737, a pew was ordered for Mr.
Devotion, “in the east side the pulpit, joining the pulpit, for his youce
so long as he shall continue with us in the work of the ministry.” In
the following year, it was voted to finish the mzeting-house, “i. e., lay
the gallery floor, finish the breast-work and build the first and second
seats around it.” In 1739, pews were erected. Twelve young men
received liberty to build a pew the length of the front gallery, dividing
the same by a partition of wood, taking one-half as their own proper
seat to sit in and gallantly allowing the other to a certain number of
young women. In 1740, Nathaniel Rudd, David Ripley, Nathaniel
Huntington and Deacons Waldo and Bingham, had leave to build a
pew, west end of the pulpit, next the stairs, for themselves and their wives.
During this year, it was first voted, “To seat the meeting house,” John
Bass, Jonathan Silsbee, Jonathan Brewster, Nath. Huntington and: John
Cary, serving as committee. Bass, Silsbee and Brewster were assigned
the fore-seat in the body of seats below; Seth Palmer, the second seat
next to the fure-seat. The “numerous” children in the early Scotland
families necessitated continued seat-building. Pews were built in com-
pany, and only occupied by heads of families, so that the young people
as they grew up were forced to provide for themselves. In 1741,
Elizabeth Palmer, Jail Lassell, Welthe Cost, Lucy Carpenter, Phebe
and Elizabeth Lillie, Elizabeth and Sarah Skiff, Ann Ripley and
Abigail Huntington, had liberty to build a pew in the gallery.
October 28, 1747, Jabez Kingsley, Samuel Robinson, John Bass,
280 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Pelathiel Durham and James and Phineas Manning, thus petitioned :—
‘¢ We, the subscribers, petition the third society of Windham to grant us
liberty of ye floor in ye second seat of ye first gallery on the men’s side, to be
devoted to our own use to sit in. We desire liberty to raise the floor so much
as to make it leavel, and to make a door and to set up banisters, and we will
do it at our own cost and charge.”
This request was granted, on condition “that they pay the society
for finishing the meeting-house against their pew, and let those that
sit in the northeast corner pew have free liberty to pass and repass
through their pew, and build in six months.”
Even very young girls were stimulated to join in this pew-building,
as shown by this memorial :—
“ November 26, 1744. The humble prayer of your dutiful memorialists
showeth to this society, that we, having onconvenient seats in our meeting-
house in said society to sit in, we therefore pray our Fathers of said society
to give us the liberty to build a pew in the east gallery, at our own cost and
charge. Hoping our petition will not be denied, we subscribe ourselves your
dutiful children till death:
Mary Mosely. Mary Wright. Mehitable Huntington.”
Abigail Palmer. Elizabeth Kingsley.
II.
CANADA PARISH. DEATH OF MR. BILLINGS. CHANGES IN FIRST
SOCIETY. FIRST EXECUTION IN WINDHAM COUNTY.
HE second society of Windham, having outlived the trials of its
infancy, was now thriving and populous, many families having
settled in Windham Village and the adjacent valleys. Thomas Marsh,
Benjamin Chaplin and Samuel Kimbal of the south part of Pomfret,
were annexed to this society. A new road, laid out from Windham
Village to Pomfret in 1730, facilitated communication between these
settlements. Thomas Stedman of Brookline purchased a hundred and
fifty acres of Nathaniel Kingsbury, and settled in Windham Village in
1732. Ebenezer Griffin of Newton, the following year, settled a
mile northwest of the meeting-house, on land bought of William
Durkee, marrying Hannah, daughter of Deacon Philemon Chandler
of Pomfret. A full military company was formed in 1730, with
Nathaniel Kingsbury for captain and James Utley for lieutenant. The
chief house uf entertainment was now kept by Nathaniel Hovey; the
first store is believed to have been kept by Benjamin Bidlack. Of
schools and the general progress of the society, nothing can be learned
in the absence of society records.
The church in Canada Parish was in the main prosperous, though
gieatly burthened with questions of discipline. Little is known of
CANADA PARISH, DEATH OF MR. WILLIAMS, ETC. 281
Mr. Billings, or of his standing and success in the ministry, but it is
evident that affairs were not entirely harmonious. In 1727, Mr.
Billings applied to the Windham County Association for advice in
accommodating differences in the church of Windham Village, and
was recommended a mediation of ministers or a council of consocia-
tion. A contemptuous fling at the preaching attributed to one of the
brethren occasioned further disturbance. The offender refused to make
proper acknowledgment. Mr. Billings, as strict in discipline as his
cotemporary in old Windham, again applied to the Association, Sep-
tember 11, 1729. A committee was sent, which prescribed the tollowing
confession :—
“‘T acknowledge before God and this church yt my saying, ‘I had rather
hear my dog bark than Mr. Billings preach,’ was a vile and scandalous ex-
pression, tending to ye dishonor of our Lord Jesus Christ and his ambassadors,
as also of religion in general. I do hereby declare before God and ye church
my sorrow and repentance for it, humbly asking your forgiveness, and resolve
to have a greater watch and guard over my tongue.”
This confession was probably satisfactory to neither party, as, two
years later, the Association voted, “That Mr. Billings ought to accept
confession,” and in August, 1732, ordered, “That Mr. Billings do pro-
» ceed to read aloud ’s confession with all convenient speed.” The
matter was not settled till 1735, after the death of Mr. Billings, when
the offender appeared before the congregation, owned the prescribed
confession, and the church accepted it.
Indulgence in liquor involved another brother in a course of church
discipline.
“ January 8, 1731. Rev. William Billings to Greeting :—
Having been informed of your being over-taken with inebriating drink at
sundry times of late, to ye great dishonor of Christ and religion, and danger
of your own soul, you are required to come to my house and do what the laws
of Christ’s Kingdom require of such offenders.”
This being disregarded, a second summons was sent, January 23,
enforcing his appearance, or he “would add obstinacy to his former
crime.” The culprit then appeared, but denied the accusation. Farther
investigation was decided upon. Elizabeth Crocker, Daniel Davis,
John Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Hovey, William Durkee and
Stephen Fuller, were summoned to give in their testimony. A formal
meeting was held at the minister's, February 9, and the fact established
that the accused had been overcome and disguised with strong drink ;
once when working on the’ highway, and again at the houses of
Nathaniel Hovey and Benjamin Bidlack. A public confession was
ordered. The young man demurred, and begged time to consider the
matter, but finally, March 28, 1731, came to the house of God and
owned the following declaration, read by the pastor :—
“These are to confess that I have been overtaken some time since with
strong drink, and particularly at the last day of working on highway last fall.
I acknowledge I then drank too much strong drink, and have sinned before ye
282 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Great Lord, and I have a jealousi¢ of myself, whether I have not been overtaken
or drunk too much strong drink some other times, for all which I desire to be
deeply humbled, and take shame to myself, and to pray a pardon from the
* Great Lord the Christ, and ask forgiveness of the Church, hoping and resolv-
ing, in the strength of Christ, to walk more watchfully for time to come.”
From these older church members—Hovey and Bidlack—who had
probably furnished the liquor thus “ overtaken ” and “ overtaking,” no
confession was extorted. A brother, “guilty of railing and defamatory
language,” was also required to make a public confession. Elizabeth
Mott, having “embraced anti-Pzedo-baptistical sentiments to a high
degree and denied them to be a true church,” was “shaken off and
given up,” November, 1730.
An acute disease terminated the life and ministry of Mr. Billings,
May 20, 1733. One hundred and seventy-two persons had been
admitted to his church during his ten years pastorate. A sermon,
preached on the preceding Fast-day, was published after his decease,
and gives, says Mr. Robert C. Learned, “a pleasing impression of his
mental and moral qualities." The Rev. Mr. Hale of Ashford, thus
testifies in the preface to this sermon: “I have discerned his sweet
Christian conversation, not only among the ministers in our Association _
meetings, but also in some measure amongst his own people, and also *
very particularly in his own family, wherein he practiced in a very
eminent degree and manner. In his last sickness, he gave tokens of
finishing his course in a right Christian manner, though sorely
oppressed with the distemper in the last week, even unto his being
very delirious.” Mr. Billings left a widow and four young children.
His estate, though less than those of Messrs. Whiting and Estabrook,
was not insufficient, as is evident from this inventory :—
£ gs. d.
Clothes, 3 e ¥ ‘ « 24 4 2
Books, P . é ‘ Fi 48 10 7
Horse, . # ‘ i % ss 220 0
Stock, . : ; ‘ ‘ 42 0 0
Furniture, . é ‘ % » 2 0 8
Cloth, yarn and flax, ¥ - 20 0 0
Brass, . ; ‘ ‘ : $ 7 0 0
Pewter, . ‘ ‘ . 3 8 70
Iron, . ‘ ‘ ¥ é - 10 4 0
Bedding, . ‘ . . 7 5110 0
Indian girl, : ‘i . »- 20 0 0
Farm and house, . : ‘ 600 0 0
Nine pounds for provisions were allowed to the widow during the
settlement of the estate. In July, 1734, she represented to the Court
that she was destitute of provisions—not enough for one week—and
very scant for clothing, with four small children and not able to do
anything for their support, under the afflicting hand of Previdence by
sickness and exposed to great difficulty, and begged to have the money
due for her husband’s salary allowed her, which was granted. She
ae
CANADA PARISH, DEATH OF MR. WILLIAMS, ETC. 283
soon after married, as was not infrequent in those days, her husband's
successor in the ministry —Samuel Mosely of Dochester, the first, candi-
date recommended by the Association. Mr. Mosely was graduated
from Harvard College, in 1729, and ordained pastor of the second
church in Windham, May 15, 1734. No record is preserved of the
services of the day or terms of settlement. Mr. Mosely was an able
and earnest preacher, dignified in manner and strict in doctrine and
discipline. In 1738, a number of brethren were chosen “to represent
the church, with full power to draw up judgment and administer cen-
sure in matters of church discipline’ with the pastor,” and it was
ordered, “That a judgment drawn up at any time by this representa-
tive body should be publicly read before the church and congregation
before they proceeded any further in a way of censure with the
offender, and that satisfaction should be made by the offender in the
same public manner.” Deacons Jobn and William Durkee and Thomas
Marsh, Captain James Utley, Thomas Stedman, Philip Abbot, Eleazer
Crocker, George Martin, John Clark, Thomas Kingsbury, Samuel Kings-
bury and Benjamin Chaplin, were chosen to this office. April 25, 1739,
. these powers were confirmed, and it was voted, “That the representa-
tives before spoken of should continue in the office of ruling elders
during the pleasure of the church.” At the same meeting, the church
also voted :—
.
‘“‘ That ’tis the opinion of this church, that liberty of an appeal from the
judgment of the Consociation to a Synod consisting of two or three ministers
and as many messengers out of each county, properly chosen, all with equal
power to vote in said Synod . . . is reasonable and convenient, and
would have a tendency to promote the peace, purity and edification of our
churches if they should introduce it into practice.”
Though an active member of Windham County Association, Mr.
Mosely was not at this time in sympathy with the ecclesiastic constitu-
tion of Connecticut, as is manifest from this attempt to evade the
power of Consociation.
