L< * a < < < < < c / c c 1 STATISTICAL ACCOUNT CONNECTICUT. BY DAVID D. FIELD, PUBLISHED BY TK CONNECTICUT ACADEMY OF ARTS AMD SCIKNCKs , Conn. PRINTED BY CLARK & LYMAN April, 1819. THE author deems it his duty and privilege, to return his thanks to all those gentlemen, who have assisted him in col' tecting facts for the ensuing work, In arranging these, a general regard has been paid to the questions, proposed in the Circular of the Connecticut Academy? STATISTICAL ACCOUNT MIDDLESEX COUNTY. Introductory and General Observations. MIDDLESEX was made a county by an act of the Legislature. t)f Connecticut, passed at their session in May 1 785, and then con- sisted of six towns, viz. Middletown, Chatham, Haddam, and East-Haddam, which were taken from the county of Hartford ; and Saybrook and Killingworth, taken from the county of New- London. Durham was annexed to Middlesex in May, 1799, from the county of New-Haven ; and the county now con.sists of seven towns, which include eighteen located congregational so- cieties, together with several societies of other denominations, and one hundred and twelve school-districts. It was invested at its formation, with the same privileges enjoyed by the other counties of the State, and Middletown, being the principal town in the county, was selected as a half-shire ; while Haddam. being the central town, was selected as the other half-shire : in which places, court-houses and gaols were subsequently erected. See note A. This county, like the other counties of Connecticut is of very irregular form. It lies between 41 degrees and 15 minutes, and 41 degrees and 39 minutes of north latitude, and between -72 degrees and 20 minutes, and 72 degrees and 47 minutes of west longitude. Its greatest length is 27 miles, and its greatest breadth 22 1-2. Its average length is about 25 miles, its ave- rage breadth about 1 5 ; and its area, exclusive of Connecticut river, is about 237,370 acres. It is bounded by New-Haven county on the west, by Hartford counly on the north, by Hart- 1 4 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; ford and New-London counties on the east, by New-London county and the Sound on the south. Within the limits of this county, English settlements com- menced, in Saybrook in 1635, in Middletown in 1650, and in Haddam in 1662; from which the settlements afterwards pro- ceeded in the towns opposite, on the east side of Connecticut river. The settlement commenced in Killingworth in 1663, and in Durham in 1698. The first settlers were almost exclusively of English extraction, and with their descendants individuals from other nations have rarely intermixed. They came, in a few instances, immediately from England, but more generally from older settlements in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The number of inhabitants in the whole colony of Connecticut in 1713, according to Dr. Trumbull, was 17,000. Of these, there may have been 3,000 in the towns now belonging to Middlesex. In the same towns there were, in 1756, 13,071 souls, in 1774. 17,572, and in 1810, 20,723. See note B. The several townships in Middlesex were purchased of the Indians, and in no case obtained by conquest. In selling their lands, they usually reserved certain portions for themselves, with the right of hunting and fishing where they pleased ; on which they remained many years, and in several instances till within the memory of persons now living, raising upon them their corn, and obtaining other articles of food as they had previously done. No part of Connecticut was better adapted to their mode of life, Connecticut river and the Sound, with their tributary streams, furnishing them with an abundance offish, and the forests back, with game. They were, therefore, very numerous in all parts of the county, excepting Durham, (which was used as an occasion- al retreat for hunting ;) much more numerous than the English, long after the English settlements commenced, and might in numberless instances have destroyed them, had they not been restrained by the merciful providence of God. The English realized their critical situation, and while they looked to God as their only all-sufficient protector, took various measures to se- cure themselves in case of a sudden attack. But no evidence is transmitted to us of their having sustained any serious injury from them, except about the time of the Pequot war, an account of which will be given in treating of Saybrook, as there will be in treating of the several towns, of the names which they gave to places, rivers, &c. The general customs of the Indians are too well known to need a recital in this work. To remove a cold and many other complaints, the diseased used to stand over a hot stone rolled into a hole dug in the earth, until they were brought into a profuse sweat, and then plunged Introductory and General Observations. 5 into water. A lot at Indian-Hill, in Chatham, is still called hot- house lot. because it had one of these holes in it. There was one of these at Paltaquounk, now Chester, And a swamp oppo- site Saybrook-Point, in Lyme, is called hot-house swamp, from the same circumstance. This was a more rational remedy than pawwawing, for which the Mackemoodus or East-Haddam In- dians were particularly famed, whose favourite spot for this ex- ercise was, on what is still called, Wigwam brook. The Indians acknowledged one great Spirit as ruling over all, but are said to have worshipped many gods. They offered sa- crifices, and it is supposed sometimes human sacrifices, though of this there is no certain evidence. A large flat rock, a mile north of Saybrook street, eaet of Middlesex turnpike, bears the name of Obed's altar to this day, because an Indian of that name was seen offering upon it a deer to his god. The places where the Indians buried their dead, have, in some cases, been uniformly known to the English, in others, have been discovered from time to time, and in others still, we no doubt pass over them, and are not aware of them. Their manner of interment shows the imperfect and grovelling ideas, which they entertained of a future state. They placed the bodies frequently in a sitting posture, and for their accommo- dation on their way to eternity, or their convenience after their arrival, buried with them,' food, utensils, arms, ornaments, and wampum. They have been found thus buried at Middletown Upper-Houses, at Chatham, and at Pautapoug. Three graves, one of a man and two of children, found at Indian-hill in Chat- ham in the spring of 1808, may be mentioned as specimens. The man was placed sitting, wrapped in a blanket, (which was not entirely consumed, but on exposure to the air, became as burnt straw ;) in his lap were two small brass kettles, probably fill- ed with soup or suckotash at the time of burial, one of which had sunk down into the other; in which were a spoon, knife, phial, and pipe. His arm was extended round the kettles, and what is particularly remarkable, where the flesh came in contact with the brass, from the elbow to the wrist, the flesh was preserved. In the hand of one of the children was found a brass cup of the size of a tea-cup, with the fingers extended from the base to the brim, and here again the hand was preserved, where it came against the brass, and as the opposite side of the cup was wasted away, it would seem that the brass and the flesh mutually pre- served each other. Around the wrist was wampum strung on deer-skin, and near by were beads formed apparently from the hearts of oyster-shells, supposed to have been placed about the neck. In the grave of the other child, was a copper box, con- taining wampum, strung on deer's leather. Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; The Indians in Middletown had a fort near the Straits, erect- ed as a security against the Farmington Indians ; from which circumstance, the spot is now known by the name of Fort-Hill. Near the Indian settlement in Chester, is a place also called Fort-Hill, probably because the Indians had some kind of forti- fication upon it. Whether the Indians in Middlesex were connected with tribes in other parts of the country is uncertain. The presumption is, that the Mattabesett or Middletown Indians, with the clans in Chatham, Glastenbury, Weathersfield, and for some distance westward, were a tribe by themselves. The Indians in the southern parts of the county not improbably belonged to the Nehanticks, whose principal settlement was in the eastern part of Lyme. These were in subjection to the Pequots some years liefore the Pequot war. But whatever was their origin or con- nection, the last remnant of the Indians left the county half a century ago, and no certain information is possessed of their present situation and character, nor even of their existence. Taken as a whole, Middlesex must be regarded as a rough uneven tract of country. Some lands on the margin of the Sound and of Connecticut river, varying in width from half a mile to one and two miles, are comparatively level and feasible. The same is true of lands in some parts of Durham and Middletown, and in the northwestern section of Chatham, and of very small tracts in other parts of the county. The county is passed obliquely from the west-southwest, to the north-northeast, by a wide range of hills, which may be pro- perly denominated the Strait-Hills, as they appear on both sides of the Connecticut at the Straits, whence they pass on far into the interior of New-England. South of these Straits, the land rises into hills, at small but unequal distances to the right and left of the river, to within four or five miles of its mouth ; some of which are steep and rough, but they are generally capable of cultiva- tion. On the western border of Durham and Middletown, are Wallingford Mountains, sleep on the west side, but capable of being ascended on the east, and in some instances, they are cul- tivated to their summits. Some of these are called by distinct names, as Higby Mountain, from a man of that name who settled near it, and Lamentation Mountain, so called, according to tradi- tion, because one of the ancient Cheslcrs from Weathersfield was lost upon it on a journey to New-Haven, and was sought for with much anxiety for several days. The spaces between dis- tinct mountains are crossed in several instances in Middletown, riM'l in three in Durham. The base and loose stones of the Strait-Hills are granite, and ^ is the prevalent kind of stone found southward through the Introductory and General Observations. 7 county. North of the Straits, free stone abound, while the base and loose stones of Wallingford Mountains, are the trap rock. The best soil m the county is unquestionably that, which is made by the annual overflowings of Connecticut river. The soil next to this in excellence, is composed of loam, gravel, and a small intermixture of clay, and is found in the center of Durham, and Midclletown, and in Chatham street. In the south part oi Killingworth and Saybrook, and so on the west side of Connec- ticut river, immediately back from the alluvial lands, is a soil composed of loam, sand, and some gravel, which is rendered very productive by manure, particularly on the Sound. A soil kindred to this, is found on the plain in Middletown Upper- Houses. The rest of the county generally, is a hard gravelly soil. The ranges of hills and mountains already mentioned, with many hills of less note, give rise to a multitude of springs and brooks, and to some streams highly valuable for mill-seats ; the mouths of most of which are navigable short distances for boats. These will be described in treating of the several towns in the county. But the glory of Middlesex and of the State is the Connecticut. This, signifying in Indian, the long river according to some, or the river of Pines according (o others, gives name to the State, and imparts to it much of its beauty and of its wealth. This rises in those high lands in Canada, separating the wa- lers which run north into the St. Lawrence, and those which run south into New-England. It is ten rods wide upon its entrance into the United States. Forming a boundary for about two hun- dred miles between Vermont and New-Hampshire, and receiving many streams from the Green- Mountains and the White-Hills ; it passes centrally through the counties of Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden in Massachusetts, and Hartford county in Connec- ticut ; augmented by Deerfield, Agawara, and Farmington rivers from the west, and Millers, Chickabee, and Scantic rivers from the east: striking Middlesex, it divides it unequally, throwing the smaller division to the east, and empties ilself into Long- Island Sound. Its general course is south ; from Middletown city its course is southeast. Its width at Upper-Houses ferry is 80 rods, against the mouth of Little river 97, against the city of Middletown 97 and 80, at the Straits 35, at Bush-Point 37, at Knowles's Landing 88, at Higganum 61, at the point of Haddam island 116, at East-Had- dam Landing about 120, Chapman's ferry 50, Warner's ferry 80, Brockways 96, and at Saybrook ferry 127. In some places it spreads to a greater extent than any here mentioned. The depth of the channel at full sea varies through Middlesex y Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; from 10 1-2 to 30 feet; its average depth is 15 feet. The 01 dinary tides at Say brook-Point are 31-2 feet, at Middletown city 2 feet, and proportionally at the intermediate places. A mile and a half from the mouth of the Connecticut is a saud bar, apparently formed by the conflux of the river and tide, on which there are, in common tides, 10 and 11 feet of water, about a foot more at the full and change of the moon. This is some- obstruction to navigation, though vessels as large and heavy- laden can cross the bar as can go to Middletown. The river originally crossed this bar in three channels ; but the eastern- most, the only one used sixty years ago, is filled up and become a flat, bare at low water. The middle and western channels- have deepened perhaps a foot in thirty years, and if we credit the testimony of Winthrop that there were only six or seven feet of water on the bar in 1633, the channels are much improved since the discovery of the country. To aid vessels in passing this bar, as well as in traversing the. the Sound, a light-house was erected on Lynde's Point in 1804, the deck of which is elevated 80 feet from the ground. Four years previous to this, a company was formed to clear the river of obstructions. By means of a pier at the Upper-Houses, they have thrown the channel the opposite side of the river, and deep- ened it from six to eleven feet. A mile or two below, where the river is divided by a small island, and where there were bar. 1 ^ with only seven feet of water, called Chatham bar and Middle- town bar; they have made attempts to improve the channel, but v/ith less success. The river generally affords a tolerable harbour for vessels, and excellent harbours in its bends at Middletown city, Knowles's Landing, Higganum Landing, &c. At these places, and indeed at wharves small distances from one another through the whole extent of the county, vessels load and unload ; where the in- habitants of the surrounding regions export lumber, wood, stone, fish, and whatever articles they have to spare, and receive in re- turn importations from abroad. la 1789, there belonged to the river, and probably two-fifths of these to Middlesex, 3 brigs of 180 tons each, about 60 sail from 60 to 150 tons, employed in the West India trade, a few fishermen, and 40 or 50 coasters. Commerce flourished after- wards, till the commencement of the restrictive system. By that system and the war following it, it was greatly injured, and it has not regained its former prosperity since the return of peace. In Dec. 1815, there belonged to the river, or rather to the two counties of Hartford and Middlesex, 31,956 tons of ship- ping ; to Middlesex county 9,376 tons, consisting of 1' Ships, 18 brigs, 1 9 schooners, and 38 sloops. See note C. Introductory and General Observations. 9 The current of the Connecticut is smooth and gentle, unless raised and strengthened by freshets, except at the Straits, two and a half miles below Middletown city, where the whole river, being compressed to 35 rods, rushes forward with great force between the high and cragged fronts of the Strait-Hills. A freshet is usually experienced about the first of March, when the ice and snow dissolve in the southern parts of New- England. A larger one is experienced a month later, when the ice and snow dissolve in the cold regions from which the Connecticut derives its sources ; raising the river above its banks and spread- ing it one and two miles, around buildings, trees, &c. At this time, the river presents a grand and beautiful appearance. As it falls and retires, it leaves a kind of slime upon the banks, by which they are continually raised and enriched. The Straits just mentioned, serve to increase and continue the floods above them, and in some instances, when the river has broken up suddenly, or has been suddenly raised by great rains, by staying the waters or ice, have proved the occasion of much damage. Thus a flood was produced in May and June, 1642, which was very injurious. Thus the meadows were alarmingly flooded in Dec. 1703. In April, 1801, the waters became so high and violent, that they tore the bank in pieces in many places. In the lapse of years, the current has nearly destroyed some islands, as Twelve-Mile island, on the remains of which, is now a fish-place called Statia ; and it has formed some others. Thnc- the small island above Middletown, already mentioned, is said to have been formed around a pier, erected for the purpose of fish- ing. Thus Goose island also, is said to have been formed. In addition to these islands, the following exist in the river, and are particularly valuable for their fisheries, viz. Haddam island. Lord's, Nott's, and Calves' island, all uninhabited. Haddam island, originally called Thirty-mile island, from the supposition of its being thirty miles from the mouth of the Con- necticut, contains 18 acres. A pier erected about 90 rods north in 1793, has caused the sand to accumulate between it and the head of the island, and bids fair to increase it. Lord's island, originally called Twenty-mile island, contains 9 or 10 acres of sandy and rather thin land. This is within the bounds of the town of East-Haddam. Nott's island, southeast of Pautapoug Point, originally called Eight-mile island, contains 60 acres, .some of which is good land. This belongs to the town of Lyme, as does Calves' island, formerly called Six-mile island, still farther southeast, contain- ing 8 or 10 acres. This river with its tributary streams, used to abound with fish. 10 Statistical Account if Middlesex County j with salmon, shad, bass, alewives, pike, carp, perch, &c. whicL cast their spawn on logs, and objects along the shores, where they remained unmolested till nature had accomplished its work. But as there was a general prejudice against the use of the most common and important kinds of these fish, either because they were so generally used by the Indians, or from some other cause which I am unable to assign ; little effort was made to take them for more than a century after the county was settled. Within the memory of persons living, there was very little demand for salmon, and as for shad it was disreputable to eat them. But as this prejudice gradually died away, and as profitable markets for fish were opened, fishing became an important business thirty or forty years ago, and has continued so ever since. This has rendered fish-places objects of consequence. Hence Nott's island, which was purchased in 1742 for 600 pounds old tenor, about 500 dollars in specie, was assessed in 1814 at 22,000 dol- lars. For several years the quantity of fish in the river has very con- siderably decreased. Salmon, which used to ascend into the bounds of New-Hampshire and Vermont, have rarely appeared in the river for fifteen or twenty years. Shad do not ascend be- yond the limits of Middlesex in sufficient quantities, to render fishing an important object. Other fish, with the exception of alewives, are not caught for exportation, though they are taken occasionally by the inhabitants, and sometimes in great numbers. The decrease of fish is ascribed to different causes. The fol- lowing are believed to have had an influence ; the use of very long seines, particularly about the mouth of the river, by which the shoals are broken and prevented entering or ascending the river ; the almost perpetual attempts to take them in the season of fishing, it being long observed that Monday is the most success- ful day in the week, the fish having had an opportunity to get into the river on the Sabbath ; the removal of logs, roots, and other objects from the shores on which spawn are cast, and the dis- turbance of these objects where they remain, by boating and na- vigation ; the erection of locks on the river, and dams on its tri- butary streams, by which their ascent to the regions beyond them, is partially or wholly prevented. There are nearly eighty places in Middlesex v where shad are now caught in the season of fishing, beginning about the middle of April and ending about the middle of June, viz, 26 in Say- brook, 17 in Haddam, 16 or 17 in Middletown, 13 in Chatham, and 5 in East-Haddam. At the fish-places in Saybrook. there were salted, in 1817, according to the report of the deputy inspector, 2,194 barrels of shad; at the fish-places in Haddam 146 barrels, and at the fish-places in East-Had-. Introductory and General Observations. 1 1 dam 169; making a total of 2,509 barrels. Many shad cauglu in Haddam, are carried out of the county and inspected. From the fish-places in Middletown and Chatham, and from all parts of the county where fish are taken, many shad are put up by the inhabitants, and many are carried into the country, unin- fpccted. The quantity of shad uninspected, is doubtless greater than the quantity inspected. Supposing it to be only equal, the quantity offish caught in Middlesex in 1817, must have exceed- ed 5,000 barrels. Estimating these at 12 dollars a barrel, the common price for that year, will make a gross amount of 60,000 dollars. That season was less favourable than seasons general- ly. Cut although the value of shad yearly caught in the county is great, the expense of carrying on this business is such, that the clear profits are less than would be at first supposed. The largest draught which has ever come to my knowledge, was made at the Pier in Haddam, in 1802, consisting of about 2,300. At the succeeding draught, at the same place, 18 or 1900 were taken. In 1811, 2,280 were taken at a single draught at Rutty 's fish-place, and 1300 at two other draughts at the same place that year. The best mode of curing shad is to dress them immediately after they are caught, to cleanse them thoroughly and salt them. By lying long in the sun they become soft, and arc bruised and injured by being carried any considerable distance, unless they are barrelled. In the year 1795, shad were uncommonly lean, and appeared to be sickly through the season, owing it was generally believed to the difficulty of ascending the river, against a current effected by an almost continual gale through the months of April and May ; but it is very doubtful whether the true cause has been ascertained. It is so easy to obtain good water in this county by sinking wells, that aqueducts are rarely formed. Water is found at dif- ferent depths, both on high and low grounds, and does not ap- pear to be governed altogether by the nature of the ground, though it is lowest in the earth where quicksand prevails. There is so much of this sand in Haddam street and the water is so low, that few wells are sunk. A few wooden pipes are here used and in some other parts of the county in conveying water to families, the expense of which by the rod is generally one dollar. The mineralogy of Middlesex is a very interesting subject : arid as the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences, t; have determined to commence a geological arid mineralogical survey of the State, under the superintendence of Professor Silliman," the public may expect accurate and important information concerning it. What facts have been collected 0:1 this subject, and on th.- i2 Statistical Account of Middlesex County; quarries in the county, will be communicated in the account which is to be given of the several towns. Middlesex was originally well timbered, but the trees varied in kind as well as size according to variations of soil and situa- tion. On high grounds were the several species of oak, walnut, and chesnut, and on the low grounds were birch, maple, beach, elm, ash, and hemlock; thinly interspersed among which were button wood, butternut, poplar, dog or boxwood, while wood, basswood, locust, pepperidge, sassafras, horn or hardbeam, wild-cherry, willow, and alder. Pitch-pine is said to have grown on the plain in Middletown Upper-Houses. It was thick on a hill in the west part of Haddam, where the early inhabitants used to go and get pine-knots as a substitute for candles, from which fact the neighbourhood about it is now called Candlewood-HilL White pine used to grow in a swamp in Millington, and trees of this kind are occasionally found in other parts of the county. A swamp in Saybrook and another in Killingworth, are called Ce- dar-swamps, from the prevalence of cedar among their wood. The red shrub cedar is common all over the county. Considerable changes have taken place in the proportionate quantity of particular trees since the county was settled. Such as were of little value, have been designedly destroyed by the cultivator. Such as were peculiar to grounds suitable for mow- ing and cultivation, have been destroyed to prepare the way for grass and crops. Some trees from their brittleness or the slowness of their growth, have been destroyed by sheep and cat- tle ; while others, as the hemlock, beach, and hard-maple, rarely sprout from the roots, and if they do, are very liable to die. On these accounts some trees are less frequent in the county than formerly. The chesnut, smooth-walnut, and white-oak, sprout abundantly from the roots, as well as come up from seed, and grow on high and rough grounds, as well as on those which arc suitable for tillage. Hence there is a happy increase of these valuable trees over others in the county. Large and numerous tracts are reserved in Middlesex for for- ests. It is, however, an alarming fact, that wood and timber are decreasing. They are cut down not only to supply our own in- habitants with fuel and fencing, and with materials for building houses and vessels, but immense quantities of wood and lumber are exported to New- York and other parts of our country ; the call for which has' been increasing since the revolutionary war. Much more economy however is used with respect to wood than formerly. The practice of burning over wood lands for the sake of pasture has ceased, the growth of young trees is more cau- tiously guarded, more care is taken to make houses tight, and to render a less quantity of fuel needful to warm them, fire-place? Introductory and General Observations. 1 3 arc improved and stoves in many cases introduced. Were build- ings erected of stone, as they might easily be in most parts of the county, there would be an additional saving. The use of brick would have the same effect ; but clay is not so common with us as building stone. The largest and most important bed known, to me, is in the upper part of Haddam, and this is so near to the river, that the brick may be made upon the bank, and thence tnken and carried away in vessels wherever they are needed. To increase the quantity of wood, the seed of those trees which are wished to be raised may be sown upon cleared lands, or may be transplanted from the forests. A better mode however, is believed to be, as trees spring up naturally and abundantly on many of our lands, to fence entirely from cattle what is intended to be reserved for woodland, and in cutting, to cut clean on one part of it, avoiding the evil of falling trees one upon another, and suffering no creatures to run among them. Thus the buds are all preserved, the ground is enriched by the leaves and grass, and the growth of trees is advanced ,more rapidly than in any other known manner. As moisture exposes timber to decay, it is believed that the best time to fell timber for durability is in the latter part of winter before the sap ascends. Timber, however, for posts and rails should be cut when the sap flows freely, that it may be peeled, otherwise the bark will become the occasion of rotting them. That seasoned wood is the best, as well as the most conve- nient for fuel, is admitted by those who reflect upon the subject. It will evidently season the easiest if felled when it has the least sap in it ; and in the winter season farmers can most conveniently cut their wood and convey it to their own doors, and those of their neighbours, where it ought immediately to be cut and split for the fire and then seasoned under cover. The price of timber in this county for houses is four cents per foot; chesnut timber for ship-building is four dollars per ton, and oak five ; short oak-plank for ship-building, is twenty-five dollars per thousand ; long plank, from thirty-five to forty. Hickory wood in Middlesex late years has varied from five to six dollars and a half per cord. Oak wood has varied from three to four dollars per cord: in Middletown city it has sold for more. As all our towns, except Durham, border on Connecticut river er the Sound, our wood is generally within a few miles of navigable water. This is the only article used for fuel among up. For an account of mills of a common description, the reader is referred to nott D. For a long period, lands in this county were cheap. For twen- ty or thirty years they have greatly increased in. .price. The 14 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; assessments made by order of the General Government in 1814, more than doubled those which were made in 1798. Good land near the river and Sound has sold for some years past, from fifty to one hundred dollars per acre, and in some instances for much more. On an average, it has not been sold much under a hun- dred dollars. Good land back varies in price according to its distance from market and other circumstances. Good lands, however, in Durham, and in the back parts of Middletown, are high. On an average, they may be put at eighty dollars per acre. Wheat was a principal crop in this county until the ravages of the Hessian-fly about 1777, since which, there has been but lit- tle raised. This insect has recently been less troublesome, and in some instances where grounds have been thoroughly prepar- ed, this grain has succeeded well, and there is reason to hope that it will again become a common crop. Thirty-six bushels have lately been raised on an acre in Durham. Rye is now sown abundantly and is of an excellent quality. More than forty bushels of this grain have been raised on an acre in Say- brook, and nearly that quantity per acre on many acres together. From 24 acres lying in one field, Augustus Bushnel, Esq. of that town, in 1816, gathered 804 bushels. The land was naturally of a thin and sandy soil, but had been well dressed with manure, principally with fish. Corn has ever been an important crop in Middlesex. Seventy bushels have been raised on an acre. About 1798, a gentleman in Haddam planted a small piece, put- ting two kernels into a hill, a foot a part, from which he gathered corn at the rate of 100 bushels per acre. Flax and oats are raised in large quantities in some parts of the county ; potatoes abundantly more than they were thirty or forty years ago, though it is impossible to ascertain the number of acres planted with potatoes, as v/ell as the number of acres sown with turnips. Very little grain and provisions arc exported from Middlesex ; less, it is believed, than are imported. A general opinion prevails among the farmers, that a rotation of crops is beneficial, or that the continuance of the same crop upon the same ground for a succession of years, is inexpedient. Hence grain, oats, and flax, are customarily sown after a crop of corn. These are frequently followed with grass, and then corn is again planted . Some instances, however, have occurred, in which rye and corn have succeeded well on the same lands year after year. Clover, timothy, and other grasses, which were scarcely known forty years ago, are now introduced abundantly, and the benefit is both an amelioration of the soil by the svvard which they c prcad upon it, and the increase as well as improvement of hay. The principal manures used in the northern parts of Middlesex Introductory and General Observations. 15 are taken from the sty and yard. Ashes, so far as they can be obtained, are used ; and some trial has been made of plaster, more the last season than any preceding year, and on dry sandy land it has proved very beneficial. Near the Sound, this ma- nure has had scarcely any perceptible effect. But the inhabi- tants are favoured with other means of enriching their lands. In addition to the manures just mentioned, it has long been their practice to collect the sea-weed brought upon the beach and meadows, and throw it into their sties and yards ; by which the quantity and quality of the manures derived from those places are improved. Rockweed, which contains an oily and an en- riching substance is collected, and sometimes used in a similar manner, and sometimes carried directly upon the land and ploughed in. Marine shells are also collected occasionally for manure. But the most efficacious manure in the vicinity of the Sound, consists of the white-fish, which visit the shores in immense numbers in June and the first part of July. These be- gan to be used for manure in Middlesex in 1801 and 2. They are carried as soon as taken and spread upon the land and plow- ed in ; or arc thrown into heaps, mixed and covered with earth or turf, and suffered to pulverize ; and are then spread upon the ground, as suits the convenience and objects of farmers. In either mode, the effect even on dry and poor land is wonderful ; and though it was at first apprehended by many that after two or three crops, they would leave the land poorer than they found it, experience has hitherto proved this apprehension to be ground- less. Under the influence of this manure, some of the finest fields of grain, corn, and grass, are annually presented on the margin of the Sound, which exist in our country. Where these fish have been tried at a distance from the sea, they have been found equally beneficial. Eight thousand are requisite to dress an acre. They have been sold lately for a dollar and an half per thousand. No extensive efforts have been made with us for watering lands; but wherever brooks have been spread over .->mall tracts,, ;he effect lias been obviously and highly beneficial, both from ;he increase of moisture and the intermixture of soils. As to the best seed-lime and harvest time, they doubtless vary .somewhat in different years. Our farmers are accustomed to sow rye from the latter part of August till severe frosts arrive in au- !umn, a.N their business and the situation of their land permit. Oats and flax are usually sown in the spring, so soon as the ground is in a condition to be plowed. Corn is generally plant- ed on high grounds the first and second weeks in May, and in the meadows on Connecticut river, by reason of the existence or i.'MofT of freshets, two or three weeks later. In cold season?. It> Statistical Account of Middlesex County; early planting renders the sprouts feeble and slow of growth. Very late planting exposes corn to injury from frosts in the fall. Some farmers are in the habit of harvesting their grain as soon as it is out of the milk-state, and though in that state, care is requisite lest it should heat and mould in the barn, the flour made from it is whiter and better flavored. Others let their grain stand until it is thoroughly ripened, which has been the case late years, the two last weeks in July. Weeds are destroyed among us by the plow and hoe, and ge- nerally with a view to a crop which they would injure, and not for the sake of destroying them merely. To extirpate them, it is essential that they be plowed up, or in some other mode de- stroyed, before the seed is formed. A frequent change of the seed of grain and corn is generally supposed to be useful. Seed brought from the north does better than that which is brought from the south. But as those farmers who cultivate their lands well, usually raise good crops whether they change the seed or not, there is reason to believe that the benefits ascribed to the change of seed, are owing to the fact, that the seed which is obtained from abroad, and for which a great price is paid, is cleaner and better than that which farmers are willing to take pains to secure at home, rather than to the change itself. As the inhabitants of this county are favoured with near and ready markets, ox-teams are used almost wholly by them. From the list of 1817, it appears that there must be between eleven and twelve hundred teams in the county. Our farming utensils are the same which are used in the other counties of the State. Fences in the stony parts of the county are built some- times wholly of stone, and sometimes with stone and posts with two or three rails ; in other parts of the county they are built of posts and rails, or of rails only. The expense of fencing by the rod varies according to the facility or difficulty of getting the requisite materials ; as a general fact, it may be estimated at a dollar a rod. Hedges are scarcely known among us. The quantity of cider annually made in Middlesex is conside- rable. More orcharding exists in the northern than in the southern parts of the county : but small pains have been taken to select good fruit. Pear trees are not very common with us. Plum trees generally died several years ago, and peach trees have died abundantly within a few years. We have many good gardens ; but the attention of people has been directed almost solely to the cultivation of those roots und plants which are useful. The state of gardening here is on : winter many were killed; and the winter but one foil ov,i Introductory and General Observations. 19 the time of a deep snow, through the crust of which they broke and became an easy prey for hunters, they were destroyed. Wild turkeys were plenty in 1780, and occasionally seen, as late as 1790. Barberry bushes are scarcely found among us, and nothing is experienced of their ill effects. There are in Middlesex, 35 houses for public worship, 18 of which belong to the Congregationalists, 1 to the Strict-Congre- gationalists, 6 to the Episcopalians, 6 to the Baptists, and 4 to the Methodists. The houses first erected for this purpose, were small indifferent buildings, corresponding with the number and circumstances of the inhabitants. As their numbers and means increased, larger and better buildings were erected. The pre- sent churches are generally convenient, but plain structures. See note I. According to an enumeration made in 1815, (and the popula- tion has not greatly increased since,) there were in Middlesex 3,688 families. Of these, considering all to belong to some de- nomination, 2,330 families belonged to the Congregationalists, 88 to the Strict-Congregationalists, 421 to the Episcopalians, 489 to the Baptists, 291 to the Methodists, and 69 to the Univer- salists. The Strict-Congregationalists have increased some, it is supposed, since 1815, and there may have been some small changes among other denominations. See note J. The inhabitants of Middlesex were universally Congregation- alists for more than a century after the settlements commenced. They appear to have maintained public worship from the begin- ning, though circumstances prevented the organization of church- es, and the settlement of ministers for several years. See note K. To worship God according to the dictates of their consciences unmolested, was the grand object for which the first settlers of New-England, left Europe. To compass this, they sacrificed almost every earthly enjoyment, and encountered hardships, of which their privileged descendants have no adequate concep- tions. hi the organization of churches in Middlesex, the principles of Congregationalism were recognized, though some of the New- England churches were formed upon the presbyterian plan. In no case were two ministers set over the same church, one in the character of a paster, and the other in the character of a teacher, though at the call of the first minister in Middletown, the peo- ple expressed a willingness to associate with him another minis- ter, provided they should be able to furnish the requisite sup- port, and he should request it : nor has there ever been in the Middlesex churches, & ruling elder. In setting apart ministers to their office, the same custom 3 10 Statistical Account of Middlesex County y prevailed, which exists at the present day, except in the ordina- tion of the two first ministers in Saybrook, where, according to tradition, the brethren imposed hands. Deacons were ordained for a long period in the first church in Micidletown, by the pastor, and a brother appointed for that service. In other cases deacons have been ordained in the county. For a list of ministers and deacons see notes L. $ M. From some confessions of faith which have been preserved, and from other circumstances, it appears, that the congregation- al churches have acknowledged the doctrines of grace from the be- ginning. But it must be confessed, that these doctrines have not been taught in all cases with the same clearness, nor received with the same good-will. Learning and piety were regarded as essential qualifications for the ministry, and piety was regarded as an essential qualifi- cation for full communion in the church. But a council which met at Boston in 1657, advanced the sentiment, " that it is the duly of infants, who conferale in their parents, when grown up unto years of discretion, though not yet fit for the Lord's Supper, to own the covenant, they made with their parents, by entering thereunto, in their own persons;" that the church might call upon them thus to own the covenant, and upon their refusal, proceed to discipline them. This gave rise to what has been customarily called the half-way covenant, which was adopted sooner ol- later, by nearly all the congregational churches of Mid- dlesex. The great objection to this covenant was, that it re- quired baptized children to enter into solemn engagements to serve God, when they were acknowledged to be unlit for the sa- cramental supper. Among the Jews, circumcised children were as much required to attend upon the passover, as to enter into covenant with God ; and analogy authorizes the conclusion, that baptized children are bound as truly to know the' God of their fathers, by celebrating the Lord's supper, as by any other reli- gious service. The first settlers of Middlesex paid very great attention to the religious education of their children, instructing them care- fully into the principles of the oracles of God, and praying with them statedly, morning and evening. But the effect of the half- way covenant was unhappy. It brought multitudes into a par- tial connection with the church, and to a partial participation of its privileges, who were at the time confessedly unconverted, and who very generally afterwards made little effort to adorn the Christian profession. When the evils of this covenant were exposed by President Edwards, Dr. Bellamy, and others, and when ministers and churches came to examine it more thorough- ly, one and another were disposed to reject it, or to lay it aside Introductory and General Observations. 21 in practice, and it has now scarcely an advocate in Middlesex or in Connecticut. ft has been stated that the first churches of the county were congregational in their organization ; but they disclaimed inde- pendency. They maintained mutual fellowship and assisted one another in cases of difficulty. The Cambridge Platform regu- lated their intercourse many years. But as that platform did not define accurately whence councils should be called in cases of difficulty, nor what number of ministers and churches should be requisite to constitute a council, and as some difficulties had arisen from the want of a more explicit rule of procedure ; the Saybrook Platform, after much consultation among ministers and the serious part of the community, was formed in 1708, and immediately adopted by the churches then in existence, as it has been since by the churches more recently formed. Agreeably to the provisions of this standard, the congrega- tional ministers and churches in the towns now constituting Mid- dlesex county, belonged to the associations and consociations in the counties from which the towns were taken, till Middlesex was formed in 1785; since which a new association and consociation have been organized, though the ministers and churches of Mid- dletown and of Chatham first society, for the sake of convenience, remain with the South Association and Consociation of Hartford county. In Oct. 1787, the ministers of Saybrook and Killing- worth formed themselves into this new association, called the Mid- dlesex Association ; who were joined the June following, by the ministers of Haddam and East-Haddam, of the parishes of Mid- dle-Haddam and East-Hampton ; and also by the ministers of West-Chester and North-Lyme parishes, in the county of New- London. The ministers of these places, with the minister of the first society in Lyme, now constitute the Middlesex Association, and with their churches, the Middlesex Consociation. The formation of particular congregational churches, and the settlement of their ministers ; the rise and spread of other de- nominations, and the settlement of their ministers, will be articles in the statistical accounts of the towns. For the salaries of mi- nisters, see note N. The congregational ministers of Middlesex, have generally been supported by a tax, laid on the lists of the inhabitants. While the people remained of one heart, and of one way to serve God, this method of support was attended with little diffi- culty, and excited little opposition. But as other denominations arose, it became somewhat embarrassed, and was mac'o the sub- ject of much complaint. The consequence is, that resort is had, in many cases, to other modes of support. Lands reserved by the first settlers for the support of the^ministry, have, in some 22 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; instances, become valuable ; and by being jonted or leased, yield a considerable annual income. Several societies have received important legacies and donations. In other cases, subscriptions have been set on foot, for raising funds. All the societies have received something from the act of the Legislature, passed in Oct. 1816, appropriating a claim against the United States to the support of literature and religion ; and this has generally been applied by them to the increase of funds for maintaining religious institutions. In these various ways, most of the so- cieties are relieved partly or wholly from the necessity of raising any thing yearly for the support of the Gospel. What is neces- sary to be raised also, in sundry instances is raised by the rent of pews or by subscriptions. Ministers of other denominations are generally supported by funds, by pew-rents, subscriptions, or contributions. The amount of funds devoted in one way and another to the support of religion in Middlesex, exceeds $70,000; but some of it is not yet in a productive state. See note O. We have no academy in the county. Our district schools are 112; in which about 6,000 children are instructed by men in the winter season ; a number, somewhat smaller, is instructed, generally by women, in the summer : by both from six to ten and eleven months annually. See note P. The wages of men, exclusive of board, vary from ten to twenty dollars per month, and of women, from 75 cents to one and two dollars per week. The kinds of knowledge generally taught, are reading, writ- ing, and arithmetic. In many schools in the winter season, and in those which are taught by men in the summer, some attention is paid to grammar, geography, and occasionally to other branches of science. That there is now a gradual improvement in schooling, and that there has been a great improvement since the settlement of the county, is unquestionable. For a long period it was diffi- cult to obtain suitable elementary books for children, and persons suitably qualified to teach them. The first of these difficulties has long since been removed, and the only serious difficulty in the way of obtaining qualified instructors, lies in the unwilling- ness of districts to give the requisite wages. In addition to the liberal provisions of the Legislature, for the promotion of schooling, some towns have funds appropriated to this object, which will be mentioned hereafter. Besides the district schools, subscription schools are occasion- ally taught in the county. Many of the clergy also, instruct youth in the branches commonly taught in academies. The number of paupers in Middlesex perpetually varies ; Introductory and General Observations. L 2.1 though on the whole, according to the common complaint, it is supposed to increase. These are almost universally natives, as foreigners rarely reside with us long enough to become in- habitants. Some are supported wholly, and some partially or occasionally. Their occupations, (where they had any,) have "been various, and the means also, by which they have been re- duced to want; some being poor from idiocy, distraction, and unavoidable calamities, and some from idleness, extravagance, and intemperance. The mode of supporting them is different, in different towns, and in the same towns, at different times. Those wholly under the care of towns have sometimes been boarded out, one, two, three, or all in private families, for some given sum by the week or year; and in others, have been set up, unjustifiably I think, at rendue, and put out to the lowest bidders ; while those needing partial or occasional assistance, have been furnished from time to time, with fuel, food, and clothing at their own dwellings. The alms-house, recently erected in Middletown, is the only one in the county. The expenses of the poor in 1814, were as follows, viz. in Middletown $ 1622 70; in Chatham $1440 17; in Haddam $500; in East-Haddam $936 31 ; in Saybrook $ 1720; in Kil- lingworth about $ 966 29 ; and in Durham $ 401 56 ; in the whole county, $ 7587 03. What is the best mode of uniting humanity with economy, in the support of the poor, is a point difficult to be ascertained. The best mode in one place might not be the best in another, and where a wise plan is formed, the great difficulty lies in its execution. In large towns, where the poor are numerous, lit- tle doubt exists, that an alms-house establishment is matter of economy. In such an establishment, the various articles of con- sumption may be purchased in large quantities, and of course at reduced prices ; the services of those who are capable of labour, by combination and system, may be turned to the greatest ad- vantage : besides, the steward of an alms-house, feeling a degree of responsibility beyond the superintendent of two or three paupers, and giving himself continually to his business, may in nameless ways save considerable expense. Nor is such an es- tablishment incompatible with humanity. It may be so manag- ed as to afford the poor every comfort, which the community are bound to give them. The evils to be apprehended from bring- ing them into the same or contiguous buildings, may be avoided by placing them in separate apartments, giving a uniform pre- ference in circumstances, to those who are virtuous, over those who are vicious ; but encouraging in the latter every appearance of amendment. Such as are obstinate in vice, while they ought -24 Statistical Account of Middlesex County . to be kept from absolute suffering, should never have favum, bestowed upon them so liberally, as to render an alms-house a temptation to improvidence, idleness, and wickedness, and the occasion of increasing the very evil, for the unavoidable occur- rence of which, it is intended to provide. An alms-house ought always to be located so near to a house of public worship, that the poor, who are able, may attend the stated ministrations of the sanctuary. They should also be furnished with bibles and tracts, and be required to read them, and should be visited and coun- selled, at no very distant periods, by ministers and private Christians. But the benefits of an alms-house will depend essentially upon the character, talents, and faithfulness of him, who has the imme- diate control of it. Every town, forming such an establishment, will find not only their poor benefitted, but their own interests promoted, by placing over it a man of respectable standing in life, a man, deeply skilled in the knowledge of mankind, and ca- pable of managing the various characters committed to his care. Whether placed in an alms-house or elsewhere, no prudent and consistent means should be left untried, of advancing the real welfare of the poor, of curing their diseases, of promoting their vir- tue, and of exciting them to preparation for that tribunal, where, without distinction, the rich and the poor shall meet together. Of many of these remarks, the alms-house in Middletown, al- ready mentioned, is an illustration. This stands in the south- western part of the city, near Pameacha river, and is a substan- tial brick building, 60 feet long, and 40 broad, two stories in front, and three in the rear, and at the ends ; having in the lower story, a work-room, kitchen, cellar, and dungeon; in the second, two rooms for the steward, a victualling room, and a room to be used as occasion requires ; in the third, thirteen lodging rooms, four with fire-places; having also a garret, suf- ficiently large for twenty lodging-rooms. This establishment cost $8755; viz. the ground, two and a half acres, $ 800 ; the alms-house, including wood-house, fences, &c. $ 7G55 ; and the furniture $300. It was occupied by the poor in May 1814, and their expense for the twelve months following, was $1447 70. The town expended that year for the poor, who were not at the alms-house, about $ 175 more, making the amount already given. The expenses of the poor the year preceding, were $ 3465 68. If we add to the expense of 1814, $525 30, for interest on the cost of the establishment, making a total of $2148; the clear saving to the town that year from the alms-house, exceeded $ 1300: and the poor, it is said, had a degree of comfort, br - fore unknown to them. But as it is easier to prevent, than to remedy evils, the Introductory and General Observations* 25 of the community ought to be specially directed to the preven- tion of pauperism. To this end, all children, those of the high- er as well as of the lower classes of society, should be trained up to regular industry, economy, and temperance. These things should be taught in the family and in the sanctuary, as absolutely required by God ; and the mischiefs and guilt of the contrary vices, should be constantly exposed, together with all the means by which they may be produced. Those who are in circumstances to employ such as are dependent upon their daily earnings for support, should be ever ready to furnish them with business. By these means, if pauperism would not entirely cease, it would be greatly lessened ; the poor would generally find some among their immediate relatives, to provide for them, so that the community would not be charged ; and to the few in- dividuals, who after all, by the mere sovereign disposal of God, might be poor and destitute, it would be rather a privilege than a burden, for a virtuous community, to extend relief. The number of blacks in this county is very small. In 1756 there were 384, in 1774, 441, in 1810 probably a few more. They are>almost universally free. Some of them possess good moral cha- racters, and are laborious and faithful, when employed by others, but have little skill in setting themselves to work, and in husband- ing their earnings ; while a very considerable proportion are ad- dicted to low vices. The obvious reasons for their general de- gradation are, that their education is much neglected ; that their companions are the low and vicious, the only class among the whites, who are willing to consort with them ; and that the temptations to iniquity, are suffered to operate upon them with the greptcst force. Owing principally to the purity of the air, and the purity of (he water, Middlesex is remarkably healthy. Such diseases as are incident to children, and such as have had a general spread in the State and Country, have oftentimes prevailed. But in no instance, has a mortal sickness extended through the county, and the instances have been comparatively rare, in which a mortal sickness has extended generally, through any considerable section of it. In the " Life of David Brainerd," a mortal sickness is said to have prevailed in Haddam, in 1732, but what it was is not stated, nor how many were removed by it. The dysentery which is much the most common disorder in the fall season, prevailed in that town in 1758, and in a part of it in 180C ; it appeared in Middletown Upper-Houses in 1742 ; thirtv or forty died with it in the neighbourhood near Chatham quarry about 1758 ; it was on Haddam Neck in 1766 ; in East-Haddam in 1775 and 6. as an attendant of the throat distemper, and about ihe ame time in Durham ; in Say brook in 1805. A fever, com- 26 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; monly termed the long-fever, prevailed in North-Kill ing worth in 1751 and 2. The scarlet fever was in that society in 1784. This made its appearance atone period in Durham. In 1796 the yellow fever was brought from the West Indies to Knowlcs's Land- ing, of which eight persons died. The most common fever with us for some years past, has been the typhus fever. This has been most malignant in Middletown Upper-Houses, in Haddam, East- Haddam Landing, Pautopoug Point, and Durham. Consumptions are thought to be more common with us now, than formerly. About 1761, a large miry marsh, in the northeast part of Middle-Haddam, was overflowed. The water became so putrid the year following as to kill the creatures which were in it. Is produced a sickness among the inhabitants for a mile or more about it, which was called from its origin the pond fever, Ot this, some died, and the inhabitants of the town were so alarmed, that the authority were under the necessity of pressing indivi- duals, to go and take care of the sick. Respecting " remarkable instances of diseases and mortality among animals," I can give no information but what is contained in the following extract from a letter written in East-Haddam, and published in New- York, in the 7th volume of the Medical Repository. "For 10 or 12 years prior to 1797," says the writer, " a disease prevailed among cattle in East-Haddam, and in the neighboring places to a great extent, vulgarly called a mortification. It was most destructive to cattle under three years; sometimes attacking cows over that period, but never oxen. Calves were most generally destroyed by it in autumn, and yearlings in May and June. Its commencement was indicated by a sudden listlessness, numbness, and disposition to rest, at- tended with small soft swellings on the legs, shoulders, flank, side, but more usually in the back near the kidneys, and it produc- ed death with feeble expressions of pain, within 6, 12, and 24 hours. Immediately upon death, the carcass became intolera- bly offensive, so that the hide was often left to rot with it : where it was taken off, the swellings were found to consist of jelly, and black blood. After tanning, the hide was often rotten over the swellings, and holes were made of their size and dimensions." The cause of this disease was never satisfactorily ascertained, and the remedies which were applied, rarely if ever succeeded. From all the parishes in Middlesex, registers of deaths havr been received, excepting the first and fourth parishes of Mid- dletown. In the latter, no register has been kept, and in the former, none for the whole population. But going upon the sup- position, (which cannot be far from correct,) that the proportion of deaths to the number of inhabitants, is the same in these parish- es, as in other parts of the county ; the number of deaths yearly, in Introductory and General Observations* 27 Middlesex, from Jan. 1, 1805, to Jan. 1, 1815, will be, omitting fractions, 261. The average population of the county for this term, may be put at 20,723, as that was the actual population at the census in 1810. The proportion of deaths annually there- fore, is not quite at the rate of one to eighty souls. See note Q. Twelve persons in this county have arrived to one hundred years of age, according to information communicated to me, and there may have been others as aged of whom I have not heard. A black woman died in Durham, at the age of 1 13 years, or as some supposed 118. She was grown up before she was brought from Africa, and was a slave in this country 95 years. Of 310 persons, who died in Haddam society, from 1805 to 1815, 31 ar- rived to 80 years ; of 520, who died in Middle-Haddam, from 1785 to 1815, 116 arrived to 70 years. Those who have lived to a great age, so far as my observa- tion and inquiries have extended, have been persons of regular and steady habits. A few weeks after the arrival of the English at Saybrook-Point in 1635, cold weather commenced. Connecticut river was frozen over, by the middle of November, and the winter following, was uncommonly severe and tempestuous. As the people had had little opportunity to provide themselves accommodations, their hardships were great; and their brethren in Hartford county, only survived the season. The winters of 1637 8 and of 1641 2, were also very severe. In the former, the inhabitants, who had been able to subdue but little land, and who had ob- tained but small importations from abroad, secured themselves from extreme suffering, by purchasing corn from the Indians. Before tiie occurrence of the latter, considerable tracts were cul- tivated. But the summer immediately following it, was so wet and cold, that little corn was raised, and English grain was de- stroyed by multitudes of pigeons in the field, and of mice in the barn. Before another harvest, many families were destitute of bread, and were compelled to live on fish and clams. The win- ter of 1696 7, was as severe as either of the preceding, but no special calamities are known to have been experienced. On the 17th of February, 1717, the greatest snow fell, ever known in this country, attended by a dreadful tempest. This has been related by fathers to sons ever since, and is still referred to as the great snow. It covered the doors of houses, so that the in- habitants were obliged to get out at the chamber windows, and buried and destroyed many sheep. The winters of 1737 8, of 1740 41, and particularly of 1779 80, were uncommonly cold. A deep snow fell in Oct. 1781, which remained till the following April. IB Statistical Account of Middlesex County; In July 1779, about the time of rye harvest, a storm of hail passed through the center of Chatham, destroying all the grain in its course, breaking the windows of houses, and leaving marks of violence on buildings and fences, which could be distinctly traced more than twelve months afterwards. The hail appear- ed to be broken ice, and many of the stones were half the size of a hen's egg. In the latter part of February 1 802, a snow fell, four feet deep. On the 8th of May 1803, a snow fell, sufficiently deep for sleighing, in some parts of Connecticut. Apple trees were in blossom, and their twigs were frozen as in the winter : notwith- standing which there was a tolerable supply of apples that sea- son. In a violent snow storm, which happened in the month of December 1811, many vessels were driven on shore, on the north- ern coast of Long-Island. The wettest season, within the memory of the present genera- tion, was in the summer and fall of 1795, when it rained more or less for 35 days out of 50. The most dreadful storm, since the settlement of Connecticut, occurred on the 22d of September, 1815. The wind was eas- terly in the morning, but soon shifted into the south, and blew a gale, or rather a hurricane. It brought in such a tide, that in some cases bridges near the Sound were removed. It pros- trated fruit and forest trees in vast numbers, particularly in Say- brook and East-Haddam ; and farther eastward, in Connecticut and Rhode-Island, did immense damage to shipping. When the wind lulled, the air was hot and suffocating ; and the rain, which fell at times in torrents, was so salt, that the leaves of many trees shrunk under its influence. The spring, summer and autumn of 1816, were unusually cold and dry. Frosts occurred every month ; and though English grain was good, there was not more than half the common quan- tity of hay, pastures were dried up, corn, which had been back- ward through the summer, was almost wholly ruined by frosts in the fall, and potatoes were much injured. People were unable to fat their beef and pork. Hence there was a greater scarcity of provisions the following winter and spring, than in any pe- riod since my remembrance. The canker worm used to be very mischievous to apple trees in Middlesex, as well as in other parts of the country. To pre- vent their ravages, people were in the habit of tarring the bodies of the trees daily, during the time in which the millers ascend from the ground. But a hard frost, which took place about the 20th of May, 1795, was supposed to have completely destroyed them. They were scarcely seen for several years afterwards. But in 1 808 they became numerous, and did much mischief. Introductory and General Observations. 29 The Hessian fly has been rarely noticed, for ten or fifteen years. In 1817, ia the spring and early part of summer, gardens were extensively injured by a small black worm, commonly called the cut- worm. A sketch of distinguished characters, will appear in the ac- count of the towns. The first settlers of this county, in common with the first set- tlers of New-England, were strict in their religious principles and practices. Attentive, as has been stated, to public and fa- mily worship, they caused their religion to appear in all theiy conduct. They were also distinguished by some customs, which owed their existence, either to their particular religious senti- ments, or to the circumstances in which they were placed. United together for the purpose of enjoying the ordinances of the Lord, as they believed them to be taught in the Scriptures, and exposed to the same enemies and dangers, they settled in bodies, and abounded in mutual affections, and kind offices. A man of common standing, they called good-man, while the title of sir, was given to magistrates, ministers, and men of liberal education. As they scrupled the lawfulness of calling the days of the week by names, derived from the idolatrous practices oif the heathen, they always stiled the first day of the week, the Sabbath, or Lord's day, and distinguished the other days of the week by numbers. For the same reason, they frequently numbered the months of the year. They began the year on the 26th of March, according, as they supposed, to the direction of the Bible, and thus introduced the custom of double-dating, which appears in our ancient records. Exposed constantly to attacks from the Indians, they were careful to acquire the use of arms. They spent six, and some- times more days annually, in military exercise. In plantations where there were 100 soldiers, 20 were required to serve on guard, on the Sabbath, and on other days of public worship, and in no plantation less than 8 with a sergeant : in times of war and special danger, guards were constantly kept in every town, and in some instances, several in the same town. The practice, of keeping guard, on seasons of public worship, continued till May, 1714, when the towns were excused from it by statute, ex- cept in time of war. This practice, probably produced the custom of assembling people for public worship, by the beat of the drum, which pre- vailed for a time in Middletown, Haddam, Saybrook, Killing- worth and Durham. Whether it was ever introduced into Chatham and East-Haddam, is unknown. .50 Statistical Account of Middlesex County j The circumstances of our ancestors were exceedingly slrau ened. They had sacrificed a large portion of their property by removing to America ; were unacquainted with the business of subduing a wilderness; had no commerce, and scarcely any means for acquiring property. In the mean time, their fami- lies were to be supported, their children educated, and the in- stitutions of the Gospel established and maintained ; and these things were to be done, in the midst of enemies, whose motions they were obliged perpetually to watch, and against whose ap- prehended attacks, they were obliged to provide the means of defence. Necessity therefore, compelled them to the most rigid economy. Every thing about them, wore the marks of simplici- ty. Their houses were constructed in the plainest manner, their furniture consisted of a few indispensable articles, their dress was made of coarse cloths, wrought in the family, and their ta- bles were spread with the homeliest fare. Scarcely an article of luxury was used in Connecticut, for a century after the Eng- lish settlements began ; and very few articles were introduced for a considerable period afterwards. But the trials of the early inhabitants were sanctified to them ; and conspired to the production of that simplicity of manners, and that Godly living, by which they were characterized. As the circumstances of their descendants gradually improved, they gradually departed from their examples. They did not in- deed neglect the institutions and forms of religion, but the power of Godliness was diminished. Antecedently to the great revi- vals, about 1740, the churches, very generally, had sunk into a lukewarm state. By those revivals, some of the Middlesex churches were visited and refreshed, and the things of religion became the subjects of general conversation and inquiry. But a declension soon succeeded ; which remained, with temporary and partial interruptions, till the close of the last century. The revolutionary war, occurring during this period, gave a shock to the moral habits of the people, from which they have not yet. wholly recovered. From that time to the present, an unusual number have indulged in sabbath-breaking, profaneness and intemperance. At the same time, there is no reason to believe, that these shameful vices are now increasing. By recent out- pourings of the Spirit of God, and by the efforts of the virtuous, they have been evidently checked ; and taking a general view of the community, it is matter of joy and gratitude, that piety and virtue are advancing. While very many have become, in the course of twenty years, the hopeful subjects of grace, others have been led to think favorably of religion. Our churches are in most instances well filled on the Sabbath ; and the taste and reading of the inhabitants generally, are assuming a more serious character. Introductory and General Observations. -31 Boxing and horse-racing, which were once, not infrequent amusements in Middlesex, have entirely ceased. Gambling is rarely practised ; and the votaries of dancing are less numerous and less zealous, than they were twenty years ago. In addition to the libraries of professional characters and of private gentlemen, we have now in Middlesex, 22 public libra- ries, containing in all, about 3,500 volumes. Most of, these are books of value. See -note R. In most of our parishes, are charitable associations ; many of which are formed by benevolent and pious females. The only society which extends through the county, is a Bible Society, formed in November last, auxiliary to the American Bible Society. What this will accomplish, is unknown, but its prospects are flattering. STATISTICAL ACCOUNT TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN. THIS Town is bounded by Haddarn and Durham on the south, by Meriden and Berlin on the west, by Weathersfield on the north, and by Connecticut river on the east. It formerly extend- ed across the river, and included the town of Chatham. Its length north and south, is about nine miles, and its breadth from Weathersfield line to Middletown city, is four and five miles, thence it suddenly increases, by reason of a bend in the river, to ten miles. Its area cannot be accurately calculated, but will not vary greatly, from 43,520 acres. It embraces four parishes, viz. Middletown, Upper-Houses, Middlefield and Westfield parishes, the three last of which, appear to have derived their names, from their relation to the first. As early as March 1650, a committee was appointed to explore the lands in Mattabesett, the Indian name by which this town was called, and report what advantages they would afford for a plantation. The committee reported that subsistence might be procured in them for fifteen families ; a fact, which shows what imperfect ideas the first settlers of Connecticut had, of the pro- ductiveness and value of the soil. In the course of that year a settlement commenced upon them, near the Connecticut, to the north and south of Little river. A larger number of families than the committee contemplated was soon in the town, who were invested with town privileges in September of the succeeding year. In November 1653, the place was called Middletown. The number of taxable persons the year after, was thirty-one, and there were probably about as many families. From these, others were formed, or moved in from other places, and in 1670. the number of families was fifty-two. Town of Middletown. J-.i Though these had become inhabitants at different periods, it was agreed that all who were householders this year, should be considered as proprietors, and that after laying out a large com- mon and a hundred and fifty acres for a parsonage, the undivided lands should be laid out according to their lists. According to this agreement, all undivided lands, which then belonged to them, were laid out afterwards. As a large proportion of the present inhabitants of Middle- town, are descendants of those who were householders, in 1670, it may not be unsuitable to give their names in this work 5 noting with an asterisk the few names which have become extinct. These were as follows, viz. Nathaniel Bacon, William Cornwell, John Cornwell, Samuel Cornwell, William Cornwell, Jun., John Hall, Richard Hall, John Hall, Jun., Samuel Halt and Giles Ham- lin, from England; David Sage and Thomas Wetmore, from Wales ; Thomas Ranney, from Scotland ; Alexander Bow, George Hubbard, Joseph Hubbard, Daniel Hubbard, Thomas Hubbard, Anthony Martin, John Savage, Samuel Stocking, Samuel White, Thomas Willcox and John Willcox, from Hartford ; Thomas Al- len, Obadiah Allen, William Lucas, Andrew Warner, Robert War- ner and John Warner, supposed to have been from Windsor ; John Kirby, Daniel Harris and William Harris, said to have been from Boston ; Nathaniel Collins and Samuel Collins, from Cambridge ; Thomas Miller, John Ward and William Ward, from Rowley ; Sa- muel Stow, Thomas Stow and John Stow, from Concord ; Isaac Johnson, from Roxbury ; William Briggs*, William Cheney, Jaf- fres Clements*, Honory Coll*, George Durant*, Samuel Eggles- ton, Edward Foster, Isaac Lane*, James Tappen*, and Edward Turner. In this list, the name of Robert Webster, Esq. who was an early and principal settler does not appear. He probably de- ceased or moved away before 1 670, and the same may have been true of some other settlers. Most of the above named persons, settled within the limits of the first society of Middletown, and a large portion of them within the limits of the city. Those, by the name of Kirby, Martin. Ranney, Sage, Savage, Stocking, White and Willcox, and per- haps some others, settled in the Upper-Houses. The inhabitants within the first society, gradually extended themselves down into the South- Farms, and afterwards into Mo- romos. They were early joined by the ancestors of the Browns. Gills, Phillipses, Rockwells, Southmayds, Starrs, and Sumners ; as they were in succeeding periods, by the ancestors of the McGills, Meigses, Treadways, &c. The people in the Upper-Houses, were joined by the ancos fors of the Shepherds, and of some other families. 