The first society of Windham was now suffering many losses. Mary,
the lovely wife of Mr. Clap, died August 19, 1736, before completing
her twenty-fourth year. Few women have excelled this young daughter
of Windham. More than thirty years after her death, Dr. Daggett thus
sketches her character :—
‘¢She had a beautiful and pleasant countenance; was a woman of great
prudence and discretion in the conduct of herself and all her affairs; was
diligent, and always endeavored to make the best of what she had; the heart
of her husband could safely trust in her. She was kind and compassionate to
the poor and allin distress. She was adorned with an excellent spirit of
humility and meekness; did not affect to put herself forward in conversa-
tion, but chose to speak discreetly rather than much, but was always free,
284 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
pleasant and cheerful in conversation with every one. She exceeded ina
most serene, pleasant temper and disposition of mind, which rendered her
very agreeable to her husband and all her acquaintance; and though he lived
with her almost nine years in the connubial state, yet he never once saw her
in any unpleasant temper, neither did one unpleasant word pass between them
on any occasion whatsoever.”
So little is seen of women ‘in the early days of Windham County
history that it is pleasant to find so bright a model among them. Mrs.
Clap left two young daughters, who lived to maturity, and adorned
high positions in Connecticut.
Richard Abbe, the most prominent of the second generation of
Windham citizens, died July 10, 1737, aged fifty-four. Half of his
large estate, with the negro girl, Ginne, was bequeathed to his wife,
and liberal legacies given to his brothers and sisters. He also left
fifty pounds to Mr. Clap and twenty to the first church of Windham.
He especially enjoined upon his executors “that no unjust advantage
should be taken of his debtors, and that those against whom he held
mortgages should have reasonable time to redeem them, even if they
had been legally forfeited.” He had been constable, sheriff, justice of
peace, judge of the County Court, and a man of influence in town,
church and Colony. ,
Jeremiah Ripley, Sen., and his son, Jeremiah, both died in 1787.
Joshua Ripley, Sen., after fifty years of active public service, died in
1739. Has wife, Mrs. Ann Bradford Ripley, had preceded him a few
years. He left sons—Joshua, Hezekiah and David—and one daughter.
The greater part of his estate had been previously distributed among
his children. Joshua, now, received his great Bible and wearing
apparel—except such as he was buried in. Jerusha, for her care of
him, had a cow and heifer above her proportion. A grand-daughter,
Ann, one heifer, as designed by her grandmother. The flock of sheep
was divided among the sons. Eight or nine religious books, and
many sermons, composed his library. Much of the household furniture
was “old” and “broken.” A china platter was the most costly
article. Hight “rugs,” or coverlids, blue, yellow, orange and white,
valued at over eight pounds, bore witness to the thrift and ingenuity of
Mrs. Ripley.
Mr. John Backus, the last of the original settlers, died March 27,
1744, in the eighty-third year of his age, having “served his genera
tion in a steady course of probity and piety.” One of his daughters
had married Joshua Ripley, Jun.; another, Colonel Thomas Dyer;
another, Hezekiah Lord of Preston; and all were women of superior
energy and character.
Mr. Nathaniel Wales, chosen one of the deacons of the church at
its organization in 1700, “after he had served God and his generation
.
OANADA PARISH, DEATH OF MR. WILLIAMS, ETC. 285
faithfully many years in this life, did with the holy disciple lean upon
the breast of his beloved, and by the will of God meekly fell asleep in
the cradle of death on the 22d day‘of June, 1744, in the 85th year of
his age.”
He was followed in May, 1745, by Captain John Fitch, the last sur-
vivor of the fathers and founders of Windham. For more than forty
years he had held the office of town-clerk, was chosen captain of its
first military company in 1703, and served as representative, justice,
judge of probate, and in many public capacities.
To these losses, was added the removal of Mr. Clap. After the
death of his wife, he had devoted himself with redoubled earnestness
to his pastoral work, bearing the name and circumstances of every one
upon his heart, and endeavoring in every possible way to forward and
promote the salvation of their souls—till called to the presidency of
Yale College. Many prominent clergymen and public men of Con-
necticut, confident of his peculiar fitness, urged his acceptance of this
office, and Windham was reluctantly compelled to resign her energetic
and distinguished pastor. December 10, 1739, he was dismissed from
his pastorate, and April 2, 1740, installed president of Yale College.
A pecuniary compensation for the loss sustained by Windham was
referred “to the judgment of the gentlemen of the General Assembly,”
who “considering that Rev. Mr. Clap had been in the ministry at
Windham fourteen years, which, in their estimate, was about half’ the.
time of a minister's life in general, judged that the society ought to
have half the price of his settlement.” This was about fifty-three
pounds sterling—or three hundred and ten pounds in the depreciated
currency of Connecticut. August 20, 1740, the First Society in
Windham voted, “That Mr. John Abbe, Nathan Skiff and Joseph
Bingham, the present society’s committee, or any one of them, in the
name and behalf of said society, receive the three hundred and ten
pounds money, granted to this society in May last by the General
Assembly, on the account of Rev. Thomas Clap’s removal from us
to the Rectorate of Yale College.”
The loss in influence and authority was less easily supplied. The
Windham people were quite unsettled by the removal of their head
and censor, and, it is said, “ acted like boys let out of school.” Much
as they had admired and revered their late pastor, they were appa-
rently reluctant to re-subject themselves to such severity of discipline,
and chosé for a successor his precise opposite—a gentleman of great
mildness and gentleness of character, quite deficient in administrative
capacity—Mr. Stephen White of New Haven, a Yale graduate of the
class of 1736. That Mr. White was acceptable to the people may be
inferred from the pains taken to guard against his premature removal,
286 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
in the following vote: “Whereas, the inhabitants of said society,
having had some considerable experience of Mr. Stephen White's
ministerial abilities, to their general satisfaction, do now agree to give
him a call to the work of the ministry and to continue among us in
said work, as long as he lives, or is able to preach the Gospel.” Six
hundred pounds as a settlement and two hundréd pounds salary were
offered. These terms were accepted, and Mr. White ordained,
December 24, 1740. The sermon on this occasion was preached by
Rev. Solomon Williams of Lebanon. The Reverends Eleazer
Williams, Joshua Meacham, Samuel Mosely and Ebenezer Devotion
also took part in the services. The young minister found his parish
in admirable order ; all its affairs reduced to perfect system. Ecclesi-
astical matters were no longer managed by town authorities, but by
the lawful society officers. Every head of a household was con-
nected with the church, either by profession of faith or by owning the
covenant. Family prayer was observed in every household, and every
child consecrated by baptism. Profane swearing was but little known,
and open violations of the Sabbath were very rare. “The people, as
a body, were fearers of the Lord, and observers of the Sabbath and its
duties.” The membership of the church was two hundred and eighty-
seven. The deacons then in service were Joshua Huntington, Ralph
Wheelock, Eleazer Cary and Nathaniel Wales. Mr. White was
married soon after his settlement to Mary, daughter of Major Thomas
Dyer.
The secular affairs of the town were also prospering. Men of
energy and capital filled the places made vacant by death and
emigration. Thomas Dyer was now actively engaged in public affairs,
a shop “in the street against his house, with a sufficient cartway each
side,” serving for his office. When the militia of the Colony was
reorganized, in 1739, and the military companies of Windham, Mans-
field, Coventry, Ashford, Willington, Stafford and Union, constituted
the Fifth Regiment of Connecticut, Mr. Dyer was made its major.
His son, Eliphalet, after graduation from Yale College, in 1740, at the
age of nineteen, studied law in Windham. In 1744, he was appointed
justice of the peace and captain of a military company. After the
death of Mr. John Fitch, he was chosen town-clerk, and, in 1746, he
was admitted to the bar of Windham County. Jedidiah Elderkin of
Norwich, a descendant of John Elderkin of Lynn, four years the senior
of young Dyer, had gained admittance two years previous. These
young lawyers entered with much zeal upon the practice of their pro-
fession, and soon ranked among the foremost public men of the day.
Law business was now extremely brisk in Windham and its vicinity,
and a large number of cases were reported at every session of the
CANADA PARISH, DEATH OF MR. WILLIAMS, ETC. 287
several courts. In 1743, another story was added to the jail, under
the supervision of Jonathan and Jabez Huntington. Penalties, at this
period, were extremely severe. Heavy fines, whippings and imprison-
ment were administered for slight offences. Those unable to pay fines
and lawful debts were often bound out as servants. A year’s service to
John Ripley satisfied a judgment of £23. A debt of £50, doomed
one unfortunate to three years’ service for John Fitch, two years for
Joshua Hutchins and six months for James Walden. Another was
bound servant for eight years for a debt of £120.
The growth of the town made many public officers needful. In
1746, there were chosen atown-clerk and town treasurer, five selectmen,
three collectors of town-rates, four constables, six grand-jurors, seven
listers, four branders, three leather-sealers, six fence-viewers, eight
tithing-men and ten surveyors. As, with all their thrift, highways
were still wanting in many places, “to accommodate the town and
many particular persons to travel to the several places of public
worship,”—Isaac Burnap and Joseph Huntington were appointed a
special committee to rectify it. The bridge crossing the Shetucket,
between Windham and Lebanon, long maintained by private enter-
prise, was consigned to the care of Windham in 1735, by act of
Assembly. Robert Hebard, Jun., was chosen by the town to inspect
and take care of it. Paul Hebard and Israel Dimock were allowed by
the town “to set up a blacksmith’s shop or coal-house on the King’s
highway.” The chief annoyance of Windham in this period of growth
and prosperity was her boundary quarrel with Canterbury, which broke
out afresh from time to time with ever-increasing bitterness and.
violence. Various legal decisions adjudged the disputed land to Can-
terbury, but were not recognized by Windham, who continued to
retain it in possession, and kept an agent constantly in the field to
defend the claim before the Courts and Assembly. Another alleged
grievance was that of straitened limits. Large tracts of land were
owned by individuals unwilling to sell at sufficiently low prices. An
unsuccessful attempt was made to secure vacant land in Voluntown.
Unable to find accommodations in their own neighborhood, a number
of citizens discussed the feasibility of emigration, and, after the open-
ing of new townships in the northwest of the Colony, thus memorialzed
the General Assembly :—
“« Windham, May 10, 1737. Forasmuch as we are sundry of us single per-
sons, and others of numerous families, and have but small accommodations
of land, and considering that it may redound to the good of ourselves and
children and advantageous to the Commonwealth—we humbly pray, that your
Honors would please to grant us a town in the ungranted lands in this Colony,
lying east of Weataug [Salisbury]—the northwest town from Litchfield, or
some other of the free townships—for such a sum of money, and under such
regulations and restrictions as your Honors shall think tit.”
288 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
This request was denied, though urged by over forty petitioners,
representing the Ripleys, Backuses, Huntingtons, Binghams, Abbes,
Cranes, Burnaps, Waldos, Robinsons and other old Windham families.
Though not successful in obtaining a free township, many of these
petitioners subsequently removed to the new countr y, and aided in the
settlement of towns in Litchfield County.
The year 1745 is memorable in Windham annals for the first public
execution in Windham County—a tragic event, awakening a very deep
and painful interest in all the surrounding region. The supreme
penalty of the law was inflicted upon a woman—a young girl-mother,
charged with the murder of her child. Elizabeth Shaw—a descendant
probably of William Shaw, who bought land on Little river in 1709—
lived with’ her parents in Canada Parish, about two miles southwest
from Windham Village. She is represented as a weak, simple girl,
deficient in mental capacity. Her father was stern and rigid. Nothing
is known of the preceding facts and circumstances until after giving
birth secretly to a living child, the poor bewildered girl, fearful of
exposure and punishment, stole away to a ledge of rocks near by, bid
the babe in some nook or crevice, and left it to perish. Her father
suspected and watched her, and—unable, perhaps, to force her to con-
fession—himself, it is said, made accusation against her. She was
arrested and examined. Search was made, and the poor little body
found in the grim Cowatick Rocks. The grand-jurors found her
guilty of murder, and committed her to Windham jail to await her
trial. This was held September 17, 1745, at the session of the
Superior Court. Roger Wolcott sat as chief judge; James Wads-
worth, William Pitkin, Ebenezer Silliman and John Bulkley, as
assistants. Samuel Huntington, Edward Waldo, Nathaniel Holbrook,
Nathaniel Hide, Benjamin Fassett, Samuel Rust, Joseph Williams:
Nathaniel Webb, Ignatius Barker, Josiah Kingsley, Joseph Park-
hurst and James Danielson served as jurors. The greatest interest
was felt in the trial, and a large number attended. The grand-jurors
presented, “That one Elizabeth Shaw, Jun., of Windham, a single
woman, was on the 29th of June, 1745, delivered of a living male
bastard child, in Windham, and did secretly hide and dispose of the
same in the woods in said Windham, and there left it until it perished
for want of relief, and did endeavor to conceal the birth and death
thereof, so that it should not come to light whether said child were
born alive or not, and did cause to perish said child.” Details of the
trial are not.preserved. The prisoner pleaded, “Not guilty.” The names
CHANGES IN CANTERBURY, ETO. 289
and pleas of the counsel are unknown. The facts of the case were
clearly proved. Extenuating circumstances had no weight. The jury
judged that she was guilty of the murder, and the sentence was passed,
“That she should go from hence to the common gaol, and thence to
the place of execution and there be hanged till she be dead, December
18, 1745.” :
This severe sentence was duly executel. In those stern days, a
rigid enforcement of law was deemed the only safeguard of morality,
and while there was the deepest commiseration for the unhappy victim,
her mental incapacity and physical weakness were not supposed to
mitigate her guilt. No public effort was apparently made to obtain a
remission of the penalty. No Jeanie Deans was there to plead for
an erring sister. If mild Mr. White counseled leniency, his sterner
cotemporaries might have protested against it. A doubtful tradition
reports that Elizabeth Shaw’s father, repentant too late, went to Hart-
ford and procured a reprieve from the Governor, but that on his way
home was met by a sudden storm, the rivers became impassable, and
his return was delayed till after the execution. On the fatal day, a
gallows was erected on a hill a mile southwest from: Windham Green.
An immense concourse of people from all the adjacent country wit-
nessed the mournful spectacle. Little children, too young to join in
the procession, remembered vividly through life the long train, reaching
from Gallows Hill to Windham Jail, following the cart which bore the
hapless Elizabeth, sitting upon her coffin, crying continuously, ‘ Ob,
Jesus! have mercy upon my soul!” through the dreadful death-march
and the last harrowing ceremonies. Mr. White conducted the usual
religious services. Jabez Huntington officiated as sheriff. No report
of this tragic affair is found in the newspapers of the day. A single
additional item is gleaned from the Court records :—
“« Allowed Mr. Sheriff Huntington, for cost and SaERneS of doing
execution on Elizabeth Shaw, .... . eo «© 4 » £29 Bs.
March 22, 1746.”
IV.
CHANGES IN CANTERBURY. NEW MINISTERS AND MEETING-
HOUSE. CONTROVERSY WITH WINDHAM. DISMISSAL
OF MR. WADSWORTH.
HE remarkable freedom from disease and losses enjoyed by Can-
terbury till 1726 was followed by a very great mortality. Joseph
Woodward and Jonathan Hide died in 1726; Major James Fitch, the
37
290 ‘ HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Rev. Mr. Estabrook and his wife, Tixhall Ensworth, Samuel Adams,
Samuel Cleveland, Jun., and David Carver, in 1727 ; Stephen Frost, in
1728. Major Fitch retired from public lite some years before his
decease, and little is known of the latter days of this noted personage.
His large landed estate had passed mainly out of his hands, and no
record of its final settlement has been discovered. His son, Daniel, kept
possession of the Peagscomsuck homestead. « Jabez lived for a time in
Newent, and then returned to Canterbury. The survivors of the
remaining seven sons settled in other towns. His daughter, Jerusha,
married Daniel Bissel, and died early. Lucy Fitch married Henry
Cleveland of Canterbury. A tomb-stone in the old burial ground bears
the subjoined inscription :—
‘Here lies ye body of Major James Fitch, Esq., son of y Reverend Mr.
James Fitch, pastor, first of Saybrook, then of Norwich. He was born in
Saybrook, 1647. He was very useful in his inilitary and in his magistracy, to
which he was chosen, served successively to ye great accuptation and advan-
tage of his country, being agentleman of good parts and very forward to
promote ye civil and religious interests of it. Died November 10, 1727, aged
80 years.”
Another stone in the same ancient ground commemorates ‘“y°
Reverend and Pious and Learned Mr. Samuel Estabrook, y* 3d son of
y® Reverend Mr. Joseph Estabrook, late pastor of y* church in Con-:
cord, who was y° first pastor of y® church in Canterbury, who departed
this life to y® everlasting mercy of God, June 23d, 1727, in the 53d
year of his age.” Mrs. Rebecca Estabrook, that “ worthy, virtuous
and pious gentlewoman,” died the December following. Mr. Estabrook
left land «with buildings, valued at £1,009, a library of over two
hundred volumes, comprising many elaborate Latin works, and a
bountiful supply of household furniture and wearing apparel. His
son, Nehemiah, was bequeathed the “ housing and estate.” Hobart was
“to be brought up to college,” and have £50 and y* books and papers.
To his daughter Mary was left £2) and the movable goods.
The venerable Elisha Paine and Obadiah Johnson were still surviv-
ing of the older settlers. Deliverance Brown, Samuel Butts, Timothy
Backus, Joseph, Josiah, Henry and Moses Cleveland, Elisha and Solo-
mon Paine, aud other sons of the first settlers, were now in active lite.
Elisha Paine, Jun., was practicing as an attorney. Captain Joseph
Adams and Colonel John Dyer were among the most active and
influential citizens.
The first minister procured after the death of Mr. Estabrook was
Mr. Samuel Jenison. September 12, 1727, the town empowered Deacon
Thomas Brown and Mr. John Dyer, “to go or send to y* Rev. Mr.
Jenison, who lately preached among us, to see whether they can pre-
vail with him to come and help us in y® work of y® ministry, and to
invite him to said work for two or three months if they can, and in
CHANGES IN CANTERBURY, ETC. 291
case they cannot prevail with him, then to apply themselves to Mr.
Buckley, and in case they cannot prevail with him, then to look else-
where, and to do word to such other ministers neighboring to us as are
willing to help us, so as, if possible, we may not be destitute of the
means of the gospel.” Also, voted, “That y° selectmen make a rate
for y® paying of Rev. Mr. Estabrooks, deceased, his salary, for ye whole
year last past.”
Mr. Jenison being prevailed upon, the town proceeded, January 30,
1728, to offer him ‘the sum of one hundred pounds—as it now passes
among us in true bills of credit of either of said Colonies of Connecti-
cut, boston, Rhoad Island or New hamshair—sallary yearly ; he settling
himself and continuing in town in ye work of the ministry ”—to which
ten pounds would be added “when Mr. Jenison comes to be settled
amongst us and hath a family of his own.” Before completing their
arrangements, the question of discipline was debated. The Canter-
bury church had never formally accepted Saybrook Platform, and
some of its members were extremely opposed to it, and now stated to
Mr. Jenison their objections, and insisted that he should sign with the
church an explicit agreement to follow Cambridge and not Saybrook
form of discipline. Mr. Jenison consenting, a formal call was given
and accepted, and the first Wednesday of September appointed for
ordination. A committee was appointed, “to provide for ye ministers
and messengers that may be employed in ye management of said affair
at ye proper charge of ye town "—when, for some unassigned cause,
the agreement lapsed, and Mr. Jenison disappears suddenly and forever
from town and record.
. A committee was chosen in November, “to supply the pulpit for
three months at the charge of ye town.” Various sums of money were
allowed for going to New Haven and Farmington after ministers. The
next candidate secured was Mr. John Wadsworth of Milton, a graduate
of Harvard in 1723. January 25, 1729, it was agreed, “that they
would not make any farther tryall of any other persons in ye work of
ye ministry, but would call Mr. John Wadsworth, offering him one
hundred pounds a year, and one hundred and fifty pounds settlement,
to be paid fifty pounds a year—adding ten pounds yearly to the salary
after the first three years.” Mr. Wadsworth, after due consideration,
thus replied :—
“To the town of Canterbury :—
God having, in his own unsearchable Providence, bereaved vou of your
pious pastor (whose memory be blessed), and graciously disposed you, with
unwearied endeavors, to seek after a setelment (notwithstanding your frus-
trations), so that you might enjoy God in all ways of his appointment, and
your hearts being disposed to invite me (however unworthy of so sacred” an
otfice) to be your shepherd under Christ, I, with most strong convictions of
wy natural inability to perform ye arduous duties of so high a station, with
292 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
entire reliance on Christ’s promised presence and the Spirit’s gracious assist-
ance, accept ye vocation, I trust, with a suitable resolution to walk worthy of
it. Under these considerations, I accept, that while I shall be your gospel
minister I have a gospel maintenance, not only in youth but also in old age,
if spared thereto ; in sickness as well as in health, that I may have physic as
well as food, which I think is not so clearly exprest in ye town vote. As
touching the annual salary, I look upon an hundred and ten pounds as ye
stated sum, but not unalterable. Times are changeable, and we in them. If
for my comfortable maintenace, £150, £200 or £300 per annum is necessary,
as is requisite in Carolina, I shall expect it be freely offered; on the con-
trary, if ten be sufficient, J remit ye hundred. As for ye settlement, I am
persuaded you are all sensible what an inconsiderable sum £150 is to procure
one withal. I desire it may be paid ye first year, but if that be too burthen-
some, ye hundred ye first year and ye fifty ye next.”
The town was somewhat perplexed by these ambiguous requirements,
and was obliged to ask an explanation of the answer, and insist upon
having terms more “ fixedly stated.” This point being settled, another
difficulty arose. Mr. Wadsworth, like Mr. Jenison, was asked to enter
into a written covenant to govern the church according to Cambridge
Platform. In taking his degree, he had signed his ame to the thesis,
“ That the Congregational Church was most agreeable to the institutions
of Christ of any human composures of that nature,” but declined “to
tie himself absolutely to govern according to any human composure
whatever new light he might have.” This refusal “ put the church into
agreeable surprise.” There were consultations in this and that part of
the room. Mr. John Bacon—afterwards deacon—with “ great affection
and concern,” begged them not to break in pieces. He believed the
publisbed opinion of the candidate would suffice, and upon this ground
they finally consented unanimously to confirm the call. One of the
brethren afterwards wrote him, that had he not signed the specified
thesis, “he would as soon have trusted a Papish Jesuit.” All obstacles
being removed, Mr. Wadsworth was ordained, September 3, 1729—
£15 6s. 11d. being allowed for ordination expenses.