34 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; The settlement, within the parish of Middlefield, began about 1700. The earliest settlers there, were Samuel Allen, Benja- min Miller and Samuel Wetmore, who removed from the first society. With these, persons soon united, by the name of Ba- con, Hubbard, Stow, Turner and Ward, from the same society ; by the name of Camp, Coe and Lyman, from Durham ; of Bird- sey, from Stratford ; of Bartlett, from Guilford ; and also per- sons by the name of Chilson and Hale. The first white inhabitant of Westfield, was Edward Higby a. native of Long-Island, who settled about 1720, at the foot of that bluff, which from him is called Higby Mountain. He de- ceased in November 1775, aged about 90. The other early settlers, were Benjamin Atkins, Benjamin Bacon, Nathan- iel Bacon, John Bacon, Joseph Bacon, Joseph Cornwell, Joseph Doolittle, Samuel Plumbe and Daniel Roberts, from the first society ; John Warner, Israel Willcox, John Will- cox and Jeremiah Willcox, from the Upper-Houses ; Joseph Clark, a native of West-Haven ; Nathaniel Churchell from Wcathersfield ; Edward Boardman and Josiah Boardman, from Glastenbury ; David Dowd, Richard Dowd, Joseph Graves and Asahel Dudley, from Guilford. In January 1689, the Legislature of Connecticut, granted to the towns of Middletown, Weathersfield, and Farmington, all the vacant lands between their bounds, and the bounds of Walling- ford, (which then included the towns of Cheshire and Meriden,) for the purpose of establishing a new plantation. This grant covered the tract generally, now constituting the town of Berlin, which was incorporated in May 1785. In the south-eastern sec- tion of this tract, some families from Middletown settled, by the name of Sage, Savage and Willcox, about the commencement of the last century. These, with others, belonged to the town of Middletown, until the incorporation just mentioned. A portion of the lands in Middletown, were given by Sowheag. the great sachem of Mattabesett, to John Haynes, for sometime governor of Connecticut, probably before any settlement was made in the town. On the 24lh of January 1662, Sepunnemo and other chiefs, knowing the gift of Sowheag to Mr. Haynes, sold to Samuel Wyllys and others, doubtless as agents of the co- lony or town, all the remaining lands in Middletown, including Chatham, extending six miles east of the river, and as far west as the Court had granted the bounds of the town ; excepting 300 acres, which they reserved for the heirs of Sowheag and Matta- besett Indians, to be laid out on the east of the river ; and a tract on the west side, previously laid out for Sawscan, to remain for his heirs for ever. Tho resrwation on the east side of ihc rivrr. will 'un noticed Tozvn of Middletown. 35 in the account of Chatham. The other reservation, appears to have been in the neighbourhood, now called Newfield, where the Indians held lands as late as 1713. On the line between this neighbourhood and Staddle-Hill, they had a grave yard. Their bones also have been found, in the south-eastern part of the Upper-Houses, on the bank of the Connecticut. Sowheag, just mentioned, was a powerful sachem. He had his castle on the high ground, in the west part of what is now the city of Middletown, still called from this circumstance, Indian Hill ; where he was able, by means of his whistle, to call around him many warriors, whose wigwam's were thick on both sides of the Connecticut eastward. His dominion extended not only over these, and other Indians in Middletown and Chatham, but over the Piquag, or Weathersfield Indians, whose sagamore, Se- quin, was subject to him : and as a part of the original township of New-Haven, was purchased of Montowese, Sowheag's son, it is probable, that his dominion embraced some of the Indians in that town. Although Sowheag had given lands to Governor Haynes, as has been related, and had thereby conferred an obligation upon the English ; he afterwards showed himself to be a base and treacherous man. In April 1637, some of his Indians at Weath- ersfield, conducted and aided the Pequots, as appeared af- terwards, in the incursion which they made into that town, where they killed six men as they were going into the field, and three women, and took two maids captive. Sowheag entertained the murderers, and treated the people of Weathersfield in a haughty and insulting manner. It seems that the people of Weathersfield, had previously offered him some provocation. On hearing of their differences therefore, the General Court were disposed to forgive him, and appointed a committee to compromise all dif- ferences with him. But he wholly refused to give up the mur- derers, and continued his outrages against the English. The Court therefore, in August 1639, determined to send one hundred men to Mattabesett, and take the delinquents by force. They notified their friends at New-Haven of their determination, both that they might receive their approbation, in an enterprize of such general concern, and that they might make the necessary arrangements, for defending their own plantations. Governor Eaton and his Council viewed it important, that the murderers should be brought to punishment; but in existing circumstances, deemed the measure proposed for doing it inexpedient, and dis- suaded the Connecticut Colony from pursuing it. In addition to the Strait-Hills, which cross the south-eastern >cetion of this town, and Wallingford Mountains on its westerR 36 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; border, described in the introductory observations, there are several hills of some note. Indian Hill has been already men- tioned. South from this, high elevated grounds extend to the borders of Durham, which, taken collectively, are called Long- Hill. In the Upper-Houses, is Prospect-Hill, thus named, from the fine view which it affords of the surrounding country ; par- ticularly of the windings of Connecticut river, of the city of Mid- dletown, and of the north-western portion of Chatham. In the back parts of the town, are Staddle-Hill, Three-mile-Hill, Pow- der-Hill, and some others. These hills, in general, are capable of cultivation. The in- terval and level lands throughout the township, are good, ami some of them excellent. There are two streams in Middletown, deserving particular notice, viz. Little river, and Sumner's creek. The former and larger of these streams, is sometimes called Ferry river, in the ancient records of the town, because a ferry was kept for a long period near its mouth, on the road from the city to the Upper-Houses. The largest branch of this river, more appropriately called Little river, rises in Farmington Mountain, passes through Ber- lin, and enters Middletown at the northwest, where it receives a small mill-stream from Weslfield parish. The only other considerable branch rises in a spring, eight or ten rods in circumference, at the foot of Bluff-Head, the eastern-most point of Totoket or Branford Mountain, a little north of the source of a river, which runs southerly into the Sound. It takes a course nearly north, runs through Durham, the parish of Mid- dlefield, and the west part of the first society, where it assumes the name of West river, and forms a junction with Little river, about a mile from its mouth. This has a fall in Middlefield of 30 feet, and it furnishes a number of excellent mill-seals. A much more interesting fall is on the small mill-stream in Westfield, just mentioned. This runs on high ground till it arrives to about the center of the society, where it falls down a rocky excavation which it has formed, GO or 70 feet, in the course of a few rods. The scenery was formerly much more romantic, by reason of lofty pines and evergreens which stoou beside the fall. On this river, principally within the Upper-Houses, is a large meadow and swamp, overflowed in times of freshet. Sumner's creek, like Little river, has two considerable branches, Miller's brook, and Pameacha river, both of which are important mill-streams. Miller's brook rises in Miller's pond, in the northeast corner of Durham, pursues a northerly course, till it strikes Pamea- Town of jMiddlelown. tj cha river, where it turns eastward, runs a small distance, and empties into the Connecticut. On this brook Mr. Thomas Mil- ler erected a corn-mill for the use of the town in 1665, which is doubtless the reason of its being called Miller's brook. Pameacha river has its sources, in hills near the borders oi' Durham, runs also northerly, till it strikes Warwick's brook, where it turns eastward, and passes on between high rocky banks, to the other branch. Shad and small fish are taken in considerable quantities, at the mouth of Little river. The fishery in Sumner's creek was formerly so important, that an act was passed by the Legislature in 1726 for regulating it. At the bottom of Prospect-Hill, west of Middlesex turnpike, is a chalybeate spring. This has been known, and occasionally visited, for many years. About 1810, a bathing-house was erect- ed near it, and it became a place of considerable resort for peo- ple in the vicinity, for one or two seasons ; but it is now gene- rally neglected, and the house is removed. Iron has never been found in this town in large quantities. Some has been discovered about Higby Mountain. A lead mine was opened about forty years ago, near But- ler's creek, as 'it enters Connecticut river, two miles southeast from the city. The vein runs north-easterly towards the river, and ' as it approaches it, sinks abruptly into the earth. It is inclosed in a granite rock, which renders it difficult to get the ore. It i s mineralized with sulphur, and is partly steel-grained, and partly cubic lead ore, the former containing the greatest portion of sil- ver, but neither enough to pay the expense of separation : it also contains a portion of zinc. Large sums of money were ex- pended here by foreigners, before the American Revolution. When that commenced, it was in the hands of Col. James, a Bri- tish officer, who had raised one hundred half-barrels of the ore f and prepared it for exportation. This the government of Con- necticut seized, as they did also the mine,\which they improved, till the great expenses of carrying on the business, induced them to abandon it. The vein was followed thirty or forty rods, arid was in some places very rich, but generally poor. Free-stone, or rather dark gray sand-stone, abounds in Middle- town. Many of the loose stones on the surface are of this de- scription. It is found not only in sinking wells, but appears more or less in the bed and banks of the various streams. This is not sufficiently finis in all cases, for any work where much ornament is required, but is suitable abundantly for building stone, and might be used for this purpose with great advantage. The wall? of the Sword Factory wholly, and of the Pistol Factory in parf. . "i.ken from tbr bod r>nd hanks of Wo^t ri'v^r. IP 3fi Stutitlical Account of Middlesex County ; other cases the stone is suitable for fire-places, underpinning-, step and grave-stones, and has been used for these purposes for a long period. As early as 1726, the selectmen were directed to take care of the quarries on the west side of the river, as well as on th oast side, or in Chatham. The first opening was made on the bank of West river, a mile from the Connecticut, near the turnpike road leading to Meri- den. This has been improved at different times to a considera- ble extent. Within a few years, many of the stone have been used in the city, and some have been transported to other places. Beside a stratum of earth, the stone here, in some cases, is covered with a shelly rock, composed principally of oxyd of iron, and clay, not having sufficient sand to harden and hold it together. It is from ten to twenty feet thick, imposed on a stra- tum of black slate, beneath which is a stratum of blue slate, fre- quently including veins of pit coal. Beneath these is gr.ay sandstone, and then the slate recurs ; and thus these different strata appear, as far down as the earth has been explored. In some cases the slatestone is from ten to fifteen feet thick, so strongly impregnated with bitumen, that it will burn. Here the veins of coal are much the largest and most frequent. Another quarry was opened west of the Turnpike road lead- ing to Durham and New- Haven, two miles from the city, about twenty years ago. A third quarry was opened at Laurel-Hill in Middlefield, two and a half miles southwest of the city, at a more recent period. Many years ago, stone was taken from a quarry in the back part of the Upper-Houses. This is of an indifferent quality. None of these quarries are extensively improved just at the pre- sent time, and some of them arc wholly neglected. The appearances of coal already noticed, with some other facts, have induced several gentlemen to search for coal in this town. The earth has been explored by boring sixty or seven- ty feet. But though oal has been discovered, it has not been found in sufficient quantities to defray the expense of digging for it. But appearances are so favorable, and the object is so important, it is hoped the search will not be given up, without a more thorough examination. Limestone exists near Higby Mountain, and has been used to a limited extent. The inhabitants of the southern, western and northern parts of this town, arc very generally farmers, and as the lands in those parls have long sin'T been taken up for farms, the population has increased very little for many years. There were 80 dwell- ing houses in Middlefield in 1746, and but one more in 1815. The population of Wcstfield, for the same length of time, has Town of Middle toton. 39 been nearly stationary. The increase in the Upper-Houses, has been confined principally to the village in the south-eastern section of it, as the increase in the first society has been to the city. Young enterprising men, (rained to husbandry, unable to get farms in their native town, have removed from time to time, to other parts of the country. But of these numerous and almost perpetual removals, generally, no particular information can b- given. In 1784, Hugh White Esq. moved from the Upper-Houses to Whitestown, in^the State of New- York. In the course of a feu years, some families from Middletown and other places settled around him. In 1788, the town of Gerjnanflats was divided, and the western part, within which he and his associates lived, was called in honour of him, Whitestown. The new town, at its incorporation, extended over the whole western portion of New- York ; a tract, which did not then contain 200 English in- habitants, but which before Mr. White's death, in 1812, contained more than 280,000. The present town of Whitestown, including the large and flourishing village of Utica, and the fine villages oi Whitesborough and New-Hartford, will transmit his name to dis- tant generations. Two persons, inhabitants of Middletown, have been capitally punished, namely, Thomas Starr and Peter Lung. On the 26th of July 1796, Starr stabbed Mr. Samuel Corn- well, a nephew, in seven places in the trunk of his body, with a penknife ; of which wounds he languished a few days and expired. For this offence, he was tried and condemned at a spe- cial session of the Superior Court, held in Middletown, Decem- ber 1796, and executed at Haddara, on the 14th of June following. Lung was convicted of murder, committed, by various wounds and bruises, on the person of his wife, of which she died, some- time in the course of the night of the 31st of July 1815. A spe- cial Court held in Middletown, on the last Tuesday of August, in the same year, condemned him to be executed on the 23d of No- vember. But as the Legislature, at their intervening session, set aside the doings of that Court, he had a second trial at Haddam in December, where he was again condemned. His execution took place at Middletown, on the 20th of June 1816. Shipbuilding has been carried on in the village of the Upper- Houses, in one yard, for a century, and in a second, for half that period. The inhabitants of that village, have been moderately concerned in navigation for many years. Several neat houses were erected there, about 1804, and the village and parish both, are very pleasant. But the principal business in Middletown is done in the city. This was incorporated in May 1784. 4.0 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; Its situation is remarkably pleasant, and strikes the eye with peculiar pleasure, not only from Prospect-Hill, but from the high grounds in Chatham, and towards the Staits. It is nearly surrounded by water, having Little river on the north, West river on the west, and Pameacha river and Sum- ner's creek, in part, on the south, a line from West river to War- wick's bridge, being the remaining southern boundary. The eastern boundary of the city is high water mark, on the east side of the Connecticut. Its medium length may be a mile and a half, and its breadth, exclusively of the river, is about the same. From the Connecticut the ground gradually rises for hah a mile westward. Within this space are nearly all the build- ings in the city, and most of them are on the eastern half of it, on Main-street, running parallel generally with the Connec- ticut, and on streets at right angles with this, running to the river. The dwelling houses in the city, 299 in number, are very ge- nerally convenient, and some of them are elegant buildings. These, with the various stores and shops, are constructed in most cases of wood; a few, and those more recently erected, ar6 of brick. They are one, two and three stories high ; but vastly the greatest proportion of them, are of the second description. The public edifices are five churches, attended however by people from all parts of Middletown parish, two Banks, a Court- house, Gaol and Alms-house. In the winter of 1669 70, a shipwright was allowed to build vessels in this place, and shipbuilding has probably been carried on most of the time since that period. Two yards were formerly occupied ; one only is improved at the present time. There may have been a very little navigation from the pe- riod, in which shipbuilding commenced. In 1713 and 14, seve- ral wharves were allowed to be built on the Connecticut. Be- fore the revolutionary war, an extensive and profitable trade was opened with the West-Indies. In 1811, the year preceding the late war, there belonged to Middletown, and mostly to the city, 7 ships, 21 brigs, and 4 schooners, employed in foreign trade, and 1 schooner and 6 sloops, employed in coasting, amounting to 6,000 tons. By the war the navigation was much reduced, and in the close of 1C15, 3,537 tons of shipping only, belonged to the town. The foreign trade of the city, is principally with the West- Indies, and the coasting trade is with the city of New-York, and the Southern States. The more important articles of exportation are live-stock, corn-meal and lumber, collected partly from this town, and partly from the country. Rum. molasses and c 'ii:; throughout the township are generally hard, and of an indifferen' quality ; and considerable tracts are too rough for tillage, but yield some pasture, and a pretty heavy growth of wood. The numerous granite quarries in this town bid fair to be a permanent and important source of wealth. In some of the quarries the stone are finer and softer than in others ; but in all are considerably harder than the free-stone in Middletown and Chatham ; and less suitable, of course, for any purpose in which nice operations of the chisel are needed. But as taken from their beds, one surface is generally smooth, or sufficiently so for curbing and paving, the purposes to which they are more generally applied. They are also prepared abundantly, and are very useful, for underpinning and step- stones, and for fire-places. In their natural situation, they some- times rise above the surface of the ground, in others sink below it, or are covered with shelly and useless stone. The seams in the principal openings run almost perpendicularly, at different distances from each other, and descend to different depths. Blocks of various dimensions, are therefore taken from their beds, and then split and broken as is wished. The first opening was made at Quarry-Hill, on Haddam-Ncck. about 1762. Since that time, several other openings have been made in this hill. They are from fifty to seventy rods from thr river ; and the descent for a portion of the way is so great, thai the removal of the stone is attended with some difficulty. Haifa mile south of Quarry-Hill, and at about the same distance from the river, a quarry was opened ten or twelve years ago. called Shayler's Quarry. On a hill, below Haddam-street, ninety or a hundred rods from the river, a quarry was opened about 1 794. Of this quar- ry it is worthy of remark, that the stone range exactly with the stone in the oldest quarry on Haddam- Neck, which has given rise to an opinion that the quarries extend under the bed of the river. On this hill several quarries are now improved ; some 9 68 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; arc improved on Long-Hill further south ; and very recently two or three have been opened in the western part of the town. In all these quarries, from eighty to ninety hands have been employed, in some seasons, in getting out and preparing the stone, and in carting them to the wharves on the river : whence they are transported, not only to the neighbouring towns, but to Rhode-Island, Boston, New- York, Albany, Baltimore, and as far south as Petersburg. New- York, however, is the principal market. They are sold by the foot ; for curbing, of four inches thick- ness, from 17 to 21 cents ; for paving, of two inches thickness, from 10 to 14 cents ; for underpinning and other uses, they are sold higher, according to their thickness, quality, and the labour bestowed upon them. More wood is exported from this town than from any other town in the county. From Higganum Landing 2000 cords were exported in 1807, and probably 1000 from other places, making 3000 from the town : and it may be fairly calculated that from 2500 to 3000 are annually exported. This is also carried prin- cipally to New- York. A scythe factory was improved some years ago on Pine-brook, but has now gone to decay. Agin distillery set up in Haddam Society in 1813, distil? 250 hogsheads of giri annually. Shipbuilding was begun a century ago in this town, on the bank of the river, west of Haddam island. It was afterwards carried on in the lower part of the town ; and vessels have been occasionally built at various places. A sloop was launched at Higganum Landing in 1754 ; a few vessels were built there soon after ; and since 1760, shipbuilding has been a regular business at this place. Two yards are usually improved : for which, oak timber and plank are procured from the back parts of Haddam, and from North Killingworth. A store was opened at this landing in 1752, and since that time, more business has been done there, than at any other place in Haddam. The inhabitants have five or six vessels usually employed in coasting, and sometimes two or three employed in trading to the West Indies. The emigrations from this town have been very numerous. Of the twenty-eight proprietors which have been mentioned, the fourteen last named have no descendants in this town at the pre- sent time, or none of their names ; nor indeed in East-Haddam. The names of some later settlers are now extinct with us. With- in the compass of twenty years a number of families have remov- Town of Haddam. 69 ed to Leyden in the State of New- York ; others have removed to other parts of the country. Public worship has been observed in this town from the be- ginning; and for ten or twelve years it was attended in a pri- vate dwelling. fn dividing their land, the proprietors reserved one right for him who should be their first minister, and one right for the sup- port of the ministry for ever ; and they made commendable ef- forts to support the institutions of the Gospel. The first minister of whom any mention is made in the early records of the town, was the Rev. Jonathan Willaube, who re- mained with the people only a short season. The Rev. Nicholas Noyes, a native of Newbury, Mass, and graduate of Cambridge College, succeeded him in 1668, and re- mained in the town thirteen or fourteen years. He afterwards settled in Salem, and was greatly distinguished in his day, as a scholar and a divine. Salem, and the adjacent part of the coun- try, the churches, university and people of New England, are said to have esteemed him a principal part of their glory. The greatest blot upon his character was occasioned by his efforts against those who were charged with witchcraft at Salem; an orror which he afterwards lamented, and abundantly confessed. He died Dec. 13, 1707, in the 70th year of his age. An effort was made early in 1682*, to procure the Rev. John James to preach in this town, and he afterwards instructed the people; but how soon, and for how long a period, does not ap- pear. After leaving this place, he settled in Derby. Mr. James is supposed to have been a native of Wales. He possessed a respectable character both for learning and piety, but was distinguished by very great singularities. Some ludi- crous anecdotes are transmitted respecting him, and are now widely circulated in the country. Neither of the above ministers were ordained in Haddam, and during their continuance, professors of religion repaired to Mid- dletown, and perhaps occasionally to Saybrook for special ordi- nances : but Mr. Noyes remained with the people so long, that they gave him the right of land reserved for the first minister. In 1690 or 91, the Rev. Jeremiah Hobart, who had been set- tled for a time in Topsfield, Massachusetts, and in Hempstead, on Long-Island, was employed as a preacher in this town ; and in August of the latter year, the inhabitants made him proposals for settlement ; which he accepted. From this time they ap- pear to have regarded him as their pastor, although not for- mally installed, and he probably administered ordinances to those who had named the name of Christ ; but as some difficul- ties arose afterwards, they voted, in April 1695, that they did not ,U .S///',:/?u// ilisiouiil of Middlesex County $ consider themselves as under the charge of Mr. Hobart as pas- tor, and that with consent of the General Assembly, and of neigh- bouring churches, they would embody in church way and order, according to the Gospel. Accordingly the church was regularly organized the next year. But the difficulties continuing between Mr. Hoburt and the people, a respectable committee, appointed by the Assembly at their joint request, met in Haddam Nov. 25, 1698 ; who, after passing various resolves with a view to the re- storation of harmony, declared upon deliberate consideration, that the agreement between them, was, both in point of law and equity, valid and binding to each party, and they advised the people to call Mr. Hobart to the full execution of the office of a pastor among them. This advice seems finally to have been ac- cepted, for in June 1700, they voted to call a council to install him ; and he was accordingly installed the Nov. following ; when he was in the 70th year of his age. Of his talents and charac- ter very little is known. He became the subject of infirmities some years before his death, and was unable to perform official services. Nov. 6, 1715, being the Lord's day, he attended pub- lic worship in the forenoon, and received the sacrament; and during the intermission expired, sitting in his chair. The Rev. Phinehas Fiske, son of Dr. John Fiske of Milford, was ordained colleague pastor with Mr. Hobart in Sept. 1714. This excellent man received his education at Killingworth, un- der the venerable rector Pierson, where he became a tutor in the autumn preceding the rector's death. Upon that afflictive event, in March 1707, the senior class being removed to Milford, the other classes were placed under the special care of Mr. Fiske at. Saybrook, until commencement. After that, all the classes were instructed at Saybrook by him and a fellow-tutor for several years, with great fidelity and success. While the churches in the Colony were looking to this institution for pastors, he was the honoured instrument of preparing a number in part for their work, and rendered great service to the cause of literature and religion. His fame as an instructor, at that time, was very great. Before he left the tutorship he became a licentiate, and preach- ed occasionally in Haddam. His talents were solid rather than brilliant, and his sermons of course were better calculated to in- struct the understanding than to move the passions. He was uniformly regarded as a gentleman of science, and as a serious and excellent character; and his name is precious among the {>; ople of Haddam and of the vicinity to this day. The Rev. Aaron Cleveland succeeded him in 1739, and wa.- dismissed in 1746. Mr. Cleveland was a gentleman of respectable talents, and a Mopular and engaging preacher. After leaving Haddam, he was Town of Haddani, 71 minister successively at Maiden, Mass, at Halifax, in Nova-Sco- tia, and at Lewiston, in Delaware ; at the last place as an Epis- copalian. On a journey to visit his family, residing in New- England, he was taken 'sick and died at Philadelphia, at the house of Dr. Franklin, his old friend and acquaintance ; and his body was carried to Lewiston and buried. The Rev. Joshua Elderkin was ordained in Haddam in 1749, and dismissed in 1753. The Rev. Eleazer May succeeded him, in 1756, and after a ministry of almost forty-seven years, died in 1803. The Rev. David D. Field was ordained in this place in 1804, and dismissed in April 1818. The Rev. John Marsh jr. was ordained his successor in Dec. following. In the account of Chatham, it was stated that Haddam-Neck was constituted a part of Middle-Haddam in 1740. It may be proper to add here that the Neck contains about one third part of the Congregational society and church in that place. Sixty or seventy years since, a few individuals began to hold meetings in the lower part of Haddam Society, who were custo- marily called New-lights cr Separates. In 1785, they were formed into a Strict-Congregational society, and in 1792, they professed themselves Baptists, and united, as was related in the account of Chatham, with the Baptists in East-Hampton. They hold meetings constantly in Haddam, and have some families be- longing to them, from the bounds of Chester in Saybrook. The Methodists, in the western part of Haddam Society, arose in 1791, 2 and 3, and in the lower part of it, in 1803. These, with what Methodists exist in other parts of the society, are con- nected, and have an accession of members from North-Killing- vvorth. The rise of Methodism in Middle-Haddam was noticed in treating of Chatham. For seventy years, only a single school was taught in Had- dam. In 1732, a vote was passed that the school should be kept throe months at the school-house, and then moved successively in other parts of the town ; not far from which time new districts were formed. The number of schools in Haddam Society at this ;iine i.-, twelve, two and sometimes three of which are taught by mrti through the year ; and there is one school on Haddam- Nrck, winch has the benefit of a small fund. Among the distinguished individuals'who have been natives of ihis town, the Hon. Hezekiah Brainerd, and his son the Rev. David Brainerd, deserve to be particularly mentioned. The former, under those disadvantages for education which f xisied in his day, acquired a respectable cortion of information 72 Statistical Account of Middlesex County . Early sanctified by divine grace also, he gave himself up to UK: practice of religion, and became distinguished for piety as well as abilities. His moral and mental excellence soon attracted public notice, and commanded the esteem and suffrages of his fellow-citizens. The inhabitants of his native town testified their sense of his worth, by sending him repeatedly a represen- tative to the General Assembly, where he was chosen clerk of the house of representatives, in May 1721, and speaker the three following sessions. In 1722, he was appointed a justice of the Quorum for Hartford county. The next year he was elected into the Council ; where he held a seat until his death, which took place at Hartford, during a session of the Assembly, May 24, 1727, in the 46th year of his age. The happy influence of his prayers and example, was seen on a numerous family. The Rev. David Brainerd was his third son. This gentleman became the hopeful subject of divine grace in the summer of 1739, when he was at the age of 22. In the au- tumn of the same year, he entered Yale-College, where he ma- nifested an ardent love to the cause of the Redeemer : but from which he was expelled in Feb. 1742, for uttering some indis- creet and unjustifiable expressions concerning the piety of onp of the tutors, at a time when much feeling and controversy ex- isted in the Colony respecting experimental religion. Notwith- standing this mortifying and unhappy event, he commenced the study of divinity with the Rev. Mr. Mills of Ripton the subse- quent spring, and in a few months became a candidate for the Gospel ministry. Regarded as suitably qualified to preach among the heathen the unsearchable riches of Christ, he was appointed, in the month of November, a missionary to the In- dians, by the Correspondents of the Society in Scotland for propagating Christian knowledge. In April 1743, he began to preach to the inhabitants of an Indian village called Kaunau- meek, to the southeast of Albany, within the present towns oi Schodacand Kinderhook.where he performed very arduous labours and suffered great hardships. The next spring, as these Indians generally had removed to Stockbridge and placed themselves un- der the care of the Rev. Mr. Sergeant, Mr. Brainerd visited the Indians living at the forks of the Delaware, nigh the line be- tween New- York and Pennsylvania. With a view to services at this settlement, he was ordained at Newark N. J. June 12,1744. The following year he laboured principally at this place, but made two visits to the Indians further west, on thr Susquehannah. Affer this he preached to the Indians at Cros weeksung, near Freehold in N. J. where he had great success ; but took one or two journeys to the forks of the Delaware and 'o Supquehannah. Overcome by journeying and labours in th^ Town of Haddam. 