The settlement of a new minister was soon followed by the erection
of a new meeting-house. January 5, 1731, the town voted, “That a
new meeting-house should be built, fifty feet long, forty-five wide,
twenty-two between joynts, and sett on ye town’s land, where, or near
where, the old meeting-house now stands.” This site was very objec-
tionable to a part of the inhabitants, being but half a mile from Plain-
field and four miles from the west bounds of Canterbury. A movement
was now in progress for including the north end of Canterbury in a
society about to be formed from parts of Pomfret and Mortlake, and
thus the town was unsettled and divided. In the fall of 1731, sixty-
seven inhabitants petitioned for liberty to build on the old meeting-
house spot, and thirty-three protested against it. ~Decision was deferred.
Meanwhile a new society was erected, including the north part of
Canterbury. In May, 1782, William Throope, Experience Porter and
CHANGES IN CANTERBURY, ETC. 293
Joseph Kingsbury were appointed to view the town of Canterbury and
settle the site for its projected meeting-house. The question of a
further division into east and west societies was seriously agitated.
The committee called the inhabitants together, “heard reasons and
called a vote, and there were forty-six against building, and twenty
for dividing.” They next called upon the inhabitants of the new soci-
ety to vote, and “twenty desired the old parish might be divided,
and nineteen were against it, and five inhabitants of Mortlake, making
twenty-four.” After thoroughly viewing old and new parishes, they
“thought it best not to divide,” and then proceeded to hear the peti-
tioners respecting the place for a meeting-house, and finding them much
divided in opinion, called them to pass one by one and declare where
‘they would have it set, and there were twenty-nine for the old place,
and twenty-nine for Wm. Bakeyr’s, and fourteen for Tryall Baker's, and
two for Solomon Paine’s. They then put the vote, and there were
thirty-one for the old place, and thirty-three for William Baker’s, half
a mile westward. Again they called for a vote, whether the site should
be at William or Tryall Baker’s, and there were eleven for Tryall, and
fourteen for William Baker's. Then, after thoroughly viewing the
land, north and south, to know how it might be accommodated with
a way, the committee agreed, “That the place shall be by ye country
road leading from ye old meeting-house to Windham town, not exceed-
ing eight or ten rods from said Baker's house, half a mile west from
ye old meeting-house.” The Assembly, in October, approved and con-
firmed the spot, and ordered the inhabitants to proceed with building.
This order was not obeyed. Descendants of old settlers settled in
the east of the town could not be reconciled to this change of location.
In May, 1733, John Dyer and Elisha Paine presented the Assembly
with a memorial, showing the great difficulty they labored under
respecting building their meeting-house, that the vote taken by the
committee was scattered and broken by reason of the recent change in
Society and not a fair expression of opinion, and gave the following
reasons for not proceeding with the work :—
‘ I. The committee did not understand the circumstances.
II. Laid too much weight on the broken vote.
III. Place selected held by owners at unreasonable terms.
TV. So uneven that when one sill is on the ground, the other is eleven foot
mee Roads must cross private lots.
VI. Society so settled that more than two-thirds of persons and estates
must travel from ye old place to ye new, and think it beyond our duty that
we, who have borne ye brunt and heat of the day, and still bear the greatest
part of ye charges, should be obliged to travel out of ye main street, that is
become a fenced lane almost from one end to ye other, and go into the woods
about three-fourths of a mile, where there is nothing but trees except one
house to comfort any in distress, no land suitable to build on as the roads to the
stated lana ave nat anly verv had hut. verv diffienlt to be obtained, while at ye
294 HISTORY OF -WINDHAM COUNTY.
old place, all ye roads meet and with much labor have been made fit for travel.
Also, it is not so at one end as it looks, people being mostly settled on ye east
side; west side not likely to be settled in this generation—land being poor and
rough and held by non-residents in large tracts. For all these reasons, beg to
be excused from building on assigned spot. The committee had relations
living west and were connected with Norwich proprietors. Hope we may not
be obliged to build our meeting-house on land not ours, when we have pre-
pared a very commodious green for the purpose, and have taken pains for
roads, &.”
Daniel Brewster, John Brown and Captain John Bulkley were
accordingly appointed, who reported in favor of the old green, “as
the roads best lead to it, six feet southward of place where old meet-
ing-house stands.” This site was confirmed by the Assembly, and, the
inhabitants again ordered “to proceed to set up and finish meeting-
house at the above described place.” The more westerly residents
remonstrated in vain. The society committee, in May, 1735, reported
progress ; house raised and workmen agreed to finish, and in time the
house was made ready for occupation, but from the loss of the first
book of society records no details are attainable.
The boundary controversy with Windham was revived in 1731, by
attempting to levy taxes, perhaps in preparation for the new meeting-
house, from Samuel Cook and Caleb Woodward, residents of the
disputed territory. Cook, who was a member of the Scotland church,
and had hitherto paid taxes in Windham, petitioned the- Assembly in
October, 1731, in behalf of himself and Woodward, declaring that
they had always supposed themselves inhabitants of Windham and had
paid taxes there, but were now assessed by Canterbury and doomed for
their head and stocks. The Assembly ordered, “That no distress
shall be levied on the proprietors by any officer of Canterbury until the
Jine be settled, and petitioners shall pay rates to Windam,” whereupon
Woodward appeared with a counter memorial, showing that Cook had
petitioned falsely ; that his house and the improvement of his land fell
within Canterbury, according to the settlement of the line made by the
General Assembly in 1714, and confirmed by the surveyor of Windham
County in 1731] ; that after he had given in his list and paid rates to
Canterbury, listers from Windham had presumed to assess him four-
fold. Memorialist was “ greatly distressed and uacertain what to do,
for when the list is given to Windham, Canterbury four-folds it, and
when given to Canterbury, Windham dooms it.” The difficulty
was increased by a false representation made to the Assembly in
October, 1731, by Cook, “who, tor along time before said prayer
was exhibited was in Canterbury train-band, and very constantly
trained there and came to meeting on Sabbath days, till a very short
time before petition he drew his house, as he supposed, within Wind-
ham bounds—(but happened to be mistakea)—and obtained an act that
they should not be forced to do duty to Canterbury till line was settled,
CHANGES IN CANTERBURY, ETC. 295
which memorialist supposed was well done long before obtaining said
act, so that is very dark. Please tell me,” concludes the distressed
memorialist, “ what to do that I may be safe, and not devoured by two
when I ought to satisfy but one. Wales and Skiff and Isaac Burnap
have warned and doomed me four-fold. Line between Canterbury and
Windham was found and refreshed May 17, 1713, and acknowledged by
the Assembly—a southwest line from Appaquage to an oak tree west
of Nipmuck Path. Josiah Conant was desired by Captain Adams and
John Dyer, town agents, to run the line as formerly agreed on in 1718,
and had performed the service.” Jonathan Stevens and William
‘Fhompson, who helped carry the chain on this occasion, also declared,
“that Woudward’s house and orchard were east of the line so run some
considerable way.”
No answer was granted to this request, and the petitioner left to
wait the re-settlement of the boundary-line, which was delayed from
session to session. In 1737, Richard Abbe and Jabez Huntington
appeared before the General Assembly in behalf of Windham, declaring,
“That they did not regard the settlement of 1713, but have proceeded
to lay out, settle, and improve lands according to their patent of 1703,
that Canterbury claimed a line two hundred and twenty rods west of
Windham’s, and asking that Canterbury’s doings might be set aside :
1. Because they proceeded according to Windham patent of 1686,
which had been before vacated. 2. Because Bashnell’s tree, mentioned
by Canterbury, was marked by Bushnell and Huntington without any
rule, only as they measured eight miles south from Appaquage.
Both houses refused to grant this request, but but again, two
years later, they returned to ‘the charge. A committee was then
appointed, which reported, “That the deed of Clark and Buck-
ingham lay west of Nipmuck Path—that Plainfield (then includ-
ing Canterbury) was granted east of Windham; that the second grant
of Windham, including Clark and Buckingham’s purchase, was bounded
east by Nipmuck Path, and they therefore concluded that the dividing
line between the towns should run “south about ten degrees east,” to a
black oak by Nipmuck Path, according to the line originally marked
out by Bushnell. Windham still refused to accept this decision, and
continued to maintain possession of the disputed land till the prospect
of one of its inhabitants becoming a public charge gave the matter a
new aspect. Edward Colburn, or Coburn, with William Shaw, Robert
Moultoa and David Canada, bought land and settled near Little River
in 1709. Part of Colburn’s land was in the disputed gore, but his
house was in Windham, and he was numbered among its inhabitants.
His son Robert, as he grew up, was subject to intervals of “ distraction,”
but had sense enough to marry his neighbor, Hannah Canada, and was
296 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
“crowded out” by his father, “onto that end of his farm that lay
between the controverted lines,” and there lived with his wife, paying
rates to Windham as ordered by the General Assembly, and accounted
one of its inhabitants till, in 1738, his distemper returned, and he
became wholly incapable of taking care of himself. Edward Colburn,
who was then possessed of a plentiful estate, took his son home and
for a time maintained him, but then sold his land in Windham, removed
to Massachusetts and soon afterwards deceased, leaving his helpless son
to the mercy of the public. Windham, who preferred her land free
from incumbrance, sent him over to Canterbury; Canterbury, declining
to support paupers when debarred from receiving taxes, instantly
returned him. The unfortunate lunatic was tossed to and fro between
the contending townships—a process little calculated to lessen his
“distraction.” At a town-meeting in 1741, Windham voted :—
‘Whereas, one Robert Colburn, that is now residing in this town, is under
such influence of distraction that he is not able to take care of himself, and
has been supported by ye town of Windham at great cost and charge, and of
right belongs to Canterbury; Voted,—That Captain Fitch be agent for
Windham to appear at Court to recover the charge.”
The battle-field was thus transferred to Windham Court-house. John
Dyer and Joseph Adams acted as agents for Canterbury; Isaac
Burnap—after the decease of Capt. Fitch—for Windham. After long
delay, the support of Colburn was assigned to Canterbury on the
ground that the decision of the General Court's committee had
adjudged the disputed tract to that township. This decision hastened
the final settlement of that vexatious controversy. The worth of the
disputed land was doubtless much less than the cost of supporting its
afflicted incumbent, and Windham consented to relinquish her claim
and acknowledge the original boundary line, which she had so per-
sistently repudiated. “An act establishing Windham Line” terminated
this half-century controversy in 1752.
These troublesome contests, aud the building the new meeting-house,
so absorbed the public interest and energies that little else was accom-
plished. A new school-house was, however, built on the Green, and a
writing school occasionally allowed. In 1784, it was agreed, “ That
all y° male persons that are’ born in this town shall, at the age of
twenty-one years, be vested with all the privileges that those persons
are that were admitted town inhabitants by vote of said town.” A
town stock of ammunition was procured.
Canterbury, with adjoining towns, suffered in a sad accident occurring
at the raising of a bridge over the Shetucket River, in 1728. One end of
the bridge, with forty men upon it, gave way, and was precipitated into
the stream below. Only one person was killed instantly—Jonathan
Gale of Canterbury, a youth nineteen years of age, the only son of a
CHANGES IN CANTERBURY, ETC. 297
widowed mother, “avery hopeful youth, the darling of the family.”
Many were seriously wounded, and at first, taken out and laid by for
dead. Lieutenant Samuel Butts, Samuel Parish and Ebenezer Harris
are reported among “the men most considerably wounded.”
A bridge over the formidable and troublesome Quinebaug was built
in 1728, by two gentlemen of Plainfield, but was soon carried away.
Another was built at the same place by Samuel Butts in 1738, and
maintained a few years by private subscription, till carried away by ice.
Jabez Fitch—son of Major James Fitch—having returned to Canter-
bury after a few years’ residence in Newent, next achieved a bridge
over the rebellious stream—the only one he asserted south of Sabin’s,
in Pomfret, ice having carried away all the others—and was allowed
the privilege of collecting toll by the General Assembly in 1740. In
the same year, the military company was reorganized—Obadiah John-
son chosen its captain, Stephen Frost, lieutenant, and Solomon Paine,
ensign.
The church gained in numbers during Mr. Wadsworth’s ministry,
but was somewhat weakened by the long meeting-house controversy.
A few of its early members were dismissed to help form the Second —
Church of Pomfret. Elisha Paine, Sen, and Samuel Cleveland died
in 1736; Deacon Thomas Brown in 1738; Deacon John Bacon in
1741. In 1741, the Canterbury church was greatly perplexed and
distressed by a criminal charge alleged against the pastor by a female
resident. The Windham County Consociation was called together,
May 27th; the grievous difficulty laid before them and their judgment
asked upon the following points, viz.:—
‘‘T. Whether the said pastor ought not to be dismissed from the pastoral
charge of us.
II. Whether, if he be dismissed ‘as aforesaid, we ought to hold in charity
with him as a brother.”
The complainant herself then appeared before the council, and
solemnly re-aftirmed the charge against the pastor. The council,
having maturely considered the first question, and that the Rev. Mr.
Wadsworth had not attempted to disprove or remove the suspicion of
the imputation brought against him, was of opinion :—
“J. That his usefulness and serviceableness in the ministry were cut off
and taken away by the scandal he lyeth under, and that he should be released,
and they did declare him released from his pastoral office.
II. That there are so strong suspicions of his guilt that the church ought
not to hold in charity with him as a brother as the matter now stands; and
we think Mr. Wadsworth is bound to clear up his reputation if he be capable
of it, or else make a public confession, or else submit to a public admonition
for the said crime charged upon him.”
Mr. Wadsworth submitted silently to his sentence, gave up his
charge, and returned to his home in Milton without attempting to clear
up his reputation or make the prescribed confession. The Canterbury
38
298 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY
people, with rare leniency and forbearance, refrained from further prose-
cution of this affair, deeming loss of ministerial standing and the
reproaches of conscience a sufficient punishment for the alleged crime.
However this may have been, it was in striking contrast with the
penalty inflicted upon poor Elizabeth Shaw in the adjoining parish.
V.
PLAINFIELD AFFAIRS. GROWTH IN VOLUNTOWN.
LAINFIELD, after the settlement of its early quarrels and diffi-
culties, enjoyed many years of remarkable peace and tranquillity,
with little to do but to manage its perambulatory schools, look after its
General Field, and fill up vacancies in its meeting-house. In 1727, two
shillings a week were allowed for keeping the schoolmaster’s horse,
and the lower vacancy in the meeting-house filled up with pews—
persons to build in the upper part as they thought best-—and in the
following year, the house was seated according to age and rates. In
1728, a very great work was accomplished—the completion of a sub-
stantial bridge over the “ tedious Quinebogus” by Joseph Williams and
Timothy Pierce, Jun., who thus memorialized upon this achievement :—
“To the General Assembly sitting in Hartford. May 9, 1728. The petition
of the subscribers showeth to your Honors, the many attempts that have been
made by many of the inhabitants of the towns of Plainfield and Canterbury
for the making a good and sufficient cart-bridge over the river Quinebaug,
between said towns; it being so extraordinarily difficult and hazardous, for
near half the year almost every year, and many travelers have escaped of
their lives to admiration. The same river can’t be paralleled in this Colony.
It descends near fifty or sixty miles, out of the wilderness, and many other
rivers entering into it, cause it to be extremely furious and hazardous. And
also the road through said towns, over said river, being as great as almost
any road in the Government, for travelers. And now your petitioners, with
the encouragement of divers persons (£98 8s.) have assumed to build a good
cart-bridge, twenty-seven feet high from the bottom of said river—which is
four feet higher than any flood known these thirty years—and sixteen and a
half rods long; have carefully kept account of the cost, beside trouble which
is great, (cost amounting to £424), and ask for a grant of ungranted lands.”
The Assembly ordered, “That said bridge be kept a toll-bridge for
ten years, receiving for each man, horse and load, four-pence; single
man, two- pence ; each horse and all neat cattle, two- -pence per head ;
sheep and swine, two shillings per score; always provided, that those
who have contributed toward said bridge be free till reimbursed what
they have paid.” Two years later, on account of the great expense
incurred in building this bridge, it was further resolved, “That no
person shall keep any boat or ferry on said Quinebaug River for the
PLAINFIELD AFFAIRS. GROWTH IN VOLUNTOWN. 299
transportation of travelers, within one mile of said bridge, on the
penalty of the law.” A bridge over Moosup River, by Kingsbury’s
Mill, was built by Samuel Spalding in 1729. In 1737, Captain Law-
rence and William Marsh were appointed by the town to repair half
. the bridge that goes over Quinebaug by Dr. Williams’, provided Can-
terbury repair the other half. Canterbury choosing to build a new
bridge rather than repair the damaged one, Plainfield ordered a road to
be laid out from the country road to Canterbury line, to adjoin with
the road Canterbury shall lay out to the new bridge over Quinebaug
nearly opposite Captain Butts’. A bridge over Moosup on the road to
William Deam’s, was accepted by the town in 1740, “provided a
suitable way be found for passing to Deam’s mill.”
In 1739, twenty pounds were added to Mr. Coit’s salary, “as long
as he is capable of carrying on public meetings, provided he will acquit
past demands.” During this year, the military companies in the towns
of Plainfield, Canterbury, Pomfret, Killingly and Voluntown, were
constituted the Eleventh Connecticut Regiment. Timothy Pierce of
Plainfield was appointed its colonel; John Dyer of Canterbury its
lieutenant-colonel ; Hezekiah Sabin of Thompson Parish, its major.
Colonel Pierce was now one of the most prominent and respected
citizens of Windham County, a member of the Governor's. Council,
Judge of the County and Probate Courts—“all which offices he
executed with such diligence and care as to be unblamable. He was a
father to the town and a promoter of the common welfare of all when
he had opportunity, and was also of an extraordinary good, pious and
Christian conversation.”
In 1740, Plainfield ordered, “ That the meeting-house be viewed and
repaired, school committee hire a teacher—persons that work on meet-
ing house and board the school-master to have a reasonable reward.”
Ten shillings a week was deemed a reasonable recompense for the
master’s “diet and horse-keeping.” The general Field was now in
such good condition that the number of “ field-drivers” was reduced to
eleven.
Voluntown, in 1726, was given over to discord and confusion. The
meeting house site was still in controversy. In attempting to accommo-
date everybody, no one had been suited. The inhabitants refused to
accept the established centre and gravitated to various points on the
borders. Religious services still alternated from Thomas Cole’s house
to Ebenezer Dow's. The injunction to carry on the work of building
was disregarded, and not a man would bestir himself to prepare timber
for a frame, while that constructed by Thomas Dow stood uncovered
300 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
upon their favorite hill-top. A petition of John Gallup and others
complained of irregular proceedings of the inhabitants of said Volun-
town in admitting inhabitants in their meeting, May 2, 1727. Upon a
full hearing, the Assembly considered, that the town was in May, 1721,
allowed the privilege of choosing its own officers and carrying on its
own town affairs; also, that towns have the right by law to judge of
the qualifications and consequently the power of admitting their
inhabitants, and was therefore of opinion that the admission of said
inhabitants was irregular and against therules of law, and declared the
same to be void and votes made after their admission to have no force.
And insomuch as there was a remissness in improving the tax levied
for the meeting-house— Joseph Adams, Jabez Parkhurst and Richard
Abbe were appointed a committee to receive the same and see that it
be improved, and if Voluntown still neglect to carry on the work, the
committee was to assume the oversight thereof. Money in the hands
of Joseph Backus, received by the sale of lands in the addition to
Voluntown—a hundred and ten pounds in bills of public credit, and
two guineas—was ordered to be delivered to the Treasurer ; the bills
to pay public debts, the guineas left to the special order of the
Assembly.
With all its drawbacks, the town was gaining in strength and
numbers. Sturdy Scotch-Irish emigrants established themselves within
its borders, preferring the society of old friends and the Westminster
form of discipline to richer lands and greater social privileges. At a
town meeting, December, 1728, Captain John Gallup was chosen
moderator ; Captain Gallup, John Dixon and Ebenezer Dow, townsmen;
Ebenezer Dow, town-clerk. Alexander Stewart, Ebenezer Pearce, John
Jameson, Robert Williams, Jun., John Canada, William Trumbull,
John Gordon, William Hamilton, Robert Dixon and Peter Miller, were
admitted inhabitants. Many of these settlers united with the church,
and helped sustain the minister and religious institutions. John Wylie,
on his arrival, presented the following certificate :—
‘That John Wylie and his wife, Agnes Park, and their children Elizabeth,
John, Jean, Peter and James, during their residence in this Presbyterian
congregation of Cullybaky, in the parish of Ahoghill and county of Antrim,
which was from their infancy, are free of any scandal or church censure
known to us preceding the date hereof is certified at Cullybaky, April 23,
1728. This by appointment, we having no minister :—
John Wylie, Sen.
Gain Stowell.
Matthew Clark.”
Affairs in 1728, were so far settled that the town resumed the build-
ing of its meeting-house. John Dixon and Thomas Dow were ordered
to take account of the “stuff” provided for it. In 1729, a frame was
raised and covered, and John Dixon directed to furnjsh glass. In 1730,
PLAINFIELD AFFAIRS. GROWTH IN VOLUNTOWN. 301
a body of seats was ordered, “as soon as may be, John Dixon to have
five pounds to make six seats.” Meanwhile, the house was seated with
boards, ceiled with girths and made ready for its first town-meeting,
December 22, 1731. Materials were then ordered for laying floors in‘
the galleries, and workmen engaged to make floors and build stairs and
the front, in said galleries. The vacant room on the sides of the house
was “ disposed of to such persons as should oblige themselves to set
up good pews in said room, and ceil the same up to the girth opposite
said pews—every man his room according to his rate-bill; pews to be
built by November 1, 1732.” The Rev. Mr. Dorrance was allowed the
first pew at the right hand of the pulpit. The pew spots were granted
to John Gallup, Ebenezer Dow, Charles and John Campbell, John
Dixon, Alexander Gordon, John Smith and Adam Kasson—“ chief
men "and pews were in time completed. In 1733, a committee was
chosen to build seats in the gallery and finish the ceiling under the
same ; also voted, “ That there be a broad alley from ye south door of
ye meeting-house to ye pulpit, and the room on the lower floor filled
up with seats ; also, to ceil the meeting-house all around, up and down.”