73 summer of 1746, he was unable afterwards to perform much mi- nisterial service. In the spring of 1747, he travelled into New- England for his health, and on Oct. 10th of that year, died at Northampton, aged 30. The abilities and address of Mr. Brainerd were good. His religion was distinguished for humility, submission, self-de- nial and zeal ; and if we consider the numerous privations and hardships which he endured, and the arduous labours which he performed, among the several Indian tribes which he visited, the best evidence will arise of supreme attachment to the cause and interests of the Redeemer. By respectable writers and preachers in this country and in Great-Britain, he is often refer- red to as a pattern for missionaries. The important missionary stand at Chickamaugah, has lately been called Brainerd in honour of him, and his name will descend with respect to future genera- tions. We have no written nor traditionary accounts that any exten- sive revivals prevailed in this town in the early periods of its history ; and as the ancient records of the church are lost, it is impossible to ascertain the numbers admitted to the church from time to time. Within the compass of twenty years, there have been two or three seasons of awakening in the lower part of Had- dam Society. In the summer of 1 809, a revival prevailed in the west part of the Society, which resulted in the admission of about forty into the Congregational church. By a more extensive and powerful revival the last summer, the same church has received one hundred members. This revival spread also on Haddam- Neck. As one of its happy effects, a Society has recently been form- ed in the town, called, " The Young Men's United Bible and Missionary Society," which has already 68 members. Accord- ing to existing subscriptions, this will raise annually $ 34 for the purchase of Bibles, and $ 10 for missionary purposes. Eighty females have also given in their names, with a view of being formed into a society, auxiliary to the Board of Commis- sioners for Foreign Missions : whose subscriptions are 50 cents ^ach, annually. STATISTICAL ACCOUNT TOWN OF EAST-HADDAM IN the preceding account, the reader has been informed, that this town was formerly a part of Haddam ; that most of it was obtained by the proprietors of that town in 1662, and the residue in 1673. It belonged to Haddam Society until 1700; when if was constituted a distinct society, and named, from its relation to the former society, East-Haddam. The inhabitants began to do town business by themselves in 1704, and to keep a record of their proceedings. But as the legality of doing business in this manner was questioned, and as uneasiness prevailed on other subjects, the societies of Haddam and East-Haddam in 1710, en- tered into articles of agreement, and had them sanctioned by thr Legislature; in which it was provided among other things, thai the societies might do town business separately, and elect each a representative to the General Assembly. Agreeably to these articles their public affairs were managed until May 1734 ; when the town of Haddam was divided, according to the division of the societies, and the names of the societies continued to them as towns. In the act of incorporation, however, it was provided, that neither of these towns should send more than one reprcsen tative to the Assembly at public cost. This proviso remained until Oct. 1778, when Haddam, East-Haddam, Chatham, and one or two other towns in the State, were allowed to send two representatives. East-Haddam is eight and 3-4 miles long, and from six an 1 1-4 to eight miles broad, containing 39,900 acres. It is bound- ed by Chatham and Colchester, on the north ; by Colchester, on the east ; by Lyme on the south ; and on the west, partly by Connecticut river, and partly by Salmon river, which separates it from Haddam- Neck. Town of East-Haddam. li> it embraces two whole parishes, viz. East-Haddam and Mil- lington ; and two thirds of the parish of Hadlyme, the remainder of the last parish being taken from the third parish in Lyme. The settlement began within the bounds of East-Haddam pa- rish ; but at what time is not absolutely certain. It has been commonly supposed that it began at the place called the Creek- Row about 1685, by the removal thither of the Gateses, and of some of the Bateses, Brainerds and Cones from Haddam. Cur- rent tradition declares this to have been the spot first settled, and these to have been the first settlers. But from a document found in the Colony Records, it is certain that Robert Chapman had a dwelling house in East Haddam, north of the Creek-Row, in 1674. If the settlement at the Creek-Row was first, it mustliave begun about 1670. Near this time, the Ackleys and a family of Spencers from Haddam, settled farther eastward in the parish. With these settlers, were soon united the ancestors of the Anna- bles, Booges, Fullers and Percivals, from the bounds of the old Colony of Plymouth ; the ancestors of the Olmsteds from Hartford, Samuel Emmons from Cambridge, Mass, and John Chapman Esq. from Say brook, who had purchased the lands laid out to Capt. John Cullick, noticed in the account of Haddam. James Green, Elijah Atwood, Nathaniel Goodsped and Isaac Taylor, from the bounds of Plymouth Colony ; Henry Champion and Matthew Smith from Lyme ; Robert Hurd from Killingworth ; John War- ner from Sunderland, and John Church from Hatfield, Massa- chusetts ; were later settlers. Not far from the period in which the settlement began at the Creek-Row, Samuel Spencer from Haddam settled in the upper part of Hadlyme. Thomas Hungerford was an inhabitant of that parish as early as 1692, and John Holmes from New- Lon- don as early as 1710. Isaac Willey, John Willey and Abel Willey, also from New-London, Thomas Harvey from some part of England, and John Marsh from Braintree, Mass, were early inhabitants. The first settler in Millington was Jonathan Beebe from New- London, who settled by the Long Pond about 1704, and was soon joined by several persons who have now no descendants in East-Haddam. Except at this spot, there were no inhabitants in Millington until about 1732, 3 and 4, when families moved into it, by the name of Arnold, Barns, Brainerd, Chapman, Church, Cone, Emmons, Fuller, Gates, Olmsted and Spencer, from East-Haddam parish ; of Harvey and Hungerford, from Hadlyme ; of Clarke, from Haddam ; of Graves, from Colches- ter, and Stewart from Voluntown. Daniel Smith from some parf of Plymouth Colony, Lemuel Griffin from Lyme, and Thomas Fox from Colchester, settled in it not long after. 10 76 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; The town was very generally settled by 1740, and since that time the increase of population has been small, compared with that of most towns in the State ; indeed for half that period the popu- lation has rather diminished. In 1757 and in 1760, some fami- lies removed to Hartland in Litchfield county, and the emigra- tions have been almost perpetual, to the county of Berkshire, in Mass, to Vermont, or to New- York. The greater part of this town was purchased from the Indians together with the town of Haddam : but when the tract granted in 1673 was obtained from them, is unknown. A considerable number remained in the town after the English settlements com- menced. The Indians called it Mackimoodus, or the place of noises, from those noises or shocks of earthquake, for which it has been famed from time immemorial. These, the Puritans were dispos- ed to ascribe to the extraordinary pawwaws, which the debased clan, inhabiting this town, practised ; while the Indians, on the other hand, were ready to ascribe their existence or violence, to the introduction of Christianity : for an old Indian being asked the reason of the noises said, ' that the Indian's god was very an- gry, because Englishmen's god was come here.' These have been heard more or less frequently ever since the English settlements began. Mr. Hosmer, the first minister of the town, says, in a letter to Mr. Prince of Boston, dated Aug. 13th 1729, " I have myself heard eight or ten sounds succes- sively and imitating small arms in the space of five minutes. I have, (I suppose,) heard several hundreds of them within this twenty years, some more, some less terrible. Sometimes we have heard them almost every day, and great numbers of them in the space of a year. Oftentimes I have observed them to bo coming down from the north," (the center of them being in the north part of East-Haddam parish, about Moodus river falls,) " imitating slow thunder, until the sound came near or right un- der, and then there seemed to be a breaking, like the noise of a common shot, or severe thunder, which shakes houses and all that is in them. They have in a measure ceased ever since the general earthquake, as I remember there have been but two heard since that time, and those but moderate." The earthquake referred to, occurred Oct. 29, 1727. Ten or twenty years after this, they became again very frequent and violent ; and excited the attention of the neighbouring towns, and of the learned and inquisitive throughout the Colony ; and thus they have continued, for some seasons, frequent and vio- lent ; and at others, rare and slight, until the present time. The most violent of these noises or earthquakes ever known, took place on the 18th of May, 1791, consisting of many shocks, which so Town of East-Haddam. '77 shook the earth as to untop many chimnies and excite consternation in every family. Some of the shocks were noticed at New- York, Boston and Northampton. After this they were rarely heard for some time, and not often till within three or four years past : nor are they by any means as common now as in the days of Mr. Hosmer. A gentleman who has paid much attention to them, has ob- served, that for twenty-six years, they have occurred almost uniformly in a dull and heavy state of the atmosphere. What there is in this town to produce them, it is difficult to determine. In the letter above quoted, Mr. Hosmer observes, " Whether it be fire or air distressed in the subterraneous caverns of the earth, cannot be known, for there is no eruption, no explosion percep- tible." The day after the earthquake in 1791, however, it is said that apertures and fissures were observed in the earth and rocks near Moodus river falls, and that stones of several tons weight were found, thrown from their places. Some disruptions from the bank of Salmon river and of Moodus river, are also sup- posed to have been occasioned by them. When these noises have been perceived only within a small circle, producing a slight tremulous motion in the earth and in the river, they have been called Moodus noises ; but when they have extended a considerable distance, they have been deno- minated earthquakes, and have been characterized by all the circumstances which attend earthquakes usually in New-Eng- land. The earthquakes noticed in Connecticut for forty years, with scarcely an exception, have been more violent in East- Haddam, than in any other place. This town is less hilly and broken than Haddam, and taken together has a better soil ; but is more suitable for grazing than for the culture of grain. The inhabitants are very generally farmers, and derive considerable profits from their stock and dai- ries, and from their wood and lumber. Salmon river, described in the account of Chatham, washes its western border for four miles. In the north-eastern part of East-Haddam parish, is a pond, spreading over an area of 1000 acres, sometimes called Bates's Pond, but more commonly from its form, the Round Pond, affording small fish, which at times are caught in considerable quantities. This is the source of Moodus river, which after a winding course of four or five miles, receiving on its way the little stream called Wigwam brook, empties into Salmon-river Cove. Two miles from its source are the falls, which have been re- peatedly named. Here the water descends suddenly to the depth of seventy feet, dashing against the rocks with great vio- 78 Statistical Account of Middlesex County $ lence, and producing at times a noise, heard to a considerable extent in the surrounding region. Bog-meadow brook, in the southern part of East-Haddam pa- rish, and Roaring brook principally in Hadlyme, are streams sufficient for turning mills a part of the year. In the northeast corner of Millington, is the Long Pond, nam- ed like the Round Pond, from its form. Its length is two miles and its breadth half a mile ; affording also small fish. This is the source of Eight-mile river, which after leaving Millington, passes through Pleasant Valley and Hamburg, set- tlements in North- Lyme, and empties into the Connecticut. On this stream two miles from the pond are falls, more inter- esting than those on Moodus river. Immediately above the falls the stream divides itself into two parts, and then dashes down the rocks from 70 to 100 feet, in the course of eight or ten rods ; where the stream again unites, and passes on through a deep, narrow and gloomy opening. The rocks in the falls are curious- ly smoothed and scooped out by the action of water, or the whirling and friction of objects which it carries, and the scene- ry around is uncommonly wild, and romantic. At the head of boat navigation on Salmon river, four miles from its mouth, are Lord's Mills, or Factories. At this excel- lent stand, an oil mill was erected fifty years ago, the first, it is said, erected in the State. A saw mill has also been erected here for several years, carrying eight saws and sawing a length of seventy feet. In 1814, a woollen and cotton factory were set up in the building, previously used for an oil mill. By some means not perfectly ascertained, this took fire on the night of the 30th of March 1815, and with a clothier's works, and dress- ing shop, and a large portion of their contents, was consumed ; occasioning a loss of 25,000 dollars. But notwithstanding this calamitous event, the proprietors, the summer after, erected a fine fire-proof brick building, 65 feet by 35, four stories, with n loft in the garret. Into this they introduced machinery in the fall, for the manufacture of woollen cloths, which now consumes wool at the rate of 16.000 pounds a year. In the spring of 1816, they introduced into it 600 spindles for spinning cotton, and intend hereafter to increase these to 2,000. In this building, is a ma- chine room, where all the wood, brass and iron machinery, are made and repaired for the establishment. Twenty hands are employed in the woollen factory, fifteen in the cotton, and five in the machine room. The stream at this stand is equal in the driest season to two grist-mill powers, and by means of a seven- foot dam, has a head of twelve feet. A cotton factory was erected in 1815, on the west bank of Tozon of East-Haddam- 79 Moodus river, a mile and a half from its mouth. The building is of stone, 60 feet by 36, three stories, with a slate roof, and is cal- culated to contain from 1500 to 2000 spindles. It is owned by an incorporated company, allowed to hold stock to the amount of 75,000 dollars, divided into 150 shares of 500 dollars each. On the same stream westward, a nail factory was erected in 1809 ; but this lately has not been much used. Shipbuilding was begun at East-Haddam Landing some time before the revolutionary war ; and as early as that war, it was begun at Chapman's Ferry. But the business is not now car- ried on extensively at either of these places. A house was built at East-Haddam Landing and a market opened for produce in 1743 ; since which, most of the trade in the town has centered at this spot. This Landing is a little south of the mouth of Salmon river, on the bank of the Con- necticut, from which hills rise suddenly to the north and east. Here are three or four merchant stores and about twenty houses. A portion of business is also done at Chapman's Ferry and at Lord's Mills. Several coasting vessels are owned in the town, and usually two or three sea vessels. It has been already stated that East-Haddam Society was formed in 1700. The church in this society was gathered Jan. 6, 1 704, consisting of eight male members, viz. the Rev. Stephen Hosmer, ordained its pastor on the 3d of May following, and seven brethren from the church in Haddam. Mr. Hosmer preached to this people forty-five years and sus- tained a respectable character. The Rev. Joseph Fowler succeeded him in 1751, and was also deservedly esteemed. The Rev. Elijah Parsons was ordained in East-Haddam in 1772, and is still living. The Rev. Isaac Parsons was ordained colleague pastor with him in 1816. The Society of Millington, in the east part of East-Haddam. was incorporated in Oct. 1733, and the church was formed, it is supposed, Dec. 2, 1736 ; as the first pastor, the Rev. Timo- thy Symmes, was ordained at that time. The members, gene- rally at least, were taken from the church in East-Haddam. Mr. Symmes, in the great revival which spread in New-England a few years after his ordination, had his feelings, (as is reported,) extravagantly raised, and pursued his work with misguided zeal. This excited uneasiness, which closed his services in this place. The Rev. Hobart Estabrook, son of the Rev. Mr. Estabrook of Canterbury, was ordained in Millington in 1745. He died in 1766, and is still remembered with affection and respect as a wor- thy minister. 80 Statistical Account of Middlesex County j The Rev. Diodate Johnson, son of the Rev. Stephen Johnaor. of Lyme, succeeded him the next year. Possessed of superior abilities and ardent piety, Mr. Johnson bid fair to be a distinguished ornament and blessing to the church. But the consumption, (a disease to which his family connections have been uncommonly subject,) closed his days in the sixth year of his ministry. When struck with death, he was sitting in his chair, reading the prayer in Doddridge's Rise and Progress, entitled, " A meditation and prayer suited to the case of a dying Christian." The Rev. Eleazer Sweetland, was ordained in this place in 1777, and died in 1787. The Rev. William Lyman, D. D. succeeded him in the close of the same year, and is the pastor of the church at the present time. The Society of Hadlyme was incorporated in Oct. 1742, and was thus called, because it was made partly from East-Haddam and partly from Lyme. The church was organized, with ten male members, on the 26th of June 1745, and on the 18th of the succeeding September, the Rev. Grindall Rawson, who had been minister several years at South-Hadley, Mass, was installed their pastor. He was remarkable for pleasantry in conversation, and had an uncommon talent in reconciling parties at variance. He died in 1777. The Rev. Joseph Vaill, the present pastor of Hadlyme church, was ordained in 1780. Of fifty-five members, belonging to this church in April, of the last year, twenty-seven lived within the town of East-Haddam. A disagreement in East-Haddam Society respecting the spot, where their present meeting-house should be set, produced a di- vision among the people. The portion dissatisfied with its loca- tion, were formed into an Episcopal society April 27, 1791, and the Rev. Solomon Blakesley was placed over them as deacon in 1792, and in full orders in 1793, and he has generally laboured with them and some neighbouring societies since. A few Baptists arose in Millington in 1 789 or 90, with whom some families are now connected at East-Haddam Landing. In Millington also are a few people of the Methodist persua- sion. A school was probably kept in this town as early as the for- mation of East-Haddam Society. There was but one until 1729 or 30. In Millington and Hadlyme there must have been schools as soon as those societies were formed. There are now in the town 19, viz. 8 in East-Haddam Society, one or two of which are taught by men through the year, 7 in Millington, and 4 ir Hadlyme. Town of East- Haddam. 81 The Hon. Joseph Spencer of this town, without the advan- tages of a regular and public education, acquired that general knowledge, and that acquaintance with business, which enabled him to discharge happily and usefully the various duties to which he was called. His mind was early impressed with the reality and importance of religious subjects, and comforted by the con- solations of the Gospel, though circumstances prevented his pro- fessing Christ for a season. Not long after the settlement of Mr. Estabrook in Millington, he communicated to him in writing, a very humble and satisfactory account of the exercises of his soul, and then came forward and united with the church under his care ; in which some years after, he was elected a deacon. A long and humble walk with God, evinced the sincerity of his profession ; and he at last died, as might be expected, with strong and joyful expectations of a blessed immortality. His public employments were very numerous. In 1758 he went into the northern army in the capacity of a major, under Col. Nathan Whiting, and the two following years as a lieute- nant-colonel, in the second French war; where he acquired the reputation of a brave and good officer. In 1775, in the war of the revolution, he was appointed a brigadier-general, and the next year a major-general in the army of the United States, a post which he resigned in 1778. From the autumn of 1753 till his death in 1789, he was judge of probate for the district of East-Haddam. In 1766, he was elected into the Council of the State, where he remained until 1779, being appointed for the last year a judge of Hartford county court. At this time a prejudice arose against him among the freemen, because he did not, in a particular instance, march some troops under his command on to Rhode-Island; and he lost his election as an assistant. But the same year, the Assembly, entertaining a high sense of his worth, sent him a representative to Congress ; and in 1 780, he was elect- ed again into the Council, and thus annually elected during life. In the first parish in this town, there was some special atten- tion to religion in 1802, and again in 1816. Some seasons of gentle refreshing from the presence of the Lord have occurred in Millington ; and there have been within a few years, several seasons of more than ordinary attention to the concerns of the soul in Hadlyme, and the state and prospects of that society have been greatly improved. In each of the parishes in this town, are one or more female Charitable societies. STATISTICAL ACCOUNT TOWN OF SAYBROOK. DISSATISFIED with the civil and religious state of things in England in the time of Charles I. Lord Say and Seal, Lord Brook, Lord Rich and other gentlemen of distinction, contem- plated a removal to America; and in prosecution of their design, procured of Robert, Earl of Warwick, March 19, 1631, a patent of all that territory, " which lies west from Narraganset river, a hundred and twenty miles on the sea coast ; and from thence in latitude and breadth aforesaid, to the South Sea." In July 1635, they appointed John Winthrop, son of the governor of Massachusetts, then in England, their agent, to build a fort at Connecticut river, to erect houses for the accommodation of him- self and men, and for the reception of persons of quality ; and they constituted him governor of Connecticut river, of the har- bour and places adjoining, for the space of one year from his arrival there. Thus commissioned, and furnished with men and means for the undertaking, he shipped for New-England. On his arrival at Boston, Oct. 8th, he found that some people had just gone from Massachusetts and settled upon Connecticut river, within the patent held by their lordships. But upon the agreement of his father and other magistrates, that those settlers should either re- move, or the patentees be satisfied in some other way, he dis- patched carpenters and workmen to the mouth of the Connecti- cut ; who arrived there in the close of November and entered upon their work. Mr. Winthrop followed them, and superin- tended their labours during the continuance of his commission. The level and pleasant tract, two miles northwest from the bar, called Saybrook Point, was selected for the beginning of a set- tlement ; and was laid out with care, as it was expected to be- Town of Saybrook. 83 come, not only the residence of great men, but the center of great business and wealth. This is a mile in length, and is lin- ed on the north and south by coves and meadows. On this, se- veral parallel streets were laid out, intersected by others at suit- able distances. On the east end, in front of Tomb Hill, a site was chosen for a fortification. Back from this, was a square, on which it was intended, the houses should be erected for the illustrious personages expected from Europe, while a square fur- ther west was reserved for public uses. The fortification and some other buildings were immediately begun, under the direction of Mr. David Gardiner, a skilful en- gineer, who had been procured for the purpose in England ; and that the workmen and inhabitants might be the more secure, palisades were placed across the west end or neck of the Point. This Mr. Gardiner became the lieutenant of the Fort, and pro- moted the views and interests of those who were concerned in the settlement, several years after the expiration of the commis- sion of Mr. Winthrop. In the summer of 1639, Col. George Fenwick, one of the pa :entees, arrived from England, and gave to the tract about the mouth of the river, the name of Saybrook, in honour of Lord Say and Seal, and Lord Brook, his principal associates. From this time until Dec. 1644, he superintended and governed the inhabitants, and then sold the jurisdiction of Saybrook to Con- necticut Colony ; as his brethren had given up the idea of emi- grating to America. They were prevented from emigrating for a season, both by the dangers apprehended from the Indians at Saybrook, and by opposition to their removal made in England ; and afterwards, by a change in public affairs, they hoped to en- joy that liberty at home, which they had anticipated in the \merican wilderness, and therefore abandoned the project alto- gether ; but Lord Say and Seal particularly, was ever friendly to this settlement, and contributed to the promotion of its pros- perity. The territory to which the name of Saybrook was applied, and which was sold to the Connecticut Colony, included most of the present townships of Saybrook and Lyme. The latter town was incorporated in May 1667. Saybrook was at first considered to be six miles long, but was really eight and a half, and its length was increased two miles in 1669 agreeable to statements made in the account of Haddam ; so that its present length is ten and a half miles. This is its length at a medium. Its breadth varies from five to six and a half miles, and it contains by computation 40,800 acres. It is bounded by Connecticut river on the east, which separates it from Lyme ; by Long-Island Sound on the south, by Killing- 11 84 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; worth on llie west, and by Haddam on tlie north ; and comprises lour parishes, viz. Saybrook, Westbrook, Pautapoug and Ches- ter parishes. Saybrook parish is the south-eastern section of the (own. This section the Indians called Pattaquasset. West of this is Westbrook parish, which was called by its Indian name, Pochaug, until Oct. 1810. North of these two parishes is Pautapoug, (incorporated before Westbrook but settled later,) an Indian name still used by the English. Northward still is Chester, which the Indians called Pattacjuounk. Some individuals who left England with Mr. Winthrop in 1635, and others who left it with Col. Fen wick in 1639, become set- ilers at Saybrook Point : but their number was small. About 1646, some individuals moved into the place from Hartford and Windsor. From a division of lands made in 1648, there appear to have been 43 proprietors then in the town. Among them, were the ancestors of the Barkers, Bulls, Bushnells, Chapmans, Clarks. Lays, Lords, Parkers, Pratts and Posts ; as there were of the Champions, Griswolds, Lees and Wades, who settled af- terwards in Lyme ; and of the Backuses, Blisses, Fitches, Hunt- ingtons, Hydes, Larrabees, Leffingwells, Masons and Budds, who removed about 1660, either from the bounds of this town or Lyme, and settled Norwich. These all lived upon the Point or in its immediate neighbourhood ; as did also the ancestors of the Chalkers and Tullies, who were very early associated with them. There were one or two families at Saybrook Ferry in 1663, and about this period some families settled west of Oyster river. Among the early settlers in Saybrook parish, after those which have been mentioned, were the ancestors of the Water- houses, Kirtlands, and Shipmans ; and also of the Whittleseys. Willards and Lyndes, which last families were from Boston. About 1710, a family by the name of Ayres settled in the north- ern part of this parish, at Ayres's Point. The settlement in Westbrook began as early as 1664, near the east border of Pochaug river, between the meeting-house and the Sound. Some of the first settlers in this parish were of the name of Lay and Post from Saybrook parish or from Lyme. of Hart and Wright from Guilford, of Stannard and Spencei from Haddam, of Kelsey from Killingworth, of Denison from Stonington, of Deval or Dee from Seakonnet R. I., and of Mur- dock from East-Hampton, Long-Island. John Denison from Stonington, and some families of Lays and Pratts from Saybrook parish or Lyme, settled at Pautapoug Point about 1690. John Starkey from London, the Heydens from Boston, and Charles Williams from Rhode-Island, united with these some time after. Families by the name of Platts were settlers in the west part of Pautapoug parish. Town of Saybrook. 36 Jonah Dibble from Haddam was, an inhabitant of Chester in 1692, and Andrew Warner from Hadley, about 1696. The an- cestors of the Parkers, Shipmans, Waterhouses and Webbs frorc Saybrook parish, were early settlers in this place. George Wil- lard and Andrew Southworth from the same parish, Joel Canriehl and Gideon Leet from Durham, settled in it about 1745. In this town there were four Indian settlements. One of these was about the mouth of Oyster river. Another was on Obed's Hammock, near the mouth of Pochaug river, where Indians lived till within fifty or sixty years. A third was at Ayres's Point, and so northward to Pautapoug Point. A fourth was on, or near the Indian reservation in Chester, mentioned in the account of Had dam. From Oyster river the Indians may have carried their dead to the grave-yard at Black-Hall in Lyme, for interment ; but they are known to have buried at, or near all the other settlements in the town. Their bones have been found frequently on Pauta- poug Point, and in one or two instances intire skeletons. Back of Ayres's Point on a sandy plain, are numerous hillocks or tu- muli, covered with small stones, which have been thought to b< Indian graves ; but of this there is no certainty : for though bones have been found on the plain, they were in such a state of decay, as to render it impossible to determine whether they ever belonged to human bodies. Here Indian arrows, pestles, axe? &c. have been often found. The Indians in this town and in the vicinity were subject some years before the English settled upon Connecticut river, to the Pequots, a warlike and powerful nation, who lived principally in the towns of New- London, Groton and Stonington. These had become already distinguished for their jealousies of and cruelties to the English, and had communicated their malignant feel- ings to all whom they could influence. In 1634, some of their confederates murdered Capt. Stone and Capt. Norton, and their whole crew, consisting of eight men, half a mile above Saybrook Point; plundered the vessel of such articles as they wished, and then burned her down to the water's edge and sunk her. It may not be unsuitable to notice, that some of the timber and plank of this vessel were found so recently as 1785, together with a quantity of bar iron, and a few other articles. In 1635, they re- ceived and protected individuals, who had been concerned in the murder of Mr. Oldham at Block-Island. But notwithstanding these recent and abominable transactions, they consented to hold a treaty with Mr. Winthrop and his men, and gave to the English their right to Connecticut river, and the idjaccnt country. Thus they excited a hope of peace and safe- *y. But a few months, according to the testimony of Dr. Tnim- 86 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; bull and various other writers, disclosed their treachery and wickedness. For in the beginning of Oct. 1636, as five men from Saybrook fort went to get hay at Calves' island, four miles north, near Lyme shore ; some Pequots who had concealed them- selves in the high grass, surprised them, caught one, a godly young man, by the name of Butterfield, and tortured him to death : from which circumstance the place was named Butterfield's meadow. The other four escaped to their boat, but one of them was wound- ed with five arrows. A few days after this, Joseph Tilly, master of a bark, came to anchor nearly opposite Calves' island, and taking one man with him, went on shore for the purpose of fowling. As soon as he had discharged his piece, a large number of Pequots rising from their concealment, took him and killed his companion ; and then gratified their malice by putting him to torture. They first cut oft' his hands and then his feet ; after which he lived three days. But as nothing which they inflicted upon him excited a groan, they pronounced him a stout man. The place where he was tak- en and tortured has ever since been called Tilly's Point. Within a fortnight of these transactions, the following calami- ty was experienced. A house had been erected about two miles from the fort, (at Cornfield Point as is supposed,) and six men detached from the garrison to keep it. As three of them were fowling near the house, (a practice which the lieutenant had strictly forbid,) they were suddenly attacked by nearly one hun- dred Pequots ; two were taken, and one fought his way through them sword in hand, wounded with two arrows, but not mortally. The following winter the fort was little better than in a state of constant siege. None could go from it without hazard ; and the cattle, stacks of hay, and almost every thing belonging to it at any distance were destroyed. When the spring arrived, the enemy were still more troublesome. As Lieut. Gardiner was going out in the month of March, with ten or twelve men to burn the marshes, the enemy rose upon them, just as they had turned south from the palisades, killed three of the men and wounded a fourth, so that he died in the fort the next day. The lieutenant was slightly wounded, but was able with most of his men to re- treat. Encouraged by this success, the Indians followed them, surrounded the fort, and challenged them to fight ; mocking them in the groans and pious invocations of their friends whom they had tortured ; till a dexterous use of the guns loaded with grape shot, compelled them to retire. After this, Indians in several canoes beset a. shallop, having three men on board, as it was sail- ing down the river. They shot one of them through the head with an arrow, Avho fell overboard. The other two they took, and ripped them from the bottom of their bellies to their throats, Town of Saybrook. 