In 1734, Patrick McClennan, Ebenezer Dow, Adam Kasson, John
Keigwin, Alexander Gordon, John Campbell, John Gibson and John
Wylie were empowered “to make seats and seat the inhabitants at
their pleasure—that is, to move any at their pleasure, and that they lay
out such persons as shall build.”
The meeting-house thus completed after such long delay and conflict
was acceptable to the great mass of the people, and probably well
filled with hearers. People who lived “ out of Voluntown” over the
Rhode Island line, or on the borders of Plainfield and Killingly, were
granted “equal privileges in the meeting-house if they pay their pro-
portion.” This condition not being always observed, it was voted, in
1734, “ That all persons who live over the line in Rhode Island Colony,
who belong to our community and do not give in their list and pay
their proportion yearly, shall be looked upon as strangers and transient
persons.” A tew Baptists were numbered among the inhabitants, and
Isaac Ecclestone—“ one of ye people commonly called Quakers “—
strayed over from Westerly. Adam Kasson succeeded Jacob Bacon
in the deacon’s office. Mr. Dorrance gave guod satisfaction for a time,
and was much respected by his brethren in the ministry, though his
Presbyterianism excited some jealousy. In 1737, it was reported to
the Windham County Association, “That Mr. Dorrance was a member
of the Presbytery of Boston, and had intermeddled in the ordination
of Rev. Mark Gregory ”-—~a report very “grievous” to some of its
members. Mr. Dorrance, thereupon declared, “That he never was a
member of said Presbytery, declined when desired to be and had no
302 HISTURY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
desire to relinquish this Association to join any other; that he assisted
in Mr. Gregory’s ordination, not to intermeddle where there was any
difference, but to gratify the repeated desire of the gentleman to be
ordained, being formerly of his acquaintance—not as a member of the
Presbytery but as one of an ordaining council, and would be careful for
the time to come not to be concerned in cases out of this establishment
when there is opposition.”
A highway was soon laid out from Voluntown meeting-bhouse to
Stonington. John Gallup, John Smith and the townsmen were
appointed to lay out other necessary highways. ............. Yale.
Nathaniel Huntington, Scotland Parish. ........... Yale
STATISTICAL SUMMARY.
1748. :
Ebenezer Cleveland, Canterbury... .- +--+ ++ +++ + Yale.
John Shepard, Plainfield. ... «2... si Poa ee wee ve Bley
Thomas Williams, Mortlake ..... +... 6 + ee ee em ~ Yale.
1749,
David Ripley, Scotland Parish .. 1... +e ee ee eee . . Yale.
1750.
Ebenezer Dyer, Canterbury .. 6... 6 6. eee ee ee we ee Vale.
Benjamin Palmer, Ashford. . . 1... es sees ew « « « Yale;
1752.
Josiah Whitney, Plainfield... .. 2... eee ee ees » Yale,
Stephen Holmes, Woodstock. .......+.+.6+.+.. = .. vale,
1758.
Gideon Welles, Plainfield ...... EE Whe Bias Bs eas ey GME:
Jobn Fitch, Windham... . 2... ee eee eee ee ew ws Yale,
: 1755.
Samuel Cary, Scotland Parish .......++.-++.... Yale.
: : 1757.
Jeremiah Child, Woodstock... .+ . gO Kine Gy Ge ee Ge Ga nae Gy. .
Nathaniel Webb, Windham. . ..... + 2 ee ee esos. vale
1758.
John Felch, Canterbury . 1... 6. ee ee ewe ee ww » Vale,
Jabez Huntington, Windham. ................ Yale
d 1759.
Ebenezer Devotion, Scotland Parish ............. Yale.
Enoch Huntington, Scotland Parish ........4..... Yale.
John Chandler, Pomfret. ....... OUR tae Beh SRP EL en 4s! Se BITE,
Ebenezer Craft, Pomfret ..- 1... ee eee eee ee es Yale.
Ebenezer Grosvenor, Pomfret ......+...++-+.... Yale.
Ephraim Hide, Pomfret... . 0 2 2 ee ee ee ee ee we Yale,
Abishai Sabin, Pomfret .. 1... 62 ee www ewan . Yale.
Joseph Sumner, Pomfret .........4.+.4.-. + +e » Yale.
Ezra Weld, Pomfretic «is ee a Se HH EK ew - « Yale.
Joshua Paine, Pomfret... 6... ee ee tee eee - . + Yale.
1760.
James Fitch, Windham ........ Bw Boe ce ae ws Vale,
Joseph Dana, Pomfret... 2... 2.2 eee eee eee. Valen
573
The influence and authority of the clergy were very greatly increased
and strengthened by their participation in the education of these young
men. The best educated men of the day, leaders in church and state,
honored them as their instructors and spiritual fathers.
Ministers of
574 HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
the town as well as of the church, they occupied a most prominent
and dignified position, and were usually treated with great respect and
deference.
Very little progress had yet been made in manufactures. The few
articles needed for domestic use were made in the home circle or by
neighborhood itinerants. Inventories of estates show a gradual im-
provement in household furniture and conveniences. The poverty and
limited resources of the Colonies, domestic broils and foreign war, had,
however, greatly impeded progress, and it is probable that no marked
change had been wrought either in the face of the country or the con-
dition and manners of the people, since the organization of the
county in 1726. Yet, in the face of many opposing obstacles, much
had been accomplished. Settlements had been made, towns founded,
institutions established. The Windham of 1760 had already done
much that was worthy of record, and laid a good foundation upon
which to build in coming generations.
,
APPENDIX.
Unitep ENGLISH LIBRARY IN THE TOWNS OF WOODSTOCK, POMFRET,
MORTLAKE, &O.
The following is a catalogue of all the books at first bought by the Rev.
Mr. Ebenezer Williams, for the Company aforesaid, with the sterling price as
they cost in England, where they were sent for, according to the invoices of
John Oswald :—
1740, Sept. 5. The Rev. Mr. Wittiams bought of JoHN OswaLp:
£sd.
2 copies, Lowman on the Revelations ...........0068-6 018 0
1 ‘«* Ridgley’s Body of Divinity, 2 vols. ........ oo. 200
1 «« TiNotson’s sermons, compleat, in 8 vols. ........ 4 4°0
2 «« Fermin’s Real Christian ....... ss iby aad Fs Ga cjas Fath a 08 0
2 ‘¢ Jacobs Law Dictionary. ..... Sh Wok GaP a Ges “eh eer ae Kei te - 28 0
1 s¢ Chambers’ Dictionary, 2 volumes .........-.-. 410 0
1 ‘¢ Rapin’s History of England, 2vols............ 270
1 « Burnet’s History of his own times, 2 vols... ...... 2 8 0
1 ‘\ Dr. Watts’ Sermons, 2 vols. .......-6.5.6 0084 - 09 0
1 “«« Law’s Serious Call toa Devout Life. .......... 02 6
1 «Doct. Guyse’s Sermons, &c., 2 volumes ......... 0 8 6
1 #4 ae a * onthe Spirit ...... tene OB G
1 ne ss # ss on ye Person of Christ. ..... 0 8 6
1 ae es ag se Standing use of ye Scriptures 0 3 6
1 « “ “ “ Youths’ Monitor. ........ 041 6
1 ‘© Neal’s History of ye Puritans, 4 vols. .......... 14 0
1 «© Sermons against Popery, De ad lo sae ta? tay ee a hie, 2 Oe TO”.
1 ‘© Calmet’s Dictionary of the Bible, 3 vols. ..... ~.. 5600
1 «© Sermons at Berry street, RBG eo bath cin yh ashe tad 010 0
PTO sae Ma eer Ped R982 we So Pathe AE AG Tee eee do hg Gb cat wn Mae ee 02 6
5 28 4 6
1741. Sep. 9, Bought of Joun OswaLp :—
$s d
2 copies, Law’s Serious Call... 2... - 6. eee eee eee. O05 D
T «© =Bates onthe Attributes ......-...0+e20-6-6-46- 0830
2 ‘© Beveridge’s Thoughts on Religion ....... ... 0650
2 ‘© Howe onFamily Religion... .....24.-+-eee6s- 0-5 O
1 ‘© Clark on the Attributes ...........+..-. 0530
’
576
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
_
Bee BP Pe ee eee RP ee ee Pe ee ee OE EP PP ee eee
copy,
ce
APPENDIX.
Dorham’s Phisico Theology ...... Bi tes des Pe
ee Astro Theology .. 1... ss ee eee eet
Ditton on the Resurrection ....... of cine tae Sah Sales
Saurin’s Dissertations .... 1... ee eae a ep alse, Fe
Gentleman Instructed .... 1... 1 ee ee eee ee
* Patrick’s Christian Life . 2... 1. 1 1 ee ee ee et
Lady’s Lybrary, 3 volumes ...... oe Te: SWB. ees
Pierce’s Vindication of Dissenters ...... 2. se es
Wilkin’s Principles of Nat’l Religion ........4..
Jenkins’ Reasonableness of Christianity, 2 vols......
Bentley’s Sermons. ...... Sica) ies eo e See cy pa ais
Burnet’s Pastoral Care... 2 1 1 ee ee ee ee es
Occasional Papers, 3 volumes. ......... 065
Hoadley’s Original and Institution of Civil Government
GISCUSSE Re cae eel se a Fs fa erg thee Aa .
Hoadley’s Measures of Submission, Sermons on the Ratuie
& Kingdom of ye Church of Christ & Answer toa
4
Calumny, &c., bound together . .o. 2... 2 eee
Hoadley’s Answer to ye Committee... .......4-.
Locke on Government ...... Se Ao WH ES iis
#8 i HGG@ation oy 6 6 eee a a ee we HY SE
Lesley’s Method with Deists and Jews .........
Etmullor abridged . 2 1. 1 1 ee ee ee ee OG
Salmon upon Sydenham ............ eG Gt! &
Prideaux’s Connections, 4 volumes ......... e0%
Horneck’s Great Law of Consideration .........
Steal’s Antidote against Distraction. ..........
Bland’s Military Discipline... .. ... 2... 2. 08.
Patrick’s, Louth’s and Whitby’s Annotations, 6 vols.
Flavel’s Works, 2 volumes ........ oe wg B®
Doddridge on ye New Testament, 2 vols. ..-......
Gordon’s Geographical Grammar ....... i 26 a eS
Ratcliffe’s Treatise of Physick .............
Quarle’s Emblems ..... gh ah Se oe tes, We ee a ae og:
Firmin’s Real Christian ........ 52-8-GE 38. ya at
Watts’ Guide to Prayer ... 2... 2.2. - eee eee
“Death and Heaven ..... ai ta Ras Gas ee aa a a Pe
“& Self murder 2.2 ss a & 6 ee wR RHE HR DH
‘© Catechisms Compleat ...........+..
“Love of God ........ Bi ey as eit
“© Ruin & Recovery of Mankind ..........
G6: PASSIONS) gccic4e se ORE MA HS De pe a ate ae Oa ce
“Scripture History. .,..........4e.
* Humble Attempt ......4.. a ae a ee
«Holiness of times and Places... ........
“© World toCeme...... ...... 4 .