87 cleft them down their backs, and then suspended them on trees by the side of the river ; that the English might behold these ob- jects of their vengeance. One of the Indians concerned in these babarities, was Nepaupuck, a famous Pequot captain, who for this and other murders was beheaded at New-Haven in 1639, and whose head was set upon a pole in the market place. In the midst of these calamities, Capt. John Mason was sent with 20 men to reinforce the garrison at Saybrook : after whose arrival the Indians withdrew very generally, from that quarter. He was soon relieved by Capt. John Underhill with 20 men sent from Massachusetts, and he returned to Hartford. But a party of Pequots in the month of April waylaid some of the people of Weathersfield, killed nine persons, and took two maids captive. They also killed twenty cows and did other damage. By these repeated murders and injuries, the inhabitants of Connecticut Colony were greatly alarmed ; not only for the safe- ty of their friends at Saybrook, but for the safety of themselves and families. They saw nothing before them but destruction, unless the rage and power of the Pequots could be broken. The General Court therefore, being summoned together on the 1st of May, came to the resolution of waging immediate war with that perfidious and cruel nation. Massachusetts and Plymouth Colonies also, hearing of the outrages of the Pequots, resolved to aid their Connecticut brethren in prosecuting the war against them. But the crisis admitted of no unnecessary delay. The Connecticut troops were raised forthwith, and on Wednesday, the 10th of May, Capt. John Mason, appointed commander of the expedition, with 90 men, almost the whole efficient force of Hartford, Weathersfield and Windsor ; and Uncas, sachem of Moheagan, with about 70 Moheagan and river Indians ; went on board three small vessels at Hartford, and fell down the river for Saybrook fort. Not understanding the channel they ran aground several times, and did not arrive at the fort until Monday, the 15th of the month. But when they had got as far as Chester, the Indians, being impatient of delays, were permitted to go on shore, and proceed on foot. On their way, they fell in with about 40 of the enemy, killed six, and took one a prisoner, a no- torious villain, who had practised much treachery and mischief against the inhabitants of the fort. The Indians insisted upon punishing him according to the barbarous custom of their ances- tors, and in existing circumstances were not opposed. Capt. Underhill with 19 men belonging to the garrison, join- ed the expedition, and 20 of Mason's men were sent back to protect their friends up the river. But the army was detained till Friday by contrary winds ; and the officers were divided in sentiment, whether to go directly to the Pequot settlements, or i>8 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; to sail to Narraganset, march into the country and so come upon them it possible by surprise. The latter course was finally adopted ; and on Saturday they arrived at Narraganset, and at the close of the following Thursday, in the neighbourhood of the Pequots ; having received on their way an accession of about 500 Indians, Narragansets and others. It had been ascertained that the Pequots were collected in two strong forts, called Mistic fort, and Sassacus's fort. The army was near the former, which contained at this time four or five hundred inhabitants, men, women and children, and 150 - warriors, who had been sent on that day from the other fort, with a view to go out on an excursion against the English settlements. As the troops from Say brook had been seen to pass by the Thames, the Indians drew the conclusion that they durst not attack them, and gave themselves up to merriment on that account, singing and dancing till midnight. After this they sunk into a deep sleep ; and Mason and his men marched forward to the confines of their fortress. It was now nearly day-light, on Friday, the 26th of May, and not a moment was to be lost. Capt. Mason therefore proceeded with one part of the troops to attack the fort on its north-eastern side, and Capt. Underbill, with another to attack it on its western side. They got within a rod or two of the fort, when a dog's barking awoke the Indian centinel, who instantly roused his brethren. But the assailants fired through the palisades, and soon effected an entrance, and a desperate con- flict ensued. For some time the victory was doubtful. In this situation, .Mason ordered the fort to be burnt, and immediately took fire and put it to the mats on the wigwams. The flames spread with amazing rapidity, and the English retreated and formed a circle around the fort ; while the friendly Indians who had been disheartened, resumed courage and formed an outer circle. Many within the fort were consumed in the conflagra- tion, others mounting the palisades were a fair mark for the English muskets, and others rushing forward to make their es- cape, were cut down with the sword. In little more than an hour about 600 Pequots in one way or another were killed, while 7 only escaped and 7 were made prisoners. The English had only two men killed, and about 20 wounded. The next day in marching to Pequot harbour, whither ilic.y had ordered their vessels, a running fight ensued with 300 war- riors from Sassacus's fort, who were frantic with passion upon the destruction of their brethren. In this fight the English and their associates suffered no loss, while several of the enemy were slain. They entered their vessels, and in about three week- from the time they left Hartford, they returned to ''" tivn habimtion?. Town of Saybrook. 39 But the Pequots at Sassacus's fort, deeming it unsafe to re- main in that region, burnt their wigwams, and dispersed in va- rious rambling parties. But their dispersion did not wholly se- cure them. The Legislature appointed Capt. Mason, and fur- nished him with men to prosecute the war ; some forces were sent from Massachusetts for this purpose ; and the Indians, who had been inimical to the Pequots, willingly came forward and united in destroying them. One of their parties was taken by the Massachusetts troops, united with some of the Narraganset Indians. Another party crossed Connecticut river and proceed- ed westward, near the Sound. Some English scouts had a skir- mish with these on a hill in Saybrook parish, whence they fled into a neighbouring swamp, from which circumstance, the hill is called Pequot Hill, and the swamp, Pequot Swamp to this day. A few of these were pursued by some English soldiers, and by some Moheagans, down the eastern shore of the harbour west of Guilford. They crossed the harbour, but were taken as they as- cended the opposite bank. Among these was a sachem, (according to the Manuscripts of the Rev. Mr. Ruggles of Guilford,) whom Uncas shot with an arrow. He then cut off his head, and put it in the fork of an oak, where the skull remained for many years. From this transaction the harbour has ever since been called Sachem's head. But the fugitives generally proceeded to a large swamp in Fairfield. Thither they were pursued and sur- rounded ; about 20 were killed and 180 taken prisoners. The others escaped and fled. By these various attacks and losses, the Pequots were com- pletely subdued as a nation. Their conquest was of the greatest importance to the settlement in Saybrook, and to the other set- dements on Connecticut river. It indeed struck a general terror into the Indians through the country, and prevented their rising in great numbers against the English for nearly forty years. The lands in the south-eastern division of this township, throughout the greater part of Saybrook parish, are level and easi- ly cultivated ; and enriched by the white-fish and other manures, are very productive. The same is true of smaller tracts in other parts of the town, in the vicinity of the Sound and of the river ; but the kinds back are generally stoney and somewhat hilly, though there are few hills of much note. Cow Hill, and Pequot Hill, (already named,) in Saybrook parish, Robert's Hill and Bork Hill in Pautapoug, and Horse Hill between this town and Killingworth, are among the more important. The streams in this town, as well as in the other towns in the Bounty, are small. Chester river has its sources in the southern part of Haddam 90 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; and in Cedar-swamp Pond. The branches unite at Chestci Cove, at the head of tide water, a mile from Connecticut river, and for half that distance, from Middlesex turnpike bridge, the river admits of large vessels. Cedar-swamp Pond is remarkable only, for its being formed by a dam, sufficiently wide for a cart-path, which was apparent- ly made by beavers. Directly below this is the swamp which imparts to it its name. There is another pond in Chester parish, on very high ground, called Shipman's Pond, which sends forth a small stream. Deep river is said to derive its waters partly from Cedar swamp and partly from sources farther south. It empties into Connecticut river a little south of Chester river. Fall river, (so called from its passing over some inconsidera- ble falls,) rises in the west part of Pautapoug, and unites with the Connecticut a little above Pautapoug Point. Oyster river rises in Pequot Hill, and runs southerly into the Sound. This stream derives its name from the oysters which used to be caught near its mouth. Some are taken there now and also clams. On this stream Mr. Francis Bushnell erected a corn-mill in 1662, the first erected in the town; for which the proprietors gave him a farm, on condition that a mill should be kept there continually, and that the inhabitants should have- equal privileges in regard to grinding : and the farm is held by his descendants on these conditions at the present time. Pochaug river rises in the west part of Pautapoug, and takes a southern direction through the center of Westbrook, and empties into Westbrook harbour. This receives near its mouth, Menun- ketesuck river, whose head waters are in the edge of Haddam. whence it passes through the parish of North Killingworth, part of the parish of Killingworth, and then turns eastward into Westbrook. Westbrook harbour serves as an indifferent shelter for small vessels. It formerly furnished a considerable shad fishery : but in latter years the shad have become scarce. Shell fish are caughl. in the harbour for the use of the inhabitants, and are occasion- ally carried to the neighbouring places. A quarry of Steatite or Soap stone exists in Pautapoug, half a mile north of the Congregational meeting-house. This appears to have been known to the Indians, as pots and mortars made of this stone have been found in their graves on the Point, and in fields in the neighbourhood. Thirty or forty years since, it was procur- ed by the owners of a furnace in Killingworth, for the purpose of making an oven for baking steel. In 1815, some gentlemei. obtained a lease of the quarry for 20 years, got out fifty tons of Toton of Saybrook. ; .'J ihe stone and sent it to New-York; where upon examination, it was declared to possess durable qualities, and to be susceptible of a fine polish, but to be too hard to be extensively useful. V quarry of Gneiss stone, resembling the quarries in Haddam, ;alled Deep-river-Quarry, because it is in the neighbourhood of that river, was opened in 1812. This is near a cove, na- vigable for scows, half a mile from Connecticut river. Several hands have been employed in it, and it promises to be profitable. Another quarry of a similar description was opened some years after on Mitchel's Neck. Some others were opened in the vicinity last year ; and one, two or three years ago near Ce- dar-swamp. Several persons have been mentioned as emigrating from this town to Lyme and to Norwich. In the former, settlements be- gan about 1654, and in the latter, in 1660. The reason of the emigration to Norwich was as follows. In some of the wars be- tween Uncas, and the Narragansets, they besieged him and his men in his fort near the Thames, until their provisions were al- most exhausted. He found means of acquainting the scouts from Saybrook fort with his situation, and of apprizing them of the danger to which the English would be exposed, if the Mo- heagans were destroyed. In these circumstances, Mr. Thomas Leffingwell, an ensign at the fort, loaded a canoe with provi- sions, and under cover of the night paddled it to the Thames, and relieved him : soon after which the siege was raised. For this kindness, Uncas gave him most, if not the whole of the town- ship of Norwich. In June 1659, a formal deed was given of this 4 ownship to Mr. Leffingwell, Capt. Mason, Mr. Fitch and 32 others, for which they allowed him as an additional compensa- tion about 70 pounds. The next spring, Mr. Fitch, and the greater part of his church and congregation moved to that town. Some families removed from this town to Hebron about 1 704, to Salisbury about 1773 or 74, to Durham in the State of New- York about 1788, to Fairfield also in that State about 1794, and families and individuals have removed to various other places. But one person an inhabitant of this town has ever been con- victed of a capital offence, and that was a Pequot squaw, living in the family of the Rev. Mr. Worthington of Westbrook. She murdered her own child, a bastard, by striking it on the head. It was found hid in Mr. Worthington's barn, and languished ten hours after the wound was given. Her trial was had before the Hon. Jonathan Law, chief judge, and four assistants, at a special session held in Westbrook, Nov. 15, 16 and 17, 1737, and she was executed at New-London on the 3d of May, 1 738. Another murder was committed in this town Oct. 14, 1772, hv Jamos Shields, on the person of James Johnson. Both were 12 92 Statistical Account of Middlesex County; foreigners. Johnson had been labouring as a journeyman at the carriage-making business at Saybrook, was that day out of his time, and had crossed over into Lyme, going eastward. Here Shields met him, and after drinking freely together, enticed him back over the ferry, and in the hollow a little west of the ferry, and directly south of the stage road, murdered him, (for his money as was supposed, which consisted only of a few shillings,) by stabbing him in several places with a narrow chisel. He then stripped the body and hid it in the bushes, (where it was dis- covered nine days after,) and then went down to the sea shore, crossed to Long-Island and escaped. For another murder he was afterwards hanged at the southward, and at the gallows con- fessed his villainy in killing Johnson. Horn and shell combs have been manufactured many years in Saybrook parish, and two or three years since were manufactur- ed at Pautapoug Point. Williams's Ivory Comb Factory near the mouth of Fall river in Pautapoug parish was established in 1802, but did but little business till 1807. In 1816, this was united with a comb factory which was erected in 1809 on Deep river. In this united es- tablishment, more than 20 men are employed, and 50,000 dozen combs annually manufactured. The old stand on Fall river is improved for a factory of ivory buttons. In this four and some- times more workmen are employed. On Chester river are two forges, one set up about 1790, the other in 1818. On this stream, L'Hommedieu's Factory was erected in 1811 , for making patent double podded gimlets. In this, machinery is used for cutting steel plates into pieces of proper size and length for gimlets, for double stamping and rounding them, smoothing the shank and bowls, forming the screw, and for turn- ing and perforating the handles. Twenty men have been sometimes employed, and more than 10,000 dollars worth of gim- lets manufactured in a year. In 1815, the owners procured machinery for making patent single twist augers ; and since that time have directed their attention principally to this branch of manufacture. Within about twelve months, they have made more than 8000 for the navy of the United States and some for individuals. Shipbuilding is occasionally carried on in one yard on Say- brook Point. This business was begun by Mr. John Tucker at Pautapoug Point about 1720, but was not extensively carried on for many years. In 1775, the ship Oliver Cromwell, of 24 guns, was built at this place by Mr. Uriah Heyden. For ten or fifteen years before the late war, from 1200 to 2000 tons of shipping were Town of Saybrook. 93 annually launched from the Point and the yards in the neighbour- hood. In 1740, shipbuilding was commenced in Westbrook. The yards are all on Pochaug river, one and two miles from its mouth, from which vessels are let down to the Sound. In these 1000 tons of shipping are calculated to be built annually. This business was commenced in Chester, near the mouth of Chester Cove in 1755. More recently a few vessels have been built a mile westward : but the business in this parish is now ge- nerally discontinued. This town has more commerce than any other town in the county excepting Middletown. It is principally coasting. Each parish has a share of trade, but most is done in Saybrook parish and in Pautapoug. Business began to thrive at Pautapoug Point soon after the re- volutionary war. Since that time most of the buildings have been erected upon it and in the vicinity. There are now on the Point about 30 dwelling-houses and 100 within the circuit of a mile, a few merchant stores, and some mechanic shops. Besides the shipbuilding which has been just noticed, the inhabitants have had a considerable concern in navigation. This point is 100 rods long and lies between two coves, called the North and South Coves. The buildings are principally on one street running lengthwise through it, parallel with which a street has been recently laid out. To this Point, the river is open through the winter, and it is of course, the place where vessels are frequently laid up and goods deposited, while the river is frozen over above. It suffered much by the restrictive system, and the succeeding war, particularly by a visit from the English in April, 1814. Vessels from the squadron blockading New-London had often gone out and cruised in the Sound. On the evening following the 7th of April two or three of these anchored off Saybrook bar. They immediately dispatched for Pautapoug, two launches, each carrying Q or 12 pound carronades and 50 or 60 men each, and four barges, supposed to have 25 men each, under the command of Lieut. Coote, completely prepared with torches, combustibles. &c. for the enterprise which they accomplished. Before 11 o'clock they were discovered entering the mouth of the river, by the keeper of the light-house, and before 12, many of the men landed at Saybrook Point, and went into the old fort, where no force was then stationed to resist them. The distance from this place to Pautapoug Point, is between five and six miles ; but being retarded by a strong northerly wind and the fresh- et, they did not arrive there till about four o'clock, Fri- day morning, the 8th of April. The people knew nothing of 94 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; their being in the river more than 30 minutes before they arriv- ed and took possession of the Point; and some had no know- ledge of it, before the work of conflagration was begun. Pick- et guards searched houses and stores for arms and ammunition, while the men generally were employed in setting fire to the vessels, lying in the river, at the Point, and on the stocks along the North and South Coves. About 10 o'clock, they called in their guards and proceeded down the river, with a brig, schoon- er and two sloops. But the wind shifting from the northeast to the southeast, they set fire to all these excepting the schooner, which they anchored about a mile and a quarter below the Point, where they remained till evening. Twenty-two vessels of va- rious descriptions were destroyed, and a loss occasioned, com- puted at 160,000 dollars, 60,000 of which fell on the inhabitants of Pautapoug. When the enemy first landed, the people living on the Point and in the vicinity were in no situation to oppose them. In the course of the day, some forces collected from Pautapoug and other places west of the river; while on the east side, some collected from Lyme and New-London : but the work of de- struction was finished and the British were more than a mile down the river. The plan adopted was to oppose them on their way out, for which stations were taken on both sides. But the enemy were detained as has been stated. About sunset a field- piece was planted on a point near their resting place, which by several well directed shots, compelled them to leave the schoon- er. One of these shots killed two men and wounded a third. When night came on, it was excessively dark and no object could be seen, and they proceeded silently down the river, and arriv- ed at their vessels about 10 o'clock in the evening. Many shots were directed against them on the supposition of their being on their way, some of which struck their boats, and probably did some execution. During the day and the evening, the lives of the Americans were not exposed ; and though the British were abundantly on our coast in the course of the last war and engaged in several encounters with our men ; it is worthy of remark, that no Ame- rican belonging to Saybrook or Middletown was killed, except- ing Mr. Charles Dolf, a worthy inhabitant of Saybrook Point. He lost his life Jan. 15, 1815, in retaking a sloop from the pri- vateer Boxer of Lisbon. At the same time Cyphenas Cowles, lieutenant of the privateer was killed, and five seaman were taken. The pious people who first came to Saybrook Point, and suf- fered so much from the Indians, were instructed and comforted by the Rev. John Higginson, whose ministrations were " suita- Town ofSaybrook. 95 ble, seasonable and profitable, according to the then present dis- pensation of Providence." Mr. Higginson, came with his father, the Rev. Francis Hig- ginson from Leicester in England in 1629, to Salem in Massa- chusetts, where his father re- settled. After labouring at Say- brook three or four years, he went to Guilibrd, and was one of the seven pillars of the church formed in that town in 1643; where he assisted his fether-in-law, the Rev. Henry Whitfield, in the instruction of the people, both before and after the formation of the church. From the return of Mr. Whitfield to England in 1650, he was sole teacher at Guilford until 1660, when he de- termined to go to England himself and join his respected relative and friend ; and he took shipping for the purpose. But be- ing forced into Salem by contrary winds, the people there per- suaded him to settle as colleague with his father ; and he was accordingly set apart to the work of the ministry in that place, on the 29th of August, in the last mentioned year, where he died Dec. 9, 1708, in the 93d year of his age, having been in the mi- nistry 72 years. " This reverend person," says Cotton Mather, " has been always valued for his useful preaching, and his holy living: besides his constant labours in the pulpit, whereby hi> own flock has been edified ; the whole country has by the pres* enjoyed some of his composures, and by his hand the compo- sures of others also, passing through the press, have been accom- panied." He wrote the attestation to the Magnalia, and among other compositions which he published, was a volume of ser- mons, dedicated to the people ofSaybrook, Guilford and Salem. The Rev. Thomas Peters succeeded Mr. Higginson at Say- brook, and after a ministry of a few years, returned to England in 1645. Neither of the above clergymen were ordained in Say brook, and no church was organized there until 1646, the time of the ordination of the Rev. James Fitch. Mr. Fitch came to New-England in company with thirteen other youth, designed for the holy ministry. He spent some years at Hartford, engaged in preparatory studies. After his settlement at Saybrook, his talents drew several families from Hartford and Windsor to that town; but in 1660, agreeable to what has been related, he was induced with the greater part of his people to remove to Norwich. In that town he not only in- structed his own charge, but acquiring the knowledge of the Mo- heagan language, he instructed the Indians around him in the principles of Christianity, and exerted himself to dissuade them from their savage mode of life. A very high, and it is believed, a very just character, is given of him on his monument, which will communicate all the other particulars respecting him. whic\ 96 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; need to be related in this work. This, translated from the latin, is as follows : " In this grave are deposited the remains of that truly reverend man, Mr. JAMES FITCH. He was born at Bok- ing, in the county of Essex in England, the 24th of December, in the year of our Lord 1622. Who, after he had been most ex- cellently taught the learned languages, came into New-England, at the age of 16 ; and then spent seven years under the instruc- tion of those very famous men, Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone. Af- terwards he discharged the pastoral office fourteen years at Say- brook. Thence he removed with the greater part of his church to Norwich ; where he spent the other years of his life in the work of the ministry. In his old age indeed, he was obliged to cease from his public labours, by reason of bodily indisposition, and at length retired to his children, in Lebanon ; where, after spending nearly half a year, he slept in Jesus, in the year 1702, on the 18th of November, in the 80th year of his age." " He was a man, as to the smartness of his genius, the solidity of his judgment, his charity, holy labours, and every kind of pu- rity of life ; and also as to his skill and energy of preaching, in- ferior to none." Lessened in population and wealth by the emigration to Nor- wich, Say brook remained destitute until 1670, when the Rev. Thomas Buckingham was settled there. Mr. Buckingham was of Welsh extraction. His parents emigrated to Milford in this State in 1646, and he was born during their passage across the Atlantic. Whether he was educated privately by some of the New- England clergy, or went to Europe for an education is un- known ; nor is any direct information possessed respecting his talents or character. He was one of the founders and trustees of Yale-College, and exercised a general superintendence over it in the last years of his life, as it was then located at Saybrook. He was also a moderator of the Board which adopted the Say- brook Platform in 1708. He died in 1709. The Rev. Azariah Mather, a descendant of the Mather family, which furnished so many distinguished clergymen in the early periods of New-England, succeeded him in 1710. Mr. Mather had been a tutor of the College in Saybrook, and had enjoyed an opportunity to become acquainted with the peo- ple during his tutorship. Asa linguist he greatly excelled, and was an able divine. A sermon was published by him in latin, on being baptized for the dead. He was dismissed in 1732, and died in 1737. The Rev. William Hart, son of the Rev. John Hart of East- Guilford, happily united the people of Saybrook, and was or- dained their pastor in 1736. Mr. Hart was a gentleman of respectable talents, natural and Town of Saybrook. 97 acquired, was prudent and judicious in the management of his flock, and enjoyed to an uncommon degree, through a ministry of nearly thirty-eight years, their affection and esteem. In the course of his life, he published several occasional sermons and controversial pieces. In one of these pieces, he styled the pe- culiar sentiments of Dr. Hopkins, Hopkinsianism, which gave rise to that term, which is now so prevalent in our country. The Rev. Frederic W. Hotchkiss was ordained colleague with him in 1783, and is now his successor. The society or parish of Pautapoug, was incorporated in May 1722, and then included the society of Chester; but as the an- cient records of the church are destroyed, it is impossible to as- certain exactly when that was gathered. The Rev. Abraham Nott preached to the people from the in- corporation of the society, but was not ordained until Nov. 1725. Nothing is known respecting him, except the general fact, that he was a respectable clergyman. He died in 1756. The Rev. Stephen Holmes was constituted the pastor of Pau- tapoug by -installation, the next year. In connection with the various services of the ministry, he practised physic. He de- ceased in 1773. The Rev. Benjamin Dunning, who had been settled in Marl- borough, a pious and worthy man, succeeded him in 1776," and died in 1785. The Rev. Richard Ely was installed in Pautapoug, in 1786. He had been minister in North Bristol, a parish of Guilford, from June 7, 1757, until Aug. 1785. He performed public services generally, until the settlement of his colleague in 1804; soon after which he removed to Chester, and lived with his son, the late Dr. Richard Ely ; where he died in 1814, at the advanced age of 81 years. The Rev. Aaron Hovey, the colleague of Mr. Ely, is pastor in this parish at the present time. The incorporation of Westbrook took place in May 1 724, and the church was organized June 29, 1726, with 14 members. At that time the Rev. William Worthington was set over them in the Lord. Mr. Worthington was a man of agreeable and engaging man- ners, a worthy minister, greatly beloved by his brethren and all who knew him. He deceased in 1756, and was succeeded the next year, by the Rev. John Devotion. In the early part of his public life, Mr. Devotion entertained an unfavourable opinion of those sentiments, which are termed Calvinistic, but was more reconciled to them before his death, which took place suddenly, in 1802, from a fit of the apoplexy. He possessed a clear understanding, and was a good scholar. 98 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; The Rev. Thomas Rich was ordained in Westbrook in 1804 ; and dismissed in 1810. He was afterwards settled in Columbia in this State, but now resides in Massachusetts. The Rev. Sylvester Selden. the present minister in West- brook, was ordained in 1812. The inhabitants of Chester were invested with parish privi- leges, in Oct. 1740, and a church was formed among them, Sept. 15, 1742. Their first pastor was the Rev. Jared Harrison, who was or- dained at the time of the formation of the church. His connec- tion with them was dissolved, in 1751 : after which they were destitute eight years. The Rev. Simeon Stoddard, an amiable man, grandson of the venerable Mr. Stoddard of Northampton, was ordained in Ches- ter in 1759, and died in 1765. The Rev. Elijah Mason, who had been a settled minister in \Iarlborough, succeeded Mr. Stoddard in 1767, and died in 1770. The Rev. Robert Silliman, who had preached about thirty years, in that part of the original town of Norfolk, now called New Canaan, was installed in Chester in 1772. He died in his former parish, while on a visit to his friends in 1781, having sus- tained the reputation of a faithful minister. Th*e late Rev. Samuel Mills, was ordained in Chester in 1786. After leaving College, Mr. Mills was employed some time in ;.he business of keeping school. In the revolutionary war, he went into the army in the capacity of a lieutenant of horse ; where he received a wound from a cutlass, in the back of his neck, in an engagement with the British at Philadelphia. Dur- ing his ministry, as his stipend was too small to support a nu- merous family, he usually instructed a number of youth in his own house ; and thus rendered an important service to many persons in Chester and the vicinity. But his delight was in the things of the Kingdom of God. No man was more sensible oi the necessity and value of religious experience, more fond of meetings for conference and prayer, or took more delight in con- versing on the doctrines of grace, revivals of religion, and the efforts recently made hi Christendom for spreading the Gospel. The truths of the Bible he delivered to his people in public and private, with simplicity and plainness ; and having adorned them, by a humble, patient and prayerful life, he died in faith and hope. The Rev. Nehemiah B. Beardsley, his successor, was ordain- ed in the beginning of 1816. Individuals in Pautapoug had been attached to the principles of the church of England for a considerable time ; but were un- known as a society until about 1790. These have enjoyed oc- Town of Saybrook. 99 .'asionally the services of Mr. Blakesley of East-Hadclam, and of lome other clergymen. The Baptists, in the west part of this parish, arose as early as 1740, and were formed into a society about 1745. They have been joined by a few families from the neighbouring parishes. Aspluncl represents a church to have been organized among :hem in 1788 ; but it was probably organized previously to that time. The Baptists at Pautapoug Point arose in 1805, and their church was gathered June 18.1811, having 40 members. A few persons from the first parish in Killingworth, united with them, in July of the same year : but these held meetings by them- selves. In the account of Haddam it was noticed, that some families in Chester belong to the Baptists in Haddam Society. The Methodists must be considered as rising in Westbrook in 1816, though one or two families of that denomination lived there before. The children in this town were taught in a school, kept in Say- brook parish, for many years. Schools were set up within the bounds of the other parishes as soon as they were incorporated, and probably at earlier periods. There are now in the town 19 schools, 3 of which are in Saybrook parish, 8 in Pautapoug, 5 in Westbrook, and 3 in Chester. In addition to monies drawn from time to time from the treasury of the State, these schools have the benefit of a considerable fund, belonging to the inha- bitants, derived from various sources. Mr. Edward Lorey in his last will, dated June 17, 1689, gave to them 300 pounds, to be applied to the support of schooling. The Legislature, by an act passed in Oct. 1718, gave to them 50 pounds, for the same purpose, in consideration of the removal of the College. They also received another sum afterwards, accruing from the sale of Litchfield lands. A part of the legacy of Mr. Lorey was lost many years ago, by the reception of bills of credit from those who had borrowed it. The remainder was divided, in 1773 or 74, to the several parishes in the town, according to their list; and all the school-funds in the town are now given up to the parishes, to be used by them for the education of their children. Their whole amount is unknown. Pautapoug possesses $ 652 43. Reference has been repeatedly made in the preceding pages to Yale-College, as being several years in this town ; and it will be psoper, in this place, to relate some particulars respecting it. This was founded in the year 1700, by ten principal clergy- men in the Colony, designated for the purpose, by the general voice of their brethren and of the people. These met in Say- brook, Nov. 11. 1701, having received the patronage of the Le- 13 J0 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; gislature ; and drew up some rules for the instruction and go- vernment of the institution ; and appointed the Rev. Abraham Picrson of Killingworth, one of their body, to take the charge of it, under the character and title of rector. On the question of its location, they were not united ; but concluded that Say- brook would be the best situation for it for the present. As the population of the Colony was confined almost wholly to the vi- cinity of Connecticut river and of the Sound, there was no place then, where students could be more conveniently collected. They accordingly desired the rector to remove thither ; but un- til he could do that, consented that what students should offer themselves, might be instructed at Killingworth ; and they ap- pointed a tutor to assist him in his work. Several youth, who had been pursuing preparatory studies in the expectation of this seminary, came forward, were examined, and arranged in differ- ent classes, according to the proficiency which they had made. But the people of Killingworth were wholly unwilling that their pastor should be separated from them ; and of course the stu- dents were instructed in Killingworth, though the commence- ments were held at Saybrook, until the death of Mr. Pierson, in March 1707. The senior class was then removed to Milford, and put under ihe instruction of the Rev. Samuel Andrew, rector pro tempore ; while the other classes were removed to Saybrook, and put under the instruction of tutor Fiske, until commence- ment. After this, all the students were instructed at Saybrook by two tutors, and were peaceable and happy, making respec- table advances in science, until the winter of 1715 16 ; -when a serious and alarming disturbance arose among them. Na- thaniel Lynde Esq. had generously given a house on the Point, for the use of the college, so long as it should remain in Say- brook. But they complained of the settlement as not being suf- ficiently compact, many of them being obliged to reside more than a mile from the place of public exercises ; and of their in- struction and government, there being no resident rector, and the tutors sometimes very young and inexperienced. Those most dissatisfied, belonged to Hartford or the vicinity, where a strong desire prevailed to effect the removal of the college ; and it was supposed that they were instigated to the complaints which they made. In the month of April the trustees came together to con- sider the circumstances of the seminary, and were unhappily divided among themselves ; but gave leave to the scholars who wished for it, to repair to other places for instruction un- til commencement. At the succeeding session of the Legisla- ture, two of the trustees, without the consent or knowledge of heir brethren, petitioned that the college might be removed to Hartford. This surprising and ungentleman-like proceeding. Town of Saybroo/c. 101 caused passions, which had long been kindling, to burst forth ; and from this time until the permanent establishment of the college at New-Haven, the subject of its location, produced more de- bate and division in the Legislature, and in the Corporation, among civilians and clergymen, and the people at large, than al- most any other subject which has ever been agitated in Connec- ticut, In this state of the public mind, the inhabitants in different parts of the Colony, in the summer of 1716, subscribed large sums for the college ; in the hope of inducing the trustees to lo- cate it where it would best accommodate themselves. About 700 pounds sterling were subscribed, on condition of its being established at New-Haven 5 500 pounds to have it continued at Say brook ; and a considerable sum to have it removed to Hart- ford or Weathersfield. At a meeting of the trustees at New-Ha- ven in October, a vote was carried, " That considering the diffi- culties of continuing the collegiate school at Saybrook, and that New-Haven is a convenient place for it, for which the most li- beral donations are given, the trustees agree to remove the said school from Saybrook to New-Haven, and it is now settled at New-Haven accordingly." But notwithstanding this vote, some years elapsed before all the students could be collected at New- Haven ; and before the minds of all the trustees, and of the people generally, were united and quieted with respect to its establish- ment at that place. The feelings raised in the towns, most interested by this sub- ject, may be gathered from circumstances attending the removal of the library. An unsuccessful application having been made for this by some of the trustees, the Governor and council con- vened in Saybrook at their request, in Dec. 1718; and issued a warrant to the sheriff to go and take the books. When he got to the house where they were kept, he found men collected to resist him ; but calling assistance, he forcibly entered the house, took them, and had them secured by a guard through the night. In the morning it appeared, that the carts, provided for carrying them to New-Haven were broken, and the horses turned away. New provision being made, they were conducted out of the town by the major of the county ; but some of the bridges on the road were broken up, and when they arrived at New-Haven, it was discovered, on counting the books, that about 260 were wanting. These were disposed of by persons unknown, together with some valuable papers, in the confusion which arose at the taking of the library, and no discovery was made of them afterwards. But the college had still more than 1000 volumes, and its pros- pects again began to brighten. Fifteen commencements were held at Saybrook. At thesr i02 Statistical Account of Middlesex County; more than 60 young men were graduated, most of whom became ministers of the Gospel, and some of them characters of distin- guished usefulness and excellence. To educate young men of piety and talents for the holy mi- nistry in the churches in the Colony, was the leading design of this institution. It was therefore early regarded, by the found- ers and by others, as very desirable, that these churches should have a public standard or confession of faith ; agreeable to which the instruction of the college should be conducted. This, toge- ther with the importance of such a standard on other accounts, led to various measures, which resulted in the adoption of Say- brook Platform, after the commencement in 1708. The fort in this town, called usually Saybrook Fort, but some- times Fort Fenwick, however it may be regarded now, was for- merly a post of great importance. In this a garrison was con- stantly kept for a very long period, and it has usually been man- ned since in seasons of war and danger. It commands the entrance of Connecticut river. It was first built of wood, in front, or on the point of Tomb Hill. But as this, in some unaccountable manner, took fire in the winter of 1647, and was consumed, with some adjoining buildings, the fort was rebuilt soon after, of more substantial materials, and placed further north, on what was called New-Fort Hill. This, with some alterations, is the pre- sent fortification. A few days after this fort was begun, in 1636, a Dutch vessel arrived from New Netherlands, with a view of taking possession of the mouth of the river, and of laying the foundation of a set- tlement. The English having mounted two pieces of cannon, prevented their landing, and defeated the enterprize. About the time of the Pequot war, the fort saved the inhabitants of Say- brook from being cut off by the Indians ; and in the summer of 1675, prevented the surrendry of the town to Major Andross. Had there been a very small force stationed in it in April 1814, it would also have prevented the burning at Pautapoug Point. In regard to distinguished characters, the following may be noticed. Mr. Winthrop who began the settlement, was one of the great- est men of his age. He was born at Groton, in England ; was educated at the Universities of Cambridge and Dublin ; and af- terwards travelled through the principal countries of Europe ; acquiring a mass of information respecting those countries, and those accomplishments, which arise from an extended intercourse with polished society ; and what is much more to his honour, he maintained the unblemished morals of a puritan, in the midst of all the fascinations of the world. Coming to Massachusetts with his father, in 1631, he was elected into the magistracy. Having Toron of Saybrook. 103 i'elurned to Europe, he received from Lord Say and Seal and others, the commission mentioned in the beginning of this ac- count. Sometime after the fulfilment of this commission, having settled at New- London, he was successively elected to the of- fices of assistant, lieutenant-governor, and governor. Upon the accession of Charles II. to the throne of England, he was sent to manage the affairs of the Colony before the King ; and obtained the charter, which united New-Haven Colony with Connecticut, and which was the basis of the government of Connecticut, thus enlarged, for more than a century and a half. After his return from this mission, be was placed again for many years at the head of the Colony. He died at Boston, whither he had gone to attend a meeting of the Commissioners of the United Colo- nies, April 5, 1676, in the 71st year of his age; where he was honourably interred in the same tomb with his father ; in which also his son, the Hon. Fitz John Winthrop, another governor of Connecticut, was afterwards interred. Mr. David Gardiner, who had been procured to superintend the building of the fort, and who afterwards commanded the gar- rison, was a gentleman of respectability and worth. About 1639, he removed to Manchanoc, now Gardiner's island, and .'/as the first English inhabitant within the present limits of '.he State of New- York. He resided several years in East- Hampton, on Long-Island, which was settled soon after he left Saybrook; where he was frequently chosen a magistrate, and where he transacted public business until his death, in 1663. His son, David Gardiner jr., was born at Saybrook April 29, 1636, and is supposed to have been the first white child, born in the county. George Fenwick Esq. who came to this town in 1639, was ' a worthy pious gentleman, and of a good family and estate." Before he sold the jurisdiction of Saybrook, he was generally known and greatly respected in New-England, and held a seat in the board of Commissioners for the United Colonies, as being the head of Saybrook settlement. Afterwards, he was elected into the Council of Connecticut, and represented at the same board ,1 Colony instead of a town. His wife was Lady Anne Botcler or Butler, the daughter of an English nobleman, who retained her maiden name. She died in 1648, and about that time he return- ed to England, where he was appointed one of the judges for the trial of Charles I. He deceased in March 1657, probably at Sussex, as his will was there proved. In this, he bequeathed 500 pounds to the public use of New-England, on condition that his friend Governor Hopkins, (who was then in England,) should ap- prove of it, to be used in that way which he should direct. But as Mr. Hopkins, died a day or two before him, his approbation 104 ' Statistical Account of Middlesex County; was impossible, and so the bequest was lost. But the will itself, expressed his benevolent affections, particularly to his friends in America. Capt. John Mason who had commanded the successful expe- dition against the Pequots, removed from Windsor to this town, at the request of the inhabitants in 1647, and was constituted commander of the fort. He was also " authorized to govern all the soldiers and inhabitants of the town ; to call them forth and put them in such array, as should be necessary for the general defence of the country." In 1660, he removed with Mr. Fitch and others, and settled Norwich ; where he died in 1672 or 73, in the 73d year of his age. Besides his military employments, he was an assistant in the Colony from 1642 to 1660, and thence- forward lieutenant-governor until 1670. He was a gentleman of great courage and prudence, and of unblemished morals. The Hon. Robert Chapman, ancestor of the Chapmans in Say- brook, East-Haddam, and other parts of the State, came to Bos- ton in the autumn of 1635, and thence, the following spring, to this town, where he spent his days. While Col. Fenwick re- mained in the country he was one of his particular friends and confidants, and among other services was employed by him in purchasing Manchanoc of the Indians. In connection with civil offices in the town, he held the station of an assistant from 1681 to 1685. In the near view of death, which took place in Oct. 1687, he wrote an address to his children, giving them his part- ing counsel. In this, after relating the religious exercises of his own mind, and making some observations on the state of the church, he exhorted them, (who were all professors of religion,) to examine well the reasons of their hope, to rely upon Christ, and to follow diligently every good work. Mr. John Tully was born in the parish of Horley, in the county of Surry, near London, about 1639, and came to this town when a lad. From the instructions and libraries of a few gentlemen in Saybrook, he became acquainted with several branches of science, and was afterwards a teacher of arithme- tic, navigation and astronomy. The almanacks published in New-England from 1681 to 1702 were composed by him. The last was printed at Boston after his death, which occurred Oct. 5, 1701. He had the reputation of an intelligent and serious man. The Hon. Samuel Lynde, son of Nathaniel Lynde Esq. whose generosity to the college, while it remained in Saybrook, ha? been noticed, received his education principally under rector Pierson at Killingworth. There he made those improvements, which laid a foundation for his eminence and usefulness. From 1724 until 1729, he was a justice of the quorum, and from the Town of Saybrook. 1 Oa latter year until 1752, judge of the county court for New-Lon- don county; thence till his death, in 1754, he was a judge of the superior court. For twenty-lour years also, he held a seat in the Council. A manuscript from Saybrook, declares him to have been " a gentleman much respected for his talents and piety, a civil and religious father among the people." Mr. David Bushnell, the ingenius inventor of the American Tur- tle, was a native of the parish of Westbrook. At the age of about thirty, he became a member of Yale-College, where he made uncommon improvements in mathematical science. In the last year of his Collegiate life, in 1775, he invented the machine just named, for the purpose of annoying the British shipping, which cruised upon our shores in the revolutionary war. Seve- ral other machines were invented by him for the same purpose. These gave him a very high reputation as a mechanical genius : but their effect upon the British vessels, in most instances in which they were used, consisted in terror and alarm, rather than in real injury. About 1777, having been recommended by Pre- sident Stiles, Gen. Parsons and other literary characters, hewa.s appointed captain of a company of sappers and miners, and in that capacity served through the war. Upon the cessation oi hostilities, he returned to Westbrook, settled his domestic con- cerns, and then sailed, as was supposed, for France: since which nothing certain has been heard concerning him, but the presump- tion is that he died many years ago. Mr. Bushnell was a man of very unassuming manners, reserv- ed in his conversation, keeping all his plans to himself, and ex .:mplary as a professor of the Christian religion. All the parishes in this town have been blessed with revival? of religion. From a revival which spread in Chester in 1803. 46 persons were added to the Congregational church in that pa- rish, and some to the Baptist church in the west part of Pauta- poug. From another revival in 1814, the same Congregational church, received an addition of 17 members. From a powerful revival which extended through Saybrook parish, Westbrook and also the two parishes of Killingworth and the parish of East- Guilford, in the winter of 1809 and 10, more than 70 were added to the church in Saybrook, and 60 to the church in Westbrook. A less extensive revival spread in Westbrook in 1816, which re- sulted in the admission of 24 to the church. Twenty were ga- ihered into the Congregational church in Pautapoug from a re- vival in 1814. In the parishes in this town, as well as in other parishes in the -"ountv. there are female charitable associations, STATISTICAL ACCOUNT TOWN OF KILLINGWORTH THIS Town is bounded by the Sound, on the south ; by Guil- ford, or rather by Hammonnasset river, on the west-, by Dur- ham and Haddam, on the north ; and by Saybrook, on the east- It is from 10 1-2 to 13 miles long; from the Sound, 10 1-2 miles northward, its medium breadth is about 4 miles ; and thence for- ward 2 1-2. Its area is about 30,880 acres. It comprizes two parishes ; the first of which is usually called by the name of the town : the second is called North-Killingworth. In Oct. 1663, the Legislature resolved that there should be a town at Hammonnasset ; (this Indian name being then applied to the tract now constituting Killingworth, as well as to the river on its western border,) and the same month twelve planters moved into it. These were joined by sixteen others, in the course of two or three years ; and the town was divided into 30 rights, one right being reserved for the first minister that should be set- tled there, and another for the support of the ministry for ever. The names of the settlers and proprietors, were as follows, viz. JohnMeigs, Bryan Rosseter, John Rosseter, George Chatfield. Nathaniel Parmale, Thomas Stevens, William Stevens and Ben- jamin Wright, from Guilford ; William Kelsey, John Kelsey and Joseph Willcox, or Willcoxson, from Hartford ; Edward Gris- wold, from Saybrook ; Josias Hull, from the county of Barnsta- ble, Mass. ; Henry Farnum and Eleazer Isbel, from Long- Island ; Samuel Buel from Wales ; William Barber, from Eng- land ; and Matthew Allen, Henry Crane, Jonathan Dummer, Jo- seph Hand, William Heyden, John Hodge, John Nettleton, Tho- mas Smith, William Wellman, Jonas Westover and-Robert Wil- liams. The settlement began to the left of the stage road, from Ham- Town of Killingworth. 107 inonnasset bridge to Killingworth meeting-house, and thence spread east and north. Bryan Rossiter and John Meigs, who had left Guilford in consequence of disturbances which followed the removal of Mr. Higginson, returned to that town upon the peaceable settlement of Mr. Elliot in 1664. But their places were soon filled by others. Ananias Turner and Andrew Ward moved into Killingworth as early as 1670. Robert Lane, from Derbyshire in England, and the ancestors of the Merrills and Rutty families were also early settlers. Robert Carter from Bristol, in England, became an inhabitant about 1700, and Ebe- nezer Kurd, from Waterbury in this State, about 1706. The Morgans in this town, are from Groton, and the Hillyards, from Stonington. The settlement in North-Killingworth began in 1716. The first settlers in this parish, were Isaac Kelsey Esq., Dea. Josiah Hull, Dea. Joseph Willcox, Dea. Daniel Buel, John Willcox, Joseph Griswold, Nathaniel Parmelee, Ebenezer Hull, Samuel Stevens and Edward Rutty. These were all from the first parish in the town. Solomon Davis, Timothy Chittenden and Theo- philus Redfield soon united with them ; but from what places they emigrated, is not known. James Hill, David Blatchley and Bezaliel Bristol, moved into this place from Guilford about 1750. The Graves and Hams families are from Saybrook. The plantation in this town was called the plantation at Ham- inonnasset, and the plantation between Saybrook and Guilford, until May 1667. At that time, the place was named Kenil- joorth, after a town in the county of Warwick in England, from which, according to tradition, some of the settlers at first emi- grated. The name is thus spelt in the early records both of the town and colony; but by corrupt spelling or pronunciation, the present name was finally adopted. On the 26th of Jan. 1686, the Assembly granted to the in- habitants of this town, the lands north of their bounds and of the bounds of Guilford, and west of Haddam, up to Coginchaug swamp, except such lands within these limits as were included in previous grants. These lands, thus granted, together with the lands previously possessed, were confirmed to them by a patent, given in Oct. 1703 : but the jurisdiction of the tract granted in 1686, was surrendered to Durham, by agreement, in June 1708. The Indians were very numerous in the southern part of this town, on the banks of Hammonnasset and Indian rivers, and about the harbour. Immense masses of mouldering shells still point out the places where they dwelt. Most of their lands were sold to Col. Fenwick, while he lived at Saybrook. On the 20th of November, 1669, Uncas, sa- chem of Moheagan, with Joshua, his son, sold to the inhabitant^ 14 108 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; of Killingworth, all the lands in the township, which he had not before sold to George Femvick, Esq. excepting six acres on the big hammock, (which lay on the eastern shore of the harbour,) reserving, however, free liberty to hunt in the woods and fish in the rivers, and to use any trees for canoes, and rushes and flags for mats. The reason of these sales' being made by the sachem of Moheagan, was this, that after the war with the Pequots, in which he assisted, he claimed the lands which had belonged to (hat nation, and to those who were tributary to them. The In dians lived in this town in great numbers until 1730 or 40. The south, and particularly the south-western section of Kil- lingworth parish is level, having a soil formed of loam, sand and occasionally of gravel, which by good husbandry is rendered very productive. Northeast and north from this, the land is gravelly and hilly. .This is true of almost all the land in North- Killingworth, which is better fitted for grazing, than for grain and corn. The principal hills in the town, are Long-Hill, Horse- Hill, Cow-Hill and Chesnut-HilK Hammonnasset river, which has been already noticed, is prin- cipally valuable for a few mill-seats which it furnishes. It has its sources in Durham ; but receives a considerable branch, which rises near the borders of Haddam. Indian river, the only other stream in this town deserving no^ uce, except Menunketesuck, which was described in the account of Saybrook, rises in Cedar swamp in North-Killingworth, runs through the center of Killingworth parish, and uniting with the Hammonnasset, forms Killingworth harbour. This harbour is a mile below Killingworth street. It is safe from winds and has good anchorage ; but a bar lies at its en irance, on which there is only eight feet of water in common tides. Shad were formerly caught here in abundance : it now fur- nishes a supply of shell-fish for the inhabitants of the town, and of the eastern part of Guilford, and its oysters are of a very fine flavour. One half of this harbour belonged to Killingworth, and one half to Guilford until Dec. 1790. At an adjourned session of the Legislature, held at that time, it was enacted, " that a line run- ning from the mouth of Dudley's creek, in Hammonnasset river. 50 degrees, 10 minutes east, to West Rock, (so called,) upon tm Sound, being 216 rods, should be the dividing line between Kil- lingworth and Guilford." This threw the whole of the harbour, and a point of land east of said line into Killingworth : but i; was provided, that this act should not prevent the town of Guil- ford from regulating the fisheries of clams and oysters, as full) *s though this act had not been passed. Killingworth street is very pleasant. It is a mile and a Town of Killingworth. 1(W half in length, 6 rods wide, and is crossed about midway by Indian river. On meeting-house hill, immediately east of this river, it appears with great advantage. Here is also a fine view of the harbour and of the Sound. The prospect from the steeple is more extensive and beautiful. On this street there are 65 dwell ing-houses, and 109 arc in the village. Here are several mer- chant stores and here most of the business in the town is trans- acted. A few coasting vessels are owned by the inhabitants. The emigrations from this town have been numerous. Of the first settlers, the nine whose names are printed in italics, have no descendants here at the present time. Several families \vithin a few years have removed to Bergen, in the State of New- York. No inhabitant of Killingworth has ever been convicted of a capital offence : but a woman in the north part of the town, in a state of delirium, killed three of her children, Oct. 14, 1779, by cutting their throats with a knife ; and would have killed herself, in the same dreadful manner, had she not been stayed at the mo- ment, by the interference of her husband. A forge was formerly improved on Menunketesuck river, in the south-eastern part of North-Killingworth. In this for a sea- son iron was made from black sand. On this stream, within the same parish a woollen factory wa* erected in 1814. In this, wool has been consumed at the rate of 6000 pounds a year. Shipbuilding was begun in this town about the beginning of the last century by Mr. Robert Carter ; and for many years thi? has been a leading branch of business. Three yards are im- proved, which are all on Indian river. The inhabitants of Killingworth were encouraged to settle in church order by the General Assembly, in Oct. 1667. A church was formed among them soon after, and the Rev. John Wood- bridge ordained their pastor. Mr. Woodbridge was dismissed in 1679, and re-settled the same year, in Weathersfield. Cotton Mather ranks him among the most excellent clergymen of Connecticut. But the effect of his dismission was unhappy upon the people of Killingworth. They fell into divisions, and no minister was settled among them until 1694. At that time, the Rev. Abra- ham Pierson, afterwards rector of the College, was sent to them as an angel of peace. Under his ministry their divisions were healed, and they remained united and happy during his life. Mr. Pierson was the son of the Rev. Abraham Pierson, for some time minister in Yorkshire, in England, then at Southamp- ton, Long-Island, then at Branford, in this State, and afterwards at Newark, New-Jersey. The subject of this sketch, was born 110 Statistical Account of Middlesex County; during his father's continuance at Branford, was educated at Hai vard College, and was settled colleague with his father in the church at Newark, where he remained sole teacher some years after his father's death. At Killingworth he was not only a great blessing, as a preacher of the Gospel, but as rector of the college. This he instructed and governed with general appro- bation : he also composed for the students a system of natural philosophy, which they recited for many years. But as effort? were made to induce him to remove to Saybrook, his people be- came uneasy on that subject, and were unwilling that he should act as rector. At a town-meeting, held Nov. 7, 1706, he sent to them a request in behalf of the trustees, that they would allow the college to remain in Killingworth under his care. They voted they were not willing it should remain there as it had been. He dreaded a separation from them, as he had lived among them in love and harmony, and yet his heart was strongly attached to the college. Circumstances therefore, were prepar- ing the way for a decision of the question, whether he should be rector only and so remove to Saybrook, or remain in his pas- toral relation at Killingworth, when he sickened and died, in March 1707. lii regard to his person, he was above a middling stature, was fleshy and well favoured : as a Christian he was charitable and pious ; in preaching, he excelled ; and by his talents and cha- racter, was excellently qualified for the station to which he was advanced. " He was a hard student, a good scholar, a great di- vine, and a wise, steady and judicious man in all his conduct.'' The same affection which he had all along exercised towards his people, displayed itself in the closing scenes of life. While some of the elders of the church were standing around his dy- ing bed, he earnestly advised them to procure Mr. Jared Elliot, who had been educated under him, to be his successor, whom he judged likely to become a pious, steady and useful minister. The advice was followed, and Mr. Elliot was called to the pasto- ral office the next June, though from a diffidence in his abilities to discharge so great a trust, he was not ordained till two years after. How correct and how useful the rector's advice was. will be best illustrated by a sketch of Mr. Elliot's life. He was the eldest son of the Rev. Joseph Elliot, a worthy minister of the neighbouring town of Guilford, whose pious and pithy letter to his brother at Roxbury, recently published in se- veral periodical works, has brought his excellencies afresh to re- membrance ; and grandson of the famous John Elliot of Rox- bury, whose holy evangelical labours, particularly among the In- dians, secured to him the title of the apostle John. The sub- ject of this sketch, possessed a liberal portion of those excellencies Town of Killing-worth. Ill by which his ancestors were distinguished, while in some re- spects he evidently surpassed them. His early progress in literature was not rapid, but what he once acquired he never lost ; and the solid rather than brilliant qualities of his mind, accompanied by the goodness of his dis- position and the regularity of his life, induced his sagacious in- structor to form the opinion of his future excellence, which has been related. As he applied himself more and more to study, his mind improved in quickness of apprehension as well as in strength, and he at length acquired a greatness and excellence rarely surpassed, at least in our country. He had the singular talent of applying himself to a variety of employments, to di- vinity, to physic, and to various branches of literature, without disorder, and though his acquisitions in nothing were as great as they probably would have been, if his attention had not been thus divided, yet they were very respectable and in some things eminent. There are three points of light in which Mr. Elliot may be ad- vantageously viewed ; as a divine, a physician, and a scholar. ,As a divine, he possessed enlarged views of the system of re- ligion contained in the Scriptures, and held the doctrines gene- rally believed by the divines of New-England. In his preach- ing he was plain and familiar, happy in allusions to Scripture, -ind abounding in original and laconic expressions. As a physician, he was well versed in the science of medicine, and very extensively employed, not only in his own town, but for many years in the neighbouring places ; and such was his re- putation, that he was sometimes called out of the colony. In attending the sick, he was careful not to lose the character of a minister in that of a physician, but intermingled with prescriptions for the body, advice and instruction for the soul. The standing of Mr. Elliot as a divine and physician, pre- .supposes an extensive acquaintance with literature. In history, natural philosophy, bolany and mineralogy he excelled. Nor did his knowledge rest in speculation : he was eminently a prac- tical man. By several small treatises, he laboured to improve the agriculture of his country. Some considerations had led him to believe that the black sand, which appears occasionally on the beach of the Sound might be wrought into iron. He made an experiment upon it in the year 1761 and succeeded. For this discovery, he was honoured with a medal, by the Society in- stituted in London for the encouragement of arts, manufactures ind commerce. Mr. Elliot was fond of society ; and by a pleasant and socia- ble temper, connected with his various talents, was eminently qualified to secure and entertain friends. His acquaintances and U2 Statistical Account of Middlesex County; correspondents were numerous. Among these were Dr. Frank lin, and Dr. Berkley, Bishop of Cloyne. By his representa- tions, and those of a few others, the latter gentleman was led to make extensive benefactions to that institution, whose instruc- tion Mr. Elliot had shared, and with which for thirty-two years he was connected in the capacity of a trustee. In charities he abounded. Much of his practice was perform- ed gratuitously. But while he scattered he increased. Wise in his calculations, he acquired a large landed estate, which laid the foundation for the wealth of a numerous family. Notwithstanding his numerous avocations and employment:,, he was preserved by the blessing of God upon a firm constitu- tion to a good old age, steadily advancing the happiness of all around him. For more than forty years, he never failed of preaching at home or abroad a part of every sabbath. He died in 1763, and was succeeded in the charge at Killingworth, the next year, by the Rev. EliphaletHuntington. Mr. Huntington was strongly attached to the doctrines ol grace, and a warm and zealous preacher. He fell a victim to the small pox, in 1777. His successor was the late reverend and beloved Achilles Mansfield ; a gentleman distinguished for mild and pleasant manners, for uniformity and sweetness of disposition, and for the patient endurance of afflictions. He also possessed a liberal share of ministerial gifts and graces. For several years he was a fellow of Yale-College. The pastor of the church in Killingworth at this time, is the Rev. Hart Talcott. The inhabitants of North-Killingworth, though several years contemplating it, were not formed into a distinct parish until May 1735. In Jan. 18, 1738, fifty persons who had been members of the first church in the town, were formed into a new church, and the Rev. William Seward was at the same time constituted their pastor. Mr. Seward was the son of Dea. William Seward of Durham. His natural talents were good ; and though he spent a portion oi his time in manual labour, his acquisitions were respectable. As he preached without notes in the latter part of his life, his sermons may not have possessed all the correctness they would, if they had been written ; but they were replete with sound evan- gelical instruction. Having a deep sense of the value of truth in his own soul, he laboured to bring his people to understand and practise it. To all these he was a father, and friend ; from them he received continually the expressions of affection and es- teem ; and had abundant occasion through life, to rejoice in their regular religions habits. After a ministry of forty-four year*. Town of Killingworth. i 1 3 iie fell asleep, and entered, as there is good reason to believe, into the joys of his Lord. The Rev. Henry Ely was ordained in this place in 1782, and dismissed in 1801. His successor, the Rev. Josiah B. Andrews, was ordained in 1802, and dismissed in 1811. Divisions growing out of events which attended the dismission of these two clergymen, both of whom are still living, rendered the prospects of this parish gloomy for a season. But the minds of the people became gradually tranquil, and they are now unit- ed and happy under the ministry of the Rev. Asa King, who was for some years settled in the town of Pomfret. A few individuals professed themselves Episcopalians in Kil- lingworth 40 or 50 years ago ; but they kept up meetings only for a short period. In 1800, an Episcopal society was formed in North-Killing- worth and the adjoining parish of North- Bristol, in Guilford, which includes all the Episcopalians in those two parishes. This had only two families at first, from North-Killingworth ; but it has now thirty or forty. The society is a part of the cure of the Rev. David Baldwin of Guilford. Some families from the two parishes in this town belong to the Baptisls who meet for worship in the west part of Pautapoug. Some also in the village of Killingworth, who embraced the Baptist sentiments in 1806, connected themselves with the Bap- tists at Pautapoug Point in July 1811. as was noticed in the ac- count of Saybrook. A few Methodist families in the northern part of the town, be- long to the Methodist Society in Haddam : a few also attend meat- ing in North-Bristol. From a revival which prevailed in North-Killingworth in 1 801 and 2, a very considerable addition was made to the church. From an extensive revival which spread through this town, and some adjoining places in the winter of 1809 10, about 40 were brought into the communion of the church in Killingworth parish, ind 51 into the communion of the church in North-Killingworth. STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OP THE TOWN OF DURHAM. THIS Town is from 5 1-2 to 6 1-2 miles long, irom east to west. and 4 miles broad, and comprizes about 15,360 acres. It is bounded by Killingworth and Guilford, on the south ; by Wal- lingford, on the west; by Middletown, on the north; and by Haddam, on the east. That portion of it, known by the name of Haddam Quarter, formerly belonged to Haddam ; and the whole of it was supposed to belong to the neighbouring towns, until they were surveyed ; when a tract was found to be left. This was small for a distinct plantation ; and does not appear to have been contemplated with that view for a long period : but many lots or farms in it, were granted by the Legislature to per- sons who had performed important services for the Colony. In this way, more than 5000 acres became the property of indivi- duals, before any settlement was made. These grants proved unfavourable to the settlement of the town, for the grantees were widely dispersed in Connecticut ; and were so situated, most of them, that they could not remove and occupy their rights ; or that they did not wish to alienate them. The large grant to Killingworth, in 1686, described in the account of that town, was still more unfavourable. In 1698, however, David Seward from Guilford moved into the town, and some of his neighbours contemplated following him. The next spring therefore, a petition was presented to the Le- gislature, signed by thirty-one inhabitants of that town, that there might be a plantation at Coginchaug, the Indian name of Dur- ham. This was urged on the ground that Coginchaug was so far from other settlements, that the people could not go to them for public worship. The petition was granted, and soon after a >ifp wos selected for a meeting-house on a hill in the southern Town of Durham. 