CO! SHOT AY LICH sos) se el a ss GE te Se es
« Psalms. ...- eee Be as riest eh Bay SS Tere, tw. Soa! al
ee VAY MNS) sss ee ee ee BRN a 7
6: EOSIGN Ss: sc: 6a SM Be Re we : .
oooo
°
ooo
OU OF
em
nao
pnoonc Roa Oo by
e
»
ry
bo
ee
WAI ®
Dk OR GM Ot RD oO
PPO NWN ENNYOAN ANNE HE YHWOAE
eaoooooco on onanoosd
o
Coco MmMocoococo ooo Aa aMAnnmonrmocdcdsccocco ccc oooMmoaSo
*
APPENDIX. 577
copy, Watts’ Art of Reading. ........ 29S ROR ED 0
1 1 6
1 ws “© Miscellamieus 2... 1 ee ee ee ee ee 0 3 0
1 se ‘© Strength & Weakness of Human Reason. ... . 02 6
1 se ‘© Redeemer and Sanctifier ........-.224-. 01 6
1 ee “Caveat against Infidelity, Humility, Essay on
Charity Schools, Freedom of will & Self Love—
bound together . 2... ee ee ee es 0 6 0
1 Se ‘© Prayers for Children and Divine Songs ..... 0 1.6
1 e ‘¢ Philosophical Essays .... 1... ewe eee » 0 4 6
£24 18 6
A CASE 35.204 a Sa we 0 4 6
Feb. 19, 1748-9 (books added) :—
£s. d.
1 Copy, Dr. Coleman onthe Parables... ...-+6..6.+.. 115 0
1 sc Edwards on ye Passions . . 2 6. 1 te ee ee te 1 8 0
1 “ Dickinson’s Ist and 2nd Vindication ........4.. 1 2 0
1 «* Beach’s Reply... .....268-6 fo sige Se sarod MESA - 010 0
1 ‘¢ Flint’s Twenty Sermons ..-....... Byes oes aah 120
1 “¢ Chandler’s Doctrines of Grace... .....2.26s -. 215 0
£8 12 0
The prices of books purchased in England are stated in English currency;
the later purchases in Colonial. A number of these old books, in the case
provided for them, are still preserved in Pomfret, together with the quarto
volume, “ bound with parchment,” containing the records of the Society.
73
FAMILY HISTORIES.
It has been impossible in this work to carry out family histories, or even,
in many cases, to trace out antecedents with any degree of certainty, so that
many Windham families are apparently like Melchisedec, with ‘neither
beginning of days, nor end of life.” Thus Peter Aspinwall, one of the original
pioneers of Woodstock and first settlers of Killingly, after appearing for
more than half a century as the most prominent actor in all public affairs,
suddenly and totally disappears from the stage, with no record of his death or
the settlement of his estate, and leaving no representative that can be
identified. The valuable genealogical papers of the late Mr. Weaver of Willi-
mantic, which would throw much light upon families in the south part of
Windham County, are not now attainable. Many Windham families have made
no attempt to trace out their genealogies. Others find them jangled in inex-
tricable confusion. ‘Three distinct branches of the Adams stock settled in
Canterbury, and one in the south part of Pomfret adjoining, leaving numerous
descendants bearing similar patronymics, and marrying and intermarrying
until their disintanglement would baffle the most acute and persevering gene-
alogist. A very few families have achieved complete genealogies. The Rev.
Abner Morse has included in his valuable work that branch of his family which
early settled in Woodstock, and thence sent forth some offshoots whose fame is
borne throughout the earth. Dr. George Chandler of Worcester, Mass., and
Rev. Benjamin W. Dwight of Clinton, New York, have lately published most
elaborate and exhaustive histories of the ancient and honorable families with
which they are connected. Full and interesting genealogies have also been
compiled of the Danas, Huntingtons, Spaldings, Williamses, and a few other.
families. Many, others are in process of preparation, and will in time be given
to the public. Itis hoped that more attention will be hereafter given to
genealogical investigations, and that every Windham County family may yet
be traced to the soil and stock from whence it sprung, but it is a work that
will require much time and patience, and can only be accomplished by repre-
sentatives of those families themselves. The general historian can do little
more than to indicate the origin and settlement of families and the connection
of prominent members with public and general affairs. Domestic and personal
details must be left to the family historian. Should any Windham County
family have failed of recognition in these pages, or received less honor than it
merited, this omission may be ascribed to some unfortunate oversight, or the
impossibility of securing requisite information.
INDEX OF NAMES.
ae 5, 2 8, 91, 3
I. 85 9,
4, 5,9 3 222,
76, 5, 84, 5, 953° 3863
98, 9; 100; 219, 21, 8,4, 7,
3s 301, 10,49.” ;
75, 885 114,
3 315-17, 21;
20, 30, 80, 71.
43 106, 15.
if
4; 595, 67.
‘567.
387.
65, 6; 106, 84, 92.
43, 58.
75, 885 275.
7 hoe
Atwell, 18: 308 : 465.
Austin, 565, 6.
Avery, 5; 239, 40, 2, 6; 5 50, 6,
985 08, 9, 44-7, 9, 83, 93; 813,
ee 249; 557.
Azzogut, 4,
Baboock 90, 15 LOL; 476; 555.
4, 8, 71,9, 80, 2 90,
133 BS i, Gh uo
414 13,
Bad.
Bacon, 20, 2, et 93 157; 246, 7,
8, 5, 2,8 , B97; B01, 49; 408, 16,
45, 6, 7, 67, 903 519, te 1
Badcock. 93, dob.
Badger, 101; 2
Baker, 1554 ‘soa 522, 46, 66, 7.
242,6,8.
3.580, 1.
); 168; 811; B61, 67.
ee
, 27-80, 82-4, 36,7,
6; 397.
7; B19, 90; 459,
: 167,8, 70; 329, 34,
Bayley,
Beckman, 223;
Bashers 190, 4-9; 501, 9; 344, 53,
Bellmont, 42; 18
Bemis, 28 ate, ati 433; 549.
Bibbing, 5
Bicknell, 3055 489, Bhs 546, 7.
Bissel, Bes 990,
Bixby, 178-80; 305-8, 11, 12, 17,
93-5, 9, 30; 587.
Black James, 7, 9,14, 16; 156, 73.
Blackmar, 567.
Blackwell) 182-4, 90, 2, 3, 8, 9
Bowers,’ a
Bowman, 123, 56; 511, 19
Bradbur.
537.
Bradhurst, 49.
Brainard, 226, 36, 55.
Brewer, 301,
Dre waters 244, 74,9; 459, 61; 553,
"| pela
Broo! en: 101, “10, 18, 17, 195 329;
Broughton, 78, 86,91; 275; 374;
Brown, 66; 184, 44, 6, 7, 55-8, 68,
80; 971, 97; 308, Js, 25, 303 492)
B, 81; 528, 30, 3,°67, 71.
Bryon, itt mb, 1: "345 306, 8, 11,
6,20, 118, "7, BOs 883,
puck. 338
B fingt rg ae
uffing ton.
ae 9, 32, 49, 59:
"aft a 5,
217, a, a4, 56; 2856
488, 9.
Bulkley,
Bullard, 569.
Bullen, "498,
Bump, 106, 18, 37, 43.
Burnap 88, 933 274, 8,, 87; 552.
Burril, 480} 465.
-| Burroug' s. Sal, 71.
Burton, ab at
Burwel
17, 63-6, 89;
Bushnell.
44, 8,°54, 78, 97, 230, 42,
305,10, 15
58; 127. Bidlack, 98, 9; 2
10-13, 16, 17, | Biles, 565.
6, 7, 60, 3, 4, | Billings, 98, 9; 247, 8, 69, 70, 8h, re
43, 67, 8: 345, | Bingham, 71, 3, 7, 82,3, 91, 5
80: 518-20, | 5; 274,°6, 8,9, 85;° 454,” a, am
BdL, 3, 4.
Birchard, 64, & 7,7
Bishop, 1B ist, at, 17, 21; 475,
Bagetert 100, 85, 6,70; 330, 25
| Bus:
Beet ecte 8, % aoe
Bloss, 168, 70
Blossom, 34
Bolles, 18, 49} 268.
Bond, 159,
Borden, 510.
Boswell, 443, 71.
Bosworth, 235: 549
Bowdelet, 566.
| Bowditch, 249,
Bowen. 25,2 8, 5)9, 92, 47, 9, 595
356, 82; 488, 9, 90, 6, 8; 626, 6
497,
Bradford, 150, 6; 898; 423, 52, 81;
a9 fy wide a he ;
Chandler, 22, 3, 5-9,
Buswell, 568,
Buteher, ey 8, 3, 5, 9, 30, 2, 4-7, 44,
Bale 4°,
Button, 94, 5, 3 06, 10, 11, 18,21,
2, 9, 30,
Butts, 1, 7, 8 50, 4,65 290, 75
351;
Cabot, 310-12, 15, 17, 19, 25, 563
379; 5, 08 8 26 8, 49,54, b, 64-6; 516,
3b
cad, cv ar 62, 4-6, 71, 3, 81, 02,
> 211-13; 305, °6, 13, 16, 17,
2b 2, 4, 6, 9, 21, 36-83 52), t
8,9, tse 66, 7.
Calkins, 64-6.
Callender, 432.
Cao 248-50; 301, 4; 457;
Canada, 91, 318" 100; 300; 566.
Onspentar, 88, 8, 45, 523 201, 74,95
9, 72; 983 827, 65, 6.
Carri al 168,
Carter, 157; 416,
Garue, 157.
Carver, 157, 905;
Ou, 3, 7 82, 3, i “90,23 101, 2
Ses BOL, 4, 55 65,
eae 974,
Cass, 22, 5; 250,
Cassaminon, 6, , 63.
Gates, 66, 7, 71, "By 6,
95.
affee, 371, 4; 6-9;
490, 7,8; 501,
32, 8, 6-40, 4-
Wy Anos 6.
6, 52, 4, 5,
7-3, 91
re, 62;
Wee Bh 5
200-10, is’
467,
Chapin 49 "sO; 343
aplin. ; 514, 52, 3.
hapman, 64; ge ah oan
3 or 33° 5, 67,
oftisiin 151, 64, es
al, 7; 546.
Chureb, 165, 6; 243, 9, 50, 2, 6;
Clap, 104 104, $65 215, 24, 69, 70-2, 8,
Clatk, 6 aa 93 119: (Bh 85
3 581, 46, 7,"
cle dln 108, sd i, HH 16. 1,
Bab ab "sok wie ae!
es oe int iy 81,5, 5
30" 1 65, 6, 72) 19,
3.
Clough, , 180s 308,°7, 9-11, 15, 25, 6,
: Coats, 180;
465.
Cobb, 244, 565 346, 50,1; 401, 22;
Cogswell 409-14, 16, 17, 19-26, 38,
, 6, 78, 715 616, 21, 2, 41, 3°
ig: hg ee,
.
580
Coit, ns 112, 13, 16, a 20,1, 4, 9,
30, 41.7, 695 PBs) 64, 9, 99:
Bh 36; 408, 4 iets 3, 67.
Colburn, 91,5 ido; 5, 6.
Coles, 242, 4, Fo, 40, - 4, 8; 557.
Coller. 567.
Collins, 16; 175, 9
Comins, 171, 91; 207, re
Conant, 75: 253) 68, 7 3 555,
Converse, 16 sits She 8, 9, 11,
15, 17, 23;
Cook, 146, ine 3, 7. 4, 8, 9
Cooper, 177; 244, 7: 807, tf 12,15,
Corbin, 22,3, 5, 8 9, 35, 6, 41, %, 5,
54,7: 161,74, 80 0; 216-9 “als,
6,7; 809, 28, 56-8, 67, 71, 3, 4
9° 84, 9: 490, 7, 83 Ses 6, aun
Cotton, 16; 174,5; 354; °512, 93,
oval, Ji.