116 part of the town, which from that circumstance is called meet- ing-house hill to this day. But very few of the peiitioners left Guilford, and no plantation was immediately formed. In May 1704, the proprietors of farms at Coginchaug, be- sought the Assembly for some act, which should encourage a settlement at that place. In answer to this, the Assembly de- creed, or rather proposed, that the proprietors should give up one fourth part of their farms, and that the part thus given up, with the common lands should be laid out in lots, for such per- sons as should offer themselves for inhabitants. The Assembly also proposed to the people of Killingworth to do the same, with respect to the tract granted to them, (for the idea of annex- ing that to a settlement at Coginchaug had already occurred,) and it was provided, on condition of their consenting to this, that they should have the privilege of appointing from among themselves, their proportion of a committee to lay out the lots. At the same time it was enacted, that the plantation at Cogin- chaug should be called Durham. These proposals were accepted, and settlers came in from various places ; who, in May 1708, were favoured with a pa- tent, confirming to them all the lands in the township. The number of adult male inhabitants at that time, was thirty- four, most of whom were heads of families. Their names were as follow, viz. Caleb Seward, David Seward, Joseph Seward, David Robinson and Joel Parmelee, from Guilford ; the Rev. Nathaniel Chauncey, Isaac Chauncey, Robert Coe, Joseph Coe, Samuel Fairchild, James Curtis, Jehiel Hawley and Benjamin Baldwin, from Stratford ; Richard Beach and Benjamin Beach, supposed to have been from the same place; James Baldwin, Samuel Camp, William Roberts, Samuel Sanford and Thomas Wheeler, from Milford ; Joseph Gaylord, Joseph Gaylord, Jr. John Gaylord, Joseph Hickcox and Stephen Hickcox, from Wa- terbury; Joseph Norton and Samuel Norton, from Saybrook; John Sutliff and Nathaniel Sutliff, from Deerfield; James Wads- worth, from Farmington ; Jonathan Wells, from Hatfield ; Hen- ry Crane, from Killingworth ; Hezekiah Talcott, from Hartford ; and Ezekiel Buck, from Weathersfield. Directly after they received their patent, these settlers pur- chased of the inhabitants of Killingworth, the jurisdiction of the tract granted to them, for which they gave them the fee of GO acres of land. They were very early joined by John Norton, from Saybrook, by the ancestors of the Lymans, Parsonses and Strongs, from Northampton; of the Newtons, Guernseys, Tibbalses, Mer- wins andCanfields, from Milford ; of the Pickets, from Stratford ; of the Bateses, from Haddam ; and of the Hulls from Killing- 15 116 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ,* worth. In later periods, families have settled in the town, b> the name of Hall, Hart, Bishop and Scranton, from Guilford; of Smith and Johnson, from Middletown, of Chalker and Love- land from Saybrook, and of Butler, from Branford. As early as 1723, John Sutliff, Nathaniel Sutliff, and probably some others from Durham, settled on Haddam-Quarter. Per- sons also from other towns settled on this tract. These had the consent of the people of Haddam, that they might attend public worship in Durham ; and in Oct. 1773, the Quarter was annex- ed to this toxvn. There is no evidence that the Indians ever dwelt in Durham in any considerable numbers, or for long periods ; but they re- sorted to it occasionally for the purpose of hunting. They were however regarded as the rightful owners of the soil, and their title was purchased by Samuel Wyllys and others, on the 24th of Jan. 1672, at the same time that a purchase was made of lands in Middletown. This is a good farming township, and the inhabitants are em ployed, almost universally, in the cultivation of the earth. They formerly raised wheat in large quantities for market. They now raise good crops of rye, corn, oats, flax, &c. The town also is very pleasant. The principal settlement is on the road which runs through it from north to south, on ground moderately elevated, descending to the right and left. Imme- diately to the right, is a large tract of low land, and then a tract of higher land, extending to Wallingford Mountains. On the left is an interval, east of which, the land rises into hills, as it does also in the southern part of the township. The tract of low land, was called by the Indians Coginchaug, or the long swamp, and from this the name was applied to the township. This is generally cleared, and yields a large quantity of coarse grass. The tract might be rendered valuable by more effectual draining. The largest stream in Durham, is that which rises at the foot of Bluff Head in Guilford, runs north through the swamp just named, and passes into Middletown ; in the account of which it is described. This receives one or two brooks from the west on its passage through this place, and also Allen's brook from the east. In the northeast corner of the town is Miller's Pond, a mile in circumference. This is the source of Miller's brook, which runs into Middletown. At the southwest corner, partly in this town, is Pistapog Pond. This is remarkable, as containing within its limits, in a single monument, the corner boundary oi four towns, viz. Durham, Guilford, Branford and Wallingford. This is a mile long and half a mile wide, and sends forth a small stream, which runs through Branford arid East-Haven, into thr Sound. Both these ponds furnish small fish. Town of Durham. 11? There is a quarry of free stone in Haddam-Quarter, from which stone have been taken to a limited extent for 70 or 80 years. The first white child born in this town was Ephraim Seward, son of Mr. Seward, the first settler, He was born Aug. 6, 1 700 ; and died in 1780. In 1756, there were 799 inhabitants in Durham, exclusive oi Haddam-Quarter, in which there may have been 100 or 150 more. In 1774, there were 1076, and in 1810, 1101. The reason that there has been no more increase of popula- tion for many years is, that individuals and families have re- moved almost perpetually to other places. Many of the early settlers of the town have no descendants here at the present iime, or none who bear their names. Some of the people re moved to Granville, in Massachusetts, about 1750, some to San dersfield about 1765, and some to West-Stockbridge and Rich- mond, about 1786. Some removed to Durham in the State of New- York about 1788; some to Whitestown about 1796. and others at more recent periods have gone to New-Connec- ticut. The inhabitants of Durham made early provision for the en joyment of the worship and ordinances of the Lord ; and it is a remarkable fact, that they are now enjoying, after the lapse oi considerably more than a century, the labours of their third mi- nister. In May 1706, the Rev. Nathaniel Chauncey was pro- cured to preach to them. He remained with them as a candi- date until Feb. 7, 1711, when he was ordained their pastor. Mr. Chauncey was the son of the Rev. Israel Chauncey of Stratford, and grandson of the Rev. Charles Chauncey, presi- dent of Harvard College. He received his education in Con- necticut, and was the first person on whom the honours of Yale- College were conferred, having never been graduated at any other seminary. Through the agency of a friend in England, he pur- chased a very large and valuable library, and thus provided the means of gratifying his love of reading and study, of enlarging his views, and of rendering himself more extensively useful. Through life he was regarded as a man of wisdom and pru- dence, as a good scholar, and as an able divine. His sermons were wholly written, but he never carried his notes into the desk, unless in quite the latter part of his days ; and of course he was in the habit of preaching from memory. His elocution was distinct, and his addresses grave and pungent. In his fami- ly and among his people, in all the relations and duties of life, his conduct was such as becomes the Gospel. After a ministry of almost fifty years, including the time of his services as a can- didate, he descended to the grave, greatly lamented. The Rev c 118 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; Mr. Todd of East-Guilford, preached a sermon on the occasion of his death, and drew his character with the affection of a friend, and the faithfulness of a historian. The Rev. Elizur Goodrich, D. D. succeeded him in the autumn of 1756, and like him possessed a distinguished and excellent character. Dr. Goodrich was both a graduate and tutor of Yale-College. After settling in Durham, he had the use of the important libra- ry of his predecessor. As this consisted of books generally written in Latin, he read extensively in that language. He was also well versed in Greek, and excelled in Hebrew. As a mathematician he had few equals, and probably no superiors in our country. He was indeed a sound and general scholar. As a minister of the Gospel, few understood better the evidences of Christianity, or were more able to defend the Bible as a revela- tion from heaven. In preaching he dwelt principally upon the more common subjects of faith and morals, because he judged them to be the most useful. In prayer his mouth was filled with arguments, especially on sudden and affecting occasions. In connection with his official and stated services, he fitted many young men for a public education, and superintended others in pursuing studies, preparatory to the ministry. In cases of diffi- culty he was abundantly consulted by his brethren, and by the neighbouring churches ; and he uniformly employed his talents and influence in the promotion of order and peace. x In 1776, he was elected a fellow of Yale-College, and ever after had an extended and happy influence in the management of the affairs of that important institution. On " Nov. 1 7, 1 797, he set out from his house on an annual visit to the Collegiate lands in the county of Litchfield. The following Sabbath he preached at Litchfield, and on Monday rode to Norfolk. He lodged at the house of Capt. Titus Ives, and went to bed in his usual health and cheer- fulness. In the morning he rose early, and having partly dress- ed himself, fell upon the floor in an apoplectic fit and expired, in the 64th year of his age and 42d of his ministry. His remains were brought to Durham the succeeding Saturday, and followed to the grave by his family, church and congregation, and a nu- merous concourse of strangers." President Dwight delivered an appropriate and affecting discourse on the occasion, which is now in the hands of the public. The eldest son of Dr. Good- rich, was the Hon. Chauncey Goodrich, the late respected and excellent lieutenant-governor of this State. The Rev. David Smith is pastor of the church in Durham at the present time. A few Methodists arose in this town in 1 802. In 1 803, a por- tion of the people were formed into an Episcopal society, and Town of Durham. some have declared themselves by certificates to be strict or re- formed Congregationalists. But no denomination beside the Congregational, holds meetings constantly on the sabbath, ex- cept the Methodist. There is only one school district in this town, though schools are taught in five different places. But one school appears to have been kept until Dec. 1737, when the people on the west side of Coginchaug swamp were allowed to have a school. One was set up soon after at the north end of the town. Mr. Ebenezer Robinson, who died Oct. 10, 1789, gave a lega- cy for the benefit of a school in the center of Durham, provided it should be kept 1 1 months annually. This consists partly of money and partly of land, and amounts to about 400 dollars. The following distinguished characters must be noticed. Col. James WadsWorth, one of the first settlers, was bred a lawyer, and though it is not likely that he was ever extensively employed in that capacity, yet he was called to various public services. The people of Durham gave him almost all the offices at their disposal ; and when his abilities and worth came to be generally known, he was honoured repeatedly by appointments from the Colony. He was the first justice of the peace in the town, and had the command of the first military company at its formation. Upon the organization of the militia in 1 739, he was constituted colonel of the 10th regiment. For a time he was justice of the quorum for the county of New-Haven. From 1718 until 1751, he was an assistant. In May 1724, he was ap- pointed with several other gentlemen, to hear and determine all matters of error and equity, brought on petition to the General Assembly, and from 1725 until he left the Council, was one of the judges of the Superior Court. In fulfilling the public duties assigned him, ability and integrity were alike conspicuous ; while an exemplary attendance upon the worship and ordinances of the Lord, gave a peculiar dignity to his character. He died in Jan. 1756, aged 78. Col. Elihu Chauncey, son of the Rev. Mr. Chauncey, was an upright, useful and worthy man. For a very long period he was connected with the county court in New-Haven county, either as a justice of the quorum or as judge ; and for forty years, with scarcely an exception, he represented the town in the General Assembly, He died in April 1791, aged 81. Gen. Phinehas Lyman, an officer in the second French war, was born in Durham, but I am not sufficiently acquainted with his history to give his character ; and as he removed from the town after completing his education, it does not so properly be- long to this work. The late Gen. James Wadsworth, was son of James Wads- 120 Statistical Account of Middlesex County* worth Esq., and grandson of Col. Wadsworth, whose character has just been related. He was graduated at Yale-College in 1748 ; and settling in his native town, was soon advanced in milita- ry life ; and afterwards was constituted by the Assembly the commander of a brigade. For two or three years, in the course of the revolutionary war, he was a member of Congress. For some time he was justice of the quorum, and then judge of the Court of common pleas in New-Haven county. In 1786 and 87, he was controller of public accounts in the State ; and from 1785 until 1789, a member of the Council. At the latter period, some objections in his mind against taking the oath of fidelity to the constitution of the United States, induced him to retire from public business. He died in Sept. 1816, aged 87. Gen. Wadsworth was a gentleman of dignified manners, of sound understanding, and of the strictest m'orals. A revival of religion of considerable extent, prevailed in Dur- ham about 1736 ancl 7. Revivals also prevailed here in 1803, in 1808 and in 1815; by the first of which, 63, by the second 60 or 70, and by the third, 32 persons, were brought into the com- munion of the Congregational church. NOTES ILLUSTRATING THE PRECEDING ACCOUNT. Note A) referred to, page 3. As Middlesex county was not formed until the spring of the inhabitants of the several towns must have repaired to the courts, in the counties to which they previously belonged, in civil and criminal suits, (from the time of the organization ot those counties,) up to this period. This was true of Durham still later, as that town did not become a part of Middlesex till the autumn of 1799. Several gentlemen in these towns appear, from the records of the Colony and State of Connecticut, to have held seats in the courts of Hartford, New-London and New-Haven counties. The Hon. JOHN HAMLIN of Middletown was Judge of the county court for Hartford county, from May 1715 to 1716 The Hon. JABEZ HAMLIN do. 1754 1784 The following gentlemen were justices of the quorum for the same county, viz. Hon. JABEZ HAMHN of Middletown, from May 1745 to 1754 SETH WETMORE Esq. do. ,, 1761 1778 Hon. HEZEKIAH BRAINERD of Haddam, 1722 1723 Hon. JOSEPH SPENCER of East- Haddam, 1778 ,, 1779 The Hon. SAMUEL LYNDE of Saybrook was Judge of the county court for New-London county, from 1729 to 1752 The following gentlemen were justices of the quorum, viz. NATHANIEL LYNDE Esq. of Saybrook, (generally if not uniform- ly,) from May 1689 to 1721 DANIEL TAYLOR Esq. do. 1701 1722 Hon., SAMUEL LYNDE do. 7 , 1724 1729 MURDOCH Esq. do. 1 22 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ,- ELIHU CHAUNCEY Esq. of Durham was Judge of the county court for New-Haven county, from May 1773 to 1778 Hon. JAMES WADSWORTH do. 1778 " 1789 The following gentlemen were* justices of the quorum, viz. Hon. JAMES WADSWORTH of Durham, from May 1716 to 1718 ELIHU CHAUNCEY Esq. do. 1752 ,, 1773 Hon. JAMES WADSWORTH do. ,, 1773 1778 Middlesex county court has been constituted as follows. JUDGES. Gen. DYAR THROOP of E. Haddam, from May 1785 to May 1789 Col. MAT. TALCOTT of Middletown, ,, Oct. 1789 1790 Gen. WILLIAM HART of Saybrook, May 1790 ,, 1796 Dr. JOHN DICKINSON of Middletown, ,, ,, 1796 1807 Hon. ASHER MILLER do. ,, 1807 JUSTICES OF THE QUORUM. Col. MAT. TALCOTT of Middletown, from May 1785 to Oct. 1789 Dr. JOHN DICKINSON do. ,, ,, May 1796 Col. WM. WORTHINGTON of Saybrook, ,, Dr. HEZEKIAH BRAINERD of Haddam, ,, EBENEZER WHITE Esq. of Chatham, 1786 Gen. WILLIAM HART of Saybrook, Oct. 1789 ,, HEZ. LANE Esq. of Killingworth, May 1790 JABEZ CHAPMAN Esq. of E. Haddam, ,, 1795 JONATHAN LAY Esq. of Saybrook, 1796 ,, ABRA'M PIERSON Esq.of Killingworth, 1797 ELIJ. HUBBARD Esq. of Middletown, 1802 Col. ELIPH. HOLMES of E. Haddam, ,, WM. MORGAN Esq. of Killingworth, ,, Gen. SETH OVERTON of Chatham, ,, 1806 ,, 1818 Col. LEMUEL STORRS of Middletown, Oct. 1808 ,, Dec. 1816 Col. JOSIAH GRIFFIN of E. Haddam, ,, May 1817 ,, May 1818 JOSHUA STOW Esq. of Middletown, 1818 JOEL PRATT Esq. of Saybrook, ,, STATE'S ATTORNIES. Hon. ASHER MILLER of Middletown, from 1 785 to 1 794 Hon. SAMUEL W. DANA, do. ,, 1794 1797 Hon. J. O. MOSELY of E. Haddam, 1797 Mar. ISO.'* Hon. S. T. HOSMER of Middletown, March 1805 ISli. MATTHEW T. RUSSEL Esq. do. June 1815 Sept. 1818 MAJOR ANDRE ANDREWS Esq. do. ., Sept. 1818 Notes. 123 CLERKS. Hon. S. T. HOSMER of Middletown, from 1785 to Dec. 1800 JOHN FISK Esq. do. Dec. 1800 SHERIFFS. WM. W. PARSONS of Middletown, from 1785 to Oct. 1791 ENOCH PARSONS Esq. do. Oct. 1791 May 1818 .1. LAWRENCE LEWIS Esq. do. May 1818 Until May 1666, the " probation of wills and other testamen- tary matters" in Connecticut, were transacted in what was then called the " Court of Magistrates." After this for 30 or 40 years they were transacted in the county courts, and then distinct pro- bate courts were established in the several counties. These were succeeded by the district probate courts which exist at the present time. In Oct. 1 74 1 , the towns of Haddam, East-Haddam, Colchester, Hebron and that part of Middletown [now Chatham] lying south of Salmon river, were formed into a probate district, called the district of East-Haddam. Haddam was taken from this and united to a new district in May 1752, and Hebron in May 1789. The following gentlemen have been judges of this court; viz. Hon. JOHN BULKLE Y of Colchester from Oct. 1741 to 1 753 Hon. J. SPENCER of E. Haddam 1753 Jan. 1789 ISAAC SPENCER Esq. do. Jan. 1789 May 1818 B. TRUMBULL Jr. Esq. of Colchester May 1818 N. B. In May 1776, DANIEL BRAIIVERD, Esq. of East-Haddam, was appointed to act as judge of this court while the Hon. Joseph Spencer should be out of the State in the army of the United States. In May 1752, Middletown, including Chatham, except the part lying south of Salmon river, that part of Berlin, formerly taken from Middletown, Haddam and Durham, were formed into a probate district, called the district of Middletown. Haddam, as noticed above, previously belonged to the district of East- Haddam, and Durham to the district of Guilford. The judges of this court have been : Hon. JABEZ HAMLIN of Middletown from May 1752 to May 1789 Hon. ASHER MILLER do. ,, ,, 1789 ,, 1793 Dr. JOHN DICKINSON do. 1793 1807 Hon. A. MILLER do. (re-appointed) 1807 Saybrook and Killingworth, which had belonged to the dis- trict of Guilford from Oct. 1719, were formed into a new district in May 1780, called the district of Saybrook. The judges of this district have been : 16 124 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; Col. A. ELLIOTT of Killingworth HEZEKIAH LANE Esq. do. JONATHAN LAY Esq. of Saybrook WILLIAM LYNDE Esq. do. from May 1 780 to Dec. 1785 1786 Nov. 1809 1810 ,,May 1818 1818 The following lists contain the names of those who have been justices, or as they were formerly called commissioners, in the towns belonging to Middlesex. The lists for Middletown and Saybrook may not be complete, and perhaps the names are not arranged in any case, exactly according to the order of appoint- ment. Those whose names are printed in italics were appointed justices at the time Middlesex county was formed, most of whom doubtless had been in the commission of the peace years before. Those whose names have an asterisk annexed to them, remov- ed from the county. MIDDLETOWN. Deaths. tc ^ MIDDLETOWN. Deaths. to 2. Robert Webster, Ebenezer Roberts 2d W. Hon. Giles Hamlin, Sept. 1, 1689167 John Pratt, Nathaniel White, U. H. Aug. 27, 1711 82 William Plumbe, Tlioinas \Vard Elijah Hubbard Hon. John Hamlin, Jan. 2, 1733 74 Alexander Collins, Sept. 14, 1815 41 Israhiah Wetmore, Richard Alsop, Aug. 20, 15 55 Giles Hall, Feb. 11, 1750 69 Samuel Eells, Joseph Southmaid, June 8, 72 75 Eli Coe, M. Seth Wetmore, April 12, 78 78 Samuel Wetmore,* George Phillips, Feb. 78 67 Jozeb Stocking, U. H. Joseph Clark, April 21, 78 58 Josiah Sage, U. H. Hon. Titus Hosmer, April 4, 80 43 Chauncey Whittlesey, Thomas Johnson, U. H. Dec. 26, 74 56 Levi H. Clark,* Hon. Jabes Hamlin, April 25, 91 82 Samuel Gill, Matthew Talcott, Aug. 29, 1802 89 Daniel J. Griswold, W. Samuel H. Parsons, Nov. 17, 1789 52 Alexander Wolcott, Dr. John Dickinson, Oct. 3, 1811 82 Elisha Coe, M. Naihartl Chauncey, U.H. Sept. 3, 1798 77 Seth Paddock, Philip Mortimer, Mar. 15, 1794 84 Arthur W. Magill, Elijah Treadivay, Major A. Andrews, Isaac Miller, M. Jnly20, 1817 80 Gen. Comfort Sage, Mar. 14, 1799 67 CHATHAM. Hon. A sher Miller, Joseph White, Dec. 14, 1770 82 Benjamin Williams, June 15, 1812 45 Nathaniel Freeman, Sept. 6, 91 78 Nathaniel Gilbert,* W. David Sage, Nov. 25, 1803 86 Chauncey Whittlesey, Mar. 14, 12 65 Ebenestr White, July 29, 17 90 Hon. Samuel W. Dana, Joseph Dart, M. 11. May 5, 1791 53 Hon. S. Titus Hosraer, John Clark, E. H. Aug. 8, 1809 94 Matthew T. Russel, Jonathan Penjield, July 23, 1794 69 Elijah Hubbard, May 30, 08 62 Bryant Parmelee, E. H. Jan. 6, 1817 84 Nehemiah Hubbard, James Bill, E. Fl. Ebenezer Sage, Hezekiah Goodrich, April 1H17 72 Isaac Gridley, U. H. ChaunceyBulkley,M.H. May 10, 1C 75 Ames Sage, Daniel Shepherd, Amos Churchel,'* W. David White, Lemuel Storrs, NOT. 29. 16 63 Gen. Seth Over ton, Notes. 125 CHATHAM. Deaths. 53 tyj ^ EAST-HADDAM. Deathi. i ^ David Clark, E. H. Samuel Huntington, Mar. 20, 1797 74 Stephen Griffith, M. H. John Chapman, M. John Parmelee, E. H. John Percival, Jan. 22, 1813 80 Nathaniel Cornwall, saac Spencer, M. William Dixon, Col. Eliph. Holmes, H. Cyrus Bill,* M. H. Thomas Moseley, M. D. Aug. 13, 11 80 Asahcl H. Strong, M.H. Jan. 7, 1818 41 Hon. Jon. O. Moseley, Joseph Dart, M. H. Timothy Gates, jr. April 4, 14 49 Ralph Smith, M. H. Ebenezer Holmes, H. George White, Abner Hall,* Amasa Daniels, Jr.M.H. Jared Spencer, M. Sparrow Smith. E. H. Fohn Brainerd, Col. Josiah Griffin, M. HADDAM. Israel Cone, M. George Gates, About 1725 90 William Cone, M. Daniel Braincrd, April 1, 15 74 Sylvester Chapman, James Wells, Dec. 21, 44 77 saac Chapman, Hon. Hezekiah Brainerd, May 4, 27 46 William Palmer, Col. Hezekiah Brainerd, Dec. 14, 74 67 Samuel P. Lord, Joseph Wells, July 77 70 Diodate Jones, Jabez Brainerd, Aug. 20, 78 62 [saac Chester, H. Joseph Brooki, Dec. 14, 97 79 William Hungerford, H. Neliemiah Brainerd, Nov. 8, 1807 66 Hezekiah Brainerd, July 6, 05 62 SAYBROOK. Cornelius Higgins, Ezra Brainerd JM H. Oct. 14, 03 81 [Ion. George Fenwick,* Col. Daniel Brainerd, Dec. 2, 09 58 Hon. John Mason, 1672 or 3 72 Edward Selden,* Hon. Robert Chapman, Oct. 13, 1687 70 Smith Clark Tune 9 12 47 William Pratt, Stephen Tibbals, J MUC J, 1.4 John Chapman, moved toE.H. Oliver Wells, Daniel Taylor, Levi ^^ard * iJttnicl Buckiii"hciiYi Jonathan Huntington, Vathaniel Lynde, Oct. 5, 1729 70 Reuben R. Chapman, Joseph Blague, Sept. 28, 42 48 M. H. Hon. Samuel Lynde, Sept. 19, 54 65 Linus Parmelee, jr. Nathaniel Clark, P. Aug. 21, 72 77 Timothy Chapman, Maj. Jedh. Chapman,M..Feb. 10, 64 60 Gen. John Brainerd, JohnTully, Oct. 29, 76 74 John Brainerd, Col. Samuel Willard, Dec. 24, 79 86 Joseph Arnold, Ambrose Whittlesey, April 17, 56 44 Joseph Scovil, Samuel Field,* Maj. John Murdock, W. Jan. 21, 78 68 EAST-HADDAM. Hezekiah Whittlesey, May 16, 85 77 I oh n C HtiDTH3.n John Shi$ f nan Nov. 21 86 CO Thomas Gates, April 20, 1734 70 Justice Bucke, C. uo Samuel Olmsted, July 27, 47 71 Timothy Starkey, P. Nov. 1, 1817 78 Jaboz Chapman, Sept. 2, 59 69 Jedediah Chapman, W. Feb. 29, 16 89 Stephen Hosmer, Dec. 20, 21 40 William Lynde, June 2, 1787 47 Daniel Cone, May 27, 76 83 Samuel Tully, Thomas Adams, April 58 38 Col. Wm. Worthing- Hon. Joseph Spencer,M. Jan. 13, 89 75 ton* W. Daniel Brainerd, Jan. 9, 77 54 Gen. William Hart, Aug. 29, 1817 Gen. Dyer Tliroop, June 4, 89 51 Benjamin Williams, P. Dec. 7, 00 73 Col. Jabez Chapman, Jonathan Lay, W. Samuel Estabrook, M. Oct. 26, 76 25 Thomas Silliman, C. Israel Spencer, H. Nov. 1R, 1813 81 Henry Hill, W. Oct. 7, 1799 46 Timothy Gates, Samuel Hart, 126 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; SAYBROOK. Deaths. & * KILLINGWORTH. Deaths. 5 fee ^ John Bull, P. George Elliott, May 1, 1810 74 Samuel Williams, P. Job Wright, Jonathan Warner, C. Abraham Pierson, N. K. Maj. John Stannard, W. Martin Lord, N. K. John Flatte, P. William Morgan, Clark Nott, P. Bezaliel Bristol, N. K. Col. Joseph Hill, P. Gen. Joseph Willcox, Jan. 18, 17 62 Col. George W. Jew- George Elliott, it,* P. Dan Lane, N. K. Dr. Richard Ely, C. April 27, 1816 50 Nathaniel Hull, N. K. Col. Elisha bill. Joel Griswold, N. K. Joseph Platts, P. Amaziah Bray, Samuel Colt, C. William Carter, William Lynde, David Kelsey, N. K. Augustus Bushnel, Austin Olcott, Rufus Clark, Benjamin Hurd, Joel Pratt, P. Jedediah Harris, N. K. Stephen Utter, James P. Redfield, W. DURHAM. Benjamin Holt, C. Hon. James Wadsworth, Jan. 10, 1756 78 Henry Crane, April 11, 41 6-5 KILLINGWORTH. Col. Elihu Chauncey, April 10, 91 81 Edward Griswold, James Wadsworth, July 21 77 Henry Crane, Hon. James Wadsworth, Sept. 22, 1817 87 Samuel Buel, About 1711 Daniel Hall, Dec. 17, 1790 73 Abraham Pierson, Jan. 8, 52 71 Simeon Parsons, Maj. David Buel, Feb. 25, 49 72 Dan Parmelee, John Lane, Oct. 2, 59 85 Charles Coe, Jonathan Lane, Nov. 7, 59 75 Guernsey Bates, Benjamin Gale, May 6, 90 75 Worthington G. Chaun- Eluathan Stevens, Dec. 21, 76 74 cey, Isaac Kelsey, N. K. Oct. 10, 51 52 isaac Newton, Joseph Willcox, N. K. |May 3, 74 79 Job Merwin, Col. Aaron Elliot, Dec. 27, 85 68 Bridgman Guernsey, John Pierson, JV. K. Aug. 25, 94 77 James Robinson, Theophilus Morgan^ Feb. 7, 78 57 Lemuel Camp, Hezekiafi Lane, JV. K. |Nov. 6, 1809 70 Note B. referred to, page 4. Agreeably to an enumeration made in the years 1756, 1774, and 1810, there were in the towns in Middlesex the following number of inhabitants : it being remembered that in the first men- tioned year, Chatham was included in Middletown ; viz. In Middletown, in 1756, 5,664, in 1774, 4,878, in 18 It), 5,382 Chatham, 2,397 3,258 Haddam, 1,241 1,726 2,205 East-Haddam, 1,978 2,818 2,537 Saybrook, 1,931 2,687 3,996 Killingworth, 1,458 1,990 2,241 Durham, 799 1,076 1,10) Total, 13,071 17,572 20,723 Notes. 127 Note C, referred to, page 8. In Dec. 1815, the towns in Middlesex owned the vessels fol- lowing ; viz. Middletown, - - - Chatham, - - - - Haddam, - - - - E. Haddam, - - - Saybrook, - - - - Killingworth, - - - Total of the County, - % s -s .*> 2 ^ a 5 2 s "S *> 2 K ^ Total. =3 p o C -0 E-i o ~5 Tons. 876 1 10 1,932 86 4 395 67 7 332 76 3,537 40 324 66 1 204 45 1 162 45 2 125 5 816 66 318 62 4 738 48 3 288 65 o 394 15 1,740 228 22 o 303 29 4 231 49 763 5 283 30 1 204 73 7 793 82 16 846 30 2,128 23 4 251 71 4 138 67 390 43 2,030 86 18 3,383 91 19 1,89245 38 2,068 52 9,375 84 The amount of shipping owned in Middletown District, in- cluding Middlesex and Hartford counties, at that time was 22,580 tons. It is however to be noticed that some of the vessels enter- ed at the custom-house, were built for market. This was true of a considerable number which were owned in Middlesex ; and of course the quantity of shipping actually employed in commerce was less than is here stated. The articles exported from Middletown District in 1815. amounted to $93,141 32. The duties on imports for the same year, amounted to $ 43,394 14. Note D, referred to, page 13. The parishes in the county have the following number of grist mills, saw-mills, and fulling-mills ; to which the number of tan- neries is added. Grist- mills. Saw- mills. Fulling- mills. Tanne- ries. Middletown parish, .... 5 2 1 1 2 6 3 5 5 1 2 1 3 10 3 s 4 1 1 1 1 9 4 3 1 2 3 1 MiHrllpfipld Westfield, - ... Chatham parish, Middle-Haddam, .... FTnflrlam narish. - 128 Statistical Account of Middlesex County; Note D, continued. Grist- mills. Saw- mills. Fulling- mills. Tanne- ries. E. Haddam parish, .... Millington, Hadlyme, in E. Haddam, - - Saybrook parish, .... 3 3 1 2 4 1 3 4 5 2 10 9 4 1 7 4 3 2 5 4 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 2 7 3 3 3 1 1 1 9 6 Killingworth parish, ... North-Killingworth, Total, - 53 82 23 55 Note E, referred 0, page 17. Pleasure carriages were introduced into the several towns in the county, at the following periods ; viz. Into Middletown, Chatham, Haddam, E. Haddam, Saybrook, Killingworth, Durham, about 1750, which owned in 1814, 246 in 1768 54 1785 17 1769 31 about 1756 113 1748 39 1755 49 Total, 549 JVbfe F, referred /o, page 17, Stating the number of vessels launched from yards in different parts of the county in the year 1815. 0, Tons. ,: So Tons. | Tons. o Tons. Total 73 g tt en 53 tons. Middletown city, - - 1 360 1 147 1 44 551 Upper-Houses, - - Chatham parish, - - 3 990 1 240 1 163 1 57 297 1153 Notes. Note, F, continued. 129 *c . K Tons. yn QJD Tons. 1 Tons. < Tons. Total 'C o j> tons. 50 ca CO CO Middle-Haddara, - - 2 675 2 440 1 120 1235 Haddam, .... 4 745 1 110 855 E. Haddam, ... 2 395 3 219 614 Say brook parish, - - 1 1% 196 Pautapoug, .... 2 620 1 200 3 370 4 245 1435 Westbrook, . - - - 2 245 4 178 423 Chester, .... 1 104 1Q4 Killingworth parish, - 3 360 4 280 640 Total, - 8 2645 11 2216 13 1619 17 1023 7503 Note G, referred to, page 18. The names of the turnpike roads, partly or wholly in Mid- dlesex, their length, the time when they were granted, and capital stock. Granted. Capital Stock. MIDDLESEX TURNPIKE, extending from Say- brook through Haddam and Middletown to Goffe's brook in Weathersfield, 32 miles, HEBRON AND MIDDLE-HADDAM TURNPIKE, extending from Hebron meeting-house through Marlborough to Middle-Haddam Landing, 13 1.-2 miles, MIDDLETOWN AND BERLIN TURNPIKE, ex- tending from Middletown through Berlin into Farmington, 20 miles, .... COLCHESTER AND CHATHAM TURNPIKE, ex- tending from Colchester through Chatham to Middletown Ferry, 18 miles, - - CHATHAM AND MARLBOROUGH TURNPIKE, ex- tending from Middletown Ferry by Pistol Point to Marlborough, 101-2 miles, EAST-HADDAM AND COLCHESTER TURNPIKE, extending from East-Haddam Landing to Colchester meeting-house, 10 1-2 miles, May 1802 do. May 1808 Oct. 1808 Oct. 1809 do. $18,088 8,232 14,950 9,086 9,086 130 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ,- Note G, continued. Granted. Capital Stock. MIDDLKTOWN AND MfiRiDEN TURNPIKE, ex- tending from Middletown to Meriden meet- ing-house, 7 miles, DURHAM AND EAST-GUILFORD TURNPIKE, ex- tending from Durham street through North- Bristol to East-Guilford green, 14 miles, MIDDLETOWN, DURHAM AND NEW-HAVEN TURNPIKE, extending from Middletown through Durham and parts of Branford and North-Haven to New-Haven, 23 1-2 miles, KILLINGWORTH AND HADDAM TURNPIKE, ex- tending from Killingworth street to Higga num in Haddam, 151-2 miles, - - A BRANCH or THE ABOVE, called BEAVER- MEADOW TURNPIKE, running to Haddam street, 4 miles and 101 rods, - - - - HADDAM AND DURHAM TURNPIKE, extending from Higganum in Haddam to Durham street, 7 3-4 miles, CHESTER AND NORTH-KILLINGWORTH TURN- PIKE, extending from the bridge over Ches- ter-Cove to North-Killingworth, 7 miles and 53 rods, Total, Oct. 1809 May 1811 do. Oct. 1813 Oct. 1815 Mayl815 May 1816 3,000 143,632 N. B. Chatham and Marlborough Turnpike was at first laid out from Pistol- Point to Marlborough. The addition from Middletown Ferry to Pistol-Point was granted ia May 1811. Besides the above, a turnpike from Norwich to New-Ha- ven, through East-Haddam and Haddam, was granted in Oct. 1317, and another from Pautapoug Point, to East-river bridge, iu Guilfordl, in Oct. 1818 ; which are not yet wrought. The mail has long been carried on the road from Hartford to New-Haven, through Middletown and Durham in this county ; and for a considerable time on the road from New- Haven to New-London and Providence, through Killingworth and Say- brook. On the first of these a line of stages was established in 1785, and on the second in 1794, and the mail has been general- ly carried in the stage since those periods. About the year 1 800, a post road was established from Middletown, through Chatham, to East-Haddam Landing, and thence to New-London ; and in 1802, another, from Middletown. through Haddam, to Saybrool. Notes. Ui but in 1810 these were given up ; and a rout was established from Middletown to Middle-Haddam, Haddam, East-Haddam Land- ing, and thence to Saybrook. The post road from Middletown, through Chatham and Hebron, to Windham, was established in 1814 ; that from Middletown, through Chatham, to Colchester, in 1817; and that from Middletown, through the west part of Had- dam, to Killingworth, the same year. There are eleven post-offices in the county ; viz. Middletown Post-Office, established in - 1775 Upper- Houses, do. - 1809 Chatham or Knowles's Landing, do. - 1804 Westchester, do. - 1817 Haddam, do. - 1802 East-Haddam, do. - 1800 Chester, do. - 1810 Saybrook, do. - * 1793 Killingworth, do. - 1794 N. Killingworth, do. - 1817 Durham, do. - 1800 Note H, referred to, pnge 1 8. The Ferries in Middlesex are as follows ; viz. Saybrook Ferry, between Saybrook and Lyuie, granted or established iu 1662 Brockway's, Pautapoug and N . Lyme, 1724 Warner's, Chester and Hadlyme, 1769 Chapman's, Haddam and East-Haddam, 1694 East-Haddam, do. do. 1811* Haddam, do. and M. Haddam, 1814 Higganum, do. do. 1763 Knowles's Landing-, Middletown and do. 1806t Middletown, do. and Chatham, 1726 Upper-Hoases, do. do. 1759 All these ferries are private property excepting Higganum Ferry, which belongs to the town of Haddam, and Middletown Ferry, which belongs to the town of Mid- dletown. , referred to, page 19. Showing when the houses for public worship, belonging to dif- ferent religious denominations, in Middlesex, were erected, and their dimensions. The two first houses in Middletown were built near the north end of what is now Main-street in the city, to accommodate people * A ferry had been kept occasionally at this place for 70 years ; but being aban- doned a new grant was made. t A ferry was granted at Knowles's Landing in 1735, but being abandoned, n grant was made at this time. 17 132 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; in the Upper- Houses. The former, and probably the latter of these, was inclosed with palisades. When the subject of erecting the third house was agitated, it is said that different divisions of the inhabitants contended for its location at the east, north and west corners of the great square, lying between Main and High-streets ; that it was agreed to have the point decided by lot ; but as there were four corners to the square, it was sug- gested it would be well to draw for them all. This was done, and the south corner was taken, where none wished the house to be erected. But as the lot was considered as expressing the di- vine will, the people went forward and built there. The width of this house was increased 18 feet in 1740, and rendered a very uncouth building. The first meeting-house in Chatham stood on the hill south of the Episcopal church. The first in Haddam, stood near the dwelling-house of Capt. Samuel Clark, and the se- cond near the site of the court-house. The first in East-Had- dam was built in the middle of the street, near the dwelling- house of Mr. Isaac C. Ackley, and the second 50 or 60 rods south of the present meeting-house. The first house in Saybrook was built on the Point. The sites of the other ancient houses of public worship, were near the sites of the present houses, or are so well known as to render any information re- specting them unnecessary. AH the houses in the county have hitherto been built of wood, except that owned by the Methodists in Middletown, and one recently erected by the Second Baptist Society in Pautapoug, which are of brick. Where these have had steeples and bells, the letter B is annexed to the name ; where steeples only, the letter S. HOUSES IN MIDDLETOWN. Time of erection. Length in feet. Breadth in feet. Congregational meeting-house, - 1652 20 20 do. do. B. - 1670 32 32 do. do. B. - 1715 60 40 do. do. B. - 1799 68 5J Episcopal do. B. - 1752 50 36 Strict-Congregational do. 1774 56 46 Baptist do. 1809 53 38 Methodist do. 1805 42 32 UPPER-HOUSES. Congregational do. about 1703 do. do. 1736 55 36 Baptist do. 1803 46 36 Notes. 133 Time of erection. ,-ength n feet. Hreadth m feet. MlDDLEFIELD. Congregational meeting-house, - 1745 40 40 WESTFIELD. Congregational do. 1773 48 38 Baptist do.. 1812 36 26 CHATHAM. Congregational do. 1716 40 26 do. do. 1750 56 42 Episcopal do. bout 1790 50 36 MIDDLE-HADDAM. Congregational do. 1744 44 36 do. do. S. - 1812 50 40 Episcopal (taken down,) do. 1772 26 24 do. at the Landing, do. ( About I 1786 or7 47 36 Methodist do. 1796 or 7 24 23 EAST-HAMPTON. Congregational do. 1765 46 37 HADDAM. Congregational do. 1673 or 4 28 24 do. do. 1721 44 36 do. do. 1770 65 45 Baptist do. 1793 32 25 Methodist do. 1795 41 29 EAST-HADDAM. Congregational do. 1705 32 32 do. do. 1728 55 40 do. do. B. - 1794 64 44 Episcopal do. S. - 1792 54 37 MlLLINGTON. Congregational do* 1743 50 40 HADLYME. Congregational do. 1743 46 35 SAYBROOK. Congregational do. 1646 do. do. B. - 1726 50 36 PAUTAPOUG. Congregational do. 1727 40 30 do. do. B. - 1792 60 40 Episcopal do. S. - 1790 40 30 Baptist 1st Society, do. 1775 or 6 30 25 134 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; Time of erection. Length in feet. Breaatk in feet. PAUTAPOUO. Baptist, 2d Society meeting-house, S. 1816 43 34 WESTBROOK. Congregational do. B. - 1727 41 34 Methodist do. 1817 40 32 CHESTER. Congregational do. 1742 42 34 do. do. 1794 42 34 KlLLINGWORTH. Congregational do. do. do. about 1700 do. do. B. - do. 1733 60 38 NoRTH-KlLLING WORTH. Congregational do. 173S 30 22 do. do. 1739 58 38 do. do. B. - 1817 58 47 Episcopal do. 1803 40 32 DURHAM. Congregational do. 1711 40 40 do. do. B. - 1736 64 44 Note J, referred to, page 1 9. In 1815, there were 3,688 families in the county, divided among the different religious denominations, according to the following table ; supposing all the families to belong to some denomination or other. Some societies have increased and others diminished since that time; but this will serve as a general view of the numbers adhering to different denominations. |l ri .J SUP 2 '3 &a 8J u Episcopa- lian. PQ I Strict-Con- gregational Universa- list. Middletown, in the city, do. out of the city, Total of this society, - 353 269 169 112 89 11 38 64 54 51 3 31 622 281 100 102 105 34 Notes. 