Coy, 242; 567.
Craft, mn is2; ae 8; 510, 11,
44, 16, 17, 2, 67, 70, 3.”
Crane, 67-72, ie 5, 9,94, 5;
102, 5; 267, n°
Crawford, 166,
Crary, Crery, 106, 13, 22: § a 35, 8,
40; 374, 7; 4525 340, 6,
Crocker, 263
Crosby, 180; B15; 534.
Crow, 565.
Crosse, 71, 3, $8.
Cummin, 3, 316, 2
Curtis, 16, 19, a1 38; 501, 66, 72.
Cushing, 315, 19 19, a6)
Cutler, 16 ber 316, 22,7, 9,
30, 73 4663 “309.301 35. GY.
Dana, 185, i. 90; 2b, Dy 8; 352,55
517, 26, 7, 45, 6, i, 61, 73.
Daniels, BB; 503, 9.
Danielson, 63-6, 70, 89, 91, 55
rt 88; 330, 1, 4, b, 83 532, 3,
Darbe, 351; 557,
Davenport, 144, 5, 7.
Davis, 20, 2, 5, 32,°7 a 503 156,
7, 773 2813 490; 633, 63.7.
Davison, 211, 13, 14, 67; 344, 6, 7,
9, 51; ies 619, 22, 7.
Day, 17 : 329,
Deane, ties. 12) 13, 16, 19-22, 5,
9-32. 7, 9, 43; 244, 6 6,9, 50, 6, 85
557, 65, 72,
Deming, 29, 529, 67.
Denham, 75.
Devotion, 161; 38 9. 36s 408, 9,
49, 54, 7,9, 60, 2,4; 516,21, 2) 5,
8, 53, 71
Dewy, 568
Dingley, 2 3 Bs 90, 8, 4.
Dimmioeck 5, 9 » Pi 223, 4.
Dixon. 300-4; 7.
Podge, 3743 iso, 903 . 506, 67, 9.
Dorr, #
Bae 248, 50-2, 4, 8 £85 301,
4, 965 428, 543 540, 1, 7.
Douglas, 106, 73, 19, ai, 4 9, 30, am
3 270, 84, és 34, "39. 403 4,
ui, 1, ae 9% 557
4, 6-9, 50, 2, 4, 6, 8; 300,
us 334, 8, 845 4665 572,
Dressed, 1 6, 88; 205; 306, 9,
31, “ny 511, 12, 27, 9/32)
peatey, 13-6, 18, 19, 39, 47, 9, 50,
Dunham, 566.
Durkee. 6, 8, 95 280, 1, 35 489,
92; 519, 25,53, 66.
Dwight, sa fae 6, 51-3, 6,7, 9
60-3, 169, 70, 80, 8,9; 224; 308:
U1, 12, 16, 17 19,°24) 64, 5, 78°
499; 533, 4, 72,
Dyer, 103, 34,"50,5, 75. 206 %,
3,95 200-404, &s, 15,16, 92, 3
, 55, 8, 61, 3, 7, 8 70, 2, 3.
Hanis i we)
INDEX OF NAMES.
Earle, 210; 351.
Bastman, 43, 5s 50; 166; 217, 19,
20-3, 6-30, 5,6; 386, 8, 9; 549,
Baton, 47} 1032 2383 309-1, 17,
my Bs 0, 0, 83; 533, 40, 5, 66.
Boake 286; 554, 8, G1.
Eliot. Elliot, Ellyott, 6-9, 14,
20, 0, Jas; 408 a 584,
8 e
Ellithor, 177; 308; 567.
seasiworth, 110, 13, 34, 46, 55-7;
2
Hstaprooksy, 60, 99; 147, 58, 67, 9,
70, 1; 14, 9,905 243 572,"
Evans, oe ier, 3 8, 74,
Ewing, 54),
*airbanks “566.
gorau, § 98, 9; 223; 566,
arr,
Farrar, 218, 23, 7, 8.
rit 57: 23s"; 349, 51; 447-8;
51 7
Fay.
Kalen. i 44, 73.
Fellows, 16, 11-13, 17-9, 21, 9, 80,
2, 6,
Felshaw, 338, 4; 530,
Fenton, 74, 88.
Firman, 332.
Fish, 242.
Fisk, 167, 9, 70, 1, 80; 251, 64
705 311, 1%, 31, 3, 4,56, 915 a0,
67.
Fiteh, je. a 40, 2, 4, 58, 64,
7-9) 3, 9, 92, 463
102, en: 13, 15-19 93" 34, 6, 7,
9. 451, 9-54 if 7, 60-6,’ 75, ois
6, 7,92, 4; 200, 4, 6, 4s 26,
3, , 80,8, 12, 2°85, 9 i,
403, 18, 22,” 83; 933° 540,11, 3, :
55, 7, 8 6, 8, 72, 3.
Flagg,
Flt. ek 25 324,
Flynn, 440, 7; 506,
Follet, 223, 361.
Ford, 075.
F oskett, 333,
Fox, 372; 490, 7; 567.
Foye. 193.
Franklin, 196.
Freak, 14; 173, 5.
Freeman, 351; 457.
French, 343, 4, 7, 56, 8; 547, 56,
Frink, 239, 40; 525, 6.
Frizzel, 20, 2,'5, 80, 9; 195; 872,
4; 490; 501, “67.
Frost, 146, ts 56; 290, 7; 406, 8
22; 341.
Frothingham, 542,
Fuller, Bay 100; 217, 19, 23, 4,
6-30, 81; 318; 549,
Gager, 269, 70,
Gale, 157; doe:
Gallup, ike 13, 15, 17, 18, 22, 9,
34,7; 3, 5, 2, 4, "83 300;
1; 45; 50, a. 66.
Gambling, 15, 17.
Gardner, 100,” 75; QL.
Gary, 20, 2, 5, ds, 7; 187, 9-91;
z
Gaston, 304; 458.
Gates, J iby, 91; 212,
Gay, 504, 733, 5.
ee $50; 301; 45.
Gifford, 7
cine 67, 8, 70, 1, 4, 80, 9, 91,
5; 2705 549.
Gleason, 525, 30, 6,
Goodell; 187, 9 2h 374, 7; 510,
Gofle, 223; 317.
Gookin, 7-10.
ae 6, 7, 8; 300, 1, 4;
54 6
Gore, 15, 21, 175-7, 82, 4, 5; 203-5;
Gould, 168, 70; 829; 490; 567.
Graves, 333,
Gray, 288, 9, 75; 555, 8, 9.
Green, 110, 11, 13, 19 79, is 4, 144,
55, 6, 7Y, 80, 97, 1; 245
306, 11, 16-8, 24, 6; “16, "ay 533,
5, oT.
eter egory, 5. ive,
ridley,
Grin, 18) 2,5, 90; 24, 5, 8, 9,
80; 512,
Griggs, 18, 20, 3. 5, 36, oe
ise, 161, 87, '9;' 367, 74, 8
405 bol, 5, 10, "9, ‘si
Grosvenor, 181; 2, 4, 7-91, 200-10,
14; 306, 52, 3, 4; 8 78; 509, 11,
14, 10, 17, 528, 6, 7, 36, 29, 65; 6
i,
Grover, 168, fos 450, 66, 7; 567.
w, #48; 51
Bae bo, 3,4, 6, 9,31, 2,'5, 8,
Hale, 219.
7, 605 ube, 6, 7, 9, 90; 545. 7,
Hall, 75, 9, 81, 8, 112, 3,9 21, 5,9,
32,5, 433 29,5 488; 527, 8.
Hallow ell, 354-0, 63, 45 436.
Hamilton; 250; 3005 408.
Hanulet, 2U5, 8
Hamlin, 160, 3.
Hammond, 490; 501, 67.
Harrington, 5!
Harris, 106, il. 38, 21, 8, 9, 34, 7,
; 24d, 97, 565.
Harding, Do.
Hartshorn, 90; 270, 1.
Hascall, 17), sl; 308, 535.
Haynes, 160, 3, 4, 7, 79.
Heberd, 75, be? 3 obs 1023 459, 60;
Hoioway 7 59.
Hendee, os iO 1, 80; 100.
Hendrick,
see “a0
Hilliard, 131.
Hinman, 458, 83.
Hodges, 492,”
Hoffe, 343.
Holbrook, 2.5, 8, 88; eee 6, 945
420; Si 12, 23-5, 6,°7
Holden, 5
Holland, 211, 12; 346, 4 % , 51, 8;
408, 47, 8; 518, 19, 22, 6
Hollister, \60.
Holmes, 2. 8, 6, 8, 31, 2, 8, 43.
9, 50, 9; 205,'6,'8; 3247 52, ae
Rs; B0, 73 502, 2, 50, 66, 7.
Holt, 94, 95 fete 10,
Hooker, 226.
Hopkins, Ne 8.
Horsmor, 47, 54, 9; 377; 307, 1,
Hough, 6s, 7, 9, 71, 242. "
Hovey, 94-6, 8,9; 280-2; 369, 71;
434, 6;
Howard, 7, 5, 7, 91, 4; 256; 553,
Howe, 113, 22-4, 9, 40, 3; 65-7, 7
6, 8, 80; 267; 306, 8, ‘Un iis
a4 7, 9,'80, 2, 43 ;°515, 98-80, 4
Hoist, 501,
Hubbard, 22, 5, 45; 189, 91; 201,
12; 349, 55, 519-21, 58, 67.
Humphrey,’ 22, 6, 45; 533, 45 3865
Hunter, 557.
aa gi ke Be q, & is Bee
6
67; 588,51, 4, 5, 4,3 22, a?
| Hurlbut, a
Hutchins, 132 68; 329, 30, 2, 6;
450, 90; 531, 3,
Hutehingon, 205; 494; 565.
Hyem: 6.
Ingalls’ "335 6; 510-14, 16, 17, 27.
Isham, 565."
Jackson, 223, 7, 4
Jacobs, 164; diss. ae, "723 464, 5,
Jaffrey, 244.
Jameson. 003 557,
defferds, 2563 "567.
Jenison, 2903 424.
Jennings, 90% 227, 71.
Jeremy.
Jewell, 7 406, 8, 11-8, 16, 17, 19, 21,
5, 9, 3
Jencks ivo “4, s a 808, 16; 432.
Johnson, 23, 3 Bat 8,0 it Ant 8, a
Bb, a4 1, fs . ee it 8
903 a8, uP 0, 6 33, ie
ir Mbeki, ees ast
ih 50 ae aa ase et
zens: 108, 10; 416.
Jordan, 133, 36; 243, 4, 56,
Joshua, 63, 4, 83,
Joslin, Joslyn, 160; 308, 11, 23, 4,
Kasson, 950,83 301, 4; 4543 540, 1,
Kee, 166; 332.
Kelgwin 249, 505 B01; 557, 66.
ell
Bengal 3 218, 19, 21, 3, 4, 30-2, 4,5;
386; 545, 9 2,
Cenned: 1 457; 557.
Ceyes, cies, "335° 888; 549,
mball, 280; 343.
3