135 Upper-Houses, - - - Middlefield, - - - - Westfield, - - - - Total of the town, - - Chatham, .... Middle-Haddam, (Chat- ham Part,) - - - East-Hampton, - - - Part of Westchester, - Total of the town, - - Haddam, Haddam Neck, - - - Total of the town, - - East-Haddam, - - - Millington, ... - Hadlyme, (East-Haddam part,) Total of the town, - - Saybrook, .... Pautapoug, - - - - Westbrook, - - - - Chester, Total of the town, - Killingworth, - - North-Killingvvorth, Total of the town, - Durham, Total of the county, Number of families. Congrega- tioualist. a &< 8e M -^ "S, ri S3 Methodist. Strict-Con- gregational. IUniversa- list. 137 122 2 11 2 92 41 1 5 6 3 36 93 53 17 4 19 944! 497 103 135 117 56 36 219 108 93 12 6 149 74 35 2 33 5 147 101 7 28 11 20 19 1 o 535 302 185 43 50 5 390 273 5 38 73 1 57 38 O 5 8 447 311 11 43 81 1 184 129 44 10 1 182 122 3 50 6 1 55 34 8 12 1 421 285 55 72 8 1 155 153 2 300 187; 33 76 4 162 145 1 15 1 115 77 38 732 562 34 131 5 184 91 1 56 3 33 233 170 36 8 19 417 261 37 64 22 Oi 33 192 112 46 1 8 25, 3,688 2,330 421 489 291 88 ! , 69 1 36 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; Note K, referred to, page 19. The following table will show at one view, when the towns and parishes in Middlesex were settled, when they were incor- porated, when the first churches in them were formed, and the number of members belonging to those churches, April 11, 1818. Set- tled. Incorporated. Churches formed. No. of mem- bers. 3> 13 s Fc- malei. Middletown, Upper-Houses, - Middlefield, - - Westfield, - - Chatham, - - Middle-Haddam, East-Hampton, - Haddam,- - - East-Haddam, - Millington, - Hadlyme, - - Saybrook, - - Pautapoug, - Westbrook, - - Chester, - - - Killingworth, N. Killingworth, Durham, - - - Total of member? 1650 do. 1700 1720 1690 1710 1743 1662 1670 1704 1670 1635 1690 1664 1692 1663 1716 1698 Nov. 1653 May 1703 Oct. 1744 May 1766 May 1714 May 1740 May 1748 Oct. 1668 1 7flf> Nov. 4, 1668 Jan. 5, 1715 About 1747 Dec. 29, 1773 Oct. 25, 1721 Sept. 24, 1740 Nov. 30, 1748 1 CQC 203 125 33 35 86 86 55 165 95 89 55 196 116 171 63 103 207 178 54 31 9 11 21 30 16 49 36 18 18 70 30 60 22 27 82 63 149 94 24 24 65 56 39 116 59 71 37 126 86 111 41 76 125 115 Jan. 6, 1704 Dec. 2, 1736 June 26, 1745 1 fi'ifi Oct. 1733 Oct. 1742 . i ft/id May 1722 May 1724 Oct. 1740 Oct. 1663 May 1735 May 1704 About 1725 June 25, 1726 Sept. 15,1742 About 1667 Jan. 18, 1738 Feb. 7, 1711 2061 647 1414 .,---- The Episcopal churches in the county had the following num- ber of members Oct. 1818 ; viz. The Episcopal church in Middletown, - - 103 do. do. Chatham, - 40 do. do. M. Haddam, - about 20 do. do. E. Haddam, do. do. Pautapoug, do. do. N. Killingworth & N. Bristol, 36* The Baptist churches in the county had the following num- ber of members at the same time ; viz. The Baptist church in Middletown, - - 123 do. Upper-Houses, including some professors living in other parishes. * Twelve of these live in N. Bristol. 64 Notes. Total, 137 29 The Baptist church in Westfield, do. East- Hampton, including profes- sors in Haddam, - - 126 do. East-Haddam, - - 48 The first Baptist church in Pautapoug, including some professors in Chester, &c. *- 88 The second do. including some professors in Kil- lingworth, - 61 - 539 The number of Methodist professors in Middlesex, I am una- ble to give. The church in Middletown has more than I'OO. Note L, referred to, page 20. Names of those who have been settled ministers in Middlesex, places of their birth, &c. Where the dates are given in italics in the fourth column, it denotes that the ministers referred to were installed, and the italic characters in the sixth column de- note that the ministers referred to were dismissed. Com- municants are not stated after April 11, 1818. CONGREGATIONAL MINISTERS. JV^JVfES. Place of Birth. Place of Educa- tion. Time of Set- tlement. Com. admit- ted by them. Deaths or Dismission. 1 MIDDLETOWN. Nathaniel Collins, Cambridge, M. Har.1660 NOT. 4, 1668 76 Dec. 28, 1684 42 Noadiah Ilussel, New-Haven, do. 1681 Oct. 24, 1688 180 Dec. 3, 1713 54 William Russel, Middletown, Yal. 1709 June 1, 1715 305 June 1, 1761 70 Enoch Huntington, Windham, do. 1759 Jan. 6, 1762 346 June 12, 1809 69 Dan Huntington, Lebanon, do. 1794 Sept. 20, 1809 98 Feb. 6, 1816 C. A. Goodrich, New-Haven, do. 1810 July 24, 1810 32 Dec. 23, 1817 John R. Crane, Newark, N. J. Nas. 1805 Nov. 4, 18181 UPPER-HOUSES. Joseph Smith, Concord, M. Har.1695 Jan. 5, 1715 62 Sept. 8, 1736 62 Edward Eells, Scituate, M. do. 1733 Sept. 6, 1738 138 Oct. 12, 1776 6-1 Gershom Bulkley, Weathersfield, Yal. 1770 June 17, 1778 85 Junt. 17, 1708 Joshua L. Williams, do. do. 1805 June 14, 1809 84 MlDDLEFIELD. Ebenezer Gould, Oct. 10, 1747 About 1756 Joseph Denison, Windham, Yal. 1763 Feb. 28, 1765 13 Feb. 12, 1770 3! Abner Benedict, N.Salem,N. Y. do. 1769 Nov. 20, 1771 12 1785 WESTFIELD. Thomas Miner, Woodbury, Yal. 1769 Dec. 29, 1773 S6 CHATHAM. Daniel Newil, Bristol, Yal. 1718 CM. 25. 1721 50 Sept. 14. 1731 3J 138 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; NAMES. Place of Birth. Place of Educa- tion. Time of Set- tlement. Com. admit- ted by them. Deaths or Dismission. i ^ Moses Baftlet, Cyprian Strong, D.D. Eber L. Clark, Hervy Talcott, MlDDLE-H ADD AM . Benjamin Bowers, Benjamin Boardman, David Selden, EAST- HAMPTON. John Norton, Lemuel Parsons, Joel West, HADDAM. Jeremiah Hobart, Phinehas Fiske, Aaron Cleveland, Joshua Elderkin, Eleazer May, David D. Field, John Marsh, Jr. EAST-HADDAM. Stephen Hosmer, Joseph Fowler, Elijah Parsons, Isaac Parsons, MlLUNGTOIT. Timothy Symmes, Hobart Estabrook, Diodate Johnson, Eleazer Sweetland, William Lyman,D.D. HADLYMB. Grindall Kawson, Joseph Vaill, SAYBROOK. James Fitch, Thomas Buckingham, Axariah Mather, William Hart, Fred. W. Hotclikiss, PAUTAPOUG. Abraham Nott, Stephen Holmes, Benjamin Dunning, Richard Ely, Aaron llovey, WESTBROOK. Wm. Worthington, John Devotion, Thomas Rich, Sylvester Selden, CHESTER .Tarprl Harrison. Guilford, Farmington, Mansfield, Coventry, Billerica, M. Middletown, Haddam, Berlin, Durham, Lebanon, Hingham, E. Milford, Medford, M. Windham, Weathersfield, Guilford, Weathersfield, Hartford, Lebanon, Northampton, Southampton, Scituate, M. Canterbury, Lymej Hebron, Lebanon, Mendon, M. Litchfield, Booking, Eng. Yal. 1730 do. 1763 Gul.1811 Yal. 1810 Har.1733 Yal, 1758 do. 1782 Yal. 1737 do. 1773 Dar.1789 Har.1650 Yal. 1704 Har.1735 Yal. 1748 do. 1752 do. 1802 do. 1804 Har.1699 Yal. 1743 do. 1768 do. 1811 Har.1733 Yal. 1736 do. 1764 Dar.1774 Yal. 1784 Har.1728 Dar.1778 June 6, 1733 Aug. 19, 1767 Sept. 25, 1812 Oct. 23, 1816 Sept. 24, 1740 Jan. 5, 1762 Oct. 19, 1785 Woe. 30, 1748 Feb. 10, 1779 Oct. 17, 1792 JVbr. 14, 1700 Sept. 15, 1714 July 1739 114 193 24 22 171 162 131 Dec. 27, 1766 Nov. 17, 1811 Aug. 18, 1815 May 11, 1761 Sept. 1783 Mar. 24, 1778 Feb. 14, 1791 Nov. 6, 1715 Oct. 17, 1738 Dis. 1746 do. 1753 April 14, 1803 Aprilll,m8 June 16, 1749 June 10, 1771 Dii. 1743 Jan. 28, 1766 Jan. 15, 1773 Mar. 25, 1787 Mar. 29, 1777 Dis. 1660 April 31, 1709 Feb. 11, 1737 July 11, 1784 Jan. 24, 1766 Sept. 13, 1773 May 1785 58 67 45 62 37 84 55 70 70 48 49 28 36 69 63 52 72 61 42 44 81 60 72 58 67 June 1749 June 30, 1756 April 11, 1804 Dec. 16, 1818 May 3, 1704 May 15, 1751 Oct. 28, 1772 Oct. 23, 1816 Dec. 2, 1736 Nov. 20, 1745 July 2, 1767 May 21, 1777 Dec. 13, 1787 Sept. 18, 1745 Feb. 9, 1780 1646 234 138 254 132 162 25 44 20 45 146 131 119 Feb. 5, 1670 Nov. 22, 1710 Nov. 17, 1736 Sept. 24, 1783 1725 176 307 Windsor, Guilford, New-Haven, Weathersfield, Woodstock, Newtown, Lyme, Mansfield, Colchester, Suffield, Weston, M. Chatham, nranfuivl Yal. 1705 do. 1732 do. 1778 Yal. 1720 do. 1752 do. 1759 do. 1754 Dar.1798 Yal. 1716 do. 1754 do. 1799 Gul.1807 Val 173fi J\"ov. 24, 1757 In. 1776 Jan. 18, 1786 Sept. 5, 1804 June 29, 1726 Dec. 26, 1757 June 13, 1804 June 10, 1812 >n< ;<;. 17/19 101 75 61 193 81 33 Aug. 23, 1814 Nov. 16, 1756 Sept. 6, 1802 Sept. 4, 1810 . 1751 Notes. XAMES. Place of Birth. Place of Educa- tion. Time, of Stt- tlemtnt. ""* 1^ 'S 8 >, I? Death* or Dismission. *: Simeon Stoddard, Elijah Mason, Robert Silliman, Samuel Mills, Neh. B. Beardsley, KILL1NGWOHTH. John Woodbridge, Abraham Pierson, Jared Elliott, Eliphalet Huntington, Achilles Mansfield, Hart Talcott, JN T . KlLLIJi'GWORTH . William Seward, Henry Ely, JosiahB. Andrews, Asa King, DURHAM. Nathaniel Chauncey, Elizur Goodrich, D.D. David Smith, Woodbury, Hartford, Fairfield, Canton, Stratford, Yal. 1755 do. 1744 do. 1737 do. 1776 do. 1805 Har.1664 do. 1668 Yal. 1706 do. 1759 do. 1770 Dar.1812 Yal. 1734 do. 1778 do. 1797 Yal. 1702 do. 1752 do. 1795 Oct. 31, 1759 May 21, 1767 Jan. 29, 1772 Oct. 25, 1786 Jan. 3, 1816 1667 In. 1694 Oct. 26, 1709 Jan. 11, 1764 Jan. 6, 1779 June 11, 1817 Jan. 18, 1738 Sept. 25, 1782 April 21, 1302 Nov. 20, 1811 Feb. 7, 1711 Nov. 24, 1756 Aug. 15, 1799 Oct. 27, 1765 1770 30 April 9, 1781 Feb. 17, 1814 Dis. ' 1679 March 5, 1707 April 22, 1763 Feb. 8, 1777 July 22, 1814 Feb. 5, 1782 Feb. 12, 1801 ,*p-tn6, 1811 Feb. 1, 1756 Nov. 21, 1797 65 62 61 77 39 63 69 75 65 96 6 ~~61 176 6 160 92 143 30 Branford, Guilford, Lebanon, New-Haven, Bolton, Durham, Wilbraham,M. Southington, Mansfield, Stratford, Weathersfield, Bozrah, 188 ffAMES. EPISCOPAL ft Place of Birth. HNISTERS Place of Education. ' .i.unenced Services. Ceased Ser- vice!. MIDDLETOWN. Ichabod Camp, Abraham Jarvis, D. D. Calvin White, Joseph Warren, Clement Merriam, John Kewley, M. D. Birdsey G. Noble, CHATHAM. M. Smith Miles, EAST-HADDAM. Solomon Blakesley, Durham, Nor walk, Midclletown, Yal. 1743 do. 1761 do. 1786 July 19, 1752 1760 Aug. 16, 1799 Oct. 5, 1800 Sept. 10, 1803 Mar. 8, 1809 Mar. 7, 1813 1796 1792 June 19, 1760 1799 July 27, 1800 Aug. 15, 1803 April 7, 1806 Feb. 19, 1813 Liverpool, Eng. New-Millbrd, Derby, North-Haven. Cam. E. Yal. 1810 Yal. 1791 Yal. 1785 MINISTERS OF THE STRICT-CONGREGATIONAL x. T ' 'CH. NAMES. MIDDLETOWN. Ebenezer Frothingham, Stephen Parsons, David Huntington, Benjamin Graves. Ahab Jinks, Place of Birth. Place of Education. Time of Settlement. Time of Dismission. Cambridge, M. Middletown, Lebanon, East-Haddam, U . 17^4 177E Jan 31, 1778 Nov. 8, 1797 1803 Aug. 7, 1816 ( About ( June 1795 Oct. 1800 1811 or 1 Dar. 1773 ; 140 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; BAPTIST MINISTERS. WMES. Place of Birth. Place of Education. Time of Settlement. Time of Dismission. M1DDLKTOWN. Joshua Bradley, George Phippin, TirpmiaVi F". Rridfp?. Kingston, M. Salem, M. Colchester. Brown do. June 11, 1812 July 1816 There have been some other Baptist ministers settled in the County, but I am TJnable to give a list of their names. The Methodist churches have been general- ly supplied by circuit preachers. Note M, referred to, page 20. The names of those who have been deacons in the several Congregational churches in the County, the time of their election, deaths and ages. N. B. Those marked with asterisks are known to have been ordained. Others in East-Haddam and Saybrook churches have been ordained, but 1 am unable to designate the individuals. The persons whose names are printed in italics in the account of Middle-Haddam, lived within the bounds of the town of Chatham, and those thus printed in the account of Hadlyme, lived in the town of Lyme. NAMES. Time of Election. Deaths. 1 r Thomas Allen,* Mar. 16, 1670 ______ Samuel Stocking,* do. John Hall, jr.* do. Jan. 22, 1694 75 T^^nipl IVt arkhcim.* About 1690 JL/ctf.llCi I'Jdl iviitit*!^ William Sumner,* Aug. 11, 1695 About 1706 _ Obadiah Allen, May 31, 1704 2 Joseph Rockwell,* do. Oct. 27, 1742 74 o Boriah Wetmore, May 6, 1713 *i Solomon Atkins, Jan. Q, 1735 Oct. 5, 1748 70 5 John Hubbard, May 26, 1743 Mar. 12, 1753 60 * Jonathan Allen, do. Dec. 23, 1783 80 8 '"* i William Rockwell, April 6, 1749 July 28, 1765 63 Hon. Jabez Hamlin, Feb. 7, 1754 April 25, 1791 82 Joseph Clarke, Esq. Aug. 16, 1765 April 21,1778 58 John Earl Hubbard, do. July 27, 1782 59 "2 Chaun. Whittlesey, Esq. Sept. 17,1778 Mar. 14, 1812 65 J! Jacob Whitmore, Mar. 7, 1782 * Oliver Wetmore, Mar. 4, 1784 Dec. 1, 1798 46 Timothy Boardman, April 1, 1784 May 5, 1792 64 Matthew T. Russel, Esq. May 3, 1798 Thomas Hubbard, 1 fli a Joseph Boardman, May 16, 1812 ^Samuel Eells, 2d. do. 141 NAMES. Time of Election. Deaths. I rWilliam Savage, Feb. 10, 1716 Samuel Hall, do. re-elected at Chatham. Samuel Stow, _______ Sept. 28, 1741 - John Willcox, May 12, 1751 68 . Samuel Gipson, Mar. 18, 1748 76 8 Samuel Shepherd, Dec. 3, 1745 drowned April !3 o 9, 1750 < Isaac White, Jan. 15, 1749 June 27, 1769 71 i. u ^> William Savage, 1774 74 J: Thomas Johnson, Esq. Jan. 9, 1766 Dec. 26, 1774 56 Joseph Kirby, Nov. 29, 1770 Sept. 12, 1783 64 Solomon Sage, Jan. 26, 1775 June 7, 1794 74 Timothy Gipson, Jan. 14, 1784 Jan. 8, 1814 70 Amos Sage, Feb. 22, 1790 Jeremiah Hubbard, Dec. 14, 1807 Aug. 23, 1808 63 L Bani Parmelee, Mar. 23, 1810 ^3 C Ichabod Miller, Aug. 22, 1788 87 ^ 1 Joseph Coe, . June 10, 1784 71 3n Giles Miller, About 1774 Mar. 1, 1804 77 g ^Prosper Auger, Jan. 10, 1809 . ^Nathaniel Boardman, About 1779 April 9, 1807 64 \ Amos Churchel, do. became a Baptist IM and moved away. ^ ^Samuel Galpin, About 1794 K f Samuel Hall,* Nov. 9, 1721 Mar. 6, 1740 76 John Ganes, July 27, 1748 72 Joseph White, Esq. Jan. 22, 1724 Dec. 14, 1770 82 David Sage, Esq. Dec. 15, 1748 Nov. 25, 1803 86 e Ebenezer White, Esq. April 21, 1768 July 29, 1817 90 a "* Dr. Moses Bartlet, Oct. 27, 1791 Mar. 3, 1810 70 2 Hezekiah Goodrich, Esq. do. became an E- piscopalian. Jonathan Brown, June 25, 1795 ^Daniel Shepherd, Esq. Mar. 15, 1810 . r Ebenezer Smith, Nov. 18, 1740 Feb. 11, 1752 81 S Gideon Arnold, do. Mar. 1772 1 Benjamin Harris, Mar. 14, 1748 April 11, 1775 75 j j Daniel Arnold, Nov. 27, 1771 'May 27, 1774 43 i } Ezra Brainerd, Esq. do. S David Smith, June 1, 1774 Nov. 25, 1795 52 j3 Dr. Thomas Brainerd, Dec. 10, 1795 moved away. ' I Selden Gates, July 27, 1810 m 142 Statistical Account, of Middlesex County ; NAMES. Time of Election. Deaths. - r Ebenezer Clarke, moved away. Isaac Smith, July 29, 1802 85 8 John Clarke, Esq. Aug. 8, 1809 94 a. James Bill, Esq. July 5, 1795 Gideon Arnold, do. JFeb. 17, 1807 72 1" Moses Cook, May 16, 1805 May 15, 1818 75 "5 Isaac Smith, do. (Oct. 28, 1815 70 E*3 Joseph Sage, Jan. 24, 1815 Feb. 20, 1818 60 David Clarke, Esq. July 1816 ^Warren A. Skinner, May 1, 1818J 'Daniel Brainerd, Esq. . April 1, 1715 74 Thomas Brooks, April 6, 1734 79 Joseph Arnold, April 8, 1752186 James Brainerd, Feb. 10, 1742 73 . Thomas Brooks,'* About 1742 1781 82 S Elisha Cone,* do. Mar. 6, 1809 99 ^ ^ Elijah Brainerd, July 12, 1759 May 9, 1764 58 42 Col. Hezekiah Brainerd, Feb. 14, 1764 Dec. 14, 1774 67 ffl Joseph Smith, Nov. 27, 1771 April 22, 1790 79 Nehemiah Brainerd, Esq. About 17 84 Nov. 8, 1807 66 Eliakim Brainerd, do. Jan. 18, 1815 83 Jonathan Huntir^ton,* April 1806 ^David Hubbard,* May 2, 1806 Thomas Gates, 1 7O4 April 20, 1734 70 Daniel Cone, do. June 15, 1725 60 Daniel Brainerd, 1 "70 c Feb. 28, 1743 77 1 1 x*O Isaac Spencer, June 26, 1734 Feb. 10, 1751 72 Jeremiah Gates, Oct. 1741 Nov. 1, 1761 65 * Noadiah Brainerd, April - - 1743JSept. 30, 1746 50 i Daniel Cone, Esq. Dec. 3, 1746 May 27, 1776 83 J James Gates, Feb. 5, 1762 moved toRich- J *> mond, Mass. -i Samuel Huntington, Esq. Oct. 1770 Mar. 20, 1797 74 Thomas Fuller, do. moved to 3 Hartland. John Percival, Esq. June 12, 1782 Jan. 22, 1813 80 Caleb Gates, Sept. 1795 Ephraim Gates, Sept. 1806 moved to Ha- milton, N. Y. John Percival, jr. Dec. 30, 1814 'Samuel Emmoris, Daniel Gates, _.. Gen. Joseph Spencer, Nov. 20, 1767 Jan. 13, 1789 75. Note?. 143 NAMES. Time of Election. Deaths. to 5>JO Samuel Button, July 4, 1771 Bee.. 30, 1790 87 Ebenezcr Button. Feb. 26, 1778 moved to Le- o banon. J?^ Benjamin Fuller, do. Nov. 10, 1815 93 H! Nathaniel Cone, May 1789 April 15, 1790 78 *? Barzillai Beckwith, June 4, 1790 Feb. 22, 1818 79 Isaac Spencer, April 1, 1796 Biodate Lord, Aug. 26, 1816 moved away. Israel Cone, jr. April 17, 181 a ^Nathaniel B. Beckwith, do. "Samuel Button, re-elected at Millington. Samuel Crosby, ________ __ S Christopher Holmes, Jan. 18, 1750 April 12, 1792 77 5 Col. Samuel Selden, Mar. 19, 1756 Nov. 1776 - ^ < Israel Spencer, Esq. Mar. 29, 1780 Nov. 18, 1813 81 fl Jabez Comstock, April 3, 1792 Oct. 10, 1807 84 Israel S. Spencer, Oct. 1, 1801 Israel Dezcey, June 3, 1803 May 19, 1806 52 ^Ithamar Hervey, June 30, 1815 "Francis Bushnel, About 1648 Bee. 4, 1681 82 William Parker, Aug. 20, 1725 81 Nathaniel Chapman. April 5, 1726 74 Joseph Blague. Esq. Sept. 28, 1742 48 Andrew Lord, T"*)pf* 1 *y pr Q 61 . Joseph Bushnel, Bee. 9, 1742 Bee. 24, 1778 88 Hezekiah Whittlesey. Sept. 1761 May 16, 1785 77 5 ^ Caleb Chapman, Oct. 28, 1774 June 4, 1785 80 I s Samuel Kirtland, June 1782 Sept. 4, 1805 73 72 Christopher Lord, do. moved to Bur- ham, N. Y. Travis Ayres, May 2, 1788 April 7, 1812 89 William Chapman, June 2, 1803 May 22, 1808 49 William Lord, Oct. 9, 1808 , Samuel Lynde, Bee. 2, 1810 "Nathaniel Pratt, Ebenezer Pratt, Sept. 8, 1756 68 Samuel Bushnel, Nov. 2, 1771 71 Abner Parker, Mar. 24, 1788 90 If Benjamin Bushnel, MOT 17fifi 77 |- Josiah Nott, Sept. 13, 1778 Bee. 17, 1814 82 s P-eleg Hill, Aug. 10, 1783 moved to Cats- kill. 144 Statistical Account of Middlesex County / NAMES. Time of Election. Deaths. * David Post, May 12, 1792 Dec. 17, 1803 68 Dr. Richard Ely, Mar. 11, 1804 moved to Chester. Phinehas Pratt, Feb. 21, 1807 Feb. 4, 1013 66 Clark Nott, Esq. April 19, 1807 .Dan Platts, 2d. Aug. 8, 1813 ^Abraham Post, About 1726 About 1750 Maj. Jedediah Chapman, About 1733 Feb. 10, 1764 60 o Robert Lay, Mar. 8, 1751 Jan. 1, 1790 83 Maj. Jonathan Murdock, Aug. 22, 1764 Jan. 21, 1778 67 ~o < Jedediah Chapman, Esq. Nov. 8, 1771 Feb. 29, 1816 89 Caleb Chapman, June 22, 1780 Oct. 1, 1797 57 Jonathan Bushnel, Mar. 4, 1796 ^Jonathan Lay, Esq. Jan. 1797 r(~ nonmd n John Ward, Jonathan Dunk, Mar. 28, 1781 70 j ) Thomas Silliman, Esq. 1781 O Andrew Lewis, Feb. 22, 1811 ^ Henry Farnum, ^John Griswold, Aug. 7, 1717 1 T1 67 John Lane, Esq. Oct. 2, 1759 85 > Josiah Stevens, Mar. 15, 1754 84 o Benjamin Carter, A ., 1 7KQ 55 8 Col. Aaron Elliott, About 1760 Dec. 27, 1785 68 .SS^ Nathaniel Stevens, do. Sept. 12, 1805 95 rs George Elliott, Esq. May 1. 1810 74 -< Philip Stevens, July 5, 1795 Oct. 12, 1814 74 Stephen Willcox, June 28, 1810 Samuel Crane, July 6, 1815 ^ Josiah Hull, May 18, 1759 79 ^ 'Joseph Willcox, Esq. May 3, 1774 79 o Daniel Buel, About 1759 May 9, 1782 84 3 Dodo Pierson, April 21,1768 Jan. 19, 1796 72 -B Abel Willcox, About 1773 Jan. 2, 1807 74 H^ Abraham Pierson, Esq. April 4, 1794 i John Hinkley, June 30, 1806 ^ Nathan Hull, Esq. Oct. 20, 1814 ^ ^William Seward, May 31, 1764 80 (Henry Crane, Esq. April 11, 1741 64 1 Israel Burret, _______ June 19, 1750 64 17 Joseph Tibbals, 1741 Oct. 30. 1774 88 JVbfM. 145 NAMES. Time of Election. Deaths. John Camp, Sept. 20, 1754 Ezra Baldwin, Mar. 26, 1782 James Curtis, Dec. 25, 1766 Jan. 13, 1790 s <3 Daniel Hall, Esq. May 2, 1782 Dec. 17, 1790 is Dan Parmelee, Esq. June 1789 3 Q John Johnson, do. ^1 Abner Newton, Sept. 1, 1808 Ozias Norton, do. moved to N. Conn. Josiah Jewit, July 2, 1812 moved to State N. Y. Timothy Stone, Nov. 6, 1815 k John Tibbals, do. 1819 Note JV, referred to, page 21. Salaries given by the parishes and societies in Middlesex, to their ministers. settlements have been given in some instances, these are also stated. Settlement. Annual a Money. alary. Cords of wood. Middletown Congregational society, $ 1000 Upper-Houses do. 500 Chatham, do. $ 500 500 Middle-Haddam, do. 666 67 266 67 East-Hampton, do. 666 67 266 67 Haddam, do. 700 East-Haddam, do. 600 600 Millington, do. 666 67 500 25 Hadlyme, do. 666 67 233 33 12 Say brook, do. 833 34 266 67 12 1 2 Pautapoug, do. 1000 365 Westbrook, do. 450 Chester, do. 400 Killingworth, do. 600 North-Killingworth, do. 510 20 Durham, do. 580 The Strict-Congregational society in Middletown give their minister f 450 annu- ally and the use of a parsonage house and lot. The Episcopal society in Middle- town give their minister ,. 700 salary, and the Episcopal society in Chatham giv*-. theirs $ 400. The support given by other societies, is unknown. Note O, referred to, page 22. Funds in Middlesex, devoted to the support of the Gospel. Middletown parish has, From the sale of parsonage lands, - $ 800 Appropriation money. - 187 31 987 31 146 Statistical Account of Middlestx County ; Upper- Houses parish has, 29 acres of land, estimated at - $ 812 Appropriation money, 83 51 - 895 51 Middlefield society has, Appropriation money, 74 30 The church has, Money, raised by subscription in 1815, 1750 1824 30 Westfield has, A fund, raised by subscription in 1818, 2000 Appropriation money, 29 79 2029 79 Chatham parish has, From the sale of lands, given by the pro- prietors of Middletown, - - 1700 Legacy from Mr. Ezra Bevin, who died Feb. 5, 1792, - 1000 Money, raised by subscription in 1812, 3300 Appropriation money, 71 96 G071 9( Haddam parish has, Parsonage lands, estimated at - 2000 Avails of parsonage lands, sold, - 1117 22 Legacy from Mrs. Elizabeth Brainerd, who died Dec. 1813, - - 500 Appropriation money, - 141 23 3758 45 East-Haddam parish has, Legacy from Capt. Samuel Gates, who died Dec. 1788, - - 433 33 do. from his widow, received in 1802, 1000 do. from Capt. Sylvanus Tinker, who died Oct. 12, 1815, - 300 Avails of parsonage lands and subscrip- tions united, - 800 Parsonage lot, worth - 150 2683 33 Millington has, Avails of Parsonage lands, - 516 67 Legacy from Mr. Samuel Gates, who died Aug. 21, 1801, - 260 A farm given in the will of Mr. Simeon Chapman, who died March 31, 1813; but to be used by his children during life, 4286 JVo/e*. 147 Legacy from Mr. Thomas Beebe, who died June 6, 1816, -1440 Appropriation money, - 94 90 6597 57 Hadlyme has, Avails of parsonage lands, - - 340 Appropriation money, - 48 383 Sayfcrook parish has, Lands, (including some belonging to the church,) worth - 2400 Legacy from Gen. Wm. Hart, who died Aug. 29, 1817, - - 1600 4000 Pautapoug has, Parsonage lands, worth - - 400 Legac/ from Mr. Wm Clarke, who died Sept. 16, 1803, one third of which is for the promotion of psalmody, - 281 20 Subscriptions, drawing interest from Jan. 1, 1817, - 6587 Appropriation money, - 126 40 The church has, Donation from Mr. Jeremiah Kelsey, 100 Legacy from Mr. Doty Lord, who died April 25, 1814, - - 100 Gift from a friend, - 10 30 7604 90 Westbrook has, Lands and a wharf, (part of which is leased,) worth - - 650 Appropriation money, 84 61 Chester has, Legacy from Mr. Pardon Stevens, who died July 2, 1817, - 300 Appropriation money, 63 40 .. 363 40 Killingworth parish has, Avails of lands sold, - - 525 Lands, estimated at - - 2475 Appropriation Money, 61 90 ~ 3061 90 North Killingworth has, Avails of parsonage lands, 434 76 Appropriation money, - 126 62 1.9 561 38 348 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; Durham has, Lands, estimated at - 3500 Appropriation money, - 100 The church has, Legacy from Mr. David Camp, who died Oct. 13, 1808, - - 250 Money otherwise obtained, - 50 3900 Total of the funds, belonging to Congrega- tionalists, - 45,462 41 The Strict-Congregational Society in Mid- dletown, has a parsonage house and lands, estimated at 2700 The Episcopal Society in Middletown has, From the sale of a parsonage house and lands, given in 1785, by Philip Morti- mer, Esq. and Mrs. Mary Alsop, - 1500 Capt. Stephen Clay, who died in 1809, gave them a legacy, which is to go into their hands upon the decease of his widow, amounting to about - 13000 14500 3300 The Episcopal Society of Chatham has, Lands given by Mr. Joseph Blague, who deceased in 1812, estimated at Total of Episcopal Funds, 17800 The First Baptist Society in Pautapoug has, Parsonage house and lot and other lands, estimated at The second Baptist church in Pautapoug has, Legacy from Miss Betsey Heyden, who died in Nov. 1813, 50 Legacy from Mr. Jared Heyden, who died in April 1814, amounting to about $5,500; but 1500 of this has been used according to his direction in building a meeting-house, - 4000 1400 4050 Total of Baptist funds, - Total of all the funds now stated, 5450 71,412 41 149 Note P, referred to, page 22. DISTRICT SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTY. Agreeably to an inquiry made for the winter of 1814 15, with the exception of Haddam and East-Haddam, where the inquiry was made generally for the win- ter preceding, there belong to the several parishes in Middlesex the schools follow- ing, having the annexed number of scholars ; viz. "South-School, in two rooms, 160 /"Middle District School, . 72 Center do. - 50 j \ Clark's-hill - 31 North do. in two rooms, 125 S \ North - 36 -a Newfield . 40 \ East - 25 *^ Staddle-Hill . 43 i < Southeast . 40 w Moromos _ 63 7 West . 28 ft, Hubbard's . 50 f < Miller's - 80 ^ Total, - 232 S Johnson-Lane _ 31 1 bouth- Farm hill - . 31 i. /"In Waterhole School, . 9 ti Long-Hill, east - 25 *! [Whole school 23.] * do. west . 36 "S -^ X | Total of Chatham, - 904 Total, . 734 ^ V^ ^ /"Town School, No .1 94 ''Lower School, . 120 Higganum do. 2 83 North do. . 51 Punset 3 40 Nook's - 16 Lower part of town 4 75 i!L Brick _ 45 Turkey-hill 5 38 > > Northwest . 45 Candlewood-hill 6 35 J si Third . 34 a 1 Total of Haddam, . 647 *< j Fourth . 30 1 "Middle District School, . 62 * 144 Landing do. . 78 I ___ South _ 43 Total of Middletown, . 1271 S a Southeast . 45 Bashan . 43 /"First District School, 90 ijj -^ Upper . 48 South-Neck do. 70 i \ Northwest . 44 e \ North 50 a Factory - _ 34 * , Penfield-hill . 50 1^ Over the meadow . 60 Total, . 397 6 Ames' District . 40 V. Brown do. . 20 ^Middle District School, . 69 i North-western do. . 32 >> Total, - 380 ^ Western - _ 51 r 2 1 South-western _ 40 i t \ North-west School* . 121 ^ j South _ 50 " ij-vr'i'^ ] O 1 Total, 259 Total, 69 I . a 1 1 V. <( &, Total of Saybrook, - 1356 Total of East-Haddam, 785 /West District School, 110 /-First Dist. School, in two rooms, 1 12 g 1 Second do. - 60 j East do. | Cow-hill 80 40 } Ferry 50 1 \ Mill 14 Total, 0^ JK North Total, 30 214 r Meeting-house School, No. 1 Deep-river do,. 2 12 95 I ^Center District School, 70 Comstock 3 43 Southwest do. 29 i West 4 45 ^S Chesnut-hiU 40 o Southeast 5 " ^.Meadow-woods 6 * ' Point 7 70 66 82 1 Union he Lane Jj j Parker's hill 54 75 28 &, Pound-hill 8 80 S j Nettleton 36 Stone-house 36 Total, 553 ^ BlackrRock 20 '"First District School, 145 Total, 388 Second do. 40 w - Third 45 Total of Killingworth, 662 J i Fourth 47 t; > Fifth 45 ''North School, 102 ^ Quarry do. 65 Total, 322 ^ Southwest 85 I - a \ South 56 1"% Middle - 50 a q Total of Durham, - 358 Total of the County, 5,983 Note Q, referred /o, page 27. Deaths in the county from Jan. 1, 1805, to Jan. I, 181 b. Middlctown, about - - 441 Upper-Houses, - - 123 Middlefield, - - 76 Wcstfield, about - 66 Chatham, - 130 Middle-Haddam, - - 152 East-Hampton, - 94 Part of Westchester, - 14 Haddam, - 285 East-Haddam, - 93 IHillington, - - - 133 Hadlyme, E. H. part, - 34 Saybrook, - - 137 Pautapoug, - - 225 Westbrook, - - 110 Chester, - 94 Killingworth, - 123 N. Killingworth, - - 130 Durham, - - - 156 Total, 2,616 Notes. 151 To Uiis I have thought proper to subjoin a list of the grave-yards in the county noting; the time when they were first laid out or improved. These are as follows The old yard in Middletown, Farm-Hill yard, Dec. 16, West yard, Old Moromos yard, abandoned, about New Moromos yard, 1776 Tomb-lane yard, The old yard in U. Houses, Jan. 13, West yard, do. The yard in Middlefield, The old yard in Westfield, New do. The old yard in Chatham, Jan. 13, New do. The yard in Middle-Haddam, by the first meeting-house, do. at Knowles's Landing, do. at the Rock Landing-, First yard in East-Hampton, North do. Southeast Waterhole Town yard in Haddam, (not for- mally laid out till Jan. 1699,) Higganum yard, Punset Yard in the lower part of the town, do. at Turkey-Hill, Cove yard in East- Haddam, (aban- doned,) about 1650 Yard in the upper part of the tovm, 1748 1723 Bashan yard, about 1760 1740 Landing do. 1773 i own Hill 1774 1708 Meeting-house 1778 or 7 Yard by Mr. Oliver Warner 1 ?, 1793 1778 do. by the Long Pond in Milliugtou, 1726 1713 do. by Mr. Green Hungerford'g, 1760 1802 do. by the meeting-house, 1764 1737 Eight-mile river yard, 1769 1772 Yard by Mr. ->imeon Chapman's, 1802 1794 Old yard in Hadlyme, 1723 1713 Meeting-house yard, 1750 1767 Old yard in Saybrook, about 1635 New do. 178G 1742 Yard at Pautapoug Point, 1715 1794 West yard, about 1750 1734 Westbrook yard, 1738 1743 Yard at Parker's Point in Chester, 1787 (abandoned,) 1717 1776 do. at the meeting-house, 1750 1793 West yard, 1813 Killingworth yard, 1663 1662 Union district yard in N. Killing- 1741 worth, March 22, 1738 1761 Southwest district, do Oct. 7, 1743 1782 Yard by the Episcopal church, 1815J Nov. 7, 1748 I Stone-house district yard, May 5, 1806 1700J Durham yard, 1700 Some persons were buried on a knoll east of the dwelling-house of Mr. Joseph Clarke, before any grave yard was laid out in the lower part of Haddam. In 1648, the wife of Col. Fenwick was buried at Tomb Hill on Saybrook Point, where a large stone table, one of the oldest in New-England, still marks the place of her Note R, referred to, page 31. LIBRARIES. In the societies in Middlesex, there were in the summer of 1815, the following public libraries, viz. Middletown 1st Society, Middletown Library, do. M. Circulating Library, Upper-Houses, Library of M. Upper-Houses, do. Friendly Association Library, Middlefield, Federal Library, Westfield Social Library, (part of an old one,) Chatham 1st Society, Chatham Library, do. Republican Library, Middle-Haddam, Increasing Library, do. General Library, Formed No. Vols. 1797 617 1809 600 1792 196 1810 136 1790 90 1809 70 1787 322 1795 200 1793 238 1795 238 152 Statistical Account of Middlesex County ; East-Hampton, Social Library, Haddam, Literary Society Library, East-Haddam 1st Society, East Haddam Library, Hadlyme, Hadlyme Library, Say brook 1st Society, Say brook Library, do. Ladies' Library, Pautapoug, Library of 2d Society of Saybrook, do. Union Library, Chester, Fraternal Library, Killingworth 1st Society, Killingworth 1st Society Library, Durham, Book Company Library, two united, < do. Durham Library, 1799 140 1804 80 1794 266 1790 118 1792 150 1792 77 1795 30* 1813 28 1789 101 1790 1733 1789 1788 208 150 210 206 Total of books belonging to the above libraries, 4,471 A library was formed in Haddam in 1791 and dissolved in 1808. A library has been dissolved in Millington, another in Westbrook, and three in North-Killingworth. Saybrook library is a part of a library, formed in 1736, in the towns of Saybrook, Lyme, Killingworth and Guilford. The following Notes, though not distinctly referred to in the body of this work, are subjoined. Note S. Lists of the several parishes in Middlesex, the dwelling-houses and merchant-stores. Lists for 1814. Dols. Cls. D. Houses. M. Stores. Middletown parish, in the city, 39,785 299 37 without the city, 32,027 81 247 1 Upper-Houses, 18,356 94 121 5 Middlefield, 14,477 87 81 Westfield, 14,420 48 89 1 Chatham, 24,260 54 203 2 Middle-Haddam, Chatham Part, 14,669 72 135 4 E. Hampton, (with Waterhole,) 18,380 74 147 2 Haddam, 32,320 19 340 7 Haddam-Neck, 6,722 66 44 East-Haddam, 27,599 26 167 8 Millington, 27,762 33 172 1 Hadlyme, in E. Haddam, 7,310 78 53 Saybrook, 19,910 44 135 4 Pautapoug, 25,186 72 275 7 * Were formerly 100 relumes. Notes. 15S Lists for 1814. Dols. Ctt. D. Houses. M. Stores. Westbrook, Chester, Killingworth, North-Killingworth, Durham, Total of the County, 18,977 61 12,504 23 26,300 69 31,645 65 29,531 141 105 152 212 158 3 - 2 6 3 3 442,150 66 3,276 96 Note T. MILITARY COMPANIES, &c. The circumstances of our ancestors compelled them to learn the use of arms. Military companies were formed in all the plantations. Where these contained 60 soldiers, they were allowed to have a captain, lieutenant, ensign and 4 Serjeants ; where they contained 32 soldiers, a lieutenant, ensign and 2 sergeants ; and where they contained 24, two sergeants. The oldest companies in the towns in Middle- sex were formed about the time that the settlements in them commenced ; and the companies in the parishes, about the time of their incorporation. At the organiza- tion of the Connecticut militia in Oct. 1739, the companies within the bounds of Middlesex, constituted parts of the sixth, seventh, tenth and twelfth regiments. The companies in Weatiiersneld, Middletown, (inclusive of Chatham,) Glasten- bury, and the parish of Kensington, were the sixth. This regiment was com- manded by Thomas W ells of Glastenbury, John Chester of Weathersfield, Jabez Hamlin and Matthew Talcott of Middletown, and perhaps by some others, pre- vious to May 1775. At that time, the companies in Middletown and Chatham were formed into the 23d regiment, and thus remained until the organization in 1816. The companies in Saybrook, Killingworth, Guilford and liaddam, constituted the seventh regiment. From this, Guilford was detached in May 1782, and with Bran- ford formed into the 27th, or as it was called at the time of its formation, the 28th r egiment. The companies in Wallingford, Waterbury, Durham and the parish of Southing- ton constituted the 10th regiment. This was first commanded by James Wads- worth of Durham, and has been since commanded by Elihu Chauncey, Gen. James Wadsworth, James Arnold, Samuel Camp, John Noyes Wadsworth and Seth Se- ward of the same town. The companies in Lebanon, Hebron and East-Haddam, constituted the 12th re- giment. This was commanded by John Bulkley of Colchester, Jonathan Trumbull and Joseph Fowler of Lebanon and Gen. Joseph Spencer of East-Haddam, perhaps by others, before May 1776 ; when East-Haddam and Colchester were formed into the 24th, or as it was then called, the 25th regiment. The 23d, the 7th and the 24th regiments have been under the command of the following persons ; viz. XXIII. Reg't. Gen. Comfort Sage, of Middletown, John Penfield, of Chatham, Nathaniel Brown, of Middletown, Gen. George Phillips, do. Joseph Blague, of Chatham, Gen. Samuel W. Dana, of Middletown, Lemuel Storr?, do. ' Gen. Seth Overton, of Chatham, Elisha Coe, of Middletown, Enoch Huntington, do. Daniel White, of Chatham. VII. Reg't. Samuel Lynde, of Saybrook, :amuel Hill, of Guilford, Samuel Willard,*of Saybrook, Timothy Stone, of Guilford, Andrew Ward, do. Aaron Elliott, of Killiugworth, Hezekiah Brainerd, of Haddam, Gen. Andrew Ward, of Guilford, William WortVvington, o f Saybrook. Sylvanus Grave-Cot' \illingworth, Abraham Tyler, of ijaddarn, \ 154 Statistical Account of Middlesex County; Edward Shipman, of Saybrook, Gen. Joseph Wjllcox, of Killingworth, Asa Lay, (.t'Sayurook, Daniel Brainerd, of Haddam, William Tally, of daybrook, Geor-e Morgan, of Killingworth, Joseph Hill, of baybropk, Elisha Sill, do. Gen. John Brainerd, of Haddam. XXIV. Reg't. Henry Champion, of Colchester, Gen Dyer Throop, of East-Haddam, Jabez Chapman, Elias Worthington, of Colchestei 1 . ^ Lliphalet Bulkley, do. Darid B. Spencer, of East-Haddaoi, Gen. Henry Champion, of Colchester', Gen. Epaph. Champion, of E. Haddam, Daniel Waterhouse, of Colchester, Jonathan O. Mosely, of East- Haddam, Daniel Worthington, of Colchester, Josiah Griffin, of East-Haddam, John Isham, of Colchester, Jonah Gates, of East-Haddam, Joshua Bulkley, of Colchester. do. The above mentioned regiments, had, from this county, in the autumn of 1815, at the last review before the late organization, the following number of companies- commissioned officers, kc. viz. Com. Aon. Com. Pri- Com. Officers. Officers. Musicians. vates. Total. The 23d Reg't. 11 33 84 39 488 644 7th Reg't. 11 34 87 29 435 585 10th Reg't. 2 6 14 3 66 89 24th Reg't. 4 12 26 5 102 145 Total, 28 .85 211 76 1091 1463 To t he=e must be added a company in Hadlyme, (E. Haddam part,) some years since annexed to the 33d regiment, a company of State Corps in Haddam and Kil- lhii--worth and a part of a State Corps in Durham, having in 1815 the officers, &c ; following, viz. Aon. Miist- Com. Of Com. Of. cians. Priratci. Total. Hadlyme Company, Com. in Had. and Kil. 3 4 6 8 1 3 20 40 30 5- c Company in Durham, Total, 1 2 3 15 '21 106 8 16 7 ^j Besides these, there are 4 or 5 Companies of Cavalry, ' xftly or wholly within the county. ERRATA. Page 8, 3 1. from bottom, for 31,956 read ^,580; p. 13, 111. from top, before may be insert the words young trees ; p. 50 26 1 for 1773 to 1777 or 8 read 1758 to 1767 ; p. ;iO, 36 1. for 1783 read 1773, and next 1. for two read ten; p. 52, 22 1. for 16th of August 1816 read Aug. 20, f 81 5 ; p. 62, 11 1. for care read curt; p. 67, 15 1. for granite quarries rc:u! yuan-i J f>f Gneiss stone ; p. 83, 39 1. for six read eight ; p. 84, 111. for btrome read ber.aw . ; p. 84, 20 1. for Buddx read Rudds ; p. 89, 41 1. for Bork Hill read Book Hill. p. 94, 30 1. for Middlrtown i cad Middlesex ; p. 98, 191. for Norfolk read AV>* il; ; p. 101,36 1. for horses road Ifmna ; p. 114,211. (or David read Caleb; ...'130, 10 1. for do. read Oct. i:ti:5; p. 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